Dane reached for his jeans. “Well, darlin’, since you’re sitting there naked and enticing me with no plans of going any further, let’s get dressed.” He picked up her clothes and tossed them her way, then stuck the hat on her head. “Maybe tomorrow we’ll go get the tattoo. We’ll take my bike. Get dressed you wild woman. Don’t wear lacy panties when you get that tattoo, because I don’t want to deck the guy for looking.”
“I’ll wear what I want, thank you.” Gracelyn slipped into her bra and top, not shy while he gazed at her body. She stood to put on her panties, slowly. One leg and then the other into Wrangler jeans and she wriggled into them as she pulled them up.
Her moving around like that is going to bring a second time. Taking to running with him a few times a week, his wife toned up in no time. Pleasant to look at pregnant or not—he stared at her every move. “Be warned you’re exciting me by acting that way.”
A step back, she sat on a bale of hay to pull on her boots. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to spread my thighs around a bike tomorrow after this rambunctious, and much needed, lovemaking session.”
Damn close to having another right now. Dane placed his hand against her cheek. He leaned forward with his head tilted, and his eyes closed before his lips touched hers. “Don’t worry about it. Your thighs, baby, will be spread around my hips the whole time…with or without clothes.” Dane pulled her hat low over her forehead. “Got that, biker girl?”
Her eyes narrowed then widened as her smile grew, and she slipped her hands into his back pockets to pull him closer. “Biker woman. And maybe yours will be spread around mine.”
Dammit all to hell… Not going to happen. Dane pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it to the floor. “Take those clothes off again.”
***
When they stood in the lower barn, Dane placed a kiss on her forehead. “Soon, we’ll have horses in these stalls.” Had this been his destiny all along? He had better go get those paint cans out of the sun.
Gracelyn looped her arm through his as they stood outside the barn. “It’ll be so exciting once we have horses. I’ve never been afraid of hard work. Or smelling like I made love in a hayloft, twice.” She gave a silly laugh. “When are we going to paint the barn?”
“We weren’t really going to paint the barn. I needed an excuse to get you alone. We’ll have the barn professionally painted…red. Blue is for the flag. Randy will paint it on after the barn’s been painted. Maybe they can do that while I’m in Ft. Benning for out-processing, however long the damn process with take.”
“That sounds like a good plan. I love the idea of the flag.”
He knelt and pulled his hat lower to block the sun when he looked up at her. “How about you and Will come to Georgia those last couple days I’m there? Better yet, stay the whole time with me.” He closed his eyes a moment, realizing he still floated on that high he got from lovemaking with his hot-blooded wife.
“Throw in some sexy lingerie, a few extra baby bottles, and I’ll be ready to meet you there. You know, I can pack as quickly as a heartbeat.” Gracelyn removed her hat to fan her face. “The whole time is out of the question. You know I’ll be working part-time by then.”
He made sure the tops were tight on the paint cans. Reflecting on his appointments for out-processing, he dreaded the finality of that trip. But, there’d be no more IEDs, mortar rounds, being shot at… Focusing on the positive, it was right next to him at this moment. “Hope you didn’t mind that I teased you about painting. When our house is finished we don’t have to do this.”
“Nope, I don’t mind.” She peered back at the barn. “I wondered what was on your mind to think the two of us could paint this barn with a roller. I’m not that naïve. Did it seem like I minded hopping onto your motorcycle and falling into your trap?”
That was another thing he loved about her. Dane smiled as he glanced at the sun’s reflection on the barn windows—happy now to be able to call this his. He nudged Gracelyn’s arm. “You know, I want you to plan on the bike ride tomorrow afternoon when Will goes down for a nap. I’ll clear it with Mom. I’m taking you for a real ride, biker babe, and I don’t only mean across the property.”
“Shall I wear my sexy lingerie? I believe it might be all I own, except for what I wear to the doctor’s office. What color do you like...” Her gaze traveled over the length of his body. “Big guy?”
He got weak in the knees at the feisty smirk on her face. “Invisible. Most definitely, and leather.” He kissed her lips before she could say anything, but she attempted to mumble against his mouth. Last word again. “What?”
“As long as you wear your leather.” Gracelyn placed her index finger against his chest and tapped. “Hey, have you reconsidered wearing jeans to our repeating of the vows? We’re running out of time since my parents will arrive next week for the big party. It’s almost like we’re getting married again next week.”
He lifted her finger to his lips and kissed it. “Come on. Let’s get these inside. You talk a lot. Good thing you have a sexy voice I don’t mind listening to.” He held the door to the tack room.
“I’m glad you like it. I got in trouble all the time in school for talking.”
“No doubt.” On the way through the barn, he blocked his eyes when she threw hay at his face. “About the party. Well, I see it as being from one kind of chaos to another.” That probably wasn’t the right thing to say. She twirled a lock of hair around her finger and stared at him with the same look she’d give someone who scratched her car. Even with that threatening frown, she was damn appealing.
She grabbed hold of his arm to halt him then placed her hands on her hips. “Is that what you call it? Chaos? A party for our baby? Us. Humph.” Her gaze flicked upward and she pointed. “I thought I heard something up there.”
“Barn rats,” he teased, and ducked when she swatted at him. “You saw the Halloween party a couple months ago. Mainly that’s for the charities, and this time half of it went to help wounded vets. Next year, I’ll do something special, maybe invite some guys from the VA Center.”
“Great. This gives me an idea. Let’s donate sales from some of the rescue horses we sell or auction off. You know, to the wounded vets—once Randy breaks them if they need it.”
How’d she always get so much out in one breath? Wiggling his fingers, he didn’t want to think about the difficulty of being wounded, but he had it easy compared to others. He liked her idea though. Somewhere in that, he saw a new name for their business. “Start brainstorming a name for our business involving rescue horses and wounded vets.”
“Absolutely!
Chapter 24
Together Dane and Gracelyn picked up her parents. She introduced them to her husband, officially, then opened the back door to meet their grandson. Her nephew and brother would arrive on Friday.
“Nice to meet you. It’s been too long,” said Doug as he slipped his arm around Dane’s shoulder.
“Yes, it has been, sir. Great to meet you in person.” Dane gave him a solid hand shake. He nodded to Gracelyn’s mother, and hugged her when she hugged him first. “Nice to meet you, Anne.”
“You two make such a great couple,” Anne said when she hugged Gracelyn. She brushed her fingers over Will’s cheek in the back seat. “I’m so proud of your lovely family and this handsome little baby.”
“Thank you, Mom. It pleases me to hear you say that.” To have her families come together brought a smile. She turned to hug her dad.
“Thanks, for picking us up. We had a great flight,” said her dad.
“My pleasure.” Dane made his way to the driver’s side. “We insist you all stay at the ranch. We’ll fit everybody in. My mom and Gracelyn have taken care of everything for the party, but have no fear, she saved some work for you, Anne.”
“Wonderful,” said Anne, sliding into the back seat. “Grace, honey, were you able to get your dress on time? From the pictures you sent, it’s an excellent choice. It’s nothing like the one you wore
in your real wedding.”
Once everyone was inside, and Dane drove off, she replied to her mom. “I wanted it to be different, but don’t say any more about it. Dane should be surprised.” She beamed with pride and spoke low, but loud enough for him to hear. “He thinks he’s wearing jeans to our repeating of the vows.” Gracelyn leaned over and smiled at her son in his car seat between them. “How’s Bailey doing in school? I bet he’ll love the horses when he arrives.” Her nephew was a typical city boy now but had been an Army brat for a short time until her dad had retired.
Dane glanced back, and said to Anne, “Bailey can spend time with us in the summers if he wants to. We’ll be busy with our horses in the future. He’ll fit in fine.”
Fifteen minutes down the road and Doug pointed to a restaurant up ahead off the 60. “How about pulling in there, Dane. That airport food in San Francisco seems a long time ago. Everybody ready to eat? I’m buying.”
“I’m always ready, sir,” Dane said. “This is a good place, especially when you don’t smell like a barn.” He winked at Gracelyn through the rear view mirror. “Right?”
“Let’s do it while we don’t smell like ranchers.” Gracelyn poked his shoulder. “It’s a rarity these days. Sometimes, we even smell like hay. Don’t we, sweetheart?” He was taken aback, she could tell by the way he squared his shoulders, but then a knowing smirk appeared on his lips when he peered over his shoulder.
“Ah…sure. Got that right.”
It made her proud to have gotten one in on him. When he turned off the truck and peered over his shoulder, she innocently glanced away. Gracelyn unhooked her seatbelt when Dane opened her door. With a flutter of her eyelashes, she gave him an evocative smile.
“Hmm, look at you being all sexy innocent on me.” He lifted the baby carrier from the backseat, and gave her a wink. As her parents walked toward the restaurant, he nudged her shoulder. “That hay thing was almost like a dare to do it again.”
Gracelyn wrapped her arm around his waist on the way inside for lunch. “You make it sound like a bad thing. Take it for what it’s worth… I don’t mind smelling like hay.” Laughing at herself now, she hardly recognized the person she had become. A certified wine professional who worked in a nice restaurant, didn’t mind smelling like hay—or rolling in it.
Close to 365 days ago, she was a different person. She ringed her arm through his and walked close by his side toward the entrance. I choose today, and can’t wait to say I do once again this weekend. “We met almost a year ago.”
“Yes, we did, darlin’. I’ll sweep you away next month to celebrate.” Dane peered down his nose at her and gave her a wink. “I’m taller than you…”
She snickered and hugged his arm. “And you always will be, my love.”
***
Saturday morning, Judy and Doug stood inside the door waiting for Dane, Gracelyn, and little Will to come downstairs. The two of them were about to walk their children to the altar where they’d repeat their vows in front of friends, family and then some. Dane’s friends Wade and Blaine were there as they should be, along with Gracelyn’s friends from the restaurant. So was Sergeant Hanson in his uniform.
Anne had been escorted to her seat by her son Seth and nephew Bailey who had arrived yesterday. Today, Judy celebrated her joy, and for the occasion, she had dressed in a light green, chiffon tea length dress with a V-neck and capped sleeves. She’d call it an early Christmas gift to see all three of her boys happy. Settled. The December sun shone brightly on them all today.
Tears would fall any moment, although she’d rather keep them hidden. These were happy tears—the best kind. The last of her boys took his place at the Double Dutch. His new life had begun, and with a fantastic woman at his side. Tristan and Jase took their places in the front row beside their families. She never expected this day to come. Dane out of the Army, a dad and husband—a rancher.
Her son appeared to be happy, yet he missed his military life. It’d all fall into place in time. His wounds prevented him from being a soldier, but she knew if he had wanted to remain in the Army, he would’ve found a way. He realized there was another life waiting for him here at the ranch, but at times he talked about outside work with the Army as a civilian. Judy wasn’t quite sure what that entailed, but he had his own mind and will. Not much surprised her anymore where he was concerned.
At the top of the stairs, Dane cleared his throat. With a beaming smile, he stood in his service uniform holding his son who wore a little blue outfit to match his daddy’s colors. His gorgeous wife’s dress had a white bodice with a red knee-length skirt that hugged her curves. Judy smiled at her red shoes with a sparkly snowflake design on the toe, proud that she helped pick them out. Gracelyn held a bouquet of flowers that represented the holiday season with red roses, holly, and evergreen boughs. “Oh, goodness…”
“Well, Mom, you ready for this. You won’t have a heart attack will you?”
“Not on my agenda today, dear. You’re all so…so handsomely beautiful, and cute.” That should cover all three of them. Judy promised not to cry on this blessed day…
***
Gracelyn peered down at her dad. He did a good job of holding it together. It’d been a while since she saw him in uniform and he appeared to be so valiant, but a tear reflected in his eyes from the twinkling lights in the room. “Daddy, you look great.”
“You’re beautiful, sweetheart.” He went to the bottom of the stairs and held his hand out. “You look absolutely stunning.”
Gracelyn peered at Dane. “Ready, baby?” She brushed her fingertip over Will’s cheek. “You ready for this, little guy? This time you’re in our arms instead of my belly.” My belly’s flat today.
Dane kissed her cheek. “Your dad’s right. You’re stunning, but if I keep telling you that, you’ll grow bored with me. Can’t let that happen.”
“Not a chance.” She took his arm as they went down the stairs.
At the bottom, Dane whispered, “Let’s do this…again.” He held his arm out to his mother. “Come on, Mom. Walk me down that dirt path.”
“I’m glad you’re here, Dad.” Gracelyn took her father’s arm. Outside, they stood beside Dane and his mother, and they strolled down the candlelit path, the four of them together. Her dad kissed her forehead when they arrived near the altar, and slid in beside her mother who wore a winter-white dress with a silk sash and bolero jacket. Dane handed Will to Judy who took a seat between Martyn and Jase. Gracelyn grasped his hand and they took the next few steps forward to stand in front of the officiant.
This time was as emotional as the first, yet it was different. She had grown to love him even more—truly love him deeply, and she whispered, “I love you.” Will fussed off to the side but remained in good hands, so her gaze remained on her husband as the preacher went through the simple ceremony. The sincere look of love in Dane’s eyes penetrated her heart.
Standing across from her and holding her hands tightly, he answered the preacher, “I did and I still do take her to be my bride.” He ended it with a sexy little grin that only she recognized.
She smiled, wanting to kiss him right there on the spot, but would refrain. I’ll have the rest of my life to kiss him. When it was her turn, she repeated, “I sure do, again…without a doubt.” Gracelyn leaned forward right then and kissed him—so much for waiting. The officiant continued so she pulled back, giving a tiny shrug because she was unable to control herself. When the ceremony ended, she hugged him. “It happened…”
“My love is true, sweetheart.” Dane whispered beside her ear, “I’m looking forward to another wedding night, too. Hah, that’s me being funny.”
“I can’t wait.” She took a step back with a quickening heartbeat and a love-filled smile. They faced the crowd. This wasn’t the big military wedding it could’ve been, but still, it was enough to let her feel like a soldier’s wife, in a roundabout way, since Dane, her brother, dad, and Sergeant Hanson all wore their uniform. Dane would always be a soldier and
she loved him for that dynamic part of him.
“Let’s rock and roll.” Her husband clasped her hand. “I have a couple surprises for you. Let’s do this first. Hooah?”
“Hooah…” They rushed down the aisle where all the guys in their uniform stopped to salute at the door. Gracelyn was filled with pride and laughed cheerfully. “This is fantastic.”
“Let’s get away, quick.” Dane swept her out of there and back into the house before the crowd ascended upon them. “Upstairs.”
She rushed up beside him. “What are we doing? The people, our guests…our families…”
Dane stuck his hand into his pocket. “That was awesome. I’d even do it again. Maybe in twenty-five years.” He got all serious then pulled a ring out of his pocket and stuck it over his little finger. With a boyish grin she loved, he said, “This is for you.”
Gracelyn removed it. “It’s all three of our birthstones. I’m impressed—not to mention love it.” Speechless, she joyfully slipped it onto her left hand beside her wedding rings. In fact, she didn’t know what to say. The act alone filled her heart with merriment. “How’d you think of this? Again, you never cease to amaze me.”
“It wasn’t hard. My mom has one with all us guys. You should start out with one—after all, we did start with a baby.”
“We sure did.” He resembled a shy boy himself standing there so innocently, but there was nothing shy or boyish about him. Gracelyn held his face and kissed him with a kiss filled with all the passion and desire that burned within her soul. “I’m amazed at the love I have for you. Thank you for everything.” She glanced toward their bedroom window as music floated through. “What’s that?” She started to go toward it, but Dane held her. “That’s the other surprise. Tristan’s warming up his guitar. There might be a song waiting.”
“I’m excited. Let’s go,” she said, taking his arm to pull him toward the door.
Of The Cowboy's Own Accord (Double Dutch Ranch; Love At First Sight #3) Page 31