Back to Texas

by Renee, Amanda

  “I thought that was you driving Lexi’s car.” Kay held the side door open for Bridgett. “Come on in and I’ll fix you a glass of sweet tea. By the look on your face, I don’t think you came here for a purely social visit. Sit a spell and tell me what’s on your mind.”

  “Tomorrow night we’re having Thanksgiving at Clay’s parents’ house. All the families. Mine, Abby’s, Clay’s. It’s a pre-wedding get together to introduce everyone. I’m excited to see Clay’s sister because it’s the first time Hannah’s been home from college since August, but sitting down with Abby’s family isn’t exactly my idea of fun. And Clay went from being my friend to my future brother-in-law, which I never thought possible until recently. It’s a whole lot of awkward. I don’t even know what to call Abby’s brother?”

  “What’s his name?” Kay asked.

  “Wyatt.”

  “Call him Wyatt.” Kay set a glass of sweet tea in front of Bridgett. “Stop overthinking this. You go there with the best of intentions and if you don’t want to talk, just listen. You don’t have to put on a show or impress anyone. Be yourself. Besides, out of all those people, only three of them are new to you. I’d venture to guess your mom will be more nervous than you are. And I’m sure she’d appreciate your support. While it might be uncomfortable, I promise you’ll survive.”

  Bridgett sipped her tea. “What really gets me is that I can’t stop wondering what life would have been like if I’d been born first. I’ll look at Abby’s parents with the knowledge that they could’ve been my parents. That I might have grown up not knowing my real mother.”

  “True.” Kay joined Bridgett at the table. “The empathy you have for Abby is commendable, but it happened to her. Not you. Playing the what-if game won’t make it any easier. Do think for one minute that Abby hasn’t run through the same scenario in her head. If she’d been born second, she would have had your life. Everything happens for a reason and we may not like it when does, but acceptance is a part of life.”

  “I think it’s what comes after dinner that I’m most concerned about. Abby will once again ask me to go with her to visit Darren. She’s spoken to him briefly, but she told me she feels as if she’s betraying me by meeting him without me present. And I respect her position, but I never told her not to see him. She won’t do it unless I tag along and I’m not sure I’m ready yet.”

  “Darren has a lot to think about this Thanksgiving, especially since his wife left. And who could blame her?” Kay swirled the long spoon in her glass. “I may not know Darren as well as my husband did, but when I heard he’d be alone on the holiday, I extended the invitation for him to come for Thanksgiving dinner. He turned it down, but the door’s open if he changes his mind. I wouldn’t want to offend you, Abby or your mother. It weighed heavily on my conscience whether or not to invite him, but in the end I chose to call. No one should be alone at Thanksgiving.”

  Kay’s declaration surprised Bridgett. “Kay, this is your house. I’m not upset because you invited Darren. But if he’s not coming here, what is he doing for Thanksgiving?”

  “He said he wanted to play golf during the day and planned to order room service for dinner.”

  “How sad.” No, this cannot be happening. I will not feel sorry for Darren. “I’ll bet his kids will call him or stop by.” Bridgett still hadn’t wrapped her head around the fact Darren’s kids were her half siblings. For now, it was easier to think of them as his kids only.

  “Maybe one or two will.”

  Bridgett understood Kay’s double meaning instantly.

  “You certainly don’t make this easy, do you?” Bridgett asked.

  Kay smiled over the top of her glass. “Finish your drink and find that man of yours.”

  * * *

  “OKAY, WHY DON’T you look happy?” Adam said as he met Bridgett on the walkway leading to the stables. “If you’re having second thoughts about our plans, we can do it another day.”

  “It’s nothing like that. Kay and I had a heart-to-heart talk about Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. It’s all good.”

  “If you’re sure. Ready to head out?”

  “Most definitely.” Bridgett snaked her arms around Adam’s neck, pulling him down for a kiss. “How far out is it?”

  “See for yourself. Shane had to draw me a map. You can be the navigator.” Adam held the truck door open for Bridgett. “Kay packed us a picnic dinner earlier. When that woman makes fried chicken, she fries up enough to feed the state.”

  “It smells wonderful. She won’t share that recipe, so savor every mouthful.” Bridgett moved her handbag from the middle of the seat to the floor and slid closer to Adam. “I hope we don’t wind up lost. A good portion of this ranch doesn’t have cell service. I’ve always wondered why they haven’t leased out a section for a cell tower.”

  “Probably because they want to maintain the aesthetics of the rolling hills.”

  They drove through Bridle Dance silently. Bridget’s skin pricked each time Adam’s arm bumped against hers. Her breath grew shallow in anticipation of the evening. Following the map, they drove down a narrow, tree-lined dirt road. What remained of the late afternoon sun filtered through the leaves of the thick canopy overhead, lending an almost magical quality to the road.

  “I think Cooter Creek runs fairly close to here.” Bridgett attempted to break the silence with small talk. They were alone, on a deserted road, with zero chance of anyone coming upon them. She’d come to a decision. Tonight she wanted to be with Adam. Bridgett smiled when she noticed the beads of sweat forming across his brow. He was as nervous as she was.

  They pulled into a clearing next to Cooter Creek revealing a tiny silver Airstream trailer. Adam cut the truck’s engine. He shifted slightly, the leather of his jacket creaking.

  “I didn’t bring you here to sleep with you, so I don’t want you to feel pressured. I remember what you said about marriage before living together. We don’t even have to go inside. We can build a fire and eat outside if you want.”

  The windows of the warm cab began to lightly fog. “That was about living together...I want to go in. I think this is the first time we’ve truly been alone, without the possibility of someone lurking nearby. Let’s just see where it goes.”

  She hopped down from the truck, willing her feet to move. Nervousness rooted her to the dirt. Adam unlocked the trailer door and after he disappeared inside briefly, a warm glow lit the interior. Bridgett grabbed her bag from the truck and managed to cross the clearing without trembling...much. Stepping inside the Airstream, Bridgett immediately relaxed at the sight of cozy retrofitted furniture Lexi and Shane had installed.

  “This is really cute.” Bridgett sat on the edge of the couch. She watched Adam fumble with the cork on a bottle of red wine. Handing her a plastic glass, he removed the food Kay had packed. He fixed Bridgett a plate before joining her on the couch. “Thank you. Would it be terribly forward of me to admit I’ve thought about this moment since the day we met?”

  Adam brushed her hair away from her shoulder, fully exposing her neck. The back of his fingers lightly grazed her skin sending a tingle of anticipation down to her core. “If nothing else, I’d be satisfied just holding you tonight.”

  “Now you’re saying the words every woman longs to hear.” Bridgett winked, tasting her food. “No man is every satisfied with cuddling.”

  Adam waved a chicken drum at her. “You’re right. We would like a little nookie before the cuddling, but it’s not a requirement. Heck, I’m happy with this.”

  “You sure about that?” Bridgett wiped her hands and set her plate next to her. She wound her fingers in his shirt, pulling herself up and across his lap until she straddled him. “Try to resist me,” she whispered against his mouth.

  Adam set his own plate aside. “I can’t.” He slid her jacket from her shoulders as their kiss deepened. He released her,
and Bridgett stood, lifting her dress over her head. She turned her back to him, silently asking him to unclasp her bra. He groaned as she slid it from her arms, tossed it on the floor, and then faced him again. Satin ribbons held her turquoise blue panties in place. “May I?” Adam’s eyes met hers, and then trailed down her body. He slowly tugged the ends, watching them slip from her hips.

  “I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful in my life.” Adam drew her to him, tasting each breast. Bridgett arched her back, allowing him full access to her body.

  Adam rose before her, leading her to the bed. “Are you sure?”

  Bridgett nodded. She hadn’t been this certain of anything or anyone in all her life.

  * * *

  BRIDGETT AWOKE STILL wrapped in Adam’s arms. Her body hummed from the past few hours. She chastised herself for any doubts she’d had about staying in Ramblewood. She’d not only given Adam her body, she’d given him her heart. He completed her.

  The battery-operated bedside clock beamed 4:00 a.m. in the dimly lit trailer. Adam snored softly as Bridgett traced her fingers along a blue cobra tattoo covering his bicep. The artwork was stunning, but it seemed extremely out of character for Adam to have a snake with blood dripping from its fangs, as if it had just finished off a victim. She had noticed it earlier when he’d removed his shirt, but hadn’t seen it clearly until now. She’d never had an opportunity to see his bare upper arms until tonight. It didn’t matter, it was part of him and she loved every square inch. Bridgett shifted slightly and kissed his chest, trailing her way to his magnificently toned abs. Ranch work definitely did him good.

  Adam’s fingers ran through her hair. “What are you doing awake?”

  Bridgett sought his mouth and kissed him. “I hate to break this up, but I have to be at The Magpie in an hour to start preparing for the charity lunch we’re hosting today. And I need to stop by the Bed & Biscuit to shower and change first. Mazie’s probably wondering where I’ve been all night.”

  “She’s not wondering.” Adam stretched. “Shane said if the Mustang was still at the ranch last night, Lexi would call Mazie and explain.”

  “The Lawson and Langtry families know we had sex. Wonderful.” Bridgett pulled the pillow across her face.

  “Only some of them.” Adam lifted the sheet away, exposing her naked flesh to his view. “You’ve heard what they say about morning sex, right?”

  “Supposedly it’s the best there is.” Bridgett rolled onto her back. “Care to see if we can top last night?”

  “We don’t have much time, but I’m willing to try.”

  Bridgett’s eyes trailed down Adam’s abdomen. “What are you waiting for? Let’s put the theory to the test.”

  Adam definitely put to good use the short amount of time they had. Bridgett’s legs shook like jelly as they walked to the truck. Bridgett fished in her bag for a rubber band, and loosely pulled her hair back into a ponytail. Bone-weary from their night together, Bridgett closed her eyes and rested her head against Adam’s shoulder during their ride back. “I almost forgot, Happy Thanksgiving. Today I’m thankful for you.” She opened her eyes and gazed up at him.

  Adam kissed the top of her head. “I’m thankful for the greatest gift I ever could’ve received. The gift of a future with the woman I love. I never thought it was possible.”

  Love? Okay, it wasn’t an outright I love you, but she’d take it.

  Bridgett had detected a hint of sadness in his voice, and she wondered how badly he’d been hurt in the past. Not that the past mattered anymore. They had a future with one another and Bridgett finally allowed herself to believe in happily-ever-after.

  Chapter Ten

  After Adam dropped Bridgett off, he showered and met her back at The Magpie. He had offered to serve food for the Ramblewood Food Bank’s annual Thanksgiving lunch for the less fortunate.

  He tried to wrap his head around the decision he’d made while Bridgett was sleeping. Tonight, after Thanksgiving dinner with Abby and Clay’s family, he would tell Bridgett the truth. He’d thought about telling her last night, but hadn’t wanted to upset her right before she met Abby’s parents and brother. He’d promised to stand beside her at dinner tonight, and he intended to keep that promise. At least that was the reason he gave himself for not coming clean when he had the perfect opportunity. He was scared to lose her and he never should have slept with her without full disclosure.

  There was zero chance Bridgett would warmly welcome his revelation and Adam was fully prepared to leave Ramblewood—temporarily—if she asked him to. Once his identity became public knowledge, he’d have to leave his job at Bridle Dance and he did still need to head back to Los Angeles to handle a few financial matters in person.

  Hopefully he’d be welcome in Ramblewood, but if he wasn’t, one thing was for certain: LA was in his past. Spending a month and a half with Bridgett and the folks of Ramblewood had taught him how much he truly missed his Texas roots. He’d texted Lizzy earlier and told her he planned to tell Bridgett tonight and the rest of the world within a day or two.

  “You’re awfully pensive this morning.” Bridgett wrapped her arms around Adam’s waist from behind. “Still thinking about last night?”

  Adam fought to hide the guilt and misery that threatened to shatter him. He looked down at Bridgett’s hands clasped in front of him and attempted to commit the feeling of her body against his to memory—in case this was one of the last times they shared together. Turning into her embrace, Adam wrapped his arms around her. He studied Bridgett’s face, wanting to remember her happy and content.

  If Bridgett didn’t forgive him, he would do whatever it took to win her heart again. They’d cemented their connection last night, and though she hadn’t actually said so, Bridgett’s love for him radiated off her. The words weren’t necessary.

  Adam’s chest tightened. He dreaded tonight. He had all these new friends and a new life where people welcomed him into their homes and hearts, yet he couldn’t completely do the same. He had become more of an imposter today than he’d been during his years in the band. The guilt gutted him. How deep could Bridgett’s forgiveness possibly go? How much could she take before she didn’t have any forgiveness left in her heart?

  “Um, okay.” Bridgett disengaged herself from his arms. “Did I misread us? I thought after last night we had moved forward but now I’m not so sure.”

  “What?” Adam shook his head and dragged himself to the present. “Bridgett, my feelings for you haven’t lessened. They’ve definitely grown. I don’t want to let you down.”

  “You won’t. I have faith in—”

  “Oh, my God!” Maggie shrieked from the kitchen. “Someone call 911.”

  Adam pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed as he and Bridgett ran into the kitchen. Maggie knelt before Bert, frantically wrapping towels around the bloodied hand he cradled.

  “What happened?” Bridgett ran to Bert’s side.

  “The knife slipped.” Bert swallowed hard. “It went into my palm and down into my wrist. I think I’m going to pass out.”

  “The ambulance is on the way.” Adam moved the cooling racks out-of-the-way so the paramedics could freely enter the kitchen. “Hold his hand above his heart and put pressure on the cut.”

  Lark ran to the sink and wet some rags. Carrying them to Bert, she gently wiped his face in an attempt to calm him. Within seconds they heard sirens out front. They were lucky the ambulance corps was only two blocks away.

  “Adam, can you unlock the front door and let them in?” Bridgett asked.

  The paramedics quickly stabilized Bert and readied him for transport to the hospital, leaving the four of them staring down at the mess on the floor and the counter.

  “What am I going to do?” Maggie ran her hands down her face. “I don’t have a chef. And I should really go to the hospital with him.�
��

  “You have a chef. Me.” Bridgett grabbed a mop and bucket from the storage room. “Maggie, go. I’ll handle this. I’ll just call the volunteers in a little early. We need to clean this mess up and sterilize everything. Are you okay to drive or do you want Lark to take you?”

  “No, I’m okay.” Maggie gave Bridgett a quick hug goodbye. “I’ll call from the hospital.”

  Bridgett pulled on a pair of latex gloves. “Don’t worry, I’ve got this covered.”

  Adam couldn’t have been more impressed. An hour later, Bridgett had them back on schedule and a team of charity volunteers in place ahead of time, headed by none other than Abby. Bridgett took command of the kitchen and proved to be a solid leader. He didn’t understand why Maggie hadn’t used her in this capacity sooner.

  “How are you holding up?” Adam whispered in Bridgett’s ear as she peeled potatoes across from Abby who continued to chatter away about her upcoming wedding to anyone who’d listen. “Say the word and I’ll trade you carrot duty.”

  Bridgett shook her head. “She actually does have good ideas. You should hear what she’s planning to do to Slater’s Mill on New Year’s Eve. Somewhere in the midst of all of this I agreed to be her maid of honor.”

  “There’s progress I hadn’t expected.” Adam playfully nudged Bridgett’s arm. “Maybe you two will end up being the best of friends.”

  “Don’t push your luck.” Bridgett held up her potato peeler. “Baby steps here. Lord knows I’m trying.”

  “Well, I’m proud of you.” Adam held his arms wide. “You have this place rockin’ and rollin’ in perfect rhythm.” Adam inwardly winced at his choice of words.

  “Interesting analogy.” Bridgett tilted her head. “I guess I do. I love this sort of thing. I love to cook, and getting everyone together like this, especially when it it’s for the food bank. Helping these families in need makes working on my day off worthwhile.”

  “This is your niche, Bridgett.” Adam glanced around the kitchen. “You deserve your own restaurant, and if I have my way, one day you’ll get it.”