Barreling Through Christmas: (Sweet Western Holiday Romance) (Rodeo Romance Book 4)

by Shanna Hatfield

  “The flowers are gorgeous,” Paige said, walking over to sniff a blossom.

  Cooper pulled one out and handed it to her with a slight bow. “For you, Miss Porter. One thing of beauty deserves another.”

  She blushed and held the blossom up to her face, disconcerted by Cooper’s attentiveness. Seemingly unaware of her anxiety, he led her over to the white-cloth covered table and pulled out her chair as a knock sounded on the door.

  “Right on time,” he said, seating her before hurrying to the door.

  He returned with a man in a black uniform pushing a cart loaded with food. A bucket, formed of ice and cranberries, added a festive touch as it held a chilled bottle of champagne. The man quickly set covered dishes on the table, sliding a smaller one toward Cooper with a wink.

  When he finished, he accepted the tip Cooper slipped him then pushed the cart out the door.

  “Hungry?” Cooper asked, removing the lid on the plate in front of Paige. She studied the artful arrangement of food.

  Everything from the room to the garnishments on her plate oozed with romance. Baffled but deciding not to question the splendid atmosphere, she bowed her head and held Cooper’s hand as he offered thanks for their meal.

  When he finished, he snapped his napkin with more flair than was needed, making her grin.

  “So, PP, what’s next? Now that you’ve pulled off one of the most successful clothing line launches in history, what challenge are you taking on next year?”

  “I’m going to work with Elliott to launch a women’s line for Lasso Eight. And I’m looking to pick up a few more clients. I know I’ll have to start small, but I hope in a few years to see significant growth in my agency.”

  Cooper gaped at her. “Your agency? You’re really going to do it? Go out on your own?”

  She nodded. “I am. In fact, I emailed Joe Conner my two-weeks’ notice this morning.”

  “That’s awesome, sweetheart. I’m so proud of you.” Cooper, in typical fashion, gave her a high-five.

  She relaxed then, settling back into the pleasant friendship they’d shared the last week, the one that came to them with such little effort. Cooper was so easy to talk to and discuss ideas with. Each time they were together, it felt as though she’d known him forever.

  “Where will you work?”

  “For now, from my apartment. I can contract out most of the creative work and Elliott purchased all the art connected to the Lasso Eight campaign outright, so we’ve got a lot to work with. Eventually, I’ll need an office space with a studio, but for now, my apartment will do.”

  “I’m so happy for you, Paige. You’ll do great things, especially without those yahoos breathing down your neck and curbing your creativity. If you’d listened to them, Elliott would have stuck with his dorky man-bun wearing goofball models and you’d never have come to Las Vegas looking for a model.”

  She nodded. “I’m really glad things happened the way they did, Cooper. I’m glad I had the honor and privilege of meeting you.”

  “If you keep talking like that, you’ll make my mascara run,” Cooper teased, winking at her.

  Abruptly, he changed the subject, asking about how Dave and Randi were enjoying Las Vegas and things they’d seen. She told him about taking his grandfather to see some of the most popular tourist sites in town. The old cowboy had particularly liked watching the fall of Atlantis show in one of the shopping centers.

  While they ate, they forgot to be anxious and nervous, just enjoying one another’s company without anyone else around.

  When they finished eating dinner, Cooper stood and clicked a remote control. Music began playing out of speakers set around the room.

  “Dance with me, Paige? Please?” He held a hand out to her.

  Without hesitation, she placed her palm against his and stood.

  Although she expected him to dance to a slow, romantic tune, an upbeat love song started to play.

  As the singer sang about wanting to sweep a girl off her feet and holding her tight, Paige couldn’t imagine anything better than Cooper following the advice.

  When the lyrics got to a part about growing old together, Paige raised her gaze to Cooper’s eyes. Something in them sparked and flamed with such heat she thought she might melt into a deliriously happy puddle as he held her in his arms.

  “Paige,” he moaned drawing her closer and burying his face into the curls Randi helped her pin on top of her head. “Oh, darlin’, you are killing me.”

  At her perplexed look, he released her and led her back to the table, seating her in the chair where’d she’d eaten dinner. “I think it’s time for dessert.”

  “Honestly, Cooper, I’m stuffed. I couldn’t possibly eat another bite,” she said. It wasn’t dinner that left her with an odd feeling in her stomach, but the flurry of butterflies that took flight there at the fiery look in his eyes.

  “Just humor me, PP.” He slid the small plate across the table and lifted the lid.

  Rather than some fancy dessert, Paige stared at a red velvet ring box.

  Cooper dropped to his knee beside her and lifted the box, opening the lid. “Paige Elizabeth Porter, in the past year, you’ve tied me up in knots, flipped my world upside down, and changed everything. You’re good for me, good for my soul and my spirit, and definitely good for my heart. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, baby, I’m in love with you. I’m willing to give up rodeo, do whatever it takes for us to be together.”

  She shook her head. “No, Cooper. You love what you do and you make a difference to others through it. You can’t give it up. Not for me. It’s part of what makes you uniquely you.”

  He grinned and took her hand in his, kissing her fingers. “Thank you, sweetheart. Some people might say we don’t know each other well enough to make a commitment, but I know without a doubt I can’t live without you, Paige. I need you in my life, every single day. Will you please, please be my wife?”

  Paige stared at the sparkling diamond Cooper held out to her then at the man who’d barreled right through her defenses and captured her heart. She moved her hand until the ring slid onto her ring finger, admiring the perfect fit.

  “Yes, Cooper! Yes!” She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight as he stood, lifting her in his arms and swinging her in a wide circle. “I love you so much.”

  “I love you, too, sugar.” He lowered his mouth to hers, pouring out all the love and passion he’d stored up over the long, lonely months without her in his life. When he finally raised his head, he grinned. “Since we’re here, and all our friends and family are here, and Elliott has offered to pay for the whole thing as a bonus for a job well done, what do you think of getting married tomorrow afternoon?”

  “Just tell me what time and where to show up and I’ll be there,” she said, pulling his head down for another long, tender kiss.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “Stop fussing like a silly girl getting ready for her first big dance,” Nick chided as Cooper reached up to straighten his tie one more time. “You look fine.”

  Cooper glanced over at his grandfather as the man stood next to Huck and Kash. The three men agreed to serve as his attendants. As soon as Paige appeared, the wedding would take place in a beautiful gazebo in a private garden at one of the swanky casinos.

  Elliott had his staff make all the arrangements and Cooper had to admit, they’d done a great job.

  The previous evening, when Paige agreed to marry him, they engaged in a series of earth-moving kisses before they both settled back into reality and made a few calls to friends and family. Not a single person sounded surprised by the news that they’d decided to wed.

  Now, as Cooper stood on the top step of the gazebo with white lights twinkling around them and ivy and red rose garlands draped along the pillars, the area looked like an enchanting winter garden. Lights glowed from all the trees and bushes, baskets of holiday greens and red flowers accented the festive atmosphere, and soft music from a harp filled the air. />
  Cooper straightened as the music changed and one of Paige’s close friends from Portland walked down the aisle in a red dress, carrying a bouquet of white flowers. Celia followed behind her in a green dress, holding a bouquet of red flowers.

  Little Gideon Morgan served as the ring bearer, dressed in a new red shirt and black vest as he walked with Randi, who also wore a red dress and carried white flowers.

  Then Paige appeared on Dave’s arm. Cooper felt his heart skip a beat as she floated down the aisle with her brother-in-law, her eyes focused entirely on him.

  Dave kissed her cheek and handed her over to Cooper with a big grin. “Take good care of her, man,” he said in a choked whisper.

  Cooper nodded, overwhelmed with emotion. He didn’t know how she’d done it, but Paige had thoroughly captured him. And he’d never been so happy to be caught in all his life.

  At the end of the brief ceremony, when the minister told him he could kiss the bride, Cooper took great pleasure in giving Paige a tender yet passionate kiss that caused the women around them to sigh.

  Together, they turned and greeted their guests. When Cooper raised one arm and fist pumped the air above his head, everyone laughed.

  An hour later, as Paige sat close beside him with her hand on his thigh, watching their guests enjoying the sumptuous buffet Elliott’s staff had ordered, she kissed his cheek and sighed contentedly.

  “Happy?” Cooper asked, dropping a kiss on the golden hair pinned on top of her head.

  “Extremely.” She leaned her head against his shoulder as he slipped his arm around her and pulled her close. Her head rolled to the side and she lifted her gaze to his.

  Cooper fell into the depths of those warm toffee-colored eyes, pleased to see a spark flickering in them. Soon, he planned to fan that spark into a roaring flame. “What are you looking at, Mrs. James?”

  “You, Mr. Porter.” She grinned when he frowned. “Oh, didn’t I tell you I think you should change your name? Cooper Porter has a nice ring to it, don’t you think.”

  “No, PP, I don’t think it does. I know for a fact you’re just teasing me because you can’t keep a straight face.”

  She laughed and kissed his cheek then worked her way around to his mouth. Several heartbeats and heated kisses later, she lifted her head and gazed at him again. “I’ve already talked to Elliott about this, Cooper, but you’re fired.”

  “Fired?” Puzzled, he gave her a curious look. “From what? You already said you’re okay with me being a rodeo clown.”

  “I did and I am. You can’t stop being who you are and what you do best.” She traced a finger over the cleft in his chin, making him wonder how quickly they could leave their reception and get started on the honeymoon. “But I’m firing you from Lasso Eight.”

  He grinned and scooped her up, settling her on his lap. “Now why would you want to do that? You and Elliott said the campaign went better than either of you dreamed possible.”

  She nodded and placed her hands on either side of his head, drawing his lips closer to hers. “I’m firing you because the last thing I want is a bunch of women drooling over my husband’s exceptionally nice, or, if you ask my sister, naughty, rear end. No more back views or shirtless modeling for you.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Cooper would have agreed to anything she asked at that moment, thoroughly entranced with his lovely bride.

  “But you can model for me anytime you like.” She slid off his lap and took his hand in hers, tugging him to his feet. “Perhaps right now, back in your room, would be a great time to start.”

  “Whatever you say, sugar. Your wish is my command.” Cooper swept her into his arms and carried her across the garden toward the exit door.

  “What I wish, Cooper, is for the two of us to have a long, blissful life together.” Her smile held all the hope of the future while love glowed in her eyes. “And maybe we can give your grandfather some of those great-grandchildren he’s so set on spoiling. I love you, Cooper James, with all my heart and then some.”

  “I love you, too, sweetheart.” Cooper grinned as he toed open the door and carried her over to the limo waiting to take them back to the hotel. “I can’t wait to get started on our happy ever after.”

  Flourless Chocolate Cake

  A few years ago, I needed a gluten-free recipe for a gathering with a friend who is allergic to gluten. Since the women attending the get-together have a thing for chocolate, I decided to try this recipe. That was a tasty decision! Rich and decadent, a small piece will definitely give you a chocolate fix!

  Flourless Chocolate Cake

  4 eggs

  1/4 cup melted butter

  1/2 cup cocoa

  2/3 cup sugar

  2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate

  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

  Chop baking chocolate into small pieces. Set aside.

  Beat eggs until light and fluffy (two to three minutes). Add melted butter. Mix in cocoa and sugar, then chocolate pieces.

  Spray a springform pan or round cake pan with non-stick cooking spray. Cut a piece of parchment to fit in the bottom of the pan, then spray it with non-stick spray.

  Pour batter into the pan and bake about thirty minutes, or until the cake is set but still a little jiggly in the middle.

  Remove from oven and let cool completely before inverting on a serving plate.

  Top with ganache, frosting, dust with powdered sugar, dollop with whipped cream, or eat plain.

  We like it best served with whipped cream and fresh raspberries. Add a sprig of mint for a festive touch.

  Author’s Note

  Last year, when I wrote Capturing Christmas and we met Cooper’s character, I knew he’d be the hero in my next Rodeo Romance book.

  How could you not like Cooper? He’s cute, he’s funny, and he tugs at my heartstrings the way he interacts with kids.

  The question, then, was what type of girl would turn Cooper’s world upside down. What situation would bring them together?

  I’ll admit, I’d been toying with the idea of a girl searching for a cowboy model for a few years, but none of the story pieces had fallen into place. Not until I considered it for Cooper’s story.

  Suddenly, it seemed perfect to incorporate that idea! The idea of a girl being forced to go to Las Vegas to find a cowboy model for work struck me as funny. Especially if the “perfect” model kept disappearing before she could see his face and get his name. And how much funnier would it be if she became friends with him while he’s in his rodeo clown persona?

  And that’s how Paige and Cooper’s story came to be.

  As always, I turned to Pinterest to help me visualize details of the story. While I was looking at images of working cattle dogs, one photo of a dog walking on the top rail of a fence caught my interest. So that’s why I incorporated the scene into the story of having one of Cooper’s dogs walk on the fence. Australian shepherds are pretty amazing animals.

  The inspiration for the freaky bear chair at Nick’s house came from an article I read in a magazine about a chair 19th century hunter and trapper Seth Kinman made for President Andrew Johnson. The actual chair does feature plenty of claws and a bear head on it.

  My niece, who plans to become an Ag teacher, recently shared her excitement about studying the Santa Gertrudis cattle breed. You can find more details about their history here. Referred to as America’s original beef breed, the story of how they came to be is so interesting.

  The High Roller observation wheel in Las Vegas has fascinated me since it opened. Yet, being one of those people terrified of heights, I haven’t been able to give in to Captain Cavedweller’s pleas to give it a whirl. Maybe one of these days, I’ll give it a try.

  Oh, and I have to tell you about the mechanical horses Paige and Randi rode in the story. A few years ago, we were wandering through one of the Christmas vendor shows in Las Vegas and happened upon a contest between several rodeo contestants at the back of a show. They raced down an aisle on mechanical stu
ffed ponies that made me think of those old Inchworm toys toddlers played on. It was hilarious to watch, even if I can’t recall who won the impromptu race!

  And I should mention about bullfighters and rodeo clowns. Years ago, they were often the same person. Today, though, bullfighting and being the barrelman are two completely different things. They all have my admiration for what they do. Bullfighters are right down there in the face of a few thousand pounds of fury, fighting to keep the cowboys safe. Rodeo clowns and barrelmen offer a place of safety and distraction during the bull rides. They also are highly skilled entertainers who can keep the crowd engaged with off-the-cuff performances.

  I can’t thank you enough for reading Paige and Cooper’s story. If you enjoyed it, I hope you’ll tell others about it. I hope you’ll join me for the next book in the series when it releases during the 2017 holiday season.

  If you have a moment, please review Barreling Through Christmas. Help other readers find great new books by telling them why you enjoyed the story. You can post your review Barreling Through Christmas here.

  Thank you for reading Cooper and Paige’s book. I hope we meet again on the journey to another happily ever after story.

  Happy Holidays,

  Shanna

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  Rodeo Romance Series

  Hunky rodeo cowboys tangle with independent sassy women who can’t help but love them.

  The Christmas Cowboy (Rodeo Romance, Book 1) — Among the top saddle bronc riders in the rodeo circuit, easy-going Tate Morgan can handle the toughest horse out there, but trying to handle the beautiful Kenzie Beckett is a completely different story. As the holiday season approaches, this Christmas Cowboy is going to need more than a little mistletoe to win her heart.