by Celya Bowers
Kassie picked up the decoration paper and headed for the trashcan. “Can we have pancakes like the one Mrs. T makes on Sunday.”
Jemma nodded. “My pancakes might not be as good at Tesla’s, but I’ll do my best.”
“Okay, Mommy.” She pointed to another box. “Are you going to open your present?”
She noticed a box from her daughter. How was her daughter able to do this without her knowledge? It was a beautiful box in her favorite shade of purple. Curiosity had gotten the best of her and she opened the box. “Oh, baby, this is lovely.” It was a silk bathrobe. “Mommy always wanted one just like this.” She hugged her daughter. “Thank you so much.”
“You like it? Really? Mr. Kyle help me pick it out.”
“You both did a great job. I’ll wear it tonight.” She rose and knew what she had to do. She took off her bathrobe and put on Kassie’s present. Once she tied the sash, she ran her hands in the pockets and discovered a gift card for the spa. Another thing she’d been meaning to do. How on earth did he know that well that fast?
“I hope it’s all right,” Kyle said walking into the room. He was dressed in black slacks and a button-down shirt, and no shoes or socks. “Kassie told me your favorite color and I went from there. The spa card is from me.”
Jemma walked to him. “Thank you, Kyle.” It was lovely. She stood on her tip-toes and kissed him. “I really appreciate you helping Kassie,” she whispered so Kassie wouldn’t hear.
He nodded. “I thought you were waiting until after breakfast?”
“Kassie couldn’t wait. I guess I couldn’t either. So now it’s your turn.” She reached under the tree and handed him a present. “Merry Christmas, Kyle.”
He took the gift and opened it. His blue eyes instantly moistened. “Thank you, sweetie.” He took out the cashmere sweater, cologne, and after shave. “I really love it.” He walked over to Kassie and kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks, Kassie.”
“Mommy picked it out, but there’s more,” Kassie told him. She picked up the electric razor. “Mommy’s face itches when you don’t shave.” She giggled.
Jemma sighed. Her baby. Always honest. “Kass, why don’t you get ready for Granny and Papa. Go change into your clothes.”
“Okay, Mommy.” She ran upstairs without another word.
She grabbed Kyle’s hand. “Why don’t you keep me company while I make breakfast?” She led him into the kitchen.
Once there, she sat him down in one of the chairs. “I really wanted to apologize for this morning. I know everything you do concerning us, has been thought out and you’d never harm us. I know I have to let Kassie find her way in life, but it’s so hard to let go.” She dabbed her eyes with a paper towel. “If you had seen her last year, you wouldn’t recognize the ball of energy running through the house today.”
He rose and walked to her, wrapping her in a much needed hug. “I know exactly how you feel. It is hard to let go, especially since you’ve been through it with her.” He kissed her gently, wiping away her tears. “Wash your face, she’ll be back soon.”
She took the handkerchief from his hands. “You’re always saving me from myself.”
“You’re doing the same for me, honey.” He kissed her again. “We’d better get started on breakfast. How can I help?”
TWENTY-FIVE
Much later than he had promised, Kyle walked into his ancestral home with presents for his family. He’d hoped to make it inside without much of a commotion, but no such luck. His father noticed him putting gifts under the tree.
The Cosgrove tradition was dinner at three. Which worked well for him today, since he’d already eaten with Jemma’s family at noon. It had been an emotional day for Jemma and Kassie as well as the rest of the family. Although they were used to Kassie talking again, they weren’t used to her being so interactive without direction. Even Jemma’s father cried tears of happiness. Kyle thought it was worth, being late to Christmas dinner.
“Well, hello stranger,” his father said. “We’d began to think you’d forgotten about us,” he teased. “Merry Christmas, Son.”
Kyle rose and gave his father a hug. “Merry Christmas, Dad. Jemma’s family was pretty emotional with Kassie running around.”
“I can imagine. What a Christmas blessing for the family. Your mother is holding dinner, so the kids are a little antsy.”
“I better get this over with,” he said, marching into the kitchen. Every Christmas as long as he could remember, Christmas was always at the ranch with his mother manning the kitchen and operating it like a military cookhouse. His sister and sister-in-law were seated at the table sorting silverware, making sure every piece had been shined to the death.
“Well, look who decided to grace his family with his presence,” Krista said, holding up a salad fork for inspection.
“Hi, Mom, sorry I’m late,” he said walking to his mother. “Merry Christmas.” He kissed his mother on the cheek. “Merry Christmas, Krista and Megan. Pardon my tardiness.”
Krista waved away his remarks. “Only because I know Jemma is the one for you, I will dismiss it this time. I’m happy you’re spending time together. I bet Kassie was the star of the show.”
He sat at the table with the women. “You know it. She got a ton of presents.”
“How did she like the boots and riding clothes?” His mother asked.
“She loved them. So did everyone else.” He’d never felt prouder than he had when he saw Jemma’s and Kassie’s faces that morning.
His sister reached for his hand. “I’m so proud of you for sharing your heart. You should see the silly grin on your face.”
He felt it too. “I know, I can’t seem to stop smiling today.”
A week later, Kyle felt like world’s greatest event planner. Tonight was his parents’ forty-fifth wedding anniversary. Every detail had been taken care of, the arena looked great outfitted in a western motif. Bales of hay arranged neatly to double as extra seating, a local country-western band had already arrived and was now playing as the caterers set up.
He was dressed in jeans, a colorful western shirt, and boots. His parents would be making an entrance in another hour. His siblings were milling around, making sure he hadn’t forgotten anything.
Krista walked toward him. She was wearing a maxi dress and cowboy boots. “Kyle, everything looks great. The food smells delicious. I’m ready to eat now.” She kissed her brother on the cheek. “I hope you put your planning skills to work when you marry Jemma.”
“You’re way ahead of the game, Kris,” he lied. “We’re just having a good time.”
“Do you think I’m crazy? Kyle, she and her daughter went on vacay with us at Thanksgiving. You don’t do that with people you’re having a good time with. Not to mention the free horse lessons, and the Sunday breakfast. Really? Do I have to spell it all out for you?”
He hadn’t thought of things in those terms. He liked being around Jemma and Kassie, and would do anything to make that happen. “Okay, I’ll cop to it’s more than just a good time, but there’s still a lot in the air and I don’t know how she’s going to take it.”
“Like you’re the heir apparent the ranch? I don’t really think it matters. She’s worried you’re going to lose your job before Dad can retire.”
“Oh, she finally stop asking about the charges for Kassie’s lessons. She tried to pay the entrance fee, but I explained since Kassie was representing the ranch, we would cover the cost.” Kyle glanced at his cell phone display. Jemma still hadn’t called.
“Don’t worry, Big Brother, she’s on her way,” Krista said. “Janna was running late. They were waiting for her to get to Jemma’s house.”
“Why do you know more about my girlfriend’s life than I do?” Kyle laughed at his slip of the tongue. He shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, you got me. But it’s only been like two months.”
“Love knows no schedule.” Krista walked away waving at someone in the distance.
His heart started beating erra
tically. That should have been his first clue. His erection sprang to life. Now he knew Jemma was in the vicinity. He turned toward the entrance and he was very correct. Although he hadn’t like the way that dress clung to her body.
He knew he should have went shopping with her, but he was too busy. The maxi dress was perfect. Texas weather being what it was, even with it being New Years’ Eve, the temperature hovered in the low seventies. Cool enough for a light sweater. Jemma looked so cute with her western boots, peeking out from under her dress. Her black hair hung loose about her shoulders.
He rushed to greet her and her family members. Kassie ran to meet him. “Hi, Mr. Kyle.” She hugged him. Kassie was dressed in a denim dress and cowboy boots.
“Hi, Kassie, you look very pretty tonight. Cara, Sylvia, and Ryder, are looking at the horses.”
She nodded. “How is Millicent? She was real jumpy when I had my lesson.”
“She’s calming down,” he told her. Milli was one of the horses he’d gained in the sale, but she was having a hard time adapting to her new surroundings. Kyle had complete faith that the horse would come around.
Kassie looked at her mother, then her aunt. “Can my cousins come too?”
“Of course,” Kyle said.
Jemma finally said, “It’s okay, Kass. Take DJ and Brooke to see Nutmeg.” Kassie quickly nodded and the kids were off. Jemma smiled at him. “You look very handsome, Kyle.” She looked around the arena. “Everything looks great. I think I smelled the food the minute we got out of the car.”
Kyle chuckled. “The exact desired effect. Mom and Dad won’t be here for another hour, but feel free to roam around.” He kissed her gently on the lips. “You look very beautiful.”
“Thank you, Kyle.” Her family quickly made a hasty retreat, leaving him and Jemma all alone. “That’s my family trying to subtle.”
“Why don’t we have a seat over here?” Kyle led her to one of the makeshift seating areas. A tuxedo clad waiter appeared out of nowhere with a silver tray offering them flutes of champagne. He took two and handed one to Jemma. She took a delicate sip.
“Oh, this is good,” she said, taking another sip. “Crisp and smooth.”
“It’s mom’s favorite brand.”
She laughed. “I can’t see Tesla drinking alcohol. Now my grandmother in her day, yes, yes, and yes. My mom drinks every now and then. And my Dad is English, so no meal is compete without beer.”
“My dad is like that. Has a beer every night after supper,” Kyle said. “I can’t remember him not drinking a beer.”
Jemma nodded. “I want to thank you again for last week. It was the best holiday, next to the cruise, of course.”
“You’re welcome. There’s many more to come.”
“That’s always good to know,” she said.
Soon Tesla and Turner walked into the room dressed like country western royalty. Friends and family greeted them. Jemma watched from the sidelines with Kyle.
“Are you all right?” He moved closer and wrapped an arm around her. “I don’t want you catching a cold.” The band started playing and people headed to the dance floor.
“You want to dance?”
She shook her head. “I’m fine, but thank you for sitting closer to me.”
He held her hand. “I will always sit as close as humanly possible. I don’t want anyone thinking you’re single.” What was wrong with his mouth tonight? He’d been blurting love sentiments like a crazy person. He needed help.
“What?”
“You heard me,” he said. “I’d hate to lose a business contact because someone was hitting on you, but if it comes down to it, I would risk losing business.”
Jemma took a longer sip of champagne. Probably digesting his pseudo declaration. “So you’re branding me, is that it?”
“In a matter of speaking, yes,” he said. Might as well put his cards on the table. “Does that bother you?”
She grinned. “No, it doesn’t. I see women checking you out all the time and with good reason. You have an awesome body, both in and out of clothes. So we’ll just sit here and brand each other.” She kissed him gently.
“Best news I’ve had all night.” He kissed her to seal the deal.
***
“This has been the perfect night,” Jemma said as slid into bed beside Kyle. “The party was excellent, and I can’t believe you and my daughter are conspiring together.” She shook her head. “My baby girl volunteered to go home with my sister, so I wouldn’t have to rush home.”
Kyle laughed, pulling her in his arms. “Actually, your mom came up with the plan to take Kassie home with them, since they were spending the night at your house. She said we needed to be alone.”
“My mother would never say such a thing.” Jemma snuggled up against him and wrapped her arms around him. She rested her head on his chest. “I think my parents enjoyed themselves. I’ve never seen them happier.”
“I think Kassie had a lot to do with that. She was more outgoing tonight than I’ve ever seen her.” He moved closer to Jemma. They were body to body. “She was running around, playing tag with the kids, and just being an eight-year-old girl. You should be very proud.”
“I am very proud,” she said. “I think every time I heard her scream with joy, I cried.”
He nodded. “I’m going to have to start carrying more handkerchiefs with you around.” He wiped a tear from her eyes. Then he kissed her face. “Or I could always lick the salt from your tears.”
She was floating on a cloud with all this foreplay. He hadn’t touched her yet, not like she’d wanted, but this was pretty darn good. They were talking. Nothing else. Just talking. She was in romance heaven. “Sounds like a win-win for me.”
“I’ll show a win-win,” he said as he rolled her over on her back. “I plan on showing you many times.”
She smiled up at him. Life couldn’t get much better than this, she mused. He leaned down and kissed her. His hands caressed her body and quickly divested her of her nightgown and undies.
“I think that’s the fastest you’ve ever took off my nightgown,” she breathed. Her hands caressed his naked body. “How?”
“I’m always ready.” He reached under his pillow and extracted a condom. “See?”
Outdone, Jemma gave up. “I bow to your readiness, Kyle.”
“Not now, but you will.”
***
A few days later, Jemma sat in the middle of her king sized bed alone, her life hers again. Her parents had returned to Dallas after staying a few extra days. The house seemed incredibly quiet. Even Kassie had went to bed early. Sure, she had work she should be doing, but she wanted to enjoy the solitude of being in her house, in her bed alone.
She was talking on the phone with Janna. She’d missed talking to her sister these last few nights. “It feels strange being home after two days at Kyle’s.”
Janna snorted. “Girl stop. I’d take hot sex anytime. You knew Mom was looking after Kassie. She was having the time of her life. Mom was fixing all her favorite foods. Dad was no better.”
“Yeah, I could tell. They really hated to leave today. He seems to really like Kyle,” Jemma said.
“He does. And you know how hard it is for Brandt Shelton to admit a man is good enough for his daughter and granddaughter,” Janna joked.
“I remember how bad he was on Jared. I thought for sure he was going to send Jared running, but he held his ground. Damon, too, for that matter.”
“I feel sorry for the poor man Kassie meets,” Janna observed.
“I think he’d have to get through Kyle first.” Had she really said that out loud? Was she really thinking in those terms?”
“Jemma, don’t tell me.”
“Whoa, Janna, there’s nothing to tell. We just spent a few days together at the ranch. Which, I still don’t believe I did that. Every ranch hand knew I was there, cause he barely went to the office.”
“So?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s just seems
they all treat me different now. If they see me walking to stables with Kassie, it’s all ‘How can I help you, Mrs. Patterson?’”
“Jemma, what did you expect? That no one would ever realize you and Kyle had become intimate. That there was a reason for his smile. My goodness, throughout the party, you guys were all snuggled up in a corner.”
“I don’t know what I expected. It’s just different.”
“You’re scared and you have every right to be. But the man I saw you with at his parents’ anniversary party is going to be there for the long haul. So get ready. He has no problem telling the world you belong to him.”
“Yeah, I found that out,” Jemma said. “I guess we’re both in it for the long haul. Besides, he has done so much for Kassie.”
“Please don’t let that be the reason that you’re sleeping with him. That would crush his soul.”
“Don’t be silly. I could never do that. I’m sleeping with him, because he’s the most thoughtful man, I’ve met. He makes me feel safe, and very loved.” She wiped away a tear.
“That’s great, Jemma. Just what I needed to hear, because the picture at the party I saw was a happy couple. The both of you are so far gone, you don’t even realize.”
TWENTY-SIX
The week before the Junior Equestrian Show, Jemma was a nervous wreck. She was trying to hold it together for her daughter, but each day edging toward the gigantic event, it took less to break her down.
Today was the last practice before the contest. Over the months, Kassie had improved so much. She had better control of Nutmeg, and commanded the obstacle course.
Kyle sang her praises constantly. Jemma knew her baby was good, and turned out she really loved riding horses. So much, she’d talked her mother into taking some lessons in the spring.
Jemma watched as Kassie practiced the course in the small arena. They had been practicing in the large arena, but this week the ranch hands had been preparing for the big event.