The Cowboy Comes Home

by Patricia Thayer

  Brady looked back at her. “Mom, are you still mad at Johnny?”

  Jess couldn’t talk about this right now. She needed a minute just to absorb the fact the man came back.

  “Brady, that’s something Johnny and I need to talk about later. Right now you better decide if you’re going to ride or not.”

  “If Johnny will, I will.”

  “No, Brady, you can’t do that,” Johnny told him. “Either you want to ride in this parade, or not. If you get on a horse it’s your choice.”

  He glanced up at Jess, then back at Brady. “Think about it, I need to talk to your mom.”

  The boy nodded. “You better say something nice because she’s really sad.”

  Johnny walked a few feet away and Jess followed. Her heart was pounding so hard, she couldn’t hear anything else. “I can’t imagine what else you have to say to me….”

  “There’s a lot, Jess. I can’t ask you to forgive me right off, but will you give me a chance to explain things?”

  She was afraid. “Johnny, I’m not sure I can do this again.”

  “I know I walked out on you and Brady. But I actually thought it was for the best. Then I realized I don’t want a life without you.” He glanced toward the arena. “I’m asking for another chance, to try and explain things, later. Right now, I want to make this day special for your son. Will you trust me enough to do that?”

  Jess tried to say no, but she saw something in this man. He’d been hurt as a child so she knew he wouldn’t intentionally hurt Brady. “Okay.”

  He smiled. “Another question, will you let him ride with me on Storm?”

  She immediately felt panicked, but she quickly realized she trusted this man not to endanger her son. “I don’t have a problem, but Brady might.”

  “Thanks, you won’t regret it. Let’s get this rodeo started off right.”

  Johnny went outside and took Storm from the trailer, then walked him inside to the railing. He hoped he could pull this off. All the others were seated on their horses and lined up for the opening ceremony.

  Brady saw him, too. “Okay, son. You ready?”

  “You gonna ride Storm?”

  “We’re gonna ride him,” he corrected. “Your grandfather loved Storm, and now you love him. He won’t hurt you, you know that. And I’ll be there right with you.”

  The boy nodded.

  Johnny glanced at Derrick and Cheyenne looking somewhat dubious over the choice of mount. “Come on, let’s show Tucker how a Calhoun does it.”

  Brady gave him a high five. “Okay!”

  Johnny lifted the boy up into the saddle, then climbed on behind him. Storm did a little sideways dance, but obeyed Johnny’s commands and got back in the line.

  A big grin lit up Brady’s face as one of the officials handed him the Texas flag to carry and Jess climbed on Goldie and moved in beside them. Johnny wanted to reach over and kiss her, but knew he didn’t have that right anymore.

  The music started and they headed to the arena together as the crowd cheered.

  “I wish Grandpa was here,” Brady said.

  “He is, son. He’s looking down on you right now.”

  * * *

  Over the next few hours, the day’s events and commitments kept them apart, and Jess realized it was a good thing. Given some time maybe she could figure out if she was happy about Johnny’s return.

  She glanced at the man spending time with her son. When he turned and caught her staring, he winked and smiled at her. Okay, yes, she was more than happy he came back. At least he deserved a chance to be heard. But what about the future?

  He walked toward her. “I’m sorry, Jess. I want to talk with you, to tell you so many things.” He glanced around at the crowd of people. “Oh, hell.” He pulled her into his arms and his mouth captured hers. She didn’t have a chance to protest, not that she wanted to. Being in Johnny’s arms was heaven to her. He pulled back slowly as those gray eyes searched her face. “God, I missed you, Jess. There’s so much I need to say to you, but I’d like to do it when I have more time…and privacy.”

  She felt giddy. “I’d like to hear what you have to say, too.”

  “Good.” He grinned as he stepped back. “First, I have a little boy who wants to win a buckle today.”

  “Then go do it.” She grabbed his hand to stop him. “We’re a package deal, Johnny.”

  He cupped her face in his hands. “If you don’t know it yet, Jess Calhoun, I love you both, and want to be a part of your lives. I’d be a lucky man if you shared Brady with me.”

  She blinked back the tears. “Consider yourself a lucky man.”

  He kissed her again. “Hold that thought and I’ll be back.” He took off and she fought to keep from running after him. Instead, she went to the side bleachers and sat down, still reeling from Johnny’s kiss and his promises.

  Molly dropped down beside her. “Well, it seems your cowboy has come back in a big way.”

  “Yep, he has.”

  Her friend nodded and gripped her hand as Brady shot out of the chute, riding a sheep.

  She jumped to her feet, cheering. “Go, Brady.” She watched as he hung on until the buzzer went off. The child let go and dropped to the ground. Then suddenly her son was on his feet, brushing off his jeans. Johnny hurried toward him and lifted the smiling Brady up into the air. They both raised their arms seeing the time on the scoreboard.

  “He won,” Molly cheered. “He won!”

  Jess watched the man holding her son and all her doubts disappeared. “We both won.”

  * * *

  Hours later, Johnny carried the sleeping boy up the stairs and he laid him down on his bed at the ranch as he’d done before. But tonight he wanted it to be his regular job.

  He stared down at the boy, seeing the big buckle that adorned his waist. Pride filled him, knowing how hard the boy had worked to get it.

  He started to remove the boy’s clothes, but suddenly Brady woke up and stopped him. “No! I want to wear my belt. Please.”

  Jess came in with pajamas. “I think he’ll be fine for tonight.” She kissed her son and walked out.

  Johnny hung back and helped dress the boy. “Brady, I need to ask you something.”

  He yawned. “What?”

  Johnny sat down on the bed. “How do you feel about me staying here?”

  “Like forever?”

  Johnny realized how much it meant to him if Brady wanted him in his life. He nodded. “I hurt your mom and you. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay, you came back. That means you love us. Do you want to be my dad?”

  He was struck by the insight this kid had. “Yes, I do. I want us to be a family.”

  “Then maybe you should ask his mother first,” he heard a familiar voice say.

  He turned to see Jess standing in the dim light. Brady nudged him. “Go say nice things to Mom.”

  Johnny kissed the boy. “I think I can handle this on my own,” he said, but he wasn’t so sure.

  He stood and went to Jess. He took her by the arm and directed her out into the hall and closed the door. “Is there somewhere we can talk?”

  Jess took his hand and led him down the hall to her old bedroom. She didn’t even turn on the lights. The moon gave off enough light for her to see his silhouette.

  “For a man who was anxious to talk, you sure took your sweet time.”

  She gasped when Johnny reached for her and his mouth came down on hers. She sank into his embrace and gave in to all the pent-up feelings inside her. He’d come back to her. He loved her.

  He broke off the kiss and stepped back. “Whoa, sorry, I really wanted to talk to you first. To tell you I was crazy to drive away yesterday. I know I hurt you and I’m so sorry.” He turned away and went to the large window. “I’ve never been part of a real family, Jess. You know about my mom and me, and those weren’t the best times. I took off at fourteen. I’ve been on my own for so long, depending only on myself, I was afraid to trust. I was afraid to l
et myself care about another person.”

  Jess heard the pain in his voice as he poured out his feelings. She couldn’t have loved him more.

  “I’m not sure I’d be any good at it now.” He drew a breath and released it. “But damn, you and Brady make me want to try.” He came to her. “I want to belong here, Jess. I love you. I love you so much. I want us to be a family. To put down roots and build a home, have more kids.” He hesitated, then said, “Please give us a chance.”

  She slipped her arms around his middle and looked up at him. “You’re right, it hurt me when you left, but it doesn’t change the fact that I love you, Johnny Jameson. And I always will.”

  He let out a breath. “Oh, God. I love you. I plan to tell you every day.” He paused. “That is if you’ll do me the honor of becoming my wife.”

  “Oh, Johnny.” She touched his face. “Are you sure?”

  “I’ve never been so sure of anything. I think the first time I saw you, I was drawn to you, not just because you’re the prettiest woman I’ve ever met, but I’ve felt this connection. I could talk to you, share with you. You made me feel like I belong.”

  Johnny pulled her close. “I know I’ve always traveled from ranch to ranch with my training, but how would you feel if I headquartered my operation here at the Double Bar C?”

  “Oh, Johnny, that’s perfect.”

  “Besides the fact that I’m suddenly tired of traveling around the country, your bakery is here. There are your plans for the expansion, and I hope not just the business. I want a real family, Jess. I didn’t know how much until I found you. I love Brady and I want to adopt him so I can be his real father. If that’s okay with you?”

  Jess couldn’t speak, the emotions clogged her throat. She nodded.

  He took her hands. “If you’re willing, I want us to have another child, too. And I will be at your side, loving you more seeing our baby grow in you.”

  She touched his handsome face. “I see you’ve been doing a lot of thinking about this.”

  He brushed his lips across hers. “It was a long drive back from the state line.”

  “I guess so.”

  “I know I’ve given you a long list of things I want, but in truth all I need is you and Brady.”

  “And I need you.” She kissed him sweetly. “I can’t wait to start our lives together.”

  “There is one catch,” he said. “I have a commitment in Florida, but I want you and Brady to go with me. It’s only temporary, a few months at most. It’s warm there, and I know you have the bakery, but I’m sure Molly could look after things—”

  Jess pulled his head down and covered his mouth with hers. Didn’t he realize that she would change her world for this man? “I’ll go wherever you go. Would you mind taking a five-year-old on a honeymoon?”

  She felt his grin. “Oh, darlin’, our honeymoon isn’t ever going to end.”

  “Oh, Johnny, I like the way you think, but don’t make any promises you can’t keep.”

  He brushed his mouth over hers. “I can promise you this, Jess. I’ll always love you and Brady. I will treat him as my own son. I swear you can depend on me to stick around.”

  She smiled, feeling tears threatening again. “Because it’s the cowboy way?”

  “It’s my way, and my promise to you.”

  His mouth closed over hers, sealing the deal. She knew this man would make her life complete, and Johnny had her love and, most important, a home. Together the next generation would live and prosper on Calhoun land.

  EPILOGUE

  IN TWO days Jess was going to get married. Some would say it was too soon, but she had no doubts about becoming Mrs. Johnny Jameson.

  The wedding wasn’t going to be big. That was how she and Johnny wanted it. With her parents gone, and the rest of her family not able to make it home for the ceremony, it was just as well. She’d have family, though, Molly and her mom and dad, along with Wes and Nancy and maybe some friends from town. Molly was her maid of honor, and Johnny had chosen Brady to stand up for him.

  “I can’t believe we’re pulling off a wedding in just forty-eight hours,” she said as Johnny walked into the ranch kitchen. She stood at the counter looking over her to-do list. The wedding would be in the front parlor, and the reception in the dining room.

  He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her on the neck, sending shivers down her spine. “As far as I’m concerned, brown eyes, it isn’t soon enough.”

  She loved his husky voice. “You’re saying that because you only have to show up.”

  Johnny smiled at his soon-to-be bride. That wasn’t exactly true. He’d found an engagement ring that was perfect for Jess. An antique sapphire ring surrounded with tiny diamonds.

  When he’d given it to her two nights ago, she began to cry. His heart nearly stopped until she told him they were tears of joy. He’d also arranged for a house to stay in during his temporary employment at Ransen Stables in the Florida panhandle. He figured two months tops, they’d be home to Texas.

  “I’ve found us a place to live.”

  She smiled. “That’s good. It’s not a hotel, is it?”

  “Actually, it’s more of a cottage, a two-bedroom at the ranch. So Brady will have his own room and you and I will have ours.” He turned her around and kissed her again. He could easily get lost in this woman, and forget about this wedding. Yet for the first time in his life he wanted to be committed to another person. To put down roots here, and the first step was marriage. So before things got out of hand, he pulled back.

  They were both trying to catch their breath when Jess said, “I can’t believe this is happening. It’s like a dream, Johnny. If so, don’t wake me up.”

  He knew the feeling. He also knew how lucky he’d been to find Jess. “Oh, darlin’. If I don’t wake you up, you’ll miss all the fun.”

  Jess stepped back from temptation, and Johnny Jameson was definitely that. “Stop distracting me. I have too much to do.”

  The wedding day was going to be a little bittersweet, too. Her mother wasn’t here to advise her, and her father couldn’t give her away. Maybe that was why she was so eager to find something of her mother’s today.

  “What can I do to help you?”

  “How do you feel about digging through some boxes?”

  He arched an eyebrow. “What are we looking for?”

  “Something old.”

  He frowned.

  “You know the saying, ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.’ I already have my dress and that’s new.” She smiled, recalling her trip to San Antonio to find a satin-and-lace garden-length dress.

  “I have something blue.” She’d bought a blue garter. “I borrowed a pair of earrings from Molly. So now I need something old.” She swallowed back the sudden emotions. “From my mother.”

  Johnny smiled. “Do you know what you want?”

  She nodded. “I’m just not sure where it is. That’s why I might need a big, strong guy like you to move some boxes.” She took his hand and pulled him with her up the steps.

  “Are you sure you want to search through boxes when we have the evening to ourselves? After about three hours of riding today, I’m sure Brady isn’t getting up tonight for anything.”

  Johnny drew Jess into his arms and covered her mouth in a passionate kiss. He was more than ready to carry his future bride off for a little prehoneymoon. In the past week they’d been getting ready for the wedding, and spending time with Brady. He’d been feeling a little neglected.

  Not that he didn’t love that kid, but he needed one-on-one time with his mother, especially since Jess had asked him if they could hold off from making love until their wedding night.

  She smiled and placed a teasing kiss on his mouth. “Just think how good it will be for us in two nights. I promise to make it worth the wait.”

  “You better stop teasing me, Ms. Calhoun, or you’ll be in trouble.”

  She grinned. “Come o
n, I’ll distract you with the search.”

  She pulled him along the hall. She hadn’t been in here since they cleared out her father’s clothes and sent them off to the church thrift store.

  She walked into her parents’ bedroom and was hit with a flood of memories. She pushed them aside, knowing her parents wouldn’t want her to be sad. They’d want her to be happy starting her new life with Johnny.

  Jess hurried through the large room and went into the big walk-in closet. It was still filled with boxes of their parents’ things they hadn’t had the heart to get rid of.

  Johnny stopped at the doorway. “Don’t tell me we’re going through all of this.”

  “I’m hoping what I’m looking for is in my mother’s jewelry case.” Sandra Calhoun’s cameo pin was Jess’s favorite and would be perfect for her wedding dress.

  “We might just need to move some boxes.”

  She walked toward the back until she found the small dresser. She located it behind several cartons. Johnny moved them for her and she began going through the dainty drawers, one by one. They were mostly filled with stationery. There was also a collection of cards and letters from friends and family.

  “Bingo,” she said as she pulled out a small wooden box. After searching through several pieces of jewelry, she found the cameo pin. It looked old with its antique gold edging and the simple silhouette in the center. “It’s perfect.”

  “Did you find it?” Johnny asked.

  “Yes.” She pocketed the pin, then closed the box. She went to slip the box back into the drawer when she saw an envelope. She picked up the aged linen paper and saw that it was addressed to her dad.

  “What is this doing in Mom’s things?”

  Johnny looked over her shoulder. “What else did you find?”

  “I’m not sure.” She stood and walked out into the bedroom for more light. With her father’s recent death, she wasn’t sure if this was important or not.

  She turned on the bedside lamp and sank down onto the bed. Johnny stood in the middle of the room as she examined the back side of the envelope. “It was posted in New York.”

  “I’m sure your dad had business dealings everywhere. Why not New York?”