Second Sunrise Cowboy (Second Chance Book 8)

by Carver, Rhonda Lee

  When Dakota stepped up in front of him, she offered a slight smile and her eyes shone with something he hadn’t seen before. The nerves rested in his stomach. He was doing the right thing.

  ****

  Hope had taken care of the reception and it was exactly how Dakota would have planned it herself. Strings of lights hung around the perimeter of the backyard and the musicians were playing on the makeshift stage. A buffet table was set up with a huge selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, and desserts. Large metal buckets were set up at each table filled with ice and a variety of bottled soft drinks. The harder stuff was at another table and Cash and Bailey were already tapping into the beer keg.

  Dakota scanned the small crowd of strangers, glad to come across Hope’s smiling face sitting in the swing, holding a sleeping Marah. Several people greeted Dakota and everyone was friendly, but there was a part of her that remained a little uneasy.

  She looked across the yard at Cash. He started to make his way toward her, but was caught by a couple.

  “I thought you could use this,” a husky voice said from behind her.

  She looked around, meeting gazes with a tall, handsome cowboy holding a plastic cup. “What’s in it?”

  “It’s a cocktail. If you don’t want it—”

  “Oh I’ll take it.” She accepted the drink and took a long gulp of the sweet mix.

  The cowboy smiled. “By the way, I’m Brody.”

  “The new hand here?” she asked.

  He nodded. “New and a little out of my comfort zone, but I’ll come around.”

  “Thank you for the drink. You must have recognized the look of anxiety in my expression.”

  “These are good people, but I’m used to being with a bunch of rowdy, crazy fellows riding bulls.” He took a long drink of his beer. “I’m a fish out of water here.”

  “I do believe we all must settle down eventually.”

  “Ain’t that the truth.”

  “Sorry, Dakota. I got corralled by several people.”

  The sound of Cash’s voice immediately eased her tension. “That’s okay. Brody saved the day.” She shook the ice in the empty glass.

  “I’m glad you two got to meet. But if you don’t mind, my friend, I’m going to dance with my wife.” Cash pounded Brody on the back.

  “A bride and groom must always have the first dance of the evening. Enjoy, you two.” He saluted them both with his bottle.

  Dakota laid her hand in Cash’s as he led her to a grassy spot in front of the band. People gathered in a circle, watching them come together for their first dance as man and wife—first dance together. Her body trembled as Cash held her close and a slow tune started.

  “Is that a look of disappointment?” he whispered.

  So he’d noticed. “Not disappointment. Just a lot of people I don’t know.”

  “Then let me stay close.” His hand on the small of her back heated her skin through the material of her dress.

  She leaned closer, placing one hand on his shoulder and the other on his back, feeling his muscles coiling under her palm. “I’d like that.” All tension left her body. She was glad to be here with him.

  And later, as she made her way toward the house for a bathroom break, she was still high on the fact that she’d married Cash when a familiar face met her in the hallway.

  “We haven’t met. I’m—”

  “Lanie Madru,” Dakota said, surprised.

  Lanie wore a red, sequined dress that scooped low, showing off deep cleavage. “I was a bit shocked when I heard about the wedding. One day you showed up in town and the next you’re wearing Cash’s ring.” Her gaze dipped to Dakota’s hand.

  She swallowed against the sudden constriction in her throat. “I think a lot of people were surprised, but why wait when it’s right?” Forcing a smile to her lips, Dakota took a drink from her glass. The alcohol did wonders in easing the discomfort in her stomach at seeing Lanie.

  “I’m just glad that you and I could share the honesty. I wouldn’t want any bad blood between us.” She fluffed her long locks.

  “Why would there be?” Dakota asked.

  One corner of Lanie’s mouth lifted as she leaned forward. “I don’t know if you realize this, but Cash and I were in a relationship up until recently. I didn’t understand just how ready he was for matrimony. Otherwise, I would have been the one wearing the diamond.” She laughed.

  Annoyance slithered down Dakota’s backbone. Lanie stepped across a line, just as she’d planned. She could see straight through the woman and into her intentions. Dakota wasn’t interested in sinking low and playing games, not on her wedding day. “I knew about the relationship, Lanie. I think you were just too much woman for Cash.”

  Lanie blinked. “Really?”

  “Yes.” Dakota enjoyed the other woman’s confused look.

  As if she had something covert to say, Lanie glanced around for onlookers, then said, “Is it true that you and Cash married because of an inheritance your aunt left you?”

  Dakota stiffened. This touched a chord in her and it took all she had not to lash out. That’s what Lanie hoped for and she wouldn’t get it. “How do silly rumors get started anyway?” Lanie shrugged in bogus innocence. “I’m certain that I can count on you not to spread such silliness, right Lanie? After all, I didn’t spread the rumor I’d heard about you.”

  Lanie’s red-painted mouth opened in a perfect O. “You’ve heard something about me?” Some of her fake tan was lost.

  “Don’t worry, honey.” Dakota patted her shoulder. “I don’t believe everything I hear, especially when it comes to tales of plastic surgery. A woman that looks as good as you wouldn’t need a lift and a tuck.”

  Lanie looked like she could be sick, but she gathered herself, smoothing her hands down her dress. “I’d never go under the knife. People just talk, talk, talk.” She tossed her hair over one shoulder.

  “Indeed they do.” Dakota winked.

  “It’s great that you and Cash have married for love. He deserves someone who cares for him, not someone looking for financial relief.” Lanie’s brow scrunched. “Good luck, honey.”

  When Lanie sashayed away, Dakota wanted to feel justified and pleased for putting the woman in her place, but she didn’t. Dakota hadn’t heard any rumors, but anyone could see that Lanie’s perfectly round and firm double Ds weren’t a gift at maturity and the thin scar lines around her ears hadn’t even healed yet.

  Dakota had a sense of doom building within her. Just as she thought, everyone knew of her and Cash’s marriage of convenience. This wasn’t the dream wedding she’d fantasized about, not that she’d expected it to be, but a woman can hope. She’d even gone as far as wishing Cash would have told her their crazy pact to not sleep together just wouldn’t work. That didn’t happen.

  And why was Lanie Madru at their wedding? Did he invite her?

  Sighing, Dakota went into the bathroom and checked herself in the mirror.

  “Delores, I hope you’re watching because this is going to get real good.”

  ****

  Cash searched for Dakota and couldn’t find her. Guests were leaving the reception and he was sure she’d want to say goodbye—but mainly he simply wanted to see her.

  Yeah, he was hot for his wife.

  He smiled and headed toward the house when he spotted her pushing Becca on the tree swing. His chest tightened and he reminded himself to breathe.

  His wife was beautiful. His chest pumped up with pride. He’d gotten lucky, even if it wasn’t a traditional love affair. There were still feelings involved. But how much and to what depth, he wasn’t sure. He was only getting used to the fact that his heart was opening up again.

  Where did Dakota stand? He wanted to believe she cared, at least a little.

  Becca saw him and waved. He stepped across the grass and when he approached, she jumped from the swing and came running. “Look, daddy! Look!”

  “What is it, sweetheart?” He lifted her up into his arms.
>
  She pointed at her neck. He saw the oval sterling silver locket necklace. The words ‘I love you’ were written on the front. “I’ll show you.” She held it up, her eyes twinkling as she opened the face. “See, daddy?”

  A small picture of Rebecca rested inside. “Where did you get it?”

  “Dakota gave me it for a wedding gift.”

  He couldn’t remember seeing his daughter happier. He lifted his gaze and met Dakota’s. “That’s a nice gift.”

  “I’m going to show Hope.”

  He put her down and watched her run toward the backyard. Then he turned back to Dakota, rubbing his jaw. “What you did was very kind.”

  “I just want her to know that although I’m her step-mother, I’ll never want to take Rebecca’s place.” She stayed close to the swing.

  “You doing okay?” He got a distinct feeling the distance had grown between them since they’d danced.

  “Of course,” she answered.

  “I’m getting the feeling that’s not quite the truth.”

  “I ran into Lanie earlier.”

  His gut twisted. “I didn’t expect to see her here.”

  “You didn’t invite her.”

  He blinked. “I ran into her last week and she asked about the wedding, but I didn’t extend an invitation.” Dakota nodded, but didn’t say a word. “ “She must have thought she didn’t need one. I’m sorry.”

  She lifted her shoulders then let them drop. “It’s fine. I was just caught off guard.”

  “Hope and Tucker have offered to keep Becca for the night.”

  “There’s really no reason. Hope has her hands full with Marah and Dalton.”

  Disappointment slithered down his spine. This wasn’t headed where he’d hoped it would. “Dakota, are you mad because Lanie is here?”

  She tilted her chin. “Why should I be? It’s really none of my business.”

  The heat of her words could have fried an egg. “It is your business considering we’re married now.”

  Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “True, we’re married.”

  The stabbing feeling that things were heading south multiplied. “If you’re thinking Lanie means anything to me—”

  “No, Cash. That’s not what I’m thinking. I’m fine, maybe a little tired. We should get back to our guests or they’ll think we’ve disappeared.”

  “I guess you’re right.” Warning signs popped up into his head. He should talk to her, find out what Lanie said that bothered her because he knew something wasn’t right.

  Instead, he needed to go straight to the source. Dakota went back to the dwindling crowd and Cash scanned it from the buffet table. He found Lanie standing by Brody, her hand laid on his arm possessively. Poor Brody.

  They saw Cash approach and Brody dipped his hat in greeting. “There’s the groom. We were just chatting about you.”

  “Is that right. I’d love to ask what the conversation was about if I didn’t have something more important to speak to Lanie about.” Disgust spiraled through Cash seeing Lanie’s proud smile. The woman was full of herself.

  “Sure thing, boss.” Brody left them alone.

  “I’m flattered you wanted to speak to me Cash Bailey. I didn’t think you’d even noticed that I wore your favorite color.” Lanie cocked one hip.

  “You were right. I didn’t notice,” he said through thin lips.

  Her eyes widened slightly then narrowed. “What do you want to speak to me about?” Some of the smugness left her face.

  “Why did you come?”

  She chuckled. “You asked me to, remember?”

  “I didn’t ask you. I only mentioned the ceremony.” He gritted his teeth.

  “You’re certainly not being very kind right now, that’s for sure.” Her bottom lip puckered.

  “What did you say to Dakota?”

  The haughtiness returned. “Oh my, are you telling me she came running to you after our little chat?”

  “No, she didn’t, because I have a feeling if she did I would have kicked you off this ranch long ago.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest, almost sending her breasts spilling out of the top. “I only told the truth, Cash. You two married so she would inherit Delores’s money. I know you and you were looking for a mother for Becca, that’s all. There’s no reason why we can’t still see each other. I’m very good at keeping secrets.” She walked her nails up his sleeve.

  He chuckled. “Is that so?” He shook his head. “I married Dakota because she belongs here, unlike you.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “What?”

  “It’s nice of you to stop out, have a couple of drinks, but I think it’s best if you call it a day. The alcohol has gone to your head.”

  “You’ll regret this. I swear you will.” Her eyes misted, but Cash didn’t feel an ounce of guilt.

  Chapter Ten

  “Let me get this straight. You and Cash haven’t slept together yet?” Hope narrowed her eyes, looking at Dakota over the cup. “You’re kidding me, right? It’s been a week since you two got hitched.”

  Dakota rolled her finger around the rim of her mug, looking down into the steam. “We agreed we wouldn’t.”

  Hope’s moan brought Dakota’s head up. “You decided this or did he?”

  “We both did.”

  “Oh, sweetie. Is this really what you want, or are you serving up a plate of pride because you think he only married you for Becca’s sake?”

  Dakota sighed. “I can’t deny the connection between Cash and me. I feel like we’ve been walking the tight rope since I came to town, but I have to face the facts, he married me because it works for him—it works for both of us. He gets a mother for Becca and I, well, I get a daughter and a lot of money. I can start planting roots, open a business like I’ve always wanted to, and make Delores proud, something I didn’t do much of when she was alive.”

  Hope patted her hand. “Hun, I’m sorry. I can see the need for not forcing things, but I’ve been there before, allowing pride to stand between me and the man I love.”

  Dakota shifted her gaze. “This is different.”

  “So you don’t think there are feelings involved here? I’ve known Cash for a long time. If he was looking just to find a mother for Becca, he would have found one a long time ago, back when he was balancing fatherhood, work and emotions and had no clue which path to travel. It’s possible the problem here is in regard to the emotions involved.” Hope pushed her cup aside. “We all fear loving someone and not being loved back.”

  “Cash and I barely know each other.”

  “I fell in love with Tucker the day I met him. I think when you meet the person you’re supposed to be with, you see beyond the physical appearance, beyond all of the obstacles and walls, and straight into the soul. Let me ask, Dakota, have x-ray vision lately?”

  Dakota laughed, but it fizzled. “Look around you, Hope. Cash can’t love anyone else, not when he’s stuck in a time warp. I’m living in another woman’s house and I don’t want to make love to another woman’s man.”

  “I’m going to share something with you.” Hope scooted back in her chair. “Rebecca and I spoke before she passed away. She knew Cash would have a hard time moving on and letting go. Tucker’s the same way, so I understood completely. The Bailey men have a strong sense of loyalty. Once they open their heart, nothing, not even death, can close it. They have big, caring hearts and you’ll never reside in the same place that Rebecca did in Cash, but you’ll find your own place and it’ll be everything you want, and more.”

  “I felt he wanted this, between us, but when he spends all day and evening working, I get the feeling he’s avoiding me.” Dakota took a sip from her cup, forcing the liquid down her throat.

  “A rancher’s job isn’t nine to five. Have you spoken to him about your feelings?”

  “I should, I know. He’s my husband, after all. Wow…that’s a mouth full.”

  “And husband and wife must communicate. You have to be the chan
ge you want to see in him. Start finding that place that I mentioned.” Hope winked.

  “Delores brought me here and I feel for the first time I have a chance at having the things I’ve wanted. She knew I belonged here.”

  Hope smiled. “She knew I belonged here too. And now she’s right where she wanted to be, with her family again.”

  “I believe that, I really do. She left me a letter and told me how much she wished I was here with her.” Dakota looked out the window through misty vision.

  “Don’t go beating yourself up again, honey. As much as she wanted you here, she understood you had a life back in Oklahoma.”

  “But you see, the problem is, I didn’t have a life. I was searching, but I’m still not quite sure what I was searching for. Then I came here and I feel like I belong.”

  Hope patted her hand. “You do belong here. The way Becca looks at you, be still the heart. That child is head over heels enthralled with you. I have to admit, I’m a little jealous. She usually asks me to make her cookies and now she says you make the best.”

  Dakota sighed. “You shouldn’t be jealous—”

  “I’m only teasing. I’m happy for her, and you. I’m especially happy for Cash. At the wedding I caught him looking at you. I can’t explain what I saw in his expression, but let’s just say, Becca isn’t the only one attached.”

  If only Dakota could believe that. She wanted to, more than anything. But the fear of losing everything lingered in the forefront of her mind.

  ****

  Cash came through the front door and the first thing he smelled was dinner. His mouth salivated and his empty belly grumbled. Dakota had called him several hours ago wondering if he’d make supper, but he’d been in the middle of a crisis. He was a few hours late and he doubted anything was saved back for him, not that he blamed her. He was lucky she even gave him the time of day after all of the hours he’d spent on the land lately.

  Hanging his hat on the hook, he started for the stairs when he heard noise from the kitchen. Stepping down the hall, he found Dakota on her hands and knees, her shorts high on her bottom and his cock stiffened until he thought his zipper would burst. For a week she’d been under the same roof, wearing his ring, and he’d reminded himself every hour that he’d made a promise to keep his hands off his wife. Damn, if she only knew how crazy it was making him. All week he’d been out at the crack of dawn and staying out long after sunset. Maybe it was a Godsend that anything that could go wrong on the ranch, did.