Her Homecoming Cowboy

by Debra Clopton

  “I’ve never been more nervous. My adrenaline levels are sky-high.”

  “It’s normal to feel scared right before you walk down the aisle.” Luke grinned, his tone teasing.

  “I didn’t say I was scared. I’m rarin’ and ready to get this chute opened and start life with Annie and Leo.”

  In the two weeks since he’d asked her to marry him, Colt’s life had changed in many ways. Sheriff Brady had called him the day after Annie had agreed to marry him. He’d ask if Colt had ever thought about speaking splayed open about the wreck with the drunk driver. They’d talked and Colt had realized that he could make a positive change in someone’s life if he shared how the wreck had affected him. Especially the impact of his lack of sleep and the responsibility a person bore when he not only got behind the wheel while intoxicated, but also when he got behind the wheel in a state of sleep deprivation. It was a positive step and one he felt God was leading him to take. If he could help save one life...there could be some good brought from the bad. The thought gave him hope and a feeling of satisfaction that he could help make a difference. And it would be at least some small way of redeeming his own bad judgment.

  He was moving forward, and he was full of excitement and hope and the joy for what lay ahead for him, Annie and Leo. God’s goodness stunned him, and he would never forget that.

  Colt turned back to the mirror and his brothers stepped up to stand beside him. Luke laid an arm across Colt’s and Jess’s shoulders, meeting their eyes in the mirror. “I’m proud to call you brothers. Proud to see the men you’ve become.”

  Colt met Jess’s eyes, and they knew their older brother’s acceptance of responsibility too big for his young shoulders had led them in their faith, and into becoming the kind of men they wanted to be.

  “You know we have a long way to go to live up to the standards you’ve set,” Jess said, a teasing light twinkling in his eyes.

  “Yeah,” Colt added with a chuckle that felt good. “We know you’re just glad we’re about to fill this ranch with all kinds of kids, just like you wanted the day you talked us into throwin’ in with you on buying it.”

  “Hey, in that case, let’s get this wedding going and then let’s get busy.”

  Three sets of eyebrows cocked and matching grins followed.

  The door opened behind them and Leo peeked inside. Behind him Norma Sue could be heard.

  “Take your seats, everyone,” she ordered. “That means you, App. Turn on your hearing aid and sit down so we can get this show on the road.”

  “Norma Sue, I ain’t never seen a more bossy woman in all my days—”

  “App, I’m warning you.”

  Leo’s eyes were wide as he closed the door. “I think Norma Sue’s gonna hog-tie Mr. Applegate. He said she was just mad ’cause you and my Aunt Annie was gettin’ hitched and her and her posse didn’t have nothin’ to do with it.”

  When Colt, Luke and Jess all laughed, Leo looked perplexed. “Esther Mae said it didn’t matter if they did or didn’t as long as y’all were tyin’ the knot. She said they had made some plans, but God beat them to it when He struck you down with a lightn’ bolt to the heart.”

  Colt picked his son up and hugged him. “She’d be right about that. And I agree one hundred percent. As long as I get you and your sweet aunt, I don’t care who matched me up.”

  Leo grinned and threw his arms around Colt’s neck. “Me, too.”

  A rap on the door had Luke pulling it open. “Yoo-hoo,” Esther Mae called, sticking her head around inside. “Are y’all ready? Norma Sue’s about to bust a gut to get you and Annie married.” Her eyes twinkled.

  “Me, too. I’m bustin’ a gut, too,” Leo agreed. Wiggling out of Colt’s arms, he took his hand. “Come on, Daddy, let’s do this.”

  “Lead the way, son.”

  With Leo leading his daddy and his uncles, they filed out of the bedroom and into the large den to stand beside the preacher in front of the large window overlooking the ranch. Chance had been thrilled when he’d heard all the good news. It had spread faster than even Colt had suspected it would. This was a small wedding with a large reception to follow. Still, the room was filled with people who were the family Colt, Luke and Jess had never had.

  A smiling Adela began playing the music and the door opened. First Montana, then Gabi walked up the aisle to stand across from their husbands. Colt’s heart was beating fast as Annie entered the room. She wore a simple white dress and stole his breath when her eyes met his and she smiled. Colt knew in that single moment in time that he’d come full circle. He’d been made by God to be Annie Ridgeway’s husband. And Leo’s daddy.

  “Wow,” Leo gasped, tugging on Colt’s pant leg.

  “The most beautiful girl in the world,” Colt said, squeezing Leo’s shoulder. And she’s mine. He didn’t deserve any of it, but God had given it to him anyway.

  “Hey, cowboy,” Annie whispered as she stood before him. “Are you ready?”

  “Oh, yeah. I thought you’d never get here.”

  Leo cocked his head to the side, his eyes wide with dismay as he added in a loud whisper that filled the room. “And Norma Sue’s gut is about to bust wide open, so Mr. Applegate said we better get this show on the road or it ain’t gonna be pretty at all!”

  “Well.” Esther Mae chuckled. “For once App and I agree. Let’s get this show on the road, because the last thing any of us need is for Norma Sue to bust—”

  “Esther Mae,” Norma Sue snapped. “Would you please let the preacher marry these two!”

  App grunted, the room chuckled and Leo beamed broadly at his daddy and his sweet Annie Aunt. “Yeah, let’s do this. I think guts are cool but this is gonna be a whole lot more fun!”

  Colt and Annie’s eyes held. They were in total agreement—the fun was just getting started....

  * * * * *

  If you enjoyed Debra Clopton’s book, be sure to check out the other books this month from Love Inspired!

  * * * * *

  Keep reading for an excerpt of The Promise of Home by Kathryn Springer!

  Dear Reader,

  I am so happy you chose to spend time with me and the Mule Hollow gang! I hope, as I always hope, that your visit was a relaxing one, and that you’ll come back again very soon.

  In this, the last book of the Mule Hollow Homecoming series, Colt has lived through a tragedy that grieves his soul. There seems to be no hope for him through his own eyes because he can’t forgive himself. Grace is the most beautiful gift in the world, and I loved writing Colt’s journey back to healing and love. I hope you enjoyed meeting Annie and Leo.

  I loved telling the Holden brothers’ stories and hope if you haven’t read Luke’s and Jess’s stories that you’ll pick up copies of Her Rodeo Cowboy and Her Lone Star Cowboy to find out the rest of the story.

  I’m busy, busy creating new stories—please drop by my new website from time to time at debraclopton.com, where I’ll keep you updated on what’s coming next! I love hearing from readers, either via my website or at P.O. Box 1125, Madisonville, TX 77864.

  Until next time live, laugh and seek God with all your heart.

  Debra Clopton

  Questions for Discussion

  Annie Ridgeway is on a mission to reveal to her nephew’s father that he is a father. Why did Colt Holden not know he’d fathered a child?

  When Annie meets Colt, she decides telling him right away might not be the best thing. Why does she decide to wait? What would you have done in her place?

  Annie and her sister are very different women. Annie steered away from relationships, while Jennifer sought out casual connections with no strings attached. What part do you believe their backgrounds played in their behavior as adults?

  When Colt’s broth
ers try to help him move on from his grief, Colt gets angry and storms off. Why do you think he was angry at his brothers? Were they acting only out of love and concern?

  Struggling to recover after the car accident, Colt feels guilty for the family’s deaths because he feels he was too tired to be behind the wheel. Would you feel the same if you were in Colt’s place? Why or why not?

  The place that Annie rents for herself and Leo happens to be connected to Colt’s back pasture. Is this a coincidence, or do you see God’s hand in it? Explain.

  Leo, Colt and Annie start spending a lot of time together, and Annie starts to have feelings for Colt. Was this a surprise to you, or did you see this coming? Please explain.

  Both Colt and Annie had less than perfect childhoods. Could this be a reason they understand each other so well? Why or why not?

  Colt is proud as can be when Leo takes an interest in riding bulls and other rodeo activities, even as Annie is extremely worried about it. Have you ever had to deal with a child or family member wanting to do something dangerous? How did you react?

  Colt decides to create a ministry to use his experience in the car accident to help others and save lives. Have you or anyone you’ve known ever taken a bad experience and turned it into something positive? Share with the group how this was done.

  We hope you enjoyed this Harlequin Love Inspired story.

  You believe hearts can heal. Love Inspired stories show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives—always.

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  Chapter One

  “Please follow the highlighted route—”

  Jenna Gardner tapped the tiny screen on the GPS and silenced the voice of her invisible navigator once and for all. Not only because the high-tech gadget seemed to be as confused as she was by the tangled skein of roads winding around Mirror Lake, but because Jenna was tempted to take its advice.

  She wanted to follow the highlighted route right back to her condo in the Twin Cities.

  “You passed it, Aunt Jenna!”

  A panicked cry reminded her that going home wasn’t an option. Not for awhile, anyway.

  Jenna glanced in the rearview mirror. Once again, she experienced a jolt at the sight of the two children in the backseat.

  Silver blond hair. Delicate features. Wide blue eyes.

  Jenna had met Logan and Tori for the first time only three days ago. The children were practically strangers.

  Strangers who were the mirror image of her younger sister, Shelly, as a child.

  For a split second, Tori met Jenna’s gaze. Then she buried her face in the tattered scrap of pink flannel that doubled as a blanket.

  Jenna pressed her lips together to prevent a sigh from escaping.

  One step forward, two steps back, she reminded herself. The five-year-old girl was adjusting to the idea of having an aunt the same way Jenna was getting used to the idea of having a niece and nephew.

  “You have to turn around,” Logan insisted.

  “Are you sure?” Jenna tipped her Ray-Bans down and tried to peer through the hedge of wild sumac that bordered the road. “I don’t see anything.”

  “Uh-huh. It’s back there.” Logan, the self-appointed spokesman for the two siblings, nodded vigorously.

  Under the circumstances, Jenna was willing to give the boy the benefit of the doubt. She put the car in reverse and began to inch backwards.

  In Minneapolis, a dozen horns would have instantly chastised her for the move. But here in the north woods of Wisconsin, the only complaint Jenna heard came from a squirrel perched on a branch near the side of the road. More than likely voicing its opinion on her presence rather than her driving skills.

  She spotted a wide dirt path that could have been—if a person possessed a vivid imagination—a driveway.

  Pulling in a deep breath, Jenna gave the steering wheel a comforting pat as she turned off the road. Her back teeth rattled in time with the suspension as the vehicle bumped its way through the potholes.

  Logan leaned forward and pointed to something up ahead. “There it is.”

  Well, that explained why Jenna had driven right past it.

  She’d been looking for a house.

  The weathered structure crouched in the shadow of a stately white pine looked more like a shed. Jenna’s gaze shifted from the rusty skeleton of an old lawn mower to the faded sheets tacked up in the windows.

  Oh, Shelly.

  Why hadn’t her younger sister admitted that she needed help? Why hadn’t she accepted Jenna’s offer to move in with her after Logan was born?

  Throughout her pregnancy, Shelly had claimed that she and her musician boyfriend, Vance, planned to marry before the baby arrived. But when Jenna had visited her eighteen-year-old sister in the maternity wing of a Madison hospital, there hadn’t been a ring on Shelly’s finger. Not only that, she’d been alone. Faced with a choice, Vance had decided that a gig at a club in Dubuque was more important than being present for the birth of his child.

  Shelly had made excuses for him—the same way their mother had made excuses for their father every time he’d walked out the door.

  While Jenna was pleading with Shelly to return to Minneapolis with her, Vance had sauntered into the room. The guy might have been a mediocre guitar player, but his acting skills were nothing short of amazing. He’d apologized to Shelly for not being there and promised that she and the baby could travel with the band as their “good luck charms.”

  When Jenna had asked her sister if she was willing to sentence her child to the nomadic lifestyle they’d experienced while growing up, Vance had turned on her. Accused her of being a troublemaker. He’d convinced Shelly that Jenna was jealous of their relationship and didn’t want them to be happy.

  The stars in Shelly’s eyes had blinded her to the truth. She had embraced Vance—and turned her back on her only sister.

  Jenna hadn’t seen or heard from her again. Had no idea where Shelly was or even how she and Logan were doing.

  Until last week.

  She’d been sitting at her desk, sipping an iced vanilla latte and working on her next column for Twin City Trends, when she received a telephone call from a social worker named Grace Eversea.

  It didn’t matter how gently the young woman had tried to break the news, each piece of information had punctured a hole in Jenna’s heart.

  A house fire. Shelly in a rehab center for prescription drug abuse. Seven-year-old Logan and Tori, the niece Jenna hadn’t even known existed, in temporary foster care.

  As the children’s closest relative, Jenna had been asked if she would be willing to help. She could think of a dozen reasons why she shouldn’t get involved and only two—very small—reasons why she should.

  Forty-eight hours later, after being granted a temporary leave of absence from the magazine, Jenna had packed her bags and dri
ven to Mirror Lake, a small town where people knew each other’s name and each other’s business.

  The kind of place she had deliberately avoided for the past ten years.

  Her plan had been to take her niece and nephew back to Minnesota. But when Jenna met with Grace Eversea, the social worker had explained it would be in Logan and Tori’s best interest to remain in familiar surroundings for the time being.

  Jenna could see the wisdom in Grace’s suggestion—especially after learning that Tori and Logan had run away when they’d heard that she was on her way to Mirror Lake to meet them.

  Jenna and the children had already spent several days at the Mirror Lake Lodge at the invitation of Abby and Quinn O’Halloran, the couple who owned the charming bed-and-breakfast, but she didn’t want to impose on the newlyweds’ hospitality any longer than necessary.

  Until Shelly returned, Jenna decided that her only option was to move into the cabin where the family had been living before the fire. She’d been assured there had been only minimal damage to the interior and the local fire chief had pronounced the structure safe and sound.

  But now, looking at the place her niece and nephew had called home, Jenna wasn’t sure she agreed with either description.

  “Are we getting out, Aunt Jenna?” Logan ventured.

  Jenna realized she hadn’t moved.

  “Of course we are.” Forcing a smile, she slid out of the driver’s seat and went around to open Tori’s door. “You’re first, Button.”

  A corner of the blanket dropped, unveiling a pair of periwinkle eyes that stared back at her with guarded apprehension.

  Jenna recognized the look of someone who no longer trusted easily, and her heart wrenched. Within the space of a few weeks the little girl had been separated from her mother and then from Kate Nichols, the foster care mother she’d become attached to, before being placed in Jenna’s care.

  “It’s okay, Tori.” Logan patted his sister’s hand and the sweetness of the gesture pierced Jenna’s soul.