The Discreet Cowboy (Cowboys of Nirvana Book 6)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  RHONDA LEE CARVER

  The Discreet Cowboy

  2016 Rhonda Lee Carver

  Copyright 2016 Rhonda Lee Carver

  All rights reserved

  The Discreet Cowboy (Book 6, Cowboys of Nirvana)

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission from the author, Rhonda Lee Carver—except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages written in a review. For information, please contact Rhonda Lee Carver @ rhondaleecarver.author@gmail.com.

  This work is fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue in this work are from the author’s imagination and creation. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, dead or alive, is completely coincidental.

  This book is for your personal pleasure. Ebooks are not transferrable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work. If you have enjoyed this book and wish to share with another reader(s) please purchase another copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, purchase a copy. Thank you for appreciating the hard work the author invested into this book.

  Table of Contents

  Front Matter

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Back Matter

  Bonus – The Lawman’s Promise (Prologue)

  The Lawman’s Promise (Chapter One)

  CHAPTER ONE

  THE WYOMING SKY was a vast sea of bright blue with puffy white clouds on the morning Felicia Sever drove her sporty rental car from the airport to the church where her newborn niece was being christened. The top was down, the music turned up, and she was feeling good. Glad to be away from the city. Her long hair fluttered around her shoulders, whipping across her cheeks and she brushed the wayward tendrils aside as she zipped around a slow moving truck. The driver held down on his horn and stuck his hand out the window, giving her the middle-finger-salute. She laughed and waved as she left him in the dust. She normally didn’t drive like a racecar driver, especially on the backroads of bum-fuck-nowhere, but she was running late. She was pretty certain her brother, Chase, and his wife, Kaycee, wouldn’t hold up the baptism for her. The last time she’d talked to them, they told her one o’clock sharp, three times. She wasn’t hard of hearing, just fashionably late more often than not. However, if she missed this event, she’d never forgive herself. After all, she was the godmother to Isabella Maria Sever and it just wouldn’t do that the first meeting with her niece would be Felicia storming in like a bat out of hell. Although, little Isabella would have to get used to her auntie not being the conventional type. She had every intention of showing the wee one the ropes of being an independent, spirited woman, just like all of the other Sever women before her.

  A small plastic bag laying on the passenger seat fluttered in the wind. Felicia smiled. She’d stopped at a baby clothier back in the city and bought her niece the first of many gifts. Felicia certainly hoped the tiny black leather jacket and matching pants would fit. By the time her niece’s tenth birthday rolled around, she’d also have the drum set Felicia had always wanted as a kid. She chuckled. Chase wouldn’t be happy. As far as she was concerned, he deserved it for all of the hell he’d put her through growing up. He seemed to think she couldn’t manage on her own, even though she was twenty-eight, had been living on her own for years now, and had completed graduate school with honors. She hoped that since he was married, he learned to relax, but that was a question left to be answered.

  The country song on the radio faded into static and she skimmed through stations until coming to a popular tune about cheating boyfriends and empty beer bottles. She’d been there a few times, but never investing her emotions meant never having her heart broken. Singing along at the top of her lungs and thrumming her fingers against the steering wheel, she spotted a sign. “Oh crap!”

  Missing her turn, she slammed on the brakes and the tires came to a skidding halt. The strong smell of burning rubber reached her nostrils. Pulling the gear into reverse, she backed up and made the turn onto the narrow, gravel lane, flooring the gas pedal. Rocks kicked up, and she immediately slowed to a safe speed of twenty-five.

  Up ahead, a group of kids were playing in a front yard, spraying each other with water guns. She passed and they turned their plastic weapons on her, giggling. She laughed too. Further along, a man was sitting on a porch, rocking, and he threw up his hand. She reciprocated his kindness, loving how relaxed everyone seemed. Even two dogs mating by the road didn’t seem bothered by her presence.

  Grabbing a small tube from the front pocket of her purse, and still keeping her eyes glued to the road ahead, she expertly applied a layer of the pale pink lipstick. Just as her mother said, “A woman is put together when she has on lipstick and sexy underwear”, and now Felicia was sporting both. Her momma had taught her well.

  Fifteen minutes later, she swung into the parking lot of the Baptist church, finger combed her windblown hair, and hurried out of the driver’s seat. The heels of her strappy three inch shoes clomped against the asphalt as she quickly made her way, partly sprinting, toward the heavy double wooden doors with half-moon shaped stained glass windows. One of her heels slid on a pebble and she went sliding through the door, holding onto the doorknob to balance herself from falling. “Damn!”

  All heads came around, targeting her with curious gazes. The pastor looked up, pushing his glasses further up his nose and nailing her with a disapproving expression. His piercing, beady eyes sent the power of God straight through her without saying one word. She cleared her throat and made her way up the red-carpeted aisle, waving at Chase, who didn’t seem any more pleased than the pastor. Kaycee was hiding her smile behind one hand while she held a bundle of pink in her arms. At least someone has a sense of humor.

  “Sorry I’m late,” Felicia muttered before sliding into the front pew and taking a seat, placing her clasped hands in her lap like an obedient child. Growing up in church she knew what was expected of her.

  “Here, Felicia.” Chase pointed to the space beside him. “You’re the godparent, remember?”

  “Oopsy. I’ve never been to one of these things before.” She scurried out of her seat and hurried to stand beside Chase.

  “Nice of you to finally join us, slowpoke,” he whispered.

  “Hey, it’s not my fault. I can’t help that they allow farm equipment on the roads around these parts.”

  “Are we ready to continue?” the pastor asked.

  “Yes, I believe we are.” Chase nodded.

  “We have gathered today to bestow this child in God’s grace. It is the duty of those standing here, surrounding this precious newborn to see that she remains safe—”

  Felicia listened to the pastor and twenty minutes later, she was standing outside of the church watching the photographer take pictures of Chase and his lovely family. He seemed so happy, beaming from ear to ear as he looked at his wife and first born. Felicia’s heart pounded against her ribs as she felt a twinge of envy. This surprised her. Up until now, she’d had one focus and that was to finish graduate school with her master’s in education. She’d dated, off and on, but always managed to put school first—and that was easy considering the dating pool was full of tadpoles. Now that she
had her degree, she didn’t believe she was any closer to being ready for a family of her own than she was at twenty, but it was okay for her to wish for a love like Chase and Kaycee shared. Their story was one that romance novels were made of and, although Felicia could hope for her own soulmate, she wasn’t sure there was a man out there who could handle her fiery spirit. As a child she’d been scolded time and again that girls shouldn’t climb trees, wear baseball caps and knee socks, and talk back to adults. Her mother had told her enough, “You’re going to scare all of the men away”. Sure, she had matured and no longer challenged the boys to see who could spit a watermelon seed further, but it seemed that her mother’s words were true. Some men were scared of independent women who had no problem voicing what she wanted.

  Laughter brought her attention back to her brother and his wife. He had dipped her back and was kissing her fully on the lips. “Hey, you two lovebirds. Get a room,” she yelled. Chase waved a hand through the air as if he could shoo her away. Yup, what her brother and his wife had was special. It was enough to make the most non-committal person want to slide a wedding band on their finger and fill their house with the pitter-pattering of small feet. However, each time marriage came to mind, Felicia remembered the anthropology class she’d taken her junior year. The professor had said, “Marriage is the last legal form of slavery. Easy to get in, harder to get out and fifty-percent end in divorce.” She wasn’t certain she’d take anything to heart from a man who wore mismatching socks and plaid shorts every day, even in winter, but he could be on to something. Yet, looking at Chase and Kaycee, the professor’s theory could be shot to hell.

  “Felicia!” Kaycee waved her over.

  Giving her mind a mental shake, Felicia stepped over to the small group.

  “I want you to meet Jax. She and Maverick just married. She’s also Nirvana’s photographer, that is, when she’s not traveling to exotic locations getting a perfect picture.” Kaycee smiled and patted the shoulder of the lovely blonde.

  “Well, my days of traveling have come to a close, I’m afraid. Maverick and I have found out we’re expecting.” Jax patted her stomach. She already had the maternity glow.

  There’s definitely something in the water here. She’d heard people joke that Cupid himself peed in the water supply at Nirvana and everyone was falling in love and reproducing. Felicia would be sure to avoid the tap water. “Are you Jax Morgan?”

  “That’s her,” Kaycee piped in.

  “I’m a fan of your work. In fact, I have kept every magazine that spotlights your photos. You have an amazing talent. And you won’t be doing it any longer?” Realizing the rudeness of her comment, she sighed. “I’m sorry. I just know your fans will miss your beautiful art.”

  Her cheeks turned a darker pink. “Thank you, and no worries. I can say it never gets old hearing a compliment and I’m always grateful. Believe it or not, I don’t miss the thought of traveling like I thought I would. Once upon a time, I swore I’d never give up my dreams, but it turns out I haven’t given up anything. My dreams just changed and I’ve never been happier. Right, sweetheart?”

  A tall, handsome cowboy stepped up next to Jax and he kissed her on the cheek. “Sorry, angel. I missed the question.”

  Oh brother! Another couple who radiates love and passion. Felicia felt her ovaries tremble in fear.

  “I was just telling Felicia that I’m totally content at Nirvana,” Jax said, seemingly very happy snuggling close to her husband’s side.

  “Hi, Felicia. It’s nice to see you again. Looks like we’re co-godparents. Considering I have no clue what that entails out of me, maybe you can fill me in.” He laughed.

  “I’m afraid I’m as lost as you are,” she admitted.

  “Oh, you two!” Kaycee shook her head in humor. “Just be present and, if anything should ever happen to Chase and me, you two will look out for Isabella.”

  Felicia looked down at the baby bundle Kaycee held snuggled in the soft blanket. Isabella was asleep and had her chubby fist laying against her cheek. “My plans are already to teach her the ropes of being a Sever,” Felicia joked.

  “As long as you teach her how to be on time,” Chase said as he joined the group. He kissed Felicia on the cheek. “That’s something you rarely manage.”

  “I’ve been here less than an hour and my big brother is already picking on me.” She teasingly pinched him on the arm.

  “All right, can I get a few pictures of you together—Kaycee, Chase, Isabella and Felicia. And maybe a few with Maverick also,” Jax demanded, definitely back in her professional mode.

  For the next ten minutes, Jax guided them to where she wanted them, the camera snapped over a dozen times, and when they were released from the lens, Kaycee placed baby Isabella in Felicia’s arms. She had never held a baby before and at first the bundle of a sweet newborn felt awkward in her arms. Felicia inhaled, getting the scent of baby, a cross between baby powder and honeysuckle, and her heart melted. It didn’t take long before she was comfortable, hell, ecstatic, and her ovaries were definitely screaming. She certainly hadn’t expected to hold her niece and five seconds later fall in love.

  “You might as well get used to holding her, Felicia. Never know when you’ll find Mr. Right and you’ll start your own family.” Kaycee winked.

  “Now let’s not get wild and crazy. I haven’t even thought about Mr. Right, let alone a bundle of joy as beautiful as Isabella. I don’t believe the rumors about the love jinx at Nirvana. It’s not possible.”

  “You believe what you’d like.” Kaycee stared down at her baby. “A journalist was out just the other day, doing a story on Nirvana. She called the ranch ‘Love Paradise’.”

  Felicia laughed. “So, then I should ask. Does this scare people away, or is business booming?”

  “Five more treehouses are in the works,” Chase said proudly.

  “Either way, you’re capitalizing on the rumors. Very clever.”

  “I don’t consider it capitalizing. And while you’re at Nirvana, we don’t want any trouble.”

  Felicia sighed. Here comes the lecture.

  “Can I speak to you a second, Chase?” Maverick asked.

  Saved by the cowboy.

  The infant continued to sleep peacefully as Felicia held her like she was holding precious glass. She took in her niece’s thick, black hair. Her tiny, rosy cheeks and itty-bitty lips that reminded her of a budding flower. Her little fists that were now laying against her pristine white dress. She was simply the most beautiful thing Felicia had ever seen. Tears came to her eyes and she wiped them away. “Kaycee, she’s adorable.”

  “Yeah, Chase and I did pretty good, didn’t we?”

  “Amazingly so. I hope you’ll forgive me for being late.”

  “No problem. I think it’s sweet of you to fly in and spend time with us.”

  “Leave it to my sister to make the grand entrance,” Chase said as he waved to Maverick and Jax who were leaving. “I’d say you’re the only one in the history of the church that has cursed in God’s house.”

  Felicia brought her head up, watching her brother. They had similar looks, but as he aged, he looked so much like their father. “If I remember correctly, bro, you once brought a frog to early morning services and that slippery sucker got away from you. I still remember how that frog hopped across the pews, landing in Miss Dunaway’s feather hat before bouncing up onto the alter. I thought the pastor was going to shout the roof off.”

  Chase shrugged. “I didn’t know the damn thing would jump out of my pocket. It wasn’t my intention to cause Miss Dunaway to pass out.”

  “Too bad mom and dad didn’t believe you. Dad gave you a whoopin’ and mom made you sit in your bedroom all evening.” Felicia laughed.

  “I learned my lesson. I’m glad you’re here, really. Glad you’re visiting Nirvana Ranch too.”

  “Oh?” She lifted a brow. “Are you really? During our phone conversation I sensed some trepidation about me coming.”

  “Actua
lly, I was a bit worried,” he said without hesitation. Kaycee cleared her throat. Chase sighed. “I’m only kidding. Of course we’re glad you came to see the newest addition to the family.”

  “Why do I still hear doubt in your words?” she asked.

  He scrubbed his jawline. “My cowboys are off limits. Got it?” His stern expression didn’t bother her. He liked to use it when he was being serious.

  “Come on, dear brother. A paradise with gorgeous cowboys catering to the guests’ needs…and you’re asking me to behave myself? Now where’s the fun in that?”

  He pushed his hand through his hair. “I’m a busy man. I don’t have the time to babysit you,” he practically growled the words.

  She sighed. “Is this how it’s going to be?” Felicia kept her voice low to not disturb the baby.

  Chase started to open his mouth, but Kaycee laid a hand on his shoulder. “No, this is not how it’s going to be, you two. This is a time of celebration, not arguing. Let’s go back to Nirvana and get you settled in Felicia. You must be tired after the flight and the drive here from the airport.”

  Grateful for her sister-in-law and not wanting to ruin the day for them, Felicia forced a smile to her lips, even if it was superficial. “That sounds great. Shall I follow you?”

  “Yeah, these roads can be a bit tricky,” Chase said, taking Isabella from her.

  As she climbed back into her rental, Felicia prepared herself for tolerating her brother who loved treating her like a child. In her heart, she knew he meant well, and felt it was his obligation to do so since their father was gone, but there came a point when he had to allow her to make her own decisions. Even if she failed.

  Turning on the radio and backing out of the parking lot, she caught a glimpse of the pastor giving her another judgmental stare. He must disapprove of her choice of music, but who couldn’t enjoy a good country song?

  CHAPTER TWO