The Cowboy's Spring Romance

by Shanna Hatfield

  “Mother, please, I think we’re a little old for this,” Lindsay said, wanting to leave and go home.

  “Nonsense. There are baskets on the patio. You each take one and whoever finds the most eggs, gets a prize,” Christine ordered, opening the patio door and pointing toward the yard. “Now go.”

  “Going, Mother,” Lonnie said, escorting Maren outside, followed by Trent and Lindsay. When the patio door slid shut behind them, Lonnie grabbed Maren’s hand and grinned mischievously. “Come on, Linnie, let’s go!”

  Hurrying around the side of the house, they escaped out the back yard gate and Trent soon found himself strolling through the neighborhood hand-in-hand with Lindsay. They walked four abreast down the sidewalk. Lonnie and Lindsay kept Trent and Maren entertained with stories from their childhood, things they remembered about their town and current Prineville happenings they’d heard from friends.

  “Hey, Linnie, remember the time we raced home from school on our bikes?”

  Lindsay laughed. “How could I possibly forget?”

  “What happened?” Maren asked.

  “Linnie thought she could ride home faster than I could so we decided to have a race. I think we were about seven and eight.”

  “You were nine,” Lindsay said, as she smiled at her brother.

  “Anyway, as soon as school let out we strapped on our helmets, lined up our bikes and one of my friends yelled go. We took off racing down the sidewalk, kids running behind us cheering. We soon left them behind as we both furiously pumped those pedals for all we were worth. One of us would pull ahead, and then the other would edge to the front. On and on it went. We were only a block from the house when one of the neighbor’s cats ran out in front of us. Lindsay swerved and kept going but I slammed on the brakes, flew over the handlebars and broke my left arm.”

  “Oh, that’s awful,” Maren said, rubbing Lonnie’s arm as they walked along.

  “It gets worse,” Lonnie said, looking at Trent. “She actually laughed at me, finished riding home and did a victory dance, before running into the house screaming that I’d been nearly killed. While Mom got herself together, Lindsay ran back out and sat with me until help arrived. I spent six weeks in a cast and she willingly did all my chores. She said it was worth it to prove she could ride the bike faster than me.”

  Trent and Maren were laughing.

  “I bet I can still outride you, brother dear,” Lindsay teased.

  “I won’t challenge you today since you aren’t dressed for a race,” Lonnie said. The foursome continued their stroll while Lindsay and Lonnie shared fun stories from their youth. Trent thought there was a hint of nostalgia hanging around them, a reminder of simpler times when they were all children.

  Coming around the end of the block, Lonnie looked at his watch. Releasing a sigh, he stopped and turned around. “I suppose we better get back and hunt those stupid eggs, or we’ll never hear the end of it.”

  In much better spirits by the time they snuck into the backyard, the four of them laughed and teased like a group of six-year-olds while they hunted the eggs.

  As they started up the patio steps, Lonnie grabbed Lindsay’s basket and dumped all the eggs he found but one in it. Maren and Trent followed suit. Grinning, Lonnie opened the patio door with a grand bow and they marched inside.

  Christine, hearing their laughter, came in from the front room, followed by Roger.

  “Did my Lonnie find the most eggs?” Christine said, wrapping her hand around Lonnie’s arm.

  “No, Mother, Lindsay outdid herself this year,” Lonnie said, winking at his sister.

  The four of them placed their baskets on the counter and Christine’s lips pinched into a nearly invisible line when she saw Lindsay’s basket piled high and the rest of them empty except for one egg.

  “To the victor goes the spoils,” Roger said, handing Lindsay a huge basket full of gourmet treats.

  “Thanks, Daddy,” Lindsay said, kissing his cheek. Turning to Lonnie, she smiled. “I’ll share.”

  “Nope,” Lonnie said, pressing the basket more firmly into her hands. “This year it’s all yours.”

  “I think it’s past time for dessert. No wonder it took you so long to find the eggs if Lindsay was hording them all. I began to think you four had gotten lost out there.”

  “Yes, Mother, we were nearly lost in the backyard,” Lonnie said, carrying a carton of ice cream to the table.

  “Don’t be flippant,” his mother cautioned, setting down a layered cake and cutting thick slices.

  By the time dessert was consumed, Trent was curious how Roger Pierce could not only tolerate his wife, but also seem to adore her. He looked at her lovingly several times during the meal and never once gave any indication that he noticed her snide remarks or cutting comments. Maybe love really was blind, dumb and deaf.

  Ready to escape their mother, Lindsay and Lonnie both started an exit routine that quickly found them walking down the sidewalk, heading toward their cars. Stopping next to Lindsay’s car, the men exchanged handshakes, while the girls hugged, then Lonnie gave Lindsay a warm embrace.

  “You do know, don’t you, if Mother had any idea that Trent wasn’t just a cowboy but a successful ranch owner, she’d have melted all over him like butter on a hot griddle,” Lonnie whispered.

  “I know,” Lindsay laughed. “That’s why I didn’t tell her anything different. I want her to like Trent because he’s a great guy, not because the Thompsons could buy her admiration six-times over.”

  “Dad likes him. He told me he thought you’d picked just the right fellow,” Lonnie said, giving Lindsay one last squeeze before he stepped back.

  “He likes Maren, too. We all do.”

  “Good, because I’m thinking she might be the one,” Lonnie said.

  Lindsay had to swallow down her squeal of joy as Trent and Maren joined them. With another round of “Happy Easter” wishes, they got in their cars and drove toward home.

  It was early evening when Trent and Lindsay arrived back at her house. Lindsay invited Trent in and made them glasses of iced tea. Digging into the basket of treats, she knew her mother intended Lonnie to have, she opened a box of expensive chocolates and offered one to Trent.

  “These are really good,” he said, taking a bite.

  “I know. They’re Lonnie’s favorite,” Lindsay said, feeling just a twinge of guilt over taking his candy. Not enough to save them for the next time he came, but a tiny twinge.

  “That was nice of him to make sure you got the basket. I got the idea that doesn’t usually happen.”

  “No,” Lindsay agreed. “Mother usually figures out some way to make sure Lonnie gets it.”

  “Why doesn’t she just make a basket for each of you?” Trent asked.

  “Because she seems to enjoy setting us against each other, only it never works out quite like she hopes.”

  “Oh,” was all Trent could think to say. He couldn’t imagine having a mother who pitted her children against each other or tried to belittle them at every turn. His own mother was loving, warm, fun and wonderful.

  “She wasn’t always this way,” Lindsay said, feeling the need to clarify her relationship with her mother. She hadn’t really given Trent much warning on how difficult her mother could be before they went today, not wanting to scare him off. Now she thought she owed him an explanation. “Mother was, as you can probably guess, quite the socialite in her day. She was a cheerleader, queen of every dance court, most popular girl in school, beauty contestant - the whole routine. She doted on me right up until the time I preferred running shoes to ballet slippers and grew to tower over the boys in my class. Her dreams for me following in her footsteps came to a crashing halt and she never forgave me for it. The only time I made her happy was when I was voted onto the stupid dance courts. That was probably another reason I hated it so much.”

  “But Lindsay, parents are supposed to love their kids for who they are, not who they want them to be,” Trent said, realizing how fortunate
he and his brothers were to grow up with parents who loved them unconditionally. They encouraged their boys to be individuals and follow their own dreams. It still bothered his mom that he and Trey gave up their professional aspirations to return to the ranch when their dad passed away.

  “Be that as it may, my mother never recovered from the disappointment. When she sees me, she sees a giant failure, not someone who works hard to excel with her given talents. I just wish…” Lindsay stopped herself before she got weepy.

  “Wish what, Princess?” Trent said, gathering her into his arms.

  “That she’d learn to love me for me,” Lindsay whispered, her head against Trent’s strong chest.

  “Would it help to know I love you for you,” Trent rumbled near her ear.

  Lindsay’s head shot up. If she wasn’t mistaken, Trent just said he loved her.

  “I love you, Lindsay Pierce,” Trent said, smiling at her with his heart in his eyes.

  “Oh, Trent, I love you, too,” Lindsay said, unable to stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks.

  “Don’t cry, Princess,” Trent whispered, using his thumbs to wipe away the moisture. “Don’t cry.”

  Trent lowered his lips to meet hers in a gentle kiss. Lindsay had never felt so loved, so cherished, as she did right at that moment.

  She sighed in contentment and Trent pulled her onto his lap, holding her close and kissing her long and deep. Running her hand up his chest, her fingers bumped against something in his shirt pocket. Lifting his head, Trent grinned.

  “I almost forgot, the Easter Bunny brought a little something for you,” he teased, digging in his pocket and pulling out a small box.

  Lindsay took it from his outstretched hand and opened the lid. Inside was a beautiful gold watch, the band set with sparkling crystals. It was so feminine and delicate it looked exactly like something a princess would wear. Since her tastes generally ran to more practical options, Lindsay loved it immediately.

  “Trent, it’s gorgeous. You shouldn’t have, but I’m so glad you did,” Lindsay said, putting on the watch and holding out her wrist to admire it.

  Taking her hand in his so he could admire it as well, Trent nuzzled her neck. “You need to thank the Easter Bunny.”

  “Oh. And how should I thank him?” Lindsay asked, as her voice dropped and her arms found their way around Trent’s neck.

  “With a kiss.” Trent ran his hands up and down her spine, leaving trails of warm tingles everywhere his fingers touched.

  Lindsay pecked his cheek.

  “That’s not a proper thank you,” he growled in her ear.

  She brushed his lips quickly and leaned back, an impish grin on her face.

  “I think the bunny better take that watch back if that’s as good as you’ve got,” Trent said, lightly grabbing her wrist.

  She yanked her wrist out of his grasp and took his face in both her hands. For just a moment their eyes locked, drawn by the underlying currents of attraction. Lindsay’s lips hovered tantalizingly close to Trent’s, ready to make a connection, when his phone rang. He started to ignore it, but the spell was already broken. With one hand around Lindsay’s waist, he shifted her over on his lap while digging into his pants pocket for his phone.

  “Yes?” he asked, sounding slightly annoyed at the interruption.

  “Trent, where are you?” Travis asked.

  “At Lindsay’s. Why?”

  “You’ve got to come see this, and bring Lindsay,” Travis said, sounded excited.

  “What is it?” Trent asked, curious as to what was going on at the ranch.

  “You’ll see when you get here. Just hurry,” Travis said, disconnecting.

  Setting Lindsay on her feet, he grabbed her hand, put his hat back on and hurried her out the door.

  “Apparently, we’re missing out on something at the ranch.”

  When they pulled up by the house a short time later, it was to see Cass playing with Buddy, the stray dog Trent and Lindsay had saved.

  The animal made steady progress in his recuperation from the bullet wound. While his body healed, they all worked to help the canine socialize and overcome his aggression and fears.

  To date, they had kept him away from Cass, afraid he might hurt her. Watching the two of them romping around the yard, it seemed that Buddy had turned a corner.

  “I can’t believe it,” Trent said, holding Lindsay’s hand as they walked up to where Trey and Cady stood, keeping a close eye on the dog and girl.

  “Travis let the dog out to run a bit ago and Cass came outside. He made a beeline for her and I was ready to take him out when he started wagging his tail and whining,” Trey said, a big grin plastered across his handsome face. “Cass rubbed him on the head and he half-licked her face off. They’ve been playing since. Seems he may not be such a bad dog after all.”

  “Look at them,” Lindsay said, thrilled to see the dog and child playing.

  “Look at you,” Cady said, grabbing Lindsay’s hand and admiring her watch. “You must have an inside track with the Easter Bunny.”

  “Maybe,” Lindsay said, giving Trent a tender smile.

  “No maybe about it. The watch is positively gorgeous,” Cady said, admiring it.

  “What did the Easter Bunny bring you?” Lindsay asked her friend, knowing Trey would have picked out something special for his beloved bride.

  Cady brushed back her hair so Lindsay could see a pair of pearl earrings that perfectly matched the pearl necklace encircling her throat.

  “Those are lovely and they match your grandmother’s necklace,” Lindsay said.

  “I know,” Cady said, giving Trey a loving smile. “Someone did well in their choosing.”

  Trey slid his arms around Cady’s trim waist and pulled her back against him. “Someone sure did.”

  Just then, their two cow dogs, Bob and Bonnie, decided to join in the fun, barking and chasing each other around Cass and Buddy. Since Trent called the dog buddy from the moment he laid eyes on him, the name stuck and it was how they all referred to him.

  They tried to keep Buddy separated from the other two dogs, but Bob and Bonnie were friendly and rambunctious and it didn’t take long for Buddy to tolerate, if not enjoy, their presence.

  “Mama, look at Buddy,” Cass giggled as the dog playfully nuzzled her in the grass. “He likes me.”

  “He certainly does, sweetie-pie,” Cady said. Turning to the adults, she smiled. “I never imagined when you brought that poor bedraggled beast home he’d be this good with children.”

  “Me either,” Trent said. “There is hope for him yet.”

  After watching a while longer, Cady and Lindsay went inside to set out leftovers for dinner while the men did the few chores that needed done.

  The mood around the table was jovial and Lindsay soaked up the warm, friendly banter among the three brothers and Cady. This was what a family was about - people who loved and cared for each other openly and honestly. She was grateful to be a part of it, even if it was just for the occasional meals she ate in the Thompson home. Although the more she saw of Trent, the more often she found herself sitting beside him at the big dinner table, wishing she could be a permanent part of this family. Since they rescued Buddy, she had been at the table most evenings, stopping in to check on the dog after school. As odd as it seemed, she felt more at home here than anywhere else.

  “Lindsay?” Cady asked, waiting for a response.

  “Sorry, I was wool-gathering,” Lindsay said, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment.

  Cady gave her an indulgent smile. “I was asking how your training for the marathon was going.”

  “Really well, thank you,” Lindsay said, taking a sip of iced tea. “I’m up to fifteen miles.”

  “You run fifteen miles a day?” Travis asked, a hint of awe in his voice. Having run many miles during his years in the service, he knew it required diligence and hard work to be able to run that far.

  “This week, I do,” Lindsay said. “Next week it will b
e 16. I add a mile a week.”

  “Wow, that’s impressive,” Travis said. “When is your marathon?”

  “The Saturday before Mother’s Day,” she answered, taking another helping of a yummy strawberry salad Cady made.

  “So you’ve got just a month before the big race,” Trent commented, hoping he could be there to watch her cross the finish line. The closer they got to summer, the less time he could spend away from the ranch. This was likely the last weekend he’d have free until goodness knew when. “I know you’ll finish with no problem.”

  Lindsay shot him a determined look. “I don’t intend to just finish, I intend to place.”

  “I’m sure you will,” Trent said, sliding his hand beneath the table to squeeze hers. “I think you can do whatever you set your mind to.”

  “Thanks,” she said with a smile that made his insides heat.

  Trent looked at Lindsay in a way that made Cady grin. Trey waggled his eyebrows at him and Travis kicked him under the table. He suddenly wished they’d not come back to the ranch quite so soon.

  Finishing the meal, Cady shooed them all back outside while Trey helped her clean up in the kitchen.

  Some of the hands returned from their day off and wandered over to the porch where they sat in chairs, watching Cass run with the three dogs.

  Danny took out a harmonica and began to play some soft, familiar old tunes that then led to more rousing music.

  They eventually convinced Cady to come outside and sing, which she did reluctantly. The evening shadows soon turned dark and the air took on a chill.

  “I don’t know about the rest of you, but we’ve got one tired girl who needs to go to bed,” Cady said, standing up from her place on Trey’s lap.

  “Yeah, and Cass is worn out, too,” Trey teased as he stood and retrieved a sleeping Cass from where she rested against Buddy’s big, warm side. The dog licked her hand as Trey lifted her. “Good dog, Buddy.”

  “Goodnight everyone,” Cady said, following Trey and Cass inside.

  Trent helped Lindsay into his pickup and drove her home. Walking her up the porch steps, he stood and stared at her for a moment, enjoying the way she moved so strong and gracefully. She was so alive, so vibrant, so perfect for him.