Should've Been a Cowboy

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  “I’ll bet you miss him.” Tyler had a sudden realization of what it would be like to be married to someone for all those years, and it seemed… nice. Sure, their time together had been cut short, but they’d had each other for more than thirty years, and they’d obviously enjoyed that time to the fullest.

  “I miss him every day,” Sarah said. “But — and I hate to admit this — now that he’s gone, the boys are coming into their own in a way they might not have if he’d lived. Even Alex is part of the new order. Jonathan would never have hired someone to handle marketing. He thought he could do a better job of selling horses than anyone.”

  “Did he?”

  “He was good, but that made us dependent on his personality to turn a profit. He was the brand, not the Last Chance. Alex wants to make the Last Chance a brand that will endure regardless of the people involved. It’s a better way to move forward, and we wouldn’t be there if Jonathan had lived.”

  “That’s such a positive way to look at it.” Tyler already respected the heck out of Sarah Chance, but this discussion added a new layer of high regard. As they walked into the empty dining room, sounds of frantic activity, including Alex’s laughter, came from the kitchen.

  Sarah smiled. “Now that’s the sound of progress.”

  “You’re really good about accepting change, aren’t you?” Tyler thought she could take a lesson from Sarah on that subject.

  “It’s a survival mechanism, sweetie.” Sarah glanced at her. “Change comes whether we embrace it or not. I’ve decided to embrace it.”

  “That makes you a very wise lady.”

  “I don’t know about the wise part, but I sure as hell am flexible. Come on. This will be a big day, and I need coffee.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Alex knew he had to talk to Tyler, but at least here in the kitchen, with Mary Lou bustling around getting ready for the caterers to arrive, he wouldn’t be tempted to haul Tyler off into a dark corner and kiss her until they were both breathless.

  “Hey there, cowboy.” Mary Lou gave him a smile. “Emmett and Jack just left. Get yourself some coffee and I’ll be back in a sec to fix you something.” She ducked into the walk-in cooler.

  He got a kick out of her calling him cowboy. He wasn’t sure he deserved the label yet, but he was working on it. He poured himself some coffee and took a sip. Ah, that helped unscramble his brain. Mary Lou made terrific coffee.

  She emerged from the cooler carrying a wheel of cheese. “How about some bacon and eggs?”

  “I don’t want to put you out.” If he’d arrived earlier instead of angsting over Tyler, he could have eaten with Emmett and Jack and saved her the extra trouble. “I’m late getting down, so I’ll just grab something.”

  “Oh, no, you don’t. People can’t just grab something in my kitchen. Not while I’m still alive and kicking. You need a proper meal.” She set the wheel of cheese on the counter. “And breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”

  Alex smiled. “My mom used to tell me that all the time.”

  “So sit yourself down and make both me and your mom happy.”

  “Thanks. That would be great.” Alex pulled out one of the kitchen chairs and sat, although he wasn’t sure how much he could eat, as keyed up as he was over Tyler.

  “What do you hear from your folks?” Mary Lou turned on the large griddle, tossed several bacon strips on it, and cracked eggs into a bowl. “Are they coming back out this summer?”

  “They already have reservations with Pam at the Bunk and Grub for August.”

  “They should stay here.” As the bacon began to sizzle, Mary Lou nudged it with a spatula and grabbed a wire whisk for the eggs. “We have the room, and we’ll get the plumbing fixed on that other wing before August.”

  “Yeah, but Sarah won’t take any money from them, and they want to stay a couple of weeks. Pam’s willing to let them pay for their lodging, although I’m sure she’s giving them a cut rate.”

  “But they’re family,” Mary Lou said. “They shouldn’t have to be paying for anything.”

  “I know.” Alex was distracted by the sound of Tyler’s and Sarah’s voices as they made their way toward the kitchen. When he raised his mug to take another sip, his hand shook. Damn it, Tyler was driving him batshit crazy. “Maybe I’ll get them to buy a place out here and that will solve the whole problem.”

  “Good idea.” Mary Lou turned toward the doorway as Tyler and Sarah walked in. “Just in time for some bacon and eggs. I made extra just in case.”

  Alex had prepared himself for the sight of Tyler walking into the kitchen. Or rather, he thought he had. But he wasn’t nearly ready to see her looking like this.

  He’d wisely put his coffee mug on the table once he realized his hand was shaking. If he hadn’t, the mug would have dropped from his nerveless fingers when he caught his first glimpse of her.

  Lord Almighty. He’d seen her in an old-fashioned bridesmaid outfit last summer, in a sexy turquoise dress yesterday, and in jeans and knit shirts after that. In between he’d been treated to the sight of her in a terry robe, and not least of all, gloriously naked. But he hadn’t seen her dressed to dazzle.

  “Good morning.” He managed a smile that encompassed both Sarah and Tyler, although he couldn’t have said what Sarah had chosen to wear if his life depended on it. Tyler was the only person in the room as far as he was concerned.

  “Same to you, Alex.” Tyler glanced his way briefly before sauntering over to the coffee urn in her high-heeled boots.

  Her jeans fit with amazing precision, and the rhinestones on the back pockets winked at him when she shifted her weight. Dodging that cock-stirring sight, he lifted his gaze to her upswept hair arrangement that exposed her tender nape. The updo seemed sexier than when she wore it down, maybe because he imagined pressing his eager lips to the back of her neck, burying his fingers in that glossy hair, and coaxing it loose as he breathed in the scent of shampoo and desire.

  Her earrings sparkled and swayed as she poured herself a mug of coffee and turned, heading for the table. The view from this angle was just as dangerous as the flip side.

  She’d left the top three buttons undone on her black silk shirt, and the shadowy hint of cleavage revealed by the open neck of the shirt would make any man who wasn’t dead want to unfasten that fourth button. Alex supposed her outfit would be a hit today when she performed, but for him personally, it was cruel and unusual punishment.

  She sat across from him and cradled her mug in both hands. “Have you talked to Watkins?”

  He was so busy remembering how her hands had cradled his balls that he almost missed the question. His response came a little late, like a tape delay. “Not yet.”

  “Can you call him on his cell?”

  “Uh, no. Watkins thinks a real cowboy shouldn’t carry one. But I can call Jeb. Jeb’s young enough not to give a damn what real cowboys do, so he packs a cell. He’ll be able to get Watkins and tell him we need him up here.” Alex pulled his phone out of his jeans pocket.

  “He should bring his guitar,” Tyler said.

  “Right.” Alex wondered if he would have remembered to say that. He needed to get his head in the game, and fast. He quickly made the call to Jeb, who promised to send Watkins up to the main house pronto.

  “This is exciting.” Sarah joined them with her own mug of coffee. “What a great idea — Watkins and Tyler.”

  “Well, he hasn’t agreed yet.” Alex had a sudden image of Watkins developing stage fright and refusing.

  “He will.” Sarah smiled at Alex over her mug. “You know he loves to perform, but he’d be shy about doing it alone for an event like this.”

  Tyler put down her coffee. “I’d planned on three one-hour sets. Is he up to that?”

  “He should be.” After answering the question, Alex turned back to Sarah. “I’m counting on his inner rock star to show up.” Focusing on Sarah was a better idea than looking across the table at Tyler with her cleavage and her flas
hy earrings. He’d been right to make sure other people were around when he had to deal with her. If he couldn’t block out the memories of her silken skin and tempting kisses, he could mute them slightly in a crowd.

  “Watkins will come through for us,” Sarah said. “By the way, Jack called while I was getting dressed. He’s already down at the tractor barn moving the equipment out. We’ll serve the food and drinks in there. I think that’s where Tyler and Watkins should perform, too, don’t you?”

  “Probably,” Alex agreed. “We can move the stage I’d planned to use for the country band in there. I’ll warn you that the stage is rustic, but I think it’ll work.”

  Tyler looked over at him, her manner totally professional. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. How are the acoustics in the tractor barn?” It was as if she’d pulled on a protective shell along with the flashy outfit.

  He’d been in the barn a few times. “I doubt they’re very good, but at least you won’t get wet.”

  She sipped her coffee. “That would be a nice change.”

  She would have to reference the times they’d been wet together. He wanted to chew the furniture. How was he supposed to function today when he so desperately wanted a woman who was now off-limits? He needed her help, no question, but he hadn’t counted on her wearing a fantasy costume that was now burned into his retina.

  “I’m sure the acoustics are terrible in that barn.” Mary Lou started passing out plates of bacon and eggs.

  “I hope you made a plate for yourself, Mary Lou,” Sarah said.

  “I did, as a matter of fact. Let me get my coffee.” Mary Lou joined them at the round oak table. “As I was saying, if we intend to make a habit of this, we should figure out a covered venue that would be semi-permanent. There’s no time to do it today, but it should be finished by the time Alex has another event.”

  “That would be terrific.” Alex grabbed the new topic with relief. “Good thought, Mary Lou.” He cherished many things about the Last Chance, but he especially loved the democratic spirit that invited everyone who worked there to voice an opinion about how things should be run.

  “Jonathan would have loved the idea of live entertainment as part of this.” Sarah looked around the table. “He also would have loved the way everyone’s pitching in to boost sales.” She winked at Tyler. “Even if we draft someone into service who’s supposed to be on vacation.”

  “It’s not a problem,” Tyler said. “This is my cause, too, you know. If the ranch does well, then so much the better for my sister Morgan and the mystery kid.”

  Sarah put down her fork. “So you still haven’t found out if she’s having a girl or a boy?”

  “Nope. That has to be the most closely guarded secret in the universe.”

  “I suppose I’ll just have to wait.” With a sigh of resignation, Sarah picked up her fork. “But I would really love to know, because—” She paused as her cellphone chimed. “Excuse me. That’s Gabe.” She left the table and walked out into the large dining room to take the call.

  Mary Lou glanced over at Tyler. “You look mighty pretty this morning, like you belong on a country music video or something.”

  “Why, thank you.” Tyler’s expression warmed. “What a nice thing to say.”

  Alex felt like a complete jerk. He’d been so busy controlling his reaction to her that he hadn’t paid her a single compliment. No wonder she’d been so prickly toward him. She’d probably expected him to say something.

  Better late than never. “You do look great, Tyler. Fantastic.”

  “Thanks.” Her protective barrier seemed to crack a little. “I asked Sarah if it was too over the top, but she seemed to think it wasn’t.”

  “It’s not. It’s great.” He could kick himself for not saying anything when she first walked in the room.

  Sarah returned, tucking her phone in her pocket as she came over to the table. Instead of sitting down, she picked up her plate and mug. “I’m going to drive out to Gabe’s.”

  “Nothing’s wrong, I hope,” Mary Lou said.

  “I’m sure everything’s fine. Morgan’s had a few mild contractions, which she’s convinced are Braxton Hicks, but Gabe wants me to stay with her so he can do the cutting horse demonstration without worrying.”

  “Probably it is Braxton Hicks.” Tyler shoved back her chair and stood. “But I—”

  “Who’s Braxton Hicks?” Alex left his chair, too. He didn’t like the sound of this, for many reasons. “Have I met the guy? What’s he doing out at Morgan and Gabe’s house, anyway?”

  Tyler glanced at him. “Braxton Hicks contractions are named after the doctor who identified them. Basically it’s false labor. I remember my mother having it with my little brother.”

  “Oh. Well, then.” What he knew about childbirth could be written on the head of a pushpin.

  “Anyway, I’d like to ride out with you, Sarah,” Tyler said. “If everything’s fine, Gabe can bring me back when he drives here.”

  Sarah shook her head. “She specifically said you weren’t to come. She agreed I could sit with her, but she wants you to stay here and get ready for your gig.”

  “But I can still get ready after I come back.”

  Sarah came over and wrapped an arm around Tyler’s shoulders. “Look, I know she’s your sister and you want to make sure everything’s okay, but I promise to call if I need reinforcements. Morgan made it very clear she expects you to stay and sing your heart out.”

  Tyler hesitated. “I left my cellphone upstairs. Will you please wait to leave until after I’ve called her?”

  “Sure, I can do that.”

  “Thanks.” Tyler hurried from the room.

  Alex didn’t realize he’d watched her go until Sarah spoke.

  “She’s a beautiful girl, Alex. I can see why you’re smitten.”

  He swung back to Sarah and opened his mouth to issue a denial, but her knowing smile stopped him. “I’ll get over it,” he said.

  Mary Lou left the table and came over to join them. “You’re going to have to, I’m afraid. One look at that outfit of hers and I can see why she’s perfect for her job on the cruise ship.” She gazed up at Alex. “Have you ever been on one?”

  “No.” Crystal had pestered him to go on a cruise, but he’d resisted because the ones she’d suggested looked like one big party to him.

  “I have, about ten years ago, for the hell of it. The staff was a fun bunch, and I’m sure Tyler’s personality fits right in. She’s found her niche.”

  “I’m sure you’re right. I have no intention of trying to change her mind about that, either. I—”

  “Okay, I’m staying here,” Tyler announced as she came back into the kitchen. “You’re right that she’s adamant about that, and I don’t want to argue with a hormonal pregnant lady. I’m afraid if I go out there she’ll be so upset with me that she might go into real labor.”

  “Wise decision.” Sarah patted her arm. “I promise to keep you informed, but I’m guessing it will be a quiet day out at Gabe’s. Maybe I’ll trick Morgan into telling me what she’s having.” She glanced over at Alex. “But promise that you or one of the boys will call or text me updates on how the sales are going.”

  “You bet. Let’s hope your phone rings off the hook.”

  “That would be wonderful. By the way, I rounded up some umbrellas and left them by the front door. Tyler, you should use one for sure when you go outside. I’d hate to see you ruin your outfit and your hair walking through the rain.”

  “Thanks. I’ll grab one on the way out.”

  “Okay, I’m off.” As Sarah left the kitchen, she narrowly missed bumping into Watkins who came barreling in toting his guitar in a case.

  His face was ruddy with excitement, but he took one look at Tyler and his smile sagged. He set down his guitar case with a thud. “Dang, Alex. I don’t have the clothes for this.”

  Tyler looked crestfallen. “It’s too much, isn’t it? I was afraid of that, but I—”

  “No, no
,” Watkins said. “You’re beautiful in that outfit. Folks will love it. You look like a star. Whereas I’m just going to look like an old cowboy.”

  “Which is exactly how you’re supposed to look, Watkins,” Mary Lou said. “Have you ever heard that expression fade into the background?”

  Watkins smoothed his mustache with nervous fingers. “Course I have.”

  “That’s your job. Play a little guitar and fade into the background. You don’t want rhinestones flickering all over your buns, calling attention to yourself. Tyler’s the one they’re supposed to look at.”

  Watkins nodded. “I suppose that’s right.” He gazed at Mary Lou. “I remember a time when you used to wear rhinestones, Lou-Lou.”

  “Watkins, for heaven’s sake! Don’t start with that Lou-Lou nonsense.” And Mary Lou blushed.

  Alex stared at her in shocked surprise. He didn’t think he’d ever seen her blush. Could it be that once upon a time, Mary Lou and Watkins… nah, probably not. He had sex on the brain.

  And an event to get into gear. “All right, then. I was thinking the two of you could use the living room as a practice space, if that sounds okay.”

  Tyler glanced at Watkins. “I’m fine with that, if Watkins is. By the way, is Watkins your first name or your last name?”

  “That’s his last name,” Mary Lou said. “He doesn’t like people using his first name. I happen to know it, because we… well, never mind. I just happen to know it.”

  “And I’d appreciate you keeping that information to yourself, Lou-Lou.”

  “You keep calling me Lou-Lou, and I’ll make a general announcement of your first name. I’m sure there are a lot of people working here who have no idea what it is.”

  “I’m happy to call you Watkins, then.” Tyler exchanged a glance with Alex that said plainly she was thinking the same thing he was. Mary Lou and Watkins had a past.

  Alex consulted his watch. “I’ll start setting up the sound system in the tractor barn. I’ll call you when I have it ready for you to test.”

  “In case it slipped your mind,” Watkins said, “I don’t carry one of those cellphone contraptions.”