by Tessa Layne
Axel brightened. “I hadn’t thought of that, only that we couldn’t remove the barriers.
“No need to. I attended a fundraiser in an indoor arena once, and the edge of the ring was covered in silk and fairy lights. The catering company had laid down an artificial floor.”
Brodie looked at Gunnar. “Could we dig the roasting pit close by?”
“I don’t see why not. I should check with Pops to make sure we don’t hit a pipe, but I’m sure we can find a spot.”
Hope’s face lit up. “And you could have the dinner buffet along the outside of the rails, or serve champagne and cake while the ring is reset with tables.”
Gunnar narrowed his eyes at his sister. “Since when did you turn into a wedding planner?” He zeroed in on Ben, then swept his gaze back to Hope. “There something you wanna share, little sis?”
Hope shot Ben a wide-eyed look. Fuck it. He wasn’t waiting a second longer. He pulled her close and took a fortifying sip of his beer, then cleared his throat. “Hope’s agreed to marry me.” A thrill of adrenaline coursed through him as the words left his mouth. There. It was out in the open now. Real.
Gunnar rolled his eyes. “’Bout damned time.”
Brodie coughed, covering a laugh.
Indignation flashed through Ben. “Wait. No backslapping? No welcome to the family?”
“You’re already family,” Axel said. “What are we – ‘cousins-in-law’? Not much difference the way I see it. You’ll take care of Hope. That’s what’s most important.”
“I can take care of myself, thank you.” Hope glared at her brother.
Gunnar extended his hand. “We couldn’t have picked a better man. I’ll be proud to call you brother.”
Ben shook it, relief warming him. The last hurdle had been crossed.
Axel pointed the neck of his beer toward Ben. “And if you hurt our sis…”
“I know,” Ben answered. “You’ll be waiting in the tall grass.”
The men laughed and clinked their bottles together.
Jamey burst through the front door, bottle of Redbreast Irish Whiskey in hand, took one look at the group celebrating and spoke anxiously. “Does this mean we have a place to get married?”
Brodie swung her around and into his arms. “Hansen’s indoor arena, and there’s enough space, we’ll put the reception there too.”
She narrowed her gaze. “You men will bring over the smokers?”
Brodie nodded. “Consider it done.”
“And the trays of hors d’oeuvres?”
“Settled. The only thing you have to remember is to tell me how handsome I look in my tuxedo.” Brodie waggled his eyebrows.
“I’ll tell you that and more, Mr. Charmypants, but most of it’s not fixed for mixed company.” She kissed him to a round of catcalls and ribbing. When Jamey and Brodie broke apart, her face was flushed and her eyes bright.
Seeing his brother so happy warmed Ben to his toes.
Brodie kept his arm around Jamey and spoke. “So Ben and Hope have a little announcement.”
Jamey’s gaze swung to the two of them standing arm in arm. “Tell me you finally asked the girl to marry you, Ben.”
Ben groaned as everyone laughed at his expense again. “Why isn’t anyone surprised?”
Jamey answered. “You know for the sensitive Sinclaire, you sure have your head up your arse. We could all see how crazy about each other you are. Even at the beginning. Your looks could have burned down the house.”
“So when’s the big day?” Brodie asked.
Ben shrugged. “Don’t know yet. I only asked her an hour ago.”
“Why not get married with us?” Jamey suggested matter-of-factly. “It would save me cooking all this again in a few months.”
Hope’s eyes grew wide. “But that’s only in a few days.” She glanced up at Ben.
God, he loved this woman. Even the simple way she looked to him for reassurance warmed him to his toes. He kissed her temple. “Up to you, sweetheart. Weddings seem more important to you ladies. I already feel married to you.”
“Aww, gag.” Axel made a gagging noise. “Sis, you need to marry him right now. Shit, Sinclaire, you take lessons from Jerry McGuire?” Axel shook his head in disbelief.
Axel could tease all he wanted. Ben would never stop flirting with Hope. Even when they were married. “He who laughs loudest falls hardest, my man. Just you wait.”
“Think about it, Hope.” Jamey interrupted. “Maddie’s my maid of honor, she’d be yours too, right?”
Hope nodded. “Of course.” She still looked unsure.
“She’s already got a dress, and everyone you’d think to invite will already be there.” Jamey raised her eyebrows meaningfully.
The more Jamey talked, the better Ben liked the idea. Why not get married right before Christmas with Jamey and Brodie? “I already have my monkey suit reserved, sweetheart.”
“But what would I wear?”
“You could get married in your birthday suit as far as I’m concerned.”
“I veto that idea,” Gunnar interjected emphatically, drawing a laugh from the group.
Ben gave Hope a reassuring squeeze. “You know what I mean. Wear whatever you want, you’re beautiful to me no matter what.”
“Emmaline Andersson modified Maddie’s dress so you could wear it if you wanted,” Jamey offered. “Wasn’t that your great-something granny’s?”
Hope nodded. “It belonged to my great-grandmother Minerva.”
Ben was getting impatient. Now that the idea had taken shape in his mind, he thought it was brilliant. They could easily sort out any remaining details. He couldn’t see the point of an extended engagement. Why not start the next chapter of their life together right away? “C’mon, Hope. What do you think? Marry me in five days?”
CHAPTER 32
The smell of woodsmoke hit Ben’s nose as Brodie pulled his truck abreast of the Hansen’s. The day before Christmas Eve had dawned cold and clear. He slid a glance over at his brother. “Ready to get this show on the road?”
Brodie flashed him a grin that crinkled his eyes. “Hell, yeah.” Then he grew serious. “I never thought…”
Ben cuffed him on the shoulder. “Yeah, I know. Me either. We’re lucky sons of guns, you know that?” Five days ago, he’d asked the love of his life to marry him. If you’d asked him the previous summer if he could see himself married by year end, and to Hope, Ben would have laughed and told you to see a doctor. “You give any more thought to the tree house idea?”
Brodie nodded. “I ran it by Jamey, she said we might need to hire a sous chef, but she liked the idea.” His face clouded. “My only concern is tornado season. That’s prime migration season for birds, and we’d have to make sure each house had a weather radio and a storm shelter nearby.”
Ben’s chest swelled with pride. In the last six months, Brodie had gone from carouser to mature businessman. Largely thanks to Jamey. “I like how you’re thinking. We can get with Blake after the first of the year and troubleshoot. And Brodie?”
Brodie shook his head. “Oh no. I recognize that tone of voice.”
“Shut up. Just listen for a moment. I know Blake was hard on you this past summer, and you didn’t take kindly to it. But…” Emotion grew thick and heavy in Ben’s throat. “I’m proud of you. Of who you’ve become. You and Jamey make a great team.”
Brodie rolled his eyes, but couldn’t keep the silly smile off his face. “Aww shut it. Look, you’re steaming up the windows with all your hot air.” Brodie pointed to the quickly fogging windshield.
Always the joker, his brother. No matter. Brodie knew he meant it, and Ben could tell he was secretly pleased, even if he’d never let on.
Brodie changed the subject. “You think Hope will be surprised?”
“About the Christmas tree? Yeah.” Ben couldn’t wait to see her reaction. He and Brodie had chopped a sapling cedar and hauled it up to the tree house as soon as Hope had left this morning. They’d decorated it w
ith solar lights. While it made their hideaway a little more crowded, the joy he’d see on Hope’s face was worth it.
Gunnar knocked on the passenger window. “What’s with the conference in the truck? You two got cold feet? C’mon, we’ve got work to do before you gents can get hitched.”
The bulk of their work, digging the pit for the roast pig, had been completed the day before, but they’d promised the ladies of the Prairie Posse, who’d taken over the decorating, that they’d lay painted floorboards across the arena so the lady guests wouldn’t ruin their party shoes.
They exited the truck, tuxedos and dress hats in hand.
“Give me those.” Gunnar extended his hand. “You can clean up at our bunkhouse.”
For all their trouble causing, Gunnar and Axel were good men. Ben offered up a silent prayer of thanks, for probably the hundredth time over the last week, that their families had finally managed to put their feuding behind them. Now, with two Sinclaires and Hansens joined, they could look forward to building a joint legacy for the next generation. One he fervently hoped to add to soon.
By the time they reached the arena, Ben’s mouth was watering. A line of smokers stood outside the large double doors, several paces from the fire pit. Jamey had insisted on freshly smoked bison from the Sinclaire ranch. Ben wasn’t so sure about it, since bison was leaner and less fatty, but Jamey made magic with food. If anyone could make bison taste great, it was her.
Ben kept walking, hoping to find Hope. It didn’t matter that they’d enjoyed pre-wedding nookie just a few hours before. It was their wedding day, and he didn’t want to be apart from her. He approached the training pen, and sure enough, Hope was working with Buttercup. He stopped to watch her as she bent her head, talking to the horse.
An ache stole through him, rising and stopping his breath. However beautiful Hope might look in her wedding dress, until his dying day, he would consider her most beautiful at work. Baggy denims, loose braids and that hideously worn cowboy hat. Beauty in motion.
A sense of completeness settled on Ben. And sheer wonder at the totality of love, the interconnectedness of all things. Love for Hope, love for his family and the land they worked together, even his future children.
The horse chuffed, sending out a puff of frosty air. The details of his surroundings became sharper. Clearer. He felt the world was holding its breath too. As if sensing him behind her, Hope turned, her face breaking into a happy smile. She removed her gloves and waved him over, her engagement ring flashing in the morning light. His ring.
He knew he’d picked right as soon as he’d slipped it on her finger. He’d picked the center stone for its horse reference – Morganite. But the color matched Hope’s complexion perfectly, and he paired it with rose gold that was almost the exact shade of her hair. He’d never heard Hope squeal before. She wasn’t that kind of woman. Except, apparently, when it came to engagement rings. He couldn’t help but grin at the memory.
“I know I’m not supposed to see the bride before the wedding, but I couldn’t stay away.” Ben shut the gate behind him and gathered her in a loose embrace, losing himself in the sweetness of their kiss.
When they broke apart, her cheeks had flushed and her eyes were bright with excitement. “That’s a bunch of hooey. Come see Buttercup.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the center of the arena. “I’ve been working on desensitizing her to sudden sharp noise. First with a toy horn, and then with the breaking sticks.” She motioned to a pile of sticks a few yards off.
“It’s been slow work. I think the cracking branches did a number on her when she bolted. She can handle the horn, but the sticks still scare her.”
Ben tugged on a braid. “I’m sorry you missed the competition.”
Her expression clouded. “I am too, but she wasn’t ready. The money would have been nice, but I’m glad she’s safe. She’s a good horse.”
“Think you’ll keep her?”
Hope nodded. “Yeah. Phyllis is thirteen now. She’s still got good years left on her, and I’m not going to retire her just yet, but I want to keep working with Buttercup…” Her voice trailed off, and she worried her lip between her teeth.
“What is it, sweetheart? What’s bothering you?” He pulled her close, capturing her hand and bringing it to his chest.
“I’ve been thinking…”
Ben’s pulse shot up. “You’re ready to make a baby.”
Her eyes lit with laughter and she punched him in the shoulder. “No, silly.” Color moved up her already pink cheeks. “Although maybe soon.”
Anticipation stirred in his belly. He absolutely loved the idea of making a baby with Hope. “Okay, then what?”
Hope took a deep breath. When she looked at him, her eyes were bright with excitement, and her words tumbled out in a rush. “I’ve been thinking. Really thinking. I don’t want to work for anyone. Not my family, not yours, not Doc Lindsay.”
Where was she going with this? “Okay,” he said keeping his voice neutral. Letting Hope talk it out was always better than jumping to conclusions.
“After I lost Buttercup and during the long hours of walking the halls with Maddie when she was in labor and being there when Henry was born.” Her eyes grew wistful. “I realized so much. You’re my home, Ben. Wherever you are is where I want to be. But I still want some kind of independence. I can’t just raise babies and cook like my mom did. I-I need more.”
He pulled her close, brushing a flyaway strand from her face. “You can do whatever you want, Hope. If you want to try and find another veterinary school–”
She cut him off with a shake of her head. “No. My heart is with the horses. I don’t want to doctor cattle, or help vaccinate bison.” Anxiety radiated off her in waves.
Ben cupped the base of her head and drew her in for a kiss. He poured all the love and reassurance into it as he could, his tongue slowly tangling with hers as a now familiar warmth settled low in his gut. As they pulled away, he touched his forehead to hers. “What do you want, Hope?” he murmured. “If it’s in my power to give it to you, I will.” He continued to massage the back of her head.
“I want to get certified as a natural horse trainer.”
Of course she did. It was a brilliant idea.
Horses were as much a part of Hope as breathing. “I love it. You’ll be fantastic, Hope.”
Her voice grew in excitement as the words tumbled out. “We wouldn’t need a training facility. At least not at first. I’d train the horses in their own environment. I’ll have to take some trips to get certified, but not until February.”
Pride bloomed in Ben’s chest. The enthusiastic girl he remembered was finally back. This was the girl he’d fallen in love with those years ago. The one with the mischievous glimmer in her eye who fearlessly jumped out of trees into the swimming hole, who gave as good as she got. The woman had grown into a more sensual, contained version of that girl, and had the scars to show for it. But her essence was the same. His Hope was home. “We’ll make it work. As long as we’re together, we can make anything work.”
Buttercup, who had been standing patiently this whole time, nudged Hope.
“See?” he laughed. “Even Buttercup agrees.” Regretfully, he stepped back. “I’d love to stay, but I’m needed in the arena.”
Hope made a little face. “Jamey and I are banned until the ceremony. The Posse wanted to surprise us with something.”
“So this is it? The next time I see you, you’ll be walking down the aisle?”
Hope’s eyes shone in anticipation. “To be your wife.”
Ben’s heart slammed against his ribs. Hope would be his wife in just a few hours. A wave of emotion swelled through him, tickling his eyelids. “You already are,” he said gruffly. “In all the ways it counts.”
Hope wound her hands around his neck and pulled him in for another kiss. “Then I can’t wait to meet my husband at the altar.”
THE BEGINNING OF HAPPILY EVER AFTER
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PRAIRIE STORM – Axel Hansen & Haley Cooper (On Sale This Summer!)
He’s a down-home rancher…
Axel Hansen is Prairie’s fickle Casanova and resident prankster. Ten years ago, he wanted nothing more than to settle down on the family ranch with his college sweetheart. But his adrenaline junkie girlfriend, Haley, chose her profession over love.
She’s the thrill seeker who broke his heart…
Meteorologist Haley Cooper has devoted her career to facing down tornadoes and saving lives. She’s finally offered the promotion of a lifetime, but it means boarding at the last place on Earth she thought she’d see again and facing down her biggest regret.
Will lightning strike twice for love?
Axel jumps at the chance to help Haley with her research, and before they know it, they’re caught in the crosswinds of love and obligation. But as devastating tornadoes rip through the area, they’ll have to confront their feelings for each other and decide if their love can weather any storm.
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MORE BOOKS IN THE COWBOYS OF THE FLINT HILLS SERIES
PRAIRIE HEAT – Blake Sinclaire & Maddie Hansen (On Sale Now!)
PRAIRIE PASSION – Brodie Sinclaire & Jamey O’Neill (On Sale Now!)
PRAIRIE STORM – Axel Hansen & Haley Cooper (coming Summer 2017)
PRAIRIE OBSESSION – Travis Kincaid & Elaine Ryder (coming in 2017)
PRAIRIE FIRE – Parker Hansen & Cassidy Grace (coming in 2017)
PRAIRIE FEVER – Gunnar Hansen & Suzannah Winslow (coming in 2018)
PRAIRIE ECSTACY – Colton Kincaid & Lydia Grace (coming in 2018)