by Reece Butler
It sounded like everyone had gone into the family room. She was halfway down the stairs when she realized an older woman stood in the kitchen, her back to Katie. Sam stood on one side, and Trey on the other. The woman turned, and Katie saw she had her fingers to her mouth. Tears flowed down her cheeks. As soon as Katie recognized her, her own eyes teared up.
“You’ve done a wonderful job, my dear. It looks so welcoming.”
Katie ran down the stairs. She returned Stella’s hug, careful of the woman’s sore arm.
“I had a good reason to,” replied Katie. “I hoped you might come back if it wasn’t such a mess.”
Stella released Katie, grabbing both her son’s arms instead. “If you’re ready, let’s go in the family room with the others.”
Ready? Katie looked from Trey, who beamed, to Sam. She’d never seen that look on Sam’s face before, eager and worried all at the same time. He put his arm around her. Trey took his mom, and she and Sam followed.
Cheers broke out. Katie expected them to be for Stella, as she’d finally returned to the home she’d shared with her family for so long. But Stella turned toward her. Katie looked around. The MacDougals were there, all the Frosts, and both generations of Adams’, as well as Dorothy and a bunch of the bachelor brothers. And they were all looking at her as if they expected her to do something.
“What…?”
“Katie?”
She turned to Sam. He took her left hand, lifted it to his mouth, and kissed her knuckles. Without releasing her hand he sank to one knee in front of her. Everyone looked at them expectantly. Men didn’t do this except for one reason. Sam didn’t want to marry her. She had the application form to prove it. A form he’d not even looked at…
“Trey?” she asked. “What’s going on?”
Grinning like a little boy, he took her other hand. Then he went down on one knee next to Sam.
“Katie,” said Sam. “I’m sorry to do this in public, but I asked Mom to bring something out to us. She needed a ride, so asked Aunt Dorothy, who told Tom, who told Uncle Keith, and, well, it snowballed.”
“Snowballed?”
“Pretend we’re alone,” said Trey. He winked.
“Katie.” Sam squeezed her hand. She focused on him. “When you punched me in the nose you woke me up. It’s taken me a long time to realize it, but I love you. So much that I can’t imagine wanting to live without you.” He took a deep breath. “But I won’t live in fear of losing you.”
“You know I love you, Katie,” added Trey. “But now I’ve said it in public.”
“Will you do us the honor of becoming my wife?” asked Sam. “With Trey, of course, but you’d be mine on paper. And we’d be yours.”
Marry Sam and Trey? She tried to speak but a distant roaring filled her head. She wavered. Sam and Trey shifted their grips from her hands to her elbows, supporting her. The roaring got louder. It wasn’t just in her head.
“Is that a helicopter?” she asked.
“That must be Tom,” said one of the MacDougals. “I left the gate open, so he must be herding that car in.”
“Hurry up and answer, Katie. I want to see what happens!” urged Dorothy.
The male cousins rushed past Katie to the kitchen. The noise got louder with the door open. She heard deep yells and a car horn.
“Will you marry me, Katie?” Sam had to yell over the din.
Nothing like this had ever happened to her. She’d never even imagined something this crazy. She was getting a marriage proposal from two grooms, surrounded by their relatives, as a helicopter swooped overhead.
It was crazy. It was wild. It was just what she wanted. She burst into laughter.
“Yes!”
Sam swooped her into his arms. Dorothy shoved open the door and ran out onto the deck. Katie put her hands over her ears.
“What’s happening?”
“Your mother sent a car to take you home so you can bow down before your Uncle Walter and apologize for the way he’s treated you.”
“What?”
“I want to see this.” Sam carried her outside.
Even if she’d struggled, she could not have escaped his grip. And she did not want to escape. The cousins all held rifles. They were pointed at the ground, but the implication was they could easily be shifted to face the black limo parked in the yard. A compact black helicopter with what looked like missiles hovered, facing it. Katie peered at the cockpit.
“Is that Tom White?”
“Yep,” yelled Trey. “Look at him grinning! He’s wanted an excuse to take that baby up for a long while.” He turned to Katie. “Do you love us, Katie-girl? Enough to put up with us ranchers? We’re not quiet, like your family. We wrestle and fight and carry our wives off to tie them up and spank them, and lots more.”
“Yes, I love both of you! And I love that your family and friends are crazy like this!”
Trey whooped and ran into the yard, waving his arms over his head. He faced the black helicopter and gave a double thumbs-up to Tom. It immediately cut over to an open space by the barn where Dorothy waited. She ducked under the blades and climbed in beside Tom. A moment later the chopper shot into the air. With its nose almost pointing to the ground, it swung away, heading west faster than Katie had thought possible. The noise and vibration disappeared as quickly as the machine.
“You’re going to stay here on the Rocking E, right?” asked Sam. “You like it here?”
“Yes, if I can get a few things fixed. When we can afford it,” she added. “I don’t have money, or a job.”
“You will if I have my way.” Katie found Keith Adams beside her.
“Do you want to run a small business?”
Katie’s jaw dropped. “Me?”
Keith looked around, exaggerating. “You see any other MBA grads who can manage people while under stress, who stand by their word, and like being spanked?”
Spanked? She glared at Sam.
“I didn’t say a word, and neither did Trey,” said Sam.
“They didn’t have to,” said Keith. “Anyone who agreed to marry these two would have to enjoy something beyond vanilla.” He winked. “So. Will you run our alternate lifestyle furniture company?”
“It’s always been my dream to be in charge of a company. But, why don’t one of you do it?”
Keith waved her question away. “We’re too old for all that pressure. We want to have fun doing the design and testing, and travelling to kink shows to market it. You interested?”
“Yes!”
“Second time Katie’s said that this morning, and still no ring!” complained Stella.
“Mom, my hands are busy holding my fiancé.”
“I’ll do it.” Trey dug in Sam’s shirt pocket and pulled out a blue velvet box.
“This is the ring our father bought with his rodeo winnings,” said Trey. “It’s old, ‘cause he got it at an antique store, but I think you’ll like it.” He flipped the lid open to reveal a square-cut, deep-green emerald.
“Oh, my,” said Katie in awe. “It’s beautiful.”
“It’s a classic, and high quality, just like you,” said Stella.
Trey took her left hand and slipped the ring on. It fit perfectly.
“How did you know the size?”
“Remember when you tried on my ring?” Marci MacDougal smiled delightedly. “Stella used it to get this one sized.”
“But…when did you…how did you know?”
“I saw the way Trey and Sam looked at you that first day,” said Stella. “I watched you work, and how well you fit in here. I know my sons well, and had a good idea they would suit you. I’m so glad they smartened up and let you into their hearts.” She tugged on Sam’s arm. He lowered Katie so Stella could kiss her cheek. “Welcome to the family, dear.”
“What about the limo?” called Riley Adams.
The driver, moving slowly, no doubt due to the rifles held easily by so many men, stood up.
“Ma’am, if you’re Miss Katherine
Winterbourne, I’m here to take you home.” He looked around. “Seems like you’re already there. I’ll just mosey on out of here.” A moment later the black car backed up, made a three-point turn, and slunk away.
Katie looked around at all the smiling people. They were happy for her, wanting to have her as part of their community. She had two fiancés she loved, a wonderful mother-in-law, and a yard full of welcoming aunts, uncles, and cousins.
“Congrats! You’re one of us now,” yelled Lila. “About time we had another sister to keep these guys in line.”
“Keep who in line?” demanded Jet.
“Whose truck’s that?” demanded Keith.
A brand new red pickup came racing up the lane, horn honking. Sunlight glanced off the shining chrome. It was huge, one of the ones with four doors. The truck bed had a matching cap on it, unlike all the others she’d seen.
“Geez, will you look at that baby,” said one of the MacDougals. She thought it might be Brody.
“About time Dax and Hunt got here," said Trey. The truck pulled to a stop where the limo had been. Dax got out of the passenger seat.
“That’s no ranch truck, boy!” called Keith Adams.
“No, sir, it’s Hunt’s chickmobile.” From his tone, the six-foot-seven Dax respected Keith enough not to bristle at being called “boy”.
“My truck’s for work.” He turned to Sam. “From that green rock on Katie’s hand, I’m guessing she said yes.”
“Damn right she said yes!” replied Trey.
“You want help with that?” asked Sam.
“Nope,” said Hunt. He grinned, giving the finger in response to the insults the bachelors threw at him about his truck. “Best put the lady down, Sam.”
Katie got her feet under her before looking up at Sam for an answer. He smiled sheepishly.
“I know it’s a bit early to start a family, but—”
She clutched her belly. “A family?”
“Where do you want ‘em?” Dax brought over a woven rattan laundry basket filled with thick towels. He carried it carefully, as if something precious was inside.
“Right here will do.”
Katie backed up when Dax approached. He was so big the basket looked the size of a two-person picnic basket. He set it at her feet, then grasped the end of one towel.
“Nice rock, Katie. Goes well with that dress,” he said. “Ready, Sam? Trey?”
“What—”
Dax stood, pulling the towel off the basket.
Three black, white, and brown puppies lay in a heap, sound asleep.
“Someone abandoned them,” said Sam quietly. “I found them the other day. Doc’s been keeping them to make sure they’re okay.”
“For me?” she asked. “I’ve never been allowed a pet.”
“For us,” replied Sam. “A start.”
“Triplets,” said Trey, grinning and rubbing his hands. “Jet and Houston gave Janie a pair, but we’ve got three of a kind.”
One of them whimpered in his sleep, his legs twitching. Her heart melted. She knelt in the dirt and put her hand on it to comfort it.
“Their fur is so soft!” The pup opened its mournful brown eyes. Its tail flopped. “What happened to its tail?” She reached in and scooped it up. The warm puppy cuddled into her neck then licked her chin. She laughed, delighted at the acceptance.
Her laugh woke the other two. Sam and Trey each took one. Sam carefully supported the smallest, holding it to his chest.
“Remember when I came in with blood on my shirt?”
“Oh, Sam! Were the puppies hurt?”
He nodded. “They’re better now.” He tucked the little one under his chin. “They’ve got us.”
“Hey, we helped take care of them. That makes us uncles. Right, Dax?” demanded Hunt.
“Damn right!”
Dax held out his hands to take her puppy. She reluctantly handed him over. Hunt took Trey’s puppy and Lance reached for Sam’s.
Sam gathered her into his arms and nuzzled her neck the same way the puppy had done to him. His hands strayed over her bottom. He pulled her close, rubbing his hard cock against her. She bit her lip, holding back a moan of need.
“Have you got lustful intentions toward me, Samuel Elliott?”
His eyes seemed to glow. “You’d better believe it, sweetheart.”
Trey leaned close to whisper in her ear. “We’re going to add a few things to that playroom. Sam’s not the only one with lust on his mind.”
She shivered in anticipation. Her pussy quivered, throbbing along with her heartbeat.
“You want your new family to hang around, or do you want to have a private celebration?” murmured Sam as he nuzzled her ear.
“I don’t want to be rude and send them away.” She looked from Sam’s stormy gray eyes to Trey’s vivid blue.
“No problem,” said Trey eagerly. “The playroom is fully insulated. We’ll give Mom time to visit while we celebrate our engagement.”
“What about the puppies?”
“There’s enough family here to keep an eye on them,” said Sam.
He massaged her back cheeks then cupped his fingers under them. His eyes suggested he wanted to do a lot more, and without her dress. Her blush collided with her arousal. She wanted them, bad, but was surrounded by his family and friends.
“But your family will know what we’re doing!”
“We’re all ranchers, Katie, and kinky to boot,” said Sam solemnly. “Giving our women screaming orgasms is one of the best parts of life.”
“Best way to get used to it is to jump right in,” said Trey. He cupped his hands around his mouth. “Anyone mind if Sam and I take Katie upstairs for a few hours to celebrate our engagement?”
“Trey!” She ducked her head into Sam’s chest, face flaming and heart pounding.
A rousing chorus of approval erupted. Sam carried her into the house, up the stairs and into the playroom. Trey scooped up a basket of food and followed. He set it down just inside and shut the door, cutting off all external sound. Only then did Sam set her on her feet. Two sets of shirts popped open, exposing two broad, muscular chests.
“You wearing panties under her dress?” asked Sam.
Katie’s mouth went dry. In her hurry she’d forgotten what they’d said about wearing a dress. She took a step back, heart pounding.
“Looks like someone needs a spanking,” said Trey eagerly. “And it’s my turn.”
“What color, Katie?” demanded Sam.
He stared deliberately at the palm of his hand, then looked at her. His expression was stern but his nostrils flared like a randy bull. A movement made her flick her eyes to the side. Trey smoothed thick towels on the bed. Her pussy twinged in memory. She licked dry lips, and got ready to run. She wouldn’t get far, but she had to try. It was all part of the game. She ran for the door, grabbed the handle, and was caught. She opened her mouth and screamed.
“Green!”
Epilogue
“You’re such a gentleman, Mr. O’Keefe. Thank you for inviting me.”
Hildy smiled at her escort. She’d settled into her new home a few days ago. Everything so far had convinced her it might not be temporary. There were no doddering old fools at this senior’s center. Those she’d seen were bright, alert, and full of joy. And mischief, from the twinkle she’d seen in a few eyes. The Frosts, Edna, Charlie, and Walter, had asked her to make up a fourth to play cards. Not bridge, they’d explained, but poker.
Socrates had deigned to allow a few members of the friendly staff to pet him, and he was a good judge of character. He’d acted strangely a few times, staring at something invisible while purring at full throttle. He’d done it again as she was getting dressed for the evening.
Keith Adams, who she’d agreed would purchase her stock of rare wood, had introduced her to Mark O’Keefe. He’d been a cabinet-maker as well as a rancher and was part of the new kinky company, as she privately referred to it. He was so tall and had an excellent physique for his ag
e. His calm presence seemed to send waves of power and reassurance. She’d been drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
When he’d invited her to the soiree, she’d eagerly accepted. Luckily she’d packed a tea-length gown in a pale green that she’d never had a chance to wear. She couldn’t wait to feel it float around her when she danced. She wanted to feel like a princess rather than a CEO. His eyes had twinkled when he spoke with her, suggesting he had at least a spark of naughtiness.
“Hildy, I asked you to call me Mark,” he admonished. “Do I need to do something to help you remember?”
His eyes, an unusual blue that was almost violet, bored into her, his expression both playful and intense. His deep rumble made parts of her pulse that she’d thought long withered. No man had looked at her that way, not even her husband. A tremor rippled through her. Was Mark a Dom? Would he want to do wicked things to her? She felt a blush rising, and looked away. She hadn’t flirted in almost fifty years and was out of practice.
“We’ll let that thought settle for a bit,” he said when she didn’t reply. “Will you dance with me?”
“Is there a jukebox?”
“Yes, and a karaoke machine.”
“Oh! I love to sing!”
Instead of being upset at what her husband had called her need for attention, Mark broke out in a delighted smile.
“I was in a barbershop quartet back in college and always sing along. But tonight is a special treat. That well-organized, smiling young woman who helped out during the haying is going to sing for us. I think her name is Kathy.”
“Katie,” she automatically replied, then pressed her lips together.
“That’s right.” He cocked his head at her. “You just arrived. How did you know?”
Hildy looked down. She needed a friend more than a lover. A man who could be both would be divine, but she wasn’t expecting miracles. She’d try for the friend. She had to tilt her head back to see his face. For once, she didn’t mind at all.
“Can you keep a secret, Mark?”
“Always.” He took her hand in his, brought it to his lips, and kissed her knuckles.
All thought burst from her brain. He raised his eyebrows when she didn’t speak.