Freedom to Surrender [Freedom, Colorado 4] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Melody Snow Monroe

  She inhaled. At least he hadn’t told her she’d never succeed, like he always had before. Maybe he wanted her to lean on him, to need him. Is that why he never told her she could be successful? Or didn’t he believe a woman should be in business?

  Not wanting to give him the chance to spout more warnings, she stood. “I need to meet Tatum and the boys. We’re horseback riding.”

  “The boys?”

  She smiled. “Ask Mom.” She’d told him last week about them, but her dad must not have listened.

  As soon as she stepped outside, Tatum pulled up to the barn. She headed over there, anxious to meet the boys who’d stolen a bit of Tatum’s heart.

  The kids jumped out of the back and glanced around. They acted as if they’d never been to a ranch this big before. Hell, maybe they hadn’t.

  “Hey,” she said. She wanted to give Tatum a hug, but she figured it would be better if the kids didn’t see her kissing their “big brother.”

  Tatum smiled. He tapped the taller of the two on the head. “This here is Andy Parks.”

  She shook his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

  Andy looked to the ground. Her heart broke.

  Tatum inhaled as if the first greeting hadn’t gone as he’d hoped. “This is Savon.”

  Savon, an adorable young man, grinned. “Thanks, lady, for letting us come.”

  “You can call me Ashley.” She could see why Tatum was enamored by them. “I bet you two want to ride, yes?”

  Andy’s eyes widened. “Never been.”

  “Then you’ll only be a little bit less experienced than Deputy Tatum here.”

  The boys glanced at Tatum and laughed. “She tell you, big man,” Andy said.

  Tatum wrapped an arm around his head and rubbed his knuckle across his scalp in an affectionate manner. “Watch it, kiddo.”

  Andy pulled away and held up his hands in a friendly manner.

  “Hey,” she said. “Who wants to see the horses?” The boys both raised their hands as if they’d forgotten they weren’t in school. “Then come on, but you have to be quiet. We don’t want to spook them.”

  She led the three of them into the barn. Four horses were tied to a post ready to go. She was glad she’d called ahead and asked the foreman to saddle the horses. The two ponies would be perfect for Andy and Savon.

  “Whoa,” Savon said. “They’re cool.”

  Andy scrunched up his nose. “They smell.”

  Both she and Tatum cracked up. “It’ll be nicer when we’re outside. Let me show you how to get up on a horse. Do exactly as I say, okay?”

  They both nodded. She showed them how to place their left foot in the stirrup and swing their leg over. Both of the kids were rather strong and had no trouble getting up on the horse. She thought they would exhibit a bit of trepidation but to her delight seemed to fear nothing.

  When both of them were seated, she suggested she and Tatum take them around the corral a time or two to get the used to feel of the powerful beast.

  She grabbed Savon’s reins and Tatum took Andy’s. Once in the pen, they walked the horses around the circle. It was wonderful doing something this meaningful together, but something was missing—Drex.

  For now, she’d enjoy the day and hope things worked out for Drex’s dad.

  “I want to really ride.” Andy didn’t sound demanding, just eager.

  Tatum looked at her. “How about you bring out our mounts and I’ll watch them walk the horses themselves?”

  “Perfect.” Tatum always seemed to know how to smooth out any situation.

  She hurried back to the barn, hopped on Wind Rider, and led Sugar Daddy out to the corral. “Let’s go!”

  Tatum climbed on. She debated taking the boys to the pond, but she wasn’t sure if they’d be up for such a long outing. “Do you remember the small lake at the end of the property?” she asked Tatum.

  “Sure. I bet the boys would love it.”

  He must have read her mind. “Great. I’ll lead and you can keep watch on the kids from the rear.”

  At the thought of taking up the rear, her overly active mind shot to Drex. Damn him. Why did she always think of the three of them? And sex? She adored Tatum. He was more man than anyone she’d met, but having both him and Drex seemed to be what she wanted and needed.

  “Follow Ms. Ashley. She has a surprise for you. Any funny business, and we’ll have to go back to Boulder.”

  Their faces fell. “We’ll be good,” Savon said, nodding his head.

  Taking her time, she led them across the land. It was hard to just walk the horse when she wanted to gallop across the plains, but for the boys’ first time out, she didn’t dare go faster. They’d crossed a few acres, when they passed some cows.

  “That’s so cool,” Andy said.

  She smiled, happy they seemed to appreciate the natural beauty. She was convinced bringing the boys here would give them a better direction than any old jail.

  An hour later, they arrived at the pond. “Just stay on the horse. We’ll help you down.”

  She guided Savon to the ground while Tatum helped Andy. It made her want to have children of her own really badly. Their joy became hers.

  Savon looked up at her. “Can we go down to the pond?”

  She’d told them how she used play there growing up. “Sure.”

  Tatum clasped her hand, and her heart squeezed. Being here with him was wonderful, but she feared part of her soul would never heal. Time and time again this week, she realized how much Drex had been part of their threesome. He brought a dynamic to the group that made their relationship work and seem to complete her.

  Once at the pond, the boys skipped rocks, while she and Tatum rested on the hill overlooking the beautiful little valley. It was warm and wonderful, and if the laughter was any indication, the boys really seemed to be having fun.

  Andy ran up the hill. “Can we swim?”

  She looked over at Tatum. “Strip to your undies,” he said. “Otherwise, the ride back will be mighty uncomfortable.”

  Andy ran back down the hill, laughing. Her heart soared. “Do they know how to swim?”

  Tatum looked over and smiled. He shrugged. “I do and that’s all that matters.”

  * * * *

  After a few hours of playing cowboy, they drove the boys back to Boulder and hugged them good-bye. Seeing the sparkle in their eyes made the day worthwhile. Since her parents had invited them to dinner, they stopped off at Tatum’s place, and for the sake of time—or so Tatum said—managed to squeeze into the small shower together.

  She stepped out first and towel dried. “Mom’s expecting us in a few minutes.” She pointed a finger at him. “So no funny business.”

  With Drex gone, they either hadn’t had time to make love or else one of them hadn’t been in the mood. It just wasn’t the same without all three of them being there. At some point they’d have to address what they were going to do if Drex decided to stay in Portland.

  “One little kiss wouldn’t hurt.” Tatum pinned her against the wall and delivered an earthshattering kiss, which negated the drying off she’d just done. Touching him again ignited her body.

  She delved into his mouth, needing him now more than ever. When her pussy pinged and throbbed, she used all of her willpower to pull away. “Ta-tum.”

  “I know. Later for sure.”

  “Yes.”

  Spending the whole day with him reminded her why she loved him. Yes, she loved Drex, too, but with him gone, she and Tatum would have to consider making a life together. She just wished the heavy layer of depression constantly surrounding her would lift.

  He tapped her butt. “Get dressed then before I say to hell with meeting your parents.”

  She’d brought a change of clothing and was ready to go within minutes, as was Tatum.

  The drive over to the ranch was a little tense. “My mom is kind of assertive. She thinks all women should be married and have kids right away, so if she asks you a question you don’t want—
”

  “—to answer? Don’t worry. I can dodge with the best of them.”

  She loved how relaxed he appeared. “What if she asks about Drex?”

  “What did you tell her?”

  “That his father had taken ill and he needed to help out in Portland for a while.”

  He glanced over at her. “What’s wrong with telling her that? It’s all we know.”

  She’d been fishing to see if perhaps he had more information. She sensed he had the inside scoop but planned to let Drex return and break the news to her in person. She slipped lower in her seat at the thought.

  As they entered the house through the side door, chatter greeted them. To her delight, her mom had invited Nikki, Gavin, and Zane. Now her whole family would be here.

  “Hey. Look who’s here.” Ashley gave all three a hug.

  Both Josh and Drew, her two oldest brothers, came at her. “No welcome for us?”

  She’d seen them last week but hugged them again anyway. “Everyone, this is Deputy Tatum Morganton, Holly’s brother.”

  Tatum leaned close. “You didn’t think calling me deputy makes me unique enough?” He laughed.

  She nudged him and guided him to the sofa in the living room. The conversation ran the usual gamut from how did Tatum like Freedom to her plans to open a bakery.

  “Give us the 411, dear,” her mom said.

  Ashley glanced at all four of her brothers at their mom’s use of such a hip expression and they all burst out laughing.

  “Did I say something wrong?” Her mom actually sounded a bit wounded.

  She wiped the tear under her eye. “No, Mom. You’re fine. Actually, Sharon and I are in the final phases of planning. We’ve rented the bottom floor of the old Templeton building.” She couldn’t say anything about Drex having bought the space.

  “That’s a prime location,” Josh said. “How can you afford the rent?” He’d taken after their dad in the business sense department.

  “Sharon and I have gone around and around and see no way around it other than keeping it open six and a half days a week in order to pay for it. We’ll close at two on Sunday. We might take one day off during the week. Maybe Mondays so one of us can have a weekend to ourselves.”

  Josh glanced at Drew and shook his head. “All businesses take a while to get off the ground. A pie shop is no exception. Are you sure you can make enough to live on during that time?”

  She had to remind herself that her brother was only trying to help and not to get upset. “The possibility of failure isn’t going to stop me.”

  This time it was Drew who leaned forward. “You remember Bob’s Books used to be there, and look what happened to him.”

  She didn’t want to get into a lengthy discussion about the demise of print books. “That was Bob. I’m selling pies in a nice atmosphere. There will be no rush for my customers to leave.”

  Dad waved his hand. “Let her be. If she wants to start a business, then let.”

  She glanced at dad and smiled. She mentally thanked him.

  Her mom stood. “I believe dinner is almost ready. Come to the table.”

  They all stood and went en masse to the dining room. Ashley nodded to Nikki. “So how are Christian and Seth James working out?” She wanted to take the focus off her potential disaster.

  “Fantastic.” She glanced over at Garth and then Zane. “They’re workaholics. I’m getting to spend more time with my men when they aren’t fighting fires and helped stranded campers.”

  Garth nodded. “Which seems to be a lot of the time. Summer is out busiest season.”

  “And winter,” Zane chimed in.

  After her brothers told more heroic tales, they talked about how Josh and Drew’s ranch was doing. Her mom placed the food on the table, and both Ashley and Nikki had jumped up to help.

  The rest of the meal revolved around ranching, a topic at least three of men loved to discuss.

  After a nice conflict-free meal, her mom pushed back the chair. “Dessert anyone?”

  Now Ashley felt bad for not having baked a pie. She stood. “I’ll help clean up.”

  Nikki did the same. “Me, too.”

  At least they could have some peace and quiet while the men chatted. Then she’d drag Tatum back home and spend the night making wonderful love to him.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  By the time she and Tatum left her parents’ house, Ashley’s mood had plummeted.

  Tatum opened the car door for her. “I thought your dad was quite well behaved.”

  She hadn’t had a chance to tell him about their discussion. “I think he’s given up trying to run my life.” She smiled. “If only I can convince my brothers I’m competent, we could have nice dinners.”

  “Don’t worry. They’ll soon learn how wonderful and smart you are.”

  She did love that man. “I hope.”

  She scooted in and clicked closed her seatbelt. He climbed into the other side and cranked up the engine. “You know it doesn’t really matter what other people think.”

  “I know.”

  Before pulling out he faced her. “I’m not sure you do. True happiness comes from doing what feels right inside here.” He fisted his chest. “What you’re doing is fantastic. How many people ever get to give their dream a fighting chance? You’re doing that. Sure, it will be great if you’re a huge success and have a Homemade Pie store in every city across the country, but the fact you tried is all that really matters.”

  He lifted her chin and they both leaned toward each other at the same time. When their lips met, every ounce of disappointment vanished. She loved Tatum with her whole heart and wanted—no, needed—to be with him now.

  She leaned back. “Don’t speed too fast getting me back to your bed.”

  He laughed and gunned the engine. Good thing there were no other cars on the road until they neared his neighborhood. Only when he turned down his road did he slow.

  She spotted Drex’s car in the drive first. “Oh, my God. He’s here!” The excitement in her voice might give Tatum a complex, but when he grinned, she knew he was fine. “You knew?”

  “He texted me while you were helping your mom clean up. I couldn’t wait to tell you, but if I’d brought it up at dinner, we’d never have gotten out of there, and my cock was twitching badly.”

  This time she didn’t wait for Tatum to open her door. She shoved it open and ran up the steps. He laughed as he rushed up behind her.

  “Do you think he’s here to stay?” The reality crashed down. “Or did he come to say good-bye?”

  “Let’s ask him.” He pushed open the door. “Drex?”

  Footsteps sounded and when he ran down the hall with open arms, she propelled herself into them. “I’ve missed you so much.” She didn’t care if she told him how she felt first.

  “I’ve missed you more. You have no idea how much.”

  He didn’t even set her down when he kissed her. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. They kissed closed mouth, open mouth, and every which way in between.

  He finally set her down. “We need to talk. Then we’ll get to the fun part.”

  She looked up his eyes to see if she could guess his intent, but he’d schooled his features.

  “Beer?” Tatum asked.

  “Water for me,” she said. She needed a clear head if what he told her was bad.

  “I’ll take one, thanks.” Drex led her over to the sofa but instead of sitting next to her, he faced her.

  Tatum came in and passed out the drinks and took the seat next to her.

  Drex guzzled his drink, acting as if what he needed to tell them wasn’t good. “Ah. I needed that.”

  “Tell us what’s going on.” This came from Tatum who seemed on edge, too.

  “This last week has taught me a lot about myself. About what I want as a person and where I need to be.”

  Ashley was unable to decode his words. “In English please.”

  He chuckled. “I d
on’t want to fake being poor anymore. I’m not poor and pretending to be like everyone else has had its good points and its bad points. I realize that I’m a snob. I like the respect that my education and money has afforded me.”

  She didn’t like where this was headed. “But I thought you didn’t like it when people only became friends because they thought you could help them.”

  “Still don’t, but I’m hoping if I live here I’ll pick my friends more wisely.”

  She keyed in on the word “here.” “You’re staying?”

  “Yes, but let me start from the beginning. My father is old and needs my help to right the ship so to speak.”

  “The company is failing without you?” If that were the case, he’d have no choice but to save it.

  “Actually, the company is doing better than ever. In fact, the Portland facility can’t keep up with the demand.”

  She had some business knowledge, but this was over her head. “Which means?”

  “We need more distribution centers.” He leaned forward. “Here’s the beauty and brilliance to my plan. I’ve looked into it, and there is a large track of land where 119 hits Ashford Boulevard. It’s partway between Freedom and Boulder.”

  “You’re going to build another Ambrose Auto Parts store there?”

  “No. I want to build a distribution center there. It will bring in a ton of jobs to Freedom and increase our ability to ship out the parts. That area is near three different interstates and has the ability to ship to a lot of places faster.”

  She loved his excitement. “So that means you’re staying?”

  “Yes, and it was a hard decision, but once I told Dad my plan, he was all for it.” He twirled the bottle in his fingers. “But the real reason I didn’t stay in Portland was because I wanted to be with you.” He glanced over at Tatum. “And you, too, buddy.”

  “Gee thanks, dude.”

  Ashley’s heart raced. “Really?”

  He studied her for a minute. “I’m good at convincing a board of directors this is the direction we need to take, but when it comes to telling you how I feel, I suck. Ashley Milosino, I love you. You are my light and my direction. Without you I am nothing.” He stood and opened his arms. “Forgive me for bungling things so badly?”