Twins for the Rebel Cowboy

by Sasha Summers

  “Actions speak louder than words, Mrs. Boone.” He caressed the side of her face. “Seems like the only thing I can do is love you until no one in Stonewall Crossing can doubt it.” He smiled at her, shaking his head. “No one. Not even you, Princess.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Ryder stood under the shower, letting the steaming water pour over him. He was tired. The past week he’d had a complete transmission overhaul on a two-day turnaround. And in the evenings, he and Hunter had been riding the fence line to replace any posts the storms had damaged. Times like this reminded him just how big the ranch was.

  DB had called him about a rodeo, but he’d turned him down without a second thought.

  Annabeth came into the bathroom. “There’s a phone call for you.” She tapped on the shower door. “The whales said the water level is getting a little low and asked that you wrap up your marathon shower.”

  Ryder laughed, turning off the water. “Damn whales.”

  He heard Annabeth giggle.

  He pushed open the glass door and wrapped a towel around his waist. Annabeth was brushing her teeth, in an oversize tank top. He stood, enjoying the view. He needed to spend more time feeding her. She was beautiful, no doubt about it, but she could use more meat on her bones.

  “Want a kiss?” she asked, turning toward him with a toothpaste-sudsy mouth.

  He didn’t hesitate, closing the gap between them in three steps and pulling her against him.

  “Ryder, no!” she squealed, laughing. “Joke.”

  He bent his head, dropping a kiss on her nose, then let her go. He stared down at her baby bump. His baby bump. She was starting to show. And he loved it. His hands covered her stomach, smoothing along the sides of her rounded belly to support the underside. Something about the sight lodged a knot in his throat.

  “Give me a sec?” Annabeth asked, slipping from his hold long enough to rinse the toothpaste from her mouth. She took his hands and placed them back on her stomach.

  “Doctor appointment is next week?” he asked, stroking her stomach. According to the baby book, she had a lot going on inside of her right now.

  She nodded. “Tuesday at four thirty.”

  “I’ll be there.” He smiled. “I’m going to kiss you now.” He pressed a soft kiss to her mouth, her breath hitching. He wanted to believe she wanted him, that their incredible night together was the first of many incredible nights together. But he still had to work at getting kisses. Or holding hands. Or sleeping with her head on his shoulder every night. He kissed the tip of her nose. “If we’re going to get to the meeting on time, that’s all you’re getting, Princess.”

  She sighed.

  “Nervous?” he asked. She might be cool as a cucumber, but he was tied in knots about the school board meeting. She wanted this job. And that meant he wanted her to have it.

  She shrugged, pulling a compact from the lemon-print bag with all her toiletries. “No point being nervous.” She met his gaze in the mirror. “They’ve already made their decision.” But she was staring at his chest, distracted and dazed and...aroused?

  He stepped behind and slid his arms around her, holding her. “Guess so.” He dropped a kiss on her shoulder. She smelled good, but she tasted better. He threw caution to the wind and slid her bra strap aside, kissing the skin beneath. He groaned and stepped back, amazed at how quickly his body responded to her. He risked looking at her in the mirror and groaned again.

  Her eyes were round, her breathing harsh and unsteady. The flush of desire on her cheeks made him ache.

  “What was that?” Her voice was rough and sexy as hell.

  “Princess.” He ran his fingers down her back, loving the way she shivered. So she wanted him. But did she love him? Could she love him? He cleared his throat. “Sometimes I forget about Option A. Or I think we should burn it or let Cody feed it into the shredder in your office and never talk about it again...”

  Her brow creased, her hazel gaze boring into his. She nodded. “I need clothes.” She laughed, an unsteady breathy sound, and hurried out of the bathroom. “Think a lot of people will turn out?”

  He followed her into their bedroom and pulled out a pair of pressed slacks and a button-down oxford. “With the announcement and all, I imagine parents will be curious to see what’s decided.”

  In true Texas-weather fashion, the temperature had climbed from the thirties to the eighties in a matter of days. She looked like spring in the yellow polka-dot sundress and white sweater she pulled on.

  “Things are starting to get tight.” She turned, pushing the sleeves of her sweater up. “Is it... Am I obvious?”

  Too him, she was perfection. Still a little too thin, maybe. But he suspected her stomach was only obvious to him because he knew she was carrying his babies. “Nope. You look beautiful.”

  She rolled her eyes, sat on the edge of the bed and buckled her heels. “Are you sure your dad doesn’t mind watching Cody tonight—”

  “Annabeth,” Ryder interrupted, tucking his shirt into his slacks. “Dad’s tickled pink he’s got a boy around that’s interested in model cars again.” He tugged on his boots. “They probably won’t even know we’re gone.”

  Annabeth stood, smoothing down her skirt. “I don’t like imposing—”

  “You’re not imposing.” He gripped her shoulders. “You’re family.”

  She nodded, though the smile on her face wasn’t convincing.

  “Ready?” he asked, surprised at how edgy he felt. “You’re meeting with the board privately, before the community meeting?”

  She nodded, but her smile cooled, as if she was bracing for something.

  “Hey.” He took her hand. “Everything’s going to be okay.” He squeezed her hand. “Right?”

  There was something in her huge hazel eyes he didn’t understand—and it scared him. He didn’t like fear, wasn’t accustomed to it. If something scared him, he faced it head-on and fought it. What was there to fight? How could he win her?

  Tonight he’d know if she needed him or not. If she got the job, she could take care of things on her own and she’d expect him to go. If she didn’t get the job...well, she’d be devastated. Either way, he couldn’t win. And there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it.

  “Right.” She headed out of the bedroom, tense and rigid.

  He followed, his stomach full of lead and his heart heavy. No matter what happened tonight, he wouldn’t give up. No matter what happened tonight, Annabeth was his wife. He’d figure out a way to fight—to hold on to her and their family. He had to.

  * * *

  ANNABETH SNUCK INTO the dim high school auditorium and scanned the crowd. The meeting had already started and there seemed to be some discussion about team sports. She saw Ryder instantly—and felt the air leaving her lungs.

  She got the job. She would stay the principal. After their brief meeting, she’d gone to the bathroom to pull herself together.

  Option A said he’d move to Dallas and take his dream job. Option A. The one she didn’t want.

  She made her way to where he sat, his words replaying in her mind. Everything’s going to be okay... How was anything going to be okay? She was beyond excited about the job, but there was so much more at stake.

  “Hey,” he whispered when he saw her.

  She smiled at him, biting her bottom lip to stop the quiver. She saw the slight furrow of his brow and willed herself to really smile. It would have been easier if he wasn’t looking at her, waiting to hear. She stared right back, memorizing the chiseled brow and strong jaw. She was in love with him—but she’d have to let him go.

  He winked.

  Her heart stuttered a little, but she rolled her eyes as if it was no big deal.

  “You good?” he whispered.

  She wrinkled her nose, smoothin
g her hands over her stomach. But, for the first time in weeks, her nausea had nothing to do with the babies inside.

  His expression went from playful to intense. “Need to go?”

  She shook her head.

  He nodded, but didn’t look convinced. “So?” he prodded.

  “As you all know, we’ve been interviewing candidates for the principal position at Stonewall Crossing Elementary School. This has been quite a process.” Haddie Miles’s voice rang out. “And we truly appreciate the quality of excellence each of our candidates had to offer our fair town.”

  Cutter grumbled something, clearly impatient with Haddie’s speech.

  “That being said, we felt that one candidate’s experience, familiarity with our community and references were the perfect fit for our fine school.” Haddie turned to the gentlemen of the school board, who all seemed content to let Haddie do the talking. “We would like to thank Mr. Ken Branson of Stonewall Crossing, Mrs. Olivia Sanchez of Glendale, Illinois, Mr. William Marshall of San Antonio and Mrs. Annabeth Boone of Stonewall Crossing for your time and patience throughout our deliberation.”

  Ryder’s hand captured hers. His fingers threaded with hers, warm and soothing... She glanced at their entwined fingers. If not getting the job meant she kept Ryder, she didn’t want it. If she could keep him... But that wasn’t true, either. She wanted him to stay because he wanted to, not because he had to.

  She looked at Ryder again.

  It was too late, the damage was done. She’d been so naive. Marrying her had been the easy part. Divorcing her would cost him...everything. No one would ever forgive him, no matter what she said. And it would be her fault. She swallowed down the bile that nearly choked her.

  She never wanted to hurt him.

  So many hearts would be hurt. Their families’. Cody. Hers...

  Why had she ever agreed to this?

  “We are pleased to offer the position of principal to Mrs. Annabeth Boone.” Haddie Miles paused. “Where are you, Mrs. Boone?” She shielded her eyes and peered into the auditorium.

  Annabeth stood, waving.

  A smattering of applause broke out in the auditorium, making her look around for the first time. Quite a turnout, especially for Stonewall Crossing. The loyal volunteers were there. Most of the elementary staff sat on the far side of the dimly lit auditorium. No wonder she hadn’t noticed them when she came in. Ken Branson wasn’t pleased, but he was wearing his plastic smile.

  “Mrs. Boone, the board has your contract for you to review. And, of course, you’ll have two weeks to decide if you still want to be principal.” Haddie laughed and Annabeth sat down.

  The audience laughed, as well.

  Annabeth wanted to cry, but forced herself to smile.

  “As that concludes the board’s official business, we’ll open the floor to questions and concerns. Please remember to follow the rules...” Haddie carried on.

  She stared straight ahead, smiling at the wall in front of her. She had to keep smiling, even though she wanted to cry.

  “Told you so,” Ryder whispered, kissing her cheek softly. “Congratulations.”

  “You did.” She glanced at him, more nervous now than she’d been all night. It was real, she had the job. She’d be okay. She could take care of Grandma Flo and Cody. And the twins. He could go now. The sting in her eyes caught her off guard.

  “Meeting adjourned.” Haddie Miles whacked a gavel on the table with a surprising amount of force.

  “Congratulations,” Janet said as she slipped into the row behind them.

  “Yay!” Janet was there, and Lori and Abigail.

  “So glad it’s you,” Lori added. “You’ll take care of us.”

  Grandma Flo’s words went through her head. Sometimes hiding your feelings is better than showing them. This was definitely one of those times. “Thank you,” she tried to gush. “I’m so relieved.” She let go of Ryder’s hand, turning in her seat to smile at them all.

  “Congrats.” Bryan Goebel sat behind Ryder. “Haven’t been here long, but it’s plain to see you’re the right choice.” He laughed. “Just don’t tell Ken I said that.”

  “Thanks, Bryan.” She paused. “Has Ken mentioned the opening? Coach Hernandez decided it was time to retire after all.”

  Bryan nodded. “Good to know.”

  She spent the next few minutes accepting congratulations, all the while wishing she was home in bed. And not at the Lodge, but in her own tiny house. She wanted to cry it out, pull herself together and attack tomorrow with purpose. The sooner she and Cody were back in their tiny house, back in their routine, the sooner things would start to feel normal again. Normal—without Ryder.

  For now, she kept up the small talk, aware of Ryder’s strong hand on the small of her back. What would she do without his strength?

  “Mrs. Boone?” Haddie called her.

  “I’ll be back.” She glanced at Ryder.

  “I’ll wait.” He was watching her, a mix of concern and pride on his face. “Ice cream?”

  She nodded, smiling.

  He smiled back, a heart-thumping, knee-weakening smile.

  “I’ll hurry.” She made her way to the stage, hoping she carried herself with some sense of confidence.

  “Annabeth—” Ken caught her before she reached the steps. “Congratulations. Can’t say I’m not a little disappointed, but there’s no one I’d rather lose to.”

  She smiled, taking the hand he offered her. “Thank you, Ken, that means a lot.”

  He nodded, shaking her hand before joining his wife.

  “Here’s the paperwork.” Cutter pushed a manila envelope across the table. “Too much money if you ask me, but no one did.”

  “Congratulations again, Mrs. Boone.” Haddie shook her hand. “Meant to give this to you earlier but Cutter forgot it in his truck.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Miles,” she replied, shaking the woman’s hand.

  “First a wedding, now the job.” Mack shook her hand. “I’d have to say you’re having a good year.”

  And babies. She nodded.

  The conversation was short. Review the offer and let them know in two weeks. The board did have some thoughts on some building additions they’d like to discuss with her, but that could wait until all the paperwork was signed. And they wanted to determine next year’s calendar, discuss a new track surface and options for teacher training. None of which seemed to matter right now. By the time she climbed into Ryder’s truck, she was on the verge of tears. She closed her eyes and rested her head on the back of the seat.

  Ryder climbed in and turned on the heat, but didn’t move. “You going to take the job?”

  She opened her eyes, staring up at the lining of the truck cab. “Of course.”

  “You don’t seem happy.” His tone was neutral.

  “I am. Besides, life isn’t always about doing what you want to,” she argued. “It’s about doing what you need to do.”

  “Okay.” He paused, driving two blocks before asking, “Why do you need this job?”

  She looked at him, swallowing hard.

  “I was watching you tonight, Princess. You were happy until the meeting. Tired, yes. Stressed, sure. But once they said your name, you looked like Tom when Cody goes to school. Like you’re losing something?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She frowned at him. I am losing you. “I’ve been managing. I can do this.”

  He moved across the bench seat and took her hands in his. “Damn right, you can.” His brow furrowed. “But you don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

  She looked at their hands. “Ryder.”

  “Talk to me,” he said, his voice low.

  She shook her head.

  “You don’t have to pretend with me.” His words t
wisted her heart.

  She glanced at him, but it was too hard. “I have the weight of the world on my shoulders. Medical bills that are sky-high—”

  “I didn’t know—”

  “A house that would probably be better off flattened than repaired—”

  “Annabeth,” he tried again.

  “A son, a sweet precious boy, who needs building up—and someone to look up to. This job pays significantly more than my teacher’s salary. I don’t know what the offer is exactly—” she tapped the manila envelope in her lap “—but it will take care of the things I must take care of.” She shook her head. “Yes, this job is long hours and crazy parents and rats in the cafeteria...but it also provides the one thing my children need. Stability. With the twins coming...” She drew in a shuddering breath. “I need stability. We need it.” She pressed her hand to her stomach. “If something falls apart, I can take care of it. I have to take care of my family.”

  The quiet grew, filling the truck cab until Annabeth couldn’t take it.

  Ryder slid back into his seat and turned on the truck. He pulled through the soda shop on the way home, buying her a double dip of her favorite—butter pecan. But he didn’t say a word all the way home.

  The top scoop of ice cream had all but melted by the time she went inside. Cody was so excited she gave the remainder to him, making him promise not to get too sticky since it was still a while until bath time. Ryder took Cody into the kitchen to prevent splattering the wooden floors with ice cream drips.

  “How did it go?” Teddy asked.

  Something about Teddy Boone’s question broke the dam. Maybe it was the glimmer of pride she saw on his face. Or the fact that she’d never had a father to look at her that way. Or that she was overwhelmed and exhausted.

  Whatever it was, she burst into tears, her legs giving out beneath her. She flopped onto one of the leather sofas and pressed her hands over her mouth so Cody wouldn’t hear her, but she couldn’t stop the sobs.

  Teddy sat beside her, hugging her against his barrel chest. “It’s all right, Annabeth. It’s all right. It’s just a job. If those idiots don’t see the gem you are, good riddance.”