Worth the Ride

by Casey Peeler

  Chapter 22

  Weston

  I have no idea how long I lasted, but I’m sure it wasn’t long. I’ve been in a drought in this area for almost a decade, and right now, I’m looking into the eyes of a woman who I know has changed my world for the better. She was right when she said I needed to live, because I want to live for her. Last night, I memorized every inch of her body and the way she responded to my touch.

  Leaning up on one elbow, I stare at her and she must sense it. “Mornin’.”

  “Mornin’, Cowboy,” she says as panic flashes on her face.

  “No worries. It’s still early. I’ve got about an hour before I’ve got to get ready to head to the market. My dad should be here around then.”

  Her eyes go wide. “Your dad? What if he sees me here?”

  “Why does it matter?”

  “Oh my gosh, Weston!” I try my best to refrain from laughing but I can’t. “Why are you laughing?”

  “You’re a grown woman, Timber.”

  “It doesn’t matter. There are some things you never want parents to know. Just think if this were Bryndle.” That grosses me out and I make a face.

  “See… told ya. Come on, I gotta get home.”

  She starts to slide out of the bed, but I can’t help myself, I pull her back to me and have my way with her again because who knows when we’ll be alone again and we still have a few hours left.

  Timber

  That man… oh, that man. How, in one little night, have I fallen harder than I thought possible? It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. Dammit, I wanted to make him work for it, but that wasn’t possible when he took me to the arena and showed me the peaches. It proved everything I knew deep down. He does want more in life and he has been living without anyone knowing. Now if only I could talk him into riding again.

  As he parks in front of my house, I pause before opening the door.

  “Timber, is everything okay?” he questions and my emotions get the best of me.

  “Yeah, why wouldn’t it be? I mean. I’m doing the ‘drive of shame’ at four in the morning.” He winces. Taking a second to get myself in check, I turn to him. “I’m kidding, but this isn’t what I wanted last night to be about.”

  “Me either but don’t get me wrong, I’ll roll around in the hay with you any day,” he says with a wink.

  “I wanted to take it slow, but I can’t with you. I’m pissed that I couldn’t control myself with you.”

  “Believe me. I didn’t expect any of that, but I’m not going to lie and say it wasn’t the best night of my life.”

  I lean into him and sweetly kiss his cheek. “Me too.”

  Chapter 23

  Weston

  Arriving back at the farm, I see Dad pulling down the drive. Shit! Getting out of the truck, he stands there and waits.

  “Are you just gettin’ in?” he questions.

  “Naw, been home awhile, just took a little ride.”

  “I bet, but please make sure to use that noggin of yours this time.” His words hit me hard and of course I wasn’t stupid this time, but even if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t care if I knocked up Timber Sellers because one day she will be my wife. People say I’m arrogant. Hell, I know what I want, and I know that I want her.

  Dad and I have a typical Saturday morning at the market, but all I can think about is the arena one road over. Thoughts of last night continue to drift through my mind. I replay the look on her face when she realized where we were, the look in her eyes when she realized I had been up to more, and the moment I knew she was falling.

  “What’s making you smile that goofy grin? I know it ain’t from the fact that the peaches sold out in record time.”

  “Nothin’, Dad. Just thinkin’.”

  “Yeah, about a little Sellers girl.”

  “Ain’t nothin’ little ‘bout her anymore. I think that’s the problem.”

  “Son, Timber has always been a friend. Sometimes in life, we aren’t ready in those younger years. Can you imagine what would have happened if you decided to date back then?”

  I reflect for a minute. There’s no way we’d be together and I doubt I’d have my sweet peach. “We’d have never made it.”

  “Exactly. Being young and in love is dangerous. Sometimes, you’ve got to take the long road in order to find out who’s right for ya.”

  “But you and Mom got married right outta school.”

  “Kinda, but more like college, not high school. We didn’t know each other growing up, and I’m sure if we had she probably would have had a different opinion of me.”

  “I don’t even want to know,” I say with a laugh. “But am I stupid to think that I don’t want to wait on anything with her?”

  “Weston, I’m a firm believer that love has a way of making itself known when it’s time. I’ve prayed for you and Bryndle to have a woman in your life that’s not Maw Jane. Bryndle needs a mom. One that understands what it’s like to be a teenager and all the shit that goes along with it. More than Bryndle needs a mom, you need a companion. One who knows you more than Weston from Parker Peaches and a former saddle bronc rider. You need a woman that completes you. One that completes your sentences and one that is there for you through the good and rough patches.”

  “So what are you saying, Dad?”

  “I’m saying that if you know she’s the one, don’t waste time Weston, that’s childish. We aren’t promised a tomorrow.”

  “Dad, she’ll think I’m crazy if I were to tell her I wanted to get married this soon,” I say as we pull into the driveway.

  “You sure?” I look at him like he’s crazy, but when I look at the barn and see her truck I know that he’s not. Now the question is if Bryndle is ready for her to be in our lives permanently. “I’ll give y’all some time. I’ll take the long way and pick up Sweet Peach for ya.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  Timber

  The moment I see Weston’s truck coming down the drive, I’m shocked. It’s super early for a Saturday at the market, which means it’s been a great day for him. I couldn’t seem to get him out of my head, so I decided to ride over and check on Scarlett. Truth be told, I hoped to get a glance at Weston when he got back.

  As he and his dad get out of the truck, a smile spreads across his face, and I try my best to keep myself from sprinting straight toward him.

  Grabbing another bale of hay, I walk toward Scarlett’s pen. I know that Weston is about ready to increase her freedom and introduce her to Poncho. What I’d really love is to see him try to ride her.

  Taking the bale of hay, I start to toss it into her pen when someone takes it from me. I know it’s him.

  “Hey, Cowboy, I was doing that.”

  “I know, but that’s my job.”

  “Hey, just because we’re, whatever this is, doesn’t mean that you can do everything for me.”

  He drops the bale of hay and turns to me. “Whatever we are? Are you kiddin’ me?” He takes a step toward me and backs me up against Scarlett’s pen. “There is no whatever between us. I thought I laid it out very clearly last night or do I need to refresh your memory?”

  I know exactly what he’s trying to do and I’d love a refresher. Looking up to him, I bite my bottom lip. “I’m havin’ trouble rememberin’. Can you help me out?”

  He grins as he picks me up and I wrap my legs around his waist before he presses me against the pen. He kisses the side of my neck and it drives me crazy, but when he starts to whisper in my ear, I want him more than I should. He brings his lips to mine and as the intensity increases, I can’t get close enough to him. Nothing around me matters, until I hear Scarlett behind us. We’ve got to stop because who knows how this is affecting her.

  “Cowboy, we gotta stop. Scarlett.” He breaks his kiss, glances at her direction, and then kisses me deeply once more.

  “Timber, don’t ever question what’s happened between us. You got me?”

  “You got it, Cowboy. Now, I’ve got a question for ya.”
He looks at me with concern. “You gonna ride her?”

  “Timber…”

  “No buts. After last night, I know it’s killing you to have her out here without even attempting it. So why not?”

  “Fine. Let me take her out in the pasture and give her a little time, then we’ll see what happens.”

  Chapter 24

  Weston

  When I agree, Timber reminds me of Bryndle. That look in her eyes shows she’s already got me wrapped around her finger too. Taking Scarlett from the pen, I guide her to the pasture. She’s been out there a few times, but this week my plan was to let her integrate with Poncho.

  With the help of Timber, Scarlett remains calm and we lead her around the pasture. Timber assures me that she’s okay and I excuse myself to go and get my saddle. Walking into the barn every day, I’ve seen the reminder of what dream I’ve given up, but today I’m willing to break my promise and see if there’s enough for one more ride.

  Carrying the saddle to the pasture, Poncho makes his way toward me, and I know he thinks this is for him. I give him a little attention then send him on his way. Timber walks Scarlett toward me, and when she is within a safe distance, I talk to her. It sounds stupid, but I swear they can understand. I tell her exactly what I’m doing as I lay the saddle on her back and she begins to get flustered. Timber stands in front of her with the guide rope and reassures her that everything is okay.

  Once everything is in place, I take a deep breath, and Timber smiles. “You got this, Cowboy,” she says and it’s sexy as hell.

  My nerves begin to build as I put my foot in the stirrup and swing my leg over. Scarlett begins to move sideways and Timber has a hard time controlling her. “Let go and toss it to me,” I tell her firmly and she listens for once. Taking the rope in my hands, I grip it firmly, speaking calmly to Scarlett. She continues to move in an uncontrollable pattern. My mind begins to reel as I focus on the fact that I’m on a wild horse again. Scarlett isn’t like Poncho and when my mind goes into that mode, I’m able to focus.

  Scarlett is calm but irritated. I try and sooth her by talking, but it’s obvious she doesn’t want to be ridden. She starts to buck and I feel a rush of adrenaline. As she begins to kick her hind legs into the air I feel alive. When I hear Timber cheering, I know that riding a wild horse is just like riding a bicycle. It might have been a while, but it’s like second nature.

  Scarlett soon realizes that she’s not winning, but when she starts to buck harder she haults all of a sudden. I didn’t see it coming and I fly into the air. I hear a gasp and then a cackle of laughter. Standing, I brush it off and look to find not only Timber, but Dad and Bryndle. Shit! I’m busted.

  “Daddy, that was awesome! Can you do it again?” Bryndle says with excitement.

  “We’ll see. When did y’all get here?” I question.

  “Um, right when you got thrown ten feet in the air,” Dad says with a smile. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Scarlett wandering around the field heading toward us. She passes me and stops in front of Bryndle.

  “I think she saw us and decided she was done putting on a show.”

  “I think that’s exactly what happened,” Timber chimes in. “How was the sleepover?”

  “Awesome! We made homemade cookies and painted our nails. See?” she says, holding out her hands.

  “Love them! Maybe you can paint mine for me,” Timber says to her.

  “Really?”

  “Of course,” she says and as our eyes meet I realize this woman has stolen another piece of my heart.

  “So Daddy, is Scarlett free from her pen now?”

  “Yes and no. This takes time. I am going to let her wander a little but by the end of the week she and Poncho should be friends.”

  “That’s awesome! I was so tired of her in that pen. That has to be so boring.”

  We all laugh as we leave Scarlett in the field and walk toward the house. Timber remains close, yet a step behind. I want to steal her hand, but with Bryndle present, I know I shouldn’t. I need to talk to her about this. Timber starts to excuse herself and Bryndle begs me to let her stay for supper, but we need some time to talk. She pouts but I don’t give in today.

  After Timber and Dad leave, I ask Bryndle to come and sit with me on the front porch.

  “Hey, Sweet Peach, can you come hang with your old man a little bit?”

  “Daddy, you ain’t old, but of course I will.”

  She sits beside me and lays her head on my shoulder. I cherish these moments with her. Looking out at the farm, I see the beautiful place God has given us, and know that it’s about to get even better.

  “So you had fun last night at Anna Rose’s?”

  “Yes, we had so much fun. We stayed up all night too.”

  “Aren’t you tired?”

  “Nah, I might have fallen asleep at some point, but I loved it. I can’t wait for my sleepover.”

  “About that…”

  “Daddy, you can’t change your mind. You promised and Timber even said she’d help.”

  I smile as she mentions Timber’s name.

  “Oh, Daddy. Why are you smiling like that?”

  I pause to formulate the words I want to say. “You like Timber, right?”

  “Well, duh, and I know you do too.”

  “You’re right. I really like her, and wondered what you thought about me asking her to be my girlfriend?”

  “I’d like that, but you know what?”

  “I’d really like her to become my mom.” My mouth falls open. “Daddy, I know that’s crazy right? She’s not been around a lot, but she’s everything I imagined a mom to be like.”

  “Sweet Peach, things like that take time, but I wanted to know what you thought about one day adding someone else to our family.”

  “Oh Daddy, please let it be her.”

  It’s like she’s been reading my mind or wishing for the exact same thing I have. In the past ten years, I never thought about bringing another woman into our lives. Our little family was just that – our little family. I didn’t want to upset the life we had, but it never dawned on me that Bryndle might have wanted a mom in her life.

  “I can’t make any promises on that one, but I’m going to try my best.”

  “So, when can I try and ride Scarlett?” And just like that I’m pulled back to reality.

  “We’ll see.”

  “Well, at least it wasn’t a no this time,” she says with a laugh. “I love you, Daddy.”

  She hugs me tightly and I kiss the top of her head. “I love you more, Sweet Peach.”

  Timber

  Arriving at home, my mind is racing from all that has occurred in the past twenty-four hours. Walking into the loft, I take a seat on the couch and turn on the TV. After a few minutes, I turn it off and head toward Forrest’s.

  Giving a quick knock, I walk in and hear Mandy in the living room. “Hey girl! Grab a beer and come on in. Forrest and James are out riding. I can’t believe you didn’t pass them.”

  She gives me a questioning look as I take a seat next to her. “What?”

  “So tell me… all about your little date with Weston because aren’t all good girls home by eleven?”

  We both burst out laughing, and I have to tell someone. Of course, I leave out the arena. Mandy wants all the details and by the time we’re finished, she’s leaning in close, taking in everything I’m saying.

  “Damn, why can’t Forrest be romantic like that?”

  “Um, I’m pretty sure the only reason Weston did that was because I made a big deal about not being cheap and he’d have to earn it.”

  “Well, it’s obvious that shit went out the window.”

  “How’d you know?”

  “Girl, it’s written all over your face. So tell me, how was it?”

  “Nope. Not saying a word except if he’s been in the drought in that area it sure as hell doesn’t show.”

  “Eeeek!” she squeals and that reminds me why hanging out with girls was never my thing.


  “Simmer down. I’m not sure how all this is going to work with Bryndle, but guess what?”

  “What?” Forrest says as he and James walk into the living room.

  “He rode Scarlett today.”

  “Awe shit!”

  “Forrest!” Mandy scolds.

  “That’s big, sis. I don’t know what you did to him on that date, but do it again because I want to see him ride in two weeks.”

  “Guess time will tell, but I’m trying. Y’all, it was amazing. It was like he never missed a day riding one in the past ten years, and damn, it was hot as hell. I mean, I always loved watching him ride way back when, but this was so different.”

  Forrest starts to laugh. “Yeah, cause he was ridin’ you last night.” My mouth falls open and I try my best to retaliate with a comeback but I can’t. Instead, I flip him off and chug my beer.

  Chapter 25

  Weston

  When we arrive at church Sunday morning I keep an eye out for Timber. After dropping Bryndle off in Sunday school, I head to my class, and she’s sitting there with an empty seat beside her. I sit down next to her and try to keep my thoughts from straying to last night.

  She smiles at me as I take my hand and slide it into hers. We listen to the lesson and then head toward the sanctuary. We find our normal pew, but when Timber starts to go and sit with her parents, Bryndle insists she sit with us. Her mom looks in my direction and it’s obvious she knows what’s happening.

  After the benediction is prayed, we walk out into the hot sunshine.

  “Weston, I’m cooking lunch if y’all would like to join us, and your dad too.”

  “Thanks, Jane, we’d love to,” I say.

  Timber tells us bye and heads home with her parents. I can’t get changed and over there fast enough.

  Arriving at the Sellers’ farm, we walk in the side door. The smell of chicken and dumplings greets us. Dad pulls up a few minutes later. I offer to help Timber and Jane, but they refuse. Instead, they ask Bryndle to set the table, and I go watch the game with Lyle, Forrest, and Dad.