Prairie Heat (Cowboys of The Flint Hills #1)

by Tessa Layne

  She covered her mouth with her hand, eyes huge.

  “No one knew I saw them. I couldn’t bring myself to tell anyone.

  She nodded slowly in understanding. “What did you do?”

  “I took off and spent two nights down at the homestead. I was afraid if I saw Jake, I’d beat him and not stop.”

  She reached for him, entwining her fingers with his. “I’m so sorry. Sorry you saw it, sorry you carried that for so many years. Sorry I… I was so hurt I didn’t listen.”

  He squeezed her and scooted closer, bringing her hand to rest on his lap. “She came to me not long after, pregnant and scared. So I helped her. And after, I didn’t feel right just leaving a little baby with her. You know what she’s like.”

  She nodded, eyes fierce.

  “How did you manage? Weren’t you in school?”

  “I was. I didn’t sleep much. Didn’t eat much. Jake refused to acknowledge the baby, and Kylee threatened to bring Simon to Dottie’s if I didn’t help her. I couldn’t let Mom be humiliated that way. So I tried to fix things on my own.”

  Maddie pushed her glasses up her nose. “She is hateful, Blake. She doesn’t deserve to be a parent.”

  “The moment I held him, I knew I couldn’t turn my back on him. None of this was his fault. But you’re right. She’s a terrible parent and I regret not taking action sooner. My only excuse was that until very recently I wasn’t in a position to be a good parent. And I was afraid. Afraid what people would say. Afraid if I sued for even partial custody, since I’m not his biological father, that I wouldn’t get to see him at all. But instead, I’ve not only hurt you, I’ve hurt Simon and Brodie too.”

  “Does he know who his father is?”

  “He does now. I wanted him to hear it from me, not anyone else.”

  It had been tough. Brodie had been so angry at first, but had softened once he met Simon. They’d told him together and Simon’s reaction had melted them all. At first he’d been confused, but when he realized he had three big brothers who loved him and wanted to teach him how to ranch, rope, and ride horses, his grin had been wider than a rodeo clown.

  “So will you start proceedings now?”

  “Already have, for joint custody. The first court date is in four days.”

  He studied his glass, swirling its contents. His heart started to thump again. Steeling himself, he looked up “Would you stand by me?” He swallowed down the lump in his throat and pressed on. “I meant it when I said I want to be with you. However you want. You don’t have to move back. You can fly down on weekends. I can make my travel come through Chicago. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

  She reached out, cupping his cheek with her hand, her eyes soft and shining. “I meant it when I said yes,” she murmured.

  He didn’t realize he’d been holding his breath until it whooshed out as relief cascaded over him. The first inklings of joy ballooned, filling up his chest.

  “Does that mean I can give you this?” He dug into his pocket and pulled out the ring that had been burning a hole there for the last twenty-two days.

  “I know we’ve both been guilty of doing everything on our own, and I don’t want that anymore. For either of us. I love you, Dr. Madison Jane Hansen. Please say you’ll be my partner in life and love? For the rest of our lives?”

  He brought her hand to his lips, before slipping the ring on her third finger.

  “Yes, yes, yes.” She leaned in, wrapping her arms around his neck, and kissed him.

  “Do you like it? The ring was my grandmother’s, but I had the diamond replaced with a sapphire to match your eyes.”

  “It’s perfect Blake, stop talking.” She pulled on his neck again, bringing his mouth to hers. His hand skimmed her hips, pulling her off the stool to stand between his legs.

  They were interrupted by the loud pop of a cork. Jamey had returned to the bar and was pouring champagne into three glasses.

  “Redbreast works every time,” she grinned. “So Mads. You pull your head out of your arse and say yes to this fine specimen?”

  Maddie showed Jamey her left hand. Jamey studied it, then raised her head, eyeing him. “Impressive, cowboy. I suppose I’ll have to give you my blessing. Especially since my Irish great-granny matchmaker sense is never wrong.”

  Maddie snorted and rolled her eyes.

  “Well it was right this time. When you gonna do this?”

  Blake pulled Maddie close, not wanting to be apart from her for a second. “As soon as we can?”

  She nodded her agreement. “There are a few things I need to say first.”

  “Of course, love.” He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Whatever you need.”

  “First, I’m sorry for running out. I was hurt. And Dr. Richardson had called me back to the lab. He’s old school and doesn’t understand how collaborative work can be done digitally. I gave him my resignation this afternoon.”

  Blake frowned, his eyebrows knitting together. “Sweetheart, are you sure? You can’t quit your research.” He didn’t want her quitting for him. Not after he’d seen how happy her research made her.

  She nodded, taking a sip of champagne, her eyes clear. “I’m sure. Very. You’re not the only one who’s been thinking. After twelve years of concrete jungle, I miss the quiet life. And dad’s a cuss, but he’s slowing down. I want to come home.”

  He gathered her in his arms, joy overflowing to the point where tears pricked behind his eyes. He rained kisses over her face until she giggled. “If you’re interested, I made a few phone calls. There’s a physics position open at K-State. They said they were ready to make a hire soon. I know it’s not ideal, and if you want to go somewhere else, I support that. But… I wanted you to know.”

  Her brows furrowed. “When did you talk to them?”

  “Two days ago, before I bought my ticket.”

  She beamed. She leaned forward and kissed him tenderly. “Hmm. Interesting,” she murmured between kisses. “Gary Anderson called two weeks ago inviting me to apply for a new position at their lab.” She smiled slyly. “I am brilliant, you know.”

  “Like a star, Dr. Hansen. Like a star.”

  CHAPTER 33

  Three Weeks Later…

  Maddie peered out the window of the master bedroom. The day had dawned sunny and perfect without a cloud in the sky.

  After a quick breakfast and a ride with Blake, she’d sequestered herself upstairs to buff and puff with Blake’s sister, Emma, while Jamey and Dottie set about the food preparations. Jamey popped in and out, mostly to complain about Dottie.

  True to her word, Dottie had insisted on planning a wedding party for them, and had reluctantly accepted Jamey’s help. That meant Jamey’s family, and hers by extension, descended on Prairie, too. The plans had very quickly spun out of control with Dottie and Jamey spending as much time one-upping each other as they did preparing the feast.

  Jamey stalked in, slamming the door behind her. “That woman.”

  Maddie turned from the window. “Let it go, Jamey. She’s just a mother hen. She’s intimidated by your fabulousness.”

  “She should be.” Jamey tore off her chef’s coat and stripped down, walking over to the closet to grab her dress.

  “You have to admit, her biscuits are the best.”

  “Here, Jamey.” Blake’s sister, Emma, whom Maddie had only met a week ago, handed Jamey a glass of champagne. “This will help take off the edge.”

  She, Jamey and Emma had hit it off like three peas in a pod. Emma, only twenty-four, was the Sinclaire baby, and pushed her older brothers around like a boss. Not only was it adorable, it was great entertainment.

  “Huh.” Jamey snorted. “You’ve just forgotten what gourmet food tastes like, Mads.” She pulled the pale green chiffon dress over her shoulders, fluffing out her wild red curls once she’d straightened the dress. She took the champagne and downed it in two gulps.

  “Jamey. Please,” Maddie pleaded. “I’m thrilled you and your family are here. Don’t let anyt
hing else bother you. Please? You make kitchen lint taste delicious.”

  “Speaking of delicious.” Jamey grinned wickedly. “I’d like to taste some of the cowboy hotness walking around here. I cannot get over the amount of testosterone in this town. Makes Chi-town gents look like boys.”

  That was the Jamey she knew and loved.

  Emma giggled. “They’re all yours, Jamey. No ranch life for this country girl.”

  “And at least you have Jean Luc to keep you satisfied.”

  Disappointment flashed across Jamey’s face but was quickly replaced with her brilliant smile.

  “Ha. Yes. Cowboys might be nice for a little snack, but they’re no gourmet meal. And I won’t waste my brilliance on someone who loves slop.”

  What was up between Jamey and Jean Luc? Maddie made a note to take her aside after the wedding.

  A quiet knock sounded on the door. Martha poked her head in. “Are you ready to get dressed?”

  Maddie nodded, suddenly wishing it was her mother and not her aunt. Tears pricked her eyes, but she blinked them back. No tears of sadness today. Only tears of joy.

  Martha reached for the wedding dress hanging on the outside of the closet door. True to her word, Emmaline had worked magic. The finished effect was stunning. She’d preserved the vintage feel, as well as the hemline, and still managed to make it feel modern. She loved it.

  Martha helped her slip it over her shoulders. Jamey fussed with the skirt while Martha set about fastening the 24 buttons up the back. “Tsk tsk. Blake is going to have a hard time with these. Tell him to be patient, or you won’t be able to save this for your own child.”

  She felt the flush creeping up her neck. “Or Hope.”

  Jamey slapped her thigh, her laughter filling the room. “I knew I loved you, Martha. Usually I’m the only one that makes her blush.”

  Jamey grabbed the long length of tulle spread out on the bed and pinned it to her hair. “You are a vision. And you deserve every happiness.”

  Another knock sounded at the door.

  Dottie peeked her head in, letting out a gasp as she met Maddie’s eyes. “Lordy, Emmaline’s good. You look like you stepped out of a fairy tale. Can I come in?”

  Jamey muttered under her breath and Maddie elbowed her sharply. “Of course, Dottie. You’re always welcome.”

  Dottie pushed the door open wider, and stepped in, holding a large white box encased in a white glittery ribbon.

  “I wasn’t sure these would make it in time. Lydia sent you a little something. Made them herself. You don’t have to use them if you don’t want, though.”

  Maddie’s hands trembled a bit as she undid the box, and the gasps from the other women echoed her own.

  Nestled in a bed of tulle was a pair of white leather ankle boots, a cross between an old fashioned button up boot and a cowboy boot. A tiny H and S embroidered inside a heart in gold and silver adorned the top of the boot. Rhinestone buttons decorated the side.

  “They should fit. I had Blake take a peek in your riding boots for the size… Lydia’s real sorry she can’t get away.”

  Her heart was literally overflowing. “Dottie. I’d be honored. They’re stunning.”

  She quickly slipped them on. The fit was perfect, and the pointy toes peeked out from under the hem of her dress. She hugged Dottie close. If only she and Jamey wouldn’t circle like alley cats, her day would be perfect.

  Another knock sounded. This time Simon stuck in his head.

  “Are you ready?”

  His hair was freshly cut and slicked back, and he stood ramrod straight in his new suit. Clearly he took his ushering job very seriously.

  She nodded, her heart fluttering.

  She had decided to walk down the staircase behind Simon, Emma and Jamey, and the families agreed that the men – her father, Gunnar, and Axel on one side, Blake, Ben and Brodie on the other – would wait at the foot of the stairs. Then together, she and Blake would step through the doors to the front porch.

  There would be a quick and private exchange of vows in the foyer. Neither of them wanted much spectacle. Just a moment to acknowledge in front of their families the promises they’d already made with their hearts. There would be a round of toasts on the porch, and then a late afternoon luncheon and cake. Afterwards, dancing and hayrides until dark. After dark, more dancing, and a bonfire. Simon had insisted on the bonfire.

  He held out his arm to her. “You look so pretty. Blake’s gonna have a heart attack.”

  Her heart melted at his admission. The judge had awarded equal joint custody to all the brothers, and Simon would live half time at the Big House. Kylee would still be a thorn in their sides, but the boy had positively blossomed since moving to the ranch.

  She bent, kissing his forehead. “Are you ready for your big job, young man?”

  He nodded solemnly.

  “Remember, you need to help Jamey and Emma down the stairs.”

  He looked at her nervously.

  Jamey grinned and held out her hand, and spoke low, but loud enough for her to hear. “If you do a good job, I’ll teach you how to swear in Irish.”

  His eyes grew mischievous, and he nodded, a grin splitting his face.

  They stepped aside to let the older women pass.

  Maddie patted her hair one last time, shooting a questioning glance at her best friend and future sister-in-law.

  Jamey’s eyes pooled with tears. “You’re perfect. Go to your man.” She winked, blinking rapidly.

  She followed them out the door and down the hall, pausing just before the top step, and peeking around the corner.

  The men stood in their Stetsons, faces turned up expectantly. They were dressed sharp in black denim and shiny boots, white starched shirts with matching onyx and silver cufflinks – a gift she and Blake had surprised them with this morning.

  Her heart swelled watching the emotions play across their faces. Pride on her cousins’ and father’s faces, peace on Ben’s. And was that hunger on Brodie’s face? His eyes were glued to Jamey, tracing her.

  She tucked that observation away for later.

  And Blake. His eyes shining expectantly, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. Her breath hitched at the intense joy that surged through her. He was her One. Out of a million billion possibilities. That all the matter in the universe led them here, to this moment.

  A grin split her face from ear to ear, and she stepped around the corner, moving forward into the circle of his love.

  CHAPTER 34

  A lump formed in Blake’s throat as Maddie stepped around the corner, her face beaming and filled with love.

  Dammit.

  He would not tear up.

  He’d never hear the end of it from his brothers. His breath caught in his chest as she descended, her eyes looking nowhere but into his. Maddie glided toward him, still smiling, and stopped.

  “You’re beautiful,” he murmured, not trusting himself to say more.

  She raised her eyebrows at him, eyes twinkling. She stood up on tiptoe and whispered into his ear. “Wait until you see what’s underneath.” Her tongue flicked out and licked the sensitive spot sending a jolt of electricity straight to his groin.

  Temptress.

  There was no way he could wait the rest of the day to find out.

  She stepped back, sliding her fingers down his arm. “Ready?”

  He nodded. “More than ready.”

  His heart started beating faster. After all they’d been through, he was still nervous. Still wanted to please her. “Shut your eyes.”

  A question arose in her beautiful blues.

  “Just do it.”

  She closed her eyes, and he took the bouquet out of her left hand, and handed it to Jamey. He held open his hand, and Simon handed him a band. Taking Maddie’s hand, he brought it to his lips, then slipped silver filigree band above the sapphire and diamond ring he’d given her in Chicago.

  Her eyes flew open. Then down to the ring, and back to his face.

>   She squealed.

  “The ring belonged to my grandmother. Is it okay?”

  Her smile was the only answer he needed.

  His mouth went dry from the emotion. He spoke low, his throat thick with feeling. “Maddie Jane, I promise that I will try in every way to be worthy of your love. I vow to you that I will support you in all things. In health and sickness, sorrow and success. With my body, my time, and my heart. I want nothing more than to go to bed each night wrapped in your arms, and to wake up each morning to your smile. For all the days of my life”

  Tears brimmed in her eyes, and she threw her arms around him pulling him down for a kiss. “I love you Blake, for all time.” She murmured into his lips.

  Jamey cleared her throat. “Somebody hand the girl a tissue before they think she’s been left at the altar.”

  Maddie held out her hand and Jamey passed her a ring. Taking his left hand, she slipped a band over his finger.

  “Blake Pascal, I promise to love you, be faithful to you, to share my life, my body, and my whole heart. For the rest of our lives. In sickness or health, sorrow or success. No holding back. Across all space and time and dimension. To the edges of the universe.”

  Love for Maddie welled up, pressing brightly against his chest. So intense, he clutched her hands in his, holding on for dear life. Again, he drew her fingers to his lips, reverently kissing each one, before accepting her vow with a kiss of his own.

  Brodie clapped him on the shoulder. “I know you want to start the honeymoon now, but the natives are getting restless. It’s time to kiss on the porch.”

  Laughter erupted from the men, while Jamey rolled her eyes. “Is that all you men think about? Kissing?”

  “Much more,” Brodie muttered baldly as he passed her.

  “Oh you’re one of those are you? All talk and no substance?”

  Brodie reached out and pulled Jamey close. “I’ve got plenty of substance whenever you’re ready, honey.”

  Jamey flushed deep red. And snapped her mouth shut, eyes flashing.

  “Enough, Brodie,” Blake spoke sharply. “She’s our guest, as are her brothers. I don’t think you want to mess with them.” Brodie wouldn’t last three seconds in a dog pile with Jamey’s brothers.