Marriage-Minded Cowboy
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Marriage-Minded Cowboy
The Buckskin Brotherhood
Vicki Lewis Thompson
MARRIAGE-MINDED COWBOY
Copyright © 2021 by Vicki Lewis Thompson
ISBN: 978-1-63803-964-8
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Ocean Dance Press, PO Box 69901, Oro Valley AZ 85737
Visit the author’s website: VickiLewisThompson.com
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
But Wait, There’s More!
Also by Vicki Lewis Thompson
About the Author
Chapter One
His mom’s ringtone. Teague Sullivan tucked his just-opened bottle of hard apple cider in the fridge and reached for his phone on the kitchen counter. “Hey, Mom!”
She usually called on Sunday toward the end of the day and that worked for him, too. Once he’d brought the horses in from the pasture and distributed hay flakes, he had his evenings to himself. All to himself, lately.
“Teague, I’ve just had the most incredible idea.”
“What’s that?” He wandered out to the front porch of his little house to check on the August sunset. Some plump cumulous clouds could turn it into a beauty. The view from his place was almost as good as the one from his boss’s up on the hill.
“I’ve decided I should move to Montana.”
“What?”
“Move. To. Montana.”
“But… but Oregon’s your home.” He scrambled to make sense of it. “Your stomping grounds. Your sister’s there, and all your friends.”
“And my only child lives in Montana. You’re lonely out there. I can tell.”
“Mom, I’m not lonely.” Was she lonely? Unlikely. Something else was going on.
“You can’t fool me. There’s a sad note in your voice. I’ve been hearing it all summer. I’ve made up my mind, so there’s no use trying to change it. I’ve already contacted a rental agent.”
“In Apple Grove? Do we have any?” The town seemed too small to support one.
“I meant I contacted a rental agent in Eugene. She’ll take care of finding a suitable tenant for my house. I considered selling, but renting it would give me an income stream, so I—”
“You’re very sweet to consider moving here, but I’m not lonely and it makes no sense for you. While I’d love to have you nearby, I can’t have you uprooting—”
“Nonsense. It’s not uprooting, it’s repotting in a new location where I’m meant to be. Montana’s beautiful. I’ve checked into getting my teaching credentials accepted over there and it looks doable.”
“But even if you get certified, the substitute jobs will go to the teachers who retired from the Apple Grove District, not a retiree from Oregon.”
“At first, maybe, but I’ll make friends and eventually work my way in.”
He didn’t doubt it. She had the tenacity of a mountain goat. “But you’re involved in so many things — the clothing drive, the literacy program, the Tottering Tappers. You can’t leave that dance group. You’re the glue holding it together.”
“You’re more important than any of that. Luckily, you and I get along great. We like the same TV shows and the same kind of food. We can share the household chores just like we did when you were living at home. It’ll be—”
“Hold on.” Tension gripped the back of his neck and traveled around to his temples, creating a dull ache that promised to get worse. “You’re planning to live with me?”
“Of course, silly! You have that cute little two-bedroom house and I’ve always wanted to live on a ranch. Thanks to all the time I’ve spent at Julie and Steve’s operation, I can help you with the horses. I can—”
“I’m afraid there’s a problem.”
“What kind of problem?”
“Not a problem, really. Good news.” He had seconds to concoct a lie big enough to derail her plan. He loved her. That didn’t mean he wanted her living in his house.
“Oh? What news?”
“We were planning to make the call together, but we’ve been so busy we—”
“We? Who’s we?”
“My fiancée.” He gulped. “I’m engaged.” Closing his eyes, he sucked in a breath as she went bananas on the other end of the line.
He’d lied to his mother before. What kid hadn’t? But never about something so major. Then again, some circumstances required the nuclear option.
Eventually she settled down enough to pepper him with questions. “Who is she? How did you meet? When did you ask her? Have you bought a ring? When’s the—”
“It literally just happened.” Five seconds ago, to be exact. Val would have a conniption fit when he told her what he’d done.
“I didn’t know you were serious about someone.”
He winced at the hurt in her voice. “It’s complicated. I asked her back in June, but she needed to think about it. I didn’t want to get your hopes up.” Semi-true.
“She had to think about it for two months?”
“Yes, ma’am.” They’d been forced to see each other twice a week for riding lessons, giving them a constant reminder of that fateful night when she’d flatly refused to marry him. Guaranteed she’d thought about it.
“I can’t imagine why she’d have to debate the issue. You’re a great catch.”
“She was afraid we were rushing into it.” Understatement of the year. “We hadn’t dated for very long.” One week. “We know each other much better, now.” Sure did, and he fully understood the colossal blunder he’d made with his premature proposal.
“I take it you’re living together.”
“Um, yes.” She lived in his heart. Did that count?
“What’s her name?”
“Valerie. Valerie Jenson.”
“What does she look like?”
“Tall, slender, blonde.” Sexy. Funny. Smart.
“That’s your type, all right. I suppose she has blue eyes, too.” His mom was still miffed that he’d left her out of the loop. Good thing he had.
“Green, although if she wears something blue, they seem blue. But when she has on green, then they’re absolutely green.”
“If you’ve paid that much attention to her eye color, you’re definitely smitten.”
“Yes, I am.” Sad to say.
“I’m excited for you, son. Looks like I don’t have to worry about you being lonely.”
“No, ma’am.”
“She has her reasons. Her older sister married too soon, had a couple of kids and got divorced. Val doesn’t want to follow in her footsteps.”
“But now she’s convinced you two are right for each other?”
“Love’s a powerful motivator.”
“Now I understand that sad note I’ve heard in your voice all summer. You were in limbo.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Do you want to bring her here or should I drive over there?”
Should’ve seen that coming. “Well, I—”
“The sooner, the better. Now that I’m not moving, I’ll get back on the substitute list. School will be starting here before you know it.”
Bingo. Perfect excuse. “Same here, and Val’s a fourth-grade teacher. She’ll—”
“A teacher? That’s fabulous!”
“It is, except the timing isn’t great since she’ll be busy getting organized for the first week of—”
“Or it could be the perfect time. We can get acquainted while I help her with bulletin boards and stuff. See if that appeals to her.”
Foiled again. “I’ll ask.”
“I’ll bet she’ll go for it. And even if she doesn’t, I doubt she’ll be that busy. Unless it’s her first year there?”
“No, she’s been at the school for… several years.” Sad that he didn’t know how many.
“Does she know I’m a retired teacher?”
“I’m sure I’ve mentioned it.” If not, it would be first on his list when he threw himself on her mercy.
“I’m delighted we have that in common. I’d love to see how she sets up her classroom. I miss doing that. Talk to her and see what she says.”
“Okay.” It would be some talk, all right. He might not come out of it alive.
“If she’s not open to that, I’ll spend whatever time I can with her. Obviously, I can’t stay with you, but Ed might not mind if I bunked at her house for a few nights.”
“You know she’d be fine with it.” No point in putting up roadblocks to that suggestion. His boss and his mother had bonded from her first visit eight years ago and they’d become better friends with each trip since.
Maybe if she stayed in the big house with Ed, and Val agreed to masquerade as his fiancée for a few days… oh, hell, who was he kidding? Val would hate this. Once he made his insane request, she’d kick his ass right out.
“Be sure and tell her what a good teacher I am.”
“Don’t worry, I will.”
“Call me back when you’ve checked with Ed and Valerie. Don’t try to call me tonight, though. I’m going over to Beth Ann’s. The Tappers are gathering for another one of her parties. I can’t remember exactly what she’s selling this time. The company’s name is Fun in the Sack.”
“Mom.”
“Did I shock you?” She sounded amused.
“It’s not that. I just—”
“Oh, relax. It’s probably a clever play on words and not what you’re thinking. But if it is what you’re thinking, I’ll buy a few things for Valerie’s bridal shower. Talk soon! Love you!” She disconnected.
He’d lay money his mom was heading off to a sex toys party. He wouldn’t put anything past that bunch of ladies. His mom was a lot of fun. That’s why Ed liked her. Val would, too, under different circumstances.
He stared at the brilliant array of red, orange and pink clouds to the west. The reflection lit up the mountain range to the east, bathing the slopes with the same warm colors. Stunning.
Back in June, while Ed was off competing in a barrel racing event in Wyoming, Val had spent the weekend at the ranch. They’d watched a sunset like this one and made love on the porch as the light faded. Perfect.
A week later, he’d blown the program to smithereens. But until then, she’d had a good time. They could have a good time again, this time with firm ground rules. No proposal. No declarations of love. Just amazing sex. Would she go for it?
Only one way to find out. He made the call.
“Hi, Teague.”
“Hey, Val. Listen, I have a favor to ask.”
“What?”
“I’d rather ask it in person. Is there any chance I could drop by?”
“Now?”
“Now would be good, but if that’s not convenient, I can—”
“You might as well come over now. The riding lesson isn’t optimal for having a personal conversation.”
“That’s why I called, so I could get this done before tomorrow.”
“I’ll see you, soon, then.”
“Thanks. I’m on my way.” He disconnected. Then he ran a hand over his jaw. Five o’clock shadow. No time to shave.
Might be better if he showed up scruffy. Any attempt to impress her would be counterproductive.
Somehow he’d convince her he’d completely lost the urge to get hitched. Fun in the sack. That’s all it could be — a game to keep his mother from moving in.
Chapter Two
Valerie’s case of nerves was frustrating. She’d interacted with Teague twice a week for the past two months and she’d eventually achieved a state of calm detachment. The Monday and Thursday riding lessons at the Buckskin didn’t faze her anymore.
But during those lessons, she and Teague had been surrounded by chaperones — four mischievous girls who’d soon be in her fourth-grade class, plus her teaching buddy Nell, and Nell’s fiancé Zeke. Evidently those folks helped keep her steady, because the prospect of facing Teague alone had turned her into a hot mess.
She’d fussed with her hair, put on lipstick and straightened the living room. She’d almost changed out of her old pair of shorts and ratty t-shirt.
Fighting that impulse, she walked around the room turning on lights. It wasn’t dark enough yet to require all that wattage, but she craved operating room glare. Her house couldn’t look the least bit romantic. Or sexy.
The rumble of his truck gave her heart palpitations. She hadn’t closed the curtains in the living room for fear it would add a cozy vibe. That meant dashing into the kitchen so he wouldn’t see her hanging out in the living room waiting for his knock.
When it came, she jumped. Damn it! She didn’t want him to know how agitated she was. Forcing herself to stay put, she drew in two slow, deep breaths. Then she sauntered to the door and opened it.
Why did he have to look so good? It wasn’t like he’d dressed up. He still had on his work clothes — his favorite Stetson, snug t-shirt and wear-softened jeans.
He hadn’t shaved, either. His casual presentation stirred memories of their hot weekend at the ranch. What they’d worn had been less important than how easily it could be stripped off.
“Thanks for seeing me.”
“You made it sound important.” Had he always been this tall?
“It is important. Can I come in?”
“Yes, of course.” She stepped back. “Did you get new boots?”
“No, ma’am. Same ones.” He walked through the doorway, filling the space with his broad shoulders. “Why?”
“You just seem… taller.”
“Guess the growth hormones have kicked in.”
“Seriously? You’re taking—”
“I’m teasing.”
“Oh.” She closed the door and the soft click sounded way too intimate. The last time he’d stepped into her house they’d… don’t go there. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“No, thanks.” He took off his hat and ran a hand through his hair. “But maybe we should sit down.”
“All right.” She gestured to the couch, their first make-out spot. “Have a seat.” She took the chair across from it. A coffee table separated them, an extremely flimsy barrier.
He sat with his knees slightly apart, his hands resting on the faded denim covering his thighs, his hat beside him. He rubbed his palms back and forth a couple of times.
Clearly he was nervous, too. “I don’t know where to start.”
“Teague, if this is about what happened in June, we’ve been over all—”
“This is something new. My mother called tonight.”
Oh, no. He and his mom were close. “Is she okay? Is anything—”
“She’s fine. Eager to start substitute teaching again when the school year begins. Did I tell you she’s doing that now that she’s retired?”
“You did.”
“Good. I couldn’t remember if I had. She’s a great teacher. I’m glad she didn’t completely hang it up.”
“I’m sure her district is glad, too.” Strangest conversation ever. If he started talking about the weather she’d—
“I told her we were engaged.”
She shot out of the chair. “You what?”
“It was the first thing I—”
“Are you nuts?”
“I had to do something fast.” Grabbing his hat, he stood. “That’s what popped into my head when she announced that she was coming to live with me because I sounded lonely and I can’t imagine having her living with—” He gulped for air. “This was the only way to—”
“Time out.” What a doofus. “Do you have your phone?”
“I do, but—”
“Call her back. Tell her you misspoke.”
“I can’t call her. She’s at a sex toys party.”
“Huh?”
“It might not be sex toys, but it’s one of those home party things where you invite your friends and sell stuff and it’s called Fun in the Sack and I know those ladies so I’ll bet you anything—”
“Call her anyway!” She gave her arm a quick pinch. Yep, this was real. “If she doesn’t pick up, leave a message.”