“I love it,” Tammy said, following Jen into the master bedroom.
“I was hoping you would.” Jen paused at the threshold of the closet and smiled. “Colt and I miss you. We want you to feel at home so you’ll visit more often. And one day, when you’re ready to retire from the circuit, maybe you’ll decide to stay?” She walked inside the closet, saying over her shoulder, “But no pressure or anything.”
Tammy sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed her hands over her jeans. A month ago, she’d have seriously considered the offer. She might have even decided to stay after visiting for the wedding, since the thought of returning to the road on her own was so unwelcome. But she no longer felt alone. Instead, Alex’s ranch had begun to feel like home.
“Okay. Please be honest and let me know exactly what you think.”
Tammy looked up as Jen walked out of the closet, holding a dress in her arms. It was off-the-shoulder white satin and the intricate detail of the lace trim was eye-catching and ornate. Soft, oversize bows adorned the off-the-shoulder sleeves and waist, giving it a gentle, romantic air.
“It’s fancier than I’d originally planned,” Jen said softly, ducking her head to study the dress. Her long red curls spilled over the white satin, and her cheeks flushed. “But when I saw it, I just fell in love with it.”
Tammy’s throat tightened, and she blinked back tears. Jen looked every inch the beautiful, blushing bride.
“It’s perfect,” Tammy said. “Absolutely perfect.”
Jen lifted her head and smiled. “I’m glad you think so, because I picked something out for you, too.”
Tammy shook her head, laughing, as Jen darted back into the closet, then returned with a second dress. “You’re the bride. You should be the one getting the gifts.”
“It’s a gift just having you here.” Jen draped a Western-style teal bridesmaid dress over her lap. “I hope you’re the same size you were last year, because that’s what I went by. I thought it’d bring out your eyes, and you can wear a pair of my dressy boots if you want. They’ll be more comfortable than heels.”
Tammy smoothed her fingers over the soft material, the white embroidery around the waist blurring in front of her. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She glanced up. “I’m so sorry I haven’t been here to help, Jen.”
“Oh, don’t worry about that.” Jen sat beside her on the bed and leaned against her. “You were needed elsewhere, and I’ve had more than enough help. It’s going to be a simple outdoor service with family and friends. It’s what Colt and I both wanted. I’m just glad you called to say you were bringing Alex and Brody with you this weekend.” She laughed. “I’ve been itching to lay my eyes on Alex and see if he’s been treating you right. And I have to say, that man is easy on a girl’s eyes. I can see why you’re so attracted to—”
“I’m in love with him.”
Jen grew quiet, a small smile appearing as her brown eyes examined Tammy’s face. “I kinda picked up on that.”
Stomach fluttering, Tammy looked down and twisted her hands together in her lap. “I’m going to tell him this weekend.” She cleared her throat. “I’m crazy, right? I know we haven’t known each other that long and it’s hard to explain, but when I’m with him, I feel like I’ve come home. Like I finally made a right turn somewhere and I’m meant to be there.” Her hands clenched tighter, her fingertips turning red. “I want Alex so much, Jen. I want to marry him. Have children with him. Grow old with him. Life has been rough on him, and I want to see him happy,” she whispered. “I want to be the one who makes him happy.”
Jen’s hands covered hers, squeezing gently. “I need to ask one thing.”
Tammy raised her head and bit her lip at the somber look on Jen’s face. “What?”
“Does he make you happy?”
Tammy pulled in a deep breath, sat up straight and nodded. “Yes. More than anything.”
Jen smiled. “Then that’s all that matters.”
* * *
BRODY WAS OFFICIALLY in hog heaven.
Alex sat back in his seat and smiled as Meg, seated at a table in front of him, bounced Brody in her lap and sweet-talked him into another giggle. She hadn’t let Brody out of her sight or her arms since they’d arrived at Raintree hours earlier. And the other five children seated at the kids’ table seemed to enjoy Brody’s company as much as she did.
“You’re such a big, beautiful boy,” Meg crooned above the happy chatter in Raintree Ranch’s dining room.
She dipped another slice of strawberry in chocolate sauce, then handed it to him. Brody brought the strawberry to his lips with both hands, then looked across the candlelit table at Alex and smiled a toothy grin. Something about the lift of the baby’s eyebrows and smug expression hinted that Brody knew exactly what he was doing.
Soft lips touched Alex’s ear. “Don’t tell Meg, but I think Brody’s milking this rehearsal dinner for all the chocolate he can get.”
Alex laughed and turned his head, his lips brushing against Tammy’s smooth cheek. “I think you’re right about that.”
She smothered a laugh and eased closer to his side at the head table.
The press of her breasts against his upper arm and the sweet scent of her skin sent pleasurable shivers up his spine. He raised his arm and settled it around her shoulders, leaning back to get a clearer view of her.
Damn, she was beautiful. And if the golden flicker of candlelight highlighting her deep green eyes didn’t prove that fact, then the tempting curve of her smiling mouth did.
Unable to resist, he lowered his head for a quick taste of her. The hum of voices and clang of dishes in the background rose, and she moaned as he kissed her, prompting him to leave her lips and trail chaste kisses down the graceful sweep of her neck.
Her hands cradled the back of his head, and her fingertips smoothed through his hair, making his body tighten.
“What I wouldn’t give to get you alone right now,” she whispered, hugging him close.
“Hmm.” He lifted his head, nipped her earlobe gently, then smiled as she shivered against him. “And what exactly would you do with me?”
She moved her hands to cup his jaw, her thumbs sweeping over his lower lip and those gorgeous eyes darkening. “Everything.”
Sweet heaven. He dropped his head, rolled his forehead against hers and groaned. Why the hell did they have to have an audience? They’d had one earlier, too, during the wedding rehearsal outside. Tammy had looked so perfect at the end of the aisle, standing beside Jen and smiling as the sun set at her back. It’d taken all his control to keep from walking over and taking her into his arms. And even then, he hadn’t been able to tear his eyes away from her.
“Excuse me.”
The clink of metal against glass forced Alex to draw back to a respectable distance. He shared a regretful glance with Tammy, then focused on the dark-haired man standing at the other end of the head table. Dominic Slade. Alex remembered meeting him earlier.
After stowing the bags in the guest rooms, Colt had given Alex a tour of Raintree Ranch and introduced him to several of Tammy’s friends, including Dominic. Dominic owned Raintree Ranch and was a former bull rider and traveling partner of Colt’s. Everyone Alex had met had been kind and hospitable, and it was easy to see why Tammy loved this place so much.
The room grew quiet, and Dominic stopped tapping the wineglass. “As best man, I understand it’s my job to give a toast and say a few words to the groom.” He grinned. “And I bet Colt’s shaking in his boots right now at what I’m about to say.”
Scattered laughs filled the room, and Colt smiled, sitting back and curling an arm around Jen.
“No worries, though.” Dominic bent and kissed the cheek of a pretty blonde sitting next to him. “My wife has given me strict instructions to keep it short and sweet.” He straightened and faced Colt. �
��Colt, we spent a lot of years on the road together, and you’ve been a great business partner and even better friend.”
Alex looked down, a heaviness settling in his chest. The moment felt so familiar. He could still see Dean standing in a similar pose, raising a glass and wishing him and Susan well the night before their wedding. Dean and Gloria had been so happy and hopeful. So certain the future held nothing but wonderful things for all of them.
Tammy’s hand covered his, her fingers threading through his and squeezing gently. His throat thickened, and he focused on the contrast of her creamy skin against his tanned hand.
“The only thing in life as valuable as a good friend is family,” Dominic continued, “and you’ve become that, as well. I couldn’t be happier that you’ve decided to make Raintree Ranch your home.” He raised his glass. “I wish you and Jen a life full of laughter and love.” He chuckled. “And a houseful of rascals as wild as we were as kids.” He gestured toward the children’s table, his laughter trailing away and his smile wide as he said, “Because family is what it’s all about.”
Alex stiffened. He glanced up and studied Tammy’s face. Her attention was fixed on the children, her eyes shining and her lips parting. She faced him then, and her hand tightened around his as she smiled.
He forced a smile in return, his gut churning.
Dominic raised his glass. “To Colt and Jen.”
The other adults followed suit, sipped their drinks, then applauded. After dinner concluded, friends and family stopped by the head table to give their final congratulations before the big event. Tammy stayed close by Alex’s side.
The sheer happiness on her face was a blessing, but the expectant adoration in her eyes was a curse. He cringed. He knew he should tell her. Had to at some point if what they shared turned out to be real and they decided to plan for the future. But the rich life of family, children and a thriving estate that lay ahead of Colt and Jen made his potential offer of a barren home and struggling ranch pale in comparison.
So much so, that even after Meg brought him Brody, the warmth of the boy’s small hands hugging his neck couldn’t fight the chill that had crept over Alex’s skin.
One hour later, Alex stood on the front porch of the main house, holding Brody as he slept. The night sky was clear, the air was warm and the hum of nocturnal wildlife surrounded him. Tammy, Jen and Colt chatted at his side, enjoying a few moments of privacy from the crowd in the dining room.
Alex rolled his shoulders and ran a palm over Brody’s hair, but the unease shrouding him refused to dissipate.
“A few of the ranch hands checked the tents earlier, and everything looks ready for tomorrow’s reception,” Colt said. “The food is well in hand, the decorations are up and there’s nothing but sun in the weather forecast.” He tugged Jen to his side and smiled. “All that’s left is for you to show up, baby.”
“As though I wouldn’t,” Jen teased, kissing his cheek.
Colt nuzzled her neck. “Why don’t we just grab the preacher and do this thing now?”
“No way.” Tammy poked Colt in the chest. “Jen’s got a killer dress, and I refuse to leave here without seeing you in a tux. There’s no telling when the opportunity will arrive again. Plus, Dominic and I have planned parties for both of you tonight. Separately,” she stressed. “So say your goodbyes now.”
Colt cast Alex a sardonic scowl. “You hear that, man? I’m being banished from my own home.”
Alex laughed.
“You’re not being banished from your home, Colt.” Tammy shrugged. “Just to the opposite side of the ranch.” She moved close and rubbed Brody’s back. “That means you, too, Alex. Jen’s mom is babysitting tonight so we can celebrate with Jen and Colt.”
Alex stifled a grin. “Separately?”
“Yep. After the party, I’m going to sleep at Jen’s new house.” Her smile grew brighter. She raised to her toes and whispered in his ear, “Tomorrow night, however, is another story.”
Alex’s mouth longed to cover hers and he leaned closer, the tension in his muscles relaxing slightly. Resisting the urge to turn his head and kiss her, he passed Brody into her waiting arms, holding a hand to the baby’s head until he snuggled securely against her chest.
“I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon,” she said before walking inside with Brody.
Alex watched her leave, then averted his eyes and smiled as Jen shared a long good-night kiss with Colt. Reluctantly, Jen left, too.
Colt sagged back against the porch rail, pressed his palm to his chest and winced. “Damn, I love that woman.”
Alex laughed.
“All jokes aside,” Colt said, leaning back on his elbows. “I love Jen more than I ever thought it was possible to love someone. I can’t wait to watch her walk down that aisle to me tomorrow.” He shook his head and sighed. “Tonight has a strange feel to it, you know? I’m excited and nervous and eager and afraid.” He laughed. “I’m feeling damned near everything. It’s just...bittersweet, somehow. Having something end and begin at the same time. You know what I mean?”
Alex nodded, recalling the way his hands shook and stomach rolled the night before his wedding to Susan. He’d had all the usual nerves he’d been told to expect. But, as it turned out, his worries regarding a successful marriage hadn’t been entirely unfounded.
“Yeah,” he said. “I know what you mean.”
Colt straightened, his smile fading. “You’ve done this before?”
Alex glanced away and studied the fields in the distance, the light from the porch reaching the fences, then dying a few feet past them. “Once.” His mouth twisted. “Obviously, it didn’t work out.”
“I’m not one to judge.” Colt braced a hand on the white column at his side and dragged his boot over the porch floor. “I spent a lot of time on the road and wasted a lot of years on relationships that didn’t matter. Took a long time for me to get it through my thick skull that settling down was what I really wanted.”
The determined note in his voice brought Alex’s eyes back to him.
“The thing is, despite all of what I’m feeling now, I don’t have any doubts,” Colt said. “Not a single one. I love Jen, and I know this is exactly what I want. And I know marrying her is the right thing to do. For both of us.”
A knot formed in Alex’s gut, tightening and twisting. He stood still and waited as Colt examined his face.
“Can I be straight with you?”
Alex nodded, shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Shoot.”
“How old are you?”
“Thirty-five.”
Colt tapped his thumb against the column, his eyes narrowing. “Tammy is twenty-five.”
“I know.”
“How well would you say you know her?”
Alex frowned. “What do you mean?”
“How much has she told you about her past?”
“Not much,” Alex said. “But enough.”
“Enough to know she’s been through some stuff?” Colt pressed.
“Yes.” Alex blew out a heavy breath. “Look, I get that you’re watching out for her—”
“But you want me to mind my own business?” Colt grinned, but it faded. “Tammy has been my business since the day she called eight years ago and asked me for help. Said her dad was worse than usual and she was done. That she needed to leave. I drove for hours in the middle of the night to pick her up, and when I got there, he’d beaten her so badly she could barely walk to the truck on her own.” His throat moved on a hard swallow, and he jerked his chin to the side, his knuckles paling against the column. “But she made it. She picked herself up and moved on.” He shook his head. “We were both kids back then. Still teenagers. And I think just the fact that I showed up that day made me her hero.” He dipped his head, his blue eyes firm. “That is, un
til you came along.”
Alex flinched, a sharp pain shooting through his palms as his nails dug into them. He uncurled his fists in his pockets, his gut roiling.
“It’s tough letting go of a gig like that once you’ve got it—being a hero and all,” Colt said. “Tammy might be my cousin, but I love her like a sister. She’s been running for most of her life, and when she does decide to stay put, I want to be sure she’s getting the life she deserves. The very best. And that the man she settles with cares about her as much as I do.”
Something strong waved through Alex. It pushed past his chest and escaped his mouth before he realized it. “I do care for her. I love her.”
“Enough to do the right thing?” Colt held his gaze. “To make her happy? Whatever it takes?”
Alex nodded. “Yes.”
He said the word. And he meant it. But he prayed, even as it left him, that luck would be on his side for once. That he’d actually have a shot at giving Tammy the future and happiness she deserved.
Chapter Nine
“Smile.”
Tammy knelt beside a table and squinted, eyeing Alex and Brody through the viewfinder of a disposable camera. Brody bounced in Alex’s lap and grinned, his cake-coated fingers pausing on the way to his mouth. Alex looked up and smiled, bits of icing clinging to his lower lip where Brody had fed him wedding cake moments before.
Her heart turned over in her chest. Perfect.
“Hold it right there.” She pressed the button, then nodded at the resulting click. “This one’s gonna be a winner.”
“You’ve said that after every picture you’ve taken over the past two hours.” Alex laughed. “That thing oughta be running out of film soon.”
Tammy shrugged and pushed to her feet. “Maybe. But my boys love cake and I just captured the moment in all its glory. So this one will most definitely be the winner. I already gave Jen your address so she can mail them to us once they’re developed.”
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