Cowboy Brothers of Rainbow Canyon: A Western Contemporary Cowboy Romance

by K. C. Crowne

  “Shoot,” he said. “Didn’t mean to walk in during your lesson, ladies.”

  “Nah, you’re fine,” I said, waving a hand. “El just blew through her all her math problems, so I was thinking about taking a little break to give that brain of hers time to cool off.”

  Ellie appeared confused, cocking her head to the side. “Wait, your brain can’t do that, can it?”

  Chance laughed. “You think too hard, and it starts steamin’ like a tea kettle – whistles and everything.”

  Ellie turned to me as if slightly worried that her father was speaking the truth. I chuckled and assured her, “It won’t do that, kiddo. But go get some fresh air – when you come back, we can finish math and start on reading.”

  The confusion faded from her face and was replaced with a happy smile. “Okay!” She bounded off the chair and headed to the fridge, grabbing a juice box before zipping around her dad and leaving the cabin.

  Chance shook his head as he stepped into the kitchen, poured a mug of coffee, and stuck it in the microwave. “I swear,” he said. “Whatever the touch is that some people have with kids, I sure as hell lack it.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  He leaned back against the kitchen counter, his tattooed forearms flexing. It took all the restraint I had not to stare at them, to imagine what the rest of his muscles looked like tensed, his biceps bulging and his…I shook my head and snapped out of it.

  “You know – I’ve been tryin’ to connect with my little girl since she came here. And I don’t know. It just ain’t happenin’. Sometimes I wonder if…” He trailed off, his eyes fixed off in the distance. “Aw, never mind. That’s why you’re here. Gotta have someone who knows how to talk to her.”

  He turned and hit a few keys on the microwave, the motor humming to life, the interior illuminating, and the mug spinning slowly on the platform.

  “You’ll get it,” I told him. “It’s important to remember that you’re the symbol of the confusion she’s going through right now. She’s not going to connect with you until she’s used to her new home.”

  “Sometimes I wonder if that’s ever gonna happen.”

  “Don’t worry – it will. Kids are super resilient and can bounce back from anything. El’s been through a lot, but nothing a tough little girl like her can’t get even tougher from.”

  “Just as long as she doesn’t get too tough.” The microwave dinged, and Chance took out his coffee. He set the mug down in front of me before preparing a second one for himself. “I kinda like how sweet she is.”

  I smiled, loving the way he talked about his little girl. He’d only known her for a short time, but it was obvious he was totally crazy about El.

  “There’s something else, too.”

  The microwave dinged, and Chance took out the second mug, sitting across the table from me. “What’s that?” he asked, his big hands wrapped around the mug. “Nothin’ bad, I hope.”

  “It’s the opposite of bad, actually. I’ve been working with El for only a day, sure, but…she’s a smart kid.”

  He nodded as he blew on the coffee to cool it. “Had a feelin’ she was. You know how it is with some people – you can see it in their eyes. And you can see the opposite, too, like they got nothin’ goin’ on up there.”

  “I’ve been doing math with her all day, throwing tougher and tougher stuff at her. And she can handle it all. Some of the problems are ones they’d assign to kids in second grade.”

  He cocked his head to the side, the steam from the coffee curling around his impossibly handsome face. Behind him through the window above the sink, the emerald-green expanse of the ranch grounds stretched out into the distance. The sky was blue above, and for a moment, I considered moving the day’s afternoon lessons outside.

  “So…what’re you sayin’?”

  “I’m saying that Ellie’s not just smart, she might be really, really smart. As in gifted smart.”

  Chance’s eyes widened for a moment before he sat back and let out a slow whistle. “Is that right? You think my little girl might be some kind of brainiac?”

  “Just might be,” I said with a smile. “I know bright kids when I see them. Might be a good idea to take her someplace where she can get tested, see what kind of brain she’s working with.”

  “Maybe you’re right. But the last thing I want is to make her feel even more out of place.”

  “True. But if she’s as smart as I think she is, she’s going to feel out of place one way or another. And she’ll need a daddy who’s there for her and loves her no matter what.”

  He grinned, and his eyes lit up. “Now that I can do. But she’s gonna need time to get used to that like you said.”

  “Of course,” I agreed. “I’ll work with her, see what her strong suits are. And I’ll keep you posted the entire way, obviously.”

  He nodded, pleased with the answer. “That works for me.”

  The door to the cabin opened, and the tornado of energy that was Ellie hurried inside. “Gotta go to the bathroom!” she called before vanishing down the hallway.

  “Make sure you wash your hands when you’re done, little lady!” Chance called out after her.

  “I know, I know!” The bathroom door slammed, and Chance and I were alone again.

  “Say,” he announced, a question in his tone. “What’re you up to later?”

  “You mean after I’m done with El for the day?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I don’t really know. Hadn’t thought much about how to spend my free time, really.”

  He smirked. “Then I’ve got an idea. I organize the activities around here, stuff for the tourists to do. And later tonight I planned a family hike.”

  “A family hike?”

  He nodded, smiling. “A few of the groups staying are families, and I was gonna lead them a little ways up the mountains. Kids’ll be there, so it won’t be anything too crazy. And I know just the spot to get a killer view of the sunset. What do ya say? Get some fresh air, stretch those legs. And you’ll get to see a little of your new home while you’re at it.”

  “That sounds really nice, actually.”

  The bathroom door opened and closed, and Ellie hurried through the living room and back toward the front door. Chance stopped her with a question. “What about it, El? Wanna take a walk with me and some of the other families later? There’s gonna be some kids your age, I reckon.”

  The mention of kids seemed to give her pause. No mystery why – Ellie was shy and didn’t seem to spend a lot of time with other children. The idea might make her nervous.

  “Is Sam coming?” Her voice was soft and sweet.

  “She hasn’t decided yet,” Chance said, turning his attention to me.

  “Of course I’m coming,” I assured her.

  “Yay!” Ellie exclaimed. Conversation over, she headed back outside.

  “Ten more minutes, El,” I called after her. “Then we can get started on the rest of the lessons for today.”

  “Okay!”

  He chuckled at his daughter’s exuberance. “Sorry ‘bout putting you on the spot like that. You can back out, no hard feelin’s.”

  “No, it sounds fun. And it’ll be good for Ellie to have adults around she can feel safe with.”

  Chance nodded and wrapped his hands around his mug. “Alright. I’m gonna take a little walk, get the rest of the day sorted out in my head. Plan’s to leave after dinner, around six. Sound good?”

  “Perfect.”

  He nodded and flashed me a sexy smile before getting up and heading out with his coffee. I went over the rest of the lesson for the day before Ellie returned a few minutes after. The next few hours flew by, Ellie showing just as much of an affinity for English as she had for math. Most children, and adults, were good at math or English or at least preferred one or the other. Ellie seemed to enjoy both and was good at both; she was bright as hell.

  We finished around four, Ellie headed back to the main cabin, and I washed up bef
ore dinner. The meal was delicious – ham and cheese casserole with fresh buttered biscuits and apple cobbler for dessert. I was hungry as heck, stuffing myself full to the point I wasn’t even sure if I’d be able to go for the walk.

  But after a little after-dinner coffee – the beans fresh-roasted in-house – I was ready.

  Ellie and Chance and I met the rest of the group in front of the main cabin, all of them gathered before the glittering lake. Four families had chosen to join us, about fifteen people. There were kids of all ages, including a few around Ellie’s age. She stayed close to me, being shy in that way kids always were around strangers.

  “Alright,” Chance announced loudly, putting his hands on his hips and taking effortless command of the group. “Some of y’all are new here, so I was figurin’ a little stroll around the grounds would be a nice way for you to get acquainted with Rainbow Canyons.” He pointed off toward a hill above the grounds. “That’s where we’re gonna be goin’. Nothin’ too crazy, and we’ll have the main grounds in sight the whole time, so don’t fret none about gettin’ lost. When we get back, there’s gonna be a little more dessert and coffee waitin’, along with some cold beers for the grown-ups. Y’all ready?”

  The group sounded their approval and we were off, Chance taking the lead and directing us around the cabin and toward the hill. Before too long, we were above the grounds, and the view was amazing. We were high enough to see all of the many acres of the ranch property, the main cabin the centerpiece to the green expanse, the rest of the cabins and barns dotted here and there. The sun was setting low in the sky, a brilliant, creamy orange.

  It was Heaven. Years in the city had almost made me forget that nature could be so beautiful, so humbling to be around.

  “It’s pretty,” Ellie commented. She’d walked with me the whole time.

  “It sure is.” I glanced ahead, noticing the kids from the different families had split off into age-appropriate groups. “Say, why don’t you get to know some of those kids? Might make a friend or two.”

  “I don’t know,” she hedged. “Can’t we just hang out?”

  “How about this,” I suggested. “Go say hi to them and get to know ‘em a little. And if they’re no fun, come on back to me.”

  “Okay,” she murmured. “But I bet you’re going to be more fun than they are.”

  I laughed and shook my head. “We’ll see. Now go on, kiddo.”

  She gave me another apprehensive look before joining the small group of kids. I couldn’t hear what she was saying, but it was clear she was introducing herself. And, of course, the other kids were friendly as could be, welcoming her quickly into their little group.

  Chance made his way through the families, checking in and making sure all was good. When that was done, he caught my eye and headed in my direction.

  “Howdy,” I greeted, giggling at the word coming out of my mouth.

  He grinned. “There you go – soundin’ more Texan already.”

  “Guess you’re rubbing off on me.”

  “Texas has a way of doin’ that. There’s a reason people come here from all over the country to get a taste of this kinda life. Don’t know how they do the city thing, to be honest.”

  “You get used to it,” I said. “Easy to get caught up in the hustle.”

  He shook his head, taking off his hat and running his hand through his golden-brown hair. “Not for me. I like the value of each day, ya know? Not lettin’ a single one slip by without enjoyin’ it.” He gestured to the sunset, the gorgeous vista before us. “And when you’ve got land like this, it’s easy to do that.”

  I smiled in agreement, letting the peace and fresh air envelop me.

  Chance gestured to the group of kids running around, Ellie among them. “And there you go again, bein’ a damn miracle worker. Never thought I’d see her bein’ that easy with other kids.”

  “Sometimes kids just need a little push.”

  He put his hat back on and adjusted it, the shade of the brim darkening his handsome features. “Barely been a daddy for a couple months, but I’m already lovin’ it. Hard as hell, though.”

  “You’ll be fine,” I assured him. “You love her, and you’re eager to be a part of her life. Only a matter of time before she knows what a great dad she’s got on her side. And you’re great with her, whether you know it or not.”

  He chuckled. “Nice as hell of you to say. But truth be told, sometimes I feel like I got no idea what I’m doin’.”

  “That’s good news, then.”

  He cocked an eyebrow at me. “Really, now. How you figure?”

  “If you’re worried that you’re not doing it right, you usually are.”

  Another warm chuckle. “Alright. I’ll take that.”

  Before the conversation could continue, one of the women from the group broke off and headed over to us. She was tall and pretty, around forty-five, and dressed in expensive Western wear.

  “That’s your little girl, right?” She nodded toward Ellie.

  “Yep,” Chance answered.

  “Just wanted to say that you three make a cute little family. And she looks like you both.”

  Our gaze shot to one another, both of us surprised. “Oh,” I said with a self-conscious chuckle. “I’m not the mom – just the teacher.”

  The woman didn’t appear embarrassed. “Oh, I see. Well, you three are cute all the same.” She flashed a grin that almost seemed…knowing. Then she left us, going back to the rest of her family.

  I had no idea what to say to her observation, so I didn’t say a thing.

  Chapter 7

  CHANCE

  I had to admit, she was awfully cute when she blushed. Hell, everything Sam did was cute as hell. Not to mention sexy. I’d hoped that my little “session” earlier had put the desire I had for her on ice, broken the sexual tension a bit. But it’d had the opposite effect. I was glad plenty of other people were around because if it were just she and I on that trail, I had no idea if I’d be able to control myself.

  “She was just bein’ silly,” I said, referring to the woman’s comments.

  “I know. I mean, we’re a man and a woman, and there’s a kid. Kind of natural she’d assume we were together.”

  But there was the issue of that look the woman had given us. I couldn’t exactly puzzle it out, but it seemed to say, “sure, you’re not together now. Give it some time, though.”

  Hooking up with Sam was the last thing that should’ve been on my mind. I had a ranch to manage, not to mention a kid to watch out for. And sure, I gave both of those matters plenty of thought. But damn, I couldn’t stop thinking about the woman. What the hell was going to happen? And what if she thought about me the same way I thought about her?

  It was a bad situation, no doubt about it. Sam was my employee, and aside from that, there was the age difference. I had to be at least ten years older than her. Part of me wondered if this would’ve been easier if I’d hired the older, more matronly type of nanny I’d envisioned. Couldn’t change it now.

  “Mr. Chance?” I glanced down to see a kid around Ellie’s age staring up at me. He was a handsome, tow-headed little boy, his eyes big and blue.

  “What’s up, partner?”

  He pointed at the colorful tattoos that covered the skin on my forearm. “What are those?”

  I glanced at his parents, the woman who’d talked to us before one of them.

  “Spencer,” the mom admonished. “You know it’s not polite to walk up to someone and start asking them questions like that.”

  “Now, it’s alright ma’am. Don’t mind one bit.” I tipped my hat at her, giving her a little cowboy flare the big-city folks loved.

  She smiled at me before turning her attention to her boy. “At least introduce yourself first, okay? That’s the first step to making a new friend.”

  “Oh,” he said, nodding seriously. “I’m Spencer. Nice to meet you.”

  “Well, put ‘er there, partner.” I stuck out my hand, and he put his
tiny palm right in the center of it before I gave it a hearty shake. He laughed a sweet, innocent sound.

  “What are those?” he asked, gesturing to the tattoos, bringing the subject back to where he wanted it.

  “They’re called tattoos. They’re like drawings, but on your skin.”

  “Do they come off?”

  “Nope. They’re on there for good.”

  “Oh.” The idea seemed amazing to him. “How come you got them?”

  I glanced at Sam, who was clearly enjoying the sight of me having a man-to-man with Spencer. “I got ‘em when I was younger.”

  “My age?”

  I laughed. “Not quite that young. And I got them when I was in the Marines.”

  “You were in the Marines?” he asked excitedly.

  “Sure was. For a good few years. And when you’re in the Marines, you make good friends with the other guys. So, my first tattoo was of our group – called our platoon – and it’s this one right here.” I tapped the symbol on my wrist, a shield with lightning bolts going in each corner.

  “That’s cool,” he said. “Did you shoot a gun and everything?”

  “Sure did. And did a lot of other hard work, too.”

  Spencer turned to his parents. “Can I be in the Marines?”

  His parents laughed. “Maybe when you’re a grownup,” his dad said.

  “Oh. Well, nice to meet you, Mr. Chance!”

  “You too, little buddy.” I mussed his hair, and he laughed before heading back to his parents.

  “See?” Sam asked when he was gone. “That kid loved you – you’re a natural like I said.”

  “Well, glad to hear you think so. Now I just gotta convince El, too.”

  As we lapsed into silence, I perused the group, doing a quick headcount to make sure we hadn’t lost anybody. The group of kids, Ellie among them, was close enough to us that I could hear what they were talking about, once I’d counted them and was paying attention.

  “That’s my parents,” a little redheaded girl said, pointing to her folks. “Where are yours?”