This Cowboy of Mine--Includes a Bonus Novella Page 24

  His voice lowered. “You in a hurry to leave?”

  “Of course not.” She kept her back to him. “But I’ve imposed long enough. Thanks to me, your family almost lost you.”

  He dropped a hand on her shoulder. “Kirby—”

  She whirled, then stepped away, evading his touch. “Give me a minute, Casey.”

  “Of course. Sorry. I’ll be downstairs.”

  She struggled to ignore the pain in his eyes as he turned and walked from the room.

  Closing the door, she dressed quickly and ran a brush through her hair.

  A short time later she descended the stairs. The sound of voices drifted from the kitchen. When she stepped into the room the voices halted for a moment, and then Billy called them to supper.

  She took the seat beside Casey. And though the meal was a joyful celebration, filled with typical Merrick jokes and teasing, she and Casey remained subdued.

  From his position at the head of the table Ham looked around with a smile of satisfaction.

  Watching him, Bo muttered, “It feels good, doesn’t it, Ham?”

  The others fell silent as the old man nodded. “There was a moment when I worried that we might never get this chance again.”

  Bo lifted his longneck in a salute. “Here’s to family.”

  Around the table, they lifted beer and water and cups of tea to intone, “To family.”

  Casey glanced at Kirby, who managed a weak smile while lifting her cup with the others.

  As the meal dragged on, though, Kirby moved her food around her plate, Casey gave up all attempts to pretend to eat. While the teasing and laughter swirled around them, they held themselves stiffly, as though avoiding even the merest touch of hand or shoulder.

  Just then Ham announced, “I’m thinking we should take another day off and head into town for a celebratory drink at Nonie’s. I’m sure by now the folks in town have heard about Casey and Kirby and their wild adventure, and they’ll be hungry for details from the horses’ mouths.”

  When the others nodded, and Jonah made a smart remark about how many pretty girls he could impress by admitting he was part of the rescue team, Casey’s smile was wiped from his lips.

  He pushed away from the table so suddenly his chair tumbled backward.

  He took no notice as he grabbed hold of Kirby’s hand. “Come with me.”

  Startled, she simply stared, her eyes wide. “What? Where?”

  “I don’t know. Away from here.” He thought a moment. “To the great room.”

  “Now?” She held back.

  “Right now.” His tone was pure ice.

  While the family watched and listened in silence, Billy called, “I made your favorite dessert. Brownies with hot fudge sauce and ice cream.”

  “No thanks, Billy.” Casey was staring intently at Kirby. He gripped her hand tightly. “Come with me.” Seeing that she was about to refuse, he managed to growl, “Please.”

  Kirby slowly got to her feet.

  As the others watched with looks that ranged from curiosity to amusement, Casey and Kirby left the room.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Kirby’s heart was thumping inside her chest so loudly she wondered if Casey could hear it.

  She risked a quick glance at his face. So stern. So serious. He looked, if not angry, at least determined. As though he had things to say that were about to burst out of him. Things he couldn’t wait another minute to say. Things he couldn’t hold back another minute.

  Painful things she didn’t want to hear?

  As the thought formed, her heartbeat began thundering painfully, making it hard to breathe.

  He didn’t let go of her hand, even after they stepped through the doorway. He led her across the room where a fire burned on the hearth. He gestured toward two chairs close together and waited until she settled into one before taking the other, perching on the edge as though unable to settle. The look he gave her was direct and piercing.

  She had to lick her dry lips before she could say a word. “What’s wrong, Casey? You look so…fierce.”

  “I know you’ve packed your things. That must mean you’ve made plans. So, what do you want, going forward?”

  She shrugged. “I guess I’ll try to figure it out the way I always have. One step at a time.”

  “When we were alone up in the hills, you confided in me. You told me when you left Wyoming, you found yourself doing a job that wasn’t what you’d hoped for, living in a big, impersonal city rushing from traffic jams to hurried takeout meals, to waking up to do it all over again the next day.”

  “Maybe I was being too dramatic. It wasn’t that bad.”

  “Bad enough that you sold everything to come back home. That tells me you’d had enough of city life. How about now? You came back to Wyoming with a dream to buy your uncle’s ranch. Do you intend to fight for that dream?”

  She shook her head. “After what we went through there, I don’t think it would ever feel the same. There are too many bad memories now.”

  His tone lowered. Softened. “Can we talk about what happened at your uncle’s ranch? Specifically, what happened when I got there?”

  She looked down at her hands. “I know I hurt you, saying all those ugly things when you came to surprise me. You looked so happy to be there, and I…” She swallowed. “Keller said if I didn’t get rid of you, he would kill you.”

  Casey nodded. “That’s what I figured. He was standing right behind the door, wasn’t he?”

  “Yes.”

  “With a gun to your head?”

  A shudder passed through her. “I don’t want to think about that. But I had a lot of time to think after you left. I realized that I should have found some other way to make you leave. I realized that once I was dead, those awful words would be the last things you’d remember about me. But it all happened so quickly, I couldn’t think…”

  He leaned close to touch his finger to her mouth. “Kirby, I figured it out when I saw the blood on your wrist.”

  “You did?” She lifted her head to stare at him.

  “I didn’t know all of it, but I figured you were in trouble. That’s why I drove away as fast as I could, so I could alert the family and the authorities, before coming back.”

  “I thought you were so wounded by my words, and so mad at me, you couldn’t wait to get away. And then everything started getting out of control, and all of it so horrible, there wasn’t time to sort through it all. I just knew that the most important thing of all was getting you to leave. If Keller managed to kill you, it was all on me.”

  “Why would you think that?”

  “Because it’s the truth. If not for me, you would have never been there. If not for me, your family would have never had to go through all this. Don’t you see? You’ve all been so kind to me from the first time you met me, and I repaid all of you by almost getting you killed. I can’t stand thinking about what almost happened. And I think, the sooner I can get out of all your lives, the better you’ll all—”

  Again he touched a finger to her mouth. “Okay. You’ve had your say. My turn. You want to know what I was thinking while I was lying in the clinic?”

  “I don’t think I want to hear this.”

  “I was thinking it’s time I take another trek up into the hills.”

  At that sudden turn in the conversation, Kirby found herself having to make an adjustment. She nodded numbly. “It will be good for you. You told me it’s where you can completely relax. And where you do your best thinking, away from everybody. After what you’ve been through, I’m sure it’ll feel like heaven.”

  “Only if you’re there with me.”

  “What? That’s just silly. I have to be practical now, Casey. I’ve neglected my job. I need a place to stay. I’ve got to figure out my future.”

  “Maybe, up in the hills, we’ll both have time to figure out our future.”

  At the hushed tone of his voice she couldn’t find her own.

  “Think about it, Ki
rby. Nobody around for miles. No escaped convict to watch out for. No wounded mustang to care for. No timetable forcing us to cut short our time, even if a blizzard blows through. Just the two of us. Alone together.”

  “Alone together.” She couldn’t help almost smiling. “How can two people be alone and together?”

  “Two people who love each other can find themselves alone together, away from family, work, responsibility, and all the cares of the world, so they can simply…love.”

  “That’s a nice dream. But reality—”

  “Not a dream. It can be our reality, for the rest of our lives. Tell me something, Kirby. Could you be happy way out here, on my family’s ranch?”

  “Honestly? This place is heaven.”

  “Then heaven can be ours. Do you love me, Kirby?”

  She drew back. “Why are you asking me this?”

  “Just answer. Do you love me?”

  “I…” She took in a deep breath. “Are you asking this because I brought you all this trouble?”

  “You brought me something so special, I didn’t even recognize it until I almost lost it.”

  She began shaking her head and moving back, away from his touch. “You’re not making any sense.”

  He caught both her hands in his and held them tightly. “When I thought I might lose you forever, I realized the truth.”

  Ham’s voice played through his mind.

  Say it like you mean it, boy. And mean it when you say it.

  His voice lowered. Softened. “I love you, Kirby Regan. Desperately. More than anything in this world, I want you to be part of my life. And if you say that you love me, too, that you want to be with me forever, you’ll make me the happiest man in the world for the rest of my life.”

  She felt those damnable tears welling up and spilling over, and couldn’t stop them. “For the rest of your life. Oh, Casey, there was a moment, when Keller shot you at close range, that I thought I’d seen your life end. And I wasn’t sure I could bear it.” She swiped at her tears and flung her arms around his neck. “I couldn’t bear seeing you hurt…or worse. I want the same thing you want. Just you, Casey Merrick, for the rest of my life.”

  “About damned time,” Jonah shouted as the door burst open and the family spilled inside, offering words of congratulations while grabbing both Casey and Kirby in fierce hugs.

  Billy produced a bottle of champagne and began passing around filled flutes of bubbly.

  As the family milled about, thumping backs and bumping fists, Casey made his way to Kirby’s side and took her hand in his. “Sorry. I’d hoped to propose in the traditional way, and give you some time, but once again the Merrick family decided to intrude and do it their way. Do you mind?”

  “Mind?” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her mouth to his. “I can’t wait to be part of this crazy family.”

  “Really? You mean it?”

  “With all my heart.”

  “I wouldn’t settle for less than all your heart, Sunshine.”

  “You’ve got it. I think you’ve had it since the first time I met you and saw how tenderly you cared for that wounded filly.”

  Ham strode over and stepped between them before catching Kirby’s hand. His look was direct and fierce. “I thought maybe you’d had enough of us.”

  “I’ll never have enough of you and this family, Ham.”

  “Good, because you’re about to become part of this family. And we’ll always be here for you, girl.”

  He turned and pinned Casey with a look that he’d perfected through the years. “For a while there, I was afraid you’d lost your senses, boy. I see now you finally figured things out.”

  “I did. Just the way you taught me, Ham.”

  The old man stepped away, allowing Casey and Kirby to draw together as he lifted his glass and proposed a toast to the couple. Brand and Jonah added naughty jokes, while Meg and Egan stood beaming.

  Through it all Casey and Kirby stood smiling their secret smiles, feeling a rare sense of peace settle over them as they realized just how happy they were to be sharing their joy with this rowdy, funny, amazing family.

  Life didn’t get much better.

  Epilogue

  Snow was falling in a gauzy curtain outside the windows. The prediction for the month of November had come true. So far there’d been a record snowfall in Wyoming. The countryside around the Merrick ranch was a picture postcard.

  In the kitchen Billy was preparing a wedding lunch. Both Casey and Kirby had asked for a simple ceremony here at the ranch, and the family had agreed to honor their wishes. But that didn’t mean the meal had to be simple.

  Beef tenderloin, cooked to perfection, was resting on a sideboard. Potatoes were bubbling on the stove and would soon be mashed with butter and sour cream. A salad of fresh lettuce and tomatoes from the greenhouse awaited Billy’s special balsamic dressing. Steam arose from a basket of sourdough rolls fresh from the oven.

  Billy put the finishing touches on the wedding cake. At Casey’s request it was four layers of strawberry shortcake, mounded on top with freshly whipped cream. Billy set in place the wedding figures, a man and woman in full hiking gear, the man’s figure holding a black medical bag in his hand.

  With a sense of pride Billy stepped back to admire his creation.

  “Looks great.” Jonah dipped a finger in the whipped cream and was smacked with Billy’s wooden spoon.

  “No fingerprints.”

  “Okay.” With a wicked grin Jonah ran a finger around the rim of the plate before tasting. “See? No prints.”

  Brand stood in the doorway. “Time for us to fetch the bridegroom.”

  “Isn’t he in his room?”

  Brand shook his head. “Out in the barn.”

  “I hope he took the time to muck some stalls. It’s the least he can do since he intends to be gone for a couple of weeks.”

  The two brothers sauntered out together, their laughter ringing in the air.

  “Oh, Kirby,” Meg sighed.

  She, Liz, and Avery gathered around Kirby as she stood before the full-length mirror in the upstairs guest room. “You’re such a beautiful bride.”

  Kirby wore an ankle-length denim-and-lace dress with long sleeves inset with lace, and a deep V neckline with a stand-up collar. Simple, yet elegant. On her feet were Western boots. She wore her hair long and loose, with one side tucked up behind her ear and pinned in place with a jeweled hair clip.

  Meg studied Kirby’s reflection in the mirror. “Reverend Lawson is downstairs.”

  “I just need a minute.” Kirby produced three small bags and handed them around.

  “What’s this?” Meg stared at the bag.

  “You’re the grandmother of the groom, Miss Meg. But since you’re Casey’s grandmother, I figure after today, you’ll be mine, too. I hope you don’t mind?”

  “Mind? Kirby, honey, I’m honored.” Meg opened the bag to reveal a tissue-wrapped wood carving of a woman with three boys and a girl at her knee. All were looking up with matching smiles.

  Meg’s eyes were damp as she kissed Kirby’s cheek. “Thank you. I’ll treasure this.”

  “Not as much as I treasure you.”

  Liz opened her bag to find an oval brooch with a mustang rearing on its hind legs.

  She looked up with a smile. “Where did you find this?”

  “On the internet.” Kirby beamed her pleasure. “It reminded me of one of the pictures in your studio.”

  “Thank you.” Liz gave her a fierce hug. “I love it.”

  They turned to watch as Avery opened her bag and found a ceramic statue of two women with their arms around one another. It was inscribed, “To the sister of my heart.”

  Avery couldn’t stop the tears. “I never had a sister until today.”

  “Neither did I. But I’m so happy to have you.”

  The two women fell into each other’s arms and hugged.

  There was a knock at the door. The two women stepped apart just as Meg ope
ned it to find Casey standing outside.

  “I understand there’s a bride hiding in here.”

  The women laughed as they started past him.

  Avery leaned close to whisper to him, “I don’t think she’s hiding. Just waiting for her true love to claim her.”

  “That’s why I’m here.”

  As the door closed, Casey stood a moment, drinking in the vision across the room. When he managed to find his voice he said, “I see you’ve returned to your roots.”

  Suddenly shy, Kirby nodded. “I hope you don’t mind that I didn’t choose a traditional wedding gown.”

  His smile was quick and sexy. “Sunshine, ours isn’t a traditional wedding. But I do believe our marriage will be.”

  “Oh, I hope so. I see your grandparents, and I want the love they have.”

  “We already have it. Now all we need is a lifetime together.” He moved closer, keeping both hands behind his back. “I brought you some things. Which door would you like to open first?”

  She tapped his left shoulder.

  “Okay. Door number one.” He handed her a small jeweler’s box.

  She opened it. Nestled inside she caught the glint of a chain and a familiar gold locket. She shot him a look of amazement. “Is this…?”

  He nodded. “The one with your parents’ pictures inside.”

  “But I thought it was gone forever.”

  “The police found it in Ray Keller’s supplies. He admitted that he intended to pawn it whenever he got the opportunity.” Casey turned away to hide something in the nightstand before turning back to lift the locket from the box and fasten it around Kirby’s neck. “Now it’s back where it belongs. And your parents are here with us, to witness their daughter’s wedding.”

  She felt the moisture of tears and blinked them away. “Casey. This is a miracle.”

  “I like to think the miracle is us. You and me, Sunshine.”

  He went again to the nightstand before saying, “Now for door number two.”

  She touched a hand to his right shoulder, and he pulled his arm from behind his back to hand her a nosegay of bright orange Indian paintbrush.