The Rancher's Twin Troubles (14 page)

She grimaced. “Son, you might be my eldest, but when it comes to finesse, you've got a lot to learn.”

“Amen,” Wren said, seated on the hearth, warming herself by the crackling fire. “He gave me a fruitcake that was harder than any brick. FEMA could use a bunch of them for rebuilding storm-damaged homes.”

“Ha, ha, ha.” While Dallas pouted, Josie took Wren's gift from under the tree.

Handing it to her, Josie said, “For the record, the
only role Dallas played in this item was surrendering his credit card at the checkout counter.”

“I'm intrigued.” Wren gave the small box a slight shake, but it made no sound. The wrapping was especially pretty—gold foil with a black velvet bow. “Oh!” Upon opening the even smaller black leather box inside to find a pair of perfectly matched diamond studs, she said, “Dallas, this is too much.”

“Considering I never bought you two a wedding gift, and I missed your birthday back in May,” Dallas admitted, “I'm hoping those get me back in your good graces.”

“Done.” Wren hugged her brother-in-law and then approached Josie, but when Josie stood, she touched her forehead and fell back to the sofa.

“Whew.”

“Okay?” Wren asked, her voice laced with concern.

Josie nodded. “Just dizzy.”

“Did you take your iron tabs?” Dallas asked.

“Yes,” she snapped. “Sorry. All of a sudden I'm not feeling so hot.” She made a mad dash for the guest bathroom, but unfortunately, Wren, Dallas and his mother were hot on her heels. Once her heavy breakfast came up, her stomach felt better, but her embarrassment level was through the roof.

“Oh, dear,” Georgina crooned. Wetting a washcloth, she offered it to Josie. “Should we put off opening the rest of the gifts until after lunch?”

“No,” Josie said, relishing the cool fabric against her superheated skin. “Please don't let me ruin your day.
Dallas can run me home and then all of you can finish out the holiday without interruption.”

“Nonsense.” Georgina turned to her son. “Get Josie a blanket and pillow, then shove your brothers off the long couch and help Josie onto it. A
single
woman in her condition shouldn't spend Christmas alone.”

While Dallas did his mother's bidding, Josie remained in the bathroom, rinsing her mouth and trying to get her stomach feeling stable.

With Georgina hollering out the front door for the twins to put coats on or come inside, Wren whispered, “It's okay, you know?”

“For what?”

“To lean on us. Georgina, me—especially Dallas.” Hand on Josie's forearm, she continued, “I used to be like you, convinced I could single-handedly take on the world, but ever since figuring out it's more fun to share, I've never been happier.”

“Truthfully,” Josie said with a slow exhale, “it's not that I'm eager to raise this baby alone, or spend the rest of my days talking to just my cat, but so much more, I'm afraid of everything—loving this child too much. Falling for Dallas only to realize we've made a mistake. In turn, hurting the twins.” Hands to her still-spinning head, she fought tears. She'd never been more confused. In the same respect, she had never needed a friend more desperately. Was it possible she could rely on Dallas to help her through not only her pregnancy, but negotiating the treacherous water of being a small-town, unwed mom? “Everything's a mess. My whole life feels upside down.”

“I get that. Initially, the only reason Cash and I were together was for our baby. But with time, our relationship grew into more. Now, I can't imagine my life without him.”

“I'm happy for you,” Josie said, mind swirling with doubts. “But what if Dallas and I never get to that place? What if we were to get together, only he grows to resent me and our baby, instead of loving us? Can't you understand how it would be much simpler leaving well enough alone?”

“Simpler, yes.” Wren tidied Josie's hair. “But I guarantee Dallas would be a lot more fun to snuggle with on a cold winter night than your cat.”

“Aside from you getting sick,” Dallas said late Christmas night, walking Josie to her front door, “this was a nice day. Good food. Good company—” he gave her a friendly hug “—doesn't get better than this.”

“True.” Inserting her key in the front door, she said, “I usually spend Christmas with Natalie and her family. They're always welcoming, but then Nat's mother starts lecturing her about how much she'd like grandkids before she turns eighty and next, her dad starts yelling at her mom. Typically, before we've finished breakfast mimosas, Nat's fuming and I'm wishing I could hide in a closet.”

Laughing, Dallas knelt to pet Kitty. While he couldn't say they were best buds, at least the cat now tolerated him. “Sounds like you made the right choice in hanging with us. Although we've had our fair share of holiday turmoil. Last year, a little before Christmas, Cash and Wren got married and had Robin all on the same day.”

Josie whistled. “I can't top that.”

“Wouldn't want you to.” Now that Kitty had been properly greeted, Dallas wasn't sure what to do with
his hands. He'd liked hugging Josie. Enjoyed the feel of her in his arms, but did she feel the same? How big a dufus would he be if he went in for a smooth move only to have Josie dodge his advances? “On a more serious note, are you feeling better?”

“Much.” Was it normal that she seemed fidgety, too? Did she want him to make a move? Even if he did, how far did he go? They might've already gone for a home run, but lately, he felt as if they'd grown to know each other all over again. This time, at a much slower pace.

Deciding to ignore his fears and just go for it, he tenderly drew her against him. When she showed no signs of struggle, he rested his head atop of hers. “Ever notice how we fit? Like puzzle pieces that've been waiting to be put together.”

“Read that on a greeting card, cowboy?” The light in her eyes told Dallas she was giving him an old-fashioned ribbing, but in that moment, he wasn't kidding. Yes, he hated the fact that she possibly still didn't think him the most qualified of fathers, but he was getting better every day. By the time his new son or daughter arrived, he'd be the expert all of their kids deserved.

“I'm serious.” When she stared up at him, he kissed her. Long and leisurely. Like they had all the time in the world. They'd both learned the hard way that love could be fleeting, but with a little luck and whole lot of prayer, things just might turn out different this time around. “Josie, I'm falling for you.”

“I'm not sure how—or even, when—but me, too.” After returning his kiss and then some, she admitted, “Since our falling out and then coming back together,
I'm still scared what I'm feeling isn't real. But in the same regard, I can't deny that lately, when we're together, everything's better. Fall colors were more brilliant. Thanksgiving turkey more tender. Christmas lights twinkle brighter.”

“Talk about sounding like a greeting card…” Sweeping her jawline with his thumb, he said in an emotion filled whisper, “That was beautiful. I feel the same.”

After more kissing and caressing and sharing feelings with words, they naturally gravitated toward her dark bedroom.

“Sure this is what you want?” she asked, her voice a husky fraction of her normal self.

“Can't you tell?” he asked, pressing her against his swollen need.

“I'm just so unsure—about everything. But most especially, you.” As he drew off her blouse and then bra, she shivered.

Stroking the chills from her upper arms, he pulled her into another kiss.

Drawing back only long enough to turn on the bedside lamp, he sat on the edge of the bed, settling his hands low on her hips, pulling her in. With their eyes at the same level, he said, “You're starting to mean the world to me. Sometimes, when I'm alone out on the range, I fantasize about you, me and the girls being a real family.”

“I do, too,” she said, albeit dropping her gaze. “But…” Her melancholy expression told him she didn't believe him.

Cupping his face, she kissed his forehead and closed
eyes and nose. “I'm scared. All of this has happened so fast. We went from flirting to pregnant to hating each other and now this all in the blink of an eye. It's confusing and exhilarating, yet I don't trust it to be real.”

“Me, neither,” he confessed, skimming his hands over her full breasts, cupping them, teasing her nipples until she sharply inhaled, burying her hands in his hair. “But at the moment, I'm thinking this is about as real as I can stand without tossing you back on the bed.”

“Are cowboys generally this touchy-feely with words?” she teased. “Because as hot as you've made me, I'd prefer less talk and more action.”

Shaking his head, Dallas gave the lady what she wanted.

 

N
EW
Y
EAR'S
E
VE,
J
OSIE COULD
scarcely contain her excitement. With Nat at her house, dressing for the Buckhorns' fancy party, she felt more like they were headed for prom than a ranch.

“I love that,” Natalie said, smiling in approval of Josie's silver-sequined cocktail dress.

“Thanks. You're not looking too shabby yourself in that hot little number.” Josie's friend rocked a black gown she'd found on a half-off rack at the Tulsa Saks Fifth Avenue.

“Think tonight Dallas will pop the question?” She sat at Josie's vanity table, applying eyeliner.

“Maybe.” Josie was on the hunt for the chandelier earrings she rarely had a chance to wear, but loved. “I'm not even sure I want him to. Christmas night, our conversation got pretty heavy. Clearly, neither of us has
a clue what we're getting into, but oh, what a delicious way to go.”

“You look so happy I'm scared for you. And praying that this time, your fairy tale lasts.”

“Don't go there,” Josie begged of her friend. “This time around, I'm taking life day by day. No expectations. Just stealing joy where I can. Now, where are they?” It took dumping her jewelry basket on the bed to finally find her earrings. Could Nat be right? Should she be looking for more? Like a lasting relationship with a man whose company she enjoyed?

“Organize your jewelry much?” Glancing over her shoulder at the mess, Nat said, “Relax. No matter what, let's promise to have fun.”

Extending her hand for her friend to shake, Josie said, “I'll make that deal under one condition.”

After brushing on mascara, Natalie asked, “What's that?”

“I promise to party till dawn if you ask Dallas's brother Wyatt to dance.”

“Why would I do that?” she asked with a frown.

“Because he happens to be single and a great guy?”

“I went to elementary, middle and high school with him. Trust me, there's a lot about him you don't know. Plus, he has women falling all over him.” After adding bold red lipstick, Nat turned her attention to her nails, adding a clear topcoat. “Besides, I've eaten so many teachers' lounge Christmas cookies that I'm starting to resemble Mrs. Claus.”

Josie rolled her eyes. “Who hasn't packed on a few
holiday and/or pregnancy pounds? And as for Wyatt, you going to rely on his past discretions or me? The few times I've met him, not only has he been charming, but there hasn't been a vixen in sight.”

“No doubt he hides them in the pool house, fearing his mother's disapproval.”

At that, Josie had to laugh. “Trust me, if there's one thing I've learned since Dallas and I have been together, as much as the Buckhorn men love their mother, no matter what she may think, if they see something they want, they'll go for it.” Hugging herself to ward off a sudden chill, Josie prayed tonight brought both her and Natalie the happiness they deserved.

 

J
OSIE HAD NEVER SEEN
the ranch look more beautiful—or crowded. The Buckhorns were known for hosting a good party and tonight was no exception.

The living-room furniture had been put in storage and in the roomy corner that typically housed Mrs. Buckhorn's rolltop desk, was a five-man swing band. Hundreds of twinkling white lights had been strung from the open rafters and an equal amount of fragrant red roses in silver and crystal vases adorned tables hugging the dance floor's edge. In the dining room was a sumptuous buffet. Waiters roamed, offering champagne and decadent treats from silver trays.

“Whoa,” Nat said for only her to hear. “I'm feeling a smidge out of my league.”

“Relax,” Josie urged. “The whole family is just as gracious as can be.”

“Easy for you to say. You're an actual guest. I'm a lowly guest of a guest.”

Laughing, Josie took her friend by her hand, leading her to the bar.

Along the way, they encountered Dallas who looked beyond handsome in his tux.

While Nat asked the bartender for champagne, Dallas whispered in Josie's ear, “You look gorgeous and I want to do naughty things with you.”

“Sounds good to me.” Easing her arm around him, she felt as if they'd known each other years rather than mere months. How they'd gotten so close so fast was a mystery about which she wasn't complaining. “Where are the girls?”

“At Cash's with Mrs. Cahwood. You haven't met her, but she's their housekeeper and sitter.” After kissing his date, he added, “Is it wrong that I want tonight to be just about us?”

“Hear me complaining?”

He laughed, then turned to Natalie. “So Josie says I should fix you up with my last single brother.”

Choking on a sip of bubbly, Natalie cast Josie an evil glare. “We've, ah, already met and—”

“Come on,” he said, guiding her through the still growing crowd. “Last I saw he was in the den smoking cigars and playing poker, but once he catches sight of you in that dress, I'm sure he won't mind the diversion.”

Josie was thrilled that for once her interfering friend was getting a taste of her own medicine.

Nat complained, “I don't even have anything to say.”

“You'll figure it out,” Dallas assured.

When Natalie glanced back at Josie for help, she just grinned.

“Need me for something?” Wyatt asked upon finding the trio standing beside him.

“No,” Dallas said, “but Josie's friend Natalie, here, needs a dance partner.”

“Ah, sure.” Glancing down at his cards, he said to the six men sharing the table, “Gentlemen, I'm out.”

“Come on.” Dallas took Josie's arm and practically sprinted out of the den.

“Aren't we going to wait and see what happens?” Josie complained. “I want to know if they hit it off.”

“Not to be mean,” he said, leading her toward the dance floor, “but I really don't care. My only focus is you. Wanna dance?”

Josie nearly swooned from the intensity of his stare. His white smile. The way his breath smelled of whiskey and that special, indescribable something that her soul recognized as uniquely his.

After slow dancing and fast dancing and laughing more than she could ever remember, Josie was parched. “Whew, I need a break and a drink.”

“Both items easily remedied.” At the bar, he grabbed two bottled waters.

Striving for a breezy tone, she said, “Next year, I want gallons of champagne.”

Kissing her forehead, he said, “Done.” Once she'd finished her beverage, he asked, “Want to get out of here for a while?”

“And go where? Last I heard it's eighteen degrees outside.”

“Which is why you'll be wearing my coat.” Sneaking out the back door, holding Dallas's hand, dressed in the long duster he wore when working cattle, Josie felt as if he were leading her on a grand adventure.

“Where are we going?”

“You'll see…”

Teeth chattering as they struck out down a winding stone trail, she asked, “Is it far? My shoes and swollen feet aren't exactly ideal for late-night hiking.”

“Need me to carry you?”

“If you don't mind,” she said with a giggle.

Over the crest of a hill was a small log cabin. Candlelight shone through paned windows and sweet wood smoke rose from the stone chimney.

“Here we are.” He set her to her feet on the rustic front porch. “This was my great-great-grandparents' home back in the day. It's been updated with luxuries such as plumbing, electric and running water, but otherwise it's pretty much the same.”

When he opened the door, Josie couldn't quite believe her eyes. “It's fantastic…”

On the main level was a stone fireplace with flames merrily crackling and stone floor covered in thick throw rugs. A galley kitchen outfitted with a mini-stainless steel stove, fridge and wine cooler. All of the furniture was buttery leather strewn with throw pillows. On an upper level stood a wrought iron bed beside a sunken, glowing hot tub. Through a partially open door she caught a glimpse of a bathroom featuring an oversize,
claw-foot tub. Lighting it all were at least a hundred ivory candles.

“My ancestors knew how to live it up.”

“I'll say.” Warming her hands by the fire, she asked, “Who stays here?”

“Some of Mom's out of town friends. A few East Coast aunts and uncles. Occasionally, folks we've hired to bring out studs or bulls.”

“Who lit the fire and candles?”

“I bribed Henry. Wasn't too hard, considering he hates big parties and this gave him an excuse to stay away.” On a love seat across from her, he cleared his throat. “Sweetheart, there's a reason I brought you out here.” His gaze dropped to his hands. He'd clamped them tight. Was he nervous? If so, why? Her pulse took off on a runaway gallop.

“I-if you're calling it—
us
—quits,” she barely managed to get out without crying, “please just go ahead and do it.”

“What are you talking about?” he asked with a laugh. “If I were breaking up, would I honestly have bought out all of Dollar General's candles?”