Forever's Affection (Forever In Luck Series Book 3) Page 18

  Reaching out he took a tendril of her hair that was swaying loose in the wind. Busying himself, he twisted it around his finger before releasing it and doing it again. “And you,” he paused, emotion prevalent in his words. He swallowed. “I can’t even begin to list the ways you make me feel. It’s astounding to me. I’ve never felt for another woman what I feel for you. There was one, a long time ago. I thought she was the one, but I know now without any doubt, she was not the one, not even close, and it ended badly.”

  Taking a deep breath, he tilted his head back and looked up at twinkling stars. “I’ve been so cold for so long now it was like I was dead inside and I didn’t even know it. My family did though. Right before I met you, Linnie tried giving me a pep talk, told me I was a mess and needed to let go of the past. I blew her off. Jake, he tried too, telling me that I should be thanking my lucky stars I didn’t end up with her. Well, I am, right at this very moment, look up and see them all.”

  Leaning forward, she kissed him before turning and leaning back against him and looking up. Reaching for his hands, she pulled his arms tight around her and sighed.

  He pushed the swing and they sat quietly for several minutes before he continued. “I had hoped, given some time, you would feel something for me and would want to stay. It’s like I said before, I know we haven’t known each other long, and my plan was to give you a little more time because I don’t want to overwhelm you so quickly with all that you’ve been through, but I would like us to be married. I think it’s important, but if you don’t feel the same then we won’t.”

  She didn’t say anything, just lay against him massaging his hands clasped at her waist. His first response was to panic, but then he took comfort in her lack of response thinking that normally she’d have pushed him back with her words at this point. Gathering his courage, he continued. “I have land, a home, I farm, that’s it. We’d live off the land and the animals I raise. You’d never go hungry, of that I’d be sure. We’d live well, but we’d never be rich. And you wouldn’t need to ride another rodeo event if you didn’t want to, and if that’s all you wanted to do, then you could do that too. If training horses is what you’d rather do, then you could do that. It would be whatever you wanted it to be.”

  Turning in his arms, she kissed him, then crawled onto his lap as the swing creaked and wiggled. Putting his hands on her hips, he held her as he looked up at the silhouette of her face against the stars and knew he would remember it forever.

  She took a deep and troubled breath, then let it out. “Thank you for caring about us—”

  He cleared his throat as he shook his head and tightened his grip on her hips. “Let me be more clear, I don’t just care about you two, I love you both with all that I am.”

  With a gentle whimper, she put her arms around his neck and held his head to her heart. Nurturing him, she placed a kiss to the top of his head and rubbed his shoulder with one of her hands. He savored the closeness of her and held her tight. She was so soft.

  “It can’t be all about us,” she said giving him a squeeze. “We can’t ignore you.”

  Gently, he rubbed his cheek against her delicate skin, not wanting to scratch her with his stubble as he went about nuzzling her neck. “Then marry me, because that’s what I want. I want to work on my family’s farm, run a dairy operation with my dad and brothers, farm the land we own, and raise a family with you. We can hunt and fish, and you can teach me all about horses, while I help you learn to read. We’ll both love Junie to death and be happy together, I know we could be.”

  She smiled as she looked down upon him and gave a little laugh. He imagined her eyes were twinkling like the stars in the backdrop.

  Kissing him gently, she finished by saying softly, “Let me talk with the attorney.”

  Moving to her neck, he kissed his way to her ear. He felt himself getting hard and he shifted. “About?”

  “To see if,” she let out a little gasp on contact, “there’s a way to keep me and Junie here and not be made to go back to Wyoming. I’m… I’m just afraid to upset the applecart, because once my mother gets wind that I’m talking with the attorney and her cash flow is in jeopardy, she’ll be back.” She cradled his head to her body again and he got the hint loud and clear.

  Untying her robe, he pulled the silky fabric back to reveal the bounty it held. “Let’s not say anything then,” he answered, as he slipped the delicate straps from her shoulders and started placing tiny kisses here and there as her nightgown slowly slid downward. Oh yeah, this was working out nicely. “Let’s just wait it out. Five months from now we can call the attorney, and in the meantime, if the authorities show up, we’ll deal with it then.”

  She arched her back. “I… I…can’t help but feel you’re getting the short end of the stick here.” She gripped his shoulders as her head fell back.

  “Nope.” He used the word as an incentive to graze his lips back and forth over her delicate skin. “If I get to keep you, then I’m clearly a winner, and Junie is my bonus prize. Plus there is nothing short about this stick.”

  She chuckled deeply. “You’re a good man, naughty but good. Whatever happens, know that I love you too. We’ll stay if we can. Are we going to have breakfast again?”

  “Definitely.” Holding her tight, he stood up and turned for the house. “Let’s go inside, I want to be the only thing nibbling on you tonight.”

  *****

  “Dani, you did it! You did! Oh my gosh, you did it!” Linnie threw her arms around Dani and loved her up. “You did a wonderful job, I’m so proud of you.”

  Tears started running down Dani’s face as she sat smiling and looking at the first book she’d ever really read.

  Patting her hand, Linnie praised her efforts. “You’ve been practicing your flashcards, I can tell because you didn’t stumble over the words in this book. You should feel proud of yourself, you really should.”

  Dani nodded as she wiped away her tears. “Kris has been helping me. He holds up a card and Junie and I answer. It’s kind of a game to see who can answer faster. At first, I would say them in my head to give her more time, but now she is as fast as me, if not faster.”

  Linnie clapped her hands and laughed. “So you two are learning to read together. That’s great! You two can help each other, and the immediate feedback is just what you two need. Tonight, you’ll have to read to the two of them. Do you want to read it again?”

  “Can we?” Dani answered hesitantly. “I mean, it just doesn’t feel real.”

  “We can,” Linnie answered approvingly, “and it is very real. We’ll read it again, and then I have a few more flash cards to add to the pile. We’ll go over them and then read the book again and again if you want. Practice makes perfect.”

  Taking a deep breath, Dani smiled at Linnie. “I’d like that. Thank you for being such a good teacher.”

  A half an hour later, there was a thunderous applause as Dani finished reading about Dick, Sally, Baby, and Spot. Shocked, she turned to see the guys standing at the entrance to the farm’s kitchen. So engrossed in her endeavors, she hadn’t heard them come in the house and the knowledge that they’d heard her made her turn bright red and want to hide. Turning back, she buried her face in her book to keep them from seeing her.

  “Oh no, gorgeous, no hiding. Come here,” Kris said, making his way to her.

  The book taken from her hands, she hid her face in Kris’s neck when he pulled her up and into his arms.

  “Come on, we’re so proud of you. You did fantastic.” He gave her a big bear hug, lifting her feet off the ground.

  “Yeah,” Nik said, “I can see it right now, no more Sexy Lexy, instead it’ll be Texty Lexy the first trick rider to read while riding upside down as she dangles off the side of a horse, yeehaw.”

  Everyone busted out laughing, and Dani had to admit the image was kind of funny. Laughing herself, she glanced upwards shyly and when she saw how proud Kris was of her just by looking in his eyes, she knew she loved this man. Put
ting a little kiss on his jaw, she said. “Is he always like that?”

  Rubbing her back as he held her close, he answered her, “Pretty much, he’s always making an ass of himself. Where’s Junebug?”

  “Napping. She’s been getting up early with me, so a little nap in the afternoon is of paramount importance.”

  Kris’s mouth instantly turned with a grin. Leaning to her ear, he whispered, “I couldn’t agree more, I could use one right now, and gosh, you’re looking a little tired yourself.” He started pushing her backwards out of the room.

  She gave him a warning look, and her tone went serious. “Excuse me, but your family is here.”

  His eyes danced with mischief, and his grin turned salacious. “Mmhmm, but they’re not invited.”

  “Kri—”

  He had her up against the hall wall and her lips busy with a deep kiss before she could finish his name. Sliding her hands up his chest and around his shoulders, she kissed him passionately, because when it came to this man that’s what she wanted to do. He had the nicest lips and the strongest arms, and when he held her she felt safe and loved.

  “Geeeee, I wonder where Dani and Kris went?” Nik said loudly from a few feet away, followed by a loud, exaggerated gasp. “Dad, quick, call nine-one-one! Dani’s doing mouth to mouth resuscitation on Kris.”

  Breaking away from their kiss, Dani turned her head and looked at Nik contemplating her response. His smile was wide and full of energy, and she knew he wanted her to respond to the challenge. So far be it for her to disappoint him. “Don’t forget I have a rope and know how to use it. Seven seconds, two wraps and one hooey later, and you’ll be talking like a girl, hopscotch.”

  “Woohoo,” he howled, then clapped his hands, thrilled with the exchange. “That explains the rope burns on Kris’s wrists and ankles. Damn, I didn’t know you were into the kinky shit.” Cackling, he laughed at their teasing.

  “You’re cruisin for a bruisin, you know that,” Kris snapped. “Now get lost, we’re busy.”

  Ignoring them and flexing his biceps, Nik taunted. “You want a piece of me, come on, let’s arm wrestle.”

  Oh yeah, she was going to take him. Pushing out of Kris’s hold, she snapped to. “Alright, you’re on. Kitchen table, now. Move it.”

  “Woohoo!” Nik howled, clapping his hands again and heading for the kitchen. “Kris you wimp, letting the little woman do your dirty work.” Sitting at the table they squared off. “Alright sister, I’ll try not to hurt you, but no crying if I do.”

  Getting straight to business, Dani said in all seriousness, “Let’s go hopscotch, no whining when I dust ya.”

  Nik fell back in his chair laughing. “Oh Dani, I love having you around. You’re cute when you act tough.”

  “Who’s acting?” Dani quipped with feigned irritation, as she emphasized her words by cracking her knuckles. “Now quit stalling and yacking like a girl, let’s go, I want to get back to what I was doing. Kris, get Nik some ice, he’ll need it for his arm when I’m done with him.”

  There was laughing throughout as Kris and his family gathered around.

  Nik fell back in his chair laughing again. Holding his stomach, he tried getting control and struggled. “You’re hilarious. I hope I don’t ruin your nails or something. Kris, she asked for it, so no getting upset if she gets hurt.”

  Dani’s elbow was on the table and her arm up in the air waiting. “You take it easy on me and I’ll take you down and beat the shit out of you.”

  More laughing, then Nik’s arm went up and their hands clasped. Linnie stepped up and put her hand on theirs. “On the count of three. One, two, three—GO!”

  The match was on and Dani pulled their knotted hands towards her, tightening the angle of her elbow in an attempt to throw off his center of gravity. Remembering everything the ranch hands had taught her, she worked her grip up his thumb, forcing his grip to slip down her hand weakening his leverage. He compensated by trying to hook his hand around hers. Hah! She was ready and held her arm and wrist steady as she tilted their gripped hands at the wrist towards her. It was a one, two, three, punch in arm wrestling. Pivoting her body in the winning direction, she felt his grip slip just as she’d planned, then…

  *****

  WHAP! The back of Nik’s hand hit the table.

  There was cheering all around, and Nik fell back in his chair shaking his head as he smiled. Kris pulled Dani up into a big bear hug, kissing her soundly. “That’s my girl!” Squeezing her tight and looking in her eyes, he said, “I love you.” Everything went quiet as heads swung their way. Kris looked beyond Dani’s shoulder to his family, feeling as though he was on the spot. “What?”

  No one said anything, then Jules, who’d recently joined them, spoke up, “It’s just that we’re glad to see you with someone special in your life. It’s nice.”

  “It sure is,” his dad added. “And for whatever its worth, I approve of this one wholeheartedly.”

  Staring down at Dani, Kris nodded. “Me too.”

  “I know you haven’t known each other long,” Linnie said, “but are we maybe going to hear wedding bells in the future?” She held up two hands with fingers crossed on each.

  God he hoped so. He shrugged. “Maybe. We need to get through some stuff with Junie before we can think about the two of us.”

  “Like what?” his dad asked.

  Lifting his head, he looked at his family. “Like Junie could be forced back to Wyoming at any time and it may be that she will have to stay there. We have to wait and see.”

  “What? Why?” Jules cried, plopping down in one of the chairs. “Can’t you keep her here?”

  Turning, Dani looked at all of them. “Have a seat, I’ll try to explain.”

  Twenty minutes later, Dani, sat back in her chair feeling exhausted having shared all the sordid details with them all.

  “So at any minute your mother could swoop in here and take Junie?” Linnie asked, clearly irritated.

  Dani nodded. “Pretty much.”

  “This sucks,” Nik added. “There should be something we can do. It’s not right that she gets to walk in and out as she pleases.”

  “Dani,” Karl said, “I’m real proud of you for caring for Junie as you have. If there is anything we could do to help you, please let us know. We care about you and Junie greatly, and we won’t let you go through this alone if we can help it.”

  The look of shock was apparent on Dani’s face. It was obvious, she’d never expected to hear that.

  “Ummm, th, th, thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” Reaching over his dad patted her hand. “And just so you know, you’ve been good for Kris and I hope to one day call you daughter.”

  Dani looked at them with wide eyes and Kris stepped in. “Yes, they like you and want you to be a part of this family.”

  “Hell yeah,” Nik said. “Kris is a whole lot more fun to be around now that he’s hanging with you, and Junie’s a kick. I’ll never have to buy another dog bone again.”

  Dani laughed. “Those are perks, for sure.”

  “You bet,” Karl said, “Little Miss Juniper is quite the artiste. Look.” Walking to the fridge, he pointed proudly and said with pride, “Here’s me in my sleigh, and here are all my reindeer, and here’s me trying to get my big butt down a chimney.”

  They all laughed.

  “She wants me to show her Rudolph, but I told her he’s hibernating till winter and that we need to let him sleep. So far she’s buying it.”

  “Well,” Jake said, “that explains why she tells the cows to be quiet when they make noise.”

  They all chuckled.

  “We’re having a picnic on Sunday for Father’s Day,” Jules interrupted. “We hope you and Junie will join us.”

  Dani nodded. “Sounds nice. If you want to have it at the ranch, we could drop in a few lines, catch some fish, go for horseback rides, stuff like that?”

  “Ohhh,” Jules answered, her gaze spanning the group excitedly before retu
rning to Dani. “I’ve never ridden a horse before, I’d like to, that sounds fun. Are you sure?”

  Dani nodded. “Junie would love it and I would too. What should we have?”

  Linnie jumped in. “I’m craving barbeque ribs, and I saw sweet corn advertised. We’ll pay an arm and a leg for it, but I don’t care, I’m hungry for it. Oh, and the baby wants a root beer float,” she finished sweetly.

  “Right,” Nik said all drawn out. “You’re turning into a float.”

  Linnie gasped, and Jules reached over and pinched the back of Nik’s arm making him howl. “You take that back or I’m telling Nate,” Jules snapped with irritation.

  Cringing and in pain, Nik relented reluctantly, “Owww, damn Jules, I’m not sitting by you anymore. Fine, I’ll buy the stuff for the floats and get extra for “the baby.” How’s that?”

  Linnie rolled her eyes. “More’s the pity for the woman who agrees to marry you. Get the good ice cream and premium root beer too. Oh, and the baby wants a straw while you’re at it.”

  Nik snorted as he glowered at her. “Anything else the baby wants?”

  Linnie smiled brightly. “There’s hope, you’re trainable. Yeah the baby wants you to rub my feet while I eat the float.”

  They all laughed, except for Nik.

  “What time works for you, Dani?” Jules asked, smiling, clearly pleased that the girls had trumped the guys.

  So this is what family life was like. “Anytime really, should we say about two?” Dani answered, smiling at the bunch. “We’ll provide the charcoal and other beverages, and leave the cooking to you two. Does that sound alright?”

  “Perfect,” Jules answered. “We can talk more about it when the day gets closer.”

  Reaching and pulling Dani closer, Kris put a kiss on her cheek, then looked over at Linnie and Jules. “Can the two of you keep an eye on Junie for a little bit? I have a little something I want to show Dani on the north side of the property.”

  They both smiled instantly upon hearing his words, and Dani turned to him questioningly.