True Blue Cowboy (The Cash Brothers) (16 page)

What about Mack?

He was the reason she’d gone to the children’s home today. His faith in her had given her the courage to accept the truth—that she did want to be a mother and no matter how much the responsibility scared her, she believed as Mack had that she’d make a great mom.

So are you going to listen to your heart again and admit that you’re in love with Mack?

She started the engine and drove south toward the dude ranch. She wanted to be a mother. Wanted to have a family. Most of all she wanted Mack. Without him by her side nothing else mattered.

What if he’s changed his mind about marrying you?

Then she’d just have to change it back.

* * *

“B
ETH
,
WHAT
A
SURPRISE
,” Dave said when she entered his office at the dude ranch.

“I’m probably the last person you expected to see again.”

Dave frowned. “Didn’t the job in California work out?”

“The job’s great. I was hoping to speak with Mack, but I didn’t see his truck parked outside.”

“He’s in Yuma on business, but he should return shortly. Why don’t you wait for him in the cantina and help yourself to the iced tea while you’re there.”

“When Mack gets back, will you tell him—”

“Of course, Beth.”

A fire blazed in the cantina fireplace, lending the room a cozy feel. She was too nervous to sit, so she paced the floor, stopping at the front window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mack’s truck. She had no idea what she’d say to him except
I love you.

She waited for almost an hour when she spotted a vehicle approach on the ranch road.
Mack.
As the pickup drew closer, she spied someone sitting in the passenger seat. He parked in front of the office and got out. Beth’s heart tumbled at the sight of him. Lord, she hoped he’d give her a second chance.

The passenger door opened and she gasped.
Ricky?
What was he doing with Mack? Her heart stopped beating altogether when Katy hopped out of the backseat.
What in the world?
Beth dashed out the door and cut across the parking lot.

“Miss Beth!” Katy called out, running toward her. Beth opened her arms and hugged the little girl close. “I missed you, Miss Beth.”

“I’ve missed you, too, Katy.”

Mack, who’d stopped a few feet away, stared at her with a sober expression. “Ricky, before you work on your riding lessons take Katy inside and ask José if he has any donuts leftover from breakfast.”

When the kids disappeared, Beth spoke. “It’s nice of you to give them riding lessons.”

Mack hadn’t expected to find Beth at the ranch. He’d brought Ricky and Katy out here for the day because he had to check on the cattle, and Hoss said he’d give the kids horseback lessons to keep them busy until Mack finished his chores. Then after he returned the kids to the home in Yuma, he was meeting a Realtor to view rental properties. He’d wanted to find a place to live before he contacted Beth—so she’d know he was serious about being the kids’ father. Her eyes glistened with tears and he grasped her arms. “What’s the matter?”

“Just about everything.” She waved toward the main building the kids had gone into. “Did you hear that someone’s going to adopt Katy?”

Startled that she knew, he asked, “How did you find out?”

“I spoke with Greg yesterday. I wanted to check on Katy and see if...” Her voice wobbled.

He tipped her chin, the sorrow in her eyes breaking his heart. “See if what?”

“Mack, please tell me it’s not too late for us,” she whispered.

His heart stopped beating, then resumed with a fierce pounding.

She brushed at her wet eyes. “I’m stubborn and it took me a while to admit that what I want. What makes me happy... What brings joy to me is you.”

Mack thought his heart would explode inside his chest.

“I met with Greg to inquire about adopting Katy, but someone had already taken her in. I wanted to prove to you that I was ready to be a mother, because I know how much family means to you.” She sucked in a shuddering breath. “I was hoping you and I could adopt Katy and be a family.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’m happy Katy’s going to get the family she’s always wanted, but I wish it could have been us.”

“She doesn’t have a complete family yet, Beth.”

“What do you mean?”

Mack held Beth’s face in his hands. “Your tears are killing me. Can I kiss you?”

She nodded.

Mack brushed his lips across hers, tasting her salty tears. That she wanted to show him she could be a mother by adopting Katy humbled him. When he pulled back, he said, “Katy still needs a mother. And so does Ricky.”

This was the craziest second attempt at a marriage proposal he could have imagined. No candlelit dinner, no romantic music, no dimmed lights. “I’m Katy and Ricky’s foster father.”

Beth gasped.

“Wait here.” He returned to the truck and rummaged through the glove compartment until he found the jeweler’s box, then returned to Beth. “Whether or not I was able to become Ricky or Katy’s foster father, I’d planned to ask you to marry me. Again.” He opened the lid of the box. “This ring belonged to Grandma Ada.”

Beth’s eyes rounded.

“My grandmother didn’t give birth to her seven grandchildren, but she was more of a mother to us than our real mother could have ever hoped to be. She not only took care of us, she nurtured us and made us feel loved and important. And she taught us kids the real meaning of family. I can’t think of anyone better suited to carry on Grandma Ada’s love for family than you.” He went down on one knee. “Beth, will you marry me?”

Her smile wobbled. “Yes, Mack. I’d be honored to be your wife.”

He pushed the ring over her finger, surprised at how well it fit. “I love you, Beth.” He stood then pulled her into his arms and kissed her tenderly.

“I know you have a job in California, but we’ll make it work, because there’s no way I’m letting you go.”

“Were you that certain I’d marry you?” she asked.

“I was scared to death you’d say no, but I wanted to show you that I was okay with not having kids of my own.” He shrugged. “I knew you had a soft spot for Katy, and I see a lot of potential in Ricky. He’s a good kid who just needs to know someone gives a damn about him. Together we can give both kids a loving home.”

“If I had said no to your proposal, would you still have gone through with adopting them?”

“Of course. My siblings agreed to help me out with the kids.”

“I love you, Mack Cash. You’re an amazing man, and I’m glad I had a one-night stand with you.” She giggled. “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m thankful Brad cheated on me, or I never would have found you and never would have had a family of my own to love and cherish.”

“I’m looking at properties with a Realtor this afternoon. If you’re going to be living with us a few days a month, then you should have a say where we live.”

“What do you mean a few days a month?”

“You’re working in San José, right? That means you’ll be commuting home on the weekends.”

“My employer hired me as a contractor for the firm. That way I can work from home and travel to California for meetings as needed.”

“Hey, Mr. Mack,” Ricky called out as he walked toward them, Katy trailing behind. “José said we can stay for supper.” Ricky noticed Mack’s hand resting on Beth’s waist. “What’s up with you guys? Are you like girlfriend and boyfriend?”

“Right now we’re fiancée and fiancé,” Beth said.

“What’s a fiancée?” Katy asked.

“Beth and I are getting married,” Mack said.

The little girl’s mouth dropped open.

“Seriously?” Ricky gaped.

“Seriously.”

Katy grasped Beth’s hand. “Does this mean you’re gonna be my mom?”

“Yes, it does.” She glanced at Ricky. “And I’d like to be your mother, Ricky. If that’s okay with you?”

The teen shrugged. “Sure. I guess.”

Katy clapped her hands. “Yeah! We’re gonna be a real family.” She hugged Ricky. “And you’re gonna be my big brother.”

“I guess that means I’m stuck with you for a little sister.” Ricky smiled at Katy.

“I think the four of us are going to make a great family,” Mack said.

“When are you guys gonna get married?” Ricky asked.

Mack nodded to Beth—no way was he answering that question. Weddings were a woman’s business. He’d make sure to show up whenever and wherever Beth wanted.

“How about right away?” Beth said.

“Cool,” Ricky said.

Katy hugged Beth.

“What about a big wedding and all the trimmings?” Mack asked.

“I’d rather get married by the justice of the peace with Katy and Ricky as our witnesses. I don’t want to wait any longer to become a family.”

“Sounds good to me.” More than good. Mack listened to Katy pepper Beth with questions, then Ricky began asking Mack about rodeo and pretty soon both kids were talking at once, their voices animated, their eyes bright.

Mack was the luckiest man on earth. “Before we get carried away making plans for the future, I have some news for you two.” He eyed the kids.

“What kind of news?” Ricky asked.

“The four of us are going to be a family but we’re also going to become part of a bigger family.”

“Mack has five brothers and one sister,” Beth said. “You’ll have a lot of cousins.”

“Anyone my age?” Ricky asked.

“My brother Will has a son who’ll be sixteen soon. Ryan’s the closest to you in age.”

“Cool,” Ricky said.

“Are there any girls?” Katy asked.

“Three,” Mack said, “but they’re all babies.”

“I like babies.”

“And you’ll have a grandmother and grandfather,” Beth said, hugging Mack.

As Beth told the kids about their grandparents in San Diego and that they’d take a trip to meet them soon, and would definitely have to stop at Disneyland along the way, Mack’s throat swelled with emotion. If someone had told him a year ago that he’d find his soul mate and become a father all within a few months, he would have accused them of being crazy.

Now he was thinking he might be the crazy one. But crazy was good, and there was nowhere else he’d rather be right now than crazy in love with Beth and crazy happy about his new family.

Epilogue

“Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready to kick off the Blythe Stampede Rodeo’s junior division bull-riding event?”

The handful of fans sitting in the stands hooted and hollered. A group of young girls held up posters with the names of local junior cowboys and big pink hearts painted on them.

“Didn’t Ricky decide to ride in the bronc competition today?” Beth asked as she and Mack watched their son put on his Kevlar vest and riding glove—next to a chute with a bull inside. Surrounded by Cash males and former lady-bull-rider Shannon, Beth only caught glimpses of her son’s head in the crowd. She hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep last night, fretting about today and hoping nothing would go wrong with Ricky’s ride. It didn’t matter if he won or lost today—she just wanted him to stay safe.

“Hoss has been sharing stories about his bull-riding days with Ricky,” Mack said. “And remember the sleepover he had at Ryan’s house a while back?” Beth nodded. “Will took the boys out to the Triple D, and Shannon let them get on the bucking machine. Ryan didn’t care for it, but Ricky got hooked so Shannon gave him a few lessons.”

“And Ricky decided he liked bulls better than broncs.”

“Looks that way.” Mack pulled Beth close, and she soaked in his comfort. “Don’t worry, mama bear, your cub will be fine.”

She’d have to trust Mack on this one. She knew next to nothing about rodeo or motherhood, and she was learning along the way. As she took in the action, an ache that had become all too common lately spread through her body—a happy ache and one she prayed would never go away. So far, motherhood had been a fascinating, joyous experience, and each morning she woke wondering what the day had in store for her and her new family. She and Mack, with Ricky and Katy, had settled into a routine as a family, and a stranger would be hard-pressed to guess that the four of them had only just met a few months ago.

“Mom!”

Beth’s gaze flew to her son sitting on the junior-sized bull in the chute. Ricky had begun calling her mom a few weeks ago and when he used the moniker, her heart swelled with love. Katy had called her mom before the adoption papers had been signed, but Ricky hadn’t given his trust as easily. He still used Mack’s first name, but Beth was certain that eventually he’d learn, as she had, that Mack was true blue.

“Smile, Mom.” Ricky grinned. “It’s gonna be okay.”

She gave him a thumbs-up. She was learning that
worry
was a big part of motherhood—she just hadn’t expected it to consume her daily routine.

“You sure you don’t want to watch in the stands with Katy and your parents?” Mack asked.

“I’m staying.” She wanted to show Ricky that she supported him, but mostly she needed to remain close by so that if anything happened... “Katy will be fine. She’s helping Dixie entertain Nate.” Beth glanced toward the seating section where the Cash wives sat with their babies and her parents right next to them.

The Cash family had opened their hearts to her, Ricky and Katy, and Beth felt truly blessed that her children would grow up surrounded by a large family and lots of love. And Beth had yet to figure out how Mack had won over her father, who now bragged to his golf buddies about his famous rock-star-cowboy son-in-law. As for her mother—she broke down in tears when Beth told her she and Mack were adopting two children. Beth hadn’t realized how her inability to have children had weighed heavily on her mother’s heart all these years. Now her mother was embracing her role as a grandparent and had insisted on purchasing Katy’s new eyeglasses—a designer pair no less—and a new wardrobe for the little girl. Beth’s father had given Ricky a beginner’s set of golf clubs, but she wasn’t sure the clubs would be used...for a few years, anyway.

“Let’s move closer so we have a better view.” Mack grasped Beth’s hand and they approached the chute. “Ricky, listen to Shannon,” Mack said. “She’s the best bull rider in the family.”

“I know. Aunt Shannon told me what to do.”

Not a day went by that Mack didn’t surprise Beth. His respect for his sister-in-law’s talent in a male-dominated sport convinced her that they were going to raise a young man who respected women and a daughter who wouldn’t be afraid to chase her dreams despite her physical limitations.

“You can do it, dude.” Ryan gave his cousin a fist pump.

“Go get ’em, Ricky!” Beth shouted, squeezing Mack’s hand.

“Up first today is Ricky Cash, a fifteen-year-old buckaroo from Yuma, Arizona.”

The sparse crowd gathered inside the arena applauded.

“This is Ricky’s first time competing. Let’s see how this young man does on Thunder Mountain, a junior bull from the famed Valley Springs Ranch in Silver City, New Mexico.”

Before Beth was prepared, the chute opened and the bull sprang forward. She held her breath—watching Ricky’s torso jerk as the bull’s bucking flung him every which way. Resisting the urge to close her eyes, she recited a litany of prayers in her head. She’d made a promise to herself when she became Ricky and Katy’s mother that she would embrace every aspect of motherhood—the good, the bad and the scary.

The bull spun, and Ricky slid sideways on the animal’s back, but he managed to regain his balance and straighten up right before the bull executed another high buck just as the buzzer sounded. Beth clutched Mack’s arm, praying for a safe dismount. Ricky launched himself off the bull and dove for the ground, hitting the dirt hard. He rolled away from the bull’s hind legs and scrambled to his feet as the rodeo helpers moved in and guided the bull out of the arena.

Now that the danger was over, Beth’s heartbeat returned to normal—for all of five seconds. Was it the arena lighting or did Ricky’s face look pale? He walked over to the cowboy hat Beth’s father had purchased for his fifteenth birthday and picked it up slowly. Something was wrong. Beth made a move to meet Ricky when he stepped into the cowboy ready area but Mack held her arm. “Give him a minute to bask in the glory.”

“Dude, you were awesome!” Ryan playfully punched Ricky in the shoulder, and Beth caught his wince. She suspected her son was a little bruised and sore from the ride and dismount.

After a few more congratulations, Beth decided she’d waited long enough and pushed through the group. “Honey, you were amazing.” Beth had begun calling the kids
honey
right after they moved into the new townhouse in Yuma in March. When she offered him a hug, he whispered in her ear.

“Mom, I think I broke my wrist.”

She sucked in a quiet breath.

“Don’t say anything,” he said. “Aunt Shannon will feel bad and I don’t want Mack to be disappointed if I can’t ride in the finals.”

“Your father won’t be disappointed, Ricky.” Tamping down the panic building inside her she said, “Let’s go to the first-aid station and have them take a look at your wrist.” She waved to Mack. “We’ll be right back.”

“I think I broke it on the dismount,” Ricky said. “I felt a sharp pain go up my arm, and then when I tried to move my wrist it really hurt.”

“Is your wrist the only thing that hurts?”

He grinned. “Heck, no. I ache all over.”

“Honey, are you sure you—”

“Mom, I know what you’re going to say. I know I don’t have to rodeo just because Mack and my uncles rodeo.”

“Don’t forget your Aunt Shannon.”

“And my aunt. But this is the first time I’ve been given a chance to test myself and see what I can do. I don’t know if I’ll ever be as good at rodeo as the rest of the family but I want to try.”

“Even if it means a few more broken bones?” she asked.

“I can handle broken bones.” He stopped walking and faced Beth. “I want to make it hard for people to guess that I’m not your real son.”

“But you are my real son, Ricky.”

“You know what I mean. I want people to think I’ve always been a Cash.”

Beth’s heart ached for him and the years he’d lived in foster care and group homes, always wondering where he belonged. “I’ll support you if you make me a promise.”

“What kind of promise?”

“That you believe no matter what you do with your life—no matter what direction your interests lead you—that you’ll be true to yourself and know that your happiness is all I and your father want for you.”

“That’s a promise I can make, Mom.”

“I’m going to hold you to it, young man.”

When they arrived at the first-aid station, the paramedic took all of fifteen seconds to examine Ricky’s wrist before giving his diagnosis—broken. He advised Beth to take Ricky to an orthopedic doctor and get the bone X-rayed, then he wrapped Ricky’s wrist in an elastic bandage and gave him an ice bag to help with the swelling.

“Are you mad?” Ricky asked as they walked to the stands.

“I’m not mad, honey, just worried. I hate to see you in pain.”

Ricky stopped walking. “You’re not gonna make me quit rodeo, are you?”

“Of course not.” She smiled. “But you’re not going to expect me to stop worrying, are you?”

Ricky laid his uninjured arm across her shoulders. “I’m glad you worry about me.”

“Be careful what you wish for.”

“No one’s ever cared what’s happened to me before,” he said.

“Now you have a huge family that cares.” They arrived at their seating section. When Mack looked their way and spotted the ice bag on Ricky’s arm he rushed over, the rest of the family following.

“How bad is it?” Mack asked Ricky.

“Mom, you tell him.”

“The paramedic thinks he broke his wrist. We’ll have to see a doctor to have it X-rayed.”

Ricky was ushered to his seat. Katy, sporting her new eyeglasses, offered to hold the ice bag in place, and Mack’s brothers began sharing stories about all their rodeo injuries.

Beth’s eyes burned as she took in the scene.

“Kids break bones.” Mack hugged her. “It’s nothing to cry over.”

“That’s not why I’m crying.” She gazed into Mack’s sexy brown eyes. “I’m crying because I almost walked away from this.” She swept her arm in front of her. “You, your family, Ricky and Katy. The chance to be a mother.”

“I wouldn’t have let you.” Mack kissed the top of her head. “No way was I going to ride herd over Ricky and Katy on my own.”

Mack was just saying that. Without a doubt he would have raised the kids as a single father and done a fantastic job. Beth was humbled and blessed that he’d chosen her to help him. “I love you, Mack.”

“I know, darlin’.”

She pinched his side.

“Hey, what’s that for?”

“Thank you for showing me that ‘
Love Don’t Hurt
Every Time
.’”

“Quoting Haggard songs, are you?” He lowered his head, and right before his mouth touched hers he whispered, ‘“
There Won’t Be Another Now
.”’

* * * * *

Porter is the last Cash brother left single!

Be sure to look for the final book in Marin Thomas’s
CASH BROTHERS
miniseries in early 2015!

Keep reading for an excerpt from THE TEXAN’S LITTLE SECRET by Barbara White Daille