The Cowboy's Renegade Bride Read online

  “That’s the spirit.”

  His teasing made her chuckle. “Can we go already?”

  “Anxious, are you?”

  Her middle swirled with bubbling nerves. “If only you knew, sheriff.”

  Jenny followed Caleb driving the sturdy SUV at a safe enough distance the last fifteen miles, taking in the changes in the land—trees had grown, a stone wall had fallen on one side, a few more outbuildings built beside older homes, and even a little farm stand stood at the end of the long driveway of another. Deep down, Honor remained the same.

  Opportunities were few and far between for someone like her. A single woman with only a two-year degree in a small town had limited jobs available. And she needed one of those pronto.

  Selling her wedding dress at a secondhand store after the debacle helped with travel expenses—fuel, a night at a seedy motel, a cheap meal. More gut fill than tasty.

  With no possessions to speak of other than her clothes, she, Jenny Wentworth, refused to trade in her trusty old Jeep. Parting with her only means of transportation didn’t factor in her plans, even when getting married. They’d been through thick and thin together.

  One semi-dependable thing in her universe at the moment. Or ever!

  At least she’d dug in her heels and hung onto her Jeep before the so-called ceremony—interrupted by the ex—so now she still had her ride.

  The roads wound around acres of land plump with wheat waving in the slight breeze, stalks of corn in fields reaching high, and rolling green pastures for cows and horses. A little blip of homesickness rippled through her.

  No! You’re crazy! It’s nostalgia! It’s the hope that Momma will be waiting at the house, something yummy on the stove, and ever ready with a big, welcoming hug when I arrive.

  Jenny blinked hard at the sting of tears behind her eyes. “I wish you could be here still. Help me figure out this wacky reason why I run all the time.”

  The red of Caleb’s taillights came on, bringing her back to the moment. His right blinker flashed to turn into the driveway.

  She swallowed past the thick lump in her throat now. What would they find?

  “Please don’t let Sonny be passed out or worse.” Not like we found Daddy that last time.

  Easing down the lane, she glimpsed the long, squat stone house. It sat back, forlornly. No flowers bloomed in the beds in front. Patches of brown and green grass dotted the front lawn. The tree still stood off to the side—wild and the branches bending with the heavy weight of the untended limbs.

  It didn’t even look lived in; there were no signs of Sonny’s truck or tools. Not a thing.

  A shiver went through her. Is he all right? Did he lose their home?

  With a great deal of trepidation, she got out and joined Caleb.

  “Doesn’t look good.” He rubbed his jaw. “I can go in first, if you’d like.”

  “And miss all the fun?” Her voice shook as much as her legs did a moment later as she headed toward the small porch and the peeling front door. Her momma had painted it pretty pale green years ago. The wreath—one for every season—she’d kept there for as long as Jenny’s could recall wasn’t resting in its spot.

  Echoes of sadness thrummed through her chest. Nothing was the same.

  Caleb’s hands, cool and strong, settled on her shoulders now. His fingers gently touched her overheated skin.

  Steady. Safety. His reassurance bolstered her. He wouldn’t leave her or fall apart on her. Not like all the others had. Funny, he never had. Whenever she’d been in a jam, she could turn to him—needing a late-night ride home after another date mistake, challenging her on her bad decisions, and offering advice or help. Her brother’s best friend had been there for her. Solid. Dependable.

  Jenny sucked in a shaky breath. The key—only one of two on the ring she held—sat heavy on her palm. “Let’s do this.”

  It took a few tries before she remembered to hold the knob and pull the door toward her to get everything in line. The click released the lock and blasted in the silence.

  Caleb reached around and helped her shove the heavy door. The hinges creaked and by slow degrees the door swung open.

  She held her breath. Dust motes floated. The living room—sparsely furnished and littered with clothes, shoes, and whatever else—greeted them.

  “I’ll check around and in his room. My guess, no truck, no Sonny.”

  Crossing the threshold, she entered the house she’d grown up in. The closed in feeling didn’t come this time. The rush of memories—good and bad—did however. Voices from long ago and snatches of conversations resounded in her head as she strolled through the home, bypassing the clutter, and into the messy kitchen. Empty bottles crowded the counter.

  A ribbon of dread snaked through her center. Drinking still.

  She gazed around in wonder at the small room—white cupboards, white stove and fridge, and with the faded lemony shade on the walls—recalling her mother always in here, cooking, baking, or canning. If she tried hard enough she might even bring back the scent of warm, oatmeal raisin cookies cooling on the rack.

  Caleb’s boot steps echoed down the hall. Doors opened and closed.

  With each beat of her heart easing to a normal rhythm, she realized Sonny couldn’t be here. She checked the refrigerator. The condiment bottles on the door rattled. Ketchup, mustard, the usual suspects. But nothing sat on the shelves. Not even his favorite Texas beer. That surely meant he’d gone off somewhere.

  Jenny checked cupboards. Bare! And then she yanked on a few drawers. A pile of mail. She flipped through them, reading the stamps—past due, late notice, last chance.

  Cuss words she learned from her brother burst in her head. Why haven’t you paid these? Where’s all the money from your check going?

  “You look like you could strangle someone right about now.” Caleb stood close.

  How could he move so swift without her hearing him? Oh, that military training again! “Three guesses who it is.”

  “All I need is one. His gear is gone. Camping. Fishing.”

  “And beer.” And food. God, she’d have to improvise and make hot water with ketchup for tomato soup.

  It was his turn to curse under his breath.

  “Exactly what I was thinking, sheriff.” She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned a hip against the counter. They were mere inches away. She could feel the heat from his body.

  “Do you want to file a missing person report?”

  She blew out a breath. “What good would that do? He’d end up hating me.” Even more.

  “He’s mad at the world. Not you.”

  “Wanna bet?” They hadn’t spoken in months.

  He’d slammed the phone down, cutting her off the day she’d announced her wedding. Well, the latest one. And then poof, no more.

  “Moody son of a gun since he got shot down range and hauled off in a chopper.” He shrugged. “Messes with your plans for the future.”

  “And that was how many years ago?” At least four, maybe five. He’d never been the same big brother. The occasional night out drinking with the guys prior to being deployed switched to lines blurring from social to a huge problem after he returned to Honor.

  The memory of her mother’s soul wrenching weeping tore at Jenny. First for her daddy’s drinking. Then for her brother’s. A wave of sadness washed over her. She shoved it aside and moved away from the counter. She would not be a failure and disappoint her beloved late mother, not like that, and not in her life. She’d make something of herself, create a loving family, for all of them.

  Standing tall, she brushed her hands. “Reality time.”

  “The here and now?”

  “You pick up on things quick.” She winked at him. “So, you leave. I clean up here...”

  “Stay with me—” He cut himself off. “I mean, Gramps. The big house has plenty of rooms, especially since Cody’s out now, along with me.”

  When he got out of the service—honorable discharge less than a ye
ar after Sonny’s disability—Caleb had moved into his late parents’ home on the ranch.

  “Cods is where? Rodeo circuit?”

  His wide grin came easy.

  Sinful. Sexy. A fluttering sensation began in her belly and bubbled up.

  “You don’t know.” He shook his head. “Cody and Hannah got married a few weeks ago.”

  “Get out!” Her heart leapt and her eyes welled up.

  He held up his right hand. “No lie.”

  “Oh, my God! Best friends? Nothing more. Ha! I always wanted them to get together!” She couldn’t contain her happiness any longer. Without thinking, she threw her arms around Caleb, hugging him. “This is the best news! Ever!”

  His arms came around her, holding her to his chest. His hands—so big and powerful—rested on her back.

  By slow degrees, she grew aware of how different being a woman and his being a man made her react. This wasn’t the giddy crush speaking.

  Caleb, the man, felt incredibly good—warm, strong, and solid. She sighed. It had been far too long since she was held like this—tender and gentle. Maybe never. Neither of her exes were the romantic, affectionate types. Caleb’s heartbeat increased. So did his breathing, along with hers.

  Awareness crackled between them.

  With willpower she never knew she possessed, Jenny drew away. Regret at the loss of contact flashed when he set her away from him. “Well, that was awkward.”

  “And uncomfortable.”

  “Inappropriate.”

  “With a hint of crossing all kinds of lines here.”

  “Absolutely. Won’t happen again.” She touched the back of her neck, trying to calm the goosebumps down and brush off those disturbing tingles. “It’s not like Cods and Hannie get hitched every day, right?” She shrugged. “So, no worries of a repeat.”

  “Good to know.” But he frowned as he searched her face. “The offer stands about staying with Gramps. Rose and Johnny are there, too. Oh, and Sweet Potato.”

  “Huh? A root vegetable?”

  He chuckled, low and long.

  It did strange, jumpy things to her insides. “It’s not like that Mr. Potato Head toy back in the day, is it?”

  His grin slammed into her. “Sweet Potato is Gramps’ bestie now. A miniature horse, of all things.”

  “I can’t wait to meet him. It is a him, isn’t it?”

  “Come to the ranch and see for yourself.”

  Her breath hitched. He might as well have invited her to his bedroom. “Soon. The ranch. First, it looks like I have some things to tend to here.” She waved a hand and then pointed to the drawer, papers and bills sticking out.

  He nodded to the counter behind her and then tilted his head toward the other rooms. “I can stick around to clean up and then take the trash out.”

  Weariness after her long trip set in. “Thanks.” Yeah, that’s all it was; she could use a helping hand. Someone to lean on for a moment while she processed what she was up against. “But, no. I’m good. Got this.” Better to spend less time with sexy Caleb and stop any more spontaneous hugs that melted her.

  “Need anything else, just call.” He shoved away from the counter while digging in his top pocket. He drew out his card and a pen. Next, he scribbled on the back of it and then handed it over. “Anytime, Jenny.”

  The promise his words held sent more tingles scattering from the top of her head to the tips of her toes and everywhere in between.

  Not that again!

  Chapter Three

  At five o’clock or thereabouts, Jenny gathered all her courage. She shoved open the door to The Giddy Up and crossed the threshold into the cool bar. A shiver went over her bare shoulders.

  She blinked in the dimly lit interior. The chairs were tipped over and rested on top of the tables. Empty.

  After Caleb left earlier, she’d hauled in her few bags to the house willed to her and her brother by their beloved late mother. She’d marched to her old bedroom, strangely neat as a pin, finding the pale green with pink accents sweet and enchanting. Her mom’s touch remained.

  Momma, I miss you so much.

  But it was the sight of her big mint green doll house with pink shutters, sitting up on a table, that sent all kinds of yearnings and longings through her. She’d so wanted to have a little girl to hand it down to, spend hours playing house with her, and then dreaming together of the pretend family living inside.

  Just like she’d done with her own mom after her daddy had built it as a birthday surprise for Jenny. She cherished that house and everything it represented. Home. Family. Love.

  She’d turned away from the pulsing ache, put her few things away, and peeked in behind closed doors. Momma’s room remained the same. However, her brother’s looked like a Texas tornado had touched down and sent debris flying.

  When her stomach refused to stop growling, she’d made the less than stellar hot water and ketchup tomato soup. The acid sat burning and heavy in her belly even hours later.

  The blaring obvious solution to her dilemma forced Jenny to get cleaned up and head to town. Her shower proved short and quick with only cold water to wash with. She’d changed into nicer jean shorts, a red blouse that hugged her upper arms and left her shoulders bare, and her brown leather boots, all spiffed up and shiny.

  Now, Jenny gulped hard as memories of yesteryear crashed down on her. The posters of famous country singers were still there, lined up on the wall. The floor—a little more worn in patches—reminded her of busy weekend nights, hustling to keep up with demand. This place had saved her the last time she’d been dumped. Would it again?

  Sounds of footsteps behind the bar came to her now. “Buzz? That you?” Would her former boss give her back her old job?

  The shuffling stopped. “Jenny? It can’t be.”

  The nerve near the corner of her mouth twitched. She headed toward the long, honey-color bar. He stood tall and pale behind it. Just like old times. “Isn’t this where we left off last time, Buzz?”

  “Could be.”

  “Haven’t gotten any sun yet, I see.”

  “I’m a vampire, remember?”

  “Oh, right. You never go out in the daylight. A little freaky since you live in Texas.”

  “The box I sleep in helps.”

  “No mirrors, either.” She nodded to the rows of liquor bottles behind him. Only shelves and neon signs—now shut off—greeted her.

  They chuckled together.

  “Good to see you. You back?” There were all kinds of unspoken questions sitting thick and heavy between them.

  “For a while.” She couldn’t quite choke out the word—forever. Somehow, she couldn’t fathom the endless days and nights of being trapped in her hometown just yet.

  However, she must eventually; this was all she had in the world. Only a few days ago, Jenny had fooled herself into believing precious Amie and sweet Eric were hers. Joke’s on you!

  She pressed down on that agonizing ache again. “Hiring?”

  He nodded to the emptiness behind her. “Look busy?”

  “Guess not.” Her heart sank. She needed the tips to get at least some bread and eggs. She’d settle for water over milk. Bare minimum for starters. Now, she wouldn’t even have that if she couldn’t find something tonight.

  “Part time.” He grabbed a white waitress apron and tossed it to her.

  Jenny caught it deftly. “But...” She looked around.

  “Picks up some later and through the weekend. Spotty these days with most of the cowboys working the ranches and cattle.”

  She swallowed back the rising lump in her throat. He really didn’t need her. “Thanks, Buzz.”

  “Hop to it. There’s lots of prep work you can do—take the chairs down, straighten up things, and fill up the pretzel bowls—for starters.”

  “Pretzels? My, my, Buzz, aren’t you getting fancy on me?” But that sharp, hungry feeling sliced through her. He’d let her have all the snacks she wanted in the past. Maybe she’d have pretzels for
dinner tonight.

  “Popcorn made a mess. Everywhere you looked. Everywhere you stepped. When I found some in my shorts that was the last straw.”

  “TMI, Buzz. I don’t really want to know what you keep down there.” She grinned, wrapping the familiar apron around her waist and then tying the long, doubled up strings.

  “It’s closed to you.”

  “Good to know, my friend.”

  “Ditto.” He turned on his heel, whistling, and left her to load up the coolers.

  That gripping anxiety eased in her stomach. She had something. Not much. But anything was better than nothing at the moment.

  First step back to sanity, she hoped. There would be thousands more to take to get on her feet again, never mind figure out how to have a baby on her own. Two years of scraping and saving for a nest egg would help. Well, there had to be a donor of sorts...

  Why did an image of a super-hot, sexy sheriff pop into my head?

  No! A donor who didn’t want anything to do with relationships—good or bad—and didn’t want to have anything to do with a baby—now or ever—would be just fine with her.

  Who would agree to such terms?

  This could get very complicated!

  Caleb preferred working days. It suited him. Up early, took care of what needed to be done, met with the townspeople over coffee or lunch at the diner and heard what they had to say, and then headed back home after ten or twelve hours.

  However, he’d switched shifts with one of his deputies for a few days while helping Gramps and his brothers move the herd. Granted, today he didn’t do much at all but block the road from vehicles from meeting with the wrong side of the cattle. It protected the drivers as well as the animals, who had the right of way in these parts.

  Seeing Jenny Wentworth proved a welcome bonus.

  A rush went through him now as he drove down the quiet streets of Honor, conducting a last check for the night. She teased him, making him highly aware of the budding attraction he’d had then as a young man and frankly now as a more experienced one.

  Why didn’t it vanish the same way she did time and time again?

  She didn’t want to be here in this town. That should stop him cold; he loved this place.