Christmas Baby for the Cowboy (Sweethearts of the Rodeo #4)

Chapter Seventeen

Loretta

L oretta grunted as she hefted the last box from Reba’s truck. The worn cardboard threatened to give way under her grip, but she managed to maneuver it through the narrow doorway of her new apartment. Setting it down with a thud, she straightened and surveyed her surroundings.

The space was small, but cozy. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the worn hardwood floors and freshly painted walls. It wasn’t much, but it was hers. Her very first place on her own.

A bittersweet ache bloomed in her chest as she took in the scattered boxes and mismatched furniture. This was what she’d been working toward for five years—independence, a place of her own. Yet the achievement was surprisingly hollow without Taylor by her side.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, a reminder of the calls she’d been avoiding. She knew she needed to talk to Taylor, to sort things out between them. But there was so much to say, so many tangled emotions to unravel. It didn’t feel right to have that conversation over the phone, rushed and disjointed.

He was due back next weekend. They’d have a long weekend together before he left for the first rodeo of the season. That would be the time to hash everything out, to figure out where they stood and where they were going.

Loretta sank onto the secondhand couch Dolly had found for her on Craigslist, her mind whirling with conflicting emotions. Pride in her accomplishment warred with anxiety about the future. The rent payments loomed large in her mind, a constant worry gnawing at the edges of her thoughts. And underneath it all, a fear that her relationship with Taylor was slowly unraveling, slipping away despite her best efforts to hold on.

The extra money Taylor had put in, combined with her latest paycheck, had allowed her to snag this apartment just in time. Without that boost, she might have missed out on this opportunity entirely. The Realtor had a few other people lined up to look at it, but he had remembered her from last month and had been happy to have her sign the lease—now that she had the money for it.

The sound of car doors slamming outside pulled her from her reverie. Moments later, the apartment was filled with the chaos of her sisters laden with boxes and bags from the Winnebago. In the midst of it all was Georgie, babbling happily on Reba’s hip.

“We’ve got this covered,” LeAnn declared, setting down a box with a flourish. “You head on to work. We’ll unpack and keep an eye on the little man.”

Loretta hesitated, torn between gratitude and guilt. “Are you sure? I can call in, help out here—”

“Nonsense.” Dolly cut her off, taking Georgie from Reba to plant a kiss on his chubby cheek. “This is what sisters are for. Now git, before you’re late.”

With a grateful smile, Loretta grabbed her purse and the keys to Reba’s truck. As she headed out, she cast one last glance at her new home. This was a new chapter, a fresh start. She just hoped she was ready for it and that Taylor would want to share it with her. She rubbed the empty spot on her ring finger.

As she pulled up to Kelly’s portrait studio, Loretta felt like she was forgetting something. But it was just because she didn’t have Georgie and his metric ton of gear with her. Inside the studio, Loretta struggled to focus. Her mind kept wandering to her apartment, imagining her sisters unpacking, arranging her things and, knowing Dolly, doing runs to Target for cute accent pieces.

Forcing herself to get to work, she was halfway through editing a family portrait when a delivery man came into the studio. He was carrying a huge bouquet of roses and a box of candy.

“Loretta Keller?” he asked. At her nod, he said, “Sign here.”

As soon as the delivery man left, she opened the small card nestled among the blooms.

“Thinking of you always. Love, Taylor,” she read aloud.

A whirlwind of emotions swept through her. She was touched that Taylor had remembered her favorite flowers. But guilt quickly followed, a nagging voice in her head pointing out how expensive this must have been.

“You should have saved your money.” She sighed, running her fingers over the delicate petals. “We need every penny right now.” But she hadn’t told him about the apartment. Or thanked him for the extra money he had put in. She’d almost fallen over when she’d checked her balance yesterday. She really should call him.

The door to the studio swung open again and Kelly came in. “I wasn’t expecting you in today. It’s moving day.”

Loretta gestured helplessly at the unfinished work on her computer. “I couldn’t just leave all this—”

“Yes, you absolutely could,” Kelly interrupted, already moving to save Loretta’s work and shut down the computer. “This can all wait until you’re settled into your new place.”

As Kelly practically shooed her out the door, Loretta found herself smiling despite her protests. “All right, all right, I’m going. Thanks, Kelly.”

With one last glance at the studio, Loretta gathered up the flowers and chocolates, deciding to take them home to brighten up her new apartment. As she climbed back into Reba’s truck, a mix of excitement and nervousness fluttered in her stomach. It was time to face her new reality head-on.

The apartment was a hive of activity when Loretta returned. Her sisters had made impressive progress, with most of the boxes unpacked and her belongings artfully arranged around the space. Georgie was asleep in his new room.

“Look at you, all moved in,” Dolly teased, emerging from the bedroom with an armful of clothes. “How does it feel to have your own place?”

Loretta laughed, the sound a bit shaky even to her own ears. “Ask me again when I’ve paid my first month’s rent on my own.”

“Have you heard from Taylor lately?” Reba asked, her tone carefully neutral.

She put the candy and the flowers on the kitchen counter. “He sent these today,” she said softly. “But we haven’t really talked in a while.”

Since she’d found out about the money he’d taken from their account. Since she’d discovered he’d pawned his mother’s ring. Since she’d decided to move into the apartment.

“He’s been busy,” Loretta said, hoping they would let the subject drop.

“Long-distance relationships are tough,” LeAnn offered, her voice gentle. “But if anyone can make it work, it’s you two.”

Loretta’s throat tightened, old fears and insecurities bubbling to the surface. “I don’t know,” she said. “What if he meets someone else on the road? What if I’m not enough to keep him coming back?”

“Then we’ll shoot the son of a bitch,” Dolly said.

LeAnn rolled her eyes.

Reba took Loretta by the shoulders. “Taylor is not like those other two scumbags who cheated on you.”

“He stepped up when Georgie was born,” Dolly pointed out.

“And let’s not forget how he looks at you,” LeAnn added with a soft smile. “He loves you.”

Loretta looked at the floor. “It’s hard not to think the worst sometimes.”

A knock at the door interrupted their moment. When she opened the door, time stood still. There, looking travel-worn but happy, stood Taylor. His cowboy hat was slightly askew, his clothes rumpled from the journey, but his eyes were fixed on her with an intensity that took her breath away.

“Taylor,” she breathed. “What are you doing here?”

“Kelly told me about the new place.”

For a moment, neither of them moved.

“Invite him in,” Dolly drawled.

“Of course,” Loretta said, flustered. “Come in.”

Then, as if a spell had been broken, Taylor stepped forward, crossing the threshold into her new life.

“I couldn’t stay away any longer.”

Behind her, Loretta was vaguely aware of her sisters gathering up their things.

“We’ll leave you two alone,” LeAnn said as they slid by them.

“Give us a call if you need anything,” Reba said.

“Anything,” Dolly said meaningfully and pointed her fingers like a pistol behind Taylor’s back.

LeAnn dragged her away and closed the door behind them.

“I was going to call you later, once things calmed down a bit. I wasn’t expecting you in town until this weekend. Is everything okay?”

Taylor nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “More than okay. I made sure to wrap up as quickly as possible. I needed to get home to you.”

The words sent a flutter through Loretta’s chest, a mixture of hope and caution. As Taylor stepped farther into the apartment, the air between them crackled with unspoken words and emotions.

“Loretta,” Taylor began, his voice low and serious, “I owe you an apology. Taking that money out of our account without telling you was wrong. I should have been upfront with you.”

Her breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t expected him to address it so directly, so quickly. “Taylor, I—”

But he held up a hand, asking her to let him finish. “I was ashamed,” he admitted, his eyes clouding with regret. “I didn’t want you to know that I’d pawned my mother’s ring. It felt like I was letting everyone down—you, Georgie, my mom’s memory.”

Hearing Taylor voice his shame and regret made her heart ache for him.

“It was a shock,” she acknowledged. “When I saw the money was gone, I thought the worst. But then I saw you’d put it back, and more. I just wish you’d talked to me about it.”

Taylor nodded, running a hand through his hair in a gesture of frustration. “I know. I’m sorry for that too. And for being out of contact for so long. We were shooting in some pretty remote areas, but that’s no excuse. I should have found a way to let you know what was going on.” He paused, his eyes softening as they met hers. “But even when I couldn’t reach you, I was thinking about you. About us.”

With that, he reached into his bag, pulling out some things. The first was a beautifully detailed sketch. Loretta recognized it immediately. It was the three of them—Taylor, herself, and Georgie, at the Last Stand tree lighting. The artist had captured the joy and love on their faces perfectly.

“I found an amazing artist in one of the towns we passed through,” Taylor explained. “I showed him the picture on my phone, and he created this. I wanted something to remind us of the family we are, even when we’re apart.”

Next came a small, intricately woven doll. “This is a worry doll for Georgie,” Taylor said, a hint of a smile on his lips. “The woman who sold it to me said that if you tell it your worries before you go to sleep, it takes them away. I thought… Well, I know Georgie’s too young to understand now, but someday, when I’m on the road, maybe it’ll help him feel like I’m still watching over him.”

“These are so thoughtful.”

Taylor then held out a stunning turquoise bracelet, its mesmerizing blue-green color reminding Loretta of the ocean. “I saw this and immediately thought of you,” he said softly. “Strong and beautiful, with depth that takes my breath away every time I look at it.”

“It’ll match the necklace you gave me,” she said.

“This one’s better made. It shouldn’t turn your skin green.”

She gave a watery chuckle. “Thank you. You didn’t have to bring all these gifts. You being here is gift enough.”

He stepped closer, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. “I just needed you to know that even when I’m away, you and Georgie are always with me. Always in my thoughts. I’m glad I was able to come back early. Now we have some time together before I have to hit the road again.”

At the mention of his impending departure, Loretta felt a pang of anxiety. She tried to squash it down, but Taylor, ever perceptive, caught the change in her expression.

“What is it, Loretta?” he asked gently. “Talk to me.”

She rubbed a hand over her face. “I’m happy you’re here, truly,” she began. “It’s just I worry about the future. About us making this work with you on the road so much.”

Taylor nodded, his expression serious. “I know it’s not ideal,” he admitted. “But I promise you, Loretta, you and Georgie are my priority.” He glanced around the apartment. “I understand if you don’t want me living here,” he said softly. “This is your space, your independence. I respect that.”

A sense of dismay crept through Loretta. Did he really think she didn’t want him here? Or did he not want to be here? It was time to lay it out on the table. “Taylor,” she said, reaching out to take his hand. “Of course I want you here. This is our home. Yours, mine, and Georgie’s, if you want it to be.”

The relief that washed over Taylor’s face was nice to see. He pulled her close, his arms wrapping around her. “I love you, Loretta,” he murmured into her hair. “We’ll make this work. I promise.”

As Loretta melted into his embrace, the last of her doubts fell away. They still had challenges ahead, she knew. The rodeo circuit would test them, and building a life together while pursuing their individual dreams wouldn’t be easy. Slowly, the embrace shifted, the air between them charging with a different kind of energy. Loretta tilted her head back, meeting Taylor’s gaze. The love and desire she saw there made her breath catch.

Without a word, their lips met in a kiss that started soft and quickly blazed into something more. A month of separation, of longing and uncertainty, fueled their passion. Loretta’s hands found their way under Taylor’s shirt, reacquainting herself with the planes of his muscled back. Taylor’s fingers tangled in her hair, drawing her closer as if he couldn’t bear even an inch of space between them.

They stumbled toward the bedroom, shedding clothes along the way. When Taylor laid her down on the bed, a thrill ran through her. This was their bed now, in their home. A new beginning.

Taylor’s touch was familiar yet electrifying, his hands tracing every curve of her body as if committing it to memory. Loretta’s skin hummed beneath his fingertips, her heart pounding in sync with his.

He kissed down to her breasts, his lips sweet and tender against her skin. Loretta arched into his touch, a soft sigh escaping her as pleasure rippled through her body. She reached down and held his hardness in her hand, rubbing it up and down as he licked and tugged on her breasts. His fingers were everywhere, his lips kissing and suckling her nipples while his fingers plunged inside her. She gasped, her body responding to his every touch, her orgasm building. He knew just what she needed, just how to touch her, and Loretta reveled in it.

Taylor felt so good in her palm as she stroked him. He groaned and kissed down to her belly button. He slipped out of her hands, but before she could protest, he spread her legs wide and licked her, sending shivers of desire pulsing through her core.

“You taste so good,” he murmured, his breath hot against her skin.

Loretta moaned, her hips bucking under his touch. He dipped his tongue into her, circling her most sensitive spot, sending her spiraling into a haze of pleasure. Her body trembled with need, each touch from him amplifying her desire. As he sucked her clit, the tension built, the heat rising from her core. She was on the edge. Taylor continued his ministrations, teasing and exploring with his tongue.

“Taylor, oh, yes…” she moaned, her body arching off the bed as he continued to pleasure her with his mouth. Her orgasm built, almost too intense to bear. Her body screamed for release as his fingers continued to work their magic.

Loretta’s body convulsed, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she reached her peak. Her muscles shook and she cried out his name.

Taylor didn’t stop. He continued to kiss her, to lick her, to bring her back to the edge and push her over again. Loretta’s body continued to tremble beneath his touch, each wave of pleasure more intense than the last.

She pulled him up, their lips meeting in a fierce kiss as she guided him inside her. Taylor grunted, thrusting into her in one smooth motion, filling her completely. She moaned into his mouth, feeling him deep within her. His hips moved in a steady rhythm, her body meeting his every thrust. The bed creaked beneath them as they moved in sync, a dance of desire and passion. Taylor’s thrusts were slow and deliberate, as if he wanted to savor every moment of this intimate connection. Their lovemaking was both familiar and thrillingly new. They rediscovered each other’s bodies, relearning the touches and caresses that drove the other wild. Loretta wrapped her legs around his back, pulling him closer.

As they continued to move, Taylor increased the pace, their bodies slamming together with a force that sent waves of pleasure coursing through Loretta. She moaned and arched her back, her fingers digging into his shoulders.

Taylor groaned, his hips pistoning faster, his body tightening as he sought his own release. The intensity of his desire sent her over the edge once again. Her body clenched around him, her muscles spasming as she cried out his name.

Her orgasm sent Taylor over the edge as well. He thrust into her one last time, his body shuddering as he released within her. When they finally came together, it was with a sense of homecoming, of pieces falling back into place. They lay there, panting and spent, their bodies still connected.

Afterward, as they lay tangled in the sheets, Loretta traced lazy patterns on Taylor’s chest.

“I missed this,” Taylor murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “Missed you.”

Loretta hummed in agreement, snuggling closer. “Me too. More than I can say.”

Georgie started to wail, probably wondering just where the heck he was and where she was. But before she could get out of bed, Taylor was jumping into his jeans.

“Daddy’s home,” he called. “I’ll be right there.”

“Bottle’s in the fridge,” she said and sank back down to the pillow.

Grateful wasn’t such a bad word anymore.