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

Chapter Nineteen

Loretta

L oretta’s brush danced across the canvas, bringing to life the vibrant hues of a Texas sunset. The familiar scent of oil paints and turpentine filled Kelly’s studio, while Mozart played in the background. It was a comforting backdrop to the rhythmic strokes of her work. Too bad Georgie was with Taylor today—he really liked listening to classical music.

But then again, it was really nice to enjoy a sweet vanilla iced coffee before the condensation dripped all over her coaster. She stepped back, tilting her head to examine her painting with a critical eye. It was coming along nicely, but something was still missing.

The jingle of the studio’s bell startled her from her concentration. Loretta turned, expecting to see Kelly returning from her lunch break. Instead, a tall, elegantly dressed woman stood in the doorway, her keen eyes taking in the space with obvious interest.

“Hello,” the woman said, her voice warm and cultured. “I’m looking for Loretta Keller. Would that be you?”

Loretta nodded, suddenly aware of the paint smudges on her hands and the messy bun of her hair. “Yes, that’s me. Can I help you?”

The woman smiled, extending her hand. “I’m Vivian Hartley, owner of the Hartley Gallery in Austin. I saw your work at the New Year’s Eve Gala, and I must say, I was quite impressed.”

Loretta’s stomach did a little flip as she shook Vivian’s hand. The Hartley Gallery was well-known in Texas art circles, a stepping stone for many up-and-coming artists. “Thank you,” she managed. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

Vivian’s gaze swept over the paintings lining the walls of the studio, lingering on the sunset piece Loretta had been working on. “Your use of color is extraordinary,” she said. “There’s a raw emotion in your work that’s quite captivating. Tell me, have you ever considered showing in a larger venue?”

“I’ve dreamed of it,” Loretta admitted, refusing to get her hopes up. “But most of my work has been commissions or small local shows.”

Vivian nodded. “Well, I’d like to change that. I’m putting together a show featuring emerging Texas artists, and I’d love to include your work. What do you say?”

For a moment, Loretta couldn’t speak. This was the opportunity she’d been hoping for, dreaming of for years. It could be the break that launched her career to the next level. But more than that, it could be the financial stability she and Taylor needed to secure their future.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity,” she finally managed to get out.

“Your talent deserves to be seen. Now, let’s discuss the details…”

As they talked logistics and deadlines, Loretta tried to keep her excitement in check. This show could open doors she’d only dreamed of. It could mean more commissions, higher prices for her work, maybe even representation by a gallery. And practically, it could mean the difference between scraping by and truly thriving in their new apartment.

By the time Vivian left, promising to send over the contract, Loretta felt as though she was walking on air. She could hardly wait to share the news with Taylor.

*

“Taylor,” Loretta called out as she burst through the door of their apartment, her voice bubbling with excitement. “You won’t believe what happened today.”

Taylor emerged from Georgie’s room, their son balanced on his hip. “Whoa there, sweetheart,” he said with a grin. “What’s got you all fired up?”

Loretta tried to contain her enthusiasm. “The owner of the Hartley Gallery in Austin came to the studio today. She saw my work at the New Year’s Eve Gala and she wants to feature me in an upcoming show.”

Taylor’s eyes widened, a broad smile spreading across his face. “Good for you.” He crossed the room in two strides, wrapping his free arm around her in a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you.”

Loretta melted into his embrace, feeling Georgie’s small hand pat her cheek. “It’s a huge opportunity,” she said, her voice muffled against Taylor’s chest. “If it goes well, it could mean more commissions, maybe even representation.”

Taylor pulled back slightly, his eyes shining with pride and love. “I always knew you had it in you. Your talent deserves to be recognized.”

They moved to the couch as Loretta filled Taylor in on the details. As she spoke, she could see the wheels turning in Taylor’s head.

“This could really help with the apartment expenses,” he said thoughtfully. “Give us a bit more breathing room.”

Loretta nodded, a wave of relief washing over her. “That’s what I was thinking. It’s not guaranteed money, of course, but if I can sell even a few pieces at gallery prices…”

“It could make all the difference,” Taylor finished for her. He reached out, taking her hand in his. “This is your moment, Loretta. You’ve worked so hard for this. Whatever you need to make this show a success, we’ll make it happen.”

Loretta was overwhelmed by Taylor’s unwavering support. “Thank you.” She squeezed his hand. “For being happy for me.”

Taylor leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. “I can’t wait to see what you do next.”

*

The next day dawned bright and clear, a perfect Texas winter day. It was their last day together before Taylor went out on the rodeo circuit for the season. They had decided to put aside their usual chores and responsibilities for a family day out.

They bundled Georgie up against the mild chill and headed to the park, the little boy’s excited squeals filling the air as Taylor pushed him on the swing. Loretta watched them, her heart full to bursting with love for her little family.

“Dada!” Georgie demanded, his chubby legs kicking in delight.

Taylor obliged, sending the swing soaring. “Like flying, buddy?” he asked, grinning as Georgie shrieked with laughter.

Loretta pulled out her sketch pad, quickly capturing the scene before her. The joy on Taylor’s face, the uninhibited delight of their son, were the moments she wanted to remember forever.

After the park, they stopped for ice cream, Georgie’s face soon covered in chocolate. Taylor laughed, using a napkin to clean up their messy boy. “Just like his mama,” he teased, winking at Loretta. “Can’t resist the sweet stuff.”

Loretta stuck out her tongue playfully. “I seem to recall someone polishing off a whole pint of Rocky Road last week,” she retorted.

Back at the apartment, they spent a quiet afternoon together. Taylor read stories to Georgie while Loretta sketched, occasionally joining in with silly voices for the characters.

Taylor caught her eye, raising an eyebrow in question. She just shook her head, smiling softly. How could she explain the overwhelming gratitude she felt in that moment? For her family, for the opportunities opening up before her, for this life they were building together.

Later, after Georgie was down for a nap, Loretta and Taylor sat on the couch, a comfortable silence between them. Taylor’s arm was draped around her shoulders, his fingers absently playing with a strand of her hair.

“Thank you for today,” Loretta said softly, nestling closer to him. “It was perfect.”

Taylor pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “You’re perfect.”

“I love you,” she whispered, leaning in to kiss him softly.

As the kiss deepened, a familiar heat was building between them. Taylor’s hand slid down her back, pulling her closer, and she went willingly, straddling his lap.

“Loretta,” Taylor groaned, his voice husky with desire. “God, you’re beautiful.”

They made love there on the couch, slow and tender, reaffirming their connection and celebrating the bright future stretching out before them. Afterward, as they lay tangled together, Loretta traced lazy patterns on Taylor’s chest, feeling utterly content.

But later that evening, as she stood in the kitchen, mechanically going through the motions of making dinner, she couldn’t shake the knot of anxiety that was starting to form in her stomach. Taylor would be gone in a few hours.

But then she heard Taylor’s footsteps behind her, and he wrapped his strong arms around her waist. “Penny for your thoughts, sweetheart’?” he murmured, resting his chin on her shoulder.

Loretta leaned back into his embrace, drawing comfort from his solid presence. “Just thinking about tomorrow,” she admitted softly. “It’s going to be strange, not having you here.”

Taylor tightened his hold on her. “I know,” he said. “I’m going to miss you and Georgie something fierce. But it’s not forever. And we’ll talk every day.”

Loretta nodded, turning in his arms to face him. “I know. And I’m excited for you, truly. This is your chance to chase your dreams. I just worry, you know?”

Taylor’s expression softened, his hand coming up to cup her cheek. “I know, but we’ve got this.”

Loretta leaned into his touch, drawing strength from his unwavering confidence. “You’re right,” she said, managing a small smile. “We’ve got this.”

They finished making dinner together, moving around the kitchen, still not used to having all this room. As they sat down to eat, Georgie babbling happily in his high chair, Loretta found herself memorizing every detail of the scene. These quiet family dinners would be rarer in the months to come, and she wanted to savor every moment.

After dinner, as Loretta was cleaning up the kitchen, she heard Taylor’s voice from the living room. “Can you come here for a minute?”

She dried her hands on a dish towel and made her way to the living room. Taylor was standing by the window, his expression uncharacteristically serious. “What is it?” she asked, a frisson of concern passing through her.

Taylor reached into his pocket. “I’ve been waiting for the right moment to do this,” he said, his voice slightly nervous. “And I realized, there’s never going to be a perfect time.”

Loretta’s breath caught in her throat as Taylor pulled out a small velvet box. He opened it, revealing a delicate gold ring with a modest diamond. “May I put your engagement ring on you?”

“Oh Taylor. Please.”

He took her hand gently, his eyes never leaving hers. “Loretta Keller, I love you more than I ever thought possible.” His face broke into a radiant smile as he slipped the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly, as if it had been made for her. He pulled her close, capturing her lips in a kiss that left her breathless.

When they finally parted, Taylor rested his forehead against hers. “I was thinking,” he said softly, “maybe we could set a date for after the rodeo season? Give us something to look forward to at the end of all this?”

Loretta nodded, her fingers tracing the unfamiliar weight of the ring. “I’d like that,” she said.

Taylor pulled back slightly, his expression serious. “I want you to know that if the bull riding doesn’t work out this season, I’ll go back to bullfighting. We’ll have that steady income to fall back on.”

“Okay,” she said softly. “But I believe in you. You’re going to kick Finn Laker’s ass.”

Taylor pulled her close again, burying his face in her hair. “I promise, I’m going to make you both proud.”

“You already do.”

*

The morning of Taylor’s departure arrived all too soon. Loretta woke early, before the alarm. She lay there for a moment, listening to Taylor’s steady breathing beside her, trying to memorize the feeling of waking up next to him.

When Taylor stirred, his eyes blinking open slowly, Loretta melted into a pile of goo. This was it. The beginning of their new normal.

“Morning, beautiful,” Taylor murmured, his voice still rough with sleep. He reached out, pulling her close for a soft kiss.

Loretta melted into the kiss, pouring all her love and support into it. When they parted, she managed a small smile. “Morning, cowboy. Ready for your big adventure?”

Taylor’s answering smile was a mix of excitement and nerves. “As ready as I’ll ever be,” he said, sitting up and running a hand through his tousled hair.

They moved through their morning routine in a daze. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of excitement and sadness, the reality of their impending separation hanging over them.

As Taylor zipped up his final bag, a lump formed in her throat. She busied herself with straightening up the living room, not trusting herself to speak.

“Hey,” Taylor said softly, coming up behind her and turning her to face him. “It’s going to be okay, Loretta. I promise.”

“I know,” she said. “I’m just going to miss you so much.”

Taylor pulled her into a tight embrace. “I’m going to miss you too. You and Georgie both. But we’ll talk every day, and I’ll be home as much as I can between events.”

Loretta nodded against his chest, drawing strength from his solid presence. When she pulled back, she managed a watery smile. “We’ll come visit when I have a weekend off,” she said. “When you’re at a rodeo that’s close by.”

“I can’t wait.”

They stood there for a moment, just holding each other. Then, from the nursery, came the sound of Georgie stirring.

“I’ll get him,” Loretta said, reluctantly pulling away from Taylor’s embrace. She returned a few minutes later with a sleepy-eyed Georgie in her arms.

The little boy’s face broke into a wide smile at the sight of his father. “Dada!” he exclaimed, reaching out his chubby arms.

Taylor took Georgie, hugging him close and pressing a kiss to his forehead. “Hey there, buddy,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “You be good for your mama while I’m gone, okay? I love you so much.”

Georgie patted Taylor’s face with his small hands, seemingly sensing the gravity of the moment. All too soon, it was time for Taylor to leave. They stood by the door, Georgie now back in Loretta’s arms, for one final goodbye.

Taylor held them both close for a moment, as if trying to memorize the feeling of his family in his arms. Then, he stepped back and picked up his bags.

“I’ll call as soon as I get to Dallas.”

Loretta nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She watched as Taylor walked down the hallway, turning back once to wave before disappearing into the elevator.

As the doors closed, a wave of emotions washed over her—pride, love, worry, and a tinge of sadness. She hugged Georgie closer, drawing comfort from him.

“Well,” she said softly to her son, “it’s just you and me for a while. What do you say we make some pancakes for breakfast?”

Throughout the day, Loretta found herself glancing at her phone, waiting for news from Taylor. She kept busy, sketching ideas for her gallery show and playing with Georgie, but the apartment was strangely empty without Taylor’s presence.

It was late afternoon when her phone finally buzzed with a text. Made it to Dallas safe and sound. Missing you and Georgie already. Love you both.

A smile spread across her face as she quickly typed out a reply. We miss you too. So glad you arrived safely.

As she set her phone down, Loretta caught sight of her engagement ring sparkling on her finger. She twisted it gently, the unfamiliar weight a constant reminder of Taylor’s love and their shared dreams.

“Your daddy’s going to do great things, Georgie,” she said softly to her son, who was contentedly playing with his blocks on the living room floor. “And so are we.”

That night, after tucking Georgie into bed, Loretta poured herself a big glass of wine. Her upcoming art show, Taylor’s rodeo career, their future wedding—it all stretched out before her like an open road, exciting and a little scary.

As she got ready for bed, she paused by the dresser, her eyes landing on the framed picture that Taylor had brought back from Mexico for her. In it, they looked so happy, so full of hope and love. It was everything she wanted for their life together.

Climbing into bed, Loretta hugged Taylor’s pillow close, inhaling his familiar scent. It wasn’t the same as having him there, but it was comforting nonetheless. As she drifted off to sleep, her last thoughts were of Taylor, out there chasing his dreams. She sent up a silent prayer for his safety and success, her heart full of love and hope for their shared future.