Her Protective Cowboy (Fit Mountain Cowboys #1)

8. Melody

Chapter Eight

MELODY

The screen door slams behind us as Wyatt ushers me into the house, his brothers trailing behind. Luke and Jace are talking over each other, their voices tight with anger.

“I can’t believe that asshole had the nerve to show up here,” Luke growls.

“We need to do something,” Jace agrees, his fists clenched at his sides. “We can’t let him get away with this.”

Wyatt holds up a hand, silencing them. “We’ll deal with Bradley, but right now, Melody’s safety is our top priority.”

I can’t stop shaking. It’s like I’m watching everything unfold from outside my body.

The scene I just witnessed keeps replaying in my mind. Wyatt’s fist slamming into Bradley’s jaw. Bradley staggering back, blood pouring from his split lip.

I haven’t seen Wyatt like that before. So angry, so protective. It was like he transformed into a different person. A fierce, primal version of himself.

And it was all for me. Because of me.

I’m not used to having someone stand up for me like that. It’s overwhelming and humbling and exhilarating all at once.

Part of me feels guilty. I never wanted to bring violence to Wyatt’s doorstep. Never wanted to drag him into my mess. But a bigger part of me is grateful to have a man like Wyatt in my corner. A man who cares enough to fight for me.

I can’t believe Bradley actually thought I would go with him. That I would still marry him even after everything he’s said about me. It shouldn’t surprise me though. He’s been an entitled jerk from the day we met.

Wyatt is nothing like him. He sees the real me and still chooses me. Fights for me. That’s how I know this is real.

Luke’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. “Melody, I want you to know that you’re one of us now. And Claytons stick together no matter what. We’ll keep you safe.”

Emotion clogs my throat. I blink back tears, touched by his words. “Thank you. That means more to me than you know.”

Jace nods, his expression solemn. “Bradley’s not getting anywhere near you. Not on our watch.”

I look around at these men, these brothers who have taken me in and made me one of their own. My heart swells with gratitude and love. I never knew it was possible to feel so supported, so protected.

Wyatt must sense my emotions running high because squeezes my hand and brushes his thumb over my knuckles. “Why don’t you all give us a minute?”

His brothers exchange knowing looks and shuffle out of the room. As soon as we’re alone, Wyatt pulls me into his arms.

I collapse against his broad chest, breathing in the now familiar scent of leather and pine. Tears prick at the backs of my eyes.

“Thanks for standing up for me,” I whisper, my voice muffled by his shirt. “No one has ever done that for me before.”

Wyatt’s wraps an arm around me and tips my chin up with a gentle finger, forcing me to meet his gaze. His blue eyes blaze with intensity.

“I love you, Melody. I’d do anything for you. Including putting your ex-fiancé in his place.”

My heart stutters. He loves me. Wyatt Clayton loves me. Tears spill down my cheeks, but for the first time today, they’re happy tears.

“I love you too,” I tell him, my voice wobbling. “So much.”

Wyatt’s smile outshines the sun. He leans down, capturing my lips in a kiss that steals my breath. I pour everything I feel into the press of my mouth against his.

When we finally break apart, I’m breathless and beaming. Wyatt rests his forehead against mine, his eyes shining with emotion.

“I know things are crazy right now, but I promise you, Melody, I’m in this for the long haul. You’re it for me.”

A thrill shoots through me at his words. “You’re it for me too, Wyatt. I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”

We stay like that for a long moment, just holding each other and basking in our newfound love. Outside, the ranch is quiet, the chaos of the day finally settled.

I know we still have challenges to face. Bradley’s parting words echo in my mind, a looming threat. But wrapped in Wyatt’s arms, I feel invincible.

We’ll weather this storm together, just like we’ll weather all the storms to come. Because that’s what love does—it gives you the strength to face anything.

Later that night, I call my Aunt Margaret and tell her that I plan to stay with Wyatt. As night falls over the ranch, Wyatt and I retreat to his room. I’m exhausted, physically and emotionally drained from the day’s events.

But as I drift off to sleep, safe in Wyatt’s embrace, I’m suffused with bone-deep contentment. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. And for the first time in my life, I’m not afraid of what tomorrow will bring.

After all, I’ve got a cowboy to keep me safe. And he’s not going anywhere.

The End