Her Texas Cowboy Protector (The Winchester Cowboys #3)

Chapter Fourteen

As he turned down the volume on the TV in his cabin, Landon’s heart galloped like a racehorse at the sound of Natalie’s voice. “Hey, it’s great to hear from you. Is everything okay?”

“It sure is. It’s just, well, I’ve been missing you.”

Though hesitant, her voice sounded warm and caring. His hand tightened on the phone as joy sped through him. “I’ve missed you something awful, too. How are your self-defense classes going? Have you been spending much time at the gun range?” That wasn’t what he wanted to ask, but he didn’t want to pressure her about her feelings.

“I have one last class on Thursday night. I don’t think I’ll re-up for the next session. I feel pretty good about my chances if somebody accosts me.” She chuckled. “I never thought I’d hear myself say that.”

“That’s wonderful news. You should be so proud of yourself.”

“I am. I really worked hard in that class. And I’ve been going regularly to the gun range. I’m a pretty good shot with my SIG now. Rex, the guy at the range, has been a big help.”

“That’s great.” God, he had so much he wanted to say.

“Landon, I, uh—I just want to say thank you for being so good to me. I mean, for being so understanding and caring while I’ve been going through everything.”

“Natalie, I care about you. Of course I was understanding. I’ve felt so helpless. It’s been terrible knowing that you were suffering, and I couldn’t help.” He could hear the anguish in his voice and hoped that it wouldn’t upset her.

“Can I come see you Saturday?”

“Oh God, of course you can. I’d love that. Maybe, if the weather stays good, we’ll go horseback riding. Would you like that?”

“I’d love to, but can you do that? I mean, with your concussion and all?”

“I’ll get some help to make a go of it, don’t worry. Can you stay for dinner?”

After a second’s pause, she said, “That’d be nice. Thanks.”

“What time do you think you’ll be here?” He was so happy he felt a bit lightheaded.

“Maybe about one or so?”

“That’s great. I’m so glad you’re coming down, Natalie.”

“Me too.” Her voice sounded sweet and relieved, and he wanted to hug her so badly his arms ached.

He immediately called Carson and told him the news, then asked, “Do you think you could come over and saddle the horses for me? I’m not up to throwing the saddles onto their backs yet.”

“Of course I can. Bro, I’m so happy for you. I know how long you’ve been waiting for this. Your patience has finally paid off. I have to tell you, Natalie’s a lucky woman to have a man like you in her life.”

Landon chuckled softly. “Thanks, brother. I feel just as lucky about her.”

Next, he called his mom and filled her in. “I hope you don’t mind that I invited her for dinner.”

“Of course not. I’m just glad she agreed to stay. I’ll cook something special that evening, son. And, hey; I’m happy for you, Landon. This is wonderful news.”

He was too revved up to sit still, so he asked Carson to go with him into San Saba. During the twenty-five-minute drive, all he could think about was Natalie. God, he’d missed her. And it was so awesome to know that she’d missed him too.

When they got into town, he drove over to the Bar D and he ordered a Pecan Bottom Ale. He enjoyed the specialty brews the place served. They made a nice change from the beer he drank at home. It was a quiet evening at the restaurant and brewhouse.

“You hungry brother?” he asked Carson.

“Nope. I ate a huge dinner, but you go ahead and order something if you want to. I’m not in a hurry to get home.”

Landon decided to order some nachos, even though he’d had dinner a few hours before.

As he drank his beer, he took out his phone and scrolled through his photos of Natalie, something that he hadn’t done in a long time. It had been too painful a reminder of their separation.

He smiled now as he remembered their times together as he scrolled past each photo. At some of his favorites, he stopped and showed them to Carson. When his nachos arrived, he ate with gusto, his heart full and happy, his mind finally at peace.

Carson, as if sensing that his brother needed silence, drank his beer without interrupting Landon’s scrolling.

On the drive back to the ranch, Landon looked at the moon shining through a thin layer of clouds. Just two more days until he saw the woman he loved. And tomorrow, he had a very important errand to run.

Natalie’s heart seemed to have moved right up into her throat. She couldn’t breathe as she pulled up in front of the Winchester ranch house. With a gasp, she sucked in air just as the door flew open and Landon stepped out onto the porch.

He grinned and waved as he came down the steps toward her.

She waved back, her heart pounding hard. She could do this. All she had to do was breathe.

As she unbuckled her seat belt, he opened the door on her Jeep. She smiled up at him. “Hi.”

“Hey, glad you’re here. Come on in and say hello to Mom. Dad’s out on the ranch, though. We’ll see him later.” His voice bubbled with enthusiasm and her smile widened, chasing away the anxiety that had nearly overwhelmed her.

“It’s such a beautiful drive over here. I’d almost forgotten that.”

Landon gently clasped her arm as they walked up the steps. “It is. This is God’s country. At least, we Winchesters believe that.”

Debra came to the door and opened it wider. “Natalie, it’s so good to see you. Come inside. I’ve made a peach pie. Why don’t you have some topped with ice cream before you go riding? It’s still hot from the oven, honey.”

“Oh, Lord. I can’t turn that down.” She smiled at Landon’s mom and followed her into the kitchen.

“Thanks for making us a treat, Mom. It smells wonderful,” Landon said as he pulled out a chair at the table for Natalie.

Debra dished up two bowls of pie and ice cream and set them before them.

Natalie breathed in the sweet, cinnamon aroma rising from her bowl. The crust looked so flaky and tender, she knew it would melt in her mouth. She took a hearty bite, savoring the rich, peachy, creamy taste. “Debra, this is fabulous. The cinnamon you added is the perfect touch.”

“That’s Ken’s momma’s recipe. It’s been in his family for generations. It’s great, isn’t it?” she said.

“It’s awesome. I’m sure these are peaches from your tree, right?” She took another bite as her stomach grumbled loudly.

Landon looked at her and grinned. “Mom’s cooking always makes my stomach growl.”

She gave him an embarrassed smile. “I didn’t eat much this morning. That’s probably part of it. But, dang, this is so good!”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it, Natalie. We’ve missed you around here, and I wanted to make something special to help you remember how welcome you are,” Debra said with a warm smile.

The last of her nervousness left her. “Thank you. I’ve missed seeing you all too.” A shadow flicked across her mind at the cause, but she determinedly pushed it away.

A few minutes later, Landon took their empty bowls to the sink and rinsed them out before putting them into the dishwasher.

He turned toward her and said, “Ready to head out?”

She rose from the table. “You bet. I can’t wait to ride Old Ben again.”

“You just be careful, son. Don’t overdo it with that head of yours, you hear?” Debra’s voice held a strong element of concern.

“Mom, Carson already saddled the horses. That was the hard part. And we’re only going to walk. There’s nothing to worry about.”

She shook her head. “Just keep a good hold on Reggie. Don’t let him spook.”

He grinned. “Yes, ma’am. I will.”

As they walked down to the barn, Natalie said, “I don’t blame your mom for worrying. You’ve had a long recovery, and it would be awful to mess that up now.” The chill air found its way down her neckline to her chest, and she pulled her zipper up higher.

“Reggie’s a good horse. I’ll be fine.” Without really thinking about it, he clasped her hand.

She glanced at him, then squeezed his fingers. It felt good, just the way it used to. She sighed and walked closer to him, letting her shoulder brush him.

He released her hand and put his arm around her shoulders. “I’m so glad you’re here. God, I’ve missed you, honey.”

She leaned her head against his shoulder. “I’ve missed you too. I’m just realizing how much.”

As they walked up to the barn, Carson came outside. Landon said, “You’re still here, brother?”

“What? Do you think I’d let you start off on your own? Not hardly. You might get dizzy when you mount. Stay out here and I’ll go get Reggie.”

Natalie glanced at Landon as the corner of his mouth lifted. He shook his head. “Big brothers. What can I say?”

She chuckled. “But you’re lucky to have them.”

He tightened his arm around her. “I sure am.”

Carson came back out holding Reggie’s lead rope. The round rein was already over his neck. Carson stopped the horse in front of Landon. “Now, take your time, bro.”

“I’ve got this. Don’t worry.” Landon stuck his foot in the stirrup and rose easily up into the saddle.

“Did that hurt your head?” Carson asked.

“Not a bit.”

Carson went back into the barn and came out with Old Ben. “Your turn, Natalie.”

She stuck her foot in the stirrup, and he held her calf in place as she pulled herself up into the saddle. “Thanks, Carson.” She quickly found the stirrup with her right foot.

Landon turned Reggie toward her. “Do you remember the basics? I can go over them again.”

She smiled. “I remember. You’re a good teacher.”

Landon led off down the ranch drive.

She brought Old Ben up alongside him.

“The pasture roads are kind of muddy right now. We’ve had quite a bit of rain. I was talking to Dad, and we’re going to put more road base on the roads this coming spring. If we don’t keep them in good shape, it’s gets to be a real mess around here.”

“There’s just so much more to running a ranch than most people know about. I’m amazed at the kinds of things you and Carson and your dad do around here.”

“There’s definitely stuff to do, no matter what time of year it is. Like now, we’re putting out lots more hay, but we’re not doing things like vaccinating and castrating calves. It’s kind of a trade-off, what we do in warm and cold weather.”

She talked a while about what was going on at work, loving the fact that Landon was so interested in what she had to say. Then he talked about buying Beau’s house. He sounded so excited, telling her all about the layout and what he liked about it.

The cloud bank overhead, which had been there all along, had lowered and become a darker shade of gray. A brisk wind had kicked up, and she suddenly felt chilled to the bone. Thank goodness she’d worn a knit cap—even with it on, her ears felt cold. She imagined the earache she’d have had without it. Her gloves were obviously too thin, because her fingers ached in the chill air. She shivered hard and tried to tuck her chin into the raised collar of her coat.

“Are you too cold?” Landon asked, his eyes filled with concern.

They’d been out nearly an hour. Teeth chattering, she could only nod.

He said, “Let’s turn back.”

As they headed toward the barn, he said, “It’s too bad we can’t trot. The movement would warm you up some.”

“I’m all right. I’m having fun despite the chill.” A surge of happiness rose up inside her. She reached out to Landon, and he clasped her hand. She felt the last barrier in her heart go down.

The connection of their hands grounded her and somehow brought the right words to her lips. She raised her eyes, letting him see into her soul. “I love you, Landon. I’m just so sorry it took me so long to realize it.”

He tugged on Old Ben’s reins, pulling him to a stop. Then he dismounted and came around to her, helping her down from the saddle. Taking her into his arms, he said softly, “Honey, I’ve known that I love you for a long time now. I’m so glad that you love me too.”

Then he kissed her tenderly, his lips caressing hers so softly she barely felt them. He deepened the kiss, making her pulse race. She kissed him back, putting all her love into it.

When he drew back, he looked into her eyes. “Natalie, I love you more than anyone I’ve ever known. I want to marry you, if you’ll have me, and I don’t care if it’s in a year or if it’s in five years, as long as you take your time and feel you’re ready.” He unzipped his coat and drew out an engagement ring.

Her mouth opened in surprise at the two-carat diamond solitaire on its elegant yellow-gold band. Tears flooded her eyes, and she opened her mouth to speak. Then she swallowed and tried again as she raised her left hand and took off her glove. “Yes, I want to marry you,” she whispered as he slid the ring onto her finger. She slipped her arms around his neck and clung to him.

His arms tightened around her, and he kissed her temple.

“But like I said, there’s no rush for us to get married,” he continued. “You need to take care of yourself. You need to be damn sure that you’re ready to move forward before we do anything. I’ll wait for as long as that takes, sweetheart.”

She leaned against him, her forehead against his chest. The warmth of his body felt amazing. “I’m so happy, Landon. Of course, I’ll have to give plenty of notice at the store when I’m ready to leave so they can find someone to replace me when I move out here to the ranch.”

He smiled and caressed her back. “We’ll just take it one step at a time, honey. First, you keep up with your counseling. I’ve got all the time in the world, and I’m not going anywhere.”

She drew back and looked up at him. “God, I’m lucky. What if I hadn’t gone climbing that day at Enchanted Rock? I’d never have met the most wonderful man in the world.”

He laughed and hugged her tight. “I think of how lucky I am every day.” He kissed her cheek. “Let’s mount up before you freeze to death. We have some news to share at dinner tonight.”