Worth the Ride Page 8

  “Whoa, you let her out of your sight?”

  “Well yeah, I’d be insane if I didn’t, and Lord knows I can’t handle all those girls in my house at night.”

  “Bless…”

  “Awe hell, don’t start with that ‘bless’ shit. I can handle it. I’ve learned to be the best daddy around, but I can only handle one friend at a time. That’s too much estrogen for me.”

  “You mean she’s never had a slumber party?” He shakes his head. “How can you deprive her of that? You’ve got to fix that, Weston. She can’t be the only girl that’s never hosted a slumber party.”

  “Nope. Can’t do it.”

  “Fine then. I will.”

  “Like hell.”

  “No, it will be fun. I can hang at your house until they all fall asleep and be back by morning.”

  “We’ll see… now, back to my question. Supper Friday?”

  I take a step toward him. “Fine. Pick me up at six and my daddy’ll be waiting.”

  Chapter 15

  Weston

  I can’t control the damn shit-eating grin on my face when she demands what time I’ll pick her up, but the fact that I’ve got to have a sit-down with Lyle scares the shit out of me and I’m a grown-ass adult.

  “You gonna get that damn smile off your face and help me with these charts? If not, get the hell outta here.” Her snarky comment invades my thoughts. “You want me to help you?”

  “Hell no, I figured that’s the best way to get you outta here. I want to get home sometime today.”

  Normally I’d have bailed out of helping in an office. That’s my least favorite part of running the farm and why I hired an accountant. However, I take a step toward her and grab the stack of files. Looking at them, I see that they aren’t in alphabetical order. I shake my head and quickly put them in order by last name. No wonder she’s still filing.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Helping you get the hell out of here. Here, now they’re in order.”

  “Yeah, I realized it was all kinds of messed up, but you know my daddy’s not the most organized. Thank you,” she says as she takes them from my hands. As our hands touch I swear I hear her gasp.

  Holding her gaze, I inch closer.

  “Weston Parker, if you kiss me right now, I’m gonna…”

  “Gonna what?”

  “I…I…” Seeing her flustered makes me happy. I’ve never seen her this way in my entire life. She’s always been a grab-you-by-the-balls kind of girl. She doesn’t stutter. She’s confident, assertive, and never falters.

  “It’s okay, Timber. You don’t have to be a hard-ass all the time.”

  She blinks as if to break a spell. “Thank you for your help, but you better get back to Bryndle.”

  “She’s out riding the farm with Paw, looking for peaches. They’ll be gone for hours.”

  “Oh…” And with that one word, I take the files from her and place them beside us on the counter. Without losing my focus on her mesmerizing eyes, I slide my hand behind her neck and whisper.

  “I’m gonna kiss you now.” She bites her bottom lip and nods.

  Bending down to meet her lips, I close my eyes and try to do it right this time. As her lips melt into mine, I feel her rigid body soften as she places her hand on my arm. I don’t kiss her for long, but long enough to know that I meant what I said. I want Timber Sellers.

  Pulling back, I continue to focus on her eyes. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She nods and, for the first time in my life, Timber is speechless.

  Timber

  Holy cow! What in the hell was that? As he backs out of the room and leaves me completely breathless, I take a moment to get myself together. Looking down at the stack of charts, I smile when I see how he helped me put them in order.

  Opening the cabinet, I file them in record speed and then haul ass to my brother’s house.

  Arriving at his house, I give a slight knock and then burst through the door. “Forrest! We gotta ride.”

  “Dang, sis. What’s got your feathers ruffled?” Placing my hands on my hips, it hits him like a two-by-four.

  “Honey, I’ll be back.”

  He grabs the key to the Gator and a six-pack from the fridge. We don’t say anything until we have the Gator in the wind.

  “This got to do with this morning?”

  “Shit! You saw it, didn’t you?”

  “God, me and the entire crew. I lost twenty bucks cause of you.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I thought you’d have put up more of a fight. Not going to say I haven’t seen this coming since you’ve been back though.”

  I turn my head to the side and look in his direction. “What the hell’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It means that the moment your four wheels crossed that stop sign, this world changed. Timber, you’re not one of the guys anymore. You should have heard Skooter at Brandy’s that first night. I told him if he didn’t shut his damn mouth, I was going to break his arms.”

  “You can’t be serious?”

  Forrest hits the brake and puts the Gator in park. “Timber, you were always one of the guys. You gave us all hell, beat us at almost everything, know all kinds of shit on us, but you’re not tomboy Timber anymore. You’ve got boobs and shit. I don’t look, but they talk. It kinda grosses me out. Anyways, you’re smart, beautiful, and don't take any shit. Plus, Weston knows you. He knows you’re not like Hannah or any random girl. He trusts you with everything… always has.”

  I honestly don’t know how to respond.

  “What are you thinkin’?”

  “I guess I never thought about things like that. I mean, I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t checked him out more than once, but it’s Weston. I didn’t plan to come home and date anyone. Honestly, I planned on being single a while so I could focus on the clinic.”

  “Something else is bothering you. What is it?”

  “Bryndle. Did you know that girl has never had a slumber party? He’s depriving her.”

  “Oh no, he’s trying to keep his sanity. Now, talk cause that’s not it.”

  “Fine. He showed up at the clinic and he made my girlie parts wake the hell up.”

  Forrest takes his hands and covers his ears and shakes his head for me to stop. “What? All the shit I’ve heard y’all say over the years and you want me to be quiet. Not happening. Payback’s a bitch there buddy.”

  “I know I’m going to regret this, but what happened?”

  “He helped me file charts and then kissed me again. It wasn’t all Tarzan like this morning. It was that side of Weston we see when no one’s around, then he asked me out.”

  “I take it you’re going.”

  “Damn right. Friday night.”

  “Just don’t get knocked up,” he says and I punch him in the arm.

  “I’m no Hannah Cole.”

  He looks at me like that’s wrong on so many levels, but then we both start to laugh. Forrest and I ride around for a little bit and then head back to his house.

  As he parks in the barn, we start to walk outside when he stops. “Timber, I don’t want to get all sappy and shit, but if I wanted my sister with any one of my friends, it would be Weston. There’s no doubt he’ll treat you right, but if he doesn’t, I’ll beat his ass in a heartbeat.”

  Chapter 16

  Weston

  Friday morning I hear a light knock at the door as I finish sliding on my boots to go check on Scarlett. Pulling open the door, I see Timber standing there with her hair pulled through a ball cap, wearing jeans and a fitted tank top. If I wasn’t awake earlier, I am now. Damn, when did her boobs get like that?

  “Morning. Is the princess awake yet?” she questions.

  “She should be in five minutes. Her alarm is set. I was going to feed Scarlett real quick.”

  “You okay?” she questions.

  “Yeah, you look amazing.”

  She smacks my arm. “Whatever. Go feed the horse and I’ll make
sure she’s up.”

  As I start to walk away, I pause and call her name. When she turns in my direction I say, “Thank you.”

  “No problem, Cowboy.”

  Walking out to Scarlett, all I can think about is Timber in my house getting my little girl ready. My sweet Bryndle Cole is getting ready for her first dance. Yes, it’s during the school day, but it hits me that she is growing up.

  “Scarlett, Bryndle’s getting all dolled up. I’m not sure I like it.” She nays. “Me too. Why can’t she stay little?”

  Scarlett pauses as if she actually understands what I’m saying. “I know. I’ve got to let her grow up, but I’m not sure I’m ready.”

  I finish feeding her in silence and then walk back into the house as laughter fills the air. Taking a moment, I listen and close my eyes. This is what life was supposed to be like. It’s supposed to be a complete family, and I never knew the missing piece was in front of me my entire life.

  Instead of breaking up their party, I go to the kitchen and whip up some pancakes and fry some bacon. As I finish making Bryndle’s plate, I hear footsteps coming down the hallway. I suck in a deep breath and prepare my heart for the beautiful girls that are going to walk into this room. The steps stop, and Timber appears with a smile on her face.

  “You ready?” I put on a smile and prop myself against the counter, waiting for my sweet peach’s grand entrance. Timber peeks around the corner into the hallway and then steps toward me. Within a few seconds, I’m speechless when I see the beautiful young lady in front of me. Timber places her hand on my forearm.

  “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

  “Sweet Peach, you’re stunning.”

  A smile escapes her lips and she hurries to me. Wrapping her arms around my waist, I hug the most important girl in my world. She pulls back and I take her in once more. “That Gaga Bow is perfect, but you know you really don’t need that makeup.”

  “Daddy! It’s just gloss and eye shadow.”

  “I know, but you’re beautiful no matter what. You don’t need makeup, a Gaga Bow, or a fancy dress. You’re beautiful inside and out, and that’s what counts.”

  “I love you, Daddy.”

  “I love you, Sweet Peach. I made your favorite. Timber, there’s enough for you too. I know you’ve got to meet Lyle, but thought you could join us.”

  “Please, Timber?” Bryndle begs and I know Timber can’t say no. Inside, I’m glad that I’ve got a little girl that knows how to work her magic.

  We enjoy breakfast, and I can’t help but look at the two beautiful ladies in my home. One that stole my heart with her first breath and the other that doesn’t know the power of her own beauty.

  As I put the dishes in the dishwasher, Timber helps Bryndle get her backpack. I know it’s time to get to school. Before I can say anything, Timber pipes in.

  “I better get going. Thank you for letting me be a part of your special day,” she says to Bryndle.

  “Thank you, Timber.”

  “You’re so welcome. I can’t wait to hear about it. I’ll see you later, Weston,” she says with a smile and I nod as Bryndle looks at me questioningly.

  As we ride in the truck to school, Bryndle looks over at me and blurts, “It’s okay to like her, Daddy. I do too.”

  Without looking at her, I pose a question. “What would you think if I took Timber on a date tonight?”

  “Where we going?”

  “I mean me and her. Anna Rose’s mama called and asked if you wanted to spend the night tonight.”

  “Yes! But I’ve got to tell Timber about the dance.”

  “Of course you do. How about Sunday after church? Maybe we can all go fishing?”

  “Does she like to fish?”

  “Of course she does.”

  Arriving at the school, Bryndle pauses as she opens the door. “Daddy, thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “Being the best daddy a sweet peach could have.”

  I lean over and kiss the top of her head and she squeals. “Stop! You’re gonna mess up my Gaga Bow!”

  “Sorry. Love you, Sweet Peach, and let me know if those boys don’t behave at the dance. Especially James.”

  She shivers and shakes her head. “Yuck! There’s no way I’m dancin’ with him.”

  She hops out of the truck, and I watch my little girl walk into the school. She’ll always be my little girl, but today I see that our world is truly changing and I’m not sure I can handle her growing up.

  Timber

  As I walk to my truck, I can’t stop thinking about breakfast. This morning I saw another piece of that tough-man shell vanish when Bryndle stepped into the kitchen, but the way he spoke to her about her inner beauty made my heart a darn puddle on the floor. Helping Bryndle this morning, I realized I never knew it would be so much fun having a little girl. I’ve always been one of the guys and in Texas I was living the single life. Children were never on my radar. We laughed when I messed up the bow the first time, and then she began to tell me stories about Weston doing her hair, but now they have an understanding of three specific styles. She was too cute talking about his mess-ups, but the sparkle in her eyes told me that those are memories she’s never going to forget.

  Driving to meet Daddy in Patterson, my mind is spinning. This was one of the best mornings I’ve had in a long time. As the radio begins to play a new country tune, I feel a smile spread across my face. I think about Bryndle’s face, her laughter, and the look in her eyes. But the look on Weston’s face when he saw her made me feel something I’ve never felt before.

  I’ve never been one to get involved with too many guys. I’ve dated and played the field for sure, but the fact that I can’t get him off my mind is ridiculous. Never in almost thirty years have I looked at Weston Parker the way I have lately. If I could tell my teenage self this, she’d call bullshit and then whoop his ass at the shooting range. He’s always been just a friend, my brother’s best friend, and plain old Weston to me. However, after that last kiss and the way he looked in those jeans and fitted t-shirt this morning, he’s got me in a whirl. All I can think about is how he looks under those clothes. I know I told him I wanted to take this slow, but I’m second-guessing it. In fact, I have a feeling once I start to fall, it’s going to be a damn avalanche. Hell, maybe it’s already started.

  Chapter 17

  Weston

  Arriving back at the farm, I do my best to get to work. I’ve got a busy day ahead of me with getting everything ready for the farmer’s market tomorrow, making sure Bryndle’s bag is packed for Anna Rose’s, working with Scarlett, and getting myself together for our date tonight.

  Hopping out of my truck, I head inside to pack Bryndle’s stuff. I know what she usually takes with her: her pajamas, her favorite pillow, clothes for tomorrow, and her toothbrush. Anything else she needs she can throw in there after school. That took all of five minutes, and now I’m out the back door and heading toward the barn.

  When I get there, I can see that the crew is busy working, and things are running smoothly as usual. I grab the key to the Gator, load up empty bushel baskets, and head toward the orchard. I can smell the peaches as I approach and it’s one of the best aromas in the world.

  Stopping at the trees near the center of the orchard, I spy the ones for picking. I start to pick as I hear someone approach. Forrest.

  “What’s up?” I ask, turning his way.

  “I was going to ask the same thing. I don’t know about your house this morning, but James was pitching a damn fit about that dance when I told him what he had to wear. Mandy made him wear a tie and I thought he was going to lie down on the floor like he was three. Had to hand it to him, he bucked a little, but I knew he’d make his mama proud in the end. Did Timber work her magic this morning?”

  I almost fall off the back of the Gator. She can work magic in more ways than one but I focus on how she helped Bryndle.

  “There’s no way I could have done that damn bow. Thank goodness she came
to the rescue. Bryndle looked so grown up. She even had on makeup. Forrest, man, I’m not ready for all this shit. But yeah, Timber came to the rescue.”

  “I bet she did,” he says in a low tone.

  “What was that, dipshit? What’d she tell you?” I question as I pick peaches from the tree and place them in the basket.

  “I’d tell you, but she’d kill me.”

  “Dude, you can’t do that. I know she’s your sister, but it’s like guy code. You’ve got to tell me.”

  “Hell no, I’m not getting hit by a Timber tornado. Just quit doing shit to her girlie bits. That’s all I’m givin’ ya,” he says in a bad attempt at sounding like her and it takes me a moment to process what he said. Girlie bits? Oh, I think I like the sound of that. “Earth to Weston, how about you quit thinkin’ ‘bout my sister and do some damn work? There are like a billion peaches on these trees that need pickin’.”

  I shake Timber from my thoughts as I focus on the work at hand. Forrest and the rest of the crew keep working and I do the same. By lunch, it’s hot as hell out. We all take a break, grab a quick bite to eat and get back to it. Once I see that the trucks are almost full and Forrest has it under control, I head out to work with Scarlett.

  I can see her begin to stir as I approach. Over the past few weeks, we’ve learned about each other. I know what ticks her off and what calms her. We basically have a mutual understanding that I’m here to help her even though she doesn’t want any help.

  Taking her into the riding ring, we work on following commands and she does amazingly well. She has come far since our first meeting, and I plan to introduce her to Poncho this week. I think she’s ready for it, but Bryndle has insisted that she’s here to watch when I do.

  As I finish with Scarlett, I walk her back to her stall. She takes her time entering, but no longer fights it. She’s come to trust me and her small home.

  Glancing into the sky, I know it’s almost time for Bryndle to be home. I can’t wait to hear about her dance. Yes, it freaks me the hell out, but I don’t want to miss anything when it comes to her. I help Forrest and the crew load baskets onto the trucks before she arrives.