Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cowboy Takes a Wife (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (19 page)

She saddled her mare, Princess, and headed out. Overhead, the sky had a rich blue color that reminded her of
Jackson
. A few wisps of clouds slowly moved across, and a slight breeze ruffled the leaves in the oak trees. She kidded herself that she let the mare lead the way, but every day she ended in the same place—her outdoor cathedral where they had wed.

Samantha dismounted and tied Princess close to the small stream where she could drink. Nothing around her had changed since they’d had their wedding here. Everything had changed for her, and not the way she’d expected or hoped. Of course, the chairs and decorations were long gone, and the days were hot now. Here, the shade and water kept the area a bit cooler. She sank onto the ground beneath the trees and cried. She’d held in the grief around Gramps and Maria. Only here could she release the pent-up pain.

After her cry, she leaned her head back and stared through the tree branches to the sky. This wasn’t like her at all. She went after what she wanted. Sitting here feeling sorry for herself accomplished nothing. She’d created the problem. She’d fix it.

She straightened her shoulders. She knew what to do. She might fail—no, she refused to consider any result but success.

Eager to put her idea to action, Samantha mounted Princess and rode quickly back to the ranch. Gramps was much better. He’d be pleased to think she was going to spend a few days with her husband. By afternoon, she’d be on her way to
Houston
.

* * * *

Jackson
paced around his townhouse. He’d helped Greenlee as much as the man wanted. He knew his new CEO was ready to do his job on his own. For
Jackson
to stay here any longer would give the impression he didn’t trust the choice he’d made. Sooner or later he had to return to the ranch. He’d been so anxious to do that just a few weeks ago. Without Samantha, though, the idea wasn’t as pleasing.

He loved ranching, so he’d just bury himself in the work. If only she’d tried to contact him. Still, he hadn’t received any divorce papers, which was the only thing that gave him hope.

He’d phone Mrs. Haverty and tell Anna, who was in the kitchen cleaning, to plan on moving to the ranch anytime in the next few weeks. There were several available homes on the ranch, and they’d each chosen one to live in.

But first, he’d call Fred, his pilot. He answered on the second ring. “Have the helicopter ready to take off tomorrow morning, early,”
Jackson
said.

“Yes, Sir. Is seven a good time?

“Fine. I’ll meet you at the airport.”
Jackson
put down the phone. He’d leave tonight, but he’d accepted an invitation to a cocktail party at Mr. Greenlee’s home. He’d surprise his new CEO and let him know he was finally leaving him on his own.

His mood wasn’t the best for a party. He didn’t plan on staying long. Since the day he’d last seen Samantha and handed her that envelope, his heart had been heavy with pain. Aloneness had never bothered him before, but now he had to stay busy or go crazy wandering around the rooms in his townhouse. He hadn’t had one good night of sleep, and he knew it was beginning to show. Hurt and anger still warred inside him. He had difficulty believing how quickly she’d thought the worst of him. So many times he’d been tempted to fly to the ranch, demand to see her, and take her home to his ranch. He’d make love to her, talk to her, not let her go until she knew how wrong she’d been.

In the end, he’d always worry what would happen the next time she thought she had a reason to doubt him. So, he waited,
for her
, and he’d not heard a word.

Reluctantly, he went to his bedroom to pack and change for the party. In here he had the most difficult time keeping her out of his thoughts. Everywhere he looked, he saw her, remembered the softness of her skin, the taste of her. Her particular special scent lingered in his mind.
Damn, get dressed and get out of here.

Tomorrow, he’d start fresh. But, she’d still follow him. There were even more poignant memories all around him at his ranch.

* * * *

Samantha had made two phone calls before she left. One to Janice to arrange for a place to stay for the night, in case she needed one. The other call was to the office. Mr. Greenlee told her
Jackson
had not been in but was expected at the cocktail party he and his wife were giving. Of course, he’d invited her.

The pieces were falling into place for her plan to begin. Her heart beat rapidly. This had to work. She went directly to Janice’s when she arrived. The drive to
Houston
had given her plenty of time to think.

Janice had arrived home just before Samantha got there. “I’m glad you’ve finally come to your senses.”

Samantha put down her luggage. “I came to them the day he met me at the coffee shop. I just didn’t know what to do about the situation.”

“Are you going to call him or what?”

“I’m going to a cocktail party. I’ve been assured he’ll be there.”

She’d brought the dress she’d worn to the other party, the bronze-colored cocktail dress. When she put it on, Janice laughed. “You know, I almost feel sorry for him. He hasn’t a chance when he sees you in that outfit.”

Samantha added the oval diamond necklace and matching earrings. She spun around. “How do I look?”

“All the wives will hate you. No one wants such a stunning woman anywhere near their husbands.”

“Too much?”

“Oh, no. Just what you need to catch and hold his attention.”

“He might give me the cold shoulder.”

Janice laughed. “If he stares blankly, it’s only because all his blood has gone straight to his cock.”

“Janice!”

“Crude, but honest. Go get him.” Janice urged her forward. “You know where the Greenlees live?”

“Mr. Greenlee gave me instructions. Funny, he didn’t seem surprised I wasn’t coming with
Jackson
.”

“I’m sure all the staff is aware something happened. I ran into
Jackson
earlier in the week. He looked awful. I started to call you, but thought better of it. You two have to fix this yourselves.”

Samantha hugged Janice. “You are so wise. How is your love life doing?”

“I don’t have one.”

“You haven’t heard from Drake?”

“Oh, him? He’s pestered me a few times.”

“He won’t give up trying.”

“I won’t give up saying no,” Janice said.

“Silly girl.” Samantha waved on her way out the door. When she got into the car, she sat a minute. A wave of nausea came over her. Nerves. She took a deep breath before starting the car. Her heart pounded. Her future hung on how she handled this evening.

* * * *

Jackson
recognized her the minute he stepped inside the Greenlees’ large living room. Her golden hair brushed across the bare skin of her back and that sweet ass sent his heart rate straight up and his blood straight down.

What was she doing here? He was afraid to hope he might be the reason. Then she turned and smiled.

He’d seen that open, joyous smile the first time years ago. They’d been riding around the two ranches and stopped in a wide open pasture. She dismounted and stood among the bluebells blooming across the land for as far as they could see. In the wind, the flowers rippled like waves on the ocean. The sunlight and the bright blue of the sky were almost blinding.

She’d thrown her arms open to hug the world.

“Isn’t this the most beautiful day you’ve ever seen?”

It was, and she was part of that gorgeous scene forever etched in his memory. Now, she started slowly walking toward him. He barely took a breath while watching her. Hope began to fill his heart. She stopped close, staring directly into his eyes.

“I’m sorry. Can you forgive me? I know it will take time for you to ever trust me, but I promise I won’t doubt you or your integrity ever again. My foolish fears of losing love may have cost me a love I can’t replace. I’ve missed you.” The words rushed out of her.

He forgot all the people around them and pulled her into his arms. “I’ve been miserable without you. Let’s go home.”

She hugged him tight then looked up at him. “Home here or the ranch?”

“The ranch. My real home is anywhere you are.”
Jackson
glanced around and noticed the guests had quietly moved into the adjoining family room, leaving them to their privacy.

He cradled her head. “I’ll never let you go if you leave with me now,” he said and scattered kisses over her face.

Samantha stood on her tiptoes, her arms around his neck, and she looked him right in the eye. “Good.” She kissed him while she let her soft, curvy body sink into him.

Moving her attention to his ear, she nibbled on his earlobe. “We’d better leave before we embarrass the Greenlees and their guests.”

Jackson
hurried them through their good-byes and soon had them headed to the townhouse. “I’ve already ordered the ’copter to take me to the ranch early tomorrow, never expecting I’d have you with me.”

“I drove.”

“I’ll take care of having someone bring the car to us. You’re not getting out of my sight anytime soon. I have plans to keep you very busy.”

She laughed and hugged his arm as they sped through the dark streets. “I do hope those plans include lots of loving.”

They’d stopped at a light. He looked at her. Streetlights reflected across her beautiful eyes, her sweet mouth curved into a tempting smile, and her lovely luscious body called to him on some unseen level. His cock went so hard it hurt. “You aren’t going to get much sleep, my love.”

“Promises, promises.” Her laughter rang out like music to his starved soul.

Epilogue

One Year Later

Jackson and Samantha walked into Gramps’ house. She deliberately let the door slam.

“I always know when you arrive, Samantha.” Gramps gave a fake grumble from where he stood in the doorway to his study. “I thought you’d never get here.”

Sunshine came running from the kitchen. She excitedly barked and jumped against Samantha’s legs. Samantha leaned down to rub her fur.

“I think you just gave me that dog to annoy me,” Gramps said, but he had a twinkle in his eye. “And if Maria keeps feeding her, she’ll be nothing but a round ball of fur.”

“There you are.” Maria came out of the kitchen drying her hands on a towel. “And you’ve brought the little one.”

“I get to hold him first,” Gramps said.

Samantha walked across to Gramps and settled his namesake, Colin Riley Stone, in his arms. She enjoyed seeing the glow on Gramps’ face every time he saw or held his great-grandchild. His health had improved immensely since his bypass operation.

“You two gave me my wish. I asked for a great-grandchild, and you gave me one. I think you’ll have to have another one, though, preferably a girl, and then Maria will have a baby to hold, too.” He winked his eye at Maria and smiled at Samantha and Jackson. “You’ve made this old man very happy.”

Jackson
put his arm around Samantha and pulled her close. “It was really no effort at all, Sir. We’ll get started right away on your new request.” They all laughed when Samantha blushed.

She gazed around the room at all her loved ones. Her son slept comfortably in Gramps’ arms. He was a mixture of Jackson and her, having her blonde hair and
Jackson
’s eye color.