December, Rocky Mountain House
“Why the hell didn’t you boys tell me you were bringing them in?”
Trevor and Lee glanced at each other then pointed at Steve. “His fault,” they said in unison.
Randy stomped to a halt outside the stables, pushing back his hat to glare at his oldest son who was patting the nose of his horse and looking far too satisfied. “You were supposed to let me know when you were heading out to get the mares,” Randy complained.
“Didn’t need four people to do it,” Steve said calmly.
“Then you should have—”
“Shhhh,” Steve warned. “Don’t upset her. She’s sensitive right now.”
That was all it took to make their dad clam up, his body relaxing as he leaned his elbows on the railing and stared in at the pregnant mare.
He lowered his voice and spoke to her, ignoring the rest of them. “Pretty girl. Yeah, you’re a good girl. I’m not upset with you, just with this trio of jackasses who keep treating me with kid gloves.”
The mare turned toward him, nostrils flaring briefly as Randy soothed a hand over her nose.
Steve patted her withers before slipping from the pen. “For the record, the trio of jackasses are totally not treating you with kid gloves. We’re letting you pick and choose your work list, except when it means going out in freezing weather to do a job that doesn’t require extra hands.”
“Besides, these are Lee’s favourite weather conditions,” Trevor said. “We need to get him snowed in again this year, for old time’s sake.”
They all moved toward the door. Randy kept stride with them easily as he checked about work plans for the rest of the day. Trevor slowed so he could watch, but other than a faint hint of a limp at times when he overdid it, his father was back to his old self.
It had seemed like a fast cure after a long time coming, and every time Trevor noticed, the changes made him happy all over again.
“You coming into the house?” his dad asked, hand on the door as he waited.
Trevor shook his head. “I’m done for the day. Started at five—and Becky is home early today as well.”
“You’re bringing her by for lunch on Sunday, right?”
“We’ll be there.” So would the entire lot of the Moonshine clan, and Trevor couldn’t wait.
The past months had been filled with settling in and setting new paths. He’d joined Becky in the rental, which gave him an excuse to write to Uncle Mark on a regular basis without really ignoring the request not to. He was careful not to push an agenda, but keep the door open, even if just a crack.
Becky had begun to write to Sarah. Trevor still tasted rage when he thought of how much pain her sister had caused that day, but Becky—his sweet, forgiving, giving Becky had convinced him there were layers of reasons for the betrayal they might not be aware of.
He was still working on forgiving Sarah, but for the kids’ sake, he could hope for a different future.
So once every couple of weeks they both sat down and found something to share. Maybe, some day, what they were doing might make a difference. Might make it possible to have family join them.
He slipped behind the wheel and cranked on the heat for the short trip home. December had teeth, sharp and bitterly cold, but he spent most of his days in a happy haze, Becky’s warmth enough to carry him through the coldest tasks.
He was one cheesy, lovesick fool, and he didn’t mind one bit.
The sun vanished far too soon these days. Even done as early as he was, by the time he pulled into the driveway and parked next to her secondhand Ford, the sky behind the house had already faded to dim twilight.
But from the windows, a warm, flickering glow welcomed him home. Trevor left the keys in his truck with a laugh, more than ready to get to spend another evening with the woman he loved.
He paused. Lights flickered by the front door, so instead of going to the back like usual, he took the front stairs two at a time, pausing to admire the mess of tea lights on the chair placed outside on the porch.
Becky was up to something.
Inside the house candles were everywhere. Wineglasses and snack plates sat on the stairs and seats of chairs, small honey-scented candles flickering as the air currents caught them and turned the entire house into an invasion of fireflies.
“Hey, Rodeo.”
He listened for a moment, the low sound of bluesy music drifting to him from the living room.
Trevor moved slowly, taking in what had to be over a hundred flickering lights. They’d been lit long enough ago to melt, the small tin containers holding the liquid wax safely.
It was pretty, but more, his curiosity had shot to maximum. “Sweetheart? Where’re you hiding?”
He didn’t have to go far to find an answer. The lights led him in the right direction. The living room was awash with candles, the obvious source of their firefly invasion.
Trevor stepped through the doorway and his throat tightened.
Becky lay propped against a pile of pillows in front of the fireplace. She wore white lingerie—a barely there bra and a pair of panties that must’ve been in heaven, snugged up against her perfect body.
“There’s an angel in my living room,” he said. She blew his mind every single day.
She lifted her chin and curled herself up, a seductress set on teasing him, the weight of her breasts dipping forward as she moved. “I’ve been waiting for you.”
He lowered himself onto the coffee table as she sat back on her heels, a tempting vision. “Looks as if you got something on your mind.”
She nodded. “I have something to tell you, but first, go grab a shower.”
Fuck. “Wait right here.”
“Hurry.” She teased her fingers up her rib cage, skimming them over her breasts, and then Trevor couldn’t see what she was tormenting him with because he was out of the room, up the stairs and into the shower for the fastest scrub-down ever.
There was barely time for steam to build before he was done. She’d snuck in while he was under the taps and left him clean clothes on the counter. Black jeans and her favourite shirt of his.
He didn’t know what he was getting dressed for when she was in nothing but her underwear, but like he was going to argue.
Walking out of the bathroom, he discovered all the candles had been extinguished except for a single trail leading down the hall to their master bedroom.
This was getting more and more interesting.
She waited for him by the window, her seductive outfit covered by a dress of palest pink.
“It’s hard to complain when you look so pretty, but I hope I get to unwrap you. Soon.”
Becky held out her hands, and he took them, waiting for her to make the next move. She took a deep breath. “I love you, Trevor Coleman.”
He was never going to get tired of hearing that. “I love you too, Rodeo.”
Her lips twitched into a smile. “It’s time. I’m ready to get married.”
Jesus. Trevor opened his mouth but no words came out. He wasn’t sure his brain was still functioning.
“I know you want to do it up all formal, and I’m willing.” Her words were soft but deliberate. Her eyes mesmerizing. “It won’t change what we’ve already committed to, like being there for each other. Like you’ve been there for me the past months.”
Happiness and concern warred together as his protective instincts shoved into overdrive. He didn’t want her to push herself too far, and as pleased as he was that she’d agreed to get hitched, he was worried that’s where this was heading.
Trevor cupped her face carefully, putting every bit of love he could into words. “I’m glad. And we’ll get started on planning right away, but…what’s up with tonight? Why the pretty dress and sweet candles?”
Becky hesitated. She caught his wrists, tugging one hand downward so she could place it on her chest. “Feel that? That beats for you. My body sings when you touch me. There’s nothing I want more than to be with you every way possible.”
Under his hand her heart fluttered like the wings of a bird, and his soul ached. “Sweetheart…”
She touched her fingers to his lips, smiling softly. “Don’t panic, Tigger. Talking with the counselor has helped, but I’ve still got a long way to go. I know I’m not ready, not for some things, but you keep telling me that it doesn’t matter. You’ve said it, and you’ve shown it. In words and in everything you do. So I’m finally finished with feeling I’m not enough, or that I’m holding you back. Because you’ve spent every day showing me how much you love me.”
Sheer relief flooded him. “I’m not disappointed in anything about us being together,” he said again.
Becky nodded. “I know. And someday, well, maybe I’ll be ready for more.”
She trusted him. She loved him. Trevor took a step of faith and pushed aside his fears. “What do you say to a test run tonight? Sort of to make sure we’ve got some practice?”
Her eyes lit up. “That’s what I was thinking…”
“Because you’re brilliant as well as beautiful.” He turned her into the light, watching candlelight flicker over her face, lighting up her eyes with love. “Becky Hall, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
A shaky breath escaped her, as if she’d been prepared to fight for a lot longer. “Oh, Trevor, yes. I love you so much.”
He had to have been to a dozen weddings over his lifetime, but damn if he could remember what the official words were supposed to be. So he took both her hands again, turning her until the candlelight lit her face. Then he said what he needed to say.
“I remember that first time I saw you, standing on the ridge of this house. My heart nearly stopped, because I wanted to make sure you were safe and at the same time, I wanted to shake you. You know what? Every second of every day since then has been filled with those same emotions.”
A laugh snuck out from her perfect lips. “You caught me.”
“Just as much as you caught me.” He lifted their hands so he could kiss her fingers. “You make me feel protective; you make me laugh. You make my heart beat so damn fast my head starts to spin, and then you bring me right back down to earth and give me roots when you look at me with those big eyes all full of trust.”
Like she was looking at him now, staring into his heart.
“I will always be there for you,” he promised. “No matter what the future brings.”
Shining eyes, shaking fingers. Becky stroked a hand over his cheek, his unshaved stubble rough against her soft skin.
She didn’t seem to mind.
“I will always be there for you,” she repeated. “No matter what the future brings.”
Best damned vows he’d ever heard.
They stood staring at each other before Becky wiggled on the spot. “I think this is where someone would say you may kiss your bride,” she whispered.
Hell, yeah.
Trevor dipped his head toward her and kissed her softly. The way he would down the road when they did this at the front of a church, with all of his family watching.
And in spite of this being a practice run, he knew damn well the rest of the family was going to want to know the play-by-play of everything that had brought them to this moment.
The rest of the evening, though? Was for them alone.
Starting now.
He deepened the kiss, pulling her against him. He pressed his hand more firmly to her lower back, keeping her so close their bodies barely took up any room.
She trembled under his touch, but when he pulled back he saw nothing but desire flashing in her eyes. Like always—
“Think it’s time I got to unwrap my bride,” he whispered.
Becky stepped back, hands demurely by her sides. “Yes, please.”
He’d said he was going to unwrap her, and that was the closest thing she could compare it to.
Trevor paced around her slowly, kissing her neck, drawing his fingers down the long row of buttons at her back. “How the heck did you get into this thing by yourself?”
“It’s a secret,” she teased. She wasn’t going to tell him there was a hidden zipper along the side. The buttons were there on purpose, to drive him wild.
“It’s going to take me forever to get you undone,” he complained.
She laughed, twisting in his arms to plant a kiss on his pouty lips. “Then I guess you’d better get started.”
He turned her again, smacking her butt lightly. “Maybe what I need is every time I undo a button, I get a kiss.”
“We will be here all night.”
A rumble of amusement escaped him, his fingers brushing the hair at the back of her neck. “I’ll keep count. One. Two…”
His lips settled at the base of her neck, a soft kiss followed by a tiny nip that made her squeal. “No teeth,” she gasped.
“You didn’t include that in the rules. Three…”
This time she felt his tongue, moisture landing along her spine as he undid buttons as rapidly as possible. Gentle as he pushed the dress from her shoulders, setting her skin quivering from his very touch.
“That’s a very pretty dress,” he whispered from his position behind her, tugging the fabric away as she stepped out of it. His lips caressing the slope of her back.
“It’s my wedding dress. I wanted it to be pretty, but something I could wear any time we have a special occasion.”
He hummed in approval, but she wasn’t sure if it was about the dress or about the fact he’d stood, now close behind her, hands placed on either side of her hips. He tucked his chin over her shoulder, the scruff on his face scratching the soft skin of her neck and sending shivers racing.
“You wear this pretty underwear any time you want. I promise I’ll always make it a special occasion when I take it off you.”
Those shivers he’d started continued as he trailed his fingers up her ribs and below her breasts, cupping her carefully as he bit down on her shoulder. Massaging the weight of her, his thumbs and forefingers catching her nipples, making them tighten with need.
Becky let her head fall back on his shoulder as he played. One moment her bra was there, the next it was gone as his hands returned this time to bare skin.
Making love like this was right. It might not be typical, but it was right for them.
His erection pressed her hip, thick and heavy, and she rubbed back, teasing him, knowing what they’d have in the end would leave them both satisfied and connected.
Perfect for them, just like his vows of love, and all the signs of caring he’d shown her over the past months.
“Something about you, Rodeo, fits me. The way you smell. The way you taste.” He skimmed his hand down her hip, catching hold of her panties dragging them away. “The way you feel. I love everything about you.”
He turned her, staying on his knees.
“That’s a good look,” she teased.
“The way you taste, the way you smell,” he repeated back, cupping his hands around her butt and pulling her to his mouth.
Oh, she had no objections at all to the way the evening was progressing. This was the way making love was supposed to be. Unique and special, everything she wanted it to be.
It was their first time. In a way.
She drew her fingers through his hair, luxuriating in his attention as he played with her clit, teasing it lightly with his tongue until her legs grew so shaky she could barely stand. “Trevor, I’m going to fall over,” she warned.
He scooped her up and laid her on the bed, returning between her legs as if he were starving. He didn’t stop until she was quivering, the orgasm ripping through her taking out all control.
Becky sucked for air. “That…was amazing.”
“Just wait, I’m not done.”
She didn’t want to wait. When he would have teased her more, Becky rolled over him, taking control. She pressed her hands to his chest and pinned him in place, sliding her sex over his cock. She was wet enough the motion was smooth, rubbing them together like sexual kindling.
Teasing him made her body light on fire as well. Trevor’s eyes nearly rolled out of his head. “Fuck.”
“We’re going to,” she promised. She tilted her head and gave him the most provocative smolder she could. “At least the way we fuck. I promise to be gentle with you.”
His laughter rang out, perfect and strong, so much a part of them as it poured over the bed. He gripped her arms carefully and rolled again, his body over hers a soothing weight of firm muscle and passion.
“Forever,” he promised.
Their lips met as the tiny candles all over the room sent flickers of starlight dancing on the walls. This was where she belonged, with this man and in this place. A paradise not formed by human rules or twisted ambition.
A paradise made by love.
Trevor slipped his cock between her closed thighs, angling to rub her clit on each motion. Experimenting had given them a multitude of positions they enjoyed, each offering pleasure in its own way. Right now he was wrapped around her like a cocoon, a strong barrier that nothing but love could get through.
There was no place in this bed for nightmares or the past.
He stared into her eyes, love and laughter shining in the depths. “Welcome to married life, Ms. Hall.”
“Coleman. I’m taking your name,” she told him, shuddering as they lined up just right. “Oh my goodness, that feels perfect.”
Trevor pulled his hips back slightly, rocking forward so slowly she felt every single inch. Pleasure cascaded, and she moaned, flexing her hips to get more of the sensation. Every bit of pleasure he’d given her up until this moment amped up ten times over.
“Shit.” He stilled, hips tight to her hers. “Give me a second.”
The words came out tortured, and she looked up anxiously to find his face screwed up tight as if he was in pain. “Trevor?”
“Oh, fuck.” He offered a wry smile. “How the hell do you do this to me? I barely touch you, and I’m ready to burst. We might have to fool around a few times because I’m going to be a little fast on the trigger this first go-round.”
Becky laughed, the sound filling the room, turning into a sigh of pleasure as he thrust against her, not holding back.
She had no complaints about how fast they were going, because no way could she last, either. His hands skimmed the sensitive tips of her nipples, drifting over her stomach as he kissed her. Seducing her senses with his lips and teeth and tongue. And touch—his cock connected with her clit over and over, and it was no longer pleasure stroking her, it was wild fire, burning away all her inhibitions and dragging her willingly to the precipice with him.
Anywhere he took her, she’d go.
They were rocking the bed, his thrusts powerful and yet loving as he looked into her eyes and made love to her. Every bit of him focused on her, on them together.
Before Trevor she’d never understood what it meant to be one body. It had nothing to do with a physical act—had everything to do with what was in their hearts and souls.
They came at the same time…or maybe not. Maybe she fell first, and then him, or the other way around—Becky wasn’t sure because she was overwhelmed with pleasure. Sexual satisfaction burned through her, deep emotional connection tangling them into no longer Trevor and Becky, but one person.
“Trevor.”
His name came out the closest thing to a prayer that she’d uttered since the night she’d run away.
He pressed his forehead to hers, and it was so familiar and right as their eyes met. “Rodeo.”
She squeezed his shoulders and curled into him, delight playing in her heart echoing the warm light from the flickering candles. A dance of joy offered by a million fireflies.
They lay there for a long time, stroking each other’s arms and gazing into each other’s eyes before Trevor traced his finger over her lips. Swallowing hard before he spoke.
“I know you’re the one who fell off the roof, but I’m the one who fell even harder. You’ve changed my life. Forever.”
It was the perfect benediction for what had turned out to be the perfect night.
“Forever,” she whispered.
I hope you enjoyed Trevor & Becky's story. The next book in the series is ROCKY MOUNTAIN DEVIL.
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The Six Pack Ranch series includes:
Rocky Mountain Heat – FREE!!!
Rocky Retreat (A Six Pack Novella)
If you want more romance set in Rocky Mountain House, check out the Thompson & Sons, which starts with ROCKY RIDE. This is Mitch Thompson & Anna Coleman's story-the cop and the town bad boy!
Thompson & Sons
*coming soon