Cowboy's Conundrum (Culpepper Cowboys Book 3) Read online

  “A lawyer? Are you kidding me? Why would I want to meet a lawyer?”

  Joy’s eyes twinkled. “Well, you know how you’ve always loved telling lawyer jokes? Imagine dating a man who you could tell lawyer jokes to all the time!”

  Grace laughed out loud. “Oh, that could be fun. Is he good looking?”

  “Well, he’s not a tall, dark and sexy cowboy, but he’s attractive. He does wear a cowboy hat to church.” Joy grinned. “You should see the pastor here. His name is Brother Anthony. He couldn’t remember Hope’s name during her wedding, and said, ‘Do you insert bride’s name here take this man?’ I laughed so hard!”

  “That is hilarious! He sounds cool. I’d tell you to have him Skype me, so we can ‘meet,’ but you know Mom.”

  “I do. We should have brought you with us.”

  Grace laughed. “Six women for the men to choose from instead of four? I don’t think so.”

  “You have a point.”

  “Uh oh. Car door slammed. Gotta go. I hope your wedding is as beautiful as you deserve. I love you so much!”

  “Love you too, Grace!” Joy realized her sister had cut off the call before her response, but she said it anyway.

  She hugged her knees and watched the river, feeling it calming her. She was nervous about the wedding, but she was even more nervous about the wedding night. She had no idea what she was doing, and she hoped he wouldn’t mind too terribly much. He sure didn’t seem to.

  She stayed there for an hour, fantasizing about the day when her husband would love her.

  Finally, at just after eleven, she stood up and brushed off the seat of her jeans. She had grass all over her, but she didn’t care. She walked back to the car and drove to the ranch, parking the vehicle at Karlan and Hope’s house before walking back to the big house. As she was opening the back door, her pocket buzzed, and she pulled her phone out.

  There was a text from Kolby asking her to have her things packed up and ready to move by noon when the men would be there for lunch. Joy rushed to her room. She could keep her make-up and a few other things there, but send everything else. Not that there was a whole lot to send. She was still waiting on most of her things to arrive from Kentucky.

  She had everything setting on her bed in two suitcases and two boxes, keeping back her craft bag, the clothes she’d wear to the wedding, and her toiletries. Everything else could go.

  Kolby found her in her room when he arrived. “You ready for this?” he asked softly, his eyes searching hers. He knew he’d hurt her feelings the night before, and he wanted to make sure she was all right.

  Joy looked up into his brown eyes, stroking his cheek. “I’m very ready. Nervous, of course, but I think that’s normal.”

  He dropped a kiss on her lips, pulling her close. “Are you nervous about the wedding or the wedding night?”

  She blushed. “I’ve been to weddings before. I can handle that part of things.”

  “You’ll handle the wedding night as well. I promise.” He kissed her again, more slowly this time, his tongue moving in to tangle with hers. “Chris and I are going to move your things after lunch, so we don’t have to mess with that after the wedding.”

  She smiled at that. “Sounds good to me. I spent the morning at your river.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You did?”

  “It calmed me so much. And I talked to one of my little sisters. I think they’re going to come out and join the fight to save the ranch.”

  Kolby didn’t comment on that. If she thought two more sisters and their crafts would help, he wasn’t going to argue with her. “I’m glad it calmed you. Maybe we should have our wedding night out there.”

  She blushed. “I don’t think so! We’ll go to your house and have our wedding night in bed like normal people.”

  He leaned over and bit her earlobe softly. “We’re going to make love by a river someday soon.” Grabbing her hand he tugged her into the hallway and to the kitchen. “I’m starving.”

  The children had already been fed, and Hope was sitting with them, putting them all down for their naps. Joy and Kolby sank into their chairs at the table.

  “I made grilled cheese and chips. The kids’ new favorite.”

  Kolby smiled. “My favorite too, Mom. Well, other than ribs and layered dip of course.”

  Linda grinned at her son. “I made you layered dip for the reception, and an extra pan for you to take home with you. I know my boy.”

  “You really do love me!”

  She laughed. “Of course I do. I love you enough that I’m even going to give Joy my recipe for layered dip.”

  Joy looked back and forth between mother and son. “How often do I need to make this layered dip?”

  “Hourly,” Kolby said quickly.

  Linda looked at Joy. “Don’t worry. I make it with a Reader’s Digest Condensed recipe. It’s easy!”

  “I guess I’d better learn to make it then!”

  “If it hair lips Georgia!” Linda responded.

  “Who’s Georgia?”

  Kolby leaned over and whispered to Joy. “Just smile and nod. She says that all the time, and no one has any idea what it means!”

  “Okay,” Joy smiled sweetly at Linda.

  “Did he tell you no one knows what that means?” Linda demanded.

  Joy simply shrugged as Kolby squeezed her thigh under the table, silently thanking her for her silence. “I couldn’t hear him very well,” she fibbed.

  After lunch, Kolby and Chris left to take Joy’s things to Kolby’s house while Joy worked on the castle she was making in the nap room. She had a hard time concentrating on the project, because all she could think about was how sweetly Kolby had made sure she was all right. He may not think he was in love, but he was kind, sweet, and gentle, always caring about her feelings. That made her very happy.

  As soon as naptime was over, Joy sprang into action, rushing to get ready. She arranged her long red hair atop her head, leaving a few tendrils loose to curl around her face. Chastity knocked as she was putting the last of her craft things together to carry over to Kolby’s after the wedding.

  “Come in!”

  Chastity bounced into the room, a gift in her hand. “I got you a wedding gift.”

  “When did you have time to shop for these things?” Joy asked. Chastity had gotten each of her sisters a gift as they married, but none of the others had taken the time out of their schedules to shop.

  “Oh, I got them all before we left. There was this great little sex shop back home, and I used to sneak off to go there any chance I got. The owner knew me by name!”

  “Of course, he did. I love you, Chastity, but you worry me.”

  Chastity shrugged. “Open it!”

  Joy closed her eyes for a moment, praying it wasn’t the same thing she’d given Hope. She did not need a vibrator that looked like it had been made for an elephant. Opening the box, she found a beautiful white satin teddy, covered in lace. It was much more tasteful than what Hope had received. “Oh, it’s beautiful. Thank you!”

  “I’m glad you like it!”

  “I do!” Joy reached out and hugged her sister. “I’ll wear it tonight.”

  Chastity hurried off then, leaving Joy to finish getting ready alone. She was surprised to admit it, but she missed her mom. Every time she’d pictured her wedding, her mother was by her side. She shook her head, realizing it wasn’t possible, but wishing it was.

  By the time for the wedding, she had worked herself up into a bundle of nervousness. Hope popped in to check on her, and Joy shook her head at her sister. “I can’t do it. I can’t marry him today.”

  Hope smiled, hurrying across the room. “What’s going on, Joy? I’ve seen you look at him. I know you love him. Why don’t you want to marry him?”

  “I do want to be married to him. I just don’t want to marry him. Can’t you see the difference?”

  Hope grabbed Joy’s phone from her nightstand, immediately punching in a phone number and handing Joy the
phone. “I’ll give you some privacy.” She left, closing the door behind her.

  Joy looked at the phone and put it to her ear. “This is Dr. Lachele.”

  “Dr. Lachele, this is Joy Quinlan. I can’t go through with it. I can’t marry him.”

  “Sure you can. Okay, honeymuffin, sit your butt down, and let’s chat.”

  Joy sat on the edge of her bed. “I’m sitting.”

  “What’s going on? You’re marrying Kolby, right?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Why can’t you marry him?”

  Joy felt the tears start to fall, glad she’d worn waterproof mascara. “He says he’s never going to love me!”

  “He doesn’t mean it, snookums. Kolby has been through a lot. I guess you know about the stupid underwear models and equally stupid women who are now married to them?”

  Joy hiccupped a laugh. “Yes.”

  “Do you know about the girl he was about to propose to?”

  “Rachelle? I didn’t know he was about to propose, but I know he thought he was in love.”

  “Yeah, that idiot. Anyway, she messed with his head a little bit. Give him some time. Show him you’re not like her. He’ll come around. That man will be declaring his undying love within two weeks.”

  “Two weeks?” Joy laughed. “You think he’s really going to love me within two weeks?”

  “If not two weeks, then three. He’ll love you soon. You have my word.”

  “You really think he’s the one for me?”

  Dr. Lachele sighed heavily. “I know he’s the one for you. I’d have matched you two up. You were meant for each other. Now go marry the man and then take him to his house and do him like a wild woman!”

  Joy shook her head. “My mother would be so appalled if she could hear you!”

  “And that’s why you called me and not your mother. Go on. When’s the wedding?”

  Joy looked at the alarm clock on the nightstand. “About five minutes ago.”

  “Get out there and see what Brother Anthony has to say this time. I have to say, I wish I could be in the congregation for every wedding that man officiates in. He’s pretty awesome.”

  “Thank you, Dr. Lachele.”

  “You’re welcome, sweet stuff. Be happy.”

  Joy put the phone down and got to her feet, looking down at her toes which were sticking out from under her dress. Seeing the pretty pink polish she’d put on them just hours before made her feel better.

  She walked to the door and opened it, finding Faith waiting for her. “You ready?” Faith asked, her eyes seeming to understand what had happened.

  Joy nodded. “I’m ready. I promised one of you would send pictures to Grace of the wedding.”

  Faith nodded. “I’ll do it.”

  They linked arms and walked into the kitchen together, and then outside to where Brother Anthony was waiting nervously, plucking at his tie.

  “Well, there’s our bride!”

  Joy leaned toward Faith. “Someone reminded him of my name, right?”

  “I did, and so did Hope. I’m sure he’s forgotten anyway.”

  Faith released her arm, walking to stand beside Cooper. Joy continued on alone, walking until she reached Kolby’s side.

  “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to help these two nice young people get hitched.”

  Joy heard Hope’s laugh from behind her, and suddenly she felt free. This was going to be easy. Brother Anthony’s ineptness at weddings made everything easier.

  “Do you, pretty red-headed girl, take Kolby here to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love, honor, and kiss a lot ‘til death do you part?”

  Joy bit her lip to stifle the laughter, nodding. “I do.”

  “And do you, Kolby, take this pretty little thing to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love, honor, and have fun with for the rest of your life?”

  Kolby looked deeply into Joy’s green eyes. He nodded. “I sure do.”

  “Then you’re married. Kiss her like you mean it, Kolby!”

  Kolby pulled Joy to him and kissed her sweetly, his hands holding her a little closer than was really proper.

  Joy had tears in her eyes when she turned to the people watching them. Her family.

  7

  During the short reception that followed, Kolby kept his eyes glued to his bride. His mother had baked a wedding cake which they cut together and fed to each other. When Joy’s tongue touched his finger, it was all he could do not to pick her up and carry her off to his house right then. She was his wife now. There was nothing stopping him from making love to her, except all the people surrounding them.

  After they’d had cake, Joy rested her head on his shoulder. “You know, Kolby, I was thinking.”

  He eyed her skeptically. “What were you thinking?”

  “It’s awfully peopley in here. Maybe we should go to your place where there are fewer people and more of just the two of us.”

  He grinned. “I have never heard anyone say anything smarter in my whole life.” He grabbed her hand and dragged her over to his mother. “We’re leaving. Remember, Joy’s not working tomorrow.”

  Linda nodded. “I remember.” She hugged Joy tightly. “Welcome to the family. I can’t believe I already have three daughters!”

  “Well, you’d better claim Chastity fast, because she’s going to be the only one left, and she’s ready for some individual attention.”

  Linda laughed. “I think I can handle Chastity.”

  Joy shrugged. “You’ve been warned!”

  Kolby caught her hand again. “We’re leaving,” he called out over their chattering brothers and sisters, pulling her toward the door.

  “Wait, we need to get the last of my things from my room.”

  He sighed. “Do you need them tonight?”

  She started to say no, but then she remembered the teddy Chastity had bought her. “I do.”

  “Let’s get them then.” They walked to her room together, and he grabbed the two bags resting on the bed. “This it?”

  She nodded. “If there’s anything else, I can get it later in the week. That’s all I need for tonight and tomorrow.”

  He kept her hand in his, not saying anything to the others as he dragged her toward the front door. He opened the passenger door on his truck and helped her in, noticing then her bare toes sticking out. “Did you get married with no shoes on?” he asked, obviously surprised.

  “Real women don’t wear shoes,” she said calmly, tucking the full skirt of the dress around her.

  Kolby shook his head as he threw her stuff in the back and walked around to the other side. He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. “I’m so glad we’re married.”

  She grinned at him, glad the actual ceremony was over. “Me too. And Brother Anthony didn’t once refer to me as ‘insert bride’s name here.’ I was amazed!”

  “No, you were the pretty red-headed girl. I’m not sure why the congregation hasn’t found another pastor, but he’s been around for as long as I can remember.” He drove quickly over the ranch’s roads to his house, running around the truck to let her out again. “I still can’t believe you were barefoot,” he said as her toes stuck out from under the dress.

  “Here’s the real truth about me Kolby. I hate shoes. I would rather spend the rest of my life barefoot and never put on another high heel. I can deal with sneakers, but that’s just about it.”

  “I guess I learn more about you every day.” He helped her down and took her hand, leading her toward the house.

  “I need the bags in the back,” she reminded him.

  He sighed. “You’re not going to have any time for crafts tonight anyway.”

  She shrugged. “I still need my bags.”

  He walked to the back of the truck and got her things, carrying them into the house. “Happy now?”

  She nodded. “Give me a minute. I’m going to go get ready for bed.” Taking the bags from his hands, she walked into the bedroom and closed the door beh
ind her.

  Kolby stood looking at the closed door for a minute. Had she really just shut him out of his own bedroom?

  He stalked back and forth across the living room, waiting for her to let him know she was ready. Finally, after what seemed like hours, he heard her call to him. “I’m ready!”

  He hurriedly opened the bedroom door, and found her lying across the bed, her hair down around her bare shoulders. It was her attire that had his eyes popping out of his head. She wore a skimpy little white teddy. He swallowed hard. “Was that in the bags?”

  She nodded. “A wedding gift from Chastity.”

  “She can buy you clothes any day.” He kept his eyes on hers as he shrugged out of his suit jacket and draped it over the back of a chair. Then he removed his tie, and unbuttoned his shirt. “You look beautiful.” He took off his socks and shoes, stalking over to her in just his slacks.

  “Hi,” she whispered softly, as he sat down on the bed in front of her.

  “Hi.” His hand reached out and he trailed one finger from the top of her shoulder down her arm. “You’re so soft.”

  She sat up, moving both hands to his chest. “You’re not.”

  He grinned. “I’m not supposed to be soft. You are.” His lips brushed against hers. “Gizmo and I are very excited to reach this point in our relationship.”

  Joy’s eyes sparkled with happiness. “Oh, really? Does Gizmo have some sort of special interest in me?”

  He laughed. “He’s dying to show you.” He looked down at her scantily clad body, his eyes taking in every detail. “He likes that thing you’re wearing.”

  “So kind of you to speak for him.” She caught the back of his neck in her hands and pulled him to her for a kiss. “Share that with Gizmo, would you?”

  “Oh, trust me. Giz felt that!” He stroked his hand over her bare arm, moving the spaghetti strap on her shoulder down. His lips quickly followed the path of his fingers. He knew he had to be gentle and take things slowly, but all he could think about was laying her down and spreading her thighs.

  Joy stroked his chest, glad that she didn’t have to feel guilty about touching him. She’d wanted this from the second day she’d known him, but she’d refused to hurry things along after she’d set the time frame. “You feel so good!”