Making Her Mine Book 4 Racing D Ranch: Taking My Bride Read online

  Making Her Mine Book 4 Racing D Ranch

  Taking My Bride

  Kash Lamar

  Contents

  Prologue

  1. Race Dorrance

  2. Jake Lancer

  3. Milt Teague

  4. Race

  5. Race

  6. The Wedding

  7. Th Reception

  8. The Honeymoon I

  9. The Honeymoon II

  10. Milt

  11. Race

  12. Jake

  13. Milt

  14. Race

  15. The Surgery

  16. Jake

  17. The Letter

  18. Milt

  19. Race

  20. Milt

  21. Jake

  22. Race

  23. Jake

  24. Race

  25. Jake

  26. Race

  27. Jake

  28. Race

  29. Jake

  Epilogue

  Claiming My Cowgirl

  Also by Kash Lamar

  Copyright © 2019 by Kash Lamar

  All rights reserved.

  The contents of this book are entirely fictitious and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, is coincidental.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  For mature audiences over 18: Adult content.

  Prologue

  Race

  “What a fun day! Do you think so?” I asked Jake on the drive home.

  “It was too damn good! You were a sight for sore eyes in those silks, still too dishie for your own good.” My man laughs, squeezes my leg. “I’ll never hear the end of this from Henley. One happy man I’d say.”

  “I figured the paint could win. Being the long shot made the payout high dollar, certainly sweet enough to give Rich money for racing stock.”

  “I just hope he doesn’t want to leave his foreman position at the ranch.” Jake sounds a bit worried over it.

  “He won’t. I’ll train his horses for him. I wouldn’t be able to teach him how. He’ll have plenty of time to run the ranch and mess with the track.”

  “I’m glad you’re confident. He could get a wild idea.”

  “The question is, are you confident you want to be my husband in only one more day?”

  “I’m a long ways past ready. What about you?”

  “Race Lancer has a unique quality to it. I’m taking your name, Jake.”

  “Then I’m making you mine forever. That’s how long I’ll be loving you, baby.”

  Chapter 1

  Race Dorrance

  Morning light peeps through my bedroom window laying intricate shadow patterns up the walls to the beams on the ceiling. As I lay here gazing at the lines, excitement rushes through me knowing this is my last time to wake up alone. In the morning the first thing I’ll see is the deep cut muscles in Jake’s massive shoulders and arms and his adorable bedroom eyes. Today I marry the man who captured me in all ways.

  I’ll become Mrs. Jake Lancer.

  All my thoughts run over the bazaar array of things that’s happened since the day I met Jake. Never did the thought cross my mind I’d fall in love in a parking lot in Denver! If someone told me I’d do such a flippant thing as meet a man one afternoon and believe I felt love for him I would’ve laughed in their face. It sounds that strange and silly, that much of a fairytale. But I should have known what I felt when he looked at me was far past the norm.

  When he grabbed me breaking my fall, crushing me into his chest, he changed my world. The thrill of his arms tight around me pressing me into him, his smell, those eyes piercing into me. I wanted him to rip my clothes off and throw me down right there. No, not true — what I really wanted was for him to hold me and not let go.

  I remember each move, each breath, all the emotions of desire I felt exactly as it happened that day. It was the most carnal stirring I had experienced in my few short years of laying under a man. So much so, I knew I had to feel his skin next to me no matter what he might think of me afterward. That’s how inflamed he made me. I should have felt at least a tiny measure of self respect and not bed down with a complete stranger that way, but I didn’t. I knew I wanted him.

  We made love that night, I mean truly made love, as if we had lived a thousand lives together. We both knew everything about the other. The level of safety I felt with him shocked me. My history has been to hold back with men, not really trusting them which keeps me in ready mode but with him everything is a new rodeo. Then I lost Jake only to find him again, seriously injured. I fell deeper into his heart as we went through that horrific ordeal of his injury and recovery.

  My life has only gotten better in that every time Jake looks at me, touches me, it's the same wondrous expression of his love, his desires. I feel our bond grow stronger each day as our relationship deepens.

  Who could believe those beginnings would lead to us getting married today.

  It's truly magic. Jake is magic.

  When the phone rings, I‘m not surprised.

  “Can’t see your pretty face with the door closed.”

  “Tomorrow morning you’ll see it first thing, up close in the most personal way.”

  “But what about this morning… for a quick cup?” He notices me hesitate. “Come on, baby. I miss you.” He’s whining. It’s a struggle to hold in my chuckle.

  “Is that begging I hear?”

  “Not really… well, sort of. Okay, maybe.”

  We both break out laughing at our little game.

  “Now listen, don’t get any ideas about changing your mind, Race. I’d have to tear up that little butt of your.”

  “Don’t you try to duck out, either. Miranda would have a conversation with you.”

  “You crazy woman, I love you!”

  “Same to you handsome. Keep a watch for my face at the meadow.”

  I don’t want to see Jake until we meet at our ceremony. Yes, call me superstitious. I need this time for gathering myself and for a meditation of gratitude to set the tone for this special day. That's what I feel in my heart and I want that energy to go out to the people coming for the wedding. Most of all, I want him to feel my devotion for him and my family to see how happy I am.

  “Do I smell coffee, Pat?“ I asked on the intercom. Milt and Jake can be heard in the background talking up a storm.

  “It's ready.“

  “Mornin’ girlie. I’m bring in your coffee,” Jake calls out quite cheerful.

  “NO! Do not come in here!”

  They crack up and I see he’s clowning. Cowboys are awful that way and if I had to bet, I’d say Milt put him up to it.

  A light knock on the door, in comes Bob, Alvaro, and Pat with a breakfast tray for all of us.

  “Mind if we have a bite with ya’?” Bob asked showing his sweet unique smile.

  “I’d like that on this special morning. I hope nothing goes wrong today.”

  “You don't have to worry, you have all the luck of the Irish with you.“ Pat truly believes in Irish luck. Maybe I do as well.

  “Believe me, I’m counting on it.” That’s not a lie since you could say I’m anxious over details after hearing more than a few wedding day horror tales.

  “We are here to make sure all goes right.“ Alvaro jumps in fast to let me know they’re taking care of things.

  “If anyone can make something perfect it would be you three.” That’s the truth.

  “This is a spec
ial day for you, girlie and I’m sure you'll be happy. This man you picked, he loves you almost too much.“ Alvaro pats me on my arm.

  Pat gives a nod of agreement to that.

  Their comments make me see how Jake's feelings show strongly to others. They see it and have no doubts that it’s real.

  “I'm glad you guys like him. He thinks the whole crew is the greatest bunch of men around.“

  Bob hasn’t said much but he looks to be enjoying the conversation then he joins in.

  “I been thinkin’ on the good times we had while we was trying to get ya’ grown… what a pistol ya’ was.“ Bob glances around the group.

  “Those days were the good stuff. I sure didn’t think a tiny little girl could run me ragged but you did. You were so damn cute and a sweetie, I didn’t mind.“ Pat’s grinning.

  “Yep, she could put me out of breath in short order.” Bob chuckled. “And she put Milt through the grinder.”

  “I thought I was a good kid.” Better take up for myself since no one else is.

  “Thanks goodness you was in the saddle and out of the way most of the time,” Alvaro chimes in.

  Of course, the bear cub misadventure gets told again for the millionth time — I only wanted to brush the cubs and make their fur shine. I saw nothing wrong with that.

  A few more stories go around before they stand up to leave.

  “The bottom line is this. I love you two wild Irishmen and this handsome Mexican Vaquero to pieces. You men have to stay around to help me have my baby when the time comes, next year I hope.”

  “We will be right there.”

  Our arms go around each other. Pat tries to say something but his voice fails him. I know what that means and rushed him off for more coffee. Alvaro doesn’t say a thing but kisses my cheek and squeezes me before leaving. Bob lingers behind.

  “Girlie, I know things will be the same after ya’ marry today, but not all together the same. Ya’ got a good man, he’ll protect ya’ with all he has, but that won’t keep me from throwin’ my rope if needed.”

  “I was hoping you’d feel that way. I’d be lost if you weren’t close like you’ve always been.”

  “I’m well pleased he chose to live here on the RD. Now, I don’t want ya’ being concerned over ya’ brother. Let him go through his moods. I’ll take care of it.”

  “Do you think Milt’s okay? He makes me worry like a fool.” I watch for a clue about his behavior but I don’t see anything.

  “He’s going through a stage right now but he’ll come through to good. Ya’ have to trust me and not worry. My best advise to ya’ honey, is to smile no matter what and be happy, the way we taught ya’ to do. Find the good in all things even when it’s hard to see, an keep doing ya’ prayers. Life is a gift, ya’ have to appreciate ever simple thing about it.”

  I step around the table and we hug before he leaves. “I love you, Father Bob.”

  “Ya’ a good one, honey. Yes sir, ya’ are. Jake’s a blessed man an he knows it.”

  The morning is getting busy — hairdressers, makeup gals, and the wedding coordinator filing in. A fast phone call to the barn as I don’t want anyone to hear me.

  “Alvaro. I sent the things for my horse.”

  “I have them but you haven’t told me which mount. All your horses are worked.”

  “The Arabian Stallion with his silver show bridle.”

  “The tradition?” Alvaro is too savvy. He knew the moment I told him which horse.

  “Maybe.”

  “Can Jake do it?”

  “He’ll have to, right?”

  Alvaro chuckles. “I will swap his horse out for a better mount.”

  “Yes, please do that. I’ll meet you at the barn when it’s time.”

  There’s rowdy noise out in the kitchen which means the whole crew is rolling in.

  “We’re gonna knock on the door and come in,” they call into the the intercom.

  “Oh my… Look at you guys, all gussied up! What a handsome bunch — the ladies will try to snag you, be careful.”

  We laugh and joke with the sharing of silly things from long time ago. Each one gives me their best bit of advise as good wishes go around the group.

  “We’ll all have the day off tomorrow but that doesn’t mean to get falling down drunk, boys.”

  “No, we surely wouldn’t do such a thing, Race.”

  “Right.” I giggle as they leave knowing full well they’ll have more than a few too many. I hear Jake’s unique voice as they drag him off to Milt’s house.

  Chapter 2

  Jake Lancer

  This day has been a long time coming. Last night I thought of Race most of the night envisioning how complete my life will be to wake up with her in my arms. I did want to see her this morning but she has her mind set against it. Guess that’s important to brides since the married guys said their women did the same thing. The crew wanted to take me to Denver for a bachelor party but that was a big no. Not a bit of interest do I have in a party at a strip joint. She didn’t ask me not to go but I could see she was glad I declined, could be because she knows how rowdy these men can get. Our wedding is a dream come true for us and I want it to be everything she wants.

  That girl stole my heart and soul. I love her way more than I thought possible. But there’s no way to stop from being pulled into the web she weaves. When I think of the reasons why she affects me the way she does there's too many to list. In all honesty, I’d have to say everything about her puts me on a high charge, especially her mix of toughness and muscle with softness and sweetness. No man could get away once he’s been close to her, even if he wanted to.

  I hear men talk about their women but there’s no tone of excitement in their voice. I’m positive Race and I are holding aces to share this deep connection we have. I won’t have a problem with losing the thrill of loving her. We haven't lost our desire, or our respect, for each other and we've been tested with hard times together right out of the gate.

  I mean, think of the way it all started, me with my bullshit lies to her would’ve been enough to end everything before it happened. Then me leaving on an assignment and trying to patch things up by phone calls. And the accident causing me to disappear with no way to reach her. I couldn't think, couldn't feel, couldn't anything. All I knew was I had to keep calling her and make her hear me — and she did. I thought I was dreaming when I first heard her voice in the hospital but then she took my hands. When I felt her arms around me I knew she was really there holding me. That woman took care of me night and day never leaving my side. What a heart of gold she has!

  Just when I thought everything was fine Sandy puts on her damn little show. Race and I got that taken care of but then — Milt jumps on the bandwagon and starts playing his own song. My girl has no clue what’s up with him. It makes me feel bad for her. The important people was on our side. Bob, Alvaro and Pat accepted me into the clan straight away and my parents see us as a perfect match. They see we have this extreme amount of commitment to each other. Of course, Milt is still moping around like the teenage boy who didn't get a prom date but I can't worry about him. However, if he yanks my chain too much I plan to take him down. I’ve wanted to for a long time. After we’re married he’ll be on much thinner ice with me.

  I can't wait to see Race when she comes to me at the wedding. I know she'll be so far past gorgeous I won't be able to handle it. That woman is outrageously hot while working at the barn on a normal day. I think of the night we went out in Denver — that tight red dress fucking killed me.

  All to hell! What a knockout she was. But etched in my brain is the day she took me to the homestead cabin — that was completely indescribable. Nothing in the world like that day, save for the first time I held her. Of course, I think the same thing about every time she’s taken me into her warmth. The way we’re close is supreme, overflowing emotions of our need for each other, all of it. Just fuckin’ all of it. This woman definitely knows how to make me satisfied. I want to make
her feel the same way for the rest of time.

  Milt needs to get his act together and straighten up. His bad moods keeps Race upset though she says it doesn't. But I see that she’d like for him to be in a better frame of mind. We all would. After being at the track with them, I realize how essential it is for her safety that he's on point and not jacking around over his hurt feelings.

  Having said all that, he’s the one I have to count on to be there for her. The only reason I’d trust him to take care of her is I know the man loves her beyond reality. The truth is he feels for her just as much as I do. But the thought of him holding her, having her, is a raging fire in my gut straight from hell. Beyond that… she’d be safer with him than with any other man. I’m positive, beyond a shadow of a doubt, he’d never harm her.

  Let me hope it doesn't come down to where he'll have to rise up to his commitment. I pray it doesn't. Right now I have to keep focused on the day I’m in and love my gal every minute, doing all I can to make her days bright and cheerful while we make a few memories.

  I know the image of my bride will be etched into my soul when I see her. She’ll forever be with me. Nothing can break what we have together, nothing. She's so excited she shines stronger than the sun. That's the thing about Race, she has such powerful love it goes out into the ether touching everyone around her. I've not known anyone like her, I don't think there is anyone even close to her. And I'm the lucky man she chose to call her own.