Making Her Mine: Racing D Ranch Book 3: Mine Forever Read online

  "What's wrong with these people. Are they even old enough to buy a beer?"

  "You'll have to take it as a complement."

  "If I did that to her, she’d be screaming sexual harassment."

  "I think you did something like that to me." I’m glancing over to see a big grin on his face.

  "You’re a different kind of female baby. You wear a .38, drive the biggest fucking truck I’ve ever seen, and you can buy beer. When I met you, I was going for gold without enough time to make it happen. I was doing anything and everything to get a hold on you in those few short hours. Can’t they see you're my woman and I'm not interested in anybody else? People don't care anymore. They don't have any real self-value."

  "In her defense, you are extremely handsome. I can’t blame her for wanting a call from you." I wink at him puckering my lips out flirting. "But you could have a point there. We'll have a long discussion about it on the trip home to see how we can change the world."

  I mostly am teasing with him to pass the time and help his restlessness.

  The phone rings, it’s Milt.

  "How was your trip? Good. I figured you'd call most any time. You were supposed to let me know so I could pick you up from the airport."

  "I’ll take a taxi to get the RV then to the hospital. Are we ready to roll?" he asked.

  "We’re ready. I’ll text you the information. Call me."

  Jake’s doing a double thumbs up.

  I feel like the weight of the world just flew off my shoulders. He'll be here shortly. Finally, we’re going home.

  I love that guy. He’s always around when I need him. Such a great brother he’s been.

  "It won't be long now, babe."

  Jake sits quiet for a few minutes with a thoughtful expression.

  "I'm afraid if I get too excited it won't happen."

  "It makes a lot of sense honey. Truthfully, I feel the same. We’re thinking more like one mind all the time. It’s getting a little scary."

  I actually do feel how much I connect with him in thoughts, it must be more than an accident.

  "I like it. I think we’ve been on the same wavelength from the start. If we weren’t connected you wouldn’t have come to the hospital, get my meaning?"

  "I do, though it's still odd how that happened. I'll have to be careful what’s on my mind."

  "Should I catch you thinking about the buff fan guy, I’ll have to spank you. That wouldn’t make you happy."

  "I might like it cowboy."

  "Watch it, you’re dancing on thin ice."

  I keep chatter going as we giggle at nothing at all, and at everything. Milt calls to say he’s almost here.

  "I told you it would go fast."

  "Would I be wrong in guessing he’s your favorite?"

  The tone of his voice cues me to something more coming. I don’t want to have this conversation until we get out of here. There’s so many interruptions things get left hanging which isn’t good for him or me. But I see no way out of it.

  "Milt and I were close from the start. He’s the nearest to me in age, not real close but more than the others. He was told constantly to take care of me which he did. I’d say he raised me with Bob and Alvaro directing while they worked. They all were working hard to keep the ranch in the blue."

  "Do you love him?"

  I don’t want this conversation right now.

  "Of course, I love him. The same as you love Sandy. He’s my brother."

  "Is he going to be jealous of us?" Jake is sincere in his question, he’s not joking.

  "Why would he be, we’re family. None of the others will either. They’ve been with me since I was small. Yes, they care about me, but they don’t try to own me. They want nothing more than for me to be happy. Please don’t worry about something that won’t happen."

  "If I ask you how it came about them being family will it upset you?"

  "No… it’s been a long time." I suck in my breath to brace up because a long time is never long enough to get past it.

  "My parents were in a car crash when I was five. Bob heard the crash and got to them before they died. They asked him to raise me up on the RD. He still does take care of me. He’s like my blood father. All the men stayed to help him. I love every one of these roughens."

  No matter how hard I try to stop it I can’t, tears build up in my eyes. Quickly I turn away for a second to wipe them before they run down my face.

  "We’ve all been together ever since."

  He catches on to it and gets his arms around me. "I wish I hadn’t asked. You know I love you, Race. Yes, I’m new in your life but what I want is for you to be the happiest woman in the world. I want to do everything I can to make it come true. Just the same as they have."

  "You do make me happy, and more. You make me into the woman I’ve wanted to be. It wasn’t all that easy to be raised like a boy. The guys did the best they could — trust me, they tried to make me a girl. They didn’t know how. Besides, I wouldn’t let them. They hired nannies one after the other hoping they could make me more frilly. I ran all of them off real fast. I meant to be exactly like the cowboys. And guess what, I’m a near perfect image of them which I’m not unhappy about. I’m proud of every single one of these men. Jake, I need you to know that you do make me happy, and I’ll keep loving you. I’ll still love them, too."

  "I thought I’d lost you, Race. When we get home, I want to tell you how I felt the day I met you, why I lied to you, how it came about. I have to make you understand why I did it. It’s important to me."

  "We can talk about it any time you want. I do want to hear anything you want to tell me. But do you realize you can’t lose me now?"

  "I want to be sure of it, baby. I knew the moment I saw you I’d do anything to make you mine. What a crazy feeling it was. It sucked the air right out of me woman. I couldn’t get my breath."

  "I would never have thought any of that, you looked so in control. It was me who couldn’t breathe," I tell him as I stroke his cheek. "You were the most striking man I’d even seen."

  The knock on the door draws our attention.

  "We’ll finish this conversation when we get home baby," he says.

  "It’s him." I swing open the door and Milt catches me up for a hug taking my feet off the floor.

  "Look at you hotshot," he stares at me long and hard.

  "I’m the same ole Race. Come meet my guy."

  Jake stands up from the bed, slightly off balance. He catches himself on the rail, sticks his hand out to shake.

  "I’ve heard about you, Milt. Glad to meet you."

  They stand there, eyes in a threatening lock, hands griped in a slow shake as they engage in a silent exchange of ‘are you friend or foe.’ I’d guess they’re searching deep to see the intentions of the other, checking out what kind of man the other one is, what makes you who you are. I watch for the spark of acceptance between them. It’s not there. Their hand hold tightened and they have a good shake but with distance between them.

  "Yep, we’ve been ready to get you out to the ranch for a while. I was thinking I’d have to come break you out."

  "I would’ve damn sure gone with you." Jake is comfortable despite the little standoff that just happened. My brother has a special ability to look at ease no matter what he’s really thinking. And Jake doesn’t get riled up over things.

  Shortly he’s in a wheelchair and ready. Can I really believe it? My silent prayer of thanks goes up.

  Milt is fast to get me away from the wheelchair handles giving me his usual bossy face. He pushes Jake down the hall and out the door.

  "Hold up a minute, I want to breath the air," I tell him. We take in a deep breath. It was like the first sweet coolness of spring. We all laugh loud and long.

  Everybody’s waving at us, cheering as we go across the hospital grounds. Even strangers are wishing us good luck. I guess we sound quite elated. That’s how I feel.

  We keep moving to the RV with the guys talking cattle. Did I expect anything else? When two ranchers get together, they’re going to talk cows, horses, the price of beef, and how sweet a women’s ass is, if there’s no women around.

  The RV is perfect, even better than I thought, with two large bedrooms and all the comforts of home.

  "Let’s get moving. We can make good time before night fall." Milt watches us as I pull a light cover over Jake then fix his pillows.

  "You two are a handsome couple, I’d say. Yes sir, that’s a fact." The words are right, but his voice says something different.

  "She’s the beauty, I’m the lucky man to have her."

  "We’re ready. I can relieve you when you want a break." I check the fridge to see it’s stocked. I’d say Milt did a good job.

  He steps closer to Jake. "Tell me if the ride gets to rough buddy. I can always slow it down."

  "Thanks, you drive how you need to. She’ll keep things together back here."

  "Glad to see you know who’s running the show. All us RD men have known it since day one when her head was at my knee," he puts his hand out to pound dog with Jake, who’s noticing how I’m handling the jokes. I just smile and shake my head at them. I’m used to this kind of horseplay.

  "Yep, I found it out the hard way," Jake agrees.

  "Didn’t we all." Milt puts his arm around my shoulder squeezing me. "Didn’t we!"

  "So, find this out, you plan to jaw jack all day or get behind the wheel an’ drive." I use my tough voice, but my brother knows me too well. He teases even more. It’s a good start for these two important people in my life. A hardy laugh can save many a situation. Let’s hope it does.

  "Yes ma’am, I’m moving. Well, I’m glad we’re finally getting this man home. Buckle up for the ride."

  "Nobody’s happier than us," I add. br />
  I lay across the bed putting my head on my man’s shoulder as we roll onto the highway. All the tension leaves me, I’m relaxed for the first time since I arrived at the hospital.

  I won’t lie, it robbed my soul to watch Jake struggle in such pain and confusion. His arms tighten around me. I so need him. It was a true horror when I thought I’d lost him.

  "We made it baby. There were a few times I had my doubts if I could do it — you gave me strength. You did, Race. You sure did. I haven’t felt this optimistic for a long time."

  "Happy is what I am, really happy. It’s almost over. You’ll get better faster than you can believe."

  "Now I see where you get your teasing from. You’re a carbon copy of your brother. What’s your take on his approval of me?"

  "Oh, he does. He took to you like I knew he would. My brother’s a good-hearted man." I’d never tell either one of them I saw the distrust. It’s best for me to let them work it out in their own way.

  "Did I mention I love you?" he peeks at me, rolls over giving me a long wonderful kiss.

  "You might should tell me again, just in case."

  "You won’t be forgetting when I’m finished, baby. I’m putting my brand on you."

  Chapter 5

  Jake

  Words can't say enough what a relief it is to be out of the hospital. Its still hard to believe but we're cruising down the highway heading to the Racing D.

  My girl is right here hovering over me making sure I'm okay. What a great heart she has. It’s a miracle she’s with me especially after our troubled start.

  When she found me at the hospital, she didn’t have any idea of why I disappeared. She probably thought the worst since I did lie to her. Still she jumped straight into the mix to take care of me.

  I’m not sure I’ve ever known a person with her level of unselfish concern. All I remember is I knew if I kept calling her, she’d hear me. Somehow, she did. Don’t ask me how.

  Even with the excitement of leaving the hospital I'm jittery inside, starting to get quite nauseous from the movement of the RV. The doctor said it would happen and I’d likely get dizzy, it’s temporary, but it pisses me off. I want to be close to Race without feeling sick.

  Yeah, I’m glad to lose part of the worry over meeting Milt. I was concerned about it. I haven’t lost my idea that he has very deep feelings for her.

  In fact, I’d say now I’m sure he does after meeting him. He’s not able to hide his love for her. He’s as giddy as a schoolboy when he’s around her.

  Yeah, all his teasing is his way of flirting with her without it being obvious. It’s not so much a sexual look he gives her, it’s a sense of complete love and devotion.

  Just what I don’t need… another man who loves her deeply.

  There’s a clear sense Race has not a vague idea of what I’m talking about. She doesn’t see it. She would disagree adamantly if anyone suggested Milt felt stronger feelings for her than a sister.

  My question is why wouldn’t he have told her? She’s a grown woman, she has been for years. The next question is — does he plan to tell her now after he sees how close we are?

  Maybe he felt safe these past couple years by reason of her not dating at all. Robert told me it had been several years she pushed men aside. Maybe he thought there was more time.

  I have no idea of the truth but now it’s another crazy thing to worry about. If he decides to declare his love to her now that’ll be one big mess.

  She could get confused by it and back away from me to be respectful to him. No way in hell am I letting anyone take her away from me.

  All to hell! I need to settle my brain and stop projecting what hasn’t happened.

  These men are tighter than a drum with her, more than what seems possible. It’s easy to tell by the way she talks to them. Then I saw it today in action. They’re a close nit family even if they aren’t blood.

  Here’s the deal. If they don't accept me, I'll be traveling on a hard road. I can't change who I am though I will try to be the most upstanding man I can be in hopes to fit in with them.

  They apparently have stronger moral values than most. Seems they've always been good hearted men by the few things she’s told me about them.

  I mean, how many cowboys have you seen raise up a little kid spending their whole life watching over her? That's a blazing mystery, but they all did it, and they’re still doing it. All she has to do is ask for what she needs. Wham! They get it done.

  What I can see is she's selective about what she asks for, she doesn't play games or get outlandish. She only asks for what's necessary or important. I really like that about her owing to the fact it's not the typical female I've ever run in to. But let’s face it, there’s nothing typical about Race, not a damn thing.

  I hope to hell she doesn’t show me up too bad. I can guess she’s ace in the saddle — her body says it loud and clear from her agility alone. The other big giveaway is her body is rock hard muscle from years of standing in the stirrups on those horses and field roping.

  I’d like to keep the balls I have. The best way for me to see this is she’ll be really handy to work with since she’s experienced with ranching and stock, not to mention she’s a beautiful thing to have in my sight.

  In the process of all this, I have to hope her brother keeps his secret like he’s been doing all these years.

  She's fallen asleep here on my chest and I'm laying as still as I can to not wake her. She's exhausted on every level, not to mention dealing with my foolish sister.

  I'm still embarrassed about that, especially after how outgoing Milt is, though in truth, I believe it’s more of an act than real sincerity when it comes to me. He made that silently clear when we shook hands.

  Sandy will have to up her game to be around Race’s ranch. The crew will tear her totally apart. She might be in for a big shock.

  I hate to say it but it's one she needs. It’s been needed for a long time but my parents didn't want to see it. They said she’s their only daughter, so I left them alone about it to keep the peace. Now I'm paying for it.

  The nausea is getting a little more intense. I need to get the pill bottle, if I move, she'll wake. I’ll try to hold off a little longer, she feels warm, so soft, plus I get to see her beautiful face.

  This is the first time in weeks we've been able to be close without worry someone would crash through the door. It's their job at the hospital but it was highly irritating in short order.

  I push the hair back from her eyes spending the next few minutes admiring her long eyelashes, the way they curl up makes her face mysterious.

  Surprising how the simple things cause me to get a hard on despite feeling less than par. It’s still such a phenomenon to me. She is one gorgeous woman. When I lean over to kiss her forehead, she stirs awake.

  "I didn't mean to wake you."

  "I wasn’t deep asleep. How are you feeling?"

  "Queasy. While you're awake I'll get the pills." Before I can roll over, she's up getting the medicine.

  "Why didn't you wake me to tell me you needed these? How can I take care of you if you don't tell me what's going on?"

  "I was about to do that." I can’t stop the playful smirk that finds my mouth. She gives me a little spank on my bottom. She's so fucking adorable when she's fussing over me.

  The truth is I love it. I hope she never stops even after I'm back to my normal. It gives me a solid feeling of belonging to her on every level. I think that's how she feels, that we belong to each other. I hope to hell she feels it because Race is mine.

  Chapter 6

  Race

  I didn't intend to fall asleep. I should have been awake to watch over Jake. We knew he’d get nauseous on this trip still it’s the best choice. He’s much too concerned about bothering me. Hopefully after a few nights of good sleep we’ll all be on the mend.

  "Do you think a hot tea would help your stomach?" He isn’t big on tea, but it could help.

  "Let me try later honey."

  "I'm going to check on our driver, he’s probably long past ready for a break."

  "I'm good here."