Forever Kisses (Romance on the Ranch Book 7) (10 page)

Flatfoot pulled Sally closer and snuggled his head into her hair. He loved the smell of her hair and body. She'd been lightly snoring and he'd kissed her awake while teasing her about how cute she sounded. With fake indignation, she'd adamantly declared, "Ladies, do not snore!" That's when she'd climbed atop him and slowly lowered her mouth, whispering, "So, I guess I'm not a lady."

In one swift movement, he'd tossed her onto her back and kissed her with a passion that only increased whenever they were together.

Now, holding her close, he decided he was in love and she was definitely enjoying his attention. Every day he did simple things to show his love—like making coffee and bringing it to her in bed, cooking breakfast, picking wildflower bouquets, going for long walks with her. He sighed contentedly and dozed with his head still buried in her hair. They woke again mid morning and he urged her into the shower with him, keeping them both entertained for over an hour. After that pleasant diversion, they prepared a brunch and leisurely ate on the back patio while listening to chirping birds and laughing at Rambo chasing mischievous squirrels. They discussed what they wanted to do since it was Sunday.

Together they washed dishes and playfully splashed each other before once again kissing passionately. A knock on the door interrupted them.

"Dang!" said Flatfoot as he drew back from Sally. "Maybe if we're quiet, whoever it is will go away." He squeezed her rump and she playfully slapped his hand.

"I am not going to ignore someone at my door. Now behave while I get rid of whoever it is." She returned his pinch in exactly the same spot and promised, "Then we can continue where we left off." Quickly kissing his mouth she rushed from the kitchen.

Flatfoot cleaned up the water they'd splashed on the floor and then decided to see who was visiting. There was no one in the living room so he walked to the front door that was cracked open. Through the screen he saw a man with his head lowered to Sally's height. Flatfoot frowned. The man turned his head slightly and he caught a glimpse of thick glasses. Immediately, he knew this had to be Howie. He heard Sally say, "Like I said, I'm married," and Howie replied, "But I love you, Sally."

Flatfoot opened the screen and Sally and Howie jerked around. He saw that Howie was holding both of Sally's hands. When she saw the direction of his gaze, she quickly removed her hands, but the damage to Flatfoot's heart was complete. He reached back inside the house for his Stetson on a peg, and said, "I'll be in the barn if you need me."

Without a word he descended the steps of the porch and stalked to the barn. Inside, he sat on a makeshift stool and petted Rambler. The dog wanted to play, but he was in no mood. Against his better judgment, he stepped to the barn window and saw that Howie's car was still there, but he and Sally were no longer on the porch. They must have gone inside the house. The shadow haunting his marriage had returned.

Imagining his wife's reunion with her lover put a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach and he spat out several cuss words, reached into his pocket for his truck keys, and stormed to the side of the garage where it was parked. The tires squealed as he left the woman and the home he'd come to love.

Sally heard Flatfoot's truck start up and tires squeal. She rushed to the window, but all she saw was dust. Suddenly feeling free of the past she faced Howard and said, "Howie, we had a good thing going for years, but now its over. I–"

He interrupted, "Sally, I didn't know what I was doing when I left you. Now I do. My marriage was a mistake and so was yours. We–"

Now Sally interrupted, "I didn't make a mistake, Howie. I love him."

Howie shook his head. "You don't mean that. Not after all the years we were together."

"We were
never
together. You weren't here long enough for us to be together."

"But I've changed. I promise I'll never leave you again."

Impatiently she said, "Howie, I've got to go find my husband." She reached for her purse, dug through it for her keys, and waited at the door for Howard to leave.

"Sally, you're making a big mistake–"

"Goodbye, Howard."

He didn't move.

She shrugged. "I don't have time for this. You can let yourself out." Without a backward glance, she rushed to her garage, pressed the fob on her key ring to open the garage door, jumped into her car, and also left in a haze of dust. When she reached the highway she hesitated and then turned in the direction of town. Her heart pounded with anxiety. What if Flatfoot had just put the pedal to the metal and left for good. She couldn't bear the thought and her breath caught on a sob.

Several minutes later she slowed when she reached the outskirts of Paxtonville. Halfway through town she saw his truck parked in front of Dixie's Cuppa Joe and went weak with relief. Being the weekend, the coffee shop was full so she had to park some distance away and walk back. Mrs. Hornblower was leaving when she opened the door. The elderly woman said, "Hello Sally, Cecelia's come up with a new drink called Raspberry Rambo and you've
got
to try it. It packs a punch."

Sally searched the interior of the coffee shop and she replied automatically, "I'll do that, Mrs. Hornblower."

The lady saw one of her friends outside and said, "I don't mean to be rude, Sally, but I need to catch up with Mrs. Doolittle to talk about our church's
Divine Recipes Cookbook
this year. I don't think including a recipe called Delectable Devil's Food Cupcakes is wise."

Sally spotted Flatfoot sitting at a corner table with his back to her. Mrs. Hornblower was already out the door calling to her friend. Several patrons recognized Sally and nodded or waved. Jackson and Ann Martinez glanced up and Ann called, "Sally, come join us."

Flatfoot immediately turned around and their eyes met. In that instant she knew exactly what she had to do. In a loud voice she said, "Thanks Ann, but first I've got to talk to my husband."

Everyone in the room jerked around to stare at her and then started scanning the room for the "husband." Purposefully, she walked over to Flatfoot and called out, "Folks, I'm now Mrs. Charles 'Flatfoot' Trotter." Patrons started calling congratulations as she sat in the chair across from him. Neither of them said anything. Finally, Sally reached her hand across the table. Flatfoot stared at it, lifted his eyes back to hers, and asked, "Are you sure about this?"

"You better believe it. Howie is a memory. I don't want you to become a memory."

A smile slowly spread across Flatfoot's face and Sally thought her heart would burst with love. He reached and placed his hand in hers, and squeezed. She surprised even herself when she launched her body across the table and planted her mouth on his. His arms went around her as they locked lips and the patrons of Dixie's Cuppa Joe started whooping and clapping.

Dovie slipped a hand under her head, yawned, and smiled at the ceiling. Dinner with Toby the night before had been wonderful. He'd taken her to a restaurant named
Sizzling Sicily
that he said had been around for years. The food had been delicious and they had talked until closing time about their childhood and teen years. They'd laughed and shared funny happenings and even confided a few insecurities. She'd been surprised when he said he often felt inept around his brother's superior intelligence. He'd joked and revealed a little of Preston and Freckles' history, and then said Freckles was the perfect woman to keep his brainy brother off balance.

Dovie had even opened up a little about her loneliness during childhood, having no siblings, and often being teased by peers. Toby had lifted her prosthetic hand and kissed it after her confidence. His gaze had been so intense she'd been unable to breathe until she'd looked away.

After arriving back at the ranch, he'd lifted her from the truck, placed her on the ground, and held her close. Then he'd kissed her like he had in the meadow. All rational thought had flown as if on wings, and she'd returned his kisses at first with hesitation, and then with no hesitation. Finally, he'd broken away and rested his chin on top of her head, breathing heavily, and said in a husky voice, "Please say you'll let me take you out again."

At her nod, he'd asked, "Where would you like to go? You name it. I'll take you anywhere."

 Her voice had also sounded husky when she replied, "I'd like to go back to Boot Bustin' Barn and dance with you. I've never danced with a man."

Toby had made an unintelligible sound and nestled her head against his heart. Leaning toward her ear, he'd whispered, "Honey, every dance is yours." Then he'd kissed her again…and again.

Dovie turned onto her side. Her rational mind broke into her romantic remembrances and asked the same question as before, "Are you headed for heartbreak?"

The next Saturday night arrived and Dovie again found herself preening in front of a mirror. With Roxy's help they had fashioned a western outfit by visiting Cindy's Second Chance Clothing Store, a popular shop among the locals.

Dovie admired the ankle length denim skirt and bright yellow cowgirl shirt with muffin sleeves and front snaps. Topping the outfit was her straw cowgirl hat.

Roxy tilted her head and smiled. "You look awesome!" She bit her bottom lip and said, "Maybe someday I'll meet a Toby or Sean who can see beyond these." She motioned toward her leg braces.

Dovie turned from the mirror and replied, "And he'll be the luckiest man in the world."

Roxy said softly, "You're the nicest person I've ever met, Dovie."

Dovie said, "You know, don't you, that our leaving this ranch is not the end of our friendship. If your parents say its okay, I expect you to hang out with me during school breaks. We're only about a hundred miles apart so I can be at your house in less than three hours." Dovie watched Roxy swipe a tear.

"I'd like that. You were right when you said the Trail Blaze would change my life. After a taste of what the true pioneers experienced and listening to the stories told by Newt and Molly and Chief Soaring Eagle, I realized how easy my life is. And when I see how successful and happy you are, I want to be just like you."

Roxy's confidence touched Dovie's heart deeply and soon they were hugging and crying together. Roxy finally backed away and said, "Geez, your makeup is smeared and Toby will be here any minute. We better stop crying and start repairing. Head to the bathroom while I grab the makeup bag."

If Toby noticed she'd been crying when he arrived, he didn't say anything, although he did glance questioningly between the women. However, before they pulled into the parking lot of the Barn, he had her laughing again. When he held the door open for her, she wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. She was on a real date with a handsome cowboy who seemed to have deep feelings for her, and she was about to have a—she searched for the words—shit kickin' time! She giggled and Toby bent to whisper in her ear, "You're beautiful, Dovie." She lifted her eyes to his and replied, "So are you, Toby."

He seemed surprised by her response and for long moments they just stood in the entrance gazing at each other. Someone behind them said, "Hey, Toby, get a room! Me and Martha want to dance and you're blocking the entrance!"

Just then, Sally walked by and said, "Toby, I've got the perfect table for you and your gal. Follow me."

Dovie grinned at Toby as he held her arm and they followed Sally across the room. At a table in a darkened corner he pulled out her chair. He said, "Sally congratulations on your marriage. I just found out that you and Flatfoot tied the knot."

She smiled widely. "Yeah. And it's the best knot I ever tied." Her eyes got dreamy and then she snapped back to the present. "What can I get ya'll to drink?"

Toby looked at Dovie. "Honey, what do you want?"

Dovie gnawed her bottom lip. "I-I want to try a beer. Which one should I order, Toby?"

He grinned and said to Sally, "A Bud Light for Dovie and a draft for me. Also that appetizer assortment."

"You got it." Sally hurried away from their table.

Toby sat across from Dovie and reached his hands to hold both of hers. She said, "Thank you for bringing me here."

He leaned across the table and gently kissed her lips. "I'll take you anywhere you want to go."

Sally returned a few minutes later with their beers. She brought an iced mug for Dovie and Toby poured her drink into it. Dovie must have made a funny face when she sipped because Toby laughed and asked, "Do you like it?"

She swallowed. "Not really. Does it take awhile to get used to?"

Her question made Toby laugh even harder. "We can try a different one."

Dovie said, "Can I try yours?"

"Of course." He scooted his chair around the table and lifted his mug to her mouth in an intimate gesture. Gently, he tilted the mug upward and Dovie swallowed. The brew was strong, but she barely tasted it when Toby's eyes went dark and dangerous. She was out of her element and she knew it. There were secrets hidden in the depths of his eyes.

Toby suddenly inhaled sharply and looked toward the dance floor. "Hey, looks like the band is tuning up. Do you want to dance?"

Dovie's heart raced. Something had just happened between them; something incredibly erotic and beautiful. To cover her confusion she said with too much enthusiasm, "I do. I want to learn the two-step."

Toby pushed his chair back, helped her from hers, and guided her to the dance floor as the band struck the first note. The upbeat melody had cowboys and cowgirls rushing to the floor. Toby led her to the least crowded area and put his arms around her. In her ear, he verbally explained the two-step, nodded toward a couple doing it, and said, "Let me know when you're ready to give it a try."

Dovie watched the pair and then, holding tightly to Toby's shoulder said, "I'm ready to try." He grinned and began patiently leading her into the different positions. Dovie knew she looked awkward and clumsy as she struggled to maintain her balance, but she didn't care. She was determined to learn this dance.

The next song was a little slower, but not much, and Toby continued her lesson. When she felt like she'd finally gotten the hang of it, she threw her head back and laughed and again met Toby's gaze. She could feel his eyes devouring her when he bent to kiss her right there on the dance floor. She reached her good arm around his neck and returned the passionate exchange. The musicians began a love ballad and Toby said softly, "That's what I've been waiting for." Slowly and sensuously they swayed with the music, barely moving their feet. By the time they returned to their table, Dovie admitted to herself what she'd known for days—she was in love with Toby Tanner.

For Dovie, her date with Toby at Boot Bustin' Barn was magical. A few cowgirls came to their table to ask him to dance, but he declined every invitation. When Dovie didn't drink her beer, Toby ordered her a soft drink. He only drank one beer and then also ordered a soft drink. A few cowboys and their dates stopped by the table to talk and he introduced Dovie. Everyone was nice and for the first time she felt like she was part of the crowd, not just an observer.

Grady Granger and his date had joined them at their table, but when the musicians returned from a break, they said goodbye and headed for the dance floor. Toby said, "Let me know when you're ready to leave." Something in his voice made Dovie's heart pound.

She cast him a quick glance and looked away. "I just need to visit the lady's room first." She reached for her cane and Toby jumped up to pull her chair back.

"Would you like me to walk with you?" he asked.

"No. I'm fine. Most of the crowd is either dancing or watching the bull riding. The coast is clear." Dovie cast a glance at the mechanical bull just as a lanky cowboy climbed astride the wiry-haired beast and it began bucking. Onlookers cheered, others jeered, but one thing was sure, everyone was having a good time.

When Dovie entered the lady's room, she glanced in the mirror and was surprised by her reflection. She practically sparkled with happiness. Just as she closed the stall door, she heard women enter the restroom. As she reached to pull up her skirt she heard Toby's name mentioned.

"Can you believe the woman Toby is with? What's her name?"

"Dovie," replied another woman.

"Cute name," a third voice interjected.

The first woman spoke again, "Well, maybe this sounds catty, but she's definitely not his type."

"You could have fooled me by the way he's drooling over her."

"Oh, he's always attentive to his dates. He's just a nice guy. I mean, you could look like a toad, and Toby Tanner would make you feel beautiful."

"Do you suppose he's just trying to make Dovie feel good? She's not really pretty, although her face is unique. And him being the rescue type, and her wearing prosthetics…" Her voice trailed.

"Oh, I think it's a given. Why, she could barely dance and you know how much Toby likes to kick-a-boot."

"Yeah."

There was silence and then the third woman said, "Nan, you ever sleep with him?"

There was a giggle before the woman answered. "Yeah. Once. Years ago at the river when he was a randy teenager. As he got older he wasn't so promiscuous. I think he only sleeps with Shari or Rita now."

"So, Nan, are
you
admitting to being promiscuous?"

Another giggle. "Hell, yeah. In fact, have ya'll noticed how hot Grady Granger is lookin' these days?"

"Yeah. What's up with that?"

"I think he's lost weight. I saw him leaving the gym the other day. He's combing his hair different, too."

"Wow. You really have had your eyes on him."

"Yep. Hey, just let me freshen my lipstick and then we'll go back. I don't have to pee."

"Me neither."

"I do."

Dovie heard a stall open and remained perfectly still. She'd never felt so humiliated in her life. Part of her wanted to push her door open and confront the women with scathing remarks about their insensitivity; the other part wanted to cower and disappear. The cowering Dovie won out.

A few minutes later the women left and Dovie finished her business.