Page 36 of Kentucky Nights (Dead Man’s Ranch #1)

“Ladies.” I tip my hat as I always do to the ladies.

“Kentucky!”

“Hi!”

“Hey, Kentucky.”

I squat next to Mable, petting her stomach. “How are you feeling? Any day now and you’ll have that baby.”

“I’m feeling like a whale.”

I snort at her joke. “Funny, Mable.” The baby kicks her side, and I’m able to feel it in my palm. “Healthy. That’s what I like to see, Mable. You better call me if you need me, okay?”

She moos in return, bending down to chew on more grass.

I leave them be, taking my time to enjoy the view. The pastures roll with hills, long miles of fresh green grass. Tall pines fill the woods on either side, where I know a creek flows through the middle.

I pause when a fox dashes to the other side of the woods, the bright red fur impossible to miss.

There’s plenty of wildlife around here. I have a few cameras set up to check for large predators that I don’t want getting too close to my cattle.

Last year, a mountain lion ignored all my blood markings on the trees.

Usually, the scent of a vampire deters the big game, but this mountain lion was determined.

I was too late to save my cow. It was a horrible loss, and I had the mourning of a hundred cattle in my head. It was heartbreaking that I couldn’t do anything for them.

We haven’t had another incident since. Still, my guard isn’t down. I’m protective of my land and what is on it. I understand animals have to eat. It’s the way of life.

Regardless of mother nature, I have to do my best to protect my herd. If they choose not to trust me because they feel unsafe, my job would become much harder, dealing with unruly cows. They could try to leave, or worse, kill me.

Checking my watch, I curse. I’m taking too long. We don’t have much time before the rodeo, and I need to get there for registration. Turning on the vampire speed, I cut through the long grass that grows more towards the back of the pasture.

The meadow comes up fast, and I stop at the edge to appreciate the beauty of it. Wildflowers grow as far as the eye can see. The Black-eyed Susans, Virginia Bluebells, Purple Coneflowers, Little Evening Primroses, and my favorite, the Goldenrods. I love their bright yellow color.

I stand there for a moment, closing my eyes, and inhaling the sweet scents coming from the meadow. I’m reminded of something Daphne said.

“One day, you’ll pick flowers for a woman who isn’t me, so promise me, you won’t ever pick flowers from the meadow for me.”

Gasping, I open my eyes, wondering how Daphne would know I’d be standing right here.

I promised her too. I remember thinking how ridiculous it was. Now, I’m starting to think Daphne wanted me to have so many firsts with Dru. She saved them for me. I don’t think I’ll ever know how to repay her for what she has done for me.

Taking off my hat, I flip it upside down and begin plucking flowers until there’s no more room left.

“Thank you, Daphne,” I whisper, knowing damn well she can’t hear me, but I do hope she can somewhere. And I hope wherever she is, she’s happy. She deserves it more than anybody.

It’s time for me to start thinking of my future. What I want and need for this life that will never end. Every thought, every want, every dream, they all lead to Dru.

Gripping the bouquet in my hand, I sprint home, stopping at the front door. I’m nervous. Dru could say no to the date, which would put a damper on the plans I have.

Opening the door, the mouthwatering scent of roast hits me. I hear Dru in the kitchen, tinkering with the dishes. I try to be as quiet as possible with my loud footsteps walking towards the kitchen.

I lean against the door frame, crossing one ankle over the other. She’s singing a Chris Stapleton song blaring on the speaker while she plates the food.

I can’t help the smile that takes over my face. Happiness is her soul, and mine drinks in her joy.

She finally sees me after a few minutes. “Kentucky!” She dashes around the counter and jumps, wrapping herself around me.

“Mmm, Darlin’. I missed you today.” I drop the bouquet on the counter so I can wrap her in my arms properly.

“I missed you too.” Her cloud-soft lips press against my cheek. “I hope you don’t mind; I made lunch.” I love how she slides off my body, rubbing me in all the right places on the way down.

“I’m starving after the day I had.”

“Sit. I’ll get your plate.”

“Nonsense.” I pick up the flowers and hand them to her. “You sit down, and I’ll serve you.”

“For me?” Her smile reaches her eyes, brimming with surprise and glee. “I’ve never had anyone get me flowers before. They are gorgeous, Kentucky. Thank you. I need to put them in water. I don’t want them to die.”

The word ‘die’ hits a little too close to home. “I’ll handle all that. Right now, I need you to dance with me.” I hold out my hand for her to take. “Will you do me the honor, Ms. Whitley? And be by my side at the rodeo tonight?”

Her cheeks plump with her smile. I always want to be the one to put excitement on her face. I notice I do that often, and it makes a man like me feel real fucking good.

She slides her hand in mine, and I tug her close, dancing to the next Chris Stapleton song, “ Think I’m In Love With You.”

“There isn’t anything else I’d want to do more,” Dru replies, blinking up at me with those big hazel irises.

I want our children to have her eyes.

If that’s even an option.

“You are the prettiest woman I have ever had the privilege of my gaze falling upon.” I trace her jaw, cupping her cheek in my palm. I need to be closer somehow.

“I don’t know about that.” She turns away, becoming coy.

I pull her in close as close as possible so our chests are touching, our hands are clasped, and there’s nowhere else to go except to get lost in the kitchen to the low baritone serenading us through the speaker.

We sway, dancing slowly with no hurry in the world. The tension becomes palpable the longer we stay close. The invisible urge to confess love or want. I hold my breath when we lock eyes. She trusts me. There isn’t the faintest scent of fear. Not anymore.

I smell something sweet invading our space. I’m assuming it’s peace. She turns her head, resting her cheek in the middle of my chest, and I bend down, kissing the top of her head.

I never want this to end. I want these moments forever. With her. No question.

The song is wrong.

There’s no ‘thinking.’

I know .

I’m in love with Dru.

To the point where death is no longer what I look forward to the most.