Page 30 of What the Cowboy Wants (The Westons of Montana #3)

T he two weeks leading up to their wedding, was busy.

It was the second week in October, temperatures had dropped, freezing the ground, creating hard uneven terrain that could lead to foot injuries for cattle.

They’d already started preparations for the cold months lying ahead and had brought the cattle from the pastures closer where they were all in one place so that they could keep an eye on them in the harsh elements.

As Cooper stepped into his house on Friday night, he was ready to drop. After they’d finished with the day’s work, he had to go and check on Scarlett and the other horses before he could relax.

He was getting married tomorrow. Over the past two weeks, he’d rarely seen Rose.

The women were busy with the preparations and after that first night her had parents arrived and he’d slipped into her room, he’d stayed put on the ranch.

Rose needed time with her people, he knew, but damn it, he couldn’t wait to bring her to his house, his bed.

The dogs were all over him. “I know, I know, you’ve been alone, but I’m here now. You must be hungry…”

But barking, Prince, Charlie, and Lady ran down the corridor toward his bedroom.

What now? Quickly he put out food for them. When they’d showed him what they wanted, they’d be hungry.

As he followed them to his room where they were still barking, he began to unbutton his shirt. He desperately needed a shower. They’d been among the cattle all day. Just before he walked through the door, his heart kicked against his ribs and he knew: His Rose was here.

He entered the room with his eyes on the bed, but she wasn’t there.

“Where is she?” he asked the dogs and laughed.

Of course she would’ve known he would need a shower.

Kicking off his boots and jeans, he followed them to the bathroom.

Behind the closed door he could hear water falling.

“Okay, I’ve found her,” he said to the three looking expectantly up at him.

“Go on, enjoy your dinner, and don’t interrupt us, okay? ”

Tongues hanging out and tails wagging, they waited for him to open the bathroom door before they turned around. Grinning he closed the door behind them. Through the glass of the shower, he could see her, face upturned to the water, her long hair hanging down her back.

He was already ready for her as he opened the shower door.

Turning to him, she opened her arms. “I’m staying with Willow tonight, but I need a shower, so I thought why not share it with you and save water?”

The need to be with her had settled in his throat, making talking difficult.

With a groan, he pulled her close, inhaling her scent, her being.

His mouth found hers in a searing kiss. As her long legs wrapped around him, he lifted her against the tiles.

With his blood racing through his veins and her scent seeping into every pore of his body, he drove himself into her blindly and, swallowing her groan, began to move.

He needed her as he’d never needed anyone before. He loved her gorgeous body, every curve, every line but much more than that, he loved how brave she was, how easily she’d fit into his life, how warm and loving she was, how she loved what he loved.

*

It was much later than Rose had thought before she was dressed again.

“I don’t understand why you can’t stay with me for the rest of the night,” Cooper grumbled, trying to get her out of track suit again.

Laughing, she pushed him away. “The girls will be at Willow’s quite early tomorrow morning. You still haven’t told me where you’re taking me afterward.”

“Told you to pack your bikini. Come to think of it, I don’t think you’ll even need that,” he said slipping his hands inside her pants. Within seconds he’d found her heat.

“Cooper…” was all she managed as he quickly got rid of the pants.

“I’ll make sure you’re in time for your friends,” he grinned as he picked her up. “But I haven’t had my fill of you yet.”

*

Even on the day you were getting married, there was work to be done. By the time Cooper got back to his house, there was just enough time to shower and get dressed. Becket was waiting in his truck for the gift Cooper had for Rose.

He hadn’t really thought about what he was going to wear, there should be something in his closet.

Rose would be quite happy if he came in his jeans and a shirt, she’d smiled.

He couldn’t wait for tonight and all the nights to follow.

Because Rose would be there. Why he’d ever even contemplated a future without her, he wouldn’t know, he was just grateful for every interfering family member who had helped him see how much he needed Rose.

Opening his front door, he expected the dogs to be waiting for him, but they were nowhere to be seen. Even Ebony was missing. Maybe Willow had them. He quickly grabbed the wrapped gift and jogged back to where Becket was waiting in his truck and handed it to him. “Thanks, bro.”

“Just a minute,” Becket stopped him. “We have something for you too. Mom picked it out so it should fit.” Grinning, he handed him a garment bag.

Frowning, Cooper took the bag. “I have clothes.”

Becket chuckled. “I know. But that is something you don’t have.”

Before he could respond, Becket was driving away.

With the bag in his hands, he walked back to his house. Well, at least he knew what to wear. Minutes later as he opened the bag, he had to laugh.

His brothers had remembered his blithe comment at Becket’s wedding that if he ever were to get married, he’d wear a tux. They’d made sure he didn’t forget. He had one.

*

Rose stared at herself in the mirror. It had been a crazy fortnight. Her parents had wanted to see as much of Marietta as they could while they were here, and she discovered all the beautiful places with them.

Over the past two weeks she’d also received quite a few emails from possible clients looking for her interior decorating services. Most evenings, she had to work late to finalize quotes and send out emails.

She’d also made time to talk to Janice’s students. The kids had had many questions. Using her own experience as an example, she’d tried to warn them about the pitfalls of losing yourself in social media. According to Janice, they’d loved her talk.

While balancing everything that was going on, she’d also found time to finish the surprise she’d made for Cooper. She wanted to give it to him later tonight.

But now she was ready to marry her cowboy. Twirling around, she smiled. “Thanks again, Arlene—it’s the perfect dress. And I can’t get over the shoes—they’re gorgeous. Thanks to the two mothers in my life.”

“Your mom knew exactly what you’d like,” Arlene smiled.

“I have something else for you,” her mom said as she gave her a small, wrapped gift.

“You and Dad are paying for the caterers, you’ve given me so much already,” Rose cried.

“Open it,” her mom smiled.

Inside the box was a beautiful pair of emerald earrings, the same pair her mother had always been fond of wearing.

“Your earrings! Oh, Mom, they’re perfect, but don’t you still want to wear them?”

“Well, you see, I thought now that we’re moving to Marietta, I could borrow them any time I want. Your something old.”

It took Rose a second to understand what her mom was saying. “You mean you’re willing to move here?”

Her eyes bright with tears, her mom nodded. “Of course. This is where you are. Your dad and I both like the pace of this little town, and it’s so beautiful and unique with Yellowstone National Park just around the corner. We can’t wait to explore everything.”

“Oh, Mom,” Rose sniffed, hugging her mom, “I’m so glad. I was dreading having to say goodbye to you.”

“No crying, remember?” Willow said as she entered the bedroom. “Something from your groom!”

“If it’s another pair of earrings,” her mom said quickly, “don’t worry about wearing these.”

“Don’t worry,” Willow smiled. “It’s a unique Cooper gift.”

With hands not quite steady, Rose opened the small square box.

Inside was a golden bracelet with different charms. Only when she picked it up could she see what the charms were—a three-legged dog to represent Prince, a terrier who looked like Charlie, a Maltese who was probably Lady, a black cat, and a horse.

Sniffing, trying to keep the tears at bay, she pressed it against her. “This is perfect.”

Arlene stepped closer with a beautiful bouquet of flowers in her hands. “Cooper picked these for you early this morning and asked me to make the bouquet for you.”

At this point, nothing Rose did could stop the tears. “Oh, I’m so happy!”

“Come on,” Willow said as she stepped closer with make-up. “Blow your nose, you’re about to get married!”

“Are they ready?” Rose asked Willow.

“They’re ready,” Willow grinned. “Cooper is going to love your entourage.”

*

Dressed in a tux and a shirt with a very tight collar, his brothers and his nephew flanking his sides, Cooper waited for his bride. It was cold outside the marquee tent in front of the house. Inside were heaters placed all around, but out here, the temperature was dropping fast.

A few minutes earlier Rose’s dad had announced that this was where they should wait for Rose, so even if he was going to freeze his butt off, he’d wait.

Music filled the air as his sisters-in-law and Willow walked out of the house. They all looked gorgeous, but his eyes were already back on the door, looking for his bride. The bridesmaids joined their husbands, the music died down, everything stilled.

“Ladies and gentlemen, turn this way please?” Rose’s dad said from behind them.

“Did you know about this?” Becket asked as they all turned to the face the road in front of the house.

Pulling at his collar, Cooper shook his head. “Nobody told me.”

“Look at you,” Hayden teased. “All dressed up in a tux, excited to get married.”

Cooper grinned. “Sorry you two have to wear one as well, but thanks.”

“Mom’s idea, but I’m getting out of this the moment you say ‘I do,’” Becket grumbled.