The Millionaire Cowboy's Secret

Chapter 17



Not having a job to go to felt strange enough. But being without Matt filled Skylar with an emptiness and a sense of loss she hadn’t felt since Robbie’s and Bryan’s deaths.

A hollow shell of herself, she drifted around her house like a ghost. The only thing that kept her grounded was Talia, who seemed to sense that her mistress was unhappy and went out of her way to be amusing in a doggy sort of way.

Finally, Skylar realized she’d had enough. It was time for a massive life change. Her time in law enforcement was over. She was ready to move on to the next big thing.

Since her mandatory leave was paid, she didn’t hand in her resignation, not yet. David had called her two days after she’d been unceremoniously escorted from the office to tell her that Matt had dropped the lawsuit.

She supposed she should have been happy. Instead, she just felt numb. She felt nothing, not even when David told her Matt had removed the restraining order, as well. Hanging up the phone, she told herself she didn’t care. That part of her life had been brief and powerful, and damn near perfect, but clearly it was finished.

Unsurprised, she noted that David hadn’t said a word about her coming back to work. She wouldn’t actually be too shocked if he tried to pin the entire embarrassing fiasco on her. Once, she would have fought, but now she no longer had the energy.

Each day seemed to drag on longer than the last. Finally, even she’d had enough. Fed up with herself, she decided to make yet another change. Instead of allowing herself to wallow in self-pity, she used the time off to take a well-deserved vacation.

An online search, her credit card number and she was all set.

Packing Talia and a suitcase in her car, she drove to the Florida Keys. She’d rented a beachfront cabin for a week. There, she planned to try to relax and work on what she’d discovered she really loved— photography.

Before she left, she’d submitted the article she’d written along with the photographs she’d taken of Matt’s Arabian horse-breeding operation to Today’s Arabian Horse magazine. Since Matt was a well-respected breeder, part of the ATF’s agreement with them had been, in addition to allowing her to use them as cover, that they’d actually consider publication if her stuff was worthy.

She truly believed it was. Time would tell, but she’d bet she’d see her first byline soon—and hopefully, deposit her first check.

In the meantime, she took photographs of everything else. Dogs romping on the sandy beach, chasing waves, a fisherman silhouetted against the water and the setting sun. Talia loved the place and accompanied Skylar wherever she went. Skylar realized she was as close as she’d been in a long time—at least since she’d realized she’d loved Matt—to being happy. But while she found a deep satisfaction and a tentative sense of serene peace, she constantly ached for him. Despite everything. More proof she was a fool.

The days slipped by, and finally it was time to pack up and head back home. The ATF still had made no move to call her back to work, but as soon as they did, she had her resignation all typed up and ready to hand in. The life-insurance money from Robbie’s policy had sat in her bank account untouched, and this would be what she’d use to live on while she tried to establish her new career.

And then there was Matt. Finally, she realized he was unfinished business. If she wanted to forget about him, she had to face him and hear from his own lips why he didn’t want her.

He hadn’t called—but then, she hadn’t given him her cell-phone number and sure as hell no one at the ATF offices would give it out. He couldn’t get in touch with her online because her presence in social media was all under other names. An undercover ATF agent didn’t have the luxury of becoming a public figure.

He wouldn’t come to her; therefore, she’d go to him.

If she wanted any sense of closure, apparently she’d have to initiate it herself. Which, she decided during the long drive back to Texas, she would do as soon as she got home.

Before she could take the first steps to her new life, she had to return to Matt’s ranch and settle things with him. He might be able to go on with things unfinished, but she sure as hell couldn’t.

* * *

Back at her house, she was surprised to see several calls on her caller ID from Matt’s number. He hadn’t left a message, but at least he’d tried to contact her. This gave her heart.

But she didn’t want to hear him tell her goodbye over the phone. No, she wanted to look into his blue eyes one last time and hear his husky voice say the words that she’d know would be a lie.

Decision made, she didn’t even unpack. In fact, she left her suitcase in the backseat of the car. It was three o’clock in the afternoon. She’d go now. Too much time had passed without her knowing the truth.

Whistling for Talia, she got into her vehicle. She needed her dog along for moral support—after all, Talia had been there with her through everything.

The drive went slower than she’d anticipated since she had to travel across Dallas, then southeast. Her dashboard clock showed it was nearly 5:00 p.m. when she turned down the long road toward his ranch. The gate was still open, which seemed odd, but she was glad since that meant she didn’t have to push the call box and ask for permission to enter.

Pulling up in front of the house, heart pounding, she gripped the steering wheel. As before, the red-tiled roof gleamed softly in the afternoon sun, perfectly complementing the creamy stucco walls. As she had previously, she felt a sense of longing, a feeling of finally coming home. This time, she knew home was more than a place—people made a house a home. Corny, but true. This house felt like home because of Matt.

More proof she was forever destined to be a fool.

Though her legs felt as if they wouldn’t support her, she made herself climb out of the car and clip on Talia’s leash. Then, with her dog panting happily at her side, she started for the house.

At first, she headed toward the front. Then, realizing she’d never gone there, she reversed direction and walked toward the patio. She jumped as the back door opened and José came out.

“About time you got here,” he said, winking as he brushed past her, though he paused long enough to pet Talia. Skylar stared. Winking?

Stunned, she made herself take another step forward, then nearly stumbled as Talia surged ahead toward the door, her tail wagging in delight.

Matt. Crouching down, he greeted her dog first, then raised his chiseled, beautiful face to hers.

Even the mere sight of him made her knees go weak.

She opened her mouth to speak, and her cell phone rang. Damn. “It’s the ATF,” she told Matt. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to take this call.”

“I’ll be here when you’ve finished,” he said and stepped back inside the house, Talia at his side, to give her privacy.

It was David, sounding jovial. His fake cheer grated on her nerves.

“How are you holding up?” he asked with pseudo concern.

She didn’t bother with false pleasantries. “Fine. What do you want, David?”

He chuckled, no doubt to show her he didn’t take her curtness personally. “I’m calling to let you know you can come back to work on Monday. Internal Affairs has cleared you of any wrongdoing.”

“I had no doubt they would.”

Clearing his throat, he made a sound that could have been either agreement or dissent. “Anyway, I’ll see you on Monday?”

“Of course,” she said smartly. “And I’ll be there with bells on to give you my resignation.”

“Resignation? But—”

Then, before he could say anything, she ended the call.

Surprised at herself, she realized she didn’t even feel a single flutter of panic. She’d just quit her job. One roadblock on her path to happiness had been removed. Now she needed to talk to Matt and remove the other.

* * *

Watching Skylar pace as she talked on her phone, Matt felt a rush of love so strong he nearly staggered. While he wasn’t sure she felt the same way, the fact that she’d come here counted for something.

It had to. He couldn’t imagine life without her. Or, he thought, hands buried in Talia’s fur, her dog.

Belatedly he realized he could use this opportunity to rehearse what he should say. He’d never been good with words—hell, most guys weren’t—but if there had ever been a more important time for him to get them right, he didn’t know of one.

Obviously finished with the call, she turned to make her way back to the house. Heart pounding, he stepped out onto the porch, meeting her halfway.

“I’ve missed you,” he said. As far as openings went, it wasn’t the best, but it was definitely the truth.

Skylar, however, appeared unimpressed. She crossed her arms and glared at him. “Did you? Then what was the deal with the restraining order? As if I’m some sort of psycho, stalking and threatening you.”

“My lawyer did that. I didn’t even know until he told me. As soon as I found out, I had it removed.”

Gazing beyond him, as if it hurt her too much to look at him, she nodded. “I knew it was gone. I wouldn’t have come out here otherwise.”

He told her what the lawyers had done and how he’d fired them. Then, with his words running out and trailing off into silence, he said the one thing that was in his heart.

“Stay.” His voice broke, but he continued, “Skylar, please don’t leave me again.”

At his words, she froze, going utterly still like a wild horse about to bolt. Swallowing hard, she raised her head and finally met his gaze, hers direct. He tried to throttle the dizzying rush of desire that ran through his blood.

“I need a reason, Matt. Give me a reason to stay.” The combination of hope and sorrow in her beautiful green eyes felt like a dagger straight to his heart.

He pulled her close. Bent his head. Kissed her lips. Softly. So softly, moving his mouth over hers slowly, savoring her taste. “Is this not enough motivation?”

Though desire had darkened her eyes from emerald to sea-storm, she shook her head. “That’s part of it, of course,” she whispered. She stood so straight, so still, she might have been a glass statue, about to shatter into a hundred thousand pieces with the wrong touch.

He’d have to be careful to do this right. Nothing had ever been as important to him as this moment, this woman.

“You need more reason than this?” he asked, kissing her again, a slow stroking of his mouth across hers, deepening the slant, his tongue, and trying to convey his emotions—or at least some of them—with his kiss.

She sighed with her entire body, swaying against him. When he finally released her mouth, she held on to him as though her legs were too unsteady to stand, burrowing her face in his shoulder.

Overwhelmed, he held her close, breathing in the scent of her hair. He knew he never wanted to let her go.

“You’re going to have to say it,” she said, moving her mouth over the pulse that beat, steady and strong, at the base of his neck.

Say it? For a moment, he froze. All of him, from his breath to his vocal cords. And then, because he knew she was right, he nodded.

“I’m no poet,” he began, cupping his hand under her chin and raising her face to his before releasing her. “But I’ll try. You are everything to me—you’re my sun and moon, as lovely to me as the most beautiful Arabian horse racing across the pasture.”

As he tried to think of other words, she lowered her head and her shoulders began shaking. Was she crying? Horrified, he stopped, about to ask her if she was okay.

And then she snorted. Snorted? And then, and then, she began to laugh.

Startled, he watched her, a reluctant grin curving his mouth.

“I’m sorry,” she managed between guffaws. “But I’ve never been compared to an Arabian horse before.”

Hearing his own words, he couldn’t help but smile. His smile widened into a grin as he realized what he’d said and then he joined her in laughing out loud.

“Try again, why don’t you?” she suggested, wiping at her eyes and giving him what he guessed was an encouraging smile.

He winced. “No flowery words this time, okay?”

“No flowery words.”

“All right, then.” Eyeing her, her beautiful complexion porcelain and pink, her green eyes sparkling with happiness, he suddenly knew what he needed to say. He felt it, bubbling up from inside him, from his heart, from his soul, from his core.

“I love you, Skylar McLain. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and have children with you and grow old with you. Is that plain enough for you?”

Expression full of love, she nodded, moving toward him to embrace him. But he stopped her, holding up his hand.

“Wait,” he said. “I’m not finished.” Then, even though he had no ring, he got down on one knee and took her hand. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

She gasped, her eyes widening. For one utterly horrifying, terrifying moment, he thought she might say no.

“I don’t have a ring,” he continued desperately, aware he was babbling again but unable to help himself. “But I thought we could choose one together. New York is nice this time of the year, or we could head to L.A. if you—”

She kissed him, effectively silencing him, for which he was grateful.

“Of course I’ll marry you, Matt,” she told him when they finally came up for air. “And now it’s my turn to tell you how I feel.”

Though he wanted to hear the words, he knew he’d have the rest of his life to hear her say them. He’d always been a man of action, rather than words, and right now, he wanted something else more.

“Sweetheart,” he murmured, right before he claimed her lips with his, “why don’t you show me instead?”

And, taking him by the hand, she led him into the house, to his bedroom, where she did.

Later, when they emerged, both deliriously happy, he grabbed her hand. “Let’s go find José and give him the news.”

Talia barked. They both turned, watching as a low-slung silver sports car pulled into the drive and parked behind Skylar.

“Chantal,” Matt said, grimacing. “Apparently she and José are engaged. Do you mind waiting here while I go get him?”

“Not at all,” she said. “I’ll talk to her. I’m sure we have lots in common.”

Though he wanted to tell her he doubted that, he kept silent. She’d figure it out on her own.

Hurrying down the back steps toward the barn, Matt shook his head. As far as he could tell, Skylar would have no way to relate to the bitter, self-absorbed woman his best friend wanted to marry. He could only hope for José’s sake that she’d changed.

He found José in the barn, brushing down one of the mares.

“Chantal just pulled up,” Matt said.

José’s entire face lit up. “Great. I was gonna tell you, but things have been crazy. We have an appointment at city hall with the justice of the peace to get married this afternoon.”

“Married?” Aware his mouth was open, Matt closed it. “Are you sure Chantal’s okay with that type of ceremony?”

José shrugged. “She’s the one who suggested it.”

Would wonders never cease? Still, for his friend’s sake, Matt felt he had to warn him. “Sometimes women say things and hope you’ll understand that they don’t mean them. Why don’t you get married here, on the back patio or something? Give it a few days and I’m sure we can get the place looking nice.”

“We’re doing it today,” José said stubbornly. “It’s all planned. We got our marriage license last week. As a matter of fact, we were wondering if you—and Skylar, if she’s interested—would be willing to be our witnesses.”

“Of course.” Clapping his friend on the back, Matt nodded. “It’s the least I could do.”

“Thanks.” They started toward the house.

“I have news of my own,” Matt said. “Skylar and I are getting married, too. I just asked her and she said yes.”

Grinning, José high-fived him. “About time the two of you came to your senses. Hey, maybe we can make it a double ceremony.”

“It’s a seventy-two-hour waiting period once you get the marriage license.” Matt was actually relieved. He didn’t want to get married at city hall by a justice of the peace. He wanted to plan a ceremony Skylar would always remember.

* * *

When at first she’d seen Chantal strolling toward her with the unique confidence held only by the very beautiful, Skylar looked down at her faded jeans and scuffed boots and tried not to feel frumpy. But to her surprise, Chantal greeted her with a friendly smile.

“Matt went to get José,” Skylar told her after introducing herself. “I hear congratulations are in order.”

To her surprise, Chantal hugged her. “Thank you,” she gushed, looking girlishly delighted. In fact, she glowed with happiness as she held out her hand so Skylar could examine the ring.

It was not the large rock Skylar would have expected a supermodel to wear. The small diamond winked brightly, the white gold or silver band adorned with flowers.

“It’s beautiful,” she said and meant it. It was exactly the sort of ring she herself would wear.

“Thank you. José picked it out. Say—” Chantal leaned in close “—José and I have an appointment at city hall to be married this afternoon. He plans to ask Matt to be his witness. I know we’ve just met, but I was going to ask a total stranger to be mine. Would you mind standing up for me?”

Touched, Skylar nodded. Evidently she wasn’t the only one who walked the world alone. She had one question for the other woman. “It isn’t weird for you?” she asked. “I mean, since you dated Matt and all?”

“Nope.” Chantal didn’t even hesitate. “We were never in love with each other. It was more like killing time. Though I never would have met José if not for Matt. The instant I saw José, I knew.”

“Me, too.” Skylar spoke without thinking. At the other woman’s curious look, she hesitated, wondering if Matt would mind her sharing personal news with his ex. Since this woman was marrying his best friend and would forever be involved in their lives, she decided he wouldn’t and smiled shyly. “Matt and I are also getting married. I don’t have a ring yet—he just asked me a little while ago.”

“Congratulations!” Chantal squealed, enveloping Skylar in another perfumed hug. “Maybe you and Matt can get married with José and me this afternoon.”

Skylar shook her head. “We haven’t gotten a marriage license and there’s a waiting period. Plus, there’s no ring.”

Cocking her blond head, Chantal considered. “You know, I wouldn’t mind a ceremony here at the ranch. Would you consider making it a double?”

Staring at this woman that she’d just met, Skylar tried to think. Both she and Chantal had no one else, and since she’d lost Robbie and Bryan, she’d become more and more isolated and antisocial.

Right now, she was initiating sweeping changes in the way she lived her life. Starting over. Maybe the time had come to open herself up to the possibility of making new friends.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be pushy,” Chantal said, glancing away. She must have believed Skylar’s silence stemmed from disapproval. “Forget I said anything. I’ll just go ahead with my wedding this afternoon with the justice of the peace.”

“No, that’s not it.” Impulsively, Skylar reached out and touched the other woman’s arm. “You deserve a better wedding than that. Actually, I love the idea. Matt and José are best buddies, after all. I think you and I might become friends, too.” She shrugged, feeling a certainty and sense of rightness. “Let’s see what the men think, all right?”

Chantal looked so relieved that Skylar knew she’d made the right decision. A wedding was another new beginning, too. Why not share it? After all, she would no longer be alone, nor would Chantal.

José agreed. Skylar got the impression he’d do anything Chantal asked him to do, even though it meant waiting to get married. Though Matt, she reflected happily, had also consented to the plan.

First, though, he said he had something to tell her. Taking her aside, he swallowed hard, letting her know whatever he had to say was important to him.

“After the gun battle, I took steps to have my name legally changed back to what it was before. Miguel Lopez.”

He sounded so worried about her reaction that she had to kiss his cheek. “I’m glad. What made you decide?”

Voice wickedly low, he nuzzled her neck, sending heat all through her body. “Because I wanted our son to carry on the family name. Do you mind being Mrs. Lopez instead of Mrs. Landeta?”

She tried to frown and look serious, but failed completely. The idea of having his son made her dizzy. “Of course not. But does that mean I have to call you Miguel instead of Matt?”

“Nope.” Eyes full of warmth, the tenderness and heat of his gaze had her curling her toes. “I’m used to Matt.”

“Then by all means, Mr. Lopez, let’s go get the paperwork done.”

He froze. “Do you have your birth certificate? I checked out the paperwork José had. In Texas, you need a certified copy of your birth certificate, among other things.”

She grinned at his worried expression. “You know, I just got back from vacation. Because I’m a worrywart, I always have a certified copy with me. Along with my passport, my driver’s license and anything else I might need.”

On that note, they headed to town.

* * *

The morning of their wedding, Matt woke to the ominous rumble of thunder and the howl of the wind. Sliding out from under the sheets, careful not to wake Skylar, he padded to the window and peered outside.

Lightning flashed, illuminating rain blowing sideways in sheets.

Perfect, he thought ruefully. Their relationship had never been smooth. Of course it would storm.

He’d have to scrap their plans to have the ceremony on the back patio. Pacing, he stopped and smiled slowly as an idea struck him. Of course. He knew exactly where they’d be wed.

“Matt?” Awake now, Skylar sat up and rubbed her eyes. “Was that rain I heard?”

“And thunder and lightning. But no worries, I’ll just move the location and we’ll be fine.”

Frowning, she ran her fingers through her tousled red hair. “Good thing my dress is satin instead of silk. Where are you thinking?”

Climbing back into the bed, he gave her a slow, suggestive kiss. “Leave that to me. I promise you’ll love it.”

When he went in to deepen the kiss, she pushed him away. “Move,” she ordered, smiling slightly to take the sting from her words. “Not till after we’re married, Mr. Lopez.”

As she sauntered toward the bathroom for a shower, she gave him a saucy smile over her shoulder. “Tonight, I’ll show you again how much I love you.” Then she closed the door in his face.

He couldn’t help it—he laughed. He couldn’t wait.

Humming under his breath, Matt went to one of his other bathrooms and took his own shower. Afterward, he made a few phone calls and changed the location of the double wedding. He sent one of his ranch hands into town for umbrellas and got dressed in his Western suit. Through it all, Talia watched solemnly, as if she understood what was happening.

José arrived an hour before the ceremony. Chantal was already there, closeted in a guest room getting dressed, just as Skylar was in the master bedroom. Like Matt, José had been forbidden to see his bride until the ceremony.

When Matt told José where the wedding was to be held, José chuckled and agreed it was perfect. The two men played cards and hung out in the kitchen while they waited.

The justice of the peace arrived. He was given an umbrella and led away.

When Skylar and Chantal appeared on the stairs, both Matt and José sucked in their breath. Matt could hardly tear his gaze away from the beautiful woman who was to be his wife. She’d chosen a champagne- colored dress that fit her body lovingly. Her red hair had been piled on top of her head with corkscrew tendrils framing her face.

The wedding, attended only by the ranch hands, was tiny. Matt had no family and he’d learned neither did Skylar. José’s remaining relatives were all in Mexico, and Chantal wasn’t speaking to her parents. Talia’s attendance, Skylar said, was more than enough for her. She’d make a new family here with him.

Everyone else was already in place, waiting. Matt took Skylar on his arm, his heart swelling with gratitude. Next to him, José did the same.

At the doorway, each man opened his huge black umbrella and walked outside, protecting his woman from the downpour.

Luckily, the wind had died down and the rain no longer came in sideways sheets. The steady deluge only drenched their feet. When they reached the old barn, Skylar squeezed his arm and grinned.

“Perfect,” she said. “Our place.”

His heart swelled. He’d known she’d understand.

Inside, among the horses and the scent of hay and manure and leather, the justice of the peace stood on a raised platform in front of the stallion stall. Talia had dashed ahead and was seated expectantly on the floor near him. Flowers decorated every stall door, and if a horse nibbled on them here and there, well, that was to be expected.

They’d all four chosen to embellish the traditional vows slightly with a few simple words.

“You are my heart and my life,” Matt told Skylar when it was time for him to do so, “my shelter from the storm and my rainbow after the rain.”

As Skylar repeated the words back to him, to his shock he felt his eyes fill. Not with tears of sorrow or pain, but with tears of joy at this new beginning. A life full of love and hope, rather than pain and regret. For both of them.

The justice of the peace turned to José and Chantal. Matt barely listened as they spoke their vows. He couldn’t tear his now-blurry gaze from Skylar. His woman, his wife.

With trembling fingers, she reached up and wiped his eyes. Wonder and love and joy shone on her face, mirroring the emotions in his heart.

“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the justice of the peace intoned. “Gentlemen, you may kiss your bride.”

And so Matt did, gladly. Beside him, José did the same.

The ranch hands clapped and cheered. Talia barked. As Skylar gazed up at him, her green eyes went dark with passion and the promise of what was to come later.

Arm in arm, they turned to face their new future.

When they turned to exit the barn, they found the rain had stopped. Above them, in the still-gray sky, a rainbow glowed, transcendent.

* * * * *