“Damn right,” Katy called out, and the family echoed her in some way.
Len smiled, reaching behind him for some wrapped packages. “There’s a catch. You get to open these, but Janey and I get to keep them. Right here.” He laid a hand on the empty shelving unit behind him before turning back and looking directly at Janey.
So this was the surprise he’d prepared. Janey waited as he paced around the room, dropping off two or three packages with his brothers and his dad before coming to her side and handing her one.
It was wrapped with bright pink paper and frilly bows and ribbons. “You must be getting tired of being teased every time you go down and buy something else pink,” Janey said with a smile.
“It makes you happy. I don’t mind.”
Her heart fluttered at the words, said so seriously as he wrapped his arms around her and cradled her to his body.
“Len, this is awesome.” Anna rose from the couch and came across to him, holding out a framed picture of her and Mitch on their motorcycles, the mountain pass in the background making them look a part of the wilderness, but most definitely a couple. She gave Len a hug. “I had no idea you were doing this.”
He tilted his head to the side, and she moved briskly across the room, placing the picture on the shelf before rejoining Mitch.
One after the other the Thompson siblings unwrapped pictures. Some older, some recent. All of them placed with lots of happy conversation on the display shelf that was turning Janey’s house even more into a home.
Then Keith Thompson unwrapped a picture that made all sound come to a halt.
The patriarch of the Thompson family swallowed hard.
“I had no idea this was still around.” He stroked a finger down the edge of the frame that held a shot of the entire family. “We took that at the start summer, before we found out Meg was sick.”
Len laid a hand on his father’s shoulder. “Remember how hard it was to get everybody to stand still for long enough to take the picture?”
“I remember everything,” Keith admitted.
“We want to remember everything,” Len offered quietly.
Keith nodded. “We do.”
Len slipped his arm around Janey. She held on tight, looking up and hoping he could finish this amazing journey he’d started.
“You want to put it on the shelf for us, Dad?”
It was a silent man who made his way across the room to place the family picture in amongst all the rest standing neatly on the shelves of the bright red bookcase. Like a shot of happiness mixed with a sliver of pain, and somehow all of it together made life that much richer.
Keith turned back and nodded at his son. Took a deep breath and glanced around the room.
Janey looked as well, her heart filling even more as she realized this truly was her family now. Katy’s eyes were full of tears, but Gage had his arm around her, supporting her like always, Tanner held between them like a living bit of love. Anna and Mitch sat side-by-side on the couch, rock solid as he whispered something in her ear, her face shining brightly. Clay was staring out the window, sorrow on his face, but strength there as well. Determination.
The entire family was silent for a moment until Troy cleared his throat. “Looks like there’s still room for more pictures on there.”
“That’s the idea. Make some memories, spend some time as a family. Every bit of it is worthwhile, even the parts that are hard.” Len got the last words out before his voice failed, but Janey was so damn proud of him.
After everyone had finally left and it was just the two of them, she drew him down to their bedroom, closing the door slowly. She turned, staring up at the man she’d loved forever. Letting him see everything she felt inside—exactly how much she cared for him, and trusted him to always be there for her.
She smiled at him from under her lashes. “You want to make some memories?”
Len answered without saying a word.
The series continues with the full-length novel Let It Ride (Thompson & Sons #3), out later this year.
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I hope you enjoyed Len & Janey’s story! They will be featured in future Thompson & Sons books. You can read the first book in the series, Rocky Ride, and the tie-in story, Baby, Be Mine now. Books 3 and 4, Let It Ride, and A Wild Ride will be out later this year.
If you’d like more stories like One Sexy Ride, check out the Six Pack Ranch series.
Book 1: Rocky Mountain HEAT: Blake Coleman is in denial that Jaxi, the girl next door, is all grown up. But Jaxi’s not willing to take no for an answer anymore.
Book 2: Rocky Mountain HAVEN: Young widow Beth moves to town and finds friends with benefits, and so much more, with Daniel Coleman
Book 3: Rocky Mountain DESIRE: Matt Coleman’s heart has been well and truly broken. And the only woman who seems to turn his head is the last woman he’d expect.
Book 4: Rocky Mountain ANGEL: Allison proposes a marriage of convenience to Gabe Coleman that offers more heat and healing than expected
Book 5: Rocky Mountain REBEL: Bad girl Vicki asks Joel Coleman to teach her to deal with horses, along with everything she needs to know about sex
Book 6: Rocky Mountain FREEDOM: Can Cassidy and Ashley tame Travis Coleman’s dark and dangerous yearnings?
Book 7: Coming Summer 2014
Want to try a bit of ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEAT? Read on for a taste...
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEAT
He’s the one who taught her to ride. Now all he wants is to ride her.
Blake Coleman is old enough to know that acting on impulse causes nothing but a heap of trouble. But when trouble’s a western-hat-wearing blonde with slim legs that go on forever, what’s a man to do? Wanting the sweet girl next door is just wrong. The responsible thing to do is keep his hands off.
Jaxi has other plans for Blake’s hands, and his heart. She may have once considered him a big brother, but that was a long time ago. She’s all grown up now and ready to convince him that she’s perfect for him. Except he can’t seem to see past the big “don’t touch” sign that’s apparently still hanging around her neck.
When Jaxi ends up living right under Blake’s nose, the undeniable heat between them slides off simmer and leaps up to barn-burning levels. However, a few of the younger six-pack Colemans have decided Jaxi’s brand of trouble is worth risking a few busted bones.
That is, if Blake’s finally ready to let go the reins and fight for what he wants…
Warning: Sexy cowboys seducing and being seduced in trucks, pool halls and barns. Droolworthy country charm, a little double-teaming, a few secrets and a whole lot of brothers to look forward to. Anyone wanna go for a ride?
Prologue
Calgary Stampede, Alberta, July
“Are you sure you can’t last a bit longer?” Travis looked away, but not before she’d spotted the disappointment in his eyes. The annoyance.
Jaxi leaned her temple against the wooden boards of the pen, fighting to keep herself vertical. The familiar scent of farm animals did nothing to ease the swirling pain. She felt like the bottom of a horse stall and faking her way through any more of the day was impossible. “I’m sorry. I have to go home now,” she pleaded.
“We bought tickets for the grandstand show tonight and—”
“Why are you two still here? I thought you’d headed back to the fairgrounds. All our livestock showings are done.” Blake Coleman’s deep voice cut through the pounding to soothe her aching head. She opened her eyes a crack to peer up at him.
People wandered past, admiring the animals on display in the livestock pavilion of the Stampede grounds. Watching the rodeo and chuck-wagon races kept many of the visitors entertained, but a good crowd remained here in the quiet of the barns, far away from the roar of the midway rides. A low murmur of voices and the contented sounds of animals filled the oversized building. All of that faded into the background as she focused on Blake’s strong jaw and concerned gaze.
“Ahhh, Jaxi’s being a wuss and wants to cut out early,” Travis bitched.
“Jaxi? A wuss? Get real.” Blake tugged her arm to bring her to his side. His hand rose to her forehead and she caught her breath.
In spite of the lingering sensation of being kicked by a mule, his touch had its usual effect. The tingling in her limbs had nothing to do with the fever consuming her. She dropped her gaze and bit her lip. He wasn’t supposed to affect her this way. Going out with Travis put big brother Blake firmly off limits.
“Damn, you’re burning hot. Jaxi, why didn’t you mention you weren’t feeling well? You guys could have done the Stampede another time. Last day isn’t until Sunday.” A crease folded between his eyes.
“Travis wanted to come today and so did his buddies. I was fine until after lunch. I guess I should have stayed home.” Jaxi wrapped her arms tighter to contain the shivers that threatened to surface. She drew farther from Blake’s body and the temptation to lean into him, let him hold her close.
“Travis will take you home in my truck and I’ll drive the others later,” Blake offered.
“I want to stay for the show. All my friends are here and I don’t want to leave…” Travis’s voice trailed off. Blake had slipped him a head nod, indicating he wanted a private conversation.