Chapter Ten

Two weeks passed since Colt had left the ranch and Chelsea missed him so much. She tried to call him, but he didn’t answer, so she sent a text, which he ignored. She cried all the time. She rarely left the house because she was afraid, she’d see him somewhere.

“And just where did you go, Colton Monroe?” she murmured.

She tried to find out but no one seemed to know or if they did, they weren’t talking. Knowing Colt, he told them not to mention it if they did know where he was. God! Her heart was breaking and she wondered if it would ever mend.

She decided to get out of the house and visit her parents. She had to get out and away from the ranch for a while.

As she drove toward their place, she had to keep wiping tears from her face. It seemed like that was all she did. She missed him so much and she wondered if she ever crossed his mind. She loved him and even her divorce from Ron never hurt like this did.

Pulling up beside the porch, she stepped from her vehicle, walked up the steps, and was about to knock when the door opened and her dad stood there staring at her. He pulled her into his arms.

“Daddy,” she choked.

“Come inside, baby girl.” He led her inside and to the living room, where she saw her mother get up from the sofa.

“Oh, Chelsea, come sit down. I’m so sorry you’re hurting.”

“I miss him, Mom.”

“I know, honey. Let me get you some tea.”

“Mom, tea isn’t going to cure this.” Chelsea smiled.

“It can’t hurt.”

Chelsea watched her mother leave the room, and knew it would do no good to refuse the tea. It was her mother’s cure-all. It didn’t matter what you were going through, Sylvia Hawkins thought it was the best thing for you.

“Have you heard from him?” her father asked.

“No. I won’t either. I don’t understand why he can’t see me if he no longer works for me.”

“Give him time. We men are a little stubborn at times.”

“Quit lying to your daughter, Wayne. It’s not just ‘at times’ you’re stubborn.”

Chelsea looked at her dad to see him biting his lip to keep from laughing, then he shrugged when he caught her eye.

“What can I say? She knows me.”

Sylvia entered the room and handed Chelsea a cup of hot tea, then sat beside her.

“You don’t know where he is?”

“No. I have no clue, and I have no idea how to go about finding him.”

“Did you ask the men?”

“Yeah, I asked them last week, but they didn’t know.”

“Have you forgotten you have a brother who could probably find him?”

“Eli can’t do that. He’d get into trouble.”

“I doubt that. I’m not saying he needed to look in a computer at work, I’m saying he has a lot of friends around town.” Sylvia raised her eyebrow.

“I never thought of that.”

“I’m sure Eli would help you.”

After spending time with her parents, she decided to visit Eli and see if he’d help her find Colt.

As she pulled up to his house, she smiled when she saw him with Lily, building a snowman, then burst out laughing when Lily threw a snowball at him and ran from him, giggling as he chased her.

Chelsea blew the horn, making Eli and Lily look her way. Eli picked up Lily and strode toward her SUV. She got out to meet them.

“Hey, sis. What’s up?”

Chelsea smiled at Lily. “Hey, Lilypad.”

“Aunt Chels,” Lily said as she put her arms out to her, and Chelsea took her from Eli.

“Can you find out where Colt is for me?” she asked, then nibbled on her lip.

“I suppose I can ask around. You haven’t heard from him?”

She shook her head and quickly wiped a tear away before Lily saw it.

“Hey, Chelsea.”

Chelsea looked toward the porch to see Lorna on the porch.

“Hi, Lorna.”

“Come in out of the cold.”

“I’m heading home. I just wanted to ask Eli something.”

“Oh, okay. If you’re sure. I have tea.”

Chelsea and Eli laughed, making Lorna frown.

“I just came from Mom and Dad’s—”

“So, the odds that she’s already had tea are pretty good,” Eli said with a grin.

Lorna smiled. “Okay. I’m not sure what that means, but I believe you.”

“Mom always offers tea anytime you’re feeling down.”

“I see. Well, I’m going back inside. It’s too cold out here, and those two want to build a snowman.” Lorna shook her head. “Come back when you can spend more time, Chels.”

“I will, Lorna. Go in where it’s warm.”

Lorna waved at her, blew a kiss at Eli, then entered the house. Chelsea looked at her brother to see him staring at the house.

“You have got it bad, big brother.” She smiled.

“I know. I’ll check around tomorrow, sis.”

“Thank you. I miss him, Eli.”

“I can tell. He just needs time. I’m sure leaving a place he worked at for almost thirty years is hard on him.”

“It was a stupid reason,” Chelsea growled.

Eli shook his head. “I agree with him, Chels. He was breaking the rules, so how could he expect the men to respect him?”

“But—”

“There’s no but here, Chels. Could you work with someone you had no respect for? With someone who did what you or anyone else weren’t allowed to do?”

“I get that, but why did he have to leave?”

“Because he knew he still couldn’t work with the men, and what would he do? Colt is not a man who lets someone else do all the work, so he’d want to work alongside them.”

“You’re right. I know you are, but I miss him, Eli,” her voice caught and Eli hugged her.

“If it’s meant to be, it will be.”

“I’d better go. It looks like the snow is getting heavier.”

“We’re expecting a storm tonight or haven’t you looked at the weather?”

“I haven’t. I’m only interested in finding Colt. Please call me tomorrow when you know something.”

“Alright. Be careful going home. Get some rest. You look like you could use it.”

“I’m exhausted. I’ll talk to you soon.” Chelsea hugged him and Lily, got into her car and after waving, she drove out of the driveway to head home.

****

Colt made his way down the barn’s aisle, pushing a wheelbarrow. He went into one of the stalls and cleared out the manure before moving on to the next one. As he worked, he couldn’t help but think about Chelsea and how much he missed her and he wondered how he’d live without seeing her again.

He couldn’t even answer her calls or text messages. He needed to figure out what to do. He missed her, but how could they be together when he couldn’t work at the ranch, alongside the men?

It was a tough situation, but one he had put himself into. If he had stayed away from her, none of this would have happened. To him, the only thing he could do was leave. He’d expect anyone else to do the same if they had done what he did.

As he finished cleaning another stall and pushed the wheelbarrow back out, he saw Jett entering the barn and walked toward him. To say he was surprised to see him, would be a huge understatement.

“Hey, Colt.”

“Jett, what are you doing here? Is something wrong with Chelsea?” His gut was in knots just thinking about that.

“No. I wanted to talk to you. You are a hard man to track down.” Jett grinned.

Colt pulled off his work gloves and stuck them in his back pocket.

“What did you want to talk to me about?”

“My balls feel like they’re frozen,” Jett joked.

“Is that what you wanted to talk about?” Colt chuckled.

Jett laughed. “No. I wish you’d come back. I’m not manager material. You are.”

“I lost your respect, Jett. Steve’s too. I can’t expect you to work with someone you can’t respect. It’s best that I left.”

“For whom? You love it there. Hell, you’ve been there longer than I’ve been alive.”

“Thanks a hell of a lot for that, Jett,” Colt said with a grin.

“You know what I mean. The Cotton ranch has been your home. It’s not just your work place. It’s your home.”

“I know, but what Chelsea and I did was wrong. She fired Kim and John for doing what we did. It’s not right.” Colt shook his head. “I can’t play by my own rules. I have to abide by the ranch rules too, and I always did… until Chelsea.”

“Well, doesn’t that tell you that you belong together? I don’t have a problem with you and Chelsea being together. Shit happens, and if you two are happy, that’s all that matters.” Jett shrugged.

“Thanks Jett, but it’s not that simple. I expected everyone except me to follow the rules.” Colt sighed. “How is that fair?”

“Rules are meant to be broken sometimes. Brian was mad because he wanted to ask Christine out. Then he found out about you and Chelsea.” Jett shook his head. “It really set him off.”

Colt nodded in understanding. “I’m sure it did, and he had every right to be mad.”

“I don’t agree with that. He threw a fit like a little kid. He’s a grown man, he should have acted like it. Besides, he could have asked her out as long as they didn’t do anything on the property.” Jett sighed. “Anyway, I just wanted you to know that I don’t have a problem with it, and neither does Steve. Even Christine said it didn’t bother her. You would never lose our respect. We’d love to have you as a boss again.”

“Thanks Jett, I appreciate it.”

Jett glanced around. “Do you like it here?”

“The Coleman’s are great people.”

“That didn’t answer my question. No offense man, but you look like hell.”

Colt grinned. “Loving a woman will do that to you.”

“Well, if you really love her and you’re miserable without her, what does that say about where you need to be?”

“Where I need to be is back at work. I appreciate you stopping by.”

“Sure. Have a good evening.” Jett stared at him for a few seconds. “Think about it.” Then he walked out of the barn.

Colt sighed. It appeared that only Brian had an issue with him and Chelsea being together. After putting the wheelbarrow away, Colt left the barn to head home to the apartment he was renting until he knew what to do. He had some thinking to do.

After grabbing a hot shower, he decided he needed to see Chelsea. He wasn’t sure how the conversation would go, but he missed her too much not to see if they could make it work.

The next day, he pulled up to the house and stared at it. Taking a deep breath, he stepped from his truck. The wind was still blowing forcefully, causing him to tilt his head down as he marched toward the house.

He walked up the steps to the door, wiped his feet, and rapped his knuckles against it. The door opened, and he strode into the warm kitchen, closing it behind him.

“Colt? What are you doing here? Is there something wrong?” Chelsea’s voice trembled with concern.

“Yes,” he replied firmly.

“What is it?” She looked at him, her eyes red from crying and he wanted to kick himself.

Colt removed his hat and coat then hung them up, and turned to face her.

“I miss you,” he said quietly.

Chelsea gasped. “I miss you too.”

He pulled her close with a sudden urgency. “I miss you so damn much, Chelsea. I can’t stand being apart any longer. I can’t live like this anymore.” His lips crushed against hers in a passionate kiss.

Chelsea moaned softly as she wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in, pressing her body against his. He scooped her up in one smooth motion, and her legs instinctively wrapped around his waist.

“I need you,” he whispered against her lips, his breath hot with desire.

“I need you too, but don’t we need to talk?” she murmured back.

“We will. Later. I’m not leaving here again.”

Carrying her upstairs to her bedroom, he gently laid her on the bed before stripping both of them naked. He removed a condom from his wallet and tossed it to her. As she caught it, he stood at the foot of the bed and gazed down at her, drinking in every inch of her body. He grinned as she stretched her arms out to him, beckoning him closer.

“Please,” she whispered, her voice heavy with need.

“I will, I promise.” With that, Colt leaned down and kissed her legs tenderly, moving from one to the other as he made his way up her body. When he reached her curls, his tongue moved through them and found her clitoris. He sucked on it gently, drawing a shudder from her. She arched off the bed, clutching his hair in her fists and crying out as her orgasm hit her hard.

Colt picked up the condom and sheathed himself. He positioned himself between Chelsea’s legs and slid into her inch by inch. He grit his teeth, trying to restrain himself from taking her hard and fast; he wanted to savor this moment that had been too long coming.

He began moving his hips in rhythm with hers while pressing his lips against hers hungrily. Then he rolled onto his back, pulling Chelsea on top of him. She sat up and moved with him, grinding against him in a dance of unbridled passion. He watched her face contort with pleasure as she rocked against him. As she cupped her breasts in her hands, he sat up once more and captured her lips in a fierce kiss that spoke volumes about their passion.

He gently pushed her onto her back once more, and his strong hands firmly gripped her waist, guiding their bodies into a rhythmic dance of passion. Her legs wrapped around him, urging him closer, deeper as he thrust passionately and powerfully into her. The sensation of her warmth enveloping him, growing tighter with each movement, sent shivers down his spine.

As beads of sweat trickled down their interlocked bodies, they exchanged feverish gazes filled with desire. The anticipation built inside him like a tidal wave, intense and unstoppable. A guttural groan escaped his lips, and he surrendered to the ecstasy surging through them both.

Exhausted but satisfied, he started to pull away from her, his body trembling from the aftermath of their intimate connection. But she resisted by tenderly wrapping her arms around his neck, attempting to keep him in their embrace.

Through labored breaths, he whispered softly into her ear, “I’m too heavy, baby.” Reluctantly releasing their hold on one another, he shifted his weight to lay beside her. Their chests heaved in unison as they tried to regain their composure, reveling in the lingering pleasure that still coursed through their veins.

After a few minutes, Colt got to his feet, entered the bathroom to dispose of the condom, and after washing his hands, he returned to the bedroom. He grinned when he saw that she hadn’t moved.

“Do you plan on staying there?”

Chelsea raised her head, smiled and nodded.

“I don’t think I can move.”

Colt walked to the bed, picked her up, and carried her into the bathroom.

“A shower sounds good, then I need to sleep. I haven’t had a good night’s rest for a while now.”

“Same here. Okay, let’s shower, and sleep.”

Colt nodded and closed the door behind them. He couldn’t wait to hold her while they slept.

****

Chelsea let out a contented sigh as she rested her head on his broad chest. She could feel the steady beat of his heart under her ear, a comforting rhythm that matched the peacefulness in her own heart.

“What was that for?” he asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.

“I’m happy,” she murmured, basking in the warmth of his embrace.

“Me too,” he replied, his tone matching her own.

“What changed your mind?”

“Jett.”

“Jett? What did he do?” Chelsea asked, curious about what could have caused such a shift in Colt’s perspective.

She listened intently as he recounted the conversation with Jett, feeling grateful that he had helped bring them together.

“You were working at the Coleman ranch?”

“Yes, they’d been after me for years to work for them.” Colt chuckled. “I worked there two weeks, and told them I was leaving.”

“Were they angry?”

“No. I explained the situation and they told me to go.”

“So, it was only Brian who was upset.”

“Yeah, and I’m not going to hide what I feel for you,” Colt declared firmly.

Chelsea sat up and looked at him, taking in his handsome features in the moonlight.

“And what is that?” she couldn’t resist asking, biting her lip nervously.

In response, Colt sat up as well and encircled her nape with his hand before leaning in to kiss her deeply.

“I love you, Chelsea,” he whispered against her lips.

“You do?” she gasped, surprised and thrilled by his confession.

“Yes,” he confirmed, gazing into her eyes with sincerity.

“I love you too,” she said breathlessly, beaming at him with all the love bursting in her heart.

“That makes me very happy, baby,” he murmured before pulling her back down to lie beside him. “You know, I never wanted to get married. I was content with my single life. But then you came along and changed everything. I want to marry you.”

“Oh, Colt,” Chelsea breathed out in wonder. “I want to marry you too.”

“Good,” he said, a hint of relief in his voice.

“Colt? Can you tell me why you didn’t want to spend Christmas with me at my parents’ house?” She nibbled on her bottom lip.

Colt sighed. “It’s always been for families and I never had one growing up. Any foster home I was in, was just another day for us kids. The last couple I was with, the same ones who stole my money, would buy gifts for themselves and their biological kids, but not the foster kids. I remember the three of us sitting in a bedroom, crying because we didn’t get anything from Santa because the foster parents told us Christmas was just for families.” He kissed the top of her head. “It devastated us.”

“I can’t imagine feeling that as a young child.”

“It took me a long time to get past it but I did with Walt and Tricia’s help, but it stills sticks in my mind, that since I don’t have a family, I shouldn’t celebrate Christmas.” He shrugged. “I know some won’t understand, but that’s how I feel.”

“But you did with Walt and Tricia, right?”

“Yes, and that still bothered me. It was so instilled in my brain about family, that I had trouble celebrating the holiday.”

“Well, I am going to get you past that. It’s not just for family, Colt. Christmas brings out the good in most people, and I know you’re a good man. You deserve to have happiness on Christmas too. Not just by gifts, but by being surrounded by those who love you.”

“You’re right, but we’ll talk about that later. Right now, I just need some sleep.”

“Me too,” she agreed with a yawn.

“Goodnight, baby,” he whispered, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.

“Goodnight,” she replied, snuggling closer to him and feeling contentment wash over her.

Soon enough, she heard his breathing become deep and even, signaling that he had fallen asleep. With a smile on her face, Chelsea closed her eyes and drifted off into a peaceful slumber in the arms of the man she loved.

****

Colt sat in his office, surrounded by the comforting scent of leather, hay and coffee. The rhythmic clacking of his keyboard was interrupted by occasional rustling as he shuffled through inventory lists for the horses and ranch supplies. After a lengthy phone call with Ash Beckett about feed orders, Colt stood up and stretched his arms above his head, feeling satisfied with the day’s progress.

As he made his way out of the office, he paused in the aisle, struck by the sight of snow falling heavily outside the open barn doors. Without hesitation, he strode over and closed them, shutting out the cold and preserving the warmth inside. Feeling a sense of peace, he opened the entry door and leaned against the sturdy frame, watching the snowfall with a contented smile.

The sound of snowflakes hitting the ground was like soft whispers, calming and serene. Colt couldn’t help but look toward the direction of the house with a grin. Things were going well for him and Chelsea, and he couldn’t be happier.

Colt finished up his tasks for the day and headed out of the barn, bundling himself up in his coat. The snow had slowed down, but it still blanketed the ranch in a pristine white. As he made his way across the yard toward the house, he couldn’t help but feel content with his life.

As soon as he stepped inside, he saw Chelsea, and his heart swelled with love. A grin spread across his face as she ran over to him, jumping into his arms. He kissed her passionately, holding her tight against his chest. In that moment, surrounded by love and warmth, Colt knew he had made the right decision in getting Chelsea back into his life. And he was never letting her go again.

Epilogue

With the hot July sun beating down on her, Chelsea stepped into the barn in search of Colt. As she walked down the aisle, sweat trickled between her breasts and her clothing clung to her skin. She paused when she reached a stall and saw Colt emerge, shirtless, his muscular chest glistening with sweat. Her mouth fell open at the sight of him, and she couldn’t help but admire his rugged good looks. He turned and their eyes met, a grin spreading across his handsome face.

Smiling, Chelsea approached him as he strode toward her with purpose. When he reached her, they stood facing each other.

“Hi,” she said softly.

“Hey there, darlin’. What brings you out here?” Colt replied with a hint of amusement in his voice.

“I was looking for a hot cowboy,” Chelsea teased, tilting her head playfully. “Have you seen one around?”

Colt raised an eyebrow. “Can’t say that I have.”

“Well, you’ll do,” she said flirtatiously.

He chuckled and leaned in closer to her.

“I’ll do you,” he whispered huskily, causing her to swat at him playfully. But he grabbed her wrist and pulled her toward him, pressing his lips to hers in a passionate kiss.

Chelsea wrapped her arms around his neck, lost in the moment as they kissed. When they finally pulled apart, Colt looked into her eyes.

“I love you,” he said sincerely.

“I love you too.” Chelsea smiled, feeling overwhelmed with happiness. “My parents want to take us out tomorrow night to celebrate our engagement. Are you okay with that?”

“Of course,” Colt replied without hesitation.

“I think Eli and Lorna are coming too.”

“That sounds good. I’m looking forward to it,” Colt said with a smile, leaning in to kiss her again.

“I have an engagement present for you,” she said as she reached into the back pocket of her jeans, then handed him an envelope.

Colt took it from her and frowned. “What’s this?”

“Well, it’s not two and a half million dollars. Open it.” She stared at him.

He grinned, then opened it, and pulled out a folded sheet of paper. He looked at her with a frown, unfolded it, and read it. As his eyes skimmed the letter, his mouth dropped open, and he looked at her.

“What is this?”

“What does it say it is?”

“It’s a deed. For fifty percent of the ranch.” Colt looked into her eyes. “Chelsea, baby, I can’t take this.”

“Of course, you can. What’s mine is yours.”

He shook his head as he folded the paper and stuck it back into the envelope and tried to hand it back to her but she put her hands behind her back refusing to take it.

“I want you to have it. Colt, we’re getting married, and you know this ranch better than anyone. Mr. Cotton knew you didn’t want to run it on your own, but you won’t have to. I’ll be right beside you. We’ll run it together and then, hopefully, we’ll hand it down to our children. Please, please, let me do this.” Chelsea touched his arm.

He shook his head. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Thank you would be a good start,” she said with a smile.

Colt grinned, kissed her lips, and gazed into her eyes. “Thank you. I’d love to run this place with you by my side.”

“Then that’s what we’ll do. I need to head back inside. I have to go over the books. My manager might need a raise.”

Colt laughed and pulled her close to him. “Your manager always gets a… raise when you’re around.”

Chelsea laughed, kissed his lips, then made her way back to the house. The sun beat down on her as she crossed the yard, but she didn’t mind. She stopped and held out her left hand to admire the stunning diamond ring that Colt had given her. It sparkled in the sunlight, a constant reminder of his love for her.

She had been taken by surprise when he proposed, but she was ecstatic that he did. She couldn’t wait to spend forever with him.

****

Colt stood in the barn; his eyes fixed on her as she stared intently at the glittering ring he had bought for her. He couldn’t help but feel nervous when he handed it to her, and when tears welled up in her eyes, he was sure he messed up somehow. But his heart swelled with relief when she assured him, they were happy tears and he let out a deep breath, feeling a rush of joy and love for this woman now in his life.

He stared down at the envelope in his hands. He was now part-owner of Cotton Boarding and Riding Stables. Shaking his head, he knew she didn’t have to do that, but he was glad she had enough faith in him and their relationship to do it.

He knew that life would never be dull with her by his side. They would undoubtedly have their arguments, but the thought of making up with her made it all worth it. She was one of the best things to ever happen to him, along with the Cotton family who had welcomed him with open arms. He was grateful every day that fate had brought him here because without them, none of this would have been possible. He still missed Walt deeply, but each day it became a little easier to bear his absence. Walt had taken Colt in and shaped him into the man he was today.

Never in his wildest dreams did Colt imagine that he would find such contentment in life, and it was all because of Chelsea’s unwavering love for him. He would always be grateful that they found their way back to each other because he couldn’t fathom living without her now. In fact, he knew he would lead a lonely existence without her.

A smile played on his lips as he watched her bound up the steps and disappear into their home. He couldn’t wait for the day to pass so they could celebrate together tonight and spend the rest of their lives together. Life was truly going great, and he eagerly anticipated all the future held for them together.

* * * The End * * *