Vegas Vows, Texas Nights

And then Vegas happened.

Frustrated, he forced himself to go over ranching reports he’d pulled up on his computer. He had to get some work done, had to feel productive today, instead of daydreaming about seeing Katie again.

A little after two in the afternoon, his cell phone rang. “Hey, Wes. How’s it going?” Luke usually didn’t hear from the manager of the horse rescue, so he knew this had to be important.

“Hey, Luke. Sorry for the call, but it’s Snow. I’m sorry to say it might be her time. The ole girl isn’t breathing real well. I’ve had Dr. Hernandez out. He gave her some painkillers, but that’s about all he can do for her. Thought you’d like to know.”

Luke’s stomach churned. Snowball was a mustang who’d been severely abused and she’d come to the rescue at the same time he’d returned home. He and Katie both had sort of taken the mare under their wing. They had a soft spot for the old girl. She’d been recovering, but the abuse had taken its toll on her and unfortunately with some of the horses, there wasn’t much else to do but ease their pain.

“Thanks, Wes. Sorry to hear that. I’ll, uh, I’ll come by. I want to see her.”

“Thought you would.”

“I’ll let Katie know, too.”

“I just called Katie. She didn’t answer her phone. I left her a message.”

“Okay, well, I’ll try to get word to her somehow. I’ll see you soon, Wes.”

Luke hung up and rubbed at the corners of his eyes. Giving himself a moment to gather his thoughts, he shook his head. As much as he wanted to see Katie again, he didn’t want to give her bad news.

Five minutes later, he was in his car, driving by the bakery. There was a Katie’s Kupcakes Is Klosed sign on the window. Still, he parked the car in a diagonal spot right in front of the bakery and got out. He tried the shop’s door handle. No luck. Then he cupped his hands to ward off the sun’s glare and peered inside the window. Not a soul was around.

A car slowed on the street and a young girl called out, “Can I help you?”

He recognized her as one of Katie’s employees, though he couldn’t recall her name. She’d made a few deliveries to the Boone corporate office. “I’m looking for Katie.”

“Hold on a sec.” The young woman parked her car and walked over to where he stood by the door.

“I’m Lucas Boone.”

She smiled as if to say she knew who he was; the Boones were usually recognized in town. “Hi, Lucas. I’m Lori. Do you need cupcakes or something? The bakery is closed.”

“No, nothing like that. I need to see Katie. It’s important. Has to do with the Red Barrel Horse Rescue.”

“Oh… I see.” The young woman nibbled on her lips.

“She’s not answering her phone.”

“No, she’s probably resting up in her apartment. She was pretty exhausted today.”

“It’s really important. Can you help me?”

She thought it over for a few seconds. “I know your brother is marrying her best friend, Drea. So, I guess it’s all right if I let you in.”

“Thank you.”

Lori put the key into the lock and opened the door. “I only came back because I left my textbook and notes here and I’ve got this big exam tomorrow night.”

Luke nodded and she let him inside the empty bakery.

“I’ll go upstairs and knock on her door,” she said. “I’ll let Katie know you’re here.”

And a few minutes later, Luke was face-to-face with a sleep-hazy Katie.

“W-what are you doing here?” Katie stood at her doorway, a plaid blanket wrapped around her shoulders, staring at Luke. She didn’t think she’d see him again so soon. His head was down, a concerned look on his face. Her heart began to pound hard. “Lori said something about the rescue?”

“I got a call from Wes a little while ago. It’s Snow. She’s in bad shape.”

The air left her lungs and her shoulders slumped. “Oh no. Not our girl.”

“Yep. I’m afraid so.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Thought you’d want to know. Wes tried to call you.”

“I—I was fast asleep. I didn’t hear my phone.”

“I’m on my way out to see her. Maybe for the last time.”

Oh man. All she could think about was the raw deal Snowball had gotten, a life of abuse and pain. Her owner had neglected her and she’d come to the rescue undernourished, scarred and broken. It wasn’t fair. They’d tried their best to save her, and now Katie wasn’t about to let her take her last breaths alone. “I’ve got to see her, too.”

“I’ll take you.”

“No, you go on.” She ran a hand through her hair. She must look a mess. “I need to run a comb through my hair and freshen up.”

“I’ll wait.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Katie, I’m here, my car’s out front and we’re driving to the same place. Let’s not waste any more time when we can spend it with Snow. Just do what you have to do, I’ll be waiting downstairs.”

He was right. Snow was too important to her to quibble with him about driving arrangements. “Okay, fine. Give me a minute.”

Five minutes later, she was dressed in jeans and a red shirt, her hair in a knot at the top of her head. She splashed water on her face and put on lip gloss to keep from biting her lips and then dashed down the stairs and out the door of the bakery.

Luke waited for her out front, leaning against his black SUV, his hands in his pockets, a pensive look on his face. Her stomach was still in a twist about her ultra-secret marriage to her sister’s ex. And now, the sweet mare she’d tended for the past year might be dying.

“Ready?” Luke asked, opening the door for her.

“Yes… I think.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. Snow’s a special one.”

Katie climbed in and grabbed her seat belt while Luke closed the door and took a seat behind the wheel. They drove off in silence and as they approached the canyon, she shivered.

“Cold?” he asked.

“A little.” She hugged her arms to her chest. “I forgot my jacket.” She’d forgotten how chilly the canyon could get in the later hours of the day.

“I can warm you up real fast,” he said, giving her a smile.

His dimpled grin brought heat to her body instantly. She flashed back to Vegas and those hours they’d spent in bed together.

He reached for the dials on his dashboard and soon a flow of warm air surrounded her. “Better?”

She nodded.

“I’ve got an extra jacket in the back. I won’t let you freeze to death out here.”

That he was talking about “letting” her do anything or not gave her nerves a rattle. He wasn’t really her husband—just thinking it seemed completely foreign to her—but he was taking care of her needs and that wasn’t something she was used to, with any guy. “Thanks.”

A few minutes later they approached Red Barrel Horse Rescue and Luke parked in the gravel lot in front of the small building that served as the office. “I’ll go in and let Wes know we’re here,” he said. “You want to stay in the car and keep warm?”

“No, I’ll go with you.”

“Sure,” he said. He stretched way back and grabbed two jackets from the back seat of his car. “Here you go.”

He handed her a suede jacket lined with lamb’s wool, while he took a lighter weight cotton one. They tossed them on, hers almost reaching her knees, and Wes came out of the office to greet them.

The men shook hands, then Wes gave her a gentle hug. “I knew you two would come out as soon as you heard. Snow’s in the barn. I’ve made her as comfortable as possible.”

Luke met her eyes, then looked back at Wes. “We’d like to see her now.”

“You two know the way. Stay as long as you want.”

“Thanks,” Luke said, his hand closing over hers gently. They began walking toward the barn and Katie took note of all the other horses in the corrals on the property. They were the lucky ones who’d been given a second chance at Red Barrel. There were so many others who were sick and hungry running wild in the canyons.

Once they reached the wide wooden doors, Luke turned to her. “No matter what happens in there, just know we did the very best we could for her.”

“I know that,” she whispered. “It’s just that she’s a special one. And she’s been through so much.”

“Well then,” he said, his eyes softening. “Let’s make her final hours the best they can be.”

She held on to a breath. And then exhaled. “Okay.”

They walked out of the daylight and into the darkened barn. A cold shiver ran through her. It was definitely jacket weather in the canyon.

“There she is,” he said, pointing to the largest paddock in the barn.

Katie moved closer to the stall and as she laid eyes on Snow, she clutched her chest. “Oh, sweet girl.” It hurt so much seeing Snow weak, giving up the fight.

“She’s down,” Luke said. “But she’s still with us.”

“Yes, she still is. You’ve waited for us, haven’t you, my pretty Snowball?”

Snow lifted her head and eyed them both before laying her head back down on a pillow of straw.

Katie took off her jacket and entered the stall, laying the jacket on the straw beside the mare. “Do you mind?” she asked Luke.

“Not at all,” he said, doing the same with his jacket.

They lowered down and sat on the jackets next to Snow.

“Hey, girl. I’m here,” she whispered in her ear. “You don’t have to do this alone.” Katie laid her hand on Snow’s mane and used the gentlest touch to comfort her. “I know you’re struggling to breathe. Just stay calm. I’m here.”

Luke stroked Snow’s flank and whistled a soft, mellow tune. He was actually pretty good and not only did the whistling relax the mare, it soothed Katie’s nerves as well.

“That’s nice,” she said, closing her eyes. “How did you learn to do that?”

“A buddy of mine taught me when I was overseas.”

Katie opened her eyes. “When you were in Afghanistan?”

He nodded. “We had time to kill when we weren’t on active duty. You know, something to fill the void from being away from home.”

“Must’ve been hard.”

“It wasn’t a walk in the park,” he said.

“Yet you signed up for it. When you had family here and a multimillion-dollar company to run. You didn’t have to enlist.”

“I felt like I did. I think the time away helped.”

“Are you talking about my sister now?”

He nodded. “I never meant to hurt her. I know she hates me, but a lot of time has passed since we broke up.”

“You mean, since you walked out on her? Humiliated her?”

“Yeah,” he said, frowning. “If that’s the way you want to put it.”

“It’s just that my family trusted you,” she said, stroking Snow’s mane. Luke hadn’t stopped his caresses either. “And your decision sort of came out of left field.”

“What can I say that I haven’t already?”

Katie was at odds with her feelings. She wanted to support Shelly and their mom, but Luke had a point. He couldn’t marry a woman he didn’t love. It was just too bad he’d come to that conclusion right before the wedding was to take place.

“I know they hate me, Katie. But do you?”

The question took her completely off guard. “Hate’s a strong word.”

“So you don’t?”

“Let’s just say I hate how things played out.”

Luke nodded. “Fair enough.”

“Speaking about the way things played out, any news from your attorney about our dilemma?”

Luke frowned. “No.”

She drew a deep breath. “Too much to hope, I guess.”

Snow became agitated, moving around on her bed of straw.

“I think you need to keep whistling,” Katie said. “It really does help her.”

Luke put his lips together again and the melodic sounds filled the barn. Soon, Snow calmed and her breaths came more evenly.

Afternoon gave way to evening, and the ole girl hung on. Snow’s eyes were closed now, her breathing more labored. “That’s my girl, Snow. Ease over the bridge now. You’ll be in a better place soon.” Katie bent to kiss her and stroked up and down her nose.

Luke took a break from whistling. “I remember when I first spotted her. She was covered with sores and bruises, yet she had soulful eyes. They were filled with such life, such hope.”

“I was appalled at the way she’d been treated. For heaven’s sake, the poor thing didn’t have a name,” Katie said.

“Yeah, I remember. Her coat was black underneath the dirt, and that circle of white on her forehead right smack between her ears couldn’t be missed. It looked like she’d been struck by a fat snowball.”

“And I named her Snowball.”

“I named her Snowball,” Luke said, raising his voice an octave.

She smiled, seeing the feigned indignation on his face. In truth, she didn’t know who’d said it first, but they’d agreed on the name. “Okay, maybe we both named her Snowball.”

Luke smiled, too. “I think that’s the way it happened. Finally, we agree on something.”

Katie liked this Luke, the one who showed compassion. A man who could laugh at himself and not put on airs. He was a zillionaire, yet he never seemed to flaunt it. “It’s the magic of Snow. She’s…”

They both gazed down at the mare. She was still. No longer breathing. “Oh no.”

Katie looked at Luke as both their smiles faded. The mare had taken her last breath as they were conversing. Snow had heard them, recognized their voices and felt at peace enough to slip away without struggle.

Tears stung Katie’s eyes.

Luke, too, was pinching the inner corners of his eyes.

“She’s g-gone.”

“She is,” he said. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her in close. “But she went knowing she was loved.”

Katie couldn’t hold back any longer. She nodded, bobbing her head as the truth of his words sank in. She wept quietly and turned to Luke, her tears running down her cheeks and soaking his shirt.

“It’s okay, Katie. Don’t cry, sweetheart.”

“I knew this day would come, but I didn’t think it would be so soon. I thought we’d have more time with her.”

She had never owned a pet. She’d never had an animal to care for, to nurture and love, until she’d started working at the rescue. She loved all the horses here; they all had a story. But for some reason Snow was special. She’d touched Katie’s heart and they’d shared a deep connection, a bond that she didn’t have with any of the others. Katie had taken it as a personal challenge to make Snow’s days comfortable.

Luke clearly felt the same way. His eyes moist, his expression sad, he couldn’t mask his sorrow either. He brushed his lips across her forehead. She needed his warmth right now, his strength.

“There’s nothing more we can do.” His voice was shaky and he seemed reluctant to release her, to let go of the bond they’d shared. “We should go.”

She nodded, wiping her face with the back of her hand and then attempting to pat his shirt dry from her tears. “Sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he said softly.

“I hate to leave her.”

“I’ll let Wes know she’s gone. He’ll take good care of her from now on.”

It was hard to let go. To say goodbye.

Luke rose and helped her up, entwining their hands. “Ready?”

“I think so.” She glanced at poor Snow one last time, her heart breaking.

Luke picked up the jackets and brushed the straw off them. “Put this on. It’ll be cold outside.”

He gave the fallen horse one last glance, too, a look filled with sadness and regret as he grabbed a woolen blanket from the stall post and covered her body.

Katie slipped into his jacket and he clasped her hand again, his warmth and strength seeping into her. He led her out of the barn. “C’mon, sweetheart. Let me take you home.”

She didn’t mind the endearment this time; she couldn’t fight it. Couldn’t argue. She’d had a rough twenty-four hours and she was just too numb to think anymore. His shoulders were there for her to lean on, he seemed to know the right things to say and this one time she would accept what Luke had to offer.

Without guilt.

Three

Luke stood facing Katie at the threshold of her apartment. He’d insisted on escorting her upstairs after entering the bakery, probably because she couldn’t quite get her emotions in check. She’d wept most of the drive home, little sobs that broke from her lips every time she pictured Snow lying still on the ground, lifeless. In the car, Luke had glanced at her often. She’d felt his concerned gaze but she couldn’t look him in the eye. She didn’t like showing her vulnerable side to anyone, but tonight she couldn’t help it. Her emotions were running out of control.

“Are you going to be okay?” he asked her.

“I think so.” She bit her lip. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

He stared into her eyes, then ran a hand down his jawline. “But I do.”

“You have no obligation to me, Luke. Really, I’ll be fine.”

“Is that what you think this is?”

He said it softly, without condemnation, and suddenly she felt small and petty. “No, no. I’m sorry. I know you’re just as upset as I am about Snow. Really, I’m glad we shared her last night together. You cared for her as much as I did. Gosh, I can’t believe I’m speaking of her in the past tense.”

“It’s strange, huh?”

“Yeah.”

She stared at him, so many thoughts racing through her mind. But mostly, she was glad he was there tonight, lending her comfort, helping her come to grips with losing Snow.

“It’s been a long day. I should let you go, get some rest,” he said.

“That sounds…good.”

“Okay, well. Good night then.”

He turned to leave and Katie blurted, “Luke, wait.”

He turned, his dark brows lifting.

She took both of his hands in hers and gave a squeeze. “I just wanted to thank you for coming to get me today. It meant a lot to me to be there. Honestly, I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through it all, if you weren’t with me.”

Then she reached up on tiptoes and pressed her lips to his cheek to give him a chaste peck, but suddenly she turned her head, he turned his, and their lips were locked in a real kiss. Luke made a sound from deep in his chest and a warm delicious sensation sparked inside her.

She might’ve kissed Luke dozens of times in Vegas, but she didn’t remember any one of them. This kiss she’d remember. This kiss she didn’t want to end.

A moan rose from her throat, one of need and want, and for a moment she flushed, totally embarrassed. But Luke didn’t stop, he didn’t hesitate to devour her mouth. He was all in, too, stirring her deepest yearnings to be held, to be comforted. She was hurting inside and this kiss was a balm to her soul.

He moved forward, backing her into the apartment, kissing her endlessly. She went willingly, relishing the taste of him, the raw pleasure he was giving to her. He tossed his jacket off and then removed hers without breaking the kiss. Then he cradled her in his arms, holding her so close to him that his need pressed against her belly.

A surge of heat raced through her. It was astonishing how quickly he made her come alive. She was glad of it, glad of the sensations rocking her body. In Luke’s strong arms, she suddenly wanted what was forbidden to her.

“Luke,” she said when the kiss came to an end.

He looked deep into her eyes. “Don’t tell me to stop,” he whispered, grazing his lips over hers again.

“I’m not, but maybe we should come up for air?”

The quick smile on his face devastated her. He was so darn handsome. Why did it have to be him? She took a deep breath, pausing for just a few seconds. “Okay, that’s enough.”

“You’re good with this?” he asked, brushing a wayward strand of hair off her face. “Don’t answer that,” he murmured. “I already know you are.”

He cupped her face in his hands and gazed into her eyes, before claiming her lips again. The absolute pleasure overwhelmed her, helping to ease the pain in her heart. It amazed her how easily she welcomed him, how much she wanted more of his kisses, more of him. Her insides heated, and a spiral of warmth traveled through her body, making her hot, needy.

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