One Night Rodeo

“Because I’ve always wanted one and now I have one.” He kissed her nose. “Don’t ruin my fun. I’ll look for the manual. It’d be good for your ribs.”

Celia was absurdly touched by his thoughtfulness. “There’s a lot of paperwork we need to look for.”

“We’ll do it soon as we get back from talking to your brothers and getting your truck.”

After a late lunch, Celia pawed through her duffel bag; she couldn’t wait to get the rest of her clothes out of her horse trailer after their trip to talk to her brothers.

Kyle held her hand, rubbing his thumb over her wedding band on the ride to Abe’s. “You worried?”

She nodded. “How do you think they’ll react?”

“Shock for sure. After that? Who knows? How do you think they’ll react?”

“I’m hoping they won’t pull out the shotguns.”

“Jesus, Celia, don’t even joke about that.”

That was the thing. She wasn’t sure whether she was joking. Hank and Abe bellowed a lot when they were unhappy with her or a decision she’d made, but they eventually, grudgingly, came to an understanding.

She feared that this situation would be the exception, given the way things had been between them the last few years.

Hank’s truck was parked up front next to Abe’s. Her brothers ambled out of the barn right after Kyle pulled into the driveway.

He kissed her knuckles. “Regardless of what happens, we’re together now. You have me, Cele. I’ll always be on your side. You know that, right?”

“I do now.” Touched by his fierceness, she impulsively rubbed his rough-skinned fingers across her lips. “Thanks.”

“My pleasure.” He warned, “Stay put. I’ll help you out so you don’t hurt your—”

“Ribs, yeah, I know. You sound like a broken record.”

“Only because I have some wicked, nekkid plans once you’re healed.”

Right then Celia considered lying that she’d made a miraculous recovery. Because wicked, nekkid, and Kyle in the same sentence? Hello, temptation.

“Kyle, what the devil are you doin’ here?” Hank asked.

Then Celia stepped into view. “Hey, guys.”

“Celia? Didn’t expect to see you.” Abe grinned and started toward her, probably to wrap her in a bear hug, but Kyle intervened.

“Gotta watch the ribs. She’s awful sore.”

Hank and Abe exchanged a look. Then they both peered at the bandage on her forehead. Hank demanded, “What the hell happened to you?”

“And why is this the first we’ve heard of it?” Abe added, glaring at Kyle. “Did you have something to do with her getting injured? Is that why the two of you are here together?”

Celia stepped in front of Kyle. “No. I got hurt last weekend in Vegas. A few stitches, bruised ribs. I’m fine. So back off. It’s not Kyle’s fault.” She’d tried out several phrases in her head on the way over, but nothing had jelled. Best just to say it right out. “We’re here together because Kyle and I got married Saturday night in Vegas.”

A pause, then Hank and Abe burst out laughing. Their amused gazes zipped between Kyle and Celia. Her brothers looked at each other, then busted a gut again. Adding in knee-slapping laughter. During their fit of mirth, Kyle slipped his arm around Celia’s waist.

“Good one, Celia. I needed a laugh. You and Kyle. Together. Right.” More snickers.

Their hilarity faded when Celia held out her left hand. “I’m not kidding. Kyle and I are married.”

A stunned pause followed.

Then Abe snapped, “Are you pregnant?”

“I tell you I’m married and that’s the first question you ask?”

Hank’s eyes hardened. “My question is…were you drunk?”

Celia’s stomach lurched. Her face heated and she gaped at Hank.

“Christ. You were drunk,” Hank snarled when she didn’t immediately answer.

This was not starting out well at all.

“You watch what you say to her,” Kyle warned. “Yes, Celia and I are married. Yes, it happened pretty damn fast.” He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “Or we’ve been headed this way for a long damn time, since we’ve known each other forever.”

“You two have been at each other’s throats forever, so I don’t buy this you’re in love bullshit,” Abe said.

“Ask Devin if it’s bullshit,” Celia replied evenly. “He stood up for Kyle at the ceremony.”

That comment seemed to incense them more. “Devin knew you were married before we did?” Hank bellowed.

“And with the way you’re both acting, can you blame Celia for not wanting to tell either of you?” Kyle shot back.

“Because you’re too goddamned old for her!” Abe said.

Celia wanted to flee before someone said something hurtful that couldn’t be taken back. Because it was coming.

Her brothers’ postures were belligerent, their silence disapproving.

“So you’re married. What now? You traveling the circuit together?” Hank asked.

“I…I dropped out of the circuit.”

“What!” Abe and Hank said simultaneously. Then Abe snarled at her, “You’re quitting? You’re goddamned pregnant, aren’t you? Kyle, I’m gonna f**king kill you.” He lunged for Kyle, but Hank held him back.