I handed the condom back. Amelia’s hands trembled as she ripped open the package and took it out.
Reaching for her hands, I asked, “Hey, why are your hands shaking?”
She chuckled. “I have no idea! I guess I’m excited.”
A wide grin covered my face. “Well, hell, if that doesn’t make a guy feel good.”
She slapped me on the chest, then grabbed my cock and stroked it a few times. Damn, this girl knew how to work me up. I craved her touch in some form or fashion twenty-four hours a day.
“Amelia, if you don’t crawl on top of me soon, I’m going to come in your hand.”
Quickly rolling the condom on, Amelia positioned herself over me. I reached between her legs and pushed my finger in, letting out a deep growl from the back of my throat when I felt how wet she was.
“I’m ready, cowboy.”
Guiding her hips over me, I reached up and sucked her lip into my mouth. We both moaned when she sank all the way down on me.
“Fucking hell,” I said as she rocked her hips. “God, you feel so good, darlin’.”
Her long, red hair was hanging down while she moved over my cock. I reached for a handful of hair and gently pulled her head back, capturing her eyes with mine. “Amelia, you own me. Do you know that?”
With a nod, she pressed her lips to mine. She spoke between soft kisses. “You own my heart. My body. My love. You own me.”
Taking her ass in my hands, I pulled her closer, causing us both to gasp at the incredible way I filled her body.
“Wade, I’m going to come,” she whispered against my lips.
“Come for me, darlin’.”
Amelia’s head dropped back, and she let out the sweetest whimpers while she fell apart. Moving my hips faster, I felt my own orgasm build up. What I wouldn’t give to feel her without a fucking condom.
Someday soon. We’d talked about it and decided Amelia would get on the pill and we’d continue to use a condom for a bit longer, just as a safety precaution. But, fuck all, I was counting down the days to when I could ride my cowgirl bareback.
Damn. The feel of her against my bare cock. I couldn’t wait.
The thought alone pushed me over the edge, and I let out a long moan as I came so hard I swore I saw stars.
When we finally stopped moving, my cock twitched inside her.
“I’ve never felt this happy before in my entire life,” she whispered against my lips.
Lacing my fingers in her hair, I held her head in my hands and stared into those beautiful blue eyes.
“Neither have I, darlin’. This is just the beginning.”
Her smile made my chest tighten. I knew deep in my heart that nothing would ever pull us apart. This was the happiness we had both longed for. There wouldn’t be a day that went by where I didn’t thank God for the blessing of Amelia’s love.
The sweat from my brow burned my eyes as we threw the hay bales onto the back of the trailer.
“Fucking hell. It’s hotter than a pair of balls in skinny jeans,” Trevor said.
We all stopped and stared at him.
“What in the hell did you just say?” Mitchell asked.
“I said—”
Tripp held up his hands. “Dude, don’t repeat it. Please.”
Cord handed everyone water and asked, “Steed, you getting excited?
I glanced over to Steed. Judging by the smile on his face, there was no doubt that he was beyond excited.
“I can’t believe in a little over a month I’m going to be a dad again.”
“Y’all pick out any names for the little guy?” Tripp asked.
“We’ve got a few ideas. Of course, Chloe thinks we need to name the baby after her goat, Patches.”
Everyone laughed.
Trevor sat down on the trailer. “So, Wade, tell us what life is like for you.”
My eyes scanned across all five Parker brothers. Each of them staring, waiting for me to fuck up.
“Wonderful. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.”
They all smiled.
Thank God. Right answer.
Mitchell grinned. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen Amelia so happy. All we ask is that you treat her right, dude. I’m happy to see my sister is in love.”
I nodded. “I do love her. I want y’all to know that. I’ve never loved anyone like I love Amelia. She’s my everything.”
Trevor slapped me on the back. “I had no doubt you would make her happy.”
Cord stood up and groaned. “Shit, my gloves have a hole in them. Trevor, you got extras?”
“I’ve got some in the backseat,” I said, motioning toward my truck.
“Thanks,” Cord said.
Tripp stood and looked west. “Damn, those clouds are building. Looks like another storm is brewing.”
“Shit, if we get any more rain, the river’s gonna crest over the bank,” Trevor said.
I rubbed the cold bottle of water against the back of my neck.
“Ah, Wade? You mind stepping over here?” Cord asked.
“You can’t find the gloves?” I asked, making my way to him. He wore a pissed-off look.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
He pointed. “Dude, you better hope those are my sister’s. Then again, you better hope they’re not.”
Furrowing my brows, I said, “What in the hell are you talking about?”
He grabbed my T-shirt and pulled me around the door, pointed to Amelia’s panties.
The memory of us fucking in the truck hit me, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Dude, I know you are not smiling about this.”
I dropped my smile and reached for the panties, shoving them into my pocket. Turning to Cord, I said, “They’re your sister’s. And I smile because she makes me happy. Would you rather her be with some asshole who uses her and then moves on to the next girl? I love your sister, Cord, and, yes, we have sex. I had sisters, and I can imagine that pisses you off. But y’all have to stop threatening me. I’m gonna be honest with you, I plan on asking Amelia to marry me some day so you better get used to the idea that we’re together in that way.”
Cord’s mouth dropped open.
“Dude, I respect the hell out of you for standing up to me. You’re right, Amelia is an adult, and we need to realize that she isn’t walking around wearing a chastity belt.”
“Thank you.”
He pointed at me. “Next time, though, y’all pick up after you do the deed. Christ Almighty, I didn't need to see that.”
Cord walked off, mumbling something under his breath.
A crack of thunder rumbled in the distance.
“Let’s go! We need to get this hay up to the barn before another storm hits,” Trevor called out as he reached for a bale and tossed it up on the trailer.
Tripp climbed into the ranch truck as the rest of us loaded up the hay. The breeze coming in from the approaching storm felt nice and actually made us work a little faster.
After everything was loaded, we headed to the barn and unloaded it all.
“Y’all getting hungry?” Waylynn asked.
Tripp wiped his brow. “Hell, yeah. Mom got something going?”
“Yep. Roast, veggies, fresh bread that Chloe helped her make. Oh, and Aunt Vi’s made her sweet potato soufflé. I’m pretty sure there is whiskey in it, though.”
Steed jumped off the pile of hay and fist pumped the air. “Yes! Damn, I love that stuff.”
“Come on, that storm’s coming in and from what the weather is saying, it’s gonna be bad. Farther up the river they’ve gotten five inches of rain already. We’re under a tornado watch.”
I turned to Trevor. “Some of the horses are out in the north pasture. We should bring them in, at least the mares and foals.”
He nodded and rubbed the back of his neck in a nervous way.
“Wade and I will ride out and gather them up. We won’t be long,” Trevor announced.
“I’ll go with you,” Mitchell said
.
“You need any more help, Trev?” Steed asked.
He shook his head. “Nah, the three of us can get it. Just don’t eat all the damn food.”
The rain was coming down so hard it stung my face as I rode alongside Trevor and Mitchell.
Trevor pointed and shouted, “There they are! Get them all tied on the lead and bring them in.”
We followed him over to the group of horses. The lightning was insane. I don’t think I’d ever seen the sky light up so much. Every time the thunder cracked, a foal would try to take off.
“Is that it?” Mitchell asked, ducking when lightning hit close by.
“Fucking hell. We need to get back. I can hear the river coming up.”
We turned to see the Frio River swollen over its banks.
“It’s flooding fast. Let’s get out of here,” Trevor said. He kicked his horse and we started trotting back at a slow enough pace that the foals could keep up.
Mitchell rode to the side, and I rode in the back. Looking to my left, I saw a foal caught in the water.
I quickly caught up to Mitchell. “There’s one left behind. I’m going for her.”
He turned and looked over his shoulder. “Fuck! The river’s coming up too fast, Wade.”
“I’ll rope her in. Just keep going.”
“Wade! Wade!” Mitchell called after me, but I kept heading to the foal.
“Just keep going! I’ll catch up!” I yelled back.
Getting my rope ready, I swung it a few times and got it over her head. Tying it around the horn of my saddle, I kicked for Marley to back up and pull the foal out of the water. Once I got her out, I jumped down and checked her. Poor thing was so exhausted from trying to swim. She could hardly move.
“Come on, baby. Marley will carry you back.”
Lightning hit a tree causing me and the horses to jump. The last thing I heard was the sound of rushing water coming from somewhere I couldn’t see.
I stood on the back porch waiting for any sign of him. My chest felt so tight I could hardly breathe.
“Amelia, come inside. The lightning is bad.”
Shaking my head, I replied, “He’s out in this, Daddy. I’m not coming in until he is standing in front of me.”
My father’s warm hands squeezed my shoulders. “He’s fine, sweetheart. He may just be down at the barn, not wanting to get out in this to come up to the house.”
With a nod, I replied, “Probably.”
In my heart I knew he wasn’t at the barn. Something was wrong. Terribly wrong, and I couldn’t shake the awful feeling.
Trevor walked out and stood next to me. “I’m going to drive down to the barn and see if he’s there.”
I turned to my brother, hugging him tight. “Thank you, Trevor! Please bring him back up here. Please.”
I knew he could hear the desperation in my voice. When I stepped back, he looked me in the eyes. “I will, Meli. I will.”
Mitchell was now next to Trevor. “I’m coming with you.”
My hands covered my mouth as I watched them dash out into the pouring rain and into the ranch truck.
Someone reached for my hand. I turned to find Chloe smiling up at me.
“He’s okay, Aunt Meli. He probably didn’t want to leave all the baby horses in this storm.”
My chin trembled, and I fought to keep my fear down. I dropped down to look her in the eyes and grinned. “I think you’re right. If I know Wade, he’s singing them all a song right now so they won’t be scared.”
Chloe’s eyes lit up. “Yes! I bet he is. I’m gonna go draw him a picture for when he gets back.”
I kissed her forehead. “Yes! That’s a wonderful idea, pumpkin,” I said, forcing the words.
Chloe dashed back into the house. I sat on the porch, pulled my knees to my chest and closed my eyes. My father was still there, standing next to me.
“Amelia, come back into the house.”
His stern voice made me stand and mindlessly follow. I sat on the love seat in the family room and watched as Chloe drew a picture for Wade.
An hour passed, and Trevor and Mitchell hadn’t returned. Now I was worried about them. Cord paced back and forth before he stopped at the window.
“They’re back.”
I jumped up and ran past everyone, into the kitchen. Mitchell and Trevor walked in, but Wade wasn’t with them. The looks on their faces told me something was terribly wrong. Mitchell immediately took out his work cell.
“Pax, why don’t you take Chloe into the living room,” Steed said.
“Come on, pumpkin, let’s go see if we can beat Aunt Vi again.”
I couldn’t bear the thought of looking at Chloe. She was smart enough to know she was being sent away for a reason.
Trevor held his cowboy hat in his hands. The water dripped off him and onto the floor. Mitchell took a deep breath, and I knew that for as long as I lived I would never forget the look on his face.
Tears formed in my eyes and rolled down my cheeks. “Where is he?”
Mitchell placed his hands on my arms. I could see the fear in his eyes and it caused my entire body to shake.
“He wasn’t at the barn, but Marley came running up. Wade wasn’t riding her.”
My hands covered my mouth. “What? What do you mean, he wasn’t riding her?”
Trevor sat down and buried his face in his hands.
“We tried to drive to the north pasture but the entire area is flooded. There’s no sign of Wade anywhere. We think…he might…he may have gotten…”
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
I shook my head and dropped my hands. “Don’t you dare say it, Mitchell Parker! Don’t you dare say it!” My body trembled even harder, hysteria overtaking me. My knees gave out, and Mitchell caught me. He brought me over to a chair.
Tears streamed as I felt my mother’s arms around me. Leaning against her, I looked at my brother with pleading eyes. “Please, don’t say it, Mitchell. Please.”
A tear trailed down his cheek. I watched it until he reached up and brushed it away.
“Amelia, I’m so sorry, baby, but the flood waters might have taken him by surprise. I’ve already called it in, and we’re going to start searching.”
Shaking my head frantically, I cried, “No! No!”
My mother pulled me against her. I buried my face into her chest and screamed Wade’s name. “God, please don’t do this to us!” All I remember after that was blackness overtaking me as I leaned against my mom for support.
Twenty-four hours later…
I sat on the roof of the old house Wade had bought, staring over the still-flooded Frio River. Each breath hurt more than the last.
He wasn’t gone. I felt it in my heart.
Paxton walked up and handed me a blanket. I forced a half smile and wrapped it around my shoulders.
Steed had brought a chair for Paxton to sit in. I sat on the same blanket Wade had used for our first picnic.
“He’s stuck somewhere, hurt,” I said with a trembling voice. “He just can’t get back to us. That’s all. He’s…he’s not…he’s not gone, Paxton. He promised me he would never leave me. He’s not gone!”
I felt someone sit next to me, and opened my eyes to see Corina. She took my hands. Her smile was hopeful. “Believe what’s in your heart, Amelia. Reach out to him. Help him find his way home.”
I could hardly see her through my blurry eyes. “You think he’s okay?”
She nodded. “A love like what y’all have is strong. I know Wade, and I know he would fight with everything he has to come back to you. Don’t. Give. Up.”
“I won’t,” I said, my voice sounding weak. “I won’t.”
Corina pulled me to her and let me cry as she ran her hand over my head. “Shh, it’s going to be okay.”
Paxton squeezed my shoulder. “She’s right, Meli. Don’t give up.”
I wasn’t sure how long we sat on that roof. Steed insisted Paxton leave to get something to eat. Corina
asked Steed to have one of the boys bring food to me. She totally understood why I needed to be here. She never once told me to give up hope. In fact, she did the opposite. She kept insisting Wade was fine.
The sound of footsteps caused me to open my eyes. I was still on the blanket, but my head was resting on Corina’s lap as she played with my hair. Mitchell bent down and gave me a weak smile.
“Hey, I brought y’all some food. Will you eat something for me, Meli?”
“Of course she will,” Corina said. “She’ll need her strength to hug Wade when he gets back.”
Mitchell’s eyes darted over to Corina. “May I speak with you, please?”
I sat up and took the food from Mitchell as Corina followed him. They stopped not far from where I stood. I couldn’t take my eyes off of them. Mitchell seemed angry. Maybe he felt like she was giving me false hope.
I took a bite of sandwich and turned my focus back on the river. The sun was beginning to set and the clouds were a beautiful orange and pink, so different from yesterday’s storm-filled sky. I glanced back to Corina. She looked upset. I made my way closer to where she stood with Mitchell.
“I can’t help it that you don’t believe in love, Mitchell Parker. I do! And I’m going to be by her side until Wade walks through that door!”
“If he got swept away by the flood waters there is a good chance he may not have survived, Corina.”
My eyes closed. A visual of my Wade being swept away hit me and I squeezed my eyes tight.
“He’s not gone,” I whispered. “He promised me, Mitchell.”
“Amelia, sweetheart. I know how much Wade loves you. I want to believe he’s not gone, too, but you have to realize there is a chance he might not have made it.”
“Mitchell!” Corina gasped.
“Stay out of this, Corina. It’s none of your business.”
I sucked in a breath, and pushed my brother away from me. “Don’t you dare say that to her. She’s been here for me. She’s my friend and you cannot push her away. It’s your own damn guilt talking, Mitchell! You let him go after that foal! You didn’t try and stop him! You haven’t found him! You’re supposed to be able to find him! You promised you’d bring him back to me and you lied. You. Lied. To. Me.”