Most Eligible Cowboy (Peach Valley Romance Book 1) (10 page)

“I like that story a lot,” Maya said, trying to keep the emotion out of her voice.

“Ready to eat,” Jackson asked.

Ava and Maya jumped at the same time, which caused Ava to giggle. “You scared us, daddy.”

“Sorry about that.” He smirked.

“No you aren’t, daddy.” She ran to Jackson and hugged him. “You love to tease me.”

Jackson lifted her into his arms, nuzzling her neck. “You’re right, I’m not.”

Ava giggled louder. “I knew it,” she squealed.

When Jackson finished tickling Ava, he glanced at Maya. “You hungry?”

“Yep,” Maya said, trying to sound casual. She followed Jackson and Ava down the stairs, struggling to understand the feelings running through her body. It was almost as though she walked on sacred ground. Jackson had created a really special place for him and his daughter. She didn’t want to do anything that would harm what he’d created.

During lunch, Ava did most of the talking. She told them about her friend Bryce and how he said he didn’t like goat because they weren’t good for anything. Maya found out she had a baby goat named Ned and that she loved him more than life.

Jackson had sat across from Maya and next to Ava. Maya had a hard time looking away from Jackson. His expressions as Ava spoke were genuine and full of love. She knew without a doubt that Jackson was amazing. She’d known it before, but watching him with Ava only proved that he was a good person and a great father.

After lunch, Milly showed up and conveniently asked Ava to come help her make chocolate chip cookies.

W
hen they were gone
, Maya helped Jackson do the dishes. “Thanks for lunch. The tacos were delicious,” Maya said as she put a plate into the dishwasher.

“You’re welcome.” He shrugged off the compliment. “Not much to browning hamburger and adding the spices.”

Her ex’s idea of cooking had been ordering take out. “Hey, don’t knock it. Everything was excellent.” She took the forks he’d rinsed and put them in the dishwasher.

“Your guacamole was yummy too. Ava even seemed to like it.”

“Well she at least liked the chips.”

“The chips were good too.” He laughed.

She joined in, taking the dishtowel she had draped over her shoulder and smacking him in the leg with it.

After they finished cleaning up, he went over to the cupboard next to the stairs and opened it. “I have something for you.”

Maya came to stand beside him. “What is it?”

He pulled out a white gift sack and handed it to her.

She looked at it, at him with wonderment before pulling out the green tissue paper. Inside was a bag of her favorite candy. “You bought me butter mints?” Usually she got the yellow ones, but these were pastel and in many different colors. “Where did you find them?”

“I had the owner of the grocery store order them. Open them. I’m interested in trying these things cadies you’ve talked so much about.” He crossed his arms, waiting.

She made quick work of getting the bag unwrapped and handed him one. She took one as well. “Ready?”

They plopped them into their mouths at the same time. She sighed and closed her eyes.

“Mmmmmm,” Jackson said. “They are good. I see what you mean about them cracking over your tongue.”

Maya smiled, opened her eyes, and found Jackson watching her. “Thank you for thinking of me.”

“You’re very welcome.” He picked up a small, black remote. “So, what kind of music do you like?”

“A little of everything. Whatever’s on.” She mostly listened to classical because it didn’t affect her concentration when she was trying to edit photos.

“That means you haven’t found the right music yet.” Jackson clicked on the stereo and turned it up. A female voice with serious country twang crooned softly. She sounded familiar, but Maya couldn’t remember the singer’s name. “Care to dance?” He placed her bag of candies and the remote on the counter and held out his arms.

She felt shy. She’d been to dances in high school and college, but wasn’t great at it. “I don’t know,” she said.

“Come on. I’ll lead.” He scooped her into his arms, putting one hand at her waist and taking her hand with the other before spinning her.

Maya squealed lightly, surprised. The man really did know how to lead. After he spun her quickly a few times, he slowed down, and pulled Maya close. She could hear and feel his heart. And he smelled so good, like soap and cloves. She leaned against his chest. “Your house is beautiful, by the way,” she said.

He chuckled. “It was lot of hard work?”

Maya met his eyes. “It’s amazing that you did all of this?”

He shrugged. “It took me a while and I had some help, but I wouldn’t trade the experience. In fact, I might do it again.”

She looked up, studying all of the beams, and the stain, and the small details that looked like they’d been a lot of work. “It’s amazing. You are so talented.”

“Thank you.”

She smiled. “Thank you.” She went back to leaning against him and decided she could be happy staying like that forever. Her insides felt gooey, like the marshmallow pressed between two graham crackers. “This is nice.”

“Do you like the music?”

“I do.” A guy sang with a slight twang. She hadn’t been listening to the words but one line caught her attention:
God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you.
The words seemed to sing straight into her heart. She listened to the rest of the lyrics, intent on the words. Her heart raced at the beautiful words intermingled with the music. Her eyes welled up with tears.

“Really nice,” he whispered.

They didn’t talk for a long while, even when the song switched to something a little more upbeat, but Jackson didn’t speed up, just kept holding her and dancing slowly. She closed her eyes, reveling in the moment. A noise brought her eyes open and her gaze fell on the rocking chair by the fireplace. “I love that rocking chair,” she blurted.

Jackson stopped them and followed her gaze. “I made it a few years ago.”

“Get out. Is there anything you can’t do?” She reluctantly released him and went over to it, so she could get a closer look. “It’s seriously beautiful. You could sell these. Would you ever consider making me one? I’d buy it from you. I’d love to put it on my porch.”

He gave her a nonchalant look. “You can have that one.”

“No, I couldn’t take the one you’re already using, but if you had the time, I’d totally buy it from you.”

Jackson chuckled. “Sounds like a plan.”

The song changed and Jackson took her into his arms again. While they danced they talked about little things. She had to admit she enjoyed the physical contact with Jackson. Her heart pounded with happiness and excitement. It was as though her nerve endings had come alive for the first time. She hated comparing her ex to Jackson but before him, she’d only dated guys once or twice and never been interested. With Jackson she felt completely different, like she’d been plugged in and for the first time she understood the term turned on. While they danced, Maya forced herself not to ramble. She asked him lots of questions about growing up on a ranch in Wyoming. At one point during their conversation, he brought up her car. “You may want to think about getting a new car. Something with four wheel drive.”

“Oh?” Maya didn’t seem convinced. “You think I’ll need it?”

Jackson gave her a serious look. “Visualize that it’s the middle of December and it’s been snowing all night. On top of that, the wind has been blowing forty miles an hour. When you wake in the morning, you look out at all of the beautiful snow and you realize your car is buried.”

“Buried? I think you might be exaggerating.” Maya couldn’t even imagine that much snow.

“I promise you, your car will be buried. And worse, even after the roads are shoveled and you’ve dug your car out, you’re going to have to drive that thing on icy roads. Roads that are so bad, we put chains on our tires to keep us from sliding. In your car, the first curve in the road you’re car will end up in a ditch.”

“You’re serious?” Maya started to worry. She couldn’t afford a new car. The one she had was paid for. It took very little gas and was low maintenance.

“If you don’t believe me, you need to talk to your aunt. She’ll tell you I’m right.”

“I will.” Maybe her aunt would let her borrow her truck. Or maybe she’d have to hibernate for the winter.

When Ava and Milly returned with cookies, Maya ate one and then left. It’d been wonderful spending time with them. As she thought about the memories of the day, she wished she’d brought her camera, but vowed to keep the mental pictures close to her heart. That night she slept well and woke the next day, excited at the sense of possibilities she felt. But Maya didn’t see Jackson again until church on Sunday. She holed up at her place, editing photos for her aunt. She ended up taking a few more after showing Patty the ones she’d edited. There were a couple of shots of the rooms she wanted to get from a different angle. It turned out the bed and breakfast opening was a month away. Even though she’d done very little by way of marketing, they were fully booked. One couple had asked if Patty had a photographer. They intended to have their wedding at the gazebo in town and wanted pictures.

After working so well together on the brochure, Patty had asked if she wanted to stay on and work at the Palace as the house photographer, maybe even help with checking in guests and so forth. Maya had jumped at the chance gratefully. She wasn’t ready to leave. Plus she felt like she’d just got there.

They hadn’t discussed a fee for the photos Maya took, but on that Saturday, after they’d sent the finished brochure to the printer, Patty presented her with a check. It was much more than she’d expected, especially since Patty had given her a place to stay. She’d tried to negotiate a lower fee, but Patty wouldn’t hear of it. They agreed on a salary for her new job title and Maya made Patty promise that she could pay her rent.

On Sunday, Maya rode with Patty to church. They weren’t as early as the first time and they ended up sitting near the back. Jackson was near the middle in a pew between his brother and his daughter. The reverend’s sermon was another good one from the book of Philippians, chapter four. He spoke about prayer.

“And before I let you go, I’d like to remind each of you to sign up for the Peach Valley Fair talent show. We still have several slots left.” We gave a mock serious look over the top of the pulpit. Everyone laughed. Many made their way to the front of the chapel where there was a sign up sheet.

Ava ran over to Maya. “Maya. Maya. Guess what? I’m going to sing in the talent show. Are you?” She took Maya’s hand and squeezed it, pulling her forward.

“Well, I’m not a very good singer, Ava.”

Jackson appeared, lifting his daughter into his arms. “You’re the singer. Maya and I are going to play a song together.”

“You are?” Ava’s eyes got wide. She smiled and clapped her hands.

“I guess we are.” Maya smiled.

“Hey, I wanted to ask you a question.” Ava squirmed out of Jackson’s arms. She ran over to one of Jackson’s brothers and jumped into his arms. The guy looked a lot like Jackson, only younger, and a little shorter, but he had the same blue eyes.

“Sure. What’s up,” she asked, meeting Jackson’s gaze.

“It’s my momma. She mentioned you offered to take a family picture?”

“Yes, I did,” Maya said, thinking about the night she’d found out Jackson had a child. “Is that okay?”

“More than okay. My momma wanted to know if you had some free time later this afternoon. She wanted to invite you over for dinner and then hoped you might take some pictures.”

“I’d love to,” Maya said, grateful for the opportunity.

“Great. How does four-thirty sound?”

“I’ll be—” Maya began at the same time a young woman who looked no more than twenty pushed in front of her.

“Jackson, why haven’t you returned any of my calls? Or texts?”

“Hello, Chloe.” Jackson’s demeanor immediately changed and he crossed his arms over his chest.

Maya stepped back and waved, mouthing, “See you later.” She’d let Jackson handle Chloe.

W
hen Maya arrived
at the main house on Bale ranch, she didn’t linger in her car like last time. The air hung heavy with moisture. It would start to rain any second. She grabbed her slicker and her camera equipment and dashed up the steps.

“Maya, it’s so good to see you again,” Mrs. Bale said when she opened the door. “We’re all at the table. Come join us.” To their left was a formal sitting room. The furniture looked so upscale and unused. Maya guessed the room was for more formal visits.

Milly led Maya past the foyer where she’d left her slicker and camera equipment. They went down the hall and turned left at the kitchen, which opened into a great room. The kitchen, dining, and family room were all together. Milly was right though. All four of the brothers had been seated. They’d been talking and joking, but stopped and stood as soon as Maya entered the room.

“Boys, I’m sure you all know Maya.”

“Well, we’ve seen her and know
of
her, but it’s going to be fun to actually have a conversation.”

“That’s Everett.”

He stuck out his hand. Maya took it. “Nice to meet you,” she said, remembering that his mom had called him the Valiant.

“Next to him is Lance.”

The Strong
, she thought. “Hello.” Maya shook his hand as well.

“And I’m Blaze,” Blaze said, standing and putting out his hand.

Her smile grew. The Fiery fit his personality too. “Maya,” she said.

“You remember me, Maya?” Ava stood on her chair and stuck out her hand.

Maya went over and took it warmly in hers. “Of course I do. Hi, Ava.”

The little girl giggled. “Hi.” She sat back down next to Jackson. “And you know my daddy, of course. Right Maya?”

“That’s right.” She took the seat next to him since Milly directed her there. “It smells so good in here. It’s making my mouth water.”

They laughed and Blaze leaned forward. “You like to eat then?”

“Is that a trick question?” She glanced at each of the guys as Milly brought a platter filled with meat, surrounded by baby potatoes, chunks of onion, carrots, and cabbage to the table and placed it in front of Jackson.

“I guess not,” Blaze said, raising his eyebrows, while placing his napkin in his lap.

It was nice to see that even cowboys had manners.

“Jackie, would you mind doing the honors?” Milly patted Jackson on the shoulder before heading back into the kitchen.

“Sure, momma.”

Milly brought back a basket full of rolls before sitting. Blaze reached for one, but Milly slapped his hand. “Not before grace.”

“Fine.” He rubbed the back of his hand gingerly. “I’ll say it.”

“Good.”

After the prayer, Jackson sliced each of them a piece of meat and scooped the cooked vegetables onto the plates. Once everyone had some, Jackson helped Ava cut her meat into small bites and buttered her a roll.

“Thanks, daddy.”

“You’re welcome.”

“So, Maya tell us about yourself?” Lance said after they’d eaten a few bites.

“Uh, let’s see. I grew up in Santa Barbara. My mom and dad are in Africa helping to build schools. My aunt is Patty Montgomery. I graduated from college with a degree in fine arts, specializing in photography and this is my first time living in the country.”

They all nodded.

“Did you always want to be a photographer,” Everett asked.

Maya shook her head while she chewed. The food was amazing. Milly knew how to cook. “No, I originally thought I wanted to be a teacher, but when I got to college I took a photography class and fell in love with taking pictures.”

“We really appreciate your willingness to take pictures of us tonight,” Milly said.

“It’s my pleasure. I’m happy to do it.” Since she brought it up, Maya thought she’d get a feel for what Milly wanted. “Did you have a idea about where you wanted to have them taken?

“The family photo will have to be taken upstairs in my husband’s room.”

“Right. Sorry.”

“No problem. But I’d also like some pictures of the four boys together, some of Jackson and Ava.” Milly laughed. “You get the idea.”

“Yes, I think I do.” She wiped her mouth with a cloth napkin. “Should we get started after dinner? It might take a while and I want to make sure I get as many as you would like.”

“Works for us,” Lance said.

“Yep, that’s why I’m wearing my butt hugging jeans.”

“Oh, Blaze, is that necessary?” Milly asked, laughing.

“It most definitely is, momma.”

The rest of dinner went the same. There was a lot of banter between the guys and their mom. The whole affair filled Maya with a great sense of peace. After dinner, they had peach pie and ice cream. Maya ate so much she was ready for a nap. She’d offered to help Milly clean up, but Jackson took her aside.

“Do you think you’d like to meet my dad?”

“Most definitely.” Maya understood then that it would good for her to meet him before she started taking pictures. Before she went up, she grabbed her camera.

The room was low lit, but she could see a man lying in an adjustable bed, similar to the ones used in a hospital. To the left stood a metal stand with plastic tubes coming off it and going into the man’s arm and hand.

“Dad, there’s someone here I’d like to introduce you to.” Jackson took his dad’s hand. Maya noticed the tender way he handled his father and her insides went gooey again. The man had no faults, it seemed. His dad opened his eyes and worked to sit up. Jackson helped him.

“Who is it?”

“Her name is Maya.” Jackson held out his hand. Maya came forward so that she stood next to his father’s bed. “Maya, this is Randall Bale. My father.”

Randall held out his hand and Maya took it. “It’s so nice to meet you, sir.”

“So you’re the photographer? Make sure to get my good side,” Randall said with a laugh. His words came out slowly and precisely.

Maya felt tears pressing against her eyes. She didn’t like seeing him that way. Jackson and his brothers, Ava and Milly were so full of life. It shredded her heart to realize Randall couldn’t be part of his family’s life. He was stuck upstairs in this bed. “I will,” Maya whispered.

“How do you know Jackson?” Randall asked, continuing to hold on to her hand.

“We met on the first day I arrived in town. He rescued me after I got bit by a rattlesnake, taught me how to ride a horse, and even introduced me to the music of Rascal Flatts.” Maya swallowed and a realization came over her. “Other than my aunt, Jackson is my only friend in Peach Valley.”

Randall smiled, causing the skin around his eyes to crinkle. “I see.” He swallowed. “Jackson, why don’t you go down and tell the others so we can get started as soon as possible.”

Jackson eyed his father. “Fine, but mind your manners.”

As soon as Jackson left the room, Randall perked up. “You like my son, don’t you?”

Maya didn’t see any way to deny it, especially since Randall seemed to have something on his mind. “Yes, I do. He’s the most amazing person I’ve ever met.”

Randall nodded. “It’s obvious he feels the same about you. Do you know about the ultimatum I gave him?”

Maya laughed. “Yes, it happened the same day I arrived.”

“Well, I’m so glad I get the opportunity to meet you. If I hadn’t met you and just watched the way the two of you looked at each other, I might have believed you were pursuing my son for his inheritance. But you aren’t, are you?”

“Does it seem like I’m pursuing him? I like him and we’ve spent some time together, but there’s nothing more to it than that.” She said the words, but didn’t believe them, at least where she was concerned. “I think he’s still dating other women.” She shuffled her feet nervously. In her heart she knew she didn’t want him to be dating. Earlier today she’d seen Jackson with Chloe. She felt certain there were many more women after him.

“Perhaps there are women still chasing him, but he’s already chosen. And he chose you.”

Maya shivered. “I don’t know, sir.”

“You may not, but I do. I know my son. His feelings for you are strong.” Randall reached out for Maya’s hand.

Maya took it and warmth enveloped her. She didn’t want to think Randall was wishful thinking, but he might be. “I believe you, sir,” she said.

“Good.” He patted her hand.

“Would you mind if I took some pictures of you?”

“No, go ahead, but if you have a way of making me look healthy and vibrant in the pictures, I’d really appreciate it.”

Maya snapped several pictures as she debated whether to tell him her idea or not. Finally she decided it wouldn’t hurt. She blurted it out quickly and to her delight, he seemed really excited about it and promised to have Milly find the pictures Maya needed to make her
brilliant
idea a reality.

Ava, Milly, and the guys showed up. Maya retrieved her equipment and got to work. For the next hour, she took pictures of every combination, including Ava and her grandfather, Milly and Randall together. Maya kept blinking back tears as she observed the way Milly and Randall cared for each other. It was almost as though they were two parts of a single soul.

She showed Milly a few to give her idea of how they turned out. Milly clapped her hands in happiness. “These are amazing, Maya. Every single one. I don’t know if I’ll be able to choose.”

“That’s okay. I’ll just edit them and then put them on a thumb drive for you.”

Milly gave her a strange look. “Thumb drive?”

“It’s okay, momma. I’ll show you.” Jackson wrapped an arm around his mom’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze.

“That’s my good boy, Jackie.” She patted his hand.

Maya turned off the light she’d used and took down the tripod, placing it back in its case. “I should probably get going,” she said.

“Want me to help you load your equipment?” Jackson smiled and Maya felt the dandelion seeds in her stomach tickle her insides.

“That’d be great.”

Once the stuff was loaded, Jackson held open the door for Maya. “Have you thought anymore about getting a new car?”

Maya laughed. “Of course I have, but it isn’t feasible right now.”

“Humph.” He pushed the door shut and leaned down. “So the summer fair, we need a song to practice. Any ideas?”

“Uh.” Maya hadn’t even thought about it. “What about that song about the broken road? You think they’d have that in a guitar duet?”

Jackson’s face lit up with an amazing smile. “I’ll find out and text you.”

“Maya. Wait.” Ava ran down the stairs and quick as her little legs would carry her.

“Is everything all right,” Jackson asked.

“Fine. I just needed a hug from Maya.” Her bottom lip pouted.

Maya jumped out of the car and swept Ava into her arms. “I couldn’t leave without a hug from you.”

Ava giggled. “Yay.” She patted Maya on the face. “I really like your eye shadow,” Ava said.

“Thank you.”

“What’s it called?”

“Hmmm, I think it’s called shimmering emerald.”

Ava got closer, studying her eyes. “Shimmering emerald. I like it.”

“Me too.”

Ava climbed down and ran back upstairs. Maya felt like she’d just received a whirlwind of love from the child. Now that she’d met Ava, she didn’t know if she’d manage without the child in her life. Jackson pushed the door closed once Maya had climbed back inside her car.

“You okay?”

“She’s amazing,” Maya whispered.

Jackson leaned in, kissing Maya on the cheek. “You’re amazing.” He said goodbye and told her to drive safe.

In truth, Maya drove home in a daze. The feel of his lips on her cheek still burned her skin. She kept placing her hand against the spot. Jackson truly had turned her life upside down. Not in a bad way, not even close, just in a way wholly new and incredibly satisfying. It was a feeling that grew as she clicked through each photo of his family. Jackson’s smile was the first she sought in the pictures. She’d snapped one at the very beginning, before they officially began that was of Jackson and his father. He was looking down as Randall looked up. Father and son shared an intimate moment of love and respect for the other. And she knew she loved him. Jackson Bale had stolen her heart. The thought made her dizzy with happiness.

* * *

T
he next day
, Maya went into the Palace to talk to Patty. She was dying to tell her aunt and found her in her office. “Aunt Patty. Hi.”

“Hello, hon. How was dinner with the Bale’s last night?”

“So good,” she said, her cheeks beginning to hurt because of the permanent grin on her face.

“Well sit down and tell—” Her aunt’s focus moved to a point behind Maya. “Can I help you?”

“I hope so. I’m here to see Maya. Are you Patty Montgomery?”

“I am.” Her aunt stood, crossing her arms.

Every muscle in Maya’s body froze. She wanted to pinch herself, praying she was in a nightmare. Because she knew that voice. She’d known it for years. She’d fallen in love with it, even, and the man attached to it. Maya must’ve had a strange look on her face, because her aunt went on, “And who might you be?”

“I’m Quin Carone, her husband.”

“Husband?” Another voice chimed in.

Maya knew that was Jackson and sprang into motion. “Ex husband,” she said, standing and facing both men. Her knees went immediately weak at seeing them side-by-side. They were so different. Quin was dark and lean, almost too lean. He gave off the look of a starving artist, with dark eyes and the kind of face that made women swoon. Jackson was hard and ruggedly handsome. She noted Quin looked good, but next to Jackson he barely seemed to be a man. More like a boy still trying to find his manhood. She dared a glance at Jackson. His jaw was doing the clenching thing again and before she could convince Jackson that Quin was in fact her past, Jackson turned on his heel and left the room.