That Kind of Cowboy

Chapter Eight: Lucas

It was hard keeping my tasks in order as my thoughts kept going towards a certain little family. Every time I tried to think about work My head wandered to them. How we spent our evening yesterday, to nerves about seeing them again.

It got my mind thinking about a family of my own. How I want to be a husband and a father. How I want that little family to welcome me into theirs. Since they came into my life, I have been changing for the better. Caring for something more than my family and our ranch.

Those kids have lifted my spirits just by being themselves. They have captured my heart and I do not think I could be without them. They need a father figure and I want to be that man. I want to step up and be their dad.

Maddie captured my heart; I believe since I first laid eyes on her. I believe it might be love at first sight. I fell hard for the sweet, kind, loving woman. She has opened my eyes to a new life, one with her and three wonderful kids. I want it all, the love, the closeness, everything a family is.

I have been daydreaming more about life with Maddie, Emma, Noah, and Sofia. All the family cookouts, movie nights and games nights. Cheering for the kids at their games. All the school events, dances, prom, graduations, and I want to be there for them all.

She needs to know that she can truly trust me. She needs to know that she does not have to do all this alone. I want to be there with her every step of the way. I am going to show her that I am not like her ex. I would never lay a hand on any of them. I would never let them down; I would never let her down either.

I am going to talk to her tonight, I need to know her past. I need to know how to keep them safe. I want to know every little detail about her. I want to be her protector. I want to be the man she turns to for help. I want her to see how much I love her children.

I wonder what mom would think of her. Will she get along with my kin, will she have a good relationship with them? So many questions, not enough answers. I want everything to be perfect tonight.

Mentally going down my list, checking items as I go. Making sure I completed it, before heading to my house. Mom and gramps should be there soon to help set up. Once my brothers are finished with their tasks, they will come over. Maddie and Bella should be here around four thirty, and I cannot wait to see her.

************

Mom and Gramps were already in the house when I got in. Gramps is in his normal spot, and mom is in the kitchen, setting the food up to prepare. I can always count on my family for help.

“Hey, y’all are here early.” I told them strolling into the kitchen. I went up to mom to give her a kiss on the cheek.

“I told you what time we would be here.” Mom replied.

“I am not late, am I?” I dug my phone out of my pocket. A smile formed on my face as I seen Maddie’s name on the screen with a text.

“What are you smiling at?” Gramps asked from the dining room.

“Maddie and the rest will be here at four and making sure we got everything yesterday, before they come out here.

“That is nice of her.” Gramps nodded his head as he replied.

“That she is. What do you want me to do?” I asked mom, going to the sink to wash my hands.

“I need you to cut the vegetables for me. I will get the tea going.”

I went over to the cupboard to get the cutting board down and picked up the knife. Placing them on the counter, where I will be preparing the veggies. Making my way around the kitchen, gathering the ingredients as I went. The kitchen was silent while we worked Gramps would whistle a tune every now and then, while he read one of his old books.

“Have your feelings changed for Maddie?” Mom asked. Breaking the silence and pausing the making of the sweet tea, to look at me.

“I think the feelings have grown more since yesterday. Those kids mean the world to me, I would do anything for them. My feelings for Maddie have grown too. I still think about her all the time. I am always afraid of messing something up and losing all of them.” I told her, with a silly smile on my face. Just thinking about that family fills my heart up. All the broken pieces pulling back together into one. “I think I am falling in love with her.”

“I can see that. It is written all over your face. I am happy for you, son. I am also proud of you for stepping up. Those kids need a father figure in their lives, and you are the perfect man for the title.” Mom smiled, continued her tea making.

“Thanks mom, that means a lot. They do make me happy, if only I could get Maddie to see how good we could be together.” I said, cutting up the tomatoes for the burgers.

“She will, give her time. Everything you have told me; I can see that she has been through a lot. It will take her longer to trust because of it.”

“How are the kids doing?” Gramps asked from his seat at the bar dividing the kitchen and dining room. Placing a bookmark into his book and closing it. Sitting it down on the counter.

“They are doing better; Emma finally made some friends yesterday. It has been hard on her; I am proud of her for keeping her head up. Little Sofia is the wild one. She always wears ‘Princess’ dresses and she screams or yells any chance she gets. I may have told her that she can yell all she wants out here. And Noah, he is a quiet one. I think he might be taking is dad gone harder than the other two. Trying to be the man of the house when he is only eleven.” I admitted.

“It sounds like they all have had a tough time but are trying to make the best of life. I cannot wait to meet them. Did you get anything fun for them to do?” he asked, crossing his arms over the granite countertop.

I did not change a lot in the house. I only upgraded appliances and counters; I love the layout of this house. A big living room, perfect for family gatherings. Two entry ways in the room. One leading to the kitchen and the other into the dining room. Turning left at the dining room entrance takes you to the bedrooms and bathrooms. A right in the kitchen entrance takes you to my garage.

This house has always felt like home to me. When my grandparents moved their life up here. This is where they lived, up until grandma was called home. We shared so many holidays in this house and I want the traditions here to continue.

“I did, they picked out different yard games. They want the whole family to join in.” I replied thinking of them wanting to include my family in theirs.

“Anything that this old man can do?”

“We got horseshoes and corn hole. We got some other ones, but I know you will not play them.”

“I could go for a good game of both.” Gramps smiled as my brothers showed up at the patio door. Banging the door, I have no idea why they cannot just walk in?

“You know all you have to do is turn the knob, open the door, and walk through. It is not that hard. Now, get in here and help.” I told them sarcastically when I got the door opened.

“What do you need help with?” Grayson asked, taking second in command, with us brothers. If I am not around and they need help, they go to him next and down the line. There is always one of us here to help.

“I need some of you to go put the yard games up and have them ready.”

“I can handle that.” Jackson replied. “Who wants to go with me?”

“Me.”

“I will.” Nate and Ryan replied, heading out to set up all the games.

“What do you need us to do?” Adian asked moving into the kitchen.

“Whatever mom needs help with. Maddie and Bella should be here in about an hour or so.” I said, as I moved to stand beside Gramps. Letting mom have control over the kitchen.

“Grayson, I need you to mix the potato salad, when I get all the ingredients in it. Adian, I need you to mix the coleslaw while I get the macaroni salad put together.” Mom took charge, she made sure we learned how to cook. Growing up we would take turns helping her with supper.

“What about Lucas, he should help too.” Adian said, moving over to his job of mixing.

“He cut everything up and now he is going to make Kool-Aid for the kids.

“Give me the toughest job.” I huffed out walking around the bar.

“It is only three ingredients. How hard could it be?” Grayson asked from his spot.

“I have to make sure that it is perfect, or I would never hear the end of it.” I told him in a serious tone. Glancing over at Gramps, he was smiling with his book up. Telling me that he is still listening to us.

“They're just kids.” Adian laughed.

“You haven’t met Sofia yet.” I told him, shaking my head.

“Keep an eye on that one. She is always up to something; you can just tell with that one. And you might need to get a pair of ear plugs.” Grayson informed our youngest brother.

“Why would I need them?”

“You will find out.” I told him, the look on his face, priceless. He looks scared of a little girl. It caused the room to erupt with laughter.

************

Everything is up and ready to go. The patties were made up, ready to grill. The yard games were all set up, the volleyball net was in the center of my backyard. The kids picked that with horseshoes and corn hole. Jackson brought over his Bluetooth speaker, where country music was playing from it.

We are just waiting for our guest to get here; it should be any minute now. Mom and Gramps sat at the patio table. Grayson, at the grill getting it ready, the rest were playing a game of horseshoes.

“I play the winner.” Gramps called out.

“That will be me.” Nate said, taking his turn.

“In your dreams brother.” Ryan laughed.

Hearing a car on the gravel drive, I headed for the side gate between the house and shop. Opening it and moving to the front of the house. Seeing Maddie’s little Ford car heading down the driveway.

Moving behind my truck to give her room to park beside it. I Watched her pull in and put it in park before I walked over to her door opening it for her.

“Hey, Lucas.” She smiled a small smile; something was on her mind. Did Ethan get a hold of her again? It has only been a day since his last text.

“Hey, Maddie. Are you okay?” I asked, taking her hand, and helping her from the vehicle.

“Yeah, still a little jumpy.”

“I see, did anything else happen?” I asked, closing her door.

“Nope, nothing. I am still worried.” She replied, opening the back door for Emma.

“Hi Lucas. Thanks for having us.” She told me, wrapping her arms around me in a hug. Hugging the girl back caused a lump in my throat. I love this little girl; I want to give her the world.

“You can come over anytime.” I replied, glancing over to Maddie. She was looking at my house in shock. Does she not like it? Does she love it? What is she thinking, I need to know.

“Lucas!” Sofia screamed, breaking through my thoughts of her momma.

“Sofia!” I yelled back, seeing the girl running up to me. I squatted down to take her in for a hug.

“Hey Noah, we have some stuff we gathered up. Would you like to go, see?” I asked, letting go of the little girl and standing up.

“Is it a cowboy hat?” the excited boy asked, bouncing up and down.

“Let’s find out. Go around the garage and there will be a gate.” I told them pointing out the way.

“I’ll take them.” Bella said, taking Sofia’s hand and led the way.

“Thanks Bella.” I took Maddie by the hand and followed them to my backyard. Noticing Maddie’s eyes moving all around our surroundings. Is she trying to take it all in or is she on the lookout?

“How long have you lived here?”

“About five years now, Gramps and Granny lived here till she passed away. We moved up here to help Gramps out.”

“Believe it or not, I used to live here. Once upon a time.” Maddie said looking up at me. “It still looks the same.”

“When did you live out here?” Not believing that she used to live here.

“Third grade to Seventh grade. I was around ten years old when we moved here and moved after my thirteenth birthday. I want to say we moved in 2006.” She replied, giving me more insight into her life.

“Gramps moved out here in 2007.” Not believing that Gramps got it after she moved out. That must be a sign, right?

“We moved around a lot, but this was my favorite place. I loved it out here. I am glad that it is well cared for.” Maddie smiled up at me, our eyes locked.

“I got you something Maddie. I saw it and it reminded me of you.” I told her, taking a heart shape necklace from my pocket. I placed it around her neck and clasped it for her.

“Thank you, Lucas. I love it.” Placing a hand over the heart shape necklace and tipping her head to look into my eyes. A moment that I have been waiting for, lowering my head closer to hers. Our lips only inches apart, so close to touching.

“What is taking y’all so long?” Bella yelled, rushing around the house. Stopping in her tracks, seeing the two of us in each other's arms, faces just inches apart.

“Really Bella?” I asked, regretfully pulling away from Maddie. Taking her hand back into mine.

“Hey, you had plenty of time to have kissed her by now. Plus, everyone is waiting for y’all. Pick up your feet and move it.” she laughed, moving her arms around like we were her sheep, and she is hearding us.

“Okay. Okay,” Maddie laughed out, I love her laugh, music to my ears. I want to hear it again.

“Grayson, will you go get the box for Noah?” I asked when we got to the patio. “Emma, Sofia come here. I got y’all something too.” All three kids came running up to us.

“What did you get us?” Sofia yelled, handing the little girl a stuffed animal of a horse that is pink. I handed Emma a matching one in purple.

“Do you like it?” I asked the girls.

“Yes, how did you know my favorite color?” Emma asked.

“A little birdie.” I replied, knowing that Bella is the little bird.

“What did you get me?” Noah asked.

“Here, you will need this when you are out here.” Grayson said, handing the box over to him.

“Thank you, Lucas.” Noah said, placing the cowboy hat on top of his head.

“You know you didn’t have to get us anything, right?” Maddie whispered in my ear when the kids took off to play.

“I know I didn’t, but I wanted to.” I told her, placing a quick kiss on her cheek.

************

We got introductions out of the way as soon as we got to my backyard. The kids were out in the yard playing volleyball with my brothers. Bella and Maddie were at the patio table with mom and Gramps. Grayson and I are managing the grill.

Looking around, I noticed the smiles on everyone's faces. The kids are having a fun time, laughing at my goofy brothers. Nate lifting Sofia up to the net to hit the ball, helping her out.

I could get used to this, a family cookout every weekend. Having kids running around brightens the place up. Why did it take so long to find the woman who makes my world brighter?

“You think you can finish this up for me? I want to talk with Maddie before we eat.” I asked Grayson, glancing over at the woman who stole my heart.

“Go but remember that you owe me.” Grayson replied, shooing me away.

“Thanks brother.” I made my way over to them, stopping next to Maddie.

“Is the food done?” Gramps asked.

“Nope, Grayson is finishing it up, while I take Maddie for a walk.” I replied, staring down at Madison. “Would you like to look around, see if anything has changed?’

“How would she know if anything has changed? She just got to town almost a month ago.” Mom said.

“She lived here before Gramps bought it.” I told them, holding my hand at for Maddie. She placed her hand in mine.

“I would love too.” She answered my earlier question.

“Mom!” Emma yelled, running up to us.

“What is it, Emma?” Maddie asked, turning towards her daughter.

“I need your phone.”

“Why do you need it?” she asked, taking her phone from her pocket.

“I need it for a picture I took. I want to send you one I took, but I need to make sure it goes through.”

“Okay, remember the rules.” Maddie said, handing her daughter the phone.

“Thanks mom.” Emma said, taking off running back to the tree that is on the other side of my shop.

“She can run, she should do track.” I commented, leading her to the other side of the yard. Opposite from the way Emma went.

“She wants to play basketball and softball.”

“Did you do any sports? I could see you playing basketball.” Glancing her way. How did I not notice the make-up before?

“I did both, with a year of track.” She replied, breaking me from my thoughts.

“Does Noah want to do any?”

“He keeps changing his mind, he wants to play baseball and football. Every time sign ups come around; he changes his mind.

“Maybe I could talk to him about it.” I offered.

“Would you?”

“I would.” I promised her. “Do you want to walk through the house? We can go through the patio door when the food is done.” We were standing in front of my front door next to the swing.

“Yeah, I would like to see if the feelings are still there.” she answered, squeezing my hand. Did she not have good memories inside the house?

“Follow me.” I opened the door, letting her enter before me. “Is it the same?” I do not know if I am asking about her feelings, or the changes made. It must be both, I want her to have nothing but wonderful memories from here on out.

“It all looks the same, I cannot believe you didn’t change anything.”

“I have always loved the layout out here; I could not change it. This place has always felt like home, to me.”

“I was the happiest in this house.” she said, lowering her head.

“What happened?”

“Long story short, my dad was very controlling and abusive. When we moved here, I had a place to run to. Away from all the yelling and fighting. I do not want to go into a lot of details right now. I cannot let the kids see me crying.”

“Promise to tell me when we have more time.” I asked, pulling her into my arms. Moving back a strand of her red hair out of her face. Leaning closer, I need to feel her lips on mine. Glancing down at her mouth.

“Foods ready!” Grayson called from the back door.

“You and Bella have perfect timing.” I groaned, taking a few steps from Maddie.

“Can’t help it if you are slow.” Grayson laughed from the door.

“Ready to eat?” I asked Maddie.

“Lead the way.” She replied, this time she took my hand. Heading for the patio through the already open door.

“Here mom.” Emma called, running up to us. “You got a text.” Handing the phone over to Madison.

“Thank you, I will read it later.” She placed her phone into her pocket without looking at it.

“Let's get some food, I am starving.” I told Maddie, moving us towards the line.

************

“Penny for your thought?” I asked Maddie, as we sat off to the side. Watching the kids roasting marshmallows for smores.

“I still have not looked at my phone. I am worried that it is from Ethan.” She replied in a whisper.

“See what it says, I will be here with you.” I have been wondering about that text too.

Maddie unlocked her phone and handed it to me. “Will you read it? My hands won’t stop shaking.”

“Yeah.” I took her phone, tapping on the message icon, opening the text. Reading over the, I have never felt so angry before.

“What does it say?” Maddie asked, grabbing for my hand.

“He found you, Maddie. I do not know how or when, but he did.” I told her, squeezing her hand. “I am going to be here for y’all. I want to protect you.”

“I know you do. I just don’t know what to do. I am scared Lucas.” Maddie whispered, brushing her hand under her eye, catching the tear before it could fall. Seeing her like this breaks my heart, I hate seeing her afraid and crying.

“It’s okay baby, I’ve got you.” I told her pulling her into my chest, hugging her tightly. Placing a kiss on top of her head, catching Bella’s worried looked over Maddie’s head.

“I want y’all to stay here tonight. I do not know if Ethan is in town yet or has been following you. Please, say that you will do that for me.” I gently told her, running my hand down her hair.

All she could do was nod, while she quietly cried into my chest. Running a hand in soothing circles on her back, I motioned to Bella with my free hand.

“I will see if Bella and Grayson will stay here too. It can be a sleepover. You girls can have my room since it has the bigger bed, Grayson can have one guest room and Noah and I will share the other one.” I said when Bella was close enough to hear, glancing her way I caught her nod. Mouthing that she would talk to him for me.

“Thank you for everything, Lucas.” Maddie said, pulling out of my embrace to dry her eyes.

“You don’t have to thank me. I want to help you.”

“Still, I am grateful for you.” She smiled at me, taking my breath away. Even with make-up running, she is still beautiful.

“Will you let me help you?”

“Yes, there are some things you should know.” Maddie breathed out.

“I want to know everything about you, Maddie.”

“The last time that Ethan tracked us down did not go well. He was yelling and me and getting closer when Emma stepped in. She confronted her dad, and it didn’t end well. He slapped her across the face, I told her to run. Stepping between the two, I could let him hurt them anymore. Let's just say the neighbor called the police but I do not remember much.” Pulling her back into my embrace and holding on tight.

“What happened Maddie?”

“I had bruises all over my face and arms, Emma had a black eye and bruising around it. I ended up in the hospital, that is all I remember. Not the words we said, or when the police came, I was out of it. That is when I got the restraining order against him.” She rushed out.

“I am so sorry that you went through that and Emma.” I told her. “You will never have to go through that again. I promise.” I want her to know that I would always be there for her and her kids.

“I trust you, Lucas.” she whispered, glancing around most likely looking for the kids.

“And I trust you, Madison. Let me take you into the house to wash your face. It will help.” I told her, as I led the way.

************

Everyone is asleep, while I am wide awake thinking about Maddie and the children. My mind has been racing since I read the text. I cannot let that put his hands on them again. I have no idea how to keep them safe, but I will do everything I can. Maddie and her kids have become my everything. I must protect them; I could not live without them.

The way Maddie fit in my arms, felt like she belonged there. I could spend forever with her. My heart has not been whole since she came into my life. The sparks are still there, a fire burning between us. A desire that I have never felt before. A love waiting to be explored.

I never got the chance to kiss her, someone always interrupting. I bet our kiss would set the world on fire. It could be everything I hoped for. Listen to me going on and on, like some sap but she does this to me. Causing me to feel things I have never felt before. I am in love with Madison.