“Yes. Are you going to ask Sarah to be your matron of honor?”
“Yes, and David to give me away.”
“I assume you want to live in your suite of rooms at the main house.”
“Yes, do you mind? We can remodel them however we want.”
“No, I don’t mind. There is plenty of privacy.”
“Where should we go on a honeymoon?” questioned Nick
“Well, I guess that depends on how much time you want to be gone. I would love to go Paris or I would love to go to Hawaii. I just want some place where we can be together.”
“We will plan it to be wonderful. I guess we need to start thinking of when we want to get married.” Nick said a little bit vaguely
“What’s wrong?” Lindsay asked concerned
“Nothing’s wrong exactly. This has been quite a week; planning to get engaged, Dalton and David’s surprise about the business and then getting engaged. I may be a little overwhelmed here.”
Lindsay leaned forward and turned to look at him. “Do you want to wait a while to get married?”
“No. Do you?”
“No, but I would if you weren’t ready.” Lindsay answered not looking at him.
Nick reached over and cupped his hand around her chin raising her face to look at him. “I’m very ready. I want to get married as soon as it can be arranged. I want to be able to sleep beside you for the rest of our lives. I want to love you and make love to you. I want you!”
Lindsay started crying again with joy and happiness. “I want you too. I want to love you and make love to you too. I want to have your babies and see them fall in love with you as I have. Thank you for wanting to marry me.”
“Thank you for wanting to marry me! After all I put you through, that is my miracle.”
“Lindsay Cates, wife of Nick Cates.” Lindsay muttered to herself a few minutes later
“I love the sound of that. When you were injured and couldn’t sleep unless I talked to you, I told you I loved Lindsay Matthews but I would love it more when you were Lindsay Cates.”
“Nick and Lindsay Cates. Perfect!” she stated happier than she had even been in her life.
Lindsay settled back in Nick’s arm and they just enjoyed each other. No words were needed just being together.
“I guess we need to say good night. We have guests to entertain tomorrow.” Lindsay said reluctantly
“Yes and tomorrow is when Colby’s horses are to arrive also. It is going to be hectic.”
“Scott and Katie will love watching you work those horses.”
“What about my love? Will she like it?” Nick asked teasing her about watching him ride
“No, she will love it. In jeans and boots and on Spade… yeah she will be there enjoying every minute of it.”
Nick laughed at her running commentary on his jeans and boots. “Come on goofy girl, it is time for you to go to bed. I hate to be apart from you but we need sleep.”
They walked hand in hand to Lindsay’s room. He reached down and picked up her off the floor and kissed her hard. “Today is the best day of my life so far.” He said as he let her back down
Lindsay smiled sweetly and nodded her agreement. “Mine too.”
Nick backed away from her with a quiet good night.
Lindsay had just turned off her light when predictably her phone rang.
“Hi babe” she answered
“This is hard, I miss you. Arrange the wedding soon.”
“I will. I miss you too. I love you.”
“I love you my Lindsay.”
Chapter 17
Nick knocked on Lindsay’s door the next morning when she wasn’t in the kitchen when he came in. After several knocks he quietly opened her door and went it. Her bed was empty and she wasn’t in the room. Nick went back to the kitchen. “Have you seen Lindsay, Mama?” he asked
“No, isn’t she in her room?”
“It’s empty. I am going to go check the barn to see if she went for a ride.” He said leaving the kitchen. He went straight to Brandy’s stall but she was still in it. He quickly looked up and down on the aisles in both barns. Lindsay wasn’t anywhere around.
As he strode swiftly back to the house, he happened to glance over to the pool and saw Lindsay sleeping in the lounge chair. He walked quietly over to her and stared down at her. She was clutching his bear like a lifeline and she looked so sweet and vulnerable to him.
Nick leaned down and gently kissed her forehead. “Sweetheart, it is morning. It is time to get up.”
Lindsay woke up quickly and looked startled at where she was. “Why am I outside?”
“I was going to ask you that question.” Nick said as he sat down on the foot of her chair.
Lindsay paused to remember the night. “I woke up and couldn’t go back to sleep. I decided not to hang around in my room so I wandered out here. I guess I fell back asleep.”
“I see you brought some company.”
“He goes with me wherever I go at night. I love him.”
Nick smiled and leaned forward to kiss her. “It is time for breakfast.” He said getting up and reaching for her hand. He walked her back to her room and went in to watch the morning news as she showered and dressed.
When she was pulling her boots on, Nick asked her if something was bothering her and if that was why she couldn’t sleep.
“No, yesterday was just so wonderful. I had so much to think about. I just couldn’t sleep.”
“You had me a little worried that something might be wrong.”
“Not a thing.” She said holding her hand out to study her engagement ring.
Nick rose from the couch and helped her stand also. “Let’s eat before I lock that door and spend the day holding you instead of working.”’
As they walked into the dining room, Katie and Scott rushed to greet them. “Can we go riding again?” Scott asked excitedly
“Yes, after breakfast for a few minutes.” Nick answered “But later, we have to work some. We are getting some new horses today.”
“Cool” Scott answered and Katie nodded
After everyone finished eating, they all walked down to the barn and repeated the riding of the day before. The kids were having a ball and they loved being with Nick and Lindsay.
Deena, Samantha and Sarah were watching as the kids rode around the corral with Lindsay and Nick. “Those two are wonderful with Scott and Katie. It was one of the best days of their life when they picked him up. We love them. And when they have kids, their kids will be so lucky to have them as parents.”
“Won’t they though? And if we have kids, they will be lucky to have them as aunt and uncle. Lindsay has been my friend since college and I have known Nick almost that long, they are just perfect for each other. It took a long time to reach this point, but their life will be wonderful.”
“Yes, Lindsay told us their story. I am so glad Nick included us in their engagement surprise.”
“They have both had a tough year with their injuries, they needed that fabulous party last night to kick off the good part in their lives.”
“I am so thankful to Dalton for arranging for our trip here, the kids were thrilled to be on MatthewsOne.”
“He had fun planning it. Lindsay is his beloved sister and Nick is his best friend, he would do anything for them.”
“Lindsay was mentioning that you run a foundation for those with chronic illnesses?”
“Yes, it started about a year and half ago.”
“That is a great cause. When you deal with any kind of illness, any kind of support is greatly appreciated. Sometimes you need physical help, sometimes emotional, sometimes you just need someone to clean your house.” Samantha nodded in agreement to Deena’s comments.
“Exactly. We help with those things.”
“It is a great ideal. I am sorry that you have your illness.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry your prec
ious children had to go through cancer.”
Deena and Samantha were thinking back on their long battles. Samantha answered “We are too, but we have gotten to be better parents because of it. We had to fight hard for them and for each other. It is tough.”
“A few months ago, I was approached by a lady named Anna that was foster mother to a little boy with terminal cancer. His wish was to be a cowboy for the weekend, so I arranged it with David to come here and be a cowboy for the weekend. Jimmy had a great time. Nick did the same thing with him that he is doing with your kids. He passed away about three weeks after he was here.”
“That is so wonderful. I am no longer surprised about Nick’s treatment of our kids. He is a very special man.”
“Yes, he is.” replied Gabby as she came up on the three ladies and overheard their conversation “Although, I might be a slight bit biased.”
“You deserve to be Gabby.” remarked Deena “You did a fabulous job with him.”
“No, not really. Nick is pretty wonderful all without my help.” Gabby said as she watched him with the kids “I am the blessed one.”
Sarah hugged Gabby as Deena and Samantha agreed with her. Gabby walked back to the house after a few minutes.
“Lindsay told us that Gabby was special. She wasn’t kidding.”
“No, she wasn’t. We wouldn’t be as good a family without her. She adopted me the first time I visited here and she has been my Mama ever since. She gave me love and support through a very tough time in my life.”
“She loves you all very much. She needs you and you need her. It is mutual.” commented Samantha Dowd.
“Yes” nodded Sarah
Nick stopped the kids’ rides so they could rest before the other horses arrived. He and Lindsay walked them back to their parents and all of them talked for a while. Nick played a card game with the kids. Lindsay moved to join Sarah, Samantha and Deena.
“Hi” Lindsay said as she approached them
“That looked like fun.” Sarah said in answer
“We had a great time. They are so excited to be here.”
“We can’t thank you enough for doing this for them.” said Deena
“It is our pleasure.” Lindsay answered
“Last night was so much fun.” Samantha said changing the subject “You were so radiant as Nick proposed to you.”
“Was I? I was so stunned and excited, I have barely stopped shaking.”
They all laughed. “Now you get to plan a wedding.”
“No, Sarah gets to plan a wedding. I am going to point and say yes a lot. Planning a wedding is not my skill.”
“You will do fine sister.” a laughing Sarah replied “I will help you.”
“Have you thought about a date yet?” asked Deena
“No, things are a little hectic here right now. I want the wedding as soon as possible but with Nick’s new business venture and Gabby and Nathan’s new plans, StageWest is hectic.”
“Nick’s new business? What new business?” asked Samantha
“He is going to have his own business or retraining or just beginning training horses. David and Dalton are building a third barn/training facility and have given it to Nick for his business.”
“He retrains horses?” asked Deena
“Yes!” gushed Sarah “You will see soon enough. He is brilliant at it.”
“Anyway with all that going on, the wedding may have to wait a while.” Lindsay replied after her sister-in-law finished
“No, it won’t.” Nick replied walking up them “The sooner the better.” He said leaning down to kiss Lindsay “Marrying you takes precedent over anything.”
“Ahhh” cooed Sarah “That is so sweet.”
“Sarah dearest, one of these days….” laughed Nick
“Yes, Nick. One of these days what?” she replied laughing at him
“You will see. I guarantee it” he said leaning down to kiss her cheek. “You get too much enjoyment out of picking on me. I think it is my turn to get even.”
“Anytime anyplace cowboy. Give it your best shot.” Sarah replied confidently
Nick laughed and walked away after kissing Lindsay again.
“You two.” commented Lindsay shaking her head at Sarah. “You act like brother and sister.”
“I love him and he knows it.” Sarah stated “I am so happy for him and for you. We will plan you the perfect wedding. Starting Monday.”
Gabby called them all in for lunch a few minutes later. After lunch the truck carrying Colby Randall’s horses arrived. Shortly thereafter; CeCe and Greg Davis arrived with Colby Randall.
Sarah and Lindsay went to greet them. “Hi Colby, we didn’t expect you so soon.”
“I finished up early and called CeCe and invited myself down. I wanted to make sure the horses arrived okay. I wanted to meet David also.”
“Come on then.” replied Lindsay “We have other people for you to meet also.”
“Yes, I heard. Congratulations Lindsay!”
“Thank you.” She replied shyly
Lindsay led them all to the south barn where Colby’s horses were being unloaded. David and Nick were looking them over as they came down from the truck.
When there was a break in the action, Lindsay brought David and their guests to meet Colby. “David, this is Colby Randall.”
David reached to shake his hand “Welcome to StageWest”
“Thank you. And thank you for helping me out with the horses.”
“Anytime.”
“Colby, these are our other guests” Lindsay said directing Colby to the others standing around “This is Katie, Samantha and Bart Dowd and this is Scott, Deena and Randy Jones. Everyone this is Colby Randall.”
“Cool.” Scott gushed “I have heard you on the radio. I have your CD”
“Cool” Colby gushed back as Scott as he knelt down to give him a “high five”. “Are you guys having fun riding Nick’s horses?”
Scott and Katie nodded enthusiastically “Katie is Nick’s girlfriend since he let us ride his horse.” Scott pronounced proudly
The adults around laughed as Lindsay introduced Colby to Nick’s father Nathan who had joined the crowd. “Welcome” said Nathan
“Thank you. I have been looking forward to this all week.”
“Good. Nick will get your horse fixed up for you.” Nathan said pointing to Nick with Colby’s horse Lucky Joe
Colby moved to the railing to watch. “He is amazing with him.” He whispered
The crowd gathered around a little closer as Nick walked Lucky Joe around the corral. “Remember me Lucky Joe. We are going to be great friends.” Nick patted his neck and the horse tried to rear up but Nick had a good hold on him. “Easy. I won’t hurt you.” He said as he rubbed the horse’s neck. “I am your friend.”
“What is he doing?” Scott asked David
David picked up Scott and sat him on the railing as Dalton picked up Katie and did the same thing. “Nick is teaching him. We have to watch quietly as he works.”
“Is he scared?” Scott whispered
“Yes, the horse is scared. Someone wasn’t very nice to him once. Now he thinks everyone is mean to him. Nick is going to teach him to not be scared.”
“Katie and I aren’t scared when Nick is with us.”
The adults all smiled and looked at each other after Scott’s comments. He had spoken the truth for himself and Katie but also for the horses Nick works with.
Nick walked Lucky Joe closer to the crowd so the horse could get used to people again. “Lindsay, can you come in here?” He called softly
Lindsay walked to the gate and went in. Lucky Joe was immediately distracted by her which was Nick’s goal. Nick worked to bring the horse’s focus back to him. “Lindsay, start talking to him as you walk up to him and pet him on the neck like last time.”
Lindsay started as Nick instructed “Hi Lucky Joe. You are a handsome fellow.”
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Nick chuckled softly “I told you before that she is my girl Lucky Joe. You can’t have her.”
Lindsay placed her hands on the horse’s neck and the horse startled away. Nick held on to him and brought him back so Lindsay could do it again. “She won’t hurt you Lucky Joe.”
Nick with Lindsay’s help worked with the horse for a few more minutes, then Nick walked him to his new stall. He spent more time with him as he was groomed, fed and watered. Nick patted him on the neck and walked away. Nick went back to Colby’s horses and led them to their new stalls for their stay at StageWest.
Nick walked up the crowd that had been watching him. “Hi Colby. It is good to see you again.”
“Hey, Nick. It is good to be here.”
Nick greeted CeCe and Greg too as the crowd moved to let Colby tour StageWest. Lindsay captured Nick’s hand as they moved along. She squeezed it and smiled at him.
“I hear there was some good news last night Nick.” Colby stated
“Yes” Nick responded smiling at Lindsay
“Congratulations!” Colby commented
“Thanks”
The tour was completed and everyone decided to go relax by the pool for a while. The kids, Nick and their parents went to change into their swimming suits. The rest of the crowd gathered around to watch.
“He did it again. He is so impressive with Lucky Joe.” commented Colby “I am just amazed.”
“He is very good at it.” David answered “We are lucky to have him here.” Dalton nodded in agreement
“StageWest is an impressive place. Your facilities are marvelous.”
“Thanks. On Monday, if you want to come back we can go over some possible scenarios and decide what you want to do with your stud and your other horses.”
Colby looked to Greg and CeCe who nodded their agreement. “Sounds good.” Colby agreed
Gabby came out to greet everyone and was introduced to Colby. “Welcome.”
“Thank you. It is good to be here.”
“I am getting ready to start dinner. Lindsay, Sarah can I draft you for a bit?”
“Certainly” they replied getting up to help. CeCe got up to join them. “No, stay and visit.” Gabby said
“No, I’ll help you too.” CeCe hugging Gabby. “We just showed up on your doorstep without warning.”
“Nonsense, we love company.”
“Good, we will back on Monday too.”
“Fabulous!” gushed Gabby
The dinner that night was full of good food, fun and lots of laughter. Nick and Colby played a game with Katie and Scott. All the adults conversed as if they were all old friends instead of famous movie stars, famous movie producers and horse breeders.