Chapter Twenty

Penny knew Ace was right when he told her she was about to nibble her way straight through her bottom lip—she knew he was right when he also said that she needed to stop. That did not mean she appreciated his input.

Penny was a nervous, anxious mess. "What if they don't approve?"

His laughter filled the afternoon air as they rode back to the ranch in the cart. "Princess, they will most definitely approve. Hell, Maggie probably already told them all."

Still Penny's mind whirled. Too much had happened today and she was finding it all a bit difficult to process. Not only was she somehow engaged to Ace Anderson and was going to marry the devilishly handsome man, she had nearly made love with him that morning, had gotten devastating news about her loan, been insulted by Gavin Hendershot, watched Ace knock the good banker for a loop, and had decided to go into business with Ace and allow him to help her create her sewing shop.

Dear lord. Ace was the most impulsive man she knew! Was this truly a good idea? Then again, he was also an amazing carpenter—and Penny doubted he would want any kind of hand in actually running a sewing shop. A smile curved her lips as she glanced his way. He certainly didn't look much like a seamstress.

His gaze met hers. "As much as I love seein' that smile on your face when you look at me, Princess, I can tell something is on your mind."

She chewed her lip once again. "What if Gavin goes to Sheriff Potter? Surely, if you get tossed into jail over that entire debacle, your parents will be upset...."

Ace chuckled. "They're used to it. I get tossed in jail at least three times a month...." He winced at her pointed glance. "Or at least I used to. Now that I have a nagging woman to keep me in line, I'm sure my stays will lessen."

"They better," Penny warned.

As the house came into view, Ace sighed. "I know you aren't real happy about me attacking the man, but in my defense, he ran his mouth about you. I won't stand for that." Penny didn't know what to say. Never had she had someone seem so determined to stand up for her. It was a new and pleasant feeling—she only wished it hadn't had to come at the expense of someone's jaw.

"You'll only hear me say this once, Mr. Montgomery, so listen up," Penny warned. Ace was smiled, those dimples deep in his cheeks, as he leaned his face into hers. Penny put her mouth to his ear. "The little weasel deserved it."

Penny's heart soared at the sound of Ace's laughter filling the late afternoon air. "I love you, Penny."

"Glad to hear it," Michael greeted as Ace pulled the wagon to a stop. Penny saw a fire burning beside the bunkhouse. Meat was broiling over it and tables were set up and covered in fancy tablecloths and every kind of food and drink Penny could think up quickly.

"What's going on?" Ace asked, as he jumped from the wagon. He put his hands on Penny's hips and pulled her down as well, though Penny didn't miss the way he didn't let go, even once she was safely upon the ground.

"This is Carol and Patricia's doin'," Michael stated. Penny saw the family, every member of it, even Gregory, seemed to have stopped work early and they were all mingling around.

"There's the happy couple!" Ed's voice boomed when he caught sight of Penny and Ace.

Penny felt the blush as it started at her toes and creeped up into her scalp. This was a party for them? She found herself clinging to Ace as her stiff legs nearly refused to carry her forward. Ace urged her gently. "I've got ya, Princess."

Carol rushed forward, taking Penny into her arms. "Oh thank the stars for you, Penny Burkart! My son was hopeless before you came."

"Thank for the uplifting words, mama," Ace mumbled.

Ed chuckled, appearing at his wife's side. "Are you denying it?"

His arm slipping once again around Penny's waist as he pulled her into his side, Ace smiled. "No. No, I sure ain't."

Penny could not have put into words how she felt in that moment. With her body tucked warm and safely into Aces, and with all these people, her new family, eager to celebrate in her happiness, Penny knew that a person had never been more humbled or overjoyed all at once.

"So when is this hitchin' going to be?" Gregory spoke up as Ace led Penny toward the food-laden tables. "We got gelding season coming up."

Ace winced. "Leave it to Gregory to bring up work at a party—and not just any work but chopping the balls off calves—it really is a wonder you haven't done swept some woman off her feet."

Gregory shrugged. "I reckon I ain't the sweepin' women off their feet type."

At his words, Penny was reminded of Gregory's comment just the other day—about liking someone rougher—could he be....?

Before Penny could finish her thought, Patricia came rushing over and wrapped her in a warm embrace. "I am so happy for you, Penny! Who would have thought, we would both find our happily ever after out on a horse ranch in Texas?"

Penny laughed lightly, feeling a bit awkward by the show of affection, but still managing to hug her sister back. "Certainly not me. And who is saying I'll be happy forever? Married to this man, I will more than likely be miserable."

Ace feigned offense. Then he leaned in close, his breath teasing her temple. "I'll keep you so damn happy, your body will tremble with it."

***

Ace wanted nothing more than to have his woman alone at the cabin, sharing his bed, and continuing where they'd left off this morning. He wanted to taste those freckles on her thighs—he'd bet they were sweet as honey....

That would have to wait. As Ace watched Penny awkwardly making her way through this party in their honor, his heart swelled with love for her. She had been shown far too little kindness in her life—those days were over. Here on the Triple A, family came first and no one was allowed to feel unwanted or unloved.

Michael was playing guitar while Penny shared a stiff dance with Jose, who was desperately attempting to loosen her up. Ace figured he could help with that loosening up bit and he was preparing to go do so when Maggie approached him.

"I hope y'all aren't mad that I blabbed to the family."

Ace shook his head. "Of course not, little sister. I'll blab when a man finally throws a saddle on your back."

She shoved him with one hand as her eyes flashed. "I won't never be saddled and you damn well know that."

Ace laughed. "I reckon you're the one that'll be doin' the saddling!"

He saw her expression sober. "Did you happen to see Jeremiah while you were in town?"

Ace shoved a piece of chicken into his mouth and nodded. "Still the same," he replied around his mouthful. "Doc is keeping him sedated to give his body time to heal."

Maggie's eyes seemed far away a moment. "I sure wish he'd wake up."

Deciding now wasn't the time for teasing, Ace nudged her gently with his elbow. "I'm sure he's gonna be just fine, Maggie. Hell, there ain't no signs of infection yet and he don't have a fever so that's a good sign."

She plastered on a smile. "Sure."

"And I reckon he probably knows that there's a certain woman waiting on him to wake up so she can tend to his wounds and see him get well. Hell, that alone would have most men waking up in a hurry."

The flush that covered Maggie's cheeks was one for the record books. Ace couldn't stop himself from laughing out loud as she reached out and punched him hard in the arm. "Quit being such a bone-headed fool!" she scolded. "If there is such a woman, I hope she teaches him how to use his brain, damn idiot."

Luke approached, ending the conversation between them. Ace might love to rile his sister, but he wouldn't embarrass her over Jeremiah in front of Luke, at least not while Jeremiah was still in danger. "Hey Ace. 'Bout time you grow up."

Ace nodded, his eyes once again finding Penny. The woman was now being taught how to flat foot dance by Michael, Gregory and Carol. She took Ace's breath away in the fading sunlight. "As much as I hate to say it, Luke, you were right. When that certain woman comes along, it does something to ya. You don't have much of a choice in the matter."

"You did good, Ace. Penny'll make you a fine wife."

Ace shook his head, patting his oldest brother on the back. "A fine wife? Sounds like you're talking about brood mares."

Luke grumbled. "Can you be serious for more than thirty seconds?"

"Nope."

"Patricia told me something about a sewing shop you're gonna help Penny run?" Luke stated.

This caught Maggie's attention as well. "You're gonna help run a sewing shop? Did that banker change his mind about her money?"

Ace saw that weasel's face in his mind and had a sudden urge to punch it again. Gavin Hendershot simply had an unfortunate face.

"No, he didn't change his mind about the money but Penny doesn't need his goddamn money to have her shop. And, no, I'm not running a sewing shop. I'm too lazy for that. I'm just gonna help her build it."

"And why would Gavin change his mind about her money?" Luke asked. "I thought he'd already approved the loan."

Ace rolled his eyes. "He's got himself in a temper because Penny picked me over him."

"Well of course she did!" Maggie exclaimed. "Hell, if I was forced to pick between Gavin and a donkey, me and that damn donkey would have the happiest life together any two folks had ever had."

Ace glared. "You really are a horrible person. I'm a better pick than a goddamn donkey."

"At least Ace does bathe once a week," Luke agreed. Ace had heard about enough. He was on his way to sweep his fiancée off her feet when Luke grabbed his arm. "Hey, be careful with Gavin, okay?"

Frowning, Ace raised his brow. "I didn't hit him..... too hard."

Luke rolled his eyes. "Not a brilliant business move considering how much money this ranch has in that bank, but that's not what I mean."

Unease tickled Ace's spine. He didn't like having his spine tickled. "Why should I be careful with Gavin?"

"I heard he's mixed up with something bad. I haven't heard a lot of details but he owes some folks some money and those folks aren't the types that like to wait around." Luke rubbed his neck. "Just keep some distance and keep Penny away from him."

"Oh, I can promise my Princess ain't gonna be anywhere near him. But why wouldn't you have said this before when he was sniffing around her skirts?"

Luke shrugged. "I didn't really think about it much. But I find it odd that he just happened to become interested in Penny when we have so much money and he has unpaid debts."

Ace nodded. "I already knew he was after Penny to pay debts. Don't worry, Luke, I'll keep my distance—and tell my fists to do the same."

***

The evening was winding down and Penny would admit to anyone who asked that it had been the best evening of her entire life thus far. To be surrounded by family and to feel that love and companionship—it was new, overwhelming, and quite a shock to her system. But it was a shock she could very easily get accustomed to.

Patricia and Carol had both gone on and on about Penny's ring and how Ace must have picked it out of a catalogue just for her. Penny knew he had and the image of Ace in that dusty mercantile, flipping pages and picking out a ring for her finger made her smile.

The best part of this evening had been Ace himself. They had stolen glances, he'd stolen her breath with quick kisses, and he'd even managed to spin her around for several dances. Every time her eyes sought him out, his would find her as well. It was as if they were connected and could sense when the other was near.

"You ready to head home, Princess?" Ace asked, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her flush against him.

Penny glanced toward the ranch house. "I'm already home."

He clicked his tongue. "Nope. I told you that you live out at the cabin with me now."

"Ace!" Penny pulled away and adjusted her dress. "We aren't married yet and that's not proper...."

With a wave of his hand, Ace had her once again in his arms. "Didn't stop you from spending last night out there."

"Go ahead, Penny. Go stay with Ace," Carol spoke up, shocking Penny into silence. Shouldn't Ace's mother be trying to help Penny.

"I wasn't expecting you to say that," Ace admitted, and Penny realized that even he was surprised by his mother's words.

Carol's laughter was rich as she tossed back her dark mane of hair. It was clear she'd been enjoying the tequila that Jose had brought out of the bunkhouse. "You love one another and you'll be married soon. Just go and live and have fun."

"Yes, soul mates shouldn't waste any time," Ed agreed.

Ace's lips found Penny's ear. "Told you my family would approve."

Penny trembled. Damn these meddling Andersons. Ready or not, it would seem she was spending another night with Ace, because, honestly, Penny couldn't find it within herself to tell him no.

The ranch went about cleaning up the party mess in the glow of dimly lit lanterns. Despite everyone's urging that Penny and Ace head to Ace's cabin, Penny insisted that they needed to help clean—much to Ace's displeasure. Penny was certain it was a sense of responsibility and not her own nervousness at being alone with Ace once again that had her stalling.

"Now, can we head home?" Ace asked, glancing around at the cleaned up yard. Penny sighed. She knew that Carol's kitchen was full of dirty dishes but the older woman had insisted they could wait until tomorrow—it was obvious that Carol was the type that soon fell sleepy when she overindulged in alcohol.

She nodded. "Just let me go pack a bag with some clean clothes and belongings. I can get everything else tomorrow."

Ace held her hand as she walked away, only releasing his hold when he could no longer reach her. Penny felt as if she were floating as she made her way to her room. She was nervous, yes, but she remembered the way Ace had made her feel that morning—she'd been nearly wanton in her desire! If he could bring that out of her once, he could surely do it again.

As Penny stepped back outside, the atmosphere had changed. The glowing lantern light revealed that the family was gathered together and Sheriff Potter had arrived. Quickly, Penny made her way to Ace. "Is something wrong?" she asked him quietly.

He shrugged, taking her bag and tossing it over his own shoulder before wrapping his free arm around her waist and pulling her close. "I don't know. He just got here."

"Why are you here, Sheriff Potter? Aren't you supposed to be hunting down whoever shot Jeremiah?" Maggie snapped, earning herself a sharp scold from her mother.

Sheriff Potter took off his hat and sighed. "I know you're frustrated Maggie. I know all of you are. But I really am doing all I can. There are certain red tapes that I have to abide by. I'm working to get a federal marshall or some Texas Rangers out here. They won't be as restricted."

"And where are they?" Ed inquired.

Sheriff Potter's shoulders rose and fell. "They all have bigger fish to fry just now. These rustlers haven't killed anyone yet and they say they have cold-blooded killers they're busy chasing."

"What about Jeremiah?" Maggie demanded. "They shot him and left him for dead!"

Sheriff Potter held up his hand. "I know they did, and like I said, I'm doing all I can." He put his hat back on his head. "I actually came to give y'all some news about Jeremiah. He's taken a turn for the better. He actually woke up a bit this evening, recognized the doctor and had a short conversation with him and then fell back asleep. Doc said it's looking like he's gonna make it after all."

The family rejoiced. Penny spared a glance at Maggie and saw that she was quite quiet. Her jaw was tight and her eyes were shining with tears the stubborn girl would never let fall. Then she looked up at Ace and saw that he was still tense and appeared quite angry.

"Sheriff Potter? I think I need to tell you somethin'."

Sheriff Potter nodded as he met Ace's gaze and stood toe to toe with the man. "Tell me."

"I was face to face with one of those rustlers and the only reason I didn't blow his head off was because he was across our property line. But I think you need to understand somethin'. I won't let them harm another hair on my family's head, understand? And if they do, I'll kill them, all your rules about property lines and boundaries be damned."

Sheriff Potter rubbed at his neck as he appeared pained. "Don't do that, Ace. If you do, I'll have to arrest you and you'll have to go before a judge and jury."

Ace appeared unwavering. "I'll do it. I won't stand by and let those men keep getting away with what they're doing."

"Ace, that's enough," Ed scolded.

"Ace is right, pa," Luke spoke up. "Enough is enough and the law clearly doesn't want to help. If they harm anyone else on this ranch, I'll ride with Ace to do what needs to be done."

"So will I," Gregory agreed.

"And me," Maggie chimed in.

Carol let out a rare curse of her own as she threw her hands in the air. "Dear lord, my children will be the death of me! Sheriff Potter, you better get this all figured out and solved. I don't want to have my children gunning after cold-blooding outlaws."

"I'm doing the best I can, Carol, I promise you." Sheriff Potter sighed and took several steps away. "I will do everything I can to bring help here and catch these rustlers. I do care about the people in my county and I do want to protect them."

"We know you do," Ed assured him. "Tension are simply a bit high right now. Please forgive my children."

"Nothing to forgive," Sheriff Potter replied. He swung himself up onto his gray gelding. "I'll see you folks around."

Penny watched him ride away as the family slowly went their separate ways. She found herself alone with Ace in the dim glow from the lantern on the porch.

Ace seemed to shake himself from whatever angry mood he'd been in and he smiled down at her, causing her knees to grow weak at just the sight of that damnable dimple. "Let's go home, Princess. I got a lot to show ya tonight."