The Cowboy’s Curvy Nerd Bonus Scene

Noble

I’m sitting on the front porch swing with one foot out gently rocking it back and forth. Rio and I like to sit out here in the evenings and talk about things we’re grateful for.

The habit started a couple of months ago on our seventh anniversary after Rio said he was grateful for everything in his life, even the bad things that had happened to him.

I know a little more about my husband now than I did when I first married him though he’s still reluctant to discuss the past.

When I found out that his rescuing me was indirectly responsible for his prison stint, I cried for days.

I cried over the unfairness of it. Over the lack of justice that the ones who deserved prison never went. I said as much to Rio, sobbing against his shoulder one night when everything was too heavy to bear silently.

My Rio is a good man. Solid through and through. His is a quiet strength wrapped in the wisdom of a man who’s been through hell and walked out of it scarred, but still standing.

When I’d railed against the injustice, he’d stroked my hair and said he’d do it all over again. If Rio would have balked about going to prison, if he would have fought the wealthy families of the boys who did that to me, I was their next target.

They were going to set one of us up to go to prison for that clubhouse fire and Rio chose for it to be him.

I hadn’t known there was a choice because he never said a word.

It amazes me that my handsome husband isn’t bitter about what happened to him. I think I would be.

The front door opens and Rio steps out with Maximus, our three-year-old son in his arms. He’s a daddy’s boy through and through. His first word was “Dada.”

Rio settles on the swing beside me. Max reaches out his hand for me and clutches the side of my t-shirt.

Holding onto both of us is his favorite way to drift to sleep.

Rio takes over rocking the swing his gaze sweeping across the land surrounding our home. He hums and within minutes Max is out.

“Spring is in the air.” His deep voice is pitched softly, quiet in the moonlight.

“You’re not invited to the flower garden this year.”

His lips curve in that sexy smile of his that makes me think no matter how many nights I spend with him, I will never reach my fill.

He can make me want him just by walking into the room.

“I didn’t hear any complaints.”

“You weren’t the one on the ground.”

I get that look then. The sizzling one that reminds me the entire world could have fallen around me that day and I wouldn’t have noticed.

We’d almost gotten caught by my friend Laura coming over for a surprise visit.

I grin at the memory. “You’re so bad.”

“You like it that way.”

“That’s true.” I trace the rigid line of his jaw. “I like you anyway I can have you.”

He dips his head closer to mine, stopping right before we make contact. “I’m grateful for you. I’m grateful that you said yes to marrying me. I’m grateful you gave birth to our son. And I’m grateful you’ll give birth to the baby you’re carrying.”

I frown. “I’m not pregnant.”

“Yet. It’s on my to-do list.”

I laugh, then cover my mouth when Max stirs. I wait a second, then lower my hand. “Do you want to hear what I’m grateful for?”

“Baby, I already know. It’s me.”

I laugh again, then shush myself. “You’re going to make me wake him.”

“I’ll put him to bed.” He stands and winks. “Then you can put me to bed so I can get started on that to-do list.”

***

Rio

Years ago when Noble said she’d marry me, I didn’t think I’d see another day where I thought I had everything I could ever want. Because she was it for me. What could be better than my woman?

But like a sweet glimpse into heaven showing up in my life, my son was born. A sign that I was surrounded with good. With beauty. With a life that still has me waking up thankful it’s not just a dream.

I’m not going to lie and say everything in my life has been an easy walk but it’s a journey I had to take to protect the woman I love. Sure, sometimes, I feel feral when it comes to her.

The thought of anything happening to her or that anyone might want to hurt her again makes restless demon rise up.

But I’ve learned to take deep breaths and calm that part of me.

Yeah, I’ve walked through flames, and I’ve gone through some dark shit. And I’m not bragging when I say I’m hardened physically and emotionally from all that.

But Noble…she looks at me…she touches me and there’s a sweetness that pours over those scars time and time again.

I once told her that a beautiful life and kids weren’t in the cards for us, and she’d told me to deal again. I remember thinking it wasn’t happening, that she was wrong.

I questioned what love is because I never had it. Didn’t know how to say it either. Never figured I was missing out on much. I was wrong.

Now I have learned how to define love. It’s Noble. My beautiful wife. The woman I want to be with for the rest of my life. The woman who only has to smile at me and everything’s alright in my world. I’m grateful that our worlds collided in the fire the day we met. From those ashes, we rose to build our love. And I think that’s about as perfect as life can get.

***

If you loved Rio and Noble’s story, you’ll enjoy reading Rhett and Lucy’s story in The Revenge Bride. Preorder the book now!