Mr cowboy, p.24
Mr. Cowboy, page 24
“Honestly, you two make such a cute couple.”
Some of the earlier contestants had come along and hugged Sean first, then Bonnie.
“This was such fun,” said Kristan.
“I’ve met someone special,” said another woman. “I’m going to stick around for a while.”
“Where’s Tabitha?” said Jeremy, a wolfish smile on his lips.
Probably sulking.
“I’m sure she’ll be out in a while to say hello to everyone,” Bonnie said.
The wardrove crew joined in, hair and make-up attacking Bonnie with brushes and more lipstick. They’d obviously been focusing on Tabitha.
While they waited for Bonnie, they filmed Sean answering questions. She couldn’t hear the questions, or his answers, and figured she’d have to listen with everyone else when the show finally aired.
Everything moved swiftly and they were ushered through posed photos in different settings. Photos of them in a clinch, the glimmering pool in the background. One of Sean playfully appearing to push Bonnie in the pool. Another of her tugging at his tie, as if she might do the same.
After a while they were led inside, where two chairs had been set up in the dining room for the interview they’d finally do together.
Lori, who had been drinking champagne as well and chatting with the rest of the crew, appeared to have finally unclenched.
She’d changed into a black shift dress and red high heels, hair and make-up making her look extremely glamorous. Bonnie did a double-take.
“So, you two have a history together. This is sort of a shocking revelation. I mean, the first night didn’t go so well, did it?”
“No, guess not,” Sean chuckled. “She broke my heart. What do you expect?”
Bonnie squeezed his hand. “We were high school sweethearts.”
“Ah, young love. How sweet. And where do you two think you’ll be settling after the wedding?” Lori asked, the hint of a wicked gleam in her eye.
“Stone Ridge, of course.” Sean squeezed her hand.
“This is home,” Bonnie said.
“Interesting. I was just checking our social media with updates when I saw that Bonnie also has some news.”
Sean glanced at her with curiosity, the hint of a smile on his lips.
Bonnie’s foot jiggled to the point her shoe nearly came off.
“I…well, since you mentioned it. Just before the final ceremony, I received word that Netflix is bringing back a reboot of Kavanaugh’s Way. They’ve asked me to come back as the head of the crime fighting family in a starring role this time.”
Sean stiffened next to her and he let go of her hand.
“Congratulations,” Lori said.
Bonnie threaded her arm through Sean’s. “Thank you, but I’m not taking the role. It’s a nice offer, however, and good to know Hollywood doesn’t believe all women nearing forty should be relegated to modeling adult diapers.”
Lori blinked. “I’m sorry. You’re not taking the role?”
“No. I’m not.”
“I’m just saying, I don’t know if I’d turn down the opportunity to work with Sahara Rhodes,” Lori said. “She’s amazing.”
“Who?” Sean said.
Lori snorted. “Only one of the greatest female influencers in our business. Anytime you see a bestselling hit on the biggest streaming network there is, she’s at the helm of it with her own production company. Her mission is for both women and minorities to be properly represented. She scours fiction books and makes series out of them. Some of them win Emmys. Everything she touches is gold.”
“She’s amazing, true, and it would be an honor to work with her,” Bonnie said, wishing she’d have had time to talk to Sean privately before someone else gave him the news.
“But…?”
“That part of my life is over. I look forward to getting married, settling down, having a family.”
Sean smiled and lowered his head.
“What do you think, Sean?” Lori pressed.
“I think my fiancée and I are going to talk about this. Possibly in private.”
“Sounds like a good idea,” Lori said.
Now Bonnie stiffened. She did not want to talk about the reboot. She’d made her decision. Even the thought of recreating the role of Meghan Kavanaugh had caused her shakes and cramps to return. Life would be easier if she could just stay in her hometown and shut out the rest of the world. So far, this had worked well. She didn’t see why it couldn’t continue.
A few more lighthearted comments on the roping event, the schoolhouse event, and giving a mention to Bonnie and Sean’s date at the Shady Grind, and the interview at last concluded.
Then, the “wrap up” party began. All the women contestants made their way inside the mansion, even Jessica. Music boomed through the speakers, and caterers arrived to serve appetizers and more alcohol. The kitchen was filled to overflowing with women chatting and catching up.
Jessica hugged Bonnie warmly, then Sean. “Thank you for being so supportive when I was falling apart. You’re like the big sister I never had.”
“How did things go when you got back home?” Bonnie squeezed Jessica’s shoulder.
“Well, we’re talking. There’s so much to work to do and I’m not sure if we’ll ever get there.”
“Keep trying,” Sean said. “Some of us are dense.”
Later, Angela and Elton seemed to be flirting as he mixed drinks in a tumbler. Jolette Marie was hanging with Daisy and Wade, also here. Eve and Jackson were canoodling in a corner, him stroking her big pregnant belly. Mama and Aunt Beulah were deep in conversation with Lori, of all people.
Tabitha approached. “See you, Sean. It took courage to do what you did. I’ll give you that.”
“Not really. Courage is getting in the corral with a pissed off bull.”
Bonnie offered Tabitha her hand. “No hard feelings.”
Surprisingly, Tabitha accepted the offer with a smile. “The competitor in me hates to lose. But the realist in me knows I never stood a chance.”
Once more, Bonnie wished she’d given Tabitha a little more credit.
This day had seemed interminable, and as night fell, clean up began. People began to leave, offering their goodbyes and congratulations.
“Will I see you at home, sugar?” Mama turned to Bonnie after hugging Sean.
“Do you mind if I get an early on the marriage, Miss Maybelle? I really have waited a long time.”
Mama sniffed and tilted her chin. “I guess you have. She has a ring on her finger so that’s alright by me.”
“Miss Beulah,” Sean said, giving her a hug. “I’m sorry I’m late in thanking you, but thanks for bringing Bonnie on the show. If not for you, who knows when she would have made her way home again.”
Aunt Beulah gave him a wide smile. “You’re welcome. I do what I can, son. I do what I can.
The crew came in to strike the set, cords and cameras were rolled up, and cars and trucks were packed. Mr. Truehart would get his mansion back. Bonnie thought she might actually miss this place a little, and the comradery she’d had with the girls when they were in this together.
But for now, she was going home with her cowboy.
Chapter 31
Bonnie didn’t think Sean was angry, but in the spirit of healthy relationships everywhere, she brought up the subject hanging between them as he drove home.
“I didn’t tell you about the show because I’d just learned about the offer. But you can ask me anything you want.”
“Why aren’t you taking the role?”
She blinked. “Do you want me to?”
“Tell me what you want.”
“I don’t want to leave you.” She brought his free hand to her lips and kissed it. “That all I want.”
“Hm.” He didn’t sound convinced, and several minutes later, he pulled up to the driveway and shut off his headlights. “It sounds like a great opportunity.”
Bonnie was still salivating over working with someone like Sahara, a little tidbit her agent had neglected to mention. Yet she’d doubled checked on social media and Lori was correct. Sahara had already voiced her excitement over a new project involving the female head of an Irish mafia.
Working with a woman who might make a difference in the way older women were viewed in Hollywood could be career changing. Bringing back the show with Bonnie as the head of the mafia family would accomplish this goal and much more.
“It’s being filmed in British Columbia. For six weeks.”
“Okay,” Sean said and didn’t sound at all bothered. “At least it isn’t Hollywood.”
How could he be okay with her leaving him for six weeks? He’d given up the donation to the wild horses’ foundation. This was the least she could give up. One meaty role, but with no guarantees it would grow into another great series run. Nothing in show business was ever guaranteed.
“We just got engaged. Six weeks can feel like a long time.”
“So, we’ll live in Canada for six weeks. We can even split our time between Texas and wherever you’re going to be working.”
Okay, she had to have heard wrong. Her cowboy, in Canada?
And yet, it had a nice ring to it. My Canadian Cowboy. Someone should make that movie.
“I meant it, Sean. I’m giving up acting to be a full-time wife and partner and maybe, if I get lucky, a mother. If I feel like indulging my acting chops, I’ll find something in regional theater.”
“No,” Sean said. “This isn’t going to work for me.”
His voice sounded abrupt and cold.
“No?”
This couldn’t be happening. Not after all the hell they’d been through to get back together.
“Isn’t…isn’t going to work for you?”
“Skippy, I don’t want you to give up acting. That’s part of what makes you who you are, and the woman I love.” He unbuckled his seat belt and turned in his seat to face her.
“But—”
“If I’m upset at all, it’s because you have so little faith in me. Admit it. You were afraid to tell me. For us to work in a healthy way, we have to be open about our dreams and desires.” He winked. “Both in and out of the bedroom.”
This man was constantly surprising her. “You’re right, and I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to think you’d come second again.”
“I chose you, Bonnie, in front of however many viewers will eventually watch. And believe me, I realized exactly what I was getting myself into. I’m not a kid anymore, but a grown ass man. I realize there are times when I might not be able to come first with you, like when we have children. Believe me, I’ve seen this firsthand with Riggs and Winona. Sometimes the kid needs you more. We’ll work it out. I’m not going to be one of those ridiculous men who are jealous of their own baby.”
She chuckled and pressed her forehead to his. “I’ll think about it. But we’ll make the decision together.”
“That’s all I’m asking. Let me into these decisions as your partner. I want you to be happy for a very long time. Whatever it takes.”
“Speaking of whatever it takes, I’m going to get you the donation they were supposed to make. You had to give that up for me.”
“Totally worth it.” Then Sean came around the passenger side of the truck and held out his hand.
Her gown, the least attractive choice wardrobe had since they’d expected her to go home, made a sliding noise as she moved. The dress, too short for her, forced her to move one leg out of the car at a time so it wouldn’t ride up to her hips.
“Another wardrobe malfunction?” Sean waggled his eyebrows, expression hopeful.
“We can have all the malfunctions you want once we get inside.”
“Promises, promises.” Sean lifted her into his arms and carried her to the door.
“Are you going to do something old-fashioned like carry me through the threshold?”
“Is that old-fashioned?”
“Maybe old school, but I’m in if you are.”
“Here we go.” He unlocked the door, juggling her in his arms, swung open the door and strode inside.
“Wow. You didn’t drop me once.”
“Special skill of mine.”
Beer met them at the door, yarking, and doing his guard dog imitation.
“Beer, make yourself scarce.”
The dog sniffed the air, then turned, and went back to his perch on the couch.
“Best wing man ever. Knows when to disappear and I never have to ask twice.”
Sean carried her up the staircase, and Bonnie toed off her strappy heels as he walked. In the bedroom, he set her down on the edge of the bed as if she was something precious and breakable.
He pulled off his jacket, then squatted next to her, and framed her face between his big hands. “Damn but I love you, woman.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. “Show me.”
“This time, I’m going to take my time.”
“Whatever you say.”
Everything slowed to a crawl as his hard masculine mouth took hers in a hot and fierce kiss. The kisses were both hot and lazy as he made his way down her body. He kissed her shoulder, sliding the strap of her bra down with his teeth.
Her hands quickly moved under his shirt, luxuriating in warm skin and taught muscles. His weight pressed against her, and she moaned at the slight scrape of razor stubble brushing against her exposed nipples. Before long they were bared to each other, and he thrust into her making them both gasp. Bonnie clung to him, wanting this never to end. As promised, he moved slow, leaving her with a desperate sense of urgency. They came together in an explosion of heat and love.
Much later, Bonnie woke in Sean’s arms, sated and content. Head on his chest, she listened to the steady thud of his heart. Years ago, she’d never imagined this kind of happiness for herself. The type of joy which depended less on outside forces she couldn’t control and more on her own heart.
“Are you awake?” Sean spoke softly, his fingers lightly touching the crow of her hair.
“Yes.” She mumbled.
“I have something for you.” Disentangling, he reached for something in the drawer of his nightstand and handed her an envelope.
“What’s this? I already have the ring, two of them in fact. And a proposal. You built our dream house. Honestly, baby, you’re spoiling me.”
“No, I haven’t spoiled you enough. This is me playing catch up.”
He watched her from under hooded eyes as she sat up and opened the envelope. Inside were two tickets to a regional theater production of West Side Story.
“We’re going to the theater!” She happily waved them in the air.
“I thought it was about time.” He tugged her back into his arms.
“Oh, Sean. You’re too good to me.”
“Hey, I’m just getting started. You were the one who for years put up with a stubborn cowboy who had specific ideas about our life together. Where we should live, how we should live, when we should get married. I didn’t give you any room to grow.”
“Even then, you were the best man I’ve ever known.”
“C’mere.”
He kissed her then, another long and deep kiss that reached all the way to her heart. She’d finally followed said heart, which told her years ago that Sean was her soulmate. For years she denied the quiet sounds of her soul, chasing the dream of stardom instead.
Until she followed her heart all the way home.
Now she could clearly see she’d always had everything she ever needed, right at home.
* * *
Eight weeks later, production of the Kavanaugh’s Way reboot began filming in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Bonnie Wheeler was listed among the stellar all-start cast, and with her was someone else who’d gained his own celebrity status. She shared the off-camera spotlight with Sean, which she didn’t mind a bit. He was popular with the cast and crew, especially women. A bit of a flirt, he enjoyed the attention. Mr. Cowboy had eased him into it, after all. He was often asked about his experiences on the show and swore he never wanted in front of a camera again. But she wasn’t the only one who noticed an ease and confidence with which he now spoke to complete strangers.
Her cowboy was much more of a rancher now, at home with movie executives and movie stars in addition to cattle and horses. She acknowledged maybe it hadn’t been his media training for Mr. Cowboy, but simply that “her” Sean had grown up. She was getting to know the grown man all over again and every small nuance gave her one more reason to love him.
The crew, director and co-stars of Kavanaugh’s Way had all been sworn to secrecy over Mr. Cowboy, but photos were eventually leaked. Bonnie and Sean were spotted at the airport together and the Internet went wild with rumors. And as it turned out, the producers of Mr. Cowboy had underestimated audience delight in a later in life reconnection of teenage sweethearts. In a complete flip, Bonnie became the front runner and fan favorite.
Meanwhile, she was deep into the creative process of recreating the now bloodthirsty and vindictive Meghan Kavanaugh. The years in between, and loss of her family members, had made her vengeful and ruthless. She went after her enemies without an ounce of remorse. And she appeared to love no one but herself. Viewers were going to love to hate Meghan. An absolute dream of a meaty character to play, and it helped she was the antithesis of Bonnie Lee Wheeler soon-to-be-Henderson.
It was a common joke on the set that Bonnie and Meghan were as different as tea and coffee. One could be made stronger when steeped in hot water. The other was particularly bitter the longer it roasted.
Even if Bonnie’s workdays ordering mob hits and betraying people were long and punishing, she had every night with Sean. Wrapped up tight in each other’s arms, and under a multitude of blankets, they were simply two lifelong Texans trying to stay warm in Canada.
They were having a late dinner when he pulled out his phone and displayed his social media account with well over a million followers.
“Are you as famous as I am?” He slid her a slow smile.
Sean was using his newfound celebrity to bring attention to the plight of wild horses, and it was working. He spoke and wrote with such authority on the subject that within weeks he’d been approached to be the research consultant for a planned documentary on the plight of the wild horses.
