Cowboy's Little Darling - Besotted Hero

Chapter 7 | ?

"I'm sorry, I... I... I didn't mean to come off that way. Bryan," I spoke, drawing everyone's attention to me. I felt exposed and accused. "I'm really sorry. I can help out. I can cook and sew. I can clean the whole house until it shines, you won't believe it. I can care for the animals and I can even iron clothes and I can bake and I can do butter and..."

"Hailey," Cole gently interrupted me, and I gulped trying to catch my breath. He started to walk toward me and I hadn't realized I was rambling in front of everyone, my face flushed and eyes wide with anxiety. But there was something in Cole's expression that showed he cared about how I felt. He looked even more annoyed. "No, darling, no. You don't need to do anything. You're my guest. Bryan is just acting out, and it has nothing to do with you, sweetheart. I'm sorry about this mess." He wrapped his arm around my shoulder in a caring, soothing way. He started to pass a hand on my hair, on my back, saying he was sorry about the situation. 

But unfortunately, Bryan's words seemed to enter my heart and take up residence. It felt like a weight had taken place where there had once been joy. Was I abusing Cole?

"Carol, why don't you two have dinner and then head to bed? Tomorrow, everything will be resolved. I will take Bryan for a ride now." Cole leaned down and kissed me in front of his family, just a light brush on the lips. I heard Bryan gasping in surprise like he was not expecting that display of affection. But in a second, Cole was turning me to the door and Carol was by my side, helping me inside.

That night, I struggled to fall asleep. My mind raced with thoughts about what might have led to that situation. I questioned whether I had upset Bryan or if I had been insensitive somehow. Yet, I couldn't recall doing anything to provoke him. It must have been the gifts. I had told Cole I didn't want them, but he insisted. 

I promised I would pay for everything and I am. I would work hard and be helpful. I could help in the kitchen, clean the stables, and feed the animals. I could gather eggs and milk the cows. Ironing the brothers' shirts would be no trouble. I wanted them to see that I could contribute and not think poorly of me. Then, Bryan would have no reason to argue with his brother. I would do it and show everyone I was a hard worker!

The day before Christmas was filled with busy preparations. We seasoned the meats, letting the flavors blend, and the air was filled with spices. The bread was already shaped and rising by the wood stove. The house was beautifully decorated and smelled great. Cookies were baking in the oven, and there was a flurry of activity outside. 

The warmth of Christmas filled the air, with the familiar scent of cinnamon. The women worked tirelessly, and my aunt was brought into the living room to keep us company. Soon, the table was set, and we all gathered, feeling relaxed, almost forgetting the fight from the night before. Cole noticed my pale face at breakfast and seemed worried. He questioned if I was upset with him and if I could forgive him for that scene. 

I didn't know what to say since he hadn't done anything wrong. Still, he kept urging me to forget about yesterday and just enjoy the holidays. Bryan came in with a black eye and a split lip. It was quite a dreadful sight. Mrs. Ana looked annoyed with the brothers and gave them a stern talking. Cole stayed silent, his face serious and closed off. He didn't argue with Mrs. Ana, but he also didn't apologize or show any regret.

After a lovely lunch, he stood up, picked up a pretty box, and handed it to me. "For you," he said with a smile.

I was taken aback by that kind gesture and the beautiful box. I had no idea he was planning to give me a gift, and it made me so happy that I couldn't help but smile widely. "You look stunning when you smile, Hailey..." he said in a low voice, moving closer and resting his arm behind the couch where I sat. He sat beside me, and it felt like we were wrapped in a cozy hug. I turned to see my gift and opened it slowly, revealing a delicate set of earrings and a necklace. They were so fine and shiny, resembling a thin gold chain from a fairy.

"Oh... it's so beautiful," I exclaimed, feeling emotional. The earrings had sparkling pink stones, and the necklace featured a tiny heart in the same color. It was incredibly lovely and feminine, the most beautiful thing I had ever owned. "Thank you... I love it, Cole." I smiled and hugged him tightly. He wrapped his arms around me, sharing in my happiness.

"I thought of you the moment I saw it. You look like a little, golden fairy... your hair is so precious, I could gaze at you all day." His words filled me with warmth. "Let me put it on you," he said suddenly, turning me around and moving my hair aside. He took his time, gently touching the back of my neck before placing the gold chain around me and fastening it. I put on the earrings myself and turned to show him how it looked. "You look ravishing, Hailey, truly beautiful..."

At that moment, I felt immense joy, almost bursting with pride under Cole's gaze. After that, we enjoyed a peaceful day together. We had Christmas dinner, and everyone exchanged more gifts. I gave Cole a soft, warm sweater, and he put it on right away after opening it.

When we finally went to bed, it was nearly three in the morning, and I was so tired I was almost sleeping standing up. Cole walked me to my room and kissed me as I leaned against the door. I wasn't sure what I was doing, but I mimicked his movements and he seemed to like it well enough. At one point, he put his leg between mine, and I pulled back in surprise with the feeling it brought me. "I'm sorry," he said, breathing fast. "Did I scare you? Okay... it's okay, darling. Sleep tight, alright? Dream of me?" He gave me one last kiss before urging me to my room, making me promise to lock the door.

I woke up at six the next morning, exhausted but decided to start my day helping this family how I could. I dressed in jeans, boots, and warm clothes because I knew it would be cold. I was ready to start helping out and wanted to show I could be a good worker. I quietly went down the stairs and out the back door. It was still dark and there was no one around, but I was eager to be helpful. I headed to the chicken coop first, where the chickens were already awake and scratching around. I carefully gathered the eggs, fed them, and cleaned up the area.

Next, I went to the beautiful cow Cole had shown me the day before. She was friendly and gave milk easily. I chatted with her while petting her and managed to fill a bucket with milk without any trouble. Some hands started to pass by looking a bit concerned, but they just touched their hat greeting me, and no one said anything. I cleaned that area too, I put out the cow's food, organized some other things and saw if there was anything out of place. 

After that, I thought about baking some bread for breakfast, so I grabbed the bucket and eggs, holding one in each hand, and started walking toward the house, not seeing where I was going. I got real startled when I saw Cole standing in the doorway, looking upset.

"Darling, what are you doing?" he asked with a strange look, sounding annoyed. I felt like I had been caught doing something wrong. I wasn't sure how long I had been there, maybe an hour or so.

"I'm... um... taking care of the animals?" I replied, unsure of myself.

"Why are you doing this, sweetheart? It's seven in the morning. Why aren't you in bed?" He sighed, clearly bothered. "Let me carry this bucket for you." He stepped closer, but I felt flustered and spoke quickly.

"I can help. I know what I'm doing, really, I promise. You can see it's all fine. I cleaned everything nicely and I think you will like it and... and... If Bryan wants to check, I promise it's okay."

Cole's face turned red with anger at my words. "You don't need to prove shit here. Please, let's go home. I'm really pissed, Hailey." It looked like it. He looked so red it was a wonder he was not combusting.

I believe I did well, I thought disappointed. He would be proud of me if he only would look at my work. I was feeling a bit gloomy when a flashy car appeared, driving towards us. If Cole was annoyed before, he seemed really angry now. "Damn," he said, turning his head away with a scowl. "Sweetheart, hand me that milk and eggs. Please go inside." I wasn't really focused on him because a stunning, tall, and stylish young woman stepped out of the car, wearing a short dress and sunglasses. She looked kind of gorgeous.

"Cole...! Honey...!" she exclaimed with over-the-top excitement. Who is this?