My Cowboy, My Hero

Chapter Four

"No, I am not. I already told Catlin  to stay until we were married or until she gets her grades up." he said with a roll of his eyes.

"Roll you eyes at me again boy and see what happens." his momma warned as she raised a wooden spoon.

Rhye laughed despite her seriousness.

"It's been a long trip and I am tired and worried about Kat. I am sorry." he apologized when he saw hurt flash across her eyes.

"made you a dinner... didn't have to... no respect..." he heard her mumble playfully under her breath.

He shook his head at her antics, but found himself wishing Katrina would have a wild side like his momma.

He stood up from the large oak table and excused himself after he thanked his mom for dinner.

He stepped back into the room Katrina was in and smiled when he saw she was still sleeping. Her pale skin contrasted with the darkness of the sheets, giving her an angelic look.

He heard the floorboard behind him creek and he looked up to see his dad.

"She is beautiful." his dad admitted.

Ryhe nodded. "I just wish she could see it."

"She will over time. It is amazing how a woman can blossom with some love."

"I think she is going to be strong willed once she finds herself." Rhye said with a chuckle.

"Has she been fiesty?" his dad chuckled.

"Only once. She is normally very guarded, but she was more open then. I got a small glimpse at her personality and I loved it."

"I am proud of you. I know you don't understand your reasoning behind it, but God does and I am sure he is proud of you as well."

"Thanks dad."

"Does Katrina share your faith?"

"Yes. I am very thankful for that."

"As am I. It is great to have a partnership with God."

Rhye nodded. "I am looking forward to finding out."

"Well, I will let you be. I know you probably need some rest. I looked up the therapist's number, it is on the counter for you."

"Thank you." Rhye said as he turned to hug the older man.

"You are welcome. Let me know if you need anything else."

"Do we still have that soft blanket set of grammies?"

"I think so, why?"

"I am worried this blanket is too rough for her skin."

Mr. Collins laughed, causing his gray hair to hall from his hat. "You have it bad huh?"

Rhye threw his head back. "I really do."

"I will see if I can find it and I will bring it over tonight after I take a load to the market.

"Thank you."

"No problem. I am really glad God sent her your way. It is nice to see this side of you." he said with a smile.

Ryhe walked into the kitchen and after assigning chores for later in the day, he went to his own room and crashed. It had been a great but exhausting day.

Noon:

Katrina rolled over and bumped into something soft. She forced her eyes open and was met by an abundance of white fluff. She realized it was a pillow.

She sat back on the bed and said a prayer of thankfulness for Rhye. He had been nothing short of a gentleman towards her and he had succeeded in making her feel safe, something she hadn't been in a while. She would never tell anyone, but life with her mother was far from perfect. Her mother was always convinced someone, somewhere was after her. There was conspiracy and conspiracy stacked up against her, or so she was convinced. They had never stayed in a place more than a few days and often they resorted to sleeping in their car. Even though the group home was horrible, as least it had provided stability for a long while.

Katrina was brought back from her thoughts when someone knocked on the door. She looked up to see a freshly shaven Ryhe, and boy was it a sight. He was wearing dark jeans and a blue form fitting shirt. Thanks to the said shirt, she could see how his muscles rippled when he moved.

"Mornin' darlin'" he said. His southern drawl made her smile. She didn't think she would ever get tired of hearing him speak. She could feel the blush creeping up her face at that thought and she grimaced. She was developing a huge crush on her soon to be husband. Ironic right?

"Good Morning." she replied as she sat up.

"How did you sleep?" he asked as he closed the distance between them and sat on the bed.

"Good sir."

He sighed and fell backwards on the bed.

"I thought we were over that!" he whined in melodramatics, causing her to laugh.

"Good Rhye." she said, fixing her previous statement. "My pillow fort kept me safe."

He turned his head slowly and grinned sheepishly. "I was worried about you." he admitted. "I went to bed and then I got worried you might fall off, so I found all the pillows I could. I know it was silly, but I am very pleased to see it worked."

She smiled. "It was very thoughtful."

"I was sent in here to tell ya'll breakfast is ready." Caitlin whispered from the door causing them both to look up.

"Come here Cat." he told Caitlin.

"I am here." Katrina looked at him in confusion.

Rhye laughed. "I can see nicknames are going to be confusing. From now on I shall call you baby Kat." he directed and Katrina.

"but.. but..." Kat argued.

"I am bigger than you." Caitlin said pushing her chest out.

"One day I will grow up." Katrina said as she raised her fist in the air in false bravo.

Caitlin laughed at her antics, but Rhye watched her with adoration. She was so amazing.

"I want you to me my baby sister Caitlin, Caitlin this is... Katrina." he said as he searched for a proper way to introuduce Kat.

"It is nice to meet you." the girls said as the same time, making them giggle.

"Come on love, I better feed you before momma comes back here." Rhye said as he reached over and helped Katrina up.

"Do you like pancakes?" he asked.

She nodded. Her statement was confirmed by her stomach growling.

He chuckled as he fixed her plate and set it in front of her.

"Do you want to say grace?" he asked her.

She looked at him in shock. "I can pray?"

"If you want to love."

She smiled and bowed her head. Dear Lord, we thank you for this food and ask that you bless it into our bodies and our bodies into our service. I thank you for sending me Rhye and for giving me the chance to be a great wife. Amen."

Rhye chuckled to himself. She had no idea he had prayed a very similar prayer this morning, the only difference was he thanked God for sending him Kat and giving him the chance to be a great husband.

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