Cowboy Kind of Courage: Only an Okie Will Do, #7

By Becca Turner

Ronni Dixon didn't plan on settling down in Swells, but family ties, a thriving business, and a captivating cowboy make the small town more enticing. Tucker Nash is headed for the top. He's determined to be the first deaf bull rider to win a Rookie of the Year title. The day he strolls into Ronni's shop, he discovers love at first sight. Being with Ronni feels as good to him as winning gold buckles.

 

However, when a night filled with Ronni's fears leads to a potentially fatal accident, her protective walls go up, threatening their blossoming relationship. With Tucker's championship aspirations hanging in the balance and Ronni battling her past, they navigate through loneliness and loss. The only way they can emerge victorious is by confronting their challenges together and discovering the courage that grows from love.

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The West isn't won until a cowboy holds your heart. Filled with stubborn and swoony cowboys and heroines with backbones who star in heart-warming small town romances, the Only an Okie Will Do storyverse ticks all the boxes.

 

If you enjoy emotional closed door romance stories with low level heat, you'll want to read them all.

 

Book 1: Cowboy Kind of Trouble
Book 2: Cowboy Kind of Commitment
Book 3: Cowboy Kind of Reckless
Book 4: Cowboy Kind of Peace
Book 5: Cowboy Kind of Spark
Book 6: Cowboy Kind of Harmony
Book 7: Cowboy Kind of Courage
Book 8: Cowboy Kind of Hooked
Under Oklahoma Skies: An Only an Okie Will Do Collection
Under Oklahoma Stars: An Only an Okie Will Do Collection

• Language: English
• Publisher: Becca Turner
• Release date: Sep 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223277903

Book preview

Chapter One

The scents of cattle, concession stand food, and leather filled the air amid bright lights and flashy colors inside the arena in San Antonio, Texas.

A nine hundred pound bomb shifted beneath Tucker Nash. The gate shuddered under his free hand as the monster knocked into it. The other was lashed to the gray bull named Think Again.

Tucker didn’t have time to think. Reaction was better in this situation. His heart thudded in his chest and a thrill of excitement zinged through him like a pinball. He looked up at the gate attendant, gave him a nod, and a moment later, the gate flew open.

Think Again exploded out of the chute. He rolled his back, throwing up his back hooves, forcing Tucker forward. He nearly overcorrected as the bull changed directions, then he was thrown parallel to the bull’s back. The bull rope pinched his glove as he tightened his grip.

Dust kicked up from the bull’s hooves. The sponsor banners and the crowd blurred as Tucker moved with the beast. Think Again spun in wide, hopping circles. Clinging with his thighs, Tucker stuck to the hot, broad back.

He caught a glimpse of a bullfighter—his signal that the ride was over—released his hold on the rope, and gracefully slid free of the bull. He didn’t quite stick the landing, although he caught himself before he landed face-first in the dirt. When he straightened, a number of people in the audience were on their feet cheering for him. The air vibrated with their enthusiasm.

He grinned as he punched the air and jogged back to the chutes. He caught his breath and removed his helmet while staring at the giant screen attached to the arena ceiling. A headshot of him, taken at the beginning of the season flashed on the screen. Next to it, his stats for the year, then his score tonight. An 85. It put him in second, still giving him a chance to win the short go tomorrow night.

The crowd went wild again. Tucker hauled himself over the gate and dropped down beside his roommate and travel buddy Cody Parker. He gestured for Cody to follow him toward the locker room.

As they walked, Cody passed Tucker the audio processors of his cochlear device.

He hooked them up and grinned when Cody said, Congratulations, asshole.

Thanks. Giddy with excitement, he held up his hand for a high-five.

Cody’s palm connected with Tucker’s. I’m gonna catch you eventually.

You’ll get it next time.

Cody lagged behind him by about fifty points. They’d been friends too long to begrudge each other their successes in the arena. He sincerely hoped Cody’s next ride went well. And Cody might grumble, but he knew how much winning bull riding Rookie of the Year meant to Tucker.

Winner buys beer tonight. Cody flashed him a smile. You get to be DD.

Tucker rolled his eyes. Fine. If it makes you feel better.

It will in a little bit. Cody folded his arms. He bumped his shoulder against Tucker’s. You might as well sign your check over to me now because I intend to drink it away.

Tucker wagged his eyebrows. Unless you meet a girl first.

Cody smirked. I’m a bull rider. It’s practically a guarantee.

Better luck with the girls than you had on the bull.

Tucker laughed as Cody flipped him off. He started packing his gear away, ready for an evening of celebration. He’d started out the night as number 10 in the PRCA bull riding rankings. The points he’d gained could only propel him closer to winning Rookie of the Year and to being the first deaf bull rider to earn a spot at the National Finals Rodeo.

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Soft rock poured through the speakers in Ronni Dixon’s floral shop. It was slightly louder in the back room where she did her work. She was still getting everything organized to suit her, but she officially opened last week.

The door buzzer alerted her to someone entering the shop. Her gaze darted to the monitor that displayed the camera feed.

A single guy, ball cap on, dressed casually. His features weren’t easy to make out over the screen, but he didn’t appear threatening. She had to stop thinking anyone who came in might be something other than a paying customer.

He looked around the counter as though searching for someone to help him.

Be there in a minute, she called. As soon as her nerves settled. Ronni let out a long breath. Maybe she should’ve waited to open until she hired help so she wouldn’t be alone in the shop. Too late now.

A couple more sprigs of baby’s breath and a pretty pink ribbon finished off the slender vase of pink carnations in front of her. A customer was supposed to swing by later to get it for an expectant mother.

The work steadied her. When it was all tidied up, she stuck it into the cooler, then wiped her hands on her apron.

The man stood in the front of the shop, looking through the mylar balloon samples she had out.

Sorry about the wait. Welcome to Euthalia. Can I help you?

He didn’t respond.

Sir?

Dressed in loose jeans, a crimson t-shirt, and battered running shoes, he shut the sample book and turned to look at some potted plants basking in the sunny window.

Excuse me. Ronni pushed a strand of dark hair behind her ear. Can I help with something?

He continued to ignore her.

He’d come in for a reason. If not to get help selecting a floral arrangement, then why stick around? Her internal alarm pinged, but she forced herself to stay calm.

She approached and cleared her throat. When that didn’t get his attention, she reached out, then hesitated. Should she touch him? The sooner she got him out of here, the better. Ronni tapped his shoulder.

He spun, a startled look on his face. Oh. Hi.

Hello. Can I help you?

Evergreen irises roamed over her, and an easy smile curled his lips. He pinched his thumb against his other fingers and swept it under his nose. Yes, ma’am. Flowers?

He’s deaf. Flustered and ashamed of her impatience, she dropped her gaze, then nodded. Sure. Sorry if I startled you. I didn’t realize...

He gestured at his head. I’m deaf. I have cochlear implants, but the battery is dead in one and wouldn’t you know I lost the other external processor this morning. My niece grabbed it, and it landed in some hay. We haven’t found it yet. She’s two. Not really her fault.

Oh. Um... I see. She hoped her face wasn’t as red as it felt because her skin was burning. Worse, her brain seemed to be short circuiting under his gaze. Again, I hope I didn’t scare you.

It hadn’t occurred to her that he might be hearing impaired when he had his back turned. In all her years as a florist, she hadn’t run into this situation. Stupid of her but being new in town and getting to know people, she hadn’t heard of any deaf residents. At least he wasn’t aware that she’d been annoyed at his lack of response.

He talked really well. Like maybe he hadn’t been born deaf or he’d had extensive speech therapy, but he was using his hands a lot too as though sign language was a natural part of expressing himself. The only signs she knew were ‘butterfly’ and ‘I love you.’ Something she’d picked up on Sesame Street while babysitting her nephew. It seemed doubtful that either of those would come up.

I should’ve been paying more attention. He gestured with his hands, holding them about two feet apart. I need a big arrangement. Something for a special lady.

The gleam in his eyes reflected love for the recipient.

Lucky girl.

Those beautiful green eyes were set in a chiseled face. Blond hair stuck out from under his University of Oklahoma cap. Muscles bulged under his t-shirt sleeves and the material stretched across his flat abs. He looked like some kind of professional athlete. Armed with the smile, he was gorgeous.

But she wasn’t here to gawk, and she’d wasted enough of his time.

Let me show you a digital catalog. Ronni gestured for him to follow her to the counter.

She pretended to tidy up by the register while he perused the items listed on the tablet she had for customers.

Several minutes later, he pointed at the screen. This one.

A number of hot pink roses, light pink spray roses, stargazer lilies, pink and purple snapdragons, and lilac colored carnations interspersed with eucalyptus and some variegated greenery made an eye-catching display. And an expensive one.

Wow. Going all out, huh?

He nodded. She deserves the best. It’s her birthday.

He barely had a lisp. His Rs didn’t roll quite enough, but he spoke carefully and clearly. Somehow he still managed to pull off an Okie drawl.

When do you need it?

He made a fist with his thumb on top of his fingers, then made three circles. Saturday?

Sure. I can have it ready. She grabbed a pen and jotted down the stock number so she could order the specific flowers later. Do you want to pick it up or have it delivered?

Nothing.

Ronni looked up from the notepad.

He stared at her, one eyebrow raised. You say something?

Mortified, heat rushed into her face. Clearly, he was trying to read her lips, but she’d lowered her face away from him to write. Would you like it delivered?

A grin transformed his face. Please. By 11 AM.

He was laughing at her embarrassment. God, it wasn’t like she’d never been around handicapped people before. Her brother-in-law was a paraplegic, but that was a totally different scenario.

She looked him dead in the eye, determined to play it cool. Can I get your name and phone number?

Tucker Nash. He rattled off his phone number.

Address for delivery?

Ronni put the information into her computer as he spoke, noting the Swells address, rang up the flowers plus the delivery charge, and gave him the total.

Nonchalant, he passed her a credit card. When she handed it and the receipt back, their fingers touched. She quickly grabbed a note card for the flowers and slid it over to him.

He filled it out. Happy birthday. Hopefully the best one yet and many more. All my love, Tuck.

For a second time, their fingers touched as he pushed the card to her.

His gaze found hers again. You know my name. Who are you?

The green was so intense, she almost shivered. The required effort to look at him didn’t seem as difficult as it did when she found herself alone with other strangers. Veronica Dixon. Ronni.

Ronni. Tucker made it seem like he was doing more than pronouncing her name. Almost like he was...tasting it.

It sounded different from the way others said it, but not unpleasant. Unique, like his eyes.

And the shop name? It means something?

It’s Greek meaning flower. Not very original, but it sounds pretty.

He nodded. You-thal-ya.

Not quite. You-tha-leah. It wasn’t the first time this week she’d had to correct someone’s pronunciation.

Tucker repeated it. Congrats on opening.

Thank you. You won’t be the last person to say it wrong. I knew that going into this, but I wanted something that would stand out.

It does. It’s better than the last shop name. TJ’s Flowers. Much prettier. He smiled again. You’re prettier than TJ.

TJ had been a cranky little woman with cataracts and a failing business. The building had been careworn and drab, but her sister’s brother-in-law and a couple of ranch hands helped with necessary repairs. Ronni hoped the efforts paid off. If the orders she’d taken in the last week were an indication, she was going to do better than fine here.

She couldn’t help smiling. Thank you.

Nicer than her too. He looked away and drummed his fingers on the counter before meeting her gaze again. She always complained about the way I talk. Too fast, too slow. Too loud, not loud enough. Annoyed by my signing.

Ronni frowned. I don’t know sign language either, but I think you talk fine. You’re very good.

Lots of years in speech therapy. He lifted a shoulder in a shrug. I still make some people uncomfortable.

Was he trying to do that to her? Too bad because she was already offended by TJ on his behalf.

Those kinds of people aren’t worth dealing with.

It made her mad when people disregarded her sister’s husband because he was in a wheelchair. When Jessi first introduced Ronni to Will, he’d tried to downplay a situation in a restaurant with a waiter who seemed to think he was incapable of ordering for himself. It had clearly embarrassed him, but he’d handled it with grace.

Maybe. Sometimes I have to anyway. He stuck out his hand. It’s nice to meet you.

She accepted it. He had a warm, firm grip. Not a man afraid of a handshake.

You too, Tucker. I hope your girl is pleased with the flowers.

She loves flowers. I always get them for her birthday.

For some reason the men Ronni dated in the past seemed to think she didn’t need or want flowers after dealing with them all day. But she’d gladly accept them as a gesture of adoration. It was kind of a bummer that no one ever sent them to her.

Let me know if I can do anything else for you. I’m happy to help.

He touched his fingertips to his lips, then lowered his hand toward her. Thank you, Ronni. Have a good afternoon.

He left, but Ronni stared after him through the window.

She smiled when her sister opened the door minutes later and stepped in.

Jess, what are you doing here?

Jessi Baxter cast a look over her shoulder, then met Ronni’s gaze. Do you know who that was in here a minute ago?

Tucker Nash. Doesn’t mean anything to me. Why?

"Tucker Nash. He’s in the top ten in the PRCA standings and in the running for Rookie of the Year. Jessi sighed. I wish I’d gotten his autograph for Bear."

Ronni arched a brow. So he’s famous in the rodeo? He doesn’t look much like a cowboy.

Ronni, Ronni, Ronni. We haven’t taught you anything. Not just little local rodeos. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. The largest organizer of rodeos in the world. And it’s not like he has to wear his Wranglers, Stetson, and Dan Post boots everywhere. Trust me, he’s a cowboy. A bull rider, specifically. His family owns the Boxed N. The ranch about twenty miles from ours.

She’d seen the signs for the Boxed N but hadn’t really paid attention to it. Every cow and most horses looked the same to her.

A deaf cowboy? Interesting. Surely he couldn’t wear the outer part of his implant while he was riding. How does he know when it’s time to jump off the bull if he can’t hear the buzzer?

Jessi gave her a look that suggested Ronni wasn’t using her brain. He can probably count to eight.

Oh. Right. Well, she didn’t watch rodeos. How was she supposed to know?

Besides, when the bull fighters move in, it gives him a signal that his ride’s over.

That’s nice, I guess. It seemed like she heard someone talking about how bullfighters were there to distract the animal after the buzzer went off. They drive the bull toward the exit, right?

Exactly. They get between the bull and the rider when the ride is over. We saw Tucker on TV last weekend at San Antonio. He did great on Saturday, and he won on Sunday night. Jessi’s face lit up. He’s riding at the BOK Center next weekend. We should get tickets.

Ronni wrinkled her nose. I’ll pass. If you want to go to a concert, sign me up, but I’m not paying to see cowboys get steamrolled by bulls.

Oh, come on. It’ll be fun.

Her nephew Bear begged her to go to a rodeo with the family after she’d moved here from Broken Arrow. Once, when Will’s sister Jody was doing trick riding at the Swells Memorial Arena, she’d gone.

It was neat to watch Jody, but none of the other stuff held her attention. She’d ended up leaving early. It seemed like all of Jessi’s in-laws and friends were involved in rodeos one way or another.

Ronni couldn’t really understand the thrill. Horses were okay, but cows were meant to be on her plate, not getting roped or ridden or thrown to the ground.

Jessi gave her a mock glare. You’re such a spoilsport. What was he doing here anyway?

Buying a flower arrangement for his girlfriend’s birthday on Saturday. He shelled out a good amount of money and never batted an eye.

Ooo, must be love. I know his hometown is listed as Claremore.

Maybe his girlfriend lives around here. Ronni glanced at her computer. The address he’d provided for delivery was Swells. Wherever it was, she’d have to find it using her GPS. I’m not giving you his address so you can fangirl over him. What would your husband say?

He has a grudging admiration for Tucker and all those guys who ride. Jessi whipped out her phone and started typing on it. Hmm. Yes, Tucker Nash, Claremore, Oklahoma. Twenty-five. Aww, look at this picture of him. He should be on a romance novel cover.

She turned the screen to face Ronni.

Tucker’s face was serious. All business and none of the sweet smile from this afternoon.

He looks better in real life. Sure. He looks great. He’s twenty-five. A baby. He’s hardly older than Bear.

Jessi burst out laughing. I’m sorry, you’re how old again? You’ve got five years on him. And he looks all grown up to me.

Ronni rolled her eyes. You’d better stop looking before Will finds out. I’ll just bet you wanted that autograph for your son. Did you come here for a reason or to giggle like a schoolgirl?

Jessi tucked her phone away. I was already in town and thought I’d stop by to see how things are going.

Good. It’s been busy this week. I’ve got to hire some help. Someone who has training would be great, but if not, at least trainable. And someone to do deliveries.

I’m really glad you’re here, Ronni. Things have been rough, but it’s all going to work out.

Ronni picked at a scar on the wooden counter. "Let’s hope so. If I can’t make a go of it here, I’m going to have to get a