Cowboy Kind of Commitment: Only an Okie Will Do, #2

By Becca Turner

​ Widow Faith Franklin never expected to find love again, especially with Luke Michaels, a charismatic man who's wonderful with her two children. Life takes a drastic turn when Luke's kicked in the head by a horse, erasing five years of memories with his young family.

As Luke struggles with this void, tensions rise when he expresses a desire to return to bronc riding, challenging their second chance at happily-ever-after. Together, they must prove their love in the face of new challenges and the shadows of Luke's past.

___

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: Nov 3, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223270805

Book preview

Prologue

Three years ago...

Faith Franklin pinched her lips together. In the chair beside her, Dusty, for once, had nothing to say. The five-year-old clutched her arm to her chest and chewed nervously on her lip.

You doing okay? Faith placed her hand on Dusty’s blonde head. They’d come into the ER an hour ago after Dusty took a tumble down the stairs on their deck.

Fine, Mama. Dusty’s voice was hardly louder than a squeak.

If only Faith could make the doctors hurry. Her little girl was in pain, even if she didn’t want to admit it. I’m sure they’ll get to us any time. Just a little while longer.

Okay.

She put her arm around Dusty’s shoulders, careful not to jostle her injured arm.

Seriously, Jess. I’m fine. It’s a little cut. I could’ve put some super glue on it—

No. No way. We’re here, we’re staying. Get in there and sit down.

A woman leading a man with a bloody towel around his right hand pointed at the empty chair across from Faith and Dusty. The man’s face was whitish-green, and he looked like he might throw up any second, despite his protests.

Faith’s heart raced when she recognized them. Luke Michaels and his sister-in-law Jessi Baxter.

You’ll thank me later. Jessi, dark hair in a loose braid, patted his shoulder as he sat. Sit there and rest.

I rested in the truck. Luke, blond hair flattened like he’d been wearing a hat, cradled his injured hand to his chest. You’ve gotten twice as overprotective since Bear was born.

Someone has to look after you guys. Clearly you’re not able to do it yourselves. Jessi picked up a magazine and opened the cover. Be quiet until they call your name.

He sighed. What if I need to pee? Can I get up then?

She narrowed her eyes at him. You should have thought of that before we left the house. You’re worse than Will and Bear combined.

Faith glanced down at Dusty, then read the sign on the opposite wall about how emergency services had to be provided even if the patient didn’t have insurance. Pretending to read it afforded her the ability to take Luke in a little better.

He didn’t look critically injured, mostly annoyed. A shadow of dark blond beard sprouted on his chin and cheeks. Cool blue eyes held a lot of displeasure, and his mouth was puckered in a pout that rivaled her two-year-old son’s angry face. He wore a rumpled green long-sleeve shirt rolled up to his elbows and jeans that looked like he’d been in dirt. Cowboy boots that looked well-worn but cared for.

He’d probably had some kind of run-in with a cow.

Luke closed his eyes, propped his arm on the armrest and rested his head on his palm, rubbing his first two fingers in a circle over his forehead.

Jessi touched his right arm. I’m sure it won’t be long before they get you in.

Then what? So I get stitches. Doesn’t stop the cattle from being hungry. Doesn’t stop the horses from needing training. Doesn’t help me harvest a field of soybeans. There’s stuff I need to be out there doing, Jess.

The desperation in his voice made Faith flinch. He sounded like her late husband all over again. What was it about a man that made him so antsy to work when he was hurt or sick?

Dusty raised her gaze from the tile floor to stare at Luke. She glanced at Faith and frowned.

Faith gave Dusty’s right shoulder a squeeze.

We’ll manage. We always do. Ed and Carlos will pick up the slack. In a couple of days, you’ll be right back out there. Jessi gave him a warm smile. "We only want to make sure you’re going to be with us until we decide to kill you."

Ha, ha. You’re a riot. He closed his eyes.

You know we’d be devastated if anything happened you. Will and Bear need you. I need you. She patted his arm. Sit back, relax, and—

Hurry up and wait. He slouched a little.

Faith pulled her purse onto her lap and dug out her cell phone. No texts or calls from the babysitter. Hopefully, that meant Shep was behaving. He’d been fussy lately. So clingy, she could hardly get out the door without him having a meltdown. Their neighbor, Mrs. Mendez, must have had something really thrilling to get Shep to calm down after Faith had left him next door to rush Dusty to the ER.

Dusty smiled at Luke. A cute, lost-my-front-teeth smile.

Luke smiled back in a way that softened the tired lines on his face. He raised his head and gave Dusty a little wave.

Faith leaned over. Don’t bother him.

He looked at me first, Dusty whispered back. I was being nice.

What are you in for? Luke’s icy blue eyes locked onto Dusty. Hurt your arm?

Dusty nodded solemnly. I fell down the stairs. What happened to you?

Cut my hand working on a tractor. It’s nothing.

Faith flinched again. Sorry to hear that. For him, it probably was nothing. A few years ago, he’d been a bronc rider—a good one, but injuries came with that line of work too. She grabbed a children’s magazine from the side table and held it out in front of Dusty. Here, look at this.

Dusty shook her head. I can’t turn the pages, Mama.

I’ll help.

You think it’s broken? Luke’s voice came across the room clear and full of concern.

Faith met his gaze. I hope not, but I think it might be. It’s swelling already and she’s having a tough time moving her fingers.

He smiled. Been there. When I was about ten. Jumped off the barn roof because my doofus half-brother told me I could fly. I don’t recommend the experience.

Oh, please don’t let Dusty try to tell Shep he can fly.

Mama, turn the page. Dusty held up the magazine. Please.

Faith flipped it for her, grateful her daughter hadn’t caught on to the conversation. There you go, baby.

You here by yourself? Luke’s brow furrowed with concern.

She nodded. Shep’s with a babysitter. Danny had been gone a little over two years, killed in a freak accident while he worked as a lineman. A branch had fallen from a tree hit by a power pole during a snowstorm. The weight of the branch had killed him and another lineman standing beneath it. Her throat tightened a little when she thought of him.

After Danny died, she’d moved the kids into a mobile home in town, taken a job doing data entry online so she could stay at home in case the kids needed her, and did her best to raise Dusty and Shep. Nothing mattered to her more than her family.

The awkward moment when Luke was trying to decide to tell her he was sorry for her loss or let it pass lingered.

Luke shook his head. Hopefully, none of us will be in here too much longer. What a way to spend a Sunday. He made a sour face. I hope your arm isn’t broken too badly, Daisy.

Dusty scowled. My name’s Dusty, not Daisy. I’m not a flower.

Oh, my mistake. He grinned at Faith and winked.

Warmth spread over Faith’s face, and she broke eye contact with him. Safer to look at the magazine than his dazzling smile.

I hope your hand ain’t hurt too bad to get back to your cows and horses and stuff. Dusty frowned. We used to have cows and a pony. And chickens. We had a cat named Gordy, but he died. Some of the chickens died too. One of them was nailed to the shed with all its guts hanging out. I wasn’t supposed to see it, but—

Faith nudged her daughter. Okay, that’s enough. No need to tell them our life story.

Like Luke and Will, her family had been victimized by the Pickerings, a father and son who threatened people into selling their land on the cheap. Maybe it had been wrong, and probably dangerous, but she’d posted about the offenses on the internet. Luke’s half-brother, Will, had found the post. He’d convinced her to share the evidence she had against the Pickerings.

We had to move. Dusty carried on like Faith hadn’t said a word. Into town. Then my daddy died. It was even sadder than when Gordy did. I miss him a lot. She looked up at Faith, tears in her gray-blue eyes. I wish he was here right now.

Faith put her arm around Dusty again and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. I know. I miss him too.

You could come see our horses sometime. We have chickens. A dog too. Luke offered a smile. They’re probably not as good as your pony or chickens or cat, but something’s better than nothing, right?

Really? Dusty’s eyes widened. She looked up at Faith. Can I? Can we show Shep a real horse?

Faith wanted to crawl under the chair. I don’t know, angel. We’re pretty busy. Mr. Michaels hurt his hand and your arm—

"Aw, Mama, please?"

"Yeah, Mama, pretty please? It’s just an afternoon." Luke’s smile widened.

It seems awfully rude to impose. You’re hurt, Luke. We don’t want to interrupt your time to rest.

Jessi rolled her eyes. It’s fine. You don’t know what we’ll have to do to keep him tied to the house. He might as well enjoy the company. With Will and Bear home all day, the three of them are liable to start bickering like dogs over a bone before very long.

Faith didn’t want to give in. Didn’t want to see one of the few ranches in the area that had been spared Pickering’s vile touch. Except...maybe she did. She missed the smells and sounds a little. All right, but not today. Maybe next weekend?

But I feel fine, Dusty protested. She tried to wiggle her fingers, then winced.

Uh-huh. Sure you do. Mr. Michaels needs some rest. We have to go home and get Shep from Mrs. Mendez’s, remember? But I promise, we’ll go. She held up her hand to pinkie swear with Dusty.

Dusty immediately hooked her little finger around Faith’s. It’s a promise.

Deal.

Give her our card, Jess. So she’ll have the phone number and address. Luke gestured at Jessi’s purse.

Hold your horses, cowboy. Jessi dug a card from her wallet, then passed it to Faith. Come any time. We’re home more often than not.

That’s nice of you. Thanks. Faith put the card into her purse.

Dusty Franklin. A nurse held open the door to the back part of the ER.

About time. Faith got to her feet. Let’s go, missy.

Perfect timing. Get well soon, Miss Daisy. Luke winked at her.

It’s Dusty! Dusty giggled. Thank you, Mr. Michaels.

Faith led her daughter toward the doorway. She turned to look over her shoulder.

Luke had slumped again, appearing exhausted. Maybe all that conversation with Dusty had tired him out. If she had it her way, she’d forget the invitation to go out to the Tumblin’ B. Of course, Dusty would probably bug her about it every day until they actually went.

It was nice of him, though, to extend the offer of showing Dusty the animals. There were men like the Pickerings, who threatened the good in the world. And there were men like Luke Michaels, banged up and hurting, who made little girls smile. It was nice to know people like that existed.

Chapter One

An unfamiliar song played softly on a radio somewhere near Luke’s head. Too much rock twisted into the music. He preferred 90’s country. Jackson, Raye, Tippon.

Weird that the radio was on. He didn’t even have a radio in his room. Will, turn that shit off. His throat scratched, painfully dry.

Oh my God. You’re awake. Someone grabbed his hand. Luke, honey.

He pried one eye open, then the other followed as he squinted up at Faith Franklin. What the hell is she doing in my bedroom?

The scents of antiseptic, medical tape, and cleaning fluid hit his nose. The pale beige walls with an eraser board marked in various colors. The twinge of a needle in the back of his hand. And the crush of pain through his head that walloped him.

What the hell? His voice was croaky, and his mouth felt as gritty as the bottom of the Arkansas in drought season. He struggled to sit up, even though it made his head pound worse. Where’s Will?

What was he doing in the hospital when Will was the one who was hurt? It had only been a couple of weeks since the accident that broke Will’s back and killed his wife Karen. Had something else happened? Had he been in a wreck on the way to or from Tulsa? Luke’s heart thundered in his chest, setting off the heart monitor into a series of frantic beeps.

Faith put her hands on his shoulders. It’s okay, it’s okay. Will and Jessi are home with the kids. We can call him after we talk to the doctor, but you have to settle down. Everything is going to be fine now. She punched a button on the side of the bed.

She offered him a shaky smile, but it didn’t erase the weariness and worry on her face. Tears glistened in her gray-blue eyes. Take it easy. I’m so glad you’re awake. You have no idea.

He squinted at her again. Do you...work here or something?

She wore a pink t-shirt with an image of a rearing horse on the front, faded blue jeans, and a pair of old tennis shoes. Faith’s dark blonde hair was scraped up into a messy bun. If she was a nurse, she had a funny way of dressing.

Frown lines etched across her brow and around her mouth. I’ve never worked at the hospital. I work at home, remember?

Why would he know something like that? He licked his dry lips. Isn’t Danny going to think it’s a little weird that you’re here?

He’d gone to high school with Faith’s husband, and although they spoke at the feed store and auctions, he wouldn’t exactly consider Danny a close friend. And Amanda...she’d flip if she found some other woman patting Luke’s shoulder and holding his hand. She’d been so annoyed with him since Will’s wreck. Jeez...is Danny okay? We didn’t have an accident, did we?

Faith’s face fell. Luke, what do you mean?

His head ached so badly his vision blurred. He rubbed his eyes. "Your husband. Danny."

You’re kidding, right? All the color leeched out of her face. She dropped shakily into the chair next to his bed. Please tell me you’re joking.

A diamond wedding set sparkled on her hand. He’d never taken notice of what kind of rings she wore, but now she twisted them.

Joking about what? None of this is funny to me. What happened? Where’s my brother? He sank back into the pillow, sick with worry for Will.

A nurse came into the room, a smile on her young face. You’re awake!

Faith got to her feet. He’s acting strange. Like he doesn’t remember...anything. We need the doctor.

Okay, sure. I’ll page him for you. The nurse left.

She slid her fingers over his hand. Do you know why you’re in the hospital?

Aside from the massive headache pounding between his ears? Not really. I guess something happened?

You got kicked in the head by a horse. She stared at him as though she expected him to agree with her. You had some swelling in your brain. Her voice cracked. But in the last week you’ve really shown improvement.

He searched for any recollection of getting kicked, but it was like running into a brick wall. His muscles felt like gelatin. Overall, he hadn’t felt so puny since he’d gotten the flu a few years ago. I don’t know about any of that. Was it while I was riding?

Surely he hadn’t gone on the circuit while Will was hurt.

What’s the last thing you remember?

He closed his eyes. Um... Coming home from Tulsa. It was late, and I have—had to get up early today. I didn’t want to leave, because Will’s been in a lot of pain, but I’ve got to sell some cattle. The bills are piling— He opened his eyes again. Does he know I got kicked? He’s going to be so pissed. Both of us in the hospital. God.

Faith squeezed his hand. Will’s not in the hospital anymore. He hasn’t been for a long time.

His heart skipped a beat. He jerked away from her. What?

I should—I should call Will. Faith took a cell phone from the rolling table beside the bed. We’ll get this cleared up and...

She turned away as a sob wracked her shoulders. It took her a minute to get control of the crying, but she faced him again and wiped away her tears. Do you know what year it is?

The whole world was turned upside down and she wanted to know the year? He shrugged. Twenty-thirteen. June...something. I haven’t really paid much attention to the date because I’ve been running back and forth to Tulsa. He pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose. It could be July for all I know.

She yanked the curtain over the window open.

He flinched at the bright sunlight. Yellow flowers bloomed on the shrubs outside. Forsythia. He only knew because Granny had them in front of the house when he was a kid. His heart raced again. They bloomed in the spring. "I’ve been in a coma since June?"

She pulled the curtain closed again. No. Try two weeks.

What the hell was she talking about? He’d woken up in bizarro world. I don’t understand.

It’s March 2018, honey.

Not possible. What? he whispered. "How? How?"

She showed him the front of her cell phone. The time and date were displayed across the screen. Along with a photograph of him holding a blond boy. A photo he couldn’t remember posing for.

What the hell is this?

It’s you and Shep. She pulled the phone away from him. At Christmas.

His chest tightened. Shep?

My son.

You have a son. I kind of remember Dusty, but... He didn’t recognize the little boy. I’m confused.

Faith looked down at the screen. He’ll turn four in July.

If Luke was holding Shep and Faith was here...were she and Danny divorced? His stomach clenched. Faith, where’s Danny?

Faith had tears in her eyes again. She slipped the phone into her pocket. I’m going to call Will. He’ll be here in a little while and we’ll get everything straightened out. Rest until the doctor comes.

What choice did he have but to wait? He needed to see Will. The sooner his brother got there, the sooner everything would make sense again. Sure.

Faith? Jessi Baxter’s voice came through the phone’s speaker with a huge helping of hopefulness. How’s Luke?

Faith drew in a shuddering breath. I don’t know how to answer that.

What’s wrong? Did something happen? A note of worry came through the air.

He’s-he’s awake, but he doesn’t seem to remember me or Shep. Or what happened to Danny. She hated the tears blurring her eyes and the crack in her voice. He thinks it’s 2013. It’s like he’s lost his memory. He didn’t know why I was there with him.

"What?"

Faith pressed her palm to her forehead. He knows who I am, but I don’t think he knows we’re married either.

Oh my God. When Will had his accident? Jessi’s voice came out soft and shocked. Has he seen the doctor yet?

Not yet. The nurse was supposed to page him. I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to tell him Danny is dead. Should I tell him we’re married? He can’t even figure out why I’m here. Her legs shook, and she leaned against the wall for support. I don’t want to ask you to come, because I don’t think the kids should see him yet. It’ll make things worse, but he’s asked for Will a couple of times. He doesn’t know Will’s okay because of the year mix-up.

Sounds like retrograde amnesia. A really bad case. Don’t worry. I’ll find a babysitter. We’ll be there in a little while. Hold on, okay?

I know you want to be here for him. Just let the kids know I’ll be home as soon as I can and tell them not to worry. Maybe this is temporary. He could snap out of it soon. She hoped. Her kids loved their stepfather. How was she supposed to tell them about his memory loss? Please let him remember soon.

Hang in there. We’ll be over as soon as possible. Love you, sis.

Love you too, Jess. She hung up and took a deep breath. This was a nightmare. Not as scary as losing her first husband, but it worried