In the Oklahoma Winds: An Only an Okie Will Do Collection

By Becca Turner

In the Oklahoma Winds contains three novellas set in Swells, Oklahoma in the same storyverse as the Only an Okie Will Do series.

 

Cowboy Kind of Bliss

Wedding planner Valentine Hart has put together plenty of weddings, but after her last break-up, she doesn't have any prospects of her own. When her friend Todd Dayson proposes a wild idea of staging a wedding photoshoot to sell a package, their playful charade ignites unexpected feelings. When Val's ex steps back into the mix, Todd realizes he's got to seize the moment to prove he's the one Val's been waiting for.

Cowboy Kind of Luck
Westie Collins is determined to win the stallion of her dreams at an auction while avoiding Barrett Nash at all costs. However, fate has other plans after Nash outbids her. Her luck goes from bad to worse when she's forced to catch a ride on his private jet and it crashes in the wilderness. Stranded together, she discovers her companion is Beckett, Barrett's twin brother. As they set aside their differences and work together to survive, they discover an undeniable attraction amidst the chaos. But is their relationship circumstantial or can they build a solid foundation on love after everything?

Cowboy Kind of Roots
Back in Oklahoma to start an orchard, Felicity Nash is forced to confront her past and the rancher next door who fathered her child. Coy Beecher needs a wife to save his family ranch and when he learns Felicity's pregnant, their marriage is the perfect solution. As they navigate their arrangement, what looks good on paper blossoms into real love, but not everyone is thrilled with the marriage. As jealousy rears it's ugly head, Felicity and Coy will discover if those roots and the vows they made are strong enough to withstand the blaze of betrayal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Becca Turner
• Release date: May 3, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224953592

Book preview

Chapter One

Wailing brides-to-be were nothing new in Valentine Hart’s experience. She pushed a box of tissues toward Molly Sinclair. Cry it out, girl.

Next to Molly, her maid of honor shredded a tissue. Disgust turned her otherwise pretty face into a brow-knitted, surly scowl. I don’t know why you’re crying. Screw her.

Over Molly’s shoulder, a half dozen mint green dresses hung on hooks suspended from the wall. Boxes overflowing with tulle in ten different colors crowded the corner. A bag filled with tubes of party favors spilled onto the floor. The office was an absolute mess, but there was little Val could do about it until the height of wedding season came to an end.

What’s the matter, Molly? Val rested her elbows on her desk.

I’m crying because his mother hates me. Molly tore a tissue from the box. She rubbed her eyes, smearing mascara and eyeliner. She argues with everything I say. I want white peonies. She wants pink roses. I asked for champagne, and she said she didn’t want to help pay for my friends to turn into alcoholics. I wanted a white dress and she-she laughed at me! A hiccupping sob escaped Molly’s throat. Who does that? Monsters, that’s who. She’s a total witch. How did such an evil woman raise such a good man? Kyle isn’t nasty at all.

She’s a monster, the maid of honor claimed. I can’t stand her.

Sometimes in-laws can be difficult. I understand what you’re going through. It’s not uncommon to see these kinds of disagreements come up during the planning stage. That’s where I come in. I’m more than happy to work with the budget you’ve set out. Regardless of what your future mother-in-law thinks. Believe me, by the time we set the plan into motion, even she’ll be forced to admit what a beautiful, perfect wedding it is.

Molly sniffed. You think so?

"Of course I do. Let me put together a list of venues that have openings for September. If you see something you like, you and Kyle—not his mother—can settle on a date. I’ll have a list for you to look at by tomorrow afternoon. Then we can move on to decorations. You just worry about finding the perfect dress and focus on how much Kyle means to you, okay?" Forget his mother. It’s not her marriage. She pitied the women like Molly who came in with overbearing in-laws and sometimes even their own parents. This is supposed to be a fun time and we’re going to make sure you don’t get stressed out before the big day.

Molly’s soggy tissue fell out of her hand. Thank you, Val. You have no idea how much it means to me. Can I hug you?

Sure you can. She rose, then rounded her desk to let Molly embrace her. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure your perfect day meets your desires.

Molly squeezed her tight. You must have gone through something similar to be so understanding. What kind of nightmare was your wedding?

Oh. Val cringed. I’ve never been married.

Molly’s maid of honor frowned. But everyone I talked to said you’re the one who could help us. Like, you’re some kind of guru, or something. You’re sure you’ve never been married?

Val’s face burned. Positive. I just like organizing events. With all my experience, it’ll help me plan my own wedding someday. With a name like Valentine Hart, I was practically born to be a romantic.

Molly and the maid of honor tittered for a moment.

How sad that you plan all these weddings and don’t have one of your own to talk about. Molly teared up again. We should find you a man. There will be plenty of singles at my wedding. I insist you relax for a while at the reception and mingle. It’s fair.

We don’t even know each other. It was a little mortifying to be put on the spot. And unfortunately, not the first time a bride had tried to be ‘helpful.’

That’s all right. You concentrate on your wedding. We have to make sure things run smoothly before I put on my party shoes. Don’t worry about me. I’ll email you tomorrow, okay?

That’s perfect. Thanks for letting me cry on your shoulder. Bye-bye, Val. Molly smiled, gave a little wave, then hooked her arm through her maid of honor’s.

They were barely through the door before the whispering started.

Well, did you see her dress? No wonder she’s single. It looks like she walked out of a low-class thrift store.

The maid of honor’s voice carried down the hallway.

Val tugged at the skirt of her calico patch dress. It was cool and casual, but dressy enough for business with a blazer over the top. There wasn’t anything wrong with it. Comfort made her days better and when she wore business clothes, she felt too formal to really get in touch with the brides she helped.

Forget you, Missy. She stuck out her tongue even though the pair was out the door.

Last appointment of the day. Val let her shoulders sag. Another half hour remained in her normal office hours, so she could research some locales for Molly, but at least she was done with people for now. No more explaining her single status to new customers.

She returned to her desk and clicked the internet icon. A small chat screen popped up.

Todd: Hey, gorgous. What’s up?

Val rolled her eyes. Todd Dayson was hot, but someone needed to remind him he wasn’t in school anymore. Clearly from his spelling, he hadn’t paid much attention in class. She typed a message, then hit Enter.

Val: You spelled ‘gorgeous’ wrong. It’s that knock to your head from your ride the other night. Should’ve stayed in the hospital for observation.

Todd: It didn’t even hurt. Concussion-smushion. Miss my hawt date? No way.

She made a face. Katie Cambridge was a beautiful woman, but she was pretty fast and loose with the cowboys in the local circuit. A true buckle bunny through and through. Val could hardly begrudge Todd for dating Katie. Men knocked themselves out trying to get into her pants. Unlike Val. She preferred being a wallflower to a man chaser.

Val: How’d it go with Katie? You seeing her again?

Todd: Every night in my dreams. She has an ass to die for.

Val: I just threw up. Too much sharing.

Todd: You like it.

Val: Not even a little. No matter how hot her ass is.

Todd: How’d you know I didn’t make my 8 seconds?

Val: I read the paper. There was a great photo of you laid out in the arena with blood on your head. You should add it to your scrapbook. Do you need something? I’m working.

Todd: A guy can’t talk to his favorite girl?

She rolled her eyes. Once upon a time she’d wished she was Todd’s type. She’d gotten over that humiliating crush in junior high. Thank God. At least, that’s what she kept telling herself. There was zero chance of her dating Todd.

Val: Enough schmoozing. What do you want?

Todd: I got some business for you. Remember my cousin Preston? He was supposed to get married in six weeks to some city girl he met in Dallas. Turns out she was two timing him with her ex. He wants to sell the wedding.

Val’s heart skipped a beat. She’d been looking into buying out wedding venues, including the decorations, catering, favors, and honeymoon packages. It was gold—all she had to do was convince prospective couples to buy a wedding already set up for a fraction of the cost of planning their own.

Val: Really? The whole kit n caboodle? I assume the tux is rented, so that’s a no-go. What about the honeymoon?

Todd: ALL of it. Tux, wedding dress, jewelry. Everything must go. I’ll have him give you a call if you’re interested.

Val: I might be. What’s the catch?

Todd: Who says there’s a catch?

Val: Nothing in life is free.

Todd: Wow, that’s a really sad way to look at things, Buttercup. Where’s my rainbows and sunshine gal?

Val: I’m a businesswoman. I don’t believe in free.

Todd: Well, believe it this time because Preston is unloading lock, stock, and barrel. I have something else to tell you.

Val: What’s that?

Todd: I’m retiring.

She almost fell out of her chair. What?

Val: What?!?!?! You’re joking.

Todd: No joke. I’ve given it a lot of thought since the beginning of the season. Hasn’t been a good year for me. Going nowhere fast. I didn’t decide out of the blue. I’m quitting, Val. Done. Finito. This season is my last. I wanna go out with a bang—and preferably while I can still go on my own two legs.

Val: What will you do if you’re not on the circuit?

Todd: I had a chat with Dean Trulove. I’m gonna help him wrangle animals at the auctions. He seems happy enough with the arrangement.

At least Todd wasn’t leaving livestock behind altogether. Dean and his wife London ran Trulove Cattle Company and Auction. Todd would never be happy in a job that wasn’t physically demanding or about animals.

Val: Are you sure?

Todd: Dead sure.

Val: Wow. I’m stunned.

Todd: It’s for the best. Didn’t want to say anything to anyone, but my back’s pretty sore after last weekend. And it’s not because of Katie. 

She couldn’t laugh. If Todd was in enough pain to end his career, there was nothing funny about his situation.

Val: Do you want to talk about it over the phone? This is major news.

Todd: Nah, I’m good for now. Just let me make sure I can get this deal to happen for you. You know I’m always happy to help.

She smiled.

Val: You’ve always been there for me. Thanks.

Todd: I believe in you. TTYL, Buttercup.

He logged off before she could answer.

Todd as one of the spectators in the stands. Val shook her head. Unbelievable. Most of the guys she knew were athletic in some way. Many of them were former football players who relived their glory days by armchair quarterbacking the junior high and high school teams. The rest were cowboys. A few had dropped out of the game along the way, but plenty still rode on the weekends at the Swells Memorial Arena, sometimes in addition to the professional circuit. Todd Dayson with no bull under him. What a shock.

But more importantly, his cousin wanted to sell her a whole wedding. Her palms itched with excitement. Six weeks was a pretty short expanse of time to find a willing couple, but surely she could sell it to someone. She needed the details immediately. Even if it wasn’t a local couple, maybe she could lure in someone from the outside. Or maybe...she stared at the blank spreadsheet on her computer. Maybe Molly and Kyle would want it. Molly had mentioned a September wedding date, but what was the harm in moving it up a couple of months?

She googled Preston’s name. A link to the local paper appeared. She clicked it.

Under a black and white photograph of the former couple, a short snippet announced the engagement of Laura Annison and Preston Dayson on December 24.

Val winced. A Christmas Eve proposal and it had turned sour. Poor Preston. It must have been awful to find out his fiancée was cheating. He’d never struck her as the mopey, sentimental type. After he confronted her, he’d probably kicked her out and moved on. It was pretty strange that he wanted to get rid of the engagement ring with the package instead of returning it to the store where he’d purchased it. His misfortune was her gain.

She spun around in her desk chair. Maybe it made her a vulture, but she couldn’t wait to check out the details and venues of Preston’s former wedding.

Chapter Two

Loose and still warm from his massage, Todd checked both sides of the street before crossing the cracked asphalt. The kink in his back had loosened a little and he felt almost twenty again. For the moment.

His destination lay straight ahead on Main Street, under a little shingle decorated in swirly writing with her name, Val’s brick-faced shop glowed pink against the neighboring businesses in more traditional colors.

A dummy in the window displayed a vintage wedding dress from the 60’s with bright flowers at its feet. Posters on the pink and white striped wall advertised the latest fashions and honeymoon destinations. Regency-style furniture made up a small waiting area. A single cup coffee maker with a supply of pods in frou-frou flavors made an odd contrast to the rest of the décor. Meant to look please brides-to-be, the building was way too girly for his tastes.

If it made Val happy—and it seemed to—who was he to judge?

A bell over the door rang as he stepped inside the air-conditioned interior. After taking a walk in the heat, the cold air raised gooseflesh on his arms.

Just a moment. Val’s melodic voice floated through an open doorway to the back where she kept her office. Professional and polite. Business-like. But not when she was free on a rare weekend, a bottle in her hand, her laughter tumbling between two full lips, and the bohemian-style dresses she favored floating on an evening breeze.

Hey, lady. You messed up the dates for my daughter’s wedding. What are you gonna do to fix it?

He stomped toward her office as he heard her mutter, Give me one second. No, everything is fine. One sec.

She punched a button on her cell phone and stared at him. What are you doing? she hissed through clenched teeth. I’m on the phone.

Just kidding. Whoever you’re talking to probably didn’t even hear me. He waved a legal-sized manilla envelope at her. I brought you something.

She leaned over her desk to snatch it, but he pulled it back.

He grinned. Magic words?

Give it to me, you big dummy. She grabbed for it again and missed. I have to get back on this call.

He dropped into the chair in front of her desk and hugged the envelope to his chest.

I swear. She shook her fist at him, then poked the screen of her phone again. So sorry about that, Linda. There’s a delivery here and I had to sign for something. I checked my calendar. I’m free at nine in the morning if you’d like to schedule an appointment. She swirled her mouse and clicked it a few times. Balancing the phone between her ear and shoulder, she typed on the keyboard. All set. I look forward to meeting you in person. Thank you. Have a lovely day.

Val dropped the phone on the desk, then glared at him. What is it?

You know it looks like a wedding threw up in here. It’s giving me the heebie-jeebies. He shuddered. I can’t believe you think this is organized.

Half this stuff is going to a wedding next weekend, thank you very much. It’ll be much neater come next Sunday afternoon. She pushed her hand through her short, dark hair. Really, Todd. Did you bring that packet Preston promised?

She looked exhausted, but June was the height of wedding season. It was a miracle her phone wasn’t ringing off the hook. This is it. He passed it to her. Every invoice, a schedule, tickets, directions. Everything you need.

She opened the envelope and slid out the contents. Mmm, Saint Martin for two weeks. Can you imagine? Val’s hazel eyes slid shut as she tipped her head back. Warm weather, sand, a room with an ocean view. Time to relax.

Fruity drinks, candlelight dinners, walks on the beach. All that romantic crap women gushed about. If you ever took a break from your job, you could have that. We’re not that far from the coast.

Sweetie, Oklahoma is landlocked. We’re not that far from the river, but the coast is hours away. Anyway, no time. She glanced at the clock over his head. Where’s Nikki? Lord, you’d think running down to The Café would take five minutes. I swear she’s got her eye on one of the baristas.

She was crazy for letting her younger sister go to the cafe. Nikki knew her wedding stuff almost as good as Val, but she wasn’t happy sitting in an office all day. You have a coffee maker in your lobby.

She talked me into a frozen one, Val grumbled. Let me write a check for this. Take it straight to Preston. Seriously. I don’t want him thinking I took the package and then left him high and dry.

She opened a desk drawer, then removed a checkbook.

Todd pulled the packet closer to his side of the desk. Under the airline tickets, a brochure for the exclusive island resort displayed sparkling blue water, a white sandy beach, and a smiling couple wrapped in a tangle of arms and legs. Behind them against the ocean backdrop, under a palm tree, a hammock and two beverages with umbrellas waited for them to relax.

Val scratched out the check, then stared at him. Maybe you should take Katie there since you’re retiring and all. You’ll have plenty of time.

Things had changed in the week since their chat. I’m not with Katie.

Oh? She frowned. Can’t say I’m surprised. She’s a here and gone type of girl.

Yeah. We both knew it was a temporary thing. He tapped the brochure with his pointer finger. It was difficult to be sad because they barely knew one another. She was fun while she lasted.

Without bull riding to keep you busy, you could find a good woman and settle down. I’ll be planning your wedding next. She smiled. That should be interesting.

He laughed. If I can’t have you, I’m not getting married. Clock’s ticking toward twenty-eight anyhow. Might as well honor the pact we made, right?

Her smile faded. The same way it always did when he brought up the night she’d gotten very drunk a few summers ago and moaned about never being able to find the one. She’d made him swear if they were both single at twenty-eight, they’d get married. Occasionally, he still teased her about it. It obviously embarrassed her.

Very funny. We’d have each other killed before our wedding was over.

You’re probably right. He glanced at her clock. Have you had lunch yet?

She shook her head. I can’t leave until Nikki gets back.

Tell me you’re not having frozen coffee for lunch. That’s about as bad for your health as facing down a rowdy bull.

Val cocked an eyebrow. Says the man who climbs up on them for practice and for a chance to win money.

Let me take you out. We’ll grab something quick. You could use the walk. How long have you been sitting in the chair? He rose from his own. C’mon.

I don’t have time. The protest came out weak. I really need to go over this package and see if I have any clients who might be interested.

Bring it with you. Get familiar with it. Pitch it to me and I’ll pretend to be an interested groom. Let’s get out of here for a while. He gestured at the door. No excuses.

She sighed. All right. Let me text Nikki.

"Let me text Nikki. He slipped his phone from his pocket. He narrated as he pressed the keys. ‘Nikki—have kidnapped your sister for lunch. Will return with her eventually. Watch the office. Don’t do anything stupid or Val will kill you.’"

Subtle. She rose, then fluffed her short hair. What do you want to eat? The Café has a sandwich special today.

He gathered the materials from the packet and crammed them back into the envelope. I’m a growin’ man, Buttercup. I can’t eat a sandwich without needing two more in an hour. Let’s go to the oldie but goody.

Buttercup. She shook her head. I went blonde one time, Todd. Once. In high school. That was a million years ago.

I’ll never forget it. It looked good. At her scowl he ducked and raised his hands. Brunette is good too.

I thought you’d say that. She lifted her purse out of a drawer. To Honeybee’s?

Love me some fried chicken. He rubbed his stomach. The phone in his hand buzzed. Probably Nikki responding to his text. It wasn’t important right now. He tucked it into his pocket. Let’s hit it.

They walked down the sidewalk in the baking sun. His hat shielded his eyes from the glare, but Val dug in her purse for a pair of shades.

It must be 95 degrees out here. Are we crazy for walking or what? She fanned her face. So, you want to tell me more about the reasons for your retirement?

His back twinged as soon as she mentioned it. Nothing to it. I’d like to retire and enjoy my life before I’m too stoved up. Working with Dean is cool. I’m still around the bulls, just in a different spot.

It doesn’t have anything to do with your spill last weekend? Her eyes were just visible through the dark lenses in her sunglasses. A little line of worry formed between them.

I told you I’ve been thinking about it for a while. I’ve had a couple of spills this year. It’s getting harder to bounce back from them, but that’s not the only reason. It’s time to make a turn in my career path. No big deal. He shrugged. It’s not till the end of the season, though. Lots of time to turn it around or change my mind.

He opened the door for her when they reached Honeybee’s. Cold air spilled through the entryway. The scents of fried food surrounded them.

Have a seat anywhere, the waitress called.

They slid into a booth. Todd laid the envelope on the table between them. So you think you can use this?

I wish I could use it. Do I think I can sell it? Heck, yeah. She pulled the papers out again. I need to go see this dress this afternoon.

Want some company?

Val laughed. Really? Why would you want to look at a dress?

He shrugged. Got nothing better to do.

Okay, if you’re sure. She flipped through a few pages. I got this for a steal. It cost a fortune. You’re sure the check I gave you will be enough? I could go a little higher.

I think Preston just wanted rid of it. You can’t blame him.

She licked her fingers and turned an invoice. Might as well run by the jeweler’s and check out the rings.

The engagement ring is supposed to be in there. Todd lifted the envelope, then gave it a shake. A gold ring tumbled into his palm. The half carat diamond reflected light and set sparkles glowing across his skin. Dang. Preston has good taste.

Very nice. Val reached over the table and plucked it from his hand. Let’s see if it fits. She slid it onto her ring finger. A little loose. I like it though. Not too weighty.

It’s kind of sad that you’re digging through this collapsed wedding. It’s a sign of something broken. He stared at his placemat menu coated in fingerprints and a blob of something that might have been grape jelly.

Maybe for Preston and what’s-her-face, but it’s hope for another couple. A happier couple. She lifted her hand and admired the diamond from different angles. I wish...

He leaned forward.

She blushed under his gaze. Never mind.

That ring looks good on you. Her fingers were long and slender. The diamond wasn’t too gaudy to dwarf her hand.

Thanks. She slipped it off, then dropped it back in the envelope. Oh, damn. They got the executive package at Hardaway Mansion. I’m drooling. We’ve organized a couple of weddings there. It books fast. They got lucky. Have you been?

No. Haven’t seen it. He couldn’t recall the last wedding he’d attended.

We’ll drive out there too, then. I can cancel a couple of meetings today. You have to see this place. Her eyes lit up.