Branndon Jr. Read online

“I’m calling the police.”

  “Do it, kid, and I’ll have them charge you with damage to property and personal assault.”

  Before he knew it the kid was pulling out a cell phone and dialing.

  “Dad, you need to come deal with some guy who hit me,” he cried into the phone.

  Chapter Eleven

  Susanne knew this had been a bad idea. Some other parent had been dropping off their daughter when they’d seen the altercation and called her. By the time she got there, Branndon and some guy were shouting at one another.

  “You threw a snowball at my boy.”

  “I sure did because he’d destroyed a puppet and cut this little girl’s hair,” Branndon said, pulling April’s hat from her head.

  “Looks okay to me.”

  “Looks okay to you, well let me tell you I’m not surprised you’ve produced such a bastard of a kid. The snowball was to teach him a lesson.”

  “Oh yeah, and how about I teach you one, too?”

  Branndon wasn’t quick enough and the guy got the first punch in and smacked him in the jaw. The bus driver ran out of the bus and pushed the man away as Branndon wiped his face.

  “You will pay big time for that,” said Branndon.

  “Guys, come on, and you, you should be ashamed of yourself,” he said to the boy’s dad. “Don’t you know who this man is? This is Branndon Mckinney junior. He’s the man who donated his kidney to his brother to save his life. This man’s a hero and you go around hitting him. Shame on you.”

  “I had no idea. I mean I read about you and…” He put out his hand to Branndon. “I’m sorry, please accept my apologies and I will pay for the puppet and for any hairdressing services your little girl needs.”

  He turned around and hit the boy on the back of the head. “Probably best you don’t go to school today, and if you so ever touch that little girl again, so help you, you’ll be homeschooled.”

  Susanne ran over to Branndon. His lip was bleeding and dripping down his chin. She took a tissue from her coat pocket and dabbed it.

  “Uncle Brannon’s a hero. He’s my hero,” said April.

  “Well, I think maybe the bus driver might have tipped the scale in my favor,” he said, winking at the man.

  “That guy has more money than good sense. Now, who’s getting on the bus and going to school?” asked the driver. “We’re already late.”

  Branndon picked up April and kissed her. She hugged him and then he put her back down so she could get on the bus.

  Susanne put her arm through Branndon’s. “You really are playing on that whole donated kidney thing a little too much,” she said.

  “Hey, it wasn’t me who brought the topic up.”

  “True. Good thing because I think he might have beaten you up some more.”

  “Beaten a Mckinney, you’re kidding, right?”

  Susanne hoped Branndon knew she was messing with him. “I don’t know how I’m going to thank you for what you did,” said Susanne.

  “Oh, I can think of a pretty good way, and we have the house all to ourselves.”

  ****

  “I thought it was you who was supposed to be thanking me?” asked Branndon.

  “I know, but there’s something about the stables and the straw on my bare butt.”

  “I have just the thing to help you feel it scrape along your skin.”

  He slid inside her and then kissed her. They sat almost facing one another, legs and arms entwined.

  He really had been her hero. Her knight in shining armor. She bit his lower lip, still tasting a little of the blood that had been drawn when the man hit him. Their bodies slapped together. Her nipples rubbing against his chest. She outlined each one of his muscles with her fingers as he pushed harder inside her. It was true, rough straw on her butt did actually feel good, but not as wonderful as having this cowboy’s cock pounding inside her.

  One of the horses hit his hooves lightly in one of the stalls as if he was angered at the intrusion in his stables. She wondered if this was what it would be like to live here all the time, to be Branndon’s girlfriend. Waving him goodbye when he headed off of the rodeo tour, then welcoming back with a round of great sex out here in the stables.

  He pushed harder inside her, making her grasp and flex her toes. She was edging nearer and nearer, and to take her over the edge, she ground her body close into his, sending his cock scraping along her G-spot. She cried out and then rested her head on his shoulder, biting into his skin as her orgasm rocked her body.

  Branndon hadn’t come, but he slid out of her, turning her over until she was flat down on her belly, the straw scratching her breasts and not her butt this time. He ran his hands over her body before parting her ass cheeks and then gliding slowly, inch by inch, into her pussy.

  He rode her hard, groaning and breathing heavily, sending up a mixture of his aftershave and sweat into the air. She gripped the straw in her hands, not believing she could come again this quickly, but she dug her toes into the ground and moaned when her climax traveled through her pussy, into her thighs, calves, and even her feet.

  She felt Branndon explode inside her. Even sheathed, she felt the warmth of his release gush throughout her pussy.

  They lay together still, just the sound of the horses moving around in the stables.

  “That was one of the best thank yous I’ve ever had,” he said before kissing her.

  She rested her face on her forearms.

  She was and relaxed and glad that she’d phoned Mr. Mckinney and been given the chance to live under the roof of the man of her dreams.

  ****

  “Strangest thing’s happened,” said his father.

  “What’s that?”

  “I twisted my ankle this morning.”

  He should have asked if he was okay, but his first and only thought was it was the father daughter Valentine’s sweetheart dance that was taking place that night.

  “I’ll have to accompany April,” he said thinking out loud.

  “You sure you’re feeling okay? I mean you jumped in there pretty swiftly. I thought you hated all that dancing and sugary sweetness with kids.”

  “April’s been through a lot lately and she’s been looking forward to this. It’s all she’s been talking about so we can’t let her down.”

  “I’m happy to hear that, Branndon, and take lots of photos.”

  “I’m sure Susanne will and she’ll e-mail them to you. Betty taking good care of you while you’re laid up?”

  “Oh yeah, my wife is fussing around. Now off you go and get ready for April’s big night.”

  “Okay Pa, love you.”

  “Love you too, son.”

  Branndon ended the call. He hoped April wouldn’t have a problem with him standing in for his father at the last minute. He knew she loved his pa, well, just about everyone did. It was a dance, and beside the cheek to cheek sort of thing Branndon did with the ladies while he was on the circuit, he didn’t know what sort of moves they’d be required to do. But he wouldn’t let her down even if he looked like an idiot.

  He might as well break the news to her and Susanne and get it out of the way. Branndon walked along the hallway and heard Susanne talking and April giggling. He knocked on the door.

  “Can I come in?”

  “You sure can,” said Susanne.

  Susanne and April were both lying on the bed on their stomachs and playing Chutes and Ladders.

  “I have some good and bad news,” began Branndon.

  Susanne looked up at him.

  “Pa’s twisted his ankle and can’t make it tonight.”

  Susanne nudged April.

  “But he’s my sweetheart,” said April.

  She wasn’t crying or whining which surprised him.

  “I know that, but I’ve offered to stand in for him. I mean that’s if you’ll be my sweetheart date.”

  “What do you think?” asked Susanne, looking at her daughter. “You think he’ll do?”

  April nod
ded her head.

  Branndon looked at his watch. “Then I’d better get washed, shaved, and put on my best outfit.”

  He heard them giggle again as he closed the door. Branndon had the feeling those two were up to something but he wasn’t quite sure what.

  ****

  Branndon hadn’t been choked up on many occasions in his life. The last time had been when his mother had passed away and now he stood with the mother of all knots in his windpipe as he stood and looked at April as she headed out to the kitchen.

  Susanne had added some bows to her hair that matched the pink dress. She wore white leggings and black shoes with pink bows that complimented the ones in her hair. Branndon had never been a sentimental sort of guy, but he almost wanted to cry.

  “Look at your handsome cowboy escort,” Susanne told her.

  “And look at my beautiful sweetheart,” said Branndon.

  “How about I take a photo of the two of you before you head out,” said Susanne.

  “You’re not coming with us?” asked Branndon.

  “Your dad and Betty phoned to say they wanted to go and I said I’d join them.”

  Branndon shrugged his shoulders. “If Pa feels up to it I guess that’s okay.”

  Susanne grabbed her camera. Branndon put his arm around April and they both smiled as she snapped away.

  “You two better get moving because the dance starts in an hour,” said Susanne.

  “Let’s grab our coats and I’ll get my hat,” said Branndon. “We’ll see you at the school,” he said, kissing Susanne.

  “Behave, and no getting into any trouble.”

  ****

  Branndon didn’t want to let on but as soon as he pulled up outside the venue, he was as nervous as hell. Even his hands were shaking. He hadn’t even acted like that when he’d lay on the gurney about to head into the OR to give his kidney to Brody.

  What if he was the worst dad date that evening? What if he let April down by saying something wrong or doing something he shouldn’t? He’d be acting as a father tonight. For the first time in his life he was well and truly out of his element.

  “Uncle Brannon, let’s go,” said April, tugging on his arm.

  “Sure, absolutely.”

  He got out of the truck and took April’s hand as they headed toward the building. Music and voices drifted outside and he shook again.

  “What’s the matter?” asked April. “You should have worn your mittens.”

  He smiled. April had obviously felt his hand shaking in hers. The kid was just like her mom.

  “Let’s hurry inside. We don’t want to miss anything,” said Branndon, holding the door open for her.

  She skipped ahead of him. Maddie, Brody and his father, Ted, sat outside the auditorium behind a desk with name tags set upon it.

  “Hi April,” said Maddie.

  “Glad to see you’ve brought Uncle Branndon with you,” said Brody.

  “Yeah, Big Brannon hurt his foot,” said April.

  “You look so pretty,” said Ted.

  “Here’s a nametag for you, and one for you, too, Branndon. If you want to hang your coats, the cloakroom’s through there and inside the auditorium you’ll find soda and a buffet. The dance will start in about an hour.”

  Branndon felt his stomach do a flip.

  “Johnny who lived in the commune with my mom is here to play and sing,” said Brody.

  “Can’t wait to hear him,” said Branndon. “Okay, April, let’s go get rid of these coats and get something to drink.”

  “See you later,” said Brody.

  Branndon ushered April to the cloakroom, held her coat, and hung it on a peg. He then took off his jacket and hung it along with his cowboy hat.

  He knelt down and pinned April’s name tag on her dress and then attached his to his shirt. He took her hand again as they made their way into the auditorium which was already full. Tables with hearts and balloons were spread throughout and a large one with food and drink sat on their left.

  “Shall we go get something to eat and drink?”

  April nodded.

  He handed her a plate and then took one for himself. Chips and dip, sandwiches cut in the shape of hearts, and pink cupcakes iced with gooey frosting. Not his idea of a meal, but this was April’s big night and not his. Once they had their food and drink, Branndon led her over to one of the tables where another man and his daughter sat.

  “Hi. I’m Branndon and this is April.” He extended his hand to the man.

  “Bob, and this is my little girl, Mia.”

  April started on the cupcake first. Branndon wasn’t sure if her mom would be happy about that but wasn’t going to spoil things.

  “This your first time here?” Bob asked him.

  “Yeah, how about you?”

  “Our second. It’s lots of fun for the girls. You have other children besides April?”

  “No, and actually April’s my girlfriend’s daughter.”

  Wow, second time he’d referred to Susanne as his girlfriend. Guess that made it official.

  “That’s real nice of you,” said Bob.

  “Okay, everyone could I have your attention? First of all, a warm welcome to the annual Riker’s Creek Daddy Daughter Sweetheart Dance,” said Maddie.

  Everyone began to clap so Branndon guessed he should do the same.

  “We have lots of fun things planned tonight. We’ll start with some contests and then move onto the dancing. We also have some prizes in lots of categories, like best dressed Daddy and Daughter. Daddy and Daughter that look the most alike, and finally, the best Daddy and Daughter Dance Duo.”

  More clapping.

  “And to start things off, we’re going to play musical chairs with music and singing provided by Riker’s Creek own Johnny Marshall.”

  “Let’s go,” said April, pulling his chair around to face the dance floor.

  Shit, it had been years since he’d played anything like this.

  Maddie and two other women set out the chairs while Johnny got on stage and began playing his guitar.

  “Okay, the way this works is, you’ll run around the chairs while Johnny plays and when he stops the daddies will find a chair, sit and then put their daughters on their laps.”

  Shit, he hoped he wouldn’t let her down.

  “Okay, let’s start moving around those chairs,” said Maddie.

  Branndon insisted April go ahead of him and she, like some of the other kids, skipped rather than walked.

  Johnny stopped playing and Branndon quickly found an open chair and pulled April onto his lap.

  “Stand up everyone and away goes one chair,” said Maddie.

  Johnny began playing again and April moved faster so he had to run to keep up with her.

  Johnny stopped and Branndon had to quickly look for a chair again. He grabbed April and lifted her onto his lap. Two dads gone and they went around and around until only five of them were left.

  “This time we’re going to make it harder. We’re taking away two chairs,” said Maddie.

  He was a champion rodeo rider so beating the other dads should be a piece of cake.

  Johnny played a fast song that seemed to go on for ages and then bam, he stopped. Brandon got one of the chairs and April giggled as he pulled her in toward him.

  Three of them left, and then he and another dad, and he was going to win this.

  They went around and around the chair for what seemed like forever, finally Johnny stopped and fate must have been on their side because Branndon just sat his butt down on the chair before the other guy realized what had happened.

  “We have our winner. It’s Daddy Branndon and his sweetheart April,” said Maddie.

  Daddy Branndon, did he like the sound of that, or not?

  “You have won a gift certificate to the Riker’s Creek Candy Emporium,” said Maddie.

  April pulled him to the stage as everyone, including Brody and Ted, clapped them. Candy Emporium. Branndon didn’t even know they had on
e of those.

  They weren’t so lucky with the next contests, but at least it took Branndon’s mind off the dance part of the evening. When the lights were dimmed and pink hearts flashed on the ceiling and walls, Branndon knew this was it. He was going to have to dance. The other dads seemed to do be so laidback and relaxed as they made their way onto the floor and began dancing with their little girls.

  “Aren’t you going to dance with me?” asked April pulling on his sleeve.

  “Sure I am, sweet thing.”

  April put her tiny hand in his and pulled him to the floor. She spun around and then he got hold of her hand while she twirled under his arm. Her giggles made him relax. She was having fun and that was the main thing. In fact, that was the whole point of the evening.

  “Hey, I have an idea,” said Branndon. “Put your feet on top of my mine and we can pretend we’re waltzing around the floor.”

  “What’s waltzing?” asked April.

  “You’ll see.’

  ****

  Susanne stopped in her tracks, swallowing to try and get the lump out of her throat. Her little girl was laughing and smiling as she and Branndon moved around the dance floor. Neither of them had seen her yet, so she was able to snap away while totally undetected.

  “Would you look at my son out there?” said Branndon Sr. “He looks so light on his feet and definite daddy material.”

  Branndon Sr. had tricked his son into thinking that he’d fallen and twisted his foot. His plan had worked because Branndon had jumped at the opportunity to stand in for him.

  “He looks like he’s enjoying himself,” said Betty.

  “I think he is,” said Branndon Sr. He began clapping along to the music and then whistled, causing Branndon to look their way. He and April waved to them, but then continued dancing as a country swing tune played and April followed Branndon’s lead.

  “That he knows how to do because his mom and I used to take him to all the country dances when he and Jackson were small.”

  Susanne watched and wished that right now she and not April was being guided around by Branndon.

  “Let’s see if we can’t join in,” said Branndon pulling Betty onto the floor.

  “How about we dance with April so you can join Branndon?” said Brody.

  “Are you sure?”