Saved by a Warrior Dog

by Cassidy Wells

  He looked at his watch. Time to take a shower. He still had a lot of questions, but he’d made progress.

  ***

  Driving home after their dinner with her family that evening, MJ seethed. Rob hadn’t said more than a few words all evening.

  “What’s going on?” she asked as they rounded the corner to her house and pulled into the driveway. “You didn’t say much tonight.” If he said he was “fine,” she’d bop him in the head, but not while he was driving.

  “Sorry. I spent a bunch of time thinking about career possibilities this afternoon.”

  Okay, that made sense. “What have you figured out?”

  “I did some thinking about what’s important to me.” He ran down his list with her. “I have a lot of questions.”

  She smiled. “I can help you there. Remember, I’m the research lady. I can get you plenty of statistics about local agriculture.”

  “The bottom line is that I want to buy some land, but I need to figure out what I’m going to do before I get into that. I know about beef cattle in Colorado, and I was thinking about raising cattle here. I’ve been away from it for such a long time, though. I don’t know what cattle prices are, nor how much land you need to support a herd around here. When I think about everything I have to do to figure things out, I feel kind of overwhelmed. That’s probably what was going on tonight. I hope I wasn’t rude to your mom, or Nick and Tess.”

  “I’m not sure anybody else noticed. I’m relieved. I was afraid something bothered you after counseling this morning.”

  “No. I feel good about that. I’ve got a long way to go, but I think I’ll get there. I can’t expect PTSD to disappear after a session or two, even if I wish it would.”

  “I know you have a lot going on. I’m here to help any way I can.” MJ undid her seat belt and underscored her statement by leaning over, pulling Rob toward her, and planting a big kiss on his lips.

  He kissed her back. She loved how he responded.

  “C’mon,” she prodded. “Maverick’s probably wondering why we’re sitting here. I’m sure he sensed our arrival and recognized the sound of your truck.”

  Rob laughed. “I think you’re right. He alerts me when you get home, too.”

  He jumped down and came around to the passenger’s side to help her out. Together, they walked up the back steps and unlocked the door to the kitchen, both smiling when Maverick greeted them at the door.

  “C’mon, boy,” Rob said. “I’ll take you out.”

  They hadn’t finished talking, but MJ resolved to keep encouraging Rob to share his vision with her. This needed to be a partnership for their relationship to make it long-term.

  Later, as they lay in bed, she turned to him, putting a hand on his chest. “Rob, I need you to share your vision with me. What you do impacts me. I want this relationship to work out, but I need you to talk with me about your plans. I’m not trying to horn in on things, or control what you do. For this relationship to work out, though, it needs to be a partnership. I expect you to share stuff with me.”

  “Sorry. I’m not used to sharing my thoughts and feelings with anybody else, except in life and death situations during battle. My career will no longer be life and death. If you think I’m holding out, please call me on it. You’re important to me, MJ, and I want to be with you. I want you, me, and our children to live on that land for a long time.”

  Her eyes teared at the thought. He wanted a future with her, a future with children and a home together. She wanted that too. “I love you, Rob,” she whispered, as she snuggled into his arms and relaxed in his embrace, ready for sleep, and a dream about their future together.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Every day Rob spent with MJ only got better and better. They’d slid into a comfortable routine, but they didn’t take each other for granted. He usually took Maverick out in the morning, except on weekends, and they walked him together in the evening. MJ’s confidence continued to increase, and he loved watching her handle the Malinois.

  He continued to look for property to raise livestock somewhere in Ridgeview County. He’d met with the University Extension Agent and learned what to look for in a property. He’d talked with Tyler about his ideas and felt good about having his support.

  Next week was Thanksgiving, and he and MJ were hosting her mother, Nick, and Tess. They’d also invited Tyler, and his brother, Jason, an attorney. He smiled about how excited MJ was about playing hostess.

  He and Maverick had just come home from their daily run, and the hot shower felt heavenly after the damp cold that had seeped into his bones. He’d just heated some of MJ’s leftover potato soup and filled his bowl when the phone rang. A glance at the screen showed that it was Tyler.

  “Hey, man. How’re you doing?” he answered.

  “Good. I wanted to see if you’re planning to go to the support group tomorrow night and if you want to ride together?”

  “Sounds good. Are you driving?”

  “I can. I also wanted to check and see if you’d be interested in a trail ride this afternoon. I want to try a new horse out on the trail. You can have your choice of which one you want to ride.”

  “That sounds great. I’ve wanted to get on a horse again. If I follow my plan to buy a ranch, I want to make sure I’m physically able to ride again.”

  “I hear you. I was nervous when I got back into the saddle after messing up my leg. Luckily, I could still maneuver on a horse, and the more I’ve ridden, the better it’s gotten.”

  “I’ve been able to run, and do five miles a day with no problem, but the demands of riding and cutting cattle may be challenging. I appreciate the offer. What time do you want me to come by?”

  “Around two sound okay?”

  Rob promised his friend he’d be there and hung up to eat his soup. This would be a milestone, but he didn’t plan to overdo it. Riding without aggravating his knee was too important. He’d find another way to manage if he could no longer ride, but his dream definitely included having a small herd of horses for both work and pleasure. Fingers crossed.

  He texted MJ to let her know where he’d be in case he didn’t get home before she did.

  He pulled up to Wayward Ranch just before two and walked to the barn to find Tyler. His friend had saddled a jittery mare that moved back and forth under the weight of a western saddle. An older, fifteen-and-half-hand Paint gelding stood cross-tied and saddled. With his head down, he looked so relaxed Rob thought he might fall asleep. He rubbed the paint’s neck and spoke softly to him.

  Tyler looked up and lifted his chin in greeting. “That’s Chieftain,” he said, pointing to the older horse. “I thought he’d be a good one for you to ride for your first time out in a while. He’s solid, and very responsive, so you won’t risk reinjuring your knee trying to get him to mind.”

  Rob breathed a sigh of relief. Tyler had faced his own service-related injuries, so he knew about the trepidation Rob would have about this first ride. “Thanks. Sounds perfect. Who’s that little minx?”

  “This is Emmalyn.” He rubbed the mare’s neck and then pulled up on the girth to tighten it. The horse stomped her foot in protest, and Tyler scratched her chin. “Sorry, girl. I’ve got to get the saddle tight enough so it won’t slide underneath you with me on it. That’s not a good way to ride on the trail.” Her tail swished, but he stayed out of range.

  “Have you ridden her before?”

  “Around the arena and in the pastures, but not on the trail. It’s time I took her out. With you along, I’ll have company for the long walk home if she throws me.”

  Rob gave him a look. “Hope it won’t come to that.”

  “Me too, but you never know with these animals.”

  Rob checked the girth on Chieftain and then swung into the saddle. He checked the length of the stirrups and dismounted, adjusting them to make them longer. He mounted again and checked his position to make sure it was comfortable.

  “Nice to have a horse big enough, isn’t it
?” Tyler commented.

  “Is he the one you usually ride?”

  “No, I’m usually on Diablo, a black Quarter horse stallion. He’s a handful. I like a challenge when I’m riding. It keeps my head in the game.”

  “I know what you mean. It’s too easy to lose focus and quit paying attention. That’s when the crazy stuff happens. Somebody’s got to be the leader on the trail. If it isn’t you, your horse will take over.”

  “Sounds like you’ve had some experience with that.”

  “Sure have. I’ve been riding since I was in kindergarten, and horses have thrown me more times than I can count. I’ve even slid off the trail with my horse when I didn’t pay close attention a time or two.” Rob shook his head ruefully.

  “Well, let’s see what you remember, Emmalyn.” Tyler mounted the mare, and she shied sideways as he swung his leg over her back. He patted her neck, and she settled quickly. He clucked and urged her forward, with Rob and Chieftain close behind.

  Tyler opened the gate and moved her through, and Rob closed it behind them. They moved at an easy pace onto a worn trail through the trees, and wove through the wooded area, soon climbing the hill that led up the mountain.

  Rob paid attention to Chieftain, and his position on the horse’s back. He kept his posture relaxed, and shifted his weight to direct the mount’s movement, careful to keep his knees from clenching.

  Tyler confidently guided the mare up the incline, and she seemed to settle down. He turned slightly to check on Rob’s progress. “Are you doing okay?”

  “Chieftain’s a dream,” Rob replied. This was a disciplined horse: he didn’t steal leaves off the trees, and he quickly responded to all the directions Rob gave him. Rob felt the rhythmic movement and relaxed into it. The true test would come at the end, when he’d see how well his body reacted to the ride, but this felt good. He’d forgotten how much he loved being on horseback and feeling the gentle sway of the horse’s movements from side to side as they moved forward along the trail, sometimes climbing, sometimes leveling off as they rode through the woods. He inhaled the smell of the pines, and the earthy smell of the fallen leaves under the trees that lined the trail. The sound of the horse’s hooves, and the crunching of dead leaves that lay on the path through the forest, reminded him of other rides through lower altitudes in Colorado.

  After coming up a steep section, Tyler called a halt to let their horses rest.

  “How often do you ride?” Rob asked as they dismounted.

  “Every day at the ranch, but if I’m lucky, I’m on the trail about once a week.”

  “Well, let me know any time you want company. It feels good to be back in the saddle.”

  “Do you still have horses in Colorado?”

  “No, I left them behind when I went into the Marines. Didn’t figure I’d have time to keep up with it. Then my dad fell on hard times, and his health suffered trying to manage by himself. He ended up losing the ranch and had to sell off equipment and livestock, including all the horses and cattle.”

  Tyler winced. “I got lucky, I guess. Dad kept things going, and when I got shrapnel in my thigh, he and Mom retired and moved to Florida. They signed the ranch over to Jason and me. He’s not interested in it, and I’m slowly buying him out.”

  “You’ll end up with a great piece of property. Do you know of any land that would be suitable for cattle ranching in the county?”

  “No, but I’ll keep my eyes open for you. There are several places owned by older folks who don’t have family interested in farming or ranching. Often, those places don’t go public to sell, unless it’s by estate auction after the farmer or rancher dies.”

  “How do people find out about their availability, then?”

  “Usually by word of mouth for the private sales. In a county as small as Ridgeview, people know the others who do what they do. If you raise cattle, you know everybody else who raises cattle. If you breed and train horses, you know everybody else who does the same thing. It’s the way small towns and rural areas operate.”

  “Yeah, I suppose you’re right. In Colorado, we knew the other players who had cattle ranches. Sounds like I’ll have to get involved in the rancher network.”

  “I can probably introduce you to some folks. Jethro Gordon has a place that butts up against Wayward Ranch to the south. He usually has between sixty to seventy head of cattle. I’ll call him and set something up for later this week, if that’s okay with you.”

  “Thanks. I’m grateful for any help I can get.”

  “No problem.” He checked the horses. “You ready to head back?”

  “Sure. Want me to lead this time?”

  “No, I want Emmalyn to get used to leading. Plus, I want you to watch, if you don’t mind. I’d like your opinion on her gait and manners. Another set of eyes are helpful.”

  They mounted up, and Rob let Tyler and Emmalyn sidle past Chieftain and head down the trail before he clucked his mount into action.

  Later, they cooled down their horses, and let them out into the nearby paddock.

  “What did you notice about Emmalyn on the trip back?” Tyler asked.

  “She didn’t seem as confident going downhill. You had to prod her more. She balked in a couple places where the trail was narrow.”

  “Yep. She needs a lot more practice on the trail. Maybe next time, I’ll have her go second to see if there’s any change when she follows another horse.”

  “Count me in when you want to ride again.” Rob leaned side to side and stretched out his torso, then leaned over the fence rail and did a hamstring stretch. “I’m pleased with how I feel. I wasn’t sure if I’d even be able to move after my first ride. With luck, my muscles won’t cramp up later.”

  “As long as you ease into it, I suspect you’ll be fine,” Tyler observed.

  “I’d better head back.”

  “I’ll pick you up for group tomorrow about six-fifteen. Traffic is sometimes brutal.”

  “Okay, I’ll be ready.” Rob gave his friend directions to MJ’s.

  ***

  MJ felt the phone in her pocket vibrate with an incoming text as she was reaching up to re-shelve a paperback about the Appalachian Trail. She finished putting it and several other books back in place before repositioning her cart near the library’s computer stations where users accessed the computerize card catalog.

  She went behind the main desk and pulled her cell out to check the message from Nick:

  Heading 2 Oasis 4 burgers. Join us?

  She texted back:

  Sure, time?

  A moment later, the reply came:

  5:30

  She answered back:

  Sounds good. I’ll call Rob. C U there.

  She looked around to see if she had time to make a quick phone call and scurried into the break room, closing the door behind her.

  “Hey, Rob. It’s me,” she said a minute later. “Nick and Tess want to meet us at the Oasis for burgers at five-thirty. Are you okay with that?”

  “Sure, honey. I’ll walk Maverick before I leave. Are you coming home first?”

  “No. I’ll go right to the bar. See you there. I love you.”

  “Love you, too. I miss you.”

  She loved hearing that. She found she missed Rob and thought about him when they were apart. He’d become such a big part of her life.

  She consciously pushed the thought of him out of her mind and went back to the front desk, just in time to check out Lucy Bendale, an elderly woman who came in every single Tuesday to check out large-print romance novels. Same as always, she’d brought a stack of six books, and MJ dutifully scanned her books into the library-card record. “These are due in two weeks,” she said as always, although Lucy would return them in a week. “Enjoy them.”

  “I will, dear. I’ll see you next week.”

  She loved her work. People like Lucy, the Children’s Story Hour, the kids doing research papers, and helping library patrons learn the magic that books contained made her day so w
orthwhile. She couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Rob’s dream of living in the country on a ranch overlooking the Smoky Mountains sounded appealing. She could work at the library and still help him on the ranch, couldn’t she? She didn’t know much about ranching, but she was willing to learn.

  The rest of the afternoon went quickly, and she hurried to close up the library at five, so she’d be on time to meet Nick and Tess at the Oasis. Her mouth watered at the thought of their hamburgers. Maybe she’d have hers with onion rings.

  She arrived at the Oasis just before five-thirty, and almost immediately, Rob pulled into a parking space next to her. They walked into the bar together. Nick and Tess had already arrived and snagged a booth. Even on a Monday night, the bar was full of people coming for supper. Later it would be mobbed with teams playing pool or darts. She waved at her brother as they made their way through the tables to the booth along the back wall.

  Nick stood up as she approached and kissed her on the cheek. “Hey, sis. How’re you doing?”

  “I’m good.” She greeted Tess with a smile. Her brother’s fiancée looked happy. Rob reached out and shook Nick’s hand and nodded at Tess before guiding MJ into the booth seat next to him.

  “How’s your design business coming, Tess?” MJ asked.

  “Getting better every week,” the woman answered.

  “I’m glad to hear it.” She turned to Rob, explaining that she’d been one of the first people in Ridgeview to hire Tess’s design services for her house.

  “You did a great job, Tess,” Rob said.

  “Yes, you did. I love the mixture of old and new you brought to the Craftsman.” Tess had finally closed her interior design business in Chicago and opened up Cove Mountain Design Studio in an old house near downtown Ridgeview.

  She felt the press of Rob’s leg against hers and reached down to squeeze his hand. They exchanged looks, and she loved how connected she felt to him.

  As Tess told them about her latest design job, MJ studied her brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law. Tess and Nick were perfect together, much better than he’d been with Tess’s sister, whom he’d dated in high school. She couldn’t wait to see them settle down.