“Ted should be here any minute,” his mother said for the fifteenth time. Obviously nervous.
“Calm down, Mom. I won’t bite him.”
Her laugh came out too high-pitched. “I just want you to like him.”
“You said I liked him. I mean before.”
“I think you did,” she answered. “Or you did a good job of pretending.”
“You know I don’t fake it well.”
“True.” Mom stopped, set her hand on his shoulder. “You must have really liked him, then.”
The bell rang.
“Guess he forgot his key.”
Mom shot him the look. “He doesn’t use his key except when I’m not here. And he only came to check on the house that day. To make sure the water pipes hadn’t burst or anything.” She scurried toward the door, then stopped and turned back to him. “If I wanted to let Ted use his key, I would. But I’d never let him move in or do anything inappropriate. I’m a Christian.”
“I know. The whole thing’s just weird for me.”
“I’m sorry,” she murmured.
“Don’t be. Go let him in.”
The bell rang again and she disappeared into the foyer.
Moments later, he heard whispers of conversation he couldn’t make out. Then silence. Was this Ted guy kissing his mom? Clint frowned. Probably, since they were engaged.
There was movement in the hallway and then Lexie entered the kitchen. Looking gorgeous as ever. The soft, flowing, polka-dotted top accentuated her dark coloring and femininity. And she’d somehow managed to trim his beard without getting all whiskery.
“Ted’s here. Mom went to let him in. I think they’re kissing.”
“Stop frowning. For your mom’s sake.”
It took effort to smooth his expression into something he hoped was calm.
Footsteps sounded in the foyer. Mom entered first.
Clint’s gaze fell to Ted’s hand—holding his mom’s, then back to his face.
“Clint, this is Ted.” Mom’s smile was too cheery.
“Nice to meet you, Clint.”
“Except that we’ve met before.”
“I guess I’m not very memorable.”
That squeezed a grin out of Clint.
Mom and Lexie both chuckled.
Ice slightly broken.
“Sit down, Ted.” Mom gestured him to the seat that was usually hers. “Everything’s ready.”
“Are Carly and the kids coming?”
“No. Joel’s supposed to call tonight and Carly didn’t want to take the chance of missing him, so it’s just us.” Mom set the salad on the table and sat down in Dad’s spot with Ted on her left and Clint on her right and Lexie beside him.
“Will you bless the food, Ted?”
Clint bowed his head. Ted wasn’t in Dad’s seat, but Dad or Clint had always been the one to pray over their meal. He blew out a silent breath, tried to steel his nerves. Do this for Mom.
“Amen.” Ted ended the prayer, which Clint hadn’t heard any of. But at least he was a praying man.
“If everyone will pass their plates to the right, Lexie will serve the salad and I’ll divvy out the lasagna.” Mom sounded positively giddy.
And she had a right to. No more sneaking around. She’d probably felt like a child for the last week.
Because of him.
“Ted, you can serve the garlic bread.”
Because Clint would dump it in the floor.
“So, Ted, you own Townsend Gas & Oil?” Great, that sounded like So, Ted, you’re loaded.
“My grandfather struck oil back in the 1940s and started the company. He passed it on to my dad, who passed it on to me and my sister when he retired. Though my dad is still on the board of directors.”
Born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Never had to worry a day in his life. At least Mom would be taken care of. She’d never have to fret about losing the ranch again.
“Oh, my, Audrey. This lasagna is delicious. And your salad rocks, Lexie.” Ted shot her a wink.
“That was all Audrey, too.” Lexie chuckled. “All I did was slice tomatoes.”
“I feel like I’m at an Italian restaurant, only better,” Ted said, smiling at Mom.
The way he looked at her. Like Dad used to. And he seemed like a nice guy.
“Without that blaring big-band music.” Mom clasped a hand to her heart. “Why do they play that in Italian restaurants?”
“So do you put a lot of work hours in?” Clint tried to steer the conversation back to learning more about Ted.
“Not as much as I used to. I backed off a decade ago, so my wife and I could enjoy life. I’m glad I did, since she’s gone now.” A sadness washed over the older man’s face, making his mouth droop at the corners.
“After Maryann’s death, I went back for a time, to keep my mind busy. But then I met this little lady.” Ted’s eyes turned bright again with a fond look aimed at Mom. “My sister and her husband, along with my niece and nephew, handle the bulk of daily operations now.”
Okay, he loved Mom. And she obviously adored him. Dad would want her to be happy. And not alone. But what about this sister, niece and nephew? Would they give Mom any trouble? Treat her like an interloper? Or worse, think she was a gold digger?
“I’d love to meet your family sometime.”
“Uh, sure. That can be arranged.” Ted grinned.
Clint glanced at Mom. Her smile didn’t reach her eyes anymore.
“Let me guess. I’ve already met them.”
“Apparently, they aren’t very memorable, either.” Ted shrugged.
Clint chuckled. And Mom’s eyes lit up.
“What do they think of you and Mom? Together, I mean.”
“Well, my sister, Susan, was with me when I saw your mom at church. In fact, my nephew, Josh, caught me making eyes at her. And Kathryn, my niece, made me go over and introduce myself. They’re all happy that I’m happy.”
“I’m glad everybody’s happy.” He’d just have to be, too.
“You could reacquaint yourself with Josh and Kathryn at church tonight.”
Mom shook her head. “I’m afraid that might be a bit overwhelming since we have so many new members and Clint was very active in his singles class.”
Wow. He couldn’t even go to church.
“Maybe another dinner, then. Perhaps next time at my place. Or Kathryn’s. She loves to cook.”
“Maybe I’ll wake up tomorrow and remember everything.”
“That would be awesome,” Mom said. “But there’s no rush on that precious brain of yours. It’ll come around.”
He hoped so. It had to.
“I can stay with Clint, so you can go to Bible study tonight, Audrey,” Lexie offered.
“I don’t need a babysitter. You go to church with your family. Is that fiery Amarillo preacher I like still on the radio? I couldn’t find him last Sunday.”
Mom’s eyes promptly got teary.
“What? He didn’t die, did he?”
“No. Preston Hill is still very much alive and on a different station than he used to be. But you only started listening to him a year or so ago.”
“So?”
“You just had a memory.” Lexie smiled.
“Really?”
Ted clapped his hands in applause.
“I knew Lexie could help you.” Mom dabbed tears.
“I can’t take credit for that one.” Lexie held her hand up for a high five.
He smacked it, straight on. And he hadn’t missed his mouth once during the meal.
Maybe his brain wasn’t as badly boggled as he’d thought.
* * *
Exhausted after a mostly sleepless night, Clint lay in bed staring at the ceiling. Lexie having to trim his beard for him last night and t
he stressful dinner had gotten the best of him.
What had he been thinking? He couldn’t even groom himself or clean up the mess afterward. Why would Lexie want anything to do with him?
Stop thinking about her. Focus on recovery.
Even though the dinner had been rough on him, he’d had a memory and Ted seemed really great.
Frustration roiled through him. He could not bear the thought of staying like this. Dependent on others to tend to his most basic needs. Even if he never got the bulk of his memory back, even if his mind continued to deteriorate as Dad’s had, he needed to be physically able.
With effort, he managed to sit up in his bed and hang his feet over the side. Abandoned, his Bible lay on his bedside table. Unread since he’d gotten home. Maybe even before that. Had he read it for the last two years? He couldn’t remember.
He picked it up, flipped it open, started at the top of the page. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33 spoke directly to him.
“Lord, I need You to help me overcome my physical challenges.” He prayed out loud. “To at least be able to function well and take care of myself. To live on my own once Mom and Ted get married.” He didn’t even know when that would be. Hadn’t asked because he was afraid it might be sometime soon. He sat there, eyes closed, at a loss for words, but certain God knew the heaviness wearing on him.
He finished the passage and placed the Bible back on his nightstand. Without dropping it.
It was at least an hour before Lexie would arrive. Mom was up, stirring around in the kitchen, starting breakfast.
It took just as much effort to get dressed as it usually did. But if he put in a hundred and ten percent on his recovery, God would bless his efforts.
Exhausted just from getting dressed, he started down the hall with his walker. Slow and steady, he managed to keep it quiet, to get to the therapy room with Mom none the wiser. He started on the balance ball. With both hands lightly on his walker, he did his best to stay steady. Admittedly, it was easier than the first time he’d tried it.
Next, he stood and walked to the parallel bars. By the time he heard Mom come down the hall, he’d been back and forth between them for an hour.
Her footsteps stopped at the therapy door instead of continuing on to his bedroom. “Clint, are you in there?”
“You can come in.”
The door opened. Mom frowned. “What are you doing?”
“I thought I’d get an early start.”
“How long have you been in here?” she asked.
“About an hour. I woke up early.”
“Just don’t wear yourself out.” Her frown deepened.
“Don’t worry. I’m determined, but I’m not looking to hurt myself.”
But the pinch between her eyebrows stayed in place. “Breakfast is ready and Lexie should be here any minute.”
“Thanks. On my way.”
The doorbell rang.
“There she is,” Mom announced, hurrying to get the door.
Clint made an effort not to clunk the walker. It made his progress slower, but he was so tired of the racket.
By the time he got to the table, Lexie was already seated. She’d finally given up eating before she came in to appease his mom, who always had a plate for her.
“He’s been up for an hour walking the parallel bars and using the balance ball. So do you think he’s overdoing it?” Mom asked.
“Not at all,” Lexie answered, smiling over at him. “You’re steady enough on your feet now that you don’t need me to be here in order to use the equipment. Feel free to work whenever you want. But if you start to feel tired or unsteady, take a break.”
“But what if he falls?”
“I’ll get up. Lexie showed me how.”
“Patients who take the initiative on therapy recover faster.” Lexie took a sip of her orange juice. “But no treadmill. We’ll work on it next week and you’re only allowed on it when someone is with you.”
Was she as ready to be rid of him as he was her? Further proof that they had no future.
* * *
“Go fish, Uncle Clint.” Cooper grinned, with every reason to. Seated at the kitchen table, he held three cards, while Clint still had five and none of them matched.
“Boy, would I like to go fishing.” He drew a card. A five. No match, and he suspected Cooper held the other three since he’d consistently asked for a five for his last three turns.
“Me, too. Let’s see if Lexie can go with us.”
“Why Lexie?” Clint peered at his nephew over his cards.
“I like her. She’s fun.”
“Well, we already did our therapy for the day and she’s gone home,” he explained.
“I’m sure she’d come back if you call her.”
“She probably would. But she needs time with her family, too. Maybe we can go fishing another day.”
“Okay,” Cooper agreed. “So do you have any fives?”
Clint closed his eyes, clutched his heart. “You’re killing me, kid.”
“Hand it over.” Cooper giggled.
Clint handed his nephew the five.
“I win.” Cooper let out a whoop and laid down all four fives.
“Again.” Clint winced.
“I may have beat you, Uncle Clint, but you’re not having as much trouble picking up cards and holding them as you used to.”
“You’re very observant,” he remarked.
“Want to play catch?”
“Definitely. But see if Charlee can come.”
“Okay.” Cooper rolled his eyes. Obviously past his excitement of having a sister, he dashed out of the room.
“Whoa.” Carly stepped aside just before Cooper crashed into her. “Slow down there.”
“Sorry.” Cooper flew past her.
“How long have you been there?”
“Long enough to see Cooper soundly beat you and to confirm he’s still jealous of Charlee.” She sighed. “I try to spend equal time with him, but it never seems to be enough. He needs his dad.”
“He’ll be home in just under two weeks.”
“The longest thirteen days of my life.” She sat down beside him. “You know I’m all about this country. All about being a military wife. But I’m ready for him to be home.”
“Perfectly understandable.” He reached his arm toward her.
She scooted her chair over beside him and leaned her head into his shoulder. “I’ve never worried so much in my life. Every night, I pray for his safety, give it over to God and go to sleep. And every morning, I take the worry back and it multiplies every minute throughout the day.”
“God has kept him safe so far, we’ll just have to continue to trust Him,” Clint said, reassuringly. “How long will he get to stay home this time?”
“He’s at the end of his active duty, so he’ll have two years’ inactive duty, take some college courses and—”
“Get some boring desk job.”
“Some gloriously safe federal desk job,” Carly retorted, smiling. “That is if he doesn’t decide to enlist again.”
“Barring that, you’re almost home free.”
“Hence the longest thirteen days of my life.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t been here for you through this.” For not remembering how long Joel had been gone and when he was coming back.
“But you have been here. Through all of it. And if I have to explain everything twice, I’m okay with that. As long as you’re here.” She raised her face up to look at him, then shook her finger at him. “No more riding bulls. Do you hear me? Mom and I can’t take any more of it.”
“No more riding bulls.”
“Even if you remember why you wanted to
buy the ranch in Fort Worth and it’s a really good reason.”
“I promise,” he assured her.
“I’ll hold you to it.” The corner of her mouth twitched.
“What do you think of Ted?”
“He’s awesome, crazy about Mom, and he’s really good to her,” Carly answered softly. “After Dad, I didn’t think she’d ever be truly happy again. But Ted makes her happy.”
“No red flags?”
“None.”
“I found it!” Cooper blasted through the door, holding a volleyball.
“I was hoping for a baseball.” Clint stood. “Let me see if I can find one.”
“Grandma said you have to sit down while we play and a baseball will hurt you if you don’t catch it. She said you wouldn’t like it, but you can lump it.”
“Sounds like Grandma.” Clint chuckled. “Okay, for now. But we’re gonna play baseball soon.”
“Okay. Come on.” Cooper bolted for the door.
Focus, get stronger, more mobile and active. Even with Dad’s downhill trajectory, he’d learned to be self-sufficient. Until the end. Clint had the same therapist. He had to beat this. As much as he could.
He clunked his way to the living room. Mom sat on the couch with some sort of catalog in her lap. She closed it and set it aside.
“Be careful. Do you hear me?”
“It’s a volleyball. I’m pretty sure I’ll be okay.”
“I just worry about you.”
“I’m fine.” He shot her a wink. “And I approve of Ted.”
“You do?” She looked up at him, teary-eyed.
He nodded. “Invite him over whenever you want.”
“Oh, Clint.” Mom got up, standing on tiptoe to hug him. “I’m so glad you like him.” Her words came out soggy.
But they were happy tears. And that was all he wanted, for his mom to be happy. If Ted did that for her, he’d just have to get used to the guy being around.
Chapter Ten
“You’re rocking the parallel bars lately.” Lexie watched Clint’s progress. He didn’t even bobble anymore.
“I’ve been walking this cattle chute a lot in the mornings before you get here and in the evenings after you leave.”
The Cowboy's Missing Memory Page 10
