“Okay.” Even though she wasn’t ready to let him go yet. “I guess we’re done then.”
The door of the church opened and Lexie turned to see who was there. The morning sun flooded over them and she couldn’t see through the glare.
“Oh, Clint, I was so worried.” Audrey hurried down the aisle.
As the door closed, Lexie saw Ted hesitating in the back.
“Thank you for finding him.” Audrey smiled. “I need to talk to my son.”
“Sure.” She stood and rushed toward the door, blinking away moisture.
Ted held it open for her, then followed her out.
“How is he?”
“Upset.” She willed her tears away. “But it’s more about not being able to get his memory back than the wedding. He’s recovered enough physically and since he knows all the exercises, he’ll continue to improve. But he’s convinced his memory isn’t coming back.”
“But there’s still hope, right?”
“Of course.” She swallowed hard. “But he doesn’t want me to come anymore.”
“I’ll talk to him.”
“No. He’s right.” She felt a tremor coming on, took a deep breath. “He can do the exercises, play the games without me. He’ll continue to get well, whether I’m there or not.” She dug in her wallet for the check. “I haven’t cashed your check. I can’t accept the full amount, since I shorted you two days.”
“Which is not your decision. You signed on for the salary I quoted and that’s what I intend to pay you. Keep the check. I know you’re starting a new job, but is there any way you could work with him a few hours a week? Maybe on the weekend?”
“I’d only be wasting your money.” And her heart couldn’t take any more of Clint.
“Clint’s health isn’t a waste to me.”
“He really doesn’t need me anymore.” The check still seemed like too much, but she was officially debt free. If only her heart hadn’t gotten involved. “But I still don’t feel right about taking the full amount.”
“I do. That boy couldn’t even feed himself when he first got out of the hospital. Within days, he could do that and brush his teeth. Your therapist skills are priceless.”
“Please feel free to call me if y’all need any help or advice.”
“I will.” Ted gave her a hug. “Thanks for everything, Lexie.”
“It was my pleasure.” But as she walked to her car, with enough money to pay off her student loans in her hand, she couldn’t help but feel like a failure. She hadn’t been able to help Clint recover his memory. And even worse, she’d fallen for him.
On autopilot, she climbed in her car, started it and pulled away. Leaving Clint behind.
* * *
“You okay?” Mom settled beside him on the pew.
“You can’t postpone the wedding.”
“I can’t go through with it when you don’t even know Ted.”
“But I’ve gotten to know him. And I really like him, Mom. Dad would like him, too.”
She clutched his hand, swiping at her tears. “I’m glad you think so. But sweetheart, your health is the most important thing to me.”
“Your wedding has no effect on my health. I won’t let you put things on hold because of me. I won’t.” He flashed a crooked grin at her. “Besides, how on earth could you alert everyone who’s been invited that they’re uninvited when you’ve only two weeks to do it? We have family members who are flying in, right?”
“Aunt Jenny and Uncle Felix are coming from Wyoming.”
“I want your wedding to be only good memories, Mom. Not chaos and rescheduling. This thing is going off without a hitch. As scheduled. Period.”
“Are you sure?” She slid her arm through his elbow, leaning her head on his shoulder.
“I’m positive. Do I have a tux?”
“You’re supposed to have a final fitting this week.”
“Then let the wedding preparations begin!”
“But no more driving for you until Dr. Arnett releases you.”
“I promise.” He sighed. “I think I remember why I wanted to buy the ranch in Fort Worth.”
“Really? Why?”
“I found a distributor interested in selling our meat, but I’d need more stock to keep them supplied. I decided to move there because I didn’t want Ted to feel like a third wheel. I wanted you to begin a life with him. The two of you. Not with me in your guest room.”
“Oh, Clint.” Her chin trembled. “That’s so sweet. So you remembered that?”
“A while back, Lexie said something about getting her own place because she feels like a third wheel at her folks’ place. And then Ted mentioned needing a distributor so we can go bigger with sales than our online business. It hit a chord and I remembered.”
“I’m so glad.” She tapped his temple. “Maybe it will all come back now.”
“I hope so.”
“Ted and I were afraid you wanted to move because we made you feel like a third wheel.”
“Not at all.”
“Well, if the ranch in Fort Worth is still available, it all sounds great to me. Except for the you-moving-there part. Ted wouldn’t mind at all for you stay at the ranch permanently and it wouldn’t make him feel like a third wheel, either.”
“Newlyweds need space. They don’t need adult stepsons hanging about.”
“Not true. But if you’re determined to find your own place, I hope you won’t move all the way to Fort Worth.” Mom closed her eyes. “You could find a place to rent nearby. And besides, you’ll have to oversee things here at the ranch. Ted is a lot of things, but a cattleman, he’s not. So you might as well stay close. Unless you really want to move. I only want you to be happy.”
“If it’s okay with you, I’d like to stay near Medina.” He covered her hand with his and squeezed it. “But I will see if the Fort Worth ranch is still for sale and get my own place.”
“You’ll always be my baby boy and I’d love to keep you close. But don’t do anything permanent or sign a long lease. Ted wants to build a house for us. A house where his wife never lived and where your father never lived. A house for us to begin fresh. He wants to deed the ranch over to you.”
Clint nodded. “He mentioned it during one of our walks. But I can buy it.”
“Nonsense! You will not buy your inheritance.”
“We’ll see. What’s your holdup on the new house?”
She shook her head and blew out a breath. “Marrying money is so complicated. I just don’t want anyone to think I married for money. That I’m a gold digger. If we live at the ranch, that’ll prove it.”
“You can’t worry about what other people think, Mom. As long as Ted knows you love him and not his money, that’s really all that matters.”
“How’d you get so smart?” She patted his cheek.
“I guess the part of my brain the bull didn’t step on is still firing.”
“I’ve been so worried about you.”
“Don’t be.” He kissed the top of her head. “I’m on the mend.”
But was he? Would his memory keep coming back? Or was this one tidbit all there was?
“I officially let Lexie go,” he admitted.
“Why?”
“She’d done as much as she could with me.” And his heart couldn’t take her constant presence a minute longer. But he missed her already. “At this point, what will two more days accomplish?” Besides, hopefully Dr. Arnett would call with the results today. If the news was bad, he wouldn’t be up for therapy.
“Whatever you think, then. But you need to keep doing the things she showed you, so you can keep getting better.”
“Don’t worry. I will.”
He should have known it could never work out between them. If she was all flustered about merely pretending to be his girlfriend, she ce
rtainly wouldn’t be interested in a real relationship with him. Best if he kept his distance from her. Something he’d been telling himself since day one. And it obviously hadn’t worked.
His phone rang, and he dug it out of his pocket. Didn’t recognize the number on the screen, but it was from San Antonio. Maybe Dr. Arnett’s office. His hand shook.
“Hello?”
“Is this Clint Rawlins?” The woman’s tone was professional.
“Yes.”
“I’m calling from Dr. Arnett’s office. He’d like you to come in this afternoon, to our San Antonio office if possible. But if you can’t make the trip, you can consult with Dr. Finch at our Bandera clinic.”
“San Antonio is fine.” His heart skipped a beat. It could only be bad news. If it was good, a nurse would tell him over the phone. He’d rather talk to his doctor than someone he didn’t know. “What time?”
“Can you make it at two o’clock?”
“Yes. I’ll be there. Thank you.”
“Was that the doctor?” Mom asked as he slipped the phone back in his pocket.
“Dr. Arnett wants to see me today at two.”
Mom clasped her hand to her heart. “I’m sure everything’s fine. He probably just wants to go over your results in detail with you.”
“That’s probably it.” He stood. “Let’s go home.”
This afternoon, he’d learn his prognosis. Would he follow in Dad’s footsteps?
Chapter Seventeen
As soon as Ted put the truck in Park, Clint got out and hurried toward the clinic.
“Slow down there, we’re not in a race,” Ted cautioned.
But Clint was in a race for his life. Today he’d learn if he should plan his future. Or if his brain was done for. With only decline and forgetting more and more each new day to look forward to. Until his lungs forgot to breathe and his heart forgot to beat. Like Dad.
Inside, he rushed to the window, forced himself to make pleasantries with the receptionist and signed in.
“It’s gonna be good news. I just know it.” Ted’s positivity grated on Clint’s nerves.
“Do they call you in for good news?”
“You have to keep your hopes up.”
Not if there was nothing to hope for. “I appreciate you bringing me.” It would have been hard on Mom or Carly. He’d have felt weak with his mom or sister chauffeuring him around.
“No problem. You got this.”
Mom and Carly had both wanted to come, but Ted had assured them he’d call as soon as they spoke with the doctor. He wasn’t sure he was up to putting on a strong front for them. Truth be told, he was a wreck inside. Downright terrified, he’d prayed the entire drive there.
“Mr. Rawlins?” a nurse called.
He couldn’t seem to get up, just stared at her.
Ted gripped his arm, urged him to his feet and ushered him toward the nurse.
She led them into an exam room. “Dr. Arnett will be right with you.” Then she left them alone, shutting the door behind her.
“Want a magazine?”
“I don’t think I remember how to read at the moment.”
“Just look at the pictures.” Ted shuffled through a stack and held up a copy of Texas Monthly. “There’s an article on page twenty-three about beefalo.”
Clint couldn’t manage to take it from him.
“I can’t wait until April 8,” Ted chattered. “The day I marry your mama, I’ll be the happiest man on earth. Did I tell you we’re taking a road trip in the motor home to the Grand Canyon. She’s so all-fired determined not to take some lavish trip, worried everyone will think she only wanted my money. Neither of us have ever been to the Canyon, so I figure it’s high—”
The door opened. Dr. Arnett stepped inside, offering his hand. “Morning, Clint. I asked you to come in today because I want you to see the results of your scan.”
The doctor sat down in front of a laptop and punched several keys. An image popped up.
“This is your original scan.” Dr. Arnett pointed to a dark area. “Here’s your frontal lobe. This dark area shows where the injury took place. The dark means function has been damaged.” He punched some more keys. “Let’s take a look at your new scan.”
Clint held his breath as Ted gripped his shoulder.
The scan came up. Was it just him, or was there less dark?
“The second scan shows less damage. Less dark. Your brain is repairing itself.” The doctor showed him another result that measured his brain waves. The results in the second test showed improvement, as well. “I wanted you to see the results for yourself, so you’ll believe what I have to tell you.”
He started breathing again. “What does it mean?”
“It means I foresee a full recovery for you. There’s no sign of permanent damage or brain atrophy. I’m releasing you to normal activities. But there is one thing I have to refrain you from and I’m afraid you won’t like it.” Dr. Arnett’s tone was grim.
“What’s that?”
“Given your history, and your dad’s, I can’t release you to return to the rodeo.”
Clint laughed. “That’s okay. I don’t want to go back.”
“Perfect.”
“What about my memory?” he asked.
“I still think it will come back. Just give it time.” Dr. Arnett shook his hand. “I won’t need to see you again. Unless you have any problems, which I don’t foresee. But keep me updated as your memory returns.”
“Thank you, Doctor.” Ted clapped him on the back. “Let’s get out of here, my boy.” He tossed Clint the keys. “You can drive my truck.”
Giddiness settled in his soul. Thank You, Lord. “Let’s see about that tux Mom mentioned. I’ve got a wedding to go to in a few weeks.”
“Me, too. I hear she’s the prettiest bride in all of Texas.”
“Agreed.” The only one Clint could imagine being prettier than Mom, was Lexie.
Normal. His brain was returning to normal. He could drive. Do anything he wanted. Other than rodeo, which was officially off his bucket list anyway. In fact there was only one thing he wanted. One person. Lexie.
If his memory ever fully returned and he felt whole, there’d be nothing holding him back from going after her.
* * *
The manager pointed out all the amenities the apartment had. It was cute, homey. No yard to have to maintain. Community washers and dryers included with a pool, and exercise equipment.
But it was in Bandera. “I’ll take it.” Maybe living in Bandera would be better. There’d be less chance of running into Clint.
“Great. I’ll just need first and last month’s rent, plus the deposit we talked about.”
“Here you go.” Lexie handed over the check.
“You wrote it already?”
“I’m desperate. As long as there aren’t any pests, I’ll take it.”
“I assure you, we have an exterminator spray all of our units quarterly.” She detached a key from a huge ring and handed it to Lexie. “Welcome to Yellow Rose.”
“Thank you.”
The manager left.
Fully furnished. All she had to do was get her clothes and a few sentimental items from her parents’ house.
She strolled to the window. It was peaceful here. When it got a bit warmer, she’d enjoy the pool.
Maybe if she got her things settled in her new place, she’d feel less scattered. Lexie exited, made sure the door was locked, then darted for her car, just as a man came out of the office. She smacked right into him. Hard chest.
“Oomph.” The air went out of her lungs.
He caught her upper arms. “Are you all right?” Clint’s voice.
It couldn’t be. Just her imagination. She kept staring at the third button on his shirt. Hunter green. The color Clint often wore. I
t made his eyes look even more intense.
“Lexie, are you okay?”
“Fine.” She forced her gaze up to his. “Just stunned. What are you doing here?” She took a step back.
His hands fell to his sides. “If you had run into me like that a month ago, I’d have gone down. And taken you with me.”
“So you’re renting an apartment here?”
“After the wedding, I planned to move into the house Ted is renting. But his landlord has another interested party, so I just wanted to see what’s available. Unfortunately, nothing here. The last one bedroom lower level just got taken.” He shifted his weight to the other leg.
Something he couldn’t have done a month ago, either. “That would be me. I actually wanted the upper level just to get natural exercise from climbing stairs, but there weren’t any one bedrooms available up there.”
“And there’s nothing in Medina. I checked.”
“Me, too.” She sighed. “Medina is so small there aren’t a lot of rental properties to be had.”
“Living and working in Bandera will cut down your commute.”
“It’s only fifteen minutes from Medina,” she reminded him.
“I know. But I’m sure you’ll appreciate the lack of commute at the end of a long day. Do they allow pets here?”
“No.” Her shoulders sagged at the admission. “I’ll just have to keep my ears open for something else. But this will do for now.”
“How was your first day at work?”
“Good.” She’d enjoyed working with her patients. But it had seemed as if she was only going through the motions. Preoccupied. Missing a certain cowboy.
How had she let this happen? Gotten hung up on her patient. Thank goodness he hadn’t been able to get an apartment here. She had to stop thinking about him. Stop running into him. Leave him in the past.
“I remembered why I wanted the ranch in Fort Worth.” He explained the memory he’d captured.
And she tried to listen. But he was just so distracting. “That’s really great that you remembered, Clint. A very good sign.”
“It hadn’t sold yet, so I’m buying it after all. But we’ll still see each other around. Missed you at church yesterday.”
The Cowboy's Missing Memory Page 18
