The Cowboy's Missing Memory

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “I had a lot to do.” She felt guilty about skipping Sunday services. Maybe she needed to find another church. Somewhere Clint didn’t attend. At least until he moved.

  “Maybe I’ll see you at the rodeo sometime.”

  Not if he was in Fort Worth. “I really don’t hang out at the rodeo.” She grimaced. “And I can never be seen there with you again or ever pretend to be your girlfriend again.”

  “Okay. But that’s not what I meant.”

  “Apparently lots of people saw us holding hands last weekend. If anyone in the medical field got wind of it, it could make me seem unethical. And possibly even hurt my career.”

  His lips twitched. “Even though I’m officially not your patient anymore.”

  “I just don’t need any rumors at my new job.”

  “Understandable. Well, I better get going. We’re having Charlee’s birthday party tonight if you want to come.”

  “I hate to miss it.”

  “But you have a lot to do?” he guessed.

  She nodded. “Are you driving?”

  “Yes. I saw Dr. Arnett Friday. He released me to drive and resume normal activities. But Ted’s with me to supervise and appease Mom’s worries.” He turned away. “By the way, the wedding is in less than two weeks, as originally scheduled, in case you still plan to come.”

  “I do.” She had to. Wanted to. If she could just get through the wedding. And find a different church, hopefully here in Bandera, maybe she wouldn’t have to see Clint again. And maybe she could forget him. “I’m glad you’re doing well.” Unable to stop herself, she gave him a quick hug that cracked her heart in two, then forced herself to let go and take a step back.

  “Bye, Lexie.” He waved before strolling toward his truck. An easy gait he hadn’t had a month ago. A quiet confidence she hadn’t seen before. Made him even more attractive.

  Ted waved from the passenger’s side. She returned his greeting with a smile.

  Maybe she’d come down with the flu. That way she’d have to the miss the wedding. Even though she wanted to witness the beginning of Audrey’s well-deserved happily-ever-after, she didn’t need to see Clint again. Ever.

  Only thing—it wasn’t flu season.

  Chapter Eighteen

  April 8 turned out to be the perfect, sunny spring day for a wedding.

  “The dress is too much.” Lexie scrutinized the other guests. She was officially the only one wearing red.

  “No it’s not. It’s perfect.” Larae followed the usher to their seats.

  White chairs lined the lawn of the church. Since Audrey had married Levi here, she’d wanted something different this time. So the wedding was outside on the grounds.

  “You’ve officially got the perfect man, Larae,” Stacia said, scanning the crowd. “I can’t believe Rance volunteered to keep the twins for me today. Mason can be a handful.”

  “I suspect he partly volunteered so he could skip the wedding.” Larae laughed. “The only one he ever actually wanted to attend was ours. But he loves kids. And since we only have Jayda, he hasn’t had a chance to be around a little boy much. They’ll have fun.”

  “Are y’all planning to have any more?” Lexie asked.

  “We’ve talked about it. But Jayda’s eight. It would be a big age difference.”

  “They’d still bond, I’m sure.” Stacia filed into a row of white chairs with Lexie in the middle. “If I ever get married, I wish I could have cousin-siblings for the twins someday.”

  How had they all made it to twenty-seven, with only one of them married? With Stacia raising her twin niece and nephew, she had her hands full. And Lexie had always been focused on her career. But now she was beginning to regret that. Since meeting Clint. He made her think about all things domestic.

  She had to stop thinking like that.

  Music started up. Traditional violin, but she couldn’t put her finger on the piece. At the back of the gathering, a curtain swept aside and Charlee toddled down the plastic sheeting that formed an aisle, dropping flowers as she went, picking up some, and dropping them again as the crowd chuckled over her cuteness. Next Cooper followed, holding his satin pillow as ring bearer. Carly strolled down the aisle after him, smiling.

  The music swelled into the opening strains of “Here Comes the Bride.” The crowd stood as Clint escorted Audrey down the aisle.

  His gaze caught hers and locked. Try as she might, she couldn’t look away. Finally he got close enough to her aisle that he had to break eye contact.

  Audrey’s dress was champagne colored, tasteful and perfect for a second wedding. Ted waited at the altar unable to take his eyes off her. Lexie completely understood.

  They reached the flowered archway.

  “Who gives this woman to lawfully wed this man?”

  “My sister and I.” Clint placed Audrey’s hand in Ted’s, then moved beside the groom to serve as best man.

  Lexie dabbed at her tears.

  The preacher welcomed everyone, said the opening prayer, and the guests settled in their seats. As the ceremony began, Lexie tried to pay attention, but her gaze and thoughts strayed to Clint.

  His eyes widened and he swayed for a moment.

  Had something upset him? Lexie focused on the pastor’s words. Typical vows. Was Clint still upset about his mom marrying Ted? Her attention returned to Clint.

  He’d gone pale. Would he pass out in the middle of his mother’s wedding?

  * * *

  The preacher had gone on too long. What was wrong with him? If this shindig didn’t wrap up pretty soon, Clint would need to sit down. But he couldn’t interrupt the ceremony. Ted would think it was on account of him. And it wasn’t. Last night’s rehearsal dinner had been tiring, but good. He’d re-met Ted’s family and liked them. They all loved Mom.

  His head hurt.

  Flashes of the two years he’d lost burst through Clint’s memory. Almost losing the ranch, saving it, investing in beefalo and turning a profit. Joel getting deployed not long after Dad died, spending more time with Cooper, Charlee’s birth. Meeting Ted, getting to know and like him, him asking for Mom’s hand. Meeting his family.

  Hearing about the ranch in Fort Worth, meeting with Mr. Thomas and his banker, deciding to move and give Mom and Ted a fresh start. One after the other the puzzle connected into a trail of events ending in his last bull ride.

  He remembered all of it. Just like that. In the middle of Mom’s vows with Ted. He closed his eyes, trying to refocus.

  “I do,” Mom said.

  At least he’d heard that part.

  “By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  Mom and Ted kissed, with lots of joyful laughter and hugging.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Mr. Theodore and Audrey Townsend. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.”

  The crowd applauded.

  “The Townsends request your presence at the reception. They’re going to cut the cake and greet guests and then disappear for pictures. So please, once the bridal party exits, feel free to follow.”

  A joyful rendition of the bridal march started up. Charlee scampered down the aisle, followed by Cooper, then Carly. His turn. Thankfully, he was feeling steady again. As he made his way down the white plastic sheeting, his gaze strayed to Lexie. Still totally rocking the red dress. Mom and Ted followed. The family lined the sidewalk to the church doors.

  “Mom,” Clint whispered. “I remember.”

  Her smile widened. “What do you remember?”

  “Everything.”

  She closed her eyes and hugged him tight. “Oh, that’s wonderful! Thank You, God. Thank You. That’s my perfect wedding gift.”

  “And you still approve?” Worry dulled Ted’s eyes.

  “Definitely.” He embraced the older man. �
��I remembered during the vows. I could have stopped it if I’d wanted. But I didn’t want to.”

  “I’m so relieved.”

  “Why? We’ve always gotten along and developed a really great relationship. Twice.”

  “I know. But I was worried you wanted to move to Fort Worth because deep down, either you didn’t approve or you couldn’t stand to stick around and watch your mama move on.”

  “None of the above. I remembered my reason weeks ago and I figured Mom told you.” He went over the deal with the distributor and his reason for planning to move. “I competed in the rodeo for a down payment on the ranch and decided to move to get out of your way so you and Mom could have a fresh start.”

  “Oh. Silly boy. I hope you know I’d rather have you close.”

  “I do now.”

  “I’m glad we’re finally on the same page.” Ted hugged him back, dragging Mom and Carly into the huddle.

  “You make our mom very happy. And after Dad, I was afraid she’d never be happy again.”

  “I’ll be a sight for pictures. You two are making me all sappy and I’m smearing my makeup.”

  “You can’t be anything but beautiful.” Ted beamed at her.

  If a man could glow, Ted was doing it.

  “What’s going on?” Carly asked. “I couldn’t hear all the whispering.”

  “I remember everything.”

  Carly’s eyes widened. “That’s wonderful.”

  They reformed their line, greeted guests, accepted countless congratulations. Lexie was a few people away. He figured she’d skip him or maybe even scurry away, not even hug Mom to avoid him. Now that he had his memory back, they needed to talk.

  “Audrey, I’m so happy for you both.” She embraced Mom, then Ted, and started to move away.

  “Hey wait. What about me?”

  She turned, shook his hand.

  “I need to talk to you.”

  “I’m holding up the line.”

  “After pictures. Can you stick around?”

  “I don’t know. That could be a while. And I’m still settling in at my apartment. I was hoping to get some pictures hung tonight. Try to make it feel like home.”

  Clint elbowed his mom, hoping she’d help him out.

  “Oh, Lexie, you have to stay for the reception. And could you help me with my makeup before the family pictures? I’m afraid I need some repairs since I got a little soggy.”

  “Of course.”

  The line finally ended and Mom and Ted headed inside to cut the cake. The photographer went to work, capturing the moment while Clint located Lexie near the door.

  “They’ll be at this for a while.” He strolled over to her. “How about that talk?”

  “Um. Okay.”

  Through a sea of guests, Clint escorted her toward the lobby.

  “Ms. Parker, it’s nice to see you outside of work.” A man wearing a suit waved at them.

  “Dr. Earle, I didn’t see you.”

  “How have your first few weeks at the clinic been?”

  “Good. I really like it there.”

  “I’m glad.” He offered his hand to Clint. “Didn’t I see you with Lexie at the rodeo a while ago?”

  Lexie’s cheeks pinked. “This is my boyfriend, Clint Rawlins.”

  He forced his jaw not to drop.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Clint. Good to see you off the walker.”

  “Clint had a bull wreck a month ago, but he’s all mended now.”

  “Must be handy to have your own personal therapist.” Dr. Earle smiled. “You’re Audrey’s son, right?”

  “Yes.”

  “Ted and I have been golf buddies for years. I’m glad to see him happy again. Your mom seems really great.”

  “She is,” Clint replied. “Ted’s been good for her.”

  “Well, since I’ve already congratulated the happy couple, I’ll be on my way. See you Monday, Lexie.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  Clint led her to the adult classroom and shut the door behind them. Hopefully, they wouldn’t be disturbed.

  “Oh my goodness.” She cupped the top of her head with her hands and began pacing the room. “He saw us at the rodeo. Do you think he bought the boyfriend thing?”

  “I do. Calm down. Even if he didn’t, he can’t prove anything.”

  “You’re right.” She sucked in a deep breath. “I’ve known your mom for a long time, we could have met years ago. We’ll just have to ask Ted to play along with us.”

  “What happened to you not being able to pretend to be my girlfriend?”

  “I panicked when he mentioned seeing us at the rodeo. If he saw us the night we were pretending for Katie, I couldn’t let him think you were my patient.” She closed her eyes. “Now he’ll expect me to bring you to the company picnic in a few weeks.”

  “I might have a solution for that.”

  “A fake breakup?”

  Or something real. “I remember the last two years.”

  “Really? When?” she asked.

  “During the vows.”

  “I thought something was going on. You looked like you might pass out up there. Do you remember everything?”

  “I got flashes until everything fit. Like the puzzle in my brain got unscrambled and all the pieces fell into place.”

  “That’s wonderful.” She hugged him. “I’m so happy for you.”

  The feel of her in his arms was heady. “I can live now.”

  She pulled away and stepped back. “I’m glad.”

  “Can I see you? I mean, after today?”

  “I don’t see the need.” She slipped into professional mode, as if donning a jacket. “Your balance and fine motor skills are almost back to normal and now your memory is intact.”

  “I didn’t mean on a professional basis, Lexie. I want to see you on a personal level. Maybe take you to that company picnic you mentioned.” He held his breath. Did she feel the same way he did? Or was he simply a patient and that was all he’d ever be to her?

  * * *

  “No more pretending.” A vise grip tightened around Lexie’s heart. “I’ll tell Dr. Earle at the picnic that we broke up. Or if I get my nerve up, I’ll tell him it was a joke, that I panicked and was pretending both times he saw us.”

  “I don’t mean pretend. I’m interested in something very real with you.”

  “Huh?” Her pulse raced. “I’ve told you, I don’t date patients. And besides that, you’re moving to Fort Worth.”

  “But I’m not your patient anymore and I’m not moving to Fort Worth. I plan on staying here in Medina.”

  “What about the rodeo?” She took a deep breath. “Back when Daddy announced and I worked the concession stand in Bandera, I saw my first bull wreck.” She shuddered. “I decided right then and there, I’d never date a bull rider. And all the rodeo injuries I saw at the hospital in San Antonio reinforced that for me.”

  “Number one, I don’t want to go back. I got into it because it’s what Dad did. But I never loved it like he did.” He shook his head, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “Once he got sick and I left the circuit, I didn’t miss it. Since then, I’ve only been back twice. To save the ranch two years ago, then a month ago to buy the ranch in Fort Worth.”

  Laughter and chatter echoed down the hall. He paused until the guests passed by.

  “I’m buying the Fort Worth ranch so I can supply the meat distributor I told you about. But I don’t want to move and Ted doesn’t want me to, either. It worked out for me to rent his place until he and Mom build a house, then I’ll move back into the ranch.”

  “They’re probably looking for you.” She took a step toward the door. “For pictures.”

  “They’ll come get us if they need us,” he murmured, slipping her hand into his.


  Her breath hitched at his touch. “So what’s number two?”

  “Dr. Arnett released me to normal activities, but due to my history and Dad’s illness, he refused to sign a rodeo release for me. So even if I wanted to, which I don’t, I can’t go back to the rodeo. And even if he rethinks things in the future and releases me, I won’t go back. Trust me, Lexie, two concussions are too many for me and I’ve learned my lesson. Bull riding isn’t a sport to compete in sporadically.”

  “What do you plan to do?”

  “Run my ranch. Hire a crew to run the one in Fort Worth. Raise beefalo. Stay here in Medina, eventually marry and have kids. And I don’t want my kids losing me slowly and prematurely the way I lost Dad.” He took a step closer to her and clasped her other hand in his. “So what do you say? Will you have dinner with me after this shindig?”

  She nibbled her lip.

  “What’s holding you back? Are you not interested in me?”

  “I’m very interested.” Her cheeks warmed. “But what if you don’t know what you want? The part of your brain that was injured controls emotion. What if everything’s in a jumble? It may not be a good time for you to start a relationship.”

  “When I saw Dr. Arnett for my results two weeks ago, I didn’t have my memory back. He told me to make new ones. But my scans showed improved function and no permanent damage.”

  “More great news!” She squeezed his hands and gazed up at him. “I’ve been so worried about you.”

  “Which means you care?”

  “Yes,” she admitted softly. “I’ve tried really hard not to. To only think of you as a patient. But it totally didn’t work.”

  “Listen, even before I lost the last two years, the time surrounding Dad’s death has always been a blur for me.” His voice caught. “But the one thing I remembered during that time was seeing you at the funeral. I think we should explore why you made such a memorable impression on me.” He took another step, closing the gap between them. “So how about that dinner? Even though I remember everything, I’d like to make new memories with you.”

  “Okay.”

  “Yes!” He let go of her hand long enough to do a fist pump.