“I need Hannah,” Tripp admitted. “Right away.”
“Hannah ain’t even here yet and even if I do find her she’s so mad at you I’d be spitting in the wind asking her to help you out. She might be so inclined to give me a piece of her mind, and I guarantee she’s real good at that.”
Tripp did a double take. “Wait a minute. Why isn’t Hannah here yet? I saw her packing up the truck at Big Heart Ranch with Travis and Lucy as we pulled out. They should have been minutes behind us.”
Dutch stepped out of the stall and dusted himself off. “They had a flat tire outside of Ardmore. Put them behind schedule.”
“Call and make sure they’re okay? Would you?”
“I already talked to them an hour ago.”
“Dutch, for once can you not argue with me and just call and make sure Hannah is okay?”
“For a man who dismissed the woman a few days ago, you’re sure riled up,” Dutch scoffed. “Maybe you oughta just quit taking the long way around the barn and apologize to her.”
Tripp narrowed his gaze and pulled out his own phone. “Never mind. I’ll call Travis myself.”
“Hold on. No need.” Dutch nodded straight ahead. “Look there. Coming toward us.”
Tripp glanced down the long hall, finally spotting Travis and Lucy weaving in and out of the crowd. They were all smiles as they approached. Hannah lagged behind, her gaze on anything but him. He knew he deserved that. He’d been a pigheaded fool, blind to anything but his own feelings.
“Well, would you look at that? Seems to me she don’t look much like an heiress today, does she?” Dutch asked quietly. “She just looks like Hannah.”
Tripp shook his head. Okay, fine. Dutch was right. She did just look like Hannah and he was glad to see her. The dark hair floated around her shoulders in waves and she wore a loose maternity blouse with jeans and cowboy boots. Hannah was so trim, you’d have to look twice to notice she was actually pregnant.
But he knew it, and he had a picture of baby Anne sitting on his desk in the bunkhouse.
“Hey, Tripp,” Lucy said. “This is so exciting.”
“Thanks for coming,” Tripp said.
“Are you kidding?” Travis said. “Wouldn’t miss this. I’m so excited you’re finally going after your dreams.”
Was he? Tripp considered the words for a minute. His dreams. This competition was about Jane and Hannah. Yeah, he’d win this for them.
“Thanks, Travis.” He turned to Hannah. “May I talk to you? It’s about Jane.”
“Jane?” Concern filled Hannah’s eyes. She looked to Travis and Lucy.
“We’ll go find our seats,” Travis said. “Come on, Luce.”
“What’s going on?” Hannah said.
“I need help with Jane. Do you suppose that you and I can put aside our differences for that mare?”
“What’s wrong with her?”
Tripp’s gaze followed Hannah’s as she glanced behind him, searching the stalls for the mare. He could see Jane, and the animal’s ears twitched as though she was listening.
“I can’t get her to budge from that stall. She misses you. I’ve got about five minutes until I’m out of the competition before it even begins.”
“I didn’t mean to upset her. I couldn’t bear the thought of her being auctioned off, so I’ve stayed away the last few days. Kept Clementine away, as well.”
Tripp raised a palm. “I get that. No judging here. I just need your help.” He glanced down the center of the stable area. “Those fellas with the clipboards are getting closer.”
Hannah hesitated, her gaze going from Tripp to the stall.
“Please,” he said. “For Jane.”
She crossed her arms. “As I recall, you said that you don’t want me near her.”
“Hannah, I may have been a bit overprotective.”
“You think?”
She wasn’t going to make this easy, and he was running out of time.
“I was wrong,” he said.
“Yes, you were.”
Tripp shot a nervous glance down the walkway. “If you could go and talk to Jane... Just go to her stall and talk to her. That mare will do anything for you. I think we both know that.”
A determined expression crossed Hannah’s face, and she stood straight and proud, meeting his gaze. “Okay, but we do this my way this time, Tripp. I mean it. My way.”
“Whatever you say.” Tripp nodded and stepped aside as Hannah walked to Jane’s stall.
“Jane,” Hannah called. “Hey, there, sweet girl.”
The mare shook her head, snuffled and offered a low snort as if to say she heard but she wasn’t going to forgive that easily.
“I’m sorry, Jane. Please turn around,” Hannah cooed.
Jane shook her head, then finally nickered and moved, as if considering Hannah’s words. A moment later, she slowly stepped in a semicircle until she faced center aisle. Her head dipped over the stall gate to inspect Hannah.
“Aw, she sure loves you, Hannah,” Dutch said.
“Grab that stool,” Tripp said to Dutch.
“Got it, boss.”
Tripp placed the stool outside the stall and helped Hannah to step up. She put her arms around the mare’s neck and buried her nose in Jane’s mane. The horse held very still as Hannah smoothed her mane and ran a hand over her withers.
He wanted to tell her to be careful, but he kept his mouth shut. Her way, she said.
“Oh, sweet girl, how I’ve missed you.” Then she carefully stepped off the stool and opened the gate. “Come on now, Jane, let’s get going.”
She handed the lead rope to Tripp and moved aside as Jane walked out of the stall.
The rush of relief slammed into Tripp. “Thank you,” he murmured.
“I didn’t do it for you. I did it for Jane. This is her time to shine. She’s worked hard for this, and she deserves a good home and a family that will love her. If winning this competition will do that, then I’ll do whatever you need.”
Tripp swallowed the lump in his throat. He’d given Hannah nothing but trouble from the day they’d met, yet here she was, helping him out when his back was against the wall.
Hannah met his gaze. “I’ll stay down here until she’s tacked up. Just to be sure and send a few pictures to Clementine and Rue.” She looked at him. “Are you ready to go into that arena?”
“I’ve done everything I know to do with that horse up to this point. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”
Hannah put her hand on his arm. “You got this, Tripp. I believe in you.”
Tripp stood there for a moment, stunned by the generosity of the woman in front of him and wishing things could be different between them.
“Thank you, Hannah.”
She nodded and turned away.
“Only a fool would let her go,” Dutch muttered. “Go on and win that competition and then get your saddle back home and fix this mess.”
Tripp opened his mouth and then closed it again. There was nothing to say. Dutch was right. Again.
First Jane. And then he’d have the daunting task of making things right with Hannah. He’d stepped in a lot of cow patties lately, and cleaning things up would take some time.
* * *
Day one hundred.
Hannah stood in the aisle of the arena, looking over the crowd in the grandstands. They’d really made it to day one hundred of the challenge. Who would have thought that her journey from Missouri would take her to this moment?
She was honored to be in this historic arena. Despite what had happened between her and Tripp, she was glad to see this through and be able to close the door on this chapter of her life. And she was glad she could be here to help Jane.
Above her, the flags of Texas and the United States waved. She scanned the arena, taking in everything, trying
to capture every sight, sound and scent from today. Memories to tuck away, because soon enough, she’d be far, far away from this arena and from Big Heart Ranch. All of this would be a memory. A memory of the horse and the man she’d loved and lost.
The day was filled with mixed emotions. There was no doubt in her mind that Tripp would at least take Jane to the final ten. After that, she was going to lose the mare that she had grown to love. This moment was oh so bittersweet.
She’d gone back and forth on attending today, until Lucy pulled a guilt trip on her. The family needed to support Tripp and Emma wasn’t feeling well. She had reservations about the Big Heart Ranch equine manager, but at the very least, Jane deserved the support. So Hannah had gotten in the truck to drive here with Travis and Lucy, while Rue kept Clementine for the day.
Now she was glad she’d come. Being here provided one more opportunity to see the beloved mare and would bring Hannah closure. She’d stayed away the last few days, hoping to make their final parting easier. It wasn’t easier. Every second that she inched nearer to losing the horse she’d grown to love, her heart ached more.
The air smelled like hay, sawdust, horses and popcorn. Cowboys and cowgirls in tight Levi’s, crisply starched Western shirts and cowboy hats stood around chatting, all eyes on the center of the arena, anticipating the action which would soon begin. Hannah walked down the rows of the grandstand to the bright blue seating area where Travis and Lucy waited. Around her, the crowd was settling in, preparing for the event, and the excitement in the arena was undeniably contagious.
“How’d it go?” Travis asked. He stood so she could sit on the other side of Lucy.
“Jane will be fine.”
Music blared from the overhead speakers and the crowd got to their feet when a mounted rider carrying the US flag entered the arena and stopped in the center for the singing of the national anthem.
When they sat down, Hannah pointed to the white arena gate. “Look. I see them at the gate. They’re going to be up first.”
Overhead, the announcer confirmed Hannah’s words. “Ladies and gentlemen, competitor number twenty-one, Tripp Walker from Big Heart Ranch in Timber, Oklahoma, riding Calamity Jane.”
The gate opened and out rode Tripp and Jane. Completely in synch, they trotted around the entire arena before they began the required maneuvers. The audience was still as if sensing that they were witness to something special.
“They’re looking really good,” Travis said. “Jane is making smooth transitions, maneuvering like she’s been doing this her whole life. Far as I can tell, they haven’t missed a thing on technical.”
“Very nice work,” the announcer added, as though he could hear Travis’s words. Cheers and applause said the fans in the stands agreed. “This could be as close to perfect tens as we’re going to see today. What a way to start the afternoon, folks.”
“They received high numbers. It’s all going to depend on the rest of the rides,” Hannah said.
“How many horses are competing?” Lucy asked after they’d watched a number of horses and trainers.
“One hundred, and the competition has been spread over two days,” Hannah said. “Tripp and Jane are in the last batch. We should find out the standings soon. But as of the last rider they were in the top ten.”
“Here are the top ten finalists for our final round.” The moment the announcer said the words the arena fell silent.
When Tripp’s name was called, Travis launched from his seat, pumping his fist and hollering, “Woo-hoo!”
“I knew they’d make it,” Hannah yelled. “I knew it.” She was unable to contain a wide grin of pure joy. Tripp Walker might be relationship challenged, but he lacked nothing in the equine department. The man deserved a win today. So did that horse.
“What’s next?” Lucy asked. “This is so exciting.”
“Four minutes to set up and four minutes to perform. They’ll do the required maneuvers and then the freestyle performance,” Travis said.
“Gosh, I can barely sit here,” Lucy said. “My knees are knocking.”
Hannah released the breath she was holding and nodded. She was on the edge of her seat herself as one by one, the ten trainers completed their program. Each performance seemed more amazing than the next, making it more unbelievable that the horses were actually wild one hundred days ago.
When Tripp and Jane came out into the arena, they stopped in the center. Tripp’s gaze scanned the crowd until it met hers. He tipped his hat, then patted Jane on the neck and whispered something to her.
Hannah’s heart fluttered at the gesture.
“Why, he did that just for you,” Lucy murmured. “That was so sweet, Hannah. He’s acknowledging you.”
A warmth crept up Hannah’s neck at Lucy’s words.
As promised, Tripp and Jane did a bareback routine that left the audience in the grandstands on their feet begging for more. Clearly, the team was a crowd favorite, and the applause was deafening.
The performances continued until all ten trainers lined up with their horses in the middle of the arena as the winners were called.
“First place goes to Tripp Walker and Calamity Jane.”
The arena exploded with noise. Hannah jumped to her feet, screaming as loud as anyone in the stands. Lucy grabbed Hannah and hugged her, while Travis continued to whistle, hoot and holler.
When the horse and rider did a victory ride around the arena, galloping the perimeter, Hannah stood with the crowd.
Tripp waved at the cheering arena. Then he dismounted and wrapped his arms around Jane’s neck in a tender showing. He turned and once again searched the stands for Hannah, and when their gazes met, he offered a thumbs-up.
Yes, they’d done it. Tamed a wild horse in one hundred days. Hannah put a hand to her chest where her heart trotted out of control.
Who would have thought? It was only May that she’d challenged Tripp and they’d begun verbally sparring until he’d finally agreed.
Hannah closed her eyes for a moment, savoring today’s memories. He won. She was so proud of him.
Cameras flashed at the presentation of the check and all attention in the arena remained focused on the winners.
“Isn’t the auction next?” Lucy asked.
Hannah nodded. She swallowed hard. Jane was going to be auctioned off. The mare with the velvet eyes. Her special girl would be gone.
Travis met Hannah’s gaze, concern in his eyes. “We don’t have to stay for that. Let’s head back to Timber. We’ll stop and congratulate Tripp first, then maybe find a Sonic drive-through and celebrate with cherry limeades.”
“I like how you think, Trav,” Lucy said. She squeezed Hannah’s hand.
“Thanks, Travis,” Hannah said. “Why don’t I meet you two at the truck? I want to call and check on Clementine.”
“Sure,” Travis said.
She’d call Clementine and Rue and give them the good news, because she couldn’t bear to see Jane again and know that the mare wasn’t going back to Big Heart Ranch.
Her heart ached. She’d lost it all.
The man, the horse and the family.
Chapter Thirteen
“But, Momma, I don’t want to leave.” Clementine choked the words out on a heartfelt sob.
“Clementine, it’s going to be all right, sweetie.” Hannah dropped to the mattress next to the five-year-old, her heart aching along with her daughter’s.
“No. It’s not all right. I don’t want to go. Big Heart Ranch is my forever home, Momma.”
“Oh, Clemmie. I wish...” Hannah didn’t know what she wished and anything she said would only make her daughter break out in a fresh round of tears. Her little face was bright red with the effort and the orange curls had given up and formed a frizzy halo around her head.
The problem was Hannah wasn’t sure everything was going to be all right.
She wasn’t sure of anything anymore and she was fresh out of plans.
Her daughter remained inconsolable. Her wet and noisy sobs gave way to soft hiccups as Hannah rubbed her back. Finally, after several minutes, Clementine fell asleep.
Hannah took a deep breath. She longed to fall apart but simply didn’t have the luxury of a meltdown. So she’d stay strong for her daughter.
“Everything okay?” Rue asked as she knocked gently on the screen door. “I heard her crying.”
Hannah eased up from the bed, went to the kitchen and unlocked the door. “She’s asleep now. I’m sure she was overtired. I let her stay up late last night when I got back from Fort Worth and then we got up early for church.”
“Poor baby,” Rue said as she stepped into the kitchen. “What got her started?”
“I pulled out the suitcases.”
“Oh.” For the first time, Rue seemed without a quick response.
“I should have known better.”
“Clementine doesn’t want to leave.” Rue stated the obvious.
“Would you like a cup of tea?” Hannah asked. “I sure could use one.”
“Yes, please.” Rue sat down at the table. “Although you understand, I’m about to dive right into your business.”
Hannah smiled as she turned the burner on under the kettle and grabbed two mugs from the cupboard. She was going to miss Rue Butterfield. “Thanks for the warning.”
“I don’t understand how you can think about leaving. You won the competition.”
“Tripp won.”
“He never would have done that without you, dear. He never could have done it without you.”
“It doesn’t change things, Rue.” The kettle began to whistle, and Hannah poured water into both mugs before sliding the tea box across the table.
“Hannah, Big Heart Ranch is your family. You don’t leave family.”
“The DNA test said otherwise. I am not family. I don’t know what I am.”
Rue clucked her tongue. “Don’t let anyone hear you say that. Big Heart Ranch is all about family and DNA has nothing to do with the families that fill this place with love.”
Her Last Chance Cowboy Page 17
