Another Chance

by Sandra Cuppett

  “This is the Suwannee River, my swimming hole,” Jordan said as they rode down the steep white sandy beach that quickly disappeared under the water. Jordan’s horse drank from the water and pawed at it loudly after he had quenched his thirst.

  “Why is it so brown?” Wolf asked. His horse had stopped several yards short of the edge and was eyeing it with suspicion.

  “I understand that’s caused by the tannin from the oak trees.” She explained.

  He looked at her, his brows arched skeptically. “Now, I think you’re taking advantage of my ignorance.”

  She laughed. “No, really. Tannic acid from the roots of the trees and probably from fallen leaves leach into the water, causing it to have that dark color. My dad said that Indians used it to help tan skins and such. I don’t know.”

  “I feel like my Indian education has let me down. I’ve never heard of it. In the northwest, our rivers are almost clear.” Wolf urged his horse forward, but the young animal wanted no part of that dark swirling water. He snorted loudly, his feet dancing nervously.

  “Unless you want to swim, don’t go out too far. The bottom drops off very sharply and the sandy bottom is soft and shifty,” Jordan warned as Wolf’s horse edged closer to the water’s edge.

  After the horse took a step or two toward the river, Wolf allowed him to stand and look. He used his strong connection with the animal to calm him and then the horse walked a slow step at a time until he could reach out with his nose and sniff the edge of the water. At last satisfied that it was just strangely dark water, he sipped in a few drops to taste. Nodding his head up and down to move the water around in his mouth, the horse then lifted his head above his shoulders and raised his top lip, pulling the smell deep into his sinus cavity. Then he relaxed.

  “Brother thinks your river stinks,” Wolf said.

  Jordan laughed. “Well, it’s still considered a pristine river. There aren’t many of them left in Florida. Down south, he could really smell some stinky water.”

  “Is it always so dark, or does the seasons affect it?” He inquired.

  Jordan shrugged her shoulders. “I think it’s always like this. I’ve never noticed any different color. Now, if you drive a few miles south, you’ll come to the Santa Fe River. It’s almost clear.” Again she shrugged her shoulders. “As far as I know they run through the same kinds of trees. Go figure that. And if you visit the springs that empty into either river, they are as clear as can be.”

  As they rode, Wolf asked questions about the plant and animal life that they encountered and before he knew it, they had made a loop and were back at the gate to the brood mare pasture. Again, Jordan opened it and shut it without dismounting. She patted the colt’s neck as a reward for having done a good job.

  During their ride, Bhrandii had trotted along with them, sometimes in front, sometimes following an interesting scent, then catching up a little further along the trail. Now he trotted ahead having left them before Jordan had closed the gate. As they approached the house, they heard him barking loudly, a definite warning that someone was at the front of the house.

  Jordan never allowed her mounts to lope toward the barn, but decided that this might require her to rescue someone, so she pressed her heels against his sides and the responsive gelding broke into a lope. Wolf and his horse pushed ahead and passed through the open gate first, then dropped to a walk as he identified Sheriff John’s four wheel drive SUV parked in front of the house. Bhrandii, with the ridge hair down the middle of his back raised, had treed the sheriff inside and was making sure he stayed there. The sheriff sat inside his vehicle, watching them approach.

  Stopping beside the car, Jordan dismounted and spoke to her dog, who came to her side and sat obediently. Wolf stayed on his horse and as the sheriff got out of the car, reached to take the reins of Jordan’s mount.

  “I’ll put the horses away. You see what he needs.”

  She passed the reins up to him. “Thanks.” Then she walked over to the sheriff and they exchanged a brief hug.

  Wolf nodded a greeting as he rode past his boss, ponying Jordan’s mount to the barn.

  John Davis watched the man ride past, one of his big arms draped across Jordan’s shoulders affectionately.

  “How’s your body guard working out? Minding his manners, I hope.” He asked as they walked up to the house.

  “Of course he is. He’s been nothing less than a gentleman.” She replied.

  “Well, if he knows what’s good for him, he’ll keep that up. I didn’t put him out here to take advantage of you.”

  “Sheriff John, I am not the helpless widow woman that you seem to think I am. I can take care of myself. At least enough to keep a normal man in line.”

  He dropped his arm off her shoulder as they reached the porch, her ahead of him. He dropped into one of the rocking chairs after ascending the steps and sighed deeply. “I’ve always loved the view from this porch.”

  Jordan faced him leaning back against the porch rail in front of the chair next to him. “Now, is there news that I need to know?”

  John Davis shook his head negatively. “Nope. I was headed to the house and just thought I’d stop by and check on you. When you weren’t here, I checked the barn and realized you’d gone riding. I decided it would be smart to wait in the truck. I didn’t want to try to out run that dog.” He cast a suspicious glance at the big canine.

  Jordan didn’t say anything, still wondering why he had waited for her to return from her ride.

  After a minute of silence he spoke again. “I really just wanted to find out how this new man is working out. Maybe I should have picked one of my older men to do this job. I….uh….I don’t want to compromise your reputation, nor did I want someone here that might take advantage of the situation. You know what I mean?”

  Jordan laughed. “I promise that Deputy Cetan has not tried to take advantage of me. I admit I wasn’t real happy with this set up, but I’m starting to trust him. Just relax. You’re doing all you can do and he isn‘t interested in anything other than doing his job.”

  Again, the silence stretched between them, Sheriff John seriously doubting her last statement, but remaining silent about it. The silence between them wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. “You know, I sure do miss your parents.” He said after a minute. “Your dad was a good man, and you look just like your mother did when she was your age. She was a beautiful woman.” Then he added. “She was always a beautiful woman.”

  Jordan laughed and nodded. Then she was struck with a sudden thought. “Sheriff John, did you have a crush on my mama?”

  His face turned crimson under his cowboy hat and a sad smile slowly spread across his face. “I guess I did. Of course it could never have been more than that,” he added quickly. “I always had a lot of respect for both your parents. It was a bad day when they died.”

  Jordan looked at this man she had always known, in a different way. “I guess I was so absorbed in my own loss, I didn’t think how their deaths affected other people. I’m sorry I didn’t realize how much it hurt you.”

  He looked up at her and she caught the liquid glint of restrained tears. “If I’m sometimes a little fatherly toward you, just forgive me. You’re all that’s left of them and I just want to make sure that you’re safe and happy.”

  She slipped off the rail and bent over him, impulsively giving him a quick hug. “Thank you and I know that’s what they would both expect you to do. I’ll try not to be such a trial to you in the future.”

  He had welcomed her hug and now smiled up at her. He hadn’t expected to reveal his feelings for her mother and was glad that she wasn’t upset about it.

  “Well, just let me come up here every once in a while and enjoy the view from this porch and we’ll call it even.” He pushed out of the chair as Wolf approached and walked up the steps.

  The two men shook hands.

  “How’re you doing, Daniel?” John Davis asked his deputy.

  “I’m settlin’ in.” Wolf r
eplied. “But I do want to ask a favor of y’all,” he cut his eyes to include Jordan. “I’m Daniel Cetan on paper, but I really prefer to be called Wolf. That’s what my grandfather always called me and anythin’ else just doesn’t sound right.”

  They both agreed.

  “I brought a couple of pictures of this Lambert guy, taken when he was in prison, but I doubt if he still looks much the same.” He pulled two color shots of a man in prison garb and handed them each one. Jordan took the picture but didn’t look at it.

  “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget what he looks like,” she said.

  Wolf took the one offered him and studied the face. “His hair will be the easiest thing to change. He’ll probably dye it. Maybe grow a beard.” He looked at the sheriff. “Don’t y’all have a computer that can make those changes to a photo?”

  John Davis looked up quickly and then nodded. “I should have already had that done. I guess I’m just not up on all this high tech stuff. I’ll get Marge on it as soon as I get back to the office. We’re working on getting you both cell phones to keep with you at all times and I’ve spoken to a friend of mine about putting a Lojack system in your truck. We’ll do that day after tomorrow.” He directed the last to Jordan.

  She looked confused, but the sheriff had started down the steps. “Wolf can explain a Lojack. I’ll see y’all later.” He lifted one hand in the air over his shoulder as he walked to his truck.

  Jordan watched him turn his truck around and drive away. Wolf was still looking at the picture of Lambert.

  “What’s a Lojack system,” she asked.

  “It enables law enforcement to locate and lock down any vehicle that is equipped with it.” He was still looking at the picture.

  Jordan gave him her full attention. “What is so interesting about that picture?”

  He then looked at her. “I’m just tryin’ to remember all the things that make his face unique. Things that he can’t change.”

  “Such as?”

  “Well, the distance from the tip of his nose to his eyes, the shape of the nose, the shape of his lips, the way his right eye lid droops just a tiny bit, and the way his ears are a little lower than his eyes.” He glanced at the picture again. “He can lose or gain weight, wear colored contact lens, dye his hair, or cut it, or let it grow, shave his head, put on glasses, grow facial hair. There are lots of ways that a person can change their appearance, but there are still a few things that will stay the same. Those are the things it’s important to remember.”

  Jordan looked up at him, new respect in her eyes. “And I thought you were just a dumb, good looking cowboy,” she grinned, laughter in her voice.

  His black brows shot up in surprise. “Good lookin’? You think I’m good lookin’?” He was quick to return her light hearted teasing.

  She laughed easily, discovering all over again that she really did like this man. It wasn’t just a physical attraction. Besides, talking about Lambert would just ruin her day.

  He glanced at the picture in his hand once more, and then slipped it into his shirt pocket. Then after a second thought, took it out again. He removed his wallet from one front pocket of his jeans and put the picture in it.

  “What’s next,” he asked. “We’ve cleaned the barns and had a nice long ride. Just give me some directions, Boss Lady.”

  “I’m starving,” she answered. “I haven’t even thought about lunch and it’s almost time for supper.”

  They ate lunch at a bar-b-que restaurant just down the road from her farm. It wasn’t a huge place and was owned by a family that Jordan knew. The girl who took their order greeted Jordan by name, then looked from Jordan to Wolf several times while they were giving their order as if trying to determine what their relationship might be.

  Their food was delivered by the owner. “Afternoon, Jordan. It’s good to see y’all.” He sat their plates down and offered his hand to Wolf. “I’m Rich Ewen, the owner of this fine establishment.” He looked back at Jordan. “Missy told me you were out here.”

  Wolf took his hand and shook it briefly. “You can call me Wolf.” It was obvious that the man was on a fishing trip to find out about Jordan and him. He indicated a chair at their table. “Have a seat Rich and join us. Jordan is showin’ me around town today. Kinda letting me get to know the people in her world.”

  Rich pulled the chair out and sat down comfortably. His face was filled with curiosity. “Thank you, Wolf.” He turned his head toward the kitchen and called loudly, “Hey Missy, bring me a glass of sweet tea.” Then he turned his attention back to the couple at the table. “Wolf. That the first name, or the last?”

  “It’s what I’m called, more of a nickname. The last name is Cetan which is Lakota for Hawk.”

  Rich shrugged. “Interesting.” He looked at Jordan then. “How’s business?”

  She smiled. “It’s April. I’m getting ready to shut down for summer. I’ve still got a couple of colts to finish and send home before it gets too hot to ride, and one of my own to start working.”

  She wasn’t interested in being one of the fish that Rich caught on this trip, but it appeared Wolf was.

  He reached across the table and covered one of her hands with one of his. His action drew her attention and he smiled. “Sugar, I’ll be right back. You just enjoy visitin’ with Rich. I didn’t wash my hands after I put our horses away.” He pushed his chair back and stood to his full six feet two inches. “Excuse me, Rich. I won’t be a minute.”

  Both Jordan and Rich watched him walk toward the bathroom.

  Jordan was smiling, knowing he was smiling because he had left her on the spot.

  Rich didn’t wait long. “He appears to be an interesting character.” He observed.

  Jordan felt her face burn and kept her eyes on the disappearing man enjoying the retreating movement of his snug jeans across his firm gluteus maximus. “You have no idea,” she finally said.

  “Well, I’ll be cooked. After all this time, you have a boyfriend!” Like everyone else that knew Jordan, Rich was well aware that she made a point of maintaining a distance from men.

  She shrugged. “It kind of just happened. It wasn’t like I went out looking for a man.”

  Rich laughed. “Wait ‘til the word gets around. Half the town will be sick, and their wives will all be thrilled. You know that most of the women around here have lived in fear that you might end up wanting their man.”

  Jordan frowned. “Then they never knew me very well. I wouldn’t have ever gone out with a married man.”

  Again Rich laughed. “I know. I told my wife that, but I’m not sure she believed it. Coarse she never knew that I tried and got turned down like the others.”

  Wolf pulled out his chair and sat back down. “So, Rich, are you?”

  “Am I what?” The restaurateur asked.

  Wolf winked at Jordan. “Rich.” He supplied.

  It took just a second for the fog to clear, and then Rich roared with laughter. “Maybe someday.” He was finally able to answer. Missy delivered his chilled glass of iced tea. He sipped from it as his two customers ate their meal, pausing occasionally to hold up their respective ends of conversation. When they finished, their plates were collected and the three of them sat for a few minutes making idle talk.

  Finally Jordan looked across at Wolf. Feeling her eyes on him, he turned to look at her. One of his hands reached across the table again and covered her hand that was closest to him. “Are you ready?” He asked. She nodded.

  They stood up and bade Rich good-bye. As they walked toward the exit, Wolf’s hand was against the back of Jordan’s shoulders. She could feel the heat between her shoulder blades beneath that single layer of cloth. At the door, he reached around her to pull it open, their heads almost touching. “Good job,” he breathed softly.

  Jordan wondered if he could tell that her heart was ready to jump out of her throat, as she turned her head and looked into his eyes. She could feel his breath on her cheek. Her eyes dropped to
his lips and she stumbled over the bottom of the door frame. Like lightening, his hand closed around her arm, catching her in time to keep her from falling flat on her face out the door.

  She quickly recovered her balance, if not her composure. “Well,” she managed to say. “That was graceful.”

  Wolf chuckled.

  She even liked the sound of that.

  Every bit the gentleman, he opened the truck and held her arm as she stepped onto the Nerf bar and then slipped into the seat on the passenger side. “Don’t forget to buckle up.” Wolf cautioned as he pushed the door closed. He voice sounded soft and rough at the same time like velvet being dragged across sandpaper.

  Jordan watched him as he walked across in front of the truck to the driver’s side. When he got in and buckled his seat belt, she wondered if he could be feeling any of the attraction to her that she was feeling for him.

  He started the truck engine then threw his right arm across the back of the seat as he turned in that direction to look out the back window as he backed out of the parking space.

  Jordan knew his fingers were almost touching her shoulder and tried not to think about it, but would have been willing to swear that she could feel the heat radiating out of his hand. She didn’t look, but then felt him looking at her. She pretended not to notice until she realized that the truck was stopped and he was waiting for her attention. She turned her head.

  When her head turned toward him, he lifted his hand off the back of the seat and just briefly touched her cheek with his fingers as he returned his hand to the steering wheel. “Are you okay?”

  She nodded feeling like her cheek was glowing where he had touched it. “Sure, why wouldn’t I be?”

  He shrugged.

  Neither of them spoke as he drove back to her farm and parked the truck in front of the barn. She felt his eyes on her as she closed the door behind her and walked into the barn.

  She quickly saddled the other colt that needed riding and mounted. She rode out to the small training ring that she often used and put the animal through his paces. He wasn’t as advanced as the other colt so she had to spend more time getting what she wanted from him and the training ring was perfect for that.