The Cowboy’s Mixed-Up Matchmaker

by Valerie Comer

  There’s no time like the present.

  Lauren winced and glanced at her bedside clock. It was only nine o’clock. Dusk but not dark, and definitely not too late to drive out to the Flying Horseshoe. James would be done with his work for the day and likely be in his cabin.

  Besides, how would she ever sleep with this hanging over her? Probably better to get it over with. Now, what should she wear?

  * * *

  James sat out on his back deck and put his feet on the railing, watching the last rays of sunlight flicker across the surface of the small lake. He’d miss this at the new house. Oh, he’d have a better view of the setting sun through the gap in the mountains, but the lake wouldn’t be part of the vista. He could catch sunrises on the lake, instead. At least some days.

  Life seemed more full of sunsets than sunrises. How was that for doom-and-gloom thinking for a guy who’d be thirty in three short weeks? He pushed the thought aside as blaring music from the cabin next door cut in half with the slide of their patio door. A child cried from a cabin further down. A vehicle pulled into the parking area. Doors slammed. More voices.

  Yeah, being a bit farther from the center of all the action would be nice. He could always go inside — the cabin’s timber walls cut virtually all the sounds of the guest ranch — but he hated to miss winding down with a view of nature.

  The random noise, though, he could do something about. He tugged his buds from a shirt pocket and plugged them into his phone then into his ears, selecting a medley of instrumental worship music at a low volume.

  There. Much better. He hunkered back down into his deck chair and let the familiar melodies wash over his spirit.

  Mom and Dad had taken Aiden to Missoula to see Meg, Eli, and little Sophia Grace, who was no worse off for the dramatic entrance she’d made. They’d be back in Saddle Springs in a few days, and James would have his chance to meet his tiny niece. Mom had shown him about thirty photos on her phone, and the one he’d stared at the longest was Eli cradling the infant.

  James closed his eyes, remembering the besotted expression on his brother-in-law’s face. The guy practically glowed. He’d had an experience — spiritual as well as physical — that James longed for. No matter how much James prayed for God to remove his love for Lauren, she continued to invade every waking moment and half his sleeping ones. How long would it take? Could he keep doing this? What choice did he have?

  The sun disappeared behind the peaks, the shimmering path fading on the lake. Dots of light from the cabins reflected on the water. An owl whooshed past, so close James could probably have touched it.

  His phone rang, the thrum interrupting the flowing music. Unknown number, but that wasn’t shocking. His mom had probably forgotten to turn off call forwarding when they returned from Missoula. It was likely a reservation.

  “Flying Horseshoe Guest Ranch, James Carmichael speaking.” He’d probably need a pen and notepad to record the information, but he wouldn’t move until he had to.

  “James?” A familiar female voice giggled.

  His eyes shot open and his feet hit the planks of the deck as he jerked upright. No way.

  “Listen, it’s Bailey Gabriel. Remember me?”

  “Uh, yes?” He kept his voice guarded. What on earth could she want? It had been a peaceful week since she and her friends had returned to Chicago.

  “This is awkward.” She giggled again.

  He couldn’t think of any response, so he simply waited.

  “Look, I just wanted to say I’m sorry. I was a bit of a jerk when we were in Montana.”

  James held the phone out and looked at it. Was this real or a prank call? Was she high on something right now? Because she’d been more than a jerk.

  “Say something. You’re making me nervous.”

  “Uh, apology accepted.” So long as she didn’t think that meant he wanted a relationship with her. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

  She sighed into the phone. “Thanks. The thing is, my boyfriend had just broken up with me and I was so sure it was him who was the blockhead, not me. So, I guess I was trying to prove I didn’t need him — not that he was at the ranch to see — and could snag myself a man any time I wanted.” She giggled again, this time the sound not quite so grating. Sadder, maybe. “That didn’t work out the way I had planned.”

  “Uh...” Try as he might, James couldn’t think of a useful thing to say. That she hadn’t been an idiot? That he was sorry for her?

  “Skylar and I got talking and, yeah, we’re both sorry. That’s not how our mamas raised us.”

  His, either. James was pretty sure Dad would be tempted to take Tori over his knee if she pulled one like that. Not that his sister ever would.

  “Anyway, I tried to make a reservation for next year before we left, but your mom said there were no available cabins.”

  James stifled a grin. Mama bears protected their cubs. Always.

  “Now I’m glad she said no, and I respect it. I really do. Your family seems cool, not like most I’ve met. Your parents seem to adore each other, even though your dad is crippled.” Bailey’s voice sounded wistful.

  James knew a hurting soul and a nudge from God when he met one. “That’s what true love is all about, you know. It’s not just an attraction to physical looks or charm, but a deep, enduring bond no matter what happens in life.”

  She was silent a moment. “What happened to him?”

  “Farm machine accident. His legs got caught in an auger when the guy he was working with flicked the on switch by accident.”

  “That’s terrible!”

  It had been rough. More for Dad and Mom than the rest of them, but the reality of nearly losing their father had been traumatic on James and his sisters. The road to recovery had been long and painful... and never quite complete. “My parents have a strong faith, and that’s what saw them through the darkest days. Knowing that if he died, he’d be in God’s presence, and that if he lived, God would give him daily strength to face the pain and problems.”

  “I just can’t even imagine how awful it must have been. I don’t think most people would stick around.”

  “Most people I know would. I’m sure you’ve heard the wedding vows. They include words like for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live. If that’s not sticking around, I don’t know what is.”

  “You hang around different people than I do.” This time, it wasn’t his imagination. The attempt at light laughter was forced. “It seems everyone I know is divorced. Both my parents are on their third marriages.”

  “It doesn’t have to be that way. I know plenty of people who aren’t Christians but have stayed married, even through difficult times. I do believe having a shared faith goes a long way to providing a solid foundation for marital longevity, though.”

  “I’ve always thought of Christianity as something to mock, like people who need a crutch to get through life. No offense to your dad.”

  “There’s far more to it. Yes, we do depend on God. You can call that a crutch if you like, but to me, it’s more like having my priorities straight.”

  “Sounds weird. Like a total shift.”

  Whoever would have thought James would feel sorry for Bailey and ask the Lord to reveal Himself to her? Yet, now, he prayed for her. “I can send you a link to more information if you’re interested.”

  Her voice perked up. “Would you?”

  “Yeah, no problem. I can get your email address from the records, if that’s okay.”

  “Sure. Thanks. And, James?”

  “Yes?”

  “I really did like it in Montana. It’s so different from Chicago. The mountains are gorgeous, and the air is so refreshing. Everything is peaceful. Your chef at the ranch restaurant is outstanding. I’ve put a five-star review on Trip Advisor.”

  “Aw, thanks, Bailey. I’m glad you had a good time. It sounds like there might have been a reason for everything.”

  “That’s a weird t
hought, isn’t it? Thanks for being so gracious, James. I don’t deserve it.”

  “It’s okay.” He could hardly believe he could say that and mean it. “Thanks for calling. I’ll email you tomorrow.”

  Before the music could auto-resume, James tapped the pause icon and stared out at the darkening lake. Yes, it was gorgeous, refreshing, peaceful... everything Bailey had said. He could thank God he’d been born to a ranch family, that his parents loved each other, the Lord, their kids, and the land. Even without Lauren in his life, he was truly blessed.

  He resumed play on the instrumentals as an engine started and a vehicle left the Flying Horseshoe. Sounded like a Wrangler. He’d been caught off guard more than once this week. The rumble of the Jeep owned by the folks in Cabin Four sounded just like Lauren’s.

  Chapter Twenty

  James’s voice replayed in Lauren’s head all night long.

  I can get your email address from the records, if that’s okay ... Aw, thanks, Bailey. I’m glad you had a good time. It sounds like there might have been a reason for everything ... It’s okay. Thanks for calling. I’ll email you tomorrow.

  I’m glad you had a good time. I’ll email you tomorrow.

  I’ll email you tomorrow.

  Bailey and James. The brazen blonde in Java Springs. Maybe Lauren had been right in the first place, that James had only looked uncomfortable because she’d caught him. It just didn’t add up. He didn’t talk to Bailey like a man in love, but they were clearly communicating. Phoning. Emailing. Lauren had just enough doubt that she’d paused on the sidewalk and listened before retreating.

  She could be wrong, but she knew what she’d heard. James wasn’t the kind of guy who’d email a girl without good reason. He didn’t really text, either. He was so bad at communication.

  That gave Lauren pause. Was he bad at telling her how he felt? His eyes certainly said things his words didn’t. What of Bailey, then?

  Lauren pounded her pillow. Why hadn’t she marched up his steps and asked whom he was talking to? Why had she chickened out and aborted her mission? She’d been right there, hugging ninety-nine percent of her nerve. Now she had to do the whole thing over again, because she hadn’t blurted out the apology she’d been rehearsing all the way to the ranch.

  Her alarm buzzed, and she glared at it. Had she slept at all? If she had, she couldn’t remember it. She’d looked at the clock at least once per hour. And now she had to go to work, be professional, and act like nothing had happened. She might be able to make an excuse to stop by the Flying Horseshoe today, but it was a bad idea. With Independence Day coming up, this was the busiest time at the guest ranch. She wouldn’t be able to claim James’s full attention for even five minutes.

  She should’ve just gone for it last night, even with what she’d overheard.

  Lauren was still beating herself up over it an hour later when she rolled into her parking spot behind the veterinary clinic, curls still damp and the wrapper from a protein bar still clutched in her hand. She grabbed her purse and to-go coffee cup, headed into the clinic, and greeted Milly at the front desk before heading down the corridor.

  Wyatt Torrington’s office door stood ajar. “Tomorrow night, then? I’ll pick you up at five.”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” Lauren’s mom replied.

  Wait a sec. Who? What? Lauren backed up a few steps and nudged the door open to see her colleague and her mom embrace each other. No stinkin’ way. “What’s going on here?”

  Mom turned in Wyatt’s arms and smiled at Lauren. “I was going to call you soon, promise.”

  All Lauren could manage was raising her eyebrows. Life was full of curve balls lately. This one came a close second to James. Both needed a good night’s sleep to absorb, rest she hadn’t received. She backed out of Wyatt’s office, ready to scrub her eyes to remove the vision of what she’d seen.

  “Wait, Lauren.”

  Even though she was an equal partner, she was conditioned to respect the man who’d been her father’s best friend and associate, a man who’d known her since her birth. “Yes?”

  “I know this comes as a shock to you, and I hope it isn’t too awkward.”

  Oh, it was weird, all right. “A bit of a surprise, yes.” Wyatt’s wife had divorced him several years back, citing that he was married to his work. If anyone could understand a veterinarian’s hours and life, it should be someone like Mom, who’d lived it.

  Wyatt glanced down at Mom then back to Lauren. “I want you to know I have the greatest respect for your mother. We haven’t been sneaking around. Tomorrow will be our first date. In fact...” He hesitated.

  At least half the town didn’t already know. Lauren crossed her arms over her chest. “I see.” She didn’t.

  “You might remember my son, Luke.”

  She did. Luke had been several years ahead of her gang in school, a brilliant nerd. She nodded... whatever Luke had to do with this conversation.

  “He’s down for a few days over the Fourth, first time in a long time. Would you...?”

  Mom leaned forward. “What Wyatt’s trying to ask is if you would join us for dinner with Luke as your date?” She gave Lauren a pointed look.

  Wyatt chuckled. “Yes, that’s what I was getting to. I promised him a good time here, and I know you’re the life of every party you attend.”

  At least she had someone fooled. “I, um...” She should just say no. Going out with Luke, even with their parents — weird — sent a signal to all of Saddle Springs, to James. Was that a signal she wanted sent?

  Tori and Denae had urged her to date someone else to make James jealous. He’d never believe if she went out with Garret. He might believe with Luke, but she didn’t want to make James jealous. She just wanted him to love her, which seemed too much to ask.

  Lauren stared back at Mom and Wyatt. Her mouth was probably open. What was she supposed to say to this? It was only one date. Not even really a date — it didn’t count if they were with their parents, did it?

  Mom leaned out of Wyatt’s arm and whispered, “Remember, you promised.”

  She’d promised if Mom started dating, she would, too. And, besides, it was only one evening, with a guy who lived in New York, of all places. This wasn’t going to lead anywhere, and she could definitely explain it away to anyone who asked. “I, um, I guess that would be okay. Where are we going?”

  Wyatt smiled and nodded, obviously relieved. “The Branding Iron, and then to the concert in the park.”

  In other words, where every single person in Saddle Springs would see them and speculate. Lovely.

  Mom pursed her lips as her gaze slid the length of Lauren’s body. “Dress up, darling. Luke’s used to having a glamorous woman on his arm. That turquoise dress would be perfect.”

  For sitting on a blanket at the park? But Lauren nodded dumbly. She’d give her mom this one win. She’d promised, after all. That would be the end. After that, she’d find James and see if she could fix things. At the very least, she needed to apologize.

  * * *

  James kept a close eye on Nelly as she plodded in circles in the corral, a beaming child on her broad back.

  “My turn, Unca James!” wheedled Aiden from the corral rail.

  “Not yet. Stay put.”

  “Good job, sweetie!” called the girl’s mother as Tori led Coaldust past, with Matt and Luna right behind her. Today Matt would be leading the trail ride as all the guests who were participating had ridden a few times before. Good thing, as neither James nor Tori were willing to leave the main yard. They hadn’t met their tiny niece yet, and the busiest weekend of the year wasn’t enough to force them toward duty. The guests seemed to understand.

  A yellow Honda turned off Creighton Road.

  “Mommy!” yelled Aiden, turning to scramble down the rails. “Daddy!”

  Tori thrust Coaldust’s reins at Matt and vaulted the fence to catch Aiden before he ran into the car’s path. She was quicker than James, who was still reaching to lift the li
ttle girl off Nelly’s back. “Want to see a brand new teensy tiny baby?” Maybe that would mollify the child at the abrupt end to her riding lesson.

  “We all do,” the mother said with a grin, holding her hand out to her small daughter.

  Across the yard, Mom and Dad came out onto the porch of the main house as the car pulled to a stop. Eli jogged around the car to get Meg’s door, but not before Tori had opened the back door and released the baby’s car seat.

  “Oh, she’s darling!” cooed Tori, fumbling with the five-point harness buckles.

  Aiden pointed at the seat. “Aiden sistow.” He nodded emphatically. “Baby.”

  “You got it, buddy. Let’s have a look.”

  “I told you no one cared about me anymore,” Meg said with a laugh.

  James turned toward his sister. He’d probably been just as excited as Aiden was now when their parents had brought little Megan home from the hospital. He didn’t remember, as he’d only been two. He remembered Tori, though. Remembered him and Meggie holding hands as they peered at the red-faced squalling infant. He hadn’t been all that impressed, frankly. It had taken a few years for Tori to grow on him.

  “Hey, Meg.” He gave her a quick side hug. “Good job.”

  Meanwhile Tori had the baby out of the seat and in her arms, where she knelt to show Aiden. “She’s perfect,” she breathed.

  James waited as long as he could handle it then tapped Tori’s shoulder. “My turn.”

  “You?” She gave him an innocent look.

  He raised his eyebrows and reached for the baby. Tori settled Sophia Grace into the crook of his arm as the baby stretched, arching her back, little fists flailing for a second. Then her eyes fixed on his, and James was a goner. “Hey, little princess,” he whispered. “I’m your uncle James. Your protector.”