Howdy, Ma'am

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  “Hmm, did he mean me or the horse?” She remained in the same spot where she mounted. “Umm, sweetie?” she yelled. “Can I have a quick lesson here first?”

  He turned around. “What?”

  “A quick lesson so I don’t kill myself?”

  “You don’t ride?”

  “Umm, not really.”

  Caulder sighed when he rode up to her. He tossed one leg over the saddle horn and sat there like a king. “You’re kidding, right?”

  Velia shook her head side to side.

  He gave a quick lesson by walking her in a circle a few times, glancing at her now and then and shaking his head, smirking each time she looked at him.

  “Stop being an ass. I learn fast.” She patted Sage’s roan neck.

  He mounted Rebel and headed out of the corral.

  Confident she could handle the horse, she nudged Sage out and followed after Caulder through the meadow, glad to be behind him, so she could watch his fine rump bounce in the saddle.

  He slowed to let her catch up, and they rode side by side through the meadow up to the tree line and single file through the forest. They stopped at a spring before going on. “Mom wants us back for dinner.” He pulled a box from his knapsack. “Look, she made us lunch.”

  “Oh, Caulder, I feel so lucky right now. Your mom is sweet.”

  “She likes you. Her imagination is already running wild.”

  “I like her. I’m sure she wants what’s best for you. She must want…” Velia hesitated. Sometimes she forgot Caulder was already a father and husband.

  “She does want to be a grandmother again.”

  “I’m sorry.” She lowered her eyes when he helped her off the horse. “Sometimes my mouth runs faster than my brain.”

  Caulder held her. “It’s okay. Being here with you makes it bearable. At times I forget.”

  She lowered her eyes. Maybe he would be free from his sorrow one day. When he kissed her forehead, she wrapped her arms around him. “I hope in some small way I can help ease your pain.”

  He smoothed her hair away from her face and cupped her chin, tipping her face toward him. “You already have helped. Velia, I love you. I wouldn’t have fallen in love with you if I wasn’t ready to move on. It’s a horrible memory, but I’m ready for new beginnings.”

  She gazed into his bright eyes. In them she saw love, sincerity. She hoped hers said the same thing. “Are we going to have lunch here?”

  “Nope, a little ways from here. Since we missed the sunrise, I want to show you something else.” He kissed her cheek. “Ready?”

  “Um hmm.” He gave her a boost up into the saddle. “Lead the way, big boy.”

  “Big boy? Later I’ll prove to you how much of a man I am.”

  “Ah, oh, I meant Rebel.”

  When they took a trail out of the woods, they came upon another clearing and crested a hill. The mountain ridges in the distance opened to a spectacular panoramic view of the whole area. From their vantage point, they could see the river cutting through the mountains and disappearing out of sight. Ahead she noticed a clearing with construction taking place.

  “See…” Caulder pointed to the spot. “That’s going to be my new place.”

  “Are you kidding? It’s huge.”

  “Not kidding. I want to live here…I told you earlier. I did have the guesthouse, but Granny moved into it. She wanted to be independent, and my mom feels like she’s safe being within reach if needed.” He took the box of food out of the knapsack and handed it to Velia.

  “But you’re on the road so much. Do you need a place this large?”

  “Well, yeah, I’m home a few months at a time. I want my own place, not keep visiting people and borrowing their homes.” Unrolling his blanket, he spread it on the ground with a pad underneath to ward off the chill of the ground.

  “What about the Lake Michigan place?”

  “Nah, I’m selling it. I already have an offer.” He swept his hand across in front of him. “Have a seat, ma’am.”

  “I understand.” Velia smiled when he called her ma’am. It had been awhile since he used it. She took out fried chicken, biscuits and orange marmalade, sliced veggies and dip, and a thermos of hot tea. “My goodness, look at this layout. A big lunch.”

  “Mommy takes care of her little boy, or at least sometimes she thinks I’m still her little boy.”

  “She probably always will. My father is the same way. You saw it, didn’t you?”

  “But, you’re a girl…it’s a daddy thing.” Caulder shivered again, “Yeah, I sure did.”

  “And with your mom, it’s a mother-son thing. I see it with my mom and brothers.”

  “Okay, settled. Our parent’s still treat us like kids. Dig in.”

  “Will you show me your house?”

  “Sure, we still have a couple days. We’ll drive to it tomorrow. Tonight we’re having a cookout. Dad’s cooking. Probably a barbeque like you’ve never seen.”

  “Hey, wanna bet. I’m Italian.”

  “When we go back, I’ll have to work my ass off to get rid of the extra weight I’ve put on in two weeks of home cooking.”

  Velia took a sip of tea and peeled the batter off the chicken. “You need to work off something? I know the perfect exercise.”

  Caulder stared at her. “Do you mean what I think you mean?” It didn’t take long for him to get the answer stemming from her not-so-innocent grin. “Um, baby, this mountain air is good for you. I love your idea.”

  “Is there anyone around here?”

  “Hell no, not for miles.”

  Velia set her plastic cup down and stood. She removed her coat, and unbuttoned all the buttons and let her shirt fall open…

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  November—

  They pulled up to the venue and the whole area buzzed with excitement. Bullfighters ran around like ants after a cookie; gate men examined their knots on the chute gates. Spectators arrived earlier than usual, and their kids ran and laughed in the aisles, wearing cowboy hats and boots. Smelly bulls seemed anxious, snorting and kicking up dirt in the pens. Food from the venders section sent out odors already attracting customers. Popcorn littered the stands.

  The last show finally arrived. Caulder led in points, and tonight he could either win or lose the championship because others trailed by only a couple points. He paid for tickets and airfare for Alice and Edward and Brian and Shannon. His parents arrived the day before, and Velia’s parents were coming in tonight, Roy and Nero in tow. This show was a big deal, and he wanted to share it with everyone. Even if he didn’t win, how could it go wrong in a place like Atlantic City? It would be a party either way.

  Velia detected his nervousness while he got ready for the show. She tried to stay out of his way while he prepared but wanted to be available if he needed something.

  “This is an important night, babe. I’m glad you’re here.” He pulled her into his arms and ducked into one of the partitioned changing rooms. “It’s more important to me than you know.”

  “I’m here for you, sweetie. I’ll get better pictures and videos than ever. I’ll make you look good tonight.”

  “I know.” He kissed her one last time before tucking in his shirt and getting into his chaps.

  Velia lifted her camera and focused. “Might as well start right now before the night gets chaotic and I won’t get a chance for close-ups till it’s over.” She clicked and focused, clicked and focused. “Stop, right there,” she said when he finished tightening his chaps and reached for his rope. “Perfect. You’re so handsome I want these for myself.” Two of his teammates came in to get ready, and Velia asked if they would be in a picture with Caulder. She’d give it to them and keep it out of the public unless they said she could post it.

  “You can use our pictures for his blog.” Paul nudged Caulder in the ribs. “Besides, we’ll make him look good.”

  “Yeah, like he doesn’t already look good,” said Foley. Kenny came in and jumped in the picture.


  “Okay, I’ll leave you guys alone to get ready and concentrate—whatever it is you do—and I’ll get to my spot in the stands.”

  Caulder tucked his leather glove over his belt and took her hand. “I’ll walk out with you.”

  “No need, babe. I’ll head right there.”

  “It’s okay. I’ll go with you.”

  On the way out, Velia wished all the guys luck. Caulder held her hand tight, keeping her close by his side. He stopped in mid step and pulled her close to him in the shadows. “Hold on.”

  “What is it? Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” He held her, tightening his arms in an embrace. “Remember I love you, okay. Win or lose tonight, you’re what matters. Don’t forget it.” He clung to her.

  Velia rubbed his back. “It’s okay, hon. You’re so nervous tonight. Is something wrong?”

  “I don’t know. I get uptight when it’s near the end.”

  “It’s only the end for a few months and you’ll be right back.”

  “Yeah…” He smoothed her hair away from her face and stared into her eyes. “Do you love me as much as I think you do?”

  Velia nodded. “You need to be thinking about those bulls, not if I love you. I do love you, Caulder McCutchen. Take those words with you out there tonight.” She took his hands and kissed his knuckles as he wrapped his fingers around hers. Her eyes misted. “I’m worried about you…now concentrate.”

  He wiped her tears away and pressed his lips to her forehead. “I’ve concentrated on you being here these past months, and how much I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

  Velia took a deep breath. “This is what bothers you on the most important night of your life? Are you afraid I’ll be gone after the tour? I’m not going anywhere, cowboy. How soon you forget.” She released his hands and grasped his shoulders. “Back up a little here, back to when I said I love you. I love you. I’m not going anywhere.” She smiled her softest smile. “Now go, win a championship, or not. Go and ride like hell, ride those damn ugly bulls the best you can and show them who’s boss.”

  She kissed him on the cheek before heading toward the stands. She turned back, and he still watched after her. She blew him a kiss and kept going. When she got to her spot, she made herself comfortable, making sure she could move around easily and get the best pictures. She especially wanted to get him on the bull, preparing for his rides. The look on his face when he went through the ritual would always remain in her memory. His concentration, then slight glance her way drove her insane. Yes, for sure, she loved this man.

  While waiting, she searched for her parents and found them sitting beside Alice and Edward and Brian and Shannon. Caulder’s parents were there. Of course they were the best seats in the arena where they could all watch him get ready and have a perfect view of his ride. They were engrossed in the beginning of the show with the barrel riders. She focused her camera on her father and zoomed in. Who would think a man like Ric Armano sat engrossed in a rodeo and bull riding show? She would love this picture forever. Her mother looked in her direction and smiled. Velia captured the sweet look on her face. The next thing she knew, Caulder walked up the steps to their seat and tapped her father on the shoulder. Ric got up and followed him out of sight.

  She read the look of question on her mother’s face, and all she could do was shrug in answer. Before long, Ric returned and whispered something to her mom. One good thing about a zoom lens, she thought as she focused. After a few minutes, her mom looked back at her and smiled. Velia’s attention went back to the chutes as she followed the spotlights to Caulder, first up for the first round.

  Nervous, she still focused and set her camera with the remote, and she had her video camera ready for one special look. She waited, and then he looked up from what he was doing and smiled that special smile he had only for her. He gave her a thumbs-up. She sensed someone beside her, and when she turned, she saw her father had come to be with her. He put his arm around her and held her without saying a word. She smiled, savoring one more special moment for tonight.

  The gate swung open and she captured the exact moment he darted out. The bull ran wild, crazily jumping in each direction, down on his knees twisting left and right, kicking his hind legs high in the air. Caulder leaned to the side apparently expecting the bull to go right, when instead it jerked left. His strength allowed him to pull himself back up to the center. The buzzer rang. Eight seconds gone. She took a deep breath. “Okay, one ride down. Yay, Caulder. Go, baby!”

  Knowing before she did, the crowd screamed and stood all at once for a ninety-point score. Again, confetti dropped from the end of the ring. Velia jumped up and down, not removing her eyes because she wanted him to know her sights were set on him the whole time. When he did look, he touched the tip of his hat and nodded. She still jumped up and down. He headed to the center of the arena to talk to reporters but first sought out Donna and spoke to her for a moment.

  “He’s so happy. Look, he stayed on!”

  “I see, yes he did. Looks like a difficult eight seconds to me.”

  Velia clapped her hands together. “I know. He’s so great.”

  “Uh huh.”

  “How’s mia madre holding up at a dusty, old bull riding show?”

  “It’s not your mama’s garden club, but she likes your Caulder.”

  “I can tell. Everyone likes him. Alice and Edward are infatuated.”

  “Do you love him, my darling?”

  Velia turned toward her father, hesitating, trying to make out the expression on his face. When he smiled, so did she. “Yes, I love him. Like you love mia madre.”

  “Then you love him a lot.” He squeezed her tight around the waist. “Back to mama.” He kissed her on the cheek before leaving.

  Another rider beat Caulder’s score by two points. More confetti meant more competition. During his break, walking back from center circle, he caught her attention and nodded toward the back. Velia ran down to be with him. She immediately hugged him and his arms went around her waist. “Great job! I’m so proud of you.”

  “I got beat,” he said, his face against her hair.

  “You knew it could happen. There’s more riding. You still have a chance.” Velia looked in his eyes. “Will it be so bad to come in second?”

  “I hired you so I could come in first.”

  “Wait. My camera isn’t what gets you first place or a championship. You’re the one. It’s all you. You’re the best.”

  “I got beat.” He pulled her against him. “I just need you right now,” he whispered. “Dammit, woman, your love makes me weak.” He tried to catch his breath. “In a good way.”

  Velia felt his shoulders relax. “You’re tied, not beat. He caught up to you is all. Don’t lose your confidence now. You can still win this.” She eased back from his embrace. “Even if you don’t win the championship this year, I’ll still be in love with you. All these people will still love you.”

  “I know. Thanks. I needed to hear this from you.” He kissed her on the forehead. “Now go back in the stands and get ready for my next ride. Everything’s going into it.” He patted her on the fanny when she walked away.

  Back in the stands, her parents waved when she returned. Alice waved and nudged Edward so he could wave too. Brian sat with his arm around Shannon, and they talked and laughed with each other. Velia could tell he loved her a lot. Everything she loved sat right there in front of her. She glanced toward the chutes, and Caulder stood leaning against the rail talking to the flank man. She took a deep breath and checked her cameras. His ride would be third.

  She watched as he checked his vest and adjusted his helmet. “Damn, what a fine specimen of hunk.” She mentally drooled looking at him and thought she should wipe her mouth in case real dribble ran down her chin. The man standing down there ventured into her life accidently, but the future with him sure didn’t seem like an accident. It seemed more like destiny.

  The time had come. Caulder prepared i
n the chute for the next out. Everything he knew would go into this ride. All his training—all his pleasure and pain. Velia held her breath, camera in hand, video camera on the tripod. The gate opened. This bull wasn’t huge, but the size didn’t prevent him from throwing Caulder to the side, then almost off his back. “Stay on him, babe, and hold on!”

  Velia lowered her camera. She wanted to see this in person. After all, he wouldn’t fire her for not getting a shot tonight. The bull was destructive and frightening, kicking too close to the rails, almost slamming against the wood. Caulder had his hands full of bull in this ride, and it seemed like the longest eight seconds she’d ever been through. “Come on, you crazy bull, move away from the rails.” She moved down a few steps so she had a better view. The clock counted down, and the crowd yelled out the time until the buzzer rang.

  Caulder remained on the bull, and she knew his hand was hung up when he tried to jump down. The bullfighters tried to distract the bull, but it would have no part of them. All he wanted to do was get the rider off his back. Finally, Caulder jumped down, landing on his feet. He bowed for the crowd then ran like hell toward the stands when the bull charged after him. He only had one more ride tonight.

  Intermission would be short. Velia went to talk to her parents and the others. Her father stood, so she could sit down. “You love this kind of job, don’t you, sweetheart?”

  Velia nodded. “Yes, I do. It’s a whole bunch of fun.”

  “Good. Can I get you a drink or something from out front?”

  “Um, yeah, something nice and cold, straight, will be wonderful. Thanks.” Roy stood with Ric when he turned to leave. “Hey, Pops, why did Caulder come over and talk to you?”

  Ric hesitated. “He asked...about your favorite food.” He left without looking back.

  Velia turned toward her mom. “What’s going on? Caulder knows my favorite food.” She scratched her head. “I think.”

  Her mother lifted her hands and splayed her fingers. “I don’t know.” She turned toward Alice and began talking to her. When her father returned with a Coke, she took it back to her spot behind the chutes, but Caulder motioned for her to come down.