Her Surprise Cowboy--A Clean Romance

by Claire McEwen

“We could move the pups’ crates to the other side of the fence,” Liam suggested. “So it’s clear to her that they’re in her territory.”

  Maya lowered her binoculars and regarded him with surprise. “Look at you. From coyote hunter to coyote behaviorist.”

  “I’ve done a lot of reading since some folks I know told me I couldn’t shoot them anymore. I figure if I have to live with them, I’d better understand them.”

  “You need to meet my friend Aidan Bell, up north of here,” Maya said. “He’s been pioneering wildlife-management practices on his ranch for a while now. He taught Caleb a lot. He’s kind of a wildlife whisperer.”

  “Sounds like an interesting guy. I’d like to meet him.” Liam went to stand beside Emily. “Want me to help move Boss Hogg over the fence?”

  Emily looked at Maya. “What do you think?”

  “I think it’s a good idea. Let’s put all the crates over there.”

  Liam climbed through the barbed wire and helped Emily lift Boss Hogg over. He walked the crate close to the base of the hill, since they were going to release him first. Then he went back and helped Trisha lift Lieutenant, and Vivian and Emily lift Wolf. Finally, Maya and Carly passed him Minnie Mouse’s and Tulip’s crates. He set those down farthest away from the mama coyote and climbed back through the fence.

  “What do we do now?” he asked Maya.

  “We sit and wait.” She sat down in the grass and gestured for them all to do the same. “Welcome to the world of wildlife biology. Hard ground, cold air and no breakfast.”

  Emily sat down next to Maya and pulled a small pair of binoculars out of her pocket. Vivian went to the truck and came back with a big black duffel bag. She opened it and pulled out a tripod and video camera. “For the website,” Vivian explained. “And to educate our donors and visitors about what we do.”

  Carly retrieved a digital camera from the bag and Vivian helped her focus. “Try to get some action shots,” Vivian advised. “Those will look amazing on the blog.”

  Liam sat in the grass and Trisha sat next to him. He put an arm around her and she leaned in close. “How’s our boy this morning?”

  “He was sleeping when I left. It was so nice of Monique to come watch him. She says she always gets up early to do yoga anyway. When I left, she was rolling out her mat in the living room.”

  “You’ve got some amazing friends here.”

  “We’ve got amazing friends. They all really like you, Liam.”

  That was the problem. He liked them, too. And he adored this woman beside him and their baby boy. But he owed it to his family to go home, at least for a while. Whenever he mentioned Texas, Trisha changed the subject. It was like this big gap between them. They talked about pretty much everything else. But not that.

  “She’s moving,” Carly whispered, snapping a couple photos. “She’s coming down the hill.”

  “Thank goodness.” Maya breathed a sigh of relief and handed her binoculars off to Liam. “I think it’s time to let Boss Hogg out of the crate. I hate to use him as a guinea pig, but if mama doesn’t recognize him and gets territorial, he’s got the best chance of holding his own.”

  Trisha buried her face in her hands. “I don’t think I can look. What if this goes badly?”

  Liam pulled her closer into him. “Have faith,” he whispered in her ear. “We’ve come this far. This can work.” He wasn’t quite sure, when he finished talking, if he was thinking about the coyotes or their own situation. Mama coyote was standing still as a statue, watching Maya’s every move. Its wounded paw was up, and Liam could see dark fur where the wound had been.

  Maya moved slowly and calmly toward the fence, slipped through and stood by Boss Hogg’s crate. From here it looked as if she was saying a quick prayer, and maybe she was. Maya understood predators better than pretty much anyone on the planet, according to Trisha. So she probably knew how easily things could go wrong out in the wild. Maya knelt and opened the crate, then climbed back through the fence and returned to where they were all sitting in the grass.

  Liam realized he was holding his breath. This was his personal moment of reckoning. He’d set these events in motion with one impulsive shot, and now, with the help of everyone here, he had a chance at redemption. So far, luck had been on his side. The adult coyote’s wound had healed up. She was partway down the hill now, staring at the pup, who hadn’t seemed to notice his mama yet. Instead, Hogg had run to Lieutenant’s crate and was nosing at it, yipping for his brother to come out and play. Lieutenant let out a low, frustrated yowl.

  From the hillside, mama coyote howled back. She started on a low note and ended in a series of sharp yips.

  Boss Hogg froze. Lieutenant went silent. One pup, maybe it was Minnie Mouse, let out a startled bark, then was silent, too.

  Hogg’s tail lowered between his legs. His ears went down and back. He slunk forward a few steps and waited.

  “Perfect submissive posture,” Vivian breathed. “Good boy.”

  The adult came down the hill quickly now. She circled the pup, sniffed it, then backed away.

  Liam glanced at Maya, looking for clues as to how this was going. She was looking through her binoculars, chewing on her lower lip.

  Trisha reached for his hand and squeezed it tight.

  The pup crouched low and whined. It must have been the right move because the adult returned, sniffed it again, then nuzzled it. When it turned to walk back up the hill, Boss Hogg followed.

  “Oh fantastic,” Maya breathed, lowering her binoculars and glancing at Vivian. The two biologists exchanged relieved smiles, and Liam realized that he wasn’t the only one completely invested in this reunion. Maya and Vivian must have had many discussions, plotting how to make this work.

  “Let’s wait a few minutes before we release another one,” Vivian said quietly. “Let’s make sure this is really okay.”

  Liam watched the adult and pup circle each other. It seemed like there was a lot of sniffing and yipping, a noisy dance of recognition. Maya must have understood the steps because she said, “Okay, let’s send Minnie Mouse in.”

  “Wait, she’s the weakest,” Vivian said. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. We don’t want her going in last because they might be more likely to reject her.” Maya rose, squeezed between the barbed wire strands and let little Minnie out of her crate. Liam glanced down at Trisha and caught her wiping a tear from under her eye. “Hey,” he whispered, and she looked up at him. “They’re a family. Reuniting. That’s a good thing, right?”

  “Happy tears,” she whispered.

  Surprisingly Minnie, who Trisha had described as cautious, went bounding up the hill toward her brother and mother with no reservations. She was accepted easily, without going through the crouching and submissive behavior that Boss Hogg had displayed.

  “Is that because she’s a girl?” Carly asked Vivian.

  “I think so.” Vivian was filming the reunion, peering into the camera lens intently. “I hope the others go just as well.”

  Maya let Tulip, the other female, go. Then the blue-eyed male.

  “Goodbye, Tulip. Goodbye, Wolf,” Trisha breathed as the two coyotes went up the hill to join the growing pack. Wolf and Tulip both imitated their big brother’s behavior, crouching low, tail and ears down, waiting for their mama to come to them. A few sniffs, a conversation of yips, and they were happily bothering their brother and sister as if nothing new was happening in their lives. Maya released Lieutenant last. He went slowly toward the pack and was accepted almost immediately.

  They all watched for several minutes. Liam couldn’t take his eyes away. The mother coyote still limped a tiny bit, but she seemed happy and relaxed as her pups played around her. Her serenity was his redemption. He’d look at coyotes, and other wildlife, very differently from now on.

  Maya picked up Lieutenant’s crate and climbed back through
the fence.

  “Let’s give her a hand.” Liam got up and pulled Trisha to her feet. Emily joined them, and they carried the crates back to the truck.

  Vivian was still filming the reunion.

  “It seems like it’s going well, right, Maya?” Carly snapped a photo of the milling pack as she asked her question.

  “I think it is. Anyway, it’s out of our hands now. The hope is that they’ll stick together and the pups will be able to copy their mother’s hunting behavior.”

  “Should we keep the cameras up by the den?” Vivian looked at Maya.

  “Let’s leave them for at least a week. Hopefully we can get some footage of them.”

  “I guess that’s it, then.” Vivian shut off her camera and pulled it off the tripod.

  “Let me help you with that.” Liam folded the tripod and put it back in the duffel. He held it open so Vivian could put the video camera away, too.

  “Thanks, everyone.” Maya put the last of the crates back in the truck. “Mission accomplished.”

  “I appreciate everything you all did, to try to fix this situation.” Liam looked around at the strong women surrounding him. “I’ve learned a lot from you.”

  “You can take it back to Texas with you,” Vivian said. “Maybe your ranch can become an example to others, of how to manage wildlife humanely.” Then she seemed to realize what she’d said. Her cheeks flushed. “I mean, if you go back to Texas. Which I hope you won’t.”

  Liam glanced at Trisha, but she was suddenly busy with the zipper on her jacket. “That’s a good idea.” He changed the subject. “I’d better get on with the chores. Jace and I have a long list of things to get through today. Vivian, Carly, are you ready to ride back?”

  “Sure.” Vivian sounded relieved. “Maya and Trisha, I’ll see you at the wildlife center in a couple hours.”

  “See you then.” Maya started for the truck.

  Carly put the camera into the duffel and loaded it in the back. “I’ll get the gate.”

  Vivian smiled at her adopted niece. “Thanks, Carly.”

  Liam turned to Trisha. “Give our boy a big hug from me. Can I see you guys for dinner tonight? I’ll cook, if you want.”

  Trisha smiled, but he could see the worry in her eyes. Vivian’s comment about Texas had gotten to her, too. But all she said was, “I’d love that. But I’ll cook.”

  He grinned. “Aw, come on, I’m not that bad at it.”

  “Your attempt at vegetarian cooking was interesting, to say the least. And very much appreciated. But let me take care of dinner tonight.”

  He kissed her, as thrilled as ever when she kissed him back. “I’ll see you then.”

  “See you.” She gave a little wave and climbed in the truck with Maya and Emily. Liam watched as they drove off.

  Before he left, he turned to watch the coyotes one more time. The pups were wrestling, falling down the hill and climbing back up to wrestle some more. The mother was sitting up, watching them, and Liam could swear there was a slightly bemused expression in her eyes.

  “I’m sorry I hurt you,” Liam said quietly. “I’m glad you’ve got your family back.” For a heart-thudding instant, the coyote looked straight at him.

  “Good luck out there.” Liam turned away to go get Wild Bill and head back to the ranch with Carly and Vivian. As he walked, the sun finally made it through the fog, turning the mist golden, promising a bright day ahead.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  TRISHA LOOKED AROUND at the friends assembled in her backyard. Even Becca had flown home from Texas for Henry’s first birthday. She was deep in conversation with Maya and Emily, while she cuddled Henry on her lap.

  Jace was sitting on Trisha’s outdoor sofa with Amy and Alex, reading a story. Carly and Vivian were inside, putting icing on the cake they’d insisted on making for Henry’s special day.

  All The Book Biddies were there. Annie and Juan were in charge of the barbecue, though Liam couldn’t seem to stay away. He and Juan were debating the merits of smoking meat versus regular old grilling. Eva and Monique had taken over the bar and were making potent margaritas. Trisha had taken a sip or two of hers and immediately switched to water.

  Lillian, Priscilla and Kathy kept clearing plates and doing dishes, and Trisha kept going back in the kitchen to kick them out and tell them to just relax. Ranger was sleeping in the sun just a few feet away. She’d started thinking of him as her dog, he and Liam spent so much time at her house. The shepherd had quickly made himself at home and was great about tolerating Henry’s clumsy affection.

  Trisha picked up a spoon and clinked it against her water glass to get everyone’s attention. Conversations faltered, slowed and stopped, and Liam made his way over to her side.

  “I just want to thank you so much for being here today,” Trisha said. “And for all that you’ve done to get me through Henry’s first year. From holding my hand in the hospital—Becca, Vivian and Maya—to keeping me employed—Emily and Eva—to endless amounts of babysitting, hand-holding and advice—” she raised her glass to all The Biddies “—I could never have made it through this year without you all.”

  She turned to Liam, suddenly aware of how this might feel to him. A list of all the things he’d missed out on.

  But he just put an arm around her, kissed the top of her head and raised his glass of water to the group. “Thank you for everything you’ve done for Trisha and Henry. And for me. You all could have run me out of town when you found out who I was, but instead you’ve made me feel like a part of your lives. I’m grateful to know you all.”

  Tears stung in Trisha’s eyes, but she had one more thing to say. “And now, here’s to our son, Henry. Happy first birthday, baby boy. We’re so glad you’re here.”

  “To Henry,” said Liam.

  “To Henry,” everyone responded.

  Henry lifted his arms toward Trisha. “Mama,” he said. Trisha went over to Becca and scooped up her baby. “Here’s Mama,” she said, and brought him back to Liam. “And here’s Dada.”

  “Dada.” Henry raised his arms to Liam.

  Liam glanced at Trisha, a wide grin starting across his face.

  “I think he wants his daddy.” Trisha felt like her whole heart was in her smile.

  Liam reached for Henry and held him up in the air for a moment, making Henry squeal with laughter. “I guess that’s me,” he said. “I’m Dada.”

  Trisha heard the buzzing from Liam’s pocket. “Your phone.”

  Liam handed Henry back, and Trisha kissed his curly head, wanting to cuddle, but he was wiggly after the excitement of his daddy. So she lifted him up and blew on his tummy, making him laugh again.

  She glanced over to see if they’d made Liam smile, but he was gone, disappearing through the side gate toward the front yard, as if he needed privacy.

  Vivian came over. “Let me see this little one-year-old.”

  “Can you believe it’s been a year since he was born?”

  Vivian tickled Henry’s tummy, eliciting delighted giggles. “In some ways no, it’s gone so fast. But in other ways it’s hard to imagine life without Henry. I feel like he’s a part of all of us, you know? By the way, Jace thinks you should get him a pony as soon as he’s old enough. You can keep it up on the ranch. We’ll take care of it for you.”

  Trisha gaped at her friend. “That is the sweetest offer. So generous. But Henry won’t be ready for a pony for a while.”

  “Liam told Jace he was riding by the time he was three.”

  “Well, I’m going to have a little talk with Liam about that.” Trisha looked around, but there was still no sign of him.

  “The truth is, I think Jace just wants this baby around as much as possible. He didn’t really know our kids when they were young. He and his sister weren’t exactly close. I think he’s hoping to get his baby fix with Henry.”

&n
bsp; “You two aren’t trying for a little one?”

  Vivian shrugged. “We’re talking about it. But it’s a little tricky with my health issues. And we do already have our hands pretty full with the three we’ve got.”

  “It’s a big decision.” Trisha bounced Henry up and down a couple of times, trying to get him to settle down. “You seem so healthy, sometimes I forget about your lupus.”

  “It’s nice to forget about it sometimes, trust me.” Vivian sighed. “Speaking of young ones, I don’t know how much more good behavior Alex and Amy have left in them. Maybe Carly and I could bring out the cake now?”

  “That would be amazing. Let me go track down Liam first.”

  “Can I keep Henry here with me?” Vivian reached for the baby. “I don’t think he’s had enough Auntie Viv and Uncle Jace time today.”

  Trisha laughed and passed Henry over. “Of course. Please take him. He’s such a wiggle worm.”

  “You must know it’s your special day,” Vivian told Henry, settling him on her hip. “You must know that it’s your birthday and you’re one year old and everything is about you today.”

  Her singsong voice and the little dance she was doing with Henry had Trisha laughing. “Babies must think the world is full of cute voices and being bopped around in grown-ups’ arms. It must be a rude awakening when they get older and adults start using a normal voice with them.”

  “Maybe so.” Vivian bounced Henry along with her words. “Maybe that’s true, right, Henry? Let’s go ask Uncle Jace.” She waltzed him off across the patio.

  They were all so silly when it came to the baby, herself and Liam included. Liam had started making up little country songs about Henry’s day, which he sang to him whenever he helped put Henry to bed.

  Ranger brushed against her legs. Maybe he was worried about his master, too. The dog and Trisha went through the gate and around the side of the house. Liam was there, sitting on the front porch steps. The phone was at his side and he had his hat in his hands. He was turning it around and around, staring down at the brim.

  “Liam? Are you okay? It’s time for cake.” Trisha climbed the stairs, sat down beside him and put an arm around his shoulders. Ranger lay down on the path below the steps.