Christmas Ranch Rescue

by Lynette Eason

  Nathan winced. “Ouch.”

  “Yes.” She shrugged and looked at Zeb. “I’m safe enough. Yesterday was a fluke. Nathan’s living in the bunkhouse for now, and Brody Mac will soon be here for winter break. I’ll be fine.” She nodded toward the barn. “You know where the horses are. How long do you think you’ll be?”

  “A few hours. But I won’t get in the way of anyone you’ve got coming in.”

  “Great.”

  Nathan handed her the cell phone he’d found on the table in the bunkhouse. “Are you looking for this?”

  She rolled her eyes and took it. “Thanks. I’m always looking for that.”

  Zeb gave her a salute and headed off to do his job. Nathan looked at her. She had a streak of dirt across her forehead. “How’s your back?”

  “Hurting a little.”

  “I thought so.”

  She gazed out over the pasture. “It’s not terrible, but I guess I’ll take you up on your offer to finish up out there. Four horses are in the north pasture and I need them brought down. I need to conserve my strength for this afternoon, so I’m going to go sit and pay bills.”

  “What else is on the schedule today?”

  “A special education class from the elementary school is coming out for a tour and some pony rides. There are six students and three teachers.” She pressed a hand against the side of her head and looked around. “I should have put up some Christmas decorations to make the barn look more welcoming, but I just haven’t felt up to digging them out.” She sighed. “Oh well, I guess it doesn’t matter. It won’t affect the riding. After they leave, I have a physical therapy appointment then lessons this afternoon. One group lesson and two private.”

  “Head’s hurting, too, huh?”

  “I’ve had the occasional migraine since the fall.”

  Her grudging admission sparked his curiosity and he wondered why it was so hard for her to ask for help. “Is this one of those occasions?”

  “Looks like it’s going to be.” She grimaced.

  He gave her a gentle push in the direction of the house. “Go, forget the bills, take some medicine and lie down for a bit. I can handle things here.”

  “But—”

  “I grew up on a horse ranch, just like you. I know what to do.”

  She sighed. “I know you do. Okay.” She started toward the house, then turned back. “But promise you’ll come get me if—”

  “I promise. Go.”

  She went.

  “I know you said you went to high school together, but do you have a history beyond that?” Zeb asked.

  Nathan spun to find the vet behind him, wiping his hands on a cloth. “A history?” He shrugged. “No. Why?”

  “Because I’m interested in her and wanted to make sure you weren’t the competition.”

  Well, he’d thought he liked the guy, but Nathan had to bite his tongue on the first words that wanted to slip out. Instead, he drew in a deep breath and smiled even while he reminded himself that he wasn’t interested in Becca. “No competition here,” he said. “I’m just the hired help.” Becca had a mind of her own. If she chose to date the vet, Nathan wouldn’t get in her way.

  Much. Maybe.

  Zeb held up a hand. “You’re sure? I mean, I’m only asking because I don’t want to interfere. Just tell me the word and I’ll keep everything strictly professional with her.”

  Okay, so maybe the guy wasn’t so bad after all.

  “There’s nothing between us,” Nathan said. “Nothing but friendship.”

  Liar, his heart whispered.

  * * *

  Becca wasn’t sure how much time had passed from the moment she took the migraine pill to her roll over to look at the clock, but she thought it might have been about an hour and a half. She was just grateful the pounding had eased to a dull throb and the nausea had faded. Her back even felt much better. She eased her way from the bed and into the bathroom. One glance in the mirror made her grimace. She might feel better, but she looked like she’d been run over by a truck.

  She washed her face, brushed her hair and her teeth and decided she wouldn’t scare the children too terribly bad.

  And what about Nathan?

  Why did she care? She sighed. Because she did. Ever since he’d rescued her in the barn, her heart had started doing strange things around him. Things she didn’t have time to investigate but found herself wishing she did.

  A knock sounded on her front door. Becca slapped a hat on her head and made her way down the hall and into the foyer. She almost opened the door without looking but thought better of it. Glancing out the side window, she saw Nathan standing on her porch.

  Tall, good-looking Nathan, with a dimple in his right cheek and shoulders just made for nestling against. She swallowed and wondered what was wrong with her. She’d never thought of Nathan in that way before. Why start now? Refusing to dwell on her crazy thoughts, she yanked the door open. “Hey.”

  “Are you feeling better? Your guests are here.”

  “I’m better, thanks.”

  “I’ve got Mason and Dixon saddled up and ready to go. You had them listed next to the kids’ names on that clipboard in your office.”

  She wanted to hug him. “You’re an answer to my prayers, Nathan Williams.”

  He flushed, endearing him to her even more. He ducked his head in exaggerated embarrassment. “Aw shucks, ma’am.”

  She swatted his arm and shut the door behind her. One glance at the sky spoke trouble. Clouds hung heavy and low. “It’s going to storm.”

  “Yep.”

  “Well, let’s do what we can do while we can do it. Once lightning starts, we’ll have to close up.”

  Becca stepped out of her house and headed toward the group of kids. One of her greatest pleasures was helping the little ones ride. She gave the group of students and teachers a wide smile. “Welcome to Priceless Riding School. It looks like it’s going to rain, but does anyone want to see if we can beat the storm and get some riding in?”

  Five hands shot into the air. One young little girl, about eight years old, ducked behind one of the adults. Becca smiled. She hoped the child would watch her classmates having fun and decide to give it a try, but she wouldn’t push her. “All right then, let’s go out to the arena and do some riding.” She glanced around and prayed whoever had attacked her the day before was long gone. She shivered at the memory but refused to let it ruin her day. With Zeb and Nathan nearby, everyone should be plenty safe.

  Two hours later, the rain started with large drops, but the children had all ridden several times. All except the little girl. She’d watched and cheered for her friends but refused to get in the saddle herself. Maybe another day. Becca ruffled the girl’s blond curls and led the group into the barn. Everyone laughed as they dashed for cover.

  Nathan had the horses and Becca herded the children into the large room she’d set up for birthday parties and other fun activities. Today, they’d have snacks and drinks and restroom breaks. Crayons and pictures of horses were set out to be turned into masterpieces.

  “Thanks for doing this, Becca.” Sharon Hyatt, one of Becca’s friends from high school, sidled up beside her. She also boarded a horse at the barn.

  Becca smiled. “My pleasure.”

  “We almost cancelled, you know.”

  “What? Why?”

  Sharon shrugged. “Because of what happened yesterday—and the rumors that the sheriff actually got a warrant to search your property for drugs.”

  “Right. Well, those aren’t rumors, they’re facts. He did search it.”

  “I told the powers that be if there was any danger, you would have called, and that if there were any drugs, the sheriff would have found them. But I didn’t see any point in cancelling. They didn’t like it much, bu
t they like me, so...” She shrugged.

  “Thank you for defending me. Yesterday was just a fluke thing.” She hoped. “Someone looking for something to sell—or the drugs I’m rumored to have on the property. I just happened to be in the barn at the time he came looking.” She forced a smile to stiff lips. “There’s no danger here.” Please God, let that be true. “And there are no drugs, absolutely none.” She knew that was true.

  Why Donny had had her number in his phone, she didn’t know, and likely never would. Just a strange coincidence. Or maybe he’d called her about boarding a horse and she’d called him back.

  She talked to a number of people on a daily basis—new people calling to ask questions about finding a barn or lessons she taught. She didn’t always remember their names. But it didn’t explain the other two times he’d received a call from her number. Or the text. It was just strange. The fact that he’d been in trouble with the law on drug charges before bothered her, of course, but there was no way to connect everything. And that bothered her, too, because she was probably missing something. But what? If Clay couldn’t figure it out with all of the resources at his disposal, what was she supposed to do?

  “I’m going to come ride Lady Lou tomorrow afternoon,” Sharon said. She looked up and frowned at the overhanging clouds. “I don’t think today’s going to work, but tomorrow should. It’s been too long since I’ve given her a good workout.”

  “She’s a gentle soul and was glad to see you today. Thanks for letting us use her for the kids.”

  “Of course.”

  Jack walked over and Becca scratched his ears, grateful that everything had gone well with no strange or dangerous incidents. It seemed since her accident, there had been a series of “mishaps.” The mower’s busted brake line, a missing feed bin she knew she’d just filled right before her accident, catching glimpses of strange lights in her barn but no one being there when she investigated. Just weird stuff. Nothing to be afraid of—except the attack earlier—but she had to admit, it was all starting to worry her. “I’m glad the kids were able to ride before the storm hit.”

  Sharon nodded and stole a glance at the sky through the barn door. “We’d better get going, though. It’s just sprinkling right now, but the bottom is getting ready to fall out of those clouds.”

  Within minutes, the adults hurried the children through the light rain and herded them onto the small bus. All except one. “Wait a minute,” Becca said, “where’s the little blond girl? Jessica?”

  Sharon frowned and did a quick head count. “She must still be in the barn. I’ll get her.”

  Thunder boomed and they flinched as they ran back to the shelter of the barn. “Jessica?” Becca called.

  No answer. Sharon added her voice to Becca’s. Nathan stepped inside and shook his head. Water flew from his hair. “What’s going on?”

  “We’re looking for Jessica.” Becca felt a flicker of worry. “Check all the stalls.”

  Nathan frowned. “I’ll look around outside. She liked watching the horses in the pasture.”

  “But it’s raining,” Sharon said, “she wouldn’t go back out in this.”

  “Never know with a kid.” He ducked back out into what had become a downpour.

  Becca turned back to checking the stalls. A horse’s agitated whinny brought her attention to the third stall from the end. She hurried to the door and looked in. Jessica stood there, pale and trembling, her terrified eyes locked on something on the ground.

  Becca followed the child’s gaze and froze.

  FOUR

  Nathan stepped back into the barn, drawn back by Sharon’s terrified call, to find Becca holding a hand out to the small girl. “Don’t move, honey, don’t move. Stay still like you’re playing freeze tag.”

  “What is it?” he asked softly.

  “A snake,” Sharon whispered, and locked terror-filled eyes on his.

  Nathan didn’t hesitate. He grabbed the pitchfork from where it leaned against the wall and stepped to the stall. Thankfully, there wasn’t a horse in it. Just the snake and the girl. Becca moved out of his way and he slipped inside.

  The snake was about three feet long with a subrectangular pattern across its back. It slithered along the side of the stall straight toward Jessica but turned his attention to Nathan’s entrance. Nathan brought the edge of the pitchfork down across the base of its head. The reptile protested but couldn’t escape the pressure. “Get her out,” Nathan said. “Then get me the ax.”

  Becca stepped forward and grabbed the little girl’s hand. “Come on, honey, it’s safe now.”

  Jessica scooted up close and Becca led her from the stall. Sharon grabbed her in a hug and let her eyes lock on Becca’s. “Thanks.”

  Becca nodded. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. One has to expect snakes in a barn sometimes, right?”

  Becca’s lips tightened but she said nothing as she raced to the office to get the ax. She returned within seconds and passed it to Nathan. He took it and she motioned for the others to follow her out of the barn.

  * * *

  He waited until they were gone to take care of the snake. Once the unpleasant chore was done, he walked outside to stand next to Becca. They watched the little bus roll down the dirt road. As soon as it was out of sight, Becca’s shoulders slumped.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  “No. Things keep happening and I just don’t understand it.”

  “What kind of things?”

  “Things! Bad things. The fall from my horse, the...the snake in the stall, the equipment that keeps breaking, fences that fall down. Everything!”

  Nathan placed his hands on her shoulders and drew her to him, careful not to cause her pain—or make her uncomfortable if she wanted to pull away. She didn’t. Her forehead fell against his chest and he stayed silent while she worked to get her emotions under control. She sniffed. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to fall apart,” she whispered.

  “It’s okay. You’ve had a rough time of it.”

  “Becca?”

  Zeb. The vet. He’d forgotten he was still here. He’d come from the far pasture where he’d been working with the horses.

  Becca moved from his arms and he felt a keen sense of regret that the semi-embrace had ended so quickly.

  But she was already walking toward Zeb who had his bag in his left hand.

  “I’m all finished,” Zeb said. “All the horses have had their shots, Pete’s abscess looks good and is healing nicely. I went ahead and filled the water buckets and cleaned out the last three stalls while you had the horses out.”

  “Oh, Zeb, thank you. You didn’t have to do all that.”

  He shrugged. “I’m still building my client base. I didn’t have any more calls this afternoon, so I had the time.” He shot a smile at Nathan. “Aaron can’t give me all of his patients.”

  “Guess not.”

  “Anyway, glad to help.”

  “You’re great. Thank you.” Becca patted him on the shoulder.

  “Sure thing.” A pause. “Something wrong? You look really stressed.”

  She told him.

  “A snake? What kind?”

  “I took a picture of it after I killed it. I’ve seen a lot of snakes around these parts, but never one like this.” He held his phone out to Zeb. “Recognize it?”

  The vet frowned. “No.” He leaned closer. “Wait. I might. See the green tint to it?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I think it’s a Mojave green rattler.”

  Becca sucked in a ragged breath. “Whoa.” She shuddered.

  “Man.” Zeb’s eyes narrowed and he shook his head. “It’s a good thing you didn’t get bit.” He rubbed his hands and looked around as though another snake might be waiting to strike. “Ah, anyway, I’ve got to go
.” His eyes drilled into Becca’s. “Be careful, okay?”

  “Yes. Thanks, I will.”

  He nodded, then raised a brow at Nathan before he climbed into his truck. Zeb headed in the same direction the school bus had gone only a few moments before.

  Nathan blinked.

  Zeb had obviously seen Becca in Nathan’s arms and was jealous—and wondering at Nathan’s claim that he wasn’t competition. He should have just kept his mouth shut—or said something like they were figuring it out. Now the man would think he’d lied. Great.

  Becca walked back to him. “You sure you need him?” he asked her.

  “Who? Zeb?” She let out a low laugh. “Yes, pretty sure.”

  “But you’re a doctor, you can take care of that stuff yourself, can’t you?”

  She frowned. “Maybe, but you know as well as I do that veterinarian medicine and human medicine are vastly different. I’d rather trust the animals to a vet.”

  “Yeah, I know, I’m just being silly.” He shrugged. “So why not be a vet since it’s obvious you love working with animals?”

  She grimaced. “Believe it or not, I thought about it. And I can do some things a vet would do, but,” she shrugged, “being a vet wasn’t nearly as prestigious as being a surgeon.”

  He tilted his head, feeling sure there was more to the story. “And you wanted prestige?”

  “No, not me. But I did want to please my father who had determined from my birth that his daughter would follow in his footsteps. So...there you have it.”

  “Ah.”

  “Yeah.” She pressed a hand to her head.

  He frowned. “Another migraine?”

  She blinked and dropped her hand. “No, actually. I’m fine. Overwhelmed and stressed out, but fine.”

  He let out a low laugh. “You do realize you can’t be overwhelmed and stressed out and be fine all at the same time, right?”

  At first she didn’t respond, but then she gave a tired chuckle. “I guess not. How about, I’m overwhelmed and stressed out, but I’m not in much pain at the moment. Which is nice.”