Hill Country Redemption

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “I thought that was you.” She ducked her head. Unsure of herself?

  This wasn’t the Evangeline Larae knew at all. “Hello, Evangeline.”

  “Please, call me Angie.”

  Huh? Was she caught in the twilight zone?

  “It’s good to see you.” Evangeline—Angie—smiled. “You have a sweet family.”

  “Oh, we’re not.”

  “Mommy, can I go talk to Amelia?”

  “I’ll take her. Unless you need me to stick around.” Rance offered a lifeline.

  “No, we’ll be fine.”

  He scooped Jayda up and ambled across the lot toward Amelia and her mom.

  “But he is her father, right?”

  Larae straightened her spine, ready for harsh words and judgment. “I’m a Christian now. I realize what I did back then was wrong. But I don’t need salt rubbed in my guilt.”

  “Don’t worry, dear. I’m not condemning you.” Her gaze went to Jayda. “God can turn mistakes into blessings.”

  What? Encouragement? “How did you know?”

  “I can tell by the way he is with her. I’m assuming you were pregnant when you left Medina all those years ago. And I suspect you left because of judgmental old biddies like I was.”

  Huh? Larae almost swallowed her tongue.

  “I’m sorry for the way I used to be, if I ever made you feel less than. I’m not like that anymore.” Evangeline—Angie—slipped her arm through Larae’s, as if they were old friends.

  “What happened?” The question slipped out.

  “Well, after the whole tragedy with your poor dear mother and that nasty lie Delia told, I kept right on riding my high horse, looking down my nose at everyone, even Delia.” She patted Larae’s arm. “Until last year. When my husband traded me in for a new model. She’s younger than our daughter.”

  “I’m so sorry.” And she really was. No one deserved such treatment. Not even Angie.

  “That knocked me right off the throne I’d created for myself. Suddenly, none of my so-called friends wanted anything to do with me. It was like I had a disease and they were afraid they’d catch it. Or their husbands would.”

  Poor Angie.

  “I was raised middle-class and once my world with Reginald fell apart, I realized what money had done to me. I put almost everything I got in the divorce settlement in a trust for our daughter. I have an apartment in Fredericksburg, but I don’t fit there anymore and I constantly run into reminders of my past. I’m looking at property in Medina and decided to attend church here this morning.”

  “I’m glad you’re moving forward.”

  “I’m going to see Delia this weekend.” Angie closed her eyes. “She had a massive stroke not long after my marriage busted up, and she’s been in the nursing home since.”

  “Oh, my. I hadn’t heard.”

  “No one ever comes to see her. Not her husband or even her children. The poor dear is wasting away in a wheelchair, unable to communicate. I’ve told her all about turning over my new leaf, and it seemed like there was something in her eyes. I think she wishes she could do the same. You wouldn’t want to come with me to see her, would you?”

  “No.” Larae shook her head. “I can’t.”

  “I understand.” Angie patted her arm again. “I hope you can forgive me for every mean, rotten, tainted thing that ever came out of my mouth.”

  “Yes.” The word slipped out. “I can.”

  “It’s good to see you, dear. I hope you and Rance work things out. Or you find what you need elsewhere.”

  “Thank you.”

  Angie hugged her, then walked away. Alone.

  Larae strolled over to where Rance waited on a bench while Jayda and Amelia made wildflower necklaces.

  “She seemed different.”

  “Very.”

  “I almost didn’t recognize her. When I did, I tried to spare you.”

  “It was actually good to see her.” Larae filled him on everything Angie had faced. “I can’t remember her daughter’s name. Can you?”

  He closed his eyes. “Regina.”

  “That’s it. I wonder if they have a good relationship. I hope so. She seemed so alone.”

  “Who’d have thought you’d feel sorry for Evangeline Chadwick.”

  “Really.” She took in a deep breath and shared the part about Delia. “I don’t think I can go to see her.”

  “Understandable.”

  A ball of anger clenched her heart, as it had since her mom died. She knew she needed to let it go, to forgive Delia. But how could she forgive the woman who’d made her mom’s coma and death even harder?

  “Now I’m not trying to pressure you. But, if you get to thinking on it and you want to go, I’ll go with you.”

  The sweetness of his offer wound around her heart. “Don’t hold your breath.” She stood. “Come on, Jayda. You’re supposed to rest that arm.”

  “Where’s your mama, Amelia?” Rance set his Stetson in place.

  “Over there talking to your mama.”

  He ruffled Amelia’s hair. “I told her I’d watch you, but I’m leaving, so scurry on over there where she is now.”

  “Bye, Jayda. I’ll see you at school tomorrow.” Amelia skipped over to her mom.

  “Will I be able to go to school, Mommy?”

  “The doctor said as long as you’re not hurting and you skip recess.”

  They piled into the SUV, with Larae deep in thought. If Evangeline Chadwick could change into Angie, could Rance change, too? He seemed less and less like the guy she had known in high school. More like a man she could depend on. And, more importantly, someone Jayda could count on.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Thirty minutes before his parents were to arrive to take Jayda to school, Rance found Larae and Jayda in their regular spots—this time watching the arena guys spread dirt as a crew worked on constructing the announcer’s booth.

  “Looking good.”

  Larae jumped and spun around. “You’re always sneaking up on us. I should be used to it by now.”

  “Daddy!” Jayda ran to him despite her hot pink cast, then cocked her head toward the arena. “This is just the first layer. Did you know there are three layers in a good arena floor? What are they, Mommy?”

  “Each is a special mixture of sand or silt or loam.”

  “Those things. Mommy knows all about arenas.”

  “She sure does. I want y’all to come over to my place for a minute.”

  “Why?” Larae checked her watch. “Your parents will be here any minute.”

  “Is the bull over there?” Jayda pursed her lips.

  “That’s what I want to show you. I had my wood fences replaced with steel rails where I keep the bulls. I want to show you they can’t get out, so you don’t have to be scared.”

  “I don’t want to go.” Jayda shook her head.

  “And you know what?” Larae shot him a glare. “You don’t have to.”

  “I just think since you live here, you should be able to have a picnic or ride Beans wherever you want and not be afraid. Sometimes facing your fears can make them go away. And seeing my new pens will help you realize there’s nothing to fear from the bulls. They’re not going anywhere anymore.”

  “You promise?”

  “I promise.”

  Jayda’s mouth twitched as she thought it over. “Okay, ’cause I don’t like being scared.”

  Larae’s steady glare turned to steel.

  He ignored her and scooped Jayda up, then turned toward the long driveway.

  A heavy sigh sounded behind him and the gravel crunched as Larae hurried to catch up.

  “You don’t have to come.”

  “If you insist on terrorizing her, I’m coming along.”

  “I’m trying to help.” His wor
ds came out harsher than he’d intended.

  “Daddy, are you mad at Mommy?”

  “No, Baby Girl.” Just frustrated.

  “Sometimes Mommy and Daddy won’t agree on what’s best for you.” Larae practically jogged to keep up with him. “But that doesn’t mean we’re mad.”

  He slowed his stride so she didn’t have to work so hard as they neared the side gate to his place.

  “Can we stop here, Daddy? Just show me from here.”

  He stopped. “I won’t force you, but you really can’t see anything from here. I wasn’t planning on taking you all the way to the fence, just far enough for you to see the bulls won’t get out.”

  “Okay, Daddy. I trust you.”

  His heart turned to butter. If only her mother could do the same.

  He unlatched the gate, stepped into his yard, then continued around the side of the house. With Larae right on his heels. At the back of the house, he stopped. Still a hundred yards away from the steel fence, they had a clear view of the massive creatures as they ate from their troughs. He looked down at Jayda.

  Her eyes were squeezed closed, and she clung to him with all her might.

  “Take a look.”

  “I’m scared, Daddy.”

  “We’re a long way away. I just want you to look. We won’t go any closer.”

  “You don’t have to, sweetie.” Larae put her hand on Jayda’s back. “We can go home right now if you want.”

  “I don’t like being scared.” Jayda opened her eyes.

  Just then one of the bulls tussled with another and rammed into the steel rail.

  She tightened her grip on him.

  “See how the fence didn’t even shake?”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “They can’t get out, Baby Girl. I promise. None of my bulls will ever chase you again. Do you believe me?”

  The bull that had chased them clashed with another and crashed into the rail.

  “I like your new fence, Daddy.”

  “I’m glad. You’re a very brave little girl. How about we meet Grandma and Grandpa at the end of the driveway. They’ll be along any minute.”

  “Okay.”

  They retraced their steps and had barely gotten back to Larae’s drive when his folks pulled in.

  His father stopped beside them and rolled down his window. “What are y’all doing?”

  “Just showing Jayda my new fence.”

  “The bulls can’t get out anymore.” Jayda pushed at him to let her down.

  “That’s a really good thing.” His mom leaned forward to see them.

  He set Jayda down, and she gave Larae a hug, then crawled into the car. “See you after school.”

  “Bye, Daddy. Bye, Mommy.”

  They waved until the car disappeared, then headed back toward Larae’s house.

  “As much as I hate to admit it, you were right. She needed to see that the bulls were secure.”

  “I might be getting the hang of this dad thing.”

  “Maybe.” She peered up at him, then looked away.

  They walked the rest of the way in companionable silence. Could they get the hang of doing this parenting thing together?

  He heard a massive engine and air brakes behind them. Rance turned to see an 18-wheeler pull into the drive. They stepped to the side to let it pass.

  “Maybe the concession stand food.”

  “I hope you’re wrong.” Larae covered her face with her hands. “I need a freezer first.”

  “We better go see.”

  What else could go wrong? With the bull episode and Jayda’s arm, the more Rance hung around, the more he realized she needed help. Needed him. Even if she’d never admit it.

  * * *

  “It’s almost noon.” Larae propped her hands on her hips. “What am I supposed to do with all this food? And no freezer?”

  Rance scanned the pallet full of boxes. “Don’t panic. The freezer is supposed to come today.”

  “And it’s not hot out here.” Denny leaned against the boxes. “The food is frozen, so it should be fine.”

  “I’m calling the company. It should have been here by now.” She scrolled through her contacts and selected the number.

  It rang several times, and a perky woman greeted her on speakerphone.

  “Yes, I ordered a freezer, and it was supposed to be here first thing this morning. Can you check on my order for Collins Ranch in Medina?”

  “Sure, let me pull up your account. Let’s see, I show that the driver delivered your freezer three hours ago.”

  “But that can’t be. It’s not here.”

  A small gasp sounded over the phone.

  “What?”

  “I’m afraid your freezer is in Medina—Ohio.”

  “Oh, no.”

  “I didn’t know there was another one anywhere else.” Rance scoffed.

  “I’m so sorry, ma’am. Apparently someone keyed the order in wrong.”

  “When can I get a freezer? I need it today.”

  “Let me check. Looks like I’ll have another driver available tomorrow.”

  Larae squeezed her eyes closed, trying to rein in her frustration and remain polite. “My food won’t last until then.”

  “I’m so sorry, ma’am. I can check with my supervisor and see if there’s anything else we can do. Maybe a discount for your trouble?”

  “Do you have any other freezers like the one I ordered in stock? And can you please actually check what you have on the floor and not just your computer?”

  “Yes ma’am. Please hold.”

  “I can’t believe this.” She rolled her eyes. “If they have one, I’m going to get it.”

  “I can go get it for you,” Denny offered.

  “I can handle it. But thanks.”

  “We can take my truck.” Rance adjusted his hat. “We never put the grand opening flyers out in San Antonio, so we can do that too and be back by four or five.”

  “Ma’am.” The clerk came back on the line. “We have two in our showroom.”

  “You’re positive?”

  “Yes, ma’am, I personally checked the model number on both units. We have two.”

  “Okay, I want my name on one of them. I’m coming to get it.”

  “I already marked it for you and removed it from inventory in the computer.”

  “Thank you. I’ll see you in a few hours.” Larae ended the call. “I’ll put the flyers out before I pick up the freezer.”

  “Let’s get cracking.” Rance headed for his truck.

  “You don’t have to go. I can take Dad’s truck.”

  “We can get the flyers out quicker if we tag-team it. And I want to make sure the freezer gets strapped down so we don’t lose it on the interstate.”

  “If we’re not back until four or five, I think the food needs to be put somewhere. Some of it can go in the garage freezer like I planned. You need to stay here and handle that.”

  “The hands and I can tackle it, Larae. Y’all go.” Denny waved his hand toward Rance’s truck. “I don’t want you hauling a freezer home by yourself. Now git.”

  Larae hesitated. Why did she always get stuck with him? With no other option, she stalked toward his truck.

  “Well, you sure are good for my ego.”

  “Just hush and drive.” Larae opened the passenger door and climbed up as if she was going before the firing squad. “I’ll call your folks and let them know what’s going on.”

  “They’ll be tickled to get extra Jayda time.”

  “I was actually looking forward to that myself.” She sighed. “I wanted to be here so I could go get her if her arm starts hurting.”

  “The doctor said she’d be fine. But if not, Mom and Dad can fetch her early.”

  She dialed the nu
mber. While it rang, she admitted to herself that despite all her protests, there was a part of her that didn’t mind spending time with this new and improved version of Rance.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Why had Rance pounced on the opportunity to spend uninterrupted hours alone with her when she still considered him to be the jerk who dumped her in high school? When she obviously wanted nothing to do with him? And how would he get over her if he kept spending day after day at her side?

  By eating on the road, they got the flyers posted and had picked up the freezer by three. They headed home.

  Rance checked his mirrors, merged into the right lane and took the exit to the interstate. “Well, you got a nice discount for your trouble.”

  “True, but I’d rather have had the freezer this morning.”

  And avoided the trip with him. He was getting good at reading between her lines. “Let me know if you need to stop for anything?”

  She gave him a determined shake of her head. “I want to get home to Jayda. That bull terrorized her just last week, and it’s been two days since she broke her arm. I hated being away from her today.”

  “I wish I’d thought to hide her face instead of letting her watch the bull the whole time. Poor kid.”

  “You saved her. We can deal with the bad memories. I couldn’t deal with it if anything had happened to her.”

  “Me, neither.”

  A truck sped up beside him then cut in front of him.

  “Whoa!” Larae put her hands on the dash, bracing for impact.

  Rance’s heart vaulted as he checked his mirror. There was a car right on his tail and traffic on each side of them.

  The car zoomed into the next lane and took an exit.

  “That was close.” He loosened his grip on the steering wheel. “Guess he almost missed his exit.”

  “If he’d hit us, we’d have been in an instant pileup. People are crazy. Why do they never realize they can always turn around or find another route?”

  “We’re all right though.” But what if they hadn’t been? There’d been an 18-wheeler on their right. Larae would have been toast. The thought put an ache in his heart.

  And where would that have left Jayda?