Larae’s face went crimson. “Daddy did not kiss me.”
“Why not?”
“Because.” She cleared her throat. “We don’t have that kind of relationship.”
“But I don’t see why not. You’ve gotten to know each other again. Why don’t y’all get married now?”‘
“It’s complicated.” Rance picked Jayda up. “Come ride with me. On my horse. That okay with you, Larae?”
“Yes.”
At least she trusted him to keep Jayda safe, cast and all. That was something.
Jayda’s blue eyes filled with trust. “Okay, Daddy. Let’s see if Grandma and Grandpa want to go, too.”
“You coming, Larae?”
“No. I have a few calls to make.” She wouldn’t look at him, eyes focused solely on Jayda. “But when you get back, I’ll be done for the day, and we’ll get ready for church.”
“I wish you could come, too,” Rance hinted.
“Me, too.” Larae forced a smile. “But we’ll go another day.”
Despite her words, her thoughts reflected in her eyes. Spending another minute with him was the last thing she wanted.
And everything he longed for.
* * *
The chute slid down, then got hung up before lowering completely. It had been that way for a long time, but back when Larae used the arena to practice barrel racing, it hadn’t mattered. She closed her eyes. Between the cloud of dust around the indoor arena’s skeleton of steel framing and the truck pouring gravel over the parking lot, she almost needed a dust mask.
Last night, Angie had shown up at church again, and Larae had told her about mailing the letter and promised to pray about going to see Delia eventually. Maybe after the indoor arena was up and running, she’d have worked out the kinks and be better able to focus.
Right now, she had to concentrate on the rodeo. Tomorrow night, contestants, employees and attendees would converge. Whether they could get the chute working or not.
At least, she hoped she’d have attendees. They’d covered the area with flyers. She’d set up announcements on the radio, taken out newspaper ads, put information on the ranch website, and blasted social media. Hopefully, her marketing prowess would do the trick. She needed this thing to turn a profit, especially since construction on the indoor arena was in full swing.
“Try it now.” Freddy, the ranch handyman, shouted.
From his perch on the fence, Rance lowered the chute. Slightly smoother, but it still had a catch to it. Maybe she should have let the construction crew work on it. But Freddy was certain he could fix it.
The entry gate to the arena was as smooth as silk. The bucking chutes were brand-new. The exit was the problem. And when the bullfighters corralled the bulls to the exit chute, it needed to close. Quick and secure. All this work, and something as simple as a gliding pulley system could derail her.
“Found it.” Freddy held up a quarter-sized rock in his greasy fingers. “Now try.”
She held her breath as Rance lowered the chute. The gate glided evenly, then hit the dirt with a thud.
“Like butter.” Rance jumped down, loped toward her and threw his hat in the air. “Yee-haw! You know what that means?”
“What?”
“We’re in business.” He picked her up and twirled her around.
She couldn’t breathe or think. Only feel. Every taut muscle. Every frantic beat of her heart. How could one man stir her emotions so? She felt completely protected and terrified at the same time.
He set her down.
She jerked away. “Don’t ever do that again.”
“Just a little celebration.” He waggled his eyebrows at her. “I didn’t mean to get you all worked up.”
“Maybe you should find some bimbo to celebrate with. You’re good at that.” She stalked away.
“That was low, Larae.” He matched her stride. “Surely, you must know by now I’m not like that anymore.”
It was low. And she shouldn’t have said it. Why did he consistently bring out the worst in her?
Because the way she felt for him terrified her. She’d loved four people in her life. Her mom, her dad, Rance, and Jayda. Three out of the four times, she’d lost.
She stopped, and he kept going, then backtracked.
“Just because we have a daughter.” She jabbed a finger at him. “That doesn’t mean we’re taking right back up where we started. This—” she waved her hand back and forth between them “—isn’t happening. So stop with the memory lane, sweet-talking, want-to-kiss-me act. I fell for it once, but I won’t again. You’re in Jayda’s life, not mine. Period. And we can’t confuse her about our relationship. Understood?”
“I thought we were growing closer. Getting along.”
“We’re trying to get along for Jayda’s sake. I appreciate all your help with the rodeo, but we’re not growing closer. We’re Jayda’s parents. That’s all.”
“Okay.” His gaze went to the gravel truck. “What about when Jayda gets home from school?”
“I don’t think we need to spend so much time together, the three of us. It obviously confuses her and makes her want us to be a family. Maybe when your folks pick her up, you could spend a few hours with her at their house or at yours before y’all bring her home.”
“I’ll let them know.” He scanned the arena. “Well, since everything’s in working order here, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I’ll be busy making calls and setting up payroll, then going over details with my weekend employees when they arrive.”
“Tomorrow night at the grand opening then?”
“Maybe.” In passing only, she hoped.
“For what it’s worth, you’ve done a great job of getting this thing organized in a very short time. I think it’ll be a big success.”
“Thanks. And I really do appreciate all your help.”
He turned away, retrieved his hat and continued up her driveway.
Her heart thudded against her ribs. How had she allowed herself to fall for him all over again? He was the only man who’d ever had the power to crumble her heart. And she’d let him right back in.
Chapter Nineteen
With twenty minutes to spare, Rance waited as the last bull clambered out of his trailer and into the bucking chute.
“That’s it for the first round.” The young driver he’d hired to transport his bulls from next door secured the trailer gate. “I’ll bring a fresh load before the second round.”
“Thanks, Frankie. Good job.”
Dressed in sparkles, Larae was out in the arena, with Jayda by her side, in a huddle of employees. Her outfit reminded him of when they’d been in high school and she’d been crowned the rodeo queen.
Oblivious to him, she conferred with the timers and chute boss he recognized from other rodeos. Also on hand were two bullfighters dressed in full clown gear and a couple of pickup men who had each gotten Rance out of a few scrapes with bulls and broncs over the years.
In his early years, he’d ridden both. But in the end, he’d had to admit he had more talent with broncs and stuck with that for the remainder of his career. It had been a year since he’d ridden his last bronc, and he honestly hadn’t missed the tumbleweed existence of rolling into a different city every weekend. During that time of his life, he’d had no roots, only lots of aches and pains.
But it was good to see workers here that he’d grown to know over the years. He could vouch for their skill at their jobs.
Who’d have thought with all the bulls and broncs he’d ridden, Larae would turn out to be his biggest challenge? And try as he might, he couldn’t seem to focus on Jayda alone.
“Daddy!” Jayda’s excited voice echoed across the distance between them.
Larae glanced over. He waved as Jayda bolted in his direction, and he scooped her up.
&
nbsp; “It’s gonna be the best rodeo ever. You know why?”
“Why?”
“Because Mommy’s gonna be the queen who rides in with the flag at the beginning.”
“She is?”
Larae’s face went pink.
“Uh-huh. The queen she hired called in sick. But Mommy thinks she got a date and lied about being sick. Mommy was awful mad. Until Stella reminded her that her old rodeo queen outfit was still upstairs in the closet. Doesn’t she look beautiful, Daddy?”
“She does.” He couldn’t tug his gaze away from her. It was if time had gone back on him. She looked just like she had in high school when he’d first fallen for her.
The staff broke up and went to their stations as Larae headed his way. The floodlights caught each sequin, sending glittery stars all around her.
“Mommy, Daddy said you look beautiful.” Jayda’s tone held awe.
Busted. The little stinker.
“Thanks.” She shook her head. “I never thought I’d wear this again.” Her gaze locked on his until she rolled her eyes. “But what do I do about the concession stand? I was supposed to work in it with Stella.”
“I told you I’ll help, Mommy.”
“I know, Pumpkin, and I really appreciate it. But you won’t be able to do as much with your cast.”
“I can do it,” Rance volunteered.
“Really?” Her gaze narrowed. “Don’t you have to load more bulls for the second round?”
“Yes, but you’ll be in the concession stand by the time I need to leave. We’ll tag-team it.”
“That sounds perfect. Except I’m too old for this.” She looked down at her sequins with a grimace.
“Nonsense, you don’t look a day older than the day I first saw you. In fact, you look exactly the same.”
Shared memories hummed between them. And from the look on her face, they weren’t all bad.
She glanced away first. “Well, I guess we better get to our posts. This show will be on the road before we know it.”
“We’re taking our rodeo on the road, Mommy?”
“No, sweetie. It’s a figure of speech. It means the rodeo is about to begin.” She kissed Jayda’s cheek. “You stay with Daddy and help him in the concession stand. But remember to stay away from the grill. You get to put the pickles on the hamburgers.”
“Okay, Mommy. And I’ll remember to put the clear gloves on first.”
“You’ll be the best pickle slinger in the West.” Larae shot her a wink and turned away.
A dozen hands watched her progress around the arena.
If he didn’t win her heart back soon, some other cowboy just might take her away from him. He couldn’t let that happen. Wouldn’t let it happen.
He could not lose the love of his life. Not again.
* * *
Larae tightened her grip on the flag and waited at the entry gate of the arena as Denny finished announcing the order of events and told attendees where the bathrooms and concession stand were located.
The first chords of “God Bless the U.S.A.” sounded as the gate swung open. She charged Molly into the arena, holding the flag high. Faster and faster as the final chorus built. As the song ended, she darted to the center of the arena and stopped. Strains of “The Star-Spangled Banner” began as the staff and small crowd stood, placing their hands over their hearts. Her throat knotted up. Patriotism was alive and well in Medina, Texas.
Maybe she could get an actual singer for the grand opening of the indoor arena. As the song ended, she waved and exited the arena, then hurried to the bathroom to change. She did not need mustard on her white jeans since she’d probably end up with this as a permanent gig.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to grand opening of the Collins Family Rodeo, dedicated in the memory of Laura Collins.” Denny’s voice came over the loudspeaker. “Bow your heads with me, and let’s bless the event.”
The mention of her mom’s name put a knot in Larae’s throat as she closed her eyes.
“Dear Heavenly Father, keep all the cowboys, the pickup men, and the bullfighters safe tonight. Place Your hedge of protection around each event and keep injuries at bay with Your mighty hand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Larae’s eyes watered up. You didn’t hear that at just any rodeo.
A few more spectators had arrived when she exited the bathroom and made for the concession stand, but there were still plenty of empty seats. She needed more attendees to make this thing work. Still, it was only the first night. If everything ran smoothly, with little downtime between events, word of mouth would travel and more people would come.
If only she didn’t have the entire ranch riding on the rodeo’s success.
She stepped into the concession stand. Stella manned the grill, while Rance took orders and money and Jayda dispensed pickles. Larae slipped behind Rance just as he turned to put cash in the box. He smacked into her, and bills went flying.
“Cleanup on aisle six.” He grinned as he gave the customer change, then called the order out to Stella and went to work on a hamburger bun and condiments.
Jayda giggled. “I’ll get it, Daddy.” She scurried around the floor, picking up bills as Larae took her first order.
Everything was surreal as memories of her and Rance working in the concession stand together at the rodeo in Bandera surfaced. Only back then, if they ran into each other accidentally when she finished her queen turn or in between her barrel racing and his bronc-busting events, they stole kisses when no one was looking.
Rance finished his order.
“We’ve got this, if you need to go.” She hoped he’d take the hint.
“I’m good. I can help out for another hour, then I’ll need to go.”
How could her heart take another hour of this constant proximity? Shifting back and forth behind each other, reaching for the same condiments with sparks flying every time their fingers touched, bumping into each other like awkward waltz partners.
They worked in tandem with a constant flow of hungry customers. At least they didn’t have to make conversation. And they had company.
The rush ended, and Larae took a deep breath, leaning back against the freezer. “You did great, Stella. It’s like you’ve fed a few hungry cowboys or something.”
“Wow.” Stella wiped her forehead. “I was getting worried that if it kept up like that, we might run out of food. We make a pretty good team. Especially Little Miss Pickle.”
Jayda yawned.
“And you did great with your queen gig, Larae. You looked like you did at sixteen. I knew that outfit would still fit you.”
“It probably needs to be updated.” Her cheeks heated.
“Nah. People love vintage.” Stella waved a hand through the air. “I sure would hate to try to fit into something I wore when I was sixteen. I think we’ve got a pretty good crowd, though, for our first night.”
“I don’t know. There are lots of empty seats.”
“They’ll fill up. Just give folks time to learn about us. If there’s one thing Texans love besides barbecue, it’s a good rodeo.” Stella patted her arm.
“I was thinking when we open the indoor arena, I could get a live singer. Maybe we need one now. A big name to draw people in.”
“Garrett Steele and Brant McConnell live somewhere around Denton, don’t they?” Rance frowned and rubbed his chin. “I think I read something about them both doing a concert for an animal shelter. Maybe one of them would come.”
“That’s a great idea. They actually did stints at the rodeo in Fort Worth, too.”
“Who are Garrett Steele and Brant McConnell?” Jayda yawned again.
“We’ve heard them on the radio, Pumpkin. They’re Christian country music singers. How about we go see if we can find Grandma and Grandpa to take you to the house?” She’d been distracted by doling out pic
kles during the first round of bull riding. But another round was coming, and it would probably be best if Jayda skipped it.
“I’m not sleepy.” Jayda’s words ended on a yawn.
“I’ll take her.” Rance checked his watch. “It’s that time anyway. I need to see about some bulls.”
“I don’t want you seeing about bulls, Daddy.” Jayda reached for him.
“Don’t you worry none.” He scooped her up. “I won’t get in the pen with them.”
“Did you know your daddy used to ride bulls?” Stella raised her eyebrows dramatically.
“He did?” Jayda was suddenly wide-awake.
“He sure did. And bucking broncs, too. Lots of those.”
“I hope you won’t do it again, Daddy.” Jayda stuck her bottom lip out. “They’re so mean.”
“No worries. I’m done with all that. Now I just raise bulls for other cowboys to ride, and I stay out of their pens while I’m doing it.” He shot Jayda a wink, then with a wave he exited the concession stand.
Was he really content with his life on the outside of the arena looking in? She hoped so. For Jayda’s sake.
* * *
Rance held his breath and paced the office as Larae totaled the receipts. The racket of the adding machine pulled his nerves taut. Aside from the start-up costs, had they spent more than they’d taken in?
The adding machine went silent. She straightened the tape, checked it with her notes, then blew out a big breath. “With the checks I wrote out to staff and the purse we paid out, we cleared forty-three dollars. Of course, that’s separate from the cost of construction.”
“At least, we didn’t go in the hole for the night.”
“We barely cleared even. Forty-three dollars a night won’t save the ranch.”
He dug his check out of his pocket and held it out to her. “Here. You don’t have to pay me.”
“I most certainly do.” She looked at the check as if it were a rattlesnake.
“Take it. I can wait until you turn a bigger profit.”
“No.” She gored him with a look. “You have employees to pay, and you provided excellent stock. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Hill Country Redemption Page 15
