Hill Country Redemption

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  A compliment? “Consider it my contribution to the rodeo. And besides, I want to help you financially with Jayda.”

  She studied the check and chewed on the inside of her cheek. “I guess if you put it like that.” She took it, set it on top of the bills and checks from last night. “But just this once. Tonight, I’m paying you.”

  “As for the rodeo, these things need time. It typically takes two years for a new business to get out of the red.”

  “Yes. But the ranch doesn’t have two years. I’ll have to think of something.” She turned to the computer, did some typing. “Like call Garrett Steele and Brant McConnell’s manager.”

  She grabbed her phone and punched in the number. “Yes, this is Larae Collins. I’ve recently started a new rodeo in Medina and I know your clients, Mr. Steele and Mr. McConnell enjoy performing in their home state and helping out with local events, so I was wondering if either of them would be available some weekend soon.” She listened for several minutes.

  “I see. Yes, I know it’s short notice. Well, I’m in the process of building an indoor arena. Our grand opening should be in a few months. Maybe we can work something out then.” Her eyes widened. “Oh, that’s perfect. Thank you so much. I’ll be in touch with more details soon. Yes. Thank you.” She hung up.

  “One of them can make the grand opening?”

  “Both. If we can have it the Fourth of July weekend. The venue they were booked with for that weekend had to cancel due to a tornado.”

  “Will it be open by then?”

  “I’ll just have to make sure it is. But that doesn’t help me now.”

  “Did you fill out the paperwork to get professionally sanctioned yet? That will attract more competitors with bigger purses and a chance to improve their rankings.”

  “I got it yesterday, but I haven’t had the time to fill it out yet.” She stood and went over to the window. “You know, I came home to sell the ranch. But I didn’t really want to. I just thought I had to because it was losing money. And because I felt I needed to keep Jayda a secret from you.”

  “You thought you were doing the right thing.” With what she thought she knew of him, it made sense. Somewhere in between their arguments and peaceful moments, he’d come to terms with her keeping Jayda a secret from him. His heart had softened. He had forgiven her. And maybe himself. Somewhere over the last few weeks, he’d let go of his anger.

  “I’m sorry.” She caught his gaze. Sincerity was there in her pale blue, slightly glossy eyes. “I should have told you the truth.”

  “I’m sorry for the way I treated you.”

  They connected for a deep moment before she turned back to the window. “I really thought the rodeo would work.”

  “I still think it will. Just give it time.”

  “I told you, the ranch doesn’t have time.” She swiped her hand over her face.

  Her tears had always been his undoing. He stepped behind her and gently placed his hands on her upper arms, totally expecting her to jerk away. Instead, she leaned against him as a tremble shook through her. Her turned her in his arms, and she pressed her face into his shoulder, soaking his shirt collar.

  This was more than about the ranch—maybe some pent up grief over her dad, the stress of raising Jayda on her own all these years and him being back in her life. Plus the ranch situation. He kissed the top of her head.

  She stilled, quieted and tilted her head back to look up at him. So shattered. Her gaze dropped to his mouth.

  And it was all the invitation he needed. He claimed her lips tenderly, once again expecting her to pull away. But she didn’t. Her response hammered his pulse into a frantic rhythm, filling the hollows she’d left in his heart after their breakup.

  “Aha.” Jayda giggled.

  They sprang apart.

  Jayda pointed a finger, her smile gleeful. “I knew you wanted to kiss her. Y’all should get married.”

  “Jayda.” Crimson washed over Larae’s face. “Sometimes people...accidentally kiss. That doesn’t mean we’re getting married.”

  Accidentally? He raised an eyebrow.

  Larae’s face went purple.

  “But why not? Most parents are married. At least for a while. Why aren’t y’all?”

  “It’s complicated.” Rance tried to figure out a way to satisfy her. “God intended marriage to be forever. Not for a while. Before people get married, they need to be sure it’s what they both want. Forever is a long time. It’s not something to be rushed, Baby Girl.”

  “Okay, Daddy. But you and Mommy at least like each other, right?”

  “I’ve always liked your mama. But even when people like each other, sometimes they disagree.”

  “And sometimes they kiss?” Jayda frowned, obviously trying to understand.

  “Why don’t you go see if Stella has lunch ready yet?” Larae squirmed visibly. “And then I need to fill out some papers to get our rodeo sanctioned.”

  “She’s making lasagna. My favorite.” Jayda scurried out.

  All he wanted was his family whole. For Larae, the woman he’d loved since high school to stay in his life. For Jayda to be officially his daughter.

  “Why don’t we get married, Larae?”

  “What?”

  “No matter how much you protest, it’s obvious the old fires are still there. And I want Jayda to have my name.”

  “Marriage isn’t about fire or convenience, Rance.” Hurt dwelled in her voice. “It’s supposed to be about love, mutual respect and commitment. And to answer Jayda’s question, half the time, I don’t like you. You make me so mad I can’t see straight.” She stalked out of the room.

  Great. Now he’d insulted her. She made him so mad he couldn’t see straight, either. But amid the fire and smoke, there was love. He loved Larae. Always had and always would. The question was—how could he get her to fall for him again?

  Chapter Twenty

  Larae had done her best to avoid Rance, despite working in the concession stand with him again last night. The rodeo had cleared eighty-five dollars. And Rance had actually kept the check she gave him. Today she’d driven Jayda to church instead of riding with him. She could not allow herself to get reeled in by him and confuse Jayda even more.

  After shaking the pastor’s hand, she and Jayda exited the lobby and headed for her SUV.

  “Mommy, can I go swing with Amelia for a minute?”

  “Sure, sweetie.”

  Larae stopped under a shade tree and checked her phone for messages.

  “Want to go on a road trip?” Rance was suddenly right in front of her.

  “I don’t need to put up any more flyers. I have to finish the sanctioning paperwork and get it mailed tomorrow. And what part of not spending so much time together did you not understand?”

  “I do get it. But since I’ve put the last three weeks into the rodeo, I haven’t spent much time on my own business. I have an appointment with the manager of the Mesquite Rodeo. I figure you know all the rodeo movers and shakers, and I was hoping you’d go with me and put in a good word for me.”

  She owed him that much since she couldn’t have gotten her rodeo going so quickly without him. But riding in a truck to Mesquite and back with him. Alone. She squelched a shudder.

  “I won’t try anything, I promise. No pressure about our relationship. I just want you to vouch for me. That’s all.”

  “That’s ten hours on the road. A long day. What about Jayda? She has school.”

  “I sort of took the liberty of asking Mom and Dad if she can stay with them, and of course they said yes. They’ve been itching to ask you about a sleepover, but they didn’t want to push.”

  “Your parents have been great about all of this.” She looked toward the sky, trying to come up with another valid reason not to go. “The construction crew is starting on the interior tomorrow.”
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  “They’ve got the plans. You don’t need to supervise.”

  Besides all his help, he’d ended up providing stock for free on Friday night. “Okay. I’ll go, but I have to make a few calls on the way. I need to check with my contractor about meeting the deadline so Garrett Steele and Brant McConnell can come for the indoor grand opening.”

  “I’ll remind you. How’s that?”

  “What time do you want to head out?”

  “I figure we can see Jayda off to school and leave after that.”

  “See you then.”

  What was she thinking? Ten hours on the road. With Rance. Confined in a truck. With Rance.

  “Daddy.” Jayda vaulted toward them. “Amelia’s mommy said I can come to her house sometime after school or on a weekend if it’s okay with y’all.”

  “I’m sure that can be worked out.”

  Why hadn’t Larae thought of that? Because she’d been consumed with the rodeo instead of her daughter. Poor Jayda. Since they’d moved to Medina, other than school and church, she’d spent all her time with adults.

  “Maybe tomorrow?”

  “I’ll have to get in touch with Amelia’s mom on that.” Larae slipped her phone into her purse. “But tomorrow your daddy and I have to go on a business trip. We’ll be gone all day long, but you’ll be with Grandma and Grandpa until we get back.”

  “Yay. I mean—I’ll miss y’all. But I’ll have fun at Grandma and Grandpa’s.”

  “And when I get home, things will be different.” Larae pressed her hand to heart. “I promise not to be so busy with the rodeo, and maybe Amelia can come to our house, too.”

  “Okay, Mommy. But I’ve had fun helping you get ready for the rodeo.”

  “I’m so glad, sweetie. I’ve had fun, too.” Larae’s heart flipped over. The child required so little—only time and attention, even if Larae was on the phone and Jayda put a check mark by each staff member when they confirmed they’d be there or filed the contestants’ online registration forms.

  Maggie and Davis approached with smiles and waves.

  “Guess what?” Jayda jumped up and down.

  “You get to stay with us all day after school tomorrow. Until bedtime.”

  “Yippee. What are we going to do? Every time I say, let’s go to the park or to play Putt-Putt, y’all always say we don’t have time before I have to be home. But we do now.”

  “So which do you want to do?” Maggie asked. “You pick.”

  “Hmm.” Jayda tapped her chin with her forefinger. “Let me think on it.”

  All this time, Larae had been so intent on not inconveniencing Maggie and Davis or making them feel taken advantage of and ensuring Jayda got plenty of mom time. In the end, she’d put a leash on them, which was the last thing she’d meant to do.

  “If you want—and only if it’s okay with Grandma and Grandpa—you can go ahead and spend the night, too.”

  “That would be perfect.” Maggie clasped her hands together. “We’d love that.”

  “Yay.” Jayda jumped up and down. “Are we going to lunch at O.S.T.?”

  “Sounds like we are.” Davis laughed, completely enchanted. “We’ll meet you there.”

  “Can I ride with Daddy, Mommy?”

  “Why don’t we ride together?” Rance suggested.

  It was the last thing she needed, but she might as well get used to riding with him.

  “Yay.” Jayda bounced even more.

  “Y’all go on. I’ll lock my SUV and be right there.”

  Jayda grabbed Rance’s hand, and they headed for his truck.

  “I’m sorry.” Larae ducked her head. “I didn’t want to put y’all out with keeping Jayda all the time. And in the process, I’ve not given y’all enough time with her, have I?”

  “It’s okay.” Maggie patted her arm. “Just know that we’re happy to have her anytime. For as long as we can get.”

  “If it gets to be too much, you’ll tell me.”

  “It won’t.”

  “And y’all are truly welcome at the ranch anytime. For supper or fishing or whatever. I’m really glad y’all are in her life.”

  “Thank you, Larae.” Maggie gave her a hug. “I can see why Rance fell for you back in high school. Davis and I are hoping y’all can work things out.”

  Her face went hot. “But we’re not—”

  “Just keep an open heart.” Maggie patted her arm again. “See you at O.S.T.” She and Davis turned toward their car.

  Her open heart was the problem. Open hearts got hurt. And Larae couldn’t take having her heart broken again. Yet, she’d agreed to drive to lunch with Rance. And tomorrow, on April Fools’ Day, she faced a ten-hour trip with the very man who’d shattered it. How fitting.

  * * *

  A country love song came on as they neared Mesquite. “This reminds me of prom.” The words took Rance right back to dancing with Larae in his arms.

  “No relationship talk.”

  “That’s not where I was going with this.” He took the Mesquite exit. “Remember when Charles Bloomingdale threw up on Florence Hightower’s shoes.”

  Larae giggled. “The look on her face was priceless. That’s what she deserved for helping him sneak booze in.”

  “They both got suspended and had to attend summer school before they could graduate.”

  “I wonder what happened to them. I never see anyone we went to school with. Do you?” Larae asked.

  “Most of them lived in Fredericksburg, but they’ve probably moved on to bigger and better things by now.”

  “We didn’t fit in, did we?”

  “No. We didn’t. Maybe that’s why we hit it off. Oops. Subject change. Well, looky there, we’re here.” He pulled into the parking lot. The massive coliseum was as impressive as the first time he’d seen it.

  Once inside the building housing the offices, she scanned the names on the directory. “Here it is. Alejandro Vega. This way.”

  “How did you know his name?” He matched her stride.

  “He used to be my boss.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I don’t know. I guess I didn’t think it was important.”

  “It’s very important. You’re giving a good recommendation to someone you personally know and worked for. That means he’ll listen to you.” He put a hand on her shoulder, and she stopped. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

  “I figure I owe you. For all your free labor, free stock and a certain seven-year-old secret I kept from you.” She grimaced. “But I won’t mention the free-stock part. Special circumstances and a one-time thing.”

  Their gazes locked. “Thank you, Larae.”

  “I’m just making sure I get my child support.” She gave him an impish grin. “Now come on, or we’ll be late.”

  He followed, in awe of her once again. If only she could trust him on a personal level and not only professionally. He hoped that by sticking around, eventually he could win her over. And win her heart again.

  “May I help you?” A receptionist sat behind a sleek desk.

  “I’m Rance Shepherd. I have an appointment with Mr. Vega.”

  “Yes. Have a seat, and he’ll be with you shortly.”

  Larae chose a seat, and Rance settled beside her. Tension pinged through him due to a combination of nerves over the meeting and being so close to Larae. And so far away all at the same time.

  He tried to think of something else and couldn’t. Her apple scent messed with his senses while her confidence in him messed with his heart.

  “Mr. Vega will see you now.” The receptionist escorted them to a door on her right.

  He ushered Larae in first.

  A graying Hispanic man stood from his desk. “Larae Collins, tell me you’re here for a job.” He grasped her hand with both of his
.

  “Um, no.” She opened her mouth, started to say something, then closed it.

  “But you’re not at the rodeo in Fort Worth any longer?”

  “No.”

  “I just learned this morning that my marketing director is getting married and leaving. She was supposed to stick with me through the current season, but her fiancé is in the military and being stationed across the country, so they moved the wedding up.” He rubbed his hand over his face. “And then you show up, unannounced. It’s like God is taking care of it for me.”

  “But I just started my own year-round rodeo in Medina. My first outdoor event was last weekend with an indoor arena under construction.”

  “You’d only have to work for me for six months. The rest of the year, you could concentrate on your rodeo.”

  “I’ll think about it. But I’m not here about me. This is Rance Shepherd, my stock contractor. I wanted to recommend him.”

  “That name’s familiar.” Mr. Vega clasped his hand.

  “I worked for John Leonard, sir. When he retired, I bought most of his stock.”

  “Leonard had a good outfit. Tell me about the bloodlines on your bulls.”

  Rance ran down the list he’d memorized.

  “Impressive.” Mr. Vega raised an eyebrow. “You got any numbers for me.”

  “Yes, sir.” Rance opened his satchel-style briefcase and handed Mr. Vega a folder.

  “I’ll look over this and get back to you.” He reclaimed his seat, gesturing for them to sit in the two chairs facing him. “Now about that job, Larae. I’ll give you a fifteen percent raise above what that outfit in Fort Worth was paying you.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say yes.”

  Rance’s heart hammered. He had to get her out of here. She couldn’t move five hours away, even for six months out of the year. He liked having her right next door way too much to lose her.

  “I live in Medina now on the ranch where I grew up.”

  “We’re just talking six months. You could work four days here and the rest of the time at your ranch.”