“Of course.” Grabbing Tad again, he said, “We’re sure. Aren’t we, Tad? You'll always be my blood relative apprentice. Nathan can assist me at the college. Then when you're ready, you can apprentice there.”
“Sure, Grandpa. One hundred percent sure.” And with that, Tad shook Nathan’s hand.
“There’s lots of opportunity for both of you here, if you want to learn,” Travers said. “Assist at the college or I can introduce you to the art scene in Santa Fe.”
Suddenly in the doorway, Carli appeared. “Wow!” She looked up at the towering Indian brave. “That’s amazing! Did you make this, Brad?”
Nathan grabbed her hand. “He did. It’s an incredible piece of work.”
"And one day Nathan will be doing work like this." Brad placed a hand on Nathan's "good" shoulder and they both smiled a smile of camaraderie and gratefulness.
Nathan saw Carli's questioning look. "I'll explain it all to you on the ride home."
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Carli followed Nathan to the truck. He opened the passenger side and said, “Get in.” As she walked up beside him, he suddenly lifted her off her feet and swung her around. He bobbled a little as he wasn't in the best form. She grabbed hold of his arms to steady herself and in stilted, out of breath speech, said, “Nate! Put me down. Be careful. You'll hurt your shoulder. Where’s your sling?”
Thankful they had parked out of sight of the Travers’ front windows Carli was embarrassed by Nathan’s sudden display of affection.
“I’m going to study under Brad and learn everything I can. This is huge, Carli!” His smile was as big as a Cheshire cat, in a good way.
He set her down on solid ground but wasn’t done yet. Grabbing her around the waist, he bent his head and planted a firm kiss on her mouth. Holding it there for a few seconds, his lips were warm and searching. His eyes closed but hers were wide open in shock.
“Nate! Slow down. I need to catch my breath.” She pushed against his chest.
They had kissed before. Maybe once. Or twice. She couldn’t remember. It wasn’t that memorable. No sparks whatsoever. This one was different though. For him. She could tell he was serious.
“Carli, I’m so glad you’re here! This is about my art. Things are finally starting to happen. And I want you to be a part of it."
She pushed against his chest until he released her and she took a step back. Her forehead wrinkled and her face scrunched into an incredulous expression.
“Nate, I’m truly happy for you. I really am, but this is something you have to do. It doesn’t involve me.”
He held her door as she climbed in.
“What about me being the designated driver?” He didn’t answer, just walked around to the driver’s side.
She glanced through the back window at him and could tell she had knocked some of the wind out of his sails. Was he worried about their relationship, or was the pain on his face due to the shoulder injury?
Driving down the road, at first, they were both quiet, consumed by their own thoughts. Occasionally, Carli stole glimpses of him. Things were moving way too fast for her. Had he lost his mind? The last thing she wanted to do was to lead him on and make him think she wanted more. She didn’t. She didn’t know what she wanted. She'd been avoiding this discussion, but maybe it was time to tell him how she felt.
“Nate, look...”
But then he jumped in, both of them starting at the same time, their words jumbling.
“Carli, I’ve been thinking...”
“Nate, I’ve got to tell you...”
“Let me go first. Please.”
She took a deep breath, stared out the window, then back at him. “All right. You first.”
“Look, I’m sorry. The kiss, I mean. I’m just pumped about Travers and my art. It’s something I’ve thought about, dreamt about, my whole life. It’s who I am. And I’m glad you were here.”
He stared at the blacktop ahead. "Carli, looking at this road makes me think of my life's path. I've got to follow it. It's my dream and I can't keep it bottled up inside any longer. And then there’s you.” He muttered, his head straight, his eyes never wavering from the road ahead.
Her stomach flipped over a bit and she didn’t want him to continue. But she knew he would. He had to. The time spent with Brad Travers had given him courage in some way. Carli froze, her breath stuck in her throat and it was everything she could muster not to stop him from talking. She didn’t need anything else to complicate her life. Why couldn’t their friendship stay the way it was?
“I’ve liked you since the first time I saw you walking into my parents’ home at the barbeque for my sister. You were the prettiest girl in the room. I remember everything about that day, Carli. You came with Lank, but he was off with an old girlfriend. He left you by yourself. And you were new in town, didn’t know anyone. So, I stood beside you, at the request of my mother I admit, but then we talked and laughed. I drove you home when Lank acted like a jerk. I’m the steady one, Carli. I’ll always be there for you.”
He pulled the truck to the side of the road and turned the ignition off.
Looking into her eyes, he said, "I know I can find the courage to pursue my artwork with you by my side.”
Carli closed her eyes. This handsome, kind Texas cowboy might be the answer to her dreams, but the break-up and betrayal from her past in Georgia was still too fresh on her heart. She didn’t know what she wanted.
“Nate. You’re my best friend in Texas. Anywhere actually. There’s no one back in Georgia. I care about you. And treasure our friendship. I’m so excited for your passion of art, but this—'us'—is moving too fast for me. You should follow your dream. Wherever it leads, with or without me.”
She placed her hand on his forearm and he turned his head to look at her. “I really admire you, ya know. You've got some gumption to move halfway across the country and start a new life. I can see us together, Carli. You don’t have to be alone anymore.”
“What are you trying to say, Nate?”
“I think I’m falling in love with you.” He looked longingly into her eyes.
No words formed in Carli's mouth. She honestly did not know how she felt, other than this was a great friendship, with total trust like with no one else before. Is that love? Is that enough to commit a lifetime to one person? She thought she knew. Back in Georgia love had been true and wonderful, she had thought, but then the betrayal almost did her in.
He remained quiet when she didn't reply, then started the truck and pulled back on to the main road.
Lord, help me. Show me what’s right. Help me to make the right decisions. And not to hurt anyone. Carli had learned a lot about faith over the past several months from Lola and Buck. It was time she tried to live it more in her life. Sometimes you can’t do everything on your own. As much as she wanted to be in control. But sometimes that control got her into trouble. She needed to release the reins. Trust God to help her.
Arriving at the Wild Cow, Carli knew she didn’t want to let Nathan leave after he had just poured out his heart and soul, and she basically rejected him. So, before she got out of the truck and let him drive away, she said, “Please come in for a minute, Nate. I’ll make us some tea or coffee. I want to talk a little more.”
“I’ll come in for just a few minutes. Then I’ve got to get home. I’m sure my father has a list of work lined up since I’ve been gone most of the day.”
As they walked to Carli’s front door, Lank approached fast like he was marching on a mission.
“Where the heck have you two been?” His voice curt, his angry eyes focused on Carli.
“What’s the matter with you?” She spun around to face him and could see he was upset, but what business was it of his where they had gone today?
“Well, your horse is going stir crazy. Before you know it, he’ll start cribbing on the fence. You just up and leave all your responsibilities.”
Yep. He was mad. Hopping mad. Carli wondered if there was more t
o it. But before she could find out, Nathan stepped between her and Lank.
“You don’t talk to Carli like that.” Nathan’s tone was low and deep. “She’s your boss and she had plans today. With me.”
Based on the fury that clouded Lank’s face, that just added fuel to the fire.
“Look, man. This is none of your business. It’s between me and her.” Lank’s eyes darkened as he thrust a finger out and poked Nathan’s chest. “Why don’t you climb back in your truck and get out of here?”
“I’m making it my business. That’s no way to talk to a lady.” His voice rose as his hands tightened into fists about to explode.
Lank inched even closer.
“This is between Carli and me.”
Carli had never seen Lank so angry before. And Nathan was bowed up like some cave man protecting his woman. She was stunned transfixed on the strange scene in front of her as it played out.
Then Lank shoved on Nathan’s chest. It was enough to detonate Nathan's timebomb.
The two men scuffled, Lank swinging first and then Nathan returning the jab. Lank responded with a gut punch, and Nathan lunged until they both hit the ground. Lank tore at Nathan’s shirt in a fury and Nathan pummeled Lank’s face.
A few expletives were mumbled, and then Nathan grunted.
Carli saw the pain that flashed across his face and yelled. “His shoulder! Lank, stop it! Both of you! You’re acting like idiots.”
Lank hopped to his feet, his eyes never leaving Nathan’s face.
Nathan had trouble getting up, but Carli lent him a hand under his elbow.
The two men stood, covered in dirt, and wiped at their bloody mouths.
“Are you all right, Nate?” Carli asked as she tried to touch his arm, but he pulled away.
“If you’re okay, I’ll be going now.” And he turned and headed for his truck.
“Nate, wait.” Carli didn’t know why she said that, but it seemed like they had more to talk about. Or maybe it was her guilt?
“Thanks for going with me today. I’ll call you later.”
Lank dusted his jeans off and picked up his hat. “Couldn’t take it, I guess.”
She was fuming, walking towards Lank, and put her finger in his face. “You! What in the world is wrong with you?”
Lank’s attitude was simmering down somewhat like a chastised kid. “Well, he butted his nose in. If he hadn’t gotten in the middle of us like that.”
Carli wondered if there was more meaning behind his last statement but decided to ignore it.
“I will not tolerate any fighting on my ranch, Lank Torres. In fact, I’ve a good mind to fire you!”
Again, Lank’s temper flared evidenced by the rage that filled his eyes. “Well, if that’s what you want to do, boss lady, go ahead. Do it! I don’t need you and I don’t need this job. In fact, I’ll make it easy for you. I quit!”
Carli watched Lank's back until he disappeared through a gate at the corral. Overcome with emotion, she sank into one of the rocking chairs on her front porch. What a day. No matter. Buck would hire Lank back again before supper, and he’d be around tomorrow to do something again to make her angry. She noticed a pattern beginning to emerge.
Time stood still as she watched the light slowly fading from the sky. It was a beautiful spring evening, but her heart was too troubled to really notice. She pulled her jacket closer around her and listened to the soft nickers of the horses. She recognized Beau’s right away. She thought about going inside to make a cup of hot tea, but before she left her rocker, Lank’s pickup truck came roaring by. The passenger seat and the second seat inside the cab were piled high with stuff. She couldn’t tell what. In the bed of the truck, she could see a roping dummy and several saddles. Her shoulders slumped. Of all the stupid, arrogant cowboys in the world she had to employ this one. The idea was to leave all her troubles behind in Georgia. Would her life ever get easier?
Chapter Twenty-Eight
A week had gone by since the fight between Lank and Nathan. Carli hadn’t spoken to either one of them, and she still felt numb and lost. All she knew how to do to give herself a reason for waking up each morning and getting dressed was to submerge herself in the work of the ranch and her genealogy research. The heck with men. There was no winning or reasoning. They were always trouble.
She leaned back in her chair and propped both feet on one corner of her desk. Now she felt suddenly alone again. Nathan was a good friend to hang out with, and Lank was always around. Alone, except for Buck and Lola. They were the one constant in her life. And, of course, God. She was trying once again to learn to trust Him, but it was hard sometimes. Why did it seem like a daily challenge? She had always been a worrier and second-guessed herself, doubting her decisions. It’s what she was best at.
Nathan had given her space over the past week, but, hopefully, not for good. He had some tough decisions to make about his own life. Fueled by the inspiration he felt after leaving Brad Travers’ studio, now was the time to tell his parents. If he didn’t do it, Carli realized he never would. He’d spend the rest of his life doing the job he was born to and would hate every minute. It made her sad to think his talent would go unnoticed. She missed his daily phone calls.
And Lank? She had no idea where he was.
Her heart hurt. Was everything falling apart? Had all her decisions been the wrong ones? Would she end up losing her grandparents’ ranch and everything they had built? A cloud of doom somehow slipped over her world.
The desk in the back den of her grandparents’ house was covered with papers. With a heavy sigh she swung her legs to the floor. Leaning on her elbow, her head propped up by her other hand, she scrutinized invoice after invoice while her mind still thought of Nathan and Lank. She wasn’t making much headway with the bills.
A knock sounded, and Lola walked in. Carli couldn’t help being a little short. “The prices from Farmer’s Supply Store keep going up! Why is that? And when did we buy a new pressure washer? And corral gates? I’m going to have to talk to Buck about this. We're not even halfway through the year. I never realized how much it costs to run a ranch.”
“Yes, and we only have one payday. In late fall when we ship, that’s when we make our money. I know you have a lot going on right now, Carli, and I've been praying for you. What’s really the matter? The ranch business never seemed to bother you this much before.”
“What do you mean, Lola? Look at all these bills! Of course, it’s the ranch.”
Lola took a couple steps towards Carli, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I know it’s a big responsibility, and I would have never passed along the bill paying to you if I’d known how upsetting it would be. But it’ll work out. It always does. It’s the nature of the ranching business. We have good years and bad.”
Carli ran her fingers through her hair and shuffled some of the papers. “Well, this must be turning out to be one of the worst years on the books.”
“Is something else bothering you? Do you think maybe you’re upset about Lank and Nathan? Lank told Buck what happened.”
“I don’t really want to talk about them. They both acted like idiots and left, hardly even looked back. It’s really for the best.”
“Carli, life is complicated. Humans are complicated. We get our feelings hurt. We have tempers. And jealousy. Did you ever think Lank might be jealous of Nathan and that’s what caused the fight?” Lola eased into the leather chair.
Frowning, then smirking, Carli spun her chair around to look at Lola. “Lank’s a hothead! Only thinks of himself. Besides, he quit. I’ll just hire someone else. Must be easy to find ranch hands around here.”
“Not one with the kind of loyalty Lank has for the Wild Cow. Buck told him to take a few days and cool off. He’ll be back. We really need him. Calves are dropping. It’s a busy time.”
“Loyalty? He quit! And he says things on purpose just to get a rise out of me.”
“You’ve got to learn about men’s pride. God designed them that way.
To be strong, fighters even, to guard and protect their families. In this case, he was defending what he thought was his—you. I wonder if he sees Nathan as a threat.”
Carli swallowed the lump in her throat. Lola was digging way too deep, and her personal questions made Carli uncomfortable. So, what if Nathan had said he was falling in love with her? What did that have to do with the employees on her ranch? There was so much she hadn’t told Lola. So much she wasn’t sure she could.
“When you fired Lank, he had to stand up for himself so he turned it around and said he would quit instead. That was pride, a way to save face, to be a man. Sure, sometimes stubborn pride gets in the way and I’m sure God would want them to be humbler at times. But all in all, just remember, God designed men and women differently. We might not understand them, and they might not understand us, but God did figure out that at times we can come together and really complement each other and make up one another’s ‘better half’ as they say.”
Hmph! Sounds good on paper. But real life is way different.
Carli rolled her eyes and pushed around the stack of invoices.
“Looks like you don’t believe me. Just trust me when I say, men do not talk about their feelings. You have to be direct and ask, otherwise you’ll never know what’s going on with them. You can patch this up.”
“But where does that leave women? Are we supposed to let men be the fighters and we cook the dinner and clean the house and forgive everything? These men are being jerks. Why do I have to be a perfect angel and they don’t?”
Lola laughed. “None of us are perfect angels. Or any kind of angels, period. We’re flawed human beings who make mistakes every day. God just wants us to realize we were designed differently and to accept those differences and try to help the other person be the best they can be. Is that so difficult to comprehend?”
“I don't know what to do or say to either of them at this point.” She shook her head. Carli was having a hard time understanding anything in her life now. It all seemed to be turning upside down.
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