Follow a Wild Heart: A Christian Contemporary Western Romance Series

by Natalie Bright

  Weary in spirit, Carli parked under the carport at her grandparents' house and climbed out. She needed to talk to Buck and Lola first. Small town life was good in so many ways. She still couldn’t believe all of the neighbors that had showed up to help search for her in the snowstorm, but then there was the crazy rumor mill. Didn't people have more important things to do? What a mess! A simple conversation in the local coffee shop with a friend had mushroomed into a flippin' scandalous tale. The thought made her cheeks burn. The rocking chair on her front porch held promise of a silent refuge while she sorted out this mess and formulated a plan.

  Instead of sitting still, she wandered inside and, in the darkness, gathered up the trash. After carrying it out, she decided to clean the house from top to bottom. That would keep her busy until Lola and Buck got back home tomorrow. She would talk to them first thing in the morning. She ran the conversation over and over in her mind. There wasn’t any easy way to say it, other than to say this was a horrible rumor and not true. And so unfair to Nathan and his family. He must be furious at her.

  Nervous energy took over. She made herself a quick sandwich and sat down at the computer to check riding school inquiries and dig into more of her birth father’s genealogy. After seeing his childhood home, she was more than ever determined to find him. Time flew by, and she yawned and looked at the clock. It was well past midnight.

  Before turning off her computer for the night, she decided to research horse shelters. She had an idea she might be able to locate Itchy, Lexi’s horse they'd given up, but she didn’t have her hopes high. Still, he might be a great addition to the remuda for the riding school and a nice surprise for Lexi.

  As late as it was, a hot shower sounded good and an hour later she was warm and snuggled under the covers. The worry of the ridiculous pregnancy rumor was still on her mind, but with a heavy sigh she resigned herself to the fact that she’d face it tomorrow, with God’s help.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  The light streaming in through the slits of the blinds made Carli blink. She stretched and yawned. For a second she thought about what to wear to the Olsen’s. Maybe she should find something dressier than jeans and chided herself for not asking Nathan. But maybe he wouldn't know the dress code. Guys usually said, "Wear whatever you want. It'll be fine."

  She went to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee, found her slippers, and wandered to the front porch rocker. Closing her eyes, she pushed anxiety from her mind and enjoyed the morning. The birds were usually at their noisiest first thing but were strangely quiet now. She wondered what time everyone would be leaving for the Olsen’s. Maybe she could hitch a ride with Buck and Lola. The drive would be the perfect opportunity to clear up the baby rumor and thinking about it made her frown.

  Draining the last drop from her mug first, she then ambled back inside to get dressed. She took her time, trying on several outfits and decided on dress slacks with a bright purple western shirt and concho belt. Grabbing her purse, she strolled towards the cookhouse and was surprised to find Lola’s SUV gone. It was then she thought about looking at the time on her phone. It was late afternoon! How had she slept so long? The stress of the last few days must've caught up with her body.

  Carli never wore a watch and the alarm clocks left behind by her grandparents were so ancient, she never made the effort to reset them. Time didn’t seem to be an issue here on the ranch. She woke when the sun came up, went to bed when she got tired. And the days soon passed into weeks. She really needed to get a modern, workable alarm clock. And even more strange, why hadn’t Nathan called?

  She jogged back across the compound towards her pickup truck, purse bumping against her side, hopped in, and hurried to the Olsen’s ranch. She could drive faster but it would take longer if she went the roundabout way by pavement. Instead opting for the dirt road, she’d have to stop and unlock a wire gate. Passing through Crazy Vera’s place whom she shared a fence line with and then the next ranch over was the Rafter O pasture, land that had been in the Olsen family for at least five generations.

  Lots of cars and trucks were parked in unorderly fashion surrounding the sprawling ranch house. Apparently, this was more than a family lunch. Not only was it his mother's birthday, it was also Mother’s Day weekend, another excuse for Nathan’s mom to entertain. She loved cooking and feeding a big crowd. They found more reasons to celebrate than any other family Carli had ever known. It suddenly dawned on her, was this to be a brunch or a dinner? So much had happened over the last few days, she couldn't remember. Either she had missed it or she was right on time.

  Busting through the door, all heads turned when she entered the abruptly silent room. It was obvious that conversation had just stopped. A crowd was quietly milling around the family room. Nathan had an arm resting on the fireplace mantel. He smiled and walked her way. She heard Lola’s laughter from the kitchen. Buck turned and looked at her, a strange expression of sympathy on his face. Nathan’s sister Angie nodded, but didn’t leave the tall, dark-headed man she was standing with.

  It was at that time Nathan’s mother emerged from the dining room. “Carli. Honey. Come sit down. Can I get you a glass of iced tea? A pillow for your back?” She gripped Carli’s arm and led her over to an easy chair where she gave her a little nudge. Were those tears in her eyes?

  Carli sank back into the soft, leather chair. “Sorry I’m late.”

  “We’re putting it on the table just now. Your timing is perfect, but you can rest for a few minutes if you need to.”

  Nathan stood by her side, strangely silent. After several more moments, Mrs. Olsen announced, “Come on everybody. Let's eat.”

  She stood, Nathan grabbed Carli's hand and led her to the far end of the long dining table, set of course to perfection. Smells of yeast rolls drifted from the kitchen. Deer antlers surrounded mason jars filled with sunflowers and extended down the middle. Blue Willow china, an abundance of silverware at each place setting as well as a bread plate, dessert plate, and water and tea glasses. A wagon wheel chandelier shed bright light over the entire scene. Nathan pulled out a cowhide-covered chair for Carli at his right and he took a seat next to the end, where his dad sat. Buck and Lola, the Olsen family, and a few couples Carli had seen around town but wasn't sure of their names, were all in attendance. About eighteen people gathered round.

  “Let us bless the food,” said Skip Olsen, Nathan’s dad. Just before he began, the front door banged shut, spurs jangled in the entry hall, and Lank appeared from around the corner. He took a seat at the far end, opposite Nathan and Carli. The blessing was brief but moving.

  “Lunch is served.” Lola balanced two casserole dishes followed by Nathan’s mom who carried a huge pot of beans. They arranged more dishes and food on the sideboard, and then Mrs. Olsen nodded to Nathan. “Let’s start at this end.”

  Nathan allowed Carli to go first, and she gratefully filled her plate with tender brisket, coleslaw, pinto beans, along with a few other sides she didn’t recognize but looked too delicious not to try. Lola came up behind her and gave her a squeeze. “Glad you’re here. Everything’s going to be all right.”

  Carli glanced at her for a moment, wondering what she meant but dismissed it after she sat down and started eating. The dishes and fancy setting seemed out of place for barbeque brisket, but Nathan’s mother loved pulling out all the stops and making everyone feel like kings and queens.

  The air seemed thick with tension and the room quiet, as silverware clinked against china. Maybe everyone was just hungry. Carli pushed the concern from her mind.

  “There’s pecan pie and blackberry cobbler,” announced Mrs. Olsen as she cleared a spot on the sideboard for the desserts.

  “Which would you like?” asked Nathan.

  “Pie please, and thanks.” Carli smiled.

  He returned with pie for her and a bowl of cobbler for himself. He grinned when she eyed his bowl. “You can have a taste if you’d like.”

  She giggled. “Great.” She dipped her spoo
n into his bowl and brought it to her lips. As she did, she glanced up to see Lank watching her from the far end of the table. His face was red as anger glinted in his eyes, but then he changed to a look of utter sadness as he watched her. She’d ask him if everything was all right after the meal.

  “Can I have your attention everyone?” Nathan stood and gently tapped his spoon against his tea glass. There really wasn’t much talking, again strangely quiet, but Carli looked up at him. “Mom. We are all here today to celebrate you, and, as usual, instead of relaxing you’ve outdone yourself. The meal was delicious. Thank you.”

  Claps and agreements followed.

  “You’re sweet, but I had some good help. Thanks to Lola for assisting in the kitchen.”

  Mrs. Olsen put an arm around Lola who said, “Anytime, but it was mostly all you.”

  “I want to give you something I made. Happy Birthday and Happy Mother’s Day.” He handed her a bright pink bag. She genuinely seemed surprised, and pulled out an intricate, delicate, copper-colored, long-stemmed rose made from metal. She beamed with pride. “It’s beautiful. You made this, Son?” The look of surprise shone across her face.

  “Which brings me to the next thing I want to say.” Nathan cleared his throat. “I have an announcement to make.”

  The faces around the table were frozen in place, no one uttered a word. Nathan leaned on the table as if to find courage, and then he glanced at Carli and winked. She smiled back but had no idea what he was about to say.

  “We know already,” said his mother with great exuberance and a wide smile on her face. “The best present you could ever give me. I’m going to be a grandma!”

  Carli choked on a bite of pie, coughed and sputtered, and then covered her embarrassment with her napkin. The town rumor was running amok.

  “What?” Total shock appeared on Nathan's face as he looked at Carli. She couldn’t stop herself from glancing at Lank. He smirked and then shot Carli a look of anger, disappointment, almost hatred. He didn’t seem surprised which meant he had heard the rumor too.

  “When’s the wedding, big brother?” asked Travis.

  “No, wait.” Nathan held up his hands. “There’s no wedding.”

  “You sorry loser.” Angie jumped up from her chair so fast it turned over backwards hitting the tile floor with a thwack. “I should smash your face in.”

  Voices started all at once with some congratulations in between Angie’s griping at her brother. Lola’s voice rose from the den. “You can get married at the Wild Cow!”

  “I’m trying to tell you, I’ve made a decision about my future. I'm leaving town.” Nathan’s voice was drowned out by the chattering around him.

  “What’s this nonsense? Of course, you’re marrying Carli. You're not going anywhere,” Skip Olsen said firmly and then turned his attention back to his bowl of cobbler.

  Carli watched the chaos for a minute and then climbed up on top of her chair. She stood and placed two fingers between her lips, giving a shrill, piercing whistle that stopped the chatter instantly.

  “I am not pregnant!” she shouted. And then glanced down the long table to see that Lank’s chair was empty. Her heart sank. She got off the chair and turned to Nathan. “You are a dear friend, but I’m not going to Santa Fe with you. That is what you’ve decided, isn’t it?” She moved closer to Nathan and took his hands. “You’re going to pursue your art, aren’t you? I wish you all the best, but I’ve got to go now and take care of something. Before it's too late.”

  She rushed to Buck’s side. “Where did Lank go? I have to talk to him. Right away.”

  “He left early to ride in a rodeo. Stay on highway 287 and it’s three towns over.”

  “Go get him, Carli,” whispered Lola.

  She nodded. “That’s what I intend to do. Say a prayer for us.”

  "Always." Lola smiled.

  “Name of the town is Happy,” Buck called after her.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  “Carli. Wait.” Nathan’s voice followed her to the entry hall of the Olsen’s ranch house, just before she placed a hand on the front doorknob.

  Carli turned to face him. “Nate. I’m sorry.”

  “I went over and over what I wanted to say to my parents, and that’s not anything like I had imagined the conversation would go.”

  “What a mess this is. I feel bad. I ruined your announcement.”

  “Back there I said there was no wedding, but I didn’t mean it. I’ll help you raise this child.”

  For a moment Carli was shocked. So, it seemed, Nathan believed the rumor too. “You think it’s true? You think I’d do that? I thought you knew me better.”

  “It is a shock, but we will get through this.” He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around her.

  She pushed him away, almost feeling betrayed. “Listen. It’s not true. It was a horrible rumor started by that waitress at the coffee shop. Remember when I showed you my birth certificate? She only heard part of our conversation and repeated it to Belinda and then to the entire town, apparently.”

  “There’s no one else? I hoped we would eventually find our way, but I didn’t want to rush you.”

  “There’s no one. At least not at this moment.” That last part escaped from her lips before she could stop. An awkward silence followed as he met her eyes. “There’s no us either, Nate. I think you should pursue the passion you have for your art wherever that might lead.”

  “You’re right. I had already decided that before you blurted it out."

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay. Now I’m forced to talk to my father about it. But Carli, we can make this work. Come with me to Santa Fe. When we move back our children can run the Rafter O and the Wild Cow.”

  “If you’re not happy on the back of a horse, then this life will never be satisfying for you, Nate. Why be miserable every day because that’s what your father wants? Don’t let your talent go to waste. You can’t be everything to everybody. Make a decision. Your art or the ranch.”

  “You’re right, Carli. You of all people should know what it’s like to leave everything you’ve ever known and follow a dream.”

  “I’ve got to go.” She turned and opened the door.

  “Wait. Tell me the truth.”

  “The truth is there’s no baby on the way.”

  “That’s not what I’m talking about. Say his name and then admit it to yourself.”

  Carli’s heart thudded in her chest and her mouth turned too dry to speak. She glanced down at the tiled floor to avoid Nathan’s eyes.

  “You knew?”

  “I had a suspicion because I knew it wasn’t me, and I could see the looks you gave him. I just didn’t want to admit it to myself. It would make my life so much simpler if we could make this work.”

  “I know. You are kind and funny, a great horseman, good looking.”

  “Go on,” he said with a laugh.

  “You’re perfect, Nate, but you’re not in love with me. Be honest with yourself. I will always treasure your friendship.” With that she rose to her tip toes and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He squeezed her tight and reached around her to open the door wider.

  “You’re right, Carli. Friends it is. Follow your wild heart, Carli. Grab your future and never let go.”

  Tears stung the backs of her eyes, but she turned and jogged to her pickup truck without a wave or a glance back. The directions Buck had given her raced inside her mind, “Stay on highway 287. Three towns over.”

  She roared out of ranch headquarters and forced herself to keep her speed reasonable on the caliche-topped dirt road until she reached the blacktop. And then she pushed it wide open. “Can I pray for no Highway Patrol, Lord? It would be much appreciated.”

  Nathan stood on the front porch for a moment with mixed emotions as he watched Carli driving away. Part longing, part relief. With a newfound purpose clear in his mind, he turned to head back inside. It was time for him to find his future too.

  Now or ne
ver. He had to face his father.

  As he emerged from around the corner, the guests were eating pie and drinking coffee but all heads around the dining table snapped in his direction. The room erupted.

  “Are y’all engaged?”

  “Where did Carli go?” his sister Angie asked.

  “When are you moving to New Mexico?”

  His father’s booming voice rose above the others. “You are not leaving this ranch, Nathan.”

  The room silenced.

  Skip Olsen stood at one end of the dining room table and Nathan walked closer to him. “Dad. Hear me out first.”

  “What are you thinking?” His father rarely showed a temper. In fact, he was the most even-keeled man Nathan knew whenever a crisis arose, but the hard glint in his father's eyes proved that this was not one of his calmer moments. Skip Olsen was furious with his firstborn.

  “Let’s hear him out,” Buck's calm, commanding voice interrupted the strained silence.

  Nathan paused to stare at his father. He knew what had been tossing his insides into such a jumble lately. Carli had made him see that life offered all kinds of possibilities, and now he was torn. He knew his dad wanted him to do the ranch business, take it over, be the head of the family when his parents were gone, like his father had done, and his grandfather before him. But Nathan wanted to pursue his own dreams. The desire to be something different burned in his gut. He knew that he would be a success. Become an artist like Brad Travers.

  His dad's dream was the ranch. Nathan's dream was to follow his art.

  But how could he make his father understand?

  “Hon, I think we should hear what he has to say.” His mother stood at Nathan’s side and put her hand on his arm. “Go ahead, Nathan. Tell us what you have to say.”

  “Mom. Dad.”

  Silence. The room grew unbelievably hot, the guests remained motionless, as if with bated breath. Some felt awkward listening to the family business. But many of the friends were like family and had known Nathan since he was a baby. No one even blinked. Nathan pulled his chin up, stood a little straighter, and took a deep breath. “I’m moving to Santa Fe.”