The Cowboy’s Sacrifice

by Danica Favorite

  Ty hated the pain in Ricky’s eyes, but he could also see the exhaustion in Rachel’s. Though her doctor wouldn’t give any information on Rachel’s condition, both he and Ricky had researched what they could piece together, and fatigue was a normal symptom Rachel would be feeling. It made him feel bad about how tired she’d been on her last visit, and all the ways he’d pushed her when she probably just needed some rest.

  If only Janie could see him now, being sympathetic to Rachel, even when he was upset with her for how she’d acted.

  “That sounds fine,” Ty said. “Take all the time you need. I’ll show you to your room, and then I’ll bring up your bags. You rest. Let Katie enjoy her time with Wanda.”

  For a moment he was afraid she was going to refuse, but then she nodded. “Are you sure Katie won’t be a bother?”

  Ricky cackled as he pounded on his desk. “You’re making Wanda’s dreams come true. Those kids of hers aren’t getting any closer to providing her with grandchildren, and her grandma biological clock is ticking so loud, it’s like a time bomb. You don’t know how desperate this house is to have a child in it again.”

  At his words, a faint smile crossed Rachel’s face, but it made the exhaustion there all the more evident.

  “All right,” she said, sounding defeated.

  Ty led her out of the office and up the stairs to the guest suite. He’d stayed there once when his cabin had flooded due to a frozen pipe breaking, and he’d found it comfortable. Knowing Wanda, she’d probably also added some special touches to make it feel like home for Rachel and Katie.

  While they wouldn’t go public with the information about Rachel, they had told Wanda, since she was practically family and she’d been running the house for years.

  As Ty escorted her upstairs, he could sense her apprehension. What was he supposed to say that would make her feel better? What could he say?

  “I just wanted to tell you,” he began, “I’m sorry if I was a bit rough on you the last time you were here. You need to understand that we’ve had a lot of people trying to cheat Ricky out of his money. I was torn because you seemed like a good person, but you’d be amazed at the masks people put on if they think they can trick you into getting what they want.”

  As far as apologies went, it wasn’t perfect. And Ty knew it. But he also didn’t think she deserved the full apology. He hadn’t been the one to lie. Anyone would be hesitant to apologize to a liar.

  But Ricky had told him to make things right. Rachel and Katie were Ricky’s only connection to Cinco, and for Ricky’s sake, Ty had to try to forgive Rachel for her deception.

  When Rachel didn’t answer, he said, “I usually do a better job with words. Most people think my speech is flawless, especially in the courtroom. But in this case, I guess I don’t know what to say. I was wrong, but I’d like to think I did it for the right reasons.”

  Still nothing. Rachel continued looking at him like she thought he was a jerk. If it weren’t for Ricky, Ty would have given up already. As far as Ty was concerned, he didn’t need a relationship with someone like her. But Ricky did. Which meant Ty would go the extra mile.

  “I hope you’ll find it in your heart to give me a second chance,” Ty said as they reached the landing. He gestured at the first door on the right. “This is you.”

  He pulled a key out of his pocket and handed it to her. “I know we said you’re part of the family now, and you are. We don’t usually have guests come into this wing, and you should be safe. But just in case you needed a little peace of mind, I had a lock put on the door so you can lock it as you please.”

  She took the key and stared at it. “You had it installed?”

  He shrugged. “After everything that’s happened, you don’t have a reason to trust us. Even though we welcome you as family, it might still feel like you’re staying with strangers. This is one more way to make you feel secure.”

  After unlocking the door, Ty pointed out the layout of the wing, including where Wanda stayed as well as the hallway leading to the wing that housed Ricky’s quarters. As they entered the suite, he watched as she took in all the details. The sitting area had a wet bar, and Wanda had put together a small tray of refreshments.

  When he saw her gaze go that way, he said, “The fridge is stocked with some things Wanda thought you might like.”

  “You must think I’m incredibly ungrateful,” she said. “You have to understand. I’m not used to people rolling out the red carpet for me.”

  As he looked at the tiny lines around her eyes, he could see the strain and the toll dealing with her situation all alone must’ve taken on her. The preliminary report from his investigator indicated that everything she’d said was true. But other information had also come to light. Katie’s father had been a well-known lawyer, his name familiar to Ty. Ty hadn’t liked him much, because the man was a hothead. Chris Henderson was a good lawyer, and given the custody battle with Rachel at the time of his death, Ty felt sorry for Rachel. Chris wasn’t the sort of man to give up without a fight, and he played dirty tricks. The investigator had indicated Chris was having Rachel investigated for being an unfit mother. Ty hadn’t spent much time with Rachel, but he already knew it couldn’t be true. Still, he would look into the allegations, if only to be thorough and give everyone peace of mind.

  But for now he had to work on making Rachel feel comfortable here.

  “We’re trying not to overwhelm you too much,” Ty said, looking at the expression on her face and trying to read it. If he had to hazard a guess, he’d say that their attempts had failed. She looked more than overwhelmed, and he wished he could do something about it.

  “I know,” Rachel said. “And I appreciate that. I’m sure my coming on the scene wasn’t what you were expecting, either. You asked me for a second chance. We could both use a fresh start. Let’s just pretend we’re meeting for the first time today.”

  The tired smile she gave him told him that what she needed wasn’t another half-sincere apology, but time. Something she might not have much of, if they weren’t successful in finding her a kidney.

  And there was still the other matter. Of wanting to hug her and tell her it was going to be okay, and that they’d get through it together. Which was something Ty wouldn’t do, no matter how tempting. He couldn’t be that man for her, not when she’d already shown him that when their desires were at odds, she wouldn’t hesitate to do anything to get what she wanted—including lie.

  People might call Ty ruthless, but there were lines he’d never cross. He deserved a woman who adhered to those same principles.

  “Fine,” Ty said. “I’m Ty Warner. Welcome to the Double R Ranch.”

  He extended a hand and gave her the same warm welcome he’d give any other guest. She might be someone special to Ricky, but beyond that, to Ty, she was just like anyone else, and he wasn’t going to let himself get attached.

  Chapter Six

  As soon as Rachel got out of the car at church on Sunday and let Katie out, Katie went running to where her new friends, Sam and Ryan, were gathered with a bunch of other children. Her heart melted a little bit as Sam gave her a hug when she handed him the picture she’d painstakingly drawn for him earlier in the week. She had another for Ryan, who also hugged her when she gave him the picture. It was weird to Rachel, finding herself a member of this community and being welcomed with open arms.

  She cast a glance over at Ricky, who was talking with Ty and the pastor. Even though it went against her better judgment, she’d agreed to allow him to let people quietly know that she was his granddaughter, and, as much as she hated to impose on a bunch of strangers, that she was in need of a kidney. From the way they all turned and looked at her, that must have been what they were talking about.

  It didn’t make sense, how she’d been willing to approach a stranger because she thought him a long-lost relative capable of connecting her with someone who
would give her a kidney and yet the thought of having these complete strangers aware of her situation seemed, well, uncomfortable. She’d always earned her way through life, so to simply ask someone felt wrong. Like she was taking something without being deserving of it.

  Janie approached her. “I’m so glad you’re back. Even though we just met, I’ve come to think of you as a friend. I know that sounds weird, and I’m probably coming off as some creepy desperate pastor’s daughter, but I really enjoyed talking to you, and it’s been fun seeing how quickly our kids made friends.”

  It was a little weird and awkward, but that was what she liked about Janie. Even though she was the pastor’s daughter, she seemed human, and the fact that Janie didn’t have it all together gave her hope that maybe Rachel didn’t have to, either.

  “It’s fine,” Rachel said. “I enjoyed talking to you, as well. I’m not used to having a lot of friends. Even though I live in Denver, I hope I will be coming here more.”

  “You are?” Janie’s smile lit her eyes, and it was kind of nice to think that maybe she did have a new friend. Not that she would get attached to the idea, because she’d had friends, lots of them, or at least that was what she’d thought until her nightmare with Chris had begun.

  “Are you going to do a marketing campaign for them? I don’t mean to sound nosy, but I heard Ty talking about it, and he seemed very excited about your ideas.”

  He did? That was news to her, but she and Ty hadn’t had time to talk about her marketing plans. She got the sense that Ty still didn’t fully trust her. He’d been welcoming enough, more than enough, actually. But sometimes there was something in the way he looked at her that made her feel like he still wasn’t sure about her.

  “Actually, we haven’t talked about it,” Rachel said. “I put together a small presentation for Ricky, but he hasn’t seen it. I think I can do some good for the Double R, but of course, that’s up to Ricky.”

  Janie leaned in. “Well, considering the way Ty looks at you, I have a feeling you could present scribbles on a piece of paper, and they’d still be interested.”

  Rachel stared at her new friend. “That’s ridiculous. First of all, Ty seems to have the kind of integrity that wouldn’t be swayed by his personal feelings for someone. But more than that, I don’t think he likes me very much at all.”

  Janie snickered. “That’s what he wants you to think. What he wants everyone to think. But I know Ty. He likes you. I think he’s just been looking for the right person.”

  Well, this was awkward. True, it was flattering to know that Ty may be interested. But there were so many reasons why Rachel absolutely could not get involved with him, the least of which being that she didn’t know if she’d be around tomorrow. And then there was the fact of his profession. He’d do anything to win. That was something she had to remember whenever she was tempted to let her guard down around him.

  Men like him were never interested in the truth.

  She couldn’t say any of this to Janie. Instead, she smiled at her new friend. “That’s sweet of you to say, but I think Ty is just looking out for me because of Ricky. Nothing more, nothing less.”

  Her words didn’t wipe the grin from Janie’s face. “If that’s what you want to tell yourself. I get it. Being a single mom is hard, and opening your heart to romance again is even harder. But Ty is a good guy, and I would recommend him to just about anyone.”

  Rachel stared at her friend. “Does that mean you are open to romance?”

  “The concept, yes.” Janie shrugged. “The reality? Absolutely not. I grew up with all the guys in this town. I know them. All their secrets, and all the reasons why they’re not right for me. But just because I’m not suited for any of them doesn’t mean I can’t see when someone else is.”

  The church bell rang, preventing Rachel from responding. Maybe that was best. She didn’t want to get in some weird argument with the first person to befriend her in a long time.

  As they walked into church, Rachel saw Ty talking to his parents. She’d briefly met them the last time she’d been to church. Ty had told her that everyone in the community considered one another family, but the way Ty let his mom hug him tight told her that he shared an even deeper love with his parents. A pang of envy hit her. What would it be like to have such close relationships?

  Janie grabbed her arm. “You should sit with me today.”

  Then she turned in the direction of the kids, who were already running toward her. “Let’s get you guys checked in for Sunday school.”

  The feeling in Rachel’s stomach resembled how she felt when she was getting ready to ride a roller coaster, and it hadn’t started yet, but she knew what was coming. Last week she’d sat with Ty and Ricky because she’d been forced to. Or at least it had felt that way to her. But here, Janie had taken her arm because she wanted to.

  Ty stepped in beside them. “You’re sitting with us, right?” he asked.

  “Actually, I was thinking of sitting with Janie,” she said.

  Ricky joined them. “That’s a fine idea. I like that you’re making friends here. Gives you more ties to the community. More reasons to come back.”

  Then Ricky grinned at Janie. “You’re never going to believe this. Cinco had more than one kid. Rachel’s my long-lost granddaughter.”

  Janie’s eyes widened as she looked over at Rachel. Confusion and disappointment filled her face. “Why didn’t you say anything? I thought we were friends. Why wouldn’t you tell me about Ricky?”

  Before Rachel could answer, Janie turned and grabbed Sam’s hand. “Let’s get you signed in to your class.”

  The look Ty gave Rachel made it clear. Once again she’d messed up and violated some code that he held sacred. Okay, fine. She hadn’t told Janie about Ricky or her kidneys, or about much of anything. But she was new at this friend thing. The last friends she’d had sold her out to Chris and his lies. Not one of them had stood beside her. So why should she be expected to be open with these people she barely knew?

  A tiny voice whispered that maybe she should tell Janie just that. Maybe she should let go of the armor she’d carried based on her past wounds, because otherwise, she would end up alone.

  Was that what people meant when they said God was talking to them? And why was God finally showing up in her life now?

  But she had to admit, the voice had a point. She’d heard Ricky speak of his regret in pushing his son away, and how he didn’t want to spend the rest of his days alone. She’d thought Ricky ridiculous for thinking that, considering so many people loved him.

  No one loved her like that, except for Katie.

  So maybe it was time for her to give it a chance.

  * * *

  And that was why Ty didn’t trust liars. Did Rachel realize how much it meant that Janie had been willing to trust her as a friend? Janie had tons of acquaintances, and everyone liked her. But he hadn’t seen Janie connect with someone like this in a long time. And Rachel had ruined it with her lies.

  As Ty shook his head, Ricky nudged him. Everyone was standing for the opening hymn, and here he was, sitting there woolgathering like an idiot.

  It shouldn’t matter if Rachel hurt Janie’s feelings, other than the fact that Janie was a good friend. But it was more than that. It served as confirmation that he couldn’t trust Rachel to...

  What?

  What exactly did he think he needed to trust Rachel for anyway?

  It would be easier if they weren’t reciting the Lord’s Prayer, asking God to forgive their debts as they forgive their debtors.

  Holding a grudge against Rachel was wrong. Ty knew that. But what was the difference between holding a grudge against someone and being wary of them based on their past, and seemingly present, actions?

  Father, help me.

  It was all Ty could pray, under the circumstances. Especially as he glanced over at Rachel, who was
singing along like something in her heart had changed. The last time they’d been here, she’d acted wary, mistrustful. But now she seemed open to what God had to say.

  That was another reason why, even though he had moments of liking her and wondering what if, he couldn’t follow that trail of thought. Janie might mock Ty for his standards, but they were God’s standards, and he wanted a woman in his life who was willing to live according to them. That was why he had no respect for Rachel’s ex. Yes, Chris had been known as a good lawyer, but he’d do anything to win. Ty was also a good lawyer, but he’d never compromised his beliefs for anyone or anything.

  At the end of the service, Pastor Roberts called Ricky up for his announcement. The pastor had graciously agreed to let Ricky tell the congregation about Rachel and invite everyone to the barbecue tonight to explain about Rachel’s condition. When Ricky talked about Rachel needing a kidney, Pastor Roberts held out a hand.

  “I know we’re technically done with church, and some of you have things to do, so you’re excused. But Rachel, if you wouldn’t mind coming up here, I think we all need to pray for you.”

  Rachel had ended up sitting with them since Janie had been so cold to her. Ty could tell from the expression on Rachel’s face that no one had offered prayer over her like this before. Just like the enthusiastic welcome they’d tried to give her at the ranch, this was overwhelming for her.

  He took her hand and squeezed. “It’s okay. I’ll come up with you,” he said quietly. “Some other people will follow, and we’re going to pray for you. We just want to share God’s love with you.”

  Rachel looked up at him and nodded.

  When they walked over to Pastor Roberts, Ty wasn’t surprised at all the people who followed. Janie was one of the first who joined them.

  “I’m sorry I was so snippy with you,” Janie said quietly as they were walking up. She took Rachel’s other hand. “You’ve got way more on your mind than telling your life story to someone you just met. I guess I got carried away with meeting a new friend.”