[2016] Finding My Cowboy

by Christian Michael

  “You did?” Curt asked, surprised. “How much did they charge you?”

  “I spent the ten you gave me for my work yesterday. I figured I needed transportation seeing as I’d be working out here every day. I couldn’t ask you to transport me both ways all the time.”

  “Where will you put him?”

  “I used some of the money you sent me to stable him at the livery for the month. I’ll keep paying a month in advance.”

  “Is it expensive?”

  “Not terrible. Far cheaper than I would have found trying to stable a horse back home.”

  “Alright,” Curt said. “Have you eaten?”

  “I got something light at the café. Gladys was kind enough to let me in and feed me early this morning when I couldn’t sleep. Then she told me anytime I was up early to come join her for coffee. I’m grateful for a friend.”

  “We’re friends aren’t we?”

  “Yes,” Kayla smiled. “There is a different, however, in having a female friend.”

  “Ah, I suppose I can understand that. I can talk to Pecos in a way I could never talk to a woman.”

  “See, there you go.” Kayla stepped up on the porch and sat down across from him. “I wouldn’t mind a cup of coffee if you have any.”

  “Sure,” Curt smiled. He got her a cup, cream and sugar, waiting for her to finish fixing hers. “What do you think about my ranch? Do you think a woman could be happy here?”

  “I think so. You have a beautiful piece of property and your home is wonderful. It’s warm and inviting, not something every home can brag about. I think the right woman could be very happy out here, especially if she loved you.”

  “That eases my mind some.”

  “I take it you’ve got a woman in mind?”

  ***

  The fact that Curt was now thinking about marriage when he’d distinctly told her he wasn’t grated on her nerves. Did he say that simply because he wasn’t attracted to her? Not accustomed to keeping her thought quiet, Kayla asked him.

  “Why are you suddenly interested in marriage when you weren’t yesterday?”

  “I…I realized that I may be standing in God’s way of blessing me. I’ve asked Him to help me remember that my plans for my life may not be His plans. I’m hoping that I can be a faithful servant, even if that means getting married.”

  “I see,” Kayla said. And she did. Curt certainly wasn’t the first person to ever try and wrestle the reins of their life from God. She herself wasn’t nearly as close to Him as she had been, especially since her parent’s death. “Can I go to church with you on Sunday?”

  “Absolutely, I can pick you up before the service with the wagon if you’d like.”

  “I’d appreciate that.”

  Sunday came and for the first time in forever Kayla was excited. Nervous energy had her waking earlier than usual. She showered and dressed and was down to breakfast early enough to have beaten Katie McClaire to making coffee.

  After her morning breakfast, Kayla waited patiently for Curt to drive up. The moment he did, she ran out to the wagon and hopped in before he could get down and help her up. “Good morning,” she smiled.

  “Morning. You’ve certainly got some pep in your step.”

  “I’m excited. It’s been a while since I’ve been to church. Back home everyone knew my parents and it was a constant reminder that I’d lost them. Here I can attend church without anyone reminding me that they’re sorry for my loss.”

  “Well, regardless, I’m very sorry for the loss of your parents. I’m also very excited for your first Lubbock church service.”

  When they pulled up to the church Kayla allowed Curt to help her down and took his arm when he offered it. “Thank you,” she said, adding a wink and a smile.

  ***

  Curt couldn’t explain what had happened to him when Kayla had winked at him. Her grin only added to the confusion, because for a man who said he didn’t want to be married, a man who liked his life as it was, he was spending an awfully large amount of time thinking about Kayla Anderson.

  She invaded his thoughts at the oddest times. When he brewed coffee in the morning. When he was brushing his teeth before bed, when a breeze carried her whistled tunes to his ears. The more he wondered about God’s plan for his life, the more he couldn’t seem to stop thinking about the woman who’d taken a train across the country to marry him.

  God, I need your direction here. She’s beautiful and kind and lovely. I don’t want to jump into anything too soon though. I can’t undo anything once it’s done. Please guide me.

  Curt prayed silently, hoping his heartfelt words would reach the ears of the Father. “Thank you ladies and gentlemen,” the pastor said, interrupting Curt’s thoughts. “If you’ll turn in your Bibles to Jeremiah 29 I want to start today by talking about plans. We all have plans, dreams of things we like to accomplish or experience. How often though, do we wait to see if our plans are God’s plans also? Do we charge ahead and make a mess, or do we wait patiently for an answer and peace?”

  Curt listened intently to the sermon and felt properly chastised for his doubtful attitude. Immediately he prayed for God to work on him. Thank you for never giving up on me. Please help me to wait patiently for your direction and guidance.

  “Thank you for bringing me today,” Kayla said as they exited the church.

  “It was my pleasure,” Curt smiled. “Would you like to get something to eat at the café?”

  “I’d really enjoy that, thank you.”

  “So, you enjoyed the sermon?”

  “Immensely,” Kayla smiled. “I have to admit that it spoke to me more than usual. I’ve found, especially since coming here, that I’m impatient. I want to know where God’s guiding me before I’ve even thanked him for His current blessings in my life.”

  “I can understand that,” Curt said. “I too have found myself not letting go of control. I’ve spent too much time recently trying to lead my own life instead of following His leading.” Curt felt a peace come over him in the coming weeks when he thought about courting Kayla. He needed to explain himself fully first. To help her understand that it was God bringing her into his life that changed his mind about marriage and its possibilities and blessings.

  “Happy Thanksgiving!” Kayla yelled from the back of Rose Bud as she came up his lane.

  “Happy Thanksgiving to you Miss Anderson.” Curt went out to help her off her horse, realizing she held a pie in her hand. “Did you come all the way out here with that in your hand?”

  “I did,” Kayla smiled. “Thankfully Rose Bud is a gentle horse. I was easily able to switch hands when I needed to.”

  “Well come inside before it gets any colder out here,” Curt said, showing Kayla into the house. “Kayla Anderson, this is Pecos and his wife Sadie. Their children Tomas and Annabelle are running around outside somewhere.”

  It’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Kayla said. “Curt do you have a place I can set this pie?”

  “Yes,” he smiled. “Anywhere in the kitchen will do. Or you can save yourself the time and just put the whole thing on my plate.” She laughed, adding a new thrill for Curt. Dinner went smoothly as everyone went around the table saying things they were thankful for.

  “I’m thankful for Curt,” Sadie said. “It’s because of him that Pecos has a job he loves. A job that supports our family.”

  “I’m thankful for friends and fellowship.” Curt had said. “Both new and old, God has truly blessed me.”

  “That’s what I’m thankful for,” Kayla said. “This year I’m even more grateful for God’s blessings in my life. For the son He sent to save me, for the relationship I’m able to enjoy with Him and through that the benefits I receive as a child of God.”

  Pecos and Sadie eventually took their children home and Curt offered to drive Kayla home. “I’d appreciate that. After all the food I ate I won’t make it halfway before I fall asleep.”

  “Well then, your chariot awaits milady,” Curt joked
. He helped her up and climbed easily up beside her. Tucking a blanket over her lap as the wind picked up, Curt asked if she was comfortable before he got the horses moving. “I know that when you first came here I convinced you under false pretenses…

  “I want you to know how sorry I am about that. It wasn’t anywhere near Christ like.”

  “I’ve already forgiven you Curt. I can understand why you did what you did.”

  “I’m thankful for your forgiveness Kayla,” Curt started. “However, I believe that God brought you out here for more than just maid service. I’m not exactly sure where we’re all going, but I’d like to see if God in fact does have a future for us together.”

  “Are you asking to court me?” Curt wanted to crawl in a hole somewhere, those green eyes in the moonlight pierced him.

  “I’m asking for permission to know more about you than just that you clean my house, in the hopes that one day it might just lead to the marriage you were thinking of when you came out here.”

  “I’d like that Curt,” Kayla said with a smile. “Very much.”

  “Good,” Curt said, his black curls bobbing with the movement of the wagon. Curt pulled up to the boarding house and helped her down. “I’ll see you in the morning Kayla. And don’t worry about Rose Bud. I’ll drop him off at the livery before I go home.”

  “Alright,” she said. Going with her gut, she wrapped her arms around Curt. “Thank you for a wonderful Thanksgiving.”

  “You’re welcome,” he said, pulling her close. He pressed a kiss to her hair before releasing her. “Now get inside where it’s warm.”

  ***

  With Thanksgiving over, the festivities both in town and at the ranch turned toward Christmas. Curt invited Kayla to join him as he hunted for a tree for the living room of his home. They spent the better part of an afternoon searching for the perfect tree, finally finding one that met Curt’s needs.

  “This one looks good don’t you think?”

  “Yes!” Kayla agreed. “This one will look fabulous by the fire.”

  “I think so too,” he smiled. Curt cut the three down, leaving plenty of truck for it to sit on when he stood it upright again. They decorated it the same day with candles and popcorn strings. “There we go.”

  “It looks wonderful,” she smiled. “So what’s on your Christmas list this year?”

  “Nothing special,” Curt said. “As long as I have my ranch and good friends and family I’m a happy and contented man.”

  “Well that sounds lovely. I’m secretly hoping for some new reading material. I had to leave all my books behind save my Bible. I’m a veracious reader and have already gone through Katie’s entire library.”

  “That’s commendable. Reading is a great way to spend quiet time, when one can find it anyways.”

  “Tell me about it. A part-time job and I still seem to be busy all the time.”

  “Too busy to let me take you to the Christmas ball in two weeks?”

  “Two weeks? How will I find a dress?”

  “Just wear your Sunday best,” Curt laughed. “If only you could see your face. I think you’re more offended by my suggestion that you wear your Sunday dress than you were when I told you I didn’t want to see if this led to marriage.”

  “Well I should think so. My Sunday best dress is nothing to be messed with.”

  ***

  Two weeks flew by for both Curt and Kayla. Finally time, Curt showed up at the boarding house to see Kayla. “I’ll tell her you’re here,” Katie said, obviously not liking that they didn’t have a proper chaperone.”

  Curt waited anxiously in his suit and tie. “Wow,” he said, seeing Kayla in a brand new dress. The beautiful green, floor length dress matched her eyes and brought out their beautiful color. Curt felt his heart skip in his chest as she took the arm he offered.

  “Be home on time Miss Anderson,” Katie added as they headed out the door.

  “I will Katie,” she smiled.

  “You look amazing,” Curt said. “You were right, this dress is so much better than your Sunday best.”

  Her laughter made his heart flutter and his stomach drop in a way that had him mesmerized by her. “You don’t look bad yourself Mr. Langley. I’m liking this suit and that tie is perfect for your eyes.”

  “Thanks,” he smiled. “Would you like something to drink or do you want to dance?”

  “I haven’t danced in so long. I may step on your feet.”

  “As long as you apologize, I’m good.” Curt teased her, hoping to gauge her reactions.

  “Oh, well in that case,” Kayla chuckled, pressing her foot down on his and teasingly saying, “Excuse me. I’m sorry.”

  “Let’s dance Miss Anderson,” Curt smiled. They danced and danced, until Kayla finally said she needed a break.

  “I’m worn out,” she laughed.

  “Really? I couldn’t tell,” Curt said, sitting down beside her. After a moment he asked. “Would you like some punch?”

  “I’d love some. I’m parched.”

  “Sit tight then Kayla. I’ll take care of you.”

  ***

  Smiling Kayla realized it was true. Since asking permission to court her after Thanksgiving, she’d never been in need. Curt seemed to anticipate her needs and see to them just as she was starting to mention them. Sometimes she didn’t even get that far, before he took care of whatever it was she needed.

  “Thank you,” she said, taking the cup from him. “This has been an amazing and magical night.”

  “I’m glad,” Curt said. “Could it get any more magical?”

  “Oh I don’t know,” Kayla said, her green eyes shining. “For my first Texas Christmas, it’s been pretty fabulous so far.”

  “I bet I could make it better.”

  “You can’t tell me my present early, not that I’m saying you should buy me something.”

  “Too late, but you still have to tell me whether or not you think I could make this night better than it’s been so far.”

  “Knowing you, I would imagine you could find some way to improve upon the town’s festivities.”

  Kayla watched as Curt slid out of his seat and bent down on one knee in front of her. It was when he took a small, velvet covered box from his pocket though that her eyes filled with tears. “I know that this year has been filled with immense loss, moments of doubt, highs and lows for you Kayla. I know that it’s had more than its fair share of disappointments as well. I do believe though that God brought you to me for more than I initially realized and I thank Him daily for being wiser than I. If you’ll let me I’d like to spend my life knowing you. If you’ll have me I’ll do everything in my power, which is sadly limited by being human, to keep you as happy as I can. Will you marry me Kayla Lynnette Anderson?”

  “You win,” Kayla said as her tears spilled over her lashes. She slid down next to Curt and hugged him, her tears of joy soaking into his jacket. “Yes Curt. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

  “When?”

  “Any day you’d like,” Kayla laughed.

  “I know it’s super short notice, but what do you think about the day after Christmas? The church will still be decorated, which would save us time and money.

  “That sounds perfect!” Kayla exclaimed. She looked down at her hand as Curt slid the tiny diamond on it. “Oh Curt, it’s gorgeous.”

  “I’m glad you like it,” he said, obvious relief on his face.

  “Did you worry that I’d say no?”

  “Well not particularly but the thought did occur to me.” Her laughter rang out as she threw her arms around him. She pressed her lips quickly to his cheek before she leapt up.

  “Will you dance with me one more time?”

  “Of course,” Curt said, leading her out to the dance floor.

  ***

  Christmas came and went with ease. As dawn crept in on December 26th, 1890, however, Curt was already up. Coffee in hand, as usual, he sipped the warm beverage as the sun spread across the morning sky. In just
over four hours he’d watch Kayla walk down the aisle to become Mrs. Curt Aaron Langley. He could hardly wait to bring her home, to a home that would be as much hers as it was his. He couldn’t wait until the things she did were because she loved him as his wife.

  “You ready?” Pecos asked, a grin on his face.

  “As I’ll ever be,” Curt said. Standing he slapped his friend and foreman on the back. “Did you feel this way when you took Sadie as your wife?”

  “Yes. I think it’s the destiny of every groom to feel this way before he finally becomes a husband. It’s the vestiges of singlehood falling away as you take on sharing your life with a woman.”

  “Well thank God I won’t always feel this way.”

  “No, you won’t. There is a certain joy that comes in knowing that a woman loves you enough to spend her life with you. That doesn’t make it easy my friend. However, I think the tradeoff is more than worth it.”

  “So I don’t seem desperate or crazy?”

  “No. I knew that you were simply waiting for the woman God meant you to have as your wife. You may not have realized it that way, but I always knew.”

  “And you didn’t feel it prudent to say anything?”

  “Would it have changed your perception of reality?”

  “No,” Curt admitted with a reluctant grin.

  “That is why I didn’t say anything. If I may say something now though?”

  “Certainly. My best man can say anything he’d like.”

  “When Kayla came to the ranch I saw you change right before my eyes. For as long as I’ve known you, you’ve always been serious and tightly wound, as if you couldn’t really relax. When she came you let it all go. She is good for you Curt and God will bless not only this day as you become husband and wife, but He will bless your marriage every day as long as you remember to give it and all you have to Him.”

  “Thank you Pecos,” Curt said. Climbing onto the wagon, he smiled. “Let’s go get me hitched my friend.”

  ***

  Kayla stood in the pastor’s living room looking into a full length oval mirror. Two weeks hadn’t given her much time, but she’d managed to put together a beautiful dress that symbolized the purity she’d held onto. Tears came to her eyes several times as she thought of her parents, who’d have loved to be here. They would have loved Curt simply because she did.