The Cowboy Way

by Christine Wenger

  “I’ve never been swimming outside before!” Eileen giggled as she coughed up some water. “It’s cold!”

  “Do you want to float on your back?” suggested Cher.

  “Will I sink?” Eileen asked.

  “Not with that life jacket on and all of us here. Want to try it?”

  “Yes!”

  Beth stood watch with Dr. Trotter as Cher moved Eileen carefully in the water. Frequently, Cher’s eyes drifted to Dr. Trotter, who looked quite studly in his boxer-type bathing suit.

  Dr. Trotter pointed to Kevin splashing Jake about thirty yards from them. “Kevin seems to be doing quite well.”

  “The apartment building that I manage has an indoor pool,” Beth explained. “A physical therapist comes and gives Kevin water therapy. He’s very comfortable in the water.”

  “I can see that,” the doctor said, never taking his eyes off Eileen. “Did Jake mention the child psychologist that’s a pal of mine? He owes me a few favors, and I’d like him to talk to Kevin. Is that okay with you?”

  “Jake did mention it. It’s fine with me, Dr. Trotter. There’s nothing I won’t try to get Kevin out of that wheelchair.”

  “That’s what I thought you’d say.”

  “Obviously, you think it’s something psychological?”

  He gave a slight nod. “That’s not my area of expertise, but, in my opinion, there’s no medical condition keeping Kevin in that chair. It could very well be psychological.”

  “Knowing Kevin, if he could, he’d be running all over this ranch. I can’t imagine what would keep him sitting in that chair if it wasn’t physical, but I’d love for your friend to talk to him.”

  “Good.” He looked at Cher. “Would you like me to take over now?”

  “Okay.” Cher flashed brilliant white teeth and perky breasts as she bent over.

  After a while, Dr. Trotter decided that Eileen was tiring and needed to sit in shallow water or lie down on a blanket on shore.

  Eileen didn’t want to stop. “I feel so light!” she said. “It’s so good not to be sitting.”

  “After you rest, you can swim again,” he promised.

  Eileen chose to lie down on the blanket and not sit in her chair, so the doctor and another cowboy carried her to the blanket, where she joined a hot game of Old Maid.

  There was nothing for Beth to do just yet, so she sat on a chair. Her position gave her a good view of Jake and Kevin. They were playing some kind of volleyball, and looked like they were having the time of their lives.

  Why couldn’t Brad have paid more attention to his son? She knew the answer to that. His job and his drinking were more important.

  Kevin had adored his father and had been grateful for any kind of attention from him. It had always broken her heart to see Kevin so wanting for his father to notice him. She had brought it up to Brad many times, and for a while he had improved, but when his drinking increased, his interest in his family decreased.

  Doc Trotter pulled up a chair next to her. “Those two are inseparable, aren’t they.”

  “Kevin idolizes Jake. Jake has been his hero when he needed one. It’s done him a world of good to actually meet Jake and be with him.”

  “Kevin’s done a world of good for Jake, too. So have you.”

  “I don’t know about that.”

  “I do. You and Kevin are all he talks about.”

  Beth raised an eyebrow and gave a little grunt.

  The doctor laughed. “Well, other than riding bulls.”

  “That’s more like it.”

  “He has some hard decisions to make. He’s going to need some friends.”

  Beth felt a lump rise to her throat. “What do you mean?”

  “He’ll have to tell you the rest. But I know you went with him to the hospital when he had X rays, and you have some idea as to his injuries.” Dr. Trotter winked. “So maybe you can find a way to pry things out of him and help him. He’s tight-lipped about things that concern him.”

  “You got the results of the X rays, didn’t you.”

  “Yes.”

  “And?”

  “And that’s why I said that he has some tough decisions to make.” He stood up. “I’ve already said too much.” His eyes sparkled. “Darn that doctor-patient confidentiality.”

  Dinner was what Cookie called his Chuck Wagon Extravaganza. It was basically Sloppy Joes heaped on a roll, a mountain of french fries and corn on the cob.

  “Mom, the food is so good here,” Kevin said. “I’m going to miss Cookie’s cooking. Do you think he could give you some pointers?”

  Jake unsuccessfully tried to hide the laughter bubbling up inside him. Kevin’s sideways glance at Jake gave it away that they were in cahoots.

  She watched them high-five one another. They got along so perfectly.

  “I think you’re absolutely right, Kevin. Why, Cookie was just telling me how he makes a rattlesnake burger that’s just delicious. He says it tastes just like chicken. He’s going to give me the recipe.”

  Kevin put his hands on his throat as the smile left his face. “You’re kidding, aren’t you?”

  Jake nudged him. “You’re not falling for that, are you?”

  “Uh…no! No. No way would I fall for a lame thing like that. Rattlesnake burger! No way.”

  It was Beth’s turn to laugh.

  She touched Kevin’s cheek with the palm of her hand. When she glanced up at Jake, their gazes locked. She loved her son, but her heart ached for Jake Dixon. The ache was so deep and unfamiliar that it humbled her with its intensity.

  She didn’t want him to hurt anymore. She wanted him safe and free of pain. But how was that possible? He had picked one of the most dangerous jobs in the world—one that served him up an adrenaline rush but trashed his body on a regular basis. If he kept riding bulls, he was bound to get hurt again. Maybe next time it would be permanent.

  Beth didn’t think she could stand to see that happen—not even for a million-dollar ride for Wheelchair Rodeo. Darn that Harvey Trumble for putting strings on his donation.

  She wanted to talk to Jake about what Dr. Trotter had told him, but not in front of Kevin.

  She didn’t have to wait long. One of the boys from his tent motioned him over, and Kevin hurried away. Jake sat down next to her.

  “The joke about Cookie teaching you how to cook was Kevin’s idea,” Jake said.

  She chuckled. “Why do I think you were the instigator?” Her lips formed into a tight, stern line. “Jake?”

  “Uh-oh. You’ve got that serious look. What’s up?”

  “Tell me about your conversation with Dr. Trotter.”

  He froze for a minute with a forkful of Sloppy Joe en route to his mouth. “Let’s not talk about it now. I have to think about what he said.”

  “So it’s not good news?”

  He shook his head. “Let’s just have fun right now, Beth. It’s nothing that can’t wait.”

  “But I’m concerned about you.”

  He put his fork down. “I appreciate that, but don’t worry about me. You just have a good time on the campout.”

  Beth’s heart sank. “After what we’ve shared, I thought you’d at least open up to me about this.”

  He took a deep breath. “Talking about myself is not that easy for me. I need time. I just don’t want to talk about it yet, not to you, not to anyone. It’s something I have to think about.”

  She picked up her tray. “Okay. That’s your prerogative. I shouldn’t have butted into your business. But as someone said to me recently, ‘Can’t you just accept help?’”

  Jake reached up and touched her arm. “This is different,” he said.

  “How?”

  “It just is.”

  She shook her head. “Jake, look at what you do for the kids and their families. Everyone here would jump off a bridge if you asked them to. Anyone here would lend you an ear if you needed one.” She gently pulled free. “And that goes double for me.

  “I don’t want
to be your mother. I already have a son.” It took all of her strength to get up. “You know where to find me if you decide you want to talk.”

  She took her tray and sat by Kathy and Marylou. She half listened to their chatter, but her gaze kept drifting back to Jake. It didn’t take him long to get back to his clipboard and walk away.

  She didn’t feel much like eating. She wanted to be back at the Trail Boss Cabin where she could immerse herself in a good book and forget about strong, silent cowboys.

  She took her two charges to the rest room. Later she watched as they primped in front of the mirrors.

  “I’m going to sit next to Clint Scully at the campfire,” Marylou announced. “He’s so hot!”

  Kathy ran a brush through her hair. “I’m going to sit next to T.J. He’s cuter than anyone here.” She turned toward Beth. “Mrs. Conroy, aren’t you going to put any makeup on?”

  “Can I fix your hair, Mrs. Conroy?” Marylou asked, holding up a clear plastic purse filled with cosmetics.

  Beth looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was a fright from swimming. Her face showed every blemish in the harsh fluorescent lights.

  “Okay, ladies. Go for it.”

  “Sit down on the bench over there, so we can reach you.”

  For the next twenty minutes, Beth was painted, blotted, sprayed and fussed over. When they finally let her look at the finished project, she had to admit that the girls had talent. She looked good!

  “Is that me?” Beth asked in amazement.

  “That’s you. You look beautiful! I’ll bet Jake Dixon will fall over in his boots.”

  “Jake?” Beth asked. Was it that obvious?

  “He’s got eyes for you, Mrs. Conroy. He’s always watching you and drooling.”

  “Kevin wants you to marry him. Are you going to marry him, Mrs. Conroy?”

  “Hey, hang on a minute!” She tried to catch her breath. What on earth was Kevin telling everyone? “I think you’re putting the cart before the horse.”

  “Huh?”

  “I think we’d better get to the campfire, so you ladies can join in. Okay?”

  “Yeah.”

  “And thanks for the help.”

  “Oh, wait. One more thing,” Kathy said. “Close your eyes.”

  She did as instructed, expecting a hit of perfume. Instead, she felt a brush on her cheeks.

  “What’s that?” Beth asked.

  “Glitter.”

  “Glitter? As in the stuff that…glitters?”

  “Fairy green. It’ll be really sparkly in the campfire light.”

  “Oh.” She couldn’t appear in public with green glitter on her face, but she didn’t have the heart to wash their efforts off her face. “Thanks, ladies.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “Shall we go back to the tent and get your jackets? It’ll be cool later. Maybe you should put on some sweatpants, too.”

  They nodded and then talked about what they should wear and what jewelry they should put on.

  Beth tried to remember if she was ever that young.

  As she approached the campfire, one of the cowboys handed her a stick and a bag of marshmallows.

  Kevin’s jaw dropped when he saw her. “Mom, what did you do to your face?”

  “Why, what do you mean?”

  “You’re all sparkly, like…uh…”

  “Glitter,” Jake supplied, taking the bag of marshmallows from her and putting one on the end of her stick. “Just like new-fallen snow.”

  “It’s green.” She chuckled. “Kathy and Marylou gave me a makeover.”

  Kevin scrunched up his nose. “Like, why?”

  “Oh, no reason.”

  “You look better without that green stuff.”

  “You look beautiful,” Jake whispered in her ear.

  She shivered from his warm breath on her cool skin.

  “Here, sit down.” He motioned to a bench, then sat down beside her.

  She passed her stick with the marshmallow to Kevin. “Never did like them.”

  “Hello, everyone.” Emily and Dex moved into the circle.

  There were greetings all around. Then Kevin turned his concentration to firing up his marshmallow.

  Emily leaned over and said quietly, “Jake, I was just thinking that you should show Beth the hot spring. It’s beautiful at night. Ghostly. The steam rises and…” She looked up at Dex and smiled.

  Beth could see the happiness on her face, the glow. It was then that she noticed Emily’s and Dex’s hair was damp. It must be a romantic hot spring.

  Jake was just about to object, when Dex handed him a flashlight. “Son, there’s nothing going on that we can’t keep an eye on. Go now, and show Beth the hot spring. Maybe take a little dip. I’ll bet it’s something that she’s never seen. Besides, it’ll be good for your leg and back.”

  Beth felt a nervous excitement when Jake stood and held his hand out to her.

  “I should have thought of it myself. Thanks, Mom… Dad.”

  “Take your time,” Emily replied. “We’ll keep an eye on Kevin.”

  Beth glanced at her son. He was busy with his friends torching marshmallows. Clint was about to begin a story. Kevin would indeed be fine.

  Jake and Beth walked away from the glow of the campfire and the floodlights, past the corral of horses. Their path behind the infirmary through the pines was lit only by the full moon.

  “We don’t bring the kids to the hot spring because it’s a tough path. The wheelchairs wouldn’t make it. It’s a well-kept secret. Only a few people know about it.”

  They continued to walk as Jake guided her down a narrow clearing. The laughter of the camp faded as they walked. Other than the faint hoot of an owl, it was a quiet night.

  A while later, she found herself in a clearing. A stream gurgled swiftly, then disappeared into a circle of water that sparkled in the moonlight. Rocks and boulders surrounded the shimmering pool. Steam dissipated as it rose higher, coating the leaves and needles of the surrounding trees with shiny moisture.

  “Oh, Jake! I’ve never seen such a place!”

  “It’s my favorite spot on the ranch. You should see it in winter. The trees are frosted with ice and snow. It looks like a Christmas card.”

  “It’s so…ethereal.” Beth took a deep breath. “I want to go in but I didn’t bring a bathing suit.”

  “Funny thing, neither did I.” His eyes sparked with mischief. “I guess we’ll have to go back to the campfire and listen to Clint’s ghost stories.”

  He turned to leave.

  “Okay.” Two could play his game. “You go ahead. I’ll catch up. I think I’ll stay and take a dip. Alone.”

  He looked over his shoulder.

  “Or you could join me,” she finished.

  His sexy smile made her heart leap. Without breaking eye contact, he hooked his hat on the branch of a tree as naturally as if he’d done it a hundred times before. She pulled her T-shirt off and draped it over a limb on the same tree. They dispensed with the rest of their clothes in short order and stood looking at each other.

  In two steps, Jake had her in his arms, skin against skin, cool from the night breeze.

  “I feel like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden,” Beth said when she found her voice.

  His lips came down over hers. She felt the length of him against her. “Mmm…”

  The gentle lapping of the water and the haunting hoot of an owl were the only sounds she heard. His hands cupped her breasts as he nibbled her neck. The misty steam enveloped them, caressed them, cocooned them, as if they were the only people in the world.

  When she was back in Arizona, she’d never forget this moment, this man.

  Jake ran a finger down her nose. “You’re beautiful, you know. All naked and misty in the moonlight. And glittering green.”

  She chuckled. “You don’t look so bad yourself, cowboy.” She took his hand and tugged it. “Shall we try your outdoor hot tub?”

  “Hang on just a second.�
�� He pulled his wallet out of a pocket in his pants and took out two condoms. He held them up to her and she smiled. Then he returned the pants to a tree branch.

  They walked between two large rocks down a slight incline. At closer range, she could see that the water bubbled. He helped her in. She was pleasantly surprised at the perfect temperature of the water—not too hot, not too cold.

  “It’s only about three feet deep here, so don’t worry.”

  She immersed herself to the neck, still surprised at the bubbles. They tickled every nook and cranny of her body. It was like swimming in champagne.

  “This is really special. Thanks for bringing me.”

  “Thank my parents.” He chuckled and pointed to a flat rock where there were two folded terry-cloth towels. “The little matchmakers.”

  “Your parents? Matchmakers?”

  “Tell me you haven’t figured them out yet. They are about as subtle as a Sherman tank.”

  She reached for him, ran her hands down his strong arms. “You and me? They’re trying to fix us up?”

  “Yep.”

  She laughed. “Interesting.”

  He took her in his arms and kissed her. His tongue traced the seam of her lips, and she opened her mouth for him. He pulled her even closer and continued his delicious assault.

  She found herself lifted off her feet and deposited on a rock ledge. Without taking his eyes off her, he tore open a plastic packet and unrolled a condom over his hard length.

  His consideration of her touched her heart. Watching him put it on made her hot.

  Then his hands were on her knees. “Open for me.”

  She did.

  Standing between her legs, she felt him enter her, slowly at first; then he buried his length inside her.

  He lifted her and she wrapped her legs around him. Their eyes met and she studied his face, memorizing each laugh line, every scar, the curve of his jaw. She brushed back the wet hair from his forehead and kissed him there.

  Their lovemaking was unhurried and slow, each knowing it might be the last time they’d be alone. Three days. That’s all she had left at the Gold Buckle Ranch. Tomorrow was Wheelchair Rodeo. Saturday was the big Gold Buckle Challenge, and Jake would be busy all day. She and Kevin would be leaving on Sunday.