Cupid to the Rescue: A Tail-Wagging Valentine's Day Anthology

by Lisa Mondello

  With Jenny at her side, using the walker, she made it, but sank gratefully on the sofa when she reached it.

  Jenny gently lifted her leg and rested it on the ottoman.

  “I did it,” Sadie crowed.

  “You did. And I bet it wore you out,” Jenny replied with a grin.

  “I might just rest here for a while. Do you mind getting my knitting?”

  In no time they sat working on their different projects. When the phone rang, Jenny reached over to answer it. It was too far from Sadie.

  “Burrow’s residence,” she responded.

  “Jenny, it’s Tuck. I’m heading into town in a bit—can I get anything for you?”

  “Oh, hi. I don’t need anything. Let me check with Sadie.”

  She covered the receiver. “I have a friend coming to town and he’s offered to pick up anything we need. Do you want something?”

  Sadie’s eyes sparkled. “Well maybe not need precisely. But I wouldn’t mind some of those cupcakes the bakery makes. The orange spice ones. It’s been a while since I’ve had any and it sounds like a treat for an invalid.”

  Jenny smiled. “I’m having trouble classifying you as an invalid.”

  She spoke to Tuck and told him what Sadie said. He promised to get some and bring them by the house. Jenny gave him the address and then said goodbye.

  “So, your beau?” Sadie asked.

  “No, just a friend.” Jenny didn’t meet her eyes, looking at her knitting. She began another row. “I’m not really looking for romance these days,” she said.

  “And why is that? If a good looking man looked my way, I’d sure be interested,” Sadie said in a teasing tone.

  Jenny laughed and looked at her patient. “I expect more than a few men look your way.”

  “Not many around now that are my age. But I had a wonderful husband. Few could compare with him. I’ve had a great love. What are you doing not being interested in romance? I thought every red-blooded young woman was interested in romance.”

  “You know why I brought Val, right?”

  “Yes, the doctor was clear on that. You could freak out at any moment. And the dog will save you.”

  Jenny nodded, smiling as the non-clinical assessment.

  “What man wants to be burdened with a woman he couldn’t count on? Especially in this county.”

  “Ahh, but the right man would deem it a privilege to look after you.”

  “I don’t need looking after,” Jenny said with another laugh. “I’m perfectly capable on my own.”

  “So am I, most of the time. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t like someone to talk to at dinner.”

  “I have lots of friends in town.”

  “So do I. You and me sound too much alike. I’m eighty-three; you’re what, twenty-five?”

  “Twenty-eight.”

  “Way too young to be set in old lady ways. Tell me about this Tuck.”

  Jenny looked at her knitting again. She didn’t know where to start. Secretly delighted he was making a trip to town and wanted to stop by, she didn't really have a lot to say about the reticent cowboy.

  “He’s the one Val rescued from the snowstorm. He’s foreman at the Bar 7, Bill MacKay’s place.”

  “You've seen him since that accident? He sounds friendly if he’s calling you here. How did he get the number?”

  “He gave me his and I called him last night–just to let him know we were settled in here and that I was all right.”

  “Ummm, sounds promising.”

  “Just friends. And I’m sure he has no romantic interest in me.” Well, except there was that last kiss. Seemed romantic enough. Or was she imagining interest that wasn't really there?

  “And why’s that? Can you tell if he’s courting?”

  Jenny turned the row and began another. “He’s not. He’s really reticent about his past. He’s from Texas and he’ll talk about being a kid growing up on his parents’ ranch, but then there’s this gap and it’s Wild Cat Creek stories. Plus, if a guy is courting as you say, wouldn’t he ask me out or bring me presents?”

  “And he hasn’t?” Sadie persisted.

  Jenny took a breath. Then smiled. He had brought her a chain saw. “Sort of. Maybe. We met for coffee one day and I almost, er, freaked out as you said. I ran out of the coffee shop. I’m still working up to being able to handle stressful situations. Another reason not to lead a guy on.”

  “And was he upset?”

  “No. Actually he got the drinks to go and we sat on the back of his pickup truck.”

  “That sounds sweet,” Sadie said.

  “Tuck isn’t sweet. He’s a cowboy. Tough and capable. They’re all polite. I think it’s part of the code of the west or something.”

  “Well maybe he’s working his nerve up to bring you a present,” Sadie said.

  Jenny bit her lip. “Actually, he has, I guess I should say. Several if you'd call them presents.”

  “He has?”

  “Nothing romantic–some battery powered LED lanterns to use when the power goes out. And a chainsaw. And sound deadening earphone and some CDs.”

  Sadie studied Jenny for a long moment.

  “And did you need those?”

  Jenny nodded, looking at Sadie. “But they’re hardly romantic.”

  “Maybe not,” Sadie said slowly. “Or maybe. Sounds like your cowboy isn’t much in the ladies’ department, which is a good thing. No one wants a randy guy around who can’t settle on one woman. He obviously cares for you or he wouldn’t have brought things that you need. Plus, after a polite thank you for rescuing him, he could have never been heard from again.”

  Jenny didn’t respond, but thought about what Sadie said. She watched as another row of knitting covered the needle. Tuck wasn’t her cowboy.

  Did she want him to be?

  Not unless the PTSD went away.

  It might never completely fade.

  Was she serious about spending all her years alone? No partner to do things with, no husband to build a family with?

  “Do you mind making me a pot of tea?” Sadie asked. “Dolores will be back in time to make lunch, but I’d love to have cup or two now.”

  Jenny was happy to comply. She'd had enough thinking about Tucker Mason for the present.

  By the time the tea was hot and brought into the living room on a tray, the front doorbell sounded.

  “Maybe your cowboy,” Sadie said, pouring herself a piping hot cup full.

  It was Tuck. He held out a pink box from the bakery. In his other hand he held a bouquet of flowers.

  “Cupcakes as requested and flowers for your patient,” he said staring deep into Jenny’s eyes.

  She couldn't help the wide smile seeing him brought. Not any more than she could help the delight that spread through her.

  “Come in,” Sadie called from the sofa.

  Jenny held the door wide while he walked in and headed into the living room.

  She quickly made introductions and Sadie invited him to sit with them for a while and have one of the cupcakes.

  Jenny took the flowers to the kitchen to hunt for a vase. Then she brought two more cups back to the living room. She set the flowers on a side table.

  “They’re lovely,” Sadie said. “Thank you, young man, I’ll enjoy them every day.”

  Tuck sat on one of the chairs near the sofa.

  “I’m glad you like them. I brought your orange spice cupcakes and a few different kinds, as well.”

  Jenny opened the box. There were a dozen cupcakes nestled together, different colored frosting on each one. She tipped the box slightly so Sadie could see.

  “Ohh, they look so good. I’ll take that one there,” she pointed to one. “Then you each take one so I’m not eating alone.”

  As soon as Jenny and Tuck had been served, Sadie began peppering him with questions.

  Jenny suspected what the older woman was doing, but kept quiet to see Tuck’s reactions.

  He was unfailingly polite and seemed
to take the questions in stride.

  Then he turned the tables and began asking her questions.

  Sadie laughed and responded with some wild answers.

  Jenny was content to watch the two them verbally sparring. Neither one backed down. She was fascinated by this aspect of Tuck’s personality. He certainly knew how to handle her elderly patient.

  After a half hour, Tuck checked his watch. “Much as I’m enjoying myself, I have work to do. I came here first, still have several places in town to stop at and get back to work.”

  “Thank you, young man, for the cupcakes and flowers. I’ll enjoy them both.”

  Jenny walked him to the door. Conscious of Sadie’s acute hearing, she smiled and thanked him. Wanting to say more, but not be overheard, she smiled up at him.

  “Call me tonight when you’re free?” he asked softly.

  “Okay. Even if it’s a little late?”

  “How late is late? Doesn’t matter. Call if you can.”

  “I will. Thanks again.”

  He put on his cowboy hat and touched the brim. “Until later then.”

  She watched him for a moment, then closed the door, aware of the cold air she was letting in.

  “Well missy, that young man is a keeper,” Sadie said as soon as she reentered the living room.

  “He is nice, isn’t he?”

  “And he’s smitten with you. I saw how often he looked at you, how he hung on every word you said.”

  Jenny laughed. “He did not. He’s not the type to hang on anyone’s word.”

  “Well, maybe not, but he’s definitely interested! Now you need to get over your hang up about freaking out and let that boy know you’re interested back.”

  Valentine’s Rescue: Chapter 8

  Jenny thought about Sadie’s advice as she was trying to fall asleep that night.

  She wished she could. She’d love to see where becoming more and more involved with Tuck would lead. There was so much she liked about him and so much she wished she knew.

  The basics were laid out in front of her. He was thoughtful, funny, strong, and compassionate. She liked how he was so friendly and respectful with Sadie.

  Yet there was a lot she didn’t know. He was reticent about his reason for leaving Texas. She couldn’t imagine he’d done anything wrong. It had to be something very personal.

  Would he ever trust her enough to share?

  And on the note of trust, was she trusting him enough to share her fears for the future, her worries she’d have PTSD forever and that it would cause her to harm someone at some point? So far, she mainly cowered in a safe place and squeezed her eyes shut tightly. Val was there to bring her back. But what if–

  Tossing and turning she tried to block her thoughts. She just wanted to go to sleep. Finally, she did.

  Sadie continued to improve day by day. Her medication balance had been achieved. No more dizzy spells. She still had the walking cast, but she made an effort to walk around the house with the walker as much as possible to build up her strength.

  “You know that fuddy duddy doctor wanted me to go to Holly Grove Convalescent Hospital,” Sadie confided one morning as she and Jenny were walking around the living room. “But that’s a place for old people. I wasn’t going there!”

  Jenny smiled. She could imagine Sadie setting the place on its ear if she’d had to convalesce there.

  “I’m glad I was available,” she said.

  “Me, too. Okay, I need to sit a minute,” Sadie said, slightly out of breath.

  Jenny hovered nearby as Sadie went to the sofa and sank down.

  “Whew, you’re a slave driver,” Sadie said.

  “Right, who insists she’s almost all the way better and could walk to the post office and back?” Jenny asked, keeping an eye on her patient.

  Sadie waved her hand as if pushing the question away.

  Just then, there was a knock on the door. When Jenny opened it, she was surprised to see Tuck standing there, another familiar pink box in hand.

  “This is a nice surprise,” she said, opening the door wider.

  “Hi Tucker,” Sadie called. “Come in, boy. What’s that box in your hand?”

  “Cupcakes, Miss Sadie,” he called back, giving Jenny a smile. “I hope it’s okay to come by.”

  “Of course, get on in here,” the older woman called back.

  “Fine with me,” Jenny murmured, her heart beginning to beat faster.

  She closed the door and followed him into the living room. He’d already presented Sadie with the bakery box and she was opening it with a wide grin on her face.

  He took off his hat and held it in front of him.

  “Can you stay a bit?” Jenny asked.

  “If I’m not interrupting,” he said. He shrugged out of his heavy jacket, putting it on the back of the chair and sat down.

  “What brings you into town?” Jenny asked.

  He looked at her and then Sadie. “Uh, an errand. I had an errand and I thought I’d stop by and see how Miss Sadie’s doing.”

  “You missed my walking, young man,” Sadie chirped. “I’m doing great, aren’t I Jenny?”

  “You certainly are. Pretty soon you won’t need a nurse.”

  Sadie looked pensive for a moment. “I don’t want to go that far,” she said. “I like having you here.”

  She smiled at Tuck and held out the box. “Take one. Jenny can run and get us some tea to have with the cupcakes.”

  Jenny jumped up. “I can. Or would you rather have coffee?” she asked Tuck.

  “Coffee if it isn’t too much trouble.”

  “Ahh, a man’s drink,” Sadie said, nodding her head.

  Jenny almost laughed at Tuck’s expression but continued to the kitchen to prepare their beverages.

  She was happy to see him again. She’d wanted to call him the last two nights, but had hesitated. She didn’t want to come on too strong. Take things slow and easy, she admonished herself.

  Val pranced beside her as they went back to others.

  Sadie had obviously asked Tucker something about the ranch because he was talking about yield and beef prices and other things. Jenny sat quietly and listened, most of it going over her head. Many of her friends from school came from ranches and she’d heard talk like this all her life. Important to those ranchers, but not to her.

  She was content to watch Tuck as he and Sadie talked. He seemed completely involved in the conversation. She liked the focus he brought. He didn’t look like he wanted to be somewhere else, but right here.

  He glanced at her. “Do you need anything? Either from town or from your place. I don’t mind running out and getting something if you do.”

  For a minute, Jenny tried to think of something. That way he’d have to come back. But there was nothing.

  “Thanks, I have everything I need.”

  “Well, I need to be going,” Tuck said. “Thanks for the coffee, Miss Sadie.”

  “Come and visit again young man. Jenny, you haven’t been outside in days. Get your jacket and walk him out.”

  Jenny nodded, throwing a teasing glance at Tuck.

  He put on his jacket, said goodbye to Sadie and waited by the door.

  Val stood at attention by the door as if he understood Sadie’s suggestion. Once they were outside, he ran to the bushes and began sniffing.

  “I really don’t need to be escorted to the truck,” Tuck said, setting his cowboy hat on his head.

  “I’m happy to do so. She’s right, I haven’t been out except for a few minutes with Val, since I’ve been here,” Jenny said. “It’s still cold, I see, despite the sun.”

  “Still gets well below freezing every night.”

  “I heard you and Sadie talking about the ranch, but not the day to day stuff. Things going all right with the cold weather?”

  “As long as we keep checking on the watering places to break any ice and let the cattle drink. Not much snow left which makes it easier for them to feed.”

  They reac
hed his truck, but Tuck made no effort to open the door. He looked as if he wanted to say something but was having a hard time finding the words.

  “What?” she asked, intrigued.

  He took a deep breath. “There’s a dance on Valentine’s Day at the Grange. Would you like to go? With me?”

  She felt a warmth spread within her and couldn’t help the smile that lit her face. Then reality returned. The smile faltered and she looked away.

  “I would, but you know me. I don’t think I would be a good match. Sadie has a word for it–freaking out. What if I did at the dance?”

  “What if you didn’t?” he asked.

  She looked at him. “What do you mean?”

  “I know you never know when you’re going to have a flashback and it’s terrifying. But you have Val and you’d have me, and between us I bet we could keep you focused. At least we could do our best. And if one happens, then it does. Please don’t shut yourself away from everything in case of.”

  She bit her lower lip and looked at where Val was still sniffing around the yard.

  “Unless you don’t want to go with me. You can tell me straight out, I can take it,” he added.

  Her gaze flew to his. “I’d love to go with you. There’s no one else I’d like to go with, it’s just–”

  He brushed her hair off her cheek, tucking it behind her ear. “Then just think about it. I could pick you up at seven, we’d try the dance and if it isn’t comfortable, we’ll go right home.”

  Jenny longed to accept. She longed to go back to the kind of woman who could go out with friends and have a great time and not be fearful of flashbacks and nightmares and other lingering effects of war.

  “Call me tonight,” he said, leaning down a little to look her in the eyes. “I don’t know when a good time is for you. I don’t want to disturb Miss Sadie. So, you call me.”

  “Okay. And thanks for asking me. I’ll think about it.”

  Tuck leaned in a little more and brushed his lips across hers. “That’s all I’m asking for now,” he said.

  He got in the truck and drove off.

  Jenny stayed outside a little longer with Val.

  She felt warm and bubbly inside from his brief kiss. She looked around. No one was outside. It was too cold for neighbors to be in their yards. She smiled. Another kiss. Not that she was counting. And that one had been so brief she could hardly count it.