by Misty Malone
"Cece, I know you can hear me. Come on down so we can talk."
"I'll be right there." She went to the bathroom and washed her face before heading down to see her dad.
She walked into the kitchen and stopped short. Chase had already been at the door when she looked out this morning, so she hadn't seen him carrying the package. It was wrapped, with a bow on top, and she had to admit it was pretty impressive, especially for a big cowboy.
"Don't just look at it, Cece," Pete said. "Open it."
She shook her head and backed away. "No. Call him up and tell him to come take it back. I'm not that shallow."
"You're right, honey, you're not that shallow."
She looked up at her dad, and he saw the tears in her eyes again. He pulled her into a hug. "Sit down a minute, Cece," he said after a moment. "Honey, I don't know what happened between you two."
"He didn't tell you?"
"No, he didn't. All he said was he made a mistake and jumped to a conclusion he had no business jumping to. That's all he said. I know he feels bad, but that's just from what I observed. Apparently, from what he said, he should feel bad. I don't know. But I do know one thing."
"What's that?" she asked, tears on her cheeks.
He handed her his handkerchief and patted her hand gently. "He asked me to give you this and ask specifically if you would please read the letter in the envelope. Then you can decide if you want to open the package or not. I know the daughter I raised would do that much, at least."
"Why should I?"
"Because apparently he made a mistake. But he admitted it, Cece, and from what I understand, he tried to apologize to you. Now, unless you've reached the place where you never make mistakes, I think you could at least read what he has to say. If you're not happy with the letter and what it says, it's your choice as to whether you want to open the package or not. I have no idea what's in the letter or the box, but I know I've made a lot of mistakes in my life and have asked forgiveness many times. I can't imagine making a mistake and having the person I hurt refuse to even listen to my apology."
He patted her hand before getting up and putting his hat back on and walking out the door.
She watched him leave, then turned and looked at the box. Maybe her dad was right. Maybe she hadn't actually listened to his apology. Maybe she should read the letter.
She tentatively reached out and took the envelope, opened it and started to read.
Dear Cece,
Thank you for reading this letter. It means a lot to me. I've made a terrible mistake and I know I hurt you. I feel terrible about that. If you don't want to see me again I understand, and I will respect your wishes. I won't be happy about it, but I will respect your wishes. But it is important to me that you know what was going through my mind at the time. Not because it will excuse me, because it won't. But hopefully you'll understand why I was such a fool.
First let me set the record straight about one thing. I never thought you had anything to do with the dam in my creek. What I did think was that you may have heard my Uncle Ralph talk about damming up a creek, but you being the good-hearted lady you are, wouldn't have wanted to volunteer information that would get someone in trouble. I worded it badly, but I was trying to ask if you knew anything about it. I am truly sorry if you thought I felt you played any more of a part in it than that.
Unfortunately, I have no good excuse for treating you so badly at the swimming hole, Cece. I'd been thinking about you all day. I knew you were upset with me, and I didn't know how to make you see how sorry I was for upsetting you, which I never meant to do. I went to the swimming hole hoping I'd find you there, sitting on a stone, thinking, and could talk to you. You've come to mean so much to me that I just had to try talking to you once more. I couldn't stand the thought of losing you.
When I saw you flailing in the water my heart leaped into my throat. Cece, I've never been so scared in my life. Once I got you out of the water and had you safely in my arms, all kinds of thoughts and emotions ran through my mind. I obviously wasn't thinking straight or I would have noticed you were fully dressed. I was in a panic, worried about you. Then it occurred to me that if you were there swimming alone it was because you were upset with me. That meant I'd about lost you because of the stupid thing I'd done the day before.
By the way, for what it's worth, I found the bracelet you went in after.
I had no business spanking you when and how I did that day, Cece. I know it doesn't help you any, but I learned a lot that day. I was angry that you would put your life at risk to spite me, but I was more scared than angry. And I took my fright out on you, which is totally inexcusable. Cece, I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am.
Now for the package. I don't know if you remember or not, but one time when we were talking about the whole concept of spanking, you asked me what happens if I mess up. I said I self-discipline and would do something to acknowledge my mistake and show you that I'm sorry. What I didn't tell you is I do that as much for me as for you. You admitted once that a spanking helps clear your guilt. Well, I have the same problem. I can't forgive myself after a big mistake like this until I've done something for the person I've hurt. I give it enough thought until I come up with something I can do, not simply go out and buy, but something I can do for the other person. Doing something for them helps me remember my mistake so I won't repeat it in the future, but it also helps me deal with the guilt.
So, thinking back I remembered something you said about your mother one time, so I came up with this idea, and I made it for you. It's not a bribe, but a gift from my heart. I really hope you'll open it and accept it as a gift. Even if you don't want to see me again, please keep the gift, and when you see it or use it know my heart was with you as I made it.
Cece, I can't take back what I said, or that awful spanking, but I am sincerely sorry for both. I truly hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. If you can, I want you to know that I promise I'll never spank you when I'm that angry or scared again. That's one lesson I've definitely learned, and I'm sorry you had to be on the receiving end of my learning it.
I won't keep calling you, Cece, but I hope you'll call me. I'll be anxiously waiting by the phone.
Sincerely,
Chase.
Cece wiped the tears from her eyes and read the letter again. Knowing he'd reacted as he had because he was afraid changed things. Reading his letter a couple times she had to admit she understood what he was feeling, and she was touched. He still had no right to spank her, but he'd apologized for that, and she did understand what had led him to do it.
After reading his letter she felt better, but still wasn't sure she was ready for a relationship with him. Or with anyone. She looked up at the box, wondering what could be in it, and what it could have to do with her mother. Finally, she opened it carefully. She pulled out a beautiful wooden shelf, with something attached beneath it. She looked at it carefully, and felt tears on her cheeks as she realized what it was. He'd built a shelf for her to hold her mother's cookbooks, and the extra part that hung below the shelf was an open book holder. Once she found the recipe she wanted, the holder would hold the book open so she could easily read it, without it laying on the counter where she could spill ingredients on it.
She was touched. He had not only been listening when she mentioned her mother's cookbooks and her lack of a good place to keep them, but he'd put a lot of time and effort into making this for her. Looking around she realized this would match the kitchen perfectly, and she had a perfect place to hang it on the wall, right above the workspace she usually used when baking. She was touched by his thoughtfulness.
His words came back to her about how he practiced self-discipline. When he'd said that, she'd kind of laughed it off, but now she saw he was serious about it. This had taken a lot of time and effort to make, she was sure. She was also sure that he had plenty of other things he could have been doing instead, like running a ranch. It was clear to her she owed this man not only a second
chance, but an apology.
She picked up her phone to call Chase, but found it was dead. When she'd gotten home the other day after he'd spanked her she found her phone, right on the kitchen counter where she'd left it. She was glad she hadn't lost it at one of the line shacks, but she'd been so upset at the time that she hadn't even picked it up or looked at it. She plugged it in and was surprised to see all the calls from Chase she'd missed.
After her phone charged, she called him and was surprised when he answered on the first ring. "Hello, Cece?" He sounded so hopeful that she had to smile.
"Hi, Chase."
"It's good to hear your voice again. Are you okay?"
"I am, although I need some help with something. I know I shouldn't ask, but could I get you to help me?"
"I will if I can, Cece. What do you want help with?"
"Hanging my cookbook holder."
Chase heard the tears in her voice, but could also hear her trying to hide them. "I'll be right over, sugar." He started to hang up, but paused. "Cece?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you for calling. I'll be right there."
By the time he got there, she'd gotten her tears under control again and was waiting at the front door. The tears started flowing again, though, when he jumped out of the truck and ran to the porch, and took her into his arms.
"Chase, I'm sorry," she said through the tears.
"Sh, Sugar. I'm the one that's sorry."
"Well, I'm sorry, too," came a voice from off to the side.
They both turned and saw Pete standing there smiling. "I'm sorry it took you two this long to realize you need to talk so you can work things out." Turning to go back to the barn he said, "When I saw Chase's truck coming up the lane so fast I figured I better come make sure it was a good thing. Now that I know it is, I'll be leaving you two alone."
* * * * *
Chase and Cece had a long, heartfelt talk. They agreed to talk more if one or both of them were upset so that hopefully they would avoid similar misunderstandings in the future. He showed Cece the bracelet she'd spotted in the creek, but it was a mystery to her, as well. She didn't know anyone who had such allergies, and neither of them had any ideas as to how it might have suddenly shown up in the creek. It seemed to be a mystery, so talk moved to other things.
"Ben called and wants us to go with him and a girl he's been seeing lately to a local nightclub called The Wild Mustang," Chase said. "He says lots of ranchers and ranch hands hang out there a lot, and he thought we might like to go. Have you been there?"
"No, I haven't," she answered, "but I've heard about it. He's right about ranchers and hands going there. They built it while I was at college."
"Do you want to go with them tomorrow night?"
"Sure," she said. "I never really got to know Ben. He was a couple years older than me in school. I'd like to get to know him better. I wonder who he's been dating?"
"I don't think he mentioned her name. He invited Ty, too, but he's already got a date for tomorrow night. I'll call Ben and tell him you and I will meet him there tomorrow evening."
When she and Chase walked into The Wild Mustang the next evening they looked around and found Ben waving at them from a table. They went to join him, and he introduced them to Cindy Kline, the young lady he was dating. As the men chatted, Cecelia and Cindy got to know one another.
Cecelia told Cindy that she had a degree in English and teaching, but had no desire to teach, and no idea what to do now that she was out of college. Whatever it was, it would probably have nothing to do with her useless degree. Cindy chuckled and explained that she had a degree in psychology and was using her useless degree to work in a bank. They laughed at themselves, and then turned the conversation to The Wild Mustang, Ben and Chase, and the killer boots the lady at the next table was wearing. By the end of the evening they felt like old friends.
Over the next couple weeks Chase and Cece became closer, with no more misunderstandings. They spent lots of time playing with the puppies, which were growing into fat little butterballs. They also went swimming once, and went to eat with Ben and Cindy again, and enjoyed themselves every time they were together.
Things were going well for them until one afternoon when Mack called Chase, who was out fixing fences with Ty and Ryan. "Hey, boss, there's a lady here asking to talk to you."
"Who is she and what does she want?" Chase asked.
"Leah Hunter," Mack answered. "She says you guys are old friends from back home."
"Leah Hunter," Ty repeated. "Not ringing a bell. Who is she?"
Chase sighed. "I dated Leah Hunter one time. I'd hardly label us old friends from back home, though. I took her to dinner once, and that's it. I wonder what she wants?"
Mack lowered his voice as he said, "I'm in your office with the door closed, but I don't want her hearing me. I think she just wants to talk, maybe get caught up. I definitely think it's a social call. She's all dolled up."
Ryan whistled. "I'll go talk to her, boss."
"Be my guest," Chase told him, but decided since she'd come to see him he probably should be polite and go see what she wanted.
"Let's hope Cece doesn't come over to visit while you two are getting caught up," Ty said.
"There's nothing between us and never has been," Chase said. "I can't imagine why she's here, but I better go find out. Hopefully I'll be back soon." He got Thunder and headed back to the barn.
Leah looked out of place on Chase's ranch. She was wearing a formal dress, that was shorter than the ones he remembered seeing her wear back home, and cut lower, as well. She also had on more makeup than he remembered her wearing. He was curious, but also cautious. "Hi, Leah," he said as he dismounted. "What a surprise. What brings you out here?"
She made a point of walking up to Chase and giving him a hug. "I've thought about you quite a bit since you moved away. I've missed you. I was in the area on business today, so I just had to stop in and see how you're doing, get caught up a little bit." Locking her arm in his she asked, "Surely there's some place a little more private where we can talk?"
Chase stood there looking at Leah like she had two heads. He looked from her to Mack, and back to her. "Leah, I think there's something you need to know before we do any catching up. I'm seeing someone, and we're in a serious relationship. I'm not sure exactly what's going on here, but I don't want any misunderstandings. If you really just want to get caught up, I'm all for that. I'd love to hear what's happening at home. But you won't mind if I call Cece and have her join us, will you?"
Chase could see Leah's hopes drop along with her shoulders. Then she perked back up. "No, I don't mind, though she might. She'd probably be pretty bored listening to us talk about the people we went to school with and all the old hangouts we used to visit. Are you sure you want to drag her over here just to listen to that?"
Without any hesitation Chase said, "Yes, I am sure, Leah. Cece's very important to me and I don't want any misunderstandings. I can call her and see if she's free now, or if you'd rather you can come back this evening and we'll all go out for supper. Which would you prefer?"
She looked pretty annoyed as she straightened. "You know what, Chase? Don't worry about it. I really just stopped in to say hi and visit a little bit. I didn't mean for it to be such a big deal. I'm sorry I bothered you." She turned and walked away.
Chase glanced over at Mack, confused, and took off in Leah's direction. "Leah, wait a minute. I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I didn't mean to."
Mack shook his head, not sure what exactly was happening. He watched Chase catch up with her and he walked beside her to her car. They talked a minute or two, and he opened her car door for her. She got in and left. Chase waved as she drove down the lane, then came back to where Mack was still staring at the lane.
"What was that all about, boss?" Mack asked.
"Beats me," Chase said. "I only dated her once, and she didn't look like that when I took her to dinner."
"She didn't?"
; "Nope. Today her dress was shorter and tighter and her lips were redder. She made me nervous," Chase said. He chuckled as he said, "I'm going back to fixing fences. I feel more comfortable out there."
"Okay, boss. I'm trying to decide if I'm proud of you or if I feel sorry for you. You prefer fixing fences over her, really?"
They both laughed as Chase got back on Thunder.
Chapter 9
Chase told Cece about his strange visit from Leah. At first Cece appeared to be concerned, but when she overheard Mack teasing Chase and telling a couple of his hands how he told Leah he wanted Cece there for the reminiscing, she felt better. In fact, her trust in him grew.
Over the next week she'd begun to consider telling him the whole story of her and Tom. She still found herself doubtful of men, but it bothered her that she still occasionally instinctively questioned things that Chase said, even though she knew she had no reason to doubt him.
She was starting to think he deserved to know why she was so full of mistrust. Maybe he'd be able to help her over that.
Pete was going to be gone the whole next day to a horse auction, so she invited Chase over for supper, and told him she wanted to talk to him after they ate. She had decided that it was time to tell him the whole sordid story of how she'd let Tom use her all through college.
Nothing the next day went as planned, though. At 4:00 in the morning Chase got a call from Sheriff Green.
"Son, there's a good-sized herd of cattle roaming the back roads at the northeast end of your property, close to where it joins Pete Anderson's land and Stan Hurley's. They're all the same brand, but I'm not sure whose they are. I think you have more cattle than either of them, so I called you first. Could I get you to come out here and see if you can identify whose they are?"
"Sure, Sheriff, I'll be right there, and I'll bring a couple guys with me to help round them up. Thanks for the call."
Ten minutes later Chase and Ty, along with Mack and Ryan, headed out. When they got to the area, they saw what looked to Chase to be at least eighty or ninety percent of his cattle from a nearby pasture scattered over a large area. He and Ty exchanged knowing glances, and Ty called for more help while Chase sent Mack and Ryan to start gathering the cattle. Chase personally went to check the fence, to see where they got out, and open the gate to let them back in.
