Rodeo Dust

by Vannatter, Shannon Taylor;

  He opened the lid of his shoe box and pulled out a video cassette. “I want you to watch these. I’ll stay and watch them with you, or I’ll go. Whichever you want.”

  She blew out a big sigh. “I want you to stay.”

  Adam slid a tape in and nabbed the control then sat on the sofa and patted the seat beside him.

  Rayna moved over next to him.

  The tracking was off and static filled the screen but eventually cleared. Dad hoisted Adam, maybe five at the time, on his shoulders. Mom chased after them with a cheery smile on her face and two-year-old Rayna in her arms. Daddy knelt and bucked a giggling Adam off onto a bed. Mom dove into the middle of the fray, laughing and kissing Rayna, Adam, and Daddy.

  “Who filmed this?” Lefty?

  “Mom’s grandmother. A couple of times you can hear her harrumphing over all the love and happiness.”

  ❧

  Rayna knocked and rang the bell. No answer. She let herself into her childhood home. “Hey, is anybody here?”

  No answer. She made her way through the living room to the kitchen. Outside on the patio, she could see her parents dancing. Dancing. Her mother’s smile lit the world. The same smile captured in the videos.

  Rayna turned away to leave them in peace, but Daddy saw her and waved her out.

  “Rayna, I’m so glad you came over.” Mom twirled in Daddy’s arms. “We’ve been taking waltz lessons. I’ve always wanted to waltz with the man I love. Isn’t it lovely? We didn’t get to waltz at our first wedding, but we will at our second.”

  “You’ve definitely gotten the hang of it.”

  “I’ll make myself scarce.” Daddy kissed her cheek as he passed and whispered, “I’ll trust you to treat your mother with respect.”

  For the first time since Rayna could remember, he whistled a tune as he left the room.

  “He loves you.”

  “Yes. He’s a wonderful man.”

  “I thought you came back because Lefty died, but he died years ago.”

  “He left me six months after I left you. For a groupie.”

  “Why didn’t you come back then?”

  “I didn’t figure your daddy would have me. And he probably wouldn’t have at that time. I hurt him so badly.” Mom’s voice broke. “I didn’t want to leave with Lefty, but your father couldn’t live with what I’d done. I had nowhere else to go.”

  “You didn’t choose Lefty over us?” Rayna perched on the couch.

  “Not intentionally.” Mom sat beside her. “But after Lefty, your father couldn’t trust me. If he would have let me stay, I would have. And I’d learned my lesson. I wouldn’t have been unfaithful again.”

  “Daddy made you leave?”

  “Don’t be angry with him. In his eyes, I chose Lefty when I started our affair.”

  “Did Lefty kill himself?”

  “Who knows?” Mom shook her head. “A one-car accident with a brick wall. He’d certainly made a mess of his life. He cheated on me. He cheated on the women after me, and he drank heavily, but maybe it was his time. Everyone has a time to die.” Mom’s eyes watered.

  “Where did you go after he left you?”

  “Back to my grandmother’s. I finished medical school and became an oncologist like I always wanted. But it was empty without the three people I really loved. I never even dated again. Instead, I built my life around my career.”

  “What made you come back?”

  “Breast cancer. The cancer doctor came down with it.”

  Rayna’s breath stalled. “You’re sick?”

  “No. I beat it—last year. But during all the treatments and surgeries, I told myself if I lived”—her voice cracked—“I’d come home and beg for the rest of my living days until your father, Adam, and you could find it in your hearts to forgive me.”

  “I’m glad you’re okay.” A lump lodged in Rayna’s throat.

  Despite the moisture in her mother’s eyes, a smile curved her lips.

  Rayna leaned her head against her mom’s.

  A strong hand gripped Rayna’s shoulder. “Looks like everything’s okay here.” Daddy wrapped them both in a hug from behind the couch.

  “If you don’t mind,” Rayna whispered, “I’d like to come to your wedding.”

  ❧

  Valentine’s Day afternoon, pre-ceremony, Rayna sipped her coffee and gazed out the kitchen window at the jungle of tulle and lace in the backyard.

  “Rayna, what is with you? You’re jumpier than I am.” Mom was a vision in a creamy lace suit. “You’re okay with the wedding, aren’t you?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Is it Clay? Why has he hung out with your dad and Adam today instead of with you?” Mom hugged her.

  “He’s here to support me.” Rayna sighed. “But we’re kind of at a crossroads. I brought up a taboo subject.”

  “You asked him to quit? I bet he took that well.”

  “Kind of like when Daddy asked you to quit med school.”

  Mom stood and moved to the window. “Do you go with him to the rodeos?”

  “Once I started caring about him, it made me so nervous. Lately, I’ve tried not to go, but that makes me even more nervous because I don’t know what’s happening. I think I’ve been more miserable not knowing.”

  “You love this man, sweetie. And he’s worthy of you. From what I’ve seen, you and Clay could have a lifetime of love. Try to support him in everything, the way he does you.”

  The way Daddy should have supported his wife. “I guess I’m going to Fort Worth this weekend then.”

  “Your father told me about the asthma attack. Take your inhaler.”

  Rayna squared her shoulders. “I’ll be okay.”

  “Preacher’s here,” Adam hollered.

  “Oh, it’s about time.” Mom jumped up. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

  Rayna hurried to the living room. Clay had gone all out and wore a complete suit. Not a trace of cowboy left, except for the crooked grin he shot her. Supporting her in everything. She closed the gulf between them and kissed his cheek.

  ❧

  Rayna shielded her eyes from the glaring lights of the arena to search for a seat. The place was packed. Maybe she could blend in with the crowd.

  “Rayna, you’re here?” Lacie sounded surprised.

  “I couldn’t seem to stay away.”

  The blond hugged her, protruding belly in the way. “I know exactly how you feel. Does Clay know you’re here?”

  “No. He’ll worry about me, and I want him to worry about the bull instead. I’ll stick around afterward. How much longer do you have to go?”

  The announcer’s voice came over the speakers, hawking the calf roping.

  “Three months.” Lacie rubbed a hand over her stomach. “Let’s go to the lobby.”

  “I don’t want Clay to see me.”

  “He won’t in this throng.”

  In the lobby, the usual women stood in a circle. Rayna met a few new faces since some of the cowboys had changed girlfriends.

  “I’m surprised to see you.” Natalie offered a victorious smile. “You haven’t been around lately, so I thought you and Clay were off.”

  “I was at his ranch the other day.” Rayna forced a bright tone. “Your Appaloosa is beautiful.”

  “Yes, she is. I was there yesterday. Clay and I worked with her together.”

  “Clay and Rayna are still very much on,” Lacie said. “They’re too much in love to be off.”

  Put firmly in her place, Natalie backed down and didn’t stay much longer.

  “Don’t let her bother you,” Lacie whispered. “She’s two-timing her Clay delusions anyway. There’s a new bullfighter here, and Natalie has her sights set on him.”

  When the announcer’s voice boomed again, she learned Clay would ride first in the lineup. At least it would be over soon.

  Rage. Such an oh-so-fitting name for the enormous rust-colored creature as it exploded from the chute. Rayna cringed, peeking through her
fingers to watch helplessly as the bull flung Clay from side to side like a rag doll. It was apparent right from the start: the bull was in control. In a short time, she’d learned what a good ride looked like, and this wasn’t it.

  Clay managed to stay on until the buzzer sounded, but Rage raged until her cowboy fell. He lay still, motionless.

  Rayna screamed.

  The beast charged toward Clay.

  twelve

  The bullfighter headed the furious creature off. Both bullfighters and the barrel man helped the pick-up man get Rage out of the arena.

  Paramedics and cowboys surrounded Clay.

  Tears streamed down Rayna’s face. Lacie spoke to her, but she couldn’t make sense of anything other than how still Clay was. Finally, her friend grabbed her hand and pulled her down the stands. Pandemonium broke out as a crowd moved toward the arena for a closer look.

  “Suck on that inhaler thingy,” Lacie instructed.

  Rayna took two quick puffs, and Lacie dragged her out the back exit where an ambulance waited. “We’ll find out where they’re taking him, and I’ll drive you to the hospital.”

  From the looks of him, the morgue would be more like it. Everything started to go black, and she leaned against a wall until her vision cleared.

  An eternity later they carried Clay out on a gurney and carefully loaded him into the ambulance. Pale, unmoving.

  Lacie launched toward one of the medics. “What hospital?”

  Sirens wailed with a blur of spinning red lights. The horrifying race after the ambulance was the worst nine minutes of Rayna’s life as she prayed harder than ever before. Even after arrival, the wait seemed to stretch into eternity when doctors wouldn’t let her see Clay because she wasn’t family.

  Mel arrived, followed closely by Durlene and Ty.

  No one spoke. While Mel and Lacie sat with Durlene and Rayna, Ty paced.

  The last few weeks had been tense between them. They’d gone through the motions of conversation. To hear his voice one more time.

  Double doors opened, and the doctor emerged.

  Rayna’s insides twisted.

  “He’s conscious. We’ll keep him overnight to monitor the concussion, but he’ll be fine. Might have to miss a couple of rodeos with that dislocated shoulder.”

  Durlene’s relieved whoop echoed through the room.

  Dropping to her knees, Rayna mumbled, “Thank You, God.”

  ❧

  Rayna hesitantly entered the open door to Clay’s hospital room. Morning sun streamed through the window. His exhausted parents sat on either side of him.

  “Oh Rayna, you’re here.” Durlene perked up.

  “Is everything all right?”

  “Yes, but Ty and I need to head to the ranch. We’re booked solid, and Mel and Lacie are working themselves silly.”

  “You two go. I came for the day.”

  “Good. I hate leaving him alone. I don’t want him to wake up to an empty room.”

  “Has he been awake?”

  “Off and on. Didn’t sleep much, and he was disoriented.” Ty shrugged. “Doc says he’ll have to stay another day.”

  They both hugged her then left.

  Claiming the chair by Clay, she leaned her head on his bed.

  He moaned.

  She straightened and took his hand in hers.

  His eyelids fluttered.

  Holding down the call button, Rayna watched as gorgeous green eyes opened and tried to focus on her.

  “Hey.” She kept her tone even, but tears welled.

  “You’re here?” His voice was weak, eyes watery.

  “How do you feel?”

  “Hurt.”

  “Where?”

  “All over.”

  The door opened and a nurse entered. “How long has he been awake?”

  “When he started coming around, I hit the call button. He said he hurts all over.”

  “I bet he does. Can you tell me your name, sir?”

  “Clay Warren.”

  “Do you know where you are?”

  He blinked then studied his surroundings. “Don’t know which one but a hospital.”

  “Do you remember what happened, Mr. Warren?”

  “I was riding a bull, but not very well.”

  “Yes sir, you were lucky. You’re more lucid today. I’ll go call the doctor. ” The nurse hurried out.

  “Glad you’re here. How did I do the other night?”

  “You took second.”

  “Amazing. That was one bad ride.”

  “Yeah, but according to your dad, everybody had bad rides that night. Except Mel. He won.”

  “That’s good.” Another moan followed his words. “My shoulder’s killing me.”

  “It’s dislocated.”

  “Oh yeah. What a fine time for this. How are my standings?”

  “Speak my language.”

  “Was second enough to qualify me for the world title?”

  “You already won the world. Remember?”

  “Oh yeah.”

  Tears singed her eyes. Rayna laid her cheek against his.

  “Hey, I’m all in one piece. Just sore and a bit confused.”

  “That bull wanted to kill you, Clay. And it would’ve. The bullfighter got it turned away at the very last second.”

  “That’s what bullfighters are for. And I’m fine. Ten foot tall and bull proof.”

  “I’ll never forget you lying there, so still, and that horrible creature charging you.”

  “I wish you hadn’t seen that, darlin’. Really, I do. But I’m fine. What were you doing there anyway?”

  “I couldn’t stay away.”

  “I guess we’re even then. You didn’t stay away, and I didn’t avoid a bull attack.”

  ❧

  Rayna packed his things while Clay impatiently waited for his release papers. Thirty-six hours in the hospital was way too much downtime. At the doctor’s strict orders to stay out of the rodeo for three weeks, he’d heard her sigh of relief.

  He was already chomping at the bit. No way could he miss that much and stay in the lead.

  “You out of here, cowboy?” The graying nurse poked her head in the door.

  “It’s supposed to be today, but at this rate, who knows. This is my fiancée, Rayna.”

  Shock registered in Rayna’s eyes.

  “Nice to meet you, ma’am. He’ll be just fine. Now you take care of yourself, Mr. Warren.”

  “Thank you,” Rayna called after her.

  “I realize I haven’t officially asked you to marry me. I’m waiting till I recover fully so I can get down on one knee and do it proper.”

  The door burst open, and Natalie lunged into Clay’s arms.“Whoa, easy now.”

  “Oh Clay, I’ve been so worried about you.”

  So worried you waited two days before visiting. “Please be careful, Natalie. He’s still healing.”

  Natalie turned on Rayna. “I would never hurt Clay.”

  “Not intentionally, I know, Nat, but I’m really sore.”

  The brunette perched on the bed and grabbed his hand. “Oh my poor baby,” she cooed. “What can Nat do for you?”

  Rayna rolled her eyes. “Actually, I’m going home in a bit,” Clay said. “Why don’t you and Rayna walk out together? She was just going to move her car around.”

  “I would’ve come sooner, but I hated to see you hurt.” Her full lips dipped into a pout, and she moved in for a kiss.

  He turned his cheek to her.

  Disappointment registered in her eyes. “Glad you’re better. I can see myself out.”

  The door closed behind her, and Rayna turned to him. “Thanks for trying to stick me with your groupie-wannabe.”

  “You know there’s never been nothin’ between us. Right?”

  “Only in her dreams.”

  “I guess Lacie filled you in on her. Lord knows I’ve never encouraged her. Sorry I tried to saddle you with her, but I’m too tired to keep her at bay.”

&nbs
p; “It’s a wonder she didn’t take the offer just to get me away from you.”

  “Seems like she’d give up after a while.”

  “You’re a hard guy to give up on.”

  “I’m glad you feel that way.”

  Her eyes held that guarded look. Holding something back. Hesitant to get too close, like she wasn’t planning to stay. How do I keep her, Lord? Without giving up a big chunk of myself?

  ❧

  Durlene ushered Rayna up the ranch house stairs and knocked on Clay’s door.

  “Come in.”

  “His room’s right through there.”

  Leaving the door open, Rayna hesitated. She’d never even been to his suite, much less in his bedroom. The decor was much like the downstairs. Cowboy couture.

  “Rayna, is that you?”

  She stepped through the doorway.

  He sat propped up with numerous pillows, looking more rested after sleeping in his own king-size bed.

  “You look beautiful. A sight for sore eyes. A sore noggin. A sore shoulder. Not to mention numerous other sore spots.”

  Gently, she kissed his cheek and sat in the chair beside him.

  “Come sit by me.” He patted the bed.

  “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  “You won’t. This is my good side. Come on. I wanna hold you. The door’s wide open, and I’m in no shape to try anything. Besides, have I ever?”

  Moving to the bed, she ever so gently leaned into him. Oh the feel of being nestled against his side. She could stay here forever.

  “I’m going to the Stockyards next weekend. Wanna come?”

  “I’ll breathe easier with you sitting beside me.”

  “But I won’t be. Sitting beside you, I mean.”

  “Clay.” Her voice trembled. “Please don’t tell me. You don’t plan to ride again so soon. Do you?”

  “I can’t afford to miss. I have to stay in the top five to get a chance at the title again.”

  She pushed away from him and stood. “But the doctor said no rodeo for three weeks. And you’ve got all season.”

  “The more bulls I ride the better. Doc says he can tape me up good as new.”

  “Who?”

  “The rodeo doctor.”

  She stood and stalked back and forth across the small room. “You plan to ride a bull again next weekend?”

  “It’s what I do.”