by Lois Kasznia
"Dumb old medication," complained Jeb.
"The doctor is keeping him overnight to regulate his new medication," explained Caleb and he smiled at Ally. "Should we tell them?"
"I don't see why not," said Ally. She put her hand into Caleb's big strong one and held on tightly. Caleb lifted her left hand to show both Gracie and Jeb.
"I've asked Ally to marry me," began Caleb and before he even finished his sentence, Gracie leapt out of her chair to embrace him.
"I am so happy for y'all," exclaimed Gracie exuberantly. "Oh Lordy, just look at the size of that diamond."
"It's about damn time, Caleb," fussed Jeb, though pleased Caleb had finally come to his senses. "Ally, come over here and let an old man give you a kiss."
Ally wheeled the chair over to Jeb and kissed him with tears in her eyes.
"So when is the big date?" Both Jeb and Gracie spoke at the same time.
"I, uh, Ally?" asked Caleb looking for help.
"We haven't had time to work that out yet," explained Ally carefully. "With my ankle and Jeb in the hospital we didn't have time to discuss it." Ally searched for the right thing to say. "We'll let you know as soon as we can."
"Gracie, I have to get back to the ranch. Do you want to stay here or ride back with me?" Caleb had his car keys in hand.
"I'll ride back and then get our car." She leaned over to Jeb and kissed him lightly. "I won’t be long." Gracie stood up and followed Caleb.
"Ally, do you want me to push?" asked Caleb.
"I think I can do this," said Ally bravely. "I don't like wheelchairs, but those crutches are hard." Ally kept up with Gracie and Caleb, happily chattering away about what happened in New York.
"Are you sure you're going to be okay?" asked Caleb uncertainly as he watched Ally stagger on her crutches as she opened up her front door. "I've got some chores to do, but if you need help, call me."
"I'll be fine, Caleb. I've got Kat around so maybe she can spend some time with me. You need to take care for your ranch." Ally stopped and kissed Caleb soundly. "Now go." She grinned as she watched him retreat back to his truck and then stopped. "Caleb, the animals need you more than I do right now."
"What a thing to say to your almost husband," said Caleb feigning insult.
"You are such a tease," cried Ally and she shut the door. No sooner than she took a couple of steps did her phone ring.
"You're engaged?" cried Tara on the other end. "Your father just told me and you're on crutches, too."
"Caleb popped the question and I said yes. The crutches are temporary. I'll be as good as gold in a couple of weeks."
"Ally, your father and I are stopping by to see the ring. He said it's a real whopper. Kat is coming, too. We can't stay long because we have to get back to Houston for some doctor's appointments."
"That's okay. Where's Tank?"
"He's at the groomers. We had him bathed for you since he got into something in your back yard."
"Thanks, Mom. Is Kat with you? I need to talk to her."
"Hey," said Kat. "What's up?
"Can you stop and get some groceries for me? I don't know when I'll get out. You know I'll pay you."
"Sure. Mom is really excited," whispered Kat. "Be careful."
"You're not telling me anything I don't know. This could be trouble." Ally shook her head in dismay and ended the call. Slowly, she made her way into the bedroom where Caleb had deposited her suitcase and unpacked. It seemed to take forever, but she did it. She even started a load of laundry, proud now she could work the machine without any problems. Hobbling to the front door, Ally unlocked it and hobbled back to the bar, retrieved a glass of wine and sat in her easy chair with her leg propped up waiting for the encounter with her mother.
"Darling," cried Tara when she saw Ally propped up in the chair. "You must tell me everything." Tara glanced at the door before she continued. "Your father has Tank and Kat stopped to get you some groceries. Ally, my poor little baby girl." Tara hugged and kissed Ally while taking her hand to inspect the ring. "Goodness. Look at the size of that diamond. Did you pick it out? When's the wedding? Have you decided what color scheme you're going to have? We must get you a wedding planner." She leaned in closer to Ally."Frankly? I think it would be so romantic if you had it at Caleb's home. That property is to die for. What are you going to do with this house?"
"Mom, please. I haven't even had time to think about any of it. Between what happened in New York and poor Jeb, Caleb and I haven't had time to discuss it."
"Are you going to sue that model who did this to you?" Tara's voice filled with contempt.
"No, Mom. Henri took care of it for me." Ally smiled at the thought. "Monique is no longer with the agency." The door opened and Tank leapt into the house and ran over to greet Ally with slobbering kisses.
"I tried to control him, but he's too excited," said Robert as he walked in after Tank's entrance. "Ally, how are you going to handle him with your ankle?"
"Easy, I just open the back door and let him out. Don't worry, I'll be fine. Between Caleb and Kat, I'll be able to manage."
"Groceries are here," announced Kat as she sailed through the front door. "Ally, I got you everything you need. I figured while you were nursing the ankle, I have some new recipes for you to try out. Now let me see this rock." Kat dropped the bags off on the kitchen table and walked over to see Ally. "Whoa, what a nice ring. I'm so happy for you. Caleb is a great guy."
"Yeah, I think so, too." Ally smiled feeling very content.
"Mom, can you help me put away the groceries and then Dad can check around the house before you leave. Ally, I ordered a pizza for us. It's on the way."
"Thanks." Ally watched as the chores were completed and then kissed her parents goodbye. Only when they were alone did Ally fill Kat in with the details.
"It is so romantic," swooned Kat. "I'll try and work on Mother. She's already chomping at the bit."
"Yeah, I know." Ally couldn't stop yawning. "I'm sorry. It's been a day."
"I'll let you go," said Kat graciously. "Call me if you need anything."
Ally fell asleep by the time Kat had closed the door.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Ally felt a cold nose pressing into her hand as it hung over the arm of the chair, waking her up. "What?" She sat up straighter and jumped when an impatient bark sounded from Tank. "Tank, do you have to go out?" asked Ally and she started to get out of the chair. Grabbing her crutches, she made her way to the back door only to be stopped by Tank. Glancing at the clock, Ally felt guilty about not feeding him.
"Poor baby," cooed Ally as she made her way into the kitchen to retrieve his dinner bowl. It took her twice as long and it didn't help that Tank danced around her crutches making it even harder. The doorbell rang causing Ally to spill the dog food all over the floor. Great. Tank was gobbling it up, so Ally shrugged her shoulders and answered the door.
"I've been worried about you. I just wanted to stop by to see how y'all were doing," said Caleb as he planted quite the kiss on Ally's lips.
"Much better now," said Ally when they finally stopped kissing. She backed away to let him in. "You know, it's not easy getting around on crutches. You have a tendency to take things for granted." She lifted her crutch to point to the kitchen where Tank ate what he could from the floor.
"Tank seems to like it," laughed Caleb. "Here let me help you with this." Caleb strode to the kitchen and Ally couldn't stop thinking how much she wanted to make love to him. Now. Ally sighed with happiness. She got a hold of her senses and walked into the kitchen to join them.
"Are you hungry? I have some leftover pizza," said Ally as she pointed to the box on the table.
"What a beautiful sight for a food hungry man, even though I'm hungry for you." Caleb smiled at her lasciviously as he reached into the box and pulled out a huge slice of pizza.
"Even a poor damsel on crutches?" Ally batted her eyelashes.
"Even better because now you can't run away from me."
&nbs
p; "Why would I do that?" asked Ally as she clumsily made her way to him.
"This cowboy has some nasty things on his mind." He finished the pizza and started towards Ally.
"Maybe this Yankee has some thoughts of her own," murmured Ally as she tried to slip her arms around him. The crutches slipped and she fell forward, almost knocking Caleb down. They both looked at each other and burst into laughter.
"Classic Ally moment," said Caleb through peals of laughter. "Tell you what. I'll take Tank out while you go to the bedroom. Now, be careful." Caleb helped Ally upright and placed the crutches under each arm. He patted her on her derriere and propelled her forward.
"You didn't tell me about your day," said Ally. They were tangled in each other's arms, flushed from their lovemaking.
"I'm beat," said Caleb tiredly. "Between you, the flight, Jeb and the chores, I'm plumb tuckered out." He yawned widely. "I had not planned on staying, but I changed my mind." He grabbed Ally into his arms and promptly fell asleep.
"How can you do that?" asked Ally quietly knowing he wouldn't answer her. He could fall asleep on the drop of a dime. She was trapped beneath the dead weight of Caleb and carefully tried to extricate her arms and legs so she could be more comfortable. Free at last, she laid her head on the pillow, tossing and turning. Too many ideas were going through her mind. Finally, she fell into a deep sleep and curled herself into Caleb's body.
Ally heard the rooster crowing and looked at her watch. It showed four in the morning and she didn't know whether or not to awaken Caleb. He looked so peaceful. Ally sighed and tenderly stroked his cheek. Caleb opened one eye and looked at her fondly.
"What time is it?" he asked his voice gravelly with sleep.
"Four."
"I should get up, anyway. I still have lots of chores to do." Caleb bounced out of bed and into the bathroom where he splashed cold water on his face, swigged some mouthwash and spit it out. Stepping out of the bathroom, he noticed Ally still in bed. "Stay there for now. Just be careful. If you need anything, just call me."
"Caleb, before you go, when do you want to get married? My family has already jumped all over me like a cheap suit about the date. Any ideas, thoughts you may have?"
"Ally, I did the hard part, I asked. Whatever you want is up to you. All I know, is I want you next to me as soon as possible."
"You've been married before, Caleb. I haven't. I don't want you to go through the whole thing again."
"I don't mind, Ally. It's what you want." Caleb leaned down and kissed her gently. "I've got to go." He tousled her hair and left.
"I don't know what to do," mumbled Ally as she tossed and turned. Finally, she fell back asleep until Tank woke her up for his breakfast.
"Good morning, Ally," said Kat as she waltzed into the room. "How did you sleep?"
"Like a log," replied Ally as she hobbled to the kitchen table. "I didn't get a chance to look at any of the recipes or information you dropped off last night."
"I didn't think you would. That's why I'm here now." Kat sat at the kitchen table along with Ally and pushed papers in front of Ally. "Here's what happened while you were in New York. I don't keep as good of notes as you do, so don't leave me again." She glanced up at Ally, who had her mind on other things.
"I'm sorry," said Ally guiltily. "I guess my mind is useless today."
"Focused on the wedding?" asked Kat.
"What do you think? Caleb has been married before so I hate to have him go through the whole thing. Besides, it's only going to be you, Mom, Dad and Aunt Fran on our side. I don't know who Caleb wants to invite. I don't even know if he wants a honeymoon. We just haven't talked it through."
"Well, that's not off to a good start," commented Kat. "Communication is the key to a good marriage."
"You know? You're right. I'm not going to worry about it until later. I'll just have to put Mom off for a while." Ally gave herself a mental shake and reached for the papers Kat had given her. "It looks good. I've got pictures of these recipes and you charged the right amount. How much did you pay your friend?" Ally made notes in the margins.
"She only would take fifty. I tried to give her more, but she says she had too much fun to be paid more than that."
"Will she help you since I can't?"
"I think so. Are you able to cook at all? I need your cheesecake and I want to try this crayfish recipe. Yesterday at the grocery store, I picked up all the ingredients." Kat handed the recipe to Ally.
"I can do this," said Ally. "It will keep me busy and not thinking about a wedding."
"Not even the dress?" teased Kat.
"Dress?" Ally felt overwhelmed. Maybe she shouldn't have said yes so hastily. "I wanted it simple. You as my Matron of Honor and that's it."
"Aren't you going to invite Henri?" Kat started to get excited. "Maybe with all of the designers you know, you could ask if one of them would design a dress for you."
"I don't want my wedding to be a three-ring circus," said Ally crossly. "Henri would be as bad as Mother." Ally, leaned her chin on her hand. "But you're right. I should invite Henri and his secretary, Alice." The wheels in her mind were churning. "I could ask Lauren to design something without all of the hoopla. Caleb said I could do whatever I wanted."
"You told me you hadn't discussed it with him. Ally, he's giving you carte blanche. Go for it." Kat became caught up in the enthusiasm.
"When you put it that way," said Ally. "I can do this, Kat. I'll just run things by him and if he doesn't like them, I'll change. All I know he said he wants this to happen quickly."
"There you go. Are you able to drive with your ankle?" Kat was eyeing the bandage with suspicion.
"I don't see why not," said Ally. "It's my left ankle."
"Good," said Kat. "You should get out there and get some ideas on how you want to plan your wedding.”
"Now, I'm getting excited." Ally's good mood increased tenfold.
"Start cooking and I'll be back sometime this afternoon." Kat picked up her purse and grabbed her car keys. "Do you need anything?"
"Nope, I'm good." Ally had started on her next project of cooking and thinking about her wedding dress.
"Lauren. I know I have her number here somewhere," said Ally to herself as she dug into her purse. Frustrated, she emptied the entire purse on the kitchen table. The cheesecakes were cooling, giving Ally a chance to act upon the ideas whirling through her mind. Lauren would be perfect for her dress. Ally booted up her laptop for her personal files and browsed through the database she had built for all of her contacts. She quickly found Lauren's number and called her.
"Ally, where are you? I heard about your show. Are you okay? Look up bitch in the dictionary and there will be Monique's picture."
"I'm back home in Texas. Henri said they let her go from the agency. In all of my years of modeling, I've never had something like that happen to me."
"Well, it's in all the gossip columns and you have everyone's support. Is your ankle broken?"
"No, it's just strained. I'll be good to go in a couple of weeks."
"So, what brings you to Texas? I heard you had moved."
"I just wanted to get out of the rat race. Besides, my family is down here," said Ally.
"Well, we miss you. You certainly know how to create chaos."
"Yeah, so I've heard. I bet you're probably wondering why I called you. I'm getting married."
"Congratulations. It's Greg, right?" Lauren did not sound enthused.
"No, Greg is a loser. It's someone I met here. He's a rancher, Caleb Strait."
"You're marrying a cowboy? I can see the headlines now; Follow Ally Duncan from New York to a Ranch."
"Yes. I know. I've been through some changes," laughed Ally. She knew Lauren wouldn't understand being a pure bred New Yorker. "Just wait till you see him. Kind of like the Marlboro Man, but he doesn't smoke."
"I'd love to meet him. Do you want me to do your dress?" squealed Lauren, as her voice jumped an octave.
"Would you, Lauren?
I just love your work and I wouldn't trust anyone else," said Ally seriously.
"I'd be insulted if you didn't ask me. When is this going to take place? I have a show going on now, but I can start sometime next week?"
"Perfect. We really haven't discussed dates, but he said he wanted it soon."
"When did all of this happen," asked Lauren.
"Believe it or not, at the show, he flew up to New York to see the show. He proposed to me after I fell."
