A Texas Holiday Reunion

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  The merry-go-round slowed; animals stopped their rhythmic rise and fall. Attendants helped children down and off, then took tickets and opened the gate.

  “Do you want to ride an elephant, or an eagle, or a deer?” Resa helped Cheyenne up onto the platform. “So many choices.”

  “How about a horse?” Colson tried for casual.

  “A horse?” Resa laughed up at him. “Typical cowboy. You can ride a horse on any old carousel. At least make it a zebra.”

  She had no clue. No idea what Cheyenne had been through. No concept of the hours of therapy.

  Cheyenne stopped, stared at the brown-and-white-painted horse. “I want to ride that.”

  Please don’t try to talk her out of it.

  “A horse it is, then.” Resa helped her up into the molded saddle.

  “I want Resa on one side and Daddy on the other.” Cheyenne gripped the pole.

  “All children, pick your animal, please.” The attendant boosted another child up onto a polar bear.

  Once they were all seated and holding poles, the carousel started up.

  And Cheyenne giggled. “I feel like I’m flying.”

  “That’s how I feel when I ride a real horse.” Resa stayed glued to Cheyenne’s side, her hands just above the child’s on the pole. “Have you ever ridden a horse?”

  “No.” Cheyenne withdrew inside herself. The light dimmed in her eyes.

  He should have explained to Resa, so she wouldn’t ask questions.

  “I want off, Daddy.”

  “You can’t get off right now, princess. Just calm down. You’re safe. I’ll keep you safe.”

  “And if we ask the carousel operator to stop it, all these other kids will be sad.” Resa patted her back.

  Cheyenne nodded, clinging to her pole as Colson prayed for the carousel to stop. To end Cheyenne’s torment.

  After what seemed like at last fifteen minutes, the ride slowed, the horse stopped.

  As soon as it was still, Cheyenne practically bailed off into his arms, clung to him. “I rode a horse, Daddy.”

  “I’m so proud of you.”

  “It was kind of scary. But it was fun for a little bit.”

  The Bonanza theme started up. Resa dug her phone from her pocket. “Hello?...Finally. I’ll be there soon.” She hung up.

  “Juan’s surgery?”

  “They just took him back. I’m sorry to cut your zoo visit short, Cheyenne. Maybe we can come again sometime.”

  “It’s okay. I saw all the animals and I rode a horse on a carousel.” Cheyenne said it as if it was at the top of her bucket list.

  “You did great, princess.”

  He swung her down to the ground and they exited the gate. Cheyenne had gotten scared when Resa mentioned real horses, but with his daughter’s history, riding the fake horse on the carousel equaled major progress.

  Now all he had to do was take Resa to the hospital, see about a bull, retrieve Resa postsurgery. And ignore her appeal. A tall order.

  Chapter Six

  “Thank you.” Resa smiled at the helpful hotel clerk, then turned toward the exit. The pristine lobby gleamed with cozy seating areas and the rooms were just as welcoming. Juan was in recovery and now his wife would have a nice place near the San Antonio hospital where she could get some rest.

  But there would be none of that for Resa. Not until her parents’ return. Not until Colson left.

  In making the move easier for Cheyenne, Resa had spent too much time with him lately, including their drive to San Antonio together this morning and the trip to the zoo. He’d always been a charmer and he was getting to her. At least once they’d arrived at the hospital, she’d been free of him until afternoon.

  But now he and his daughter were waiting outside for her.

  She tried to stop thinking about them, but found it difficult.

  Why had Colson been so uptight on the carousel? Why had Cheyenne shut down when she’d mentioned a real horse? The child had lived on ranches her entire life. She should be comfortable with horses. Was she afraid of them? And embarrassed by her fear, since her father was a horse trainer?

  Sucking in a deep breath, Resa stepped inside the moving pie slice of the revolving door, which always made her feel claustrophobic.

  “Resa!”

  Looking up, she spotted the two of them in the next slot, entering as she exited. A tear trickled down Cheyenne’s cheek as she reached toward the glass, as her dad swept her up in his arms. Resa stayed in her pie slice until it took her back inside to them.

  “Hey, sweet pea, what’s wrong?”

  Tears streaming, Cheyenne reached for her. “I couldn’t get to you. And then I thought it was gonna eat us.”

  “Shh, princess.” Colson handed her over. “You’re safe. The door won’t hurt you. And here we are. With Resa.” He didn’t sound pleased about that last bit.

  “Those doors kind of make me nervous, too.” She adjusted the child on her hip. “They suck you in and spit you out. But I’ve never had one chew on me.”

  That got a giggle out of Cheyenne, and Resa wiped away her tears.

  “I take it they had a room.”

  “Yes.”

  “It’s really kind of you to set Juan’s wife up like this.”

  “He’s been good to us and he’ll focus on recovery better if he’s not worrying about Carla. Barring complications, and if he follows his physical therapy, he’s on track to come back to work in six weeks.” After Cheyenne’s—and Colson’s—exit from her life.

  Why did that put a dull ache in her chest?

  “Did you eat anything? We ate, but we could stop somewhere if you need to.”

  Why did Colson Kincaid have to be a caring, nice guy? And why did that still do funny things to her insides?

  “I’m good. I ate at the hospital cafeteria.”

  “Daddy?”

  “Oh, right. Cheyenne needs a bathroom. That’s why we came in, and then with the whole door thing, I forgot.”

  Resa looked around the lobby, spotted the restrooms.

  “Would you mind taking her?”

  “Of course not.” She set Cheyenne down, took her hand—small, warm and trusting—then headed across the lobby. A welcome reprieve.

  Resa enjoyed Cheyenne. But all she wanted was to get on the road, back home and away from Colson. Tomorrow, she’d hole up in her office, draft and design her day away. And avoid him.

  * * *

  Ideas zinged through Resa’s brain all day. But yesterday’s long hours had sapped her of energy. Despite the empty coffee cup on her desk, she yawned. It was well after seven, so she might as well call it a day. Friday—one workweek complete. Two more to go with Colson in her personal space.

  At least tomorrow she’d be knee-deep in the store’s Christmas open house, and spend half of her day away from the ranch.

  After stretching as she stood, she strolled over and opened her blinds.

  Cheyenne stood on the fence as before, her elbows hooked over the top rail, gazing out toward the pasture where the palomino, still heavy with colt, grazed on a bale of hay. There was no sign of Colson, but he had to be around somewhere. The little girl didn’t get far from him.

  Did Cheyenne want to ride? She should tell Colson it was okay, that the child could ride anytime she wanted. Resa headed for the back door and pushed it open.

  But Colson was nowhere in sight. Instead Annette leaned against the barn.

  “Evening. I’m sorry if we disturbed you.”

  “Not at all.”

  “Resa!” Cheyenne clambered down from the fence, ran to her.

  Resa scooped her up, enjoying her pigtails and baby shampoo.

  “Where’s your daddy?” She scanned the area.

&nbs
p; “He’s at the house getting cleaned up from work. But I wanted to see the mama horse, so Nette brought me.”

  Resa turned to her. “I’m finished for the day, so you could go back and I’ll bring her home in a bit.”

  Annette paused as if unsure, but then smiled. “I think Cheyenne would like that.” She strolled toward the house.

  “So, you like horses?”

  Cheyenne buried her face in Resa’s shoulder. “Uh-huh.”

  “They’re so pretty. Do you want to go pet her?”

  The child stiffened, shook her head, her face still hidden.

  How could Cheyenne be afraid of horses when Colson had worked with them her entire life?

  “You know, horses look big and scary. But they’re really gentle and sweet. Especially Peaches here. I think when her baby is born, I’ll name it Cream, so they can be Peaches and Cream.”

  Cheyenne raised up, risked a glance at the horse.

  “What if we go inside the fence with her and just get a little closer, so you can see how sweet she is? I promise we won’t get too close.” This time.

  “Okay.” Cheyenne’s arms tightened around her neck.

  “Peaches is really calm.” Resa unlatched the gate, stepped into the lot and refastened it. “Sometimes if I’ve had a bad day, I pet her and she soothes me.”

  Cheyenne didn’t say anything, but her small hands clung tight. Tighter with each step Resa took.

  She stopped. “I think this is close enough for today.”

  Cheyenne’s grip relaxed slightly.

  “Maybe we could go a little closer each day. And eventually you might want to pet her.”

  Cheyenne’s cheek laid against Resa’s, and she felt a heady rush at gaining the child’s innocent trust.

  “What are you doing?” Colson shouted.

  Startled, Resa whirled around. His face was livid as he unfastened the gate. Cheyenne’s grip tightened.

  “We were just getting a little closer to Peaches.” Resa tried to sound calm as the child started whimpering.

  “Cheyenne is afraid of horses.” He reached them, jerked his daughter out of her arms, stalked back to the gate. “And if anyone helps her overcome that fear, it will be me.” He cuddled the girl as they exited the lot. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You’re safe. I’ll always keep you safe.”

  The whimpering stopped.

  “Let me take her back to the house.” Annette stood by the barn, reached for the child.

  “You go with Nette.” Colson kissed Cheyenne’s cheek. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

  Annette shot Resa an apologetic look.

  Colson glowered after them until they were out of earshot. “What were you thinking?” he barked.

  “What were you thinking, freaking out in front of her?” Resa propped her hands on her hips. “I’d never put Cheyenne in danger. That horse is the most gentle one we have. And haven’t you heard of the power of suggestion—if you tell her she’s afraid of horses, she probably will be? You of all people should have her riding by now. At the rate you’re going, she’ll be afraid of horses her entire life.”

  “She’s my daughter.” He jammed a thumb to his chest. “My responsibility. You have no idea what she’s been through. And no right to terrorize her.”

  “I was trying to help.”

  “Well, next time—just don’t. Stay out of it. And stay away from Cheyenne.” He stalked away, toward her parents’ house.

  How dare he? Resa blinked back hot tears. He wouldn’t keep her away from Cheyenne. Would he?

  In less than a week, how had this child wrapped her around her little finger? And Cheyenne seemed drawn to her, as well, even coming out of her shell. If he kept them apart, it would hurt them both.

  She’d just have to let him cool off. Then change his mind.

  * * *

  Despite the bright sunshine, the wind had a bite to it. Shifting his weight from one foot to the other, Colson hesitated at the door. He shouldn’t have yelled at Resa earlier. Now he’d have to come clean and reveal the thing he’d never told anyone other than his dad.

  The barn door opened with enough force to fling it off its hinges, revealing a ready-for-battle Resa. Her arms were crossed over her chest, her mouth taut, her blue eyes steely, and she oozed determination from every pore.

  “You can’t keep me away from Cheyenne. She’s just coming out of her shell and she likes me. If you don’t let me see her, she might clam up again.”

  “You’re right.”

  “And besides that, we’re supposed to do the Singing in the Saddle in a couple of weeks.”

  “I said you’re right.”

  Her mouth opened, closed. “I am.”

  “Yes. Can I come inside?”

  She stepped back and he entered, closing the door behind him. It was a wonder it still worked.

  “Is Cheyenne okay?” She sank onto a cowhide log chair.

  “She’s fine.” With a duck of his head, he settled across from her. “No thanks to me.”

  “So what was that freak-out thing all about?”

  “I told you how Felicity died.” He ran his hand along the back of his neck, closed his eyes. “Cheyenne was watching out the window when it happened.”

  “Oh no.”

  “She saw the whole thing. Us arguing, Felicity taking off, the horse throwing her.” Him cradling her lifeless body, apologizing...

  “I had no idea. If I’d known, I never would have gotten her near Peaches.”

  “I know.”

  “Are you sure she’s okay?”

  “She’s fine. She was more shaken about me grabbing her away from you than she was because of the mare.”

  Resa smacked her forehead and groaned. “I scared her, talking about real horses when we were on the carousel. That’s why she suddenly wanted off.”

  “You didn’t know. In fact, it was my idea for her to ride the horse on the carousel as a first step to come to terms with her fear. I should have let you in on what was happening.” But he hadn’t wanted to let her in his head. He didn’t need her any closer than she already was.

  “Can I go see her? I mean, if she sees us getting along and that she can still spend time with me, that might help. If it’s okay with you?”

  “It’s fine. In fact, Annette’s been wanting to have you over for dinner.” Please say no. “How about tonight? Although it seems kind of odd inviting you to your parents’ house.” No. Just say no.

  “I’d love to come. What should I bring?”

  “Just yourself.” The phone on her desk rang and he stood. Saved by the bell. “I better let you get to work.”

  “Thanks.” She picked up the phone. “Rusticks Designs, how may I help you?” A beat or two of silence passed. “Oh no. Please don’t tell me that. Is he okay?”

  Colson turned to face her, finding her shoulders slumped, her forehead in her hand.

  “Don’t worry about the open house. I’ll figure it out. Just tell him to take care of himself. And have someone disinfect his work area, okay? Thanks.” She hung up. Blew out a heavy sigh.

  “Everything all right?”

  “Dwayne, one of the guys from the store, has the flu. He won’t be able to help me with the open house tomorrow. He was supposed to work the morning shift, nine until noon. Believe it or not, Emmett promised to come and relieve me and help Tucker with the afternoon shift, so I can catch up on paperwork.”

  “I’ll take Dwayne’s shift. And if Emmett doesn’t show, I’ll stick around for the afternoon.”

  “You will?” A play of emotion ran across her features. A frown because she had to spend time with him? But then a smile, as if he were her hero.

  “Of course. I’ll get one of the hands to fill in at the ranch. Just tell me wha
t you need me to do.”

  But if he didn’t watch himself, he could get used to coming to her rescue.

  * * *

  Snickers pie. Why had she made Colson’s favorite? Resa balanced the pie in one hand and grabbed the doorknob with the other. Wait. This was her parents’ house, but they weren’t home. She rang the bell instead.

  The door whooshed open and Cheyenne barreled into her. Resa almost lost the pie, but the small arms stretched up around her waist would have been worth it. Especially since making Colson’s favorite had been a mistake.

  Intense green eyes met hers. “I think she missed you.”

  “I thought Daddy was gonna keep us apart.”

  “Nothing could make me stay away from you.”

  “Resa can visit you anytime, Cheyenne.” But Colson’s right eyebrow rose as if to say he could end it, as well. No matter what she thought about it.

  Satisfied, Cheyenne let go of her and took a step back. One pigtail was fastened, the other half-done.

  “Let me finish your hair now, princess.”

  “Okay.” Cheyenne plopped down on Resa’s father’s favorite cowhide ottoman in the great room.

  Colson settled in the accompanying chair and picked up a brush from the end table. With nimble fingers, he brushed Cheyenne’s hair, separated it into three perfectly even strands and went to work on the braid. It was the most touching thing Resa had ever seen.

  He caught her staring. “What? Didn’t think I could do it?”

  “I figured Annette was in charge of hair around here. How did you learn?”

  “Daddy took me to a hairdresser and she showed him how,” Cheyenne reported. “He practiced and practiced until he got good at it.”

  Resa’s heart warmed even more. “Ever heard of YouTube?”

  “They show you how to braid hair on the internet?”

  “Maybe you can look up how to French braid, Daddy?”

  It was on the tip of Resa’s tongue to offer, but she couldn’t interrupt this sweet father-daughter time.