Montana Cowboy

by Jillian Hart

  “That’s a big relief. Lil has enough challenges without adding more.” Madge straightened from her clipping and pressed both hands to the small of her back. “I’m not as young as I used to be, that’s a fact. Anyway, do they know how serious the stroke is?”

  “She has limitations, but they are still assessing.” A muscle twitched in his jaw. “She’ll get through it. We’re all behind her.”

  “That makes the difference.” Madge nodded approvingly. “Is there anything I can do to help out?”

  “There is.” The wind tousled his thick hair, giving him a rakish touch. A nice contrast to his church clothes and tie. “We’re about to go fetch lunch for everyone. Could you turn off the water in about twenty minutes?”

  “Sure thing. I can take over watering this evening, too.”

  “Madge, you’re a sweetheart.”

  “Don’t I know it.” The older lady winked.

  “Then I guess we can get going.” Luke held out his hand to Honor, palm up, dimples friendly. “Want to come with me? I could use help ordering all those sandwiches.”

  “And chips. Don’t forget the chips.” She kept it light, making him smile, to hide what burned in her heart. “Let me rescue my shoes. Oh! And my handbag and keys.”

  “Did you leave them inside?”

  “You know I did.” She timed her sprint across the wet grass with the arc of squirting water. When she reached the front steps, she couldn’t resist the urge to glance over her shoulder. She drank in the sight of him standing on the other side of the spraying sprinkler, where sunlight made rainbows off the water droplets.

  Just wishing, she told herself as she bent to grab her shoes. Never had she wanted anything as much as she wanted Luke’s heart.

  Chapter Twelve

  “Are you meeting up with her today?” Hunter tossed up a bale of hay.

  No need to ask who he meant by her. Luke grabbed the bale and hiked across the stacked hay beneath his boots. “That’s the plan. I haven’t heard from her yet.”

  “Maybe that’s for the best.”

  “What does that mean? You don’t like her?” Luke hefted the bale into place, swiped sweat off his forehead with the back of his leather gloves. It had been a tough few days juggling the haying needing to be done on top of being in Bozeman as much as they could to be with Lil. Honor’s emails and phone calls checking up on him had been a great comfort.

  One he didn’t want to mention to his brother.

  “What’s not to like?” Hunter threw up another bale. “Honor is pretty and nice. The way she helped out on Sunday. Hard not to appreciate that.”

  “Sure it is.” He did his best to hide his true feelings as he manhandled the bale into place. Good thing his back was turned so Hunter couldn’t read his reaction. No doubt his hidden strengthened affection for Honor wasn’t so hard to spot. Not if you knew how to look. “She fits right in with our sisters, doesn’t she? It’s like they’ve always been friends.”

  “Hmm.” Hunter appeared to think about that as he stalked across the nearly empty trailer and grabbed the last remaining hay bales. “You know what I’ve been thinking?”

  “Not particularly.”

  “She does fit in pretty good for a city girl. A California girl.” Hunter’s glare became pointed.

  “What are you trying to say?” Luke braced for it as he hiked the heavy bale into place.

  “I overheard the girls talking about that purse she had on Sunday. It cost more than both our monthly truck payments combined.”

  “So?”

  “I’m saying she wouldn’t be happy fitting into this kind of life. That’s all.”

  “You don’t know that.” Hard to keep the emotions from showing through, but he tried to laugh it off. Likely as not, he failed, but at least he tried. “Besides, I never figured she would want to fit in here. There’s never been a chance for that.”

  “Sure. The head can know one thing, but the heart doesn’t always listen. I’ve seen the way you look at her.”

  “There goes your overactive imagination again.” Luke winked. It was impossible not to kid his brother.

  “I’m just sayin’.” Hunter shrugged, maybe seeing the truth, after all. “I don’t want you to get hurt. One woman’s already done that to you. Maybe you shouldn’t go tonight.”

  “To the fundraiser for Lil’s medical expenses?” Luke popped open a water bottle. “No way. I’m going. End of story.”

  “Then at least text that woman and tell her not to come.”

  “That’s terrible advice.”

  “It’s smart advice. I feel obligated to offer it. You’ve clearly lost all judgment when it comes to her.”

  “Oh, I’ve still got my judgment.” It was his heart that he’d lost. As long as Honor didn’t know it, then maybe it wouldn’t hurt as bad when she left in eight days and counting.

  The toot of a horn drew his attention. Brandi coming in behind the wheel of the tractor, hauling another ton of hay. His pocket buzzed. He hauled out his phone and checked the screen.

  Leaving rite now, Honor wrote. C U soon.

  Can’t wait, he wanted to write. It’s all I’m thinking about, he wanted to say. But when he hit Send, his message read, Great. Should B fun.

  “Go on, both of you.” Hunter hopped from the trailer and landed with a two-footed thud on the concrete. “I’ll get this stacked. Go wash cars for Lil.”

  “You mean it?” Brandi flew from the tractor, her pigtails flying. “Awesome. You’re fantastic. But what about all the milking and barn work? That’s more than a one-man job.”

  “I can handle it. Do I look like I can’t?”

  “Ooh, I adore ya.” Brandi gave Hunter a sisterly hug, ignoring his grumbles of protest. “Sorry, but you can’t fool me.”

  “Not trying to.” Hunter growled. “Now, get out of here.”

  “You’re a softy beneath all that gruff.” Brandi shaded her eyes with one hand, squinting into the sun. “Hey, Luke? Are you coming?”

  “Couldn’t keep me away with a stick,” he quipped, tucking his phone into his pocket. Sweat sluiced down the back of his neck as he hopped down from the growing mountain of hay, landing beside his brother. The roof of the pole building blocked his view of the sky, but the gathering thunderheads were hard to miss.

  “That’s the last of the cut,” Hunter echoed what Luke was thinking. “Just in the nick of time. Don’t worry, I’ll get it under cover if rain hits. I just hope it holds off until after Lil’s fundraiser.”

  “Me, too. Maybe it won’t rain that far south.” Thoughts of Honor stayed with him as he followed Brandi up the driveway. Betty leaned over the fence to moo at them. Brandi picked a handful of daisies and he couldn’t stop grinning. He was going to see Honor again.

  He couldn’t wait.

  * * *

  She locked her car, tied her hair into a ponytail and slid on her sunglasses. Her pulse tripped with excitement as she crossed the church’s parking lot. But not excitement at seeing Luke again, oh, no. As long as she didn’t admit her deepened feelings, then she could pretend to be a breezy, in control woman who wasn’t falling for the wrong man.

  “Honor!” Bree’s hand shot up. “Over here!”

  “We’re painting signs.” Colbie jogged to catch up with her with a sack clutched in one arm. She’d obviously just arrived, too. “I can’t believe you came. You’re a true friend, Honor.”

  “Just returning the favor.” She couldn’t begin to say what the McKaslin sisters’ friendship had meant to her. She’d been lonely for many long months during her stint in Montana. Not anymore. She had more texts, emails and calls than she knew what to do with. It was nice.

  She nodded toward the group of people unwinding hoses and lining up buckets. “It looks like a lot of people have turne
d up to help.”

  “The entire volleyball team.” Colbie set the bag down next to Bree. “And the opposing team. I couldn’t believe it when their captain came up with the idea of a car wash. It just makes you think, you know?”

  “That there’s more good in the world than we realize?” Honor nodded. She believed that.

  “It’s nice to know when bad things happen, you’re not alone.” Brooke peered into the bag and took out a can of paint. “All right, who is the most artistic of us?”

  “Bree,” Brandi said.

  “Brandi,” Bree said.

  “I possess modest sign-painting skills.” Honor chose a brush from the sack.

  “I knew I invited you for a reason.” Colbie knelt on the blacktop, paint can in hand. “These are great. Who made the A boards? Wait. I don’t need to ask. Luke and Hunter.”

  “Yes. All they need is signage.” Brandi handed over a paintbrush. “Which means we can go help with something else.”

  “Totally.”

  “Oh, go on with you.” Colbie pointed with her paintbrush, amused. “Make yourself useful somewhere else. We won’t miss you.”

  “Sure you will. Wait, they’re setting up the money taker’s table. That would be me.” Brandi bopped away with her twin.

  “And me,” Bree chimed in.

  “Those two. Nothing but trouble.” Brooke smirked, studying Honor’s lettering work with great consideration as her apparent role as supervisor. “I’m not sure pink paint was the best choice, Colbie.”

  “It might not show up as well in the direct sunlight, but it’s pretty. That has to count for something. Look at all the volunteers. More just keep arriving.” Colbie paused, watching as more team members arrived. Her eyes teared up.

  “How is Lil doing?” Honor finished painting a jazzy R. “Luke’s email this morning said she was still having trouble with her speech.”

  “Yes, and movement on one side.” Colbie gulped, swallowing hard. “I’m having a guilt attack. I feel like I should be with her. What if she needs something?”

  “Then Madge will see she gets it,” Brooke soothed. “And after this, I’m relieving Madge. It’s my shift with Lil, no guilt allowed, got it?”

  “Okay, but fair warning.” Colbie blew out a shaky sigh and went back to painting. “I’m prone to the guilts.”

  “No kidding.”

  Honor spotted Luke’s truck pulling into the lot. Sparkles gathered in her stomach. They were sweet and pure and bright, like little pieces of sunshine. Another very ominous sign. When he spotted her and waved, she waved back.

  Breezy and casual, remember? She loaded her paintbrush. Laughter and conversation rose from the car washers setting up. How did you stop from feeling? How did you stop from caring?

  “He’s a really good man.” Colbie stood up rotated to the unpainted side of her A board and knelt down, paint brush at the ready. “He works hard. He loves his family. He’s always there for us whenever we need anything.”

  “I’ve noticed.” Even she could hear the ring of admiration in her voice. She cleared her throat. Casual, remember? “He’s going to make some blessed woman a wonderful husband.”

  Not me, she wanted to point out, but she was afraid it would give her away.

  “Yes, Luke will make a great husband,” Brooke enthused. “He’s as kind as the day is long. He’s loyal. No matter how rough the going gets, he doesn’t quit. They don’t make many men like him these days.”

  “And not in California, or at least not that I’ve found.” Not one man—even Kip—had ever made her fill with peace with a single glance. She didn’t even know that could happen, like it was happening now. He closed his truck door, settled two sacks of groceries in his arms and tossed a smile her way. Every worry and every doubt faded away, leaving a calm feeling she couldn’t deny.

  A feeling she wanted to go on forever.

  “It’s too bad you’re heading home soon.” Colbie’s tone held a questioning note as if there was more she wanted to ask.

  “It’s definitely too bad I’m leaving in eight days. Seven tomorrow.” Counting down used to a great comfort to her. It used to make her feel that her life was still waiting for her, just as she’d left it. Her stomach bunched in a knot. She still wanted to go home, right?

  “It sounds like you’re rethinking things, maybe?” Brooke asked.

  “My life is in Malibu.” Friends, family, her church, job applications she’d submitted and there was Anna Louise’s wedding to be a part of.

  “What’s cool about you is that I know you care for Luke.” Colbie set down her brush. “No, don’t try and deny it. The way you look at him says it all.”

  “It does.” Brooke jumped in, nodding her agreement. “I’ve noticed it, too.”

  “Really?” Panic shot through her. Just how transparent had she been? What if Luke suspected how she felt?

  “A while back, Luke fell for a woman who worked at his small-town bank. He fell hard for her.” Colbie added a few flourishes with her brush. “She led him on, although I’m not sure she meant to. She seemed nice, and I think in all honesty she was lonely and did like him.”

  “But the minute she’d put in her time as manager, she was able to transfer to Chicago, where she was originally from. With a great big promotion.” Brooke shrugged, like she couldn’t believe it.

  “She never looked back.” Colbie stood up, her painting work done. “He’d never admitted it, but Sonya broke Luke’s heart.”

  Poor Luke. She painted an H with a flourish. Done.

  “No worries,” she tried to reassure them. “That won’t be a problem this time.”

  Mainly because Luke didn’t have those sorts of feelings for her, and she wouldn’t hurt him for anything. Her attention darted to him, where he’d parked his truck and was now carrying grocery sacks to leave with the crowd of car washers. The sun chased him as he headed her way, sending her a grin.

  Friendly, not loving. That’s how he looked at her as he came up to inspect her A board. “Hi, Honor. That’s one fine paint job. Unlike Colbie’s.”

  “Hey, I’m no artist.” Colbie rolled her eyes. “I should get points for trying.”

  “It’s not so bad,” Brooke defended her. “It’s better than I could do.”

  “Just don’t put my sign anywhere near Honor’s and no one will know it’s lacking.” Colbie plopped the lid back on the paint can. “So, what was in the bags?”

  “Sodas. Sparkling water. Juice. Paper cups.” Luke shrugged as he hefted up the signs, careful of the drying paint. “Figured everyone would get thirsty in this heat. Honor, do you want to help me figure out where to put these?”

  “Sure. I’ll be happy to offer my opinion.” She bounded to her feet, completely nonchalant, as if she wasn’t effected by him. As if she wasn’t falling for him. As if she didn’t remember being tucked in his arms, against his iron chest. “How’s little Faith doing?”

  “Growing like a weed. She’s the sweetest thing.” He ambled toward the nearby street. “Any chance you could come over and see her one last time before you go? I could throw in a horse riding lesson to tempt you?”

  “A horse riding lesson? Where did you ever get the idea I would like to ride a horse?”

  “It was implied. Every time I talked about my horse, you seemed interested.”

  “I was being polite. Honestly.” His grin made her knees go weak. Not ideal when she was trying to walk like a perfectly normal person. “Besides, implied is not the same as actual. If I didn’t actually say I was interested—”

  “But you wouldn’t want to meet my horse?”

  “Meet, yes. Ride? No.”

  “Afraid of horses?”

  “Sort of and I see no reason to bring that up.” She loved the way his laughter matched hers note for note, like mel
ody to harmony. “Besides, I’ll be leaving soon. There will be no time. Too bad.”

  “You don’t sound very sorry.” He plunked the A board down on the street corner, tugging it to face the busy street. “I was at least hoping for a little sincerity.”

  “Are you kidding? Give me a surfboard, but a horse? Not so sure about that.”

  “You surf?” He shook his head. “How did we get to be friends?”

  “I was lonely. At the time, I would have settled for anyone.” She kept her tone light and cheerful, so he would never guess how her chest squeezed tight. She’d be embarrassed if he knew how she felt. “I was desperate.”

  “Good thing I came along.” He hit the walk button on the light pole. “You could have struck up a friendship with who knows who. Maybe Captain Sweatpants from the chat room.”

  “It was tempting, even knowing he lived with seven ferrets.”

  “And his mother,” Luke added.

  “But I decided to go with Montana Cowboy instead.”

  “I’m glad, California Girl.” The light changed and he stepped off the curb, unaware of how badly she wanted to take his hand, just to feel closer to him. “Your time here is almost up.”

  “It will go fast.” Now that it is almost here, Lord, please slow down time. She wanted to find a way to make time last. “I might miss this place.”

  And you, she’d wanted to say. She would miss him with all her heart.

  “Wait one minute. I can’t believe my ears. You actually like it here?” Luke swung the sign into place on the sidewalk.

  “Well, like is a strong word,” she quipped, fighting to hide the truth. If only she could. “Let’s just say I don’t hate it here. I can tolerate not having the ocean near and—”

  “—your friends,” he finished for her, giving the sign a nudge.

  “The problem is that when I go back, I’m going to still miss friends.” She swallowed hard to push down the lump building in her throat. “I have friends here I’ll have to leave behind.”

  “No matter where you are, we can still chat online.”

  “I was talking about your sisters,” she quipped, hiding the fact that being online buddies was no longer enough.