Montana Cowboy

by Jillian Hart

  “Is everything okay back home?” He took a cookie for himself and stowed the container in a saddlebag.

  “Yes. Everything’s fine.” She looked at the cookie as if she wasn’t sure she wanted to take a bite. “You know the school I used to work for?”

  “Where you also substituted for a while after your job was cut?”

  “That’s the one. A position has opened up for September and they’ve invited me to fill it.”

  “Is that so?” He eased the pack behind Buck’s saddle, glad she couldn’t see the look on his face. He’d

  really gotten his hopes up. Way up there. They hit the ground with a crash. “Sounds like good news to me. Congratulations.”

  “Thanks. It’s exactly what I’ve been praying for.”

  “Me, too. This is good for you.” He squared his shoulders, facing her. “I want you to be happy.”

  “I guess I’m still in shock.”

  “Good things happen to those who wait.” A dumb thing to say, but it was the best he could do. His fingers shook so badly he could barely buckle the saddlebag into place. For a moment there, he’d been convinced he had a chance with her. That kiss…

  He shook his head. That kiss had been a stolen moment between them. But a future with her?

  It clearly was not meant to be. God’s plan for her wouldn’t keep her in Montana.

  Which meant he had to let her go. “Hey, you’ll be able to see Jerrod, assuming he aces his test and gets into Wheatly.”

  “Right. I may even be his teacher again.” She brightened, nibbling on her cookie and confirming his suspicion.

  She intended to accept the offer. Once back in Malibu with her friends and at the school she loved, she wouldn’t be spending much time online. Her life would be full. There would be no room for him.

  Boy, he was gonna miss her.

  He drew Lena’s reins and held the mare for mounting. “You probably can’t wait to get back.”

  “Oh, I’m in no hurry. For instance, I’ve having a lovely time tonight.” She tossed him a smile as she swept into the saddle.

  Her smile held him captive. The most beautiful one he’d ever seen. He held the mare steady, careful to give nothing away. “Even with the rain? It put a damper on things.”

  “No, not unless we both went back and sat on the ground.”

  “You’re right. That would be a damper. Ha ha.” He handed up her reins. She could warm away any letdown. She could have been his entire world. “Ready to head back?”

  “Might as well. There are more thunderheads coming this way.” She tilted her head back to study the sky, one hand on his hat she still wore. “They look ominous.”

  “We don’t want to be caught in the forest if lightning decides to strike.” He grabbed Buck’s reins. “That would be a shocking experience.”

  “Really? That’s a terrible pun.” Honor nosed Lena around to face the trail.

  “It would give us a jolt.” He mounted up. “Light up the evening.”

  “Honestly. Your puns are funnier when you’re typing them.” Mischief sparkled as she led the way along the trail. “This has been fun. Much more than I figured.”

  “Good. Then you admit it. You like horseback riding?”

  “I totally get it. I really do.” She leaned forward in her saddle to pat Lena’s neck. “Horses are incredibly cool.”

  “I’ve always thought so.” This time it was his cell that interrupted. A text message from Colbie. He squinted at the screen. “Looks like its official. Lil is going home tomorrow.”

  “What a relief Lil is doing so well.”

  “She’ll do even better at home.” He didn’t mention the challenges ahead. “Like I’ve told you in more than a few emails, I’m grateful we didn’t lose her. Not sure what we would all do without our Lil.”

  “She’s your mom.”

  He liked that Honor understood. Sometimes family wasn’t made of blood ties but by bonds of the heart that were as equally strong. He reined Buck down the sloping trail, listening to the flurry of birds rushing about. Sounded like they were seeking shelter, which meant another storm was on the way. As he glanced through the canopy of trees, the sky looked progressively darker with each passing minute.

  They reached the Lamberts’ property before the first flash of lightning snaked across the sky. He’d unsaddled both horses and had only Buck to load in the trailer when the next round of raindrops hit. All he could think about was their kiss. The tenderness he felt for Honor refused to budge as he patted Buck’s flank, turned on his heel and put up the ramp.

  Honor stood in the rain, arms wrapped around her middle, watching him quietly. Was she thinking about their kiss, too? Regretting it, maybe? Or was she thinking it was a sweet end to their relationship? His throat bunched up as he walked her way.

  “Looks like we’re in for more than a squall.” Easy to talk about the weather. Talking about his feelings was another matter. “The weathermen were wrong.”

  “Again.” Her smile held sadness, although the Stetson she still wore shaded her face, hiding her eyes from him. “What’s a picnic without a little rain?”

  “Boring, that’s what.” He knuckled back the hat to get a better look at her. What if this was the last time he ever saw her?

  “I had no idea you were such a good cook. I would have figured a Montana cowboy for the kind of man who’s too rugged to spend time in a kitchen.”

  “Once Hunter and I were on our own, we had to figure something out or starve.” It was tough keeping his tone light, as if this wasn’t killing him. Letting her go was the hardest thing he’d ever done. The only reason he could do it was simple. It was what she wanted. “Something had to be done, so I stepped up and figured it out. Good thing for the cooking channel. That’s how I learned.”

  “Wow, well that was the best fried chicken I’d ever had. You’re a man of many talents, Luke McKaslin.”

  “You know what they say. A jack of all trades, a master at none.”

  “Yeah, right.” She shook her head. “I don’t believe that for a second. Thank you for driving all this way—”

  “—it was my pleasure, ma’am.”

  “And for a memorable evening. I’ll never forget it.”

  “Neither will I.”

  “This is a remarkable turning point for me. I actually like Montana now.”

  “Just in time to leave.” He eased in a step closer.

  “It’s ironic.” How did she tell him that part of it had to do with him? Maybe it wasn’t where you were, but who you were with that mattered. “I’m part Montana girl now, thanks to you.”

  “Glad I could help. I think Buck and Lena played a role.” Affection warmed his words.

  And made her wish for another kiss. She had no idea what to do about her job offer, but she knew one thing. The man standing before her was all she wanted. He was all she could see. Not the rain, not stormy skies, just his strength and character, the man who had stolen her heart.

  “Yes, Lena definitely made the difference.” She couldn’t say what she felt. It was too great. “It was the horses. They changed my mind.”

  “Horses can do that. They’re pretty awesome.”

  “No argument.” The future flashed into her mind, a wish for what could be. Evenings spent with him, easy banter and tenderness. He was everything she’d ever wanted and never believed she could find. What was a job compared to that? Her heart had already chosen.

  What she didn’t know is if he would choose her.

  “I’d best get on the road.” Instead of reaching out like she hoped, Luke stepped back. “I promised to drop by the hospital and check on Lil on the way home.”

  “With the horses?”

  “It won’t take more than a few extra minutes out of the way. They’re comforta
ble in the trailer. I just want to see her with my own eyes. Make sure she’s good.” He hesitated, staying rooted to the ground, still not moving in for a goodbye kiss. “There will be a lot to do over the weekend getting her settled.”

  “I could help.”

  “I appreciate that, but you’ve done so much already. Besides, you’ll want to get started packing, right?” Sadness darkened his eyes to a deep violet-blue. “You’re homeward bound.”

  “Y-yes.” She stumbled over the word. “Yes, I am.”

  “You’re getting soaked to the skin standing out here.” He pulled his keys from his pocket. “Go on, get inside and dry off. Thanks for hanging with me this evening.”

  “It was f-fun.” That wasn’t the word she’d wanted to use. Amazing. Illuminating. It could have been life-changing. Had she been wrong about their kiss? Maybe it hadn’t been as meaningful for him as it had for her, she realized, as Luke simply walked away.

  Like the friend he’d always been. A friend, nothing more.

  Heartbreak came quietly, like the stillness after a storm breaks. “Wait, don’t forget your hat.”

  “Keep it.” He tugged open his truck door. “It looks good on you.”

  For one moment, what looked like regret and heartbreak flashed in his eyes. In another blink it was gone. Whatever his feelings for her, they were not strong enough to ask her to stay.

  “Have a safe drive.” She choked on the words. “Give Lil my l-love.”

  “Will do.” He swung up behind the wheel. “I’ll email you. I suspect my sisters will want to throw you a big going away bash.”

  “Great. You know I love a party. Because of the—”

  “—cake,” he finished. He closed the door, and that was the end of all possibility. The engine turned over, the truck rumbled as it pulled away and the last she saw of him was his hand waving out the open window.

  She waited until the truck was out of sight before sinking to her knees. Her heart shattered into a thousand pieces, never to be put right again. That’s how she felt without him.

  And always would.

  * * *

  Lord, I know I handled that the right way, he prayed as he punched the elevator button. But it doesn’t feel right.

  No answer came as the doors clunked shut. The compartment stuttered upward, jerking just enough to make him wish he’d taken the stairs. The hospital was quiet this time of evening, right before visiting hours ended. His boots knelled against the floor and echoed against the walls as he wound his way through the corridors.

  He’d been troubled ever since he’d left Honor standing in the rain. Her image framed in his side view mirror seemed burned in his brain. He couldn’t forget how forlorn she looked, hugging herself with his hat hiding part of her face. She was everything he wanted. Every little piece of his heart.

  “Mom’s sleeping.” Colbie eased out of the bedside chair and padded over to him. “She’s looking better, don’t you think?”

  “Her color is better.” He leaned one shoulder against the doorjamb. Lil lay peacefully on her back, so slight and frail she was barely a bump beneath the covers. He swallowed hard. “She doesn’t look strong enough to be moved.”

  “She can’t wait to go home. She wrote it down so I couldn’t argue with her. It will be better for her to recover where she’s more comfortable. She hates hospitals.”

  “I’ll bring my second TV when I come back in the morning. I’ll set it up in her bedroom, so she can keep up with her shows.”

  “She’ll love that.” Colbie squeezed his arm, concern lining her face. “Are you all right?”

  “I have to be.” He didn’t say anything more. Let his sister think he was still hurting over Lil. That was true, too. But there was a break in his heart that would never heal.

  Honor was leaving. He’d always known she would. But he’d never bargained on his feelings deepening this much. He would give anything to have her stay, but why would she? She had everything she wanted waiting for her back in Malibu. Asking her to stay would just complicate matters and mess up their friendship. Their friendship was all he really had of her, for however long it lasted.

  “I have the horses in the trailer, so I’d better get going.” He took off before Colbie could question him about his evening out with Honor. “Call if you need anything.”

  “Will do. See you tomorrow.” Colbie, bless her, didn’t say anything more, although he could feel the weight of her gaze on his back as he hurried down the hall. Chances were she’d figured it all out, anyway. Country boy and city girl. Anyone could see how they’d never been meant to be right from the start.

  He’d known it, but that didn’t stop him from wishing. It didn’t stop him from loving her.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Honor couldn’t believe how fast her last week at the Lamberts’ whizzed by. She glanced into her rearview mirror for a quick check and then concentrated on the road ahead of her. Her eyes were tired from the long drive, and it wasn’t over yet. She’d left the Lambert compound with her car packed and her job done. Right now Jerrod and Olive were headed to the airport to catch a flight. His exam was bright and early Monday morning.

  And she should be celebrating and jumping for joy. Isn’t this what she’d been waiting for? But the entire time she’d spent packing, cleaning her apartment above the garage and fitting her suitcases into her car, she hadn’t been upbeat. Not once. Sadness set in hard. Tomorrow she would start her drive home. This was her final day in Montana.

  A day spent with Luke. His sisters were throwing a going away party for her. How nice was that? Her biggest problem was being face-to-face with Luke.

  I can do this. She gripped her steering wheel more tightly and for good measure added a prayer. Lord, help me get through this.

  What she needed was a good strategy. Act like he hadn’t stolen her heart. Pretend she wasn’t in love with him. Forget their kiss that had haunted her through the last week of her job.

  Her cell rang as she slowed on the outskirts of Prospect, Montana. The small rural town near Luke’s ranch looked like something out of a movie with its tidy main street, bright awnings and a hitching post in front of the feed store. She didn’t have to look at her display to know who was on the line. “Hi, Luke.”

  “Just wanted to make sure you weren’t lost.” He sounded wonderful. It was so good to hear his voice.

  “I’m following your directions just fine. I printed out the email and have it in case I wind up in Canada.”

  “Where are you now?”

  “Heading down Main. I’m just passing the diner.”

  “The grocery store is a block on your right. Turn in and come join me, if you want. I’m here picking out potato chips.”

  “You’d better have barbecue chips in your cart.”

  “The first bag I chose.” Humor warmed his words. “I know they’re your favorite.”

  “You’re a good friend.” That word cost her. It rolled off her tongue, but it hurt. It would always hurt. “A friend never lets another down in the chip aisle.”

  “That’s the true measure.” A crinkle sounded in the background. “Sour cream and onion for Hunter.”

  “It does sound like you could use help.” She signaled and rolled into the parking lot. “How many bags are you getting?”

  “Everyone has a favorite.”

  “Hold on. I’ll be right there.” She swung into an empty spot beside Luke’s truck in the mostly empty lot and turned off the engine.

  I can do this, she told herself again, bolstering her courage. Just be light and breezy. Casual. You’ve done it before, you can do it again. All she had to do was make it through the afternoon without Luke ever guessing how hard she’d fallen for him. That’s it, nothing more. She could do it. She didn’t have a choice. Luke didn’t share her affections,
not in the same way.

  Her cell chimed as she climbed out of her car. Kelsey’s text lit up the screen. Welcome home party planned. Cake ordered. Can’t wait to C U.

  Ditto, she typed and hit Send. See all the good that lay ahead? Her life awaited her in sunny Malibu. Wasn’t that great? Wasn’t that fab? Wasn’t that what she’d been waiting for?

  But as much as she loved her friends, she didn’t miss them like she once had.

  Her text chimed as she crossed the lot. This time it was from Colbie. Just picked up the cake. Mom & I R on R way!

  Great. She answered, her heart heavy. She’d made friends here, ones she didn’t want to leave. Should Lil B coming?

  She needs out of the house. No worries.

  Okay, at least she could stop worrying about Lil. She breezed into the small country grocery store, trying to orient herself. Where were the chips?

  “Honor.” Luke’s brother was one aisle away putting things in a cart. “Keep going. You’ll find him two rows down.”

  “Thanks, Hunter.” She barely had time to prepare herself before she glimpsed Luke holding two bags of tortilla chips in each hand, clearly debating. His head was bent, his face tucked into a thoughtful frown. Wishes rose up, wishes for her future with him, wishes she had to ignore.

  “Get them both.” She squared her shoulders, determined to do this the right way. “How could you go wrong with extra nacho and spicy jalapeño?”

  “You just can’t.” He lowered both bags into his rather full shopping cart. “I’d’ve been puzzling over that choice for a long time if you hadn’t come along.”

  “Right. Like that was likely. Looks like you’ve been busy.”

  “Didn’t realize I was so low on party supplies.” He pulled a bag of pretzels off the rack. “This is an important get-together. It’s your last day in Montana and Lil’s first day out since leaving the hospital.”