Cowboy Kisses

by Diane Michele Crawford

  “I’d like to hear about that myself,” Steve said, pausing near the boy.

  Collecting her scrambled thoughts, Kenzie made it up as she went along. “The Sunshine Club is for riders who—uh—who go through a whole lesson without a problem. No crying or complaining.” Now that she had the kids’ attention, she didn’t dare stop. “You get a certificate when you become a member, and for every perfect lesson, you get”—Kenzie paused, her brain cells going into overdrive—“you get a ribbon, a paper ribbon with a picture of a horse on it. And for every two ribbons you collect, you get sugar cubes to give your horse!”

  While Steve and the kids were considering the idea, volunteers from the center came for the children. Kenzie and Steve stepped aside, allowing them access to the wheelchairs.

  Emily turned to the boy. “I’ll have ribbons before you do.”

  “You will not,” the boy countered as a couple of volunteers moved them toward the van.

  “Will too!”

  “Will not!”

  Steve grinned at Kenzie. “That was quick thinking, Blondie.”

  Kenzie laughed. “Thanks, cowboy.”

  “So where are you getting those certificates and ribbons?” he asked.

  “My dad has a computer program that can do all kinds of neat stuff,” she said. Looking over his shoulder, she saw Dennis and Greg taking some of the horses into the barn, and for the second time that afternoon, Kenzie had an inspiration. “Steve, how would you like to do a favor for a friend?”

  “Depends on the friend, I guess,” he answered warily.

  “This is for Sarah.”

  “Why doesn’t she ask me herself?”

  “Because she doesn’t know about it. I want it to be a surprise,” Kenzie said. “Can you bring Greg to her birthday party on Saturday?”

  Steve looked surprised. “How do you know about the party?”

  “Sarah invited me.”

  Steve blinked. “Sarah invited you? And you're going?”

  “Of course I’m going,” Kenzie said impatiently. “Now when you ask Sarah if you can bring a guest, don’t say it’s Greg. Maybe you could say your cousin’s in town or something, and then when you show up with Greg, you can say…”

  “…My cousin couldn’t make it so I brought Greg instead,” Steve finished for her. Kenzie nodded. “I don’t get it, Kenzie. If Sarah wants Greg to come, why doesn’t she invite him?”

  “Because she really likes him a lot, but she’s very shy.”

  Shaking his head, Steve said, “I don’t think matchmaking is such a hot idea.”

  “It wouldn’t hurt to give it a try,” Kenzie urged. “What do you say? Will you do it?”

  Steve thought for a moment, then grinned. “Guess you’ve got yourself another deal.” He headed toward the barn, calling, “Greg! Wait up a minute. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”

  By quitting time, Kenzie was almost as tired as she’d been the day before, but not as smelly, which would make Adam happy on the ride home. She was on her way out of the barn when Steve stopped her. “Sarah said I could bring my ‘cousin’ Saturday night,” he whispered in her ear.

  “How does your ‘cousin’ feel about it?” Kenzie whispered back.

  Shaking his head sorrowfully, Steve said, “He’s afraid he can’t make it, so I asked Greg instead. I think he kind of liked the idea.”

  Kenzie saw Adam’s truck coming down the road. “Did you tell him not to say anything to Sarah?” she asked.

  “Yeah. I said it was supposed to be a surprise.”

  “Terrific!” Kenzie beamed at him. “See you tomorrow.”

  As she ran down the lane to the road, Kenzie thought that it was as though the kiss had never happened. Obviously it didn't mean anything to Steve, so I might as well forget it, she told herself. But she couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed.

  That night, after Adam’s dinner of hot dogs and sauerkraut, Kenzie spent two hours on her father’s computer designing Sunshine Club certificates and ribbons. She also made a short list of club rules.

  Her nightly call to Jeanette was brief because Brad was there and they were watching a movie on TV. “Mom and I are going to visit Aunt Rachael until Thursday,” Jeanette told her. “What time will you be at the club on Friday?”

  “We’re short a car these days,” Kenzie said with a sigh. Her parents had traded in their vehicles for one economy model that they shared. “Can you pick me up?”

  “I’ll be there at ten,” Jeanette promised.

  When Kenzie got to the Lucky R the next morning, Hank greeted her as she entered the barn.

  “Steve told me about your Sunshine Club idea,” he said, smiling broadly.

  Kenzie nodded and handed him the folder she had brought with her. “I made these last night.”

  She held her breath while Hank looked at her work. Maybe she should have asked his permission before she went ahead. After all, she was a new employee. What if Hank thought she was being pushy?

  “Steve said I’d be impressed, and he was right,” Hank said as he gave the folder back. “You can explain the club to the new group arriving this afternoon. Good work, Kenzie.”

  “Thanks, Hank.” Kenzie glowed at his compliment. She could hardly wait to tell the new kids about Project Sunshine.

  But when she saw that afternoon’s students Kenzie got a shock. Instead of another group of children, these were disabled adults.

  Would the Sunshine Club appeal to them, or would it seem too babyish? Uncertain, Kenzie glanced over at Hank, who smiled and nodded. Beside him, Steve flashed a heart-stopping grin. Their approval gave Kenzie the confidence to speak to the group. She finished with her latest idea, one that Nora had agreed to participate in after checking with the Handicapped Center. “At the end of every three weeks, each Sunshine Club member will get some special Lucky R cookies.” Kenzie reached into the paper bag she was holding and pulled out a horse-shaped cookie decorated with icing. As she passed a sample to everyone, the riders’ enthusiasm warmed her heart.

  Steve captured a cookie and inspected it carefully, frowning.

  “What’s the matter?” Kenzie asked. “Don’t you like my idea?”

  “There’s no Lucky R brand,” he said solemnly. “Without a brand they’re not authentic Lucky R cookies.”

  Kenzie laughed. “You’ll have to complain to Nora about that—she baked and decorated them. But you’ll be on baking duty next time, so you can take care of it then.”

  “Baking duty?” Steve echoed.

  “I told Nora we’d all take turns making the cookies,” Kenzie said, smiling. “Just think of it as ranch-hand day in the kitchen, Steve!”

  On Thursday, when Emily’s group returned, they loved the idea of the Sunshine Club and the Lucky R cookies. The young riders did so well that, at the end of the riding lesson, Kenzie awarded Sunshine Club ribbons to each child.

  Beaming, Emily clutched her paper treasure. “I like my horse now,” she said.

  “Nugget likes you, too, Emily,” Kenzie assured her. “You rode like a champ today.”

  As Emily allowed the volunteer taking her to the van a quick peek at her prized ribbon, Steve came over to Kenzie. “You’d better bring a big box of sugar cubes next week. I have a feeling lots of our riders will get a second ribbon.”

  Smiling, Kenzie said. “I think I can handle that.”

  After a brief pause, Steve asked, “Still going to Sarah’s party?”

  “Sure.” His question puzzled Kenzie. “Why would I change my mind?”

  Steve shrugged his broad shoulders. “I don’t know. Maybe you got a better offer from one of your country club friends. Sarah would be real disappointed if you decided not to go at the last minute.”

  Kenzie’s smile faded abruptly. “I said I’d be there, and I will!” Angry now, she put her hands on her hips. “You know what your problem is, Steve Calvert? You’re a reverse snob!”

  “Huh?” He stared at her, openmouthed.

  �
��You heard me! Ever since you decided I was a ‘country club girl,’ you’ve been waiting for me to foul up, hoping I couldn’t cut it here at the Lucky R. Well, I’ve got a news flash for you. I’m just like anybody else, and when I say I’m going to do something, I do it! Give me a break, okay?”

  Instead of pulling his Deputy Ramrod routine, Steve began to smile. Then, to Kenzie’s astonishment, he bent down and kissed the tip of her nose. “Sarah’s party ought to be fun,” he said, and strode off to help Dennis lead more horses to the barn.

  Kenzie touched her nose in wonderment. Steve was the most unpredictable boy she had ever met!

  CHAPTER NINE

  On Friday, Kenzie’s day off, she vowed she wouldn’t think about Steve for a second, and she kept her word. She didn’t think about him for a second—it was more like hours. Each time she closed her eyes, enjoying the sun by the pool at Silver Hills, Steve’s image floated through her mind.

  “I wish you could be here every day, Kenz,” Jeanette said, changing stations on the portable radio between their lounge chairs. “I really miss you. And riding isn’t nearly as much fun without you and Ali.”

  Kenzie propped herself up on one elbow. “If you moved Zenith to the Lucky R, we could ride after I get off work. And sometimes I have an hour and a half for lunch. We could ride then.”

  Jeanette didn’t look thrilled. “I’ll think about it,” she said, but Kenzie could tell she wouldn’t think very hard.

  “If you volunteered to help with the Sunshine Club riders, you and I could ride together later,” Kenzie went on. Then she made a face. “Unless it’s my night to cook, that is.”

  Jeanette rolled over onto her stomach and sighed. “I can’t believe how much your life has changed, Kenzie.”

  Glancing at the Guest Pass pinned to her beach bag, Kenzie sighed, too. “Tell me about it.”

  Just then Brad and Paul joined them.

  “Are you two sun worshipers up for a game of tennis?” Paul asked, pretending to serve a ball into the crowded pool.

  Jeanette groaned. “You guys must be desperate for doubles partners.”

  “We are,” Brad said, dodging the punch Jeanette aimed at him.

  “The court’s reserved for one thirty,” Paul said, smiling down at Kenzie.

  She’d almost forgotten how handsome he was. “Sounds like fun,” she said.

  Jeanette grimaced. “I wanted to spend the day relaxing and talking to Kenzie, not sweating.”

  “We’ll all go for a swim after the match,” Brad promised. “Paul and I are going to the weight room. Meet you at the courts, okay?”

  Before they left, Paul turned to Kenzie. “The gang’s coming to my house tomorrow night for a barbecue, Kenz. You’ll come, won’t you?”

  “Oh, yes! I’ll give you a ride,” Jeanette said eagerly. “We’ll have a ball. It’ll be just like old times.”

  Kenzie smiled and shook her head. “Sorry. I’m busy tomorrow night. But thanks for inviting me.”

  “Busy doing what?” Jeanette wanted to know.

  “I’m going to a party.”

  “Really? Whose party?” Jeanette asked.

  Kenzie avoided giving a straight answer. “It’s a birthday party for someone at work.”

  Jeanette wouldn’t give up. “Who? Come on, Kenzie, tell.”

  Pretending to search for something at the bottom of her tote bag, Kenzie mumbled, “Sarah Whitman.”

  “Silent Sarah!” Brad hooted. “You’re going to Silent Sarah's birthday party?”

  Flushing with embarrassment, Kenzie said apologetically, “She’s not bad when you get to know her.”

  “I don’t want to get to know her,” Brad said. “Thanks anyway.”

  Paul looked uncomfortable. “Sorry you can’t make it, Kenzie. Well, see you girls at one thirty.” He and Brad left without another word.

  “I can’t believe you’d rather go to Sarah Whitman’s party,” Jeanette exclaimed as soon as the boys were gone.

  “It’s not that I’d rather go to her party,” Kenzie explained. “She asked me first, that’s all.”

  “So make up some excuse.”

  Kenzie shook her head. “I can’t do that, Jeanette. She’s really a nice person.”

  Jeanette rolled her eyes. “Okay, okay. If you say Silent Sarah’s nice, then I guess she is. But I think you should know that Lisa Gray will probably be at Paul’s party. If you want to keep his interest, you really ought to come.”

  “I just can’t,” Kenzie said. “Let’s drop the subject, okay?”

  For the rest of the afternoon, no one said a word about the party or Sarah. After their tennis game and swim, Paul walked Kenzie to Jeanette’s car. “If you can’t make it tomorrow night, how about a movie next week?” he asked.

  “Any night but Tuesday,” Kenzie told him. That was the night she’d collect on her pizza bet from Steve.

  “Wednesday?”

  “Perfect,” she said, flashing him a smile.

  Paul brushed a soft kiss on her cheek. “I’ll call you.”

  At work on Saturday, Kenzie discovered that Steve would be gone all day, doing errands in town with Hank. Around noon, Sarah joined Kenzie in the tack room where she was cleaning some saddles. “Ready for lunch?” she asked.

  “I thought I'd skip lunch today and ride Ali for a while.” Kenzie said. Remembering that Sarah didn’t have her own horse, she added, “Could you take one of Hank’s horses and come along?”

  Sarah shook her head regretfully. “My mom’s coming by to borrow some special cake pans from Nora and I told her I’d meet her here.”

  “Okay. See you later then.”

  Though Kenzie would have welcomed Sarah’s company, she thoroughly enjoyed being alone with her beloved horse. She was sure that Jeanette would love riding across the vast acreage of the ranch instead of on the tame bridle paths at Silver Hills. Convincing Jeanette to move Zenith to the Lucky R would take some doing, but Kenzie decided it would be worth the effort.

  After her ride, Kenzie helped Dennis and Greg with various stable chores—Sarah had gone home early to prepare for her party, so Kenzie didn’t see her again until she arrived at the Whitmans’ house that evening.

  “I’m so glad you came!” Sarah said when she met Kenzie at the door. She was wearing a blue sundress that brought out the blue of her eyes, and Kenzie thought she looked really pretty.

  “Am I late?” Kenzie asked. Ironing her jade green skirt and multicolored floral blouse had taken a lot longer than she had anticipated since she’d never done much ironing before.

  “Oh, no. But the others were early.” Sarah giggled nervously, smoothing down the hair that covered her hearing aids. “You look great, Kenzie. Did you do the French braid yourself?”

  “My mom helped,” Kenzie said, following Sarah inside. The house was small, but clean and well kept. She put Sarah’s gift with the other presents on a coffee table in the living room.

  “I’d love to wear my hair like that,” Sarah said with a sigh. “But—”

  Kenzie cut her off. “I know about the hearing aids. I noticed them one day at work. You want to keep them hidden, don’t you?”

  Sarah nodded. “You—you haven’t told anybody, have you?” she faltered.

  “No,” Kenzie said, “and I won’t either. But you know what? You could try a different hairstyle that would still cover your ears. How about a permanent? I gave a home perm to my friend Jeanette a while back. If you like, I could give you one sometime.”

  After a brief hesitation, Sarah smiled. Eyes twinkling, she said, “Okay, on one condition. Get a written statement from Jeanette saying that her hair wasn’t fried and she didn’t go bald, and you’re on!”

  Laughing, the two girls stepped out onto the patio at the rear of the house. The first person Kenzie saw was Steve, looking terrific in khaki slacks and a yellow polo shirt. He was talking with Greg and two little boys—Sarah’s brothers, Kenzie assumed.

  “Steve’s cousin was supposed to come with h
im,” Sarah murmured to Kenzie, blushing, “but he couldn’t make it, so Steve brought Greg instead.”

  “That’s nice,” Kenzie replied with a smile.

  “Nice!” Sarah wailed softly. “I’m so nervous I don’t know what to do!” Glancing at Kenzie, she added, “I guess you’ve figured out how I feel about him, huh?”

  Kenzie nodded. “What are you worried about? You look great in that dress. Greg won’t be able to resist you.”

  “Thanks, but I’m not so sure. Do me a favor, Kenzie—keep an eye on me, and if you catch me saying or doing something really stupid, stop me,” Sarah begged. “When I’m nervous, I can’t think straight!”

  Kenzie laughed. “Will do.”

  Sarah led the way into the backyard and introduced Kenzie to her parents, grandparents, and younger brothers. When Mr. Whitman announced that the burgers were ready, Steve came over to Kenzie. His expression told her that he liked the way she looked, but all he said was, “No country club service here, Kenzie.” He handed her a paper plate. “We all wait on ourselves.”

  “Just like home,” she replied sweetly. “Only at home, we all take turns cooking.”

  Steve’s eyebrows shot up. “You actually cook?”

  “Sure. I do my own laundry, too,” Kenzie informed him. “And I put out the garbage. Sometimes I even wash the floor!”

  She thanked Mr. Whitman for the juicy hamburger he put on her plate, then joined Sarah at the picnic table. Steve sat down next to Kenzie, and Greg took a seat beside Sarah. As everyone ate and chatted, Kenzie noticed that Sarah’s nervousness seemed to have subsided. In fact, she and Greg had their heads together throughout the meal, talking nonstop.

  “I guess your matchmaking scheme wasn’t so lame after all,” Steve said to Kenzie.

  Before she could think of a comeback to his faint praise, Greg looked over at them and said, “Sarah and I were just talking about the barn.” How romantic, Kenzie thought, stifling a giggle.