Arizona Cowboy

by Jennifer Collins Johnson

  “That’s quite a bunch of boys you’ve got there.” She brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek.

  “Some of my boys’ group from church.”

  She furrowed her brows. “You lead a children’s group?”

  He nodded. “Just boys. First through sixth grade, on Wednesday nights.” He pointed toward them. “Jake helps out a lot, especially on our monthly outings.”

  Ava clasped her hands together. “That’s great, Holden. Really good of you.”

  “I don’t do it to be good. I love kids. Teaching them is one way I can serve God.”

  “I know. I remember how much you loved children.”

  She looked away from him, and Holden fought the urge to cup her chin and force her gaze up to his. “You didn’t call me.”

  “Well, I...”

  He reached for her arm, then stopped and shoved his hand in his front pocket. “I’m sorry, Ava. I didn’t mean to hurt you. If I’d known you’d run like that, I would have—”

  She shook her head. “I don’t blame you. I was never mad at you.”

  “But you wouldn’t talk to me. I tried your parents, your aunt, even went to the college.”

  “I know.” She looked up at him. “I’m sorry, Holden. Truly. If I could go back and do things differently, I would.”

  Holden couldn’t stop himself. He took her hand. “We can start over, Ava. The past is done. I’d really like to try.”

  “So much happened after I left, Holden. Things you don’t know about it.” She gazed past him and bit her bottom lip. “Things I should tell you...”

  “What? You dated other people?” Holden laughed. “Ava, I don’t care about that.” He lifted one eyebrow. “I might have had a date or two myself since you left.”

  She looked back at him, and a slow smile curved her lips. “Would Jessica Thomas possibly have been one of them?”

  Holden blew out a breath. “Ugh. That girl was merciless as a kid, and she’s just as bad as a woman.”

  Ava giggled.

  “Please. Let me take you on a date. I’ll pick you up tonight. Seven o’clock.”

  Ava stared at him for what felt like an eternity before she finally nodded. “Okay.”

  Holden kissed her forehead. “I better get back to Jake. He’s got his hands full with Zack all by himself. Add nine more boys and...”

  “Zack’s the redhead, right?”

  “How’d you guess?”

  “That one’s a little firecracker.”

  Holden chuckled. “That’s putting it lightly. More like a terror. If my sisters have their wish, I’ll have two or three just like him.”

  Ava’s expression changed, and she looked away. “About tonight...”

  “I’ll pick you up at seven.” Before she could back out, Holden hustled down the trail after his friend and the boys. He had no idea what he’d said to switch her mood so quickly, and he had no intention of dwelling on it.

  He bit back a chuckle as he caught up with the guys. She was worried he’d be mad she’d gone on a few dates in the last eight years. Dates didn’t bother him. She was still single, and so was he. And he couldn’t wait to get to know her again. She was the only girl he’d ever considered making him a married man. And he couldn’t deny that she still was.

  Chapter 5

  Holden buckled the thin brown belt, then lifted his shoulders to survey himself in the mirror. He’d pressed his navy blue and white striped polo shirt and khaki pants. Rarely wore the dress clothes. Didn’t even wear them to church, but he figured he’d cleaned up pretty well for his date with Ava. She liked to doll up, and she’d appreciate if he took a little extra time on himself.

  After slipping on his loafers, he walked into the kitchen to grab his keys off the rack. Dad whistled, and Holden’s cheeks warmed, knowing an interrogation would ensue.

  “Don’t you look all spiffy,” his father commented.

  Holden nodded as he shoved his wallet into his back pocket.

  “Got a hot date or something? Can’t remember the last time I saw you so dressed up.”

  “Yep.”

  “Who’s the lucky girl? You must like this one.” His dad clicked his tongue and furrowed his eyebrows.

  The his phone rang, and Holden exhaled a sigh of relief that he didn’t have to answer. He waved and mouthed a goodbye, but his dad lifted a finger for him to wait. “Two of ’em? Is the fence down somewhere?”

  Holden’s stomach tightened.

  “The gate was open!” Dad scratched his jaw, then raked his fingers through his graying hair. “Coulda sworn I locked it.”

  Holden walked back to his bedroom and changed into his jeans and an older work shirt. He texted Ava to let her know he wouldn’t be able to make it for their date, and that he’d call her later. I finally get her to agree to go out, and I’m the one who has to cancel.

  His dad said goodbye, then hollered down the hall. “Two of the cows got out. They’re in the road, not wanting to budge.”

  “What I figured from hearing your side of the conversation.” Holden clamped his lips together, willing himself not to fuss at him for leaving the gate unlocked. Again.

  “Daryl’s trying to keep ’em from getting hit, but we’ve gotta help corral them back behind the fence.”

  “I know, Dad.” Holden’s tone was sharp, and he chewed the inside of his cheek to keep from saying anything more.

  “I’m sorry, son. You’ll need to get hold of your girl.”

  “I texted her.”

  “I’ll get the truck. You get some corn feed and the Wiffle bat. Might get a Hot-Shot, too, just in case. Daryl said it’s Betty and her calf. You know she’s gonna be difficult.”

  Holden didn’t respond as he started toward the barn to get the electric cattle prod. With each step, his frustration mounted, until he finally grabbed the prod and closed his eyes for a quick prayer. God, I know Dad didn’t mean to ruin my date. If she agreed to go once, she’ll agree again. Temper my frustration.

  He exhaled a long breath before walking to the truck. The past year had been physically hard on his dad. Lately, he’d been forgetting or halfway doing things. The behaviors were in complete contrast to the man who’d raised Holden. His dad needed to slow down. His body couldn’t do the work he’d done forty years ago. But how could Holden tell him the time had come to give up some of the work? He loved the ranch, loved to work hard. He’d spent his life raising cattle.

  Within moments they reached the gate on the west side of the ranch. His brother-in-law Daryl had been right. It was Betty, and she was none too happy to move from her spot in the road.

  “Let’s try to get her calf first,” said Dad. “Maybe if the baby moves Betty will follow.”

  Daryl nodded. “I’ll watch for traffic.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Holden held out a palmful of corn feed in front of Betty’s calf. “Come on, girl. Let’s get out of the road.”

  “Come on now, girl.” Dad touched the calf’s leg to prod her to move. Betty mooed, and Dad shifted away from the fifteen-hundred-pound animal.

  The calf took a few steps toward Holden, stretching out her neck to sample the feed. He allowed her a few nibbles, then walked farther back off the road. “Good job, girl. Keep on coming.”

  The calf continued to move, but Betty mooed again and blew out a huff. Stubborn old girl was mad at Dad. The calf continued to walk toward Holden as he gave her bites of feed. “Dad, you and Daryl switch spots. Betty’s mad at you.”

  Dad bristled. “She’s always mad at me. Cantankerous old woman.”

  Daryl piped up. “I think Holden’s right. Hand me the Wiffle bat.”

  With a grunt, Dad switched spots, and Holden again realized how his father needed a break from the pressures on the ranch. Holden guided the calf back
through the gate, and with a few prods of the bat and encouraging words, they were able to get Betty safely back inside the fence. He checked, then pulled on the gate to be sure it locked.

  Dad shook hands with Daryl. “Thanks for letting me know, son.”

  “No problem. I’m just glad no one hit them.”

  “Me, too.” Holden shuddered at the thought of someone getting killed hitting one of their cows. Betty was worth a good chunk of money, but the thought of someone losing his or her life was much worse.

  He needed to talk with Dad. Holden and Daryl could take over the ranch. Dad could still do some of the work, just not so much. Noting the aggravation etched on his brow, however, Holden knew today wouldn’t be a good time for that talk.

  Once back at the house, he washed up, then tried to call Ava. Just as he feared, her phone went straight to voice mail. Part of him wanted to hop in the truck and head over to Irene’s house. See if Ava would at least go with him for a cup of coffee. But he decided against it. He didn’t want their first date to be half done. He wanted to be able to treat her like a queen, show her just how much he’d missed her. So he’d wait. Maybe she’d call him tomorrow.

  * * *

  Ava pulled the chart out of the tray and looked at the name: Clyde Watkins. It was her first day completely solo and her last patient before lunch. I hope he likes me as much this week as he did last week.

  Plastering a smile on her lips, she opened the door to the private room and spotted a grimacing old man. She placed the chart on the small counter. “How are we doing today, Clyde?”

  “Clyde, huh?” he grumbled. “All you young folks today. No show of respect.”

  She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “I’m fine with addressing you as Mr. Watkins. Last week you told me to call you Clyde.”

  “Humph.” He pursed his lips, then pressed his fists against his hips. “Arthritis is killing me today. Might want to get Mary in here.”

  “She is with another patient. Have you taken your prescribed medicine today?”

  “Of course,” he snapped. “You think I won’t take medicine to make me feel better?”

  Ava flipped a page on his chart. “Well, Mary noted that you’re not fond of how the medicine makes you tired, and that sometimes you try to skip it.”

  Clyde narrowed his eyes. “She wrote that, huh?”

  Ava nodded and kept her gaze locked with his.

  He smacked his hands together. “Okay. Fine. I haven’t taken the medicine yet. Let’s just do the exercises, so I can go home, take the pill, then get a nap.”

  Ava chewed her lip to keep from grinning. “Sounds like a plan to me. Let’s start with the seated hip march. You ready? Sit up straight.”

  “I know how to sit.” Clyde sat up and kicked back his left foot, keeping his toes on the floor.

  “Great. Now lift your right foot. Two. Three. Four. Five. Lower your foot. Now, lift again.”

  Clyde continued to complain throughout the session, but Ava stayed firm, focused and kind. Once finished, on impulse she offered him a quick hug. “You did a great job. Now go home and rest.”

  Clyde’s lip curved up slightly on the left. “I suppose you did all right, as well. I’ll see you next week.”

  Ava recorded the visit in the computer, then looked up when Katie stopped beside her. She grinned at the perplexed expression on the college girl’s face then shrugged. “What?”

  “Clyde Watkins scheduled his next appointment with you.”

  Ava chuckled. “I know. Crazy, huh?”

  “Crazier than you know.” Katie shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “Are you free for lunch?”

  “Sure. I was going to pick up some fast food.”

  “There’s a sub place down the block. We could walk.”

  Ava grabbed her purse and followed her young friend. Katie was quiet as they walked. Her shoulders slumped and her chin dipped, and Ava knew she wanted advice. Ava lifted a quick prayer to God. She hadn’t made the best choices at Katie’s age, and she wasn’t sure what the girl was about to divulge.

  After ordering their lunches, they slipped into a booth. Katie reached for her sandwich, and Ava said, “Let’s say a quick prayer first.”

  Katie nodded and put down the food. They bowed their heads as Ava led them in prayer. Inwardly, she asked the Holy Spirit to guide their lunch and anything she said to Katie.

  Katie took a bite of her sandwich, then swallowed a gulp of her soft drink. She wiped her mouth, then looked at Ava. “I’m in love with a guy.”

  Ava chewed her food. She hadn’t been in Surprise long, though she’d had a few interviews with the Millers before accepting the position. She hadn’t heard of Katie having a boyfriend, and neither Mary nor Rick had mentioned it. She patted her mouth. “How long have you been dating?”

  “Three months.”

  Ava coughed. She jerked up her napkin and covered her mouth, then took a sip of her drink. The same amount of time she’d dated Holden.

  “You okay?”

  Ava nodded as she wiped the corners of her eyes. “Just went down the wrong way.”

  Katie twirled her own napkin. “He loves me, too.” Her cheeks bloomed pink and she ducked her head. “Said he wants to marry me.”

  “Have your parents met him?”

  She shook her head. “No. But they’d love him. He’s a Christian. Majoring in law enforcement. He’s a really great guy.”

  Ava shifted in her seat. She took a bite of a baked chip, then another swallow of her drink. “Okay. So, let them meet him.”

  “It’s not that simple.” Katie propped both elbows on the table. “I didn’t do well on my anatomy test. Got a D. That means the best I can do in the class is a C, and that’s only if I get an A on the final.”

  Ava furrowed her brows. “I’m not sure what this has to do with your boyfriend.”

  “Well, he graduates in May, and he’s trying to get a job in Phoenix. He wants to get married and move there.” Katie stared down at her sandwich. “And maybe I’m not cut out for college.” She dropped her hands on the table. “I mean, I hate it.”

  Ava racked her mind for the right words to say. She wanted to tell her not to drop out of school, to wait to get married. And yet part of her wished she had married Holden and waited for college. The world would recommend school, then marriage, for stability, but was that always God’s will for everyone? God, show me what to say.

  She looked across the table. Katie was staring at her, her expression pleading for understanding and wisdom. She’s reaching out for help, God, and she’s asking probably the worst person in the world for advice.

  Ava’s mind cleared, and relief washed over her as she knew exactly what to say to the young woman. She reached across the table and placed her hand on Katie’s. “I can’t tell you whether you should get married, stay in school, both or neither. I can tell you not to run. Don’t run from your parents, from your boyfriend or from your school. Introduce him to Rick and Mary. Sit down together. Have an honest, open conversation, and ask God to guide you all.”

  Katie blew out a breath, then took another sip of her drink. “I think you’re right.” She dropped her shoulders. “In fact, I feel better already.”

  As Katie chattered about her boyfriend and her hopes for the future, Ava nibbled her lunch and listened. At the same time, her mind churned over the advice she’d given. She couldn’t run anymore, either. She needed to tell Holden everything. The sooner the better, or she might lose courage again.

  Chapter 6

  Holden picked up a stick of deodorant and a bottle of shampoo, then got in line with his dad at the pharmacy. The doctor hadn’t been pleased with Dad’s blood pressure, the problem Holden had insisted he seek medical help for to begin with. The doc had upped Dad’s dose again, and said if he didn�
�t start eating better, he’d wind up having a stroke.

  “I knew you weren’t telling me the full truth about your blood pressure,” Holden whispered.

  “What’s there to tell? Nothing I can do about it.”

  Holden gripped the shampoo so tight he worried the lid might pop and liquid would spew everywhere. Sometimes he just wanted to wring the stubborn man’s neck. “We can start eating better. Healthier.”

  Dad swatted the air. “We eat fine now.”

  “Obviously, we don’t. Your blood pressure was sky-high, and we’re in line to have your medication upped. Again.”

  “What’s that you say?”

  The Whitaker men turned. Holden spied Irene and Phoebe standing behind them in line. His dad glared at him before he smiled at the women. “Wasn’t saying much of anything. How are you ladies doing? Irene, haven’t seen you in quite a while.”

  “Not since you decided to switch to the early service. Course, I know that’s probably better for the ranching.”

  Holden glanced from his dad to Ava’s aunt. Both of them shifted their weight and averted their gazes from each other. If he didn’t know better, he’d think they were two teenagers talking to each other for the first time.

  Irene continued, “But what was that I heard about blood pressure?”

  Dad grimaced. “Ah, it’s nothing.”

  “Jerry Whitaker, don’t you lie to me.”

  Holden blinked and cocked his head. Now, he was positively sure the two were flirting.

  Dad lifted his hand and pinched his finger and thumb together. “Just a little high.”

  “You don’t want to mess with that, Jerry,” added Phoebe. “My dad didn’t pay the doctor any attention. Ended up having a stroke and dying.” She snapped her fingers. “Just like that.”

  Holden looped his fingers around his belt. Well, that sure made him feel better.

  “Why don’t the two of you come over to my house? I’ve got some terrific low sodium recipes I can share with you,” said Irene.

  “Nah, we wouldn’t want to impose,” said Dad.

  Holden furrowed his brows. What kind of response was that? Dad had practically asked Irene to insist.