Rubies And Boots (Country Brides & Cowboy Boots)

by Danni Lee Nicholls

  “Oh, yes. This feels much better,” his father said as they began walking down the hospital hallway. “I guess I could’ve called Stephanie and Ryan myself.”

  “No. I was happy to do it.”

  “So, tell me about Montana,” his father said as they rounded the first corner of the nursing unit.

  Happiness rushed through Jonah like a Montanan breeze at the prospect of sharing his love for the life he was creating. “It’s beautiful there, Dad. The valleys and mountains are spectacular. And the water is the cleanest you’ve ever seen. It’s perfect cattle country.”

  “How is life on the ranch?”

  Jonah’s enthusiasm dimmed, and he was caught between wanting to tell his father everything and the remorse that was within striking distance. Would he feel better if he played down his love of ranching, talking more about the difficulty of the work than his connection to the land? He couldn’t do it. “I love everything about it, Dad.”

  “I’ve never understood that,” his father said. “What could induce anyone to sit on the back of a horse that smells to wrangle a bunch of cows that smell?”

  Jonah laughed heartily. “I wish I could explain it, but I can’t.”

  Jonah’s father gave a little chuckle. “I doubt I’d understand anyway. Is there a girl now?”

  Jonah blushed as they rounded the second corner of the hallway. “Yeah. Her name is Ruby. She’s—”

  “There you are!” Jonah’s mother hurried to the two of them and fell into step. “I about had my own heart attack when I walked into your room to find it empty. How are you feeling, dear?” Jonah’s mother asked his father.

  “Better now that I’ve got my family with me,” his father replied. “Let’s go one more lap, then head back to the room.”

  Jonah prayed his father would not mention Ruby to his mother. Although she looked rested, this was not the time to bring up his love for Ruby or Sunrise Creek.

  His father turned and winked at him, and Jonah sighed in relief. His secret was safe until he was ready to share it.

  Twenty-Four

  Ruby sat against her headboard, the receipts from work spread out on her bedspread, but she couldn’t focus. Ever since Jonah’s departure, Ruby’s head had been filled with that vivid memory of his last kiss as he’d stepped over the threshold of her home and into the bright headlights of Curtis’s truck. Tears blurred her vision as she gathered the receipts and put them away.

  Just getting to and from work was hard enough; the financial statements were going to have to wait. Placing them back in their box, she pushed it under the bed before moving to her mattress. A breeze filtered through the curtains, rustling her nightclothes as she remembered Jonah’s last embrace while wearing this same cotton tank and shorts.

  Her phone lit up, and Jonah’s number flashed on the screen. A rush of air filled Ruby’s lungs. Finally, she could breathe.

  “Jonah! How are you?”

  “I’m better. Everything is better.”

  Ruby heard the relief in Jonah’s voice, along with a hint of fear.

  “Now that we’re home, Dad’s improving. His color’s returning, and his activity level had increased with several walking trips up and down the staircase. He still sleeps a lot. He thinks he’s going back to work in a week, although I seriously doubt it. The drive alone would tire him out,” Jonah said. “I’ve never seen him like this.”

  “You sound scared,” Ruby replied.

  “I am scared, although I’m not sure why. The doctors at the hospital sent him home, and they wouldn’t have done that if there was a problem. He goes in to see the cardiologist in three weeks. I think I’ll relax after that visit, if everything goes well.”

  Ruby took in this information while trying to maintain compassion and offer support, all the while vacillating between the desire to scream and the longing to retreat into the dark and empty abyss of despair around Jonah’s departure. “It sounds as if you’re not sure when you’re coming back.” Ruby was careful not to use the word “home.” She wasn’t sure how Jonah viewed home anymore. Was Dallas home now?

  “There’s so much to consider,” Jonah replied. “And I feel so bad about all of this.”

  Ruby wanted to help Jonah explore his feelings but her deeper fear wished to pretend they didn’t exixt. But above all, she was his friend, and whatever he was experiencing, she needed to offer him a safe place to share. “What makes you feel bad?” Her voice held a tremor, and she hoped Jonah hadn’t heard it.

  Jonah was silent for a moment. Then, he took a deep breath. “I’ve never considered my life without my parents,” he began. “And I’ve never seen how hard my dad really works.” His voice took on emotion. “Ruby, I could’ve spared him this. If I hadn’t …” His voice trailed off.

  “Go on,” Ruby encouraged.

  “If I wasn’t so selfish and blindly followed my own pursuits, my dad wouldn’t have had a heart attack. I just know it.”

  Ruby took a deep careful breath. “Jonah, you don’t know that. People have heart attacks all the time for lots of reasons. And there’s nothing selfish about pursuing your own dreams. I don’t mean anything against your family.” She hesitated. “It’s just that most parents want their children to follow their hearts.”

  “Yeah, well, most of them don’t own a generational multibillion-dollar company.”

  Ruby heard the edge in Jonah’s voice, and the desire to cry rose to the surface. “I stand by what I’ve said. If anything, the money could inspire new dreams,” Ruby replied, keeping her voice steady.

  Jonah grew quiet. “I see your point, Ruby. Do you see mine?”

  “Yes, I do. Are you thinking of staying?” The question hung in the air between them.

  “No,” Jonah said a little too quickly. “I’m just not sure how I can manage all of this.”

  “What exactly are you trying to manage?”

  “My parents, and how they’re growing older. My own life. Seeing my big, strong father shrink in a hospital bed shifted everything for me.”

  Ruby’s heart sank to the pit of her stomach. She understood the impact this would have for Jonah, but that shock had a rippling affect that was tearing through her own life. She closed her eyes and leaned against the headboard of her bed, drawing her knees close to her chest. “I think I would feel the same,” Ruby said quietly.

  Jonah breathed a sigh. “Thanks, Ruby, for understanding. I hate being apart from you. I wish you would consider coming to Texas.”

  Ruby smiled. Texas. To go or to stay would be a sacrifice. If she stayed, she might be sacrificing Jonah. But going to Texas felt wrong. His father was recovering from a heart attack, and his mother wouldn’t be happy with the introduction. Her presence would be nothing more than an intrusion. “I can’t go,” Ruby said. “Your parents don’t need me there. Your mom wouldn’t want to meet me, and your dad needs peace and quiet.”

  “What about what you and I need?” Jonah asked quietly.

  Ruby closed her eyes as her chest tightened with her words. “Our time will come,” she choked out, unsure if she believed it.

  Jonah said nothing, and Ruby hoped and prayed she had not uttered a lie.

  Twenty-Five

  Jonah sat in the backyard of his childhood home and took in the lush green surroundings and inviting pool. Everything outside of this enclave of Dallas was brown and dry, but here, in University Park, an oasis of cool green offered respite. The fence around the property hemmed in the privilege, making Jonah antsy. The wide-open spaces of Sunrise Creek had not taken any adjustment.

  The air smelled different, too. A mixture of late summer perfumed flowers, chlorinated water, wet cement, and exhaust from the clamorous city that surrounded his small sanctuary filled his nostrils. He longed for the wide-open smell of alfalfa and mountain air, even if it meant smelling cows. Sunrise Creek was beginning to feel a million miles away.

  But in spite of the tumultuous din and vaporous odor, the essence that would not leave him was the smell of Rub
y as she stood near him after coming from the lake, covered in fresh water that glistened on her skin like diamonds and dripped from her hair. Some ribbon of that scent had followed him all the way to Texas, and he clung to it like a lifeline.

  Ruby. His thoughts roamed in her direction thousands of times during the day. He would try to picture what she was doing. How were things going at the Jumpin’ Bean? Was Ruby spending anymore time in the lake? Was she sleeping in those cute cotton shorts and tank she’d worn on the night he left?

  Leaving her that night was the hardest thing he’d ever done. The recollection of her warm body pressed against his in their last farewell was seared in his memory.

  His mother walked onto the patio, wearing a light yellow pool cover-up over a bathing suit and flip-flops. Her hair was pulled back in a French twist, and her makeup was impeccable, even if her clothing was casual. She sat down in the lounge chair next to Jonah and handed him a glass of iced tea. Jonah took a sip and immediately wished for a tall glass of anything Ruby would make.

  “I’m so glad you’re here, Jonah. You’ve been such a big help.”

  “I haven’t really done anything,” Jonah replied.

  “Just your presence has perked up your father. He’s so happy to have you home, and you’re good for him. You’re helping him recover.” She leaned toward him and whispered, “For one thing, you’ve been instrumental in keeping him home. He’d be back to work by now if it weren’t for you.”

  Jonah agreed with his mother but said nothing.

  His mother continued, “If you’d stay, you could lessen his workload considerably. Really, Jonah, this is where you belong.” Her words were casual, but the strike held venom.

  Underneath her easy manner, there was an accusation, and the full brunt of it landed in the flesh of Jonah’s heart. Hadn’t he explained that to Ruby a couple of nights ago? The load his father carried would’ve been shared, lessening his chance of a heart attack ever happening.

  “Oh, by the way, this seems like ages ago, but do you remember the party we had discussed?”

  Dread mingled with guilt, creating a poisonous cocktail. “Yes?”

  “Well, it’s tonight. With everything that’s been going on, it got pushed to the back burner. Still, the invitations went out weeks ago, and the caterer and decorator are all booked, so we might as well have it. It’ll be good for your father to socialize for a while. I talked to him about it this morning, and he wants to go ahead with the festivities.”

  Irritation swept through Jonah, but contrition dulled his anger.

  His mother held up her hand. “I know you didn’t want a party, but you’ll be glad once things get started. It’ll be a great way to reintroduce you into society.”

  Jonah sat up and swung his legs from off the pool lounge chair to face his mother. “I don’t want to be part of this society. This is not where I belong.” His defense felt half-hearted.

  His mother leaned forward, and her voice took a hard edge. “This is exactly where you belong, Jonah. The summer is over, and it’s time for you to get serious about your future. Your father won’t say it, so I will. You’re needed here, and this little health scare should prove it.” She settled back into her chair, and her tone became more conversational. “This whole cattle ranching thing might be a nice hobby. And if you want to buy a small ranch close by, or even a thousand acres, that’d be a wonderful way to recharge on the weekends. That way, you get the best of both worlds.”

  Jonah took a deep breath. His mother’s offering was an olive branch of peace. It would bring harmony to the family. Would it create discord in Jonah’s soul? And what about Ruby? The thought of leaving her made him wither inside.

  He loved his family, and he loved Ruby. He longed for a ranch and a home in Montana, but he wanted to support his family, particularly his father. Was there any way for these things to be reconciled? Maybe it was time for his mother to learn about his deeper ties to Sunrise Creek.

  “Mom, there’s something you need to know. I have a girlfriend in Montana.”

  He watched his mother carefully as her expression tightened. “Consider nothing settled. There are girls—no, accomplished young women—who are coming tonight, and I would approve of each of them as your wife. They’re educated, thoughtful …”

  His mother’s voice faded into the background. Plastic, Jonah thought. Dating these girls would be like dating plastic, and Ruby was real flesh and hot blood. She was fierce emotion and vibrant color, soft support and honest compassion.

  “What’s her name?”

  Jonah came back to the conversation. “Ruby. Her name is Ruby, and I love her, Mom.” Her name rolled on his tongue like honey, and with the confession came cool relief. Yes, he loved Ruby, even if she doubted it and his mother refused to believe it. Other words crowded around his throat, but he refused to explain his relationship with Ruby to his mother.

  His mother stood. “Well, like I said, you’ll be meeting the cream of Dallas society tonight. I’m sure there will be more than one young woman who can turn your head. We’ll talk more after the party.” She reached over and gave Jonah a dry peck on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re home, son.”

  Jonah’s thoughts continued to turn toward Ruby. His mother could have a hundred parties, and none of them would twist him away from Ruby.

  * * *

  The evening softened the day, taking off the edge of the heat. From his window, Jonah looked out over the backyard and focused on the small patch of sky afforded him from his view. He missed the wide-open expanse of vaulted blue in Montana. The sky there was always present, but it was never commonplace with its tangle of stars that was sometimes joined by the moon as a summer breeze blew from the mountains.

  There would be none of that here, just a small twilight that would be met by only the bravest of stars that could withstand the city lights and smog. The azure blue that was turning into a purple haze would have to be enough of nature’s display to satisfy him for now.

  He heard the first of the guests arrive, and his mother greeted them at the door. He couldn’t place the voices, and he hoped that he would recognize some of the guests. His thoughts moved to Ruby, and he marveled at her ability to know each individual who was visiting the Jumpin’ Bean based on the sound of their vehicle.

  Taking a deep breath, he walked down the huge staircase and into the large marble floor foyer, where he greeted the Simpson family. Samantha Simpson looked up, and there was no missing the delight in her eyes when she saw Jonah. “Jonah! My goodness. How long has it been?”

  Jonah smiled. “Years, I’m afraid.” He reached the bottom step and was immediately engulfed into a tight embrace by Samantha while both sets of parents watched with approving smiles.

  Jonah enfolded Samantha into his arms while feeling like a bull being auctioned off for breeding rights. Everyone approved, and he was worth whatever price that would need to be paid for stud services. He wondered if Samantha felt the same. If she did, there was no indication in her sweet face as her blue eyes met his.

  “Come.” She linked her arm through his. “Tell me what you’ve been up to all these years.” She turned him toward the backyard and they strolled through the house to the patio, where torches were lit and candles danced on every table. The pool lights gave the water a shimmery look.

  The moment they sat down, they were offered appetizers and drinks. Jonah noticed Samantha taking both without even looking at the server. Jonah turned to the young woman who was presenting him food and drink as his thoughts flew to Curtis’s party, where Ruby had provided iced tea and lemonade. He recalled how she’d helped Linda in the kitchen and the longtime affiliation the two women shared that came from family histories and time spent in one another’s company. He ached for the same kind of relation, and he doubted he’d find it with Samantha while sitting in his parents’ backyard.

  A dull ache rose up from his belly. He missed that comfortable and intimate familiarity that awaited him in Sunrise Creek, and he longed
for the deep connections that were both honored and taken for granted because they were purchased with love.

  He looked up at the young Hispanic server. Her shiny black hair was pulled back into a thick ponytail, and her brown eyes pleasantly glimmered in the firelight, even if they were vacant of any personal association.

  Jonah studied her for a moment. “Are you from here?”

  The young woman blinked and her face colored a deep crimson.

  Samantha frowned as she recoiled for a moment. Then she leaned toward Jonah. “She probably doesn’t speak English.”

  “I speak English,” the young woman said. Her nostrils flared a little. “I’m third generation Texan. This is my family’s business.”

  Samantha straightened her spine. “Well, then, forgive me,” she said before turning away from the server.

  Jonah searched the young woman’s face, and she quickly gave a short, unsmiling bow before returning to her station. His gaze followed her to a whole line of workers prepping food, preparing drinks, and lining up to serve guests.

  Samantha stood. “Well, I can see your tastes have changed in the last few years, Jonah. Please excuse me. I think I hear Jessica in the entryway. Welcome home.” She moved away from their shared table, leaving Jonah alone. His first impulse was to explain his interests to Samantha and how he’d spent the summer in Sunrise Creek, where everything was so different. He thought better of it. He didn’t care what Samantha thought, and she obviously wasn’t interested in understanding him.

  The rest of the evening was spent talking with all the young women his mother lined up for him to meet—girls dressed in summer shorts and sandals with T-shirts tied at the waist in a knot, showing tanned and taut midriffs and long, shapely legs. Their hair was blown out in the latest fashion, and they nibbled on the daintier appetizers of fruits and vegetables while leaving the heavier food alone. They laughed like the tinkling of crystal.