Rubies And Boots (Country Brides & Cowboy Boots)

by Danni Lee Nicholls

  Twenty-Eight

  Jonah was happy to see his dad walking in slow circles in the pool. It had been two weeks since his heart attack, and it was obvious how much he was enjoying being home.

  At the end of his father’s first week away from work, Jonah had called Stephanie and Ryan, letting them know that his dad would be out for at least another week.

  “No problem,” Ryan had said. “We miss him around here, but we don’t want him to worry about a thing.”

  “Thanks,” Jonah had said. He’d tried to act oblivious to Ryan’s obvious stress, even though its keen reality hit a chord, and the guilt struck once again.

  His mother interrupted his thoughts as she came out of the house, carrying a tray of iced tea. Setting the tray down, she motioned toward Jonah’s father. “He’s doing so well, don’t you think?”

  Jonah nodded.

  “And it’s nice the two of you are having so much time together. Sometimes it takes something like this to make us see what’s really important. Don’t you agree?”

  Jonah heard the expectation in her voice and said nothing as she sat down on the lounge chair next to his.

  His mother handed him a glass of iced tea. “Were there any young women you particularly liked the other night?” She sipped from her glass.

  “Mom, you’ve asked me that twice already, and my answer’s the same. I’m dating Ruby, and I love her. I’m not interested in anyone here.”

  His mother let out a forced sigh. “Really, Jonah, I don’t know how you can think someone from Podunk, Montana, is going to fit in here. But if you insist, maybe it’s time for you to bring this girl home.”

  Jonah turned to his mother with an incredulous look as she rose from the lounge chair and walked back into the house. His mother was offering a huge concession. Was it enough? Maybe. He would need to talk to Ruby and ask her to come to Texas as soon as possible.

  Jonah’s phone rang, and he peered at the screen to see Ruby’s number flashing. This was great! He would tell her about his mother’s invitation. Dallas really could offer them both a whole new life.

  “Ruby!”

  “Jonah?”

  Jonah heard the tremor in Ruby’s voice, and it rattled him. “Ruby? Are you all right? What’s happened?”

  He listened as she managed to get her voice under control. “I’m fine,” she said. “It’s Lexie. Joshua beat the … he beat her bad.”

  Jonah hopped from the lounge chair, knocking over the iced tea. The glass broke and spilled its contents all over the cement. Jonah didn’t even see it. His mother’s invitation to Ruby skittered out of his mind like marbles. He moved to a shady part of the yard as he tried to take in Ruby’s news. “What? He what?”

  Impatience laced Ruby’s words. “He beat her, Jonah. Do I need to send you pictures? She’s a mess! He almost choked her to death. She’s got bruises all over her neck.” Ruby took in a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’m just so upset.” She began to cry.

  Helplessness flooded Jonah. “Where is Joshua now? Are you safe? Is Lexie and Emmie safe?”

  “He’s on the run,” Ruby replied. “There’s a warrant out for his arrest, but no one knows his whereabouts.”

  “I’m coming home,” Jonah said. “And I’m beating Joshua McPherson to a bloody pulp when I get there.”

  “You are not coming home.” Ruby’s voice held a now familiar determination. “And you’re certainly not going to beat Josh. Do you think I want the two of you to be neighbors in the same jailhouse?”

  Powerlessness surged through Jonah. “You need me, Ruby, and I need to be with you.”

  “I do need you,” Ruby replied. “But not now. Not like this.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean I’m strong enough to take this on. I’ve got my family to help with all of this, and most of the town, really. Bert is incensed. Curtis is infuriated. We’ll be fine, and I don’t want you to leave your parents when it could cause long-term resentment.”

  Jonah’s thoughts were in a jumble. His mother had offered the possibility of having Ruby come to Texas, and the idea of having her accepted by his family thrilled him. But the deeper longing to stand with Ruby, Curtis, and others in the safety Lexie and the whole Johannsen family throbbed with every pulse. It wasn’t just parties and picnics that bonded the community of Sunrise Creek; it was coming together in tragedy. It was the act of protecting the weak, even when that meant turning in one of their own. What kind of man would he be if he didn’t step in to keep them safe?

  Ruby continued, “I called you for a couple of reasons, really. First, I wanted you to learn about it from me. I told Curtis to hold off on calling you until I could talk with you, and he agreed. But my real reason for calling was because I needed to hear your voice. I needed your vision of sanity in the midst of this chaos. I feel better now.”

  Jonah calmed. “I’m glad for that, Ruby.”

  Silence hung on the line.

  Something niggled at Jonah. If he did not go back to Sunrise Creek, there would come a time when Ruby would move on without him. She was certainly capable, and if he did not come to her aid now, she might never need him again.

  He turned back to the pool and stared as his father stepped from the water. Droplets fell from him, puddling around his feet. Watching his father dry himself with a towel, the guilt struck Jonah hard, making him suck in his breath. The hope that Ruby would be willing to make a life in Texas dimmed to black. His mother was right. In spite of her overtures, Ruby didn’t belong here. The clarity of that certainty bit just behind the strike of guilt. No matter what kind of home he could provide here in Texas, it would never be what she had in Sunrise Creek.

  The decision turned over in his mind. He needed to stay in Texas and cut Ruby from his existence, or he needed to go back to Sunrise Creek and give himself fully to the life that waited for him there. Either way, Jonah needed to find home, and he needed to find it soon.

  Twenty-Nine

  Later that evening, Jonah sat at the poolside in the gathering darkness. The pool lights came on automatically, highlighting the water and making it shimmer.

  Jonah’s thoughts were drawn to Sunrise Lake and the day he and Ruby had played in the water. Everything about her had glistened that day, and he could still see her teasing brown eyes and flirtatious smile. Their play wouldn’t be the same here. Even if they did own a lakefront home, it would look more like the monstrosity she detested than her family’s sweet little cottage. Ruby would not be happy here.

  Jonah heard his father step onto the back patio. When his father settled in the lounge chair next to his, Jonah considered him. He had lost weight in the last two weeks. He had never been fat. Now he looked trim and fit.

  “Those pool laps are paying off.” Jonah smiled.

  “I hope so,” his father replied. “I don’t ever want to go through anything like that hospital visit again, and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone else, especially you, son.”

  “Do you feel ready to get back to work?” Jonah asked tentatively.

  Jonah’s father sat on the edge of a lounge chair and faced Jonah. “I’m glad you mentioned that,” he said. “I’ve wanted to talk to you about the business.”

  Dread filled Jonah. He had always been able to put his mother off when she demanded he go to work at Stiles Oil. He didn’t think he could deny a request from his dad, especially now.

  Jonah’s father continued, “I’m thinking of selling the business.”

  “What?!” Jonah’s eyes grew large as shock and surprise rolled in like thunder.

  “Well, my majority shares, anyway. I’d step down as CEO, too.”

  Jonah looked down at the cement patio between his feet. “I supposed you want me to take over, then.”

  “No. I wouldn’t sell most of my shares if I wanted that. I’ve known for a long time now that you weren’t interested in the oil business.”

  Jonah raised his head, giving his father an incredulous look. “Why didn’t you ever say anyt
hing?”

  “I wanted you to be sure, and I wanted that certainty to take place without any influence from me. Believe me, it was hard not to talk with you about this. I’ve always hoped that someday you’d want to take this thing I’ve helped build and make it your own. However, I also recognize that every one of us needs to find our own way.” He smiled at Jonah.

  Jonah held his breath; a mix of gratitude and curiosity tumbled inside. “When did you know for sure?”

  “When you stayed in Sunrise Creek. School isn’t the same as the work. I don’t care how good you are at it. But from everything your mother was telling me, when you got to Montana, you didn’t want to come back. Then, when you and I spoke in the hallway of the hospital, I saw your enthusiasm. There was no denying the light in your eyes, and I could tell your heart isn’t here in Dallas, and it certainly isn’t in the oil business.”

  Jonah looked down.

  His father continued, “And ranching isn’t as big of a stretch as your mother makes it out to be. I think it was your great-great-great-grandfather who was a rancher. He came here, rounded up some of those gnarly cows that were running loose, and started a ranch. It didn’t last, though. The Texas Longhorns carry a certain tick that decimated cattle in the northern states, so the drives had to stop. He was cattle rich but wasn’t making any money. He sold out and started a dry goods business.”

  “Why hasn’t anyone ever told me about this?”

  “Your mom doesn’t like the story.” His father laughed. “She’s not proud of her forebearers. Your great-great-great-grandfather was not a genteel man. He never married, and yet here we are. She doesn’t like to talk about it.” He winked at Jonah before becoming serious. “She’s always been protective of you, Jonah, but there comes a time when a mother’s protection needs to take a back seat to the man’s choices. I know you want to make Sunrise Creek your home, and I want that for you. There’s more than enough money in your trust to cover the cost of buying some land and starting your own ranch. And personally, I’m grateful and proud this is your choice.”

  His mother came from the house, and Jonah saw the look of horror on her face as she sat next to his father. “What are you two discussing?”

  “I’m telling Jonah that I think it’s time he headed home,” his father said. “I’m well enough to start back to work and begin the retirement process.”

  “No,” Jonah’s mother said. “This is Jonah’s home. He needs to stay and take over like we’ve talked about.”

  “You’re the only one who’s talked about that, Lizbeth.” Jonah’s father turned to face her. “Do you want Jonah to end up having a heart attack at fifty-six? I wouldn’t wish that on him. He needs to make his own way, Lizbeth. The happier he is, the healthier he’ll be. He wants to go home to Montana and see that girl of his, and I’m hoping he’ll leave tomorrow.”

  Tears came to Lizbeth’s eyes. “I’m not ready for him to leave.”

  Jonah placed his hand over his mother’s. “I’m so sorry, Mom, but I’m ready to go. Ruby needs me, and I need to go home.”

  “How can her needs be more important than ours?” his mother spit out. “Bring her here if you must have her close by.”

  “She’s Montanan country, Mom. You said yourself she wouldn’t fit in here. The thing is, I fit in there, and I hope someday you’ll come and visit. I’ll make sure you have a little place of your own, so you and Dad can stay as long as you like.”

  “Now that sounds wonderful,” Jonah’s father said. “Doesn’t it, Lizbeth? A little fresh air. Bigger sky. Some mountains for a change. Count me in!”

  Jonah’s mother wiped her eyes. “I can’t imagine being anywhere but here.”

  “Oh, c’mon,” Jonah’s father said as he put his arm around his wife. “We’re world travelers. I’m sure we can eke out some time for Montana, especially after I’m retired.”

  Jonah’s mother offered a small smile. “Are you really going to give up the business? I’d love to have you home full time.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Jonah’s father said. “We’ll have enough money to last us a hundred lifetimes. It’ll be a new adventure for us both.”

  Jonah’s mother relaxed against his father before turning back to Jonah. “I don’t want you to stay away so long,” she admonished. “We’re getting older, in case you haven’t noticed. We won’t be around forever. You need to promise me you’ll come home again, soon.”

  “Leave the boy alone,” Jonah’s father said. “He’ll come home when he can, won’t you, son?”

  Jonah smiled at his parents. “Yeah. I’ll come home soon, and hopefully I’ll bring Ruby for a visit so you can meet her. But now, I’ve got to go pack and book a ticket.” He kissed his mother on the cheek before standing.

  His mother sighed, giving him a weary and defeated look.

  Jonah offered her a tender smile before turning to his father. “Thank you, Dad.” His father understood, and where his dad led, his mother usually followed. His family would be all right.

  Closing his bedroom door, he pulled his phone from his pocket and texted four words to Ruby. I’m coming home tomorrow.

  Thirty

  The cool September morning light brightened the eastern horizon as Ruby approached the back door of the Jumpin’ Bean. She hesitated as she saw the note fluttering on the door. Moving from the car, she snatched the piece of paper and read it quickly. Shock rolled through her as she read the words from Joshua’s brother, Andrew.

  I’m sorry for what’s happened to Lexie. If I find Joshua, I’ll call the police and turn him in. Andrew McPherson

  Ruby’s heart softened a little around Andrew. Growing up with Joshua would be a curse she wouldn’t want to carry. Reading the note a second time, she folded it carefully before sticking it in the back pocket of her jeans. She would show this note to Lexie later and then turn it into the police.

  Daylight beamed over the mountain, interrupting Ruby’s thoughts. She moved to open the door to the coffee shack as she took a deep breath of the autumn air. Most of the tourists were gone, and although her revenue slowed, she didn’t miss the parade of people who only saw Sunrise Creek as a playground.

  Once again, her thoughts slipped toward Lexie. Her sister was at home, safe with her parents, who had both taken the day off. Her father had stayed up all night, sitting in the dark with his shotgun across his lap. Ruby couldn’t tell if he was hoping Joshua would show up or if the shotgun was just in case he appeared.

  Ruby’s mom had tried to talk her into leaving the coffee shack closed for the day. With Josh on the loose, her parents were concerned for her safety, but Ruby refused to be intimidated. Besides, Bert was close by, and for the first time, Ruby appreciated his watchful and gossipy ways. She made sure he knew about Joshua’s crimes against Lexie and refused to hide in shame over what happened to her sister. There wouldn’t be any stories of falls or walking into doors from the Johannsen family.

  Bert appeared at Ruby’s window a few minutes after seven for his usual cup of coffee. “How’s your sister?” he asked.

  Ruby answered directly. “I’m not sure. She was still sleeping when I left this morning.”

  “Any news on where Josh might be?”

  “None.” Ruby handed Bert his coffee. She considered telling him about the note she found on the door but decided against it. Andrew’s actions didn’t need to be held up to the court of public opinion.

  Bert took a sip before placing his quarters on the counter. “I wondered if you’d show up for work today, and I was concerned that I might not get my usual cup of joe,” he said. “With Joshua on the loose, I thought you’d hunker down for a couple of days.”

  “I’m not afraid of him,” Ruby said. “I’ve got protection.”

  Bert slowly nodded. “That’s my girl. And you can be sure I’ll be watching, too.”

  Ruby’s smile was genuine. “Thanks, Bert.” She changed the subject. “Do you want to hear some good news?”

  “Sure do. You know how I lo
ve news.”

  “Jonah’s coming home.”

  “Well, now, didn’t I tell you he’d be coming back?”

  “Yes. Yes, you did.”

  “When is he due home?”

  “Sometime today. I’m not sure when. He said he had a few errands to run while he was in Missoula, and he didn’t know when he’d make it to Sunrise Creek.”

  “Well, that’s the best story I’ve heard today,” Bert said. “I’ll keep an eye out for him, too.” He held his cup high. “Thanks for the coffee.”

  “My pleasure.”

  “Give my best to your sister,” Bert said as he turned and ambled toward his own business.

  “Will do,” Ruby replied and made a mental note to share Bert’s message of goodwill. Lexie would need all the support she could get after yesterday’s brittle afternoon with the police.

  The drive back to the home Lexie shared with Josh was tense. Lexie cowered in the passenger seat on the edge of tears as her teeth chattered in fear. “I don’t care about my stuff,” she said. “I just want Spicer.”

  “Don’t fret,” Ruby repeated several times. “The police are meeting us there.”

  Driving to the small house outside of town, Ruby silently checked her rearview mirror as she felt the cold steel of her pistol lodged in the waistband of her jeans. She was grateful they made the drive unmolested, and breathed an audible sigh of relief when they found a squad car in the driveway of the Lexie and Joshua’s home. Lexie’s new husband was nowhere in sight. The officer took a statement from Lexie and snapped some pictures of her face and neck. In the harshness of the early autumn sun, Lexie’s injuries took on a shattering appearance, and Ruby bit her own cheek until it bled to keep from ramming her car into gear in order to find Joshua on her own, her pistol snug against her skin.

  “I need to find my kitten,” Lexie said as a small mewing sound came from under the house.

  Lexie made a move to enter the home to get some food for the kitten, but the officer stopped her, insisting he clear the rooms. Once he gave the signal, Lexie hurriedly grabbed some chicken from the refrigerator and beckoned Spicer to her with the meat. The shy tortoiseshell kitten happily went to Lexie, who wrapped him in a towel before feeding him the chicken. The kitten was so happy to be next to Lexie that he soon settled down and fell asleep in her arms. His presence also calmed Lexie.