by Kim Redford
“What can I say? She’s just not herself.”
“And this is another upsetting example.” Lauren walked the few steps to Morning’s Glory next door. She peered in the display windows, but all the shelves appeared fully stocked with apothecary, beauty, health, and gift items.
“Everything looks okay here.” Kent shaded his eyes with his right hand as he leaned in close to the window.
“Morning Glory is Hedy’s good friend. Has she said anything about my aunt?”
“No. But I’ve been busy on the ranch and in the fire-rescue station. I haven’t seen much of Morning Glory. I doubt if she’d tell me personal stuff anyway.”
“True enough.” Lauren thought a moment. “They’ve always been best friends and helped each other with their stores. If Aunt Hedy had boxes to unpack, I’d expect Morning Glory to help do it.”
“Maybe. Maybe not. Hedy’s got a powerful sense of independence. Morning Glory wouldn’t want to make Hedy appear weak or incapable to herself or anybody else in town.”
“You’re right.” Lauren scratched her head in frustration. “I can’t come to town after all these years and stick my nose into other people’s business. Imagine how that’d go over around here.”
“You’re family. Nobody’d blink an eye if you helped your aunt. Fact of the matter, folks would expect it.”
“That’s good to know.” She glanced back at Adelia’s Delights. “I’ll do my best not to come on too strong or make Aunt Hedy feel uncomfortable.”
“Sounds like the way to go.”
Lauren nodded thoughtfully as she turned to look at the lavender-and-white display of luxurious bathrobes, bath salts, lotions, shampoos, and facial products. All of it appeared wonderfully decadent for a spa day of complete relaxation. A long-haired ginger cat that lay curled up in the folds of a white bathrobe opened one eye, gave a slit-eyed look, and returned to sleep.
“I wish we could solve the problem of Hedy right here and now,” Kent said. “It seems like maybe she’s got some kind of secret.”
“If so, I’ll try to find out what.”
“Thanks. For now, best thing we can do is get barbeque and take it to her.”
Lauren glanced up at him, saw his concern, and nodded in agreement. “You’re right. Besides, I want to get back to Hannah.”
“And I want to meet her.”
Everything in Lauren went still as she looked away from him, suddenly wondering how he’d feel about another man’s child. “Do you really?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
She heard the surprise and almost hurt tone in his voice. She quickly tried to read what was in his darkened eyes. “It’s just—”
“She’s your daughter. Nothing else matters.”
“Hannah means everything to me.”
He smiled, flashing his dimples. “Of course she does. I wouldn’t expect anything else.”
She returned his smile, feeling a warm tenderness toward him uncurl deep within her. She’d almost forgotten how that feeling had combined with desire to forge their connection so long ago.
“Let’s get some grub.” He gestured toward the café.
She was glad he’d broken the direction of her thoughts. The past was the past. “I can smell delicious barbeque from here.”
“You bet.”
She gave the cat a little wave before she looked up and read “Chuckwagon Café” on the carved wooden sign painted in red and white that hung from hooks above the boardwalk, squeaking slightly as it swayed in the breeze. Red-and-white checked curtains filled the lower half of the large, front windows set in redbrick walls.
“Familiar?” Kent asked as he reached for the doorknob.
“It hasn’t changed a bit.” She smiled at a sudden thought. “You don’t still work here on weekends, do you?”
He laughed, shaking his head. “Not lately. But Granny Duval still rules the family roost and the Chuckwagon Café. If she says jump, everybody asks how high.”
Lauren chuckled, too, as she remembered the silver-haired, iron-willed, honey-sweet grandmother. “I’ve never forgotten the great food.”
“How about the tidbits I used to bring you after I got off work?”
Lauren felt her mouth go dry as she slipped back in time again. Kent would drive her up to Lovers Leap where they could be alone, sitting close together in the bed of his blue pickup. He’d feed her tasty morsels one by one from his long fingers and whisper sweet endearments in her ears until all her senses ratcheted into overdrive. Soon other hungers would propel them down onto the old, soft quilts and into each other’s arms.
“Remember?” Kent asked again.
“Oh yes.”
She jerked her mind back from the past, remembering all too well. She felt hot and bothered just like in the old days when he knew exactly how much she wanted him and she knew how much he wanted her. Young love. She doubted it could ever arrive unscathed in the here and now, but she felt just as hot and achy right now in Kent’s presence. But she needed to keep those feelings as echoes of the past and not something that was in the present, or risk heartache again. Even more, she now had a daughter to consider above all else.
Kent opened the café’s front door and she stepped inside, hearing bells jingle against the door as it closed behind them. She looked around the long room, noting the high ceilings covered in pressed tin squares and the smooth oak floors. Wagon-wheel chandeliers—old lantern-type globes attached to the outer spokes of horizontally hanging wooden wheels—cast soft light over round tables covered in red-and-white-checked tablecloths. A tiger oak bar with enough dings and scratches to testify to its age stretched across the back of the room with battered oak bar stools in front and a cash register on one end. A window behind the bar revealed a kitchen updated with chrome appliances.
She heard her stomach rumble with hunger as she smelled the delicious scents of the café.
Kent chuckled at the sound. “I feel the same way.”
She smiled in acknowledgment of the fact that he’d always known how she was feeling or what she was wanting. And he’d always done his best to help her achieve her goals. This time it was food.
A group of local folks seated at a nearby table glanced up, then nodded in greeting as they got up and headed for the front door. She didn’t recognize any of them, but that didn’t mean she might not have known them in the past. People could change appearance with new hairdos and clothes or as time passed and they grew older.
“Hold your horses!” a man hollered in a deep, rough voice from the back of the café. “I’ll be out in a minute.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d think we were back in high school,” she said in amazement as she glanced around the almost empty café.
“I told you the place hadn’t changed one iota.”
“I’m glad. There was no way to improve it.”
At the only occupied table, Lauren’s attention was caught by the sight of a young woman with strawberry blond hair and a six-year-old with a mane of wild, ginger-colored hair that by looks alone had to be the woman’s daughter. Lauren immediately thought of Hannah and felt sudden anxiety at being away from her own daughter for so long. But she’d soon be taking her great food.
“Lauren?” the woman called as she stood up, revealing her tall, willowy body.
“Sydney!” Lauren didn’t know any other beautiful Valkyrie types except her old friend the basketball player and rodeo star.
Sydney took several long strides toward Lauren.
The little girl, dressed in blue jeans, a red pearl-snap shirt, and a wide, flashy, rhinestone-studded belt with a large buckle, leaped out of her chair and ran across the café.
“Uncle Kent!” She flung her small, muscular arms around his legs, grinning up at him.
“If it isn’t my favorite cousin named Storm.” He leaned down and gave her a big hug.
> “I’m your only cousin named Storm!” She giggled as she stepped back.
As Lauren watched, she felt her heart swell with longing at the sight of the gentle man with the little girl. They obviously had a close, loving relationship. She wanted that for Hannah, but her father was completely out of the picture now, so that would never be true for her own child.
When Sydney grabbed Lauren in a big bear hug, she felt grateful for the distraction. She was getting too maudlin, particularly when she was just back in town and all was going well. She hugged Sydney, and then she moved back so she could look at her old friend.
“As I live and breathe, I’d heard you were back in town, but couldn’t quite believe it.” Sydney smiled at Lauren before she gave Kent a sharp glance with her hazel eyes. “I see my cousin has you in tow again.”
“We went to Sure-Shot to check on a fire,” Lauren said.
“Bad?” Sydney asked on a sharp intake of breath.
“No.” Kent shook his head in denial. “But they wanted us to check it out.”
“Aunt Hedy was there, so I was anxious to see her right away.”
“Bet she’s thrilled you’re home.” Sydney grinned, revealing bright-white teeth.
Lauren nodded as she glanced at the little girl who clung to Kent’s hand as she danced around him in turquoise cowgirl boots.
“What am I thinking?” Sydney said. “Lauren, I want you to meet my daughter Storm.”
Lauren quickly crouched down to be at the same eye level as the little girl. “Hey there. I’m glad to meet you. My daughter is about your age. Maybe you could be friends.”
“You’ve got a daughter, too?” Sydney asked, sounding delighted with the news.
“Sure do.” Lauren kept her gaze on the little girl.
“That’s great!” Sydney said.
Storm dropped Kent’s hand and stepped close to Lauren. “Is she a cowgirl?”
“No. I’m afraid not.”
Storm shook her head with a disappointed look in her big eyes. “Too bad. My friends all ride horses.”
“She’s got her heart set on being a cowgirl. Does that count?”
Storm cocked her head to one side, as if considering the question. “Does she need help learning the ropes?”
“Oh yes. Do you suppose you’d have time to give her a few pointers?”
Storm narrowed her eyes in thought. “Best she doesn’t learn any bad habits like sloppy riding or roughhousing with horses.” She gave a quick, decisive nod. “Best I take her in tow pretty quick.”
“That’s a good idea.” Kent smiled big enough to show his dimples.
“Thanks. Generous, too.” Lauren grinned at the adorable girl who she hoped would be Hannah’s new BFF.
Sydney chuckled. “You’ve got no idea. Storm’s ready to teach or tell others what’s best at the drop of a hat.”
Storm put one hand on her narrow hip and used the other to point at her big belt buckle. “Hey, I’m wearing my credentials right here. All-Around Champion.”
“That’s exactly right,” Kent said. “You’re a winner.”
Storm threw back her small shoulders and grinned, revealing a missing tooth. “Bring on your greenhorn. I’m up to the challenge.”
“I’ll introduce you soon.” Lauren smiled in appreciation at Storm’s supreme confidence. She’d be so good for Hannah.
She glanced from Sydney to Kent. Time seemed to stand still in the old café where they’d hung out when they were young. Now they were passing on their hopes and dreams and heritage to Wildcat Bluff’s next generation. And it felt exactly right.
Chapter 8
“Why don’t you two join us?” Sydney gestured at her table topped with two red plastic baskets, two red plastic glasses, and crumpled white paper napkins. “We were just finishing up, but we’d be happy to stay and talk.”
“But not for long.” Storm threw her hands out to each side. “I promised Roxy a big, juicy carrot before I go to sleep.”
“Roxy is her horse.” Kent glanced at Lauren as he explained the name, feeling as if they’d stepped back in time to their old, familiar ways in their old, favorite haunt. “And she’s partial to carrots. Right?”
“Right on one count,” Storm agreed, flipping her long hair over one shoulder. “But Roxy’s a pony. Mom says I’m too little for a big horse.”
“That’s true.” Kent quickly agreed with Sydney.
“You always agree with her.” Storm pouted, but then she brightened as she cast a calculating look at Lauren. “I bet I could get you on my side of things. Your daughter—what’s her name?”
“Hannah.”
“If we had a big enough horse, Hannah and I could ride double.”
Kent couldn’t help but laugh at his conniving little cousin. She always had an answer for everything, particularly since she’d been raised mostly around adults and had sort of skipped over kid-speak.
“How do you think Roxy would feel about you throwing her over for a big, flashy horse?” Sydney asked.
Storm put both hands over her heart. “She knows I’d never do that. No doubt about it, I need two mounts.”
At those words, Lauren, Kent, and Sydney laughed hard, shaking their heads at Storm’s audacity.
“Hey, what’s going on out there?” a big, deep voice boomed as a tall man limped out of the kitchen. “Sounds like I’m missing out on all the fun.”
“Slade Steele!” Lauren called out, surprise in her voice. “You still work here?”
“What else would a bull rider with a catch in his get-along do besides cook for the ritziest place in Texas?” Slade grabbed Lauren in a big hug, adjusted his stance to favor his right leg, then lifted her off her feet and whirled her around in a circle.
Kent chuckled at the sight, then abruptly stopped laughing. Slade had cut a wide swathe with the gals for years. His cousin was well over six feet of solid muscle with a thick crop of ginger hair, sharp hazel eyes, and a contagious laugh. A barbwire tattoo circled his right bicep, while a rope tattoo circled the other. Scuffed brown cowboy boots led to faded jeans that led to a tight white T-shirt. But the machismo stopped there. He’d tied a red-and-white checked and ruffled apron with “Lula Mae” embroidered on the pocket around his waist.
When Slade finally set Lauren on her feet, she stepped back, and glanced at his apron. “Hey, Lula Mae, long time no see. I wouldn’t have recognized you without your name tag.”
Slade guffawed even as he shook his head. “Like I haven’t heard that one before. I told Granny not to get me aprons with my name on them cause I wasn’t gonna be working here long.”
“And six months later, my dear brother has earned something of a reputation as a fine chef—or at least a good cook.” Sydney walked over and linked arms with him. “You’ve increased business so much I doubt Granny will ever let you go.”
“Don’t say it.” Slade rolled his eyes in mock horror. “Take a tumble from a bull, bust some stuff, and end up back at the café. I can guarantee you this wasn’t on my life trajectory plan.”
“Uncle Slade, there’s nothing better than good food—unless its horses.” Storm wrapped her arms around his legs in an obvious effort to comfort him.
Slade picked her up and gave a slight wince before he took a wider stance and set her high on his shoulder. “That’s right. Who’d be crazy enough to want to ride a wild bull anyway?”
“Exactly.” Storm giggled as she patted him on top of his head. “Let’s ride, horsey!”
“This isn’t play time,” Sydney said, interrupting the antics. “Your uncle is working right now.”
“Go, Uncle Slade, go!” Storm pretended to snap reins.
As Kent watched, he felt a yawning chasm open up under his feet. By now he thought he’d be the one carrying his own giggling little daughter around on his shoulder while her mother looked on wi
th such love and devotion. He glanced at Lauren and saw the same adoring look in her eyes. If he wasn’t careful, he was going to be struck by the green-eyed imp of jealousy.
He’d thought he was on the path to family happiness with Charlene, but that notion was blown to hell and gone. He’d thought he’d let his disappointment and resentment go, but here it was back again in spades. He had a lot in life, but he wanted so much more in the way of love and family. But that was a priceless commodity, and it wasn’t something a guy could go out and rope.
“Lauren’s got a little girl, too.” Sydney held up a hand to her daughter, obviously determined to switch Storm’s mind from fun and games.
“Is that right?” Slade turned toward Lauren in surprise.
“Yes.” Lauren gave him a big smile. “Hannah is four going on five.”
“Congratulations.” Slade carefully set Storm on the floor and eased her toward her mother. “Did your daughter’s dad come along with you?”
“No.” Lauren hesitated, as if searching for the right words to explain her situation.
“Lauren’s husband isn’t around anymore.” Kent stepped in to help ease this information to the family. “Small plane accident.”
“I’m right sorry to hear it.” Slade shook his head in concern. “Accidents happen to the best of us.”
“Thank you,” Lauren said quietly.
Sydney stepped forward and squeezed Lauren’s hand. “You aren’t the only one with that type of loss.”
“You too?” Lauren turned to look at Sydney in surprise.
Storm grasped Lauren’s other hand. “Daddy’s gone to Heaven. Do you think Hannah’s daddy is there with him?”
Lauren knelt and clasped Storm in her arms. “Sweetie, I don’t know, but I hope so.”
Storm patted Lauren’s back. “Don’t be sad. Mommy says folks that love us watch us from Heaven. I’m riding hard so Daddy’ll be proud of me. I’ll teach Hannah to do the same—if you like.”
“I’d like that very much. And I think Hannah would as well.”
Storm gave Lauren a quick kiss on her cheek before she tiptoed back over to her uncle.
