A Montana Christmas Reunion

by Roz Denny Fox

  She still left her pickup with care. It could have rabies. But the nearer she got, the more clearly she saw it was nothing but a poor bedraggled, half-starved spaniel. Sinking to one knee, she held out a hand. “Here, boy. I won’t hurt you. I don’t see a collar, but maybe you have a chip. First I’ll check for injuries. Then we’ll get you some food, followed by a bath. I’ll bet you’d like to get back to your owner, huh?”

  The pup crept toward her on its belly, crying pitifully. She scooped him up and felt him curl against her in a ball. “Heavens, your ribs are showing. Food comes first.” Cradling him carefully, she hurried to open her clinic. Once the lights were on, she could better see his matted brown-and-white fur.

  She carried him into an exam room that in her parents’ day had been a horse stall and drew a bowl of water. He lapped it down, his big dark eyes showing his gratitude. She stocked all types of animal supplies and at the moment didn’t have other boarders except a goat who’d had surgery before her trip. She didn’t hear him, so Pete had probably discharged him.

  Not wanting the hungry dog to eat too fast, she measured out a short cup of puppy chow. He gobbled it up but sank down without begging for more. “You have manners. Clearly you’re someone’s pet.” Jewell fondled his ears, which would be silky after a bath. She checked for signs of trauma. All she found were cuts on the pads of his feet. “It appears you’ve been out running around awhile. Warm soap and water will do wonders, but it’ll sting these paws. I have salve for after your bath.” She continued to talk because he seemed to like hearing her voice. And ministering to him let her forget the disappointment caused partly by her failure to gain a refuge for the snowy owls and also her lingering sadness for having slept with Saxon when nothing had changed between them. However, the weariness she’d battled earlier fled in the face of caring for the puppy.

  “There, well, don’t you look handsome,” she said after bathing him and toweling dry his curly coat. “I’d say you’re a springer spaniel. That explains why you’re easygoing and affectionate.” She scanned him for a chip and was concerned when she didn’t find one. He licked her chin and wagged his tail, then stared longingly at the empty bowl still sitting on the floor.

  “That’s plain enough. You’re so cute I’m going to take you to my house. I still need to retrieve my suitcase and unpack, but I’ll feed you in the kitchen.” She picked him up along with the bowl and kibble. Going out, she doused the clinic lights and unlocked her house.

  She didn’t own a dog bed. Long ago she’d learned she couldn’t keep every stray dog or cat that landed on her doorstep. But she did have a soft throw rug. And this pup was so cuddly she might buy a dog bed if she didn’t turn up his owner.

  There was no sense naming him until she knew. Attaching a name was like attaching your heart. When she measured out more food and he nudged her fingers with his tongue and gave a happy bark, she experienced a tug in her chest. Heaven knew since walking away from Saxon for the second time, her heart ached. On the drive home she’d dreaded coming into a dark, empty house. The dog changed all that and made homecoming a little better.

  It wasn’t long after she brought in her suitcase that the dog seemed ready to settle for the night. And so was she. He curled right up on the rug she placed by her bed. His soft, whiffling snore soon let her sleep.

  * * *

  SOMETHING BLOWING LIGHTLY in her ear partially woke Jewell. She cracked one eye, saw only gray light and shut it again. More insistent wet kisses nuzzled her cheek. “Stop it, Saxon.” She batted her face with one hand. Then her morning brain connected with what she’d said and she bolted straight up in bed. Blinking, she saw dark puppy eyes gazing adoringly at her. Jewell laughed and her pounding heart fell into normal rhythm. “You stinker. You made me think you’d spend the night on the rug. In fact, you made yourself at home on my bed.”

  The pup yawned and licked her nose with a happy little yip.

  “Okay, I’m awake. Breakfast time. Then you have to go into one of my holding cages in the clinic. I’ll take your picture, make a flyer and distribute it around town.”

  The minute she looked out the window, it was plain her first workday home had opened with a gorgeous sunrise.

  Jewell hummed as she showered. She ate, fed the pup and made a mental list of what she had to do today. In the course of unpacking last night she’d found the business card of Saxon’s agent. Handing it off to Leland would be her first task after she printed up a stack of flyers.

  Two hours later, driving along the lane to Leland’s house, she saw he had two men tilling his fields. Her breath caught. Had he sold his ranch?

  “Hi, Leland,” she said, making herself sound more cheerful than she felt when the old guy answered her knock and stepped out on his porch. “What’s with your fields?”

  “I leased a section to Eddie Four Bear and Aaron Younger. My Realtor says ranches aren’t selling. This way I have lease money coming in and the fields look productive. I assume my nephew didn’t return with you.”

  “No.” Jewell made a face. “My flight was delayed a few days due to a hurricane. I came to give you a card for Saxon’s agent. He’s off on a tour. I left your letter with one of his staff. I’m afraid Saxon’s not coming here,” she said as gently as possible. “If you need anything, call me, please.”

  The old fellow sighed. “I knew it was a long shot. Thanks for the card,” he said and turned away. “I really need to see him. He and I have to talk.”

  Jewell chewed the inside of her cheek. Was his skin more sallow than before she’d left? It must be her imagination, or the lighting. She hadn’t been gone that long.

  After saying goodbye, she spent the morning tacking up flyers about the pup. No one she spoke to had heard anyone say they’d lost a pet.

  * * *

  ALL WEEKEND SHE was kept busy with calls from clients, and she hadn’t found time to phone her friends. But on Monday, Jewell left a ranch and drove to town for her lunch with the Artsy Ladies. Running a bit late, she rushed into the Snowy Owl Café at ten after one.

  Becky, a high school girl who helped Doreen Mercer after school and during summers, greeted Jewell. “The other ladies are at that back table. They’ve ordered. What can I get for you?”

  “Tuna sandwich. And iced tea. Thanks, Becky.”

  “Hey, there’s Jewell,” Tawana announced. “Glad you could make it. You were away extra time and then so tied up you’ve missed all our news.”

  Jewell pulled out a chair and stared expectantly at her friends. “I’ve been working but was also afraid you’d hammer me for not getting the owl refuge.”

  “Oh, that. We’ve got bigger news,” Shelley, their resident ceramic potter, said around a gulp of iced tea.

  Lila leaned toward Jewell. “You missed hearing how Rory went out to the mine, fell down a shaft and broke his arm. He’s upstairs now still sporting a cast. But I have good news, too.” She displayed her left hand for Jewell to see a sparkling diamond.

  Jewell shrieked. “You and Seth are engaged? What? How? When’s the wedding? And another mine accident? This is too much to take in. Is Rory okay?”

  “He’s lucky but bummed because he can’t play baseball the rest of the summer. Seth saved his life. As for our wedding...” Lila named a date three weeks out. “Myra’s mom’s making bridesmaids’ dresses like she did for Myra. Yours, too. I bought my dress. It’s sea-foam green. Bridesmaids wear jade. We’ll be married at the Owl’s Nest. Of course, Mom insists on catering the reception.”

  Jewell gaped. “Whoa. Tell me more about the mine incident.”

  Myra Maxwell waved a hand. “Wait. Right before you got here, I told everyone Zeke and I just yesterday found out I’m pregnant with twins,” she blurted. “Already I feel lumpy. I may not be in Lila’s wedding. Maybe I’ll cut and serve the cake.”

  “Rubbish,” Lila broke in. “You’l
l be in the ceremony.”

  “Two babies?” Jewell jumped up and rounded the table to hug Myra. “How great is that news? I knew you guys wanted children ASAP.”

  “I was aware I was pregnant for some weeks. But we didn’t want to tell anyone until we were sure all was well. Lila, Rory and Seth happened to be in the ER when I had my first ultrasound. But my OB only just heard two heartbeats. We’re over the moon.”

  “So double congratulations. For the record...you don’t look lumpy. Gosh, I feel like I’ve missed months instead of days.”

  “Tawana has news, too,” Lila said.

  “Don’t tell me you’re marrying Hunter.”

  “Nothing that drastic.” Across the table, Tawana bent and came up holding a large picture frame. “But he is moving here.”

  Jewell saw it was a rodeo scene painted on tooled leather. “Did you make that? Are you branching out from beaded vests and belts? That’s gorgeous. I’d commission something like it for my clinic office.”

  “Hunter did this. He’s sorry the storm hit so you guys couldn’t connect while you were back east. The best news is he has his final prosthetic leg and can travel here for Seth and Lila’s wedding. His craft work looks promising as a new profession. It should sell well at the bazaar. He said he’s painted several pictures.”

  “Each must take hours. I’m sure he can sell them,” Jewell said. “Too bad he won’t want his earnings to go into our Artsy Ladies’ save-the-owl kitty.”

  “He does,” Tawana assured as she set the painting down. “But none of this is why I called this meeting.” She motioned everyone closer. “I had a brainstorm after talking to Hunter. Something I believe will make us enough money to buy Leland’s ranch. If you agree, we can keep the forest and sell the house and fields on contract to Eddie Four Bear. But...” she chewed her lip “... Jewell, my idea needs your approval.”

  “Mine? Now I’m really curious. So spill,” she said, and the others chorused their agreement. Jewell retook her seat, but they were all forced to wait impatiently as Becky delivered their food. She’d barely left when all eyes pinned Tawana again.

  “Hurry up,” Mindy said. “I have a client due at my salon at two o’clock.”

  “All right. Listen up. For weeks the country music station I listen to in my office has advertised a big benefit concert in LA at the end of this month. I guess none of you heard the ads. Well...one featured star is our very own Saxon Conrad.” She beamed at her rapt audience, then added, “Think how much we’d rake in if he detoured to give a benefit here and we earmarked all monies above costs to buy Leland’s ranch.”

  Jewell’s face fell. She whirled on Lila. “You promised not to tell anyone Leland asked me to attend Saxon’s concert in Maryland.”

  “I didn’t. I swear.” Lila held up her hands.

  Immediately, all stares locked on Tawana swung to Jewell. “You saw Saxon?” the women chimed in excitedly.

  “Yes, for Leland,” she rushed to say. “Forget the idea. Saxon will never agree.”

  A hush fell over the table.

  “You don’t know that,” Tawana said. “Honestly, Jewell, what can it hurt to call and ask him? You love the owls more than any of us.”

  “I c-can’t,” Jewell said, her voice brittle.

  Tawana’s gaze shifted to the others. “Who can? Who knows him next best?”

  “Not me,” Myra ventured. “But I’ll give it a go if any of you join me on a call.”

  Lila pursed her lips. “Jewell, would it hurt you too badly if we can talk him into giving a show here? If not, I’ll make a conference call with Myra. Tawana said you told her the Natural Resources Committee might sanction a refuge if we had land. Given how much sweat and tears we’ve put into this project, seems to me it’s worth trying Tawana’s suggestion.”

  “I hate to be a wet blanket, but if Saxon won’t come see his only relative after I made plain Leland’s not well, he sure as heck won’t come for us, or owls. But... I won’t stand in your way. Just know he won’t come for me,” she said, her voice wavering again. “If that’s it, can we go back to talking about happier things like Lila and Seth’s wedding and Myra’s pregnancy?”

  It took only a moment for chatter to resume. Jewell let the excitement flow around her. A hole had opened so big in her belly she couldn’t eat her sandwich. She did know how much they’d earn if Saxon performed. But he was probably so mad at her for running out on him last week that he’d never want to see her again. If her friends noticed how quiet she’d grown, no one let on.

  Lunch ended. Everyone hugged, then went their separate ways.

  It wasn’t until Jewell was almost home that she realized she’d forgotten to bring up the dog. She actually hoped no one claimed him. She could use his comfort.

  Chapter Four

  Later that evening Jewell phoned Lila. “I’ll be working two days and one night at the stampede. Would Rory like to go with me again this year? You and Seth probably have tons to do to get ready for the wedding. By the way, are his parents coming to the wedding?”

  “Yes, and two of his gem-hunter friends. Although he’s informed them that talking about their job is off-limits. That’s what caused Rory to go into the mine. He overheard one of Seth’s buddies rave about someone finding a fortune in rubies, and talk evolved to Montana sapphires. It was dumb luck it rained that day, so I went to fetch Rory from Kemper’s house. He said Rory rode his bike out to the mine in search of blue stones. I panicked. At first I blamed Seth. But his cooler head prevailed. He rescued Rory from that shaft. It’s only one of the many reasons why I love that man, Jewell.”

  “I’m happy for you, Lila.” And she was, but Jewell envied her friends, too. Perhaps that came from seeing Saxon again. At one time she’d assumed they would marry. Likely Tawana and Hunter would be next. “Uh, Lila...do you want to ask Rory about the stampede and call me back?”

  “Actually, Seth is going to take him. He’s never attended a rodeo. I appreciate your offer, but Rory has a serious case of hero worship for his soon-to-be dad.”

  “I understand.”

  “You sound hurt. Don’t be, Jewell. You’re my best friend. We can’t let that change.”

  “I didn’t realize I sounded hurt. Sorry, I’m probably still suffering jet lag. Hey, when do I get to see and fit my bridesmaid dress?”

  “Myra’s mom is bringing her sewing machine and fabric to Myra’s house over the holiday weekend. I know you have obligations at the stampede, but I hope you two can work out a time for a fitting. The dress isn’t fussy. Seth wanted a splashy wedding. I preferred simple. He said he really just wants me to be happy, so it’ll be lower-key than Myra’s service was. I’m sorry you weren’t here to help choose a pattern or material for the dresses. I hope you’re not disappointed.”

  “Don’t fret, Lila. I’ll be happy with anything. Surely by now you know I’d be married in jeans and a T-shirt in a horse barn. Hard as it’s been on my mom, she finally accepts I’m not a frilly kind of girl.”

  “Weddings demand a few frills. Frankly, I’ve always pictured you as a bride who’ll wear emerald silk to set off your fiery red hair. I guarantee you won’t be married in a barn or on a horse, so there.”

  Jewell didn’t mention that Saxon had suggested a living arrangement of sorts. Instead she cleared her throat. “Enjoy every minute of the process, Lila. I figure Tawana will be next, don’t you? She once told me she wants a traditional Native ceremony where she can wear her mother’s beaded, fringed white leather wedding dress.”

  “I remember her saying that,” Lila said. “The women in our group are all so different. Seth is amazed I felt comfortable enough to hand over our wedding plans to the Artsy Ladies. It’s precisely because we know each other so well.” Lila’s tone grew serious. “Jewell, are you really okay with Tawana’s plan to ask Saxon to give a benefit he
re? You haven’t said what happened when you went to his concert.”

  “The storm caused it to end early. I can’t tell you what it was like seeing him again or I’ll start crying. It was bittersweet.” Her voice cracked. “But I have to forget him, Lila. As painful as it is to admit, I’ll never fit in his world, nor he in mine.” She blinked away unwanted tears. “I have to go. If you need help decorating the B and B for the big event, holler. I tie a mean satin bow.”

  “Thanks. Listen, maybe I shouldn’t join Myra when she calls Saxon. I might tell him I think he’s a jerk. Honestly, Jewell, if he makes you cry, he doesn’t deserve you.” Lila paused as the sound of male voices came over the line. “I’m really sorry but Rory and Seth just came in. Gotta run. Are you sure you’re okay, though?”

  “I’m fine. Go see to your guys.” Jewell ended the call and let go of all the tears she’d held in check since leaving Saxon.

  The stray pup she had again brought inside for the night whimpered and then hopped up on her bed to lick off her tears. She wrapped him in her arms, not even pretending to make him sleep on his rug. Instead she welcomed how he cuddled against her in her big, lonely bed.

  * * *

  OVER THE NEXT few days she kept busy treating both domestic and work animals. She also handled the insemination of Mark Watson’s mare.

  The holiday weekend she pulled duty at the stampede during bulldogging, barrel racing and team roping. Jewell loved the hubbub that accompanied the rodeo. Contestants were a warm, friendly lot. And Montana stock providers took excellent care of their animals, which meant her job was easy, allowing her to watch events.

  She hated when her last shift ended on Sunday, although she needed to shower and get to Myra’s for her dress fitting. They’d invited her to stay for supper, but lately she hadn’t been hungry. It wasn’t that she’d gorged at the rodeo, either. This year, more than in the past, odors from food vendors mingling with barnyard scents permeated the air throughout the grounds—and she found the smell nauseating.