by Reggi Allder
“Why?” His brother continued to pack his gear.
“Because he was hurt driving your animal home.”
Wes ignored the statement.
“You should have been there. If you were driving it might not have happened. You’re experienced pulling a rig.”
“Since when are you Dad’s protector?” Anger flashed in his brother’s eyes. “You stayed with Mom.” He paced. “Hell, Wyatt, Dad and I didn’t see you for almost a year after Mom and Dad separated.”
“I was fifteen. Didn’t even have a driver’s license, let alone a car. You moved miles away in rural nowhere. How was I supposed to get there? They don’t even have a bus.”
Wes wouldn’t have believed him if he’d told him Dad didn’t want him visiting them. He was tempted to leave. Why did he try to talk to his younger brother?
Wes drank from a flask. Started to put it away, but instead took two more gulps. “I lost my family and my buddy.” He sniffed. “You’re my big brother, my bud.”
Wyatt was tempted to say, “You’re drunk.” Instead he spoke quietly, “Wes, you’re still my brother, always will be.” He hesitated. “I’m not here to rake over the past.”
“Why are you here?” Wes threw on his leather jacket, signaling he wanted to leave rather than listen.
“Dad needs you.”
“I haven’t heard about it.”
“How could you when you don’t answer your messages?” Wyatt paused and tried to calm down. “He’s hobbling around his place and can’t drive let alone walk to town.”
Wyatt rubbed his temple, a headache was forming. “Amy took our dad food and drove him to the doctor, but can’t do that all the time. She has Bobby, the farm, and her businesses to take care of. Besides when she’s kind to Dad, he rewards her by being nasty.”
He caught his brother’s eye. “The man’s bad tempered. She didn’t complain, but I won’t put Amy through that again.”
“Amy, Amy, that’s all you talk about.” Wes spit. “We used to be a team, you and me. On the circuit, we were the Cameron brothers. Since she came into the picture—she’s tearing us apart. Can’t you see that?”
Wes took another swig and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “You’re going to marry her?” he continued without waiting for an answer. “We made a plan, no wife, no kids, and Bobby isn’t even your kid.” He glanced at the flask, shook it and threw it against the far wall. “Empty.”
“The family hasn’t been together since I was a teen.” Wyatt exhaled in exasperation. “As for Amy, she didn’t do anything to our family, but show us a little kindness. Don’t ever mention Bobby again or I’ll kick your ass. You were a little kid once. Maybe if someone had been nice to—never mind. You’re drunk.”
His brother’s stallion came to see what was all the commotion. “Hello, boy.” He patted the horse. “Shadow’s still warm. Did you cool him down before you corralled him?”
“He’s my horse—butt out.”
“Yeah, well, it was my business when Shadow was almost sent into the bay when Dad had his accident. If Amy hadn’t gone into the trailer and got your horse out before he was injured, you’d be looking at buying a new mount.”
“No shit.” Wes belched. “Man, that liquor must be bad.” He ran to a nearby bathroom.
Wyatt heard him retch. Damn fool.
“You all right?”
“Yeah, just effing great.”
Wyatt turned to leave. It’s useless to talk to a drunk.
***
Music blared as Wyatt and Amy came to the hotel ballroom. She swayed to the sounds as they entered. Lights from crystal chandeliers sparkled on the marble floor. A huge buffet table loaded with entrees and desserts sat near the far wall. Smartly dressed servers stood behind the table ready to help.
“Wow, posh.” She stood on tiptoes to whisper into Wyatt’s ear.
“Yeah, my boss’ wife, Nancy, planned it.”
He held Amy’s arm as they navigated the room. “I’ll introduce you. They’re good people.”
“Who are all the others?” She stared across a sea of tables populated with people she didn’t recognize.
“Employees, friends and family of the rodeo circuit.”
She noticed a familiar looking cowboy. He winked and said, “Must be love, Darlin, cause you get better and better looking every time I see you.”
“Thank you.” She remembered him in his towel and boots and wanted to say you look good even dressed, but instead she smiled.
“Wyatt, where’s your brother? He coming tonight?” the man asked.
“Uh, I left him at the corral. I don’t think he’s feeling too well.”
“Tell him to lay off the booze.”
Wyatt nodded then whispered, “Damn, they still think I’m my brother’s keeper. Well, it was time they understood different—but not tonight. I won’t spoil the party. Amy, you deserved a night out.” He hugged her.
“Wes shouldn’t spoil your evening either.”
“He won’t. Let’s get a seat at a table.”
A large round table, decorated with a white tablecloth with a silver candleholder in the center, had a place for them. Amy was seated near Nancy. Wyatt sat across the table on his boss Chet’s right.
A California Chardonnay was served to the ladies at the table and locally brewed beer to the men.
After introductions, Amy did her best to remember everyone’s name and then listened to the trouble-free flow of conversation. Laughter came easily to the participants and stories of past rodeos were enjoyed by even those who hadn’t had the benefit of being there. She found herself smiling as she learned about Wyatt and his buddies and discovered the mutual respect they shared.
Nancy smiled, seeming to enjoy the scene too. The forty something woman had a quiet but commanding presence. It appeared she was content to allow her boisterous husband to receive the attention.
“Amy, congratulations.” Nancy looked her in the eye. “You’re very pretty, but mainly you’ve made Wyatt a contented man.” The woman scanned her, but her expression was pleasant. “He deserves to be happy. He’s struggled most of his life. Even so, he’s done a lot for his friends. He’ll never tell you because he’s not a braggart.” She hesitated then said, “Heard you’re okay too.”
“I’m sorry.” What did this woman know about her?
“Don’t look so startled. I’m like a big sister. I’ve seen him grow from a kid on the circuit to a man. Calls me Sis.” She took a sip of wine. “I don’t remember him being satisfied with his life before you came into the picture. Chet and I are thrilled you two are marrying.”
“Thank you.” Moisture filled Amy’s eyes. Someone was actually pleased about the marriage. Lately she hadn’t thought that possible. “I love him.”
“It shows in your eyes.”
“I’m starved. Honey, let’s hit the buffet table,” Wyatt said as he took her hand.
When dinner was over, a large cake was served. Chet stood. “Thank you for not putting all my candles on the cake.” He laughed. “Don’t want to set the hotel on fire.” He blew out the candles and everyone sang Happy Birthday.
Wyatt held up his glass. “To the best darned boss a man could have!” That was followed by yells from the crowd. The room hushed when Nancy stood “To the best darned husband a woman could ever want.” She kissed her husband.
The room exploded with cheers.
A DJ introduced music and people filled the dance floor. Though it had been a dream of hers, she’d never danced with Wyatt. She glided into his arms and he moved naturally with the beat of the music. Hip to hip, they swayed; it was as if they’d been dancing together for years.
The music stopped and they returned to the table. “Man, you two can shake a leg.” Chet gave Wyatt a pat on the back. “Almost as good as you can sit a horse.” He laughed.
The DJ, with microphone in hand, said, “Hey, thanks for inviting me to your shindig. Hope you all are having a good time. I’ve heard a rumor that
some of you lovely ladies and ornery cowpokes don’t know how to line dance. Well, I’m going to teach you.”
Men hooted and others stomped their feet.
“I’m going to demonstrate, but I need a gal to help me.” He paused. “We need a volunteer.”
Silence.
“Come on ladies. Don’t be shy. It’s only a dance. How are you going to learn if you don’t try?” The DJ pointed toward Amy. “You.”
She turned around to look at the people behind her. He had to be talking to the table in the back.
“No, you. The gal with the red hair and the cute little black dress.”
“Me.” Amy pointed at her herself then shook her head no. “I can’t dance like that.”
“Perfect. Just the one I need. I’m going to prove how easy it is to learn. No experience needed.”
Her cheeks burned and she knew her complexion was going from pale to flaming. “I’m sure someone else…”
“I’m not going to hurt you.” The DJ had come down from the stage and stood at her table with his hand out. “Be a good sport,” he whispered.
She turned to Wyatt for support of her position, but he only grinned at her.
“Ladies and cowpokes this little gal just needs some coaxing. Give her a big hand,” he said loudly over his hand-held mic.
The crowd broke into applause. He wasn’t going to stop and the party goers weren’t either.
With great reluctance, she stood and took his out stretched hand. A few cowboys cried “yahoo,” and the crowd continued to clap.
“Please don’t let me make a fool of myself.” Amy walked as slowly as possible toward the stage.
The DJ squeezed her hand and smiled. “Don’t you worry. I got your back, honey. Let’s show them what you can do.”
Chapter 11
The DJ’s instructions were clear. Amy did her best not to frown as she followed him and was deeply relieved when he gave her a final twirl and the music stopped.
“Give this gal a big hand.”
When the noise died down, she was ready to leave the stage, but he prevented her. “Hold on, honey, your boyfriend has an announcement.”
Wyatt rushed from the wings of the stage and the DJ handed him the microphone. “Hi, everybody. In case you don’t know, I’m Wyatt Cameron.”
“Hey, Wyatt,” people in the crowd shouted back. “We know you.”
“Hope you’re having as good a time. I am” He grinned and gave Amy a hug. “For those who haven’t met her yet, this is Amy Long. Soon to be Amy Cameron, she has agreed to become my bride. We’re going to tie the knot in June. When you see her around the circuit please make her feel welcome.”
“Congrats!” a cowboy yelled. And applause filled the hall.
Then the DJ shouted, “Everybody dance.” The music started again.
“Amy, show me what you learned.”
On the way to the dance floor, they stopped many times to listen to congratulations for their coming wedding. She’d worried what his friends would think, but it was going to be all right. Without realizing it, she let out a sigh.
Strong and energetic, even after all his events today at the rodeo, Wyatt danced until an hour later, when she asked to take a break. With her heels off, they walked hand in hand toward the corner of the huge room. The country western strains were softer there. A log burned in a marble titled fireplace and an overstuffed couch beckoned.
She sighed again and sank into the soft pillows of the couch. She resisted the urge to put her feet up on the coffee table.
“Do want something to drink? I could bring it here.”
“No thanks. I’m happy just as I am.” She leaned back and tucked her feet under her. “But you go ahead.”
“I’ll be right back.”
She watched him, shoulders back and head held high, until he disappeared in the crowd. Then her attention turned to the flames dancing in the fireplace. After her cool welcome from Wyatt’s family, the warm reception she’d received tonight surprised her. Nancy, Chet’s wife, had told her many stories of Wyatt in his early days on the circuit, of his tenacity and patience that other kids didn’t display. And Nancy had said, “Call me if you need anything. I mean it. I’m not the kind to say it in passing and then forget.”
Amy had been introduced to many people this evening and struggled to remember their names and faces. For some reason, she’d thought most of the men on the circuit were single, but a few had wives and children.
With a wary eye, she’d watched for Charlene, but so far, she hadn’t made an appearance. Amy stretched and stopped any thought of the unimportant woman.
Wyatt returned with a mug of beer. He sat down with his long slim legs stretched out on the table. “Come here, honey. What are you doing so far away?” He asked and patted the cushion next to him. She curled up and leaned against him and relished the perfect moment. With her eyes closed, she quietly hummed to the strains of a country love song that played in the room.
“Hey, wanted to offer my congratulations.”
Amy opened her eyes to see a young, wiry cowboy balancing on crutches.
“Hey, Slim, thanks. How’s the leg?”
“It’s nothing, a metal shank and a couple of screws couldn’t fix. I’ll be as good as new.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“Well, I’m off to get a beer. Congrats.”
“Is he going to be okay?” Amy asked after the guy left, concern sounding in her voice.
“He’s young and determined...
“And you?”
He grinned. “You could say that. I’m thirty, not so young anymore, but still determined. And I’ve something no immature teen has.”
“What’s that?”
“Experience. No matter how tough the kid, he’ll need practice if he’s going to last in this game.” He took a gulp of beer and then frowned.
She wondered what he was thinking, but let the silence lengthen.
“Everyone’s been so nice.” It was a great relief after your family’s reaction toward me.
He set his empty mug down and kissed her on the cheek. “Of course, they’re fine people. I couldn’t have spent all these years on the circuit otherwise.”
She hadn’t thought of that. “One of the women asked me what colors I was having in the wedding. You know girl talk.”
“Yeah.”
“Anyway, she asked if green was your favorite. Is that why I made it as one of the choices? I realized I couldn’t answer. I don’t actually know you.”
“Don’t be silly. You met me in high school.”
“Oh sure, I knew of you back then, but we didn’t talk.”
“Okay shoot, what do you want me to tell. I’m all yours.”
“You better be.” She winked. “Well, what is your favorite color?”
He rubbed his chin in thought. “I hate to be like every other guy, but I’d have to say blue.”
“What’s your favorite food?”
“That’s easy, honey, your homemade apple pie.”
“Right answer,” she teased.
She kept the questions coming, shoe size, car, sports team, movie, book, music.
When he said Top 40, country, and classical that surprised her.
“Your granny gave me my musical education. She loved her bagpipes and classical music. I’d hear the pipes or Vivaldi blaring through the apple orchard.” He laughed. “In the coop, your chickens had the best music available to lay by.”
Amy laughed out loud. “I’d forgotten. I remember collecting the eggs in the morning to the sounds of violins. I think Granny was a little disappointed I could never play the instrument very well, though as a little kid I did try. I recall sawing out Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”
They both grinned.
“Want to have one last dance?” He stood and offered his hand.
“I’d love it.”
***
The morning sunrise came through the window in glorious color. Not fully awake, for a second Amy
didn’t remember where she was. The last thing she recalled was floating in Wyatt’s arms as he guided her on the dance floor to the strains of a country love song. As she woke, the memory of the drive home became clear. Because Wyatt drank a couple of beers and had an exceptionally long and exhausting day, she’d offered to handle the truck. He’d seemed relieved to relinquish the keys and settled in the passenger’s seat with a smile.
Pulling the trailer with his horse safe inside, she’d confidently driven out of the parking lot. She’d told herself to become used to maneuvering a trailer; she was about to marry a cowboy.
The ride was uneventful because there’d been few cars on the road late at night and no Tule fog to slow the truck between Sacramento to Sierra Creek.
As she was driving into town Vanna called. Bobby was awake and was missing her.
She’d pick up Bobby. She wished she and Wyatt could share the same bed even when her son was home. Heat spiraled in her core wanting Wyatt to fill her need. The June wedding couldn’t come soon enough.
***
The next morning Amy woke to the sound of her son yelling, “Look at me, Daddy.”
From the second story window of the farmhouse she could see Bobby sitting on Sal, Wyatt’s gentle gelding.
“Hey, Big Guy,” Wyatt answered.
She glanced at Granny’s old alarm clock on the bedside table. Ten o’clock. They’d let her sleep in. She took her smart phone from the charger and found a text from Wyatt. There’s coffee in the kitchen waiting for you when you’re ready. Bobby and I are exercising the horses. Back soon.
She ran back to the window just in time to see them leave. Dad and son.
Her smart phone calendar sounded, letting her know the plans for the day. Manny would be there at eleven to start the process of preparing the ground for planting. Better get ready fast.
The glamorous short black chiffon dress she’d worn yesterday hung over the back of an upholstered chair. The heels she’d danced in sat next to the bed. But she was a famer. No gala to go to this morning, just the weeding of the fields in preparation of the new crop.
Her hair pulled into a pony tail and dressed in blue jeans and a bagging gray t-shirt that had seen too many washing cycles, she headed toward the kitchen. She’d need at least two cups of strong brew today; her energy level had to be high. The first order of business was to weed the orchard.
