by Linda Warren
Valerie walked out with her lawyer following her. Phoenix supposed she didn’t want any visitation rights, not that he was inclined to grant her any. He hoped that would be the last he would ever see of her.
The Rebel family clapped, and Phoenix embraced Rosie and Jake. He had the whole world in his arms and it was all he needed. These two people in his life. Forever.
“I love you, Rosie,” he whispered. “I said I wouldn’t pressure you, but will you marry me? In this courthouse today?”
“Oh, Phoenix.”
“Just say yes.”
“Yes.”
He turned to face his family. “I’m going to marry Rosemary McCray Wilcott here today, and we would love your presence. If you don’t come, that’s okay. I just want you to know you’re invited.”
“Phoenix, don’t do this,” his mother implored. “You’ve only just met this woman.”
“Her name is Rosie.”
“I’m not giving advice, Phoenix, but what’s the rush? Give us time to get to know her and we’ll have a big wedding at the ranch.” Quincy was doing his usual thing, trying to keep the peace.
Elias got to his feet. “I say do what you want. It’s your life.”
His mother turned to his brother. “Be quiet, Elias.”
“Everybody calm down,” Falcon said.
Grandpa spoke up. “Kate, it’s no secret I didn’t like you when John brought you out to the ranch.” Everyone took a deep breath because they knew what was coming. “I told him you’re a city girl and wouldn’t make him a good wife. You couldn’t even cook and didn’t know how to do much of anything. But he looked me right in the eye and said he loved you, and I knew he meant it. I loved my son and didn’t want to lose him, so Martha and I accepted you into the family. I think it’s time you sucked it up and did the same thing.”
“Stay out of this, Abe.”
Grandpa got to his feet, a stubborn expression etched across his face. “I will not stay out of it, missy. John was my son. His boys are all I have left of him, and I will support them to hell and back.”
“Have you forgotten the McCrays killed him? I will not welcome a McCray into this family.”
“The McCrays didn’t kill him. Booze did, and you never lifted a finger to stop it. That’s on you, missy.”
“How dare you!”
“Please stop this.” Rosie’s eyes glazed over with tears as she stared at Phoenix. “I can’t do this. I can’t come between you and your family. We would never be happy.”
“Rosie.” He pulled her to his side. “We can do this. We can make it work.”
She shook her head. “The feud will always come between us, and we can’t build our lives on so much turmoil. Our love is tearing your family apart, and it’s tearing me apart.” She kissed Jake’s cheek and handed him to Phoenix. “Take care of Jake. I love you…but please don’t call or text me. It’s over and we have to let go. Please…”
She ran from the room, and Phoenix made no move to stop her. He knew from the sadness in her eyes it was over. But letting go wasn’t in his nature. He would never love anyone the way he loved Rosie.
“It’s for the best, son.”
He looked at his mother, trying not to let his anger get the best of him. “It’s not what’s best for me. I’m going back to the bunkhouse and pack my things and then Jake and I are leaving for Vegas.”
“What about Thanksgiving?”
“I won’t be home for Thanksgiving, and after Jake and I return from Vegas, I’ll find a place to live, because I’ll never return to Rebel Ranch.”
“No! You can’t do that. What about your legacy? Your father wanted you to have part of the ranch. You know that. You just need some time to come to grips with this.”
“I don’t need time, Mom. Dad always told me to lead with my heart when I had a problem, and that’s what I’m doing. If he were here, I know he would accept Rosie, because that’s the only way to peel away the layers of bitterness and hatred so the healing can begin from the tragedy that has affected many people. That’s what my father would’ve wanted, and I feel no guilt in walking away, because I take a part of him where ever I go.” He picked up the diaper bag and walked out of the courtroom with Jake in his arms, feeling stronger than he had in a long time.
“Quincy, do something. Talk to him.”
“No, Mom. I’m not talking to Phoenix. He’s made up his mind. I have to respect that and so do you.”
“Quincy!”
Chapter Sixteen
Rosie drove away with tears in her eyes, but she knew she was doing the right thing. She couldn’t break up the Rebel family. It would just be one more thing fueling the feud. They couldn’t build a happy life on heartache and pain. As much is it hurt, she kept driving.
Dixie barked from her bed in the backseat.
“It’s okay, Dixie. We’re going home.”
Home wouldn’t be home anymore without Phoenix and Jake. There were just too many wonderful memories. Good thing she would be moving soon. After the National Finals Rodeo, she would start looking for a new place to stable her horses and park her trailer. She would start over once again.
But this time the heartache would linger for a long, long time.
The tears were blinding her, so she pulled over at a convenience store. She wiped tears away with the back of her hand and took a deep breath. Their love wasn’t meant to be.
*
WHEN PHOENIX MADE it back to the bunkhouse, Jake screeched with delight, running around, grabbing his things and saying, “Mine. Mine. Mine.”
His son had missed being home and now Phoenix would uproot him once again, but he would be there to help him make the adjustment. It had to be done and he didn’t see any other way. He was just glad to have his son back, and he was going to make sure Jake had a happy future.
While Jake played, Phoenix packed a bag for both of them. He got a flight out early in the morning, and he wanted to get Jake in bed as soon as possible so he would be rested. He tried not to think about Rosie because it would hurt too much. But tonight he knew he would feel the pain of losing her. He had to prove to her she meant more to him than his family, the rodeo or anything. She and Jake were his life.
A knock sounded at the door, and Phoenix groaned. He didn’t want to have to deal with his family again. Elias stood there. His brother was his own man and he did his own thing. At times Elias came across as unemotional and uncaring, but he’d stood up for Phoenix today, and Phoenix would remember that. Maybe there was more to his brother than he’d ever dreamed.
“Hey,” Phoenix said, opening the door. “I’m not really in the mood to talk to anyone.”
“I just wanted to see if you needed anything…like money.”
“No, thanks.”
“Stand up for what you want. That’s what Dad always told us. I’m proud you’re taking a stand because I can see how much you love her. Good luck, man.” He patted Phoenix’s shoulder and walked out.
Phoenix never thought the brother he fought with the most would be the one who would stand beside him. Before he could move away from the door, he saw Quincy and Falcon coming his way. He groaned inwardly. Was he going to have to deal with all of them?
He held the door open. “I really have nothing else to say, and if you’re here to change my mind, you’re wasting your time.”
“We just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”
“No, I’m not okay.” He didn’t lie. “But I will be.”
“If you need anything, you know how to contact us,” Quincy said. “Anything.”
“Thanks, but I have to do this on my own. My way.”
Quincy hugged him, as did Falcon, and they walked out the door.
In that moment, Phoenix realized his brothers finally understood he’d grown up, and they were accepting his decision because they considered him adult enough to make it. That was awesome and gave him the strength he needed to keep forging ahead.
Egan, Jude, Rico and Paxton came in later and al
so offered their support. Phoenix thanked them and that was it. No one pressured him to make amends with his mother. His mother had her own way of thinking and he accepted that. It just wasn’t his way. It would be hard to walk away from Rebel Ranch, but he was prepared to risk it all for love.
That night after supper, Paxton nagged him about the rodeo and Vegas. “How are you going to handle Jake at the rodeo?”
“I’ll improvise and I’m sure a few cowboys will help me, including you.”
“You bet. But it was much easier when Rosie was around.”
Phoenix pushed the food around on his plate, letting the image of Rosie slip through his defenses. He had to stop or he wouldn’t be able to do what he had to.
“I’ll go with you and take care of Jake,” Rico said.
Phoenix eyed his friend. “You never leave Horseshoe.”
“I’ve never seen you and Paxton ride except on television. I think I might like to experience that in person.”
“Really?”
“Sure. I’ll talk to Falcon and your mom in the morning, but I don’t see a problem.”
“Mom may disagree.”
“I don’t think your mom will keep me from taking care of Jake, especially since Rosie’s out of the picture.”
“Rico, thanks, but…”
“No buts.”
“Come on, Phoenix,” Paxton said. “We need someone to entertain Jake, and Jake likes Rico. Accept this gift and stop being so pigheaded.”
And it was settled. Rico would come to Vegas and take care of Jake while Phoenix rode.
Early the next morning, Phoenix drove away from Rebel Ranch. Since Paxton and Rico were staying for Thanksgiving, they would fly out later.
Phoenix would spend Thanksgiving in Vegas with his son. Alone. Without Rosie.
*
ROSIE WAS BUSY getting ready for the long drive to Vegas. She planned to leave before Thanksgiving so Lady would have time to get acclimated.
The pain inside her was strong and she tried to ignore it. She was hoping it would fade, but her heart ached and all she wanted to do was cry. She would get better. It would take time.
If only she could stop thinking about him… They’d talked about making the trip together with Jake. Now, once again, she would be alone. For a brief moment in time she’d known what it was like to be happy, and she treasured that.
The Tisdales would feed her horses while she was away. Everything packed, she was ready to pull out. On impulse she called Haley. She didn’t have to be lonely. That had always been her choice, but not anymore.
“Hey, when are you leaving?” Rosie asked.
“This morning.”
“Would you like some company? Since we both live in Texas, I figured we could do this together and make the trip less lonely. Unless you have other plans.”
“What about Phoenix?”
“I’ll explain later.”
“Sounds great.”
“Where do you want to meet?”
“I live outside Lampasas, and you can just stop by on your way.” Haley gave the address and Rosie wrote it down.
That settled, Rosie felt a little better. When Rosie reached Sonora, she and Haley decided to go in Rosie’s trailer with the horses. They talked along the way, and Rosie opened her heart and shared what had happened with Phoenix.
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s going to be hard to see him at the rodeo.”
“Just hang in there. He loves you and you love him. I wouldn’t give up just yet.”
“You haven’t met his mother.”
Haley laughed, and Rosie found herself laughing too. Maybe there was hope for her. Maybe she could move on without Phoenix. The next couple of weeks would tell the tale.
*
VEGAS WAS LIKE no place on earth. The lights were blinding, the noise deafening, and the excitement and energy stirred Phoenix’s blood to fever pitch. He and Jake had made it to the National Finals Rodeo. The fact that this was his last ride kept running through his head, but he didn’t feel bad about it. He was ready to move on with his life. He would give this last rodeo all he had and more.
He checked in to the MGM Grand Hotel. He’d asked for a baby bed for Jake and was glad to see it in the room. The suite had two bedrooms and a small living area. Paxton and Rico would share the other bedroom. It had twin beds.
He rented a car with a car seat, and he and Jake set out to explore Vegas and to see the sights. They toured an aquarium, a theme park and the Hoover Dam, but Jake enjoyed a regular park best, where he could run and play. They had Thanksgiving at a quaint little diner, and he never missed Rosie more than he did sitting there without her, wondering where she was. They’d planned to drive out together, and he worried about her driving by herself. She was very efficient and responsible. She would be okay, but that didn’t ease the ache in his chest.
Paxton and Rico arrived the day after Thanksgiving and things got hectic in the room. Jake was so excited to see them, running around, showing them where they would sleep and where he would sleep. Jake had a family and he knew who they were.
“I’ve got some news for you,” Paxton said. “The whole family’s coming out for the rodeo except for Jude’s and Egan’s families. They will fly out next Friday for the last two nights.”
“Who will be watching the ranch?” Phoenix was puzzled by this. If this was his mother’s way of trying to support him and convince him to come back home, it wasn’t going to work.
“Wyatt’s deputies are going to patrol our road and keep an eye out. The McCrays have been very quiet lately and we don’t expect any trouble.”
That would be the best gift: if the Rebels and McCrays could live peacefully together. He was dreaming, but then, he’d always been a dreamer.
And so it began. A week of grueling competition. The best cowboys and cowgirls were in Vegas to compete for gold buckles and money.
The National Finals Rodeo started with a bang in the opening ceremony. All the cowboys and cowgirls rode into the arena to meet the crowd. Phoenix and Paxton rode together and waved to the family sitting in the stands. Jake sat on Rico’s lap and he waved vigorously.
Phoenix caught a glimpse of Rosie. She’d made it. That was all he needed to know.
*
TEN NIGHTS OF grueling competition. Rosie was doing well barrel racing. She was neck and neck with Tawny Maye from Canada for the top spot. Phoenix watched her every night and admired her grace and talent.
Bull riding was the toughest sport, but Phoenix and Paxton stayed in the top five all week. It was exhausting, but they kept competing.
When Phoenix wasn’t attending sponsor meetings or doing rodeo stuff behind the scenes, he spent time with Jake. The family took in Cowboy Christmas and the Cowboy Gift Show. Phoenix didn’t speak with anyone, but he heard it all from Pax. His mom and sisters-in-law enjoyed the shows at the convention center. The family always had dinner together, but Phoenix returned to the room with Jake. He wasn’t being difficult. He was sticking to his principles.
Jake did very well with Rico. Phoenix explained that Jake had to sit with Rico while he worked, and as long as Jake could see him, he was okay.
It all came down to the last night. So far Phoenix and Paxton had made some money, as had Rosie, and now they were going for the title and the championship in their events.
*
IT WAS THE last night and Rosie had a slight lead over Tawny. Tonight would decide the winner.
In Lady’s pen, Rosie tried to calm the horse. She was always nervous and fidgety before a race, but tonight she seemed to be more antsy than ever. Rosie stroked her face and rubbed her neck.
“Calm down, girl. We can do this.”
Lady threw up her head and snorted, and Rosie kept stroking her.
“Hey.”
Rosie looked up to see Haley leaning on the fence.
“I just came over to wish you luck. I’ll be rooting for you, but with all the Rebels here, I don’t think you need my support.�
��
“I’m not sure if they’re rooting for me.”
“Looks like it to me. Phoenix watches you every night.”
She’d noticed, but it didn’t change anything. They weren’t meant for each other.
“Do you want to leave in the morning?”
“Yeah. Probably early. We’ll talk later.”
“You bet. Ride like the wind.”
Someone called to them. “Time to line up.” She swung into the saddle, talking soothingly to Lady. Trotting the horse out of the pen, Lady danced around, ready to run. She hated the waiting.
Haley was ten horses ahead of Rosie, and her score wasn’t good. Rosie knew she was disappointed. She could hear the announcer and knew it was getting close to her time.
Tawny was ahead of her and Rosie listened, hoping to hear her score. Fourteen point one. That would be hard to beat. She had to race her best and that’s what she was prepared to do. Lady danced sideways down the chute. Rosie was trying to control her. Times like this, though, the horse had a lot of energy.
“You’re up,” the handler shouted, walking beside her.
Stay calm.
She gave the thumbs-up sign and danced Lady down the long chute leading into the arena.
The announcer’s voice came on: “Next up we have a little lady from Temple, Texas, Rosemary Wilcott. Let’s see what she can do on her horse named Golden Lady.”
Taking a deep breath, she dug her heels in, and with Lady’s high energy she catapulted them into the arena. At this point Rosie blocked out everything. The noise, the crowd and everything else in her head. It was just barrel racing.
She started the clover-leaf pattern on the right, always. Lady dashed around the barrel with ease, kicking up dirt as they made the turn for the barrel on the left. Once around the left barrel, Lady charged for the last barrel. They made the circle around the third barrel and Rosie leaned forward in the saddle, urging Lady on, full speed ahead.
“Go, go, go,” she repeated over and over as Lady charged back into the chute at breakneck speed. Fourteen point zero. She heard the score and raised her fist. “We did it. We did it!” She’d won the title. She could barely breathe as people congratulated her. And then she raced Lady out for her victory lap, waving to the crowd.
