“Can’t you say you’re sorry?”
“She doesn’t exactly want to talk to me right now. I was hoping you could help me.”
The boy turned his serious blue-eyed gaze toward him, reminding him so much of Trevor. “How?”
“I care about her, Colin, a lot.” He released a long breath. “And I want to be more than just friends with your mom,” he rushed out.
The boy didn’t look at him. “You mean get married like Zach’s mom and Brandon?”
Jeff tried to relax with the gentle sway of the horse. “Yeah, but I want you to know, I’m not taking your father’s place. Trevor Guthrie was the best man I ever knew and I was honored to be his friend.” Jeff smiled through his sadness. “He raised two fine children, too. I’d be lucky if you’d let me share your life.”
The boy looked him in the eye. “You mean you love us?”
Jeff swallowed as the realization hit him. “Yeah, I do.”
Colin looked down at his reins. “Before Dad died, he told me some things.” Tears filled the boy’s eyes. “He asked me never to forget him, and to take care of Mom and Emily.”
Jeff nodded. That was a big job for a little boy.
“Dad said that if I needed help with anything, I could ask you.”
“I wish I could have been around more,” Jeff told him.
Colin shook his head. “Dad said your life was the army. Someone had to keep our country safe, and you were the best man for the job.”
Jeff’s throat tightened so he could barely speak. “I tried, but I’ve had regrets, too. I didn’t make it home in time to see your dad before he died. I only hope you let me hang around to be there for you and your sister.”
The boy thought for a while. “You think we could go back to Three Rock Ridge sometime?”
Jeff’s chest swelled. “Sure. Anytime.”
Colin finally smiled. “So how are you going to get Mom not to be mad at you, so you can marry her?”
Jeff couldn’t help but grin. “That’s exactly what I need your help with.”
It was just before dusk by the time Lacey and Nora finished feeding forty hungry trail hands. They were tired, but at least they didn’t have to worry about cleanup. Hank had taken care of that by hiring some college kids.
Of course, they still needed be up at 5:00 a.m. She and Nora would spend the night in the trailer so they could get ready for an early breakfast. She was enjoying every minute of the trip.
Nora stretched her arms over her head. “I’ll miss having Brandon next to me, but not enough to sleep on the hard ground.”
Lacey smiled. “Yeah, a single bunk with a mattress is sounding pretty good to me right now.”
She glanced over the camp as night began to fall. The sound of the calves mooing and laughter around the campfire was peaceful. She caught a glimpse of Colin with Zach, and they even had Emily with them.
Off in the distance, she caught sight of three riders on horseback coming into camp. She wasn’t surprised to see Hank, Chance and Wyatt. They were greeted with enthusiasm by everyone. After a few minutes, Hank wandered over to them and hugged them both.
“How’s it going?”
Lacey shrugged. “No one’s complained about the food.”
“All I’ve heard was praise about your stew and homemade rolls. They enjoyed Nora’s pies, too.” He winked at his grandson’s wife before she wandered away.
“Well, we’re sticking with the basics, hoping to please everyone. Tomorrow night, we’ll grill hamburgers and I’ll make some baked beans.”
Hank studied her a moment. “I was hoping you’d find some time to enjoy this trip. That’s the reason I hired the helpers.”
“I’m not overworked, Hank,” she protested, knowing she’d stayed busy to avoid Jeff. “You’re paying me to do a job.”
“You still can have some fun,” he insisted as the sound of a strumming guitar drew their attention. “Come on,” Hank coaxed. “Let’s go enjoy the music.” He took Lacey’s hand and pulled her over to the fire ring where she sat down on a log beside her kids.
She was caught off guard to see Jeff was the one who was playing, and then she recalled years back when both Trevor and Jeff had attempted to learn the instrument.
It wasn’t long before the group threw out song requests. The first was “Home on the Range,” and another, “Yellow Rose of Texas.” Jeff really got the crowd going as he then went into a Garth Brooks favorite and everyone broke into applause and cheers.
Once the group quieted, Jeff began to strum again, quietly. The few women in the group sighed when Jeff began singing a George Strait ballad, “The Man in Love with You.”
Lacey glanced away. She didn’t need this. She didn’t want this from him. Yet she quickly got lost in the words.
Jeff had never been the kind of man to draw attention, but he had everyone’s now, including hers. Finally he looked at her, and his eyes told her his feelings as he sang the last note.
Silence fell over the group as their gaze met momentarily. Her heart drummed against her chest, wondering if everyone could hear. Then the spell was broken as someone called out another song title.
Jeff began to play and she did the cowardly thing: got up and walked away.
“I never said it would be easy,” Brandon conceded after the group broke up.
Jeff shook his head. “It was a crazy idea.”
“Men do crazy things for the women they love.”
Jeff swung around to see his dad standing behind him.
“The important thing is, son, keep trying.” The older man raised an eyebrow. “I can’t tell you how many times I could have cut my losses and walked away from your mom, but love kept me coming back.”
“Yeah, but this is different from you and Mom.”
“That might be, but I’d say you have an advantage over me. It’s said people who’ve been in happy marriages are more willing to marry again.” Wyatt shrugged. “Of course, if you feel you couldn’t be a good husband to Lacey or a father to her kids…”
Jeff really didn’t know, and yet… “I want the chance to try.”
“All I can say is don’t let it slip away,” his father advised.
The next morning, Lacey felt disappointed when Jeff didn’t come through the chow line at breakfast. Instead he sent Brandon because he was too busy.
“Well, I can be busy, too,” she murmured while loading up the trailer to move to the next location. Already bored, Emily had left earlier when her best friend Megan and her mother had picked her up for a sleepover.
Lacey now had time to go home for a quick shower and a change of clothes before she was due at the next location for lunch. She climbed into the truck and watched as the last of the riders and cattle moved on down the trail. All but one lone cowboy.
Jeff had hung back. With everyone out of camp, he checked to see nothing was left behind, then kicked dirt over the cool campfire before he climbed on his mount. Surprisingly, he did it with ease as he swung his leg over the back of the horse. He sat straight in the saddle and took control of the animal, in spite of the fact he hadn’t ridden for years and was missing part of a leg. Lacey’s stomach tightened as she remembered their night together. They were good and bad memories at the same time.
“He’s one of those men who are hard to get off your mind.”
Lacey turned to see that Nora had climbed into the cab, catching her in the act of staring. “I’ve always cared about Jeff, he was my husband’s best friend.” She rushed on. “We were all friends back then.”
Nora raised a hand. “That’s good. Friends, then lovers.”
Lacey was a little shocked at her blunt assessment. “That’s the problem, we stepped over that line twice, and I think the baggage we both have ruined everything.”
Nora frowned. “You can’t tell me you two didn’t sizzle.”
They had. Even the first time when they’d been practically teenagers. Her stomach did a flip remembering their lovemaking the second time. Even bett
er. “That doesn’t automatically say we’re meant for each other.” At least Jeff didn’t think so, Lacey thought as she started the engine and drove over the uneven terrain.
That didn’t stop Nora. “Look, Lacey, I saw the condition of Jeff’s leg at the hospital. He’s a lucky man that he healed so quickly. And he’s accomplished a lot so far.” She motioned toward the rider and herd. “I’m not an expert on amputees, but he’s probably loaded down with insecurities, especially when it comes to being able to please a woman. To feel like a whole man.”
Lacey couldn’t stop the rush of memories of their night together, or the blush.
Nora smiled. “He’s just like all the other proud and stubborn Randells. Think about this, Lacey. Is the man worth another chance?”
By the second day of the cattle drive, Jeff’s body had begun to feel the effects of his hours in the saddle. It was a good thing they’d arrived at camp, and so far there’d been no mishaps with any of the riders. They’d completed a count on the herd and discovered six cows missing. He sent out three of the experienced ranch hands, and within an hour they’d rounded up the steers.
He wasn’t about to leave anyone behind, man, woman or bovine, even if he had to go search on his own. Maybe that would get his mind off Lacey. Yeah, right. It didn’t seem to be working.
He rode around the herd that had settled down for the night. Thanks to the recent rains, they had full stock water troughs and plenty of summer grass to keep them happy. He glanced back toward camp and saw smoke coming from the grills. It was their last night on the trail, and they were going to have steak for supper.
The group of men and the few women deserved it. They’d worked hard. There wasn’t a city slicker in the bunch, which made his job easier. Although he did miss not having a shower, a shave and good sleep for three days. Most of all he missed talking with Lacey. Yet, he couldn’t state his case until they were off the cattle drive. Once home, he needed to make plans. He couldn’t go to Lacey and ask her to share his life if he didn’t have anything to offer her and the kids. He had to talk with Jay to see if he was serious about leasing the land.
He wanted to be more than just Lacey’s business partner.
Jeff walked his gelding back into camp and climbed off. He was hungry, but first he had to check out the area. They had to make sure the bush was cleared so there wouldn’t be any accidents or mishaps.
He caught Colin walking toward one of the portable outhouses for the guests. He tensed, knowing that cool structures were a perfect spot for creatures to get out of the heat.
Jeff stopped one of the ranch hands. “Have you swept the camp for snakes?”
The kid shrugged. “That’s Marty’s job today.”
Jeff didn’t wait to track Marty down. He took off for the outhouse just as Colin pulled open the door. The second he saw the kid freeze, he slowed his pace, hearing the rattling sound loud and clear.
“Don’t move, Colin,” he instructed in a low voice. He knew that, as a Texan, Trevor would have taught his son about snakes.
“Jeff…” the boy managed.
“I’m right here, son.” Jeff stepped a little closer to get a better look. Not good, the snake was cornered, and passing Colin was his only way out. Jeff couldn’t tell how long the snake was, so he couldn’t judge the striking distance.
Jeff felt someone behind him. Brandon.
“Do you have your gun with you?” Jeff asked, not moving.
“I grabbed your shotgun.”
The idea didn’t sound as good as he first thought. “Better not take the chance, I could miss. The best bet is to slam the door closed before the snake can strike.”
“Tell me what to do,” Brandon asked.
Jeff motioned for his cousin to go to the side of the outhouse door. Then Jeff slowly moved into position to get the boy to safety. With a nod, Brandon threw himself against the metal door and it slammed shut with a bang. At the same time Jeff pushed Colin to the ground, landing on top of the boy.
With the door safely closed, Jeff rolled over, feeling his bad leg hit the hard ground at a funny angle. But his first concern was the boy. He rose up. “You okay, son? The snake didn’t get you?”
Colin managed to shake his head, fighting tears. “I’m okay.”
“Good.” Jeff rolled over onto his back and sat up. Rolling up his pant leg, he exposed his prosthesis while he shifted the rubber boot back into place over his knee, and then tugged his jeans back down.
Colin was watching him. “Did you get hurt?”
Jeff smiled wryly as he put his hat back on. “No, I just zigged when I should have zagged.” He got to his feet as Lacey came running toward them. “Go to your mom, Colin.” He gave the boy a shove and turned back to Brandon.
Grinning, his cousin tossed Jeff the shotgun. “Want to impress your girl?”
“You’re real funny,” he said, then took aim. “Ready,” he called and Brandon opened the door. Within seconds the snake was history and with the help of a knife, it became a trophy. That brought several of the group to see what was going on. After a few slaps on the back to both Brandon and Jeff, everyone wandered back to camp.
Jeff was headed there himself when he heard his name called. He turned, knowing it was Lacey.
“Jeff, thank you. If you hadn’t been there, Colin could have been bitten.” Tears welled in her eyes. “I don’t know what I would have done—”
He reached out and pulled her into his arms, loving the feel of her softness against him. “Ah, Lacey, don’t. Don’t play the what-if game. Colin’s fine now. And I think he’ll remember to check for snakes from now on.” He searched her face, hungry for the sight of her. He’d missed her so much. It would be so easy to lean down and taste her sweet mouth. “You be careful, too.”
She nodded, but didn’t move. “I will.” She swallowed and he could see the rapid pulse in her neck. “I guess I should go start supper.” She gave him a half smile. “You’ve earned the biggest steak.”
She went to leave, then stopped. Before he knew her plans, she leaned in and kissed his cheek. She paused as her gaze locked with his. “Thanks again, Jeff.” She ran off.
Suddenly he broke into a big grin. “Just wait until we get back, Lacey Guthrie,” he breathed. “I’m coming for you. This time I’m not letting you get away with a kiss on the cheek, and I’m definitely not letting you go.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
THE next day around noon, they arrived at their destination, the Circle B Ranch. All steers and wranglers were accounted for. Jeff rose up in the saddle from about fifty yards out and spotted his dad, Uncle Cade and Uncle Chance waiting at the pens ready to separate the herd, the mamas from their calves.
There were more ranch hands to take over so the guests could go to their quarters, clean up and rest for the celebration later, although some of them wanted the full experience and planned to stay and help with the branding.
Jeff was going to pass this time. His job as trail boss was completed and he was headed to the cabin. After three nights on the hard ground, his single bunk looked pretty good to him. He planned to come back here tonight, and if he was lucky he’d have a date.
After he’d taken care of his horse, he walked over to the food trailer and Lacey. Colin was the first to see him.
“Hi, Jeff,” the boy called.
Jeff tugged on the boy’s hat. “Hi, Colin. You did a great job on the drive. Your dad would have been proud.”
The kid’s face lit up. “Thanks. It was fun, but I think I like working with horses better.”
Jeff leaned forward. “So do I.”
They both laughed as Emily joined in. “Mom said when I get older I can ride with the herd like Colin did.”
Jeff couldn’t resist the little girl and lifted her into his arms. “Well, you let me know when that is, and I’ll help you practice herding cows.”
Her blue eyes widened as she looked over her shoulder. “Mom, Jeff’s going to teach me.”
Lacey stopped her
chores. “That’s nice, Em. But right now you need to gather your things from the truck so we can go home.”
“You’d better get busy.” He set the girl down and the two kids took off.
Finally alone with Lacey, he turned to her. “Are you coming to the party later?”
Lacey shook her head. “I haven’t worked Fancy in days.”
“Will’s been doing a pretty good job with the filly. Of course, he’s not you, but Fancy seems to like him.”
“Thank you both for handling things while I was away. That’s the reason I need to stay home tonight.”
Jeff wasn’t going to let it go. “How about I come by and help you? The two of us can get it done faster and you can rest. You worked hard during the drive and deserve to have some fun.”
Lacey didn’t need to spend any more time with the man. “You don’t have to do this, Jeff.” She glanced away. “We made a mistake that night, and somehow we need to move past it and go on.”
“Is that what you want? Just to forget everything?”
She could never do that. God help her, he would always have a piece of her heart. “It’s for the best.”
She just needed a way to stop loving him, to get things back to there being just business between them.
“We’re not going to the party,” Lacey said to her son hours later after they’d finished chores. “We’re all tired from the trip and we need to spend a quiet night at home.”
“But you’ve got to go, Mom. Jeff will be there. I know Mr. Hank will want to thank you, too.”
“I’m sure he’ll understand why I can’t make it tonight. Besides, you kids start back to school tomorrow.”
“We can go, too. Zach’s going with his parents.”
“Zach is a Randell. They’re family.”
Colin looked agitated. “We can be Randells, too, if you’d just go.”
Lacey’s head shot up to look at her son. “Colin, why would you say that?”
“Because Jeff told me—” He stopped. “Oh, never mind.” He started out of the room.
The Lionhearted Cowboy Returns Page 13
