All That Glitters

by Lisa Prysock

  “Wait, no need to introduce me!” Buck smiled wide and his eyes twinkled. “I’d recognize this lady anywhere. You’re Nicole Maribella Beaumont, the leading lady in Dakota. It’s a real pleasure tuh meet ya, Ms. Beaumont.”

  She blushed and nodded, chuckling. “Likewise, and this is my daughter, Amy.”

  “Hello, Amy. Nice to meet both of you ladies.” Buck leaned down when he shook hands with her daughter. “Welcome to the Sweetwater Ranch.”

  “Thank you.” Amy smiled up at him as she shook Buck’s hand, but she didn’t let go of Cowboy Jack.

  “Thank you,” Nicole replied. “That was a unique and beautiful way of saddling that mare. I have to admit I was impressed, and not just with the singing.”

  Buck and Jack nodded and chuckled, exchanging grins.

  “Aw, shucks, ma’am, we didn’t realize anyone was here.” Buck took his hat off and turned it around and around in his hands.

  “It was a treat to watch how you handled it. I understand you’re breaking the mare in, or is she always like that?” Nicole asked while Jack returned his guitar to the case and hung it from a hook on the wall near the staircase. Then he joined them again, standing with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

  Buck scratched his head and his brow furrowed. “Butterfly is temperamental, that’s fer sure. She’s always been like that since we acquired 'er about five months ago. Somebody broke 'er in, but not very well from what we figger.”

  “Did you ladies come to ride?” Jack asked.

  “Yes, we did,” Amy chimed in.

  “Well, let’s get you saddled up and on a horse you can ride in the other corral. Which horses would you recommend for these ladies, Buck?” Colten asked.

  Buck turned toward a stall and propped an elbow on the ledge of the stall door, tilting his head and pausing to think. “I’d let Ms. Beaumont ride Jill Haven’s mare, Mia. You could put the little one on a pony. She looks about the same age as Savannah. That’s the youngest Haven daughter. Savannah likes to ride Sheeba or Jersey, our ponies.”

  “Sounds good, boss.” Jack nodded in Buck’s direction and then headed toward Mia’s stall as they followed him. “I’d put you out there with Butterfly, but that’d be risky. So after we saddle these beauties, how ‘bout we head over to the other barn and the other corral? You can both get the hang of riding over there.”

  “That sounds mighty fine, Cowboy Jack.” Amy skipped alongside the tall wrangler and Nicole followed behind, noticing he had a fine kind of a laid back swagger when he walked. She wished she’d stop taking note of things she liked about Jack Colten.

  Buck couldn’t help but chuckle from where he leaned on a stall at hearing Amy’s nickname for Colten. “Have fun, girls. See ya ‘round! Give 'em them pink an’ teal saddles, Cowboy Jack.”

  Chapter 7

  “God is more interested in your future and your relationships than you are.”

  —Billy Graham

  Marie Beaumont sat at the kitchen table of their Wisconsin farmhouse, her face buried in her hands propped up on elbows. She hadn’t touched the cup of steaming apple cinnamon tea yet. It needed to cool and she needed to pray for strength. Her husband, Lawrence, finally retired from preaching, would return from his late afternoon chores in the barn any moment.

  Sure enough, the old wooden screen door creaked open and then banged shut a few minutes later when he entered the mud room. The mud room was merely an alcove off of the spacious country kitchen, and she was mighty thankful for it, too. Many a time she’d made her husband and children wait until she’d dried a freshly mopped floor and they’d removed their shoes. She liked her kitchen squeaky clean.

  “We’re all tucked in for the night,” he offered cheerfully as he hung his jacket on the same hook he’d been using since they married. Marie silently observed him as he removed his boots and stepped into his favorite slippers. Then he entered the kitchen through the arch doorway and headed for the coffee pot.

  Pouring himself a cup of black coffee, he crossed the kitchen and sat down at the table across from her. “The meatloaf smells good.”

  “Thanks.” She took a sip of her tea, set the mug down again, and sighed lightly. “The mashed potatoes and green beans are done. The meatloaf needs about ten more minutes.”

  “Is that an apple crisp I see cooling on the stove?” he asked.

  She nodded. “Yes.”

  “Something’s wrong. You were in a happy mood when I left to feed the animals and put them in the barn for the night. What happened? You’re glum as a roasted hen.”

  She tapped a button on her cell so he could hear the voice message from their prodigal daughter and slid her cell phone halfway across the table. Then she tapped a button to put the speaker on so they could both hear the replay of the message.

  “Hey, Mom, it’s Nicole. Listen, I know you and Dad were hoping Amy and I would make it home for Christmas or Thanksgiving this year since we missed the last two years of holidays, but it’s just not going to work out for this year. I was filming another movie on a set for the last three months in Canada, so I really need this time to get away from everything and spend some time with Amy. I know you’ll understand we just can’t manage it this year. I’m in Wyoming on a vacation to rest up and spend time with her. I also have some important decisions to think over. Drew asked me to marry him. We’ll try to make it next year. Maybe Easter. Love to all of you.”

  Lawrence looked down at his coffee cup and clamped his mouth shut.

  “I really hope she doesn’t marry that Drew fella.”

  “Me too, dear, me too. The man’s been divorced previously, twice.” He reached across the table and patted her hand lovingly. “We just have to keep praying for her and keep trusting the Lord to work this out.”

  “I’m thinking about flying to see them in Wyoming. Maybe Mallory and Chip would want to go with us. They miss their sister, too.” Marie’s voice nearly quivered and tears brimmed in her eyes. She had an ache in her heart and a longing in her soul to see her daughter and granddaughter; not to mention to see them faithfully serving the Lord. Things had been touch and go with Nicole for too many years and the ache in her heart had grown more intense lately.

  “Maybe.” He sipped some of his coffee and set the cup back on the table. “I know the relationship between Mallory and Nicole has been strained. Chip takes things in stride, but the girls have strong feelings about all that’s happened. Let’s pray like we always have.”

  “Mallory’s only upset because of how Nicole’s absence has affected me. I guess that’s natural to some degree. Yes, let’s pray.” She nodded, unable to speak any further about the situation, swiping a tear away.

  In their moment of heartache, Marie was thankful her husband knew to lead them in prayer. His calm demeanor reminded her to follow his example and trust God. They bowed their heads and clasped hands from across the table. He asked for mercy, salvation, and protection for Nicole and Amy. Then he prayed for restoration and healing for relationships. Then he asked the Lord to send a good, Christian husband in Nicole’s direction.

  When he finished the prayer, Marie looked up and smiled, a look of peace and joy on her face. “Thank you, Lawrence. I know the Lord hears our prayers and they make all the difference.”

  “MOM! YOU’RE AMAZING!” Amy wavered on her ice skates and her arms flailed about as she tried to steady herself. “You nailed that jump and twirl thing! How’d you do that?”

  Nicole laughed as she skated to a stop beside her daughter and steadied her. “I’m not very good compared to professional skaters, but I guess I can still do a single twirl. It takes a lot of practice. I used to skate all the time on our pond growing up, but it was a long time ago.”

  “Still, you did great, Mom! I wanna learn!” Amy’s teeth were chattering inside the cold indoor rink. It was the music pouring in on the loudspeakers that kept them dancing and warm as they did their best to skate around the rink where hockey games and other skating events were hosted.
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br />   “All right, I’ll try to teach you, but first you have to learn to skate before you can try any jumps or fancy stuff.” Nicole grabbed Amy’s hand, protected by her fuchsia mittens, pulling her away from the walls around the edge of the rink.

  Glancing over at Jill and the Haven kids, she was glad the ranch owner’s wife had organized the skating party for guests from The Sweetwater. Everyone was having a blast, though very few actually knew how to ice skate. Quite a few were catching on, though; especially Savannah and Micah, the two youngest Haven children. Jill couldn’t skate because she was expecting, but she was all smiles watching from the sidelines and taking photos of all the kids.

  After about half an hour of more practice, Amy had started skating beautifully enough to be on her own with little assistance. She’d also convinced Nicole to do a few more of those jumps and twirls before they headed to lunch. That’d been her mistake. Down she went on the third one, suffering a twisted ankle when she landed incorrectly.

  “Mom, mom! Are you okay?” Amy rushed to her side with Savannah. Micah followed, and a few seconds later, Jill managed to walk out on the ice to where she lay, quivering.

  “Nicole, are you all right?” Jill knelt down to examine her injuries.

  Nicole gasped and winced, still recovering her breathing from the fall. She finally felt air returning to her lungs and managed to reply. “Uh, I think...I think I’ve just sprained my ankle badly, but to be honest, it really hurts.”

  Jill nodded. “Let me see if you have any broken bones.”

  Before Nicole could protest, Jill Haven was checking both of her ankles for breaks, contusions, and swelling. “I think you’ll be all right, but you’re going to have some swelling. Maybe some bruising. We need to get you back to your cabin so you can get some ice on that baby. There’s a bit of black and blue starting to show up. I think you’ve sprained it badly. The wranglers who drove us in the vans to the rink should be returning to pick us up any minute. We’ll need their help getting you inside one of the vans for the ride back to The Sweetwater.”

  “I saw what happened and tried to get down the steps as fast as possible.” Looking up, Jill and Nicole were both surprised to see Jack hovering over them on the ice in his cowboy boots. “Does she have any broken bones?”

  “Oh, Jack, boy am I glad to see you.” Jill drew in a deep breath. “Nicole skates so beautifully. She can do jumps and spins and some remarkable skating, but I’m sure she’s a little rusty. She landed on her ankle the wrong way and seems to have suffered a really bad sprain.”

  Jack squeezed into the group surrounding Nicole as she lay on the ice, still wincing from the throbbing in her ankle. She knew she wouldn’t be able to walk on it. He knelt down beside Amy, removed both of Nicole’s skates, and examined her ankles. “Yep, you’re going to need ice. It’s your right one, isn’t it?”

  Nicole nodded, mesmerized by Jack’s presence again. She almost forgot about the throbbing.

  “Let’s get you into the van. Bronson is driving the other one. Jill, would you mind directing guests toward the vans while I help Nicole?”

  “Sure, good idea,” Jill nodded. “Nicole, you’re in good hands now. If I don’t see you later on, don’t hesitate to call the office if you need anything. If you want to go to the doctor or anything like that, please let us know.”

  “Oh, I think it will be much better in a day or two. I don’t think it’s anything some ice and rest won’t heal, but thanks. Amy and I had a lot of fun today. I guess I am out of practice. I probably shouldn’t have been showing off like that.”

  “No, no, we really enjoyed your skating. It was fun to watch. We can do this again in a few weeks if you’re up to it.” Jill smiled as she stood up. “I think we need to get the kids together for another play date and more of the ranch activities.”

  Nicole nodded and Amy smiled at Jill when she heard the words play date, exchanging grins with Savannah and Micah. Jill turned and began gathering her children and directing others to take off their skates and head to the vans. Turning to Jack, Amy said, “Cowboy Jack, I’m so glad you’re here to help my mommy walk to the van.”

  “I don’t think she’s going to be able to walk. I’ll just carry her. Nicole, put your arms around my neck and on the count of three. Ready?” Jack’s tone of authority left her no time to protest. What single girl wouldn’t mind wrapping their arms around such a handsome man anyhow? She did what he instructed and clasped her hands together behind his neck, her heart beating rapidly.

  “One, two, three.” He scooped her up in seconds as if she weighed a feather. “Amy, will you...”

  Eight-year-old Amy held up a hand toward Jack to silence him, finishing his sentence. “Talk to the hand, Cowboy Jack. I know, return the rental skates, get our stuff, and meet you at the van. Got it, get it, good!”

  He shook his head and chuckled, pausing with her in his arms. “Man, she is smart as a whip!”

  “See what I go through?” Nicole rolled her eyes and then Amy skated away to do everything needed. “Don’t forget my purse!”

  “I won’t, Mom!” Amy called over one shoulder, nearly colliding with the wall on the edge of the rink.

  “Watch where you’re going, and be careful!” Nicole called out as the handsome wrangler carried her to the van.

  “I’ll be careful!” Amy called back.

  “Yeah, what your mom said,” Jack added softly as he looked down at her and their eyes met, causing her to blush.

  When he placed her in the front passenger seat of The Sweetwater van used to drive guests around the small city of Lander, his lips nearly brushed hers as he set her down. She could feel his warm breath on her lips and hear his heart beating against her own chest. She could tell by the look in his eyes they were both sorry the moment had come to an end.

  He pulled away to help other passengers and gently closed the door. Nicole bit her lip and settled reluctantly into the seat, observing him closely when he walked around to the driver’s side. There was intense attraction pulling the two of them together. The pull was stronger than she’d first believed, and she reckoned it was a force they were both going to face at some point, soon. For the first time, she realized Jack knew it, too. His brown eyes said everything words couldn’t yet. At least she had the drive back to the ranch to look forward to. Maybe the handsome wrangler would finally talk to her, really talk to her. Deep down, she realized it was what she’d been hoping for since the first time she saw Jack Colten.

  Chapter 8

  “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.”

  —Jane Austen, Emma

  The ride back to The Sweetwater was pleasant. To Nicole, the air seemed electrified between them, yet subdued and relaxing. Jack pointed out various Lander landmarks along the way while she and her daughter listened; Amy listening from the front row of seats in the rear of the van. He’d dropped off the other passengers at their cabins first, and then pulled the van to a stop outside of cabin number eight.

  “Don’t move, I’ll carry you in.” Jack climbed out of the driver’s seat. He strode around to the passenger side, opening the side door for Amy, then the front door for Nicole. Amy held onto Jack’s extended arm and jumped to the ground.

  “Here’s the key, Amy. Why don’t you run ahead and see if you can unlock it.” Nicole handed the cabin key to her daughter after rummaging around inside her purse for a moment. Then Jack scooped her up and into his arms again, knowing she wouldn’t be able to walk unassisted or place any weight on her throbbing ankle. It was already swelling and visibly bruised.

  The door opened without any problems for Amy and he carried Nicole to the sofa. He propped some throw pillows around and placed one under her injured ankle. “Comfortable?”

  “Yes, thank you. You’ve been absolutely wonderful.” She beamed up at him from among the pillows, accepting a throw blanket from her daughter. “Both of you are so helpful and I really appreciate it.”

  Jack stared at the bruised and swolle
n ankle. “Let me get you an ice pack. They keep them in the freezers as part of the emergency kits.”

  “I’ll get it,” Amy announced, running off to the freezer, anxious to help.

  Returning from the kitchen, she handed Jack the ice pack and watched while he secured it against Nicole’s ankle. “So, Cowboy Jack, tonight would be a great night for you to do the cooking and dishes. My mom’s not going to be able to do anything in this condition.”

  Cowboy Jack’s grin widened and a nervous chuckle escaped Nicole’s mouth. Amy was full of surprises. “You know, it would be a good night for our get together, and you’re right, but what’s in your fridge?” Jack raised an eyebrow with a wondering look, curious for an answer.

  “We’ve got ground beef in the freezer, canned tomato sauce in the pantry, spaghetti noodles, plus salad fixings in the fridge,” Nicole offered gingerly. “I went to the store yesterday in the Lander van with some of the other ranch guests and picked up a few things. That other wrangler drove some of us into town, uh, Bronson was his name.”

  “Yes, Bronson was on van duty yesterday. I make great spaghetti.” Jack paused, his brow furrowing as he thought for a moment. “Tell you girls what, I’ll finish my shift and then I’ll be back in a few hours. Gives you both some time to rest, but why don’t I bring pizza since it may be a little late and I can make a quick salad to go with it.”

  “I can set the table,” Amy offered. “Then we can watch a movie after dinner.”

  “Sounds great, little one.” Jack ruffled her hair and Amy grinned up at him, her eyes wide with adoration. “Maybe we can do spaghetti another time. Your mom may not be able to cook for a few days by the looks of that ankle.”

  “Pizza sounds good to me,” Nicole nodded and smiled, her heart filled with appreciation. “I don’t know what we’d do without all of your help, Jack.”