When she couldn’t eat another bite, she sat back. “Maybe it’s because we had to wait to eat, but I’ve never tasted anything so good in my life.”
His silvery eyes stared into hers across the table. “I’m glad you liked it. Now that we’ve eaten, I want to tell you about my plans for the next few months. I’m going to be gone a lot.”
Her spirits plummeted. “Where will you be?”
“Not so far that you and I can’t be together with a little planning. But I’m getting ahead of myself and need to lay the groundwork so you’ll understand.”
“This sounds serious.”
“It is. Our proposal failed because the public hasn’t been educated nearly enough to understand our cause. The governor doesn’t want this bill to fail, and I believe him. He says we need to do a lot more work, and he’s right.”
“What more can you do?”
He chuckled and covered her hand. “What every smart politician does. Develop a ground game that covers every inch of Montana and Idaho. It means going door to door, teaching the residents, handing out literature and getting their names on the petition to present to the legislature.”
“That’s a huge order.”
“Yes, and it’s going to take time, but I believe it’s a fight worth fighting.”
“Why does it mean so much to you, Wymon?”
He squeezed her hand before letting it go. “I guess it goes back to my youth. There was a night when my dad took me backpacking up in the Sapphires. Long after the stars came out, he showed me a game trail, and we followed it down to a little lake.
“He took me behind a big tree and told me to be quiet and watch. Throughout the night we saw mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, a mountain lion and black bears who came to drink. The sight of nature so alive and free was a revelation to me.
“But while I was hunched there spellbound, my father told me a story about the slaughter of the native grizzlies killed off by men for the hell of it.” As he talked, her tears started and wouldn’t stop.
“‘Wymon,’ he said, ‘seventy to eighty thousand grizzlies once roamed this area. I’d like to see them come back. They should be drinking here, just like the other animals, but they’re gone because of man’s ignorance. That goes against God’s plan, son. Man is supposed to be a steward of the earth, not a killer. I’m afraid we’re not doing a very good job.’”
Jasmine wiped tears from her eyes as Wymon spoke his father’s words.
“That was all he said before we went back to our camp. I couldn’t sleep that night thinking about it.”
“You’ve given me goose bumps.”
A sweet smile broke the corner of his compelling mouth. “It does that to me every time I remember our backpacking trip. I wish all the people who oppose our plan could have been there that night to understand what this issue is all about. As I grew older and began studying the issue myself, my father’s words seemed to take hold of me.”
“It’s no wonder, Wymon. I remember seeing a mother grizzly and her adorable cubs when I was a little girl. The thought of thousands of them being killed makes me sick. Your father’s words have hit me hard.”
“That’s the reaction I’m hoping people will feel when they’re confronted with the truth about grizzly bears. As you know, the Yellowstone grizzly population has been isolated from its northern cousins, leaving the population at risk of inbreeding. But there have been some sightings of both northern and southern grizzlies in this area. This is a positive sign that grizzlies are closing the gap and reconnecting.
“These first bears drifting into this part of Montana show that connected populations are still possible. The ranching coalition from this area is collaborating with other groups across the region. I’m convinced that in time we can bring about real change.”
“That’s why you need more funding!”
He nodded. “It takes money to train people to go out and educate the public, not to mention getting signatures for the petition.”
“I could help,” she said.
Wymon’s gaze played over her features. “Do you know what you’re saying?”
“What do you mean?”
“For one thing, until a few weeks ago you were the girlfriend of one of our major adversaries on this issue.”
She sat back to ponder his words. “That relationship is over, as you know. The truth is I never did get involved in Rob’s politics. Yes, I knew what issues were important to him, but I didn’t get into anything with him. Politics were never my interest. I could never see myself campaigning with him. It wasn’t the life I wanted. You know that’s true.”
“I do.”
“But what you and I have been talking about is different. No one loves nature and the great outdoors more than I do. I’ve spent years hiking and horseback riding in the mountains with my family and friends. Hearing your heartfelt opinion on an issue I haven’t given any real thought to until now has motivated me to want to do something about it.”
A smile lit up his eyes. “You’re serious?”
“More than you might imagine.”
He leaned forward. “Now you’ve got a thought percolating in my head. A week from Monday, Jim and I are planning to go door to door to talk to residents about the grizzly issue and gather signatures in support of a new bill we’ll have to introduce in January. The whole ranching coalition will be doing the same thing from now until after the holidays. As for next week—”
“Will you be going alone?” she broke in on him.
“Yes. I’d planned to be gone Monday through Friday.”
She felt her heart whip up speed. “Would you mind if I went with you? It’s my vacation time. Maybe I could help.”
Silence followed before he pulled out his wallet and paid the bill. “Let’s drive home and talk about it on the way.”
Wymon hadn’t said no.
Jasmine got up from the table, and he took her hand as they walked out to the car. She was so excited at the prospect of traveling around with him, she wasn’t aware of her surroundings.
After Wymon helped her in and got behind the wheel, he said, “In case you didn’t notice, the security people following us took a picture as we were coming out before they drove off.”
“That’s disgusting. They’ll be charging a lot to present Rob with a picture of us this far away from Helena. I can’t imagine it being worth anything to him.”
“We’ll never know, but they’re gone now. Let’s get back to the subject of your helping me. There’s nothing I’d love more, but even though you’re on vacation now, you have a little baby at home.”
She laughed. “I’ve been thinking about that.”
“So have I. Our coalition group has divided this part of Montana into sections. Jim’s area is Missoula County. Mine starts in my hometown of Stevensville, and spreads throughout Ravalli County. With a population of 40,000, it’s a lot of ground to cover.”
“Your dedication to make this happen is amazing to me. I’d love to be a part of it.”
“If you really mean it, I’d like you to spend this first week canvassing homes with me, provided you stay overnight at the ranch house. My mother always has guests coming and going on business. We’d give Moondrop a stall in the barn and put her out in the corral in the morning. One of the hands would take care of her. In the evening, we’d come home early for dinner and then play with the horses the rest of the time.”
To spend five days and nights with him sounded too fantastic to even imagine. “I couldn’t impose on your family that way, Wymon.”
“You’d be doing me a huge favor. Two people can gather twice as many signatures in the same amount of time. Since meeting you, I’ve started having fun and want it to continue.”
Jasmine never wanted it to stop.
After the loving way he’d
talked about his father, she realized his death had to have brought a lot of suffering to Wymon and his family in the last year.
“If you’re sure about this, then count me in.”
“I’ve never been so certain of anything in my life.” His deep voice resonated in the car and permeated her body.
They drove the rest of the way to Philipsburg involved in their own thoughts. He didn’t touch her. When he pulled up in the driveway, he shut off the engine and slid his arm along the back of the seat. His fingers were centimeters from the ends of her hair.
“I’m not going to kiss you, Jasmine, and you know why.” She had to stifle a moan because she was aching for him. “Tomorrow evening I’ll come for you in the truck. We’ll hitch up Moondrop and head for the ranch. Mother will have a guest room waiting for you tomorrow night.”
“Wymon—”
“Get out of the car, Jasmine,” he whispered urgently.
Once in a while she detected a forbidding sound in his tone that told her he meant what he said. She did know why, and it gave her the impetus to act quickly.
“Thank you for everything. Please, drive home safely. I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”
“I should be here by five thirty, but I’ll phone you.”
“Okay.” She was dying to throw herself in his arms, but Wymon refused to prolong this goodbye. Like she’d told him before, he had more control than she did. After shutting the door, she hurried up the walkway into the house.
All was quiet which meant her parents had gone to bed. On her way upstairs she heard her phone. Someone had texted her. Wymon? She raced into her bedroom and sat down on the side of the bed to read it, but it was her coworker Annie!
Vacation couldn’t have come soon enough. I’m leaving at six in the morning with Don. We’re flying down to Huntington Beach in California to meet his folks. I’ll be up packing until at least two. If you’re still awake or feel like talking, phone me!
Jasmine had spoken with her after the accident, but so much had escalated since then she couldn’t wait to talk to her friend again. Stretching out on the bed, she phoned her.
“Oh, I’m so glad you called me!” Annie exclaimed.
“I was thrilled to get your text. Does this mean Don has asked you to marry him?”
“Not yet, but I feel that’s coming.”
“Of course it is. You two are crazy about each other.”
“What’s going on with you?”
“There’s so much to tell you, I don’t know where to start. For one thing I have a new horse, a little filly named Moondrop.”
“You’re kidding!”
“Wymon has a friend who breeds horses, and I bought her.”
“Before you say anything else, I saw your hunk on the ten o’clock news tonight. He was standing with some other ranchers outside the state capitol building.”
“I know. They didn’t get the governor on their side yet. Apparently their hope is to gather thousands more signatures and do more research before they go to the governor again for his unofficial approval. Once that is accomplished, they can start the process through the legislature. Wymon isn’t giving up!” Jasmine told her friend.
“I tell you, he’s in a whole other league of handsome.”
“You don’t have to convince me,” Jasmine said, laughing.
“I also saw your ex on the news at his rally.”
“I was there, Annie, but I slipped out after it was over to meet Wymon.”
“How did that happen? I thought you broke things off with Rob.”
“I did, but I had to keep one last promise to him. Now it’s over, and I’m so in love with Wymon, I can’t think straight anymore. I’m going to be spending all next week with him.”
“No way, girl! Tell me everything while I keep packing.”
The two of them talked back and forth half the night. Jasmine had needed this outlet to express all the feelings bursting inside of her. After twenty-six years, she was painfully in love for the first time in her life.
* * *
WYMON CAME AWAKE after a deep sleep and shot up in bed in surprise. The clock said ten after nine. He never slept in this late, but last night there’d been a shift in his universe. Thoughts of Jasmine had kept him awake for a long time, and nothing would ever be the same again.
If he hadn’t begged her to get out of the car, they’d have stayed there all night. Only the knowledge that he’d be with her for the whole of next week had made it possible for him to let her go.
Before he did anything else, he called his mother and learned that Roce had already left for Missoula.
“We hoped you would come for breakfast.”
“I’m sorry. I got home too late and slept in.”
“Son? When are you going to relent and talk to me? I don’t mean about the grizzly issue. I tried to get some information out of Roce, but you know your brother. You’re both so much alike when it comes to your personal life, I go crazy.”
“That’s why I’m calling.”
“You mean you’re going to break the great silence?” She laughed as she said it. Her comment made him smile.
“This woman I helped at the plane crash site has become important to me.”
“I knew that weeks ago. I presume the representative is long since out of the picture.”
Wymon’s mother didn’t miss much. His hand gripped the phone tighter. “Not exactly. That’s why I could use your help.” In a few words he explained the situation without going into a lot of detail. “I’m hoping that while she’s at our ranch and gathering signatures with me for the next week, Farnsworth will tire of harassing us.”
“Some men never grow up. It’s little wonder Ms. Telford had no intention of marrying him. I’d love her to stay here. Solana will get the west guest bedroom ready upstairs. It has the en suite. I’ll tell Luis to assign one of the boys to look after Moondrop during the day.”
He got to his feet. “You know something, Mom? Our family would fall apart without you.”
“Such high praise coming from my number one son has made my day. See you tonight.”
Tonight.
With an implosion of new energy, Wymon went downstairs. After a heaping bowl of cereal and a big glass of orange juice, he went into his study. Before he had to leave for Philipsburg, he would plan out his strategy to cover as much ground as possible in the Stevensville area with Jasmine.
Once he had his route all mapped out, he showered and shaved. On his way out to the truck, he carried a box of brochures with the information they’d need to pass out during the week. He put it on the floor of the back seat with a box of snacks he kept on hand.
Before he left the ranch, he phoned Jasmine to let her know he was leaving. “Have you told your folks our plans yet?”
“Yes. What about your mother?” she asked without taking a breath. Something was wrong. It had to be about Farnsworth.
“She’s getting everything ready for you as we speak. Now tell me what’s happened since I took you home last night.”
After a brief silence she said, “Rob sent a message on my cell phone five thirty this morning. The sound woke me up. He didn’t write anything. It was a picture of you and me coming out of the restaurant in Deer Lodge. I can’t believe this.”
“He’s hoping to break you down so you’ll change your mind.”
“But that’s not rational.”
“His pride has taken a big hit, Jasmine. That’s why you and I are going to be busy this next week in a place where he won’t be able to find us.”
“I’m not so sure about that, Wymon. What if he’s obsessed enough to hire someone to watch my parents’ house day and night? They’ll see us driving away with Moondrop.”
At this point Wymon had to agree it was possible. “Don’t wo
rry. I have a plan. I’ll tell you about it after I get there.”
“Drive safely.” He heard the throb in her voice.
“I’ll be there soon. Trust me.”
After they hung up, he phoned Eli and explained the situation. Before he could even ask him, his brother offered to drive behind him and provide interference if it looked as if someone was casing the Telford home. Eli would do whatever it took to prevent anyone from following Wymon and Jasmine.
The two of them talked strategy in their trucks. Eli would get pictures and anything else necessary if it turned out Jasmine’s fears were realized. “This dude has a mean streak like Loco Louis, that bull I once rode. Remember him?” Eli said.
“You’re reading my mind.”
“If Representative Farnsworth wants trouble, he’s found it!”
“Thanks, bro. Sorry to take you away from your family.”
“Brianna understands. She’s excited another woman will be staying at the ranch this week. Roce told us her new filly is a real honey.”
“Libby will go crazy over her.”
“My little girl is horse-crazy already.”
“You’re a lucky man.”
“You can say that again. Now that I know your plans, I’m thinking Brianna and I could do some canvassing for you once we’ve moved the cows to the other pasture.”
“I wouldn’t expect that from you.”
“Why? We all want to help. Roce is going to do his part when his vacation comes up in a couple of weeks. So is Mom. A lot of work can be accomplished before next January rolls around.” Wymon had an exceptional family.
They talked some more, and then Wymon hung up and phoned Jasmine to let her know he was pulling up to the barn. He hadn’t seen anyone parked on the street. Eli cruised by and then drove on to scout the area.
Jasmine was already outside and had loaded her horse in the trailer. She came running up to him, a gorgeous sight dressed in jeans and a pullover sweater. “I didn’t think you’d ever get here.” He caught her in his arms and kissed her until they were both out of breath.
Made for the Rancher Page 11
