Captivated By A Cowboy (Canton County Cowboys 3)

by Charlene Bright

  “Oh no,” was all he could say. “No, no.”

  She put her arms around Trey and cried. “This can’t be happening.”

  “It’s okay, it’s going to be okay.” More medical attendants arrived, and he could hear them yelling at one another. Carissa joined them and patted Nancy’s shoulder.

  “Maybe we should step over here, out of the way.”

  “Is he gone?” Nancy asked with her eyes closed.

  “He can’t be, Miss Nancy, or else these people wouldn’t be moving this fast. That’s a good sign. Come on, let’s go sit right over here and I’ll find you some water. Trey, can you help her?”

  “I can walk. I’m okay.” She shook her head but didn’t let go of his arm. Carissa made her way down the hall to a nearby vending machine for some water. “This is so unbelievable. I was sitting there next to him, shutting my eyes for a moment; then all these alarms went off and they threw me out of the room. He stopped breathing. I couldn’t believe it.”

  “We knew this would be a fight, but Uncle Robert is a fighter. He’s going to make it. I know he will. It would take more than this to take him out.”

  She leaned her head on his shoulder. “You always thought your uncle could walk on water. I hate to tell you this, but he’s just a man, not Superman. He’s known for quite a while that he needed to go to the doctor. He’s just so stubborn, old fool.”

  Carissa arrived back with a bottle of water and handed it to Nancy. “Here you go, ma’am.” She sat on the other side of Trey, giving them privacy. “I hate to interrupt, but you should probably call your brother so he can be here too.”

  “Maybe we should wait until we know something,” Trey whispered to her. She shook her head as discreetly as she could. He could read between the lines. If things went bad, it would be now or never. No matter what had passed between them, Trey couldn’t leave Chase out. He was a Montgomery and he had a right to be here.

  “Mrs. Montgomery?” A young-looking doctor approached the group. It was hard to determine what he was thinking by looking at him but Trey tried.

  “I am. Is he going to be alright?”

  “Right now, he’s stable but we’ve got to find out what’s going on. His heartbeat is erratic and we don’t know why at this time. Sometimes it can happen after this type of surgery and there’s no way to predict it. I’ve ordered some tests and we’ll be monitoring him for the next six to twelve hours until we know he’s doing a bit better. If you’re praying folks, I’d say now is the time.”

  “Can I see him?”

  “Give us time to clean up and I’ll tell the nurse to let you in, just one at a time though. We don’t need the congestion in there, in case we need to get back in. I’m sorry that I don’t know more.”

  “It’s okay, doctor. Thank you.”

  He nodded and walked to the nurses’ station, alerting the staff about Aunt Nancy’s request.

  “Trey, she’s right. Go call Chase. I want him here too.” Nancy tucked a strand of blond hair behind her hair and rubbed at her eyes.

  “Alright, I’ll be right back.” He walked down the hall and looked through his phone. He hoped that the last number he had for Chase was the right one. Chase had a bad habit of getting new phones without letting anyone know the new number. Trey tapped the screen and waited to hear the phone ring. Thankfully, it did.

  “Hello?”

  “Chase, it’s your brother. You need to get to the hospital. Take the Beast if you have to.”

  He paused, but only for a few seconds. “I’ll be there in a few minutes.” Trey started to walk back but he could see that Carissa was talking to Nancy and the older woman was nodding her head and wiping her eyes. He decided to give them a minute while he got it together. This couldn’t be happening, not again. Not to Uncle Robert. Trey didn’t know whether to throw something or pray. He opted for the latter as the doctor suggested. He hoped God was listening.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Carissa put her hand on top of Nancy’s. She listened as the older woman talked in low, controlled tones. “It’s not like Robert to be so difficult.”

  “I’m sure if he had a choice, he’d sit up and give those doctors a piece of his mind.”

  Nancy smiled sadly. “That sounds like my Robert. Thank you for being here. I’m sure you’re wondering what you’ve gotten yourself into with this crazy Montgomery clan. Must be quite different than what you’re used to.”

  “Oh, I have a family—I mean had a family. It’s not always good times but it’s good that you’re sticking together. Not all families do that.” It was an honest observation but Carissa didn’t want to talk about herself right now. “You’ve got some wonderful nephews.”

  “Chase has a bit of a wild hair but he’s a lot like Robert was when he was young. Never could pin that fellow down. I had to play hard to get just to get his attention. Once I got him though, I got him.” She smiled and broke into a sob. “I hope I get to keep him.”

  “You can’t think like that. He’s going to get better. You have to believe that.”

  Nancy sniffed and stuffed the tissue in her pocket. “You know what? You’re right. That’s enough of that. I never cry, but boy when I do. … Oh, here comes the nurse.”

  “Ma’am? Mrs. Montgomery?”

  “That’s me.”

  “Come on in. We’ve brought your chair back too.”

  “Thank you. Carissa, tell Trey that I’ll be back soon. I will step out so they can come see him. I know he’d like that.”

  “Will do, Nancy. Talk to you soon.”

  Carissa leaned back against the cold wall of the hospital waiting room. How did she get here? The past week and a half had been a whirlwind of activity. Trey Montgomery had swept into her life like a tornado. He was larger than life, in so many ways. She felt happy but slightly concerned at her own willingness to abandon her life so completely. No, that’s not right. She was here on Audrey House business, right? Yes she was, but she needed to show some compassion for the people who were helping her and Clare keep these families moving toward a happy future.

  She peered down the hallway and didn’t see Trey. Thinking he was talking to Chase she decided to call Clare and tell her what was happening.

  “Clare? Hey, I hate to bother you so late.”

  “It’s not too late. Are you okay?”

  Carissa tucked her purse under her arm and turned to speak privately. A few more folks had entered the waiting room and it was beginning to get crowded. “I’m calling to let you know that Robert Montgomery is in the hospital. He’s had a heart surgery, and now he’s likely had a heart attack.”

  “Oh no, that’s terrible. How is Nancy holding up?”

  “As well as can be expected, I suppose. She’s in with him now but he’s under observation. I’m here with Trey.”

  “The one Devon likes so much?”

  Carissa tensed a little. “He told you about him?”

  “Of course, you know what a wimp Devon is, and he couldn’t wait to tell me you’d been thrown off your horse and bitten by a snake, all under Trey’s care.”

  Carissa laughed nervously. “You didn’t say anything when we talked. I had no idea that you knew.”

  “If you weren’t complaining, who was I to say anything? You are young and beautiful. I am sure if you felt you were in danger you would leave. I trust you to take care of yourself, Carissa. You always do what is right.” The young woman sighed in response. “What’s going on? Do you need to talk about something?”

  Carissa looked around the waiting room. Trey was still missing. “No, I mean, yes. Honestly, this thing with Trey Montgomery that could be nothing more than flirting, remember? I can’t explain it. He’s been amazing and so helpful. We kind of bonded and I have to admit that I like him—I like him a lot, Clare.”

  Clare laughed and sounded puzzled. “Why is that so disturbing? That someone would find you attractive? You’re beautiful and quite a treasure, Carissa.”

  “But do you think it’s w
ise? Shouldn’t you tell me to slow down? Think twice?”

  “No, only you know what’s right for you, girl. I might be older than you, but that doesn’t make me wiser. My advice last week still holds true. For now, don’t think about it. You’ve got enough to think about. Be there for him and Nancy. Be a friend. I do know that much. Friendship is the basis for every good relationship.”

  “That’s true. Here he comes. I better go. I’ll call you in the morning and let you know what’s going on.”

  “If we need to cancel, if you think we need to, it’s not a problem. We want Robert to get better without any extra stress.”

  “Right, I agree. Talk to you later.”

  Trey walked toward her. She thought she noticed that his eyes were damp but she didn’t stare. A guy like Trey Lee Montgomery wouldn’t enjoy someone pointing that out. “Chase is on his way. Just a couple of minutes.”

  “Your aunt went back in to spend some time with Robert. She said to tell you she would be back out soon so you could see him.”

  “Thanks and thanks for being here. She seems to like you.”

  Carissa didn’t know what to say so she just took his hand and held it. He squeezed it one long time, then held on to her. She didn’t pull away. They sat in the waiting room not talking. She glanced around the room at the people coming and going. Occasionally she glanced at the cable news channel that blared too loudly. She thought about turning it down but didn’t want to release Trey’s hand. Soon Chase stepped off the elevator and stood looking in the hallway.

  “There’s Chase,” she whispered to him.

  Trey swallowed hard then took her hand and together the two walked down the hall. “Tell me, I’m not too late. Please …,” said Chase before Trey and Carissa had gotten to him.

  Trey shook his head. “No. It’s not too late.” Carissa stepped back and started to walk away to give them privacy, but Trey pulled her back to his side and squeezed her hand.

  “Aunt Nancy is with him but she’s coming out soon and you can go in. He had a heart attack after the surgery, I think. The doctor says it happens sometimes.”

  They talked some more and Chase began talk in shaky tones. “Earlier, I should have said what I meant.”

  “We can talk about that later, Chase. Let’s worry about Uncle Robert right now.” Trey walked back toward the waiting area outside Robert’s room and sat down on an uncomfortable love seat. Chase followed and sat on an equally uncomfortable couch across from him. Neither brother looked at one another. They sat that way for over an hour before Aunt Nancy came out, looking a bit less stressed and told the boys they should take some time to sit with their uncle.

  “They say he won’t know you’re there or anything, but I don’t believe that. I think he knows we’re here, so you go on in and talk to him like he could talk right back. He’s pretty sedated, but he seems to be stable and out of immediate danger, thank the Lord.”

  Chase motioned for Trey to go first and then went to sit by Aunt Nancy, wrapping his arms around her neck.

  For the next few hours, the men took turns visiting their uncle. About ten o’clock, Aunt Nancy reminded them that they had to move cattle in the morning. “I know we have the best damn crew this side of the Mississippi, but Uncle Robert wanted you two to do this. No getting out of it. I’ll be fine and he will be fine too. You go and get this done.”

  “We’ll make you proud, Aunt Nancy.”

  “I’m already proud; now go home and get some rest.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” they said in unison. They took turns hugging her neck and watched as she hugged Carissa too.

  The three walked downstairs without speaking. Once they reached the parking lot, they paused. It seemed to Carissa that both men had something to say, but finally, they turned away from one another. Chase got in his green Dodge truck and drove away.

  Trey unlocked the doors and opened the door for Carissa. Tired, she got in and closed the door behind her. Trey climbed in and put the key in the ignition. He leaned back against the seat and took a deep breath. “Man, I’m tired.”

  “Me too. Are the guys ready for tomorrow?”

  “Yes, they’re all set.” He looked behind him to back up and noticed the pillow in the back seat. “Oh no! I forgot to give Aunt Nancy her pillow. That was the one thing she wanted.”

  “Go! Run on up there, I’ll be okay.”

  “Keep the doors locked, and I’ll be right back.” He grabbed the pillow and ran back to the hospital doors. Carissa hit the lock button. There wasn’t anyone out here, but it was dark. She stared up at the stars and tried to remember what constellations were in the night sky this time of year. There was Orion and she recognized the Big Dipper.

  She turned on the radio and took her phone out of her purse. She lay back in the seat and closed her eyes until she heard a tapping on the window. The sound surprised her so much that she almost screamed. She must have gone to sleep because it was if she were back in her house, in her bedroom when he came. Uncle Charles tapping on her door and whispering dangerously.

  It was Trey waving at her and smiling. She hit the lock button and he got back in. “Sorry, did you go to sleep? You must really be tired.”

  “I guess I did. I didn’t intend to.”

  “I’ll take you home and tuck you in.”

  “That sounds wonderful.” She smiled meaning it completely.

  They didn’t talk much during the ride and that was okay. Carissa was certain he had plenty to think about. Fifteen minutes later, they were turning down the road that would lead to the Easy R Ranch.

  “Carissa, would you really like me to tuck you in?” She could hear the excitement in his voice although he tried to hide it.

  “Only if you stayed a while after you tucked me in.” He started it so she felt okay playing along.

  “That sounds like a plan.” Trey pulled his black Charger into the driveway and turned off the car. Carissa wasn’t sure if they were going to linger here a moment or just go inside. She had not planned on this type of encounter tonight, if that’s what this was but she certainly wasn’t going to turn him away.

  Before he got out of the car, however, Carissa put her hand on his arm and looked up into his eyes. “Trey, I’d like for you to stay the night, but I need to make some ground rules.”

  Trey raised his eyebrows but didn’t speak.

  “Dealing with what I had to deal with … you know with Uncle Charles … and Audrey …”

  He patted her hand reassuringly, so she continued, “Well, I had a lot going in inside because of all that and have made a lot of bad choices in my life … a lot.”

  “Carissa, I don’t care—”

  She shook her head and interrupted, “I mean I have a history of moving way too fast in the romance department and then moving on very quickly. I don’t want to do that anymore. I’ve been working on certain things about myself for the last couple of years.” She looked back up at him with a slight grin at the edges of her mouth. “Devon, notwithstanding. Anyway—”

  “Carissa.” It was his turn to interrupt. “I don’t care who all you’ve been with. And if you’re saying you don’t want to get too serious, I’ll understand and back off.”

  “See, that’s just it,” she replied. “This is different. I want it to be different. I need to do different things for it to be different, though. I want you to be with me tonight, but I just need to be close to you. I don’t want to ruin this by rushing into sex.”

  He put his hand on her cheek. “Pretty lady, I’d be honored to actually sleep with you tonight.”

  Trey got out of the car and walked around to her side. He opened her door and without saying a word, they walked to the cabin. Carissa had a hundred thoughts running through her head. What does my hair look like? I hope my breath is okay. Her hands shaking, she opened the door and tossed her purse on a nearby couch. She hoped she would have the strength to just sleep next to this man she wanted to touch for hours.

  ***

  Trey cou
ldn’t sleep. He couldn’t stop thinking about the warm figure who was lying in his arms, breathing heavily. He leaned back where he could see the moonlight catch her sleeping face, and he touched it lightly. He studied her by the moon until she began to stir. The stirring was erratic though, and her eyes were moving quickly back and forth under her eyelids.

  Tears began to slide from the corners of her eyes and he realized she was sweating. She began to toss and turn and moan, but then began screaming. He tightened his arms around her and spoke softly to her while she slowed and began breathing rhythmically again. Good God, what had this woman been through?

  ***

  The next morning, Carissa awoke to an empty bed. She started to panic, but her hand found a note on the pillow next to her:

  Carissa, you looked so beautiful sleeping there. I couldn’t stand to wake you. It was a long night. Sleep in and we’ll meet up at dinner. I have some duties that will take me off the ranch most of the day. – Trey.

  She took a shower, got dressed, and drove to the hospital. On the way she stopped for two coffees and some pastries. Hospital food was always horrible. When she arrived at the room, Nancy was awake and to her surprise, so was Uncle Robert. She walked in and set the coffees down.

  “Good morning, Jennifer.” It was Uncle Robert, obviously delirious from the medication. “When did you start working here? Hey, Nancy. Cousin Jennifer came to see us.”

  “No dear, that’s not Jennifer. That’s Carissa, Trey’s girlfriend. The nice one from Audrey House.”

  “What happened to Jessie?”

  “Oh Robert, I’m going to have to ask that nurse to back off your pain meds if you don’t stop talking crazy. That’s not polite.”

  “It’s no problem, I’ve seen this before. I brought you a coffee and a pastry. Unfortunately Uncle Robert, I don’t think you can have either of these.”

  “No he can’t! He’s on a strict diet and he’s not happy about it,” Nancy teased him.

  “It’s okay, I can handle it.”

  “Carissa, why don’t you go to the waiting room and I’ll meet you there. The staff is coming in soon to give him his breathing treatments. Something they do after this kind of surgery. After the way he acted this morning, I don’t want to be here to witness that again.”