The Cowboy's Healing Ways (Cooper Creek)

by Minton, Brenda

  “Myrna, are you okay?”

  Myrna blinked and then refocused on Laura. “Of course I am. I just need to eat.”

  Laura looked from Myrna to Heather, who wore a worried expression that Laura imagined looked a lot like her own. “I should get Jesse.”

  Myrna grabbed her arm with a hand that felt cool. “No, you will not.”

  “But, Myrna...”

  “I’m very able to make that decision. No.” But the words sounded weak.

  “Myrna, do you have a headache? Are you dizzy?”

  “I’m hungry.” Myrna raised her chin and stepped right past Laura.

  “Okay then.” She motioned Abigail to her side. “Abigail and I are going to go see Jesse and the bulls.”

  And they would also tell him about his Granny Myrna, but Laura wasn’t about to tell her friend that she planned on telling Jesse whether she liked it or not.

  They finished their burgers as they walked. Laura slowed her steps as she scanned the area. Men were saddling horses, putting on chaps or standing in groups talking. There were women in jeans, boots and button-up Western shirts. A couple of them smiled, and several gave her curious looks that asked her what she thought she was doing in their world.

  She wondered the same thing. But the tiny hand in hers couldn’t be denied. Laura thought about all the times she’d rejected an offer to go out because she hadn’t wanted to leave Abigail or hadn’t wanted her daughter to think there was more to a relationship than just dinner and a movie. She was losing control.

  And why? She spotted him standing next to a horse trailer, and his brothers Jackson and Jeremy stood nearby. A woman walked up and she looked as if she belonged in their world. She talked to Jesse for a minute, smiling a carefree smile that said she probably didn’t have a child at home.

  Laura started to turn around but Jackson waved and called out to her and to Abigail. Laura held tightly because she knew that Abigail would try to make a break for it and run across the open area. With the trucks and livestock, that would have been a mistake.

  “Stay with me.” Laura glanced down at her daughter and then back at the Cooper men. The woman waved and hurried off, back to a trailer where a beautiful, nearly white horse had been left tied.

  “Hey, you made it.” Jesse held out a hand and Abigail barreled herself at him. He picked her up and put her on the back of his horse. “Are you going to watch me show these guys what an Arabian can do?”

  Abigail smiled at Jeremy and Jackson. “He’s going to show you guys.”

  Jackson laughed and shook his head. “Schooling the kid in your crazy love of Arabians. This is a new low, Jesse.”

  “I need someone on my side.” He leaned to buckle his chaps. “Who better than Abigail?”

  “Who better?” Jeremy rested a hand on the horse’s rump. “I need to saddle my horse. We’re the second-to-last team so we have a while.”

  “Thanks.”

  Jackson also made his excuses for leaving. Laura watched the two brothers walk away and then they were alone. She didn’t fit into this world.

  But it didn’t matter. Myrna mattered.

  “Jesse, I’m worried about your grandmother.”

  Her words stopped him. He’d been coiling a rope and he looked up.

  “Why?”

  “We were in line with Myrna and Heather at the concession stand and I’m not sure what happened. It seemed like she wasn’t with us for a second, and she lost her balance. Plus her speech was a little slurred.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Positive. She snapped at me and told me she just needs to eat something.”

  He ran a hand down the horse’s neck. “Abigail, time to get down.”

  “What are you going to do?”

  He lifted her daughter down from the back of the horse and reached for the girth strap. “I’m taking her to the hospital. Could you go tell Jeremy and Jackson? I’ll call my parents.”

  “And when do you tell Myrna?”

  “As I’m walking her out to her car.”

  Laura watched him unsaddle the horse. “I’ll go tell your brothers.”

  “Thanks, Laura. I mean it. I’m glad you were watching. I’ve been worried for a while.”

  She nodded and reached for her daughter’s hand. “Let’s go, kiddo.”

  Abigail looked up, her eyes narrowed in worry. “What’s wrong with Miss Myrna?”

  “I’m not sure yet, sweetie, but Jesse will figure it out.”

  * * *

  Jesse put his horse back in the trailer and when he stepped out, Jackson was waiting. “Did Laura tell you?”

  “She did. Jeremy said he’d take the livestock home. Unhook your trailer and he’ll put your horse in with his and mine. Bart is going to drive the bulls back to my place.”

  Jesse nodded and went to unhitch the trailer. “She’s going to be mad.”

  Jackson laughed at that revelation. “You think?”

  A few minutes later they walked up the steps to sit on the wooden seat next to their grandmother. She gave them both a look and then her wrath turned on Laura, who had taken a seat next to her.

  “Tattletale,” Myrna whispered.

  “I’m sorry, Myrna, but I want you safe and healthy.” Laura rested a hand on her arm.

  “Gran, we’re going to the hospital to have you checked out.” Jesse reached for her hand to help her to her feet. She pushed herself up without his assistance.

  “I can walk my own self down these bleachers. I’ve been doing it longer than you’ve been alive, Jesse Alvarez Cooper.”

  “And that’s my name when I’m in big trouble.”

  Her eyes misted and she sniffled. “I don’t want to be sick.”

  “I want you to be healthy and that’s why we’re going to the emergency room.”

  His grandmother glanced back at Laura. “Well, are you coming with us?”

  Laura shook her head. “Myrna, you have family. They’ll all be there with you. We would just get in the way.”

  Jesse started to tell her to come with them, but he couldn’t. He knew why she was trying to keep her distance. Their gazes connected and she smiled and nodded once.

  Myrna reached back for her hand. “I want you there with me. I might not have much longer...”

  “Of course you do, Myrna.” Laura hugged his grandmother. “You’re stronger than anyone I know.”

  Jesse saw it coming and he couldn’t stop it. His grandmother smiled and patted Laura’s cheek and then she turned to pat his with a bejeweled hand.

  “Jesse, tomorrow I need for you to go to my house and get the sapphire ring out of the safe.”

  “Gran, you’re going to be fine.”

  “In case I’m not, that’s your ring.” She looked from Jesse to Laura. “You’ll take good care of her.”

  Jesse saw the light dawn and spread across Laura’s face. Her mouth dropped and her eyes widened. “Oh, Myrna, no.”

  He didn’t have time to worry about it. His grandmother wobbled a little as she started down the steps, he and Jackson on either side of her. People in the stands cleared the way and whispered about what was happening to Myrna Cooper.

  He didn’t have time to look back and see if Laura would follow. Heather was with her. They would make a plan. As he helped his grandmother out of the bleachers and down to his truck, which they’d pulled close, he could tell that her left leg dragged a little and her hand on his felt weak.

  “Gran, you okay?”

  She turned to look at him. Her left eye drooped, as did her mouth. “We’re just going to put you in the ambulance and get you there a little quicker.”

  He waved at the paramedics and they jumped in the ambulance and pulled the door closed. Jesse spoke quietly to his grandmother, assuring her that he’d be right behind them in his truck. She whispered about Laura. He told her Laura would be with him.

  As they loaded her into the ambulance, she reached for his hand.

  “What is it, Gran?”

  �
�I want...Tim.” Her slurred speech gave him greater cause for concern. He gave the paramedics directions on what he wanted her to receive and then closed the door and headed for his truck. Jackson stayed with him.

  As they backed out of their parking space he saw Laura get in her car with Abigail. He thought she’d be heading home. And he understood.

  He never expected her to walk through the doors of the emergency room a short time later. She searched the room and Abigail let go of her hand and headed for Jackson’s daughter, Jade.

  When she saw him she smiled, and it floored him. Every tense muscle and nerve in his body relaxed. For the first time in an hour he took a deep breath. He stepped away from the rest of the family that had gathered. Before he could think it through he walked her outside and off to the side of the building.

  No words. He didn’t need words. She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight. He didn’t want to think. He just wanted this moment with her when everything felt right.

  They stood that way for a long time and finally he exhaled and kissed the top of her head, then her cheek and then a soft kiss that sealed the moment.

  “Thank you,” he whispered close to her ear. She nodded.

  “She’s going to be okay.”

  “Of course she is.” He held her hand and they walked back to the doors of the E.R. She slipped her hand from his before they walked back inside. “Of course.”

  Abigail. He got it.

  “Was it a stroke?” Laura asked as they stood outside the doors that had opened at their nearness.

  “She’s having TIAs.” Precursors for a larger stroke. “We’ll get her on the right meds and then Mom and Dad will take her to Tulsa for more testing.”

  “I’m so glad she’s okay. She means a lot to me.”

  He brushed her hair back, letting the strands of auburn silk curl around his finger. “Yeah, you obviously mean a lot to her.”

  At that Laura smiled. “I’m really sorry she’s doing this to you. Maybe we should be more careful around Abigail and around your grandmother.”

  “I think that might be a good idea.”

  Laura leaned to peek inside. Abigail was sitting on Jackson’s wife’s lap. Madeline said something and Abigail laughed.

  “I should go.” Laura rested a hand on his arm. “But I’ll be here if you need me. And if your mom needs to make other arrangements for Abigail, tell her to let me know.”

  Jesse let her go. He had to. She moved her hand from his arm and walked back inside. He watched her talk to Madeline, to Heather and his newly married sister Sophie. His older brother Lucky was with their grandmother, and their parents would be there soon.

  Abigail hugged Madeline and Jade. Jesse watched what looked like a picture of his life inside that window. He watched his family and the woman and child who had become a part of that family.

  They all talked and smiled. They exchanged hugs. A moment later Laura and Abigail walked back through the doors, and he was still standing there. He brushed a hand through his hair and managed a smile for Abigail.

  “Is Granny Myrna going to be okay?” Abigail’s eyes filled with tears.

  Jesse squatted next to her. He put his stethoscope around her neck and let her listen to her own heart.

  “Cool, huh?”

  She nodded, big gray eyes luminous with unshed tears. He looked up at her mom and saw a twin look of grief in her eyes. He smiled at them both.

  “She’s going to be fine. I promise.”

  Laura shook her head. “Jesse.”

  He knew her hang-up with promises. He took the stethoscope off Abigail’s neck and stood.

  “Laura, I promise.”

  She started to object and he shook his head. “I’m telling you, she’s fine. If there weren’t a dozen people crowded in that room, I’d take Abigail in and show her. I can’t do that so I’m telling you—Granny Myrna is good.”

  “We’ll be able to see her tomorrow?” Abigail’s little hand found its way into his.

  “Yes, you will.” He smiled down at her. “So you take your mom home, cuddle up and get some sleep.”

  Abigail slipped her hand from his and reached for her mom. He watched them walk across the parking lot, get in their car and leave. He watched as a little hatchback pulled through the parking lot, slowed down and then took off.

  When he turned around, Jackson was waiting for him.

  “You never know what God’s going to do, brother.” Jackson pounded him on the back. “And for a planner like you, that’s pretty rough.”

  Jesse shook his head and walked inside, away from his all-too-happily married brother.

  Chapter Fifteen

  People were streaming into Dawson Community Church when Laura pulled into the parking lot on Sunday. She saw a few cars she recognized. Jackson’s family was there, as was Reese’s. She searched for the black truck that belonged to Jesse and saw it on the far side of the parking lot.

  He had called her this morning to let her know his grandmother was doing well. He’d stayed at the hospital with her.

  Laura parked her car and looked back at Abigail, who smiled because she didn’t know that last night Ryan had followed them to the gas station where he’d approached Laura while she pumped gas. He wanted money. He had to have money. She had thought about calling the police but then she worried that he’d find a way to frame her, to make sure she lost Abigail for good.

  “Mommy, it’s time to get out of the car.”

  Laura nodded and unbuckled her seat belt. “You’re right. We need to hurry.”

  She and Abigail were together. They were going to church together. They had a home. Ryan couldn’t take that away from them. She wouldn’t let him.

  Abigail reached for her purple Bible and her doll. “Do they have a class for me?”

  “I’m sure they do.”

  Laura led her daughter up the steps of the church. The man standing in the vestibule smiled and handed them a program.

  “We have children’s church for the little ones.” He looked inside the sanctuary. “Let me see if I can find someone to show you where the class is.”

  “I’m sure we can find it.” Laura smiled down at her daughter. “Can’t we?”

  Abigail nodded and held tightly to her hand.

  “It’s through the door, right over there.” He pointed. “To the end of the hall and then left. They meet in the fellowship hall for Children’s Church.”

  “Thank you.”

  Laura knew that everyone turned to watch them. She kept her eyes focused on the door, and Abigail hurried along behind her.

  “Mommy, I can stay with you.”

  “Do you want to stay with me?” Laura slowed her pace and whispered the question. “It’s up to you.”

  Abigail chewed on her bottom lip and then shook her head.

  “No, I want to meet other kids.”

  “Okay, Children’s Church it is.” Laura hurried Abigail through the door and down the hall to the big fellowship hall with tables and chairs pushed up against the walls to make room for the kids who were already lined up and starting to sing.

  “Abigail!” Jade Cooper hurried to greet them. Laura smiled at the young teen with the sandy-blond hair and big hazel eyes.

  “Hi, Jade. I’m sure Abigail’s glad she picked Children’s Church now.”

  Jade reached for Abigail’s hand. “I told her I’d be here helping the teachers today.”

  Laura hugged her daughter one last time. “Be good for Jade.”

  Another step that should have been easy but wasn’t. Letting go. Laura told herself to walk away. Abigail would be fine. They’d be together for lunch, and then Laura would take her back to the Coopers for another week. Soon she would have her every day.

  “Laura, wait.”

  Laura turned and smiled at the woman running toward her. Long brown hair, a sweet smile, long flowing skirt.

  “Madeline, hello.” Jackson Cooper’s wife.

  “Sit with me?” Madeline drew in a
breath as she got close. “I know how hard it is walking into church, not knowing anyone or where to sit.”

  Laura nearly sighed with relief. “It isn’t easy.”

  Madeline linked an arm through Laura’s. “It gets easier. People are curious, but they want you here. And of course they want to know what’s going on between you and one of the most eligible bachelors in Oklahoma.”

  Laura stopped walking. “But there’s nothing going on. Jesse’s leaving and I have Abigail to think about.”

  “Laura, I get it, I really do. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

  “It isn’t your fault.” She managed a smile. “Let’s face the music.”

  They walked through the door together. People were seated, and the music had started. Laura searched for an empty pew. There were a few at the back. Madeline seemed oblivious, and she had a strong grip on Laura’s arm.

  “This way,” Madeline whispered. “The Coopers always sit in the front two pews.”

  “I’m not a...” Cooper. But Madeline didn’t give her a chance to object.

  “You’re an honorary member.” Madeline led her down the aisle. “And that’s a blessing, I promise.”

  The Coopers stood as they approached, giving them a chance to squeeze in and take the empty spaces in the middle of the second pew. They were sitting, getting settled, when everyone stood again.

  Laura grabbed her Bible and thought she’d move down or to the back of the church. Instead Madeline gripped her arm.

  “Stay, there’s room. It’s just Jesse.”

  Jesse slid into the space next to Laura, smiled and sat down. He looked tired. Whiskers shadowed his lean cheeks and his hair looked to have been brushed with his hands after sleeping in a chair all night.

  “Glad you made it,” he leaned to whisper.

  “Me, too.”

  The choir went forward and the service started. Laura focused on the music, on the cross at the front of the sanctuary and then on the message about hope. She found herself in that message. Because hope was all she’d had for so long. Hope that she’d find a way back to her life. Hope that she’d get her daughter back.

  Hope.