A Cowboy's Luck

by Vicki Lewis Thompson

  “Then do it. I’d love to see you.” His solid presence would be welcome

  “Wes warned me that you have a lot of projects in the pipeline, though.”

  “That’s true, but I’d love to see you, Dad. And besides, we have something special happening on Tuesday.” She gave him a brief rundown. “So come Monday and stay through Tuesday night, okay? Wes swears the couch is comfortable.”

  “He told me the same thing. All right, you twisted my arm.”

  “Great! See you soon.”

  Her dad’s impending visit galvanized her and she worked feverishly the rest of Saturday and all day Sunday. She let Ingrid and Abigail know he was coming for a couple of days so he could take in Tuesday’s spectacle.

  Abigail planned to close Pie in the Sky Tuesday afternoon in line with most of the businesses in town. After getting permission from Michael and Bryce, she’d created cookies in the shape of a t-shirt, covered them in dark chocolate frosting, and outlined the logo in white frosting.

  When Roxanne went down to the bakery to wait for her dad to arrive, she bought six of the t-shirt cookies so he’d get a chance to see and taste them in case they sold out before he arrived. Abigail and Ingrid were struggling to keep up with the demand and had no time to sit and chat.

  The atmosphere in the bakery reflected the mood of the town—slightly manic. Surely Michael was caught up in the craziness and she fought the urge to call or send a text letting him know she wished him well. Thank goodness her dad was coming. She needed to redirect her nervous energy.

  When his battered but smooth-running truck pulled up outside, she grabbed the bag of cookies and went to meet him. Hugging her dad and breathing in the familiar scent of his aftershave always calmed her. Some people swore by meditation or yoga as a stress reducer. All she needed was a loving embrace from Quinn Sawyer.

  He regarded her with fondness. “How’s your knee?”

  “Fine, Dad. I can go up and down the stairs, no problem. I have sandwich fixings in the apartment and special cookies in this bag.”

  “Sounds perfect, honeybun.” He followed her upstairs and they worked together to put together the sandwiches and make coffee. Patterns established years ago kicked in and the meal was on the table in no time.

  She smiled at him. “You’re so easy to be with. We think alike, act alike. Wes and I do, too. It’s great.”

  “It can be.”

  “You should know. You and Mom were like that.”

  “Actually, we weren’t.”

  “What?”

  “Your mom’s personality was very different from mine.”

  “I don’t understand what you’re—”

  “I know, honeybun.” Ignoring his sandwich, he rested his forearms on the table and gazed at her. “And I’ve done you kids a disservice in the way I’ve described our relationship.”

  Her world shifted. “But you loved each other, right?”

  “Passionately.”

  She let out a sigh of relief. “That’s what I thought.”

  “But I’m afraid I gave you the impression that it was smooth sailing. Pete’s old enough to know it wasn’t. Even Gage has a better understanding. But you and Wes, not so much. Grief makes people revise history, I guess. But your mom was no saint.”

  “Of course she wasn’t. I’m old enough to realize that. But you two were on the same page. That’s the important thing.”

  He shook his head. “We weren’t even reading the same book. Sabrina and I were as different as two people can be.”

  “That can’t be true.”

  “It is. I’m the guy who needs to take new ideas apart, put them under a microscope, examine them for flaws.”

  “She wasn’t like that?”

  “She was nothing like that. While I analyzed, she chafed at the bit, wanting everything to happen faster. We didn’t argue a lot, but when we did, it was a barn-burner.”

  “That’s so hard to believe.”

  “Again, my fault. I gave you a watered-down version of our life together. She was passionate and impulsive, quick-witted and highly creative. Living with her was often a challenge for me and vice versa, I’m sure.” He paused. “I see her in you.”

  “Well, sure, because I look like her.”

  “That’s partly it, but there’s also the passion and creativity I’ve sensed in you from day one. You’re an interesting blend of the two of us.”

  She gazed at him. “That explains some things.” Like inviting a certain person up to her apartment on a first date.

  “I’ll bet it does. Roxanne, I loved your mother, not despite her differences but because of them. She was the most exciting woman I’d ever met.”

  Her breath caught.

  “Did I hit a nerve?”

  “It’s just that I’ve had that exact thought about Michael.”

  He nodded. “I’m not surprised. I could tell when I met him he’s a go-getter. After listening to Wes rattle on about what a bad choice Michael would be because you have completely different approaches to life, I had to come and talk to you.”

  “Well, you don’t have to worry about Michael and me. It’s over.” And if she hurt like hell, too bad.

  “If that’s true, it’s a shame.”

  “It’s for the best.”

  “Is it?” He reached over and squeezed her hand. “Are you sure about that?”

  “Dad, he proposed Friday night. We’ve known each other less than a month! Does that sound like someone I should be with?”

  “It sounds like someone in love with you.”

  “He said he loves me, but—”

  “You don’t believe him?”

  “I’m afraid to. We’re so different. You and Mom made it work, but it could have gone the other way.”

  “You take that risk in any relationship. Do you love him?”

  “I don’t want to.”

  “That’s not what I asked.”

  She took a deep breath and met her dad’s gaze. “Yes, I love him.”

  “Then please consider that before you walk away. The more I listened to Wes, the more I began to wonder if Michael is the one you were meant to be with.”

  “You mean like fate threw us together?”

  “Something like that.” He paused. “But I can see the idea scares you a little.”

  “It scares me a lot. He seems so sure we belong together, but how can he be? How could I be? At least you and mom were high school sweethearts. You had time to get to know each other.”

  He smiled. “I was a sophomore in high school the first time I laid eyes on your mother. I told my buddies I’d met the girl I was going to marry. The following week I told her the same thing.”

  Her heart beat faster. “Kids say nutty things like that.”

  “Sure. But in this case, I had no doubt. Still don’t, all these years later. It’s possible Michael is as certain about you as I was about your mother.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Monday night. Twenty hours and counting before the Guzzling Grizzly had its shining moment on national news. Michael paused to take stock and check the notes on his tablet. His To Do list was shrinking. Not fast enough to suit him but shrinking, nevertheless.

  All five temp servers showed an aptitude for the job, thank God. He, Bryce, Jenny and Ellen had shadowed them Sunday night and were continuing again tonight, leaving Tansy in charge of the bar for most of the time. So far, so good.

  Tomorrow he’d be behind the bar with Tansy and Trevor, Bryce’s twin. Trevor was an experienced bartender and had made sure he wouldn’t be on call at the firehouse. Bryce would pitch in when he wasn’t performing with Nicole.

  Ryker McGavin and Badger Calhoun, both Air Force vets, had volunteered to handle crowd control. A whole lot of people would show up, but they’d be Eagles Nesters.

  The term made him smile but it also gave him comfort. Eagles Nesters wouldn’t suddenly become an unruly mob. They were proud of their town and would want it to look good on national TV.
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br />   Nicole’s solo act last night and tonight provided an excellent warmup to foster community spirit and cooperation. Anticipation and excitement ran high, and the boisterous singalongs gave folks a chance to blow off steam.

  Michael had joined in on a few of them. A guy couldn’t be depressed about his love life after belting out Alan Jackson’s Chattahoochee.

  When Nicole hit the first chords of Tim McGraw’s I Like It, I Love It, Michael sang that one, too. Sure, the lyrics reminded him of passionate moments with Roxanne, but the happy tune still put him in a better mood.

  Fortunately, he’d been too busy lately to spend much time in his head. He’d heard nothing from Roxanne. Yes, he was under the gun, but if she’d wanted to talk to him, he would have pried out some time in his packed schedule.

  But she hadn’t contacted him, so he was doing the best he could to ignore the ache produced by a ginormous hole in his heart. He added a little dance step as he moved between the tables while singing at the top of his lungs.

  The customers seemed to get a charge out of him. That inspired him to ham it up even more. As he danced his way between the maze of tables, he collected several high fives. A few women gave him wolf whistles.

  At the end of the song, when he’d worked up a sweat and was out of breath, he came face-to-face with all five members of the Whine and Cheese Club. One of the temps was in the process of leading them to a table.

  He stopped in mid-motion, hip cocked to the side, one hand holding the brim of his hat in what passed for a studly pose. Not the moment he would have chosen to bump into the women who’d made the CNN miracle a reality. He’d prefer that they thought of him as a serious-minded businessman.

  He braved it out with a cocky grin and a tip of his hat. “Welcome, ladies.”

  “Welcome is right, cowboy!” Deidre fanned herself. “Do that routine for the cameras tomorrow and you’ll be flooded with offers.”

  “Both proper and improper.” Kendra winked at him.

  His cheeks warmed. “Just having fun. It’s good to see you all. You here for dinner?”

  “Just drinks and the singalong,” Jo said. “Last-minute strategy meeting. Decided to do it at the GG instead of at Kendra’s house.”

  Christine nodded. “That way if we need to consult with you or Bryce about loose ends, you’re available. Didn’t know we’d get the Michael Murphy show as a bonus.”

  “It’s a one-night-only sort of deal.”

  “Then lucky us,” Deidre said.

  “Let me show you to your table.” Michael glanced at the temp. “Which one?”

  “I thought maybe ten, in the back. More room since they’ll need to add a chair.”

  “Good choice, Paula. I’ll take it from here.”

  “Yes, sir.” She seemed to be holding back laughter as she flitted away.

  Judy surveyed the room as they wound their way to the empty table. “Looks like you and Bryce have this place humming along like a well-oiled machine, Michael.”

  “That’s our hope. Let me fetch another chair.” He brought one over and they squeezed Kendra and Judy together on one side so they’d all fit. “What can I get for you ladies?”

  “Two pitchers of margaritas, please,” Deidre said.

  “Chips and salsa would be great, too,” Jo added.

  “Coming right up.” Michael headed for the bar and passed Bryce going toward their table. “Did you know they’d be here tonight?”

  “Mom said they might drop by for a last-minute strategy session. I think that’s an excuse. The truth is, they’re just too excited to sit at home tonight.”

  “I know how they feel. I’m wound tight, myself. By the way, I was planning to comp their order.”

  “No argument from me.” He grinned. “Customers sure like your dance moves, by the way. I’ve heard several positive comments. You may have to keep that in the mix from now on.”

  “Uh, no. I don’t see that happening. Just working off some tension tonight.”

  “Okay, but don’t hesitate to keep it up if the spirit moves you.”

  “Once this is over, I doubt it will.”

  “Understood. In any case, I’m glad to see you’ve perked up. You’ve seemed a little off lately.”

  “Yeah, I think I had a slight touch of the flu. I’m fine, now.”

  “Good.” Bryce clapped him on the shoulder and set off for the Whine and Cheese Club’s table.

  By the time Michael started back carrying a loaded tray of pitchers, glasses, chips and salsa, the table was empty. Bryce stood near it, arms folded, a proud smile on his face. All five women had gathered on stage with Nicole.

  Michael set the tray on the table. “What’s going on?”

  “Nicole’s idea. Have a listen.”

  “Hey, Eagles Nesters!” Nicole tossed her head, causing her mane of red curls to catch the light. “I’ve dragged these ladies up here because without them, we wouldn’t have CNN arriving tomorrow afternoon. Let’s give a whole bunch of Guzzling Grizzly love to Deidre, Christine, Judy, Jo and Kendra!”

  The room erupted in applause, whistles and cheers. Michael and Bryce added theirs to the clamor.

  When it died down, Nicole spoke again. “Not only are these women talented organizers, they can also sing and dance. They’re gonna join me in Martina McBride’s This One’s for the Girls. I invite every woman in the room to stand and rock out with us. Servers, too. Put down your trays and give it all you’ve got!”

  Michael glanced at Bryce. “Brilliant.”

  “I know. Can’t tell you how much I love that woman.”

  With Nicole’s guitar setting the pace, a chorus of female voices spilled out from the stage and from the audience. The Whine and Cheese Club moved enthusiastically to the beat. Then Ellen and Jenny threw themselves into it, dancing side-by-side. Tansy came out from behind the bar and joined them.

  Soon every woman in the place, from the youngest to the oldest, wiggled her hips and waved her arms in the air. When it was over, there was much laughing and hugging.

  Michael sighed. Roxanne would have loved it.

  He and Bryce welcomed the Whine and Cheese Club back to the table and congratulated everyone on a fine performance. Drinks were poured and toasts were made. Then he and Bryce went back to work supervising the temps.

  Sometime later, Michael was behind the bar helping Tansy finish a large order when Kendra showed up.

  He glanced at her. “Need another pitcher back there?”

  “No, just more chips and salsa, please.”

  “Be right with you.” After making a rum and Coke to complete Tansy’s order, he grabbed a tray for the chips and salsa. “I’ll bring it over if you want to head back.” He loaded a large basket with chips and added several small bowls of salsa to the tray.

  “Before I do, is there a chance I could talk to you for just a second?”

  He evaluated the situation behind the bar. Seemed under control. “Sure.” He picked up the tray. “Come on down to the end where it’s quieter.”

  She followed him and perched on the last stool. “Thanks.”

  “No problem. What’s up?”

  “I’m dying of curiosity and if anyone around here knows about this, it’s you.”

  “Okay.”

  “Someone told me that Roxanne’s dad arrived in town today and plans to stick around for T-shirt Tuesday. I figured if that was true, logically he and Roxanne would be here tonight. I mean, why not, right? But I haven’t seen them. Do you know if he’s in town?”

  “I’m sorry. I don’t.”

  Her eyes widened. “You don’t? But I thought—”

  “Roxanne and I…things aren’t exactly…”

  “Oh, dear. I was afraid something was going on with you two. When Christine told me Roxanne wasn’t willing to be on camera tomorrow, I wondered if you’d had a falling out.”

  “Not about that. Her decision not to appear on TV has nothing to do with me. I was fine with it.”

  “Oh?”

/>   “Well, not totally fine because she’d miss a great opportunity, but we didn’t argue about it. She said she didn’t want to and I told her okay. Why would I try to talk her into doing something that frightens her?”

  “Of course you wouldn’t.” Kendra gazed at him. “You care about her quite a bit, don’t you?”

  “Yes.” He cleared his throat. “I do.”

  “Is her brother part of the problem? While you and Wes were down with the horses, she mentioned he was a little over-protective.”

  “He didn’t help the situation, but I’m the one to blame. I charged ahead when I shouldn’t have.” He glanced down the bar to where Tansy was filling orders as fast as she could. “Let me get this tray over to your table. I need to—”

  “I’ll take it.” She picked up the tray. “And for what it’s worth, I think you’re an amazing guy.”

  He smiled. “That’s nice to hear.”

  “Bryce is impressed with you and so am I. If Roxanne isn’t the right person for you, then some other woman will mosey into your life. You’ll find someone special. I just know it.”

  “Except Roxanne’s the one for me.”

  She paused and gave him a long look. “Then she’s a very lucky lady.”

  “Thank you.” If only she thought so, too.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  On Tuesday morning over breakfast, Roxanne’s dad asked if there was any way he could get a shirt before the event. “But if you can’t, no worries,” he added. “I just thought it would be fun if I had one.”

  “It would, and I apologize. I could have checked around on Saturday when I knew you were coming.”

  “Your brain was in a tangle, honeybun.”

  “And yours never is, Dad. How do you do that?”

  “Practice. And the shirt’s no big deal. You got me the cookies, which were delicious, by the way. I just wanted to ask in case you had a secret source where I could buy one.”

  “I can think of two possibilities. One is Michael. He might have some at the Guzzling Grizzly. Or he might have ordered a batch and sold them already. It would be worth asking.” Her stomach clenched, but she’d make the call for her dad’s sake.