Counting on the Cowboy

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “Without letting Landry know what’s going on.” Worry dwelled in the depths of her blue eyes.

  “Of course. I think it’s time to fill him in on the forged signature too.” He jogged toward his quarters. Whoever was doing this was stooping to an all-time low. Attacking a pregnant lady’s business. And not just any pregnant lady. His friend’s wife. And Devree’s sister. Whatever it took, he’d find the culprit and remove that worry from her eyes.

  * * *

  “Who would pull this?” Chase stalked toward the barn.

  “Maybe we’ll know soon.” Devree had to practically run to keep up with him and Brock.

  “You should have stayed at the house,” he barked over his shoulder. “This might get ugly.”

  “I have a right to know who’s trying to disrupt my sister’s life.”

  They made it to the barn and the foreman met them under the shade of a live oak. “What’s going on?”

  “This may sound like a strange question, Troy.” Chase adjusted his cowboy hat. “But have any of the hands smelled like skunk lately?”

  “Not that I’ve noticed. What’s this about?”

  “We’ve had some vandalism lately. I know it sounds crazy.” Chase filled him in on the mice, the rooster, the cows, the forged signature and the skunk. “We’re just trying to figure out who.”

  “I’m sorry for the trouble and the lost guests, but I can’t imagine any of my crew pulling such shenanigans. They’re all hard workers. I’d vouch for every one of them.”

  “Has anybody called in sick in the last few days?” Brock shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

  “Lee Jackson. He was out today and yesterday with that upper respiratory crud that’s been going around. Sounded horrible on the phone. You don’t think it’s him? He’s a go-getter and he’s never missed a day’s work before.”

  “We’re just trying to get to the bottom of this.” Devree tried to soften it. “And please don’t tell Landry any of it. We have to shield her from the stress.”

  “Of course not. I’m praying for the baby and the missus.”

  Chase squeezed Troy’s shoulder. “Thanks. It means a lot.”

  “I did hear something strange today though.”

  “What’s that?”

  “One of the hands was at a bar in town last weekend. He said Wilson Carter was in there bragging about how some guy paid him to quit his job here.”

  “That is strange.” Chase frowned. “Let me know if you hear anything else.”

  “Will do, boss.”

  Chase headed back to the house. “If I get Lee’s address, can you drive over with me and see if his place smells like skunk?”

  “Yes,” Devree and Brock answered in unison as they followed Chase.

  “Not you.” Chase stopped long enough to point a finger at her. “You stay out of this. I shouldn’t have let you go to the barn. The vandal may have heard us and try something stupid. I’ve already got one woman to protect, and I don’t need two.”

  “I’ll go.” Brock met her gaze. “Without you.”

  She stared him down, but he didn’t give an inch. They climbed the steps of the ranch-house porch. “Who’s Wilson Carter?” Brock asked.

  “Our old handyman.” Paid to leave Chase in the lurch. This definitely wasn’t about her. She stopped as the two men went inside. They didn’t seem to notice, and she bolted for Brock’s truck.

  Thankfully, it wasn’t locked and she climbed in the back seat, hunkered down. The cab was hot as an oven.

  Minutes later, the crunch of footsteps on gravel. Both front doors of the cab opened and she held her breath as the men climbed in.

  “Where did Devree go?” Chase asked.

  “I didn’t see her. Maybe she went to the chapel to decorate some more for the wedding tomorrow.”

  “I should have told Dad to keep an eye on her too. I figured I’d have to physically block her from getting in the truck with us. She’s too stubborn for her own good.”

  “She loves her sister to a fault though. When it comes down to it, you can’t condemn her for that.”

  “I guess not.”

  She grinned. Several miles down the road, she raised up. “Hey, guys.”

  Brock’s eyes widened, met hers in the rearview mirror. “Don’t you have a wedding chapel to decorate?”

  “Should have known. Turn the truck around, Brock,” Chase growled.

  “There’s no time,” she insisted. “Lee Jackson might be washing his truck down in tomato juice as we speak.”

  Brock’s eyes narrowed.

  She didn’t flinch.

  “You’re not going. Turn around right here.” Chase pointed out a wide driveway.

  Brock slowed the truck.

  She closed her eyes. “Think about it, Chase. What if it’s not Lee? Maybe our thug was lurking in the barn listening. If I go with you, I’ll be safe.”

  A sigh huffed out of him and Brock sped up again.

  She should be decorating the chapel. But there was no way she’d be able to focus while some lunatic tried to put her sister out of business.

  Chapter Nine

  Brock had a bad feeling about this. They should have taken Devree back.

  “According to the mailboxes, it should be the next drive on the right.” She pointed up ahead.

  “You stay in the truck,” Chase ordered.

  “I have a really good nose.”

  “In the truck, I said.”

  “Maybe I’ll just roll down the windows.”

  Brock slowed, saw the house number on the box, and turned in. A white pickup in the drive. As he opened the door, a whiff of skunk assailed him.

  “Smell that?” Devree announced from the back seat. “I think we’ve got him.”

  “And you’re staying here.”

  “What about calling the police?”

  “No. He’s just a kid. I’m gonna try to figure out his angle and fire him. Maybe he just needs another chance.”

  “You’re a good guy, Chase. For all your bluster, deep down, you’re a softy.”

  “Grrr,” he growled. “Don’t tell anybody. Either one of you.”

  Brock and Chase got out of the truck. As they neared the farmhouse, Brock looked back a few times, expecting to see Devree. He was anticipating having to physically pick her up and stuff her back in the cab, then one of them sticking around to babysit her in order to make her stay put.

  But she didn’t get out. Maybe for all her bluster, this confrontation frightened her. Or she respected her brother-in-law enough not to cause him further stress. Either way, he was glad she’d surrendered.

  Chase knocked on the door.

  “I’m sick,” hollered a voice from inside, followed by a round of coughing.

  “It’s Chase Donovan. I need to talk to you.”

  “I’m contagious.”

  “Come outside.”

  “I don’t want you to get sick.”

  Chase turned the door knob. Unlocked. “Come out or I’m coming in.”

  “Okay, okay.” The floor creaked from inside. The door opened a crack. A young cowboy, barely twenty, turned away and went into a fit of coughing.

  Sounded fake. They waited for it to end.

  “I smell skunk.” Chase glared at the kid.

  The kid’s face went red. “I hit one with my truck on the way home from the doctor today.”

  “Or was that Tuesday night and you brought it back to the ranch and stuck it in the dryer vent of the old fishing cabin to go along with the mouse infestation you caused. You also cut the fence so Rusty got out, along with the hole in the cows’ fence, and forged my signature on the work order for the petting zoo.”

  “I—I—I,” the kid stammered. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

 
“I think you do.” Chase didn’t back down. He looked as if he might tear into the kid.

  “Okay, you’re right. I did all those things. Are you gonna call the cops?”

  “If you tell me why you vandalized my ranch, I might give you another chance.”

  “Nash Porter is my uncle.” The kid swallowed hard. “He couldn’t pay his bills, got drunk and ended up in jail. All because of you.”

  Chase’s jaw clenched. “I fired him because he made the women at the ranch uncomfortable, he was disrespectful and insubordinate. You’re fired too. I better not see you around my place again, and if I hear of you getting in any more trouble, I’ll call the police. Are we clear?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “We’ll mail your final check.” Chase turned away.

  “You’re getting a second chance.” Brock told the kid. “Use it for good and don’t end up like your uncle.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Brock followed Chase to his truck, opened the door.

  “What happened?” Devree asked from the back seat.

  “He admitted everything.” Brock met her gaze in the rearview mirror as he started the engine, backed out of the drive.

  “Why?”

  “His uncle is the troublemaker I told you about. I didn’t know they were related.” Chase sighed. “Lee blamed me for his uncle ending up in jail.”

  “What about Wilson Carter? Did Lee’s uncle pay him off?”

  “I doubt it since he couldn’t pay his bills.”

  “Why don’t we go ask Wilson who paid him? He lives around here, right?”

  “I’m sure part of his job was to keep quiet about it. He probably doesn’t even remember spouting off in the bar.”

  “Did you call the police? Sounds like Lee’s on the same track as his uncle.”

  “No. I gave him a chance to turn it around.”

  “I sure hope he takes advantage of it.”

  “Me too.”

  “Well, at least we got to the bottom of it.” Brock turned onto the highway. “Maybe things will settle down now.”

  “Once Landry has the baby, I’ll tell her about all this and how you gave that boy a second chance.” Devree patted Chase’s shoulder.

  “You’ll ruin my reputation.”

  “You’re gonna be a great dad.”

  Her gaze met Brock’s in the mirror. Mutual respect for Chase passing between them without words. Maybe they did have something in common.

  * * *

  Devree was cutting it close with her wedding party arriving today and the rehearsal tonight. She wound tulle around the pillars on each side of the stage, draping it just so. She’d done it so many times, she could almost do it in her sleep. Next, the ivy-and-pearl garland.

  The door to the chapel opened. “Heard you could use a hand.” Brock strode up the aisle.

  “I thought you were busy with Chase and Landry’s house.”

  “I did too. But Landry doesn’t want you climbing the ladder in here alone.”

  “Well, you’re too late, I’ve already been up there and I’m none the worse for wear. She’s a worrier, but I’m fine.” Finished with the pillars, she started to move the ladder to the lattice archway behind where the preacher would stand.

  His hands landed on hers. “I’ll get that.”

  Warmth moved up her arms. Reluctantly, she pulled away. “Over here, then. Underneath the archway.”

  He placed the ladder for her as she grabbed more tulle from a plastic bin and started up the rungs.

  “I can do the climbing if you’ll tell me what to do.”

  “I’m fine. And you don’t seem like a decorating guru.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment. Guess I’ll stand here and make sure you don’t fall, then.”

  She climbed the ladder, wound the tulle through the lattice. “Can you hand me the ivy-and-pearl garland.”

  “This?” He held up the greenery.

  She took it from him, wound it among the tulle, then started down the ladder to do the sides. But her foot slipped. “Oh!” She teetered, lost her balance. Strong arms caught her, lowered her safely to her feet but didn’t let go.

  “What are you thinking climbing a ladder barefoot?”

  “It was either that or my heels.”

  “Why do you always wear those ridiculous stilts?”

  “The wedding party is arriving today. I wanted to look the part.”

  His gaze held hers prisoner, then lowered to her mouth as he dipped his head.

  Her breath hitched as his lips neared hers.

  The chapel door opened and they sprang apart.

  “Devree. It’s lovely.” Millicent Brighton stepped inside. “Miranda will be so happy.”

  “Thanks for putting so much into our little girl’s special day.” Phillip Brighton followed her as they continued down the aisle.

  “Every bride should have the perfect wedding. This is Brock McBride.” She managed to keep her voice steady. “He’s the handyman here. My sister was worried about me being on the ladder, so she sent Brock to help. I’m finished with the high stuff now, if you need to go.”

  “If you do any more ladder climbing, call me.”

  “I will.”

  He turned away, strolled down the aisle and out the door.

  As the bride’s parents chattered on about the quaint chapel, the decorations and the wedding, one thought crowded everything else out.

  Brock had almost kissed her.

  And even more than that—she’d wanted him to.

  * * *

  The wedding rehearsal and dinner kept Devree busy for the rest of the day and evening. Brock hadn’t seen her since he’d almost tested the sweetness of her lips. Something he hadn’t planned on. Not at all. The attraction between them was getting out of hand.

  Yet, it was more than attraction. She was empathetic, loyal and family meant everything to her. The kind of woman who, once she committed her heart to someone, wouldn’t leave. The kind of woman he’d looked for his whole adult life. But, there was the Dallas-thing. And that created a big hurdle.

  He tucked the kennel under his arm, grabbed the bag of food and supplies, then hurried to the cabin. The light was on inside. Huh? He hesitated. Maybe the bride and groom? No, the bride had a room in the ranch house and the groom was in one of the hunting cabins. They weren’t scheduled to be here until after the ceremony tomorrow night.

  Had Lee Jackson come back to cause more trouble? Brock set his load down, opened the door, ready for battle.

  Devree whirled around, her mouth open, obviously ready to scream. Instead, she clamped a hand to her heart. “What are you doing here?”

  “I could ask the same thing?”

  “Making sure there are no stray mice.”

  “I told you I didn’t want you coming here alone.”

  “Lee Jackson doesn’t work here anymore.”

  “But he might be mad he got fired and he doesn’t live far enough away for my comfort. And don’t forget, someone is willing to pay people to disrupt things around here.”

  “But we’re onto them both. Surely they won’t pull anything else. So why are you here?”

  “Same as you.”

  A meow sounded from the porch.

  “What was that?”

  “My solution. Come on, I’ll show you.” He stepped out, waited for her to follow, then opened the kennel. The orange-and-white cat tumbled out. He filled the bowl with food as the cat checked out his new territory.

  “He’s so cute.”

  “I got him from the lady at the coffee shop. She said he’s a great mouser. There are two more in the barn.”

  “Will they stay here?” Devree squatted, reached her hand palm up toward the cat, but he ignored her, rubbed against Brock’s leg and then went to the foo
d bowl.

  “He’ll warm up to you. The barn will be safe and they’ll stick around as long as we feed them and there aren’t any dogs to pester them.”

  “But Chase is considering getting a dog.”

  “We’ll find one that doesn’t mind cats.”

  The cat finished eating, slinked over and rubbed against Devree’s leg. She stooped and he let her pick him up. “Oh, you’re just a little sweetie.” She rubbed her cheek against the cat, scratched his jaw until he purred. “I’ve always wanted a cat, but Mom is allergic, and my apartment doesn’t allow pets.”

  “I think he likes you and wants to be yours.”

  “But I’m not staying here. And I wouldn’t be able to take him home when I leave.”

  She still thought of Dallas as home. How could he even think about getting involved with her? But as she set the cat down, he was drawn to her once more.

  “Maybe Morris can be my cat while I’m here. And after I leave, he can be yours.”

  “I’m not planning on staying, either.” Especially, if she didn’t. “But I guess that’ll work. For now. Why Morris?”

  “Remember those old cat food commercials with the orange cat?”

  He did. But she intrigued him more. Intent on finishing what he’d started yesterday, he stepped close. “I was hoping you might decide to stay. I mean—Landry will need you even after the baby comes.”

  Her gaze locked on his. “Is that the only reason?”

  “No.” He dipped his head and she stood on tiptoe as he slipped his arms around her waist. Their lips met, soft and sweet as her hands inched up his shoulders.

  But she stiffened, pulled away. “We can’t do this. I’m only here to relieve my sister’s stress and ace a wedding. I have a business to revamp back in Dallas. A relationship with you won’t fit into the plan.”

  “I’m sorry.” Regret spread warm and heavy in his chest. “I shouldn’t have done that and it won’t happen again.” His arms dropped to his sides and he walked away. He didn’t stop until he slipped inside his quarters.

  What had he been thinking? He hadn’t. She was intent on leaving him behind for her beloved city, just like his mother had.