The Right Cowboy

by Rebecca Winters

  They’d always been on the same wavelength.

  “When the jeweler showed me the different cuts, I was immediately drawn to this one for that very reason and asked him to set it in yellow gold.”

  Her smile lit up his universe before she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him long and hard. “I adore you, Cole.”

  Being with her like this had made him euphoric. He pressed her back against the pillows. When they finally came up for air he said, “If I’d run off with you long ago, I couldn’t have given you a ring or offered you a life.”

  She burrowed her face in his neck. “Let’s not think about the past.”

  “Agreed. We’ve got a future to plan. The first thing I want to do is let Sam and Louise know we’re engaged. They’ll be overjoyed for us.”

  “I believe they will, and I want to thank them for letting us stay here.”

  “We’ll do that. When we get back to Whitebark, we’ll drive to your parents’ so I can ask them for your hand.”

  “They’re old-fashioned. They’ll love it.”

  He kissed her mouth passionately. “After that we’ll get my horse trailer and go pick up your mare. She can stay in my barn. From now on let’s spend all our time off together whenever possible.”

  Tamsin hugged him with surprising strength. “It’s like a dream. I can hardly believe this is real.” She held up her hand to look at the ring again, but dazzling as it was, it couldn’t match the glow in her eyes.

  “There’s a lot more to come. I want to walk through the ranch house with you and get your ideas. By the time we’re married, I want it refurbished and ready for us. Sam and Louise have always had their own apartment with us, but it’s asking a lot of you. I don’t know how you feel about that.”

  She caught his face in her hands. “They’ve been your family for a very long time. In time I hope they’ll include me in theirs.”

  Overcome with emotion, Cole crushed her to him. “You couldn’t have said anything to make me happier. I love them and love you for feeling the way you do.”

  “I already love them because it’s very clear they love you.” She kissed the line of his hard jaw. “Do you think you can plan some of your work for the state to be done over weekends? If you do that, then I can go with you and help you look for elk.”

  “I’m planning on it.”

  “I wish we were married right now.”

  “But we’re not, so I want you to get inside my sleeping bag.”

  “Cole?”

  “I plan to be your husband when I make love to you for the first time, so don’t tempt me.”

  “But a minute ago—”

  “A minute ago I was a desperate man!” He stood up so she could get under the covers. Once she was settled, he stretched out next to her and pulled her close. “Help me to control my desire for you, Tamsin. I can live until we’re married, knowing you have my ring on your finger. I just want to hold you for the rest of the night. Keep on hugging me, sweetheart. I’ve needed you for so long. Never let me go.”

  * * *

  TAMSIN KNEW BETTER than to argue with this extraordinary man who’d just asked her to marry him and had given her such a beautiful ring. Cole Hawkins had more integrity than anyone she’d ever known. He’d proved it in ways that had caused her to wade through rivers of sorrow, but that was all in the past now.

  She remembered what her father had once said to her after Cole had gone away. I know it’s no consolation right now, honey, but mark my words. One day the right cowboy will come along.

  Letting out a sigh, she closed her eyes and nestled as close to Cole as she could. Like Chief Black Elk, her father had been a prophet, too.

  Twelve hours later she reminded her father of those words after she and Cole had arrived at the ranch. When they pulled up to the house, her dad was just helping her mother out of the car. It looked like they’d just come home from church.

  Tamsin got out of Cole’s truck carrying a couple of small packages and ran over to hug them. He followed her. “I’m so glad you’re home!” Tamsin cried.

  “How are you, honey?”

  “Wonderful, Mom.”

  “Cole? It’s good to see you.” They shook his hand. Her parents had kept their opinions about Cole to themselves, but she knew deep down they were anxious for her now that she’d gone on an overnight with him.

  “Did you have a good time in Lander?”

  “It was an incredible experience. Sam and Louise’s teenage grandson is becoming a top bull rider, just like Cole.”

  “That’s really saying something,” her father responded.

  “They also have a daughter, Doris, who is a fabulous artist. She sells her artwork at a shop in town. Cole and I stopped by there on our way home. I bought the two of us some of her pottery and a doll for Sally to give the baby when she’s older. Doris made it from buckskin with a beaded dress and high-top beaded moccasins. I can’t wait for you to see everything.”

  Her mother lit up. “This is exciting! Let’s go in the house so I can see it. I’m afraid Sally and Lyle are over at his parents’ house with the baby this afternoon, but they’ll be back soon.” The news filled Tamsin with relief. It meant Dean wouldn’t be anywhere around.

  Once they’d gone into the living room, her father said, “Welcome back to Whitebark, Cole. It’s been a long time.”

  “Too long. There’s no place like home.”

  “Indeed there isn’t. You’re all grown up. I’m glad I finally have a chance to thank you for helping save the ranch house from catching fire. Wouldn’t you know those arsonists did their worst while we were away on a trip?”

  “They have a way of knowing when to strike. I was so relieved that no one was hurt.”

  “You can say that again.”

  “Tamsin said you’re taking precautions in case they try to cause any more trouble.”

  “I read that brochure you brought to the house. We’re on the watch for them.”

  “That’s good to hear. We’ve been asking every rancher near the Bridger Wilderness to be extra vigilant.”

  Tamsin put Sally’s package on an end table and handed the other one to her mother. “Here, Mom. Open it.”

  Inside was an eight-inch turquoise watering pot shaped like a bird with a yellow comb and a picture of a yellow sun on both sides with the rays trailing. The pot had little yellow feet.

  “That’s the cutest pot I’ve ever seen!”

  “I think it is, too. I bought a watering pot shaped like a dark red buffalo with yellow feet and yellow drawings on the sides. She makes all her own pottery. You should see the tepee around the back of their home. Doris painted all kinds of horses on the elk skin. Each one is a work of art.

  “In her house she’s painted a wall hanging I covet.” Tamsin flashed a private message to Cole. “I want one just like it.”

  A half smile broke at the corner of his mouth. “Maybe that can be arranged.”

  Her mother put the pot down on the coffee table. “Have you two eaten? You’re welcome to have dinner with us.”

  “We’d love to, but Cole needs to get back to his ranch. Before we go, we have something important to tell you.”

  “It couldn’t have to do with that diamond on your finger, could it?” Her dad didn’t miss much.

  “What?” her mother cried.

  Tamsin held out her hand. “Cole asked me to marry him last night.”

  The man standing next to her slid his arm around her waist and pulled her close. “I’ve loved her from the first moment we met in high school. We’d like your blessing.”

  Her parents looked stunned. Tamsin knew what was going through their minds. Only days ago they’d supposed she and Dean might end up together.

  “Of course you have it!” her mother cried and hugged both of them. “How soon should we be planning you
r wedding?”

  “We’re still working that out,” Cole explained. “It can’t be soon enough for me.”

  Tamsin eyed her father through moist eyes. “There’s only one thing you need to know, Dad. Whether you believe it or not, I listened to the advice you gave me nine years ago. Do you remember what it was?”

  He nodded with a smile. “I told you that one day the right cowboy would come along.”

  She beamed. “You’re looking at him.”

  To her joy, her father gave Cole a hug. “Welcome to the family. In a way it’s like you’ve always been a part of us, but it has taken a hell of a long time to make my daughter’s eyes shine like they used to.”

  Tamsin could tell her father’s words had touched Cole. He put his arm around her again and squeezed her hip as her parents walked them out to Cole’s truck. She waved from the open window.

  “Don’t forget to give Sally the doll. I’ll call her later tonight and tell her our news. Love you.”

  As they drove away, Cole grasped her hand and kissed it. “I’m surprised your mom and dad were so accepting of me.”

  “If you want to know the truth, I’m positive they’ve gone back in the house jumping for joy. Their lovesick daughter has just been cured of a disease she came down with nine years ago. It’s been touch and go ever since.”

  Cole’s rich, happy laughter filled the cab’s interior. It seemed like forever since she’d heard that full-bodied sound. But when his phone rang, she was brought back to reality knowing he had to answer it. The conversation didn’t last long before he hung up.

  “Which work needs you most?” she teased.

  “There was another fire last night, this time at the Naylor ranch. He owns more property than anyone else around and has that private runway on his ranch that brings in elk hunters from all over the country. The arson commander has called a meeting with the brass. In fact, it has already started. Chief Powell took a chance I was back from Lander. I have to be there.”

  “Let’s go to the station right now. I’ll drive to the apartment. When you’re through, call me and I’ll pick you up.”

  “Thanks for understanding. If it doesn’t last long, we’ll drive to the ranch for my horse trailer. I’d like to bring your mare back tonight.”

  “That can wait. We’ll do it after my work tomorrow.”

  He nodded and drove fast to reach the station. The ladder truck was out in front, ready for the next run. After pulling to a stop in front, Cole reached across the seat to kiss her. “I love you,” he said before levering himself from the cab. By the time she got out and walked around to climb behind the wheel, he’d disappeared inside.

  Tamsin was glad the department was having another meeting. The sooner they caught the arsonists, the sooner he would give up firefighting and they could get married.

  * * *

  COLE WALKED INTO the conference room while Holden Granger was talking and found an empty seat in the back. The chief nodded to him.

  “With the help of Norm Selkirk, head of County Law Enforcement, we’ve discovered the name of one Sublette County rancher who has made many trips to the eastern border of Wyoming this year and last to buy gasoline. Norm saw a pattern and started checking all the towns from Gillette and Newcastle to Lusk and Cheyenne. The rancher’s actions are highly suspicious since he has to cross the state each time, but I’ll ask Norm to give you the details.”

  The other man stood up. “Thanks, Holden. We’ve pinpointed this man because he made all his purchases in February and March of both years. He’s been very clever to only go once to any one station. We’ve discovered he used a silver 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 one-ton truck with a fifty-gallon auxiliary tank an arsonist could use. But consider that it was three years ago.”

  That sounded about right to Cole. One of those ugly duallies.

  “What makes this case so difficult is that none of the ranchers whose property was targeted ever saw anything suspicious. So how did this arsonist spread the accelerant so fast without anyone being aware?

  “I talked to a convenience store clerk in Torrington who remembered the guy because the machine outside couldn’t read his credit card. He had to bring it inside and while they chatted, the clerk said the man mentioned he needed gas for his generator in case the power went out.

  “We know who this cattle rancher is, but his identity has been protected by state law. After some further investigation, we’ve learned more. Three years ago, brucellosis was confirmed in his herd of cattle and his ranch was put into quarantine, but it was kept quiet.”

  Cole could relate. The news often set off panic amongst other ranchers.

  “Those cases stemmed from exposure to diseased elk, of course. I was able to talk to the state veterinarian. She was able to identify the prevalence of brucellosis.

  “The quarantine held until the positive cattle were identified and euthanized. After three different inspections of the rest of the cattle that turned up negative, the quarantine was lifted. We have reason to believe this man had a strong revenge motive and is the one responsible for committing arson along with some helpers. But we don’t have proof until we catch him in the act.”

  He sat down and Holden took over once more. “We’ve identified the other cattle ranches in our area near the Bridger Wilderness that could be their next targets. Last night four sets of haystacks set on fire at the Naylor ranch are a case in point. One of them caused a grass fire that burned twenty acres.”

  Cole had gotten engaged last night, thus missing that fire. He found it incredible that the arsonists had been so brazen. But it didn’t surprise him.

  “With the help of the forest service and other law enforcement agencies from the bordering counties of Lincoln and Teton who can add manpower over the next month, we’re doubling patrols of the vulnerable areas here. I’ll leave the last word to Commander Rich.”

  The older man stood up. “I can’t tell you how important it is that we stop this man in his tracks. You men are on the front lines in this war zone. If you see or hear anything in the days to come—something that sends up a red flag—Sheriff Granger needs to hear about it immediately. He’s manning our communication center.”

  Once the meeting disbanded, Cole phoned Tamsin to come and get him. Until she arrived, he chatted with some of the guys out by the ladder truck. While they were discussing what Norm had told them, an idea came into his head and it wouldn’t let go. He couldn’t wait to get out of there and do some investigating on his own.

  When Tamsin pulled up in front, he climbed in the passenger side and leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Will you drive us to your apartment? I want to spend the rest of the evening with you more than anything, but something came up at the meeting I have to take care of, so I’ll drop you off. Tomorrow when you’re through with work, we’ll grab a bite to eat and get your horse stalled in my barn.”

  Much as he would like to share his thoughts with her, he couldn’t. No one could know what he was up to.

  “I should have known our little holiday was too good to last, but I’m not going to complain. You’ve made me too happy.”

  “Tell me about it.” He caressed the back of her neck beneath her silky hair. Cole wanted her for his wife and needed to solve this arson case ASAP.

  “I talked to Sally while I was waiting for your call. She told me she always knew I would end up with you.”

  He grinned. “Do you think there’s a chance she’ll stop hating me one day?”

  “If you asked her that question to her face, she would tell you she wished she could have hated you all these years. It would have been a lot easier than having a crush on you from a distance.”

  “You made that up.”

  She laughed. “No, I didn’t. She said to tell you welcome to the family at long last.”

  He chuckled. “Did you talk to Lyle?”

  She shook her h
ead. “I decided it was better she tell him first. He’ll know what to say to Dean. By the way, Sally adores the doll I bought for the baby. She wants me to take her to that shop one day soon.”

  “We’ll plan on it.”

  Too soon they pulled up in front of her apartment. Darkness had crept up on them and clouds obscured the moon. Cole jumped out and hurried around to lift her from the driver’s seat. This way he could envelop her in his arms and kiss her thoroughly before he let her go.

  “Call me tomorrow when you get a minute,” he whispered against her lips. “I’ll be out mending fences with Sam.”

  “I’ll need your new phone number, remember?”

  “Amazing that we’ve managed this long without them.” After another deep kiss, they programmed their cell phones and she hurried up the steps to her apartment. He waited until she was safely inside to turn on lights and had come back out to wave him off.

  He waved back and sped through town to reach the ranch in record time. Sam’s truck was parked around the side. They must have come back earlier and left a light on for him.

  As soon as he unloaded his gear from their trip, Cole rushed inside to the den and got on his desktop computer. Because of his work with brucellosis, he had a security password to access certain files at the state lab. It was almost midnight when he found the case he knew in his gut was the one to which Norm had referred.

  Quentin Ellsworth. He lived on a small spread seven miles out of town off the highway leading to Cora.

  Cole knew the Ellsworth name well enough because the rancher had two sons. Both had gone to the same high school as Cole. The one named Silas was Cole’s age, a long-distance runner who went to college in Arizona on a track scholarship. The other son, Ezra, was Sally’s age. He’d done some bronco riding in the teenage rodeo. Over the years Cole had lost track of both of them.

  So it was the cattle on the Ellsworth ranch that had gotten hit with the disease and made Cole believe Mr. Ellsworth could be the culprit wanting revenge. According to the file, one hundred and twenty cows out of the six hundred had to be put down three years ago. Losing that many animals would have set him back a lot financially, especially when the whole herd was under quarantine. The same thing had happened to Cole’s father.