Roped and Tied [Wayback, Texas Series]

by Mallary Mitchell

  "We could beat ourselves to death over the past. It's like when I'm roping—if I think about everything I did wrong last time I won't do a good job, because every time you're in that ring, it's different. The calves are different, the horses never act the same way. There are all these little independent variables and I have to be in the present. It took me a long time to learn that. So I don't dwell too much on the past. The present has enough challenges. Speaking of challenges, Bennie told me what you did. I want to thank you."

  "It was the only right thing to do.” She gave a nervous smile.

  "I have to admit this scares me to death. I don't know how to be a dad. How does a man who never had a father learn to be a father? I want to be a good one and I feel like I'm starting the race halfway through."

  "I guess you haven't noticed how Jeb already looks up to you. He combs his hair like you. Tries to dress like you. I rarely see him anymore because he wants to be with you. I know he thinks you're doing a pretty good job and I have to admit I'm a little jealous. My two favorite men spend more time with each other than with me.” She continued, “You don't have to try, Jericho. You are a good father."

  "Thanks.” Forgetting where they were, he looked at her upturned face and kissed her lips lightly. They simply held each other's gaze for an endless second until Dylan yelled from across the arena.

  "Hey none of that! This is a family function."

  "Go back and get ready for your event.” Jericho said. He expected snide remarks from the other couples, but only smiles were on faces as one by one the seats filled in around Jericho and Eden.

  "You're J.D. Farrell!” One of the newer additions to Wayback looked at him in wonder. “Oh my gosh! I love to watch you in the arena.” She looked at her husband who nodded with his brows raised. “It's an honor to meet you. Could I get your autograph?"

  "Sure."

  Before he realized it, a line had formed. Eden had taken Jeb, who was still asleep, into her lap, and sat as he greeted his fans. He'd always been the outsider in Wayback. No matter what he did, it had never been enough to erase the fact he was a Farrell, yet here he was injured and out of commission and the fans still came. He guessed some things did change.

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  Chapter Ten

  Although the day had started dreary, the rain cleared off in the afternoon and the sun was out in force. Eden quit work a little early when Dylan showed up with Gracie and Jeb in their pool attire.

  Eden drifted on her large float her eyes closed when she heard a purring engine. She opened her eyes to see a silver Jag in her driveway.

  "Lord have mercy.” Dylan stopped playing with Jeb in the pool. Eden jumped off the float and went for her cover up by the picnic table.

  "Who's that?” Gracie asked.

  "She looks familiar, but I don't know.” Eden murmured and tied her wrapper as a woman got out of the car. “Dylan, do you know her?"

  "Oh yeah” His voice was a low growl as he looked at the woman who was walking toward the pool area.

  "Hello.” Her voice was low and she definitely wasn't from Texas. “I was told I could find Jericho Farrell here?” Was that a New Jersey accent?

  Eden walked over to the woman with Jeb in her arms. He put his head shyly on Eden's shoulder.

  "He's not here right now,” Eden offered. “Dylan, when did he and Matt say they'd be back?"

  "I don't know, Sweet Cheeks.” His voice was husky when he yelled. “They went to check on those irrigation lines."

  The woman's eyebrow raised. “Dylan? Is that you?"

  "Yeah.” Dylan didn't sound very excited.

  "Look how you've filled out. Well, I must say good looks run in the family."

  Eden didn't like this woman who was giving Dylan's physique a once over again.

  "Too bad you're taken already.” The woman glanced over at Eden with a condescending smile.

  The dark haired woman wore a pair of white Capri pants with a hot pink tank. Over the tank, she wore a sheer white blouse. Her fingernails and toenails both had the same hot pink polish that matched her top and were displayed by high heeled shiny pink sandals. Eden looked at the woman's toe ring, then back to Dylan.

  Dylan just stood there looking blankly and the woman gave an irritated huff. “I'm Stephanie. Jericho's wife, well, ex-wife.” She held out a hand to Eden. Eden eyed the diamond tennis bracelet on her wrist and just stared at the proffered hand. “Jericho has an interview tomorrow."

  "Nice to meet you,” Eden lied.

  "I have to admit, I can't wait to see him,” she crooned.

  Eden gave an ‘I don't believe this is happening’ look to Dylan who had for once in his life been shocked speechless.

  Stephanie pointed a pair of sunglasses at Dylan and then looked at Jeb. “Your children both look just like you."

  "This isn't his.... “Eden tried to say, but Ms. DeWalt ignored her to flirt with Dylan.

  She looked Dylan over again. “Are all the Farrell men so gorgeous?"

  "Of course,” Dylan nodded without a second thought.

  "What a cute farm house! It's so country."

  "We like it here.” Eden snapped as the woman's cell phone rang and she reached in her purse to answer it. Stephanie dismissed them as she turned her back to take her call.

  Eden turned away and gave a vicious whisper. “What is she doing here?"

  "I know there is a reasonable explanation. Jericho wouldn't forget to tell you Stephanie was coming. I know he didn't want her here. I can't believe she is here. She never came to Texas while they were married. She was always too busy. When Jericho comes home we'll ask about Miss DeVil.” Dylan assured.

  For the first time she realized how deeply her feelings for Jericho ran. “It's DeWalt,” Eden woodenly corrected.

  "I know, it was a play on words.” He spoke slowly so she would understand. “DeVil—Devil? Forget it."

  "So Jericho is staying with you, Dylan?” Stephanie joined them once again. “I'm so glad he finally let bygones be bygones. He really hated this little town for a while."

  "If you'll excuse me, I need to change. Come on Grace, Jeb. Dylan, you will see Ms. DeWalt is comfortable?"

  "Sure.” Dylan sat dejectedly in a lawn chair.

  It seemed an eternity as Eden waited for Jericho. She saw the truck he was using arrive and watched as he was snatched away to the poolside. The French door opened and Matt entered the house with Dylan.

  Matt looked at Dylan and said one word. “Silicone."

  "You two are mean,” Eden reprimanded. But she felt her lips twitch.

  "That woman is talking to Jericho now. She looks like one of my dolls.” Gracie put her nose on the window and left a chocolate pudding mark. When she turned she had her hands on her hips in her little adult-like fashion. She always assumed the emotion of the adults near her.

  "Yeah—fake.” Matt laughed. “I bet if you looked on the back of her neck there'd be a made by stamp too. I can't imagine Jericho with someone like that. She's beautiful but, Lord, you know none of those are the original parts."

  Matt washed up in the large laundry room sink. He grabbed a towel as he walked into the kitchen and patted his hands dry. Then he looked up at Dylan and shook his head.

  "Come here, Grace and let's get your face washed.” Her dry clothes were a striped tank top with calico shorts.

  Eden looked over at Dylan, who anticipated her criticism and responded defensively. “She likes these.” Dylan went back to the stove and was absently was dumping ingredients for Hazel Farrell's famous chicken dumplings into the pot.

  "I don't like that prissy woman.” Gracie complained with a frown. “Is she going to eat with us? I don't want her to"

  "Gracie.” Dylan gave his daughter a serious look. “Go ask your uncle if Stephanie will be eating here."

  "Okay,” she trotted out the door.

  "Dylan! I can't believe you. How could you send her out there?” Eden snapped.

  "My, aren't we touchy? Shoot
, if I go out there he'll say I'm nosy. If Gracie goes they'll just answer the question. Children are supposed to be nosy,” Dylan defended

  * * * *

  Jericho raked an agitated hand through his hair for at least the twentieth time since he'd realized Steph's car was in Eden's drive. She had rattled on and on; Jericho had listened impatiently sitting at the wooden table by the pool. He sat and listened and waited to get in a word. He wanted to just tell Steph to get in her car and drive away

  Grace was a welcome sight when she came around the corner.

  "Are you going to eat with us?” Gracie frowned at Stephanie. “We need to know.” Gracie held her head high.

  "Seeing your brother's children made me sad I never had one. Then this one started talking,” Steph muttered through a saccharine smile.

  Jericho pushed his body to a standing position and reached for the crutches he was using. He smiled at his niece. “Are you going to eat here, Stephanie?"

  "Let me help you.” Steph pulled out the chair that held the pair of crutches and spoke in her low tone. “No, I'm returning to the hotel but I do so want to meet the family. All those years we were married and you never brought me down here. You should be ashamed."

  "You never wanted to come here. By the way, this isn't my brother's place. This is Eden's house."

  "Oh.” She nodded, not really listening as was her habit.

  Jericho rolled his eyes.

  "Besides maybe they can talk some sense into you about the interview.” She handed him both crutches.

  "I'll only do it if Dylan and Matt are included too."

  "Perhaps that could be arranged."

  Gracie opened the kitchen door. Dylan and Eden were busily preparing the meal.

  "Have a seat.” Jericho gestured to the table and Steph complied.

  "I love this house.” She looked at Jericho. “Are the plants real?"

  "Sure they're real—real silk.” Dylan dropped dumplings into the pot while Eden moved over and worked on frying fresh squash. Matt sat and peeled potatoes.

  "I meant are they alive?” She spoke with false sweetness.

  "Stephanie, you've met my brother, Dylan,” Jericho wanted to get this over so she could leave. Dylan unenthusiastically waved his spoon. Jericho jerked his head in Matt's direction since both hands were occupied. “Matt Sawyer is an old friend. He and his dad run the farm."

  Stephanie nodded.

  "And this is Eden, Matt's sister. She's been kind enough to let me move in for a while."

  "Pleased to meet you all.” Steph cut him off and spoke swiftly with authority. “I can't tell you how very much I am indebted to you all. Jericho is an invaluable asset to us and so special to me."

  Jericho stole a furtive glance at Eden and saw the ramrod stiffness of her back. She was not happy. Was it anger or jealousy? The latter possibility pleased him more than a little.

  "Oh, I love these dishes. Are these replicas or the real thing?” Stephanie admiringly picked up a plate from the table. “They aren't antiques, are they?"

  Dylan walked over to the table and put a thoughtful hand to his chin. “No. Considering some of the originals were radioactive, no one really eats off them anymore. Eden does have her grandmother's old china, though. It's decorated with lead paint so if you're feeling reckless we'll let you eat off that."

  "Oh Dylan, you're such a tease. I'm not staying. I just wanted to pop in and meet the family.” She stood and walked to Jericho, placing her hand on his forearm. “So won't you come with me back to the hotel, Jericho? We could plan the interview.” Stephanie didn't relinquish her hold on his arm.

  "I already have plans here and I refuse to change them."

  "Oh please. Skip the family dinner.” She dismissed the others with a wave of her hand. “I've missed you.” She then muttered for his ears only. “I got the room with a hot tub. Who's to say we have to do the interview tomorrow. We could have a day, together...” She had a low raspy voice and was a consummate flirt.

  "I don't think so.” Jericho spun on his crutches. “See you in the morning around ten. And bring the reporter."

  He could tell from Eden's expression that he shouldn't speak to her for a while. He escorted Stephanie to the door. He couldn't quite place her expression but was certain that it was somewhere between anger and outrage.

  He'd felt like this before, when he'd ridden bulls. Jericho didn't like bull riding. The odds were not in your favor. If you had a great run, you'd be on the animal's back eight seconds, then when you got bucked off you had to dodge horns, hooves and one big, mean animal. For him, it was a no win situation, kind of like now.

  * * * *

  Eve left the table having barely touched her plate.

  Her anger fueled her as she scrubbed the bottom of a pot. She had been introduced as Matt's sister to the ex-Mrs. Farrell.

  Matt's sister. And that woman. How could Jericho ever have been involved with a woman like that?

  Eden continued to stew as she slung the dishes into the dishwasher. How could he and she have had anything in common? Jericho wasn't like that woman at all. Or was he? She paused. The Jericho who had left Wayback hadn't been like that. Who exactly was the Jericho who had returned?

  "Eden?” Dylan stuck his head in the doorway.

  "What?” She demanded impatiently.

  "He didn't know she was coming,” he soothed.

  She turned away defensively. “Jericho doesn't need to explain himself to me. I have no claim to him. I am nothing to him except an old friend, a foolish kid who had a big crush...."

  "You are a lot more than that to him. You're his son's mother."

  "Right. I am his son's mother."

  "What's wrong Eden? Is all this because of Steph?"

  "No ... Yes.” She didn't look at him. “Dylan, I want to be more than just his son's mother. I wish.... I wish.... Oh what's the use?” Her eyes bright with unshed tears, she ran up to her room.

  She heard the gentle knocking and Dylan's voice again. “Eden?"

  "Yeah?” She was about to tell him she didn't need a shoulder to cry on when he spoke softly through the door.

  "We're all going to Matt's to play poker. Can the kids stay here?"

  "Sure. Gee, thank you for being there.” She muttered before turning to brood some more.

  Later, Eden found Grace and Jeb entertaining themselves in the rec room. She pulled down two sleeping bags and popped popcorn while they watched a movie that was one of Jeb's favorites. She tried to watch it too but found it impossible to concentrate. She curled up and brooded on the couch.

  * * * *

  It was well past midnight when Eden heard a soft knocking at her back door. She sleepily padded up the back stairs and peeked out to see Jericho's face.

  "I'm sorry, Eden. I didn't have a key.” He swung past on his crutches.

  "Since when did you need a key to get into a house?” Jericho's lock picking talent had been widely admired in high school.

  He laughed a bit. “You don't forget anything, do you?"

  "Not the important stuff."

  "Am I important?"

  "How can you even ask that?"

  "Dylan didn't tell me you were crying until a few minutes ago. So I came home.” He looked down at her. “The last thing I want to do is make you unhappy."

  "I have made me unhappy, Jericho.” She hugged her arms to her. “Me and my stupid thoughtless choices. So, who won the big game?"

  "I'm not sure. Those two scare me. When they play poker, they can't keep a straight face, plus they can't remember the hands after they've had a few drinks. Then Dylan kept confusing it with Go Fish. He kept asking me if I had any nines and Matt kept telling him to draw from the deck. Let's see, I had a flush but Dylan had eight matches and Matt had five. I left them playing quarters."

  She tried to maintain her bad mood but as he talked she found it fading as she envisioned the poker game. Jericho had always been dead serious when it came to cards. Sometimes Dylan and Matt couldn't be serio
us about anything.

  "Well, at least they should have a definite winner on that. Quarters is a game Matt plays to loose."

  Jericho gave a laughing huff and the came up behind her he put both hands on her upper arms and whispered into her neck.

  "Eden, I'm sorry Steph showed up like that. I didn't ask her to come. In fact, I asked her not to come."

  "She's very polished, sophisticated.” Eden looked into his eyes. “Tell me about yourself Jericho. Who are you now? I don't know the Jericho that goes with that woman."

  She walked into the living room and began plumping pillows on the deep moss green couch. Then she walked over to the wrought iron glass topped table she had kept from her parents’ days in the house and removed Jeb's video game cartridges that had been carelessly abandoned. Finally she rearranged her pillar candles.

  "I didn't ‘go with her.’ We were never a matched set. I think she only wanted me for my looks.” He waited for her laugh but it didn't come. He balanced and spun her around to face him.

  "I feel so stupid...” Big tears pooled in Eden's eyes.

  "Why do you feel stupid?"

  "Because she is beautiful and exciting. Stephanie is a publicist. Here I am just a small time, small town girl. How you must be laughing at me. ‘Jericho come stay at my house. I have a ramp for your wheelchair; I have an Internet hook up'. I am such an idiot.” She hit her forehead. “No wonder she had more appeal than a little country girl from Wayback. Even now she could have flown you in her personal jet to the best specialist in the country."

  "But Eden, why would I want a good doctor when I have Marta?” His eyes were wide and innocent.

  Eden gave a rueful smile at his joke.

  "I don't know what is going on in that head of yours but you need to stop this, Eden.” He balanced on his good leg so he could hold her. “First and foremost, I'd never laugh at you. You offered your home to me out of kindness, not to show off. Secondly, whatever Steph claims, I did not ask her to come here. Our marriage and any relationship we ever had is over, believe me. She showed up on her own accord. Third, true, she may be a beautiful woman but her beauty is only skin deep, and most of that is fake. You on the other hand are beautiful through and through. Your inside is as pretty as your outside and that, quite frankly, scares me to death."