Reuniting with the Cowboy

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  This was a positive thing. Grandpa had to be lonely in Medina with the rest of his family in Aubrey. With Vivian, he’d have companionship and he’d still be home.

  Ally patted his hand. “You okay?”

  Drowning in her coffee-colored eyes, he nodded. How much longer could he resist her? Just another week. Then if he was still alive and still had a brain, wild horses couldn’t drag him away.

  “I really like Vivian.”

  “Yeah, me, too. Her husband died five years ago. She and Grandpa have a lot in common.”

  “I think your grandmother would approve.”

  “Me, too.”

  “How come your grandpa lives here and not in Aubrey?”

  “This is where the Warrens were originally from. But my uncle Ty traveled the rodeo circuit and met my aunt in Aubrey. After he retired, they settled there and Dad wanted to get into horse ranching. With Aubrey being Horse Country USA, he and Mom decided to make the move.”

  If they hadn’t, he’d have never met Ally. A sinking sensation grew in his gut at the mere thought of not knowing her.

  He cleared his throat, kept rambling. “I think they all planned on moving back to Medina, but some of us kids grew up and married locals and Aubrey became home. We tried to get Grandpa to move over the years, but Medina is home to him just as much as Aubrey is home to the rest of us.”

  Music began and the chatter quieted as the wedding march rang through the church. Grandpa entered from beside the stage and the doors behind them opened as the crowd stood.

  Escorted by her son, Vivian wore a denim skirt and red flannel blouse that matched Grandpa’s jeans and shirt.

  They made it to the altar and her son handed her over to Grandpa. The pastor said a prayer and the congregation sat down. As the vows began, Cody couldn’t stop thinking about Ally.

  If he lived, complication-free, would she be interested at all? What if he survived surgery and revealed his love for her, and she didn’t feel the same? Just because they kissed once—twice—it didn’t mean she loved him. Did it?

  With a clean bill of health, he could always go back to the circuit. But how empty would that be? Nothing would be the same without Ally. If he made it through the operation and she didn’t love him, what would he do? Live next door, humiliated and heartbroken?

  He watched her out of the corner of his eye. She dabbed her nose with a tissue—crying over his grandfather’s wedding. He had to try.

  If she didn’t love him, he had to convince her to. For him, there’d been a thin line between the love of a friend and the love of a lifetime. He had to convince Ally to make the leap over the line with him.

  Three weddings he’d escorted her to now, and by doggies, the next one would be theirs.

  * * *

  Bleary-eyed, Ally scuffled to the kitchen of Mitch’s cabin, drawn by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. No movement. Someone must have set a timer on the pot last night.

  As she neared the couch, she tried to ignore the still form covered in blankets lying there. But as if pulled by a magnet, her gaze darted there.

  One socked foot stuck out at the far end. Cody’s face was visible. Her steps stalled. He looked vulnerable and a little boyish in sleep. And so handsome.

  She could happily wake up to that face every morning for the rest of her life. Stop thinking like that. She shook her head and got moving again.

  Focus on something else. The coffee was already made and waiting. She quietly found a cup in the cabinet, poured the fragrant brew and stirred in cream and sugar—careful not to clink her spoon against the porcelain.

  Mitch’s cabin was all man cave. Unfortunate trophy animals on the walls, antlers everywhere, camouflage galore. A few lavender camo pillows announced Caitlyn’s touch.

  Quiet. Such a peaceful Sunday morning. Everyone still asleep except her. Mitch, Caitlyn and Michaela in the master bedroom. Though the guest room was cozy, it had taken Ally half the night to relax enough to fall asleep with Cody under the same roof.

  “I can’t believe it took me this long to catch on,” Caitlyn whispered.

  Ally jumped, whirled around. “You just took five years off me.”

  “You’re in love with Cody.”

  Ally’s insides stilled. “I am not.”

  “You are. Don’t even try to deny it. I saw the way you looked at him just now.”

  “I just thought he looked cute. Like a little boy.”

  “Uh-huh. How long has this been going on?”

  “There’s nothing going on. We’re—”

  “Just friends. Yeah, right. Not only are you in love with Cody, but he’s in love with you.”

  “No.” Ally pressed a finger to her lips. “He’s right there.”

  “If there’s no truth to it, why are you afraid he’ll hear? Friends don’t get all googly-eyed over each other.”

  “I’ve never been googly-eyed in my life and I don’t plan on starting now.”

  “Why fight it?” Caitlyn studied her as if she were a puzzle missing a piece. “I don’t understand. You love him. He loves you. Go for it.”

  “I don’t know what you think you saw.” Ally tried not to wilt under the scrutiny. “But Cody and I are friends. That’s all.”

  “Mitch and I were high school sweethearts. Everybody expected us to marry after graduation. Do you know why we didn’t?”

  “No.”

  “I let fear get the best of me. I don’t mean to bring up painful memories, but I was there when you found out your dad had died in the line of duty.”

  “I remember.” Ally tried to swallow the lump in her throat, but it wouldn’t budge.

  “And Mitch was bound and determined to be a Texas Ranger. I decided I couldn’t take the possibility of losing him the way your mom lost your dad.”

  “I had no idea.”

  “I let fear keep us apart for ten years.” Caitlyn crossed her arms under her chest. “Whatever’s holding you back from admitting your feelings for Cody, get over it. Life is short and should be spent with the man you love.”

  If Caitlyn could see her feelings for Cody, could he? And why did Caitlyn think he loved her back?

  “When I meet the man I love, I’ll go for it. I promise.” The lie tasted bitter. “I better get ready to hit the road.” She grabbed her cup and headed for the sanctuary of her room.

  “Better get your shower before everyone wakes up. We’ll leave for church at ten thirty or so.”

  “Church?”

  “We’re all going to Grandpa’s church before we leave.”

  “Oh. I thought we’d head back to Aubrey this morning. But that sounds good.” Another lie tumbled right out. Getting entirely too good at this. “I’ll be ready.”

  With Mom not on watch, she’d looked forward to skipping. And now she wanted to escape Caitlyn’s perceptiveness as soon as possible.

  Besides, she wanted to get home. Back to the safety of sleeping in a whole different house than Cody. The only problem was that getting home would trap her in a truck with him for six hours. Would it be possible to hitch a ride with someone else without raising suspicions? Not with Caitlyn already on to her.

  If only Cody could drive. That way she could sleep the whole ride home, since she’d barely slept last night. Maybe he’d sleep most of the trip again.

  Movement from the couch.

  “Coffee,” Cody growled, then sat up, squinted at them and stood. Stiff-legged, he stuck his arms out in front of him like a zombie and lurched to the kitchen.

  “Here you go.” Caitlyn poured him a cup and handed it to him.

  “Mmm.” He tilted the mug to his mouth, then jerked away, sloshing the hot liquid over the rim. “Sorry. Is this decaf?”

  “One cup of the real stuff won’t kill you. And you obvi
ously need it.”

  He set the mug on the counter, grabbed a soapy dishcloth and wiped the mess from the floor. “Is there another pot? I’ll make my own.”

  Caitlyn sighed. “Go for it, health freak.”

  How long had he been awake? Had he heard Caitlyn’s observations and Ally’s denial? And more important, if he’d heard, did he believe Ally’s denial?

  With her cheeks scalding, she scurried the rest of the way to her room.

  * * *

  As the pastor began to plea for nonbelievers, those struggling with faith issues, or anyone wanting to pray to come forward to the altar call, Ally’s breathing constricted. His eyes rested solely on her, as if he could read the struggle inside her.

  Pressure in her chest built. Finally, the pastor’s attention shifted to another victim. Had Cody or Caitlyn told him she was at an all-time low in the faith department?

  No. No one knew. Not even her mom. She was a dedicated pew warmer, there every time the doors were open. And disillusioned every time.

  “No, God,” she whispered under her breath as the pianist started up. “I do not need You. I let myself need You once and You let me down. Let my dad down. Let my mom down. I don’t need You. I don’t need anyone. Not even Cody.”

  Several people went to the altar—including Cody, Caitlyn and Mitch. The faithful, certain God would answer their prayers, thanking Him for the blessings He’d supposedly sent. But Ally wasn’t falling for any of it. Not even if her chest exploded.

  After four torturous verses, the music faded away and the pastor thanked everyone for coming and called on a man to say the closing prayer.

  It was long and flowery and by the time it ended, Ally’s teeth were on edge. The amen finally came and she opened her eyes. The congregation moseyed into the aisles, most seemingly in no hurry to get out the doors.

  “You okay?” Cody’s frown dripped concern.

  “Fine. I’m just anxious to get home. Even though Derek assures me everything is fine, with me gone over twenty-four hours, I’m figuring there will be at least fifteen strays and six escaped pets.”

  “Stop worrying, Suzie Rain Cloud.”

  “It’s the way things have been going lately.”

  “Can we at least stop and get a bite to eat?” His stomach promptly growled.

  Her shoulders slumped. “Sure.”

  Would this trip never end?

  * * *

  Home for a day. Cody had slept all the way back from Medina even though he’d wanted to enjoy every moment with Ally. But car rides had always made him sleepy unless he drove. Especially without caffeine. Since they’d gotten back, he hadn’t seen hide nor hair of Ally.

  The float was ready. The weddings were done. What could Cody do now to keep her near once he finished building the pens? He rolled the fencing into place along the frame he’d built. It immediately rolled back up before he could sink a single staple.

  It was way after hours. Her volunteers had come and gone. Even though she was shorthanded at the clinic, surely she was finished by now. He dug out his cell, punched in her number.

  “Ally’s Veterinary Clinic and Adopt-a-Pet. May I help you?”

  “I’m in your barn slaving over pens for your critters and I could use a pair of extra hands.”

  Silence. For several seconds. “I’ll be right there.”

  The dial tone started up. Maybe she’d had a rough day without Lance and was just tired.

  He had to watch his step with her. Stop giving off mixed signals. Kissing her one minute, keeping her at a distance the next, but not too far. Seven more days.

  He’d already come up with an excuse for his impending absence—tests on his shoulder and knee along with ranch errands that could keep him in Dallas for several days. If he woke up in his right mind a week from today, he’d tell her exactly how he felt. And hope she loved him, too.

  The barn door opened and she stepped inside, looking defeated.

  “Rough day?”

  “I’ll be glad when Lance gets back. I need him here and I miss my mom.”

  “You can come over to my house anytime if you need company.”

  “What do I need to do?” She settled on her knees beside him, dismissing his invitation.

  “Just hold the fencing in place while I staple.”

  “That I can do. Have you heard from your grandpa?”

  “They’re having the time of their life in Hawaii. I never imagined my grandpa going there.”

  “We should be glad our loved ones are happy—that they’re feeling young and adventurous again.” As she crawled on her hands and knees holding the fencing up, her thick braid nearly dragged in the hay on the floor. Her scent and proximity almost overwhelmed him.

  He had to refocus on their topic. Oh yeah, being happy for Grandpa and her mom. “I am. It just makes me miss Grandma.”

  “I know what you mean. I miss my dad. It’s like Mom moving on makes me miss him more.”

  He finished the frame and they went to work on another. Sometimes chatting, sometimes in comfortable silence. Ally was the only woman he’d ever felt completely at ease with without talking. Soon they had the base of the pen and three sides finished. She held them in place while he fired nails with the gun.

  “I’ll put the door in tomorrow. Want to watch a movie or something?”

  “No. I’m tired. Think I’ll turn in early.”

  “Thanks for helping.”

  “Thanks for building pens for me.” She stood. “By the way, they’re coming to start the construction of my new barn tomorrow. Garrett Steele and Brant McConnell matched the proceeds from the pet photo day, so I’ve got funding to cover the entire cost, plus a nice sum left over for pet care and repairs.”

  Good news. But would she need him anymore? Panic gnawed at his insides. “Once the barn is up, I can build more pens.”

  “Thanks. But you’ve done so much. And there’s enough to pay for pens, too.”

  “But I build them for free. Then you’ll have more funds left over for care.”

  “True.” She shrugged. “If you insist.”

  “See you tomorrow?” He tried not to sound desperate.

  “Probably.”

  One more week. Just one more week.

  * * *

  With Mom gone, Foxy and Wolf vied even more for Ally’s attention. Technically, Wolf was Mom’s dog. When she came back from her honeymoon, would she take the gray Pomeranian to live with her and Lance? Then Foxy would be as lonely as her person.

  A mere three days since Mom’s wedding. How would she survive the rest of her life by herself?

  She set the dogs off her lap and wandered around the empty house. Both Poms trailed her. Cody’s light was on next door. Like a beacon. They’d worked on pens again tonight and again he’d asked her to come over and watch a movie. So tempting. Him and his company.

  It was a temptation she could no longer resist. Not after the day she’d had. She hurried to the kitchen, snagged a packet of her favorite microwave butter popcorn and headed for the back door.

  “Sorry, guys.” She latched the dog gate in place, locking the Poms in the mudroom, and tossed them each a treat. “But I won’t be gone long.” She grabbed the flashlight and stepped outside.

  Barks started up as the door shut. A creepy feeling as if she was being watched washed over her. She shone the light around. Nothing. But all the same, she doubled her speed across the yard and ran up Cody’s steps. She’d barely knocked when his door opened.

  “Is everything okay?” His hair was wet. Fresh from the shower. Irish Spring soap. Handsome and smelling good.

  “I decided to take you up on that movie offer.” Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all. “I brought popcorn.”

  A wide grin spread over his
face. “I’m glad.” He took the bag from her. “Have a seat and I’ll have this ready in a jiff.”

  She scanned the room. A dark couch with a recliner at each end. Oreo occupied the one on the right near the remote and a glass of sweet tea sat on the end table.

  “Look at you, boy.” The dog jumped down to greet her and she scratched behind his ears. “From homeless to a barn, and now you’re a bona fide house dog.” She settled in the recliner on the left and Oreo hopped up and sat in her lap.

  “Traitor.” Cody set the bowl of popcorn between them and handed her a glass of sweet tea. “Want me to take him?”

  “He’s fine.”

  “You should have brought yours with you.” His gaze searched hers. “You sure everything’s okay? You were awfully quiet earlier and you just don’t seem right.”

  How did he do that? He’d always known when something was wrong. Her eyes singed. “I had to put a family pet down this afternoon.”

  He winced, knelt in front of her. “I’m so sorry.”

  “Me, too.” She sniffled. “I never get used to that part of my job.”

  “Want to talk about it?”

  “No.” She gave a decisive shake of her head. “I’ll turn into a blubbering ninny and that could get messy.”

  “I can handle it.” He patted his shoulder.

  “Can we just watch a movie? Please.”

  He squeezed her hand, then stood, handed her a tissue and crouched in front of the TV. “What movie do you want?” He named off several.

  “Nothing where the dog dies.” She dabbed her eyes.

  “Trust me, I don’t have any of those.”

  Finally, they settled on Flywheel. Not only clean but Christian.

  “We can have a marathon this week and watch Facing the Giants, Fireproof and Courageous.” He sat down in his recliner and looked across at her.

  A movie marathon with Cody. Like a married couple, she in her recliner, he in his.

  She couldn’t think of anything better than this.