Tiger's Lily

by Cheyenne Meadows

  It was a start and he really hoped a springboard for the future. He missed his family, more so as he realized the important things in life were more than a paycheck and a sniper rifle. Dillon filled in the gaps over the past few years, but now he wanted more.

  Carson offered to look after the girls while they were gone for an extended weekend. Lily fretted about leaving them alone, after all, none of them had ever spent a night without her. But, Casey reassured her that between her and Carson, the cats would be well cared for and wouldn't miss a single meal.

  Of course, Tally came along for the trip. The German shepherd had made great progress in her shyness and fears, blossoming under Lily's patient touch. She now ran and played, chasing a ball until your arm grew tired. Though still frightened of loud noises, a spark had returned to her eyes, replacing the dull, hopeless expression of before. He placed the credit squarely on Lily. With love, she showed the dog that happiness and fun still existed, she only needed a bit of trust and belief.

  Lily refused to leave her alone, even with Carson looking in on them. One thunderstorm without someone there could send Tally backwards, she argued, losing all the hard won progress. Lily made it a requirement, even if they needed to stay at a local hotel. Luckily, his parents understood and extended the offer to Tally, as well. They always had dogs growing up, so it wasn't a big inconvenience to them. Animals were the center of his parent's life living on the ranch. One well behaved dog following alongside could easily be accepted, even happily welcomed.

  Nearing the house, Lily discovered a small group of horses standing near the east fence, close to the driveway. "Oh, my. Look! Isn't he gorgeous?"

  No sooner had Cale cut the engine on the SUV, then Lily threw the passenger door open. She dashed over to the fence, already talking to the small herd which quickly gathered around her, curious and probably looking for treats. A bold colored stallion nudged to the front, stretching his head over the fence. His white hide with brown spots sparkled in the morning sun. As he watched, Lily reached out, scratching the horse's forehead as he leaned in for more, ears and body relaxed, a look of equine contentment if he'd ever seen one.

  Cale could only shake his head. Whether bulls or stallions, Lily coaxed them all into big babies.

  The squeak of a screen door slapping shut drew his attention. His parents walked toward him, both wearing jeans and sweatshirts, warm yet comfortable.

  "Cale! I'm so happy to see you!" His mother hugged him tight before stepping back, beaming at him with a wide smile. Her dark hair bore more silver steaks than the last time he saw her, but she remained as always, beautiful and dignified.

  His father offered his hand, grinning when Cale shook it without hesitation. "Good to see you, son."

  "You, too, Dad." Cale noticed his father's hair held more gray and his jeans probably increased a belt notch, but otherwise, he had changed as little as his mother.

  He searched his father's eyes, trying to locate the harbored resentment and anger. If there was any, he couldn't detect it.

  Rachel was responsible for a large rift between him and his parents. They tried to tell him she wasn't right for him and, like a spoiled teenager, he rebelled. Both sides exchanged hurtful words before he stormed out. Months later, he learned the truth about his wife. By then, he disconnected from his parents, not speaking to them in all that time.

  Unfortunately, pride prevented him from calling them up and admitting he was wrong. Instead, he stuck his head in the sand and continued on with his life. His father probably did the same, refusing to give the first quarter. Dillon kept him informed, the designated middle road between them. That worked. Until now. Lily made him finally realize how important his parents were to him and how much he truly missed them.

  "Is that Lily?" His father gestured toward the pasture where she stood petting horses with Tally sitting dutifully beside her. The dog bolted out of the car right behind Lily, never wanting Lily out of her sight. A stuffed turtle dog toy hung from either side of her mouth. Tally latched onto the thing as soon as Lily brought it home a couple of weeks ago. Since then, she carried it everywhere she went and slept with it every night. Her version of a security blanket, they decided.

  His father's question didn't really surprise him. Although he spoke to his parents a couple of times recently, Dillon remained the major source of information between the two parties. Obviously, his little brother filled them in about Lily and their relationship. Knowing Dillon's penchant for yapping, Cale would expect his parents to know pretty much everything about Lily and how he felt about her.

  "Yeah, that's her. The one enamored with your herd stallion."

  "She's got a good eye for studs." His father answered shrewdly. A low snort followed.

  "Hal!" His mother whapped her husband in the arm. "Good grief."

  Cale chuckled, noting his father did as well. His shoulders relaxed, feeling for the first time that things just might work out between them. It was a good start, at least. Much better than he feared.

  "I've got to get the boxes out of the car."

  "Boxes?" His mother shot him a look of bewilderment. "I told Dillon we didn't need anything. Just to bring yourselves."

  "Lily wanted to cook something and bring it with us, insisting we couldn't just show up without a contribution to the dinner table. She decided she could bake better than cook and spent hours figuring out what to prepare. We brought homemade bread, cinnamon rolls, and a couple of pies."

  "Oh, my. That's enough to fatten everyone up for winter." One hand reached up to rest on her chest.

  Cale grinned. "Yeah, she kept hoping that Dad wouldn't turn up diabetic before we arrived, just in case."

  His father rolled his eyes at that, while he continued to watch Lily pamper the stallion.

  As if feeling eyes on her, Lily turned to them. Blushing prettily, she slowly walked their direction, chewing on her bottom lip the whole way.

  "Seems a bit nervous." His father pointed out.

  Cale followed his father's gaze. "She's a bit like the shepherd. Brave, dedicated, loyal, and would lay down her life for someone she loves. For all that, she's a little uncertain of new people and their acceptance of her." His words trailed off as she stepped up.

  After confiding to Lily about his past, Cale understand her hesitancy in meeting his parents. She was so afraid they wouldn't like her. She told him more than once that she didn't want to ruin his second chance, but insisted he go visit, mend the old hurts, and regain parental support. He reassured her over and over again that they would simply adore her, just like everyone else. Everyone knew that to be true, but Lily. Hopefully, today would prove all her fears unfounded.

  He wrapped and arm around her waist. "Mom. Dad. This is Lily. Lily, these are my parents. Hal and Linda."

  "We're so happy to finally meet you." Linda gushed as Lily shook hands with both of his parents.

  "Me, too."

  Cale pulled her against his side. "Maybe we should get those baked goods?"

  Lily grinned widely. "Oh, good idea." She stepped after him, then paused to look back at his parents. "I hope you find something you like. I wasn't sure what to bring, so I just brought a little of everything."

  Cale pulled the biggest cardboard box from the back of the SUV after handing Lily the smaller one.

  Linda peeked inside Lily's box. "Oh, my. It looks like you prepared to feed an army."

  "Well, Cale did say Dillon was coming." Lily tossed out tartly, following his mother toward the house.

  Chuckles filled the air. It was no secret Dillon ate like the world would soon run out of food and he intended to stock up before that happened. Only his high metabolism and constant exercise prevented him from carrying an extra hundred pounds in body weight.

  Linda led Lily to the side door, holding it open for the younger woman. Tally hopped along on her three legs with ease of practice, keeping pace with her mistress. She, too, snuck through the open door with her ever present green toy, wagging her tail at his mot
her in thanks.

  Cale started after them only to be stopped by his father's voice.

  "Son." One hand combed through his dark hair while he sucked in a breath. "Look, I know we've had our issues in the past."

  Cale nodded, his gut clenching with anticipation of what would come next. He really wanted this to work. His father was his mentor, his hero when he was younger. The rift caused by his ex-wife tore a wound inside that begged for repair.

  "I like that girl. Anyone that can take on an ornery, old cuss and make him happy as a dog with a big bone is all right in my book." He slapped Cale on the back. His smile extended into his eyes, making the blue irises, so like his own, glimmer.

  Leave it to his father to be most impressed with Lily's ability to soothe the nastiest tempered beast. He assumed his father spoke of the Appaloosa stud in the pasture. But, the twinkle in his father's eye made him realize that his father could easily have meant him, too.

  He shook his head at the backhanded compliment, returning his father's amused grin. You had to read between the lines with him. Relief flowed over him at the warm reception. He never knew how much his father's acceptance meant to him until he lost it. Now, thanks to Lily, he had it back. It couldn't have been better in his opinion. Old hurts still remained, but he pushed past them, just thankful that his father had the gumption to forgive him.

  Perhaps his father was right after all. She wormed her way under his skin, to his heart, and each day made him smile and crave those sweet hands on his body.

  A true beast of a man, Lily tamed him with sheer kindness and love.

  The End

  About the Author

  Growing up in the Midwest, I began reading romance novels in high school, immediately falling in love with the genre, to the point where I decided to write professionally for a career. However, that dream splattered against a brick wall and resulting quick death in my first writing class in college when my professor told me bluntly that I wasn't any good at it. I shifted gears quickly, and left my writing dreams behind, eventually settling on being a nurse.

  A few years back, I stumbled across a fan-fiction writing site on a favorite author's webpage. I began to read stories others wrote, not only making some wonderful close friends from the experience, but also, really learning to write for the very first time. Here I was able to share short stories, practice my writing skills, and truly develop into a writer. More than that, the experience allowed me to revitalize my dream, as I rediscovered joy in writing.

  My first book "As Fate Would Have It" was released in April 2012 through Silver Publishing.

  When I'm not working or writing, I enjoy working in the garden, canning, and seeing my backyard as a living canvas for my whimsical landscaping, and, of course, reading romance novels.

  Website:

  http://cheyennemeadows.multiply.com

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  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1000030841758

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  http://cheyennemeadows.blogspot.com/

  Email:

  Cheyenne1.meadows@yahoo.com

  Also by Cheyenne Meadows:

  Available from Silver Publishing:

  As Fate Would Have It

  WIND WARRIORS

  Tiger's Lily

  Review

  As Fate Would Have It

  "I read As Fate Would Have It in one setting, and it was the most fun I have had, while reading a book, in a very long time. With humor galore throughout, and passionate sexual tension thrown in too, I guarantee that As Fate Would Have It, will become a favorite for many. I know for sure, that it's now one of mine! So if you need a fast paced romance with an abundance of humor, then be sure to pick As Fate Would Have It up! You can't get much better than this!"

  —Heather Powell, Sizzling Hot Books