“The way you talk about him, the ranch and that little town, you already are.” Grandma Iris laughed and rested her head against her husband’s shoulder.
“Sugar, take some advice from an old man who’s learned some lessons along the way. Ask the Lord if you’re following the plans he has for you.”
“I have, Grandpa. I asked him to open or shut the doors to the master’s program, to direct my path. He opened them.”
“Might be time to check in with him again. Sometimes he changes the route.” He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “Jobs and careers come and go.” Straightening, he patted his beloved’s hand. “True love lasts forever. In the end it’s all that really counts. Trust the Lord and follow your heart, Emily. What your mama and daddy expect you to do with your life ain’t worth the spit on a postage stamp.”
19
Midafternoon on Saturday, Chance guided his horse around a stand of mesquite trees and down a steep hill in the most rugged pasture on the ranch. Spring was calving time, so he’d joined Will and Nate in checking on the stock where they couldn’t take a pickup. They were moving them to a nearby pasture that hadn’t been grazed and where it was easier to supplement their feed if necessary. Will, Nate, and the two hired hands had moved half of them earlier in the week.
Will said he’d saved moving the rest for the weekend because Chance needed to get away from the computer screen and out in the fresh air. He was right. Riding through terrain that required his focus was a good way to clear the cobwebs caused by lack of sleep and too much office work.
Despite Will’s badgering to get off his backside and do some real work, it hadn’t improved his mood all that much. That was his brother’s main motivation for dragging him out of bed and pestering him until Chance got dressed and went with him.
He wouldn’t be happy until Emily was back from Dallas, and that would only be temporary. She’d be moving on in a few months, and then he’d be in a permanent gloom.
A cow and calf grazed in the sparse grass at the bottom of the hill. The calf appeared to be about a week old and healthy. Mama watched him warily, but she didn’t run. “Mornin’, Miz Cow. This is just the appetizer. You need to mosey over to the buffet where the weekly special is still hay.” He directed the horse around behind them. Easing forward, he prompted the cow and her calf to start moving. “We’ll go nice and slow, take the long way around so your baby doesn’t have to climb the hill.”
The cow looked back at him and mooed in protest, but she went where he wanted with her calf trotting along at her side.
Too bad Emily wasn’t as cooperative. He respected her desire to do well. He admired her accomplishments, knowledge, and the great way she worked with people. The one thing he didn’t like – and that didn’t even begin to express how he felt about it – was that she put her blasted career above everything else.
He navigated the animals through a tricky stretch of loose rock, cutting off the cow when she decided she’d take a side trip. Before long, they were on flat ground, near the corner of the pasture where Will and Nate were holding the rest of the herd.
“About time you showed up. We thought maybe you got tuckered out and decided to take a nap.” Will gently nudged his horse with his knees and moved him forward. That spurred the cattle to start moving too.
“I’m not the one who got caught sleepin’ on the job.”
“That was in high school. I’d had a late night.” Will squinted at him in the bright sunshine. “I’ve always wondered, did you spill the beans about my siesta?”
“Now, would I do that?” Chance grinned at Nate, who just shook his head and stayed out of the conversation.
“Does the sun come up in the morning?”
“Aw, now you’ve gone and hurt my feelings. You know I’d quit tattlin’ on you by high school.”
“No, you hadn’t. You told Dad I put the dent in the pickup fender.”
“Only because he thought it was my fault. I wasn’t going to do your time.” A cow decided to make a run for it, and Chance spurred his horse to catch her and bring her back into the herd.
When he returned, Will grinned at him like a possum eatin’ persimmons. “You don’t look all melancholy now. Told you a little honest work would cheer you up.”
“I do honest work every day.”
“Indoor, namby-pamby stuff.” Will was trying to get a rise out of him. If he didn’t watch it, he’d succeed.
Several cows picked that moment to get frisky, which was just as well. Nate took off to the right after a couple, and Chance went to the left to corral the same one that had tried to escape before. Will kept the rest of their little herd moving. By the time Chance returned, they’d reached a very dry area. Glad to put an end to the conversation, he pulled his bandana up over his nose and mouth.
After they had settled the cattle in the other pasture, they loaded their horses into the trailer and headed back toward the house. Chance sat in the backseat of the pickup, hoping his brother wouldn’t start in on him again. He’d enjoyed being back in the saddle; it had been too long since he’d even gone for a pleasure ride. But he really wasn’t in the mood for more razzing.
To his relief, Will kept his mouth shut. Nate, on the other hand, didn’t. He glanced back at Chance with a thoughtful, concerned expression. “Have you talked to Emily since she had her interview?”
“She called right afterward. She thought it had gone well.”
“Guess she was pretty excited.”
“Yep. She really wants that job.”
“A long-distance romance won’t be easy. It would be worse if she was movin’ clear across the country, but still, that four-hour drive is going to get old quick.”
“I’ll make the drive. For a while anyway.”
Nate shifted around to look at him. On the ranch they didn’t usually worry with seat belts. “For how long? You can’t keep it up forever, even if you get married.”
“Some people do.”
“That would be a lousy way to live.”
“Livin’ without her would be worse.” Chance stared out the window and tried to organize his thoughts. The short, new green grass and scattered yellow and white wildflowers barely registered. “Am I being selfish and unreasonable in wanting her to stay here? Maybe I’m wrong to expect her to give up her dream.” And arrogant. There was that sin again. The one the Lord kept hitting him over the head with. Where was the rule that said his goals were more important than hers? “She’s worked long and hard to get to this point.”
“You have strong ties to Callahan Crossing. And commitments. With the rebuilding, you’re more committed now than ever.” When the pickup hit a big bump, Nate turned back around to face the road.
Will scowled at him in the rearview mirror. “Are you seriously thinking of packing up and heading to the big city?”
“It’s crossed my mind.” More than once since Thursday. The thought made him feel sick. “I have connections in Dallas. And San Antonio, for that matter. I could move my business. It would take time to get established, but I’m not hurtin’ for money. She isn’t, either.”
“You can’t just up and leave here.” Will slowed down, bringing the pickup and trailer to a gentle stop. Shifting into park and turning off the ignition, he opened the truck door and got out. He impatiently motioned for Chance to join him.
Chance opened the door partway. “If you think you’re going to beat some sense into me, you’ll lose.” They hadn’t had a good knock-down, drag-out since high school, but there hadn’t been a reason for one, either.
Will glared at him. “That’s debatable. And a moot point. I’m not going to hit you. I just want to be where I can see your face when we talk. Trying to watch the road and you in the rearview mirror is killin’ my neck.”
Nodding, he climbed out. Nate came around the front of the pickup and leaned against the fender, crossing his arms. His casual appearance didn’t fool Chance. He noted the careful way his old friend watched them. Nate was a war veteran. If there
was a hint of tension or danger in the air, he was instantly alert.
Will smashed a dirt clod in the road. “Have y’all talked about this?”
“I’ve let her know that I don’t want her to leave. And I’ve questioned her – okay, challenged her – about why working in a big museum is so all-fired important.”
“How did she react?”
“She still plans to leave when the museum is set up. The only way she’ll consider herself a success is if she lands a high-powered job. Being a success, as in having a high-paying, high-level job, has been drilled into her by her parents. They don’t just expect it, I think they demand it. I honestly don’t know if she really wants this job herself or if she just needs to prove to them that she can get it.”
“That’s the wrong reason for you to turn your life upside down.” Will bent down and picked up a rock, throwing it like an outfielder who was trying to stop somebody from stealing home. He watched it hit the ground and bounce a couple of times before he looked at Chance. “You know I want you to be happy. You also know I don’t want you to move away from here. The Callahans belong on this ranch. All of us. Everybody being here is what holds everything together.”
“The place won’t fall apart if I leave. I don’t do much around here anymore anyway.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Will muttered and gave him a halfhearted smile. “Guess the only thing I can do is pray that God changes your mind since I can’t.”
“I haven’t left yet. Even if I decide to move, it won’t be for months. I have contracts to build four houses. Five whenever Dalton is ready for his.” He shrugged and walked back to the pickup. “Who knows, she may not even want me.”
Nate walked around to the passenger side front door and stopped, looking over the truck bed at him. “Have you told her that you love her?”
Chance stared at the ground for a second, trying to figure out a way to answer so he wouldn’t be teased. When he looked up, his best friend was grinning.
“You haven’t told her, have you?” Laughing, Nate shook his head. “And you gave me a bad time for moving slow.”
Chance snorted and climbed in the truck. “I haven’t been in love with her for fifteen years like you were with Jenna.”
“It hasn’t been fifteen years.” Nate slid into the front seat and slammed the door as Will climbed in too. “Just fourteen.”
“I’ve only known Emily seven weeks and four days.”
“Which brings up another point,” Will said, starting the engine.
“It’s long enough,” Chance interrupted before his brother could expound on him needing more time to get to know Emily.
His brother shifted into gear. “I hope you’re right. Lord help you if you aren’t.”
Chance hung out at his folks’ on Sunday afternoon with the rest of the family. He needed to spend more time with them. If he moved away, he wouldn’t be able to visit as often. That brought an ache to his heart, but he told himself it was normal in most families. Kids grew up, got married, and moved away. Maybe a few miles, maybe thousands.
But the Callahans weren’t most families. Will was right about that too. They did better when they were all there. Not that his parents demanded it. But they welcomed the closeness and the unity. The family love.
Did Emily see that? Coming from a family so lacking in love, did she understand the special bond his family had?
He spent half the afternoon playing with Zach, helping him build a lopsided house out of Bristle Blocks, then galloping around on his hands and knees with his nephew on his back. He noticed Will and Nate exchange worried glances.
When he saw Jenna watching him with tears in her eyes, he knew Nate had told her what was going through his mind. He didn’t care. He knew Jenna and Nate told each other most everything, though his brother-in-law had admitted to him one evening that there were things about the war that he wouldn’t share with her. And that was probably just as well.
Later, when Chance went into the kitchen for some iced tea, his sister followed. “Nate said you’re thinking about moving.”
“I’m considering it, if it’s the only way I can be with Emily. But I’m a long way from that decision.” He poured a glass of tea and took a long drink. Being a horsey was hard work.
She shrugged and refilled Zach’s sippy cup with water. “Talkin’ love usually comes before talkin’ marriage. I think Emily could be happy here. I know she loves you.”
Chance set the glass on the counter with a thunk. “Did she say that?”
“No. But I’ve seen how she looks at you. I don’t think she even realizes it. Quit draggin’ your feet, big brother. Raise this courtin’ thing up a notch. Say the word.”
He picked up his drink again and smiled at his sweet little sister. “What word is that?”
“L-o-v-e. It may not make the world go ’round, but it sure makes the trip more fun.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Now, I’d better go put Zach down for a nap. He’s worn out from riding the range.”
“He’s not the only one. I’m going to find a comfortable spot and see if I can doze a little.” He put his arm around her shoulders and hugged her. “Thanks for caring, sis.”
“You’re always there for me. I just want to return the favor. I’ll wake you up when Emily gets back.”
“You won’t have to. I’ll know.”
And he did, but it wasn’t due to some romantic, love-related sixth sense. The minute she walked into the living room, a sleep-recharged Zach went barreling straight for her. “Emily!”
She scooped him up and hugged him, growling like a bear who sang soprano. Zach giggled and squeezed her neck one more time, then wiggled to get down.
Greeting everyone with a smile, she glanced around the room until her gaze locked with his. And Chance read her mind. Zach gives good hugs, but they aren’t the same as yours. He may have said the words a few days ago, but sure as shootin’ she was thinking them now.
His mom asked her about her trip, drawing her attention away from him.
Despite his heart racing like the “1812 Overture,” Chance got up slowly and stretched out a kink in his back. He walked over to where Emily was politely telling his mother about her good visit with the grandparents. When he curled his hand around her arm, she looked up at him, her eyes shining with happiness. And maybe something more.
“Excuse us, Mom.” Ignoring the wariness that sprang into Emily’s eyes, he gently propelled her toward the kitchen.
“Chance! What are you doing?” she whispered.
“Escorting you outside so I can give you a proper welcome home.”
“Oh.”
When he opened the back door, she led the way out onto the porch. He briefly considered going to his house, but a hard rain shower that had started since she’d come home nixed the idea. They didn’t have coats, and they’d be soaked by the time they got there.
He motioned toward the end of the porch where it wrapped around the house, away from windows and the curious eyes of siblings and parents. No matter how much he wanted to say the words, now wasn’t the time. They’d have to go back in the house in a few minutes. Telling her he loved her wasn’t something to blurt out and leave hanging in the air for a few hours.
So he did the next best thing. Rounding the corner, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her with everything in his heart – love and respect, loneliness and passion. Her response echoed some of those emotions but maybe not all. Affection, definitely. But lifetime-lasting love? Hard to tell.
He reluctantly ended the kiss and brushed a wispy lock of hair off her cheek. “You look wonderful.”
She grinned and straightened his shirt collar where she had rumpled it when she put her hands around his neck. “I’m tired and probably look like it. It’s a long drive. But thanks. You look pretty wonderful yourself.” She searched his face, and her expression grew achingly tender as she trailed her fingertips along his jaw. “How are you?”
�
��A little sore. I worked cattle with Will and Nate yesterday. Since I hadn’t ridden in a while, a few muscles are complaining.”
“We should go riding when you get back to normal.” Seeing his surprised expression, she chuckled. “Yes, I know how to ride. I had a horse all through junior and senior high. My grandparents kept her at their ranch south of Dallas. I tried to get down there as often as possible. When I went off to college, I told them to go ahead and sell her. She deserved to be with someone who could give her lots of attention, and I knew I’d only get back a few times a year. Grandpa found a good home for her with a young girl who lived on a ranch.”
“Then it was a good solution. We have some good horses. You can take your pick. We also have some extra saddles for guests to use.”
“Now all we have to do is figure out a time when we can both go.” She glanced at the rain. “And when the weather cooperates.”
He nodded. “We’ll work it out. I missed you, Emily Rose. Somethin’ fierce.”
“I missed you too. A lot.”
“Good.”
“I haven’t decided whether it’s good or bad.”
His heart sank, but he tried hard not to let it show. He smiled instead. “Reckon I’ll have to work on clarifying that for you.”
Before she could reply, or he could kiss her again, he heard the screen door slam and little feet pitter-pattering across the wooden porch. Chance grinned at the twinkle in Emily’s eyes and stepped back. “He figured out how to open doors yesterday.”
Zach peeked around the corner. “What are you doing?”
“We’re talking.”
Zach frowned as if he didn’t quite believe them. He looked out at the rain. “Come play with me.”
“In the house?”
He nodded. “Uh-huh.”
Chance picked him up. “Did your grandma send you out here to get us?”
He nodded again. “It’s cold outside.”
“I don’t know about that.” Chance winked at Emily. “Depends on what you’re doing.”
“Shhh.” Laughing, she started toward the back door.
Emily's Chance (v5) Page 19
