Falling for the Cowgirl

by Tina Radcliffe

  “You’re an odd duck, AJ. I like you, but you’re an odd one.”

  “Thank you, Dutch. I like you, too.”

  “You talk to Travis?” he asked as he examined the fare on his plate.

  “No? Why?”

  “Just asking.” He bobbed up and down and from side to side, attempting to see around people in an effort to glimpse the dessert table. “You brought pie!”

  Dutch didn’t wait for a response but race-walked across the room.

  When Lucy and Emma began walking around the room, handing out gift bags and smiles, AJ looked around for their brother. Where was Travis? From the corner of her eye she saw him crossing the room to her. Standing, she left both her dinner and the gift bag and stepped into the hall.

  Not fast enough apparently. She heard footsteps behind her.

  “Seriously? You left Tripp’s lasagna?”

  Travis was at her side in a heartbeat. He held out the plate of food and the gift bag she’d abandoned.

  “Thank you,” she said, accepting both.

  “Where are you going?” he asked. “Anywhere in particular or just as far away from me as possible?”

  “Don’t be dramatic. I’m going to get a good night’s sleep. Three hours a night isn’t cutting it.” Honestly, she was tired.

  “After that?” He continued to walk next to her, his stride slowing.

  “I’m leaving, Travis. I did what I said I would do. My commitment to the ranch has been fulfilled.”

  He blocked her way, his jaw tight. “We got the grant. Didn’t you hear that part?”

  “No, you got the grant. It’s all about you, Travis. You, who never even let me know it was approved. What was I? Collateral damage on the way to you getting what you wanted?”

  “That couldn’t be further from the truth.”

  “Try to see things from where I stand,” she said. “You didn’t hesitate for one moment to let me know it was my fault when those bison were loose. Yet you never even had the courtesy to tell me when the grant was approved.”

  “It wasn’t like that, AJ.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I was tied up this afternoon and I didn’t find out the grant was approved until right before the party. I told Lucy and...well, you know my sister. As usual, she ran with it, like a runaway horse.”

  “I should have been the first person you told. I deserved that much. But you told Lucy because you need her approval.” She sighed. “What you don’t get is that you don’t need her approval. Lucy already believes in you.”

  AJ shrugged. “It doesn’t matter. This is a no-win situation for me.” She swallowed but couldn’t stop the words welling up. “I’ll always be the fall girl when things go wrong at Big Heart Ranch. If you could only let go,” she mused. “Believe in yourself. Believe in me.”

  “That’s not true. It might have been true once.” Travis took a deep breath. “Okay, it was true up until the grant walk-through. But it’s not anymore. You taught me to let go, AJ. You and the big guy.” He shook his head when she didn’t say anything. “I guess if your heart is set on leaving, there’s nothing I can do.”

  Her heart? What her heart was set on was breaking.

  “I don’t know what to tell you, Travis. I’m so confused. I couldn’t stand to ever have you look at me the way you did when you thought I was responsible for the bison getting loose. Thinking I disappointed you nearly did me in.”

  “I was wrong then, AJ. I want you to stay on more than anything, because you’re the only person who can do the job.” He paused and met her gaze. “I was wrong tonight. I should have told you first. You deserved that. You earned that. Can you think about giving me a second chance to get something right?”

  She stared at him. “Something right?”

  He took the bag and the plate from her hands and walked to the Ute and placed them in the back. “Come with me.”

  “Where? Where am I going?”

  “Trust me one last time, AJ. Please?”

  A long, uncomfortable silence stretched between them.

  Exhaustion dogged her steps when all she really wanted was for this day to end. The set of Travis’s jaw said that he wasn’t going to leave until she gave in.

  “Okay, Travis. Okay,” she murmured.

  She slid into the Ute and he started the engine. They drove the perimeter of Big Heart Ranch silently until they reached the girls’ ranch equestrian center. Travis parked the vehicle and nodded toward the open doors. Though it was after hours, all the lights were on.

  “The stable?”

  He nodded.

  Goose bumps danced down her arms as she followed him, their footsteps echoing on the plank flooring. The building was silent, except for the quiet shuffling of horses. Occasionally a snuffle or snort could be heard as she passed a stall. Travis stopped at a stall on the very end.

  The ranch’s vet blocked the entrance to this particular stall.

  “Doc?” Travis called.

  The vet turned and smiled. “He’s going to be fine. I’ll keep a close eye on him and we’ll continue the IVs until he’s sufficiently hydrated. I’ve left dressing change instructions with Tripp.”

  “What’s going on?” AJ murmured.

  The vet stepped aside and she stared at the horse in the stall. “Gus,” she breathed, her thoughts bouncing from disbelief to stunned surprise. She stepped into the small space covered with fresh hay and stumbled, her knees nearly buckling.

  Travis reached out a hand to steady her.

  “Oh, Gus. You came back to me.” AJ wrapped her arms around the gelding.

  Gus nickered and turned his nose into AJ to offer an affectionate nuzzle. His big, round, chocolate eyes flickered with recognition.

  “I thought I lost you, too, buddy.” AJ tucked her head into the animal’s neck and wept silently.

  A hand touched her shoulder. “Are you going to be okay?”

  Travis.

  AJ sniffed and wiped her eyes before she turned to face him. The vet quietly waited outside in the doorway of the stable.

  “How did you find him?”

  “Tripp located Gus. Once he did the legwork, we grabbed Dutch and picked him up.”

  “That simple?”

  “Maybe not quite that simple. He’s here and he’s going to be fine. That’s what matters, right?”

  She ran a hand over the horse’s coat, examining him. “How are his legs?” she asked, inspecting the gauze bandages.

  “He’s got a few sores but Doc has everything under control. We’ve got the supplies and salve for dressing changes. The dehydration was the biggest concern. He’s over that hump now. Really perked up once he saw you. You’re the best medicine this horse could have.”

  “Oh, Travis. I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “You just did. It’s all good.”

  She met his dark eyes and they were tinged with sadness. “But—”

  He raised a hand and held out the Ute keys. “I’ll catch a ride back with the vet. Stay as long as you like.”

  “Thank you.”

  “You already said that.”

  “It seems insignificant.”

  When he left she let out a breath and said a silent prayer of thanksgiving. She put her arms over the stall gate and stared at Gus, watching the drip of the IV, grateful for this second chance with her horse.

  “I see you found him,” Tripp murmured.

  She glanced up. “You knew and didn’t say anything.”

  He shrugged. “Wasn’t my place.”

  “Tell me what happened. I’m so confused. I can’t put this behind me until I understand how you found him.”

  Tripp eyed her and frowned.

  “I asked Travis and he won’t elaborate. If you don’t tell me, then I’ll have to go ask Dutch. You know he’ll tell me anything I want to kno
w for blackberry pie.”

  “You’d do that?” Tripp clucked his tongue. “Here I thought you were a sweet girl.”

  “You have no idea what I am capable of.”

  He raised his brows. “Travis saved your horse from a short trip to the slaughterhouse.”

  A gasp slipped from her lips. “How? How did he do that?”

  “That’s where this story gets interesting. Seems he used his truck fund to negotiate Gus’s release.”

  “His Raptor money?” AJ shoved her hair back over her shoulder.

  “You know about that?”

  “Yes,” she murmured. “I know he’s been saving for five years. The Raptor is his dream.”

  “A man doesn’t share his dreams with just anyone, you know. And he doesn’t forget his dreams for just anyone.”

  Tripp pushed off from the wall and walked out of the stable. His steps were slow and nearly silent as he left.

  AJ’s hand covered her mouth. She turned to Gus. “What are we going to do? Everything is all messed up. I don’t even know where to start to untangle this mess.”

  Gus nudged her with his nose as if pushing her out of the stall to fix things.

  “You’re right. I’m going to get some sleep and then I’ll find Travis when I can think clearly.” AJ ran a hand over Gus’s nose and kissed him. “Do you think he’ll forgive me when I’ve been so unforgiving?”

  Gus whinnied.

  “I have to try,” she whispered to her horse. “Because I realized something tonight. This is the end of the trail for us. Big Heart Ranch is our home and I’ve got to make things right.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Before the sun said hello, AJ slipped into the stable to check on Gus. The IV bag had been changed, as had his bandages. Apparently, Tripp rose even earlier than she did. Satisfied Gus was coming along, she returned to the bunkhouse.

  She could pretend that it was just another day on Big Heart Ranch. Except it wasn’t. What would today hold? Yesterday she was certain and now...now she could only pray for guidance.

  From the kitchen window she could see a Ute pull up to the bunkhouse. Rue was behind the wheel. Ranger pawed at the door, excited to see the general.

  “Morning, Rue,” AJ said. She scooped up the pup, opened the screen and stepped outside.

  “Is it true that you’re leaving?”

  “I’m not sure what my plans are.”

  “This is very worrisome. I don’t understand how two smart people can be so silly. Lucy and Emma are very concerned, but they promised Travis they’d mind their own business.” She smiled. “Minding their own business is pure torture. They sent me here.”

  Dutch rode up on his horse. “How’s Gus?”

  “Improving. Thank you for rescuing him.”

  “Aw, it was all Travis.” A blush crept up the cowboy’s face.

  “Just the same. I am very appreciative.”

  “Travis is in his office. I saw him go in about an hour ago after he rode the fences,” Dutch said.

  “You’re telling me about Travis’s schedule for informational purposes? Or did Lucy and Emma send you, too?”

  “I’m telling you so you can get moving and take care of this situation that you and Travis have found yourselves flat in the middle of. You’re each riding a stubborn mule going in the wrong direction and wondering why you can’t see eye-to-eye.”

  AJ cocked her head and looked at him. “Was that from a movie?”

  “No, ma’am. That was pure Dutch Stevens.”

  “I might start collecting Dutch-isms. Maybe write a book.”

  “You’re joshing.”

  “No. I’m serious.” She turned to Rue. “What do you think?”

  “Splendid idea. We could sell them to the staff. Make a fortune for the ranch.”

  “See, Rue gets it.” She smiled. “I’d like to talk to the vet this morning. Do you know when he’s at the ranch?”

  “He makes rounds in the afternoon,” Dutch answered. “Go see Travis. You’re wasting time.”

  “I’ve got nothing but time, Dutch.”

  “That’s what you think.” He snorted.

  “I really appreciate your concern. I haven’t had anyone care about me like this in a very long time, but you’re forgetting one thing. I don’t work here anymore. I’m not in any rush to do anything.”

  “You don’t work here anymore? That can’t be true,” Dutch said. He scratched his head. “The new schedule just came out this morning and I saw your name on it. You’re on call tonight and you have pasture maintenance this afternoon.”

  “No. That can’t be correct. I told Travis last night.”

  “You better find out what’s going on, dear,” Rue said.

  “You two are not going to leave me alone until I do. Are you?” She narrowed her eyes at Dutch and Rue. “Are you coming with me?”

  “No. I reckon this is one dance we’ll sit out,” Dutch said. “Got any pie left?”

  “No pie until I find out what’s going on.”

  “Well, that ain’t fair, after all this advocating I’m doing on your behalf.”

  “Advocating? That’s what you call it?”

  “Well, sure, and I might be persuaded to stay out of your hair for the rest of the day if I had pie.”

  “Okay, fine. The pie’s hidden in the laundry room.”

  AJ walked toward Travis’s office, her frustration moving her along at a fast clip. This might very well be the last time she’d make this early morning walk from the bunkhouse to his office. No more tidying up the paperwork. No more drinking endless pots of coffee with the boss.

  No more Travis, her mind shot back. And hadn’t she and Gus decided they’d wanted to stay? How was she going to turn things around and make sure Travis understood that they were a team? That together they had a future running the ranch. Certainly she longed for much more than that, but she had to have his trust before she’d ever have his heart.

  The smell of horse sweat and hay was strong as she passed the stables where morning riding lessons had already begun.

  “Hi, Miss AJ,” one of the girls called. “Will you be helping us with Bess today?”

  AJ waved. “I’ll let you know.”

  Barrel racing lessons. She’d nearly forgotten. Big Heart Ranch held its own rodeo at the end of summer, and she’d offered to train two promising riding students.

  Tripp stood in the door of the stables as she passed. He offered a nod of greeting.

  “Did you try my pie?” she asked.

  “Got it waiting for me in the refrigerator. You try my spinach lasagna roll-ups?”

  “I did and my mouth refuses to eat mediocre food ever again.” She smiled and kept moving toward the foreman’s office.

  Her steps slowed as she got closer yet, oddly enough, her heart picked up speed.

  What was she going to say? She felt like she was playing checkers and a few pieces were missing. Where should she move? Forward? Backward? Give up?

  She knocked and turned the handle on the door. From inside Travis growled.

  “Good morning to you, too,” she said.

  Travis narrowed his eyes as she stepped into the room. He was seated at his desk, going through a stack of papers.

  “What happened to this place?” AJ glanced around at the disorder.

  “I needed the paperwork on Natchez and couldn’t find it anywhere.”

  AJ walked over to the filing cabinet and fingered through the neat files. “N for Natchez. A little known coding system I use, called the alphabet.” She pulled out a file and handed it to him.

  “Thank you.” Travis offered a grim smile. “Can I help you with something?”

  “You spent your truck money on Gus,” she blurted out.

  He groaned. “Who told you that? Nobody on this ranch can
keep their lips zipped. Have you noticed this?”

  “Can we talk, please?” AJ asked.

  “I don’t see what there is to talk about. You’ve made yourself pretty clear. I don’t want you to change your mind and stay because you feel guilty about me and the whole Gus issue.”

  “I don’t feel guilty. I feel appreciative to have friends who care about me.”

  “Okay.” He raised a brow. “Was there something else?”

  “Dutch says I’m still on the schedule.”

  “You are.”

  “But I quit last night.”

  “I didn’t see any letter of resignation, so technically you’re still an employee.”

  “I haven’t had a chance to write one up yet. But you understood my intention.”

  “Human resources doesn’t care about intention. I need a letter.” He frowned. “I told you, I won’t hold you back if you don’t want to be here. I’ll provide a recommendation for your new job. You write that letter and we’ll get the ball rolling.” Travis picked up his coffee and took a long swig.

  “What if I don’t want to get the ball rolling? What if I changed my mind?”

  He began to sputter and choke.

  “Are you all right?” AJ moved to his side.

  Travis held up a palm. “What did you say?”

  “I asked if you’re all right.”

  “No. Before that.”

  “I said I’ve changed my mind. The truth is that I don’t want to be anywhere but Big Heart Ranch. I’ve waited my entire life for this place. I just didn’t know what I was searching for. I know now.”

  Travis reached for her hand. “Do you mean that?” His brown eyes searched her face.

  “Yes. I’m sorry that I’ve made it impossible for you to be forgiven. And now here I am groveling and asking you to forgive me.” She met his gaze.

  “Why are you apologizing?”

  “Yesterday afternoon you were rescuing my horse. That’s why you didn’t have time to tell me about the grant.”

  Travis shrugged. “I still should have told you before I told Lucy.”

  “I’m willing to do anything if you’ll give me another chance.”

  “I thought that was my line,” he said.