“Only the sheet please.” He patted the bed. “I get hot and these pants are making me sweat.”
“Okay.”
Rachael went over to her side of the bed and climbed in on top of the comforter and sheets. She covered herself with the small afghan off of the couch.
“Don’t let the sun set on your anger.” His green eyes twinkled in the light shining in through the window. “My father always says that.”
“What anger?” She lied.
“I’m sorry about not letting my dad call you earlier. I didn’t want you to worry.”
“We’ll talk about it later.”
“No. I want to set things right now.” He mumbled. “I know I hurt you and next time I’ll call you first no matter how bad it is.”
She rolled to face him on her side. She touched his cheek with her hand.
“I hope there won’t be a next time, ever again. I love you, Travis. I don’t think I can ever be without you. The thought of losing you frightens me. I’m so happy you’ll be okay.”
“Me too.” He fell back to sleep.
Chapter Nine
Rachael crept out to the kitchen table well before sun-up, lured out of bed by the smell of freshly brewed coffee.
Mr. Baxter stood in the kitchen fully dressed. Rachael could never remember a time he wasn’t up and dressed well before the rest of the house. Did he sleep in his jeans and boots?
“Mornin’, Rachael. Coffee?”
“Yes, sir.”
Rachael pulled out a chair at the kitchen table. He came over and pulled out a chair next to her setting her cup of coffee down in front of her. Next he opened the fridge and brought over some sweetened coffee creamer.
“Mrs. Baxter and Maysie like this one. It’s some sort of caramel milk-like stuff.”
Rachael grinned as she poured it in her coffee.
“Thank you. Sweet coffee is a girl thing.”
He sipped his own black coffee and set it back down.
“So I was told that yesterday was upsetting for you. Travis’ injury gave us all quite a scare.” He paused waiting for her to speak, but how did you tell your boyfriend’s father that you thought the family business was a dangerous one?
That I’m not even sure…I want my boyfriend…to continue in that line of work?
Maysie entered the kitchen smiling widely. She was dressed to go riding and Rachael didn’t doubt with whom. She wore slimming skinny jeans and a t-shirt, half boots with teal and pink leather crosses.
Mr. Baxter narrowed his eyes. “Going riding with Tristan?”
“I hope so. One calf ran off yesterday and tore through another fence line. I think it’s separated from its mama.”
“You don’t think its mama went and found it- perhaps they mammied back up this morning already?” He questioned.
“Perhaps, but this calf was little and I for one wouldn’t want to risk it.” Maysie looked to Rachael for help but found none.
Rachael had no idea what they were talking about. They were speaking some cattleman language she didn’t understand.
“Okay. Go on but be back before noon.” He warned.
“Yes, sir.”
“Maybe Rachael would like to join you. Take the edge off of Creamsicle.”
Maysie looked to Rachael with pleading eyes.
Please say no…please say no.
“Normally I’d love to go, but with Travis being hurt and all, I don’t want to leave him.” It was the truth after all.
“No later than noon.” Mr. Baxter reminded.
“I know. And Daddy, this isn’t a date, this is business.”
“I may be a lot older than you Maysie, but I’m no fool. That being said it sure as hell better not be a date.” He smiled at her over his cup.
“Oh. It’s not. Back-riding looking for a calf. That’s all.” She came over and hugged her father goodbye. “Bye Rachael.” She skipped out the front door, heading across the yard toward the barn. The sound of Tristan’s horse trailer rattling told them all he’d just pulled in the gate.
“I think we need to get you in the cowpens. If you were to get a feel for it, you’d see it’s not the dangerous experience you’re imagining it’s.”
Yikes…
“What’s a head catch?” She asked.
“Squeeze chute or head catch, it’s the same thing. It’s a piece of equipment where cattle are given medicine, vaccinations, and even branded. They enter it one at a time. A gate is lowered at the back and there are steel bars at the front to hold their head and neck firmly in place to prevent them from moving. It usually works well and prevents them from injuring themselves, as well as us. Yesterday was a freak accident. Braford cow swung her head around catching Travis. Another guy had her mugged to the side. She jerked her head, pulled it around, and caught Travis.”
Mugged…the only mugging I understand is that which takes place in a dark alley and involves thugs.
“I think I’ve got a lot to learn.”
“It’ll come. Someday you’ll be marrying a cattleman, if Travis gets his way.”
“I know.”
Travis lumbered into the kitchen and came over to pull out a chair.
“What are you doing out of bed?” Rachael jumped up to assist him.
“You can’t keep a good man down, honey.” He sat down.
“Shouldn’t you be back in bed?” She asked, more commanding than asking.
“I’m starving.”
Rachael walked over to the refrigerator and opened it. In minutes she located bacon, eggs, and English muffins. She produced a carton of orange juice and poured Travis half a mason jar full.
“Can she cook?” Mr. Baxter asked skeptically.
“Either that or she secretly has me insured already. Maybe she’s trying to do me in.” Travis teased.
“Be careful, Travis. I may never cook for you again.”
“That might be a blessing. I can’t be sure. I haven’t tasted it yet.”
“Well someone is feeling better.” Mrs. Baxter stepped into the kitchen. “Poor Rachael, his aggravating ways are back.”
“Not if he keeps picking on my cooking.” Rachael narrowed his eyes at him, holding a spatula poised to swat him.
“In my defense I’ve only ever seen you make macaroni and cheese- and various microwavable, not to mention delectable, meals.”
Rachael wadded up a kitchen towel and pegged him with it, landing it softly on top of his head.
“I can scramble an egg.”
Mrs. Baxter came over and got out a medium sized glass bowl along with two fry pans.
“Ignore them. I do most of the time. Travis is grouchy when he doesn’t eat but he’s just teasing you.”
“I know better than to take him seriously by now.” Rachael grinned.
Rachael used a whisk to mix the eggs and added a splash of milk. She laid the strips of bacon in a pan and turned it up to medium. She returned to the fridge for butter and preserves for the toast. Her egg pan was ready, she poured the eggs in scrambling them to a perfect golden. Within ten minutes she had breakfast ready to serve.
She carried a plate of toast to the table, already buttered. She set the table with plates and silverware. There were already napkins in the center of the table. Finally, she carried over the platters heaped high with bacon and scrambled eggs.
Travis served his own plate with an enormous quantity of bacon and eggs. Guy was starved. Mrs. Baxter made her eggs, bacon, and toast into an egg sandwich. Mr. Baxter fixed his plate, as well as explained how he couldn’t have as much due to high cholesterol.
Travis made a big deal over his first bite. He chewed and chewed.
“Tastes great, other than the egg shell left in there.” He winked.
“Stop messing with that girl!” Mrs. Baxter scolded him. “There weren’t any shells. He’s just playing.” She cut her eyes at her son. “If you keep it up she’ll kick you to the curb.”
“They’re actually really good.” He patted Rachael’s kne
e and leaned over to kiss her cheek.
“You won’t be getting any kisses today after that last comment.” She pouted.
‘We’ll see about that.” He swiftly laid one on her pulling her in for a squeeze.
“I think he’s fine. Can you run me home after breakfast?” Rachael asked Mrs. Baxter. “I need to go feed the animals.”
“You’re going to abandon me in my hour of need?” Travis whined.
“You’re just fine. Your mouth is obviously on the mend.” Rachael stood to clear the table.
Mr. Baxter kissed his wife goodbye and headed out for work. Travis excused himself to go shower. Mrs. Baxter and Rachael tidied the kitchen together. When they finished Mrs. Baxter grabbed her keys and pocketbook. Rachael grabbed a plastic grocery bag from the laundry room placing her dirty laundry in it.
Travis walked in dressed for the day.
“Where are you going?” Rachael inquired.
“I’m going to ride with Mama to run you home.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. You need to rest.” Rachael frowned
“I will. On your couch. I can’t lay around here all day- doing nothing. I’ll go insane.”
“Okay but you better be wearing pants.”
“There’s no chance of me getting injured. Like I told you- I hate the darned things.”
“Pants.” Rachael glared at him. When he made no move to get any she added. “I’ve been thinking of embracing my hippie side. Becoming a bra burner and all that. These things are so restrictive. I need to feel free.” She wiggled her shoulders like the weight of the thing was binding.
“Fine!” He bellered. He stomped over to the stairs.
“You have several packs of unopened pants in your top drawer.” His mother called from the kitchen.
Rachael walked into the kitchen, shaking her head.
“You’re going to be good for him.”
“I hope so.”
They waited for Travis who stalked into the kitchen. He was normally never moody, but this injury sure had set him off. Rachael decided it might not be a good idea to battle with him over anything else today. Whatever came up, for the rest of the day, she’d let it slide.
He rode in the front seat, brooding. Mrs. Baxter drove and Rachael sat quietly in the back. When they pulled into her long driveway and up to the house everything looked quiet.
“I’ll run him home later.”
“Keep him. He’s never a pleasant patient. He can’t stand to be out of commission.”
“That explains a lot.”
Rachael helped him out. He held her hand, stopping just short of the front door.
“I’m sorry. I was really playing at breakfast, but my mother is right. I hate to be out of commission. I’m a grouch.”
“It’s perfectly understandable.” She reached up and kissed his nose.
“Would you really have gone hippie, as you put it?”
“Yep. I don’t want a repeat of yesterday. That wasn’t fun. You’re a taken man now and you better remember it.”
“I like this take charge, bossy girl. It’s hot.”
“Shut up.” She smacked his hand.
He laughed his way into the house. Inside Aunt Margaret and her mother lounged in the living room. Michael and Levi could be heard cheering at some game down the hallway.
Rachael’s mother rose from the couch and came over to gently hug Travis.
“We were so worried.”
“Thank you, ma’am, but I’m doing much better now. Rachael’s been taking really good care of me.”
“Her father called last night. I told him about it. He too sends his prayers for a speedy recovery.”
She led Travis to the recliner and helped him into it.
Her cell phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and looked at it.
Amber…
‘I had the baby last night. He was so perfect. An angel. Be home tomorrow if you’d like to visit me.’
Rachael’s eyes filled with tears. She handed the phone to Travis. He read the message and conveyed its contents to Mrs. Harte and Aunt Margaret.
“Excuse me, I’m going to go feed the animals.” Rachael stood.
She stepped out the back doors and crossed the tall Bahia grass field to the barn. Taffy and ole’ lonesome George stared at their feed pans longingly.
She went into the tack room and opened the feed bins. She scooped each of them a scoop of feed placing it into a smaller bucket. She carried it out to the paddock, climbed over the fence, and poured it in their pans. She returned to the barn and grabbed them each a block of hay from the bale of Coastal in the corner. She put them in the hay bags tied onto the fence.
She walked around the corner of the barn and turned on the water spigot. She traced the hose to its opening where water spewed out onto the ground. She lifted it and carried it to the trough filling it to the top. She stood staring at the water.
Amber has given birth to a baby. A baby she’ll never know.
“Want to talk about it?” Travis leaned against the blackboard fence. In the bright sunlight she could see his color was still paler than it should be.
She walked back around behind the barn and turned off the spigot. She coiled the hose up on the hose wheel where it belonged. She walked over to scratch Taffy’s head and ole’ lonesome George’s neck where they both lifted their necks for a pat.
She climbed back over the fence and jumped down from the top rail to the ground. She put both arms around Travis and hugged him tightly. He hugged her back kissing the top of her head.
“We could have a baby someday.”
“I’m sure we will.” He answered. “Someday.”
“I can’t imagine ever giving one up the way Amber must be doing today.”
“I can’t either, but adoption is a beautiful thing. Imagine the family that is taking him home. What a blessing and a joy he will be to them, Rach.”
“I’m glad we won’t have to make that decision. Even if we found ourselves having a baby sooner than planned, I’d be okay with it. Not that I want to be a mother anytime in the near future, but I realize it goes with the territory- when we get married I mean.”
“Well, I’m glad you know that much. I’d hate to have to explain the birds and the bees to you.” He joked with her.
“I hate when you make me laugh when I’m sad.” She giggled up at his cocky smile and ruffled his spiked dark hair.
“I’m counting on that humor to keep us going- maybe even get me out of trouble from time to time.”
“We’ll see about that. You better not be planning on getting into too much trouble.”
“No guy plans on getting into trouble, it just sort of finds us.”
“Let’s get you off your feet.”
“Sounds good to me.”
Rachael led Travis into the sitting room where she set up a few pillows behind his back. He leaned over to take off his boots, wincing a little.
“Lay back. I can do this.” She put his booted foot between her knees and pulled the first one off. She did the same with the other one, setting the boot on the floor next to the first at the foot of her couch.
“Maybe I should get hurt more often.”
Rachael covered him with the blanket, ignoring his comment. She went to the kitchen and got him a glass of ice water. She opened the cabinet above the stove and grabbed the small crate of medicine her mother kept there. She located the ibuprofen and grabbed him three, remembering the doctor’s instructions. He hadn’t taken anything since last night and this was no time to be tough.
She went back to the couch and handed him the pills. He took the offered meds and the water as well.
“Now get some rest. I have to do Michael’s laundry.”
“Michael’s laundry? Isn’t he old enough to learn to do that himself?”
Rachael contemplated that. “I guess. I started doing it when our mom went to work to help out around here. I wanted to maintain some normalcy for him.” She turne
d to walk away and stopped. “Do you do your own laundry?”
“Point taken.”
“He’s several years younger than you, too. Maybe it’s time you started doing your own laundry.” Rachael advised.
“Why should I? My mom does it now and in a few years it’ll be your job. That’s woman’s work.”
She whirled around. The way he was holding his belly and laughing she knew he’d been playing with her once more.
“Trouble does find you, Travis Baxter. Your humor may just be your only saving Grace.”
“I’m counting on it.”
Chapter Ten
All of the girls wanted to visit Amber if she was up for company. So Rachael called her house at around ten o’clock the following morning. Her mother said they’d need to wait one more day. She’d been released from the hospital and was home resting. Amber was exhausted from the ordeal.
Rachael politely ended the call and called to inform the others. They rescheduled and opted for a shopping day instead.
Maysie’s car pulled up out front and she honked the horn. Armed with two hundred dollars in cash from her mother, and a list of school supplies for herself, she was impatient to get the shopping underway. Rachael grabbed her purse, called for Michael, and skipped out the door. Seated in the car already, Shannah rode shotgun. Maysie wore a huge smile.
“She’s been like that since her ride with Tristan yesterday.” Shannah jerked her head in Maysie’s direction.
“He’s such a gentleman, the way he opens all the gates for me on his horse and stuff.”
“He should. That’s what he does, he’s a cowboy.” Shannah added.
Maysie’s eyes sparkled. “Yep. He is.”
“Oh, barf.” Shannah made a puking gesture with her hand.
“Just because you find yourself manless, don’t be a hater.” Maysie smiled sweetly.
“You’re right. I’m a man hater now.” Shannah confided. “We’ve got to find me a date for homecoming.”
“School hasn’t even started yet! Homecoming is like ten weeks away.” Rachael did the quick math on her fingers. “Okay, nine weeks away.”
“Exactly, and I can’t go alone. The other guys at school are nerds or stalkers at best. I need a guy no one knows, someone intriguing.”
Cowgirl Strong Page 9
