by Rose Verde
He hesitated a bit and disappeared into the night. Amy rubbed the back of her neck, heaving a sigh. She hated it when he withdrew even though he apparently had something on his mind.
Amy walked into the house, plans forming in her mind.
Nevada would work himself to death to fix that fence, and she was going to help him. She dumped the cups and bounded up the stairs.
Hopefully she'd still catch Sam awake.
AS DAWN PEEKED OUT in the sky, Nevada took his place at the fence and started to work. He didn't know how they'd be able to fix it all before Friday.
A truck turned into the driveway. Doyle and two other men climbed out. Nevada hadn't met the other two before. They walked toward Nevada, their work tools in their hands.
One of the men gave a musical yowl and said to Doyle and the other man, “To the rescue we have come, haven't we?”
“You got it,” Doyle winked.
Nevada looked from one to another, shaking their hands.
“We got a call that you needed some rescuing. I’m Jake. My ranch is south of Doyle’s.”
“Who called you?” Nevada’s mind ran the possibilities.
“That's our secret. Let's get to work.”
Another truck turned in—a neighboring rancher and yet another person. With the extra five people joining the ranch hands, the work got under way.
“I guess someone is really concerned about you,” Angel said coming to stand beside Nevada.
Nevada took a good look at his friend. Humor lit his eyes. Doyle had also refused to volunteer information as to who had called them. “Are you saying you didn't call them?”
“Now, why would you think I did?”
Nevada shrugged. “The work is much. Maybe you got scared that we'd age doing it.”
A smile played on Nevada’s lips. He really could smile, with the burden lifted. He looked at the fence, barely two hours and they had covered close to half the repairs.
The place of help couldn’t be underestimated. Without it they'd be nowhere. God, is that what You’re teaching me? “If you didn't, who did?” he asked his gaze coming to rest on his friend.
“I'm not exactly sure, just a guess.”
Angel propped his hammer on a post and walked up to Nevada, a hand on his shoulder. “I think Amy may have made the call. Stop being pig-headed and let her help you. You have worked hard to keep the ranch going. Maybe God wants you to learn to allow people to help you.”
“Come on over,” Sam's clear voice rang out, preventing him from answering.
Angel's hand dropped from his shoulder. Their eyes met and held briefly. “Think about it, my friend.”
They turned and walked up to the others who had gathered under the shade of the barn. In another couple of hours, the repairs would be complete.
He hadn't seen Amy all day and she had not shown up at all since they started work. Maybe she'd gone out? That would be the first since she returned. Plus, only one truck sat in the driveway. He missed the fact that she hadn't come to stay with them today. But when had she made the calls? Questions chased each other across his mind.
“Thanks,” he said accepting his drink.
“You seem lost,” Sam said and winked at him.
He sidestepped her elbow and laughed. She looked better today. God, I've got reasons to thank You. Sam looks better today and You have raised us help. Thanks, God.
He sipped his juice and listened to the jokes around him, his mind on Amy. He’d chickened out of talking with her last night, but he couldn’t put it off indefinitely. Once the work was done today, he'd have free time to sort the guest list and fine tune his plans.
He had two days and the lines were beginning to fall in place. Minus the loan. Angel’s words came back to him. He and Amy would talk tonight.
Chapter Twenty-five
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. Amy shook hands with the older man. “Thank you so much. I appreciate what you have done for us.”
“It's no problem at all. Nevada is an impressive young man and I was happy to help. Your father and I have also gone way back.”
She picked up her bag and Ray, the bank manager, walked her to the door. She climbed into the truck and grabbed her phone. She pulled up Eric’s number. Amy’s finger hovered over her boss’s name for a few seconds, then she hit dial.
“Thanks for calling, Amy.”
Amy closed her eyes and wet her lips. “I’m sorry, sir. I don’t think I will be able to make it.”
“Why, Amy? Your replacement is a nightmare...”
“I don’t know. Problem is, I have some things I need to sort out here.”
“I’ll pay for your trip every time you come.”
“That’s kind of you but I’ll have to decline. I’m sorry.”
The phone went dead in her ear. Great.
She relaxed and closed her eyes. She could breathe easy. It was as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
THE STARS TWINKLED breaking the dark. The temperature had dropped again. Looked like winter was determined to hang around for longer. “What changed?” Nevada asked.
“About what?”
He stepped down settling on the glider beside her, passed her a mug of hot chocolate, and set the glider in motion like always.
“Thank you.”
“You got people to help with the fence, people you didn't really know, except Doyle, who you met a few times at the service. So, I'm wondering what changed.”
“You needed help.”
He slowed the motion of the glider and turned to look at her. A strand of hair brushed her smooth cheeks. Nevada reached out and tucked it behind her ear. His fingers stroked her hair briefly and then he dropped his hand. He loved this woman and she was doing things that made his fall faster and deeper. “Yeah, I needed help but weeks ago you wouldn't have done what you just did. I mean, you offered to help a few days back but, I thought ...”
She took a long drink of her chocolate and he knew she was thinking through her answer.
“I'm not exactly sure,” she said turning her mug round and round. “I haven't analyzed it.” She gave a small shrug and then turned a full smile on him. “I thought you'd at least be thankful instead of quizzing me. I'm sure that's not how you were taught.”
“No, you bet.” Nevada drained his mug and set it on the ground beside him. He reached out and took hers. She was yet to finish up and he set it beside his empty cup. She stared wide-eyed at him. “Don't be afraid, sweet. You want to know how I was taught.”
She lifted her hands in surrender and laughed. “I don’t want to know anymore.” There was a little tremor to her laughter.
“I'd be disappointed then,” he said, grabbing her hand and tugging her to him.
“Nevada, a simple thank you isn't so difficult to say.” He felt the current zip through him. She must have felt it too. The laughter died in her throat as she stared at him.
Nevada cupped the back of her head and seeing her eyelids droop was all the encouragement he needed. He brought his mouth down on hers and kissed her.
He poured his feelings into that brief kiss and released her. “Thank you, Amy.”
HIS VOICE WAS HUSKY. She reached out and ran a hand across his face. He turned her hand and pressed a kiss in her palm not letting go. Her heart stirred. If she told him she loved him and that was part of the reason she was helping, would he believe her?
He still had difficulty communicating in so many words, but he was a good listener and she could talk enough for both of them.
Things had changed between them. But, was it sufficient to think his kisses meant anything to him? She spared him a quick glance. He was looking at her. She blushed and lowered her gaze. He chucked her on the chin and drew her into his arms. It felt so right.
The night of the storm came to her. He’d been attentive and caring.
Her father had seen something in Nevada which she hadn’t seen. Quick tears sprang to her eyes and she blinked them away choosing to listen to the quiet beat of Nevada
’s heart against her cheek instead of thinking about her loss.
After that day the will had been read, he hadn't kissed her again. Did he love her? She wanted to ask.
Her face heated. That would be the day. What was wrong with her going all mushy over a guy? How Mel would laugh. She’d been so sure this would happen.
“I'll miss you when you go. I really wish you'd come with us for this ride. It would be just a few days.”
“I’m thinking about it.”
When she called Mel to tell her about Eric’s proposal, she’d reiterated what he’d said about the replacement and Amy had felt pity for him.
Her inability to make up her mind just yet was the reason she didn’t want anyone to know that she was jobless.
Mel had jokingly told her to not bother, that Eric would sort himself out, encouraging her to stay with Nevada. She had vehemently denied that she was developing feelings for 'her cowboy' as Mel called him. Mel had said it was because Amy didn't want her to say “I told you so.”
Truly, did she want to go back to the dreary-lonely-old life? Why did she ever think it was wonderful? He ran his hand over her hair and she came back to reality. Nevada was who she wanted to stay with and life on the ranch was better than her own sterile apartment in L.A.
“Don't pay me any mind. I know your job's on the line. I shouldn't be asking you....”
Amy pushed away, she needed to be sure the risk she was thinking of taking was worth it. “You really want me to come?”
His look was incredulous. His lips tipped in a smile. “I want you to come more than anything, except that you may not like it. Besides, I don't want you to lose your job on account of that.”
“I'll come then.”
“What about your job?” he asked, searching her face.
“I’ll worry about that later.”
“I know you'd be good at anything but suppose your boss lets you go? What will you do then?”
“You'd hire me.”
He chuckled and then became serious. “You'll hate it in one week and you’re my boss. Have you forgotten? I can't possibly hire my own boss.”
“More like a boss with a condition.” They both burst out laughing. “I guess my father knows me too well. I'm beginning to love the place again but I wouldn't have been around long enough to see because I'd have sold out the very next minute.”
Nevada reached out and threaded his fingers through hers. “Thank you for holding off.”
Amy nodded, too swamped with emotion to respond. She would give anything for her father to know that she’d decided to keep the ranch.
They stared into the night. Stars twinkled in the inky blackness of the sky, a gentle breeze blowing around them.
“I better turn in. I have a few calls to make and I need to update the logbooks.” He kissed her on the top of her head and pulled her off the glider with him.
“You should consider using a computer system. It'd be easier that way.”
“I know, maybe when we can afford it.” He saw her to the door and then headed off towards the den.
Still neither of them had brought up the loan.
NEVADA STEPPED QUIETLY through the door. Amy’s pulse raced at the sight of him. Except that he wasn’t looking too friendly right now. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Tell you what?” she asked.
Pretending not to know would only buy her time but not help her escape answering. “You know exactly what I'm talking about, Amy.” His tone was gentle.
Why hadn't she sworn the man to secrecy? “I wanted to tell you. The time just wasn’t right. I feel for the land...” And for you. “What I haven't felt in a long time, can't you see?” She willed him to understand.
He dropped into the opposite chair and held her gaze. “I’d been meaning to talk to you about your offer to pay the loan. And then the storm came and I wasn’t sure you had enough to cover the loan.”
“At one point it was only you wanting to save the ranch.” She took his hand. “Don't you see two are better than one, even God says so. I saved up some money in the last five years.”
He turned away and plowed a hand through his hair and then turned back to her, “Amy,” a heavy sigh escaped him and all his emotions were packed in that one word, “I'm sorry, can you forgive me? I feel like I’ve failed you.”
“Oh, come on. You haven’t.” She gazed into his eyes. Would he trust her enough to tell her why he felt so strongly he had to save the ranch alone? She smiled at him, “I forgive you, Nevada. How did you find out?”
“Angel’s father was able to raise some money among his friends. So, I went to pay off what was left. The manager looked surprised and I couldn't fathom it. It was then he told me you’d come by yesterday to pay. That was why you were not around all morning?”
“Yes.”
“You should have told me.”
She gestured between the two of them. “You know you'd have refused had I told you.”
“I’d been so afraid the Jayden’s legacy would die with you. Your dad would be proud.” He came around the table and hugged her briefly. “If we didn’t already have guests set up, the trail ride wouldn’t be necessary. By the time we wean the calves, we should be back on track. But it could be fun, you know.”
“I don't want you to cancel. I hope to experience a trail ride once.”
“Did you tell your boss you weren't returning yet?”
She flushed. “Yes.”
Her phone rang. “Mel,” she said winking at him.
Chapter Twenty-six
NEVADA WATCHED HER as she accepted the call. He turned to the window and stared at the cabins. They were expecting five guests, a couple and three others and they'd be arriving any moment. Trying not to eavesdrop he turned his heart to the Lord.
I'm sorry Lord. Have I not been the one whining about needing help yet I hadn't recognized Your provision for me. Thank You Lord for showing me that You hear prayers. I have seen it.
Amy giggled behind him.
Lord what's in Your plan for me and Amy? I do love her but I can't even ask her to marry me with nothing to offer. Sometimes I'm not sure if she feels anything for me and I couldn't ask her for fear she’d reject me. If there's nothing in it, make Your plans clear.
“I think I should tell you something.”
Nevada came back to the present. Amy’s cheeks were pink. He inclined his head. “What is it?”
“Um,” she rubbed her hands together. “Actually, I quit my job before I came back. I haven’t told you because I was thinking I could go back. Eric wants me back but I don’t want to go.”
Nevada folded his arms across his chest, trying to process what he was hearing. Amy would hate the ranch in a week, he was sure of that. The isolation got to people quickly. She'd go stir crazy and what next?
“Stop looking at me as though I've sprouted horns. What do you say? I want to work with you here.”
Helpless, he held her by the arms and guided her to the chair, taking a perch on the table. He touched his chest. “Amy I would be happy to have you around on the ranch but staying forever?” He tilted her chin so she'd be looking straight at him. “You'd hate it. You are not cut out for this kind of life.”
He took her hands and spread out her palms for her to see. The blisters had dried but their marks were still there. He rubbed his finger across them and marveled at their softness. “I think you should go back.”
She stood up and cupped his face. Nevada felt a weakness take him and he closed his eyes. He'd hate to see her come to dislike the land again and pine for what she'd lost. Would she blame him then?
“Nevada, look at me.”
Her voice was pleading. He opened his eyes. “If you don't want me around, I'll go. I can go back to the city, pick up where I left off.”
He inhaled her perfume and it permeated his senses. If he wasn't selfish, he'd tell her to go. Yet if he let her go now, would she understand it's because he wanted her to be happy?
Pain zip
ped through him and he couldn't look at her. Sighing, he dropped his gaze.
“Nevada, don't dare turn away from me. Tell me here and now, do you want me to stay or go?”
He just stared, she took her hands away and he felt a chill come on his face. He watched as she dropped into the chair again, “I'll go then.”
“You don't understand.”
“Then make me, Nevada. Make me understand.”
“Alright, I want you to stay. But I hope you won't end up hating it all and blame me for asking this of you.”
A big smile spread across her face and he wanted to keep the moment frozen in time. “I won't, you'll see.”
The sound of a car came to their ears, their guests were arriving. “We better get out there.”
God be with us. He prayed as he followed her out.
WITH EVERYONE FITTED to horses, they were ready to set out. The luggage had been piled in the chuck wagon that also carried their supplies. Nevada placed the three ice chests last. Sam sat in the truck with the supplies. Thank God, the doctor said she caught a stomach bug. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Very sure, go take care of things. We'll get to the lodge ahead of you and have something ready in time for a late lunch.”
He gave her a quick kiss. “Thank you.”
He’d resigned himself to having to eat cook's concoctions but Sam wouldn't hear of it as long as they had guests with them.
Anyway, if she wasn't looking better, he'd have refused.
Turning away he checked with his guests. “Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph, are you ready?”
“Yup.” The enthusiastic smile the young wife gave him made him wish he was the man and she Amy.
He checked with the others and finally turned to Amy. He’d avoided looking at her, guilt holding him captive. She may have lost her job because he’d selfishly asked her to come. He searched her face. Was she regretting her decision? He hoped not. “You doing okay?”
“Yeah.”
Her cheeks were flushed with color. He wanted to tell her she had nothing to fear, work or no. He wanted to kiss her. But they weren’t alone.
