Jake opened the door of the campus coffee shop for her. “Let’s just say I’ll be glad when it’s over. My brain needs a holiday on the Flying W.”
Rebecca laughed. “I’m glad you consider sixty-hour work weeks to be a holiday.”
“Well, I’ll admit, Alec is a bit of a slave driver. But the people I work with more than make up for it. Speaking of which, have you found anyone to take Alli’s spot?”
“Not yet. Although I did just hire a girl named Holly.”
“Is she cute?”
She couldn’t help but laugh. “Very cute. Just promise me you’ll wait at least a week before you turn on the charm, okay? Let her get settled into the place without distractions.”
“Oh, so now I’m a distraction? I thought I was your most valuable employee.”
She rolled her eyes and turned to the exceptionally patient barista. “Could I get a hazelnut latte, please?”
They chatted over coffee for another half hour before Rebecca glanced at her watch. “I should get going. I want to try to make it home before dark.”
Jake nodded and rose from his chair. “And I need to get to the library.”
They said goodbye–until Saturday–and Rebecca headed for the parking lot. A contented weariness settled in her bones as she pulled onto the highway and pointed her truck west. She popped a CD into the stereo and felt the remaining tension melt from her shoulders when she cranked the music as loud as it would go.
The hours passed quickly as she belted out her favorite songs at the top of her lungs. Before she knew it, she was almost home. The sun was setting behind the slanted peaks of the Tetons as Rebecca neared the entrance to the ranch.
She frowned when she approached the driveway and noticed a black Jeep with Oregon plates stopped on the shoulder of the road. A woman sat alone on the hood of the vehicle, hugging her knees to her chest. Figuring she was lost, Rebecca stopped beside the Jeep and rolled down the passenger’s side window.
“Do you need a hand?”
The woman’s head whipped around. “Oh!” she gasped. “I didn’t hear you pull up.”
Rebecca frowned when she discreetly dabbed the corners of her eyes. “I’m sorry,” she replied. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
At first glance, Rebecca assumed she was Hispanic. When she slid off the hood and approached the truck, though, her features were unmistakably Native American. She looked older than Rebecca–early thirties, maybe?–and even in plain khakis and a faded denim jacket, there was no downplaying her natural beauty. She was tall and broad-shouldered, yet her appearance was strikingly feminine. Her long hair was jet black and perfectly straight, accentuating her high cheekbones and dark, almond-shaped eyes.
“Do you live out this way?” the woman asked.
“I do.”
“You’re very lucky,” she said, gesturing towards the mountains. “I was just admiring the view. It’s really incredible.”
“Yeah, it is. Is this your first time in Jackson?”
An odd expression flickered across her face. “It’s been awhile.”
Rebecca had no idea what to make of that. She felt strangely awkward as she fumbled for something to say. “Um…do you need to use a phone? Or can I give you some directions?”
“Thank you, but no. I’m just passing through.”
It was Rebecca’s turn to be startled when the woman abruptly turned away and opened the door to her Jeep. Seconds later she was gone, disappearing down the road into the twilight.
Chapter 8
Something was bothering Alec.
Since the night of their business meeting, he’d been plagued by nightmares. One nightmare, to be exact.
It was always the same scene. He was standing on the edge of a ravine, holding his gun in his hand. It always ended the same way, too, with a soft voice and black eyes that he’d neither heard nor seen in a very long time. Sometimes the dream was so real that he’d wake up and swear he could smell vanilla in the air.
As April transitioned into May, his fitful sleep developed into full-blown insomnia. It happened to coincide with the start of their shoulder season, but Alec knew enough to know that the two events were not related. After seven years of placating to tourists, he no longer stressed about their busy season.
As always, Tommy and Ryan had the place ready to go when their first guests arrived. Jake and Ben showed up right on schedule and settled into the daily routine of barn chores, riding lessons, and trail rides. Holly seemed to fit right in, too, proving to be both knowledgeable with the horses and courteous with the guests.
For the first time in a long time, Alec could honestly say that he had very little to worry about. So why couldn’t he sleep?
Usually he could pinpoint exactly what made him anxious, but this time he couldn’t put his finger on it. It wasn’t money; they were stable in that department. It certainly wasn’t Rebecca. And when Walter checked out with a clean bill of health from his annual physical, Alec realized it wasn’t his father, either.
Those were the three things that always concerned him…except it wasn’t any of those things.
Midway through the month, Alec was nearly delirious from lack of sleep. He tried not to let it show, though, as he loaded their suitcases into his truck. Normally he and Rebecca wouldn’t dream of leaving the ranch during guest season, but her college graduation ceremony coincided the same week as their wedding anniversary, so they had more than enough reasons to celebrate.
After ensuring that Walter and Lucy had everything they needed for the weekend, they climbed into his truck and drove over to Laramie. Alec’s throat involuntarily tightened when they passed the city limit sign. It was amazing how well he’d managed to avoid this city during the past decade. It wasn’t that he had any specific memories attached to the place; he’d only set foot there a couple of times in his entire life.
For him, it was the memories he could have had here.
He pushed those thoughts aside and focused on enjoying the weekend, relishing the opportunity to spend some rare uninterrupted time with his wife. The following morning, they joined the rest of her family for a celebratory brunch before her graduation ceremony. Alec proudly cheered for her when she crossed the podium to receive her Master’s degree, although deep down he still couldn’t shake his uneasiness. He hoped that once their visit to Laramie was over, his sleep would return to him.
No such luck.
They returned to the ranch and resumed their usual routine, but if anything, Alec felt more anxious than he did before they left. He managed well enough during the day, but late at night, while the rest of the world was sleeping, he was plagued by some anonymous worry.
He lay awake again the night before the Memorial Day rodeo, staring up at the wooden beams of the ceiling. Alec must have sighed more loudly than he realized, because Rebecca shifted against her pillow and turned to face him.
“Can’t sleep again?”
“No.”
There was just enough moonlight seeping through the window for him to discern the green of her eyes. “What’s the matter, honey?” she whispered. “What’s bothering you so much?”
He gave a helpless shrug. “I wish I knew.”
She frowned and touched his shoulder, trailing her fingertips down his arm, and that was all it took. He pulled her close and kissed her feverishly, losing himself in the familiar feel of her body against his. The same thing had happened every night for weeks now. Making love to her was the only thing that quieted his mind, the only reprieve from his nameless angst. It wasn’t a matter of wanting her; he always wanted her.
Right now he needed her in some profoundly primal way that he didn’t understand.
Whether Rebecca understood any of that or not, she certainly didn’t seem to mind his attention. A sleepy, satiated smile played on her lips as she curled up beside him afterward and rested her cheek on his chest. Alec kissed her hair and closed his eyes, welcoming the blissful, numbing silence inside his head.
H
e must have dozed for a little while, because he jerked awake again to a pounding heart and a cold sweat on his brow. Gently he untangled himself from his wife and rose from the bed, walking over to the window to study the faint glow on the horizon.
He didn’t know what it was, but something was out there, closing in on him.
Something he couldn’t see.
Something he couldn’t escape.
*
The following morning, Rebecca stood in the changing room of their gooseneck horse trailer and mentally checked off the tack. Two saddles. Two bridles. Two breastcollars. Two lassos. Two pairs of chaps.
“Don’t forget these.”
She turned and gave a sigh of relief when she saw Tommy holding out Star’s leg wraps. “Thank you. I knew I was missing something.”
He chuckled and leaned against the side of the trailer. “You about ready to go?”
“I think so.” She set the leg wraps on the shelf and stepped onto the grass. “Just let me run up to the lodge and tell them we’re leaving.”
Rebecca shut the dressing room door and started across the parking lot towards the lodge. A swarm of guests were lounging around the patio, waiting for the noontime barbecue. Generally they did an evening grill-out with a live band for Memorial Day, but since Rebecca and Tommy had been talking up the rodeo all week, most of the guests expressed a desire to cheer them on. So Ryan bumped up the celebration to lunch instead, and Alec arranged for two shuttles to transport the guests to the rodeo later that afternoon.
She entered the lodge and made her way back to the kitchen, where the cooks were busily finishing preparations for the barbecue. She found Alec and Ryan in the walk-in cooler, loading a massive quantity of hamburger patties and sausages onto a cart.
“Ryan, that hat’s against dress code.”
He glanced at her from beneath the brim of his Yankees cap. “Since when do we have a dress code?”
“Since right now,” she said, casually removing it from his head and setting it on the nearest shelf.
Ryan sighed and turned to Alec. “Is she always this difficult?”
Alec chuckled. “Try living with her.”
To Rebecca’s relief, her husband didn’t look nearly as stressed as he had last night. “Are you and Tommy out of here?” he asked.
“Almost. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t need anything before we go.”
Ryan shook his head. “Think we’re all set, Bec.”
Alec nodded in agreement and gave her hand a loving squeeze. “I’ll call you when I get there.”
She headed for the parking lot, where Tommy was loading Joaquin into the trailer. Star was already inside, and Rebecca smiled when her horse stomped a foreleg and gave a loud whinny.
“I think she said we’re gonna win ourselves a trophy tonight,” Tommy called.
“You know it,” she replied, reaching through the bars to stroke the mare’s nose.
Forty-five minutes later, Tommy pulled his truck into the large dirt lot behind the Teton County Fairgrounds. It was opening weekend for the rodeo, and already dozens of stock trailers lined the area. Swarms of cowboys in Wranglers and Stetson hats milled around the lot, unloading their horses or devouring food from the concession stands.
Rebecca was already used to being the only girl around the ranch, which was a good thing, since the testosterone was even more overpowering here. Professional rodeo offered only one event for women–barrel racing–although occasionally a man and a woman would pair up for team roping.
He glanced over at her as he killed the engine. “What’s that look?”
“I’m suddenly feeling out of my league.”
“Nah. Me and Alec would’ve been honest with you if we didn’t think you were ready. And besides, it’s just for fun, right?”
Rebecca gave a nervous laugh. “Right.”
Once their horses were settled in the arena barn, they headed over to the registration booth. “Which event?” asked the woman sitting at the table.
“Team roping,” Tommy replied.
“And barrel racing,” Rebecca added.
“Names?”
“Tommy Bateman and Rebecca Westin.”
A white-haired man glanced up from the opposite end of the table. “Westin?” he echoed. “Now there’s a name I haven’t heard for a while.”
Rebecca frowned. “I’m sorry?”
He stepped forward and extended his hand. “You must be Alec’s wife.”
She gave a little nod. “Yes, sir.”
“I’m Dan Ward,” he said, giving her hand a solid shake. “I served for years on the city council with your father-in-law.”
“Oh.” She tried to recall if Walter had ever mentioned anything about it, but she came up blank. “Well, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Rebecca.”
A warm smile lit his weathered face. “I’d heard that Alec got married a few years back. It’s lovely to finally meet you. How is he doing?”
“He’s great. He’ll be here later today, actually.”
“Good, I hope I run into him. And how’s Walter?”
It seemed odd to have a conversation about her family with a complete stranger, although Dan obviously wasn’t a stranger to Alec and Walter. “Still hanging in there,” she replied. “He’s got an amazing attitude.”
“He always did. Did you ever have the chance to see him perform?”
“Unfortunately, no. But I get a glimpse of it when I watch Alec work with a horse.”
Dan’s eyebrows shot up. “Alec’s got his old man’s gift?”
“He does. Not that he’ll ever admit it, of course.”
“How very interesting.” He glanced at the line that was forming behind Rebecca and Tommy. “Well, listen, I won’t keep you. I just wanted to introduce myself. Please give my regards to Walter.”
“I will. But you should come see him yourself sometime. He’d appreciate the visit.”
Dan seemed surprised by the offer. “Thank you, Rebecca. I just might do that.”
He politely tipped his hat and gave Tommy a brief nod before he turned and strode away. Rebecca watched him go, wondering why she’d never met him or even heard of him before.
“Nice guy,” Tommy said.
“Yeah,” she replied, turning her attention back to the registration table. “He is.”
Chapter 9
Like Tommy, Alec had competed in all the local rodeos during high school and into his early twenties.
He never rode the bucking broncs or the bulls–he had no desire to destroy his body–but he loved roping cattle. Once upon a time, he was pretty good at it, too. As a leftie, he had a natural advantage as a heeler, since his lasso was already on the same side as the steer. A right-handed heeler like Rebecca had to twist her body and toss her lasso across her horse’s neck to reach the steer’s heels, which required considerably more skill.
The familiar scent of livestock, beer, and fried food filled his nostrils as Alec stepped into the grandstands. He’d already seen Tommy and Rebecca to wish them luck; now he needed to locate his family amongst the throngs of spectators. It wasn’t that difficult–Jeff was the only person in a thousand-mile radius who was wearing a Red Sox cap. And with his broad shoulders and stocky frame, he more closely resembled a professional athlete than a high school science teacher.
Alec could honestly say that he loved his in-laws. He even liked his mother-in-law, Susan, although she lived in Boston and didn’t get to visit very often. The Sheehans were delightfully different than any other family he knew. They were loud and sarcastic and a little obnoxious, but he loved it.
He loved that they practically foamed at the mouth when someone mentioned a sports team from anywhere other than Boston. He loved that the letter r didn’t exist in their vocabulary and that sometimes he still needed a translator to understand what they were saying. He loved that Rebecca and Jeff could finish each other’s sentences, giving him a glimpse at what life would have been like if he weren’t an only child.
Most of all, he loved the fierce loyalty they all had for each other–a loyalty he found lacking in so many others.
Allison spotted him first and stood to wave him over. Liz was sitting beside them, holding Stacey in her arms, and greeted him with a friendly smile. Jeff, in his usual manner, gave Alec a rib-shattering slap on the back.
“’Bout time you got here,” he said, resuming his seat beside Allison. “Thought you were going to miss the opening act.”
“Nah,” Alec replied, settling onto the bleachers beside Liz. “It just took a while to get the guests organized, that’s all.”
He dropped his gaze to Stacey and couldn’t help but grin at the sight of her tiny red cowgirl boots. “Do you want to hold her?” Liz offered.
Before Stacey was born, Alec had never held a baby. The only babies he’d ever been around were newborn calves–eighty pound newborn calves. The first time he held Stacey, he was simultaneously shocked and awed by how small she was.
When he hesitated, Allison gave a knowing smile. “You won’t break her, Alec. I promise.”
He chuckled. “Alright.”
Liz gently handed him his niece, and he held his breath as he positioned her in his arms. Stacey squinted a blue eye open and peered at him briefly before she yawned and snuggled into the crook of his elbow.
They watched the opening performance from the local 4H team before a young woman rose from the announcer’s booth to sing the national anthem. After that, the rodeo officially got under way with the bareback and saddle bronc riding. The tie-down ropers rode next, followed by the steer wrestlers, until finally the announcer introduced the team roping competition.
When Alec opened his program, he saw that not only was Rebecca the only female competitor, but also that she and Tommy were riding last out of nine teams. The tension mounted as, one by one, each team took their turn. Three of the heelers failed to lasso the steer’s legs, resulting in no score. The other teams were surprisingly good, averaging nine or ten seconds to immobilize the steer.
The eighth team, though, came charging out of the holding boxes and lassoed their steer in 7.06 seconds.
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