"Dad had known he had a heart condition, though he never mentioned it to me. He must have known he wouldn't have a long life, and he used what time he had to work hard - and he did it all for me. He made financial provision for me after his death - I was left quite a lot of money. Then there was the house in the country. I ended up selling the place. It was painful. It held too many memories. And it was far too big just for little old me. So I moved away."
"Yeah? Where to?"
"A nice historic place called Lincoln. I thought I'd have a new start. I had time on my hands. I didn't really need to work, as dad had made some shrewd investments for me. I bought myself a nice little house in the suburbs, and I took a part time job in a cafe, just for something to do to get me out of the house until I figured out exactly what it was I wanted to do with my life. I wasn't ready to go and get a high-powered job as an accountant, so the cafe was perfect, and I also did the books for the owner. The job was enjoyable and stress free and I met some nice people - including my best friend Rose. And, I'm a people person - I like to be sociable. I had an active social life - lots of bars and clubs and parties." She omitted to tell him that all that got pretty boring after a while.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"You said you didn't know anything relating to your background as your dad didn't tell you. So how did you find out?"
"After his death. He left me a letter. It was all in there. I cried when I read it," Cindy sniffed, hoping very much she wasn't going to cry now. "It was odd, finding out that I have a family in Texas."
"Whereabouts in Texas?"
"San Marco. Do you know it?"
Luke nodded. "Sure do. It's the county seat of Hays County, located on the Interstate 35 corridor, between Austin and San Antonio. Passed through it a couple times. Nice place. You should go meet your folks. Have you thought about doing so?"
"Not really. They'd probably shoot me on site!"
"Doubtful! But you should consider making a few enquiries."
Cindy shrugged. "Maybe."
"You want to tell me their name?"
"Art and Rebecca Bridgewater. That's all I know."
"It's enough." He paused and looked at Cindy intently, before adding, "They're both alive and well."
"What?! You know them?!"
"No, not exactly. But I have met them. They own a small hotel - a traditional bed and breakfast place nestled on the hillside to cater for the tourists. They were fully booked when I arrived and they referred me elsewhere. This was just under a year ago."
Cindy stared at him. This was incredible. "What are they like?"
"Both in their mid to late sixties. They seemed very pleasant. I either take to folks or I don't, and I took to them."
"Oh. God, Luke, you've given me a lot to think about."
"Ok, well make sure you do think about it. There could be an opportunity here to set right past wrongs, as well as getting to know your new-found family. So... tell me more about your life in Lincoln."
Cindy was reeling, her head spinning with thoughts about the Bridgewater's and the very real possibility of meeting them. She put that thought aside to return to later, and continued with her tale. "I met this guy, Eric. We got engaged when I was 23. We had a joint bank account. He cleared off with everything in the account and ran off to London with some tart. What a bastard. Still - it could have been worse - I could have married him. It was a bad time though. I got very down. Dad's sister Auntie Kitty, came to stay with me for a couple of weeks. She cheered me up no end. She offered to have me live with her up in Northumberland, but I felt I needed to find my own path."
"Your own path. And have you?"
"I guess not. I've been drifting along, waiting for something to come along and change my life." Or someone.
"Could be your drifting days are over, now that you've come home."
"Come home?"
"Yep - here - Texas, the place you were born. You have family here. You belong."
"I'd like to feel that I belong somewhere," she whispered, suddenly feeling rather fragile and emotional.
"Cindy Frances Spencer - extrovert, sociable, bubbly and confident on the outside... but inside... not so self assured. Am I right?"
"Well, we all have our insecurities, don't we," bristled Cindy.
"And I see you have a bit of a temper too. I got myself a feisty one," he said to the the wall of the cave.
"And what's wrong with feisty?" said Cindy, arching her eyebrow.
"Nothin' - I like feisty... providing you do as you're told. Or else..." he said ominously.
"Or else what?"
"Or else I get to tan that cute fanny of yours again." Luke grinned at the prospect.
"Is that what you do then - lure unsuspecting women into your cave to tan their fannies?" Cindy gave Luke what she considered to be her best withering look. "Is it some sort of hobby?"
"Hobby?" Luke grinned. "I cannot tell a lie - it is a kind of a hobby as I've always been inclined to slap a shapely female butt. Not that I make a habit of it, you understand. And I certainly don't bring women up here. You're my first official cave guest."
Cindy looked round. "How did you find this place?"
"I was out hunting and looking for a place to shelter as the weather had turned. I found this cave by chance. It's a well kept secret and I intend it to stay that way. I've done some exploring of my own - it's beautiful down there. It must be around 300 feet long and 100 feet deep. It's like another world, full of the most spectacular formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate soda straws. " His eyes sparkled as he enthused. "This place is awesome. Just think about it - the cavern has been created over thousands of years by the dissolving and cutting action of water on the limestone bedrock. It really puts our own mortality into perspective. You should take a closer look further inside. Want to? I have lamps? We'll have a mini sightseeing expedition."
"Well, yes, I'd love that, really I would. But... " Practicality kicked in. "Maybe we should wait until our clothes dry? I don't fancy exploring wrapped in a blanket!"
"Ah, good point," conceded Luke. "Guess we'll just have to occupy ourselves with something else." He cupped her face in his hands and drew her close. "Something like this." His lips brushed hers, and then his mouth crushed down hard on her own.
"It's fine with me, cowboy," Cindy reciprocated. "I can think of far worse ways to pass the time."
The fire flickered and cast weird and wonderful shadows dancing up to the roof of the cave, and outside the storm had muted to a dull background hiss and patter.
Luke nuzzled her neck, kissing that special sensitive spot at the base of her throat that made her go all squirmy inside. Whether by accident or design, Cindy's blanket dropped to her waist, exposing her breasts. He devoured them, cupping them, stroking and gently kneading, and pinching the tips of her rose pink nipples until she squealed and bade him do it some more.
He chuckled and then dipped his head to flick his tongue around her areola, causing her to purr in pleasure.
In a heady little voice, she whispered in his ear. "Do you have condoms?"
"Nope. Don't need any."
"No? But I thought you wanted to... er that is, I thought we might, you know..."
"Not until we're married."
"What?! Married?! We've only just met!" Cindy's mouth gaped in shock and surprise.
"So? And close your mouth before a cave insect flies inside it."
Cindy rapidly closed her mouth, and then opened it again, much to Luke's amusement.
"Was that a proposal?"
"Yeah, it was."
"But... I don't want to be rude but I don't know anything about you. All we've shared are a few kisses."
"I'm the man for you, and you know it. It may take you a little while to realise the truth of it, but that's fine. Take your time. I'm in no hurry for your answer," he said with confidence and a smug smile. "I know you'll say yes when you're good and ready."
Cindy stared a
t him as though he had two heads. "You're a strange one, cowboy."
"Best get to know me then," he said, and recommenced playing with her nipples.
"Much as I like what you're doing to me right now, given that you've listened to my life story, I think it's your turn. What do you do? Where do you live? How come you have all these things stashed here in the cave?"
"Questions, questions." He raised his head reluctantly. "I guess you could call me a saddle bum." His eyes twinkled.
"A what?"
"Saddle bum - a drifter. I move around a lot, taking work where I can get it - wrangling - herding livestock, driving cattle to market. I also help out on ranches and farms, often sleeping outside under the stars. I love the open life. I'm a bit of a loner - a wanderer."
"You seem mighty educated for a... what did you call it - saddle bum."
"Oh I studied plenty when I was younger," he began.
She interrupted him. "When you were younger? You make yourself sound like an old man. Exactly how old are you, Luke Daniels?"
"I do believe I've almost reached the grand old age of 31, ma'am," he winked at her.
"Only a few years older than me then. So - you don't have a proper home?"
"I do have a place, yes." An evasive expression flitted over his face." But, up until now, I preferred to keep moving around."
"Do I take it then, that you might hang around here for a while?"
"For as long as it takes." He looked at her levelly.
"I want to know more. Tell me everything," she demanded.
"We'll talk more on the ride back." He got to his feet. "Storm's passed. Time to get dressed. Those folks at the ranch will be very concerned about you. You might even get yourself another bottom warming when you get back."
Cindy snorted derisively at the suggestion.
They dressed and Luke stamped out the fire and stashed things away in the metal boxes. Taking Cindy's hand, he led her towards the entrance to the cave.
"Hey - you said 'on the ride back' - but we've no horses! It's one hell of a walk," she said despondently.
"I have," he said. "Listen and watch." He raised his hands to his mouth and blew between his fingers, emitting an ear-piercing high pitched whistle. He repeated it.
They stood by the cave entrance looking out at the deserted post-storm shredded landscape.
"I don't see any horse," said Cindy.
"Patience. He'll come."
And sure enough, he did. A black stallion appeared as a speck in the distance and galloped effortlessly towards his master.
"Wow!" Cindy was impressed. "But where's he been? Wasn't he out in the storm?"
"Animals sense danger long before it happens. I recognised the signs. He was skittish and uneasy. I let him go, and off he went, in the opposite direction of the storm. He's been safe. We go back a long way, Horse and I."
"Horse? That's not his name, surely?"
"It sure is. And why not? He's a horse ain't he?"
"Well yes, but..." Cindy giggled. "I never heard of anyone calling their horse Horse."
"Well you have now." He slapped her bottom. "Come on, he'll carry us both easily. He's a real six-shooter horse."
"What does that mean?"
"It means he's real fast. Hold tight."
---oOo---
Shortly after the storm passed, Isaac Armstrong, together with his son Scott and a group of the ranchers saddled up their horses, preparing to set off searching for Cindy.
They were almost ready to leave when Savannah trotted towards them, saddled and bridled, but without a rider. The horse was fine, and showed no indication of her earlier agitation and fear.
"Pity you can't talk," said Isaac patting the mare's neck. "You could tell us where the heck the little minx went."
"That won't be necessary," said Gabe. "Look."
The party watched as the black horse with its two riders came swiftly towards them. Isaac breathed a sigh of relief and dismounted, standing with Gabriel while the others went about their work.
"Gabriel. Isaac," called Cindy. "Sorry if you've been worried, but..."
"Worried ain't the half of it," said Isaac, curtly. "You knew there was a storm coming. Why did you disappear? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine, Isaac. I was out riding and when the lightning came, Savannah bolted. Luke here rescued me."
"Then I'm greatly obliged to you." Isaac nodded to Luke. "She could have been killed."
"She could," agreed Luke. He dismounted and lifted Cindy down.
"Snakes alive girl. Where've you been?" said Gabe, tutting and shaking his head. Without waiting for an answer he took hold of Savannah's bridle and prepared to set off in the direction of the stable, turning towards Luke with the question, "Shall I see to your horse too, bud? Rub down and a feed?"
"Sure thing. Thanks, he'll appreciate that," replied Luke, handing Horse's reigns to Gabe.
"Come inside Luke. I'll fix us a drink. You'll be staying for lunch, won't you?" asked Isaac.
"Yes he will," Cindy answered for him.
An astute man, Isaac caught the exchanged glances and the little sparks of excitement when the pair looked at one another, and began to wonder exactly what they had been up to. He'd make it his business to find out.
---oOo---
Isaac turned on the radio and as they ate, they listened to reports of the storm damage. The Armstrong ranch had fortunately not been in the direct path of the tornado, and their only damage was a few uprooted trees, a stretch of broken fences, some damage to the roof of one of the barns, plus a pile of debris to be cleared. Not for the first time, Isaac was thankful he had the foresight to install lightning rods on all the ranch outbuildings.
Their neighbours didn't fare so well - Edward Lynn's place 10 miles east was in the direct path of the storm. He had most of his ranch levelled in winds of up to 74 mph, and hundreds of trees uprooted.
"That's bad. Ed's in his seventies," said Isaac rising from his chair. "I'll give him a call." He dialled Ed's number. "Not surprisingly, the line's dead. I don't have his cell phone number. Well, he'll likely need some help with the clear up. I'll go over later and take some of the boys with me to give him a hand."
"Count me in," offered Luke. "I've time on my hands."
"Mighty obliging of you, Luke." Isaac returned to his seat at the table. "Can't say I've seen you around here before. How long have you been in Bandera?"
"Best part of three years. I've been moving around a fair bit, helping out on dude ranches, wrangling, a bit of farming - rodeo too - saddle bronc and bull riding are my speciality," he said, with a grin at Cindy.
"Bull riding? Now that sounds dangerous," said Cindy.
"It is," agreed Isaac. "But a hell of an adrenalin rush. I used to enjoy the same in my younger days." He smiled, reminiscing. "So, Luke - you working at the moment?"
Luke hesitated, a furtive expression visible on his features for a moment, and then it was gone. "Not right now, no. Just finished a job helping out on a farm while their regular ranch hand was sick. But he's fine now and back in action, so that kinda makes me redundant," he said ruefully.
"Well maybe I can help you out. We're always pretty busy here, especially since we opened up to tourists. We have a couple dozen log cabins. They're empty right now but we had guests staying in them for my son Hank's wedding last week. We had a couple hundred wedding guests turn up and had to accommodate 100 of them. The place was burstin' at the seams. Anyhow, in a few days the next lot of tourists will be arriving to stay in the cabins. We could always use extra help in taking them on camping expeditions, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and the like, and maybe showing some how to rope. You interested?"
"I surely am, Isaac. And thanks for the offer. I appreciate it."
"No problem, Glad to have you on board." Isaac glanced at Cindy. Her face was pink with excitement and pleasure. Yup, there's somethin' going on between these two alright, thought Isaac. "Fine. Hank and Scott look after that side of the business, s
o I'll let them tell you what needs to be done. Hank's back in a few days time. Meanwhile, there's plenty of jobs you can get on with, plus helping out at Ed's place. You got a place to stay?"
"I have as it happens. It isn't much - a shack up in the hills. My old buddy Chuck Becker lived there. He passed last fall, well into his eighties. He left the place to me and I use it as a base providing I'm not working too far afield. It ain't much, but I love the place just like old Chuck did. It's primitive though." He paused and looked at Cindy. "No plumbing. No electricity. No hot water on tap. You have to fetch the cold water from the creek in a bucket."
"No plumbing?!" Cindy was horrified.
"There's an outside privy or if you want indoor luxury, there's a cracked chamberpot under the bed."
"Ack!" Cindy was not impressed. "So if I were to visit, there'd be nowhere for me to plug my hair dryer in?"
"You got it," chuckled Luke.
"Women." Isaac rolled his eyes.
"Men," countered Cindy with a grin.
"I tell you what, Luke," ventured Isaac. "While you're working for us, you can have use of the log cabin next to Connor's. It's all kitted out - electricity and plumbing included... bath, shower and toilet."
"It's a deal! First thing I'll do will be to take a nice long soak in the tub."
Now that sounds interesting, thought Cindy. Maybe I'll offer to scrub his back... or something. She broke into a fit of giggles but refused to tell the men what she found so funny.
---oOo---
After lunch, Cindy spent a couple hours helping to clear debris and generally tidy up the place after the ravages of the storm. Luke accompanied Isaac and a few of the ranchers as they went over to the adjoining ranch - or what was left of it - that was Ed Lynn's place.
They returned several hours later, bringing with them Ed and his wife Katie, with some of their salvaged possessions. Ed was gloomy and grim faced and poor Katie's face was red with tears.
Isaac's wife Brenda gave Katie an affectionate hug. "I'm so sorry this has happened to you. Come in. Come and sit down. We'll make you comfortable here and you can stay just as long as you want, we have plenty of room."
"I appreciate your kindness Brenda," sighed Katie. "I'm still in shock. Reeling. Our home is gone. Gone!" Her voice quivered as she blinked back a fresh supply of tears.
Love on a Ranch Box Set Page 17
