by Kim Redford
Wildcat Jack was followed by Eden, Nathan, and Ken. Jack stalked over with Nathan live streaming all the way.
Slade took a few steps back to make way for them. He wished Ivy was with him to share this moment—talk about history making history. It just didn’t get any better than a trail drive and catching cattle rustlers all in the same day. He realized how much he missed her and all they could share with just a glance. Maybe he’d been way too hard on her earlier.
“Wildcat Jack coming to you live from KWCB, the Wildcat Den, at Steele Trap Ranch II…final destination of today’s trail drive. Folks, it looks to me like Sheriff Calhoun caught the cattle rustlers who’ve been plaguing our county.” Jack turned toward the sheriff. “Sheriff Calhoun, would you care to say a few words to our listeners?”
“Thanks, Wildcat Jack,” Sheriff Calhoun said. “As you can see, these two rustlers were caught in the act of stealing more Steele Trap Ranch cattle.”
“Good for you. That’s mighty fine police work.” Jack looked at the rustlers. “I’m sure you didn’t think you’d ever get caught because you’re so clever. What tripped you up?”
“We are clever.” Tom puffed out his chest in pride.
“Twenty-first century, too,” Sheriff Calhoun said. “They used a drone to keep watch on the ranches.”
“Well, knock me down with a feather.” Jack gave the rustlers an appreciative look. “But here you are in handcuffs.”
Tom and Harry glared at him.
“Would you care to tell our listeners what led to your downfall?” Jack lowered his voice intimately. “Is it Wildcat Bluff County? You didn’t expect such fierce, determined folks? Maybe it’s the Lone Star State. You didn’t know not to mess with Texas?”
The rustlers glared harder.
“I know.” Jack drew out the suspense. “You thought the Steele Trap Ranches were easy marks.”
Wildcat Jack was interrupted by the thundering of hooves. Everyone turned to look toward the entry. Storm rode up fast, pulled her horse to a stop, and leaped down. She ran toward the rustlers, but Slade grabbed her and pulled her back against him, feeling her small body quiver with outrage.
“You miserable, rotten, thieving cowards!” She pointed her finger at the cattle rustlers. “We heard just now on the radio.”
Slade glanced up and saw Nathan live streaming it all. He groaned silently, knowing everybody in the county and their dog were glued to the unfolding drama on his ranch.
“I know what did you in!” Storm shouted, struggling to get free.
“What do you mean?” Wildcat Jack asked, encouraging her to continue. “Somehow these two smart rustlers were brought down. Just look at them. Broken foot. Broken arm. Bumps and bruises. What could possibly have happened to them?”
Storm stuck out her chin. “I can tell you right quick. They got done in by one big, mad bull.”
“That’s right,” Wildcat Jack agreed in his deep voice. “Fernando just as good as caught the rustlers.”
Tom glanced at Sheriff Calhoun. “Get us out of here. We don’t have to listen to these country folk bad-mouth us.”
Storm wriggled out of Slade’s arms and stood up straight. She pointed at the rustlers. “Nobody, and I mean nobody, messes with Fernando. He’s our miracle…and he’ll be home for Christmas.”
Chapter 35
On Christmas Eve, Ivy stood proudly at Wildcat Hall’s Honky-Tonk Christmas. The dance floor was packed with folks while even more spilled out into the beer garden under the twinkling, blue lights. She’d never dreamed her idea would be such a success, but it was fueled by tourists in town for Christmas in the Country and Christmas at the Sure-Shot Drive-In. Even the cowboy cabins were full up.
Everyone working the floor had raided the town’s costume storage that was used for their many Old West events. Women wore sweet, flowery, muslin dresses or crimson satin with black-lace trim dance hall gowns. They’d fashioned their hair in buns or piled on top of heads with ringlets dangling over their shoulders. Men dressed as cowboys in shirts, jeans, and boots with Colts tucked in gun belts riding low on their narrow hips or as gamblers in pinstripe, gray trousers with matching jackets, white shirts, and colorful brocade vests. As custom dictated, hats weren’t allowed on the dance floor, so those had been set aside earlier.
She loved to see folks dance their hearts out, eager to win an award. She’d come up with a good list to match Craig’s music choices, so they were ready to roll when the time was right. For now, it was still a little too early in the evening. She wanted everyone who wanted to come to have a chance to arrive, and she wanted those already there to get warmed up for the big event. Besides, Wildcat Jack, Eden, Nathan, and Ken hadn’t arrived yet to live stream the dance contest because they were busy recording the other events in the county.
She looked toward the entry of the front bar, sighing in disappointment once again. She wanted to see Slade walk into the honky-tonk, so she could at least talk with him. She hadn’t seen or heard from him since their encounter during the cattle drive, and that hadn’t gone very well. Still, he hadn’t told anyone about the offer she’d received for Wildcat Hall, as far as she knew, so she viewed that as a good sign. Of course, he might be waiting until after Christmas to spring the bad news on everyone, but she hoped not.
She might appear to be floating on the calm surface of her emotions, but underneath, in the dark depths, lurked the pain of separation from him. She hadn’t slept well without being held in his protective arms. She hadn’t eaten well without his wonderful food. She hadn’t laughed as much without his quirky humor. All in all, she’d taken a downward tumble…and she wanted him to help her get back on her feet.
She’d waited and watched for him when people had shown up to celebrate the trail drive and cattle rustler capture, but he had never darkened the door. If he had, he would have been the man of the hour. Folks had asked for him all evening long, so she knew it was unusual for him not to be there, particularly for such an important celebration. She hoped it wasn’t because of her—not wanting to talk to or see or be with her. If so, she didn’t know how she could stand the pain of his loss. And yet, no matter what, she still had to go on and help others enjoy the festivities.
Fernando was a bigger celebrity than ever, because he was credited with catching the rustlers. Folks were still busy guessing his arrival time on Christmas Day. Wildcat Bluff Fire-Rescue would end up well funded for the upcoming year. If the big bull didn’t make it home, there would be a lot of broken hearts in the county, but everyone was holding firm for his return.
She’d expected Slade to be at her side for the dance, since they’d planned it together, but he was still a no-show. She took a deep breath. So be it. She would rally without him—and she would enjoy herself. She smoothed the front of her lace-trimmed, deep-décolletage, red satin gown. She’d felt like a sassy dance hall darling since the moment she’d slipped into it with black stockings and soft ballet slippers. She’d even left her hair down so it trailed over her shoulders. She loved her old-time look because it was so unusual and so much fun.
When she felt her phone vibrate in the red satin reticule she’d attached by a ribbon around her left wrist, she slipped out her cell and checked the screen. She hoped to see Slade’s name, but it was her sister. That was good, too.
“Hey, Fern, how are you doing?”
“I hear music in the background. Sounds terrific. Is that Craig and his band?”
“You know it.”
“I honestly wish I were there. How is your event coming along?”
“Fabulous. We’re wall-to-wall people and more are still arriving for the dance contest.” She glanced toward the front as additional folks entered the front doors, laughing and talking.
“Congratulations. That dance contest is a brilliant touch.”
“Thanks.”
“Did you get enough titles for the awards?”
“Yes. Everybody chimed in to help. I’ll send you a list later. I think they’ll give you a chuckle.”
“I’m sure they will.” Fern coughed, then cleared her throat. “Are you entering the contest?”
“Oh, no. I’ll be sitting it out.”
“What about Slade? Won’t he want to dance?”
“I haven’t seen him since the cattle drive, and he barely talked to me there. Of course, he’s been busy.”
“Do you mean you haven’t told him that we turned down the offer?”
“I haven’t had a chance.”
“Sister dear, you better make a chance and not let this fester between the two of you.”
“I’d like nothing more than to talk with him and explain everything. He doesn’t return my texts or calls. I guess I’ll have to wait until after Christmas.” Ivy felt renewed frustration.
“I understand. I just wish it was different for you now that you’ve found someone you really like.”
“Me, too. Trust me, I’ll waylay him somewhere soon and sort out what’s between us.”
“That’s my sister.”
“How is your Christmas Eve?”
“I’m working, too, so we’re both making this a happy occasion for others.”
“That’s a good thing, isn’t it?”
“A very good thing.” Fern coughed again. “I’d better go. Enjoy your evening. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
Ivy slipped her phone back in her bag, missing her sister. She wished Fern would come home soon. But for now, Ivy was determined to carry on alone and make this a night for others to remember.
“Ivy!” Wildcat Jack called as he sauntered into the dance hall wearing his trademark fringed leather jacket, jeans, and tall boots. Eden was just a step behind him in an emerald silk gown trimmed with white lace. Nathan and Ken were dressed like gamblers in all black with blue silk vests, and they carried recording equipment.
“Y’all are just in time.” She gestured toward the packed dance hall. “It’s about time to start the dance contest.”
Eden glanced around the room. “This is so festive. I love the costumes. And of course, the music is terrific. This will all live stream really well, and sound good on the radio.”
“Thanks,” Ivy said. “We worked hard to reach this point. I do appreciate your help this evening. Did the other events go well?”
“Great, as usual,” Jack said. “Looks like you’ve got enough folks here to establish Wildcat Hall’s Honky-Tonk Christmas as an annual event.”
“Looks like it. And I’m really happy about it, too.”
“You done good.” Jack gave her his trademark sassy grin.
“You should be walking tall and proud.” Eden pointed toward the band. “Do you want us to set up near the stage?”
“That’d be perfect. Jack, if you like, you can step up beside the band to announce the categories,” Ivy said. “Craig is expecting you.”
“Okay. Let’s get ’er done,” Jack said, straightening his shoulders and assuming his radio persona as he prepared to go onstage.
Ivy watched them walk away with a sense of satisfaction, then glanced back at the entry and realized she was instinctively looking for Slade. She straightened her shoulders just like Jack. She wasn’t going to spend her evening waiting for Slade. She was going to dance, if she could find a partner, and enjoy Christmas Eve just like everyone else.
She watched as Jack, Eden, Nathan, and Ken set up to announce and live stream, appreciative of their professionalism and willingness to help their community.
Wildcat Jack stepped up on the stage so he could be better seen from the dance floor. “Listen up, all you wild and crazy dancers. Grab your partners and be ready to get out there, shake a leg, and make it count in the first annual dance contest of Wildcat Hall’s Honky-Tonk Christmas.”
Everyone clapped and crowded the dance floor.
“There’s only one judge tonight, so you better impress her with your fancy moves. Eden Rafferty, your next-to-favorite DJ at the Wildcat Den.” He pointed to Eden as she gave a curtsy to the crowd.
She leaned in toward the mic. “I believe you mean I’m their favorite DJ, don’t you, Wildcat Jack?”
He gave a mock horrified expression. “Slip of the tongue.” And he winked at the audience to let them know he knew he was really their favorite.
Eden stepped back, smiling and nodding.
“You know ’em. You love ’em. You can’t live without ’em.” Wildcat Jack flung out an arm toward the band, long fringe swaying. “Craig Thorne and his cowboy band are playing for us tonight. Give them a big round of applause.”
The audience clapped, whistled, and stomped their boots.
“We’re starting off the contest with an award that you surely are going to want to win. It’s a doozy.” He pointed toward the drummer and got a drum roll and a rim shot cymbal crash. “Here it is, folks. ‘Couple most likely to end up wearing each other’s boots.’ Go for it!”
As the band hit the dancers with an upbeat number, Willie Nelson’s “Whiskey River,” everyone laughed as they swung into a fast two-step. Song after song, they danced, kicking up their heels, throwing back their heads, whirling each other around the dance floor.
Ivy watched from the sidelines, enjoying the fact that everyone was having so much fun. She tapped her toe to the music, wishing she were dancing, too, but so far no one had invited her and she didn’t know anyone to ask.
As the music faded away, Wildcat Jack held up an envelope and waved it back and forth. “The winner of that contest gets a gift certificate to none other than Wildcat Hall!”
That brought another round of loud applause from the dancers.
“Eden, point out the winning couple, will you please?” Jack said.
She walked into the crowd and beckoned to a couple who clapped their hands in delight and ran forward. She leaned toward them, smiling, then whispered to Jack.
“Okay, folks. This lovely lady and gentleman are here all the way from Waco, Texas. Lottie and Elmer Sampson. Folks, put your hands together for them. They’re the first winners of the ‘Couple most likely to end up wearing each other’s boots.’ And, honey”—Jack leaned down—“those are mighty fine cowgirl boots with rhinestones and everything that you’re wearing tonight. I wouldn’t let this guy near them.”
Everyone laughed and clapped as Eden handed the envelope to the winners and they melted back into the crowd.
“Now don’t rest on your laurels, folks. You’ve got another chance to win coming up right now.” Wildcat Jack pointed at the band and got another long drum roll and rim shot. “Are you ready? Here it comes—‘Couple that shows best how the West was won.’ Go for it!”
And the band played, the people danced, and Wildcat Jack swayed to the magic of the music while Nathan and Ken performed their own electronic magic, sending out images of Wildcat Hall to the world.
After a time, the music stopped again. Jack called up another couple. Eden presented the award, and everyone went back to dancing their hearts out.
Ivy watched it all, glad it was going so well but feeling more and more alone.
And then she wasn’t alone anymore—Slade stood beside her, smiling that little quirk of his lips that lit up his blue eyes.
He leaned in close, so that she caught the scent of him, the power of him, the specialness of him. And she felt happiness race through her.
“You wanted to tell me something,” he said. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen. I’ve been kicking myself every minute since that time.”
She glanced up into his eyes to make sure she’d heard him right. He looked absolutely sincere, but she still hesitated in case he rejected her again.
“I can’t lose you.” He clasped her hand and lifted it to his lips. He kissed her palm slowly, lingeringly, lov
ingly. “You’re everything to me.”
She felt the love she’d tried so hard to hold deep inside expand outward toward Slade, enveloping him, pulling him toward her. “I’d never sell Wildcat Hall Park to an outsider…someone who didn’t know and love it like we do.”
He smiled, love lighting up his eyes. “I know…I was just so scared you were going to leave me that I couldn’t think straight.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Good.” He tugged her toward the center of the room, joining the throng of people. “Let’s enjoy this dance we planned together.”
As the band played a slow number, he took her in his arms, and she laid her head against his chest. This is where she belonged…not in some faraway city like Houston. As they continued to dance, lost in each other, they let the world slip away until there were only the two of them, despite the crowd around them.
When Craig sung the Willie Nelson classic “Always on My Mind,” Slade nestled her closer, curling their hands together against his chest. “You know it’s true,” he said. “You’re always on my mind…and you always will be.”
She raised her head and looked up at him, feeling love expand her heart until she trembled with emotion. “You’re always on my mind, too.”
“I want you to know that…” he started to say but was cut off by Wildcat Jack calling out that they had another winner.
Ivy realized the music had stopped, but Slade continued to hold her, moving slightly as if they were still dancing to what was fast becoming their song.
“That’s right, folks.” Jack held up another envelope. “Eden’s made her choice. There can be no questions about this one. She’s right on the money. This is one special couple.”
Eden walked over to Ivy and Slade, grinning from ear to ear. She pointed at them. “Folks,” she called out, “meet Ivy Bryant and Slade Steele.”
Ivy gave Slade a startled look, then shook her head at Eden. “I’m not supposed to win,” she whispered.
Eden nodded, still grinning. “Please give a big shout-out to the winners of ‘Couple most likely to soon be dancin’ down the aisle.’”