The Cowboy's Secret Family

by Judy Duarte

  “Yes,” Dr. Hillman said, “but I’d also like to see if there’ve been any new developments that have made things worse. I’m also going to order an MRI to see the extent of the tissue damage, and we may want to follow that up with an ultrasound.”

  Matt had always been leery of people in the medical field, but something told him that he was in good hands now.

  “We can do it all in this office,” Dr. Hillman added, “but we’re a little behind today, so you’ll have to wait until the tech is free.”

  “No problem. I don’t have anything pressing to do. I just want this thing to heal. And the sooner the better.”

  An hour later, Matt had finished getting both the X-ray and the MRI, both of which he’d been told would be digital images. That, in itself, suggested Brighton Valley Orthopedics had a state-of-the-art operation.

  Now he was back in the waiting room, thumbing through another magazine he couldn’t quite get into. As much as he would’ve liked to complain about all the time this was taking, he realized he was partly to blame for the heavy schedule and kept his mouth shut.

  Finally, a different woman wearing pink scrubs called him back to an exam room, and ten minutes later, Dr. Hillman came in, brought up the latest images they’d taken and pointed out his concerns.

  “The crack appears to be mending,” Dr. Hillman said, as he studied the new X-ray on the screen. “So that doesn’t concern me. But you’ve got a torn patellar tendon, which is causing all the pain. You’re going to need to take it easy, and once the swelling goes down, I’m going to order some physical therapy.”

  “I’ll admit that I pushed myself too hard for a while, but now that I’m back home, I’ve made a point of taking it easy.”

  “Good.” Dr. Hillman showed him the ultrasound scan. “I’m afraid both you and that bull have done a real number on that tendon. Bones usually heal faster than tissue. But the problem with this particular tear is that it could turn into patellar tendinitis if you’re not careful, and that can have painful, crippling and lifelong consequences if not allowed to heal properly.”

  Matt braced himself for the answer to his biggest question. “But it will heal. Right? Completely?”

  “With time.” Dr. Hillman turned away from his computer screen to face Matt and crossed his arms. “I know how important it is for you to get back to competing, so let’s take another look at your knee in three to four weeks.”

  That long? After the Rocking Chair Rodeo took place? Matt blew out a ragged sigh. “So, no riding until then?”

  “I wouldn’t recommend it—unless you’re willing to risk a far more serious consequence that could keep you from any rodeo competition for the rest of your life, not to mention many day-to-day activities.” The doctor placed his hand on Matt’s shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “Athletes tend to recover sooner than those who aren’t as healthy and strong, but sometimes they don’t take the time for their bodies to recover and push themselves too hard. And then all bets are off.”

  Again, Matt blew out a sigh.

  “Hey,” Dr. Hillman said, “no one gets this better than I do. I was a long distance runner in college, so I know what I’m talking about. You need to take off that mask and cape and give your body the time it needs.”

  “Okay. Got it.”

  “I’m also going to prescribe a brace that will help to stabilize your knee, as well as a pain medication.”

  “I...uh...already have some medication and a brace,” Matt admitted. “I have a cane, too, but I...”

  A wry grin slid across the doctor’s face. “A real tough guy, huh? Well, the choice is yours, but I’d put it back on and wear it if I were you.”

  Matt nodded. “Okay. Thanks, Doc.”

  As soon as the doctor left the exam room, Matt limped to the front office, settled the bill and paid his deductible.

  You’d think he’d have been happy to finally have his questions answered, especially by someone he’d come to trust, but those answers weren’t the ones he’d hoped for.

  Once he got back in the truck, he checked his cell and saw that Clay had called while his phone had been on silent. But Matt wouldn’t return the call yet. He was still trying to wrap his mind around the news the doctor had given him, which would require an attitude adjustment. And that wasn’t going to be easy for a guy who cherished his mask and cape.

  In the meantime, he headed home. He couldn’t stay away from the Double G forever.

  Since it was nearing the dinner hour, he called the house to ask about the mealtime plans. If Miranda wasn’t in the kitchen cooking and George had yet to open any cans of whatever simple fare he’d stored in the pantry, Matt would be happy to pick up something at one of the local restaurants or a drive-through and take it home.

  The phone rang several times before George answered by saying, “I don’t know who this is, but I hope you have a darn good reason for dragging me away from watching Lonesome Dove.”

  Matt laughed. If anyone had been counting, his uncle had probably watched that Western miniseries on television twenty-three times or more.

  “I don’t want to keep you from your favorite evening entertainment,” Matt said. “I just need to know if you guys want me to bring something home for dinner. Or does Miranda plan to cook tonight?”

  “She probably won’t be home in time to eat, so get whatever you’d like. I’ve been munching on tortilla chips and guacamole, so I’m not too hungry.”

  “Where is she?”

  “Miranda? She and Emily have spent the last couple of days at the county fairgrounds with the other kids and their lambs.”

  No wonder it had been so easy for him to avoid her. “When’s the auction?”

  “Tomorrow. At one o’clock, I think. Are you going?”

  “Of course.” What kind of dad skipped out on an event that was important to his daughter? Actually, Matt knew exactly what kind of father would do that. And years ago, he’d sworn not to follow in those lousy footsteps.

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he added.

  “I’m a little surprised, though.”

  At that, Matt gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. “About what?”

  “Emily agreeing to auction off her lamb. She loves Bob. And the animal loves her, too. She doesn’t even need a halter or a lead. It follows her wherever she goes.”

  “You’re probably right,” Matt said. “I have a feeling it’s going to be hard for her to let him go. Especially knowing he’ll end up as lamb stew on someone’s dinner table.”

  “Yeah. That’s what I’m thinking. But when I mentioned the auction, she seemed excited and told me that some of the other kids got over a thousand dollars for their lambs last year.”

  Damn. With a business sense like that, Emily might have more Contreras blood than Matt had realized. He supposed that wasn’t a bad thing to have, as long as she didn’t let it go to her head.

  And Matt would have to make sure that it didn’t.

  “About dinner,” Matt said. “I’ll pick up a couple of cheeseburgers. You’re not hungry now, but you might be later tonight.”

  “That sounds good to me. And while you’re at it, pick up an order of fries and a chocolate milkshake for me, too.”

  So much for filling up on chips and guacamole. Matt let out a little chuckle and slowly shook his head. “You got it. But what about Miranda?”

  “What about her?” His uncle’s jovial tone suggested that the man who didn’t like to pry was doing just that.

  Curiosity was probably eating him up, especially after he caught Matt and Miranda kissing on Monday night. But even if Matt wanted to open up to his uncle, he still didn’t have a clue what he ought to do about it—if anything. So he didn’t bite and skirted the issue instead.

  “Will Miranda be home later tonight?” he asked. “If so, I can get something for her and E
mily, too.”

  “I’m not sure when she’ll be in, but it might be a good idea to get something for them, just to be safe. And you probably know this, but I’ll mention it anyway. She prefers chicken over beef.”

  Matt had noticed that.

  “By the way,” George said, “I have a question for you. And I want to know the truth.”

  The direct approach, huh? Matt rolled his eyes. He hadn’t just been avoiding Miranda so he didn’t have to talk about that blasted kiss, he’d been avoiding George, too. And for the same reason.

  He braced himself for the inevitable and said, “Fire away.”

  “How’d your visit with the doctor go? What did he have to say?”

  That wasn’t the question Matt had expected to hear. “How’d you know I saw a doctor?”

  “Clay called a few minutes ago. He tried to reach you on your cell, but you didn’t answer. So he thought you might be home.”

  Matt hadn’t planned to tell anyone that he’d been concerned about his recovery and that he was getting a second opinion. Other than Clay, of course. But it was too late to backpedal now.

  “I’ll be okay.” Eventually. And hopefully. “It’s just going to take a little more time.” And sadly, way more than he’d expected.

  “At least you’ll be okay in the long run,” George said.

  “Yeah, but not in time to compete at the Rocking Chair Rodeo. And I hate letting everyone down.”

  “So what are you going to do?”

  “It’s still two weeks away, so I’ll have to take it day by day.”

  And that’s just the same plan he’d make for dealing with Miranda.

  * * *

  Miranda got home late from the fairgrounds, tired and ready to call it a day. But when she spotted Matt’s truck parked near the barn, her breath caught and a surge of adrenaline revived her. She hadn’t known when he’d return from his business trip, but she’d hoped he would be home in time for the auction. That is, if he wanted to attend. Emily would be disappointed if he didn’t.

  She glanced in the rearview mirror at her daughter, who’d fallen asleep on the drive home. Had Miranda not been pregnant, she might have tried to carry Emily inside and put her to bed. As it was, she opted to wake the sleepy child and guide her to the back door.

  The house was dark, so she assumed that both George and Matt had turned in for the night, which was just as well. She wasn’t up for a chat.

  After putting Emily to bed, tucking her in and kissing her brow, Miranda returned to the kitchen for a cookie and a glass of milk, a bedtime snack she hoped would tide her over until breakfast.

  When she opened the fridge, she spotted two boxed meals on the center shelf, which she suspected had come from Caroline’s Diner. She assumed Matt had brought dinner home for them, which had been a nice gesture. But one she refused to read into. They’d shared an amazing kiss last Monday, but they’d never talked about it. And to be honest, she was afraid to think about it too long. Nor was she crazy enough to ask Matt how he felt about it.

  So once she’d eaten an Oreo and downed her milk, she made her way to her bedroom and climbed into bed, too tired to think.

  Morning rolled around before she knew it, and by the time she’d showered, dressed and headed to the kitchen, everyone else had beat her there. George stood at the stove flipping pancakes, while Emily was perched on the counter beside him, watching his every move.

  But it was Matt who caught Miranda’s eye and demanded her full attention.

  He sat leisurely at the table, a mug of black coffee in his hand. He’d shaved, nicking his chin in the process, but that didn’t mar him in the least. His hair, still damp from the shower, was stylishly mussed. When their gazes met, her heart took a tumble. Memories of that heated kiss she’d tried to forget came flooding back, threatening to carry her away.

  Darn it. If Matt stuck around the Double G much longer, she’d have to find another place to live. And quickly. She wasn’t going to hold up very well if she had to face him each morning.

  “I hope you’re hungry,” George said, a raised spatula in hand. “It’s going to be a long day for all of us, and a good one. So I whipped up some of my famous hotcakes. You had them once before, Miranda, and you said you liked them. And I got a bottle of that blueberry syrup, too.”

  Yes, of course.

  Blueberry pancakes.

  Breakfast.

  She turned away from Matt, tamping down the thoughts she shouldn’t have, the dreams she had no business resurrecting and blessed his uncle with an appreciative smile. “Yes, you make the best pancakes in the world. But I’d better only have one. I’m a little too excited to eat.”

  Actually, she was more nervous than excited. And not just about Matt and the kiss they’d shared.

  She studied her bright-eyed daughter, who didn’t seem the least bit concerned about that auction, which seemed a little odd for an animal lover who’d bonded with Bob the day they’d brought him to the ranch.

  “How ’bout you?” George asked Matt. “That coffee’s gonna burn a hole in your gizzard if you don’t put something else in your belly.”

  “You’re not much of a cook,” Matt said, “but your hotcakes are the best I’ve ever eaten. I doubt Caroline could make better. So yes, Uncle George. I’ll take a short stack.”

  While Emily chattered away, Miranda put a cup of water in the microwave and set the timer for two minutes. After the beep sounded, she removed it and brewed a single serving of herbal tea.

  “I can’t wait to go to the fair,” Emily said. “I bet me and Bob win a blue ribbon.”

  “What time are we supposed to get there?” Matt asked.

  “I forget. I’ll have to check.” Emily jumped down from the counter and made her way to the fridge where they’d posted the flyer with a magnet.

  Apparently, Matt planned to go with them, which was both personally unsettling and a maternal relief. But she shook off her uneasiness, glad to know his presence would make Emily happy. For that reason, she caught his eye and smiled gratefully.

  Like usual, when she tried to silently show her appreciation, he answered with a half-shrug, as if it were no big deal. But this was a special day for their daughter, and his being there to cheer her on was huge.

  “The fair opens at nine o’clock,” Emily said. “And after I check on Bob and make sure he’s okay, we can walk around and look at stuff.”

  “That’ll give us time to go on a few rides, too. I’m looking forward to riding the roller coaster with you.” Matt winked at the little girl. “That is, if you’re not afraid.”

  “Hey!” Emily slapped her hands on her hips. “I’m not scared to ride it. I saw it yesterday and it’s super big. But it’ll be fun.” Emily turned to Miranda. “Will you go with us, Mom?”

  And ignore the signs that warned pregnant women not to get on any wild rides?

  “Not today.” She placed her hand on her belly and caressed her growing baby bump. “I’ll have more fun watching you.”

  Besides, now that Matt had reentered her life, she’d already boarded an emotional roller coaster that was taking her through more ups and downs than she liked.

  Chapter Nine

  Matt and Miranda, along with George and Emily, drove to the county fairgrounds right after breakfast. They parked in the main lot, which was filling fast, and headed to the barns to visit Bob.

  Emily slipped into his pen, dropped to her knees and gave the lamb a hug. Then she kissed his wooly head. “You look so handsome with your new haircut, Bob. Everyone is going to see that you’re the best lamb here.”

  George placed a curved hand to his mouth and mumbled something to Matt. Miranda strained to hear what he was saying, only to pick up a few words and phrases.

  “I don’t know ’bout this...”

  “Bob? Should be Shish ka-Bob.”

&nb
sp; “You sure she knows...?”

  Miranda caught enough to know what he meant. A similar thought had crossed her mind more than once. Emily didn’t seem to mind that Bob was going on the auction block, which was surprising because she was so fond of him. But apparently she was okay with it because she’d already begun to list the things she wanted to buy with her money. And she’d even mentioned her plan to donate a hundred dollars to Rick’s animal rescue operation.

  After letting herself out of Bob’s pen, Emily said, “We have to be back by twelve-thirty. But we can go on the rides until then.”

  “Then what are we waiting for?” Matt asked. “Let’s check out that roller coaster and see if it’s as big as you said it was.”

  They exited the barn, then walked through the exhibit hall and out to the actual fairgrounds. Excitement filled the air, along with the tantalizing smell of candied apples, peanuts and cotton candy.

  It was still early in the day, but people were already in line to purchase deep-fried Twinkies and a variety of almost every other packaged pastry imaginable.

  Matt stopped by the ticket booth and pulled out his wallet to purchase a package of tickets. He’d worn a knee brace today. Miranda first thought his leg must be bothering him, but then she realized he’d probably come prepared to do a lot of walking.

  In the distance, children laughed and shrieked with glee, while a baby needing a nap or some cuddling began to fuss.

  “There it is!” Emily pointed to the roller coaster. “See? I told you it was super big.”

  Matt reached for her hand. “Then let’s go.”

  As the rodeo champ limped along with the excited child, Miranda couldn’t help admiring him—and not just his awesome physical appearance. He wasn’t letting a bad knee stop him from spending the day with his daughter and making sure she was having fun.

  By the time Miranda and George caught up with them, Matt and Emily had settled into one of the cars, just as a ride attendant lowered the lap bar and locked it in place.

  As their train of cars rolled off in a wheel-churning, metal-creaking rush, a thrill shot through Miranda, and she felt as if she were riding along with them, even though she remained on the sidelines with George.