She scurried back into her office, careful to shut the dark-room door before turning on the lights. Five o’clock. She grabbed her purse, shut down her computer, and flipped the light switch back off. While she was in the elevator, her phone rang.
“Kendra, it’s Brother Timothy. Is this a good time?”
Why was the pastor calling her? She hadn’t done anything. “Sure.”
“We need volunteers to chaperone a youth trip to Six Flags. Rayna said you might help us out, and Stetson said you’re great with the girls in the group.”
“Wow. I’ve never done anything like that.”
“It’s several weeks away, but I’m trying to get our plans set. All that’s required of you is to be a good example for the kids and keep an eye out for them. I think you’re the perfect candidate. And all your friends will be there. Rayna, Clay, Adam, and Gabby have signed on.”
And the youth director of course, Stetson.
“Sure, I’ll do it.”
“Great, I’ll put you down. A few of the kids can’t go, so we’ll have fifty-two kids and eight adults split equally between two buses. We’ll leave the church at eight, stop for breakfast, and plan to arrive by ten, when the park opens.”
Brother Timothy and his wife, Clay and Rayna, Adam and Gabby—that left Kendra with—at least there would be plenty of distractions. She cleared her throat. “Sounds fun. I’ll be there.”
“I knew I could count on you.”
She ended the call and took a deep breath. Spending a day with Stetson and fifty-two youths. Fun?
She hadn’t been to Six Flags in years, but she remembered getting wet. The string bikini she’d purchased last summer wouldn’t do. She better do some shopping on the way home.
❧
Kendra dreaded running into Stetson at the arena almost as much as she dreaded a run-in with Wyatt. In a different way. But she had to support Rayna as Rayna had supported her for the last six years. She was as eager for Clay’s final season to be over as Rayna was.
“Ladies and gentlemen, next up, Dalton Maddox.”
Kendra gasped and clutched a hand to her heart. It couldn’t be. Not after all these years.
A man hovered above a bull in a bucking chute—familiar build, dark hair, and even at this distance, she could imagine his dazzling blue eyes. Eyes that cast spells on every female he met.
The gate flew open, and Dalton stayed in sync with the bull. He’d matured and gotten a lot better over the last eight years. The buzzer sounded, and he effortlessly leaped clear of the bull.
He exited the arena, and she watched until she could no longer see him. If only she wasn’t here to work, she’d catch up with him now. But it would have to wait.
She focused her lens on Stetson for the rest of the first round of bull riding.
But when a mob of kids descended on the arena for the calf scramble, her thoughts went back to when she and Dalton were kids and had participated in their first calf scramble. Always quick and agile, Dalton had managed to get the ribbon off the calf’s tail. He probably should have been a bullfighter.
She daydreamed through the next events—calf roping, steer roping, and barrel racing—her gaze riveted on the bucking chutes, but she never caught another glimpse of him. Surely he hadn’t left already.
Finally the second round of bulls arrived. Several cowboys, including Clay, had good rides. No one was injured, and the rodeo ended for the evening.
Kendra said her good-byes to her friends and hurried to the rear lobby. She’d probably run into Wyatt, but she had to see Dalton. Surely he’d use the back exit.
“Well look who’s here.” Wyatt stopped when he saw her. “Once upon a time, you were waiting for me. But I’ve moved on to better things, sweetheart.”
Natalie rushed up to him with a hungry kiss. “That was some great ride.”
“Let’s get out of here and celebrate.” Wyatt shot Kendra a glance as if to make sure she was watching. A ploy to make her feel like she’d lost out on something great, no doubt.
Instead, she pictured herself acting cheap and tawdry not so long ago. She shivered.
Dalton headed toward her. And stopped in his tracks. “Kendra?”
She rushed to him. A funny little yelping sound escaped as she flew into his waiting arms.
“Well now, maybe things haven’t changed so much after all.” Wyatt’s accusing words echoed down the hall.
But she didn’t care. Eight years was a long time to go without Dalton.
❧
Uncomfortable, Stetson did his best to silently pass by the couple embracing in the rear lobby. But as he recognized the female half of the clinch, his steps slowed. Kendra.
And a bull rider. But not Wyatt. Stetson had seen this guy for the first time tonight. But he was so focused on the bull, he never caught the rider’s name.
He forced his feet to move.
They never knew he was there.
He exited and started breathing again. But the August heat smothered his chest.
The parking lot had almost cleared out. A few cowboys loaded their horses into trailers. A country song played softly from the radio of a truck with the door open.
So, Kendra had moved on to someone new.
Was the guy worthy of her? Was he a Christian?
Would he push her for a physical relationship?
Why did he care? He jerked open his truck door.
Because she was a new Christian, and she needed someone who would encourage her in her walk. Not tempt her to return to her former lifestyle.
True.
But the main problem was that another man had his arms around her—and not Stetson.
❧
Kendra’s key clicked in the lock. She pushed the door open and turned to make sure Dalton followed.
He was there. She hadn’t dreamed him up.
She hugged him again, unshed tears singed her eyes. “I’m sorry. I just can’t believe you’re here.”
“Me, neither. I figured Cowtown Coliseum would have been the last place I’d run into you. Didn’t you swear you’d leave all things country behind when you left Lazare?”
“I live in Dallas.” She opened the vertical blinds in the living room, revealing a view of the cityscape. Tall buildings lit the night sky. “That’s about as city as you can get and still be in Texas. And the only reason I was at the rodeo is because my best friend married a bull rider, and I’m working on an ad campaign at the Stockyards. Want something to drink?”
“Got any sweet tea? Or is that too country for you?”
“Actually it’s growing on me these days. So where have you been?” Ice clunked into a glass as she held it under the dispenser. Thankfully she’d cleaned the kitchen last night. Stainless steel appliances and black countertops gleamed.
“Still in Lazare. I saw your photos in Rodeo Life. I competed at Cowtown tonight to track down my big sister.”
“I’m glad you found me. I’ve thought about you so much.” She pushed fuchsia throw pillows aside and sank into the overstuffed black sofa.
“Me, too. Are you married?”
She swallowed hard. “I’ve never married.”
“Nice condo. Have you lived here long?”
“I got a raise about six months ago and moved here. I made some changes in my life and wanted a fresh start.” And a fresh bedroom with no memories.
“What about you?”
“I bought a farm close to home and rodeo on the weekends. And for the time being, I’m not married.”
“Were you planning to drive home tonight?”
“I didn’t really think that far.”
“You could stay the weekend. My couch folds out into a bed, and we have lots to catch up on.” Pressure built in her chest. She didn’t want to ask, but she had to. “How’s Daddy?” Her voice quivered.
“Still preaching fire and brimstone from the pulpit. But he’s not quite as fiery as he used to be. To tell you the truth, he hasn’t been the same since you left, Sis.”
“Those changes I mentioned making—I became a Christian.”
“Praise God.” Dalton’s smile lit his whole face. “How did that come about?”
She took a sip of sweet tea then carefully returned it to the coaster on the black iron-and-glass coffee table. “It was a long, painful process. I had some friends who witnessed to me every chance they got at work. And last spring I was in a car accident.”
“Are you all right?” Dalton’s features tensed.
“We were lucky. But my life flashed before my eyes, and I wasn’t proud of what I saw.”
Dalton grinned. “God has a way of shaking things up to get your attention. I’m glad you listened. You know who else would be?”
“I can’t call him.”
“He’d be thrilled.”
“He’d wonder what took me so long.” All she’d ever done—in their father’s eyes—was disappoint.
“A wedding would be a great reason to come, don’t you think?”
Her gaze narrowed. “Who’s getting married?”
“Me. A Thanksgiving wedding.”
“Anyone I know?”
“Heather’s a kindergarten teacher. She moved to the area a year ago. We both expect you to be there. No excuses.”
She closed her eyes. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been home?”
“Eight years and twenty-six days, but who’s counting?” His fingers grazed her elbow. “What happened the night you left, Kendra?”
“Trust me—you don’t want to know. And I can’t go back.” She stifled a yawn. “It’s late. I’ll get some sheets for the couch.”
Barefoot, she hurried to her bedroom and stopped in front of the new king-size bed with a black lacquer headboard. No one had ever slept in it, except her. Her alone. It made her proud, but lonely, too. It was way too big. She should have gotten a twin size.
She opened the slatted door to the linen closet. It would be nice to have Dalton here in the morning. Nice to have someone to talk to and share coffee with. She’d gotten used to the empty bed and felt good about it. But the empty condo was getting old. And lonely.
❧
Stetson swallowed hard when Kendra and her new guy sat at the other end of the pew with Clay and Rayna. At least she’d found someone who would attend church with her. He should be happy for her. But his stomach tied in knots instead.
He had to forget her. Let her move on with someone who could fully appreciate her present and not dwell on her past. He hated feeling uncomfortable around her.
Concentrate on Brother Timothy’s sermon and the sixty youth in his charge.
It was no use. As Brother Timothy closed the service, Stetson hadn’t heard a word.
He dug a hymnal from among the bulletins and visitor cards in the bookrack on the pew in front of him.
Joe, from the youth group, went to the altar. Stetson joined him and focused completely on the boy as he prayed.
The altar call closed, and the congregation dismissed.
Stetson hurried to catch Kendra. “Hey, can we talk a second?”
The man with her continued toward the lobby.
“About?”
“Listen, we’re in the same church, the same circle of friends, and we work together. I don’t want us to feel uncomfortable around each other. I’d like to be friends, go to lunch with our mutual friends after church, hang out at the rodeo, and work together at ease.”
She smiled. “That sounds nice.”
“Good. I hope I didn’t cause you any problems by pulling you aside.”
She frowned.
“Kendra, you and Dalton are joining us for lunch at Mom’s, aren’t you?” Rayna called.
“Sure.”
“And Stetson?” Rayna’s left eyebrow rose.
“Count me in.”
“Great. We’ll go get a table.”
He followed Kendra to the lobby, where her friend spoke with Brother Timothy. Stetson pushed down the jealousy threatening to rear up inside.
“Kendra.” Brother Timothy shook her hand. “I’m so glad you invited your brother.”
eight
Her brother? All of Stetson’s balled-up nerves relaxed. Not her date. Her brother.
“I hope you’ll visit again.” Brother Timothy clapped him on the back.
“I’m sure I will.” Her brother turned to Stetson and offered his hand. “Dalton Maddox.”
“Nice to meet you. Stetson Wright. Kendra and I—”
“Work together.” Kendra cleared her throat. “He’s the bullfighter star of the big campaign I told you about.”
“Were you one of the guys protecting my hide last night?”
Stetson nodded. “Doing my best.”
“The true heroes of the rodeo.”
“Just doing my job.”
“And doing it well from what I hear.” Dalton held the door open for her. “Want me to drive your car, so you can ride with Stetson?”
“No. I’ll drive.” Her answer came too quickly, and she charged for her red sports car with the top up.
“I guess everything dried out okay?”
“Fine. And your boots?”
“None the worse for wear.” If only he could say the same about his heart.
But at least she had a brother and not another man in her life. He couldn’t overlook her past and risk trusting her, but he didn’t want her seeing anyone else. Selfish.
Her brother. He’d never felt so relieved. But why? They were all wrong for each other. So why couldn’t he get Kendra out of his system?
Lord, if there’s a chance for us, could You smooth it all out?
❧
Kendra caught him staring at her again. Why?
It could never work between them. Kendra-Do-Wrong and Stetson-Do-Right. And this friends thing? She couldn’t think of him as a friend. He was way too handsome, too noble, too perfect for any woman with a functioning brain to want to be friends with.
“This is a great old building.” Dalton looked around.
“Built between 1890 and 1910,” one of the servers volunteered.
Kendra studied the interior of the unassuming storefront restaurant—the brick walls lined with antiques, wooden chairs, and dark-blue oilcloth covering the long tables in the party room. Several church members had joined them. But somehow she’d ended up across from Stetson.
Good, old-fashioned comfort food. Home-cooked meals that could make you gain ten pounds in one sitting. And the pies, oh the pies. Good thing she came only once a week.
“So do you live in the area, Dalton?” Rayna sipped her tea.
“I’m still a few miles from where we grew up.”
“And where is that?” Stetson’s gaze latched on to her again. “I don’t think Kendra ever said.”
She stiffened.
“Lazare. It’s between Wichita Falls and Amarillo. Our dad owns a farm there. I bought one a few miles down the road.”
Kendra closed her eyes. She’d tried so hard to leave her country past behind and adopt a cultured, sophisticated persona. Dalton was undoing all her hard work in one afternoon.
Stetson cut several pieces of chicken-fried steak. “What about your mom?”
Her jaw clenched. “She died when I was nine.”
Rayna’s eyes widened. “You never told me that.”
“Who knew we had so much in common?” Stetson cleared his throat. “I was raised on a farm, and my dad died when I was four.”
“I tried hard to leave my farm days behind.” She’d just dissed her brother’s favorite place. “It wasn’t my thing.”
Dalton’s smile faded. “But you have the ministry in common, too.”
“I guess Kendra told you she’s going to help me teach the youth the fruits of the Spirit through photography and help chaperone our trip to Six Flags. I’m hoping I can talk her into helping with the float for the Peanut Festival, too.”
Rayna grabbed her hand. “You have to help. With your artistic eye, you’ll make sure the
float has just the right touch.”
“Sounds fun.” She’d figure a way to get out of it between now and then.
“She didn’t mention any of those projects, but it all sounds cool.” Dalton swiped a glob of butter on his roll.
“Then what ministry do we have in common?” Stetson raised an eyebrow.
Kendra held her breath.
“Our dad pastors a church in Lazare.”
Rayna coughed and set her tea glass down with a thud.
“You okay?” Clay patted her on the back.
“It just went down wrong. Kendra, will you go to the bathroom with me?”
“Sure.” Anything to escape.
“Don’t let them forget—Dalton gets free cake since it’s his first time here.” Rayna coughed again and pressed her napkin to her mouth.
“Made from scratch.” Clay patted his stomach. “Think I’ll have me a piece even though it won’t be free.”
“Get me a piece of coconut cream pie.” Rayna hurried to the ladies’ room.
Kendra followed.
The large bathroom was empty. Rusted aluminum formed the stalls with bright-red antique house doors cut down to size. Kendra settled on the old church pew, ready for questions.
Rayna turned to her with wide eyes. “Your father is a preacher?”
She nodded.
“Then what—”
“Went wrong? Why wasn’t I a perfect little Christian my whole perfect little life?”
“More or less.”
“Life wasn’t perfect. My father was so strict, and nothing I ever did was good enough.” Kendra closed her eyes. “Then my mom died, and I blamed God. It went downhill from there.”
“Oh, Kendra, I’m so sorry. I wish you’d told me. I would have understood. I grew up without my mom.”
“Yes, but your mom is here now.”
“And yours isn’t. But at least you have the assurance that you’ll see her again someday. What about your dad?”
“I disappointed him one final time when I was eighteen. He told me to get out. So I did. I haven’t seen him since.”
Rayna bit her lip. “Does he know you got saved?”
“No.”
“I think you should contact him. If I can reconcile with my mom, surely you can reconcile with your dad.”
“It’s too late.”
Rayna grazed her elbow with a gentle touch. “It’s never too late with God. Just think about it.”
Rodeo Hero Page 6