Rodeo Hero

by Vannatter, Shannon Taylor;

  A large burden for a young girl to bear. Ripping her family from its roots.

  “We’ve got plenty of food. Everybody get a plate.” Lynn’s mother dabbed tears.

  Kendra dug her camera from her purse. “I’d love to get some pictures.”

  “That would be great.” Lynn tried to smile.

  Kendra got several shots of the family alone then with their close friends and a group shot of everyone in attendance.

  As the photo shoot wrapped, everyone headed for the food line. As usual the church ladies had outdone themselves. Casseroles lined the serving table, along with vegetables and numerous desserts.

  Stetson fell in stride with Kendra. “Weren’t you supposed to go home this weekend?”

  “I planned to, but I had to see Lynn off. Besides, next week is Christmas, and I’m definitely going then.”

  “Kendra.” Brother Timothy stalled her. “I want to ask you something.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Stetson told me what a big help you were on the Six Flags trip. We’re taking the youth to a conference soon, and I was wondering—since you seem to have a way with the girls—if you’d join us. There will be youths to chaperone, but also counseling training sessions for youth workers.”

  “When is it?”

  Stetson cleared his throat. “February 23rd. It’s a Saturday. We’ll leave early that morning for a church in Denton and be home that afternoon.”

  “Sure. I’ll do it.”

  “Great.” Brother Timothy patted Stetson on the back. “You can ride with Stetson again.”

  Great. But with twenty-six youths, surely he’d have plenty to focus on other than her.

  ❧

  Stetson’s hands shook as he straightened the picture of his dad in the display.

  Mama clasped his hand and stilled it. “Calm down.”

  “I just want everything perfect.”

  “It is.” Randy clapped him on the shoulder.

  Stetson surveyed his dad’s display—saddle, boots, and chaps. There were buckles in the glass display case, newspaper articles detailing wins lining the walls, and numerous pictures, just as he’d imagined.

  Beside his dad’s display was Stetson’s. His first overall uniform, several red bandanas, his tennis shoes. Magazine and newspaper articles detailing his awards and saves lined the memorabilia, along with pictures of him with and without his grease paint.

  “Your father would be very proud.” Kendra’s voice came from behind him.

  He turned toward her. His throat choked up.

  “Thanks,” he croaked. “This is my mom and dad, Stella and Randy Newsom. Meet Kendra Maddox. Kendra was the photographer on my ad campaign, and we attend the same church.”

  “Nice to meet you, Kendra.” His mom’s smile was genuine. “You did a great job on the campaign. I loved the pictures.”

  “Thanks. I had an easy subject. I love your dress.”

  Mom ran her hand over the neckline of the pale-green dress. “Thank you. Stetson bought it for me for my birthday.”

  Movement caught his eye. “There’s Rayna and Clay.”

  Rayna greeted him with a hug. “Congrats. I’m so excited for you.”

  “Me, too. Thanks for coming.”

  “We’re having a luncheon Sunday after church. The first in our new house.”

  “To celebrate Junior.” Clay patted Rayna’s barely there stomach. “Rayna didn’t think I was up to it until now. You’re both invited.”

  “Yes, and we expect you both.” Rayna shot Kendra the evil eye. “No excuses.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Stetson checked his watch. Almost time for the ceremony.

  ❧

  Kendra waited around outside. A chilly January wind blew through the brick streets of the Stockyards. She pulled her collar tighter.

  Stetson exited the museum alone.

  Good, she’d figured he’d be with his family, and she wanted a chance to congratulate him in private. She hurried to catch up with his long stride. “Stetson.”

  He stopped and turned to face her. “Hey, I thought you left already.”

  “I wanted to tell you how happy I am for you. It was a nice ceremony, and I know how much it meant to you.”

  “Thanks. It means a lot that you came.”

  “I took lots of pictures, and I’ll get them to you soon.” The chilly wind blasted her again, and she shivered.

  “Have you had lunch?”

  “That sounds great.”

  They walked toward Trailboss Burgers.

  “How was Christmas?”

  “The best Christmas I’ve had in years.”

  “I’m glad.”

  “Have you heard anything from Lynn?” she asked.

  “Luke called the other night. They’ve decided to put the baby up for adoption.”

  “Probably best for all involved.”

  “They hate the snow in Denver, so I’m hoping eventually they’ll come back.”

  “Is Lynn okay with giving the baby up?”

  “She volunteered for a week at their church daycare and learned how much care babies require. She decided she’s too young to take on the responsibility and that her baby will be better off with two parents.”

  “Kendra,” a man’s voice called from behind them.

  She and Stetson both turned.

  Ethan Wilder hurried to catch them.

  “Ethan, what are you doing here?”

  He kissed her on the cheek. “In town on business. Dalton talked so much about the Stockyards, I had to check it out while I’m here. I never thought I’d meet you here.”

  “You remember my friend, Stetson. He and his father were inducted in the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame today. We just left the ceremony.”

  “Wow. Congratulations. That’s quite an honor.”

  “Yes.” Stetson’s jaw tensed.

  “It was nice seeing you home for Christmas a few weeks back.”

  “I was just telling Stetson how much I enjoyed being home again.” A gust of wind whipped down her collar, and her teeth chattered.

  “I won’t keep you out in the weather.” Ethan hugged her. “Don’t be a stranger.”

  “I won’t.”

  Stetson vaulted to the Trailboss, and she had to trot to keep up.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. It’s cold.”

  She grinned. “You’re jealous.”

  Stetson huffed out a sigh. “Was he really just your brother’s friend? That’s all?”

  “Mm-hmmm.” She enjoyed his discomfort. “You think we dated or something?”

  “Or something.”

  Kendra stopped. “You think I slept with him?”

  Stetson turned back to face her. “Did you?”

  “No.” Tears singed her eyes. “He’s my kid brother’s friend. That’s all.”

  “Not the reason you left home?”

  “He was fourteen when I left home.”

  His gaze dropped to the brick-lined street. “Sorry, I didn’t realize he was that much younger. It’s just that—the Six Flags trip. I figured out the friend you told Jenny about was you.”

  She nodded and bit her lip. “I see. Well it’s true—until I got saved—I didn’t live a very moral life. But I got saved, and I started over. You’re the most upstanding, moral, and all-around good man I’ve ever met. There was a time I thought maybe you could be a part of my new start.”

  “I thought so, too. But I’m just not sure I can go through life wondering if every man you know shared your bed.”

  eighteen

  Hurt dimmed the light in Kendra’s eyes. She turned and ran away from him.

  Something inside urged Stetson to go after her. He’d hurt her, judged her, been a jerk. But if he went after her, there would be another man they’d run into someday, and he’d wonder then, too.

  “Stetson,” his mom called.

  He waited until she and Randy caught up with him.

  “Did you find your friend?” She
tucked one hand in his elbow and the other in Randy’s.

  “Yeah. We were going to have lunch. But she ran into an old friend of hers and it kind of put a damper on things.”

  “She seems like a really nice girl. And she’s a Christian. That’s a major plus.” She squeezed his arm. “And I’m still saving that new dress you got me for your wedding.”

  “I don’t see that happening any time soon. Better go on and wear it to church like I told you to.”

  “Stella.” Randy’s tone echoed caution. “Stetson’s a big boy. You could let him handle his own love life.”

  “But I sensed a spark between him and Kendra. She seems like a nice girl.”

  “I’ll admit I thought there might be something there once.” Stetson’s jaw clenched. “But it didn’t work out. Too much hay under the baler.”

  “Somewhere out there, God’s got the perfect girl for you. A Christian. She’ll be great with the youth group and support you in everything you do. You’ll see.”

  Maybe he’d already met her. And maybe he’d chased her away.

  ❧

  Kendra relaxed when Stetson stayed in the Warrens’ living room with the men while she and Gabby accompanied Rayna to the kitchen.

  Lacie sat at the table with Little Mel on her shoulder.

  “I can’t believe how big he’s gotten.” Gabby tickled him under the chin, and he giggled.

  “He just turned nine months old.”

  Weird motherly tenderness rippled through Kendra’s stomach. Needing a distraction, she inspected the decor. Cedar walls, red countertops, black oak cabinets, cowboys on horseback racing across the curtains. Branding-iron candle sconces hung on the walls beside vivid Wild West paintings.

  “The house is really nice, Rayna. I see some of both of you. An eclectic mix of contemporary and cowboy. Kind of funky and cozy all at the same time. I like it.”

  “Thanks. I’ve got taco soup and chili.” Rayna opened a cabinet door. “All we need to do is set the table. I’ll get the ice.”

  “What’s this about you finding a new church in Dallas?” Gabby propped both hands on her hips.

  “I almost stopped there this morning.” Kendra closed her eyes. “I wanted to distance myself from Stetson, but all the churches in Dallas seem intimidatingly large. And I thought the girls in the youth group might be missing Lynn and might need me.”

  “You’re great with the youth.” Rayna held a glass under the ice dispenser. “You’d make a great youth director’s wife. And I just happen to know a great youth director. I don’t see any reason to distance yourself.”

  Don’t bite. “Sure enough, Jenny caught me after Sunday school class; she was teary eyed.”

  Rayna’s eyebrows rose. “I can’t believe you just totally ignored what I said.”

  “I comforted her to the best of my ability. I’m kind of looking forward to the upcoming youth trip and counselor training.” Except for traveling with Stetson to get there. “I could have definitely used some training today.”

  Rayna looked at Gabby then Lacie. “Is it just me, or is there a certain bullfighter in the room, and Kendra’s ignoring him?”

  “Give it up, Rayna. It’s never going to work with Stetson. I need to get past him, and I need my friends to help me out.”

  “Okay.” Rayna patted her hand. “I’m sorry. I’ll stop pushing.”

  But it didn’t matter whether anyone pushed or not. No matter how hard she tried to avoid him, for the time being, she was stuck with him.

  Little Mel whimpered, and Lacie shifted him on her shoulder.

  “Could I hold him?” Kendra asked.

  “Sure.” Lacie handed the baby over.

  Probably only the second time Kendra had held an infant. And the last time someone had foisted a baby on her. Her eyes watered. She buried her nose in his downy blond hair. Baby powder, sweet-smelling shampoo, and complete innocence.

  Clay sauntered into the kitchen, followed by Adam and a reluctant-looking Stetson.

  “Mmmm.” Clay wrapped his arms around Rayna’s waist. “Something in here sure smells tasty.”

  “I was just about to call you. Lunch is on.”

  Stetson’s eyebrows rose when he saw Kendra with the baby.

  The two couples claimed seats at the table, set with ice in glasses and two steaming dutch ovens in the center.

  “I’ll take him.” Lacie reached for Little Mel.

  “He’s fine. You probably haven’t had a meal with both hands since you had him.”

  Lacie grinned and claimed an empty seat at the end of the table. “True.”

  Three unoccupied seats were left. Two side by side and one across. Kendra chose the one closest to Rayna. Surely Stetson would sit catty-corner from her, which would be bad enough. But beside her would be torture.

  She held her breath as he pulled the chair by her side. Why, oh why hadn’t she chosen the single seat between Lacie and Adam?

  “You’re a natural.” Lacie smoothed a finger down Little Mel’s chubby arm. “You’ll make a great mom someday.”

  But the only man she could imagine committing her life to, the only man she’d want to have babies with—wanted nothing to do with her.

  “Let’s bless the food.” Clay took Rayna’s and Gabby’s hands.

  The others around the table joined hands, forcing her to accept Stetson’s calloused grip. Calloused, but gentle, sending a tremor through her. She didn’t hear any of the prayer.

  “Amen.”

  Ladles scraped against the dutch ovens as Clay and Adam filled orders.

  “By the way”—Rayna passed a dish of crackers, chips, and cheese—“my parents’ first anniversary is Valentine’s Day. Sounds odd, doesn’t it? If they’d stayed together, it would have been their thirtieth.”

  “How are they doing?” Lacie sipped her sweet tea.

  “Very happy and content together. Since the house is done and we’re in, I thought I’d throw them a party. To celebrate their new start. I’m inviting a few of their close friends, along with mine. So you’re all invited. It’s a surprise. Shhh.”

  Great! Valentine’s Day with Stetson. Would this torture ever end? If only their mutual friends would stop getting married or pregnant, moving into new houses, and having anniversaries.

  ❧

  Stetson shuffled his feet, wanting to flee. Rayna’s parents probably couldn’t care less if he came to their celebration or not. But for whatever reason, Rayna wanted him there. So here he was—red roses in hand, dreading spending the most romantic day of the year with Kendra.

  He pressed the doorbell.

  Moments later, the door swung open.

  Kendra gasped and clutched a hand to her heart. “Hey.”

  “These are for—”

  “Rayna’s mom—I know.” She took the flowers from him and headed to the kitchen. “Come on in. They’re not here yet. I’ll find a vase.”

  Why had she been shocked to see him? She’d been there when Rayna invited them. Maybe she’d hoped he wouldn’t come.

  Clay and Adam, captivated by basketball playoffs, relaxed in red recliners that formed the ends of the sectional sofa. Neither of them managed to look away from the television and greeted him with grunts.

  Sports, the perfect distraction to take his mind off his current distraction, Kendra.

  The doorbell rang. Rayna popped around the corner. “That’s them.”

  The television went dark.

  “Aw, man.” Clay grabbed for the remote.

  But Rayna had it. She propped her hands on her hips. “It’s recording. Right now we’re celebrating my parents’ anniversary. If you boys are good, I’ll give you the remote after they leave. I just need a couple of hours here.”

  “You’re right.” Clay lowered the footrest, got up, and slipped his arm around his wife’s waist. “Sorry.”

  She kissed him on the cheek.

  The tender caresses, the concern for each other, the love. Stetson’s chest tightened. He wanted that. Why
couldn’t he have it? Why was the only woman he’d had those feelings for—the exact wrong woman for him?

  His eyes sought Kendra’s.

  Her gaze darted away.

  ❧

  Kendra didn’t know how much more happily-married bliss she could take. Yes, it was good to see Rayna and Clay so happy. Yes, it was good to see Rayna’s parents so happy. But it jabbed her in the gut with what she didn’t have. A sick, plummeting sensation sank into the pit of her stomach.

  Especially when Clay patted Rayna’s tummy.

  She slipped into the living room without detection. She couldn’t leave in the middle of the celebration, but she had to have a few moments to breathe easily, without Stetson’s presence.

  The front door beckoned. She grabbed her coat from the entry closet and hurried out as quietly as possible. If they noticed her gone, they’d check out front first. She jogged around to the side and leaned against the rough cedar siding. The February evening air froze her lungs, but it was better than being inside.

  Closing her eyes, she willed tense muscles to relax.

  Footfalls.

  Her eyes flew open.

  Stetson rounded the side of the house.

  Oh, for a hole to sink into. Maybe he wouldn’t see her. Who was she kidding? Her powder-blue sweater reflected the moonlight.

  He stopped in midstride. “What are you doing out here?”

  “I needed some air.”

  “Me, too. It gets kind of uncomfortable when everyone’s part of a couple but me.”

  “Tell me about it. Just think of poor Lacie.”

  “She seems to be doing well.”

  “I think Little Mel keeps her going a lot of the time. Were you at the rodeo when Mel died?”

  “No. I’ve often wondered, if I’d still been a pickup man, could I have done anything to save him?”

  “You can’t keep them all safe.” She touched his forearm with gentle fingertips.

  “No, but I’d like to.”

  “I think God has final say in when people die.”

  “True.” His hand covered hers. “You’re freezing.”

  He took both her hands in his and brought them to his mouth.

  His warm breath fanned over her frozen fingers and lit a fire in her veins. His nearness was more than she could take.

  She stepped back, pulling her hands away. “We better get back inside anyway. They’ll be looking for us.”