by Allie Bock
“Good morning, girls,” she purred. “What could I start you with today? Sweet tea, Dee, and lemonade for you, Melanie?”
“That would be good.” Melanie frowned as I laughed at her.
“Having a hard time getting used to being in a small town where everyone knows your business?” I joked, adding more sugar to my sweet tea.
“Oh, honey, everyone here knows you don’t drink sweet tea seeing as you’re a Yank.” Lindsay turned and grabbed the burgers from Susie to give to the other customers.
“Susie, if you have a minute, could we talk to you?” I called as she started to head back to her office.
“Sure, girls.” She wiped her hands on her once white apron before leaning on the counter. “What can I do for you?”
Melanie launched into the spiel that she had been giving all morning. Susie listened until the end.
“That sounds wonderful, but all I can donate is a hundred dollars.” She went to her office and came back with a large bill which she handed to Melanie before walking away.
Melanie and I shared a glance before sipping our drinks. This was going to be a tough uphill battle if we were to raise the money for at least the down payment.
“What y’all doing with the horses?” Lindsay topped off our drinks before pulling out an order book.
I shrugged. “I was hoping to sweet talk Pete into letting me keep them at his ranch.”
Lindsay wrinkled her nose. “But he has all those rodeo cows. Not good for little children.” She wrinkled her nose as she chewed on the end of her pencil. “We have room at my uncle’s place for some horses. How many did you say there were?”
“Seriously! That would be awesome,” I squealed and jumped out of my seat to hug her over the counter. “There is ten total.”
She blushed and tucked a blond curl behind her ear, nodding. “Well, you’ve helped me out a time or two. Burgers are okay?” She walked to the refrigerator to get beef patties. Lindsay could be standoffish, and we were never the best of friends, but she has not had an easy life. Neighbors watch out for one another in a small town.
“That takes a little pressure off.” Melanie sipped on her lemonade. “Just got to get the money.”
HAPPY HEARTS THERAPEUTIC Riding Center was eerily quiet. Leah walked down the barn aisle saying her good-byes to the horses. No children, parents, or other volunteers were there; it was just the two of us. All the saddles and bridles had been moved to Pete’s ranch where he had a large barn. Leah was whispering to Billy, the old Percheron cross, when Pete’s truck and trailer pulled into the drive. He drove up to the barn, swung it around, and backed it up to the door. Melanie jumped out of the passenger side and hurried around to open the back gate of the long stock trailer.
Leah came over to me, with her eyes shining with unshed tears. She wrapped me in a hug, and I hugged her back.
“You have no idea how much this means to me,” she said when she stepped out of our embrace. “Not to see the horses going to an auction.”
“I know, my heart hurts just thinking about that.” I glanced over my shoulder to see all their heads over the stall doors, ears perked toward the trailer. I reached into my back pocket and pulled out the check for all the horses. It was folded in half when I slipped it into her hand.
“I can’t take this,” Leah stared at the check. “I wasn’t expecting you to pay me.”
“We’d talked about it and you need the money for moving.” I shrugged.
“What about you?” Her eyes searched mine. “Didn’t you quit your job?”
“It will be fine,” I said, even if I didn’t believe it myself.
Melanie strode over to us and swung her arm around my shoulders. “Besides, she’s moving back to Sunnydale, and her landlord isn’t charging her rent.”
Leah raised her eyebrows at me as I blushed and looked at my feet.
“I’m moving into the apartment above Melanie’s shop. She’s not living there anymore, and rent is a lot cheaper than in San Antonio.”
“Yeah, free.” Melanie laughed when Pete came into the stable.
“Ready to load them up?” He grabbed a lead rope from the front of the first stall and clipped it to Jasper, a bay Quarter Horse gelding. Leah nodded and hurried over to the next horse.
All ten of the horses were loaded and Leah fed them apple slices one more time. We were on the road to Lindsay’s place. She and her mother lived with her uncle for years on the Wilson family ranch, which sat outside of Sunnydale. The thirty-minute drive flew by as I followed the truck and trailer in my Jetta.
Pete swung the truck and trailer into the driveway and continued under the large wooden sign with Flying W burnt into it. It was faded and peeling since I last was here in high school. We followed the drive up to a double-wide with a small deck and ramp leading to the front door. The long, dead grass filled what used to be a trimmed lawn and bushes grew wild along the side of the trailer. Pete pulled up to the barn, which was leaning to one side with a split rail fence running the edge of a pasture. Lindsay waved to us where she was clearing tall grass away from the gate. Pete pulled up and killed the engine as I drove next to him. The screen door slammed as Lindsay’s mother rolled her wheelchair to the deck.
“Hi, Miss Wilson,” Pete greeted her by removing his cowboy hat.
“Nonsense, stop calling me that.” She waved him away. “There is homemade ice cream in the freezer when y’all are done with those horses.” She caught my eye. “Nice to see you home, Dee.”
“That it is, Miss Wilson.”
She shook her head and turned her wheelchair around to the house.
We unloaded the horses into the pasture where Lindsay was fixing the gate. They ran around, tossing their heads, and bucking before settling down to graze. I leaned my elbows against the rough planks and watched them. Lindsay stood on one side and Melanie on the other side of me. Pete went inside to get some of Miss Wilson’s homemade ice cream.
“There wasn’t any pasture in San Antonio,” I said. Penny ran circles around Billy, and he laid his ears back at her.
“I think they’ll enjoy it here.” Lindsay popped her gum. “We have a lot of pasture that ain’t being used.”
“Did your uncle say how much board is?” I worried about my bank account.
“He said to just chip in for hay if they’re here that long.” Lindsay rested a boot on the lower plank. The horses spooked at something and lapped around the field. “We’ve plenty of hay too. We only have a couple of cows and my ancient horse left.” Her voice sounded sad. I glanced over at her, but she avoided my gaze, twirling a long piece of grass between her fingers.
“Well, tell him thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Lindsay smiled and nodded. Jasper trotted up and blew snot over all of us. I laughed wiping my face with the back of my hand. At least my horses were going to be alright. I had a temporary place to live; now, I just needed to find a job.
Chapter 6 September 1st
Delilah
I pushed my cart up the frozen food aisle at the little grocery store in Sunnydale. It was so small; I could walk the whole store in ten minutes. What I needed right now was comfort food. With my last five-dollar bill burning that proverbial hole in my pocket, I stared at the ice cream selection. I moved closer to the glass as another cart approached. The wheels squeaked with each turn. It stopped right next to me. I glanced over my shoulder, staring directly into the dark blue eyes of Kaleb Kisment. I had known him for years, ever since I was little. Every girl in town went gooey when he smiled, but it did nothing for me. I knew him too well. I knew his family too well. And every girl knew not to date the big brother of your ex-boyfriend, no matter how cute he was or how nice his parents were.
“Hi, Dee.” His deep voice rumbled. He leaned against his cart, observing the display.
“Hi, Kaleb, am I in your way?” I scooted to the side so he could contemplate the ice cream, too. His cart was filled with food: frozen dinners, frozen pizza, snack cakes, and lo
ads of sports drinks. That was a lot of food for a single man.
“What brings you to Sunnydale to shop?” He picked a couple of cartons of mint chocolate chip. The cold air from the freezer blasted into the aisle, raising goosebumps up my arms.
“I live here now.”
His eyebrows raised, and he glanced into my empty cart.
“I’m staying in the apartment above the dress shop.” I waved my hands around like that was no big deal. It wasn’t, was it? “It’s nice to be living back in the hometown. San Antonio was too busy, too many people, trains, and planes.”
A half grin cocked his mouth.
“You’re enjoying the commute for your job, though?” It was stated but held a tiny bit of question in it.
“Um,” I looked at my shoes. My face heated up and the tips of my ears felt like they were on fire. “I am kind of in-between jobs right now. Just going with the flow.” Shrugging, I met his gaze straight on with a red face.
Kaleb went back to choosing ice cream bars. My throat closed when he picked up four boxes of the cookie ice cream sandwiches. They were Kade’s favorite ice cream. A pang of longing hit deep within me. I wondered what he was doing and where he was. Was he O.K? I hadn’t seen him since he was in San Antonio earlier this summer for the bull riding.
“Would you like a temporary job?” He turned back, haphazardly piling the boxes on top of the sports drinks.
“Depends on what it is.” I twirled the end of my ponytail around my fingers. What could he offer me? Should I bring up the therapeutic riding stable?
“Well, I’d offer you a stall cleaning job, but I hired a couple of new guys last week. How would you like something that pays a little better and is in your skillset?” His eyes narrowed and his brows pulled down as he watched me.
“I’m listening.” I leaned on my cart only to have it roll a few inches away. Stumbling, I righted myself. A smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
“Kade got seriously injured a couple of weeks ago.” His deep voice rumbled.
My body betrayed my feelings. A gasp sucked in with my breath. Heart pounded harder. All the blood in my face drained away. My hands clenched into fists that I rammed into my jean’s pockets. “Is he going to be O.K?” My words came out in a whisper. Come on, Delilah. Pull yourself together. It has been years. I hated how I still had residual feelings for him, even after all these years. Any sane person would have moved on with their lives.
Kaleb went on, ignoring my question. “I can’t take care of him and the ranch at the same time. It is too much.” His eyes went to a far-off place as if he were trying to do math in his head or think about a list he forgot at home. “I could use some help with Kade so I can focus on the ranch. What do you think?”
“I don’t know. Kade and I aren’t on speaking terms.” I picked up a package of ice cream bars. Really? He’s going to ask me to take care of Kade? After our history together? After how much he hurt me?
He seemed to consider that for a moment. “Everyone has their price, Dee. How about $10,000 for the length of his recovery?”
I scoffed at the amount. I rolled the idea around in my head. Being in the same room as Kade would be, painful, very painful. Was $10,000 going to be enough to deal with his arrogant self-centered self? I didn’t think so. It was a lot of money, but not quite the amount I needed for the therapeutic riding stable, which is the only reason I would even think to do this. At least that is what I told myself.
“How long is his recovery?” I turned to face him, placing the box of ice cream in my cart.
“The doctors say six months.”
I grimaced.
“What about $20,000 for the length of his recovery?” He pushed his hands through his dark blonde hair making it stand on end.
I shook my head and started to walk away. That was definitely not enough to be in Kade’s presence. I could find another nursing job for that money. Maybe, I could get another job at a different hospital or teach at the university. His hand reached out and grabbed my shoulder.
“What about $50,000 for the whole recovery? If you can get him healed up and out of bed before the six months, I will give you an additional five grand.”
Now, that was a lot of money. Kaleb must be desperate for help. Could I be with Kade for his whole recovery? Where else could I make that much money? I certainly didn’t make that much at the hospital. Plus, I really needed it. How horrible could it possibly be? I could ignore his arrogant comments and everything else that irritated me. That money would get the therapeutic riding stable set up. Melanie wouldn’t have to ask her parents or Pete to help us.
“How do you have that kind of money?” Crossing my arms, I met his stare. I wanted to be sure that he could pay me before I took the job. Kaleb was a rancher and notorious for being a penny pincher.
“The ranch is doing quite well, and Kurt is helping out.” His blue eyes challenged me to question him further, but I didn’t need to. The Kisment brothers were a tight group and took care of their own. Last I heard, Kurt, the middle brother, was a defense lawyer in Dallas and making millions of dollars. At least that is what the rumor mill at Susie’s Café had said. I also heard that his firm was one of Kade’s biggest sponsors.
“Fine, I will do it for fifty grand.” I extended my hand, and Kaleb’s big hand enclosed around mine.
“If you or Kade leave before he is released from the doctor to go back to full duty, no money. Understand?” He gave it a light squeeze.
I nodded. It shouldn’t be a problem. I smirked; I could always strap him to the bed.
“Great, I’ll see you this afternoon.” He pushed his cart down the aisle. “Oh, Delilah. Bring your bags. You’re staying at the house with us.”
“What!?” I spun back towards him, but he was already walking away.
Of course. There was always the fine print with the Kisment boys.
A FLOOD OF MEMORIES accosted me as I turned up the dirt road to the Kisment ranch. This was where Damien and I rode horses, fished, and shot guns with the Kisment brothers and Pete. I had my first kiss on the ranch and my first heartbreak. Ma and Pa Kisment were like family to Damien and me. Once Kade walked out on me, I never went back. There were too many good memories and too much heartbreak. Plus, the Kisments were changed after that. They treated me like I was fragile, that I would break at any moment. But that was years ago...
Come on, Delilah, I said to myself. Put your big girl panties on and just drive up the lane. You are over him. I straightened my little Jetta and crept up the drive. The Kisment ranch was the biggest around. They had several thousand acres, thousands of cows, and a thriving hay business. Obviously, they did not keep up the drive as my car bounced from one pothole to another. I gritted my teeth and steered it over to the grassy side to continue my way.
The large ranch house came into view. Nothing seemed to have changed from the way it was eleven years ago, except Kaleb was the one waiting for me on the porch instead of Kade. I steered my car under the large oak tree, putting it into park. He grabbed my bags from the back seat and gave me a one-armed hug.
“Welcome home,” he said as he looked over my shoulder. I followed his gaze, but there were only cows and grass behind me. Tension simmered between us as he walked me to the door. I wasn’t the only one nervous about this arrangement.
“Err, thanks.” I pulled back and strode to the door. Awkwardness filled me. This hadn’t been my home in a long time. Did the Kisments still feel that way toward me? Swallowing against the lump in my throat, I asked “How’s the patient been today?”
He held the door open so I could pass. “I’ll let you see for yourself. I’ll put your things in Katie’s room across the hall.” He shifted his weight from side to side. “You know where everything is. It hasn’t changed since you were here last, so help yourself.”
“No problem.” I tried to sound bubbly and confident. Inside, I was quaking in my shoes. I chose to take care of Kade Kisment. How desperate was I!
“An
d Delilah.” I turned toward Kaleb’s voice as he made his way back outside. His dark blue eyes showed relief and a lightness he hadn’t had earlier. “Thanks.” The screen door screeched shut behind him.
“Yep, no problem,” I muttered. I steeled myself and walked briskly from the kitchen to the wing where the bedrooms were. I set my purse and duffel bag on Katie’s bed. Katie was the youngest Kisment child and only girl. With three older brothers, she girlified everything. Everything in the room was pink: pink carpet, pink walls, pink comforter, and large pink cat posters. My stomach rolled at all the pink. It was temporary I told myself. I guess I could get used to all the pink. Katie was a talented photographer that currently lived in Colorado with her fiancé, Levi. There was talk that they were coming home to get married and settle in Sunnydale.
Zip came trotting down the hall from another room. His stumpy tail wagged so hard his butt wiggled with excitement. He tried to jump on to my knees, but his hind legs gave out. He ended up flat on his bottom, his pink tongue rolling out of the side of his mouth.
“At least, you’re happy to see me.” I knelt and rubbed his ears. “It has been a long time.” He groaned and kicked his back leg as I scratched his favorite spot. “We’ll see if your owner is just as happy to see me.”
Across the hall stood the black door that led into Kade’s room. A TV droned from somewhere deep within the room. The light flickered underneath the crack in the door. “Shoulders back, chin up, stomach in,” I muttered to myself. The brass knob was cold under my fingertips as it turned. The door creaked as it swung open. The light from the hall fell onto the bed. He was propped up with pillows. When our eyes met, the amount of anger and darkness in them was unexpected. My heart constricted in my chest, and there wasn’t enough stale air left in the room to breathe.