Puzzled, Sabrina watched the countryside slowly roll by. Patrick had no one now. He was totally alone, and somehow the thought of being totally alone in the world sent a shiver of fear through her.
The Big C ranch house came into view, filling her with hope and expectation. Two years away from home and suddenly she could hardly contain herself. The last few steps of the horses seemed to take forever as Sabrina waited, impatient to be home.
Patrick halted the wagon in front of the weathered old house. Before he could help her out, Sabrina jumped down, anxious to see her family.
Roses climbed the porch railings, a living legacy from her mother. As she hurried up the steps, the blossoms swayed as she brushed them with her shoulder.
Sabrina threw open the front door just as her father came around the side of the house. “Sabrina? Is that you?”
At the sound of her father’s voice, Sabrina turned. Releasing the front door, she hurried towards him. “Oh, Dad! What are you doing out of bed?”
Jed bounded up the porch steps and folded his arms around his daughter, engulfing her in his hug. “Damn, you’re a welcome sight to these old eyes. But how did you know about my wound?”
Sabrina returned her father’s welcoming hug. “I received your telegram. Now, answer my question.”
“I’m fine. But I didn’t send you no telegram.” Jed released Sabrina and let his eyes wander over her. “Why didn’t you let me know you were coming?”
“I wanted to surprise you, but I think you surprised me.”
“That bullet grazed me, but didn’t send me to my deathbed.” Jed brushed a piece of hair off of her face.
Jed opened the door, and Sabrina reached out to stop him. “Dad, before we go in, could we talk for a few moments? Alone.”
A puzzled expression crossed Jed’s face. “Why, sure, hon. What’s bother’n you?”
Sabrina glanced uneasily at her father, then at Patrick. She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Dad, if you didn’t send me the telegram, who did? Could it have been Matt?”
Jed frowned at his daughter. “Matt didn’t say anything about sending any telegram.”
“Dad, the telegram also said—”
The door flew open and Sabrina watched the brother she loved stop in astonishment. Tall and blonde with sapphire eyes that matched her own, Matt had filled out and become a man. The memory of him standing in front of the judge made her shiver.
“Sabrina?”
He reached out and hugged his sister, spinning her around on the porch until she was dizzy.
“Matt! Put me down, you big lout”
Sabrina felt his body tense as he slowly released her. “Did he bring you home?”
She turned to Patrick, who was casually watching her. “Yes, Patrick brought me from town.”
Her brother glared at Patrick, but said nothing more. Stepping back, he crossed his arms and leaned against the porch railing. God, would these two never get over that trial?
The memory of the last time they were all together was fresh in her mind. Reluctantly, she said, “Thanks for the ride.”
Patrick nodded in brief acknowledgment. Feeling more tired than she’d felt the whole trip, she headed inside the house with Matt. Vaguely, she heard her father say, “Patrick, come on in.”
“Thanks, Jed. I think I will.”
Everyone followed Sabrina as she walked inside the house. A warm, safe feeling came over her as she stood looking around her home. Why had she waited so long to come back? Until this moment she hadn’t realized how much she missed this place, but the telegram had warned her they were about to lose the ranch. Could it be true?
She moved toward the stairs, but stopped when her foot reached the first step. She had to know. She had waited almost three hundred miles and couldn’t wait another second.
She turned and faced her father. Hesitantly, she regarded him. “Dad, the telegram said we’re about to lose the ranch.” She swallowed hard, holding back her fear. “Is it true, Dad?”
Chapter 2
Irritation flooded Jed like a tidal wave, overwhelming him with its intensity. Somehow, the ugly rumors had traveled three hundred miles to reach Sabrina. Now, everyone stood, watching and waiting for his response, while he attempted to regain his composure. “Honey, I’m surprised at you. Why in the world would you ask that question?”
“The telegram said the ranch was in financial trouble,” Sabrina replied anxiously.
Jed ran his hand through his hair. He hadn’t expected his daughter to confront him with his biggest concern. “You’re worrying over nothing. Once I get our cattle up the trail to Dodge City and sold, things will be fine.”
“You would tell me if we were in serious trouble, wouldn’t you, Dad?” Sabrina asked, her voice tinged with apprehension.
“Of course. Now go get cleaned up. I don’t want to hear any more of this nonsense.”
Jed watched Sabrina direct one last chilly stare at Patrick. The air crackled with tension as Patrick acknowledged her message with a sardonic smile. Obviously, they had not kissed and made up on the ride home. What could he expect when he himself had been a party to Matt’s acquittal and Patrick’s downfall? Jed loved his children and couldn’t bear to see one of them hang, even when it meant hurting the other.
Sabrina rapidly climbed the stairs, disappearing from sight. Jed released a long pent-up sigh. Who would send Sabrina a telegram telling her the ranch was in financial trouble?
Patrick cleared his throat “Jed, I’ve heard the rumors myself. What’s going on?”
Jed turned at the sound of Patrick’s voice, remembering he was not alone. He looked at the man who had almost become his son-in-law two years ago, the man he still hoped would someday marry Sabrina.
“I’m not sure.” Jed shook his bandaged head. “Why would someone send Sabrina a telegram?”
“A telegram would be the quickest way to get her home.”
“What would they gain by her being home?”
“It could be nothing.” Patrick paused, walking across the room to the fireplace lining the northern wall. “Then again, you’re about to leave on a cattle drive. Matt’s going with you. She’ll be left behind with nothing but a few men and your housekeeper, Maria.”
Jed felt his heart skip a beat as he realized the truth behind Patrick’s words. He had no choice but to go on this cattle drive. Whatever profits he gained would go to pay off the loan on the Big C.
Matt came clumping back down the stairs, approaching the front door with the speed of a jackrabbit. He grabbed his gun belt hanging on a peg beside the door along with his hat.
“Where you going, son?” Jed asked.
“Into town.”
“This is your sister’s first night home. Stay with us.”
“I’ll see her tomorrow,” Matt replied sharply as he buckled his gun belt around his waist. Jed scowled, wanting to stop Matt, knowing he was old enough to make his own decisions. He often felt, the hardest act as a parent was to accept your children’s choices. “Don’t forget, I need your help with that north pasture early in the morning.”
Matt sent Jed an annoyed grimace and shoved his hat on his head. “I said I’d be there.” He stomped out the door, slamming it behind him.
With a worried frown, Jed stared at the closed door for a moment. “That boy’s in trouble again. I don’t know what kind yet, but he’s gambling every night and coming home drunk.”
“I would have thought his last scrape with the law would have settled him down,” Patrick replied, his voice tinged with bitterness.
“I thought so, too,” Jed answered quietly.
No man wanted to see his son hang. During the middle of the night Jed sometimes questioned his decision to remain mute regarding his son. He should have at least told Sabrina the truth regarding the brother she adored.
Jed studied Patrick. The years away from Sherwood had been good for him. Tall, muscular, he had filled out, become a man. A man he could trust and confide in.
A man he would be proud to call son-in-law. A man he had wounded with his silence.
“Patrick, if something should happen, Sabrina’s going to need help. I had always planned on Matthew being the one to take over the Big C.” Jed cleared his throat, trying to ease the tightness he felt. “Now, I don’t know. Maybe I’m having an old man’s fears, but I want you to promise me you’ll help Sabrina.”
“You know how she feels about me, Jed,” Patrick replied. “She’d rather be connected to a rattler than me.”
“But you’re the only one I can trust,” Jed replied anxiously. “I need your promise Patrick.”
* * *
Sunlight reflected off the polished hardwood floor, dazzling the room with light. Jed carefully rolled up the wool rug beneath him. He knelt beside a shallow crack in the floor and raised a narrow door, revealing the secret compartment built within. Reaching inside the tiny opening, he pulled out a small tin container. With trembling fingers, he opened the box. One quick glance confirmed his worst fears. More money was missing from the cash box.
He took several of the bills and with ink and a quill marked the currency with the Big C brand. Jed stashed the box back in its hiding place and pulled the rug over the trapdoor.
Shuffling out the bedroom, he noticed Maria dusting the furniture. On impulse, he asked, “Maria, have you seen anyone in my room today?”
“Not today, Senor Jed.” Maria wiped her hands on her apron. “Is there something wrong?”
“No.”
“No one goes in there beside me, except Matt. He goes in to read your ranch reports.”
Startled, Jed stared at Maria. “My what reports?”
“Your ranch reports.” Maria looked anxious.
Ranch reports? He didn’t fill out any ranch reports. “Maria, if you see Matt get my ranch reports again would you please let me know?”
“Of course, Senor Jed.”
“Thanks.” Jed turned and in despair left the house. If Matt was the thief, then he knew where the money was going.
* * *
The sun was high in the morning sky when Sabrina strolled into the barn. Lifting her saddle off of the wall where she’d left it, she carried it outside to the corral. A shrill whistle brought a beautiful red bay mare trotting to the fence.
The horse sniffed at the outstretched hand, nuzzling it softly. “Hello, Cassie. I’ve missed you.” The horse shook her head and whinnied as though remembering Sabrina’s smell.
“This place ain’t been the same since you left,” a gruff voice called out to her.
Sabrina turned at the sound of the familiar voice, Buckets, the oldest of her father’s cowhands, limped up beside her. “Hello, Buckets.”
“It’s about time you came home, Miss Sabrina.” Lifting the saddle onto the horse’s back, Sabrina pulled the cinch tight. “Thanks. It’s good to be home.”
Buckets spit a stream of tobacco several inches away from his well-worn boots and eyed her suspiciously. “Just where do you think you’re going?”
Sabrina smiled at the grizzled old man. “For a ride.”
“I’ll get one of the boys to go with you.”
“No. I want to go alone.” Sabrina gathered the reins, preparing to mount.
His forehead drew together in a frown. “It’s too dangerous for you to be out riding.” Scratching his beard he added, “Your father ain’t goin’a like it one bit.”
“My father is not going to know.” Sabrina smiled a cheeky grin. “Unless you tell him.”
“I don’t like it” Buckets grumbled. “But seeing how it’s your first day home, I’ll keep my mouth shut. But you best be back by three or I’ll send out a posse looking for you.”
“Thanks, Buckets!” In her brother’s faded pants, she mounted Cassie astride. Split riding skirts were nice, but there was nothing like wearing pants. Men’s pants.
Laughing, Sabrina turned the horse in a westerly direction, leaving Buckets behind. With the house out of sight, Sabrina nudged Cassie’s sides, and they trotted across the open land. All around her, spring flourished, with the cactus and wildflowers in full blossom. Wrens and sparrows chirped happily in the trees, their songs filling the air.
With a burst of pride, she looked out at the land she loved and had yearned for. This land belonged to her family, and one day her children would be a part of this—if her father was telling the truth about the financial condition of the ranch.
Shaking off her bad thoughts, Sabrina rode until a grove of trees rose out of the prairie into view. The trees hid from sight the pond where she and Patrick had once held their rendezvous. Memories haunted that area. Their laughter echoed in the stillness, their passion flowed as quietly as the pond and Sabrina couldn’t resist going back.
Surrounded by trees, it was an oasis in the west Texas prairie. A watering hole the hand of nature had worked its magic on, with bursts of green surrounding the water.
Sabrina dismounted and led Cassie to the edge of the pond, dropping the reins, leaving the horse to sip at the water. The willow tree still stood, its trailing branches falling in a graceful arc to the ground. She strolled over to the old tree and, searching, ran her hand over the bark. They had shared their first kiss under this very tree, after he’d shown her the initials he’d carved.
A kiss that had been plain, pure, and awkward. Two young kids learning about love. Later they’d learned about heartache.
The brush surrounding the tree rustled, startling Sabrina from her memories of the past. She turned toward the direction of the noise and jumped in fear. A scream of surprise escaped her lips.
A pole kitty with a long white stripe down the middle of her back came charging out the bushes, followed by two baby skunks. The mother, obviously frightened for her young, hurried away from Sabrina, unknowingly straight toward Cassie.
Seconds ticked away as Sabrina watched the unfolding scene in dismay, instinctively knowing what was about to happen, whiffing preparing herself for the worst. Cassie, seeing the skunks, whinnied in alarm and fright
The mother skunk took one look at Cassie and turned her tail in defense, protecting her young ones. Cassie didn’t have a chance. An odorous perfume filled the air while the poor horse shrilled in distress, and then fled in fright. Pounding hooves and a flashing red tail left Sabrina afoot with a mad mamma polecat and two little ones.
The mother turned her babies away, sending them scurrying back toward Sabrina. Realizing the danger of being aromatized herself, Sabrina ran in the only direction open to her; into the pool of water.
Her wet boots slipped on a rock and Sabrina braced herself as her buttocks smacked against the bottom of the muddy basin.
Up to her neck in the middle of the pond, she watched as the family went crashing into the thick undergrowth, disappearing, leaving behind a wet stranded Sabrina and a pungent aroma.
“Oh!” Sabrina cried in frustration as she stood dripping wet. The vile-smelling stench hung in the air surrounding the pool, coating and suffocating her with its odor.
* * *
Leaning back in his saddle, enjoying the warm spring day, Patrick was in no hurry to arrive at the Big C. He had thought all night long about what Jed had revealed regarding the ranch and the problems he was encountering, only to conclude he wanted no part of Jed’s troubles, but most of all no part of Sabrina.
A high-pitched scream startled Patrick, and automatically he reached for his revolver. Kicking his horse into a gallop, he observed a red mare galloping out of the grove of trees just ahead. The same grove of trees where he used to meet Sabrina. Whatever had spooked the mare was waiting in that grove.
Patrick leaned low over his horse, his gun drawn, and the roan cantered to the pond. Fearful of riding into an ambush, Patrick’s every nerve was alert for the slightest noise. Entering the grove, he beheld a sight that so stunned him, he almost dropped his revolver.
Sabrina stood, hands on her hips, soaking wet in the shimmering pond as rivulets of water trickled down her shirt and pants.
Her face was drawn together in a grimace and he thought he detected a groan. The air around her was rank with the smell of a skunk and Patrick couldn’t’ help himself as his chest shook with laughter.
She was dressed in a man’s pants and shirt, and the wet clothes were like an artist’s painting, brushed over her skin, her figure amply displayed. The air rushed from his lungs, leaving him breathless. Suddenly it wasn’t funny.
Gone was the dusty girl from yesterday, and in her place was a wood nymph. Lips the color of fresh strawberries were set in a heart-shaped face. Her breasts were silhouetted through her shirt, just the size to fit his hand. She had a small waist, shapely hips, and legs that seemed to stretch on forever.
“You can quit staring anytime,” Sabrina haughtily informed him, her cheeks scarlet as she marched out of the pond.
Patrick sniffed. “Do you always wear this perfume or is this something new?” He paused, chuckling with laughter. “Perfume le skunk.”
Sabrina shook her head. “Go ahead. Have a good laugh. Cassie got sprayed by that polecat, and she’s taken off for home!”
Patrick’s chuckles filled the small glade as Sabrina looked on, fury etched into her face. “From the smell of it, Cassie’s not the only one who’s been sprayed.”
“I wasn’t sprayed, just chased.” Sabrina looked down at her wet clothes. “What a mess.”
A warm breeze blew the blonde wisps of hair around Sabrina’s face. Her hair was gathered in one long braid that fell across her shoulder, past her breasts, to the pointed nubs that were visible through her wet shirt. Patrick gulped as his pants suddenly became tighter.
“Do you know there’s a law against women wearing men’s clothing?” Patrick asked.
Sabrina crossed her arms across her shirt, hiding his view. “So, arrest me,” she taunted. “Then again, you’re no longer a Texas Ranger.”
“Decent women don’t run around dressed like men!” Patrick informed Sabrina, his voice rising in bitterness at the mention of his days as a lawman.
Second Chance Cowboy Page 2