Rodeo Reunion

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  Didn’t seem as if she were interested in letting him near anyway.

  * * *

  Mid-April sun warmed Raquel as she stood at the plate. She hadn’t swung a bat in a dozen years.

  Two more games under their belt and the boys hadn’t won again yet. No matter how much Raquel tried to encourage him, Hunter was starting to get down in the dumps. About half the team were decent hitters and runners. They followed the base coaches’ directions well.

  But playing the field killed the team every game. If one kid missed the ball, it turned into a comedy of errors while the opposing team made run after run.

  So Slade had come up with a plan for practice tonight and had asked the adults who were willing to come dressed to play.

  So here she stood at the plate, with a field full of seven- and eight-year-olds. And Slade pitching. “Are you sure this is okay for your shoulder?”

  “I’m fine. I promise not to use my fastball on you.”

  “Come on, Raquel. Bring me home,” Lacie called from second base.

  “No pressure.” Raquel deadpanned. She angled the bat back above her shoulders and leaned into her stance, remembering the tips Slade had given Hunter. Feet straight, lined up with the plate, swing level.

  The pitch came low and fast.

  “Strike one,” Quinn announced behind her.

  Raquel faced him. “It was low.”

  “Don’t argue with my ump, ma’am.” Slade grinned at her.

  She gripped the bat harder and leaned into the plate, determined to knock it out of the park as Slade wound up for his next pitch.

  Still a little low, but doable. She swung and connected with the ball, sending a solid vibration through her hands. She dropped the bat behind her and ran. Sam waved her on to second and Quinn stopped her there while Slade coached the boys on the field.

  Okay, so it wasn’t out of the park, but she’d gotten Lacie home.

  “I’m gonna get you out, Mom.” Hunter punched his glove with his fist on third.

  “We’ll see about that.” She stuck her tongue out at him.

  “It’s not fair, coach,” Fletcher whined from the outfield. “The adults can hit the ball farther and run faster.”

  “Yes,” Slade shouted. “But it’s great practice for us. That was much better. You’re starting to think like a team. Each player knows where he’ll throw the ball before it comes to him. If that had been a kid hitting and running, y’all would have gotten him out.”

  Slade turned back to the home plate. Another mom was up to bat. A solid thunk resonated on the first pitch and Raquel ran to third. Quinn waved her home. Two-thirds of the way there, Quinn dove for the ball, but it went over his head into the backstop. As Quinn scrambled after it, Slade ran in to cover home.

  Mere feet away, Quinn lobbed the ball to Slade. Raquel had only one chance. She slid on her belly and touched the plate with her fingertips as Slade knelt to tag her.

  “Safe,” Quinn called.

  Slade helped her up and the warmth of his hand numbed her brain. Lacie ran over for a high five, breaking the contact. Heat crept up her neck and she dusted off the front of her jeans and T-shirt.

  “That was great, boys.”

  “But I didn’t get her out.” Hunter kicked third base.

  “But Max sailed that ball straight to you. Your mom’s an above-average runner. Most kids wouldn’t be able to run as fast and you’d have gotten them out. You’ll see. Play like we just practiced on Tuesday night and we’ll get some outs. Let’s wrap it up for the night.”

  The team scattered.

  “Can Slade help us make cupcakes, Mom?”

  Drat. She really needed to have a talk with Hunter about inviting Slade everywhere. “Sure.”

  “Cupcakes?”

  “I’m making cupcakes for the game. Everybody gets one cupcake, but if they win, they get two.”

  “My kind of motivation.”

  “You can help me frost ’em.” Hunter bounced up and down. “And Mom’s making my favorite, chicken and dumplings.”

  “If you like chicken and dumplings, we’ve got plenty.”

  “If I like chicken and dumplings? You’re making my mouth water.”

  He made her mouth water. Stop looking. Just stop looking. Stop thinking. Stop dreaming. “Come over when we get home from school on Thursday.”

  “I and my appetite will be there.”

  Raquel hurried to her car. At least she didn’t have to be in the same vehicle with him on the way to her house. Maybe by game day, her breathing would get back to normal.

  * * *

  The still-warm cupcake emitted a decadent scent as Slade smeared on the chocolate icing the way Hunter had shown him. Tempting—he’d like to pop it in his mouth.

  But the cupcake wasn’t as tempting as the woman in the red apron beside him. Focus on the child in their midst before he did something stupid.

  “Thanks for inviting me over, Hunter. I think that was the best chicken and dumplings I’ve ever eaten.” Slade caught Raquel’s gaze.

  “I’m glad you liked it.” Raquel turned a cupcake with one hand and slathered icing with the other.

  “Like is a weak word when it comes to chicken and dumplings. Try love.”

  Her gaze flitted to his, then darted away.

  “Wish I could have had more.” Hunter’s cupcake had more icing on it than it could hold.

  “Not so much icing.” Raquel spooned some off and started a new cupcake. “You get a cupcake after your meal at Moms. And there are plenty of leftovers for tomorrow night. If you eat too much before the game, it might get messy.”

  “Hey, sport, shouldn’t you get your uniform on?”

  “Aww, I wanna finish the cupcakes.”

  “Slade’s right.” Raquel checked the clock. “I didn’t realize what time it was.”

  “Okay.” Hunter set down the cupcake he’d just finished in the cake pan and scurried down the hall.

  Finally alone. Slade stepped closer to Raquel. Side by side, they frosted their cupcakes. His arm grazed hers and heat went straight to his heart. Her perfume teased his senses.

  “This is fun. I don’t know how you had time to cook that meal and bake these when you just got home a few hours ago.”

  “The Crock-Pot is a lifesaver.”

  “But you had the cupcakes in the oven by the time I got here. You’re amazing.” He could spend the rest of his years making cupcakes with her.

  “Not really. I love cooking and baking. I hope the other boys on the team get a light supper before the game.”

  “I’m pretty sure a few don’t eat until after the game at Moms. You’re a great mom, Raquel.”

  “Thanks.” She looked up at him, her eyes misty. “I try, but I worry about Hunter not having a male influence.”

  “I could help you with that.”

  Panic filled her eyes and she took a step back. She wiped at her eyes, smearing icing on her nose.

  Great, he’d scared her off, just when more than anything he wanted to kiss the icing away and then stray to her lips. “You’ve got icing on your nose.”

  She swiped at the smear and made it worse.

  And for some reason, he wanted to remember this moment.

  “Wait, hold it right there. I’ll show you.” He pretended to get her a napkin while he dug his cell from his pocket, then snapped her picture.

  “What was that for?”

  “To show you how funny you look.” Actually tantalizing. He held his phone for her to see.

  She leaned her head close to his.

  “This is going on Facebook.”

  “No.” She grabbed at his phone.

  “Oh, yeah.” He held it up out of her reach.

  Laughing, she stepped closer and reached for the phone.

  Only a breath away. Phone forgotten, his hands settled on her waist.

  She stilled and her laughter died.

  His gaze fell to her lips. Did he dare follow his heart and kiss her? No, she’d bolt
. Better to take this slow.

  “Here, I’ll get it.” He wiped the frosting away with his thumb.

  A tiny gasp escaped her and she pushed away from him.

  “And I won’t put the picture on Facebook. I’m not even on Facebook. I was kidding.”

  “Good.” She turned to the counter and began frosting the final cupcake but her hand shook.

  “I’ve missed our dinners together. We kind of had a routine going there for a while of eating and riding together. I miss that. Maybe we could start riding to the ball field together again. And eating together.”

  “Well, you know where the ball field is now and your concussion is healed, so you don’t need me to get you there. And we’ll eat together at Moms on Main after the rest of the games, win or lose.”

  “I know, but I was thinking maybe we could eat together after practices too. You don’t have to cook. We can go to Moms. And since we’re both going to the ball field four times a week, why not ride together and save gas.”

  “We’ll see.” She set the cupcakes in the deep cake pan.

  “Maybe we could have dinner on Saturday night. Alone.”

  Her hand stopped in mid-lid-snapping. “You mean…like a…date,” she squeaked.

  “Yeah, like a date. Actually, not like a date. But a date.” Did that even make any sense?

  “No.” She shook her head and pressed the plastic lid onto the cake pan.

  “No?” Slade’s voice cracked.

  “Do you want some chicken and dumplings to take home?” Raquel wouldn’t look at him. “It’s easy to warm up in the microwave.”

  Huh? Her chicken and dumplings were to die for. But she’d just turned him down and she was talking leftovers?

  “Sure.”

  “I’ll put it in a bowl you won’t have to worry about bringing back.” She dug a Cool Whip bowl out of the cabinet and ladled a generous portion of thick gravy, chunks of chicken and fluffy dumplings into it. She slid the lid into place and handed it to him.

  He set it down on the counter and took both of her hands in his. She started to pull away, but he tightened his hold.

  “Why are you pulling away from me? Is it Dylan?”

  “Dylan made me promise to find someone new.” Her gaze didn’t quite meet his, stopping just at the top button of his shirt. “But that someone isn’t you. You’re very possibly leaving. And Hunter doesn’t need to get any more attached to you than he already is.”

  “But I might stay. If the cowboy church comes together, I could stay and pastor here.”

  “I heard what Buck said at church. You clearly made a difference on the circuit. And God may still want you there. I don’t want you staying in Aubrey to pastor the cowboy church to see what happens with us if God wants you back on the circuit.” She pulled her hands away and turned her back on him.

  “Maybe God wants me to settle down.” He circled her waist with his arms.

  “No.” She stepped away from him. “I won’t be a factor in your decision. This is between you and God. Just know if you stay in Aubrey, nothing will develop between us. You need to pray long and hard about what God wants. It’s not about us.”

  “Mom, I’m ready,” Hunter called from the next room.

  “Got your glove?” She tugged her apron off.

  “Yep.” Hunter hurried into the room, effectively ending the conversation. “You gonna ride with us, Coach Slade?”

  He couldn’t do it. He couldn’t ride in the same car with Raquel when she’d just stuck a pin in any hopes of a future for them.

  “I need to let Blizzard and Flurry out and put these leftovers in my fridge.” He picked up the Cool Whip bowl. “Y’all go ahead. I’ll take my truck.”

  “Okay,” Raquel easily agreed.

  Way too anxious to get rid of him.

  “See you at the game, sport.” Slade’s heart sank to the toes of his cowboy boots as he stepped out the back door. And out of her life.

  He’d obviously misunderstood her feelings for him. But that someone isn’t you.

  Once baseball season was over in another month and a half, he wouldn’t see her anymore.

  * * *

  Raquel washed the supper dishes while Hunter took his bath. The team had won both games this week. Hunter was happier. But Raquel wasn’t.

  May 1. Slade had kept his distance since cupcake night and he’d leave at the end of the month. Wasn’t that what she wanted?

  The phone rang, sending a jolt through her. She grabbed the handset.

  “Raquel.” The distress in Caitlyn’s voice chilled her. “Cody was in a bad wreck at the rodeo. I thought you’d want to know.”

  “Oh, no.” Raquel’s breath whooshed from her lungs. “How bad?”

  “I’m not sure, but it doesn’t sound good. We’re on our way to your old hospital. Want us to swing by and get you?”

  “No. Y’all go on. I’ll have to get Hunter situated before I can come. But I’ll be praying. And text me if you learn anything before I get there.”

  “Will do.”

  Couldn’t stay here. She loved Cody, and Mitch had been there for her when Dylan died. No thinking like that. Cody had better not die, but she needed to be there. She drummed the kitchen counter with her fingertips.

  A few times in months past, Hunter had stayed with Slade when she had to run an errand. But sending Hunter over now wouldn’t be right. Durlene Warren was usually Raquel’s babysitter, but Cody was her nephew, so more than likely, Durlene would be at the hospital.

  Lacie. Yes. Fingers trembling, Raquel dialed the phone.

  “Hello?”

  “Lace, thank goodness you’re home. A friend of mine was in an accident. I need to go to the hospital. Can I bring Hunter to your house?”

  “Better yet, I’ll come get him and he can spend the night. You sound much too shaky to drive. By the time I get there, maybe you’ll be settled down some.”

  “Thanks.”

  Fun-loving Cody. Please, Lord, let him be okay. She almost wished she still worked the emergency room. Almost.

  Everyone loved Cody. He made everyone smile. The world needed more people like him—not fewer.

  She took a deep breath and strode toward the bathroom. Hunter loved Cody. She had to hold it together. Not let Hunter know anything was wrong. She pecked on the door.

  “Hunter, hurry and get out of the tub so you can pack a bag. You’re going to spend the night with Max.”

  “Awesome!” he called.

  “Hurry—they’ll be here to get you soon.” Raquel rushed to his room and crammed underwear and toiletries into his overnight bag.

  Minutes later Hunter came back from the bathroom looking fresher.

  “Pick your clothes. I got everything else. Two sets of play clothes and something for church.”

  Hunter pulled what he wanted to wear from the closet as Raquel folded and packed.

  Lights illuminated the window. “I think they’re here.”

  “I’m ready.” Hunter zipped his bag.

  “Be good.” She hugged him. “I love you and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “I love you, too.” He called over his shoulder as he took the stairs two at a time.

  Raquel hurried after him, grabbed her purse and locked the door behind them.

  Next to Lacie’s car, Slade’s truck sat in her driveway. Her feet stalled. What was he doing here?

  Chapter 11

  Raquel hurried to Lacie’s rolled-down window and whispered, “Hunter doesn’t know anything’s wrong.”

  “Not a word.” Lacie patted her hand.

  “He got his bath and he has church clothes for tomorrow. I appreciate you.”

  “I hope this doesn’t change that. I called Slade,” Lacie whispered. “You sounded too shaky to drive, so he’ll take you. Keep me posted. Hunter can stay as long as you need him to.”

  While Raquel’s mouth hung open, Lacie backed out of the drive. Leaving her alone with Slade.

  “Let me get the door for you.” Slade
got out of his truck and went around to the passenger’s side.

  “I’m really fine. I can drive.”

  “You’re worked up. Just let me drive you.”

  Definitely worked up and she didn’t really feel like tackling Garland traffic. “Thanks.” She followed him and climbed into the truck.

  “Glad to help.” He went back to his side, climbed in and backed out of her drive.

  Besides, the last time she’d been in that hospital, Dylan had died.

  * * *

  Blasted hospital parking. Hospitals should be forced to build in the middle of at least a twenty-acre spread with parking decks surrounding the building. Slade eased into the only space he could find, cut the engine and bolted from the truck. A mile away from the hospital. Not really, but it felt like it as he jogged across the span of asphalt to catch up with Raquel.

  Though he’d dropped her at the ER entrance, he hated to think of her entering alone and upset.

  She’d been quiet in the truck and he hadn’t pried. Figured she’d talk if she wanted to. He could tell she was upset and if he forced her to talk about it, the waterworks might start. And Raquel’s tears were something he wouldn’t be able to keep his distance from.

  Almost there, he saw her. Still standing outside the entrance. When she saw him, her shoulders slumped and then began shaking. Waterworks.

  He tucked her into his arms, holding her close, rubbing circles on her back. Couldn’t think of a thing to say. All he could think about was how good it felt to hold her.

  But she needed comfort. He had to think of something besides inane It’ll be okay. Because it might not be okay. He did know one thing. “God’s got this, Raquel. Whatever it is, however it goes, God’s got this.”

  She nodded against his chest, pushed away from him and wiped under her eyes with her fingertips. “You’re right. Cody’s a Christian.” She took several shaky deep breaths. “I have to pull it together. His family needs me to be strong.”

  Cody? Her friend was a man. Hadn’t seen that coming. Not. At. All. And for Raquel to cry over Cody, was he more than a friend? He couldn’t imagine any man being anywhere near Raquel and having just-friends feelings for her.

  Slade’s heart splattered on the sidewalk at her feet. More than anything, he wanted to leave. Run to his truck and leave. He could not sit beside Raquel in a waiting room while she worried over another man. Maybe the man she loved.