Bighearted Cowboy (Tarnation, Texas Book 5)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “That sounds good. I feel the need to throw calories to the wind today.”

  “Then by all means, add the slice of peach pie too,” he encouraged. “I just might.”

  Once they ordered, he asked, “I hope you have a clue what we’re supposed to be doing.”

  Her face softened some. “No, unfortunately, I don’t. But Betty Sue gave me a list of information. From the looks of things, it doesn’t seem like there’s much.”

  “You have a list? That’s one better than me.”

  “Okay. Let’s not panic. How hard can this be? We’re just picking up items.” She paled some.

  He eased back into the seat. “I brought something for you.” He grabbed the bag from the seat and placed it on the table.

  “Something for me? For what?”

  “It’s a birthday gift.”

  The corners of her mouth played with a smile. “The song was enough.”

  “Then call it a welcome gift to Tarnation if you prefer.” He pushed the bag across the table toward her.

  Her eyes sparkled. She reached in, took out the wrapped present and pulled away the paper. She looked from the box to him and back to the present then opened the lid. “Brennan, it’s beautiful. I really don’t know what to say right now.”

  “You don’t have to say anything. I hope you like it.”

  “I love it, but I can’t accept this. It’s too much.”

  “It’s a necklace not a kidney.”

  She hesitated and he thought she would argue, but then she lifted the jewelry from the velvet nest. “Will you help me put it on?”

  “I can.” He joined her in the booth and took the delicate necklace. The snap was small, and he was all thumbs. She held her hair up off her neck, and what was meant as an innocent act made him suddenly stiff. He leaned closer, just an inch, and inhaled her scent. His lips tingled, wishing he could kiss her nape. The soft baby hairs on her skin stood erect.

  “Can you get it?” she asked.

  Swallowing hard, he focused his attention on the chain and clasp, chastising himself for responding like a kid that had never seen a woman’s neck before. He finally managed to attach the necklace but he himself became detached from his bearings.

  She turned to face him, her fingers lovingly touching the pendant. Unshed tears filled her eyes and he felt like he’d been snared by an invisible hook. “Again, thank you.”

  “It looks good on you,” he said through the thickness in his throat. What he wouldn’t give to have the right to pull her into his arms and kiss her, careless of who was around them.

  “You have completely thrown me for a loop.”

  He wiggled a brow. “You’re a long way from home. I thought you could use some appreciation.”

  “You’re good at that, showing appreciation.” Her bottom lip trembled. “I guess we should discuss the benefit.”

  “Okay. That’s why we’re here after all. Where’s that list?” He slid back over to the his side of the booth and concentrated on getting his breathing under control.

  She reached into her purse, took out a piece of paper and handed it to him. “It’s not too long.”

  “Hi there, darlin’,” Stella said as she set their plates down. “How are things over at the clinic, Charlotte?”

  “Busy.” Charlotte popped a fry into her mouth.

  “I’m sure it is being that the hospital is so far away. Can I get you two anything else?”

  “How about bringing us a piece of peach and rhubarb?” Brennan asked.

  “Sure thing.” Stella winked. “I have that whole pie I promised all ready to go. Just remind me if I forget. You two enjoy.”

  Brennan bit into his juicy burger and wiped a napkin across his mouth. When she was finished chewing, he asked, “So, what do you think?”

  “So totally worth every calorie.” She held her thumb up and looked at him over her burger. “Here’s what I propose. We divide the names on the list. That way we can cover more ground.”

  “I have my own proposal. How about we tag team the list? There are only,” he glanced at the list, “five or so. We can knock out most of those today.”

  “I don’t think it can be possible.”

  “I tell you what, if we don’t get through most of the names today, I’ll donate a thousand from Grinning Spurs.” It was a risk he’d be out a grand, but he wanted to spend the day with her.

  She looked at him as if trying to figure out the catch. “I tell you what, you double that offer and we’ll have a deal.”

  “Deal.” He held out his hand. “Shake on it?”

  She laid her hand into his and he felt how soft her skin was. “I suggest we start from the very beginning and work our way down.”

  He shrugged. “Whatever you think.”

  She laughed. “We have to think of a timeline. I have the weekend off. Is it going to be possible for you to be away from the ranch today?” She tucked her top lip, looking at him through thick fringed lashes.

  “I’m at your disposal.” He smiled, but he knew he was bound to get his ass kicked for being off the land for so long.

  They finished their meal and Stella brought the two varieties of pie topped with a large dollop of whipped cream.

  “Oh my. They smell and look great.” Charlotte sighed. “Which do you want?”

  “Let’s share.”

  She forked a piece of rhubarb and slid the bite from the tines. She rolled her eyes. “That is Heaven in a crust. I’m going to have to run a marathon after this.”

  “Or you could just come to Grinning Spurs and muck some stalls.” He winked.

  “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  Once the pie was gone, Brennan paid although Charlotte tried to argue, and they left the diner with their list in hand. “I’ll drive.”

  “Okay.” She pulled her large purse over her shoulder and he motioned for her to follow on the sidewalk.

  “What are you carrying in that bag? It looks heavy.”

  She smiled. “I like to be prepared no matter what I’m doing. First aid kit. Snacks. Oh, and hand weights.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “No. But I do have these.” She pulled out a pair of black flats. “Day to night.”

  “Those are nice, but I like the cowgirl boots. I see you’re getting some wear and tear on them.”

  A cowboy walked by, giving Charlotte a toothy grin and a deep dip of his hat. “Afternoon, ma’am.”

  “Afternoon,” she said in return. “Everybody is so nice around here.”

  Brennan smiled but he felt a sock in his gut. Why was he jealous? He’d never been possessive over anyone before. “Yeah, they are.”

  “I guess I need to get out more often.”

  “That’s true.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “Don’t take this as a complaint, but your skin is as pale as a ghost. Hope you have sun protection in that purse too.”

  She reached in and brought out a large bottle of SPF. “Did you doubt me?”

  “Not for a second. Where are we going first?”

  “Out to the country.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  “What’s the address?”

  Clearing her throat, she brought out her phone, tapped the address into her GPS and laid it between them on the console. “Hopefully we don’t get lost.”

  “Hell, the sun is shining. The sky is beautiful. Getting lost almost sounds like a pleasure.”

  She felt the butterflies in her stomach, and she turned to watch the scenery pass. She wouldn’t mind getting lost with him. “I wanted to ask about the marriage thing.”

  “Okay.”

  “Why haven’t you married yet?”

  “Honestly, I haven’t been looking.”

  “How much of the six months are remaining?” She plucked a string off her dress. Truth was, she wasn’t entirely surprised to see that it was Brennan she was meeting at the diner. When Betty Sue had asked for Charlotte’s help, she’d gotten a hint there
was more to the request than asking for donations. She’d been so sure she’d bought a new dress and had actually applied some makeup.

  “A few days shy of three weeks.”

  “Oh wow.” Disappointment grew within her. “You either get married or lose your home. That’s a lot on your shoulders.”

  “It is. My brothers are married. I’m the lone bachelor.” He removed his hat and placed it in the back seat. His hair was messy with waves.

  “What will you do?”

  “No clue. I’m still waiting for the answers.”

  “The GPS reads that we turn up ahead.”

  If only she had a GPS to her heart because thinking of Brennan asking a woman to marry him made her physically ill…

  Melba Raines was a seventy something energetic woman who offered Charlotte and Brennan iced sweet tea when she invited them into her farmhouse located on a stretch of land without any close neighbors.

  “Sure. I’ll take some,” Charlotte said as she looked around the spacious living room filled with decorations from the fifties.

  “How about you, young man? Iced tea?” the elderly woman asked Brennan.

  “I’ll take a glass. It’s a hot one out there.”

  “Coming right up. You two make yourselves at home.” From inside the kitchen, she called, “Did you say you’re here about the benefit?”

  “Yes,” Charlotte answered.

  “I haven’t seen one of these before,” Brennan whispered, pointing at the small black and white TV that was set to a station that had lots of snow and black silhouettes.” How does she see anything?” He tried moving the rabbit ears, but it didn’t help.

  “It’s probably been like this for so long she doesn’t have a clue that it’s this bad.”

  Melba returned with a pitcher of tea and three glasses that Charlotte remembered seeing at an antique store.

  “Here, let me take that for you.” Brennan took the tray. “Where would you like for me to set it down?”

  “Right here on the table will be fine.” She moved a phone book. “There you go, young man.”

  “I’ll even pour the tea for us.”

  Charlotte smiled at Brennan’s helpfulness and the way Melba beamed. While he poured, she took a seat in the worn pink chair and said, “What brings you two love birds out here so far. You said you’re from Tarnation, right?”

  “Yes and we’re not love birds.” Charlotte felt her cheeks warm. She couldn’t look at Brennan. “We’re gathering the donations for the benefit for the new firehouse in Tarnation. Betty Sue is out of town and couldn’t come herself.”

  “Oh yes, yes. . Betty Sue’s a sweet girl. You know, I’ve lived here most of my life with my Gilbert.” She reached for the picture on the stand next to her chair. “Take a look. This was our wedding photo.”

  Charlotte admired the picture of the young couple. “You both look very nice. How long were you married?” She handed the picture back.

  “Almost fifty years but he passed away two years ago from a heart attack.” Her gray eyes filled with tears. “I’m not worried though. We’ll meet again and then our love story will continue like we were never apart. And how about you two? How long have you been married?”

  Brennan answered this time, “She’s too good for a cowboy like me, ma’am.” He winked.

  “Oh, is that so? My Gilbert was a bit of a rascal back in his day too. What’s your name, young man?”

  “Brennan Colt.”

  “Colt?” Her gaze narrowed. “You the son of Buzz Colt?”

  “Yes. I’m his son.”

  “Well…you ain’t a kidding. I knew him. I should have recognized you. You look just like him.”

  Brennan smiled but Charlotte could feel the tension.

  She sat down on the blue chair that must have been Gilbert’s. “So you have an item you’d like to donate?”

  “Turn the sound down, will you, sonny?” Melba said to Brennan. “I hate to miss my programs. I didn’t see one soap opera today. That TV is as old as I am.” She giggled.

  Brennan searched for the volume button. He finally found it located on the bottom.

  “How does the tea taste?”

  “Very good.” Charlotte had drunk half of hers.

  “How old are you, deary?” Melba pulled on a pair of horn-rimmed glasses.

  “I’m thirty.”

  “I once had a daughter. She’d be…well, I’ve lost count. We lost her when she was twenty. She was the sweetest girl.”

  “I’m sorry.” Charlotte glanced at the picture of the pretty young woman on the fireplace mantel. “Is that her?”

  “Yes, that’s my Izzy. That picture was taken when she was seventeen. She graduated high school a year early.” She sniffed loudly. “Did I tell you that I wasn’t born here in Tarnation. Neither was Gilbert. We were born and met in Ireland. We married when I was sixteen and he was nineteen. He had family here, so we decided to come work this farm to help his aunt and uncle. We had so many dreams, but the fact was, I left my mom, dad, and six siblings. I never got to see any of them again. Now it’s just my sister and me that are left.”

  “That must have been so hard.”

  “I always wanted to go back to visit but we were busy here, working hard to earn a dime. Then Gilbert got sick and we had medical bills to take care of. Now here I am, all alone. Persy, that’s my sister, and I speak on the phone when we can. I guess that’ll be enough until we can meet in Heaven.” She waved a wrinkled hand through the air. “Sorry. Gilbert always said I could get carried away talking. You’re wanting something, honey? What was it?”

  Charlotte blinked back tears. She almost felt guilty for asking. “For the benefit. I’m here to get your donation.”

  Her eyes lit. “Yes. Yes. I love to make quilts.” She went to an antique hope chest by the fireplace, opened the lid and took out an exquisite quilt made with an array of colored patterns.

  “That is beautiful, Ms. Raines.”

  “Oh please, call me Melba.” She wobbled back to her chair. “When I first started making quilts, I put back every penny I made from them in a jar above the refrigerator. Oh how I wanted to visit Ireland and my family. Then we lost our livestock and we had to borrow. Then the roof needed mending and we had to borrow. Before I knew it, the jar was empty.” She chuckled. “But you know what’s priceless? Being next to the person who makes you smile even when things are tough. My Gilbert was my love.” She sighed as if she conjured all the memories. “Anyway, I’m almost finished with this one. It’ll be the last one I make. My hands don’t move like they used to. Doc said I have arthritis.”

  “We couldn’t possibly take this one,” Charlotte said. “Especially since it’ll be your last.”

  “What will I do with it? I want you to have it and put it to good use. You hear? It would make me so proud to help those men and women. Did I tell you that Gilbert volunteered for the fire station? He loved putting on the uniform and fighting fires. He always said those men were like his brothers. When he died, they came to visit and said their farewells. He would have been so proud.”

  “I’m sure this will bring in a good amount in the auction.”

  “I should be done by tomorrow. Can you come back and get it then? I don’t drive. Last time I drove it was to take Gilbert to get his blood drawn. I think I scared ten years off his life.”

  “Of course I can. This is very kind of you.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  “She’s a very sweet woman. My heart aches for her. Do you think she’s very lonely?”

  Brennan backed out of the driveway and headed out onto the country road. “She didn’t seem too lonely, yet who knows. Some people can hide their emotions pretty darn good.”

  “When I meet someone like her, someone who’s loved so deeply and lost so profoundly, I ask myself what I want in life. I’d love to find a man to give my heart to. If I could love even half as much as Melba has in her lifetime, I’d be a lucky person. Life is short and we need to allow ourselves to find
happiness and cling to it.”

  He heard the sadness in her tone. “Are you lonely?”

  “At times. I think I’m most lonely when I’ve had a hard day at work, whether a patient has died or a child has an incurable disease, and I come home wanting to talk to someone and there’s no one. I mean, I have Betty Sue now, but she’s gone most of the time.”

  “You make it almost sound like you’ve given up on love. You’re young. You have your whole life ahead of you.”

  “I haven’t given up on love, but maybe it has given up on me.”

  “That’s ridiculous. You’re a beautiful woman with a big heart.” Couldn’t she see how wonderful she was?

  “Have you been in love, Brennan?”

  “No.”

  “I thought I was once. I did care for him, but he wasn’t the love of my life. In fact, we didn’t have the same wants and desires.”

  “Sometimes a person has to change a little for someone they love.”

  “He didn’t want children. I didn’t know I did myself until I knew he didn’t. Funny how that works.”

  “Truthfully, I didn’t realize how much I wouldn’t mind being married until I knew I had to. I just don’t want to be forced into anything. Different subject. Do you ride?”

  “Depends on what you’re asking.”

  He laughed. “Horses.”

  “I’ve never ridden.”

  “I sort of had that feeling. That’s why we’re going to change that right now.”

  Her laughter filled the cab sounding better than music to his ears. “Have you forgotten the bet? If we don’t finish most of these names, you’ll be out two grand.”

  He shrugged. “I’m willing to take the risk. I feel the need to ride.”

  Once they pulled onto the property at Grinning Spurs, he pulled the truck next to the stables. “You ready?” He slid out and walked round to meet her as she got out.

  “I’m a little nervous. Is this normal?”

  “Sure, but I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.” What seemed like a natural act, he reached out and took her hand and together they stepped into the stables. “I’ll saddle up Dolly and Sam.”