Renegade Ridge

by Arabella Steedly

  Kent tilted his head back, just like he had done back in the tack room — like he was going to howl. That was my signal he was ready to explode inside me, so I helped myself along. While my hole was filled to the max, I pulled back the hood over my clit and fingered my sensitive hot nub. Just as the walls of my slippery pussy clenched down on Kent’s manhood, I heard him grunt, and his cock started pulsating spilling his seed inside the condom.

  For one brief moment, Kent Walker and I were one, frozen in time, panting and pulsing together. As our orgasms subsided, Kent pulled out, and we rolled onto our sides. We fell asleep spooning with Kent’s arm around my waist. The next thing I knew when I glanced over at the clock on the nightstand it was eight in the next morning. I leaned over and whispered in Kent’s ear. “Rise and shine cowboy. Time to go feed the horses.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Kent

  It had been two weeks since Sam had returned from Cheyenne. The new medication had made a big difference — his improvement was remarkable. He began walking without his cane and within a few days started driving again. Rachel and Sally called it a little miracle, and I agreed with them.

  About a week ago he started following Rachel and me around in his jeep, watching while we did our work. Honestly, sometimes he was a pain in the ass, never giving us a moment to ourselves. Well, maybe it was a good thing. If left up to our own devices we would have been busy, but not with the work Sam was paying me to do.

  After lunch, Rachel stayed behind while Sam and I got to work repairing the broken fence, and I listened while he reminisced about his rodeo days. He even rolled up his sleeve and showed me a large scar on his forearm and explained how once his arm got caught in the rope when he fell off a bucking bronco. He told me how he thought he was going to die as that crazy horse dragged him around the arena until the clowns came to rescue him.

  I thought about telling Sam about Marcus, but then he might put two and two together and find out I had PTSD — a good excuse to fire me. I figured he’d be afraid I’d do something bizarre. So I decided not to bring up any of my war stories.

  When we got back to the house, I looked for Rachel and found her sitting on the swing in the backyard between the house and the stable, reading a book. I stood for a moment and admired her. The curves of her slender neck were delicate and graceful. A few strands of dark hair had escaped her loose ponytail and brushed against her cheek. Fuck…she was sexier than ever!

  When I couldn't stand it any longer, I peered around to see if Sam was nearby. Since he wasn’t, I figured he was still tinkering in the machine barn. So I slipped up behind Rachel and bent down to kiss the nape of her neck. I chuckled when she gasped. Then she swatted my arm, and said, "I can’t believe I was so engrossed in my book I let you sneak up on me like that."

  I moved the book so I could see what she was reading. At first, I was going to tease her, but when I saw it was A Veterinary Guide to Horse Breeding I nodded my head toward the stable, and asked, “Anything in there I should know?”

  “Probably, but I just started reading it today,” Rachel said, as she tossed her book on the ground and patted the wooden seat, gesturing for me to sit there. “I’ve been missing you. I haven’t seen you all afternoon. I'm sure glad Daddy is doing so much better.” I nodded. Then she wrapped her arms around me. Her lips touched mine for a quick kiss while Sam was still out of sight.

  I took her hand in mine. “I’m trying to get everything out of the way so we can go for a drive tonight.”

  Rachel's eyes got wide. "Drive where?"

  “We can eat at the tavern next to the campground there in Meeteetse. Then we can stop by my place. I want you to see my trailer. Maybe we can take it and go camping sometime.”

  "I can't wait to see where you live. I've been past there, and I know the tavern you are talking about. It sits right beside the river."

  I nodded my head in agreement. But my mind was being distracted by the ache that was building in my groin. It had been almost two weeks since we had made love, and I needed her sweet arms around me again.

  Since I had confided in her about Marcus, my anxiety level was improving, and my fits of anger were subsiding. Just being around Rachel was worth a hundred counseling sessions offered at the VA clinic and all the damn pills in the world.

  Rachel's eyes reminded me of an excited child, when she said, “Our first post-graduation date!” I could see that she was just as happy as I was. I always knew we were right for each other. But I still wasn't sure if she felt that way too, and I didn't want to risk ruining our renewed relationship by asking. I decided to take the 'wait and see' attitude toward the situation — and keep my fingers crossed.

  “And what will we tell your dad?” I asked, arching my eyebrows at her. I didn't think Sam had any idea that Rachel and I were more than co-workers. But he was a wise man, and selling Sam short could be a mistake.

  Rachel shrugged her shoulders and let out a relaxed sigh. “I think we should be honest with him. There’s no point in hiding it, is there?” she asked.

  He seemed to appreciate the work I'd been doing, but I didn't see him accepting me as the man for his daughter. So I laughed and tried to joke about the situation even though inside my heart was pounding. "Maybe I should ask permission before taking you out tonight.”

  Rachel squeezed my hand and laughed out loud, "I think it's a bit too late for that. And anyway, he knows we went out in high school, so it doesn't take a genius to connect the dots."

  When I tried to wrap my arms around her again, she smirked, and said, “Our break is over…Time to get back to work. You help Daddy, and I’ll go feed the horses.” About that time Sam came out of the machine barn and started walking toward us. He didn't seem shocked that I was sitting by Rachel on the swing, talking. He motioned for me to follow him into the house.

  As I made my way along behind him, my mind was racing, working to come up with the right words to tell Sam I was in love with his daughter. I was thinking what I should say. “I fell in love with Rachel in high school.” No, that would sound immature. What about — “Do you mind if I take her out for a ride?” No, that seemed too old-fashioned.

  By the time I decided maybe it was best to let Rachel tell him what she wanted him to know, Sam pointed to the same chair that I had sat in for my initial interview and gestured for me to sit down. Instead of sitting in his recliner, this time he stood in front of his massive oak desk. He seemed so different, even looked younger, when he smiled, and said, “Kent! I have an idea.” His voice cut through my thoughts and startled me for a moment. I was panicking, wondering what was so important that I had to work to control my breathing.

  "Yes, sir."

  "I need to run something by you. But first, I want to thank you for the way you've stepped up and helped Rachel around here. Especially since I was in Cheyenne after that damn storm!”

  I put my elbows on my thighs and clasped my hands together, "My pleasure, sir, I was just glad nothing serious happened and all the horses were okay.”

  Sam leaned against the front of his desk and crossed his arms over his thick chest. Clearing his throat, he said, "I've been thinking, and since God seems to be giving me a second chance at life, I’m almost ready to get back to doing some of my old work routines — but I know I’ll never be able to do it alone. So I would like to promote you to head ranch hand and hire more help if we have to.”

  I nodded my head, but something told me that wasn’t all, so I held my breath for a moment while Sam continued. “And I haven't told Rachel yet — I wanted to make sure you were on board before I give her the good news. I wrote away to Barnard College in New York City and explained her situation, and they have agreed to accept her as a provisional student."

  I gasped for air, I couldn't believe what I was hearing, but the only words that came out of my mouth were, “Dear God." But Sam kept on talking, not noticing how the expression on my face had morphed from a smile into a scowl.

  "My daughter, God bless h
er soul, has tried her best all these years, but it takes a strong young man like you to work beside me and keep this ranch going,” Sam said. Then he chuckled and continued. “I’m not a chauvinist, but Rachel has a small frame and working as a ranch hand is too hard on her. And besides, she has always dreamed of going off to the big city. Now it’s my turn to let her reach for her dreams.”

  I felt like Sam had punched me in the gut. Since Rachel and I were getting along so well, I hadn't been so happy since I was in high school. I had come full circle with Rachel, and we were beginning to build a new relationship. But after what Sam just told me, I felt I was back to square one again. After taking a deep breath, I realized I loved Rachel and always had, so I wanted her to have the chance at her dream. After all, she had so unselfishly put aside her desires for the love of her father and their financial survival. Who was I to stand in her way?

  "Well, what do you think?" Sam asked peering down at me.

  “Thank you for the opportunity, Sam. I will be happy to take you up on your offer.” Then I gulped. “I enjoyed working with your daughter but now look forward to working with you!”

  Sam uncrossed his arms and stood up straight. There was a sly grin on his face when he shook my hand. "It's a deal then."

  I needed some fresh air to process my new situation, so I turned and started walking toward the front door, headed for my truck. "Oh, and I heard you've been working with Licorice, Sam said, causing me to stop and turn back to him. “Maybe in six months or so, we'll see how you do here at the Cody Stampede before we sign you up for Greeley.”

  I felt my eyes get wide at the chance of getting back into rodeoing, and I turned around to face Sam. But before I could speak, Rachel came running toward us, wide-eyed and breathless. She first glanced over at her father and then at me. “Fancy’s down…she’s in labor and struggling.”

  I grabbed Sam by the arm to help him walk as fast as he could, and when we got to the kitchen, Sally was preparing dinner. Sam hollered over his shoulder, keeping in step with me. “Sally, call Dr. Rogers and let him know, Fancy’s having a dystocia birth! We need him right away!”

  When we arrived and opened the stall, poor Fancy was laying on her side with her hindquarter surrounded by a pool of bright, red blood. Rachel had her hand on Fancy’s flank, and she was squatted down beside her, assessing the situation. Rachel’s voice quivered when she said, “Daddy, the placenta is coming first. It’s bulging out of her vulva.”

  Sam let go of my arm. “Let me have a look!” He said. I was right behind him. We could see the foal was stuck inside the placenta which appeared to be thick and tougher than I had seen before. Something had to be done immediately! There was no question, Fancy and her baby was in grave danger.

  Sam looked over at Rachel, and said, “Sally’s called the vet; he’ll be here soon. I’ve been breeding horses for years and this happens occasionally, but usually, we can tell ahead of time the mare will have trouble, so the vet is usually here by this time.” Then he patted Fancy on her side and shook his head.

  Rachel put her hands on her hips for a moment then turned and grabbed Sam’s arm. “We have to cut the sack and pull the baby out or we’ll lose both of them. I was just starting to read about complications with birthing today.”

  Sam nodded and turned to me. “Kent go into the feed room and bring out the shears — the ones we use to cut the rope off the hay bales.”

  “Yes, sir,” I said and ran to complete my errand. When I got back, Rachel had positioned herself on her knees behind the mare. When I handed her the shears, she looked up at me with wide eyes, but she was surrounded by an air of confidence.

  Sam leaned over so he could see. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out his Swiss Army knife. He opened out the smallest blade and handed it to Rachel. “Now, poke a hole in the sack. Gently very gently…All you need is a hole large enough to work the shears in.”

  Rachel did as she was told. Water and blood gushed out, and the mare began to struggle to stand up. I rushed to her head and held it down. When I began patting her neck, she relaxed a bit. Then Fancy's ears perked up to listen when I said, “Hang on, mama. Rachel’s been studying, and she knows what to do.”

  Sam took hold of Fancy’s tail and pulled it aside so Rachel could see what she was doing. Just after she opened a long slit in the sack with the shears, Sam looked down at his daughter, and said “Pull open the sack…Can you see the feet?”

  “Only one.” Rachel scowled.

  I could see Fancy was having another contraction as the sides of her abdomen stiffened and it seemed like she was trying to bear down. She was starting to sweat and took several deep breaths — the mare was almost exhausted. Fancy raised her head and looked toward Rachel and Sam then her big brown eyes peered at me. I could tell Fancy was asking for my help. So I stood up and looked at Rachel. “Look out! Let me in there.”

  Rachel and Sam stepped back, giving me room as I sat on my butt and put my feet against Fancy’s hindquarters, one on each side of her tail. I rolled up my sleeve and pushed my hand inside, almost up to my elbow, and grabbed hold of a tiny hoof. I could see it was white, just like Fancy’s. I waited for a sign that another contraction was starting, and when I felt the pressure I said, “Okay, Fancy, my lady, we’re going to have this baby.”

  I heard Rachel start and Sam join in as they yelled with each contraction. “Come on girl…push…push…push!”

  Rachel and Sam stroked the mare’s flank while I pulled first on one leg, then when the second appeared, I grasped it, too. By that time my legs were straight as my feet pressed against Fancy’s rump. All of a sudden there was a swishing sound and out plopped a beautiful pinto colt. Rachel ran to get a feedbag and started wiping the colt off — massaging it, making sure it was breathing. Sam went around in front and encouraged Fancy to rise to her feet. As soon as she stood, we could tell Fancy hadn’t injured her hips during the delivery. That’s when I said, “Oh, look; it’s a little filly.”

  Moments later Fancy was nuzzling at her baby, and we heard a voice holler, “Sam…where are you?” It was Doctor Rogers coming through the stable door.

  All three of us watched in wonder as the vet examined the foal, still curled out on top of the wood chips, and then he turned his attention to Fancy. We were all high-fived each other when the doctor congratulated us. “If Fancy had gone unattended much longer, I’m sure you would have been facing a tragedy instead of a celebration. The placenta was abnormal.”

  I stayed around an hour or so celebrating with Rachel and Sam. Even Sally came out to the stable and brought us some sandwiches and a few bottles of beer. Then Rachel snapped a few pictures on her iPhone that Sam wanted to put up on their website. But neither Rachel or I mentioned our previous plans since it was already late in the evening. After she hugged me goodnight right in front of everyone, I got in my truck and headed toward Meeteetse.

  I felt conflicted yet proud of my decision to stay and help Sam, even though I wondered why that each time I believed I had a future with Rachel something unexpected drove us apart. I let out a sigh and slammed my hand on the steering. “It must be our destiny,” I said to myself. “No need to fight it any longer.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Rachel

  I closed my laptop and placed it inside my carry-on bag, then coiled the cord around the palm of my hand. I checked my closet one last time, making sure I hadn’t forgotten anything, and my eyes began to sting. I squinted them together and scrunched up my nose, trying to chase the tears away, shaking my head in disbelieve. After all these years I was finally going to live my dream, but now I was having second thoughts. I walked over and flopped down on my bed. It had been two weeks since the night Fancy had her baby — and thirteen days since Daddy had given me the good news at the breakfast table that morning.

  ****

  "Good morning, Daddy. Have you been out to check on Fancy yet?" I had asked before glanced up at the kitchen clock, noting Kent would be arrived in about thirty
minutes. As I poured myself a cup of coffee, my cheeks felt flushed at the thought of rescheduling our date.

  "Good morning, sweetie. How about you refill my cup while I go get a letter that I want you to read," Daddy said, with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. When he came back, he laid the letter upside down, making sure I couldn't see the return address. Then he pulled up his chair and waited for my undivided attention.

  I felt my heart skip a beat. I couldn't imagine what Daddy's surprise was. If I had to guess, though, it was more good news about his test results. He reached across the table and took my hands. As he spoke, his eyes got wet. "Rachel, I'm so proud of you on so many levels. You have put your life on hold to tend to me — without a whimper." He paused a moment and cleared his throat before he continued. "You've worked your fingers to the bone to keep bread on our table. But God has seen fit to put my illness in remission — I'm getting stronger and stronger each day. I’ve decided to hire Kent as head ranch hand. I believe soon I’ll be able to take over the rest of the business.”

  I squeezed his hands, and said, "I'm so happy that you’re better and can enjoy life again. I've been so worried about you. I can see now how well you're feeling. I love you, Daddy and —”

  He let go of my hands and pulled his white handkerchief out of his pocket. "Wait a minute I'm not done yet," he said. After he wiped his nose, he reached down, turned over the letter and held it out to me. “This is from Barnard College in New York City.” He paused as I took it from his hand, but all I could do was peer down in shock, wondering what Daddy was up to. Then he leaned closer with a big grin, and said, "Well, go ahead and open it!"

  I gasped and put one hand over my mouth. As I read the new acceptance letter, my heart was beating like crazy, and my head felt light and dizzy. I ran over to Daddy and threw my arm around him, and whispered into his ear, "You have made my dream come true — how did you do it?"