Tomas: Cowboy Homecoming

by Warren, Linda

  He stared at her for a moment, his dark eyes guarded, and then he laid his face on her neck. “I love you.” Almost instantly, he was asleep.

  She stroked his hair, loving him more than she ever thought possible. “I love you, too,” she whispered and vowed to help him through his fear. The only thing that frightened her was losing him.

  * * *

  THE NEXT DAY, TUF TOOK time to go into Billings to see a jeweler for an engagement ring for Cheyenne. He hadn’t asked her yet, but they both knew it was only a matter of time. It had to be a Yogo sapphire because she loved them. He picked out a greenish-blue one and had it set in a platinum band. The ring wouldn’t be ready for a couple of weeks. That was fine. He had the real thing. He had Cheyenne. Every spare moment he spent with Cheyenne and the girls. Their time alone was his little slice of heaven.

  In May, Tuf and Beau were home again for a couple of days during the week. The two days passed quickly, and soon they were packing to leave again. Tuf threw his bag into his truck and noticed Ace’s truck at the office. Something was up or Ace wouldn’t be here this early. It was barely 5:00 a.m.

  A wild neighing echoed through the ponderosa pines. What was wrong with Midnight?

  He found his brother watching a computer screen.

  “What’s up?”

  Ace glanced at him. “I’m watching Fancy Gal.”

  “Have you been here all night?”

  “I went home for a couple of hours. Royce was here earlier. Fancy Gal’s udder is tight and the foal has dropped. It could be any time or it could be later.”

  Tuf looked at the screen. They had webcams in the mare motel to monitor pregnant mares. Fancy Gal restlessly moved around. Suddenly she lay down in the hay.

  Ace watched closely. When the mare stayed down, he leaped to his feet. “Call Flynn. Tell her to get over here…fast. And call Colt and get him to calm down that stupid horse and let Mom know what’s going on.”

  Tuf grabbed his phone and called. His mom arrived first in her bathrobe. “What’s going on?”

  He pointed to the monitor.

  “Oh, my.”

  Colt burst through the door in jeans, T-shirt and house shoes. “What the…” He saw the screen and headed to calm Midnight. “I believe that damn horse is half-human.”

  Flynn rushed in, her hair everywhere, carrying Emma in a carrier. She handed Tuf the baby, who was sound asleep, and ran to help Ace.

  His mom was watching the screen. “Ace will take care of Fancy Gal.”

  Tuf’s cell buzzed and he sat the carrier on the desk. He saw it was Austin. “Hey, Austin.”

  “Tuf, I’ve been trying to reach your mom, but she doesn’t answer.”

  “She’s right here. What’s up?”

  “Dinah’s in labor and I’m taking her to the clinic. I wanted your mom to know.”

  “I’ll tell her. We’ll be there as soon as we can.” He clicked off wondering if there was a full moon or something. “Mom, Dinah’s in labor. They’re on the way to the clinic.”

  “What?” She jumped up. “I’ve got to go. I have to be there for my daughter.” She clutched her chest.

  Tuf was immediately at her side. “Mom, what’s wrong?”

  She took a long breath. “I’m just excited. So much is happening at once.”

  Tuf wasn’t so sure. “Where’s your pills?”

  “I’m fine, son.”

  Uncle Josh appeared in the doorway. “What’s wrong with that damn horse?”

  The agitated neighing continued.

  “Fancy Gal is giving birth,” his mom explained. “And Dinah’s in labor, too. I’ve got to go.”

  “I’ll drive you.”

  “Make sure she has her pills, Uncle Josh.”

  “Will do.”

  Colt charged back in. “I can’t do anything with Midnight.”

  A big, slimy blob slid out of Fancy Gal, and Tuf and Colt moved closer to the screen. Ace and Flynn knelt in the hay doing their jobs, and Tuf and Colt couldn’t see much. Ace and Flynn stood to watch the newly born black foal. Long legs twitched and the foal raised its wobbly head. After a moment it staggered to its feet. Fancy Gal rose to her feet and licked her baby.

  Suddenly the agitated neighing stopped.

  Tuf and Colt looked at each other. “I told you he’s part human,” Colt joked.

  Ace and Flynn came into the office. “Everything went fine,” Ace said. “Look at that foal. All black. Not a spot on him. I think Midnight has an heir. Hey, that’s not a bad name—Midnight Heir.” Ace looked around. “Where’s Mom?”

  Tuf told him about Dinah.

  “You’re kidding?”

  “No. I’m on my way. Just didn’t want to leave Emma.”

  “We’re right behind you,” Ace replied. “What a morning.”

  Tuf talked to Cheyenne on the way, and thirty minutes later the whole family stood outside Dinah’s door. The baby had been born ten minutes ago, and his mom and Buddy were inside getting to see their new granddaughter. Soon they were all allowed in. Austin cradled the baby in a pink blanket. Beads of perspiration peppered his forehead and his hands shook.

  “Everyone, I’d like you to meet the new member of the family—Aubrey Wright.” He pulled back the blanket so they could see the baby. She had swirls of damp dark hair.

  “Isn’t she beautiful?” Dinah said from the bed. Her hair was wet and she looked pale.

  Tuf squeezed Cheyenne’s hand and walked over to his sister. “Just like her mother.” He kissed her forehead. “Sorry, I’ve got to go.”

  “I understand,” she said. “I was raised in rodeo time.”

  At the door, he squatted and hugged Sadie and Sammie. In front of everyone, he kissed Cheyenne and walked out. This time, leaving was harder than ever.

  * * *

  MAY PASSED IN A HAZE of roaring crowds, bucking horses and a damn buzzer that sometimes wrecked his whole day. His favorite part was going home to Cheyenne.

  In June his mom made the note payment, and they celebrated with a barbecue in her backyard. The summer day was beautiful with a lot of blue sky. It seemed right and perfect sitting and holding Cheyenne’s hand as they watched the girls play with Jill, Davey and Luke. Emma sat in a stroller eating Cheerios.

  The girls went home with Jill and Davey to watch a movie. Buddy stayed to talk to his mom, and Tuf and Cheyenne hurried to her house to make up for the days they’d be apart.

  Cowboy Christmas, a time during June and July where a cowboy could make a tremendous amount of money because of all the rodeos taking place, was about to start. Tuf wouldn’t be home again until after Cheyenne Frontier Days in late July.

  That night they tried to love long enough, strong enough, to make the memories last. But as he and Beau left for Reno, Tuf didn’t know if he had enough strength to leave. He managed, though.

  * * *

  IN RENO HE CAME AWAY with a win, and he broke into the top fifteen cowboys in the country for the first time. Kinney was firmly in the number-one spot.

  They crisscrossed the country rodeoing, and they met up with Ace and Colt several times when Harts supplied stock to rodeos. So far Tuf hadn’t drawn Midnight and he was beginning to wonder if that was ever going to happen. In late July, they ended up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, for Cheyenne Frontier Days. Midnight was scheduled to buck, and once again Tuf didn’t draw the horse on any of his rides. The cowboys that did were eager for the chance.

  Beau had broken into the top fifteen bull riders, and they both knew unless something drastic happened they were going to Vegas.

  This victory he planned to celebrate with Cheyenne. They drove through the night and they cruised into Roundup in the wee hours of Monday morning. He dropped Beau at the apartment above the diner. Now all Tuf wanted was to hold Cheyenne.

  * * *

  CHEYENNE AWOKE TO THE BUZZ of her cell. She glanced at the clock and picked it up at the same time—5:30 a.m. She had a text. I’m on my way. T

  What? Tuf must have just gotten back
from his rodeo trip. Jumping out of bed, she heard a light tap at the door. He was here!

  Wearing pajama shorts and a tank top, she sprinted to the door and yanked it opened. Warm arms engulfed her and she melted into his embrace. Heated kisses rained on her lips, face and neck.

  “I’ve missed you,” he groaned.

  “Me, too.”

  He wore jeans and a T-shirt and he hadn’t shaved. She stroked his pronounced stubble. “Why aren’t you sleeping?”

  “I can’t until I get my Chey-fix.” His dark eyes were hooded, and she wondered if he was already half-asleep. She took his hand and led him to the sofa. They sank into the soft cushions, and he wrapped his arms around her and promptly fell asleep.

  She eased out of his arms and gently put a cushion under his head. Then she lifted his boots to the sofa so he’d be more comfortable. She kissed his forehead and went to make coffee.

  Her dad walked in with a frown. “Is that Tuf on our sofa?”

  “Yes, crazy man hasn’t had any sleep.”

  “When did he get here?”

  “About five minutes ago. He needs some rest so let’s be very quiet.”

  “What about the girls?” He poured a cup of coffee. “Once they see him, it’ll be shouts, screams, laughs and giggles.”

  “I’ll have to head them off. They usually wake up about six, so I have time to dress before they make an appearance.” She dashed to her bedroom and quickly dressed in denim shorts and a green sleeveless knit top. Hearing little voices, she hurried to the girls’ room.

  “Mommy said Tuf’s coming home tomorrow. Is today tomorrow?” Sammie asked her sister.

  “I don’t know,” Sadie replied. “Let’s ask her.”

  Before they could bolt for freedom, Cheyenne walked in and closed the door. Sammie sat in her bed. She didn’t climb into Sadie’s in the middle of the night anymore and she wasn’t clingy. Sadie didn’t run away anymore, either, and had accepted her father’s death. All because of Tuf. He had made such a difference in their lives and in Cheyenne’s heart. He’d made it easy to love again.

  She picked up Sammie and sat on Sadie’s bed. “I have a surprise.”

  “Tuf’s here.” Sadie made to jump off the bed, but Cheyenne grabbed her.

  “I need you to listen. Okay?”

  They nodded.

  She put a finger to her lips. “We have to be very quiet.”

  “Why?” Sadie whispered.

  “Tuf’s asleep on the sofa. He’s tired from rodeoing and he needs to rest.”

  Their mouths formed big O’s.

  “When will he wake up?” Sadie whispered again.

  “I don’t know, but we have to be very quiet so he can rest.”

  They put their heads together and did the whispering thing. “We can do it, Mommy,” Sadie said.

  Cheyenne had no doubt they could. Tuf was their hero. And hers.

  She led them to the kitchen in their short cotton nightgowns. They stared at Tuf with their hands over their mouths just in case any words slipped out.

  “Grandpa, Tuf’s sleeping,” Sadie murmured. “You have to be quiet.”

  Her father nodded with a smile.

  She fixed cereal with a banana and juice. The girls’ heads were together, and Cheyenne could hear what they were saying.

  “What’s Tuf gonna eat?” That was Sammie.

  “He’s sleeping. He can’t eat, doofus.”

  “I’m not a doofus. You’re a doofus.”

  Cheyenne held her finger to her lips and they started to eat. Her father got to his feet. “I’m going to the barn before I bust out laughing.”

  After breakfast, she herded them to their room. She dressed them in shorts and halter tops and then brushed their hair into pigtails and tied matching ribbons around them. After finding their flip-flops, she ushered them through the kitchen to the backyard. They’d made it without waking Tuf.

  She sat on the porch swing as they played on their swing set. They had a small kiddie pool, which they ignored these days. Sarah’s pool was much more inviting, and they often went with Jill, Davey and Luke. They were part of the Hart family, and the girls blossomed in the family environment.

  School would start at the end of August. She’d enrolled them for kindergarten. Finally, they were ready to go, and Cheyenne was grateful her babies were now typical little girls. They’d gone to Billings to buy school clothes and supplies. With everything they bought, the girls had asked one question: “Will Tuf like it?” They measured everything by Tuf’s opinion.

  The girls sat in a swing side by side, talking. Their butts were so small they both fit. She wondered if they would always be this close. Would they always have a special language that only they understood? As they grew, would life change them? She hoped not too much. But somewhere along life’s journey, she hoped to get them off pink and purple.

  Tuf eased onto the swing beside her. “Hey, gorgeous.”

  She smiled into his dark, tired eyes. “Hey, you.” She brushed the hair from his forehead. “Do you even remember coming here?”

  “Some. I was tired, but I wanted to see you, and the next thing I remember is holding and kissing you. It was pretty good, too. I hope it was real.”

  “It was.” Her hand caressed his growing beard. “I like this five-o’clock-shadow look. Sexy.”

  “Want me to keep it?”

  “I just want you.”

  “Mmm. I hope we have plans for tonight.” The wicked glint in his eyes caused her pulse to skitter.

  “Dad’s taking the girls to see their new cousin, Aubrey. They can’t say her name so they call her Bre. Then they’re going for supper at the diner.” She kissed his cheek. “I’m so proud of you. You’re one of the top bareback riders in the country.”

  “I have the aching muscles to prove it.”

  “I’ll take care of that later.” She winked. “Now you need to go home and get more rest so you’ll be strong for tonight.”

  “You’re teasing me.”

  “Yes.”

  He glanced toward the girls. “How long before you think they’ll notice me?”

  The girls sat with their legs stuck out and they were staring at the ground. Whatever they were staring at had their full attention.

  “Must be a bug,” she said. “They’re frightened of them. It has to be a large one for them not to notice you.”

  “Mom…eeeek…Tuf!” Sadie leaped from the swing, quickly followed by Sammie. They jumped on Tuf, burrowing against him. For the next hour, he played with them. He swung them in the swings, played kick ball and rolled on the ground with them until all three were exhausted.

  She fixed sandwiches for lunch and then put the girls down for a nap much to their protest. Tuf kissed them goodbye.

  Watching him with her daughters, she knew she’d found the perfect man for them. Tuf hadn’t said anything about marriage, but it was just a matter of time. Wasn’t it? A seed of doubt tortured her. No. She wouldn’t listen to it. Nothing could burst her bubble of happiness.

  Nothing.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Tuf hurried home, showered, shaved and changed clothes. He thought of not shaving, but he didn’t want to mar Cheyenne’s skin in any way. He should sleep, but he wasn’t sleepy. Letting out a long breath, he allowed himself to feel the happiness inside. It was the best feeling in the world. He had it all: the woman of his dreams, two little girls he adored, a loving family and a run for a world title. Afghanistan was finally behind him.

  His mom wasn’t in the house so he walked to the office. Ace and Colt were there.

  Colt grabbed him and shook his hand. “Congratulations, hoss. You’re sitting at number six for now. You’ll inch higher since you’re not through rodeoing. That’s pretty damn impressive, and you’re going to ride in the rodeo of your life.”

  Ace echoed the sentiments. “You look a little tired, though.”

  “I feel great.” His cell beeped and he reached for it. He had a text. The ring was finally re
ady. Tonight he was going to ask Cheyenne to marry him.

  “I’ve got to go.” He stopped at the door. “How are the finances…in a nutshell?”

  “Good.” Ace nodded. “You and Beau have built up a big sum, and come December we might make a large payment or actually be able to pay it off. Depends how well y’all do in Vegas and how much y’all put toward the ranch.”

  “We’re paying it off. That’s why Beau and I are riding so hard. And if Midnight wins the PRCA Bareback Bronc of the Year and makes it to the NFR, we can up his breeder fees.”

  “We’re keeping our fingers crossed on that one,” Ace said. “We won’t know until October, but with his record we’re almost certain he’ll make the NFR.”

  “In two years.” Colt held up two fingers. “We’ve put this struggling ranch in the black for the first time in ten years. Hell, we need to celebrate. Get drunk or something.”

  “Drinking is why this ranch was in a mess,” Ace quipped.

  Tuf knew that was a reference to their dad, but he couldn’t dispute it. It was the truth. Somehow, though, it left an ache in his heart. He’d had a different relationship with their father than Ace and Colt. But above everything, they loved their father. Maybe in a different way, yet the love was still there. And they would be better men because of it.

  “I’ve got to run. A beautiful redhead is waiting for me.”

  “Then what are you doing standing here?” Colt pushed him out the door.

  In less than an hour he was in Billings and had the ring. He watched the blue-green Yogo sapphire sparkle. He hoped she loved it. Slipping it into a tiny velvet pouch the jeweler had given him to protect the ring, he let out a long sigh and placed it in his pocket. If he took the box in, she’d know what it was. He wanted to surprise her. This was it and he was never more ready.

  He picked up red roses and a bottle of champagne and was at her house a little before four. The door was open, so he went in and stopped short. It was still daylight, but no lights were on—just candles burning on the coffee table, giving off a vanilla scent. The shades were drawn.

  Cheyenne appeared in the doorway in a skimpy black negligee that showed off a lot of breast. Her red hair hung around her shoulders. His muscles tensed at her sheer beauty.