Luke's Fate

by Kathleen Ball

  There would be no house built together, no ranch to start. It must have been a huge blow to him, losing his ranch, and finding out his brother and father were monsters. Poor Luke, they’d both been piled on with manure. Her father did want him to have the land. She’d have to think about it. A bit of distance between them was good, maybe she could think it all out logically.

  She began to pace in the front room, trying to think. Her father really did plan to give Luke and David the land even after Harry called Ray. Harry tried to set him up and thank goodness, he stopped it. David was out of the equation of course. That left Luke. What would Luke’s fate be?

  It had been a week since Luke had moved back into the bunkhouse, and he’d never been more miserable. He’d thought perhaps Meg seeing him every day would soften her up some. It was not the case. She avoided him and ignored him. The smallest glimpse made his heart beat faster and a rush of failure went through his veins. He’d been so close to his dreams and now he was- hell he didn’t even know where he was.

  Perhaps he was a constant reminder to her of the pain and misery she’d endured. He asked around trying to find a new job, one that was close but no one would hire him. The name Kelly was forever equated with Mud.

  Standing in the shade of the bunkhouse roof, he watched Meg hurry out of the house and run toward the barn. Greg exited with both Merry and another horse, both saddled. He took a giant step into the sunlight. It looked serious.

  Meg saw him. “I’m going to need your help. One of the mustangs is down, and we need to figure out why.”

  Luke nodded. “I’m right behind you.”

  Meg and Greg rode out leaving a cloud of dust behind them. He started toward the barn trying to walk as fast as possible. He damned his injuries and saddled up the blue roan. Which horse was it?

  He rode out and was soon just behind Meg and Greg. At least Greg had his rifle with him, in case… Luke’s chest tightened. He should have thought to bring his rifle. If the horse was suffering, they’d have to put it down. The horses had been his solace the last few days.

  Finally, the downed mustang was in sight. His throat felt raw as he recognized the horse, it was Damia, a young filly. Before he could reach her, a shot rang out. Greg had put her down. Luke’s horse grew skittish but he soon had him in hand. He rode up next to Merry and got off his horse.

  Meg’s head was bowed, and Greg talked quietly to her. She nodded a time or two. Clearly out of his element as he shifted his weight from one foot to another, he nodded at Luke.

  “I wish there was something I could have done.”

  “We all go through it, Greg,” Luke reassured him.

  Meg stared at him, her eyes wide. “It was Damia.” Her shaky breath warned him of the tears to come.

  Greg took a step back. “I’ll head to the house and get a few men out here.”

  “I’ll stay with, Meg.”

  Greg nodded and shuffled away. He got on his horse, tipped his hat to them, and was off.

  “She had potential. Don’t you think Luke?” Tears flowed down her face.

  “She did at that. One of the best.”

  “Luke?”

  “Yes?”

  “Why are all these bad things happening to me? Am I cursed? Did I do something horrible? I don’t think I can take much more.” Her pink lips trembled as she spoke.

  He opened his arms and was relieved when she stepped into the circle of them. Pulling her close he felt each sob against him. She had a lot to be sad about. Some of it was his own doing. Placing his chin on top of her head, he stroked her back, trying to think of what to say.

  She clung to him tightly, and he wished he could take her pain away. Losing Damia was the last straw, he supposed. He rocked her back and forth as her sobs lessened. He breathed in her scent, all horses and hay, knowing it would be the last time she’d let him hold her. A lump formed in his throat. He loved her with all his heart and he’d lost her.

  “Do you think?” She stepped away from him. “Did Greg—”

  “Greg did the right thing, sweetheart. Look at her leg. She must have been running wild and free to have it break like that. It’s a shame.”

  “I haven’t seen you much lately.” She kept her gaze just right of him.

  “I’ve been earning my keep.” He shrugged as a smile tugged at his mouth. “Happily earning my keep. These horses are good for what ails my heart. Well at least somewhat. They take up much of my time and I don’t have too much down time to think.”

  “What do you think about?”

  He wasn’t sure what the right answer would be, so he simply told her the truth. “I think about you. I think about what we could have had. Mostly I think about how I lost you. It’s not an easy thing. I’ve been trying to find work elsewhere so you wouldn’t have to see me around but no one is hiring. I think about the way you smell and how your lips taste. I relive making love to you and seeing your smile.”

  There was no expression on her face and she didn’t even glance at him. He’d given it one last try and now he knew for certain. They weren’t meant to be. A part of him died inside as he turned toward his horse. Taking a deep breath, he braced himself, slowly let the breath out and then asked, “Do you want me to wait for you or go on?”

  “Go on.”

  He mounted the roan and rode off. Her words were forever words. She didn’t want him and she never would. He’d widen his scope for a new job. There was no reason to stay close, it was too painful. With his leg, he wasn’t sure if anyone would take him on, but it was time to go forward and find his future. He recognized the pain rolling through him. It was grief.

  Chapter Eight

  One week later, Meg woke before the sun and made herself get up. The urge to stay in bed had been with her all week. One foot in front of the other was her constant litany. Dragging herself out of bed, made each of her muscles ache but she quickly got dressed. Now every time she put on a shirt she muttered “colorless.” Things had to get better.

  The phone rang and she answered it. “Meg, it’s Greg. Luke’s gone.”

  “What do you mean he’s gone?”

  “He packed up and left.”

  “Where did he go?”

  “I don’t know. There isn’t a note and he never said anything about leaving.”

  “Thanks for letting me know.”

  She slid onto a chair and hung up the phone then sat very quietly, not moving an inch. Luke had left the night before. He hadn’t even said good-bye. Life was not supposed to hurt like this. The anguish she felt was crippling. This time the land would not bring her joy.

  Sighing heavily, she stood and walked outside. She had work to do. In the barn, she grabbed the bridle and saddle and got Merry ready. It was time to let go, and that meant selling the mustangs.

  The morning breeze was pleasant as she rode out. There was plenty of nature to admire on her way, but her eyes were unseeing. The mustangs were her last link to Luke and as much as it hurt, it was best to cut all ties. Luke had given her a list of buyers before the canyon shooting. She’d probably get a good price for them. They would have given Luke enough money to live wherever he wanted. She’d gotten his message loud and clear by his leaving without telling her.

  She watched them frolic and a brief smile graced her lips. She’d been watching over the herd for quite some time now. Each horse had his or her own personalities. They were much like people. Some were mischievous and some more focused. Some were very intelligent and a few, well they weren’t so bright, but she loved them all.

  With them gone, she wouldn’t have much reason to come onto this part of the land. They’d use the land for grazing but that wasn’t her job anymore. She was the owner, not the foreman. Giving the herd one more appraising look, she then turned Merry and rode for home. She had a few phone calls to make.

  She was pleased when she got home and looked the list over. She’d heard of at least half of them. It was obvious Luke wanted the horses to go to good places. How long would it take
her to forget him? Maybe it was asking too much. How long would it take her to not want to break down and cry? She needed to work on that first but the pain in her heart told her it would be a long time coming.

  The decision was made, and she’d might as well begin making phone calls. She called Rudy Price first. He had a big horse ranch, and she respected him. He sounded like a little boy at Christmas who received a gift he’d been waiting for. He made her promise not to call anyone else and he’d be out in a few days. What else could she do? She promised.

  It didn’t make her feel one lick better. In fact, she felt guilty about selling the mustangs. She kept reminding herself Luke had left. She went into the kitchen and sat at the table. The house was so very quiet. The refrigerator hummed occasionally but beyond that, there was silence. The kitchen table seemed bigger than before. If only her dad was still alive.

  She longed to go to the bunkhouse and hang out but that wasn’t the way of things. She was the owner not a cowhand. She’d been so busy trying to be a rough and tough foreman; she hadn’t made time for friends. Some were married, she supposed, with kids. A giant lump grew in her throat and she swallowed hard against it. She’d survive. Happiness was never a promise but a desire. In her case, it was a dream that had died.

  She stood and shook her head. Her father wouldn’t want her to wallow in pity. The O’Briens were made of hearty stock. Maybe if she started networking with the local ranch owners, she’d find peers she could call friends. Feeling better for having some type of plan she went to bed.

  By rights, she should move into her dad’s room. It was much larger, a better fit for the ranch’s owner, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it yet. Time would be the key for her. She needed to give it time. As she lay in bed, she heard the wind kicking up and rain began to pelt down. She jumped out of bed and drew on her robe. Just as she thought, it was hail, the size of a golf ball hitting and bouncing everywhere. She hoped the stock would be okay. There weren’t that many places for them to go to get out of the bad weather.

  The hail drummed hard on the roof as lightning etched across the sky. Thunder boomed, and the house shook. It wasn’t like her to have bad weather sneak up on her. Checking the weather was a duty she’d neglected. Mistakes could take a life out here. From now on, she planned to be on her game.

  This time, she was determined to pull herself together. There was no other choice if she wanted everyone to be safe. She had a job to do and by golly, she was going to get it done. No more insipid hurt feelings for her.

  Now if only her heart would agree.

  Rudy had been called out of town for over a week, and finally he was coming to see the mustangs. Meg had mixed feelings about selling them. She’d cared for them and trained them. It was just something she had to do for her own sanity.

  Words of strength were good but her heart still ached. She had ridden more than usual, trying to tire her body out for a good night’s sleep. It felt wonderful to ride out each day to check on the cattle, the fences and of course the horses. She’d even attended one of the local meetings the ranchers had. It was informative and she did shake many hands but none she could consider friends yet.

  She grabbed orange juice out of the refrigerator and poured herself a glass. Rudy was running late. Greg was on look out for him. He would have a few horses ready for them. He was a good, dependable guy.

  Finally, just as she finished her juice a shiny red pick-up drove in. It was pretty flashy. She always bought practical trucks. She checked herself in the mirror and frowned at the navy blue t-shirt she wore. She shrugged her shoulders. It was practical too

  Putting a spring in her step and a smile on her face, she bounded out the door ready to greet Rudy. Only it wasn’t Rudy who got out of the truck. It was Luke. She gasped and her smile faded. “Working for the Price’s?”

  “In a roundabout way,” he answered staring at her.

  “What does that mean?” She put her hands on her hip and narrowed her eyes.

  “It means Rudy wants me to check the horses and make an offer.” His stare made her uncomfortable.

  “I wondered where you went.”

  “Aw, Meg, it was easier for both of us if I didn’t say goodbye. My heart wouldn’t have been able to survive.”

  Her hands dropped to her sides. “I suppose you’re right. Let’s go check out the horses. I’m surprised Rudy didn’t come himself.”

  “He trusts me.”

  Three little words and they jabbed at her conscience. She walked to the barn and took Merry’s reins from Greg. “Thanks.”

  “Are you going to be okay? I can easily saddle up another horse and ride with you.”

  Giving him a sad smile, she shook her head. “I appreciate the offer but this is something I need to do myself.”

  Greg nodded and gave Luke a dirty look as he handed him the reins to the grey roan.

  They both mounted and were off. She glanced at him often as they rode toward the herd. She caught him glancing at her too. They didn’t speak. She didn’t know what to say. Her heart beat a loud tattoo and she was certain he could hear it. They pulled up as soon as the mustangs were in sight.

  “Magnificent aren’t they?” Luke asked.

  “They sure are. I’m glad you will still be a part of them.” She stared at the horses at play.

  “Are you?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Are you glad I’ll have the mustangs?”

  Turning her head, she gazed at him. His eyes were filled with love and pain. She wanted to tell him it all didn’t matter and she loved him, but…

  “Yes, I am glad. They know you.”

  The little hope he’d had in his expression quickly faded. “Yes, I thought it a good decision. I’m surprised you wanted to sell all of them.”

  “You know, a clean break and all. It’s best for everyone.”

  “Oh, Meg, you don’t mean it. I can see into your heart, and you don’t want this. I know you love me.” The pleading in his voice almost made her give up her resolve.

  “I do want this. It’s for the best.”

  “You keep saying it’s for the best, but how? Explain how being apart is for the best. Have you been happy the last few weeks? Are you sleeping?”

  Slowly she got off Merry, not knowing what to say. She didn’t know how it was the best. “I just need to forget you, and the mustangs are too much of a reminder of how stupid I was to wait five years for you and then fall into your arms as soon as you came back.”

  Luke dismounted. “Sweetheart you most certainly did not fall into my arms. It was a hard fight, and I’d gladly fight for you again. I know I hurt you, and I’m so sorry. I wish I was never there that night, and I wish I had been brave enough to stand up to my father. I was weak.”

  “No, Luke, you weren’t weak. Your father was evil, plain and simple. You knew he’d have hurt you if you hadn’t helped him.”

  “Maybe.” Luke rubbed the back of his neck. “I should have told someone, but I turned and ran all for nothing.”

  She reached out and touched his arm. “Not for nothing. You had a wife and a beautiful girl and they needed you. I admit I was hurt when I found out you had married, but I came to admire what you did.” His arm grew warm to her touch.

  “About the horses. What kind of price are we talking about?” He asked as he took a step away from her.

  “The same as we discussed before all this happened.” He was physically and emotionally distancing himself from her.

  “No family discount?” He looked as though he wanted to take his words back.

  She smiled sadly. “We’re not family.”

  “Then what are we?” His eyes hardened.

  “We’re not anything.” To her mortification, tears rolled down her face. “Apart we are good, just not together.”

  “So, that’s it? It’s all black and white to you? I didn’t tell you about my role in this big mess and I’m no longer a man to be trusted?”

  Leaving Merry behind, she walk
ed closer to the mustangs. It was going to be very hard to sell them. It was a good thing Luke could take them. They would be well cared for and she’d never see him again.” Her heart ached beyond anything she’d felt before. Everything else Luke had done proved he was a man of integrity. He was a hard-working, loving man, and he loved her.

  “We’ll take them all,” Luke said when he finally caught up to her.

  “I’ve decided not to sell.”

  “Seriously? Damn it, Meg, Make up your mind.”

  She gazed into his eyes. “I have made up my mind. I want the mustangs. And I want you.”

  His eyes flickered in surprise. “As what? You want me as what?”

  “Luke I want you as the man in my life. I want you as the one I love unconditionally. I also need you to train the mustangs.” She smiled.

  “I’m up for the mustangs but the rest, I don’t know.” His grin was deep and it filled her heart.

  “As long as I don’t have to let you go.”

  “Sweetheart, I’m not going anywhere. I want us to get married and have a family and work together. It’s all I ever wanted.” He closed the distance between them and lifted her up for a kiss. He swung her around with his arms holding her tight.

  “Put me down!”

  “Yes, ma’am.” He gently set her on her feet. “I love you.”

  “I love you too, Luke.”

  The End

  I'm so pleased you chose to read Luke’s Fate, and it's my sincere hope that you enjoyed the story. I would appreciate if you'd consider posting a review. This can help an author tremendously in obtaining a readership. My many thanks. ~ Kathleen

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  Love Before Midnight

  By Kathleen Ball