Hearts Aflame

by Ronica Black

  They are real wranglers.

  Smiling, Krista absorbed the scent of wet hay for a few seconds more, then crossed to the house. She hesitated at the steps, looking back to see Rae at the entrance to one of the pens, head bowed, talking to Dwight. When she raised her head, Krista was shocked at the deep sadness in her face. For a split second she thought about running to her. But the stab in her heart brought reason screaming back. Her chest felt like it was going to split in two. Twice she’d been rejected by Rae. She would not invite a third time.

  Hurt and confused, she climbed up to the porch and her boots echoed as she headed toward Clinton, who sat rocking near the edge.

  “Tío,” she whispered, placing her hand over his.

  He stopped rocking and looked at her with surprise. “Mija.” He smiled.

  Grateful that he seemed to remember her presence for once, she stooped and gave him a kiss, then collapsed in the neighboring chair, exhausted. “How are you?” she asked, flinching as she straightened her sore leg.

  He held the bottle of tequila in his lap, the same one she’d seen earlier.

  “I’m okay.” He started rocking again, leaning his head back to watch the wranglers at the cattle pens. Whistles, moos, and barks from Dwight’s dog Repeat filled the air.

  “Your aunt Judy.” He looked over at her and then looked down, wetting his lips in a nervous manner. “That woman in there said she died.”

  Krista squeezed the armrests on her chair.

  Clinton’s eyes began to water and again he wet his lips. “I don’t remember her dying, mija. Wouldn’t I remember something like that?”

  The fragility of her uncle at that moment caused her to gasp. Tears ran down his face and he looked a million years old. Hair stark white, face tanned and weathered, his tall frame thinning so that his skin hung off him.

  “I can’t find her. She’s not here. Is she…” He was so sad and so serious. “Is she really dead?”

  Krista had to clear her tight throat before she could answer. “Yes. I’m afraid she is.”

  Clinton kept rocking. He wiped away another tear and twisted open the tequila bottle. He took a quick, harsh-sounding swig, winced slightly as he swallowed, and then did it again. As he screwed on the cap, he continued rocking and staring out at the cattle. He spoke to himself, not to Krista.

  “I would remember if she died. I know I would.”

  *

  Sonja took Krista’s hat and jacket as she stepped in the house. “You look like a drowned rat.”

  “Thanks,” Krista said. “That actually sounds pretty positive compared to the way I feel.”

  “Everything turn out okay?” Sonja moved back into the kitchen where she removed the lid to a large pot on the stove.

  “Yes, fortunately.” Krista crossed the room to stand by her side. “Something smells wonderful.”

  Sonja grunted knowingly as she stirred. “It’s my chili. Thought you all could use some after being out in that rain.”

  Krista placed a hand on her shoulder and met her warm brown eyes. “I owe you, tremendously, for everything.” She meant it. Sonja had been a savior.

  “I know,” Sonja said with a laugh. “I’m keeping tabs.”

  Krista chuckled. “Good.” She stretched and noted that the chili looked close to being ready. “I’m going to go take a quick shower and then I’ll get started on setting the table for everyone.”

  Sonja set down the spoon and replaced the lid. “Oh, no, you don’t.” She walked to the laundry room and opened the door. Out came Jagger, tail wagging and little legs flying.

  “Oh, my God,” Krista bent and lifted his wriggling body up for inspection. “You’re covered in mud!”

  Sonja placed her hands on her hips. “He spent the afternoon chasing that damn rooster around. I couldn’t catch either one of them so I just waited it out until they got tired. This little one finally came back and collapsed on the porch, worn out.”

  “Jagger,” Krista scolded lightly, touching his nose with hers. “Did you get in trouble?” She scrunched her nose at him. “You smell worse than I do.”

  Sonja laughed. “I won’t argue with that.” She touched Krista’s arm. “After your shower, I’m going to take care of that leg.”

  Krista nodded and gave a small smile. Holding Jagger close, she turned to head down the hallway. She kissed his head as she caught the lamplight spilling out from the master bedroom. Passing the bathroom, she approached the room slowly and peeked inside. The hospital bed was gone and Judith and Clinton’s bed had been moved back to its original position, neatly made with fresh linens. The colorful flowers still sat on the dresser and the room still had its familiar smell. The bedside lamp was on and casting a warm orange glow. It felt the same as it always had. Like home.

  She sighed and Jagger stirred in her arms.

  Just before she turned, she whispered, “I miss you,” and headed back down the hall.

  Chapter Twenty

  Lindsay came flying up the muddy gravel drive with the stereo blaring in tune with the windshield wipers. Rae tugged down on her Stetson and walked over to her.

  “Hey!” Lindsay greeted, killing the engine to hop out into the rain. She pulled Rae in for a hug and then held onto her shoulders. “You look hot in that hat. You should wear it all the time.”

  She smiled, full of energy. Rae rolled her eyes, glad to see her friend, but in no mood for humor. “You shouldn’t drive like that in the rain. Especially when you’re pulling the trailer.” She walked hurriedly back to open it, impatient about loading up her horses and getting home.

  “What’s eating you?” Lindsay fell into step alongside her as they headed for the stables. Around them the ranch was quiet, save for the moos from the cattle in their pens. “How was the trail? Did it go great?”

  Rae kept walking. “Nothing, fine, and yes.”

  Lindsay stopped for a moment, hoping Rae would do the same. When she didn’t, Lindsay had to run to catch up. “What the hell? Why are you acting like a dick?”

  This time Rae turned. “A dick?”

  Lindsay didn’t back down. “Yeah, a dick.”

  Rae shrugged. “Maybe I am a dick.”

  “What?”

  Rae opened the stall door and led Shamrock out slowly.

  “Something happened with the hellfire, didn’t it?”

  “No,” Rae said sharply. But she couldn’t hide the dark flush of her cheeks.

  “You like her,” Lindsay accused.

  “No, I don’t.”

  “Yes, you do.” Lindsay could tell something had changed in Rae and she suspected it was Krista Wyler’s doing. Rae’s answers were too short, too clipped, and then there was the blush.

  “Look, can we cut the chitchat? I’m tired and I just want to get home.”

  Lindsay shrugged, curious and confused. “Suit yourself.”

  As she readied the other horse to be led from the stable she realized she’d only ever seen her best friend and boss like this one other time. Right after Shannon died. Rae had holed herself up in her house, refusing to even make small talk with her friends and clients. She had died inside. Lindsay only hoped it wasn’t happening again. The rain pinged off the truck and trailer as they loaded up the horses. Lindsay waited to see if Rae would ask for the keys. Each time it rained, Rae usually insisted that Lindsay drive. Lindsay always hoped that maybe one day, Rae would try to drive in wet weather again.

  “You drive,” Rae finally said, rounding the vehicle to the passenger side. Lindsay opened the driver’s door and was just about to step inside when the front door to the ranch opened.

  “Wait!” Krista Wyler came limping out, carrying a large food container. She hurried down the stairs as best she could and handed the covered bowl to Rae, who looked dumbfounded. “It’s chili. Sonja and I wanted to be sure you had some.”

  “Thanks.” Rae took the chili and placed it inside the truck, then pulled out a container of her own along with a bag, which she handed to Krista.

>   “I had Lindsay bring some powdered puppy milk for the coyote. Give it to him three times a day with the bottle in the bag. You can continue to give him soft food as well.”

  “Thanks.” Krista’s voice was soft. She seemed touched.

  Intrigued, Lindsay walked over to them. She thought Krista looked gorgeous in her faded jeans and simple gray sweatshirt, her thick hair pulled back in a ponytail. She gave the auburn-haired woman a wave.

  “Hello,” Krista greeted with a smile. “It’s Lindsay, right?”

  Lindsay smiled in return. “It is.”

  Rae shot her friend a look but Lindsay ignored her, wanting to test the waters further. Her eyes found the mark on the side of Krista’s neck in about two seconds.

  “Of course, you’re both welcome to join us inside for dinner,” Krista offered. “I…the group wishes you would stay.”

  Lindsay was about to accept the offer when Rae spoke. “I’m sorry, but we can’t. We have appointments.”

  “In this weather?” Krista’s shirt was darkening from the rain and the sun had set a few minutes before.

  Lindsay stared pointedly at Rae. It didn’t do any good.

  “Some other time,” Rae said without emotion. “Tell them I said good-bye.” She tipped her hat and then climbed in the truck.

  Lindsay gazed after her, beyond confused, and embarrassed by her behavior. She didn’t know what was going on, but the hopeful look on Krista’s face when Rae had brought out the food didn’t get past her.

  “Listen, Krista,” Lindsay started with a soft smile. She knew Rae could hear her, the passenger door still open. “Since we can’t make it to this one, how about having dinner with me sometime?”

  “With you?” Krista blinked, obviously surprised.

  “Yeah.”

  Krista stared through the windshield a moment and then answered. “Sure. That sounds great.”

  “Great.” Lindsay heard the passenger door slam shut, but it didn’t erase her smile. “I’ll call you.” She gave Krista a wink and climbed in the truck.

  They drove in silence for a few minutes, then Lindsay turned up the volume to the radio. Rae immediately turned it off and stared straight ahead. “Something wrong, boss?” Lindsay asked.

  “No.”

  “Could’ve fooled me.”

  “Slow down,” Rae snapped. “You’re driving too damn fast.”

  Lindsay kept her current speed.

  Rae whisked her hat off her head and slammed it onto her lap. “I told you not to mess with Krista Wyler.”

  “Why?” Lindsay was finally getting under her skin, where she hoped the truth lay waiting to come out.

  “Because she’s Judith’s niece, that’s why. They’ve been my friends and clients for years.”

  “Sweetie, Judith’s gone. And if you don’t want me seeing Krista for any other reason, all you have to do is say so.”

  Rae clenched her jaw. “She’s a client.”

  “We’re both adults, and her uncle is a client,” Lindsay replied.

  “She’s probably going to take over the ranch.”

  “Well, if she does, I’ll go from there. In the meantime, she’s one hell of a beautiful woman and I would like to get to know her better.”

  “I said no.” Rae’s voice was deep and low.

  “Why?” Lindsay gripped the steering wheel tightly.

  “Because I said so.”

  Silence.

  “Because you want to date her?” Lindsay felt the chill and then the daggers.

  “No.”

  “In that case”—Lindsay accelerated—“I’m going to see her.” She reached over and turned on the radio.

  *

  “Rae’s not coming?” Jenna asked as Krista reentered the warm house. The group was all settling in at the table, candles lit, burgundy breathing.

  “Rae’s not feeling well,” Dwight said, surprising Krista. “She told me to tell you all how much she enjoyed your company and how sorry she is that she can’t stay longer.”

  “Aw,” Tillie said, “That’s a shame. We all wanted to thank her for everything she did for us.”

  “Yeah,” said Candace innocently.

  Krista tried her best not to glare at her. She found it difficult even to look at the woman who’d touched Rae so intimately. Something Krista would never get to do.

  “I’m sure she feels the same about you all.” Krista stepped up to her place and lifted her wineglass. “To the best darn group of wranglers around.”

  Everyone followed her lead and raised their glasses.

  “To the best darn group you’ll ever have!” Adam declared.

  Laughter sounded around the table as they toasted.

  Krista remained standing, staring into the candlelight. “And to Judith Wyler, my aunt, the heart and soul of this ranch.”

  “To Judith!” Frank endorsed.

  “To Judith,” the rest followed, clinking their glasses.

  *

  The sun shone brightly the next morning, almost as if it were making up for lost time. Krista squeezed Tillie tightly, a tear slipping down her face.

  “Thank you,” Tillie whispered, “for everything.”

  They pulled apart and Krista smiled. “Don’t be a stranger.”

  Tillie nodded and stepped away, allowing Tom to hold her hand as they walked toward their vehicles.

  “They’re good together,” Krista said, watching them.

  “They are, aren’t they?” Adam replied, shading his brow. “They’re just friends for now, though. Tillie wants to take it slow.”

  “I can understand why.” She turned to face Adam, dreading the good-bye. “But Tom’s a nice guy. He’ll treat her right.”

  Adam lowered his hand. “What about you?”

  More good-byes were called out as car doors closed and engines started. Krista waved to Jenna and Frank as they pulled away.

  “What about me?”

  Adam sighed dramatically. “Do I have to say it?”

  Krista focused in on Candace, who was packing a white Jeep Wrangler.

  “Rae?” He nudged her. “What happened with you two?”

  “Nothing.” Krista’s heart sank at the mention of her name. She still couldn’t believe Rae had left without having dinner with the group. And all because of her. For some reason Rae wanted absolutely nothing to do with her.

  “Right.” Adam nudged her again.

  Krista straightened her back, trying to put on a brave front. But Adam reached out to touch her neck and raised his eyebrows.

  “She…we…we made love and then she pushed me away.”

  Adam cocked his head. “Why?”

  “I have no idea. And then yesterday she kissed me…” Krista paused, lifting her hand to her lips, remembering the way Rae’s had felt. “And then she pulled away and said she couldn’t.”

  Adam embraced her, kissing her cheek. “I’m sorry.”

  Krista’s chest shook as she fought off sobs. “I feel like it’s me, like I did something wrong.” She left out how she’d never felt this way about anyone before. How this was love, she knew it in her gut. Everything she’d ever dreamed about.

  “Hey.” Adam drew back to look at her. “It’s not you, it’s her. She’s got issues or something. You.” He touched her cheek. “You are wonderful. And beautiful and passionate and…”

  Krista’s laughter bordered on tears. “Are you sure you have to leave?”

  He bowed his head. “I do.” He looked back up quickly. “But I’ll come back in a few days to show you the photos. I think they could do wonders for your marketing campaign.”

  Krista hugged him again. “Sounds terrific.”

  Adam stepped back and slipped on his designer shades. “Hasta, chica.”

  Krista smiled and squinted into the sun as she watched them drive away.

  “They were quite a group,” Sonja said from behind her.

  “Yes, they were,” Krista agreed. “I was sad to see them go.”

  Sonja stood
leaning on one of the porch posts, wearing dark jeans and a tan button-down blouse. Her skin looked dark and smooth, her brown eyes deep and knowing. “Think they had a good time?”

  Krista walked up the steps to stand next to her. “They said they did. I gave them all free return trips regardless.” She folded her arms over her chest to stare out at the ranch. “Jenna and Frank are already talking about next year. So that’s a good thing.”

  “Mmm-hmm.”

  Pepe the rooster came flying up the driveway, having chased all the cars away. He slowed as he approached the porch. He was still covered in mud from the days before.

  “Someone needs to squirt you off with the hose, little man,” Krista said.

  “You could always put him in the shower with you like you did Jagger.”

  Krista laughed, picturing the little rooster squawking, wings and talons flying. “I don’t think so.”

  They stood in silence for a while, Pepe snooping around the porch, claws scratching as he walked. He lingered around the door and Krista realized he was probably looking for Jagger. “Well, I better get inside and feed the wild man.”

  She sighed, knowing she had much more to do after that.

  Sonja looked after her but remained standing on the porch. “If you need help, I’m here.”

  Krista offered a tired smile and gently shooed Pepe away from the door as she entered. Jagger was waiting for her, tail wagging as she walked to the kitchen. He chased her feet and tugged at her shoelaces. She made his bottle and he eagerly followed her into the living room where he whined, wanting to jump onto the couch.

  “Come here.”

  She scooped him up, spread a dish towel over her lap, and began feeding him. Even though he had only seen the bottle once before, he sucked hungrily, closing his eye as he fed. With him settled in her lap, she reached over and turned on the speakerphone, dialing Suzanne’s number. As she waited for her friend to answer, she sighed with relief. She couldn’t be more pleased with the decision she’d made to quit real estate for the time being.