by Elsie Davis
After several rounds of congratulations, the ranch hands began to clean the area and Kayla finished washing up. The adrenaline in her body was subsiding, leaving her exhausted in the aftermath. It had been a life-changing experience, the second one in her life. Dylan’s kiss had been the first.
“Can I give you a lift to the house?” Dylan asked.
“Mom and Dad are here. I should probably go with them. Or I could walk.” Spending a few more minutes with Dylan would have been nice, but it wouldn’t do her any good. Things were hard enough.
“You’re too tired to walk even if it’s only a short distance. Hey, Lou, mind if I give Kayla a ride back to the house?” he called out, disregarding her answer.
“Not at all. See you back home, Kayla,” her dad said.
“Not exactly what I had in mind.” Kayla frowned. Dylan hadn’t changed much. Still the same old bossy boy he used to be, only older. And more handsome.
“I want a few minutes to talk to you.”
“Okay.”
“Hey, Derek, how about keeping an eye on the calves while I talk to Kayla? Let us know if anything changes.” Derek’s chin rose a notch, the smile on his face telling. Dylan’s trust in him meant the world to the kid.
“So talk,” she said, climbing into his old Ford.
He started the truck and turned on the air conditioner. The cool air felt great against her sweat-soaked clothes, sending chills across her skin.
“I’m sorry about what I said earlier. There’s no excuse. I know you wouldn’t turn your back on helping an animal to spite me. I felt helpless. It’s not a feeling I experience often.”
“I understand. If it’s any consolation, I felt pretty helpless back there, too.” A common bond shared between friends signaling a change in their relationship once again. Could they be friends? Or was it simply an illusion because of the experience they shared?
“You know, I think everyone, me included, thought one day you would come home when you finished school and go into practice here. Guess we thought wrong. Those city folks are mighty lucky to have you.”
“I couldn’t come back,” she said softly. They were treading into dangerous waters.
“Why?” One simple word, but it was a question she wasn’t prepared to discuss. Not now. Probably not ever. It hurt too much.
“Things happened that changed everything.”
“Like me. I never planned on sticking around, either. I had my big dreams, and the next thing you know, I’m parenting Derek. It’s been tough, but I don’t regret it.” Dylan pulled up to the house and put the truck in park. The cab grew smaller as he turned his body toward her.
“You knew I never planned on sticking around Riverbend, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone really,” she said.
“I guess they always thought we’d end up together.”
Kayla couldn’t believe what he was saying. If it wasn’t so damn heartbreaking, it would be funny. “Well then, they thought wrong.” She forced the words from between her lips.
“Any chance we can be friends again? I miss my little tagalong,” Dylan said, reaching out to give her shoulder a playful push.
“Dylan, I can’t.” He didn’t understand. Maybe if she explained it to him, he’d quit asking.
“I know you were going to leave Wednesday, but can you at least stay a few extra days to keep an eye on the calves?”
Dylan had zeroed in on her Achilles’ heel.
“Yeah. For the calves, I’ll stay a few extra days,” she said, grateful for a chance to lighten the mood in the truck.
And while she was at it, she still had to go into town to talk to some people about a mechanical pivot irrigation system for the farm. Because nothing else had changed between them, and Dylan still needed to move his cows off her father’s farm.
Chapter Ten
Kayla wiped the sweat off her brow. It wasn’t even noon yet, and she was already drenched in sweat. Her T-shirt sported several darkened patches across the front, and the material in the back was plastered to her skin. Not overly attractive, but there wasn’t a thing she could do about it as she crossed the street to Tillie’s Diner.
Come lunchtime, the place should be filled with muscular, sweaty cowboys, and hopefully, a couple of them were available for hire.
She’d spent all last night working out a plan, and by nightfall hoped it would be put into action. Dylan wouldn’t like it, but this wasn’t about him. They may be in the middle of a truce, but saving the farm was more important than salvaging a truce with someone she should still hate.
School would be starting back soon, so time was critical. Her goal today was to line up all the details and then present it to her dad. He couldn’t possibly turn down her offer to help if she could arrange it.
“Afternoon, Mr. Thompson.” He hadn’t changed much since she’d last seen him, his rotund body and jovial face as sweet as the candy he used to give her at the store on the rare occasions they came to town. “I was coming to see you later, but now is good. Do you have a minute, or am I interrupting your lunch?”
“Well, if it isn’t little Kayla Anderson. Does my eyes good to see you. Sit. Sit. I’d be a fool not to enjoy my lunch with a pretty companion instead of eating alone.” He winked. Old coot was always an innocent flirt.
“Thanks.” She slid into the seat across from him.
“What’s up?” he asked after the server took their order.
“I want to pump the river water up to my dad’s fields, but I need an irrigation wheelhouse, a pump, and a few hard-bodied cowboys looking to make a few extra dollars. Can you help me locate the parts and direct me to a few good cowboys needing work?”
“Those parts aren’t cheap, little lady.”
“I know. But my grandmother left me a small emergency nest egg, and I need to help my dad.”
“I heard Dylan’s cows are grazing out by the river. I’m not sure there would be enough water from the allocation to make it worth your while,” he said.
“You’re right. There’s not. I’ve already told him he has to move them, because I’m taking back our rights to the water allocation.” It really wasn’t any of his business, but old man Thompson was her link to getting a wheelhouse. Around here, being nice was the only way to get things done if you needed help.
“Oh. And how’d he take it?”
“I didn’t give him a chance to respond. Sometimes it’s easier with Dylan not to let him get a word in edgewise. He could talk a coon out of his fur coat if given a chance.”
Mr. Thompson threw his head back, guffawing loud enough to cause several heads to turn. It was as true as it was funny.
“You may be right there, child. He’s a smart man. Stepped up and done right by the boy. I’m sure his father would be proud. Dylan knows what he wants and how to get it.” Someone else singing Dylan’s praises. Would the list of staunch supporters never end? The guy had a skeleton in his closet that would shock the good townspeople. Maybe then he would come down a notch or two in their high opinion.
“That’s not always a good thing,” she said, speaking from experience. “Do you think you can find me a wheelhouse on such short notice?”
“I’m sorry, Kayla, but the closest one I could get my hands on right now is probably over five hundred miles away. We’re in the middle of a drought, and that kind of equipment gets grabbed up pretty quickly.”
His answer wasn’t what she wanted to hear. “But there has to be one someplace. Used would be better.” Without a wheelhouse, her plan wouldn’t work. Her father wouldn’t admit it, but Kayla was sure he was on the verge of losing the farm.
“I can check around for you, but don’t hold your breath,” he said. Mr. Thompson opened his mouth to say something else, but closed it without another word, only shaking his head from side to side.
“What is it? Did you think of something?”
“No. Nothing my business to mention.” He sat back in his chair and wiped his mouth with the napkin.
; Odd thing to say, but whatever. “Okay, thanks. In case you find one, can you recommend anyone to do the work? I need to move on this pretty fast.”
He cast her a long, assessing look before he let out a deep sigh. “Well, there’s the Johnson boys, who should be in here in a little bit. And then there’s Andrew, you remember Willie Tannin’s son? And maybe Clifton Casey would be looking for work. You be sure to tell them where you’re looking to have the work done.”
Anyone from around here would know it was for the Anderson farm. Maybe old Mr. Thompson was becoming a bit senile. “Okay. Thanks a million. You’re the best.” She smiled.
“Your daddy know what you’re trying to do?” he asked, sticking a toothpick in his mouth to chew on.
“Well, no. At least not yet. He’s not keen on my help, so I wanted to see if it was feasible before told him my plan.”
“Hmmm. I wondered as much. You know, sometimes you gotta let a man do what he feels he needs to do and not second guess him.”
“What do you mean?” she asked.
“Seems to me your daddy would have done this already if he could, don’t you think?”
“Times are tough. I can help. What kind of a daughter would I be if I didn’t try to help?” The kind who hadn’t hung around much for the past five years. The kind who’d been caught up in her own dreams when the tough times started.
“You have a big heart, darling. Don’t mind an old fool like me. But talk to your daddy first, before we start ordering expensive parts to be hauled in. Trust me on this,” he said, reaching out to pat her hand.
“Okay. I’ll talk to him tonight after I see if I can round up a few guys to dig the trenches to pump the water up to the reservoir.”
“Hmmph,” he grunted. “Know anyone out your way who needs a dog? We’re asking around trying to help old Mrs. Kimble out. Her nephew done left her with a year-old mutt she can’t control or keep.”
“No. Sorry. I’m heading back to the city next weekend, and I can’t keep a dog in my apartment.”
“No problem. I’m sure we’ll find it a home. Sweet dog. Just the right size to make some young boy or girl a nice pal, I reckon, with a little training,” he added with a grin.
An image of Derek came to mind. He was upset she was leaving, but what if she left him with a new friend? Dylan didn’t know everything, and maybe Kayla could talk to him, convince him to see a dog was the perfect answer to Derek’s issues. Having a dog by his side would break the loneliness of the ranch, and it could teach him some responsibility. It was the perfect solution. The more she thought about it, the more she liked the idea. Maybe it was time Dylan didn’t get his way.
“I have an idea. I know someone who could use a dog.” The words were out before she could stop them. It felt right even if she would be overstepping her bounds. Maybe, just maybe, she could pull this off. For Derek’s sake. After all, Dylan owed her one.
“I was hoping you’d think of someone.” He laughed, grinning like the devil.
“Why, you, old coot, you planted the seed on purpose.”
“If anyone can talk Dylan into letting Derek get a dog, I have a feeling it’ll be you.”
Played by a pro. “I’ll do one better. Instead of talking first, I’ll take the dog with me.” Kayla laughed. It would serve Dylan right.
“Come by the store when you finish up in town and see what you think. If you want to take him with you, it’d be great. But if Dylan says no, you bring the dog back.”
Sounded fair. “No worries.” But she intended to make sure Dylan didn’t say no.
“Lunch is on me,” he said, rising to his feet and throwing some money on the table. “I’ll see you in a few.”
“Thanks. I’ll be there after I talk to the guys you mentioned.”
She didn’t have to wait long. Andy, Cliff, and the Johnson boys showed up at the diner about the same time. Easy smiles, loud, and charming, they stopped to say hello to several patrons. In a small town, everyone knew everyone.
Twenty minutes later, she left the diner feeling unsettled. The guys were excited to see her and quick to flirt, but not a one of them would commit to helping her out. Between the strange looks and comments from the guys and Mr. Thompson, she had a feeling she was being snowballed. Was it because she was a woman no one would help or take her serious? Or was it because her father owned the land and no one would lift a finger or commit without his approval?
She didn’t relish the discussion with her dad. When it came to the property, he could be obstinate. Bottom line, he hadn’t asked for her help, and he might not want it.
Kayla pulled the truck up to park in front of the hardware store. The bell above the door tinkled as she entered. She spotted Mr. Thompson right away at the register counter. “I’m here for the dog, like I promised.”
“Hang on and let me get the little fellow.” He went out through the swinging half door that led to the back room. While she waited, Kayla found the nutrient-rich additive she wanted to try to bottle-feed the calves in addition to their mother’s milk. It would help boost their energy and help the cow since she was feeding two. Kayla was determined to do everything she could to ensure the little guys survived.
When the half door swung back open, Mr. Thompson reappeared with the cutest dog she’d ever seen. The dog pulled excitedly at his leash, trying to come say hello to the newcomer. A cross between a beagle and a Lab was her best guess. His cute little brown and white face with a black eye patch reminded her of a pirate. The high-spirited mutt wanted nothing more than attention and someone to pet him. She bent down to keep him from jumping. “Sit,” she commanded. And to her surprise, he sat.
“I said he needed training, not that he didn’t have any.” Mr. Thompson chuckled. “His name is Patches. Not hard to figure out why.”
“He’s adorable.” The dog licked her hand as if he understood her words. She leaned down to nuzzle his face, kissing the side of his head. “I’d keep you for myself if I could, but the city’s no place for you.”
“I’ll be right back,” Mr. Thompson said, moving off to help another customer.
Kayla laughed and played with the dog for several minutes, loving the attention the dog seemed all too happy to lavish on her. She’d have to be careful, or she’d fall for his sweet face and doggy licks.
Mr. Thompson returned, and Kayla was more than ready to take the dog with her. “I’ll take him. I also need the nutrient additive I put on the counter. It’s for a couple of calves over at Dylan’s place.”
“I heard what you done last night. Right nice of you. Heard it was a true miracle how you saved all three animals. Supplement is on me, no charge.”
This she hadn’t expected. Another example of small-town living she’d forgotten. His words embarrassed her. “Word travels fast,” she mumbled. “I did what I could to help, even though I was scared to death.”
“Sometimes things have a way of working out exactly as they are meant to be.”
“Thanks. And thanks for the supplement. It’s sweet of you.”
“Least I could do. Here, let me carry this out since you got your hands full with Patches.”
“I won’t argue,” she said. Patches jumped excitedly when she stood. One of the first habits Derek would need to break.
“You know, old Doc isn’t getting any younger, and I reckon he could use a hand. Might be nice if he had someone like you to take his place when he retires.” Mr. Thompson delivered the comment as casually as if he was talking about the weather.
Kayla opened the truck door to let Patches jump inside.
“I’m studying to be a small-animal vet, and Riverbend already has one of those. A young one, I might add. There’s no place for me here.” It was the easiest explanation. Anything else was far more complicated than she was willing to tell anyone.
“Seems to me you’re a mixed breed now. Just like this here dog you fell in love with the instant you laid eyes on him. The town would love you, too, if you give them a chance and come ho
me.”
“My home is in the city, and the clinic there wants to take me on as a partner when I’m licensed,” she said, her voice tight. Why did everyone keep making comments like her life in the city was temporary?
“Nothing’s been planted that can’t be replanted. Keep that in mind, will you?” Again with the cryptic comments. They were starting to get on her nerves.
“Later, Mr. Thompson,” she said. It was easier to ignore his remark, and she wasn’t sure how to answer it anyway.
The trip home was not the easiest with Patches trying to ride in her lap, but it sure was fun. Kayla hugged the dog before opening the door to let him out. She held on to his leash, not wanting to have him run off and get into trouble before she paved the way for his arrival.
If her timing was right, Derek should be home from school and Dylan would be out on the ranch somewhere. As long as he wasn’t at the house, it would work for her. She was a little nervous about her decision, but she was willing to face the challenge head on, hoping it didn’t turn into a firing squad.
Giving the dog to Derek first was blackmail, but Kayla saw the way Dylan looked at Derek when he thought no one was watching.
Dylan loved his brother, and she hoped it would be impossible for him to resist the bit of sunshine Patches could bring into Derek’s life. Kayla said a silent prayer it would all work out, because the last thing she wanted to do was upset the kid.
Patches pulled on the lease, trying his darnedest to reach the new smells assailing him all at once, his sense of curiosity and excitement kicking into overdrive. Kayla knocked on the door and waited. She let out a sigh of relief when it was Derek who opened the door.
He stepped out onto the porch, an ear-to-ear grin creasing his face.
“Hey, boy,” he said, kneeling to pet the dog.
“Hey to you, too,” Kayla said when Derek ignored her.
“Sorry. Hi.” His gaze went right back to the dog. “When did you get him?”
Derek sat down on the porch, and Patches jumped into his lap, licking his face. The two roughhoused like old friends.
“I didn’t actually get a dog. What do you think of him?”