A Cowboy’s Honor

by Lois Richer

  “Thanks,” she gasped, grasping the hand he held out and allowing him to pull her from the pool.

  He wrapped her in the huge bath sheet she’d left on a chair, tucking in one corner like a sarong. He draped another towel across her shoulders in case she was chilled.

  “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” He waited until she was seated, then handed her a cup. “I made you some tea.”

  “Lovely.” She savored the aroma with her eyes closed. “You spoil me, Dallas.”

  “It’s my privilege.” He sat down beside her, reached for her hand and brushed his lips across her knuckles. “One of many. Besides, you deserve to be spoiled.”

  “Too bad I didn’t record that,” she teased. But she didn’t pull her hand away.

  “Don’t need to. I’m happy to repeat it whenever you want.” And he would. Just to see her smile. “I’d like to do more,” he murmured, wondering if Gracie truly understood how much he wanted everything that went with a real marriage.

  “What would you like your life to look like in ten years, Gracie?”

  “Ten years?” She gazed at him in surprise. “Misty will be fifteen then.”

  “Do you want more children? Or is Misty enough?”

  “I…don’t know.” She didn’t look at him. “I never thought about it.”

  “A ranch would be a wonderful place to raise kids,” he murmured, studying the scene in front of them. Horses grazing in green pastures linked by white fences. The trails, the buildings, the barn, the dining hall. “I don’t know where Elizabeth got the idea for this place, but it’s fantastic. I haven’t seen a single child who’s come here fail to love the place.”

  “Once the licensing is done, Elizabeth has plans to see about starting a school here. She wants to integrate education into the Bar None philosophy.”

  A curious note in her voice snagged his attention. “Will you send Misty to school here?” he asked.

  “We’d have to, at least at first. My contract is for six months, till November.” Gracie frowned at him. “Do you think it wouldn’t be good for her?”

  She was asking his opinion. Was Gracie finally seeing them as a family?

  “I don’t think you can know that. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work out very well, but I guess only time will tell.” He hesitated over the next words, but pushed them out because he needed to know. “What if I never remember anything, Gracie?”

  She studied him, a funny smile on her lips. “To quote you, I don’t think you can know that. Why?” She studied him more intently. “Do you think you won’t?”

  “I don’t know. I got another flash when we were riding. It must have been from before we got married.” He told her about it.

  “That’s good.”

  “Is it?” He wasn’t sure. “It’s like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle without most of the pieces.”

  “Frustrating,” she said.

  “Very. I want my life back.” I want you back. “But I don’t know exactly what that entails. You don’t like to talk about our past.”

  Silence yawned between them. For a few moments Dallas almost felt as if he could hear the sun sizzling into the glowering cloud on the western horizon as it set. Maybe he shouldn’t have asked.

  “What do you want to know?”

  He shifted on the lounge so he could face her. “Everything.”

  So she told him, laid out the details of that first meeting and their subsequent communication via phone. She told him about his visits to the campus, their cheap and cheerful dates every time he managed a trip her way. She told him about his dream to someday have his own research team.

  And finally she told him about the secret plans they’d made to be married, how they’d told her father, his reaction.

  When she was finished, Dallas still wasn’t satisfied. “You make it sound so happy,” he murmured.

  “It was, mostly.”

  Except for her father. He hadn’t approved. Well, Dallas couldn’t fault him there. Being a father himself offered a different perspective on having your daughter snatched away from you.

  “But why did I leave? Why wasn’t I with you? Why hadn’t I made plans for our future? I can’t understand that.”

  Gracie looked away. He remembered she’d had the same reaction once before.

  “Did you have the impression that I didn’t want to make a home for us, that I was going to continue the way I had been?” he asked, hating the idea, but desperate to know if he’d really been so thoughtless.

  “You always loved traveling, Dallas,” she said.

  He grimaced at her carefully chosen words and the picture of him she was drawing.

  “It would have been hard for you to give that up.”

  “But I married you. What did you expect would happen?”

  “We never really discussed it. You understood that I had a couple more years of school. I thought you wanted me to finish. You’d keep on doing what you’d been doing, and when I was through, we’d talk about our next step then.”

  “And in the meantime I’d just keep wandering across the country, stopping by like a—a visitor?” He rubbed the space between his eyebrows, feeling anger bubbling inside him. “That’s crazy. It’s like long-distance dating. Irresponsible. Certainly not marriage!”

  “It was the only one I had,” she cried. Crystal droplets clung to the tips of her lashes. “Stop yelling at me, Dallas. It wasn’t my fault.”

  Stupid, how stupid was he? “Of course it wasn’t. I was the problem, Gracie. I’m sorry.” He ran his palm down her arm, trying to erase the pain. “I can’t understand what I was thinking.”

  “I can’t explain that,” she sniffed. “You never spoke about the future much. You just kept saying things would work out.”

  Serious doubts assailed Dallas. Was this the kind of man he’d been? Willing to leave his wife behind while he went off doing his thing, expecting her to sit there waiting for whenever he deigned to show up?

  No wonder Gracie wasn’t ready to discuss the future with him. She probably figured that the moment he was himself, he’d take off again. New respect filled him at what she’d endured.

  “I don’t know what the future holds, Gracie love.” He rose, drew her upright so he could see into her eyes. “I don’t know if I’ll ever remember who I was, but I promise you one thing.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  “Yes, I do. I promise you that no matter what happens, I’m here for the long term. If you want to move after your six months, fine. But until that time, I’ll be here. I can’t make up for the past, but I can promise you that I’ll face whatever is in the future with you.”

  She didn’t look convinced.

  “You don’t know what could happen,” she whispered. “Something might come up that will change your mind. I don’t want you to think you have to honor your promise.”

  “I’m not going anywhere, Gracie. I’m here until you tell me to go.”

  After searching his face for several moments, she finally nodded. “Okay. But if you change your mind—”

  “Not going to happen. Didn’t I promise for better or for worse?”

  “Yes.”

  “I intend to honor that promise.” He could no more have stopped himself from kissing her than he could stop breathing. Whatever he’d been, whatever he’d done, Gracie was his one constant, and he would not let go. In time she’d see that.

  “You need to rest. Sweet dreams, my love.” Dallas wanted to tell her how much he adored her, how he woke up yearning to hear her voice, how he fell asleep imagining the day she would welcome him into her life full-time.

  But he wouldn’t talk about love now.

  Better to wait until the trail ride was over, until she saw how groundless her fears for Misty were. When she’d accepted that God was the best protector Misty could ever have, when she realized she could trust him to care for their daughter, then Dallas would propose again.

  And this time he’d make sure s
he understood that he wanted to be a full-time husband in a full-time marriage. He could wait for that.

  After all, now that he’d found her, they had all the time in the world.

  Chapter Twelve

  Gracie stood on the sidelines, nervously watching as Dallas checked Misty’s horse and tack for what seemed the hundredth time.

  Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You, she thought, sending a prayer to Heaven.

  “Have you got your juice snack, honey?” she asked, only now realizing how large Patch was, how high up her baby sat.

  “Mommy, you asked me that already.”

  “Did I? Oh. Sorry.”

  “I have my juice, I have my jacket. I will be careful. I will obey Daddy. Okay?”

  “I love you, Misty.”

  “I love you, too, Mommy. This is going to be so much fun.”

  “Try not to worry, Gracie. Remember, God is in control.” Dallas brushed her cheek with his fist, his smile understanding. “It’s only a few hours. We’ll be back before you know it.”

  “Dallas,” Gracie whispered, staring up at him. “Please—”

  “I know.” He bent his head and kissed her with a tenderness she’d never before felt so deeply. “Remember, she’s my daughter, too.”

  “Yes.”

  He squeezed her shoulder one last time. Then, at a shout from the trail leader to mount up, he vaulted into his saddle and pulled on the Stetson he was seldom without. He studied her for a long moment, then bent down. Gracie stepped nearer.

  “If you start to worry,” he said, “pray. I’ll be praying for you.” After touching her hair, he gathered the reins, told Misty how to direct her horse, and they slowly meandered out of the corral.

  Gracie watched until someone nudged her arm.

  “We have to go now, dear,” Elizabeth murmured. “They’re here.”

  “Yes.” Gracie followed her to the office, met the government officials, answered as many questions as they asked and showed them whatever they needed to see.

  But her mind could not release the picture of Misty moving away from her.

  If you start to worry, pray. I’ll be praying for you.

  “Would it be all right if we took a coffee break now?” she asked Elizabeth.

  “Wonderful idea. I know our cook has prepared some delicious snacks. This way, folks.”

  As her boss led the licensing group toward the dining hall, Gracie locked herself in her office.

  “Oh, God, please be very near my family. I love them both so much.”

  Family. They would be—wouldn’t they?

  “How are you doing?” The leader paused beside Lady, his face shiny with sweat. “I don’t know where this heat is coming from.” He tilted his head to the west, where clouds were galloping across the sky like a herd of wild stallions. “We’ll take a break in ten minutes.”

  “Great. Hear that, Miss? Ten minutes and then we’ll have a rest.”

  “I’m not tired. I love this.” She certainly sounded happy. “Patch knows exactly where to go. He’s the best horse.”

  “He sure is.” Lady danced a bit and Dallas had to work to get her under control. “Come on, girl. Settle down.”

  “Daddy?”

  He whirled in his seat at the sudden, terrified scream, saw Patch rear up. Misty grabbed his mane with both hands and bent low, her face pale. Too late Dallas saw the snake slither into the sage. Patch was off and running, so hard Misty was barely able to hang on.

  “I’ll get her,” he yelled to the leader. “Look after the others.”

  Dallas knew the man couldn’t leave the rest of the kids to help him. They’d need everyone to get the children back to the ranch.

  Saving Misty was up to him.

  “Hang on, Miss,” he called, urging Lady into a full gallop. “Don’t let go, baby. Keep talking to Patch while I catch him.”

  He reached out to grab the horse’s halter, but Patch veered away, heading for a clump of mesquite. Nudging Lady’s flanks, Dallas pushed her harder, came up on Misty’s other side.

  “Hurry, Daddy,” she called. “I can’t hang on.”

  “You have to. You’re strong, Miss. Ask God to help, and don’t let go.”

  They thundered across the dry land, farther and farther away from the group. Her horse did everything it could to escape him, but some intuition blew through Dallas’s mind and told him what to do, how to move, which way to go.

  Finally, with his fingers around the bridle, Dallas was able to pull on it, keeping Patch in stride with Lady as he forced both horses to slow.

  “Good girl. Keep hanging on and pull on the reins, little by little. Left a bit. Good. Easy, boy. Come on. That’s it, Miss. Pull him back.”

  Patch was clear of the mesquite, but still not at all reassured. He danced away, and Dallas lost his grip just as her mount jiggled Misty free of the saddle.

  “Misty,” he screamed, grabbing hold of her vest and yanking her into his arms. Startled by his sudden move, Lady shifted to accommodate his weight. But Dallas had lost his stirrups, and with both arms holding his daughter’s precious weight, he couldn’t keep his seat. “Hang on to me, baby. We’re going to fall.”

  “Daddy,” she squealed, her arms tight around his neck. “Help me.”

  “Help me.”

  A jumble of green brush, a small boy and his runaway dog. The memories rushed past like a video on fast-forward. The boy wasn’t hurt, but he wanted his pet back, and it was headed for a very busy highway. Dallas managed to catch the puppy just before it could bound over the rail. He’d returned it to the boy, then continued his forest walk to a waterfall. But he never made it.

  Three punks had dragged him off the path, beaten him unconscious.

  The past events raced through his brain in a flash before Dallas saw the ground coming at him. He rolled so Misty wouldn’t be crushed. Then his head hit a rock and everything went blurry.

  “Daddy? Are you hurt, Daddy?”

  Deep in a cavern he heard the voice, remembered his daughter.

  “Why don’t you talk to me, Daddy?” Small hands touched his head near the spot where pain radiated in a circle of agony. “Wake up, Daddy.”

  “I’m awake, Miss.” Dallas lay still for a minute until the queasiness passed. Then he took stock of their surroundings. Nothing seemed familiar. He couldn’t tell which direction was which. Didn’t know where they should head even if he could catch the horses.

  And his head hurt so badly.

  “Are you injured, Miss?”

  “No. I landed on you.” She touched his cheek. “I think Lady ran away, Daddy.”

  “She’ll probably go home. Horses know how to find their way home.” He was going to ask her if Patch was nearby, but then remembered she wouldn’t know. Wouldn’t be able to see. The full impact of their situation hit him.

  The leader would send someone to look for them. He’d no doubt radio in and a search party would start out immediately. But until they got here, Dallas and Misty were in danger. The sun would quickly scorch Misty’s fair skin. She’d end up with sunstroke or worse.

  They had no water, no food and no shelter.

  There could be snakes nearby. Or other animals.

  On top of that, thunder rumbled in the distance. Judging from the threatening sky, a storm was moving their way fast.

  “Listen to me, Misty. It’s very important. We have to get out of the sun.”

  “Aren’t you going to take us home?” Her voice wobbled the tiniest bit.

  “As soon as I can, baby. But right now my head is bleeding. I need to rest.”

  “I’ll look after you, Daddy. Patch!” she called, her voice softening the way he’d taught her. “Come here, Patch. Come and help Daddy.”

  The horse’s whinny carried from some distance away. Dallas struggled to lift his head, but gagged and fought the blackness. He lay still until it receded.

  “There’s a stony place about twenty-five steps in front of me. It has a ledge and a scraggly tree
we could sit under, where the sun wouldn’t reach us. I don’t feel very good so I’m counting on you to get us there. If I fall down, I want you to go to the ledge and stay there. Don’t worry about me. You get there and stay. Understand?”

  “Yes, Daddy. Can you walk now?”

  “I don’t know. Can you call Patch again?”

  She did, but neither of them missed the angry bray or the thud of hooves retreating.

  “Okay. Sounds like he followed Lady. It’s you and I, Miss. Ready?”

  “Yes.” She waited till he’d dragged himself upright, then clung to his hand, stepping carefully beside him as they made their way to the ledge.

  At this rate unconsciousness would return quickly. Dallas used his last ounce of strength to focus and examine the spot. No nests, no signs of animals, and best of all, no sun.

  “Let’s sit here, honey.”

  “Okay.” She settled beside him, edged her way under his arm so it lay across her shoulders.

  “Misty?”

  “Yes, Daddy?”

  “I’m not feeling too good. It might be that I’ll fall asleep when you’re talking to me. That’s okay. You just stay put and sooner or later I’ll wake up. I don’t want you to leave here. Promise?”

  “I promise. Are you sleepy now?”

  “Sort of.” He would force himself to stay conscious as long as possible, but judging by the blood soaking his hair and neck, Dallas knew that might not be for long. “I wish I’d told Gracie I loved her,” he muttered.

  “Mommy knows that.” Misty patted his hand.

  “She does?”

  “Sure. People always know when other people love them. They can tell.”

  “How?”

  “I dunno. Mommy says they just can.”

  He hoped she was right. He was going to need every ounce of love he could summon to gain her forgiveness. He’d promised Gracie he’d keep Misty safe. She would never trust him again.