His surprise was a trip to the local horse track, Wyoming Downs, for the last races of the season. Compared to what she was used to, it was a miniature operation, but the spirit of the race was the same and she thoroughly enjoyed herself. The first time she heard the bugle again, her heart leapt.
She had never seen Quarter Horses race and was amazed that their races were completed from start to finish within eighteen seconds and said to Slade, “Holy smokes! What if you got a bad start out of the gates? You’d never have time to overcome it! Half of this sport is luck!”
They had a friendly competition to see who could pick the most winners. She beat him consistently until he finally insisted she clue him in to how she could tell which horse would win when she knew nothing about them.
“Watch them in the paddock. Some are sleepy looking, some are alert, and some are out of control. Look for the ones that are almost a little wild, but are alert and focused. Then watch them as they load in the gates, same thing, energetic but focused.”
“What do you mean in the paddock?”
She pointed, “There, where they saddle them and put the jockey up.”
They talked and laughed and ate concession food as they watched the beautiful, sleek horses until she could tell he was starting to tire. They were on their way out of the park when she had the uncomfortable feeling that she was being watched. She began to walk faster and was looking all around, not even sure what she was looking for. She knew Slade could tell something was up and they were all but jogging as they approached the truck and heard someone near the park entry call toward them, “Carrie! Carrie, wait! It’s me, Geoffrey.”
She grumbled under her breath as he pushed the keyless remote and they hopped in and literally squealed out of the parking lot. As they passed by the caller she ducked against Slade, hiding her face as he drove.
For a moment he concentrated on driving to make sure they weren’t followed. Finally, he questioned, “Who was it?”
Letting her breath out in a rush, she said almost disgustedly, “Stupid Geoffrey.” She said it as if that was all that needed to be said.
He laughed out loud, breaking the tension that had built and asked, “Stupid Geoffrey? That can’t really be his name.”
She looked up sheepishly. “Well no, but that’s what Dante’s called him for years now. It’s rude, I know, but trust me. It fits.” She furrowed her brow. “I wonder why in the world he’s at a place like Wyoming Downs.”
“Who exactly is Stupid Geoffrey?”
She flashed him a teasing grin. “He’s a member of the stupid hat club.”
“Oh, well that explains everything then.” He chuckled. “Isabel, come on. You’re not saying anything.”
“When Dante and I were young, we’d pretty much decided that some of the bigger races were fixed so that whoever’s horse won was the person who wore the dumbest looking hat on race day.” She laughed at herself. “For awhile there I was convinced! A couple of times completely unknown horses won and the owner’s wife had this unbelievable thing on her head!” She laughed out loud.
Slade shook his head. “What are you talking about?”
She nudged his arm. “You’ve seen them on TV. I’m sure you have. You know, like at the Kentucky Derby. After the race, all the bigwigs line up for the win picture and to accept the trophy and flowers and stuff.” She was still giggling. “And the owner’s wife is wearing some outlandish hat!
“When I first had to stand there, I rebelled, but now Dante and I get into the spirit of the thing. We both wear the stupidest hats we can find. We’re only honorary members of the club, but we’re working on it.
“Stupid Geoffrey’s father owns Thoroughbreds, and he truly is one of the stupid hat club. You should see some of the dumb stuff he wears on TV!”
Her face sobered. “I shouldn’t be laughing. This really is a problem. He’s had a thing for me for years. I’m certain he’s the reason for the TNN spot you and Rossen saw when I first left California. He’s convinced he and I were meant for each other, and he used to practically live at Wind Dance Farms. No amount of ‘Geoffrey, I will never marry you. Leave me alone!’ would deter him.
“I can’t imagine why he would be here. Do you suppose he got your license plate number?” She didn’t wait for his answer. “This could be bad. If he did, we’ll have media parked at the gate or some other asinine thing. A lot of money and no brain is a deadly combination.”
He chuckled and put a hand on her knee. “I’m going to assume that my license plate is at least partially covered with mud. We haven’t washed the truck since we drove home the other day after the rain.”
She worriedly looked all around again. “I hope you’re right. At the very least he’ll blab around that he saw me.”
They were both right. The license number had been illegible, but Judd knew within just a few days where she’d been spotted with a cowboy getting into a truck with Wyoming plates.
Talking about Dante made her more homesick than she had been. Not homesick really—she didn’t miss home, she just missed Dante, Eli, and Anna. Dante called the number Slade had left them every couple of weeks when he was away from the farm at random pay phones, but Isabel knew in her heart that she truly wasn’t ever going back to live on Wind Dance Farms. Even if things didn’t work out between her and Slade, she wasn’t going back. Being away had shown her that she wanted her life away from where she had grown up. She knew it was the right decision, but sometimes the thought of being away from Dante and Eli made her sad. Slade seemed to read her mind because that evening he suggested she invite them to visit her there at his house. When Dante called that night, she invited them.
Chapter 11
Rossen called one day and said he was coming home for over a week and they arranged for Slade and Isabel to be baptized that weekend. Isabel had decided to not wait until Slade could baptize her. She would have Rossen do it at the same time he baptized Slade. It had been more than six weeks since that awful bull ride.
Slade was finally feeling like whatever he had torn internally was beginning to truly heal and he’d started riding again. He was taking it slow, but at least he was back in the saddle. He and Isabel had begun to take rides out into the hills everyday instead of walking, and his color had finally returned.
One morning, as she went out after her swim to feed, she saw that the leaves had started to turn on some of the highest hillsides. It was only mid-September and she was surprised. At Wind Dance Farms the leaves wouldn’t change for weeks. Even then they would turn more gray and brown than these brilliant reds and golds. The September morning was cool and the scent of the sage was indescribable.
She and Slade went down to the Rocklands, and she watched as they separated calves. She helped Naomi harvest her garden, and they brought the mares and foals into the paddock with the wood fence and began to wean the babies. The Friday before Rossen would return, she and Slade drove into a far valley and picked wild apples by the bushel and stored them in the cement room under his garage. She saw two of the outlying barns with huge piles of hay stacked nearby ready for winter feeding. The wild asters in her flower beds were a riot of color, and where they grew wild; they made whole hillsides glow purple.
Rossen and Sean returned late in the night and Rossen’s and Slade’s reunion the next morning warmed her heart. These two friends were closer even than the brothers were, and Rossen actually ended up staying at Slade’s instead of his mom’s. They stayed up into the wee hours talking about every thing imaginable. She and Slade were to be baptized the next day and the three of them felt a closeness about this that was hard to put into words. She was so excited to finally be a member of Christ’s church, and to know she would be washed completely clean and start with a new slate spiritually.
She sat on the leather couch next to Slade as they talked, and eventually fell asleep on his shoulder as the evening drew on. She completely slept through Slade’s revelation to Rossen that he planned to marry her as soon as she would
consent. They both knew she felt she had to have the threat from Judd reconciled before she could become permanently involved in Slade’s life. They both also knew the Judd situation didn’t matter because Slade was already committed to her forever.
When they finally quit talking, Slade gently woke her enough to help her up and steer her to her bedroom door, where she was loathe to end his hug. He bent to kiss her goodnight and walked across the hall to his room.
Sunday morning Isabel awakened while it was still fully dark. She took the quilt off her bed and sat wrapped in it in a rocker on the deck listening to the river and the wind in the trees, and looking at the myriad diamond stars in the black velvet sky. She thought back to the morning she had left home on her horse in the dark, and the time Naomi had taken her to the statue of Christ at Temple Square. She wondered when she had become so conscious of her Father in Heaven watching over her. She couldn’t really pinpoint a time, but she knew now that He was there in this heaven somewhere and was absolutely aware of her.
Today she would be baptized, and as big of a deal as that was, it was also so much the obvious next step that it almost seemed like just the natural progression of living. Naomi was right--knowing the principles of the gospel and living them did make a happy life.
Slade found her there at sunrise. She knew he could see the peace and happiness in her smile. He sat in a rocker beside her and they watched in silence as the first bright rays colored the eastern sky lavender and pink, then orange and gold.
That afternoon, after their meetings were over, Naomi and another couple from their ward, took her, Slade, and Rossen and gave them white clothing to change into to be baptized. They all went into a room in the church building she wasn’t familiar with and Isabel sat and watched as some folding doors were opened to reveal the baptismal font. She was surprised to see the room fill to overflowing as neighbors and friends came in and spoke quietly to them and sat down. By the time the font was filled they were bringing in extra chairs to find seats for everyone.
Isabel whispered to Naomi, “I didn’t realize there would be so many people.”
Naomi just smiled and patted her hand. “Most of these people have watched Slade grow up. They feel like he’s one of their own family. We’ve all been waiting a long time for this day. We’ve also waited a long time for him to find you. This is a good day.”
There was a prayer and a song and the bishop spoke briefly, then Slade and Rossen stepped down into the font. Isabel wiped at the tears that filled her eyes as she watched. Never had there been better friends, and love and mutual respect shown in their faces as these two strong men performed this sacred act of obedience.
After Slade was baptized and had come up out of the water, the look on his face was something she’d never forget. Then he exited the font and sat to the side and watched as Rossen took her own hand to help her down into the font. When he baptized her, the Spirit that filled her heart was the sweetest peace she’d ever known.
It was such a simple thing, so quickly done, but of such lasting importance. She’d never felt so grateful, or so humbly willing to do as her Father in Heaven asked. A few minutes later, as Naomi was helping her change out of her wet clothing and do her hair, her heart was filled with wonder at what had just taken place.
They quickly dressed and went back in to be confirmed. They’d been studying baptism and she’d come to more fully understand what a blessing this gift of the Holy Ghost would be. As honorable priesthood holders placed their hands on their heads in turn, she marveled at the great love God had for his children.
While Rossen was home, he and Slade started roping together again. Slade went easy in the beginning and at first was sore, but within just a few days he was encouraged enough about how much stronger he was feeling to commit to getting back on the road in time to still make it to the NFR. While Slade had been out, their rankings had dropped from 4th in the world to 9th and 13th in roping, and 11th in all-around. Still, they felt they had a realistic chance to pick it back up and compete.
The night they decided Slade truly was going to rodeo again was a momentous night, but Isabel had mixed feelings. She had missed Rossen and the rodeo life they’d been living, and she dearly wanted Slade to feel healthy and whole again, but the thought of another bull scared her more than she could even admit. The only thing stronger than her fear was her need for Slade to feel strong and successful.
Two nights later, Hank and Ruby were out and she and Slade had been watching a movie together with Rossen and Joey and some of her friends. As the movie ended, Joey and her friends got up to leave and Rossen went upstairs with them to see them out. As the credits started to roll, Slade tugged Isabel to her feet, and there in the soft light of the theater room, took her in his arms to gently sway to the theme song of the movie. They slow danced close through three songs until the movie quietly shut itself off. The only sounds left were the fan cooling the projector and their hearts beating steadily against one another.
Their feet slowed and time stood still as he kissed her there in the dark. Slowly and gently at first, his warm, firm mouth teased her senses until his kiss slowly made her forget everything. Her hands moved over the muscles of his back, pulling him closer and his fingers tangled in her hair. Tugging it back, his lips left her mouth to kiss the hollow at the base of her ear and trail kisses down to her shoulder.
Rossen, whistling as he came back down the stairs and went into his room, brought them back to the present.
With a groan Slade raised his head, holding her to him almost painfully close, and whispered, “Isabel, I need you.” His breathing was ragged as he rested his chin on her shining hair. “I need to ask you to marry me, but I’m afraid you’ll say no because of Judd.” He pulled a hand through his hair, and pushed the dimmer switch beside them until there was enough light to look into her eyes. “I love you, Isabel. I need you in my life forever. I could no more be without you than I could live without oxygen. With you here, my life has meaning and hope, but without you there’s nothing. Is there any way we can at least make plans to move on?” His eyes were searching hers, and she had no doubt he could see the passion she was feeling. His lips touched her forehead and he whispered, “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done to kiss you goodnight at your room and go into mine alone.” He sighed against her skin into the silence of the room.
After a minute he continued, “I know you think you’re protecting me, but that only proves that I need you more than you know. We’ll continue to be careful of Judd. We’ll go away if we need to. Hire bodyguards. Whatever. Just, let’s move on. Not getting married isn’t doing anything but frustrating us. It’s not like anything he does is going to change how we feel. Nothing could ever make me choose to be without you. You know that by now, don’t you?”
She looked into his sparking green eyes and could see clear to his soul. Softly, she said, “Yes, I know that. And since you're the wisest man I know and I can’t bear the thought of being without you. Ask.” She hid her face on his chest.
He put his hand under her chin, and tipped her face up to his. “Isabel, will you marry me?”
She searched his eyes and knew she could see forever when he looked at her like that. Without hesitating, she answered, “Yes, I would be honored.”
Several minutes later when he raised his head, she asked, “Can I ask a couple of favors?”
His voice was husky as he answered between kisses to her neck again, “Anything in my power.”
“Can I officially change my name to Isabel?”
He still held her close and said, “Absolutely. And the second?”
She had to push him away from nuzzling her ear so she could remember what she was asking. “Can we get back out on the road soon so we can get you to the National Finals?” His look was questioning as he searched her eyes and she explained, “I love you, Slade. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy and feel successful. Don’t you know that by now?”
****
The next
day they drove into Evanston to pick out rings. He wanted a chunky diamond solitaire, but she insisted on a simple wide gold band. The diamond was beautiful, but she said the band was what she really wanted. She said it was solid and steady and unpretentious, just like their friendship, and would be much easier to wear with her lifestyle. They decided she’d wear it immediately as an engagement ring, and as he slipped it on her finger with a lingering kiss, he had never imagined his heart could be so full. He smiled at her as she laughed and cried at the same time as they walked back to the truck hand in hand.
He kissed her tears away as he helped her up onto the seat. He’d never even wanted to date another girl a second time, and had all but given up hope that he would someday fall deeply in love. Years ago he’d decided that soul mates along the lines of Rob and Naomi only happened once a century and he wasn’t meant to find his. Now, as happy as he could ever imagine being, he recognized that in giving up hope, he had lost faith that his Heavenly Father truly had a plan for him. As he slid behind the wheel, and leaned to kiss her again, he realized he was looking forward to discovering the rest of the plan with a passion for his life that was almost overwhelming.
She finally got the intimate lunch date and the matching dress and shoes that she’d planned for weeks ago when they had come into Evanston the first time. He’d been right about finding the matching shoes, so she went with a slim fitting, little black dress and as she came out of the dressing room and twirled for him, he found it hard to breathe for a moment. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined finding a girl like this. She was beautiful and sweet, smart and funny, and he loved her incredible talent for smoothing the wrinkles out of his life. Nothing was a hassle with her. She took things in stride with a calm confidence that made everyone and everything around her more comfortable. To him it was a priceless gift.
Peace River (Rockland Ranch Series) Page 19