Her Unforgettable Cowboy

by Debra Clopton

  Jolie’s nerves had calmed down a bit and she found Wes’s words compelling. “Why do you say that?”

  “Well, you can study a bull, know its habits and in some manner, predict his moves. A river, like the one you were on...” He hiked a shoulder, his brows crinkling skeptically. “You have no way of knowing what’s beneath the surface. If that log hadn’t come downstream from somewhere and lodged in that spot, then you’d have done your roll, come out of the water and finished that run. No preparation could have saved you from that log being there.”

  Jolie knew his words were true to some extent. Her training was similar to a bull rider preparing for the arena. However, there was always the element of surprise.

  “I think that’s the way it is in life, too. We have to prepare and then give it to the Lord. That’s what I did. I’m going to get over this and move forward, with God’s help. And the time I’m spending here with you good-looking cowboys is helping me do that.”

  That won her some grins. Looking around at the group—at “her boys,” as she’d begun to think of them—a lump formed in her throat and she ached with love of them. They were helping fill a spot that desperately needed filling in her soul.

  “We like you being here,” Sammy said, slipping his arm around her waist. “I’m glad you didn’t die in that water.”

  She gave him a reassuring smile. “Me, too, because I’d have missed being here with you.”

  Sammy’s expression was so full of hope that it stunned her. This child needed her.

  The thought cut deep through Jolie. No one had ever needed her. Not like this. Yes, her team members needed her for her skills, and the points she could bring them. But the way Sammy needed her was different. He needed her for security, for support...for the love she could give him.

  Thank You, God, for bringing me here.

  She closed her eyes momentarily, the prayer filling her soul. Looking about the group, she realized that there were others who needed her, too.

  Excitement surged through Jolie. She needed to talk to Morgan—to tell him what she was feeling. To share this new emotion with someone she cared for.

  With the man she loved.

  * * *

  Morgan leaned back from his desk, weary from reading all the legalese that came with running the ranch. Taking in sixteen wards of the state did not come without an overabundance of paperwork. Keeping the ship running required staying on top of the forms that needed to be filled out. He’d taken on that part of the business when he’d signed on as partner with his dad.

  Rubbing his eyes, Morgan was actually glad to have the office to hole up in for now. With Jolie being everywhere he was, it was hard to keep his head straight. Hard to keep his distance. Hard to stop thinking about kissing her.

  That had been a gargantuan mistake on his part. Then, after the fiasco in the kitchen with the “spectators” watching their every move, he’d felt like even more of a fool than he had when he’d kissed her.

  A man had to have a backbone.

  Especially with an audience watching.

  A knock on his door had him looking at the clock on the wall—nine-thirty. It had gotten late. “Come in,” he called, expecting to see his dad, his brother or just about anyone other than Jolie.

  So much for hiding out.

  “Hi,” she said, moving just inside the door. “Do you have a minute?”

  Nope, all out of minutes. “Sure. I was just doing paperwork.”

  She glanced around his office, taking a few more steps into the room. “I like your space. It’s you.”

  The walls had heavy, rich paneling. He had a cowhide rug on the floor, and Western art on the walls as well as pictures of boys with their animals at the county fair. Some of them holding championship banners and some were not. The projects weren’t about the winning—they were about the experience of seeing something through. While Jolie’s gaze had taken in the entirety of his office, it was the pictures of the kids that she had focused on.

  “Thanks. I enjoy looking at those photos and seeing on their faces the satisfaction of a job well done.”

  Smiling, she perched on the edge of the leather chair across the desk from him. She wore jeans and a pale yellow blouse that caused her cinnamon hair to look darker and her emerald eyes to glow like jewels. They seemed less weary today, more alive. He hoped she was sleeping better.

  He realized he was going to have to find some strength to handle being alone with her, or risk losing his pride.

  “I thought we needed to talk. About several things. For starters, I need to apologize for falling to pieces down by the river. I—” She shook her head and closed her eyes briefly, drawing his attention to her long lashes against the warm golden skin of her cheeks. His gut clenched, remembering the soft feel of her skin.

  “I’m not used to being so emotional. I’m sorry you had to pick up the pieces afterward.”

  “I should have kept my mouth shut and let you deal with your problem in your own time.”

  “No,” she said. “I mean, you did the right thing making me try and face up to my fears. I’m glad I at least took a step toward the problem. Even though I ran away.”

  He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry I kissed you when you were...in a rough spot.”

  It’s out there where it needs to be. Now move past it.

  “About that. I’m sorry I threw myself at you.”

  That took him by surprise. The woman had been in a world of hurt. “I didn’t see you do anything except need a little support. I was glad to give it.”

  Their gazes held as relief came over her face.

  “Okay, then, we’ll mark it up as ‘I’m not sure what that was’ and move on. Deal?” Her smile was warm.

  “Deal.”

  “So, we need to discuss the boys.”

  The boys? “What’s up?” he asked, trying to recover from the effect her smile had on him.

  “The boys have been looking at videos of me competing. They finally came across the accident.”

  He should have known this would eventually happen. “What was their reaction?”

  “Of course it scared some of them—all of them, actually. They wanted to know how I’m doing. I told them the truth—that I was having trouble. And they all understood. I told them I was trying to get my nerve back, that I’d come here to do that. Morgan, they were so sweet. I have to tell you that they’ve touched me deeper than I ever dreamed they could.”

  “They have a way of doing that.” He took in his office for a moment. “That’s why I’m here.”

  “I told them with God’s help, I’d get back out there. I just wanted to tell you, and to thank you for trying to get me out there. I was a little miffed at you for pushing me. Maybe that was one of the reasons I got so...intense. I mean, when you’re angry, it ups your emotions, so that could explain my anxiety.”

  “Were you mad at me the day you passed out?”

  She frowned at him. “Okay, so maybe I’m just overly sensitive to the thought of getting in the water.”

  “That’d be my thought on the subject.”

  “Time will help. Anyway, I wanted to come and tell you what it means to me to be sharing time with the boys. Thanks for letting me be here.”

  What was he supposed to say to that? She was still leaving eventually, and they were still going to suffer because they’d all bonded to her. What did she expect that was going to do to them? “You’re welcome.” It was all he had.

  Awkward silence filled the space between them. “Okay, then, I guess that’s all I came to say.” She stood to leave.

  Say something.

  Everything knotted in the pit of his stomach.

  She headed toward the door. At last, impulse drove him out of his chair, skirting the desk in three strides. “Jolie—”r />
  She’d spun at the same moment. “Yes?”

  They stared at each other. Here they were again.

  “I’m glad you came by. I’ve been swamped with paperwork that needs to be filed this week. So I’ve kind of been scarce.”

  She chuckled. “Well, that’s a relief. I thought you’d been avoiding me.”

  “That, too,” he admitted and smiled, loving her laugh. “Is there something else on your mind?”

  “I’m thinking Sammy is better. We had a long talk today. That video gave me the opportunity to talk to all the boys, especially to Sammy, about how God is with us even in the bad times.”

  “Thank you for talking with him. Time will make everything better. Time and love.”

  Jolie’s eyes brimmed with unshed tears. “Well, that is one thing the boys get here, that’s for certain. Y’all are doing a great thing here, Morgan, and I’m proud to be a part of it. I’ve never been needed like I feel I am here. Today it hit me that I’m actually making a difference.”

  She got it. That dug deep into Morgan’s soul. “Pretty cool feeling, isn’t it?”

  “It is. Well, I guess I better go and let you get back to work. Good night, Morgan.”

  “Good night, Jolie,” he said. She was already heading out the door. He watched her cross the waiting area and push the door open. She didn’t look back as she closed it behind her. The click of that door cracked like a gunshot in his head.

  Jolie was falling for the boys and the boys had fallen for her. Raking his hand through his ruffled hair, he realized it was trembling.

  So much for holding it together.

  * * *

  Jolie drove through the gate, headed toward her temporary home, her mind spinning in so many directions she wasn’t sure what to think about first.

  Morgan had looked tired but heartbreakingly handsome as always. She’d wanted to ask him more about his day, ask him how he’d been doing since he’d kissed her. Maybe kiss him again...

  Nope, she was definitely not going to think about that. Pushing her hair out of her face, she was glad the top was rolled back on her Jeep—she needed as much fresh air clearing out her muddled brain as possible.

  Her mind shifted to Sammy. She wanted to do more to make Sammy feel comfortable on the ranch; something that was special, and would involve the other boys, as well—something to give them all a sense of ownership in this ranch that was their home. What could it be?

  She would seek the advice of Ms. Jo and Mabel. Nana, too.

  Maybe she’d just ask the boys if they had any ideas about something they could do. Like maybe a festival. Maybe a reunion? Something they could enjoy...something that would keep them—and her—busy.

  Something fun. Something different.

  Something they could call their own.

  Something that would let Morgan know she was serious about being here at Sunrise...serious about working with him.

  Chapter Fifteen

  When Jolie asked the boys the next day at school what kind of event they’d like to hold at the ranch, they took hardly a second to think about it. In fact, she was so startled by their quick response that she wasn’t sure they’d understood what she was asking. But they had, and their answer was clear as day: they wanted to have a fishing tournament on the big lake.

  “Wow, that was the quickest consensus I’ve ever seen among you fellas! Have y’all had fishing tournaments before?”

  “Us older guys have.” Wes grinned. “But it’s been a while.”

  “We hear them talking about how fun it was all the time,” Caleb interjected. “And Mr. Macintosh—you know Mr. Macintosh and Mr. Crump? Well, they have done some funny stuff.”

  “Yes, I know Mr. Macintosh and Mr. Crump. And I’m sure they do have some stories to tell,” Jolie said, smiling as she thought of the town pot stirrers.

  So it was decided that they were going to put on a fishing tournament and invite the town of Dew Drop to participate. The boys figured they’d charge a small fee and donate the money to the church’s youth fund. Jolie thought this was an excellent idea—she was proud of the boys for wanting to donate to a good cause.

  “What about you around the water?” Sammy asked.

  She told him that they’d picked a good event, and it would be one more step toward getting her in the water. She didn’t add that it wasn’t the calm waters of the lake that shot her blood pressure sky-high—it was the raging sound of rapids.

  By the end of the day Jolie had a plan and was pleased with how excited the boys were about the fishing tournament. They were even saying they could start having it every year. She liked that—loved it, in fact. It was exactly what she’d been after—an idea of their own that would tie them to the ranch in a special way.

  Now she just had to run it by Morgan, but she was sure he would be all for it.

  “Are you going to come work cattle with us?” Joseph asked, as they were all exiting the building. To her surprise, instead of racing off and claiming freedom, they lingered.

  “I hadn’t thought about it,” she said. “I really need to see Morgan.”

  “Oh, then it’s your lucky day—he’s gonna be with us,” Joseph drawled in his best Morgan imitation. “Come on. We’re gonna vaccinate and tag ’em, and brand some, too.”

  Sammy grabbed her arm. “Come on with us. Please.”

  Jolie could do nothing other than agree when the boys took her arms and pulled her along to the barn. Saddling up her horse, she listened to the excited chatter filling the stables as all her boys saddled up, too. Jeans were a staple on the ranch and she wore them to work most days, so at least she was prepared for this spontaneous change of plans. Slipping her foot into the stirrup she boosted herself into the saddle. It creaked beneath her weight as she settled into it, and joy settled into her.

  She was glad the boys had insisted she come.

  Riding out of the barn with the guys, Sammy came up beside her on Cupcake, his control better than it had been. “Goodness, you’re looking like a regular old grizzly cowpoke. Awesome job, little man.”

  He grinned proudly. “I don’t even need any help anymore. Joseph or Wes or Mr. Pepper have to cinch the saddle up for me usually, but I got under there myself today.”

  Sammy’s pride in his accomplishment put a smile on her face that was so big it nearly hurt. “You’re a regular cowboy now, Sammy.”

  “I know, and who woulda thought it? I mean, I never even saw a horse except in pictures before I came here. And now I’m a cowboy.”

  Jolie laughed. The sun was bright in the indigo sky as it beat down on them. As beautiful as it was, it couldn’t begin to compare to the joy that filled her watching Sammy snap his bootheels against his horse’s belly, urging it into a trot to meet Wes and Joseph at the head of the gang.

  Thank You.

  The prayer of thanks eased out of her. And as she rode out with the boys, looking like a posse from an old Western, she conversed with the Lord all the way, thanking Him for the blessings in her life, for the renewing of her spirit, which she hadn’t even realized needed renewing, and for the way He took bad situations and made them good.

  One of God’s many promises whispered through her mind. I will never leave you or forsake you. It was true.

  By the time they made it to the corral where the cowboys were working a huge herd of cattle, she’d finished praying and moved on to a loud, excited conversation with the boys about all their plans for the fishing tournament.

  Life was good.

  The instant the men came into view, Morgan—unmistakable in the way he sat in his saddle, so erect and proud—broke from the herd and loped in their direction. His straw Stetson tugged low over his penetrating eyes, his face covered in a sheen of perspiration and dust, he looked rugged and powerful. He set Jolie’s pulse
galloping as he took his hat off, smiled a welcome at the boys and rode straight to her.

  “This is a nice surprise.” A gorgeous smile cut across his tanned face—a smile just for her, cutting deep into her heart.

  “The boys hijacked me and wouldn’t take no for an answer.” She grinned back at him. Mercy, mercy, mercy, she was going to have to hug each and every one of them for it, too.

  Life, Jolie realized as Morgan spun his horse and took up beside her, still grinning, wasn’t just good—it didn’t get any better.

  * * *

  It was a scorcher of a day, although September was racing by faster than a wild mustang charging for open pastures. Morgan knew it would start cooling down over the next few weeks, but for now, summer was stretching out and taking everything it could get.

  Jolie didn’t seem to mind the heat as she worked right alongside the boys and men. She’d been branding and tagging with Sammy, encouraging him the whole time. Watching her made his chest feel tight.

  She looked up from where she had a knee on a calf, holding it so Sammy could brand it.

  The faster summer went by, the sooner she’d be gone.

  The sooner he’d be safe.

  The sooner he’d miss her again.

  The caustic scent of burning hair signaled that Sammy had been successful.

  “Great job!” Jolie exclaimed the instant Sammy had done the deed and she let the calf up to jog away. Sammy had been worried about hurting the calf, and Jolie had explained that God had made cattle’s hides thick for a reason. After that, the boy had had no problem wanting to learn the age-old trade of cattle country. Now, he was grinning from ear to ear.

  “I did it!” he yelped, giving Jolie a high five. “You’re one good cowgirl, Jolie. Let’s get another one.”

  “Send out the signal and Wes will cut one from the group for us.”

  Sammy whipped off his hat and whooped and Wes nodded his way, lifted his rope and sent a loop flying through the air. He and Joseph were bringing in the calves while the younger boys helped the ranch hands minister brands and vaccines, ear tags and whatever else the calf needed. Jolie had jumped right in there, not minding the grime that went with the job.