by Verna Clay
Sage glanced at Sarah and she nodded and then he said, "That'd be great." He pulled out a chair for his wife next to Monica.
*
Monica heaved an inward sigh when Sage and Sarah joined her and Dirk. When she'd seen their familiar faces walking toward them in a sea of unfamiliar ones, she'd hoped they would join them. She felt like a guppy in the midst of koi fish. Everyone except her knew the moves, the lingo, and felt comfortable in their clothing. She felt ridiculous. Put her in Calvin Klein and spike heels and she could go toe-to-toe with the most glamorous women in New York. But here, she felt like the gauche, overweight, homely child she had once been; the child even her own mother didn't want. Sudden remembrances threatened the walls she'd erected to keep memories buried, and she forced her attention to what Sage was saying to Dirk.
"I've got a colt that's having trouble. Seems weak and nothing I do helps. I had the new vet, Roberto Torres, check him out and he couldn't find anything physically wrong. He said I might need a horse whisperer. Do you think you could swing by and check the foal out?"
Suddenly, Monica's attention was completely diverted from her own pity party to what Sage was saying. What is a horse whisperer?
Sarah must have seen her questioning look because she leaned over and said, "Do you know anything about horse whisperers?"
While Sage and Dirk continued their conversation, Monica lowered her voice and responded, "No. But I think there was a movie with that title and maybe a television program about a dog whisperer."
Sarah said, "Whisperers are people who can communicate with animals. Get to the root of what's happening with them."
Monica's eyes widened. "No kidding?"
Sarah chuckled, "No kidding."
"And Dirk can talk to horses."
"Yep. Not only is he legendary around here for bull riding, but also horse whispering. He's helped a lot of the ranchers over the years."
Sarah and Monica had turned their bodies so they could talk without bothering the men, but Sage interrupted, "Sarah, honey, I think they're playing our song."
Sarah's eyes lit and she said, "I love this Charlie Rich tune."
Sage held his hand out to her. "May I have this dance with my favorite gal?"
Sarah accepted his hand and as they made their way to the dance floor, the singer crooned, "And when we get behind closed doors…"
Monica watched Sage and Sarah, a couple most people would consider unlikely lovers—but to those who knew them, the most likely—meld into one on the dance floor. She almost sighed audibly.
Dirk lifted his beer, sipped, and said, "If I wasn't wearing this damn cast, I'd ask you to dance. However…" he nodded toward an approaching cowboy, "I think you're about to be asked by Grady Granger. He's a nice guy. Not like Jerry Joe."
Monica almost laughed aloud. What's with these cowboys' names? Her mirth was replaced by nervousness when Dirk's words sank in. She was about to be asked to dance.
The cowboy reached their table. He was absent his hat and his hair was creased where the band had been. He was short and powerfully built, but his voice wasn't as deep as his appearance would suggest. It fact, it was high and almost feminine. He said, "Howdy, Dirk; ma'am." He shifted nervously. "Uh, ma'am, would you like to dance?"
Monica had been set to refuse, but something about the man's uncertainty and nervousness touched her heart, and she suddenly had a flashback of garnering enough courage to ask a boy to dance at a sock hop when she was twelve. He'd refused and she'd been devastated. To this day, it hurt to think about it. Her voice seemed to speak of its own accord. "If you don't mind the fact that I've never done any country western dancing, I'd be pleased to dance with you."
The cowboy grinned so big his face appeared split in half. "No, ma'am. I don't mind at all."
*
Surprised, Dirk watched Monica follow Grady to the dance floor. Her acceptance of a dance offer, after what had happened with Jerry Joe, shocked him. As Grady slipped his arms around curvy Monica, he felt slightly green with envy, and when Grady pulled her close, a lot greener.
Sally paused at his table. "So, that's the new help, huh. Pretty girl. Seems nice enough. By the way Jerry Joe was talkin', she's the bitch from hell."
Dirk shot Sally a stare. "That guy's a real asshole. As soon as I'm out of this cast, maybe I need to beat the crap out of him."
Sally laughed, winked, and said, "You just told me what I wanted to know. Jerry Joe didn't say anything. I heard about the altercation and used it to feel you out. So…you like her? It's about time." Softly, she said, "Bonnie's been dead for three years, it's okay to love again."
Sally's nosiness irritated Dirk and he retorted, "Now that we've got my love life figured out, what about you? Are you ever gonna move on beyond Howard. When's the last time he visited? Six months; a year ago?"
Sally, unperturbed, responded, "Seven months, six days, and…" She glanced at her watch, "two hours ago."
Dirk narrowed his eyes and then busted out laughing. "Maybe you and I should get together. Do you think I could make you forget Howard?"
Sally placed a finger to her temple and appeared to be considering his offer. Finally, tapping her forehead, she said, "Nope. It's Howie or no one for me."
Dirk laughed and watched her move toward another table. He glanced back at Monica and Grady. The band had started another song and it appeared Grady didn't have any intention of returning her to her table. She laughed at something he said, throwing her head back, and Dirk's gaze traveled the line of her graceful neck and followed it past her perfect breasts, slightly rounded stomach, and long legs to her cowboy boots. He wondered if she'd had any surgeries to create such a luscious package. Before he could talk himself out of it, he was on his feet and, using one crutch, making his way to the dance floor. When he reached Grady, he tapped his shoulder and said, "I'm cutting in, Grady."
Although Grady gave him a sour look, he did not argue. The husky cowboy nodded at Monica and said, "Thanks for the dance, Monica."
She smiled and then looked a little confused when Dirk reached one arm around her and adjusted his crutch under his other one. "Should you be dancing?"
He chuckled, "I don't call this dancing. I call this shuffling one foot."
Monica didn't respond and he pulled her a tiny bit closer, inhaling her woman's fragrance.
Chapter 16: Whispers
Monica slipped the kitchen drawer open and quickly grabbed a Jalapeño ChocoDrop. After savoring the rich texture, she sighed and swallowed. Perfect. Not spicy. Just Zippy. She laughed at her own creativity. Zippy?
Humming the tune from the night before she tried to remember the words, "Hmm…hmm…and when we get behind closed doors…then she let’s her hair hang down…hmm...hmm." She got stuck on the next line.
Dirk sang from the doorway. "And she makes me glad that I'm a man. Oh, no-one knows what goes on behind closed doors." Monica whirled around. He had a beautiful voice. A look passed between them that she didn't want to examine and she quickly resumed washing dishes. She heard a chair scrape.
Willing her pounding heart to stop pounding, she asked, "Would you like a refill on your coffee?" This was so not what she wanted.
"Yes. Thanks."
Wiping her hands on her apron she walked to the table with the coffee carafe and grimaced. I can't believe I'm wearing an apron.
After refilling Dirk's cup and setting the carafe back in place, she started toward the sink, but he patted the table across from him. "Grab your tea and have a seat."
Trying to sound nonchalant, she replied, "Okay." This is awkward. I never should have gone to Boot Bustin' Barn. I should have kept everything strictly business.
Dirk said, "Did you have fun last night?"
"I did."
There was a long silence while they both sipped from their cups.
He said, "I talked to Tessa and she's staying another night with Shauna."
Monica traced her index finger around the lip of her cup.
Dirk as
ked, "Since it's Saturday and your day off, what are your plans for the day?"
She stopped the motion of her finger. "I was thinking about starting Miles' latest book." I wonder if he knows Miles' and I were once lovers.
He lifted his cup and said before sipping, "I'm going to the Lazy M today to check out Sage and Sarah's foal. Would you like to come along?"
"Are you going to do your horse whispering thing?" Did that sound rude?
He smiled, showing off the dimple that was now a crease—a very attractive crease. "I am."
Although Monica's head told her to keep her distance for her remaining month in Paxtonville, her natural curiosity slammed the door on that directive. "Yes. I'd like to go."
Dirk grinned and the crease deepened.
God, it's amazing how sexy a facial groove can be on a man, yet unattractive on a woman.
He said, "Can you be ready in half an hour?"
"I'll meet you at the front door."
Forty minutes later, Dirk pulled his awesome truck past his gate and onto the highway. For the fifteen minutes it took to arrive at the Tanners' gate, they made small talk and discussed his plans after he got his cast off.
Curious, Monica asked, "How soon until you're back on the rodeo circuit?"
"Probably six to eight weeks after the cast is history."
"Will Tessa go with you?"
"No. She's stays with Shauna's family. That's been our arrangement since her mother died. They're good people and I trust them with her care." He paused. "I'm only riding another year or two and then retiring. I'm getting a little old for bull riding."
Without thinking, Monica asked, "What will you do then?" She hastened to add, "I'm sorry, that sounds nosey. You don't have to answer."
Dirk said seriously, "I don't mind answering. I'm going to get my horse ranch started and also offer my services as a whisperer. The reason I'm staying with the rodeo another year or two is because I have endorsement contracts to fulfill—clothing and saddlery companies—and I'd like to pick up a few more before I retire that don't require me to be active in the sport. Endorsements pay well, which will help in getting my ranch going."
They reached the open gate of the Lazy M Ranch and Dirk turned off the highway and into the drive. For most of the ride to the ranch they were silent until Monica said softly, "I wish you much success. And…" she groped for the right words.
Dirk glanced her way. "And…" he prompted.
"And I want to thank you for hiring me. I'm not the easiest person to get along with and you and Tessa have been…" She swallowed the lump in her throat. "You've both been accepting and very kind."
Dirk guided the truck around a bend and said softly, "The thanks go both ways, Monica."
Monica glanced ahead and gasped. "What a beautiful ranch! Newt wasn't kidding when he said it's the finest in ten counties."
Dirk chuckled. "That old cowboy has worked here since before I was born. He started with Sage's father and he's as much a fixture as the mountains." Dirk's chuckle turned into a laugh. "Did you know he married for the first time only about seven years ago?"
Monica moved her gaze from the fabulous ranch house, two barns, dorm like buildings, corrals with horses, pastures with cows, a myriad of smaller buildings, and a backdrop of snow capped mountain peaks, back to Dirk. "I didn't know that. I mean, I knew he was married to Ann Jackson's grandmother because I was introduced to her at the coffee shop, but I figured they'd been married for years and years. She's very sweet."
"Yes. And the wildest granny you'll ever meet."
"Wild?"
"Oh, yeah. She's also the reigning bingo queen in Las Vegas. They go every year to the championships. They've traveled the world with the vacations and money she's won."
Monica lifted her hand to her mouth and giggled when Dirk pulled to the porch. She didn't have time to respond because the front door was thrown open by one of the Tanner twins, followed by his brother.
Dirk said, "That's Toby."
"How can you tell them apart?"
"After you get to know them, you can see the difference in their expressions. Toby is like a bull in a china shop. He says his mind and reacts to situations sometimes before he thinks. Preston is the opposite. He considers his options and takes his time in making decisions."
Dirk opened his door and Toby stuck his head inside. "Howdy, Mr. Branigan. Howdy, Miz Newport."
Dirk ruffled his hair, "Mornin', boys. Is your dad in the barn?"
"Yeah, he's with the foal. He said to take you there when you got here. Mom had to go to town and she took Hanna with her."
Preston had walked around the truck and now opened Monica's door. She said, "Thank you, Preston."
The boy turned red and asked, "Where's Tessa?"
Monica considered his blush and wondered if it was because she'd thanked him for opening her door or because he'd asked about Tessa. She hid her smile because she thought it might be the latter.
Monica and Dirk followed the boys to the barn and then down the center aisle, past stalls with beautiful horses munching on hay or grain, until they reached a stall near the back. She could see Sage over the partition stroking a lovely, chestnut mare. He crooned words she couldn't understand, and when he heard their approach he glanced up and smiled. Dirk reached the stall and said, "Mornin', Sage."
Sage tipped the brim of his hat and grinned. "Hello Monica, Dirk." He shifted his gaze to his sons. "Boys, go find Beaner and tell him to put you to work. After you finish working for him, check back with me to see if I have chores for you."
"Okay, Dad." Preston took off running.
Toby said, "Do you think me and Preston can go to the movies later?"
Sage smiled. "Is there anything special you're wantin' to see? Like maybe that new Batman movie?"
Toby grinned wide. "Yeah, Dad."
"Well, I just might have tickets for tonight."
Toby whooped and Sage said, "Shh, son. Don't startle the horses."
Toby looked contrite. "Sorry, Dad. I can't wait to tell Preston." He started to leave, turned back around, and said, "Bye, Miz Newport and Mr. Branigan." Then he took off running after his brother.
Dirk said, "Hey, I didn't know the movie was out. Tessa's been looking forward to it, too."
Sage said, "Well, why don't ya'll join us tonight? Sarah and Hannah are also going. It'll be fun."
Dirk glanced at Monica, "Are you up for a movie?"
Monica's heart started racing and she felt tongue-tied, something that rarely happened to her. This almost sounded like another date. "Ah, sure."
Dirk asked Sage, "Do you mind if I bring Tessa's friend, Shauna, since they're having a sleepover?"
"Not at all."
"Great." He shifted his attention to the mare. "So tell me the latest on the colt and mare. Have you named him yet?"
Monica stepped to the wooden slats and glanced at the floor of the stall and her heart melted when she saw the tiny horse.
Sage said, "His name is Lion Heart. The mare's name is Ginger. I purchased her about a year ago at auction. I don't think she's suffered abuse, but maybe some rough handling. She gets kind of skittish at times, although I haven't figured out the cause. Come on in."
Monica watched Dirk unlatch the gate and slip just inside the stall and stop. The mare moved away from Sage and closer to her foal in a protective gesture. Dirk started speaking softly, not moving any closer, and after a couple of minutes she seemed to relax. He reached into his pocket and retrieved a treat before slowly approaching with his hand extended. He spoke low and deep and his voice mesmerized Monica. "Hello sweetheart. You sure are a beauty. I'd love to get to know you. Are you going to let me stroke you?"
Ginger accepted the treat from his hand.
Amazed, Monica watched Dirk bend over and gently blow into the mare's nose. The horse appeared to enjoy it. He continued in his resonant voice, "Are you going to let me touch your baby?" Next, he placed his finger in a corner of the mare's mouth and seemed to be stroking
her tongue. Ginger started working her mouth.
Sage had moved to stand near Monica, but he was still inside the stall. He said softly, "He's breaking down her defenses."
Dirk rubbed one hand down the groove in the center of Ginger's muzzle and moved his other to stroke her neck and shoulder. For a long time he repeated all of his previous actions and when she whinnied, he said, "Do I have permission to touch your baby?"
For several minutes, he continued crooning and stroking and when Ginger nuzzled his chest, he smiled. "Thank you, darlin'."
With widened eyes, Monica watched him squat beside the foal while the mare actually stepped backwards, as if giving him permission to continue. Dirk gently ran his hands over the baby, as he had the mother, and spoke hypnotizing words. "Hello, Lion Heart. I hear you're having a rough start in life. But with a name like Lion Heart, you're going to get through this just fine. Together we can figure out what's going on."
A distracting noise from the barn's entrance interrupted the peaceful atmosphere and Sage said barely above a whisper, "I'll take care of that." Quietly, he opened the stall and slipped out of the enclosure. With a scowl showing his displeasure, he walked purposefully toward the front of the barn.
Dirk continued stroking the baby and soon the peacefulness returned. He glanced up. "Monica, open the gate and come inside."
Monica's jaw dropped and she was about to shake her head no, when he repeated, "Come inside. It's okay. But as soon as you get beyond the gate, close it and wait for me to tell you to come forward."
Part of Monica wanted to refuse, but another part desperately wanted to participate in whatever was happening. With only the slightest hesitation, she did as Dirk instructed.
He studied the mare from his squatting position and asked, "Can my friend touch your baby?" Amazingly, the horse stepped further aside. Dirk said, "Monica, come and kneel beside me."
Slowly, Monica stepped forward and dropped to her knees. Dirk's face was so close she could feel his breath. He said, "Put your hands on top of mine." Obediently, she placed her small hands over the top of his big ones. After a second, he reversed the position of their hands, covering hers. He whispered in her ear, "Besides the physical body of the foal, what do you feel? What does your gut tell you is happening with Lion Heart? Take your time." Dirk's hands, still over hers, moved them along the body of the baby while his voice continued speaking comforting, enchanting words.