“Oh sweetheart. I’m so sorry.” Daddy’s shoulders slumped. “It seemed better if we didn’t talk about it.”
“Did he die?”
Daddy winced. “No, but I saw Dayle’s reaction. She told me everything.”
Rayna’s insides twisted in a tight knot. “Told you what?”
He closed his eyes.
A sigh escaped him as he massaged the back of his neck. “I should have told you years ago.”
❧
Rayna blinked bleary eyes and stretched. A night-light lit her old bedroom. What was she doing here?
It all came back. Daddy had insisted she stay the night. So she could come to terms with stumbling upon the skeleton in her family closet. And in knowing what haunted her, everything made sense.
The digital clock cast a green glow: 3:11 a.m.
She sensed a presence in the room and squinted toward the rocking chair in the corner. A figure sat there, still, silent. She reached for the lamp. “Daddy?”
Light chased darkness from the room. A wide-eyed woman sat in the chair.
Rayna gasped.
A woman she’d dreamed of, a woman she’d remembered vividly at the rodeo.
“You?”
“I—I thought you’d sleep through the night.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
“Rayna?” Daddy stepped in the doorway.
Rayna pointed an accusing finger at her mother. “Why is she here?”
Daddy’s eyes widened. “Dayle, I thought you left.”
“I just wanted to—”
“She’s much too upset. Dayle, please go home.”
Rayna flung the covers back, glad she’d gone to bed fully clothed. “She can stay. I’m leaving.”
“Rayna, please.” Daddy blocked her exit.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I wasn’t sure how.”
“Telling me would have been better than me waking up to her lurking in the corner.” She tried to get past him.
“I don’t think you’re in any shape to drive, and you don’t have your car.”
Rayna hissed out a sigh. “Then I’ll walk.”
“No.” He gently gripped her shoulders. “We’ll get out of your hair and I’ll call Adam to drive you home.”
Daddy ushered her mother out the door.
Her mother who’d abandoned her at three.
Rayna sank onto the bed and covered her face with her hands.
❧
Rayna plodded to the kitchen. Maybe caffeine would help settle her fidgets. Thank goodness it was Saturday. At least, after a sleepless night, she didn’t have to worry about work.
A man stood at her sink.
Stumbling back, she screamed.
Adam whirled around. “It’s me.”
Clutching a hand to her heart, she squeaked, “What are you doing here?”
“I slept on the couch. Didn’t think you should be alone. Want to talk?”
Rayna pressed her fingers to trembling lips.
Adam’s arms came around her. “It’s okay. Maybe later.”
“I guess I know why you didn’t like Clay at first.”
“I was wrong about him. He’s nothing like Lefty Shelton.” Adam spat the name as if it left a bitter aftertaste.
Shock waves coursed through her. “Did you know—did you know she was in town?”
“No. Not until Dad called me to come get you.”
“Why is she back? Why now?”
“I don’t know.” Adam shook his head. “But it doesn’t matter. We don’t need her. We never have.”
❧
Clay shifted his weight from one foot to the other then rang the bell. Minutes passed, floorboards creaked, and her father opened the door. He looked tired. More lines in his face than the night before. He frowned then stepped outside. “Yes?”
“I’d like to see Rayna.”
“Adam drove her home last night.”
“Is she okay?”
“For the most part.”
“Sir, I know you probably think it’s none of my business, but I care very deeply ’bout your daughter. I’d like to know what happened last night. Maybe I can help.”
Dr. Landers closed his eyes, rubbing the back of his neck with one hand. “A long-ago accident blew this family apart. Rayna was a small child and suppressed the memories. They surfaced last night.”
“Does she need help? I mean, professional help.”
“I’m a psychologist.”
“That’s good to know.” Clay cleared his throat. “I’m just a cowboy, but I care. Maybe I can help Rayna, by being there for her, if nothing else.”
“She told me you’re a strong Christian.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I knew of a bull rider once through a mutual acquaintance, fellow by the name of Ty Warren.”
“My daddy.”
“You look like him. A fine man. I wouldn’t trust just any young man with my daughter.”
“You can count on me, sir.”
Dr. Landers squeezed his shoulder. “Don’t push her. She may not be ready to talk yet. Give her time.”
“Is it Rayna?” A woman stepped into view. An older version of Rayna. Her faded auburn, chin-length hair framed the same amber eyes, red-rimmed and puffy. No freckles.
“I’m sorry, I should have called. Here’s my card.” Clay handed it to him and tipped his hat.
“I’ll give you a call.” Dr. Landers shut the door in his face.
❧
The doorbell rang. Rayna rolled her eyes. Not in the mood for company. Probably Daddy.
She adjusted the plush teal robe, tied the belt, and hurried to the door to peer through the peephole. Clay. She gasped.
“Rayna, I know you’re here. Just wanted to check on you.”
“You were supposed to call.”
“Can I come in?”
“I’m not dressed.” No makeup, with red, puffy eyes, and hair decidedly undone.
“Just get decent, and let me in.”
“Why don’t you come back later? I’m not. . .presentable.”
“I don’t care what you look like. I’m not leaving till I make sure you’re okay. Your neighbors are getting curious.”
With a sigh, she opened the door, but he wasn’t there. She stuck her head out to find him leaning against the siding. No nosy neighbors.
“I don’t see anyone.”
“I didn’t say they were checking yet, but they will be if we keep hollering back and forth.”
“Are you coming in?”
“You’re beautiful.” He followed her inside.
“And you’re crazy.”
“I’m worried about you.”
Me too.
He pulled her into his arms. “You okay?”
“Sort of.”
“I stopped by your dad’s first.”
“You did?” She stiffened.
“He said you’re dealing with major stuff. Whatever it is, I thought it might help if I was here for you.”
Tears burned her eyes, and she relaxed against him. “That’s very sweet, but—”
“How about breakfast?”
“I’m not in the mood to cook, and I’m not presentable enough to go out.”
“Not you, silly gal. I’ll cook.”
“Oh. I’m not even sure what I have.”
He pulled away. Despite her well-laid plans of not falling for him, she would’ve rather stayed in his arms than eat.
“I brought my own. Be right back.” He hurried out.
Could she run to the bathroom and put herself together quickly? No amount of cosmetics would help this morning.
A soft tap on the door and Clay came in with a grocery sack. “You sit a spell. Relax and I’ll see what I can rustle up. Kitchen through here?”
She nodded and watched him disappear then curled into a ball on the couch, knees pulled to her chest. Soon the smell of bacon wafted through
the air. Her stomach growled.
Fifteen minutes later, Clay came back carrying a tray she’d forgotten she had. He set it in her lap. Not only bacon but scrambled eggs and biscuits, too. From the adjoining dining room, he grabbed a chair, brought it over beside her, turned it around backward, and straddled it.
She sipped the grape juice. “How did you know I love grape juice, and this is the only way I eat eggs?”
“I didn’t, but I hate orange juice. It’s—”
“Bitter.” They echoed each other.
“And it oughta be a crime to do anything to an egg other than scramble it.”
More common ground. “I never eat like this. I usually have coffee and a bran muffin.”
“You don’t have anything to worry about. You’re. . .perfect.”
“I wouldn’t put it that way exactly, but I like to be healthy, watch what I eat, and exercise.”
“You look great.”
Her skin heated until she was certain even her hair blushed. She must look a sight. But it didn’t matter. This would be the last time she saw him. Just enjoy being with him.
“Let’s pray, and then you can dig in.” He took off his hat and claimed her hand. “Heavenly Father, we ask that You be with Rayna and her family. Comfort them. Provide guidance and peace. We thank You for this food and for bringing us into each other’s lives. Amen.”
The bacon was just right, not too crispy, but nice and done. She savored each bite.
“What are your plans for the day?”
“Pull myself together and have dinner with my brother tonight. Convince him I’m fine and pretend everything’s okay.” Her voice cracked.
“What if I go with you? You know, moral support. I’m an expert at keeping things light.”
She averted her gaze from the intensity of his green eyes. “It was really nice of you to come over. But I’m not sure. . .” About you being anywhere in my life. “Maybe we should just leave it at working together.”
“But we’re about to wrap up the campaign. When it’s over, we could still see each other, couldn’t we?”
Her heart skipped a beat. “I’m in such turmoil right now. I don’t want to drag you into that.”
“You don’t have to drag me. I believe I’m already here. By choice.” He touched her hand.
She pulled away. “Most guys would run the other way, and right now, I think that’s what you should do. My whole life changed last night. I found out things I’d tried hard not to know.” She shook her head with a quivery sigh.
Clay ran his fingers through his tousled curls. “I’m sure whatever this is about, your folks love you.”
“My mother left years ago.” She pressed her fist to her lips.
He moved the tray, sat beside her, and pulled her into his arms.
eight
Minutes passed before Rayna could speak again. “You’ve been great, but you should go.” She pushed away from him.
Clay traced her cheek with gentle fingertips. “I don’t want to leave you. I’d like to help you through this. I promise not to ask any questions. You can fill me in if and when you want to.”
She shook her head. “I’m sorry, Clay, but I can’t deal with you right now. There’s too much else going on.”
Hurt clouded his eyes, and he stood. “I didn’t realize I was so difficult to deal with. I’m trying to help.”
“I know and I really appreciate it, but right now I have to sort some things out.”
He knelt in front of her and took both of her hands in his. “I don’t understand your take on this. Seems we got a good thing going here, and you need someone to lean on. But if this is what you want, I’ll go.”
“It is.” She managed to control her voice. No quiver, though she couldn’t look at him.
“I’ll be around, Rayna. If you need me, you know where to find me.” He stood and turned to leave. “I don’t give up easily.”
Her gaze dropped to the floor and she closed her eyes. Couldn’t bear to watch him go. The door closed and she pressed a hand to quivery lips. With certainty, she knew the best thing that had ever happened to her had walked away. Because she told him to.
❧
When had Rayna’s mom reentered the premises? Had she come back because Rayna learned the truth? Whatever that truth was.
No wonder Rayna had sent him away. She was dealing not only with suppressed memories but with her mother’s return.
Clay stepped inside the ranch house and hung his hat on the peg behind the door. Stretching from side to side, he tried to work out the knots and kinks the bull had inflicted on him last night.
The private dining room door burst open to reveal his beaming parents.
His chest swelled at the sparkle in Dad’s eyes. He’d lived up to the legend that was his father. For this year anyway.
Mom pounced on him. “There’s my three-time CBR World Champ. I’m still getting used to the sound of it. Oh, doll baby, you’re rhythm in motion with the bull every time you ride.”
“Takes after his pappy.” His dad clapped him on the shoulder.
Mom closed her eyes. “Lots of praying every time you ride.”
“Couldn’t help but notice a certain extra redhead at the Stockyards last night.” Dad chuckled. “You sure made a beeline to her after your ride.”
“She’s my creative director for the ad campaign.”
“I think there’s a bit more to it.” Mom elbowed him and turned toward the kitchen. “Lunch is almost on.”
“What’s wrong, son?” Dad sank into the couch and propped his feet on the raw-pine coffee table. “You look like you lost your best horse.”
“Nothing. Rough night.”
“You were gone before me and your mama got here this morning. What was your all-fired hurry? Is it that girl?”
“Sort of.” Clay shrugged. “Hey, did you ever know a guy by the name of Nick Landers?”
Dad scratched his head. “Nick Landers. Hmm, Nick Landers. Sounds familiar.”
“He said you met through a mutual acquaintance. Seems to think highly of you.”
Pain threaded its way through Dad’s features. “I remember.” He cleared his throat and got a handle on his emotions. “Where’d you run into Nick?”
“He’s Rayna’s father.”
“You don’t say. Small world, huh? Your mama’s probably got lunch ready. Best head to the trough.”
❧
Monday morning. More than anything, Rayna wanted to claim she was ill, go home, and stay in bed. For the rest of the day, the week, her life. Instead, she sat at her desk, staring at the lit screen, trying to concentrate on the graphics.
Gabby patiently waited for approval.
“I’ll get back with you on this.”
“Sure.” Gabby stood. “Is anything wrong with the layout?”
“I’m sure it’s fine. I’m just distracted this morning.”
“Take your time. I’ll come back later.”
“Thanks.” Rayna’s fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment. She typed in “Lefty Shelton,” clicked on the first site that popped up, then clicked Print. Scanning over the pages, Rayna stiffened. That’s why her mom came crawling back. The cowboy died.
Someone stopped in her open doorway.
Clay.
Her heart did a flip-flop, and she closed her browser.
“Can we talk in private?”
“This really isn’t necessary.” Rayna stuffed the papers in the bottom of her briefcase.
“Yes, it is.”
He didn’t give up easily. Instead, he shut the door. “Listen, why don’t you tell them to get a new art director?”
“I can’t do that.”
“Why not? You’d be off the hook.”
“I’ve never failed to finish a project, and I’m not going to start now.”
“I’m worried about you.” He touched her cheek.
She jerked away as if burned by fire. She didn’t need any added complications, and he definitely was
one. “Don’t be. I’m fine.”
Gently, he raised her chin until she had no choice but to look at him.
“There’s something haunting in your eyes. It wasn’t there when we first met, and I put it there. I wish I’d never taken you to the rodeo, and I don’t want to torment you with this campaign.”
A steely resolve moved up her spine. She wasn’t some crybaby who couldn’t face life’s hurdles.
She looked into his eyes with all the intensity she could muster. “It’s very sweet of you to be concerned, but I’m fine. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.” She turned her back on him.
Thankfully, he took the hint. The door opened and his footsteps faded away.
❧
Clay watched Lacie finishing up a riding lesson with a seven-year-old boy. She had a way with horses and kids. In the beginning, the boy had barely been able to sit astride the pinto pony. Now he rode like a natural. Lacie hugged the child and turned him over to his parents.
“You know if you ever need a break, you’re tired, or your back hurts, you can take a day off.”
“I’m fine. How’s Rayna?”
“A mess.”
“What on earth happened the other night? It sure seemed like more than asthma.”
“Her dad said she remembered something awful that happened a long time ago. I think it’s something to do with her mom. She left when Rayna was a kid.”
“Oh, that poor girl.”
“I went to talk to her dad to see if he thinks she can handle finishing up the details on the ad campaign. I mean, mentally. Turns out he’s a psychologist.”
“And he said?” Lacie climbed the fence to perch on the top rail.
“Nothing. Her mom was there. I don’t know when she came back, but I don’t think Rayna’s handling her return well.” His cell vibrated and he dug it from his pocket. “Clay Warren here.”
“It’s Nick Landers, Rayna’s father.”
Clay waved at Lacie and turned toward the ranch.
“Yes, thanks for getting back with me, sir. I’m sorry about the other day. Shoulda called first.”
“It’s okay. What did you need to speak to me about?”
“I’ve got a dilemma.”
“Concerning Rayna?”
“Yes, sir. She won’t let me help her. Basically told me to get lost. In the meantime, I’ve got her in a pickle.”
“How’s that?”
“We still have to finish up the ad campaign. As art director, she’ll have to be present at the photo shoots. Bull- riding photo shoots.” Clay heard a sigh. “I tried to get her to let them assign a different art director, but she refused. Says she can handle it.”
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