When The Runway Went South

by Lois Kasznia

  Caleb still chuckled as he left the front porch. The repairman had a heart attack. Caleb had read Ally like a book and he found himself more and more in love with her. Never in all of his years of dating had he run across someone like Ally. He'd to risk his life, his heart for her.

  "Ally really appreciated the food," he said to Jeb. "She said to tell Gracie thanks."

  "What took you so long? I thought y'all were gonna spend the whole morning in there."

  "Now, listen to what happened. The repairman who fixed the fridge? He had a heart attack. I told her, Jeb. She's going to give her husband a heart attack. I just knew it." Caleb was still chuckling.

  "That poor gal, I swear. If it weren't for bad luck, she'd have no luck at all." Jeb just shook his head. "Are you ready for a heart attack?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "Confound it, Caleb. You're in love with her. Why won't you admit it and stop being so stubborn."

  "I don't love her, I like her. There's a difference." Caleb hung his head. "But she's just not sold on me."

  “Suit yourself, I know better." Jeb clamped his mouth shut while Caleb drove to the cattle auction.

  Caleb barely found a place to park by the time they arrived since they were late. They ran into friends and associates and then looked over the livestock. Unfortunately, neither of them saw anything they liked. They stayed for lunch and swapped stories and then left for home.

  "What a waste of time," muttered Jeb. "At least none of them up there were ours."

  "I know. The rangers called me yesterday to say there hadn't been any activity, so I think we're safe."

  "When is Ally's daddy coming over?" asked Jeb.

  "Don't know for sure. I'll have to call him and make plans. Look at this traffic."

  They arrived home around four and Caleb finally admitted fatigue. He and Jeb saddled their horses and rode around looking at the livestock and fences, glad to find nothing amiss. Soon it was time for dinner, and Gracie, Jeb and Caleb talked about the ranch, their day and made plans for tomorrow.

  "As I told Jeb, Ally really appreciated the food," commented Caleb as he helped himself to a second helping of chicken.

  "I would like to meet this young lady," said Gracie as she peered over her glasses at Caleb. "Jeb said you're sweet on her."

  "Is Caleb sweet on her?" Jeb guffawed. "The boy is plum head over heels in love with her, he can't see straight." Jeb glared at Caleb.

  "I told you it's not love." Caleb ignored the looks of his companions.

  "Then why did you invite her daddy over?"

  "I like him. I told him my concerns about Ally and her house. He understood them, too."

  "Then why did you take them out to dinner?" asked Gracie.

  "They had nothing to eat. I wanted to show them that I can be neighborly."

  "You can't fool a fool, Caleb. Just you wait."

  They finished the meal is silence and Caleb went to his room to shower watch some television. He still hadn't heard from Ally about Robert coming over and hoped she hadn't really been mad at him. Finally, he gave in and called her.

  "Yes, Caleb?" Ally tried to be civil even though she still felt a little hurt he thought her to be deadly.

  "You were supposed to call me about your daddy and you didn't."

  "He's right here. I'll let you speak with him." She handed the phone to her father. "It's Caleb. He wants to know what your plans are for tomorrow." Caleb and her father agreed that Robert would drive over to the ranch around one.

  "The girls did some shopping today and Ally has a new refrigerator in her garage. The one in the kitchen has a bad computer board which the man had to order. It should be here by Monday." Robert told Caleb. "Tomorrow, after church, Kat and her mother are doing some more shopping and Ally is staying home."

  "What did you think about the heart attack?" Caleb smiled again.

  "That's life with Ally, son. God bless the man who marries her. He better have some good health insurance."

  "Dad, how could you?" Ally glared at her father, who looked at her fondly.

  "Caleb wants to speak to you." He handed the phone back to Ally who shook her head, no, but the phone landed in her hands.

  "Yes?" Ally had a formal tone to her voice.

  "I didn't mean to poke fun at you. It’s just you're so much fun to be around. I never know what to expect next."

  "I'm glad I amuse you. I'll talk to you later."

  "Ally, wait. Don't hang up." She had and Caleb shook his head. "Lord, I'll have to make this up to her."

  ****

  "This here is, Silver. She's a mixed breed, but a fine horse," explained Caleb to Robert. Silver looked at Robert suspiciously, but when Robert offered the mare some carrots, she rubbed Robert's chest in acceptance. Robert gently petted her nose.

  "Aren't you a fine looking lady," purred Robert and the two bonded. Robert took the reins from Caleb and led her out to join Caleb and Jeb. When Robert mounted the horse; he found himself a little rusty, but it all came back to him and he joined the others.

  "This is the main field where the animals eat. We have these fields irrigated so there's plenty of water. For the babies who are just growing their horns, we have them covered so they don't scratch or tear them." Caleb proudly showed off his livestock.

  "They are quite massive," commented Robert as they rode by.

  "These are only the babies," laughed Jeb. "We're coming up on the mamas and papas."

  "Is that the rooster who doesn't know what time of day it is?" Robert pointed to the chickens being chased by a fierce looking rooster.

  "That's old Whitey. He's blind. Why, is he keeping y'all up?"

  "It only happened the first couple of nights. Now we're kind of used to him," explained Robert.

  They rode in silence until they reached the pasture behind Ally's home. "Now, I know you can recognize the place, but this is where Ally lives. You see, when we ride over yonder, you'll see where the fence had been deliberately cut and the animals poisoned."

  "Who is that on horseback over there?" asked Robert as he pointed to two men out in the distance.

  "They are rangers looking over the area for us. We haven't had any more cattle stolen since, but the ones who were stolen haven't shown up in any auction yet. Makes me wonder who did it. Now, over here is the cattle barn. This is where we brand them with the Strait name."

  "You sure have a lot of land to cover," remarked Robert in awe.

  "This isn't big compared to other ranches in the area," said Caleb. “Jeb, my cousin and I pretty much can handle most of the chores. We have a crew we use to help out too." They rode on some more until they reached a little cottage. "This building used to be the original home of my great-great-grand parents. We've kept it as a storage area and when there's a lot of work to be done, it can sleep at least six people. My parents built the house where we live now. They had hopes that the entire Strait family would live there, but it's only me, Jeb, Gracie and Marcus."

  "This is quite a property, Caleb. You have a right to be proud."

  "Thanks, sir." They rode back to the stable and dismounted.

  "You have to see the inside of the house and meet Gracie," said Caleb.

  Flabbergasted, Robert just stared at the size of the house. It stood twice the size of Ally's, with an indoor and outdoor pool, a tennis court, a golf hole and gazebos with picturesque water fountains. The inside of the house had been done in a rustic theme, with leather furniture and massive bookcases.

  "You must be Ally's father," said Gracie as they walked into the kitchen.

  "Yes, I am. Have you met my daughter?"

  "Not yet. I hope to this evening, though. I prepared my best baked chicken recipe with corn and mashed potatoes." Gracie looked at Jeb and whispered to Robert. "I used to make it fried, but the doctor said Jeb's not allowed to have any fried foods."

  "You see," explained Caleb. "All y'all are invited over for dinner. It would be right neighborly."

  "I'll have to check with the
big boss," explained Robert, a little put on the spot. "But I don't see a problem."

  "Here," said Caleb. "Call Ally and ask her. Dinner is at five." He handed Robert the phone.

  "Ally, it's your dad. Gracie, Caleb and Jeb have invited us over for dinner at five. Is your mother and Kat around?"

  "They just got here. Dad, I don't want to go. Caleb and I had some words this morning and I don't feel right accepting the invitation."

  "Put your mother on the phone." Oh, did Ally know that tone of voice.

  "It's Dad," she whispered.

  "What happened?" Kat pressed Ally for details.

  "When he brought breakfast this morning, Caleb asked about the refrigerator and found it funny the poor man had a heart attack. He said I had a reputation of being a black widow. How dare he say things like that about me?"

  "Lighten up, Ally. He certainly knows how to get under your skin. I can't wait to see his house. Have you driven by it?"

  "Why is everyone on Caleb's side?"

  "Ally you're being ultra sensitive." Kat hugged Ally. "Lighten up, little sister."

  "Okay," grumbled Ally and she went to get dressed.

  "Check this out, Ally, he's loaded," said Kat as they drove up the hidden driveway to Caleb's home.

  "Not only is he nice, he's rich," exclaimed Tara as she agreed with Kat.

  "It's nice." Ally had decided a long time ago not to be swayed by money. "Ally, be nice," warned Kat. They got out of the car and walked to the front door where they were greeted by Gracie.

  "Come on in," said Gracie cheerfully as she ushered them in. "I'm Gracie, Jeb's wife."

  "I'm Ally, the neighbor." Ally loved Gracie immediately. Gracie did not look her age, maybe somewhere in her sixties, plump with rosy cheeks. She wore an apron and waved a wooden spoon as she spoke. "This is my mother, Tara and my sister, Katherine, but we all call her Kat."

  "My, you're just as pretty in person. Not every day do I get to meet someone famous," Gracie said to Ally.

  Gracie shook their hands while Ally glanced further into the hallway where she saw Caleb, Jeb and her father in a deep discussion and had not noticed the ladies' arrival. Caleb cut an imposing figure as he stood taller than her father, his tawny mane combed stylishly and his lean muscular body enclosed in pressed jeans and an embroidered western shirt. Ally's eyes softened at the sight of him and a little sigh escaped her lips.

  "Gentlemen, where are you manners?" said Gracie as she beckoned to the trio.

  "Sorry," said Caleb cheerfully, his steady gaze concentrated on Ally for a long time before acknowledging Kat and Tara. "Come on in, ladies. What can I get all y'all to drink?"

  "If y'all excuse me, I have to finish up on a couple of things before dinner is ready," said Gracie.

  "Let us help you," said Ally, trying to stall being in the same room as Caleb. "You see, Kat and I have started a catering business and would love to see your kitchen."

  "Yes, we would," exclaimed Kat, not knowing Ally's intention.

  "I'd be honored to show all y'all." Gracie led the girls into the massive kitchen with two cooking ovens, two refrigerators, a plethora of cabinets, hanging pots and pans and a variety of butcher block knife sets.

  "This is to die for," said Kat in awe. "Ally, we need to redo your kitchen to look like this."

  "Ha. You really like to spend my money," said Ally dryly. "But Gracie this is so cool." Ally spun around and literally ran into Caleb. "Oh, I'm sorry."

  "I'll live, but you do sock a mean punch," said Caleb as he took hold of Ally's shoulders and squeezed them gently. "What do y'all want to drink?"

  "I, uh, I'll take a glass of wine," said Ally shaken about how good it felt to be touched by Caleb. Heat of his hands through the fabric of her blouse radiated through her core. His eyes had her cornered to the spot and would not let her go. Caleb tore his eyes away and looked at Kat.

  "I'll just have a beer," said Kat. "Make it with a glass, of course." She smiled at Caleb. "I know the rest of the house must be amazing, but I'm sold on the kitchen.”

  "He knows better to stay in here when I'm here," commented Gracie. "Now shoo, Caleb. Get these ladies their drinks so I can continue with my tour."

  "Yes, ma'am." Caleb winked at Kat as he left the room.

  "Here's the chicken and, Ally? Can you help me put it on this platter? Kat, here are the rolls. You can put them in this bowl and cover them up with this cloth napkin." Gracie continued to talk while Kat and Ally dutifully followed her.

  Caleb sauntered back into the kitchen with Kat and Ally's drinks and his hand lingered on Ally's shoulder as he addressed Gracie. "When is dinner going to be ready?"

  "In about fifteen minutes. I'll let all y'all know." Caleb again squeezed Ally's shoulder and left the room. Caleb chided himself because he couldn't seem to keep his hands off of Ally. How could Ally do this to him?

  Ally still trembled from Caleb's touch and gave herself a mental shake. She worried about the seating arrangements, hoping they wouldn't seat them together. The more she saw of him, the more she caved to his advances. He must be bad. That's it. Her 'bad boy' magnet struck again. But how could he be bad? Ally looked up to see Gracie and Kat staring at her.

  "What's wrong, Ally? Are you okay?" asked Kat.

  "I'm sorry; I had my mind on other things." Ally beamed her most engaging smile.

  "You were thinking about Caleb," muttered Kat under her breath and Ally poked Kat in the ribs. "Gracie asked you to set the table."

  "Sure.” Ally picked up the dishes and carried them to the massive table, setting each one in the appropriate place. Kat and Gracie followed Ally with the cutlery and water glasses. They made a slow procession until the table had been set.

  "Why don't you two let everyone know we're ready," suggested Gracie. Ally picked up her wine glass and took a sip before moving on to the family room. As she entered, she listened to her mother soaking up the male company and shook her head. Tara then noticed Ally staring at her.

  "Is there anything I can do to help?" asked Tara as she sheepishly stood apart from the group.

  "No, Mother. We've taken care of it. Gracie said we're ready." They followed Kat back to the dining room and Ally stood back, not sure where to sit but anywhere away from Caleb.

  "Caleb usually sits at the head of the table," explained Gracie and I sit to his right. Ally, why don't you sit to Caleb's left?"

  "No, I couldn't do that. It's Jeb's seat." Ally smiled graciously. "I'll just sit down here at the end." Ally headed to the end of the table, but Jeb guided her into his seat next to Caleb. Swallowing nervously, Ally took the seat under Caleb's watchful gaze and smiled at Gracie. Kat sat next to her followed by Jeb. Her mother and father sat next to Gracie.

  "A toast," began Caleb. Everyone held up their glasses. "To the Duncan's."

  "Thanks, and to Ally's gracious neighbors." Robert spoke for them all.

  Caleb sensed Ally's nervousness and squeezed her thigh under the table to

  reassure her. He leaned towards Ally and said underneath his breath, "Relax. I don't bite, though, I would like to ravage you on this table one day."

  "Caleb," hissed Ally. "Behave." Ally turned to the rest of the family to see if they had noticed.

  "You'd love every minute of it," whispered Caleb, his eyes sparkling.

  "Don't do this to me," whispered Ally. She pretended nothing happened, not enjoying Caleb's smirk. Ally refused to fall prey to his teasing.

  Caleb began to pass the food while everyone murmured how good it looked and smelled.

  "Caleb's told us about Ally and it's been interesting," began Gracie.

  "As we told Caleb, living with Ally is not dull, but I'm glad she's by her big sister now," said Tara.

  "The poor lady has had her share of mishaps." Gracie shook her head in sympathy. "Tell me about this catering business? Perhaps I can help?"

  "We would love it," said Kat enthusiastically. "You see, I do the cooking while Ally is managing the business side of it. We are al
ways looking for new recipes and I could use help in preparing some of them, too."

  "Ally and business? Those two things don't go hand in hand," commented Tara.

  "Tara," warned Robert. "Ally has a good head on her shoulders."

  "Ally has me," said Caleb possessively. "She's in good hands."