It's Just A Ranch

by Misty Malone

  “Well, I sure don’t want that,” she said with a mischievous grin. “Maybe you’re right. I better stay with you all day so I’m safe. I’ll help you break horses, and gather up the cattle if they get out, and calm the cattle if they get spooked and stampede, and when you chase after a mountain lion or wolf that attacks a calf. I’ll be much safer then.”

  Wyatt was laughing. “She’s got you there, boss.”

  Garrett sighed. “Okay, okay, I hear you,” he said, smiling down into her eyes. “But you have to start being more careful. If I have to call 9-1-1 and have them bring their basket and haul you up out of another ravine and take you to the hospital, they’re going to open a satellite office here at the ranch.”

  “That might be something to consider,” she said, still sporting a mischievous grin. “It certainly would be quicker and handier for them. I’m sure we can find some spare land for them to use.” When he started to respond, she held up her hand to stop him. “Garrett, seriously, let me tell you what I’ve been thinking about while I was waiting for you to come rescue me this last time.”

  “Okay.”

  “I was really upset, and I did some thinking. I was blaming myself for letting this happen…”

  “This wasn’t your fault, baby,” Garrett said. “I don’t blame you for it, and neither should you.”

  “That’s the conclusion I came to, as well,” she said. “I tried to think about what I did wrong, so I wouldn’t do it again. I realized, I didn’t do anything this time. This all stems from when I ran across them and their lab, and I hadn’t done anything wrong then, either. I was out riding, where I was supposed to be riding, with my helmet on, with plenty of gas in the tank. I’d followed all your rules. Those three are the ones who did something wrong; not me. That first fall down the ravine, when I broke my arm, got my attention. It made me see that safety is important on a ranch, and I’ve been much more careful since then.”

  “Yes, you have been,” Garrett admitted.

  “The other things were a fluke. How often does someone decide to set up a meth lab on your ranch? And how often do I just happen to be out riding in that particular area on the same day they’re cooking up a batch of it?”

  The sheriff tried to help. “But that shouldn’t happen again, since we now have all three of them in custody.”

  “Right,” she said, trying to sound optimistic. “So it should be smooth sailing from here on out.”

  “Let’s hope so,” Garrett said, “but I’ll still be keeping an eye on you. Somehow I’ve got to keep you safe.”

  “You have a bunch of ranch hands who will be helping you do just that, boss. She may be your wife now, but she’s special to all of us.”

  “Thank you,” Mindy said. “I appreciate that more than you know, Wyatt.” She turned back to Garrett. “And I understand your concern, believe me. I’ve been concerned, too. But I do think we have to put this whole thing behind us and go on with life, without worrying about what else can happen next.”

  “That sounds like a good idea,” Sheriff Drolan said.

  “It does,” Garrett admitted, “but I’m afraid that will be easier said than done. I’ll be worried about my wife for a little while, I’m sure. Thank you all, though, for pointing out to me that these last couple times she came up missing were a direct result of the three you have in jail now, and we shouldn’t have to worry about them any more.”

  Mindy kissed his cheek. “Thank you for caring. That means a lot to me. But can we go back to the house now, please?”

  The sheriff chuckled a bit. “That’s right; you’re missing out on your own wedding reception. I can see why you’d want to go back.”

  “It isn’t just that,” she tried to explain. “A lot of the people have already left, and the rest will soon, I’m sure. I just want to get back because I want to go home.”

  The sheriff looked apologetic, but had to warn her. “We’ll need to get a statement from you, Mindy.”

  Her shoulders slumped. “I forgot about that. Please tell me we can do that at home, and I won’t have to go to the sheriff’s office tonight. I just want to go home and stay there.”

  “We should get your ankle checked out, honey,” Garrett said.

  After another heavy sigh, she looked at both men. “Can’t that wait until tomorrow? Maybe it will be better then. If not, we can get it checked then. I really want to go home tonight.”

  “I understand what you’re saying,” the sheriff said. “I’ll make a deal with you. Since this is your wedding day, we can go back to the house and take a statement from you. These state officers I’m sure will have a few questions for you, as well. We have to make sure we have everything documented so we can turn it all over to the prosecutor and they can make sure they get verdicts on all these guys. If we have any other questions in the next few days, I take it you’ll be available?”

  “Absolutely. I just want to go home and be with my husband tonight.” She smiled at him and blushed. “That still sounds unreal, that you really are my husband.”

  “I know,” he agreed. “I’ve waited for this for a long time, and the last six weeks or so I was afraid this day would never happen.” He gave her a quick kiss on her cheek. “Come on, wife of mine, let’s get you home.” He turned to the officers. “Gentlemen, thank you. Not only for your help getting her back safe, especially this quickly, but also for allowing her to give her statement at home. We’ll see you all there.” He picked her up and carried her to Duke, placing her in the saddle, and climbing up behind her.

  He started to turn Duke around to head for the house, when Wyatt stopped him. “Garrett, stop. Wait a minute.” The urgency in his voice stopped Garrett and had both of them looking at him to see what was wrong. “Hold it right there.” He reached into his pocket and took out his phone. “Smile,” he said with a big grin as he snapped a picture. “Some day you’re both going to appreciate this picture of the bride in her wedding dress and the groom in his tuxedo, riding on Duke.”

  A laugh went up from everyone, as they all stopped to consider that thought. Mindy turned and leaned back to Garrett, who gave her a kiss. Wyatt snapped another shot, although he doubted they realized it. Garrett turned Duke and headed back to the barn. Everyone else went to their horse or vehicle, as well.

  A crowd gathered as several horses and riders came into view. A warm cheer went up as Garrett and Mindy got close enough to be recognized. The crowd met them, full of questions. Several cameras captured the unusual sight. Trace was among them, telling Garrett to take care of his wife; he’d take care of Duke. Garrett thanked him and slid down off of the horse. He carefully reached up and pulled his new bride down, into his arms, where he kept her for their trip to the house.

  They quickly explained the ordeal she’d just lived through. Once their guests heard the story and assured themselves both Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Stevenson were alive and well, they started leaving, knowing the young couple needed some time alone in each other’s arms. The four parents had more questions, but were permitted to sit in while the sheriff and other law enforcement officers took a statement from Mindy and asked the questions they felt they needed to ask. That answered many of the questions Max and the others had. They could easily see how exhausted the bride and groom were and decided any additional questions could wait. Their son and daughter were home safe and sound, and married.

  It was five hours after the rescue at the cabin before everyone had finally left, including all law enforcement. Their parents and Maria had gone to bed, and Garrett and Mindy were alone at last.

  Garrett carried Mindy into his bedroom, laying her gently on the bed. He checked her ankle again to be sure it hadn’t swollen any further. After assuring himself again it didn’t appear to be broken, he laid down next to her and took her in his arms, pulling her close. “I know this is our wedding night, and I’ve been more than anxious for us to be alone so I can finally show you how much I love you.”

  She smiled up at him and snuggled in a bit close
r.

  “But now that it’s finally here, I don’t think I’m ready yet.”

  She looked up at him again, but she didn’t look alarmed. “Why not?”

  “Because right now I feel like before I can do that, I have to take a few minutes to simply hold you in my arms, assure myself that you’re okay and you’re right here.”

  “Thank you, Garrett. I was thinking the same thing. I want to make love to you. Like you, I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.” He squeezed her a bit tighter and kissed the top of her head. “But I’m so worked up right now, I know I wouldn’t enjoy it like I want to. I’m sorry.”

  “Baby, you don’t have anything to be sorry for.”

  “I was going to ask you if you could just hold me for a little while first, because right now that’s what I feel like I need. When I get all wound up about things, what helps me the most is your arms around me while you talk to me. That calms me down.”

  “Then that’s exactly what we’ll do.” He rubbed her back gently as he held her tightly and spoke softly. “First, I want to thank you, Mrs. Stevenson, for asking for my help. It means a lot to me to know you trust me enough to ask.”

  “I do, Garrett.”

  He kissed the top of her head again, and pulled her in tight against him. He talked about how lovely their wedding was, right up until it took a turn people would be talking about for a long time. He asked her a couple questions, and by talking about it some, they both were able to put their fears and anxieties aside. They both put the whole episode in the past, and were now ready to enjoy the present.

  For all the excitement the newlyweds had just been through, their lovemaking was just the opposite. They were both quite content with slow and relaxed, so they could enjoy each and every aspect of their first time coming together. Well, at least that’s how it was the first time. The second time wasn’t quite as laid back, and later that night, or actually early the next morning, it was very heated and emotional.

  Max and Helen had thoughtfully given Harold and Linda the one guest room close to their master bedroom, which gave Garrett and Mindy the entire upstairs wing to themselves. They appreciated that, especially when they woke up late the next morning, but rested and refreshed, and ready to share their love one more time before starting their day.

  The newly married couple shared breakfast with their parents and Maria, then got ready and left for their two-week honeymoon. Considering how much they both enjoy swimming, a tropical island with an olympic size pool was an easy choice. They swam some in the ocean, but both agreed they preferred watching the ocean and swimming in the pool. There were binoculars in their motel room, and they enjoyed sitting on the balcony and watching the dolphins that tended to swim alongside the tour boats that went past.

  The majority of their time, though, was spent in their bed, or in the pool. When it was time to go back home, she surprised him. He expected her to be sad to leave, but instead, she was anxious to get home. “I’ve missed everyone,” she said. “I know our parents won’t be there, but Maria and Wyatt and all the hands and their families will. I’ve missed all of them.”

  “Yeah, I have, too,” Garrett agreed. “Although I’ve totally enjoyed two weeks with just you. I think I needed that time alone with you. I’ve spent too much time lately worried about you.”

  “I told you you worry about me too much,” she said with her impish grin he’d grown to love. She got serious then, as she draped her arms around his neck. “I know you have, and I’m sorry about that. Before you tell me it wasn’t my fault, let me finish. I know it wasn’t all my fault. I’ve made peace with that, and that there was nothing I could have done to prevent it. But I’m still sorry you had to worry that much about me. It did show me, though, especially my first injury, when I slipped going down the ravine, how important safety is on a ranch, and I promise you I get that now. I hated that you had to worry so much about me. I see now that so many things can happen that aren’t because of a lack of safety, that I can’t control, that I will be even more careful about the things I can control.”

  “I believe you, honey, and I thank you for that. When you first went to stay on the ranch, you don’t know how much it worried me every time I heard you say I worry too much, it’s just a ranch.”

  She turned that adorable shade of red he’d grown to love so much. “I know,” she whispered. After a few minutes, leaning against his chest, she looked up at him. “You know, that was only seven or eight months ago, but it seems like longer. So much has happened since then.”

  “Yes, it sure has.”

  She chuckled. “I went to the ranch to find some peace and quiet, and recover from New York. Helen laughed and said she didn’t know how quiet it would be, but she thought it was peaceful. At the time I thought that was funny, because I thought not much would be happening on a ranch.”

  Now Garrett had to laugh. “I’m not sure I’d say it’s normally quiet on the ranch, either, but it’s certainly not usually as wild as it has been since you moved in.”

  “Are you saying that’s my fault?”

  He paused several moments before answering. “Some of it, yes,” he said honestly. “Like all of us going out to look for you when you were sitting under the tree not too far from the house, or the time we went out looking for you when you left the gates open and the cattle got out. But all this excitement lately, with the meth lab and your being kidnapped, no, that was not your fault.”

  “I guess I did get off to a rough start,” she said, thinking back.

  “But there’s been other excitement on the ranch since you moved in that’s also been your fault,” he said, trying to sound stern.

  “Like what?”

  “Like when the hands come in after a hot day and scramble to the end cooler and walk away with a big smile and glass of lemonade. Or when the cook comes out with a bunch of pies and tells the men Mindy’s been learning how to bake a pie. Or when one of the kids is excited about getting a birthday present from Miss Mindy. Or when no one held out much hope for the calf that had been attacked by the coyote and was barely alive, but with special loving care, it pulled through.”

  She looked up at him. People noticed that?”

  “Honey, the hands love animals. Otherwise they wouldn’t be working on our ranch. They saw how badly that little calf had been hurt. They also saw and talked about you spending so much time out there with it, nursing it back to health. It shocked all of them when the little thing started improving. That caused a lot of excitement among the men. They were all rooting for the little calf and the little lady taking the time to help it.”

  Mindy’s eyes had misted over. “I didn’t know that.”

  “I did. You’ve brought a lot of excitement to the ranch, and I love you for it. I think the sheriff’s right when he said he didn’t think there’d be a dull moment with you on the ranch. I’m looking forward to it.”

  She was quiet a few moments again. “You know, I was going to say that with your help, I feel a whole lot better now about my time in New York, but I’m not sure I ever did find the quiet I was looking for, that I thought I needed to recover. It turns out you helped me recover, but quiet wasn’t what I needed at all. You knew all along what I needed, and provided it. I needed to talk about it so I could make peace with the memories instead of trying to hide from them, and I needed someone to love and protect me while I did that. Thank you.”

  He held her tight for the next while, until they had to catch their plane back to the ranch. They spent most of the flight back home, hand in hand. They felt rested and recovered by the time they reached the ranch.

  As he drove up the lane they were surprised yet again. All the hands and their families were outside, standing under a big banner that said, ‘Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Garrett Stevenson’. They got out of the car, and after hugs and kisses, Garrett looked around. “Does this ranch run itself? No one works any more?”

  “Not on Sunday afternoon,” Wyatt answered, as everyone laug
hed. “There’s something we all want to give you two, and then we’ll leave and give you time to get settled back in.”

  “Something you want to give us?” Garrett asked. “What is it?”

  “Let’s go look at it. It’s in the living room.” Garrett and Mindy looked at each other and shrugged, both confused. They followed the crowd into the house, and to the living room. They both stopped, and their mouths dropped open. Hanging on the wall in plain sight when first walking into the room was a giant picture of the two of them on their wedding day, kissing—as they sat on Duke!

  They looked at each other and smiled. “I like it,” she said. “Look how handsome you are in your tux.”

  He laughed out loud. “And how gorgeous you are in your wedding dress.” He took her in his arms and kissed her, but pulled back rather quickly. She looked up at him to see why he withdrew so quickly, and saw a look in his eyes she couldn’t read. She followed his line of sight, and saw what he was staring at. On the opposite wall hung another large picture, in a matching frame. It was of the two of them, also on their wedding day, and he was kissing her in this one, also. But this one was taken right after they’d been pronounced man and wife.

  She gasped. “It’s beautiful,” she said quietly.

  “Yes, it is,” Garrett agreed. He looked from that one to the first, and back again. “I think I like the first one better, though.”

  Everyone laughed, and several people cheered. “Why do you like it better?” she asked.

  “Because it seems to fit us well. It’s more like us. And look at the love in that picture.”

  “You’re right,” she said, looking at the first picture again. “You can see how happy we are. We have to be in love to be that happy, considering why we’re on Duke.”

  “Not only that,” Wyatt said, “but look how good Duke looks in that picture.”