by Heidi Hormel
Chapter Five
Pepper got into her purple SUV to look in on a patient before hitting the clinic. Many of her patients had a standoffish attitude toward her, but she didn’t let that stop her from trying to win them over. It was better than when she’d started at the clinic three years ago. From the beginning Daddy Gene had been embraced by Angel Crossing, maybe because he’d leased parts of the property to local ranchers or because he’d been known on the rodeo circuit. She and Faye had never quite fit in, starting with Faye homeschooling her, then sending her to high school with lunches filled with tofu and homemade wheat bread. Between being an EMT after high school and now treating the town, the attitude had been changing. More slowly than she’d like, of course.
After checking her patient, she had plenty of time to get to the clinic, which meant plenty of time to mull over her situation. She figured what she had to work on next was finding day care for AJ’s daughter. Could Faye watch the little girl? Probably, except her mother’s idea of child rearing and AJ’s didn’t seem to be in the same universe. Could Pepper watch EllaJayne? Exactly how would she explain that to the doctor who came to the clinic two times a week? It wouldn’t come to that. She’d find him a list of women to choose from.
A caregiver by nature, she knew she’d have to make sure she didn’t allow herself to get drawn into AJ and his daughter’s troubles. And there was trouble there. A cowboy like him didn’t set off across country on his own with a toddler if there wasn’t some sad story. She’d become a PA to help people. It was why she’d put up the ranch for the grant to start the community garden in the first place.
Even after withdrawing her application, in another three weeks, she’d have her first crop from the greenhouse and cold boxes. She already had plans on how to get the word out and who would get the first veggies. So many of her patients should be on assistance but were too proud. With fresh veggies and eventually fruit, everyone would win. She wanted chickens for eggs, too. First the garden...no, first was getting the ranch into her hands. Daddy Gene had meant for it to go to her and her mother. He’d told them that. His time had just been shorter than they’d all wished and he’d never changed his will. She had to believe he wouldn’t have been upset that she was going to fight AJ for the ranch.
Could she just threaten to go to court? Her attorney seemed like a go-getter. AJ, with his drawl and cowboy swagger, wouldn’t know what hit him.
“Knock, knock,” a woman’s voice said as the door opened. “I know you’re not officially open but...”
“Not a problem. Come in, Lavonda.”
“I wouldn’t be here for myself, but I live with a big stubborn Scot who is about to die from coughing. I think you saw him, didn’t you?”
“Yes. And I told him if the cough didn’t clear up to come in.”
“Silly you.” Lavonda Leigh Kincaid laughed. “I would think that you’ve dealt with enough cowboys to know the routine.”
Lavonda was Mayor Danny Leigh’s sister, and newly wed to Professor of Archeology Jones Kincaid. She’d also taken over a company that provided guided tours of the Arizona desert. She’d been friendly with Pepper, explaining that women under the age of sixty in this town needed to bond together since there were so few of them.
“The routine being that unless he can’t lift his head from where it hit the ground after he fell down, he’s fine?”
“Something like that. Really, if you could just give me something strong enough to knock him out, he’d get better. He just needs to sleep for a couple of days.”
“Let me write a prescription for cough syrup. It’s not fancy but it’ll work and better yet, it should make him drowsy. Keep him from driving, operating machinery, and so on while he’s taking this.”
“Bless you.” Lavonda watched Pepper write up the prescription. “How are you doing?”
“I didn’t catch whatever the professor has.”
“That’s not what I meant. The memorial. The relative who inherited the ranch.”
Pepper reminded herself that she really did love Angel Crossing even if the gossip mill would give the NSA a run for its money. “It’s been tough. But having the service... I don’t know. It...it gets better every day.”
“And the situation with the ranch?”
That Pepper really didn’t want to talk about.
Lavonda went on, “Your community garden would make such a difference. Of course, it would give people food, but I also think that it could be a way to get and keep the under-sixty crowd living here. I did a little research and community gardens are a thing.”
Not surprising Lavonda had done research. Before moving to Angel Crossing, she’d been a PR mogul...or something like that. “I really think it’s more about feeding people and giving others a chance to create businesses.”
“I agree. Is there a way to work with Gene’s...cousin, right? Maybe he’d give you a chance to pay for the ranch over time? Or something like that?”
Pepper handed over the prescription and shrugged. “I’m working on it.”
“You know, my sister’s brother-in-law is an attorney in Tucson, if you need a legal opinion.”
“Already got that but thanks.”
“I want to help. The garden is a good idea.”
“I thought so, but it’s causing nothing but headaches. Would you believe that I’ve got to find day care now? And on the cheap and top-notch.”
“Everybody wants something for nothing.”
Lavonda’s gaze immediately went to Pepper’s waistline. “Not for me. Good God, no. That’s just what I’d need.” Another reason to stay away from AJ. He apparently easily made babies. “It’s Daddy Gene’s cousin.” That sentence was harder to say than she’d imagined. “He’s—”
“The ranch stealer.”
Lavonda went up three notches in Pepper’s book. “He will be the new owner and he’s got a little girl who needs looking after.”
“I saw them at the memorial. If you can’t find anyone, let me know. I can probably squeeze in a few hours here and there. Why isn’t he looking?”
“He’s out on the job search and I said I’d help.” Lavonda didn’t need to know any secrets that weren’t general knowledge.
“Nice of you, considering.”
Pepper just nodded.
“I’d better get going so I can dose up my cowboy, but seriously, call me either for the attorney or the babysitting.”
“I will,” Pepper said and meant it. Angel Crossing had changed. She needed to let go of some of the snubs and name-calling. That had been so long ago. Look how people had come out to the memorial and brought food. Plus, she thought she and Lavonda just might become friends. That would be nice.
* * *
“GOING TO COURT is the wrong path,” Faye said later that night when they were cleaning up the dishes. “It will only lead to disaster.”
Her mother didn’t think AJ inheriting their ranch was a disaster and yet for her, Pepper calling an attorney was a problem. “You need some Windex to clean up your window into the future, Faye. I’m protecting you, me and Angel Crossing.”
“It’s still the wrong way. Karma will get you.”
“You always say that.”
“She always says what?” AJ asked as he came into the kitchen.
“Nothing,” Pepper answered, giving her mother “the look”—the one Pepper had perfected for recalcitrant patients.
“I should have a job by the end of the week. Do you have caregivers for me to check out?”
“You know, this really should be your job. I work full time plus.” She wanted to be sure that he understood what he’d asked of her.
“Do you have a list?” His storm-gray gaze stayed glued to her face.
“I have better things to do with my time.” That was true, except she had Lavonda
and a couple of other leads. Why was she being such a pain about this? She opened her mouth to give him the names.
“We shook on it.”
It wasn’t the words. It was the self-righteous tone. “Only until this entire situation gets overturned by the courts.” Damn it. She hadn’t meant to tip her hand. Why did he get her so mad? She was the calm one. Faye was the one who let things slip out. Faye was the one ruled by emotion.
“The will is legal.”
“And you know that how? Seems like you fell one too many times on your head.”
“Children, children,” Faye said, drifting into the space between them. “You mustn’t use your energies on arguments.”
“Faye’s right,” AJ said, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’d be wasting your time and energy, fighting the will. It’s airtight. Gene left me the ranch.”
AJ didn’t raise his voice. He didn’t need to. She read his anger in every solid inch of him. None of it stopped her from saying, “So says the man who is the will’s beneficiary.”
Faye waved her hand, making her bracelets clink. “We are all beneficiaries. Gene always thought of others.” Her mother paused and cocked her head. “I can almost hear him saying: ‘Pepper, face the facts and don’t hire a snake-oil attorney.’”
Pepper could feel AJ’s gaze and knew that it would have pity and maybe a little bit of smugness. Faye brought that out in others. Early on and even after Daddy Gene entered their lives, Pepper knew it was up to her to make sure that the practicalities of daily life got taken care of. Like now, if she didn’t fight the will, Faye and Pepper would be homeless, abandoning Faye’s Beauties and living on a rural PA’s meager salary.
“So are you going to listen to your mother?” AJ asked.
She searched his face and found something there that might have been laughter or... “I always listen to my mother, but I’m also a grown woman and know our rights. We have a right to this ranch and my town has a right to good, healthy food. You aren’t going to stop me from getting both of those things. No matter what karma I have to defy.”
* * *
“KARAOKE?” AJ ASKED as he read the flyer behind the bar.
“Country-western karaoke,” Danny said, lifting two fingers for the bartender to refill their beers.
AJ considered telling Danny no and going home to Baby Girl, but today had sucked big-time. He’d driven to the mine two towns over and stopped at four ranches. No work for a former bull rider and sometime-wrangler. Everyone had been nice and polite, but that didn’t pay the bills.
“You think they need help?” he asked Danny, lifting his shoulder to the bar. He was only half kidding.
“Woman-run and woman-owned.” The mugs of beer were set in front of them, and they sipped in quiet for a few moments. “There’s a prize for the best karaoke singer.”
“The hell you say.”
“Come on. You’re the one who said you needed to make money.”
“At a job, not making a fool of myself singin’ ‘Crazy’ or ‘Friends in Low Places.’”
“Just trying to help. How’s everything else going? Settling in okay?”
“As long as I don’t let Faye cook for me, everything’s good. Still don’t know why Gene didn’t change his will.”
Danny shrugged. “He was your cousin, right? And you did save him at that rodeo. When was that? Eight? Nine years ago?”
“I was just at the right place, that’s all. My God, I didn’t even make it out here to see him after he got so sick.”
“You called. He understood. It wasn’t like you didn’t come because you were shacked up with some buckle bunny. You were fighting to get your daughter. Don’t look a gift ranch in the mouth.”
“I’m not, just wondering.” They sipped their beers in silence again. “Since she’s watching my daughter tonight, guess I should ask what Pepper’s story is?”
“I wondered how long it’d be until you asked about her.” Danny grinned knowingly.
AJ wanted to take back the question and walk out of the bar. He went cowboy-quiet.
“I haven’t been here that long but I understand Faye and Gene came drifting into town when Pepper was six.” Danny paused, took a gulp of beer and went on. “You know that she and Gene hooked up at the commune where Faye grew up, free love and all that. Pepper was born there. No one knows who Pepper’s biological father is. Why Faye and Gene came to Angel Crossing is a mystery. She insists there are vortexes here like up in Sedona. If there are, it hasn’t brought us the tourists and the money like that place.”
This explained a lot. “Pepper wants to start a commune at the ranch?”
“Nah. Just a community garden. She wants to grow fresh veggies to give or sell at low cost and then expand to rent plots for residents to grow their own for themselves or to sell. That’s how she’ll have a bit of income beyond grants and donations. There are a lot of older folks and proud poor ones who need just a little help. It’s not such a bad idea.”
AJ couldn’t feel guilty for putting that plan in jeopardy. He had his daughter to worry about. Tonight he didn’t want to talk about the ranch or any of the responsibilities that went with it. He wanted to be a cowboy, here to enjoy his beer, the music and maybe a cowgirl or two. AJ looked around the bar. Not many people, but then, it was a weeknight.
“If you’re looking for work, I keep in touch with the guys from the circuit. I’m sure I could find some place that needs a wrangler or a rider.”
AJ shook his head. He didn’t want to go on the road and leave his daughter. That’s why he’d given up the only job he’d ever wanted. He’d not been in the big money but he’d made a living. There was an ache in his back and hip, but that was to be expected and it hadn’t been enough to keep him off a bull. “Can’t leave my daughter.”
Danny nodded his head. “You miss it?”
AJ could tell there was something in his friend’s voice that made it more than a casual question. “I’m responsible for my daughter. She’s got to come first.”
“Seems like everyone is getting hitched and having babies.”
AJ couldn’t imagine his friend pining for the settled life. On the other hand, he had come to Angel Crossing and become mayor. AJ couldn’t have imagined that when the two of them were rippin’ it up in every honky-tonk from San Antonio to Laramie. “We’re all getting older,” AJ said lamely.
“Not that old. Let’s do a shot,” Danny said and motioned to the bartender again.
AJ shook his head. “I’ve got to get going, man.” He stood up and for just a moment he longed again for the days when he would have stayed until the bartender kicked him out, maybe leaving with a woman who was soft and willing. Had that really just been last year? He clapped Danny on the shoulder. “Drink one for me and we’ll go out another night to celebrate when I get my new job.”
* * *
DARN. LIGHTS WERE still on in the ranch house. He didn’t want to talk with anyone. He wanted to crawl into bed and hope tomorrow was better. His back and hip ached after being forced to change a tire on the pickup along the side of the dark road. All of it was a reminder that his life was quickly sliding toward crap. Could he hold out until the ranch was his? He had to.
He stopped inside the door, listening. He didn’t hear a TV, the baby, Faye or Pepper—who’d convinced him she could deal with his daughter’s bedtime. He pulled off his boots and snuck to the kitchen. He’d get a glass of water, take an aspirin so he could sleep until the Baby Girl pre-dawn alarm clock went off.
He slowly opened the door to his room so he’d not disturb EllaJayne. Shi...crap...da...darn. There on his bed was Pepper herself with a wide-awake EllaJayne in her arms. The baby was contenting herself with playing at opening and closing the snaps on Pepper’s cowgirl shirt. When she wasn’t in scrubs, Pepper wore the cowgirl uniform well. He’d notic
ed that before, especially her second-skin jeans.
He could pick up the little girl without seeing or touching anything on Pepper he shouldn’t. He tiptoed toward the bed. EllaJayne’s eyes narrowed. Of course, his daughter wasn’t thrilled to see Daddy. She’d rather hug Oggie than him. Where was the stuffed animal? He looked around and then saw it squashed between Pepper’s arm and breast. Lucky dog.
“Come on, EllaJayne,” he whispered as he reached out his hands slowly. “Time for night-night.” He held his breath as the little girl shook her head. If he grabbed her quick enough, she’d be in his arms before she could make a noise. He reached forward, thinking that he’d ease Oggie out before swooping in for his daughter. He leaned over, breathing slowly and calmly, like he was working with a skittish horse. He caught a scent of baby powder mixed with lemon and clove. He leaned in farther, his hand hovering just over the dog. EllaJayne stared at him without blinking. He touched Oggie. She grasped the toy and yelled. Pepper’s eyes popped open, just as his hand got squashed between her breast and the stuffed animal.
“What are you doing?” she asked as she sat up, pulled away and grasped his squawking daughter to her.
“Putting EllaJayne to bed,” he said, keeping a wary eye on the suddenly quiet girl.
Pepper stood, her lush mouth transformed into a straight, thin line. She handed over the girl and walked out.
His daughter cooperated and went into her bed without a peep. AJ wanted or maybe needed to apologize to Pepper. “EllaJayne is down for the night,” he said when he found her in the kitchen where she was putting away dishes. “Thanks again for watching her.” She didn’t look any less strained or annoyed. “And, well, sorry...about earlier.”
She nodded. She didn’t move. He didn’t move. The tension in the kitchen neared the twanging tightness of a guitar string. He had to break it somehow. “So,” he said. “I’m going to have a snack.”
She still didn’t move from the drain board. He dug into the back of the cupboard and pulled out a box of Fiddle Faddle.
“Where did you get that?” she asked.