“Hey,” she hollered. “Have you done your chores already?”
Dillon stopped midstride and shuffled toward her, his boots scraping against the gravel drive. “I fed the goats and horses. I thought I’d catch us some fish for supper.”
“Did you forget you were supposed to ask permission before you traipse off on your own?”
“I told Libby. Besides, I’m only going to the pond. Dad never cared if I went fishing—as long as my chores were done.”
“Things are different now.” She set Jackson’s foot on the ground and smoothed a hand over the gelding’s leg. “I hoped you would ride with me this morning to check the cattle—keep me company.”
“Why can’t Chelsey help? Or Libby? You never let me do anything fun.”
“I took you to the rodeo.” Natalie frowned and considered Jared’s fondness for her brother. “Help me today, and tonight you can call Jared and ask if he’ll take you to the river this weekend.”
Dillon’s brown eyes squinted with hesitance. “You’d let me go? After the trouble we got into last night?”
“What happened last night wasn’t your fault—or Jared’s either, for that matter.” Natalie led Jackson to the tack room to retrieve her saddle and was reminded of the cash she’d found there. “Have you been keeping your eye out for hidden money?”
Her brother nodded. “Yeah, I’ve looked all over the barn, but so far the only thing I’ve found is a nest of baby mice.” He grinned and propped his fishing rod against the wall.
Natalie made a face, thinking it might be time to buy some rat poison from the farm store. Either that or get more cats.
“Is Libby going with us this morning?”
Natalie hadn’t seen anything of her stepmom since breakfast. She knew the woman wanted to spend time with each of the kids and thought perhaps she was with Chelsey. “I kinda doubt it. What do you think of her so far?”
Dillon handed her Jackson’s saddle straps and scrunched his nose. “She’s alright. She talks a lot.”
Never shuts up is more like it, but Natalie kept that to herself. “What do you talk about?”
“Stuff—mostly rodeo. Libby thinks we need another horse, either a barrel racer or one for roping.”
Natalie tugged the cinch tight on Jackson’s stomach, wondering how Libby planned to pay for such a horse. She didn’t waste any time, either, already filling the kids’ heads with ideas. “And what do you think?”
Dillon grinned. “I think if we find another stash of money, we should buy one.”
Natalie chuckled and then a measure of foreboding formed in her gut. “You didn’t tell Libby about the money, did you?”
Her brother shook his head. “Want me to?”
“No, not yet.” Natalie’s anxiety eased a bit. She then caught sight of Libby hustling toward them, dressed in lemon colored pants and top. The woman had impeccable timing, her radar tuned to perfection. Natalie forced a smile. “Are your ears burning?”
Libby smiled back, cheerful and bright. “Should they be?”
Natalie led the horse forward to meet her at the edge of the barn. “Dillon and I were just discussing our plans for the day.”
“Well, I’m glad I caught you,” Libby said, out of breath. “I was just getting ready to go into town and wondered if Chelsey could go with me. You don’t have anything for her to do this morning, do you?”
Natalie corralled her annoyance. “Dillon and I were about to ride out and check cattle. We do have a ranch to run, and with Dad gone, it’s even more important for the kids to lend a hand.”
“Oh sure, and I’ll do my part, as well.” Libby grinned. “But you don’t have anything going on this morning, right?”
Natalie clamped her mouth in an effort to hold her tongue.
“I’d like to buy Chelsey some new cowboy boots. Hers are looking worn and shabby. I’m sure you can appreciate that. I’ve seen the boots in your closet.”
A ripple of irritation slinked up Natalie’s back. Why had Libby been going through her closet? She glanced down at her own scuffed boots, a heavy film of dust coating them. How long had it been since she’d been shopping? To look at clothes or boots or anything besides grain and groceries? She shook off the thought and checked Jackson’s cinch again. “I’d appreciate it if you’d ask me before giving the kids permission to do things. Like Dillon and his fishing.”
The woman made a clucking noise with her tongue. “You gotta let the kids be kids, Nat. It’s their summer break. They need to have some freedom.”
The hair on Natalie’s neck bristled. What about her freedom? Sure, she was no longer a child, but it wasn’t as though she’d asked for this job. She’d traded her freedom for instant parenthood and land. And for what? More responsibility? She watched as Dillon dug behind a set of wooden panels, probably searching for those baby mice. Her heart warmed at the sight, longing to experience a bit of childhood herself. “I guess you can take Chelsey with you. But tomorrow is a work day—for all of us.”
“You should take a little time for yourself, Nat. You’re working too hard on this ranch and trying to raise these kids. It’s not right, a young woman being tied down. It’s good I’m here to take some of the burden off your shoulders.”
Natalie’s brows arched. How long did Libby plan to stay? All summer? “You never did say if you had a job to get back to?”
The woman patted Jackson’s neck. “This here’s a mighty fine animal you have, Nat. I bet he’s good with barrels, isn’t he?”
“He’s good at barrels.” But not as good as Libby was at evading questions. “He’s good at chasing cows too, which is what I need to do now.”
“Want us to bring you back some hamburgers or a pizza?”
“I’m sure Dillon will be hungry. Seems like he’s always eating something.”
“He’s a growing boy.” The woman gazed at her son with appreciation and pride, causing Natalie to wonder at her ability to abandon him all those years ago.
The back screen squeaked open and drew their attention. Chelsey came out on the porch with the phone. “Natalie, you have a call.”
Natalie debated ignoring it as most of the calls she’d received lately had to do with her father’s death—from life insurance companies, creditors, or other folks wanting their share of his money. Being the executor of his will had turned into an incredible nuisance. “Take a message, and I’ll call them back.”
Her sister planted a hand on her hip and sent Natalie a look of indifference she could discern all the way from the barn. “I think you’ll want to answer this. It’s someone from your royal court.”
Natalie’s attitude perked at Chelsey’s flippant terminology, guessing it was news about the upcoming queen clinic she’d volunteered to help with. “Tell them I’ll be there in a minute.”
She handed Libby her horse’s lead rope. “Would you mind tying Jackson for me?” she asked, unable to withhold the excitement from her voice. Without waiting for an answer, Natalie hurried to the house to take the call. Right away, she recognized the voice of the clinic coordinator.
“I hate to bother you, especially when you have so much else to think about, but I’m in a bit of a panic,” the woman stated.
“It’s no bother. What’s going on?” Natalie had been working with Connie on the clinic plans for months and looked forward to the diversion from ranch work, even if only for one weekend. “We’re not canceling, are we?”
Her friend laughed into her ear. “It’s not that bad. The preacher we had scheduled for our cowboy church has a family illness. You don’t happen to know of anyone in the area who might fill in, do you?”
Natalie instantly thought of Jared. “Actually, I might. When do you need an answer?”
“As soon as possible. If we aren’t able to get a preacher, we’ll have to rearrange our schedule.”
“Well don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll be able to come up with something. I’ll get back with you as soon as I can.” Natalie ended the conversation, o
ptimistic Jared would be able to help or at least suggest someone who could. As she returned to the barn to load the horses in the stock trailer, there was a lightness in her step. Maybe Libby was right. Maybe her life didn’t have to be all about ranching and the kids. Maybe this clinic was exactly what she needed to give her soul a boost—or at the very least keep her from going insane.
TWENTY-SEVEN
THURSDAY EVENING JARED MADE HIS DAILY ROUNDS FOR VACATION BIBLE school, welcomed by the usual classroom greeting.
“Say hello to Pastor, children,” Mrs. Trevor called to her first and second graders.
“Hello Pastor Jared,” a dozen kids shouted in unison, waving and jumping up and down in their seats.
“Hey, how are things going?” He waved then smiled at Chelsey who helped at the back of the class. This week, he’d kept close tabs on Chelsey and Sarah, and each of them seemed to take their responsibilities seriously. He hoped their week of church duty would make a difference in their lives.
During the snack break, Jared stopped to visit Chelsey. “The kids seem especially enthusiastic tonight. Do you suppose they’ve had too much sugar?” He laughed. “You appear to be holding up okay, though.”
Chelsey took a sip of her fruit punch. “They’re probably nervous about tomorrow’s program.”
“They should be—we all should be.” He grinned, recalling how half the children still didn’t know the words of their songs. “I’m glad you decided to help this week. The teachers really appreciate the extra hands.”
Chelsey wiped the red juice from her mouth. “It’s not like you gave me much choice,” she said, but then smiled.
“You have a knack with kids.” Jared had watched the young teen work with her students, helping them with their coloring projects and leading them in games. It was a good decision to give her the responsibility. “Will your family attend the program tomorrow night?”
The girl stared down at her boots. “I doubt they’ll come. It’s not really their thing, if you know what I mean.”
Jared frowned in frustration, wanting to understand and help, but not sure how to break through the barrier. “What is their thing, Chelsey?”
She shrugged. “Nothing against your church, Pastor J, but you have to admit, the activities are kind of lame.”
“You think so?”
“Yeah, but if it’ll make you feel better, I’ll ask them one more time.” She grinned as a little girl tugged on her hand and drew her off to play.
“COME ON, IF I HAVE TO GO TO THE PROGRAM, YOU DO TOO,” CHELSEY told Natalie the next evening, while doing their chores. “Besides, this is my last day of penance. After this, I’m free.”
Natalie returned the feed bucket to the barn, mystified by the change in her sister’s demeanor and wondering if it had to do with her work at church or if it was because of Libby. “That doesn’t mean you can go back to your trouble-making.”
“Pastor J will be so pleased to see you at church tonight.” Chelsey clutched her chest and fluttered her eyelashes, completely ignoring Natalie’s admonition. “He’s been asking about you all week.”
Natalie disregarded the playful taunt. “What are we supposed to wear to this shindig?” she called after her sister, but Chelsey was already halfway to the house.
An hour later, Natalie trailed her family across the churchyard, lawn chairs tucked under their arms. She glanced through the crowd, on the lookout for Jared in his clergy attire. She spotted him speaking to a group of children, but he wasn’t dressed in black. Instead, he wore a white T-shirt with a colorful design printed on the front. Unaware of her presence, he gestured with his hands and flapped his arms like a chicken, causing the kids to explode in laughter.
“Kinda makes you see him in a whole new light, doesn’t it?”
Startled by Willard’s sudden appearance, Natalie nearly toppled over a youngster running in front of her. “What are you doing here?”
The man reached out to steady her balance. “Pastor invited me. Said there’d be ice cream.” His eyes twinkled.
“I should have known.” Natalie giggled, glad for her friend’s company. She gazed at Jared, realizing for the first time what his job entailed—teaching little ones, visiting the sick, working with Bible study groups, and preparing sermons. In the last few days, she’d grown to accept him as their friend, but seeing him now surrounded by his congregation, she couldn’t deny his profession any longer. The realization gave her pause and left her feeling a bit out of her element.
Chelsey split off to be with her classroom, while Natalie and the rest of her group found a place to sit. For the next thirty minutes, she watched as the kids went through their program of songs and skits, showcasing everything they’d learned that week. She applauded when the parents applauded and laughed when the others laughed, thoroughly enjoying the evening. Afterwards, Jared came up to them, beaming with pleasure.
“I see Chelsey talked you into attending the program.”
Natalie grinned. “Your puppet skit was quite entertaining, especially your lion routine. The children loved it.”
He took a generous bow. “What can I say? Perhaps I missed my calling and should have gone to Hollywood.”
“No, trust me, you’re much better suited for Diamond Falls.”
Jared chuckled and shook Willard’s hand. “It’s good to see you too, even though I know you’re only here for the ice cream.”
Willard pointed to the church awning where several women were serving dessert from behind a row of tables. “Yes, and folks are already getting in line. We should too, don’t you think?” He nudged Dillon, his eyes bright and animated.
“By all means, go right ahead.” Jared stepped out of their way. “I’ve heard we have thirteen flavors tonight.”
“All I need is one.” Willard winked at Natalie, then led her brother and Libby to the tables, not sticking around for chitchat.
“Shall we join them?” Jared held out his arm, and Natalie latched onto his elbow, enjoying the relaxed camaraderie.
“Let me guess,” she said. “Your favorite flavor is—”
“Vanilla,” he offered before she could finish.
She giggled. “Men are so boring.”
“Oh really? I suppose your favorite is Tropical Peach Mango or some other crazy concoction.”
She smiled at this rare playful side. “Actually my favorite is chocolate chip. Chunky, chunky chip if you want to get technical.”
“Do all women crave chocolate? My mom loves the stuff.”
“Pour on some thick hot fudge, and I might float away on a cloud.”
He wrinkled his nose and stared up at the evening sky, not yet twilight. “Pour too much on and you’ll sink the cloud.”
Natalie jammed her elbow into his side. “Not funny.”
They reached the tables and an elderly woman served them. Natalie noticed the woman didn’t smile.
“Thank you, Mrs. Hildebrand,” Jared said. “Did you make this ice cream yourself?”
She practically gushed at his attention. “Yes, and I hope you enjoy it. It’s an old family recipe, brought down from three generations.”
“I’m sure it’ll taste delightful.”
They moved through the line, and Jared helped himself to three more flavors until his bowl could hold no more. “Shall we sit over there?” He motioned toward an empty picnic table.
Natalie felt the stare of several congregation members as they walked by. “I think we’re being watched.”
Jared followed her gaze, then waved to a few of the people. “They’re probably wondering why a pretty lady like you is sitting with a geek like me.”
“I doubt that.” Natalie’s face grew warm at the compliment. She couldn’t help but notice how the woman behind the serving table still stared, still frowned. “Perhaps they don’t approve of the company you keep?”
Jared flashed a disapproving look. “Why would you think that? This church is a friendly bunch, open to anyone who wants to hear God’s Word
or have fellowship with us.”
Natalie wanted to believe him. She thought of their phone conversation earlier that week. “Thanks again for agreeing to lead cowboy church for us at the clinic. You really helped us out of a pinch.”
“It’s my pleasure. I’m glad you called. Maybe one of these days you’ll join us for church here—I hope so, anyway.”
Oddly enough, the idea didn’t sound as distasteful as it once had. “Chelsey enjoyed Bible school this week. I guess your plan wasn’t so bad after all. I’ve already begun to see a change in her attitude.” She offered a slight grin. Then her stepmom’s cackle filled the air, and the hairs on Natalie’s neck bristled with dread. Her gaze tracked the raucous laughter to the other side of the churchyard, and to her horror, Natalie witnessed the woman in lime green press provocatively close to the man next to her. The middle-aged man seemed to enjoy Libby’s flirtation and laughed right along with her. Did the woman have no shame?
A cloud of gloom enveloped Natalie, as once again, she feared what Jared’s congregation would think of the wild interlopers who had crashed their party. “Will you excuse me for a minute?” She got up from the table hoping to deter the train before it wrecked.
Within seconds, she reached Libby’s side and drew her away. “Are you crazy? We’re at a church social, not a cocktail hour.”
“What do you mean, Nat? I’m just having a little fun with this gentleman. We were about to get us some ice cream, weren’t we?” She grinned back at the balding man whose interest hadn’t waned despite the obvious scene Libby made.
“Can you at least turn your volume down so you don’t make such a spectacle of yourself?”
Libby tore her arm from Natalie’s grasp, taking offense. “I don’t know where you get off judging me, Nat. I don’t mean anybody any harm. And besides that, Chelsey is the one who invited me to this social, so if anyone is going to judge, it’ll be my daughter.”
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