The Last Cowboy

by Pat Dale

  Sir Robert rescued Lady Eve on the high seas in a battle where his ship had mistakenly destroyed a Spanish vessel thinking it to be a pirate ship. In reality, the ship was taking the rightful heir to the Spanish throne to safety after her life had been threatened. Lady Eve would be Queen when her ailing father died.

  As the plot developed, Samantha felt her writing style smoothed and matured. At last, she was pleased with the direction the regency novel was taking. And soon she’d have another completed manuscript to submit; one which she hoped would be successful, unlike her three previous attempts.

  * * *

  On the Sunday before Independence Day, she fumed when Edgar and Troy drove up to the house to collect Ozzie for their regular fishing expedition. Troy waved, but she turned her back on him. She was startled to find her mother directly behind her regarding her with a frown.

  “What’s wrong with you, Samantha? Can’t you at least be civil?”

  “Give me one good reason why I should.”

  “This is not the end of the world as we know it, dear.”

  “Maybe not, but Troy Roberts is not part of my world.”

  “I think you and I need to talk.”

  “What’s to talk about, Mom? He’s made his choice, and so have I.”

  “Sometimes men do stupid things, honey. For that matter, so do women. I understand you feel Troy did something that really hurt you. If my experience in life tells me anything, he’s feeling twice the pain you are at this moment.”

  “Great! I hope he hurts like hell.”

  “Samantha, please. Hear me out.”

  “Okay, Mother, I’m sorry.”

  “Do you really believe, inside where it counts, that Troy has serious feelings for Missy? Have you even let him try and explain?”

  “Not hardly. I have no idea what he feels for Missy. Maybe he was just looking for a one night stand.”

  “Samantha!”

  “Well, he’s done it before with other women!”

  “Do you know for a fact that he has?”

  “Of course. Everyone knows Troy has a ton of notches on his bed post.”

  “Nonsense. That’s just gossip, probably started by one of the girls he rejected. And you of all people should know better than to publish gossip and call it fact.”

  She couldn’t help her flaming face. Her mom was right. “Okay. So what if it’s only a dozen or so?”

  “Still gossip and rumour. Unless you actually know names, times, places, you shouldn’t touch this garbage with a ten-foot pole. Tell me the truth, do you think Troy loves Missy?”

  “No.”

  “I agree. Does Missy love Troy?”

  “I don’t think so. I know she had fantasies about him when we were in school. She didn’t tell me, but I knew. Then she went so head over heels for Tom, that’s what makes what she did so hard to take.”

  “Not hard at all. Have you ever had dinner with someone you liked to talk to, without falling in love with them?”

  “Yes. Everyone has.” How do you say duh to your mom?

  “So, why don’t you give your friends the benefit of the doubt? Maybe they were sitting there talking about you.”

  “Troy said they were talking about relationships.”

  “Right. Maybe yours with him? Or Missy’s with Tom?”

  Oh my god. She forced herself to look into Sally’s eyes. Maybe she a big mistake in judging her friends actions. “You could be right, I guess. But he makes me so angry. Sitting there with my best friend, in front of the whole world at a candle light dinner.”

  “That was over a month ago.”

  “I know, but it still hurts.”

  “Men, as I said, sometimes do some strange things. Take your dad, for example. He—”

  “I don’t want to hear about him, either.”

  “Why? Because he usually has both feet in his mouth?”

  “Yes. And because I’ve never been good enough in his eyes, he’s always wanted me to be a boy.”

  “What?” Sally looked bewildered. “Samantha, you’re wrong about that. He loves you just as you are.”

  “He may love me, but he wanted a son and you know it. Mom, I’ve tried so hard to live up to his expectations, but he just treats me like I’m inadequate somehow.”

  Sally’s face paled as tears welled up in her eyes. “He does not. Honey, your father loves you so much, because you are a girl. You have no idea.”

  “That’s right. I have no idea.”

  Flashes of something she’d heard in college sparked her mind. “You know, I never seriously bought into the concept that men are an inferior gender, but now I have to wonder.”

  “Oh, my goodness. This is more of a problem than I thought. I think it’s time for that mother-daughter talk you and I never had.”

  Sam allowed Sally to lead her into the house, numb from the revelations she’d just had. But, if those feminists she’d listened to in college had been right, and a woman didn’t really need a man, why did she feel so incomplete? She sat down across the table from her mother.

  Sally took her hand. “Now, sweetie, before we go any further, I have to convince you of one thing, one very important thing. First, it’s true. Your father did want a son very much. “Back in those days, there was no way to tell the sex of a baby before it was born. I have to confess, he had his mind set that he was going to have a son, and I didn’t try to change it. But, and I want you to hear this very clearly, the hour you were born, he was so happy to have a daughter he cried.”

  “My father cried? He never does that, even when his own mother passed away.”

  “I know. That’s the stoic side of him. But he cried for you. Happy tears. At any rate, dear, your father has never wished you were a boy since the day you were born.”

  “I find that hard to believe. I mean, he treats me like a man most of the time.”

  “That’s true. In admiration for the way you handle yourself. You’ve held your own at the paper and he respects that, quite apart from your being his daughter.”

  “So, all the stupid errands he has me run are out of respect? Give me a break.”

  “I don’t know where he sends you, but you have to believe he loved you when you were a baby, and he loves you now. Could it be you’ve never given him a chance in your own mind?”

  Samantha considered her mom’s words. For so long, she’d assumed her dad resented her for not being a boy. She’d taken all those meaningless assignments as punishment for failing to live up to his standards. Perhaps they were nothing more than mundane tasks that had to be performed by somebody. Anybody.

  If that were the case perhaps her opinion of him had been wrong. Great! That meant her attitude toward men in general was probably wrong as well. What about Troy? Am I wrong about him, too?

  * * *

  Troy’s social life was in the dumpster. He’d messed up royally and wanted nothing else to happen that could make it worse. The odd thing was, he didn’t resent his self-imposed celibacy. Besides, he had plenty to do with getting his new project off the ground. He’d spent a number of days in hurried trips between Flanders, Branson, and Springfield where most of his prime contractors were headquartered. By month’s end, he’d obligated himself to some huge contracts, but the whole deal was on schedule.

  Several more top country stars had inquired about the availability of building sites. Three had already bought in and two more were pending. Things were running smoothly. On that front.

  His wayward thoughts haunted him. For years he’d tried to establish the reputation of being a lady’s man. Well, it had worked, maybe too well. In truth, he had nowhere near the experience local legend would have people believe.

  Try telling that to Samantha. She’s convinced I’m the lover-boy of all time. And now she believes I’m the rat of all time.

  Julie interrupted his reverie with a call from Jason.

  “Hi, JT. What’s cooking?”

  “My goose, I think. Troy, I’ve got a big problem.”
<
br />   “Lay it on me, my man. One problem, more or less, will be no more of a burden than what I’m already under.”

  “I gotta get married. Quick.”

  “Whoa! Rose’s old man show up or something?”

  “Somethin’. Seems Rose is pregnant! We’re having a baby.”

  “Oh...” Troy did some quick mental calculations. JT and Rose had only known each other a few weeks. How could she be pregnant with the singer’s baby?

  “You still there, Troy?”

  “Yeah, JT, I’m still here. Just trying to figure out how you already know you’re going to be a daddy.”

  “She took an EPT test. It came out positive.”

  “You sure it’s your kid she’s carrying?”

  “She says so and I think she’s right. She made no bones ‘bout her love life after her husband died. Says she hasn’t been with anybody except me so I’ve got to believe her.”

  “No, you don’t have to believe her, but I can understand why you want to. But, how does this have anything to do with me?”

  “I need a best man.”

  “You weren’t kidding, then. You’re really getting married. When’s the big day?”

  “She wants to go off somewhere and get it over with quiet-like, but I said, no way, we’re gonna do it up right. We’re looking at three weeks from now, tops. I’d be honoured if you’d stand up for me.”

  “You bet. I’d be honoured to be your best man. But what about the guys in your band? Surely at least one of them is a long time friend.”

  “Yeah. All of ‘em. Only they won’t stop giving me a hard time about knocking Rose up. They’ve pissed me off enough I’d do without before I asked any of them.”

  “Okay, JT. I’ll do it. Does Rose have a maid of honour?”

  “Not yet. Said she’s gonna ask Samantha, since she’s kind of the only real friend she feels she has in these parts.”

  Yikes! Samantha and I will be arm in arm in a wedding party. Could anything be worse right now?

  “I don’t think Samantha will do it, especially if she knows I’m involved.”

  “What’s the matter? You two fighting again?”

  “You could say that. But anyway, I’ll stand up for you one way or the other. Let me know when and where, and I’ll be there. Oh yeah, it looks like we’re on track for getting your mansion built this fall.”

  “Good. I’m sure gonna need it, and sooner’n I thought. ‘Specially the nursery.”

  Troy guffawed. “You don’t have cold feet about marrying Rose, do you? She can’t hold you to this, you know.”

  “I know that, but I don’t care. Even if the kid turned out to be someone else’s, I want her to be my wife. So bad I can’t think of anything else. I truly love that woman.”

  “You got it bad, pal. I know how it feels, for all the good it’s done me. See you soon, JT.”

  Troy replaced the receiver in the cradle and rested his chin in his hand, wondering what this wedding would turn out to be. It could be a lot of fun. Or it could...

  * * *

  Rose stuck her head inside the Herald office and Ozzie Turner greeted her.

  “I’m looking for Samantha.”

  “She’s in there,” he replied, pointing to an office near the back of the room.

  Samantha was writing furiously, oblivious to the world, when Rose stepped into the doorway. “Hi, Samantha.”

  She looked up, startled. “Rose, hi! You surprised me. How are you?”

  “Okay, I think. Maybe not so okay. Samantha, I think I need your help.”

  “No problem.” She closed the office door and took a closer look at the woman, taking in the pale face and worried expression. “You don’t look so good, Rose. You feeling ill?”

  “Not exactly. Kind of.”

  “Huh?”

  “I’m pregnant.”

  “You’re what?” Sam managed to squeak out.

  Aggie’s lopsided weak grin didn’t match the obvious pain in her eyes. “I’m going to have a baby.”

  “Oh God! I’m sorry. Is it JT’s? What can I do to help?”

  “It has to be his, I haven’t been with anyone else since George died. Jay and I are going to get married. I want you to be my maid of honour.”

  “Hey, that’s pretty short notice for a life-changing decision like that. You sure that’s what you want?”

  “Yes. I love him with my whole heart. I never knew love could be like this. Please say you’ll do it.”

  “Well sure, I’ll be glad to. When’s the wedding?”

  “In three weeks, I think.”

  “You don’t know?”

  “No. I wanted to elope, but Jay wants a big wedding in front of God and everybody, so I guess we’re going to do it his way.”

  “Sounds like you’ve done everything his way. This is a far cry from environmentalism, Rose. Are you really sure you know what you’re doing?”

  “About marrying Jay, yes. About everything else, no. This all came up so suddenly, I’m not sure of anything except I love the guy like crazy. He’s very intelligent and kind. And he wants a family. With kids. Lots of kids.” Rose paused to smile uncertainly. “We sure wasted no time getting that going.”

  “You sure it’s his baby?”

  “Very sure.” Her face went red.

  “It’s just happening so fast fast. You’ve only known the man a month tops.”

  “Five weeks, but it was that first night. Had to be. I wanted him so bad I didn’t think about anything except loving him. We got to know each other pretty well that night. Really well, if you know what I mean. Endlessly.”

  “Well enough you’ll marry the guy and have his kid?”

  “I’ll gladly fill his new home with them, Samantha. This is the one thing I’ve always wanted more than anything.”

  “You and George didn’t have any children?”

  “He didn’t want any kids messing up his life. He came from a large family and didn’t want anything to do with kids. I thought he’d change after we got married.”

  Sam snorted. “Men don’t change. Like the leopard and his spots.” She grinned.

  “Tell me about it. But Jay is perfect.”

  “Well, he’s handsome enough. You two should have some beautiful children, Rose. And yes, to answer your original question, I’d be honoured to be your maid of honour.”

  Rose hugged Samantha with tears in her eyes. “Having you there will make it a lot better for me. I don’t want to ask my family, I haven’t really had any contact with them since I left town. You and Troy are the only ones in town I really have contact with now.”

  The name triggered Samantha’s curiosity. “By the way, did JT pick a best man?”

  Rose shut her eyes. “Not yet, I think. I don’t know.”

  “Well, as long as it isn’t Troy Roberts, I’ll be there.”

  “Thanks, Samantha. I’ll be in touch to pick out gowns and stuff. This will be a whirlwind thing so we may have to compromise on colours and styles. But that’s okay.”

  “Rose, what about your family?”

  The redhead stuttered, “I—uh, haven’t gotten around to telling them about Jay and me. Like I said, I haven’t really had much contact with them since I left.”

  Samantha stared her down. “Don’t you think you should?”

  “I suppose. Oh, there are so many things to think about...”

  “Well, I’ll help you with that too, if I can. Let me know what you want, Rose. We’ll turn this into a wonderful time for all of us.”

  All but me.

  Chapter Nine

  Sally brought Samantha’s manuscript downstairs to read it in the better lighting in the den. She was so engrossed in the story she didn’t hear Ozzie arrive unexpectedly. He walked in on her to see her draped across her easy chair, one leg dangling over a chair arm swinging back and forth, her total concentration on the journal in her hand.

  “Must be some pretty good stuff you’re reading there, Sal.”

  She jumped,
dropping the book on the floor. “Oh! Ozzie, you scared me. Why are you home this time of day?”

  “Last I noticed, I come home for lunch at noon every Tuesday. It is Tuesday, isn’t it?”

  Sally’s face flamed as she glanced at the clock. “Yes, dear, and noon, too. I must have lost track of time. I’ll have your sandwich ready in a few moments. Are you in a hurry?”

  “Not especially. What were you reading just now?”

  “Oh, nothing much. Just some stuff Samantha wrote.” She grabbed the journal and closed it, grasping it tightly in her hands.

  “She writing political opinion pieces again?”

  “No. Nothing like that.” From the look on her husband’s face, he wasn’t going to let it go. “She’s writing fiction, if you must know. Pretty good stuff, too.”

  “You don’t say. Could I look at it?” He walked across the room and held out his hand.

  She handed it to him. “She’s into historical romance. Can you imagine that?”

  He shook his head. “I can’t. Well, let’s see what she has here.”

  He opened the journal and began reading. When he dropped into his chair and kept reading, Sally slipped into the kitchen and hurriedly assembled a bowl of tuna salad. After she made the sandwiches, she put them on a tray along with two glasses of milk and a bowl of chips and took them into the dining room.

  “Ozzie? Lunch is ready.” She heard him grunt, but he didn’t come to the table. “Ozzie, I thought you wanted some lunch.”

  “Yeah, okay. Just a minute. This is really good stuff, sweetheart. I don’t get all gushy over romance as you well know, but this is quite engaging.”

  She smiled, realizing that if he liked it, it had to be good. Very good. Maybe good enough to publish. “You think she should send it to a publisher?”

  He put the story down and sauntered into the dining room. “I do, indeed. In fact, I have a notion to send it in myself. I know an editor or two that might like to have their names connected to Samantha’s story. It’s good stuff. Damn good.”