“Ride? Are you crazy, Cal? You don’t need all that jolting around. It’s too soon.”
“Okay, how about the day after tomorrow? That’ll give me another day to rest, but Olé needs the exercise, too. Dad can’t ride him, though he’ll probably try if I don’t do it. You know how determined he is.”
“Yes,” she agreed with a sigh. “Just like his son.” Cal grunted his disapproval of her comparison, but she continued. “Why don’t you get one of your friends to exercise the horse. You know they’d be glad to help.”
“Yeah, but I want to do it...with you. And I’m sure not going to ask one of my friends to share a ride with you. That’s my privilege.”
“And one you’ve exercised many times in the past. It could wait, Cal.”
“Day after tomorrow,” Cal insisted. “I’ll be ready.”
“Fine. Be hardheaded. We’ll ride on Wednesday,” she agreed with a sigh.
“Good. Now, tonight, why don’t we go to The Old Cantina for dinner? I’ll pick you up at—”
“But, Cal, everyone’s going to go crazy, wanting to talk to you—and us. They were still talking about our engagement when you got shot.”
“I know. But we need to get it over with. Then maybe they’ll leave us alone.”
Jessica doubted that. The engagement alone would cause talk for months. Cal and his friends were famous for their stance on marriage.
The bachelors in town were defending their choice to remain unmarried, and the young women were celebrating the capitulation of one of the most eligible. Combining that with Cal’s heroic behavior, Jessica figured they’d be the topic of conversation for a long time.
“Okay, but I’ll pick you up. You don’t need to be driving any more than necessary.”
“Sounds good, baby. I love it when you take care of me.”
She laughed. “Seems to me you weren’t singing the same tune when you had the mumps fifteen years ago.”
“That’s because you spilled a glass of ice water on me,” he reminded her. “That was a real shock to my body. I hope it didn’t affect my ability to have children.”
“Call It didn’t. Your mother said—”
“Just teasing, sweetheart,” he told her with a chuckle. “I think I can still perform.”
Remembering the few times they’d embraced, she was sure he could, too. Just thinking about it made her heart speed up.
“Um, I’ll pick you up at six-thirty,” she said, hoping to bring the conversation to a close before she dwelled too long on his performance.
He laughed, a reassuring sound. “Right. I’ll be ready.”
She hung up the phone, thinking about his last words. She’d be ready, too. His accident had changed her thinking about a lot of things. She was ready for whatever Cal wanted.
And, if it involved a seduction, she would volunteer to be the seducer. Maybe it might even turn out the way Mabel wanted. But she wasn’t going to live her life without having made love to Cal. His accident had convinced her to agree to whatever he wanted. If he didn’t marry her, she’d at least still have memories of lying in his arms.
It reminded her of those old World War Two movies where the man had asked for the woman’s love because he might never return. Cal hadn’t asked yet. But if he did, she already knew her answer. Or maybe she should do the asking.
Whatever. She’d be ready.
MABEL AND ED ENDED UP going with them to The Old Cantina. Along with half the population of Cactus. Or at least it seemed like it to Jessica.
The restaurant received so many offers to buy their meal, they started a collection. Once Cal was told of the many donations, he designated the money to go to a women’s shelter recently established in Cactus to serve the entire county.
Things snowballed from there as the waitresses informed all their customers of the collection. By the end of the evening, close to three hundred dollars had been collected.
“Son,” Ed said with pride, “I reckon you could win any election around here, hands down, tonight.”
“Too bad the election for sheriff doesn’t roll around until next spring,” Cal returned with a grin.
“Are you going to run again?” Jessica asked.
Both men stared at her as if she’d lost her mind. Mabel gave her a solemn look but said nothing.
“Of course I will, baby,” Cal finally replied. “Why wouldn’t I?”
“How about the fact that you were almost killed a few days ago?”
Cal studied her for a minute and then said, “Did you hear about Harriet McGee?”
She stared at him, confused by his non sequitur. What did the town librarian have to do with anything? “No. What about her?”
“She died two days ago. Had a brain aneurism.”
“What? I hadn’t heard. How terrible,” Jessica exclaimed, looking to Mabel for confirmation.
Cal didn’t wait for any comments. “Safe job, librarian.”
Jessica froze. His point was obvious, and not one she wanted to hear. She stiffened and glared at the love of her life. “That’s not—”
“Yes, it is,” Cal assured her.
“Your job is more dangerous.”
“Want me to quote statistics for you? Do you know how many accidental deaths involved lawmen in this county last year compared to regular people in safe jobs?”
“You don’t know those stats by memory,” Jessica argued.
“Sure I do. ’Cause it was zero to, urn, something over ten.”
“What happened to Cal was a rare event,” Ed said softly, leaning toward Jessica. “I served for thirty years and never came close to being hurt.”
“Except for when you fell into that cactus,” Mabel said calmly, continuing to eat her enchiladas.
“Now, Mabel, that don’t really count,” Ed protested.
They all laughed because Ed’s attempt to arrest a man a few years earlier had resulted in the man pushing Ed away, causing him to fall into a cactus. While not lethal, the removal of the cactus spines had been painful.
“Jess,” Cal said quietly as the laughter died, “being sheriff is who I am. As much as I love you, I can’t change that.”
He was pretending in front of his parents, Jessica reminded herself. He wanted them to continue to believe in the engagement, that’s all. But, oh, how his words took her breath away. Playing her role wasn’t difficult. She loved him with all her heart. “I know,” she whispered. “But I want you to be safe.”
He leaned over to brush his lips across hers. “I will be, baby. You’re stuck with me for the next fifty years.”
She stiffened her spine. “Do you think you’re getting away that soon, mister?”
“Okay, okay, we’ll make it seventy-five, but you’re driving a hard bargain, lady. I’ll probably have to demand at least four kids to make it worth it.”
Mabel applauded. “I’d love four grandchildren.”
“Now, Mother...” Ed warned, “don’t mess in their business.”
“Oh, Ed Baxter, you know you’re just as excited about the grandchildren as I am,” Mabel argued.
“I wouldn’t mind hearing the patter of little feet again,” Ed admitted. “It sure was fun when Cal was little.” A reminiscent smile on his face almost brought a tear to Jessica’s eye. As a child, the only father figure she’d had was Ed, who had made her feel he loved her almost as much as he did Cal. She wanted that for her children. A father, a grandfather.
Cal smiled at his parents. “I imagine all of us would be happy about that, Dad. Just be patient.”
“Of course, son. The decision is yours and Jessica’s.”
Jessica trembled. How disappointed they were going to be when Cal told them the engagement had been a sham and there would be no precious babies.
CAL DIDN’T SEE Jessica the next day. It was the first day he hadn’t spent at least some time with Jessica since his accident. He missed her.
He called that evening to reconfirm their riding date. “You haven’t forgotten about tomor
row, have you?” he asked when she answered the phone.
“Tomorrow?” she asked. “What’s tomorrow?”
He could hear the teasing in her voice and played along. “Our ride. Remember?”
“Cal, are you sure you’re up to a ride?”
“Oh, yeah, I’m ready for it.” And a lot more, but he wasn’t going to tell Jessica that now. “Mom is going to pack us a picnic lunch. All you have to do is show up, baby, looking as beautiful as usual.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” she returned in a sultry voice.
“I’m counting on it.”
“Seriously, Cal, we probably shouldn’t ride long. Aren’t you still sore?”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ve ridden since you have. But we’ll take it easy. I’ll pick you up about ten. Okay?”
“Okay. But I could meet you at the ranch.”
“Nope. I’ll pick you up. See you tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
“Baby?” he called softly before she could hang up.
“Yes?”
“You owe me a good-night kiss.” Then he hung up the phone.
He hoped she’d forgive him for the plans he’d made. But he couldn’t wait any longer.
CAL HAD A PROBLEM.
As sheriff, he was easily recognizable. Any move he made was carefully watched. Especially since his recent notoriety. Having stopped by the office, he put his hands on his hips and surveyed the officers on duty.
“Pete, can I see you a minute?”
The rookie officer jumped. He hadn’t enjoyed the lecture Cal had given him a few days ago about being overly zealous in passing out traffic tickets. Cal knew he was worried he’d done something else wrong. He smiled to ease the young man’s fears.
Once they were inside the office, Cal ran his finger around the collar of his denim shirt. “Uh, Pete, I need a favor.”
Relief filled the young man’s face. “Sure, Cal, anything.”
Cal rubbed his chin. “This is a personal favor, and you can refuse, if you want.” He paused. “I need you to buy me some condoms.”
Pete stood still, as if waiting for something else.
“Well?”
“That’s it?” the young man asked cautiously.
“Yeah, that’s it.” When Pete acted as if he didn’t understand, Cal added, “Hell, man, everyone knows me. I might as well announce my intentions with a skywriter.”
“But...I mean, what do you usually do?”
“I buy ’em in Lubbock. But I don’t have time to go today and... Will you do it?” He wasn’t going to explain the urgency of his need.
“Well, sure I’ll do it, Cal. No problem.” The man started out of the office.
“Wait. Here’s some money.”
“Okay. I’ll be right back.”
“Great. Don’t...don’t tell anyone they’re for me.”
He felt like an idiot. He’d always had this problem.
When his father was sheriff, he knew word would get out if he bought condoms in town. Of course, his father had given him a talk about responsibility, but he hadn’t wanted to announce any personal plans to the town.
Betty knocked on his office door. “What are you still doing here? I thought you were taking the day off.”
“I’ll be gone in a few minutes. Any problems?”
“None that we can’t handle. Get yourself out of here before a problem walks in the door.”
Cal felt his cheeks heating up. “Not till Pete gets back. He’s, uh, running an errand for me.”
Betty gave him a knowing look, and Cal felt as if he’d been caught pulling the pigtail of the redheaded girl in the second grade.
“I’ll...I’ll go through my mail,” he muttered, sitting back down behind his desk and reaching for the stack of envelopes in his in-box.
“You do that,” Betty agreed with a grin. “I’ll send Pete in when he gets back.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
As soon as the door closed behind him, Cal got up from his desk again. He was too edgy to worry about the mail. He had plans for today, big plans.
A knock sounded on the door.
“Come in.”
Pete walked in with a grin on his face. “You didn’t say what kind you liked, so I got—” He reached into the brown paper sack and Cal realized he was about to show him what he’d bought. Unfortunately, he’d left the door open and Betty was watching them.
Cal leaned forward and slammed the door. “I don’t care what kind. Thanks, Pete.”
“Here’s your change,” he said, holding out his hand.
Cal took it and vowed to drive to Lubbock soon to stock up on, uh, personal purchases.
For today, however, he had what he needed.
Now all he had to do was convince Jess to cooperate.
Chapter Fourteen
Jessica paced the floor of her living room, pausing to stare out the front window. She’d trained herself over the years to get used to not seeing Cal. Amazing how worthless all that training was now that they’d spent some time together.
Frowning, she noticed some clouds. She didn’t want anything to spoil their ride. She was looking forward to spending the day with her pretend fiancé.
In fact, she had big plans.
Yesterday she’d gone to the drugstore and made a purchase. She was glad Melanie wasn’t there to wait on her. Otherwise, she’d have been embarrassed. But she wasn’t going to trap Cal into marriage by an unexpected baby, in spite of Mabel’s plans.
But that didn’t mean she was going to keep her hands off him. After his accident, she’d realized she was going to make love with him at the first opportunity. And that decision had stayed with her.
In fact, she could think of little else.
Lying in Cal’s arms, being one with him, kissing him until her lips were numb with exhaustion, if that could ever happen, were all that filled her mind.
The sound of his truck alerted her to his arrival. Her stomach did a double flip. Okay, their engagement was a pretense, but she wanted some memories for her heart. Memories she would have as she lived out her life alone.
She opened her door, a smile on her lips, hoping Cal wouldn’t realize how nervous she was. If he did, he’d want to know what was going on.
He wasted no time.
“I missed you, baby,” he said, and swept her into his arms, his lips covering hers.
Oh, yes, she thought, and then she didn’t think at all. Her mind was overcome with rapturous sensations, and she enthusiastically cooperated.
“Whoa,” Cal finally said, breathing heavily as he set her away from him. “We’d better slow down or those horses aren’t going to get any exercise.”
Jessica put a smile on her face, but she was a little frustrated. He was more concerned about the horses than making love to her!
Never mind. She was patient.
“Of course. I’m ready.” She walked past him to his truck. A neighbor waved to her when she stepped outside. Obviously Cal’s kiss was for his benefit. And she’d hoped it was really because he’d missed her.
Cal didn’t seem inclined to talk once they were on their way, but Jessica asked about his day at the office and about his mother and father.
“Mom fixed a big lunch. She must think you’re underfed,” he said. “She made me promise to make sure you ate. Especially dessert.”
“Mmm, what kind of dessert?”
“I don’t know. She wouldn’t tell me.”
She had another kind of dessert in mind, but she’d eat some of Mabel’s, too. She wouldn’t want to hurt her feelings.
When they reached the ranch, she discovered Cal had their two horses already saddled. “I would’ve saddled my own,” she protested.
“Actually, I had Dad come out and help me. It still hurts to lift something heavy,” Cal told her. He pushed his Stetson back and grinned at her.
She smiled but worried that her plans were too ambitious today. What if it caused him pain? She took a deep breath. No,
it would be all right. If he could ride, he could make love with her.
He loaded the food in two saddlebags and tied one on each saddle.
“Where are we going to picnic?”
“I thought we’d ride to the far side of ranch, near the old line cabin. Remember that big old tree we used to climb?”
“Of course I remember it. I almost fell out of that tree when I was seven.”
“That’s the one. I thought we’d picnic in its shade.”
Jessica looked up at the sky as she absentmindedly stroked Red’s nose. “I don’t see any sun.”
“It is a little cloudy now, but I’m sure it will change later. Did you bring a jacket just in case?”
“No, but my sweater should be warm enough.”
“Okay. Let’s mount.”
Soon they were riding across the pastures, as they had a hundred times over the years. The richness of their past only added to the wealth of their future. She’d shared so much with Cal. Sharing the ultimate intimacy seemed the only thing to do.
She smiled at him as he turned to look at her. “Are you hurting?”
“A twinge now and then. Nothing important. Of course, my chest looks like someone painted it with yellow paint from kindergarten.”
“Is it still sore to the touch?”
“I don’t know. Betty doesn’t stroke my chest much.”
She sent him an exaggerated look. “I should hope not.”
He continued as if she hadn’t spoken. “And my fiancée has been ignoring me.”
“Really? I heard she’d taken good care of you.”
He reached out and pulled Red to a stop alongside Olé. Then he leaned over and kissed her. “I think you’re right.”
“Thank you. And for agreeing, said fiancée will do a little stroking after lunch.”
“After lunch?”
She nodded, noticing his sparkling eyes, their gray suddenly appearing silver.
“You know,” he said, “I feel hungry all of a sudden. Let’s have our picnic here.”
She laughed and took her reins again, urging Red forward. “I don’t think so. You promised me our favorite tree.”
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