Walker: The Rodeo Legend

by Rebecca Winters

“Have you talked to her since?”

  Walker sucked in his breath. “No.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I don’t want to hear her give me the heave-ho.”

  “You think that’s what she’s going to do?”

  “She just did it to another poor devil. It’s only a matter of time.”

  “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Nothing.” He spun away and headed for the door. On the way out, he turned to him. “I don’t have it in me to talk today. Sorry to have wasted your time.”

  “It’s never a waste. You’ve already taken the steps to get into your career as the head of the J. W. Cody Natural Gas Company. You’re doing fine, Walker. See you next week.”

  Doing fine when he felt gutted? The right woman will love you, warts and all. Sure she would.

  A blackness crept over him as he sped away from the clinic.

  “IT’S A GOOD THING there’s only reserved seating, because this place is packed!” Angie said. Paula nodded. According to some locals sitting behind them, every night the stands were full like this all summer long. The rodeo was a different world, one she’d never had an interest in, but the advent of Walker Cody on the scene had forced her to think about it.

  Tonight Angie had challenged Paula to come. At least watch Walker compete one time before she shut him out of her life. Since Paula had told Walker she would attend the rodeo on Saturday night and her friend had wanted to see it, she’d reluctantly agreed.

  This was Angie’s last night in Cody. Her friend had come back to finish cleaning her apartment. Tomorrow she and Danice would be leaving for good. Katy was babysitting the children at Paula’s apartment.

  It was one of those beautiful Wyoming June nights. The temperature was warm enough they didn’t need a wrap, but Paula couldn’t appreciate it. “I wish we were watching Walker do anything but this.”

  Angie rolled her eyes. “You mean you’d prefer to watch him fly around a track in a Formula One race car at death-defying speeds instead?”

  “I meant golf or tennis. A sane sport.”

  “You’re talking about a Cody. They settled this land. Walker’s a different breed. Admit that’s part of the fascination.”

  “I admit it, but I don’t have to like the fact that he’s dealing with an unpredictable animal. His father’s leg was never the same again because he couldn’t get away from the bull in time. I told you what happened to his sister, Elly.” She didn’t bring up Troy’s name. She couldn’t.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” sounded the announcer from the buzzard’s roost. “The runner-up to Miss Wyoming has just led us in the flag ceremony followed by some of the participants in tonight’s events.”

  Paula sat up straighter. She and Angie had comfortable seating beneath the grandstand, allowing them an unobstructed view. It looked like every one of the 5,500 seats beneath the cover was taken.

  “We’ll now have the invocation,” the announcer said.

  As she closed her eyes, images of Walker flooded her mind. She knew he was across the arena behind the pens somewhere with his siblings while they prepared for tonight’s competition. He hadn’t called or come by since Tuesday when she wasn’t there.

  After the note she’d left explaining that Angie needed help with Danice while she made the move to Laramie, Paula hadn’t expected to see him. It was better this way.

  “Father, tonight we thank You so much for our blessings, above all the gift of freedom. For today we don’t understand that the gift we enjoy was not free. The men and women who have died were sacrificed so that today we may remain free as well as protect others around this entire world.”

  The man’s unexpected words touched Paula in the deepest part of her soul. While Brent had made the ultimate sacrifice, Walker had been able to come home. He’d been one of the lucky ones. Hadn’t his war wounds taught him anything?

  Angie put a comforting hand on her arm for a moment before withdrawing it.

  “And Father, we ask that You watch over and protect our cowboys and cowgirls, our rodeo livestock, our rodeo fans. Keep us all free from injury and give us grace traveling home. Forgive us for we all fall so short. We ask this above all things. Amen.”

  Please protect Walker. Please.

  “Amen,” she whispered along with the thousands of other amens. After they sang the national anthem the announcer said, “It’s going to get Western in a hurry with the bareback riding!”

  The cheers were deafening. Knowing the Codys were contenders in most of the events filled her with such a dichotomy of emotions, she didn’t know if she could sit there much longer. This was the second night of this particular competition, and the rising tension was palpable.

  Next came the barrel racing. After five contenders Ellen Cody rode out to circle the barrels with speed and grace. It was pure poetry watching her maneuver her horse. Paula leaned closer to Angie. “You would never know she had a close call at the last rodeo. They had to cart her away from the arena in an ambulance.”

  Her friend didn’t have a comeback for that sobering piece of news.

  Soon the team roping started. Ten sets of ropers competed, Dexter and Dusty Cody among them. The announcer mentioned Dusty Cody, who’d be coming up again in the tie-down roping event. Both brothers worked fast and were sensational.

  Each event went so quickly, a whole evening flashed by without her realizing it. The bull riding event was next, bringing a huge roar from the crowd.

  There were ten contenders, most of them wearing vests and helmets. When Jesse Cody and his bull, Foxey Loxey, were announced, the crowd went wild. His body looked fluid no matter how the bull twisted and jerked. The white cowboy hat he was wearing didn’t even fall off. He received a score of ninety and the crowd jumped to their feet to cheer him.

  Another local bull rider named Mark Hansen rode a bull called Rip Torn and received an eighty-nine. There were more ovations. One more competitor to go before it was Walker’s event. Her heart was already jumping in her throat.

  “Robby Tedesco’s up next riding Tsunami. He’s been having a great season. With the scores he’s racked up and a good ride tonight, he could come out on top. That bull has given grief before, but Robby’s staying with h— Uh-oh. He’s off! He needs to get away, but he’s hurt. I believe those hind legs got him in the thigh. He’s clutching it. Now he’s being helped out of the arena. We’ll give you folks an update when one’s available. Our next event is the steer wrestling.”

  As the crowd roared with renewed excitement, Paula jumped to her feet, feeling sick. “I can’t watch any more, Angie, but you stay until it’s over. I’ll wait for you in my car.”

  “No, no. I’ll come with you. I need a good night’s sleep before the long drive tomorrow.”

  They made their way out of the stands to the parking area. Halfway home Angie broke the silence. “Don’t let what happened tonight become bigger in your mind than it is, Paula. He limped out of there with help. Injuries are par for the course.”

  “I know. My brother’s had his share, but if you could see Walker’s scars, you’d understand my concern better. If one of those horns got him in the side, I don’t know how the doctors would be able to fix him up.”

  Angie stared at her. “I can see your fear goes a lot deeper than I’d realized. I’m sorry because I think Walker’s good for you.”

  “Let’s not talk about him.”

  “Deal.”

  Paula’s eyes smarted. “I didn’t mean to snap at you. Forgive me. With you leaving in the morning for good, I’m afraid tonight’s not my best night. You’ve been the best friend I ever had.”

  “Hey—I’m only going to Laramie.”

  She drove past Angie’s car and pulled into her parking stall. “At the end of the semester, I’ll take time off from work so we can get together with the kids. But it won’t be the same as our living in the same complex, and you know it.”

  “I know. I’d give anything if you were moving to Laramie, too.”r />
  “You’re going to become a fabulous RN and have a fabulous life with Danice. I know wonderful things are in store for you.”

  Now Angie teared up. “Our stories aren’t written yet.”

  “You’re right.” Paula needed to get a different story going herself.

  THAT NIGHT, FOR THE FIRST time in a long time, she had a horrendous nightmare. Instead of the military knocking on her door, she was sitting in an arena and the rodeo announcer said, “Ladies and gentlemen, we’re canceling the rest of tonight’s competition due to the tragic news that Walker Cody died on the way to the hospital.” “No!” Paula screamed in agony and bolted upright in the bed. The dream had been so real her heart thundered in her chest and she’d broken out in a cold sweat. From the nursery she could hear Clay crying. Her fright had been so terrible, she’d wakened him. A flashback couldn’t have done worse damage. Her compassion for Walker knew no bounds.

  She rushed to Clay’s room and brought him back to bed. After she cuddled him for a long time, he fell back to sleep. Paula lay there for the rest of the night fighting her demons.

  At seven-thirty while she was feeding Clay his breakfast in the high chair, her mom phoned to find out how he was doing. Pretty soon her dad got on to say hello, then Kip took over.

  “Hey, Pollywog. You did a real disappearing act on Tuesday.”

  She lowered her head. “I know. Angie called, desperate for help because her sister in Laramie was down with the flu. She’d been counting on her.”

  “So it was my sister to the rescue.”

  “You’d do the same thing for Ross.”

  “Guilty as charged.”

  “D-did you have a good time with Walker?” she stammered.

  “I don’t know where to begin. Let’s just say I experienced one of the greatest times of my life.” He went quiet for a moment before he said, “He’s…not like anyone else I’ve ever known.”

  Paula could relate. Every moment spent with Walker provided unparalleled thrills. “No. Walker Cody is unique.”

  “He showed us the new ranch house. You really did a fabulous job on the landscaping for them. It’s a beautiful place. Incredible! I’m proud of you, Paula. The folks are proud of you, too.”

  “Thanks,” she whispered in a shaken voice.

  “Is Clay better?”

  “He’s fine now.”

  “Did you get to the rodeo last night?”

  She had trouble breathing. “Yes. I went with Angie, but we couldn’t stay for all of it because she was getting ready to leave for Laramie early this morning.”

  “But you saw Walker compete.”

  “Actually we left at the end of the bull riding.”

  “You’re kidding. On the Pro Rodeo Web site it says Walker put up a 3.9. That’s his best time this season.”

  “I’m sure that pleases him. He’s been working so hard.”

  Kip made a funny noise in his throat. “He won’t be happy until he gets a 3.3 or 3.4.”

  After her nightmare she didn’t want to talk about it. “There’s another phone call coming in. It might be a client. I’ve got to go.”

  “Okay. Talk to you later.”

  She hung up with him and clicked on the new caller. “Hello?”

  “Paula?”

  At the sound of Walker’s voice she went weak and sank down on one of the kitchen chairs. “Hi.”

  “Hi, yourself. How’s my little guy?”

  Clay was playing with his cereal. “He’s all better.”

  “I’m glad to hear it. And what about you?”

  Don’t ask. “I’m fine.”

  “No you’re not. What’s wrong?”

  “My friend Angie left for Laramie this morning. It’s a wrench for me and Clay. We’ve been close ever since Brent and I first moved here.”

  “I have a remedy for that,” he informed her. “How about we spend part of the day at the folks’ pool? It’ll be relaxing. No one will be around. We won’t let Clay get any water in his ears.”

  Now was the time to be strong. “That’s very generous of you, but—”

  “But what?” he cut in on her in a terse voice.

  She got up from the chair and paced. “I don’t think it would be a good idea.”

  “Why don’t you just say it? I’m not your husband,” he ground out.

  Her face went hot. “You’re jumping to conclusions again,” she said angrily. “Brent has nothing to do with it, and don’t you dare hang up on me, Walker Cody! I’m trying to explain myself and I’m not doing a very good job.”

  While the blood was pounding in her ears, he said, “I’ll be over for you and Clay at nine. If you’re not there, then we’ll know if you’re telling the truth or not, won’t we.”

  The line went dead.

  Paula buried her face in her hands. After sitting there for a while, she realized that she was doing to Walker what she’d accused Brent of doing to her. While he was deployed, she’d begged him to tell her what was going on in his gut, but he wouldn’t, couldn’t.

  Now Walker wanted answers, and she was avoiding them in every way she could. She realized that after this phone call, she couldn’t go on like this. It wasn’t fair to either of them.

  When he came for her and Clay, she’d be ready to go with him. But by the time he brought her back to the apartment, she would have granted him the favor Brent hadn’t granted her.

  Though it would be the kiss of death to their relationship, gut talk was what Walker wanted from her. That’s what he’d get.

  WALKER GRABBED HIS CELL phone and called Elly. Along with the rental agreement, Jesse had left him a list of the family’s phone numbers. At the time Walker hadn’t paid much attention, but things had changed. He’d changed. The next time he talked to Jesse, he would thank him for his foresight.

  Come on, Elly. Pick up.

  After five rings he heard her say hello.

  “Elly? It’s Walker.”

  “Hey, Walker! I can’t believe you’re calling me.”

  “I’m sure you can’t. Jesse gave me your number. I hope I’m not phoning too early.”

  “Are you kidding? I’m about to leave the homestead to check on Pepper. She was favoring her left hind leg last night. I’m hoping she’s all right. I want to take her for a ride.”

  “I hope so, too, because I was going to suggest we start riding in the mornings beginning tomorrow. If I get a ride in before Boyd and I put in practice every day, both my horse and I will get the workout we need.”

  “I’d love it. You know that.”

  “So would I. Tell me something. What are your plans today?”

  “After my ride, nothing until Janie and I go into town for a meal later. Why?”

  “I was wondering if you’d come by the pool in about an hour. I’m bringing Paula Olsen and her boy Clay with me.”

  “The landscape architect?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is she…”

  Walker knew what his sister was asking. It was only natural. “She lost her husband in Afghanistan and has been going to therapy at the VA clinic with me in Powell.” Another slight exaggeration.

  “The poor thing.”

  “You could say we need each other.”

  “I understand.”

  “She doesn’t get much of a breather being a full-time mom. What I’m hoping is that you’d keep an eye on her cute little two-year-old for a half hour.”

  “Don’t say another word. I’ll be happy to do it.”

  “I’ll make this up to you, Elly.”

  “Oh for heaven’s sake—”

  He smiled. “All right, here’s the plan. If you could make it look like you just happened to come out to the pool and took a liking to Clay. You know, ask Paula if you could take him in the house so Mom could see him? I just need a little time alone with her.”

  “You can count on me.”

  His throat swelled. “I know. I’ve got a great family. See you later.” Walker hung up, grateful for Elly.
r />   Twenty minutes later he was driving to Cody. He didn’t really believe Paula would run away from him this morning. Still, when he saw her at the apartment railing putting out the things Clay would need, his lungs expelled the breath he’d been holding.

  “Hi!” She waved to him as if she hadn’t tried to widen the distance between them. “Clay’s been waiting for you.”

  She smelled delicious and looked incredible in a khaki wraparound skirt and a lacy, white short-sleeved jacket. He suspected she had her bathing suit on underneath.

  Clay saw him coming up the stairs and reached for him.

  Walker pulled the boy out of her arms and gave him a big hug. He kissed his tummy, producing belly laughter that was music to his ears. He’d missed the little guy. After they played for a minute, he transferred the car seat to his truck and they were off.

  Though he’d wanted to take them to the cabin for the conversation he had in mind, he decided the ranch-house pool represented a safer, less threatening spot for Paula. Somewhere more civilized.

  He turned his head toward her, marveling anew at her lovely profile. There was nothing about her he didn’t like. Not until she’d tried to stop him cold over the phone. “Do you need anything from town before we drive to the ranch?”

  “I don’t, thank you, but if you want something, please go ahead.”

  “Nothing for me.” He started for the outskirts. “Have you heard from Kip?”

  “Yes. I talked to him this morning. My whole family in fact.” Her head was bowed. “Thank you for giving him and Ross the thrill of their lives.”

  “That’s a gross exaggeration, but I’ll accept the compliment all the same. I was impressed with how experienced they are at bulldogging.”

  “It was Kip’s dream. He told me you got a 3.9 at the rodeo last night.” A band constricted her breathing. “I was there with Angie, but we had to get home to the babysitter before your event.”

  He shot her a sideward glance. “Was that before or after Robby Tedesco’s injury?”

  Her hands moved restlessly. “After.”

  Just as he’d thought. “In case you were wondering, he didn’t break any bones, but he’ll be bruised for a while.”