Rachel's Cowboy

by Judy Christenberry

Afterward, Will, Vivian and J.D. went into the library to continue their business discussion.

  Rachel breathed a sigh of relief. She looked up to realize Rebecca and Vanessa were staring at her. “What?”

  “Are you okay?” Vanessa asked. “You hardly ate anything.”

  Rachel shrugged. “I have to wear a swimsuit.” It was as good an excuse as any. “Vanessa, are you and J.D. close?”

  Vanessa grinned. “Yeah, like brother and sister…who only see each other every five to ten years.”

  “He’s very handsome,” Rachel pointed out.

  “Yes, he is, and he hardly realizes it, which is one of the best things about him. If you want him, go get him. I’ll be on your side.”

  Rachel looked at her twin. “You didn’t tell her?”

  Rebecca shook her head. “I didn’t know what you wanted.”

  Rachel swallowed. She wasn’t used to such consideration. “I— J.D. and I have a p-past. I don’t think there’s anything left for us. But thanks, anyway.”

  “That’s too bad,” Vanessa said, frowning.

  “I think I’ll go on to bed. I need to be up early.”

  “You’re leaving tomorrow?” Rebecca asked, surprised.

  “Yes, but I’ll be back next Thursday, so it won’t be a long trip. I’ll be gone in the morning before you get up,” she told her sisters.

  Rebecca spoke up. “Rachel, I’m worried about you.” She looked at Vanessa. “We both are. Why can’t you take some time off?”

  “After all, Jeff managed to get back some of the money your mother stole from you,” Vanessa added.

  Rachel was touched by their concern, but she knew what she had to do. She leaned over and kissed them goodbye. “Take care while I’m gone, you two.”

  J.D. HAD HIS DREAM.

  After a brief discussion Vivian agreed to sell him the ranch. She argued about the purchase price, thinking his offer too high rather than too low. He assured her he knew the value of the land. Besides, he pointed out, that wasn’t the way to do business. Herbert would turn over in his grave.

  “You’re right—he would, J.D. But Herbert didn’t understand what was important.”

  “I know, Vivian,” J.D. agreed. “He wasn’t nearly as smart as you.”

  Will laughed. “Well, it’s good to see we’re all in agreement.”

  J.D. felt his earlier tension seep away. He was among friends. “About Rachel… I didn’t mean to take advantage of her. She came— I mean, she indicated her interest and we shared a few moments. But I didn’t force her or anything.”

  “I never thought that, dear,” Vivian assured him.

  “And Rachel didn’t say anything like that,” Will added. “I think it was the surprise of seeing you suddenly in a place where she felt safe.”

  “Safe? What is threatening her?” J.D. demanded.

  Vivian explained briefly about Rachel’s mother.

  “Damn!” J.D. hung his head. When he looked up, he said, “I didn’t like that woman. She expected to be waited on hand and foot, and she did nothing. Madge just about threw her off the ranch.”

  “Yes.” Vivian nodded, her strawberry-blond hair shimmering in the light. “That sounds like an accurate description. Rachel had found out about her adoption and Rebecca just after she’d discovered her debt. It was such a betrayal. I think she went into shock. We’ve tried to reassure her, but she’s independent. And worried about her future.”

  J.D. stared at his hosts. “That’s a hard knock.”

  “Yes, it is, but we’re trying to help her. And Will is still looking for the one brother we haven’t found. Just recently the girls received a letter from Jim, their oldest brother, but he won’t be home for a few months yet.”

  Thinking of Rachel and what she’d been through, J.D. felt inundated by emotions he couldn’t name—except for frustration. That one he could easily identify. Frustration because of how their time together had ended, frustration because there was no way to help her. Finally he changed the subject. “Now that we’ve agreed on the sale, what do we do?”

  Vivian looked at Will.

  “If you’ve got the money ready, then all we need is to get the papers ready. I think we can plan on closing next Friday. Will you go back to the ranch or stay here all week?”

  “As long as it’s all right with you two, I’ll go back to the ranch and work. I’ll return next Thursday so I’ll be here on Friday for the closing, whatever time it is.”

  “That will be great,” Will said, standing to shake his hand. Vivian gave him a kiss, and J.D. escaped from the house where Rachel was living.

  It was time to get back to his real life.

  A WEEK LATER, J.D. made the drive again to Dallas, this time to sign the papers that would make him owner of his home. There was excitement in him as he achieved a major goal. There was also an edginess that he would again have to face Rachel.

  Maybe she wouldn’t be back from the Bahamas. It would be a shock to come from warmth and sunshine to Dallas in March. A cold front had moved through this week, bringing rain, sleet and wind.

  Before he went to the hotel, he wanted to stop by Vivian’s house and let her know he was here. As he pulled up to the curb, he saw a taxi, but no one appeared to be in it. Then he saw two people who’d apparently exited it.

  Rachel, as white as a sheet, must have just fainted. The taxi driver, a small man, was holding her, but seemed to be on the verge of dropping her. J.D. threw his truck into Park and darted up the sidewalk to help.

  He took Rachel in his arms and told the driver to ring the bell. When Betty answered the door, she realized at once that Vivian was needed. She opened the door wide for J.D. to carry Rachel in.

  “Take her to the morning room. I’ll get Miz Vivian.”

  J.D. did as she asked. As he carried Rachel, he realized she was running a high fever. What the hell had they done to her in the Bahamas?

  Vivian came down the stairs at a faster rate than she should have. She headed for Rachel as soon as she entered the room. J.D. stopped her. “Vivian, I don’t know what’s wrong, but I do know she’s running a high fever. I think she needs to go to a hospital.”

  “Oh my, yes. I’ll get my purse.”

  “I don’t think you should go, Viv. It could harm the baby. I’ll take her. Just tell me who to ask for.”

  Clearly frustrated, Vivian reluctantly gave J.D. her doctor’s name. “I’ll call him and ask him to meet you there.”

  “Good. Do you have a blanket we can wrap her in? It’s not exactly warm out there.”

  “Oh, yes. Betty?” Vivian called. The housekeeper was hovering just outside the door. “Bring a blanket for Rachel.”

  J.D. wrapped her in the coverlet Betty brought and lifted her into his arms again. “Hell, she hardly weighs anything! A strong wind would carry her away.”

  “I know. She’s so fragile,” Vivian said tearfully. “You’ll call as soon as you learn something?”

  “Sure, Vivian. I’ll call.”

  He returned to his truck, carrying Rachel. He laid her across the bench seat and got in after her. Then he put her head on his thigh and made the short drive to the hospital.

  THREE HOURS LATER, Rebecca had finished her classes, skipped her job at Jeff’s office and was at the hospital looking for her sister. She was directed to the second floor, where she found Rachel’s room and hurried in, only to find J.D. Stanley sitting in a chair by her bed.

  “J.D.? How is she?”

  “She has pneumonia. It appears the weather there was unusually cold and wearing a swimsuit was risky.”

  “Has she come to?”

  “A couple of times. She’s not really clear about where she is or why.” He shook his head and muttered, “She thinks she’s invincible.”

  “But she’ll get better?” Rebecca’s voice was tight with worry.

  He nodded. “Vivian’s doctor, Dr. Clayburn, says it will be a long recovery. She’s way too thin and weak.”

  “We’ll take care of h
er,” Rebecca said staunchly.

  “What about you and Vivian?”

  “What do you mean? We will want to take care of her.”

  J.D. hated to tell her what the doctor had said. “I don’t think the doc wants Vivian or you to be around her. The babies might be affected. In addition to pneumonia, Rachel may have a viral infection.” Rebecca wasn’t as far along in her pregnancy as Vivian, but was still susceptible.

  Rebecca paled. “Oh, no! I hadn’t thought of that. What are we going to do?”

  “I’ve got an idea, but I doubt that you’ll like it,” he said slowly, as if still considering it himself. “I’ll talk to Will about it.”

  As if she felt the tension in the room, Rachel stirred.

  “Rachel?” Rebecca asked softly.

  “Becca? I’m so tired.” She closed her eyes again.

  “I know, sis. Just rest.”

  Before Rebecca finished speaking, Rachel was asleep again.

  “They’re giving her a strong antibiotic in the drip, and he added a sedative to conserve her energy. He’s expecting her to sleep until tomorrow,” J.D. said. “If you can get Vanessa to stay with her for a few hours, I’ll go back to the house and discuss what’s to be done with her.”

  Though she nodded, Rebecca seemed in shock. She looked so lost. J.D. reached out and gave her a brief hug. Finding your family didn’t always mean things were easy, he thought.

  He didn’t want to leave Rachel, either. She was weak and had no idea what was happening to her. He was glad her sister Vanessa could stay with her for a while. When she arrived, J.D. headed to Vivian’s.

  Vivian joined him in the library, wanting to know how Rachel was.

  J.D. filled her in on everything Dr. Clayburn had said. “They’re hoping to get control of the fever by tomorrow.”

  “Good. Then we can bring her home?”

  “No, Vivian. Dr. Clayburn doesn’t want you or Rebecca around Rachel until she’s completely well.” J.D. already knew Vivian would protest. But he was counting on Will putting his foot down.

  Vivian reacted as predicted. “That’s ridiculous! He’s an old woman! I’m sure it won’t hurt the babies.”

  Will came in in time to ask questions. When he heard what the doctor had recommended, he agreed. Vivian immediately began to argue.

  “I have a solution,” J.D. said loudly, stopping the argument.

  “You do?” Will asked eagerly.

  “Yeah. There’s plenty of peace and quiet on the ranch…and Madge was a nurse. Remember? She looked after Mom the past five years.”

  “That’s right,” Vivian said. “I’d forgotten that fact, because she’s such a good housekeeper.”

  “You think about it, Vivian. I promise I’ll keep my distance so Rachel will be comfortable.”

  “But we shouldn’t ask you to give up your own comfort for our family,” Vivian said.

  “It won’t affect me. I’m out working until dark. We’re into the calving season.”

  Will offered his hand in a shake. “We’ll discuss it. You’ll be ready to sign the papers tomorrow?”

  “Yes. That’s why I stopped by, to let you know I was here and ready.”

  “Good timing,” Will added.

  Vivian hugged him in gratitude. “Come to dinner this evening, J.D. Will and I will discuss your generous offer and we’ll talk again tonight.”

  It was all J.D. could ask for at this point. He said, “I’ll be here at seven.”

  BEFORE HE RETURNED to Vivian’s house, J.D. went to the hospital. He had a spare hour and told Vanessa to go grab a meal. She needed the break and he wanted to be alone with Rachel.

  While she was sleeping, he could look his fill at the beauty who had haunted him for the past six months. He’d told himself she was just another woman, but he couldn’t forget their night together.

  He would have to avoid her if he took her home to Madge. He’d called his housekeeper when he got back to the hotel. She’d been thrilled with the idea of caring for Rachel. She’d liked Rachel, and she missed nursing. Madge had immediately begun planning healthy meals.

  She’d also volunteered to call Vivian and reassure her that Rachel would receive the best care.

  J.D. reached out and stroked Rachel’s cheek. In spite of her illness, her skin was still soft. He was going to be in hell, having Rachel around but being unable to touch her. But he’d even suffer hell if it made her healthy again.

  Chapter Three

  J.D. stayed an extra day at the hotel, spending the night after they signed the papers. The doctor promised to release Rachel after she ate some breakfast the next morning.

  J.D. had breakfast with Will and Vivian. Afterward, Betty made the back seat in his double-cab truck look like a bower of sleep for Cinderella, or maybe that was Sleeping Beauty. He got confused on those fairy tales.

  At the hospital, the doctor gave him lengthy details on Rachel’s care and questioned him about how he would get her to his ranch. Then he had him drive his truck to the door of the hospital, promising to have Rachel brought down in a wheelchair.

  J.D. had hoped he’d be able to carry her out asleep. Vanessa assured him she’d explained the arrangements to Rachel, but J.D. figured if she was awake, she might refuse to get in his truck with him.

  He saw her at once, slumped in her wheelchair in front of the hospital as he drove up. Scrambling from the truck, he hurried around to open the door for her. Then he faced Rachel.

  “Betty fixed the back seat so you’ll be comfortable,” he assured her. “Shall I lift you into the truck?”

  “I think that would be the only way I could get in,” Rachel said in a whisper, glancing away. The nurse gave him a suspicious look. J.D. decided he’d better move quickly before the woman accused him of being an ax murderer.

  He placed Rachel on the soft pillows Betty had put at one end so she was propped up a little, and wrapped the blankets around her. Immediately she closed her eyes and appeared to again be sleeping.

  “You have all her medicines and the instructions the doctor gave you?” the nurse asked.

  “Yes, I do. And she’ll be under a nurse’s care within three hours, I promise.”

  “Good. She should sleep at least that long. The doctor gave her a sedative so the trip wouldn’t strain her.”

  “Good thinking. Thank you.”

  He closed the truck door and got in on the driver’s side. Dallas was a nice place, as cities went, but he was ready to get back to the wide-open spaces of West Texas.

  Once he was on the road, the traffic demanded most of his attention. He could glance back over his shoulder and barely see her face, snug in the covers. Once he got past Fort Worth, the traffic thinned out, and he picked up his pace. If she woke before he got her home, he wouldn’t know what to do for her.

  Thank God for Madge.

  ONE WOULD’VE THOUGHT he’d rung an alarm when J.D. pulled up beside the house he’d been born and raised in. Before he could kill the engine, Madge came out of the house, followed by two cowboys carrying a stretcher between them.

  “I’ve been so anxious for you to get here. How is she?” Madge asked, peering in at his own personal Sleeping Beauty.

  “The doc gave her a pill to put her to sleep. I haven’t heard a peep out of her. What’s the stretcher for?”

  “To get her in the house, of course.”

  “We don’t need that. I can carry her.” He was determined to hold her in his arms once more. He looked at the two cowboys. “Vivian packed her a couple of bags in the back. Can you grab those?” Then he said to Madge, “Do you have her bed ready?”

  “Of course I do. The cover’s even turned back, waiting for her.” Madge was always ready, no matter what he asked of her.

  J.D. slid his hand under the blankets, feeling Rachel’s warmth through the soft flannel. “She may be running a fever.”

  “Wouldn’t be surprised. It will be a couple of days before we get rid of the fever. Did you bring the antibiotic drips?”
/>
  “Yeah. They packed them on ice for me. They’re in the back of the truck, too.”

  “I’ll get one started right away. We still have that metal tree we used for your mother. I put it beside her bed.”

  He lowered Rachel to the bed after Madge had peeled away the blankets from the truck, so Rachel would be comfortable while she slept. A sigh escaped her pale lips as she snuggled down under the coverlet, curling away from him.

  Madge put a hand on his shoulder. “She’s going to be fine, J.D. You did a good job getting her here. The boys need to talk to you about a problem that came up while you were gone. They’re having coffee in the kitchen. You can leave Rachel to me.”

  He didn’t want to. But he reminded himself of his promise to keep away from her. Right. He’d turn his thoughts to cows.

  And later, when Madge had gone to bed, he’d check up on Rachel.

  EVERY EVENING for the next few days, J.D. listened to Madge’s account of Rachel’s day, telling him what she’d eaten, how long she’d slept, what her temperature had been. Then, after Madge went to bed, J.D. would creep into Rachel’s room and sit in the chair by the bed, watching her sleep. He’d tell himself that he hadn’t thought about her all day, hadn’t worried about her as he went about his ranching chores. But the truth was he found himself looking forward to Madge retiring to her room after puttering in the kitchen.

  Was it right that he anticipated his visit with Rachel as much as he did?

  The question nagged him every night, but he never answered it.

  Occasionally, he’d even permit himself to touch her cheek, just briefly, to see that she wasn’t too hot.

  Until the night her eyes opened.

  He jerked back, unable to look away. “Uh, I wanted to be sure you weren’t running a fever.”

  To his surprise, she smiled wanly at him and closed her eyes again, as if he’d interrupted her dreams. After waiting a moment, he stood and tiptoed out of the room. The sight of her blue eyes went with him.

  The next morning, Madge reported that she was going to get Rachel out of bed that day to sit for a while in the kitchen.