Rebecca gasped. “It’s the prettiest hat I’ve ever seen.” She ran a hand over the smooth fur felt.
“I figured you can get your own band when you have time.” He gently lifted it from the box.
“How did you know what size?”
“They still have you on file in the store.”
“Wow, after all these years. I don’t even know where my old hats are. Maybe in my mother’s attic.”
“Well, aren’t you going to try it on?”
“Yes. Of course.” She rubbed her hand over the taupe material. “I love the color.”
“Thought this color wouldn’t show the dirt in case you, um, fall again.”
“That wasn’t my fault.”
“I’m just saying.”
“Your hat matches mine.” Delighted with the hat, she placed it on her head and adjusted the brim.
“Does it?”
Rebecca glanced at him and he winked.
“How’s it look?” she asked, moving to the side-view mirror of the truck.”
“Careful.”
Too late, Rebecca tripped on an orange plastic traffic cone lying on its side in the grass.
Joe grabbed her around the waist, alarm in his eyes.
“You almost fell. Do you have any idea how dangerous a concussion is? Everything from dazed and confused, to full-on memory loss. Hitting your head when you already have a concussion is even more dangerous. You’ve got to be more cautious, Becca.”
She narrowed her eyes, assessing him. “When did you get a medical degree?”
Joe gave a sheepish smile and shrugged. “I looked it up on WebMD.”
“You looked up my concussion?”
“Yeah, about midnight, when I couldn’t sleep. I was worried about you.”
Rebecca stood still in the warm circle of his arms as he stared at her. His gaze moved from her eyes to her lips. Then ever so slowly, Joe’s head lowered. He hesitated and stepped back, releasing her.
“Sorry,” he murmured. “I shouldn’t start what I can’t finish. We only just became friends again, five minutes ago. I don’t want to make it any more difficult than it is.”
“Difficult? What’s difficult?”
“I’m doing my best to maintain a professional relationship, but you sure aren’t making it easy.”
“Me!”
“It would help if you could ugly yourself up or something.”
Rebecca snickered. “Doesn’t this black-and-blue knot in the middle of my forehead work for you?”
“Not hardly,” he scoffed. “Besides, you’re assigned to certify me. It would be wrong to attempt to unduly sway your opinion.”
Though she did her best, Rebecca couldn’t help but laugh. Repeatedly. “Are you saying you think I might go ahead and certify you because you’re a good kisser?”
Joe’s face registered shock. “No. That is not what I’m saying.”
She shook her head. “I’m kidding, Joe. Let’s just go get something to eat, shall we?”
“Sure. Okay. But take it easy today, would you?”
“I’ll try,” she said. “Slowing down doesn’t come naturally for me.”
“Where have you two been?” Abi murmured to Rebecca as they approached the root beer table. She looked her up and down. “Nice hat.”
“Mr. Gallagher decided that I need one.” She looked at Joe. “Or maybe he buys one for every greenhorn who gets thrown by a horse on his ranch.”
Abi laughed, and Joe shot the reporter a menacing stare.
“How do you like my face, Joe?” Casey asked.
“Red, white and blue with stars. I like it. Maybe I should get a few stars, too.”
“Casey, you are beautiful,” Rebecca said.
“How about if we go check out those ponies, Casey?” Joe asked.
“I thought you were hungry,” Rebecca said.
“Yeah, not anymore,” he mumbled.
“Are Momma and Abi coming, too?”
He shook his head. “Nope. Just you and me. That okay?”
Casey’s face lit up. “Yes, please.”
Joe took her hand, and they headed off to find the ponies.
“Oh, my. Look at them,” Abi said, her gaze following the tall cowboy and the little girl. “That’s enough to make even my cynical heart a little mushy around the edges.”
Rebecca chuckled. “He’s a good man.”
“Ditto that.
“So you and Joe looked cozy.” Abi raised her brows. “I am going to make a wild guess that he’s forgiven you for bringing us out to the ranch?”
“Yes. At least for today. Monday will be the real test.”
“Rebecca. Good to see you,” a voice behind her said.
She turned and smiled, delighted to see Hollis Elliott. He wore a black Western shirt and a black hat angled on the back of his head. The outfit offset his thick white shock of hair. “Mr. Elliott! How wonderful to see you.” She gave him a quick hug.
“Sir, this is Abigail Warren, she’s here as part of the OrthoBorne Technology team, doing a big write-up on Mr. Gallagher.”
“Pleased to meet you.”
“You as well, sir. This is an amazing community event. Thank you for allowing us to attend.”
“Glad you’re here. Paradise gives me so much. This is my way of giving back. Enjoy yourself.”
He turned to Rebecca. “Do you mind if I steal you away from your friend for a few moments?”
“Abi?”
“Of course. As it happens, I have a sheriff I’d like to have a word with.” She grinned.
“What happened to your forehead?” he asked, peering at her face.
“Thrown from a horse, like I was a rookie. So embarrassing.”
Hollis chuckled. “Well, you know what they say. ‘If you climb in the saddle, be ready for the ride.’ Not that I haven’t been tossed a couple times. It’s all about how you land, right?”
“Yes, sir.” Rebecca smiled, recalling that her father had said those same words.
“Let me get down to business, so you can get back to having fun. I wanted to apologize to you, Rebecca. I found out too late what Judge Brown was trying to do to you with that trial. Next time he bothers you, come to me. That windbag doesn’t have as much reach as he thinks he does. I’m only sorry your momma didn’t call me first when you needed bail money. And for the record, I knew all along you were innocent. Everyone in this town did.”
“Thank you, Mr. Elliott. You were a lifesaver, believe me.”
“Nonsense. It would have been the least I could do for your father.”
“Sir, could I possibly ask a small favor?”
“Anything, Rebecca.”
“Joe Gallagher.”
“What about him?”
“Judge Brown has managed to prevent him from hiring help with his hay crop, because I’m working with him. I’m his therapist.”
“I just talked to Gallagher. He didn’t say anything about that. We talked about his land. There’s a parcel I’ve been trying to get him to sell. That’s a standing joke between us. Has been for years. That boy will never sell. He likes to tease me every now and again. Someday he plans to build a house on that parcel and raise a big family.”
Rebecca frowned, confused.
“When does Joe start cutting?” Hollis asked.
“Tuesday. Next week will be the first full week of sunshine we’ve had.”
“You’re right. Everyone is scrambling to get in the first cutting. I’ve got my balers tied up with my crop at the moment, but I’m not willing to let the judge get away with this. No, sir. It’s not right. Let me see what I can figure out.”
“I appreciate that, sir.”
“Don’t you w
orry.” He grinned and patted her back. “I’ll beat the judge at his own game. I’m good at that.”
“Thank you.”
“I don’t suppose your mother is here?”
“She should be somewhere around here. I spoke to her before I left. She was bringing a few of the elderly ladies from the church.”
“Your mother is a good woman. Heart of gold. A godly woman, as well.”
“Yes, sir, she is.”
“Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?”
Rebecca shook her head.
“Would it bother you if I...” He hesitated and cleared his throat as a red flush crept up his neck. “I’d like to ask your mother out to dinner.”
She smiled. “That would be really nice.”
“You’re sure? I don’t want to overstep my bounds. The way I figure it, your mother’s been widowed fourteen years, and my dear wife has been gone twenty. I’d like nothing more than conversation and a meal now and again, with a lovely lady who understands ranching and cares about this valley as much as I do.”
“You don’t need my permission, Mr. Elliott. But if you feel you do, you have it.”
“Thank you.” He grinned. His dark eyes had a definite spark in them. “Now have a good time today. We won’t do this again until next year.”
Rebecca stood with a smile on her face as Hollis moved to greet his guests and check on the events. Her mother deserved a second chance at companionship, and maybe a little romance. Deserved it more than anyone she knew. Her heart swelled with joy at the possibilities that lay ahead for all of them here in Paradise.
Chapter Twelve
Rebecca curled her feet beneath her and relaxed against the leather sofa. “What did you think of our little church, Abi?”
“I have to admit that it was a pleasant surprise. Everything. The sermon, the people. It’s been a long time since I’ve sat in a pew.”
“Any particular reason?” Rebecca asked.
“Oh, lots of reasons. None of them of any merit.” Abi paused and turned her head. “Before you start digging into my psyche, I should mention that I think that’s your phone ringing.”
Rebecca scrambled from the couch and raced to her room. Dumping the contents of her purse on the bed, she rifled through an assortment of papers along with souvenirs from Friday’s barbecue. When had Casey have time to put all this stuff in her purse? Finally, at the bottom of everything, she located her cell.
Virginia Simpson. She tapped “accept” when she saw the familiar number.
“Virginia?”
“I know this is short notice, Rebecca—however, a situation has arisen here. I’m leaving for Denver late tonight. Could you possibly come up to the house? I’ve wanted to talk to you for a long time. Now I find that I cannot put it off any longer.”
Rebecca blinked, speechless for a moment at the unexpected request. “Um, yes. Sure. No problem. I’m happy to take a ride up there.”
“When? Would now be too inconvenient?”
“Now?” Rebecca glanced at the clock at her bedside. “Okay. I’ll make it work. Um, your father? Will he be there?”
“No. The judge isn’t here.” Virginia paused. “When shall I expect you?”
“I’ll leave right away. Give me a few minutes to make arrangements for Casey. She’s sleeping, and I don’t want to wake her.”
Rebecca ended the call and stared at her cell for a moment before dropping it, her wallet and car keys back into her purse. Something niggled at her. What was she forgetting?
The judge.
She tensed when she realized that she hadn’t received any harassing calls from Judge Brown in several days. Did that, along with the fact that Virginia had summoned her out of the blue, mean something?
Admittedly, talking to Virginia was something she’d been meaning to do for a long time. Meaning to and avoiding. How was she going explain to her former mother-in-law that the woman’s father was harassing her? Who would believe that an elderly respected community member spent his spare time prank dialing her? Were the calls even actionable?
It didn’t matter. Virginia should know. It was time. Time to take back her life. Time to move forward.
Rebecca glanced down at her navy church dress. She pulled up the sleeve and took a long look at the disfiguring scar. Next to the healing sutures Sara had given her, the scar seemed especially ugly and mocking. Opening the closet, she yanked a short-sleeve blouse from a hanger, along with a pair of slacks.
She changed her clothes and stood looking at herself in the full-length mirror. No more hiding. The scar had been her secret for too long. Sara was right; the scar needed to be revised. A lot of things in her life were ready and waiting to be revised.
Sliding her feet into flats, she shoved everything back into her purse before closing her bedroom door.
“Abi, I hate to ask you a favor on your day off—”
“Please,” Abi interrupted. “Ask away. I owe you plenty, and you made that wonderful lunch.”
“Would you mind watching Casey for me for a few hours? That was her other grandmother on the phone. She asked me to stop by, and it’s about a twenty-minute drive each way.”
“Of course. That’s a pretty easy favor. Take your time.” Abi waved a hand and continued to type on her laptop. “I’m working on the piece about Joe. I want to have it ready for his approval tomorrow. This is good stuff, if I do say so myself. I think I might submit a feature article to the Denver Post, as well. With his permission, of course.”
“I don’t want to burst your bubble, but Joe splashed all over the Denver paper probably isn’t going to excite him.”
Abi sighed. “I suspected as much.”
“You have my cell number, right?”
She nodded.
“Casey’s still napping,” Rebecca said.
“I meant what I said. Take your time. We’ll play board games when she wakes up.”
“Thanks, Abi.”
Rebecca grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and headed out the door.
“I was just looking for you.”
Rebecca looked up, surprised to see Joe. He was smiling as he strode toward her. Smiling had to be a good sign. Right?
She offered a cautious smile in return, not sure what the protocol was after spending the day together yesterday. “You okay?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“What do you think about you, me and Casey heading to Patti Jo’s for a late lunch?”
“I wish I could. Virginia Simpson has summoned me to the castle. I’m leaving now.”
“That explains why you look so tense.” He paused. “I’m not doing anything else. I’ll drive you.”
“You don’t have to do that.” She unlocked the Honda.
He shot her a steely gaze. “I’ll drive you.”
“Why?”
“Sometimes we need backup.”
“Oh?”
“Sure. The Lone Ranger and Tonto. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Kirk and Spock. Han Solo and Chewbacca.”
“Bert and Ernie?”
Joe laughed. “Exactly. I’m starting to realize how much we’re alike, Becca. Most of our problems in life stem from our inability to ask for help when we need it.”
Her eyes rounded. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. Speaking as one stubborn cowboy to another, you have to recognize when you need reinforcement. You can’t be afraid to ask for help, and you can’t be afraid to accept it.”
She gingerly massaged the tender spot on her forehead. The only thing she recognized at the moment was that the idea of meeting with Virginia had already given her a headache. “Okay, I’m too stressed to argue, especially when there’s a possibility you might be right.”
“Of course
I am.” He nodded toward the barn. “Now wait right here, Ernie, and I’ll get my truck.”
* * *
“You sure have been quiet,” Joe said once they arrived in Four Forks.
“Sorry. A lot on my mind,” Rebecca returned.
“Do you know why she wants to see you?” Joe asked as he guided the truck up the mountain road to the Simpson home.
“No clue,” she murmured. “And I don’t mind telling you that alone makes me nervous.”
“That’s an understatement. You’ve been staring out the window and sighing for the last twenty minutes.”
“Have I, really?”
He nodded. “Hey, look at that. Smiley is back on duty. The gate is even open. I guess he’s expecting you.” Joe gave the sour-faced guard a friendly wave as they passed by the security booth.
He drove the truck around the circle drive to the front door, where he unbuckled his seat belt.
“Joe, this time you have to wait in the truck.”
“I can do that. I’ll park over there, by the tennis courts.”
“Okay.” She glanced at the house and then away several times, attempting to bolster her courage.
She could do this. She could do this.
“Rebecca?”
“Hmm?”
“You know that promise you wanted me to keep?”
“Yes?” She said the word slowly.
“I know this won’t be easy, but it’s time for you to take care of what you wouldn’t let me take care of.”
She gave a quick nod “You’re right. I know you’re right. I’m going to tell her everything. I’m going to move forward.”
“You can do this, Becca.”
“Can I? If I wasn’t such a coward, I would have taken care of this years ago.”
“You’re doing it now. That’s what matters.” Joe stared at her and frowned. “You look like you’re going to pass out. I think we better say a quick prayer.” He took her hand and held it against his heart. “Lord, give Becca the words to say today. Guide her and protect her. Amen.”
Rebecca leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“Ah, you’re welcome.”
He came around and opened the passenger door and helped her down. “Remember. I’ve got your back.”
Rocky Mountain Cowboy Page 15