The Bull Rider's Valentine

by Cathy McDavid

  Had she actually just said spend time together? She’d been on the phone the entire drive.

  Nonetheless he agreed. Why burst her bubble? “Me, too.”

  At the gas station, Nate got out and walked Sam to Ronnie’s truck. He really didn’t have to, as the station was well-lighted and he could have tracked Sam’s progress from his truck. Except, he’d have missed seeing Ronnie’s expression of mild discomfort up close, and that was worth a short walk.

  Sam was reaching for the truck door when her phone rang. Naturally, she answered it before getting in. Nate didn’t pay any attention; he’d become immune to her conversations. With a goodbye salute and, “Take care,” he began walking away.

  “Nate,” she called out. “Hold on a second. It’s Frankie. She having a cookout tomorrow afternoon to celebrate my win. One o’clock. She says you’re invited.”

  He stopped and stared back at the truck. Sam smiled expectantly. Not Ronnie.

  He should decline. The rocky road they were traveling wouldn’t get any easier by them spending more and more time in each other’s company. Especially if that time was social in nature as opposed to business. Not to mention the potential awkwardness of being around Ronnie’s family.

  On the other hand, Sam was a close friend of Nate’s family and, in a small way, he’d contributed to her success. Frankie wouldn’t have invited him if she didn’t anticipate things going well.

  “I’ll be there” he said, watching Ronnie’s internal struggle play out on her face. “Tell Frankie thanks and ask her if there’s anything I should bring.”

  Sam relayed the message, coming back with, “You’re welcome and nothing but yourself.”

  “See you tomorrow.” Nate returned to his truck, a spring to his step that hadn’t been there when he pulled into the gas station.

  He was still in a good mood the next morning when he entered the main house at seven to assist Theo with his morning routine. The older man had only just woken up and came stumbling into the kitchen, hair mussed and wearing his bathrobe.

  “Morning, Mr. McGraw!” Nate held up the mug of coffee he’d poured for himself. “Want some?”

  “Black and hot,” Theo grumbled and dropped into a chair, palms braced on the table to help steady himself.

  Sleeping late and up on the wrong side of the bed at that.

  “Where’s the family?” A text from Reese earlier had instructed Nate to go on in, that she and her husband were leaving early and wouldn’t be there.

  “A cattle sale in Cottonwood.”

  “Last minute?” Nate hadn’t been informed of any day trip.

  “If you ask me,” Theo bit out, “Gabe’s been planning this for months and didn’t want to tell me.”

  Ah. That explained his grumpiness. Theo would have wanted to attend the cattle sale with them, and wasn’t physically up to such a strenuous trip. They’d waited to tell him until the last minute in order to avoid a battle.

  “Is Flora here?” Surely they weren’t leaving Theo alone all day. Nate considered texting Reese.

  “Her day off. They’ve recruited Enrico—it’s his turn to play prison guard. Though I’m sure he’ll have some excuse about needing to discuss ranch business that can’t wait until tomorrow. That’s how they work it, you know. They concoct these elaborate ploys, hoping I’m too stupid to see through them.”

  “I’m sure that’s not true. You’re anything but stupid, sir.” Nate placed the coffee mug in front of him. “Since Flora’s off, can I fix you breakfast?”

  “I’m not hungry.” He spoke gruffly, but Nate could see the sorrow and disappointment in his eyes.

  “All right. Suit yourself.”

  Rather than chide the older man or lecture him about keeping up his strength, Nate found a package of bagels in the bread basket and cream cheese in the refrigerator. Also a carton of orange juice.

  It wasn’t much. Enough, however, to gain Theo’s interest. “You can throw one of those bagels in the toaster oven for me, too, while you’re at it.”

  Nate did. He also poured a second glass of orange juice.

  He truly sympathized with Theo and didn’t let the man’s crankiness bother him. As owner of the valley’s largest cattle ranch, he’d no doubt attended sales his entire life until Parkinson’s struck. Not being able to go, and having his family hide their trip from him on top of that, must really hurt.

  Then again, Nate understood why Reese and her husband had chosen to semi-sneak away. Arguments like the one that might have ensued could be draining, frustrating and counterproductive. Theo’s condition didn’t stop the ranch from needing to be run. Reese and her husband were doing the best they could under trying circumstances.

  “You ready to hit the shower?” Nate asked when he and Theo finished their breakfast. They’d eaten in almost complete silence.

  “I don’t need a shower.”

  “Okay. Then, let’s get you shaved and dressed.”

  “I’m going to skip shaving today, and I can dress myself. Or, maybe I’ll wear my pajamas all day, seeing as I’m housebound.”

  “All right.” Nate went about clearing their few dishes and loading them into the dishwasher. “I’ll keep you company until Enrico arrives. At least tell me you’ve taken your meds.”

  Theo’s answer was to frown.

  “I’ll get them for you.”

  His balled fist hit the table with a loud smack. “I don’t need a damn babysitter.”

  Nate sat down beside him. “No, sir, you don’t.”

  “I have half a mind to fire you.”

  “You could. There’s nothing stopping you. But your daughter will just hire another caregiver. You know that. And he or she probably won’t take you to the bull riding event at the Poco Dinero this coming weekend.”

  “You’re trying to bribe me.”

  “Not really.” Nate grinned. “Okay, I am. A little.”

  Theo grumbled again, this time with less anger.

  “You go ahead and lash out at me all you want if it makes you feel better. I’m pretty tough, and I can take it. Spent a lot of years helping my brother with whatever he needed, including letting him vent. Mostly he yelled. Sometimes, he laid into me.” Nate rubbed his chin as if it ached. “Had a pretty good right hook for someone with cystic fibrosis.”

  Theo studied him at length. “You don’t talk much about him.”

  “They don’t come any better than Allan. Taught me a lot. I could tell you some stories while you’re getting dressed.”

  With considerable effort, Theo pushed to his feet. “I suppose I could listen.”

  It was, Nate realized, the closest he was going to get to an apology.

  * * *

  NATE’S MOTHER HAD taught him to never show up at someone’s house for dinner empty-handed. Since Frankie had said there was nothing he could bring, he settled on fresh-cut flowers from the local market. At the last minute, he’d selected a second bouquet for Sam, to celebrate her win and upcoming trip to Vegas.

  “Why, thank you,” Frankie gushed when he handed her the flowers.

  Sam had answered the door when Nate arrived. As a result, she was already showing off her bouquet. Most notably, to a young man about her age. A boyfriend? She’d mentioned going out on dates when comparing herself to Ronnie, who didn’t go out.

  Should Nate be worried? About Sam, not Ronnie. Report back to his mom so that she might inform her best friend? He decided to get to know the guy first. Besides, he didn’t look like Sam’s type. Nate would have expected to see Sam with one of the local wranglers or the son of a rancher. Boots, jeans, cowboy hat, impeccable manners. This guy wore scruffy sneakers and a Star Wars T-shirt. His unruly hair kept falling in front of his black glasses and blocking his vision, at which point he’d flick his head.

  Where in the heck had she met him? Certainly not at a rodeo
.

  “You know Spence and the twins already,” Frankie said. “And Mel, of course.”

  Yes. Ronnie’s other sister. Noticeably pregnant and looking far different from the last time they’d met. He shook her hand. “Good to see you again. And congratulations.”

  “Of course, you and Dad are already acquainted.” Frankie then introduced Nate to the rest of the guests.

  They included Mel’s husband, who happened to be the town deputy, and his young daughter. Also present were Ray’s new wife, Dolores, several of the Hartmans’ other friends, and a few of Ronnie’s students.

  Ronnie, herself, seemed to be avoiding him. What the heck was she afraid of? That he’d haul her off and kiss her again. That she’d kiss him?

  Truly, she was being silly. He’d promised to not cause her any trouble and wouldn’t. Certainly not while they were in the company of two dozen people.

  “How ’bout a beer?” The question came from Ray Hartman.

  Nate thought a beer might be just what the doctor ordered. “Sure thing.”

  “The ice chests are on the patio.” Ray led Nate across the family room and outside.

  Half the guests had spilled onto the patio, taking advantage of the beautiful day. Late fall in central Arizona could be chilly. It could just as often be warm and balmy. Add a clear blue sky to the elevated temperature, and it was a recipe for perfect cookout weather.

  Ray lifted the lid of an ice chest tucked against the exterior wall and removed two beers. He passed one to Nate. “I hear things are going well with Theo.”

  “Wish I’d known him before the Parkinson’s. He must have been pretty imposing.”

  Ray chuckled. “Still is.”

  They talked companionably for several minutes, mostly about Theo, the ranch and Sam’s win. Nate was reminded of how much he’d once liked Ray, and was relieved to sense no hard feelings about what happened between him and Ronnie years ago. That was until Ray abruptly changed the subject.

  “I’ve always regretted not having the chance to talk to you after...well, you know. Ronnie’s mishap. She asked me not to. Then the two of you...” He faltered once more. “A real shame.”

  “I appreciate that, Ray.”

  “It can be hard on the whole family when a couple calls it quits.”

  Nate didn’t correct him by pointing out that Ronnie had been the one to leave him and the decision was hardly mutual.

  “I really thought you both had what it took for the long haul.”

  “Apparently not.”

  “Glad to see you’re getting along now. Can’t be easy.”

  Nate’s gaze found Ronnie. She’d carried out a platter of hamburger patties and one of hot dogs to Spence, who was in charge of the grill.

  “We broke up a long time ago. No reason not to get along.”

  “Well, it’s clear you’ve both moved on.”

  Was it? Then why did Nate feel the same old irresistible pull toward Ronnie? It was more than her hair—which she’d left unbound for a change to tumble down her back like water over a cliff—though, damn, he’d loved running his fingers through it and had frequently.

  Neither was it her dressy blouse, a change from the standard western-cut work shirt she typically wore. This top had a snug waist, deep V neck and flowing sleeves that emphasized her knockout curves. Curves he’d spent considerable time learning their various shapes.

  Memories. Moments. Shared experiences. A once profound connection. A heart with a big hole in it. Those were the things that called to Nate and compelled him to glance her way every minute or two.

  He confessed to liking her new and different look, and he wasn’t the only one. Numerous admiring glances had been cast in her direction by the men there. Even Sam’s goofy boyfriend had stared at Ronnie as she’d strolled by him with the platters. Apparently he was less of a nerd than Nate had first thought.

  “Too bad about the miscarriage,” Ray said. “I’m not sure Ronnie ever got over that.”

  The remark had Nate redirecting his attention. “I doubt anyone does.”

  “It wasn’t her fault.”

  “Is that what she said?” Nate took a swallow of his beer, noting that while several people stood in close proximity, none of them appeared to be listening in. “Did she tell you I blamed her?”

  “Not at all!” Ray was quick to set the record straight.

  “Because it isn’t true.”

  “She blames herself. Only herself. I just wish she’d stop. Maybe if you...” Ray paused, his expression expectant.

  “If I what?”

  He cleared his throat. “Hard to say what might have happened with you and Ronnie had things gone differently. A word from you might allow her to forgive herself.”

  Part of Nate wanted to fire back at Ray. He’d been nothing but kind in the aftermath of his and Ronnie’s tragedy. Supportive. Attentive. She, on the other hand, had pushed him away, shut him out and tossed his heart back when he’d attempted to give it to her for always.

  “There isn’t much I can say to her I haven’t already. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

  “She has so many regrets and has spent too much time dwelling on them.”

  “Did the same thing myself.”

  “I heard.”

  What all had Ray heard? Nate wasn’t sure and didn’t ask. This wasn’t the place for a melancholy walk down memory lane.

  “I’ve approached Ronnie twice this week,” he said. “She doesn’t appear inclined to have a conversation with me.”

  Ray expelled a long, weary breath. “She’s hardheaded. Like her old man.”

  Nate drained a good portion of his beer. “I’ll gladly talk to her, if the opportunity arises, which I doubt will happen. But I think she’s going to have to work through this on her own.”

  “I suppose.”

  A family friend came over to retrieve a beer from the ice chest and say hello to Nate. He was curious about the upcoming bull riding event and asked for details. Nate welcomed the distraction.

  “You coming this weekend?” he asked Ray when the man left.

  Ray brightened. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

  “You could sign up. Take a spin on one of the bulls.”

  That earned Nate a hearty belly laugh. “I prefer to spend my days herding bovine, not riding them.”

  And, like that, they resumed a friendlier, less tension-filled conversation.

  Eventually Spence moseyed over to join them, having relinquished the grill to Frankie, the expert cook in their family. Nate proceeded to learn more about racing quarter horses in the next ten minutes than he had in his entire life.

  “What kind of horses to you have?” Spence asked.

  “Just the one. A quarter horse mare. She’s old now, and retired, though we’ve managed nice, leisurely rides in the hills behind The Small Change. Was thinking of taking her out again this afternoon if I get home in time. It’s a beautiful day.”

  Before long, Frankie announced the food was served. Buffet style. A line had already started forming inside at the breakfast bar.

  Nate decided not to overstay his welcome. Right after the cake was served and a toast made in Sam’s honor—nonalcoholic beverages for those under twenty-one—he made his made his goodbyes. He considered seeking out Ronnie, and would have if she wasn’t among the group of women surrounding her sister Mel and extolling the virtues of various baby names.

  “Thanks again,” he told Frankie and Spence when they escorted him to the door. “I had a nice time.”

  Frankie gave him a hug. “I hope Dad didn’t stick his nose in where it didn’t belong.”

  “He cares about Ronnie, and I respect that.” Nate would have done the same in the man’s shoes.

  On the short drive through town, he decided enough daylight remained he could take Breeze ou
t for a ride—if he hurried, and if they didn’t go for more than an hour. That was about all his old mare could handle anyway.

  One of these days, when he had a free morning or afternoon, he’d ask Theo if he could borrow a ranch horse and go on a longer, more strenuous outing. Nate liked pushing himself and hadn’t had the chance for several months, since his last visit with his parents.

  Reaching his trailer at the ranch, he parked and went inside to change into his riding clothes. While riding Breeze up and down an easy trail and enjoying the desert landscape, he mentally reviewed his tasks for the upcoming week. He needed to locate at least one more horse and rider to herd the bull out of the arena after each run and another to operate the gate. With the Lost Dutchman providing wranglers to handle the bulls, Nate had one less item on his list.

  He decided to ask Theo’s advice. The older man had steered him in the right direction before and might know someone who fit the bill. Plenty of former rodeo hands, as well as competitors, wound up working for ranches after leaving the circuit.

  Checking the time, Nate turned Breeze around and aimed her back in the direction they’d come. A half mile outside the ranch, she quickened her pace, sensing they were almost home.

  When they neared the horse stables, she suddenly lifted her head and gave a soft whinny. Nate patted her neck, assuming she was simply glad to be home and hoping for a dinner of fresh hay.

  “Getting hungry, girl?”

  They’d been out a bit later than Nate planned. The sun had set ten minutes ago. This time of year, dusk fell very quickly.

  All at once, Breeze came to a standstill, her ears pricked forward. He looked in the direction of his trailer and saw what had the old mare’s attention. His heart gave an abrupt, sharp knock.

  Ronnie stood there, near the door of his living quarters, wearing the same red Arizona Cardinals hoodie he’d seen her in that first day.

  Nate dismounted, his movements slow and unconcerned and in complete opposition to the tension coursing through him. Why was she here and what did she want? Holding on to the reins, he walked over to meet her, Breeze plodding along behind him.

  “I wasn’t expecting to see you.” He intentionally kept his voice level and casual. “Waiting long?”