Rodeo Ashes

by Vannatter, Shannon Taylor;

  “Thank you.” Lacie settled beside him. “This place doesn’t feel like home, and I can’t seem to get in the spirit of Christmas. But Max needs a tree. He’ll be so excited.”

  “It’s only ten days until Christmas. You could get away with putting lights on it, but for my peace of mind, could you put the lights in the window instead of on the tree?”

  “Sure. I’d probably worry about fire, too.”

  “I brought you something else.” He dug inside his coat and drew out a gold-foil wrapped box.

  Too big for a ring. And too deep for jewelry. Thank goodness. Her heart fluttered with a mixture of joy and disquiet. “I didn’t get you anything.”

  He caught her hand and traced her wedding rings. His hand jerked away. “Sorry. I just broke the touching rule.”

  He’d done that long ago. Not only had he touched her hand and her lips a few weeks ago, but he’d also touched her heart.

  “You have to take it. It’s one of a kind and nonreturnable.” He placed the box in her hand. “I’ve noticed you don’t seem to know what to do with your rings. I had an aunt whose husband died, back when I was still at home. After a couple of years, my father ordered her one of these. Open it.”

  Lacie’s fingers shook as she tore away the paper then opened the white box. A heart-shaped wedding picture of her and Mel stared from the top of a silver-filigree keepsake box. Her vision blurred.

  “I got the picture and date from Star. Hope you don’t mind.”

  She blinked several times and read the inscription: I’ll always remember. Her fingers traced the engraved words above the picture and their names and wedding date beneath it.

  “No pressure, and I’m totally not worming.” Quinn’s breath stirred the hair at her temple. “I mean it. It’s your decision, and it doesn’t have anything to do with me. But I figure one day, you’ll get ready—really ready—to take off your rings. And you’ll need somewhere special and safe to keep them.”

  Lacie clasped the box to her heart. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” He stood and offered his hand.

  She accepted his help and threw her arms around him. “I’ll always treasure it.”

  “I’m glad.” He hugged her back for a moment and then set her away from him and caught a tear tracing down her cheek with his thumb. “I’d better go. We’ve both broken the touching rule a few times today.”

  Her laugh came out soggy.

  “Now quit crying. I can’t leave you standing here crying.”

  She nodded as he descended the stairs.

  At the bottom he shot her a quick grin. “Merry Christmas, Lacie.”

  “Merry Christmas.”

  He stepped out of her sight.

  She settled on the landing again, tracing her fingers over the most special gift she’d ever received.

  Take off her rings now?

  No. Not yet.

  ❧

  High in the announcer’s booth, Quinn scanned the barrel lineup. Lacie—back in the competition.

  She’d been stiff after their kiss then loosened up when her focus had shifted to their friends’ problems. But he was pretty sure he’d won her over with his gift. In fact, he could’ve capitalized on it and stolen a kiss, but he’d promised no pressure. Besides, he didn’t want her to think his gift had any strings.

  He’d stayed away during her lessons and hadn’t seen her except at church for almost two weeks. And since a few of her younger students had cancelled for the winter months, she wasn’t at his ranch as much.

  Oh how he’d wanted to call her all week and ask her out, but he hadn’t dared. Had longed to ask her to drive to his folks’ house on Christmas Eve. Instead, he’d made the trek with Trent. Maybe if he didn’t push, things might fall into place with her.

  The rider flew off the bronc and landed in the arena below. Quinn snapped to attention. The cowboy jumped to his feet, and Quinn let out the breath he’d been holding.

  A vivid reminder of exactly why he shouldn’t call Lacie.

  “It looked like a fine ride by”—he searched the lineup for the name—“Austin Parker. But things get hairy quick around these parts. Let’s give Austin a big hand.”

  “Next up, barrel racing, starring the finest little fillies in Texas and some mighty fine cowgirls, too.”

  Lacie was last. He went on autopilot, announcing without his heart in it. Until Lacie entered the arena.

  “This cowgirl went a long time without riding. A crying shame, I tell you. But she’s back. Let’s see what she can do. And. . .she’s off. Around the first barrel in record time.”

  As Lacie rounded the third barrel, her horse tripped.

  Quinn’s heart pounded. “Hang on, cowgirl.” Catch her if she falls, Lord.

  She sailed off the horse, sideways. Her head hit the dirt first.

  fourteen

  Quinn vaulted from the announcer’s chair and took the stairs two at a time down to the arena.

  By the time he got there, Wyatt and Stetson were walking her out of the arena. Teary-eyed and in obvious pain, Lacie waved. The crowd cheered.

  “You need to get back up to the booth.” Stetson, in full greasepaint, grabbed Quinn’s arm.

  “Not until I see she’s okay. What hurts?”

  “My shoulder.” She winced. “But I don’t think anything’s broken.”

  An EMT met them at the gate and settled Lacie in a chair.

  She followed the medic’s instructions, raising her arm as high as she could—not even shoulder level—and pain pinched her delicate features. “You’ll need to see a doctor, ma’am.”

  “I’m not in that bad a shape. Y’all are here for life-threatening emergencies.”

  “All the same ma’am, I think a trip to the ER is in order.”

  Lacie shook her head. “I can get myself there.”

  “I’ll take her,” Star said.

  Quinn supported Lacie as she stood. “I’ll drive.”

  “You need to get back to work, Quinn.” Stetson was like an annoying mosquito buzzing around his head. “The second round of bulls is up next.”

  “They’ll fire you,” Wyatt said. “I’ll go.”

  “You can’t.” Star grabbed his arm. “You’ve got a bull to ride. You’ll lose your entry fee.”

  Quinn cradled Lacie to him. His lips were mere inches away from hers. Within kissing distance. He stole a sweet kiss. Her lips tasted dusty and of blood. “I’m going with you.”

  “No. I’m fine. Really. Just a little bunged up. You stay.”

  “I can’t. You’re more important to me. Let ’em fire me. I really don’t care. Besides, my backup’s here.”

  “I’ll pull Monty out of the crowd. Go.” Stetson smacked him on the back.

  ❧

  Lacie winced and eased her left arm into the sling; the nurse adjusted it. “Your sister has your instructions. Rest, ice packs, and the sling for the first few days, but get moving after that, so you don’t get stiff. Got it?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Now there’s a certain cowboy out there—driving all the nurses nuts, wanting to see you.”

  “Tell him I’ll be right out.” Lacie fished her lipstick and compact from her purse and made a face at the bruises reflected in the mirror. “Better yet, tell him to leave, and I’ll see him next week when I look better.”

  Quinn had been patient with her. He’d proven his love over and over. He’d left his announcer’s booth, right before the most important event of the evening, to be with her. Because she was hurt. It was time to reward him for his devotion. To make a decision. No turning back.

  She twisted the rings on her finger. To move forward with Quinn.

  ❧

  Quinn shifted to one side to let the nurse pass and caught a glimpse of Lacie through the open door. “You’re beautiful.”

  “No I’m not.” Lacie turned pink. “My cheek’s all purple, and my lip’s cut.”

  “You look like you lost a fight with a rodeo arena.
” Star headed for the door. “Bring her out when she’s ready, Quinn. Wyatt’s here now. We’ll take her home.”

  “Y’all can go. I’ll give her a ride.”

  Star stopped and turned to Lacie. “That all right with you?”

  Lacie nodded.

  The door closed behind Star.

  “My life flashed before my eyes tonight.” Her voice broke. “Copper tripped, and I saw Max without any parents. I prayed all the way to the ground that I wouldn’t break my neck like Mel.”

  “I’m sorry I didn’t get there quick enough to catch you this time.” He sat in the chair beside the hospital bed and took her good hand in his. “But I prayed for God to catch you, and I firmly believe He did.”

  “Me, too.” She sniffled. “Think you’ll get fired?”

  “My backup was in the stands.”

  “You shouldn’t have left. I was fine.” She moved to stand and winced.

  “I can see that. Easy. Take it slow.” He helped her up, supporting her good shoulder. “I couldn’t stay when my heart was here. When you fell, my life flashed before my eyes, too. My life without you.”

  Her good arm came around his waist. Her precious, bruised cheek leaned into his shoulder.

  “I know I promised not to worm, but I don’t want a life without you.” Quinn gently embraced her, oh so careful not to hurt her shoulder. “I love you, Lacie. I always have.”

  Her head tilted back, and she looked up at him, teary-eyed. “I love you, too. I tried not to, but I do.”

  His head dipped toward her waiting lips.

  “Wait.” She pressed a hand against his chest.

  He backed off. “What?”

  “Would you?” She wiggled the trembling fingers of her left hand, sticking out of her sling.

  Her wedding rings. He stared at the glittering diamond and simple gold band, and then met her gaze. “You sure?”

  Her chin trembled. “I can’t kiss you again until I’m free.”

  The truth will make you free. He didn’t have any rights to her until she knew the truth.

  “Honey. You don’t have to.”

  “I’m ready. Please.”

  But she was hurt. And telling her would hurt her more. Let her heal first. Then he’d tell her.

  Gently, he loosened the rings, slid them over her knuckle, and off her fingertips.

  Her eyes were too shiny.

  “Now, see, you’re not ready. There’s no rush.” He started to push the rings back in place.

  Her hand fisted, denying him access.

  “Happy tears. I love you, Quinn Remington, and I’m ready to embrace the future. With you.”

  His eyes squeezed shut. He couldn’t tell her right now, after she’d made such a monumental decision. And he couldn’t resist her either. He drew her hand to his mouth and kissed the white indention where her rings had been.

  Her breath caught.

  “Are you sure?”

  She nodded.

  Their lips met, and fire streaked through his veins. Keep it gentle. Don’t hurt her cut lip. She loved him back. His heart sang. They’d have plenty of time for more intense kisses. A lifetime of intense kisses.

  “I know you can do better than that.” Her good arm curled around his neck.

  “I don’t want to hurt your lip.”

  “You make my lip feel better.”

  He grinned and deepened the kiss.

  The door opened, and they sprang apart.

  Kendra’s eyes widened. “We just wanted to check on Lacie.”

  Greasepaint still decorated Stetson’s face, his eyes ringed by big white circles. But his stare issued a challenge.

  “Doc said it’s a sprain.” Quinn’s gaze fell to the floor, not ready to face the challenge just yet. “I’m taking her home.”

  Let her rest a few days. Get her strength back and the pain eased. Then he’d tell her the truth. He had to. Especially now. He couldn’t fully take possession of her heart if his was still bound up in a lie.

  ❧

  It couldn’t be good for Bob to demand his presence at Cow-town Coliseum. Quinn didn’t need the job and had almost not taken it. But he didn’t need his employment record marred by getting fired. He squared his shoulders and knocked on the office door.

  “Come in.”

  With his feet propped up on his massive desk, Bob sat eating a sub sandwich. He moved his feet and scooted his chair in closer to the desk. “Remington, glad you could fit me into your schedule.”

  “I know I shouldn’t have left the rodeo the other night, sir. I wouldn’t have if Monty hadn’t been in the crowd.” Unless Lacie had been seriously injured. “I knew he could take over for me.”

  Bob set the sandwich down and wiped his mouth with a paper napkin. “It’s our policy to always have a backup announcer in case of an emergency. Could you explain your emergency?”

  Quinn’s insides squirmed. He embraced his feelings for Lacie, but explain to his boss?

  “I understand you escorted a fallen barrel racer to the hospital.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “It’s also our policy to have emergency personnel on hand for our rodeos. If the barrel racer had been seriously injured, the ambulance would have taken her to the hospital.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Bob opened a file on his desk. “The medics’ report says her injury wasn’t life threatening. Their report states her sister was in attendance and capable of transporting her to the hospital.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Do you have a valid reason for leaving the announcer’s booth to accompany them?” Bob leaned his elbows on the desk and tented his index fingers.

  Quinn swallowed hard. “I’m in love with the injured barrel racer, and I plan to marry her.”

  “I see.” Bob pushed away from his desk and propped up his feet again. “I’ve been married to the same woman for thirty-five years. If my wife were injured, I’d be gone, no matter what I was in the middle of. But the announcer is on stage, an important part of our rodeo. We can’t have our announcers abandoning their posts over a sprained shoulder. It looks unprofessional.”

  “I understand, sir.”

  “Good.” Bob picked up his sandwich. “You may go.”

  ❧

  “Go horsey.” Max’s arms shot up in the air.

  Good thing Quinn rode in the saddle behind him with a firm grip on the reins.

  The bay horse circled his arena again and again, her gait so smooth, he and Max didn’t even jostle.

  Lacie had been pale this morning. He’d probably taken advantage of her, asking if he could keep Max today, while she was too sore to put up much protest. But she sure couldn’t handle an active going-on-three-year-old, and she’d get more rest without him there.

  He’d been glad to see Rayna there with her. And with Max occupied for the day, Rayna would be more fully attentive to her patient.

  A familiar blue pickup pulled into the drive. Stetson. The engine died, and he leapt from the cab like he had a bone to pick with Quinn.

  “Trent. Can you take Max to the barn and show him the baby kittens?”

  “Sure.” Trent trotted over.

  Quinn swung the toddler down. “Keep a close eye on him.”

  “Yes, sir.” Trent set Max down but held his hand in a firm grip.

  Quinn jogged over to Stetson’s truck. “Come to bawl me out for keeping secrets again?”

  “You know, I left the ball in your court.” Stetson leaned against his tailgate. “Then when it seemed like things went south with you and Lacie, I decided it didn’t matter so much. But that was some kiss Kendra and I walked in on. And I take it, you still haven’t told her anything.”

  “The timing just never seemed right, and then things fell apart.” Quinn lowered his hat. “Now that things are back on track, I’m planning to marry her, but not without telling her the truth. Just as soon as she’s feeling better, I’ll shoot straight with her.”

  “Kendra and I—we just don’t wa
nt to see her hurt.” Stetson offered his hand.

  Quinn clasped it. “Me, neither.”

  “Brother Stetson,” Trent called. He walked toward them, still holding Max’s hand.

  Stetson shielded his eyes from the sun. “Hey, Trent.”

  “I have to ask you something, sir.” Trent took a steadying breath. “Is Danielle my daughter?”

  “Son.” Quinn settled a cautioning hand on Trent’s shoulder and scooped up Max.

  Stetson coughed, as if someone had sucker-punched him.

  “I’m not gonna do anything about it if she is.” Trent hung his head. “I want to know, so I can have peace about it. She reminds me of me.”

  “If you ever do anything,” Stetson growled, “to let her know before we think she’s old enough, or try to take her away from us, you’ll deal with me.” He jabbed himself in the chest.

  “I won’t. I swear. I just needed to know.” Trent’s voice cracked. “I’m glad she has you and Miss Kendra. It’s where she belongs.”

  Stetson looked up at the sky then closed the gap between him and Trent.

  Quinn cut between them.

  “Relax.” Stetson sidestepped Quinn and hugged Trent.

  ❧

  Only three days since she’d fallen off the horse. The sling was off. No more ice packs. Her shoulder was still sore, but no more throbbing pain. She was itching to get outside, but Rayna had made the porch her boundary.

  New Year’s Eve and she couldn’t even go to the watch night at church.

  Star sat with her while Wyatt and Clay talked horses in the barn.

  “Did you mention your proposal to Mama and Daddy yet?”

  “No. I figured they’d freak, like you did.”

  “We don’t want you to get hurt.” Lacie moved her arm to a more comfortable position. “But I talked with Kendra about Wyatt, and I’m convinced he’s a new man.”

  “I know they had a thing in the past. His past is the only thing that gives me caution. The only man I’ve ever been with is Michael.”

  “That’s a good thing. A biblical thing.”

  “I know, but what if I don’t measure up?” Star rolled her eyes. “Kendra is so beautiful.”

  “So are you. And Wyatt never loved Kendra. He loves you. He offered to forfeit his ride the other night to go to the hospital. Because he loves you.”