by Rose Verde
Subsequent ones got easier with each calf they caught. She might just have another article that might interest her boss.
HOURS LATER, WYATT headed to the food stand. He wiped his brow on his shirt sleeve and gagged at the rancid odor of scorched hair from the branding iron. For midday, it wasn’t too hot.
Rait was just getting his own lunch, too. The aroma of steak and stew clashing with the stink of burnt hair was not the greatest combination. Wyatt loved branding, especially the roping. Nevertheless, Dad was right. With the measure of pain he had following his bull ride yesterday, he wasn't fully healed. Yet, it rankled all the same.
His brother walked up. “That's some lady you got out there. I could see her rope going around your neck.”
“How so?” he asked, feigning nonchalance. Even though Crissy’s talent surpassed his expectations, he hoped she didn't work so hard to win their approval. Samantha, their neighbor's daughter, had started after Crissy and had been replaced after a few calves.
“Only a strong woman's love will rope you. You think because Chelsea left you when you needed her, you're done?”
“She's only here briefly so stop getting ideas. Just because the rest of the Danner’s kids are all heading down the aisle doesn't mean everyone is cut out for marriage.”
“Noah’s next in line. And you're next to Noah. We'll see, right?”
Someone else stepped up to get his food. Rait winked and walked away. After filling his plate, Wyatt went to where Crissy sat alone, eating. “Hey, you did good,” he said, sitting beside her on the grassy shade made by the horse trailer he'd driven.
“Thanks.”
They ate in silence for a few minutes. “I'm sorry about earlier. Dad was right.”
She didn't respond, just kept eating.
“Are you upset with me?”
She shrugged.
He set his food down and angled his body to face her. For the first time he noticed a few freckles on her nose. They added to the beauty that stirred something in the region of his heart. He shoved away the unwelcome feeling. He didn’t know her. Period. “I injured my back four months ago. Dad thinks I'll worsen it by roping calves. I get that. It's just that it’s something I've always done.”
“Do you get violent when you’re angry?”
Her voice was so quiet but the same question reflected in the gaze that held his. He hadn’t imagined it. He frowned. What was she driving at? “No, I don't.”
She nodded and continued eating. There was a lost girl look about her, raising a protective instinct from nowhere. “Why did you ask?”
“It scares me.”
Her face pinked, and she averted her gaze. Was it from the realization that she was telling him things she shouldn't? “You've dealt with an angry person before?”
She nodded. He shouldn't be asking, but he did all the same. “Your boyfriend?”
“No, my father.”
Wyatt frowned, taken aback. “I thought you said you didn’t have a family?” Wrong question. “He hit you? How old were you?”
“Six. He hit me all the time.” She rose, plate in hand, gave him a sad smile, and walked away.
What father abused his child? Wyatt thought about their growing up years and was grateful for the kind of parents he had.
Her words came floating into his mind. As a teenager on Pam's family farm, I needed something to keep me going. I'm not a morning person. So, I figured if I was going to earn their love, be good enough... Was that what she thought? That she hadn't been good enough and that was why her dad hurt her?
Did she still feel she had to earn people's love? That would be a huge burden to bear. He dug into his food. Lunch would soon be over. But, the more he thought of it, he wondered what he'd say to her to make her think differently.
Chapter Five
It was six-forty-five when they arrived at the Rockin’ D. Wyatt had talked to her like her confession was no big deal. In fact, he hadn't mentioned it at all. What was it about him that made her want to bare her soul? In less than twenty-four hours, she'd hinted at the secrets hidden in the basement of her life. She showed people what she wanted them to see, a happy, vibrant go-getter, not the insecure girl she was inside.
Giving her heart to the Lord helped some. The first few years, she'd tried to earn God's love. It was still a constant struggle to accept that God loved her no matter how harsh her past was. That He was not like the father she’d known as a child. She’d perceived God as the same rough, judgmental type, never allowing her to make errors, always condemning her for her faults. It had been hard to overcome the years of what she perceived a father to be, and some days were better than others. Some days she could look up into the sky and know that God was good. Other days, she fell back into the past, wondering if she would be punished for even the slightest mistake. And then when Mark had cheated on her, she'd thought God was punishing her for getting herself into a situation too quickly. Chastising her for—
“Earth to Crissy. Are you okay?"
“Uh, yeah. Just tired.” The concern in his gaze sent her heart into a cartwheel.
“Get Kitty, and we'll go over to your place. You can rest while I feed the horses.”
“I can manage that. You don't have to worry.”
“I assured Pamela I would, so get going.” He cut the engine.
Crissy opened the door and went toward the ranch house, Wyatt behind her. The awareness he was stirring in her had her throat drying up, her belly flip-flopping like no man's business. She swallowed.
Consuela’s bubbly singing came from the direction of the kitchen where she'd been in the morning. The short Spanish woman with a few streaks of white in her dark hair looked middle-aged. She seemed like a happy person.
“You're here.”
“Yes. Thanks for taking care of Kitty.”
“She wasn't any trouble at all. I'm thinking she may not be feeling well. Only had milk and wouldn't eat anything else you brought.”
“She’s old. I think that's the problem.”
“Anyway, keep an eye on her. Just in case.”
Crissy thanked her again, then picked up Kitty from where she lay inside a box.
“You need help?” Wyatt asked.
“No, thanks.”
When they got back, Crissy excused herself and went to put Kitty down to rest. By the time she returned, Wyatt had reached the third stall. “I'll be by early tomorrow. We can let the horses out for a few hours and get them back in later in the afternoon. I was thinking we can take advantage of that and clean out the stalls, if you're up to it.”
“Aren't you stretching yourself thin when you still have to work at your place?”
“I get to work beside a beautiful woman who, though unsure of herself, is witty and smart.”
He was staring, the sincerity of his words reflected in his eyes. Did he really think so? He didn't know her, or her past. If he did, would he still think her smart? Blurting out what she said about her father had been stupid. Mark had showed pity too, but then his true color had manifested weeks later.
“You’ve heard too much negativity that makes you doubt yourself. Whose report will you believe? Theirs or God’s who says you are fearfully and wonderfully made? I sense a beauty in you that comes from the inside. Don’t let people short change you,” Wyatt said.
The air between them crackled. Crissy searched his gaze. There was nothing there to indicate that he was patronizing her. When she’d risked herself in telling Mark about her sordid past, he’d used it against her. From then on out, he’d known she was weak and he’d played upon that. She’d thought she was being honest with him, but it had backfired on her. And here she had gone and made the same mistake again. And Wyatt was barely more than a stranger. Wanting to take the words back and never allow them to be spoken again, she sighed.
But maybe Wyatt was different? Maybe God had sent her here to help her build her confidence. To show her that not all men were like her father or Mark. Crissy shook her head. Why w
as she comparing the three men, anyway?
“Let’s finish up here. I bet you could use a good rest.”
When they finished the chores, Wyatt said good night as he headed out the door. Crissy watched him leave, disappointment unfurling in the pit of her stomach. She couldn't say why. Her emotions were getting all mixed up. It wasn’t a good idea to go having feelings for the cowboy next door. Even if he was a good guy, it was not what she was there to do. She was there to get a story and help out her cousin on the ranch. That was it.
She went inside, checked Kitty and then grabbed her laptop and went into the kitchen. Setting it on the tabletop, she booted it on. Crissy opened up a word document and typed in THE NOVICE RANCHER.
Deciding it was best to make her calls first, she grabbed her phone and dialed Pam. She stared at the screen while she waited for her cousin to pick up.
Better to keep her focus on the reason why she was there in the first place. She and Wyatt had separate lives. At the expiration of two weeks, she'd be back to hers.
She sighed. If that were true, why did the man seem to take over her mind, crowding it with thoughts of love. Was there really no room in her heart for love? It was all she had ever wanted, but too many men had let her down to ever hope for such a thing.
Pam answered on the second ring. “Hey, Crissy. How are things at the ranch? You haven’t attacked anyone since we last spoke, have you?”
Crissy laughed. It wasn’t likely Pam would forget that incident for a long time to come. “Nope. I’ve been nothing but nice. How’s Fred doing?”
“He’s doing well. It seems to be mostly a waiting game right now. You know how these things work.”
Crissy had no idea how they worked. “I just wanted to call and let you know that everything here is going good. Kitty has been tired lately and doesn’t seem to want to eat, but I guess that just comes with age.”
“Yeah. We don’t expect her to be around much longer. Thanks for looking out for her.”
“Hey, did I tell you I roped a couple of calves today? Wyatt invited me to his place for branding and vaccinations.”
“We haven't talked all day, cousin dear. Seems you two are getting close already. Roping calves together and all. Hmmm, sounds like the beginning of something.”
Crissy laughed. “Don’t count your calves before they are roped, cousin. I have no intention of dating a cowboy. Too dangerous.”
“On your heart?”
Crissy knew that voice. Pam was trying to do a little roping in of her own, but Crissy wasn’t falling for it. She had no plans to move to the country and be tied down to a broken up bull rider. Wyatt’s face entered her mind. He was so handsome and ... “Don’t go there, Pam!”
“SO, HOW'S IT GOING with you and Crissy?” Noah leaned on his shovel, wiping his brow. "I hear you two are getting along famously."
Wyatt slipped a pole into the hole, avoiding eye contact. "Is that so? You must have been talking to Rait"
Rait and his dad worked a distance from them. Wyatt glanced in their direction, shaking his head.
“Yup. Sorry I missed seeing the woman who had the gumption to take on my kid brother. Must have been quite a surprise being clobbered by a woman."
Wyatt grabbed the shovel and scooped up a load of dirt, trying to hide the goofy grin on his face. "Imagine being punished for my good deeds."
"Rait had very good things to say about her, by the way. His words not mine. He thinks you'll be heading for the altar soon.”
Wyatt laughed. “Our family will definitely be the talk of the town. Last year alone, we saw three of us married. You just took the leap, and it hasn't even been six months, yet. Not joining any time soon. I barely know this girl, remember?”
In a way, he didn’t know her at all, but he knew things he could bet not a lot of other people knew. He'd gone all spiritual on her yesterday about who God meant her to be. Those things took time to sink in until it was no longer head knowledge, but a thing of the heart. “Chelsea used my accident and the likelihood that I wouldn't walk again as an excuse to leave. The main thing was the fact that I was gone much of the time. She didn't care for what I did for a living, didn't care for the long travels.” Maybe that didn’t surprise him all that much, but it didn’t make it hurt any less.
“Chelsea didn’t hold much water with me. She was all about herself. Does Crissy know that you're a bull rider?”
“Yes.”
“Then you've got nothing to worry about if what Rait tells me is true.”
“And that is?”
Noah glanced toward Rait and back. “He thinks she's smitten.” He pretended to whisper but anyone within a foot of them would pick his words as clear as day. “Better not run her off with your glum attitude.”
“Don't hold back what you really think, now. You both are sure running ahead of yourselves.” If this little bit of juicy news got around to his other siblings, he'd be getting an earful.
“You don't like her?”
“It’s got nothing to do with like. Have you been listening to anything I said?”
Wyatt couldn't hide the exasperation in his voice. Crissy stirred feelings in him but where did that lead them? Likely heart broken and back to licking his wounds. Besides, he didn't believe in love at first sight.
“I heard, and the fact that you sound frustrated tells me more than what you are saying.”
“Shut up and let's finish up here. I have a wedding rehearsal to attend.”
Half an hour later, as they rounded up the stretch of fence, Wyatt’s phone rang. His screen display showed it was an unknown number. Wyatt considered ignoring it but when the call ended and started again, he swiped to answer.
“This is Wyatt.”
“It's Crissy. Sorry to bother you. I saw your number by the phone and thought to call you.”
At the sound of her voice, Wyatt willed his pulse to slow. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, but I think Kitty may be coming down with something.”
“Did you call Pamela?”
“I don't want her to worry. She’s going through enough with Fred and all those tests. I was going to call the vet but I can't seem to find the number. I thought maybe you could recommend someone.”
Wyatt glanced at his wristwatch. It was almost four. The wedding rehearsal was at seven. They had time to go to the vet's and back. “We have one we use. You know what? Watch for me in ten minutes.”
“Don't put yourself out on my account. If you just point—”
“It's nothing. Get ready.”
Wyatt started packing up the tools. “Pamela’s cat is sick.”
“And you want to take her to the vet instead of telling her where to go.” Noah winked.
“Meaning?” Wyatt gave him a cocky grin.
“Just saying. Maybe not only Crissy is smitten after all.”
“Maybe I’m just tired of digging holes and listening to you jabber on about love.” Wyatt dropped his shovel, grinning. “You got this?”
“I think I can manage.”
After telling his father about his plan, he waved to Rait. He didn't miss the knowing look his older brother gave him.
Wyatt drove to the house and took a quick shower. He surely didn't want to be in the truck with Crissy, smelling of sweat and dirt. You're definitely putting in a lot of effort to impress her, a small voice taunted. Wyatt rolled his eyes.
Wyatt dressed and jumped into his truck. By the time he got to the Moore's place, a good fifteen minutes had passed. Wyatt met her at the door. “I'm sorry—”
“Don't worry about it. I knew you were busy.” She gave him a smile then glanced at the cat cuddled in her arms.
“You have an idea what is wrong with her?” Wyatt reached out to pet the cat and his fingers grazed her arm. He pulled his hand away so quickly, she must have thought he was afraid of her.
Crissy gave him an awkward look and then seemed to brush it off. “No. She's been restless for the past half hour. Pam will be so devastated if anythin
g happens to Kitty, especially with all she's going through.”
Wyatt led her to the truck and opened the door. He waited for her to get in with Kitty, closed the door, and rounded the hood to his side. “Kitty will be fine. Dr. Ben is the best in BlueSong.”
She nodded, her hand stroking the cat. Crissy was feisty, yet, gentle. She was an interesting mix of spunk and spice.
He pulled out of the driveway and soon headed down Main Street. “Did you ever have a pet?”
“No. Mom was allergic.”
What was her childhood like? No loving parents, no pet.
“What about you?”
Wyatt contemplated what to tell her in the midst of her worry. “We used to have a dog. Died five years ago on my nineteenth birthday. The dog had been sixteen at the time. He passed peacefully in his sleep. We hadn't seen it coming and my kid sister cried for days. We haven't had the heart to get another since Jack.”
Taking her mind off the sick cat was the best way to go. He rummaged through his CD collections. “What kind of music do you listen to?”
“A wide range. Dad loved those pulsing beats, Mom couldn't stand them. Pam's parents, on the other hand, listened to country. I guess I'm hybrid.” She chuckled.
Wyatt selected a Jazz singles and slipped it in. “I can say I'm hybrid too. Mine depends on my mood.”
Silence descended as they made the fifteen minutes’ drive to Ben's Animal Place.
“I don't have her history.”
“Chances are that Pamela uses this place, you know, small town and all,” he said pulling into the driveway and parking beside another truck.
A young lady probably in her mid-twenties walked up to them as they cleared the double doors. “Who do we have here? Is that Kitty?”
Wyatt didn't miss the relief in Crissy’s gaze. “Yes.”
“Is she here for her annual exam?”
“No. Is she due?” Crissy asked. “She seems to be refusing to eat, and I noticed a restlessness that wasn't there yesterday.”
“I’ll check to see when her next check-up is due, but we’ll get her in and see her today. I'll give you some paperwork and we’ll call you in a bit.”