by Ali Spooner
Tears slipped from her eyes. Del brushed them away with her thumbs, stroking Stormy’s cheeks. She was touched, and surprised, by the depth of emotion she was displaying. “We will take things one step at a time,” she said and Stormy nodded her acknowledgment. “Right now, I’ve got to have a bite of this steak. It smells heavenly.”
Stormy released a nervous laugh. “I hope you enjoy it. We have fresh bread to go with it as well,” she said and opened the warmed bread. “Would you like more wine?”
“I’d love some,” Del said then moaned loudly as the flavor of the steak reached her taste buds. “This is fantastic. Your selection of locations is better than any restaurant could be. The view is spectacular, and the company’s not bad either.”
“I’m happy you approve,” she said as she portioned out vegetables.
After the meal was finished, Stormy placed the dishes into the picnic basket and then joined Del on the lounge chair. The glow on the horizon had faded into the darkness of night, and the sky filled with a blanket of stars.
Stormy let out a deep sigh as her eyes scanned the sky.
“What’s with the sigh?”
“The night sky reminds me of Montana. The lack of artificial light makes the stars shine so brilliantly.”
“It’s peaceful out here,” Del admitted. “Do you miss Montana?”
“Only during winter, I miss the snow, and the mountains.”
“Well, maybe we can visit. I’ve never seen more than a few inches of snow. I’d like to see real mountains too,” Del said.
“I would love to show you Montana. I don’t care much for skiing, but snowmobiling is a blast.”
“That sounds like fun,” Del said as she reached over to place her hand on Stormy’s arm.
Enjoying the warmth of Del’s touch Stormy placed her hand on top to hold it in place. “Tell me about you,” Stormy said. “You know most of my story, but I don’t know anything about you.”
†
Hours later, Del shivered. The night air had significantly cooled and they both felt the chill against their skin. “Are you ready to head home?”
“Not really,” Del said. “It’s so beautiful out here, but it’s cooler than I thought it would be.”
“Go get into the truck and turn some heat on while I pack up here real quick.”
“Is there anything I can help with?”
“No, I’ve got this,” Stormy said with a smile. She worked quickly to load the chairs and picnic basket in the back of the truck then poured the water from the melted ice in the cooler on the coals to ensure the embers fully extinguished. As hot and dry as it had been lately, the last thing they needed was a wildfire from a careless fire. She closed the lid and walked to the truck to climb inside.
“All set,” she said as she put the truck in gear and slowly crawled across the open field. Red eyes glittered at the edge of the headlights as a pair of coyotes roamed the night. “I’ve really enjoyed being with you tonight.”
“Dinner was fantastic, and it was nice having you alone for a change,” Del said.
“When may I see you again?” she asked as they pulled into Coal and Mary Leah’s drive.
“How about lunch tomorrow, with the girls? I was supposed to ask you earlier, but I forgot.”
“That sounds great. Do you ride?” she asked.
“As in horses?”
“Yes, as in horses. Would you like to take a ride with me in the morning?”
Del thought for a second. “I’d like that. What time do I need to be ready?”
“Ten, so we can be back to help with lunch,” Stormy answered as she opened her door. She helped Del out of the truck and walked her to the door. “Thanks for a great night,” she said as she shuffled her boots.
“I had a great time too,” Del said and leaned toward Stormy.
Stormy smiled a nervous smile and leaned in to kiss Del softly on the lips. She desperately wanted to deepen the kiss, but would honor Del’s request to take things slowly and court her like a proper woman. She ended the kiss and stepped back. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Goodnight, Stormy,” Del said and stepped inside the door.
Stormy’s feet barely touched the ground as she made her way back to the truck and drove to the ranch. Melissa had left the porch light on for her, making her smile. She pulled the truck to a halt and hurriedly placed the chairs back in the barn and carried the basket inside.
She was busy washing the dishes when Melissa walked into the kitchen.
“I hope I didn’t wake you,” she said.
“Nope, I got thirsty so I thought I’d get some water. How did tonight go?”
“Fantastic, thanks to you. I appreciate all you did for us.”
“It was my pleasure,” Melissa said. “What’s the next step?”
“We are going for a ride tomorrow morning and then have lunch with Coal and Mary Leah before Del goes back home.”
“That sounds like fun,” Melissa said as she picked up a dishtowel and dried the dishes as Stormy washed them.
When they had finished, Melissa walked down the hall with her. “Sweet dreams,” she said.
“You too, boss, see you in the morning.” She entered her room and slipped out of her clothes and into shorts and a T-shirt before crashing onto the bed. It had been a long day, but the ending had turned out superbly. Stormy fell asleep, a smile gracing her face.
Chapter Twenty-two
Coal was at the kitchen table sipping coffee when Del entered the room. “Good morning, mind if I join you?”
“Please do. How do you like your coffee?” she said as she moved to stand.
“Sit tight, I believe I can manage. Do you need a refill?”
“Thanks, but I’m good for now. Did you sleep well?”
“Like a log. How have you been sleeping?”
“So well I didn’t even hear you come in last night. You did come home, right?” she teased.
Del chuckled. “Yes, and it was even before midnight.”
She smiled as Del took a seat across from her. “Did your night go well?”
“Very well. I had a really nice time. I’m going riding with Stormy this morning at ten.”
“That sounds very promising.”
Del took a sip of her coffee. “We had a very candid talk and agreed to proceed slowly.”
“How long do you think that will last?” Coal asked with a grin.
“At least until the first few dates, but damn that woman is hot.” Del chuckled.
“I thought I heard someone talking,” Mary Leah said as she entered the room, scratching her head.
“Good morning, sunshine, join us and I’ll get you some coffee,” Coal said. “Love the hairdo, babe,” she added with a wink to Del.
“I bet I have a great case of bed head,” she said.
“I don’t think we could argue with you over that,” Del said, smiling at her friend.
“How was your date?”
“Dinner was fantastic, very romantic actually, and she is very interesting,” Del said.
“Oh, do tell,” Mary Leah said as she settled into a chair.
“She cooked an excellent steak dinner. The sunset was gorgeous and the stars were spectacular. Once it started to cool down, we came home.”
“Did she at least kiss you goodnight?”
“As a matter of fact, she did,” Del said.
“Is she coming for lunch?”
“Yes, we’re going for a ride this morning, but we’ll be back in time for lunch.”
Coal placed a mug of coffee in front of her lover and kissed the top of her head. “Am I cooking burgers today? Is that the plan?”
“If you’ll grill the burgers and onions, I’ll fry up some potatoes and whip up a salad.”
“That sounds delicious,” Del said. “Is there anything I can do?”
“You can have fun with Stormy,” Mary Leah answered, grinning.
“I thought I’d cook some omelets for breakfast,” Coal said a
s she stood and walked to the refrigerator. “Are you two hungry?”
“I am now that you mentioned omelets,” Del said.
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to shower and get this hair under control.”
“Go ahead, darling, I’ll cook yours fresh when you get back.”
“I’ll see you soon then,” Mary Leah said, taking her coffee and leaving the kitchen.
Coal pulled out ingredients for breakfast and placed a bowl on the counter.
“What can I help with?”
“You can slice some ham for me. Do you like fresh green onions?”
“Oh yes, I love them.”
“I was thinking ham, cheese, and some green onions.”
“Let me get to slicing then,” Del said as she picked up a knife.
Del had finished slicing the ham. “You can drop a handful in the bowl if you would, please.”
Del added the ham as Coal poured green onions in and continued to whip the eggs. “Would you like toast?”
“That sounds good and some juice.”
“You’ll find apple and orange juice in the fridge, and wheat bread in the pantry. You can go ahead and drop your toast.”
Coal slid the first omelet onto Del’s plate and moments later had her breakfast ready too. She joined Del at the table.
“Mary Leah is a very lucky woman,” Del said after a moan. “This is delicious.”
“Thanks, I’m glad you approve, but I think I’m the lucky one to have met Mary Leah.”
“You certainly seem to be good for each other.”
“Yeah, she’s a terrible breakfast cook,” Coal said with a wink as Mary Leah entered the kitchen.
“Hey, I heard that, but she’s absolutely right. My idea of breakfast is something you can cook in a toaster.”
“Well, there is something to be said for Pop Tarts,” Del teased. “Though seems like I remember you burning some of those in college.”
“I have mastered the art of toasting finally,” Mary Leah said as she poured a glass of apple juice.
“Hang on a sec and I’ll cook your omelet.”
“Take your time, sweetie, I’m in no hurry. You know, Del, when she first arrived two years ago she couldn’t cook an egg to save her life and now look at these great omelets.”
“I’ve had lots of opportunities to practice. Besides, Harley’s a great teacher.”
“So when is everyone headed to Austin for the rodeo?” Del asked.
“We are rolling out early Friday morning,” Coal said. “Can you drive out Thursday night and ride with us?”
Del looked at Mary Leah as Coal returned to the stove to cook. “That’s not a bad idea. Will you have room for me?”
“Plenty, Melissa’s cowboy Cadillac seats six comfortably,” Mary Leah said.
Del chuckled. “Her what?”
“Melissa’s truck is a dually and we call it her cowboy Cadillac,” Coal explained. “Do you need seconds?” she asked, seeing Del’s empty plate.
“Heaven’s no, I’m stuffed, but thanks.”
†
They were finishing their coffee when Coal looked up to see Stormy’s truck bouncing up the drive. “It looks like your date is early,” she teased.
“Holy cow, what time is it?” Del asked.
“Nine forty-five,” Coal said. “Stormy must be excited.”
“Let me finish getting ready then,” she said, nearly knocking the chair over when she stood up quickly.
Mary Leah and Coal looked at one another and chuckled. “I think it’s hard to tell which of them is more excited,” she said as she stood to meet her at the door.
“Good morning,” Stormy said, wearing a grin.
“Yes, it is. How are you?”
“I’m great, thanks. Del and I are going for a ride this morning.”
“So we heard. Come on in, she’s getting ready. We just finished breakfast. Do you want something?”
“Thanks, but I’m good. Hey, Mary Leah,” Stormy said as they walked into the kitchen.
“You’re looking bright and shiny this morning,” Mary Leah said. “Del will be ready in just a few minutes.”
“That’s fine. I know I’m early but Melissa kicked me out, said I was wearing out her floor.”
“That sounds like Melissa,” Coal said. “Where are you riding this morning?”
“I thought we would ride down by the creek,” Stormy said. “It’s going to be hot again today, so we won’t go far.”
Coal sat next to her. “I’ll fire up the grill about noon then.”
Del walked into the room and Stormy stood up. “You look great, Del.”
“Thanks,” Del said. “Are you ready to ride?”
“Just waiting on you, ma’am,” Stormy said.
“I guess we’ll see you two later,” Mary Leah said as they walked to the door.
“Have fun,” Coal said.
“We will,” she answered on her way out the door.
“They are just too cute together,” Mary Leah said. “I’ve never seen Del this excited before.”
“Maybe she just needed a handsome cowgirl to toss a rope around her heart,” Coal stated, shocking Mary Leah.
“Maybe so, I know I sure love mine.”
“I love you too. So what do you want to do until lunch?”
“I know you want to go care for Shadow, so I’ll put our salad together and patty the hamburgers while you’re in the barn.”
“I’ll be back soon then,” she said and kissed her lover.
†
She squinted in the bright sunshine as she left the covered porch and headed to the barn. Shadow had been grazing and rushed to the barn when he saw her approaching. “Hey, big boy,” she said as he stepped into his stall. She filled his feed bin and refreshed his water then grabbed a shovel to muck his stall.
She carried the manure to the compost pile and then scattered fresh shavings in his stall. Shadow was still eating while she brushed his coat and checked his hooves. “I need to get the farrier out this week before we head out to Austin,” she said as her hand stroked down his back. “We should probably get some practice in this week.”
Coal finished her chores and walked back into the house as Mary Leah finished the salad. “You know I was thinking we might put in a garden in the spring. Our compost pile is getting big and would be great to fertilize the soil.”
“Fresh vegetables would be nice, but don’t you think you work hard enough already?”
“Growing your own isn’t like work.”
“Well, I bet I know a few ranch hands that would be more than willing to help out.”
She smiled. “I would definitely use Gene’s muscle on the tiller.”
“I swear that young man would do anything for you,” Mary Leah said.
Coal swiped a carrot and munched on it as she leaned against the counter. “Probably so,” she agreed.
†
After lunch, the group relaxed in the living room. “What plans do you have for the afternoon?” Coal asked Stormy.
“Nothing that I’m aware of why do you ask?”
“I thought about getting some rodeo practice in this afternoon if Gene’s up for it,” Coal answered.
“Did the sun come up in the east?” she chuckled. “I guarantee he could be saddled and ready to go in five minutes. Do you want me to give him a call?”
Coal looked at Del. “What are your plans this afternoon, Doc?”
“I could watch for a while then head home around four to get ready for next week.”
“Let’s eat some dirt then,” Coal told Stormy.
“Let me go call the boys,” she said and stepped outside to use her cell. “We’re all set for two,” she said when she returned.
“Just enough time for lunch to settle,” Mary Leah said.
“What events are you competing in?” Del asked Stormy.
“Bareback and saddle bronc riding, and barrel racing.”
“Is your shoulder healed enough for all that?
”
“I feel fine. I’m sure I’ll be sore afterward, but I’m cleared to ride.”
“We’ll be sure to have some ice packs ready,” Coal said.
†
Del, Mary Leah, Melissa, and Harley sat under the shade tree to watch the practice session. Coal and Stormy had dismounted and were walking toward them across the corral, leading their horses. Their movements sent dust swirling around them in a shroud. “Cowgirls do it in the dirt,” Melissa said.
“What was that?” Mary Leah asked.
“A bumper sticker I saw the other day in town. It said cowgirls do it in the dirt. Watching Coal and Stormy walk across the corral reminded me of that.”
“It is rather fitting, isn’t it?” Del asked.
“A Kodak moment,” Mary Leah said as she picked up her phone and snapped off several photos. She lowered the phone to preview the shots and Del whistled.
“I have got to get a copy of that blown up,” Stormy said. “That’s a fantastic shot.”
“Wow, that is really good. Better get two, one for me,” Melissa said.
“I can do that,” Mary Leah said as Coal and Stormy approached. “Are you two done for the day?”
“I am,” she said, “but Coal and Gene are going to rope a few steers.”
“I hate to break up this party, but I do need to start for home,” Del said.
“Hang on and I’ll give you a ride back to your car,” Stormy said as she tied off her horse.
“I’ll see you tomorrow night then,” she said to Mary Leah. “Thanks for allowing me to ride with you to Austin,” she told Melissa.
“The more the merrier,” Melissa said. “See you later this week.”
Stormy ran ahead to open her truck door for Del and got her seated safely inside.
“I think someone is truly smitten,” Melissa said as she watched Stormy rush around to the driver’s side.
“Which one are you referring to?” Mary Leah asked.