Cowboy Six Pack

by Kari Lynn Dell

  “You’re not an adrenalin junkie, and while you put your heart into each run, you haven’t been broken yet. It’s too late for me. I should have walked away, but I didn’t.” Frank lifted the glass and swallowed the whiskey in one gulp. “B-Man, cash me out. I’m gonna pick up some groceries then nap before I have to go in later.” Frank slid a ten dollar bill on the bar then stood up. He turned and patted Rick on the shoulder. “Congrats, again. You’ll make a great father.” He started for the door then paused. “You’re a good fireman, but it’s not where your heart is. You know, I used to dream of riding the plains and roping some cows. Being a cowboy sounds like a dream job.”

  Rick motioned to the bartender. “I think I’m ready for that beer now. Got a Coors?”

  B-Man slid the brown bottle in front of Rick. Lifting it to his lips, he took a swallow. The cold brew slid down his throat and settled his churning stomach. What did the chief mean? My heart’s in it. I’ve been a great firefighter. His grip tightened on the bottle as he took another swig.

  Another person sat down in the seat next to him. Justice tapped on the bar. “I’ll have what he’s having.” She pointed toward Rick.

  Rick turned in his seat, staring at his fellow firefighter. “Is today firefighter day at Harry’s and no one told me? Or did the chief send you in?” The rudeness in his voice grated on his nerves. JT hadn’t done anything to deserve his anger. She’d been a hard worker and good listener. He ran his hands over his face. “I’m sorry. Julie gave me an ultimatum. Quit the job or lose her and the baby.”

  She patted his shoulder. “Was it because of what happened?”

  “No. She’s decided Detroit isn’t where she wants to raise a kid.” He gritted his teeth. “We talked about the offer before I took it. Only a few short months later, she wants me to back out. I hate having no say in my life.”

  “I hear you, but, seriously, Cowboy, just go home.”

  He turned quickly. What had she said? Go home. Each word shot out.

  “You love your wife, and you’re going to have a kid. You’ve got family back in Colorado as well as friends who care about you. Raise your child in a small town where people care for each other.” Her voice sounded hollow and defeated.

  “Detroit’s worked hard to improve, but there’s still work to do. The people have touched my heart.” He’d grown to love the town and neighborhoods he’d worked in.

  “True, but your child won’t grow up with horses in Detroit. Instead, they will have to watch which streets they go on after dark. He’ll attend schools where teachers hand out toilet paper depending on whether they are going number one or two.” She shrugged. “Your child, and you, deserve so much more.”

  “We moved here because in Whisper, I barely made enough to make ends meet. There wasn’t enough money for extras like new cars or fancy dinners out.”

  JT squeezed his arm. “Money isn’t everything. Love is. Are you willing to risk love for a job?” She stood and laid a five dollar bill on the bar. “Trust me, love trumps everything else. I know you’ll make the right choice when you think about it.” Her voice held notes of sadness and pain. Rick wondered again about the husband she’d lost and what the relationship had cost her. He stood, wrapped his arms around her, and hugged her tight.

  “Thanks, JT. I hope you find the love you deserve.” He released her, and she turned and strolled out the door.

  “B-man, let’s settle this tab. I’ve gotta go talk things over with my wife.” He pulled a twenty from his wallet.

  The bartender pushed the money away. “Keep it. We’re square.”

  Rick slid his wallet and phone into his pocket then shot his hand out toward the brawny man. “Thanks. I hope to see you on the big screen someday.”

  B-man chuckled. “From your lips to God’s ears.”

  ***

  Rick lightly rapped on the hotel room door then listened for movement within. Had she given up and left? What would he do if she had?

  When Julie opened the door, Rick’s heart leapt into his throat. Relief flooded through his body. He grasped her hand and tugged her over to the couch then plunked down on the edge next to her, still holding her hand.

  “I love you, but I need to understand why the ultimatum. I don’t like being pressured to make a modification. When we spoke about the move and my reason behind it, you were willing to go. Now you don’t want to even consider selling the ranch and living here. What changed?”

  She laid her other hand over her stomach. “I’m tired of being alone.” Her voice came out in a whisper. “Even if we lived closer, you’d still have the three-days-on shift and be required to live in the city, while I run the home, the ranch, if we could find one, and now raise our child. With that schedule, I wouldn’t see you for half the week.”

  “You didn’t mind when I had a long shift before,” he prompted.

  “You were home more often. I saw you almost daily and had family and friends to help out if something came up. Here, I’d have to do it without that support, in addition to not seeing you. Take the incident with Silver. It could have been very serious, but Preston could help. Still, I had to make sure to clean the abscess and give the horse his meds. I had to clean the stall and keep Silver hydrated and fed.”

  “It sounds like the ranch life got to you.”

  “It did, only because before we were a team, and now I couldn’t even run concerns by you, or snuggle in your arms. It was more than the work… Everything sat on my shoulders. Add a child and my stress triples. What if he or she was sick? What would I do if you were working? Who could I trust? Where would I take them? I feel terrible, though, to deprive you of your dream.”

  “Firefighting is a job I like. Becoming chief was all about providing well for you. My family is my dream. I love the ranch.” Rick lifted her chin and met her gaze. “I’ve missed spending the nights with you, too. Not to see you and hold you. The loss depressed me. And to go a day without my child…it’d kill me. But I took this job so we’d have the money for a family.”

  “We always had a family. You didn’t see it. What we didn’t have was a large amount of cash floating around. But your love was worth more than getting ahead or new furniture.” She leaned in and kissed his lips with gentle pressure, at first then more demanding. She pulled away. Her heart beat like a drum. “Say you’re ready to come home to Colorado and be a family.”

  “I’m ready. For you, I’d do anything.”

  EPILOGUE

  Three years later

  Julie lifted the cast iron pan from the stove then shoveled some scrambled eggs onto plates, before setting the skillet into the sink. Using a fork, she pushed eggs around the plate while blowing on them.

  “They’re still too hot, Justin. Let Mommy cool them down, or you’ll burn your tongue.”

  A dark-haired replica of her husband pounded on the high-chair tray. “Eggs, now. I eat.”

  “You forgot please.” Rick strolled into the kitchen, his hair still damp from his recent shower. He mussed his son’s hair then slid his arms around his wife and nibbled on her neck.

  Julie giggled and shoved at his hands. “You’re just in time for breakfast. Your eggs are on a plate. I think I’ve finally gotten them right this time. I might be able to give you a run for your money in the breakfast category.”

  Rick grabbed the plate Julie had been cooling and set it on his son’s tray. He kissed Justin’s cheek. “Say thank you to Mommy for the eggs.” He fastened a bib about the little boy’s neck then dropped down into his own chair.

  “T’ank you, Mama.”

  Grabbing the remaining two plates, Julie placed them on the table. She poured some orange juice into Justin’s special cup and also into two glasses for Rick and herself. When she turned around, she paused and smiled.

  Julie’s heart melted as the two most important men in her life looked at her with those wide eyes. Rick had not wanted to return to Colorado but made the sacrifice for her. He’d been able to get his job back at the Whisper fir
e station but, since Justin’s birth, he’d been happier without the drive to become the fire chief. His life was balanced now, and while they may continue to struggle with money, family time became most important to him.

  Julie ran the ranch, but Rick helped as much as he could. His shifts at the station allowed for forty-eight hours on and then twenty-four hours off. When needed, Rick took on additional shifts for his coworkers who’d planned vacations or emergencies. They helped each other, which was one of the things she loved about their community.

  She placed the juice in front of her men and sat down.

  Rick swallowed the last of the eggs. “You’ve outdone yourself. I’m giving you the golden spatula and letting you take over all breakfast duty.” He strolled to the dishwasher and placed his dishes inside.

  Julie continued to eat her eggs. “How was last night? Any fires?”

  Rick shook his head. “Really quiet night. I won thirty dollars in poker, though.”

  “Woot! Good for you.” Julie grabbed a washcloth and wiped off her son’s face. She untied the bib and held it out to her husband. “Hey, Rick, do you mind putting this in the bathroom? I’ll get him out then we have plans to go play in the yard with the dogs. I can’t believe how big they’ve gotten. When you rescued them in that shopping mall fire years ago, they were so tiny. Brownie, I didn’t think would even make it.”

  Rick took the bib and headed into the bathroom.

  Julie held her breath. Would he see it? She hadn’t wanted to be too obvious. It’d spoil the surprise.

  “Yippee!” Rick’s scream echoed through the house. He booked out of the bathroom then lifted Julie up and swung her around. When he released her, he bent over and kissed her belly. “Are you sure?”

  Tears filled her eyes as she nodded. “The doctor confirmed it last week. Justin’s going to be a big brother.”

  Rick cupped his wife’s face and kissed her passionately. As the tears fell, his thumbs brushed the wetness from her cheeks. “Are you crying?”

  “Only happy tears.” She reached down and picked up Justin who’d been tugging on her leg. Her heart lighter. Even with the detour to Detroit, they’d made it through some tough times and were stronger than ever.

  The End

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  Detroit, Michigan has faced some horrible times. The fire department was in such sad shape that the firefighters brought their own toilet paper to use because there wasn’t any. Many of the firefighters left the city because they weren’t getting paid for their hours and hard work. The trucks and firehouses were in dire straits, many broken or not working properly.

  In recent years, Detroit has begun to turn things around. The downtown area has become a booming revitalized area with parks and hotels along the river and new housing for the many businesses that have moved into the downtown area.

  The character of B-Man is based on an amazing young man who is following his dreams. He’s working as an actor and has taken a chance on reaching for his goals. All the best, Brian!

  If you thought you noticed this story had a familiar feel or noticed a familiar place such as The Heartsong Ranch, then you have read my other stories which take place in Whisper, Colorado. If you haven’t… I encourage you to visit…

  The Heartsong Cowboy

  Can two people, one horse and the power of love cure a little girl?

  Angela French blames herself for her daughter’s lack of voice. Determined to do anything to correct the situation, she seeks out Jake Kyncade, the owner of The Heartsong Ranch.

  Jake Kyncade hides his own sorrows behind his no-nonsense demeanor. Helping children becomes one way to correct his past. Using equine therapy, he sets out to make a difference.

  Can Jake help Angela’s dreams come true or will Jake’s past bring more heartache? Will love save them all?

  https://amzn.com/B00NDAS9ZM

  The Heartbroken Cowboy

  Love isn’t found at the bottom of a bottle…

  Johnson O’Neill joined The Heartsong Ranch to escape his addiction. One night at a friend’s wedding, stress causes him to fall off the wagon and into the arms of the woman of his dreams.

  Debra Donahue lost her husband to alcohol then pulled herself up by her bootstraps becoming a million-dollar selling real estate agent. One night with a sexy cowboy and a bottle of whiskey, Debra falls hard.

  Can an alcoholic cowboy and a brokenhearted woman find love despite their fears? Or will the bottom of a bottle claim another happily ever after?

  https://amzn.com/B00U4190W4

  Claiming a Cowboy’s Heart

  Even broken souls deserve a second chance at love…

  Elementary Teacher, Michelle Alt’s faced untold trials in her life, yet she continues to do what’s right to make things better for the next generation.

  Cowboy Veterinarian, Preston Hall has lost everything in order to follow his dreams and return to his grandfather’s small town practice.

  These two broken souls recognize each other’s pain and come together to heal, but fear and misunderstandings send their blossoming relationship into a tailspin. Will they be able to put aside their pain to find the love of a lifetime?

  https://amzn.com/B017JKFNWS

  A Pigskin Cowboy

  It’s first and goal…

  Kane Warner, the favorite tight end of his college football team, had everyone turned on him for throwing a game. Rather than explain why or face the scrutiny, he leaves town for his summer internship to regroup and get his head on straight.

  Charley Ramsey works at Café French while going to college for accounting. Life in a small town has always suited her. No drama is her motto and she’ll do everything she can to avoid it.

  Being financially secure is Charley’s biggest dream. Clearing his name is Kane’s. When the media comes looking for the big story, will Kane and Charley’s relationship survive the drama or will the football player run again?

  https://amzn.com/B01HSKJF96

  The Heartsong Cowboy: Book One of the Cowboys of Whisper, Colorado….

  Chapter One

  Blood dripped down Taylor’s neck, the deep red contrasting with the pale whiteness of her skin. Trapped, unable to stop the blood flow, she was helpless to prevent each drop from falling to her daughter’s lap. Whimpers escaped Taylor’s lips, and Angela bit down on her own, the taste of sharp copper washing over her tongue. The cries became louder as the evil man sliced the knife across her daughter’s throat. “No!”

  A scream echoed through her mind, startling her from sleep. Shaking, Angela sat up in bed. It was only a dream.

  Soft cries came from Taylor’s bed, and she turned toward the sound. Her daughter lay curled in her covers, holding tight to her stuffed horse.

  These nightmares are getting more frequent. Both hers and mine. She pulled back the covers and crossed the small space to her. Bending over, she brushed the hair off her daughter’s face then placed a kiss on her forehead, but the distressing whimpers continued.

  Usually a touch wakes her. This must be a bad one. Sitting on the edge, she pulled her daughter into her arms to cradle her tight against her heart. “Shhh. I’m here. Wake up. It’s okay.”

  Small arms flailed, smacking Angela’s face. She held her daughter tighter and shook her gently.

  “Honey, it’s Mommy. Wake up.” Her voice was louder, more demanding.

  Her daughter’s eyes shot open. Her stare latched onto her mom’s as a silent scream formed on her lips, her body stiffening.

  When will this trauma ever go away? She brushed the hair from her own eyes, her fingers swiping the wetness on her cheek. “Honey, Mommy’s here. I have you. There’s no bad man here.” She choked on her tears. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  Her gaze focusing, Taylor relaxed, but her brow puckered in what Angela called her question face. Her small hand reached up and touched the tear trailing down her mother’s cheek.

  “It’s okay. I’m fine now that you’re fine. It must have been a
nother bad dream.”

  https://amzn.com/B00NDAS9ZM

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  For my wedding in Vegas, my books and computer came with me but there wasn't enough room for my wedding shoes. It’s all about priorities! As an avid reader, I was probably born with a book in hand. Luckily my mom was also an avid reader, so it was easy to "borrow" her books when my books were finished.

  I was reading from an early age about dashing men on horseback riding to the rescue of strong willed and capable women who didn't really need rescuing. I came to expect that women in fairy tales should have fought their own battles. When I was older, I found Margaret Atwood and realized that women could re-tell history in their own way and I experimented with changing those basic fairy tales.

  Fortunately for me, my husband allows me the opportunity to be myself (spend my salary on books) and still takes care of the really important things for me like killing spiders and opening jars. As an elementary teacher, teaching children about the many worlds inside of books is a gift that I’m lucky enough to do for a living. Teaching the next generation to love reading is a lot of fun! Reading the right book can make a new world come alive!

  Currently living in the suburbs of Ann Arbor, Michigan with my darling husband, way-too-grown-up children and spoiled dogs, I enjoy getting away through a book to escape the harsh winters or summer road construction.