by Kim Redford
“I’m sorry if—”
“Shhh. Let me finish while I’ve got the guts to do it.” Hedy hit her legs with both fists. “Useless still. But that’s not the worst of it. I was thirty-six when I took that spill from my horse. That’s about half a lifetime ago. Yeah, I injured my spine. Yeah, I couldn’t walk again. Yeah, I lost the ability to compete in rodeo. But that wasn’t the worst of it.”
“Not the worst?” Lauren dreaded to hear what more tragedy Hedy could have endured in her life.
“No easy way to say it. I was pregnant. That’s when I lost my darling little girl.”
Lauren’s breath caught in her throat as the extent of her aunt’s great loss sank deep into her mind. She quickly reached up and squeezed her aunt’s hands to give her a small measure of comfort. “I’m so very sorry.”
“And I couldn’t have any other children.”
“I’m just so, so sorry.” Lauren knew her words were completely inadequate, but she had no better ones to express her sorrow.
“Thank you.”
“What about your baby’s father? How did he take the news?”
Hedy sighed, shaking her head. “Met him on the circuit. Good-looking roper. We loved each other fast and furious, then he was gone. No holding him in one place. He couldn’t be confined that way, not after Vietnam—a stupid, useless war that killed off way too many of my generation’s guys. Even if our young men made it out of the jungle alive, lots couldn’t help but bring the jungle home with them. That was my Sam. Good man who should never have been drafted in the first place, but back then guys didn’t have a choice unless their families had money or position or they found some sort of loophole. Bad deal for most of us all the way around. I doubt we’ll ever completely recover from it.”
“Do you still see him?” Lauren didn’t know much about the Vietnam War, but she did know that all war was bad for everyone. And yet it kept coming around every generation, so somebody somewhere must benefit.
“Drink got him years ago.” Hedy dabbed at her eyes again. “He never knew about our little girl. I tried to find him on the circuit, but he’d disappeared, probably down into one of his dark jungle holes.”
“I wish things had been different for you.” Lauren felt as if her words were inadequate, even though they were the best she had to offer.
“Bottom line”—Hedy leaned back in her chair and straightened her shoulders again—“if I hadn’t been riding, I wouldn’t have lost my baby. I’ve lived with that guilt every day since my fall.”
“But, Aunt Hedy—”
“And then you come back to Wildcat Bluff bringing your daughter and wanting me to get on horseback. Now I’m having nightmares about falling and losing my baby again.” Hedy blinked back tears as she dabbed at her eyes with the tissues. “Maybe it’s time I stopped fighting and joined my lost little girl.”
“Stop it!” Lauren threw herself against her aunt’s knees, hugged them hard, and laid her face against Hedy’s lap. She couldn’t help but cry now, even though she tried to suppress her emotions for her aunt’s sake. First Hannah had nightmares about her lost daddy and now Hedy had nightmares about her lost daughter. She’d had Kent to help Hannah, but she was on her own here. Somehow she must find a way to reach her aunt and free her from her painful past.
“I’m tired, that’s all.” Hedy’s voice was soft now as she patted Lauren’s head in comfort. “I just want to rest.”
Lauren raised her face, feeling determination rise up in her. “I don’t care if you’re tired. I don’t care if you’re hurting. I don’t care if you’re having nightmares. You know you’ve overcome much more in your life. You’ve been an inspiration to all of us, and you can’t stop now. In fact, I won’t let you.”
Hedy raised her eyebrows, appearing completely surprised by Lauren’s strong words.
“What I do care about is you being here for Hannah—teaching her how to ride horses and enjoy animals and do math, teaching her how to overcome pain and loneliness and loss, teaching her how to love life and people and happiness. Those are all the important things in life that you taught me.”
Hedy took a deep breath and sniffed back tears.
“My daughter needs you. I need you. Wildcat Bluff needs you. And I’ll be damned if I let you off easy.”
“Oh, Lauren, you are so the child of my heart.” Hedy pulled Lauren into her arms and gave her a long, strong hug.
Lauren relished the closeness for a moment, then she leaned back and looked her aunt in the eyes. “Now, am I gonna have to get tough and pull out the big guns to get you back on a horse?”
Hedy gave a tentative smile as she blinked back tears. “And you think you’ve got big enough guns?”
“Oh yeah. I’m packing two powerful ones.” Lauren grinned, feeling her spirits soar with determination. “The first is Kent Duval. You know him, he’ll pull out a Comanche myth that’ll make you feel lower than a rattlesnake if you don’t show the courage of a descendent of Republic of Texas pioneers.”
Hedy gave a slow chuckle, shaking her head. “That’s a pretty big gun all right. I’d hate to give the impression that a Comanche could best a Republic of Texas pioneer.”
“That’s what I thought. Now, my second gun is the biggest.”
“It better be a thirty ought six.”
Lauren nodded as she gave her aunt a knowing smile. “The second is Hannah Sheridan. She needs her great-aunt to show her the ropes of life. And that includes how to ride the barrels when she’s big enough.”
Hedy inhaled sharply, clutching the arms of her wheelchair. “Lots of folks can teach her about life and rodeo. You and Kent and your folks are at the top of the list.”
“But none of us can teach her how to overcome the extreme adversities of life and keep going with an open heart and open hand like you.”
Silence filled the barn as Hedy simply looked at Lauren. After a long moment, she exhaled sharply as if accepting her fate. “You got me there.”
“Good.” Lauren grinned, feeling a vast sense of relief. “Now, go ahead and admit it. Wouldn’t you like to be on the back of a gorgeous palomino again?”
“Chancy Boy is one fine horse.”
“And you’re one fine rider.”
“Not anymore.” Hedy gave Lauren a sharp look. “Are you sure you want to set us on this path? There’ll be no turning back.”
“That’s exactly what I want from you. You’ll inspire the whole county again.”
“If I can inspire one little girl, that’s enough for me.”
“It’ll be so much more.” Lauren stood up and brushed her palms together as if removing the past. “Once we get you duded-up like Hannah and up on the back of that palomino, you’re going to drive Bert Holloway crazier than ever.”
Hedy gave a soft laugh. “Bert came in the store and bought another bluebird just this morning.”
“What’d I tell you? That guy has got it bad.”
“Go on. He’s just got a thing for bluebirds.”
“Sure he does.” Lauren pointed toward the arena, then back at her aunt. “Come on. We’ve got places to go and things to do.”
Hedy grasped Lauren’s fingers and squeezed them. “Sometimes the mother becomes the child and the child becomes the mother. Thank you. I needed to be reminded that to win you have to take the first step.”
“And that’s the step that takes you to a hundred plus years.”
“In that case, we better get busy.”
Chapter 38
Kent kept an eye on the open gate into the barn, wondering what Hedy and Lauren could be talking about. He hoped they were getting to the root of Hedy’s issue or secret or whatever and all would be well now. What he wanted to do was run in there and fix the problem. But he knew better. That was just his male problem-solving instinct coming to the fore. Gals had their own way of working through things, and
he’d best leave them alone to do it.
In the meantime, he took a great deal of pleasure in watching Billye Jo lead Hannah around on Spot. Hannah couldn’t have been more adorable as she got into the swing of sitting in the saddle by hanging onto the saddle horn. She was as safe and secure as she could get on her first pony ride. And he planned to be there for her when she eventually graduated from pony to horse.
He couldn’t be more thankful that Lauren had come back into his life and brought her daughter so that they could be a family, one he hadn’t even realized how much he’d wanted and needed until now.
He walked over and stroked Chancy Boy’s long nose, appreciating the strong lines and noble head. Like Kent, Chancy Boy kept an eye on the barn as if waiting for Hedy to come back to him. Kent had a feeling those two had already bonded and would make a great team, not only for Hedy’s recovery but for the health of other folks, too.
Finally, Hedy motored out of the barn with Lauren beside her. He could tell right away they were different after their talk. And they were good, no doubt about it, because both had identical gleams in their eyes. Steely determination. Hedy was back on track. Kent wanted to jump up with a big cheer, but he restrained his enthusiasm.
Chancy Boy leaned his head over the fence and nickered as he watched Hedy zoom over to him.
“Good boy!” Hedy gave him a pat on his nose, and then she turned to look at Kent. “Lauren has convinced me that it’s time I got back on a horse.”
Kent smiled at her as he tilted his head toward the ramp. “Sounds like a good plan to me. Do you want to try out the ramp or—”
“Ramp. I may not be as strong as I used to be, but I’ve still got pretty good upper body strength.”
“I don’t doubt it one bit.” Kent gave her a big grin, feeling like finally they were getting their Hedy back.
Lauren pointed toward the ramp. “Aunt Hedy, please put on that safety helmet I ordered for us to use.”
“I’ll get it. I set it beside the ramp.” Kent quickly walked over and picked up the helmet.
“You just want me to look like a wimp,” Hedy grumbled as she eyed the helmet with distaste.
Billye Jo laughed. “That’s the last thing you’ll ever look like. Just wear it to make us happy.”
“Okay. I can see I’m outnumbered around here.” Hedy motored over to the base of the ramp, then stopped and looked around at everyone. “Let’s rock and roll!”
Kent secured the helmet under Hedy’s chin. “There you go. You’re all set.”
Hedy motored up the ramp to the platform overlooking the arena and gave everyone a thumbs-up.
Kent moved to stand beside her, ready to lend a helping hand any way he could from here on out.
Billye Jo led Spot over to Lauren and handed her the lead. “If it suits everybody, I’d like to hold Chancy Boy’s lead since he’s used to me while Kent takes care of Hedy.”
“Suits me this first time. We’re all on a learning curve,” Lauren agreed as she patted her daughter’s cowgirl boot. “Hannah and I will watch from outside the arena.”
Billye Jo picked up the lead she’d left by the fence, opened the gate, and stepped inside the arena. She stroked Chancy Boy’s jaw, then reached up and clipped the lead to his halter. She quickly led him over to the platform, looked over at Kent, and gave a nod that she was ready to go.
Kent took a deep breath, hoping against hope that nothing would go wrong. “Hedy, if it’s okay with you, I’m going to lift you and set you in Lauren’s fancy saddle. And if you think the helmet’s wimpy, take a look at that fleece-covered, thick pad.”
Hedy chuckled as she reached out and stroked both hands across the lambskin. “Softer than my chair. I may need to wimp-out more often.”
Kent smiled as he gently picked up Hedy, thinking she felt almost as light as a bird, and positioned her in the saddle. He could tell her old instincts came right back because she immediately grabbed the pommel with both hands and adjusted her seat. He felt a lump in his throat as he slowly eased his hands back from her. She looked good, as if she had perfect use of her body.
“Oh my,” Hedy said in a soft, reverential voice. “I thought I’d forgotten, but it’s like riding a bike in that you never forget how to ride a horse.”
“I know you want to go tearing across this arena.” Billye Jo glanced up from where she held Chancy Boy. “But please give us all a break. We’re just learning what to do here.”
Hedy laughed out loud, sounding like her old self. “Are you telling me that I’m your guinea pig?”
“That’s about the size of it,” Kent agreed, watching like a hawk in case Hedy suddenly lost her balance.
“Cowgirls!” Hannah cried out. “That’s me and Aunt Hedy!”
Hedy gave her great-niece a nod of agreement. “Give us both a little time on horseback and we’ll be riding all over this ranch.”
“Cowgirl power!” Hannah’s voice carried across the arena.
As everybody laughed, Kent felt his heart fill with happiness. Life was coming together in perfect harmony.
“I don’t want to be a spoilsport,” Lauren said, “but I don’t want to push our success today too far either.”
“I won’t fight you. I’ve got lots of time now.” Hedy leaned slightly forward to stroke Clancy Boy’s mane, and then she smiled at Lauren. “Thank you. Up here with four legs under me, I feel young again. Oh, like about fifty.”
“That’s just what we want to hear,” Kent agreed as he reached out to her. “Ready to get down, cowgirl?”
“You bet.” Hedy put her strong hands on his arms.
He gently lifted her out of the saddle and set her back in her wheelchair where she’d been confined for so many years.
“Thanks.” Hedy looked at Chancy Boy. “I’ll be seeing you later, and I’ll be bringing treats.”
“He’ll be waiting for you.” Billye Jo led Chancy Boy over to the gate. “I’ll just get him back in his stall before I put up Spot.”
Kent unbuckled Hedy’s helmet, set it aside, and followed Hedy off the ramp. He walked over to Hannah, lifted her from her saddle, and set her on the ground. He felt a great sense of satisfaction in their accomplishments this day.
Hannah ran over to Hedy and gave her a big hug. “We’re the best cowgirls in the whole, wide world.”
“We certainly are.” Hedy blinked back the tears as she smiled at her great-niece.
Kent saw Lauren gazing at her daughter and aunt with love in her eyes. He knew how she felt. He was full of love, too. And he couldn’t imagine a better day in a better place.
As he picked up Spot’s lead and started for the barn, his phone rang, interrupting the perfect moment. He felt a spurt of apprehension as he dug his cell out of his front pocket. He wasn’t reassured when he saw he had an incoming call from Sheriff Calhoun. He wondered if his day had just taken a turn for the worse.
“Sheriff, what can I do for you?” he asked, nodding at Lauren as she stared at him in concern.
“Howdy, Kent. Is Billye Jo at your place?”
“Sure is.”
“Good. I need her to come over to the Sinclair station in Sure-Shot.”
Kent felt his gut clench at the news. “Not another fire, is there?”
“Nope.” The sheriff gave a big sigh. “Look, just get Billye Jo over here right away. And why don’t you come, too.”
“I’ll be there. You don’t need the booster or anything from fire-rescue?”
“Not today.”
“Lauren is with me. Okay if I bring her along?”
“Not a bad idea. I’ve got a head-scratcher here.”
“We’ll be along as soon as we put up the horses.”
“Alrighty.” And the sheriff was gone.
“Trouble?” Lauren asked with a puzzled frown on her face.
“I don’t thi
nk so. Sheriff Calhoun wants Billye Jo and me at the Sinclair station. I thought you’d want to come along and see what it’s all about.”
“I do. I’m curious.” Lauren glanced at her daughter. “But I can’t leave Hannah, and I don’t want to take her there.”
“Don’t fret.” Hedy grinned as she settled Hannah onto her lap. “We’ll go along to my place where everything is just her height.”
“Yay!” Hannah nestled against Hedy and gave a big yawn.
“Maybe we’ll bake some cookies, but first I think we’ll both take a nap.” Hedy kissed the top of Hannah’s head.
“You’re sure?” Lauren asked.
“It’s about time my great-niece spent some time with me, don’t you think?” Hedy asked with a warm smile on her lips.
“Hannah?” Lauren said. “Would you like to spend some time with your aunt? I’ll come get you later today.”
“Yay! We cowgirls got to stick together.” Hannah yawned again as she snuggled against Hedy.
“I guess that settles it.” Lauren gave Kent a positive nod.
“Okay, folks, let’s get on our way.” Kent tugged on Spot’s lead and headed for the barn. “The sheriff’s awaiting us in Sure-Shot.”
Chapter 39
Sure-Shot lazed in the late afternoon sunlight as Kent drove past the Bluebonnet Café toward the Sinclair station. Billye Jo pulled her horse trailer behind her pickup in back of him. Hedy and Hannah had gone off together, happy as two peas in a pod, but he still kept fighting the inclination to look in the backseat to check on Hannah. He realized now that he’d stepped into being Cowboy Daddy without even realizing it, and he couldn’t imagine life any other way.
Lauren rode quietly beside him as if deep in thought or just resting from her strenuous day. He could tell she’d cried with Hedy because she’d repaired her makeup as best she could on the drive. Not that she needed makeup, but you didn’t bring up a Texas gal’s appearance, at least not to her face.