by Susan Crosby
She took a deep breath as she walked across the yard, enjoying the open air. Yes, it smelled like dust and animal, but it was a clean scent to her. And the near silence of the place healed something in her she hadn’t known needed healing. Usually her head was full of words and images, things she needed to do for work or at home or with friends or family. She rarely had a moment to think, just think.
Victoria found Garrett talking to one of the horses. She was about to tease him about being a horse whisperer when the horse nuzzled him. Victoria sat on a nearby bale, Abel at her feet, and watched Garrett halter the horse and lead him out to the corral. She waited until they were inside the corral before joining them at the fence. Garrett walked him, talking the whole time, his voice soothing.
“Do you ride?” he asked Victoria as he passed by.
“Some.”
The next time around, “Do you enjoy it?”
“Mostly.”
He gave her a look at her short answers and kept walking.
Next pass by he said, “Ever taken a fall?”
“Twice.”
He shook his head, but he smiled, as if he couldn’t help it. “Break any bones?” he asked as he approached again.
“My left arm. Now I can tell when it’s going to rain hours before it starts. I also scattered my brains, according to my brothers.”
“Ever get ’em back straight?” he asked.
“Depends on who you talk to.”
He laughed then. Victoria draped herself over the top railing. She loved watching him walk, loved watching him encourage the horse. He’d be a wonderful father…
The thought blared in her head. He’d be a wonderful father? Where had that come from? Since when was that issue of any interest to her whatsoever?
Shaken, Victoria dropped to the ground and headed into the barn. She crouched outside of the puppy pen and played with the puppies, who were awake and crawling all over each other, making yipping sounds. Mama had climbed out of the box for a rest but hadn’t gone far. She got a drink of water then seemed to be debating whether to return to her pups or enjoy her freedom a little more. She compromised by coming up beside Victoria but not jumping back into the box.
“Are you worn out, Mama? I can’t imagine taking care of one, much less four. And where’s the father, hmm? You’re here doing all the work, and he’s out howling at the moon somewhere.”
Garrett would never do that, she thought. He’d be there, come hell or high water. He would protect and support and never turn his back on his responsibilities. Everything about him told her, but especially the way he handled his animals, the permanent ones as well as the strays.
The fact he liked animals better than people was a big loss to humanity. She could picture him cradling an infant in his big, tender hands. She could almost feel him holding her through the night, keeping her safe, making her feel loved.
“You okay?” The man himself crouched down beside her, startling her.
“Yes, why?”
“I called your name five times.”
“I’m sorry.” She looked at him with different eyes now. He would make a wonderful husband, a loving father, a tender, exciting lover. She’d fallen hard for him, and there was nothing she could do about it. She cupped his cheek, moved closer to him, waited for him to pull back. But he didn’t, so she kissed him, a long sigh of a kiss, so exquisite her throat burned.
“I admire you more than anyone I’ve ever met,” she said. “You are so responsible and kind. You have some give to you, but you won’t compromise your principles.”
He couldn’t hide his discomfort at her compliment fast enough. She saw the starkness of surprise and appreciation—and then maybe disbelief. Had no one ever complimented him before? Openly appreciated him?
“That’s experience, Victoria. The times I’ve compromised, I’ve regretted it.”
He stood. She followed suit. “Do you have siblings?” she asked.
“Nope.” He headed to another stall.
“What about your parents?”
“Couldn’t have been born without ’em.”
She laughed. “A few more details, please.”
“My father was mostly absentee. He was in and out of my life for a few years, then he disappeared. I’ve never gone lookin’ for him. My mom lives in San Antonio, but I don’t see her much. She’s a nurse at a doctor’s office. I have been a disappointment to her all my life, and an embarrassment most of my life.”
He’d recited the words matter-of-factly—except that he’d dropped the g when talking about his father. “I heard you left town a couple of times. Where’d you go?”
He talked to the second horse just as he had the first, ignoring her question until the horse calmed. “I went in the army the first time. Second time I worked on an oil rig in the gulf.”
“Were you running away?”
“You could say that.”
“From what?”
“The first time because I’d been accused of something I didn’t do but didn’t have the resources to correct. Small towns have long memories, so when I came back, I found no forgiveness, no acceptance. I got into a lot of trouble, bar fights, speeding tickets, you name it. I couldn’t find work of any measure, so I left again.” He grabbed a rake and worked the dirt floor, his movements taut and quick. “When I came back I had matured. I didn’t need to fight anymore. And I’d saved enough money to buy this property. Pete showed up the first night and refused to leave, even though I tried my damnedest to get him to go. Satisfied?” he asked, giving her a look.
“Maybe sometime you’ll fill in the gaps, but, yes. It answered questions.” She followed as he guided the second horse to the corral and worked with him.
“How about you going first,” he said. “I’ll bet your childhood doesn’t resemble mine much.”
“I was doted on all my life,” she said, unembarrassed by her upbringing, although sad for him. “After having four sons, my parents were thrilled to have a daughter. I wasn’t denied much. I went to finishing school, took piano and ballet lessons, attended a private university, and joined the Junior League as soon as I was old enough.”
He got out of hearing range, so she stopped talking.
“I’ll bet the whole city of Atlanta knows who you are,” he said as he approached again.
“My photo shows up in the newspaper society pages a few times a year, mainly for charitable works. I didn’t do anything to earn my status except to be born to James and Clara Fortune, but I hope I’ve been a good steward of the name.”
He circled the corral again. She enjoyed every second of being able to watch him openly. He looked at her with the same intensity, the same desire. It thrilled her, agitated her, excited her.
“Sounds like a good life,” he said, coming close again.
“Yes, it has been, and maybe I’ve been frivolous but I’ve also volunteered many, many hours for worthy causes, just not jobs where I had to get dirty. But, honestly, Garrett, nothing has made me feel as good as working with you and your animals.” She reconsidered her words. “I know I’ve only helped bathe the dogs, but I’d like to do a lot more, if you’ll let me.”
He kept walking after her last statement. She couldn’t see his reaction, couldn’t see if it mattered to him, although he was usually good at hiding how he felt, anyway. At the beginning, she’d thought he didn’t care about anything but himself and his own small world, but she was beginning to think he cared too much, and this was how he dealt with it.
“You know, Garrett,” she said as he approached again. “You don’t have to be what people expect you to be.”
“Meaning what?”
“When you came back the last time, people expected you to be the same bad boy as when you left. You’ve lived a
quiet life, not giving anyone fuel anymore, but not really proving you’ve changed.”
He kept walking. She waited what seemed like hours for him to near her again.
“You expected me to be a princess,” she said. “Do you still think I am?”
“I don’t think you’re used to anyone having a bad opinion of you,” he answered. “I think it would bother you a whole lot if anyone said something bad about you. Like if my reputation tainted yours, for example.”
She considered that as he made another loop with the horse. His expression was questioning when he made the turn toward her. “Are you saying it doesn’t bother you if someone says something bad about you?” she asked.
“You’re answering with a question now, are you? Very sneaky.” He kept walking.
“I do what I find works.”
Victoria was having the time of her life. She liked everything about him—except maybe how reclusive he was, which was a big negative. And how resistant he was to anything long-term with a woman, which was a bigger negative.
“This may shock you, but I don’t fall into a swoon over such things,” he said, coming near again, his eyes sparkling.
She laughed at the image. “I probably would,” she said, being honest. “I don’t have particularly thick skin.”
“What a surprise. Have you ever gone against your parents’ wishes?”
She thought about that until he got close again. “Not in a big way. The usual teenage rebellions, but minor ones.”
They spent the rest of the day doing chores, most of them having to do with keeping things clean for the animals. She stalled going home for as long as possible, but finally there was no work left, at least for today. Tomorrow it would all start again. Garrett’s routine was just that—routine. Except for the changes because of what she’d done, all the additional animals.
Before she left, they sat in his rocking chairs on the porch drinking sweet tea. She was getting hungry, having not eaten since breakfast.
“May I come tomorrow?” she asked.
He hesitated a few beats. “Aren’t you leaving town?”
“I haven’t booked a return flight.”
“Why not?”
“I wasn’t ready to.” Wasn’t ready to give up on him, anyway. She wanted to curl up in his lap, but she knew if she tried he would not only reject her but tell her not to come back. She planned to ask for another week off, giving herself time to let him get more used to her. They’d come a long way today with the revelations they’d shared with each other.
“It’s been a while since I had a real vacation,” she said.
“You call this a vacation?”
She smiled. “If you think of it as a change of scenery and change of pace, yes, this has been one. Plus my nightmares have gone on vacation here, and I’m not ready to test them back home yet. So, may I come back tomorrow?”
When he didn’t answer, she said, “I’ve got your back, Garrett.”
He gave her a sharp look. “Meaning?”
“Meaning whatever we say or do here, stays here. This relationship is precious to me. If rumors start around town, it won’t be because of anything I’ve said or done.”
“I don’t need a champion, Victoria.”
Yes, he did, but she wouldn’t defend him again. His hurts were buried deep. She didn’t want him to relive them. “You’ve made that clear. I won’t try to boost your reputation for the general population again. Actions speak louder than words, anyway. I’ll prove that to you. So, knowing that, may I return and help?”
He nodded, not looking at her.
It was enough for now.
Chapter Six
“I already talked to Shane, Dad,” Victoria said on the phone the next morning. She was lounging in a chair on Wendy’s sunporch, waiting to leave for the ranch. “He’s fine with me being gone another week. I haven’t had a real vacation since I started working for JMF.”
“I don’t have a problem with you taking more vacation, Victoria. I just want to know why. Why there? Why now?”
“I’m having a good time with my cousins and the new baby.” Which was the truth, although she hadn’t paid all that much attention to the baby. Victoria had never babysat; her brothers hadn’t married and had children yet, either. She wasn’t used to being with an infant so tiny.
“Here’s your mother,” her father said abruptly.
“Hey, sugar. What’s this about staying on an extra week? Does it have to do with a man?”
“No, ma’am.”
“How was your dinner the other night with that friend of Marcos?” Her tone was perfect, just the right amount of curiosity and innocence.
“Let’s just say it wasn’t a match.”
“Oh? Why not?”
“How can anyone define such a thing? No sparks, on either side.”
“Have you seen that…cowboy again?”
“It’s a small town.” She couldn’t wait to get out to the ranch again.
“I’ve been thinking I might like to join you girls for a few days. I’m sure Virginia wouldn’t mind seeing her new granddaughter again.”
Victoria saw through the ruse. “It’s a full house, Mom.”
“You and I could stay at the hotel. Let Wendy and Em have their mother to themselves.”
Victoria had always found it interesting that the two Fortune brothers didn’t get along but their wives did, even to the point of socializing quite a bit. However, Victoria absolutely did not want her mother to fly in, with Aunt Virginia or alone. Victoria had no doubt at all that her mother would somehow ruin what was growing with Garrett. But if Victoria fought it…
Maybe a little reverse psychology? “That would be fun, Mom. I’m sure we can figure out something to do here that would interest you.”
A few seconds of silence ensued. “I just remembered. This week I’ve got the hospital guild luncheon. I’m co-chair this year, you know.”
“What a shame.” Relief rushed through Victoria. She’d dodged a bullet.
“Sugar, you know your father and I want what’s best for you, don’t you?”
“Of course I do.”
“Every girl falls for a man once in her life who isn’t exactly right for her.”
“Your point, Mom?”
“I know you well. Your silence about that cowboy is saying more than you think.”
“Even if I were interested, he’s not. Does that set your mind at ease?”
“Why, yes, it does, sugar. Very much so. You stay in touch now, you hear? You’ve been too quiet all week.”
Like most of her girlfriends, Victoria checked in with her mother at least once a day. Her current lack of communication had probably been the trigger for her mother suspecting something was going on with Garrett. She would try to phone more often.
“Oh, there you are,” Wendy said, breezing into the room carrying the baby, who was bundled in a knit blanket. “Marcos just left for Red, and Em’s blow-drying her hair. Can you watch MaryAnne for a few minutes? I want to grab a shower myself. Thanks.” She put the baby in Victoria’s arms and left.
The seven-week-old infant usually slept a lot—or cried a lot. But her eyes were open now and she was peaceful. Her mouth was puckered, her hands closed into tiny fists tucked under her chin. She smelled…pink.
After a few minutes Emily joined them. MaryAnne had drifted to sleep. “Want me to take her?” Em asked.
“We’re fine, thanks. You can take her when she’s colicky.” Victoria snuggled the baby closer. “How goes the Baby Plan?”
“Adoption’s starting to seem more and more unlikely. They want couples, at least the private agencies I’ve contacted. They can afford to be choosy. I think I’m going to make an ap
pointment at a fertility clinic. If they can’t find a match for me, I don’t know what I’ll do.”
“Maybe your list of requirements is too exact.”
“I’m entitled to that.” She moved to stand at the window, looking out at the garden.
“I still don’t see why the rush, Em. You’re only thirty.”
“If I meet a man, go through the courtship process, plan a wedding and then get pregnant, I’ll be thirty-two at the very least—and I want several children. I want to be a young mom, with energy. I’ve been looking for a man, you know that. No one’s ever been the one.”
Victoria thought that no real man could ever measure up to the ideal that Emily had created in her mind. Even a sperm donor probably couldn’t. She was setting herself up for disappointment in a big way.
“I don’t know how you aren’t craving one of your own,” Emily said, coming close.
Victoria was starting to understand maternal need a little, but she figured it had more to do with a certain man. A man who made her want to have children with him.
Wendy joined them before Victoria could answer. She handed over the baby. “I don’t know when I’ll be back,” she said, hugging her cousins.
“Call if you’re going to be gone overnight,” Em said with a wink.
A girl can dream. “Cell coverage is spotty out there, you know.”
“That and ‘My battery was dead’ must rank one and two in the most-clichéd-excuses book,” Wendy said, her mouth twitching.
“I’m a big girl.”
“You’re on the Pill, right?” Em asked.
“Yes, Mom.” She hadn’t really considered they would sleep together today until Emily and Wendy made it seem like a real possibility.
It all depended on what the man in question wanted. Or allowed. She was pretty sure he wanted. Everything about the way he looked at her said so.
The drive to the ranch sped by, then she had to wait while a pickup truck drove toward her up Garrett’s driveway. She didn’t recognize the driver as she waved back to him. She also couldn’t see a dog crate, either empty or full.