“But you know what I’ve learned?”
“What?” Lara looked at Polly.
“I’ve learned a bride-to-be can save a ton of money if she foregoes the DJ or live band.”
“Are you still planning your wedding?”
“Sort of. I’m gathering data and deciding what I do and don’t like as far as ceremonies and receptions go. I even found my dress and put a down payment on it.”
Lara chuckled. “You are so silly.”
“I beg to differ.” Polly raised her chin. “I’m trusting God to provide the groom. I don’t know who he is, and I’ve given up trying to figure it out. I’m hanging onto Psalm thirty-seven, four.”
Lara listened as Polly recited the passage.
“In other words, as I delight myself in the Lord, His desires become my desires.” She smiled. “The Lord gave me that verse when I was feeling sorry for myself one night, Afterwards, I started thinking and soon concluded that Jesus has to be my First Love before I can have a husband.”
“Sounds as if you’re right on target.” Lara gave her friend a smile.
“It’s about time, eh?” Polly laughed. “Listen, it’s freezing out here. Let’s go in.”
Lara agreed.
Reentering the building, Polly excused herself and headed for the ladies’ restroom. Lara decided not to wait in the dim hallway and continued on to the banquet room where they’d left Kevin and Brent. But as she scanned the guests, she didn’t see any sign of them. Spinning on her heel, she strolled back into the hallway. A heartbeat later, she thought she heard Kevin’s voice and headed in that direction. She passed the restrooms until she came to another darkened corridor where she found Kevin and Brent deep in conversation. When they spotted her, however, neither man spoke another word.
“My apologies for interrupting.”
She turned to walk away, but Kevin halted her.
“It’s okay, Lara.” He smiled and held out his right hand. Taking it, she stepped forward. “You should probably hear this too. Mac’s up to her old tricks.”
“Oh?” Lara glanced from Kevin to Brent.
“Mac says she’s through talking. She’s filing a lawsuit against Wink come Monday morning.”
Lara frowned and looked back at Kevin. “But I thought Mr. Blivens said she didn’t have a case.”
In reply, Kevin expelled a weary-sounding sigh.
“She probably doesn’t, but that woman’s thinking is all backwards,” Brent said. “She somehow believes that if she sues Wink, she’ll get his attention. If she gets his attention, Mac thinks he’ll marry her.”
“Ain’t gonna happen,” Kevin drawled, giving Lara’s hand a little squeeze. Gazing into her eyes, he added, “Guess I’ll have to get a lawyer after all.”
“Well, maybe not.”
Lara and Kevin simultaneously glanced at Brent.
“Why don’t you plan to attend the championship in Kentucky, Wink? They’re looking for an announcer. We all think you’d fit that part, and if you accepted the position, you could still rodeo.”
Lara ignored the cry of opposition from her heart. She sensed Kevin cared for her in a special way, but she felt certain she couldn’t compete with the rodeo.
“What’s attending the finals got to do with Mac?” Kevin asked, letting go of Lara’s hand and causing her to wonder if the gesture was indicative of his true feelings.
Brent grinned. “I’ve got a plan.” He caught sight of Polly who appeared in the corridor’s entryway, then looked back at Kevin. “I’ll tell you ’bout it later.”
Disappointment filled Lara’s being. She would like to have heard Brent’s “plan.”
The four of them ambled back to the reception area and socialized for a bit longer. Lara tried to enjoy herself but all the while, as she stood at Kevin’s side, she feared losing him to what he loved most. . .the life of a pro rodeo cowboy.
❧
Fall continued on its course with sunshine, dry air, and cool temperatures. The days and weeks went by in a whir as Lara continued her job at the hospital, but she spent most of her free time at the ranch. She helped Kevin with chores, although it was obvious he didn’t need her anymore. A social worker who loved people, Lara realized her deepest desire was to be needed. However, with Kevin on the mend, surpassing even the doctors’ prognoses, he could pull his own weight at The Regeneration Ranch.
She attempted to convey those very thoughts to Kevin one evening.
“Lara, you know what your problem is? You think too much.” He tossed her a smirk before disappearing behind one of the two horses the Brambles had recently purchased.
“I’m just trying to tell you how I feel.” Exasperated, Lara scooped up a handful of straw and threw it at him.
Moments later, Kevin emerged around the backside of the mare, his blond hair and the shoulders of his red plaid shirt littered with prickly shafts. Lara had to swallow a laugh.
“I already know how you feel.”
She raised her chin.
“But now you’re gonna get it.”
Seeing the glint of determination in his blue eyes, she bolted out of the barn. It dawned on her then that the one thing Kevin couldn’t manage yet was to outrun her.
❧
Since October was “Brain Injury Awareness” month at County General, special on-going seminars were held for the general public, and Kevin’s doctors asked him to speak at one of them. Lara felt so proud of Kevin’s progress, and she thanked God every day for answering her prayers and healing him.
Yet, despite those many uplifting and fun times they shared, discouragement began to nibble away at Lara’s sense of peace. Kevin skirted discussions about the future, which only inflated her insecurities about the two of them. He now said he loved her, and Lara could see in eyes that he meant each word. But she wondered if Kevin struggled with the idea of commitment. Determined to find the answer, she applied both their personality traits and their situation to every psychological evaluation she’d learned in school, although she only felt more confused at their inconclusiveness. At last, she decided Kevin was right. She did think too much. From that point on, she once again endeavored to give her fears to God and leave them in His all-powerful grip.
Polly, on the other hand, proved to be very little support, since she was distracted beyond reason by a certain handsome bull rider. She soon spouted off PRCA standings with the proficiency of a doctor rattling off lab orders. However, because of her influence, Brent had “settled down,” to the amazement of his friends. Best of all, he asked Jesus into his heart, and no one could have been happier to hear the news than Kevin—with Polly running a close second.
At long last, November arrived, and Kevin couldn’t stop talking about the finals in Kentucky. In fact, Lara likened his excitement to a little boy at Christmastime. But, as ironic as it seemed, his happiness only saddened her all the more. To her, it appeared that his former lifestyle still possessed his heart, and Lara wondered if it would ever belong to her.
“Lara, I’m not fool enough to entertain thoughts of bareback riding again.” Kevin leaned his back up against the side of her car and folded his arms. Rays from a faraway autumn sun shone through the now-barren treetops near the Brambles’ gravel driveway. “What are you worried about?”
“I’m not worried.” It was the biggest fib she’d ever told, and Kevin’s expression said he saw right through it. Lowering her gaze, Lara kicked at the stones beneath her brown, high-heeled pumps. She was still dressed in her Sunday attire, having come right to the ranch after church this morning so she and Kevin could have some time together.
“I don’t need or want a mother hen clucking at me the rest of my life.”
Is that how he sees me? A mother hen? Clucking?
Lara felt the blood drain from her head and stop somewhere in
her chest. Her heart threatened to explode with anguish.
“I apologize, Kev. I never meant to cluck.”
He had the audacity to laugh.
“You know, if it bothered you so much, you could have said something sooner.” Lara felt like she was choking on each word. “When people talk to each other it’s called communication.”
A little frown knitted his brows. “Are you angry?”
“Why would I be angry?” The reply dripped with sarcasm. “You only called me a clucking mother hen and said you didn’t want to spend the rest of your life with me.”
Kevin pushed himself off the car. “I said no such thing.”
Lara stomped around to the driver’s side, but before she could fish her keys from her purse, Kevin caught her arm and spun her around to face him. By that time, however, she felt so wounded, tears leaked from her eyes.
“What’s wrong?” He cupped her face and brought her gaze to his. “Are you crying?”
“You’re a genius.” She sniffed back an ounce of emotion.
Kevin swiveled around so her back was to the Brambles’ farmhouse. “Cut it out, Lara. If Ron sees that I made you cry, he’ll come out here with his shotgun.”
She laughed in spite of herself. Ron was such a peaceable man that she wasn’t sure he even owned a shotgun.
“There. That’s better. You’re pretty when you smile. I mean, you’re pretty when you cry too. It’s just that I like it better when you’re happy.”
His stammering caused her to grin.
“Now, look, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. But I’ve told you before I’m not going to ride again.”
“I know. That’s not what I’m worried about.” Lara wiped the moisture off her cheeks with her fingertips. “I’ve been trying to tell you for weeks that I feel like the rodeo is the love of your life.”
“Not so. Jesus has the number one slot.”
“I’m talking about second to our Savior. It’s the rodeo, not me. At the finals, I’m afraid you’ll get around the rest of the cowboys, remember the thrill of that eight-second ride, and you won’t want to come back home.”
“Home.” A rueful smile curved his mouth. “This city, you. . .I’m really home, aren’t I? Maybe I shouldn’t have ever left.”
His soft words tenderized her heart.
“Look, Lara, you’ve got nothing to fear. I’m not going to ride again. Ever.”
“What if your friends find something else for you to do?”
Kevin shook his head. “I never thought I’d say it, but you’re acting like an irrational female. All this time I thought you were levelheaded.”
“That just proves you don’t know me very well.” Hurt mingled with irritation and coursed through her veins. Glancing at the leather purse slung over her shoulder, she shoved her hand inside it and rummaged for her car keys.
Kevin grasped her upper arms and brought her around to stand in front of him. “I know you as well as I know anybody. Look at me.”
Lara slowly raised her gaze to meet his unwavering stare.
“I love you. And this weekend at the finals, you’ll see that I love you more than any rodeo. Even more than a championship.”
“I don’t want to go anymore.” The truth was she hadn’t wanted to go in the first place.
“Hey!” He gave her a gentle shake. “Do you love me?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, then.” He grinned. “You just keep practicing. That’s the right answer.”
Lara wrenched herself free of his hold and gave him a playful sock in the arm.
❧
“There you are!” Polly came running at Lara at a full gallop. “Where have you been?”
Lara turned and pointed toward the refreshment stand. “I was in—”
“Come on!” Polly grabbed her wrist and led her into Freedom Hall, the midsection part of the vast Exposition Center. “Oh, Sister, if you missed this, Kevin would never speak to me again.”
“You?” Lara was hard-pressed to keep up with her friend.
“Yeah, it’s my job to make sure you’re standing in this particular aisle at this particular time.” Polly glanced at her watch. “Whew! I think we might even be three minutes early.”
Lara didn’t even ask. By now, she knew something was up—and she knew that “something” involved Mackenzie Sabino. For the past two days, the woman had all but planted herself in Kevin’s path so he practically tripped over her. But that neither surprised nor upset Lara. She actually felt sorry for Mac. The petite blond fell into that “poor little rich girl” typecast, and she thought she could buy anything she wanted, including Kevin’s love. Moreover, Mac was obviously used to getting her own way and would rather wield manipulative threats than take no for an answer.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I please have your undivided attention?”
Lara grinned at the announcer’s Kentucky drawl.
“Back in June, our own Kevin Wincouser, known as ‘Wink’ to most all of us, got bucked off a horse and took a bad spill during a competition. He suffered what’s called a traumatic brain injury.”
“Yeah, and good thing he landed on his head, or he might have really hurt himself.”
Glancing over her shoulder, she saw Brent walk up the aisle and stand next to Polly. Lara rolled her eyes at his smart remark, but several folks in the stands heard it and laughed.
“As a result of his accident,” the announcer continued, “I’m sad to say Wink’s rodeo days are gone forever.”
The crowd moaned and booed.
“But he’s here tonight to say goodbye to his fans and friends alike. . .and here he comes right now.”
To her left, Lara watched as a lone figure of a man walked into the ring, leading a dapple gray horse behind him.
“Where’s Mac?” Brent wanted to know.
“Sitting in the most expensive seat in the house, of course.” Polly laughed.
Lara arched a brow. “This is all for Mac’s benefit, I take it?”
“No. No, it isn’t,” Brent said. His somber expression told Lara he spoke the truth. “But this public farewell will put an end to Mac’s plans right quick. Trust me.”
“Okay.” Lara was all for any solution that halted Mac Sabino’s scheming ways.
Kevin came to stand in the center of the ring. The big-screen “Jumbotron” magnified his entrance for all to see. He stopped and waved to the now-cheering crowd, then, once the noise level dropped, he began to speak into the microphone he evidently wore on the collar of his chambray shirt.
“I want to thank you all for your support over the years and for your prayers over the last five months. I mean it when I say it’s by God’s grace that I’m standing here, talking to you. But I had top-notch physicians, the best of friends, and I even found a brand new family who helped me get through some tough times. Now I’m ready to start a new life. But there’s just one thing I have to do first, so you’ll have to pardon this rather personal moment.”
Kevin cleared his throat and turned Lara’s way, pinning her with his blue-eyed gaze.
“Lara Beth Donahue, I love you, and I’m asking you to be my wife. Will you marry me?”
Freedom Hall grew suddenly so quiet, everyone in attendance could hear a coin that clattered on the cement floor. But Lara couldn’t get herself to move, let alone utter a syllable. She felt paralyzed by a strange mixture of awe and embarrassment.
Kevin took a step forward, his expression one of earnestness. “Lara, I need you.”
Those were the very words she longed to hear.
Just then, Brent leaned over. “Honey, the world is watching. If you say no, Wink’s in big trouble.”
Lara shook off her shock. “I’m not going to turn him down. Are you crazy? I’ve been waiting half my
life for this!”
Stepping past the grinning security personnel, Lara ran out to Kevin and flung herself into his outstretched arms. The cheers and whistles from the crowd were deafening, but Lara managed to hear Kevin’s chuckles.
“So are you going to marry me or not?” His lips brushed her ear.
“Yes, I’ll marry you,” Lara replied with tears of joy in her eyes. “A thousand times yes!”
Wearing a triumphant smile, Kevin mounted the horse and pulled Lara up into the saddle behind him. Together they circled the arena, and Kevin waved to the bystanders. Lara thought it was as perfect an ending to his rodeo career as riding off into the sunset was to a good Western. But in reality, they had found love. They had found each other.
Even though Kevin had taken the long ride home.
About the Author
ANDREA BOESHAAR was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Married for over 25 years, she and her husband, Daniel, have three adult sons, two of whom are married. Andrea has been writing Christian literature for nearly a decade. For more about Andrea and her work, log onto her Website at: www.andreaboeshaar.com.
Dedication
To my friends at Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, especially Kathy M. and Danielle A. and the other wonderful people working in the Emergency and Trauma Center.
A very special thanks to Dusty Rhodes, PRCA clown, and Debra Ullrick for patiently answering my questions and sharing their rodeo expertise with me.
A note from the Author:
I love to hear from my readers! You may correspond with me by writing:
Andrea Boeshaar
Author Relations
PO Box 719
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
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