Her Guardian Rancher

by Brenda Minton

  Daron stepped in behind her. “She’s not staying here, Art. You don’t have to worry.”

  “That’s good. Don’t let her come to the hospital. Boone already said he’s going to follow the ambulance. I reckon once I get there, they’ll give me something to make me sleep. No reason for Emma to drag Jamie there.” Art leaned back on the stretcher. “Now go, so they can get me outta here.”

  Before he could stop her, Emma was in the ambulance next to her granddad. She leaned over him, kissed his forehead and told him she loved him.

  Art patted her arm and told her she could save all of that nonsense for his eulogy, and he doubted he’d need one of those for another twenty years or so.

  Daron helped her down and they watched as the ambulance pulled away. “Let’s get you packed.”

  “Why do we have to do this?” she asked as they went inside to throw a few things in suitcases.

  Daron zipped up the bag she’d packed for Jamie. “We have to do this because we don’t want anyone else to get hurt.”

  “Right,” she agreed. “It just makes me mad. This is my home. I don’t like to be run off by thugs.”

  “I don’t like it, either, but there’s not much we can do. You can’t have Jamie here. It isn’t safe.”

  “I know. It just makes me angry. I’m going to pack our bags.”

  “I’m going to check the livestock and put a leash on your dog. I’ll take him to my place and keep him in the kennel.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah, I’m sure.”

  * * *

  An hour later they were pulling up to the camper he’d called home for the last few years. Boone’s big old collie was on the front porch. There was a light on inside.

  “You’re sure they’re expecting us?” she whispered. Jamie was sleeping in the seat next to her.

  “Yeah, and let me tell you, the Wilders know how to show hospitality. If you haven’t met Maria Wilder, Boone’s mom, you’ll love her.”

  “I’ll owe her.”

  “She won’t see it that way.” He carried Jamie. Emma followed.

  The door of the RV opened as they stepped onto the porch. Lucy motioned them inside.

  “You were going to see your mom,” Emma said.

  “Yeah, you know how to create excitement.” Lucy teased, an unusual thing for her. “There’s food in here. Mrs. Wilder stocked the fridge. There are clean sheets on the bed and one of the sisters—I can’t remember her name because Boone has too many siblings—came down and cleaned the place up a bit.”

  She stepped aside so Daron could carry Jamie down the short hallway to the bedroom, such as it was. It was a small room, big enough for a bed and a built-in dresser and closet. Jamie didn’t stir.

  Emma watched from the doorway; then she moved back down the hall to the living area. She sat on the sofa and just stared.

  He knelt in front of her and took her hands in his. The door opened. Lucy left.

  “It’s going to be okay.”

  “I know. I really do. I don’t have a clue what God is doing, but I know He’s doing something.” She squeezed his hands and then lifted them, kissing the knuckles of one and then the other. “The storms make us appreciate the calm.”

  “Yeah, this is a crazy storm we’re mixed up in.”

  “It seems like that’s what I do best, getting you mixed up in my storms. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I’ve found some peace in this storm. Maybe a little faith.”

  Her eyes watered and he groaned.

  “Don’t cry. Please.” He leaned forward, caught her mouth and kissed her sweetly.

  “I should cry more often,” she whispered. Her lips brushed his again.

  “Yeah, and I should leave because staying here with you is dangerous.”

  “Thank you. For being there tonight. For protecting us.”

  He stood, his back tightening in response to the treatment he’d given it the last few hours. She noticed and stood up, too. Her arms went around him and she moved her hands to his spine working out the knots. He leaned in.

  “I have to go,” he repeated. She rose on tiptoe and touched her lips to his.

  “Yes, you do.”

  The door opened. They broke away from each other. Lucy laughed, unapologetic. “Should I sing about two little lovebirds, caught kissing in a tree? K.I.S.S.I.N.G. First comes love, then comes—”

  “Stop,” Daron growled at his partner.

  She snickered and headed for the fridge.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He kissed the top of Emma’s head, then shot Lucy a warning look.

  He left, but he didn’t go far. He backed his truck out of the drive and went a hundred feet down the drive. He parked and pulled a blanket out of the backseat.

  He trusted Lucy, but he didn’t trust Pete. He didn’t trust drug dealers who were desperate. He had let Emma down once. On a dusty street in Afghanistan he hadn’t been able to save Andy. Tonight he would make sure he didn’t let anyone down.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Emma got up early the next morning. She sat on the front porch of the camper. The only chair was an old lawn chair. It wasn’t comfortable, but it served its purpose. As she was sipping her morning coffee, she spotted the truck just down the driveway from the camper. The white King Ranch was parked off in the grass.

  She wrapped the blanket around her shoulders, picked up her coffee cup and walked down the driveway. Daron was asleep in the backseat, head against the side window, a small pillow under his cheek. She rapped on the window and he jumped, wiped his mouth and then came fully awake.

  “You are an idiot,” she said through the glass.

  “I thought you knew that,” he mumbled.

  “I did, but this confirms it. I’m perfectly safe with Lucy, and if she thought you didn’t trust her, she’d probably shoot you.”

  One side of his mouth quirked up. “Yeah, probably. I’ll be over in a second for coffee.”

  “There’s a fresh pot. I was going to make biscuits and gravy, but Lucy is making breakfast burritos.”

  “Gotcha.”

  “I’m calling Andy’s parents today. I think they need to know about Jamie and about Pete. I’ve prayed about it. I have to forgive them. Even if they continue to reject us, I have to forgive.”

  He pushed open the back door of the truck and climbed out. His curly hair was all over the place and he brushed a hand through it to settle it into place. She wanted to help but resisted the urge.

  “I think that’s a good idea.” His voice was still husky from sleep. His eyes were soft.

  “I’m going. If you want breakfast and coffee, come on.” She started walking back toward the camper.

  “I’m coming with you.” He caught up with her, his arm sliding around her waist.

  It felt perfect, the two of them on that gravel driveway, his arm around her. But perfect, she knew from experience, could fade into something altogether different. She forced her mind elsewhere. She didn’t want to think bad thoughts about him. She didn’t want to relive the past.

  “So this is where you stay. Even though you have a perfectly good house to live in,” she said.

  He glanced down at her, questions dancing in his eyes. But he went with it. “Yeah, this is where I stay. When you meet the rest of the Wilders, you’ll understand.”

  “I’ve met Boone’s dad. And his brother, Jase. I think a sister. I’m not sure which one.”

  “There are a few of them. They’re all good people.”

  “So are you.”

  She slid from his grasp and walked up the steps of the camper. He followed.

  Lucy was fixing Jamie a plate, and Jamie was telling her a story about the kitten she wanted for Christmas. Apparently, if she cou
ldn’t have an elephant this year, it would be okay. She could get one next year.

  “Daron.” Jamie’s eyes lit up. “Lucy made burritos.”

  “I didn’t know Lucy could cook.” Daron helped himself to an already-made burrito and then poured himself a cup of coffee.

  “If you all are okay, I’m going to go ahead and make this call.” Emma poured herself another much-needed cup of coffee. “When I’m done, I’m going to head to Braswell to see Art.”

  “I’ll drive you,” Daron offered.

  “That would be good.” And then she walked outside, unsure and more than a little nervous. With unsteady hands she dialed the number for Andy’s parents.

  After several rings Mrs. Shaw answered. Loretta. Emma had never called her mother-in-law by her first name. Loretta Shaw had never invited that familiarity. In the beginning it had been all right. She’d had Andy’s support. Or believed she had it.

  “Mrs. Shaw, it’s Emma.”

  There was a long pause. “Emma. What do you need?”

  Hesitant, Emma continued. “I wanted to let you know that Jamie is having surgery. The first week in January.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “She’s your granddaughter. I know this is difficult, but I...” She resented Andy for what he’d done to her. Emma resented the Shaws for their lack of support. But she would never resent her daughter. “I thought you might reconsider. But if you don’t, I want you to know the door is always open for you to contact me and see her.”

  “Andy was very clear, Emma. He told us that Jamie isn’t his.”

  The pain of that betrayal hurt worse than everything else Andy had done.

  “He lied, Mrs. Shaw.” She’d never been so blunt with any of the Shaws, but she was tired of being accused. “I’m not sure why Andy lied. But he did. Jamie is your granddaughter, and on the eighth of January, just a few short weeks away, she’s having surgery. A very serious operation.”

  “Thank you for letting me know.”

  “Mrs. Shaw, there is one other thing.”

  A long sigh could be heard from the other end of the line. “What is it?”

  “You might not be aware of this, but Pete needs help. He needs a good rehab program. He’s dangerous, Mrs. Shaw. Last night someone shot through our house. Pete threatened me. He’s been stealing from us.”

  “I don’t want to hear any more of this.” Mrs. Shaw sobbed and hung up.

  Emma became aware of Daron standing on the porch with her. “She hung up.”

  “You have to understand, she doesn’t want to hear that she’s already lost one son and the other is probably on his way to prison.” Daron leaned against the porch rail while she sat on the lawn chair.

  “Of course she doesn’t. I don’t blame her. But if she’d listen, maybe they could get him some help.”

  He nodded, took a sip of his coffee and stared out over the fields. “It’s beautiful here. When I first got back to the States, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. I wanted to spend my life on the porch of this camper.”

  “I can see why,” she said. “Standing here, it’s hard to believe there is anything other than good in the world.”

  “I think standing here taught me that there still is good in the world.” He pulled truck keys out of his pocket. “I have an appointment this morning.”

  “We’re fine. I’m going to see Granddad. We’ll probably head home after he’s released.”

  “No, you’ll head back here. I want you here, where I can keep you safe. I’d prefer that you don’t tell anyone where you’re staying. And stick close to Lucy.”

  “Daron, I don’t want this to be my life. And I don’t want my relationship with you to be one where you feel obligated to keep us safe.”

  “I don’t feel obligated. See you later.” He took the few steps and looked back up at her when he reached the bottom. “The Christmas bazaar is this weekend. If you and Jamie would like to go, I’d love to take you. Not because I’m obligated, but because I want to spend time with you.”

  He didn’t give her a chance to answer. She watched as he walked down the driveway to his truck, and her mouth pulled up at the corners.

  * * *

  Boone rode with him to Jake Martin’s. “Tell me again why you’re going to look at Jake’s livestock? Because I’m confused why a man who never stays at his own place is suddenly interested in putting a few head of horses on said acreage.”

  “None. Of. Your. Business,” Daron answered again. “Sometimes I wonder why I keep you around.”

  “I’m worth more alive?” Boone shot back. “Or you would be lonely without me.”

  “I’m not sure either of those fit.”

  “Back to horses.”

  “I told you I plan on staying here. I do plan on living on that ranch.”

  “Gotcha. Mystery solved. This has something to do with a woman.”

  Daron hit the brakes and pulled to the side of the road. “Get out.”

  Boone pointed to himself.

  Daron repeated it. “Get out. Your happy-in-the-morning self is about to get on my last nerve. Out.”

  Boone laughed, and then soon they were both laughing. “Touchy, aren’t we?”

  “Yeah, I guess I am.”

  “O love, how hath thou changed the man.”

  “Don’t, Boone.”

  “Buying a woman a horse is almost as serious as buying her a ring. You realize that, don’t you?”

  “I didn’t say I’m buying her a horse. When did you get so nosy, like someone’s cat lady neighbor with binoculars?”

  “But I’m right, aren’t I? And you have to understand, this is commitment. For a guy with self-diagnosed commitment phobia, this is big. It’s almost like we’re going to pick out a diamond for her.”

  “Yeah, I realize it.”

  Boone openly laughed at him. “This is great.”

  “I’m glad you’re so amused.” Daron kept driving, keeping his lips firmly in a straight line. He wouldn’t show his amusement. Not to Boone. It would be the same as exposing weakness to a predator.

  “Let’s discuss this situation with Pete. Do you think he was messed up on drugs and took the shot? Or do you think it’s his friends? Business partners. Whatever you’d like to call them.”

  “I think it’s the business partners. Pete’s messed up, but I don’t really believe he’d hurt Emma and Jamie.”

  “Meth changes people, Daron. You know that.”

  “Yeah, I do.”

  They’d lost classmates to the drug. Good, smart people who made the wrong choices, tried something they couldn’t untry.

  “The police have a lead or two. It would be good if they could get Pete to testify.” Daron turned onto the drive that led to Jake Martin’s place.

  When they pulled up to the stable, Jake was waiting. He had a little girl hanging on his leg, holding tight as he walked. She was giggling and having the time of her life.

  “Pardon me, gentlemen, but this little nugget insists on coming to the barn with me. She says to help, but usually we manage to get a lot less work done when we’re together. Mainly because instead of working horses, we chase kittens.”

  “You wouldn’t happen to have any kittens you want to get rid of, would you?” Daron asked as they headed into the barn. “Or an elephant.”

  Jake gave him a sideways look. “I’m not even sure how to respond to that. I thought you were here for a horse, and I’m all out of elephants. Only a kid could get a man to ask a question like that. Or get him to consider kittens.”

  “Do you have any kittens or not?” Daron asked again. This was getting complicated. He no longer felt like himself. It was his face in the mirror, but someone else taking up residence on the inside. Someone who cared that a little
girl wanted kittens and elephants. Someone who cared that a woman had given her heart and had it rejected by the man who should have cherished her. He’d given her a horse as a last apology and parting gift.

  “Slow down, partner,” Boone said in a low, easy tone. “You’re here to buy a horse, maybe get a kitten, so why do you suddenly look like you could hurt someone?”

  “Sorry. I’m good. So, where is the horse Emma Shaw sold you?” Daron asked Jake. He’d picked up his little girl. She was now on his shoulders, his hat on her head.

  Daron wanted that. He wanted a little boy that looked like Emma, with her dark hair and dark eyes. Or a curious little girl who would be Jamie’s best friend.

  “She’s out here. She foaled a few weeks ago. Best-looking little dun we’ve ever had on the place. Nice colt.”

  “Would you sell him?” Daron asked as they walked back into sunshine, the pasture stretching out in front of them. A couple dozen head of horses grazed in the early-morning sunshine.

  “I might be tempted to. Next fall, maybe. What is it you’re looking for exactly, McKay? Do you want horses for yourself or for Emma? I know she doesn’t want that mare back. When we bought the horse she told us she loved the animal but she just couldn’t look at her.”

  “Yeah, she has reasons.”

  “I’m sure she does,” Jake said. “I have a nice bay mare. She’s four. I have a two-year-old gelding that shows a lot of promise. I guess it depends on who and what you want the livestock for.”

  “How much for both?” It was a start.

  Jake set his daughter back on the ground and took his hat off her head to place it back on his own. He named a figure. Boone whistled. Daron pulled the checkbook out of his back pocket. “Sold, if you’ll throw in one of those kid ponies I know you raise.”

  “My POAs don’t go cheap, McKay.”

  Daron didn’t doubt that. But a Pony of America seemed the perfect horse for a little girl. Not too small, good disposition. A horse she could grow into.

  “Looks to me like nothing around here goes cheap, Martin. You just robbed a man without a weapon. The least you can do is throw in a spotted pony.”