THE COWBOY'S RULES: 3: THE SURPRISE (Cowboys After Dark Book 6)

by Maggie Carpenter

  As she relaxed into the comforting foam she almost fell asleep, and when she finally pulled herself out, dried herself off and crawled slowly into bed, she found Chad fast asleep; glancing across the room she noticed Mickey too, was totally conked out on his pad. Turning off the light she curled into Chad’s back, and seconds later, she had joined them.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  When Cassie awoke she found the bed empty, but heard sounds coming from the kitchen. Pulling her robe from her bag she tied it tightly around her waist and padded out, finding Chad frying some eggs and bacon.

  “Mornin’,” he smiled, “come on over here.”

  She started to move across the room, but had to pause to pat Mickey who had trotted up to greet her.

  “So he gets priority?” Chad chuckled. “Get on over here.”

  “Yes, Master?” she grinned.

  “Kiss me, woman,” he demanded as she walked up and stood next to him.

  She kissed him lightly, and reaching down he gave her butt a hard squeeze.

  “Ouch, what was that for?” she demanded.

  “Just ‘cos,” he winked.

  “Reason enough I guess,” she replied, stifling a yawn. “How long have you been up?”

  “A while. Couldn’t sleep, the show was runnin’ around in my head.”

  “Really? How come?”

  “I’ve decided to open with somethin’ different. Coffee’s brewed if you want some.”

  “Oh, I do,” she said, yawning again. “A new opening? Isn’t it a bit late to change it?”

  “Nope. I’m not gonna change what I do with the horses and Mickey, but I am gonna give a small speech before I start.”

  “What about?”

  “You said somethin’ yesterday that made me think, you said I make a difference,” he said soberly.

  “You do,” she said, sitting at the table with her coffee.

  “I know I do with the clinics, but the show is just a bunch of tricks. I want to explain that it all comes from the kind of trainin’ I’ve developed.”

  “But people must know that?”

  “Yeah, but it’s been a long time I’ve done shows where I share the method, show folks how it works.”

  “So, what are you saying?”

  “I want Mandy to keep doin’ what she’s doin’,” he began. “She’s been real successful and I don’t wanna take that away from her, but you were right, only a handful of people can come to my clinics, but a big arena filled with people, that can do a lotta good. Sharin’ my trainin’ methods is what I used to do, and I wanna get back to it.” He paused, and taking a deep breath he added, “Cassie, I wanna go back on the road next summer.”

  “Chad, that’s fabulous,” she exclaimed.

  “You don’t mind?”

  “No, of course not.”

  “Thanks, hon,” he smiled. “That’s why I’ve decided I’m gonna start the show by sayin’ that I’ll be back next summer, but with a trainin’ show. I’m thinkin’ I might do a double bill with Mandy.”

  “What about the clinics though, are you still going to do those?”

  “Not sure,” he answered, plating the eggs and bacon. “If he’s willin’, I might hand them over to Marty, and there’s somethin’ else.”

  “There is? Whoa, did you get any sleep at all?”

  “I did, strangely enough, anyway, I’m thinkin’ about pullin’ back the expansion of my clothin’ line. I’m not sure it was a good idea.”

  As he put the breakfast on the table and sat down opposite her, she reached across and took his hand.

  “I’m really happy about all of this. I think it’s wonderful, and I want to help you however I can.”

  “How do you feel about bein’ on the road with me, doin’ what Marty used to do?”

  “Are you kidding? I’d absolutely love it,” she beamed. “Wow, so many changes coming, and all of them good.”

  “Yep, and now that’s outta my head I can get goin’. Let’s finish breakfast and head out. I know there’s plenty of time but I need to get over there.”

  “Hey, I understand,” she nodded, and she did. Having been in more shows than she could count, she understood the need to arrive at the grounds and soak up the energy, to take the time to mentally prepare.

  A short time later they had loaded the horses and were on their way. As the van rolled out Cassie leaned across Mickey and kissed Chad on the cheek.

  “You’re going to be absolutely amazing. Heck, you could stand on your head and the crowd would cheer,” she laughed.

  “Thanks, hon, I swear I can’t remember feelin’ so nervous. It’s nuts.”

  “No, it’s normal,” she assured him, “and that nervousness will only make you better. Just remember what you always tell me.”

  “What’s that?” he frowned.

  “That my horses pick up my energy. If I’m calm and confident, they will be too. I’m their leader.”

  Taking his eyes off the road for a quick moment he glanced across at her.

  “Just hearin’ that…damn, I’m so caught up in the whole thing…thanks, Cassie…believe it or not I needed to hear that.”

  Cassie felt her heart swell.

  I helped him, I actually helped him. What a great thing.

  Though it was still relatively early, arriving at the fairground a short time later they noticed cars were already arriving and filling up the parking lots.

  “Gonna be packed here today,” Cassie remarked.

  “Looks like it,” Chad agreed, and slowed the van to a crawl as they drove through the gates.

  “In just a few hours you’ll be wowing them.”

  “I can’t wait, what about you, Mickey, you excited.”

  Mickey stood up on the console, but rather than bark his response he howled, raising his nose in the air and making a sound he reserved for the occasional siren, or a particular song that caught his fancy.

  “That was impressive,” Cassie laughed.

  “Okay, let’s get the boys out and take them for a walk, then get my clothes and stuff into the trailer.”

  “You got it, boss,” Cassie smiled.

  “Good answer,” Chad smiled back. “You keep thinkin’ that way.”

  “No promises,” she quipped.

  Shaking his head he stared back at her, and with a wry grin he quietly said,

  “I may be totally focused on the show, I may have some nerves happenin’, but I haven’t forgotten that it’s Saturday, and tonight is maintenance spankin’ night. You might wanna remember that.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Chad’s show began with a blackout, then a spotlight burst to life over his head, and after the applause died down he began to speak.

  “Folks, thanks so much for such a tremendous welcome. It’s been almost a year since my last performance, and bein’ called back because of Mandy Parson’s unfortunate accident was, of course, a total surprise. I know you all join me in wishin’ her a speedy recovery.”

  The crowd responded with more clapping, and shouts for Mandy to get better quickly.

  “I’m standin’ here chattin’ with you because workin’ with Bailey and Captain to get ready for this last minute appearance reminded me how much I enjoy it, and I plan on puttin’ together a new show for next summer.”

  Again the crowd whistled and applauded, excited to hear that their hero would return.

  “It’s not gonna be the kinda show you’ll see tonight. A wise woman suggested to me that I go back to doin’ what got me here in the first place, and that’s sharin’ my own brand of natural horsemanship.”

  Standing in the wings Cassie couldn’t believe what she’d just heard.

  Me, a wise woman? You think I’m a wise woman? I’ve been called many things in my life, but never a wise woman.

  “I haven’t worked out the details yet, but I’d like you to write to me, tell me your issues. My website will have the contact info and other details as they develop, but I’ll select a couple of people who have writ
ten in with problems, and they can bring their horse into this ring and I’ll work with them. Does that sound like somethin’ you’d enjoy?”

  The audience rose to the their feet, clapping and cheering, but as they began to settle, a lone, tiny voice piped up.

  “Will Mickey be there?”

  “I reckon so,” Chad grinned. “Where are you?”

  The house lights flicked on, and a few rows up from the front, a small boy dressed like a cowboy stood up and waved.

  “I’m over here.”

  “Why don’t you come on down for a minute?”

  There was a titter through the crowd as the youngster, helped by his father, made his way into the ring.

  “What’s your name, son?”

  “My friends call me Stitches,” he replied.

  “Why is that?”

  “Because I’m always gettin’ ‘em,” the boy said seriously.

  “I see,” Chad chuckled, along with the rest of the crowd who were fast becoming captivated by the little boy. “What’s your real name?”

  “Samuel Cooper Jackson,” he proclaimed.

  “And you like McTavish the best?” Chad asked.

  “Yes, I want to be a dog trainer,” he replied. “I saw you last year and he was the best.”

  “Would you like to meet him?”

  The little boy’s eyes grew large, his mouth fell open in shock, and he was so overcome at the prospect of meeting his canine superhero, all he could do was nod his head…very energetically.

  “Hey, Mickey,” Chad called, “you have someone here who wants to meet you.”

  Cassie had Bailey’s lead rope in one hand and Captain’s in the other, with Mickey sitting in front of her, and when Chad called him Mickey ran into the ring as fast as he could. As he approached Chad moved his hand slightly, sending a command, and the dog stopped in front of the boy, sat down, and lifted his paw.

  The spontaneous, brilliant beginning to the show was a harbinger for the rest of the performance. Returning to the spotlight after so much time off, Bailey and Captain sparkled with energy and enthusiasm, and Mickey, with his hilarious antics and extraordinary athleticism, brought the house to his feet.

  After his third curtain call Chad waved his final goodbye, and jogged from the center of the ring, Mickey trotting along beside him. Reaching the wings he grabbed Cassie and kissed her with fire, his lips pressing against hers with a demanding, insistent passion that left her breathless.

  “I’ve gotta sign a million autographs,” he panted huskily, “then we’re outta here.”

  Cassie watched him march away towards the fence with three burly security guards. It was late afternoon, and being the matinee performance there were a large number of children present. As Cassie led Bailey and Captain back to the to the rig, she watched Chad as he crouched down with Mickey and began to interact with the teeming throng of kids.

  Being raised in the cold, austere house with her difficult mother, and an older brother who wasn’t around very much, Cassie had little experience with children; watching Chad’s warm ease and confident manner she felt a sweeping admiration, along with a wave of inadequacy.

  You are so amazing. You can do anything. You can train, you can run a business, you can mend fences and mend spirits, and look at you with those kids. I couldn’t do that. I wouldn’t even know where to start.

  Shifting her focus back to the task at hand she secured the horses to the rig, brought them some water, and started to groom them, picking out their feet and wiping them down with a cooling solution. By the time Chad was on his way back she had finished her chores and the horses were ready to load.

  “Hey,” Chad grinned as he approached.

  “Hey,” she grinned back.

  “Ready to head off?”

  “Yep, let’s do it,” she nodded.

  In a few minutes they were driving back to the ranch, and as the rig rolled down main street towards the outskirts of town, Cassie put her arms around Mickey.

  “You are such a star,” she exclaimed. “Will you be ready to do it all again in three hours?”

  “Wasn’t he great?” Chad beamed.

  “Yes, he was great, you were great, Bailey and Captain were great, and that kid, he was great too,” she declared. “The best moment though…”

  “The best moment? What was the best moment?”

  “The very end,” she said, dropping her voice. “That kiss…that kiss will be with me till the end of my days.”

  “I’ve never felt like that,” he said quietly. “Knowin’ you were in the wings, feelin’ you there, I’m tellin’ you Cassie, I never wanna do a show without you.”

  “What? Really?”

  “Hell, yeah, really. Don’t you know how much you inspire me?”

  “But, you’re the amazing one. You’re one that does it all. I was watching you with those kids. I couldn’t do that. You’re so talented, Chad. So amazingly talented. I feel so…I don’t know…small…next to you.”

  “What are you talkin’ about?” he frowned.

  “Just what I said.”

  “Cassandra Davidson, I’m sure gonna spank you tonight,” he declared.

  “Why?”

  “I’ve never heard such a crock. Didn’t you hear what I just said? You’re the amazin’ one. Don’t you know that? Small? Jeez, girl, you’re about as small as the side of my barn.”

  The comment made her laugh out loud.

  “I don’t know where this crazy notion is comin’ from, but it had better get outta your head real quick, you hear me?”

  “Whoa, one minute you’re kissing me like Rhett Butler, and the next you’re scolding me,” she complained.

  “You bet, and I’m happy to keep doin’ both, but outta the two I’d rather be kissin’ you,” he grinned.

  “Sorry, I’m not sure what came over me,” she said, a crease crossing her brow. “When I saw you with those kids I felt all funny. I guess because I know I’d never be able to deal with them like you did. You made it look so easy.”

  “It is,” he laughed, “and thank goodness we’re back. I’m starvin’ and I need a beer.”

  “I’m sure you are and you do,” she sighed. “What about you, Mickey? Are you starving, do you need a beer?”

  Mickey barked and tried to crawl on her lap, but the seat belt held him back.

  “You can sleep on the bed with us tonight,” she whispered, but loud enough for Chad to hear.

  “No, he can’t.”

  “He’s as clean as a whistle, and he hasn’t rolled in anything. I’ll even wash his paws before he jumps up,” she promised.

  “You see that. That’s one of the things that makes you so amazin’?”

  “Because I promised to wash his paws?” she giggled.

  “Because you never give up,” he grinned. “It’s gonna cost ya, but I do admire it.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Stepping into the cabin they were thrilled to see a large platter of sandwiches and cookies waiting for them, along with another note.

  “I love these people,” Cassie grinned. “Beer or coffee?”

  “Beer,” Chad replied. “Let’s see what they have to say.”

  Dear Mr. Douglas:

  After your show today you must be hungry and tired, and hope these sandwiches will fit the bill.

  We took our three grandchildren to see you, and how marvelous it was. Your idea about your training shows is wonderful news, and we’re sure many people will benefit.

  Do you do private lessons? I ask because I have a mare that is very spooky about her ears, which makes it difficult to bridle her. I’ve had the vet out and he assures me there’s nothing wrong with them. I would be happy to swap the charge for your cabin in exchange for some time with you before you leave, if that’s possible.

  Warm regards,

  Rose and Clyde Thomas

  “You should do it, we should stay over and you should help her,” Cassie exclaimed.

  “I thought you wanted to visit Randy
on Monday.”

  “Ah, yes, well, we could do both. You could help Rose on Monday, we could stay an extra night here, then go and see Randy on Tuesday,” she said excitedly.

  “Or, I could help Rose on Monday morning, go and see Randy in the afternoon, and head home on Tuesday. Why are you so eager to have me help Rose Thomas?”

  “I’m not, I mean, I am, she’s been so accommodating, and if we’re going to see Randy we should stay there all day. Please?” she begged, handing him the bottle of beer. Please say yes, please, please.

  She waited impatiently as he placed the note on the table, then taking the drink from her hand he squinted, studying her.

  “Cassie, why do I get the feeling somethin’s goin’ on here?”

  “What do you mean? There’s nothing going on,” she retorted, realizing she’d sounded far too defensive.

  “Come on, out with it,” he sighed.

  “Out with what?”

  “Cassie,” he said, dropping his chin and raising his one, wicked eyebrow, shooting her the look that said, I’m warnin’ you.

  Gazing at his face, she felt the blush cross hers.

  Shit, now what am I going to say, shit.

  “I’m too tired and too wired, Cassie. Just tell me.”

  “I have a surprise for you,” she blurted out, “but I absolutely refuse to tell you what it is. If I do it won’t be a surprise, and what’s the point of going to all that trouble to create a surprise if it’s not going to be one…a surprise. I mean?”

  “Why are you so nervous?” he grinned, “and what does seein’ Randy or helpin’ Rose have to…oh, it’s somethin’ back at home, somethin’ at Horse Haven.”

  “I’m not saying another word about it,” she declared, “and you can’t make me.”

  Sitting at the table he picked up a sandwich, and after studying what was between the slices of bread he began to eat. Dropping down opposite him she followed suit, her mind racing.

  Maybe this is good. Maybe it will persuade him to stay away longer, or maybe he’ll make me tell him. He won’t, will he? I can’t. I wonder if he’ll be mad. Ooh, this is making me crazy.