Damaged Hearts

by Angel Wolfe

  “I’m not going to say it hasn’t been hard work, but it’s satisfying. You were right Kat. Trial and error is hard sometimes but I’m learning as I go and even if I don’t do everything exactly like you did, I think I’m doing ok.”

  “I’m glad Lilly and Patrick are here to help you. Have Jacob and Anna come out or any of the others?”

  “I haven’t seen anyone but we have been in the pastures moving cattle and separating the herd. I’ve decided maybe we’ll sell the extra riding stock to have some money for repairs and upgrades. I can sell the steers like we had planned and once Matt comes home, I’ll decide for sure on the horses but that’s where I’m leaning.”

  “Sounds like you’ve put some thought into everything. Good.” Kat nodded her head.

  “Good-bad or good-good?” Angel asked. “I just want to know that I’m doing the right thing; that I’m doing what you would do.”

  “You know me Angel.” Kat sighed. “We had already planned to sell the steers this fall. I would keep most of the horses but that’s me. That’s a choice you get to make without my interference. If you do decide to sell them though, I’d like first choice. The girls will need a little feistier mounts if they are going to help us this fall. The two they have are ok for casual riding but they are about worthless for working stock.”

  “Ok, deal.” Angel smiled for the first time since Kat had gotten there. “I hope you plan to take that little hellion with you today though; no revising your original decision. Voodoo is a demon!”

  “Oh, come on Sis; she can’t be that bad.” Kat laughed.

  “She’s terrorizing Wolfe. Belle won’t hardly go in the barn anymore and I’m afraid a horse is going to kick that crazy pup. She’s out of control!”

  “Sounds like she will fit in just fine then. I’ll go grab her now, why don’t you sit here in the shade a while and rest. Before I go to the barn, I’ll stick my head in the kitchen and see if Cook has something cool for you to drink.”

  Kat stepped inside the house and looked around at all the small changes that Angel had made. She had to admit, the place had never looked better. “Cook.” She announced herself. “Where are you?”

  “Sorry Miss Kat, I’m coming,” her voice carried down the hallway from the rear of the house. “I was just out back hanging up the wash.”

  “I’m sorry to bother you but do you have something cool that I could take out to Angel. I got her to rest on the porch in the shade but I think she could use a drink too.”

  “Oh yes ma’am. I’ve got just the thing. Simmons brought some lemons from town the other day and I made up a pitcher of lemonade and put it in the cellar. I’ll have some out there on the porch in a flash.”

  “Thank you, Cook. I appreciate it. Lilly and my two girls are out here too but I’m not sure where Patrick is. I haven’t seen much of him.” Kat replied as she left the house.

  “Did I hear you asking about Patrick?” Angel looked up from where she was sprawled across the bench. “He’s taken to hanging out with Simmons.”

  Lilly smiled. “Anywhere that man goes, that boy follows behind. Living here has been great for my son. I can’t believe the changes in him.”

  “Kat!” “Mama Kat!” The girls yelled from the yard giggling.

  “What? What is it?” Kat rushed down the steps.

  “Look at this puppy. Isn’t she just adorable?” Morgan said, hopefulness shining in her eyes.

  “Can we keep her Mama Kat? Pa...leezzzzzze?” Ali begged, with the puppy gnawing on her finger.

  “Actually, she is the surprise I was telling you about. She’s one of the reasons we came to see Angel today. I think her mama is ready for her to go now so we can take her home.”

  “Really? Do you mean it?” Morgan asked. “We can take her home to keep?”

  “Yep, I mean it. Her name is Voodoo. I picked her out before I moved to the ranch. She’s ours.”

  “Oh thank you Kat! Thank you! I love her some much!” Morgan cuddled the pup before setting her on the ground. “Let’s go Voodoo. Come with us.” She called, getting the pup to follow them around the yard.

  Satisfied that she had made the girls happy, Kat returned to the porch where she, Angel and Lilly talked about the ranch for a bit. “Well, the girls love the pup so I guess I can’t trade now.” She laughed. “She’ll have to come home with us.”

  “Good riddance!” Angel and Lilly announced together.

  “Good grief you ‘all, she’s only a puppy.” Kat laughed.

  “Laugh it up.” Lilly grinned. “You’ll see. She’s a menace!”

  “I suppose we better be heading back. I hate that this was only a short visit, but I know you two understand how busy it’s been lately. This being a mom thing is exhausting too.” Kat stood.

  “Once the men are home, hopefully we can see each other more often and for longer visits.” Angel suggested. “Before long, we’re going to have to think about what to do as this baby gets closer. I’m not sure I can ride up until I deliver.”

  “Take is easy as much as you can, Sister. Take breaks and rest. If you’ve got the stock separated out, it’s just a matter of keeping them fed and keeping the troughs full of water.”

  “You make it seem so simple.” Angel huffed. “I’m not sure I was cut out for running a ranch. I can’t wait for Matt to come home and help. It’s a lot of work for a pregnant person.”

  “I better head back before it gets dark. Lilly, if you two need anything, send Patrick or Simmons.” Kat gave her a quick hug then grabbed Angel tightly. “I love you Sister, and I’ll be back by as soon as I can.”

  “She’ll be ok.” Lilly assured. If I could ride a bull when I was pregnant with Patrick, she can be on a horse for a little while yet.

  “See ya soon.” Kat promised again, stepping off the porch. “Let’s go girls! Chores are waiting!” She tightened the cinch strap on the horses and took the wiggling puppy before giving Ali a leg up. Morgan mounted on her own and they were ready to go.

  The ride back was slower, everyone lost in her own thoughts. As they neared the ranch, Kat pulled up, instantly on guard. The puppy, sensing her alarm growled and barked; causing GoldDust to shift uneasily. “Hold on. There’s a strange horse in the yard. Have either of you seen it before?”

  “It’s a paint but not one that we’ve had.” Morgan answered. “Who do you think it is?”

  Excited, Ali kicked Pixie back into a trot heading for the year. “It’s Daddy!” She screamed. “Look, there’s Warlock and Magic!”

  “Wait Ali! Stop right now!” Kat commanded, riding to catch up. “We need to make sure. Someone could have stolen their horses. Morgan, please hold Voodoo and let me go first to make sure it’s safe.”

  Just then, Rick stepped out of the barn and Ali Whooped loudly, kicking her horse again; taking off towards the house.

  “Give me that pup back and let’s go see your dad.” Kat smiled at Morgan.

  ~XXXVII~

  Rick watched as three blonde heads rode towards him; three loves of his life. He could tell Kat had worked on his daughters riding skills while he had been gone; he just hoped she had more patience than he did.

  “Stay here and be still you little pagan.” He petted the ball of fluff in his hand.

  “Daddy!” Ali reached him first and he swung her down out of the saddle. “What’s this? You got a puppy too Daddy?”

  “Shush sweetheart. He’s a surprise for Kat.”

  “But Mama Kat just got us a surprise too. A little girl dog.”

  “The hell you say.” Rick frowned. “I knew I should have just gotten the horse.”

  “Papa! We’re glad you’re back. We were at Angel’s but didn’t see Uncle Matt; is he back too?” Morgan looked around. “Who’s horse is that? Kat was worried someone was here.”

  “I’m glad she watches so close but it’s just me. I got back a couple hours ago. Matt stopped in town to file the formal report and to leave Marie at the Mayors place. It’s a long story but it will wait t
il dinner so I only have to tell it once.”

  “I’m glad you’re back Rick. We missed you.” Kat said, unsure how to go about welcoming him home. “The girls have been working on their riding and we went to see how Angel was doing and pick up a pup since there aren’t any dogs around here.”

  “Just so happens, I had the same idea.” Rick held up his puppy sheepishly. “Looks like we have two now.”

  “Oh, he’s adorable Rick. Can I hold him?” Kat handed Voodoo to Morgan and took the small merle colored fluff ball.

  The pup growled ferociously and sunk its sharp milk teeth into Kat’s thumb. “Why you little pagan!” Kat exclaimed. “You might just give Voodoo a run for her money.”

  Rick grinned. “That’s what I called him too. Guess we have Pagan and Voodoo. Come over here for a second though, I want you to take a look at something.”

  Kat set Pagan on the ground and followed her husband, curious at what he wanted to show her. “I told Angel that we might want to buy a couple of the geldings off her, if you don’t mind anyway.”

  “We can talk about it tonight.” Rick agreed amicably. “What I want you to look at though is this mare. What would you think about riding her?”

  Kat stopped and stared at the horse. “But...But what about Dusty? I’ve ridden him forever.”

  “He’s a good horse, an excellent horse even. But he’s getting older and I was kind of hoping you would agree to put him to stud.” At her stony expression he continued. “Look, I’m not saying you couldn’t still ride him but I was hoping you might want to look at giving him a rest.”

  “I don’t want to lose him. He’s all that I have left.” Kat whispered as pain filled her face. “I left my ranch, gave up my cattle, and separated what horses I had left. I left my dogs, my fields, and my home. Now you want me to give up my best friend too?”

  Rick gathered her into his arms. “Not give him up, just give him some time to enjoy life.” He soothed. “In fact, I thought you might want to look at crossing these Paints with your Palominos to see if you like the results. That’s originally why I bought her.”

  Kat looked at the mare again. “She’s a beautiful horse.” She allowed as she ran her hand over the horse’s withers.

  “Why don’t you let me cool GoldDust down while you put her through the paces? She’s got a smooth gait and soft mouth.”

  Kat gave a small nod and allowed Rick to give her a leg up. She gathered the reins and backed the mare from the post using a light touch. With just a slight application of her heel and the horse responded instantly, moving from a walk to a trot as they neared the gate and into canter on the road. Turning to an field, Kat gave her her head and sailed across the openness at full gallop.

  Kat marveled at the beauty and serene personality of the mare. She seemed to run for the joy of it. Slowing her down to a trot then again to a walk, Kat took her time returning. “You are both the high point and the low point in my life girl. How about I call you Solstice?”

  The horse nickered as if in agreement. “I guess it’s settled. I hope you get along with dogs because it looks like you’re going to stay.” Kat patted the side of her neck then nudged her so they could return home.

  Rick stood in the yard, suspiciously alone. “What did you think?”

  “Solstice is a dream.” Kat smiled as she slid from the saddle into Rick’s arms. “She’s smart and beautiful and she runs like a dream. You can’t take Dusty away from me though; you’ve got to promise.”

  Rick bent and captured Kat’s lips with his own before agreeing. “No one’s taking away that stallion; I doubt they would make it out of the yard even if they tried.” He laughed.

  “Do you really like her? As soon as I saw her, I had to have her. She reminded me of you; sweet, shy, and oh so beautiful. So how are you Wife?” He kissed her again before allowing her to answer.

  “Fat, tired, and hungry.” She giggled then whispered seriously, “and so very glad you’re home Rick. Was it bad?”

  “Bad enough.” He rested his forehead on her shoulder. “I didn’t mean to kill him in front of Marie. Your half-sister hates me, and she won’t even talk to Frank, even though she knows for sure she’s going to have his baby. Your brothers were a huge help and I think they plan to stick around here. From the sounds of it, there might be more weddings in the near future.”

  “I’m sorry you had to kill someone but I’m sure glad he’s dead.” She shivered involuntarily. “I know Marie will miss him but he hurt far too many people. She’s better with him gone and I’m sure she will admit it in time. Where is she now?”

  “Matt was taking her to Josephine and the Mayor. If anyone knows what to do with her, it will be them.” Rick chuckled while personally glad it was them, and not him, dealing with her.

  “I didn’t see Matt at the ranch so he must not have made it back yet; I’m worried about Angel. I think she is pushing herself way too hard. She’s not used to doing so much and with the pregnancy, the heat’s doubly tough.”

  “Matt was heading home as soon as he dropped off Marie and filed the report about the shooting. Frank was still sore from being shot and was going straight to the bunkhouse to rest, and Charlie was heading to the bakery. Mark said something about moving to Angel’s place temporarily; I have a feeling that Brahman riding woman has intrigued him. Adam is in the barn with the horses, trying to figure out where to put...Solstice did you call her?”

  Kat lowered her eyes. “I decided that was a fitting name for her since it’s both the highest and lowest point of my life so far.”

  “Sounds like a perfect name for her.” Rick squeezed her shoulder and turned toward the house. “So, what are we going to do with two dogs?” He laughed. “You have squirmed your way into Morgan’s heart by the way. She couldn’t stop talking about all the fun she’s had with you here. Then when you gave her that puppy; well the girl thinks you hung the moon.”

  “I love them as if they were my own Rick. Ali, of course is a little ray of sunshine in the middle of a tornado; but Morgan...Morgan is different. She’s not as bouncy or vibrant as Ali but...well, I guess she’s more like me. Just don’t make her mad.”

  Rick took Kat’s hand as they walked. “That goes for all of you girls.” He smiled. “I’m glad to be home and was so happy to find you had already moved in. Consuela has been singing your praises right along with James.”

  Kat reached up and kissed him, then nudged him in the ribs as she took off running. “Last one to the dinner table has to muck the stalls!”

  They fell into the house laughing and giggling. Both pups, which had been eating in the washroom, went on the attack. The girls came running and everyone ended up in a heap of tangled limbs and hair in the middle of the floor.

  “Well I never!” Consuela huffed, secretly hiding a smile. Yep, Miss Kat was good for all of them and they were good for her; she just didn’t know what those pups would be good for.

  Later, after dinner, Kat and Rick sat in the porch swing as they spoke softly about everything they had each missed. Rick rested his hand on Kat’s not so flat belly and marveled about how much had changed over the few weeks he had been gone.

  “Consuela says it’s twins.” Kat laughed at the look on his face. “I think we’re both in a mountain of trouble.”

  Rick shook his head. “No matter what happens, we will face it all together. Now that our hearts are on the mend, nothing can stop us from loving each other.”

  They sat peacefully looking out over the fields of horses and cattle as the sun set in the West. In just a few months, so much had changed...all of it for the better.

  Acknowledgements

  I would like to thank my sister Rachell, the other Naughty Angel for all her help, editing, and encouragement; and for taking the cattle prod to me so that I would keep writing. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you so very much to Grandma Huntington for her emergency final edit. Jeannine, you were a life saver!

  Thank you to my co-workers Elizabeth and Karen fo
r listening to me babble about my characters and reading whatever little partial paragraphs I put in front of you. Thank you both for encouraging me to keep going.

  I’d like to thank my husband Casey and son Billy for not rolling their eyes too terribly every time I said I had another story finished or that another person liked my work.

  Thank you to all my beta readers for the kind words and feedback.

  And finally, thank you to The Cowboy for giving me the inspiration for this story.

  About the Author

  Angel was born in Muscatine, Iowa and learned to read by the age of three. When she was five, she moved with her family to northwest New Mexico and at the age of eleven, she began reading romance novels pilfered from her mother.