Her Cowboy In Charge

by Maggie Carpenter

  Martha had tilted her head to the side and was gazing at him intently.

  “How strong are your feelings for Crystal?” she asked softly.

  “Strong, mom, real strong.”

  “Are you in love with her?”

  “Yeah, I reckon I am. I haven’t told her yet. I was plannin’ on doin’ that tonight, but she’s gotta know it, I mean-“

  “A girl doesn’t know until you say something,” Martha said interrupting him, “and she worries until you do. At least, she worries if she feels the same way.”

  “What does this have to do with what’s happened? My deja vu’s I mean.”

  “I remember when I was starting to go out with your father,” she began, “I was just so crazy about him I couldn’t see straight. He was real popular with the girls, and I was all kinds of upside-down. I didn’t know if he liked me, or I was just another one of his female admirers. My grandpappy, he must have been in in his 80’s at the time, he told me that there was magic in the mountains, and that the mountain spirits would visit me and let me know if Kenny Parker was the one.”

  “I just got chills,” Clay muttered.

  “Wouldn’t you know it,” Martha continued, “I did have some odd things happen. A couple of dreams, like one of your father walking towards me holding a red rose, I’ve never forgotten that one, there was this one time I went into my room and his photo was out of my drawer and sitting on top of my dressing table. Once I heard him calling me from the front yard, but when I ran outside he wasn’t there. No sign of him.”

  “What are you saying, mom?”

  “I just suggesting that maybe these deja vu things are trying to tell you something. Maybe they’re not a glimpse into the past, but a glimpse into the future. If my grandpappy were here, he’d tell you that they were sent from the mountain spirits.”

  “I have goosebumps all over me,” Clay shivered. “Some of the old guys at Bill’s Tavern gossip about this stuff.”

  “When there are strange goings on that can’t be readily explained, most families who have lived here for generations, they point to the mountains,” she said soberly, then turning her head she gazed out the windows at the mighty peaks looming in the distance.

  “Wow. You know me, mom, I’m Mr. Scientist, Mr. Logical, but there are more things in heaven and earth…like what happened with Lucky.”

  “Something happened with Lucky?”

  “The night before Crystal arrived with him, I’d made up my mind that I was ready for another dog. It was like magic how she showed up with this bedraggled lost mutt in her back seat the very next mornin’.”

  “Well, well,” she smiled. “These deja vu’s, I think they’re a good thing, a message of some kind.”

  “Look,” he said, “snow.”

  “My grandpappy would call that a confirmation,” she laughed.

  “I have to admit, the timing is pretty intriguin’,” Clay grinned. “Thanks, mom.”

  “Did it help?”

  “In a way, I think it did,” he said thoughtfully. “I have to go home. Crystal was so excited about seeing her first snowfall. I have to share this with her.”

  “I sure hope Mark arrives before it gets too bad,” she said with a worried frown.

  “He’s used to drivin’ in the snow, and he’s in a Range Rover. He’ll be fine.”

  “I don’t like it,” she said shaking her head. “I’m going to call him, see if he’s on his way.”

  “What time did he say he’d be arrivin’?”

  “Before dinner,” she replied.

  “I’ll call, I have my phone right here.”

  Pulling it from his pocket he hit Mark’s name, and moments later his brother answered.

  “Hey, Mark, I’m sittin’ here with mom. We’re worried about you drivin’ in the bad weather. Have you left yet?”

  “Yep, I’m only about thirty minutes away, but traffic’s startin’ to get a bit heavy. Snow is startin’ to really come down. I reckon it’ll be hittin’ you any time now.”

  “Drive carefully, I’ll let mom know. She’s been worried.”

  “Tell her I love her and I’ll see you soon.”

  “Will do,” Clay answered, and ended the call. “He’s thirty minutes away, he says he loves you, and he’ll see you soon.”

  “At least he’s close,” she murmured. “You go on home. Like you said, you should be sharing this snowfall with your girl.”

  “Thanks, mom,” he said, getting to his feet and kissing her on the cheek. “I love you.”

  “I know honey, and I love you.”

  Smiling happily, Clay texted Crystal as he walked, letting her know he was on his way home.

  “How great is this?” she texted back. “Our first snow together.”

  Breaking into a chuckle he trotted down the stairs and out to his truck.

  In his Range Rover, Mark was singing along to his own CD. The weather didn’t bother him. He’d driven in much worse. The traffic was light, and seeing brake lights ahead he realized the slower traffic and nervous drivers had moved into the slow right lane, leaving the left one relatively clear. Checking the side mirror he saw headlights, but they were a fair way back, so he pulled out.

  A few moments later, when he heard the blast of a truck horn, it took him a minute to realize it was coming from behind. It was loud, really loud, and darting his eyes up from the road to his rear view mirror, he saw a huge semi-truck barreling towards him. With cars in the slow lane to his right, and the concrete barrier on his left, there was nowhere to go. Glancing back into his mirror he saw the mammoth semi was gaining ground, its horn continuing to blast, and trying not to panic he punched 911 on his dashboard telephone screen, then clutched the steering wheel and pushed his foot on the accelerator.

  “911 Operator, what is your emergency?”

  “There’s a runaway semi truck traveling south on the 93 into Whitefish,” he shouted, “just about 15 miles out.”

  “Thank you, Sir. Are you all right?

  “I think he’s gonna hit me,” Mark yelled.

  He knew he was approaching a turn-off to his left where he could dodge the truck, but it wasn’t far and he was picking up speed. It would be a helluva of swerve to get into the left-hand turn lane, then stop before he’d have to either cross in front of the oncoming traffic, or zip back into the lane he’d been traveling on.

  “Sir? Are you there?”

  Glancing in his side mirror he saw the truck was almost on top of him.

  “He’s gainin’!”

  The yellow line designating the left-hand turn lane was suddenly in front of him, and holding his breath he swung the steering just as the semi roared past, missing him by inches. He hit his brakes in an attempt to stop, and had the road had been dry he might have made it, but it wasn’t dry, it was wet, and it was slick, and as the SUV began to slide Mark had a choice. Either serve back into his own lane of traffic, or take his chances in front of the oncoming cars.

  There was no time to think, but somehow he reasoned that if he crossed over the traffic coming towards him he’d be hit, but what in the lane to his right behind him was unknown; he chose the unknown.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Clay had made some Irish coffee, and curled up next to him in the living room in front of the fire, Crystal was utterly captivated as she watched the falling snow. The whiskey was heightening her dreamy state, and as the last mouthful of the delicious drink slid down her throat, she sighed happily.

  “If I was a kitten I’d be purring right now.”

  “I can feel how happy you are,” Clay murmured, “and I hate to say it, but I’ll have to go in a few minutes. Mark should be arriving any time now.”

  “I know, and thanks for running back here for this. It’s been wonderful. Don’t forget to take those ginger cookies I baked for your mom and dad. They’re on the table in the foyer.”

  “I couldn’t believe it when I walked in here. You made this place smell like a home.”

  “Cl
ay,” she sighed, “what a lovely thing to say.”

  Feeling a flurry of emotion he leaned in and kissed her, lingering his lips, gliding them softly, then gently pressed, pulled back, and pressed again.

  “That was divine,” she whispered, leaning against him.

  “Yeah it was,” he agreed, holding her tightly. “I swear, every time I kiss you it makes me want to kiss you more.”

  “I think that’s how it’s supposed to work,” she giggled.

  “Look, the wind’s startin’.”

  “Oh, wow.”

  Gazing out at the scene she watched the flakes being blown around, and as she stood up to walk closer to the window, Clay’s cell phone rang.

  “It’s John,” he announced. “Mark’s probably arrived. Hey, John. Yeah, sure, I’ll be right down,” he promised, quickly ending the call. “Sorry, babe, Mark’s not here yet but John wants to talk to me about somethin’ before he arrives.”

  “Okay,” she sighed, then turning and walking back to the couch she leaned down and kissed him. “I’ll miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you too, but I shouldn’t be too long,” he said rising to his feet. “Yep, it’s sure pickin’ up out there. I’m glad I parked the truck in the garage, and I’m also glad I had the foresight to make it a three car. Between you and the Lexus, I can just sneak it in.”

  “You have foresight because you’re a genius,” she declared.

  “Bye, babe, I won’t be long.”

  She watched him march away, and feeling slightly giddy from the drink, she dropped down next to Lucky who was laying in his spot in front of the fire.

  “I have to call mom and tell her how amazing this is,” she said as she petted him, then frowned, suddenly realizing Clay had forgotten the cookies she’d baked. “Darn it,” she grunted, and rising to her feet she hurried across to the front door.

  As she opened it a gust of freezing wind hit her face, but steeling herself she stared down the driveway. There was no sign of his truck. Slamming the door shut she grabbed the cookies and marched down the hallway to the guest room, pulling out her new, full length down parka. Lucky had trotted behind her, and seeing her don her coat he barked expectantly.

  “Not this time, big boy, you have to stay here,” she said bending down and hugging him. “Sorry, but I’ll only be a minute.”

  Walking back to the kitchen and through to the laundry, a hopeful Lucky following behind her, she entered the garage. Climbing into her car she pushed the remote control and watched the door roll up. Seeing the wind-whipped snow she almost changed her mind, but gritting her teeth she nervously pulled out and rolled slowly forward.

  The two minute drive felt like forever, and as the main house came into view she saw Clay’s truck parked in front of a silver Range Rover underneath the portico. Recalling that Clay had mentioned Mark was driving a Ranger Rover she assumed it was his, and not wanting to intrude on the family’s meeting, she decided to drive to the back and sneak into the kitchen.

  Following the road around the house she slowed to a stop, and leaving the engine running she climbed from her car praying the kitchen door would be unlocked. She had never felt wind so cold, and to her great relief the door opened and she hastily stepped inside. Walking softly across the tile floor she placed the plate on the kitchen island, but as she started to leave she heard her name mentioned. She paused, and when she heard her name a second time, the temptation to hear what was being said became too great, and turning around she crept stealthily into the hallway.

  “Dad, you know what Clay’s like with women. This girl will be gone in a few months. You wait and see.”

  It was a voice she didn’t recognize, but she knew it had to be one of Clay’s brothers. Her heart began to thump, and horrified by what she’d just heard, she leaned against the wall for support.

  “No, I don’t know what he’s like because he keeps his personal life at that cottage by the lake,” Kenny said sharply.

  “Well, I do,” the unfamiliar voice continued, “and believe me, he gets bored real quick. He probably only asked her to stay up here because winter’s comin’, and he didn’t wanna deal with drivin’ through the crappy weather to, well, you know, see her.”

  Crystal felt her entire body freeze. Even if she’d wanted to she couldn’t move.

  “I hope you’re right,” Kenny retorted. “Of all the places Clay could have gone into that night, why did it have to be Dukes? Why couldn’t he have stuck it out with one of those local girls, a girl like that Becky, or Camille, or any one of them I’d heard he’d been seein’. A girl who understands ranch life and-?“

  “What are you two going on about?”

  It was Martha’s voice, but Crystal didn’t care. What she’d heard was overwhelming her. She felt as if someone had punched her in the gut, and she was barely able to breathe. She wanted to cover her ears, she wanted to run, she wanted to hide, but she could nothing except listen to the shredding sounds of her heart being ripped apart.

  “We’re talkin’ about Crystal,” Clay’s brother declared, “and how she’s all wrong for Clay.”

  “Not that again,” she said brusquely.”I think we should be more concerned about Mark right now, and why he’s not here yet.”

  “I’m sure he’ll drive up any second,” Kenny assured her.

  “I can’t stand it,” she declared, “and where’s Clay? Never mind, I’m going to make us a fresh pot of coffee. I need to keep busy. I’m worried.”

  The realization that Martha was about to enter the hallway broke Crystal from her stupor. Spinning around she hurried back through the kitchen, out the door, and jumped into her car. She couldn’t see where she was going as she started to back up, and not just because of because of the blustering snow. Copious tears were flowing down her face, but she managed to reach the driveway and headed back to Clay’s house.

  “What the fuck,” she sobbed. “What the fuck? What am I going to do? I have to get out of here. They don’t want me, and Clay? How could I have been so gullible? Fuck, I’m such a idiot. I fell for his whole fucking thing.”

  Barely aware that her car was sliding she continued on, but when she reached the house she saw Clay’s truck parked out front. Swallowing hard, trying to figure out what she’d say, she drove past it and into the garage. Wiping her face she took a deep breath, then climbing from the car she half-walked, half-stumbled inside.

  “There you are,” he exclaimed hurrying in from the hall. “I’ve been so worried. Where have you been? What’s the matter? Have you been crying?”

  “I, uh, yeah, I have,” she nodded. “What are you doing here?”

  “I came back to get the cookies, but when I got here they were gone, and so were you. Did you take them down to the house.”

  “Uh-huh,” she managed, her face crinkling when she thought about what she’d just heard.

  “Why are you so upset?”

  “I, uh, while I was driving I got a call from my mom,” she lied, then frantically searched for something else to say.

  “And?” Clay pressed.

  “Uh, my dad’s had a heart attack,” she said quickly, grateful the thought had suddenly dropped into her head.

  “Oh, no, Crystal, I’m so sorry?”

  “Yeah, I have to go home. He’s in the hospital. Mom’s already booked me a flight. All I have to do is get to the airport. I’m going to pack a bag.”

  “Come here, let me hold you,” he said walking towards her.

  “NO!” she shouted holding up her hands.

  “Crystal?”

  “Sorry, no, I just want to get home,” she said defensively, and marching past him she headed to the guest room.

  He was about to follow her, but his instinct told him to stop.

  “Somethin’ else is goin’ on with you,” he muttered. “I don’t know what the hell it is, and I won’t try to stop you, but you’re not drivin’, that’s for damn sure.”

  Pulling his phone from his pocket he called the car service the r
anch had on retainer, then ambling down the hall, he stood in the doorway of the guest room and watched her frenetically pack her bag.

  “I’m real sorry, babe,” he said quietly. “Is there anything I can do?”

  “Nope, I just need to get home.”

  “I’ve called a car for you.”

  “You what?” she asked, stopping to stare at him.

  “You can’t drive in this weather. You won’t last two minutes, and I’ll be worried sick about you.”

  “Is that right?” she mumbled, turning her attention back to her suitcase.

  “Yeah, it is,” he frowned. “Crystal, have I done somethin’ to upset you?”

  “No, I’m just freaked out about my dad. Thanks for calling me a car.”

  “You’re welcome, but I’ve gotta tell you, I doubt any flights will be takin’ off.”

  “I don’t care,” she retorted. “At least I’ll be at the airport when they do. When will the car get here?”

  “Not long,” he said calmly, moving closer to her, “and I don’t care what you say, I know there’s more goin’ on here. Your dad may not be well, but you’re real mad about somethin’. Please, tell me what it is?”

  “Nothing, there’s nothing,” she lied, fighting back the tears with every ounce of strength she had.

  “I don’t think I’m the only one worried about you,” he said looking down at Lucky.

  The dog was laying on the floor, his head between his paws, his eyes woefully staring up at her. Suddenly flooded with guilt, she dropped the clothes she was holding on to the bed and fell down beside him, and as she hugged him she couldn’t stop the hot lump in her throat exploding into huge tears.

  “My darling, Lucky,” she sobbed, “I love you so much. I’m going to miss you like crazy. You be a good boy, you hear?”

  Sitting up the dog rubbed against her, then tried to lick her face.