Mesa shied away from road tours and concerts and preferred performing in smaller clubs, and Jory skillfully guided her career in that direction. When they found the club outside Branson for lease, they hadn’t hesitated. It was like a dream come true for them both.
During their years together, Jory knew there was a part of Mesa missing. She was a beautiful young woman and there was no shortage of men who sought her company. Mesa might date occasionally, but never the same man for long and Jory often wondered what kept her from falling in love and getting married.
Then one night Rafe Storm Horse had wandered into the club and Jory had seen Mesa’s missing part. It didn’t take much to figure out that she’d loved him since she was a child and he filled her heart so completely she would never love another man.
Jory never knew what had happened between the pair before Rafe left, but during the short weeks he was in Branson, Mesa was the happiest he’d ever seen her. When he was gone it was weeks before she smiled again and as her friend, it broke Jory’s heart to watch the struggle. It wasn’t until she finally confided that she was carrying Rafe’s baby that the familiar spark of happiness once again lit her eyes.
The impending birth of Raale motivated them to end the lease of the club and to purchase it outright and it had been a profitable investment.
^^^
It didn’t take Jory long to unpack and put away his personal belongings, after which he went upstairs and started to work in Raale’s room.
When they finished, Mesa put together a quick meal for the two of them from the scanty supplies they’d picked up in town.
After eating, Mesa retired to the rocking chair on the front porch and Jory began exploring the area around the house for a suitable spot to plant the garden that already grew in his mind. He and his wife had grown fresh vegetables in the back yard of the small house where they’d lived until she died. He’d enjoyed working the soil and tending the plants and then harvesting and eating the produce of their combined labor. Now, he knew he could enjoy that experience again.
The area he kept coming back to was a small fenced area between the big house on the hill and the lake cabin. It was easy to see that it had been designed for gardening at some point in the past. It was big enough to keep him busy. Water lines already existed and the fence would protect the tender plants from any livestock, and it was close enough to the barns to make use of the unending supply of fresh fertilizer produced around the clock.
The gate was on the side closest to the big house, and he was leaning against it, laying out rows in his mind and selecting what seeds to plant, when he heard foot-steps approaching from behind him. He turned and silently watched the woman approach.
“Who are you and what are you doing here?” She demanded without preamble.
He knew this could be none other than Shirley Howell who Mesa had always labeled, the wicked witch of the Rocking H. Except for the bleached blond hair, she looked a lot like an older version of her daughter.
“I’m Jory Madison,” he offered his hand as a friendly gesture. He’d learned long ago not to accept other people’s judgments and refrained from making his own. Circumstances caused people to act in ways others would never understand.
She looked at his hand, but didn’t take it. Instead her eyes narrowed and she looked at him suspiciously. “You must be the man Mesa is living with.”
He nodded. “Actually, I’m living with her. We’ve been together for years.” He couldn’t resist feeding her suspicions, just a little.
“Well,” she continued, “I expected someone younger,” a short pause for emphasis, “and better looking.”
Jory grinned and decided not to let her assumption grow. “I’m afraid, like most other people, you assume that Mesa and I are…a couple. We aren’t.”
Shirley frowned. “What the hell does that mean?”
He turned and looked back at the garden space as he spoke. It was time to clear up the muddy water. “Mesa is like my own child. When she started singing, I was her manager and we became business partners.”
“In other words, you took her for as much as you could and are planning to keep it up.” Shirley snarled at him.
“Well, Mrs. Howell, if you want to look at it like that, go right ahead. However, if I were you, I wouldn’t cast criticisms. Mesa and I have been together almost as long as she was with you, and from what I’ve learned, our relationship is much more stable.” Like Raale, Jory preferred peace and harmony, but he wouldn’t be pushed around either.
His remark was met with silence so finally he turned to look at the woman. He was surprised to see her battling against tears that had suddenly pooled in her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Howell. It wasn’t my intention to hurt you.” He apologized softly.
Shirley swiped at her eyes. “I suppose I deserved it. Mesa was right when she told you I wasn’t a very good mother, but my shrink keeps assuring me that old dogs can learn new tricks. It just takes them longer.” She extended her hand. “I’m Shirley Howell and I hope you’ll accept my apology. I’m trying real hard to stop being such a bitch.”
A deep chuckle bubbled up from somewhere deep inside Jory and he took her hand. “Apology accepted and I’ll be glad to do all I can to help you achieve that goal.”
^^^
As Rafe drove down the highway toward Jenny and Russ’s place, he kept cutting his eyes over to look at the little girl sitting in the passenger seat where Spur usually rode. She was so busy looking out the window she didn’t notice him looking at her. His daughter! It was a shock to think that the last time he’d driven over this same road, just a short time ago, he hadn’t even known she existed. Damn, that cut deep! How could Mesa have kept that from him? And for the better part of six years! He didn’t realize that he was frowning until she caught him looking at her and he saw a look of concern flash across her small face.
“Are you mad at me?” she asked timidly.
He shook his anger off. “No, sweetheart. I was just wonderin’ why your mom kept you a secret all this time. I really wish I could have been with you when you were a baby. I’d have loved watchin’ you grow up.”
She nodded. “Yeah, I used to gets mad at her ‘cuz I didn’t know you, too. She dust said that grown-ups gotta do what dey think’s da best and when I gets growed up, I’d understand. I really didn’t like dat part ‘cuz it takes a really, really long time to gets all growed up and I still don’t understand.”
Rafe couldn’t keep from reaching out and touching her face. “Well, we have each other now, and we’re gonna have a lot of time together.”
Raale smiled at him. “Yeah, and a lot of fun. Like today. I’m gonna gets to meet Uci and my cousins and ride a horsy with you.”
He nodded. “You aren’t afraid of dogs are you?”
She shrugged. “I always wanted a dog, but I didn’t gets to habe one.”
He grinned. “Well, I’ve got a really big dog that I think you’ll like a lot. His name is Spur.”
“Spur?” she giggled. “That’s a funny name for a dog.”
“He’s a funny dog,” Rafe chuckled.
“Uh…,” she started to speak and then seemed to think better of it.
“What,” he queried her. “You and I can talk about anything. It’s important for you to remember that.”
“Is it okay if I dust…call you Dad?” she asked shyly.
“I can’t think of anything that I’d like any better,” his throat tightened with emotion and he swallowed to get rid of the lump.
He slowed the truck to turn off into the Double B, Jenny and Russ’s ranch. Raale craned her neck up and her eyes took in the number of cars and truck/trailer rigs parked near the arena.
“Wow,” she breathed softly. “Is all dese people your family?”
“No,” he reassured her with an understanding smile. “There are a lot of friends here today, too. Your Uncle Russ, that’s Aunt Jenny’s husband, is havin’ a Jack-Pot Ropin’ today and that always brings
in a crowd.”
“What’s a Jack-Pot…thing?”
“It’s when a bunch of friends and neighbors get together for a little friendly contest, to see who can rope steers in the fastest time. Everyone pays to get a chance to show off, and the ones that finish fastest win the money. It’s fun and you’ll learn a lot about it while we’re here.” Rafe kept the explanation as simple as possible.
“Wow,” she whispered again. “You know a lots of peoples.”
As soon as they got out of the truck, Spur scampered up to greet them. Rafe made sure the dog didn’t overwhelm Raale with his natural exuberance. He certainly didn’t want his child and his dog to get off on the wrong foot. When proper introductions were made, she slipped her hand in his and walked beside him, with Spur trotting along at her other side, one of her arms draped across his back. Rafe led her through the maze of vehicles to the edge of the bleachers where many people were sitting. At the other end, he spotted Uci comfortably seated in the padded fold up chair Jenny provided for her comfort.
He touched Spur’s shoulder and pointed at his grandmother when the animal looked up at him. “Get Uci,” he said softly. Spur wagged his tail and trotted over to the old woman. He shoved his big head into her lap and gently took one of her hands in his mouth, pulling gently. She snatched her hand away and Rafe could tell she was scolding the dog, but then she looked around and spotted him. Her brows arched in surprise and he pointed to Jenny’s house. She nodded and slowly pushed up out of the chair using the strong bulldog to steady herself as she stood. Rafe brought Raale around the back of the bleachers and the three came together on the back side of the cars, almost at Jenny’s garage.
Uci’s eyes were on Raale and Rafe knew that, like him, as soon as she could make out the child’s features, she knew the child was his. Her wrinkled face spread into a wide smile.
“Who do we have here?” she asked politely.
Rafe made the presentation formally and Uci extended her hand to the child.
“I’ve always wanted a great-granddaughter that looked just like her father, and now I’ve been blessed to find one. Raale, you are a very welcome addition to our family.” Uci held the little girls hand while she spoke.
Raale smiled shyly. “I neber had a grandmother at all, and now I gots two, but the other one don’t know ‘bout me yet. How do you know I’ll be a great grandkid?”
Uci placed her hand over her joyful heart. “Oh, sweet Jesus! Rafe, I need to sit down.”
He released Raale’s hand and swept Uci up into his arms. “Can you open that door for me,” he asked his daughter. She nodded and hurriedly pushed open the back door to Jenny’s house. Rafe carried his grandmother into the house followed closely by Raale. He passed through the kitchen and placed her gently on the couch. “I’ll get a cold cloth,” he started toward the bathroom, but she caught his hand.
“No, no. I’m fine. I just need to sit here for a minute and enjoy the sight of this beautiful child.” She motioned for Raale to step closer and took her hand when she did. “My goodness, you just take my breath away.”
Raale’s heart lurched and tears began to form in her eyes. “I’m sorry.” A note of panic sounded in the childish plea. “I didn’t mean to take your breaths. I wants to be a great granddaughter, not one dat takes your breaths.”
Uci laughed and pulled the youngster over to sit on the edge of the couch beside her. “You take my breath is just an expression. I was just surprised to learn about you. I’m fine.”
Rafe squatted down beside them. “She’s fine, Raale. Honest.” He thumbed away the first tears that slipped down her soft cheeks and folded his arms around her.
“But she said I takes her breaths away.”
Uci chortled again and Rafe joined in with a soft laugh of his own. “She just meant that she was so surprised to see you, and she…forgot to breathe for a second. She’s fine. I promise.”
Raale’s chocolate eyes searched Uci’s face for a few seconds before she spoke. “Well I’m glad,” she said with relief evident in her voice. “I just gots you and I don’t want to do anything wrong to hurted you.”
Rafe heard the back door open and glanced back to see Jenny hurrying into the room.
“Is Uci alright?” She demanded. “Rusty said he saw you carry her inside.” Then her eyes fell on Raale.
Rafe cut his sister a frown. “I’m not talking to you and it may be a long time before I decide to again.”
Jenny shrugged at Rafe and smiled at her niece. “I’m your Aunt Jenny and I’m so happy to finally meet you Raale. I’ve heard all about you from your mom.”
“You knows my mom?”
Jenny nodded. “We’ve been best friends…forever.”
“She didn’t keep me a secret from you?”
“No. She told me all about you.” Jenny was already captivated by this child that looked so much like the brother she’d always loved so much.
Raale looked at her father. “I knows why you don’t talks to her nomore. She’s a secret keeper, too, huh?”
He nodded. “Yep.”
The back door opened and closed again and Russ, carrying Macie, followed closely by Rusty, entered the room.
After introductions were made, the room filled with happy voices and Uci quickly recovered her strength.
“I’m ready to go back out to the arena,” she announced. “The story I can tell all those old biddies out there will top anything they’ve heard in years.”
They left the house as a unit and walked back to the arena, Raale’s hand clasped safely in Rafe’s.
The rest of the afternoon was a blur. Rafe mounted his dun roping horse, Dollar, and Russ handed Raale up to him and the two of them spent the next hour or so riding around outside the arena. From their perch aboard the big gelding’s back, they could watch the action inside the arena and Rafe took great pride in describing it all to his child, his head bent close to hers, his strong arm pointing as he explained.
Before he wanted it to happen, Rafe realized it was time to take Raale home. He cornered Levi and asked him to hook up to his trailer and take Dollar and Hammer home.
He promised Uci that he’d swing back by to get her after he left the Rocking H and with his child safely buckled into her car seat, he made the return trip to Rance’s house. When he arrived, the sun had almost disappeared behind the trees and Mesa was sitting on the porch in the rocking chair.
She made a point of looking at her watch as the father and his child walked hand in hand up the steps. She hadn’t missed the excited chatter of her daughter as they approached the house or Rafe’s deep, voice replying to her endless remarks. Once on the porch, Raale released Rafe’s hand and rushed into her mother’s arms.
“Mom, thank you for letting me go! It was da bestest fun I eber had. I rode my dad’s horse with him and it was great! And I mets Uci and Aunt Jenny. She’s a secret keeper, too, and my dad it’nt speaking to her, but I played with Rusty and Macie. And Spur is a giant dog, but he lubs me already! Where’s Papa J at? I needs to tell him ‘bout it, too.”
Mesa returned the excited hug and then answered Raale’s question. “I think he’s in the den watching television.”
Raale started to rush off, but stopped and turned those big chocolate eyes on Rafe. “Are you leaving?”
He nodded. “Yeah. I gotta go get Uci.”
She walked over and lifted her arms. He picked her up and held her close against his chest, his heart feeling like it might explode. “I’m so glad you’re a part of my life, Raale,” he said softly. “I love you.”
“I lub you, too, Daddy,” she whispered softly at his ear.
Mesa’s heart was breaking. How could she have let this happen? She turned her back so they wouldn’t see the tears in her eyes.
Reluctantly, Rafe returned the child to the porch and watched her go to the door. “Goodnight, Baby Girl. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
She nodded. “Goodnight Daddy.”
When the door closed Rafe stood
there for a minute and then turned to look at Mesa. Her back was to him and he saw her shoulders quivering. He knew she was crying, but he didn’t give a damn. She’d brought this on herself. He would just walk back to his truck and let her deal with whatever she was feeling the best way she could. But he couldn’t. He placed a hand on her shoulders. “Mesa,” his voice was rough and he didn’t know what else to say. Then his arms slipped around her and turned her so her head rested against his chest.
“I’m so sorry, Rafe,” she sobbed. “I never meant to hurt you.”
His hands stroked up and down her back gently as he held her. “I know. Don’t cry. We don’t want to upset Raale.” He wanted to tell her that it was alright, but he couldn’t. It didn’t matter what her intentions had been, the decision to keep his child from him had hurt. Was still hurting. He didn’t know if he’d ever forgive her for it. But somehow, they had to reach a point where they could share the child that had in some way welded their lives together forever. It was not going to be easy. In fact, it would be damned hard. His heart was already beating at an accelerated pace and feeling her body against his was having a very unsettling effect on him.
Rafe stood her away from him and looked at her, his face solemn. “I can’t do this, Mesa. I can’t offer you absolution. Hell, I can’t even offer you comfort.” His voice was deep and rough as he wiped her tears away with his thumb.
“I don’t expect your forgiveness, but we have to at least be friends for Raale’s sake,” she offered weakly.
“Friends?” He couldn’t completely mask the sarcasm in his voice. “You want us to be friends?”
She nodded. “We have to be. Raale needs to know that we can share our lives with her in a calm, friendly way.”
“I can’t be your friend, Mesa. I might manage acquaintance, but friends won’t work.” He shook his head negatively. “Something will always get in the way of that.”
Sweet Talking Lawman Page 9