Redeeming the Texas Rancher

by Sands, Charlene

  She strode away at a brisk pace, getting the hell out of Dodge.

  *

  Sarah sat the dinner table across from Cole, delicately inserting the fork into her mouth and chewing on the tender pot roast Emma had served. She sipped wine and Cole, too, sipped from his drink. He’d poured himself a stiff whiskey, straight up. Hell, he’d needed the fortitude. Juggling the two women in his life wasn’t easy.

  He was as fucking mixed up as a man could be.

  Sarah was here and he could hardly believe it. She’d been his first love. His only love and there wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t think about her. About the crazy young love they’d shared and how all of that had vanished in the blink of an eye.

  And then there was Dakota.

  Man, she was furious at him. He couldn’t really blame her, but he didn’t know how to make things right with her.

  He owed Sarah this time together. She’d asked for it and after what she’d gone through he wasn’t about to deny her anything. Yet, as he sat there watching her eat, his appetite was at an all-time low. He’d barely been able stomach the delicious meal Emma had put on the table. Since when had he not eaten his dinner?

  It was a tell that something was way off.

  “I’d like to hear something about this guy you’re thinking about marrying,” Cole said.

  Sarah paused a second and wiped her mouth with the napkin. Her eyes sort of went all dreamy. “Denny is really a sweet guy. I met him at a charity event for disabled children. He was running the silent auction and we just clicked. We both love kids. He’s a high school administrator.”

  “He lives in Chicago?”

  “Yes.”

  “And yet, you’re here tonight with me.” Cole raised his brows.

  “Yes, again.” She gave him a smile. “Can’t you guess why?” She rose from the table and walked over to him. He lifted up from his seat and she took his hands. “I’m here. For you, Cole. Don’t you get that?”

  Oh man. “I’m beginning to.”

  “We had a powerful love.”

  “That I ruined.”

  “You’ve got to stop blaming yourself. It wasn’t anything you could’ve prevented.”

  “I practically forced you up on that horse.”

  “I was eager to learn, Cole. Can’t you see that I’ve gotten past all that? I’m here, because I can’t stop thinking about what we had.”

  It was everything he’d always wanted to hear, but right now, it wasn’t sitting right. Sarah was virtually a stranger to him. He’d held her up on a pedestal all these years, but he didn’t really know her anymore. He wasn’t sure if they would ever work. Hell, he wasn’t sure of anything.

  “You haven’t tried to kiss me.”

  “No, I, uh…” He stared at her mouth.

  “Aren’t you curious? Twelve years ago, we couldn’t wait to kiss and touch each other. The memories are so clear in my mind.”

  “Mine too, Sarah. But that was a long time ago. We’re not those kids anymore. A lot has happened since then.”

  “You never married, Cole. I’m thinking it might be the same reason I didn’t. And you’re not attached at the moment.”

  “I…never said that.”

  She blinked. Of course she was surprised; Cole hadn’t mentioned Dakota to her, not once since she’d been here. “So, there is someone in your life?”

  No. Yes. “I’m…yes, I’m seeing someone.”

  “Am I complicating your life by being here?” she asked sincerely.

  Oh yeah. He’d probably already blown it with Dakota. “I’m glad you’re here, Sarah. We needed to talk, to see each other. To clear things up between us.”

  She nodded and a hint of regret entered her eyes as she smiled. “I’m glad I came here too. I’m glad we had this time together. Cole, I want you to know I’ll always love you.”

  He closed his eyes briefly, absorbing the feelings, the words that touched him so dearly. He felt the same way about Sarah. She was a part of his past and well…hell, he was just coming grips with the notion that he couldn’t go back. He couldn’t recapture what they’d had. He had moved on, without ever realizing it. Thanks to one hot-tempered tomboy beauty. “I’ll always love you too, Sarah.”

  He released her hands and then brought her into a tight embrace. The hug was one of past history, of newfound friendship.

  “I think this Denny guy is pretty lucky,” he whispered.

  “Thank you, Cole. I think I’m the lucky one, to have the love of two amazing men in my lifetime.” She kissed his cheek. “Is it okay if I stay one more night? I’ll be leaving first thing in the morning.”

  “Of course. You going back to Chicago?”

  She nodded. “It’s going to be one very tense Thanksgiving with my mother. But we’ll manage. I think she’s finally getting the message that she can’t make all my decisions for me.”

  “She’s protective. I get that.”

  “To a fault, and I’m truly sorry for all she put you through.”

  Cole sighed. “It’s in the past, Sarah. I’ve dwelled too long. It’s time we both find what we’re looking for.”

  “Is it Dakota? Is she your someone special?”

  Cole’s brows lifted. Sarah was perceptive. “Yeah. How did you know?”

  “You want the truth?”

  He wasn’t so sure about that, but he braced himself and nodded.

  “I’d never met her before, but I remember you speaking of her. She’s a family friend and now she works for you?”

  “That’s right.”

  “It was the pain I saw in her eyes when I told her who I was. She tried to hide it, but a woman can sense these things. If you care for her, Colby, if she’s the one, don’t let her go.”

  Thinking of Day in pain made him feel like a heel. He’d never wanted to hurt her. He saw it all clearly now, Sarah was his past. But Dakota was his future. He hoped he wasn’t too doggone late. The thought of living without Day was inconceivable.

  He had to find a way back to her.

  If she’d have him.

  Chapter Nine

  Day arrived in Arizona on Wednesday, one day earlier than expected, surprising her mother. She’d simply had to get away, had to show up at her mother’s house without Cole by her side. She was still furious and wounded and spending time away from him was a necessity.

  Her mother’s home was lovely and well-cared-for. Not too much was ever out of place and the grounds around this cozy little retirement community were always so cheerful, full of green grass and flowers. Two- and three-bedroom homes on small plots of land nestled next to each other made for pretty, symmetrical streets. A golf course on one end and a full recreation center on the other end of the property ensured plenty of activities for the retirees. It was a perfect place for June and Alice to meet new friends and start their lives over.

  “Dakota, honey, you don’t have to clean the house. I did all this yesterday.”

  Day had already re-dusted the near spotless furniture and was working on polishing the dining room table. “I don’t mind, Mom.”

  “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re upset about something. You clean whenever you’re bothered or angry.”

  “I’m just trying to help out,” she defended. Her mother knew her inside and out and was hitting close to the mark. “You’re still in that big boot.”

  “Yes, but I’m used to it now and I’m getting around much better than when you were here last. Will you stop that for a minute?”

  Day halted in mid scrub and turned to her mom. “What?”

  “I’m happy to see you, honey. Sit down with me. Let me look at you.”

  “We have pies to make, Mom.”

  “All in due time, Dakota May. Sit with me.”

  Day tossed her dust cloth down and sighed. “Okay. Let’s sit.”

  She took a seat on the living room sofa, her mother following behind and taking a seat as well.

  “How are you, Day?”

 
“I’m good, Mom.”

  “Are you? I’ve never seen you so antsy? And you showing up a day early—don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled you’re here, but you were supposed to come tomorrow morning with Cole. What happened?”

  “Nothing happened, Mom. I just wanted to spend more time with you.”

  “Alice said Cole didn’t know you’d changed your flight reservations.”

  “I texted him. I can’t help it if he’s too busy to look at his phone.”

  Her mom studied her face. Day gave her a smile, hiding her pain, hiding the turmoil roiling around in her stomach. Her head ached every time she thought of Cole with Sarah.

  Did her mom know about what had happened twelve years ago? If she did, she would have also been sworn to secrecy. Her mother and Alice were thick as thieves about most things, but she couldn’t keep from wondering how much, if anything, her mother knew about Sarah…Ryan. Geesh, she hated thinking the woman might still have Cole’s last name.

  For right now she pushed all of that aside. She wasn’t going to ask her mother about it, because then Day would have to reveal everything. And the last thing she wanted to do was ruin Thanksgiving.

  Somehow she was going to get through this holiday. “So, Mom, have you begun dating anyone yet?”

  Her mother didn’t flinch at the notion. She was thoughtful and Day was only too happy to distract her mother from the subject of her and Cole.

  “Actually, I met this really nice man. We talk on the phone several times a week. I think once this boot is off and I’m able to get out more, I might take him up on his invitation to have dinner.”

  “Really? That’s wonderful, Mom. What’s his name?”

  “Timothy Bailey. He’s a retired widower. He lives in this complex. That’s the only bad part about it. If we go out and it doesn’t work, then we’d probably be bumping into each other from time to time. It could get awkward.”

  “Yeah, getting involved with someone you see on a regular basis can get pretty weird.”

  Her mom’s eyes narrowed in on her, as if she was puzzling something out. Quickly Day added, “I suppose. Of course I’m no expert on dating or anything. But I’d say go for it, Mom. If you like the guy.”

  “You think so, honey?”

  “It’s not like you’re looking for love or anything, right?” Because that could really backfire. Day had firsthand experience on that score.

  “Right.”

  “So go and have fun. Keep things light.” Her mother deserved to have some male companionship. Cole had been the first to say so, and she hated that she was now agreeing with him. But she’d seen a glow in her mother’s eyes when she was speaking of Timothy—a light that lifted her mom’s spirits and brought a smile to her face.

  “Thanks, sweetie. It’s good advice.”

  “Now, how about we make those pies? We’ve got to have pumpkin of course, but how about pecan and apple too?”

  “Three pies for the four of us? Honey, isn’t that a bit much?”

  “Oh, so you’re not trying to set me up with anyone this time, Mom? No surprise visitors to our dinner?”

  “Well, there is my neighbor Luanne’s nephew. He’s in the military…a Navy man I believe and he’s unattached. She’s been wanting me to introduce you. But I held back, honey. I guess, I know better now, unless…”

  “No, Mom.” She spoke firmly. She was in over her head with Cole. The last thing she needed was a blind date. “Thanks for the thought. But no more setups for me. I’m good.”

  “Okay, honey. I know you’re married to your job at the moment. Those mares don’t know how lucky they have it.”

  She chuckled as she rose from the sofa. “Thanks, Mom. That’s sweet. And I do love my work, but right now, I’m anxious to get to those pies. All three of them.” If nothing else, it’d keep her busy the rest of the day and keep her mind off tomorrow morning, when Cole was going to show up.

  *

  The knock came to her mother’s door at one in the afternoon. It was customary that whomever hosted the dinner would also serve appetizers beforehand in the early afternoon. Whenever they got together, football played on the television and occasionally, if the game was a blowout, they’d play cards while the turkey was cooking.

  “Honey, would you get the door?” her mother called from the kitchen. “That’ll be Cole and Alice.”

  “Sure, Mom.” Day braced herself. She’d worked herself up into a tizzy last night, hardly getting any sleep, her thoughts developing into crazy notions involving Cole reuniting with Sarah, his long-lost love.

  She pulled the door open and there he stood, his arms loaded down with fall flowers. He wore a beautifully tailored tan snap-down shirt and dark brown slacks. The tan Stetson he wore matched his outfit perfectly and of course, he had enough scruff on his face to make him look devastatingly handsome. And dangerous…to her heart.

  “Happy Thanksgiving,” he said giving her a smile and handing her the smaller bouquet of flowers of the two. “These are for you.”

  She accepted them, dumbfounded, and blinked her eyes. “Thank you.”

  He strode further into the house. His mom, Alice appeared behind him and immediately circled her arms around her in a warm tight hug. “Day, it’s great seeing you, honey.”

  “Same here, Alice.” Cole’s mother had been like an aunt to her while growing up. They shared mutual love and genuine affection. “You look wonderful.” Alice always had a sophistication about her, more in how she carried herself than her attire, but today all of it was working well.

  “And you look beautiful, Day. I like your hair down. And that dress, well, you’re rocking it.”

  She laughed. “Thanks. You’re not used to seeing me like this, is all.”

  Day had dressed for the holiday in a charcoal black form-fitting dress, adorned by silver hoop earrings and a matching necklace.

  “Nonsense. You’ve developed into a beauty, Dakota. No matter what you’re wearing. Cole, don’t you think Day looks amazing?”

  Cole glanced her way, his eyes hitting on hers for a brief second. “Always, Mom. Just like you said.”

  It was a pat answer. One Cole was accustomed to. His mother was always so sweet and complimentary to her and often she’d drag Cole into the conversation. None of it meant anything. None of it mattered.

  Cole focused his attention on her mom, handing the bigger fall bouquet to her. “These are for you, June. Thanks for having us to Thanksgiving.”

  “Oh, would you look at these.” Her mother’s voice elevated. She accepted the flowers graciously and put her nose to the roses in the bunch. “They’re beautiful and they smell so darn good,” she said, reaching up on tiptoes to hug Cole around the neck. “Thank you, Cole.”

  He smiled. “You’re welcome. It’s the least I can do, since I can’t cook worth a darn.”

  “Well, you can eat. We’re counting on you for that. And then, there’s always cleanup duty.”

  “I’m your man,” he said good-naturedly.

  “Day, why don’t you come over here and help Cole put these in a vase.”

  “Sure thing, Mama.”

  She made her way into the kitchen, a room visible from the great room that also housed the dining area. Two master bedrooms and baths were located down the hallway. It was more than enough room for a woman living alone and the layout lent a great deal of warmth.

  While their mothers greeted each other, Day breezed by Cole and grabbed for the vases high up in a glass cabinet. On tiptoes, she couldn’t quite reach it and then Cole was there, blocking her in from behind. “I’ve got them,” he said.

  Rather than make a scene, she stood there, breathing in his scent, allowing him to take down the vases. She turned then, which was a mistake, because Cole hadn’t moved away. He was practically hip to hip with her, and she was trapped. “Thank you,” she said, deceptively polite, taking one of the vases out of his hand.

  “I want to talk to you,” he whispered and Day shot a glance at their mothers.
They were engrossed in conversation.

  “No.” She smiled at him and said through gritted teeth, “Let’s just get through the day.”

  He backed off then, his nostrils flaring. “You’re being stubborn.”

  She had her back to the two women across the room. “And you’re a liar,” she whispered.

  “Technically, I never lied to you.”

  Day ignored him and spent time arranging the flowers in the vase, while Cole watched her every move. She didn’t care what he wanted to say. She wasn’t ready to hear it. She wasn’t ready to be stupid again.

  She put the flowers in the middle of the table as the centerpiece. Her flowers—funny how she’d never gotten flowers from Cole before—she set out on a cocktail table and the fragrant scent battled with the savory aromas of a fifteen-pound turkey cooking in the oven.

  Her mother turned on the television and Day put out bacon-wrapped dates and fresh cut veggies and for the next few hours, they made small talk around the TV, Day barely acknowledging Cole. It was not a problem though, sports took precedence over conversation with Cole and so nothing looked amiss.

  When it was time to serve the turkey, Cole put on cooking mitts and removed the bird from the oven. He set about carving while Day worked around him, putting out the side dishes. Biscuits, cornbread stuffing, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole were the norm for this group.

  And after Alice poured wine and all took their seats, June said, “Let’s all hold hands and say a prayer of thanks.” Day took her mother’s hand on one side, while Cole sitting adjacent to her on the other side, reached out to cover her hand with his. His touch made her tremble, sending unrepentant shockwaves through her system. She didn’t want to feel this. She didn’t want his touch to matter anymore.

  She was bruised and battered, the injuries severe.

  “Thank you, Lord, for this abundant food before us. Thank you for bringing our children, Dakota and Cole, here safely today. Thank you for the love we share with our dear friends. We are truly blessed to have these lifelong friendships.”