Marriage-Minded Cowboy

by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Stephanie Bond

  “Then I’ll see you at the Buckskin.” She folded it and shoved it in her jeans pocket.

  “Yes, you will.”

  She turned and started for the door.

  “Oh, Val?”

  Pausing, she resisted the urge to look at him. “What?”

  “Thanks for leaving the book I was reading.”

  “No problem.”

  “Can’t wait to see how it ends.”

  She dragged in a breath. “’Bye, Teague.”

  “’Bye, Val.”

  She hurried out the door and stumbled down the steps. Climbing in the truck was a chore when her legs were shaking. It took her forever to get the key in the ignition.

  She longed to gun the engine and fly out of there, but she took it slow. Sending up a rooster tail of dust would be disrespectful. She’d already done enough damage.

  Halfway back to town, she looked at the empty passenger seat. She’d forgotten Florence. Again.

  Heading to the Buckskin without three chatty girls in the truck added to the weirdness of the day. Val turned on the radio and quickly turned it off again. Listening to her thoughts wouldn’t be much fun, but country love songs would be worse.

  Her house was in shambles and she’d left it that way. Chaos suited her for the time being. But heaps of clothes everywhere had meant hunting for ten minutes before unearthing her orange bandana. The hickey had faded, but she’d be in big trouble if she showed up without that bandana.

  The girls had looked forward to this day all summer. She’d concentrate on them, on their irrepressible spirit and their joy at being allowed to show off what they’d learned.

  During the drive, she ran a mental video featuring each of those munchkins. Serious Piper riding her beloved Lucky Ducky. Tall, lanky Riley, proudly mounted on Mister Rogers. Tatum sitting pretty on Henri’s barrel racer, Prince. And Claire, who could barely contain herself now that Cinnamon lived at the Buckskin.

  Teague beat her there. He’d parked at the far end of the barn, no doubt to leave room for the other vehicles that would arrive soon. She pulled in next to his truck because it made sense.

  A section of bleachers from Ed’s arena partially blocked the view of the corral. The bleachers made it official — they were putting on a show. The girls’ chatter and laughter drifted from the open barn door, followed by a deeper male chuckle. Teague.

  She paused, suddenly short of breath. Could she do this? The brief exchange with him this morning had been tough, but when he interacted with those four girls, his appeal shot into the stratosphere.

  She had no choice, did she? They were counting on her to be part of an event they’d remember for years, maybe even the rest of their lives. She would paste a smile on her face and—

  “Hi, girlfriend.” Nell came out of the barn, her expression worried. “Teague heard your truck. He asked me to come out and make sure you’re okay.”

  “Oh.” The tight feeling in her chest got worse. He’d listened for the sound of her truck so he could send aid when she arrived? Who did that? Who else would have that much empathy for someone who’d just handed them a pink slip?

  “You’re not okay.” Nell took her by the arm. “Let’s walk.”

  She nodded, falling into step beside her. “Where?”

  “We’ll go down the path that leads to the bunkhouse. It’s shady. You can catch your breath.”

  “Listen, you need to go back. I see where you mean. I’ll just wander a bit by myself until I settle down.”

  “I’ll stay with you.”

  “But—”

  “Everything’s under control. The Brotherhood groomed the horses this morning and the girls braided all the manes and tails. But of course Henri came up with more ribbons so they’re adding a few finishing touches.”

  “Henri’s in there? I didn’t see her truck.”

  “Teague stopped by and picked her up. If you want my opinion, she asked him to because Ed phoned her and suggested it. Henri has a very calming influence on people.”

  “Everybody takes care of everybody around here, don’t they?”

  “Yes, they do.” Nell gave her a sideways hug. “And I won’t lie. We’re all concerned about you and Teague.”

  “Please don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I just hate that he’s suffering. That’s what gets to me.”

  “Funny, but he says the same about you. He’s fine, but he’s torn up because you’re not fine.”

  “What makes him think that?”

  “You forgot Florence for the second time.”

  “Did he bring her?”

  “No, because she wouldn’t do well sitting in his or your truck all afternoon.”

  “No, she wouldn’t. So where—”

  “Still at his house.”

  “You know, this is ridiculous, you having to walk me like an overheated horse.” She turned around. “We’re going back.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I need to be able to handle being around him. We’re continuing the riding lessons.”

  “Good point. So here’s a question. Will you come to the celebration at the fire pit tonight?”

  “There’s a celebration?”

  “Everyone was in the mood, especially because of this riding event. The Babes and the Brotherhood are hosting. If you’re serious about tackling this issue head-on, then you should come.”

  “I suppose Teague will be there.”

  “I imagine so. He and CJ are talking about doing a jam session.”

  “Really? He’s going to play?”

  “That’s what I hear.”

  “That’s wonderful. Good for him.”

  “Will you come?”

  She gulped. Teague was making an effort. She could do no less. “Yes, I’ll come.”

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Teague made the Buckskin gang promise to take tons of pictures during the event, both stills and videos. The hour went by incredibly fast and he barely had time to blink, but once he grabbed a second to scan the crowd and was gratified to see phones held high, recording the action.

  He’d been worried about Val, but she came through like a champ, riding flawlessly and praising the girls during every short break. She and Nell had as much influence on the kids’ excellent performance as he and Zeke. After a summer of close contact, all four adults were in tune and the girls picked up on that consistency.

  The enthusiastic crowd loved the riding drills and they went crazy for the rope tricks. He’d intended to be part of the demonstration, but at the last minute he changed his mind. They were a unit with their color-coordinated ropes and bandanas. They didn’t need him.

  He found a good vantage point and pulled out his phone. After a minute of video, he put it away and simply watched, his heart full. At the climax, when they jumped through their twirling loops, the stands erupted.

  They took their bows, broad smiles on faces pink with excitement. Then they broke ranks and ran to him, arms outstretched. He crouched down and gathered them close. “Love you guys.”

  A chorus of we love you, too, Uncle Teague got him a little teary-eyed. “Okay, now. Time for our grand finale.”

  He led them over to the staging area by the barn where Matt and Jake had been keeping everything moving smoothly. Val and Nell were already mounted.

  He and Zeke gave the girls a boost up before climbing on their horses. Teague rode Thunder, Matt’s black stallion, and Zeke was on King, the buckskin Charley used to ride. Both saddles were fitted with flag boots. Matt handed up Montana’s state flag to Zeke and the Stars and Stripes to Teague.

  He settled the pole firmly in the boot and glanced at the riders, sliding his gaze quickly past Val so he wouldn’t freak out either her or him. But he made eye contact with each of the four girls. “We’re gonna knock ’em dead, ladies.”

  Claire punched a fist in the air. “Yeah, baby.”

  Zeke laughed and shook his head. “Madison Square Garden, here we come.” He met Teague’s gaze. “Let’s do thi
s.”

  Teague grinned. “Yeah, baby.” He nudged Thunder forward, moving from a walk to a trot as he and Zeke approached the gate, the flags rippling in the breeze. This was the only musical number, and CJ had been a good sport about setting up speakers for a four-minute gig.

  When CJ got the signal from Zeke, he hit the switch and Aaron Tippen’s Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly poured through the speakers. Teague and Zeke broke into a canter and burst through the gate, flags streaming as they split apart, circling the corral.

  Riley and Piper followed, cantering like pros as they split, too, Riley riding behind Zeke and Piper behind Teague. Claire and Tatum came in next, with Val and Nell the last two through the gate.

  Then they began their weave, riders crossing paths, slipping between each other in a seamless ballet in time to the music. They’d messed it up a little in the dress rehearsal when they’d used a portable boom box. But this time, as if inspired by the resonance of CJ’s sound system, horses and riders executed perfectly.

  The crowd rose to its feet, cheering and clapping along with the music. Teague picked out his mom in the crowd and she blew him a kiss. He gave her a smile. She’d taught him to be resilient. He’d get through this.

  The music built to a crescendo. The group of eight ended the weave pattern and lined up side-by-side with Teague and Zeke in the middle. Then they walked slowly toward the crowd, the line almost straight as the final words of the song filled the air.

  Despite the music and the cheers, Teague managed to catch Piper’s awestruck wow. She’d been the most nervous and reluctant of the four, but chances were good she’d be totally on board after this triumph.

  He’d loved it, too. Solo performances weren’t his thing, but team events like this, where he shared the success of the event with others… yeah, he was down with that.

  He led the single-file parade out of the arena as the spectators continued to shower them with applause and shouted praise. Heady stuff. Was Val soaking it up, too? Did he dare congratulate her on a job well done?

  What the hell. Nothing to lose, right? The staging area was a circus. Thank goodness the Brotherhood stepped in to deal with the horses, because the group of well-wishers turned out to be larger than expected.

  As Matt came to take charge of Thunder, Teague lowered his voice. “Who are all these people?”

  “A lot of them are the extended families of the kids. Nell expected the parents, of course, but evidently some grandparents, aunts and uncles showed up. Even cousins.”

  “Well, good. They worked hard and I’m glad they have that kind of support.”

  “Add in the Babes and anyone they might’ve invited, and Val and Nell’s principal, and some of the other teachers, and you’ve got a big crowd. And you gave them a great show.”

  “Thanks. Thunder’s a dream to ride. I know you’ve had to work with him.”

  “Sure have, but he’s worth the effort. And he looks fancy out there.”

  “Yeah, he does. Thanks again for letting me ride him.”

  “Glad to.” Matt led the black horse into the barn.

  “You both looked fancy.”

  He turned and there was Val. She’d sought him out. Right on schedule, his pulse began to race. What did it mean that she’d come looking for him? Maybe nothing. Her expression was guarded.

  “Thank you. You did a terrific job. Very smooth.”

  “It felt that way to me, too. Like everything clicked into place.”

  “Did you have fun?”

  “Yes.” Her smile was tentative. “I did.” She took a breath. “Gotta go thank Jake for taking care of Sundance. See you later.” She hurried away.

  See you later? What the hell did that mean?

  Val’s see you later comment dogged him for the rest of the afternoon. Good thing he had a lot to do or it might have driven him crazy.

  He helped dismantle the bleachers and loaded as much as would fit in the back of his truck. Nick and Rafe pitched in and used Rafe’s truck to haul the rest to Ed’s arena, where the three of them put everything together again.

  He walked them back out. “Thanks for doing this. Those bleachers made all the difference.”

  “Happy to,” Rafe said. “You’ll be there tonight, right? CJ is counting on it.”

  “I’ll be there.”

  Rafe took off his hat and mopped his brow with his sleeve. “How come we’ve never heard of you playing the harmonica?”

  “I dunno. It just seems dopey to mention it, like I’m looking for an audience.”

  “Trust me,” Nick said. “You’ll have a very happy audience tonight. If you ask me, we need more harmonicas in country music. It just fits.”

  “I always loved the sound. I don’t exactly remember my dad playing, but my mom says he used the harmonica to get me to sleep at night.”

  “Yeah?” Rafe smiled. “That’s cool. Must be why you took it up.”

  “Well, that, and my mom gave me my dad’s harmonica when she thought I was old enough to take care of it.”

  “That’s even better.” Nick clapped him on the shoulder. “Can’t wait to hear you play, dude. See you later.”

  See you later. The words rang in his head as he hurried through his evening chores and hopped in the shower. Nick meant them literally, but Val might have been tossing the phrase out for no reason. Folks said it all the time, even when they had no plans to see that person they were leaving.

  He could call Nell and ask her. She’d know. But that move was straight out of junior high. No, thanks. He’d take Ed and his mom to the celebration and have a good time, no matter what.

  Although he hung onto that sentiment during the drive to the Buckskin, he broke out in a cold sweat when he pulled in and parked in front of the bunkhouse. A quick scan of the vehicles told him hers wasn’t there. Disappointment lodged in his chest, a chunk of ice that was liable to affect his ability to play.

  “I’m so excited to be doing this.” His mom was in a stellar mood. Evidently her lunch with Cliff had gone well, although she hadn’t elaborated other than saying they’d had a good time.

  He’d been tempted to ask a few pointed questions. He hadn’t. The concept was too new, too unsettling. Better to keep his mouth shut until he had a better handle on it.

  After helping his mom and Ed out of the truck, he glanced back at the road as another pair of headlights bobbed along it. Nope, not her truck. That little six-cylinder was distinctive.

  See you later.

  He’d been a fool to think that meant she was coming to this shindig. A bottle of apple cider should dissolve that icy lump in his chest and allow him to do justice to the harmonica tucked in his shirt pocket. His mom would love hearing him play. That was worth a lot.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  Muttering her favorite curse words, Val pulled to the edge of the dirt road. Not the very edge, though, because the bushes would scratch her paint job. Nothing like being late and lost.

  What an afternoon! Soon after she’d arrived home from the Buckskin, Madeline had called to ask if she could borrow some romance novels to get in touch with her feelings about romantic love.

  Sure, why not? Val had gone through her stash looking for the ones with the most feels, the best happy-ever-after endings. Three hours later, she’d had a stack of books for Madeline and a life-changing revelation of her own. Teague deserved to hear it ASAP.

  But she’d rocketed way past the time she should have left for the celebration, a celebration she clearly wasn’t going to find without help. Grabbing her phone from the passenger seat, she texted Nell.

  I’m lost.

  If luck was with her, Nell had her phone and wasn’t so engrossed in the party that she’d miss the faint ping of a text.

  The screen lit up. Oh, Val, I’m so sorry you’re hurting. I’ve been thinking about you. Want me to come? I can be there in thirty minutes. I can spend the night if you need me to.

  Val sighed. She must have been truly pathetic in June i
f Nell had jumped to that conclusion. I’m not mentally lost. I’m physically lost on this &%#@ ranch. Don’t they believe in lights? Or signs?

  Where are you?

  I DON’T KNOW.

  Have you passed Henri’s house yet?

  4 times.

  Go back to Henri’s house. I’ll talk you in from there.

  OK.

  With some tricky maneuvering, she turned the truck around and got back to Henri’s driveway. Henri’s porchlight and the one on the cottage nearby were the only beacons in the inky night. Clouds covered most of the stars. The moon wasn’t up yet.

  Although she’d driven to the barn dozens of times, she hadn’t even managed to find that road. Her guidepost was a pine tree with a broken branch. Damned if she could pick out that tree from all the others, let alone the branch. Twice she’d turned on what looked like a road but was only a break in the trees.

  Her phone chimed with Nell’s ring. She snatched it up. “Thank God. This place is darker than the inside of a whale.”

  Nell laughed. “You’ve been inside a whale?”

  “I saw Pinocchio. How do people navigate around here?”

  “Did you use your high beams?”

  “Yes, and I saw an effing bear. Scared the stuffing out of me, so I cut the brights and locked the doors.”

  “The bear’s not a problem unless you have food in the truck.”

  “Nope.”

  “The meal’s over, but I’m sure Jake will get you something.”

  She didn’t give a flip about eating. Not after she’d finally figured out what she was feeling, what she wanted. But she’d wasted precious time. “I don’t need any food. Please tell me I haven’t missing the whole damned thing because I’ve been driving around for hours.”

  “Hours?”

  “Twenty minutes.”

  “Are you sitting in front of Henri’s?”

  “Yep. Pointed toward the road that goes out of here.”

  “Turn around and go a quarter of a mile. Watch your odometer.”

  “Got it.” By using the lower part of Henri’s drive, she made the turn without having to back and fill.