Reuniting with the Cowboy

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  He couldn’t. Couldn’t let her know how he felt when he couldn’t promise her a future.

  “Now get inside and shower.” His hands dropped away from her shoulders. “You smell like a barn lot.” Mixed with the tantalizing smell of Ally. It was so tempting to hold her in his arms again. And never let go. He took a step back, gave her a light shove.

  “Do me a favor and don’t tell Mom about this.” She spun away from him, bolted for her house.

  He needed to take lots of steps back. The smartest thing to do would be to move. But the thought of staying away from her completely tore at his insides.

  * * *

  Ally hummed as she strolled toward the barn. It was early morning, barely seventy degrees as the sun warmed her back. Another hour before her clinic opened. Enough time to feed her crew. She turned as movement caught the corner of her eye.

  A large dark gray cat with grass-green eyes hunkered near her truck. Oh, no. Were her animals loose again? She scanned the property. Nothing. And come to think of it, she didn’t have any cats like this in her shelter right now. Or among her boarders. Probably male, from the size of him.

  “Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.” She knelt, held her palm up. “I won’t hurt you. Here, kitty.”

  The cat stared her down a moment. Then its stance relaxed.

  “Here, kitty, kitty.”

  The cat trotted in her direction, stopped a few feet away, then slowly inched forward.

  “I won’t hurt you, sweetie. Do you have a home? Surely no one dumped a pretty kitty like you.”

  It sniffed her fingers, then rubbed its jaw against her nails and started purring.

  “You sure don’t act homeless and you look well cared for. In fact, you look familiar. Charcoal?”

  The cat looked up at her as if he recognized his name.

  “It’s you, isn’t it?” She picked him up, checked under his tail. Neutered tom. “You are Charcoal. What are you doing all the way out here, boy? Your mama must be worried sick. Let’s get you inside and call her.”

  She headed for the clinic instead of the barn.

  “Are they loose again?” Cody stepped off his porch. “I saw you coaxing him.”

  “No. That’s what I thought when I saw him. But I’m pretty sure he belongs to Stetson and Kendra Wright. They’re clients and I’ve taken care of Charcoal since he was a kitten. I’m pretty sure this is him. He must be lost.”

  “I know them from the rodeo, but they live a good five miles away, clear on the other end of Aubrey.”

  “I know. It’s odd.”

  “Maybe it’s not him.” He caught up with her, scratched the cat’s chin. Charcoal’s purr grew deeper. “All revved up, aren’t you, buddy?”

  “I was just taking him inside the clinic so I can call Kendra.”

  “I was fixing to head to the barn to visit the critters.”

  “Would you mind feeding them? That was my plan, but I need to see to this guy.”

  “I’m on it.” Cody gave the cat one final scratch, his eyes met hers, and he turned away.

  If she didn’t know better, the way he looked at her... Nonsense. But he’d been really upset yesterday when Bessie had nearly taken her out. He cared and didn’t want her to get hurt, because they were friends. Besides, it was his cow terrorizing her, so he’d have felt doubly bad if she’d gotten hurt. That was all.

  It had to be all.

  She unlocked the clinic door, stepped inside and set the cat down. “You wander where you want while I call your people.” She pulled the W drawer, found the file, scanned for the number and dug her cell out of her pocket.

  It rang twice and Kendra answered.

  “Hey, Kendra, it’s Ally. I’ve got a cat wandering around my place that looks suspiciously like Charcoal.”

  “How in the world would he get all the way over there? Let me check the barn, see if he’s here.”

  Children’s voices chattering in the background. Must be Kendra’s young daughter and son. “Mommy’s gotta go to the barn. Let’s make a train.”

  Ally’s heart took a dip. She didn’t want to ever need a man, but that also meant she’d never be a mom. The thought didn’t used to bother her. But lately...

  “Charcoal,” Kendra called. “Here, kitty, kitty, kitty. Charcoal.”

  The little voices helped call.

  “He doesn’t seem to be here.” Kendra chuckled. “We’ve roused a barnful of cats, but no Charcoal. And he’s usually here ready to eat first thing in the morning.”

  “I’ll put him in a boarding kennel and you can stop by when you get a chance.”

  “Thanks, Ally. I really appreciate it. I know he prowls at night, but I never imagined him going as far as your place.”

  It was odd. Ally ended the call, pulled a temporary cardboard kennel from the stack and folded it into shape. “I hate to do this to you, Char. But I’m taking you to the barn and when you hear all those dogs barking, you’ll be glad you’re in a box.” She picked him up and started to set him in the kennel.

  He let out a yowl and braced three feet against the cardboard.

  “It’s just for a minute, I promise.” She pried his feet loose and closed the lid before he could pop back out, then stuck her finger through one of the large airholes until she felt fur. “It’s okay, big guy.”

  He squalled as she carried him out and toward the barn.

  “You’re heavy, mister. And you should be quiet. You’re letting every dog in the place know you’re here.”

  The yowling continued as she stepped inside the barn and hurried to open a boarding kennel, then opened the box. Charcoal planted himself at the back.

  “First you want out, then you want to stay in. Come on, boy.” She scooped him up.

  By this time, the dogs were in full chorus, and the poor cat was so nervous he willingly dove for the boarding kennel. She fastened the latch in place, then rubbed his cheek through the wire but he didn’t purr.

  “You’ll be okay. I promise. I won’t let any of these yappers near you, boy.”

  “He’s the one who started the racket.” Cody.

  She jumped, spun around.

  “Sorry.” He sat on a folding chair in Oreo’s pen. “I thought you knew I was here.”

  “No. I called Kendra. She’ll pick him up sometime today. Could you feed him while you’re at it?”

  “Sure. I gave Oreo a little extra after he worked so hard yesterday.”

  “I can’t believe I never thought of using him for vaccinations.”

  “He’s a pro. And I meant what I said—you borrow him for every cattle call. From now on.”

  From now on. But what about if Cody left? If he went back to the rodeo. Or followed whatever his next diversion turned out to be.

  “What if this ranching thing doesn’t turn your crank and you leave? What then?”

  “If anything happens to me, I want you to have Oreo.”

  If anything happened to him? Like he might die? Her mouth went dry.

  “I mean...if I end up...leaving, I want you to have Oreo for your work.”

  But he hadn’t said leaving. He’d said if anything happened. Was Cody sick? No. Cody was way too tough. And except for the limp, he was the picture of health. He couldn’t be sick. He’d just misspoken.

  Cody was healthy as a horse. He had to be. Because in spite of everything, she needed him to be.

  She searched his gaze a few seconds longer. If he was sick, he wouldn’t be itching to get back on the circuit. No. Cody was fine.

  But he wasn’t the type to think of giving up a dog he loved. Was he so worried about her working with cattle that he’d leave Oreo behind?

  * * *

  The bright September day had cooled to comfortable temperatures. Ally scanned the
area to make sure all the animals were in the shade.

  Sheltered by two huge live oaks, the petting zoo spread across the church lawn with various animals in the temporary pens Cody had built. Carnival game booths covered half of the parking lot, with horseback rides occupying the rest.

  “This is the best petting zoo we’ve ever had.” Caitlyn stroked a silver rabbit inside a pen. “I tried to get Ally to do this over the years on numerous occasions. She turned me down every time, but let Cody ask and here she is.”

  Under the guise of securing the goat’s tether, Ally turned away to hide her heated cheeks. Was Caitlyn suspicious? She’d been studying Ally all afternoon. Had she figured out Ally had feelings for Cody?

  “Cody didn’t ask.” Ally shot him a glare. “He signed me up, leaving me little choice. Either do it or find someone else. It was easier to just do it.”

  “You signed her up?” Caitlyn frowned. “I thought you only suggested—”

  “It worked out okay.” Cody sent Caitlyn a panicked, wide-eyed “stop talking” look. “Dr. Bridges was able to fill in, your new vet tech is working this weekend, and when’s the last time you took off?”

  So he hadn’t really signed her up. He’d only told her he had. She jabbed a finger at him. “Just don’t try to make it an annual thing, buddy.”

  “I hated tricking you.” He grimaced. “But it was for a good cause—to help the church and your furry friends. I hope you’re not mad at me.”

  “I’m not.” Ally managed to infuse lightheartedness into her voice. “But I’ll be livid if you try something like that again.” Though he’d probably be a memory by then.

  “Maybe I’ll have won you over with my charm by next year and you’ll volunteer on your own.”

  “Uh, yeah, knock yourself out with that.” Ally rolled her eyes, hoping to pull off the effortless friendly banter she and Cody once had. “Your charm bounces right off me.” If only it were true. If only she could be immune to him.

  “Kids should be getting home from school anytime.” Caitlyn checked her watch. “Soon we’ll be overrun. Are we ready?”

  A car pulled into the lot, then another and another.

  “Show’s on.” Ally stroked the horse’s silky snout just as Cody patted her fingers instead of the horse.

  Electricity shot up her arm and she snatched her hand away. Why had she agreed to this?

  Because he’d gotten some of her pets adopted out and she felt she owed him?

  No.

  Because she wanted to find forever homes for more of her animals?

  Partly.

  But mostly because, try as she might, she couldn’t resist Cody, and spending time with him was the highlight of her days. Even though he thought of her as only a friend. Even though she was happy on her own.

  She was pathetic.

  More arrivals, and in no time the parking lot teemed with vehicles and kids dragging their parents toward the games and zoo, along with a smattering of preteens trying to look bored.

  “Wow, check him out.” One of the girls giggled and elbowed her friend.

  Ally’s face heated. She knew who they were talking about without even looking.

  Slade Walker and Mitch were helping with the horses and were both nice-looking men. But Cody drew females like a magnet.

  Including her.

  A day and a half spent with Cody. A beautiful kind of torture.

  * * *

  Half of day two at the petting zoo was behind them. Cody would go back to dropping in on Ally at her clinic, but this undivided time together would soon be over.

  Truth be known, his cattle ranch bored him to tears—just as he suspected it would. But he had to make a living without the rodeo. Thankfully, he’d hired a great foreman and hands to run the place for him. Time with Ally was all that kept him sane.

  He couldn’t take his eyes off her as she helped a little girl hold a rabbit properly while the rest of the kids stood in a circle around her. So patient, so gentle with the children and the animals. Her smile went all the way to her eyes. Her laugh all the way to her heart.

  “It’s nice seeing her like that, huh?” Caitlyn squeezed his good shoulder. “The old Ally. I see glimmers of her every once in a while. Usually when she’s with some critter.”

  “She used to be so much fun, so lighthearted and carefree. Now she’s on edge.”

  His tone echoed his wistfulness for the old Ally.

  “She changed after her dad died. If not for her vet practice, she’d probably be a hermit.” Caitlyn brushed her hands down the front of her jeans, removing imaginary fur. “I’m truly amazed she agreed to help with the petting zoo. Usually I can’t get her off her farm unless there’s an animal needing treatment.”

  That was probably part of it. But Cody doubted she was tense with everyone the way she was with him. The kiss still hung between them.

  “At least she still goes to church.”

  “Yeah, but something inside Ally died when her dad did.”

  “I shouldn’t have left.”

  Caitlyn gave him a questioning look.

  “I mean, her dad had just died.” Make it sound casual. If Caitlyn figured out his feelings for Ally, she’d badger him to make a move. A move he had no right to make until he figured out what to do with his aneurysm. “I should have stuck around a little longer, put off my career for a while and supported my friend.”

  “She didn’t want you to and if you had, she’d have pushed you away just like she did everyone else.”

  “How can we help her?”

  “I think you moving in next door already has. You got her here. And no matter what she says, no one can resist your infectious charm for long.” Caitlyn shot him a wink, patted his arm. “I better get back to horseback-riding duty. I just wanted to check and make sure you’re not overdoing it on that leg.”

  “Ally ordered me to sit in this chair by the puppies and kittens, so that’s what I’m doing. She handles the kids.”

  “Good.” Caitlyn tousled his hair as if he were a child and turned toward the game area.

  Ally caught him staring. Her smile died. The light in her eyes dimmed.

  “Okay, kids.” She clapped her hands to get their attention. “Let’s go see the puppies and kittens over by Mr. Cody.”

  It would take much more than every ounce of charisma Cody could muster to crack the wall Ally had built around herself. And then he’d have to tread carefully on the friends-only path.

  * * *

  Invite the kids in for food, ply them with treats, then make them sit through a mini-sermon. They’d fallen for it both nights.

  But Ally had seen through their plan. It was for the children and their parents. Not the workers.

  In the church parking lot, dedicated members cleaned the game area, deflated the bouncy houses and picked up trash. She headed for the cattle trailer.

  By the time parents and kids streamed out of the church, she’d loaded the horses, ponies and goats and hosed off the corner of the parking lot where the horses had been.

  “There you are,” Caitlyn called. “Mitch and some of the other guys could have done this.”

  “I know. But I’m used to it and I’m in charge of the animals.”

  “I’m glad to get a minute with you alone. Without Cody.”

  Ally’s heart rattled. Caitlyn was on to her. She knew Ally was having a hard time resisting his appeal.

  “Do you think he’s okay?” Caitlyn asked.

  Ally squelched a relieved sigh. This wasn’t about her feelings for Cody. “You mean his injuries?”

  “No. I mean his heart.”

  Oh, no. Had he just come off a bad relationship? Please, Caitlyn, don’t tell me about some woman in his life.

  “I know it must be hard fo
r him to not rodeo anymore. He must be heartbroken.” Caitlyn folded the chairs and leaned them against a tree.

  Huh? So this wasn’t about his love life. “I thought he decided not to go back.”

  “I can’t imagine Cody deciding to quit, not as long as he’s breathing. Don’t you think it’s strange that his sudden retirement came on the heels of his bull wreck?”

  “You think he’s hurt worse than he’s letting on?” Ally’s heart lodged in her throat.

  “He’s gotten a lot of concussions over the years.”

  “Maybe his doctor refused to release him.”

  “Don’t tell him I said anything.” Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “He tries to be all tough, you know.”

  Was Cody here only because he had to be? Grounded permanently? But even if he were banned from rodeo, that didn’t mean he had to stay in Aubrey. He was only leasing.

  More reason to stay away from him. He’d need a new diversion. Even if by some miracle Cody fell madly in love with her, she refused to be anybody’s consolation prize. Especially not a temporary one.

  “Speaking of Mr. Tough Guy,” Caitlyn whispered.

  The hair on the back of Ally’s neck prickled.

  “Where’d you go?” He limped toward her.

  “I figured I’d get a head start out here.” Was his limp permanent?

  “It could’ve waited. We had six kids come forward.”

  “That’s great.” Her tone fell flat.

  “Last night we had nine, for a total of fifteen. I wish some of the parents had gotten the message.”

  Why? So he could disappoint them, too?

  “Are you okay?” Cody touched her arm.

  “Fine.” She took a step backward. “Just trying to get all these animals back to their homes.” And keep my distance. From you. And from God.

  “Once we get all the animals settled where they came from, all the carnival workers are meeting at Moms on Main for supper.” Caitlyn strolled toward her car. “Want to join us, Ally?”

  “I better get home.”

  “Oh, I forgot.” Caitlyn checked her watch. “It’s almost five and if you stay out past six—you turn into a goat.”

  “I do smell like one, but goats are cute.” Ally folded her arms.