Rodeo Queen

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  The window display of her store glowed with lights, sparkly bows and festive wreaths, offering sanctuary.

  One of the clerks glanced up from helping a customer. “Your cousin called looking for you. He sounded young. I didn’t know you had any young cousins.”

  Neither did I, until my life exploded. “Thanks, I’ll go call him back now.”

  Her manager frowned at her as she headed for the back of the store to her office.

  The manager and both clerks were busy helping customers while several more browsed. She should help someone, but on the verge of a meltdown, she didn’t have it in her at the moment.

  She sank into the chair at her desk. Something else to think about. Anything. She pulled out her cell and punched Trent’s number.

  “Hey, you rang?”

  “I did it.” Excitement echoed in his tone.

  “Did what?”

  “Asked my girlfriend, Faith, to marry me.”

  Caitlyn smiled. Young love. Nothing like it. “And she said yes?”

  “Definitely.”

  “What about her dad?”

  “I visited with her family on Thanksgiving Day. We had a long talk and he gave me his blessing to ask her. I was planning on asking at Christmas, but I couldn’t wait.”

  “You’re staying in college, though, right?”

  “Definitely. I’ve finished my first year and I’m working part-time at a veterinary clinic.”

  “I’m really happy for you, Trent. Really.”

  “Me, too. So the wedding is on New Year’s Eve at the Ever After Chapel.”

  Her heart stuttered. Where Mitch had proposed.

  “That soon? That’s only three weeks away.”

  “I know. It’s crazy. But we’re not having a huge wedding or anything. We both want it to be simple. All her family lives here. And we don’t want to wait any longer. We’ve dated almost a year.”

  “Sounds like you’ve got it all worked out. Congratulations.”

  “We’ll be sending an invitation to the fam. I hope y’all can come.”

  “We wouldn’t miss it.”

  “You wouldn’t happen to know Mitch’s address, would you?”

  The air went out of her lungs. She closed her eyes. Another run-in with him at her cousin’s wedding. Would he bring his someone new? “Just send his invitation to the Texas Ranger headquarters in Garland.”

  “Duh. Why didn’t I think of that? I gotta go. I’ve got a class in a little bit, but I wanted to tell you the news since you encouraged me not to give up on Faith.”

  “I’m really glad. And I’ll see you on New Year’s Eve if not before.” Caitlyn ended the call and pressed her fingers against the slight throb in her temple. She had to get out of here.

  She gathered her purse and briefcase. As she hurried through the store, her manager sent her a silent SOS. Even more customers were browsing.

  “Can I help someone?” Caitlyn stashed her things under the counter and approached a woman in the hat section.

  Surely the store would slow enough for her to escape back to Fort Worth soon.

  Before she ran into Mitch and his someone new.

  * * *

  The day before Christmas Eve and the store had hopped all morning before slacking off at lunch. Did no one shop ahead anymore?

  “What size did you need again, ma’am?” Caitlyn couldn’t seem to focus.

  “Eight.”

  Caitlyn dug through the stack of jeans with blingy back pockets. The woman looked more like a twelve, but she’d go along with the fantasy.

  “Here you go. Just let me know if you need something smaller and I’ll bring them to the dressing room.”

  “Thanks.” The woman beamed as she headed for the dressing room.

  “Smaller?” Natalie whispered. “You’re a genius.”

  “When she asks for a ten and then a twelve, I’ll tell her how this brand is cut really small.” Caitlyn shrugged. “I figure my job is to make people feel good about themselves.”

  “Leave it to you to find a noble cause in selling clothes.” Natalie grinned. “So are you going to Trent’s wedding?”

  Caitlyn blew out a sigh. “Yes.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “He’s inviting Mitch, too. And I’m afraid Mitch will bring his girlfriend.”

  Natalie’s eyes went wide. “Mitch has a girlfriend? You’re crazy. The only one he’s ever noticed is you.”

  “I saw them.” Her voice cracked. “At the Galleria ice rink.”

  “Maybe they’re just friends.”

  “They looked awfully cozy. And there was a little boy with them.” Like a ready-made family.

  “Hmm.” Natalie tapped her chin with an index finger. “I know—invite cowboy Keith to the wedding. That way if Mitch isn’t alone, you won’t be, either.”

  “No. Absolutely not. I’d rather face Mitch and his girlfriend and leave as soon as the wedding is over.”

  “Suit yourself.” Natalie shrugged. Her cell rang and she dug it out of her pocket. “Hey, handsome.”

  “Ms. Wentworth,” the lady in the dressing room called.

  “Yes.” Caitlyn scurried to her door.

  “These seem a little small. I don’t know what the problem is—I always wear an eight.”

  “This line is cut small. Let me get you the next size.” She scooped up the ten she already had waiting at the counter, took them to the customer and dug out a size twelve.

  “Caitlyn, get your purse. We need to go.” The usually soft lines of Natalie’s face showed strain.

  Her heart jolted. “What’s wrong?” Please not Mama or Daddy. “Can I finish with my customer?”

  “Jennifer’s back from lunch.” Natalie gestured to her clerk.

  “I’ll take over.” Jennifer shot her a tense smile. “You go.”

  “Tell me what’s wrong.” Caitlyn’s gaze locked on her sister.

  “That was Lane.... He had the radio on. I’m sure it’s not Mitch, but—”

  Shock waves went off in her chest. “What about Mitch?”

  “Something about a robbery and a shoot-out with a couple of Texas Rangers. It’s probably not Mitch, but I thought I’d take you home and we could—”

  “Garland. Take me to headquarters in Garland.”

  “Of course.” Natalie shoved Caitlyn’s purse at her.

  “Um, the customer might need these twelves.” Caitlyn’s voice quivered.

  “I know the drill—the line is cut small. Go.” Jennifer smiled again.

  “I’m sure Mitch is fine.” Natalie opened the door for her. “But you won’t be until you know for sure.”

  * * *

  Mitch followed the forensic artist’s instructions. He should have been in Rockwall, rounding up the robbery suspect. Maybe if he’d been there, no one would have gotten hurt. At least it was a clean shoulder wound. But the suspect had gotten away and Mitch itched to be in on the hunt.

  Instead, he sat in a quiet office glued to a computer screen.

  “Very good. You’re a natural.” George smiled. “With your artistic skills, I can retire knowing you’ve got this department under control.”

  “I’m not as good as you.”

  “I’ve only got thirty-seven years on you.”

  “No pressure.” Mitch grinned and saved the age progression on a missing person’s case they’d updated.

  The office door opened and a frantic-looking Timmons stepped in. “Sorry to interrupt your training, but there are two women here to see you and they’re causing a disruption.”

  “Who?” Mitch frowned.

  “One of them is Ms. Wentworth.”

  Mitch’s heart did a flip.

  “I believe the
other lady said she’s her sister.”

  “Ma’am, y’all can’t be in this area.” A harried clerk sounded near his office. “I told you to stay in the lobby.”

  “We’re not leaving.” Natalie’s voice came from the hall. “Not until my sister sees Mitch Warren. I don’t care if you arrest us both.”

  Mitch stood and bolted for the doorway. “They’re with me.”

  “Here he is, Caitlyn,” Natalie said. “He’s right here.”

  A sob escaped Caitlyn. Her eyes were red, cheeks tearstained.

  Had something terrible happened to their parents? Mitch hurried to her and drew her into his arms. “What’s wrong? What’s happened?”

  “We heard the news.” Natalie wiped at a stray tear. “She was worried it was you in the shoot-out.”

  The tears were for him. Tangible proof she loved him.

  Mitch walked her to his office and closed the door. Everyone had disappeared without him even noticing, leaving them alone.

  “I’m fine.” He ran his hand down the length of her soft waves. “I’m fine.”

  “I thought you might die.”

  “I’ve been right here all day.”

  The shaking stopped. Her sobs quieted. She pulled away from him and swabbed her face. “I’m glad. Really glad. Did anyone get hurt today?”

  “Salvo—remember him from guard duty when you were in the hospital? He took a shot in the shoulder, but he’ll be fine.”

  “Good.” She turned toward the door.

  “You’re leaving?” He grabbed her by both shoulders.

  “Yes.”

  Gently, he turned her to face him. “You can’t.”

  “I have to.”

  “You just took ten years off your life worrying and sobbing because you thought I might be hurt and now you’re going to walk out on us. Again?”

  Her watery eyes looked into his soul. “How many tens of years do I have to give?”

  “Caitlyn, we love each other. And obviously you’re going to worry about me whether we’re together or not.”

  “I shouldn’t have come here.” She backed away from him. “But I couldn’t seem to stay away. I had to know if you were all right and I’m so thankful that you are. But there’s no future for us. And besides—” her voice cracked “—you’re seeing someone else.”

  Someone else? He frowned. “No. I told you, I’m not seeing anyone.”

  “I saw you with her.”

  “There’s no her.”

  “I was at the Galleria checking on my store.”

  The Galleria? Oh. The ice rink.

  “That was Raquel. My partner’s widow. She’s the friend I told you about. We’re friends—that’s all.”

  “Y’all seemed awfully cozy.”

  “Friends, Caitlyn. We grieved over Dylan together. I try to spend time with her son, but that’s all. There’s never been anyone but you.”

  “You should focus on Raquel.” Caitlyn shook her head. “She understands the life of a ranger’s wife. You could move on with her, and her son needs a father.”

  “I don’t love her and she doesn’t love me. I want to move on with you.”

  “I can’t.” Her face crumpled and she covered it with both hands.

  He reached for her.

  “Don’t.” She took another step back. “Just let me go. And please—” she swiped at her tears and took a deep breath “—don’t follow me.” She turned and rushed out the door.

  He couldn’t just let her go. He ran after her, but she was already halfway to the lobby. His phone rang.

  Still on duty. Mitch stopped. Everything in him wanted to let it ring. Instead, he hurried back to his office. “Warren here.”

  “It’s Timmons. I hope you’ve got your situation under control. We need you down at the hospital to get Salvo’s description of the shooter.”

  “On my way.” Mitch closed his eyes.

  * * *

  The hair at Caitlyn’s temple was tear soaked. Her sinuses were so swollen she couldn’t breathe. She rolled over.

  Heavy raw ash furnishings complemented the horses of various colors stampeding across her sage comforter. The Texas lone star was carved in her headboard, the mirror on the dresser and top drawer of the chest. Her favorite room in the house—her sanctuary.

  The matching glass display case Mama and Daddy had had custom-made for her birthday held all her barrel-racing trophies, belt buckles and several crowns from her rodeo-queen competitions.

  But even her favorite room was no comfort.

  Her phone rang beside the bed. Probably Natalie checking on her again. And her persistent sister would keep calling until she answered.

  “I’m okay.”

  “I’m glad.” Cody laughed. “I’m okay, too.”

  “Oh, I thought you were Natalie. She’s worried about me.”

  “Do tell.”

  “Long story.” She sat up and adjusted the covers around her. “How are you?”

  “Good, but I need a huge favor. I have a blind date on New Year’s Eve and I need you to be there.”

  “My cousin is getting married that night. I have to go to the wedding.” And face Mitch again.

  “Our date is over lunch.”

  “Why do you want me to crash your date?”

  “So I won’t be nervous.”

  “Don’t you think your date will think it’s strange for you to bring another woman on your date?” She swabbed her face with a tissue and hoped she didn’t sound like she’d been crying.

  “We’re both trying to keep it real casual.” He sighed. “That’s why we set it up for lunch. And she’s bringing a friend, too.”

  “This is sounding like a very crowded date. What are you doing going on a blind date, anyway? You’re a nice, cute guy. Women should fall at your feet.”

  “Thank you, thank you very much.”

  His Elvis impression needed work, but it tugged a laugh out of her. Cody was probably the only one who could do that today.

  “But until someone falls at my feet, a mutual friend set me up on this date and I’m nervous about it. Please.”

  “Where?”

  “You don’t even have to travel far. Moms on Main at noon.”

  “Oh, all right.” She rolled her eyes. “But just this once.”

  “You’re my all-time bestie.”

  “You owe me.”

  Cody deserved happiness, and if she could help him meet someone, she’d gladly do it. Maybe his effervescence and sense of carefree fun would keep her tension down since she’d have to face Mitch at the wedding that evening.

  For the last time.

  No matter what she heard on the news, after Trent’s wedding, she would do her best to avoid Mitch.

  And he would not ruin Christmas tomorrow. She would focus on celebrating her Savior’s birth. Her Mitch addiction paled in comparison.

  Determined to pull herself together again, she threw the covers back.

  The mirror told no lies. Swollen, puffy eyelids. She dressed quickly and took a little extra time with her makeup, hoping to cover up the evidence. But it was no use; she looked like she’d cried all night. Oh, well, she’d spend her day at the store. Last-minute shoppers would sidetrack her and by tomorrow, she’d be fine.

  She hurried downstairs, slipped on her coat and went to check the mailbox. A shirt-box-size package and cluster of envelopes bound together with a rubber band rested against a pillar by the steps. Several bills, junk mail, last-minute sale ads and the box—return address Garland.

  Her breath froze in her lungs. Had he gotten his boots and felt he should send her something in return? She checked the mailing date on the package. Mailed the same day she’d sent his boots.

  Stepp
ing inside, she pulled the end of the box open and poured the contents out on the coffee table. A puzzle—exactly like the one she’d helped Grandpa with—a navy jewelry box and a note.

  With shaking hands, she flipped open the lid of the velvety box. A pair of sparkling sapphire earrings. With blurred vision, she opened the note.

  Dear Caitlyn,

  They reminded me of your eyes. Be happy.

  Love always,

  Mitch

  Yes, she would always love him. She released a tremulous breath. So much for pulling herself together. Again.

  * * *

  Moms on Main was hopping, as usual. Caitlyn scanned the crowded restaurant and it took her a while to spot Cody at a booth near the register. He stood and hurried to meet her.

  Her curious gaze lingered on the booth. The back of a man’s head. Dark hair. Mitch. Her breath stalled. The woman from the mall, Raquel, sat across from him beside where Cody had been seated.

  “Hey, you made it.”

  “You didn’t tell me—”

  “Because you wouldn’t have come. He’s been wanting me to meet Raquel for a while.”

  Her hand went to an earring. She’d have never worn them if she’d known he’d be here. “I’m leaving.”

  “He knows you’re here. What will he think if you leave?”

  “I don’t care.” She shot him a glare. “You set me up.”

  “Y’all are crazy about each other and I love you both. What good would I be as a brother and friend if I stood idly by while you’re both miserable?”

  “A sweet sentiment. But I’m not miserable and I’m leaving.”

  “You are miserable. And Mitch told me he’s going to the wedding, too. You’ve probably been dreading it since the moment you learned your cousin invited him.”

  The protest danced on the tip of her tongue. But Cody knew her too well. Her mouth clamped shut.

  “So stay for lunch. Get facing Mitch over with and you’ll be able to enjoy your cousin’s wedding.”

  Behind Cody, she saw Mitch stand and Raquel did, too. Both headed in their direction. Too late to scurry away with her tail between her legs.

  “Caitlyn, meet Raquel. I’ve wanted y’all to meet for a while.”

  Raquel offered her hand. “You’re just as beautiful as Mitch described.”