Rodeo Song

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “She tried to talk me out of signing the contract.”

  “Then why did you?”

  “I needed to keep my name out there. And I don’t want my fans to know about my illness.”

  And he’d probably procrastinated. Because he was scared. For his health. And his career. So was she.

  A day spent with Garrett. Worrying about his voice. And his life.

  How many more days like this would he have?

  Lord, please let him be okay. He has to be.

  * * *

  The interview with Sammie Sanderson had obviously done the trick. Jenna scanned the capacity crowd at Cowtown Coliseum.

  The crowd had gone wild during Garrett’s stirring rendition of the national anthem. And now it was almost time for his second set.

  Thankfully over the past month, he’d stuck to his bargain. He made quick, decisive choices with everything Jenna presented him and pretty much let her make the decisions.

  With the main part of the house near completion and the bedrooms and bathrooms well under way, here she sat at his final rodeo performance.

  “Hey, coz.” Natalie elbowed her. “You’re kind of quiet tonight.”

  “Eventful several weeks.” Jenna turned on her. “I get the professional-confidentiality stuff, but I still don’t understand how you could know the man I love might have cancer and not tell me?”

  Natalie jabbed a finger at her. “Wait. A. Minute. You admitted you still love him. I knew it.”

  “No, I...” Jenna’s face heated and she shrugged. “So, what if I do?”

  “I guess facing possible cancer shoves all the small stuff aside.” Natalie squeezed her hand. “I hope he’s okay.”

  “Me too.” She closed her eyes. “Either way, he has to have surgery.”

  “Yes, but the specialist he’s scheduling with has a whole list of famous clients who’ve made a full recovery.”

  “If his surgery is a success, he’ll go back on tour.” She crossed and uncrossed her legs. How could she sit here calmly when Garrett’s biopsy was scheduled for Monday? “If it’s not, he’ll be miserable. And I doubt Aubrey is exciting enough for him to stay indefinitely.”

  “I don’t know, Jenna. I’ve had some good talks with Garrett. I don’t think his career is as important to him as it used to be. I think this cancer scare put things in perspective for him, too.”

  Whatever event had been going on came to an end and the arena lights dimmed. Jenna hadn’t seen any of the rodeo. Garrett monopolized her thoughts. His surgery. His health. How much she loved him.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer’s voice boomed. “Please make welcome in his final performance here at Cowtown, our very own Aubrey-Texas-grown Garrett Steele with the debut of his new single.” The crowd erupted in anticipation as Garrett entered the arena.

  Soft strains of music flowed, but the crowd didn’t quiet. Garrett waited. Finally, the multitude settled down.

  “This is my final performance at the Stockyards.” Regret echoed in his tone. “I’ve enjoyed this interlude and appreciate everyone for coming out. I’m leaving y’all with a new song. Stick around afterward and I’ll introduce you to a good friend of mine who’ll take over as the new headliner right here next weekend.”

  A haunting tune filled the coliseum. And Garrett began to sing.

  Sent like an angel from above, you filled all the places in my heart.

  Turned my back on my only true love and chose to depart.

  I thought you’d follow me as I went after my star.

  But I broke your heart and loved you from afar.

  Wasted no time getting on with your life, you didn’t fall for my scheme.

  Should have made you my wife. Finally realized you’re my elusive dream.

  Tears pricked her eyes. Could it be? Had he written the lyrics for her? Was the song about them?

  Haunting words of loss and love tugged at her heart. It was their story in song. It had to be.

  Years went by but chance brought us together. If only you’ll take me back.

  This time I want forever. You’re everything I lack.

  Turned my life around for you. I’m not too proud to plead.

  Just give me a chance, baby. You’re making my heart bleed.

  I promise this time, it’s not a scheme. You’re my elusive dream.

  Please let me in your life and I’ll make you my wife.

  “Um, Jenna.” Natalie cupped her hands to Jenna’s ear. “Is it just me? Or is he singing about you?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “I’d say you just got your own personal rodeo song. And maybe a proposal?”

  She’d soon find out. Jenna stood and hurried toward his dressing room.

  A cowboy met her in the back lobby. “I’m sorry, ma’am. No unauthorized personnel in this area.”

  “She’s with me,” Natalie said from behind her.

  “Oh, I didn’t see you, Mrs. Gray.”

  He left them alone and Jenna turned to face Nat.

  “I figured you were headed here. Want to wait for him in his dressing room?”

  “Can you do that?”

  “Yes, Miss Rule-Follower, I can do that.” Natalie pulled her keys out and unlocked the door.

  “Do you think this is a good idea?” Jenna bit her lip.

  “I think you and Garrett need to talk. About that song. And a lot of things.” Natalie ushered her inside Garrett’s dressing room and shut the door.

  Jenna surveyed the room. Nothing personal. Except a picture by the mirror. She stepped closer. It couldn’t be. But it was. A picture of them from their senior prom. With eyes only for each other.

  The door opened behind her and she spun around.

  “Ma’am, how did you get in here?” a cowboy asked.

  “It’s okay.” Garrett held his hands up. “She’s authorized.”

  “Yes, sir.” The man left them alone.

  “You know, I used to wear one of these all the time, but I don’t remember it being so itchy and hot.” Garrett took his hat off. “What are you doing here?”

  “I like the song. A lot.”

  “I’m glad. I wrote it for you.”

  “So it is about us?”

  “You catch on quick.” He flashed a heart-stopping grin.

  “I saw the prom picture. What’s going on, Garrett?”

  “Seeing you again—it made me realize I never should have left you.”

  Her heart tripped. “But what happens when your surgery is a success and you go back on tour?”

  “I’m planning a shorter tour. Just long enough for fans to realize the surgery was a success. If it’s a success.”

  “Think positive. So the surgery is a success and you do a shorter tour. Then what?”

  “I’ll come back to Aubrey. Maybe get a dog.”

  “You honestly think you could be happy in Aubrey?”

  “I know I could be ecstatic in Aubrey.” He took her hand in his. “If I had you. I’d still record albums, but at my own sound studio, so I wouldn’t even have to go to Nashville. And I’d only agree to short tours with lots of home time in between.”

  “That’s what you want? A simpler life in Aubrey with less travel?”

  “More than anything.”

  “What about God, Garrett? Where does He fit in?”

  “Let me face down the cancer thing.” Garrett shrugged. “One thing at a time.”

  Her insides shrank and she turned away from him. “I’ll get a ride home with Nat.”

  “Jenna. Wait.”

  But she didn’t. She ran. Away from the man she loved. A man without enough sense to let God help him stare down cancer.

  * * *

&nb
sp; Side by side, basking in the sun, dangling their feet in his pool. Jenna’s hand in Garrett’s. Paradise.

  Except, she’d gone with him to the doctor today. He’d had the biopsy.

  After last weekend, he’d been afraid she might not come with him.

  Work on the house was at a standstill and that worried her. Didn’t she know he couldn’t care less about the house? He only wanted her near. Not because of his throat. Or cancer. He loved her.

  And he was pretty sure she still had feelings for him. She’d wanted to kiss him all those weeks ago when he’d tried. He’d seen it. But she’d nipped his attempt in the bud.

  But he knew what held her back now. God.

  He’d love to take up with God right where he’d left off. But he couldn’t approach God because he was scared. It wasn’t right.

  At least having her here kept his mind off the highly anticipated, yet dreaded phone call.

  With her eyes closed, he took the opportunity to stare. Long lashes fanned her cheekbones. A perfectly proportioned feminine nose slightly tipped up. Soft lips. Not too puffy, not too slim. Perfect. Just right for kissing.

  Something warmed in his stomach and he forced his gaze away from her mouth. Her tawny hair splayed down her back. The sun picked out golden, honeyed highlights.

  Her eyes popped open.

  Busted.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.” He typed on his laptop, his new method for communication. “I thought you were asleep. I was thinking about getting an umbrella or something, so you don’t burn.”

  “I couldn’t possibly sleep while we wait.... I was praying for you.”

  Something pricked at the backs of his eyes. He’d thought about praying but didn’t figure God would hear him. But if anyone could get through, it was Jenna.

  “This is driving me crazy. Don’t they know we’re in torment here? Why don’t they call?”

  “What if it’s cancer?” he typed. “What if treatment doesn’t work? What if I die?”

  “Don’t even think that.” Her eyes got too shiny.

  “Do you think God woud—” he backspaced to correct his typo “—would hear me if I prayed?”

  “God hasn’t forgotten you, Garrett. You’re the one who forgot Him. He’s still there—waiting for you to talk to Him again.”

  “But I can’t talk.” The keys clicked with each letter.

  “God hears thought prayers.”

  “Do you think He’d hear?” His fingers flew on the keyboard. “Even though He knows I’m only turning to Him because I’m scared?”

  “Think how scared the thief on the cross must have been.” Her eyes got shiny. “But Jesus made him a promise.”

  “‘Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.’” Garrett closed his eyes and set the laptop aside as he poured his thoughts out to God. Lord, I’m sorry for turning away from You. I was lonely and sad and I turned to human comfort and alcohol instead of You.

  I knew right from wrong, what You wanted for my life, and I turned my back on You. Forgive me. For all the mistakes I made. For all the people I hurt. For hurting You.

  Forgive me for only turning to You now out of desperation and fear. But I need You back in my life. I love You, Lord. Amen. He opened his eyes.

  Tears traced down Jenna’s cheeks beside him.

  He took a deeper breath than he had in years as a weight lifted from his chest, and retrieved the laptop. “He heard me.” He patted his chest. “I feel it.”

  “I’m glad.” Her words came out watery. “Really glad.”

  “One Day” began playing. His gaze cut to the phone on the tile beside him.

  “Want me to answer it?” She gave his hand a squeeze.

  He blew out a sigh, grabbed the phone and turned it to let her see the caller ID. Dr. Vincent. Fear swarmed his chest as the song echoed louder.

  “So. Let. Me. Answer. It.” Her words came through clenched teeth. “The suspense is killing me.”

  Garrett handed her the phone, stood and paced beside the pool.

  “Hello. This is Jenna Wentworth.” She held her breath. “Yes. Mr. Steele is here with me.” Her breath came out in a rush. “I’ll give him the phone.”

  She chased him down and held the phone to his ear. “Mr. Steele is on the line.”

  “Mr. Steele.” The nurse’s tone was all business. “Your results are negative.”

  A soul-deep smile kidnapped his mouth and he handed the phone back to Jenna.

  “Thank you,” she mumbled into the phone and ended the call. “It’s not cancer. Is that what that smile means?”

  All his remaining tension melted. He nodded. Thank You, Lord. He wished he could let out a whoop.

  “Thank You.” She looked heavenward and flung herself at him, almost toppling them both into the pool. “You’re okay.”

  Reveling in the feel of her, he held on for dear life.

  No cancer. No treatments. No dying. Just surgery.

  Surgery that could end his career. His livelihood.

  “You need to thank God for the results.” She pulled away from him.

  He scooped up his laptop. “Already did.”

  Her smile reached her eyes. “Good. And I need to call your family and invite them over so you can clue them in.”

  “Can it wait until I can talk?”

  “I guess that’s a good idea.” She hugged him again. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

  All he wanted to do was kiss her. His heart was lighter than it had been in years. But he didn’t want her to think he’d reconnected with God to win her back. He’d have to give her more time. Time to fall in love with him all over again.

  * * *

  June 1. Garrett’s surgery date.

  Jenna had never been to Boston before. And so far, she’d seen only the inside of her hotel room and the hospital. She twiddled her thumbs as she sat with Garrett’s family. Out of place, but Garrett had insisted she be here.

  His mother, Glenda, clutched Jenna’s hand. Her eyes were the same shade as Garrett’s, her hair just as curly, but blond. “I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me too.” Bradley sipped his coffee. “Garrett might never have told us about this if not for you.”

  His dad, Bennett, sat across from her. An older version of Garrett. Same bone structure, same olive skin tones, same inky hair color, minus the curls and length.

  “At least we know it’s not cancer.” Bennett shook his head. “I can’t believe he had a biopsy without telling us.”

  “He didn’t want you to worry.” Jenna’s voice quivered.

  “I’m glad you were with him for that.” Glenda squeezed her hand again. “Stubborn boy.”

  Inwardly, Jenna cringed. Waiting for the question about her relationship with Garrett. But it didn’t come.

  Thank goodness. What could she say? I love him. And I’m pretty sure he loves me. But he just reconnected with God and we’ve been so worried about the surgery and busy with the house, we haven’t talked about us. I’m here to get him through this test. Then what? Finish his house and watch him recover, then leave to go on tour. Again.

  “Miss Wentworth?” A nurse stepped into the private waiting room. “Mr. Steele would like to see you. And then everyone else before he goes into surgery.”

  Would her legs support her? She stood and followed the nurse down a long corridor to a private operating room.

  Garrett lay in the bed with monitors surrounding him.

  “Hey.” He reached for her hand.

  “Hey. You okay?”

  “I wanted to tell you something.”

  “What?”

  “I love you.”

  Her heart did a little dance and her vision blurred. “I love you,
too.”

  “I brought you to Boston and we didn’t even tour the city.” He cupped her cheek in his hand, catching a tear with his thumb.

  “The least of my concerns.”

  “Maybe we can come back.”

  “Maybe. When you’re well.” She kissed his temple. “I’ll send your family in now.”

  Halfway back to the waiting room, her legs turned to noodles. Now, if they could get past this surgery, maybe they could sort through their future. If they had one. Together. Or apart.

  * * *

  Garrett sat on his new couch, exclusively designed by Jenna Wentworth, and watched her scurry about, putting the finishing touches on the house. He’d obediently picked paint, flooring and furnishings for the bedrooms and bathrooms.

  The doctor said the surgery went perfectly. Now it was time to rest his voice completely and wait. A few days shy of a month left on Jenna’s contract to complete the house. A month of him not speaking or singing. Using only his laptop to communicate.

  Now that he had things settled with God, he wanted to settle things with Jenna. But he wouldn’t discuss their future by typing it. He wanted to say it.

  “Hey.” She returned from the living room and flipped the radio on. “Listen to this.”

  “Elusive Dream” played.

  “I didn’t know you’d recorded it.”

  “I ordered all my equipment and set it up in the sound studio.” Thank goodness he’d aced typing in high school. “At least if my career is over, I’ll go out with a new song.”

  “Don’t think like that.” She wagged a finger at him. “It’s the beginning of a new album you’ll complete once you’re all recovered.” She knelt beside him and squeezed his hand. “So Caitlyn and Mitch are getting married next month. If your doctor releases you to sing by then, she asked if you’d sing ‘One Day’ at their wedding.”

  “It depends.”

  “On how you feel?”

  “I’ll do it,” he typed. “If you’ll be my date.”

  “I think that can be arranged.” Her smile warmed his soul.

  Maybe they could reclaim their long-ago love. The love that had refused to die. No matter how hard he’d tried to kill it.