When the Glitter Fades (Cowboys of Whispering Winds)

by Renee Peterson

  “Open it,” he directed, his voice husky and his eyes darkening with emotion.

  Unfolding the paper napkin, she saw her name written in her own handwriting, right above her phone number from years ago. In the center was a printed logo of the bar in which they met. “You saved this?” Tears clouded her vision.

  “Right after you left that night, I told the bartender I was going to marry you. When you left, I came across it again, forgetting I had saved it. I couldn’t bring myself to throw it away after all those years. Now I know why.”

  “This means more than you’ll ever know.” She threw her arms around him. “I love you.”

  He answered with his own declaration of love, an earnest kiss full of passion, love and hope. Breaking the kiss, his hand remained cradling the rear of her head, their foreheads resting against each other. Lanie felt weightless as his warm breath mingled with hers. Her hand rested against his chest, the beat of his heart matching her own. Any lingering thread of doubt she’d had about their future was cut away. There was only one man she could ever love and she was standing in his arms.

  A certified check lay inside of a folder containing all the signed and documented papers leasing what was once Travers’ Ranch to the Helping Hands Rescue. Jeremy sat in his idling truck, rubbing the back of his neck. After spending hours on the phone with his lawyer last week, making sure all details were covered to protect his assets, and the debacle of an appointment today, his muscles were tense and hurting.

  The meeting hadn’t gone without a hitch. Problem one arose when the first round of papers were being signed and he’d noticed Seth’s secretary had placed the wrong dates on the first three pages. A twenty minute delay later, all pages had the correct dates on them. But it wasn’t over yet. In his eagerness to complete the deal, Seth forgot to tell the representatives of Helping Hands the funds were to be delivered via a certified check. Fortunately, their banking was done at a financial institution several buildings down from the realtor’s office, but it had cost another thirty minutes.

  Just when he thought he’d finally be getting out of Seth’s office, there was a loud boom, followed by black particles of dust and ash blowing out from the ceiling air vent. The conference table, lease agreement, and all attending parties were splattered with dirt and grime. And wouldn’t luck have it, he’d chosen to wear a white button down shirt that morning. He’d brushed the dirt off the best he could, but his shirt was a lost cause. He’d have to wear his coat anywhere else he went.

  The entire morning had been a comedy of errors. Hopefully the afternoon would proceed in a smoother fashion. He still had to get back to Bumblton, stop at the bank where he’d opened up a local account, cash the check then go to the tax office and hope no one saw him. If tomorrow wasn’t the day before Thanksgiving he’d wait a day, but he’d learned in small towns, businesses often closed up early the day before holidays.

  Popping a Chris Ledoux CD into the player, he decided the headache was worth the outcome, even if it meant putting on hold his desire to restore Travers’ Ranch to what it once had been. His gut was telling him that wasn’t that path he should take anyway, that his future was at Whispering Winds, extending past the year he’d planned. By Christmas he would have his answer.

  Hopefully, the drive back to Bumblton was a good indicator that his day was turning around. No traffic or accidents on the interstates, the back roads were free of excessively slow, and reckless, drivers. Time was of the essence; all the setbacks this morning had put him on a severe time crunch. He made it to the bank, cashed the check and was back in his truck with twenty minutes to spare until the tax office closed. Yesterday, he’d called ahead to verify there would be no problem with him making the payment.

  Fifteen minutes to go as he walked through the front doors and there were three people ahead of him. Abiding by the sign asking patrons to remove all headgear, he took off his Stetson, holding it in his free hand.

  “Jeremy?”

  He turned to see Jase standing behind him and swore under his breath.

  “What are you doing here?” Jase asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

  “Taking care of some business. You?”

  One eyebrow arched high. “Making the first payment on the taxes. Since when do you own any land in this county?”

  “I don’t,” he answered neutrally, a headache forming to match the pain in his neck and shoulders.

  “Next,” the teller called.

  He stepped forward, fighting the urge to look behind and see that Jase waited behind the red line. “I need to make a payment. The account information is on the check.”

  The cashier took his check, typed some numbers into the dinosaur of a computer then handed him a receipt from the printer. “You’re paid in full. Happy Thanksgiving.”

  “You too.” He turned to leave, nodding to Jase, as if he wasn’t about to be busted.

  A gust of wind swept through, blowing the receipt from his unsuspecting grasp. Dammit, catching a break was not in his stars today. Capturing the floating paper, he folded it and stuck it in his pocket.

  “Hey, Jeremy. Wait up,” Jase called from across the parking lot, exiting the building.

  Reluctantly he paused, letting Jase catch up to him.

  “Seems I didn’t need to make that payment after all. The kindly teller informed me the sum total of back taxes had just been paid by the gentleman before me.” Jase stared him down waiting for answers.

  “Good. Take the money and buy Allie a nice Christmas present,” he gibed.

  “This isn’t a joke. It wasn’t your place.”

  The stress from the day sent him over the edge. “And why not? Because I’m not family? I’m just the worthless ex-husband who cheated on your sister? Well, guess what, I’m not going anywhere this time. I love your sister and plan to marry her again; this time forever. You may as well get used to it. I’m done walking eggshells around you just to keep peace.”

  Taken aback, Jase put his hands up in surrender. “That’s not what I meant. I was only trying to say it wasn’t your responsibility to bail us out. I thought you didn’t have the cash?”

  Calming down, Jeremy could see Jase spoke the truth. “I didn’t; I found a way to get it.”

  “You didn’t have to do it.”

  “I know.”

  “On behalf of everyone at Whispering Winds, I want you to know we appreciate the gesture.”

  Jeremy shook his head. “I don’t want anyone to know.”

  “It’s bound to come out somehow. Everyone will want to know who saved the ranch from being split.”

  “They won’t find out from me. I’d like your word they won’t find out from you either.”

  “You have it then.” Jase watched him, appraised him. “You’re a good man. I’m glad to see my sister happy again.” He extended an arm to shake hands.

  Trying to ignore how much Jase’s approval meant, Jeremy accepted the hand and shook it, a truce formed.

  “It’s not my business so you don’t have to tell me, but how the hell did you come up with that much money on short notice?” Jase asked.

  “Remember around the time Lanie and I got together, there was a big story about Royston Oil and the horse rescue?”

  “Yeah. Lanie was pretty livid that they’d killed all those horses. We all were, but her especially.”

  “Trust me, I know. I’d just entered into a sponsorship with Royston and Lanie had it out for me the night we met. Anyway, the horse rescue regrouped and had reached out this summer wanting to lease my dad’s ranch.”

  “I thought your dad lost the ranch?”

  Dammit, he’d said too much without realizing it until too late. He gave Jase the short story of how the ranch ownership returned to him, coming back to how he got the money. “I wasn’t interested then. Between the accident and wanting to get the ranch back to its former self, I wasn’t in a place to lease it out. When Lanie asked me for money, I knew I had to help if I could. She’s never asked for anything. O
n a limb, I called their realtor and here we are.”

  Jase blew out a long breath. “I underestimated you big time,” he admitted honestly. “What are your plans when your year at Whispering Winds is up if you can’t return to bull-riding and the ranch is leased out.”

  “Still up in the air.” Meaning Lanie and he still hadn’t discussed it. “Probably stick around, pay you back for being a pain in my ass the last two months.”

  Jase smirked. “Guess I deserved that one.”

  “I can’t really blame you. If the situation was reversed, I’d probably have been worse.”

  “Did you eat yet? Allie’s craving chicken salad from the diner; I’m on strict orders to bring some home. I can pick up extra if you want to bring Cody and Lanie over.”

  “Maybe next time. I’m on my way to meet them at Cody’s school for a parent meeting.”

  “Sure you’re not going to trade your truck in for minivan, Soccer Mom?” Jase grinned, trying to bait him.

  Jeremy shook his head. “Just wait, man. I’ll remember those words in about six years.”

  “My truck’s not going anywhere,” Jase said definitively. “If I don’t get home with food soon, there’ll be hell to pay when I make it back. Thanks again for what you did. Just saying it doesn’t seem enough but it means a lot.”

  “It was for Lanie.”

  “I know. And for the record, I think you should tell her what you did. Don’t let there be any more secrets between you.” He gave him a pat on the shoulder before walking off to his own truck.

  Getting in his own truck, Jeremy thought about what Jase had said. Was it wrong to keep what he had done from Lanie? He didn’t want the recognition for his deed, only the satisfaction of relieving a burden from her and see her face come alight with a smile. No answer came as he drove down the dusty road leading to the primary school. From the look of the dark clouds moving in and covering the sky, it wouldn’t be dusty for much longer. Four to six inches of snow was in the overnight forecast. Not enough to disrupt plans, had they had any, but just enough to justify staying in bed a few extra minutes without the guilt of feeling lazy. A few extra minutes in bed holding Lanie? Bring on the snow.

  “Cody’s sleeping awfully late this morning,” Jeremy remarked.

  “He was up for a few hours in the middle of the night.”

  “Everything okay?”

  “Just excited.”

  Jeremy looked at her confused. “About Thanksgiving? I don’t remember ever being so excited about it that it kept me up at night, not like on Christmas Eve.”

  She chuckled. “The annual parade on TV. According to him, once Santa crosses the line, it’s officially Christmastime. Don’t be surprised if we have a Christmas list by the end of the day.”

  “Has he mentioned anything yet?”

  “Surprisingly, no.” Last year, Cody had spent Halloween and beyond talking about what he wanted for Christmas. By Thanksgiving, he’d created his list by drawing his version of the items he wanted. This year he was remarkably quiet. “Speaking of Christmas presents, I didn’t get a chance to ask the other day, but Allie and I have a favor to ask,” Lanie brought up, as she stuck a feather-shaped pressed silver earring through one earlobe. “Turns out that Lexie’s brother is a fan of yours and we thought if you paid him a visit, it might brighten his holiday.”

  “Sure. I’d like to meet the kid. Did you have a time in mind?”

  “Since he’s halfway across the state, it would have to be a day you have nothing planned here, but preferably before Christmas.” She placed the matching earring in her other ear.

  “There’s nothing going on next week that can’t be shifted to another day, except my doctor’s appointment on Wednesday. Will Cody still be off school? We can all go and do some Christmas shopping while we’re out.”

  “School starts back up that day. What time’s your appointment?”

  “Ten-thirty.”

  “If we leave straight from dropping Cody off, I can go along for the ride, but we won’t have time to Christmas shop.”

  “That was just an added thought. The main goal was spending time together.” He smiled at her, a mix of sweetness and devilish charm.

  “The bad leg doesn’t seem so bad anymore. This past week I haven’t noticed a limp at all.” Her stomach twisted.

  She should be happy for him that his leg was healing above what the doctors had expected. Instead, she was afraid. What if he was cleared to return to bull-riding? Would he change his mind and want to resume his career? She wouldn’t blame him if he did. She’d even support him, because that’s what you did when you loved someone. But she would be lying if she said that’s what she wanted.

  Their time together here, however brief so far, had allowed them a slower pace to enjoy each other’s company. They weren’t always hopping from one party to the next, one city to another. Days didn’t pass before they saw each other again. Rushing out the door meant going to work a few hundred feet from each other, or picking their son up from the bus stop.

  Here, at Whispering Winds, they’d become a family.

  Jeremy walked to her and tipped her chin. “Why the sudden long face?”

  “It’s nothing,” she lied.

  He regarded her with a solemn sincerity. “Do you know what I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving?” Callused hands used the softest touch to bring her lips to his, leaving only a fraction of space between them. “Second chances.” One hand went to her temple, pushing back her hair. “Love.” Her breath caught. “But most of all, you.” He moved his mouth to meet hers, engaging her in a kiss that swept away her worries.

  Casting aside every other thought, she kissed him back, letting his lips press against hers, giving seductive nibbles until her mind went hazy. Wanting more, she put more pressure into the kiss, gliding her tongue against the lines of his teeth. His hand continued resting on her cheek, sending burning shocks through her. She hadn’t thought their chemistry could possibly be stronger. The last few weeks had proven her very wrong. A slight touch could ignite her, kisses fanned the flames and when they made love- that set her ablaze.

  And right now, she really wanted to be ablaze, which is why she was sorely disappointment when she came to her senses and pulled back, Jeremy doing the same.

  “Did you hear that too?” she asked.

  “Sounds like the sleepyhead woke up.”

  “Great timing,” Lanie mumbled, her body still humming.

  A shaky laugh came from Jeremy. “Tell me about it. I’ll start getting him ready while you finish.”

  “I’m almost finished.”

  “Guess what mommy.” Cody came barging into the bedroom.

  “What sweetheart.” She leaned down, giving her son a good morning hug.

  “Christmas starts today.”

  A short chuckle escaped from Jeremy and Lanie gave him an I-told-you-so look. “How about we get through Thanksgiving first and let the turkey have its day, okay?”

  Cody crooked a finger to his chin and gave it some thought. “Okay. I do like pumpkin pie. There will be pumpkin pie, right?”

  “Yes, there will be plenty of it for you to have. Come on, let’s get you dressed so we can go over to Grandpa and Grammy’s.” Jeremy snatched Cody up and carried him out of the room on his shoulders, giving him a piggyback ride through the house.

  Holidays were one of the rare occasions of late on which she wore makeup. She applied a layer of taupe eye shadow, just enough to bring out her natural eye color. Blessed with long, but lightly colored lashes, she brushed on a coat of black mascara. A dap of lipstick and she was finished.

  Jeremy poked his head through the door. “Cody’s eating a bowl of cereal to tide him over. Another several inches of snow fell last night, so I’m going to shovel the porch and a path to the truck before we leave. It’s too deep and cold to walk.”

  Shamelessly, she stood at the window watching him work, particularly enjoying the view when he bent over. The months of being off his leg hadn�
�t affected his hard body; if anything, it had strengthened his upper body, adding further definition. He was her rock, the foundation upon which to build her life. He turned around, catching her ogling him, and cast a knowing wink. She blew him a playful kiss, then went to the kitchen.

  When he finished, Jeremy came and carried Cody to the truck. Spots were still icy and no one wanted Cody to end up with a second broken leg for the year. At the main lodge, Cook was busy in the kitchen with his assistant preparing the Thanksgiving meal. For many years, Lanie’s parents and the Tyndales had tried to relieve him of the duty, but every year he insisted. The highlight of his year, he called it. There were no guests currently staying at lodge and no staff had shown up yet, as to be expected since it was only ten o’clock and the meal didn’t start until two. However, the families gathered early, spending the whole day together, meeting in the game room.

  Frank and Vera Tyndale, along with Allie, were already there when Lanie arrived.

  “Where’s Jase and my parents?” she asked.

  “They’ll be right back. Dad has an announcement to make, but won’t say what it is.”

  Jeremy held her hand and she thought she felt him tense for a part of a second. Maybe she’d imagined it. “Do you know?” She turned to Allie’s parents. All they gave was a patronizing smile.

  “Already tried them,” Allie laughed. “They’re not budging. Jase knows too and won’t say a word. Looks like it’s just us out of the loop.”

  “Strange.”

  Cody tugged on her free hand. “When can we watch the parade?”

  “Give me a few minutes and I’ll turn it on for you.”

  “Can I go help Cook until then?”

  “Go ahead, but mind your manners and come right back if he doesn’t want your help,” she told him, giving conditional permission.

  “Did Jase mention anything to you?” Lanie asked Jeremy.

  “Just because we no longer want to kill the other doesn’t mean Jase and I have a secret sharing friendship, Ladybug.”

  “Hmm.” Her curiosity was roused, but it appeared she’d have to be patient.