A Montana Cowboy

by Rebecca Winters

  “After flying all that distance, why are you in such a hurry to get away from me?”

  “This is difficult enough without prolonging it, don’t you think? Do we really want to make things harder on ourselves?”

  A silence surrounded them. “You’ve met someone,” she accused quietly, summoning his guilt.

  “Nicci...”

  “You have! I can feel it. Who is she?”

  This was one time he wished Nicci didn’t have such an intuitive nature. “Give my best to your family. They’re wonderful people. As for you, I want your happiness more than anything in the world.”

  The tears trickled down her cheeks. “You haven’t answered me.”

  “Goodbye, Nicci.” He kissed her cheek.

  Her perceptive comment trailed him as he headed for the portico and hurried outside to the taxi. Contrary to what he’d thought, driving away from Nicci and the villa wasn’t the traumatic experience he’d expected. Trace’s mind went over his session with Dr. Holbrook.

  His expert advice to straighten things out with Nicci first had cleared Trace’s emotional vision. Instead of more pain at seeing her again, he was filled with a sense of wonder over the relief he felt that this chapter in his life had come to an end. A whole new world awaited him back in Montana. A familiar world he’d tried to put behind him during his time in the Air Force, but he hadn’t succeeded.

  You’re going home, Trace.

  On his way to Montana, he’d make a stop in Colorado Springs to let the brass know he wouldn’t be taking the teaching position after all. Once that was done, he’d head for Oregon to see his mother. Dr. Holbrook told him he needed to get rid of his anger for past hurt if he really wanted to heal, more advice Trace intended to take.

  Then he’d return to White Lodge and have a big talk with his father. It was long past time Trace begged his forgiveness for being so blind.

  What an irony that it took his eye being scarred by a laser to see what had been right in front of him all the time.

  On Wednesday he flew into Billings, realizing he’d been gone a week. His feelings were so different from the first time he’d looked out the window two weeks ago, he couldn’t believe he was the same person. The excitement missing before was in full evidence now. He picked out familiar landmarks that told him he was home. Everything he held dear was down there. Everyone...

  Once he’d landed and gathered his suitcase, he picked up his car in the long-term parking and headed for White Lodge. He’d phoned his father from Portland and had asked him to meet him at the ranch at two in the afternoon. It was important.

  Sam was already there on the front porch of the house reading a magazine, no doubt the latest veterinarian medical journal. Cassie’s car was gone. Knowing her, as soon as his dad told her Trace would be arriving, she’d taken off so she wouldn’t impose. For once he was glad she wasn’t there. This gave him private time with his father.

  He pulled to a stop and levered himself from the front seat. His dad got up from the swing. Trace took the porch steps in one leap and embraced his father. Tears smarted his eyelids.

  A surprised laugh came out of Sam before he let him go. “What’s this all about? A goodbye hug because you’ve decided to marry Nicci and live in Italy? Is that why she isn’t with you?”

  “Dad? We’ve got a lot to talk about.”

  “That’s what I thought,” he murmured, sounding defeated.

  “You have no idea what I’m going to tell you. Sit down and I’ll explain.”

  When his father did his bidding, Trace perched on the porch railing opposite him, too full of energy to sit. “I went to see Mother before I flew here. She sends her love.”

  His dad’s head lifted. “How is she?”

  “Good. I asked her to forgive me for being so angry with her over the divorce.”

  His dad sat back in obvious surprise. “That must have been quite a conversation.”

  “It was cathartic for both of us.”

  “Nothing could please me more than to hear that.” He wiped his eyes.

  “Not even if I told you I flew to Colorado Springs to tell them I’m not going to take that job after all?”

  “You mean you’re going to work for Nicci’s father in Monfalcone.”

  “No, Dad. I mean I’ve come home for good. I don’t want to sell the ranch. I want to work it and run cattle again, put in some crops.”

  One sandy brow lifted. “Is Nicci okay with that?”

  “We’re not getting married and we’ve said our goodbyes.”

  “What?” He was clearly in shock.

  “You heard me. Oddly enough it was something she said when she saw me walk out to the pool that reaffirmed my own feelings. It proclaimed the end of our relationship because in her heart she knew a marriage between us wouldn’t work.”

  “What did she say?”

  “Nicci took one look and exclaimed, ‘I don’t recognize you like this. You’ve turned into a Montana cowboy.’ Her soul was speaking to my soul, Dad.

  “The truth is, I went into the Air Force because of anger over the breakup of the family. But the cowboy was always there. When I came home two weeks ago, I fought its pull. But I discovered these Rafferty roots grow so deep, you can’t get rid of them. I’m here to stay. Can you ever forgive me for taking my anger out on you?”

  “Oh, son...” He got up from the swing and gave Trace the biggest bear hug of his life. In a tug of war, his father always won. “Welcome home.”

  Both of them had to wipe their eyes. “Do you know where Cassie is?”

  “She’s at work.”

  Trace did a double take. “What work?”

  “She got a part-time job at the beauty salon Mildred Paxton owns in White Lodge.”

  He couldn’t believe it. “I didn’t know she was a beautician, too.”

  “Oh, no. She runs the counter and makes appointments. It’s only two blocks from that apartment she plans to move into. I believe it will be ready in another week. That girl is a go-getter if I ever saw one. She’s up early to see to the horses before getting to the shop at nine.”

  “What are her hours?” Trace was stunned how fast she made decisions.

  “Nine to three. She’ll be home pretty soon unless she has other plans. Speaking of getting home, I’ve got to tell Ellen the wonderful news. We’re going to have to celebrate!”

  Chapter Seven

  Cassie was happy to see Mildred come in through the back door of the shop. It was close to three-thirty. The owner was running late. Normally it wouldn’t matter, but today Cassie wanted to get to a couple of yard sales before everything was already picked over. She was looking for a playpen in good condition.

  “Sorry I got held up.”

  “No problem, Mildred.”

  “How are things?”

  “Just fine!”

  “How do you stay so cheerful when we both know most days it’s a royal pain?”

  “Not to me.”

  “You’re so great at this job I hope you never leave. Now go on home and relax.”

  “Thanks, Mildred. See you tomorrow.”

  Cassie had parked out in the back alley. She was glad the owner was pleased with her work. So far it had gone smoothly on her new routine. She’d taken her doctor’s advice and went home every afternoon to put her feet up and check her emails or watch television.

  She ate the second half of a peanut butter sandwich while she drove to the first yard sale. But she didn’t even get out of the cab because there weren’t any baby items. Cassie would probably end up having to buy a new one. Still, there was one more sale she’d seen advertised and drove by it.

  A painted wood high chair caught her eye, but after seeing all Sadie’s new paraphernalia, Cassie couldn’t make a decision yet. The issue of safety was a factor to consider. In the end she drove back to the ranch without having made any purchases. The budget she’d allowed herself wasn’t big enough for her to acquire everything she wanted. Not when she needed a couch, bed
, a TV and a dozen other things first.

  Functioning on autopilot at this point, she wasn’t prepared to see the brown Explorer parked in front of the house. Trace... He was back! She was sick with excitement and afraid, too.

  He’d been gone so long, maybe he’d brought Nicci with him so she could see the ranch and they could make wedding plans. If that was the case, Cassie would sleep at Avery and Zane’s until she moved to the apartment.

  Not wanting to walk in on them, she knocked. When no one answered she knocked harder. After no response she unlocked the door and poked her head in.

  “Hello? Trace? Are you here?”

  She got brave and walked in. When she passed his bedroom she saw his suitcase next to the bed. Maybe Nicci wasn’t with him after all, unless she was staying with Sam and his wife. Curious at this point, she reached for two horse snacks and walked out to the barn.

  Buttercup nickered from the paddock. Cassie went over to the railing. “Hi there, Buttercup.” She patted her forelock and undid the wrapper so her horse could eat. She chomped it down. “Did Masala desert you?”

  “We’re right here.”

  Trace’s deep voice had her spinning around. He looked down at her with a smile that reached his brilliant blue eyes. “You don’t have something for Masala, do you?”

  “Of course I do.” She patted the horse’s head and took the treat out of the paper to feed him. “There you go.” He was a chomper, too. “They’re noisy eaters.” It made both of them laugh. “When did you get home?”

  “I drove in to the ranch around two this afternoon to meet with my dad.”

  A dozen questions sprang into her mind. Had he come home to tell his father he and Nicci had set a wedding date? Or had he married her while he’d been in Italy? A strange pain shot through her at the thought of either possibility. “After I saw your car out in front, I thought you might have brought Nicci home with you.”

  “She’s not coming.”

  At those words Cassie’s heart almost failed her. What did it mean?

  While she was groping for something intelligible to say, he opened the gate and walked Masala into the paddock. Once he’d removed the bridle, he patted his rump before closing the gate. He hung the bridle over the post.

  “Come in the house with me. You and I need to talk. Dad tells me you’re working at the beauty salon in town. No other job offers came through while I was gone?”

  “Not yet, and Mildred needed help. It’s a perfect job for me while I’m pregnant.”

  “If you’re happy, that’s all that matters. How was your Fourth of July?”

  “Fine. My cousins took me to the White Lodge fireworks celebration at the park. It was fun. I’m sure you would have enjoyed it.”

  “When I was a kid, I lived for fireworks.”

  “You and every male I know.”

  “Connor and I put on our own shows when no one else was around. Jarod helped.”

  “I’m not surprised.”

  He opened the back door for her and followed her through to the kitchen. “Why don’t you sit down while I wait on you? It’s hot out there and your cheeks are rosy. Want a soda?”

  She wished he wouldn’t make personal comments. “A lemonade sounds good.”

  “Your favorite drink.” He handed her one and reached for a cola. His gaze panned the kitchen. “You’ve put up more jam. I can’t believe the abundant yield from your garden.”

  “The weather has cooperated.”

  “Only with the help of a green thumb like yours.”

  “I used to help my mom in the garden.”

  Trace snagged a chair with his boot and sat down. His eyes centered on her. “You never talk about her, but I know you miss her, especially with the baby coming.”

  The conversation had started to border on painful issues she’d rather not discuss. “I miss the mother I loved before she started siding with my dad in order to keep the peace with Ned. But I’d rather talk about your news.” Her heart was thudding. “Did your trip to Italy help you and Nicci figure things out?”

  He drained his soda and put the empty can on the table. “There isn’t going to be a wedding. We’re two halves of the wrong whole.”

  The blood hammered in her ears. Trace wasn’t going to marry her? “I—I’m sorry,” she stammered.

  “Don’t be. It would never have worked. We both knew it and avoided the mistake of getting married and then having to end it, maybe with a child involved.”

  Cassie drank some of the lemonade while she assimilated what he’d just told her. She must have been born with some evil gene to be happy with his news. Her mind pounced on her next question. “Have you heard from your Realtor? Does he have more buyers lined up?”

  He sat back in the chair with his arms folded. “Nope. When I flew into Billings earlier today, I dropped by his office and told him I was taking the ranch off the market. It’s not for sale. Ever.”

  Hearing that news made Cassie positively giddy. It was a good thing she was sitting down or she might have fallen over in shock. “Did you tell your father?”

  “Yeah. He was pretty happy about it.”

  “Pretty happy—I’m surprised he didn’t go into cardiac arrest.”

  Laughter poured out of him.

  “Do you plan to rent the property, then?”

  Her question caused his laughter to subside. “No.”

  She didn’t understand. “Then, what?”

  “I’m going to live here.”

  That did bring her out of the chair. “You mean you’re not going to Colorado Springs after all?”

  Trace put his hands behind his head and stared up at her. “Nope. I stopped there on my way home and told the brass I’ve decided to go back to ranching.”

  “Are you telling me the truth?” Her voice had come out more like a squeak.

  He’d tipped the chair back as far as it would go before there was an accident. “Scout’s honor.”

  “Don’t tease me, Trace.”

  His dark brows suddenly furrowed. He jumped out of the chair. “You went pale just now. I forgot how this news would impact you, but you don’t need to worry about losing your housekeeping job.”

  That wasn’t why she’d gone pale. It was the idea that he’d come home to live and they’d see each other coming and going. “Of course I do!”

  “I want you to stay on and work for me.”

  She clung to one of the chair backs. “With you living here, too?”

  “Why not? Unless you have designs on me.”

  “Be serious, Trace—” she snapped. He’d hit a nerve that ran the entire length of her body.

  “Better me to be your bodyguard than Mac Henson or your cousins. They’re all married. Since Zane’s responsibilities prevent him from serving that purpose, I’m the logical choice.”

  Cassie didn’t understand. “What do you mean bodyguard?”

  “Ralph told your cousins that Ned will be coming back to the ranch tomorrow.”

  Her gasp filled the kitchen. She gripped the chair back tighter.

  “When I was at the Golden Spur last week I bumped into Owen Pearson at the bar. He mentioned that Ned would be released shortly.” Cassie groaned. “Ralph’s news confirmed it.”

  “If our grandfather confirmed it, then it has to be true.”

  “Afraid so. Your name was mentioned during my strange conversation with Owen. I can tell you now that you won’t be safe from harassment if you live in that apartment. We know what Ned is capable of, but we don’t know what will set him off next, or what he’ll do even on his medication. There’s only one place for you, here where I can protect you.”

  “I’m not your responsibility, Trace.”

  “You are now. Dad hired you and Logan to look after the property. The shooting took place on our ranch. Now that I’m back, I want you to stay put and do the same things you’ve been doing. It’s worked so far, hasn’t it?”

  “Yes! Because you were in Italy and I thought you were moving to
Colorado.”

  “Cassie—my father thinks the world of you and doesn’t want anything to happen to you or the baby. This isn’t just my idea.”

  Incredulous she said, “You mean Sam approves of us living under the same roof?”

  “Yes, and your cousins will all be for the idea, too. They don’t want you to be on your own either.”

  She shook her head. “I couldn’t consider it.”

  One dark brow lifted. “Because of what other people will say?”

  Adrenalin surged through her veins. “It’s because I don’t believe it’s right!”

  “Not even to protect your unborn child?”

  She closed her eyes tightly for a minute. “After I move to the apartment I’ll figure out a way to keep us safe.”

  “How?”

  “If I decide it’s necessary, I’ll buy a handgun and take lessons out at the shooting range like Avery. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention. It’s something I’ll talk over with her and Zane the next time we’re together.”

  “That’s not going to stop your brother if he gets it into his mind to stalk you.” Cassie shuddered. “You’re in a unique and dangerous situation. The father you should be able to go to isn’t there for you.”

  “How many times do I have to tell you this isn’t your problem?” she asked in frustration.

  “What if I want it to be?”

  “That’s because you’re like your father and play the Good Samaritan even when your world has been turned upside down. You shouldn’t be worrying about anything but your own affairs.”

  “Are you afraid of me, Cassie?”

  “Of course I’m not.”

  “Do you trust me?”

  “What a question to ask.”

  “Do you?” he persisted. “Because you’d be foolish to move into town, let alone move to another part of the state, when you’re this far along. There’d be no one to lean on. It would make no sense. Let all of us help you. We’re in this together. Everyone has a vested interest in shutting Ned down. He’s been a menace to you, Jarod, Zane and now Connor.”

  Fear pierced her. “What has he done to him I don’t know about?”

  “It’s what he plans to do to antagonize your cousin that has us worried. Owen told me they’re going into the feral stud farm business.”