Ah. To act as a buffer “I should let you face her alone.”
“You think I’m afraid?”
Ryder grinned despite himself. “If you’re smart, you will be. She’s pretty formidable when she’s riled.”
They reached the barn. Ryder led the gelding down the aisle toward the tack room. While his father watched, he unsaddled and brushed the gelding, then returned him to his stall. His last task was to bring a bucket of oats. The horse would need his energy for the upcoming weekend.
“With that many bulls, we may have to hire a handler,” Ryder mused aloud.
“I already have someone in mind. Shane Westcott.”
“Don’t think I know him.”
They strolled to the arena and watched the practice continue.
“Shane’s been around a long time,” his father said. “Came into his own a couple years after you left the circuit. Retired a champion after walking away from a fall that should have killed him.”
“Is he in the market for a job?”
“No. But I’m not letting a little thing like that stop me.”
Ryder didn’t doubt his father’s abilities. With the exception of his mother, Mercer Beckett could sweet-talk anyone into almost anything. Hadn’t he convinced Ryder to return when it was the last thing he wanted?
“You need to buy the bulls and heifers first.”
“Timing is everything. I’m going to wait until after Wild West Days to tell your mother.”
“Tell her what?”
Both men spun to find Cassidy staring at them, hands planted on her hips. Ryder was instantly reminded of the day Gretchen had caught him in the stall with Cupcake. He half expected Cassidy to scream for their mother at the top of her lungs.
“Nothing.” Their father leaned an arm on the arena fence as if all was right with the world. “Just talking arena business.”
“Liar,” she spat. “You haven’t changed at all. You’re still the same deceitful SOB Mom threw out of the house.”
Their father jerked as if she’d backhanded him.
“Cassidy.” Ryder stepped forward. “That’s enough.”
“It’s okay.” Their father pushed off the fence. “She’s right. I was lying.”
Cassidy pivoted.
Before she could leave, their father hooked her by the arm. “Wait. Honey, please.”
“Let go of me.”
“I’m considering buying some additional bulls and three heifers.”
“You can’t. Not without Mom’s approval.”
“That’s what Ryder was saying. And I told him I was waiting until after this weekend. There’s no big secret.”
“Then why lie to me?” Her eyes sparked with accusation.
“I shouldn’t have. I just wanted to avoid a huge fight right before the rodeo.”
“Because you know Mom doesn’t want to buy any more bulls.”
Ryder had thought to let things play out between his father and sister. Her attitude changed his mind. “You can’t speak for her, Cassidy. And the fact is, none of us, you, me or Liberty, has any say in the running of the arena.”
“I thought this was a family-owned business.” She visibly bristled. “Doesn’t my opinion count?”
“Nothing’s been decided,” their father said. “And nothing will be without a family meeting. But I’m going to be honest with you, that won’t take place until after I speak to your mother.”
Ryder’s father wisely omitted the part where he’d asked Ryder to be in on that discussion.
Cassidy stared at them both for several seconds. When she spoke, it was through clenched teeth. “You’re only saying that because I overheard you.”
“Cassidy.” Ryder had had his fill of his sister’s dramatics. “You’re being unreasonable.”
“You always did side with Dad.”
“And you’ve always sided with Mom.”
Cassidy opened her mouth to speak. The next instant, she clamped it shut and stormed off. But not before Ryder noticed tears gleaming in her eyes.
“That didn’t go exactly as planned,” his father said.
The casual remark irked Ryder. “She has a point. You did lie to her, now and in the past.”
“Now, wait a damn minute.”
“Mom lied, too.” Ryder’s gaze traveled the entire arena grounds. For one surreal moment, the place looked strange to him. As if he’d never seen it before. “Why am I here? Why do I even bother?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Everyone wants me to reconcile with Mom, but what about you refusing to get along with Cassidy?”
“It isn’t that simple.”
“None of this is.” Ryder didn’t care who saw them and vented his anger. “I’ve always blamed Mom for dividing this family when she threw you out, and lying to you about being Liberty’s dad. But you’re doing the same thing. Splitting us right down the middle.”
“Be patient, son.”
“You know something, Dad? I didn’t quit my last job. Not unless you count leaving rather than being fired as quitting. And you know why I was going to be fired? Because I screwed up by allowing my personal life to affect my professional one. From that little display I just witnessed between you and Cassidy, I’d say you’re guilty of the same thing.”
He stormed ahead, leaving his father behind.
Come Monday, Ryder would call Myra and do whatever she advised. Go on interviews. Career coaching. Refresher classes. Get a new haircut and buy a new suit if the headhunter thought it would make a difference. Anything to get the hell out of Reckless.
* * *
“YOU’RE UNDER ARREST,” the sheriff said and aimed his pistol at the bank robber’s chest.
“You’ll never take me alive.” The dirty, ragged man squirmed in an attempt to break free of the two deputies pinning his arms.
“This day’s been a long time coming, Johnny Waco.”
“You might have killed old Lazy Eye Joe, but you ain’t got me yet.” All at once, the bank robber broke free and made a run for it down the center of the street.
The sheriff raised his pistol and fired. Smoke exploded from the tip of the gun but no bullet. Even so, the bank robber threw up his arms and face-planted in the street, then writhed melodramatically as if his last breath were leaving his body. The crowd gasped in shock and fear.
“You got him, Sheriff,” one of the deputies said, awe and respect in his voice.
The sheriff holstered his pistol. “That scum and his good-for-nothing partner will never bother the decent and upstanding people of Reckless again.”
The crowd broke into applause. As if touched by a magic wand, Johnny Waco and his partner, Lazy Eye Joe, sprang to their feet, fully restored. The second deputy, a teenager no older than Ryder had been when he’d performed in the Wild West Days shoot-outs, distributed flyers.
“Next show’s at one o’clock,” the sheriff announced. “Then at three and five. Deputy Maynard here is handing out the schedule.” The sheriff wagged a warning finger. “Remember, you ne’er do wells and troublemakers. At any time, any place, you could be apprehended. Criminals will be thrown in jail. And for you men taking advantage of our lovely, innocent ladies, pay special heed. There’s been more than one shotgun wedding in these parts.” He winked. “All fines and fees will be donated to the local public library. So, if you are apprehended, be generous.”
Lively conversation erupted around Ryder while residents of Reckless, and tourists settled in for the parade, due to start shortly.
He’d left the lineup on the north side of town where he’d been helping his family ready the Easy Money Vaqueros. The arena’s students were the tenth entry in the parade. His parents were riding along with the students, as well as Cassidy and her son Benjie.
<
br /> Liberty and her fiancé, Deacon, would be watching from the sidelines. Ryder had left in search of Tatum and her children, hoping to join them.
No sense making excuses, he’d decided. At least to himself. He wanted to see her. She was the safe harbor in a storm, and he’d been in the midst of an emotional hurricane since Thursday evening when he’d argued with Cassidy and their father. Luckily, he supposed, they’d all been busy with the rodeo and hadn’t talked much to each other. When they did, it was all business.
The sidewalks were packed. Every few feet, Ryder bumped into someone and offered an apology. People had made miniature camps in front of storefronts, using folding chairs, stools and even ice chests as seats. Food vendors, in their trucks and carts, were stationed at every corner, reminding Ryder that it had been years since he’d last eaten a corn dog or fry bread.
He had no idea where Tatum was; they, too, hadn’t spoken since yesterday. Was she frustrated with the latest Beckett squabble and letting him know?
Instinct guided him in the direction of the Ship-With-Ease Store and her art studio. A few minutes later, his guess paid off. She perched on a lawn chair with Adam in her lap. Beside her, Gretchen and Drew moved their matching child-size lawn chairs into place.
Pleasure brought a smile to his face and a spring to his step. The next instant, he came to a grinding halt, and his spirits sank. Her former mother-in-law, Ruth, sat beside the kids and looked decidedly displeased to see him.
Bad timing. The worst. Tatum must have invited her to the parade, since it wasn’t her usual day to visit.
Before he could turn around and leave, Tatum glanced in his direction. His name issued softly from her lips. “Ryder.”
Escape became impossible when Drew looked over and spotted him. “Mr. Beckett!” The next instant, the boy was out of his chair and running.
“Drew,” Tatum called. “Come back.”
Ryder’s legs took the brunt of Drew’s impact. “Hey, buddy. How you doing?”
Holding on to Ryder’s waist, he stared up with huge eyes. “Will you watch the parade with us?”
“I’m not sure...”
“Daddy!” Arms waving, Adam struggled to free himself from Tatum’s grasp.
“Adam, that’s not your father,” Tatum said but not fast enough.
“Haven’t you corrected him yet?” Ruth asked icily.
“Several times.” Tatum tried to restrain Adam. “He hasn’t caught on.”
“If Daddy was here,” Gretchen said, “Adam wouldn’t be confused.”
Everyone stared at her. From the mouths of babes, Ryder thought.
“That’s enough from you, young lady,” her grandmother scolded.
Gretchen’s bottom lip began to tremble.
“It’s all right, sweet pea,” Tatum soothed and opened her free arm.
The girl jumped from her chair in order to snuggle with her mother.
“I’ll catch up with you later.” Ryder touched the brim of his cowboy hat and addressed the older woman. “Ma’am.”
“No!”
Tatum’s outburst halted him.
“Please,” she implored. “Join us.”
He understood then. She didn’t want to be alone with her mother-in-law. And while he normally avoided other people’s family drama—he had plenty of his own—he stayed. Because Tatum had asked.
“You can have my seat,” Drew offered.
“I think it might be a bit too small for me. I’ll stand.”
“Here.” The elderly gentleman next to them pushed a plastic crate over.
“If you’re sure.”
“We’re not using it.”
“Thank you.” Ryder placed the crate next to Tatum’s chair and sat. Leaning forward, he peered around her. “Nice to see you again, Mrs. Mayweather. Hope you’re enjoying Wild West Days.”
“I am. Thank you.” Her mouth barely moved when she talked.
Okay, Ryder admitted it. He was purposely trying to push her buttons.
“We saw the shoot-out.” Drew squeezed himself between Ryder’s knees.
Adam squealed and doubled his efforts to get down. “Daddy! Wanna see Daddy.”
“Here.” Mrs. Mayweather reached across the two small folding chairs. “I’ll take him,” she insisted.
Adam wasn’t happy being denied, and Tatum made her point by taking her ever-loving time relinquishing her son to his grandmother.
Good for you, Ryder thought.
Gretchen stole the spot in her mother’s lap that her baby brother had vacated. They were still sitting that way, the two children’s chairs empty, when the sound of clip-clopping hooves signaled the start of the parade.
The mayor and grand marshal came first, seated atop a replica stagecoach drawn by four horses. A pair of colorfully dressed clowns came after the stagecoach. Carrying scoop shovels, they were accompanied by a third clown pushing a wheelbarrow. The trio joked with the crowd, pantomiming for laughs. Their real job was to clean up any “accidents” the horses might have, clearing the way for the next entrant.
After the clowns came the grade-school marching band and the Future Farmers of America. Their float, a flatbed trailer covered with streamers, was pulled by a tractor. The marina also had an entry—a boat on wheels—as did the mining company.
“That reminds me.” Tatum leaned close to Ryder. “I heard back from the mining company secretary yesterday. Sorry I forgot to tell you.”
“And?”
“She sounded interested. Said she’d give us a call at the end of January.”
Three months away. “That’s something, I suppose.”
“I mentioned our ability to accommodate team-building activities.”
“Can we do that?”
“We could by the end of January.”
Ryder grinned, glad their former camaraderie had returned. “Always thinking, Tatum. I like that.”
“I can’t take all the credit. We practice team-building exercises in school.”
They continued watching the parade, periodically conversing over the children’s chatter. The Easy Money Vaqueros earned a loud round of applause from the spectators. When the Shriners passed by, throwing candy and small trinkets onto the sidewalks, children fell on the prizes like starving dogs with a bone.
“I had some upsetting news yesterday,” Tatum said. “Lenny’s considering renting my space out at the first of the year.”
That took Ryder aback. “Why?’
“He got a notice from his landlord. His lease is coming up for renewal, and they want to raise the rent.”
“What about your classes?”
“It won’t matter if I get my teaching job back.”
“I thought you wanted to keep up the art classes even if you did.”
“No. Yes.” She gave a one-shoulder shrug. “I have this sort of crazy idea. A new career if the school doesn’t rehire me.”
“Tell me.”
“It’s stupid, really. I don’t have the money needed to start a business.”
Ryder was intrigued. “What kind of business?”
She glanced quickly at Ruth, who was preoccupied with her grandchildren. Tatum spoke in a hushed voice. “A craft store. I’d also stock art and teaching supplies, so my teacher friends wouldn’t have to drive into Globe.” She smiled. “Of course, I’d devote an entire section of the store to my art classes.”
“I think it’s a great idea.”
“Be serious.” She blushed prettily. “A craft store in Reckless? Arizona’s most Western town?”
“All right, I admit to being supportive of any new business venture. But what you’ve described makes sense. The people in this town have a need, and you’ve developed a business to fill it. Plus, it’s something you’d be good
at.”
“Now, if I could just win the lottery.”
“Get a small business loan.”
“Let’s be honest.” She sighed. “My credit history isn’t the best.”
She was talking about losing her house. “There were mitigating circumstances. What counts is that you got yourself back on your feet. And quickly, too.”
“Not sure I’m fully back on my feet yet.”
“I could help you. I happen to be good at managing money.” Ryder had spent most of his professional career developing budgets for clients and working within those budgets.
“If you’re still here. Cassidy mentioned you took off yesterday morning, and were gone for a few hours.”
Evidently his second consultation with Myra hadn’t gone unnoticed. “Did she tell you we argued?”
“The way she put it, she argued with your father, and you got involved.”
“Frankly, it was a free-for-all. Dad and I had words, too, after she left.”
“I’m sorry.”
Ryder reassured himself that Ruth was still not listening before confessing, “I did meet with the headhunter.”
Tatum gave him an I-told-you-so look. Because he couldn’t think of a comeback, he said nothing.
They watched the remaining parade in relative silence, commenting now and then on something of interest. Thirty minutes later, the parade came to an end. Almost immediately, the crowd began to disperse. Ryder thought the time had come for him to take his leave.
“See you at the rodeo tonight.”
“Don’t go,” Drew whined and hurried over.
Tatum didn’t second her son’s plea. If her mother-in-law wasn’t there, he’d question her. Was she mad because he might leave Reckless still at odds with his family or mad because he might leave her?
“Thanks for the use of the crate.” Ryder pushed it toward the elderly gentleman. When he straightened, he found himself face-to-face with Tatum. She’d been tying Drew’s shoelace.
For a long moment, they simply stared at each other.
“What’s going on?” her mother-in-law asked.
Ryder and Tatum instantly sprang apart.
Drew just couldn’t keep quiet. “Mom and Mr. Beckett like each other,” he singsonged.
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