by Elsie Davis
Gemma stiffened, her withdrawal more than physical. “I’m sorry. I never thought of it that way.”
“I’m sorry too. For the first time in a long time, I wouldn’t mind having a woman come over to sit on the porch and talk, or to go to dinner with occasionally. But it’s just something I can’t do. Not now. He’s not ready.” It was more than he should have said, but it was only fair he tell her everything.
“Meaning me?” her soft voice barely a whisper as she searched his face for an answer
“Meaning you.” He took hold of her hand, his thumb rubbing back and forth against her skin.
“I…I like you too, but I understand. My life is in Syracuse, and yours is here. I wouldn’t want to do anything to hurt Kyle.” Neither one looked away.
In another life, another time, things might have been different. But it didn’t change anything about today. “Thank you. It means a lot to me.”
She took a sip of water. “Can I ask you something?”
“Go ahead.” A change of subject would be easier.
“How did you and Chad meet? Was it because of Kyle?”
He pulled his hand away and sat back. “No. Being the doctor in town, I meet a lot of people. Chad was in my office one day, and we got to talking. By that time, Kyle was already seeing a hearing specialist, and when Chad mentioned the GiddyUp Kids program, I told him about Kyle, and I volunteered my services to make sure they’d have a doctor on hand when the kids come out to ride. Chad and I hit it off and became close friends. Since then, we’ve bent each other’s ears a few times.” More than a few times, but who was counting.
“Tell me what you know about Chad.”
“Why? Shouldn’t you ask him yourself?” He didn’t want to get in the middle of something he had yet to understand, and he wasn’t at liberty to discuss Chad’s health.
“It’s hard. In case you haven’t figured it out, I’d never met him until I arrived here a week ago. It’s a long story and not my story to tell, but I don’t know a thing about the man other than what I’ve learned since I’ve been here and that he’s a retired champion bull rider.”
“That’s impossible.” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. She had to be lying. He’d seen the pictures with his own eyes.
“There’s nothing impossible about it. It’s a fact. What makes you think differently? What has he said to you?” Gemma fired out the questions, her gaze intense and demanding.
“Nothing. Forget I said anything.” Somehow, he’d managed to stumble into the forbidden territory he’d been determined to avoid.
“If you’re talking about the pictures, I’ve seen them.” Her voice had dropped low as if sharing a deep, dark secret.
“That’s exactly what I’m talking about. How would he have them if you haven’t met?”
“That’s what I was hoping you could tell me. All I can think of is maybe my mom sent them? But to hear her tell it, I didn’t think they’d talked since the day he walked away.”
Jake was stunned. Not only at her words, but in the fact that she was confiding in him. She trusted him enough to share her troubles, and in doing so, Jake held key information he didn’t want to know.
Was Chad no different than Jake’s ex-wife?
The problem was the album. It told a different story. It told a story of a man who thought of nothing else but his child. Jake remembered the one time he’d caught Chad poring over the album, a lost, heartbroken expression on his face. It was one of the reasons Jake had condemned Gemma for not visiting her father.
But he’d been wrong. All wrong. The sincerity in her voice was unmistakable, and he found himself believing her.
“I think the two of you are long overdue for a conversation. Be brave, Gemma. You were strong enough to come here and meet him, now do what you need to do and finish what you started.”
He had too much respect for Chad to condemn the man without giving him a chance to explain. And Chad was as private a person as Jake when it came to feelings and emotions. Gemma would need every ounce of strength and determination to tackle the situation head-on, but Jake knew she was capable. For her sake, he hoped the answers were something she could live with, and somehow, they would give her the peace she craved.
“I’ll try. Those three pictures blindsided me.”
Three pictures? More like hundreds. They clearly weren’t talking about the same thing. And if three pictures upset her this much, imagine what an entire album could do.
Thank goodness he hadn’t given Chad’s secret away.
* * *
The crunch of tires on the gravel alerted Gemma they had a visitor. She walked to the kitchen window, her heart picking up the pace when she spotted Jake emerging from the truck. He must’ve swung by his house first because the doctor image was long gone. Jake was in comfortable-cowboy mode, with his blue jeans and a blue and tan checked flannel shirt that emphasized his broad shoulders and lean waist. His rugged work boots completed the -ready-for-action image.
Lucky for her the mission he was on this time only involved a camera and a photoshoot and not a live rescue. Jake grabbed the harness from the back of the truck before climbing the front stairs.
She met him at the door. “You made it. I was beginning to worry. The GiddyUp Kids will be arriving in about thirty minutes, and after that, the lighting will be terrible for a photoshoot.”
Jake still sported a five-o’clock shadow, which meant the freshly applied musk cologne she detected had been splashed on for her benefit because she was certain it wasn’t for the kids or the horses. She smiled, liking the idea he’d gone to the trouble for her, especially after their earlier conversation.
“I stopped by the house first to change. Not sure my office attire was the look you were after for a realistic image of a rescuer in action. And of course, my dress shoes would be ruined with manure caked on the bottoms, not to mention, being stepped on fourteen times by kids.” He chuckled; his entire demeanor more relaxed.
She was enjoying this new phase in their friendship. It was comfortable and somehow right, even if it was a little odd. “Come on in. We can go through the house.”
As Jake stepped inside, Brody ran into the kitchen, tail wagging. The dog rubbed up against his leg, pressing his nose into Jakes’s hand, looking for attention.
“Thanks for staying out of trouble, buddy. I guess sliding down the side of a cliff once was enough for you. I know it was more than enough for your mama. You about gave her a heart attack.” He stroked behind Brody’s ears and gave him a pat on the head.
It made Gemma nervous to think of Brody back up on the rock, but she trusted Jake. She hooked the leash to the dog’s collar and led him outside.
Jake followed her down the path, stopping near the hot tub to slip on the rescue harness and tighten the belts.
Gemma led Brody to the massive rock that jutted out as the high point of the entire surrounding area. The view was incredible, and the lighting perfect. When Jake was done gearing up, he joined them on the rock. Gemma handed him Brody’s leash with only the slightest of hesitation.
“He’ll be fine, Gemma. Don’t worry.” It was as if he’d read her mind or sensed her tension, but either way, it was sweet of him to care.
“Okay. If you’ll squat down on one knee and put your hand on his back, coil the leash in your hand, so it doesn’t show in the picture. I’ll get a few shots and then check them out. We can take more if necessary, but the lighting is perfect right now.”
Gemma stepped back off the rock, putting her almost level with Jake and Brody.
“I’m not crazy about this whole photoshoot thing, so I’m hoping you get what you want in the first couple of shots. I should get down to the pasture before the kids arrive.”
“We’ve got time. Relax. And smile. Don’t act as if I’m killing you.” She laughed, trying to keep things light between them.
“Maybe you are.” His smile ricocheted through her. It was one of those warm, confident, I-like-you
smiles. The kind of smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. The kind of smile that made her heart beat faster.
Gemma zeroed in on his face and snapped a couple of extra pictures. Pictures he didn’t need to know about. They may have agreed there was an attraction that couldn’t exist, but what if it could?
“Let me check these out. I think I’ve got some excellent ones.” She stepped into the shaded area by the nearest tree to view the pictures.
Jake and Brody jumped down off the rock and wandered over to her side.
“Look, this one’s good. What do you think?” She held the camera out for Jake to inspect the screen.
He pressed in close, and they stood shoulder to shoulder looking at the picture.
Brody barked twice at the squirrels rustling in the leaves as they scurried around in search of nuts.
“It’s a picture. You be the judge. Don’t say I didn’t do my—”
Brody lunged forward, pulling Jake against her and knocking her off balance. Jake’s arm shot out around her waist to keep her from falling, as he held onto the eighty-five-pound dog trying to rip his arm out of the socket.
Pressed up against his chest, they came face to face. Seconds passed, Jake keeping a firm hold on Brody’s leash, but neither one of them moving away to break the contact.
Jake leaned in closer, closing the distance between them as he lowered his mouth toward hers, slowly, as if to savor the moment neither one could stop.
Gemma’s heart beat faster with anticipation.
Jake suddenly let her go as Brody yanked him to the left, her rambunctious dog preventing the long-awaited kiss from ever happening.
“Brody, no. Sit!” Gemma clapped her hands to get his attention as she issued the commands.
Brody immediately stopped pulling and sat down next to Jake.
“Sorry about that.” Jake murmured, leaning down to pat Brody’s head. “Good sit.”
Sorry about the kiss that didn’t happen. Sorry he almost kissed her. Or sorry about Brody. She knew which one she wanted it to be but wasn’t about to ask. “It’s not your fault. He has this love-hate relationship with squirrels. He loves to chase them, and they hate to be chased. Doesn’t make for a meaningful friendship.”
“I’ll take Brody now if you want. We can use the picture I showed you. It’s perfect. I know you need to be getting down to the pasture. Is Kyle still coming? I haven’t forgotten what you said.” She wanted to go see the kids, but she would respect Jake’s wishes.
“Yes. They should be here soon. About what I said at lunch, it’s not right for me to tell you to stay away from your dad and the other kids. I’m just worried about Kyle.” He handed her the leash.
“I know. But helping makes me feel useful.” Gemma shrugged.
“Okay. Then promise me you won’t do anything to make Kyle fall in love with you any more than he already has.” His tone had grown serious, more thoughtful, and she’d give anything to know what he was thinking.
“I can’t make any promises. After all, I am lovable.” Gemma smiled, opting to use humor to deflect the moment.
“That’s true.” Jake turned and left, not giving her a chance to answer.
Gemma didn’t know what to make of his comment but refused to read too much into it. That’s how hearts got broken.
She stayed behind to fix a casserole and put it in the oven before making her way down to the pasture. The same as last Thursday, the kids were all lined up outside the fence, their eager faces poking through the slats to watch as each of them took a turn.
Chad picked up a little girl about five or six, gave her a hug, and put her up in the saddle. She seemed nervous, but Chad’s reassuring words must’ve done the trick because it wasn’t but a minute or two later and she was all smiles. Rodeo’s darling was still a charmer. He might not be partial to the name, but it fit.
A couple of kids noticed her arrival, their smiles widening when they spotted Brody. Kyle trailed the pack as they headed her way, his shorter legs unable to keep up with the bigger kids.
“Sit, Brody. Easy boy.” She wanted to keep him under control with so many new kids around until he settled down a bit.
A quick glance in Jake’s direction confirmed he was aware of her arrival. He was watching her closely, although she expected nothing less when Kyle was involved. Tom made his way to her side.
“Good evening, Gemma. It’s nice to see you here.” Jake’s dad smiled a warm welcome.
“Thanks. I watched last week and was amazed at the courage these kids have and wanted to watch again. Maybe see if I could help. I love that Chad and Jake do this program. It’s a great cause.”
Brody calmed down after the new arrivals, enough for Gemma to take his leash off so the kids could play with him. The dog did well in situations such as this because for him, it was like having fun with oversized squirrels. Ones who would play with him and not run up a tree and hide.
“I agree. Chad’s been running this program for about five years, and Jake signed on three years ago when he first got here. It’s been amazing for Kyle to have kids to play with who aren’t mean-spirited and welcome him into their special group.” Tom’s voice dropped a notch, so the children couldn’t hear them.
Gemma’s heart ached for Kyle. For all the children. “Having access to this,” she gestured toward the barn and pasture, “will make him a better person when he grows up. This will teach him about love and helping one another.”
Tom nodded. “Kyle likes you, and Brody, of course. Lately, that’s all he talks about. It’ll be hard to settle him down tonight, but that’ll be Jake’s problem.” Tom chuckled, as if the idea appealed to him, which made absolutely no sense at all.
“Don’t say that. Jake told me Kyle’s becoming attached and warned me off. I don’t need to give him any more ammunition against me. I need his help for the carnival.”
“It’s saying something if he had to warn you off. He doesn’t normally let anyone get close enough to have to do any warning. Something worth thinking about.” Tom glanced at Jake and back at Gemma, a strange expression on his face.
“Don’t start getting any ideas, you’d be wrong. I’m headed back to Syracuse after the carnival. I gave up a few accounts to stay these two weeks and host the fundraiser, but I have to go back after that.”
“Nothing wrong with thinking.” Tom grinned.
A couple of the kids wandered back to the fence, eagerly waiting their turn. Jake saddled up a mare and led it over to where Chad stood with a boy of about nine or ten. Her dad helped the kid up onto the horse and then hoisted himself upon his own stallion.
Gemma had to smile as the pair made their way across the pasture at a leisurely pace.
She pulled out her phone and framed out a picture of Chad atop his horse, looking as if he owned the world. At ease, he talked with the boy non-stop. And Chad wasn’t much of a talker which made it all the more remarkable.
She snapped a couple of pictures and on a whim sent one to her mother. Her mom had asked about Chad, and so far, Gemma hadn’t said much. But a picture was more telling, and it would be interesting to see her mother’s reaction.
Kyle came to stand by her side and slid his hand in hers.
She glanced at Jake, but thankfully, he was too busy to notice. “Hi, Miss Gemma.”
She barely heard the words and knelt beside him. “Hi, Kyle.”
“Thanks for bwinging Bwody. I like playing wif the doggy.”
Her heart melted as he spoke. “Brody likes it when you play with him also. When I go to work in Syracuse, he has to stay inside all day. He’s enjoying being out in the woods and getting to run free and play.”
“I wish I could have a doggy. But Daddy says no. Too much ponsibility.” His pout was priceless, and Gemma had to laugh.
Tom cast her a sideways glance and joined in the laughter.
“Well your daddy does stay busy, what with taking care of you, and doing his doctoring job, and then all his work with the rescue squad and
the GiddyUp Kids. Maybe he knows best,” she reasoned, hoping to help him understand.
“You sound like him, but I still wanna dog.” Kyle’s lower lip jutted out, forming a sad pout.
“Maybe someday, when you’re older, and you can take care of a dog yourself, you can ask your daddy again.”
“Okay. But not when I’m too, too big. It’s a long time to get as old as Daddy. Maybe when I’m just a little bigger, like Johnny.” Kyle pointed to the boy up on the horse as they were coming back to change riders.
“That sounds like a plan. Have you had your turn yet? I would love to see you ride.”
“Nope. You gonna watch? Yippee!” Kyle’s eyes were lit with excitement.
Jake wouldn’t appreciate it much, but she couldn’t help reaching out to make him feel special. “Of course. Run back to the group so you can get your turn and I’ll be right here watching.”
Kyle ran off, and Gemma risked another glance at Jake. He’d noticed their interchange, but the expression on his face was unreadable. It wasn’t as if she could ignore Kyle. That would be cruel, and she had no intentions of being part of a plan which might hurt a child’s feelings. Jake needed to learn life didn’t always happen according to plan.
“Yep, the boy’s real keen on you. He’s still behind in learning to talk compared to other kids his age, so he doesn’t talk to grownups much, but I noticed he talks to you. That’s saying a lot.” Tom nodded his head as if filing the information away for future use.
She knew what the old man was doing, but Jake didn’t agree with his dad’s attempts to push them together. “I’m flattered. He’s such a sweetheart, and honestly, I’ll miss him when I go home.” Gemma realized it was the truth. There were a lot of things she’d miss.
Kyle. Jake. And even Chad.
Gemma had watched Kyle ride like a proud parent, cheering him on and waving. As soon as he finished, she glanced at her watch. Perfect timing. The casserole was just finishing up. “Tell everyone I said goodnight, will you? I’ve got to get out dinner out of the oven.”