Lucky Cowboy

by Heatherly Bell

  “So? Doesn’t mean she’s not yours.”

  With that, Hank opened the laptop and shoved it toward Lincoln. There, he read an email:

  If you have any doubt at all that Daisy Carver might not be your biological daughter, we could dismiss them all with a simple DNA test. Maggie Mae and I had an affair and I suspect Daisy could be my daughter. I just want to know the truth and I promise not to interfere with your lives.

  Lincoln froze. Promised not to intervene in their lives? He already did with the first damned email. The string of email messages made it clear that Hank had been dealing with this for months. Shit fire! This was all eating away at his old man. All the drinking made sense now. All the bad days. This stranger was slowly and systematically torturing Hank. He adored Daisy, and always treated her like a princess. His only daughter. She could never do wrong where Hank was concerned.

  “You should have said something to me,” Lincoln said. “You shouldn’t have to carry this alone.”

  Hank tipped his chair back. “It took me a while to believe it wasn’t a joke. But I had the man checked out. He’s an old rodeo cowboy from Arizona. Get a load of this: he’s older than I am. Obviously passed through Texas at some point and met your mother.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  “I don’t know that it isn’t true.”

  A punch of guilt ran through Lincoln because he’d been a part of the rodeo circuit scene for a while. And buckle bunnies. Women who got a thrill from being with a cowboy, and easily moved on. He’d never stopped to think some of these women might also be someone’s wife. Someone’s mother. The thought of his own mother, a buckle bunny. He might never get that image out of his head. With a home, children, and a husband who loved her, God only knew why that hadn’t been enough.

  “How did he even know about Daisy? How would he know? Seems like if he knew about her, he would have said something sooner than this.”

  “It’s pretty clear to me. Your mother must have contacted him at some point. Maybe after she left us. To tell him he could come pick up his kid if he wanted. As for why he hasn’t said anything until now, maybe he didn’t want the responsibility. Maybe he’d just like to know her now as a grown woman who might someday give him a kidney. You know, spare parts,” Hank said bitterly.

  Lincoln’s mind filled with thoughts of Daisy, suddenly finding out after being abandoned by her own mother, that the man who’d raised her might not be her real father. Simply put, it would kill her.

  This man didn’t have the right to randomly pop into her life and destroy it.

  “I don’t think you should tell her, if that’s what’s been bothering you.”

  Hank’s body went from one tight and rigid coil to almost limp. If a body could sigh, Hank’s did. In relief. “You think so? Is that fair to her?”

  “It’s protecting her, which is what we’re obligated to do. It won’t help her to know any of this.”

  “But if we do the testing, maybe that would stop the stupid rumors.”

  “Those already stopped. It’s taking a risk. A risk we don’t need to take. The results won’t help Daisy either way.”

  And the wrong ones would crush her.

  Better that Daisy never know there was even a question about her paternity.

  “I don’t know, son.” Hank shook his head. “I can’t take the easy way out, much as I want to. What’s the right thing to do?”

  “Dad, you let me handle this.”

  Daisy was Hank’s huge weak spot. It would be too easy for someone to take advantage of him.

  Hank closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “What are you going to do?”

  “I’ll handle it.”

  With that, Lincoln forwarded the email to himself. If the man wanted to deal with his family, he’d have to go through Lincoln first.

  * * *

  Though the men took weekends off from work on the old church, every weekday morning when Sadie arrived to the portable next door, she could see the daily progress. By the time they were done, Stone Ridge Elementary would pretty much be a brand-new building. They were currently in the process of completely replacing the roof with the funds they’d raised. Some fundraisers were ongoing, like the knit-a-thon, and her mother’s jam.

  This bright and crisp autumn morning, she waved to Riggs Henderson, who spent more time than most working on the building. He nodded and proceeded to carry several wooden planks over his shoulder. Lincoln would be joining Riggs for the second part of the day. When Lincoln took his day working on the building, of course, she’d sneak looks outside like a voyeur. It wasn’t enough to have him in her bed or be in his more nights than not. She enjoyed finding him outside, a cowboy with a tool belt low on his hips. She hoped for days with warm temperatures when he’d strip down to a T-shirt.

  They’d enjoyed one amazing week of getting to know each other, and she fell a little harder every day. She’d make dinner, or he’d bring it. They’d watch Netflix and sometimes he’d agree to re-runs of The Bachelor. He only groaned a little, and then enjoyed it much more once he got to poke fun. It became their guilty pleasure.

  At the end of the school day, Sadie would always see each child reunited with their parent. One of the many advantages of a smaller classroom. Time for a check-in each day. Sort of a daily teacher parent conference. Most often, she checked in with Pamela Ann. Still no word on Derek. Jimmy Ray remained on his best behavior, which considerably calmed the entire classroom. Even Bobby Joe no longer constantly asked about a snack.

  She’d been able to focus on individual lessons plans for the children, place them into similar groups, and monitor their progress. Ellie had already started to identify two-letter blended sounds and simple words. Sadie didn’t know which one of them was happier about this.

  Sadie was having a mini conference with Ellie’s mother, recommending some books to read, when she noticed Judson chatting with some of the parents. She still hadn’t talked to him about Lincoln.

  “Hello there,” Sadie said. “I’m sorry I’ve been avoiding you.”

  “Avoiding me?”

  “Yes, I wanted to tell you about Lincoln. I told you we were just friends, but that’s changed.”

  “I know,” he said. “Mrs. Carver told me.”

  Thank God for Lillian’s eagerness to pry into her grandchildren’s lives. Thank God, too, that she liked Sadie for Lincoln.

  “That was true at the time, but then things changed. Suddenly.”

  “Take it easy, Sadie.” He waved a hand. “You don’t owe me anything. It was one date.”

  “That’s what I thought, too, but Lincoln wanted me to tell you.”

  He blinked. “Yeah. I get it. Make sure you told him that you did.”

  “I will. He’s right over there, working with the crew today.” She nudged her chin in their direction. “That will be our new school when it’s completely renovated.”

  He glanced over. “I love the sense of community in this town. The way you all come together.”

  “Yes, it’s one of the best parts of Stone Ridge.”

  “What’s the other?”

  “All the great men that live here. I guess that’s better for the women. Sorry.” She cleared her throat. “Um, I just wondered…sorry, but have you considered that you tend to come on too strong? You know, with all your very specific plans for you and your future wife.”

  “Aha. I freaked you out. I tend to do that. It’s just I have something specific in mind, and I don’t believe in wasting time. Or being dishonest.”

  “Nothing wrong with that. I used to be a lot like you, but sometimes you have to let things play out. Don’t think of it as a waste of time. Just try to enjoy the journey.”

  “That’s…really good advice.”

  “Well, don’t look so surprised. I can give great advice. But what are you doing here? Can I help you?”

  His eyes shifty, he wouldn’t meet Sadie’s eyes. “I’ve been talking to some of the parents, getting a feel for
what they think about a clinic. So far, the feedback is encouraging. But there are a few parents I can never seem to find so I thought I’d come at pickup time.”

  “That’s a great idea. And I’ll also ask them on your behalf. I meant to do that anyway.” She smiled when from behind Judson she caught Lincoln’s eyes and he gave her a sly wink. “Have you found a place to stay?”

  “Not yet. You let me know if a cabin becomes available. I drove by and Lake Lupine is beautiful.”

  “I’ll let you know.” With everything cleared up between them, she didn’t see any harm in him renting a cabin from her father.

  “Jimmy Ray!” Derek came out of nowhere, it seemed, walking toward the lot, swaying a little, his arms open wide. “Daddy’s here.”

  He was obviously intoxicated. Protectively, Sadie grabbed Judson’s arm. “Maybe you should go.”

  Judson turned. “Who’s that?”

  “That’s Jimmy Ray’s father. I need to intervene. You should leave.”

  Judson didn’t, but he took a step back.

  Jimmy Ray, who had been playing kickball as he waited for his mother, ran over to his father. “Daddy! You came!”

  Sadie stepped between Jimmy Ray and Derek. “Honey, you need to go home with your mother.”

  “He’s comin’ home with me,” Derek said. “A mother shouldn’t keep a father from his boy.”

  “I’m sure you two can work that out, just not…not here.” She clasped a hand on each of Jimmy Ray’s shoulders.

  “Been tryin’ to work it out but she won’t talk to me.” Derek stood close enough that Sadie could smell the stale whiskey on his breath.

  The roiling stench made her gag. “This isn’t the place, Derek. Please.”

  “Don’t you get between me and my son.”

  Jimmy Ray began to whimper quietly beside Sadie.

  “You’re upsetting your son.”

  “He’d be fine if you let him go.”

  “I can’t let him. Please understand. Pamela Ann didn’t say you’d be comin’ by to get him. He’s my responsibility while at school. She’s usually here by now but she must be runnin’ late today.”

  Derek snorted. “Oh, right. Pickin’ peaches must be keepin’ her busy.”

  More mothers arrived but hustled their children off quickly, after they’d exchanged looks with Sadie and she gave them a quick nod. This seemed the safest course to take.

  But she couldn’t back down. She was the only link to safety for Jimmy Ray until Pamela Ann arrived. Her voice shook but she didn’t let go of Jimmy Ray. Glancing to the roof where Lincoln was working, she didn’t see him. She’d be fine. She’d take care of herself.

  “Derek, you should leave b-before the men come.”

  Sooner rather than later, they’d be here. Across the street stood the Shady Grind and plenty of men stopped in for a beer after lunch. And Lincoln would notice this commotion. So would Riggs. She didn’t want to see what might happen to Derek then. Not right in front of his son.

  “Daddy, I’ll see you later, like you p-promised me,” Jimmy Ray said, and his tiny little boy voice sounded shaky, too.

  Sadie’s heart plummeted. No child should be a witness to this.

  “Hey!”

  The sound rang so rough, loud, and threatening that Sadie jumped. Lincoln advanced on Derek, followed closely by Riggs.

  Derek turned to the sound, but seemingly unflappable, scowled. “Go away, Lincoln. This is between me and my son’s teacher.”

  “The hell it is.”

  Lincoln put his body between Sadie and Derek. Riggs moved behind her. The two men boxed her and Jimmy Ray in a protective circle.

  “You have a problem with the teacher, you can talk to me.”

  “You better go, Derek,” Riggs said. “We don’t want any trouble.”

  “I don’t, either. Why is it so crazy that I want to see my son?” Derek yelled.

  “Not this way,” Lincoln said with a stiff jaw. He pushed Derek back ever so slightly. “I believe you’ve had a few.”

  She’d never seen Lincoln like this. His tall and imposing frame dwarfed Derek’s, even though he was not a small man himself. Fists were tight at this sides. He looked ready to fight. Lord, she hoped it wouldn’t come to that. Not in front of poor Jimmy Ray.

  Pamela Ann pulled up just then and jumped out of her truck. “Derek! What are you doin’ here?”

  “I’m here to see my son, woman.”

  “Not until you clean up your act.” Walking past Derek, she took Jimmy Ray’s hand and led him away with the confidence and strength of a Mama Bear. “We’ll talk then.”

  “You keep sayin’ that!”

  Riggs went with them, escorting them toward the vehicle. Walking even faster, Pamela Ann ignored Derek. But Jimmy Ray turned back once more, tears streaming down his face.

  And Sadie’s heart sliced in two.

  Derek backed up, watching as Pamela Ann pealed out of the lot. “Damn it!”

  “Time for you to go.” Lincoln crossed his arms.

  Derek went palms up. “Fine! You can back down. Call off the dogs, Miss Sadie. I’m done.”

  “You’re not drivin’ anywhere,” Riggs said, in no uncertain terms.

  “Great.” Derek threw his keys to Riggs, outnumbered, outmanned, and outwitted.

  “I’ll get one of my brothers to pick me up and drive me back here,” Riggs called out to Lincoln. “You got this?”

  “I’ll clean up.” He slid an arm around Sadie’s waist.

  Sadie watched as they drove off, every one of her muscles releasing tension. She trembled. “What just happened here?”

  “Derek just showed us that he still hasn’t grown up.”

  “Poor Jimmy Ray.”

  He hauled her into his arms. “You okay?”

  By all rights, she shouldn’t be. “I could have taken care of that myself, you know.”

  He kissed her forehead. “But Riggs and I just couldn’t stand by.”

  “I know.”

  She both loved and disliked that fact. But she couldn’t have expected the men of Stone Ridge to stand by and watch a drunk man try to take his son. At that moment, she noticed Judson standing a few feet away from the portable, under the shade of a tree. He mopped his brow.

  “I better go and talk to him. He might be a little shook up.”

  “Sure. Did you tell him about us yet?”

  Incredible that he’d even mention this given what they’d just witnessed. She chose to take that as a compliment and smiled. “Yes, I told him, and he’s fine.”

  “Good.”

  “We had one date, Linc.”

  “By your own account, he’d already named your children.”

  “You should be happy I went on a date with him. He opened up my eyes.”

  “That a stretch, but yeah, let’s go with that.” He smiled, those beautiful blue eyes flashing humor. “How about we head over to the Shady Grind for a cold beer? You look like you need one. Or two.”

  “I thought we’d decided to wait a while.” She cleared her throat. “Beau?”

  Lincoln told her that he’d be the one to tell Beau about them.

  “He knows.” Lincoln met her eyes and tugged on a lock of her hair. “Talked to him this morning. And he’s fine with it.”

  Sadie breathed a sigh of relief. “I knew he’d be reasonable.”

  “Not exactly. He threatened to punch me into next week if I ever hurt a single hair on your head. But I would expect nothing less.”

  Sadie frowned. “He can sound so violent, when I know he’s just a pussycat.”

  “Yeah. That’s your brother. A real pussycat,” Lincoln said, heavy on the sarcasm.

  This would be their first public outing in Stone Ridge as a couple. They weren’t exactly a secret, but they also hadn’t hung out at the bar since the night they’d left together. And yes, people were still talking about that night.

  “Priscilla brought lunch over, and I said I’d return the favor and come by for di
nner.” He unbuckled his tool belt. “Just give me a little while to finish up here. I’ll go home for a shower and change and meet you back here for dinner. Why don’t you go by and see Eve after you talk to the doctor?”

  “Okay.” She gave Lincoln a quick kiss, then joined Judson under the shade of the tree. “Hey, are you okay there?”

  “Does this kind of thing happen often around here?”

  “Not at all,” Sadie said. “You have to understand that the men around here are very protective of the women. There are so few of us, you know. “

  “I get it. Your man is pretty impressive over there. It looks like he’s used to this.”

  “He’s known Derek for a long time. I don’t think he would hurt him. Especially not in front of the boy.” Sadie felt compelled to explain and defend Lincoln.

  “I have to tell you, I’m worried about Pamela Ann,” Judson said.

  “So am I.” A pinch of hope sprang in her. Nice to see someone else concerned about Pamela Ann. He probably had resources Pamela Ann would need. “We should both keep our eyes and ears open.”

  “Definitely.”

  “Hey, Lincoln and I are wandering over to the Shady Grind later. You should join us for a cold beer, if you feel up to it.”

  He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Actually, I would appreciate a double Scotch.”

  “They have that, too.”

  “Good deal. See ya there.”

  Waving to Judson, Sadie went to pick up her backpack from the classroom and locked up.

  So much had changed since the first day of school when she’d fallen through the floor. Not just between her and Lincoln, but between her and her students. They were making such progress, all of them, but now she couldn’t help think that Jimmy Ray might backslide after this display.

  Sadie walked to the clinic and found Annabeth sitting behind the receptionist desk, scrunched over her laptop.

  She glanced up. “Hey. You know anything about Excel spreadsheets?”

  “Oh gosh, no.”

  “Never mind, I’ll figure it out.” She hooked her finger toward the back. “She’s in her office.”

  Sadie knocked on the door, then let herself in. Eve sat at her desk, staring out the window. Sometimes Sadie forgot that Eve was deaf in one ear, a result of one of the worst years of her life while away at college. She wore a hearing aide in that ear most of the time but still preferred to read lips. As Sadie approached, Eve must have seen her in her peripheral vision.