Lucky Cowboy

by Heatherly Bell

  Sadie scooped ice cream into the bowls, trying to distract herself. Eve had a point. Sadie should get over herself and put the past in her rear view. No way would she ever miss the signs again. Nor was she associated with the same kind of friends anymore. People who cared more about where they could find the next party.

  Sadie handed Eve a full bowl of ice cream which she happily accepted. “Why are we drowning our sorrows in Ben & Jerry’s if everything is fine in paradise?”

  “My parents.”

  Eve quirked a brow. “The happiest and longest marriage in Stone Ridge other than Beulah and Lloyd Hayes?”

  Sadie felt the salty sting of tears prick her eyes. “I don’t think so.”

  Eve’s parents were divorced, but for so long now that no one even talked about it anymore. Like so many, Brenda and Ricardo Iglesias married young. Both were originally from Stone Ridge, and Brenda went to school with Hank. They’d been close friends, and Hank seamlessly passed on that friendship to Brenda’s only child. When Ricardo left and Eve was ten, Hank found Brenda a job on the Truehart Ranch as a cook and maid.

  “I’m sorry,” Sadie said. “I know divorce happens, but I never thought my parents...”

  Eve’s dropped her spoon and it clanged in the bowl. “They’re getting divorced?”

  “Oh, no, no. I hope not, but something is going on and they’re really not happy.”

  “Wow. They hide it so well.”

  Sadie snorted, finding that too ironic. “Don’t they?”

  “But that doesn’t mean—”

  “I’m just glad I wasn’t the only one who didn’t see this coming.”

  “This is something you couldn’t have seen coming. No one knows what goes on behind closed doors. If they’re hitting a rocky patch in their marriage, maybe they just need to figure it out. But I’ll bet they will.”

  “You’re right. I’m overreacting.”

  But a tug of suspicion couldn’t let it go.

  Chapter 20

  The next day after school, Sadie again missed a chance to speak to Pamela Ann, so when she got home, she phoned. “Just checking in. Jimmy Ray is doing great in class. How’s he at home?”

  “Fine except he keeps pushing me on bedtime. But I’m so wrecked by seven it’s all I can do to keep my dagum eyes open.”

  “I know what you mean.”

  “Listen to me. What am I sayin’? You have fifteen Jimmy Rays every day. Are you exhausted every night?”

  Sadie might never tell a soul, but every night she worried over her students. She’d never have believed that her heart would expand to love and appreciate each student. At night she’d lie in bed and thoughts would run to Bobby Joe and his obsession with food. She hoped that wouldn’t later become a lifelong problem, so she’d brought healthy snacks like celery sticks, apple slices, and granola.

  Ellie bit her nails to the quick which just might be a sign of her over-achiever’s spirit. And though she didn’t have training to diagnose it, Sadie feared that Jimmy Ray might be dyslexic on top of everything else. He took pride in his work, but his reading comprehension remained poor. Until she knew for certain, she wouldn’t share her worries with Pamela Ann.

  “It’s different for me. I have a short day and I have the evenings to recover. Other than grading homework and planning lessons.”

  She also wanted to organize a field trip and thought that the Carver Ranch would be perfect. Then again, they also had the peach orchards. Sadie hadn’t decided on one, and the entire matter of arranging such a thing, with all the legalities and permission slips required, overwhelmed her.

  “Sounds like being a teacher is a little like being a mother. You take your job home with you.”

  “Any word on Derek?”

  “No.” Pamela Ann’s voice lowered, and the sound of the TV in the background faded. “But while I have you, I wanted to tell you something kind of personal and I hope you don’t mind.”

  This might be where Pamela Ann confessed that she’d been trying to work things out with Derek. Sadie wanted to support the family been reunited. It would make Jimmy Ray so happy for his parents to stay together.

  “I’ve become very friendly with Dr. Judson.”

  Oh, boy. What happened to marriage and a lifetime of commitment? Sadie bit her tongue in half. She had no right to judge Pamela Ann after all she’d been through with Derek.

  He’d cheated, after all, or at the least been suspected of cheating.

  “H-how close?”

  “I thought you weren’t interested in him.”

  “Oh, I’m not. I’m with Lincoln and we’re exclusive.”

  “That’s what I thought. It looks like he might decide to stay in town. Lillian talked to him and is working with Beulah to raise funds for a clinic. He was so good with Jimmy Ray. But don’t worry, I’m still married, and he knows it. I’m so impressed with him and his plans for the future. He’s got every detail ironed out for the rest of his life.”

  “And you like that?”

  “Who wouldn’t? It’s safety, security. I’m a single mother now, so I need to think of those things. I’m not interested in dating a lot. Once I’m free, that is.”

  “Judson is certainly a kind man,” Sadie said carefully while she desperately tried to think of a reason Derek would be the better candidate.

  All the reasons seemed shallow.

  You have a child together.

  You have a history.

  There must be something you still love about him.

  “I’m not exactly hurrying into anything. I just…you know, he makes me wish I were free. We’re friends right now but I think he’s interested. It shocks me.”

  “Why should it? You’re a great person!”

  “Well, um, thanks. That’s sweet of you. But I’ve dated one man my entire life. I met him when I was eighteen and I sure don’t look the way I did back then. I’m about twenty pounds heavier for one. But the worst thing about me is that I never finished high school. I’m picking peaches! And a doctor, a doctor, is interested in me.”

  “I’m really happy for you.”

  But Sadie wasn’t happy at all as a stone lodged itself in her throat. Jimmy Ray would hate this. He wanted his parents to stay together, as any child would.

  “I worried you’d feel a claim on him since he dated you first. You know how it is around here.”

  One date with a doctor and it would follow her the rest of her life, apparently.

  Sadie sighed. “I don’t know if you could technically say I dated him. We went on one dinner date. I didn’t even kiss him.”

  “You know how it is. Some women in our little town think they’re entitled to more than one man. Since there are so many.”

  Sadie immediately thought of Jolette Marie, but there were other women like her. She bristled at the thought.

  “I’ve always been a one-man woman.”

  Though in the past not everyone returned the favor.

  Later that night, Sadie prepared next week’s lessons and then changed into her favorite nightgown: an old and comfy tee that fell to just below her thighs. Time to relax. Unwind. She considered asking Eve over to watch a rom-com, but the poor girl worked so hard between early mornings at the ranch and her job at the clinic. Last night she’d fallen asleep on Sadie’s couch while she went on and on about her parents. Sadie didn’t bother waking her up until morning, simply covering her with a blanket and going to bed herself.

  After hearing a knock on her door, Sadie figured Eve had read Sadie’s mind and she threw open the door.

  There stood Lincoln, dressed from head to toe in black. He’d rolled up the long-sleeved button down displaying muscular forearms. Even his Stetson was midnight black. His jaw and chin were dusted with a light and scruffy look. He looked like every woman’s fantasy of a sexy cowboy.

  Her jaw dropped. “I thought you weren’t getting back until tomorrow.”

  His gaze raked from her eyes to her bare feet. He bit his lower lip, teeth grazing across
in a way which made her womb contract. “Damn.”

  Self-consciously, she glanced down at her tee. “I didn’t expect you.”

  He rushed her like a linebacker going for a tackle and she squealed in delight. He would have knocked her over, but his strong hands lifted her into his arms. His hands slid down to her bottom, lowering her to his lips for a kiss which quickly turned wild.

  “Lord, I missed you, baby.”

  After two days, it was good to hear those words. Almost like I love you, and she’d take it. Yes, she would.

  When he put her down, she tugged on his hand and led him to the couch. “How did it go?”

  He pulled off his Stetson and dragged a hand through his thick hair. She’d seen many cowboys remove that hat and have nothing to show for it. But it was almost a shame to cover Lincoln’s hair with a hat.

  “Lots of money in cattle.”

  “I’ve heard.” She smiled and took his callused hand, her fingers making little circles in the palm of his hand.

  “What’s been happenin’ around here?”

  “In two days? Gee, let’s see. Judson asked me to marry him and I said no. He then asked Eve who also said no,” she teased.

  “Don’t even joke about that.”

  “Actually, I talked to Pamela Ann and she said she’s interested in Judson.” Sadie sighed. “I guess she has little hope for reconciliation.”

  “Hope she waits for the divorce to go through.”

  And just like that, though she didn’t see it coming, Sadie felt the salty sting of tears. She pushed them back with the pads of her fingers.

  Lincoln pulled her into his lap. “Hey. Hey, what’s wrong?”

  She buried her face in his warm neck. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to get so emotional.”

  “No, there’s no sorry. Tell me what’s wrong.” His hand slid up and down her spine in a comforting move.

  “My parents. They both seem really unhappy and are having problems. I know it’s their business, whatever happens. But I’m worried.”

  This didn’t seem to shock Lincoln the way Sadie expected it might. “Hm.”

  She pulled back to take a long look at him. No, she wasn’t imagining this. Lincoln almost…expected this.

  “You’re not surprised.”

  “Not really.”

  “Why not? Eve was shocked. My parents are one of the happiest couples in town.”

  “I…sensed some tension.” He cleared his throat and shifted his weight as though uncomfortable discussing this. “Your mother…she doesn’t look at him like she can’t wait to get her hands on him. And…it’s the same for him.”

  Lincoln and his blasted honesty. Watch out for what you wish for. But Sadie swallowed hard at the truth behind that statement. She hadn’t wanted to see it for herself. There were many reasons why a husband and wife might pull away from each other at different times. An argument, perhaps. Some other stressor like finances.

  “Lincoln, they’ve been married for almost thirty-five years.”

  He shrugged and his hands slid up and down her leg in a soothing rhythm. “So?”

  “So,” Sadie began, aware she was desperately thinking of a reason that a husband and wife who were still in love might not be obvious about it. “Maybe…maybe they’re just tired of each other.”

  Lincoln quirked a brow. “Does that happen when you’re in love?”

  She chewed at her lower lip. No, that didn’t happen when two people were in love. She couldn’t possibly picture, for instance, getting tired of Lincoln. Ever.

  “No,” she said miserably. “It doesn’t.”

  Hand on the nape of her neck, he pulled her close. “Thirty years from now, I assure you I’ll still hustle to get back from a cattle run just to see you.”

  Sadie’s heart gave a powerful tug. She pressed her forehead to his. “What about in forty years?”

  He chuckled, the sound low, deep and scratchy. “If I can still move, I’ll pick you up like this.”

  Carrying her in his arms, he moved toward the bed where he dropped her. “And if my fingers aren’t too old and arthritic, I’ll take my shirt off like this. Or maybe you’ll have to do it for me.”

  She came up on her knees and began to unbutton his shirt. “I don’t mind doing this even before your fingers are arthritic.”

  He slid her a wicked smile as the soft cotton shirt slid off his shoulders, revealing gorgeous sinewy muscles and his light smattering of chest hairs. His body covered hers, pinning her down but carefully keeping his weight off.

  “I’m not familiar with this, you know.”

  “You could have fooled me.”

  He snorted. “No. I’m not used to having to see someone. Anyone. Like my day isn’t complete until I do.”

  Sadie’s breath caught and her arms circled his neck. “Don’t look now, Lincoln, but it sounds like you’re making plans.”

  He met her gaze, his deep blue eyes open and warm. “What if I am?”

  “I’m taking it one day at a time, Linc, just like we said. But I love you. I think I’ve loved you for half my life.”

  He brought her hand to his lips and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. “Tell me again.”

  “I love you, Lincoln.”

  “And as usual, you’re a hell of a lot smarter than I am. I’m still playing catch up. But baby, know that I’ve never felt this way before.”

  Her heart swelled and nearly burst in love and affection for this man who turned out to be everything she could have hoped for and more. He was everything.

  And he would never let her down.

  * * *

  Sadie woke the next morning, spooning with Lincoln. This time was markedly different from the first. They were both naked, for one thing, their clothes strewn around the bed. Different enough alone, but the sex that followed last night would go down in the history books. Her history book, anyway. Although she doubted their five future children would want to read about how their father nearly melted all her bones.

  Now, Sadie don’t get carried away. We will have however many children we have. We will marry, or not marry.

  One thing for certain: we will make each other happy for the rest of our lives. Marriage, children, or not.

  But she still wanted the children. One or five, that didn’t matter. As long as they were his children. They would be beautiful, both inside and out. Just like their father.

  A memory came to her clear and swift. She turned to face Lincoln. His eyes were closed, one arm still flung over her waist.

  “What?” He opened one eye, one corner of his mouth tipping up in a smile.

  “You’re awake.”

  “The sun is up and I’m a rancher. What do you think? I’m just waiting for you to wake up.”

  “Aw, that’s so sweet.” She caressed his jawline. “Hey, do you remember when Jackson, Eve, and I got drunk after the senior party and you drove us home?”

  “Vaguely. But I have saved my brother’s ass so many times I lost count.”

  That night may not have been important to him, but for her, she’d never forgotten.

  “I’d never been drunk before that night. Jackson and Eve piled in your truck, but I ran to the bushes. Do you remember why?”

  “I can guess.” He smirked.

  “Some of the kids waiting outside made fun of me. They were laughing, saying that as a lowly junior I couldn’t hold my drink. Calling me disgusting. And you yelled at them to mind their own business and go back inside. Then you held my hair back while I continued to make a lasting impression on you.” She met his eyes, so deep and blue. “You told me the next time to pace myself and you held my hand and walked me to your truck. I think I officially fell in love that night.”

  “I remember,” he said, tucking a hair behind her ear. “I should have told you that underage drinking is a crime, but I was a little too jaded for that. And that’s not the memory I have of you.”

  “Thank God, because that wasn’t my finest moment.”

 
“I remember you coming up to the house to talk to Mima and Hank about Eve. To get them to try to understand her point of view. We were all so angry, but you had enough courage to come and talk to us, for Eve. She couldn’t face us. Even you didn’t know what kind of reception you’d get. I know I wasn’t thrilled to see you. None of us were. I might have been a little scary. But you didn’t back down. You wanted to help Eve because that’s the kind of friend you are.”

  “You were scary. But I always thought that deep inside you were nothing but a big teddy bear.”

  “That’s me.” Then he rolled on top of her, pinning her, growling like a bear.

  He went after her neck, tickling, making her squeal. She dissolved into peals of laughter and only calmed down when he kissed her, shutting her up.

  “Can you stay for breakfast?”

  “Sure can. After this week, Hank owes me. And next weekend, I’m stuck on the ranch. Today, I’m yours.”

  A rare treat. “You mean I have you all morning?”

  “Why? What are you going to do with me?”

  “Oh, so much.”

  They made love again, taking a shower together afterwards. Sadie got out first, wanting to start breakfast. She toweled off while Lincoln sang “Friends in Low Places” decidedly off-key.

  “The acoustics are great in here. How do I sound? Could I make a record?” He chuckled.

  “Leave the singing to Jackson.”

  “Aw.”

  She shut the door to the bathroom, smiling so hard her cheeks hurt, and hurriedly got dressed. Pulling out her cast-iron pan and the chopping board, she sliced bacon and chopped potatoes. Working fast, she grabbed the carton of eggs and set it on the counter. Lincoln’s phone buzzed twice from where it sat nearby.

  She glanced at it but did a double take at the message from an unknown number:

  See you then. Can’t wait.

  Looking closer, she saw that this was in reply to Lincoln’s text which read:

  I’ll meet you in Kerrville at ten-thirty next Saturday.

  Sadie dropped the phone like live ammunition. She shouldn’t have snooped! Didn’t Lincoln say he’d be stuck on the ranch all weekend? Why didn’t he mention he’d be in Kerrville on Saturday? It could be innocent, but if so, why was the number not listed in the caller ID as one of his contacts? Who or what was the big secret? Why couldn’t he tell her? A cold stab of fear sliced through her. Lincoln wouldn’t do this. No. He never lied to her. There was an explanation for this. It could be perfectly innocent, right?