“So what’s new here since I’ve been gone?” she asked, trying to avoid talking about Austin.
“Oh, you know…same old, same old.” Trevor scratched his chin before continuing. “Oh, we did hire that new stable hand we’ve been looking for. His name’s Andy and he seems to be a hard worker and stand-up guy.”
Laina nodded. “That’s good. I hope he fits in well. When do I get to meet him and show him the ropes?”
“Tomorrow. By the way, that reminds me…how’s Austin doing…and more importantly…how are you doing?”
Laina shrugged and avoided his eyes, knowing it was wishful thinking that Trevor would drop the subject of Austin. “Okay, I guess. It’s strange having him here.”
“Is he behaving himself?” he asked in a protective brotherly tone.
At that, Laina nodded and cracked a grin. “Yes, he hardly knows who he is right now and he’s injured. It’s kind of hard for him to get into any mischief.”
An amused grin spread across Trevor’s face as he made a fist and pounded it into his other hand a couple times. “Well, if you ever need me to talk to him, let me know, okay?”
Laina burst into laughter at the sarcasm in her friend’s voice. Trevor was such a gentle person. She couldn’t imagine him actually punching someone out. “I will,” she finally agreed after containing herself. “Thanks for offering to let him stay here. It’s such a big help.”
“Of course,” he said. “I’m happy to help…and in all seriousness, I hope this helps you both heal, no matter how things turn out. I’ve been praying.” He hugged Laina and then held her at arm’s length. “How about you both join us for dinner tonight? Charlotte’s trying her hand at making a pot roast with potatoes, carrots and homemade gravy.”
“Well, that sounds…interesting,” Laina commented and tried to suppress a giggle. She’d lost count of how many cooking mishaps that Charlotte had caused since she arrived at the Morgan estate.
Trevor raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Hey, be nice. She’s getting better at cooking.”
Laina put her hands up in mock defense. “I know, I know. Calm down.” They shared a laugh before she continued. “Sure, if Austin’s feeling all right, we’ll be there at six.”
Chapter Eight
Austin woke up disoriented by his surroundings. As his head cleared, the events of the past few weeks started to return to him. He was back in Tipton with Laina. He was so close to her—literally feet from her front door—yet their hearts had never been so far apart.
His head and shoulder ached as he moved into a sitting position and lifted the window shade facing Laina’s cabin. The sun had risen halfway into the sky and he couldn’t see any sign of Laina, but he smelled the scent of scrambled eggs in the other room. Sure enough, as he made his way to the kitchenette in the camper, he saw the food and cup on the table, along with a brief note in Laina’s messy handwriting.
I’ll be up at the stables until lunchtime. Call me on my cell if you need anything. ~Laina
Austin grinned to himself. It was thoughtful of her to make him breakfast. She’d put salsa with the scrambled eggs, just how he liked them. It surprised him that she remembered. Austin popped the food into the microwave for about twenty seconds and then sat down to eat when he heard whining at the camper door. He stood with a grunt as pain shot through his shoulder. Then he padded to the door and opened it. Laina’s little dog ran inside without hesitation and proceeded to sniff around the camper.
“Hey,” Austin called out. “What do you think you’re doing, little snoop?” While the dog was distracted by sniffing the trashcan, he scooped the beagle up with his good arm, planning to put the little intruder back outside where he belonged. However, his plans were thwarted when the dog lifted his head and licked Austin’s chin. He whined and wiggled his tail so rapidly that he was hard to hold. Austin chuckled and gave in. “Okay, little fella. You can stay for a minute while I eat and then we’ll go find Laina. What do you say?” The dog let out a happy little yip as he put him down.
Within a couple of minutes Austin finished his breakfast, except for the crust off his toast, which he tossed to a very appreciative dog. Afterwards, he went back into his bedroom and dressed in jeans and a button up shirt, careful not to move his arm too much. Then he put his arm sling on over his shirt. His injuries throbbed, but Austin only took a few over the counter pain relievers to take the edge off, even though the doctor had given him a medication that he assured wasn’t as risky. According to his friend, Jay, he’d worked for several years to conquer an addiction to prescription pain medication and Austin didn’t want to jeopardize the progress he had made, even if he couldn’t remember it.
A few minutes later, he headed out of the cabin with the dog in the lead. Austin followed him up a narrow path until reaching the stables. Judging by the way his head and body ached, he knew that he’d pushed himself a little too hard. Still, Austin wanted to see where Laina worked.
The beagle led him right to the entrance and then sat outside, panting from his walk. “Thanks, pal,” he said and patted the dog on the head before walking through the open-air walkway between the two stables. He saw Laina in the main corral teaching a student how to trick ride. Austin leaned against the building, remaining in the shadows so she couldn’t see him. She was gentle but firm while instructing, reminding the girl to sit up a little straighter and be more assertive with the horse.
“He needs to know that you’re in charge,” she said. “If you’re nervous, it’s going to make him nervous. Now, show him you’re confident in your abilities and try it again.”
A smile spread across his face. Laina made a good teacher. She knew from experience exactly how to help the girl be a better rider. Austin wondered if she still performed herself. He remembered watching her compete when they were kids. She’d won several awards until her senior year when she injured her knee. Then she had a hard time keeping up with the other competitors. Most people didn’t know she wore a brace because it was always covered up with her jeans. However, Austin was glad that she’d found a way to use her talent after all. She looked beautiful doing it. His heart pounded, seeing how her smile lit up the Wyoming countryside.
After her student left, he continued to watch as she went back into the barn and came out with her own horse. For a while they warmed up in the corral and then just as he had hoped, Laina started to show off her true talent while she thought no one could see her. She turned backwards and swung over the side of the horse, only hanging on by the tips of her boots and hands. Then she righted herself for a moment before hanging upside down over one side of the saddle with one leg up in the air. Austin could hardly breathe, amazed at the beauty of his wife, doing what she loved. Did she even realize how amazing she was?
A few seconds later, Laina happened to glance his way. Her eyes widened and for a moment she fumbled, but managed to scramble back onto the mare’s back and slow her down. Austin approached the fence then with an apologetic smile. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
Laina dismounted her horse and started leading her into the barn. “Oh, it wasn’t really you. I’m just out of practice.”
Austin followed her, shaking his head. “Didn’t seem like you were out of practice to me. You looked beautiful out there, just like always.”
Laina blushed and avoided his eyes. “It was reckless. Star isn’t used to me doing those kinds of stunts on her. I mean, I use her to do simple tricks for the kids, but nothing that complex. Most of my students are twelve or younger. I leave the older kids to the other more experienced trainers.”
“I hope you don’t mind me saying this…but you’re limiting yourself, Lainey. The older students would be lucky to have you instruct them.”
She sighed while leading her horse into the stall. “Can we talk about something else? I appreciate your compliments, but things are finally beginning to look up in my life. I don’t have time for any complications to ruin it right now.”
Austin nodded and rub
bed his chin. “I’m sorry, Lainey. I know I’ve been one of those complications for you, too.”
Laina’s eyes filled with regret. “Austin, I didn’t mean you.”
“I know you didn’t…but it’s true just the same. Something I did hurt you enough to want to leave me and now I’m here, bringing all those bad memories with me.”
“Austin…” Laina started to say with tears in her eyes.
He put up his hand to stop her. “I want to make it up to you, but that’s hard when my own brain is working against me. I’m not going to ask you to do it now…and I know it probably won’t change things, but when you’re ready, can we talk about what happened? I need to know.”
Laina nodded and dabbed at her eyes. “Yes…soon.”
“Thank you,” he whispered and turned to go.
“Austin?” she called out from behind him. When he turned she continued. “If you feel up to it, we’ve been invited to the Morgans for supper tonight. Would you like to come with me?”
Austin turned, unable to hide the hopeful gleam in his eyes. “I’d love to.”
“Okay, see you at six then.”
He nodded in agreement and headed out of the stables. Laina’s dog met him halfway down the path and greeted him with a happy howl. “Hey pal,” he said, patting the dog’s head. “I think you’re my good luck charm.”
Chapter Nine
Laina had never felt so awkward about going to the Morgans’ house for dinner before. She changed her outfit so many times that she felt like her fashion forward friend, Charlotte. In the end, she decided on her nicest pair of jeans and a purple blouse that she only wore on Sundays. Then she braided her freshly washed hair into a long braid like usual and headed out.
Her little beagle friend didn’t greet her as he’d become accustomed to doing. In fact, Laina hadn’t seen him for most of the day. However, her questions were answered as soon as she knocked on Austin’s door. He opened it and the dog leapt into her arms, licking her chin so much that she giggled. “Well, there you are, Copper. I was worried about you, boy.”
“Sorry,” Austin said as he stepped out of the camper, looking spiffy in fresh western style clothes and his cowboy hat and boots. “He showed up this morning and wouldn’t leave me alone until I let him inside.”
Laina raised an eyebrow. “Did you feed him?”
Austin gave her a puppy dog look that made her heart flutter for a moment. “Maybe some bread crusts this morning?”
She chuckled. “Well, there you go. It’s your own fault.”
His eyes widened as he shot back a smart retort. “My fault? He’s your dog. You need to train him.”
“Well, how am I supposed to train the dog if you kidnap him for the day?”
They shared a laugh and then Laina sobered. She didn’t realize how much she missed their playful banter. It confused her. Deep down she’d promised herself that she wouldn’t let Austin reel her back in, but it was proving harder than she thought. Why did he have to be so charming and difficult to resist?
“So, should we head down to dinner now?” he asked, jolting Laina from her frazzled thoughts.
“Yeah, I guess so.”
They walked down the path to the farmhouse in silence, the awkwardness between them returning full force. Laina breathed a sigh of relief when Charlotte greeted them at the door.
“Oh, I’m so glad you both could come tonight,” her friend said, enveloping her in a warm hug. Then she turned to Austin, introduced herself and shook his hand.
After they were seated around the table, the conversations flowed more freely. Emma told them all about school and her horse. Charlotte talked about their trip to London and Laina complimented her on the meal, which had turned out perfect, except for the lumpy gravy. However, the guys were the ones who were quiet throughout the evening. It was obvious that Trevor was still unsure about Austin and his intentions. In truth, Laina had a lot of insecurities about him being there as well. So, after dinner when Trevor asked to talk with Austin alone outside, Laina didn’t say a word.
Austin prepared himself for a lecture as Trevor led the way outside. He couldn’t blame the guy. He was the man of the house and he needed to set down some ground rules.
“I bet it feels weird being back in Tipton again.”
Austin nodded “Yeah, it does. A lot has changed since I’ve been gone.”
“It has,” Trevor agreed.
Austin gazed up at the night sky, a raw ache rippling through his heart. “You, know, it’s strange. I was so anxious to grow up and get out of this place. Now I can’t understand why. Life was so much simpler back then. I wish I could remember how it all went so wrong.”
Trevor nodded. “My life took a different path than yours but I can understand what you mean. When I was young I always wanted the next thing, but in the end I stayed. I married Grace, but sometimes life doesn’t go as we plan.”
Austin rubbed his chin, deep in thought. “I’m sorry. Laina told me what happened with Grace and then Tom and his wife. I guess bad things happen whether we play by the rules or not.”
“I guess so.”
They were silent for a long time, both deep in thought. It surprised him that Trevor was being so nice. They never got along in high school. Austin had been the jock and pretty cocky about his physical abilities, never concentrating much on grades. He’d cut corners and barely squeaked through to graduation. He regretted that now.
On the other hand, Trevor graduated at the top of their small class. He’d grown up an orphan, taken in by the Morgan family. Knowing success wouldn’t be handed to him on a silver platter, he worked hard and made something of himself, despite his humble beginnings. To top it off, Trevor’s moral compass always seemed to point true north—an admirable quality, but his perfection had always annoyed Austin to no end. However, now he was starting to admire him for it. He’d been through the unthinkable—losing a spouse to a horrible illness, yet he seemed at peace about it. Trevor found himself wishing he could have just an ounce of that peace he seemed to have.
“So, what are your plans for after your recovery?” Trevor asked, interrupting his fragmented thoughts.
“Well, my doctor basically told me that my rodeo days are finished. One more bad hit to my head could kill me.”
“I’m sorry.”
Austin waved away his concern. “Oh, I’ll be okay, I’m just not quite sure what I’ll do yet. Maybe raise cattle like my dad? It’s a strange feeling…losing your memory. I can’t even remember my bank account number…so I’m basically broke right now, except for the six hundred I found stored in my sock drawer.”
Trevor lifted an eyebrow. “Is there anything we can do to help you get back on your feet…money wise?”
Austin stared over at him, puzzled. “You’re already letting me stay here. That’s enough.” He paused for a moment, trying to figure out what Trevor wanted. Did he want to pay him off—get him out of Tipton—away from Laina? Finally, Austin had the courage to ask, “Why are you helping me anyway? I know we’ve never been the best of friends.”
Trevor chuckled lightly and rubbed his chin. “You might say that,” he said and then looked Austin in the eye. “I guess it’s for Laina. She’s always been like a sister to me and she asked for my help. Whether she realizes it or not, she still cares for you a great deal. However…” He paused for a moment and his expression hardened. “That brings me to another subject. If you hurt her, you’ll have to answer to me. Is that clear?”
Austin nodded, intimidated by Trevor Morgan for the first time in his life. “Crystal clear.”
“Good,” Trevor said, clapping him on the shoulder as the smile returned to his face. “Why don’t you come in and join us for some apple pie. I can smell it all the way out here.”
“Sure,” he agreed, feeling less confident than before. “I’ll join you all in a minute.” After the other man disappeared inside the house, Austin relaxed on the porch swing, deep in thought. Now with Trevor’s ultimatum, the stak
es to win back Laina’s heart were even higher than they were before. Was this a battle he could win?
Laina sat across from Charlotte at the kitchen table, grateful that the guys had decided to go outside. She needed some girl talk with her friend.
“So how’s it going?” her friend asked while stirring some honey into her tea.
Laina lifted an eyebrow. “Honestly?” She paused as Charlotte nodded and then let out a deep sigh. “It’s…confusing. I mean, it’s like his internal clock has been reversed seven years, but mine hasn’t. He’s just like he was before everything came crumbling around us…sweet, witty, charming…but sad.”
Her friend gave her a knowing look. “Sad because of the separation?”
“Yes…and it breaks my heart whenever I look at him. He doesn’t understand what happened between us. Part of me wants to pretend it away and just start over, but I know it would be like living a lie.”
“Have you changed your mind about the divorce?”
Laina shrugged. “Maybe. I never really wanted a divorce in the first place. I just wanted to be free…to get a chance to start over.”
Charlotte put her hand over Laina’s. “Have you considered that maybe this is your chance? He’s finally back here after all these years…and so are you. That can’t be just a coincidence.”
“You really think so?” Laina asked with misty eyes.
“Yes…” she said with a nod. “…but before you try to build a new future with him, I think it’s important for you both to work through what happened in the past.”
Laina agreed, even though the task seemed impossible. When Austin walked into the room a few minutes later and their eyes met, she knew that she had to try.
Chapter Ten
After dessert, Austin and Laina excused themselves and headed back in the dark. “It’s so beautiful,” Austin commented, gazing at the moon and stars, lighting their way. “I almost forgot how many stars you can see out here.”
A Forgetful Heart (Whispers In Wyoming Book 8) Page 4