A Rancher for Their Mom (Rodeo Heroes) (7 page)

She didn’t paint a good picture.

“What about their dad?”

Her lips tightened, but she didn’t answer.

“I’m sorry. It’s not my business.”

“Their father was never interested in coming home after he left to work on different oil rigs. He begged my dad to get him a position on an oil platform out in the Gulf. It was more exciting than staying on the ranch with his family and working.”

Joel didn’t know how to walk this situation back. His first girlfriend had claimed he never thought about her feelings. Here in this situation, he didn’t have a clue. He’d rather face a mad bull. He knew how to respond to that. “Is it okay to say good-night to the boys?”

A short laugh drifted into the night. “Sorry for the confusion. Say good-night. It’s a treat for them, which I can’t deny.”

He felt her confusion. “You sure?”

“I don’t want to deny them this special time.”

Although she was worried, she put her boys first, which won Joel’s admiration. Someday, he’d like a family like this. Maybe have boys like Wes and Todd. And several girls like Cora. “Okay, I’ll say good-night to them as soon as I load up my horse.”

“Hope you get her into the trailer. Spice doesn’t seem interested in leaving.” Winking, she walked back into the house.

* * *

April sat in her office, catching up with her mail and messages. She heard Joel walk down the hall and enter the boys’ room. She couldn’t hear the exact exchange between them, but she heard the boys’ laughter.

The sound made her want to smile and cry at the same time. Why couldn’t her boys experience that joy every night? She’d done everything right, but—

She clamped down on the pity party.

“I’ll be back tomorrow.” Joel stood in the doorway of her office. “So continue to think of chores you need done.”

“You sure you’re going to be here tomorrow?” Wes called out.

Joel turned and walked back to the boys’ room.

April hurried after him, concerned at Joel’s reaction.

He stopped at the boys’ door. “I gave my word, Wes. I’ll be here.”

There wasn’t a hint of annoyance or impatience in his voice or attitude.

“Okay.”

Joel moved toward her.

Relief and gratitude washed over her. Moisture gathered in April’s eyes. “You’ll have to excuse the boys. When their father was home, they couldn’t count on him to tuck them into bed. Vernon took over the job. How my in-laws managed to raise such a st—” She clamped her mouth shut.

“Good night.” He turned and walked down the hall.

She took a deep breath, dumbfounded she’d said so much to Joel. He didn’t need to know about the ugly part of her life. About the selfish and unreliable husband she’d married. She couldn’t blame his parents after knowing them. She was the one who’d married Ross. His callous actions had hurt his parents as much as they’d hurt her.

She stepped into her office but heard movement in the hall. She turned but didn’t see anything. She waited, her curiosity driving her. Finally, Joel sneaked out of Cora’s room.

“She was asleep and I wasn’t going to wake her.”

The man kept confusing her with his concern for her children. Why would a man who had only been with them less than a week concern himself with kissing her daughter good-night?

“Thank you.”

“I’ll leave as soon as I coax my horse into her trailer.”

“Use some of that charm you cowboys are so famous for on that female.”

“Whoever told you that doesn’t know what they are talking about.”

Her eyes widened at his abrupt response. He strode past her, saying nothing. She heard him cross the living room and move through the kitchen. The back door didn’t slam but closed firmly. Whatever had she said that irritated him? Sometimes men took offense so much easier than women. Go figure.

* * *

“‘Use some of that charm you cowboys are so famous for,’” he grumbled to himself. “What does she know about cowboy charm?” He strode out to the pasture where Spice grazed. Stopping at the fence, he called to her again.

The horse ignored him.

He stared out at Spice. Never, in all the time Joel had owned her, had he had a problem. She didn’t fail him in the calf roping—always shot eagerly out of the gate after the calf. So why had his horse suddenly grown contrary?

He walked to the horse trailer and opened the side door to his bunk and pulled open the door to the compartment where he kept some peppermint. Back at the fence, he unwrapped the peppermint and called out. Buckwheat trotted up to Joel. He closed his hand. “That’s not for you, boy.” Buckwheat nudged his fist. After a moment, Joel opened his hand and gave the peppermint to Buckwheat.

“You lost your treat,” Joel called out to his horse. Spice wasn’t going to leave. He could run after her, but maybe the best way to deal with this out-of-control girl was to leave her for the night. Maybe after a day or two she’d be willing to start working again.

He turned his back and rested against the fence. Reaching into his shirt pocket, he fished out his cell and called Jack.

“I’m running a little late out here, Jack. I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes to help with the evening chores.”

“That’s okay, Joel. Why don’t you stay out there and not worry about it? I’ve got enough help here to take care of everything. Forget about driving back and forth each day. I’ll just expect you Sunday evening.”

Jack’s suggestion solved his problem. “I signed on to help and—”

“Have you heard of a favor, Kaye? Since you’re helping the lady rancher, I can contribute, too, and not have her ranch hand running back and forth daily.”

“You mean I shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth?”

“You’re catchin’ on, cowboy.”

That cowboy thing again. “Thanks, Jack. I’ll mention it to the lady.”

“Good. See you Sunday.”

Joel disconnected the call and turned toward the pasture. “Well, Spice, you might have gotten your way. I guess I need to check with April on the change of plans.”

He walked back into the kitchen.

She stood in front of the refrigerator, a carton of buttermilk in her hand. She held it up. “Want some?”

“To drink?”

“Yes. It’s good to settle one’s stomach.”

His grandmother used to drink it on a regular basis, but he couldn’t understand that. “Uh, no. Thanks.” Closing the refrigerator door, she leaned back against it. “Is something wrong? You’re not coming back tomorrow?”

She didn’t have much confidence in a man’s word. “No, I’ll be here. Actually, if you don’t mind, I’ll spend the night in my compartment in the horse trailer. It seems Spice doesn’t want to leave.”

April stood there staring at him for a moment, then a snort caused her to choke on her buttermilk. Placing the glass on the counter, she coughed. He patted her on the back. Wiping her tears, she tried to catch her breath. Joel stepped back, not knowing what to do.

“So your horse is running the show?”

He shrugged. “That’s it. The female isn’t cooperating.” He felt dumber than the tree stump they used for chopping wood at his parents’ ranch. “I’m thinking Spice is enjoying herself too much.” He shrugged. “I could catch her, but it’s not often she gets the opportunity to graze in a field. Do you mind if I just sleep in my trailer? I didn’t want to surprise you.”

“No, I don’t mind.” She finished her buttermilk, washed out the glass and put it in the sink. “See you tomorrow.”

“Good night.”

“He couldn’t catch his horse.” Joel heard the words drift back to him as she walked down the hall.

Once back in his trailer he pulled off his boots and stretched out on his bunk. He could’ve caught Spice, if he was honest with himself. Maybe his horse knew he wasn’t serious about her coming to him and them leaving. Maybe she wanted to stay here to soak up the ranch life.

He didn’t blame her.

Chapter Seven

T
he smell of coffee drew April down the hall to the kitchen. April’s mother-in-law had said the best invention since the automatic washing machine was a timed coffeemaker. April had to agree.

Grace had lived up to her name. She’d taken April under her wing and taught her about ranching and the demands on a ranch wife, which meant she helped wherever she was needed, but her main responsibility was to have food ready for folks when they came in from the range or chasing down cows.

Padding into the kitchen, April headed straight for the mugs above the coffeemaker. On her way there, she caught sight of the horse trailer parked by the barn. She pulled out two mugs. Joel would probably want a shot of caffeine, too, to start his day.

As she poured coffee, April found herself smiling. Joel had surprised her last night when he’d asked if she minded if he just spent the night in his trailer, since he couldn’t pry his horse away from the pasture.

His thoughtfulness and change of plans unsettled her. In spite of her tiredness, she’d lain awake, sleep the last thing on her mind. The boys would be delighted to find Joel here. Cora, too. Having him at the ranch made her heart want things that couldn’t be. What would it be like to have help all the time, not only when she called for it or the church knew her need?

And wasn’t he handsome?

Her mind shied away from answering that question. It wasn’t worth dwelling on. Joel Kaye was only here for a couple of days, and she needed to remember that.

She heard the sound of boots walking across the porch, then the screen door opened, snapping her back to the here and now.

“I thought I smelled coffee.”

She held up a mug and turned. In three steps, he was by her side and took the mug. After his first swallow, he paused, enjoying the taste.

“This is the right way to begin the day.”

As she looked into his eyes, suddenly Joel’s words took on a different meaning.

“That’s good.”

She swallowed. “Most of the ranch hands I know can’t start their working day without a cup of joe. I’ll start on breakfast and it should be ready by the time morning chores are done.”

Small footsteps pounded down the hall. Wes, Todd and Cora, clutching her new horse, stood in the doorway. All were in their jammies.

“Wow, you got here early,” Wes commented.

“I spent the night in my trailer.”

Wes’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Yup, and I’m ready to work.”

Wes took a step toward him.

“I could use help, but you have to be dressed in your boots.”

Two little bodies zipped down the hall. Cora moved toward her mother’s leg.

Swallowing the last of his coffee, Joel placed it on the counter. He squatted down to Cora’s level. “You going to help me, too?”

Cora buried her face in her mother’s leg.

“Give her until after she eats. Of all my three children, Cora is my slow starter.”

Joel reached out and mussed Cora’s hair. “I’ll see you at breakfast.” He stood. “And you be sure to take care of that horse of yours.”

The screen slammed behind him, leaving April a moment to gather her scattered thoughts. Within a minute, Wes and Todd ran through the kitchen, stuffing their shirts into their jeans. They didn’t say anything, but followed Joel out to the barn.

Scooping up her daughter, April walked down the hall toward her bedroom. “Let’s get you dressed and start breakfast. We’re going to have to feed hungry cowboys when they show up in the kitchen.”

The thought made her smile.

* * *

April was putting a dump cake in the oven later that afternoon when she heard a truck pull up and stop. She moved to the window to see who was here.

Kelly Baker, her good friend and fellow church member, saw her and waved. She hurried up the steps and opened the kitchen screen door.

“I was driving by and thought I’d stop and talk about Sunday’s lunch on the ground after service.” Kelly shrugged. “And my hunger got the better of me, and I thought I’d see if you have any cookies or crackers for a pregnant lady to eat.”

The news caught April by surprise. “Really?”

Kelly beamed. “Yes.” April hugged her friend. “I just visited my doctor. I was fortunate they worked me in. When I told him my symptoms, he asked if I could be pregnant. I felt so dumb. I have three babies already.” She shook her head. “I haven’t even told Dave yet. I wanted to tell my best friend first.”

“Your husband might disagree with you.”

“Naw. Dave will be excited no matter when I tell him.”

“I’m so glad for you. I couldn’t be happier.”

“You sure?” Kelly’s gaze searched April’s.

“I am. You were there for me at Cora’s birth.” Due to complications April could no longer have kids, but she rejoiced with Kelly having another child.

April grabbed a cookie and poured her friend a glass of milk.

Looking at the glass of milk, Kelly frowned.

“If you’re pregnant, you need milk more than coffee.”

“So you’re going to mother me?”

“Yup. I’m going to help your mom keep you on the right track.”

Kelly noticed the oven on. “What are you cooking for tomorrow?”

“Dump cake. Along with ham, I’m also bringing hot dogs and potato salad so I know that my boys will have something to eat.”

Kelly listened to the quiet. “Where are your boys?”

“They’re out with the cowboy they hired to help plant my fields after Al got hurt.”

Kelly’s mouth flopped open like a fish’s. If April wasn’t so aware of Joel, she would’ve thought Kelly’s reaction funny. “Why didn’t I know about this?” Kelly stood and walked to the back door. “So does that horse trailer belong to your new ranch hand?”

“Yes.”

Kelly grinned. “What’s this ranch hand look like?”

April shrugged but felt her face betray her with color.

A grin split Kelly’s face. “Fess up.”

“He looks like a regular cowboy,” April answered.

“Is he tall, short, young, old? Give me some details,” Kelly demanded.

“He looks like a regular cowboy with dark hair and a nice smile.”

The longer Kelly studied her friend’s face the bigger her grin became. “Oh, he’s a looker, is that what you’re telling me?”

“I don’t know where you got that idea,” April sputtered.

“From that blush on your face. Is he going to come with you to church Sunday?”

“I hadn’t planned on it.”

Kelly leaned over the table. “Ask him. All cowboys need to be in church and hear the preacher.”

“I’ll invite him, but why don’t we talk about the lunch and make sure we have everything covered?” April didn’t want to talk about Joel anymore. She felt exposed by her friend’s observations and didn’t want to deal with the issues Kelly brought up.

* * *

Joel drove up to the barn from the field where they’d just finished fixing an uprooted fence post. The boys told him about the bad storm they had a couple of weeks ago. When he was plowing the fields, he noticed some suspicious-looking fence posts along the edges of the fields. They fixed one this morning.

Both Wes and Todd rode in the cab with him. He noticed the truck parked by the back door.

“I wonder what Mrs. Baker is doing here,” Wes said.

“Who is Mrs. Baker?”

“That’s Mom’s friend,” Todd answered. “We go to church with her family. Sunday we’re going to bring lunch to church and all eat together.”

“Do you go to church?” Wes asked.

“I do. Sometimes the preacher makes it to the rodeo and holds service on Sunday morning.”

Wes’s brow wrinkled. “Will he have service Sunday?”

“No.”

“Then you should come with us and have lunch with the people at the church.”

Todd turned and looked up at him, waiting for an answer.

Joel felt like an intruder and didn’t think April would like him going with the family. “I’m not sure your mom would want me to go with you.”

Todd’s eyes widened. “Of course she wants you to come. She’s always telling us to invite people and be a ’flection of Jesus.”

“A ’flection?” Joel puzzled over the word.

“A reflection of Jesus,” Wes clarified.

Stated that way, there was no way he could say no.

“Then I’d be pleased to go to church with you.”

A cheer went up. After parking the truck, he helped both boys out of the cab.

“Mom, Mom,” Wes called out as he clambered up the stairs.

April, with Cora in her arms, and another woman appeared at the kitchen door. “You finished with your chores?”

Wes and Todd stopped. “Yes, and we invited Mr. Joel to church on Sunday. And he accepted. He’s going to eat lunch with us and meet people at the church.”

April looked at Joel.

“Isn’t that good, Mama?” Todd’s chest puffed out. “We did just what you told us to do—bring people to church.”

“Aren’t you proud of us?” Wes asked.

The woman next to April smiled. “I know your mom is proud of you two.” She turned to Joel and reached out her hand. “I’m Kelly Baker, April’s best friend. And fellow church member. And you are?”

“This is Mr. Joel Kaye,” Wes said. “Todd and I hired him to help around here while the rodeo animals take a spring vacation.”

With each word, Kelly’s smile broadened. “I think you did a wonderful job, boys.” She turned to April and some message passed between them. “I’ll see you Sunday, April, and you, too, Mr. Kaye.” Kelly hurried to her car. “Thanks for the snack. You’re a lifesaver. Now I’ll make it home.”

The boys waved at Kelly as she drove away, then clambered into the kitchen.

Joel walked up the steps and came face-to-face with April. “I hope you don’t mind the boys inviting me to church.”

“No, why would I be upset? I’m proud of them. It’s good to know their hearts are in the right place. I know you’ll enjoy the service.”

“Mom,” Wes yelled.

“I’m coming.”

Joel stood rooted to the ground. After a few steps, she paused, looking over her shoulder. “C’mon. I have fresh coffee and cookies. And if I know cowboys, you’re hungry.”

He was. And cookies sounded mighty good.

* * *

With the boys and Cora finally settled in bed, April walked out of the house, a restlessness running through her. A cool breeze washed over the land, bringing the scent of the fresh-turned earth.

She heard a noise and saw Joel leaning on the fence, looking out into the night. Good. She needed to talk to him without little ears around.

When she was halfway to the fence, he turned and watched her.

“It’s a nice night.” He closed his eyes and tipped his head back.

“I’ve always loved spring. Here on the ranch, it becomes such a time of renewal. Lots of babies being born.” Kelly came to mind and her joy at having another baby. A sadness touched April’s soul. Because of complications during Cora’s birth, she’d never have another baby, and her heart ached.

“There’s nothing better than seeing a new foal in the stall with the mare,” he added.

“You’re right.” The first time she’d seen a mare give birth, April couldn’t stop talking about it. Ross had brought her home to have dinner, and one of the mares went into labor. Thankfully, it had been a Friday night, and she’d sat in the stall, witnessing the birth. Vernon had stayed with her when Ross disappeared. The next morning, she’d asked him where he’d gone. He’d told her he’d seen a birthing before and wasn’t interested. Ross’s answer should’ve warned her, but April had ignored it.

Now she stood beside Joel, looking out at the field.

“There’s nothing better than seeing an hours-old foal in the stall with its dam.”

Her heart swelled hearing him voice the feelings that so agreed with hers. After several moments of silence, April smiled. “I hope you don’t feel trapped into going to church with us.”

A chuckle escaped his mouth. “I don’t. If the traveling preacher would’ve been here tomorrow, I’d have invited the boys to the cowboy church service Charlie Newman holds. I know your kids would love it. I think you might enjoy it, too. Charlie plans to be this way next week. Maybe your family might like to experience the cowboy service.”

“I’d like that.”

“Good, we could plan that. But I’m okay going with you tomorrow.” He leaned back against the fence. “Todd did surprise me, but you’ve got two boys there that you should be proud of.”

“That’s one thing I can say—parenting is never dull. Just when you think you get a handle on it, bam, it all changes.” Since she didn’t have any siblings, she wished Ross or his cousin Chad were here for her to talk to about how to deal with the boys’ needs, but then, Ross probably wouldn’t have wanted to talk at all about the boys. Her mother-in-law had helped before she got sick, but afterward, April couldn’t bring herself to burden Grace with her questions. And when cousin Chad moved to Montana after Ross’s death to get married, she missed talking to him.

“Life’s that way. You think you’ve got it covered, then something happens and turns it all around.”

Those were words of experience April heard coming out of Joel’s mouth. She wanted to ask him about it but remembered he would be gone in a couple of days. She didn’t want to get any more involved with a man who wasn’t going to stick around.

“Tomorrow I’ll ride out and finish checking your fields and cattle. The boys told me about the storm a couple of weeks ago, and I noticed more fence posts that need to be checked. I should’ve done that earlier, but your boys kept me busy.”

“Sounds good.” She wanted to stand out here longer and talk, review the day, the overall plans for the ranch, but she knew it wasn’t appropriate to share such intimate details of her life with him. “I’ll make sure to fix you a lunch you can take with you.”

His smile nearly brought her to her knees. “Thanks.”

She nodded and headed inside before she said something stupid.

* * *

The boys were disappointed they couldn’t ride out with Joel the next morning.

“Maybe you could practice throwing your lariats,” Joel suggested.

Before any complaining could be registered, the telephone rang.

“Help,” Kelly said when April answered. “My kids are driving me crazy. Can you bring yours over so they can play?”