Reuniting with the Cowboy (12 page)

His doctor and the internet assured him the surgeon was highly recommended and had performed the procedure successfully countless times. If there had been any mishaps, nobody was telling him.

Even though he might not survive, though he might have a stroke and his reasoning processes or motor skills could be affected, he had to try. For Ally's sake. And with the aneurysm growing, he didn't have much choice anyway. It was all up to God now. Cody could rest in that.

Joe pulled in his drive.

“Thanks for letting me tag along.”

“Anytime.”

Looked like Ally's clinic was already closed for the day—it was well after five. As he got out of his truck, the door to her clinic opened, and she ran toward him. Right into his arms. It was a dream come true.

With a knowing grin, Joe headed for the barn, made himself scarce.

“We gotta stop meeting like this.” The corners of his mouth twitched.

“Mom and Lance are getting married Friday.” She sniffled.

“As in this Friday? In three days, Friday?”

She shuddered against him. “It's the only time everybody will be in town unoccupied, and the church isn't available again for a month.”

“I'll get you through it. And the next day, you can get me through Grandpa's.”

“Why didn't you tell me you were leaving? I was kind of worried about you.”

His heart did the two-step. Ally was worried about him. “It came up kind of sudden.”

“Is everything okay?”

“It will be.” His arms tightened around her. “Everything okay here?”

“Just more strays. And two more escaped pets returned to their grateful owners. I hope there aren't any emergencies this weekend. I'll be in Medina with you, and Lance will be on his honeymoon.” She groaned. “With my mother.”

Cody chuckled. “At least they're getting hitched and doing it the right way. And as far as the clinic goes, you've alerted the vet in Denton.”

“But what if my nemesis decides to pull something this weekend?”

“I arranged for one of my hands to house-sit for you.”

She relaxed against him. “Thank you.”

“Anything else I can do?”

“You're doing it.” She burrowed in closer.

Making his heart clip-clop like a Clydesdale. This surgery had to work. So he could be here for Ally. So he could have the chance to win her heart.

* * *

Ally was exhausted. She'd helped her volunteers tend all the animals then had gone to Wednesday-night Bible study.

Though she barely had the energy to put one foot in front of the other after all that, she headed for Cody's barn with a cup of coffee for each of them. She'd have never thought of him as the decaf type.

The usual yaps and barks followed her across the yard. As she neared Cody's barn, something familiar echoed from inside. The nail gun. They'd completed building the frame and contact-papering the cardboard. Only one more night of working together. Tonight they'd assemble the ark, put shelving in place to support a kennel in each window and strategically pile hay bales in the center.

She slid the door open to see Cody holding two sides of the frame together at a right angle.

“Let me help.” She set their cups on a hay bale, climbed the ladder next to the trailer and stepped up beside him. As he drove the nail in, she braced her weight against the frame.

“You look tired.”

“Thanks. We vaccinated a large ranch today.”

“I noticed you were gone all day.” He set another nail. “You didn't do anything stupid like get in a pen with a mama cow, did you?”

“Nope. We didn't have any difficult cases. Everyone went right into the chute and took it like a bull.”

“I'm glad.” He set the final nail.

“Coffee break.”

“You speak my language. Decaf?”

“Fake, just for you.” She picked up the two cups, handed him his.

They sipped in grateful silence, then set the mugs down and got back to work.

As Cody picked up another piece of the frame and moved it into place, muscles strained against his shirt.

She had to look away as she positioned her foot, hip and hands to hold the frame steady while he sank the nails.

“I did something today.”

Like what? Made plans to leave?
“What's that?”

“I bought the ranch.”

Her breath stilled. “You bought it?”

“I did. And I donated five acres to Ally's Adopt-a-Pet.”

His handsome image blurred as hot tears welled in her eyes.

“Now, don't go crying. That's what you wanted, wasn't it? Five acres. I can donate more if you need it. What's five acres or even twenty when I own two hundred fifty?”

“Five is plenty.” She blinked several times to clear her vision and braced the frame for him.

He set the last nail, tested the strength of the two curved sides they'd joined together, then stepped back to survey their handiwork.

“Thank you.” She flung herself into his arms.

“If I'd have known I was gonna get this kind of thank-you, I'd have bought the land a long time ago.” He nuzzled her ear.

Sending a delicious shiver through her. Step back. Better yet, run away. But her boots stayed rooted in place, her body nestled against him. She tipped her head back, looked up at him.

His eyes pledged much more than friendship.

Chapter Twelve

A
lly rose up on tiptoe.

His head dipped. Lips met hers. Fireworks went off in her head, heart and veins. Cody filled her senses. The feel of his muscles. The spicy scent of his aftershave mixed with fresh hay. The taste of his fake-coffee-flavored lips. Her hands wound around his neck, fingers curled in his hair.

But then he was pulling away.

She whirled away from him, turned her back to him, tried to get her breathing back on track.

“Ally, we can't—”

“That's twice you've kissed me. Exactly two times too many.” Never mind that she'd cuddled up to him like a winter coat on a Labrador Retriever. “Don't let it happen again.”

“I was just accepting your thanks.” He chuckled.

Her skin went hot. She could only imagine how many shades of red she must be.

“We better get back to work.” She closed her eyes, worked at calm and turned to face him. Without looking at him. How could they nonchalantly get on with their day when her whole world had tipped on its axis? Again.

As he held the frame in place and fastened it to the trailer, she braced it for him. He sank nails as if nothing had happened, while she kept her gaze focused on the hay-strewn trailer bed.

“I really appreciate your donation. But you didn't have to do that. I can buy the land from you.”

“Nope. It's already done.”

He was staying. He'd bought the ranch. So if he was staying, why had he pulled away from her?
“Ally, we can't” what? Can't kiss? Can't cross the friendship line? Why?

Because he didn't have any feelings for her? Had she misread the message she thought she'd seen in his eyes?

While she was over the moon for him and had laid it all out for him with that kiss. He must know how she felt. And he must feel sorry for her since he didn't feel the same.

Even her toes burned with humiliation.

* * *

The dogs were used to his presence. Only the new residents barked their curiosity as Cody finished the pen, tested the latch. Three more pens and he'd feel as if Ally's shelter would be okay if he died.

He'd seen a lawyer after buying the ranch. Arranged for Ally to be his beneficiary. The ranch, his bank accounts, everything. If he didn't make it through the surgery, she'd be able to hire someone to build more pens, another barn, whatever she needed.

But would she have someone to love her the way he did?

Twelve year old memories were hard enough to wrestle with. Revisiting her kiss had kept him up most of the night. He rolled out the fencing and measured for the next pen.

That she had kissed him back must mean she had more than friend feelings for him. But he couldn't do a thing about it. Not until after his surgery. If he survived and still had control of his faculties, then he'd act on it. But not a minute before. His head was fine with that. But his heart was another matter.

Several other volunteers were walking dogs. But no Ally in sight. Maybe she was still at the clinic and he wouldn't run into her. Maybe she was trying to avoid him, too. At this point, space was his best solution. Lots of space between them. And that was doable. They'd finished the float last night.

All he had to do was get through her mom's wedding tomorrow, the road trip to Medina and Grandpa's wedding on Saturday, and the Peanut Festival parade next weekend. Just keep his distance for a little over a week.

The barn door clapped shut and Ally's scent filled the air. “You're building more pens?”

“Now that the float's done, I've got time.”

“I'm so excited about the land.” She settled on a hay bale beside him. Her knee almost touching his shoulder. “I don't know how I'll ever thank you.”

“No need to thank me. I'm just glad to help.” His heart skipped a beat. Space. He really needed space.

“I think I'll build another barn with more pens and runs. I have the funds, thanks to the pet photography day and concert.”

Chatty. Relaxed. Not afraid to get too close. Not afraid to touch him. Friendly. Like the old Ally.

As if neither of their kisses had ever happened.

Was she on to him? Did she know he was crazy in love with her? Was she trying to remind him of how their friendship was supposed to be? To let him down easy?

“A couple of my ranch hands are starting a construction business. I'll get you their card.” The more he could do to help her, the better he'd feel going into surgery.

“Sounds great.”

“Ready for the weddings this weekend? And the road trip on Saturday?”

“I'm more at peace with Mom and Lance. They're really great together. Very compatible and happy.” She squeezed his shoulder. “You ready for your grandfather's wedding?”

“I'm getting used to the idea. He's been alone about as long as your mom has. No one should be lonely for that long.” His throat closed up.

“Project Weddings on track.” She stood. Moved away from him. “I better go walk some dogs so my volunteers won't think I'm a slacker. By the way, Mom's wedding will be semiformal. Wear a suit. What about your grandpa's? What should I wear?”

That awesome burgundy dress she'd worn to Landry's almost wedding. Wouldn't mind seeing her in that again. “Casual. Jeans will do.”

“That sounds fun. And comfortable.”

“Yep.” But driving six hours with Ally wouldn't be. How many weddings could he attend with her and keep his distance?

Just get me through ten more days until surgery, Lord. Then with Your help, I'll be a healthy man. And I can eventually see Ally walk the aisle for our own wedding.

All he had to do was survive the surgery with his head, heart and body intact.

* * *

The church was pretty as usual. Mom had said no decorations and she'd stuck with it. No extra flowers, no ribbons on the pews, tulle, candelabra or arbors. Just Mom wearing a cream-colored satin jacket and skirt and Lance in a suit, with Pastor William, Erin and her family, Ally and Cody.

The twins were adorable—Zane wearing a miniature suit just like his grandfather's and Zoey in pink ruffles. These two had Ally wrapped around their little fingers within a mere week.

As her mom pledged her heart to a man who wasn't her father, Ally teared up. Mom was happy and Lance obviously loved her. He'd be good to Mom and she wouldn't be lonely anymore. This was a day for celebrating—even Dad would approve.

“By the power vested in me by the state of Texas, I pronounce you husband and wife. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Lance, you may kiss your bride.”

The couple exchanged a chaste kiss, then hugged.

Ally's gaze strayed to Cody and he shot her a wink. Her cheeks went hot. She'd worked at acting natural with him. As if their kiss weren't seared into her memory. As if she had only friend feelings for him. The false front was wearing her out. And tomorrow she had six hours with him in a truck to look forward to.

The gathering took turns congratulating the happy couple and Kendra snapped several pictures of the newlyweds.

“Okay, let's do families, Mom and Ally first.” Kendra waved them in front of the altar and took several shots, then some with Lance, too. “Cody, you get in one, too.”

“I'm not family.”

“No, but you're Ally's date.”

“No,” Ally squeaked. “We're just friends. Lifelong friends.”

“Well, last time I checked, friends can have their picture taken together on special days.”

Cody stepped into the shot with Mom and Lance in the middle.

“Now let's do one with the friends, just for fun.”

“Good idea.” Mom tugged Lance away.

Ally didn't move. Cody didn't, either. Standing there awkwardly with a gap between them where Mom and Lance had been.

“You'll have to move in closer than that. What? Are y'all afraid of each other?”

They took two steps closer, still not touching.

“Okay.” Kendra lowered her camera. “You're friends. So you like each other, right? Act like it! Maybe hold hands. Something not so stiff.”

Cody's hand clasped hers.

“That's better.” Kendra snapped another shot.

“Will you remember me in a year?” Cody whispered.

What was he getting at? Trying to tell her he was leaving?

“Will you?” He squeezed her hand.

“Yes.”

“Will you remember me in a month?”

“I sure hope my memory is that good.” She frowned, looked up at him.

“Will you remember me in a week?”

“Duh.”

“Knock knock.”

Oh. A joke. A relieved grin teased her mouth. “Who's there?”

“See? You forgot me already.”

“That's so corny.” She giggled, all the tension of the day seeping away. He hugged her close and her hand settled on his chest as they laughed.

“Finally. Now, those were some good shots. Let's get some with everyone. Then we'll do Lance's family.”

She'd forgotten all about the camera. The rest of the gathering closed in on them.

“Bride and groom in the middle. Respective families on each side.”

After a few pictures, the twins got fidgety. Ally picked Zoey up and the little girl curled into her. Zane eyed Cody and stretched his arms up, and Cody scooped him up.

Ally bit her lip. He looked good holding a child. Too good. She could imagine marrying Cody. Could imagine them with kids. Could he?

“Very good. Okay, now let's get Lance's family and we'll be done.”

Ally and Cody handed the kids over to their parents and settled on a pew to wait. Several minutes later, Kendra wrapped the photo session.

“Thanks so much, Kendra.” Ally jumped up to help with her equipment.

“You know how I knew I loved Stetson?” Kendra whispered.

“How?” Why did Kendra feel the need to share this?

“I was all awkward around him. And he made me laugh.”

Her gaze cut to Cody talking to Lance. As if sensing her interest, he looked her way. And sent her another wink.

Her cheeks scalded. “We're not—”

“Uh-huh.” Kendra slung her bag over her shoulder. “I'll have the pet pictures ready soon. And I hope you'll let me do your wedding photos.”

“We're really just friends. Cody makes everybody laugh.”

“You just keep telling yourself that.” Kendra grinned. “Bye, everyone. I'll get with you about the pictures in a few weeks.” She waved and exited the church.

“You sure you'll be all right?” Mom gave Ally a lingering hug.

“I'll be fine. Don't worry about me.”

“Comes with the territory.” Mom pulled away. “Watch out for my girl, Cody.”

“You can count on me.”

Then, hand in hand, Mom and her new husband walked out of the church. Leaving Ally behind. Alone.

“You okay?” Cody's calloused hand closed over hers.

She nodded, not trusting herself with words.

“No cleanup. I reckon we can go if you're ready. Best rest up for the trip tomorrow.”

“Feel like working on the pens?”

“Sure.” His smile lit his eyes as if building pens were his favorite thing to do.

What had she done without him for twelve years? He was such a good guy. Such a good
friend
.

“I need to keep busy.” If she went home, with nothing to do, she'd ramble around the empty house missing Mom and drowning in loneliness.

“How 'bout we stop at Moms on Main and get supper.”

“Sounds good.” She needed Cody today. Not to get too close. But to keep her company. Keep her from being alone. She was almost looking forward to their trip tomorrow.

When had she allowed herself to need him so much?

* * *

Once they got on the road, Cody reached for her free hand. Her slender fingers entwined in his. “You're quiet.”

“I miss my mommy.” Her put-on childlike voice melted his insides.

“Have you heard from her?”

“She called last night—let me know their flight went okay. They're in Florida and the weather is lovely.”

“You sleep okay?”

“I cried like a big baby and let both dogs sleep in my bed. I needed cuddling.”

He squeezed her hand. “Sorry.”

“I'm okay. I'm a big girl. An adult. It just happened so fast. And I never saw it coming.”

“It was fast. 'Bout gave me whiplash trying to keep up. I've still got that shoulder if you need it.”

“I think I've taken advantage of your shoulder enough as it is. Besides, I'm driving.”

Even if he didn't touch her any more than this for the entire trip, he could spend the rest of his days like this. Just being with her was better than any bull ride. Who knew a road trip with Ally would be the highlight of his year? Except for the kiss.

He needed to quit thinking about that or he'd mess up and do it again.

“I just hope none of my clients have emergencies and whoever is out to sabotage me doesn't pull anything.”

“You left the vet in Denton's number on your machine. My foreman's staying at my place and Derek and his wife at yours. Besides that, Mitch is keeping an eye on things. And I doubt your nemesis knows we're all gone. Relax.”

“I'm trying.” She blew out a big breath.

“Why do you always wear your hair like that?” He let go of her fingers, caught the end of her braid and gave it a light tug.

“My hair's so thick and heavy it gets in the way when I'm working.”

“But you're not working.”

“Habit, I guess.”

“Take it down.”

“Um, I'm driving. And what, you don't like my braid?”

“I do. But I really like to see it down sometimes. You look more relaxed when it is.” He slipped his fingers under the band at the end. “May I?”

“I guess.” She rolled her eyes.

He pulled the band free and gently unwound each strand. Fruity shampoo tackled him as wavy tendrils escaped.