Читать книгу The Lionhearted Cowboy Returns - Patricia Thayer - Страница 8

A few hours later, Jeff drove to the Guthrie Ranch. He wasn’t going to leave things unsettled. Lacey might not want him around, but too bad, he didn’t like the situation any more than she did.

Whether she liked it or not, he was back.

He pulled up in front of the house that had once been Trevor’s parents’ home.

He’d been here numerous times as a kid. Just as Trevor had been a frequent visitor at the Rocking R.

He went straight to the back porch and knocked on the door. It opened, and behind the screen a little girl about five years old appeared, wearing jeans and a pink-flowered blouse. He was caught off guard for a moment. She favored her mother with that same streaked blond hair and big eyes. The fight inside him suddenly died.

“Who are you?” the child asked.

“Jeff Gentry.” He smiled. “I’m a friend of your mom and dad. Who are you?”

“Emily Susan Guthrie.” She shook her head. “You can’t see my daddy, he died.”

Jeff leaned down, bracing his hands on his thighs. “I know, and I’m sorry, Emily.”

She seemed to brighten a little. “My daddy used to call me Emmy Sue,” she announced proudly.

“That’s cute. Is your mother here?”

“She’s down at the barn, feeding the horses. I have to stay here and watch TV. She only lets Colin help her ’cause he’s older.”

“I bet when you’re older, she’ll let you help, too.”

“I used to help my daddy. He said I was his best girl.”

Jeff could still remember years ago how Wyatt used to call his younger sister Kelly ‘Princess.’ “I bet you were. And I bet your daddy would be happy that you’re minding your mom, too.”

She nodded eagerly. “And I’m not s’posed to let anybody in the house when she’s not here.”

At least one of this family’s members was talking to him. “That’s a good thing. I’ll just go down to the barn and see your mother there.”

The child looked disappointed. “’Kay. Bye.” She shut the door.

Jeff made his way down the steps, wishing he could spend the afternoon watching television, too. Instead he had to try and think of what to say to Lacey to convince her to accept some help.

He owed Trevor that much.

“Mom, I’m finished feeding the horses,” Colin called as he came out of Fancy’s stall. “Am I done now?”

Lacey looked around the nearly empty horse barn. Thanks to the successful auction that morning, there were only five horses left, and two more would soon be gone.

She pointed to the leather bridles tossed over the railing. “Just take those back to the tack room and you can go to the house, but I don’t want you to bother your sister.”

Her son grabbed the tack off the railing and started down the center aisle. “You always blame me for all the trouble.”

“That’s because you can’t leave Emily alone. I mean it, Colin, don’t go near her. You’re already in trouble for riding off today without asking.”

“Fine, I’ll just go to my room.” He went into the tack room, then came out seconds later. She knew he hadn’t had time to put away the bridles properly, but it wasn’t worth the argument; she’d just do it herself later.

It had been a long day and she was tired. The auction had taken a lot out of her. At least the money made today would finally pay off Trevor’s medical bills, and the ranch would be solvent for the next year. After that, she wasn’t sure what she’d do. She knew she couldn’t continue the breeding business without a stud. She’d kept her chestnut broodmare, Bonnie. She just needed a stallion.

She looked toward the barn door where her son had stopped to talk with someone. Jeff Gentry. Great. She didn’t need any more of him today, but by the looks of it, she wasn’t going to get her wish.

She watched as he started down the aisle. Large and powerfully built from years of military life, he roamed efficiently. Her gaze moved over him and noticed a slow gait and a slight limp. Had he been hurt? She hadn’t heard anything about any injuries.

He made a stop at Reb’s stall and began to get acquainted with the stallion. Much like Trevor, Jeff had a knack with animals, maybe more so than with people.

It had surprised her and everyone else when he’d announced that he’d joined the military. Even though college hadn’t worked out for him, she’d always thought he’d partner with his dad and uncle in the rough-stock business. His decision to go into the army had affected a lot of people, including her. She had a feeling his return would affect just as many.

No, she couldn’t let it affect her. Not after all this time and after everything she’d gone through.

Jeff gave Reb’s muzzle one more pat, then started toward her. A strange sensation surged through her and all she could do was watch him. He was a good-looking man, but so was Trevor, although the two friends couldn’t have been more different. Trevor was blond with hazel eyes, while Jeff had dark-brown hair and brooding coffee-colored eyes.

She thought back, recalling their conversation earlier. How could she have talked to him that way? Even with the hurt and months of loneliness since Trevor’s death, she had no right to blame Jeff. He hadn’t caused the virus that had damaged her husband’s heart. Yet she couldn’t bring herself to apologize for her actions. They had too much history for that. Jeff hadn’t only walked away from Trevor all those years ago, he’d walked away from her, too. With not even a care, or as much as a backward glance. Jeff Gentry never realized the pain and hurt he’d caused her. It had been Trevor who’d picked up the pieces.

Lacey drew a breath and released it. Now, ten years later, she knew it was finally time to let it go.

“I take it you’re here for your horses.”

Jeff paused to regroup for his talk with Lacey. He wasn’t going to let her brush him off. He could do attitude with the best of ’em. “First, I want to settle something.”

“Settle what?”

“Can we cut this out? I get you’re angry at me for just showing up.”

She threw him a surprised look. “Why don’t we just chalk it up to a bad day?” Her gaze locked with his. “You ever felt your world was suddenly crashing down around you?”

Jeff gripped the stall railing, shifting his weight onto his good leg. “Hell, yes, once or twice,” he answered, flashing back to the painful days during his long recovery.

He’d only heard of Trevor’s illness right after surgery when he was flat on his back, fighting his own hell. His friend was dying and he couldn’t help him. He’d sent word to Lacey, but by the looks of it, that hadn’t been enough.

“Trevor wouldn’t want you wasting time being so angry,” he said.

Those pretty green eyes narrowed. “Cut me a little slack, Gentry. I had to give up a lot today.”

“I’m not cutting you anything. You can’t fall apart now. You have kids who need you.”

She shot him a look. “Who are you to tell me what I need to do? You weren’t here. It might not be reasonable to blame that on you, but he was your best friend.”

He tried not to flinch. “The military doesn’t care about friendships, Lace. And neither did the terrorists I was fighting. There were times I couldn’t even contact my parents.”

He closed his eyes for a moment as he took a breath. The last he’d heard from Trevor, he’d said everything was fine. That had been about a month before he’d been deployed on his last mission. Then everything had changed.

He shook away his wayward thoughts.

“Lacey, you’ve got to know, if it were humanly possible, I would have found a way to be here for him.”

He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She’d always been pretty, and that had only been enhanced with age. “For you, too.”

“I didn’t need your help, then or now,” she said stubbornly.

“That’s just too bad,” he retorted.

She froze at his words, then snapped out of the daze. “Look around, Gentry, there isn’t much left.”

Jeff moved closer, feeling fatigue in every step. He ignored it. “That’s why you need me.”

She said something very unladylike, grabbed a feed pail and started down the aisle. Jeff reached for her arm and turned her around. “Tell me, Lacey. How bad are things?”

“That’s none of your business.” She started off again.

Jeff went after her, pushing hard to keep up. She went into the tack room.

“Is Rebel Run your only stud?”

Lacey busied herself hanging up the bridles. “As of this morning he’s your stud.”

So she didn’t have any business left. Great. “Okay, here’s the deal. I need a place to board my horses. I’d like to leave Rebel and Fancy here. I’ll pay you a fair price.”

She looked shocked. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Since when have you known me to kid around?” He paused and waited for her answer, but got none. “Okay, here’s the clincher. I need a place to stay.” He released a breath. “And I want to rent the cabin.”

Lacey ran her sleeve over her brow, pushing her worn hat off her forehead. She threw up a silent prayer this day would end, along with all the craziness. She didn’t want this man messing in her life.

Lacey looked back at Jeff. “The Randells own more property around here than anyone. You can take Rebel over to your uncle’s place, put him out to stud there.”

He gave a shrug. “I have my reasons. So, you want to take me up on my offer? The money couldn’t hurt.”

“All right, the horses can stay.”

He nodded. “You should think about boarding other horses, too. Bring in another half dozen and you’d make a good income.”

She shook her head. “I can’t work at the market and handle more animals without help.”

“Then hire someone,” he said. “Until then, I’ll come by and help out.”

She jammed her hands on her hips. “If this is your trick way of rescuing me, I don’t want it.”

His dark gaze settled on her face. “It’s the other way around, Lace. You’re the one rescuing me.”

The next morning about 6:00 a.m., Jeff walked in the back door of his parents’ house and found his mother standing at the stove cooking breakfast. The aroma of coffee and bacon hit him.

Maura Gentry looked up and smiled. With her auburn hair and green eyes, she had always been pretty, and that hadn’t changed over the ten years he’d been away. Even though she’d come to the Rocking R a city girl, she’d fitted into ranch life as if born to it.

“Morning, honey.” She eyed him closely, unable to hide her concern.

“Hi, Mom. Something smells good.” He walked to the table and pulled out a chair. The kitchen had always been the heart of this home. It had also been remodeled a few times. The cabinets were maple with dark granite countertops and the latest stainless-steel appliances. The floor was the original honey hardwood. He’d loved growing up in this house.

She set a plate on the table. “I made sweet rolls.”

He picked one up and took a bite. “You keep this up and I’m going to gain ten pounds.”

“You could use some extra weight.”

He frowned and took another bite. After he swallowed, he asked, “Where’s Dad?”

“He’s with Dylan. The new bull arrived earlier. He should be here soon.” She brought over a plate piled high with bacon. Just then the back door opened and his dad walked in. He hung his hat on the hook on the wall, then nodded to his son before he went to his wife and kissed her.

He came to the table and pulled out a chair. “Mornin’, son.”

“Morning, Dad.”

“You’ve got to see this bull, Jeff. Dylan’s named him Rough Ride.” His father beamed. “We both think he’s going to make quite a reputation on the circuit.”

Maura Gentry brought a dish of scrambled eggs and joined them. “Just so long as the two of you stay away from him, I’m happy.”

Wyatt frowned. “Are you saying I’m too old to climb on a bull?”

“No, I’m saying you’re too smart. So don’t make me out a liar. Save the ride for those twenty-something kids who need to impress the girls.” She picked up a fork. “You can impress me in other ways.”

Jeff should have been used to his parents’ flirting. Since the moment they’d met it had been like that between them.

His dad winked. “I’ll do my best.” He looked at his son. “You thought about what you’re going to do with the horses?”

Jeff shrugged. “Only that I’m going to leave them at Lacey’s and pay her to board them.”

“So you’ve got no plans to go into the breeding business?” his dad asked.

Jeff scooped up a forkful of eggs. “Still thinking on that one. I need to find a place to live first.”

His parents exchanged a look, then turned to him. His mother spoke. “You know you can stay in the cottage here as long as you want. There’s no hurry to leave.”

“I need to be closer to the Guthrie place. That’s why I’m planning to move up to the cabin.”

His dad swallowed his food. “What cabin?”

“The one where Trevor and I used to hang out.”

His mother frowned. “That old lineman’s shack? It was nearly falling down years ago.”

Jeff took a drink of his orange juice. He understood his parents’ concern. “Trevor must have put some work into it, because it’s in good shape now.”

His mother didn’t look convinced. “Jeff, do you think it’s a good idea to move so far away? It’s pretty isolated there.”

He’d been isolated in a lot worse places…the hills of Afghanistan, the deserts of Iraq. “Mom, it’s only a few miles from the ranch house. Besides, I like the quiet.”

“Haven’t we left you alone?” she asked. “I only worry about you because of the…accident. You haven’t been walking again that long.” Her eyes filled with worry. “You’ve only been home ten days.”

He didn’t want to hurt either one of them. “I’ve had months of physical therapy. Yes, both of you have given me space while I’ve been here, and I appreciate it. But I’m too old to live at home. Mainly, I’ve got to come to grips with what I’m going to do with the rest of my life. I never dreamed it would be anything but the military. I hadn’t planned to retire for another ten years.”

This time his father spoke up. “I know you’d be happier in the army, son, I only wish that were an option.”

Jeff shook his head. “Not if I can’t do what I was trained for.” And now that a terrorist sniper had changed everything for him, he had to make a different kind of life. “Right now, I need some time.”

His mother started to talk, but his dad stopped her. “Maura, our son is a man. He needs to make his own decisions. Whatever that is, Jeff, we’re proud of you.”

The praise from Wyatt Gentry meant more to Jeff than any medal he’d received from that last mission.

Maura nodded. “I guess it’s the best solution for you both. Lacey can use your help, too.” His mother reached for his hand and smiled. “I think you can be a big help to each other.”

The next day Hank Barrett drove up the road toward the cabin. He knew he probably shouldn’t have come here without an invitation, but he might never get one. So he’d come to see Jeff on his own.

Along with age came some privileges.

He’d stopped by the Guthrie Ranch and talked with Lacey. She’d been in the corral working with the horses. He’d stood back and watched and had been impressed with her talent. He’d always thought it had been Trevor who had had the skill with the horses, but Lacey knew her way around those animals, too. Maybe Jeff’s idea wasn’t so bad. Those two could help each other.

He grinned. Who knows? Lacey Guthrie might even finally take notice of his grandson. At least, maybe she could help Jeff get through the rough time.

Avoiding several mesquite bushes, Hank continued toward the cabin on the hill. He parked and climbed out, then grabbed two shopping bags filled with things Maura and Ella had sent with him.

He made his way to the porch when Jeff came out. “Granddad. What are you doing here?”

“It was either me comin’ here, or your mother and grandmother. And they’d probably be hanging ruffled curtains in the windows. So you got the best of the deal, me.”

Jeff chuckled and took the bags.

“That’s food, and in there are some towels. There’s a cooler in the back of the truck.”

“I’ll get it later,” Jeff said. “Come inside.”

Hank walked through the door first. The place wasn’t much bigger than a horse stall, but it was a lot cleaner.

The bunk against the wall was made up with white sheets and a green army blanket tucked in neatly on all sides. Two pairs of cowboy boots stood at the end. The one thing that looked out of place was a single crutch next to the door, reminding him of the months of pain and anguish his grandson had gone through during his time in the hospital.

Sadness hit Hank as he ambled over to the only place to sit down. He pulled out a chair. “So, looks like you’ve made the place real homey.”

“It’s not so bad.”

“Sure, I believe you, but you know your mother isn’t going to feel the same. An outside latrine and no shower isn’t what they’d call civilized. So if you feel the need to get under a warm spray, come by the house.”

Jeff couldn’t help but smile. He always enjoyed Hank. Getting a grandfather was one of the best things about being adopted into the family.

“I’m going to rig up a portable shower out back.”

“Good thing the weather is warm.” The old man grew serious. “You know I have to report back to the ladies on how you’re getting on. And I’ve learnt never to cross the women in this family, not if I ever want to eat again.”

Jeff smiled. “Then you tell them that if I survived the deserts and the jungle, the Texas prairie isn’t going to hurt me.”

Grinning, Hank nodded. “I told ’em you’d be just fine.”

“What else brings you up here, Granddad?”

Hank pushed his hat back off his forehead. “Well, I had this idea I wanted to run by you.”

“I hope it doesn’t have anything to do with moving home.”

“No, I think if this is where you want to be, then it’s the right place for you. My idea has something to do with Randell Corporation.”

“And this concerns me how?”

“Just hear me out,” Hank coaxed. “You know how we have guests that come to the ranch on vacation and want to work. They like the cowboy way of things.”

“And it’s always made money, too.”

“I was thinking this year, at summer’s end, I’d like to do an old-fashioned cattle drive. All guests on horseback, and we even have a chuck wagon with a cook to make the meals just like they did a hundred years ago. We can start at Chance’s place and drive the cattle across to your dad’s ranch. Then go on to Uncle Jarred and Aunt Dana’s and onto Cade’s lands, then finally end up at the Circle B. I have the quarters to house the guests.”

“Sounds like you’d be going around in a circle.”

“Almost. But we’d stay on private property, and if something does happen, we’re not far from help.” Hank raised an eyebrow. “So, what do you think?”

“Sounds good to me.” Jeff was surprised his dad hadn’t said anything. “How do the brothers like it?”

“I’ll tell them eventually, but right now I want the grandkids on board first. And I want you to be in charge.”

Jeff was caught off guard by this. “I can’t do it.”

“Why? You’ve been in the military for years, in charge of men, giving orders.”

“I haven’t been on a horse in a long time. Secondly, I don’t even know if I can still ride.”

“Sure you can. It’s something you don’t forget, especially since you were so good it. You could out-ride any of your cousins.” Hank smiled. “Even then you strove to be the best.”

Jeff knew he had drive. He’d proven it many times in the army, and it had saved his life more times than he could count. “That was before.” He rubbed his thigh.

“Before what? The accident?” Hank shook his head. “You’re just as good as before.”

“The army doesn’t think so,” Jeff said bitterly. “They seem to think you need both legs to be a soldier.”