AFTER HIS USUAL morning swim, Jubal arrived at Luke’s ranch on Monday morning with a number of questions in mind.
He’d spent a quiet Sunday reading the books he’d picked up at the community center. He’d also used his laptop to research ranch properties in Colorado. The prices varied widely and he suspected it was what he’d always heard about real estate. Location. Location. Location. Did it have water? Good grazing? Close to a town or city?
He had questions now, even as he realized the kernel of interest was crazy. He knew next to nothing about ranching or horses. He had no idea how far his admittedly decent savings would go, but he also knew how fast it could all disappear in some momentary flight of fancy.
He patted the bag full of carrots next to him. He’d begged them from Maude yesterday when he’d stopped by for takeout.
As he drove up to Luke’s ranch house, Jacko was in the pasture but then trotted over to the fence when Jubal exited his car.
Luke came out of the barn and met him at the gate. “I don’t know what it is with you and that horse, but he’s never been that eager to see anyone before. You can go ahead and take him first. There’s five others I would like you to exercise today.” He handed Josh a list. “They’re my trail horses. Now that school’s started, they won’t get much riding.”
Jubal scanned it. “You’re actually paying me to do this?”
“Horses are naturally lazy. They need exercise to stay in good shape. And I wouldn’t feel good not paying you.”
“I’ll make you another deal,” Jubal said. “I spent Sunday reading about quarter horses and ranching and it got me thinking. How about instead of you paying me, you teach me about ranching and raising horses?”
Luke looked surprised. “You thinking about trying it?”
“I don’t know. I used to dream about it as kid. At least the owning horses part. I’d be interested to hear what it takes.”
“It’s a deal, though I have to warn you—ranching isn’t like it used to be. More government regulations every year, particularly on water rights. You wouldn’t believe some of them.”
“Can a rancher survive with just horses?”
“You have to love ranching and horses and know you aren’t gonna get rich,” he said. “You need an instinct about horses, too—which have championship potential and how to best match stallions and mares. It’s twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week with no holidays, and even then you may barely eke out a living. Does that answer your question?”
“Ever thought about quitting?”
“Hell, no,” he said. “They’ll have to drag me to the grave kicking and screaming all the way.”
“About what I thought,” Jubal said.
“We’re still having a problem with rustling, though. One of the ranchers twenty miles down lost some horses the night of the pageant. Problem is they’re registered. Can’t sell them to a legitimate buyer, and no telling what will happen to them. God help me if I see them, there’s going to be big trouble,” he said.
“Clint knows about the latest theft?”
“Sure does. Ranchers around here are meeting at noon today. Start a nightly patrol of our own.”
“If you need any help...”
“Thanks, I’ll let you know.” Luke seemed to hesitate, then added, “About your proposal, how about we talk again later this afternoon? I’m looking at a stallion this morning, then going to the ranchers’ meeting at lunch.”
“I can’t today,” Jubal replied regretfully. “I have to meet with a young man who’s doing some work for me. I told him I would see him after school.”
“Noon tomorrow, then. You can have lunch with Tracy and me. She probably knows more about the business end than I do.”
Jubal nodded his approval.
“I’ll leave you with the horses, then,” Luke said. “Aim to spend an hour with each one. Tracy is in the house if you need her.”
Jubal nodded and watched as Luke drove away. He gave Jacko a carrot and was rewarded by a nudge of the horse’s head before leading him into the barn to be saddled. It was still difficult to fasten the cinch but he managed it. He swung up into the saddle and started out at a walk.
Jacko tugged at the bit. He wanted to go faster. Jubal’s knees gave him permission to canter. The breeze felt good, and Jubal felt free for the first time since he was separated from the service. Until now, he’d still felt chained to the memories. It was why he swam each morning, did daily push-ups and tried to run at least six miles a day. As long as he did that, he was still Chief Petty Officer Jubal Pierce.
Jacko stretched into the canter. They rode along the fence line, then to the stream that ran through the property. Jubal took a deep breath, and drank in the exhilaration he felt.
He slowed Jacko and looked at his watch. He had to get back if he wanted to stay on schedule with the other horses on the list. He’d have to leave by three to meet Gordon. He finished at two and walked stiffly to the ranch house. He knocked and Tracy opened the door.
“I just wanted you to know I’m leaving soon. Anything I can do before I go?”
“Don’t think so. I’ve been watching you on and off. You did well.”
“You’re a good teacher.”
“I can teach some things. Can’t teach that natural seat or affinity for horses.”
“I’m indebted to you and your husband,” Jubal said. “These last few days...they’ve meant a lot.”
“Don’t thank me,” she said. “Luke and I figure we owe you guys in the military. Luke did his bit and came home whole, and I’m grateful. Since Josh, Clint and Andy moved here, we’ve been trying to figure out how we can do more for you guys. Turns out you’re all doing more for this town than we could ever do for you.”
Jubal hesitated. He felt he’d already asked too much.
“I know this young kid. He’s building something for me, but he’ll probably finish this week. Would it be okay if I bring him out here? See if he’s interested?”
“Sure. Just let me know when. You can instruct him if you want. Either Luke or me will sit in at first.”
“I’m not sure if he’ll even want to...or if his sister will approve, but...”
Jubal wasn’t usually at a loss for words. And he didn’t know why he mentioned Lisa. But riding had been therapy for him. Maybe it could be for Gordon, as well.
“He’s welcome if he does,” Tracy said.
On the way back to the cabin, Jubal decided he had time to stop at Maude’s before Gordon was due to arrive. Having skipped lunch, he was starving.
After Saturday night’s dinner, Gordon was no longer “the kid.” He was Gordon Redding, and he had a family that cared about him.
The thought reminded him that he really was in no position to withhold information from his sister.
As if that worry had conjured her up, she was the first person he saw when he entered Maude’s. She was, in fact, the only person sitting in a booth.
He hadn’t shaved that morning and he smelled like horse and sweat. He thought about going to the counter, but then she looked up from something she was reading, and their gazes met. He felt strangely awkward. He didn’t want to impose. But he didn’t want her to think he was purposely avoiding her.
Maude took the choice away from him. “Why don’t you sit with Dr. Redding?” she said. “She just ordered.”
They were standing close enough for Lisa to hear. It would be churlish to refuse.
“I smell like horse,” he protested.
“Many of my customers do,” Maude replied with a grin and and led him the few steps to the booth. She placed the paper menu on the table in front of him. “Do you want to look at the menu or do you want the steak?” Maude asked.
“The steak,” he said.
“I’ll bring it with your salad,” Maude told Lisa, and left before her customer could answer.
“I’m sorry,” he started to say at the same time she uttered the same words. She started to laugh.
He chuckled.
“I’ve learned,” she said, “never to say no to two people in this town. Maude and Eve.”
“I can move,” he said helpfully.
“Please don’t. I’ll feel guilty.”
“I wouldn’t want that,” he said as his body relaxed into the seat.
“Why do you smell like horse?”
“I’m exercising horses at a ranch about six miles from here.”
“I remember you said your father was in the rodeo.”
He shrugged. “I haven’t done much riding since I was a kid, but it seems it’s something you really don’t forget.”
“I don’t think it’s that easy.” She paused. “You said at dinner the other night that your family comes from Texas.”
“My dad was born there.”
“Was he a rancher?”
“His family lost the ranch before I was born, but my dad grew up riding.” Jubal didn’t like talking about it much, and he realized his tone had become clipped. He changed the subject. “Late lunch?”
She nodded. “Several poison ivy cases. Two annual physicals, three fevers and a few other odds and ends. I have four more appointments this afternoon.”
“How does it compare with working in a large hospital?”
“Certainly a lot less hectic here,” she said. “Takes some adjustment. But I suppose you’ve been experiencing that, too.”
He simply nodded.
Maude arrived with an iced tea for him. Lisa already had one.
“So, Gordon is going to your place after school?” she confirmed after Maude disappeared.
“We’re going to talk about the materials he needs to build the bench.” He hesitated. “Is this all right with you?”
“It’s fine. I was surprised when he first told me, though. How did you happen to get together?”
It was the question he’d been dreading. He’d carefully avoided a direct lie. Now he couldn’t. He could either tell her the truth about the fire or tell a lie that might not be forgiven. Or he could ruin any trust Gordon had left.
He shrugged. “He seemed at loose ends,” he compromised. He saw from her eyes it was unsatisfactory. He expected a follow-up but it didn’t come.
She looked him squarely in the eye. “Our father was killed in a small-plane crash when Gordon was ten. They were really close. Our mother died a little less than a year ago of cancer. He’s had a hard time coping with that.”
He sensed the reluctance in her measured words. It was obviously hard for her to share problems, particularly about her family, and he was virtually a stranger.
But he knew now she too felt the connection between them, even if neither of them could explain it. But basically she was telling him that her brother was vulnerable and don’t mess with him.
“He fell in with a bad crowd,” she continued in a low voice that wavered at times. “I think it gave him a sense of power, or maybe control, one that he hadn’t felt for a long time. I thought moving would help but it seemed to have the opposite effect. I took away his control.”
She paused to take a sip of her iced tea. “I don’t know how you met. It worries me that he hasn’t really told me. But I can tell that while he seems a little wary, he respects you.”
Jubal didn’t know what to say. His silence confirmed some of her supposition. But he saw the guilt in her eyes, the frustration of not being able to make things right.
He also understood the source of Gordon’s anger now. He, too, had lost his father at a young age. In a way he’d lost his mother then, as well. He’d always blamed her for his father’s death. If they’d been with him, it wouldn’t have happened.
“He’s a smart kid,” he said after a moment’s silence. “I talked to Nate yesterday. He said the kid is a born engineer, and from what I hear Nate’s no slouch himself. When they worked with the props, Gordon had several ideas of how to move them easier. He’s just been too busy resenting the world to use that brain.”
“Thank you for caring,” she said. She paused and added, “Just...don’t let him down.”
Maude came with their food then.
The steak was probably as good as always but he couldn’t enjoy it. He was still withholding information that she had every right to have. And when she looked at him with those trusting eyes, he felt lower than a turtle’s belly.
She ate half of her salad, then looked at her watch. “I have to get back,” she said apologetically. “I’m late for an appointment.” She looked around but Maude wasn’t to be seen.
“You go on,” he said. “I’ll take care of the bill. You can pay me back later. Or not.” He smiled.
She started to protest, then looked chagrined. “I will. I’m not good at accepting favors. Thank you again. Maybe you can come over for supper some night.”
He nodded.
She slipped from the booth and hurried out.
Maude appeared suddenly, as if she’d been hovering nearby. “Was everything okay, Mr. Pierce? You want a box?”
He shook his head. “You are not subtle, Maude.”
“I don’t know what you mean, Mr. Pierce.” She grinned and handed him the check.
* * *
GORDON APPEARED AT four-thirty on a bike. He looked part rebellious, part interested and part apprehensive.
“I decided I want the bench with the arms,” Jubal said. “You think you can buy the materials you listed?”
“Me?” Gordon asked.
“You. You’re a contractor now. You designed the bench. You’re building it. You should supply the materials.”
“I don’t have any money,” Gordon protested.
Jubal gave him an envelope. “There’s a hundred and fifty dollars in there. Should be more than enough for the lumber and other materials. Try to get the price down. Don’t worry about tools. There are some here and I can probably borrow whatever else you need.”
“How will I bring everything back?”
“Ask to have them delivered.”
Gordon stared at the money. “You trust me?”
“Shouldn’t I?”
“Yeah. I guess. What about the change?”
“What do you think?”
“I’ll bring it back,” Gordon said.
“Good guess. That’s an advance for materials. You owe me the labor.” He looked at his watch. “You better go now so you can report back with time to spare. I expect your sister will want you home for supper.”
Gordon looked shell-shocked. He got on his bike and peddled away.
He was back in forty minutes. “You got a ten percent discount, you being a veteran,” he said. “The guy I talked to said he needed to order the treated wood. Should be here by Friday. I picked out some metal trimming, too. That okay?”
“It’s your bench,” Jubal said. “When it’s finished, I’ll tell you whether it’s acceptable.”
“You’re a real hard-ass, aren’t you?” Gordon asked.
Jubal just shrugged.
“Here’s the rest of your money.” Gordon held out a now tattered envelop.
“And you’ll be here Saturday to work on it.” It wasn’t a question.
“Yeah.”
* * *
IT WAS AFTER six before Lisa left the office. She hadn’t had time to think about Jubal Pierce since she returned to a full waiting room. There had been several walk-ins along with her scheduled appointments. She suspected they were there to inspect the new doctor more than for the sniffles and rashes they reported.
She walked the several blocks home. It helped with the nervousness she felt. Today was the first day of school, and she wondered how Kerry and Gordon fared. Would they find friends? Like the teachers? Be challenged?
Kerry was on the sofa, reading a book with Susie curled up next to her. Obviously thinking it was her job to greet anyone who came to the door, the dog jumped down and ran over to Lisa.
Lisa stooped down, and the dog rolled over on her back waving all four feet in the air.
“She wants you to rub her belly,” Kerry said.
Lisa complied, thinking it was nice to have at least one warm body happy to see her.
“How was school?”
“I liked it,” she said. “The kids were nice. They think it’s neat you’re a doctor, and they want to know what it was like to live in Chicago. I talked to the music teacher about trying out for the choir. She had me sing for her and said she definitely wanted me in it.”
“I think that’s terrific,” Lisa said. “You do have a good voice. So did Mom. You must have inherited that from her.”
“Yeah, maybe I did.” All of a sudden, tears welled up in Kerry’s eyes. “I miss her so much.” Susie crept up in Kerry’s lap and whined.
“I know you do,” Lisa said. “I miss her, too.”
Kerry’s arms went around the dog. “I’m so glad we adopted Susie.”
“I am, too.”
“And I’m glad we moved here,” Kerry added shyly.
“I’m happy to hear that.”
“I know you did it for Gordon. I didn’t like his friends. They scared me.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You were so busy...and he’s my brother.”
Lisa nodded. Guilt again. She knew Kerry didn’t mean it that way, but she still felt it. She should have put off that last year of residency.
She looked at her watch. “I knew he was going to do something for Mr. Pierce’s cabin today, but I expected him home by now.”
Kerry shrugged. “I’m hungry.”
“Me, too,” Lisa said. “Want to help me make supper?”
“What are we having?”
“Why don’t you make the salad and I’ll make Swiss steak and tomato gravy.” It was quick and everyone liked it, including Gordon. At least he did when their mother used to make it.
Kerry nodded eagerly.
They were nearly finished when Gordon strolled in.
“Wash up,” Lisa said. “Supper’s almost ready.”
Gordon merely nodded and went upstairs.
A small miracle. Apparently a Jubal miracle.
She knew she should be pleased. But she couldn’t ignore the apprehension she felt.
They’d only been here a week, and one man had already made what felt like an oversize impact on her and her family. He’d told her Covenant Falls was just a way station for him. What if he left wreckage in his wake?