Cody sat and watched her ride away. He wondered if she would make it back to her home, but decided to let her try on her own. People didn’t learn just from hearing things. They had to try as well. At least she started off in the right direction.
He guided his horse to another copse of trees and dismounted. He’d give her a half hour head start. If she got lost, he’d hope he could spot her.
“Too bad they don’t have part of the river running through their land,” he told his horse, loosening the cinch and letting the animal graze on some of the sparse growing grass in the shade.
“I’d love to cool off about now.”
Instead, he’d return to the corral, take care of his horse and then head for home. He had chores there to complete. And he wasn’t going to give Jarred any ammunition to say I told you so.
Holly was delighted when she spotted the roof of the barn in the distance. She’d done it–found her way home all on her own. She looked around but didn’t see Cody. She’d been a bit annoyed when he hadn’t come with her but a certain sense of pride rose. She could find her way around the ranch. An important milestone.
She unsaddled the horse, brushed it down and turned it into the corral making sure there was plenty of water in the trough.
Almost unable to walk across the ground to the house, she kept an eye out for Cody. She refused to let him know how out of shape she was. Once inside, she headed straight for the bedroom and bath. A hot shower would help immensely.
Feeling refreshed a half hour later, Holly poured herself a glass of tea and glanced outside. No sign of Cody. Had he continued riding along the fence? All the fencing they’d seen had been strong. The only breach she knew of was the one that started this whole thing, along the boundary of the Rocking F.
She headed for the office, much more aware of what she needed to look for after listening to Cody’s explanations all afternoon.
It was almost an hour later before Holly looked up. Glancing at the clock, she noted time to feed the horses. All were in the corral, so Cody had returned. She hadn’t even heard his truck leave.
The horses taken care of, she returned to the kitchen and made herself scrambled eggs and toast. She didn’t know what she was going to do about feeding herself, Cody and the cowboy who was coming to help tomorrow. She was so tired she just wanted to climb into bed and sleep until morning.
Cleaning the kitchen she went back to the office. Indulgences were off the table until she felt up to speed on the entire situation.
She called the nursing home to check on her dad, happy to learn he’d had a good day with the physical therapist and had gone to bed some time before and was already asleep.
That was the best she could hope for at this time.
She turned to the computer and began reading again. Her father had a good set of books, once she found access to them. She read back to the previous year and the one before that. It helped her understand the cycle of ranching.
Cody was right, there was a lot to learn.
Holly made a big pot of coffee the next morning and was pouring her first cup when Cody roared into the yard. A minute behind him another pick up truck pulled up. She watched through the window as a cowboy climbed out and met Cody between the two trucks. The loaner cowboy. She hoped she could keep up with them today.
They didn’t even glance toward the house, but began walking to the barn. Cody stopped near the fence and noticed the horses eating. He glanced at the house then.
“Didn’t think I was up, did you,” she murmured, taking delight in his surprise.
She swallowed the hot coffee, not planning to rush right out there, though she wanted to. She couldn’t wait to see him, hear him, spend time with him, even if he spent every moment teaching her like she was a child.
Briefly she toyed with the idea of waiting until he knocked on the door, but she wasn’t sure he would. He could just continue on with the work he planned and ignore her.
Finishing her coffee, she picked up her gloves and hat and headed outside.
She heard them talking in the barn when she entered, letting her eyes adjust to the dimmer light.
“Good morning,” Cody called. “Come meet Steve Canning. Steve, this is Frank’s daughter Holly.”
“Morning, ma’am,” Steve said, touching the brim of his hat.
He looked to be about ten years older than Cody, his face bronzed by the sun.
“Good morning and thank you for coming to help us,” she said with a warm smile.
She knew they were paying the man, but good manners never hurt.
“Glad to help,” he said.
He looked at Cody. “Tools?”
“In here.”
Cody led the way into the tack room and to the deep cupboard at the back. Holly watched, regretting she hadn’t explored more of the barn so she’d known where the tools were.
In no time the men were digging new holes in preparation of new uprights to secure the cross polls of the corral. Holly watched for a while, taking in all Cody had done in preparation, from bringing new wood for the fence, to new hardware for a gate.
“What can I do?” she asked at one point.
“Wouldn’t mind some water,” Steve said.
“I have coffee made fresh just a little while go, any takers?”
They both agreed and both took it black.
She came back with two large mugs filled with the hot brew. Cody took his, his fingers brushing against hers momentarily. She caught her breath and quickly masked it with a smile as she handed Steve his mug. Her heart raced at his touch.
“If you don’t need me here, I’ll be in the office. I’m making headway through my dad’s records.”
She thought she better put some distance between them. There was work to be done, no time for any daydreaming.
“It’ll take most of the day here,” Cody said, resting his cup on the edge of the sawhorse they were using to cut the poles to the desired length. He reached for another pole and laid it out, pulling out the tape measure.
“I could help here,” she said.
He looked at her.
“Doing what? Have you build a corral fence before? Or any fence for that matter?”
She shook her head.
Cody put the pencil down and walked over to her, taking her arm and urging her toward the house.
“A partnership means many things. Among those are different skill sets the partners bring. I know my way around a spreadsheet, but it’s not my most favorite part of ranching. You had training in that, maybe that would be your niche. Let us build the fence, you try to calculate exactly where the Bar-B-Bar stands financially which will give us a better understanding of what’s needed from an investment aspect on my part.”
“Okay,” she said, wishing he’d ask her to stay to help in building the corral fence, but knowing what he said made sense. They needed a good estimate of what was required to bring the ranch back.
She hoped it wouldn’t be more than he was willing to invest.
“I’ll make lunch around one,” she said when they reached the back porch.
“Sounds like a plan.”
He turned and headed back to the barn.
“Sure, I’ll sit at a desk all day and then work in the kitchen. Sounds just like what I’ve always dreamed of doing,” she grumbled as she headed for the office.
Secretly she was pleased she wouldn’t be spending the entire day on the back of a horse.
Once involved in the books, however, Holly began to appreciate Cody’s plan. She was good at this and by the end of the morning had a good grasp of exactly how much money was owed and the status of the herd.
Holly didn’t expect Cody on Saturday. He’d told her he was taking the day off and that he’d pick her up at six thirty for the dance at the Grange. She was glad for a day of rest. Between office work and doing new tasks that Cody thought she could handle, she had not visited her father except one evening after Cody left.
While sleeping in was not a luxury she could enjoy any time soon, she did plan a lavish breakfast at Rosie’s after she fed the horses. A meal she didn’t cook sounded the perfect way to have a day off.
Carrie Sue was behind the counter when Holly entered. She went to the empty seat at the counter and smiled at the waitress.
“Coffee?” Carrie Sue asked coming over to her.
“Please and the big breakfast. I’m splurging.”
Carrie Sue smiled. “What’s the occasion?”
“Not riding a horse today, not being lectured by a cowboy on every minute detail of ranch life, and the prospects of a dance tonight,” Holly said, touching a finger with each item.
“Sounds like a great reason to splurge.”
Carrie Sue took her order and then gave it to the cook. Checking on the other customers, she returned to Holly.
“So Cody’s taking you to the dance tonight?” she asked casually.
“Yes.”
“He’s only ever taken one other woman to a dance. It caused a lot of gossip and he dropped her like a hot potato.”
“We aren’t involved except on a business level,” Holly said softly.
She was uncomfortable talking about that in such a public place. She didn’t want word to get back to her father about the partnership until after she’d talked with him.
“Ummm, maybe.” Carrie Sue smiled again. “We’ll see tonight, I reckon.”
“You’re going of course.”
“Yes, I’m helping with the refreshments.”
“No date?”
Carrie Sue glanced at the postcards on display on the wall near the cash register.
“I’m involved with a guy who travels all the time. Doesn’t seem right to go out with anyone else. One day we’re getting married.”
“I didn’t know you were engaged,” Holly said.
“Not officially. But we’ve planned it for ages.”
“Where is he now?”
“Who knows? Maybe in Nepal or Syria. It’s a great job except it puts him in danger all the time.”
“So when’s the wedding?”
“When things settle down and he gets state-side assignments.”
Holly took another sip of coffee, wondering when a foreign correspondent would ever want a state-side desk job. Sounded like Carrie Sue was in for a very long wait. Not that it was her business, but she liked Carrie Sue and it sounded as if she was getting the short end of the stick.
“How’s your father?” Carrie Sue asked.
“Not recovering as quickly as I thought he would, but doing okay according to his doctor. It’s going to be a long convalescence.”
She refused to give voice to the prognosis the doctor made that her dad might never be fully recover. Miracles still happened. She was counting on it.
Carrie Sue chatted intermittently with Holly between serving other customers.
At one point Holly asked about what to wear to the dance.
“I didn’t bring a lot of clothes. I never thought I’d be going to a dance while visiting my sick father. But then I didn’t realize I’d be here this long.”
“Most of us wear jeans and boots. The cowboys are wearing their best boots and hats, but just regular clothes. At Christmas we dress up fancy.”
“Should I plan to bring anything?” Holly asked as she was finishing her meal.
“Naw, we cater it, so I’ll be helping with that. My grandfather loves these kind of events. You’ll get to meet him then. Enjoy your day.”
She went to greet some new customers and Holly left money for the meal and went to the nursing home.
That evening butterflies danced in her stomach as she dressed for the dance. It seemed very casual to wear jeans to a party, but she did–wanting to fit in. It was awkward enough to be the outsider in a ranching community where everyone knew everyone else and everything there was to ranching.
She couldn’t expect Cody to spend the entire evening with her, so she was psyched up to meet as many neighbors as she could and hope she clicked with one or two. Time to make new friends.
When Cody’s truck pulled into the yard, she was ready. He’d obviously washed it as it sparkled in the sunshine. He got out–dressed like always, except every item from his hat to boots looked spanking new. She was glad she’d worn her new shirt with clean jeans and polished her boots. Her hair was loose, brushing her shoulders in a way that made her feel feminine, especially after wearing it in a pony tail all week to keep it out of the way.
“Ready?” Cody asked as she stepped out on the porch. “I guess so, you look mighty fine.”
She felt a flush of pleasure at his compliment.
“So do you. I guess this was a good idea, I told my dad about it today and he seemed happy to hear I was going.”
“Frank and my folks usually attend these. Most of the ranchers and cowboys in the area go. It’ll be fun.”
“Are your brothers going?”
“Heck, almost everyone from the Rocking F will be there. Carlos is staying at the homestead. The hands rotate who attend these things. Though Carlos never misses the Christmas dance.”
The butterflies increased as they pulled into an already crowded parking lot.
Cody escorted her into the large hall. Chairs were placed along one wall. A band was tuning up in the back. The wall along the left contained two bars and long tables loaded with food.
Holly swore Cody knew everybody in the county and introduced her to every one of them.
When the band began to play, couples quickly moved to the center of the hall for dancing. Cody pulled her into his arms and began to twirl her around the dance floor in the Texas Two Step. Holly threw herself into the dance, feeling carefree and happy dancing with one of the best looking cowboys in the place.
When the song ended Cody gave her a hug and grinned down at her when he let her go.
“Fun, huh?”
“Yes. The most fun in a long while.”
Before she could say another word, another cowboy tapped Cody on the shoulder. “Care to introduce the lady?” he asked.
“Nope,” Cody said.
Holly smiled at the other man.
“I’m Holly Braddock. Frank Braddock’s daughter.”
“John-Paul Harrison, glad to meet you.”
“Okay, so you met her, they’re starting another song,” Cody said, holding out his hand to Holly.
“Maybe the lady would like a different partner for the next one,” John-Paul said, holding out his own hand.
Holly smiled at both.
“Actually, I’m still warm from the last dance. I think I’s prefer something to drink.”
Cody nodded and took her hand, throwing John-Paul a triumphant look.
“Come with me and I’ll get us something.”
“See you in a bit,” John-Paul said, grinning at Cody.
“He seems nice,” Holly murmured as they walked to one of the bars.
The music started again. Cody threaded his fingers through hers.
“JP’s okay.”
“But not to dance with?” she asked, teasing him.
He looked at her and shook his head.
“I thought we could dance again.”
She nodded, looking around at the crowded room, the dancers again in full swing. She could dance the entire evening with Cody and be content. More than content. She’d love every moment.
He got them each a soft drink and they stood on the outskirts of the dance floor and watched the others. An older couple joined them.
“Thomas,” Cody greeted the older man. “Katherine.”
“Cody.”
“I’d like you to meet Holly Braddock, Frank’s daughter. Thomas and Katherine Bergon. They live outside of town in the opposite direction from the Bar-B-Bar. But I reckon Thomas has known your father all his life.”
“Pert near. We were in grade school together. How’s he doing? I was there last week. Tell you what, it’s a sorry sight when a man my own age is laid low.”
“He’s gradually recovering,” Holly said. “I’d love to hear some stories about when the two of you were young.”
“Then come to dinner next week,” Katherine said with a warm smile. “Thomas’ mom was a great one for family pictures and I bet there are a bunch with your father as a little boy. To hear them tell things, the two of them practically lived at each other’s house.”
“Frank’s a good friend,” Thomas said.
He seconded his wife’s invitation. Then looked at Cody.
“Want to come so she’ll know the way?”
“I appreciate the invitation. What day?”
“Thursday?” Katherine said. “I’ll make lasagna and that coconut cake you like so much, Cody.”
“Sounds a treat. Can’t wait.”
He looked at Holly.
“Katherine’s won ribbons at the county fair with her coconut cake. You’ll love it,” he said with a smile.
“I look forward to the evening,” she said with a bright smile.
“How’re you doing on the ranch?” Thomas asked. “Need any help?”
Holly shook her head.
“Thanks, but with Cody and Steve helping out, things seem to be going fine. We’re just holding things together until my dad gets better.”
“You call on me if you need any help. I’ll stop in and see your dad again this week.”
The band started a slow song.
“This one’s ours,” Cody said, taking the soda can from Holly’s hand and setting it down with his. He nodded to the Bergons and walked her out to the dance floor. Cody drew her into his arms, holding her pressed against him as they swayed to the slow song.
Holly’s heart rate sped up being held so close. She relaxed and let the rhythm of the music dictate how she moved. Closing her eyes to savor the sensations racing through her, she gave herself up to the song and the delight of being in Cody’s arms.
Slowly they danced around the room, moving in time to the beat, listening to the words sing about lost love and sad futures. She hoped she never experienced the lament of the song. She was too happy tonight.
When the music stopped, she slowly opened her eyes and gazed right back into Cody’s amazing blue eyes.
He continued to hold her, staring back at her.
“That was nice,” Holly said, not knowing what else to say. Not wanting to break the spell.
“You’re nice,” Cody said softly, and lowered his head to brush his lips across her.
Holly tightened her arms around his neck slightly, pressing against the hard body that still held her closely.
“Hey, bro, remember where you are?” Jarred bumped into them and looked at Cody.
Cody’s arms dropped and he half turned to his brother.
“Mind your own business, Jarred.”
Jarred nodded and gave Holly an unfriendly look before sauntering away.
Holly looked after him, then back at Cody.
“He doesn’t like me, does he?”
“He doesn’t know you. Come on, let’s get something to eat. It’s hot in here. We can take it outside.”
Holly was glad for the respite. She glanced around and noted to her dismay that others were staring at her. Did others in town view her presence with similar dislike?
Cody led them to the buffet tables, at the end of a small line.
Holly said hello to Carrie Sue who was standing near the first table.
“Hey, girl, having fun?” Carrie Sue asked.
Holly nodded and took the plate Carrie Sue offered.
“Help yourself. We sure don’t want to take this food back to the restaurant,” Carrie Sue said. “Though I don’t have to tell Cody twice, right cowboy?”
“Hey, if y’all would stop making such good food, I could pass it by,” he said, heaping his plate as he walked down the line.”
“And if we did that, no one would come to the café and we’d be shut down in a New York minute,” she retorted.
She winked at Holly and leaned closer, speaking in a softer tone. “Catch me later. I want to hear all about that kiss.”
Holly looked at her in startled surprise. How could she not think the entire group had witness that kiss. She felt heat rise in her face. Embarrassment flooded. She nodded, vowing to leave as soon as possible. Glancing around, she didn’t see anyone staring at her any more, but how many had seen Cody Fallon kiss her at the end of the dance?
What would have happened if his brother hadn’t interrupted them?
She wished she knew. Safety lay in remaining partners in the ranch, nothing more. But her body argued the point. She wouldn’t mind another kiss or two. Or even more.
To her surprise, Holly saw round tables with folding chairs scattered on the side yard of the Grange hall. The outdoor space was well lit with hanging lights. Most of the tables were already occupied. Cody headed for an empty one on the edge and put down his plate, turning to hold a chair for her.
“This suit you?” he asked as he sat across from her.
“Yes. It’s fine.”
She didn’t look at him, but focused on the assortment of finger foods on her plate. Taking a piece of barbecue chicken, she took a bite.
“Wow, this is hot!”
She wished she had something cold to quench the fire in her mouth.
“Buffalo wings. We like’em spicy here.”
He took a bite of one and chewed with relish.
“A warning would have helped,” she said, taking a smaller bite.
It was tasty, just hot enough to burn her tongue.
“Want another drink?” he asked.
“Yes please and some water. My mouth may burn for a week.”
“Milk cuts the burn, not water. I’ll be right back.”
He rose and leaned close to her. “Save my place.”
She smiled, her face mere inches from his. For a moment he didn’t move, gazing into her eyes. Then he straightened up and headed back inside.
Holly nibbled on her food, watching the others in the grassy area. She could tell a lot of tables held good friends from the laughter and conversations. Here and there she spotted a couple more intent on themselves than anyone around them. She recognized Kristi Donovan. She was leaning close to a tall cowboy. And from the looks they shared, Holly knew they had something special.
She wondered what it would be like to have one man interested in only her. Not for a fun evening or even a brief affair. Someone who’d be interested in building a life together.
Like her father and mother? The thought came unbidden.
She wished she knew more why they hadn’t made it. Had they really tried?
Or at the first glitch had they ended the relationship?
Knowing her mother, she suspected the latter. How had her father reacted to the divorce? By the time she spent summers with him, the divorce had been final for years. Each had moved on.
Yet neither had ever married again.
That was interesting.
“Where’s Cody?” Jarred Fallon stopped by the table and looked around.
“He went in to get us something to drink,” she said.
Jarred pulled out a chair and sat down.
“How’s your father doing?”
“Recovering.”
Why had he sat down? She wished he’d leave and Cody would come back.
“This partnership thing is for the birds. Either your father will recover fully and want to take back the reins of the ranch or he won’t be capable of doing so and will need to either get an excellent manager or see about selling the place. He’s not going to want to be partners with anyone.”
“You don’t know that,” she protested.
She was already concerned he might not see the partnership as the best solution. She didn’t need Jarred adding to her uncertainty.
“I know your father–probably better than you do. I know how ranchers think. And from where I sit, I see you as a woman out for her own selfish means and latching on to the first man who thinks helping you will make a difference. Tell me, how much ranching knowledge do you have?”
“Not a lot, but I’m a quick learner,” she said, glancing toward the Grange Hall. Where was Cody?
He shook his head in disgust.
“How many years did you stay away? Did you know how much your father talked about you–but not how you were a part of his life, more like you were some movie star he was stuck on. Holly looked so pretty in her prom dress. Holly sent me a post card from London. Holly and her mother are skiing in Aspen. You didn’t mind taking his money but couldn’t be bothered with even a flying visit.”
She didn’t have a reply. Everything he said was true to her immense regret.
“That’s my seat,” Cody said returning to the table. He set the two cans of soda down and glared at his brother.
“Keep your opinions to yourself,” he said.
Jarred rose and faced his brother.
“I’m trying to make you see what you’re getting yourself into. She isn’t worth it.”
Holly felt sick. She knew Jarred didn’t like her, but not that his anger was so intense. She was guilty of all he said. She’d go back and change the past years if she could.
“That’s to be seen, but the ranch is worth it. Either Frank gets better or he doesn’t, but I can still run the place and make it pay.”
“Pay for her trips to Europe,” Jarred said scathingly.
“Whatever. She’s got power of attorney, she’s in charge. What she does is really none of our business, is it?’
“Unless she bleeds the ranch dry and you lose your shirt.”
“It’s mine to lose,” Cody said, his voice still easy. “Take off, Jarred. Three’s a crowd.”
Jarred glanced at Holly and shrugged.
“Some have to learn the hard way.”
“Like you did?” Cody asked, his gaze nailing his brother.
“Exactly.”
Jarred turned and walked away.