Reuniting with the Cowboy (6 page)

He couldn't take his eyes off her as she helped a little girl hold a rabbit properly while the rest of the kids stood in a circle around her. So patient, so gentle with the children and the animals. Her smile went all the way to her eyes. Her laugh all the way to her heart.

“It's nice seeing her like that, huh?” Caitlyn squeezed his good shoulder. “The old Ally. I see glimmers of her every once in a while. Usually when she's with some critter.”

“She used to be so much fun, so lighthearted and carefree. Now she's on edge.”

His tone echoed his wistfulness for the old Ally.

“She changed after her dad died. If not for her vet practice, she'd probably be a hermit.” Caitlyn brushed her hands down the front of her jeans, removing imaginary fur. “I'm truly amazed she agreed to help with the petting zoo. Usually I can't get her off her farm unless there's an animal needing treatment.”

That was probably part of it. But Cody doubted she was tense with everyone the way she was with him. The kiss still hung between them.

“At least she still goes to church.”

“Yeah, but something inside Ally died when her dad did.”

“I shouldn't have left.”

Caitlyn gave him a questioning look.

“I mean, her dad had just died.”
Make it sound casual.
If Caitlyn figured out his feelings for Ally, she'd badger him to make a move. A move he had no right to make until he figured out what to do with his aneurysm. “I should have stuck around a little longer, put off my career for a while and supported my friend.”

“She didn't want you to and if you had, she'd have pushed you away just like she did everyone else.”

“How can we help her?”

“I think you moving in next door already has. You got her here. And no matter what she says, no one can resist your infectious charm for long.” Caitlyn shot him a wink, patted his arm. “I better get back to horseback-riding duty. I just wanted to check and make sure you're not overdoing it on that leg.”

“Ally ordered me to sit in this chair by the puppies and kittens, so that's what I'm doing. She handles the kids.”

“Good.” Caitlyn tousled his hair as if he were a child and turned toward the game area.

Ally caught him staring. Her smile died. The light in her eyes dimmed.

“Okay, kids.” She clapped her hands to get their attention. “Let's go see the puppies and kittens over by Mr. Cody.”

It would take much more than every ounce of charisma Cody could muster to crack the wall Ally had built around herself. And then he'd have to tread carefully on the friends-only path.

* * *

Invite the kids in for food, ply them with treats, then make them sit through a mini-sermon. They'd fallen for it both nights.

But Ally had seen through their plan. It was for the children and their parents. Not the workers.

In the church parking lot, dedicated members cleaned the game area, deflated the bouncy houses and picked up trash. She headed for the cattle trailer.

By the time parents and kids streamed out of the church, she'd loaded the horses, ponies and goats and hosed off the corner of the parking lot where the horses had been.

“There you are,” Caitlyn called. “Mitch and some of the other guys could have done this.”

“I know. But I'm used to it and I'm in charge of the animals.”

“I'm glad to get a minute with you alone. Without Cody.”

Ally's heart rattled. Caitlyn was on to her. She knew Ally was having a hard time resisting his appeal.

“Do you think he's okay?” Caitlyn asked.

Ally squelched a relieved sigh. This wasn't about her feelings for Cody. “You mean his injuries?”

“No. I mean his heart.”

Oh, no. Had he just come off a bad relationship?
Please, Caitlyn, don't tell me about some woman in his life.

“I know it must be hard for him to not rodeo anymore. He must be heartbroken.” Caitlyn folded the chairs and leaned them against a tree.

Huh? So this wasn't about his love life. “I thought he decided not to go back.”

“I can't imagine Cody deciding to quit, not as long as he's breathing. Don't you think it's strange that his sudden retirement came on the heels of his bull wreck?”

“You think
he's hurt worse than he's letting on?” Ally's heart lodged in her throat.

“He's gotten a lot of concussions over the years.”

“Maybe
his doctor refused to release him.”

“Don't tell him I said anything.” Caitlyn rolled her eyes. “He tries to be all tough, you know.”

Was Cody here only because he had to be? Grounded permanently? But even if he were banned from rodeo, that didn't mean he had to stay in Aubrey. He was only leasing.

More reason to stay away from him. He'd need a new diversion. Even if by some miracle Cody fell madly in love with her, she refused to be anybody's consolation prize. Especially not a temporary one.

“Speaking of Mr. Tough Guy,” Caitlyn whispered.

The hair on the back of Ally's neck prickled.

“Where'd you go?” He limped toward her.

“I figured I'd get a head start out here.” Was his limp permanent?

“It could've waited. We had six kids come forward.”

“That's great.” Her tone fell flat.

“Last night we had nine, for a total of fifteen. I wish some of the parents had gotten the message.”

Why? So he could disappoint them, too?

“Are you okay?” Cody touched her arm.

“Fine.” She took a step backward. “Just trying to get all these animals back to their homes.”
And keep my distance. From you. And from God.

“Once we get all the animals settled where they came from, all the carnival workers are meeting at Moms on Main for supper.” Caitlyn strolled toward her car. “Want to join us, Ally?”

“I better get home.”

“Oh, I forgot.” Caitlyn checked her watch. “It's almost five and if you stay out past six—you turn into a goat.”

“I do smell like one, but goats are cute.” Ally folded her arms.

“Come on, Al.” Cody sidled between the two women, slung his arms around each of their shoulders.

Ally's breath caught.

“You barely had any
lunch.” He gave her shoulder a squeeze. “You must be starving.”

Why did his touch
do things to her insides? Make her want to do his bidding? Her stomach growled.

Cody chuckled. “I'll take that as a yes.”

“I guess I am kind of famished.” Ally patted her tummy, willing it to silence. “But didn't y'all eat with the kids?”

“I saved my appetite for Moms.” Caitlyn brushed off her jeans.

“I did eat a PB&J sandwich.” Cody gave her a sheepish grin. “But I consider it an appetizer.”

She really should just go home and stay away from Cody. But her mother had book club tonight and Ally didn't relish the concept of heading to an empty house. “I'll get the critters settled and see y'all there.”

“We're shooting for seven.” Cody finally moved his arm. “That'll give everybody a couple of hours. Caitlyn should have plenty of time to get rid of her horsiness.”

“I wouldn't be talking.” Caitlyn picked cat fur off his sleeve as her mischievous grin slipped into place.

They separated then, going to their respective vehicles. The three of them—like old times. Ally had missed them. Except her heart couldn't conjure up her past friendly feelings for Cody. It wanted much more.

Chapter Six

W
hy had Cody suggested he ride with Ally to Moms? He needed to keep her at a distance. Being in the same truck hadn't helped his resolve. Neither did sitting beside her at the long table.

He polished off his cheeseburger and tried to concentrate on what Pastor Thomas was saying.

“We got names and addresses for the kids who came forward each day?” The pastor squirted another blob of ketchup on his plate.

“We did.” Mitch folded his napkin, pushed his plate away. “We'll invite the parents to church or see if the kids want to ride the bus.”

“Definitely,” Pastor Thomas agreed. “I've been going through our files, too, checking on members we haven't seen in a while.”

“Ally used to be a member,” Cody said, then popped a fry in his mouth.

Ally set her tea down with a thunk. Her face pinkened. “I'm a member of a church in Denton now.”

“As long as you're going somewhere.” The pastor gave her a genuine smile.

Something caught her attention and her eyes widened.

Cody followed her gaze toward the end of the long table. Her mom and Dr. Bridges laughing and talking as they searched for a table. Coworkers sharing supper? Maybe, but Diane's hand rested in the crook of Dr. Bridges's arm. On a Saturday night? With him wearing slacks and a button-down and her in a dress? Still could be a coworker thing. He glanced back at Ally. Not from the look of shock on her face.

“Well, this preacher needs to get some sleep if I intend to deliver a lucid sermon in the morning.” Pastor Thomas pushed his chair back and laid several bills on the table for their server.

The rest of the gathering contributed to the tip, stood and strolled toward the exit.

Surprise spread over her mom's features as she saw them. “Ally?” Her hand jerked away from Dr. Bridges's arm. Color flushed her cheeks. “Lance—um, Dr. Bridges—and I just decided to stop in for pie and coffee after our dinner.”

“They have really good pie here.” Cody tried to ease the tension, but it swirled thick around them. “But not as good as Miss Diane's four-layer delight.”

“Are you hinting for another?” Her mom smiled. “I'll be home shortly, Al.”

“See you then.” Ally leveled a look at Dr. Bridges. “Shortly.”

Obviously upset. Cody pressed his hand to the small of her back to get her moving, then opened the door for her. Maybe it was a good thing they'd ridden together after all.

* * *

“I can't believe my mom is dating.” A pent-up wail escaped from Ally as soon as Cody shut his truck door.

“You think it was a date?”

“Hello? It's Saturday night. Did you see what they were wearing? She admitted they'd been out for dinner. And they were all cozy.” She let out a world-weary sigh.

“I thought you liked Lance.”

“I do. But she's my mom.” She started the engine, pulled out of the parking space. “I know it's been twelve years since my dad...and I should be happy for her. Her life basically stopped when Dad's did. But...”

“It's hard seeing your mom with somebody other than your dad.” He covered her free hand with his.

“I'm acting like a preteen. How did you know how I'm feeling?” she sputtered.

“Grandpa's seeing someone. I met her when I stayed with him in Medina. It's been almost thirteen years since Grandma died. But seeing him with this new woman—it didn't settle well at first.”

“I remember how broken he was when your grandmother died.” Six months before her dad. And her parents had let her go to Medina for the funeral. She'd hugged Cody for the first time. With that hug, a barrier between them had slipped away. Or at least it had for her. “You got used to him having someone new?”

“Had to.”

“Do you like her?”

“She's a right fine lady. Been good for him. But I had to get past my awkwardness to see that.”

“How'd you do that?”

“I consciously listed all the good things I knew about her and then I prayed about it.” He turned toward her. “So what do you know about Dr. Lance Bridges?”

“He lives in Denton and started coming to our church after his wife died of cancer about two and a half years ago. They'd attended where they were married and he couldn't bring himself to go there after her death.” She pulled into her drive and cut the engine.

Cody got out, came around and opened her door.

She climbed out, leaned against the truck. With him beside her. Familiar and comforting, his arm against hers.

“What about his veterinary practice?”

“It was at their house and his wife helped with the office work. I think the memories got to him, so it was overwhelming after she died. He sold and moved to a smaller house. But he was at loose ends, so I hired him to work for me. He's planning to work a few more years and then retire.”

“Nothing bad?”

“Nothing other than he's dating my mom. And I shouldn't see that as a bad thing.”

“Pray on it.” His hand clasped hers. “I'll pray for you, too.”

“Thanks.” Warmth threaded through her, along with unease over more than her mom.

He patted his shoulder. “Need this?”

She shouldn't. She really shouldn't. But she did.

“I've really missed you.” She turned into him, resting her cheek against his chest. His arms came around her, gentle, soothing. A contented sigh escaped. Cody's embrace was like home. “I mean your friendship. Your nonjudgmental ear.”

“Glad to be of use and right back at you.” His voice rumbled against her ear. “Dear Lord, help Ally to cope with her mom dating Lance. If they're meant to be, let Lance be the man Diane needs and ease Ally's discomfort over the whole deal. If there's someone else in Diane's future, You know who he is. Whatever the future holds for Diane and for Ally, give them both peace. Thank You for all the blessings You give us. Amen.”

No man had ever prayed for her. Except her dad. Even though she'd quit putting any stock in prayer a long time ago, Cody's sincere gesture liquefied her heart further. He gave her an extra squeeze and Ally was certain she'd never be able to pry herself away from him.

“Hey, I've been thinking.” He propped his chin on her head. “We should put together a float for your shelter in the Peanut Festival parade.”

“A float?”

“Maybe a Noah's ark theme with animals everywhere. It would be great advertisement. Might get some adoptions out of it.”

“Noah's ark with cats and dogs only?” The throb of his heart, strong and steady against her ear. How could he be so calm, when her heart was racing?

“Well, yeah. But it fits the concept. The ark saved Noah's family and the animals. Our ark will save cats and dogs. I'll find
a way to make it work.”

“That's actually a good idea. But I don't know a thing about floats.”

“I can figure it out. Build a cardboard frame shaped like a boat, cut windows for the cages to show through.”

“It's only a few weeks away.”

“It won't take long.” He rubbed calming circles on her back. “I'll do the building. If you help paint in the evenings when you finish work, we can knock it out in no time.”

“I don't have a trailer.”

“I do.”

“I can't ask you to do this. You already help so much with my animals.”

“You're not asking. I offered. And to be honest, I'm feeling kind of useless.”

If he felt useless was wanderlust taking hold? “What about your ranch?”

“I've figured out ranching isn't really my thing. My foreman and hands do all the work.”

Bored already.
He probably wouldn't stick around much longer.

“If it doesn't come together as fast as we need, I can put some of my hands to work on it, too.”

“There's no need for that.”

“Whatever you need, I'll do. I'd do anything for you, Ally—don't you know that by now?”

Anything except stay. Anything except love her.

But she didn't want him to anyway. She didn't.

Her eyes flew open as an engine sounded and headlights panned over them.

“They're back.” Ally jerked away from him. “I can't face her right now.” She barreled toward the house and scurried inside. Already showered, she didn't even stop to let the dogs out of the mudroom. She went straight to her room and pulled out her jammies. By the time Mom got inside, Ally planned to be in bed. No heart-to-hearts over Mom's new beau. Ally couldn't take it.

As she settled, switched off the lamp, Lance's engine started, then faded away.

Foxy's and Wolf's nails clicked across the living room floor.

Mom's shadow darkened her doorway. “It's not what you think. Lance and I are only friends, coworkers.”

“It's fine. I'm just tired from wrangling all the animals at the carnival.”

A pause. “Goodnight, then.” Mom's silhouette drifted away.

Ally had worked with Lance for two years. All the times Mom had invited him to stay for supper, the times they'd shared a laugh in the clinic, drunk a cup of coffee in the break room or worried over an animal together. Why hadn't Ally seen them growing closer?

Because she hadn't wanted to.

Her stomach churned. But even worse than the upset over Mom and Lance was the disquiet of how good Cody's comfort tonight had felt.

* * *

“Ally?” Cody rapped his knuckles against her childhood bedroom window. Had she changed rooms?

A light came on, and the curtain was pushed aside. Her face in the window—squinted eyes. “What are you doing?”

“Your critters are loose again.”

“Oh, no.” The curtains swooshed closed.

“I called Mitch to help.”

“Thanks. I'll be right out,” she shouted.

Cody had been consistently using his newly purchased treadmill to strengthen his knee. This time he wouldn't sit back in the barn. This time he'd rustle animals. The barn door was open and by the time she stepped out on her back porch, Cody had a handful of leashes.

“Thanks.” She grabbed several from him as headlights pulled into the drive.

A truck door slammed. “Don't touch any doorknobs or latches,” Mitch called. “Maybe I can get some prints this time.”

Ally whirled around to face Cody. “You called him in Texas Ranger mode?”

“It's the second time, Ally. I don't think you can handle this on your own.” Cody hobbled after a Lab mix, clicking his tongue, baby-talking until the dog came to him. He slipped the collar in place. “Where does this one go? Barn or clinic?”

“Barn.” She vaulted toward the open door of the clinic. “This can't get out. It could ruin my business. Get my shelter shut down.”

“We use discretion with all our investigations.” Mitch's flashlight cut through the darkness as he followed after her. “But if it'll make you feel better, I'll file it under unofficial business. Helping out a friend. I'm even off duty for a couple of days.”

“I like that second option. Tell your brother to stay in the barn. I don't want him hurting himself.”

“I'm fine.” Cody steered the large dog into the barn. He elbowed the door shut and latched it, then shone his beam over the property. A flash of white. “Oreo, is that you?”

The dog bounded toward him, wagging his tail.

“You better not run off, boy.” He slid the collar over the dog's head and made another trip to the barn. “We need to know how many.”

“I'm on it.” Ally jogged toward the clinic.

The back door of her house opened and her mom stepped out on the lit porch. “I called Lance. He should be here any minute.”

Ally's heavy sigh echoed through the darkness. Already upset over the situation with her mom and Lance, and now her animals being loose again added more stress. Whoever did this, Cody would gladly ring their neck. But right now he needed to rustle up the critters. And keep Ally safe.

* * *

Hours later, with the first rays of daylight, Ally gently set the last kitten in her cage.

“That's all of them?” Cody shuffled into Oreo's pen and settled in a folding chair.

“Yes. Thankfully, it wasn't as bad this time.” She swiped her wrist over her temple, pushing sweat-soaked hair away from her face. “Only eight dogs and eleven cats this time.”

“But one of 'em was Oreo. That makes this personal.”

“Either of you notice anything suspicious lately?” Mitch leaned against the wall.

“I really don't think this is necessary.” Ally shook her head. “I'll change the locks. It'll be fine.”

“If this was the first time, I might be inclined to let it slide. But twice? Whoever we're dealing with obviously has no concern for your four-legged friends' safety. If somebody wants to shut you down, they might not be above hurting the animals.”

Ally gasped. “I hadn't thought about that.”

“Or hurting Ally.” Cody's low tone sent a shiver over her.

Or Mom. The magnitude of the situation twisted her insides.

“I got several partial latent prints off the barn door latch, the clinic knob and the cage bolts. I got your mom's, Lance's and Cody's prints already. Once I get yours and Derek's, I'll know which ones can be ruled out. Anybody else I need to exclude?”

“About a dozen volunteers from church come each evening, but I need this to stay quiet.”

“I'll show up tomorrow and explain there's some new state regulation that requires all volunteers' prints on file.”

“Trick them?” Ally's shoulders sagged.

“Either that or come clean. I'll let you decide. Anyone else?”

“My state inspector was here last week.” Her eyes squeezed shut. “But you can't contact him for information or prints. If he finds out about this, he'll write me up and could shut me down. And if you're right, whoever is doing this would win.”