Love Inspired February 2014 - Bundle 1 of 2: The Cowboy's Reunited Family\The Forest Ranger's Return\Mommy Wanted (28 page)

“I thought you were already gone for the evening.” Surprised to see Julie standing beside the fence, Dal led Polly over to her.

Cade and the other staff directed the kids toward the fire pit. But not until every child had told Dal personally that they were ready to let Polly go inside her warm stall for the night.

“I stuck around to meet Polly.” Julie reached through the fence and rubbed the mare's soft muzzle.

“Yeah, she's amazing, isn't she?” He patted the horse's neck.

Julie looked at him, her brown eyes seeing into him, to his very soul. “Remember that filly your mother bought you back when we were still in high school?”

“Yes, I remember.” He couldn't resist showing a sad little smile.

“It was all your mom could afford. She knew how much you wanted a horse of your own, so she bought that scruffy little horse and told you to raise it up right. You fed and groomed that horse every day. You started training her right away. You couldn't wait until she was old enough to ride and were so upset when you found out you couldn't ride her until she was about four years old.”

He nodded, a barrage of memories flooding his mind. He'd loved that horse and had spent every free minute with her and Julie. “Yes, I named her Candy Dance.”

“Whatever happened to Candy?”

“I...I raised her to be a good saddle horse. But I had to sell her when Mom got sick. I used the money to pay the doctor bills.”

“Oh. I'm sorry, Dal.”

He shrugged, wishing his mom could be here with him now. Wishing he'd been able to keep her and Julie safe. “It was no sacrifice. Not really. We needed the money, and I'd do it again without even thinking twice. No animal is more important than people. Not for me.”

“I understand. Nothing is more important than family. Especially to those of us who don't have any. I think we can fully appreciate how great our parents were, because we lost them when we were so young.”

He met her gaze. “I wish I had a million horses I could sell to bring Mom back.”

“I know. I wish I could bring my parents back, too. You were always such a kind, generous person, Dal. I can't believe what you've done for Polly and what you do for the kids here at Sunrise Ranch. You're such a caring, wonderful man. You always were.”

He jerked his hand away from Polly and held the reins in a death grip. “Don't say things like that.”

She drew back, an expression of astonishment etching her soft face. “Why not? It's the truth. Why can't I say it?”

“Because I...” Because he loved her, and hearing her say such things only made the distance between them harder for him to bear. “I've got to put Polly to bed. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?”

He tugged on the reins, giving Polly time to turn on her prosthesis and walk with him back toward the barn.

“Good night.”

He heard Julie's whispered farewell from behind and could imagine her gaze following him. Boring into him like a high-speed drill.

He didn't look back at her, but he wanted to. He stifled a pang of regret. He was doing the right thing. Wasn't he? He resisted the urge to turn around, forcing himself to stare straight ahead. To focus on Polly and ignore the harsh pounding of his heart. To take slow, even breaths and pretend he didn't care about Julie.

To pretend he didn't love her.

Chapter Nine

T
he following morning, Julie drove out to Sunrise Ranch and arrived promptly at seven o'clock. As she parked her car in the driveway and got out, she lifted her face to the warmth of the sun. A light breeze blew down from the mountains, carrying the earthy scent of horses and sage.

Looking toward the house, Julie caught sight of Lyn standing on the front porch. Lyn stood hunched over, holding a green watering can. She tilted the spout so that a spray of water cascaded down over numerous clay pots filled with hot pink petunias.

“Hi, Lyn.” Julie waved to get the other woman's attention.

“Julie!” Lyn set the watering can on the first step and came down to greet her. “You made it. I wasn't sure you were going to be able to come see the riding lessons. Can you stay long?”

Julie shook her head, gripping a pair of leather riding gloves with her fingers. “No, I've got to go into work. But I thought I'd at least catch the first lesson of the day, just to see how it's done.”

Lyn walked with her toward the stables, the blazing sunlight gleaming off her long white-blond ponytail. “I hope you're not disappointed. Marcus has the first lesson.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, we figured maybe if he went first, he'd be more cooperative throughout the rest of the day's activities. That's why Dal's teaching today.”

“Dal? I thought it was Cade's turn for riding lessons today.”

Lyn flashed a playful smile. “Normally it is, but Marcus seems to respond better to Dal. And Cade's been called away on a medical emergency. A woman went into early labor, so he's riding with her to Elko, just to make sure she gets to the hospital in time before the baby's born. If not, he'll be delivering a baby on the roadside.”

Julie cringed at the thought. She didn't understand why, but knowing Dal was giving the riding lessons today made her feel a tad uneasy. She'd expected Cade to be there, but she tried to tell herself it didn't matter. She and Dal were just friends. She couldn't help being highly anxious to see him again, though she told herself it was no big deal.

“Well, have fun.” Lyn kept walking toward the garden.

Julie hesitated. “You're not coming in?”

Lyn flashed a quick smile. “No, I've got to get started on lunch. Lots of sandwiches to make. I'll see you tomorrow evening for dinnertime.”

The woman disappeared around the corner, and Julie paused in front of the wide double doors of the stable. Taking a deep breath, she stepped inside and blinked to accustom her eyes to the dim interior. An elderly volunteer staff member named Grant was mucking out a stall and nodded a greeting. A bay gelding had been tethered with a halter to the hitching rail. Dal stood with his back toward her, showing Marcus how to curry the horse.

“Rub the currycomb around in small circular motions. See how it loosens up the dirt and sweat in Banjo's coat?” Dal said.

“That's what I'm doing.” Marcus bit out the terse reply.

“Good work.”

Rather than snapping back, Dal stood silent while the boy shifted from long, weak strokes to tight circles. Although Marcus had not been doing as instructed, he'd made an adjustment without Dal causing a big scene. Once again, Julie was amazed by his insight in dealing with the difficult child. She stood there in the shadows, enjoying their hushed camaraderie. The heavy scent of clean straw and horses filled the air, along with quiet warmth.

The horse shifted its weight, and Dal smiled. “Ah, he likes that, Marcus. You're getting rid of all his itchy spots. Well done.”

The child's lips twitched, betraying his urge to smile. But he didn't, and Julie wondered how he could resist.

“So have you ever ridden a horse before?” Dal asked.

“No, of course not.”

“What else do you like to do?”

Marcus shrugged.

“Do you like to play ball?” Dal persisted.

Marcus held up the stump of his amputated hand, his face contorted with irritation. “Do I look like I can play ball?”

“Sure you can. You can do anything if you set your mind to it. When are you going to try out the new prosthetic hand Dr. Baldwin fitted you with?”

Marcus turned back toward the horse. “It feels odd. I don't like it.”

Julie almost laughed. This boy didn't like anything. It occurred to her that he appeared tough, but it was all an act. On the inside, Marcus was just a scared little boy seeking approval.

She took a step, and Dal looked her way. His eyes widened with surprise, his gaze scouring her forest ranger's uniform. “Hi, Jules. I didn't know you'd be here today.”

She moved nearer, her hands in her pants pockets. “I just wanted to watch for an hour. I've got to go into work right after Marcus's lesson ends.”

“Okay, you and Grant can help us out.”

“You came out here just for my lesson?” Marcus asked.

A feeling of compassion squeezed Julie's heart, and she reached out and rested her hand on his shoulder before she thought to stop herself. “Of course I wanted to see you ride. I wouldn't miss it for the world.”

And she meant it. Helping this boy feel special seemed so important to her right now. Without asking permission, she hugged him. A quick, spontaneous action that she didn't stop to think about until it was over with.

Marcus's lips curved in a smile for about two seconds. Then the ugly frown returned, as though he didn't want to show any joy at all.

Julie rubbed the gelding's soft muzzle. The horse blew dust from its nostrils, breathing in Julie's scent. Otherwise, Banjo stood completely still, seeming to enjoy his rubdown.

“I get to ride first before any of the other kids today,” the boy said.

“So I heard,” Julie replied with enthusiasm.

“Okay, I think we're ready. Go and get your saddle blanket,” Dal urged.

The boy stepped away, and Dal spoke low, for her ears alone. “What are you really doing out here this morning?”

Honestly? She had no idea. “I, um, Lyn suggested I come out at least once, to see the kids ride. I just wanted to know what you did and how you worked with the kids. For the fun of it. I'm glad I'll get to see Marcus ride.”

Okay, that was truthful enough. She couldn't betray a feeling of euphoria that she got to see Dal, too. Being near him had become a tonic she couldn't seem to do without. She felt drawn to him and didn't understand why.

He studied her expression for several moments, then gave her a smile. “Good. As usual, we're shorthanded. I'll let you serve as one of the side walkers.”

She arched her brows. “Side walker?”

“Yeah, each kid who rides has a horse handler to hold on to the halter, and two side walkers to make sure the child is balanced safely on the horse and doesn't fall off.”

“Okay. Sounds easy enough. I'm glad to help.” She reached for the saddle sitting on a rack nearby.

Dal interceded, resting his hand on her arm. “Nope, the kids saddle their own horses.”

At her confused expression, he explained. “It's good for them to work with the horse and become friends. To learn to trust their mount.”

“Here it is,” Marcus groused. He held the horse blanket over his good arm, using his wrist stump to keep it from falling to the dirt floor.

“Good job,” Dal said. “Now just swing it up onto Banjo's back.”

He waited for Marcus to do as he was told. The boy released an irritated huff of air and pursed his lips in disgust. Then he made a weak attempt to toss the blanket over. The moment the boy made an effort to try, Dal helped, ensuring that the blanket didn't slip off.

“Good job, Marcus.” Dal tugged the blanket into position. “You want it to sit right over Banjo's withers. Then slide it back just a bit to make sure the hair is lying flat beneath the pad. That way, the saddle won't rub his back sore.”

Julie stood quiet, observing Marcus's expressions. The boy listened intently, but the grumpy glare remained.

“Okay, now it's time for the saddle.” Dal nodded at the worn leather sitting nearby on a rack, the stirrups shortened to fit a child. He waited for Marcus to reach for it.

“I can't do it.” The boy held up his stumped arm, as if it were obvious why he couldn't lift the saddle.

Julie's heart gave a powerful jerk. Compassion overwhelmed her. She wanted to help. To protect this boy from being hurt by the world. To do everything for him. But she waited for Dal, knowing he was the expert in this situation. Knowing Marcus had to learn to be independent if he were to ever have a normal life of his own.

“Sure you can do it.” Dal smiled, seemingly oblivious to Marcus's frigid glare. “Just loop your stump through the gullet of the saddle like this. You don't have a hand on that wrist, but you can use the strength of your arm to lift the weight and hold on to the cantle with your other hand.”

Dal showed Marcus what to do, then stood back and waited for the boy to try it. Marcus didn't budge. Didn't even flinch. “I said I can't do it.”

“Sure you can. At least try it,” Dal said.

The boy gave a stubborn shake of his head.

“Okay, no problem. You can try again tomorrow.” Dal tugged off the blanket and set it aside.

“Wait! You...you mean I can't ride today?” Marcus wailed.

“Not without a saddle.”

“But...but you can saddle Banjo for me.”

Dal shook his head. “Sorry, Marcus. Remember, I explained the rules. Everyone has to saddle their own horse, or at least try.”

Marcus leaned against a post, his little back and shoulders completely rigid.

Dal showed a look of confusion. “Have I misunderstood you, buddy? Do you still want to ride today?”

Julie remained stone still. From what she could see, it was obvious that Marcus didn't fear the horse. He was simply using a power play to get Dal to saddle the horse for him. Her fingers itched to pick up the saddle and perform this simple chore for Marcus. It would only take a moment. But she resisted the urge to help. She must allow Dal to work with this child. To teach Marcus that he could overcome this obstacle, if he would only try.

“Of course I want to ride.” Tears glimmered in the boy's eyes, but he stubbornly kept them from falling.

“Okay,” Dal said. “Then saddle your horse. I'll help you if you need me to.”

“No! I don't want to saddle Banjo.”

“Then who will do it for you?”

“You will.” Marcus pointed at Dal's chest.

Again, Dal shook his head, looking very sorry. “I won't always be there with you, Marcus. Banjo needs to trust you. If you can't at least make an attempt to saddle him, how can you ever sit on his back, hold the reins and ride him?”

The boy gazed at the ground and kicked at the dirt as he thought this over. Then an obstinate glint filled his eyes with flashing fire. Stepping over to the rack, Marcus reached for the saddle. He looped his stumped wrist through, beneath the soft fleece lining and grunted as he lifted the leather seat up against Banjo's side. The horse didn't budge, proving he was a patient creature and perfect for being ridden by nervous kids who had never done this before.

The moment the boy made the effort, Dal slid the blanket back onto the horse's back. Marcus struggled with the heavy leather for only a moment. Then Dal took hold of the cantle with his strong hands and removed the bulk of the weight from Marcus's thin arms. Julie stepped in to help, flipping the stirrups out of the way as Dal helped Marcus settle the saddle into place.

“Well done! See? You can do it.” Dal laughed and ruffled the boy's dark hair.

Marcus showed half a smile.

“Now let's tighten the cinch. Loop it through here.” Dal pointed, then waited for Marcus to do the work. When he struggled with the strips of leather, Dal helped. But not until Marcus had at least made an effort.

“Now comes the tricky part. Wait for Banjo to exhale before you tighten it up.” Dal paused. The moment Banjo released his breath, Dal tugged the cinch tight.

Marcus tilted his head, his eyes wide with curiosity. “Why did you do that?”

“So we can get the saddle on tight enough. Banjo is a clever horse. He knows that if he holds his breath when you're saddling him, it'll make the saddle looser around his middle and more comfortable for him. But it's not as safe for you. The saddle will be too wobbly. So if you wait a moment, you can tighten it up.”

Marcus laughed and patted Banjo's neck. “Clever horse. But we outwitted you.”

Julie's mouth dropped. This was the first time she'd heard the boy laugh. Over Marcus's head, her gaze met Dal's and they shared a conspiratorial smile. They'd made progress today. Not only had Dal gotten Marcus to make an effort, but the boy had also laughed. Julie couldn't believe Dal's patience, even when the boy was so irritable. Dal seemed to know just how far he could push the boy before he needed to let up.

Reaching down, Dal handed the reins to Marcus. “Lead your horse outside to the hitching rail so you can mount up.”

Marcus took hold of the reins with his good hand and headed out. His forehead kneaded with a bit of uncertainty, until the horse followed after him at a slow walk. Julie noticed that Dal held on to the halter, never fully relinquishing control over the animal. At this point in Marcus's riding education, it wouldn't be safe. Even a calm animal like Banjo could hurt the young boy.

Quietly observing their exchange, Grant followed them outside into the sunshine. Julie hurried ahead and reached for the step stool, sliding it into place. Marcus stood up on it without being asked. Finally. Finally the boy seemed to be in sync with them.

Dal showed him how to place his left foot into the stirrup, loop the elbow joint of his amputated hand around the saddle horn and pull himself on board.

When he was seated, Marcus held the reins in his good hand. For several moments, the boy just sat there, blinking in surprise, as though he couldn't believe he was actually sitting on a horse. Grant snapped a quick picture as Marcus whooped with glee. “Hey, I'm on. I did it. I really did it.”