Second Chances (19 page)

He blew
out a breath. “Please. It’s important.”

She
studied his face, finding concern and hope. Her marshmallow heart gave in. The
rational voice in her mind reminded her that he needed help with her horses
regardless of anything else. With no excuse to bow out and curious about his
intentions, she slowly bobbed her head. “Okay.”

Tension
eased in his face as lines disappeared and his lips curled up ever so slightly
at the corners. His stance relaxed as if in relief. “Let’s put your SUV in the
shop for safekeeping, then hit the road.”

“Works
for me. Can we swing by Tess’ place? I promised her I would check out her
house.”

“Sure.”

Ten
minutes later, they drove down a gravel road complete with charred areas
spanning both sides. Though only about five miles from the stable, Tess’ house
didn’t survive the inferno.

April
looked over the ash covered area and ruins of the house and her heart sank for
her friend. “Oh my God. She’s going to be devastated.” She couldn’t imagine
what Tess would go through once she found out she was now homeless. With
nothing more than what she packed up and hauled with her, the woman had a tough
road ahead, one no one would envy.

Dusty
pulled into the driveway, shut down the engine, and simply stared. Concern and
sadness covered his face. She knew he thought of his stable and realized this
could have easily been his fate.

Ben
pushed up onto the console and whined as if feeling the pain from both of them.
Dusty patted his head.

Unsure
what to do, she raked the area, wondering if there happened to be anything
salvageable in the blackened mess. “Should we walk through things, see if
anything is left?” Even as she offered up the suggestion, she knew the idea wouldn’t
hold merit. Not with such total destruction.

“No
use. Nothing would have survived.”

“Maybe
I should take a picture to show Tess. So she can see how bad things are before
driving all this way.”

“Good
idea.”

April
hopped out and took several pictures with her cell phone, showing the property
from all angles. After carefully saving them, she returned to the vehicle,
sadder than ever.

“How
are we going to tell Tess? She’ll be crushed.”

Dusty
palmed his phone, scrolled, and then punched a button. “Brand? Yeah. Is Tess
still there?”

He
waited a moment. “You need to be there when we get back. She lost it all.”

Silence
reigned. “April has pictures to show her. Just be with her when we return. Will
do.”

Disconnecting
the call, Dusty placed his phone on the console. “Brand’s going to stay close
to her, be there with her when we tell her.”

“Good.
She’s going to need support. Big time.”

“That’s
one thing I can guarantee. She’ll have support. From the entire family.” Dusty
sighed and stared at the devastation once more. “You don’t know how lucky you
are some days.” He cranked the truck back on, backed out, and headed toward the
highway.

A short
time later, he turned on the interstate and headed north. Ben settled back onto
the second row seat, curled up, and closed his eyes. April stared out the
passenger side window, her heart in her throat. Her thoughts wandered between
the images of Tess’ destroyed home and the man sitting beside her. Dusty said
he wanted to talk, but not about what. Tension filled the air as her mind ran
wild with possible topics, none of them listing in her favor. With her patience
growing thin and her stomach beginning to churn, she struck up the
conversation. “You said you wanted to talk?”

He
glanced over at her before turning his attention back to the road. “Yeah. I
wanted to tell you about Colette.”

She
sighed as her shoulders weighed down with downtrodden misery.
Here it comes.
Pride forced her chin up
and built a quick wall around her heart. She’d put a smile on her face and
pretend happiness. Later, when she crawled into bed, would be the time for
tears and heartbreak. “I can see why you love her. She’s beautiful. Feminine.
Always made up and never dirty.” Blandness laced her voice.

“Is
that what you think I’m looking for in a woman?”

She blinked
over at him and shrugged. “Isn’t that what all men want? A trophy wife to make
other men drool with envy? A woman who keeps herself up, with a body that won’t
quit?”

He
shook his head. “Maybe some men do, but I certainly don’t.”

His
words slowly sunk in. Hope reignited from a single remaining ember. Before she
latched on tight, she needed to be certain. “Meaning?”

“Meaning,
I told her we mixed like oil and water and I no longer wanted to see her.” His
gaze met hers briefly.

“Oh.”
She didn’t find pain or regret anywhere on his face. The fact prompted her to
ask, “Are you upset by what happened?”

“Not
really.” He sucked in a breath, his hands tightening on the steering wheel
momentarily before relaxing once more. “When she showed up, I felt young again,
forgot everything but the past. Then I gradually began to realize while she
might have been my past, she couldn’t be my future. We’d both changed way too
much to find any common ground, let alone enough stability for a long term
commitment.”

“I
see.” April bit her lip and focused ahead. At least he seemed all right with
his decision.

Another
mile passed before Dusty continued. “I was an ass to you, and I’m sorry. Once
Colette showed up, I lost the ability to think, let alone remember my manners.”
His lips thinned.

“It’s
okay. I don’t need babysitting and found more than enough to keep me busy.
Besides, everyone there has been stellar to me.”

“You
shouldn’t have had to pick up my slack. I want to kick my own butt for leaving
such burdens on you. It wasn’t right, but I can promise it won’t happen again.”

“No
biggie. I like working with the horses, anyway. It’s where I wanted to be.”
If I couldn’t be with you.

He shot
her a curious expression. “Why aren’t you angry with me?”

At
least this question she could answer truthfully. Sort of. Deep down she carried
anger, but her mind constantly pointed out reality. “I didn’t have a right to
be angry. You took in my horses, and have spent extra time with Miracle. You’ve
tolerated me being underfoot for days on end. Even brought me along to your
family home when the mandatory evacuation order came down. After all that, I
couldn’t be mad that you ran across an old flame and made her the center of
your world.” She watched his face carefully. “Whether you believe me or not, I
really do want you to find happiness. You’ve done so much, sacrificed yourself
time and again. Now, it’s your turn. No matter whom it’s with.”

His
eyes grew darker as his expression softened. “Will you give me another chance?”
Dusty’s voice lowered in decibels, yet became fuller at the same time, as if
emotion dripped off each word.

Her
brow furrowed. “I don’t understand. Chance at what?”

“A
chance to live up to your high regard and praise. A chance to see if we can
click again. A chance to see if something might come of this. A chance to see
if you can learn to trust me.” His voice strummed her heartstrings.

I already do.
She recalled the words she spoke
to him when Miracle arrived at the stable. She hadn’t been just talking about
the nervous filly and he realized the fact. She’d been hurt by men before, but
her gut demanded she take this chance. A second chance that could pay off in
dividends. Still shy after her previous train wreck relationships, she warned
herself to tread carefully.

“I
don’t want to be a rebound date. Just because you’re hurting and want a warm
body to replace Colette—”

“First
of all, I would never do that. I’ve been burned before, remember? Still have
the scars to prove it.” He glanced over at her. “I’m sincere in this. Yes, I
was stupid. Blind. I can’t take those days back. But, I can say truthfully that
I see what’s right in front of my eyes now. I like you, appreciate you, and
want to see if we mesh together.”

“No
strings attached?” She worried her lip. What-if questions ran through her mind.

“No
strings attached. Just two friends getting to know one another better. Go out
with me a couple of times. See if you want more. No pressure, just one day at a
time.”

“Just
one day at a time?” she echoed.

He
nodded.

Her
soul lightened as her spirit soared. Refreshed and relieved, she smiled. “Yes.”

He
grinned back. “Thanks.”

She
forced another moment of reality into their conversation. “I have to warn you,
I’ve not had very good luck with men in the past. I’ve kissed toads and they
remained toads.”

“That’s
what happens when you start with a toad.” His lips twitched. “Starting a bit
farther up the evolutionary scale helps.”

“Really?
How far up do I need to go?”

“At
least to Neanderthal. Maybe a bit higher.”

She
couldn’t quite keep the amusement from her face. “Hmm. Where exactly on the
scale do you fall?”

He
chuckled, the deep sound soothing to her senses, contagious and warm. “I’m a
bit behind, but working hard to catch up fast.”

“Don’t
worry. I’ll slow down and wait.” She met his gaze and sighed happily.

Reaching
out, he found her hand with his, intertwined their fingers, and gently
squeezed.

April
smiled a bit as she settled in for the ride back, never once tempted to move
her hand. He handed her an olive branch and a genuine reason to believe. Only
time will tell, but they had a darn good start.

Just
under four hours later, Dusty pulled into the driveway of the ranch, feeling
much better about life in general than he had when he’d left that very morning.
April seemed to understand and accept his apology and, if she had any animosity
over the ordeal, she hid her emotions well. His military career taught him to
read people flawlessly, thus, he believed her words and actions. Probably
good-hearted to a fault, April meant to give him a second chance.

No way
in hell would he blow it.

“I
don’t know how to tell her.” April glanced his way, her voice full of worry and
regret.

He
stopped just in front of the large house, turned off the engine, and put his
full attention on the pretty blonde at his side. Her eyes, normally bright and
sparkling with excitement, happiness, or mischief, now appeared flat matching
the expression of concern written all over her face. “There’s no easy way.
We’ll just come right out and say it.” While he could certainly sympathize with
what Tess would be going through, he thanked his lucky stars a dozen times his
home had survived.

“You’re
right.” April blew out a deep breath, and climbed out of the truck.

Dusty
followed suit, then opened up the second door, picked up Ben, and set him on
the ground to run. He spied Tess and Brand leaning against the paddock fence
watching her alpacas, and strode their direction.

Brand
looked up, met Dusty’s gaze, and returned a grim acknowledgement. He
steadfastly stood next to Tess, ready to bear the bad news at her side.

April
walked over, giving a wan smile when Tess turned around.

“Oh,
you’re back.” The redhead grinned in welcome. “I take it things are better?”

Dusty’s
shoulders weighed down. “For us, yes. For you, not so good.”

Tess’
face fell. “The fire?”

“Destroyed
everything.” April’s calm voice barely carried across the space. She pulled out
her cell phone and moved close. “I’ll show you.”

Seconds
later, tears trickled down Tess’ cheeks, deep pain and forlornness appeared on
her normally cheerful face. “It’s gone. Everything.” Her voice cracked.

“I’m
sorry.” Dusty spoke the words knowing full well they didn’t help a single iota.
Guilt washed over him seeing how the loss affected her while all his belongings
remained untouched by devastation. Life’s unfairness never flashed brighter.

“I’m so
sorry.” April laid a hand on Tess’ shoulder.

Brand
wrapped Tess in his arms, holding her tight as she wept. He felt her upset as
much as she, judging by his frown, and how close he cradled the small doctor.
Easily reading between the lines, Dusty knew his older brother would stand
behind Tess, care for her, and ensure a bright future either here or back in
Colorado. The man’s reaction spoke of possession, protection, and devotion. They
might have just met a few days ago, but Dusty would bet his large trust fund
that Brand had fallen head over heels and wasn’t about to turn his back on this
special lady.

Sniffing,
Tess stepped back, her eyes locked on Brand’s face. “Thank you.”

His brows
furrowed in confusion. “For what?”

“For my
animals. If you hadn’t come along and hauled them away, they might not have
survived at all.” She wiped at a stray tear. “I might have lost the house, but
I still have my pets and my life. All considered, I’m a pretty lucky woman,
thanks to you.” She reached up, wrapped her arms around Brand’s neck, and
hugged him.

Dusty
met April’s eyes, reached out his hand, and led her toward the house. Tess and
Brand needed some time alone to digest the news and start the process of
planning and healing. He and April would only be in the way.

Opening
the front door, Dusty gestured April in first with Ben at her side, then
stepped into the living room, finding four sets of eyes staring his direction.
Most likely Brand had quietly passed the word around about Tess’ loss and the
rest of the family had prepared to step up to the plate. Though that didn’t
explain why they looked at him like he’d just returned from Oz minus the ruby
red slippers and Toto.

Carrie
broke the silence. “Poor Tess.”

April
nodded. “You should see her place. There’s barely a wall still standing. Just
charred remains and a few embers still smoking. Here, I’ll show you the
pictures.”

Everyone
closed in to see the visual evidence of the destruction.

“What’s
she going to do?” Evan asked the question at top of Dusty’s mind.

“We
spoke briefly of this very scenario the first night here. She said if she lost
her home and her clinic burned down, she’d pick up the pieces, probably
somewhere else.” April reached down to pat Ben’s head as he leaned against her
legs as if trying to provide comfort.

“She
can pick up the pieces right here,” Carrie said.

The
rest of the room’s occupants nodded in agreement.

“Brand’s
with her now.” Dusty glanced at Archer. “I know the timing sucks, but I was
hoping to load up the horses this afternoon and take them home.”

“You
won’t consider staying longer?” Colt rubbed his forehead.

A spear
of indecision hit Dusty in the chest. He’d found happiness and forgiveness on
this visit. Truly, he’d enjoyed his stay, minus his randy prick taking over his
mind when Colette showed up. He’d mended old wounds with all his brothers,
realized his love for them, and vowed to never stay away again.

Yet,
Colorado was home. Always would be. The sooner he returned, the sooner he could
resume a normal schedule, and relax into the comfortable existence he’d worked
hard to carve out for himself three years ago.

“I need
to get home.” He turned to meet Archer’s gaze. “It’s been just like old times.
You welcomed me with open arms, and I appreciate that to my very marrow. I
found what I’d been missing too. So, it’s time to leave before I screw
everything up again.” He grinned in mild amusement.

Archer
cracked a smile. “If you weren’t such a stubborn cuss…”

“Then I
wouldn’t be your brother.” Dusty’s lips twitched.

“Now
that’s calling the kettle black.” Colt snorted. “If we get a move on, we can be
on the road by lunchtime.”

“I’ll
pack a lunch for everyone.” Carrie hurried to the kitchen.

“Thanks.”
Dusty slapped Colt on the back. “Brand’s needed here.” He turned to Evan. “Care
to drive this time?”

“Sure.”

Feeling
someone staring at him, Dusty twisted around. April stood with a knowing
expression painted on her face. Pride and happiness flashed through her eyes.
Stepping forward, she brushed a kiss across his cheek. “You’re a good man,
Dusty.”

Evan
whistled. “That explains a lot.”

“He’s
in a hurry to get home because he wants April all to himself,” Colt noted.

“Yeah.
Far away from me. Damn it.” The youngest brother mock frowned. “Here I was
going to ask pretty April out tonight.”

Dusty
watched a splash of color blast across April’s face and grinned mischievously.

“Sorry,
bro. I might be as dumb as a box of rocks from time to time, but I’ve decided
to keep this one.”

“Time
to time?” Evan snorted. “I’d say most of every day.” He leaped toward the front
door as Dusty pounced his direction.

Archer
laughed. “I guess we should get to work before you and Evan end up in a spat,
rolling in the dirt.”

“You
were always the smart one.” Colt chuckled, walking toward the front door.

Since
they hadn’t unloaded any of the items they brought except the animals and food
for the dog and cat, packing to leave proved quick and fairly easy. Colt and
Archer hooked up their trailers as Dusty did the same. Just as Dusty pondered
who would drive the fourth vehicle and pull his second trailer, Brand walked
up, Tess at his side.

“We’ll
go with you.”

Dusty
searched Tess’ face. “You don’t have to.” After the shock he’d delivered
earlier, he didn’t expect she wanted to do more than spend time with her small
herd and Brand.

“I want
to see for myself.” Her words came across strong if a bit sad.

“I’d
appreciate it.” He collected the lead ropes and handed them out. “Like before.
April will get her horses. I’ll grab the stud. The rest are free game.”

With
ease, they gathered up the moderate sized herd, loading each animal into a
specific trailer, at Dusty’s direction.

April
struggled a moment with Mischief as he set his feet and refused to step up into
the trailer.

Tess
hurried over holding out her hand. “I remembered what someone said about
treats.”

April
grinned at the other woman, took the sugar cubes and urged Miracle into the
front of the trailer before turning back to the solid white miniature horse.

“Here
you go, buddy. Sugar just for you.”

Dusty
grinned as Mischief extended his neck, but didn’t budge. They’d been through
this before. When the mini decided to get in for his treat, he’d do so. Until
then, patience ruled the day.

“Come
on, Mischief.” April made a big show of feeding Miracle her reward.

The
gelding whinnied. Finally with a snort of resignation, he hopped into the
trailer and made a beeline for April. She praised the little troublemaker, gave
him his treat, and shut the section gate in order for the guys to load some
geldings behind.

“I’ll
go get Marmalade.” April stepped out of the trailer and headed for the house.

“Okay.”
Dusty instructed his brothers on how he wanted the rest of the horses loaded,
then looked across the vast pastures. Buckets had already been stashed in the
storage area of the trailers as well as everything related to the big animals.

Within
minutes, April strode his direction, a cat carrier in one hand, a large bag of
supplies in the other. Carrie followed in her wake, carrying brown bag lunches,
and bottled water. Tess brought up the rear, lugging a plastic sack and a large
bag of dog food. Ben’s supplies.

Opening
the back door of his cab and a half truck, he took the cat carrier and placed
Marmalade in a secure position behind his seat. The food and bowls he placed in
the floorboard, then picked up Ben and set him on the seat, so the dog wouldn’t
try to jump, which was too hard on arthritic hips.

“Lunch
for everyone.” Carrie passed out bags with a bottle of water to each person.

“Thanks.”
Dusty placed his on the console of the truck, before looking to his brothers.
“We ready to go?”

“Yeah,”
they answered in unison.

He
climbed in the vehicle, buckled himself in, and waited for April to do the
same. She glanced over at him, an expression of anticipation on her face.

“Let’s
go home.”

“I’m
ready.”

She
smiled and his heart kicked against his ribs.

“Don’t
be a stranger.” Archer reached out his hand.

“I
won’t.” Dusty ignored the handshake offer and enveloped his oldest brother in a
big hug. “Thanks. I owe you. Big time.”

“That’s
what brothers are for.” Archer stepped back, allowing Colt, Evan, and Brand to
take their turns saying goodbye.

Dusty
hugged each in turn. “Take care of Tess.”

Brand
nodded. “I will. Believe me. You do the same with that pretty little filly of
yours.”

“Will
do.” Dusty shared a grin with his older brother.

“Call
if you need anything.” Colt tilted his head, then lead the parade of brothers
and Tess back to their waiting vehicles. They each climbed in, cranked the
engine, and drove away.

He
watched them leave with a stab of melancholy. At least they had mended their
fences. The fact warmed his soul and put a grin back on his face. While he
might not want to move back to the ranch, he knew he’d visit. Often. Not to
mention they were a quick call or text away.

Waving
once more, Dusty glimpsed dark clouds on the horizon and got in gear, putting
the rest of the big equipment in the shop safe from hail. The horses had been
unloaded into their stalls, Ben and Marmalade stowed in the office for the
moment, and April waited for him inside.

The
first splashes of rain started no sooner than Dusty hopped out of his truck and
stepped to the entrance. Hurriedly shutting the large door, he trotted back to
the stable, shutting the gate behind him just as the first rumble of thunder
pierced the early evening. Relief and a resurgence of hope cascaded over him as
the fat drops pelted the roof. He’d never heard a more musical sound in his
life. Unless it was April’s laughter.

Speaking of…
He glanced around, found April
setting out feed buckets, and hurried over to help. The horses had been
unloaded directly to their stalls first. Supplies and feed had followed. Now,
the animals waited on their supper along with water buckets to be filled before
they would be content for the night. Then the smaller animals needed care. The
chores lined up as he jumped in with both feet, for once, eager to finish so he
could spend some quality time with his newest boarder.