This Cowboy of Mine--Includes a Bonus Novella Read online

  “You got that right, boy.” Ham led the way, nodding and pausing to lift his hat in a courtly gesture each time he met a woman passing by.

  In turn they all greeted him like a long-lost relative, asking about his health, and exclaiming on how fine he was looking.

  Kirby, trailing behind the family with Casey, turned to him. “Now I see where you get all that charm. Ham certainly knows how to turn it on.”

  “When it suits him. Of course, we all know he can turn it off as quickly as he turns it on.”

  She lowered her voice. “Like a certain cowboy when a stranger points a rifle at him.”

  “Hey now, I’ve apologized for the rough introduction.” He took her hand as they crossed the street, then continued holding it as they trailed behind the others. “I’ve noticed that you haven’t pointed a rifle at me since then.”

  “Only because you’ve behaved. But be warned, cowboy. If you should get out of line…”

  He held up his free hand in mock surrender while keeping his other hand linked with hers. “Yes, ma’am. I hear you and I don’t want to get you riled up.”

  They shared a laugh as they approached Nonie’s Wild Horses Saloon and Cafe. The yellow-and-orange neon sign was a beacon in the curtain of snow.

  When Ham pushed open the big wooden door, it squealed in protest.

  He made an impatient sound. “I wish someone would pour some oil on that hinge.”

  “And stop alerting Nonie that patrons are entering?” Bo clapped a hand on his grandfather’s shoulder. “I think Nonie is so used to hearing the squeaking door, she’s stopped noticing it.”

  The old man shook his head. “It just purely grates on my nerves.”

  Bo leaned close. “Okay, Ham. Next time I’m in town, I’ll see that it’s fixed.”

  Hammond nodded his approval before stepping aside to make room for the rest of the family.

  As they crowded around inside, Nonie looked up. Seeing them, she set down her tray and hurried over to greet everyone.

  “Well, aren’t you all looking fine today.”

  Though she spoke to all of them, she was staring directly at Bo, as he whipped his Stetson from his head and held it in his hand.

  “’Afternoon, Nonie. You’re looking fine, as well.” While he spoke, he turned the hat around and around in his big hands, as though needing something to do while he returned her stare.

  For the space of several seconds the two of them merely smiled. Then, directing her words to the others she said, “That table in the middle of the room is just the right size to accommodate all of you. If you’ll follow me.”

  She led them across the restaurant, where they paused half a dozen times to greet old friends seated nearby.

  As Kirby was swept up in the introductions, it became more like a reunion than a simple lunch in town. Everybody knew everybody and seemed genuinely pleased to exchange friendly greetings.

  Several of the ranchers called out, “It’s good to see you walking, Kirby. Last time you were in here, you arrived and left in Casey’s arms.”

  That had his family turning to stare.

  Casey feigned innocence. “We’d just come from the clinic. Doc Peterson warned Kirby to stay off her foot.”

  Jonah clapped a hand on his brother’s shoulder. “How much did you pay the doctor to say that?”

  “The advice was free. But I figured I’d get as much mileage as possible out of it.”

  The two shared a laugh.

  By the time the family was seated at their table, additional chairs and place settings had been added, as well as glasses of water and menus.

  Billy joined them and hung a small bag on the back of his chair.

  Ham noticed. “I see you did some shopping, Billy. What’d you buy?”

  “Oh, just this and that.” He smiled, clearly savoring the moment before he reached back and opened the bag. “I can’t believe my luck. Look what I found.”

  They all stared at the strange object that looked like a set of huge tongs and a sharp knife.

  Ham scratched his head. “What do you call that thing?”

  “A vegetable gripper and slicer. Specifically for tomatoes.” At their blank stares he explained, “It’s used to hold a tomato firmly in place while making uniform slices.” He looked at Nonie, standing by Bo’s chair. “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how handy that can be.”

  Nonie smiled and shook her head. “Sorry, Billy. I’ve never had an occasion to use a tomato slicer. I just use a sharp knife and don’t give a thought to how uniform the slices turn out to be.”

  “That’s how I used to feel about slicing tomatoes. But now, I can use my handy-dandy tomato slicer and have perfect slices every time.”

  “Let me know how you like it.” Nonie gave him another bright smile before returning her attention to the others. “Anybody want a beer or wine before ordering lunch?”

  The men ordered longnecks, and the women opted for tea and coffee. A short time later Nonie’s twin nieces, Gina and Tina, assisted her in serving the bowls of steaming broccoli-and-cheddar soup along with the special of the day, roast beef sandwiches on sourdough bread, and Nonie’s famous coleslaw with wine vinegar dressing.

  As the family remarked over the food, Billy fell silent, taking small sips and bites while looking thoughtful.

  Seeing him, Meg chuckled. “You’re doing it again, Billy.”

  He turned to her with a quizzical look.

  “I see the way your mind is working. You’re trying to figure out just what Nonie put into each part of this meal.”

  He broke into a wide smile. “I didn’t realize I was so transparent.”

  “I’m sure it’s a professional hazard. You can’t simply enjoy a good meal. You have to dissect every ingredient that goes into it, especially if it’s something that appeals to you.”

  He nodded. “Guilty as charged. I’m already thinking ahead to what I can add to this soup to make it my own.”

  “And then,” Casey said with a grin, “you’ll do the same with the roast beef sandwich.”

  “I’ve already decided it’s the perfect dish for my homemade horseradish,” the cook said with a straight face.

  Chapter Eighteen

  During lunch Chief Crain ambled over to their table.

  He doffed his hat and greeted everybody before addressing Kirby. “The state police haven’t found a trace of your truck yet.”

  “Is that unusual, Chief?”

  He nodded. “We expected our guy to ditch something so obvious for a vehicle that would be harder to spot. So now, the state boys are thinking he may have sold it to a chop shop for some quick cash. If that’s the case, it will be untraceable. Those places strip the valuable parts before they cut up what’s left into a pile of scrap metal.”

  Kirby tried to erase the sudden vision of her new truck cut into a pile of rubble.

  “Are the authorities any closer to catching this guy?” Ham asked with a trace of annoyance.

  “They think so. There have been over a hundred reported sightings of someone who resembles the escaped convict all the way from Chicago to Memphis. And no matter how far-fetched it may sound, they have to investigate every lead.” Noble Crain put a hand on Kirby’s arm. “I have no doubt he’ll be found, and soon, especially since they’re showing his photo on TV stations across the country.”

  At the ringing of his phone, he turned away to glance at the caller ID. “Sorry, folks, it’s work. I’ll stay in touch.”

  He walked away, speaking into his phone.

  When Nonie passed their table, Casey held out a hand for the bill.

  Ham frowned. “I’ll get it, boy.”

  Casey shook his head and took the bill from Nonie. “It’s my treat, Ham. Besides,” he added with a quick grin, “it doesn’t even make a dent in the debt I racked up in veterinary school.”

  “That was money well spent, son.” Bo gave him a warm smile.

  “Thanks, Pop.” Casey handed several bills to Nonie, sa
ying, “Great lunch, as always, Nonie.”

  “Thanks, Casey. That means a lot.” She angled her head toward Billy, across the table. “Especially knowing I’m being critiqued by an expert.”

  Billy chuckled. “It takes one to know one, Nonie. My compliments.”

  As the family got to their feet, Nonie put a hand on Bo’s arm. “Don’t be a stranger now, you hear?”

  “I promise. Now that winter’s coming, things will slow down a bit on the ranch, and I should be able to make time for…old friends.”

  As they made their way to the door, Casey said in an aside to his brothers, “What did I tell you? The old man still has it.”

  Once outside, Egan turned to Meg. “Ham and I are due for a haircut. Any of you in need of a trim?”

  Casey ran a hand through his hair. “Billy always does a great job on my hair.”

  “He did mine yesterday,” Jonah admitted.

  “I’m good.” Brand turned to his father. “How about you, Pop?”

  Bo nodded. “I could use a trim.”

  Egan turned to his wife. “Why don’t all of you head on over to that new sweet shop, Katie’s Kitchen, and sample the goodies? Pick up a few of your favorites and then meet us back at Julie’s Hair Salon in an hour or two. By then we’ll be ready to head back to the ranch, and we can enjoy whatever new desserts you folks pick out for us right after dinner tonight.”

  Billy chuckled. “Smart move, Egan, since you know I won’t have time to do any baking today.”

  The older man grinned. “You know Ham and I don’t like to miss a dessert if we can help it.”

  “Sounds good.” Meg brushed a kiss over his cheek before leading the way toward the new bakery in the middle of town.

  Bo, Egan, and Ham headed in the opposite direction, while pausing every few steps to speak to friends and neighbors.

  As Kirby strolled beside Casey she couldn’t help asking, “Billy cuts your hair?”

  “And has since I was a kid.”

  Beside them Jonah nodded. “In fact, I don’t think the three of us have ever had anyone else cut our hair.” He turned to Brand for confirmation.

  Brand nuzzled Avery’s cheek. “Actually, bro, I’ve been letting my bride trim my hair whenever she thinks I need it.”

  Jonah put his hand to his ears. “Too much information, big brother. Next you’ll be telling me she dresses you.”

  Brand and Avery shared a smile. “Maybe not so much dresses me as un—”

  “That’s it.” Jonah sprinted ahead, leaving the others watching and laughing.

  Jonah held the door to Katie’s Kitchen as their group stepped inside. A little bell announced the new arrivals, bringing a pretty young woman out from the back room.

  “Hello. I’m Katie Clark. Welcome to my pastry shop.”

  “Katie, I’m Meg Merrick.” Taking charge, Meg introduced the others before saying, “We’ve been hearing good things about your new shop. Since we’re in town for the day, we had to stop by and see it for ourselves.”

  Katie gestured to a fancy crystal plate atop the counter. “Today’s specialty is my chocolate peanut butter bars. Please help yourselves to a taste.”

  Amid murmured words of approval, the tray was soon empty, as they nibbled the treats while peering into glass display cases containing cakes, pies, cupcakes, and cookies.

  Billy pointed to a tray of Italian pastries. “Did you bake the shells of your cannoli, or buy them?”

  Katie’s voice rang with pride. “I personally make everything that I sell in my shop. Would you care for a taste?”

  Billy shook his head. “You can’t keep giving away your profits. Let me buy one.” After a moment’s hesitation he said, “In fact, I’ll buy two. One to eat and one to pass around.”

  He took his dessert to a round table across the room.

  Following Billy’s lead, each member of their group made their choice and bought two of it. They moved tables together to taste and pass half a dozen different pastries, all the while singing the praises of Katie’s treats.

  Afterward, Meg ordered a selection of cannoli, éclairs, brownies, and Katie’s chocolate peanut butter bars, which everyone had agreed were the best ever.

  “Poor Ham doesn’t stand a chance tonight,” Meg said as she picked up the bag of goodies. “He’ll need to take a walk after dinner just to make up for this sugar intake.”

  They were all in good spirits when they met up with Bo, Egan, and Ham outside Julie’s Hair Salon.

  Casey caught Kirby’s hand. “Come on. I want you to meet Julie and her sons.”

  Inside the hair salon he introduced Kirby to a dark-haired woman busily trimming the hair of an elderly woman. “Hey, Julie.”

  Her eyes crinkled. “Hey, yourself, Casey. Who’s your pretty friend?”

  “Kirby Regan, this is Julie Franklyn, owner of this salon.”

  “Hi, Julie.” Kirby looked around. “What a pretty place.”

  “Thanks.” Julie’s smile widened at the compliment. “My sons, Hank and Greg, did the work remodeling this old building.”

  “This is Greg.” Casey introduced Kirby to a handsome young man who was busy trimming a rancher’s hair. “And this is Hank.” A smiling, younger version of Greg stepped from around the register to offer a handshake.

  It was then that Kirby noted his prosthetic hand.

  “It’s nice meeting you, Hank.” Kirby turned to his mother. “It has to be satisfying to work with your both your sons.”

  “It is.”

  Hank returned to the register to answer the phone. Greg and Julie continued working while Julie said, “After their father died, I wanted to do something that would offer us the opportunity to earn a living without keeping up the ranch.”

  Kirby nodded in understanding. “Ranching is hard work. Still, knowing that, I’m really eager to take over my uncle’s ranch. Maybe you know of it. Frank Regan’s ranch.”

  “Of course I know of it. I was sorry to hear about Frank’s passing.” Julie gave her a long look. “I hope you know what you’re in for.”

  “I do. At least I think I do.”

  “Then I wish you luck.”

  “Thanks, Julie. It was so nice meeting you. Meeting all of you,” she added with a smile for Greg and Hank.

  The two young men returned her smile.

  Seeing the others waiting for them outside the shop, Kirby called her goodbyes and trailed Casey out the door.

  As they made their way toward the Grain and Feed Store where they’d parked their trucks, Casey once again took her hand.

  Something about that simple gesture warmed her like nothing else.

  She turned to him with a smile. “You certainly have friendly people here in town. Could you tell me about Hank’s hand?”

  “He picked up some sort of bacteria from Devil’s Creek when we were kids. All of us swam there, but something infected an open cut, and the doctors couldn’t treat it in time. Hank lost his hand almost to the elbow.”

  “That had to be hard on him, and on his family.”

  Casey nodded. “Dr. Peterson sent him to a specialist in Casper, and when he returned he became a wizard with his new prosthetic. Hank could handle every baseball that came his way, out-throwing and out-catching everyone else. And in no time he was back working the ranch alongside his dad and brother.”

  “Good for Hank.”

  “Yeah. And when they sold the ranch and moved to town to open the shop, we started calling him Henry Scissorhands. That guy can cut, shape, and do fancy hairstyles with the best of them. He always claimed it was the prosthetic that gave him the advantage. He was our very own bionic man.”

  That had the two of them sharing a smile.

  When they reached their trucks, already loaded with supplies, Casey called to his father, “If you want to go ahead, I’ll drive back to Stuff and pick up those bags.”

  “Sounds good. Thanks, son.”

  Minutes later the trucks separated, one heading back to the ranch, the othe
r heading toward Stuff to collect their things.

  On the way home, Casey turned up the volume on the radio. They all sang along with Carrie and Reba and Dolly at the top of their lungs.

  Chapter Nineteen

  When they arrived home the women unloaded their shopping bags and hurried off to their rooms to store their purchases in closets and drawers.

  The men drove to the barn to unload supplies, while Billy cautioned them to expect a late and lighter-than-usual supper. After Nonie’s satisfying lunch, that plan pleased all of them.

  When the others returned to the house, Casey remained in the barn and let himself into the mustang’s stall, where he dropped to his knees to inspect the horse’s leg.

  “I thought I’d find you here.”

  At the sound of Kirby’s voice, he looked up. “I figured you’d lock yourself in your room and enjoy being free of the gang.”

  “Hey, I enjoyed being with your gang.”

  His smile grew. “I’m glad. I know we can be overwhelming at times.”

  “Maybe at first. But now that I’m used to having so many people around, I’ve learned to love it.” She shook her head. “I’m not sure I’ll be completely comfortable being alone in my uncle’s ranch house.”

  “You could always stay here with the Merrick gang.”

  “I think I’ve already overstayed my welcome.”

  “Don’t ever think that. I see the way my family enjoys your company.”

  “Not nearly as much as I enjoy all of them. But sooner or later I’m going to have to get used to being on my own again.”

  “It’s a good thing your uncle’s wranglers have said they’re willing to come back and work for you.”

  “Some of them.” She chuckled. “That’s not the same as being surrounded by the loud, opinionated Merricks.”

  “Loud and opinionated?” He wiggled his brows. “Those are fighting words, woman. Take it from one very loud, opinionated member of this family.”

  “Yes, you are. Of course I mean it in the very best way.” Laughing, she nodded toward the mustang. “How’s she doing?”

  “Better than I’d hoped. This wound is completely healed.” Casey stood, brushing straw from his knees.