Cowboy for Hire

Cowboy Joel Kaye has ambitions as big as Texas. And after decades away, rodeo glory seems finally within reach. But when two little boys “hire” him to work on their ranch, Joel can’t turn them down. He tells himself it’s only for one week, but widow April Landers and her family soon begin to fill a void in the rodeo rider’s scarred heart. April lives for her three kids—and the ranch she’s fighting fiercely to keep. This determined mama’s not looking for another wandering partner. Will this ready-made family inspire Joel to put down roots…for good?

“Why are you on the rodeo circuit if you love ranch work so much?”

Joel’s hand closed over hers. “It seems contradictory, doesn’t it?”

April couldn’t concentrate on what he said. Her mind focused on where his hand surrounded hers. As hard as she tried to understand, her mind had gone on overload. “Uh, yes.”

His gaze locked with hers and he slowly lowered his head toward her.

The screen door slammed, bursting the bubble surrounding them. The boys stood on the porch.

“Could you come inside and say good-night, Mr. Joel, before you leave?” Saved by a screen door. Her heart beat so hard she thought it would jump out of her chest.

His gaze didn’t move from her face for several moments. He broke the connection and looked at the boys. “Of course I’ll come in and say good-night.”

He leaned down and whispered, “I’ll be back.”

April watched as her boys waited on Joel. It stole her breath. They were so eager to have a man’s time and attention.

But what would the boys do when Joel was gone?

LEANN HARRIS has always had stories in her head. Once her youngest child went to school, she began putting those stories on a page. She is active in her local RWA chapter and ACFW chapters. She’s a teacher of the deaf (high school), a master composter and avid gardener, and teaches writing at her local community college. Her website is leannharris.com.

A Rancher

for Their Mom

Leann Harris

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Your love, Lord, endures forever—

do not abandon the works of Your hands.

—Psalms 138:8

This book has been a journey for me. I want to thank the editors at Love Inspired for their help and support, particularly my editor, Shana Asaro. Her guidance has been invaluable. And I want to thank Dr. Nandita Rao, the nurses and technicians at Texan Oncology for their support and wonderful smiles while I was going through chemotherapy.

And my Sunday School class, the ladies in my Bible study, and my family and friends who brought meals. I did not go through this cancer alone.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

“Mom, Mom,” six-year-old Todd yelled, the back screen door slamming against its frame. The sound of little cowboy boots pounded through the kitchen and down the hall. “Where are you, Mom?”

“I’m in the office,” April Landers answered.

The screen slammed again, followed by another set of small boot falls. April winced, hoping the boys didn’t wake their younger sister from her nap.

Breathless, Todd appeared in the doorway. “Wes told me no one born in February could be a cowboy. Only boys born in June could be cowboys. That’s not true, is it?”

Eight-year-old Wes appeared behind his brother, a smirk on his face. April’s brow arched as her gaze engaged her older son. His grin disappeared.

“I can be a cowboy, too, can’t I?” Todd pleaded.

“Opa and your cousin Chad have birthdays in February. Weren’t they cowboys?”

Todd’s frown disappeared and his eyes widened. “Yes.” He turned to his brother and stuck out his tongue.

Wes’s expression went from somber to a grin. He shrugged.

“Ha, you’re wrong. I can be a cowboy, too.” Todd stomped back down the hall.

Wes turned to follow his brother.

“Stop, young man.”

Wes halted, his shoulders hunching.

April pushed away from the antique desk. “Come here.”

He looked up and she motioned her son to her side. Wes dragged his feet as if going to an execution and stopped when he got to her knees. He refused to raise his head.

“Wes, look at me.”

Her son slowly raised his head.

“Why did you tell your brother he couldn’t be a cowboy?”

He shrugged his shoulders, kicking an imaginary piece of dirt on the floor.

April sighed. She knew her boys missed Opa—their grandfather Vernon—who had died last September. “Do you think Opa would’ve liked you telling that story to your brother?”

He hung his head. “No. He wouldn’t have liked it.”

“I didn’t like it, either. I’m disappointed with you.”

Wes’s lips pursed.

“Come closer.”

He moved and April drew him into her arms and hugged him. All sorts of emotions bounced around her chest.

The boys needed a male figure in their lives to help and guide them since Opa’s death. Their father had died in an oil platform accident over three years ago. April’s own father couldn’t fill the role, since he still worked on an oil platform out in the Gulf. He was the manager and only made it back to shore once every six months.

“I don’t want you to lie to your brother again. He looks up to you.”

Wes scuffed his boot. “I was just playing.”

“Would you like some of the older boys at school to tease you like that?”

He shook his head.

“You can go outside and play if you boys have finished your chores.”

Wes pursed his lips. “We were almost finished when Todd told me he wanted to be a cowboy like Jimmy Rogers’s dad. You know that Jimmy’s dad is going to compete in the rodeo next week? Could we go? Please?” His eyes filled with hope and longing.

“We’ll see.”

His expression fell and his lower lip jutted out. “’Kay.”

Wes’s posture, slumped shoulders and dragging feet tore at her heart.

The rodeo was in town, but the competition would take place next weekend. April wished she had the extra money to buy tickets to take the boys to see it. It just wasn’t in the budget. Money was tight, which was why she’d decided to sell the two horses her father-in-law had raised for the rodeo. They were a little young, and if she could’ve held out until December, it would’ve been better, but she couldn’t afford the extra money needed for the horses’ upkeep.

Even with the money woes and problems the ranch faced, she wouldn’t change a thing about her life—except having her late husband’s vision of the future match hers. With all the traveling her family had done as she was growing up, this little piece of Texas in the Panhandle was her ideal spot. Roots. A place to belong. Waking up every day in the same place. That was paradise.

Ross had never understood that need for a home she could live in 24/7, 365 days a year. “Lord, I’m feeling a little overwhelmed here. Could You send me some help?”

The baby cried, alerting April that her few minutes of reprieve were over.

* * *

Joel Kaye turned his truck and the rodeo’s horse trailer down the private road of the Circle L Ranch. At the end of the gravel drive stood a single-story white clapboard ranch house, with a deep front porch that shaded the house in the late afternoon and a porch swing that swayed in the breeze. A faded red barn stood to the right of the house, opening onto a large area where an old truck was parked.

Like the lightning strike that had taken out the electronics at his family’s ranch a couple of springs ago, a longing for home shot through him, leaving him off balance. Shaking off the weird feeling, Joel pulled to a stop before the barn entrance. By the time he slammed the truck door shut, two little boys had barreled out of the barn’s double doors and skidded to a stop. They looked at him, then each other.

“Hello, I’m looking for Mrs. April Landers.”

The boys eyed him, making Joel feel like a horse ready to be auctioned.

“That’s our mom,” the taller boy answered. “Do you want to talk to her?”

“I do. Could you get her?”

The boy cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, “Mom, there’s someone out here who wants to talk to you!”

Joel fought back a grin. That wasn’t exactly how he’d expected the boy to get his mother, but Joel understood.

Their sharp gazes roamed over him, and Joel saw the questions on their faces. They looked at the horse trailer beside him.

“You with the rodeo?” the older child asked.

They huddled together, waiting.

“I am.”

“What do you do?” the older boy asked.

“I help around the rodeo with chores. I also compete in events.”

“What events?”

“Calf roping, bareback riding and steer wrestling.”

“When’s your birthday?” the younger boy piped up, stepping forward.

Joel’s brow wrinkled. “March. I had a birthday last week.” He’d turned thirty-four and felt every day of his age.

The younger boy turned to his brother. “See, you’re wrong.” His words were a singsong na, na, na. He moved to Joel’s side. “What’s your name?”

Joel squatted to get eye level with the boy. “My name is Joel Kaye. What’s yours?”

“I’m Todd and that’s my brother, Wes, who doesn’t know nothin’.”

Obviously, Joel had landed in the midst of an argument. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“What are you doing here?” Todd persisted.

“I’m here to talk to your mom.”

“Why?” Wes demanded.

“Do you do bull riding?” Todd asked, scooting closer, leaving Joel no time to answer his brother’s question.

Holding up his hand, Joel motioned for quiet. “I’ll answer your questions, but I need to talk to your mom.”

“Mom,” the older boy bellowed again.

The boys seemed to vibrate with excitement.

“So, are you two rodeo fans?”

Their heads moved like bobblehead dolls.

“I love the bareback riding,” Todd added, his eyes filled with eagerness. “And bull riding.”

“You’ve got to be mighty strong to ride those bulls,” Joel warned. His first time on the circuit he’d tried bull riding and caught a hoof on his upper arm and had six stitches. Now he only rode horses.

Todd’s eyes widened. “I know, but I can. I do calf scramble now.”

“I’m impressed.” Joel remembered the first time he’d managed to rope the gatepost of the corral behind his family’s barn. He’d been about Todd’s age and his father had witnessed the event.

The back door slammed, bringing his attention to the woman exiting the house. Several strands of her soft brown hair, piled on her head, hung around her face, giving her the look of a woman who cared for and chased after small children. Tall and slender, there was a quiet strength in her that drew him, something none of the flashy women hanging around the rodeo had. She had a little girl riding on her hip.

Joel stood and tipped his hat to her. “Ma’am, Joel Kaye. I’m here to pick up the horses you wanted to sell to the rodeo.”

“Mom, you’re not going to sell our horses, are you?” Wes asked, racing to her side. A note of fear laced his voice.

“No, I’m not going to sell Buckwheat and Sammie.”

His rigid posture eased.

“I’m selling Sadie and Helo. You know Opa planned on selling them to the rodeo.”

Todd’s posture didn’t ease, broadcasting his distrust.

“Really?” Wes eyed his mother.

April cupped her son’s chin. “Really. Your grandfather gave you Buckwheat. He’s yours, and Sammie is your brother’s horse. I will not sell them.”

Wes studied her. “Okay.”

Turning to Joel, she waved him forward. “C’mon, I’ll show you where the horses are.”

“Did you know he calf ropes in the rodeo?” Todd hurried after his mother. “And his birthday is in March,” Todd added, sticking his nose up in a see-I-told-you-so-attitude.

Joel caught her smile.

“It’s a long story.” She turned and walked to the corral behind the barn and pointed out the black horse with the star on her forehead and the tan horse with a darker brown mane and two front stockings. “Sadie and Helo are the two my father-in-law thought would work well in the rodeo.”

Her words sent his mind off in a different direction. Her father-in-law. Jack Murphy had told him that the Landerses had supplied animals for the rodeo for several years.

“I hadn’t planned on selling them so soon, but the drought being as severe as it has been, I couldn’t afford to keep them another six months.”

The little girl in April’s arms smiled at Joel and shyly laid her head on her mother’s shoulder.

He winked at her and she turned her face in to her mother’s body.

“Well, I know Jack is glad to have the stock. I’ll go get some halters out of the trailer.” The boys huddled around their mother.

“Can I help?” Todd asked, coming out from behind his mother’s leg.

April visibly tensed.

“Of course. I could use some help.”

A sigh of relief escaped her. Todd beamed and followed Joel to the trailer. As they were walking away, Joel paused and waved Wes toward them. “I could use your help, too. I have two halters, one for each horse.”

Wes’s face lit. “Okay.” He looked at his mother. “I’m going to help.”

April’s stance eased and she smiled. “I heard, and I know you can help, too.” Beaming with pride, Todd and Wes trailed behind Joel.

Thank you, she mouthed.

Joel nodded. Together they moved to the trailer. He opened the back door and walked into the divided interior. Two ropes sat on the floor. Joel handed each boy a rope and watched as they slipped them up their arms, holding the coiled ropes close.

Joel left the doors to the trailer open. “Okay, guys, let’s go get those horses.” The boys grinned at him and followed.

Hearing the boys walking behind him brought a smile to Joel’s lips. His gaze collided with April’s. Her expression, a curious mixture of caution and appreciation, caught him off guard. Did she think he’d be cruel to her boys? Ignore them? But then again, she didn’t know him from Adam. Joel found himself admiring the mama bear, determined to protect her cubs.

“How contrary are the horses?” Joel threw the question over his shoulder.

“They’re not broken, but both can be won over with a carrot.”

He stopped and turned to her. “Good idea. Do you have some?”

“Some?” Her brain short-circuited.

“Carrots.”

April’s cheeks heated and she felt dumber than dirt. “Yeah, I’ll get them.” She turned toward the kitchen with Cora still cradled in her arms. The toddler protested and held out her arms to the cowboy. April stared down at her daughter. “Sweetie, he doesn’t want to hold you.” She turned toward the house, but Cora put up a fuss.

April frowned at her daughter’s behavior. Lately, Cora wasn’t willing to let any stranger near her.

“I don’t mind holding her while you get the carrots.”

Joel’s words startled her. He didn’t look frightened or uncomfortable about holding the two-and-a-half-year-old.

Cora leaned toward the tall cowboy, still holding out her arms. He wrapped his hands around her daughter and settled her close to his chest.

Cora batted her lashes at him, instantly winning him over. April struggled to keep her mouth from falling open. Suddenly her picky daughter decided to be friendly.

“I think we’ve got everything under control here, except for the carrots.”

The stupor that held April in place evaporated. She turned and hurried into the kitchen. What was going on? Suddenly her children had latched on to this stranger while she acted like a teenager, with her heart fluttering in excitement. She wasn’t that green anymore.

Grabbing the carrots out of the refrigerator, April fought to regain her balance. She’d just prayed for some help, but surely he wasn’t it. God knew her hurts and past, and this cowboy fit none of her needs. Joel worked for the traveling rodeo, which was in a different city each week. He probably had that same wandering gene her father and husband had had. She’d had enough of that and wanted nothing to do with a man who couldn’t commit to one place.

Hurrying outside, she stopped short when she saw all three of her children surrounding Joel, talking to him. They looked so perfect together. Just looking at the group, one would never know the children weren’t his.

It stole her breath.

The sound of the screen door slamming brought everyone’s attention to her.

“Here are the carrots.” She held them up and hurried down the side steps, shaking off her fantasies. Obviously, she’d been alone too long and any help she got was bound to throw her off stride.

But I prayed.

Arriving beside Joel, April held out her arms for Cora. Her daughter didn’t budge.

“C’mon, sweetie.”

Cora didn’t respond.

April felt her cheeks grow hot. She smiled and plucked Cora out of Joel’s arms. “If you’re half as good with horses as you are with kids, Sadie and Helo shouldn’t be any problem for you.”

The tall cowboy smiled slowly. “I’m better.”

She swallowed hard. Oh, my.

Joel took the carrots and walked to the corral gate.

“What are you goin’ to do?” Todd asked, following Joel. “Are you going to rope Helo and Sadie?”

“I’m going to make friends with a couple of nervous horses.” He held out his hand and took the ropes from Wes and Todd, hanging them over the gatepost. He opened the gate and walked inside but made no move toward the horses. Helo and Sadie nervously moved to the other side of the corral.

The boys crowded around the gate, hanging on to the horizontal brace. April moved behind them.

“Sometimes you just have to let a horse get to know you.” He placed one carrot in his back pocket and held out the other one. “Let them feel you, catch your scent.”

“Is that why you’re just standing there doing nothin’?” Wes asked. “I thought you’d charge in there and rope the horses.”

“I could, but if I came into your house and started demanding things from you, you wouldn’t like it, would you?”

Todd’s face screwed up as he thought. “No.”

“Horses are the same.”

“Oh.”

The horses stilled as Joel waited, but curiosity won out and the black horse moved closer to him. Joel held up the carrot, waving it around. Slowly the black horse drifted toward him. Joel held the carrot still, and the horse accepted it.

“Sadie’s eating it,” Todd whispered.

Joel rubbed the horse’s forehead, then ran his hand down her neck. She accepted his touch. As he worked to win the horse’s trust, he felt the gazes of the boys and their mother on him. Their interest and admiration warmed him in a way that surprised him.

It took less than ten minutes for Joel to win Sadie’s trust, and she allowed him to slip the rope over her head.

“Wow,” the boys whispered.

Joel slowly led Sadie out of the corral to his trailer. He paused at the tailgate. The boys peered at him, their little bodies tense. Sadie only paused a moment before she walked into the trailer.

“How’d you do that?” Todd demanded.

“When you do something that isn’t familiar to you, you’re nervous, right? It’s the same for horses.” Joel glanced at April and found admiration on her face, too. It was common sense, but his heart soaked up her reaction.

It took less time for him to coax Helo to his side, and he slipped the rope over his head. When he had both horses secured in the trailer, he turned to the two boys.

“Are y’all comin’ to the rodeo next weekend?”

The kids turned to their mother with pleading expressions. They were good, Joel admitted to himself. They could put the hurt on anyone.

“Can we?”

Joel saw the answer in April’s bleak face. That was why she was selling her horses early.

“We’ll see.”

“But, Mom,” Todd whined.

The woman tilted her head and her eyes narrowed.

Nothing else was said.

Joel pulled his truck around and headed out.

As he drove back to the rodeo, Joel’s heart ached. He understood the woman’s pride that she could take care of her own. He only wished there was something he could do to help.

* * *

Later that afternoon, Joel drove into the parking lot of the Caprock Feed & Seed store to pick up extra feed for the rodeo. On his way back from this feed run, he might stop by the Dairy Queen he’d spotted and have a chicken-fried steak burger.

Entering the store, Joel saw April talking to the clerk. He didn’t spot either of the boys, but Cora stood by her mother, holding April’s leg.

“So, Sully, what do you recommend I plant in the other fields, beside the hay for my own animals?”

He hadn’t noticed earlier how musical her voice sounded. Now he knew he’d be haunted by it when he laid his head down tonight.

“I know you don’t want to plant cotton like the majority of the farms around here, but you could try a field of wheat, soybeans or sorghum. Manufacturers want sweet sorghum for syrup,” the clerk said.

“Or you could try planting sunflowers.” The words popped out of Joel’s mouth before he thought.

April jerked and turned toward him. “Sunflowers?”

“Mr. Joel,” Todd yelled in excitement, darting out from behind a tall pile of sacks of feed.

Wes followed and hurried to Joel’s side. Cora made a beeline to him.

He picked her up and she patted him on the chest.

“Mr. Joel.”

Joel’s heart melted at the munchkin’s twinkling eyes. When he looked up, a frown wrinkled April’s brow. Was her expression from him holding Cora or the advice he’d given?

“Sunflowers are a good cash crop. Several of the farms and ranches around my family’s ranch started growing them. The crop requires little work and when harvested, there are multiple places to sell them.”

The clerk’s stare bored into Joel.

“I’m Joel Kaye.” He stuck out his hand.

“He’s with the rodeo, Mr. Sully,” Todd helpfully announced. “He knows how to throw a lariat and has a birthday in March and is a cowboy.”

Sully shook Joel’s hand.

“Jack sent me here for the feed he ordered.”

The man’s attitude changed. “It’s ready, but let me finish with Mrs. Landers first.”

“That’s okay, Sully. I need to think about your suggestions on what to plant.”

Sully nodded. “Drive around back and we’ll load the order.” He disappeared into the back.

“I didn’t mean to butt in.” Joel stepped closer to the counter. April’s hair fell around her face, tempting him to reach out and touch the shiny rich brown strands.

“No, I appreciate it. I’ve been wondering what to do with the fields my father-in-law normally cultivated. Sunflowers. I hadn’t thought of that.”

“I wouldn’t have, either, but as I told you several of my neighbors planted them as a cash crop and they liked the results.”

Sully appeared again. “It’s ready.”

Joel didn’t know whether to laugh or scowl at Sully’s impatience. When Joel tried to put Cora down, she protested. April took her daughter from his arms and hushed the girl. Joel nodded and walked outside to his truck.

He drove around the building and backed his truck up to the loading dock. Sully helped Joel transfer the bags of feed from the wooden pallet into the truck. Halfway through, the boys appeared on the dock.

Sully looked at the pair. “Y’all here to help?”

“We’re too small,” Todd answered. They carefully watched and whispered to each other.

Once they finished loading, Sully drove the small forklift back into the warehouse.

Joel opened the truck door.

“Mr. Joel,” Wes began.

Joel stopped and turned toward the boys.

After a couple of intense whispers, Wes walked forward. “After you left this morning, Mr. Moore, the man who helps Mom with the ranch, got hurt. She called the ambulance for him. He can’t work for a while. We heard Mom crying after the ambulance left.”

“And praying,” Todd added.

Wes’s solemn gaze locked with Joel’s. “Mom’s real worried about the ranch.”

Todd’s head nodded in agreement.

Like a shot to his gut, the boys’ words hit Joel hard. The worry in their eyes would’ve touched the hardest of hearts.

Wes took a deep breath. “We want to hire you to help Mom plant her fields.”

Todd’s head bobbed. “Yeah, we want to hire you.”

Joel hadn’t seen that one coming. “I’m still with the rodeo, boys.”

Todd’s shoulders straightened. “But are you working this week? You’re having spring break like we are. Don’t the animals have spring break, too? Won’t you have time?”

Spring break? Joel’s eyes widened. Well, he’d just complained to Hank about all the downtime he had on his hands this week with nothing to do.

They waited.

Todd reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. Wes followed by taking out of his front pocket a crumpled dollar and three pennies. “We have a dollar and thirty-seven cents between Todd and me that we can pay you.”

“Is that enough?” Todd’s face filled with longing and uncertainty.

Talk about being caught off guard. But how could he ignore such an honest plea? Joel swallowed hard. “I still would have to help feed the animals at the rodeo in the morning—”

The boys nodded.

“—but if that’s okay with you, I’d be proud to work for two such upstanding cowboys.”

“And our mom.”

“Most certainly.”

They beamed and Todd started to jump up and down.

“Okay. Let me take the feed back to the rodeo, then I’ll drive out to your place and talk with your mom to make sure it’s all right with her.”

“Okay.”

The boys stepped forward and dumped their money into Joel’s hand. Looking at the crumpled bill and coins, he felt the most unusual emotions—hope and satisfaction. When he glanced up, he saw two excited faces.

“I’ll see you in a bit.”

Driving away, Joel shook his head and chuckled. Who would’ve thought those two young boys would come up with such an ingenious plan? He hadn’t. But what mattered most was how their mother felt. And oddly enough, he wasn’t sure April would accept his help. He wondered if those boys could work their charm on their mother as well as him. That he wanted to see.

Chapter Two

April kicked the front tire of the cantankerous tractor. What was wrong with this miserable piece of equipment? How could she plow the west field for hay or the north field for sunflowers if the tractor wouldn’t start?

“Is there a problem?”

April jerked around, coming face-to-face with Joel. He grinned, making her knees weak. Stop it. Ignoring her crazy feelings, she said, “I’ve got an uncooperative piece of machinery. I’ve watched my father-in-law coax this ancient thing into starting several times. Of course, Vernon did most of the plowing.” But at this point, she didn’t have an option. A noise at the barn doors drew her attention. The boys stood there, watching.

“Do you mind if I try?”

Stepping to the side, she motioned for Joel to go ahead. “No. It might cooperate with you better than me.”

The boys snickered, and Joel laughed. The wonderful, rich sound eased her heart.

“I don’t know, but I’ve worked with some mighty grumpy equipment, and you have to know just how to coax them to life.”

“You mean a wrench up the side of this thing won’t work?” She ran her fingers through her hair, dislodging the clip holding it back.

“My gramps used that technique, and it worked, but let me look at the motor and see if I can find the problem. And if that doesn’t work, we’ll try your plan B, which is a wrench up the side of this thing.” His eyes twinkled, and she heard the boys snicker.

Joel’s humor found her funny bone and she joined in with everyone’s light spirit, surprising herself. From the boys’ wide-eyed and openmouthed expressions, they were as surprised as she. Finally they laughed.

“You needed that,” Joel softly said.

Was she that much of a grouch?

Joel didn’t wait for her to respond, but looked into the engine. “The ignition coil has come loose. Let me plug it in.” He did so, then hopped onto the seat and turned on the ignition. The tractor roared to life. He winked at her. “Let me pull this out of the barn before turning off the engine.”

She nodded and shooed the boys out of the way. When she glanced at the porch where she’d put Cora down for her nap, April saw the little girl sit up and rub her eyes. When Joel drove out of the barn, Cora stood and started down the steps.

What was it about this cowboy that had all her children following him like a pied piper?

April scooped her daughter up before she could run in front of the tractor.

Joel parked beside the barn, where the plow’s disc blades sat, and turned off the engine. He hopped out of the cab and waved at the boys.

Cora squirmed in her mother’s arms.

“I’m impressed, but the real question is, will it start again?”

“Well, if it doesn’t, we’ve got the wrench option.”

“Thanks for getting it to work, but what are you doing out here?” She cringed at her abrupt words. What a crab.

“If you have a cup of coffee, I’d like to explain.”

She studied him, but his gaze remained true, not shying away from her probing. Ross often wouldn’t meet her gaze when he had a plan he knew she wouldn’t approve of. “Okay.”

Lots of questions flew through her mind as they walked inside. After a moment, it occurred to April how silent the boys were, which caused the hair at the back of her neck to stand up. April poured coffee for the adults and milk for the children, then joined the others at the table.

Surprisingly, Cora sat between her brothers on the bench seat on the other side of the table. The boys were wide-eyed and seemed to vibrate, waiting for—

April took a sip of coffee. That hair on the back of her neck felt as if it was dancing.

Wes looked at Joel, then his shoulders straightened and he seemed to grow up before her eyes, as if her son had given Joel permission. That didn’t make sense.

Setting his mug on the table, Joel cleared his throat. “I’ve been hired by your sons to help you plant your fields this week.”

That was not what she’d expected this rodeo cowboy to say. She turned to her sons.

“Todd and me wanted to get you some help after Mr. Moore’s accident today, so when we saw Mr. Joel at the feed store, we talked it over and hired him to work this week,” Wes explained.

“And we paid him, too. We gave him a dollar and thirty-seven cents.” Todd’s chest puffed out. “It’s legal.”

April groped with what she’d just heard. It had seemed to come out of nowhere. Staring at her mug, April considered her options, which were limited at best. The nightmare of Mr. Moore being knocked out this morning, landing on his right arm and dislocating it, sat in the forefront of her mind. Whom would she hire to replace him? Everybody else had their own ranches to care for, their own fields to plant. “You’re not tied up this week at the rodeo?”

“I explained to the boys that I have morning chores that I need to do first, but I can be here before seven. That was fine with them.”

She wanted to tell him no. She didn’t need her boys getting any more involved with a traveling cowboy, but one look at her sons’ precious faces and she knew she couldn’t throw away their effort to help.

Todd worried his bottom lip and Wes reminded her of a cat waiting to catch a mouse. The thought of the boys going out and hiring Joel to help with the planting made her heart swell with pride. She knew she couldn’t refuse.

“Then I guess you have a job.”

The boys jumped with excitement. Cora didn’t know what was happening, but she joined the celebration.

The grin on Joel’s face made her fingers tingle, which scared her. Maybe she should back out now, before disaster struck. But as soon as the idea formed, she glanced at her sons. Could she crush their enthusiasm?

“Now, you’ll need to tell me what you want done,” Joel said, breaking into her internal debate.

“Don’t worry,” Wes piped in. “Mom’s good at telling people what to do.” He said it so casually he didn’t notice the smile on Joel’s face or the wide-eyed look on his mother’s.

* * *

“So these are the horses you picked up from the Landers ranch.” Jack Murphy walked up to the corral housing the new stock.

When Joel returned earlier with Sadie and Helo, Jack had been in Amarillo. “Yup, these are the horses.”

Jack rested his boot on the bottom rail. “They’re a little young.”

“True, but I think the lady needed the money.”

Jack’s brow wrinkled. “She say that?”

“Not exactly, but looking around, I could see things needed repair.”

Jack rubbed his chin. “I worried about that when Vernon died. He talked to me when he was sick, asking me to keep buying from the Circle L Ranch. I agreed with him, wondering how his daughter-in-law could run that ranch by herself, having three little kids.”

A perfect opening. “I guess that’s why April’s sons hired me to help this week.”

“What?” Jack sounded as if he’d swallowed a frog.

“When I went to get the feed earlier, I saw the family. The boys slipped around the back while I was loading and hired me for the week. Apparently, their hired hand had an accident between the time I was there in the morning and when I saw them at the feed store in the afternoon.”

“They hired you?” Jack asked.

“They did. I told them I’d have to finish chores here before I could go out to their place, but they were okay with the setup.” Joel faced his boss straight on. “You okay with that?”

“Works for me. At least you’ll have something to do with yourself instead of hanging around here, complaining you’re bored.”

“What? Was I that much of a problem?” Joel asked.

“Hank was afraid he was going to have to babysit you this week and didn’t know what he was going to do. He’s a cook, not a babysitter, and planned on telling you you needed to take up knitting.”

“I couldn’t have complained that much.”

Jack’s brow arched.

“Knitting?”

Both men grinned.

“How well did you know April’s father-in-law?”

“April?” Jack’s smile widened.

“Hey, a little background would help me understand what’s going on and the situation there.”

“Okay. We went back several years. Vernon loved the rodeo but loved his ranch more.” Jack shook his head. “Kinda funny how his daughter-in-law took to ranching like a duck to water, but his son—

“Vernon said he never saw someone love ranching like April. She was a natural. There was nothing around the ranch she wouldn’t do, or try to do, which surprised him.

“Too bad his son wanted nothing to do with the place. But Vernon and Grace never regretted Ross marrying April. They got the daughter they wanted and the grandbabies they’d hoped for.”

Joel wanted to ask more, but he saw the gleam in Jack’s eyes. “I asked if they were coming to the rodeo, but April—”

“April?” Jack again poked him, enjoying himself way too much.

“Mrs. Landers said no. Well, what she really said was ‘we’ll see,’ which the boys knew was no. So I thought you could throw in tickets for both days of the rodeo. April’s got a couple of budding cowboys there that need encouragement. If that’s a problem, I’ll pay for the tickets.”

Jack’s smile widened. “No, it’s not a problem.”

There was way too much satisfaction in Jack’s answer.

“Yo, Jack, I need to talk to you,” Graham “Shortie” McGraw shouted across the arena. “Now.”

“Coming.” Jack turned back to Joel. “See you later.”

As Jack strode across the arena, Joel wondered at his boss’s reaction. What amusement did he find in Joel calling Mrs. Landers April? It was her name. Now, if he called her sweetie or punkin like his grandmother had called his grandfather, then Joel could’ve understood Jack’s reaction. And why did giving away the tickets to the rodeo feel as though he’d made some deep commitment? They were tickets. That was all. So what had made Jack smile?

* * *

“He was way cool, Mom,” Todd said, his spaghetti spilling out of his mouth. Sauce dotted his chin.

“Todd, keep your mouth closed while you’re eating. It’s polite.”

Todd’s fingers pushed the spaghetti back into his mouth. Wes snickered. She’d made the boys’ favorite meal, hoping to take their minds off Joel Kaye.

After swallowing, Todd continued, “Did you see how Mr. Joel handled Helo and Sadie? He was so good, making friends with them first.” He looked at his brother. “And Mr. Joel’s birthday is in March and he’s a real good cowboy.”

Todd wasn’t going to let go of his brother’s false claims anytime soon.

Wes shrugged off the comment. “He was good with the lasso. I want to learn how to do that, too, ’cause you have to do that to be a cowboy. Opa was good. He started to show me how to throw, but—” Wes fell silent.

“Maybe Mr. Joel could show us,” Todd suggested, his eyes going wide.

Wes perked up. “Yeah, that’s a good idea. He threw as good as Opa.”

Cora clapped her hands together, squishing a strand of spaghetti between them. “Yeah, cowboy.”

The boys hadn’t stopped talking about Joel since he’d left this afternoon. Of course, maybe that was a good sign, since the incident with Mr. Moore stepping on the pitchfork and knocking himself out had given them all a scare. Both boys had gone white, but Todd had seemed particularly shaken.

“I don’t know if Mr. Joel will have the time to teach you. He’ll be here to plant crops and do other chores that Mr. Moore would’ve done.”

The boys fell silent, then traded calculating looks.

“Okay.”

Why did Wes’s okay worry her more than a protest?

April needed to stop any shenanigans before they got out of hand. “Maybe Mr. Waters could show you how to whirl a lariat after church sometime. He used to compete in the rodeo.”

Todd rolled his eyes. “He’s ancient, Mom. He must be fifty.”

“No, eighty,” Wes added.

Todd’s brow crinkled. “Yeah, and I don’t know if he would remember how to throw.”

April choked on her spaghetti and quickly took a sip of tea. Andrew Waters was only thirty-eight.

“I don’t know, boys. I don’t want you to bother Mr. Joel while he’s working.”

The boys’ faces fell.

“Aw, Mom.” Wes put his fork down and frowned. He made it sound as if she’d just stomped on his dream.

Todd stared down at his plate, too, his posture only emphasizing how much the boys wanted Joel Kaye to teach them how to throw a lariat.

“I promise I’ll check with Mr. Waters to see if he’ll teach you how to throw.” Her words went over like lead weights on a rubber raft.

“May I be excused?” Wes asked.

“Me, too,” Todd added.

She felt lower than a snake’s belly, stomping their hopes. She nodded and the boys slipped away from the table. Cora frowned, reaching for her brothers. April pulled Cora from her booster seat, wiped her hands and mouth, then set her on her feet. She hurried after her brothers.

“Good job, April,” she murmured to herself. “No one’s happy.” And that included her.

* * *

April poured herself a large iced tea and wandered out onto the back porch. An hour and a half ago, she’d put three subdued children to bed, and those sad little faces had nearly brought her to her knees.

Scanning the bare fields behind the house, April felt a ray of hope and a huge helping of pride.

When Joel had told her the boys hired him, it’d taken her a moment to understand what he was saying. That her boys understood she needed help and wanted to provide it made her chest puff out with pride. It also disheartened her that they knew the ranch was in trouble.

With the death of her husband and in-laws over the past three years, she was now the only adult left on this ranch. Her neighbors had helped for a couple of months after Vernon’s death, but they had their own ranches to care for. Lately, several of the ranchers at church had offered to rent her fields to plant their own cash crops.

She’d toyed with the idea, but it felt as though she’d be giving up on the ranch, on her dreams. She loved this place and had never thought that she’d be in this position.

Her father’s job as a rig manager for a major oil company had kept them on the move throughout her life. She’d lived on several continents and in some exotic places, but none had felt like home until they moved to this place in the Texas Panhandle. When her father had been transferred to Lubbock her junior year in high school, she’d found her heart’s desire on the Llano Estacado and the Caprock.

Added to the feeling of coming home, the first day in English class she’d met Ross Landers. He’d smiled at her and she’d been smitten. Ross had introduced her to all his friends, but it was when he brought her home to this ranch that she knew she was in love.

A home.

Roots.

And something that lasted. The Landers family had ranched this piece of land since the 1880s. Over five generations, through good times and bad, through times of plenty and drought, the family had persevered. That legacy flooded her with purpose and direction. She could do this. Needed to do this.

April and Ross had married a week after graduating from high school and he’d immediately gone to work on a rig out in West Texas, which had surprised her, since Ross had never mentioned he didn’t want to stay on the ranch. He visited home often while she was pregnant with Wes but missed the baby’s birth. Two years later, when she got pregnant with Todd, Ross immediately got one of the treasured jobs as a roughneck on an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico that her father oversaw. His excuse for taking that job had been that the extra money he’d receive would help with the expenses of the new baby.

Ross never came back for any length of time after he left. He made it home sporadically for the next four years. When his mother, Grace, was diagnosed with breast cancer, Ross came home that Christmas. That gave April hope that he’d changed, but she quickly learned that wasn’t the case. Ross refused to take his mom to any of her chemo sessions. He did promise to attend Wes’s first-grade Christmas pageant, but he didn’t show. Instead he got drunk with other oil field workers from West Texas. With Todd, Ross would either throw the four-year-old around as if he was a rag doll, hold him upside down by his feet or ignore him, which confused the boy.

When Ross took the assignment on a new rig in the Gulf, Vernon, Grace and April all breathed a sigh of relief that his disruptive presence was gone. Six weeks later Ross died in a freak accident. After they buried him, April discovered she was pregnant with Cora. The money she’d received from Ross’s life insurance, which her in-laws insisted she save and use for her babies, was now almost gone.

Her father-in-law had had to borrow against the ranch to help finish paying for Grace’s care and meds in the last months of her life. She’d died a year ago Christmas. Vernon died the following September. Now April had to come up with a plan to pay off the loan or lose the ranch. Would the money she made on the sunflowers and hay be enough? Did she need to rent out the other fields on the ranch?

She turned her eyes to the fallow field. Would she survive?

“Lord, I know You have the answers to this problem, but—”

“Mom, what are you doing out here?”

She looked up and saw Todd standing by the back door in his superhero pajamas, his feet bare.

“Thinking. Praying.”

“Are you mad we hired Mr. Joel? He can do Mr. Moore’s job since he got hurt.”

“No, I’m not mad. I’m proud of you and your brother for thinking about the ranch. Opa would be pleased, too.” Her solution to the problem wouldn’t have been to hire Joel, but she couldn’t ignore her sons’ solution. It still amazed her that Joel agreed to the deal for a dollar thirty-seven. Why’d he do it?

A grin curved Todd’s mouth. “I’ll help Mr. Joel. So will Wes.”

“I know you will.”

“But I’m kinda worried about Sadie and Helo. Are they scared being in a new place?”

“You’ll have to ask Mr. Joel tomorrow how they’re doing. He’ll know.”

Todd thought about it, nodded and tore down the hall to his bedroom.

Watching her younger son disappear into his room, she knew her boys would keep her on her toes with creative thinking all through school. Teenage years promised to be...a challenge.

She retrieved her tea off the porch rail. Wouldn’t Vernon and Grace be proud of their grandsons? She knew they would.

Would their father?

* * *

Joel lingered over his coffee, the empty plate that had held his barbecue sitting before him. Working with Jack Murphy doing whatever needed to be done around the rodeo helped defray his expenses on the road and kept him busy. What had he done when he was eighteen, traveling with the rodeo, and had the day off? Shoot the breeze with the other young cowboys or brag about his latest score in the different rodeo events? Of course, things hadn’t changed since he was eighteen. Cowboys still bragged about how good they were and how they would capture the ultimate prize of the championship belt buckle given to the number one cowboy in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, or PRCA.

“You need a refill on that coffee?” Hank Calder asked. Hank ran the concessions for the rodeo. He also cooked for the rodeo workers. If any cowboy wanted a meal, they could buy it. Of course, meals were included with the deal Joel had struck with Jack and his boss, Steve Carter.

“Sure.”

Hank topped off the coffee and sat opposite Joel at the picnic table.

“So, how’s it going? You enjoying this vagabond life?” Hank grinned. The instant Joel joined the rodeo, he and Hank had struck up a friendship.

“I was just thinking about that. When you’re young and green, the traveling and excitement of being in a different city every week is appealing.” He shrugged. “Then you grow up.”

Hank grinned. “I hear ya. I’ve got aches and pains in places I didn’t know existed. And I find new ones every day.”

Joel couldn’t help but smile. “You got that right. I’ve worked beside my dad and gramps since I could sit in a saddle and didn’t experience these aches and pains.” He fell silent. “I didn’t feel old when I put in an eighteen-hour day at the ranch. What happened?”

“When you get bucked off a horse or bull, it feels like you’ve been run over by a truck, which is different than a hard day’s work on a ranch.”

“You’re right.”

“So why’d you come back on the circuit?”

Good question. “Circumstances. My sister recently married and I wanted the newlyweds to have some time together on the family ranch.” Of course, Gramps was still there. “Too many bosses. She married Caleb Jensen.”

“It was your sister he married?”

“Yup. She came home and helped put together that charity rodeo that helped all the ranchers west of Fort Worth. She and Caleb got to know each other, and—” He shrugged.

“He was a mighty good pickup man, but I understand how the rodeo can wear out a man.”

“I wanted to see if rodeo life was as much fun as it had been at eighteen.”

“And?”

“I’m still checking it out. But the longer I go and the more points I get, the ache becomes secondary.”

Hank chuckled and walked back into the kitchen.

After cleaning up his dinner plate, Joel visited Helo and Sadie. He wanted to be prepared in case April’s boys asked about their horses. The new horses recognized him and came to the edge of the corral. Sadie bumped him with her nuzzle.

“Sorry, girl, I didn’t bring you anything. I just wanted to check on you so I can answer the questions I know I’ll get.”

Smiling, Joel thought about those little boys who’d barged into his life and thrown him a curve he hadn’t seen coming. It was just supposed to have been a run-of-the-mill rodeo run to pick up horses. Instead, he’d run headlong into a situation that laid him out flat. As ridiculous as it sounded, he welcomed the job offer. For the balance of the week, he’d be ranching and helping April, a woman who managed to yank his heart in a way it hadn’t been yanked before.

It was the Western thing to do to help someone in distress. It was also the Christian thing to do.

He could help her this week, but...

Sadie poked her muzzle in his face again.

He held up his hands. “I promise you, I don’t have a thing.” He stroked her neck. The horse nuzzled his hands, then dipped her head toward his pockets. Discovering no apples or carrots, she turned and joined the other horses in the corral.

“Not interested in me. Just wanted a treat?”

Jack stopped beside him.

“It looks like I’m losing my touch with the females,” Joel grumbled, nodding to Sadie.

“I doubt it.”

“Don’t see any ladies lining up beside my trailer.”

“That’s ’cause you have a not-interested sign written all over you that even the other cowboys can read.”

Joel opened his mouth to argue, then swallowed his words.

“Good, you’re not going to deny it.”

“I’m here to compete.” What Joel wanted was a championship belt buckle and to finish out a dream. Nothing more.

Jack rubbed his chin. “You sure it was the boys who hired you and you just didn’t volunteer?”

The question took Joel by surprise. “No, I didn’t volunteer. Why would you ask that?”

Jack shook his head. “You’ve been restless lately.”

“What are you talking about? I’ve been doing great in my events and gaining points.”

“True, but there’s something—”

“You sound like my sister, trying to look into my head and tell me what I’m thinking, and she’s going through training to become a counselor.”

Jack raised his hands in surrender. “Forget it. I didn’t mean to step in that snake pit.”

What on earth was Jack talking about? He was on course for winning that championship belt buckle.

“How old are those boys?”

“Six and eight.”

“I’d like to meet those entrepreneurs. If you have time, bring them by the rodeo this week.” Jack started toward his trailer.

“Not a problem. Once I mention it to them, wild horses wouldn’t keep them away.”

The question was, would their mother go for it? He didn’t know, but he hoped she would. Maybe it would help April relax and open up. He found he wanted to know more about this woman.

Chapter Three

Joel felt as awkward as a high-school freshman with his first crush as he drove to the Landers ranch. Before he could get out of his vehicle, the boys scrambled down the porch stairs and raced toward him.

The screen door slammed. April, along with Cora, stood on the porch. “Have you eaten yet?”

“No, just grabbed a cup of coffee before I did chores.”

“Well, I’ve got eggs, bacon, hash browns and biscuits. And lots of coffee.”

His mouth watered. “Your stock fed?”

“I got it.”

“I helped,” Todd proudly announced.

Joel smiled at the boy. “And I know your help made things easier for your mom.”

Wes didn’t speak up, but Joel knew he wasn’t going to let his younger brother outdo him. Joel winked at Wes, acknowledging him.

The smell of bacon and eggs drifted out the screen door, making Joel’s stomach rumble, which was heard by all. “Then let’s feed the workers so we can get this day rolling.”

Laughing, Todd raced inside, Joel following.

Wes and Cora were already seated. Todd pulled out a chair.

“Wash your hands, young man.”

“Aw, Mom.”

“I need to wash my hands, too.” Joel held out his hands.

“’Kay. Follow me.”

Todd led Joel through the living room to the hall beyond. The first door stood open and Todd walked in. He stepped up onto the stool and turned on the water.

“Mom’s strict about washing our hands.” He grabbed the soap, lathered up and passed the bar to Joel.

“I know. My mom was the same,” Joel whispered, bending close. “And I had to have an inspection. But you know what was worse?”

Todd’s eyes widened. “What?”

“My grandmother. She wouldn’t allow a speck of dirt. I’ve been sent back to the bathroom many times. One time I had dirt here—” he pointed to a spot on the back of his hand close to the wrist bone “—and she made me go back and wash again. I got a second inspection.”

Todd thought about it. “Mom’s not that hard.”

Once finished, they joined the others at the table.

“Wes, would you like to pray?” April asked.

During the prayer, Joel heard a noise and opened one eye to see Cora grab a piece of bacon. April frowned. She noticed him, and they traded smiles. Adults holding down the fort.

“Amen.”

April dished eggs for Cora and Todd. Wes helped himself to a biscuit and hash browns. After serving himself a generous helping of eggs and hash browns, Joel dug into the meal. Watching the children eat, Joel flashed back to the scenes of his youth around the dinner table. Seeing April interact with her children made him keenly aware of how alone he was. One day in the future, he’d like to have a family of his own, which oddly resembled the people at this table.

Todd put down his knife. The biscuit on his plate sported a layer of butter, topped with peach preserves. “Why are you smiling, Mr. Joel?”

“I was remembering when I was your age and eating with my parents and grandparents.”

“Wow, you can remember that long ago?” Todd murmured in awe.

April choked on her coffee. Wes snickered.

“Of course I do even if my sister has her doubts.”

“I mean, where are your mom and dad?”

“They’re in Heaven now.”

“Oh.” Todd stared down at his plate, his shoulders hunched. “My dad and Oma and Opa are in Heaven, too.”

The smile on April’s face disappeared.

“Do you miss them?” Todd whispered, a catch in his voice.

The ache in the little boy’s voice touched Joel. He also knew Wes waited for his answer.

“I do. They went to Heaven many years ago, but sometimes I see a sunset or a flower and it reminds me of my mom and grandma. Now, with my dad, if I see a horse the same color as his, I think he would like that horse.”

“Oh.” Todd thought over the answer. “Are you still sad?”

April bit her lip, waiting.

He hadn’t expected a counseling session at breakfast and wondered what his sister, the counselor in training, would tell him to say.

Lord, I need some words of wisdom. “I was sad when it happened, but now I can remember them and smile. I recall the good and funny things, like when my dad stepped in a bucket of water I left beside the back door. Or the time my mom got mad at me and threw an egg. I ducked and it hit my sister, who was coming into the kitchen.” He winked at the boys. “You should’ve seen her face with all the yolk and egg white running down her cheeks and dripping off her chin. My mom’s reaction, her expression—” he dropped his jaw and let his eyes go wide to demonstrate the reaction “—was funnier than my sister’s.”

The boys laughed and he caught April smiling.

“I did my share of things that my mom got on me about.”

“What?” the boys asked.

Joel glanced at April. “I do need to keep a few secrets.”

“Aw,” the boys groaned.

“You better eat while your eggs are still warm,” April warned.

Reluctantly, Wes and Todd started eating, but they constantly looked at Joel, as though they were afraid he’d vanish into thin air if they didn’t look at him every few minutes.

* * *

April watched the boys wolf down their breakfast, but what broke her heart was their constant checking to make sure Joel didn’t disappear. Would this be a bigger disaster than she feared?

Her fields would be planted, but at what cost?

Wes and Todd slipped from their seats and headed for the back door.

“Put your dishes by the sink,” April instructed.

“Aw, Mom,” Wes complained, but obeyed.

Todd opened his mouth to voice his objection, but with one look at her, he swallowed the gripe and slipped his plate beside his brother’s.

“Down,” Cora asked.

Joel took the little girl out of her booster chair and placed her on her feet. She followed her brothers outside.

They were alone in the kitchen, finishing their coffee. The warm, intimate feeling of them together, lingering over breakfast, discussing the ranch, rattled her. She wanted to see Joel as nothing but a hired hand, but somehow her brain and heart went mushy.

She held up her cup. “More?”

“Sure. Top me off.”

She grabbed the coffee carafe and refilled both cups. Sitting down, she took a deep breath to steady herself.

“So tell me what you’ve decided to plant and what fields you plan to use.” Joel took a sip of his coffee.

His question jerked her back to the present. Most of the night she’d prayed and wrestled with what to do on the ranch—as well as fantasies about this tall, toe-tingling cowboy. Early this morning she’d come to a decision. “I want to plant hay in the north field, and in the west field I thought I’d go with your suggestion and plant sunflowers.”

They traded glances, and April thought she saw him smile, but it was gone so quickly that maybe she’d been wishing it.

“I think you made a good choice. So where are these fields?”

“Let’s go take a drive and I’ll show you.”

They all piled into April’s truck, Cora and Todd in the backseat, Wes between April and Joel. She drove out to the north field first, pointing out the section that needed to be planted with hay.

“At mile marker 123 is the start of the field,” she explained and continued to drive.

“Right there by the sign for the feed store is where our field ends.” Wes pointed, his arm shooting out and nearly catching Joel on the chin.

She glanced at Wes. “I didn’t know you knew the boundaries.”

“Yeah, Opa showed me,” he answered casually without looking at her.

Words piled up in her throat, and she couldn’t spit one out.

Within twenty minutes, April finished showing Joel the other field she wanted to plant.

“And the rest of the fields, I’ll rent out. I’ve had a couple of the folks at church offer to rent a field.”

“Good idea.”

April nodded. “If something’s not in that field, I could lose topsoil, and that I can’t afford to do.”

“Opa always talked to us about the ranch,” Wes said. “And how to care for it.”

Her son knew more than she credited him with. Vernon had been a great teacher.

“I see your grandfather taught you well.”

Wes sat up straighter. “Opa told me I needed to plant a field and not let it lay fallow, ’cause you don’t want to lose the topsoil. We are stewards of this land.”

Vernon had always said that. April felt pride her son had picked up his grandfather’s attitude and ashamed she hadn’t realized her son’s connection to the land. The boys hiring Joel should’ve sent her a clue.

“When harvest time comes around, whoever harvests the fields you rent out might do yours, too.”

His words, like a slap in the face, reminded her that he wouldn’t be here in the fall to harvest the crops, but they told her he knew his way around a ranch.

The boys chatted with Joel while she drove back to the house. The instant she stopped the truck by the kitchen door, Joel slipped out and walked to the tractor. “So let’s pray that your tractor will start this morning,” Joel said, “or I’ll be using that wrench. Where’s the key?”

“Inside the kitchen door.”

The children stood by the truck and watched him retrieve the key, start the tractor and attach the blades to the back of it.

“I’ll do the hay field first, then go to the west field and plow and plant the sunflowers today. I’ll replow the hay field tomorrow and plant it.”

When his words finally registered, April’s gaze jerked to his. The man knew what to do and didn’t need her instruction or prodding. Such a simple gesture softened her heart. “Sounds good.”

He climbed down from the seat and walked toward her. “I’ll give you my cell number in case you need to contact me.”

April held up her hand, reached inside the truck and grabbed the pad and pencil she kept in the center console. “I’m ready.”

He rattled off his cell-phone number.

“I guess you should have the house number, just in case, as you said.” The corner of his mouth kicked up, making her stomach dance.

He whipped out his phone from the front pocket of his Western shirt and entered the number as she said it.

Once he had the number saved, he waved the boys to his side. “Okay, let’s do rock, paper, scissors to see who rides with me out to the north field. When I do the west field, the other boy will go.”

“Aren’t they a little young to be riding in the cab?” April asked.

“You’re never too young to learn how to use a tractor. My dad had me ride with him when I was Todd’s age, and I was plowing fields after I turned ten.”

“Opa let me ride with him, Mom,” Wes hastily added.

If the man had used any other argument, she would’ve shot down the idea, but the boys needed to know how to operate the machinery and how to plow if they were going to maintain the ranch. She knew Vernon had been teaching the boys, but hearing them repeat the lessons would’ve made him proud. It certainly made her smile. After surveying three waiting males, she said, “All right.”

The boys pounded their little fists on their hands. April stood rooted to the spot, watching.

“One. Two. Three.”

The boys went along and Todd won.

“Can we try again?” Wes asked.

Joel put his hand on Wes’s shoulder. “You’re with me to plant the sunflowers.”

Wes looked up at Joel, than at his brother. “Okay.” He didn’t argue or pout, but trusted Joel enough to go along with his turn being second.

April worked hard not to let her jaw drop that her son offered no argument.

“I guess Wes can help me get my vegetable garden ready to plant.”

“And Mr. Joel told me some stuff to do around here,” Wes added.

“Those chores can wait until you help your mom plant the garden.”

Wes nodded.

They watched as Joel drove the tractor to the north section of land.

Cora looked back at April. “I go, too.”

“We’ll work right here and plant some of your favorite vegetables.”

“Cupcakes?”

Wes snickered. “That’s not a vegetable. Carrots, peas, potatoes—those are vegetables.”

Cora folded her arms over her chest and pursed her lips.

“You like giving Sammie a carrot, don’t you?” Wes asked.

“And you like mashed potatoes?” April added, knowing it was Cora’s favorite food.

Cora nodded.

“Well, we’ll plant potatoes and strawberries and watch them grow.” Throwing in the strawberries clinched the deal. Both children agreed to work in the garden.

* * *

April turned off the computer, finished with her accounts. She melted into her chair and took a deep breath. Relief washed over her, making her light-headed.

“Thank You, Lord.”

The roller-coaster events of the past couple of days still had her reeling. By dinner tonight, the sunflowers were planted, along with her garden, and she had three happy, satisfied children. Tomorrow the hay field would be done. There was hope.

Hope.

Such a small word, with some giant results.

Despite her offer, Joel didn’t stay for dinner, but the boys beamed with pride as they told her how they’d helped Mr. Joel. She hadn’t seen Wes and Todd that excited about anything since before their grandfather died.

Intrigued by the story Joel had told about his parents and his grandmother at breakfast, she felt there was something more to the story than he told. She’d like to know what he’d left out.

“Stop,” she chided herself. Joel would only be here the balance of the week. The man’s presence had managed to scramble the brains of all members of the family, herself included. That should be a warning, flashing bright, telling her of danger. And yet, she found herself ignoring those caution lights.

If she thought about it, Joel’s attitude differed as much from Ross’s as night from day. Joel welcomed her boys, piercing the shield she’d built around her heart in a way she couldn’t stop. When news of Ross’s death had reached April, she’d grieved with his parents, but she’d felt guilty that she wasn’t devastated. She had two little boys to take care of. When she discovered she was pregnant again, she didn’t have any time to grieve—at least, that was what she told herself. Was that simply an excuse?

The phone rang. Instantly, April picked it up, since she didn’t want the ring to wake any of the kids. “Hello.”

“April, honey, how are you doing and how are the kids?”

“Hi, Mom. We’re all doing well. Are you and Dad going to be coming to spend Easter with us this year?” Her mother lived in Houston, the closest big city to the platform her father managed. The children were excited about seeing their grandparents.

“Uh, that’s what I’m calling about. Your father has a new assignment. They want him to manage one of the new drilling platforms off Brazil. He’s leaving tomorrow. I’m going to put the house here on the market by the end of the week, then look for a house for us in Rio de Janeiro.”

“How long is his assignment?”

“At least two years, maybe three. They think this area is a gold mine, which means we might be there longer. I’m going to have to learn to speak Portuguese.” She spoke Bahasa Indonesian and Dutch, which she’d learned while they were in Indonesia. And when they were in Ghana her mother had learned Dagbanli, but she couldn’t remember any of April’s friends’ names. She’d even forgotten April’s twelfth birthday because she’d been too busy managing a reception in honor of the president of Ghana given by the oil company.

April’s stomach sank. “So we won’t see you this Easter. Maybe Christmas?”

“I don’t know. Things are still hectic. I want to see those babies of yours, but this move just caught us off guard. Your dad was offered a very nice bonus to take this job.”

A familiar refrain that her father had accepted this new challenge didn’t shock her. His job always was number one. April had realized it the Christmas she was eight and her father couldn’t make it off the oil platform. He’d come home the week of New Year’s and explained that his working on Christmas meant he could buy her a nicer bicycle as a gift. What she wanted was her father sharing Christmas with his family.

“I know the kids will be disappointed not to see their grandparents. They are growing so quickly that you won’t recognize them.”

“I’m disappointed not to be able to see them, too, but this opportunity just showed up and we couldn’t turn it down.”

Nothing had changed with her parents. Living with her in-laws had taught her to expect more, but then she had to realize she was talking to her mom.

“You know, maybe you and the kids could come to Brazil and spend Christmas with us. It would be such a treat for them to be in the warm weather.”

Instead of enduring the cold wind and weather in the Panhandle. April heard her mother’s implication although no words were spoken.

“I don’t know, Mom. Who would take care of the animals and ranch while we were gone?”

The line remained quiet for several moments. Finally, her mother said, “Your dad and I have talked about it. Both your husband and his family are dead, and all you have are those precious children. We think you should consider selling the ranch and moving to the city. Without the burden of that place, you could have time for your children. Find a job you like or go back to school and get a degree. You can’t do all that ranch work by yourself.”

Her mother’s words felt like a knife in her heart. Sure, there were problems, but she wasn’t going to sell her children’s inheritance no matter what. Vernon had bragged how big the ranch had been in the early 1900s, when the Landerses had a big family and relatives who lived close by. But slowly, the family members had died or moved away. Vernon and Grace had only had one son instead of the seven that Vernon’s parents had had. The Circle L Ranch might not be the size it once was, but she wasn’t going to sell or desert it. It was part of her heart.

April knew her father wanted her to sell the ranch, but she’d thought she had her mother’s support. Apparently not. “Thanks for the input, Mom. I’ll think about it.”

“I know you love that place, but face reality. It’s a mighty big job and there’s only you.”

“I have help to plant this year.” The words were out before she thought.

“Oh?”

It was the truth even if Joel was only here for the week. “I know the kids will miss seeing you. You and Dad might want to call them before Dad leaves and explain your exciting news.”

“We’ll try.”

In other words, it won’t happen. “I pray things will go smoothly with the move, Mom.”

“We can talk with the kids over the computer and they can see our new house once we’re settled.”

April’s heart broke. “They’ll love it.”

“I know you’re disappointed, sweetheart. I’m sorry.”

The familiar refrain rang hollow. “I know.”

When she hung up, April’s mind raced over all the birthdays, holidays and graduations her father had missed. She didn’t want that for her children. She wanted her kids to have a connection with their home and good memories of growing up—memories like going to the rodeo every year and having a tall cowboy show them how to lasso a horse or a cow.

Determination filled her heart. She wouldn’t fail her babies. “Thank you, Lord, for sending help to plant my field, but I’m going to need a long-range plan and a way to make this happen.”

And did that long-range plan own cowboy boots?

Chapter Four

The following day, Joel finished planting the hay field well before 10:00 a.m. Next they tackled the chores around the barn. Finally, Joel roped Buckwheat and Sammie and tied them to the posts outside the barn.

“What are we doing, Mr. Joel?” Wes asked.

The screen door slammed and April and Cora appeared.

“If you’re going to own a horse, you’re going to need to learn to groom him. Had your opa shown you how to do that?”

“He did, but Todd might need to be shown again.”

Joel heard a choked laugh. He didn’t look at April because he knew he’d laugh, too.

“Then we’ll do that.”

With a couple of buckets of soapy water, a wooden step stool he found in the barn and Buckwheat and Sammie tied up, Joel gave a sponge to each boy.

“Is this just a boy party or can the girls help?”

The boys glanced at Joel.

“Of course. I know Cora’s going to need to learn this, too.” Joel motioned them forward. “Mom, you might want to keep Miss Cora toward the front of Sammie.”

They began to wash both horses, with Joel adding commentary on what to do. He held Cora up so she could run the sudsy sponge over Sammie’s back. “Let’s rinse off Sammie and Buckwheat.”

Wes picked up the hose and sprayed Buckwheat. When he handed the hose to his brother, Todd accidentally sprayed Joel in the face.

“Oh.” Todd’s face went white.

Everyone froze, unsure of Joel’s reaction. Even the horses stilled. Joel threw back his head and laughed. He snatched the hose and spritzed Todd. When April started to object, he aimed the water dead center at her chest. She looked down at the wet spot, lunged for the hose and got a face full of water. The water fight was on.

Twenty minutes later everyone was soaked. Joel turned off the hose. He hadn’t had a water fight since he was in the fifth grade.

Water fell off him in rivulets.

April looked at him, then snorted, drawing the boys’ attention.

Todd laughed first, followed by Wes, Cora, Joel and April.

The horses shook, sending more water flying, bringing another round of laughs.

April handed out towels, drying the kids before she wiped down Sammie. Joel took care of Buckwheat.

The laughter died when a truck drove up and Beth Moore opened the driver’s door. She observed the dripping kids and adults. “A water fight?”

“We wash horseys.” Cora pointed at Wes. “Brother sprayed Mr. Joel. Mr. Joel sprayed brother and Mama.” She giggled. “Me, too.”

The truck’s passenger door opened and a man in his early fifties slid out. His right arm was in a sling and he sported a goose egg on the right side of his forehead.

The children fell silent.

“How are you feeling today, Albert?” April walked to the truck.

“I’m doing fine, but Beth and I were worried how you’d get your fields planted.”

Joel saw April blush as drops of water continued to drip off her shirt.

“The boys hired Joel for this week. He’s with the rodeo, and he’s helping us plant the fields and taking care of some chores.”

Beth surveyed the group. “I see,” she said, but laughter colored her words.

“Joel gave the kids instructions on how to bathe their horses, but things got a little out of hand.” She shrugged. “And a little foolish.”

Al remained quiet, but his gaze missed nothing.

“Well, we were concerned and planned to call the church to get volunteers to come out and help you, but it looks like you have things under control,” Beth explained.

Water continued to drip off Joel, drawing the couple’s attention. Joel tried to keep his smile casual to cover his awkwardness. Nothing like standing in the middle of the yard dripping wet and laughing to make folks think you were nuts.

Beth leaned close and whispered to April. She drew back, her eyes wide.

“You be sure to call the church secretary and tell her what you’re bringing for Sunday’s lunch on the ground.” Beth opened the driver’s door and slipped in.

“I’ll do that.” April stepped toward Al. “How are you doing?”

“He’s milking this for all it’s worth,” Beth answered before Al opened his mouth, “that’s how he’s doing.” She started the truck. “C’mon, old man. You need your nap.”

April closed the passenger door for Al. “I wish that accident never happened. You be sure and let me know when you get the bill. I want to pay for it.”

Al rested his hand on April’s. “I know you will, but God sees needs and sends miracles.”

Frowning, April stepped back and watched the truck drive away.

She turned to Joel. “Let’s finish with the horses, then I think we all need a change of clothes.”

“Mr. Joel doesn’t have any dry clothes,” Wes pointed out.

“Not to worry. Once y’all are dried, the wind should’ve taken care of me. ’Sides, I won’t melt.”

The boys gave him a puzzled look. “Why would you melt?” Todd asked.

“Your mom can explain it later.”

After drying the horses, Joel walked them to the corral, while April took the children inside.

Leaning against the fence, Joel thought of the water fight. It did his soul good to laugh and play. He hadn’t been that foolish since he was a teen. But he knew it helped April and her children more than it did him or the horses. The expression on her face when she got smacked with the stream of water had been priceless. It had taken her several moments to understand he was playing, as if she couldn’t recall how to do it. But once she keyed in to the play, she’d embraced the fun. Too bad the older couple had showed up and robbed the situation of all its pleasure.

He felt a nuzzle by his right ear. He glanced over his shoulder, reached up and rubbed Sammie’s neck. “You looking for a treat? Not happy with just a bath but want a reward, too?”

The horse nodded.

“Well, I can’t go inside and drip all over April’s kitchen floor.”

The screen door slamming brought his attention to the house. Todd stood outside, his face grim.

“Your horse wants a carrot. Would you like to get him one?”

Todd nodded and disappeared into the kitchen only to reemerge moments later with a carrot. Walking to the fence, he handed Joel the treat.

“Don’t you want to give it to Sammie yourself?”

“No.” He walked to the side of the barn and sat on the ground, his back against the wooden siding. It looked as if the weight of the world sat on those small shoulders, which tugged at Joel’s heart. What had happened that changed Todd’s attitude from laughing and playful to down and troubled?

Joel searched his mind. The only thing he could think of was the Moores driving up. The boys had mentioned that their mother’s help had been hurt, but was there something else there?

Casually, Joel walked to where Todd sat. The boy didn’t look up or acknowledge him in any way. Settling by Todd, Joel leaned back against the barn, his knees raised. He rested his forearm on his knees, knowing he couldn’t push this youngster any more than he could’ve rushed Sadie and Helo a couple days ago.

In the corral before them, Joel watched the two horses. “I think Buckwheat and Sammie enjoyed their bath. I know the rest of us did. Didn’t you?”

Todd found the dirt by his small boot extremely interesting. “Yeah.”

So much for a light conversation. Apparently, Todd wasn’t going to make this easy. He needed to rope this problem from a different direction. “Is this your favorite place to think?”

Todd shrugged.

“When I was growing up, I had a place in our barn, in the hayloft. It was a good thinking place. I sometimes went there when I did something I knew would get me in trouble.

“One time, my mom had made a birthday cake for my grandmother. Chocolate with Gran’s special icing.” He paused and made an appreciative sound. “I tried to sneak a big finger full of icing off the cake, but instead I pushed the cake off the counter. It made such a terrible sound when it hit the floor and the plate shattered into a million pieces, with cake and icing exploding all over the kitchen.” It had been a spectacular mess.

Todd looked at him.

“I can’t tell you how scared I was. I ran out into the barn and hid. Of course, my sister ratted me out.”

“But you didn’t hurt your grandmother.” Todd’s voice quivered with emotion.

Joel’s heart ached. “True, but we had no cake that birthday.”

Todd hugged his knees and rested his head against his thighs.

“What happened, Todd?”

Tears rolled down the boy’s cheeks. “After you picked up Sadie and Helo, Mr. Moore came to work. He got the pitchfork down, but Mom called him up to the house. I wanted to help, so I got the fork and tried to put straw in Sammie’s stall. Wes walked into the barn and saw me. He said he’d tell on me for messing with the pitchfork. I got scared and put it against the stall wall and left the barn.” He shrugged. “I guess it fell down and that’s how Mr. Moore stepped on it. It was my fault.”

It was, but this little boy didn’t need that rebuke. “Do you see why you were told not to mess with the pitchfork?”

He nodded and with the back of his sleeve wiped the tears from his face.

“I understand that you never would’ve wanted Mr. Moore to get hurt.”

“I didn’t want that” came the wobbly reply.

“I didn’t mean to ruin my grandma’s cake, either. We have to fess up when we do wrong. Gran and Ma forgave me, but my sister wasn’t as nice and reminded me of it often.”

Todd glanced up at him. “Girls are like that.”

“True.” Joel heard a movement and glanced over his shoulder. April stood at the corner of the barn. Todd didn’t notice.

“I think you need to tell your mom what happened. You’ll feel better.”

Todd stared at his hands. “Really? We can’t just keep it a secret between us?”

“I think it’s best if you tell your mom.”

Taking a deep breath, Todd thought a moment. “’Kay.” He stood and waited for Joel to stand. “Let’s go.”

Todd marched to the house, much like a condemned man to the gallows.

Admiration filled Joel’s heart for this little cowboy.

* * *

April finished putting sandwiches on the table when Joel and Todd walked into the kitchen. When she’d gone out earlier to look for the boys, she’d overheard Joel and Todd talking. She’d quietly backed away and rushed inside the house. The last thing she heard was “Tell your mom.”

“Lunch is just sandwiches and cookies, but I’m told I make a mean sandwich.”

“I’d like that.” Joel nodded toward Todd.

Thanks, she mouthed.

After the blessing, the kids dug into their lunch. Todd reached for his sandwich but rested his hands by his plate.

“Todd, aren’t you hungry?”

He shook his head.

April leaned close and whispered, “Do you need to talk to me?”

He nodded.

“Joel, would you watch things for a few minutes?”

“Sure.”

Todd slipped from his chair and headed toward the office.

April followed.

“What’s happening?” Wes asked.

April didn’t hear Joel’s explanation, but followed her son into the office.

“I got to tell you something,” Todd began.

April closed the door and sat in her chair. “What do you need to tell me?”

Todd’s lips quivered. “It’s my fault that Mr. Moore got hurt.”

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