Tina Radcliffe - Christmas With The Cowboy

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Zach’s assessing gaze took in the Big Heart Ranch bunkhouse that would be his home for the next eight weeks. Though Spartan, the place had everything he needed. Small kitchenette and a little living room, complete with a love seat and recliner facing a television. Grabbing his duffel from the floor, he tossed it and his security badge from human resources onto one of the four empty beds.

Easing down onto the mattress, he closed his eyes a moment.

He was in pain.

Emma was right, and it totally grated.

His knee ached after a long day and he wasn’t sure which hurt most, the smooth dismount while roping the mechanical bull or the multiple awkward exits from the saddle while working in the pasture. There was definitely a learning curve to remembering to guard the knee. Should have worn his brace.

Except, he hated the brace. Sure, it was worn under his jeans but he felt like everyone knew it was there.

He also refused to take the narcotics or the muscle relaxers that the physician ordered. Instead, Zach grabbed the familiar tube of prescription analgesic cream from his bag.

With a dab of cream in his hand, Zach rolled up the pant leg of his sweats and massaged the scars with vengeance. Six months ago, after the last unsuccessful surgery, he had come face-to-face with his future. Like the ranch kids, he was exploring his new normal.

In his last covert reconnaissance operation, Zach not only lost his best friend, Ian Clark, but his career and life as he’d known it for twelve years had been buried.

No matter how many surgeries he endured, he would never be 100 percent fit for duty again. The military docs were big on reminding him that he was fortunate to be alive, much less walk.

Lately, he was feeling far from grateful. What would he say to Ian’s family when he visited them?

Sorry I made it and Ian didn’t?

No, that wasn’t going to cut it for parents with only one child, a child who was not coming home.

Zach hung his head.

He’d postponed meeting with the Clarks multiple times, waiting until he could figure that out. In the meantime, life as he knew it was over. A washed-up navy SEAL. Who was Zach Norman outside of the uniform? He didn’t know, but he was about to find out.

As if on cue, the bunkhouse door flew open and Dutch Stevens, the wrangler Zach met earlier in the day, strode into the room, his scuffed boots beating a rhythm on the oak floorboards. The wizened cowboy tipped back his well-worn Western hat and pointedly stared at Zach’s knee.

“That’s quite a few scars you got there.”

“A road map to the unknown after three surgeries.”

“Ouch.” Dutch grimaced.

“It looks worse than it is.”

“Not from where I stand, so I guess I’ll have to take your word for that.” Dutch shook his head. “Did you meet Tripp Walker, the equine manager?”

“Yeah. Talkative guy.”

Dutch chuckled. “Tripp believes that if more people would think before they spoke, they’d open their mouth a whole lot less.”

“He’s on to something.”

“Not sure I agree with him. But that’s our Tripp.” He rubbed his chin and kept talking. “Anyhow, he’s got weights and a bench set up for the staff in the back of the equipment barn near Travis’s office. Use them anytime you like.”

“Thanks, Dutch.”

“You looked pretty good out there roping with Travis. Like maybe you’ve done that before.”

“A time or two,” Zach admitted. “Did a little bulldogging in my time, as well as heading and heeling.”

“You don’t say?” The words held a tinge of awed respect. “A real cowboy then. I suspected as much.”

“My father used to run a ranch outside of Pawhuska. That’s how I met the Maxwell kids. When they were pulled out of foster care by a relative, they lived right next door.”

Dutch gave a slow nod. “Sure. That’s right. Jay Norman. Retired a few years ago. Steve was your brother?”

“Half brother.”

“Sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks.”

“I was out of town during the funeral. I guess I missed meeting you then.”

Zach nodded. He’d been in and out on the day of the funeral. Arrived on the red-eye and left before sunset.

“Shame for Emma and those babies. She and Steve weren’t married very long, either.”

“No, I guess not.”

“I know she’s glad to have Steve’s family here.”

“Maybe so,” Zach murmured.

“You’re gonna need linens if you’re staying.” Dutch walked over to a closet and pulled open the door. “They’re in here.”

“Thanks, but who said I’m staying?” Zach asked.

“Aw, don’t worry. Travis said to zip my lips. I can do that on occasion.”

“I appreciate it. So where do you bunk?” Zach asked.

“Over yonder.” He raised a thumb. “Couple of bunkhouses to the right. This here is the guest bunkhouse.”

“I’m the only guest?”

“For the moment.” Dutch gave a nod, obviously still thinking and sizing up Zach.

“So you grew up with the Maxwells?” Dutch continued.

“I did.” Zach smiled as he recalled the first time he saw Emma. Five years old, with long dark braids, a big grin, full of sass and already riding. He hadn’t thought about that in a long time.

“Must have been pretty young, huh?” Dutch said.

“Too young. No one should have to deal with the death of their parents and then have their foundation ripped out from under them like they did.”

“Yet, that’s exactly what our kids here on Big Heart Ranch deal with. All of them.”

Zach paused. “I hadn’t thought of it like that.”

“Sure enough. That’s what has made Lucy, Travis and Emma so determined to turn around the burden of their past. They took the land their mother’s cousin left them in Timber and started this ranch. A new beginning.” He shook his head. “Those three bring good to everything they touch.”

“I believe that.” Zach put the cover back on the jar and tightened the lid. “How long have you been on Big Heart Ranch, Dutch?”

“Oh, a while and a half, for sure.”

“That long, huh?”

Hand on the doorknob, Dutch hesitated before he headed out. “You know, I was just like you, once upon a time. Came for a visit and ended up staying.”

Zach blinked at the bold statement. “I’m not staying. This is only temporary.”

“Oh?” The old cowboy stared him down. “Just sticking around until you finish mending?”

“My knee, you mean?”

He shook his head and offered a sly smile. “Don’t take offense, but I got a feeling the good Lord put you in the path of Big Heart Ranch for a reason and it’s got nothing to do with your knee.” Dutch tapped his own chest and placed a hand over his heart as his gaze met Zach’s.

Zach narrowed his eyes. “Though that isn’t my plan, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility.”

A grin lit up Dutch’s face, and he offered a nod of respect. “I expected an argument.”

“Not from me. I’ve learned to never say never . Life has tossed me into too many situations where my next move was completely a walk of faith.”

“Wise man,” Dutch murmured.

“I don’t know about that. Not so much wisdom as it is lots of experience making mistakes.” He rolled down the leg of his sweatpants. “Where’s that meeting I’m supposed to go to tonight?”

“Meeting? It’s a party. One of the biggest of the year.”

“Okay, where’s this mandatory fun I’m required to attend?”

“Downtown Timber. Oklahoma Rose restaurant. Across from the Timber General Store. There’s a parking lot behind the restaurant. Might make it easier on your leg.”

“Thanks.”

The door closed softly and Zach pulled out a bandanna to wipe his hands while thinking about his conversation with the wrangler.