A reason to stay, p.18
A Reason to Stay, page 18
“Judging by the look on Francie’s daughter’s face, I’m pretty sure she wasn’t aware of the relationship between Francie and Bill.” Perhaps if she’d come home more often—Wait, what was he thinking? Not with Ky looking at the woman as though she was the key to her barrel-racing success.
His main phone—as opposed to the one that was strictly for Ky and his folks—rang, and he pulled it from the clip on his belt to see Patty Hrcek’s name on the screen. “Speaking of Mrs. Patty…” He placed the phone to his ear. “What’s up?”
“Bad news, I’m afraid.”
Anxiety tightened his gut as he moved to the edge of the porch. “How so?”
“My husband accepted a job at a ranch in Midland. We’re moving in ten days.”
“That’s awful quick.” Despite the calm in his voice, his mind was reeling. How was he going to find another coach for Ky this late in the game?
“They want him to start in two weeks. We figure we’ll need a few extra days to get there, get our house set up and whatnot.”
“Sounds like you’ve got a busy week ahead of you.” With no time to spare for his daughter.
“I’m afraid so. But I still wanna squeeze in one last lesson with Kyleigh so we can say our goodbyes.”
“If you have time, that’d be great.” He eyed Francie’s rosebushes, bursting with buds. “But I don’t want you stressing over it.” He’d be doing enough of that for the both of them.
“I appreciate that, Justin. I’ll touch base with you in a day or two.”
Ky was beside him when he ended the call. “What’s wrong?”
“Mrs. Patty is moving to west Texas.” He returned the phone to its clip.
Worry marred his daughter’s usually carefree expression. “But who’ll coach me?”
“She’s going to give you one more lesson.”
“That’s not enough. The rodeo is still two and a half months away. I’m not even close to being ready to compete, Dad.” Panic had her voice climbing an octave with each sentence.
“Calm down.” He rested his hands on her shoulders. “We’ll figure out something. We always do.”
She heaved a sigh. “Mrs. Francie says God has a plan and a purpose for everything. That our job is to trust. So I’m gonna trust that God has another coach for me.”
He looked at his daughter, wondering how her mother’s death could possibly have been a part of God’s plan. At least Ky had enough faith for the both of them, because Justin’s faith died right along with Barbie.
After a long moment, Ky lifted her gaze to his. “Maybe Gloriana could help me.”
His entire being recoiled. “While I know you would like that, I suspect she’ll be gone even before Patty.”
Her countenance fell, tearing at his heart.
“This is only your first year, Ky. You still have three more years of high school.”
“Yeah, but there may not be another rodeo after this year.”
He couldn’t argue with her there. If this year’s attendance was as disappointing as the last two, there likely wouldn’t be any more rodeos in Hope Crossing. Meaning he’d better come up with one doozy of an advertising campaign to lure people in. But given that he knew far more about cattle than computers, he wasn’t too optimistic—meaning his daughter’s dreams were about to go up in smoke. Still, he’d do whatever it took to make sure that didn’t happen, because there was no way he’d disappoint his daughter.
*
Gloriana might not be the same girl who’d hightailed it out of Hope Crossing and dreaded the thought of ever coming back, but there were a whole lot of people she had to prove that to. Including her mother.
With everyone gone, she joined Mom at the table. “Why didn’t you tell me about the cancer? How come I had to hear it from Tori?”
“I didn’t want to bother you. After all, you have an important job that keeps you terribly busy.”
Shame had Gloriana hanging her head. That’s exactly what she’d wanted people to believe. When she’d left Hope Crossing sixteen years ago, she’d vowed to make a name for herself, no matter the cost, and that drive had, indeed, taken her places. Only now was she realizing how high a price she’d paid, sacrificing relationships with her family and having no real friends except for Tori. And why she’d stuck by Gloriana all these years remained a mystery.
“Nothing is more important than you, Mom.” Too bad it had taken Gloriana so long to figure that out. “That’s why I’m here. It’s time for me to care for you the way you always cared for me.” She saw the skepticism in her mother’s eyes, and rightfully so. The old Gloriana had a habit of making empty promises.
“I appreciate that, dear. I really do.” Mom whisked a strand of her bottle-blond hair behind her ear. “But before you go makin’ plans, there’s something you need to know. About Bill.”
Gloriana felt her cheeks heat. “I get it. You’re both widowed and still relatively young. I don’t blame you for wanting to go out and have some fun.”
“Gloriana—” her mother’s dark gaze bored into her “—Bill isn’t just a friend.”
Her chest squeezed. “Okay, boyfriend?”
“More than that.” Mom clasped her hands atop her denim-covered lap. “He’s asked me to marry him.”
Gloriana felt her heart drop into her stomach. Not because her mother had moved on without Daddy, but because Gloriana had created such a chasm between them that Mom wasn’t comfortable sharing the details of her life with her. “Wh-what did you tell him?”
“I told him I needed to think on it.”
“That’s good.” Gloriana wished she’d have put more thought into her decision before running off to Vegas with Cody Donham after their freshman year of college.
“No, it’s selfish. I love the man, but I’m afraid to commit to something I might not be able to see through.”
Gloriana’s anxiety inched higher. “What do you mean?”
Holding up a reassuring hand, her mother continued. “The doctors think the cancer is contained and that a hysterectomy will be all that’s needed. But if it turns out they’re wrong, well, I don’t want to be a burden to Bill. Not after all he went through with Angie. She died of breast cancer, you know. Years of treatments and surgeries.” Mom shook her head.
Gloriana hadn’t known, but that didn’t keep her from pretending she did. “Still, if he loves you…” She cleared the lump in her throat. “Whatever you decide, I want you to know that I’m here for the long haul. No matter how long that may be.”
“What about your job?” Confusion marred her mother’s beautiful face. Even in her midsixties, the woman still had flawless skin.
Gloriana shook her head. “It doesn’t matter.” Hoping her mother wouldn’t press her, she pushed away from the table. “Those cookies smell delicious.” She crossed to the granite-topped island and retrieved two from the cooling rack. “Chocolate crinkles. Yum.” Returning, she handed one to her mother before reclaiming her seat.
Mom ignored the cookie and continued to watch her with a wary eye. “You worked hard for that job. It means everything to you, Gloriana.” One brow hiked up. “Did you get fired?”
Naturally, Mom would assume that was the only reason Gloriana would come back indefinitely. Sadly, a few months ago, she would have been right.
“No. I requested an emergency leave of absence. When they turned me down, I quit.”
“Gloriana!”
Retrieving a napkin from the holder in the center of the table, Gloriana set her cookie down and dusted the powdered sugar from her fingers. “Don’t worry, there are plenty of up-and-coming newscasters ready to jump at the chance to host Nashville’s top-rated morning show.”
“Oh, Gloriana.” Her mother crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, scowling. “What would make you do such a thing?”
“Mom, I need to share something with you.”
“A new job?” Hope had her mother inching forward again.
“No.” Gloriana paused to gather her thoughts. “A few months ago, I gave my heart and my life to Jesus. He’s changed my perspective on a lot of things. And while I’m far from perfect, I’m trying very hard to be the kind of woman He’s called me to be. A woman who puts others before herself.”
Mom simply blinked. “I’d like to believe that, Glory. I really would.”
“I understand your hesitance. I’ve always been a master manipulator.” A skill she’d honed after realizing her good looks allowed her to get away with a lot of things other people couldn’t.
“Well—” Mom lifted a shoulder “—I guess that’s a start right there.”
Gloriana reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I’ve broken a lot of promises over the years, said things just because I knew they were what you wanted to hear without any respect for your feelings. I’m sorry.”
Mom nodded. And though Gloriana knew the disappointment stealing its way through her wasn’t justified, that her pastor had warned her trust wouldn’t be easy for those she’d hurt, it was there, nonetheless.
Forgive me, Lord.
Releasing her mother, she looked her in the eye, almost fearful of how the woman might respond to the question she was about to pose. “Are you all right with me staying here? Or would you prefer…”
“Oh, honey, I’m going to need all the help I can get. What with the garden and the chickens, not to mention the house—”
“And you.”
Her mother’s shoulders slumped. “Yes, I suppose there will be that, too.”
“You don’t like asking for help any more than I do. Which is precisely why I’m here. So I can see to your needs, whatever they may be.”
“I appreciate that, Gloriana.” But I’ll believe it when I see it seemed to be the unspoken words behind Mom’s statement. “Now, you’d best tell Bill, Justin and Kyleigh to come back in here. They’re probably worrying themselves sick.”
“A lot of people care about you, Mom.” Gloriana stood and pushed in her chair, trying to ignore the regret that threatened to strangle her. “I’ll be right back.” She moved through the family room, noting her old rodeo memorabilia lining the bookshelves, thankful Mom was at least comfortable with her staying at the house. While Tori would have welcomed her, being here would give her mother an opportunity to see just how much Gloriana had changed.
At least she hoped so.
When she opened the front door, three sets of eyes jerked to hers. “Y’all are free to come on in.”
Bill wasted no time whisking past her. Obviously a man on a mission. How wonderful it must be to have someone love you that deeply.
Stepping onto the porch, she looked at the ranch manager and his daughter still lingering near the rocking chairs. “Justin, right?”
“Yes. And Kyleigh.” He motioned to the girl.
Gloriana couldn’t help smiling. “That one I remember.” Her gaze darted between the two. “I owe you an apology for my behavior earlier. Concern for my mother had me a little rattled. However, I appreciate your desire to protect her.”
His gaze narrowed. “Francie’s done a lot for Ky and me. There’s not much I wouldn’t do for her.” For a moment, she wondered why he hadn’t included his wife, then she remembered her mother saying he was a widower.
Shifting her focus to his daughter, she said, “By the way, the cookies were delicious. Nice and soft, just the way I like them.”
The girl smiled. “Me, too. Your mom told me to always set the timer for the shortest amount of time to make sure they don’t get crunchy.”
“That’s the secret to a soft cookie.” Not that Gloriana ever baked anymore. Perhaps she could brush up on her skills while she was here.
“I’m a barrel racer, by the way.” Kyleigh’s excitement seemed tempered with a hint of trepidation. “Just like you were.”
“Really?” Gloriana’s riding days had been some of the best of her life, thanks to Clay Gibbons. The retired rodeo champ had believed in her like no one before or since. He’d pushed her, making her work hard, teaching her to trust her instincts and believe in herself. Things that had served her well as she moved into the broadcasting world. “Are you planning to compete in the rodeo?”
“Mmm-hmm.” Kyleigh nodded eagerly. “This’ll be my first one.”
“Now, Ky, don’t go bothering Ms. Prescott. She’s a busy lady.” The challenge in Justin’s blue-green eyes told Gloriana he’d heard enough about her past to have already drawn his own conclusions about her.
“Oh, don’t be silly. I love talking rodeo.” Waving him off, she gave his daughter her full attention. “You know, a couple of years ago I had the privilege of interviewing some of the top barrel racers in the country at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.”
The girl’s face lit up. “That must’ve been so cool.”
“It was very cool.” Looking back, Gloriana wished she’d considered going into the pro rodeo world. She’d had the talent, but her sights were set on college and television. After all, what better way to prove you’d made it than to have people invite you into their homes on a daily basis? “You know, a lot of those young ladies started out in local rodeos just like you and me. Matter of fact, Mandy Brinkman grew up in the next county.”
Kyleigh’s dark eyes went wide. “She’s awesome! Do you know her?”
“We keep in touch. I’d always invite her to be on my show whenever she was in Nashville.”
The girl looked at her father. “Dad, if we could get Mandy Brinkman to come to Hope Crossing’s rodeo, people would come from all over. It would be so successful that they’d have to have the rodeo next year.”
Gloriana struggled to grasp what the girl was saying. “Why wouldn’t they have the rodeo next year?”
Hands on his hips, the cowboy cast his daughter a slightly annoyed look. “Ky—”
Undeterred, she continued. “They say there’s no interest. That people aren’t coming like they used to. But my dad’s in charge of advertising this year, so I’m sure it’ll be much better.”
“Your dad is into advertising, is he?” Gloriana shifted a doubtful gaze toward the seemingly chagrined cowboy. “And just what do you have planned to draw in the crowds?”
Brow puckering, he glared at her. “Ky, why don’t you go inside and start cleaning the kitchen for Mrs. Francie? I’ll be in shortly.”
The girl hesitated, looking from her father to Gloriana and back.
“Now, Ky.”
Hanging her head, his daughter shuffled to the door and closed it behind her.
Meanwhile, Justin glared at Gloriana. “With all due respect, I don’t need you coming in here and filling my daughter’s head with all sorts of fanciful notions.”
“Respect? Oh, please. You think you know me because of the countless stories you’ve, no doubt, heard. And while I’m sure you’ve probably lived a virtuous life, what I’m more interested in right now is the rodeo. Clay Gibbons poured his life into building that event, giving kids in rural communities a chance to test their skills. He’s why there’s a Lone Star Junior Rodeo Association that sponsors similar events all across the state. So why would they shut down the granddaddy of them all?”
He shrugged. “People aren’t coming.”
“That doesn’t make any sense. The barbecue cook-off alone brings in crowds because the Hope Crossing Fair and Rodeo is a part of their big annual circuit. People come from across the state.”
“I’m not aware of any cook-off and know nothing about Clay Gibbons’s involvement with the rodeo. What I do know is that if we don’t have a big turnout this year, the rodeo association is going to pull Hope Crossing from the circuit. And without their sponsorship, the event will be a thing of the past.”
“Then I certainly hope you have an extensive promotional campaign in the works, otherwise I might be forced to step in and help you.”
His face contorted. “What makes you think I’d let you do that?”
Taking a step closer, she said, “Because, like Clay, I know how to generate interest that will capture people’s attention and draw them in.”
He shifted from one booted foot to the next, glaring at her. “Well, maybe if you’d come back to Hope Crossing more often, you’d’ve known about the rodeo’s decline. But you didn’t care enough about your mama or the rodeo to do that. So, no, thank you.”
A sharp retort was ready to fly off the tip of Gloriana’s tongue but something—make that Someone—held her back. Just as well, she supposed. If she hoped to save the rodeo, she was going to have to prove herself to Justin. And that held about as much appeal as walking barefoot through a briar patch.
Copyright © 2022 by Melinda Obenhaus
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ISBN-13: 9780369725103
A Reason to Stay
Copyright © 2022 by Debra Kastner
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