Lone Star Joy Read online

  Lone Star Joy

  Lasso Springs Book Two

  Kathleen Ball

  Copyright © 2018 by Kathleen Ball

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  I dedicate Lone Star Joy to my wonderful in-laws, Jinny and Charlie Ball, for all of their support through the years.

  I also dedicate Lone Star Joy to my friend Jeannie Steven for always being there for me.

  And of course I dedicate Lone Star Joy to my loves -- Bruce, Steven, Colt and Clara -- because I love them.

  Contents

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  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Epilogue

  The End

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  Stetson’s Storm

  About the Author

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  Chapter One

  Joy Courtland glanced down at the address on the ragged piece of paper she held in her shaking hand and compared it to the number on the house, confirming she'd found the right place. She had expected someone to meet her at the bus station. In fact, her parole officer had insisted on it. Luckily she had found a ride.

  Standing in front of the heavy wooden door, the century-old log house loomed large. The two-story farmhouse with its black shutters and wraparound porch looked enormous and intimidating. Joy hoped that she could just do her work release program and be left alone. She wasn't there to make friends; she was there to be free. The idea of freedom made her almost smile.

  Before Joy had a chance to knock, the door swung open. A tall, frazzled man with jet-black hair and dark eyes stood holding a crying baby. Before she could even open her mouth, the man shoved the baby into her arms and yelled something about being back in a few.

  Joy looked down at the howling little baby in her arms and frowned. Figuring that Mr. Walker must have an emergency to attend to, she walked into the kitchen, found a bottle, and warmed it. She sat in the comfortable rocking chair in the family room and fed the little one.

  Blissful silence filled the house. "You sure have big lungs. Inherited them from your daddy did you?"

  Joy wanted to smile, but it wasn’t something she readily did. The baby finished its bottle and then Joy patted the baby’s back until it burped.

  "Let's go get you changed and then I'll know which it you are." She stood up and carried the baby upstairs. Finding the baby's room was easy enough. The blue walls were a bit faded, but the cowboy border along the top of the wall looked new. Perhaps a boy, but she would have liked cowboys in her room when she was young. The crib and matching changing table looked new. "Well what do you know, a little boy," she exclaimed, as she changed his diaper. Joy tried to lay him in his crib, but he just howled at her, so she held him and went back downstairs to the rocking chair.

  There was a phone next to the chair. Her first priority was to call George, her parole officer. He'd gone out of his way to get this work release for her and she wasn't going to pay him back by breaking the rules.

  "Hello?"

  "George, it's me, Joy. I'm at the Walker spread and calling as instructed." Her voice quavered. It had been a long time since she'd used a phone.

  "Good, glad to hear it. Put Mr. Walker on the phone."

  "He's not here. He handed me a baby and ran out the door."

  George laughed. "Well I know you're at the right place. You all right with the baby?"

  "I used to babysit once in a while before -- well before."

  "It's fine, Joy. Look forward, not back. Just have Mr. Walker call me when he gets back."

  "I will, and, George? Thank you."

  She leaned back in the rocking chair and relaxed more than she had in eight years. Finally, her eyes closed.

  Stamos stood over his new housekeeper and frowned. She looked a bit young to him. Hell, if she could get Dillon to sleep every night it would be worth it. He touched her shoulder. The panic in her big hazel eyes surprised him. "It's just me," he assured her.

  Joy blinked twice and looked around the room. "What?"

  "You must have fallen asleep."

  "Oh. Well I want you to know that I never fall asleep in the saddle."

  "Honey, as long as you can keep us happy you won't have to worry about the saddle." He knew instantly that he must have said the wrong thing. Her pale face turned bright red.

  "George never said. I don't do that. I..." She bit her bottom lip.

  "Whoa. What's this about George?"

  "He said you were on the up and up with your work release program. He never mentioned me making anyone happy."

  "I think we're talking about two different things. Here give me Dillon." Stamos leaned down and took the sleeping baby from her. "Now let's start from the beginning. I'm Stamos Walker and you are?"

  Her whole body tensed. "I'm Joy Courtland the horse wrangler. I'm in the prison work release program."

  Stamos softly swore. "George sent you here? You're not the new housekeeper?"

  Joy shook her head. "Is there a problem?"

  "I don't hire women to work on my ranch. George knows it too."

  "If you would just give me a chance." Her bright blue eyes were too big for her thin face. In fact, all of her looked down right thin, except for the glorious chestnut braid that hung down her back. It looked as thick as his wrist.

  "Listen, can you hold Dillon while I make a phone call?"

  Joy stretched out her arms and took the baby, cuddling him to her. Stamos gave her a curt nod and walked to the phone across the room.

  "Well, Dillon, I guess it's back to the women's penitentiary." She looked down at Dillon and sighed. "You sure are a cute one, but I guess it makes no never mind to me." Her braid hung over her shoulder and Dillon grabbed it. "Ouch. You little dickens. Give me my hair back." Dillon held on tighter with both hands this time.

  "Well if you don't beat all. You are a handful. Full of piss and vinegar I'd say. Cute as a doodle bug, but a handful." She smiled, as she tried to pry his hands from her hair.

  Stamos watched, trying not to laugh. Dillon had pulled his hair a time or two and he knew how much it hurt. This little gal acted like it was all a game. She was good with his son.

  He picked up a plastic horse that was Dillon's favorite and tried to entice him with it. "Dill, come on now, let go of the sweet lady's hair."

  "Dillon," Joy cajoled, "come play horsey with your daddy." She stared at Stamos. “Maybe if you made horse sounds."

  Stamos thought she was a bit daft, but he tried it. Dillon immediately let go of Joy's hair, which she put behind her, and reached for the horse. "I'll be damned. It worked," he said.

  "I talked to George." He watched her face close and her body tense. "It doesn't make sense. I run a work release program for nonviolent offenders, male non-violent offenders. You don't qualify for either. I don't know what to do with you. I feel bad, but you'll have to go back in the morning. Will I have
to worry about you running off?”

  Joy just shook her head. "Just show me where to lay my head for the night and I'll be gone tomorrow. I don't want any trouble, Mr. Walker."

  "Stamos."

  "Stamos?"

  "My name. Call me Stamos. I am sorry."

  "I understand. I'm grateful for the few hours that I had outside the prison. Can I ask you a question?"

  "Sure."

  "Where is Dillon's mama?" Joy's face grew red. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have asked."

  "She stopped by a couple months ago, handed me Dillon and told me he was my son. I haven't seen her since. In fact, I heard she left town." Stamos shook his head. "Dillon's mother is a waitress I dated, named Stacey. She never even told me she was pregnant. However, I got the best of both worlds. I have a son and I don't have to put up with an unwanted wife.”

  "Do you mind if I go out to the barn and look at the horses? I haven't seen one in years."

  "Go right ahead. It'll give me time to figure out where to put you."

  She walked into the cool night. The chilled air felt liberating. Joy wished she could free her heart and her bitterness as easily. The Texas night sky surrounded her. It appeared as though she could reach up and pluck a star. It wouldn't bring her luck, nothing ever did.

  The barn was something to behold. She'd rather be in a barn any day. The smell of fresh and the not so fresh hay brought back good memories. It startled her since she didn't think she had any good memories.

  She poked her head into each stall and she greeted each horse. Stamos sure did know his horses, these were beauties. Wistfully she patted the paint on the neck. "So handsome, yes you are."

  She heard something behind her. She stopped and listened, ready to fight. Whirling around she meant to get in the first blow. Just as her fist shot out, it was caught by Stamos' massive hand.

  "Take it easy. No one will hurt you here."

  Quick as lightning she disengaged from him. She wasn't used to anyone touching her. Joy was about to answer him when a downed horse caught her eye.

  She ignored Stamos, let herself into the red roan's stall, and knelt next to him.

  Stamos rushed in after her. "Get out of the way, I need to get him on his feet."

  Shrugging, Joy scurried to one corner and watched Stamos try to get the horse on its feet. "Let me."

  Stamos cursed a blue streak. "Just help me. If I can't get him up, he'll die."

  "I know." Joy knelt next to the horse again. This time she laid her head on its neck, talking soothingly as she stroked him.

  "What the hell?"

  "Shhh." She laid her head on the horse's head. "Leave the stall, please."

  "Listen lady, I don't know what you think you're doing--"

  "You'll find out, just give me a minute."

  Stamos left the stall.

  Joy could feel his hard angry eyes on her. The horse had colic and if she couldn't get him on his feet in the next few minutes, it would be too late.

  Standing in front of the red roan, Joy coaxed it to stand. "Hand me the halter."

  Stamos stared at her. "I'll be damned."

  "The halter?"

  Stamos handed it to her and watched as she talked to the horse.

  "Stamos, open the door. The horse and I have some walking to do."

  "Franklin."

  "What?" she asked, leading the horse out of the barn.

  "The horse's name is Franklin."

  "Frankie, let's go."

  "No not Frankie, Franklin."

  Joy paused and looked at Stamos. He looked serious and he looked worried. "He'll be fine, but he'll need hours of walking to work the kinks out of him."

  "I'll go call the vet." Stamos turned toward his house.

  Joy didn't answer him. "Frankie, we'll just take it nice and slow. No reason for either of us to wear out our shoes."

  Stamos finally reached Doc Parker. Doc wouldn't be able to get out to the ranch until the morning at the earliest. He was tending a pregnant mare. He did tell Stamos that he was doing everything right by keeping Franklin on his feet.

  Stamos looked in on Dillon. He hated to leave him for even a minute. Grabbing the baby monitor, he headed out to find Joy. What a surprise she turned out to be. He had to admire her way with horses. If not for her, Franklin would still be down in his stall. Too bad he had to send her back. Murder was a deal breaker in his book and he couldn't have her around his son.

  He stepped out into the chill of the night and scanned the area until he spotted Joy. The moonlight shone on her hair making her look angelic. He knew better and he wished he didn't know. Women were not angels.

  There was something about her. She had a gentle soothing way with both horses and children. Her reflex action in the barn was natural. Most convicts had that reaction and he knew better than to sneak up on them. George's recommendation of her confused him. The parole officer knew better than to send a violent prisoner to him.

  He'd wait until she walked his way, he didn't want to be away from the house. Damn, why hadn't the nanny shown? As much as he loved his son, it'd been hard trying to raise him alone.

  Joy didn't have much of a figure. She looked similar to a beanpole, no curves in sight. Stamos wished he could help her, but he couldn't. It didn't stop him from watching her walk Franklin all around the area. He could see her talking to his roan and it made him smile. She'd been good with Dillon. Nope, he wasn't going to go there, he decided.

  She walked closer and Stamos was once again reminded just how young she looked. He knew that she'd been in the State Pen for eight years. That should make her twenty-six at the youngest. She sure didn't look it.

  "Want me to walk him for a while?" he offered.

  Joy shook her head. "Franklin and I are just fine. The opportunity to be outside at night is a treat for me."

  "Why don't you walk him in a circle on the corral?"

  "Franklin would get too bored going around in circles."

  Stamos looked at her earnest face and it struck him that she thought it was true.

  "Well lookie here. It looks like I found me a genuine woman."

  Joy woke startled. A big ox of a man loomed over her. She must have fallen asleep outside of Franklin's stall.

  Her plan to talk her way out of the situation derailed when the big ox grabbed her arm and hauled her to her feet. "Wait."

  The smile on the man's face looked sickening. She'd seen that look on the guards' faces. Kicking him in the shins, Joy tried to dart around him to no avail.

  He pushed his huge body against hers and she tried to scream. Nothing came out of her mouth.

  "It's all right, Benji. Let her go," Stamos said.

  Joy couldn't see him around the big man, but Stamos' presence reassured her.

  She could breathe again, the big ox Benji had taken a step back. This mountain of a man was named Benji? Wasn't that a name of a cute dog?

  "Aw, Boss. I was just getting to know the little gal. Besides, she asked me to kiss her."

  "Listen, Benji, this is Joy. She is not to be touched by you again."

  Benji looked like a sad little boy. "Okay, Stamos. I'll be good." He turned toward Joy. "I'm sorry, Joy. Do you want me to kiss you?"

  "Benji. What did I just say?"

  "No kissin," he answered, morosely. "Stamos, is it alright if I feed the horses now?"

  "Sure, buddy, all but Franklin. His tummy hurts."

  Benji gave Stamos a solemn nod. "Sorry, Miss Joy."

  Realizing that there was something off with Benji, she simply nodded.

  "How's Franklin this morning?" Stamos asked, looking better than any man had a right to. Joy had to be careful. She might find herself tempted to fall into the chocolate pools of his eyes.

  "I fell asleep, but he's on his feet."

  "How long did you walk him? I meant to come out to check on you, but Dillon kept fussing and hell, I fell asleep too."

  "We walked until dawn. You have a great roan. Franklin has fine lines, and his muscle
structure is outstanding. A cow horse, right?"

  Stamos smiled at her. "He's the one I ride."

  "What time is George picking me up?"

  "Haven't heard from him yet. He has my cell number. Why don't you come to the house and get something to eat. I don't want you around the other men until I introduce you. I don't want you mistaken for a feast again."

  "Don't tell me, Benji is a gentle giant."

  "Usually. He must have been taken with you though."

  "Is that an insult? You make it seem a near impossibility."

  Stamos laughed. "No, there's nothing wrong with you."

  She swallowed hard, compliments, or near compliments were a never thing for her. In fact, having a conversation was a new concept. It'd been a long eight years and misery washed over her. When Stamos' cell phone rang, she'd be going back.

  She was strong. She could get through anything. She only had three more years to serve. Her heart wanted to break, but she wouldn't allow such feelings. They were too destructive. There was no place in her life for hurt feelings.

  Chapter Two

  Joy stepped into the warm bath. The water caressed her body. She wanted to enjoy it, but the niggling in the back of her head wouldn't permit it. She'd allowed herself a slight glimmer of hope coming to this ranch and now... Life's disappointments had a way of finding her.

  Getting out, she quickly dried herself and then wrapped her breasts. Large breasts were attention getters in prison. Only a few female guards knew her secret.

  She never wore makeup and she never smiled. Joy kept her mouth shut, her eyes open, and tried to be as invisible as possible. Being a plain Jane worked in her favor at times. At other times there was nothing that could be done. If someone wanted you dead, they tried their unyielding best to get the job done. The numerous scars on her body proved it.