Luke's Fate Page 15

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  Callie’s Heart

  Lasso Springs Book One

  Callie’s Heart

  Callie Daniels was home.

  Her heart fluttered as she stepped on the porch of the achingly familiar ranch house. Each lonely night as she finished college, she'd longed for this ranch, the sounds, the smells, and the feel of the earth under her feet. Yet her longing didn't stop there. She longed for the man inside the house. The man she'd fallen in love with as a tiny girl, shadowing his every move. She'd finally come home to him.

  Now her real life could begin. Inhaling, she smelled the sweet Texas grass as excitement filled her. Yet she hesitated. Would he have changed? She hadn't seen him in months. They hadn't spent last Christmas together, he'd forgotten her birthday, and most puzzling, he hadn't attended her graduation. Not knowing what to think, Callie gave him the benefit of the doubt. Ranching always came first, but he'd been dearly missed.

  Admiring the improvements made to his house made her smile. They'd decided that keeping one house open was more economical. It looked grand with its new coat of white paint, and new green shutters. The door was still red. His mother had insisted a red door brought good luck. Anticipation filled her as she opened the door and walked in. It had always seemed such a cheery house, with lots of windows to invite in the bright Texas sun. A sense of peace came over her as she walked down the hall. A sense of peace that was shattered when she walked into the living room. Speechless, she froze at the door.

  He sat on the couch with a black haired beauty in his arms. They didn't notice her as they kissed, his hands moving through her hair. Callie watched the woman unbutton his shirt. She gasped, they looked at her and jumped up off the couch.

  The dark haired woman seemed confused, but Garrett O'Neill's expression changed from surprise to guilt. He quickly buttoned up his western shirt and tried to give her a smile. "I didn't know you were coming home."

  "I guess not," Callie replied, woodenly. How could he? She had thought... hell, it didn't matter what she thought. He was her husband in name only but they had exchanged vows.

  The woman Garrett’s in his arms was very attractive. Her long, dark, hair glistened in the light, hanging to her waist resembling a beautiful curtain. Her tanned complexion enhanced her blue eyes. Jealousy wasn't something she'd had a lot of experience with and it didn't feel good.

  "This is Sylvie, my new housekeeper." Garrett's explanation sounded lame.

  Callie wanted to throw up but she decided to brave it out. "Hi," she said, looking at Garrett. He was still the most handsome man she'd ever seen. Tall, dark, and handsome hardly covered it. He wore his hair short; the color always reminded her of rich Texas dirt with gold sprinkled on it. His sky blue eyes looked clouded with confusion. It killed her she wasn't the one who had been in his brawny arms. She had no right to be upset, he never made her any promises, but she couldn't turn off her feelings.

  He still viewed her as the little seventeen year-old he’d married. When would he look at her with a man's appreciation? Even in her new dress, she couldn't entice him.

  "I'll just go to my room. I had hoped to surprise you for lunch."

  "I wish we'd known you were coming," Sylvie said. "I've been storing my clothes and stuff in your room. The sheets are clean, I sleep with..."

  Callie didn't wait to hear the rest. She couldn't bear it. She’d made excuse after excuse for his lack of attention these last few months. Somehow, she’d never guessed another woman.

  With slouched shoulders, she climbed the old wooden stairs to her room. Sitting on her bed, she could see Sylvie's stuff everywhere. It brought home what she just witnessed. Garrett never made her any promises except to keep her land safe. They'd never even kissed except for a quick peck at the wedding ceremony. Still it hurt.

  She had always enjoyed a certain closeness with him she could never find with any other person. Her mother's health had deteriorated and she wished for them to marry. Her mother knew her greedy sister would try to wrestle the ranch away from Callie, so she begged Garrett for a favor. Callie had been all of seventeen and just about ready to graduate from high school.

  In the end, her mother had been right. Her Aunt Abigail arrived for the funeral and the ranch. Her shock at Callie and Garrett's wedding made it all seem worthwhile. Garrett's part of the deal was to keep the land profitable and safe while Callie's part was to graduate from college.

  Even though it wasn't a real marriage, her heart was well involved. The truth cut painfully. Callie walked over to the full-length mirror and gazed at her reflection. Her skin appeared too white and her blond hair too dark. A few weeks in the Texas sun would take care of that. Sadness reflected back in her violet eyes. She shook her head in disgust, went to her closet, and found a pair of her old jeans and a faded red tee shirt. She couldn't believe she’d worn a dress and left her hair down for her supposed husband. No more pretending to be anything other than what she was, a rancher. Dressed in her normal clothes, she pulled on her old scuffed boots and tried to smile.

  Looking in the mirror again, Callie braided her hair down her back. Her heart still broke, but she refused to cry. Putting on her black Stetson, she walked out of her room and out of the house. It wasn't her house anymore. It never was. They'd decided to close up her homestead and have her move into Garrett's farmhouse. It had all been an illusion, the same as her marriage.

  The newly painted barn looked good. Callie's step lightened as she made her way to her horse, Pirate. Pirate had been her horse since forever. He'd been a gift from her father. From the first time she sat on Pirate's shiny black back, the two had become inseparable. Laughing as Pirate nickered at her; she opened the stall and walked in. Immediately she hugged her best friend, wishing she could just cry against his neck.

  Garrett was standing on his porch when she led Pirate out of the barn. Callie quickly looked away and jumped onto the saddle. She knew he wanted to say something but she just couldn't. Turning Pirate, she headed out toward open land.

  Garrett watched her ride away, his heart heavy. Knowing he'd hurt her weighed profoundly on him. He had no business being married to her, she was just a kid. She deserved more than him. She was so sweet and young, not old and jaded like he'd become. He purposely put distance between them at Christmas, but he would've been at her graduation if he'd known. He'd been a fool getting involved with Sylvie, but if it deterred Callie and made her find someone else, he'd continue. Their relationship hadn't gone past the heavy petting stage and it surprised him Sylvie had suggested she slept in his bed. It served his purpose so he hadn’t corrected her.

  Callie looked good, almost too good. The last time he'd seen her in a dress was at her mother's funeral more than four years ago. She looked damn good in her jeans too. He wished he could go after her but he couldn’t give her false hope. She'd most likely ride to her own house, probably planning to stay.

  Guilt and concern made him seek out Old Henry. He’d been a ranch hand on Callie's land since before she was born. Garrett found him walking out of the barn shaking his gray haired head.

  "Old Henry, hold up. I need you to bring Callie's things over to her house."

  Old Henry gave him a look of disdain. "Why would that be? I bet seeing Sylvie here really cut her up. It's bad enough that you always date a new gal every time Callie comes home but to have one living with ya. She's heard the men talk about your revolving bedroom door."

  "I pretend to date. Callie's too young. If she thinks I'm dating several women, maybe she'll set her heart on someone her own age."

  Old Henry shook his head. "Pretend dating? Could have fooled me but hey who am I to be judging you? Marriage must be different now than in my day. In my day when you shared vows with a filly you stayed true to her."

  "Just bring her stuff over. Make sure you bring her some supplies too. That old house has
been closed up for years."

  "Sure thing, boss." Old Henry's voice sounded hard and unyielding.

  Walking back to his house, his conscious got the better of him. If looks could kill, he'd be dead. Seeing Sylvie leaning against the front door made him want to turn and walk the other way. He needed to be alone.

  His scowl must have been fierce since it made Sylvie back away. "I'll be in my office and I don't want to be disturbed." Her look of doubt didn't deter him.

  He knew he was doing the right thing for Callie's sake. She didn't know about love. What she felt had to be infatuation, pure and simple.

  Garrett poured himself a glass of whiskey and drank it down in one smooth move. He'd made a deal with the Devil, by making her mother's wishes come to fruition. He'd had to watch Callie grow up into a lovely young woman. She’d filled out in the right places and he couldn't help but look. Staring out the window, he knew he was right. He couldn't let his feelings get in the way of her future. If he had to make her hate him, he would. It really was for the best but somehow his heart didn't want to agree.

  Riding Pirate was a balm to her soul but just a small band-aide to her heart. Even her childhood home didn't perk her up; at least it wasn't Garrett's house. Pirate immediately went into the barn, it made her happy to see the fresh hay and feed. She grabbed a currycomb intending to brush Pirate, when a strange noise startled her. Callie peered out of Pirate's stall and laughed. Nanny had come to visit. Nanny was one of Garrett's horses, a beautiful grey. Soon after she had stopped foaling, she became Houdini. There wasn't a stall or barn that could keep her in. In the vein of a social butterfly, she wandered from ranch to ranch visiting the other horses. Usually she let herself into the barn and made her way into a comfortable stall.

  The other ranchers took her in stride and called Garrett to let him know where she could be located. Callie just loved her. "Well, come on in, Nanny. You're looking good girl. Where have you been? I know you weren't at Garrett's this afternoon."

  "Talking to the horses still?" Old Henry teased, his voice filled with love.

  Callie moved out of Pirate's stall and ran to her old friend giving him a big hug and kiss. "It's good to see a friendly face."

  "Yeah, I can imagine. Hear tell you met up with Sylvie."

  Her smile faded. "Yes, I did. I guess I interrupted them."

  Old Henry gave her a sympathetic smile. Callie loved the way his green eyes crinkled when he smiled. His hair was gray and his face had a leathered tan look. "I think I'm going to stay here at my homestead."

  "Don't blame you. I don't care for her either. Good news is I'm staying here too."

  Callie smiled. "Good, I could use a friend."

  Old Henry took her into his arms and held her close. "I know, darlin', I know. Garrett had me bring a few supplies for you. The utilities have been turned off at the house for a while."

  Callie sighed. "Well, at least we won't starve."

  They both turned at the sound of an approaching horse. She walked out of the barn, surprised to see a cowboy she didn't know. "Who's that?"

  "A new hand. He showed up around Christmas. He's a good guy and a hard worker."

  Nodding absently, Callie looked her fill at the good looking man with straight black hair hanging below his collar. He had that chiseled angular look that she found attractive. As he rode closer, she could see his copper skin and deep dark eyes. She wished she could say he made her heart beat faster but he didn't. He wasn't Garrett and unfortunately her heart beat only for Garrett. He sat tall in the saddle and seemed even taller as he dismounted and reached out to shake her hand.

  "Howdy, ma'am. I'm Stamos. Garrett sent me over to give you a hand around the place."

  His handshake was firm and he exuded confidence. Callie nodded at him. "Great to meet you. Stamos, is it?"

  "Yes, ma'am."

  "Call me Callie. I assume you know Henry?"

  "Sure do."

  The fact that he looked her in the eye and didn't look her up and down impressed her. His expression didn't show a lack of respect for a woman boss and Callie liked him immediately. "We have some sandwiches for tonight and I'll get supplies as soon as the utilities are turned on. Tomorrow we ride the fences. I've been gone way too long and I need to ride my land again."

  "Sounds like a plan," Henry responded, looking down the driveway.

  Callie looked too and saw Garrett's truck and her car. She'd wanted her things brought over but she wasn't happy to see Sylvie driving her vehicle. She clenched her teeth, trying to stem her jealousy.

  "Wow, I haven't been over to this part of the ranch before. No wonder you live at the other house," Sylvie said, wrinkling her nose at Callie's house.

  Callie ignored the slight. She only had eyes for Garrett and before she realized it, she stood, staring at him. He held her gaze for a minute and then turned away. "Well, I just wanted you to have your car," he explained, looking uncomfortable.

  "Thank you. I appreciate it."

  "Wow, what a letdown from the other bunkhouse, Stamos," Sylvie commented, smiling at him.

  Perturbed Callie turned toward her. "I'm sorry if my home doesn't meet your standards. I've been living on a shoestring budget for a long time now and I haven't been able to afford extras."

  Garrett grabbed Sylvie by the hand. "If you need anything..."

  "I'll be fine," Callie said, softly. She wore her heart on her sleeve, but she couldn't help it.

  Callie, Old Henry, and Stamos just finished their morning coffee when they heard a truck horn blowing. All three headed outside. Garrett had brought the horse trailer and it had two horses in it. Callie wondered what he was up to. She'd hoped for a little time away from him. He'd been all she thought about last night. All of her assumptions, everything she’d thought she knew had been turned upside down. It had shaken her foundation to its core and she didn't know how to regroup.

  He filled out wranglers like no one else. His blue western shirt wasn't as tight as some cowboys wore theirs, but Callie knew he was buff with six-pack abs. He'd taken his shirt off a lot last summer and she never shied away from looking. Her expression must have shown her sorrow, the look of sympathy Garrett gave her made her stomach turn. Somehow, she had to get him out of her system.

  How she planned to accomplish it, she had no idea. She never dated before and she didn't have any female friends to ask. Callie was on her own with this one.

  Pasting on a smile, she went to the horse trailer and looked inside. Garrett's roan, Tiger, stood at one end but she didn't recognize the beautiful silver filly. Pleased, Callie jumped in the trailer and talked to the silver horse, forming an instant connection with her.

  "Whose horse is this?"

  Garrett helped back the filly out of the trailer before answering. He gazed into Callie's eyes. "She's all yours, honey."

  "I don't understand," she said, not looking away from him.

  "It's your graduation present."

  "Oh." She looked away.

  She didn't want a horse because he had a guilty conscious. He didn't know how hurt she'd been. All through graduation, she kept scanning the crowd for his handsome face and she never found it. The worst part was the pity in her roommate, Gretchen's, eyes. Gretchen's parents had offered to take Callie out to dinner, but she couldn't celebrate. His absence devastated her. She spent the night packing and crying her eyes out. She should've known he had someone else. That it hadn't occurred to her only emphasized how stupid she'd been.

  Feeling her eyes begin to tear, Callie walked back into her house. She couldn't do this.

  "Cal?" Garrett stood behind her. "Are you alright?"

  Callie didn't want him to see her tears; she simply nodded her head, hoping he would go away. She could feel him coming closer, when he turned her around she lost it. It was as though a dam broke. Shame and heartache washed over her.

  She grabbed a tissue. "I have some unpacking to do..."

  "I'm sorry, so sorry. I never got the invitation, honey. You know I woul
dn't have missed your graduation for the world."

  Damn him! He looked so sincere. "I'm sorry too." She walked away.

  An hour later Callie heard the men saddle up and ride away. They were probably going to ride the fences. Callie couldn't stay in her room forever. She wasn't one to hide, but she knew Garrett could read her and she didn't want him to know she loved him. How could she learn to hide her feelings?

  Walking through the house, she smiled and touched the worn furniture. It might be old but it belonged to her. Her mother's glass angel collection hung near the window. The sun radiated through the glass hitting each piece just right to give each angel a glowing, rainbow effect. It gave her the comfort she'd been seeking; her mother was watching over her, she knew it.

  She grabbed three apples and headed out to the barn. She wasn't a fool. What was that old saying -- don't look a gift horse in the mouth? It sounded stupid but true in her case. The silver filly in the corral made a remarkable sight. Nanny stood just outside the fenced in area watching the new horse. Nanny had made a new friend.

  Callie headed into the barn and moved toward Pirate's stall. He sniffed at the apples in her hand before grabbing one.

  "So what am I going to do?"

  He put his head next to her face as if he understood her turmoil. She sighed and moved to unlock his stall when she heard a commotion outside the barn. She ran out and watched Nanny chasing the silver filly inside the corral. From the new filly's agitation, it looked like Nanny hadn't made a new friend after all. She walked into the corral, and locked the gate after her. Giving Nanny an apple, she stepped past her and slowly approached the new horse. 'Hey, beautiful," she said, in a soothing voice. "I'm going to call you, Misty. A beautiful name for a beautiful horse," she murmured, getting closer to her.

  Callie edged forward holding out another apple. Misty seemed receptive and Callie smiled with relief. Suddenly Nanny came trotting up and Misty reared up on her hind legs, her front hoof hitting Callie on the temple. Callie fell to the ground and the filly reared again, glancing Callie in the ribs.