Something told him she hadnt been getting a whole lot of sleep and probably wouldnt get much, if any, tonight with the surgery looming. He took in her long hair falling straight and unadorned without a single pin or barrette or doodad. Her clothes looked rumpled, not wrinkled exactly, but as if theyd spent too much time in a suitcase, and they hung on her. A good size too large, he figured, judging by the hem of her sweater sleeve that hit her mid-palm and the cinch of her belt, the old notch where it used to be worn visible.
Why dont you go and take some downtime? He felt sympathy for her. He couldnt imagine his own mother putting any one of her childrens needs above her own. Not that she had been a bad mother. She just hadnt been a good one, which was why he appreciated the quiet sacrifice of care Sierra made for her son. She sat on the edge of her seat, ready to leap up in case he needed anything. I can handle things here. You go grab yourself a latte or a bite to eat. Maybe even a nap.
No, I cant leave him. With a man she couldnt count on. She didnt say this but he could sense it. Her hands curled into small fists. He might need me.
Im sure he will, but the truth is Owen and me, we need some quality man-time. Its a guy thing. He winked, hoping she would mistake his concern for her as something lighthearted. He couldnt let it get around that fearless Tucker Granger had a soft spot. That would destroy his hard-won tough-as-nails reputation. No way can I discuss the secrets of my trade in front of a woman.
Mom. Owen seemed scandalized, already anticipating that she wasnt about to step foot outside the door. You cant stay. Tucker is going to tell me secrets.
Why cant he tell them in front of me? She flicked a lock of gold hair behind a slender shoulder. Chin up, she didnt look a thing like the wallflower he remembered. She didnt sound like one either. I can keep a secret.
Sure, but what about the code? Tucker let his eyes twinkle at her because he knew the effect it had on the ladies. There wasnt a single time he didnt get his way when he turned on the charm.
Not that he wanted to charm Sierra Baker. She was a divorced mom and that carried a whole lot of responsibility. Not that he didnt respect her for it, but obligation like that made him leery. After watching all that his dad had gone through in life, hed played it safe and avoided entanglements of any kind. Life was easier without them, but lately he wasnt sure it was better.
What code? She squinted at him, and he would have given up half a years pay to know what was going on in that head of hers. He couldnt begin to tell if his charm was working orshockinglybackfiring.
The cowboy code. He winked and pulled up his best smile. He knew the effect his dimples had. Mostly from experience and the fact that he had inherited them from his dad. Half the unmarried ladies in White Horse County back home harbored secret crushes on his father. He sure hoped the dimples worked for him half as well. Dont you want me to share it with Owen?
Yeah, Mom? Dont you want him to share? Owen was no slouch. He caught on quick. Please?
I know when Im not wanted. With a ghost of a smile, she rose from her chair and picked up her bag. Two knitting needles stuck out of the outside pocket. Ive got some phone calls to make. I wont be long.
Take your time, Tucker urged.
Yeah, Mom. Take your time, Owen parroted his hero. Were sharin secrets.
Secrets, huh? All it took was one look into her sons puppy dog eyesthe look hed perfected when hed wanted to try to charm her into having his wayand she melted like an ice cube in Phoenix. Impossible to say no to him. His eyes sparkled, and he looked better than he had in months. But what about the man standing in front of her, with his rugged good looks and come-what-may attitude?
Can I trust you to stay with him until I get back? She gave him her fiercest glare, the one Owen called her death-ray stare. She meant business. That means you dont leave his side for any reason unless you ask Lisa on the other side of the curtain to watch him. Got that?
Sure. Ill stick to Owen like glue.
It was that dazzling smile she didnt trust and his too-good-to-believe looks. She was only going to the cafeteria, surely she could depend on him that much. Lisa, the mom of Taylor on the other side of the room, would keep an eye out. The nurses were right down the hall and it wasnt as if he were a stranger. Shed grown up in the same small town, rode the same school bus and endured his jokes and class clown antics through her entire adolescence. One thing she knew about the Granger family, they were decent people and Tucker had never caused anyone harm.
Well be like glue, Mom. Owen clasped his hands together, his forehead furrowed as if he was trying to will her to keep on going toward the door.
Like two peas in a pod, Tucker assured her, his grin contagious.
The surgeon general ought to put a ban on that smile.
Fine. You have thirty minutes. She ignored Owens shout of joy and Tuckers wink. When she circled around him, she felt a shiver tremble through her soul like a warm winds touch, something shed never felt before.
Maybe she needed a soothing cup of coffee more than she thought. She set her chin, wrapped her hand around the strap of her bag and paused at the door. Longing filled her. She didnt want to leave Owen. He might need her.
What secret are you going to tell me first? Her son clutched the stuffed animal in one hand and the horse in the other. Is it about riding broncos?
Yes it is, little buddy. Tucker, his back to her, seemed focused on the boy. He radiated a strength and kindness that she didnt want to believe in, although clearly Owen did.
Owen. Her heart warmed and her soul filled. Her son was all that mattered. She forced her shoes to carry her across the threshold and down the hall, giving her little boy the time he deserved with his hero.
Chapter Two
What do you mean the flight is delayed? Sierra tucked her cell phone against her shoulder and accepted the cashiers change. Then she remembered Tuckers comment about the planes being grounded at the airport. The implications hadnt registered at the time, but they did now. Her knees buckled and she slid into the nearest chair. The hospital dining room and its rows of empty tables echoed around her as she dropped her bag onto the floor. No, it cant be.
It might even be cancelled. Jeri Lynn Bolton was a sensible woman, the wife of a working rancher and mother of six kids. Sierras family hadnt had a lot of resources when she was growing up, and they didnt have a lot now. It was hard to hear her mom over the background noise in the airport. Jeri Lynns voice saddened. Dont worry, I wont leave you alone. Your dad and I talked about me driving, but with the road conditions and a blizzard in the mountains Im not sure what kind of time I could make.
No. I absolutely dont want you driving on dangerous roads. That made no sense at all. Her hand shook, and she set down her coffee on the table so it wouldnt spill. She had to stay calm. Focus on the problem. See there was only one solution, whether she liked it or not. Youll fly in when you can. And if you cant, then you stay where you are. Ive got everything covered here.
Im sure you do, dear, but you cant go through this alone.
Im perfectly fine. That was a lie, but she prayed the good Lord would forgive her. She worried her mom would get in the car and come anyway. I have everything I need here. Owen has great doctors and the nurses are wonderful. Well be fine.
You cant wait through the surgery by yourself. I wont have it. Mom was upset. Worrying over her grandsons surgery was enough.
Dont you worry about me, too. Sierra set her chin, firmed her voice and prayed her own fears did not show through. She needed her mother, she really did, but she was strong enough to get through this on her own. Besides, I havent heard from Rickys folks. The Bakers may have already landed and be settling into their hotel room right now.
Youre just saying that to calm me down. A hint of relief. I really want to be there with you, baby.
I know. She bit her lip before she said anything that would reveal how much shed been counting on her moms support.
Its killing your dad that he cant come.
Someone has to stay and take care of the animals. Her family grew mostly wheat but they had the usual collection of farm animals, which could not be left to fend for themselves. You are not to drive under any circumstances. Do you understand me?
How did I raise such a bossy daughter?
I cant imagine. Sierra treasured the gentle trill of her mothers laughter.
Say, did Tucker make it in? Owen will be so disappointed if he has to cancel.
They are together right now. The two of them kicked me out of the room. Im a girl and therefore not privy to their conversation. She managed to keep her hand steady enough to take a sip of the hot, sweet coffee.
How cute. Owen must be on cloud nine.
Pretty much. She took another sip, but it didnt steady her or calm the nerves rocking around in her stomach.
Tucker comes from a fine family. It was hard to miss that lilt of meaning in her mothers voice. Jeri Lynn was an optimist. Honest, hardworking folk. And hes single.
Hes perpetually single. Tucker Granger married? She couldnt picture it. That was where the similarity between him and Ricky ended. Marriage had suited Ricky just fine, as he liked being waited on and tended to, until the going had gotten rough. She couldnt picture Tucker settling down long enough to put a wedding ring on a womans finger. His life is wandering from rodeo to rodeo. Youll have to find someone a little more stable to marry me off to.
Then Ill keep trying. Beneath her mothers breezy quip vibrated the worry for Owen she was fighting to hide.
Sierra knew just what that was like. Shed been battling to do the same for the last six months, as Owens health problems had gone from moderate to serious. Youll have to try pretty hard, she quipped back. It takes a great man to be better than no man at all.
I dont know who quoted that saying to you, but its wrong. Your father isnt a great man, but hes better than nothing. She burst into giggles, maybe from stress rather than her gentle joke.
Sierra giggled, too. The tension was definitely getting to her. Dad is a good man.
I know. I just couldnt seem to help myself. Recovering, Jeri Lynn gave a sigh, as if she were prepared to compose herself. Bad news. Theyve cancelled the flight. Unless the Bakers made it in, youre on your own, baby.
Im not alone, Mom. I can feel your love from here.
Thats right, and Ill keep it coming.
Silence fell, and Sierra knew what her mom was too choked up to speak. They were never alone, not really. She had never relied more on her faith than during the last few months, especially today. Tomorrow, her faith would be all she had to see her through the surgery to save her sons life.
Im having second thoughts, baby. I can still drive. If I leave right now Her mother paused as if calculating time and distance. I should be able to make it in time.
I said absolutely not. She couldnt stand the thought of her mom alone, driving through the night, battling ice, weariness and terrible conditions. We already settled this. Youre staying home.
Maybe I can get your brother to come with me. We can trade off driving.
No. Dont you see? Im holding it together but if I have to worry about you, too, I dont think I can do it. She liked to think she was strong enough to handle everything, but it wasnt true. She bounced out of the chair, grabbed her bag and her mocha and headed for the exit. Go home and stay with Dad. You two can call me tomorrow as many times as you want. We can be together that way.
I dont like it.
When the storm clears, you can fly in. It might be better that way. Owen will get to spend more time with you. Her voice hardly cracked, and she was pleased. The last thing she wanted was for her mom to guess how unnerved she was. The surgeon had gone over with her the risks of anesthesia, surgery in general and everything that could go wrong with the delicate procedure.
Concentrate on the positive, she reminded herself.
He will be just fine. No one could comfort like a mother. Jeri Lynns voice shone with certainty and love, as if she could will everything to be all right.
Sierra breathed in as much of her mothers comfort as she could. Her sneakers squeaked on the tile floor as she wended her way to the elevators. Owen is going to get through this surgery the way he does everything. With flying colors.
Thats right. Hes one special little boy.
By this time tomorrow, hell be in recovery and doing well. There was nothing like a little wishful thinking to put spring in a womans step. She punched the elevator button.
You call if you need me, baby girl. Jeri Lynns voice rang as warm as a hug. Anytime. Even if its the wee hours. You hear me?
I promise, Mom, but Ill be fine. She intended to be fine. She intended to handle the worry, the fear and the wait in the best way possible. The doors opened. Ill talk to you soon, Mama.
She tucked her phone in her pocket and smiled briefly at the other occupant of the elevator car, a nervous-looking accountant-type holding a small bouquet of flowers, who did not smile back. She hit the floor button and leaned against the wall. How was Owen faring with Tucker? She warmed from the inside out picturing her little boys excitement. He was probably still clutching the plastic horse and the stuffed bull, basking in his heros presence.
Hi, Sierra. Allie, one of the nurses aides, smiled as she hurried by. I see Owen has a visitor. A handsome visitor.
One look and all women were charmed. Honestly. Sierra shook her head. Hes Owens charity wish.
I was wondering if he was yours. Allie waggled her brows.
Not a chance. She rolled her eyes. Shed become far too sensible to wish, even just a little.
Then Im going to wish for him. Christmas is already past, but I can start on my list for next year. With a wink, Allie whisked around the corner and out of sight.
Wish? It had been a long time since shed wished for anything for herself. Sierra skidded to a halt in the corridor, drawn by the sound of her childs voice. All her wants and prayers had gone to her son. First during the rocky year before the divorce, to protect him as much as she could from the marital unhappiness, then to helping him cope with the separation from his father, who had chosen to leave town. And then she tried to shield him from his worsening health.