Snow Melts in Spring (21 page)

THIRTY-NINE

MATTIE DASHED TO JOHN’S BEDROOM AND FOUND THE NITROGLYCERINE tablets on his nightstand. Her heart beat wildly as she called out to Mildred for help. Fumbling with the tiny brown bottle, she hastened to John’s side and slipped a pill under his tongue as he labored for breath. She laid him flat on the seat and propped his head on her lap.

Mildred followed close behind and gripped Mattie’s shoulder.

“He was burning pasture. Shouldn’t have been out there.” Tears pricked Mattie’s eyes as she forced the words from her mouth.

Mildred turned to go into the house. “I’ll call an ambulance.”

John opened his eyes, his nostrils flaring. “No ambulance.” He rubbed his heaving chest and grimaced. “I’m okay . . .”

“No, you’re not okay,” Mattie told him and checked his pulse again. When his symptoms failed to improve, she gave him another pill. “Mildred, call 911.” She looked toward the smoking pasture. “Gil?”

“I’ll tell him and Jake what’s happened.” The woman stared directly at Mattie, her expression sure and composed. “Don’t worry. The old goat’s in God’s hands.”

Fifteen minutes later, Mattie followed the ambulance to the county hospital in Diamond Falls and watched the medics wheel John into an examining room. Unable to join him, she slumped in a waiting chair and covered her mouth. Anxiety washed over her in an overwhelming wave, like the ocean she’d viewed from the cliff less than thirty hours ago.

When a nurse came out of John’s room, Mattie rose to meet her. “How is Mr. McCray doing?”

“Are you family?”

Mattie swallowed. “No, but I’m the closest thing to it. His son, Gil, was burning pasture. I’m sure he’ll be here soon.” She squeezed the nurse’s arm. “At least tell me if he’s going to be all right. Did he have another heart attack?”

The nurse shook her head. “I wouldn’t worry too much. He seems to have a great deal of spunk. Be sure and let us know when his son arrives.”

Mattie wrung her hands, hating the helpless feeling. She inched closer to John’s room and heard him complain about all the wires and gadgets connected to his body. Her animal patients might bite, but they were more amiable than John McCray.

The emergency doors opened and Gil strode in, his face and clothes covered with soot. Mattie rushed to meet him and launched herself into his arms, her heart hopeful the moment she felt his strong embrace.

GIL BRACED HIMSELF AS HE HELD MATTIE TIGHT. SHE’D NEVER LOOKED so glad to see him. “Where’s Dad? Is he okay?” He searched her face for reassurance that his father wasn’t dead.

Please don’t let him be dead.

“He’s conscious. He’s in there.” She gestured toward a nearby examining room. “What about the fire? Did you and Jake put it out?”

“Jake’s finishing up. The fire department arrived to help with the last of it.” Though he relished having Mattie in his arms, he reluctantly let her go.

“I take it you’re John McCray’s son?” The attending physician greeted him, a clipboard tucked under his arm. “Your father appears to have suffered a severe angina attack. We have a heart monitor on him, and we’ve sent his blood to the lab to test his cardiac enzymes, but at this time, we have no conclusive results. I’ve reviewed your father’s medical history and because of his heart attack in December, I want to send him to Wichita to be cared for by his cardiologist.”

Gil’s muscles grew weak at the sight of his dad, so pale and fragile. It left him speechless.

The doctor shifted his stance and pulled out his clipboard. “According to your father, these angina attacks are recurring more frequently and with more severity. Were you aware of this?”

Gil stared a hole through his dad. “No, I wasn’t.”

His father groaned in displeasure. “Don’t need more testing.” He coughed and a nurse held a plastic basin to his chin.

“He’s experiencing quite a bit of nausea,” the doctor explained. “I’ve already spoken to his heart specialist in Wichita, and he’s arranging for a heart catheterization to determine the location and severity of blockage in the arteries. Depending on the damage, they may or may not schedule him for surgery.”

Gil swiped his forehead and studied his father. Though in pain, the old man still had enough gumption to create a stir. Gil squeezed his dad’s foot. “Transferring you to Wichita sounds like a good idea. They’ll be able to figure out what’s causing your attacks.”

His dad shook his head as another spasm hit. “No,” he said between coughs.

Gil straightened, praying his father would accept his next words. “Listen, I wasn’t home when you were sick before, but I’m here now. I want to be here for you.” Gil thought of his mother. He hadn’t been at her side when she’d passed away, and he’d regretted it ever since. No way was he going to let that happen again.

“Can I ride with him in the ambulance?” Gil turned and asked the physician.

“It’d be better if you drove. That way you’ll have a car.”

Gil combed his fingers through his hair. “Of course, I wasn’t thinking.” In an effort to clear the worry from his mind, he exhaled long and slow. He stepped outside the room to let Mattie know what they’d decided and welcomed her once again into his arms.

“I’m going with Dad to the Heart Hospital for further tests. Will you tell Mildred and Jake the situation?”

“Are you okay to drive?” Mattie surveyed him from head to foot, her concern evident. “At least come to the ranch for a change of clothes. Get a bite to eat before you make the trip.”

Gil shook his head. “He needs to know he can count on me.”

“It’ll be okay, Gil.” She seemed to sense his agitation and pressed her fingers to his lips. “I’ll have Mildred round up some things for you and John, and I’ll meet you there as soon as I’ve checked on the animals in the clinic.”

“You’re tired.” He grasped her wrists, unable to think of anyone’s company he’d welcome more. “I don’t want to worry about you on the highway. My suitcase is still in the truck, so I can clean up at the hospital. You get some rest. I’ll call when I have more news.”

For once, she didn’t argue. “Promise you’ll call?”

He kissed her forehead gently. “I promise.”

MATTIE WAITED FOR GIL’S CALL, TORMENTED BY A RESTLESS SLEEP. The next morning, her cell phone chimed on the nightstand. She fumbled to answer it when she saw that it was Gil.

“Good morning, sunshine.”

Mattie welcomed the warm affection in Gil’s voice, but that didn’t excuse the worry he’d put her through all night. “You didn’t call. How’s your dad?”

“I’m sorry. He underwent tests all night and is wiped out, but the good news is they’ve found little blockage.”

“No surgery, then?”

“Right now, it doesn’t look like it. They want to explore a few more possibilities and are playing with his medicines.”

“How are you holding up?” The beagle that lay on the bed at Mattie’s feet clambered up to lick her face. She hugged him to her chest, and her voice softened. “Did you get any sleep?”

“Barely. I wanted to tell you I’m coming home to pick up a few things. They’re going to let Dad rest this morning and then they’ll start in again this afternoon.”

“Are you sure you want to leave? I can bring whatever you need.”

“You stay and tend to your patients. You’ve been gone enough.”

Mattie closed her eyes and pressed her cheek to the pup in her arms. “Give him my love, then.” Her words cracked as she wished she could tell John herself.

“Don’t worry, he knows.”

Tenderness welled in her heart for Gil. She said good-bye, already reevaluating her day. A short while later, as she poured milk into a bowl of cereal, her cell jingled again. Mattie answered automatically, thinking Gil must have forgotten to tell her something, but a female voice greeted her instead.

“Hey, little sister. What’s up?”

“Jenna?”

“Who else? Gosh, it’s good to hear your voice. Guess what? I’m here. I took some extra days off work and flew in early. Mom told me about the clinic fire — that you’ve been staying at the McCray ranch. Do you have any appointments this morning?”

Mattie swallowed. So much for catching up at the clinic. “What do you have in mind?”

Jenna laughed into the earpiece. “I should be there in about half an hour.”

“Then I’ll see you soon,” Mattie said, but her sister had already hung up.

Her cereal now mush, Mattie grabbed her coffee and strode to the clinic to check on her patients. Cup in hand, she went to Dusty’s pen and examined his wounds. After fourteen weeks of therapy, the gelding finally seemed to be on the mend, eating better and putting weight back on. He snorted and pitched his head in the air.

Mattie stroked his shoulder. “Hey, boy. Did you miss me?”

Jake stepped up to the stall with a bucket of grain. “Dusty’s full of energy this morning. Starting to look like his old self again, thanks to you.”

Mattie smiled at the ranch hand’s compliment. “Don’t thank me. He did it himself, with lots of help from God. I thought I might take him out for a ride — lead him behind Tulip. Maybe after that, we could put him in the large pen by the barn — let him get some grass?”

“He’d like that.” Jake removed his hat. “Have you heard anything from Gil?”

She noticed the dark circles under Jake’s eyes and guessed he hadn’t slept too well. “John’s doing better. Sounds like he’s going to be in the hospital for a few days, though.”

“He won’t like that.”

“It’ll be good for him.”
Good for Gil too.
Maybe it would give the two of them a chance to talk.

“I shouldn’t have let him start that fire yesterday. I knew it was a mistake, but when Mr. McCray gets an idea in his head, it’s hard to stop him.”

Mattie opened the gate to continue her chores. “John does what he wants. I’m sure that’s where Gil gets his stubbornness.” She looked at Dusty, thankful they’d both been stubborn enough to keep him fighting for life. Sometimes obstinacy was a good thing. “His attack would have happened sooner or later, so don’t beat yourself up about it.”

“I guess this is his season. His time to heal.”

Mattie considered his statement, which sounded biblical. Maybe this would be Gil’s time to heal, as well. “You read the Bible, Jake?”

The ranch hand spit a stream of tobacco to the ground. “I dabble in it at night,” he said, then helped her feed and care for the animals.

When the chores were done, Mattie turned Dusty into the round pen behind the barn. She was studying his progress as he pranced around on the soft dirt when Jake hollered to her from the barn.

“Dr. Evans, you’re not going to believe this. You’d best come quick.”

She tossed her lead rope to the ground and took off at a run.

What now?

FORTY

“WHOO-WEE, I CAN’T BELIEVE MY EYES. NOBODY MENTIONED YOU were coming to Kansas,” Jake exclaimed, and Mattie watched him twirl Jenna around like a ballerina.

“I hardly recognized you.” He whistled between his teeth. “How long’s it been?”

“Since I was in high school.” Jenna giggled, then waved to Mattie.

Mattie had never seen her sister with short hair. Her dark tresses no longer hung sleek down her back, but curled slightly at the shoulder, more suitable for the career woman she’d become. Dressed in a button-up shirt and capris, Jenna looked thin, but not nearly as wiry as Mattie remembered.

“You’ve been gone too long, that’s for sure.” Mattie walked up to her sister and gave her a welcoming hug.

“It’s so nice of John to let you stay here.”

Mattie stepped away from the embrace. “If it hadn’t been for him and Gil, I don’t know where I’d be now.”

Jenna’s white teeth glistened behind a coral smile. “Gil’s here? Last I heard, he lived in California and played for the 49ers.” She seemed thrilled at the aspect of seeing him. Of course, she would be. They were old friends . . . classmates, even.

“He’ll be back later this morning.” Mattie glanced at Jake, wondering whether to drop the heavy news on her sister’s homecoming. “We’ve actually had a bit of excitement around here.”

Jenna raised her eyebrows in expectation. “From what I remember about the McCray household, excitement grows on the trees. Isn’t that right, Jake?”

“The only difference is, now our excitement comes from waking up to another day.” He kicked his boot against the barn’s dirt floor.

“You’re not that old.” Mattie smiled at the ranch hand’s awkwardness. “John had an attack last night,” she told Jenna. “They took him to Wichita for heart tests, so we’re all a bit out of sorts this morning. But don’t worry, he’s okay.”

“Sounds like you and Jake could use a coffee break.” Her sister linked her arm through Mattie’s. “Is Mildred here? I want to show her some pictures of her grandkids. Phyllis will tan my hide if I forget to give them to her.”

“You stay in touch with Mildred’s daughter?”

“She keeps me updated about this dull little town. Never told me about Gil being back, though, so I’ll have to give her a hard time about that.” She chuckled.

Half an hour later, the four of them sat around Mildred’s table looking at pictures and sipping coffee.

“I know Phyllis has told me, but what is it you do in Texas?” Mildred passed a plate of cinnamon rolls around the table.

Jenna took one and peeled a piece off. “I’m a legal aid to an oil producer. A grueling job, believe me.”

“I’m surprised they gave you time off.” Mattie winked at Jake. “The way Mom talks, the company keeps you busy all hours of the day.”

Jenna shrugged. “I enjoy the work, plus I’ve met some interesting people. You wouldn’t believe the sort of men who wear suits down there.”

Mattie raised an eyebrow. “Anything you care to share?”

“Just odd ducks, you know? That’s one reason they gave me time off, so I could investigate a business deal up here.”

“What kind of business?” Jake asked.

Jenna glanced at the back porch. “The kind of business that hides its money,” she said with an offhanded smirk that curved into a brilliant smile as the kitchen door screeched open.

“Welcome home, Gil.” Jenna leaned back slightly and circled a fingertip around the brim of her coffee cup. “Surprised to see me?”

GIL STARED AT THE WOMAN BESIDE MATTIE. “JENNA?” AFTER MORE than twenty years, he strained to see the carefree girl he knew inside the polished businesswoman before him.

“What’s the matter? Don’t you recognize me?” She pursed her lips into a sultry pout and rose from the table. When Jenna reached for his hand, he allowed her to pull him to the empty chair next to hers. “Didn’t Mattie tell you I was coming?” She gave Mattie a simpering look.

Gil brushed the hair from his forehead. It had been hard enough on his nerves to see his father in the hospital. Now he had to deal with Jenna? He rubbed his temple, his eyes raw from lack of sleep. What he wanted most was a few minutes to hold Mattie in his arms. Then about ten hours of sleep. He sat down at the table, directly across from Mattie.

“How is John? Has he been able to rest this morning?” Mattie asked.

Gil scratched the stubble on his chin and realized he needed a shave. “When I left the hospital, he was dozing. ’Course, when the nurses run in and out every twenty minutes, it’s hard for anyone to get much rest.”

“Speaking of rest, you look beat.” Mildred got up to pour him a cup of coffee.

He stopped her before she went further. “If I drink any more caffeine, I’ll be too wired to sleep.”

Jake scooted from the table, looking perturbed. “Jenna was telling us about some business deal she’s to take care of while here. Sounds like a tax deduction, if you ask me.”

“Looking to do some investing?” Gil asked.

Jenna stirred sugar into her coffee. “Investments, deductions, whatever you want to call them. When my boss learned I was coming to the Flint Hills, he asked me to dig around and see if there was any land for sale.”

“Don’t tell me you work for one of those companies?” Mattie’s eyes narrowed and her face blazed. “That’s how Dad lost our ranch. How can you betray us by doing the work for such thieves, who prey on decent people struggling to keep their land?”

Jenna glanced from Gil to Mattie. “Don’t get all worked up, little sis. What happened to Dad wasn’t a bad thing. He and Mom are happy in the city. Now they don’t have to worry about all the stuff that goes with ranching.”

Mattie slammed her cup against the table and sloshed coffee on her napkin. “I can’t believe I’m hearing this. Do you work for the company that bought their land?”

“No.” Jenna picked at her cinnamon roll.

“But you do the same thing?”

“Face it, sis. There’s money to be made in these hills. And ranching provides these companies a huge tax break.” Jenna ignored Mattie’s fury and turned to Gil. “How long has your dad been ill? Phyllis told me he had a heart attack in December. Is he still as stubborn as he used to be?”

Gil recognized the smooth voice of deception.
What was Jenna up to?

He cleared his throat and stood. “Jenna, why don’t you come outside with me? I’d like to have a few words with you . . . alone.” He gave Mattie a reassuring nod and hoped she wouldn’t be upset with him for speaking to Jenna in private. There were things he wasn’t prepared to share with the doc just yet.

Gil opened the front door for Jenna and followed her to the veranda where they settled in the wrought iron chairs. “Let’s cut to the chase. Are you here to try to persuade my father to sell his land?”

Jenna didn’t flinch but reached for his hand. “It’s good to see you again, Gil. When Mattie told me you were in town, I nearly melted to the ground.”

“Do you think you’ll get to him through me? I’m afraid you’re out of luck with that approach.”

She pouted. “I remember a time when you weren’t so insensitive, when you actually enjoyed — no,
preferred
— my company.”

He pulled his hand away and met her gaze head-on. “That was a mistake we both paid for.”

“What about my little sister? It’s weird to see her here . . . and living in the cabin where Frank and I used to meet. Talk about coincidences.”

Did Jenna have no pride, no sense of remorse? Gil stared at his boots. How could he have fallen for a woman like this — a woman so unlike Mattie? The differences between the two were like amateur wrestling compared to professional football.

“You’re not so gruff with my little sister, are you?” She combed her fingers through her hair and raised it off the nape of her neck. “I heard the softness in her voice when she mentioned your name. And when you walked into the kitchen, her face lit up like a nighttime arena with you the star cowboy. I hope you don’t plan to break her heart like you broke mine.”

To hear her talk about Mattie made Gil’s temper burn. He struggled back on course. “You’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone in this county who will agree to sell to another outside corporation. There’s been enough land eaten up that way.”

“Not even your dad? With him in the hospital, I’d think you’d jump at the chance to sell this property so you don’t have to worry about him anymore.”

“Enjoy your stay, Jenna.” Gil forced the words from his mouth. “But don’t make trouble where trouble’s not wanted — not for my dad, and not for me and Mattie.”

Jenna tipped her head, and her laughter rose to the ceiling. “You’re too much, Gil. What’s the matter? Afraid I’ll ruin your little courtship? Let Mattie in on our little secret? I’m guessing my sister doesn’t have a clue about our relationship, does she?”

“If she learns you’re after the McCray land, she’ll never forgive you. She’s angry enough the way it is.”

The screen door banged shut, and Mattie positioned herself at Gil’s chair. “Who’s angry, and about what?” She placed a hand on his shoulder, but he noted the edge in her voice and wondered how much she’d heard.

Jenna crossed her feet, her polished toes peeking out from her brown leather sandals. “Gil and I were discussing John’s poor health, and how it might be wise for him to sell this ranch. My boss is prepared to pay top dollar for a spread like the Lightning M.”

Her gaze riveted on Gil’s and defied him to challenge her. “If you have any sense at all, you’ll talk to your dad about our offer . . . or I can do it, when he gets home.”

Mattie’s nails bit into his shoulder. “I’ve always known you to take risks, Jenna, but you’ve got some nerve to upset this household while John’s in the hospital.” She stared at Gil, her eyes flashing. “And what about you? Are you actually considering her offer?”

Gil shot a warning glance at Jenna, fearing her next words.

“I guess that’s my answer,” Mattie said when he didn’t respond. She stormed down the porch steps.

“Mattie, wait — ” Gil warred with going after her or staying to diffuse the bomb sitting next to him. He chose the bomb. “You like to wreck havoc, don’t you, Jenna?”

“In a sense, I’m just protecting my dear sister, Gil . . . from you.”

“Mattie doesn’t need your protection.”

“You sure she isn’t a pawn in one of your sordid games? You’re good at that, you know.” She slipped her foot from its sandal and rubbed it languidly against his jeans. “Do you and your dad still fight like you used to?”

Jenna liked playing cat and mouse. He wanted to take her phony smile and toss it like a football.

“Listen, I know my little sis,” Jenna went on. “She sees the best in people, even when it’s not there. You and I live in the real world. We know the stakes.”

“What are you talking about?” It seemed Jenna still thrived on mind games, but this time, he’d have none of it. He stood to get away from her touch. “I’m going to see if I can straighten this out. I’d appreciate it if you’d keep the past to yourself. Telling Mattie will only hurt both our relationships.”

“You haven’t told her, then? Bad move, Gil.”

He pointed his finger in her face. “I’ll tell her when the time is right. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll keep your mouth closed.”