The Cowboy Next Door (The Cash Brothers) (10 page)

“You’ll do fine,” she said to reassure herself more than Johnny. Once he got on the horse’s back, she climbed the rails after him.

“Next up is the Man in Black...Johnny Cash!” The crowd roared. “Cash is coming out on Serial Killer.” More applause. “If this cowboy makes it to eight, he wins the girl today.”

The horse hadn’t moved a muscle—not even twitched since Johnny sat in the saddle. She dipped her head. “Are you sure you want to do this?”

“I’m sure.” He nodded to the gateman and the chute door opened.

Serial Killer was a brute—his bucks and spins calculated to put a cowboy through hell and back. Shannon was mesmerized by the pair—Johnny dressed all in black and the gelding’s midnight coloring. The two blended into a giant blur of darkness as Serial Killer threatened to jerk Johnny’s arm from its socket. His hat flew off and the bronc stomped it flat. She hadn’t realized she held her breath until Johnny catapulted into space, then the air in her lungs exploded from her mouth in a loud gasp. A collective murmur rippled through the stands when his body hit the ground. Before he had a chance to get his legs under him, the horse’s hooves came within striking distance of his body.

A pickup man rode into the arena, but it was too late. As Johnny struggled to his feet, Serial Killer’s hoof clipped his shoulder, knocking him back to the ground.

The pickup man cornered Serial Killer and released the bucking strap, which calmed the bronc and he trotted out of the arena.

Heart racing, she watched Johnny stagger to his feet.

“Well, folks, Johnny Cash and C. J. Rodriquez didn’t win today. Guess they’ll continue to fight over Shannon Douglas at the next rodeo.”

When Johnny stumbled into the cowboy ready area, clutching his crushed hat, she asked, “How bad are you hurt?” Camera flashes blinded her.

“Shoulder’s bruised.”

The thought that he could have been seriously injured today propelled her into his arms and she hugged him hard.

Johnny would have hugged Shannon forever but the throbbing ache in his shoulder forced him to release her.

“Hell of a ride, brother.” Conway hurried toward him, Porter trailing behind him.

“What are you guys doing here?” Johnny asked.

“We stopped by the Triple D this morning and Clive said you and Shannon had gone to the Douglas Rodeo so we decided to come watch,” Conway said.

“Hey, Shannon. How’s the leg?” Porter asked.

“Fine, thanks for asking.” Shannon excused herself to speak with Dale Carson.

After she walked out of earshot, Conway lowered his voice and said, “You sure there isn’t anything going on between you and Shannon?”

“We’re friends, that’s all.”

Porter laughed. “I might be the youngest brother, but I didn’t drop off the turnip truck yesterday. That hug Shannon gave you was more than a friendly squeeze.”

Johnny ignored the remark. “Are you guys competing today?”

They both shook their heads no. “How come you didn’t tell us you were getting back into rodeo?” Conway asked.

“I’m not. This was a one-time thing.”

“Johnny.” Dale Carson held out an envelope. “The rest of what we owe you.” Carson tipped his hat and moseyed along.

Johnny opened the envelope and checked the bank draft.

“What’s that?” Porter nodded to the check.

“Dynasty Boots paid me five grand to pretend that I like Shannon and help stir things up between her and C.J. for the fans.”

“That’s a lot of money.” Porter whistled low between his teeth. “What are you going to do with it?”

“When I filed the taxes on the farm, I took a deduction that I shouldn’t have and we owe the government $4,856.”

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Conway asked.

“Because I’m supposed to take care of the family. Besides, you guys shouldn’t have to pay for my mistake.”

Conway scowled. “We’re a family, Johnny. The farm belongs to all of us.”

“I know that.”

Porter chimed in. “We should all be involved in making decisions about the farm.”

For the first time Johnny saw his brothers as grown men and not siblings who needed protecting. “You’re right. From now on, we’ll discuss what happens to the farm as a family.”

Right then Rodriguez and a few of his rodeo buddies strolled up to Johnny and his brothers. “Well if it ain’t the Man in Black and his singing sidekicks Porter Wagoner and Conway Twitty.”

Rodriguez’s friends laughed.

“Maybe if you sang to the bronc you’d make it to eight,” Rodriguez said.

Conway stepped forward. “You lookin’ for a fight, Rodriguez?”

“You don’t scare me, Conway.” Rodriguez narrowed his eyes. “You’re just a bad seed your daddy sowed.”

Johnny stiffened. Those were fighting words. His brother hated people using Conway Twitty song titles to mock him.

Johnny stepped in front of Conway. “We’ve already been through the name-calling. You sure you want to go another round?”

“He’s sure,” Porter said right before his fist connected with Rodriguez’s nose. Blood spewed everywhere and an all-out brawl ensued much to Shannon’s horror and the delight of the rodeo fans.

Chapter Ten

The scent of roasting turkey and apple pie filled the house early Thanksgiving Day. Shannon’s father had left at the crack of dawn to help with ranch chores so Johnny could take the afternoon off to have dinner with his siblings. Shannon intended to surprise her father with a traditional Thanksgiving meal. She hoped her efforts in the kitchen would win her points and ease the tension between them.

She checked the clock—almost noon. While she waited for her brothers to arrive, she set the table. At twelve-thirty her father and Johnny pulled up to the house. “Hey, Dad,” she said when her father walked through the front door.

“What’s that I smell?” He took off his jacket.

“I made a turkey dinner. Matt and Luke should be here soon.” Instead of showing appreciation, her father frowned. “What’s the matter?” she asked.

“You didn’t tell me you were making dinner.”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“You should have told me sooner.”

“Why?”

His gaze latched onto the wall. “Fiona Wilson invited me to her home today.”

“Fiona Wilson?” The notorious Stagecoach spinster?

“I ran into her outside the barbershop the other week—”

“Are you dating Fiona?”

He scowled. “A man my age doesn’t date.”

She bit her lip to keep from smiling. “How many times have you run into Fiona in town?”

“A few.”

“How old is she?”

“Sixty. What does that have to do with anything?”

“Nothing.” Only that she was six years older than Shannon’s father. “Would you like to invite her here for dinner?”

His face reddened. “Fiona hasn’t cooked for anyone in a long time. I think she’s looking forward to serving the meal.”

Shannon was disappointed but forced a bright smile. “I’m glad you’re going to Fiona’s.” She retreated to the kitchen, her father right on her heels.

“We’re just friends,” he said.

“Maybe it will develop into more.”

“I’m not looking for anything more.” He hovered in the doorway. “I guess now’s a good time to tell you that I’ll be gone for ten days starting tomorrow.”

“Where are you going?”

“On a cruise.”

Shannon’s eyes widened. “With Fiona?”

He nodded. “She bought the tickets a while back for her and a friend but her friend—” he cleared his throat “—died.”

“That’s too bad. Where are you cruising to?”

“Hawaii.”

“Does Johnny know?”

“I wanted to tell you first. I’ll speak to him tonight. There’s a horse I need him to work with while I’m gone.” He hovered in the doorway.

“Shouldn’t you be getting ready?”
He’s nervous.
“Wear your dark green sweater with a pair of tan chinos. That would look nice but casual.”

“What shoes?”

“Brown dress boots.”

He hurried upstairs and not long after the pipes in the walls rattled when the shower turned on. When Shannon texted her brother Matt that their father wouldn’t be joining them for supper he called her.

“Fiona Wilson?” he said.

“I couldn’t believe it, either.” Shannon poked her head around the kitchen doorway to make sure her conversation remained private.

“Isn’t she like eighty years old?”

Shannon laughed. “She’s sixty and Dad’s nervous. I think it’s cute.”

“Hey, sis, Luke and I aren’t going to be able to make it out to the ranch today.”

“Why not?”

“All hell’s broken loose with one of our cases and we’re driving up to Lake Havasu City to question a man the police took into custody after a traffic stop.”

“On Thanksgiving?” She stared at the pile of dirty dishes in the sink. She’d gone to a lot of work to put this meal together.

“The police can only detain the guy for twenty-four hours without charging him and Luke believes he witnessed the suspect we’re defending purchase the murder weapon.”

Shannon couldn’t fault her brothers’ devotion to their job and she’d missed her share of family holidays when she’d traveled the rodeo circuit. “Okay, I guess I understand.”

Matt offered to stop at the ranch later that night after he and Luke got back into town, but she told him not to bother and to drive safely. As soon as she hung up, she realized she’d forgotten to mention their father’s cruise. She’d have to fill them in later, right now the dishes needed to be washed. She worked in the kitchen until she heard her father’s footsteps on the stairs.

He’d shaved and combed his hair to the side. She almost didn’t recognize him. “You look nice, Dad.”

He glanced into the dining room. “When are your brothers coming?”

“They’re on their way,” she lied. “Say hello to Fiona for me.”

He reached for his favorite cowboy hat hanging on the coatrack.

“Leave the hat here.”

His hand froze. “You sure?”

“Absolutely.” Sweat stains marred the crown and the brim was dingy.

“See you later.”

After he drove off, her gaze swung to Johnny’s truck parked outside the foreman’s cabin. Since she wasn’t in the mood to eat turkey alone, she removed the bird from the oven and covered the pan with aluminum foil, then carried it to the foreman’s cabin.

When Johnny opened the door, Shannon held out the pan. “Take this with you to the farm.”

He grabbed the pan and motioned Shannon inside.

When she slipped past him, she caught a whiff of his cologne and a tiny shiver racked her body. What she really wished for was to spend the afternoon alone with Johnny now that she had the ranch all to herself.

“I made a turkey dinner for my father and brothers, but they canceled on me at the last minute and there’s no way I’ll eat all this food by myself. I’m sure you and your brothers can polish off another bird.”

“You’re spending the day alone?” His blue eyes rounded with dismay and Shannon’s heart melted. Family meant everything to Johnny and he couldn’t possibly understand how her father and brothers had abandoned her on a holiday.

“Dad didn’t tell me until a few minutes ago that he got an invite to spend the day with Fiona Wilson.”

“I didn’t know your father was dating anyone.”

“Me neither.” Shannon smiled. “Wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving.” She walked to the door.

“Wait. You’re coming to the farm with me.”

“You’ll have enough mouths to feed. You don’t need another one.”

“There’s plenty of grub. Besides, Dixie will be upset if you don’t come.”

“Are you sure I won’t be imposing?” Shannon hoped not because she’d love to spend the afternoon with the Cash clan.

“The more the merrier.” He glanced at his watch. “Where’s Hank?”

“In the house.”

“Bring him along.”

“Okay. I’ll meet you at the truck.”

As soon as she left the cabin, Johnny texted Dixie that Shannon was coming with him, then carried the turkey to the truck. Shannon arrived with Hank and they drove to the farm. The smell of turkey and the dog’s whining filled the cab. Johnny glanced in the rearview mirror and frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Shannon asked.

“Hank’s drooling all over the seat.” He’d have to use fabric cleaner to get the stains out.

“It was nice of you to let him come. He misses Uncle Roger.”

“I’m a sucker for animals. Our grandparents wouldn’t let us have a dog growing up.”

“Why not?”

“My grandfather accidently ran over the family dog when he was learning to drive and Grandma Ada said he was too heartbroken to ever want another one.”

“That’s sad. I don’t know what I’d have done if I didn’t have Hank to keep me company while I was cooped up in the house.” After they drove another mile, she said, “Dad told me this afternoon that he’s taking a cruise to Hawaii with Fiona.”

“When?”

“They’re leaving tomorrow. He’s going to talk to you tonight about training one of the horses while he’s gone.”

They arrived at the farm and found a spot among the maze of Cash pickups parked haphazardly about the yard. When Dixie had gotten her driver’s license Johnny had assigned his siblings parking spaces in the front yard. The plan had worked for one week and then his brothers had made deals with each other, swapping spots until everyone had subscribed to the whoever-gets-there-first rule.

“Should we chain Hank up outside?” Shannon asked.

He nodded to the bunkhouse where the door stood wide-open. “You can tie his leash to the spigot.” While Shannon did that, he carried the turkey inside.

“Johnny’s here,” Will said when Johnny and Shannon entered the bunkhouse. Several “Heys” echoed after the announcement. His brothers sat on their beds, facing the wall with the TV and watched a football game.

“I’m so glad you came.” Dixie set a bowl of mashed potatoes on the table then hugged Shannon.

“Thanks for letting me tag along with Johnny. My dad bailed on me and went over to Fiona Wilson’s house.”

“I heard Fiona Wilson has a million dollars stuffed inside her mattress,” Porter said.

Dixie rolled her eyes. “Gavin, go ahead and watch the game. Shannon will help me with the food.”

One of the teams scored a touchdown, and Mack tugged Johnny’s shirtsleeve. “What’s going on between you and Shannon?” Mack had a sixth sense his other brothers lacked.

“Nothing’s going on between us.”

“Porter and Conway told me about the fight at the rodeo in Douglas a few weeks ago.” Mack stared.

“Rodriguez doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut.”

“Getting a little testy, big brother?”

Will jabbed his elbow in Mack’s side. “He’s got the hots for Shannon.”

Scowling, Johnny swung his gaze to Gavin. “You want to add anything to this conversation?”

Gavin shook his head.

“You’re robbing the cradle,” Mack whispered.

Pissed off that his brother had guessed one of his worries about becoming involved with Shannon, Johnny said, “Shut your mouth, Mack, or I’ll shut it for you.”

“You guys better not fight today.” Dixie glared. “I mean it.”

“We won’t.” Will lowered his voice. “Shannon’s not bad-looking for a tomboy.”

“She’s got pretty green eyes,” Porter said.

Johnny regretted asking Shannon to spend the afternoon with his family. “It’s none of your business what happens between me and Shannon.”

“That means there is something going on between you two,” Porter said.

Always the peacemaker, Buck came to Johnny’s defense. “Leave him alone, guys.”

“Time to eat.” Dixie waved her brothers to the table.

Johnny sat at the head and reached for the carving knife.

“Wait,” Mack said. “Shouldn’t Shannon sit next to you, Johnny?”

“I’m fine right where I am.” Shannon avoided eye contact with Johnny.

“Mack,” Conway said. “You and Buck shift over one seat and Shannon you sit here.” Conway vacated his chair, leaving Shannon no choice but to sit next to Johnny.

When everyone stopped shuffling around, Johnny asked, “Can I cut the turkey now?” The knife barely penetrated the meat. In order to get better leverage, he pushed his chair back and stood, then stabbed the meat fork deeper into the breast and gripped the knife handle tighter. It felt as if he was sawing a two-by-four. Frustrated he pressed the knife down harder and the bird flew off the plate and landed in Will’s lap.

“I may have cooked the turkey a little too long,” Shannon said sheepishly and everyone laughed.

Will set the bird on the counter. “After dinner I’ll cut off some of the meat and give it to Hank as a treat.”

Dixie fetched another turkey from the counter and set it in front of Johnny. “Try this one.” She winked at Shannon.

Johnny’s knife cut easily through the tender meat and in a matter of minutes everyone’s plate was piled high with food.

“Before we say grace, I have an announcement to make.” Dixie shared a smile with Gavin, then held up her water glass.

“Spit it out, Dix, before the food gets cold,” Porter said.

“Gavin and I are expecting.”

“Expecting what?” Porter asked.

Johnny slapped the back of his brother’s head. “A baby, stupid.”

“You’re pregnant?” Buck asked.

Dixie leaned down and kissed Gavin then said, “We’re pregnant.”

The brothers congratulated the couple and asked a million questions. Johnny remained silent as he ate, thinking it was odd that his baby sister was the first in the family to have a baby of her own.

Shannon nudged his arm. “Are you excited, Uncle Johnny?”

The sparkle in her green eyes mesmerized him. He couldn’t help but wonder what color eyes a child of theirs would end up with—Shannon’s deep green or his bright blue or a cross between both.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“I’m fine,” he said, knowing that was the furthest thing from the truth.

* * *

“I’
M
THRILLED
FOR
YOU
,
Dixie,” Shannon said as they washed and dried the dishes in the kitchen.

“Thanks.”

Shannon noticed Dixie’s somber face. “You don’t look happy for a woman who’s been trying to get pregnant for six months.”

“I’m excited.” Dixie peeled off the latex gloves she wore. “And I’m frightened.”

“Of miscarrying again?”

Dixie nodded. “I don’t want to lose another baby.”

“Your mother had seven children. You’ll be fine this time.”

“Grandma Ada had several miscarriages,” Dixie whispered. “And my mother was born six weeks early.”

“Try not to worry. Follow the doctor’s orders and leave the rest up to God.”

“Gavin’s as worried as I am.”

“So you two have talked about it?”

“No. He hasn’t said a word, but he watches my every move as if he’s waiting for me to stumble or double over in pain.”

“Gavin was a soldier—it’s in his DNA to be overprotective of those he loves.” She hugged Dixie. “How far along are you?”

“Seven weeks.” Dixie sighed. “There’s plenty of time for things to go wrong.”

“Stop thinking like that,” Shannon said. “Stay positive.” Easier said than done. Since her wreck on Heat Miser, she’d had plenty of experience with negative thoughts. Every time she felt a pain in her Achilles tendon it took all her strength to close the door on self-doubts and remain focused on her goal.