Rodeo Reunion (7 page)

“Quinn and I knew each other before he came to Aubrey.” The sound of the ball hitting a glove punctuated Lacie's statement. “I was already head over heels for Mel when Quinn came to our school, but he was crushing on me back then and I had no idea.”

“That's sweet.”

“It's funny you never met Slade until he ends up in Aubrey. Tiny little Aubrey.” Lacie pointed heavenward. “I think there's something divine going on here.”

“Like coincidence. Caitlyn and I ran into him at Moms on Main a few weeks back. Caitlyn went into labor and he drove us to the hospital.” She shifted her position on the aluminum bleacher.

“So, he knew you lived here before he moved here?”

“Yes, but he didn't know Dylan was gone until after he happened to move in next door.”

“Oh.” Lacie scanned the ball field. “Okay, maybe you weren't in Slade's plan, but maybe it's God's plan.”

“I don't think so. Slade's a rodeo chaplain. He travels the circuit and he's only here for a three-month sabbatical.”

“If he needs a sabbatical, maybe he's looking for a
change. Like something permanent. With someone permanent.” Lacie bumped her elbow again. “I know it's hard. Trust me.”

Raquel released a sigh. “How did you put everything you had with Mel aside and allow Quinn room in your heart?”

“I don't know.” Lacie shook her head. “Time, I guess. And Quinn was persistent. At first I felt guilty, like I was betraying Mel's memory. But Quinn was patient and it just happened. We had some major issues to work through before we married, but I can't imagine my life without him.”

“Dylan made me promise—” Raquel's gaze dropped to the sunflower hull–littered ground in front of the stands “—from the beginning of our relationship and especially after we had Hunter that if anything happened to him, I'd find love again and remarry.”

“It's awesome that he gave you permission to be happy without him.” Lacie patted her hand.

“Yes. But I can't risk opening up to someone new who's not sticking around.” She focused on Slade encouraging the kids, coaching them on batting and catching. He was a natural at this. He was a nice guy. A great-looking guy who made her pulse race. But he still wasn't Dylan. And he was just passing through.

“Maybe you could give him reason to stick around.”

“You want me to drag him away from God's calling to be a rodeo-circuit chaplain?”

Lacie winced. “Well, when you put it that way… I just want you to be open to something new. God didn't call him into the priesthood. And there aren't many godly unmarried men out there.”

“With safe professions.”

“A safe profession? That's a requirement?”

Raquel drifted back to the emergency room the night
they'd brought Dylan in—the night she couldn't save him. She shivered. “Yes.”

“But you said Dylan died in an off-duty car wreck.”

“Yes. But why complicate things with a dangerous job? If I'm going to start over with someone new, someone to be a stepfather to Hunter, I don't need him dying on us.”

“You know, I never really worried about Mel bronc riding.” A wistful lilt entered Lacie's tone. “I thought it was so much safer than bull riding. But Mel died riding a bronc.”

Raquel squeezed Lacie's hand.

“And Dylan was a Texas Ranger and he died in a car wreck that had nothing to do with his job. Don't you think God's in control of life and death and when it happens?”

“Definitely.” Raquel's voice cracked. “But why increase the odds?”

“Well, that makes Slade the perfect candidate. Even when he was a Texas Ranger, he was the safe kind and you can't get much safer than a chaplain.”

Slade was looking more and more perfect all the time. If only he could stay, put down roots in Aubrey.

A shadow fell over them and she looked up to see her brother. “Hey, I didn't know you were coming.”

“I'm home now, so I get to see Hunter play ball.” Brant sat down beside her. “Hey, Lacie. Nice seeing you.”

“You too. Tori and the baby okay?”

“She wanted to come, but she thought it was a bit cool this evening for Lorraine.”

“Tell me about it.” Lacie pulled her sweater tighter. “I left Cheyenne with my sister.”

“I see Walker's here?” Brant scowled.

“You heard him agree to coach.” Raquel rolled her eyes.

“I was hoping he'd change his mind.”

“He seems nice and he's really good with the kids.” Lacie frowned. “Quinn was really relieved he signed up.”

“I don't trust him. And besides, Rock and Hunter don't need a rambling man.”

Raquel squelched her laughter. “That sounds like a country song.”

But Brant glowered at her, obviously missing the humor.

“We might get a pitching machine for the next practice unless someone else can pitch.” Slade's voice echoed from the pitcher's mound. “I'm not supposed to do much pitching. My doc says he might not be able to fix my shoulder a third time.”

Raquel's heart stilled. Slade had agreed to help Hunter when it could cost him his arm. What if he'd hurt himself all those times he'd pitched for Hunter at the house?

“See, he shouldn't be coaching the team. For y'all's sake and his,” Brant whispered. “This is the perfect opportunity to let him off the hook.”

Hunter would be disappointed. But surely there was someone else who could coach.

Slade could walk back out of her life and she was beginning to think Brant was right—maybe that would be best. For everyone.

* * *

Why was Raquel so quiet? Had Slade done something to upset her?

Silence echoed as she drove them home. But Hunter filled it.

“We're gonna have the best team ever.” Hunter tossed his ball back and forth into his glove.

“I hope so.” Slade grinned. “I see definite promise. You've got a great arm. I see pitching in your future.”

“Really? Maybe you can teach me.”

Slade would love to. But it would be another two years before Hunter would graduate to a team with a kid pitcher instead of the coach. By then Slade would be long gone. Back on the circuit. His throat closed up.

“Can you teach me?”

“I think Slade has to be really careful with his shoulder.” Raquel's voice startled him as she turned into her drive, pulled into the garage and killed the engine.

“Can you run around the side and open Blizzard's gate for me, Hunter?” Slade undid his seat belt.

“Sure.” Hunter jumped out of the car. “He doesn't need his leash?”

“No. He's getting used to the place and doesn't run off.”

Hunter scurried out the side door of the garage.

“I heard you tell Quinn you weren't supposed to pitch because of your shoulder.” Raquel got out of the car. “You should have told me that. All the times you've pitched for Hunter, what if you'd hurt yourself?”

“You must not have heard all of what I said.” Slade got out and faced her over the top of the car. “We can use the pitching machine for practices, just not games. Since I don't pitch with my full steam for kids, it shouldn't hurt me.”

“But it could. Maybe it's not a good idea to coach Hunter's team. If you want out, I understand.”

“I don't want out. And I plan to train Quinn and Sam to pitch.”

“Look, I appreciate your help, but if you reinjure your arm, I'll never forgive myself.”

“Then I'll just have to be extra careful. I'm not letting these kids down.”

A flicker of a smile played across her mouth. “I better get supper on. Send Hunter home.” She turned toward the house.

“Can he stay and play with Blizzard for a little while?”

“I guess. It'll take me thirty minutes or so to get supper ready.” She disappeared into her house.

Slade longed to follow her. To set the table while she cooked. To share a meal with her and Hunter. To tuck
Hunter in and spend the evening watching some sappy chick flick with Raquel.

Man, he was going soft.

* * *

Raquel turned the burner off under the rotini noodles and stirred sautéed mushrooms and zucchini into the bubbling spaghetti sauce.

It was rude not to invite Slade over for supper.

After all, he was doing her a favor. Doing Hunter a favor. And all against the advice of his doctor.

Raquel stomped her foot. If only Hunter would come home without her calling. No way around it—she had to invite Slade. She dug her phone from her pocket and found his number in her address book.

“I'm kicking him out the door right now.” Slade's grin resonated in his tone.

“Want to come with him and have supper with us?”

Silence. One, two, three seconds…

R
aquel held her breath.
Please say no.

“You sure it's not too much trouble?” Slade asked.

“Not at all.” Raquel crossed her fingers. “I would have asked earlier, but I wasn't sure what I was making.” That part was true. “Turns out it's rotini with spaghetti sauce. Hope you don't have a problem with mushrooms or zucchini in the sauce. The only way I can get vegetables down Hunter is to drown them in tomato sauce or cheese.”

“Sounds great. We'll be right there.”

Raquel closed her eyes. Why couldn't he have just turned her down? She set another place at the table, drained the water off the pasta, and poured the tender noodles into her favorite red bowl and the sauce in a separate matching bowl. She set the meal in the middle of the table just as Hunter barreled inside with Slade a few paces behind.

With practice on Tuesdays and Fridays and games on Mondays and Thursdays, this could get to be almost a nightly thing—having Slade over for dinner.

“Perfect timing.”

“What can I do to help?” Slade strode to the kitchen.

And her kitchen suddenly wasn't big enough with him in it.

“Ice.” She pointed to three glasses sitting on the counter. “I'll take the tea pitcher to the table. I hope you like sweet tea. It's all we drink.”

“I don't see the need for anything else. Sweet tea goes good with everything.” Slade held the glasses under the dispenser and the racket of ice against glass killed any chance of conversation.

What would they talk about over dinner?

“Wait until we pray.” Raquel hurried to the dining area, slapped Hunter's hand away from the garlic bread and took her seat beside him. “Did you even wash your hands?”

“Slade made me before we left.”

“Good. It's your turn to pray.”

“Where should I sit?” Slade carried all three glasses of ice to the table with ease.

“That was Dad's spot at our table.” Hunter pointed to the empty chair on his other side.

An awkward silence shrouded them.

But Slade didn't bat an eye and sat down across from Hunter. “This spot must be for guests, then.”

Hunter bowed his head. “Dear Lord, thank You for this food. Thank You for baseball. And thank You for my new coach. Amen.”

Passing the food around the table occupied them for a few minutes.

“Mmm, this is great.” Slade rolled his eyes in ecstasy.

“It's just spaghetti with fancy noodles.” Raquel's face warmed. “I started making it this way when Hunter was little. Spaghetti noodles were way too messy.”

“I like fancy noodles.”

“Hey, Mom said I could get a dog. We're going to
Adopt-a-Pet this Saturday. Can you come with us? Can he, Mom?”

“Sure. If he has time.” Having a truck would be nice. If only her pulse would settle.

“I'll make time. Where is Adopt-a-Pet?”

“Here in Aubrey. A friend of Caitlyn's is a vet. She takes in strays and finds them homes.”

“Max wants you to show him how to bat, like you did me.” Hunter talked around his food.

“No talking with your mouth full.”

“I'm planning to make the next practice just batting. I'll work with each team member on stance and swing.”

“Awesome.”

At least Hunter had swallowed before speaking that time.

Baseball stayed the hot topic and Raquel didn't have to worry about contributing much to the conversation.

It felt like a family, the way it would if Dylan were here. But Dylan wasn't here. They weren't a family and Slade probably wouldn't stay. He was here for only three months. Then he'd be gone again. And she and Hunter would be alone again.

The phone rang and she checked the screen. Mitch's mom?

“Um, normally I'd let it ring, but it's a friend I haven't heard from in a while.”

“Go ahead. Just don't expect any food to be left when you get back.” Slade's smile sent her heart off-kilter.

She stepped into the living room. “Hey, Audra, what's up?”

“Cody's coming home for the weekend.”

“Oh, that's wonderful. I know he doesn't make it this way often.”

“I'm planning a big gathering with lots of food, of course, and I want you and Hunter to come.”

“Sure. When is it?”

“Saturday around noon. Cody will arrive Friday evening late.”

“Sounds good. We'll be there. What should I bring?”

“I'd say nothing, but I know you love to cook, so why don't you whip up some yummy dessert?”

“Will do.”

“We'll look forward to seeing you.”

“See you then.” She ended the call.

Raquel had often wished she and Mitch's younger brother had ended up more than friends. She loved his family. She loved Cody. They got along so great and laughed themselves silly when they got together. But there was just nothing there—other than a really great friendship.

Besides, Cody was never home and he was idiotic enough to ride bulls for a living, which broke both of her rules. And he was just a big overgrown kid. She already had a son to raise and didn't need another.