Boone's Surrender Read online

  Studying her face, Del saw the strain, understood why she had no desire to see Boone. It saddened him his brother had managed to lose a gem such as Willow.

  “Let’s see.” She scanned the orders, pulling up the one for the Macklin ranch. “I think we have it all ready for you out back. Come with me and we’ll check it out.”

  “You’re not here alone today, are you?”

  “Two men are out sick. At least that’s what their phone messages said. The new man I hired last week got a better offer in Missoula. Thank goodness for Harry.”

  “He’s been working for you since, well…I can’t remember when I first saw him.”

  Willow chuckled. “That’s because you were in diapers when Harry started working here. It’s his day off, but when I called, he came right in. I don’t know what I’d do without him. Here we are.” She pointed to a large pile of goods near the double doors in back. “If you want to pull the truck back here, I’ll help you load up. It shouldn’t take us any time at all.”

  Fifteen minutes later, Del signed for the supplies.

  “You should come for dinner at our place, Willow. Amy would love to have some company. Or, better yet, let’s meet for dinner at Doc’s. That way no one has to cook.”

  “Sounds good. Let me know what works for you and I’ll be there.”

  “How about Tuesday? I work an early shift and Amy gets off by five.”

  Willow nodded. “Perfect.”

  “You don’t want to check your calendar?” From what Del heard, she had no shortage of men asking her out. Although he’d also heard she never accepted.

  “Nope. Tuesday is great, and I love Doc’s. I understand he came up with another new dish he’s encouraging everyone to try.”

  Diego “Doc” Martinez owned Doc’s Grill and Tavern. An ex-army medic, he’d gotten as far away from doctoring as possible when he got out of the service. He loved coming up with new recipes and providing samples to anyone willing to be a personal taster.

  “Willow, Doc is always coming up with a new dish. See you Tuesday.” Tipping his hat, Del drove off. For an instant, he considered inviting Boone, then thought better of it. He valued his life too much to even suggest it.

  “I’ve got to find me a new farrier.” Boone finished shoeing the big gelding, dropping the hoof and stepping away.

  “What happened to Old Tom?” Thorn laid the pitchfork aside, swiping an arm across his forehead.

  “He got old. Left to be with his daughter in Kansas. Or was it Missouri.” Boone’s mouth twisted as he thought about it. “Anyway, he’s gone. I’m thinking of one of those traveling farriers. Shane Taggert uses one sometimes and is real happy with him.”

  “How’s Shane doing anyway? I don’t see him in town much.”

  “That’s because you always have your head buried in a motorcycle engine, Thorn. You need to get out more. As far as I know, Shane and Alley are doing fine. I’m still amazed at Mason’s recovery. Who would’ve thought he’d walk again and continue practicing after his accident.”

  Thorn nodded. “A lot of that has to do with Lori and her support.”

  Boone thought about the different couples who’d come together in Burnt River as a result of attending Mike Weiker’s memorial service. Besides his own brothers and the Taggerts, there were Aqua and Blake, Harpur and Sam, Ashley and Josh, and so many others. His life had also changed in a way he’d never imagined.

  “Daddy, look what I found!” Tyler came running up to him, holding out a wriggling brownish-gray lizard, its mouth open, tiny, sharp teeth showing its displeasure.

  Kneeling down, Boone’s eyes widened at the writhing reptile. “That’s one of the biggest lizards I’ve ever seen, Ty. Where’d you find him?”

  “Over there.” He dropped one hand to point behind him, almost losing his catch in the process. “Can I keep him, Daddy?” Tyler jumped up and down, his eyes full of hope.

  Boone looked up at Thorn, who leaned against a post, enjoying the exchange but offering no help.

  “Lizards aren’t meant to be caged up, son.”

  “Please, Daddy.” Tyler’s lower lip jutted out, a cute response that didn’t sway Boone…much.

  “Tell you what. We’ll keep him overnight, then set him free tomorrow.”

  Scrunching his face, Tyler thought about it for a bit before nodding. “Okay.” Turning, he ran toward the house, the door banging closed behind him.

  “And he’s going to be keeping the lizard in what?” Thorn asked, not hiding the smirk on his face.

  Standing, Boone walked back to the horse he’d been tending. “Same as us. A shoebox. It’s just for one night. What could possibly happen?”

  Thorn opened his mouth to answer, then shot a glance over his shoulder at the sound of a truck. “Looks like Del’s back. Time to get some real work done around here.”

  “Let’s unload the truck, then I’ll go get Ty. He’ll need to ride out with us.”

  Tyler bounced alongside Boone as they checked on the dozen head of cattle on the ranch. Unlike the horses, which he bred and trained for profit, the cattle were used by the family and a few locals who stocked their freezer each year.

  “You’re looking real good, buddy. Try to keep your legs from bumping Cricket’s sides.”

  “Like this, Daddy?”

  “Yeah, Ty. Just like that.”

  Boone purchased the pony from a neighbor a few weeks before Jenny died. After Grace learned of the woman’s prognosis, she’d jumped right in, making sure the older mare was ready for a young boy. When Jenny died, learning to ride had been good therapy for Tyler and a way for Grace to help Boone as he struggled with his new responsibilities.

  Del reined up alongside them, nodding in approval at how well Tyler rode. “You’re looking pretty good there, cowboy.”

  Tyler beamed at the compliment. “Thanks, Uncle Del. She likes me.”

  “Of course she does, Ty. You’re a boy and she’s a girl. It’s the way things work,” Boone said as he counted the cattle.

  Del cleared his throat, making a decision before he could rethink it. “Amy and I are meeting Willow for dinner at Doc’s Tuesday night.” He knew Boone would find out anyway. Might as well get it out now.

  Boone’s jaw worked, his gaze focused straight ahead, as if he hadn’t heard Del. Finally, he looked at his brother.

  “Did she ask about me?”

  Del shook his head. “Not exactly.”

  Boone snorted. “Yeah, I can imagine.” He looked at his son. “Ty, why don’t you ride over to Uncle Thorn while Uncle Del and I talk a bit.”

  Tyler wrinkled his nose. “More grown-up talk?”

  “Afraid so.”

  Giving his pony the command, Tyler rode the short distance to Thorn. Boone watched, making sure his brother knew he had Tyler duty, then shifted his attention to Del.

  “I haven’t seen Willow since Jenny’s memorial service. How’s she doing?”

  “You know Willow. She always seems to get along.” Del knew that wasn’t what Boone wanted to know.

  “She’s always been strong.” Boone looked away, seeming to wrestle with what he wanted to say. Del let him work through his thoughts, not interrupting. “Did she mention anyone?”

  “As in dating?”

  “Yeah.”

  Del shook his head. “No. When I asked if she wanted to join us, she didn’t even check her calendar. From what I’ve heard around town, she turns down anyone who asks her out.”

  This got Boone’s attention. “Why would she do that?”

  “I’m sure I don’t know, but Willow must have her reasons. The only way to find out is to figure a way to get her to talk with you again.”

  “I’ve tried. She has no interest in anything I have to say, and I can’t say as I blame her. After all that happened, how I acted…” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “It’s best to leave it all in the past.”

  Del didn’t agree, but it wasn’t his decision to make. “You’ve got enough on your mind with
Ty and the ranch. I just wanted you to know in case you decided to head to Doc’s on Tuesday.”

  “I appreciate it, Del.”

  “I’m guessing you’ve never said anything to Thorn about what happened between you and Willow.”

  Boone shook his head, glancing over at his brother. He and Tyler were in deep conversation about something. Probably the lizard.

  “I’ve been meaning to. Just haven’t found the right time.”

  “Find the right time, Boone. It’ll come out at some point, and it should come from you.”

  Chapter Two

  “I’m so glad you invited me to join you.” Willow sat across from Del and Amy, sipping a glass of wine, nodding at Mason and Lori, who sat at a table in the corner. She sagged back into her chair, her eyes showing fatigue.

  “Sounds like you had a hard day.” Amy rested a hand on Del’s thigh.

  “Not hard. Just long. One of the men out sick hasn’t returned. I’m beginning to think he might be looking for another job.” Willow shrugged, glancing around Doc’s Grill and Tavern. “It isn’t easy to keep good people. As soon as they’re trained, they expect more money. I wish I could pay more, but it isn’t possible most of the time.”

  Amy leaned forward. “I know what you mean. At Gray Wolf Outfitters, we lose people every week because they’re moving, want more money, or believe they deserve a promotion. It seems everyone is looking for something they aren’t getting.”

  “Are you happy there, Amy?” Willow asked, taking another sip of wine before setting her glass on the table.

  “I love my job in purchasing. I talk to customers around the world, work with some wonderful people, and have good benefits. And I can walk to work. What’s not to like?”

  Willow blew out a breath. “Sounds wonderful.”

  Del’s gaze narrowed on her. “You’re not thinking of making a change, are you?”

  Willow’s brows shot up. “Me?” She shook her head. “Even if I wanted to, you know I can’t. The Robinsons have owned the feed and tack store for three generations. My parents are retired and my brother is still in the army. There’s no one else, and I won’t be the one to sell.”

  Del glanced at Amy, keeping his reply to himself as Doc walked up.

  “Your meals are almost ready, but I want you to try this new recipe.” Doc set a plate containing samples in the center of the table. “My dear mama used to make her enchilada casserole at least twice a month when I was growing up.”

  Amy’s eyes twinkled as she picked up her fork. “You’ve made some changes, of course.”

  A chuckle rumbled from Doc’s throat. “Of course. Mama, God rest her soul, would forgive me if she knew.”

  “Hmmm. This is wonderful, Doc. What do you call it?” Willow took another forkful.

  “Doc’s Special.”

  Del shook his head. “You call all your new dishes Doc’s Special. You need to get a little more creative.”

  “True.” Amy nodded, taking another bite. “How about Mama’s Special?”

  “Or Mama’s Enchilada Casserole?” Willow suggested, taking one more bite, then putting her fork down.

  Scooping up the last piece, Del held it to his mouth. “Do any of these test dishes ever make it on the menu, Doc?”

  Doc rubbed his jaw. “Well, that would mean printing a new menu.”

  “Sounds like a no to me.” Amy picked up her soda, her eyes widening as the front door opened and Boone stepped inside, holding Tyler’s hand. “Oh…”

  “What?” Willow shifted to look behind her, color draining from her face.

  Standing, Del walked to the front, his gaze locked on Boone.

  “Uncle Del.” Tyler ran up to him, finding himself lifted into his uncle’s arms.

  “What’s up, buddy?”

  “Daddy ordered pizza.”

  “Is that right?”

  Tyler nodded. “Pepperoni.”

  Setting him down, Del looked at Boone. “Do you want to come over and say hello to Amy?”

  Boone glanced at the table. He’d seen Willow the moment they walked inside, tensing at the way she tried to hide the contempt on her face. Shaking his head, he stepped up to the counter, taking out his wallet.

  “I’d better not. Tell her I said hello.”

  “Look, Daddy. There’s Aunt Amy.”

  Before Boone could stop him, Tyler dashed off, running up to give Amy a hug.

  Del snickered. “I guess he made the decision for you.”

  Handing the money to the cashier, Boone picked up the box. “Am I mistaken, or are you enjoying this?”

  Del’s face sobered. “I know this is tough for you, and for Willow. Come over, say hello, then take Ty home.” He tapped the box Boone held in his hand. “You have a good excuse not to stick around.”

  “Fine.” Boone followed Del to the table. He leaned down to hug Amy, then his gaze moved to Willow, her features strained. “Hello, Willow.”

  Clearing her throat, she nodded. “Boone.”

  “Daddy got us pizza, Aunt Amy. Do you want some?” Tyler pointed to the box.

  Smiling, she shook her head. “Knowing you and your dad, I don’t think there’s enough to share. Right, Boone?”

  Pulling his gaze away from Willow, he shook his head. “Probably not. We’d best get going, Ty. You still have to eat and take a bath before going to bed.”

  “Can’t we eat here?”

  “Not tonight, buddy.” Gripping the pizza box in one hand, he held out the other to Tyler. “Good to see you all. Enjoy your dinner.”

  Tyler waved as they walked away, Boone not looking back as they stepped outside.

  Willow sat in her truck, gripping the steering wheel and taking slow breaths. Her appetite had fled the moment she saw Boone. Fighting the impulse to grab her purse and leave, she kept her seat, the stabbing pain in her chest almost overpowering.

  Forcing herself to eat some of her meal, she stayed another thirty minutes, making small talk before asking the waitress to package her leftovers. Del had insisted on paying, then he and Amy walked her to her truck. No one had mentioned Boone after he left, although his presence seemed to hang over all of them.

  A long time ago, Willow had accepted her responsibility for the way their relationship had ended and the resulting tragedy. He’d tried to be there for her, offering his support, imploring her to talk to him in all the phone messages, texts, and emails he sent. She’d ignored each attempt.

  Her older brother, Greg, had been a rational sounding board. Besides Boone, Greg was the only other person who knew what had happened the night of the accident. To her surprise, he’d agreed to keep the circumstances from their parents, telling Willow the decision was hers to make. He’d also encouraged her to talk to Boone, get it all out, and come to some resolution so it wouldn’t continue to haunt her. She refused to take his advice.

  Years had passed since that night. After her refusal to speak with him, Boone had moved on, taking responsibility for Jenny’s son. Willow had stayed frozen in time, wallowing in her pain.

  Seeing him with Tyler, his obvious love for the boy, Willow’s resolve to continue hating Boone dissolved. She knew they’d never reclaim any love they might have shared, but continuing to hate him did nothing except cause her more misery. Hanging onto the grief kept her from meeting anyone who might take Boone’s place in her heart.

  Starting the truck, Willow made a decision, one she’d been putting off far too long. She’d call Boone. If he still had the desire, which she hoped he did, she’d ask for a time they could talk. If all went well, she might be able to put the past behind her, walking away with a sense of peace she so desperately needed.

  “One more, Daddy.”

  Boone held the book in his hand, watching as Tyler’s eyes drifted shut and his breathing slowed. Most nights, two stories would do. Tonight, he’d read four before his son’s voice dropped to a whisper.

  My son. Boone still found it hard to comprehend the little boy, deep in sleep, was his. Most da
ys went well. Some, like today, were more challenging.

  He’d attended his first parent-teacher conference, learning Tyler sometimes showed signs of anger while on the playground. The teacher had called it acting out, his way of expressing the loss of his mother. Twice, he’d broken down. She’d found him crying in the corner of the playground. The day before, he’d shoved a couple boys after they’d called him names. All three had been sent to the principal’s office.

  Then, on the way home, a tire blew. Boone had forgotten to put an extra one in the truck, losing two hours waiting for roadside assistance and buying a replacement. Getting back on the road, he had no time to get to the ranch before having to return to school to pick up Tyler.

  Somehow, he’d gotten the evening chores done before ordering pizza, forgetting Del and Amy were having dinner with Willow.

  Setting the book down, he tucked the covers around Tyler, kissed him on the forehead, then crept from the room. Heading downstairs to the kitchen, he pulled a longneck bottle from the refrigerator, taking a long swallow.

  Glancing at the clock, he blew out a breath. He needed to work on the ranch accounts before heading to bed, but his head wasn’t into columns or numbers. All he could think about was Willow.

  Boone hadn’t spoken to her in so long, he’d almost forgotten the sound of her voice. Almost. Strong, throaty, with a silky edge. All it took was one word—his name—to bring back all the memories he so viciously shoved aside when she’d refused all his attempts at contact. At what seemed an all too common cliché, Boone hadn’t realized what he had until he’d lost her.

  Lowering himself into a chair, he picked up the controller. Burying himself in one of the sports channels or the one playing a constant stream of PBR competitions would relax him. With luck, it would also rid him of thoughts about Willow.

  Tipping the bottle up, he drained the amber liquid, then pushed the button to recline the chair all the way back. Not much on tonight except a beautiful sports announcer interviewing another cocky athlete. Her long, dark auburn hair fell over her shoulders, soft blue eyes staring up at the man as he swiped moisture from his forehead. She looked so much like Willow, he had to shake his head. Blinking a few times, he looked again.