Dan (Texas Rascals Book 9) Read online

  The wind howled, cold and desolate.

  Sand clung to her eyelashes, her nose, her mouth. Sneezing, she squinted into the darkness, trying to decipher Chester’s skulking shape ambling just ahead of her. Everywhere she looked she saw whirlwinds of dust, debris, and sand snuffing out the last shreds of daylight.

  To her left, she heard Chester bark. She tried to turn Sunny west, into the wind, but the mare tossed her head and stepped gingerly through the sand, reluctant to go farther.

  Raleigh sank her heels into the horse’s flanks. “Come on, Sunny, you can do it.”

  Then, out of the blackness, Matt Dillon emerged, galloping for his life, dragging Dan’s saddle behind him. Raleigh caught a fleeting glimpse of the terrified Thoroughbred as he thundered away.

  Oh, no! Dan had been thrown. He was out there somewhere in the sandstorm, alone, possibly injured. Fear tightened her throat as a barrage of awful possibilities assaulted her mind.

  Raleigh stifled a moan of despair. She had to stay calm.

  Leaning over Sunny, she urged the mare forward, following Chester’s steady barking. If it weren’t for the dog, she’d be totally adrift in a sea of blinding sand. She tugged her sweater more tightly around her shoulders, but it provided precious little protection against the mounting cold air, and none whatsoever against the accumulating grit.

  “Oh, Dan, where are you?” she whispered. “What’s happened?”

  It seemed hours passed, although she knew it was only a matter of minutes. In this seething black pit of sand-filled hell, reality became fantasy and fantasy, reality. She even lost her sense of direction.

  Doubt clouded her thoughts. Maybe Chester didn’t know where Dan was. Maybe this was a wild goose chase. For all she knew, she might be headed straight back to the ranch.

  Chester’s barking grew louder as she approached. Her stomach twisted. Something was very wrong.

  She slipped off Sunny’s back but held tightly to the reins, keeping the mare from taking flight. Extending her right hand in front of her, she stumbled forward, searching like a blind woman, her fingers grasping for landmarks.

  “Chester,” she shouted.

  The dog yipped excitedly.

  Dear God, she prayed. Please let Dan be all right.

  She tripped over a rock and fell to her knees. Brushing sand from her eyes, she stared at what lay directly in front of her. An unmoving form sprawled across a rocky ridge. She knew instantly it was Dan.

  Her heart pounded, injecting her with a fresh jolt of energy. Staggering to her feet, she struggled toward Dan, ignoring the thorns and grass burrs pricking her knees and palms.

  She scaled the small ridge, pulling herself up beside him, all the while clinging to Sunny’s reins. She reached for Dan, fingers trembling.

  “Dan?” Her voice cracked.

  No response.

  She tasted terror, grim and metallic. Touching him, she found he felt cold. So very cold.

  Inching closer, she squatted over him, her knees tucked under her chin. She laid her cheek against his face but experienced no warm breath on her skin. In the darkness she couldn’t see his chest rise and fall. She grappled for a pulse at his wrist but felt no reassuring thud.

  She grabbed him by the shoulders and gently shook him. His head rolled limply. She saw a small pool of dark blood staining the ground beneath him.

  “Dan!” she screamed, and for one hideous moment, she believed he was dead.

  15

  Dan heard her calling to him through the mist. Raleigh. His beloved. How had she gotten so far away?

  Struggling through the boggy swamp of his mind, he willed his eyes to open, his mouth to speak, but he felt so heavy, weighted, leaden, lost in a forest of blackness.

  Her fingers gripped his. Where was he? What had happened?

  Oh, yes. He remembered. The horses, the storm, his parents were coming. But why was Raleigh here, and how had he hurt his head? Groaning, he raised a hand to the painful knot at his temple and felt something wet and sticky. Blood?

  He heard a sob. Raleigh? Crying?

  “Oh, Dan, you’re alive, you’re alive!”

  Prying his eyes open, he stared at her through a mat of sand. “Of course, I’m alive,” he said gruffly. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “I thought you were dead,” she babbled.

  Using his elbow, he propped himself up to a sitting position. “You’re crying,” he said, reaching out a finger to caress the wet stains on her cheek. “I thought you couldn’t cry.”

  “Me, too.” She sniffled, grinning. “Guess I was wrong.”

  “Come here,” he said gruffly and clasped her to him.

  Curling her head against his chest, she sobbed while he gently kissed her forehead and brushed soft tendrils of copper-colored hair from her face.

  “I was so scared.” She hiccupped.

  “Shh,” he soothed. “Everything’s going to be all right.”

  “I lied to you, Dan. I lashed out and hurt you to protect my own emotions. I was so wrong.”

  “It’s okay, sweetheart. I understand.”

  For several minutes he sat rocking her in his arms, bonding with her, absorbing her essence into his very marrow. An incredible peace enveloped him. Despite the storm, the lost horses and his injury, Dan experienced a profound sense of rightness. Things were as they should be, he and Raleigh together again. By the time her small body stopped trembling, the wind had quieted from gale to gust.

  “We need to get you to the hospital,” she said, wiping her mud-streaked face.

  “I’m fine.”

  “Well, I’m not taking any chances,” she declared, pushing away from him and standing. “Come on.” She held out her hand, and he took it, letting her help him to his feet.

  “We’re going to have to ride double,” she said, waving a hand at Sunny.

  “And bareback, too,” Dan said.

  After Sunny put up an initial resistance at accommodating two riders, they made it astride the reluctant mare. Dan rode in front, Raleigh behind, her sinewy arms wrapped securely around his waist, her cheek pressed against his back. He thrilled at having her there.

  “What about the horses?” Dan asked. “They all escaped from the corral.”

  “Your health is more important. They’ll take care of themselves.”

  They traveled through the dying wind, Dan’s brain swirling with thoughts. His head hurt, but he didn’t mind. Raleigh was back, and that was all that mattered. He couldn’t wait to get her alone someplace quiet. The thought fueled him with unexpected energy, dispelling his pain and weariness.

  Sunny stumbled, lost her balance, and slipped on the rocky surface. They lurched forward as the mare’s back hoof caught her front. Dan heard the ping of metal striking stone. The mare staggered, limping.

  “What happened?” Dan asked.

  “She threw a shoe on these rocks.” Raleigh sighed. “We’ll have to walk the rest of the way, and I’ll reshoe her when we get back.”

  “Can’t it wait?”

  Raleigh shook her head. “Poor Sunny is so shallow-footed, she can’t manage long without being shod.”

  The storm had finally ended. Hand in hand, Dan and Raleigh plodded back to the ranch. Chester trotted along beside them, while Sunny limped behind. They wandered for many minutes, and just when Dan feared they might be lost, he saw lights from the farmhouse glowing through the foggy darkness.

  As they drew closer to the house, Dan could make out the shadowy shapes of Pete and his parents clambering down the front steps toward them.

  “Are you all right, boss?” Pete asked, running out to greet them.

  “A rattlesnake spooked Matt Dillion, and he threw me, got a knock on my head but I’m okay,” Dan reassured him.

  “You didn’t get snake bit?’

  “No.”

  “Who’s that?” Raleigh squinted at his parents coming across the yard toward them.

  “My folks are here,” he told Raleigh, his voice raspy. “Be prepare
d for anything.”

  This is it, he thought, bracing himself. The big, father-son showdown. He knew this moment was inevitable, had been dreading it all week, but it was about time he took a stand and proved to his father, once and for all, that he was his own man.

  “Daniel!” his mother cried, looking properly chic in a tailored pantsuit and understated gold jewelry, her frosted hair perfectly coiffed. She scurried across the yard and threw her arms around his neck. “Oh, my poor baby, are you all right?”

  “Mother, I’m fine.”

  “But you’re bleeding,” she protested, her finger lightly stroking his wounded temple.

  Dan stiffened and moved out of his mother’s embrace. He refused to get sucked into that baby-of-the-family role again. Holding his head high, Dan locked eyes with his father. Squaring his shoulders, he stepped forward and thrust out his hand. It was now or never.

  “Hello, Dad. Welcome to my home.”

  “Hello, son.”

  They stood a moment like two warriors, proud and strong. Neither wanting to be the first to look away, to back down.

  Dan could feel the tense undercurrent flowing between them. What did his father think? Dan steeled himself for the obligatory put-down. Whatever the old man dished out, he could take.

  Turning, Dan held out his arm to Raleigh. In an instant, she plastered herself to his side, her chin jutting forward defiantly as she eyed Bill McClintock.

  “Mom, Dad, I want you to meet somebody special. This is Raleigh Travers, my farrier and best friend. Raleigh, these are my parents, Bill and Marcia McClintock.”

  “How do you do, little lady?” Bill McClintock said.

  “Nice to meet you,” Marcia murmured.

  Raleigh stepped up, shook both their hands, then allowed Dan to fold her into his arm once more.

  Bill McClintock sank his hands on his hips and surveyed the shambles around them. Violent wind had ripped the corral gate off its hinges; sand lay in drifting piles; equipment was overturned, and litter and debris clung to the fencerow.

  “So,” Bill McClintock said slowly, “this is the infamous dude ranch.”

  “Yes,” Dan said proudly. “This is my ranch.”

  Raleigh laced her fingers through Dan’s, giving him strength to face the man who’d controlled him all his life. Dan braced himself, prepared for a fight.

  “Your ranch hand tells me you’ve misplaced a few horses,” his father said, nodding in Pete’s direction. “Tell me, son, is that standard operating procedure around here?”

  “In case you haven’t noticed, sir, there was a severe sandstorm today.” Dan gritted his teeth and mentally counted to ten.

  “Are you losing money on this venture?” His father shifted his weight but never dropped his gaze.

  “Bill,” his mother interceded. “I don’t think this is the time. Dan needs medical attention for that gash on his forehead.”

  Bill McClintock raised a palm. “If Dan had stayed in the family business where he belonged, none of this would have happened. You’d think by now the boy would have learned to obey his parents.”

  “Now, now, Bill, Dan’s always been a dreamer,” his mother said.

  Dan smiled, feeling strangely calm. This insecure bully was the man he’d feared all his life? Well, he wasn’t a boy any longer, and he refused to bow down to his father’s demands.

  “I gave you enough rope. Have you hung yourself yet, son? Are you ready to give up this nonsense and come back home?”

  “No, Dad, I’m not. Rascal is my home now.”

  “Still have your heart set on playing cowboy?” Bill McClintock stuck his thumbs through his belt loops and gave Dan his best intimidating stare.

  “You’re jealous because I’m making it on my own,” Dan challenged. “Admit it.”

  “You call this disaster, making it?” His father swung his arm at the mess surrounding them.

  “I don’t believe this,” Raleigh said, springing in front of Bill McClintock, her wiry legs cocked in the stance of a gunfighter, her waitress uniform pulling tight across her thighs. “Dan could have died, and all you care about is getting the upper hand.”

  “I beg your pardon, young lady.” His father raised an eyebrow, looking from Raleigh to Dan and back again.

  Admiration for his scrappy redhead swelled in Dan’s heart. He grinned. She must love him to stand up for him like this, hanging tough with Bill McClintock.

  “Raleigh,” Dan admonished, wanting to deal with his dad on his terms. “I appreciate your concern, but this is my battle.”

  “I can’t stand by and let him cut you down like that.”

  “Raleigh, I’ve got this,” he said firmly.

  “Okay.” She led Sunny to the barn.

  Pete mumbled something and took off after Raleigh, leaving Dan alone with his parents.

  “Dad,” he said once Pete and Raleigh were out of earshot. “I had hoped you’d come here to support my efforts to forge my own life. I’d think you’d want at least one son who was self-sufficient.”

  “Well, I—I,” Bill McClintock stammered. Suddenly, he didn’t look so big and tough.

  “I thought maybe we could bury the hatchet and face each other as equals. But if you can’t do that, then I suggest you go back to Dallas.” Dan stood as solid and steady as a hundred-year-old oak tree, no longer pliable to his father’s demanding wishes.

  “Danny, you don’t mean that,” his mother said.

  “Yes, he does,” Bill McClintock growled.

  “And another thing,” Dan said, knowing his words might alienate him from his father forever. “I’m going to marry that feisty girl, if she’ll have me. So, you better get used to the idea of people standing up to you, Dad. Raleigh doesn’t take guff off anybody, including me.”

  To Dan’s amazement, his father’s face broke into a big grin. “By gum, Marcia,” he hooted. “Our Dan’s grown up at last.”

  Adrenaline pumped through Dan’s body as he strode toward the barn. He felt good. Dang good. He’d faced his father and won.

  And Raleigh had come home. Yes, home. He wanted to shout, to celebrate. Because both of them belonged here, on this ranch, on this land. Since she and Caleb had moved out, the place was like a morgue, cold, sterile, devoid of life.

  But now Raleigh was back, with her special brand of verve. Love for her filled his very lungs as he inhaled sharp, musty air. He couldn’t wait to propose to Raleigh, to hold her in his arms, to kiss those sweet strawberry lips.

  His stomach tightened at the thought. He had to make her his wife, no matter what, because he loved her with every ounce of his being, with every breath he took. If she needed more time, then so be it. He had a lifetime to give.

  Raleigh needed him. A man who could show her the whimsical side of life. A man patiently willing to chip past her defenses. A man to heal her broken heart. She needed him badly and, oh, how he needed her!

  Almost running, Dan banged into the barn, his pulse pounding a mad tattoo.

  Pete was in a stall, holding Sunny’s head while Raleigh stooped over, her farrier’s apron strapped around her pink uniform, the mare’s hoof clenched between her legs, a rasp in her hand.

  What a woman! Dan’s chest inflated with pride at the sight of her. She was brave, honest, hardworking. Strong, good, and virtuous. She’d lived through adversity and came out victorious every time. What more could a man ask for in a helpmate, a lover?

  “Raleigh,” Dan called.

  Slowly, she raised her head.

  “We’ve got to talk.”

  Pete stood, grinning like a fool. He dusted his hands on the seat of his pants. “That’s my exit cue.”

  “Where you off to, Pete?” Raleigh asked. “We’re shoeing Sunny.”

  “It’ll keep till tomorrow,” Pete said and slipped out the side door.

  Leaving them alone.

  “I’m sorry if I insulted you back there in front of my parents; that wasn’t my intention,” he said.

  She shrugged. “No
offense taken.”

  Dan stepped closer, intently studying her in the glare from the bare bulb, that sweet pixie face with the sad gray eyes. How he longed to replace that sadness with joy.

  “It was a personal thing between me and my father.”

  “I understand.”

  “I also want to thank you for saving my life today.”

  “You’re welcome.” She rocked back on her heels and stared at her toes, pulling a shy, wry smile.

  Dan’s heart overflowed with hope. “Was there a reason you came back?” His gaze never left her face. He wanted to absorb every nuance, decipher every emotion she experienced.

  “Look at me, Raleigh.”

  She raised her chin. “I came to tell you I lied.”

  “About what?” He inched closer until he stood a mere breath away.

  “When I said I didn’t love you. I tried not to love you, I really did, but it just didn’t work.”

  “I’m so glad,” he whispered.

  “Fay told me how my pa broke her heart because he couldn’t get over my mother, and I realized I was doing the very same thing to you. I’ve been hiding from life, denying your love because I didn’t have the courage to risk losing you.”

  “Life’s full of risk, Raleigh, but true love is worth any gamble.”

  “How can you be sure?”

  A glint of metal caught Dan’s eye. The horseshoe glistened.

  He plucked it from the wooden frame. “I always heard these things were lucky. Do you suppose that’s true?”

  Raleigh shrugged.

  “Well, I know they’re lucky, because horseshoes are what brought you to me. You have faith in horseshoes, Raleigh, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I guess so.”

  “Then as long as we’ve got horseshoes, we’ve got good luck.”

  “Can I count on that?” she asked.

  “You can count on me, darlin’,” he said and held his arms open wide.

  “Oh, Dan.” She dropped the rasp on the floor and, standing on tiptoe, wrapped her arms around his neck. She buried her face in his chest, relishing the pleasure of his embrace. It felt as if she’d just stepped from the deepest Arctic cold to a warm, welcoming fire.