Another book...

And another book in progress. I really need to just pick ONE and really work on it.


Chapter One

Talisa couldn’t think of a single thought except if anyone would find her down there. It was pitch black, a little chilly, and the sound of the rushing river surrounded her. Tentatively, she flexed her fingers, forced her brain to make her arms and legs move, then slowly moved her head from side to side. Her wrist hurt, maybe she had a slight fracture but nothing that inhibited its mobility. Her legs were bruised in multiple places but they weren’t broken. Her neck and head were fine. Talisa being alive and not having any serious injuries was a miracle considering the car was laying on its right side in the Arkansas River. God had definitely answered Talisa’s prayers about keeping her alive.

Slowly, her eyes were adjusting to the dim light. The moon was only a crescent and gave little light. She glanced around and took in the surroundings. Her seat belt had held throughout the whole wreck and the side passenger seat airbag had deployed. The windshield had cracked and there was debris in the car but other than that, the inside of the car was intact. Very carefully she shifted her weight to the left side and then the right, testing to see if the car might tip over easily. It didn’t move. She rocked with more force and it still didn’t budge. That was some more good news. Carefully she pulled up her legs, let out a sharp breath at the pain that spread through her body like wildfire, and shifted her feet so when she undid the seatbelt, she would be standing straight up. She unbuckled her seat belt and when she landed on her feet, she heard the glass crunch beneath the weight.

When I looked up, I realized that now I would either have to rock the car so all the tires would be on the ground or climb up and out. God was definitely on my side when I felt persuaded to buy a smaller car. Seeing as how it hardly budged when I was moving earlier, I figured it might move now that I was right side up. With as much force as I could, I pushed on the seats. I heard it slowly creak and then with a thud and a shattering of glass, the car landed on its wheels. The seats slightly cushioned the fall and what glass was left shattered into pieces. Manhandling the glove compartment to get it open, I found my headlamp and pre-paid phone Dad made me keep in the car. I put on the headlamp and shoved the phone into my jacket, thanking God once again for my dad’s foresight. Metal grated on metal as the door opened and I stepped out into the cool river. I was thankful it was mid-May, otherwise the river would be frigid.

I walked the few feet to a sand strip and fell down in a heap, all my adrenaline gone. My muscles were tight, my head was pounding, I was light-headed, and my wrist was throbbing. I flicked on the headlamp and dialed my dad’s cell. It rang twice and went to voicemail, signaling he was busy attending matters at the ranch. I raised my arm to check the time and it was only then that I noted the blood rushing from a deep gash in my arm. After that, darkness overtook me.

“Talisa, Talisa. Come on wake up,” an urgent voice awoke me. I fought against the blackness to open my eyes and when I opened them just a crack, lights blinded me and forced me to close them again. I could hear sirens, voices, motors. I felt warm and the pain in my arm had let up slightly. I absently wondered if my dad was here or if he had even checked my message. How long was I out for? How did these people find me?

“Talisa. Look at me.”

I glanced up and butterflies assaulted my stomach, though I wasn’t sure if it was more from my injuries or the man speaking to me. I hadn’t ever had this reaction to him before. Then again, I hadn’t ever been this close to him before.

I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out. I cleared my throat, closed my eyes to fight off the pain the threatened to build back up, and tried again. “How did you know I was here?” My voice was scratchy and I worried that he wouldn’t be able to understand me.

A smile flickered across his handsome but blurry face. I heard him answer, but couldn’t make out the words; it felt like I was in a tunnel and we were at opposite ends. Then once again I felt like seeping into unconsciousness. It would be effortless and would feel so much better than the pain I could feel now. I’m a fighter though and there’s nothing I like better than a difficult challenge.

I forced my eyes open and got ready to ask him again, but we weren’t alone. Paramedics surrounded me and were preparing to lift me onto the stretcher. My arm was wrapped and I had a blanket around me. A stern looking man carefully put a neck brace on me and I was careful not to roll my eyes. I knew he was just doing his job but if my neck was broken, I really don’t think I would’ve gone this long without the brace. Perhaps. I’m no E.M.T. The man then grabbed my shoulders, a woman grabbed my ankles and on the count of three, lifted me onto the stretcher.

Out of the corner of my eye I could see my dark blue car, with only one window still partially intact, surrounded by police. I was surprised it held up so well, but then again God is on my side. Lights were flashing, so I assumed that someone was taking pictures. I could hear a lady talking like she was in front of a camera, which I really hoped she wasn’t. I did not want to be on the evening news. I was becoming more alert by the moment and I grew curious as to how the medics were going to get me up to the ambulance. Apparently they were too.

“How are we getting her up?” the man asked.

“Well seeing as how there’s a clear path up to the road, I’d say that’s the way we’ll go,” the woman replied as though she was explaining it to a four year old.

“Are you strong enough to carry her?” the man asked suspiciously.

“Let’s go Jay.” She sounded a little irritated.

“I can help,” I heard the man who woke me ask. He had a deep, rich voice with a slight drawl to it. It was very soothing and I found myself relax. I hadn’t realized I was tense.

“Thanks, Bowen. Let’s go.”

He obviously moved to my feet and we made our way up the gradual slope. No one spoke except for the occasional, “You still with us Talisa?” asked by the woman every couple minutes. I told her yes, but in my head I was praying. God had got me this far, I knew He’d get me up to the ambulance. As I glanced up at the twinkling stars in an inky sky, peace surrounded me and I sent up a thank you. It was always amazing when I felt that peace; it was a feeling I hoped I would never take for granted.

Unexpectedly I was falling and stopped with a slight jerk that sent a twinge up my back.

“Sorry. It’s that carpal tunnel bothering my arm again,” Jay murmured.

“Jay come back here and Bowen you go by Miss Chalakee’s head. We’re a little past the halfway point.”

Bowen took Jay’s position at my head and in short order we were moving again. Through the dim light I couldn’t make out his face but I could feel his presence, or his charisma rather, like a light that surrounded him. Yes, I realized he was mere inches from me but some people have a certain energy that surrounds them and draws people to them. Either that or my gash was making me delusional. I looked up at him once more and he must’ve felt it because he looked down at me and grinned.

“You don’t have to look so tense. We’re at the ambulance now,” he said mischievously.

I looked at the sky and sure enough the trees were no longer blocking the sky and the bright interior of the ambulance soon greeted me. I squinted against the lights and the woman must’ve thought I was in pain. She started an IV drip and emptied a syringe full of something into it. She leaned over me so I could see her face better.

“That should help with the pain until we get you to the hospital. I believe you’ve had a concussion, not a serious one, but I’d rather you try to stay awake. Does it hurt much to speak?” Her face was hard but her brown eyes were sympathetic.

My throat was dry but not unbearably so. “Not so much.”

“Good. Now we called your father and he said he’d meet us at the hospital, let me go talk to Jay for a minute and we’ll be on our way.”

She glanced to her left and jerked her head towards me once and nodded.

Before I had too long to think about what she was doing, I heard someone climb in the ambulance.

“Mind if I ride?” Bowen took a seat close to me, his voice was near. He smelled like the cool wind and had a woodsy, masculine scent about him.

I opened my mouth to answer him but he cut me off.

“Actually, never mind. I’ve seen you around often enough to know that you don’t mind being alone but for your father’s sake, I told him I’d ride with you.”

Once again, I opened my mouth to respond but he started speaking again. He was quite the talker I was beginning to figure out. That was the opposite of me; it was rather amusing.

“You’d better just listen and I’ll talk. You asked me how I found you? I was checking out how well the lights worked on the Rhino when I heard the sound of glass shatter and water splash. See, my property runs on the opposite side of the river. So in a way, we’re neighbors.”

I could hear the smile in his voice. It was wonderful listening to his voice. Better than listening to the hum and beep of the monitors I had hooked up to me. The sound brought up memories I’d rather forget.

“Anyway, I hauled it to the place where I heard the sound come from and there was your car. Called 911 and your dad, who had also called 911 by the way, and stayed with you. Your dad called me again to see what was going on and how you were and he told me to call him again when we got close.”

Just then his phone rang. “Hello. Yeah I’m here with her.” His voice got quiet and muffled. I could only make out a few words like car, tire skids, and she’s fine. His voice held a mix of relief and concern. A flash of headlights behind me entered my mind, like a replay of what happened right before my accident. Was I hit?

a “ b

When the ambulance made it to the hospital a few minutes later, Romy, the woman medic’s name, told me they were wheeling me into a room where my dad was waiting. I could see him in my mind walking back and forth, mussing his graying black hair, face marred with worry, and probably praying. Dad had such a strong faith in God and growing up, I couldn’t help but learn to trust in God the same way. God rarely, if ever, disappoints.

Romy instructed Bowen to either follow or he could go to the waiting area. He decided to wait until the doctor had visited me and I had a chance to speak with my dad. On the rest of the ride up, Bowen filled me in on what kind of wildlife was in the area, the hunting seasons, and how excited he was to go deer hunting. I smiled at his excitement and was tempted to ask if I could go with him, just to see if I could experience that excitement.

When I was in a well-lit room, they lifted me off the gurney and onto the bed. Romy removed the neck brace and I started to roll my head to the side, when she said, “Now take it easy, you might not have a broken neck but it’ll be plenty sore. Ted, you can come on over now.”

Dad came over immediately and his tanned face was filled with concern.

“Honey how are you feelin’?”

I tried to smile. “Like I’ve been thrown off a pretty big horse.”

A knock on the wall had us look both towards the curtain that separated the room from the nurses station. A woman with a bright smile and dressed in equally bright scrubs asked if I was ready from some x-rays.

For the next fifteen minutes I was in the x-ray room, turning as much as the pain in my body would allow me. Flashbacks filled my head. I could see myself driving down the road, my lights illuminating a deer down in the ditch and then out of nowhere a set of bright headlights in my rearview mirror. Then nothing. Then another recollection of falling. The memories taunted my mind, like one big frustrating puzzle of five thousand pieces. It did not help my headache at all.

Back in the room the doctor, who looked no older than me, said, “Looks like the only thing broken is your wrist and that’s just a hairline fracture. You needed twenty stitches in your arm, and but you won’t be needing a blood transfusion. I will need to keep you overnight to make sure you don’t suffer from any severe head trauma. A nurse will check in on you every hour. So I will get everything sorted out and then we’ll get you all checked in a different room.”

“Thank you doctor.”

I closed my eyes, thinking how wonderful uninterrupted sleep sounded. Maybe once I got home, I’d figure out if I was hit by a car. If it was an accident or not. The scary part is if it wasn’t an accident, someone out there was possibly trying to kill me and I didn’t have a clue why.

The next morning, the sun was streaming in through the window, casting the room in a bright glow, taunting me with its cheer. The IV drip had been taken off and I my arm had been re-wrapped, the stitched cleaned one more time. All we had to do was wait for the doctor to release me. I was more than ready to be out of this place and my mood reflected it. I was getting a bit snappy, so Dad decided to tell me what the police reports said.

He went over the damage of the car, which I already guessed, and needless to say it was totaled. He then went on to tell me how the police believed my car wreck happened. “Basically, they said you hit the deer which caused you to over-correct, making the car hit the bridge with the back end and flip on over.”

“That doesn’t make sense,” I was trying to picture it in my head. Well, maybe it did a little bit. I let out a frustrated sigh. “Maybe it does. I don’t know Dad. I’m tired of thinking about it.”

I didn’t dare tell him about the flashback involving the headlights in my flashback. He would flip. I would like to think there wasn’t anyone out there trying to cause me bodily harm and I’m sure Dad would as well.

Dad gave me a sympathetic smile. “I know. I’m thinking along the same lines as you. I’m no CSI investigator.”

“So what happened to the deer?”

He mussed his hair, making it stand on end, almost making me laugh. “Well it’s neck snapped, along with the spine. The sheriff went ahead and gave it to us, so that’s a positive note. And since you had full coverage, we can get you a new vehicle.”

“Yay,” I muttered sarcastically.

Dad gave me a stern look. That must’ve been the last straw. “Talisa, I know this is not a situation you want to be in, but if you all you do is focus on the negative, that’s all you’re going to feel. When you think positive and praise the Lord, regardless of the circumstances, you’ll feel better. God will lift you up and carry you. You’ll feel hope. You’ll feel His presence.”

Immediately, I felt awful and regretful for my attitude. I knew better than to act like an immature, angry child. “You’re right, Dad. I’m sorry. I’m just ready to go home.”

“I know honey. I know.”



　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

Chapter Two

Being back home felt wonderful. There was nothing in the world that gave such comfort as being back in my own bed, smelling the sweet scent of the lavender sachets that were placed in every room. Mom had always done that. Her scent was lemon though and I couldn’t bring myself to make sachets of the same scent. It was hard enough being back in the same house without being reminded of how much I still missed my mother. Now was not the time to sit and mope though.

Throwing back the worn, handmade quilt I fairly jumped out of bed. I promised the doctor that I would try to take it easy and in return I was allowed to wear a brace on my arm. The first week back home I wore the brace. First, it made accomplishing everyday tasks a little irritating. Second, it tugged at the stitches. So I had started to wrap up my wrist with a soft piece of cotton on top of the stitches. When Dad saw what I had done, all he did was raise his eyebrows. He was past lecturing me he had once told me, except for that incident in the hospital. This must’ve been one of those moments.

After getting dressed in worn jeans and a comfy Henley shirt, I went downstairs to start breakfast for Dad and Noon. I loved being in the kitchen. It was by far my favorite room because of the colors. Muted orange and greens that worked surprisingly well together. You couldn’t help but feel yourself mellow out when you were in there.

While I prepared a simple breakfast, thoughts of Bowen jumped around in my mind, refusing to focus on a single track. After he came in to check on me that night, he left and I hadn’t heard from him since. I was beginning to wonder if I had said or done something to offend him. Or maybe he was being a good guy the night of the accident just because. Although I was sure he was a decent genuinely good man. The warmth I felt radiating from him couldn’t be faked. I just wish I could remember what he looked like up close. The picture of him in my head was fuzzy.

“Hey there girl. Where’s my food?” Noon asked as he sat at the maple table by the picture window.

“Well, Noon, you weren’t here so I fed it to the dogs after I ate my share,” I replied. “You left your spurs on.”

He guffawed and smiled at me and his bright red mustache moved with it. “Glad to see you’re back to your usual spunky self this morning.” He took off his boots and placed them by the wall.

I placed the platters of pancakes, bacon, and eggs on the table and sat across from Noon. His red hair was starting to show streaks of white and the lines were getting deeper in his cheery face. He still acted like he was twenty-five though instead of close to sixty.

“Where’s Dad?” I asked as I filled my plate.

“He should be in before too long. Your boy toy is outside and needed to talk to him alone,” he gave me an annoyed look. “Like I couldn’t be trusted with whatever he had to tell Ted.”

“You know I have no clue who you’re talking about.” Though I was fairly sure I had a good idea who I hoped it was.

“Sure you do, you’re face is bright red,” he pointed out around a mouthful of food. “Don’t matter anyway. Ted invited him to breakfast.”

Opening my mouth to protest, I closed it when I heard the door to the mud room open and male voices follow. My heart beat in sync with the sound of boots walking to the kitchen. Before I knew it my father and Bowen were standing right beside me.

I was swallowed loudly and stood up. “Hi Dad. Bowen. Breakfast is ready.”

I looked mostly at Dad and the floor, then turned to grab some mugs from the cupboard. “Would you all like some coffee?”

“Does a dog have a tail?” Noon replied.

“Sure do,” Dad said.

“Yes please,” Bowen said with the same kindness weaving in his voice as the first time I met him.

When I brought the coffee back to the table, I allowed myself to glance at Bowen as Dad and Noon discussed a cantankerous bull. He was studying me when I looked at him. Quickly, I switched my attention back to my coffee cup. I couldn’t help but look back at him though. His eyes bored into mine as if I were a puzzle he was trying to figure out. Or maybe he thought I was being rude because I hadn’t been talking much. For whatever reason he made me even more shy than I normally was. That didn’t stop me from studying him though. When he was standing by my dad he was a couple inches taller than Dad, who was about six foot. I wasn’t short, but at five foot five I would have to tilt my head up to look at him. His jet black hair was trimmed short on the sides, slightly longer on the top. It had enough wave to it that it looked like he hadn’t even bothered to comb it. I wondered if it was as soft as it looked. I moved down to his eyes, which were as green as emeralds or a clover-field. His nose was straight, appearing never to have been broken, and below was a full, well-formed mouth. His square jaw and the dimples that appeared when he smiled made him all that more appealing.

“Talisa, what do you think?” He suddenly asked me.

“About what?” I asked. I couldn’t keep the surprise and curiosity from my voice.

“About helping me out with the camp I’m going to have at my place.”

I looked at Dad and Noon for more explanation. Noon shrugged his shoulders and continued eating his breakfast. Dad smiled at me knowingly then told Bowen to tell me about it all again.

“I’m going to be having eight girls and boys over at my place over the next few weeks for a day camp. I have another older couple helping and then two of the guys who work for me. All I need is one more lady to help me out. I was wondering if you’d like to be that person.”

“Wow that’s…that’s something I need to pray and think about.” The words day camp filled me with thousands of memories, some good, some not so good. Working there however sounded like an wonderful place to work. Especially since I needed a job. My degree, which was business administration, wasn’t giving me many leads down a path that would hold much interest for me.

He grinned, pleased about something. “That’s fine. I need to know by this Friday though.”

I nodded my head, relieved. That gave me a couple days at least.

“Okay, well Bowen how bout showing me that Rhino you rode over here? Maybe let me drive it?” Dad asked and I smiled at his questions. He sounded just like a sixteen year old with a brand new driver’s license.

“Sure thing Mr. Chalakee.” I heard the chair scrape the floor as he stood. “Miss Chalakee, I’ll be seeing you Friday then?”

I glanced up at him and was surprised at the way he was looking at me. As if the last thing he wanted to do was leave me.

“Yes, I’ll see you Friday.”

Noon got up then and asked Bowen if he could ride in it too. Soon after, I was sitting at the table alone, thinking of how much I was attracted to Bowen and if it was a good idea to accept his offer of a job. I would definitely be praying hard the next couple days.

I finished my cold breakfast and cleaned up, then went outside to take my horse, Gwen, for a ride. We rode over the sloping plains, feeling the breeze run its fingers through my hair, letting the smell of the earth work its magic in relaxing me. I prayed the whole time as well, about anything and everything, especially about working with Bowen. I was incredibly thankful that all the pain and stiffness I had from the wreck had all but left, allowing me to ride without much discomfort. Tomorrow I’d go back to the doctor to get my stitches off and for a while, I’d almost forgotten that I had been counting down the hours until then.

When I came to the river that marked the edge of our property, I dismounted and let Gwen roam around; I knew she wouldn’t wander away and she’d respond to my whistle no matter how far she was. I went to sit at my usual spot, which was on a tree that had fallen, jutting halfway into the river. Noting that it was getting warmer as the sun rose higher, I decided to take off my boots and socks and let my feet dangle in the water. The water was almost warmer than the air and I felt myself relax almost to the point of falling asleep.

A memory of my mother came to me while I was laying there, almost like a dream. I was about nine years old and we decided to have a picnic at the lake. Dad had to stay at the ranch, the horsed were starting to foal and Mom didn’t want anything to do with that process. She said it was too messy and going through labor once herself was enough. She also said that she could feel the horse’s pain as well. So she decided to pack up some chicken salad sandwiches, chips, and fruit and loaded it and me in the truck. We found a picnic table under the trees and spread a blanket over it, or tried to at least. The wind was blowing so hard some of the trees were bowing and sand was swirling around. Laughing at our efforts, we gave up and ended up eating in the truck, watching the wind push the water into huge waves. That was the last picnic I’d ever have with my mother.

“Trying to catch a fish with your feet? I don’t think that works very well. Most people use a pole. As well as something called bait. Such as worms.”

Bowen. I smiled at his teasing and wondered if he was ever in a bad mood. Then I frowned, not sure if I wanted him to interrupt my reverie. It wasn’t very often I could think of my mother without remembering how her life ended.

The trunk sank lower into the river as Bowen walked on it and I didn’t even bother to open my eyes or speak; there was no way he’d come here just to deliver that line and then leave. Especially after the look he gave me before him and my dad left earlier.

“Mind if I sit down?”

“You already are.” I could feel myself beginning to get put out with him.

“How would you know? Your eyes aren’t even open.”

I could just picture his face. His mouth was probably formed into a frown and there was probably a small crease right between his eyebrows. Just like a seven year old who’s upset because he was called out. Wanting to see if I was right, I sat up to look at him. Sure enough, he looked just as I pictured.

“I knew it,” I said, trying to hide a grin. I pulled my socks and boots back on and got up to walk around him.

He got a confused look on his face. “What?”

“Oh nothing. So what was it you wanted to talk to me about? Make it quick please, I have things I need to do.” I hopped off the trunk and whistled for Gwen.

“Oh well by all means then, I’ll make it quick. You’re awful bossy, you know that?”

Turning around, I gave him a look. He gave me a boyish grin in return.

Ignoring it I turned away. That smile had definite potential to melt my heart but there was no way I was going to let that happen. Getting my thoughts back on the right path, I looked at my watch.

“I was wondering if you remembered anything else from your car accident or if the cops had found anything out?”

Throwing me off guard, I stared right into his magnetic green eyes, trying to decipher why he would be asking me those questions. I would like to assume that he didn’t have anything to do with my car going off the side of the bridge but in this day and age, you never knew. My instincts told me to trust him though and trust him I did.

Gwen came trotting up and I rubbed her nose.

“She’s a beautiful horse,” Bowen said as he came closer.

“Thank you. I’ve known her for almost half of my life. She’s always been there for me. She’s my best friend, you know.” I turned and gave him a sad smile. “Kind of pathetic isn’t it?”

“What is?”

“That the only real friend I have is my horse.” Gwen snorted in response, as if telling me nothing was wrong with that.

“That’s not true on both counts. I completely get the whole having a horse for a best friend thing. I do too. He’s not my only best friend though, but he can definitely read me better than my human friends.” He smiled and continued, “I would like to think that I could be your friend too.”

Sliding my foot in the stirrup, I got back in the saddle. “I think we could be friends. And to answer your earlier question, no I don’t remember anything else about the wreck and the police haven’t found any new evidence yet either. I’ll see you Friday.”

a “ b

“So do you have an answer for Bowen?” Dad asked after he turned the television off. We had just finished supper and Dad had gone into the living room to watch Sports Center, just as he’s done every night for as long as I could remember. After I cleaned up the kitchen, I made some coffee and went to join him.

“Yes, I do,” I answered as I sat down. I had been praying all week. My mind had been telling me, begging me not to do it, but my heart told me to go ahead and help. Bowen had came over to talk with my father a couple of other times but he didn’t talk to me, just waved at me from a distance. The distance didn’t matter though, he still got a reaction out of me. I would blush and turn away, back to whatever it was I had been doing.

Dad looked at me expectantly. “Well?”

“I feel like God has told me to say yes.” I paused to take a sip. “I’m not too sure about the whole ordeal though.”

“What makes you say that?”

“I’m not sure how I feel about Bowen. He throws me off my center.” I could feel myself frown.

Dad burst out laughing, a deep sound that had always made my mom laugh with him. “Throws you off your center, eh? I think you’ll be alright. You need someone to do that every now and then. That’s what makes life interesting. That’s what your mother did for me. Besides, before your wreck you were stuck in a rut. Too much into your routine with no excitement.”

“Dad, I did just get back from college. Besides, I needed a wreck to happen to me in order for that to happen?”

Dad reclined back in his chair and closed his eyes. “Yeah and college was part of a routine for you. You didn’t necessarily need that wreck to happen, but just remember that God takes the bad and turns it into good.”

“Hmm. Well, I guess I had better head over there to tell him.” I stood up and walked to the kitchen to place my mug in the dishwasher. I was starting to get a little nervous. God would help me though, all I had to do was follow His lead.

“Talisa?” Dad yelled from the living room.

I walked in and leaned against the couch. “What Dad?”

His face was serious, jaw set. “Just so you know, Bowen Fowler is a good man. Salt of the earth. You don’t need to build that wall I know you’re startin’ around your heart.”

I smiled at him. “You know me too well, Dad. I’ll be back soon.”

“Wake me when you get back. Ride safe.”

I got Gwen ready and started the ride over. I had preferred not to drive a vehicle when I could ride a horse. It gave me more time to think, for one, and I could think more clearly without the distraction of having to pay attention to the pavement. I was a little gun-shy about driving a car as well.

I wondered if Dad knew it hurt a little when he told me not to protect my heart. After Mom died, I had started the foundation. I was afraid to let Dad out of my sight for long periods of time and if it had been hours since I last saw him, I’d call his cell phone until he answered. I had to hand it to him though, he was always patient with me. Eventually, he started to take me everywhere he went. On the upside, I got to learn everything about how to run a ranch and fell in love with it. The downside though, Dad said I was around too many men and not enough women, and no, both my grandma’s didn’t count. So when I was fourteen, he shipped me to the east, to an all girl’s boarding school. I had an aunt and uncle who lived close to it, so I would stay with them over the weekends, which made it bearable at least. The school had horses too. I smiled and leaned down to pat Gwen. None of those horses were even comparable to her.

Not having Gwen there though forced me to make other friends, as in human ones. When I would go out with my new found friends, we would meet up with other boys our age and go for ice cream, out to dinner, the movies, or just hangout at their parent‘s houses. Most of the boys and girls would pair off and leave, but I didn’t want any part of that. One boy, Duke, though seemed different than the other guys. He would sit and talk with me for hours at a time, about anything and everything. I felt so close to him, like I knew him completely and he knew me just as well. Unfortunately, he also hurt me the greatest. He told me he loved me and I was convinced he was the one I was meant to be with. Things happened though that neither one of us were prepared for. I was quickly sent for and wanted back home, never to see or speak to Duke ever again.

This helped build the wall above the foundation around my heart.

Chapter Three

Before long, I was riding down the drive to Bowen’s place. Bowen must’ve heard me coming because as soon as his log house came into view, he stepped off his wrap-around porch and jogged towards me. “Hey, you came. For a while there I was worried you weren‘t going to.”

I hopped off Gwen and Bowen grabbed the bridle. “I’ll take care of Gwen, if you’ll just follow me.”

We walked to the stables and as we stepped inside, I was immediately in awe of the place. Everything was neat and organized, lists of feeding times and who was in what pen were attached on clipboards that hung on the wall, and every kind of tool you would need for a stable was there and if it wasn’t then I was pretty sure it might be in one of the closets close by the entrance. Not mention the place was massive.

We stopped at an empty stall and Bowen got Gwen some feed. I fought off the urge to take care her myself because I wanted to see how she would respond to him. Bowen started to rub her down, all the while talking to her in a soothing tone. At first, she stood stock still, her tail swished lightly, then gradually she started to relax then she started to eat. When he was done with that, he started to brush her and I stopped watching her and started watching him. His broad shoulders filled out his shirt quite nicely and his muscles rippled underneath the material as he brushed. I wondered what it would like to have him brush my hair, to have him be that gentle with me. He looked up at me and smiled and my heart did a jig. It was then that I realized he hadn’t said a word.

Before I could stop myself, I blurted out, “Huh.”

Bowen tossed a look at me, with one eyebrow raised in question.

“I think she likes you,” I gestured towards Gwen, not wanting to tell him I was amazed at his ability to be quiet for that long.

“I like her too,” he said with a smile.

He finished up with Gwen then cleaned up the area for her then put the things he had been using up. In the meantime, I couldn’t help but watch him. It was fun to watch the play of expressions on his face when he was quiet. I could almost read his every thought, as if he were talking to me. I found myself drawn to him even more so because of the thoughtful, considerate way he took care of Gwen himself instead of letting one of his ranch hands do it. Besides, who could resist a man who is good with horses?

“Well should we go inside and talk or would you rather walk?”

“Let’s walk.” This way I wouldn’t have to look at his handsome face.

“Alright, I know the perfect path we can take. It’s ten miles long; I cleared it myself. It kind of follows a natural path, almost like God made it just for me to find.”

The path was located to the left of the stables, in a grove of trees. It was wide enough for a small vehicle to ride through, but you could tell that not very many had been through; there were no ruts on the ground and the dead grass had been trampled down by hooves or boots. There were a few birds in the trees that chirped cheerily as we walked by and I made it a point to keep my eyes open for any other kinds of wildlife.

“So,” Bowen hesitantly started, “what do you think of my offer? Sounds like something you’d be interested in?”

I quickly glanced at his face, which had a hopeful but cautious expression. Smiling to myself, I drug the moment out. We walked a few more steps and I could tell he was getting anxious by the second. He would walk faster, then slow down. Pick up a twig or leaf, break it into pieces and do it again. To his credit though, he never said or word and I didn’t feel rushed.

“Bowen, I will accept your offer. On one condition.”

A skeptical look graced his handsome face. “What would that be?”

“That we strictly remain friends throughout this whole thing.”

He looked at me for a moment, then looked straight ahead. “No.”

I stopped, dead in my tracks, my mind not comprehending why he would say no. “What?”

He stopped and faced me, looking deep in my eyes. “I can’t agree to that. I can agree to being professional, respectful, friendly, and courteous when we’re working around the campers and staff. But when we’re off hours and I happen to run into you by chance or otherwise, I’m not going to agree to be just friends with you when God might want something else.”

A roil of two different emotions filled me. I was angry because he didn’t agree but at the same time, the woman in me was pleased with what he said.

“But,” Bowen continued, “I can promise you that I will be your friend. Like I already said when we were at the river, I’d very much like to be your friend.”

He then turned around and started walking again and I was sure he added, “For starters.”

I quickly caught up with Bowen, a slight smile on my lips. “So let me get this straight. You’re willing to be friends with me, but you aren’t willing to simply just remain friends.”

Giving me a bright smile he replied, “Yep, that about sums it up.”

Oh how I love a challenge. Bowen was going to remain “just friends” with me, whether he likes it or not. “When do I start?”

“Two weeks.”

a “ b

“Guys, I told you that you needed to make sure she wouldn’t walk away from the scene.”

A silver-headed man sat behind a large mahogany desk, in a dimly lit room located in high rise tower, overlooking Tulsa. He was seething; he started tapping his fingers along the desktop, indicating he was getting angrier by the second.

“Technically, boss, sir… Mr. Callister, she didn’t walk away,” a burly man named Tack replied. His sidekick Buck hit him hard on the shoulder.

Callister threw a large book across the room, shattering an antique mirror, one of his favorites, which made him livid.

“I know that you idiot! Look at what you made me do.” Callister drew in a deep breath, looking at the shattered mirror, trying to put on a calm façade. He tugged at his neck-tie, then placed his hands on his hips. “I liked that one too.” He turned from the broken mirror to face the two men. “Am I going to have to find someone else to do the job?”

“No.” The two bulky men replied, sure and confident of themselves that they could get the job done.

“Then I suggest you do it and do it right!”

a “ b

Sunday morning dawned and one glance outside let me know that it was going to be an atrocious weather day and a sturdy umbrella would be needed. It was raining steadily and the wind was blowing fiercly. Physically, I felt like staying in bed all morning, but my spirit needed, wanted to be in God’s house. I quickly adjusted my attitude that had matched the weather when I woke up to being bright and cheerful, my own sunshine. I got out of bed to get ready for the day.

After doing my hair and makeup, I put on my dressy cowgirl boots and a sundress and grabbed my long rain jacket. When I got downstairs, Dad had already made breakfast per his usual Sunday morning ritual. Hearing my boots against the dark hardwood floor, he turned and smiled at me.

“Morning Talisa. How are you doing today?” He handed me a cup of coffee and a plate loaded with pancakes.

Sitting at the table, I replied, “Just fine Dad, how are you?”

“I’m pretty good.”

He sat down and said a quick prayer for the food. It was quiet while we ate; Dad and I liked to think on God on Sunday mornings, preferring to get in the mindset of how wonderful it was to go to His house. This particular morning though, I was anxious and was thinking of other things. I knew that Bowen would be at church, and now that I was better aquainted with him, I wondered what the dynamics between us would be like in that setting. Usually he sat on the opposite side of the sanctuary than I did and towards the back; not that the Baptist Church was large by any means, but I couldn’t exactly turn around and look at Bowen without getting noticed, with curious glances shot my way perhaps. He was always gone by the time Dad and I made our way towards the exit.

When we arrived, Dad, Noon, and I sat in our usual pew, right next to my grandparents. My Grandpa Linus looked much like Dad, or rather Dad was the spitting image of Grandpa Linus. Grandma Lila was still as graceful and beautiful as she looked in her senior pictures from the 1940s. My mom would tell me that I looked a lot like her; I had her high cheekbones, light honey-brown eyes, and charming smile. But Mom would tell me I got my delicate eyebrows and nose from her. Along with my enchanting personality, Dad would add. Both of my grandparents though gifted me with my Native American heritage though and my last name, Chalakee.

“Good morning Talisa,” they both warmly greeted me.

I sat by Grandma and squeezed her hand. “Morning. How are you two today?”

“Besides almost swimming to church? I’d say not too bad. Thankful for the rain though. My seeds are going to need it. The ground was getting to be pretty dry. The seeds have been in for a while now so I don’t think they’ll get washed away. I was thinking, if it rained a little harder though, I could use my new boat. See if the motor runs as well as the salesman says it does,” Grandpa said with a cheeky grin. “What do you think Lila?”
With a twinkle in her eye she answered, “I think that if you shopped around for your boat a little more, you wouldn’t have to worry about how the engine’s going to run.”

“Well what can I say, I picked out my boat like I picked out my wife; one look at her and I knew that she was the one.”

I chuckled quietly at their banter. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a familiar form enter the pew in front of us, making my heart flutter. I took a deep breath to ease the fluttering and it helped somewhat. The fact that the mere sight of him could make my heart sputter was not an effect I wanted. I didn’t want to feel anything towards him but a sense of friendship. That would be what’s best for both of us. Seeing that he was about to turn around to say hello, I quickly grabbed a hymnal to study carefully.

“Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Chalakee. I see you both made it here dry,” Bowen said with a slight chuckle.

“That we did, Mr. Fowler, that we did,” Grandpa replied with a laugh. “I can see you did too.”

Grandma nudged me then. I looked up at Bowen, who looked like he was getting ready to greet me, when the music director asked us to stand and started a hymn. With a look that told me Bowen wanted to tell me something, he turned around and started to sing along. His deep bass harmonized with the music beautifully and I was so caught up in it, I was still standing when nearly everyone else was already sitting. Quickly plopping myself down, I fanned my face; it felt like it was on fire and I was positive I was blushing hard. One look and a wink from my grandmother let me know I definitely was. Who wouldn’t blush though? Bowen was a handsome man, especially dressed up in dark black pants and a crisp blue button-up shirt that showed off his muscular build.

The rest of the service went by quickly. The pastor had a wonderful message on faith. How was our faith to grow if we were continually doubting God, pushing on with our own agenda? For that matter, it wouldn’t grow if trials never came our way. I would like to think that I had a very strong faith in God, that He would see me through everything, no matter the outcome or situation.

After the service was over, we all went outside. The rain had stopped and the sun was shining. We were getting ready to go out to lunch with my grandparents when Bowen came up and asked if I could talk to him.

I clasped my hands together in front of me and glanced at my Dad, who was talking to one of the single older ladies from church. “Um, okay. As long as it doesn’t take too long. Dad and I usually eat with my grandparents. Grandpa doesn’t like to stick around too long after church is over.”

“Basically, when he’s ready to eat, it’s time to eat huh?” Bowen said in a teasing tone.

“Exactly.”

We walked just a few feet away and Bowen looked at me seriously, perhaps for the first time ever. “Would you please, Miss Chalakee, grace me with your presence for dinner tomorrow night?”

My denial was swift. “No.” I crossed my arms across my stomach, guarding myself.

He snapped his fingers and grinned. “I knew you’d say that.”

I fought off the urge to stick my tongue out at him. “Then why did you ask me, if you already knew the answer.”

He shrugged his shoulders, giving me a slow smile. “Just to see if you liked that particular style of me asking you out. It’s not very often I ask a woman on a date. In fact, I don’t date much, so it would seem I need to work on my skills if I’m ever going to go out on a date. You just bruised my ego.”

“Oh please.” I couldn’t keep the smile hidden for long, he was way too charming for his own good.

“Okay, well how about you go on a picnic with me. Not a date. Just me, your employer, getting to know you, my employee, before you start work.”

I debated for a split-second. I did want to get to know Bowen better before I started working with him and I would like him to know how serious I was about remaining friends. Besides, God would want me to have a good, solid friend and Bowen could be that person.

“That’s fine with me.”

Bowen smiled brightly, happy to hear the answer in the positive. “Good. I’ll be by tomorrow at seven.”

I smiled back. “I will see you then.”

Chapter Four

“Bowen…Bowen.” Chuckle. “Bowen!”

Deep in thought, I was drying my truck when I heard my name. I snapped my head up to see my brother, Tanner, laughing at me. I scowled at him, trying to look mad but I knew he wouldn‘t find it very threatening; he knew me too well. That and it took a lot more to get me really angry about anything. When I do get mad though, well, it’s not pretty. Lucky for him, this was not one of those times. “What are you laughing about?”

“You man. I’ve been here for five minutes.” He came to stand beside me, getting a closer inspection of the truck. “Truck looks good, you taking it somewhere?” He turned the baseball cap he was wearing backwards, making his shaggy brown hair stick out around the edges, and then proceeded to run his hand along the shiny black paint of my Tundra.

“Dude, you’re leaving handprints.” I rubbed the marks off and we both stepped back to admire it.

“Sweet,” Tanner said, spoken like a true eighteen year old. I laughed and thumped him on the back a couple times.

We turned around and headed towards my shed, which was more like a monstrous garage. I kept every vehicle I owned in there, my gator, rhino, four-wheelers, dirt bikes, the truck, and the Expedition. Pride filled me as I glanced at each one, swiftly replaced by thankfulness that God would give me the ability to purchase all of them. Each one was clean, not a trace of dirt to be found. Not that I didn’t mind getting them dirty, I just didn’t want them to stay dirty.

I started putting up the stuff I used to wash the truck, then turned to look at Tanner. “Sorry I didn’t hear you walk up. I took my truck out mudding after church and needed to get it clean for tomorrow night.”

Disappointment registered on his face. “You went mudding and didn’t even invite me?”

“Nope sure didn’t,” I said without any remorse. “Dad told me about the little stunt you pulled on that freshman during ball practice the other day.”

He put his hands up in defense. “He was running his mouth though. What I suppose to do?”

I swallowed a small laugh; I had done the same thing when I was in high school. The only difference was I was a freshman and the other guy was a senior. “Not throw a fast pitch straight at him. You could’ve thrown it inside without drilling the poor kid.”

Tanner shrugged his shoulders. “Eh, I suppose. Still learned a lesson though.”

I shook my head. “And that little brother, is why I didn’t invite you. Maybe next time.”

“Alright. What you got going on tomorrow night?”

I smiled, thinking about it. “I’m going to hangout with Talisa. Just as friends though.”

“Not a date then?” He asked, a little skeptical.

“Nah. When she’s ready to date, I’ll know. But not right now. I don’t want to push her or anything. Anyway, did you need something?”

He fidgeted a little bit, signaling that whatever he was about to say was making him nervous. I hid a smile and waited for him to reply. “Yeah. Friday night can I borrow the Expedition?”

His eyes, similar in color to my own, lit up when he hit the last word.

“Yeah sure. So you have a date then?” I grinned and crossed my arms. I remembered being that age, not wanting to tell my older cousins, in my case, when I had dates, due to the fact that I’d be teased unmercifully.

Shock crossed his face, quickly hid by a faint blush. “Maybe.”

I laughed hard then. “Maybe?”

He scowled at me.

“Okay, okay. I’ll leave you alone. Come pick up the keys on Thursday.”

“Thanks bro. See you later.” He hopped down and went out to his truck, peeling out as he took off.

I shook my head, amused that he did exactly what I used to do in my truck while taking off on a dirt road. Tanner was a pretty good kid. A senior in high school and was a great athlete. He dated a little more than I ever had. Even now. The only time I would date a girl was if I was very serious about her.

All in all, I had only dated two girls seriously in my twenty-five years of life. The first girl I started dating my sophomore year in high school and we broke up right after graduation. She was going to the east coast for school and I was staying in the Midwest. The second girl I dated was during college. For a while, I thought that she would be the one I’d marry. However, what she wanted and what I wanted were two different things; she didn’t want to get married and she never wanted to have kids. No matter how hard I tried to get over both of those things, I never could. Not to mention the fact that the physical temptations would be hard to resist throughout the years. It was important to me to remain pure for God and my future wife.

For the past few months, I was starting to think that I would grow up being the old bachelor of the family. I was getting pretty content about it too. Never have to worry about living with someone else. Don’t have to pick up after anyone else. Don’t have to answer to anyone or tell anyone where you’re going if you want some privacy. For that matter, you don’t have to leave your own house for some privacy.

Slowly things were starting to change though. It all started about a month ago. I’d be out riding the line, checking the fence for breaks and I would catch a glimpse of a dark haired woman riding a paint horse towards the river. At church, I’d see the same woman sitting by Mr. Chalakee and his parents though I never got the chance to meet her.

Once though, I saw her closer and she took my breath away. It was hot out, humid, the sun was shining, little breeze. It had rained the night before so the river was up and I was out with my pole, going fishing. I walked down to my favorite spot, opposite the side of the river where a large tree trunk had fallen into the water, making a great spot for catfish to hide. I was just making it around a patch of tall grass when I noticed her laying on the fallen trunk. Imagine how surprised I was to see someone there. Man was she pretty as a picture though. She was wearing denim shorts, the yellow of her tank top bringing out the golden glow of her skin, her dark hair splayed on the towel she was laying on, with her feet in the water. I felt like I could just stand there all day watching her, but I didn‘t want to intrude on her privacy or bother her, so I moved along to another spot.

It wasn’t for another week when I finally learned her name. I was at my parent’s house when my mom brought up the subject of Ted Chalakee’s daughter being back in town. I feigned disinterest while she was talking about it, but inside I was soaking up anything and everything she had to say about her.

Talisa…Talisa Chalakee. A pretty, unique name for an equally pretty unique girl.

I had no idea though, a month ago, that after her wreck I would be feeling what I feel for her now. Which would be an undeniable draw to her. Like an electric charge that ran right from her to me. There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to date her and that maybe she would be my last first date to have. For now though I could do the friends thing.

a “ b

When Monday night rolled around, for the first time in who knows how long, I was nervous. And when I get nervous, I talk more than usual. As I figured, Tanner told Mom about my not-a-date with Talisa. She suggested making up the food for the picnic and I didn’t complain one bit. Not that I couldn’t cook, I can grill a mean steak or make awesome mac and cheese, but Mom’s cooking was much better than mine. When I went over to pick up the food and after she asked me the basics, she cut right to the chase. I was trying hard to convince her it wasn’t a date, that we were going just as friends.

Mom looked at me suspiciously as she leaned against the island in her kitchen, her brown eyes zeroed in on mine.

“Mom, it’s really not a date.” I started to jangle my keys, getting anxious about seeing Talisa. I hoped she wouldn’t dress up. Ah man, maybe I should’ve told her what to wear. Then again, we agreed it wasn’t a date so maybe she wouldn’t dress up. I sure didn’t. I looked down at my cargo shorts and my plain tee shirt and shrugged. Mom’s voice interrupted my inner dialogue.

“Well dear, I think it is. A man and a woman going somewhere alone, on a picnic nonetheless, is what is generally considered a date,” Mom said with conviction, her dainty hand hitting the top of the countertop to emphasize her point.

I laughed. “Most of the time it is Ma, but not calling it a date is the only way I could get Talisa to go with me. Besides, I don’t want to push her into something she doesn’t want. Please, please, please do not tell the ladies you have coffee with that I went on a date with her.”

I could just see it now, all of Mom’s friends sitting around the table, coffee cups in hand, leaning ever so slightly towards Mom as she tells them how I romanced Talisa into going on a picnic with me. Then they all oooh and ahhh when she tells them the details of the picnic I have planned. Next thing I know, people will be walking up to me on the streets telling me congratulations on the engagement. Or something like that.

“Fine,” Mom said with a smile of amusement, probably thinking the same thing I was. “I won’t but just know that I’ll be praying you two have fun together, with no pressure. I’ll pray that God will bless your friendship. How’s that?”

Smiling I said, “Sounds just fine to me. I’ll be praying the same thing.” I glanced at the time on the stove and quickly added, “I gotta go or I’m going to be late picking her up. See you later on.” It was go time. I was going to show her that I could just be her friend, that she could trust me. Possibly trust me and like me enough to start seeing me as more than a friend. Eventually. I’d be her friend first and if God wanted something else then I’d follow His lead.

Mom grabbed the wicker picnic basket and put it in my hand. “Alright hon, well there should be plenty of food in there. Tell Talisa I said hello and invite her over to dinner sometime. Have fun.”

When I made it to Talisa’s, I rang the doorbell with some trepidation. Although Ted was a good man, I was sure he was like any other father- very protective and owned at least one gun. I wouldn’t blame the man though. I imagine that if I had a daughter, I’d be the same way. Just like that song “Cleaning This Gun”.

The door opened, revealing a smiling Ted. “Come on in son. Talisa’s upstairs getting a jacket or something. I don’t know why, it’s not like she needs it. It’s warm out tonight.”
He was right. It was in the low eighties with a slight breeze to cool the sweat I was starting to feel. I stepped through the doorway and followed Ted to the living room. He sat in a recliner and told me to have a seat, so I promptly sat on the couch, my muscles tense and throat dry. I was feeling more and more like I did back when I was a teenager going on my first date.

“So how’s the ranch running?” He asked as he reclined back.

I rubbed my hands together, feeling some of the tension drain as he brought up a topic I liked to talk about. “It’s running good. We have about five new colts all ready to take on the world.”

“That’s good,” Ted replied.

Light footsteps were heard on the floor and I immediately stood up, followed by Ted. Talisa walked into the room and the breath was knocked out of me and my knees felt a little weak. Not that I would show her though. I didn’t want to scare her off. Man she was pretty though. Her dark brown hair fell in soft waves down to her shoulders and her golden brown eyes were sparkling. I breathed a silent sigh of relief that she didn’t dress up. Just a pair of jeans and a simple pink tank top thingy.

“Hello Bowen,” Talisa said and a warmth pooled in the bottom of my stomach. Her voice was the perfect mix of sultry and sweet. I could listen to her all day I was sure but ironically, she could be very quiet sometimes.

I swallowed hard and smiled at her. “Hi Talisa. You look nice.”
Talisa flushed, looked at the floor as she scuffed her sandal against the wood, then looked back up and gave me a shy smile. “Thank you. I’m all ready to go whenever you are.”
“I’m ready now.” I hoped that didn’t come out as eager as I felt. Before I could get to the door, Ted opened it for us. Talisa went out onto the porch and I was about to follow her when Ted cleared his throat and leaned against the door. I stopped in my tracks, anxious to hear what he was going to say.

“Now Bowen, I know that Talisa said this was just going out as friends. That doesn’t change the fact that she’s still my baby girl. So keep your hands to yourself. Have her back by a decent hour too.”

Talisa had stopped too and listened in on what he had to say. She smiled, amused. “Okay, Dad. I’ll be back by ten.” She walked down the steps to my truck.

Ted cleared his throat again, quieter this time. “If you kiss her once, that would be okay. Oh and bring her home at eleven.” He winked and smiled.

“Yes, sir.” I went down the stairs and I thought I heard Ted laugh as he closed the door.

I jogged to get to the passenger door before Talisa did. I opened it for her and gave her a hand up, all the while she was looking at me pensively. Like she was trying to figure out if I always acted this way. Which I did. My mom raised me to be a gentleman and one of the rules is to open doors. I did that for any woman, date or not.

When we got on the highway, I glanced at her a couple times. She was quiet, studying the scenery. I sent a prayer to God that we’d be relax enough to open up to each other and have a good time together. When His peace washed over me, I smiled and turned up the radio. I’d be patient and wait for Talisa to talk.

Chapter Five

A golden glow was starting to touch the fields as we drove by. The sun was sinking lower into the sky and though it didn’t set until around 8:30 or so, it was still beautiful. It was warm outside and the air smelled fresh and clean. It was a perfect May evening and a perfect night for a picnic. Except for the chill I felt whenever I thought about the nightmare I had last night. It was just like all the other ones I’d been having. The headlights would flash behind my car and the crunch of metal on metal would sound in my ears, followed by entire body being jerked. I would always wake up after that, my body drenched in sweat. I didn’t want to think about that now though. Tonight was going to be a fun night.

My gaze drifted over to Bowen for the millionth time. He looked so at ease and it seemed like this wasn’t the first time I’d been out anywhere with him, just the two of us. As friends. I kept reminding myself that this was just a friends thing, trying to keep my nerves in check. Maybe if I would actually talk to him instead of staring at him until his gorgeous green eyes would zero in on mine…and he would smile that slow smile that made my insides flutter…I might be able to loosen up. It was hard to keep my eyes off of him though. His black hair was in disarray and his plain tee shirt and shorts made him look carefree and easygoing. Which he was. His muscular arms and legs had a rich tan and his woodsy cologne fit him perfectly. A great friend to have.

“What kind of music do you like?” I heard myself ask. I hoped he like talking about random subjects. I had the tendency to jump from one subject to the next without forewarning. In my head, the subject hopping made sense but if I didn’t voice them or if the person didn’t know me well, it was hard to follow.

He turned the radio down and said, “I like just about anything. Country, jazz, and everything inbetween. I’m not very picky.”

“Do you listen to KLOVE? They have wide variety of Christian music on there.”
He nodded his head. “Yep they do and that’s why I listen to it.”

The thought that he liked Christian music pleased me. I found myself relax a little.

“Would you like to know where we’re going?” He asked.

“I am a little curious,” I replied. I looked around and I wasn’t sure where we were at. I’d been looking out of the window but I wasn’t really focusing on the direction we were headed. It wasn’t towards Cheney Lake or one of the parks in Hutchinson.

His entire face lit up as he began talking. “We’re going to my favorite spot down by the Ninnescah River. Do you know which one that is?”

I shook my head no, the name sounded familiar though.

“It’s the river that flows into Cheney. Good fishing too. I’ve set some of my best trot lines there. You wouldn’t believe the size of some of the cats I’ve caught. If you don’t stay out and watch your line though, some guys seize the opportunity to check it for you.”

“Are you serious?” I couldn’t believe that some people would stoop that low.

“Yeah. It’s crazy huh. Or smart depending on you look at it. They’re not the ones doing all the work.” He shrugged his broad shoulders and quirked a grin.

“I’d call them thieves.”

He laughed, shook his head, and slowed his gigantic truck to turn onto a dirt road. “We’re almost there. Twenty minutes to get here isn’t too bad is it? I had a buddy come and hold this spot until we get here so nobody else would take it.”

I couldn’t resist. “Is it really that good?”

He laughed and I laughed along with him. “Oh yeah, it’s really that good. It’s right by the river but there’s a perfect stretch of sand that’s just right for a picnic and a fire.”

“Sounds nice.”

“It really is.” He gave me a flirtatious wink and said, “You’re the first girl I’ve ever taken down here.”

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks and a smile tipped up my lips. I looked away just before he could notice I hoped.

“Here we are.” He stopped beside a dark blue truck. I hopped out before he could get the door for me. While I did appreciate him getting the door for me, it would make this whole thing seem too much like a date.

I walked over to the tailgate of Bowen’s truck where he was unloading stuff. “You need me to carry anything?”
“Would you mind carrying the basket for me?”

I grabbed the handles and asked him where he wanted me to set it. He was about to respond when a man, who I took to be his friend who was holding the place, came up and said, “Hey Bowie!”

Boy, did that man have a twang. Wearing a cutoff shirt and jeans with well-worn boots, he came and stood a few feet from me. He had light shaggy blond hair and sparkling green eyes that stared right at me with open admiration and friendliness. I liked him immediately.

“What’s up Brant? Thanks for holding the spot for me.” Bowen, who was holding blankets and a couple chairs, nodded his head toward Brant’s pole. “How’s the fishing?”

Brant shrugged his strong shoulders. “Eh, not so good, but not bad enough to keep me from getting bored.” His gaze drifted back to me. “So is this Miss Chalakee?” He gave me a friendly grin.

I adjusted the handle so I could have a free hand and extended it towards Brant. “Yep that’s me. Talisa Chalakee.”

He shook my hand. “Nice to meet you finally. I could say something about how you’re all Bowen talks about but I won’t. You’re prettier than what he said though.”
I laughed as Bowen grimaced at Brant.

Brant chuckled and said, “Let me carry that basket for you Miss Talisa.” Grabbing the basket from me, he continued on, “If you’ll follow me, I’ll show you the prettiest spot this side of the Ninnescah.”

I followed him through some tall grass and when we stopped, I had to agree that it was a pretty spot. There were a few tiki torches up, courtesy of Brant, and a small fire already going in the waning light. The river was surrounded by trees and bushes along with grass, all in every shade of green imaginable. The stretch of reddish-brown sand made a wide berth in the river, but I was sure that if the river flooded the water would cover it up. The sound of crickets and the river was a gentle melody and I thanked God for His creation. A stillness entered my spirit and I knew God was giving me some love back.

Bowen spread out a large, old navy blue and green blanket. “I need to go get the rest of the stuff. I’ll be right back.” He smiled and went back up the path, leaving me and Brant alone with the sound of the river.

“It’s so peaceful here.” I hugged myself and went closer to the water, avoiding the smoke rising from the fire.

“Yes it is. I like to come down here and think or unwind, especially after work. It helps me relax and I feel closer to God here than anywhere else.” He looked serenely over the river.

“I could see how you’d feel that. Where do you work at?”

“I’m a firefighter.” He flicked his pole, casting the line perfectly. Almost like an afterthought he added, “I was at the scene of your wreck.”

My jaw dropped. “You were?”

“Yeah and it didn’t look like much of an accident to me.” He shook his head. “No way. Your rear end was bashed in, from a front bumper it looked like and not from the bridge like the cops said.”

Bowen was finished unloading and setting things up and he caught the end of what Brant said. “Did anyone else besides you notice?”

“Well yeah, but they were persuaded that it was just from Talisa’s car flipping over the bridge, just like I told you before. Didn’t want to listen to anything I had to say on the subject so I just dropped it. There wouldn’t have been enough to go on anyway because it was dark and nobody saw the accident happen. There weren’t any other fresh tire marks on the pavement aside from yours or any evidence there could’ve been two vehicles. I was mighty suspicious but they closed the case already.”

He took a pause and scratched his head, thinking. “As it is, you’re blessed Bowen found you and your dad had enough foresight to keep an extra cell phone in your car. God was sure looking out for you. Only one other car has gone over the side of that bridge and the man driving it was in intensive care for a couple months. Anyway, I gotta get going. Talisa, it was sure nice meeting you. Hope I get to see you more often. I’m a sucker for a pretty face.”

I had been silent and still, reliving my nightmare over and over again in my head as soon as he started talking. It felt like I was about to stumble upon some great conjecture but I was stopped when Brant said my name.

I smiled at his easy way of talking, which could very well be called flirting, but I was beginning to think it was just part of his personality. He was an especially affable man and there was little doubt that he had more than a few friends, females included.

“It was nice to meet you too Brant. Hopefully we’ll see each other again soon.”

　

a “ b

After Brant left, we ate our picnic dinner which consisted of fried chicken, fruit, cornbread muffins, and sweet tea. Anybody who knew me would know that I absolutely love sweet tea. The sweeter the better. No iced tea for this gal. When I asked Bowen if he made everything he smiled, dimples showing, and asked me what I thought.

“I’m leaning towards no, but I never like to underestimate people.” I smiled towards the end and leaned back on my elbows to look at him. We had both wanted to sit on the blanket instead of the chairs; it made it easier to reach for everything and eat.

He laid down, hands linked behind his head, elbows out. “That’s good, not underestimating people. Kinda like judging a book by its cover, ya know. Which I can be guilty of from time to time but I think it’s human nature to do that. I try hard not to. I wouldn’t want people to judge me. ‘Judge not, that you be not judged.’ Matthew 7:1.”

For some reason it didn’t surprise me that he would quote scripture from the Bible. Kind of like that lightness I feel when I’m around him. He’s just good. That comes from knowing God, having a personal relationship with the Lord.

“Anyway, to answer your question. I didn’t make supper. My mom did.”

Sitting up, I laughed aloud, the answer amusing me. “So do you know how to cook at all?”

He feigned offense. “Of course I can. I’ll have you know, I make the best macaroni and cheese in the whole world.”

“From a box?” I teased. A cool wind blew off of the river, tempering the heat from the fire.

“What else?” He laughed. Abruptly sitting up, he grabbed a stick and started to poke at the fire. “Sometimes I throw in a little rotel and ground buffalo in there too, just to make it interesting.”

“Buffalo? Does that taste very good? I’ve had deer and elk before, but never buffalo.” I watched him mess with the fire, wishing I had marshmallows.
He stopped messing with the fire and looked at me with wonder. “You’ve tried all that before?”

I nodded. “What with my dad being a hunter, along with Red, I had no choice not too. I believe the first kind of jerky I had was deer.”

His voice turned suspicious. “But you’re a girl. Girl’s don’t eat that stuff. At least all the girls I know.”

“Well I’m not like other girls,” I sniffed. I despised being compared to other girls, anyone for that matter.

He stared right back at me, meeting me intensity for intensity, the glow from the fire enhancing it all. “Talisa, I knew right from the get-go that you weren’t like any other girl I’ve ever met.” His voice was soft, just like a caress. Then he smirked, his green eyes twinkling. “It’s not very often I see a girl riding a horse to the river instead of taking a car there. Or laying right by my favorite spot to fish.”

“You’re favorite spot to fish?”

“Yep, right by that fallen log you like to lay on.”

Ah, he means my tree trunk. “I haven’t seen you fishing out there before.”

I watched as he got up to rummage through the cooler and I looked greedily at the marshmallows he pulled out. He handed me a metal skewer with a wooden handle and grabbed one for himself. Then he proceeded to stick to oversized “campfire” marshmallows onto the end. Now these were my kind of marshmallows.

He sat back down, closer to me this time. “That’s because I didn’t want to accidently hook you.”

a “ b

“So Miss Talisa, tell me about yourself. Where did you go to high school and college?”

She ducked her head and a slight breeze wafted its citrusy scent towards me. “I uh, went to grade and middle school here in Haven. Then my dad thought it’d be good for me to go to a boarding school out east. So that’s where I went to high school-”

I held out my hand, interrupting her. “Wait, you mean they still have those around?”

Laughing lightly, she nodded her head. “Yes Bowen, they do. They’re called private schools now I suppose.”

“Guess that makes sense.” I smelled burning sugar and glanced towards the source. “You’re marshmallow’s on fire.”

Her honey eyes widened and she yanked out the skewer, blowing out the fire consuming the marshmallow. When she was done it was charred all over. She shrugged her dainty shoulders, let it cool down for a moment, then popped it in her mouth. She was something else. She ate wild game. She loved horses. She had a heart for God. She was beyond beautiful. What else did I need to know about her? She was perfect.

Smiling to myself, I ate my marshmallow and wiped my hands on my jeans. “How long were you at private school?

“About three years.” Her eyes were downcast and her voice was almost reluctant. “I finished my last year through correspondence and on the internet.”

“Kinda like taking online classes then?”

“In a way.” She gave me a sad smile. I almost asked her why she didn’t stay the whole four years but something inside me urged me not to.

“Where did you go to college?” I asked instead.

Brightening somewhat, she answered. “Wichita State. With a degree in Business Administration. Not sure where I’m going with it yet, but God will lead me.”

I nodded and she asked, “So what about you? Why didn’t I go to grade or middle school with you?”

“My family moved here my freshman year in high school. My grandfather got diagnosed with cancer. My mom and dad moved us up here from Wichita, so Mom could be closer to him. That and Mom wanted us to have a small town upbringing like she did. I have to say city life wasn‘t ever something that clicked with me anyway. I’d spend few weeks in the summer out on Grandpa’s ranch and I loved every minute of it. Can’t say my parents felt the same way. Mom works at the hospital and Dad drives back to his optometry office in Wichita a few times a week. They enjoy what they do though and that‘s all that matters.”

“Very true. Oh and Wichita is not a big city.”

“It’s big enough,” I smirked. “Anyway, I went to college at the University of Oklahoma. My degree is in biology. Which fits what I do. Kind of. I love working my ranch. Bought it from my grandpa. Gave me a pretty good deal. And now I’m opening it up for a daycamp for kids during the summer. Should be fun.”

A lightness filled her face and she said, “I’m really looking forward to working there. I feel like it’s where God wants me to be. And that is exactly where I should be.”

Chapter Six

Each time I woke up from a nightmare, I was angry. I couldn’t rationalize why I was angry. Maybe because I had another nightmare. Maybe because my subconscious knew something the conscious part of my brain couldn’t figure it out. Whatever it was, it was getting old fast.

This morning was no different. I woke up angry, with a pounding headache. I was covered in sweat and as I walked to the bathroom, I noticed I was shaking. I had to focus on gripping the glass when I filled it with water, the sound from the faucet soothing me. I took an aspirin and drained the cup of cool water.

When I made it back to the lounger I had by my picture window, I was calmed down enough to read my Bible and focus on what God might be speaking to me about today. The devotional was about God seeing us through any and all situations. Even when we feel like God isn’t there, He is, loving us and giving us His strength when we ask for it. I reflected on all the times I thought I was all alone and lost. God never failed me though. He sent Dad to seek me out at the times I was at my lonliest. He sent new friends my way. He sent me Gwen during the loss of Mom. There were so many things God had done for me. And the best part was, he wasn’t done yet.

Over my angry attitude, I finished getting ready. While I was preparing breakfast, my thoughts were on the picnic I had with Bowen last week. We didn’t stay much longer after our conversation about where we went to school. I was relieved he didn’t ask much about my high school years. I wasn’t quite ready to talk about it with him, but I knew that someday I would tell him. When we had loaded everything back up into his truck, he took me home and walked me to the door. I genuinely had a good time with him, and the poor guy looked lost on what he should do regarding our goodbyes. Needless to say, I gave him a hug goodbye. When he held me, I felt warm and safe. I was surprised at the solidity of him, as if I had expected otherwise.

I felt a chuckle escape from me at the thought and turned around when Noon walked in, asking what I was giggling like a schoolgirl about.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” I chuckled once more and handed him a mug and filled it as he sat down.

“What are you doing today Noon?” I placed a platter full of waffles on the table, next to the butter and syrup, then sat down to join him. As long as I could remember, Noon would always be the first one to breakfast about ninety-nine percent of the time. When Mom had fixed breakfast, even then he still beat me to the table. Then again, I rarely woke up at six o’clock when I was younger.

“I’m going to look at some horses for your Dad down in Oklahoma,” he told me as he doctored his waffles. “Should be back around noon tomorrow.”

I forked in a bite and thought about that for a moment. “Who’s going with you?”

“Oh, me and Jace. Thought I’d teach him a thing or two. That boy is still a little wet behind the ears,” he leaned forward on an elbow and said matter-of-factly.

I leaned forward as well and said, “He’s just two months younger than me.”

“Well anybody who’s in their twenties is still wet behind the ears.”

I laughed and went back to my breakfast. Before long, Dad walked in and joined us for breakfast. I waited until he was almost done and asked what kind of horses he was sending Noon to look at.

“Some paints,” he said simply, then went back to eating.

I nodded my head, taking it that Dad didn’t want to expound on it. I looked over at Noon and he was busy finishing up. Guess Dad just wanted more horses. Usually he told me why he was interested in getting more. Oh well.

“When do you start over at Bowen’s?” Dad asked as I started to clean up.

A burst of excitement coursed through my body. “Tomorrow. I’m going to ride Gwen over there about eight or so. The kids don’t arrive until nine. Today though, I thought I’d go on over so I could meet the rest of the crew. Bowen also has info on the children that are going to be there, and he wants to go over that with all of us.” I bumped the dishwasher door closed with my hip and started it up. I felt incredibly happy about today and tomorrow. How is it I was in such a bad mood this morning? Amazing what the joy of the Lord can do.

“Well that sounds good. I know you’ll enjoy it,” Dad smiled and stood up. “Say hello to Bowen for me. Make sure those kids don’t give you too much trouble.”

“Alright. Have a good day, Dad.”

“You too, bug.” He kissed the top of my head and left. Noon stood up and filled a traveling coffee mug, then took a big swig.

Hitting the counter with his hand he said, “Welp, I need to go finish hitching up the trailer. Thanks for breakfast.” He walked down the hall a little ways and turned to look at me, an indulgent twinkle in his eye. “You know, I’m not suppose to tell you why I’m going down to look at horses. I will tell you though, Gwen might be having a sister soon. Maybe.” With that he turned back around and went on his way.

Smiling to myself about the thought of having another horse, I went outside. The air outside was warm but not hot and there were clouds in the sky to block the sun. I made my way to the stables, thinking there’d be plenty more room for another horse. Gwen was in her stall, munching on her breakfast still so I went out to find Jace and see if I could pump some more information out of him about the horses they were going to look at. It didn’t take me long to find him. I spotted his long, lean frame by the truck, checking to see that everything they would need for the trip was loaded up into the trailer. I noted that his blond hair, which was usually trimmed short, needed a cut. I’d have to do that when he came back. When I said hello, his brown eyes found me and he smiled.

He thumbed his cowboy hat back so he could see better. “Hi there Lissy. You out bein’ a pain today? Or did your dad tell you to come down here to try to get the down low from me?”

He grinned when I hit him on the arm. I had known Jace since we were in preschool. He knew everything about me; the good, the bad, and the ugly. I could even say the same thing about him. He’d worked for my dad since grade school, only taking a couple years off for college. Even though he had a certificate in auto body repair, he told me he’d rather to do that as a side job and work for my dad during the day.

Crossing my arms I said in the most uppity voice I could manage, “You know, if you weren’t like a brother to me, I’d beg Dad to fire you.” The smile I was hiding burst through.

He lifted a sack of feed and tossed it in the back of the dualy. “You’d miss me too much.” He lifted up another feed sack and tossed it.

I moved to help him with the last one, but when I tried to pick up the fifty pound back, a twinge of pain went up my arm. I couldn’t help but wince. I tried to hide it but Jace noticed and gave me a look that said “What do you think you’re doing? Lay off.”

“Anyway, to answer your questions, no I’m not being a pain today. At least not to you. Dad didn’t send me down here to pester you either, I just came on my own volition. So what can you tell me?”

He laughed good naturedly and replied, “Nothing. I was told not to tell you a thing. Noon probably gave you a hint already, but I plan on keeping my mouth shut.”

Noon walked up then and eyed me. “You leave that boy alone. He’s ‘spose to be workin.” He glanced around, saw that everything was loaded up, and said, “Alright. Let’s get a move on.” He got in the truck and started it up.

“Guess it’s time to go.“ Jace gave me a quick hug and said, “Bye Lissy. See you tomorrow.”

Noon stuck his hand out of the window and waved, then took off as soon as Jace was in the truck. I waved back, watching the truck and trailer kick up dirt as it went down the drive. My thoughts drifted back to horses, which led me down to the stable, where Gwen was prancing, ready for a ride. I saddled her up, walked her out of the pen, then hopped on.

When I arrived at Bowen’s, I walked Gwen to the stables where a hand named Rafe smiled and told me he’d gladly take care of Gwen. I thanked him, and went up the stone walkway. I glanced around his wide, wraparound porch. It was definitely one of the nicest porches I’d ever seen. It had two rockers, four Adirondack chairs, a porch swing. Then off to one side, there was an area set up for outdoor dining, featuring a stone table and iron-wrought chairs. To the other side, there was a stone fire place surrounded by outdoor couches. It looked like a wonderful place to spend time with friends and family and make good memories.

I heard the front door open and realized I had wandered over to the rockers. Slightly embarrassed that I had let my mind wander, I turned to find Bowen only a couple feet away, wearing wranglers, a black button up shirt, boots, and to top it all off a white cowboy hat.

Giving me a welcoming smile he said, “Morning. How are you today?”

At that moment I was fully aware of how I felt towards him. I could feel the attraction I had for him radiate through me and I told myself that it was just because I had always liked a man dressed as cowboy. It had nothing to do with the man himself. Period.

Smiling back at him was easy though, and I answered, “Good.”

He stepped toward me and raised his hand towards my face. His green eyes were playful. My heartbeat increased and I hoped he couldn’t tell. For a moment, I thought he was going to kiss me. Instead he moved a strand of my hair back in place and dropped his hand.

“Did you ride Gwen over?”

My mouth opened slightly in surprise. “Yes, how did you know?”

“You’ve got that whole windblown look going on this morning,” he said with a grin.

I tried to smooth my hair back in place but I gave up quickly, knowing it was no use. Unless I used something with a lot of heat to fix my hair, it would do its own thing. I suddenly wished for a hair elastic so I could put it in a ponytail.

“I like it.”

Quickly changing the subject, I