The Long Paddock, page 26
The brown-haired girl beside Sally answered. ‘We told them. They said they didn’t believe us and that we look older.’
Tanner scanned the bar, his stare hard. ‘I’ll dance with you.’
Cressy bit back a smile as the four teenagers turned. So focused on Denham they hadn’t registered Tanner’s quiet presence or his tanned good looks.
‘Gee, thanks.’ Sally’s shy smile widened. ‘I’m Sally. This is Ruth, Anna and Ivy.’
‘Nice to meet you girls. I’m Tanner. Come and find me when you’re ready to dance.’
As the teenagers giggled and walked away Cressy watched as both Denham and Tanner again searched the bar crowd.
‘See, not all cowboys are players,’ Ella said softly from beside her. ‘Those girls will be fine now with Tanner and Denham keeping an eye on them.’
While Denham and Tanner headed to the bar for drinks, Cressy and Ella found a place to sit at the rows of trestle tables. Whereas at the dinner under the stars, the tables had been covered in snowy white tablecloths, now their décor was simple and rustic with tea lights flickering in glass jars. Hay bales had been set up to the left of the tables for people to sit, chat and to later watch the dancing.
After Denham and Tanner had returned with the drinks, they piled their plates high with steaks, chicken and crisp salads that lined the buffet table. The good food was accompanied by good company. Their plates were emptied amidst much fun and laughter. Cressy wiped tears from her eyes after Denham finished telling a story about a fisherman in a Montana lake catching a fur-bearing trout. The hairy fish then turned out to be a prank from the man’s friends.
Denham didn’t seem to be in pain as he sat relaxed in his chair. When she’d snuck a look to check on him, he’d given her a slow smile. When they’d returned from the buffet table, after selecting dessert from the array of cheesecakes and mud cakes, a cowboy had stumbled against her. Denham’s hand had settled into the small of her back to steady her. His hand had then lingered as they walked the final distance to their seats.
A contentment that had nothing to do with relaxing and being amongst good friends settled deep into her bones. Sally and her teenage friends weren’t the only ones Denham made feel safe and cared for.
With dinner over the band blasted away the shadows with their signature country rock tunes. The makeshift dance floor near the hay bales filled. Eyes bright, Sally and her friends raced over to their table. Tanner stood and then unbuttoned and rolled up his shirtsleeves. ‘Okay girls, let’s have some fun.’
Ella too came to her feet, her attention on the Barton brothers as they walked away from the bar. ‘Before Finn and Mac hit the dance floor I need to check in on them about their pestivirus heifer.’
Cressy nodded, masking her awareness it’d just be her and Denham left alone at the table. Denham watched Ella leave before sitting forward in his chair, his tanned fingers wrapped around his beer bottle. If she reached for her water glass, their hands would meet. His gaze met hers and her breath caught. The intensity of his eyes burned like a physical touch. A trio of cowboys approached and the moment dissolved.
As the men joined them in the empty seats and talk centred around Denham’s ride on Buckshot, she slipped away. She spied Sue sitting on a distant table in the shadows away from the main crowd. The loud music would be playing havoc with her hearing aids.
She made her way through the groups clustered around the tables. There was barely a familiar face. It wasn’t just cowboys the rodeo dinner had drawn but also many out-of-towners dressed in nice clothes and smelling of expensive perfume. She looked sideways at a well-spoken blonde. The woman had to be close to Meredith’s age and would be too old to be Denham’s mystery phone caller.
Sue smiled as Cressy sat in the seat beside her. ‘Ella did a great job with your hair. It looks lovely straight.’
Cressy touched the sleek lengths and could already feel the ends begin to curl. ‘Thanks. Not that it will stay like this for long. I just hope all this humidity means it will rain tomorrow.’
‘It will. The frogs were croaking in my garden when I left. My mother used to always say if you heard them sing it was a sure sign of rain.’
‘Fingers crossed.’
Denham’s deep laughter sounded as the song ended and Cressy glanced towards where he continued to speak to the other cowboys. Sue followed her gaze.
‘Did Denham tell you he came to story-time in the library while you were away?’
‘No.’ Cressy focused back on Sue. ‘Did he really?’
‘Yes. We have a lot of farm boys not interested in reading so I thought if he came and read to them it might help. He was so good. He wore his chaps and belt buckle and the kids loved it.’
‘I bet they did.’ Her tone turned wry. ‘The mums would have too.’
Sue chuckled. ‘Yes, they did, but not because of how he looked. By the end, he had kids all over him. One of the Higgins twins had her arm around his neck and the other held his hand. He was a natural.’
Cressy swallowed past the lump in her throat and again stared at him. If she’d seen Denham with the story-time kids she too would have melted.
Denham stood, looked around, and when he spotted her and Sue, headed their way.
Sue squeezed her hand. ‘Make sure we catch up for lunch next week.’ She came to her feet. ‘Meredith went to get me a cup of tea ages ago. I’ll go and find her.’
Denham smiled at Sue as they passed each other and then he sat beside Cressy. The intimate darkness pressed in, cocooning them from the noise and bustle of the dance floor and bar. Just like when she’d seen him at the stables that morning, she had the impression that something was different. There was a new lightness to his expression but also a touch of unexpected resolve.
***
She was so beautiful.
Denham looked into Cressy’s eyes and his carefully scripted sentences fled. In the shadows, she was all smooth pale skin and large eyes. Her straightened dark hair drew attention to her high cheekbones and the fullness of her lips. He’d never find the right words to tell her how he felt and what she meant to him but he had to try. He’d already wasted too much time being apart from the woman he loved.
He opened his mouth to speak but Cressy spoke first.
‘Sue tells me you had fun going to story-time?’
He cleared his throat. ‘I did. I’m going back next month. There’s some boys that remind me of myself when I was young. I’d never sit still long enough to read.’
Cressy smiled. ‘You did when you read farm books. You just didn’t see the purpose of reading about anything else.’
Her amusement eased the tension gripping his shoulders. He relaxed into his chair and stretched his legs out beneath the table.
‘True. Actually, there’d be boxes of my old farm books somewhere; maybe the library could use them?’
Cressy’s smile stilled. ‘Or maybe you’ll need them someday … Did Will ever have his five-year-plan conversation with you?’
‘He did. I graded their road and went for a cuppa. You were right. He was unusually talkative but otherwise seemed fine. Judith also seemed a little more relaxed than when we last spoke.’
Cressy’s eyes searched his. ‘So did he tell you you’d have kids who’d be bull riders?’
‘No, he said something about me needing to brush up on my computer skills otherwise I’d be lucky to have kids.’
Cressy’s lips twitched but her eyes remained serious. ‘He’s such a rascal. I made a throwaway comment about looking online for a computer geek if this drought ever breaks.’
Suddenly the companionship between them turned thick and heavy. Heart thumping, he sat forward in his seat. He could only hope what he was about to say did justice to the emotions forcing themselves free inside him.
‘Cressy … that conversation we never finished out on the long paddock … perhaps we need to finish it now?’
Her eyes widened before wariness closed her expression. ‘Sure. Now’s a good time.’
He thought hard, trying to find a way to start. ‘I haven’t been entirely truthful with you.’
She nodded, her hands sitting very still on the table.
‘It’s true, I am a workaholic, but I’d never put a relationship second. Any woman … I loved … would always come first.’
‘I know. I’ve never thought otherwise, no matter what you said.’
He nodded. ‘It’s complicated … but what stopped me from going after what I’ve always wanted doesn’t hold the power it used to.’
‘So you’re not going anywhere again?’
‘No. I’m here to stay.’
Her hand moved to rest near his. Her little finger brushed his thumb. ‘So are you also worthy of being with someone?’
He swallowed and ran his thumb over her knuckles. She didn’t move. ‘Yes … if you’ll have me.’
She didn’t immediately speak. Instead she broke eye contact to look at where their hands touched on the table. She edged her fingers away before slipping her hand beneath his and holding on tight.
Her soft gaze met his. ‘There’s no-one else I’d ever want … but I’m not getting my heart broken again. You only get to do that once. So we take this slow and we … talk … lots.’
Incapable of words, he nodded and lifted her hand to his mouth. Her fingers tightened on his as she trembled.
Wolf whistles cut through the music and he felt Cressy stiffen. He glanced over to the main crowd and saw that the whistles were directed towards a loved-up couple on the dance floor.
Cressy relaxed and slipped her hand from his. Beneath the table her leg pressed against his.
Her sweet smile curved her mouth. ‘And we don’t rush to become the next hot topic on the gossip grapevine.’
‘Deal.’ Eyes still on her mouth, his hand settled on her knee. ‘So no public displays of affection, then?’
‘Definitely not.’
The light in her eyes promised that while away from the public spotlight there could be unlimited displays of affection.
Ella approached and Denham lifted his hand from Cressy’s knee.
The vet smiled a knowing smile. ‘I thought I’d better join you before Edna discovered you over here sitting way too close.’ She pulled up a seat beside Cressy and fanned her face. ‘Phew, dancing is thirsty work.’
Denham grinned and pushed back his chair. ‘Message received loud and clear. I’ll do a drinks run.’
With a last look at Cressy, he made his way over to the bar.
An unfamiliar sense of peace filtered through him. After all the hurt he’d caused Cressy, she was prepared to give him a second chance. She also hadn’t delved too deeply into why he’d ever thought himself unworthy. The knowledge that he had an opportunity to make everything right between them lightened the heaviness of his heart. He mightn’t have his mother, father or brother to share in his happiness but he couldn’t let their absence dull his relief that he hadn’t lost the cowgirl he loved.
He didn’t realise Shaun called his name until the other man walked beside him.
‘Denham, can I have a word?’
He nodded and moved to where there was a space in the crowd. Shaun followed.
‘What’s up?’ Denham asked, assessing the agronomist’s expression. Shaun too might have seen him and Cressy sitting close together.
‘I owe you an apology.’
‘Do you?’ Denham didn’t know if it was the beer talking, or if Shaun was being genuine, but the edge had been knocked off his arrogance. ‘What for?’
‘Cressy. You were right. I didn’t deserve her.’
Denham nodded. Shaun’s blue eyes were clear and his speech wasn’t slurred. His apology was real. The decent man he’d hoped lurked beneath Shaun’s polish was putting in an appearance.
‘But you …’ Shaun continued, voice serious, ‘do deserve her.’
‘Thanks. We’ll see.’ He clasped Shaun’s shoulder to show there were no hard feelings. ‘I’ll give you a call next week. I’ve some pastures I’d like your advice on.’
Denham continued towards the bar but changed direction when he saw Sue, Meredith and Phil standing to the side of the crowd. Phil had his arm around Meredith who didn’t look her normal upright self. As he approached his certainty grew that something wasn’t right. Meredith’s shoulders were bowed.
Phil spoke as Denham joined them. ‘I’m taking Meredith home. She doesn’t feel well.’
‘Meredith?’ Denham took his aunt’s hand. Her face was as white as the starlight overhead.
She looked at him, her eyes dark with shadows and pain.
‘What’s happened?’ he asked, softly.
‘Nothing. I was feeling a little off earlier. I think I’ve done too much today.’
‘Okay.’ He briefly glanced at Phil, knowing he’d not take offence at Denham’s next words. ‘I can take you home if you like.’
Meredith’s hand squeezed his. ‘No, it’s fine. You stay. Bandit’s here.’ A fleeting smile shaped her lips. ‘We don’t want this rodeo remembered as the one where Bandit ran amuck.’
Denham kissed his aunt’s pale cheek. ‘Okay. If you need anything, call.’
He stepped away and exchanged looks with Phil. Meredith would be in safe hands with the farm manager.
He and Sue watched as the couple slowly walked into the darkness.
Denham turned to the elderly librarian. ‘Something’s happened … Meredith never does too much.’
‘I know.’ Worry sharpened Sue’s features. ‘She went to make us some tea and when she didn’t come back, I went looking for her. She was sitting by herself on a hay bale staring into space. She muttered something about seeing someone she thought she recognised and then asked me to find Phil to take her home.’
Denham scanned the crowd, even knowing the action would be futile. He had no idea who he was looking for.
‘She’ll be okay,’ Sue said. ‘Phil will stay with her. I’ll also give her a ring in the morning.’
‘Thanks. I’ll give them time to get home and then call Phil to see how she’s getting on.’
He headed for the bar. Four drinks in his hands, he wove through the crowd back to Cressy and Ella. He’d earlier glimpsed Tanner take a seat at their table.
He passed everyone their drinks and sat beside Cressy. Her knee again pressed against his.
‘How was the dance floor?’ he asked Tanner as the drover took a thirsty swallow of beer.
‘Exhausting. I don’t know where Sally and her friends get all their energy from.’ Tanner nodded his dark-blond head towards the dancing crowd. ‘See, they’re still going. I suggested they move to the edge so we can keep an eye on them.’
‘Good idea,’ Cressy said. ‘Those guys near them look way too drunk. Were they the ones asking them to dance earlier?’
Even as they watched, a cowboy danced too close to Sally. His hand slipped off her waist as she moved away.
Denham put down his beer and exchanged glances with Tanner. He too set his beer on the table.
Another cowboy danced too close to the girls. This time he singled out the brown-haired Ivy. When he leaned in too close as if to kiss her, Cressy pushed back her chair.
Denham and Tanner were already on their feet.
‘It’s okay, Cressy,’ Denham said, quietly. ‘Tanner and I’ll go and talk a language those cowboys will understand.’
Cressy nodded, mouth set. ‘I know you’re supposed to be taking it easy but … make sure they listen.’
Together he and Tanner strode over.
‘Any plan?’ the drover asked, voice low.
‘I’ll take that guy on the right, if you want the one on the left.’
Tanner’s lips quirked. ‘Are you sure? He’s only little compared to the guy on the right. Cressy will have my hide if your ribs take another hit.’
The cowboy on the right crowded Sally, anchored an arm around her waist and pulled her towards him. She stopped dancing to push him away but he wouldn’t release her.
Denham spoke through gritted teeth. ‘Don’t worry. I’ve no intention of letting this guy blink let alone take a swipe at me.’
He stepped forward, grabbed the man’s arm in an iron grip and twisted it behind him. The man fell to his knees, mouthing curses that would make any cowboy blush.
Sally moved quickly away. She then walked past with two of her friends, their heads held high, as they joined Cressy and Ella who now stood on the sidelines.
Tanner tapped the shoulder of the man on the left who continued to block Ivy from joining her friends. He swung around, fist swinging. Tanner’s fist connected with his jaw and he sank to the dance floor. A third cowboy stepped into the scuffle but then hesitation lowered the jut to his chin. He slunk off into the crowd.
Denham scanned the people surrounding them, ready for more trouble. But nobody moved. He nodded at Finn and Mac Barton who had positioned themselves around the circle, ready to help out.
An older cowboy pushed through the crowd, holding his palms up.
‘Easy, fellas, I’ve come to take these boys to their truck to sober up. Believe it or not, one of them has a final to ride in tomorrow.’
Denham eased his grip on the cowboy he held. The man jerked his arm away but didn’t look at Denham as the older cowboy helped him to his feet.
Soon boots again stomped on the dance floor in time to the music.
Denham went to check on Sally and her friends who chatted with Ella, Cressy and Tanner.
‘Everyone okay?’ he asked as he stopped beside Cressy.
‘Yes, all good. The girls just wanted to thank you before they head home.’
After thanks and goodnights were exchanged, Tanner and Ella walked the girls to their car.
Denham sighed and flexed his shoulders. All of a sudden the crowd noise was too loud and the lights too jarring. His side ached. He’d been the centre of attention too much today.
‘Need some air?’ Cressy asked quietly.
He went to shake his head and then nodded. He owed it to her to not hide his emotions anymore. ‘Yes. I do. I need to call Phil too. Meredith went home unwell. I’d also better check on Bandit.’
Her arm brushed his. ‘I’ll come with you.’
