A Golden Creek Collection: Golden Creek

A Golden Creek Collection

Janet Lee Barton

JLB Books

Contents

Stormy's Rainbow

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

To Heal a Cowboy's Heart

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

A Cowboy's Promise

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Epilogue

About the Author

Stormy's Rainbow

Copyright © 2014 by Janet Barton

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Created with Vellum

To Dan for his encouragement always,

To Nicole for making sure I keep my voice,

To my Granddaughters for giving me inspiration,

and most of all,

To my Lord and Savior for showing me the way.

Prologue

Chance glanced up from rubbing down his horse to see his boss’s daughter, Stormy, running into the barn. Hi, Shorty. You look like the cat that swallowed the canary. What's up?

Chance, you'll never guess! I've had the most wonderful news. Stormy took a moment to catch her breath. You know the talent contest last night?

Yes. You won hands down. No one else came even close to you. He still couldn't get over the way her voice had touched him, as she stood up on the stage accompanying herself on the guitar. Her singing had wrapped a spell around everyone in the auditorium and there'd been complete stillness when she finished. Then applause, loud and thunderous erupted, accompanied by stomping and whistling. She wasn't allowed to leave until she'd sung another song, and then one more.

At the party her parents had thrown afterward, she'd sought him out. Chance was still trying to intertwine the innocence in her eyes with the maturity of her voice when she'd asked him what he thought of her singing.

You were wonderful, Stormy. You— Not thinking, he'd leaned down and grazed her lips with a light kiss. The answering pressure from hers had him wanting to deepen the kiss, but he knew he had to pull away.

Stormy! The sound her mother's voice and the slam of the screen door jarred them apart. Mrs. Edwards had glanced around the different clusters of people overflowing out over the lawn, until she spotted Stormy. Honey, can you come in for a minute? Someone is here who wants to meet you.

We'll talk, later, Stormy had whispered. Chance nodded as she turned to him with a smile.

Now, the excitement in Stormy's voice brought him back to the present. Well, the person who wanted to meet me last night was a representative from a recording company in Nashville. Actually, he's a friend of Mr. Lawson, the principal, and just happened to be visiting. You'll never guess what he said!

As she talked, Chance's heart sank, and he sensed he wasn't going to like what she had to say. He stopped his horse's rub down and gave Stormy his full attention.

He wants me to make a demo tape. He really likes my singing. Her gold-flecked brown eyes shone with excitement.

Chance pushed his Stetson back and gazed down into Stormy's eyes, Are you going to?

She shrugged her shoulders. I'm not sure. Mr. Ames says if it's good, they'd want me to sign a recording contract. I'd need to go to Nashville. Mom and Dad would like me to go on to college, but they said it's up to me. Everything sounds kind of overwhelming, only…

Chance slowly released the breath he'd been holding. Here it was—the lure of bright lights, money, and an exciting new life. It was the opportunity of a lifetime, and they both knew it.

What do you think I should do, Chance?

He had no right to tell her. I can't tell you what to do, Stormy. You have to make up your own mind.

I don't want to leave you, Chance. The expression in Stormy's eyes seemed to plead with him to tell her to stay.

Chance's groan was silent. She was still so young. The last thing he wanted was for her to leave. Not now, when he'd begun to realize how much she meant to him. But, he couldn't keep her from going. She'd always wonder if she'd made a mistake, and about what she'd missed. Besides, at twenty-five and only a ranch hand, what could he offer her compared to what she might attain if the demo was successful? Deep down, Chance felt she would make it big.

Stormy, Chance said, quietly, It's your decision. I can't make it for you.

I know it's my decision, Chance. The expression in her eyes took on the look of her name. Can't you just tell me what you want me to do?

Why is that important to you? Chance couldn't tear his gaze away from hers.

She shook her head and sighed deeply. I love you, Chance.

Chance closed his eyes at the pain caused by the very words he'd longed to hear and wanted now to say, but couldn't. She was only eighteen. How did she know what she was feeling? And if she really did love him, how could she consider leaving? He couldn't tell her loved her and ask her to stay. She'd end up resenting him, possibly even leaving him like his mother had left his dad. Chance knew he wouldn't be able to handle making her his, only to have her walk out on him.

You've got a crush on me, Stormy. There's a big difference between that and real love.

I know the difference. She walked slowly around the horse, careful not to spook him, to stand in front of Chance. Standing on tiptoe, she slid her small hands up around his neck. Chance saw the hint of longing in her eyes just before her lips touched his. It took all the self-control he possessed to keep from kissing her back. His hands closed over her wrists as he broke contact and backed off.

Her eyes opened and he could see the tears in them. Last night, you kissed me, Chance. I thought . . . she glanced away. I believed you felt something for me, too.

Chance couldn't lie to her. I do have feelings for you Stormy. He watched hope flare up and die as he continued. There are a lot of different kinds of caring. If you don't know that kissing can lead to a lot of things besides love and marriage, then you've got a lot to learn about men.

Stormy looked as though he'd slapped her, and the thought that she didn't know nearly enough to go out into the world spurred him into action. She would hate him, he knew, but better she learned a lesson from him than someone who'd never think twice about carrying the whole thing to its natural conclusion.

Stormy turned to leave as his hand clasped her arm and turned her back to him. There are all kinds of kisses, too. You'd better learn the difference now. You need to know some men will say or do anything to get what they want. Chance pulled her into his embrace and his lips came crashing down on hers. He'd wanted to warn her, but the moment his lips touched hers, he realized too late that he was playing with fire. More disturbing was the awareness that he wanted her to remember his kiss.

Stormy's response was almost Chance's undoing. She trembled in his arms and hesitated for a moment . . . then her soft lips pressed against his. He drank in the sweetness of her knowing he would be the one remembering this from now on. Why did she have to be so young and innocent? He deepened the kiss and—.

She pushed him away from him. Chance. No!

He steeled himself for the words he had to say. Come on, Stormy, isn't this what you came here for?

Stormy branded his cheek with her hand and shoved him away. He watched her run to the barn door and turn back as she opened it. Don't worry, Chance. I'll never bother you again. She left without another glance.

Chance dropped to his knees and bent over double. The pain shooting through his heart was real. He'd just crushed every hope he had for a future with Stormy. For the first time in his life, Chance prayed. Dear Lord, what have I done? Why did I hurt her like that? He groaned, knowing the look in Stormy's eyes would haunt him forever. Please, dear God . . . help me.

Chapter 1

Chance Morgan pulled into his driveway, but couldn't turn off the radio. Stormy's newest hit was just starting, and as always, Chance found himself hanging on to every note.

That voice. It'd had a richness and maturity well beyond its years even when she'd started out at eighteen. The exquisite huskiness of it had always moved him. But in the last year or so, her voice had taken on a hauntingly lonely quality that seemed to reach his very soul.

Could she possibly be as lonesome as she sounded? Chance shook his head. He'd seen too many photographs of her with one eligible bachelor after another on magazine covers and in the paper. She was always surrounded by people at the concerts he'd attended—too many to even attempt to go up and speak to her. How could she possibly be lonely?

The song over, Chance turned off the radio, got out and slammed the pickup door. Just because I'm as lonely as all get out, doesn't mean she is. I had my chance and blew it. He stomped up the steps and into the house.

Chance strode to the refrigerator, took out a water jug and drew a big swallow to wet his parched throat. The afternoon cloudburst hadn't cooled the day down for long, and before that, there'd been dust and more dust to drive through as he checked on his and Ted Knight's herds.

He was glad Ted and Rita had finally decided to go to the family reunion and hoped they were having a good time, but he'd be happy when they returned. He missed the couple that'd become family to him.

Ted had given him the chance to prove himself when everyone else thought he was too young, too green, and too wet behind the ears to think about hiring on. Ted had shown him the ropes, trained him, and made a top hand out of him.

Chance knew that if his dream to have his own ranch and the kind of life he wanted was ever going to come true, he had to have a plan. When he'd told Ted he wanted to go to college, he'd helped Chance find a job on a ranch near Abilene. Yes, Chance loved the Knights' and owed them more than he'd ever be able to repay.

They'd be back in a few days, and it sure wouldn't be too soon for him. More often than not Rita set an extra place for him at the supper table. He liked taking his meals with them. It helped to fill the long nights.

Chance wiped his arm across his forehead and took another swallow of water. How did Stormy go so long without seeing them? He'd been back nearly two years and she hadn't been to see them for even a few days. Chance knew they missed her. They talked about her all the time. They were so proud of her, knew she stayed busy and worried about the pace she kept, but they would have loved to see more of her. They understood her absences a lot better than he did. They'd gone to see her at Christmas last year, saying it'd be easier on Stormy if they made the trip because she only had a few days between concerts.

He rolled his neck to get the kinks out and sighed deeply. She was a big star, wasn't she? She should be able to take off whenever she wanted. Chance felt angry that she didn't make more of an effort to see her family. Didn't she realize they wouldn't be around forever? Maybe his opinions were colored by the fact that he'd had a mother who'd left him at an early age, and a father who'd died when he was a teenager. All he knew was that he'd longed to have a family like Stormy's. Could all that fame and fortune be worth staying away from the people you loved? Obviously, it was to Stormy, or she'd do something about it.

Chance stood up and stretched. He put the water in the fridge, and took the back stairs two at a time, thinking that what he needed was a shower, a good meal, and a family of his own to come home to.

He sat down on the edge of his bed to take his boots off, and shook his head. He could take care of the first, friends were taking care of the second, and in time the good Lord would take care of the third. He chuckled on his way to the shower. Right now, he'd have to settle for two out of three.

The sudden storm she was driving in did nothing to calm Stormy's raveled nerves. Her fingers tightened around the steering wheel as she strained to see through the downpour. If she remembered right, there should be a small rest area just up ahead. Several tense miles passed before she finally spotted it, pulled off the highway, and expelled a shaky breath.

Turning off the ignition, Stormy unclenched her fingers, bringing them up to massage the tight muscles in her neck. She felt as though she'd been holding on by a string for months and with each passing day, the string seemed to grow tauter, as if it could snap at any moment.

Stormy leaned back and closed her eyes. She hoped this time off would help. She'd never needed a break so much. Too bad her manager, Marty, hadn't realized it. Fresh tears formed as she thought back to two nights before when she'd made her decision to leave the tour. Marty just did not seem to understand she had nothing left to give and couldn't push herself any longer.

Disgusted, she brushed at the moisture on her cheeks. She rarely allowed herself to cry. But lately, her tears started on their own, often and without warning, making Stormy feel weak and vulnerable. And she hated it.

A loud clap of thunder sounded above and Stormy jumped. Her innate sense of humor came to her rescue and she chuckled to herself. You've certainly come a long way, Baby, she said, all the way back to where you started.

She peered out the window, trying to will away the storm so she could get back on the road. Stormy took a deep, calming breath. It'd been way too long since she'd taken any real time off. A few days off at Christmas didn't count. This time, she was going to take all the time she needed to find herself again...not the famous country singer everyone knew her as, but the Stormy Knight she used to be. If she still existed.

As suddenly as the downpour began, it stopped and the sky was already clearing. With the patch of blue growing, Stormy started her car and pulled back onto the highway. Her mood brightened as the sun came out to make the rain-kissed countryside sparkle and glisten. Renewed hope uncurled within her at the sight of a rainbow, and her excitement grew with each passing mile.

She spotted the mileage sign alerting her that her turnoff was right up the road and Stormy began to let up on the accelerator. A red pickup turned out onto the highway just as she was beginning to make the turn, but her heart was beating so rapidly, she barely noticed. She was nearly there. She couldn't resist pulling over to the clearing that overlooked the land below.

When she stepped out of the car, a gentle breeze lifted the hair off her shoulders and blew it out behind her. Stormy stretched and took a breath of fresh clean air, before walking to the edge of the clearing. She looked down at the ranch, peacefully nestled next to a rushing stream, and the tears that formed in her throat before filling her eyes, were different from the ones of the last few days. They were droplets of happiness and relief that finally, she was where she needed to be. She was home.

Odd, how only one place meant that to her. She'd bought and sold several houses since she'd left Golden Creek, yet none of them had been home to her. Only the place where she'd been raised, her parents ranch in this rich river valley in New Mexico, meant that to her. It was so peacefully quiet and beautiful here. Why had she ever left?

Stormy fought the sudden vision of a long ago night that flashed to mind . . . and Chance. No. She wasn't going to think about the past. This was the present, and she'd come home to plan her future.

Maybe leaving her tour the way she did had been wrong, but Stormy finally had learned that making a wrong decision was still better than letting someone else make it for you. What she regretted most wasn't having her career, but letting it interfere with her private life. What private life? Stormy chuckled and shook her head. She didn't have one. But that was all going to change . . . starting now. She turned to go back to her car.

Marty had accused her of running away when she left the tour. Maybe she was, but this time, leaving was not a mistake. This time she was fleeing from a life she'd learned to hate and toward a life of her own. It was going to be the last time she was going to run from anything. She should've come home long ago.

She smiled as she slowly maneuvered her car down the road to the ranch. The hacienda-style house had been painted a pale peach color that complimented the greenery surrounding it. Everything looked wonderful to Stormy as she took in the familiar scenery. The orchards at the back of the house, near the river, were green and full of fruit. Sunlight dappled on the pavement as it filtered through the tall cottonwoods lining the road.

Stormy couldn't help but notice a new house sitting a few miles up the road on the old Johnson place, and wondered why her mother hadn't mentioned having new neighbors. She was very good at keeping Stormy informed about everything going on in the area.

Pulling into the driveway, she noticed that both her parents' vehicles were gone and supposed she should have let them know she was coming. No, it was best this way. Otherwise, her mother would've cleaned her already spotless house from top to bottom, cooked enough for an army and if there'd been any time left, she'd have paced the floor until Stormy drove up.

Stormy pulled up to the garage. All she had to do was hide her car, and she could surprise them when they came home. Knowing her parents rarely used the garage; she was surprised to see her dad's pickup inside when she raised the door. He hardly ever parked it there.

She began to unload her luggage and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment that they weren't home. But, by the time she'd shoved and carried her things to the house, she was smiling, anticipating the look on her parents faces when they returned to find her all settled in.

Miss Stormy! Hold on. Let me help with those.

Stormy turned from the pile of luggage at her feet to see a huge grin spread across the weathered face of Jim, one of her father's ranch hands. He'd been around since before Stormy was born. He walked with a slight limp caused from being stomped by a horse he'd been trying to break.

She enveloped him in a hug. Oh, Jim, it's so good to see you!

You too, little miss! He looked around at all the luggage she'd brought with her. Appears you might be staying a while this time?

Stormy nodded. I'm planning on it.

Well, that'll make your mom and pop really happy. Jim pushed his hat back on his head and scratched his forehead. I don't recall them telling me you'd be comin' in, though.

They didn't know. Stormy grinned up at the old man. I wanted to surprise them.

Jim chuckled. Well, they sure enough will be. But, why didn't you meet them at that family reunion?

Reunion? Stormy had to think for a minute before she remembered her mother mentioning it months ago. The tour had made it impossible for Stormy to plan on going and she'd forgotten all about it.

She couldn't meet the old man's eyes as she said, Oh, Jim, I'm around crowds so much, I just need a little quiet time. I thought I'd take advantage of having the place to myself, and rest up before Mom and Daddy get home. Just think how surprised they'll be to find me here when they get back.

They sure will be pleased. It's been a while since you've been home, he said, while he bent and gathered part of the luggage. Let me help you get these into the house, so you can start getting settled.

Ashamed she hadn't told Jim the truth, but relieved he never questioned her story, Stormy managed to keep a smile on her face while he helped her get her luggage up the stairs to her room. She walked him back down and tried to keep smiling as he told her to ring the bunkhouse if she needed anything. If he noticed the dark circles under her eyes or the tension lines around her mouth that she'd caught a glimpse of in the hall mirror, he didn't comment on them. After a gentle pat on her shoulder, he left with only one backward glance.

The door no more than shut on Jim before tears started streaming down Stormy's face. She sank to the stairs and sobbed. Her parents hadn't just run into town. They were hundreds of miles away and wouldn't be back for days. She'd been holding on only until she could step into the loving circle of their arms, secure in the knowledge that they loved her for herself, and would close ranks around her until she felt strong enough to make all the decisions she needed to make. But, they weren't here.

She didn't know how long she stayed there giving in to self-pity, but finally, Stormy became disgusted with herself. It was her own fault—not her parents. She pushed herself to climb the stairs to her bathroom.

She could have called them and let them know she was coming. And then what? Were they supposed to give up going to the reunion just because she decided to come home? Some daughter she was, Stormy berated herself. She hadn't even remembered the reunion she knew they'd been looking forward to for months.

After downing two aspirin, Stormy set about unpacking. She'd get settled in, take a long hot bath, fix something to eat and go to bed. Maybe after a good night's sleep, she'd return to the daughter she used to be . . . instead of the selfish one she seemed to have become.

Chance started his red pickup and backed out of John and Susan Williams' drive, feeling little better than when he'd started out that evening. While the company of several couples from his church, and the good food they'd served, had gone a long way to restoring his usual good spirits, John and Susan's announcement that she was expecting brought him back down. And he felt horrible about it. He truly was happy for them. They'd been trying for a child for years and they were a great couple. They'd make wonderful parents.

But he wasn't even part of a couple and there was no family to call his own. He hoped the longing he felt hadn't shown through as he'd congratulated them. He certainly didn't want to put a damper on their joy.

He reached out, turned on the radio and heard Stormy's voice. Again. He'd heard it all day and evening. They must be having a Stormy Knight day or something. The local stations always gave her recordings a lot of playing time, but today, they seemed to be playing her songs non-stop. Not that he was complaining. He loved to hear her sing. In fact, he had every album she'd recorded. Her voice came across now, low and husky, wrapping Chance in a web of memories. It'd been ten years since he'd last talked to her, been close enough to touch her. She'd been just Stormy then . . . his Stormy, the one who followed him everywhere.

The one who'd declared her love for him and wanted him to tell her not to go. It'd taken every ounce of self-control he possessed to resist her. In the process, he hurt her badly. Chance shook his head. Not nearly as much as I hurt myself. They'd never really said goodbye, and it'd been eating at him ever since.

The love song she was singing sent shivers down his spine. Did her voice do that to every man who listened to her? He'd known the girl she'd been; seen videos and pictures of the woman she was now. But, none of that told him what kind of woman she'd become and he wondered when she was going to come back so he could find out?

That was Stormy Knight, folks, the deejay interrupted Chance's thoughts. As you might have heard, Stormy canceled the last two performances of her tour. No reason has been given and neither she nor her manager could be reached for comment.

Chance muted the radio. Stormy had never canceled a performance that he knew of. He rubbed the back of his neck, hoping she was all right. He'd been very judgmental earlier. He knew nothing about what went on in Stormy's life. Lord, please forgive me. I know better than to pass judgment on anyone.

Chance turned off the highway and drove down into the valley, noting that the Knight ranch was dark except for the cookhouse and bunkhouse the hands lived in. He hoped Ted and Rita had heard from Stormy. Maybe she decided to join them at the family reunion. He brought the pickup to an abrupt halt and checked his cell phone. No missed calls there. He ran into his house and checked his answering machine. Finding no messages, he breathed a deep sigh of relief. If anything were wrong, Ted and Rita surely would've gotten in touch with him. Grabbing a can of soda from the refrigerator, he went out to the porch that wrapped around his house and settled in the swing facing the Knight's ranch.

He leaned back his head and looked up at the heavens. Lord, I don't know what's been wrong with me lately. You've blessed my life so much. I have no right to ask you for anything else. Yet, I'm lonely, Lord. I'd love to have a family of my own. Now, I know if it's Your will, it'll happen. Please help me to be more patient and to accept Your timing.

Chance opened his eyes and took in the view. He loved this place, had a good life, and felt selfish for wanting more. His gaze took in the house below his and he saw that lights were on everywhere. He jumped to his feet. Ted and Rita were back early. Something must be wrong with Stormy. He ran around the house and down the steps to his truck, started it up, threw it in gear and took off. Dear Lord, please let everything be all right!

Stormy put the last hanger in the closet and took a deep breath. It was going to take longer than she'd planned to settle in. She had no energy left. The aspirin had only dulled her headache for little while, and it was coming back strong.

She rubbed her temples and tried to will it away. Her tummy grumbled loudly, reminding her it was empty. Maybe food would help the throbbing ache, but she didn't feel very hungry. Her appetite seemed to have disappeared in the last few days, and she couldn't even remember when she'd eaten last. Most of her stops had been for coffee and to fill her gas tank.

Making her way down to the kitchen, Stormy turned on lights along the way to chase away the darkness. The house didn't feel the same without her parents. She knew she was just tired and disappointed that they weren't here, but she'd better perk up before they got home. Otherwise, they'd cart her off to the doctor, as soon as they walked in the door. She didn't need to see one. She already had. She knew what was wrong with her, and it was nothing some rest wouldn't cure.

The huge kitchen looking out onto the courtyard was one of her favorite rooms in the house. Copper pots hung from wooden beams. Spanish tiles covered the floor and cabinet tops. Green and coral splashes of color in the window seats and the chair cushions made the room cozy and inviting.

Stormy was relieved to find everything in its usual place as she tried to decide what to eat. It'd been a while since she'd puttered around in the kitchen, but she thought she could manage making an omelet. She was at the refrigerator checking for ingredients when she heard the side door open.

The breath caught in her throat and her heart skittered before she realized it was probably Jim coming back to see how she was doing. Came back to check on me, did you, Jim? Stormy turned and froze.

Not Jim, but a figure from her past, stood across the room. That smile. Those eyes. Chance? Her heartbeat roared in her ears. No. It couldn't be. He'd been gone almost as long as she had. Stormy gave a shake of her head to clear the vision she'd conjured up. When she opened her eyes and saw him take a step toward her, she wondered if she'd gone over the edge.

Stormy? The vision spoke. The string finally snapped and everything went black.

Chapter 2

Chance felt frozen to the spot. The slim figure in front of him seemed confused and her eyes looked dazed. He saw what little color she had drain from her face, watched her close her eyes and shake her head, as if to clear it.

Didn't she recognize him? Chance took a step toward her. Stormy?

Her eyes snapped open and appeared to light with recognition for only an instant before they closed again. He saw her going, but couldn't get to her before she crumpled to the floor. A second later, he was on his knees, feeling for a pulse. Dear God, please let her be all right! The beat was faint, but it was there, and he whispered, Thank You.

She'd only passed out. He gently shook her shoulders, trying to get her to come around, when Jim burst into the room.

Chance! What happened? I've been waitin' for you to show up all night! Jim knelt and took one of Stormy's hands in his just as she opened her eyes.

Jim, it was you. I thought . . . so tired, she whispered as her lids shut once more.

You'll be fine, Miss Stormy, Jim said. I'm gonna call Doc Edwards right now. You'll be all right.

Chance lifted her into his arms and started up stairs. He heard Jim talking to the doctor even before he gently lowered Stormy to her bed. He hadn't meant to frighten her. Looking at her lying there barefoot, in jeans and a tee shirt, Chance realized that this was no longer his little Stormy. She was a beautiful but exhausted woman. He took in the dark circles under her eyes that even her long black lashes couldn't hide. She was too pale and he wondered how long it'd been since she'd been out in the fresh air and sunshine?

Doc's on his way, Jim said from the doorway. Good thing he only lives down the road. He said he'd decide when he got here if we need to take her to the hospital. And Sadie's coming to see if there's anything she can do.

He'd no more than got the words out of his mouth when Sadie, the ranch hand's cook, came hurrying into the room. She took one look at Stormy and said, I'll try to make her a little more comfortable. She shooed the men out of the room. You two go wait for Doc to get here.

Chance made sure Stormy's breathing was even before joining Jim in the hall.

Might as well put on a pot of coffee, Chance led the way back downstairs.

I saw you leave just before Miss Stormy got here, or I'd a called you, Jim said as he started the coffee. I've been worried about her ever since she got home. I don't think she even knew Ted and Rita were off to the reunion. He shook his head. She just looked so sad when she realized they were gone.

You should've called my cell phone, Jim.

I thought about it. But, you don't hear it half the time when you're out checkin' on the herds, so I just decided to wait.

Jim was probably right. And he'd had the radio on most of the day. Guess I'm going to have to set it to vibrate and put it in my shirt pocked when I'm in the truck. Course that's providing I remember to take it with me.

Wouldn't hurt.

Chance leaned back against the counter and hooked one booted foot around the other. I think it was a shock for her to see me. I'm not even sure she knew it was me. Maybe she thought I was an intruder. I just know I've never been as scared as when she sank to the floor.

Jim poured them both a cup of coffee, added cream and a tablespoon of sugar to his, and handed Chance one, strong and black. They sat down at the table and fed their worry with caffeine.

She tried to hide her disappointment that her parents weren't here, but she looked like she was about to cry. And that just don't seem like Miss Stormy. She never was a crier, Jim said.

You're right about that. Chance remembered the last night they'd been together. Even then, when he knew she was hurting, she'd kept the tears in check. She'd always been tough.

Jim nodded his head and stared into his coffee cup. I sure hope she's all right.

So do I, Jim, so do I. Chance forced his thoughts out of the past and said a silent prayer that Stormy would be okay. She looked so worn-out he couldn't help but be worried.

Chair legs scrapped against the floor as he pushed back from the table, stood up and began pacing the kitchen. He looked at the clock over the stove. How long did Doc say it would take him to get here?

Jim checked his watch, He didn't, but he should be here any time, now. I'm worried, Chance. Normally, people don't go to sleep just cause they passed out, do they?

She seems exhausted, but it might be something else. We'll know more after Doc looks at her. Chance paced some more, picked up his cup and went to refill it.

Wonder why she didn't let Ted and Rita know she was comin' home? Jim lifted his mug and paused with it midway to his lips. She said it was cause she wanted to surprise them, but . . . you don't think she's bad sick, do you?

Chance's heart seemed to plummet to his stomach. He didn't even want to contemplate that scenario. He turned to see lights reflected on the kitchen windows, and breathed a sigh of relief as Jim went to let the doctor in.

After quickly explaining what happened, Chance led the way to Stormy's room. When they entered, he noticed that Sadie had managed to get her into a gown or nightshirt of some kind and had the covers pulled up to her shoulders.

She moaned a couple of times but never really woke up while I got her into her nightshirt. She's out for sure, Sadie said, turning to Chance. Let me know what you need me to do.

Chance nodded his head and turned to the