Page 50 of For the Love of the Bull Rider

Just then, a woman of about thirty walked up. She was close to Aunt Katie’s height, with a short, brunette bob. She wore wire-framed glasses, and Tim would be hard pressed to say she wasn’t attractive. She was wearing a skirt, sweater set, and tights, and she had a cute smirk on her face. “Hello, everyone. What’s going on?”

“Rocky and Ryan were picking on Jerry.” The older woman pulled the big kid closer to her.

Just as Matt and Tim were about to provide another argument regarding the turn of events, the attractive woman turned to them and smiled. “I’m Miss Blankenship. My stepdad owns the feed store, Mr. Collins.”

She then turned to Tim with a welcoming smile. “You’re Mr. Simmons’ nephew, right? I worked with you setting up the direct link to our order system.” She extended her hand to shake Tim’s.

Tim laughed. “Tim Moran, Miss Blankenship. It’s truly a pleasure to put a face with a name. I’m about to call you again to set up another link from the Circle C to the feed store. I just need to put a few finishing touches on it to make it easier on your end. When are you available to discuss it?”

Matt cleared his throat to get Tim’s attention. “Sorry, Timmy, but we kinda have an issue here.” He gestured toward Ryan and Rocky before turning his unhappy gaze on the older woman and the other boy.

Miss Blankenship giggled. “No, we really don’t, Mr. Collins. See those windows? That’s my classroom, and Ryan and Rocky are my students. Every afternoon during the school week, I stand at the window when I don’t have after-school duty and watch as my kids go to their buses.” Miss Blankenship pointed to the windows directly across from the place where the group was standing.

Miss Danbury scoffed loudly. “Of course, youwouldstick up forthem.” She pointed to Ryan and Rocky, so Tim stepped behind them, putting a protective hand on each of the boys’ shoulders to let them know he was right there for them and that awful woman wasn’t going to hurt them if he had any say in the matter.

Miss Blankenship stepped forward. “Polly, Jerry’s your grandson, but as we all know, he’s not an angel. And by the way, Jerry’s in fourth grade, and Ryan and Rocky are in first. Explain to me how those two boys pick on your grandson.

“Take your prejudices back into the school and wait for me in the principal’s office. I’m tired of Jerry cornering my students on the playground and hurting them because everyone’s afraid to go up against you regarding his behavior. I’ve spoken with you about it before, but this time, I have parental witnesses whom you can’t intimidate.” She pointed to Tim and Matt.

“We’ll see about this, Cecelia.” The older woman stomped off with the bully in tow. Tim wanted to hug the teacher for her big heart, but he was sure it would be inappropriate. He stayed next to the boys, squeezing their shoulders in support.

Miss Blankenship turned to the group and offered a big smile. “I’m sorry I missed meeting you at the open house, Mr. Collins. Ryan is such a great student, and he and Rocky are becoming the best of friends.” The teacher brushed her hand over Ryan’s hair bringing a giggle from the little cowboy.

Matt’s face flushed at her words, and he knew Matt hadn’t bothered to go to the open house to meet the teacher. It was too late to worry about it at the time, but it wouldn’t happen again if Tim had a say in the matter.

“That’s great. When’s the school Christmas party? I’m pretty sure Ryan’s grandmothers would like to contribute.” Tim offered Matthew a scathing glance, daring him to make a comment. Of course, Matt didn’t say a word and barely met Tim’s eyes as he squirmed.

“Ryan has the schedule in his green folder. He has a solo part in the Christmas concert this year.” Miss Blankenship giggled as Ryan’s face turned red.

Much to Tim’s surprise, Matt cleared his throat and spoke. “That’s great to hear, ma’am. We’ll definitely be there. I want to thank you, Miss Blankenship, for helping with that mess. I’ll talk to Ryan at home.” Matt pointed toward the doors of the school where Mrs. Danbury had led away her grandson, the future convict.

Miss Blankenship turned to Rocky and smiled. “Sweetie, go ahead and get your bus. I’ll see ya tomorrow, and you and I are going to have our special lunch. You did great on your worksheet, and we have a date, young man. Don’t forget to write in your journal tonight.” She walked Rocky over to bus number four.

Rocky nodded before he got on the bus, sitting in the front seat behind the bus driver. He waved through the window to Ryan as the bus pulled away, and the little cowboy waved back before he picked up his coat, backpack, and lunch box, staring at his dad for further instruction.

Miss Blankenship led them out of the path of the buses before she turned to Ryan. “Would you mind going back to the classroom to make sure they left the light on in the turtle tank? I’ll be in to get my stuff in a minute, but the turtle tank is theclass project so I can’t really check it myself.” She had a big smile as she talked to Ryan.

Ryan looked up at Tim and held out his things. “Can you hold this? He’s our turtle, Simon, and we’re ‘sponsible for him. I’ll be right back.” Ryan handed off the backpack and the lunch box, pulling on his coat.

Tim nodded with a grin as Ryan ran off toward the building. Miss Blankenship turned to the two of them and exhaled as if she had a heavy heart. Finally, she spoke. “I’ve been wanting to call you, Mr. Collins. Ryan has been so good for Rocky, sharing his lunch and helping him with this classwork when necessary.

“Rocky should actually be in third grade, but he has a few difficulties. It’s really nothing serious, and we’re working through them with a psychologist from the Board of Education, but since Ryan has taken him under his wing, Rocky’s shown remarkable progress.”

Tim saw Matt stand a little straighter and his chest puff up at hearing about his son’s amazing capacity for kindness. It was a beautiful thing to witness.

Miss Blankenship continued. “Ryan takes him into the bathroom in the mornings and talks about brushing teeth and washing up. He’s brought soap, a toothbrush, and toothpaste from home for Rocky. Nearly every day, I struggle to keep from crying because Ryan’s compassion for his classmate is amazing. He must have great role models.” She looked from Matt to Tim.

Tim couldn’t hold the tears, and when he glanced at Matt, he saw tears in his eyes as well. They had a remarkable boy on their hands. Matt nodded at him and Tim knew the two of them would ensure Ryan wouldn’t let go of his tender heart. He’d be supported when he wanted to help someone, and the two of them would always protect him. There was so much to nurture in the boy, and Tim was sure they would, together.

Chapter Twenty-two

After an unsuccessful trip to the local farm in Holloway to search for a Christmas tree, Matt suggested they wait until the trip to Richmond to shop for a tree and decorations. Once they all agreed on a game plan, Matt dropped Ryan and Tim at the mall in Richmond to do some Christmas shopping before he drove across town to meet with Jon Wells.

He promised his two loves he’d be back in time to shop for decorations, and then they’d get the tree on the way home. He was thankful he’d kept his promise, though the meeting at Jon’s office wasn’t going exactly as Matt had hoped.

“Your ex? She’s truly a royal pain in the ass… well, her and her mother are neck and neck on that account, and their attorney, Janelle Rowland, is no better. Roberta never signed over her parental rights, and she’s coming at you for Ryan and a hell of a lot of child support, Matt. Her mother’s footing the bill for this litigation nightmare because she wants a cut of the take, as best I can tell. I really think they want the ranch, Matt.” Jon glanced through the contents folder on the table between them.

“Yeah, they’re both bitches, but I’m not givin’ ‘em my boy. I figure the ranch is worth about two-million-five with everything, including the stock, outbuildings, and the equipment, so if that’s the price, I’ll go home and start packin’ mine and Ryan’s things tonight. I can buy another ranch, Jon. I only have one son.” Matt was firm in his conviction.

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