Page 32 of The Texas Cowboy's Rescue

“She is amazing. And keeps me on my toes. You’ve done one incredible job of raising a genuinely great kid. Thanks for letting me get to know her. I hope you know that... well, I think you and I have some things to talk about when we can find some adult time. Maybe dinner next week?”

“I’m thinking we might be on the same page. Dinner would be nice. I can cook.”

“As much as I know you’re a great cook, I want to take you out. Someplace really nice. You deserve it.”

“Okay. I won’t argue.”

“Hey guys! I want to go play on the rope swing.” And there was their reminder that “alone” time would have to wait.

“Your wish is my command, Miss Sprinkles.” He gave her a wink and then left her to work on the proper rope swing technique for the next half hour. Kenzie tried her hand at it once and then said it was time for her to claim a seat on the bank and be their audience. In actuality, it turned out that she had a little catnap while they played.

“Hey, Ms. Judge over there... wake up! It’s time to give this girl her final exam on diving.” Deke’s voice woke her and she realized Brooke’s big moment had come. She knew her daughter, and she could see a mixture of uncertainty and a lot of bravado.

“I’m ready. Take your time and remember all Deke has taught you.”

That brought a nod and then a deep breath. The child laced her toes on the edge of the rock outcropping, arms up in place, and determination took over. The splash was a slice into the water, and Brooke came up with a huge grin. She looked immediately over to her mama.

Kenzie stood and gave resounding applause. “That was a ten! Way to go! You are now a diver.”

Deke added his clapping and a whistle or two. “Way to go, Miss Sprinkles!”

And then the diving continued.

An hour later, the sun was at the top rim of the canyon and sliding down enough to cast shadows that cooled the air quite a bit. And it was a sad fact that their time was drawing to a close. Packing up, it was time to begin the return trek up to the top of the canyon. And it was a challenge, as Kenzie expected. They had played hard and energy was in short supply. If the canyon wall had been a few feet taller, she wasn’t sure she wouldn’t have given up and just told them to leave her behind. Brooke even had thrown in the towel, her steps dragging. When the house came into sight, a small burst of energy carried her forward.

“Hot showers for all, and then we’ll head back to reality.” Deke made sure fluffy towels were in abundance and left them to it.

Brooke, the perpetual mermaid, opted for the large tub and a touch of bubbles. Once dried and dressed again, she headed out to the living room to watch some cartoons and wait on the adults. Kenzie chose the shower and reluctantly dressed for the departure. When she came out twenty minutes later, her daughter was curled up on the couch, fast asleep, while the cartoons had no audience. A movement outside on the patio told her where she would find their host.

“She is out like a light. We have managed to outlast her,” she said, grinning.

“I may have outlasted her, but she certainly outplayed me. I might have to admit that I may be getting older if a child can get the best of me.” They stood side by side at the railing, the silent vista changing its colors as the sun prepared to dip lower.

“Well, perhaps you can console yourself that you gave her another one of the best days of her life. Memories are important, and she will long remember this time. Thank you for that.”

“And what about her mother? Good memories that will last... maybe even replace some not-so-good ones?”

The answer was an easy one, and yet it wasn’t. It could lead to all sorts of complications. But something told her to seize the moment... that little angel of trust?

“It will be one of the best. And I think it certainly has vanquished more than a few not-so-pleasant ones. It’s been a revelation of sorts. I can’t really explain it. It’s something I have to take in and try to understand myself.”

“I was once given some sage advice by someone I admire a great deal. This person told me that happiness is a lot like a butterfly you admire in the garden. You see it and delight in it and you want it to stay forever. But you don’t ruin it by grabbing and smothering it. You allow it to flourish and have the freedom to choose to stay or return. So I would love to grab this day and never let it end, but I feel that it will return and be even better next time. And there is why I am not a philosopher by any means,” he finished with a self-deprecating laugh. Yet his gaze was warmth, filled with promises and so much more.

Their gazes had made a decision and their lips carried the message. The kiss when it came was tempting, tasting, teasing, and something was freed inside of her because she matched his rhythm... slow, then fast... seeking, and then giving. The drought was over and the dam had burst.

They drew apart in unison, but he held her in the warmth of his arms, and she stayed. “No apologies for that,” he said.

“None expected. But it’s going to complicate things. If it happens again.”

“It will happen again. And I think complications make the journey that much sweeter in the solutions. I’m falling for you, Ms. Calhoun. I certainly didn’t plan it. But here you have landed in my garden, like a beautiful butterfly, and I pray that you might want to return... perhaps even stay. But it’s up to you.”

“Mama, where are you? Is it time to go?” The small voice came through the open doorway. A reminder their time was coming to a close. But then a new road had presented itself.

“Yes, it’s time, sweetheart. Let’s go.” She stepped out of his arms and took a last look at the beautiful garden. And a tiny, soft-yellow butterfly flitted over to one of the fragrant blooms. Kenzie smiled. Perhaps she’d return to join the small creature... it was her choice to make.

*

“It’s no use,Laurel,” Sammi Jo said across the table. “She’s not going to give the details, except that she had an amazing time, the food was amazing, the location was amazing, the water was amazing.”

---