Page 290 of The Texas Sterling Collection
After taking the photos, he and Joey led their horses out of the holding area and into the meadow behind the arena. They needed to rest the horses and relax.
They tied the horses to a tree and collapsed on the grass in the shade, looking up at the sky through the leafy canopy. A voice appeared out of nowhere.
“Son?”
Chapter Seventeen
Felix’s entire body tensed, and he raised his head. His father stood a few feet away, his expression stern. Why was he here?
“Father. You came.” Although he hoped his father would attend the event, he never thought the man cared enough to show up. “Did you see me compete?”
“Yes. Your mother sent Winston to tell me. You did fine, son. It proved the Sterlings made a man out of you. Now I need you back at the store. Emmaline will be pleased.”
Felix felt like an anvil had dropped on his chest. He sat up, head spinning, trying to catch his breath.
“But Father,” Felix coughed. “I have responsibilities on the ranch. I can’t abandon those.” Felix tried to conjure up a reason why he couldn’t come back to Blackfield and work in the store. After discovering the rewarding life on the ranch, the joy of being part of the Sterling household, and how much his life depended on Joey, he swore he wouldn’t go back to the store or Emmaline. He never expected his father to kidnap him at the Fourth of July celebration, especially after he set a new rodeo record.
“I spoke with Grover, and he understood.” Cornelius’ stern tone left no room for discussion.
“You sent me to spend the summer at Sterling Ranch. It's only been a few weeks.”
Joey coughed, and Felix realized he must introduce his best friend. “Father, this is Joseph Sterling. He is the one who taught me to ride and rope.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Bonner.” Joey stood and extended his hand.
Cornelius didn’t offer a hand in return. “You did well, Joseph. You helped make my son into a man.” He turned to Felix. “I expect you at home tonight. You can spend the rest of the day with your little friend.” He motioned toward Joey dismissively. Without another word, he turned and left.
Felix stared at the retreating figure. More than anything, he needed Joey’s arms around him and Joey’s lips on his. But out in public, they couldn’t show each other how they felt. He sat on the ground, head in his hands, and sobbed.
* * *
Joey sat next to Felix and rubbed Felix’s back. Joey’s touch calmed him a bit.
“What can I do to help?”
Felix sniffed his runny nose and fisted the tears from his cheeks. “Nothing.” Felix coughed. “Father made his decision. I have no choice.”
Joey patted Felix’s knee. “At least we have the afternoon together.”
Felix shook his head. “I need to go now. Despite what he said, Father will be irritated if I wait until evening. You’ll take care of Sparkle for me?”
Joey panicked. He couldn’t lose Felix now. His mind reeled, trying to come up with something that would keep them connected. “Don’t you want to keep Sparkle with you?”
“I can’t. Father wouldn’t allow it, and Sparkle needs the ranch.” Felix stroked Joey’s cheek with his fingertips. “I love you.”
* * *
An emptiness overcame Joey as Felix disappeared into the crowd. This couldn't be the end for him and Felix. He must find a way to bring him back to the ranch. Pa would have the answer. He scanned the area, finding Ma and Pa waiting in the carriage fifty yards away.
He snagged the reins for Lightning and Sparkle and rushed toward his parents. “Mr. Bonner told Felix he needed to stay here in Blackfield. Can we do anything, Pa?”
Grover climbed down from the carriage and pulled Joey into a hug. “I’m sorry, son. Mr. Bonner found me and explained his intention. I guess Felix winning the calf roping contest meant we succeeded in turning Felix into a man.”
Joey pulled back and looked at his father’s face. “But Pa, how will I survive without Felix to help me? We did everything together.”
“You can come into town and visit Felix. You can go to the saloon and have a sarsaparilla or chat in the park after the store closes.”
Joey studied his boots and sighed. “I guess…”
