The Cowboy Meets His Match (12 page)

Shrugging, he smiled down at her. “Like I told you before, I want to give to others the same help I got. Sometimes God puts you in a place, and you know you need to reach out.”

“True.” Oddly, Erin didn't want him to leave, yet. She wanted to talk to him about Tate or the way the rodeo was coming along, but she knew he needed to go. Stepping back, she said, “See you at church Sunday.”

“I'll look forward to it and sitting in the pew next to you and listening to that lovely voice of yours.”

She watched as Sawyer pulled away. No one had ever told her they liked her voice. She wanted to blush but knew she'd better keep those emotions under control unless she wanted to face her mother's questions. And, at this moment, she didn't want to talk about the feelings Sawyer inspired.

* * *

Sawyer looked through all the bids that had come in. He thought about the invitation he'd received from Erin's mother. He probably should've stayed, but he knew the family needed time to be alone and talk. Earlier, when he'd had dinner at Lulu's, the place had buzzed with excitement, and it just wasn't the usual Friday night joy for the weekend. Several people joined him at his table and talked about their bids and ideas on how to help with the rodeo redo. There were many good ideas, but he didn't know if he could rely on these people. Could they pull off what they proposed or were they simply ideas with no substance?

He wanted to talk to someone about it. He could call anyone on the board, but he finally admitted who he wanted to talk to. He dialed Erin's cell phone.

“Sawyer, is there anything wrong?” Erin asked before he could say anything.

“No. But when I had dinner at Lulu's, lots of people came up and talked with me. I had one business from Las Vegas that intends to bid on chute gates. I wanted to head over there tomorrow and look at their product. I thought we might go together to check them out, as well as some other vendors.”

The line remained quiet. His thinly disguised excuse for a date flashed like a neon light. He held his breath.

“I'd like that.”

His breath rushed out, and he could breathe again. “I'll be by there at nine.”

“See you then.” She hung up.

Had he heard a lightness in her voice?

“Stop it,” he told himself. He was a thirty-year-old man acting like a boy with his first girlfriend.

But he couldn't help himself.

* * *

When Erin put her cell phone down, she looked up and saw her mother standing at the door to the study.

“Who was that?”

For some silly reason, Erin didn't want to acknowledge her caller. Somehow, she was afraid if she shared Sawyer's invitation, her delight might go away. “That was Sawyer. He wants to drive into Las Vegas tomorrow and see the work of some of the vendors who've applied to work on the rodeo. He wants my input.”

Mary nodded. “That is good. So, are you going to go with him?”

“Yes.”

Sitting on the couch, Mary patted the place beside her. Erin came to her mother's side. Mary touched her daughter's cheek and brushed back the strands of hair that had come loose from her braid. “He's a handsome man, Daughter. He seems strong enough to hold his own against you.”

Erin felt as if someone had smacked her hard on the back, leaving her breathless and disoriented. “Mom, I'm not looking for a boyfriend.”

“I didn't say you were.”

“Then why mention it?”

“Because you need someone.”

Erin didn't know what to think. “What are you talking about?”

“I'm talking about being afraid to give in to your heart. This man seems to have a heart big enough to allow you to soar. I like what I've seen between him and Tate.”

Erin stared at her mother, stunned. “What brought this on?”

Mary looked down at her hands. “My husband's sick. As I sat in that room with him and prayed for his recovery, I asked God how I would go on. I have been blessed with a wonderful man and realize how precious life is.” Mary took her daughter's hands. “What I want for you is a man as good as your father. A man who's as strong as you, who can walk with your strength and know his own. And for your brother, I prayed for the maturity for him to deal with his father's illness. And when I saw Sawyer and Tate riding in, I knew that prayer had been answered.”

Erin's mind floundered to understand what her mother was saying. “So you trust Sawyer?”

“I see that God has provided a way. I want to talk to the man, listen to his words. I want to know if he'll share his heart. But for now, he's helping your brother.”

Erin squirmed. Surely this wasn't God's way. She'd lost her rodeo bid. “Did you know about the contract going to another person, Mom?”

Her mother shook her head. “Immediately after the board meeting, your father had the stroke. No one told me the results of the vote. I didn't know anything about what had happened until you called me and told me that Sawyer won.”

Erin, her heart still hurting, whispered, “Why would Dad vote against me, Mom? He knew I wanted the job.”

Mary gently squeezed Erin's hands. “I don't know, Daughter. I don't understand, either. Since your father has been in the hospital, the results of the vote never crossed my mind.”

Erin blinked back tears. “I can't understand how Dad could vote against me. That's been the hardest part.” Erin closed her eyes, fighting for control. “Mel delighted in rubbing it in.”

Mary snorted. “Mel's heart is so closed I'm afraid there's not much left of it.” Slipping her arm around her daughter's shoulders, Mary drew Erin close. “From what I've seen of the young man who won the contract, maybe God brought him into our lives to help. With your father's condition, the burden of doing the rodeo might have been too much. And it seems that your brother needed him, also. Help comes in strange ways. Accept it.

“He seems a good match for you. He's not afraid to stand up for himself.”

Erin wanted to object, but realized how ridiculous that sounded. Town folks knew that any man who dated her had better speak up for himself, so when Andy had proposed and she'd refused, no one had been surprised.

“I can find my own man, Mother.”

“I didn't say you couldn't, but understand that a smile or a soft word will not ruin your reputation of being a wise woman. People come to you for help in solving problems, wanting advice. Sometimes walking softly holds more power than brute strength. Obstacles can be conquered with honey. Soft words don't mean weakness, but a confidence, and sureness, in yourself, which will not retreat in the face of those who don't listen. A dependence on God to lead.”

Erin blinked at her mother. Where was this coming from? “I will think on your words, Mother.”

Mary stood. “That lesson took a long time for me to learn, but once I did, life fell into place.” Mary brushed a kiss across Erin's cheek. “I look forward to talking with Sawyer on Sunday.”

Sleep didn't come quickly for Erin, with her mother's words tumbling around her head, making her wonder at the truth.

Had she put up walls, hiding from others?

Was she running? And was she ready to stop? Could she give in to the desires of her heart concerning Sawyer? Her mother said she should follow those desires.

She mulled over the idea. What could it hurt except break her heart, but would it be worth it to have someone love her and share the burdens?

* * *

The next morning Sawyer pulled into the driveway of the Delong ranch. He walked to the back door and called out, “Mornin', is Erin ready?”

Betty motioned Sawyer inside. Mary and Tate sat at the table eating.

“Would you like some coffee?” Betty offered. “I also have my special coffee cake if you haven't eaten.”

Before he could respond, Erin appeared in the kitchen. Dressed in jeans and a Western blouse, her hair flowed around her shoulders like a silken black cape. The belt buckle at her waist he recognized as the top barrel racer for one year. She also had on snakeskin boots. It matched his attire of western shirt, jeans and boots.

Erin looked at the people around the table. “Auntie, I'd like some of your coffee cake and a mug of coffee to go.”

“Why don't you sit and eat with us, Daughter?” Mary asked.

From her reaction, Sawyer knew Erin didn't want to stay.

“Mom, we've got a lot to do today for the rodeo. We need to get going.”

Mary didn't respond except for a knowing smile.

Erin grabbed two travel mugs and poured coffee. “Do you drink it black?” she asked Sawyer.

“Yup, straight up.”

She put the top on his mug and handed it to him. Grabbing the creamer, she fixed her coffee. Betty handed her two pieces of coffee cake. “You're the best.” Erin brushed a kiss on her auntie's cheek.

Pausing at the door, Erin walked to her mother's side and hugged her.

“Remember my words,” Mary whispered.

Erin nodded.

“I agree with Sister,” Betty added.

Tate frowned and looked from his mother to his aunt to Erin. “What's going on?”

Betty smiled. “Too bad life is wasted on the young.”

“Huh?”

Sawyer opened the screen door and heard Betty say, “Love is in the air.”

“Where?” Tate asked.

Both the older women laughed.

Erin marched to Sawyer's truck, trying to ignore the conversation going on in the kitchen, but Sawyer cocked his head and grinned.

Great, how was she going to explain what had just happened?

Chapter Nine

S
awyer finished the last of the coffee cake, licking the crumbs off his fingers. He laughed. “Oh, I'm going to want another piece of that when I get back.” He took a swig of his coffee.

“Both Betty and my mom are great cooks. Unfortunately, I did not inherit their talent.”

Sawyer took his eyes off the road and looked at her. “It strikes me that maybe you didn't want their talent.”

Erin chuckled. “Wow, you nailed that. How'd you guess?”

“Both my brother and I did rodeo growing up. I think Caleb could've given me a run for my money, but he wanted a steady paycheck to support us, so he developed the talent of being the best pickup rider in the business. He's as good as me in saddle bronc riding and bull riding.”

He could see her mulling over the crumbs he gave her. She nodded. “True. You're one of the few people who's ever guessed that I wasn't interested in cooking.”

“We each have our talents, and your talent lies elsewhere.” He threw her a grin. “You could evaluate failing companies and write up plans to save them. My professors would've loved working with you.”

“That's an idea. I just finished my MBA from University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. I could add to my credentials.”

“Ah, you're one of those number crunchers.”

Her laughter filled the cab of the truck, delighting him. That first day, when she marched into the conference room, he never would've expected to hear her tease him. “Dad understood my talent, but Mom wanted me to be more like her. I can cook, but if you don't give a snort, then most of what you cook is average. You can't be something you're not.”

“I hear you.” He pointed to the floorboard between them.

“There, by your feet, is an accordion file with the bids we've received so far. I wanted to go over them with you.”

She found the file between the front seats and opened it. They spent the drive to Las Vegas scrutinizing each bid and talking about the person or business who had submitted it.

They finished reviewing the submissions just as they entered the outskirts of the city.

“Would you mind if we went to my mother's jewelry shop before we attend to the rodeo business?” Erin asked.

“Your mother owns a jewelry shop? Why'd no one say anything?”

“Well, with the rest of our lives falling apart, it slipped my mind.” She directed him through the streets of Las Vegas.

“Mother's other talents include jewelry making, weaving and gardening.” Erin looked down at her lap.

From the slump of her shoulders, Sawyer guessed that Erin felt her lack of artistic talent made her feel inadequate. “Remember, we all have different paths to walk.”

Her head jerked up, and her gaze collided with his. “You're sounding more and more like Auntie.”

“She's showing me new ways.”

“My mother has an abundance of artistic talent, but she can't add a line of numbers and cares nothing about keeping her books straight or dealing with payroll. And don't get me going about paying taxes or dealing with dissatisfied customers or paying suppliers in a timely manner. But, somehow, some way, Mom charms them, and they forgive her. I'm trying to get her to hire a full-time manager again so all she has to worry about are her creations.”

“From what I heard from folks in town, you're the person that straightens out problems and fixes mistakes.”

She didn't reply, but he saw her consider his words.

“You've done that for your mom, haven't you?”

The answer shone clearly in her eyes.

“It doesn't matter.”

Erin directed him to the part of Old Town that housed her mother's jewelry store. The long adobe structure had been built in the early 1900s, before statehood. The uneven wood walkway out front had borne countless feet that walked up and down the street.

They parked in front of the store. Before she could get out of the truck, he reached for her hand. “It does matter, Erin. Your mom's a smart woman, and if she wanted to, she could hire a manager to take care of those problems.”

“She had one.” She got out of the truck before he could ask any more questions.

Shame on you, Mary Morning Star Delong
,
Sawyer thought. Why had Erin's mother kept her daughter tethered to her? The woman he met the other day knew how to run a business. This didn't feel right.

Opening the door, she called out, “Hey, Joe, I'm here to take care of that problem Mom had with Mrs. Gonzales's necklace.”

Joe appeared in the doorway that led to the back room, situated behind the glass cases holding the different artisan's creations.

“Erin, what a wonderful treat to see you.” He gathered her into a hug. He looked over her shoulder at Sawyer.

“Who do you have with you?”

Sawyer held out his hand and introduced himself.

“Joe Torres. How do you know Erin?”

“I'm working with her on the revitalization of the bicounty rodeo.”

“I've heard about that. People are talking in town about it. Should be interesting to see.”

Erin carefully explained about Sawyer's role in the rodeo. “Joe's been working with Mother for the last twenty years. He's the one who convinced Mom to start her own line of jewelry. When Joe's wife passed away, he sold his store and Mom bought it. He's been helping her on and off for the last couple of years. I've tried to get Joe to accept the job as manager, but all he wants is to spend time with his grandchildren.”

Joe shook his head. “I'm glad to help straighten things out temporarily, but with those resorts in Taos wanting the pieces your mother contracted with them, and received a down payment for, things are tense. I understand your mother's heart, concentrating on your father first, but she needs to notify the customers and let them know what is going on. I don't doubt they will give her time.”

“I know.”

Erin and Joe sat behind the counter and discussed how to deal with things. Erin called the disgruntled customer and explained the situation.

“Give me a half hour to catch up on paperwork,” she told Sawyer, then disappeared into the back.

Joe and Sawyer faced each other.

“How are things working out?”

Another defender. Sawyer's first impression of Erin had proved to be true. She was a strong woman, but she was not the kind he expected. “She's kept me on my toes and thrown me more surprises than I know what to do with. She has me dancing.”

“And is this a problem?” Joe watched Sawyer carefully.

“No, it's not a problem, but if I think one thing, Erin comes up with another way to solve the problem. I'm learning to see her point.”

Joe smiled. “The Delong women can have you doing things that you never expected. Of course, when my wife died, I wanted to lie down and die, too, but Mary wouldn't allow me to do that. She threw me a lifeline.”

“Unusual women, both Mary and her daughter.” Sawyer shrugged. “I could include Aunt Betty, too.”

“True. She came into the shop one time, but I knew she held her own with her sister.”

Sawyer told himself it was none of his business, but he opened his mouth and said, “Tell me, why does Mary hold her daughter for ransom with her finances?”

Joe sat back and studied Sawyer. “You are an observant man and the only person I know who sees that. Detrick refuses to acknowledge it, and none of Mary's family or friends find a problem with it. They just chalk it up to the artisan in Mary.” He rubbed his neck.

“So, I'm not out of line with my conclusions?” Sawyer quietly said.

“No, you're on the mark. About a year ago, Mary called Erin to ask for help.” He paused. “Erin earned her undergraduate degree in accounting then used her earnings from barrel racing to pay for her masters. She'd win enough for a year of school, take off and attend UNM in Albuquerque.”

Sawyer smiled. “I know that story. I did that myself.”

“With rodeo?” Joe asked.

“Yes.” It amazed Sawyer that Erin and he had followed the same path to get their degrees. Maybe that's why he felt so connected to her.

“Ah, I see you understand. When Erin started writing her master's thesis, I retired from the store. Mary refused to hire a new accountant, complaining about how much work it was to keep the books, create and care for the store. Erin volunteered to help until her mother found someone to take my place.

“That was some time ago, and I've seen the toll it's taken on Erin. I don't know if Mary even knows she's doing it. Maybe she's afraid to let go. Mary aids many. The daughter follows in her mother's footsteps. Perhaps Erin needs an advocate.” Joe stared at Sawyer.

Sawyer's skin prickled, and the hair on the back of his neck stood up. If he took up this challenge, lives would be changed. “That's a big job.”

“It will require a strong man who can tackle the situation.”

Sawyer felt every word. “I'm here to finish redoing the rodeo. I'm not qualified to meddle in people's lives.”

“Yes, you are. Of all the people surrounding Erin, only you've seen the truth. Mary Morning Star knows how to hire an accountant and the problem would be solved, but she ignores it.”

“You've seen the truth, too.”

Joe folded his arms over his chest. “True, and I have thought to battle this situation, but my heart is a friend to Mary. Your heart speaks to Erin. You can choose to help her or walk away, but think carefully before you decide.”

Suddenly, the world shifted. He stood in a place he had never expected to be.

“Joe,” Erin's voice called out.

“Think about it,” Joe whispered, then walked through the doorway to the back.

* * *

They enjoyed a lunch in an outdoor café on the edge of Old Town. The food was a fusion of Navajo and Spanish styles.

“What did you and Joe talk about?” Erin took a sip of her iced tea.

“He told me how he encouraged your mom to create pieces of jewelry and explained how they worked together.”

His answer came quickly, but she felt there must have been more to the conversation. “Did he explain why he wouldn't come back and work with Mom?”

“I think he wants the freedom to live his life.”

“I can't blame him.”

“So, why doesn't your mother hire someone to take care of her business?” He took a chip from the basket on the table and scooped up some hot sauce.

“I've told her she needs to do that. She says she's been too busy to interview a manager. And now with Dad sick—” She shrugged.

“How long has this been going on?”

Erin considered how long she'd been running interference for her mom. As she thought, she realized this pattern had been going on since she started writing her thesis. Comprehension slammed into her. When her gaze collided with Sawyer's, she knew he saw the truth.

“Too long.” Feeling duped, she asked, “Why would Mom do that?”

“I'm the wrong person to try to answer that question. My mom wasn't a mom.”

Erin heard that same pain again. “What do you mean?”

He sat back in his chair. “After my dad died of a sudden heart attack, mom couldn't handle the grief. Her world dissolved in an instant. Dad had worked for another rancher and we lived in a house on the property, but with Dad's death, we had to leave.” He paused, lost in the old memories. “Mom went from a woman who fed us and kept the house to a woman who couldn't make a decision without either my brother's or my input. When that wasn't enough, she started seeking out boyfriends. The first couple of guys were nice, but my mom smothered them.”

A knot in her stomach formed.

“The more men left her, the needier she became. The men she attracted had the attitude of ‘it's my way or the highway,' and that didn't sit well with two teenage boys.”

Erin covered Sawyer's hand, which rested on the table.

“I was the one with a mouth. If one of my mother's boyfriends hit her, I spoke up. I got my face punched several times.”

He looked down at their hands as if noticing them for the first time. “It wasn't uncommon for Mom's boyfriends to beat her, and I'd tried to stop it, but I'd get beat up in the process.” He shook his head. “You'd think I'd have smartened up, but I couldn't ignore it.”

“That speaks well of you.”

“No, I was the stupid one. Mom's boyfriends would tear into Mom when it was only me there. They knew not to start their garbage when Caleb was home. Of course, Caleb was older and bigger than me.”

He looked into her eyes. “Do you know what Mom would tell me afterward? It was my fault. If I hadn't annoyed so-and-so, then it wouldn't have happened. Can you believe that?”

Her heart ached. “No, I can't. Your mom was mentally off-balance.”

He looked down at their hands. The waiter appeared, and Sawyer paid the bill.

On the way to the truck, he pulled Erin under a tree, out of the view of people on the patio and gathered her into his arms. “I didn't mean to unload on you like that.”

Tilting her head back, she looked up at him. He'd mentioned before his brother had been declared an emancipated minor. “What caused your brother to file to be on his own and take you?”

“You caught my references?”

“Yes, and I wondered what had happened.”

He pulled her closer and rested his chin on the top of her head. She knew he needed another sympathetic heart to share his story with.

“Caleb was at work after school at the feed store. Mom and her boyfriend were drunk and arguing over the TV. I was at the kitchen table doing homework. Mom told her boyfriend she didn't want to watch his stupid show.” He stopped. “The next thing I knew, I heard a choking sound and her boyfriend yelling things I won't repeat. I raced into the next room and found him strangling Mom. She clawed at his face and his hands, but she was turning red.”