Copyright 2004

Memories
Chapter One

Jenny Harmon pulled her blue Ford Ranger pickup onto Interstate 44 and aimed west. The sky looked like it could snow, so she decided the biggest highway was her best choice. She wanted to get to Wichita as soon as possible.

 

Her strawberry blond hair fell across the shoulders of her sweater. The sweater was a pale green that accented her eyes, making them reminiscent of the new green leaves of spring. Her tanned face was sprinkled with freckles that added to her natural beauty. She had never been one to wear makeup, and her smooth complexion was near perfect.

 

As she hit cruise control and turned up the radio, she settled in for the long drive. Her mind bounced from one thought to another, a cross between exciting prospects of the future and memories of days gone by. She felt good about her decision to move back to Missouri and live with her grandmother. Leaving her grandmother behind when they had moved to Kansas was the thing she had regretted the most. As a little girl, she had been close to her paternal grandparents, especially after her father died.

 

Her father.  She always smiled when she thought of him, although she only had sparse memories, and a few pictures her grandmother had given her. She had spent a lifetime dreaming of what it would have been like if he hadn’t died when she was four. She knew he had been a good daddy…she remembered him reading to her and playing with her. The last thing she remembered about him were his strong arms lifting her out of her bed that night of the fire.

 

The fire…she had blocked the rest of it out. Her mother had told her the story over and over. Her mom’s old dog, Daisy, had come into her parents’ room and roused them.

 

“Linda!” Charles had shaken her mother into consciousness, “The house is on fire! You get out! I’m going after Jenny.”

 

Jenny only remembered him lifting her from her bed, and that she wasn’t afraid in her daddy’s arms, even with the fire all around her. He had laid her down on the front lawn and she had gone back to sleep…or maybe passed out from the smoke she had already inhaled.

 

He had realized that Linda hadn’t made it, so he went back into the blazing house after her. He found her just outside their bedroom, Daisy at her side. He picked her up and carried her out, placing her gently next to Jenny.

 

“You stay here with Jenny,” he had told her, “I’m going back for Daisy.”

 

“No!” Linda had protested, “Charles it’s too late!”

 

“She saved our lives, Linda,” he told her, “I’m not going to just let her die.”

 

Jenny felt a tear on her cheek. All these years and it still made her cry. As Charles had returned to the burning house, it had collapsed around him. She never saw him or Daisy again.

 

She carried a photo of him in her purse. He had the same strawberry blond hair as she did. Linda told her that she had her father’s hair and his sunny disposition. His eyes had been blue, though.  Deep blue that she could remember vividly…or maybe the eyes she really remembered were Rob’s.

 

Rob Jackson. The thought of him made her smile again. She still remembered the first time she had seen him so very long ago.

 

After Charles had died, Linda had to work. She got a job for the local vet, Doc Brown, working as his receptionist. At first, Jenny had stayed with her grandparents while her mother was at work, but then her grandpa had taken ill.

 

Doc Brown was, although gruff in manner, very sympathetic to Linda’s situation. Since Jenny had started school by then, he let Linda work her schedule around that of her daughter’s. She dropped Jenny off at school every morning, then left work when it was time to pick her up. If Linda was needed at the clinic after school or on weekends, Doc let her bring Jenny to play in one of the back rooms of the clinic. She spent most of her summer vacation, playing in the back of the vet clinic every year.

 

Linda had just started working every Saturday morning, with Paula Curtis, when Jenny was six years old. Jenny could still remember that morning when she and her mother arrived at the same time as a red Suburban pulled up in the lot. Paula was in the passenger side and she leaned over to kiss the driver before getting out.

 

“Who’s Paula kissing, Mommy?” Little Jenny had asked.

 

“That’s Paula’s new boyfriend, Honey,” Linda, tall and blond, told her, “His name is Rob. You’ll get to meet him later when he picks her up.”

 

It was just before noon when Rob walked into the clinic. He seemed like a giant to Jenny. He really wasn’t any taller than Doc, who was six foot, but he seemed enormous. His shoulders were broad and his arms full of muscles that were easy to see in his sleeveless blue shirt. He had long blond hair that was pulled back into a ponytail and eyes so blue they matched the sky. When he saw Jenny craning her neck to look up at him, he crossed over to her and squatted down, so those big blue eyes of his were level with her own.

 

“There,” he smiled, making dimples in his tanned cheeks, “Is that better, Squirt?”

She had grinned and nodded. He had called her Squirt from then on, and they had been fast friends from that moment forward. He came each Saturday, sometimes sitting in the back and reading to her or playing with her, while Linda and Paula closed out the clinic. Sometimes he played dolls with her, sometimes board games. But always, he brought her lemon drops. She hadn’t known it then, but he carried them with him everywhere he went because they helped subdue his craving for a cigarette. He had quit smoking when he met Paula and the lemon drops became a substitute for many years.

 

Dear, sweet Rob. He probably had no idea what a void he had filled in her life. She had looked so forward to seeing him every Saturday. She was actually disappointed on the days her mother got to leave on time, because it meant less time with Rob.

 

She remembered one Saturday when she was sick. Her mom had made her a bed on the couch in the back room. For some reason, Rob had come earlier than usual and she recalled him walking in and seeing her resting on the couch.

 

“Hey, Squirt,” he sat down and brushed her hair out of her eyes, “I hear you don’t feel so good.”

 

“Um-hmm,” she sniffed.

 

“Come here,” he picked her up in his strong arms and she laid her head on his big shoulder. “Do you want to go home?”

 

“Um-hmm,” she sniffed again, snuggling into him, wishing she could sleep right there.

 

“Let’s go see what we can do about that,” he carried her out to the front desk, “Linda, what on earth were you thinking?”

 

“Excuse me?” Linda turned from the front desk.

 

“Squirt’s sick,” Rob scolded her, “She needs to be home. Why did you drag her out today?”

 

“I had to work,” Linda justified, shocked at his brazen attitude.

 

“Well,” he ordered her, as if he had the authority to do so, “You’re taking her home now. Paula is here and I’ll help Doc if he needs an extra pair of hands. You take Squirt home and put her in bed where she belongs.”

 

Linda looked at him in amazement, “Rob…”

 

“Don’t argue with me,” he silenced her, “I’ll handle Doc. You get your things. I’m carrying Squirt to the car right now.”

 

He had done just that, promising to come to her house to see her the next day. She had felt better the next day and Rob and Paula had come to visit, just as he had promised. Rob had brought her a brand new Barbie doll and sat in the floor of her room playing with her for what seemed like hours. What had started as a lousy weekend had turned into one of her fondest childhood memories.

 

Jenny had been eleven years old when Rob and Paula had gotten married. Her mother stood up with Paula and Jenny sat and watched. She had silently wished he was marrying her mother, instead of Paula. After that, their Saturdays had come to an end. Paula quit working so they could start a family of their own. Jenny still saw them from time to time, at rodeos or other local events, but it was never the same again.

 

Then when Jenny was about to start high school, Linda had met Bob, married him and they had all moved to Kansas. Now, here she was, 23 and about to move back to Missouri and work for Rob. She would never have thought life could bring her in such a circle.

 

She frowned. She also would never have thought Rob would forget her. Yet, when she showed up on his doorstep on Christmas Day, he gave her the strangest look. Had she really changed that much over the years? Paula knew her the minute she walked in their door. Perhaps over the years, she had painted her memories of Rob into what she wanted them to be.

 

No, she told herself, as soon as he recognized her, it was just like old times. He was calling her Squirt and treating her like his long lost daughter. Long lost daughter. Maybe that was why he was different. Now, along with the three sons he and Paula had, there was also his long lost son.

 

She felt her pulse increase at that thought. Dr. Mitch Martin. Rob’s illegitimate son was now a vet working for Doc Brown. Not only was she going to work part time for Rob and Paula at their stable, but she would be working part time for Doc, as well. She’d be going out on large animal calls to assist Dr. Martin. The prospect both excited and frightened her.

 

Paula had told her the whole story of how Mitch had come out to work on her horse. She had been shocked at his resemblance to her husband, and after some digging, they had discovered that he was, indeed, Rob’s son. His mother had been only 16 when he was born, hadn’t told Rob she was pregnant, and had put him up for adoption. Life definitely took people in circles sometimes.

 

Jenny wasn’t surprised that Paula had taken Mitch in as part of her own family. That was typical Paula. She also wasn’t surprised to see what a strong marriage Rob and Paula had. They seemed to have been made for each other. The things that rocked other relationships only served to strengthen their love.

 

Jenny wondered if Mitch shared more than a physical resemblance to Rob. His hair was brown, instead of blond, and he wore it short. It was thick like Rob’s, though, and she had noticed it had the same wave to it that Rob’s twin boys’ hair had. Mitch had a well-trimmed goatee, so the cleft in his chin and dimples he shared with his father weren’t as obvious, but they were certainly there.

 

Mitch was the same height as Rob and they had the same build. In fact, Mitch looked much like Rob did when Jenny was a little girl. The most striking likeness was definitely the eyes. Looking into Mitch’s blue eyes was just like looking into Rob’s. No wonder Paula had suspected something when she first met him.

 

Jenny pulled herself back into the present. It was time to leave the Interstate and head back north to make her way to Wichita. She’d have plenty of time to think about Mitch later. Now, she needed to pay attention to driving.

 

 

~*~

 

“Well,” Linda was sitting at her kitchen table, sipping a cup of coffee, “Sounds like quite a trip. You sure crammed a lot into those two days!”

 

“It was kind of a whirlwind,” Jenny laughed, “And I have a feeling it’s only the beginning.”

 

Linda smiled at her only daughter. She had always rolled with the punches; never complained; been like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. Linda was in her fifties now, and she knew she was going to miss Jenny something terrible. It was time to let her go, though. She deserved a life of sunshine, not shadow.

 

“So,” Linda remarked, “You’re turning in your notice tomorrow?”

 

“I guess so,” Jenny nodded, “I want to get back to Grandma’s as soon as I can. Bless her heart, she really needs someone around. My arms are still aching from carrying wood up to the porch for her. I wish she had a gas stove instead of wood.”

 

“I’m going to really miss you, Jen,” Linda frowned, “But I’m proud of you.  Your grandma doesn’t have anyone left but you. It’s really good of you to move in and help her.”

 

“Mom,” Jenny mused, “I know that my memories probably are a little rose colored, but what did you think about Rob?”

 

“Rob Jackson?” Linda raised her eyebrows, “Well, I know that he was good to Paula…and he was always very good to you. I’m sure he’ll be good to you now, too, if that’s what you’re wondering.”

“I’m sure he will, too,” Jenny smiled, “I guess that’s not what I’m really wondering, though.”

 

“What is it, then?” Linda asked.

 

“Well,” she thought out loud, “If there were another Rob Jackson out there, do you think he’d make a good husband?”

 

Linda looked at Jenny for a few minutes, then finally reflected, “Just because Mitch looks like Rob, Honey, that doesn’t make him the same man. Remember that Rob and Paula didn’t even raise him.”

 

“I know, Mom,” Jenny sighed, “I already told myself the same thing. I don’t even know why I let myself think about it. After what happened with Mark, I should know better.”

 

“All men aren’t like Mark, either, Sweetie,” Linda encouraged, “I don’t think you should set out to spend your whole life alone. Just don’t try to make Mitch into the image of his father…or of your father.  Let Mitch be Mitch and see if he’s someone you like.”

 

“How did you get to be so wise?” Jenny teased.

 

“School of hard knocks,” Linda chuckled, “I took several classes I hope you don’t have to take!”

 

~*~

 

Jenny spent the next two weeks training her replacement during the day, and packing during the evening. She tried to push her thoughts of Mitch and Rob out of her mind, but it seemed impossible to do. Memories of Rob kept creeping back to her and hopes of Mitch were never far behind.

 

As the time to leave drew closer, she stayed up late one night to finalize her packing. She was extremely tired when she finally collapsed into her bed. She drifted off to sleep thinking about Mitch…and those blue eyes…

 

She was swimming now in a deep blue spring. The water was cold, but it felt good, because the day was hot. Then she got tired of swimming and her legs and arms were aching and cramping and she felt herself being pulled under. She gasped for air, but her head went beneath the water and she didn’t have the strength to pull herself back out. Suddenly strong arms were around her, carrying her like a child, placing her on the soft grass where she was safe. She opened her eyes and saw Rob’s deep blue ones looking into her own. He was telling her not to be afraid. She was safe now, he’d take care of her…Then, something changed and he wasn’t Rob anymore…he was a stranger and she was afraid…He was going to hurt her and she couldn’t get away…Suddenly, she felt those strong arms around her again, from behind…This time the blue eyes she saw belonged to Mitch and he was rescuing her from the stranger…He was kissing her…

 

Jenny’s eyes flew open and for a moment, she didn’t know where she was. A look around reminded her that she was still in Kansas in her own bed, arms and legs aching from the packing.

 

“Get a grip,” she scolded herself, “You’ve got to work with these people. Just because Mitch was friendly, it doesn’t mean anything more than that. And Rob has his own family now…he doesn’t need to play Daddy for you…”

 

She rolled over and tried to go back to sleep. It was going to be a long night.

 

~*~

 

Jenny looked back at her mom and gave one last wave before she was out of sight.  Her truck was full of boxes, covered with a tarp in case of rain or snow. She headed east, for Missouri, and whatever the future held in store for her.  She resolved to be happy with her grandmother, and not to expect too much from anyone else.

 

It was early Saturday afternoon when Jenny pulled up to her grandmother’s house.  There was a slight dusting of snow on the fields beside it, and the wind was cold, but the sun was shining.

 

Bessie Harmon came out to meet her only grandchild. She was a tiny lady, not even five feet tall, but she had always been feisty and full of life. She was in her eighties now, and refused to leave her home in the country.

 

“There’s my girl!” Bessie hugged Jenny.

 

“Hi, Grandma!” Jenny hugged her and noticed that all the wood she had carried up was already gone.

 

“Come in for a minute before you start unloading,” Bessie told her, “Why don’t you call your friends and ask them to come and help?”

 

“I just might do that, Grandma,” Jenny sighed, “You’re house is cold…I’d better go get some wood.”

 

“It needs to be split, Honey,” Bessie informed, “I used it all up this morning. The boy who usually cuts and splits it for me got sick, so I don’t have any small enough to fit in my stove.”

 

“Well,” Jenny smiled and went to the phone, “I’ll take care of that, too.”

 

“Hello?” Paula Jackson answered.

 

“Paula,” Jenny greeted, “Does that offer still stand to help me unload?”

 

“Sure, Honey!” Paula sounded happy, “Are you here?”

 

“I’m here,” Jenny confirmed, “And I could use some of that muscle you have running around there. Grandma’s out of wood.”

 

“Say no more,” Paula assured, “We’re on our way.”

 

 

 

Barely fifteen minutes later, a swarm of vehicles descended upon Bessie’s house. The first to pull in was Rob’s big blue Ford dually, followed by two red trucks. One had a vet-bed on it, the other a sign on the side that read “Schwartz Construction Co.”. As everyone filed up the front porch, Jenny began introductions.

 

“Grandma,” she told her, “This is Rob Jackson and his wife, Paula…these are their three boys…Sorry, guys, I don’t remember your names.”

 

“I’m Jason,” the eleven year old version of Rob helped out, “And this is Kevin and Keith.”

 

“Twins, right?” Jenny smiled, and the nine year olds nodded, “And this is Rob’s niece, Chelsea. Her fiancé…Dutch, right?”

 

“That’s right,” Dutch nodded. He was a big man, dark and handsome. His long brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail much like Rob’s. He and Chelsea made a beautiful couple, she was tall and thin with curly brown hair, and deep brown eyes that matched his. Both of them had smiles that could melt an iceberg.

 

“And this is Dr. Mitch Martin,” Jenny felt her face flush under his gaze.

 

“Mitch,” he spoke in the same voice Rob had when he was young, “Please, just call me Mitch.”

 

“And this is his dog, Panyon,” Jenny reached down to pet the Border Collie mix.

 

“So,” Rob put an arm around Jenny, “Where do you want us to start, Squirt?”

 

“Well,” she smiled, “my truck needs unloaded and Grandma needs wood.”

 

“I’ll start on the wood,” Dutch volunteered, “Show me the way.”

 

“Right back here,” Bessie led him.

 

“Boys,” Paula was tall and thin, her long brown hair had some gray showing, but she still didn’t look her 42 years, “Why don’t you go help Dutch? We’ll work on the truck.”

 

Chelsea and the boys went to assist with wood and Paula headed for the truck. She jumped easily up on the tailgate as Jenny let it down, and then followed her up.

 

“How about if we hand you guys the boxes?” Jenny suggested, “There’s a bedroom just to the right when you walk in. Put them in there and I’ll sort them out later.”

 

“OK,” Rob reached up and took the first box. Mitch followed and they began emptying the truck.

 

“Well, Jen,” Paula told her, “Doc called and suggested that you work for us in the mornings and then go to the clinic in the afternoon. How does that sound?”

 

“Fine by me,” she nodded, “Shall I start Monday?”

 

“If you’re ready,” Paula agreed, “We’ll let you have weekends off for now. We may need you on Saturdays when spring comes and it gets really busy again.”

 

“How do you feel,” Mitch asked, “about me dragging you out of bed at midnight to come and help me pull a calf?”

 

Jenny looked up at him, unsure if he was joking, “You’ll owe me big time, if you do.”

 

“You sound just like Mom,” Mitch laughed. He referred to Paula as if she were his real mother.

 

“Maybe it’s because she taught me a few of her tricks over the years,” Jenny teased.

 

“Don’t put up with his nonsense, Squirt,” Rob advised, “He’s no match for you.”

 

“So,” Paula changed the subject, “What ever happened to you and the barrels?”

 

“Do you run barrels, too?” Mitch asked. Paula had a whole shelf of trophies from her younger days.

 

“Oh yeah,” Rob told him, “You know those little girls you see riding those big horses around the barrels like nobody’s business? Well, that’s Squirt. She was beating the big girls when she was knee high.”

 

Jenny giggled. Rob obviously had embellished his memories of her slightly over the years, too. She couldn’t help but feel like she’d finally come home.

 

“Well,” Jenny sighed, “When we moved to Kansas, I had to sell my horse. I had a boyfriend in high school who roped and I used one of his horses for the rodeos for a while…but…well, that’s a long story.”

 

Rob walked back to the truck and leaned against it, looking up, “Did I hear the word ‘boyfriend’ in that sentence, Squirt?”

 

“Yes,” she smiled, “but the operative word was ‘had’.”

 

“Do I need to go find him and beat him up?” Rob asked, partially serious.

 

She shook her head, “No, Boss, it was a long time ago and it’s water under the bridge now.”

 

“What happened?” Paula asked.

 

“Let’s just put it this way,” Jenny told them, noticing Mitch had come to lean on the truck also, “I got into a situation that I shouldn’t have. But I learned a lesson and it won’t ever happen again.”

 

“Squirt,” Rob looked at her in all seriousness now, “If some guy hurt you, I want to know where he is. I’ll hunt him down and make him regret it.”

 

Jenny looked at him and smiled. Maybe she hadn’t embellished her memories of him after all. He sure seemed like the same hero she remembered. She squatted down in the truck bed so they were eye to eye.

 

“It’s OK, Boss,” she assured, “I took care of it. It’s amazing what a well aimed cowboy boot can do.”

 

“Ouch!” Rob and Mitch both winced at the thought.

 

Paula chuckled, “I’ve worn some boots myself, Jenny. I know exactly what you mean.”

 

“I’ll remember that,” Rob raised his brows and took his box into the house, shaking his head.

 

 

 

“That’s the last one,” Jenny handed a box to Mitch.

 

Rob came to the back of the truck and reached up for Paula. He grabbed her easily and sat her down, as if she were lighter than air. Jenny started to jump down, but Mitch appeared, his arms reaching up to help her in the same fashion.

 

“Come on,” he coaxed, “I won’t drop you.”

 

Jenny felt her heart race as she placed her hands on his broad shoulders. He grabbed her gently, but firmly, by the waist and sat her down. She thought her knees would give out when he let go. Their eyes locked for a moment, then he smiled and she felt herself blush.

 

“Thanks,” she muttered, turning away, “I sure am glad you all came to help. It looks like the porch is full of wood again now, too.”

 

“That should get you through another couple of weeks,” Dutch remarked, coming around the corner.

 

“Jenny,” Bessie told her, “I offered to pay him, but he won’t take anything for it.”

 

“She usually does pay someone to split wood for her,” Jenny told them.

 

“No, Jenny,” Dutch shook his head, “It wasn’t that big of a deal. And when you need wood again, you tell us and we’ll come get you fixed up, right Rob?”

 

“That’s right, Squirt,” he hugged her, “As far as we’re concerned, you’re family. You just let us know anytime you need anything, OK?”

 

“Thanks,” Jenny grinned, “We really appreciate it.”

 

“We’ll see you Monday morning?” Paula started for the truck.

 

“Bright and early,” Jenny nodded.

 

“And I’ll see you,” Mitch put an arm around her shoulders, “Monday afternoon, OK?”

 

She felt a current like electricity running through her body, “Right. Monday afternoon.”

 

They left as quickly as they had arrived. Jenny and her grandmother stood on the porch, watching them drive away. Suddenly everything seemed still and quiet.

 

“I like them,” Bessie observed, “They’re going to be a good family for you, Honey.”

 

“What’s that supposed to mean, Grandma?” Jenny scrunched her face and followed her inside.

 

“Well,” Bessie told her, “I’m not going to be around forever, you know. You need a nice big family like that. And that nice young man…he’ll be good to you, Dear.”

 

“Excuse me?” Jenny asked.

 

“Mitch,” Bessie smiled, “Oh, now, I’ve been around for a while. I saw you two making eyes at each other. Don’t try to fool me.”

 

“Grandma,” Jenny defended, “I’m going to be working with him, that’s all.”

 

“That’s all, my foot,” Bessie wagged her finger at Jenny, “He looked at you just the way your grandfather used to look at me when I was your age. The way Charles looked at your mother, too.”

 

“I hardly know him, Grandma,” Jenny protested.

 

“Time will take care of that,” she told her, “Mark my words…he’s the one, Jenny. He’s the one. I saw you blush every time he was near you, and he saw it too. You don’t live to be my age and not learn a few things. Give it a week and invite him to dinner. Show him you can cook. All men like to know a woman can cook.”

 

“Oh, Grandma,” Jenny laughed, “I’m supposed to be here to help you out! Not the other way around.”

 

“We’ll help each other,” Bessie smiled and winked.

 

~*~

 

 

Monday morning came quickly and Jenny arrived at J & M Stables ready to work.  After Rob showed her around, they began cleaning stalls and feeding horses together. It was hard and dirty work, but Jenny loved horses and was no stranger to hard work. She enjoyed the chance to visit with her old friend, and they fell into an easy rhythm of working together.

 

“You know, Squirt,” Rob looked at his watch, “It’s almost 11:00. If you want to leave now, you’ll have time to run home and shower before you go to the clinic.”

 

“Gee, Boss,” she giggled, “That almost sounded like a hint!”

 

He grinned, “I know all about Doc and his ideas of how you should look for the clients.”

 

“The lab coat thing, you mean?” She referred to all his people having clean lab coats for the front and dirty ones to actually work in behind the scenes.

 

“Yep,” Rob nodded, “Other things, too. He got on Mitch’s case a while back for letting his hair and beard get out of control.”

 

The mention of Mitch made Jenny blush and she was sure Rob noticed, “That sounds like Doc, all right.”

 

“Listen, Squirt,” Rob put an arm around her shoulders, “I meant what I said the other day. You’re part of the family, OK? This is hard work and I know it. I don’t expect you to kill yourself at it. I only let Paula do so much of it, and I’m not going to let you overdo it, either. You don’t need to be doing this more than two or three hours, OK?”

 

“OK,” she nodded, glad to have him back as the protector in her life, “And I think a shower sounds like a good idea.”

 

“Go ahead then,” he squeezed her shoulders, “We’ll see you tomorrow.”

 

She started to walk out of the stable, then turned back toward him, “Rob?”

 

“Yes, Squirt?” He looked up.

 

“Do you think I’m safe with Mitch?” She asked.

 

He cocked his head, trying to interpret her question, “Safe with him? What do you mean, Jenny?”

 

She took a deep breath, “I mean, I’ll be riding alone with him in his truck on calls…Am I safe with him?”

 

Her meaning finally dawned on him and he walked over to her, concerned, “Jenny, why are you asking me this? Did something happen to you?”

 

She swallowed hard, she could feel tears coming, “Rob, I trust you. I just need to know if I can trust your son.”

 

He reached out and pulled her into his arms, “Yes, Jenny, you’re safe with Mitch. You don’t have to be afraid to be alone with him. And, Honey, if you need to talk to someone, I’m here, OK? Paula’s here for you, too. You can trust both of us, OK?”

 

“OK,” Jenny whispered, feeling both relieved and embarrassed, “I’m sorry, Boss. I probably shouldn’t have asked you that.”

 

“Hey,” he stepped back and looked down at her, “I’m glad you trust me, Squirt. I’d never let anybody hurt you. Not even my own son. Don’t be afraid to ask or tell me anything, OK?”

 

“OK,” she nodded, “Thanks.”

 

“You all right?” He wiped a tear from her cheek.

 

“Yes,” she sniffed, “I’m fine. It’s good to be home, Boss. I missed you.”

 

“I missed you too, Squirt,” he winked, “Now go get cleaned up and head to the clinic. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

 

 

 

Jenny spent the afternoon training at the clinic. Doc wanted her to know how to run the computer and the front desk so she could fill in for Lucy. He knew she could handle the animals, so he wanted her to learn the other first. Jenny was relieved by his decision. It meant she barely crossed paths with Mitch.

 

Mitch. She blushed at the thought of him again. She trusted Rob’s judgement, and she knew Doc was a good judge of character, as well. She was still apprehensive about going on calls with Mitch. Ever since her experience in high school, she had taken extra care never to put herself in a compromising situation again.

 

“How’s it going?” A voice broke into her thoughts.

 

She turned to see Mitch standing there, Panyon at his side. His jeans and boots were coated with manure and his flannel shirt was almost as bad. He’d obviously just returned from a call that had turned into an adventure. He was smiling, though, and she felt her breath catch at the sight of his bright blue eyes.

 

Jenny was standing behind Lucy at the front counter, “It’s going. Looks like you had a rodeo.”

 

“Yeah,” he grinned, “You missed all the fun.”

 

“Can’t say I’m disappointed,” Jenny chuckled, “Sometimes boring is good.”

 

“Aw, come on,” he winked, “Haven’t you ever heard that variety is the spice of life?!”

 

“Mitch!” Doc came up front, “Get out of the front! You look like the inside of a goats’ stomach! Smell like one too. Go home and clean up!”

 

Doc Brown was tall and thin, his brown hair almost totally gray now, matching the color of his eyes. He was nearing 60, but still sharp as a tack and seemingly tireless.

 

“All right, all right,” Mitch nodded, “Lucy, am I done for the day?”

 

“Yes, sir,” Lucy, a blond in her late 40’s, told him, “You can leave and stay gone.”

 

“OK,” he headed back out, “See you ladies tomorrow.”

 

Jenny watched him leave and felt a sudden pang from his absence. The room seemed so much emptier without him. She shook her head. She knew better. She’d better get a grip on this before she started going on calls with him.

 

Lucy noticed her expression, “Cute, ain’t he? Doc’s always after him like that. Don’t let it worry you.”

 

“Is he a good vet?” Jenny asked, trying to be nonchalant.

 

“Really good,” Lucy nodded, “That’s why Doc’s always on his case. I think he probably reminds Doc of himself at that age. You’ll like working with him. He’s a lot of fun and a real sweetheart.”

 

“Does he flirt with everybody like that?” Jenny decided to fish.

 

“Pretty much,” Lucy laughed, “He’s just teasing. All talk, if you know what I mean. He doesn’t mean anything by it.”

 

“Yeah,” Jenny felt her heart sink, “That’s kind of what I figured. Guess his dad’s kind of like that too, now that I think about it.”

 

“Rob?” Lucy smiled, “Now there’s a fine man.  Paula’s a lucky woman to have that one. Not many men like Rob left in the world. You probably remember him from when you were a little girl, don’t you?”

 

“Um-hmm,” Jenny recalled, “I used to wish he was my daddy. Guess sometimes I still do.”

 

“You ought to tell him that,” Lucy advised, “I bet it would tickle him to death to hear it. I know he loves his boys, but I kind of get the impression he always wanted a little girl.”

 

“Some things are better left unsaid, Lucy,” Jenny reflected, “Rob’s my friend. I think I’d better just leave it at that.”

 

“Jenny,” Doc came back up front, “You can take off if you want. We’ll see you again tomorrow afternoon. I’ll send you out with Mitch tomorrow.”

 

 

 

With Mitch tomorrow. The words just kept echoing in Jenny’s mind. Rob said she was safe with Mitch. He wouldn’t lie to her or put her in danger. But did he really understand what she was asking him? Did she really want to be safe with him? That thought sent tremors all down her spine. Then she remembered what Lucy had said. He flirts with everyone. It doesn’t mean anything.

 

Jenny suddenly realized she wasn’t sure which would be worse, if Mitch made a pass at her or if he didn’t. What had she gotten herself into? She really needed to talk to someone about this.

 

She wanted to talk to her mom. She missed her mom right now. Her grandma was there, but she didn’t want to make her worry. There was Rob…she couldn’t talk to him any more than she already had. Maybe Paula…no, Paula would tell Rob…No, she was alone in this. Time to deal with it herself.

 

~*~

 

 

Jenny was cleaning a stall the next morning when Paula came looking for her, “Hey, how’s it going?”

 

“Good,” Jenny smiled, “I think I’ll be done by 11:00.”

 

“How did it go at Doc’s yesterday?” Paula wondered.

 

“Fine,” Jenny reported, “He had Lucy train me for the front desk.”

 

“Oh,” Paula nodded, “So you didn’t go out on calls yesterday.”

“No,” Jenny shook her head, still working.

 

“Jenny,” Paula told her, “Listen, Honey, your mom was one of my

best friends, and I’ve known you since you were a little girl. I hope you know I’m your friend, if you need someone to talk to.”

 

Jenny stopped what she was doing and sighed, “He told you what I asked him, didn’t he?”

 

“He’s worried about you, Jenny,” Paula confessed, “He thought maybe you’d feel more comfortable talking to me.”

 

“Just forget it,” Jenny went back to work, “I should have kept my mouth shut. I’m OK.”

 

“OK,” Paula agreed, “But I can tell you this. Rob’s right. You are perfectly safe with Mitch. You have no reason to be afraid of him.”

 

“You think I’m paranoid,” Jenny observed.

 

“No,” Paula told her, “I think you’re being careful. You don’t know Mitch and you have no reason to trust him. You do know Rob and you trust his opinion and his judgement. I think you probably trust my opinion too.”

 

“Yes, I do, Paula,” Jenny nodded.

 

“Well,” Paula informed, “I’ve gotten to know Mitch pretty well over the past two years. I trust him to take care of my boys, Jenny. That ought to tell you something. He’s not the type who’s going to do something inappropriate. He’s the type that will defend you if someone else does.”

 

“Thanks, Paula,” Jenny seemed relieved, “I think I needed to hear that.”

 

“OK,” Paula headed out, “You know where I am, if you need me.”

 

 

 

Jenny walked into the clinic, freshly showered and ready to work. She was silently hoping that Doc would change his mind and keep her at the office today. She felt better after hearing Paula’s words, but that only eased some of her fears. It did nothing for her wishes that Mitch would try something.

 

“Hey, Partner,” Mitch called from the treatment room, “Are you ready to go play with cows today?”

 

“Is that what we’re going to do?” She asked, trying to seem cool, calm and collected.

 

“Yep,” he picked up a box of syringes, “Let’s go. You’re mine today.”

 

Jenny wondered if he noticed her blush at that claim, then followed him to the truck. She was glad to see Panyon jump in the seat between them. Jenny petted the dog as she got in, thinking ‘Not so alone, after all.’

 

“Panyon may get jealous,” Mitch remarked, “She’s used to being my only helper.”

 

“I’ll try not to step on her toes,” Jenny smiled.

 

“So, the guy you worked for in Wichita,” Mitch asked as he drove, “Did he have a mixed animal practice or large animal only or what?”

 

“It was a mixed practice,” she answered, “But he was a she.”

 

“Oh,” Mitch’s brows rose, “Just the one vet?”

 

“Yes,” Jenny told him, “It was just the two of us. She worked out of her home and we mostly did house calls.”

 

“What about surgery?” He wondered.

 

“She had a room set up in her house for that,” Jenny explained, “We really did more horses than anything.”

 

He looked sideways at her, as if calculating his response, “Well, I’m sure you’ll think I’m chauvinistic to say this, but I would think being a woman would be a huge handicap in this line of work.”

 

“You’d really think that if you saw her,” Jenny was starting to relax, “She was about the same size as my grandma.”

 

“You’re kidding,” he shook his head, “Now tell me, why in the world would a little woman pick something like being a large animal vet as a career? That just makes no sense to me. Seems pretty dangerous, actually. I have enough trouble pulling calves and wrestling bulls and handling stallions and such. I’m pretty stout, but sometimes it’s almost more than even I can handle.”

 

“That’s what she had me for,” Jenny confessed, “I did all the hard labor. Just about got me killed a couple of times, too.”

 

Mitch had pulled the truck up in front of a barn. He reached his hand over and put it on her knee, sending shivers down Jenny’s spine. His gaze met hers and he spoke in a firm, but gentle voice.

 

“Jenny,” he assured, “I don’t ever expect you to put yourself in a dangerous position. Nor do I expect you to do the hard physical labor. If we get called out on a mean bull or a stallion that wants to kill someone, I expect you to stay on the other side of the fence or in the truck. I’m not going to let you get hurt. Understand?”

 

She nodded and resisted the urge to put her hand on top of his. Maybe Paula and Rob were right. She was safe with Mitch. He sure was sounding like a gentleman now. Maybe Grandma was right, too…No, Lucy knew him. She said he just flirted with everyone. He was probably protective of all women, too. He almost admitted as much with his comment about being chauvinistic.

 

“Jenny?” He was saying, “Are you all right?”

 

“Yes, I’m fine,” she blushed again, “So what are we here to do?”

 

“No biggie,” he got out, “Just going to vaccinate some calves.”

 

~*~

 

 

Jenny fell into a routine of working at the stable from 8:00 to 11:00 in the mornings, going home for a shower and then having lunch with her grandma, before heading to the clinic. Things were going pretty smoothly so far. She had even started to enjoy going out on calls with Mitch.

 

Lucy was right about his abilities as a vet. He certainly had a way with animals and he never hesitated about what type of treatment was needed. The farmers all seemed to like him, too. He was able to speak their language and visit comfortably with them while he worked.

 

It was Friday afternoon and Jenny was starting to relax. The first week had gone all right and now she was ready for the weekend. She had convinced her grandmother that inviting Mitch to dinner wasn’t the best idea for now, so she was looking forward to a little breathing time. She and Mitch had finished up with a call to float teeth on a horse and they were headed back to the clinic.

 

Mitch pulled out his cell phone and dialed, “Lucy? You got anything else for us before we come in? OK…Yeah, we’ll take care of it now.”

 

“Another call?” Jenny asked.

 

“Yeah,” he nodded, “Mom’s horse, Buckshot. Sounds like he’s in bad shape.”

 

“Oh no,” Jenny frowned, “She’s had him forever.”

 

“I know,” Mitch moaned, “Do you mind going with me?”

 

“No, of course not,” Jenny told him, “Paula’s probably pretty upset.”

 

“I’m sure she is,” he nodded, “Hopefully Dad’s there.”

 

“Why wouldn’t he be?” Jenny wondered.

 

“Well,” Mitch reported, “Sometimes he takes the boys into town on Friday afternoons. It’s kind of their day to run errands and stuff. If he’s not there, Mom will fall apart.”

 

“You really think of her as your mom, don’t you?” Jenny observed.

 

“Yeah,” he nodded, “It’s almost like I was someone else before I moved here. I wasn't ever close to my other parents…the ones that raised me…Well, I’m sure Mom told you the whole story. I’m afraid you have me at a big disadvantage there. I don’t know you nearly as well as you know me.”

 

Jenny looked at him and tilted her head, “Knowing about someone and knowing someone are very different things. I don’t know you at all.”

 

He drove silently for a few minutes, then pulled into the lane leading to J & M Stables. Jenny wondered if she’d said too much.

 

Paula met his truck, tears streaming down her face. Mitch jumped out and took her in his arms. Panyon and Jenny got out of the passenger side. There was a cold chill in the January wind, but they still had no snow to speak of.

 

“Mom,” Mitch comforted, “It’s OK. I’m here now. Where’s Dad?”

 

“He went into town,” Paula confirmed his suspicions, “He and the boys. Oh, Mitch, it’s bad this time. He’s down in his stall and I can’t get him up.”

 

“OK,” Mitch nodded, “Let’s have a look. Jenny, can you grab my bag? Have you called Dad? Is he on his way?”

 

“I tried,” Paula told him, as they walked into the old stable, “But his phone wasn’t working.”

 

“Hey, Old Buddy,” Mitch approached the sorrel leopard spot Appaloosa gelding. He was over 30 years old now, and he’d been suffering from arthritis recently. Mitch felt gently along the leg that was most severely affected.

 

Jenny watched as he quietly talked to the horse and manipulated each leg in turn. He looked at his eyes and gums, listened to his heart and lungs. He looked up at her as if to say, ‘This is not good.’

 

“Paula,” Jenny took his hint, “Maybe we should try to call Rob again.”

 

“Yeah,” Paula nodded, “OK.”

 

Jenny reached her hand out for Mitch’s cell phone. He obliged and told her, “Just press three, that’s his cell number.”

 

Jenny let it ring and was greeted by Rob’s voice, “Yeah, Mitch, what’s up?”

 

“Not Mitch,” Jenny greeted, “It’s Jenny. How far from home are you?”

 

“Squirt, what’s wrong?” Rob grew concerned.

 

“Buckshot’s down,” she stated, assuming he could interpret the rest.

 

“Oh Boy,” he groaned, obviously doing so, “Tell Paula I’m on my way. I’ll be there in less than 30 minutes, OK?”

 

“I’ll tell her,” Jenny said, then thought better of it, “Or maybe you should tell her. Hang on.”

 

Paula took the phone, “Rob?”

 

Paula walked to the end of the stable, listening to whatever comfort her husband was giving her. When she was out of earshot, Jenny squatted down next to Mitch.

 

“You think he needs to be put down, don’t you?” She asked quietly.

 

“He’s giving up,” Mitch nodded, “He won’t make it through the night.”

 

“Poor old Buckshot,” Jenny stroked his neck, “I rode you when I was a little girl. Do you remember that, old guy?”

 

“I bet he does,” Mitch remarked, his voice catching, “I don’t think anyone could forget you.”

 

Jenny looked at him, wondering exactly what he meant by that. His eyes met hers with the deepest sincerity she had ever seen in them.

 

“Rob’s on his way,” Paula came back, somewhat stronger now, “He’s not far away.”

 

“Mom,” Mitch got up and took hold of her shoulders, “I think it’s time to let him go.”

 

“I know,” Paula started crying again, “but not until Rob’s here. I need him here with me. Besides, the boys need to say goodbye to him, too.”

 

“Of course, Mom,” Mitch hugged her, “We can wait for Dad. Do you want some time alone with Buckshot?”

 

“Not right now,” she shook her head, “I’m glad you’re here, Mitch.”

 

“Mom,” he asked her, “Would you rather have Doc do this? I understand if you do, and I’m sure he’ll come out if I call him.”

 

“No, Mitch,” Paula laid her head on his shoulder, “You’re Buckshot’s friend. He’d want you to do it.”

 

Rob’s truck came flying up the drive and he and boys rushed into the stable. Paula ran to him and he took her in his arms. The boys all ran to see Buckshot. Mitch followed them over.

 

“Hi, Jenny,” Jason nodded at her.

 

“Hi, Jason,” she knelt back down, “He’s been a good old horse, hasn’t he?”

 

“So, Son,” Rob walked up, “What’s the verdict?”

 

“He’s giving up, Dad,” Mitch told him, “There’s no point in prolonging it. He doesn’t want to be here anymore.”

 

Rob nodded, then looked down at Paula, who was clinging to his arm, “Honey, you know he’s right.”

 

“I know,” she nodded, “But Rob…what are we going to do with him? It’s so cold and…I don’t want to just send him off to…I mean…”

 

“Shh,” he pulled her close, “OK. I’ll take care of it. Squirt, go get Chelsea, will you?”

 

Jenny gave him an inquiring look, but his eyes met hers in a demand that she not ask questions. She ran to the apartment at the back of the stable. As soon as Chelsea was told of the situation, she grabbed her coat and followed.

 

“Uncle Rob?” Chelsea came in, “What can I do to help?”

 

“Chelsea,” he asked, “Do you have any way of reaching Dutch before he just shows up out here tonight?”

 

“Yes,” Chelsea nodded, “He has a cell phone with him.”

 

“Get him on the phone for me then, will you Honey?” Rob requested.

 

Jenny reached for Mitch’s cell phone again and this time handed it to Chelsea. Everyone watched silently as she dialed, then handed it to Rob.

 

“Dutch?” Rob greeted, “I’ve got a big favor to ask…Real big. I need a backhoe…Out here…Tonight…Um-hmm. No, just for tonight. Great…Here, I’ll let you talk to Chelsea, now.”

 

He handed her the phone and she went to the other end of the stable to talk to him.

 

“OK,” Rob told Paula, “Dutch will bring a backhoe tonight. We’ll bury him, is that all right?”

 

Paula nodded, tears pouring down her face.

 

“Come on, Honey,” he comforted, “Let’s take a walk and find a good place for him. Then we’ll see if we can get him up one last time to take him there, OK?”

 

Paula followed him out obediently.

 

Jenny got up and walked to the doorway, looking out at the sky. The boys were with Buckshot and so was Mitch. ‘Leave it to Rob’ she thought. How many men would get a backhoe out to bury their wife’s horse? He certainly was one of a kind.

 

“You OK?” Mitch asked softly, from behind.

 

“Yeah,” she turned, realizing there were tears in her eyes.

 

“You don’t have to help with this,” he told her. I can get what I need out of the truck and you can drive it back to the clinic if you want. Someone will drop me off later.”

 

“No,” she shook her head, “I’m OK. That’s not why I’m crying.”

 

“What is it then?” He reached out and brushed a tear from her cheek.

 

The touch of his hand made Jenny want to fall into his arms, but she stood her ground, “Just Rob and Paula. He’d really do anything for her, wouldn’t he?”

 

“Yeah,” Mitch smiled, “He would. Dutch is that way with Chelsea, too, you know. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.”