Snowbound with the Rodeo Star
Author
Tanya Agler
Reads
18.6K
Chapters
21
Chapter 1
“ONCE YOU EXPERIENCE this jacket, you’ll never want to take it off.”
As soon as the last word left his mouth, Ty Darling closed the black binder with a groan. Who talked like that about outerwear? Or anything, for that matter. His agent had promoted this opportunity, hawking a new line of denim coats as a way to catapult him from the rodeo arena to the silver screen. That promise was a stretch beyond Ty’s comprehension, but he was game for anything. Once.
Then again, this chance would be for naught unless he put some effort into it, and why try anything without injecting an element of fun? With a grin Ty hoped would coax his fans and future customers into buying this fleece-lined jacket, he practiced his line, emphasizing each word in turn. He stopped when a blond man with a genial countenance walked toward him.
“Merry Christmas! I’m Carter Webb, the director.” A couple of years younger than Ty, he carried two binders in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. “Thanks for taking over on short notice. The previous actor backed out at the last minute.”
Ty returned Carter’s holiday greeting and then fingered the silver buttons on the jacket, suddenly self-conscious. He’d never acted or been on a film set before. “Thanks for taking a chance on a novice. I only arrived in Violet Ridge late last night. Have I missed anything?”
“Not much. There’s a production meeting this morning, followed by a fitting for the different coats and outfits you’ll wear at each location.” Carter juggled the binders and then sipped his coffee. “You’ll catch on fast enough. Anyone who can win the National Rodeo Championship two years running has to take direction well. My mom’s your biggest fan. She said your last ride at the finals was poetry in motion.”
“Glad she enjoyed it. I brought along some extra headshots if she’d like an autographed picture for Christmas.” A small gesture, but each fan held a place in Ty’s heart.
“That will make me her favorite person for the day.” Carter grinned, his affability coming through. “Although my family knows my ten-month-old son really holds that position. He’s the first grandchild on both sides.”
Ty nodded though he really wanted to shake his head. Having children wasn’t anything on his radar. Not that he didn’t like kids. He loved his two half sisters, who’d come along when he was a teenager. But after his father died of an unexpected heart attack at age thirty-five, a mere year older than Ty was now, Ty’s secure world had collapsed in an instant. Right then, he promised himself no one would cry like that over him. Grief over his sudden demise, practically a given considering his family history, wasn’t the legacy he wanted to leave behind.
He realized Carter was waiting for him to say something. “His first Christmas, huh? That oughta be fun. Is he here with you?”
Carter looked wistful. “No, he’s in Denver with my wife. I’ll make sure this production stays on schedule so we can celebrate the holidays with our families. Shooting in this part of Colorado in December is rather risky, but the designer wants to feature the local scenery since he’s from here. His company is sparing no expense for launching this new line of jackets, and the Double I Ranch is the perfect backdrop.”
Ty had to agree, plus his agent had negotiated a free ski pass at a nearby resort. The promise of a carefree day of slaloming down the slopes ensured this new venture was worth the time. Besides, he was always more than willing to go along for the ride. “I’ll hold you to that. My mother and stepfather are celebrating their twenty-third anniversary on Christmas Eve at their Wyoming ranch, and I’m giving the toast.”
Ty could almost taste his mother’s special ginger cookies and Hal’s eggnog.
“Then we best get started.” Carter handed him one of the binders. “This has the updated information, and more. The call sheet, the order of filming and the newest script. The line you’re rehearsing went away three drafts ago.”
Ty flipped through the pages. So much for memorizing the old script on yesterday’s flight from Las Vegas to Grand Junction. The learning curve was steep enough without the extra pressure of fresh lines. “I’ll memorize this right away.”
“No worries. Most of the time, actors wait around while we adjust the lighting or handle some production detail.” Carter glanced at his watch. “Today, we’re setting up the camera equipment here at the Double I Ranch. Next week, we’re filming at the ski resort, followed by a day at a picturesque cabin. Then we wrap up production at the Irwin Arena on the outskirts of Violet Ridge.”
“Speaking of the town, I’m scheduled for an autograph session tomorrow morning at the Over and Dunne Feed and Seed.” Ty scanned the script. “Will that be a problem?”
“Your agent, Belinda, told me about that, and I compensated for it.” Carter tapped his watch. “I have to adjust the boom, but I’ll show you the catering table first. The Irwin family insisted on supplementing the company’s normal fare, so there’s plenty. I recommend the breakfast burrito.”
Carter accompanied Ty to a table overflowing with food. From what Ty had seen the night before, the Irwin family, who was one of his sponsors, did nothing in half measures. The patriarch, Gordon Irwin, had insisted Ty stay at his guesthouse. Arriving after midnight, Ty had marveled at the spacious floor plan, twice the size of his stepfather Hal’s Wyoming ranch where Ty hung his hat between rodeos.
His stomach rumbled, and his mouth watered at the variety of breakfast offerings. “This is some spread.”
“Everything’s delicious.” Carter sipped his coffee, then gave a curt nod. “I’ll catch up with you at the meeting. It’s at the other end—”
A dog’s bark interrupted Carter, and then the director’s face blanched. Ty turned and found a massive lab mix ambling along the path with an older man hobbling beside him. A huge brace covered the man’s left knee and leg. Whether Carter’s apprehension was because of the dog or the man’s injury, Ty wasn’t sure. When the pair neared the table, the man used a hand signal. The dog sat beside him, his tongue lolling, his forceful presence underlying a gentle sweetness.
Carter stepped forward and extended his hand. “Are you the dog trainer, Mr. Lundgren?”
“Yes, but it’s Robert.” He shook Carter’s hand and then tilted his head. “And this is Phineas.”
At the sound of his name, the dog wagged his tail and let out a single bark.
“I was concerned about your lack of acting experience and made some adjustments.” Carter faced Ty with a guilty expression on his face. “We were fortunate to retain Phineas’s services.”
Hence, the script changes as there was no dog in the original commercial. Too bad no one had informed Ty.
“Phineas is quite the entertainer. You might have seen him on his hit television series, or one of his other projects.” Robert recited a lengthy list.
“I don’t watch much television,” Ty confessed and picked a plate off the top of the stack.
Between training and traveling to rodeos, Ty’s life was pretty full. Or, at least, it had been until he committed his biggest mistake on his last birthday by breaking up with the only woman he’d ever loved.
He’d been meaning to find Sabrina MacGrath and ask for a second chance, except his life had been a roller-coaster ride over the past few months. First, he’d hired an assistant who’d gone too far in his duties, believing he was sheltering Ty by limiting his exposure to the outside world. The subsequent mayhem from that debacle had taken a high toll, and he’d fallen out of position for a spot in the championship finals. No one had been more shocked than Ty when he’d clawed his way back into the standings and defended his title.
“Phineas is in high demand.” Pride laced Robert’s voice. “He’s a bullmasador, combining the best qualities of Labrador retrievers with the work ethic of the bullmastiff.”
Ty was well acquainted with bulls, and Phineas was only slightly smaller than a newborn calf.
“Good to know.” Ty selected a breakfast burrito and some sausage links. Then he faced Robert, that knee brace looking pretty imposing. “Can I fix a plate for you? I can carry both on my tray.” Ty kept a careful eye on Phineas, amazed the dog hadn’t tried to jump on the table. Then again, he’d been around more sets than Ty and was used to the atmosphere.
The older gentleman caught sight of the selection and nodded. “I’d appreciate that.”
Ty grabbed an extra plate and added it to his tray. Then he eyed Phineas. “Does your dog need anything?”
“He eats his own special mix of food designed to keep his coat bright and full. At the production meeting, I’ll review Phineas’s training regimen and rules with the crew. I limit his interaction on set to actors so he won’t be confused about cues.” Robert sniffed the air and squinted at Ty. “The most important rule to remember is never to feed him except for his special treats, which are diced carrots and celery.”
Ty’s face grew hot as he’d almost slipped sausage into his pocket to sneak to the dog and win him over. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Robert scanned the place cards of the different breakfast offerings. “Could you grab one of the chorizo and black bean burritos along with some guacamole?” After a heaping spoonful, Ty looked at him, and Robert nodded his approval. “Thanks.”
“What happened to your knee?” Carter asked. Some color returned to his cheeks.
Robert bent and tapped on the brace. “I wrenched it at a rest stop yesterday when I didn’t gauge the distance from our bus to the ground correctly. I shouldn’t be walking, but the show must go on.”
“Is there another trainer on the way?” Worry lines popped out on the director’s youthful forehead. “Or should we delay the shoot?”
“Phineas is a pro. He’s been acting for the past three years.” Robert brushed away Carter’s concern. “I’m as much of a guide as a trainer at this point.”
“Do you need a crew member to help you?” Carter asked. Ty could see the wheels turning in the director’s head as if calculating extra time into the schedule.
“Phineas is trained and well-behaved, except for loud noises. That’s his one weakness.” Robert pointed to the sour cream and then nodded when Ty scooped enough.
“This should be a quiet and efficient set,” Carter reassured Robert. “I’ll let the two of you get acquainted. Give Ty any tips for working with Phineas. I’ll bring the crew over to you for the production meeting in ten minutes.”
Ty carried the tray over to the seating area.
“Thanks. I know from previous experience the less weight I put on my leg, the faster I’ll be back to normal,” Robert said, accepting the tray with a smile.
Ty situated the chairs so Robert could prop up his knee. In return, the dog handler regaled Ty with stories of Phineas’s successes. Ty hadn’t laughed this much in months. Not since breaking up with Sabrina, the most honest and refreshing person he’d ever met. Why had he ever let her go?
Pushing away her image, Ty looked at Phineas, still patient, despite sitting in the same position for ten minutes. In his shoes, or paws in this case, Ty would be antsy. Didn’t the dog ever have a little fun?
With no warning, a huge quake reverberated through the valley. The ground shook. Shouts from a nearby meadow coincided with crew members sprinting in that direction. Something must have crashed to the ground. Ty’s attention turned to Phineas, who was shaking. Then Phineas took off running.
The dog could get hurt on a working ranch. Ty grabbed the sausage off his plate and dashed after him. “I’ll bring him back!” Ty said.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught Robert struggling to rise. The trainer called Phineas’s name, but the dog didn’t stop for breath. For such a big dog, he sure was fast. Ty followed on his heels, not wanting anything to happen to the sweet fellow.
The stable loomed ahead, and Phineas made a beeline for the entrance. Ty hesitated. The last thing he wanted was to scare the horses, but Phineas might bring harm upon himself if Ty didn’t look out for him.
Ty slowed and approached the open double sliding doors. “Hello? Anyone in here? I’m coming for Phineas.”
He didn’t hear any response, so he ventured inside. Entering the stable was like coming home, with the aroma of the horses and feed familiar and comforting. Gordon Irwin’s reputation for producing quality foals preceded him on the rodeo circuit. Ty ventured inside, the layout here the same as Hal’s ranch. A wave of longing to spend time with his family crashed over Ty. Christmas awaited him in Wyoming, but first things first. Phineas.
Ty’s eyes adjusted to the dim light. Soft whinnies came from the stalls. He searched the area and spotted Phineas in the corner, quivering.
“It’s you and me, Phin.” He crept deeper into the Double I’s stable. A quick glance confirmed they were alone. Any grooms or trainers must have left to check on the cause of the noise.
Ty couldn’t leave the poor dog. The lab mix had seemed so big before, but he cowered in the corner, his teeth chattering, his short brown fur quivering. Robert’s advice not to give Phineas table scraps flittered across his mind, but this was an emergency.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a sausage link. “I know this isn’t good for you, but I’m sure it’s okay, just this once. That noise scared me, too.”
Phineas’s huge brown eyes met Ty’s. The dog must have decided anyone offering him sausage was decent enough. He let Ty approach and gobbled down the treat. Ty reached into his pocket for the other sausage, and the dog downed it in one gulp. Kneeling beside him, he soothed the big guy. “This will be our secret. I won’t tell Robert.” Keeping secrets wasn’t Ty’s favorite trait, actually it was his least favorite, but Phineas’s lips were sealed. “Ready to go back and face everyone?”
Phineas licked his lips. A line of drool formed and coated Ty’s hands.
“Excuse me? Are you part of the commercial shoot? The stable is off-limits.” A woman’s voice issued forth from behind. “And what’s with that noise? I’ve spent ten minutes calming the horses in the paddock.”
Ty’s head shot up. He’d recognize that voice anywhere. Sabrina MacGrath. His biggest regret.
Covered with a fine layer of dog drool, he realized, wasn’t the way he wanted to reacquaint himself with the woman he’d let get away. However, these next two weeks had just become that much more interesting.
He shifted his footing and faced her. Even in the dim light, she was striking. She pushed up her cream-colored cowboy hat, two chestnut braids falling on either side of her swanlike neck. Her cheeks were fuller than he remembered. And how had he never noticed that glow around her? She was radiant.
Her brown eyes registered confusion and then hurt. “Ty Darling. What are you doing here?”
The temperature outside hovered around freezing, but it was warmer than the frigid interior. Phineas settled by his side. Ty was most grateful for the small show of support. Sausage for the win.
Her face ashen pale, Sabrina folded her arms over her long, puffy turquoise coat.
“Turquoise is your favorite color, isn’t it?” he asked. “That color suits you.”
“Yes, but flattery doesn’t answer my question. Why are you inside Elizabeth Irwin’s stable?” From her edgy tone, it would take a lot more than sausage to convince her to give him another chance.
“I’m here for the commercial shoot. They’re actually paying me to sell a product.” He plucked at the jacket and chuckled, hoping she’d follow suit. Instead, her frown remained intact. “What are you doing here?” he asked.
She stood resolute in her dusty brown boots. “I’m the barn manager for the Double I Ranch now.” She jutted her chin toward Phineas. “Since when do you own a dog?”
“He’s not mine.” Her face fell as if owning Phineas would have given him a mantle of responsibility. “I’m playing his owner in the commercial.”
He laughed again, but she remained unmoved. In all fairness, considering how he ruined their last meeting, he couldn’t blame her.
Robert appeared at the archway, his hand over his heart. “Thank goodness I found you. Is Phineas okay?” Ty nodded. “Phineas, come.”
The dog rose from his haunches and went over to Sabrina. He sat as if guarding her, and Robert repeated his instruction. This time, the dog obeyed his handler and left. Ty already missed Phineas’s presence, as if the only one in his corner was gone.
He was alone with Sabrina, and he had so much to say. Where should he start? How he missed their long walks? How he freaked out upon turning thirty-four, one year younger than the age when his father, grandfather and great-grandfather all passed away? How his life wasn’t the same without her?
Ty opened his mouth, but she spoke first. “Please tell the director to be more careful. The noise spooked the horses.”
She also looked spooked, as if she had something to fear from him. He knew he messed up by ending their relationship without any warning, but this was something else. Her earlier words about her employment situation penetrated his senses. “Why are you working at the Double I Ranch?” Her natural rapport with horses endeared her to rodeo competitors and fans alike. “You love being a rodeo clown.”
“Like I said, I’m the new barn manager. The safety of the horses is my responsibility, and I report about each of them at the end of the day to Elizabeth Irwin, the daughter of the ranch owner. This type of commotion isn’t good for them.” He stepped toward her. She shook her head, her arms remaining folded over her chest. “You broke up with me and didn’t answer my calls or emails, so my occupational status is none of your concern. Goodbye, Ty.”
Several of the horses whinnied, and their well-being mattered. “Merry Christmas, Sabrina.”
With a backward glance, he left the stable. Before the commercial shoot was over, he intended on making amends with Sabrina. Then he could go home to Juniper Creek and celebrate Christmas with his family with a clear conscience.
“YES, LITTLE ONE, that was your father.”
Her unborn daughter kicked her ribs, and Sabrina MacGrath leaned against the stable post. She placed a protective hand over the baby bump hidden by her bulky coat. Ty’s parting words had sounded more like a farewell than a hello. Another sign she’d been right to accept the barn management position. Even with irregular hours, it didn’t present danger at every turn, like her previous career as a rodeo clown. Better yet, her best friend, Will Sullivan, and his new wife lived on the adjoining ranch. Will and Kelsea promised they’d help with the baby. Moving to Violet Ridge was the logical step, the safe choice. Just what her daughter deserved.
And her job allowed her to remain around horses. That was the best part. Sabrina murmured soothing words to the nearest horse, Elizabeth’s sweet Appaloosa. “Yes, that pole crash was earth-shattering, but the production crew will be gone soon.”
And good riddance. After repeated emails with no reply, she never expected to see Ty again. Emotions warred within her, anger giving way to sadness at him forgoing a relationship with their child.
Sabrina checked on the next horse, cooing her encouragement and concern. Come to think of it, though, Ty acted clueless, almost as if he didn’t know about the baby. That couldn’t be possible. After the urgent care visit when she found out about the pregnancy, she sent him an email. And another, and then another. The low point had come when she was admitted to the hospital for dehydration. Against her better judgment, she’d done the unthinkable and called him. He didn’t pick up, so she left a voice mail. For days she’d waited for a reply or a call or, even better, him showing up and admitting he’d been wrong to break up with her. That he loved her and their baby. That they’d be a family.
Then the days stretched out into weeks, and then months. She’d accepted the fact he’d meant what he said during those romantic walks about never wanting to father a child. At the time, that had been fine with her, considering her mother’s desertion and rocky childhood.
She quit the rodeo and interviewed with Elizabeth for the barn manager position, being upfront about her impending motherhood. Elizabeth, her immediate boss, hired her on the spot. Sabrina had kept riding horses until the baby bump touched the pommel of the saddle. Then, she’d temporarily hung up her reins. Fortunately, the grooms and other ranch employees exercised the horses.
There was something about Ty’s demeanor, though, that made her doubt he was aware of their daughter’s impending arrival in a mere six weeks.
If he didn’t know, she had to tell him.
Except...
She didn’t need yet another permanent goodbye in her life, and he didn’t want children, two excellent reasons for moving on without him. By Christmas, the camera crew would be gone, as would Ty Darling.
It was for the best this way.
Sabrina saved her mare, Cinnamon, for last. Part of her salary included stable privileges for her Morgan horse and room and board in a tiny converted bunkhouse. Elizabeth performed double riding duty, taking Cinnamon out after exercising her own Appaloosa. Cinnamon pawed the ground with her front left hoof, and Sabrina calmed her by rubbing her muzzle.
“Did that noise scare you?”
Of course it did. Horses despised sudden, loud noises, and whatever happened on the set was as unexpected as Ty’s reappearance in her life.
“Everything’s fine. In a few days, they’ll be gone, and life will return to normal.”
Whether she said that for her benefit or the horse’s, she wasn’t sure. Ty’s presence left her rattled. Whew, it’s getting hot in here. She started unzipping her coat.
“Normal? That’s so overrated.” Ty’s voice startled her. She hurried and zipped up her coat once more before facing him. Those mesmerizing blue eyes paired with that thick black hair caused backflips in her stomach that had nothing to do with the baby. There was no reason her body should still perk up when he was around. Yet her attraction to him flamed to life once more, and she willed it to go away.
“What are you doing back here?” Too aware of her baby bump, she folded her arms over her abdomen and grimaced.
Maybe this was why he returned. To talk about the baby. A bead of sweat started around her neck and trickled down her chest. The coat was sweltering, but that wasn’t the cause of her discomfort. This man had always sent her emotions soaring, but he’d sent them plummeting when he broke up with her.
“I gave up too easily a few minutes ago.” He smiled, his features dazzling and perfect. She upped her guard against the sheer devastation that was Ty. “Same as I gave up too easily on us.”
That should provide some comfort, and the baby kicked as if telling Sabrina to hear him out. “Hmm, maybe you should have returned my emails and voice mail before now. Seven months is a long time.”
“Seven months? It can’t be that long.” He frowned as if doing the calculations in his head. “Oh, yeah, it has been. I’ve been busy. Rodeo commitments, personnel issues, winning a second championship buckle.”
“Not one call or text, Ty.” If so many things occupied his time, he might not have time for their daughter. She couldn’t and wouldn’t let that happen.
“Seems like we’ve both been too busy for each other. While I’m here, we can be busy together.” There was that devastating grin again. “And maybe I can convince you to come back to the rodeo. You wouldn’t believe how many fans have asked me where the pretty rodeo clown is. The other competitors have, too. They feel safe when you’re in the barrel.”
This was news to her. As much as she appreciated the sentiment, though, protecting and raising her daughter in a home full of love without fear of abandonment were Sabrina’s new priorities. “That’s quite the compliment, but I’m happy here.”
Tell him. Tell him about the baby. She ignored the voice in her head, same as she was ignoring the quivers from being this close to him again.
“Before I leave, do you want to hit the slopes? I seem to remember how much you wanted to learn to ski. We could make a day of it.” Ty looked too eager for her response.
“Some of us can’t take the day off whenever we feel like it.” She finished stroking Cinnamon and headed for the tack room.
He followed, and she gave him credit for this newfound persistence. “What about tonight? I owe you a drink and an apology about the way I ended our relationship. I’d like to renew our friendship.”
His voice softened, and she relented. While she might not want to be friends with Ty anymore, their baby deserved a relationship with both of her parents. “I’ll consider it.”
She selected the liniment she needed for the swollen foreleg of Copper, one of the ranch mares. Ty continued to follow her as she entered the horse’s stall. He stayed on the other side.
“Um, about the breakup.” She stopped and wiped her brow, the air thicker than it was in Texas, where she’d grown up with her grandparents. She rubbed her stomach and groaned. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
Someone cleared their throat from the direction of the entrance. “Ty? Are you still in here?” Sabrina noticed a man in his late twenties, tall and blond, standing at the archway. “I’ve been looking all over for you. The production meeting is about to start.”
“I’ll be there in a minute.” Ty reached over and patted Sabrina’s arm. “My mother has acid reflux. If that’s what’s wrong with you, it’s treatable. See you soon.”
After she tended to Copper’s foreleg, Sabrina hustled back to the tack room. She then paused while locking the medicine cabinet. Ty’s mother had acid reflux. She didn’t know that or anything else about Ty’s family’s health history. The baby kicked once more, and Sabrina rubbed her belly. “I know. I have to tell him about you, but I’m not sure he’ll like this.”
“Like what?” Elizabeth’s voice came from behind, and Sabrina startled.
“I didn’t hear you.” She willed her heart to slow down. Too much excitement wasn’t good for the baby, and this day had been full of surprises.
“Sounds like you were having a pretty intense discussion with yourself.” Elizabeth entered the tack room and removed a bridle from the wall. Her green eyes gave Sabrina an appraising look. “You’re rather pale. Do you need to take the rest of the day off?”
She reached for Sabrina’s forehead.
“I’m fine.” Sabrina set aside the concern with a shaky smile. She updated Elizabeth on Copper’s swollen leg. “Why didn’t you tell me Ty Darling was here for the commercial?”
Elizabeth set the bridle atop a saddle and shrugged. “I didn’t think it was important. Besides, the company said the cast and crew would keep to themselves. I already spoke to the director about that noise. That type of disruption is unacceptable around the animals.”
A bundle of energy, Elizabeth kept up a steady stream of conversation while Sabrina helped her saddle Andromeda until something her boss said struck a chord. “Repeat that last part.”
“The Double I is one of Ty’s sponsors. My father insisted Ty stay in the guesthouse until Christmas.” Elizabeth tightened the cinch and then straightened. “That’s the second time you’ve asked about him.”
“He’s a popular figure on the rodeo circuit.” Sabrina bristled at the defensive edge in her tone.
So much for her idea to wait until the end of the shoot to tell him. With Ty staying at the guesthouse located right next to her bunkhouse, it was inevitable he’d learn about the baby sooner rather than later.
“The Violet Ridge Roundup Rodeo was this past May, and then you transferred to the women’s circuit for a month before you applied for this job.” Elizabeth’s gaze went to Sabrina’s baby bump.
“You remember my résumé well.” Sabrina handed Elizabeth the reins. “Look at the hour. It’s time to muck out the stalls.”
“No one has ever been that happy about that chore.” Elizabeth sent a pointed look Sabrina’s way. “Does Ty know he’s going to be a father?”
Sabrina’s shoulders slumped. So much for keeping Ty’s role a secret.
“I don’t think so.” Giving Ty the benefit of the doubt wasn’t something she’d have done before this morning, but, to be fair to him, he’d shown no evidence of knowing. “But I have to tell him, and soon.”
Sabrina was one of the first female rodeo clowns on the modern circuit. Performing her act in makeup and a big rubber red nose was as natural as breathing. In fact, she loved every minute of her former career, missing it every day since she left. She’d rescued many a contestant from the pounding hooves of a massive bull.
Yet informing Ty Darling of his impending fatherhood scared her more than any stunt she’d ever performed.
