Love Finds You in Valentine, Nebraska Read online

  “That’s one of the things I enjoy about being on the ranch,” Kennedy agreed. “I sit on the porch after dark a lot, listening to the insects and the sound of wind through the grass and trees. It’s an experience I hadn’t known until I came here.”

  “I know that feeling. Growing up in inner-city Chicago, I’d never seen the moon and stars. After we moved to Valentine, I slept outside as much as Mom would let me. It was awesome for a kid who’d lived in a city all of his life.”

  Kennedy laughed. “I’m glad to hear that, because I have something to ask you.”

  He looked at her, a question in his eyes, and she told him about the request Tony had gotten from the community center in Omaha. “As far as I’m concerned, it sounds all right, but I told Tony you’d have to make the decision.”

  “Since I know what it’s like to be poor and living in the city, I’m all for it,” he said readily. “We can take them horseback riding, on hayrides or canoeing, and do lots of fun things.”

  “When would be a good time?”

  “Let me think about it. We usually have a slow time in mid-summer. Maybe the last week in July. The other men and I would have time to help with some of the activities, because I know how green I was about ranch life when we moved to Nebraska. Those kids wouldn’t know anything about rural living.”

  “Then I’ll call Tony and he can contact the center in Omaha and tell them we will host the kids. We can let him know more in a few days.” The horses’ gait was slow and steady, and Kennedy found it more comfortable than her first ride. She glanced sideways at Derek just as he yawned. He did look tired, and she said, “You should be home resting. Or at least let’s go back to Riverside and sit on the porch.”

  “I’m all right. We can ride a little farther before we turn around.”

  “I’m all right. We can ride a little farther before we turn around.”

  “Do you think I’m riding well enough now to go alone when you’re busy?”

  “Yes, if you’re confident you can handle the mare. I’ll leave Santee in the pasture beside the barn, and if I’m not around, Mom can help you get her ready to ride.

  But stay in sight of ranch headquarters.”

  When they reached Riverside, he followed her up the steps into the gazebo and stretched out on a lounge chair.

  “I’ll bring something to drink,” Kennedy said. “Do you want Coke or iced tea?”

  “Tea.”

  When she came back, he was lying with his eyes closed, and Kennedy paused. If he was asleep, she didn’t want to bother him.

  “I’m awake,” he said, “but I won’t be for long if I sit here with my eyes shut.” She handed the frosty glass to him and took a chair close to him where she could see his face in the dusk. “Tony said the two of you were in school together.”

  “Yeah. I was a scared kid from the city, didn’t know anyone, and was really miserable. Tony befriended me the first day, and I’ll never forget it. Having a Morgan for my friend paved the way for me to do lots of things. I got invitations to parties, made the football team, and was happier than I’d ever been in my life.

  We lost track of each other when he went away to college and seminary.”

  “Have you ever heard him preach?”

  “No.” He took a long swallow of iced tea. “And that’s a poor way to treat him after he was so good to me.”

  “I’ve been going to church all of my life, and after hearing him speak a few times, I consider him one of the best preachers I’ve ever heard.” Derek didn’t comment, saying instead, “Have you heard about the way his girlfriend jilted him?” She nodded. “He stopped by to visit one day and told me. He’s in the bad graces of Gabriel Morgan, too. Maybe he’ll find another girl to love.”

  “I hope so,” Derek said as he stood up. “He deserves some happiness. So long. I’ll let you know about the camping trip.” She walked beside him to where the horses were tethered, and after he swung into the saddle, he said, “Isn’t it time to take your rental car to Omaha?”

  “We won’t have to go to Omaha. I found out that we can drop it off at North Platte.”

  “Great! North Platte is straight south of here and much closer than Omaha, so we can go on Sunday afternoon. Do you have enough to keep you busy until then?”

  “I received a packet of estate papers from Mr. Talbot last week, and I need to study them.”

  “Then I’ll see you Sunday morning, if not before. If you’ll bring one of your cars to our house Saturday evening, I’ll bring you home, and then you can drive the other one to our house the next morning.”

  Chapter Ten

  As planned, on Sunday morning Kennedy took her grandfather’s car to ranch headquarters, realizing that she hadn’t asked Derek if he would pick her up at church, or if she would ride back to the ranch with June and leave from there for North Platte. When she drove into the ranch yard Derek was sitting on the porch railing, but he jumped to the ground and walked toward her.

  Kennedy stared in amazement. “Oh, my!” she murmured.

  He was dressed in a tan suit, a white shirt, and a brown tie and wore a white Stetson. She considered him handsome in his work clothes, but it was nothing compared to the way he looked today. Surely he hadn’t dressed up just for the drive to North Platte.

  She hadn’t made any move to get out of her car when he stopped beside her and opened the door. From the mischievous gleam in his eyes, she sensed he was aware of her astonishment. She blinked, feeling unnerved.

  “I’m impressed,” she said breathlessly.

  His lips parted in an amused smile. “I thought you would be—that’s what I had in mind. Let me drive. I want to try out the car again before we head south from Valentine.”

  When she stood beside him, Kennedy demanded, “Derek Sterling, are you going to church?”

  “Yep,” he said. “And if you don’t mind, Mom will drive your rental car into town. She and a friend are going to spend the afternoon together, and her friend will bring her home. We can leave from the church. It will save us a little time rather than coming back to the ranch first.” Kennedy slid into the passenger seat, wondering what June thought about Derek’s sudden notion to attend worship. Although she was trembling inwardly, Kennedy clenched her hands to keep them from shaking. Avoiding Derek’s eyes, she looked out the window. She didn’t want him to guess how his appearance and actions this morning had unsettled her.

  Every time she was with him, she was acutely aware of the intangible web pulling them closer and closer. She could not fall in love with Derek. He’d made it plain that he never expected to marry, and neither of them would consider any other kind of a relationship. After she’d lived this long without giving her heart to anyone, it would be unthinkable to love a man who wasn’t interested in commitment.

  They were halfway to Valentine when she felt Derek’s tender touch on her shoulder. “Is anything wrong?” he asked softly.

  Kennedy shook her head, blinking back the tears that blinded her eyes and choked her voice. Determined to prevent him from knowing how his presence affected her, she looked over her right shoulder. “I see your mother catching up with us. Do you think the Buick is up to the trip to North Platte?”

  “It seems that way to me, and when the mechanic says it’s as good as new, I figure we can rely on that.”

  “That’s great,” she said, still unable to look at him. “It should be a fun drive—everybody will be looking at us and our antique auto.” Derek was mystified. While he had dressed for church, he had anticipated how pleased Kennedy would be that he was going. He knew her well enough by now to know that she wanted him to go to church. So if that hadn’t upset her, what had? He had deliberately dressed up so she wouldn’t be ashamed to be seen with him as they traveled. He pulled into a parking place beside the church and got out and had opened Kennedy’s door by the time his mother arrived.

  Although he’d attended this church until he’d gone away to college, Derek felt like a stranger when he entered
the sanctuary. And it didn’t help that many people turned and stared at him, looking away quickly when he noticed their interest. But noting the smile on his mother’s face and knowing how much his presence meant to her, he wasn’t sorry he came. He sat between Kennedy and his mother, and after several uncomfortable minutes, he felt more at ease. When his shoulder touched Kennedy’s during the service, he was elated that she was sharing his first time attending church in several years.

  When the service ended, people he’d known all his life rushed to welcome him, and as Derek started to shake hands with Tony, his hand was pushed aside as Tony folded Derek into a bear hug.

  “It’s good to see you this morning, old buddy,” Tony said fondly. “I’ve hoped you would worship with us. I knew you couldn’t be pressured, but that didn’t keep me from praying for you.”

  Derek’s throat tightened when he realized how much he’d missed by not attending corporate worship for so many years. Meeting Tony’s glance squarely, Derek said, “It won’t be the last time. I’ll be back.”

  He followed his mother and Kennedy out of the church, and when they reached the parking lot, June said, “Be careful, and have a good day. You won’t find many places to eat until you get to Thedford, and that’s almost an hour away. I packed a light lunch for you; it’s in the rental car.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” Derek said. He waited for Kennedy, who was chatting with Robin Donovan and her husband. When she joined him, he explained about the lunch, adding, “There are picnic tables at the headquarters of Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, which is just a few miles south. We can eat there on the lakefront.

  I’ll take the lead, but I’ll keep you in view. Blink your lights if you want to stop.” She smiled her thanks, so apparently she’d gotten over whatever had been bothering her. This pleased Derek, for he’d been looking forward to this time with her, and he wanted her to be happy. He watched carefully to be sure she followed him as he picked up speed on U.S. Rt. 83, which would take them directly to North Platte.

  This was new territory to Kennedy, and she watched with interest as they drove southward. Because traffic was almost nonexistent, she glanced around frequently.

  She didn’t see many dwellings, and she remembered June saying that the residences and barns on many ranches weren’t located near the highway. Kennedy smiled when she saw a small herd of deer grazing in a field.

  They drove about a half hour before Derek pulled off on a side road. They passed several lakes populated by ducks or geese of some kind. On her mental to-do list, Kennedy noted that she must buy some books on the wildlife and local flora. She couldn’t keep pelting Derek with questions about the rangelands, although she didn’t think he minded too much. The road ended at the refuge headquarters, where two picnic tables were located.

  White lacy clouds were mirrored in the rippling water of the lake. Two white herons lifted from the water, and Kennedy was thrilled at the grace of their departure. A brisk breeze blew her hair around her face, and she reached into her purse for an elastic band before pulling her hair into a ponytail.

  Derek parked the Buick and came toward her carrying a picnic basket. He’d taken off his coat and tie and loosened his shirt collar.

  “You choose which table you like,” he said.

  “Let’s take the one in the sun. The breeze off the water is a little sharp.” They talked about the morning service as they ate the sandwiches, fruit, and cookies June

  “Let’s take the one in the sun. The breeze off the water is a little sharp.” They talked about the morning service as they ate the sandwiches, fruit, and cookies June had provided.

  “Boy, these oatmeal cookies are good. The way June cooks, I can’t imagine why you haven’t put on the pounds.” She shamelessly surveyed his sinewy body that many athletes would covet.

  “But you’ve also seen how much I work! I’m too active to gain weight.”

  When Derek filled containers with coffee from the thermos, he said with a grin, “I asked you once and you didn’t answer. Can you cook?”

  “Is my answer going to be held against me?”

  “No. I’m just curious.”

  “I’d never had to cook until I came to Riverside, and I’ve been snacking most of the time I’ve been here. Mother did the cooking, and after she died, we had a full-time housekeeper who took care of everything. I concentrated on studying. The few times I’ve had to fend for myself, I’ve bought pizza, carry-out food, or whatever took the least amount of time. I know I can never cook as well as June, but one of these days I’m going to prepare a meal for you. Will you be brave enough to eat it?” she asked mischievously.

  “Sure thing,” he answered without hesitation. “No doubt in my mind but what you can do anything you set out to do—and do it right.” Kennedy looked away from the deep admiration in his eyes. “Don’t rate me too highly, Derek—you might be disappointed.”

  “Never!” he said, and when he stood and started repacking the basket, Kennedy noted that a melancholy frown had sharpened his features.

  When they exited the airport where they’d left the car, it was late afternoon—but returning the rental car seemed to be an important step in her determination to settle her roots at least partially in Nebraska. When they headed north on the highway, Derek tugged on her arm.

  “Seems a shame to waste this space between us.”

  Without answering, Kennedy scooted across the seat until their shoulders touched.

  “That’s better,” he said. “You’ve seemed a mite thoughtful today. Anything bothering you that you want to share with me?”

  “No, but I have been wondering if you’ve decided what we can do to entertain the kids from Omaha. They’ll be here before we know it.”

  “How many will there be?” Derek asked.

  “Since this is a test project, they’re only bringing twelve kids—six boys and six girls—ranging between the ages of twelve and sixteen. There will be three supervisors along—one woman, two men. Since Tony and I both intend to help with them, we thought that would be enough.”

  “Unless we have ranch trouble of some kind, I’ll intend to spend a lot of time with them, too. I’ve decided on a good place for their campsite. Do you remember that plot of ground west of the river I showed you when we took our first horseback ride?”

  “The land with a building?”

  “Yeah, the West Eighty. The building isn’t finished inside, so they will need to bring tents, but that will be more fun for them anyway. Along that stretch of the Niobrara, there are good places where they can fish and one sandy beach area where they can swim. Also, there’s a wooded area for trail rides and a cave or two for them to explore.”

  “The one that was Doc Middleton’s hideout?” Kennedy asked with a grin.

  “No, that’s farther away. These are just small caves that show the different layers of rocks and soil, but they’d be interesting to the kids. Does that sound good to you?”

  “Yes, it does. We don’t have to furnish anything except a place to stay. The campers will bring their own food, tents, bedrolls, and other supplies.”

  “I’ll have Al and Joel cut out twenty horses and start riding them so they’ll be ready for the campers.” The miles passed quickly as they discussed plans for the camping experience, and dusk was falling as they reached the ranch. Derek drove to Riverside first. “I’ll make sure that Miranda is there, and I’ll bring back your Buick in the morning.” Miranda’s pickup was parked in front of the house, and a light was on in her upstairs bedroom.

  “Thanks, Derek. I’ve enjoyed the day,” Kennedy said when he stopped the car.

  “I’ll step inside and you can call to Miranda to make sure everything is all right.” Kennedy didn’t think it was necessary, but she unlocked the door and called, “Miranda, we’re home now.” Miranda came to the head of the stairs. “I was just checkin’ to see who’d come. I wanted to know you were home before I went to bed. Everything is all right.”

  “Good. I’ll talk
to you in the morning.”

  Derek stood behind her in the hall, and when she turned, he drew her into a brief hug. “See you tomorrow,” he said. He stepped out on the porch, leaving Kennedy with conflicting emotions. She always wanted more from Derek than he seemed willing to give.

  It was the first week in July before Derek called about the campers. After greeting her, he said, “If you’re free this afternoon, I have time to take you to see what I’m proposing for the kids from Omaha.”

  “I’m cleaning the stove and refrigerator now, but I’ll finish in time to go with you. I’m getting excited about their coming, and I want to see what we can offer them.”

  “I’ll bring the horses. This will be a little longer than you’ve ridden before, but I think you’re up to it. And if you don’t mind my bossing you around, be sure to wear long sleeves and your new hat. With your fair skin and blond hair, you could easily burn in this wind and sun.”

  “I’ll be ready,” Kennedy assured him. She didn’t tell him that she liked his bossing, that his interest made her feel more protected and loved than she had since her mother’s death. She had plenty of bossing from Rosita, but her housekeeper bossed everyone. Kennedy sensed that the attention she received from Derek was something special he reserved for her alone.

  When they left Riverside, they turned south along the river rather than take the trail they usually did. “There’s a shallow place in the river down this way,” Derek explained. “The trail is narrow, so we’ll ride single file. I’ll go first, but call if you need anything.” Kennedy judged that they’d traveled about a half mile before they reached the ford where Derek intended to cross the river. He waited until she was beside him before he instructed, “Follow me, but not too close. Hold the reins tight and keep Santee at a walk. I’ll keep my eye on you.” There was a gradual downward slope down to the river, and Santee easily followed Derek’s horse across a gravel bar. The horses slowly picked their way through the two feet of water flowing over the gravel. Derek looked backward more than he looked ahead, and Kennedy decided he probably knew these trails well enough that he could travel them with his eyes closed.