Saving Amy Jayden Read online

  God please let Anthony live.

  Chapter Four

  THE REMODELED KITCHEN with new marble countertop and polished brown cabinets were another stark reminder of how long she’d been away. What was worse? It took an accident to get her home. Her throat closed up.

  Amy filled a cup with cool water from the tap, sipped some and then turned to face Sam. The woman had aged gracefully in the last five years.

  When she stood beside Sam's small frame, she became very aware of her own height. Taller than most females her age when she was growing up, she had earned the nickname Willowy. But standing next to Nevada today had made her feel like she had met her— Turning her mind from that train of thought which went nowhere, she focused.

  “I see there’s a new addition on the loft.”

  “Oh that? Your dad added it, but Nevada lives up there. Temporarily.” Sam bustled about the kitchen throwing together a sandwich for Amy. “Dinner is still a couple of hours away.”

  “Thanks.” Amy accepted the plate from Sam.

  They both walked out to the living room and Amy took her favorite spot in front of the fireplace. The warmth wrapped around her like soft cotton. She’d forgotten what the cold felt like here. “Why is he living up there? Dad didn’t let any other foreman live here at the ranch house. Why him?”

  “Your father expanded the business last year, meaning more calves this year. He took in a couple more hands and let Nevada use the room temporarily until the new bunkhouse is complete. Besides, Nevada is not like the others. He’s as trustworthy as they come, and the ranch has made good progress since he came. If anyone deserved that kind of consideration, it’s him. He takes on the work at the ranch as though it’s his own and fulfils the tasks like clockwork. Since he found your father, he hasn’t had a wink of sleep.” There was an unmistakable admiration in Sam’s voice. No matter what her impression was about him after their phone conversation, she knew she should thank him and maybe even apologize for her sharpness.

  Her mind took inventory of the guy against everything she told herself. At least six-feet-two, with piercing hazel eyes, a strong dimpled chin and jet-black hair that brushed his nape. He was a sight.

  Taking a swig of her cold fruit juice, she proceeded to eat her sandwich. She wasn’t interested in him or anyone else for that matter. She wanted no ties. Her only plan was to take care of her father and be out of there as soon as she could. “How’s Dad?”

  “Hanging in there.”

  Amy saw the quick tears in Sam’s eyes and her appetite fled. She reached out and dropped her sandwich onto the plate. She felt callous. No matter what problems stood between her and her dad, he should have been her first concern. Guilt rode roughshod over her heart. “Is he that bad?”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  “Then I better get to the hospital.” Amy stood up and leaned down to kiss the woman who had taken care of her father while she had gone off doing her own thing. “Thank you for taking care of him and everything around here. I’ll go see him now.”

  Sam shooed her away, picking up the plate and cup as she stood too.

  “You might want to ask Nevada to take you. The second truck is not running. I saw him heading in the direction of the den.”

  “Uh, you think he’ll mind? I wouldn’t want to bother him.”

  “No, he won’t.”

  “All right. I’ll change and be down.” Within minutes, she returned. “I should be back in time for dinner.”

  “All right, dear. Run along.”

  Amy walked towards the den. Was asking Nevada to take her a good idea?

  “NEVADA?”

  Foggy, he came to with a start. When he saw Amy, he groaned inwardly and checked his watch. He’d been asleep for an hour.

  What a fine foreman he made, sleeping when he should be out there working. He swung his feet down and got up. Did his head feel clearer? No. He needed more than an hour.

  “Sorry. I didn’t realize you were sleeping. It is the middle of the day.”

  Did he hear accusation in her voice? His defense rose. “Contrary to what you think, I don’t sleep away the day.”

  “Let your hackles down. I wasn’t accusing you. I want to go see my dad and wondered if you could take me.”

  Nevada took in the woman who stood before him, tall and slim. Her fiery red hair flowed down her back, her face devoid of makeup. He kept his defenses up as his shield.

  He had to keep his head on his shoulders.

  Was Brooke’s betrayal not sufficient reason to stay away from females? Besides, her class was way above his league. Clamping down on his mental calisthenics he said, “Give me a few and I’ll be ready.”

  Minutes later, he pulled the truck door open for her and waited for her to climb in. He swung the door closed and pulled out.

  The silence in the truck was oppressive. Not that he had strength for chit chatting.

  “Are you mad about something?”

  “People don’t get mad, dogs do.” Nevada had to keep from rolling his eyes.

  If that was her idea of making conversation, she definitely lacked social skills.

  Sam’s words came to mind. Was he still letting his impression of her affect his reaction or did he fear she'd judge him as lazy?

  “Thanks for helping my father.”

  He spared her a glance briefly. She sounded sincere. “I’d do that for him any day.”

  Not what he should say, but she definitely was rubbing him sore. He needed some coffee.

  “Look, if it’s because I caught you sleeping in the den that’s got you in this mood, I didn’t mean to come out sounding that way. Sam told me you haven’t been sleeping.” She clamped her mouth shut. “Forget it.”

  He was probably rubbing her the wrong way too. He sensed her patience with him wearing thin. Patience was not his best suit, either. They'd make a great pair while she was here.

  Amy huffed and fell silent.

  Just as well.

  He soon turned the truck into the parking lot and cut the engine.

  “Thank you,” she said again.

  “You’re welcome.” When she would’ve exited the truck, he said, “You don’t have to thank me. What I did for your father, I’d do for mine if I had one. It’s no big deal. Besides I’m just a ranch hand and he’s my employer.”

  Amy's face flushed red.

  What had he said wrong this time?

  Easing from the truck she closed the door not meeting his eyes. “I won’t be long.”

  “Take your time, I’ll be here.”

  Nevada doubted she heard that and he wanted to kick himself. What was wrong with him? He was better at dealing with his anger. At least he thought so, until Brooke’s betrayal.

  That was the problem. When he woke up and saw Amy, he thought he’d been dreaming.

  Except that Brooke was shorter and her red hair a couple of shades lighter. That was what triggered his defense.

  Leaning his head on the back rest, he closed his eyes.

  Father, forgive my anger. I’d have thought I was over this after all these years. What’s with me and redheads anyway? To think I just met Amy and I’m not sure the things that war within me. Correct me, oh Lord, but in Your justice not in Your anger lest You bring me to nothing.

  Feeling calmer he got out of the truck, locked the doors, and went to find Amy. It wouldn’t do to antagonize her. After all, she didn’t do anything against him.

  Knocking briefly, he opened the door. Amy sat next to her father, with her head in her hands, telling Nevada that the danger her father was in was becoming apparent to her.

  Two days prior, the doctors released Anthony from his induced coma and still he hadn't woken. The doctors didn’t seem to hold out much hope. Nevada stepped quietly into the room.

  The machine beeped. Anthony’s chest rose and fell.

  He should leave, but something held him back, he couldn’t say what. Nevada squatted beside her, but stayed silent, offering his presence.


  He had prayed more than ever in his life since he found his boss. Did God hear all he'd been saying? Lord please show me You do and let him live.

  Bargaining with God didn’t show faith. Did it?

  Chapter Five

  AMY SLIPPED HER PHONE into her pocket. “Eric says I can take my two weeks’ vacation. At least I can be here with Dad.”

  “That’s good,” Sam said.

  Amy started washing the dishes. Sam was uncharacteristically quiet. What was going on in her mind?

  “Did you two have a fight?”

  “What do you mean fight?” Amy hedged. She wasn’t sure what to make of Nevada. He’d stayed with her like he was offering his...presence, but he’d turned moody on the drive back and at dinner.

  Sam clucked. “Don’t you think I know you enough to be able to decipher when something is wrong? Amy, I’ve taken care of you since you were a baby.”

  There was no getting away. Amy placed the dish she had been drying on the dish rack.

  “The tension at the table was so palpable you could cut it with a knife...”

  “Dad was not looking well and the doctor told me he developed a fever last night.” Amy dropped the towel and her pretense along with it. At that moment, she didn’t dare hold another plate or risk it falling and breaking.

  She blinked a number of times to clear her vision. Sam wiped her hands on her apron and took Amy in her arms.

  “Come on, baby. Where is your faith? God is in control and He knows what’s best, okay?”

  Amy wasn’t sure about God being in control, but she nodded and pushed away, tucking strands of hair behind her ears. After several deep breaths, Amy felt she had calmed a bit and went back to finishing her chore.

  “It had nothing to do with the strain between you and Nevada, right?” Sam asked after a moment.

  “No.”

  “No?”

  Amy glanced at Sam and gave a small shrug. “He seemed to be angry for some reason. I guess something I said ticked him off.” She met Sam’s gaze. “Don’t look at me like that.”

  “Like what?”

  “Like what-have-you-gone-and-said-this-time kind of look. I know I can be impatient and I’m working on it, but I don’t think I said anything that should warrant his anger.” Her face threatened to flame at the memory of his outburst. “Maybe he feels threatened by the fact I’m his boss’s daughter. Maybe he’s afraid he’ll have to answer to me...”

  Sam placed a gentle hand on Amy’s shoulder. “He’s had a rough life, Amy. Maybe he’s afraid you’ll sell if anything happens to Anthony.”

  “Well, will you blame me if I do? My mother died here and my father lies there dying because he was injured here.” Amy’s emotions were confusing. She didn’t know what was up with them.

  “You wouldn’t blame him either. In the last five years, I’ve watched him slave away on this land. If anything, he needs to know his future is not being threatened. Something has driven him on all these years. It’s just natural that he’s wary of you.”

  Amy calmed. One thing was certain. She wouldn’t keep the ranch for any reason. The bad memories had overridden the good.

  “I’m sure you’ll sort your differences out, my dear.”

  Amy rolled her eyes.

  “Don’t you dare roll those eyes at me, Amy Jayden.”

  She laughed at the look on Sam’s face, the tension from earlier lifting.

  “I’m sure Nevada won’t have anything to do with me if he can help it. He behaves like I’m an enemy that he can’t touch with the end of a stick.”

  “Amy Jayden! You’ve only met this guy how many hours ago?” It was Sam’s turn to roll her eyes. “Maybe you have a bad case of love at first sight.”

  “Oh, come on, you are a terrible tease. I’m a city girl, not someone to live on a ranch,” she said with finality.

  “I guess we’ll have to see about that then.”

  “There’ll be nothing to see.”

  “You’ll say I told you so. I’m getting these old bones to bed. Turn off the lights before you head to bed.”

  “Will do.”

  Amy stayed in the kitchen sipping tea long after Sam went to bed. It was a mistake staying away so long. She had not seen her father in five years. The few times they talked were painfully short because they had nothing to say to each other. And now - seeing him with all the tubes and beeping machines...

  She had wept knowing she may never speak to him again. Where is your faith? Samantha’s words echoed in her heart. She wasn’t sure of the answer to that. Her anger against her dad because of her mother’s death left her in a hurry. “I’m so sorry Dad,” she whispered.

  Why she had ever blamed her father for her mother’s death now eluded her. He hadn’t been the one to spook that horse. And he’d been hurt just as much as she was. Now it all seemed so petty. She worried that she might not get a chance to apologize for her behavior.

  The thud of boots on the porch snapped her from her reverie and she whipped her head around to Nevada, only a couple feet away, knocking off dirt from his boots. Her senses quickened.

  “I went to check out the animals. They should be calving in a couple days.”

  He sounded awkward and she wondered if he was embarrassed about seeing her alone. He fulfils his duties like clockwork, Samantha had said.

  Amy nodded. He did the same, walked to the sink, and washed his hands. He filled a cup with water and drank it in gulps and then mumbled good night.

  She listened to the sound of his feet as he bounded up the stairs to his apartment.

  If her father died, nothing would keep her at the ranch and she would hurt Nevada in the process, but she couldn’t help that. The land had taken so much from her and she wouldn’t retain it.

  It was as good as that.

  NEVADA TUGGED THE COLLAR of his jacket higher to keep the wind chill out. It was worse on evenings like this. Nobody told the weatherman that the last week in March shouldn’t be this cold.

  “You didn’t say the boss’s daughter is back. Heard you took her to see her dad,” Angel said.

  “Now, where did you hear that?” Gossip was a common thing among the ranch hands and he could only imagine what else Angel had heard. Knowing Angel, Nevada had nothing to worry about.

  “Diaz went to look for you about something and Sam told him where you went.”

  Diaz wasn’t a gossip so he must have good reason for saying.

  “The bank manager sent him to the boss and since he isn’t available, I told him you were at the ranch house,” Angel said.

  It figured. “I didn’t know she was coming because she didn’t say when she’d come,” Nevada responded.

  “Who drove her?”

  “She flew in on a fancy helicopter.” Nevada heard the sarcasm in his own words. “Apparently, she works for a big shot company.”

  “Man, you sound unhappy about her coming. Didn’t you ask her to come quickly?”

  Nevada threw the hammer he was using on the fence. It had taken them longer than he thought to fix the fence. After Anthony's accident and the trips to the hospital, he'd had more things to juggle.

  Yet, they didn’t dare leave the fence that way. What with the calves that would arrive soon. Frustration built in him as he walked towards his friend.

  “She’s here to see her dad, nothing to be upset about.” He didn’t say that seeing her cry yesterday had stirred something in him. If he wasn’t careful, it would chip away at his defenses. Nevada didn’t plan on getting rejected again.

  “You think if anything happens to Anthony, she’s likely to keep the ranch going?”

  “I doubt it.” He remembered her stilettos the day she came. “She’s likely to dispose of it in as much time as it takes to blink. Look, don’t get me wrong. I love Anthony and I respect him and would want him to live for all the right reasons, not just for the ranch. In the times we worked together, he told me she hates the place and Sam thinks so too. And believe me she has reason to.” His i
ntensity softened as he thought of the fact that her father’s state was good enough reason to hate the place even more.

  He leaned on the poles and gazed at the sweeping terrain. In a few weeks, the whole greenery would return along with its beauty. Everything he loved about the land.

  “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication make your request known to God and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding shall guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6.”

  Nevada looked at his friend. Times like this his faith didn't even come close to a mustard seed.

  “If she sells, you must believe that it’s God’s time to move on. Who is to say she wouldn’t sell to you?”

  Nevada snorted good-naturedly. “Where would I get the kind of money to buy a place like this? Come on.”

  They went back to work, each to their own thoughts.

  An hour later, they stopped to take a little break.

  “The weight of the ranch is on you now. I’m praying for you.”

  “Thanks, but I’m not taking on what I’m not already doing. Everything else stays as it is. I’m sure the boss will be fine.”

  “He’ll be, definitely. But you’ll need to make decisions as the days go by.”

  Nevada didn’t like the sound of that, not because he couldn’t handle the responsibility, but because of the implication of it. Anthony had to get better. Nevada surveyed their handiwork. “We should head back. It’s getting hard to see.”

  He picked up the hammer, removed his utility belt and walked toward the tractor, his friend beside him.

  Angel’s words stayed with him. Give me wisdom, Lord. Technically, he’d take instructions from Amy. He didn’t want to cross swords with her if she didn’t think his opinion was right.

  Hopefully, she’d at least want to talk things over.

  Chapter Six

  IT HAD BEEN A WEEK since Anthony's accident. Everything on the ranch felt subdued. The usual exuberance was gone, even work didn't ease his mind like it used to.