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Archer
Trees grew thick around the higher edges of the draw. I’d had a good idea of what it might look like before we rode out. A minuscule valley since the hills around Coal Haven weren’t large.
The draw wasn’t small, but it wasn’t a deep chasm. It was bone dry this year, and probably during many years, but I could imagine how stunning it was during a time when water trickled through it. It would be a small oasis in a wide-open pasture carved out by trickling water, adding enough moisture that trees grew at all levels, adding shade and definition. The hills were so mellow, it was hard to tell they were there unless you were driving by on the road. Only the trees made it possible to spot.
The ride out had taken forty-five minutes. We’d had to ride past Liam’s place, then Bruce’s, and across the highway to get to the Andersons’. Bolt’s and Target’s lead ropes were hooked around a narrow tree while Delaney and I perched in the grass not far away. Another tree provided a canopy from the punishing sun. We wouldn’t be here long, but I sensed the specialness of the place.
Before I met Delaney at her place, I’d stopped at Rattler’s for some fried pickles and prime rib sandwiches. Food that would be good cold. Maybe not the pickles, but I was willing to risk it. I didn’t think the soup we’d had my first week in town would travel well.
Our food was gone, and the garbage was stuffed into Target’s saddlebag.
I planted my hands in the grass behind me. Delaney scooted away, then laid her head on my lap with her legs curled at her side. “It’s so peaceful. All you hear are the birds and the bugs and the wind.”
We didn’t talk for several minutes. Just enjoyed our surroundings and being together. I didn’t find this sort of peace often. I couldn’t remember when the environment around me was ever so calm.
“I hope the next owner appreciates this spot,” Delaney murmured. I brushed my hand over her hair, grateful she was talking. Ever since I’d arrived for the ride, she’d been quieter than usual.
“From what y’all said, Dan might warn the new owners to put security cameras up or buzz the place with a camera on a drone.”
She chuckled. “I don’t think Dan knows about drones with cameras. He was in the hardware store the other day complaining that his real estate agent kept wanting to send him documents to sign digitally. He had to get an email account just for the papers.”
“How do you make it this far into the century without email?”
“I bet when he and Alice move to Arizona, they’ll be all decked out with smartphones and loving life. Stetson said he thought they could ask more, but they still own a section and a half. Even with a sixty-year-old house, they should get two million.”
I frowned, doing a quick calculation. “I could get them three.”
“Even with a sixty-year-old house?”
“I could get that for them with no house.”
She aimed her grin my way.
“Sorry, was that cocky?”
“No. Confident. And sexy.” She fell quiet for a moment and stared at the slopes and shadows of the draw. “When I was younger, I wished Dan realized that all the kids around here thought this was our secret place and we would never throw a party here. When Liam, Derek, and I were younger, like before Derek and I started dating, we’d ride here and hang out. It was the only place we felt like we could just be. Liam wasn’t Cameron’s personal shame. Derek wasn’t hounded about who he spent his time with, and I didn’t have to prove myself to anyone.”
I listened. Any response would have been inane. In Dallas, a park would be her best option. Some of the properties I’d been on had gorgeous draws, but they lacked this sense of peace.
I traced a finger over her forehead and down her cheek. Her eyes drifted shut. I continued stroking her face, swooping down her nose, and softly outlining her lips. The stress that had been gathering in her features relaxed away. We had nothing to worry about at the moment, nothing to do other than enjoy being with each other.
A sound droned in the distance.
“Ah, hell. He found us.” Delaney stood and brushed off the back of her jeans.
I did the same and wandered past the horses. A four-wheeler approached. I waved and walked out to meet it. I wasn’t worried. I’d worked with all kinds of landowners over the years.
Delaney followed. “Are you going to work him over like Chad?”
“No, we’re trespassing. I’m going to kiss ass.” I adopted a big grin and waved like I was excited we had a visitor. The older man’s scowl lightened, and he killed the engine. I jumped in before he could accuse us of anything. “I’m really sorry. I know we’re not supposed to be here, but Delaney said I couldn’t go back to Texas until I saw the jewel of the county.”
Dan’s suspicious expression transitioned into pride. “I didn’t realize you thought so highly of it, Laney.”
She smiled, barely hiding her relief at not being chased off like she was a twelve-year-old. “I try to limit my visits since it’s not my land, but yes, it’s one of my favorite spots. I love that it’s off the road and private.”
Dan bobbed his head. “Alice and I used to love coming here. But she can’t get on the four-wheeler anymore.” He chuckled. “Or if she gets on, it’s the getting off that’s hard.”
