Page 15 of The Unbuttoned Ranger (Texas Heat: The Heart of a Texas Ranger #1)

CaDee walked the worn path to Creed’s Creek. This was the first time she’d been to Sharp’s house. His house was much bigger than Piper’s, with a wraparound porch and a blue metal roof. There was a sign in the front yard that boasted in large lettering, “Creed”.

Bradley was on the porch nursing a cup of coffee. When he saw her, he straightened and waved. A smile crossed his features. “ I ’ d like to think you ’ re here to see me but I ’ m guessing you ’ re looking for Sharp.”

“ Yes, but it ’ s always good to see you.” She liked Bradley. There was a strong resemblance between him and Sharp, although Bradley had a tranquility that Sharp didn ’ t have.

“ He ’ s down at the barn unloading the trailer. Can ’ t miss him.”

“ Thanks. You have a good morning.” She started in Sharp ’ s direction.

“ Don ’ t you be a stranger,” Bradley called out. “ You ’ re welcome anytime.”

She saw Sharp before he saw her, and she had the ultimate advantage of taking him in. He was preoccupied by unloading the truck. His shirtless torso was slick with sweat and the waistband of his jeans settled low on his waist. With each movement his muscles flexed.

She approached. “ Sharp?”

He was on his way back to the trailer and he stopped mid-stride, an element of surprise in his expression. She smiled but it was lost when she saw the deep scars on his torso. They were still in healing stages.

He grabbed his shirt off the fence and yanked it over his head. Hiding the scars didn ’ t take the image away. Questions filled her mind. What had happened to him?

“What are you doing here?” he asked, neither rude nor friendly.

“I haven’t seen you in a few days.”

“I’ve been a bit busy.” He slammed his hat down on his head.

She crossed the distance between them until they were toe to toe. She couldn’t describe what she was feeling. Not seeing him for the last few days made her realize how important he’d become in her life. As a friend if nothing else.

“What happened, Sharp?” She touched his chest.

“Long story.”

“I have the time. Carsen is with Piper in town at a church festival.”

“You actually let him out of your sight?”

She took his words at face value. “Let’s just say, a lot of people here are growing on me.”

“I’d love to stay around and chat, but I have a few things I need to do.”

Disappointment wafted through her. “Okay. Well, maybe later.” She wondered where his distance had come from.

“Actually, why don’t you come with me,” he said.

“Where?”

“I’d like to show you something.”

She felt some excitement. “I’d love to.”

He unhooked the trailer and they loaded up into the truck. She saw a bouquet of wildflower on the backseat. Who was he buying flowers for? And why was she so curious?

Instead of heading onto the lane, he drove through the field. The bumps nearly knocked her out of her seat. “Where are we going?”

“Have patience.” He drove slower as the terrain changed to thicker weeds. He stopped. “All this here is Piper’s land, and on this side is Pa’s. However, this area,” he pointed to a strip of land, “is shared.”

The sun glistened down onto the headstones that dotted the fenced-in plot of land. “You have a cemetery on your property?”

“I wouldn’t call it a cemetery but instead it’s a burial plot for Creeds and Lovelands.” He turned off the engine, grabbed the flowers, and climbed out. CaDee followed.

The view from on the hill could only be described as breathtaking. She could see for miles. Sharp was pulling weeds away from a headstone.

She read the name etched in the marble. Matthew Loveland. Beloved Husband. Father. Brother. Son. Always Remembered. “Is this Piper’s late husband?”

“Yeah,” Sharp said in a lowered voice as if in respect. “And this is their son.”

She read the epitaph. Jonathon. Son. Gone too soon. It was the date that made her heart kick into her ribs. Tears filled her eyes. “They died on the same day. “Yeah.”

What happened to them?”

“Farming accident. The Piper you see now isn’t the woman she was before she lost her world. It nearly destroyed her. She’s suffered more loss than most of us could ever imagine or endure.”

“I-I…she seems so strong.”

“She’s had no choice.” He swiped off his hat and slapped it against his thigh as if releasing tension. “I’m showing you this because everyone has a story.”

“She’s never said anything.” The breeze caught her words.

“It’s not something she goes around telling people.”

“What about you, Sharp?”

He gave her a sideways look. “What about me?”

“What’s your story?”

He nodded and made his way toward a tall, elegant headstone carved into the shape of a horse. “I’ve felt loss too.”

“Your mother?”

He cleared his throat. “Tragedy lingers here, but loved ones' spirits add to this place.” He placed the flowers on the ground in front of the headstone. “I try to make it up here often to bring her flowers. That’s what I remember most about her, that she loved wildflowers. In the morning before anyone was awake she’d pick them from her garden. ” There was a hitch to his tone.

“You really love this land.”

“It’s a legacy.”

“What about your scars, Sharp? I’m guessing those aren’t from a farming accident.”

He slammed his hat back on his head. “How about we save that story for another time.” He swiveled and faced her, holding her gaze. “Maybe we both can tell our story soon.” He strode back to the truck.

She watched his back as he retreated then looked down at the beautifully crafted headstone. “Your son is stubborn.”

The wind picked up and CaDee felt a tingle travel through her. She swallowed hard, realizing maybe Sharp was right. Spirits occupied the land.

Once she was in the passenger seat of the truck with the door shut, she said, “I had no clue that Piper has suffered unimaginable pain and loss. I knew she said she’d raised a son and I found that odd that she wouldn’t have pictures everywhere.”

"People cope with loss in different ways," he said as he backed up the truck. "Some choose to keep reminders of loved ones visible, while others prefer to place memories out of sight."

“I’d like to hear your story, Sharp,” she said, looking toward him.

“I’ll make you an offer,” he replied.

“An offer?”

“There’s more I want to show you, but I can’t show you immediately,” he responded.

“Why not?” He sparked curiosity inside of her.

“It needs to happen at a specific time. Are you available this evening for a few hours?”

She swallowed her hesitation. “I don’t know—”

“I won’t keep you long. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this.”

A part of her was very interested, and another part was reluctant. Whatever was happening between them seemed to have a life of its own. Could she even stop it if she wanted to?