In a Cowboy's Arms. Rebecca Winters

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      Chapter Two

      “...And so into Your hands, O merciful God, we commend Your servant Daniel Burns Corkin. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech You, a sheep of Your own fold, a lamb of Your own flock, a sinner of Your own redeeming. Receive Daniel into the arms of Your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of those who have gone before. Amen.”

      After the collective “amens,” Minister Lyman looked at Sadie before eying the assembled crowd. She hadn’t noticed the people who’d attended. In fact, she hadn’t talked to anyone yet.

      “While they finish the work here, Daniel’s daughter, Sadie Corkin, and the Hensons, who’ve worked for Daniel all these years and are like a second family to Sadie, invite all of you back to the ranch house for refreshments.”

      The house, with the extraordinary backdrop of the Pryor Mountains, was only a two-minute walk from the family plot with its smattering of pine trees. Sadie had already ordered a headstone, but it wouldn’t be ready for a few weeks.

      She felt an arm slip around her shoulders. “Let me take Ryan for you so you can have some time alone.”

      When she looked up she saw Liz Henson, her dearest, oldest friend. They’d been like sisters growing up. Even while Liz attended vet school at Colorado State, they’d stayed in close touch. “Are you sure?”

      “Of course I am.” Liz kissed Ryan’s cheek. “Since you flew in yesterday, we’ve been getting to know each other, haven’t we?” She plucked him out of Sadie’s arms. “Come with me, little baby brother, and I’ll get you something to eat.”

      At first he protested, but eventually his voice grew faint. Liz had a loving way about her. Sadie knew he was in the best of hands.

      Zane walked up to her. She saw the compassion in his blue eyes. “It was a lovely service. Your father is being laid to rest with all the dignity he would have wanted.”

      “He wanted Mother with him, but I’m glad she’s buried with Tim. He brought her the joy she deserved in this life.”

      “You brought her joy the day you were born, and she’d be so proud you’re raising Ryan. I plan to help you any way I can. I hope you know that.”

      “You’re a wonderful man, Zane. Ryan is so lucky to have you in his life.”

      “He’s a little Tim.”

      “I know. Those dimples get to me every time,” she told him, smiling.

      “Yup. Don’t forget he’s my life now, too!”

      “As if I could forget.”

      Zane, she knew, had reached an emotional crossroads in his life and was still struggling to find himself. There’d been so many losses in his life, her heart went out to him. Thank heaven they had Ryan to cling to.

      The afternoon sun caused Zane to squint. “Everyone’s gone inside the house. I’m going to help Liz. If you need us, you know where to find us.”

      She nodded. The mortuary staff was waiting for her to leave so they could lower the casket and finish their part of the work, but she couldn’t seem to get up from the chair they’d brought for her. Since the phone call from Millie five days ago, her life had been a blur. She barely remembered the flight from San Francisco to Billings, let alone the drive in the rental car with Zane and Ryan to the ranch. Someone could use her for a pin cushion and she wouldn’t feel a thing.

      Sadie counted a dozen large sprays of flowers around the grave site. Such kindness for a man who’d made few friends humbled her. The huge arrangement with the gorgeous purple-and-white flowers kept attracting her attention. For as long as she could remember that color combination had been her favorite.

      Needing to know who’d sent the floral offering, she stood and walked around to gather the cards. She recognized every name. So many people who’d touched their lives and had loved her mother were still here offering to help in any way they could. When she pulled out the insert from the purple-and-white flowers, her breath caught.