~ When The Ocotillo Blooms ~

by

Linda LaRoque

Lynn took a deep breath of the fresh night air and filed away in her memory the scene before her. Her senses filled with the sights, sounds, and smells around her. The glow of the barn in the deepening gray, laughter drifting on the night breeze, and the aroma of Cookie’s barbecue that still hung in the air and mixed with the smells of nature in the desert. This was the most peaceful place on earth. It would be easy to stay here forever.

Now, where had that thought come from, and wouldn’t it just tickle Art pink to know the idea had crossed her mind.

Light, laughter, and music drew her toward the barn. The minute she walked through the door, Shorty pulled her onto the floor for a round of Boot Scootin’ Boogie. Though over seventy, you couldn’t call him slow. She had a hard time keeping up with his fast footwork. He had her laughing and gasping for breath when the music ended.

Corby and the other younger children were sitting in chairs around the punch bowl area eating cookies. When Corby saw her, he stuffed the last of a cookie in his mouth and rushed over dusting crumbs off his face as he asked. “Hey, Lynn. You wanna’ dance?”

“Sure I do. I thought you’d never ask.”

Kool-Aid red lips arched into a grin. “Really?”

“You bet.”

Corby did more talking than dancing but his footwork indicated he’d learned something at their classes. When their dance was over he headed back for the cookies. She stopped in front of Zane. “May I have this dance, sir?”

Zane didn’t act pleased, but stood up and took her hand. He’d learned some manners after all. The song was a fast two-step and what Zane lacked in finesse he made up in speed. He gave Lynn a great aerobic workout. At the sidelines, Zane gave her a wicked smirk and bowed. “Thank you for the dance, ma’am.”

Before she could fully catch her breath, Chue stopped in front of her. Face twisted in a grin, he took off his big hat and made a sweeping bow with it. “May I have this dance, ma’am?”

Before Lynn could answer, Chue was swinging her around the room to the refrain of a country waltz. His gimp leg didn’t slow him down in the least.

“You thought anymore about getting up on one of them horses?”

Startled, Lynn missed a step but quickly recovered. “Me? I don’t think that’s going to happen. Remember? I’m afraid of the creatures.”

“Better think about it some more and get ready. Not much time left.” He led her back to the sidelines. “Remember what I said, gal.” He disappeared into the crowd.

What did he mean by that? Not much time left?

Before she’d come up with an answer, Cookie had her stomping and yelling, to the Cotton Eyed Joe. Who would’ve thought such a big man could move that fast?

Lynn begged out of the next number to rest and cool down awhile. She took a seat on the bales of hay placed on the sidelines and turned her attention to the dancers. Seth was dancing with Julie. He caught her watching, smiled and nodded. As the dance ended, he handed Julie over to Ben and started toward her. Her breath caught at the look of determination on his face. Before he’d taken two steps, Clara snagged him.

At ease on her makeshift seat, Lynn observed the couples as they passed. Her eyes wandered across the room to where Tim stood alone, surveying the couples, Julie in particular. Frowning, his gaze followed her as she two-stepped with Ben. He’d come a long way in the last couple of weeks. There’d been no more complaints about his language or about harassing Julie.

The tortured look on his face tugged at Lynn’s heart. It was obvious he was crazy about the girl, but afraid to ask her to dance, in fear of being rejected.

Unable to watch a minute longer, Lynn walked over to stand beside him. Maybe she could ease his fear some.

“Hi, Tim, you enjoying this shindig?”

He smiled in greeting then returned his gaze to Julie and Ben.

“Yea, pretty much.”

“Well, how about treating this old lady to a dance?”

Startled, a look of panic crossed his face. He glanced at the others trying to make up his mind. “I’m not very good but…”

“Oh, me neither, but let’s give it a whirl.”

Lynn put her left hand on his shoulder and grinned up at him. “Let’s boogie, cowboy.” Laughing they stumbled around the floor. Soon, Tim relaxed, and they were just getting the hand of the steps when the song ended.

Tim started to walk away. Lynn grabbed him and said, “One more round, Tim.” We’re doing so well, we can’t stop now.”

When they worked up a steady rhythm, Lynn asked, “Have you danced with Julie yet?”

His face fell. “No, she wouldn’t want to with me.”

“It sure wouldn’t hurt to ask.”

She watched him think about what she’d said. Before he could say no, she continued.

“You know Tim, women love an apology, especially if it’s sincere. Nothing softens the heart faster. But, you better mean every word you say.”

With a shy smile, Tim bowed at the waist. “Thank you, Mrs. Devry.”

“My pleasure, Tim.”

She was dancing with Jake when Tim walked up to Julie. Her friends stopped talking and stood, their attention on him. Lynn held her breath. Tim bent his head, then looked up again and said something while Julie listened intently, her eyes never leaving his face.

Finished, he stood and waited for her to say something. When she didn’t, he turned and walked away.

Lynn froze and waited for her to say something. Oh no, Julie. You’ve got to do something. Quick, before he gets away.

Julie shook her head as if to clear it, then rushed after Tim and touched his arm. He turned. She extended her hand and said something to him. Expressions shy, they smiled and walked onto the dance floor.

Lynn breathed a sigh of relief, her heart expanded with the possibility of these two kids becoming friends, something nice evolving from the earlier ugliness. Unaware that she’d stopped moving, she jumped when Jake spoke.

“Lynn, is everything all right?”

She bit her lip to keep the tears at bay. Voice cracking, she nodded toward Tim and Julie and said, “Everything’s just fine.”

Noticing her tears, he made a face. “Hey now. None of that.” He laughed and Lynn wiped her face as they watched the two young people. “Ah, young love. Ain’t it wonderful?”

Lynn sniffed. “Yeah. Wonderful but painful.”

The evening was drawing to an end. Lynn was worn out, her feet hurt, and her hair a mess, but she was floating on a cloud of happiness. She hadn’t had this much fun in ages. Actually, since she and her ex-husband, Dan, went out dancing with friends early in their marriage. They’d gone often, and when they returned home, they’d check on Abby, turn the lights down low, and dance to records in the living room.

On Sunday mornings, Abby would climb into bed with them while they read the paper. As Dan read the funnies to Abby, Lynn would watch the expressions transform her face and listen to her giggles. After they dressed, he would lift Abby onto his shoulders and they’d walk down the street to the donut shop. There had been many such Sunday mornings. What had gone wrong in their marriage?

“How about this next dance, Lynn?”

Jolted from her thoughts, Lynn looked from the hand up to the face of the man. Seth. Her heart did a flip-flop. Why, she had no idea. Okay, she was attracted to him, but the feeling wasn’t mutual, and she had no future here. She had a job waiting for her in Fort Worth.

She mentally shook herself. He was no different from the other men she’d dance with that evening, so why not. And quit being so shy around him. After all, he’s just a man, not a movie idol.

“Yes. I’d like that. I’ll try not to step on your toes.” Now why on earth had she said something so stupid? Oh Lord, he probably thinks I’m an idiot.

He laughed. “You let me worry about my toes.”

“Ladies and gentlemen. This is the last dance of the evening, so find your sweetheart or your favorite partner and join us in the Last Waltz.” The cowboy put his fiddle to his shoulder and started the introductory refrain.

Oh my gosh, she moaned to herself. Why did she have to end up with Seth during this romantic song? She’d feel more comfortable with Jake or any of the other men.

Lynn tried to loosen up and be nonchalant, but held herself rigid and at arms length as Seth took her in his arms.

“Do I make you nervous, Lynn?”

Stumbling at his question, she recovered then lied. “No, not at all. I’m just not a very good dancer.”

“You’re doing fine. Relax. Follow me.” He pulled her closer. Their bodies were touching, her head against his jaw.

“Now, that’s much better. You’re a fine dancer, just enjoy the music.” His breath stirred her hair.

Oh my, oh my, oh my, she breathed. This is too nice. Warm and utterly male, his muscles rippled under her hand as they moved to the music. It felt good to be in his arms. Ha! In a man’s arms period, she hoped that’s why she was enjoying the dance so. Good grief Lynn, get a grip, you’re acting like a silly schoolgirl. This is just a dance.

She relaxed and gave herself up to the seductive music of the country waltz and the man who led her expertly. They danced well together, as though they’d been doing so for years. Lynn breathed in his spicy scent. The heat rising from his skin made the combination of cologne, soap, and man intoxicating. Releasing a sigh, she melted against him, feeling his arm tighten around her waist. Was he as attuned to her as she was to him? As if hearing her thoughts, he pulled her even closer. The fit was so right.

If there were other people in the room, Lynn wasn’t aware of it. She was locked in a time warp and she and Seth were the only two people alive. An excellent dancer, he led her around the room with ease. She was dancing on air and intoxicated by his nearness, the heat of his hard body, and his scent.

When the music ended, it seemed too soon. They stood, locked in each other’s arms for an extra second or two. When Seth drew back, he continued to hold her hand as if reluctant to let her go. Their eyes locked and held. The noise around them intruded, breaking the spell. He gave Lynn a half bow.

“Thank you for the dance.” The low timbre of his voice sent a thrill along her nerve endings.

“My pleasure.”

He released her hand. “Good night.” Then he headed toward the area where the band worked at putting away their instruments.

Lynn watched him walk away, regretting that their dance was over and wishing she didn’t care.