Stage West: David

By Annie Pelle

David Matthews is the head of the Matthews family since the death of his parents. He keeps his personal life on hold until he meets Dr. Anna James. Dr. James brings a little boy to Stage West to fulfill his wish to be a cowboy for a day. David begins to think about her daily until they meet up again in another venue. For David this is his chance for a life that doesn’t revolve around his family or his horse breeding business but Dr. James has a secret that has kept her distant from any type of personal relationships. Can this tough man break down the barriers or will her past keep them from a life together? David is the last book in the Stage West series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Annie Pelle
• Release date: Oct 26, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301161966

Annie Pelle

Annie Pelle lives in Mesa Arizona with her husband. She has been reading romance novels for nearly 30 years. By day I work in the healthcare industry but at night I escape into a romance novel or two. If I start a new book I do not go to bed until it is finished. Thank you for reading my books. Send me an email at [e-mail]

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STAGE WEST

DAVID

By

Annie Pelle

SMASHWORDS EDITION

******

Published by

Annie Pelle at Smashwords

STAGE WEST DAVID

Copyright 2012 by Annie Pelle

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return toSmashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is the final book of the Stage West series. Thank you and I hope you have enjoyed the series. The links to the first two books are at the end of this book.

Chapter 1

Sometime during the Fall

Anna was worried and watchful as the limousine that was taking her and her foster son, Jimmy, to fulfill his last wish. He wanted to be a cowboy and ride a horse. Anna had found a foundation online and through contact with the president, she was en-route to Stage West. Stage West was a ranch not too far from Phoenix where she was a pediatrician.

Where are we going Mama Anna? Jimmy asked quietly as he too looked out the window of the big car as he called it.

It is a surprise, sweetie Anna answered turning to give him a big smile

Will I like the surprise? Jimmy asked uncertainly

Yes, you will love it. Anna answered

Mama Anna, I feel good today.

I am very glad about that sweetie. You will enjoy your surprise more if you feel good.

Why do we have suitcases?

It is part of the surprise.

The limousine pulled into the driveway of Stage West. This ranch was the home of the Matthews’ family and they had graciously let Anna and Jimmy come stay with them for the weekend.

What is this place, Mama Anna?

This is Stage West.

I see the barns.

Guess what is in those barns?

Are there horses I can ride? Jimmy asked with a huge smile

Yes, sweetie. You are going to get to ride a horse.

Cool! he said turning to look out the window again

The car pulled up in front of the house and the chauffeur exited his seat and moved to open the door for Anna. Thank you Anna said turning to help Jimmy from the car

Welcome to Stage West Anna heard as Jimmy stepped from the car Anna turned to greet the voice that had called to them. My name is Gabby Cates but call everyone here calls me Mama

I am Anna and this is Jimmy. Anna said placing her hand on Jimmy’s shoulder

Hi Jimmy. We are so glad you could come to visit us. Gabby spoke as she held out her hand to Jimmy. Jimmy shook her hand gently

Come on in and get settled Gabby said turning to lead them into the house

Gabby led them to their rooms for the weekend and showed them around the house. David will be here soon to take you down to the barns to see the horses. Sarah will also be here shortly.

Thank you for letting us come for a visit. Anna spoke

We love company. Gabby answered

Come into the kitchen with me and wait for the others. Gabby said leading them to the kitchen

Anna and Jimmy had only been seated in the kitchen with Gabby for a few minutes when they were joined by a tall cowboy and two beautiful women.

Welcome called one of the women I’m Sarah Dawson she said as she reached to shake hands with Anna

It is nice to finally meet you said Anna thank you for arranging this.

We are glad you could come replied Sarah as she turned to introduce the other two that had entered the kitchen with her this is David Matthews and his sister Lindsay Matthews, two of the owners of Stage West.

Welcome they both said as they reach to shake hands with Anna and Jimmy.

Hey cowboy, are you ready to ride? David asked kneeling next to Jimmy’s chair

Yes, sir he replied politely

"Well, first of all you can’t ride until you look like a cowboy. Why don’t you and Anna go with Lindsay and see if she can make you look like a cowboy."

Jimmy turned to look at Anna who nodded at him and moved to stand. Lindsay came to stand by Jimmy and leaned down to whisper to him Follow me; we have a surprise for you.

Jimmy reached for Anna’s hand and they followed Lindsay to her office. Lindsay opened the door and all three entered. Jimmy was directed by Lindsay to go open the big box that was sitting on the couch in her office. Anna nodded at Jimmy that it was okay when he looked at her to gain her permission.

Jimmy went over to the box and opened it very carefully. Inside of the box was a pair of boots, a cowboy hat and chaps that were his size. He grabbed the hat and put it on his head. Look Mama Anna! A cowboy hat in my size.

Wow that is so cool. Anna replied

Thank you Lindsay Jimmy said

You are welcome. Why don’t you put on the boots and I’ll help you put the chaps on and then you will look like a cowboy and can go for a ride.

Jimmy sat down on the couch and took his shoes off as Anna moved to assist him in putting on the boots. Lindsay came closer as he held up the chaps.

These are a little bit hard to do by yourself. Lindsay said reaching to show him how to put them on and buckling them for him. How do they fit?

I’m a real cowboy now! Jimmy exclaimed

Yes you are! retorted Anna

Let’s go to the barn. Lindsay said standing beside him. We have lots of horses for you to look at and then my friend Nick is going to take you for a ride.

Lindsay, Anna and Jimmy entered the barn a few minutes later and met up with Sarah and David again.

Hey you are a cowboy now exclaimed Sarah and Jimmy smiled a big smile at her.

Do you want to look at my horses? David asked Jimmy

Jimmy nodded and David took his hand to lead him to the horse stalls. As they approached one of the horses, David introduced Jimmy to Nick. This is Nick David said to Jimmy He is my good friend and he is going to take you for a ride.

Hi Jimmy Nick said reaching to shake his hand let’s go pick out your favorite horse so we can go for a ride.

Nick, David and Jimmy wandered between the different aisles of the barn until Jimmy finally chose the horse he wanted to ride. This is Star Dancer and this is Sarah’s horse. She will be thrilled you picked this horse to ride. Nick said. David is going to take you back to the corral while I saddle this horse and then we can ride.

Jimmy nodded and went with David back to the corral where Sarah, Lindsay and Anna waited for them. I picked out a horse Mama Anna! Jimmy explained

Does the horse have a name? she questioned back to him

Jimmy looked to David and David leaned down to whisper the name to him. Star Dancer Jimmy repeated what David had whispered to him

You picked my horse and I am so glad. Sarah exclaimed I can’t ride her but I am glad you will be able too.

Nick approached leading the horse. He opened the gate of the corral and went in. After closing the gate, he mounted up and exercised the horse for a few minutes. When he came up to the fence again, David took Jimmy by the hand and led him into the corral.

Come on cowboy Nick said to Jimmy let’s ride.

David lifted Jimmy to sit in front of Nick on the saddle. Are you okay? Nick asked him

Jimmy nodded and looked at his Mama Anna and waved. Have fun. Anna called as Nick started to move around the corral.

David moved back to where Sarah and Anna were standing. Anna was smiling through the tears running down her face. He looks so happy. She whispered. Sarah put her arm around Anna and gave her a gentle hug. Thank you for arranging this Sarah and thank you David for allowing us to come here.

You are welcome. David answered We are glad to do it.

Nick and Jimmy rode by a couple of times and Jimmy had a huge smile on his face. Look Mama Anna, I am a real cowboy.

Anna took some pictures of them as they stopped near the fence. She took a picture of Nick with Jimmy and David with Jimmy. She wanted to remember this day when her Jimmy was gone.

David walked Jimmy back to Anna. Nick went to take Star Dancer back to her stall. The group followed him so that Jimmy could look at the horses again. Anna could tell that Jimmy was wearing out so she told him it was time for him to rest for a while.

Please let me stay down here. I want to be with the horses.

Sorry sweetie, you need to rest.

Hey cowboy David called The horses will still be here later. We will ride again.

Jimmy took Anna’s hand and headed back to the house. Sarah walked with them and joined Gabby in the kitchen as Anna went with Jimmy to get him settled.

Did he enjoy the ride? Gabby asked Sarah

Yes, Nick was so wonderful with him.

Kids and horses are Nick’s two favorite things and both love him.

Then why isn’t he married and having some kids of his own? Sarah asked

He will. He is waiting for someone really special I believe. Gabby said with a secret smile. She had her opinions on who his bride should be but for once she wasn’t butting in on his business.

Anna returned to the kitchen and Gabby fed them a snack and they all sat down to talk for a while. Lindsay wandered in and David wandered in and they asked about Jimmy and how she became his foster mother.

Jimmy was a patient of one of the other doctors in my practice. Once, when I was on call he was admitted to the hospital and I went to see him. He captured my heart right away, but this trip was also when the cancer was discovered again.

Again? asked David

Yes, he had gone through treatment before. answered Anna

How sad. Added Sarah

Anna nodded Jimmy’s mother was young and single and the first time through the treatment had been very hard for her. She was barely making ends meet and when he got sick again, she knew she couldn’t handle it again. Physically, emotionally or financially. She tried but after his first treatment of chemotherapy, Jimmy was really sick. He ended up in the hospital for several days. One day his mother just stopped coming to the hospital to see him.

Why? asked David

Well, we had to have the police track her down and find out. She was afraid to take any more time off from work and she just couldn’t handle him anymore.

And then what happened? queried David

She signed him over to the state and my colleague mentioned it to me and I went to the state and requested to be his foster mother.

Had you ever been a foster mother before? asked Gabby

Yes, I am usually just an emergency home for a couple of nights until more permanent placement can be found for the child. But I requested to be more permanent with Jimmy. As a doctor, I knew what to expect with the chemotherapy.

And his mother?

She isn’t around. I did go see her once not too long ago; she needed to know he wasn’t going to live very long. I know she loves him but she isn’t ready to deal with a sick child. She is barely nineteen.

Nineteen? gasped Gabby But Jimmy is five, right?

Yes, she had him when she was fourteen. She had an unhappy home life and thought this boy loved her and so she slept with him and got pregnant. Her family stepped up and helped her until she was eighteen but then after that she was on her own.

What did she say when you told her? David asked

She was distraught. I told her I would call her when, well you know. Anna answered beginning to tear up

It is definitely terminal? Gabby asked

Yes Anna answered It is, and his body just can’t take anymore treatments. I am so glad he feels good today for this trip. I can’t tell you how much it means to him and to me.

David answered that it was our pleasure and the topics moved on to other things. Dalton Matthews walked into the kitchen a few minutes later and was introduced to Anna.

Anna, this is my fiancé Dalton. Dalton, this is Anna James.

Welcome to Stage West. Aren’t you missing someone? Dalton asked looking for a child

Anna laughed He is sleeping for now. He rode earlier and was worn out completely. Actually, I’d better go check on him. She said excusing herself from the group

How did he do? Dalton asked as she left

He had a great time. David answered It is very sad and happy at the same time.

Dalton nodded Who rode with him?

Nick took him. David answered again. They rode Star Dancer. He said looking at Sarah

Did that make you feel sad? Dalton asked Sarah

No, I was glad he picked her. At least someone had fun on her. Sarah’s illness kept her from being able to ride horses. Dalton leaned over and kissed her in sympathy.

Anna and Jimmy wandered back into the kitchen a few minutes later. He was still tired and sat quietly on Anna’s lap. Nick wandered in also a few minutes later and headed to sit by Jimmy.

Hey cowboy. How was your rest? he asked Jimmy

Good, I’m still tired though. Jimmy answered

That’s okay. I am tired after I ride too. Do you want to come watch some TV with me in the den?

Jimmy looked at Anna for permission and she nodded yes. You’ll probably have to carry him. He says his legs hurt.

Not a problem. Come on buddy. Nick said gently lifting him They will call us when it is time to eat. Nick left with Jimmy and the adults went back to having their conversation.

He likes kids doesn’t he?

Yes answered Gabby And they like him.

He is so gentle with him.

You should see him with a horse. responded Lindsay He retrains horses so they can be ridden again and he is so gentle with them.

Animals and kids are a great judge of character. answered Anna

The conversation in the kitchen continued until Anna decided she needed to check on Jimmy. David rose to show her the way to the den. Jimmy was sitting on Nick’s lap asleep when she got there. I’m sorry. She rushed to Nick. I didn’t think he would go back to sleep so soon. She said moving to pick Jimmy up.

He is fine where he is. Just let him sleep for a while. I don’t mind. Nick answered stopping her

But?

It is okay Anna. I promise. Nick said gently

Okay, if you are sure?

I’m sure.

I’ll be back in a few minutes then. She answered getting to her feet. She stopped at the door and looked back at Nick and Jimmy. Nick nodded to her again to reassure her.

Would you like to see the rest of the facilities while he is sleeping? David asked thinking she needed to get a few minutes to herself.

Yes, but I probably shouldn’t leave Jimmy with Nick. She answered

Jimmy is fine with Nick and if Nick needs help there are four people in the kitchen to help him. And if he needs you, they will call me on my cell phone. He rushed to explain as she tried to make another excuse.

Okay. I would love to see the rest of this beautiful ranch. Anna answered giving in

Come on. David said leading her to the kitchen to tell the others where they would be if they were needed.

David and Anna walked around past the pool area and then wandered down to the south barn. This barn is mostly used for the breeding program. We keep the mares separate but close to the studs for a few days before we put them together.

I did a little research on Stage West after I talked with Sarah. From what I read, your program is the best in the country.

We have done very well at it yes. David answered without modesty

Anna chuckled at his answer and continued to walk down the aisle. These horses are beautiful. Are they are yours?

No, most of them aren’t mine. We have others contact us and we run statistics and variables on their horses and try to pair them up with a horse already in the database or registry.

Anna was just about to ask a question when David’s phone rang. Hi Gabby, what’s up?

Dinner is ready and Jimmy is asking for Anna. He is fine, but he wants to see her.

We will be right there. He answered hanging up. Dinner is ready and Jimmy is awake and asking for you.

Is something wrong with him?

No, she said there wasn’t, he just wants to see you. He said leading her from the barn.

Sometimes when he doesn’t feel well, he wants me around all the time.

Do you have someone that helps you out?

Yes, my entire staff at the clinic. They love him as much as I do. I bring him to work with me and that way he is near me all day and near medical care if need be.

David and Anna returned to the kitchen through the mudroom so they could wash up. As they entered the kitchen, Anna spotted Jimmy with Nick and went to see him.

Hi Mama Anna he said as she approached

Hi sweetie, how are you? she asked

I don’t feel so good. My legs hurt. He answered

Do you want some medicine? she asked always giving him the say if he wanted more medicine

Yes, please Mama

Okay, let’s go to the room and get it. She said moving to pick him up

I’ll carry him if it is okay with Jimmy? David said as he moved closer

Jimmy nodded and David picked him up gently and followed Anna out of the kitchen.

Thanks David she said as they reached their rooms. This will take a while, please go eat and I’ll be down later. I’m sorry about this.

No need to be sorry. I can bring you all up some food if you want to eat in here. David offered

No. That would be too much trouble. We will be down later if he feels like it.

David nodded and left. As he returned to the kitchen he saw that Gabby and Lindsay were already preparing the trays to take food up to them. He carried one and Nick carried one and they returned to Anna’s room. Anna answered the door at their knock.

David started right away to explain. Gabby doesn’t let people go without food in her house. She was already preparing the trays when I got back to the kitchen.

Thank you. She said opening the door for them

Hi buddy. Nick said to Jimmy as he placed the tray on the coffee table in the room.

Hi Jimmy answered from the bed where he was hooked up to the IV.

What’s all this? Nick asked Your own special food? My mama makes great food.

It isn’t food. Jimmy answered exasperated It is my medicine. It helps me feel better.

It is a good thing, we have more horses to ride tomorrow and a creek to go see.

Jimmy looked to Anna and she nodded at him. You will get a good night’s sleep and you will feel better tomorrow so you can go with Nick.

Jimmy looked back at Nick and nodded. Nick talked to Jimmy for a few minutes while David motioned for her to eat.

After she finished she helped Jimmy to eat while he and Nick played a card game. Jimmy was getting sleepy as the IV finished. Anna unhooked him from the IV and tucked him in the covers. He went right to sleep as Nick and David left the room.

Call us if you need something. David urged as she said good night.

Thank you for everything. I’m sorry he isn’t feeling very well.

No need to apologize. We knew he was really sick. David as he stood in the hall

Later that night, David was sitting quietly in the dark by the pool when the back door opened and Anna walked out. She walked slowly to the pool and sat down in one of the chairs.

Anna? David said quietly. Anna startled and gasped. I’m sorry. I didn’t know how to let you know I was out here. David said moving to sit in a chair near her How’s Jimmy?

Sleeping peacefully for now. She said pointing at the monitor she had in her hand

Are you okay? Why aren’t you asleep?

I will soon. I needed to escape for a few minutes. She said beginning to get tears in her eyes

How much longer? David asked gently

Not much. The pain in his legs is the cancer spreading through his bones. He is tough but that pain can be awful.

Will you call us? When…

Yes, and I know I have said this a bunch of times today, but Thank you for making his wish come true.

It was our pleasure. David said

Anna sat back in the chair and enjoyed the quiet night. They didn’t talk and were comfortable in the silence.

I better get back into the room in case he needs me. Anna stated several minutes later I’ll see you in the morning.

Good night Anna David answered

The next morning, Anna carried Jimmy down to the breakfast table. Jimmy was already dressed in his chaps and boots.

Hi Cowboy David called

Hi he answered back

Are you ready to ride again? David asked

Jimmy nodded as Anna sat him in the chair next to David.

Good, Nick is going to take you for a ride on his horse to the creek while Anna and Sarah follow you in the four-wheeler.

Cool Jimmy answered looking at David and Nick

Anna placed a plate of food in front of Jimmy and then sat down next to him to enjoy her own. Sarah was sitting next to Anna.

How is he? Sarah whispered

Tired and weak. He says the pain is better though. Anna whispered back

After they had finished eating, everybody but Gabby walked down to the barn and saddled up their horses.

Would you rather ride? David asked Anna

Not today. I can ride but I didn’t bring my gear with me.

David lifted Jimmy up to Nick and then helped Anna into the four-wheeler. Nick and Jimmy led the way to the creek as Dalton, Lindsay, David rode behind them and Sarah and Anna followed behind.

You don’t ride? Anna asked Sarah

I used too. I loved it, but I have an illness myself and it is impossible and dangerous for me to ride.

Can I ask what is wrong with you?

I have Meniere’s Disease. Sarah answered

Yuck. I have heard that is unpleasant at times.

Yes, it is.

That is where the foundation comes from?

Yes, I needed to help others like myself.

It is a great foundation. I researched you before I called you up to see if you could help me.

I’m glad you called me.

Anna nodded and they talked about more things as they followed behind the horses to the creek. When Nick and Jimmy reached the creek, Nick asked Jimmy if he wanted to get down and go to the water.

No, I’m too tired. Jimmy answered Where is Mama Anna?

She is right over there. Nick said pointing as Anna and Sarah came into view. Do you need her?

Jimmy nodded and Nick motioned Anna over to him. Hi sweetie. Did you like your ride? Anna said