Seeing Daylight by Tanya Hanson Page B

seemed only to grab at air when she reached out. “I know,” she said. “Things can change on a dime, that’s for sure. But remember, you didn’t lose your life.”
    Even she heard the rip of pain in her voice.
    “I heard he fell at Cheyenne Bluff.”
    “He tried to climb down on his own.” Pain wracked her, and Jace grimaced. He’d swum there enough to know about the inviting but dangerous place. “He should have...oh, it was just so stupid.”
    “Shoulda used the ropes.” He breathed harsh again. “I hear ya. About doing something stupid.”
    Pre-emptive strike. “Jace, I’m not a personal injury lawyer.”
    “No, no. I just meant.” He slapped the thigh of his good leg. “I did this to myself. I was competing in Pillsberry, South Dakota, waiting to win the ‘Pecos’ buckle.”
    “Impressive.” She meant it. The Coleman ‘Pecos’ Willer Memorial Bull Riding Championship invited only the crème de la crème.
    Jace shrugged. “But the day before, I got the word my divorce was final. I mean, I knew it was comin.’” He looked past Rachel, and she read his expression easily. He was seeing back into another life. “And I set to drinking hard. All night long. Something I just don’t do.”
    He groaned. “I shoulda dropped out of the competition next morning. I was so hung over I couldn’t see. But I wanted to win. Wanted Peggy to see what she’d be missin.’ I think that bull threw me thirty feet into the air. Least that’s what it felt like.”
    Pain seared his voice, but her pity fled. It was self-inflicted, all of it. His eyes glazed with tears, but her heart didn’t soften much. “So I know all about doing something stupid and your life changing on a dime. But I didn’t...didn’t mean to...”
    They both stayed silent. Part of her wanted to tell him she was sorry, but she was tired of trying to understand men’s egos. Life was full of disappointment, maybe as much as joy. Yet...deep down she knew Nick hadn’t meant to, either. He had wanted to live the life he’d lived with her. Before. Without the counselors, the meds. Without all the ropes to keep him in place.
    Something warm touched her cheek again. A blast from the heater? But words started to pound in her head. Put your hand in My hand. My power will hold you firm. Trust Me. Tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, I will care for you. I will rejoice with you and hold you close….
    Jace’s hand thumped his thigh again, and she remembered her calling to help others, to listen, to assist. Just like God promised her.
    Just like He’d done now, untying her own knots of regret and guilt.
    Jace broke into her thoughts. “Well, thing is, Rachel. I’ve got a custody thing going on.”
    They were back to business. “Jace, I don’t do family law either. But I can recommend a fine firm in Denver.”
    His good-looking face blushed an even darker red. “I…”
    “I know them, Jace.” She reckoned he couldn’t afford a big-time firm, so she added, softly. “You’ll be able to negotiate decent terms, you know. With no income coming in.”
    With a grim chuckle, he shook his head. “Nah. I’ve got money put away. But I don’t want somebody I don’t know thinking I’m a fool.”
    “I’m not sure I understand.” And she didn’t. Local hearsay had indicated the Bennett divorce had been an amicable one, with joint custody and no acrimony.
    “I just want my dog back.” Jace’s voice was as firm as his good foot hitting the ground in emphasis.
    “What?” Was he kidding?
    “I mean it, Rachel. Peggy took him for the kids. Which means I got nobody at home waiting for me. Drifter could keep my toes warm at night. I could walk him, keep my sorry leg exercised. Get stronger.”
    Rachel wanted to smile but Jace seemed dead serious. “Jace, I can’t deny dogs are a big part of one’s life. But your kids love Drifter. He’s part of their lives, too. Why not start over with another dog? The shelter in Promise is full of