Follow a Wild Heart: A Christian Contemporary Western Romance Series by Natalie Bright (top reads .TXT) 📗

Brad climbed down to the floor and came over to Nathan, placing his hand on the young man’s shoulder.

“And in case you missed the part about learning and teaching, here I am. Willing to teach.”

“Why are you doing this for me?”

“I see the passion burning in your eyes. Follow your art, Son. But, there’s just one catch,” Brad said, again with one of his frequent smiles.

“I can pay for lessons. That’s no problem. I’d want to pay you for teaching me.”

Brad was quiet for a few seconds. “Now, Son, don’t insult me. This is the older generation passing down what I know to the younger generation. In fact, I’m also teaching Tad so you are welcome to join us. But if you want to talk about money, I will. And it’s not you paying me. It would be the school paying you.”

Nathan was totally confused. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve been teaching classes at the community college. All kinds of art. I put on demonstrations, but I’m wanting to slow down. I’m seventy-five, you know, and I could use an apprentice.”

Nathan was speechless. The turmoil in his mind running over and over was how would he explain this to his father. There would be consequences, no doubt about it.

“You might’ve noticed my Tilly. She had a stroke a couple of years ago and also might have the onset of Alzheimer’s. Sometimes she forgets things like our son Ryan being gone. Luckily, she still knows me and Tad and our other kids. I want to be here more for her in our later years. This will get you off your ranch for a while and get you involved with our local art community. Then when you have free time, come here and work with me and Tad.”

Nathan never had his mouth open so much in one day without any words coming out.

“I also work with a gallery in Santa Fe. It would help me to have someone who can be my liaison. Haul pieces for showings, stuff like that. It’s getting where I can’t leave Tilly by herself. If she can travel, we usually spend the summers there. You could use the guest room, be our house-sitter when we’re not in town.”

Just then Tad entered the barn. “I heard my name, Grandpa. What’s going on?”

Again, Brad’s smile lit up the room. “I was telling Nathan about my college class and also about him working with us here, like you and I discussed. You’re busy with high school.” Brad turned to Nathan. “He’s our youngest grandkid and a senior this year. I'm thankful for the opportunity to teach the next generation. What do you think? And you’re okay with Nathan hanging out here. Am I right, Tad?”

“Right as rain, Grandpa. We can all learn from each other. Can we start now?”

They all laughed. Nathan had to admit the young boy's enthusiasm was contagious.

Brad grabbed Tad around the shoulders almost in a wrestling move. “How’d I get so lucky to have a grandson like you, Mr. Theodore?”

Tad grinned and hugged his grandpa. “Must be your right living. God is rewarding you.”

“I didn’t always live so right, Tad. You know the old stories.”

Nathan was still a bit in shock and finally found his tongue. “I can’t thank you enough, Brad. Are you sure about all of this?”

“Of course.” Grabbing Tad again, he said, “We’re sure. Aren’t we, Tad? You'll always be my blood relative apprentice. Nathan can assist me at the college. Then when you're ready, you can apprentice there.”

“Sure, Grandpa. One hundred percent sure.” And with that, Tad shook Nathan’s hand.

“There’s lots of opportunity for both of you here, if you want to learn,” Travers said. “Assist at the college or I can introduce you to the art scene in Santa Fe.”

Suddenly in the doorway, Carli appeared. “Wow!” She looked up at the towering Indian brave. “That’s amazing! Did you make this, Brad?”

Nathan grabbed her hand. “He did. It’s an incredible piece of work.”

"And one day Nathan will be doing work like this." Brad placed a hand on Nathan's "good" shoulder and they both smiled a smile of camaraderie and gratefulness.

Nathan saw Carli's questioning look. "I'll explain it all to you on the ride home."

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Carli followed Nathan to the truck. He opened the passenger side and said, “Get in.” As she walked up beside him, he suddenly lifted her off her feet and swung her around. He bobbled a little as he wasn't in the best form. She grabbed hold of his arms to steady herself and in stilted, out of breath speech, said, “Nate! Put me down. Be careful. You'll hurt your shoulder. Where’s your sling?”

Thankful they had parked out of sight of the Travers’ front windows Carli was embarrassed by Nathan’s sudden display of affection.

“I’m going to study under Brad and learn everything I can. This is huge, Carli!” His smile was as big as a Cheshire cat, in a good way.

He set her down on solid ground but wasn’t done yet. Grabbing her around the waist, he bent his head and planted a firm kiss on her mouth. Holding it there for a few seconds, his lips were warm and searching. His eyes closed but hers were wide open in shock.

“Nate! Slow down. I need to catch my breath.” She pushed against his chest.

They had kissed before. Maybe once. Or twice. She couldn’t remember. It wasn’t that memorable. No sparks whatsoever. This one was different though. For him. She could tell he was serious.

“Carli, I’m so glad you’re here! This is about my art. Things are finally starting to happen. And I want you to be a part of it."

She pushed against his chest until he released her and she took a step back. Her forehead wrinkled and her face scrunched into an incredulous expression.

“Nate, I’m truly happy for you. I really am, but this is something you have to do. It doesn’t involve me.”

He held her door as she climbed in.

“What about me