Hers For Keeps

Dream.

Kendall Torres thought it was a dream as she stepped out of Sheridan County Airport. She took a deep breath of the early autumn air. The gentle breeze played her shoulder-length chestnut hair, while the early afternoon sun caressed her pale, makeup-free face.

“I’m finally here. It’s a dream come true,” she murmured to herself. A little smile played on her cherry lips, while her eyes roamed around to see if her sponsor was already there, waiting for her to pick her up. Other people came and went with their friends or loved ones, she noticed.

Her chocolate-colored eyes were unblinking as she looked for that familiar bald-headed middle-aged man, who had a pot belly. She wouldn’t be mistaken once she’d see David, even if it would be their first time to meet. But it wasn’t, since he and his family visited her in the Philippines twice—when her mother died and when she graduated college.

“Kenny, hey!”

She heard that jolly deep voice, calling her by his favorite pet name. She usually heard it on the phone, and now it was even more vivid in person. Her heart pounded, and her smile grew wider as she turned in that direction, which was to her right.

“David!” She almost jumped in excitement and embraced the man she’d known for over fifteen years through constant correspondence. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t come right away…”

The green-eyed man hugged her warmly and kissed her cheek. “No worries, Kenny sweetheart. But finally, you’re here!”

The corner of her eyes grew hot as she smiled at the not-so-tall man. “Thank you! I don’t know how I can ever repay you for this.”

He held her by the shoulders to look into her eyes. “How many times should we go over this? You’re the one who’s going to do me and Angela a favor, alright?”

“But...” she trailed off, shrugging her shoulders.

“You’re so grateful and blah, blah, blah! Come on! Do you want to eat at the best local steakhouse?” He touched her elbow before he took her one and only light blue luggage, which had four small wheels.

Kendall didn’t bring a lot of clothes with her. She made sure to bring some little things as gifts for David and his wife, which she bought in the Philippines. She was sure they’d love the dried mangoes and tamarind candies. The couple loved sweets! She used to send him some through a courier, as he wanted to try the different Philippine delicacies. But well, that was through the money he sent to her for her allowance. She would set aside a little so that she could send him and Angela something when occasions call for it, just like their birthdays.

“Yes! I’d like to eat at your favorite place—at Sally’s!” she beamed, following him toward where he parked the black truck. She used to hear about the place as the couple loved Sally’s steaks.

David placed the luggage in the back and opened the door at the front passenger seat. He closed it when she was settled. She smiled when she saw a picture of him with his beloved Angela, his equally adorable wife, hanging on the rear view mirror. It was a laminated wallet-sized picture. David was kissing Angela’s cheek. It was a sweet gesture. The two of them really looked happy. She remembered she had a copy of it, and it was taken by Jack, as she was informed.

She was ten when she got the sponsorship from the couple, and they helped her finish college. She was one of the lucky child recipients for educational financial assistance from foreigners. This was why she wanted to give anything back and do anything she could to help David and Angela. Now that the couple were mourning for the loss of their one and only child Jack because of a horse race incident over a week ago. It was truly devastating for the couple. Their sweet son was only twenty.

They walked into the steakhouse. The smell of steak, oil, grease, beer, coffee, fries, and others wafted into Kendall’s nostrils. There was a small crowd of people inside, and they all looked at her and greeted David as they sat at a corner. The small table was white and clean. The place was kept clean, she noticed, in spite of the coming and going of people around here. She already loved the place.

“So, is this your ‘other’ child?” asked a dark-haired woman in her fifties asked, placing their orders in front of them. Her distinct Wyoming accent was noticeable.

David chuckled. “Yes, you’re so sharp, Sally!”

Sally rolled her eyes with her hands on her hips. “We’re tight around here, you know that. And it was...” She shrugged before she continued to speak. “Well... Jack used to brag about his ‘sister’ coming here in a month or so.” She then let out a sad, big sigh.

Kendall looked down on her plate. She met Jack when she graduated college, and she loved him. He was such a good and happy boy. She treated him like a brother, too. So, when she heard about his death and couldn’t come because of the things she had to settle first before coming over, she was really hurt and sad about it. She wanted to be there for Angela and David who were there for her when her mom died. But she wasn’t able to. And yet, the couple understood her predicament, and they already knew about the booked flight was days after the burial.

“You missed your brother’s funeral,” Sally added, her blue-gray eyes looked regretful.

Kendall nodded. “I’m so sorry for that.”

She nodded. “Well...” She turned to David. “I think you’ll have a great company nonetheless,” she said meaningfully before she gestured in the air and left.

Kendall and David looked at each other after watching Sally’s retreating back.

They both thought it was her that Sally was talking about.

“So, a couple of days and you’ll be all set at the ranch,” said David as they started to eat their fries and steak.

Kendall nodded with a smile. “I believe so.”

“You’ll have Trent to give you a hand, don’t worry. He just lives a couple of miles away. Angela and I only want to leave the place to a talented person like you, whom we can fully trust. Besides, you’re family. That’s the most important thing.”

Her eyes watered at the sound of it.

Family.

She never had one except for her mom, who died almost a decade ago, leaving her all alone in the world. If it were not for David and Angela who constantly talked to her on Skype or on the phone, she had no idea if she could ever get over her loss. So, she understood how the couple felt right now over Jack’s early departure from the world of the living.

“Do you think I can find him?” she asked, almost in a whisper.

David smiled a little, his green eyes almost regretful. He reached out to pat her hand.

“Let’s be positive, alright?”

She swallowed her food. She tried to believe him. She had to believe that her other dream would finally come true.

“Oh, here’s for you. You can bring it and give it to Angela,” Sally came up to them again, giving them a pack of candies.

She looked at them. “What’s this?” she asked curiously.

“Car-muhl, sweetheart,” she replied with a smile. But Kendall couldn’t seem to get it because of the woman’s accent. “You know… that sticky thing, which is buttery sweet confection? It’s just as delicious on its own as it is wrapped around an apple… or nuts wrapped in it… or it’s even melted and drizzled over ice cream?”

“Ah, caramel!” She realized with a nod and a smile.

“You got it, Kenny sweetheart!” Sally smiled and winked at her. “You share it with Angela.”

“Thank you!” she gratefully said. So did David.

Sally left them to cater another customer that just came in.

Meanwhile, David was about to eat a piece of his steak when his phone rang. She saw his brows furrow when he checked his phone for the caller.

“Hello? What? You’re on the ranch?”