“The house plans are ready?”
Savannah looked inordinately proud. “Laredo and I finished going over everything Friday afternoon and gave our approval to the builder. You can’t imagine how much time and effort went into that.”
They reached the car and Grady opened the passenger door so Caroline could set Maggie down. The child didn’t so much as stir when Caroline placed the seat belt around her.
“Seeing as Laredo and I will be gone most of Wednesday, perhaps that would be a good day for you two to get together.” Savannah made the suggestion casually, as though she often arranged her brother’s schedule.
“Ah…” Grady was a little embarrassed by her obviousness.
“I can come over after work,” Caroline said, smiling at him. “But I don’t know if the sitter can keep Maggie.”
“Bring her with you,” Savannah said. “That’ll give the three of you time together. It’s important for Maggie to feel comfortable around Grady.”
He was warming to the idea. “Perhaps we could all go riding,” he said. “I’ve got a nice gentle horse I’ll put you and Maggie on.” He thought it would be fun to show them the herd and stop at a few special spots along the way. He was proud of the Yellow Rose.
“That would be wonderful!” Caroline sounded enthusiastic; her voice and movements seemed animated, even excited.
“Then it’s a date,” Grady said.
“I’ll see you soon.” Savannah turned to leave, hurrying back to the house.
Grady and Caroline stood in the yard, and Maggie slept on contentedly as a cool breeze passed through the open door.
“I’d better get going,” Caroline said.
Grady noticed the reluctance in her words, felt it himself.
“I’m glad we had a little time together, anyway.”
“Me, too.”
There was a moment’s silence, then Caroline did something completely out of character, something that stunned him. Without warning, she stepped forward and kissed him.
Caught by surprise, Grady was slow to react. A second later he clasped her in his arms, so deeply involved in the kiss that he didn’t care who saw them. Even Richard.
Neither one of them was able to breathe properly when the kiss ended. Their balance seemed to be affected, too. Grady gripped her elbows and she held on to his waist.
Their eyes met and she smiled the softest, sweetest, sexiest smile he’d ever seen.
“What was that for?” he asked, his voice thick with passion.
“For saving Maggie.”
“Oh.” He cleared his throat. “I once saved a wounded falcon.”
She kissed his cheek.
“It was hurt real bad.”
Her lips inched closer to his.
“Richard broke his arm when he was eight and I carried him home. Will you reward me with a kiss for that, as well?”
“Grady!” she pro tested with a laugh. “Enough.”
He loved the sound of her laughter. Because he wanted to hold her one last time, he scooped her into his arms and swung her around. Throwing back her head, she continued to laugh with such sheer joy it infected his very soul. They hugged for a long time afterward, content simply to be in each other’s arms.
This was heaven, Grady told himself. Heaven in its purest form.
GLEN WAS AT FRASIER FEED early Tuesday evening just as he’d promised. Ellie’d had a long grueling day; not only was the store exception ally busy, their wedding was less than a month away and there was an endless list of things that needed to be done.
“I’m glad you’re on time,” she said, smiling at him, loving him. She marveled again at how they’d both been so in credibly blind to their feelings. Obtuse was the word for the pair of them.
“Hey, when was I ever late?” Glen teased.
Ellie rolled her eyes and hung the Closed sign in the shop window. She started toward the office where she kept her purse, but hadn’t gone far when Glen caught her hand and stopped her.
“Not so soon. Aren’t you going to let me know how pleased you are to see me?”
“I see you every day,” she reminded him.
“We aren’t even married and already you’re treating me like an old hat.” He wore a woebegone look.
Laughing, Ellie locked her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss he wouldn’t soon forget. Neither would she.
“Oh, baby,” he whispered, his eyes closed. “How much longer until the wedding?”
“Less than a month.” Her head buzzed with everything they still needed to do, to decide and plan. “Some times I wish we could just run away and get married.”
“That idea appeals to me more and more,” he murmured.
Ellie was tempted herself, but reason soon took over. “Your mother and mine would never forgive us.”
“In that case, let’s live in sin and give them something to really be upset about.”
Despite herself, Ellie giggled. “You always make me laugh.”
“I’m glad to know you find me a source of entertainment.”
“Always,” she joked, kissing him again, lightly this time.
He released her with a reluctance that warmed her heart. Ellie retrieved her purse from the office and tucked in her to-do list.
“When are we scheduled to meet with the Realtor?” Glen asked.
“Not until seven.” Where they would live had been a major decision. If she moved out to the ranch with Glen and Cal, she’d be commuting to Promise each day. If Glen moved into town, then he’d be the one commuting. In the end they’d decided to buy a house in town. Glen would continue working with his brother for a number of years, but hoped someday to start his own spread. When the time came, they’d buy a ranch closer to town, but that was years in the future.
Glen checked his watch. “Do we have time for a quick bite to eat?”
“If you want.”
He growled. “I’m starving.”
“All right, cowboy, let’s stop at the Chili Pepper for a quick sandwich.”
Only a few months ago Ellie’s life had been empty enough to swallow her whole. Her father had died, and then her mother had unexpectedly sold the family home and moved to Chicago. For the first time in her life Ellie had been utterly alone. That was when she realized how much she’d come to rely on her best friend—and eventually know how much she loved him.
They walked to the restaurant and managed to get a booth. Both were familiar enough with the menu not to need one. Ellie ordered the barbecue sandwich and a side of potato salad, and Glen chose a slab of the baby back ribs. He also asked for a pitcher of ice-cold beer.
“Dovie took me to lunch this afternoon,” Ellie said when the beer arrived.
“Anything going on with her these days?”
“She wanted to know how the wedding plans were coming along, and…” Ellie hesitated.
“And?” he prodded, pouring them each a beer.
“Have you met Dr. Dickinson yet?”
“Doc Cummings’s replacement? Not officially. Why?”
“Dovie asked if I’d, you know, take her under my wing.”
“The doctor?” Glen set his mug down on the table.
“Apparently she’s not adjusting to life in Promise.”
Glen relaxed against the red vinyl upholstery. “How do you mean?”
“She doesn’t fit in, and Dovie seems to think what she really needs is a friend, someone to introduce her to people, show her the ropes.”
“Do you have time for this?” Glen asked, zeroing in on Ellie’s own concern.
“Not just now.”
“Don’t think you’re going to have a lot of spare time once we’re married, either,” he said with a twinkle in his eyes. “I plan on keeping you occupied myself.”
“Oh, really?” Although she enjoyed bantering with him, Ellie could feel the heat rise in her cheeks.
“What that doctor really needs is something or someone to occupy her time.”
“I suppose you’re going
to suggest a man,” Ellie said.
“You got something against men?”
“Just a minute.” Ellie put down her mug too quickly, then used her napkin to wipe up the spilled beer. “You just might be on to something here.”
Glen frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Why don’t we introduce the new doc to Cal?” An idea was be ginning to take shape in her mind and fast gaining momentum.
“My brother?” Glen sounded incredulous.
“Yes, your brother!” She snorted. “Do you know any other Cal?”
Glen stared at her as if seeing her for the first time. “You’re not serious, are you?”
“Yes, I am. They’re perfect for each other.”
Glen slapped the side of his head, pretending there was something wrong with his hearing. “Let me get this straight. The woman I love, the very one who couldn’t see the forest for the trees, is about to take on the role of match maker.”
“It only makes sense.”
“You haven’t even met the woman.”
“I most certainly have,” Ellie pro tested.
“When?”
“The Cattlemen’s Association Dance,” she informed him primly, neglecting to mention that it had been a ten-second conversation and they’d done nothing more than exchange first names.
“Okay, Ms. Romance Expert, explain to me why you think my brother should meet this Mary.”
“Her name is Jane.”
“Jane,” he corrected. “What’s so special about her?”
“I don’t know,” Ellie was forced to admit. “But I do know one thing….”
“What’s that?”
“Cal needs someone.”
Their meal arrived and Glen reached for a blackened rib and dipped it in the pungent smoky barbecue sauce that was Adam Braunfels’s speciality. “Does Cal know his life is lacking?” he asked.
“Not yet.”
“Are you going to tell him, or are you volunteering me for the job?”
Glen appeared to find her idea highly entertaining, but she ignored his un war ranted amusement. “Neither of us will need to tell him,” she said.
Glen made a show of wiping the sweat from his brow. “Boy, am I relieved.”
“Cal will discover this all on his own.”
“Listen, honey, I hate to burst your bubble, but Cal’s a confirmed bachelor. I don’t even remember the last time he went out on a date. He’s sworn off women for good.”
“You sure about that?”
“Well, it’s been more than two years now, and he still isn’t over Jennifer.”
“Then it’s about time he got over her.” She sounded more confident than she felt, but she wasn’t going to let a little thing like male pride stand in her way. Cal needed someone in his life, but he was too stubborn to realize it. Like most of the male sex he simply needed a little help. She’d aim him in the right direction and leave matters to progress as they would.
Eventually Cal would see the light; he’d figure it out on his own. As soon as she and Glen were married, Cal would be in that ranch house all by himself. It wouldn’t take him long to discover how large and lonely a house could be with just one person living there.
“You look thoughtful,” Glen said.
“It’s going to be up to us.” She nodded firmly.
“Us?” He raised both hands. “Not me! Forget it. If you want to play match maker with my big brother, you go right ahead, but don’t include me.”
A little respect for the validity of her idea—bringing two lonely people together—would have gone a long way, but Glen was having none of it.
“Good luck, sweetheart,” he said, reaching for a French fry. “I have to admire your spirit.”
“I don’t believe in luck,” she told him with the confidence of one who knows. “I believe we shape our own destinies.” And occasionally someone else’s.
LATE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON Caroline drove into the yard of the Yellow Rose Ranch. She’d been looking forward to this all week.
As she parked, the screen door opened off the back porch and Grady stepped outside.
Caroline climbed out of the car, and Maggie slipped her small hand into Caroline’s as he approached.
“Will Grady yell at me?” Maggie whispered.
“Of course not,” Caroline assured her.
Grady smiled at them and it was difficult for Caroline to look away. His face was alight with such pleasure she had to catch her breath. They’d known each other for years, she and Grady; they had a history, most of it un pleas ant. Both were opinionated, strong willed. But she’d always admired Grady, always thought him honorable and decent. She’d carefully guarded her heart for a lot of years, and he was the first man, the only man, to get close enough to make her dream again.
“Hi,” she said, feeling self-conscious.
“Hello.” His gaze left her and traveled to Maggie. He bent down on one knee to be eye to eye with Caroline’s daughter. “How are you, princess?”
“Fine.” Maggie kicked at the dirt with the toe of her shoe and lowered her head to stare at the ground. “I’m sorry I went into the big horse’s stall.”
“You were looking for the colt, weren’t you?”
Maggie nodded and kept her head lowered. When she spoke, even Caroline had trouble understanding her. “I won’t do it again.”
“Good for you,” Grady said. “It’s a wise woman who learns from her mistakes.”
“And man,” Caroline added.
Grady threw back his head and laughed loudly. At the sound Maggie leaped two feet off the ground and flew into her mother’s arms, her own small arms tight around Caroline’s neck.
“What’d you say to her this time?” Richard asked as he sauntered out of the bunk house.
“Richard!” Maggie twisted around, her face wreathed in smiles.
“How’s my cupcake?” Richard asked, holding out his arms to the youngster.
Maggie squirmed free of Caroline’s embrace and hurried toward the other man. Richard cheerfully caught her, lifted her high above his head and swung her around. Maggie shouted with glee.
“What are you doing here?” Grady asked, frowning.
The smile on Richard’s face faded. “This is my home.”
“Not anymore. Nothing here belongs to you.”
The message was clear. Grady was telling his younger brother to keep away from Caroline and Maggie.
Richard laughed as if to say the mere suggestion was ludicrous. “How can you bar me from something that was never yours?” he asked. He switched his attention to Maggie.
“Maggie, I think—” Caroline started, but was interrupted.
“I like Richard!” her daughter cried. “Not Grady, Richard.”
Richard tossed a triumphant gaze at Grady.
“Richard shows me magic tricks and dances with me.”
“Grady saved your life,” Caroline reminded Maggie. After looking forward to this time with Grady all week, she wasn’t about to let Richard ruin it.
Maggie’s head drooped against Richard’s chin and her arms circled his neck. “I still like Richard best.”
“Of course you do,” Richard cooed. “All the women in this town do.”
“Except Ellie Frasier,” Grady said in low tones.
The air between the two men crackled. Richard raised his eyebrows. “Well, well, so my brother knows how to score a point.”
“Caroline and Maggie came here to visit me.”
“If that’s the way you want it,” Richard said and slowly set Maggie down. “I didn’t realize they were your exclusive property. It’s a shame because Caroline and I might have renewed an old acquaintance. We used to be good friends, remember?”
“We were never friends, Richard,” she said, in tensely disliking him.
“So that’s the lay of the land, is it?” Richard said, with a half smile that implied her words had wounded him. As though his heart was capable of entertaining anything other than selfish pursuits, sh
e thought in disgust.
He walked away then, and despite everything, Caroline experienced a twinge of sadness. She regretted the waste of his skills, his potential. She’d known him all her life, but she didn’t really know him. She didn’t think anyone was capable of fully understanding Richard.
Grady reached for her hand. “I’m sorry, Caroline.”
“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”
Maggie didn’t share her opinion, but Caroline wasn’t concerned.
“Would you like some lemonade?” Grady asked her daughter. “I made it specially for you.” He sounded down right pleased with himself.
“That sounds yummy, doesn’t it?” Caroline said.
Maggie didn’t answer.
“We’ll take a glass,” Caroline responded for both of them.
Grady led the way to the kitchen and got out three glasses. “It dawned on me the other day that I’m going to be living the bachelor life in a few months. I never spent much time working in the kitchen, not with Mom around and then Savannah doing all the cooking.” A sadness came over him at the mention of his mother. Grady wasn’t one to openly display his emotions, but Caroline knew that the death of his parents had forever marked him. He never talked about the accident—they’d drowned in a flash flood—or the horrible weeks that followed with the discovery of Richard’s theft and disappearance.
“I suspect Wiley and I’ll starve to death before the end of the first month,” he said, making a light hearted shift of subject. Wiley had been foreman on the Yellow Rose for as long as Caroline could remember.
“I don’t think Savannah will let that happen.”
“Can I play with Savannah’s dolls?” Maggie asked, tugging at her mother’s arm.
“Don’t you want to go riding?” Grady asked, sounding disappointed.
Maggie shook her head; Caroline supposed she’d been scared off by the incident on Sunday. It might be a while before she was interested in horses again. In any event, dolls had always been her first choice.
“You be careful with Savannah’s things, you hear?” Caroline warned.
“I will,” Maggie promised and skipped off, her lemonade un touched.
“She enjoys playing with dolls, doesn’t she?” Grady said.
“More than anything.”
Grady carried their lemonade into the living room and set both glasses down on the coffee table.