by Lynn Landes
“Daniel, I need to say this again. I didn’t have fish for dinner. Who put this here?” Delta asks him when he steps outside.
“I don’t know, but for now, we need to clean this up. I will send a crew over in the morning to fix the door. Tonight, I will spray the deck with a cleanser and rinse it with the hose. You should probably get some sleep. I heard you have a hot date tomorrow.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You don’t have to take me to dinner. We can reschedule,” she moves away to help with the trashcan.
“You aren’t getting off that easy, Delta.” He stomps to stack the chairs up and orders her inside. “Go to bed.”
“I want to help you, dammit. I'm so amped up, I don't think I could sleep even if I wanted to.” She shoots back at him.
“Delta, it isn't the bear I'm worried about. Watching you,” Daniel moves in, and she is startled by the strength in his dark gaze, “and tasting you, I don't blame the bear for trying to get at you.”
“I… okay, then,” she grins and hurries upstairs. “Goodnight Daniel.”
“Good night, Delta. I will make sure the bear doesn’t come back.”
Her heartbeat accelerates when he follows her to the stairs to kiss her once more. “Thank you. Don't stay up all night, Daniel. You need some sleep too.”
“I'll be dreaming of you in satin and steel. That's a vision that will be burned in my mind forever.” His laughter follows her, and she hurries upstairs to close her door with Sasha inside.
Chapter 5
Daniel sleeps on her couch and leaves before dawn the next morning. The thought of the bear returning and her alone, even with a pistol, was a chance he wasn’t willing to take. He orders a new door and has the maintenance crew from the lodge picking it up at the local store. It will take a few hours to get it fixed. Stepping from his office, he goes to the front desk after they open at eight am.
“Good Morning, Melody, will you order the Dozen Red Rose Facial for Ms. Delta Richards and have it delivered to Sara Janes Cottage around ten am this morning.” That will allow the crew to fix her door and make sure the deck is clean before she gets home.
“Of course.” Melody picks up the phone and calls the spa to make the reservation just as Abby runs up to her Dad.
“Guess what? Mom called, she bought my tickets for spring break! I’m leaving on Monday morning.”
“That's great, peanut.” He hugs her tightly running a hand over her blonde hair and grins.
“All set Daniel, the roses will be arriving at ten a.m., and they have a reservation for her at ten thirty for a facial. Will that be all?”
“Thank you, I also need you to check for a reservation for Ms. Richards, for a guided tour.” Chase helps a guest at the front desk and then turns to listen.
Melody types and nods, “She has a tour scheduled for Tomorrow morning at eight a.m.”
“Excellent, I need you to change the schedule. Ms. Delta Richards will be going on a private guided tour for two.”
Melody frowns and types on the computer, pulling up the reservation and places the order. “Right, who will be the guide?”
“I will be,” Daniel grins at his father walking in and misses the shock on Melody’s face.
“Will you need a breakfast basket?” she asks sweetly as she types his name.
His eyes light up, “Yes, perfect. Make sure there is an extra quilt, I don’t want her freezing. Thanks, Mel, you're a gem.”
Melody smiles at him.
“You have a date with Delta?” Abby asked in surprise. Daniel pulls her away from the desk and sits with his daughter at the fireplace. He looks at his daughter and brushes the hair back from her eyes. “Is that all right with you?” He asks quietly.
“Of course, I like her, Daddy. I'm just surprised, you don't date very often.” Abby grins as she explains and glances back at her grandpa.
“Delta is different, and I'm taking her to dinner tonight. Now, don't you have a riding lesson this morning?” He asks with a nudge.
“Oh, yes! See you later grandpa,” Abby runs off.
Chase frowns when Daniel returns to the desk. “I'd like a minute with you, Daniel,” he orders and pulls Daniel into his office.
“Dad, can you watch Abby on Friday morning. She has a sleepover tonight with a friend because of spring break this week, and a riding lesson tomorrow. I have a tour planned for tomorrow morning,” he asks with a smile.
“Not with Delta, you don’t,” Chase growls closing the door to his office.
“What? Since when do you care who I give guided tours to?” His father sighs in frustration before he answers.
“Delta is different, Daniel. She's still healing after losing her husband, and I don't want you bruising her. If you're just looking for a good time, I'm sure you can find someone else to fill that need.”
“I know about her husband, Pop, I’m not going to hurt her. You taught me better than that.” He glances at him. “How do you know so much about her anyway?”
“I had a dinner date with her the other night. She's graceful and elegant, funny and sweet. Everything a man needs in his life, but she's fragile.” Walking away, Chase turns back and glares at his son. He carries his pipe and moves to the windows overlooking the land.
“Fragile my ass,” Daniel laughs out loud before telling him about the bear and how the “fragile flower” was prepared to handle it. “I'm a little old to be taking romantic advice from my Father, but not too stupid to take it when given. I will tread carefully. The truth is Dad that I really like her, and I want some time to get to know her. In fact, I'd given up hope that I'd ever have what you and Mom had, but with Delta I see… possibilities.”
“Ah hell, Daniel.” He sits back down and sighs. “It was your Mother's greatest wish that you'd find someone special. If you truly feel that way, then tread carefully. Allow her to come into her feelings slowly. If that doesn't work, I'll give you a few tricks of the trade. Women don't stand a chance against our Montana charm!”
“I don’t know about that,” Daniel says with a laugh.
“Damn,” Chase says thinking about the bear. “You know that once a bear finds a food source, they're likely to return. I will notify animal protection services. They can try to locate this one and relocate him. Until they find him, you be careful and tell Abby to pay attention as well.”
“I will Dad. I feel better knowing she will stay with a friend tonight and be with you tomorrow.” As Daniel leaves Chase is already on the phone. His crew will randomly ride out over the populated areas to keep a lookout for the bear and protect the guests on the ranch.
Later, Chase is thinking of his wife. The home they built together is a legacy for future generations. Staring out at the place they built, Chase wonders at the cruelty of a God who allows us to grow so old and fragile. Abby is the light of his life, but one day soon he will join his bride, and he would really like to see Daniel settled before he goes.
Chapter 6
Delta tossed and turned all night dreaming about Daniel and that kiss. It was hot and sweet, a perfect combination. Tonight, she has a dinner date with him! Excited, she jumps from bed to start her day. She's going to wear the new dress she picked out with Bailey. It is a pale blue chiffon, halter neck dress with a beautiful rose print detail and corded rope belt. The asymmetrical hemline is perfect for spring and makes her feel feminine and sexy.
“This evening, I will make his eyes pop!” She says, winking at Sasha as she makes a cup of coffee and stares at the wood over her door. “I think I owe that bear a thank you.” Her doorbell rings and Sasha goes running. When she opens the door, Delta gasps in joy. A crystal vase of red roses is sitting on the deck with a card attached by a ribbon. A car with the ranch logo drives off away leaving her to pick up the vase and carries it inside. Excitement and nervousness fill her heart as she presses her face against the fragrant blossoms to inhale the scent.
“Looking forward to spending an evening beneath the stars with you. Daniel,” she reads.
Tucked inside the roses is a rose-colored envelope with the Ranch logo on it. Delta opens it and gasps in surprise. It's a gift card for a Rose facial, and massage at ten thirty this morning! Delighted and shocked she laughs out loud and glanced at the clock. It's already almost 9:30.
Delta hurries to her room to dress. The weather has warmed up, and it's going to be almost eighty degrees today, but still cold in the morning. She dresses in a white lace T-shirt and long cotton blue skirt and sandals and grabs her keys. Maintenance workers will be here to work on the door today, so she leaves food and water for Sasha in the master bedroom and tells her to stay.
The lobby is busy in the morning with people going and coming. Delta dodges them and stops at the desk for directions to the spa.
“Good Morning, Melody, can you tell me where the spa is?” Delta asks. Before Melody can respond, Daniel walks out of the office with his father and smiles at her.
“I’ll show her to the spa,” Daniel says with a grin, he reaches out a hand. Delta grips his hand and smiles at Chase, as Daniel guides her out of the way.
“Good Morning, Chase.”
“Good morning to you. My son tells me you had a special visitor last night. I hope you know the maintenance crew is already hard at work replacing your door. We also contacted animal control, they're going to find the bear and relocate him. Your safety is our main concern,” Chase says patting her arm.
“Thank you, Chase. I’m glad Daniel was there to help. I still don’t understand where the fish came from. I didn’t put it there.” Delta frowns, thinking about it.
“We will make sure it doesn't happen again.” Daniel pulls her close, “I removed the trashcan, and the crew will be leaving you a new one in the kitchen. For the remainder of your stay use the one inside, and it should be fine,” Daniel states.
“While the crew is finishing at the house, you're in for a real treat this morning. Our spa is quite an experience,” Chase says with pride.
“You two are spoiling me,” she replies with an embarrassed smile. Glancing up at Daniel, “It's very sweet of you, but…”
“No buts, the appointment is made, and you wouldn't want the poor masseuse to stand around with nothing to do. It's the least we could do after the stress you went through last night.” Daniel pulls her along before she changes her mind and Chase laughs as he moves to the front desk to help out.
Melody watches them laughing and listens as she clocks out and walks outside to her car. “First a picnic, then carriage ride, a date and now this! Who knows what else! This has to stop.” Picking up her phone she calls her cousin while Daniel guides Delta through the back of the lobby and out a side door.
Daniel pulls Delta along, and when he opens a door leading to a gravel walkway, she's surprised. “Daniel,” she stops walking and glares at him. “Stop shoving me… give me a second to thank you. This is truly unexpected.”
“You're welcome,” he leans down and kisses her softly, causing her heart to pound erratically, “you've been working all week, I thought you could use a break.”
Delta leans into his kiss and sighs.
“I have a deadline, but I’m at a good stopping point.” Daniel kisses her again before guiding her outside towards a small house. Stepping inside, Delta is greeted by the receptionist, Phoebe, who looks surprised to see Daniel.
“Good Morning, Ms. Richards, is here for her appointment.” He turns back to Delta and grins, “I have an appointment with a filly,” he leans in and tilts her face up to him, “I'll see you tonight.” He kisses her soundly on the lips and steps to the doorway.
“Thank you, Daniel,” embarrassed she hands the receptionist the gift card.
“Make sure you take care of my girl,” he says before he leaves. Delta’s heart stutters and she presses a hand to her mouth.
Delta decides to stop over thinking everything and just enjoy her time with him. “Phoebe, I have a hot date tonight, as you can tell. I need the works. Is it possible to get a manicure and pedicure as well?” Phoebe grins and guides her to the back.
“Of course, anything for Daniel's girl.” The ladies who pamper Delta were only too happy to talk about Daniel. It seems he's not the player she was worried about and they have never seen him bring a girl to the spa before. In fact, he doesn't date in town at all. Once the girls started talking all Delta had to do was listen.
Three hours later, Delta is back at the house. The new door is in place, and the deck looks as though nothing happened. Having never experienced a dozen rose massage and facial before she was a little nervous. The spa pulled out all the stops for her. Considering Daniels statement, she was flustered at first when he called her his girl, but his kisses are so sweet, and it has been years since she was this excited to be with a man.
Jacob was sick for six years and the last two years of his treatments were horrible. Delta stopped being a wife and became his nurse in the last half a year. They prayed together, and he made her promise not to give up on love. The idea of her spending the next forty years alone, broke his heart, so she promised, but until Daniel, she never thought it could actually happen
Daniel is all about his daughter and his work. She can't wait to sit with him and tease him about being a hot topic of conversation behind the scenes. Laughing, she tucks her revolver into her waistband and takes Sasha for a quick walk. “Sorry girl, until the bear is gone, we’re sticking close to the house.” Returning to the house, she settles down to work. Sometimes she writes a few hundred words, sometimes a few thousand. Today she hits six thousand words before she shuts down and emails the new copy to Phillip. At this rate, she will be finished the rough copy in a month, and then the edits can begin.
“Time to get dressed.” Delta is supposed to meet him in the main lobby at seven p.m. She leaves her hair in long waves, pulling up the sides for a spring look. The dress fits perfect and feels amazingly feminine as she ties the rope around her waist. Looking at herself in the mirror, she is surprised to see sun-kissed excitement. Her nude heels make her legs look great, and she skips nylons and rubs her legs with a rose scented lotion she bought from the spa. Light makeup and jewelry and she's ready to leave. Delta grabs her purse and keys.
“Don’t wait up, Sasha,” she says with a laugh.
Delta parks and heads inside. It's five minutes till six when she walks past the lobby desk and over to the restaurant hostess. Daniel watches her walk up and can't help but smile in appreciation. Delta is oblivious to the heads that turn to watch her walk by. For a moment he wishes they were alone, but he can see the nervousness in the ways she fiddles with her bracelet, and he hears his father's warning.
“Delta, you look beautiful,” he offers her his arm and guides her outside. “I thought we would eat at the Grill on the River Stone. One night a week our Chef serve the season’s harvest in a combination of steak and fish outside.”
“That's perfect. It's a perfect night to be outside.”
Daniel leans in and inhales. “You smell amazing. I trust they took good care of you today.”
“It was quite an experience,” she says with a laugh.
The hostess guides them to a private table for two outside under a willow tree. Despite being outside, it's a five-star dining experience. They talk about everything, including Daniel's work and hopes for the future with his breeding programs. Delta talks about her life with Jacob and the boys, but not her work. She isn't ready to tell anyone that yet. Sometimes she thinks it's her way of keeping Jacob close.
Daniel is easy to talk to and the night passes quickly. The final surprise comes after dinner when he guides her to a replica of a vintage stagecoach. “Ride with me, Delta.”
“Of course!” She climbs inside and snuggles down in the crook of his arm. The night air is crisp, and the driver rides along the river so they can enjoy it together. Daniel kisses her softly and links his hand with hers. It's a perfect ending to a perfect date. Oddly enough, she doesn't feel guilty. Jake wanted her to live a full and long life, bu
t not alone. He told her that many times, during the last two years of his life. For the first time, she feels excitement over the future.
After the ride is over, they sit near a fire pit and discuss the guided tour, she is going on in the morning and what to expect. “Perhaps next week you will let me teach you how to ride a horse. If you ask sweetly, I will give you a guided tour to Sara Janes Bridge.”
“I’m willing to try something new if you take me shooting sometime.” At his surprised look, she laughs. “I’ve heard that shooting is a Montana tradition with deep roots.”
“All true, Delta we offer an unmatched set of ranges and activities for our guests, but only if you promise to wear more than that silky green nightgown.” Delta blushes, and he laughs, “I'm not complaining, but I'd rather not have to kill my employees for ogling your beautiful body.”
They spend another hour talking before she lets him walk her to her car. Delta gets home around ten p.m. and talks to her son, Aiden for an hour. He sounded tired but excited about his future, and she thanked him for sending her on this trip. She told him all about Montana and the guided tour, she was going on in the morning.
“Don’t forget your pistol, Mom. Montana has some crazy big animals. I looked it up on the internet and its rutting season for the males. Watch your six.”
Delta laughs, “God you sound like your Daddy, Aiden. I promise I'll take it. I'm not sure my gun will stop a moose, but I will damn sure try if I must. Guess what?”
“What?” he asks.
“I had a date with a cowboy tonight.” Delta waits unsure of how her sons will feel about her dating.
“Seriously, Mom? That’s awesome, tell me everything.” Delta laughs and explains how they met and is relieved to share her news with someone.