‘Aw, Dad, another half hour?’
‘Say goodnight to Alex. And don’t forget to brush your teeth before you climb into bed.’
Annie did as she was told and left, head down, shoulders drooping. Alex knew the feeling. It was the most enjoyable evening she’d had in quite a while. One side of her, just like Annie no doubt, wished it wouldn’t end.
Alex stood. ‘Let me give you a hand with the dishes.’
‘Nope, that’s Denver’s job tonight. You’re the guest. Can I get you a coffee or a cup of tea?’
‘Oh, I’d love a peppermint tea, if you’ve got one.’
Travis went to stand, shaking his head. ‘Peppermint … I’m not too sure—’
‘I’ll get the drinks,’ Denver said, cutting him off as he got up. ‘We got a box of teas as part of a Christmas basket a couple years ago, so there could be peppermint in that. I’ll have a look. Usual for you, big brother?’
Travis nodded, and then Denver disappeared inside.
And now Alex was alone with Travis.
She pushed her chair back to cross her legs, turning it slightly so she was angled toward Travis. ‘I’ve had a really lovely day, thank you. Your family makes me feel so welcome here in California. I find myself forgetting, from time to time, that I’m ten thousand kilometres from my sisters. Thank goodness for the internet. At least I can FaceTime them at night.’
He rubbed his jaw, looking at her thoughtfully. ‘Do you speak to them every day? I suppose you must miss them.’
‘A bit, but I didn’t speak to them every day at home, so I don’t speak to them every day now. Besides, the time difference makes it tricky.’
‘Have they ever been here? As in California?’
‘They were born here, but they were only a bit over two when we moved to Australia.’
‘And they’ve never been back?’
‘There was the trip I mentioned … the three of us came to see my father for Christmas. I was fourteen, they were twelve.’
He nodded slowly, thinking. ‘That’s right. I suppose you all have pretty established lives there in Australia.’
Alex smiled. ‘Sort of. I mean, they like their jobs and—.’
‘I found the tea—we did have peppermint.’ Denver interrupted as he came through the screen door juggling three mugs. He set the steaming mugs on the table and plonked himself back down on the other side. ‘So, Alex, I meant to mention, I spoke to that friend of mine about the flooring. He can get the work done over the next week or so without a problem—and as for the bar stools, the guy wants to come look at them tomorrow but he thinks he’ll have plenty of time to do the work over the next two weeks. You’d want him to replace them with the same leather, right?’
She quirked a half smile. ‘Sure, if that’s what you think.’
‘That’s what I’d do, if it were my decision.’
As Travis watched the two of them talking a frown broke out on his forehead. He opened his mouth, to say something, but then seemed to change his mind and instead he picked up his mug of coffee and took a sip, then hung onto the mug, staring at it, rocking forward and back slowly. Alex looked over at Denver, who gave her an I-have-no-idea kind of look, and they both picked up their mugs and drank.
As she continued to watch Travis she couldn’t help wondering if his change in demeanour was to do with them talking about the saloon. She wanted to say something, but she didn’t know what. She’d sell it back to them if she was going to sell everything, but that was a decision yet to be made. She chewed her bottom lip for a moment, wondering what to say, but was saved by Annie’s return.
She looked at the mugs, pouting. ‘Nothing for me?’
‘Hey, you should be in bed,’ Travis said, scowling at her.
She pouted again, but then leaned into her father and kissed his cheek. Then she walked around the table and gave Denver a big hug, giving Alex a cheeky grin the whole time.
‘I hadn’t said goodnight to everyone. Good night, Alex. Thank you for the lesson. Can we do it again tomorrow?’
Alex pulled out her phone and checked her diary. ‘I have a few things I need to do tomorrow, but I could come around for a quick session Thursday morning if that’s okay?’
Travis took a deep breath, and Alex figured he would say no, but then he shrugged his shoulders and gave her a half smile. ‘Sure. That’s fine by me. I’ll be busy working horses but you can see yourself in.’
Annie clapped her hands excitedly. ‘Great, I’ll see you Thursday morning then. What time?’
‘How does nine o’clock sound?’
‘Perfect. Goodnight everyone.’ Annie dashed back inside, letting the screen door slam behind her.
Travis set his mug down and turned to her. ‘If you’re busy you don’t have to do this.’
‘No, it’s no burden, trust me. I miss coaching. Besides, this has inspired me.’
Travis and Denver both looked at her inquisitively, but she decided not to elaborate. No point talking about the possible program until it was a certainty.
She picked up her mug of now cool tea, drank the last of it and stood up to go. ‘I should go. Thank you, both, for your hospitality.’
Travis stood, too. ‘I’ll walk you out. Denver, you get to clean the barbeque.’
‘Lucky me,’ he replied with a laugh. ‘Night, Alex. Guess I’ll see you Thursday.’
Alex walked to her car with Travis following her. Once inside she rolled down the window before starting the car. ‘Thanks again. It was a lovely meal.’
‘Made lovelier by your company, I’m sure. Annie’s quite taken with you, and she’s over the moon with the lessons.’
‘I wasn’t kidding … about it not being a burden. Spending time with Annie has made me realise just how much I miss coaching.’
Travis cocked his head, and she was tempted to explain, to mention how her whole life had gone topsy-turvy when she lost both her job and her husband on the same day. But now probably wasn’t the time for that.
He took a step back and pretended to tip his hat toward her, except he wasn’t wearing one. It made her smile. ‘Well, for Annie’s sake, I’m glad you’re enjoying giving her the lessons.’
‘I am. Thanks again, for dinner, and if I don’t speak to you Thursday, I’ll see you early Saturday morning, for the rodeo.’ A rush of warmth surprised Alex—it was good to be part of this, to be helping out, even if only in a small way.
‘Good night, Alex.’ He stepped back and made his way up onto the porch.
As she drove off, she could still see him standing there in the pale glow of the porch light.
~~*~~
Denver grinned when Travis walked into the kitchen. ‘You kiss her goodnight?’
‘That’s none of your business.’
‘You’re a fool if you didn’t.’
‘And why, pray tell, would you say that?’
‘Seriously? Man, you two are so made for each other it isn’t funny,’ Denver said, shutting the lid on the barbeque.
Travis glared at him. Why on earth did he put up with his antics? He knew why—because he loved his brother, and all kidding aside, wondered if his brother saw something he’d refused to see himself.
Denver pulled a face. ‘I mean it. You look good together, you’re both as serious as each other, and Annie is crazy about her. But that’s not the half of it. I watched you on the dance floor Saturday night. There was so much chemistry between the two of you even I could feel it.’
Travis continued glaring for a moment while he considered his words carefully. ‘Look, for all we know she could be married, or in a serious relationship. She’s here to assess the properties, do some improvements to maximise her values, get rid of them, and then go back to Australia.’
‘How do you know that? She seems pretty relaxed and comfortable here—not at all like someone
who is pining to get home to a loved one, if you ask me.’
‘And did I?’
‘Did you what?’
‘Ask you?’
Denver smirked. ‘Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers just because of what happened with Karen. She wasn’t right for you—I knew from the start. So did Mom.’
Travis clenched his jaw to keep from saying something he’d no doubt regret later. There was no reason why he should defend Karen. After all, Denver was right—his mother hadn’t ever taken to her. He and his father were the only ones who got caught up in her spell. But that was ancient history now.
‘And what has any of that got to do with Alex? What “opportunity” are you referring to? You do know she’s a Mason, right?’
‘Trav, forget the whole Mason thing. I know Dad couldn’t let it go, but seriously? She’s as hot for you as you are for her. I can see it plain as I can see how dirty my jeans are. And by the way, I should have changed them at least, even if I didn’t take a shower.’ He twisted so he could see his pant legs, scowling.
‘I’m not sure what you think you see in her, but the truth is, she lives ten thousand kilometres away. She mentioned it twice today—ten thousand kilometres. Perhaps her way of reminding me how much water separates us. She’s doing me a huge favour, helping out with Annie, but maybe that’s her way of paying us back for the work you’ve been putting in at the saloon and this other shop she wants to set up.’
‘Nope. She’s paying me. Everything’s strictly business.’
Travis rubbed the stubble on his chin. Could Denver be right? Could Denver see something he was refusing to acknowledge? But if so, why had she looked ill when he’d mentioned Disneyland? Her face wasn’t that of someone who had the hots for the inviter so much as the face of someone who was horrified at the thought.
And perhaps he should be horrified too, for having made the suggestion.
Chapter 20
The whole drive home Alex couldn’t stop wondering why Travis Gold had to be so infuriatingly nice. It simply made everything she had to do harder. It had been easier to keep things businesslike when he was grumpy and abrupt.
One side of her did like the idea of staying here, living here—coming back to her roots.
The other side of her missed her mother and sisters, and the familiarity of Melbourne, of knowing where everything was and how to get there.
But she’d have liked the decision about staying or leaving to be made with a clear mind, objectively weighing up the pros and cons. Now there was this other factor to consider—this matter of the heart, involving not only an interesting man, but one with a ready-made family she could probably slot into to as easily as sliding into an old pair of slippers.
As she pulled into the driveway and shut off the car, she cringed, recalling her reaction to his comment about her going to Disneyland with them at Christmas. The comment had caught her off guard and she’d reacted horribly. Travis would be perfectly entitled to think her a complete philistine. And yet he’d been the perfect gentleman the whole rest of the evening anyway.
She needed to talk about this. Desperately. Which meant a call to her sisters.
Once inside, she sat at her kitchen table and pulled out her phone finding a missed call and message. She played the message, listening to Harrison’s voice asking her if she planned to go to the post-rodeo dance at Angels Camp, and if she’d like to go with him.
She hadn’t thought about Harrison once since Saturday night. When he dropped her home he hadn’t even turned off the car’s engine. She’d been relieved, figuring he felt as she did, grateful not to have gone to the party alone, but under no obligation for a goodnight kiss or “night cap”. So why did he want her to go to the rodeo dance? For the same reason?
Well, it was out of the question. She’d be hanging out with Annie for as long as that took, and she neither knew nor cared how long that might be.
A smiled crept onto her face, its warmth radiating through her. But was the joy she felt from the thought of spending time with Annie, or with Travis? Did it matter? Were they not a package, inseparable, a two-for-one deal? She chided herself, horrified she’d thought of them as any sort of “deal”. And yet, was that wrong?
She checked the time. Casey would be at work, but if she was lucky she might catch her having a late lunch. She punched the FaceTime contact and closed her eyes.
‘What’s wrong?’ Concern laced Casey’s voice when she answered.
Alex sighed. ‘Nothing. Nothing at all. I just needed to talk, and you were the first one who came to mind.’
Casey sniggered. ‘Must be about a man.’
‘Yep.’
Casey brought her hands up and rubbed them together with a wicked smile on her face. ‘Oooooh, I can’t wait to hear. Give me a minute and I’ll ring you back. I’ve got a hospital delivery to make so I’ll just finish putting the rest of the arrangements in the van and give you a call once I’m on the road.’
Alex made a cup of tea, grabbed her phone, and not long after she sat at the table Casey called back.
‘So … do tell. You’ve met someone? Is he one of those hunky cowboys you’ve mentioned?’
Alex was glad they were now on the phone, and not FaceTime—Casey wouldn’t see her blush. ‘Yes, and no. I mean … oh, I don’t know what I mean.’
‘This must be serious. My sister, the level-headed one, is confused about a man—and she’s almost tongue-tied. This is big. Taylor’s gonna be sorry she missed this.’
Alex frowned. ‘Stop teasing me. This is serious.’
Casey dropped the humorous tone. ‘Sorry, it’s just so rare to find you in this state of delirium. So … is this the first man you’ve shown any interest in since Liam?’
Alex sighed, wishing now that they were actually having a coffee somewhere and that she could see Casey’s facial expressions. ‘Yes.’
‘This is great news, isn’t it?’
‘I don’t know. Is it?’
‘Of course it is. And he must be special. What’s he like?’
Alex gave Casey a full run-down starting from the day she met Travis in the saloon, through to tonight’s dinner. Casey listened, saying “uh-huh” in all the right places, but for once in her life, not interrupting.
Alex sighed. ‘And now I don’t know what I want to do, and how I’m going to behave next time I see him.’
‘Wow. Sounds to me like you’re falling in love, big sister.’
Alex shook her head, hopelessly trying to shake the confusion from it. ‘Yeah, but with Travis, or Annie?’
‘Sounds to me like it’s both of them. Is that a problem?’
‘I don’t know. I seriously don’t know what to do.’
Casey didn’t reply straight away, and when she finally did it was with all seriousness. ‘I don’t know why you think you have to do anything. Just go with it. Enjoy their company. Come home for the wedding. See if you miss them. If you do, great. If you don’t, well then at least you’ll know. It’s not like you have to decide anything, is it? I don’t get why you’re so stressed about it.’
The muscles in Alex’s face softened as her tension dissipated momentarily. ‘But …’
‘Look, I know what you’re thinking, but seriously, you need to move on—let go of the past. What happened was horrible, and completely unfair, but you can’t let it define you. You’re so much more than your past.’
Alex’s heart swelled with gratitude. Casey was there for her. Everything would work out. ‘You’re right. I have to let go of it.’
‘Yes. You’re a wonderful catch for any man—don’t let Liam make you think otherwise. Enjoy this cowboy and his gorgeous daughter, and just see how things go. She’ll go back to her mother at the end of summer, and you can come home … or you can stay … whatever feels right.’
Alex sighed again, but this time
it was with relief. Casey, as usual, was right. Alex had to learn to live again, and maybe this little town was a good place to start.
Chapter 21
‘Weren’t they great? Did you see how well Daddy rode?’ Annie was glowing with pride as she jumped up off her seat when the team penning event concluded.
Travis and Denver had just finished, and although they weren’t in first place their time was probably good enough to show off the potential of the young horses. Travis should be pleased with their results.
‘I’m starving. Can we go get another corndog?’ Annie began fidgeting, biting her lower lip.
‘Another one? You’ve already had two.’
‘My tummies rumbling, so I must be starving … and they’re so good.’
Alex sighed. ‘Now? Your dad’s in the next event—don’t you want to stay and watch?’
‘We can come right back. I think I need to find a bathroom—now.’
Alex bit her lip, doubting they’d be lucky enough to get these same seats when they returned, but the pale look on Annie’s face confirmed the need to find a bathroom quickly.
They made their way past more good-looking men than Alex had ever seen in one place. Then again, maybe it was the faded jeans, rolled up shirts exposing strong arms, and cowboy hats—every one of them had a cowboy hat—which made them seem better looking than they might otherwise have been, but either way Alex was acutely aware of each one as they squeezed past.
When they found the large toilet block, Alex waited outside the entrance as Annie dashed inside. ‘I’ll wait right here.’
Annie hadn’t been gone more than a few seconds when Alex heard her name and turned to see Harrison standing a few feet away. He came up and gave her the evil eye for a moment.
She did a mock face-palm as she remembered the message from him, and the fact that she’d never returned his call. ‘Gees, I’m bad. Sorry. I meant to ring.’
‘Did you? I took your non-response as a no, and now here you are?’
‘Yes, sorry.’
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