by Jill Lynn
Nerves kicked up in Ivy’s stomach as she and the girls followed Charlie through the back hallway and out an exit, then walked the few steps over to the sandbox. What did Charlie want to talk to her about?
The triplets settled in quickly, using the dump truck and buckets to begin building. Spring in Colorado, Ivy was learning, could mean snow or sunshine. Warm, like today, when the sun felt like a massage against her skin, or freezing, like last week, when the weather had been spitting snow faster than imaginable.
Charlie motioned to the small patio table and chairs, and they moved to sit. Ivy threaded and unthreaded her fingers on her lap while she waited for Charlie to speak.
“I don’t know exactly how to broach this, but I’m wondering if you’ll consider something.”
“Okay.” Ivy stretched out the word, her mind overflowing with questions regarding what Charlie would say next.
“I’ll give you a little backstory. I’ve been looking for a manager for the café for a while. Someone with experience to handle the setup, the opening and the staff. And I found the perfect person. Only about three weeks ago, she changed her mind. She’d been planning to move to Westbend for the job, but after visiting, she decided it was too small-town. She’s a city girl, and she couldn’t make the switch.”
“I’m sorry. That sounds stressful.”
Charlie’s sigh was like an exclamation point. “Tell me about it. I have a shop to run, and I love being a mechanic. I have no interest in managing the café myself. I’d always planned to hire out that position. Since she changed her mind, I’ve been scrambling for a replacement for her. We’re supposed to open in a little over five weeks, and there’s no way that can happen if I don’t find someone immediately. Which is where you come into the picture.”
“Me?” What did Ivy have to do with any of this?
“I saw what you did at Finn’s the other night. You handled the dinner and made it look easy. You’re a natural. I know you and the girls are heading to your parents’ home in California, and I’m not asking you not to do that. I’m just asking if you’d consider postponing your departure a bit in order to stay in Westbend and orchestrate the setup of the café.”
Somewhere during Charlie’s spiel, Ivy’s jaw had dropped open. “You want me? But I don’t have any experience doing something like that. I’m not qualified at all.”
“Sometimes a line on a résumé isn’t where it’s at. You handled so much at Finn’s in a week, all while recovering from the accident. You’re more than capable. And I also paid the woman I was going to hire to outline a café setup plan for me. I have all of the details of what needs to happen and when in order to get the café functioning. I just need someone qualified to implement it.”
Wow. For so long Ivy had felt inept. She’d been a stay-at-home mom, which she’d loved, and she’d worked a few hours a week at a boutique clothing store. Just to get out of the house and stash a bit of money aside for a rainy day. Ivy had sensed something was going on with Lee, but she hadn’t known what. He’d teased her about her job, thinking that she’d traded her paychecks for clothing, but she hadn’t. Ivy had saved that money, and now it was getting her and the girls across the country.
To think that Charlie saw something in her that she no longer believed existed was a huge boost.
Charlie outlined what she could pay Ivy, which was generous but not outrageous. “And if you and the girls continue to stay in the bunkhouse, then your expenses wouldn’t be that much.” The bunkhouse was cozy. Sure, it didn’t have a kitchen, but Ivy could get by with a microwave or a toaster oven. Something to make the situation livable.
Wait—am I actually considering this? The idea is wild. Who would watch the girls? And how could I afford anyone for that?
Her parents would think she was losing her mind for even contemplating it. They were all set to rescue her and the girls...just like Dad had probably assumed they would need to the moment she’d gone against his advice and married Lee.
Continuing to California made the most sense and was best for the girls’ future. Wasn’t it?
“If you could stay a week past the café opening, the staff should be trained by then, and it would give me time to find a new manager. And if you decide to take me up on my offer, I’ll be able to provide you with a reference. I’m sure starting over is tough, and I thought that might be a help to you.”
A reference, even from that short amount of time, would be amazing.
And the chance to earn money doing something she’d no doubt enjoy was tempting. She also wasn’t in a desperate rush to get to her parents’ house. She’d talked to her mom this morning, and the woman was already planning various lessons for the girls. Horseback riding. Swimming. Tennis at the country club. She’d even put them on the waiting list for a prestigious preschool that Ivy wasn’t sure she wanted them to attend. The conversation had made her hyperventilate and get off the phone as quickly as possible.
Would it be so terrible to delay their next step? Their next long-drawn-out step. Because Ivy wouldn’t be able to afford moving the girls out of her parents’ house for a long time. Especially not in Southern California, where prices were astronomical.
“But what about the girls? How can I work and watch them? That’s not fair to you, so I’d have to find someone to babysit. And there’s three of them. It would be too expensive.”
Charlie’s lips pressed tight and then curved. “I may have taken the liberty of asking Ms. Lina, an older, retired woman from church who loves kids, if she’d consider watching them. It’s not set in stone, but I knew you’d have that question, and I wanted to see if there was an answer before I even offered you the job. If you’re interested, I can introduce you to her and you can decide. She said she doesn’t need much in terms of money.”
“The girls went to Sunday school yesterday, and I’m pretty sure Ms. Lina was their teacher. They adored her.” Finn had offered them a ride to church on Sunday, and Ivy had accepted, needing the reminder and encouragement in her faith. Ms. Lina had been fabulous. Even in that short amount of time, she’d doted on the girls. They’d come home talking about the woman on repeat.
“Yes! She does teach Sunday school. That’s her.” Charlie leaned forward. “I know this is a lot to dump on you, and I understand if you’re not interested. You can tell me no and I’ll stop talking about it. No hard feelings. I just had to ask. Ever since I met you, I couldn’t shake the feeling that you were meant to be here. Even if it’s just for a short while.”
Wow. Ivy would never have thought something like this was even possible. She’d assumed that she’d been out of the workforce for so long that she didn’t have any skills to offer anyone. That was why she and the girls were moving in the first place. She’d needed a cushion—some time to find work and re-qualify herself. But if what Charlie was offering was legit, and from the short time she’d known the woman, Ivy imagined it was, then that meant she wasn’t without any skills. That meant hosting that dinner the other night wasn’t something every person could do. And setting up the café...that sounded more like playing than like work.
“I think... I’m not uninterested.” Charlie beamed at her confession. “Have you talked to Finn about us staying in the bunkhouse? What does he want me to pay in rent?”
Charlie grinned like a cat who’d found a bowl of cream. “If you’re actually considering it, then don’t worry about my brother. You just leave that part up to me.”
* * *
In the barn, Finn tinkered with a piece of broken loading chute as he heard a vehicle approach the ranch and then slow down.
Ivy and the girls.
Charlie had picked them up today to help Ivy get her SUV back. Everything must have gone according to plan. Good. That meant she and the triplets would be moving on, continuing their trek. And Finn’s life could return to normal.
The thought left him lonely and relieved all at
the same time. He’d grown used to the girls’ chatter and found them more amusing than he cared to admit. The place would definitely be quiet after they were gone.
Finn walked out of the barn to see that not only was Ivy back, but his sister had followed her here. Her Toyota FJ Cruiser was parked right behind Ivy. Strange. Was Charlie concerned about something mechanical being wrong with Ivy’s vehicle? Or maybe she’d come to help them pack up. Although...he doubted they’d brought that much into the bunkhouse.
The girls piled out of the Suburban and immediately began a game of tag, chasing each other, giggling over everything. Finn’s mouth curved. He certainly wished them well and hoped that the next portion of their young lives went better than the first.
Ivy and Charlie approached him together, and Finn’s intuition sparked. Something was going on.
“What’s up? I see the Suburban is back in working order.” Ivy nodded, looking more unsure than since he’d met her. “Everything okay?”
“Everything is great,” Charlie piped in. “Ivy just agreed to stay for six weeks to help me open the café.”
Wait. What? Finn knew that Charlie’s hired manager had flaked on her, and that she’d been scrambling to find someone else, but what did Ivy have to do with the price of eggs?
“Since Ivy hosted your dinner and did such a great job, I basically begged her to consider staying. I think she has what it takes to get the café running.”
“That’s...great.” Finn almost swallowed his tongue trying to eke out the words. Just because she’s in town doesn’t mean she’s in your life. Relax. “Congratulations, Ivy.”
“Thank you.” She’d transformed into a meek version of herself. Definitely not the woman who’d asked him for a trade regarding Saturday’s dinner.
Why did Finn feel like he was missing something?
“I told Ivy that since no one is using the bunkhouse, you’d be fine with her and the girls continuing to stay there.”
What? Why hadn’t Charlie asked him about Ivy staying when it was just the two of them? But even if she had, what would he say? Finn had no desire to get into the reasons behind his why. Charlie didn’t know everything that had happened in North Dakota, and he was nowhere near ready to divulge the details to her. The whole situation with Chrissa still wounded him on a soul-deep level. It was as if he’d failed—at saving her, at having a successful relationship, at moving past all of it once everything was over and done.
“I’ll pay rent.” Ivy the negotiator was back. “It’s more than you were getting with it just sitting empty.”
“The bunkhouse isn’t finished. There’s no way I can accept rent.” In fact... “Shouldn’t it have a certificate of occupancy or something like that? I doubt anyone should be living there, temporary or not.” Which could be his ticket out.
“That’s why I’m thinking you don’t charge Ivy and the girls for staying there,” Charlie responded. “It’s not like you need it, and as she pointed out, it’s just sitting empty otherwise.”
Ivy squeaked. “Charlie, you never said anything about not paying rent.”
Charlie lifted her shoulders, the picture of innocence. “Finn’s right. He can’t take money for something that’s not finished. So let’s just consider you and the girls living in the bunkhouse as a draw for you staying to open the café.”
Finn’s chest itched to explode. He wanted to live on his ranch alone. He didn’t want Ivy and her three girls there. He didn’t want to feel anything they might make him feel. And he definitely didn’t want to get drawn into another rescue.
But what was he supposed to do? If he said no, he was a jerk. He didn’t have an explanation he was willing to share with these two. Not without giving away just how much the Chrissa situation had messed with him.
A wail sounded from one of the girls, and the adults’ attention jumped in that direction. Reese had fallen during their game and was now sprawled on the dirt. Sage and Lola were bent over her. From the chatter Finn could catch, it sounded as if they were partially checking on their sister and partially arguing over whose fault the injury was.
Ivy jogged over to triage the situation, leaving Finn with his sister.
“Why would you drop something like this on me in front of Ivy?”
“I never thought you’d even have to think about it. This is what we do—this is how Granddad taught us to be. And Mom and Dad, too, for that matter.” His sister was pulling in the big guns. Their granddad was a man Finn strove to emulate. At ninety-six and still in excellent condition, Marshall Brightwood was wise and strong and gentle all at the same time. And yes, he would lend a hand to Ivy and her girls without hesitation. The old version of Finn would have done the same. But he was stuck in a new world—one he hadn’t experienced before—and he wasn’t sure how to get out. Or if he even wanted out.
Charlie’s eyes morphed to slits of concern. “Finn, what is going on with you?” Her voice registered at just above whispering-in-church levels. With Ivy’s current distraction, there was no way she could overhear. “Ever since you moved back you haven’t been yourself. It’s like something in North Dakota broke you, and you’re just not the same. And if I had to guess, it has something to do with the woman you were seeing there.” Charlie paused as if to let him fill in details, but he stayed silent.
His sister had started dating Ryker Hayes last fall, so she wasn’t in the headspace to understand his current headspace. She was in love, and Finn didn’t want to touch that emotion with a ten-foot pole.
“I miss that old version of my brother.” Her demeanor softened. “Is he ever coming back? Are you going to be okay?”
He blinked away a flash of emotion. “I’m fine. Or at least I will be. Just give me some time, okay?” He wished he knew how long it would take to turn back into himself, because he’d like an answer to that also.
“It’s not like Ivy and the girls will be in your space if they stay in the bunkhouse. She’ll be working in town. You’ll hardly see them.”
“There’s no kitchen in it, so if she needs to cook, she’ll be in mine.”
And now he sounded like a brat.
“I’ll help her get a small fridge and microwave. And a hot plate. That way she can make whatever for the girls at the bunkhouse, and she’s not invading your world. Having Ivy and the girls stay here will be a massive help for me. You know how I’ve been struggling to find a manager since the other one changed her mind.”
Yeah, he knew. “I’m sorry that I can’t explain my reservations. You’re just going to have to trust that I’m not trying to be a jerk. I just... This isn’t my first choice.”
Charlie’s fingers jutted through her short red locks. “I’d put them up in my apartment if I could, but it’s too small for that many people. Ivy and the girls wouldn’t even fit in the second bedroom together. Are you going to make me find them somewhere else to live? Because you know that’s not going to be easy. Not for such a short amount of time. Which means she likely won’t stay then, and I’ll be back to square one.”
And how could he do that to his sister? Charlie was obviously desperate for this. Ivy wanted it, too. Finn was the only one holding out.
“Fine. Do what you need to do, Char. It’s only for six weeks.”
And Finn wouldn’t get involved in Ivy or the girls’ plight during that time.
At least...not any more than he was already getting roped into.
Chapter Four
The 6 a.m. start time for men’s Bible study was always painful and always worth it. Today’s focus on First Thessalonians had been about giving thanks in all circumstances. Finn had winced so many times during the teaching that Ryker had shot him a “what’s up with you” look from across the table.
He definitely hadn’t expressed thanks to God yesterday after being ambushed by Charlie and Ivy.
Or this morning when he’d woken up.
; Once the study ended, some of the men took off for work while others stayed to catch up. Finn waved goodbye across the room to Luc Wilder, who he’d worked for at Wilder Guest Ranch, then met up with Ryker and Evan Hawke by the coffeepot.
Ryker had started dating Charlie last fall after she’d fostered his niece. At first Finn had been wary of the situation, worried about Ryker hurting his sister. But eventually he’d warmed up to the other man’s presence in Charlie’s life. A good thing since he didn’t have any choice in the matter. Ryker and Charlie were not only really happy together, but extremely supportive of each other. And now that Ryker’s sister, Kaia, had regained custody of her five-year-old daughter, Honor, they were both still involved in the girl’s life.
Ryker’s eyes crinkled with humor as he refilled the paper coffee cup with dark roast. “Did I see you struggling to give thanks during Bible study because you have some guests staying on your property for the time being?”
The sigh that ripped from Finn’s chest was agitated. “Something like that. This is my sister’s fault, and since you two are joined at the hip, that pretty much makes it your fault, too. You could have stepped in and stopped her. Or at least given me a heads-up so that I could have had my defense ready.”
“Charlie’s been so busy between the garage and the café that I didn’t even know what she was up to until it was done. Sorry, man.”
Evan grabbed one of the leftover breakfast pastries and a napkin. He was married to Charlie’s good friend Addie, who ran the Little Red Hen Bed & Breakfast. “This is how rumors get started. Ivy and the girls staying on your ranch equals the town having you two married by summer.”
“Fall at the latest,” Ryker added gravely.
“Why give it so long? Why don’t we just elope right now?” Both men laughed at Finn’s outburst. “Just because you two are crazy in love doesn’t mean everyone has to be. What in the world is wrong with being single? Huh? I’ve got a ranch to focus on.” Regret walloped Finn like a rogue fly ball. He’d been so sidelined by the Ivy stuff that he’d forgotten his plan to talk to Gage Frasier after study. “I meant to catch Gage this morning. I have some questions for him about summer calving.”