Unwanted tears pricked Paisley’s eyes as she nodded. She blinked them away, though.
“What’s going on, Paise?” Arms crossed, her backside against the island, Christa watched her intently.
Along with Rae, these two women had become the closest friends Paisley had ever had. They knew her inside and out and loved her unconditionally. Hiding anything from them would be nearly impossible.
Too weary to stand, she grabbed her tea, moved to the table and pulled out a chair. “You two may as well join me.”
They eased into the chairs on either side of her as she sipped her tea, watching her as they waited for her to lay out her troubles. But she didn’t know where to begin. They weren’t even aware that her relationship with Crockett had changed.
Drawing in a fortifying breath, she said, “Crockett and I have grown rather close in recent weeks.”
“That’s no surprise.” Christa smiled. “I’ve seen how the two of you look at each other in church.”
Paisley stared into her cup. “He kissed me. And I kissed him back.”
“And?” Laurel leaned closer.
Paisley lifted a shoulder. “It was wonderful. And when we were working at the castle yesterday, everything was so easy and natural. The way a relationship is supposed to be. But then, something happened and all of the wonderful got drowned out by painful memories and more what-ifs than I can count.”
Laurel reached for her hand. “What happened, Paisley?”
It took every ounce of energy she possessed to tell them about the accident and how it had dredged up unwanted memories and rattled her so intensely, causing her to cancel her trip with Mackenzie.
“All I could think of was what if I fall in love with Crockett and then lose him, too? Or if something were to happen to one of his kids?”
Christa pushed out of her chair, her face red as she began to pace the wooden floor. “First of all, there’s no what-if about you loving Crockett. You’re already there. Second—” she stopped and glared at Paisley “—what happened to the woman who preached to me about there being no fear in love?”
Paisley studied her half-empty cup. “She got a reality check.”
“So just like that, you’re going to let fear overrule your heart?” Christa was beside her now, anger burning in her hazel eyes. “You, the woman who adamantly called me out for being afraid of losing someone I loved. And, when I questioned you, you said it was ‘better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.’ How dare you?” Hands on her hips, she turned her back on Paisley to pace again.
“I knew you’d throw that in my face.”
“Well, you know what?” Christa stopped and whirled to face her once again. “I’m glad I listened to you because if I’d have run away like I wanted to, I would have missed out on the best months of my life. Being a wife to Mick and a mom to Sadie has brought me more happiness than I ever thought possible. Yes, I’d be devastated if I lost either one of them, but I’d be so grateful for the memories of the time we had together.”
Leaning back in her chair, Laurel watched her. “Paisley, you’re the queen of romance. I don’t understand why you’d be so quick to throw away a second chance when it’s obvious you love Crockett. I would think you’d welcome it.”
The tears she’d been battling began to fall. “Because I’m afraid. It took me forever to claw my way back to some semblance of normal after Peter and Logan died.”
“And how did you do that?” Christa dropped into her seat.
Drawing in a shaky breath, Paisley said, “One step at a time, holding tightly to God’s hand.” She looked from Christa to Laurel then back at her cup as though it held the courage she so desperately needed right now. “Every time I thought I couldn’t take another step, He urged me along. Even carried me.”
Her expression softening, Christa took hold of Paisley’s other hand. “Don’t you see, sweetie? Now He’s offering you a second chance. Not only at love, but to have a family. Do you really want to sacrifice that because of what could happen? This could be an opportunity for the happily-ever-after you always dreamed of.”
She shook her head. “It’s too late.”
“What do you mean?” Christa’s brow puckered. “How can it be too late?”
“Crockett was here earlier. I sent him away. Told him I didn’t want a relationship with him outside of the castle.” Her voice cracked as tears fell in earnest. “He was so angry. His poor heart has been so battered by his mother and his ex-wife. Now he thinks I’m just like them.”
“Paisley—” Christa took her face into her hands “—can you look me in the eye and tell me that you’re okay with letting the man you love and his children believe that you were only using them and that they mean nothing to you?”
In her mind, she could still see the pain in Crockett’s eyes, hear the hurt in Mackenzie’s voice when she’d dismissed her yesterday, and it killed her to think that it was all because of her.
“No. I love them all.”
Christa’s brow lifted. “Enough to put your own heart on the line?”
“But I’m so afraid.” She sobbed. “What if they can’t forgive me?”
Christa smiled as she released Paisley. “As a very wise woman once told me, if you let fear dictate your life, you might miss the greatest blessing ever.”
“I don’t know if Crockett will even talk to me.” Paisley sniffed and dabbed at her eyes with her sleeves. “He was furious when he left. He’s apt to slam the door in my face. And he certainly won’t let me near his children.” She looked at her two friends. “What should I do?”
“Well—” Laurel grinned “—I just might have an idea.”
* * *
Crockett pulled up to the castle late Saturday morning, feeling more than a little rough. He should not be losing sleep over Paisley. Fortunately, her vehicle was nowhere to be found. When Wes called to say he needed to meet with him to discuss a potential problem at the castle, Crockett was afraid Paisley would be included.
He had yet to contact the Renwicks. He’d been too angry yesterday, so he’d decided to wait until next week, assuming he’d be calmer by then. He still found it difficult to believe that he’d been so wrong about Paisley. She’d actually made him believe they’d stumbled onto something special. He should have known it was too good to be true.
Wes’s truck pulled in behind him, saving Crockett from his thoughts. He opened his door to greet the other man.
“Sorry to pull you away from your kids on a Saturday, but this is kind of important.”
“Not a problem. They each spent the night with friends last night.” Something he was more than grateful for, particularly in Mac’s case. He’d rather she enjoy time with her friends instead of sitting around the house moping.
“I am curious about this potential problem, though.” He unlocked the door, and they stepped inside. “You haven’t even started working yet.”
“Follow me.” Wes continued to the staircase. “The issue is in the ballroom.”
Crockett trudged behind Wes, trying to concentrate on the castle and not Paisley’s dismissal.
“You know, sometimes things aren’t quite what they seem,” Wes said. “They’re crafted to look in a way that’s contrary to the true character.”
Like the way Paisley had fooled him. And he’d fallen for every bit of her act.
When they rounded into the ballroom, Crockett stopped in his tracks. There, in the middle of the room, was Paisley, wearing the same sundress she’d worn the night of the reception. The night he realized he was falling for her.
“What are you doing here?”
She strode toward them. “I need to talk to you. But I was pretty sure you’d shut down any attempt to do that.” She called that right.
Cutting a look at Wes, he said, “You knew about this?”
“Just hear he
r out, all right?” As Wes turned to leave, he set a hand on Crockett’s shoulder. “Do yourself a favor and listen with your heart, not your head.” He disappeared as Paisley drew closer.
Crockett had never been more tempted to turn tail and run, but his feet felt as though they were cemented to the floor.
Her gaze seemed riveted to his. “I owe you an apology.”
“Save it. I can’t believe anything you say anyway.”
She stopped in front of him. “Everything I’ve ever told you was the truth.”
“Yeah, right.” He rubbed the back of his neck.
“Until the other day.”
His gaze narrowed as Wes’s parting words repeated in his mind. Listen with your heart, not your head.
He lowered his arm. “Go on.”
“The only thing I lied about was when I said I didn’t want a relationship with you outside of the castle. And then I allowed you to believe the worst.”
“That doesn’t make any sense.” Of course, it could be his lack of sleep.
“When I was on my way back from Bluebird, I was sideswiped by a truck on the highway, and I almost lost control.”
Despite her treating him as though he were nothing more than a pawn in her quest for the castle, the urge to comfort her swelled inside of him. He longed to reach for her. Hold her. And he hated it.
“By the time I made it to the shoulder, my head was swimming with images of Peter’s mangled car. And then Mackenzie called, and I suddenly realized that, if something were to happen on our way to the city, I might not be able to protect her. I was scared, so scared that I convinced myself it wasn’t safe to take her. So I made up some flimsy excuse not to.” Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “The disappointment in her voice tore a hole right through me, but I kept telling myself that I was doing it to protect her. Then I thought about you.”
His heart stopped as he waited for her to continue.
“When you kissed me the other night, my heart soared. It told me that whatever was going on between us wasn’t one-sided. That you had opened yourself up to the possibility of a relationship with me.” She hung her head. “Yet as I sat on the side of that busy road, reliving all of the pain and agony I went through after Peter and Logan died, I thought of how devastated you would be if something happened to the kids.” A tear spilled onto her cheek. “I didn’t want either of us to have to experience that kind of pain.”
She sniffed, making eye contact once again. “It’s funny, as I tell you this, it all sounds so lame. But in the aftermath of that sideswipe, the memories of what I went through when I lost Peter and Logan were so vivid. There were days when I didn’t think I could go on. And others when I didn’t want to.”
He couldn’t stop himself from pulling her into his arms.
“I’m sorry I lied to Mackenzie.” She sobbed, her tears seeping through his shirt and into his heart. “I owe her an apology.” Pulling away, she squared her shoulders. “One I fully intend to give her, if you’ll allow me.”
Emotions warred inside of him as his mind struggled to grasp all she was telling him.
She looked him in the eye. “I should have told you all of this the other day and given you the opportunity to help me overcome my fears the way you’ve overcome yours. But I didn’t. Instead, I foolishly believed that it would be easier to have you hate me than to risk seeing you go through what I did. I was wrong.” Her tears fell anew. “I love you, Crockett.”
Closing his eyes, he entwined their fingers and rested his forehead against hers, allowing her words to wash over him and erase all of the pain and doubt. She was telling him the truth. He knew it in his heart.
After a long moment, he cradled her face in his hands and looked into her sapphire eyes. “You are, without a doubt, the most beautiful woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. But it’s your inner beauty that made me love you, Paisley. You’re caring, selfless, nurturing.” He brushed away her tears with his thumbs. “You make me want to throw off my fears and explore a future with you.”
Taking his hands in hers, she gave a soft laugh. “You know, I once thought of you as heartless. Then I realized that you were merely hiding behind that battle-worn armor so you wouldn’t be hurt again. And every once in a while, I’d catch a glimpse of the prince that was inside, the one who loves his children unconditionally and longs to be loved himself.” She looked deep into his eyes. “Shannon and your mother were the ones with the problem, Crockett. Not you. They were so absorbed in themselves that they never took the time to notice how special you are and how much love you deserve.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed as his eyes searched hers. “You really believe that?”
“With all of my heart. And the idea of exploring a future with you sounds like a dream come true.”
He kissed her then, feeling as though he’d finally been set free of the lies that had held him captive for so long.
Dad was right. With God, all things really were possible. Crockett was tired of wrestling. God had heard the desires of his heart and given him a second chance. And perhaps, one day, he would have the family he’d always dreamed of.
Epilogue
The first Saturday in November was, by far, the most glorious day of this entire year. A year marked by a freak ice storm and near-record floods had ebbed into a delightful fall with mild temperatures and brilliant blue skies. Paisley couldn’t be more pleased. This was the perfect day for the residents of Bliss to get a sneak peek at the Bliss Texas History Museum and Event Center at Renwick Castle.
Sun filtered through the leaves of a large live oak as she moved through the series of tables adorned with greenery, branches, pumpkins and gourds, making sure everything was just so. The castle grounds had been beautifully landscaped and locals had been abuzz for weeks, anticipation growing for the event that was set to be a party for the whole town.
“Paisley, my dear—” Molly Renwick Simmons stepped off of the terrace with her cousin, Jared, who’d accompanied her for the event “—this is absolutely stunning.” She adjusted her flowing kimono-style cardigan. “It has the look of an autumnal garden party.”
Paisley approached the two. “I’m pleased to hear you say that because a garden party was just the look I was going for. I mean, this is a castle, after all.”
“With a Texas flare.” Jared, who looked close to Molly’s age, though he was much quieter, nodded toward the food tables where chili and corn muffins would be served, along with an assortment of cookies.
“And thanks to you and Crockett,” Molly gushed, “we can now share it with the world.”
Paisley looked from the woman to Jared. “Well, we couldn’t have done it without you, so thank you.”
Checking her watch, Molly said, “The gates will open in thirty minutes. Are you ready?”
“I believe so. I need to round up Crockett and our families, though.” Paisley’s parents, along with Dale and Irene, had come in for the event and were exploring the castle with the kids before the crowds arrived. “I’m sure he’s still putzing around the museum. No matter how many times I tell him things are perfect, he keeps moving stuff around.”
“The man has a vision.” Molly tapped the side of her head. “He wants to make sure he’s translated it correctly.”
“Indeed, he does.”
“Why don’t you run along and see about everyone while Jared and I make sure everything is ready out here.”
“Thank you. I will do that.” Paisley smoothed a hand over her deep green sheath dress as she moved onto the terrace and through the open French doors, smiling as her gaze roamed the renovated space. Other than the kitchen, most of the rooms had merely been refreshed and repurposed. Gone was the musty odor. Luster had been restored to the mahogany panels and ceiling while the limestone walls and floors had been cleaned and sealed, making everything look crisp and fresh.
She continued
up the entry hall, past the dining room with its gleaming display cases filled with artifacts from Crockett’s collection, eyeing the knight’s armor that once again stood sentry near the front door. A perfect way to set the stage for the two fairy-tale weddings already booked for next spring.
Hearing voices coming from what had been the family room, she made a left turn into the space that was now dedicated to the Battle of the Alamo. Crockett, Dale and her father huddled near a display case along the far wall.
“And what sort of mischief are you three cooking up?”
They startled as she continued toward them, looking as though they’d been caught stealing from the cookie jar.
Stuffing his hands into the pockets of his black dress slacks, Crockett cleared his throat. “I was, uh, just showing them this old rifle.” He gestured to the case behind him.
Her brow lifted as she approached the trio. “Then why do you look so guilty?”
The three men glanced at each other before her father said, “Yeah, you caught us in here havin’ fun while you were outside workin’.” He looked at Crockett’s father. “Dale, we’d best go find our wives.”
Watching the two men retreat, Crockett called after them. “Better tell the kids to come on, too.”
Paisley moved beside the man she loved so much, surveying the room now filled with displays of everything from weapons to books and letters to portraits and maps. The museum had been a labor of love for Crockett as he worked to bring his grandfather’s dream to life, and it had turned out beautifully. Now if she could only convince him.
“You did an amazing job with the museum, Crockett. Your grandfather would be proud.”
Wrapping an arm around her waist, he tugged her close and gave her a brief kiss. “Thank you for saying that.”
She drew in a breath, savoring this moment alone. “I can’t believe this day is finally here.”
“I know.” He smiled down at her. “Everything came together just the way we planned.”
“I think we make a pretty good team.”
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