A Ready-Made Texas Family

by Angel Moore

  Nathan stood beside her and looked over her shoulder. “I don’t know why I didn’t think of it before. He made so many notes in our meetings.”

  Charlotte went back to the table where they’d spent the evening. “I won’t be able to sleep until I’ve read this.”

  Nathan put the notes they’d made on the table and sat across from her. “Do you mind if I stay?”

  She flipped to the end of the journal and back to the front. The pages thrilled her. “No. I don’t mind. Just let me absorb the overview. I imagine there will be things you’ll have to interpret for me.” Nathan’s chuckle drew her attention away from the journal. “What are you laughing about?”

  “The idea that you won’t understand the notes.”

  “It’s a lot to take in. You worked closely with my parents on this. There are bound to be things I’m unfamiliar with.”

  “Maybe unfamiliar, but not out of the scope of your understanding.” She stared at him, and he continued. “You’ve learned so much, Charlotte.” He leaned back in his chair. “I’ll sit here while you read. You’ll see. It’s no longer foreign to you.”

  “Okay.” She nodded and turned back to the journal. The pages were filled with details. Everything that had been ordered and where it was to be placed in the hotel was listed. She skimmed the pages knowing she’d have to read it all again at her leisure, but she couldn’t resist looking at every page.

  Nathan sat quietly while she read. A full half hour must have passed. She finished and looked up at him. “Everything you’ve told me is confirmed here, including plans for room eight.” She rubbed her hand over the leather cover. “There is even a page of things Momma wanted to move into the residence.”

  One eyebrow on his handsome face shot up. “Really?”

  She swatted at the air between them. “You must have made a convincing argument for her to agree to remove her mementos.” Had Momma approved of the man Nathan had become? Her agreement with him on the things about the hotel meant she’d accepted his wisdom to a certain degree and followed it.

  His brow lowered, and a smile replaced the teasing expression. “They were earnest in their efforts to implement changes that would make Green’s Grand Hotel into the kind of business that would endure.”

  “Thank you for taking the time to help them when they were in Dallas. I have a feeling that Michael and Sarah and I are more indebted to you than I ever imagined. More so than the money I owe Mr. Freeman at the bank.”

  His eyes narrowed. “This experience has not been without benefit to me.” He swept one arm out in the direction of the lobby. “I’ve been afforded the opportunity to make a real difference here. I don’t take that lightly.” Then he leaned close and put his hand over hers on the journal. “You could have sent me away the first day.”

  “I think I did.” She didn’t move her hand. The urge to turn it over and wrap her fingers around his was strong.

  “I’m not the kind to run from a challenge.” A gentle pressure of his hand on hers warmed her heart. Then he released her hand and stood. “We can spend the morning making certain we’re on track with your father’s vision.” He picked up his notes. “Get some rest. You’re going to need it. I think our days are going to be full for the next many weeks.”

  He smiled and wished her a pleasant evening before closing the door behind him.

  The evening that had started out as such a challenge had ended with vision and direction. And great relief. Knowing she would be able to fulfill the dreams of her parents made her work at the hotel more rewarding.

  Having a partner like Nathan to help her in the process was exciting.

  She carried the journal with her to her room. Sleep might be a long time off. She could study the pages while she waited for it.

  Much later, when she put out the lantern, Charlotte wondered when she’d begun to think of Nathan as a partner instead of a burden to be borne while she learned the hotel business.

  His face was the last thing she saw in her mind’s eye before sleep overtook her. He was smiling at her. A smile filled with hope and promise.

  Was it merely a dream? Something between consciousness and slumber. Or was it something she longed for in her heart?

  On Thursday morning, Nathan closed Charles Green’s journal and corrected the final discrepancies in his notes to conform to the man’s vision. He and Charlotte had gone over the notes with great scrutiny. Nathan was encouraged by her eagerness to move forward with every aspect of the changes.

  Charlotte came out of the restaurant wearing a green dress with a high collar that ruffled around her neck. She still wore the watch from her mother, but her hair hung down her back in waves. She had pulled the front of it away from her face with two combs. He tried not to stare, but he wanted to remember every detail of how she looked. If she forced him to leave after she’d mastered her newfound duties, he’d only have the memories to comfort the hollowness he knew would take the place of his heart.

  It would be in his best interest to resist such thoughts and fight for his place at the hotel. He should warn her that it could all change in a heartbeat and leave her in worse shape than when he’d arrived. He could tell her all the things that could go wrong.

  If he worked for Turner Hotels and had been sent here to take over the property that was exactly what he would tell her. But he was here for his own future. Back to a place where he’d been happy in the past. He dared to hope that he might have a new beginning in Gran Colina. And maybe that new beginning would include the beautiful young woman who stood across the desk from him and said something he didn’t hear. He noticed the way her lips moved, but her words didn’t reach his ears. He blinked and shook his head.

  “I’m sorry, Charlotte. What did you say? My mind drifted to other things.”

  “Other things?” She grinned. “Let me guess. You were thinking about one of those lovely young ladies who checked in yesterday. They told me they are only in town for a few days. It seems they have an aunt in Gran Colina who wanted to see them. They stopped off here on their way to California. You’ll not be pleased to see them go if you get all dreamy eyed thinking of them.”

  “What?” He didn’t remember the guests she referred to. “What ladies?”

  “I see. So you weren’t standing here thinking of an attractive young lady and how she might fit into your life? The life you’ve filled with business to the exclusion of all other relationships?” There was teasing in her tone but truth in her eyes. She taunted him, but she believed the words she spoke.

  “And if I was?” Two could play her game. “Would you be jealous?” As he said it, he hoped it was true. He didn’t want to hope it, but he did.

  She turned her head in a coy manner and fanned herself with one hand. “Oh, Mr. Taylor, you have found out the deepest secret of my heart.” Her tone became an elongated drawl that rang with the exaggerated sweetness of generations past.

  “Have I?” He leaned on the desk. Her eyes grew wide, and he could feel her breath on his face. He lowered his voice to mimic a male counterpart to her pattern of speech. “What else do you have buried in the recesses of your soul? Have you carried a torch for me from the time of our youth?”

  The door of her parlor swung open, and Michael stepped into the lobby. Nathan backed away from the desk, and Charlotte schooled her features into the serious expression she’d adopted in recent weeks. She must think it fitting for the owner of the hotel.

  Michael looked from Charlotte to Nathan and back. “Charlotte, your cheeks are blotchy. Are you too hot? You know it ain’t good to get too hot. You’ll get sick. Want me to get you some water?”

  Nathan turned a chuckle into a cough. “I’m going to see if Mrs. Atkins is pleased with her new helper. Mrs. Baxter seems to be just the sort of person we needed in the kitchen.” He left Charlotte to deal with her brother. He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable in front of ot
hers. He’d only teased her in response to her provocation.

  If he felt like whistling as he crossed the lobby, he wouldn’t admit it. But he would allow that he’d enjoyed the brief banter with Charlotte. If things were different—if she wasn’t the owner of the hotel, and he wasn’t an employee at her mercy—he’d be tempted to smile back at her or try to recreate another moment that would be as invigorating as the last few minutes had been. But he knew he wouldn’t serve either of them well if he allowed their relationship to move beyond a business association. He needed his job, and Charlotte was in a vulnerable state. Even if she’d begun to feel better in the last few days and was adapting well, it would be unkind to take advantage of her. Time would have to heal her pain.

  And after that? No one knew. But, if the steady stream of men he’d seen seeking her attention since his arrival in Gran Colina was any indication, Nathan was sure she’d have plenty of suitors who could offer her more than he could. At least, until he secured his financial future.

  When he spoke to Mrs. Atkins, he discovered that she’d talked with Charlotte just before he came to the kitchen. Charlotte was proving herself in every way.

  He opened the restaurant door enough to peer into the lobby to see if Michael was still there. Charlotte was at the desk with Mr. Eaton. He approached as the man settled his bill in full.

  “So you’re leaving us, Mr. Eaton?” Nathan hadn’t discovered the nature of the man’s business in town, but he was prompt in his payment and had been a pleasant guest who hadn’t required extra attention. “I thought you would be in Gran Colina through tomorrow.”

  Mr. Eaton thanked Charlotte for his receipt. “I’ve finished my business earlier than expected.” He picked up the valise at his feet. “Thank you for recommending this place to me. My stay here was more rewarding for having been a guest here.”

  “Please come again.”

  “I’m sure I will.”

  “We’d be grateful for any recommendation you could give for us to other travelers.”

  “You can rely upon it.” Mr. Eaton took his hat from the desk, and Nathan watched him walk away.

  “What do you think he was doing in town?” Charlotte seemed as curious about the man as Nathan was.

  “I would love to know. He was very quiet and to himself. I can’t imagine what business he had here.”

  “Well, no matter. I’m grateful that he stayed as long as he did.”

  Nathan picked up his notebook. “And that I invited him?” He grinned without looking up.

  “Yes.” He could hear the smile in her voice.

  “Let’s get Mrs. Atkins to watch the desk for a few minutes and go over to the mercantile. We need to pick the fabric for curtains. Time is getting away from us.”

  Ethel Busby greeted Nathan and Charlotte as they entered Busby’s Mercantile. He remembered her and her husband, Cyrus. “Hello, Charlotte. It’s so nice to see you.” She moved forward and patted Charlotte’s arm. “You and the little ones have been in my prayers.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Busby.” Charlotte’s reply was genuine and came naturally. He didn’t hear the thickness of emotion in her voice that had been so prevalent when he’d first returned to town.

  Nathan cupped her elbow in his hand. His intention to comfort Charlotte reverberated and eased his concern for her.

  She stepped away from him and opened her father’s journal. She showed the owner of the mercantile the information about the order Mr. Green had placed in Dallas. “Mrs. Busby, do you carry the catalog my father ordered these furnishings from?”

  “No, we don’t have much call for large orders like that.”

  “Of course. I don’t know why that didn’t occur to me. If he’d thought you could order these items, he’d have waited until he returned to Gran Colina.” The realization that he’d never returned flashed across her eyes.

  Nathan stepped up to keep Charlotte’s silence from becoming awkward. “We’d like to purchase fabric for new drapes in the hotel lobby. Can you show us something that would be suitable? We’re looking for the latest options. We’d like it to be something classic, so it doesn’t go out of fashion any time soon. The goal is to update the furnishings and decor. Gran Colina is growing, and Charlotte—Miss Green—would like to provide the best possible accommodations to her guests.”

  Mrs. Busby headed for the long tables near the windows in the front corner of the store. “What a lovely idea.” She stopped in the middle of the store, and Nathan and Charlotte almost bumped into her. “Maybe Mr. Busby and I should spiff up our place, too. Why, all of Gran Colina could use a fresh coat of paint.” She waved at her husband when he came out of the storeroom. “Cyrus, we need to order paint. Remind me to pull that brochure the salesman gave us the last time he came through town. We need all the latest colors.” She held her hands wide and smiled. “Thank you for such a wonderful idea.”

  “You’re welcome.” Nathan and Charlotte shared surprised expressions after Mrs. Busby started off again at a rapid pace.

  “I have some wonderful new bolts.” She unrolled a length of fabric from the first one. “This is a lovely shade.” She held it up to the window. “Just look how the sun shines through and fires up the colors of the birds in the pattern.”

  Nathan didn’t think it was in keeping with the vision he’d shared with Charlotte’s parents. “Perhaps something not quite so bold.”

  Charlotte fingered the fabric. “It’s very pretty.”

  Mrs. Busby ignored him. “You have such wonderful taste, Charlotte.” She looked at Nathan over the rims of her glasses. “This is the sort of decision a woman should make. Men are not given to decorating and such.”

  Charlotte cast a glance at him and looked as if she might burst out laughing. She cleared her throat. “Mrs. Busby, we’re looking for something that will blend with the other pieces that my father ordered.” She touched the fabric again. “This pattern, while perfect in its color and quality, is too ornate for the pieces that are coming.”

  “I see.” Mrs. Busby rolled the fabric back around the bolt. “Why don’t you tell me what color you have in mind? Perhaps that’s the best place to start.”

  “I was thinking of something gold. A medium shade that will make the room glow as the sunshine comes through the windows.” Charlotte seemed to be enjoying herself.

  Her enthusiasm pleased Nathan. “That sounds perfect to me.” He refused to let Mrs. Busby’s scolding stare push him away. “The hotels in Dallas put on quite a show with their stunning lobbies.”

  “What do you think of this one?” Charlotte pointed at a bolt on the far end of the table.

  Mrs. Busby unwound a length of the fabric and held it up to the window. She looked over her shoulder, anticipating Charlotte’s reaction.

  “I think that’s the one.” Charlotte turned to Nathan. Her face beamed.

  “I agree.” He was happy to encourage her. “The result will be elegant.”

  She rewarded him with a smile. “We’ll take this, Mrs. Busby.”

  Back at the hotel, she had him hold the fabric up to the window. She inspected it from every corner of the room. “I couldn’t be more pleased.” She took the fabric from him and added it to the stack of bolts. “It’s wonderful that Mrs. Busby had enough of it in stock to do all the windows in this room.”

  “I’m sorry you’ll have to wait for the dining room fabric to arrive.” He carried part of the stack of fabric to the storeroom in the corner of the lobby. “You’ll have to go see Opal Pennington about making them up for you.”

  “I’ll do that now.”

  After she’d left the room, Nathan put the rest of the fabric away. He pivoted to examine the lobby and assess the changes they’d made.

  “We’re going to make it.” He nodded in satisfaction. “We’re going to finish in time for the farmers’ meeting. Green’s Grand Hotel is entering a new era.
An era that should carry the Green family safely into the coming generations.”

  Nathan wasn’t in the habit of talking to himself, but he was as pleased as if the hotel belonged to him. In many ways, he was responsible for the transition. It would be wonderful to see it through to completion.

  Lord, if You could make a way for me be a part of this hotel for the long term, I’d be grateful.

  It was a selfish prayer, but Nathan decided it was time to ask for something for himself. The Bible said people didn’t have things because they didn’t ask God for them. Well, he was asking.

  Chapter Eleven

  August was nearing an end, and everything was on schedule for the arrival of the new furnishings in mid to late September. Charlotte sat curled up in the corner of the settee in the parlor and drank a cup of tea. The spot had become her place to think since the death of her parents. She found herself there every night and morning. This morning found her peaceful and rested. It was a welcome state.

  She admired the row of music boxes on the mantel. Her mother had loved having them in the restaurant, but Charlotte and the kids enjoyed choosing one to listen to every evening after supper. It was like having a bit of their mother’s joy in the room with them.

  Sarah came into the room, clutching her doll with her head hung low. She climbed onto the settee to snuggle into the crook of Charlotte’s arm.

  “I’m too tired today, Charlotte.” She pulled the doll close.

  “It’s going to be a beautiful day, sweetie. We’ll go to church, and maybe we can take a long walk on the way home.”

  “I’m too tired to walk.” Sarah yawned and cuddled closer.

  “I’m sorry. I was hoping you’d be able to have pancakes for breakfast.” Charlotte twirled one of Sarah’s curls around her finger. “Mrs. Baxter is cooking this morning.”

  Sarah bolted from the settee and ran toward her room. “I’ll be right back. I gotta put on my clothes first.”

  The two kids were ready to eat within minutes. Charlotte led them into the kitchen. “Good morning, Mrs. Baxter. I hope you’re enjoying your work here.”