Storm's Refuge

by Nancy M Bell

  “Peggy, you’re gonna scare that girl right out of here talking like that,” Carson chided his wife.

  “I didn’t hear you come down the hall, darling.” Peggy favoured him with an amused look.

  “I’m sure this young lady doesn’t want to hear her boyfriend’s mother comparing him to progeny of breeding stock.” The tall rangy rancher looked apologetically at Michelle.

  “Okay then, changing the subject. Let’s bring your things in from the truck, Dad. Chelly, will you show Mom where their room is and see if there’s anything they need up there?” Cale moved toward the mudroom and escape, followed by his father.

  * * *

  The rest of the morning flew by. Michelle and Peggy went over the old ranch house from top to bottom. Pen and paper in hand, they moved from room to room, discussing what needed to be done to spruce the place up. Most of the upstairs bedrooms were in need of paint and new wallpaper along with window dressings. For the most part, the upper floors were wide oak boards in need of refinishing, which could wait ‘til summer. The kitchen floor was covered in worn, discoloured linoleum which desperately needed to be pulled up and replaced with tile or laminate. The living room and the parlour had the original hardwood floors which still retained their beauty and could be left for the time being.

  Peggy stuck her head into the shower stall of the bathroom off the kitchen and shook her head. The white metal of the walls was discoloured and showing rust stains, and the other fixtures were in no better shape. The laundry room revealed flooring and plumbing which needed immediate replacement and went to the top of the “to do” list.

  “We’ll take a run into High River or Okotoks tomorrow and pick up most of the things we need to fix the most urgent things on the list,” Peggy said, emerging from the laundry room.

  “There’s a lot to do, are you sure you want to spend your visit with Cale pulling up lino and painting woodwork?” Michelle asked uncertainly.

  “That’s what we came up for. I didn’t know you were here at the house, and Cale isn’t one to worry about aesthetics. As long as things are still working, it doesn’t matter to him what it looks like.”

  “True, although he’s way tidier than my brother, thank goodness.”

  “You ladies ready for some dinner?” Carson Benjamin stepped through the mudroom door followed by his son.

  “That would be lovely. What’s in the freezer, Cale?” His mother smiled and patted her son on the cheek.

  “A tray of Mary’s lasagne, some buffalo roasts, and maybe some French fries,” he answered her.

  “Now, Peggy, this is our first night here. Let’s go into town and celebrate Cale’s new job and his new home.” Carson made a funny face, and Michelle giggled.

  “Don’t encourage the man for heaven’s sake,” Peggy said in mock annoyance. “He’ll start doing his impressions if you give an ounce of encouragement.”

  “Dinner out is a great idea, Dad. Let’s go to the steak house in Longview. They have the best food anywhere around here.” Cale said.

  “Sounds like a plan. We’ll take our truck if you don’t mind.” Carson shrugged into his coat and pointed his key fob toward the red vehicle outside which roared into life.

  In short order, Storm and the puppies were cared for and safely situated. Michelle settled in the rear seat of the quad cab. Cale joined her, capturing her fingers in his after the seat belts were fastened. A warm feeling of happiness swept over her. For the first time in longer than she remembered, it felt like she was part of a family. It was definitely a very nice feeling.

  The ride into town was short, and before long, they were seated in the tiny dining room of the steak house. The restaurant had a cozy comfortable ambiance, and the conversation flowed easily. Michelle found herself laughing at Carson and Peggy as they kibitzed and teased each other. She met Cale’s warm gaze across the table. For a moment, it seemed there was no one else in the world but the two of them. He reached across the white tablecloth and took her hand in his. A smile of pure happiness blossomed within her chest and spread across her face. Nothing in her whole life ever felt this right. A wonderful sense of belonging enveloped her.

  “Hey you two, if you keep looking at each other like that, you’ll melt the candles,” Peggy teased.

  Michelle withdrew her hand as she experienced a rush of heat across her face. Cale laughed and recaptured her fingers. He raised her hand to his lips and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. The intimate gesture sent thrills of pleasure spiralling through her stomach, and she trembled.

  “Isn’t that sweet, Carson? I remember when we were at that stage in our relationship.” Peggy’s eyes were shiny with tears.

  Michelle heard the words and thought briefly about telling her they were just friends. Honesty quieted her tongue as she acknowledged what she was feeling was a lot more than friendship. Cale took the situation in hand, picking up his beer without taking his gaze from her face.

  “Let’s toast shall we? To the woman I love, my new job, and my new home. I hope we’ll enjoy many happy years together there.” His voice was rich with emotion as he spoke.

  “To Michelle, your new job and home.” Peggy and Carson repeated the toast, lifting their glasses and touching Cale’s.

  Michelle was stunned into silence by his words. Cale loved her. He admitted it to her in front of his parents, so he must be serious. Wild joy rocketed through her with the realization she loved him back. Whatever it was she had felt for Rob was a pale candle compared to the fireworks of emotion she was experiencing at the moment. Cale tightened his fingers on hers, and she smiled brightly, her eyes misting with tears of happiness.

  “To the man I love, our new home, and our future together,” Michelle said breathlessly as she raised her glass and joined in the toast with her family.

  Chapter Eighteen

  It was almost dusk when Michelle finished the chores. “Happy New Year,” she called to the horses as she flicked off the light and latched the barn door. The first stars shone in the pale blue evening sky as the molten ball of the sun kissed the rolling hills to the west. Yellow light spilled from the kitchen windows across the yard. Peggy was putting together a light supper before they’d head into Doc and Mary’s for the night’s celebrations. Michelle did a little skip and dance, whirling around in the last slanted light of the sun. It was her first New Year’s Eve with Cale, a thrill of excitement spiraled through her gut. What a difference a year could make.

  She glanced across the coulee where the lights of her childhood home shone in the gathering darkness. It looked like every light in the house was on, she giggled, George would have a fit when he got the hydro bill. She shook her head, who knew what George and his blond bimbo were up to. Be nice, Michelle. She cautioned herself, it’s the holidays, after all. Dismissing her annoying brother and his latest conquest from her thoughts she bounded up the steps and into the mud room. Shedding her barn clothes, she stepped into the warmth of the kitchen. Carson and Cale had commandeered the harvest table. Every inch was covered with drawings and blueprints, the two men had their heads close together discussing some obscure aspects of the plumbing and heating Michelle would rather not know about. Peggy looked up as she came and grinned at her over the men’s heads.

  Michelle washed her hands at the sink and turned to help Cale’s mom put the last few sandwiches on the plate. Peggy ladled steaming tomato soup into the waiting bowls on the counter.

  “C’mon, boys. Time to eat, clear that mess away,” she ordered.

  Michelle grinned when the men obediently folded and stacked the paperwork. Carson gathered it all up and placed it on the small desk by the phone.

  “They’re so well trained, Peggy. I’m impressed,” Michelle joked.

  “Start ‘em young,” the older woman replied failing to keep an amused smile from spreading across her face.

  “Nothin’ to do with training, I’ll have you know. When there’s food involved you don’t have to ask this cowboy twice to clear the table.”
Carson winked at his wife.

  Cale shook his head and smoothed out the rumpled tablecloth. Michelle brought the platter of sandwiches while Cale’s parents carried the bowls of soup to the table. She reached for a soup spoon from the glass spooner sitting in its usual place in the middle of the table. A thrill of awareness shot through her when Cale’s fingers brushed against hers as he snagged a utensil at the same time. Michelle blushed hotly at the knowing look that passed between his parents. She snatched her hand back and took a seat across from him. Since when does picking up a spoon qualify as foreplay? Fear reared its head for a moment, what if this didn’t work out with Cale? Her chest tightened and it was hard to draw air into her lungs. Swallowing a mouthful of soup seemed to ease the physical discomfort, but the doubt just wouldn’t go away. He’s not Rob, he’s not Rob, Michelle repeated the mantra to herself.

  “Are you okay, dear?” Peggy placed a hand on her arm. “You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.”

  “No, no, I’m fine, really.” Michelle smiled at the woman, but avoided Cale’s concerned gaze. “Just excited about tonight, I think. It’s been a long time since Mary invited this many people for New Year’s Eve.” She raised her head to find Cale regarding her with a puzzled and wary expression on his handsome face. Shaking her head and giving him a tiny smile, she applied herself to the food on her plate.

  Supper dishes cleaned and put away, Michelle followed the Benjamins out to their truck. Cale held the door for her and climbed in behind her. After securing the seatbelt he laced his fingers with hers and squeezed.

  “No monkey business back there, you two,” Carson teased.

  “Carson! They not children for heaven’s sake,” Peggy responded.

  “It’s okay, Dad. I’ll keep the heavy breathing to a minimum. I wouldn’t want to offend your sensibilities with my wild behaviour,” Cale bantered back.

  Michelle stared out the window to hide the tide of red she could feel creeping up her face. She hardly knew these people. They were going to think she was a sex maniac or something. Cale was making it sound like they went at it like rabbits, for heaven’s sake.

  “Smile, Chelly. It’s just harmless teasing,” Cale whispered. “Dad likes to give me a hard time, but he doesn’t mean anything by it.”

  Peggy inserted a CD in the player and started singing along. Michelle joined in, glad of the diversion. Before she knew it, they were pulling up to Doc’s. Cars and trucks filled the small lot in front of the clinic and spilled out onto the narrow street.

  “My stars, Mary must have invited the whole town,” Michelle exclaimed.

  “Looks like,” Peggy agreed.

  Carson wedged the big Dodge crew cab into a parking space down the street and turned off the ignition. Michelle opened the door and jumped down, Cale close behind her. She threw her head back to gaze at the blanket of stars above. Cale’s arms came around her and she leaned back against him, his breath warm as he kissed her ear.

  “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it,” she said.

  “Not as beautiful as the woman in my arms.” He tightened his hold.

  “C’mon, you two love birds. Quit canoodling in the middle of the street,” Carson called.

  Grinning, Michelle let Cale lead her up the steps and in the front door. There was a small vestibule which was overflowing with coats and boots. The holidays were the only time the front door was ever used. It meant Mary was going overboard and outdoing herself to throw a shindig to be remembered.

  “Happy New Year!” Mary sailed across the living room, a headband with shiny stars and sparkly horns adorned with flashing lights on her grey curls. She hugged Michelle and then Cale.

  “Peggy, it’s been too long,” she greeted Cale’s mom. “How is Dolores? I haven’t heard from her in a donkey’s age. Carson, handsome as always, good to see you, boy” Without waiting for a response, she took Peggy’s hand and towed her across the room to where Doc was holding court in his favorite chair.

  Michelle grinned up at Cale and laughed out loud at the forlorn look on Carson’s face. Mary in full hostess mode was a force to be reckoned with.

  “Seems I’ve been deserted. Think I’ll just go find me a drink.” Carson ambled over to the bar set up in the kitchen.

  “Do you want something?” Cale asked.

  “Maybe some white wine, for a change.”

  “Be right back, don’t go away.” He winked and wended his way through the crowd toward the kitchen.

  Michelle found a clear space and perched on the arm of the sofa. Her gaze roamed the roomful of guests, looked like just about everyone from town and the surrounding area was there. Mary’s annual New Year’s Eve party was legendary, although it appeared she had really out done herself this time. The house was so packed with people it was hard to move, someone had thrown open the front and back doors to get some fresh air into the overheated atmosphere. George’s dark head caught her attention as the crowd parted for a moment. He had his arms securely around Stacey’s shoulders and was smiling down at her. A couple of his old girlfriends were looking daggers at the pair of them. This might prove to be a very interesting night. Amy Sargent was known for her volatile temper and right now, if looks could kill, Stacey would be French fried. Wonder how Georgie plans to handle that?

  “Here you go.”

  Cale’s voice at her elbow startled her so much she almost slid off her perch. “Thanks. Oh, oh, looks like Amy is headed George’s way. This should be interesting.”

  “What do you mean? Is she one of his old girlfriends?”

  “Not so old. They were thick as thieves all last summer. He kinda just disappeared on her with no explanation.” Michelle giggled at the trapped expression on her brother’s face as he saw the woman bearing down on him. Mary, quick as always to head off any explosions that might mar her festivities, intercepted her just as she reached the couple. Taking her firmly in hand, Mary turned her toward a huddle of young people which included some single men. Trust Mary to bail George out.

  “Mission accomplished, bomb defused,” Cale remarked. “That woman does have a knack for arranging things.”

  “I don’t think anyone has every outsmarted our Miss Mary. Doc says he never had a chance once she set her hat for him. Before he knew it he was squashed into a monkey suit and sweating it out at the front of the church waiting on her to come up the aisle,” Michelle’s voice was full of laughter.

  “Happy New Year!” Rob stood in the doorway with Kayla beside him.

  “Same to you, young fella.” Doc made his way through the crowd to shake his hand. “Good to see you. You too, Kayla.” He drew them into the room, steering them to the far side away from Michelle and Cale.

  “Looks like Mary isn’t the only one running interference tonight.” Cale looked down at her thoughtfully.

  “No need. I’m not gonna rip her hair out or anything. She’s welcome to him, the rat bastard.” Michelle stood up. “Did I tell you he wants her to get pregnant, like yesterday?” She plunged on when Cale shook his head. “She showed up at the door a couple of days ago, looking for him. Like I’d let him in…Anyway, he wants kids right away and she wants to wait. We were just the opposite, I wanted a house full of babies and all he wanted was to run the roads chasing his rodeo dreams.”

  “What did you tell her?”

  She snorted. “I told her to go drag him out of whatever bar he was in and set him down and work it out. Maybe he’ll listen to her better’n he did to me.”

  “How come you never mentioned this before?”

  “I forgot about it in the rush to get the house ready for your parents. It wasn’t that important.”

  “You sure about that?”

  “Yeah, of course.” She rounded on him. “Why do you think I’m keeping secrets or something?” Anger coloured her words.

  “I hope not, Chelly. I don’t want to think that. Just seems odd you never thought to mention she dropped by.”

  “It just slipped my mind. I didn’t think it was
that important. Can we just drop it for now?”

  “Sure. I’m gonna go get another beer, do you want anything?”

  Michelle set her empty wine glass on the mantle and shook her head. The last thing she needed was to get all muzzy headed and stupid in front of his parents. Her gaze followed the tall form as Cale made his way through the crowd, stopping to talk with clients along the way.

  Peggy appeared at Michelle’s elbow. “It’s so nice to see Mary and Luke again. I haven’t seen them in ages. Mom keeps us updated on what’s going on, but it’s not the same as a visit.”

  “I’m glad you’re having a good time.” Michelle smiled at the older woman.

  “It’s good to see Cale so happy. He’s always been so intense and focussed on his career, it's nice to see him relax a bit. You’re good for him, I hope you’ll be joining our family officially soon,” Peggy said.

  “Thanks, he makes me happy, too. I don’t know about anything official, though. We haven’t even talked about anything like that.”

  “They say action speaks louder than words, dear. I’d say he’s pretty committed to your relationship.”

  “What about Stacey? Was he ever serious with her?” She hated herself for asking, but curiosity got the better of her.

  “Stacey chased after him for awhile, but he never gave her a second look that way. They were good friends and that’s all it ever was. Besides, it looks like she’s set her sights on your brother. Are you okay with that?” Peggy tilted her head toward the couple by the kitchen door.

  “So long as he keeps her claws out of Cale, I’m fine with it. I warned her to be careful about George, he’s the love ‘em and leave ‘em type.”

  “Well, I’m hoping there’ll be something shiny on your finger before too long. It’s time my son settled down and gave me some grandbabies.” Peggy stood up with a smile and went to join her husband.

  Michelle got up as well. Suddenly restless, she slipped through the crowd and out onto the back porch off the kitchen. The cold air nipped her nose, though it was a welcome relief from the close atmosphere inside. Stars winked brightly in the sable velvet sky. She took a deep breath and released it in a cloud of white frost. Is Cale thinking of asking me to marry him? Do I want him to? Damn, I’m scared. I like him way too much already, what’ll I do if he decides to dump me?