by Leah Atwood
His mom’s eyes widened as she looked over the counter full of food. “Even if I send you home with a week’s worth, Cara, I don’t know what we’ll do with the rest of it.”
“I have an idea.” Jase drank the last of his tea and dropped the cup in the sink. “Can I take some to the Bares? The roof of their trailer caved in this morning, and they’ve probably been too busy with that to worry about a big meal today.” If they even had the money for one, which they probably didn’t.
“That’s a great idea.” His mom set to work scooping and scraping the leftovers into storage containers.
“Don’t worry about saving any for me. I’d rather it all go to the Bares.” Cara set a plate in the dish drain. “Since Mrs. Bare is working one day a week at the diner now. I don’t know how she has time for anything between cleaning houses and taking care of her kids, but she’s always on top of it.”
“If I get it to them soon, they can still enjoy a Thanksgiving feast tonight.” Jase grabbed a plastic bag and started putting the leftover rolls into it. “I’ll leave as soon as it’s packed.”
“Do you mind if we send the rest of your pies?”
Cara turned from the sink and smiled. “Not at all.”
“Do you want to come with me?” It was a spontaneous invitation, but he didn’t want to end the evening with her yet.
Surprise flickered in her eyes, and she wiped her hand on a dish towel. “Sure. I’ll finish these quickly.”
His mom handed him the first pile of food containers, and he caught an approving nod from her. He took them to his truck and started the engine so it could be warming up. With the disappearance of the sun, which had only appeared for a short time that day, and the onset of darkness, the temperature had dropped drastically.
Cara still washed dishes when he went back into the kitchen.
His mom took the rag from her. “I’ll finish these, and before you protest, remember we want the Bares to have their food before it’s too late to enjoy.”
“All right, you win this time.” Relinquishing the task, Cara went to the hall closet and grabbed her coat. She looked at him. “I need to run to my house and grab a scarf and gloves if you won’t mind.”
“I’ll take the last of the food out and meet you in your driveway.”
“Sounds good. I won’t be long.” When his mom came into the hallway, Cara hugged her. “Thanks again for having me. The food was delicious and the company even better.”
“You’re always welcome here. You’re like a daughter to me.” She cast him a wink over Cara’s shoulder.
Time to get out of here before Mom has us married by tomorrow. He had second thoughts about confessing his feelings for Cara to his mom, and he tried not to be irritated at her lack of subtlety. “Need me to stop in for anything after I drop off Cara?”
“No, but drive safe. There could be ice on the roads.” His mom kissed his cheek.
Within ten minutes, he and Cara were on the road. The plows had passed, making navigation much easier than earlier in the day.
They came to a stop at one of the two traffic lights in town. “Any big shopping plans for tomorrow?”
She shook her head. “No, I’ll be working all day.”
“That’s right. I forgot you mentioned that earlier.”
“Lanie asked me to go into Cheyenne with her for the Black Friday sales, but I’m not a big shopper and had already volunteered to work.” She adjusted the vent to blow directly on her.
“Are you cold? I can turn the heat up.”
“I’m fine now.”
“Heard from your brother lately?” He maneuvered a left turn when the light turned green.
“We spoke earlier today.” Her mouth turned to a frown. “Jared says he’ll be deployed again next year.”
“Oh man. I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I’m praying it is canceled, like the one originally planned for this year, but he said it’s set in stone and they’re already doing the training.”
“I’ll pray too.”
Her face brightened. “He did say he’d use his pre-deployment leave to come visit me, so there’s a silver lining.”
“Let me know when he comes in. I’ll round up the guys, and we’ll all go out.”
“He’d like that.” The spark dimmed from her eyes, and she stared out the window.
Several times he tried to engage her in further conversation, but her answers were short. Holidays were difficult without family. Not a single one went by that he didn’t think of his dad. At least he had his mom nearby, unlike Cara whose mom was halfway across the country. And to face her brother leaving for a deployment? His heart went out to her.
He’d wanted to speak with her tonight, ask her out, and make his intentions known, but the timing was not right. Tonight, she needed a friend, and that is what he’d give her
Chapter Three
Frank Sinatra’s classic version of “Jingle Bells” belted out from the battery-operated radio above Cara’s sink. A light dusting of snow had fallen overnight, but not enough to disrupt plans for the annual Weatherton Christmas Extravaganza.
The biggest event in town, the Christmas Extravaganza was always held on the first full weekend in December. Downtown was closed-off to all motor vehicles, and old-fashioned sleighs and buggies were brought out to shuttle those unable to walk the distance from the parking areas to city hall. Many people also rode in them simply for the experience.
Cara couldn’t wait to go in a few hours. She loved to take her time strolling the streets, and looking at each store decorated for Christmas, with pine swags placed over doors and garland wrapped around street posts. The local radio station would broadcast live from City Hall, and all the business establishments kept their radios tuned to that station in a stereo effect. The entire extravaganza reminded her of a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting.
The best part of the Extravaganza—if she had to narrow it down—was the food. Tonight, and especially on Sunday, there’d be a plethora of vendors outside with hot baked pretzels, burgers, funnel cakes, baked goods and more. It was the best of summer fair food in the winter, combined the goodness of holiday baking.
Even as great the food vendors were, the big event was the huge banquet on Saturday night—a town-wide potluck where everyone gathered at City Hall to share a meal together. It was a great time to catch up with friends seldom seen throughout the year, and to relax in a festive environment.
For the past few years, she’d been tasked with baking pies for the meal. The prospect of baking twenty pies for the night would have been daunting to many, but Cara looked forward to the work. She’d started last night with the pies that required refrigeration like the chocolate and lemon meringues, but she kept those to a minimum since they’d be sitting out at City Hall. She’d also prepared all the crusts last night to lessen her work today.
As she’d baked yesterday and this morning, again using her great-great-grandmother Tallie’s recipes, the funk she’d been in since Thanksgiving began to lift. This year, more than most, the loneliness had struck her hard and been more pronounced. She kept thinking about Jared, proud of his service but wishing he didn’t have to deploy. In her lowest moments, she’d questioned how her mother could have left her to go to New Mexico. Shouldn’t her daughter be more important?
It was the vicious cycle of holiday blues she’d often struggled with, and she would spend extra time in prayer for strength until the bout passed. She was relieved to have the bounce return to her steps this morning and to sing Christmas songs about family without tearing up.
While her last two pies were in the oven, and the scent of cinnamon and baked apples filled the air, she decided to call her mom. She’d avoided talking to her for a few days, afraid she’d say something she’d regret, but she’d worked through her momentary bitterness. She was an adult, capable of living her own life, and her mom had asked her to move to New Mexico with her. It wasn’t as though her mom had abandoned her.
She p
ropped the cell phone between her ear and shoulder while it rang, and covered a pie with aluminum foil. “Hi, Mom.”
“Hi, Cara. I’m so glad you called. I was getting worried when you didn’t return my calls, but your brother said he’s spoken to you, so I knew you were alive.”
“Sorry to worry you.” After setting a pie in a cardboard box—she didn’t have enough carriers for all the pies—she set a flat piece of cardboard on top to create a divider. “How have you been?”
“Great.” Excitement radiated from her mom’s voice. “I have news for you.”
“What?”
“I’m coming up there for Christmas if you don’t mind.”
Her cheeks hurt from her facial muscles stretching into a broad smile. “Of course I don’t mind. When will you be here?”
“My plane lands in Cheyenne at noon on Christmas Eve, then I’ll get a rental and be there no later than two if all goes well.”
“You don’t have to rent a car. I can pick you up.” She set a second peach pie on top of the one already in the box.
“I don’t want to inconvenience you.” An undertone Cara couldn’t decipher came across in her mother’s protest.
“It’s not an inconvenience at all. I’d be happy to come get you.”
“Really, it’s fine. You know how I get if I don’t have access to a vehicle of my own.”
No, she didn’t know, but she let the subject slide since her mom seemed determined to rent a car. “How long are you staying?”
“Through New Year’s.”
“That’s great.” Her neck started to hurt, and she stopped loading the pies and held the phone. “I’ll start fixing the guest room next week.”
“Are you going to the Extravaganza this year?”
“Yes. I’m finishing the pies now and will head out soon.”
“I won’t keep you then. Have fun, and I’ll call Monday or Tuesday to finalize plans.”
“Have a good weekend. Can’t wait to see you.”
Cara ended the call twenty pounds lighter—emotionally, if not physically. She hadn’t seen her mom since she’d flown to New Mexico last summer for a short visit. Her day kept getting better. After taking the final two pies from the oven, she set them on racks to cool.
While they were cooling, she went upstairs to change out of her flour-dusted shirt and sweatpants. She dressed in her warmest pair of jeans and a soft wool red sweater. A black leather belt cinched around her waist and black ankle boots completed her outfit. Cute but comfortable and practical—her favorite style.
All she had left to do was cover the last of the pies, arrange the rest carefully in boxes, and then carry them out to her car. Then she could be on her way and enjoy the celebration.
On her first trip out to her car, Jase called out to her. “Need any help?”
She looked up, pleasantly surprised to see him. “I have sixteen more pies to carry out, so if you’re offering a hand, I’ll take it.”
“Lead the way, sweetheart.” He flashed an irresistible grin as his arm swung in the direction of the front door.
Her heart skipped a beat. He calls all the ladies at church sweetheart. It’s just his normal greeting—stop reading into everything he says and does. She shivered, but not from the temperature that could freeze a raindrop midair. Despite her silent chiding, she failed miserably at stalling her heart’s reaction.
Jase was the definition of masculinity—a true gentleman of days gone by, built with muscles born from hard work, but he was also unattainable. To her knowledge, he never dated. In a town as small as Weatherton, where the gossip mill produced rumors faster than they could be proven true or false, she’d never heard whisperings of him being involved with anyone. Not since Laura. Not to mention that he worked for her best friend’s husband. If Jase had so much shown interest in a girl, she would have heard something.
“What are you doing on this side of town?” she asked him as they walked into her house.
“Mom’s heating unit was acting up, or so she thought. She told me it was broken, but the battery in the thermostat just needed to be changed.”
“We had dinner together last night, and she didn’t say anything about it.”
“From what she told me, it didn’t start until late last night, and she called me first thing this morning.” He went straight to the kitchen and picked up a box, inhaling deeply. “Your pies always smell so good. Makes me almost want to try a slice of the mincemeat.”
She chuckled and slid her hands under a box to lift it. “You can’t judge it until you’ve tried it.”
“I’ll stick with my favorites. Is there a pecan in the mix?”
“Do you even have to ask? How could I make twenty pies without including my favorite?” She angled her head in the direction of the box in his hands. “You’re carrying one as we speak.”
“You’re a girl after my own heart. Anyone who loves pie so much is all right in my book.” Jase’s wink, followed by a wide grin, melted her heart. “Have you ever thought of opening a bakery? If not, you should. You have a real talent for baking.”
She snorted. “As if Weatherton could support a bakery of its own.”
“I bet it could. People don’t have the time to bake their own sweets as much anymore. Plus, you could have all the single men like me for customers who’d pay a pretty sum for a taste of that flaky crust you make.”
His words struck a chord in her heart, even though she’d blown them off. She’d often considered the idea—her secret dream was to own a bakery. However, for the time being, she’d have to be satisfied showcasing her skill at the diner. She baked several a week for Maude, the owner, and it brought in extra money to supplement her waitressing salary and tips.
Unless the job offer came. Earlier in the week she’d gone to Cheyenne for an interview. She’d applied for the position at the bakery last month, but when weeks passed with no word, she’d assumed they weren’t interested. When the call came, she’d scheduled the interview for the next day. If she got the job, it could open the door to one day opening her own bakery.
Leaving Weatherton wasn’t ideal, but she’d still be in her beloved Wyoming. Maybe in Cheyenne she’d find a husband. Jase wasn’t interested in her as more than a friend, and the few other bachelors in town didn’t invoke the same response in her heart as Jase did. The benefits of leaving home outweighed those of staying. And if she wasn’t offered the job? She sighed.
“What’s wrong?” Jase stared at her with creases on his forehead.
“Nothing major.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, Cara. You’ve got a real talent, and people would race to town for a taste of what you bake.”
“I’ll think about it.”
They finished loading the pies into the trunk of her car. Leaning against her sedan, Jase looked out of place—he belonged next to a truck, not her little car. He stood over six feet tall and towered over it. A western shirt outlined his work-toned chest, and a silver-buckled belt accentuated his small waist. An unbuttoned, wool-lined barn coat completed the look.
“Are you going to the Extravaganza today?” She hugged her arms to her chest, wondering how Jase wasn’t freezing with his coat open.
“I plan to. I was hoping a special girl might join me.” The tight-lipped smile didn’t match the sparkle in his eye.
Her pulse slowed to almost nothing. She always knew that one day Jase would fall for someone, but she hadn’t prepared herself for that moment. She’d always thought she’d find out first from his mom and have time to adjust to the idea before having to see him. But what could she do? Even though—or because—she loved him, she wanted him to be happy. Jase deserved a good woman, even if it wasn’t her. She tried to cover her deep breath and forced a smile. “I didn’t realize you were seeing anyone.”
“I’m not.”
“Oh? A potential girlfriend, then?”
He nodded, his grin spreading to reveal his perfectly straight teeth. “You could say that.”
A weight pressed against her chest. “Who is it?”
“You.”
She slapped his shoulder in a playful gesture. “Stop teasing, Jase.”
“I’m not teasing you.” His eyes locked with hers. “Will you come to the Extravaganza with me today… as my date?”
“I… bu… …I don’t…” The shock of his invitation caused her to stammer. Now that he’d asked the question, she didn’t know what to do. Of course, she wanted to go with him, had been waiting for such an opportunity for years, but taking that jump from friends to something more was scary.
“I like you, Cara—a lot.” He reached out and put a hand on her arm. Despite the coolness of his skin, his touch warmed her skin through her coat. “We’ve known each other a long time, and been good friends some years, but my feelings for you go deeper than that now. Living on the Bar-M and not seeing you as often has made me realize how much I care for you, and I’d love it if you’d come with me today.”
Chapter Four
A moment of silence lingered between them.
Jase sucked in a long breath and held it while waiting for Cara’s answer. He’d thought of little else besides her since Thanksgiving. So much so that he was surprised Tate hadn’t reprimanded him for slipping in his work this week. Then again, when Tate had been dating his wife, he’d been spacey also, fumbling on the simplest of tasks.
The other ranch hands didn’t let him off the hook as easily. They’d teased him mercilessly this week, joking that they ‘couldn’t wait to meet the woman who’d finally snagged him.' He’d become notorious—not by choice—for his lack of dating. The guys couldn’t understand why any man who could have his pick of a girl or fling—their words, not his—would choose not to take advantage of the situation.
Explaining it in simple terms, he told them he didn’t see the point of dating someone if he knew right away there was no future. He hated to say he didn’t want to waste his time with the wrong woman, but he’d done enough of that with Laura. Never again. If he didn’t feel a spark of attraction, physically and mentally, he wouldn’t date for the purpose of dating. It might make him an outsider, but he didn’t care. Laura had taught him harsh lessons about love and life.