by Amanda Renee
“She sure did,” Harlan said to Ivy. “I went years without ever tasting a French fry.”
“I wasn’t that bad.” She playfully swatted at him.
“Yeah, you were.” His heart warmed as they shared a smile for the first time in years. “Come over whenever you’re ready. Afterward, we’ll pick up the rest of your stuff from your apartment.”
“Calvin—Lydia’s husband—already did earlier. I hope that was okay.”
“That’s fine. Calvin’s a good man and he, Lydia and the kids are welcome here anytime they want.”
“I’ll let them know. Give me twenty minutes, okay? I need to clean up.”
“Sounds good.” Harlan ran up the back porch steps behind Ivy. He gave the house a quick going-over before he set the table. He looked around, satisfied. It was clean and reasonably organized, at least by single-dad standards.
He scanned the living room and mentally prepared himself to welcome Belle. Last night he hadn’t given it a second thought until she opted to stay in the apartment above the stables. Then the realization had dawned on him. It had to be difficult for her to come into what should have been their home after everything he’d put her through.
Once Molly had left, he redecorated the house the way he and Belle had planned. It wasn’t perfect. Far from it, but it was still a work in progress. Ivy added her own frilly additions, but the place could stand a woman’s touch. He wasn’t sure if Belle had a change of heart because Ivy had forced the issue or if her curiosity had gotten the best of her. Now he wondered if it had been such a good idea. Not for her sake, but for his own.
A soft rap emanated from the porch screen door. He ran his palms down the front of his Wranglers and noticed he still had on his uniform shirt. He wished he’d changed out of it before she arrived.
“I’ll get it.” Ivy ran past him to the door. “Belle’s here!” his daughter shouted at the top of her lungs.
“I can see that.” Harlan joined them in the kitchen and lightly tugged Ivy’s ponytail. “No need to yell, sweetheart.”
“Want to see my room?” Ivy dragged Belle across the kitchen without waiting for an answer.
“Don’t be rude, Ivy,” Harlan warned. “Belle hasn’t even put her salad down.”
“I feel bad not bringing anything. Like a yummy rich dessert.” She reached down and tickled his daughter, immediately lightening the mood again. “Next time, huh, kiddo?” Belle straightened. “That is if there is a next time. I don’t want to intrude.”
“You’re not intruding. Remember what I told you last night. You’re more than welcome to—” Harlan hadn’t had the pleasure of talking to a woman he was attracted to around his daughter before. He was learning to be more careful with his words. “Would you like a glass of wine? I have a sparkling white and a merlot.”
“The white would be wonderful, thank you.”
“Your ring matches Daddy’s.” Ivy lifted Belle’s hand and fiddled with the gold band.
“I thought—”
“In case I—”
Harlan and Belle both spoke at the same time.
“I’m sorry, go ahead,” Harlan said, praying his daughter would stop putting them on the spot tonight.
Belle’s cheeks flushed. “It was easier to leave it on so I don’t have to remember it every time I visit my grandmother.”
“Me, too,” he lied. The fact she cared enough to save the rings made him want to wear it. “I figured there would be fewer questions around town since everyone seems to know we got married. Turns out it was more of a conversation starter, but I handled it.”
“I hate that you’re going through this because of me. I deal little with the public and most of the animals don’t pay too much attention to my jewelry.”
Harlan poured Belle a glass of wine and handed it to her. He opened his mouth to speak, when he realized they still had an audience. “Why don’t you go sit down, Ivy?” He pulled out a chair for Belle before spooning the chili into bowls for him and his daughter. He joined them at the table and reached for both of their hands. “Thank You, Lord, for these blessings which we are about to receive. And thank You for bringing Belle, along with her fine-feathered and four-legged friends, into our lives.” Ivy giggled. “Please watch over and bless us all. In Jesus’s name. Amen.”
“Amen.” Belle gave his hand a light squeeze before releasing it. “It’s nice to see things haven’t changed.”
Harlan longed for the physical contact as soon as she let go. As much as he’d told himself they had both moved on and couldn’t be together again, having a meal together as a family made him wonder if it was possible.
Dinner had gone remarkably well. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen his daughter laugh so much. A little too much, considering she wore a good portion of her chili. Ivy surprised him when she asked Belle to read her a story instead of him. But Belle didn’t hesitate to say yes and seemed touched by the request. While they were upstairs, he wondered if Belle felt uncomfortable being in the room they had chosen for their own children. He wanted to ask her when she came back downstairs and joined him on the couch, but he didn’t want to ruin an otherwise perfect evening.
“I can’t thank you enough for having me. I had a wonderful time.” Belle rested her hand on his forearm. “And I mean that. Your daughter is amazing. You should be very proud.”
“I should be the one saying thanks. I think you won her over.” A warning voice grew in his head.
Belle withdrew from him. “And that bothers you, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, it does.” Harlan turned sideways and draped one arm over the back of the couch so he could face her. “She gets very attached to people. She doesn’t have a lot of family outside of my uncle Jax and my brothers Dylan and Wes, when Wes is even around. He’s stayed away since Dad’s death. Ivy doesn’t remember Molly. And that’s a good thing. Sad but good. She only has two cousins—my brother Garrett’s kids—but once Mom moved to California he stopped coming back to town.”
“She doesn’t see Molly’s family?”
Harlan scrubbed his hand along his jawline. “They’ve made no effort to see Ivy. And they know she exists because we sent them a birth announcement. I had tried to contact them after Molly left. Never heard a word. I’ve made peace with it. This way I don’t have to worry about them disappointing my daughter. It’s sad she doesn’t have more family, though. I grew up with four brothers and chaos everywhere. And as crazy as my family was, I wouldn’t have traded them in for anything. It kills me sometimes. I always wanted a couple of kids growing up together. Ivy will never experience that bond of having a sibling close in age.”
“I know what you mean.” A bittersweet hint of emotion filled her voice.
“I’m such an ass.” Guilt rolled through him. “Here I am rambling on about raising another woman’s child without even considering how difficult this must be for you. And I know you don’t want to hear this and I don’t want to ruin a nice evening, but you need to know the truth. That one night with Molly was all it ever was. One night. A drunken mistake that resulted in the most beautiful gift. But we were never together again. I never meant to hurt you. Not then and not now. Yet I keep doing it, don’t I?”
“You’re giving yourself too much credit.” A cool detachment replaced any sentiment he sensed a moment ago. “I’ll admit it was difficult coming into this house and seeing it as I had always envisioned it, but none of this hurts me. You moved on with your life and so have I.”
“Everything around here is mine and Ivy’s. The paint color, the furnishings. I changed it all after Molly left.”
“You don’t owe me an explanation.” Belle rose from the couch, crossed the room to the fireplace and admired the photos of his family on the mantel. “This is your home and I respect that. Things didn’t work out and, honestly, I’m exhausted from holdi
ng it against you.” She faced him, her expression softened. “I’m exhausted from hating you for it. And yes, hate is a strong word and I felt that way for a long time. Over the past couple of days, I discovered the beauty of letting go. I didn’t even realize I had done it until Ivy and I were feeding Lillie.”
Harlan perched on the edge of the couch and rested his elbows on his knees. Was she saying they had a chance? “What made you change your mind?”
“It just clicked.” She shrugged. “I enjoy spending time with you and Ivy. I didn’t know what to expect when I walked in. Seeing the house wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.” Belle held up her hands in front of her. “Before you ask me again, no, I will not move in here with you. I think that will confuse matters even more. I understand your concerns with Ivy getting too attached. Providing you keep up your word on the land deal, I don’t see myself walking out of her life anytime soon. Once the rescue is open, I’ll just be on the other side of the ranch and she can visit me whenever she wants.”
Belle’s willingness to be a part of Ivy’s life erased any lingering doubts he had about offering her the acreage. “I admit, your attitude surprises me.”
“Me, too. But how can I promote kindness and compassion toward animals and not give you the same courtesy?” Belle’s eyes widened. “Not that I’m calling you an animal, because I’m not.”
Harlan laughed. “I wondered there for a second.”
Belle sat next to him again on the couch. “This is good. You and I have finally reached the point where we can laugh with one another even if it’s at the other’s expense. Who knows what the future holds, but I think we can be friends if you’re okay with that?”
“Yes, I’m okay with that.” He’d much rather take her in his arms and tell her exactly how she made him feel and that he wanted to be more than friends, but he couldn’t. It wasn’t worth the risk of driving her away. He’d missed her infectious laughter and being able to share things that happened in his life or even throughout the day. Especially when his father had died. That was when he had needed her most. Nobody understood him the way she always had. And even though they weren’t together, he’d had a sense of calm and relief when he saw her at the cemetery. No words had been necessary. He’d felt her concern and sympathy. He refused to let her slip away from him again. If friendship was all they’d ever have, he’d take it. But he wouldn’t lose her again.
“I need to give Lillie her next feeding.” Belle stood. “Thank you again for having me over tonight.”
Harlan led her through the kitchen and once again found himself unsure how to say good-night. He opened the door. “Could we do this again tomorrow?”
“Can we play it by ear?” Belle nibbled her lower lip. “My schedule is all over the place between my grandmother and veterinary emergencies. It makes it a little difficult to plan anything. I would like to, though.”
“I’ll take that as a yes and if you get tied up, then don’t give it a second thought. I understand the call of duty. I’ve had to drop Ivy off at my uncle’s house on numerous occasions.”
“It’s a date, then.” Belle’s mouth dropped open. “I didn’t mean a date. I meant—”
“I know what you meant.” Harlan wished it was a date. “I wouldn’t be much of a gentleman if I didn’t offer to walk you back to your apartment.”
She laughed. “It’s only a few feet away. I can manage.” Belle stepped onto the porch. “Wow, that sunset is stunning. I forgot the view from here. You’re blessed to see this every day.”
Harlan joined her at the porch railing. “You’re living here, too. It’s your view just as much as it’s mine.”
“I can’t live above the stables forever.”
“You and the animals are welcome as long as you want.” Harlan already hated the thought of her leaving. “You are still planning on living here until the rescue center’s built, right?”
“Construction is still a long way off. I don’t think you want me around that long. Maybe I’ll put a travel trailer out there once I get everything operational. It’s an inexpensive, although a temporary, solution. I probably wouldn’t survive the winter in one. Maybe a prefabricated home somewhere down the line. I need to focus on donations to make this happen. I can’t use that money for myself. And I’m still not sure how I’ll balance working for Lydia and running the rescue. But I need an income. And I’ll need plenty of volunteers along with paid employees. I feel guilty taking a salary for myself. Eventually, I’ll have to get over it, but there’s a lot I still have to work out. I am so grateful to you for the land.”
“No need to thank me.” Harlan laughed, amazed at how fast and long she could talk without coming up for air. He could stand on the porch and listen to her all night.
“I know, I know. I’m rambling.” She sheepishly looked away.
Harlan lifted her chin with his finger. “You’re excited and rightfully so. Enjoy it.”
She nodded, and in that moment he wanted nothing more than to kiss her.
“I guess I should feed my little ones.”
Harlan chuckled at her timing. “Yes, you definitely should. I need to check on Ivy.”
“Thanks again for tonight.” Belle reached up and kissed him on the cheek before darting down the porch steps toward the stables.
The sweet gesture sent his pulse racing once again. And he loved every second. Maybe there was hope for them after all.
Chapter Six
Belle woke up giggling. The sound startled her at first until she realized it was her own laughter. She sat up in bed and giggled again. And then she laughed out loud. She was actually happy. It had been a rarity in recent years. So rare she couldn’t remember the last time she had been in such a good mood.
She reached over the bed and checked on Lillie in her carrier. The tiny piglet was awake and standing at the door. It was another great sign. She opened the door and scooped her up with one hand, holding her close to her chest.
“Good morning, sweet thing.” Lillie wiggled excitedly in her arms. “I can’t tell you how glad I am to see you moving around on your own. I guess we both slept well.”
She climbed out of bed and slipped a small collar around Lillie’s neck. “Let’s take you outside to go potty before breakfast.” It may be August but the morning air was chilly. Belle bounced up and down to stay warm. She’d started leash training Lillie yesterday at work and so far the piglet didn’t seem to mind it. “Hurry up before you freeze your tail off.” After ten minutes of sniffing around, she went to the bathroom. “Good girl.”
The sound of a twig snapping nearby startled them both. A puff of steam four feet off the ground appeared from the corner of the stables. Belle picked Lillie up and stuffed her in her shirt before plastering herself against the wood siding. She couldn’t run, for fear whatever it was would chase after them. She held her breath as a moose and her calf appeared. The cow looked in her direction, then continued walking toward the corral and along the fence. Her calf didn’t follow and Belle was afraid it would pick up her scent and come in for a closer look.
Moose were larger than most people thought, weighing between eight hundred and twelve hundred pounds. Thankfully, this female was on the small end. Belle had been up close and personal with one only once and that was when she and Lydia had rescued a bull moose caught in a barbed-wire fence a few years ago. It had been one of their most difficult rescues due to the animal’s size and strength.
Lillie squirmed and Belle prayed she wouldn’t squeal. The calf finally lost interest and followed her mother. When they were a safe enough distance away, Belle inched along the stable’s outer wall, never taking her eyes off the moose. When she reached the corner, she peered around it to make sure there weren’t any more. Once she was inside, she breathed a sigh of relief and eased Lillie out from under her shirt.
“That was enough advent
ure for one day, wasn’t it, little girl?”
She looked toward the corridor to see if the animals had sensed any trouble. Horses were usually the most intuitive and would sometimes bang against their stalls or use the flehmen response, where they curled back their upper lip, exposed their teeth and inhaled with their nostrils closed in an attempt to identify a scent.
Assured all was quiet, she climbed the stairs and continued with her morning. After she fed Lillie, swaddled her and put her down for a nap, Belle showered and changed into her work clothes, then headed back down to the stables. She couldn’t seem to get warm. The thermometer outside the door read thirty-nine degrees. “Holy crap!” No wonder she was cold. Yesterday morning had been closer to sixty.
She opened Samson’s stall and picked up the black lamb. She rubbed her face against his head, relishing the feel of the soft fleece against her skin. The always jealous Olive butted her head against the neighboring stall, wanting affection of her own. Belle reached over the side and scratched her back. “Be patient. You’ll get yours. There is enough love to go around.” Imogene honked at her from behind Olive. “Yes, I love you, too.”
The stable door slid open and Harlan appeared, silhouetted by the morning sun. There was nothing sexier than a cowboy first thing in the morning. She’d denied herself the pleasure of his piercing blue eyes and slow, easy smile yesterday morning. She wouldn’t make the same mistake today. Besides, the wedding ring on her finger entitled her to that enjoyment, and she deserved to partake in at least some of it. Looking was harmless, right?
“Good morning.” Harlan handed her a cup of coffee over the stall door. “Looks like I got here before you started mucking. Good. Now I won’t have to argue with you about it.”
Belle lowered Samson into the fluffy pile of hay and sipped her coffee. “Thank you. I needed this.”
“It’s a cold one.”
“Well, that too, but that’s not the only reason I need an extra pick-me-up. Lillie and I had a run-in with a mama moose and her calf.”