“The hearing was uneventful. The Sandersons were there, though.”
“Uh-oh.”
He pulled into the busy street. “They were perfectly fine until I was leaving the building. Then they decided to pounce.”
“What did they do?”
He told her about the exchange, wishing he’d handled things better. Man, those two knew how to push his buttons.
“I’m sorry, Mick. I wish I could have been there with you. Maybe they wouldn’t have messed with you then. I am curious to know how they found out about Sadie’s arm and me staying with you. I wonder if they hired a private investigator or something.”
“I wouldn’t put it past them.” A red light had him slowing to a stop behind a line of cars.
“Of course, with folks in Bliss being so friendly, I can see how it wouldn’t be too hard to get that kind of information.”
“I suppose you’re right.”
“You know, this reminds me of David and Goliath,” she said. “How Goliath was all cocky, demeaning David as he came out to face him. Taunting him.”
“And David told the giant that he came in the name of the Lord.”
“That’s right. Mick, you’re not going up against the Sandersons alone. God is with you. No matter what happens, good or bad, God’s got this. Your job is simply to trust.”
Peace washed over him as the traffic light turned green. “Thank you for that reminder. I needed to hear that.”
“We all need to be reminded sometimes. Don’t waste your time dwelling on what the Sandersons said. You’re a good man, and Sadie is blessed to have you.”
“I appreciate that.” Not only had she been a godsend, more and more, he was coming to realize that Christa was everything he’d ever wanted in a woman. He just wasn’t sure he could ever be enough for her.
She was from the city. Had worked for big corporations. She was an executive! He couldn’t say that about any other woman he’d ever known. Yet they were always trying to change him. Wanting him to be something he wasn’t. They always wanted more. More time, more attention, more glamour. They wanted an urban cowboy, not a real cowboy. And that wasn’t who he was.
Chapter Eleven
“Christa. Jade Reynolds here.”
Sitting at the desk in her office at the store, phone pressed to her ear, Christa couldn’t help wondering why her old acquaintance and headhunter would be calling her.
“Jade. Wow, long time, no hear.”
“Too long, if you ask me. However, an opportunity crossed my desk recently that is tailor-made for you. It ticks off every one of your wish-list items, which I still have, by the way. This client wants the best of the best and is willing to pay for it.”
Christa eyed the stack of catalogs to her left. “Jade, you know I’m not in the business anymore. I’m quite content owning my little hardware store here in Bliss.” Even if her so-called friends had thought her a fool for doing so.
“Sweetheart, do you have any idea what a waste of your talents that is?”
“I don’t care. I’m genuinely happy here.” And nowhere near as uptight as she’d been in Austin.
A heavy sigh crackled through the line. “If you say so. But if you change your mind, I want to be the first one to know.”
Glancing toward the window that overlooked the store, she spotted her friends Paisley and Laurel heading her way, along with Laurel’s toddler, Sarah-Jane. “All right, but don’t hold your breath, Jade.”
Ending the call, she dropped the phone onto her desk and hurried to greet her friends. “Well, hello there.” After brief hugs, she relieved Laurel of Sarah-Jane and blew raspberries on her chubby cheeks. “Oh, how I’ve missed those giggles.”
Christa, Laurel, Paisley and Rae, owner of Rae’s Fresh Start Café and now Laurel’s sister-in-law, had moved to Bliss within a year or so of each other. They’d arrived looking for new beginnings and ended up finding each other.
She settled the almost-two-year-old child on her hip. “What brings you all by?”
“You.” Paisley, a tall, gorgeous redhead with a sweet Southern drawl, held a plate of what appeared to be lemon bars. “Where have you been keeping yourself? We haven’t seen or heard from you since the ice storm.”
Starting back into her office, she motioned for them to follow. “Well, believe it or not, I’ve been helping Mick Ashford adjust to fatherhood.”
Both women’s eyes widened.
“Oh, this definitely calls for some sugar.” Paisley peeled back the plastic wrap. “Let me grab a couple of napkins then you can explain.” She rounded the corner to the coffeepot, giving a pregnant Laurel just enough time to ease into one of the industrial-style side chairs before returning. “All right, I’m all ears.”
While Paisley served up the unexpected treats, Christa settled into her desk chair with Sarah-Jane in her lap. “Mick’s sister and brother-in-law were killed in a helicopter crash right after Christmas. Mick is now raising their five-year-old daughter.” She explained how things had gotten started with Sadie’s bedroom and how she’d ended up having to stay with them during the storm.
A pained expression clouded Laurel’s pretty face. “That is so sad. Though I’m grateful Sadie’s parents had the forethought to name a guardian. I remember stressing over that before Wes and I were married, wondering what would become of Sarah-Jane if anything were to happen to me.”
“That’s sweet of you to help Mick navigate the waters of parenthood.” Paisley took a bite of a lemon bar.
Picking off a small piece for Sarah-Jane, Christa laughed. “As if I know anything about parenting. However, having lost my mom when I was five, I know what Sadie is going through.”
“How does Mick feel about his new role?” Licking her fingers, Laurel eyed Christa intently.
“Scared.” The image of him holding Sadie that day the calf was born played across her mind. “But he adores her and is making every effort to be the best father figure he can be.” She stood a squirmy Sarah-Jane on the area rug and watched her toddle toward her mother. “He’s kind of shattered all the notions I had about him.”
“How so?” Laurel scooped her daughter into her arms.
“I always thought of him as a superficial guy. Doing whatever he wanted when he wanted. Only thinking about himself. But now that I’ve had the opportunity to get to know him, I see how kindhearted he is and realize he’s one of those genuinely good guys.” She glanced at Laurel. “Like Wes.”
Her friends shared a look that Christa knew all too well.
“Oh, stop it. We’re friends and that’s it.”
“I’ve heard that before.” Paisley was obviously referencing a similar claim Laurel had made about Wes.
“Paise...” Christa glared at her friend.
“I’m just saying.”
“Well, quit.” Christa snagged the last lemon bar. “What’s been going on with you two? Laurel, how’s baby number two coming along?”
“So far, so good.” She set a hand on her slightly swollen abdomen. “Which reminds me, I need to stop by one day when my hands aren’t so full—” she eyed Sarah-Jane “—to check out some paint samples for the nursery.”
“So will it be a pink or blue nursery?” Christa was eager for an inside scoop.
“Neither. I’m thinking a midrange greige I can accent with any color.”
Sarah-Jane started to fuss.
“And on that note, I think we’ve reached our limit.” Laurel stood.
Christa did, too, and moved to hug her friends. “I love you guys.”
“We love you, too.”
No sooner had they waved goodbye than Christa’s phone rang again. Hurrying to her desk, she looked at the device to see her Realtor’s name. “Yes!” She swiped the screen. “Hello.” Excitement bubbled inside of her. Please, let it be good news.
“Hi, Christa
. I’m so sorry this has taken so long, but I finally heard back from the leasing agent and, sadly, the owner does not want to sell. However, if you’d be interested in leasing—”
Her heart dropped. “Leasing won’t work for what I want to do. And doesn’t the owner realize the building has been sitting empty for at least six months? That’s certainly not making them any money.”
“I know, but some people are just weird like that. The place probably has sentimental value or something.”
Christa heaved a sigh. “All right, thank you for checking.” She ended the call, realizing her dream had just gone poof. What was she supposed to do now? That building had been the only viable option for expanding the store.
“Miss Christa!”
She jerked her head up to see Sadie standing in the doorway.
A second later, Mick appeared behind her. “Sorry about that. She ran ahead of me.”
“I tolded you, I need to talk to Miss Christa.” Sadie had a way of making Christa smile, no matter how bad her mood.
She approached them now. “What’s going on?”
“I need to talk to you.” Sadie looked from Christa to Mick. “Alone.”
Mick frowned. “Young lady, this is a workday and Miss Christa owns this store. You need to ask her if she’s available to talk.”
The child’s green eyes swung to her. “Are you abailable?”
Christa couldn’t help chuckling. “For you, always.”
Sadie sent Mick a look.
“All right, I’ll go look at power tools or something.” He turned on his booted heel and walked away as Sadie moved into the office.
“How’s the calf doing?” Christa perched on one of the side chairs and motioned for Sadie to join her in the next seat.
“I feeded him his bottle this morning.”
Bottle? “His mama’s having problems with him still?”
“Yeah. She’s mean. She kickeded him away.”
“Oh, you’re right. That isn’t very nice. So, what’s this important thing you need to talk to me about?”
“I want to have a birthday party for Uncle Mickey.” Sadie looked very serious.
“Okay... When is his birthday?”
“Saturday.”
“This Saturday?” Nothing like short notice. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. I askeded him when his birthday was, and he said Febwary 8. And when I asked my teacher when that was, she said Saturday.”
The kid had really put some thought into this. “Where would you like to have this party?”
Sadie shrugged. “I dunno. You have a big house, though. We could have it there.”
Hmm... “Who do you want to invite to this party?”
Touching a finger to her chin, Sadie said, “Well... Mr. Bum. And you.” Her finger tapped. “Do you know who Uncle Mickey’s friends are?”
“I do not. But I’m sure he would enjoy having Mr. Bum there.” And it would be good for Bum to get out.
“But we can’t have a party with only two people.” Sadie sighed and slouched.
“With you and your uncle that’s four of us.”
“Oh, yeah. ’Cept I want to give him a big party.” She spread her arms wide. “Because I love him so much and I want him to have the bestest party ever.”
Christa had to admire the child’s enthusiasm.
“Maybe we could invite some of your friends.”
Christa narrowed her gaze. “Would you want somebody else’s friends at your birthday party?”
Sadie thought for a minute, then grinned. “If they brought presents.”
Shaking her head, Christa said, “Tell you what. I’ll talk to Mr. Bum and see if he knows anything about Mick’s friends.”
“Okay but tell them it’s a surprise.” Sadie clapped her hands together.
“Oh, so it’s a surprise party.” Way to up the pressure. It had been a long time since Christa had thrown any kind of party. Even then, it was only her, Paisley, Rae and Laurel. But Sadie was so excited, there was no way Christa could turn her down.
“I’ll have to come up with a dinner menu.” Steak might be good. Ranchers liked steak, she liked steak. And baked potatoes and salad were easy.
“Don’t forget the cake.” Excitement laced Sadie’s voice.
“No, can’t forget the cake. Do you know what kind of cake he likes?”
“Chocolate. I askeded him.”
“Chocolate cake it is then.”
“And I hafta get a present for him.”
Standing, Christa faced the child. “You don’t think the party is enough of a present?”
“No, silly. You can’t unwrap a party.”
Christa feigned a face palm. “You’re right. What was I thinking? What do you want to get him then?”
“I don’t know.” Mouth twisted, she looked up at Christa. “Will you help me?”
Once more, Christa found it impossible to say no. “Of course. But we don’t have much time.” She just hoped she hadn’t bitten off more than she could chew. Given the news from the Realtor, though, perhaps this was just the preoccupation she needed to keep her from wallowing in self-pity.
“Looks like you and I are going to be spending a lot of time together this week.”
* * *
Darkness was descending on the ranch as Mick pulled into Christa’s driveway at six fifteen Saturday evening. A sense of relief sifted through him when he saw that the only other vehicle to be found belonged to her. Because while she’d invited him and Sadie, claiming, “Everyone deserves to be treated to a nice birthday meal,” a part of him worried that she might be trying to pull one over on him. Sadie had been so insistent about talking to the woman that he feared they might be plotting one of those surprise parties the way Heather had when he’d turned forty.
The memory had him shaking his head. That had been one of the worst nights of his life. Not only had the majority of the guests been her friends, people he barely knew, but Mick hated being the center of attention. The fact that Heather hadn’t figured that out after nearly two years of dating was the main reason they’d broken up. Though when he looked back, he realized it had been long overdue.
This time, though, he could relax and be himself.
Retrieving his black felt hat from the center console, he stepped out of the truck dressed in a pair of medium-wash Wranglers with a sharp crease, his favorite black pearl-snap shirt, silver belt buckle and black boots. After closing his door, he moved to the back seat and lifted Sadie to the ground. She’d insisted on wearing a frilly purple dress that hadn’t seen the light of day since she’d come to live with him, but still paired it with her pink boots. The kid obviously had her own idea of style.
“Come on, Uncle Mickey.” She hurried toward the house, motioning for him to follow.
He caught up with her as she reached the bottom step. “Hold up there, little lady.” Taking hold of her hand, they continued toward the door.
He knocked and waited.
“I’m so e’cited,” said Sadie.
“Yeah, you love being with Miss Christa, don’t you?” He couldn’t say that he blamed her. He liked being with her, too, and wished he had an excuse to see her more often.
After a few seconds, Christa opened the door. A smile curved her pretty lips when she said, “Wow, don’t you two look nice.”
Not near as nice as she did, and Mick found himself staring. She was wearing the same red dress she’d had on at church that Sunday after the storm. He really liked that dress. The color made her eyes sparkle, and the top fit her a lot better than those Bliss Hardware shirts.
He cleared his throat as they moved into the mudroom. “You clean up pretty well yourself, little lady.” He knew calling her “little lady” would get a rise out of her.
Sure enough, she lifted a brow. However, the grin that a
ccompanied it told him she knew he was messing with her. “I hope y’all are hungry.” She started into the kitchen with Sadie on her heels while he brought up the rear, dropping his hat on a coat hook as he passed.
“Something smells goo—”
“Surprise!”
Mick nearly jumped out of his skin. Then he caught sight of the group of people standing between the kitchen and living room and his insides cringed. Not again.
Beside him, Sadie giggled. “Are you surprised, Uncle Mickey?”
“I sure am, princess.” He lifted her into his arms, his gaze drifting to Christa. “You did this?”
Christa held up her hands in surrender. “It was Sadie’s idea. I was merely her assistant.”
“Uh-huh.” Sadie nodded. “I wanted you to have the bestest party ever, ’cept I’m too little to do it by myself.”
Bum approached and clapped him on the shoulder. “Looks like we got you pretty good.”
“You sure did.” And Mick didn’t know how he felt about it. Then he perused the faces of those who’d gathered.
Johnny Probst and Russell Kemp, his best buddies since kindergarten, were there with their wives, along with his friend and fellow rancher Bobby Wilder and his bride. Folks he knew and loved, yet rarely ever had the opportunity to spend time with because they were all busy with their own lives. Now Christa and Sadie had brought them together.
This just might turn out to be one of the best nights he’d had in a long time.
Over the next few hours, the whole lot of them ate, laughed over dominoes and jabbered until their jaws ached. It had been a long time since he’d seen that old farmhouse filled with so many fond memories. Mick almost hated to see it end. But at a little before eleven, he and Christa waved goodbye to their last guest.
As they made their way back into the kitchen, Mick said, “Let me help you clean up.”
“What about Sadie?” Christa gathered up a handful of red plastic cups from the table. “She probably needs to get to bed.”
Grabbing several paper plates, he said, “I’m pretty sure she’s still crashed on your couch with Dixie right next to her. So, I have plenty of time.” He moved beside her to deposit them in the trash. “Thank you for doing all of this.” He swept an arm through the kitchen. “I can’t begin to tell you how much fun I had tonight.”
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