“How’s everything up at Peaktop?” Jeff asked.
“Good. Molly sent you some fresh baked cookies.” He handed his dad the sack with the two remaining cookies he hadn’t managed to woof down on his way home. “She invited us to join them for their big barbeque next Monday night. I accepted for the both of us.”
Why did he leave out the part about June being there? He was not a matchmaker, but he wanted to gauge both of their reactions when they saw each other again. He wasn’t about to take the chance that his dad would decide not to go for some lame reason.
“Well, I guess I don’t have a choice, if you have already accepted. It will be good to see Molly and Jim.”
* * *
Jeff pondered the fact that Luke had accepted the Peyton’s invitation. It wasn’t like Luke to not have consulted him first. In the funk he had himself in recently, Jeff didn’t feel much like socializing. Besides, this was such a busy time of year. However, Jim and Molly had been good friends to him and Susan. After her death, Jeff did not know what he would have done without their support. On top of that, Luke really liked spending time with them, so a night of good food and a campfire might be just what he needed.
As seemed to happen all too frequently these days, the mention of almost anything triggered thoughts of June in his brain. Jeff knew that she had stayed at Peaktop before coming to their ranch. He pictured her riding and laughing with other guests, her fiery red hair glistening in the sun. Oh, how he would enjoy getting on a horse and riding with her for an entire day. He regretted they hadn’t gotten the chance to ride together or to do so many other things. They had needed more time.
With his chores done for the day, Jeff saddled up Buck and headed out at an easy canter across the meadow. As was his routine, he soon found himself winding up through the trees on the west side. He slowed his horse to a walk and breathed in the scent of the pine trees as his horse meandered up the slope to the top. As they crested the hill, the spectacular view of the valley beyond came into sight. Miles and miles of untamed wilderness stretched out before him. All was silent except for the sound of water rushing over rocks in the creek below and the clomp of hooves on the rocky ground. He reined in Buck beside the small wooden cross and marble bench and slid down from his saddle, tying Buck to a nearby tree.
“Hey, honey.” He said quietly as he sat down on the bench and stared at the cross. How Susan had loved this spot. Memories flooded over him. When they were first married, they used to come up here and watch the sunset almost nightly. It was here that she had first told him she was pregnant with Matthew. How excited they were to become parents. Fifteen years later, it was here that she had told him about the cancer diagnosis. He had promised her that night that he would help her beat it. Promised! And like every promise he had made to her in their twenty years together, he was determined to keep that one. But in the end the cancer had won out, and his promise blew away in the wind just as her ashes had the evening he set her free in this, her favorite place.
For eight years he came back here regularly, finding peace and sadness intermingled in the memories. The first couple of years, he came every day, even in the rain and snow, needing to feel her presence. After that, his visits had tapered off, but he still made it up here at least once a week even more often when something was bothering him and he needed a place to think.
What would Susan think about the prospect of another woman in his life? Deep inside he knew the answer to that question. She wanted him to be happy. In fact, on her death bed, she had begged him to find love and happiness again. Still, he didn’t know if he could do it. Being involved with any other woman felt like a betrayal of what they had together. He was better off alone.
* * *
June stood in the driveway and watched as the movers drove away with the last pieces of her life in Hayville, Ohio. Thirty-three years of her life, packed into a single van. She closed her eyes and saw her three small children playing and laughing in the yard. Ed and her, hand in hand, watching over them. Those had been happy years. Where did they go? How had everything fallen apart? Tomorrow a new family would call this house—her home—their home.
She slowly pulled herself back to the present. She had already packed her car and with one last fond look back, she called Laddie and walked next door to Tom and Betty’s.
“Well, it’s done.” She said as she walked in the front door. “Thank you so much for watching Laddie this week. He’s a little freaked out by all of the moving. I think he can sense something is changing. I hope he’ll behave for you.”
“Don’t you worry about him. We’ll be just fine. You go and have a great vacation. We will see you in a week.”
June leaned over and gave Laddie one last hug. “Behave yourself. I love you and I’ll be back soon.”
“I’d better get going. My plane from Columbus to Denver leaves in three hours. Have a good week. I hope you like your new neighbors.”
June drove toward the Interstate. Alexis was right—she did feel homeless. Was she crazy to have sold her home without a plan? What if after a week in the mountains, she still had no idea where she wanted to be? Fear had her stomach clenching. She was alone in the world. She shook her head and turned her thoughts to the happy fact that she would be at Peaktop Ranch tomorrow morning. A crazy, exhilarating rush of excitement radiated throughout her body. She knew it had nothing to do with Peaktop Dude Ranch and everything to do with a man who lived a couple of short miles around the mountain. This was insane. Just the thought of Jeff Walker had her body tingling all over, and she was still almost 1500 miles away. If this was how she reacted now, what would she feel like when she got to Peakview? As suddenly as it had come, the feeling left her and she shuddered. She knew she might be setting herself up for a tremendous letdown, but she didn’t care. She had to try. She had come to believe that she couldn’t live the rest of her life withut knowing if there could have been more between her and Jeff Walker. What if she never felt the way she had felt in his arms again? On the almost three-hour flight, she closed her eyes and let herself dream of being in Jeff’s arms. She awoke at the Denver terminal with a smile on her face. She was back in Colorado!
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
After checking into a hotel near Denver International Airport for the night, June punched the favorite button on her phone that connected her to her lifeline.
“Frannie. It’s June.”
“Junebug, how are you? How’s Hayville?
“I’m not in Hayville. I’m in Denver. I sold my house. Moved out today.”
“What! When did all this happen? Didn’t I just see you a month ago?”
June related the events of the last month to her best friend. “Sorry I didn’t call you. It’s been so hectic.”
“What are you doing in Denver?”
“I made a reservation to stay at Peaktop Guest Ranch for a week to relax and clear my head.” June paused. What was she doing? This was Fran. “That’s not why I’m really here. I have to see Jeff Walker again, find out if there could be a future between us. Am I crazy?”
“No crazier than the rest of us. You need to follow your heart. I just don’t want to see you get hurt. Have you heard from him?”
“No, but I can’t get him out of my mind. I really like him. I mean really like him. I think if I see him again, I’ll know if he feels the same about me. Wish me luck.”
“Good luck, dear friend. I truly hope you find the happiness you deserve. Keep me updated. Remember, I’m always here for you.”
“Thanks. You’re the best.”
June headed out I-70 the next morning in a rental car on her way to Peaktop Ranch. It was a glorious, sunny autumn morning, and she sang along to the radio as the miles passed. Before she knew it, she had reached the exit to Peakview and was turning off onto the small scenic highway. The winding mountain road looked different now that the aspens had lost their leaves, but the views were still spectacular. She had left herself plenty of time to get to the ranch, not knowing wha
t traffic would be like, so she found herself driving into the little town of Peakview sooner than planned. She glanced at her watch—only 9:30. Check-in at the ranch didn’t start until 10:00. Although she was eager to get to Peaktop, she didn’t want to be rude and get there too early. She pulled up in front of Violet’s Café. She’d stop for a cup of coffee.
“June, how good to see you again. This is a surprise.” Violet called out as she walked through the door.
Wow. The happiness that hit her caught her off guard. It was like she had returned home. How could she feel so much a part of this town when she had only spent a few days here?
“What are you doing back in town so soon?”
“Good to see you too, Violet. I’m headed up to Peaktop for their cattle roundup week. I’m a little early so I thought I’d stop in for a quick cup of coffee and one of your muffins. What’s new in Peakview?” She sat down on one of the old red leather stools at the counter.
Violet laughed, “There is not ever much new in Peakview. Have you been by to see Luke and JW yet?”
June fought to contain the warm flush rising in her cheeks. Just the mention of Jeff’s name caused her to blush. She tried to recover. “No, I really don’t know them that well. Maybe I’ll stop by later this week, if I have some free time.”
“Too bad you missed them. They were both in for breakfast a little while ago. I’m sure that they would have been happy to see you again. It seemed to me that you and JW hit it off pretty well last month. I hope you get the chance to reconnect.”
“Me too,” June mumbled into her coffee trying very hard to sound nonchalant. She had almost run into Jeff. Her heart skipped a beat. He was so close. She felt her heart constrict with an unbearable ache. She’d better stop reacting like this and get it together before she actually did see him.
After an enjoyable conversation with Violet, with fortunately no more mention of a certain cowboy, June headed up to Peaktop. She had almost forgotten how beautiful the guest ranch was. June stepped out of her car and took a long deep breathe of crisp mountain air. A mixture of sage and pine. It was definitely much cooler than when she’d been here a couple months prior. June headed into the main office.
Molly looked up from her desk, “Hello, welcome back. We’re so glad you could join us this week.”
“It’s great to be here. My last visit to your lovely ranch was too short.”
“Let’s get you all of the information on this week’s activities. We’ve got a great bunch of guests arriving today. I think you’ll enjoy them.”
“Oh, I am sure I will.” June filled out the necessary paperwork and took the schedule of activities that Molly handed her.
“You are staying in the ranch house. It may be the same room you stayed in this summer. Make yourself at home; lunch is at 12:30. We’ll ring the bell.”
Other guests had entered behind her and were waiting for Molly’s attention, so June headed over to her room to unpack. She missed Laddie, especially since he had been here with her the last time. She got settled in, and then sat on the porch swing to look over the week’s schedule. It appeared they would be kept very busy. Three wonderful meals each day, with breakfast followed by riding at 9:00; lunch either on the trail or at the ranch at noon; afternoon ride at 1:30; and dinner at 6:00. Some evenings had after dinner entertainment. The first was tomorrow evening with a big barbeque and campfire. That would be fun. June tried to figure out a time when she could inconspicuously sneak away for a few minutes and drive over to the Walker Ranch. Hmm, it looked like Tuesday and Wednesday nights were free time. Maybe she would try then. If she got the chance, she would casually ask Molly about Luke and Jeff, see what was going on with them.
If June was honest with herself, she knew she had missed Jeff since the moment she had driven out of his sight almost two months ago. But somehow, being here and knowing that he was only a few miles away, made the ache inside of her even stronger. She wanted to see him so badly she couldn’t think of anything else. He consumed her thoughts every waking moment and those in her dreams too. She smiled thinking it would be soon. Then a horrible thought crossed her mind. What if he was away on another trip? Her body clenched. What if she drove to the Walker ranch and didn’t even get to see him? She realized she hadn’t planned ahead and her whole brilliant scheme could come crashing down around her. Maybe she should try and call Luke or maybe she should just go there this very minute. Calm down, relax, and enjoy her vacation. It would work out if it was meant to be. She gazed up at the mountain tops. “God, if you are there, please let me see Jeff Walker. It’s important.”
Sunday passed with lots of socializing with the other fifty-some guests and a beautiful nature hike in the afternoon, followed by an amazing dinner. When June got back to her room around 8:30 p.m., she was surprised how tired she was. Man, she must be getting old if she was ready for bed at this hour. Then she realized that it was actually 10:30 in Ohio, and she didn’t feel quite as bad when she got into bed and fell sound asleep.
Monday lived up to its promise of “plenty of horseback riding”. She was in a saddle three hours in the morning and four in the afternoon. She thoroughly enjoyed winding through the mountain paths in search of stray cattle, and having some long conversations with Hank, the wrangler, and with the other guests. The actual herding part, when they happened upon cattle, was fun also. Her riding skills improved by the hour. When she finally slipped out of the saddle in the corral at 4:30 p.m., every muscle in her body throbbed. She hobbled, like the rest of the dudes, back to her room. Once inside, she eagerly shed her horsey clothes, and climbed into her shower letting the pulsing, warm jets of water gradually relax her muscles. Heaven!
Reluctant to leave the sanctuary of the shower, June lingered until wrinkles began to form on her fingers. Time to get out. She hesitantly turned off the water and wrapped herself in a soft, luxuriant towel. She perused her wardrobe. There was no dress code here, so she was free to wear jeans and boots to dinner. But why not look a little more feminine now that the day’s dirt had been washed off her aching limbs? While there was no one here at the ranch she was trying to impress, June always felt good about herself when she put a little effort into her appearance. She decided on a long western jean skirt and her only western blouse, a soft, light blue one, complete with western snaps instead of buttons. She accessorized with some silver jewelry and sandals. June went into the bathroom to blow dry her naturally frizzy hair. It was so much easier to manage here than in Ohio! Another plus to Colorado. As she straightened her shoulder length locks, she added a few curls, which were possible away from the humidity of Ohio. She grabbed her White Shoulders perfume and spritzed on a small amount. June looked in the mirror and smiled, deciding she didn’t look half bad for an old lady.
* * *
At the Walker Ranch, Jeff and Luke had finished up a long, hard day of work. Until Luke mentioned it a few minutes ago, Jeff had almost forgotten he had agreed to go to Peaktop for dinner tonight. He regretted that commitment now. He was tired and not in a socializing mood. Still, he had promised Luke. He headed inside for a quick shower and change of clothes. He put on a clean pair of jeans and his “dress” boots (the ones not caked with mud and manure). He snapped up one of his favorite flannel shirts and shaved and splashed on some after shave. As he walked back down into the living room, he saw that Luke had cleaned up too and seemed to be in a better than usual mood. Maybe there was a girl at the ranch that had caught his son’s eye.
“You look nice, dad.”
“Thanks. You clean up nice yourself, kid. Let’s go and get this over with so I can come home and get a good night sleep.
“Man, you are getting old! I promise to have you home before nine.”
* * *
The large dinner bell clanged. June grabbed her leather jacket to shield against the brisk evening air, and headed down to the dining hall. As she walked into the building, Nancy and Walter, a pleasant couple about her age whom she has enjoyed conversing with on the rid
e, waved her over. “June, come join us at a table for dinner.”
“I’d love to.” The three of them entered the dining room together and started toward an empty table. Before they could get there, June was intercepted by Molly.
“June, if you don’t mind, why don’t you to come sit at our family’s table tonight. I’d like you to meet my children, and I have some friends coming that you might enjoy talking with.”
“Thanks Molly, I’d love to join you. Nancy, we’ll talk more tomorrow. Enjoy your dinner.” June followed Molly over to a table set a little apart from the others in front of the big fireplace.
“June Meyers, these are my children, Allie and Brandon. You already know Jim and Hank.”
“Nice to meet you two,” June said as she sat down next to Allie.
“How did you enjoy your first day in the saddle?” Hank asked.
“Oh, I loved it. Although I must admit, I’m a little sore.”
Molly excused herself and returned to greeting the guests as they came in. Jim and Hank went back to discussing the events of the day. June turned to Allie and Brandon and enjoyed an animated conversation about all of their high school activities. She missed having her kids to talk with at the dinner table.
Later, June would swear she felt his presence even before she heard his voice. She was in the middle of listening to Brandon describe his football team’s success that fall, when behind her she heard Molly exclaim, “Luke, JW, so nice that you could join us tonight.”
June spun around in her chair so fast that she had to grab the edge of the table to keep from tipping over. There in the doorway stood two very handsome cowboys, the older of whom made her heart skip a beat. Yep, Jeff Walker was just as handsome as she remembered.
“Come on over and have a seat at our table,” Molly said as she led them toward the blazing fireplace. “You remember June Meyers from Ohio.”
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