Rocky Mountain Angel

by Vivian Arend

Allison took her cup to the sink and suddenly realized her mistake in staying up until he returned. A long hot shower would help relax her, but no way would she suggest she take one tonight. He’d have to wait to go bed until she was done.

  Just, no way.

  He cleared his throat. Must have clued in where her thoughts had headed. “I didn’t build this place very comfortably for two. The extra bathroom isn’t done yet, so you go ahead and get ready. I’ll take the things in the porch out to the shed, if that’s okay.”

  They went in two different directions. Allison hurried through preparations for bed, pulling the door closed to the guest room and crawling under the cold quilts. It seemed to take forever for her body heat to make the room warmer. She gave up and grabbed a pair of thick socks from the suitcase she’d propped on the desk. Crawling back into bed with the fuzzy softness on her feet, and a toque on her head might not have been a fashion statement, but it made her warmer and it worked enough that she finally fell into a restless sleep.

  Restless enough that when she woke her eyes were filled with sand and she couldn’t stop yawning. The clock radio said six a.m. and she yawned again in protest.

  The knock on the door was followed by Gabe’s soft question. “Awake enough for coffee?”

  “Yes. A gallon, please.”

  She’d have to give him money for groceries, or pick up some to replace what she’d be eating. All of her thoughts so mundane. Unimportant. Tiny little details of the morning that would all fade away once she got where she actually was going.

  Allison squared her shoulders and got out of bed to face the start of the deception.

  Chapter Five

  Her mother’s face lit up for a moment before concern crowded in. “Hey. What are you doing here?”

  Allison stepped into the familiar kitchen and wrapped her arms around Maisey, tucking her chin against her mom’s neck and breathing deeply.

  The scent of family. The scent of home.

  “I’m not allowed to stop in to say hi?”

  “You didn’t even tell me you were coming.” Maisey squeezed one last time before releasing her and stepping back. Her gaze darted over Allison, probably noting the blue jeans and cotton shirt instead of her normal more businesslike clothing. “Look at you. You’re in town to visit one of your organic suppliers, aren’t you?”

  Allison forced a grin. “Well, kind of. I have a ton to tell you. Are you headed into the restaurant this morning, or do you have time to talk?”

  “Paul and Elle are working early today. I’ll go in for dinner and shut down.” Maisey pointed to the table and the coffee carafe. “And I always have time for you.”

  Maintaining an excited, happy expression was difficult, but Allison thought she managed, sneaking peeks at her mother as she prepared a coffee. The drink was more to have something to do with her hands than because she was thirsty.

  Maisey had grown thinner. The lines on her face were deep this morning, and the shoulder-length hair she usually kept dyed brown was streaked with the grey that had set in during her husband’s long illness.

  Allison’s doubts eased even as her concern grew. Returning to Rocky was more than a whim—her mom needed her.

  Maisey sat and raised a brow. “So, talk.”

  Allison waited for a minute, hoping against hope her mother would be the first to crack. “Anything new in Rocky? How are all of you doing?”

  Her mom paused then shrugged. “Paul was complaining about the tax forms, and Elle’s been seeing one of the newspaper reporters. New fellow to town. He’s nice enough, I suppose.”

  Even wound up like a spring, Allison couldn’t stop the laugh from bursting out. “But he’s not from around here, is that it?”

  Maisey looked guilty. “I did say he was nice.”

  Allison pressed on. “And you? How have you been doing? It was a miserable winter.”

  Her mom turned her gaze out the window and stared for a moment.

  Was she going to spill the beans? Come on, Mom, tell me. Share.

  All her meager hope slipped away as Maisey did no more than sigh heavily then point at the tree outside. “It was a terrible winter. The last snowfall came after the tree was already budding out, and we lost a few limbs. Your father and I were married under that willow, you know. Sad to see it in such rough shape.”

  Allison made a mental note to get a tree-pruner in to save the tree if possible. “And you? What’s new?”

  Maisey waved off her attempt. “Now you, stop it. Tell me why you’re here on a workday.”

  It was no use. The plan had to kick into gear, and now. She smiled as hard as she could, hoping her expression didn’t look as fake as it felt. “I have good news. I’m coming back to Rocky.”

  Her mother stuttered to a stop with the coffee cup halfway to her lips. Her jaw dropped slightly. “No. I thought the company said there wasn’t enough business yet to set up a second office, especially not out this way.”

  Allison shook her head. “It’s not for work, Mom. I’m moving back, because, well, I’ve been seeing someone, and we’re getting married.”

  Coffee sloshed over the edge of Maisey’s cup as she placed it back on the table. “Married? I didn’t even know you were dating, and you’re getting married? What on earth?”

  “Oh, Mom. I just…wait, I said that wrong. We’re engaged. We’re going to get married, only not this minute. At least, we think we want to get married, but it’s been tough, since he lives here, and with me working in Red Deer. So I decided since he can’t move, and I can, I’d come back to Rocky. While we double-check to make sure it’s what we want. The getting-married, I mean.”

  Could she possibly do a worse job of this?

  A small smile tickled the corner of her mom’s mouth, though. “You’re giddy. Who’s got you so flustered you can’t even tell me straight out that you’ve fallen in love?”

  Allison flushed. She felt the instant heat on her cheeks and figured she must be beet red. “Gabe. Gabe Coleman.”

  Maisey full-out grinned as she lifted a finger and shook it in her daughter’s face. “I told you he had a crush on you back in high school, but you never let on. You said it was nothing.”

  And it had been. But hey, if her mom wanted to think this was destiny finishing its work? Allison set loose the reins and let the idea run.

  “Well, it’s something now, enough I’ve come back.”

  “Well, we’ll just have to find you a spot, then. Elle took over your old room when you left, but there’s always the guest room.”

  The heat in her face continued to rage, but damn it, she was a grown woman. “I’m planning on moving in with Gabe.”

  Maisey’s brow lifted, and Allison prepared for a lecture. When her dad had been alive such a thing would never have been considered appropriate.

  She was tempted to return to the family home, but Gabe had made a valid point. She could spend as much time as she wanted to with her mom without him complaining, but staying nights at his place made their ruse more plausible without putting him out by always having to be with her.

  “Well, you’re old enough to know your own mind, Allison. But you’re always welcome here.”

  It was what she needed to hear, but her mouth must have been hanging open in shock because her mom laughed.

  “Oh, sweetie, I know. It’s not what you expected, is it? But…” Maisey’s gaze darted out the window for a moment before coming back to land on her daughter, the touch soft as a hug. “Life’s too short. If you love Gabe and want to see if this is right for you, then you do what you have to. Only until you’re sure? Please don’t get pregnant.”

  “Mom!”

  “Well, that happens, you know. When you’re sharing a bed with someone you love.”

  Allison covered her face with her hands. “I’m not having this conversation. It’s not happening.”

  Maisey stroked her fingers lightly, laughter still clear in her voice. “I’ll shut up now. But I’m very happy for you.” She rose an
d snuck around the table, and Allison savoured every second of her mother’s hug. Just soaked in the acceptance and the warmth.

  They separated, and Allison had one more second to enjoy the peace before a look of horror crossed her mom’s face.

  “What? Why are you looking like that?”

  “Oh, Allison. The Colemans? There’s no room here to have them all over for an engagement party. We’ll use the restaurant. I can shut it down on—”

  No way. She was cutting that one off at the pass. “Gabe and I talked about a party. Not now. Give us time, okay? We’ll do dinner with you, Elle and Paul, and I’ll visit with his family, but nothing big. Not until…”

  Her mom slowed slightly. “Until you’re sure. Honey, do you love him?”

  Allison wondered if breaking into a coughing fit in the middle of her confession would be suspicious, but she didn’t want to outright lie. She pulled out all the drama classes she remembered from high school and let the most fool-hearted sensation rise up. She was a romance heroine confessing her love for her suitor.

  “He’s…Gabe.”

  Even in her ears it sounded lovesick and dreamy. Now she had to concentrate on not bursting out giggling as her mother clasped her hands together with happiness.

  “Then that’s all I need to know. Oh, I’m so happy for you.”

  One more power hug later, Allison managed to escape with the promise that she and her fiancé would join the others for dinner Saturday evening.

  “And I won’t say a word to Elle or Paul. You and Gabe can tell them the good news yourself.”

  Oh joy.

  “They’re going to be so surprised,” Maisey continued. Allison agreed, but managed to avoid snorting in response.

  They worked together to clear the table, and fortunately, when her mother turned, it was for another reason altogether.

  “If you’re here, are you still able to keep your job?”

  Allison shook her head. “That’s the other thing I wanted to ask you. Is it possible for me to pick up hours at the restaurant? I don’t want you to fire anyone, but if there’s room for me…”

  Her mom beamed. “We can always use your help. In fact, we were getting ready to make changes to the menu again—you know springtime is when your father liked to shake things up.”

  She went on for a while about improvements they had in mind. It hit Allison that she was fortunate she’d be able to honour the promises she’d made to Gabe. Even though she hadn’t physically been working at the family restaurant, she’d always been involved in the supply and ordering end. One less thing to worry about.

  There was no reason to rush away, so Allison pulled out paper and worked on ideas for menu changes with her mom. They opened up the laptop and poured over recipes. It was like in the old days, before she’d moved away, and it was so good.

  Maisey looked tired, though, her skin slightly more yellow than usual in the bright sunshine coming through the window.

  Allison put on the kettle and made tea. While there was still time, she was going to enjoy every second as much as possible.

  Gabe waited as she pulled into the driveway. He’d called his ma and asked if she’d be home in the afternoon. News would spread quickly once the word got out, and he didn’t want her to be the last one to hear. Even if this was a ruse, she’d kick his butt for not sharing.

  Allison’s face was red, tear streaks marking her cheeks as she came to a stop. She wiped a hand over her eyes and popped open the door. “I know I’m late. I’m a mess. Give me five minutes to wash my face.”

  “Take ten. You’re not that late.” He twisted his shoulders to allow her to pass him as she bolted toward the back of the house.

  Following her would probably make her feel worse, so instead he slipped into the kitchen and poured them both drinks. The water ran in the background, and the soft sound of her voice.

  “What you need?” he asked, but there was no response. The murmuring continued, low and steady, and his curiosity dragged him to the door of his bedroom.

  The closer he got, the easier it was to recognize her words. A steady stream of them escaped her lips as she stared into the mirror and gave herself a pep talk. Gabe took a deep breath and stepped back before she could spot him.

  Damn determined to do this, no matter what it cost her. Her stubborn resolution impressed him. Made something inside him kind of proud that she’d picked him as a partner in her wild hair of an idea.

  He sipped his juice and resisted peeking at his watch.

  “Ready.”

  Gabe checked her over quickly. Her eyes were still bright, her cheeks flushed but clean. She’d switched tops in the past two minutes and pulled on a white shirt that looked fancier than anything he’d seen her in before.

  “You look good.”

  She shrugged. “Wasn’t sure how dressed up to get, but I still want to look nice. I don’t want to make your mom uncomfortable, but I don’t want her to think that I’m not trying to impress her. But I don’t want her to think I’m trying to impress her and…”

  Gabe let his amusement bubble out in his laughter.

  “You know how to tangle yourself in more knots than anyone I’ve ever met. My ma likes you. You don’t need to impress her.”

  “I like her too.”

  This funny expression twisted her face and she peeked his direction. She was checking him out, clearly wanting to ask him something.

  “What’s got you now?”

  Allison shrugged. “You are a good man, Gabe. That’s all.”

  Which was an answer, but not much of one. “Thanks.”

  He held out his hand and she eyed him with suspicion.

  “Get used to it. I’m a romantic son of a gun, or so I’ve been told. If we’re not holding hands or cuddling up, people will wonder.”

  She stuck her fingers into his, still warm from the washing. He ignored everything else and tugged her after him.

  When she would have walked to her car, he changed her direction, bringing her to the driver side of his truck.

  “I can drive, Gabe.”

  “I noticed. Get in.” He opened the door and stood motionless as she stared at him.

  “You going to be this bossy the entire time?”

  “What? I’m opening the door like a gentleman. Nothing bossy about that.”

  Allison rolled her eyes before she followed his order and crawled up, shuffling past the steering wheel to the passenger seat.

  He did up his seat belt without saying anything, but he didn’t put the truck into gear. Just sat there. Waited.

  She was a smart thing. He was sure he didn’t need to give her any more directions.

  “Gabe, you planning on heading over there soon? Your mom must be waiting for us.”

  “She’ll be busy around the house, don’t you worry.”

  Allison leaned on the side door, opened her mouth to say something else. Her gaze dropped to the empty space between them. The groan that escaped her was damn amusing.

  She unclipped and slid to the center seat, her thigh nice and warm where it rested alongside his. “Like I said, bossy.”

  Gabe slipped the truck into gear and backed out of his parking spot. “Just making sure we don’t do anything stupid to spill the beans. It’s not as if sitting beside me is going to give you cooties or something.”

  She leaned back and sighed. “Nope. And you’re right. The only time couples sit on the opposite side of the cab is when they’ve had a fight.”

  He laughed. “We used to tease the guys about how much action they were going to get based on how close their girls sat after a night out on the town. My cousin Steve got the worst ragging after he bought a truck with bucket seats in the front. He could never win after that.”

  “You Coleman crew can be nasty.”

  “Not even counting the stick-shift jokes.” The burst of laughter from her made Gabe smile. That’s what he wanted to hear. Get her mind off what she was doing for a while, because even though they were pulli
ng a fast one, it didn’t mean they had to live like some kind of robots for the next however many months.

  Allison was going to need some laughter in her life.

  The short trip to his parents’ house they talked about the other Coleman cousins—who was doing what and who was still in the area. She’d known the entire clan, so it wasn’t difficult to get her caught up.

  “You don’t have to see the lot of them until July first. Coleman Canada Day picnic. We’ll hit Traders Pub to meet the cousins before then, though.”

  Allison nodded, but her attention was focused on the house as they pulled up front. “It looks pretty much the same as I remember.”

  He stopped her when she would have slid over and crawled out the passenger door, instead pulling her after him. “When have you been here?”

  “Outside? A few times when there was some sporting event and we came over to give Michael a ride…”

  They both froze. Just for a second before Gabe pushed the memories aside and tugged her from the cab. “Right. Paul and Michael played basketball together. Or one of those sports, right?”

  She was on the ground, right up close to him, but his body was so tight that she could have been anyone. Didn’t matter that she still smelt like apple blossoms, or that they were damn near hugging.

  Michael’s grinning face flashed before his eyes, his younger brother’s cocky and devil-may-care expression imprinted on Gabe’s very soul.

  A pair of soft hands cupped his cheeks as Allison tilted his head down and their eyes met. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to remind you.”

  A million things reminded him of his missing brother, if he’d let the pain come. A million things, and his father. “It’s okay. We’re just fine.”

  He pulled himself together, pulled on the façade and wrapped his pain up tight where it couldn’t sneak out. “Nothing to be sorry for. I don’t want you watching what you say around me. I’m not some china doll you have to worry about breaking.”

  He started them toward the house, concentrating hard on not letting it show how much he hurt. It was Allison who slipped her fingers into his, squeezing tight.