“Okay, I understand that, but how long would I have to pay it back?”
He waited for the printer to finish before he grabbed the paper. It wasn’t the best quality, but it would do until he could get a proper picture of the three of them on the wall.
“Ten years is more than enough. Would there be an early-payment penalty of any kind?”
He folded the white edges back, took two blue pins from the corner of his corkboard, and stuck the picture of Melissa and Abby to his wall.
“Okay, cool. Fax the application to me. If I don’t end up needing it, that’s fine. But it’ll be there if I do. How long?”
He stood and surveyed the new faces on the corkboard.
“Sounds good. Call me when I need to sign something.”
Most of the pictures were of his workers. Luis, Shannon, and David at the company barbecue. Phil and his clan at the family trout derby in Lower Lake. Someone had caught a picture of Cary at the top of a picking ladder a few years ago. There was an old picture of his mom and dad standing in front of a tree laden with oranges, posing in their 1970s finery. His dad was even wearing a hat.
I miss you, old man.
And now Melissa and Abby were up there.
Cary smiled. Melissa might get pissed off, but he didn’t care. He was used to Melissa getting pissed off, and he was starting to understand what calmed her down.
The image of Melissa on her knees flashed brightly for a second before he shoved the memory to the back of his mind.
He’d take that out later when he wasn’t at work.
Until then, he’d have to distract himself with scheduling because harvest was bearing down on him, the packing house was talking about a worker shortage again, and in three weeks picking crews would be filling his groves. Not to mention the town council vote on the Allen Ranch project would happen the middle of next week.
Whatever was happening between Cary and Melissa, his life was about to get more than a little crazy.
Chapter Nineteen
Melissa knocked loudly and shoved Abby’s door open at dawn the next day.
Her daughter sat up and rubbed her eyes. “What is it?”
“Nothing. Let’s go for a ride before school.”
Abby blinked. “Really?”
“Yep.”
“What if I’m late for school?”
Melissa shrugged. “If you’re late, you won’t be that late.”
And Abby was hardly ever late. Her daughter breezed through school. Unlike Melissa, Abby was a natural student, and she nearly always got straight As. Melissa credited Calvin, because while she’d been a good student, she’d had to work her butt off.
“Get dressed.” Melissa tossed her a helmet. “I’ll meet you in front of the barn.”
Nothing got Abby more motivated than horses and goats. She loved both with equal passion, though her heart was with the horses and her mind and pocketbook were with the goats.
Abby had spent dinner the night before detailing the steps of making goat-milk soap, which she’d recently learned from YouTube. Her grandmother was eager to try it out, even if it meant she had to sacrifice some of the milk. They had plans for the weekend after next.
Watching Joan and Abby the night before, Melissa had a revelation.
This wasn’t just her ranch.
Just like Melissa had started making plans for Oxford Ranch when she was a kid, Abby was making her plans too. Those plans might change, but for now Abby had to assume that Oxford Ranch would be a four-generation affair.
Which meant that anything that happened to the ranch was Abby’s business too.
Melissa readied Moxie and PJ and tied PJ to the corral. Then she mounted Moxie and waited for her daughter to come running.
Abby flew down the dirt road in the early-dawn light, her hair streaming behind her helmet and her boots kicking up the fall dust. There was a bite in the air and, like her mother, she’d thrown on a flannel shirt over her jeans and T-shirt.
Look at her, Calvin. Melissa’s heart swelled. Look at that stunning girl. We made that, babe.
“You ready?”
PJ turned his head to greet Abby, offering a sweet nicker when his second-favorite person grabbed his reins. Abby used the fence to mount the gelding and nudged him toward Melissa and Moxie.
“Ready now,” Abby said. “Where we going?”
“I thought we’d just take a quick ride up to Christy Meadow.”
“Is the creek running?”
“Just a little bit, but you’re with me.”
“Cool.”
If the creek was running, Abby knew she wasn’t allowed to cross it without being with her mom or her grandma.
Mother and daughter started up the road at a nice trot, going easy until the horses were warmed up.
“Is he feeling it?” Melissa asked.
Abby leaned forward and hugged PJ’s neck. “Oh yeah. Aren’t you, buddy? You feeling it?”
The air whipped against their faces as they picked up speed. By the time they reached the creek, they were riding at a smart lope. They slowed down to cross the creek, both horses knowing exactly where to go. It was a familiar route, and Melissa could feel Moxie’s anticipation when they reached the other side of the wash.
As they made their way through the scrub, PJ tossed his head and let out a loud whinny.
Abby giggled. “He wants to run.”
“Oh yeah he does.”
“You ready, Mama?”
Melissa leaned forward and felt Moxie beneath her. “Just keep to the path.”
“I know!” As soon as the scrub cleared and the pasture widened, Abby urged PJ into a canter, then a gallop, letting out an excited whoop as she and the horse ran the length of the pasture. Melissa and Moxie weren’t far behind.
She felt the wind on her cheeks, the cool air teasing her neck. She chased Abby around the field, keeping to the wide, well-trodden path along the outer edge where the ground was even. They ran two laps around the meadow before they slowed to a stop.
Abby and Melissa were both grinning. Abby leaned forward, hugging PJ and turning her face to Melissa as they walked slowly back toward the creek.
“I wish Sunny lived on the ranch.” Abby’s eyes were sad. “He would love this place. He only goes on the trails around Grandma’s house. And I don’t think I’ve ever galloped with him.”
“Don’t rush it. You’re still getting to know each other.” Melissa reached over and patted Abby’s leg. “And I’m sorry he doesn’t live here either. I know he’s a fancy horse, but I think Moxie and PJ would love to be his friends.”
“He’s only ever in his stall or out with the groom getting exercise. He doesn’t have any horse friends. They never hang out in the pasture or anything.”
“Baby, I’m sorry.” They crossed the creek and continued walking back to the house. “I wanted to talk to you about your grandparents.”
“About Sunny?”
Melissa frowned. “Not really, but kinda?”
Abby looked confused.
“Here’s the thing about your dad’s parents, and I’m not telling you anything that your dad didn’t tell me, okay? So please don’t think I’m being disrespectful or I’m trying to make you think badly of them or anything like that, okay?”
Abby frowned, but she nodded.
“Your dad and I chose to live out here for a couple of reasons. Great-grandpa Oxford needed help with the ranch when I got out of college because he was getting older. So your dad and I could help with that. And then you were born and your dad and I decided that this would be a great place to raise kids since there’s so much open space and lots of freedom to run around.” She glanced at Abby. “Were we right?”
Abby laughed. “Yes, Mom.”
“I know we were right, because I grew up here too. And I had sheep instead of goats for 4-H, but I learned how to take care of animals and work hard and respect the ranch.”
Abby nodded. “I know.”
“And your grandparen
ts… they didn’t really like that too much. I mean, it’s normal to want your kids around, so I totally get that. But they were very unhappy with your dad and me.”
“And now they’re unhappy with you because Dad is dead and you won’t move to Paso Robles.”
Melissa nodded. “Pretty much. But there are good reasons I’m not going to move, and it’s not just because I love this place.” She paused, picking her words so carefully. “All people have things they think are really important. In our family, it’s really important to take care of each other and our neighbors. It’s important to take care of our animals and treat them well, even though they can’t talk to us.”
Abby leaned forward and patted PJ. “PJ talks to me.”
In answer, PJ let out a friendly nicker and flicked his ears.
Melissa smiled. “We also want to make sure the ranch is healthy. That we’re not using chemicals that are going to hurt the pastures or putting anything in the water that could poison it. And we want to help our neighbors keep their land healthy too.”
“I know, Mom.” Abby was frowning. “What does this have to do with Sunny?”
“What I’m trying to say is that not every family thinks the same things are important. Sometimes it’s just different. Your dad and I thought that your grandparents valued different things than we did. Things we didn’t think were as important as the ones I was talking about.”
Abby had a thoughtful expression on her face. “Grandma and Grandpa Rhodes like being rich.”
Bingo.
Melissa nodded. “Yes, they do. And money isn’t a bad thing. I am absolutely not saying that. When you’re older, because your great-grandparents were very generous and worked very hard, you’re going to have a lot of money. And I bet you’re going to do great things with that.”
Abby smiled. Then her smile fell. “Grandma and Grandpa like having money a lot.”
Melissa’s heart sank at the conflicted look on her daughter’s face. “Yeah. They do.”
“They’re not very nice to Aunt Audrey either. They said she doesn’t make any money. Even though she has two little kids. And I don’t get that, because Trevor and Austin are a lot of work. I mean, they have a nanny, but they get into everything all the time.”
“I am very sorry to hear they’re giving Aunt Audrey a hard time.” Melissa wanted to rage, but what could she do? She and Audrey weren’t close. They didn’t even like each other much. Melissa still felt for her. Audrey’s parents had raised her to be a pretty girl who would marry someone rich, give them attractive grandchildren, and that was about it. When your whole identity revolved around your looks and your marriage potential, what kind of life did you have?
“I want you to remember something,” Melissa said. “Having money or not having money isn’t what makes you important, okay? Some of the best people I know have had a hard time making money. Sometimes because they’re really generous with people who have even less. Money is not what life is about.”
“That’s not what Grandma and Grandpa think though.” Abby bit her lip. “Are they the ones who want to build houses on the Allen ranch?”
Melissa blinked. “What makes you say that?”
“I heard Uncle Devin talking about it with Grandpa the last weekend I was there. They didn’t realize I was listening.”
“Yeah. I hate to tell you, but they’re part of the business that wants to build a bunch of houses here.”
Abby wrinkled her nose. “I like having neighbors, but that seems like a lot of neighbors. Maybe too many.”
“I know. Personally, I don’t like the idea of looking out that way and seeing nothing but houses instead of hills.”
“Yeah.” Abby sighed. “I don’t think Grandma and Grandpa think the right things are important.”
“But that doesn’t mean they don’t love you,” Melissa was quick to add. “And that doesn’t mean you can’t love them. It just means…”
Abby waited with a small frown on her face.
“That means,” Melissa continued, “that you have to know who you are. And what you think is important. You have to know those things for sure. And never forget what is the most important.”
Abby nodded. “I can do that.”
“Good.” She glanced at her daughter. “I figured you could.”
The Thursday-night farmers’ market only happened once a month, and it was more of a social event than a market, but Melissa and Cary set up their booths nonetheless. They wanted to pass out flyers about Jordan Valley preservation in Metlin while they were there. A lot of Metliners picnicked, hiked, and enjoyed Jordan Valley. If they could get some new supporters, maybe Melissa could back off.
Melissa had brought crates of Joan’s jam and marmalades along with a fresh batch of lemon curd. Cary was making gallons of lemonade in every flavor imaginable. Strawberry lemonade. Blueberry. Peach. Tangerine.
Joan and Abby had stayed home, so the only backup they had was each other.
Melissa walked back from the bathroom at INK, waving to Cary as she returned. “Thanks. You need a break?”
He smiled and looked her up and down. “I’m good.”
She flushed just from the look. “Stop,” she murmured when she sat on the stool next to him.
“Stop what?”
“The looks.”
He leaned closer, his delicious arms crossed over his chest. “Do you feel like I’m undressing you with my eyes?”
“Yes.”
“Good. That’s exactly what I’m doing.”
Her face was so hot she probably looked like one of her mom’s tomatoes. “Cary—”
“Hey, guys!” Tayla’s bright voice interrupted Melissa’s embarrassment.
Cary gave her a small smile. “How you doing, Lizard?”
“Lizard?” Melissa looked at Cary.
“Your…” Tayla’s smile was wicked. “Sorry, not sure what’s going on with you two lately. Is it friend? Boyfriend? Kissing buddy? I heard something about making out on Main Street.”
Melissa ignored her completely. “Why is Cary calling you Lizard?”
Cary said, “Because when she’s at the climbing gym, she just sticks to the wall.” He spread his arms out with his hands wide. “Like this. Stuck there. Sometimes she stays for hours.”
“Ha ha,” Tayla said. “Nice attempt to avoid the question. So, kissing on Main Street?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Cary said. “Would you like to buy some lemonade?” He nodded behind her. “Because those people do.”
Tayla stepped to the side, allowing Cary to help the customers behind her. That only put her closer to Melissa.
“Tell me,” Tayla muttered.
“None of your business.”
“Tell me anyway.” She smiled at a lady who handed over seven dollars for jam. “I have been waiting for you to tap that for years now. Is he as strong as he looks, because hot damn, that man looks—”
“Tayla, you’re scaring the children.” Melissa gritted her teeth in the semblance of a smile.
“There’re no children around.” Tayla looked. “Don’t try to evade! Emmie and I saw you kissing in front of Jeremy’s, and we have been very, very patient because we know you’re busy, but come on!”
Melissa plastered her mouth shut and managed to keep it closed until Daisy made her way through the crowd.
“Hey,” Daisy said. “Did you ask her?”
“Not you too!” Melissa glanced at Cary, who was still swamped with lemonade customers. “Daisy, we’re not in high school.”
“I know.” Daisy planted her hand on Melissa’s table. “She’s in a relationship. I’ve been married forever. We need excitement. Spill. What’s going on with you and Hottie Nakamura?”
“We’re…” How had her face not exploded by now? Was that possible? Had she been sad that she didn’t have female friends? Why was that again? “We’re… dating?”
“I know that much. One of my waitresses works at Café Georgette on the weekends.
Tell us more than that.”
“How is this town three times as big as Oakville and yet somehow even more nosy?” Melissa walked over to Cary. “Hey, the ice in the bucket for the lemon curd is melting. Can I grab some of yours?”
“No problem.” He put a hand on the small of her back and dropped a fast kiss on her mouth. “Just grab some from the ice chest in the back of the truck.”
Melissa stood, frozen. “Okay.”
Cary caught her expression. “Told you I was going to kiss you whenever I wanted if we weren’t in front of Abby.”
She nodded woodenly, then walked to the truck and came back with a small bucket of ice to refill the bowl with the lemon curd.
Tayla and Daisy were waiting with triumphant expressions.
“I knew it!” Daisy said.
“You two are insanely hot together. How old is Cary again?”
“Forty-six,” Melissa muttered.
“Damn, that man has aged like fine wine.” Tayla leaned over the table and craned her neck. “And he has an amazing ass. I can’t lie, I love my boyfriend, but I can’t not check that out when we’re climbing.” She held her knuckles out to Melissa. “Nicely done, my friend.”
Melissa leaned back to block Tayla’s gaze. “Why are you staring at my…” She almost said boyfriend but stopped herself because honestly, it felt weird to be calling a grown man a boyfriend. “Why are you staring at my significant other’s ass?”
Tayla’s eyes went wide. “You can stare at Jeremy’s if you want. It’s very cute.”
“He’s my little brother’s friend! Ew!”
Daisy cackled. “This is awesome. But you’ve got to think up a better name for Cary than significant other. That sounds like a legal term.”
“What sounds like a legal term?”
Melissa turned her head and saw Adrian Saroyan perusing the flyer that read Save Jordan Valley! at the top.
“Adrian! How are you doing? I have been meaning to call you for literally weeks now about this thing, and I keep forgetting because my life is insane. Has anyone from the committee called you?”
Grit: A Love Story on 7th and Main Page 18