He couldn’t.
Didn’t want to.
So, he had to find a wife and soon. He didn’t have a choice. He’d searched for any loophole to get him out of this mess, but Buzz had made sure there weren’t any.
An image of Alaska developed in his mind, tattooing a feeling on every brain cell.
He’d been lassoed with an invisible rope.
A few minutes later when he knocked on Alaska’s door, he thought he’d prepared himself not to act like a fool around her, but the second she opened the door, dressed in a T-shirt that read “Rowdy Cowgirl” and cut off jean shorts that landed high on her firm thighs, he knew right then and there that, whether he liked it or not, his heart was getting involved. He was falling for Alaska, and, as impossible as it seemed, he felt she was meant for him.
“Where’s River?” If they had the boy with them it’d help Arc mind his manners.
“Basketball camp. Cariss and Cory picked him up earlier.”
Oh hell! He’d completely forgotten. “You decided to let him go? He’s going to have fun.”
“I think he would have never forgiven me if I hadn’t.” She closed the door and locked it, which showed her city blood. No one around these parts locked their doors. “I want to say thank you again. I know you’re busy and you have better things to do then give the neighbor a ride.”
He sucked in a breath of air, reminding himself that he needed to remain a gentleman. He was much like a matchstick to her flame.
Once they were in the truck and on their way, he concentrated on the road, not the fact that the hem of her shorts had climbed her toned thigh or that her scent reached his nostrils in a sexual lullaby. He didn’t need to worry that the air coming from the vent caught strands of her hair and brushed her glowing skin. Glowing skin?
What the fuck? When had he ever referred to anything as glowing? He was becoming soft, and making himself sick.
It was time he tossed out some serious questions.
“Where’s River’s father? Doesn’t he mind that you brought his son out here?” He automatically lowered his gaze to her fourth finger, but he already knew she didn’t wear a ring. These days that didn’t mean a damn thing. “Are you divorced?” Did she sigh?
“He’s gone. We were never married.” She kept her stare through the side window. “He wasn’t the marrying kind, and definitely not the father type.”
Arc had a gut feeling that was more than she usually shared with most people. Knowing how hard it could be without a father growing up his heart went out to the kid. Although Alaska seemed like the best mom possible, sometimes a boy needed a father’s guidance. “He seems like a smart kid. You’ve done a good job.”
Her hands were planted on her thighs like she was holding on as she found the right words. “It’s not an easy job. I guess it’s not supposed to be. Tarnation, and the people, has welcomed us with open arms, which means something. I’ve always wanted this for him. I’ve dreamed about giving him roots. What if the dream ends?”
He could see the concern in her expression. Wanted to say the right thing to ease it away, but he’d never been good with words. “The dream doesn’t have to end. The B&B is yours. The money is yours. This could be a chance to start again.”
Turning her cheek, she looked at him, her brows scrunching. “Is this coming from the same guy who thought I ripped his father off?”
Arc knew he deserved that and more. “Buzz knew what he was doing. He recognized the need and he realized he could help. I’m sure he had a picture in his head of you and River living here and fitting right in.”
“But running a B&B? I have no clue how to do this.” Her shoulders slumped.
“Are you sure you don’t? For me, the most important thing in a bed and breakfast is the food. Cowboys and cowgirls out this way are led by their stomachs. If you cook like you did last night, then you should have no problem having guests flock your way. The location ain’t too bad. Although this town isn’t large by a long shot, they do offer some tourist spots. We’re not too far from big cities. The summer festival brings in a good amount of people. Did you know there are a couple of wineries close by?”
“I didn’t. You make this sound easy. Doable.” Her smile was contagious.
“It won’t be easy. There’s a lot of work at the house to get it where it needs to be. It’s a lot to think about. But if there’s one thing I know about you it’s that you’re strong.”
CHAPTER 12
ARC’S ENCOURAGEMENT MOTIVATED Alaska into believing she could possibly make the B&B work.
There was a lot riding on her shoulders.
She woke up that morning with a new way of looking at things. She couldn’t remember feeling so refreshed. Even when Arc had asked her a couple of personal questions, she’d reflected them and didn’t feel so much pressure in her chest like usual. The possibility to divulge more had been on the tip of her tongue, but she couldn’t move too fast. It was easier to move slow, just in case she needed to back out.
At the hardware store, Arc joined her while she picked out cleaning supplies because she’d already gone through the others, paint, and all the tools and equipment she needed to make the house look happier. More like a home. She was grateful for his help because he seemed to know exactly what she needed.
Thankfully, Arc waited outside while she stepped into Mr. Robins’ office and told him she wanted to stay. He seemed very pleased.
Excited about her decision, she told Arc the second she slid back into the passenger seat. “I told him I want to get the B&B up and running again. I feel like I owe it to the house.”
His lips parted into a smile that spoke volumes. “I think you’ve made the right decision.” His phone beeped from his pocket and he dragged it out. Concern marked his forehead.
“Everything okay?”
“I need to go put out a fire at the ranch.” He started the engine. “Was there anything else you needed to do while we’re in town?”
“No. I’m good.” They backed out of the lot and headed back across the bridge. “I hope everything is okay.”
“Just another day at Grinning Spurs.”
Although she didn’t want to pry, she knew something was wrong. His shoulders were slumped, his jaw tight under a layer of whiskers, and the tight grip he had on the steering wheel were proof.
He helped her carry the things from the back of the truck into the house and said a quick goodbye with a promise to talk later.
Grabbing the list she’d made, the first was painting upstairs. She lugged a can of gray paint up the stairs and into the last bedroom, then spread out the drop cloth she bought, setting out the brushes and stirrer. As she started cutting off edges with blue tape, she clumsily bumped the nightshade, knocking off a heavy glass paper holder that dropped and rolled across the floor.
Picking it up she swiped her finger through the dust then wiped it on her jeans. The paperweight was unique with a bright blue and black dragonfly inside. She remembered Arc telling her that he and his brothers all had a dragonfly birthmark. She couldn’t remember if he said Buzz had one too. Interesting.
She placed the paperweight back in its spot and opened the lid off the paint. The fumes were strong, so she opened the windows.
The closet door popped open.
She tried the doorknob, finding that it didn’t want to latch properly.
Stepping inside, she was hit in the head by a long string. It was attached to a door in the ceiling. An attic.
Curious, she pulled down the hatch, dragged the folding stairs down, and climbed up. The wood creaked with each step she took.
Met with a strong odor of dust and mildew, she covered her face with one hand and used her other as a guide in the near darkness as she slowly made her way across the cramped space to the window. Pulling back the drapes, light filtered in through the cracked glass. Dust and dirt filtered the air and she waved it away. Once it settled, she turned her attention to her surroundings.
The attic was st
uffed full of antique wood furniture. Each piece prettier and more elegant than the last. She especially liked a dresser with a large oval mirror. Swiping her finger over the top she jerked back when she felt a sting. A sliver of wood stuck out of her skin. Pulling it out, several drops of blood had dripped to the floor.
Looking around for something to use to wipe up the blood, she found an old drop cloth and grabbed the corner, knocking something off that hit the floor with a loud thud.
Brown leather books—journals—scattered the floor.
Picking up one, she realized they were diaries. The name Fancy Grace was engraved in the leather of each cover.
Gathering the books in her arms, she carried them downstairs, not bothering to shut the ceiling door behind her. Taking a seat on the bed, she carefully opened the cover to one diary, seeing the yellowed paper and smeared ink. Flipping through the nearly ruined pages, she came to a page that was untouched from the elements.
She read aloud…
“Today, my heart breaks. The love of my life will never be mine. My parents will never understand that, without him, I’ll never be the same. I’ll never smile or laugh again, but they seem not to care that they’ve ruined my life. I’ll never stop loving him and he’ll always love me. No matter where life takes us…”
Another passage read, “I heard that he’s marrying another. Why? How could he do this? I wish him happiness, but I’m broken…”
Flipping further along, her mouth fell open. The name Buzz Colt was written in the pages.
Alaska brought her hand to her lips to muffle her gasp.
Fancy Grace and Buzz Colt were in love, but her family had kept them apart for whatever reason.
Further along she saw, “My parents thought Buzz would never be anything. Now they sit in their broken rocking chairs wishing they’d given him a chance. I find it deserving. I saw him today after months have crawled by. He looks the same, but I couldn’t bear facing him. He’d see that I still love him…”
Passage after passage, all written in Fancy Grace’s own words, spoke of a love story with Buzz.
Ten years ago was the last entry with a final passage…
“Some might wonder why I stayed here like a secret mistress. In this life, a simple passing in the night is all that we were given. Maybe in the next life…”
Before she knew it, the day had trailed into evening until she heard a car door. She raced downstairs and met River in the foyer, giving Cariss a wave from the porch. Alaska almost felt shame that she’d spent her entire day sinfully reading stories about the past owner of the B&B.
“Hi, Son. Are you hungry? How did it go?”
“It was fun. I learned how to dribble a basketball. It’s so cool. Can I get a basketball? So I can practice?” His hair was still damp with sweat.
The fierce light in his eyes made her heart melt. “Yes, we can get you a ball.”
“And a rim outside? Like Cory’s?”
“Maybe. Did you need to use your inhaler?” She tried to play off the question indifferently.
“Once. Can I have some mac and cheese?”
She tousled his hair. “Sure. I’ll make you mac and cheese and you can tell me all about today. Deal?”
“Okay.”
A knock came on the front door. “That’s probably Cariss forgetting something. Let me take care of this and you go wash up.” But it wasn’t Cariss standing on her porch. Through the sheer curtain on the window she could see a male silhouette. He was wearing a cowboy hat and a blue plaid shirt. Her heart kicked up for a mere second, thinking it was Arc, but disappointment filled her when she opened the door to the stranger.
He slid off his hat, exposing a mass of blond curls. “Hello, ma’am.”
“Can I help you?” She gripped the doorknob in case she needed to slam the door fast. Although Tarnation seemed safe, she knew all the evils of the world and sometimes they were in small towns.
“Sorry to bother you, ma’am, but I rolled into town this afternoon and found out that the Inn is full. I was told that you might have available space. Is this the B&B?” He smiled, showing off even white teeth. Freckles scattered his face making him appear boyish.
“Yes, it’s the B&B but I’m afraid we’re not officially open for business yet.”
“Aw, shucks!” He used his thumb to scratch his temple. “That’s the way the cookie crumbles.” He blew out a long, disappointed breath and smashed his hat onto his head.
“Are you here for the festival?”
“Yea. I’m riding in the rodeo.”
“I wish there was something I could do…”
He shrugged. “My truck makes for a mighty fine back up plan. Thank you for your time, miss. You have a blessed evening.” He turned and started down the porch.
“What’s your name?” Alaska called out.
He stopped on the top step. “Lowe James, ma’am.”
“I’m Alaska. We do have a few rooms but they’re certainly not up to the standards of what you’re probably expecting.”
“I’ll take anything. Even if it’s a spot in the barn. Better than sleeping in my truck for the week.”
“Well…” She searched her instincts, not getting a bad vibe. He seemed courteous enough, but she knew enough to never judge a book by its cover. She was reinventing herself here in Tarnation and she had to learn to trust people or the B&B would never work. “Where are you from?”
“San Antonio.” He must have sensed her trepidation because he shrugged. “If you’re not comfortable, I understand. I can sleep in my truck out at the fairgrounds—”
Guilt swarmed her. “No, that wouldn’t be right. Not when we have the space here. Would you like to grab your things and we can get you set up?”
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“Please, call me Alaska.”
“Okay, Alaska then. I’ll grab my bag.”
“Then just come inside.”
Closing the door, she didn’t even have a clue how much to charge him for a week’s stay. Using her new phone that she’d remembered to activate, she Googled the cost of B&Bs in similar locations. She included a deep discount because the house wasn’t nearly where it should be.
CHAPTER 13
“YOU STILL PISSED?”
Arc looked over at Ash, refraining from allowing his temper to get the best of him. He dropped the bale of hay on top of the stack. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Yesterday Baxter had called Arc telling him that they were looking for Brennan because he hadn’t come back from checking the fences. Arc had dropped off Alaska then hurried to Grinning Spurs to find out what the hell was going on. Thankfully, Brennan had been found, but he was hurt. He’d survive, but a busted-up leg on a ranch was about as useful as a piercing in a belly button.
“I got pissed, but I didn’t mean for Brennan to get hurt,” Ash mumbled, kicking up hay as he crossed the barn, hooked his hat on a nail, then pulled on his work gloves. He strolled out to grab a bale off the back of the truck. “This isn’t all on me, Bro.”
“I’m not saying it is, but I’ve known Brennan weeks and I’ve known you all your life. This back and forth between you two, seeing who has the biggest set of balls, is going to stop. We’re all here stuck in this situation together and you two needing to be monitored every day like two misbehaving toddlers is making this fucked up. Over a woman? Really?” Arc used his forearm to swipe the sweat off his forehead. “You don’t even like her. Admit it.”
“Hell, this ain’t about CC.” Ash tossed the bale easily with the others.
“That’s right, it’s not. This all comes down to you both searching for where you belong here. I’m telling you that I expect more.”
“He complains about everything. If I’m five minutes late he’s pissed. He’s not my boss.”
“No, but why are you late? What’s going on? Is there something I should be aware of?”
There was a long hesitation and finally Ash shrugged. “Not a damn thing.”
“Fine but rememb
er we’re all doing our best to make this experience bearable.” Arc was full of tension. He gritted his teeth and continued carrying the bales.
After the last bale was off the truck, Ash took a seat on the top one and stretched his legs, looking like he hadn’t slept in days.
Arc leaned against the wall. “I know this situation is screwed. I’ve thought about it—thought we could just walk away and start all over again.” He plucked a piece of hay off his shirt. “Then I remember we made a promise, a pact. Cowboys don’t make promises they don’t intend to keep. No matter how tough it gets.”
“You’re right. I hear every word you’re saying. It just doesn’t make it any easier to swallow.” Ash drained his water bottle and smashed it. “I need to tell you—” His phone rang and he glanced at the screen, a frown developed over his expression. “I better get this.”
“I’m heading up to the house.” Arc left his brother to his call and made his way up the grassy path to the farmhouse. He stepped through the door and heard noise from the kitchen. Baxter was making himself a sandwich.
“Adam wanted me to tell you that he’ll be out late.”
“Okay. I had a talk with Ash. I hope it helps.”
His brother looked up from where he was spreading a layer of mayo on one slice of bread and shook his head. “I’m about ready to tie them boys together for twenty-four hours, gagged if necessary.”
Arc laughed at the image that developed in his head. “I might have to agree.”
“Want one?” Baxter offered. “It’s some good ham and cheese.”
“I’ll grab something later. The load of hay is stacked in the barn.”
Baxter bit off a huge bite and gestured with his hand. Arc took that as a response then headed up the stairs, ready to hit the shower and scrub off the day’s dirt. Once upon a time he could work his tension out on the land, but lately all he was doing was tiring his muscles and making himself miserable. He needed a massage.
Pour me a Drink (Tarnation, Texas Book 3) Page 11