Grace and the Rancher

by Mary Alford

  She laughed and little dimples appeared on her cheeks. “I am.” She hesitated then asked, “Would you like to join me?”

  He was stunned for a moment.

  “Unless you’ve eaten already,” she added when he didn’t answer.

  “Oh, no, no, actually I haven’t...are you sure? This is a small town, remember.” Even though he said it jokingly, he was serious enough. He’d been here for almost two weeks now, and he was still getting the cold shoulder. Hurt feelings died hard around these parts, and he’d hurt a lot of people.

  “Kyle, we’re friends. If people can’t understand that, then it’s on them.”

  His worry faded away. “Well, good, then. Um, where did you have in mind?”

  She shook her head as if he’d said the most foolish thing. She was teasing him? “Amy’s, of course. I love her homemade pies.”

  Amy’s Diner was just down from McDougal’s.

  “I’d almost forgotten. Amy’s is a Delaney Mountain landmark. She’s been around since my dad was a kid.”

  “Really?” Grace grinned in amazement. “Although I can’t imagine why I’m surprised. The food is good and so are the prices.”

  Kyle opened the diner door and the bell above jingled their arrival. He was grateful there were only a handful of patrons still dining. He didn’t recognize the waitress, an older woman of possibly sixty or so. She looked him up and down then acknowledged Grace. “You here for lunch, hon?”

  “Yes, we are, Mabel.”

  Mabel harrumphed her response and headed for one of the booths next to the windows. Once they were seated, Mabel pointed to the blackboard above the counter that listed the special of the day. “We have Amy’s special meatloaf today. I think there’s still some left.”

  Grace covertly winked at Kyle, and he dropped his gaze to the table because he was trying not to laugh.

  “That sounds good to me. What about you, Kyle?”

  “Yes, that’s good for me, too.”

  The disgruntled Mabel left them alone

  “I was afraid to ask for a menu.”

  Grace gave a tiny laugh. “Mabel takes some getting used to, but she’s really nice once you do.”

  “I’ll take your word for it.”

  “Martha said she’s worked here for almost ten years. I can’t believe you never met her before?”

  Kyle’s expression sobered. “Until I came back to see my father, I’d been gone from Delaney Mountain for more than ten years. I guess we never had the pleasure.”

  She gave that sweet smile that sucked him in and made him want to just keep watching her.

  “That’s too bad,” she said. “The town was named after your family, right? There should be lots of Delaneys living here.”

  Kyle couldn’t help but think how the founding family of the town had turned out so dysfunctional. “I think the town is better off without us.”

  That she had her doubts was easy to read in the skeptical look she threw him, but before she had a chance to argue her case, Mabel brought their food to the table.

  “Hope you enjoy it,” she said as she headed back to the counter without waiting for an answer.

  Both Kyle and Grace hid their laughs behind their hands.

  “Do you think she really cares if we enjoy it?” Kyle asked.

  Mabel had disappeared.

  “No, I don’t think so.”

  Once their prayer was finished, Kyle dug into his food. It had been hours since he’d eaten, and the meatloaf was quite good.

  “How are the repairs coming?” Grace asked.

  “Ryan is almost finished with the house. He has a crew working on the smaller barn right now. They should be done by the end of the day. That’s why I came into town actually. He needed some additional supplies for the main barn. He thinks it will take at least a week to finish it if the weather holds.”

  “So it won’t be long before the ranch is at least operational. What do you plan to do next?”

  “I hate to admit it, but I’m kind of learning as I go. My dad always had people he trusted to help. My dad’s friend, Jessup Moore, still lives here in town. Dad wanted me to help Jessup out and keep an eye on him. I’m thinking that if I ask him to let me pick his brain about the cattle business, then he’ll be more inclined to accept my help.”

  Her face softened with compassion. “Kyle, that’s a great idea. I’m so happy you’re helping your dad’s friend.”

  “Yeah, well, we’ll see how it goes. You never know about old Jessup. I was thinking of stopping by to see him after church on Sunday...” He stopped because he had an idea. “Would you like to come with me?”

  She paused with her fork hallway to her mouth. “Me? Really? You want me to come with you?”

  “Yes, but it’s OK if you don’t want to go. Jessup can be a handful.”

  She put down her fork and clasped his hand. “I would love to come. I’ve seen Jessup at church a few times. He sounds like a character I would love to meet.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “I’m positive,” she assured him with a gentle smile. “And maybe afterward, I could stop by and see the progress on your place. I’d like to see the barns.”

  He couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to look at old barns, but he was happy that she was willing to spend time with him. He certainly enjoyed their times together.

  “Good. Then it’s a date.”

  She blushed, and he immediately regretted his choice of wording.

  Thankfully, Mabel brought their check. Kyle quickly took it, stuck a twenty in the holder, and handed it back to Mabel.

  “No, Kyle. It’s my treat. I invited you remember,” Grace insisted while reaching for her purse.

  He shook his head. “No way. This is on me. You can cook me another one of those homemade meals as repayment.”

  “It’s a deal. This Sunday. I’ll buy the food and bring it over to your place early. We can ride to church together and then I’ll cook.”

  He couldn’t have been more pleased. “Sounds like a plan to me.”

  5

  In the end, Kyle didn’t have to stop by Jessup’s place. The old man showed up at church the following Sunday. It was the first time he’d seen Jessup since his father passed.

  After the service, Kyle and Grace went over to say hello.

  “Why, as I live and breathe, Kyle Delaney, you’re back. Well, I have a bone to pick with you,” Jessup growled. The old guy had been his dad’s best ranch hand. His dad used to say Jessup could spot a good working horse a mile away. The two had grown up in Delaney Mountain. Both had married local girls. Jessup had outlived his wife. Ellis had divorced one and buried the other.

  In those final days before his father’s death, Jessup had been Ellis’s constant companion. On those rare times when his old man had been able to find peace in sleep, Kyle and Jessup had gotten quite close. His dad had told him once that Jessup and his wife hadn’t been able to have any children of their own. His only family had been his wife, and then later, Ellis.

  After the funeral, Kyle had promised to call the old man, come see him. He hadn’t done either of those things. Another something he was sorry for.

  Kyle held out his hand, but the old man ignored it and embraced him a bear hug.

  “Jessup,” he managed once the frail old man’s deceptively strong hold finally loosened. “How’ve you been?”

  “Good. Good. I heard you were back at the ranch. I hope it’s for good this time.”

  “I think it is. I’m trying to make a go of the place again like Dad wanted.”

  Jessup’s eyes sparkled with pride. “I’m so happy. And I see you’ve brought a friend with you.” The old man nodded to Grace.

  “Ah, yes, I have.” Kyle turned to Grace. “This is Grace Bradford. Grace, Jessup Moore.”

  “How are you, Jessup?” Grace held out her hand, and the old man took it. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  Jessup smiled kindly. “You, too. This one here needs all the friends he can get.
” He patted Kyle’s shoulder. “I’m glad you’re back, son. Your old man would be proud of what you’re doing. You been to see him since you got back?”

  Kyle hadn’t been able to visit the small cemetery behind the church since he’d returned. “I haven’t, but I’d like to. Would you come with me?” It seemed only fitting. They’d both been there with his father until the end.

  The old man’s face broke into a grin. “I sure would.”

  Kyle turned to Grace.

  “You two go. I’ll just wait for you here.” Grace gave a slight nod of understanding.

  Grace Bradford was a kind and compassionate woman. Every little thing he learned about her made it clear she was the real deal.

  “Thanks. We’ll be back soon.” He followed Jessup across the barren ground to the gates of the cemetery. He could have found the way to his father’s headstone with his eyes shut. He’d visited his stepmother, Sara’s grave, with his father a hundred times or more since her passing.

  As he stood next to Jessup and glanced at the simple marble headstone, tears pricked at his eyes. He remembered that day almost as if it were yesterday. The sound of chunks of hard earth hitting the casket had brought it all home for him. He’d never see his dad on earth again, but one day, thanks be to God, he’d join him in heaven. He could almost imagine the happiness on his old man’s face.

  Jessup touched the headstone and glanced over at Kyle. “He sure was proud of you after you stopped drinking. He sure was proud.”

  Kyle faced the old man at his side and noticed the things he should have seen earlier. The tattered jacket. The mismatched socks. The old man looked as if the slightest breeze would blow him over. Kyle’s dad had told him once that Jessup pretty much lived off his social security pension. He owned a small house in town, but now Kyle was wondering if the old man was really capable of looking after himself.

  Take care of him for me, will you, Kyle. Take care of my best friend.

  He would. He’d find a way to fulfill that wish as well. He scrubbed a hand over his eyes. “Thanks for bringing me here, Jessup. I miss him terribly. Life isn’t the same without him.”

  Jessup patted him awkwardly on the shoulder. “Me, too. Not a minute goes by that I don’t want to tell him something.”

  Kyle felt the same way. These past months since he’d returned to Austin, well there were so many things he’d wanted to share with his dad.

  “Come on, Jessup. We should probably go inside. It’s getting colder out.”

  They walked side by side across the frozen ground. Occasionally Kyle had to grab hold of Jessup’s arm to keep him from falling. They reached the sanctuary.

  “I’ll just go have a word with the pastor. I’ll see you later.” Jessup nodded to Kyle and then made his way slowly to the pastor’s office.

  Kyle searched the room until he spotted Grace sitting in the pew he’d shared with her. Her head was bowed. He stopped next to her and waited while she finished.

  She opened her eyes and looked up at him. “Are you finished already?” she asked gently.

  He sat next to her. “Yes. Jessup is talking with the pastor. Grace, I’m worried about him. I don’t think he’s really able to take care of himself. I have to help him. It’s just that I’m not sure how I can do it.”

  She clasped his hand. “You’ll find a way. Ask God for help. He’ll show you how.”

  6

  Grace couldn’t remember the last time she’d had so much fun making lunch. She and Kyle had talked about everything while they prepared the meal.

  “That was an amazing meal,” Kyle handed her a cup of coffee and then sat next to her.

  “I’m glad you liked it. It’s more fun when you have someone other than a dog to share it with. Not that I’m complaining. I love spending time with Lizzy.”

  He grinned at her joke. “I know what you mean. It is nice having someone to share a meal with and to talk. Living alone you get used to eating in silence. When I lived in Austin, more times than not, I’d get home late and pop a frozen meal into the microwave.”

  Sadness entered his eyes when he spoke about his past. She had a feeling he’d lived a very solitary life.

  “What type of work did you do? I don’t think you told me.”

  “I worked in the music business. I represented a lot of local musicians.”

  Grace’s smile froze. Had they met before? She couldn’t believe she’d never asked what type of work he’d done in Austin. It just never occurred to her. He was watching her. Probably seeing more than she wanted. She struggled to regain her composure.

  “Is something wrong?” His eyes narrowed as he continued to study her reaction.

  Grace did her best to recover. Just because he worked in the same industry didn’t mean they had run in the same circles. She was overreacting. “No, nothing at all. I was just thinking that must have been a very interesting line of work. Did you represent anyone I might have heard of?”

  “I doubt it. Mostly I handled artists from the Austin music scene, but I did represent a couple of country singers. With you being from Nashville you might have heard of Jackson Road?”

  That country band had just begun to make a name for themselves before she’d left Nashville. “I have heard of them. They’re very good.” For a moment, Grace allowed herself to think about her own meteoric rise to fame.

  “Yeah. They are good guys as well—all of them. They came from Christian backgrounds. Sang in church and they even wrote a few songs that were recorded by some Christian artists.”

  “That’s amazing. I love their sound. I could see them crossing over to the Christian music genre someday. Was it hard walking away from the music scene?” She had spent most of her life striving to make it, and when she had, her world had fallen apart. For her, walking away had been the most difficult thing she’d ever done…and the best thing.

  “Not really. By the time I left, I was ready to get away from the influence of the city.”

  She stared in surprise.

  “I’m an alcoholic, Grace. It was the reason my fiancée left me. After I stopped drinking, the city became one big temptation. I not only had to get away from the city, but the business, if I had any chance at remaining sober.” He gave an abrupt nod, as if shutting out his past. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be rattling on about my life. What about you? What did you do in Nashville?”

  Grace looked away, her heart racing. She wasn’t ready to talk about Nick. “Not much really.”

  He sipped his coffee without commenting on her evasive answer.

  “Have you spoken to your former sister-in-law again?” He’d read her well enough to know when she didn’t want to talk about something. Although comforting, it also made her a little uneasy. He was learning her moods, how she felt. Dangerous territory.

  For once, she was happy to talk about Cat. “No, thank goodness. I called her once you left and her machine picked up. I left her a voicemail letting her know that I’m not attending. Maybe she’s finally gotten the message.” As much as Grace wanted to believe it, she had a feeling there was more to come from Cat. Much more.

  “Let’s hope,” he said and then glanced outside. Peek-a-boo glimpses of sunlight appeared through an otherwise cloudy day. “Looks like the weather is clearing. Do you want to see the barns now?”

  “Yes, I’d love to,” she said, happy to get the spotlight off of her.

  They grabbed their jackets and walked in silence across the dry crunchy ground until they reached the first barn.

  “This is the smaller of the two. I’m thinking we’ll keep the horses in here. There should be plenty of room for four to five of them.” Kyle opened the doors and they stepped inside.

  “Was there much damage in here?” She had only gotten a glimpse of the place on her first visit. She’d never been inside the barn, though.

  “No, this one was in pretty good shape. The other barn, well, it was a different story.” They walked outside and headed for the larger building. Kyle pointed to its
roof. “Ryan had to completely reroof it and had to rebuild part of that wall. The good news is, it should withstand a whole lot of winters now.”

  She brushed a strand of hair from her face. “What do you plan to use this one for?” Grace seemed interested by everything to do with his goals.

  “We’ll store the hay and feed in here. And there’s a place to house animals that are injured or sick to keep them out of the weather.”

  She was amazed at how massive the building was. “I bet you and your brother had a lot of fun playing in here when you were younger.”

  He managed a smile before he bowed his head.

  Immediately she regretted dredging up painful memories. She touched his arm. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  Kyle stared out the dusty window as if lost in the past. “It’s OK. It was fun…for a while. When we were kids, David and I used to play all over this ranch. We knew it all by heart. That was until…” he stopped and glanced her way. The wintery look in his eyes robbed her of her next breath.

  “I wish I could say our life was great until I made the foolish mistake to drive drunk one night, but it wouldn’t be the truth. In fact, David was running away from my dad as well as me. You see, my dad drank all our lives. Just like his dad before him. And his dad. It runs in the family,” he added with a bitter smile.

  “My mom left us when I was three. I was around four when my dad married Sara, David’s mom. Sara was the best thing to happen to my dad and to me in a long time. For a while, he actually stopped drinking. Went to AA. He was a different man. After David was born and everything was great. Until Sara got sick. After Sara died, Dad lost his anchor. He started drinking again. When he drank, he’d belittle both David and me. He left Jessup in charge of the ranch hands and the ranch while he sank deeper into the bottle.”