by Barbara Gee
“Speaking of James,” Will said, sitting up and looking toward the stables. “I do believe the laborers have returned.”
Kelly swung her feet over the side of the hammock and stood, following his gaze. She saw James and Chad ride their horses into the corral behind the stable.
Will chuckled. “That boy is riding like a pro already. Unbelievable.”
“It’s going to kill him to leave Midnight,” Kelly said softly, dreading that moment already. “And Dodger. And his newfound family. And you. I’m afraid Virginia is going to seem pretty unexciting to him for a while.”
“He’ll have you, and that’s the most important thing,” Will said encouragingly. “Let’s go meet up with them. I need to get Dodger and get on home.”
“I’m sure it would be fine with everyone if you stayed for dinner,” Kelly said without thinking, then felt her cheeks getting pink.
They began walking toward the stable. “Thanks, but I, uh, kinda have plans. Something I scheduled a while ago.”
Kelly realized he must have a date and she forced a bright smile. “No problem. Just wanted you to know you’d be welcome.”
“I appreciate it. I’d stay if I could.”
The silence was a little awkward and Kelly was relieved when they reached the stable. Will collected his dog and left in his big truck, James waving after him. The little boy was disappointed that Will was leaving so soon, but Kelly quickly asked him about his day and James forgot about Will and Dodger for the time being as he went into great detail about everything they had done.
Dinner was fun for the whole family. James Senior had received a very good report from his doctor, so he was in a great mood and thoroughly enjoyed hearing James tell all about his day. Amy confided to Kelly later that she credited Senior’s good medical report to James and the joy he had already brought to his grandfather’s life.
As they finished up dessert, Senior and Chad informed James that they were going to go to a horse auction the next day, and he could tag along if he wanted. This time Senior had remembered to check with Kelly first, and she had already given her permission. Of course James was all over that, especially when they said Will was going along, too.
After dinner, James cajoled his grandparents into several rousing games of Go Fish. When Kelly told him it was time for bed, he reluctantly wrapped up the game.
“Can Paw Paw read me my book tonight?” he asked, putting the cards neatly back in the box.
“Sure, if Paw Paw enjoys Hardy Boys books.”
“I certainly do,” Senior assured his eager grandson.
Kelly smiled. “Give us twenty minutes to get his bath done. He’ll be smelling like a rose and tucked in waiting for you.”
Wrinkling his nose, James glared at his mother. “I don’t wanna smell like a rose, Mom,” he griped.
“Then I guess it’s good I have some nice manly smelling soap for you. Come on, cowboy.”
Normally Kelly read no more than two chapters each night, but James managed to squeeze four out of his grandpa, which Senior manned up to when he returned to the living room.
“It’s okay. He won’t have you around to read to him after a few more days.”
Maggie cringed. “Don’t remind us,” she said, and just like that she was blinking back tears. “James has been so much more of a blessing than I ever dared to hope. He’s a wonderful child, and you are a wonderful mother.”
James Sr. was obviously tired and needed to get to bed, but instead he sat down across from Kelly and nodded his agreement to his wife’s words.
“I’ve come to realize something over the last few days, Kelly. I’ve seen traits in little James that I never, ever saw in my own son, no matter how badly I tried to convince myself otherwise.” Senior’s throat worked with emotion, and he had to wait a moment before he could go on. “The truth is, although Jamie was a Matherson, he didn’t have ranching in his blood. He wasn’t meant to take over Wild Rose, and I was foolish not to see that.”
It was exactly as Amy had said that morning, and at long last, Senior was acknowledging his blindness. His eyes welled up and Maggie reached over and squeezed his hand. After a moment he continued.
“I’ve seen the instant affinity that little James has felt for this ranch. I’ve seen how he is with the horses, how he reads them like a pro without even knowing it. I’ve seen his love for all things cowboy and it does my heart good. It has also made me realize that Jamie did exactly what he was supposed to do, and that was to leave the ranch and follow his heart. Amy was always the one who took after me in her love for the ranch, and that should have been enough. Instead I was fixated on my son being the one to carry on the Matherson heritage, and my selfishness tore us apart. And I want you to know that although I am thrilled to see my grandson falling in love with the Wild Rose, if he had no desire to ever ride a horse, I would love him no less. I will not make the same mistake again.”
Kelly smiled widely. “I’m glad to hear it, James. And it’s a good thing, because you’ll have another grandchild in six months, and who knows, he or she might follow in their uncle’s footsteps and go into the healthcare field. Jamie found it very rewarding.”
“I’m sure he did, and I can honestly say I’m happy that he dared to cross me and find his true calling.”
“As am I,” Maggie added, standing and holding her hand out to James. “Now it’s time to get to bed, old man. You need your rest if you’re going to go to that horse auction tomorrow.” She leaned down and hugged Kelly. “Good night, my dear. May your dreams be as sweet as you are.”
“Oh, Maggie, thank you so much.”
When the older couple left the room, Kelly curled up on the sofa and thought about the healing that had taken place this week. She knew James and Maggie felt their burden had lifted, but Kelly had been blessed as well. Not only was she completely free of anger and animosity for the first time in a decade, she was growing to love the people her in-laws had become. It was a wonderful feeling.
Kelly called her parents and talked with them for a long time. They were already aware that the visit was going well for her and James, but when Kelly filled them in on what James Senior had revealed earlier, she sensed their own hearts thawing as well.
“We miss you and your little rascal,” her father said. “I’m glad you’re there and things have gone so much better than you expected, but we’ll sure be glad to have you two back home.”
“First thing I need to do is figure out if I can afford a house with a big back yard. James needs a dog. It’s not just a matter of him wanting one, he needs one. Seeing him with Dodger makes that very clear.”
“We’re on it, Kelly. I’ll start checking listings tomorrow.”
“Thanks, guys. Love you both so much, and I’ll see you in a few days.”
Kelly hung up, smiling. She knew her dad would have a list of potential houses ready for her when she got home. Leaving the house she and Jamie had bought together would be hard, but she felt ready. It would be nice to have a bigger place on a nice big lot. And the thought of a little Dodger in the back yard waiting for James to come home from school every day made her chuckle.
Checking the time, she decided it was too early to go to bed, especially since she didn’t feel at all tired. She went to her room and got a book she had started before the trip, but she was distracted and gave up trying to read it after only one chapter. She was restless and edgy, and she knew why. Although she hated to admit it, she couldn’t stop wondering who Will was with this evening, and what they were doing on their date. It was none of her business, and she shouldn’t care.
She did, though.
Chapter 12
Will had set up the date with Lindsay McCallum a week ago, only because his mother had guilted him into it. Lindsay’s mom was his mother’s best friend, and according to her, Lindsay was upset that she had moved back home a month ago and Will had yet to call her. Diana Connor thought taking the girl out for a fun evening was the least her son could do, consid
ering he and Lindsay had grown up together and had always been good friends.
When Will finally called her, he’d tried to make it clear that he just wanted to get together to catch up. He suggested a pizza place in town that their crowd had frequented back in high school, but Lindsay had immediately begged him to take her to a new restaurant a few towns over, which she’d heard was “totally to die for.” Reluctantly Will had agreed, even though the hour drive to and from the restaurant would mean spending a lot more time with her than he had hoped.
He was definitely regretting giving into her now, as he sat across the table from her, trying to hide his misery. Lindsay was in full date mode, dressed in a tiny little black dress, perfect makeup, glossy blonde hair which she tossed often, and heavy perfume which was no doubt expensive but not a scent that appealed to Will. He much preferred the scent of Kelly’s light, fresh shampoo over whatever it was Lindsay was wearing.
Lindsay went on and on about how wonderful the food was, but Will wasn’t impressed with the tiny portions that in no way sated his healthy appetite. His thoughts wandered continuously to Kelly. He would much rather be eating at the Wild Rose and spending precious time with her.
At long last their waiter proffered the dessert menu, and although Will was as hungry as he’d been before their appetizer and main course, he refused dessert simply because he was more than ready for the evening to end. Thankfully Lindsay was “stuffed” and also refused. It made Will want to do a James-style fist pump, but he refrained and asked for the check.
The drive back to Crighton seemed never ending. Although Lindsay had already talked about herself for three hours, she had no trouble filling another hour with more of the same. The good thing was that nothing was required of Will other than an occasional uh huh, so the rest of the time he was free to think about the lovely Kelly Matherson. The two women couldn’t be more different, and that realization helped Will to better understand his unprecedented reaction to Kelly. It was quite simple, really.
He’d never met anyone like her. Not even close.
At long last, they made it back to Lindsay’s house and Will walked her to the door.
“I’m glad you didn’t want dessert at the restaurant, Will.” Lindsay said, giving him a sultry smile as he reached to open the door for her. “Our cook baked some lovely apple pies this afternoon. I’m sure Mom and Daddy have turned in already, so let’s go in and enjoy some pie and alone time. It’s been waaaaaay too long.”
She nuzzled her face against his neck, nipping at the smooth tanned skin suggestively. “God, you smell so good,” she moaned. “I’ve missed you, baby. Come inside with me.” Her hands slid under his jacket to his waist and she pressed her lithe body up against him.
Will wasn’t surprised by her invitation. Prior to giving his life to Christ, he and Lindsay had been intimate on several occasions. The last time had been almost three years ago, but apparently she was now ready to pick up where they’d left off.
“You’re the best I ever had, Will,” she purred. “It’s high time we repeated the experience, don’t you think?”
The only reaction Will had to her attempt at seduction was to fervently wish it were Kelly pressing her body against him like that. When Lindsay pulled his head down to kiss him, he stepped back, holding her at arm’s length.
“Sorry, Lindsay, but I’m gonna call it a night. I, uh, have a few horses I need to research before hitting the auction tomorrow.”
She pouted, but that didn’t have any effect on him either.
“When can we get together again, Will? Sometime when you’re not distracted by the horse auction, like there’s not one of those every couple of weeks.”
“We’ll see,” he said, then had to quickly hide his smile when he remembered Kelly’s teasing. It made him want to send her a text.
Lindsay was annoyed. “You’d better call me soon, Will. I’m tired of waiting around until you can fit me into your oh so busy schedule. It’s not like other guys aren’t calling me, you know.”
Will shoved his hands in his pockets and decided now was as good a time as any to let her know where things stood.
“You know, Lindsay, maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea if you accepted some of those invitations. I really value our friendship, but I probably won’t be calling any time soon.”
Her eyes widened in disbelief, then narrowed in anger. “Well screw you, Will Connor!” she said heatedly. “Why are you being such a jerk?”
“I’m just trying to be up front with you. You deserve that.”
“I deserve a lot better than you, that’s for sure. I don’t know when you turned into such an uptight ass!” she spat, her fists clenched at her sides.
“Sorry, Lindsay,” he said. “I know you can do better than me. I guess I’ll see you around.”
“You’ll see me around all right, and you’ll be begging me for a second chance. Don’t count on getting it,” she added before rushing inside the house.
Will knew she was angry and her pride was hurt, and lashing out at him was the natural thing to do. Still, he was a little surprised she hadn’t seen this coming. Surely it had crossed her mind that if something more lasting than friendship were going to develop between them it would have happened by now. Yeah, they’d played around with the idea that one summer, but as soon as she went back to school, they barely ever talked. That didn’t exactly bode well for a happily ever after, and Lindsay was smart enough to realize that. But then again, his own mother didn’t seem to have figured that out, so maybe everyone but him was simply choosing to deny the obvious.
Oh well. He’d finally closed the Lindsay chapter of his life, whether she and his mom liked it or not, and he knew it was the right thing to do. Truth be told, he felt more for Kelly Matherson after only four days than he’d ever felt for Lindsay McCallum, and he hated that he’d wasted a whole evening with the wrong girl when Kelly was only going to be around a few more days .
Will got into his truck, sat there and thought about things for a moment, then grinned and sent the right girl a text from Will C.
After abandoning her attempt at reading, Kelly had wandered outside to the hammock, which had become her favorite place to relax. The warm Texas night was far darker than the nights ever got in suburban Virginia, and the peaceful quiet of the Wild Rose was calming and wonderful. She let one foot hang down from the hammock for an occasional push, her body and mind gradually winding down from another busy, emotional day.
She closed her eyes and sighed, wishing she and James could stay in Texas another week. Or maybe a month.
A moment later her phone chimed with the text tone she had set for Will.
Wait, wasn’t he on a date? Kelly’s heart pounded as she read the text.
My evening wrapped up early. You still up?
She smiled, ridiculously relieved that he was no longer out with another woman.
Yeah. It’s a beautiful night and the hammock was calling my name.
I should have known. You have a thing for that hammock.
Not even gonna deny it.
So here’s the deal. I was forced to eat at a five star restaurant with portions the size of quarters. I’m starved. Think you could sneak me some of Sarah’s leftovers if I stop by?
Right or wrong, Kelly wanted nothing more than to see him again. If Sarah’s food was what got him here, so be it.
Chicken pot pie and apple crisp with ice cream sound good?
Be there in five.
Hopping out of the hammock, Kelly went inside and crept into the kitchen. There really wasn’t any reason to be quiet, as James would never wake up, and Senior and Maggie were about as far from the kitchen as they could get. Still, Kelly turned on only the dim light above the sink and very quietly opened the fridge. After all, she was sneaking a man into the house, and that seemed to call for a certain amount of stealth.
She had just put a plate with a large portion of pot pie in the microwave when a soft tap on the breezeway door surprised her. Will ha
d wisely parked his noisy truck out by the stables and walked up to the house. She let him in, unable to hide her smile. He looked incredible in crisp camel slacks, a white shirt with thin navy stripes and a navy sports coat that fit perfectly across his wide shoulders.
Kelly caught herself staring and she looked up to meet his eyes, her smile turning a little sheepish. “Sorry, it’s the first time I’ve seen you dressed in something other than jeans. You look nice.” Blushing, she quickly turned and led him into the kitchen.
“If Sarah notices her stock of leftovers has lessened, I’m pleading innocence,” she declared, going to the microwave where she retrieved his now warm pot pie.
“Oh man, that smells so good,” Will groaned. “I just spent well over a hundred dollars on dinner and I’m as hungry as I was to start with. That’s just not right.”
“It’s all about impressing the girl,” Kelly said matter-of-factly.
“Didn’t even care about that,” Will admitted, “And that makes it even more wrong.”
He shrugged off his jacket, took a seat at the table and dug in. Kelly got them each a glass of iced tea, then settled across from him and enjoyed his appreciation of the food.
“So why did your evening end so early? Your date didn’t invite the stud in for coffee?” she teased, taking a sip of her tea.
Will wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Apple pie, actually. But the ex-stud declined.”
Kelly raised her brows. “You don’t like apple pie?”
Will took another bite, chewing slowly as his eyes met hers. He swallowed and took a drink of tea. “Not enough to endure the company of a girl I have no interest in. And not enough to waste time eating pie when there was a chance I could finish the evening with someone I am interested in, who is only going to be here a few more days.”
He waited for her reaction. He’d boldly put it out there, and now the ball was in her court.
Heart suddenly pounding double time, Kelly sat back in her chair and dropped her eyes to her glass, unable to meet his intense blue gaze. The man took her breath away, tied her in knots, and made her feel like a teenager with her first crush. She had no idea what to say.