Colorado Cabin in the Pines (Peakview series Book 3)

by Jill Haymaker

  Luke watched Gary’s eyes mist with tears. In all the years he’d known Penny’s father, he’d never seen him cry.

  “Okay? Of course, son. Nothing would make me happier.” He wiped a tear from his cheek and gave Luke a quick hug. “I know you’ll treat her the way she deserves to be treated. And having her right next door—an added bonus. I can’t wait to spoil the grandkids.

  Luke laughed again. “Slow down. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There’s plenty of time for that later. Thank you for your approval. It means a lot to me.”

  When they returned to the house, Penny and her mom were sitting on the porch swing enjoying the Colorado sunset. Ann jumped up and looked at her husband. “Come on, Gary. Help me with the dishes. These young people are probably tired of our company.”

  Luke started to protest, but she waved him off. “Have a seat by Penny. It’s a beautiful evening.”

  Luke sat down on the swing and casually laid his arm around Penny’s shoulder. They both stared off into the yellowing sky to the west with Luke’s long legs gently pushing the swing back and forth. “Are you happy with your decision to stay? No second thoughts?”

  “Nope, not one. I belong here. With you.”

  He pulled her to his side and gently caressed her lips with his. She molded into his arms, and he deepened the kiss, tangling his tongue with hers. He could hold her like this forever, but her parents were only a few feet away in the kitchen, so he slowly backed off. Not the time to let things get out of control. “What are your plans for the week?”

  “First, I need to call the school in the morning and let them know they need to find someone to take my place. My mom said something about taking a trip to town to do some fall clothes shopping. I need some new warm ranch wear for this fall. This may be my last week off for a while, so I plan on relaxing a bit. You?”

  “It’s a busy week at our place. Hay harvest starts tomorrow—a hot and dusty week for sure. Usually, I fall into bed at the end of the long twelve hour days, but I’ll try and find some time for you.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m not going any place. Do what you have to do, and we’ll have more time once the harvest is over. Besides, I know where you live if I start to feel lonely.” She reached over and kissed him again, drawing the contact out and making every inch of his body respond.

  Luke forced himself to break the embrace and stood up to leave. “I’d better get back. My day starts before sunrise tomorrow.” He stuck his head inside the screen door. “Thanks again for a wonderful meal. I’ll see you soon.” He walked off the porch, fighting to get his body and his emotions under control. He couldn’t wait until she became his wife, and he could come home to her every night. Now that he had Gary’s blessing, he needed to come up with a plan for his marriage proposal.

  ***

  Penny hung up the phone and breathed a sigh of relief. She was glad that was over. The school administrator she’d spoken with was all business and didn’t throw a guilt trip on her for resigning so close to the beginning of the year. Even though she felt compelled to ramble on about it being a family situation and her being needed in Colorado, all the neutral voice on the other end of the line wanted was her basic information. Her reasons were irrelevant to him. Good. Her life in Chicago now behind her, and it was time to move forward.

  She glanced around her room—not much had changed since she was in high school. Her old posters and trophies still adorned the walls. Now that she intended to stay should she give it a major overhaul? Transform it into a more adult space that reflected who she was today? She’d like that, but the more she thought about it, the more she hoped this situation was short-lived. She really wanted to live in Luke’s cabin. The one she’d designed for them all those years ago. She already thought of it as home, and she was fairly certain that if she showed up tonight with her belongings, Luke would welcome her in.

  But no, she wasn’t going to rush it. They hadn’t really talked about their future since the other night. Her mind already darted ahead to a wedding and children, but was he on the same page? She thought so. He hadn’t mentioned marriage. She’d wait until he brought it up. Besides, Saturday night aside, her parents wouldn’t be thrilled with them living together until they were married. She didn’t want to disappoint the people she cared about most. Nope, she and Luke had a lifetime in front of them, and she’d stay right here until their wedding night. She just wanted that night to come sooner rather than later.

  She needed something to occupy her mind and time while Luke was busy with the harvest this week, so when her mom suggested a shopping spree in Denver for Tuesday, she jumped at the opportunity. The wardrobe she had for the Chicago school year wouldn’t cut it at camp. She wanted to get some more authentic western wear to look the part of a true cowgirl and some warm outer clothing for sledding, hiking, and other outdoor activities was a must. Her list grew as the day went on.

  Thinking of lists, she picked up the phone and dialed Peak Adventure. “Willow, its Penny. My mom and I are headed to Denver tomorrow. Is there anything you’d like me to pick up while I’m there?”

  “Actually, Ryan and I are putting together some new brochures for our school year weekends. Do you think you could drop some of them off at a couple of agencies for us? Let them know our plans.”

  “I’d be happy to.”

  “Can you stop by on your way out in the morning? That’ll give us this evening to get them printed.”

  “Sure thing. See you then.”

  Despite the fact that she’d decided against her redecorating idea, she spent the day sorting through old belongings and packing up some of her memorabilia. Maybe tomorrow she’d at least buy a new bedspread and some artwork for her walls that didn’t scream sixteen year old girl.

  ***

  Penny enjoyed the drive into Denver with her mom. Once a yearly tradition, they hadn’t made this trip together since her senior year in high school. Talking to her mom about Luke and her hopes and dreams made everything seem right in her world. Although Mom had reluctantly supported her decision to move to Chicago, now she appeared truly happy about her future. After dropping off the brochures, they made stops at a large Western wear store and REI. Despite her protests, her mom insisted on paying for all of her purchases. The back of the SUV was literally stuffed full of shopping bags by the time they parked by their favorite lunch place across the street from Cherry Creek Mall.

  “I’m buying,” Penny insisted sliding into a booth. “Thank you for all of the wonderful clothes. You’re the best. I can’t imagine not having a mom who loves you.”

  “You’re thinking about Marissa, aren’t you?”

  “Yeah, the last time I was here was with her. It’s so sad, Mom. And there’s so many other children like her out there. I hope working at the camp I can brighten some of their lives.”

  “I know you will.” Her mom reached across the table and patted her hand.

  “Do you think after we get what you want at the mall, we could maybe stop by and see her? I want to tell her that I’m staying in Colorado and about the camp being open year round.”

  “I don’t see why not. We’re in no hurry. Is that allowed for you to just drop by?”

  “I really don’t know, but I guess we’ll find out.”

  After helping her mom with her shopping list, Penny directed her to the neighborhood of the foster home. They turned off the main street and headed down the narrow side streets.

  “Oh my. This doesn’t look like a very safe neighborhood. Are you sure she’s okay here?”

  “I’m not sure of anything, Mom.” They pulled up in front of the worn down bungalow. Grateful that there were no older boys hanging out on the porch this time, she climbed out of the vehicle. Her mom joined her and they walked onto the rickety porch.

  Mrs. Grant frowned as she opened the door to Penny’s knock. “No one told me you were coming today.”

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t call. We were in town and wondered if we could spend a little time with
Marissa. This is my mom, Ann.”

  “You’re supposed to let me know ahead of any visits.”

  “Penny?” Marissa’s excited squeal rang out. The child burst through the door. “You’re not in Chicago?”

  The smile that covered Marissa’s small face warmed her heart. “Maybe you’d like to get some ice cream, so I can tell you all about it?”

  Marissa looked up at Mrs. Grant’s sour-looking face. “Can I pleasssse?”

  The woman frowned again at Penny. “Well, I guess this once. But from now on you follow the rules and call first.” She looked down at the child. “Go get some shoes on. Have her back in an hour.” She turned and walked into the house.

  “Goodness.” Her mom’s face wrinkled with concern.

  Marissa scurried out the door flip-flops now on her feet. Her hair didn’t look as though it had been brushed in a while and her clothes were rumpled, but the smile on her face showed her beauty.

  “Marissa, this is my mom, Ann.”

  “Hi,” she said softly. Penny remembered how shy the child was when they first met.

  “It’s so nice to meet you, Marissa. Penny has told me so much about you, and Bandit talks about missing you all the time.”

  The child giggled climbing into the back seat. “Dogs don’t talk.” She turned to Penny. “So why aren’t you in Chicago?”

  “My plans changed. I’m not moving. I’m going to stay in Peakview and work at the camp. They’re going to be open on weekends during the winter now.”

  “Yea!” The small face lit up like a Christmas tree. “When do I get to come back to camp? Can I come home with you now?”

  Penny smiled. “You need to stay here and start school next week, but I promise we’ll get you up there for a weekend real soon.”

  “Maybe you could even come and stay at our home with Penny some weekend, too. Would you like that?” Her mom added.

  “Could I really? This is going to be the best year ever. Could you be my grandma?”

  Her mom smiled at the child. “Well, you can call me grandma, if you want, but don’t you already have grandmas?”

  “I guess.” Marissa stared down at her lap. “I don’t know my dad or his mom. He’s in prison. My grammy is real sick.”

  “Do you have grandkids?”

  Mom winked at Penny. “Not, yet. But someday.”

  “Have you seen your grammy recently?” Penny asked.

  “The caseworker lady took me last week. She was in a big building, in a bed. She was very sleepy, but so happy to see me. She told me so. I told her I wanted to live with her again, but the lady said she was too sick to take care of me. I’m pretty good at taking care of myself. I wish I could take care of Grammy.” Marissa sighed.

  Penny tears started to well up again. How could she make this better for this child? “I want to share my family with you. Would that be okay?”

  Marissa smiled for the first time since they conversation started. “Yup. You already shared your friend, Luke, with me. How are Luke and Brutus?”

  “Luke’s great, and Brutus is growing so fast he’s going to be the size of a small horse soon. Next time you’re in Peakview, how about we go up to Luke’s cabin and visit them?”

  Marissa beamed. “Really? Can we do that? What flavor of ice cream are you getting?”

  It felt so good to hear the child’s giggles and see her smiling face. Was she happy all the time? As they neared the home after their treat, however, the child’s sunny attitude slowly changed. Tears filled her eyes as she hugged Penny goodbye on the front steps. “I don’t want you to leave me.”

  Penny fought back her own tears. It wouldn’t help for the child to see her cry. “It’s okay sweetheart. I’ll see you soon, I promise.” She turned and got back in the car before Marissa could see her own emotions.

  Penny fell silent as her mom drove out of town and headed up I-70. This world was so unfair sometimes. She thanked God she was staying in Colorado where she could watch out for this little one. Marissa deserved a permanent home where she’d have parents and grandparents who loved her forever, not some temporary foster home. She made a mental note to call the department of human services and see what she could find out about the child’s grandmother, and if there were any other options for this poor child. She’d make sure that Marissa didn’t fall through the cracks of the overcrowded system.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Luke plopped down in one of the Adirondack chairs on his deck, too tired to even make it inside the cabin. It had been a long, hot week. Baling hay was a strenuous, dirty job, but they were almost finished—for this year at least. The extra workers they’d hired and the hot dry days let them get the work done in record time.

  He hadn’t seen Penny since Sunday, and he missed her smiling face and all the other parts of her, too. Somehow he survived four long years without her, but now…. a few days seemed too long. He smiled, going over his plan for tomorrow night one more time in his mind. He pushed his aching body up and went inside to grab a cold Coors and his cell phone. Brutus followed, looking almost as tired as he was. The puppy had been with them in the fields all week, running who knows how many miles chasing rabbits and anyone who took time to play with him. Luke decided against sitting on any of his furniture until some of the day’s dirt and grime was washed off, so he whistled for Brutus and went back out on the porch. The sun was already setting to the west and the gentle evening breeze cooled his sunburned skin.

  Penny answered on the first ring. “Hey, stranger. How’s your week been?”

  A smile covered his face at the mere sound of her voice. “Exhausting—dusty—hot, but we’re almost done.”

  “Glad to hear it. Do you want some company? Ginger and I could head over that way.”

  “Tempting. Very tempting, but I’m covered in dirt, and as soon as I can drag myself into the shower, I’m going to hit my bed.” His body reacted as his mind pictured her in the shower with him. “How about we wait until tomorrow night when I don’t have to be up at the crack of dawn?

  “Oh, okay. I guess we can do that.”

  His heart broke at the sound of disappointment in her voice, but he wanted their next time together to be special. “We’re going to be done working early tomorrow. Want to come over around five? We can take a nice long evening ride and then put together some dinner.”

  “I’d love that. See you then. And Luke, think about me tonight. I’ll be picturing you in bed beside me.”

  He groaned. “No fair. And you can count on it. Sleep tight, my love.”

  He stood up and disconnected. If he sat any longer he would fall asleep in the chair. Stripping out of his grimy clothes and climbing into the warm spray of water, his thoughts turned back to Penny. He couldn’t wait until she stayed here every single night. He needed her as much as he needed his life here on the Walker ranch. She completed him in every way.

  Stepping out of the shower he toweled off, and fell into bed naked, soon fast asleep dreaming of his soul mate.

  ***

  How was it only two o’clock? Penny glared down at her watch for the umpteenth time today. Awake at the crack of dawn, the day had crawled by. She’d worked on plans for camp all morning. When Mom asked her to accompany her into Peakview to pick up some supplies at the hardware store and grab a late lunch at Violet’s, she jumped at the chance to get out of the house. Make the time pass quicker.

  Arriving at Violet’s she was the center of attention. Any tidbit of gossip spread like wildfire in their tiny town, and the news that she was staying in Peakview was apparently the news of the week. Neighbor after neighbor stopped by their booth to ask about her job at the camp and, of course, what this all meant for her and Luke.

  Finally, they were the last remaining customers in the café. Violet, the queen of Peakview gossip, slid into the seat next to her mom. “So you and Luke are a couple again? I always said the two of you were meant to be together. I’m so happy for you. When’s the wedding?”

  Penny blushed. �
�Everyone needs to slow down. He hasn’t even asked me yet.” She patted the older women’s hand. “Don’t worry. I’m sure when he does you’ll be the first to know.”

  “If I see that boy, I’m going to ask him what he’s waiting for. Life’s too short to waste time. Men! I didn’t think my Howard was ever going to get around to proposing. I guess he was worth waiting for though. Ever since our wedding, our nights are pure heaven.” Violet smiled and winked at her.

  Penny forced a smile. Now she was picturing the sixty-something year old couple in bed together, not a welcome image.

  “When he does pop the question, keep me in mind. I’d be happy to cater the reception.”

  Penny jumped at the chance to change the subject to food. “I’d like that. I’ll let you know.”

  The door creaked open, and Penny turned to see Melanie. Her friend hugged her as she slid in next to her. “I hear you’re staying. I’m so excited to get to spend some more time with you. And congratulations on you and Luke being a couple again.”

  “Thanks. And thanks for being such a good friend and giving me some excellent advice.”

  Violet looked over at her step-daughter. “Now we just need to find a good man for you. Penny, do you have any ideas?”

  “I think I have enough to handle with the bookstore and Sophie. I don’t need a man to complicate my life. Just concentrate on getting one person married off at a time.” Melanie turned back to Penny. “So has he asked you to marry him yet?”

  “Not yet, but as I just told Violet, I’m sure everyone in this town will know when he does.”

  Normally she’d enjoy all the friendly conversations, but not today. She glanced at her watch again. All she wanted was for the day to end so she could be with Luke—feel his arms around her and his lips on hers. It had been almost a week since they’d spent the night together—a week too long.