Willow laughed. “I’m glad you like it. Since it’s the only thing I have time to cook, you might be eating a lot of omelets if we want Shorty’s meals to last longer than two months.”
Her father gave a little laugh before continuing with his original train of thought. “Tried and true would be … well, it’d be a sure thing,” he said. “If I remember correctly, Mick is a city boy.”
“Who loved this valley and Sunrise Creek the first morning he woke up here,” Willow reminded her father.
Her father gave her an inquiring look.
“I stopped by to check on him the day after his car quit. He was mesmerized by this place, Dad.”
“But would it last? Lots of people think it’s pretty here. They’re called tourists.”
“True enough,” Willow laughed. Then she grew serious. “I don’t know. We’d have to make sure he understood that if he decided to leave, he’d have to wait until fall. He couldn’t leave us during the summer. We could draw up a contract, if that would make you more comfortable.” She paused for a moment as a new urgency built up inside her. “I’d really like to give this a try. It might offer us all something different, and Shorty said it was time for a change.”
Willow settled under the deep penetrating gaze of her father’s eyes.
“It sounds as if there’s some personal reasons behind this decision for you,” her father,” he probed.
Willow looked down as she nodded. “You asked me if my breakup with Curtis had anything to do with Mick, and the answer is still no. But talking with Shorty made me realize that I do feel something for Mick, and I think it might be more than friendship. I’d like to explore that, Dad.”
“You know what the townsfolk will say,” her father said.
Willow’s gaze hardened. “Yeah, I do.”
“And that doesn’t bother you?” he asked.
“Yeah, it does.” Willow paused. “Ruby said that our family was like Sunrise Creek royalty. I’d never thought of us that way, so maybe it’s time I lose the crown and quit living out of fear about what other people are going to think of me. Are you on board with that? Because you’ll probably catch the backlash.”
Her father grinned. “Hon, at my age, I’ve given up worrying about what anyone else thinks.” He thought for a moment. “You’ve never asked for anything unreasonable, Willow. Heck, you don’t even ask for anything reasonable. I couldn’t get you to go to college. You never wanted to leave this valley for anything. You never wanted to leave me, your mom, or this ranch. So maybe it’s time for something to come to you. Give him a call, and see what he says.”
Willow stood and kissed her dad on the forehead. “Thanks, Dad,” she said as she hurried from the room.
Stepping inside her own bedroom, she peeked in on Pilot, who was gently snoring. Quietly, Willow sat on the edge of her bed while reaching down to caress Pilot’s ears; his soft fur warming her hands. Pilot opened his drowsy eyes before tenderly rolling to his side and sighing back into sleep.
Pulling her phone from her back pocket, Willow began dialing Mick’s number but stopped before the call was to go through. Was she ready for this? Shorty had told her to fall in love. After everything that she had lost, was love possible?
She dialed the last two digits of Mick’s number while her heart slammed against her chest.
“Hello?”
Willow’s mouth went dry. “Hey.”
“How’s Pilot?”
“He pulled through,” she said softly. “He’s with me now at home, and the vet expects him to make a full recovery.”
Mick let out a long, pent-up breath. “I’ve been so worried.”
“Yeah, me too. But he’s going to be all right.”
“I’m so glad. I really love that dog.”
“And I’m so grateful to you for making it possible.” Tender grace filled Willow to the brim and her words tumbled from her with affectionate gratitude. “We’ll never know if Pilot would’ve recovered without intervention, but it’s doubtful, and even if he would’ve made it without Dr. Carson’s help, I would’ve probably had to put him down just to spare him the pain. I can never thank you enough.” More words piled up at the back of her throat. Stop talking, she told herself. Just stop talking. She bit her tongue.
“Don’t worry about any of that. I’m glad he’s going to live. I mailed the check this morning.”
“I appreciate that so much, Mick. But we need to talk terms. How about—”
“There are no terms, Willow. This is a gift.”
Willow paused as a rush of air entered her lungs along with the thankfulness for what Mick was willing to offer. “Well, maybe we can talk about that later. But there’s something else I need to ask you.”
“Shoot.”
Her breath shortened again and caught in her throat. “We were wondering if you’d be willing—”
“Yes!”
Willow laughed, her worries fading from vivid color to black and white. “You don’t even know what I’m going to ask”
“It doesn’t matter. The answer is yes.”
Willow’s heart quit its hard beat and softened in her chest as loving warmth spread through her. “Remember that day you promised to cook for us? Well, we’d like to make that a permanent arrangement. Shorty quit. It’s a long story, and everything is all right, but we’d like to offer you the job.”
Silence came over the line.
“What makes you think Curtis is going to like me any more than he liked Shorty?” Mick ventured.
Willow took a deep breath. “What happens on the ranch is no longer any of Curtis’s business.”
“You mean you’re no longer with Curtis.”
“That’s what I mean.”
“I’ve got just enough money for a one-way plane ticket,” Mick said. “Can you pick me up in Missoula?”
“Name the time, and I’ll be there.”
Mick was silent for a moment. “Willow, you have no idea how happy this makes me. I know I don’t know anything about ranching. I don’t even know how to ride a horse. I don’t know how to shoot a gun. And I don’t know anything about cows, except how to fix them in the kitchen, but I’m willing to fix you the best beef you’ve ever tasted, and I’ll learn the rest. I’ll help your dad as much as I can. You won’t be sorry. I promise you.”
Willow smiled into the phone as the missing piece of her life finally slipped into place. “I know, Mick. I’ve talked with Dad, and he’s in agreement. And I’m not sorry at all. I don’t think any of us will ever be sorry.”
Chapter 30
Three weeks later, Mick slung his bag over his shoulder as he made his way from the plane. A blast of chilled air hit him once he disembarked from the rear of the jet and began making his way to the terminal.
He was home.
The prospect of calling Montana home was tempered by the cold mountain wind and a dose of uncertainty. What if this job didn’t work out? What if he and Willow came to find that what they held between the two of them was nothing more than an empty bag of sugared air? Even though his heart and his whole being told him something else, he had to take that possibility into consideration. After all, they’d only really known each other for a couple of months. But everything in his life had shifted in that time. He’d put his condo up for sale, and he was no longer tied to a life that had grown as unfamiliar to him as Sunrise Creek had been the day the Jag broke down.
Walking through the terminal, Mick spotted Willow. Her long hair was casually thrown into a familiar bun, but curly tendrils gently blew across her cheek. Absently, she pushed her hair out of the way as she reached down to pet Pilot, who sat beside her.
Mick smiled and all worry fled. Oh, yes. He was home. Quickening his step, he hurried back into the cold Montana winter. Pilot saw him first and, with a wagging tail, stepped around those in his way to reach Mick. Mick got down on one knee and ruffed up the dog’s fur while Pilot danced in circles.
When Mick looked up, Willow was standing next to he
r excited dog. Tears were in her eyes as she rushed to Mick. Leaving his bag on the ground, Mick enveloped Willow in a warm embrace as he buried his nose into her neck. Every curve of her body was familiar and inviting, and her aromatic summer scent rushed at him, making him weak and strong at the same time. He longed to crush her in a kiss but thought better of it. Nothing had been decided between them.
Instead, he took in the sweet moment of what life had offered in returning him to Montana, where Willow wrapped herself around him and Pilot danced at their feet.
After a long embrace, Willow moved away, and Mick immediately missed the warm scent of her. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t planning on bawling the minute I saw you. It’s just that … well, I have you to thank for him.” She motioned toward the dog.
“And I have him to thank for you,” Mick smiled. “I doubt you would’ve called me otherwise.”
Willow put her arm around Mick’s waist as she wiped her eyes with her other hand. “I hadn’t thought of that, but you might be right.” She pulled away and studied Mick. “Hey, where are your earrings?”
Mick looked down at Pilot’s happy pant. Then, he looked back up at Willow.
“You didn’t.”
Mick broke out into a grin. He was no longer tied to anything from his past. A sweet freedom trickled within him. “I did,” he said. “I pawned them, and I’d do it again in a dog’s heartbeat.” He pulled Willow close, and her willingness to come to him thrilled him.
Willow patted Mick’s chest as she turned to walk by his side. “C’mon. Let’s get you home.” She laughed as they reached Clementine. “And this time, you can ride in the front.”
Pilot leapt into the cab of the truck as Mick tucked his belongings in the back and covered them with the same blanket that had covered him on his first trip in Clementine. Then, he moved Pilot over and sat next to the dog before closing the door of the cab.
Chapter 31
Willow sat in her living room chair and smiled at Ruby while holding her mug of cocoa. “Thanks for coming out this way.”
Ruby turned her gaze from the snapping fire to look at Willow. “I love my parents’ lake home, but it’s nice to have a change of scenery sometimes.” She took a sip of cocoa before changing the subject. “How are things going with Mick?” Ruby whispered, giving a furtive look around Willow’s living room.
Willow took a sip of hot chocolate. “We can talk,” she said. “Mick took Clementine for a grocery run.”
Ruby relaxed. “So, how is it going?”
“Well, it’s a little good and a little odd.” Willow smiled.
Ruby gave her a puzzled expression. “What’s the odd part?”
“It’s odd not having Shorty here, which makes it odd having Mick do the cooking. There’s always this sense of surprise whenever he comes in with a meal, which, by the way, is amazing. That man can cook.”
Ruby grinned.
Willow continued, “The other night, he made venison medallions with some sort of wild mushroom sauce. I’d never had anything like it. Even Dad liked it, and you know how he likes his food straightforward. Mick told me he’s never cooked much game, so he’s doing some research and liking the challenge. Shorty has come over a couple times to help him out. The two of them get along so well. Mick will be up and running long before the hands show up for spring work.”
Ruby continued to smile. “And?”
Willow savored the hot chocolate as she considered what to say next. “Well, so far, the rest of it is good, too. But we’re taking it very slow. I mean, Curtis left for Texas, and Mick is just getting out of a relationship with Simone. So we’re not in any hurry to race into something serious.” Willow tried not to gush, but the happy words continued to tumble from her. “There’s no kissing, and we don’t spend every waking minute together. He sleeps in the bunkhouse where Shorty lived. He wants to learn ranch chores, so he’s been spending a lot of time with Dad. I’m really glad for that, because Dad is really enjoying teaching Mick.” She settled into her seat.
“That’s been the biggest surprise of all. I thought Mick might be a burden to Dad, but it’s just the opposite. Instead, Dad had taken Mick under his wing.” Willow laughed with unrestraint. “Listen to me. I sound like a schoolgirl who can’t stop talking about her first crush.” She leaned forward. “The truth is, I’ve never felt this way about anybody, Ruby, and it’s freeing and wild.”
Ruby smiled. “It’s what I’d always hoped for you, but no kissing? Why not? Who doesn’t like to kiss?”
“It’s just not the right time. Even though it’s been two weeks since he’s been home, we just need to take things slow. Curtis left disappointed, and I’m still tender about that. Curtis and I have this incredible history, so it’s hard to see him hurting and knowing I’m the author of that. Simone, Mick’s ex, is still texting him, asking him come back to Seattle. He’s been very plain with her, and he quit answering her texts a week ago, but she was part of a massive betrayal for him, and it’s left him smarting.” Willow took a sip of cocoa. “Besides, he and I have plenty of time. We don’t want to rush anything.”
Ruby sighed. “I supposed you’re wise, but still …” She changed the subject. “Pilot likes him?”
“Pilot loves him,” Willow raved. “I could never get Pilot to pay any attention to Curtis. Nor could I get Curtis to ever pay any attention to Pilot, but Mick and Pilot are inseparable.”
“Well, Mick did save his life.”
“I’ve wondered if Pilot somehow knows that.”
“Why wouldn’t he?” Ruby asked. “Dogs are smart. And even if he doesn’t know that exactly, you can bet he knew Curtis didn’t care for him and Mick does.”
Willow agreed.
“How are things in town?” Ruby asked.
Willow curbed her enthusiasm with a sigh. “Since you work right next to Bert, I bet you know more than I do, and what I know isn’t pretty. Bert’s running his mouth about how I jilted Curtis for this city slicker and kicked Shorty out of the house so I could hire Mick. And I guess Marilyn’s been telling everyone I’m a big cheat. She talks about that day Mick and I ate at her place for breakfast. Bev told me about that. I just let them talk. The less I say, the sooner things will settle down.”
Ruby sat up and placed her mug of chocolate on the coffee table. “You know what you should do? Have a Thanksgiving party.” Ruby leaned forward. “Yeah! On Thanksgiving, you can invite some folks for dinner and have Mick cook for them. If folks get to know Mick on an individual and personal level, it might help quell some of the rumors. And if Shorty was willing to come and help, folks could see the two of them working together and recognize they’re on friendly terms. If you and Mick are amiable with each other, but not displaying a whole lot of public affection, things might settle down a bit sooner. You could invite Bert and Patty and Marilyn, too. That might help shut that all down.”
The thought took root in Willow. “I like that idea. You’re right. It would give us the opportunity to show case Mick’s cooking skills. That way, people could see he’s here because he’s earned a spot. I’ll talk to him and Dad and see what they think.”
Ruby sat back in her seat. “Would you invite Curtis’s parents, Jim and Linda?”
“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.” Willow grew pensive. “Yeah, I think I would. It would be awkward, but it would be unkind to leave them out. If there’s an invitation offered, they can choose.”
Ruby placed her elbows on her knees. “Perfect!” Ruby sat back. “Speaking of Curtis …” She hesitated. “There’s something I need to ask you.”
Willow sipped her mug of chocolate. “Shoot.”
“Is he fair game?”
Willow’s eyes grew large as she looked at her best friend in shocked astonishment. “You mean—?”
“No. No. Not me. I’ve never seen Curtis in that way, but …” Ruby hesitated. “My sister Emmie has always quietly loved him.”
“Oh, Ruby, I had no idea.”
“I know,” Ruby said. �
��I never told you, because there wasn’t any reason for you to know. But now, I feel the need to talk to you about it, because I think Emmie may want to pursue him, and I wouldn’t want you to think that I somehow orchestrated your breakup, or that it was something I wished for, because that’s not the case. We all thought Curtis was meant for you, and Emmie would never dream of overstepping.”
“Of course not,” Willow murmured. “Emmie is so dear and shy.” She shifted in her seat. “I have to admit, it’ll take me a little while to get used to the idea, but I think Emmie would be the making of Curtis.”
Ruby sat back. “Thank you.”
Willow gazed into the fire as the two women settled into comfortable silence. Maybe Emmie could give Curtis what she couldn’t, and Willow hoped for Curtis’s happiness. Yes. That might be the best match of all. Leaning forward once again, she faced Ruby. “So, are you going to help with this Thanksgiving bash?”
Ruby held her mug of hot chocolate high. “Count me in,” she said. “I’ll bring the eggnog.”
The women touched mugs over the coffee table before settling back into their chairs. A deep sense of satisfaction overwhelmed Willow. She had good friends and a loving father. She lived in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and she had a man who was ready to embrace it all with the same love and eagerness with which he enfolded her.
Turning to the fire, she watched the sparks fly as it popped and snapped. And for the first time since her mother passed away, Willow was warm from the inside.
Chapter 32
Two weeks later, Willow was putting the finishing touches on the buffet table when the doorbell rang. She hurried to the entry to find Ruby carrying a big punch bowl of eggnog covered in plastic wrap.
“There’s another in the car.” Ruby bobbed her heard toward her vehicle.
Willow crunched through an old crust of snow to Ruby’s car and pulled out a second punch bowl full of creamy eggnog. Glancing at the tops of the mountains, she noticed a new storm brewing. Soon, it would lower itself over the valley in a fitful breeze accompanied by snow. She was glad the meal would be early in the day, giving people the opportunity to drive while it was daylight.
Diamonds And Denim (Country Brides & Cowboy Boots) Page 19