Facing Calgary's Dream

by Anne Stone

  “Thank your Mom. It was really her idea.”

  “I will. Mom is going to be the best thing for Jen. I know how much she misses her own, but she’s really come to love you and Mom a great deal. You’ll both look out for her. I love her so much but I worry that all of these changes are going to be unsettling for her, and I won’t be there quite as much as I should.”

  “We’ll take care of her, don’t you worry, son.”

  They made their way back to the house and found both Jacklynne and Jennifer deep in conversation. They’d already finished a glass of iced tea, and Jen was pouring a second when Ryne and Jacques walked in the door.

  Ryne kissed his mom on the cheek and turned to Jen. “Do you think I can steal my wife for a little while?”

  Jacques winked at Jacklynne.

  “Of course, you can.” Jacklynne reached for her glass with a broad smile plastered across her face.

  Ryne led Jen from the house. “Is everything alright?” she asked as he guided her to the ATV.

  “Of course, why do you ask?”

  “I don’t know. You’re acting strangely.”

  “Come on. I need to show you something.”

  Ryne led her to the garage and helped her into the ATV. He revved the engine and backed out.

  “Where are we going?”

  Ryne grinned at her and drove along. “Did you have a good time catching up with Mom?”

  “I did. According to her, Emma was bummed out that she and Olivia wouldn’t be here when we arrived. They’re at some hockey clinic.” She placed her hand on his forearm. “Oh, by the way, your parents want to have a meeting with Emma.” Ryne cocked his brow. “Emma won’t like it but I think it makes sense with how excited she is with our relocating to Calgary.”

  He cast a sideways glance at her. “What’s this all about?”

  She hemmed and hawed and then admitted they wanted to lay down some strict rules concerning Emma.

  “Jen, they need to let Emma just be. She’s ten years old. She has an exuberant personality.”

  “I realize that but your mom wants to do this for us. Emma needs to learn to respect our privacy and not bother us all the time.”

  They drove along for a few minutes when he stopped. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. “Close your eyes and just to make sure you’re not cheating; I’m going to cover them.”

  “Ryne, what are you up to?”

  “It’s not what I’m up to but what my parents are up to.” He covered her eyes and restarted the engine. They bumped along and then he stopped. “Hold on a second,” he said as he jumped from the vehicle. “I’m going to help you. And keep that blindfold on.”

  “Yes, sir,” she snapped back.

  He reached for her hand and aided her from the vehicle. “Hold onto me and you shouldn’t have any problems.” They took a few steps. “Okay, now there are a few stairs ahead. I’ll lead you.” He gripped her hand and helped her onto the porch. He turned the doorknob and pushed the door inward. He led her inside, turned, and placed his hands on her shoulders.

  “I’m going to take off your blindfold, but keep your eyes closed until I tell you to open them.” He untied his handkerchief. “Okay, open your eyes.”

  He stepped aside and watched her face as she opened her eyes. They grew as big as saucers. “Where are we?”

  “Do you like it?” He watched her as she spun around, taking in the cabin. She made her way farther into the large, expansive room, immediately falling in love with the stone fireplace, the vaulted ceiling, and the multitude of windows that stretched along the back wall. She ran her hand over the back of the couch and strolled towards the opening that led to the kitchen. He heard her gasp when she noticed the new appliances and fully stocked kitchen.

  “I don’t understand. Where are we?”

  “Our temporary home, if you like it.”

  “Like it, I love it. But…”

  “Mom and Dad knew how stressed our life is going to be with getting married and having to relocate. They decided to help us out a little, so they redid the cabin for us. We can live here until we have the time to find a place of our own. That way, we won’t be forced into buying something we’re not ready for.”

  “I can’t believe they did this for us. I’m….”

  “Honey, they wanted to make this transition easier for you. We’ll have our privacy here, but we’ll always be welcome at the house. And if I know Emma, this will be her home away from home.”

  “Yeah, probably.”

  “And don’t you let her live here. She’s going to need to learn her place, and in time, she will. You being here will become old school soon enough… At least I hope so.” He reached for her fingers. “When I’m gone, you won’t be alone or isolated somewhere especially if we have bad weather. Mom and Dad will always be available so don’t be shy. Reach out to them if you need it.”

  “I will. Wow. I can’t believe they did this. I’m speechless.”

  “They don’t expect anything other than a simple thank you.” He pulled her into his arms. “Come on, let me show you your new home.” He brushed her brow with a kiss then took her on a tour of the cabin.

  It really wasn’t a cabin in her terms. It was a house that contained three bedrooms, an oversized remodeled kitchen, two bathrooms, a laundry, and even a detached garage. “Let me ask, how do we get here?”

  “There’s a separate driveway, and we can come and go as we please without bothering anyone. We’re kind of off the beaten path as we’re past my parents’ place, so they’d have to drive out here to even determine if we we’re home.”

  She ran her hand along the granite countertop in the kitchen. “We need to do something special for them. They’ve helped us so much. Between the wedding and this house…I have to say finding a place was a weight on our shoulders that they’ve removed. I feel so much better. I wasn’t looking forward to finding something in a short amount of time.”

  “They understood our predicament and wanted to lessen our burden. My dad realizes what it’s like to marry and head off to training camp. At least the Storm train at the Sauderhouse Arena and not some far away small-town rink in a remote area. I can come home every night, and it will help us as we ease into married life before the season takes over our lives.”

  As they neared the house, Jen pulled out her phone. “Who are you calling now? Not Lauren again.”

  She raised her brow.

  “Well, didn’t you just speak with her on the drive from the airport?”

  “I did and what’s it to you…”

  He looked at her as a smile broke out across her lips. “Just so you know, I’m phoning your mom to see if the girls are home.” While she dialed, he placed his hand on her thigh. She glanced his way when Jacklynne answered.

  “Are the girls home?” She waited for her response.

  “We’re on our way.”

  He turned to her. “And when is this so-called meeting?”

  She gnawed on her lower lip and raised her brow. “When we get there.”

  “Be prepared for a pouty Emma. Not sure how she’ll react to these restrictions. You are her ‘older’ sister and I’m sure she’s going to want an all-access pass.”

  “Maybe we should rethink this. I don’t want her upset with me.”

  He shook his head. “If my parents think this is best, then I agree. They’re never wrong.”

  Changing the subject, Jen slapped at his hand and looked across the horizon. “I can’t believe the flowers are still in bloom,” she sighed. “It is so beautiful here.”

  “So you’re okay with moving here?”

  “Absolutely. I’d follow you anywhere. I’m not going to say this will be easy, but with you and your family by my side, I think it will be a piece of cake.”

  “I like that attitude.”

  She reached for his hand as they entered the kitchen.

  “I told Emma in a few minutes we were having a family meeting. Are you okay with that?�
� Jacklynne asked as she wiped down the counter.

  “We are,” Ryne said as he grabbed a cookie from the cookie jar. “In fact, I think it’s a fantastic idea to set ground rules with Emma especially since we’ll be living right down the road.”

  They gathered as a family: Jacklynne, Jacques, Ryne, Jen, Emma and Olivia.

  Jacques led off the discussion. “Your mother and I wanted to set some ground rules now that Ryne and Jen are moving home.”

  “Ground rules?”

  “That’s right, Emma.” Emma’s eyes grew large and she pushed out her lower lip.

  “Jen and Ryne are moving to the ranch.”

  Excitedly, Emma clapped her hands. “Really? You’re staying here at the house?”

  “No.”

  “But where?”

  “The cabin,” Jacques added.

  Emma raised her brows. “The cabin? Why would you go there? It’s old and dirty. The heat doesn’t even work.”

  Everyone laughed at her comment. “Well, it doesn’t.”

  “It does now,” Jacques chimed in.

  “So, here’s the deal,” said Jacklynne. “You can’t just go over there on a whim. You must call in advance and if Jen says it isn’t a good time, you must respect her. She and Ryne need their privacy and you won’t always be welcome.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I get it. I won’t bother you.”

  “It’s not that they don’t want you to bother them. She and Ryne have their own life now. Just because they’re living close by doesn’t mean you can disturb them whenever you want. You need to treat it…”

  “I know, Dad, I understand. I just love Jen so much.” She paused and added, “Can I have a sleepover?”

  Jacklynne chuckled. “We’ll have to talk about that, Emma.”

  “I love you as well, Emma.” Jen said as she pulled Emma into a hug.

  “I get it, Jen. I promise not to bother you and my brother.” As Jen pulled away Emma added, “But can I help you get settled?”

  They all laughed. Only Emma, who could be taken full circle through a lesson, would ask such a silly question. “Not right now, Em’s but maybe you can come by later on. Jen and I need to figure out a few things first.”

  “Will we see you for dinner?” Jacklynne asked.

  “You bet,” Jen said as she headed out the door.

  As they drove the rest of the way to their new home, Jen took in the beauty of the ranch. The last of the flowers were blooming, and she knew all too soon winter would be upon them.

  She reached for his hand. “Thank you,” she said as she squeezed it. “Thank you for allowing me to become a part of your family. After today, I certainly know what it’s like to have a sister.”

  She knew her life wasn’t going to be easy, but what she hadn’t expected was being able to really feel the closeness of family. Their family meeting brought it all together for her. Before today, she’d felt like a member of the Ferguson family, but now she realized that she was really a part of it.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  They spent a few days in Calgary before heading back to St. Louis to begin the packing process. After much thought, she and Ryne decided not to put her house on the market. They would use it when they visited during the summer months. Worst case, they would rent it and use it as investment income.

  Ryne, who had pretty much packed his place before the wedding, helped Jen choose what she wanted to move. For the time being, she boxed-up her winter attire and a few spring things. She rationalized that she could always buy new clothes if she needed them.

  She chose a few pieces of furniture along with all of her camera equipment. Her father’s studio would remain intact—she’d use it when she was in St. Louis.

  The night before they were scheduled to put their belongings on the moving van and head north, they had dinner with Rose and Wilford.

  On the drive to their house, Ryne noticed her quietness. He knew how difficult this evening would be for her. Outside of her visits to Rowena and Miles’ home and the few vacations she’d taken over the years, Jen saw her grandparents several times a week. She’d still be able to visit with them via Skype, but he also knew it wouldn’t be the same.

  He reached for her hand, lacing their fingers together he rested them atop his thigh. Squeezing, he asked, “You okay?”

  She nodded. He raised their interlocked hands placing a soft kiss on the back of hers. “You’re not leaving forever.”

  “I know. I worry about them. They’re not getting any younger.”

  “No, they’re not.”

  “What if something happens to them?”

  “You’ll be there just as always.”

  “But Ryne?”

  “Honey, you’ll always be there for Rose and Wilford but just at a greater distance. They know that you need to move on with your life. They don’t expect you to always be there holding their hand. They love you and want to see you happy. You are, aren’t you?”

  “What?”

  “Happy?”

  “Of course, I am. I love you.”

  “That’s good to know.” He glanced her way with a half-smile. “All kidding aside, if something were to happen to any of your grandparents, you could be there in a matter of hours. No, it may not be in a matter of minutes like today, but you’ll be there for them.” He kissed her hand again. “Now, let’s see a smile on your face. You don’t need to upset Rose any more than she already is. Remember you’re not alone. We’re in this together, okay?”

  In his periphery, he saw her nod. They’d get through the evening. Then they’d load the moving van tomorrow, jump into his car, and head north, stopping off to visit Miles and Rowena before trekking across Canada to their new home.

  Wilford threw open the door as they hit the porch. “Jen, Ryne, come on in,” he said in a booming voice. He kissed Jen’s cheek and shook Ryne’s hand.

  “You all packed and ready to move?”

  “We are, sir. The movers are supposed to come at eight.” Wilford quirked his brow at Ryne. “Ah, am I ever going to get that right. Sorry, Wilford. Maybe one day I’ll forget the ‘sir.’”

  “I guess in the next hundred years, right?” Wilford laughed and led them into the family room. “Your grandmother’s in the kitchen, finishing up.”

  “I’ll join her,” Jen said as she placed a soft kiss against her grandfather’s forehead.

  “This is going to be a difficult transition for her. Are you prepared?”

  Ryne sat beside Wilford on the couch. He leaned over his knees, wringing his hands together, then turned to Wilford. “I know this is hard on her. You and Rose along with Rowena and Miles have been her backbone since her parents died. I keep telling her that’s not going away. But…”

  “She has you now, Ryne. Rose and I are getting older, and we’re not always going to be here for her. In fact, I think her moving to the wilds of Canada is the best thing for her. In time, she’ll learn to adjust to us not being around all the time. And when something happens to us or Miles and Rowena, it won’t hurt quite as much. Now, don’t get me wrong, I know Jennifer and I know how she is. Just be there for her, son. Love her, support her, and keep her happy. Promise me that you’ll do that. You are her life now. We’re just a bunch of supporting characters, wanting to see her happy.”

  “Wilford, you know I’ll do whatever’s in my power to keep her happy. She’s my life and I can’t imagine her not in it.”

  Somehow, they made it through dinner without tears. Rose seemed upbeat to Ryne. In fact, when Jen excused herself from the table to use the bathroom, she leaned over, patted his hand and whispered, “She’s going to be fine. Stop your worrying.”

  “I’m…”

  “Dear, I’ve known you long enough to know how worried you are about our Jennifer. She’ll be just fine. I am excited for the next chapter in her life. Will I miss her? Of course I will, but it’s not like I won’t talk to her or see her again. Now about that Skype…”

  Rose stopped talking when sh
e noticed the bathroom door reopen. “No more talk, okay. Wilford and I will figure it out.”

  “What did you say, Grandmother?”

  “Nothing, dear. I was just asking Ryne if he was ready for dessert.”

  “He is, isn’t he? I can’t wait for a piece of your coconut cake. It’s my favorite.”

  “That’s why I made it.” Rose’s her eyes filled with tears as she hurried from the room.

  Ryne reached for Jen’s hand and smiled. “Before we leave we need to show Wilford again how to access Skype.”

  “Ryne, I think I have it down. I’ve been practicing. We’ve been Skyping with Rowena since you showed us. Whoever invented that was a genius. In fact, we’ve had a virtual tour of their house. I thought they downsized.”

  Ryne burst out laughing. “They have a few less trees.”

  “That’s what Ro said. I don’t consider that downsizing, do you? A few less bedrooms yes, but trees?”

  “I thought the same thing when we visited the first time. You know Grandmother Rowena.”

  “I do and I love her just the same.”

  When the time came to leave, Ryne stepped onto the porch while she said her final goodbye.

  “I’m going to miss you both,” she told her grandparents. Her voice wobbled.

  “Honey, it’s not like we’re going anywhere,” Rose said. “We’re always going to be here for you— just not around the corner. We love you, but you’re married now. You have Ryne to look out for you. He has your best interest at heart.”

  “I know he does, it’s just…”

  “Sweetheart, I know you’ll never forget that night. It will always be with you. You’ve come so far, don’t let it pull you back under. We’re not going to disappear. You’ll see our bright and shining faces on Skype as often as you like. We can talk daily, just like we always did. Nothing’s going to change.”