by SJ McCoy
When he reached the souvenir store, he let Hope slide gently down to her feet.
Her cheeks were pink as she looked up at him. She was still laughing. “I should be mad at you for that.”
“Yeah, but you’re not, are you?”
She shook her head, and he leaned down to land a gentle kiss on her plump pink lips. “Good.”
Inside the store, they picked up sandwiches and chips. Chance smiled to himself as Hope eyed the trinkets on the counter while they waited in line at the cash register.
“What?” she asked when she caught him watching her.
“All those knick-knacks; I can never believe that people really buy them. I mean, what’s the point?”
She shook her head sadly and heaved out an exaggerated sigh. “Oh, my poor, sweet Chancey.”
He scowled at her, and she laughed.
“You really don’t get it?”
He shook his head.
“Well, that’s just sad.”
“Why? I think it’s sad that people pay way too much for things they don’t even need, just because they’re here.”
“They don’t pay too much; they’re not paying for keyrings and fridge magnets and all these other things that you see.”
“So, what are they paying for? All I see is people being charged ten bucks for little hunks of plastic and metal, just because they’ve got the word Yellowstone on them.”
She sighed again. “Have you ever been on vacation?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, have you ever gone to visit a place, just because you wanted to see it, to enjoy being there?”
“No, I don’t suppose I have.”
“I didn’t think so. Which is why you don’t see the value in these little souvenirs.” She picked up a key ring and dangled the plastic bear in front of him. “See this? This isn’t a bear or a key ring. This is a memory, or at least a token, a memento. When these people go back home, wherever home may be, they go back to their lives and their jobs. On a cold dark rainy morning next January, someone who bought one of these key rings will see it when they lock up their house on their way out to work. They’ll see this little bear, and they’ll smile, remembering what a good time they had here. This little hunk of plastic and metal will bring a smile to their face as they remember what a great time they had today. It will be a bright spot in a dark day, in the middle of winter. It’ll remind them of happy times, and give them hope of more happy times ahead, next time they get to go on vacation.”
Chance stared at her. It made sense. He understood what she was saying, understood the sentiment, though he’d never have thought of it that way. He nodded slowly and smiled. “I stand corrected. Thank you.”
She smiled back. “You’re most welcome.”
They reached the head of the line and Chance took her sandwich from her and put everything together on the counter.
“Is that everything?” asked the girl as she rang them up on the cash register.
Chance smiled and turned back the carousel displaying the keyrings. He selected two grizzly bears and handed them over. “I’ll take these as well.”
Hope gave him a puzzled look, but he just shrugged and paid the girl.
When they got back outside, he opened up the plastic bag and took out the bears. He examined them closely, then handed one to Hope.
“Thank you.” She was still looking puzzled, waiting for him to explain.
“That one’s the prettier of the two,” he said with a smile. “Look, it’s got longer eyelashes, it’s the girl.”
She laughed and gave it back to him. “In that case, I want the boy. The gruff and grumpy one, to remind me of you.”
Chance handed it over. “Okay.”
They started walking back to the truck. “Why did you buy them, when you think it’s such a silly idea?” asked Hope. She was stroking the little bear and smiling.
“I don’t think it’s silly now. Not now you’ve explained it to me. I like the idea. And …” Oh, what the hell, he may as well say it. “I like the idea of having a little memento of you, something that will make me smile and remember this day, whenever I see it.”
She nodded, looking thoughtful. “I like that idea, too.”
They reached the truck, and he opened the passenger door for her.
“What’s the matter?” he asked when he got into the driver’s seat. “I thought it was a nice idea. Sweet, even,” he added, in an attempt to make her smile again.
It worked, but it was a weak smile. “It is, it’s a lovely idea. It’s just that, come January, I don’t want to be left with a little bear who reminds me of you. I’d rather still have you.”
He met her gaze and nodded. “I would, too.”
She leaned toward him, and he slid his fingers into her hair, pulling her closer for a kiss that he never wanted to end. When it finally did, there were tears glistening in her eyes.
“I’m sorry.”
Chance caught his breath. “What for?”
“For being greedy, for asking too much, for not keeping it light and casual, for talking about the future, when all that’s on offer is the next two weeks.”
He drew her closer so he could wrap his arm around her shoulders. “That’s not all that’s on offer. I want more, too, honey. I want it all, but I don’t know if I’m cut out for it. I’m trying to keep it light, trying not to pile on the pressure—on you or me—because I don’t want to let you down. I don’t want to say I will, only to find out I can’t.”
She nodded into his chest. “You don’t make promises, right?”
“I haven’t. Not for eighteen years. Promises can do a lot of damage when they’re broken, and even more damage if they’re kept.”
She sat up and smiled. “I know. I’m sorry. We’re supposed to be no promises and no regrets. Right now you’re probably regretting getting me my little bear.” She held it up and dangled it in front of his face. “But I love him; he’s so sweet.” Chance rolled his eyes, and she laughed. “He is. I may just have to call him my Chancey bear.”
He narrowed his eyes at her.
“But right now, I think we should get out of here. I bet you know some place we can go to sit and eat our sandwiches in peace and just take in how beautiful this place is.”
Chance started up the engine. There was so much more he wanted to say, so much more he wanted to offer her, to share with her, but not until he knew he could. Until he was sure he was capable of giving her what she wanted, he’d probably do better to keep his mouth shut. He smiled, deciding it best to follow her lead and lighten the mood and move on. “I know the perfect spot; I think you’ll love it.”
~ ~ ~
It was late by the time they drove out of the north gate of the park. Chance had been true to his word and taken her to a beautiful spot to eat their breakfast. She’d felt like they were dining on top of the world and was glad that she’d decided to leave the restaurant before they were seated.
They’d driven on down through the park. He’d asked if she wanted to stop to see Old Faithful, but she’d seen it hundreds of times. She was still fascinated by the work of nature, but she was less enthralled at the prospect of sitting around with hundreds of other people waiting for the geyser to blow. She made him promise that he’d bring her back early one morning so they could visit as close to daybreak as they could. She’d done that with her mom once, and it was a memory she treasured.
Chance looked over at her. “Do you want to stop for a burger before we head back?”
“Sure.” They hadn’t eaten since their sandwich at breakfast. “Can we stop into the grocery store, too? I should pick up a toothbrush and some toiletries.”
Chance grinned. “You bet. Had we better get you a souvenir T-shirt and sweatpants, too? I know you’re not a pampered princess, but three days in the same clothes might be a bit much.”
“Yeah, we should. Although I’m going to have to go back up to Oscar’s tomorrow.” She couldn’t help it; she was pleased
to see his grin fade. “You can come if you like?”
“I’m going to have to get back to work tomorrow. I could come up and see you when I get done? You can visit with your aunt and uncle during the day, and then I won’t feel so bad hogging your time in the evening.”
“That works. Everybody wins.”
It felt strange wandering up and down the aisles of the grocery store with him. She wasn’t much into domesticity, let alone shared domesticity, but this was good. She didn’t miss the way women eyed him as he went by. He was one good-looking cowboy, no doubt about it. She took hold of his hand, and he smiled down at her. He was her cowboy. At least he was for now. How realistic was it to think he could be hers forever? That she wouldn’t be left with just memories and a little bear? She had to get a grip. She didn’t want to waste the moment she was in by wondering about moments that might or might not come. Who knew what was realistic between her and Chance? Only time would tell.
When their basket was full of toiletries and some cookies and other goodies she’d thrown in, they paid and made their way back to the truck.
Chance turned to her after he’d put the bags on the back seat. He looked so serious, she was worried. “What is it?”
He smiled. “I think I get it, about the key rings and the memories. Do you remember the first time we were in a grocery store together?”
She frowned, thinking that this was the first time.
“In Oregon. That first day we met.” He smirked. “After you tried to ram me in the parking lot, we both went to the same grocery store. You were behind me when I was checking out.”
“Of course! And the girl on the cash register was so busy mooning over you; I thought I’d never get out of there.”
He narrowed his eyes at her. “And when you did get out of there, you ignored me. I’d decided I was going to smile at you, maybe even wave. You were going to be my first attempt at being friendly to a stranger, but you just stuck your nose in the air and walked on by. You got in your car and drove away without even looking in my direction.”
She had to laugh. “You need to observe a little more closely. I watched you sitting in your car; I was eyeing you up the whole way. That’s one thing about those big glasses. I can look, but as long as I don’t look like I’m looking, no one ever knows.”
“So, you did notice me?”
She nodded. “Oh boy, did I!”
He laughed. “So, we can count that as our official first meeting?”
“We can. Especially if it means we don’t have to talk about me not paying attention when I was backing out of my space at the clinic.”
“Yeah, we probably shouldn’t talk about that. I didn’t think much of that near miss.”
She nodded. She didn’t always pay enough attention when she was driving. “Sorry.”
“I thought we weren’t going to talk about it?”
She laughed. “About what? Now, are we going to get a burger? I seem to remember there’s a place here in Gardiner that does an elk burger.”
“There is, that’s the place I was going to suggest.”
Chapter Eleven
Chance urged Rio on. They were driving the herd to the higher pasture now that it was turning green everywhere. In a few weeks, it’d be time to move the cattle up to the summertime pasture. He watched Brad rein his horse around and bring in a couple of strays who broke away. Chance should have gotten to them first, but he wasn’t focusing as he should be today.
“Thanks, Brad,” he called.
Brad turned and nodded. He had the same glint in his eye all the guys had had all morning. Chance knew they were dying to ask about Hope. More likely they wanted to tease him, but none of them would dare do that. He wasn’t well known for his sense of humor when it came to anything personal. What the hell, though. If he was making efforts to be friendlier to strangers, shouldn’t he be doing the same with the guys he worked with? He smiled. “Go on, say it, my head is obviously elsewhere.”
Brad smirked. “I’d love to say it, but I don’t want my head bitten off.”
Rick rode around to join them. “I’m used to getting mine bitten off.” He grinned at Chance. “So, I’ll say it. You’d be better off leaving us to take care of the herd today. You should get back to taking care of your fancy lady.”
Chance narrowed his eyes at him. He did tend to give Rick a hard time, but he shouldn’t do it now. The guy was only picking up on an opening Chance had given them. He smiled. “I’d love to, but I figured I couldn’t leave you alone for two days in a row.”
Rick laughed. “If a girl like that was here to see me, I’d leave you all alone for two months in a row!”
Brad nodded. “You should make the most of the time you’ve got. How long is she going to be here? I can keep ole Ricky in line.”
“She’s going back in a couple of weeks.”
Brad met his eye, seeming to understand.
Rick’s eyes widened. “So, why the hell are you out here with us? You should get back to her, get her back in the sack while you still can.”
Chance pressed his lips together, glad they were on horseback right now. If he could’ve reached Rick, he would have punched him.
Brad solved the situation neatly by slapping Rick’s horse on the rear, making the mare lunge forward. “Zip it, Rick. You’re talking about a lady, so watch your mouth. She’s not like the girls you coax into your truck and out of their panties after the dive bar in town.”
Rick gave Chance a rueful grin over his shoulder as he rode away. “Sorry, boss. I didn’t think. I didn’t realize this was the real deal. I’d better start talking a bit nicer to you if you’re going to be marrying into the zillionaire Davenport family, huh?”
Chance shook his head as he watched Rick ride to the back of the herd to round up the stragglers.
“Is it serious, serious?” asked Brad as they rode side by side through the gate.
Chance shrugged. “I don’t do serious.” What else could he say?
“But if you did, would this be serious?”
Chance nodded. “It would.”
Brad grinned. “I’ll keep ’em crossed for you then.”
“Look who’s coming,” called Rick.
Chance looked to where he was pointing. A big gray gelding was cantering across the top pasture, coming down to meet them. Both the horse and his rider were immediately recognizable. Chance smiled and watched Carter come closer.
He grinned when he reached them. “Hey.”
“Hey. What are you doing out here?”
“Getting some fresh air and some exercise with my old buddy here.”
“Good for you.”
Carter smiled sheepishly. “And, of course, hoping I might run into you. Check how you’re doing.”
Carter liked to take care of everyone. He was the one who held the family together. He liked to know everyone was happy, and when they weren’t, he wanted to do anything he could to fix things. Chance smiled. “Thanks. I’m doing great. Hope’s here.”
Carter laughed. “I know that much. I want to make sure that you’re happy about it. That everything’s okay between the two of you. I was worried sick when I heard that there were news stories about her and Matt. I didn’t know what to do. For a minute, it looked like my wife’s sister and my brother were both going to get their hearts broken.”
“Is Autumn seeing Matt?”
Carter shrugged. “I don’t think so, not officially, I don’t really know what their deal is. It’s obvious they’re nuts about each other, but they’re too busy arguing most of the time to do anything about it.”
“I hope they figure it out, but at least she has no worries about Matt when it comes to Hope.”
Carter smiled. “I’m glad the two of you got past that. I know how it feels to have your private life in the papers.”
Chance nodded, remembering how a story in the local press had almost ruined things for Carter and his wife Summer before they got together. “I wasn’t too worried.”
/> Carter laughed. “Yeah, it’s easy to say that now, right?”
“It is.” Chance didn’t want to admit just how worried he’d been that Hope might have forgotten all about him and moved on—whether it was with Matt or someone else. “But it’s all behind us now. She’s going to be staying here for the next couple of weeks, and we plan to make the most of it.”
Carter looked concerned. “You’re not getting into the same kind of situation I did, are you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Summer was only supposed to be staying here for three months. After that, she was supposed to go home to Nashville and to her career. She ended up staying because she couldn’t sing anymore, but for a while there, it looked like a shared future was going to be impossible for us.”
Chance nodded. He hadn’t really given much thought to a shared future as Carter put it. He’d thought about the logistics of Hope and him being able to see each other. With her life in LA and his here on the ranch, it’d be difficult, but not impossible. He looked Carter in the eye as he thought it over. What if they did want to share a life? What would that look like? He couldn’t give up his life here and the ranch. But how could she give up her life and her business? He pressed his lips together.
Carter looked concerned. “Okay, now you know why I’m really out here. I’ve been where you are. It might look impossible right now, but if you both want it, you’ll find a way.”
Chance nodded. He didn’t see that there was a way to be found, but he shrugged. “Maybe, but we’re not to that point yet. We’re just seeing each other, getting to know each other. There’s no need to rush into the big stuff. It’s fine.” He gave Carter what he hoped was a reassuring smile. Judging by the concern on his face, Carter wasn’t fooled.
“Whatever you say. Just remember I’m always around if you want me.”
“Thanks.”