Jonah’s laugh was hollow. “Cell coverage is spotty out here. I’m sorry you haven’t been able to get through.”
“Well, I’ve got you now, so let’s firm up some dates for this party. I want to get the invitations out soon.”
Jonah’s heart ticked up a beat. “Mom. I’m not coming home for a party. I know you’ve been wanting to put one together, but I’ve been pretty firm about this.” His heart raced. “In fact, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Oh, Jonah. Don’t tell me you’ve met someone in that hill country you’re living in.” Her tone dripped with disdain.
Jonah’s mind flew to Ruby. He didn’t want to bring her into this conversation. Not yet. “No. This isn’t about a girl. I’ve decided to stay here, in Sunrise Creek.”
“Whatever do you mean? You’re coming home at the end of the summer. That’s the deal we made.”
Jonah’s hands began to sweat, and his chest tightened. “There was no deal, Mom. I never promised to come home, and I’m not coming home. I love it up here, and I’m going to stay.”
The silence along the line practically crackled with tension.
“Now, you listen to me, young man,” his mother began. “Your father and I have been beyond indulgent in letting you play out this little fantasy of ranching. You’re twenty-six now. It’s time for you to come home, settle down, and get to work.” She took a deep breath. Her voice softened. “Once you’re home and you’re able to meet some of the lovely young women I’ve lined up as guests, you’ll change your mind. There are many sweet girls who are dying to meet you, and your father and I would be pleased with any one of them as your wife. There’s no reason why you can’t continue your little hobby with a ranch outside of Dallas, like we talked about.”
A vision of Ruby sitting by the fire at the Triangle 4, the embers highlighting her face, flashed in Jonah’s mind, and he remembered the commitment he had made. He would not come and go like other newcomers. This was where he belonged. “I know we talked about that, Mom, and I’ve given it some thought. It’s not what I want. I’ve chosen to be a full-time rancher and raise a family here. This is who I’ve always wanted to be, Mom.” Something broke loose in Jonah as he took full ownership of his desire and seized his emerging identity. In spite of his desire to shout for joy, he kept his voice soft, but it held new authority. “This is who I am.”
“How can you talk to me that way?” his mother asked. “You are our hope, and we’ve only ever wanted your happiness.”
Jonah’s vision cleared. “I can’t be your hope while finding my own happiness, Mom. Those two things don’t fit together.”
“They would if you’d quit being so difficult.” His mother’s tone turned to a staccato march. “Stiles Oil goes back generations, Jonah, and this business and this family is your future, whatever you may think.”
“I’m not an oil man. I’m a family man. I’m a ranching man.” He stopped short of telling his mother that he wanted connection. It was what he witnessed in the families in Sunrise Creek. It was the connection to community he saw in Ruby, Curtis, and others who were tied each other and this place. He would offer that to his own children.
His mother’s voice came out cold and hard. “And you don’t think your father is a family man? You can be so ungrateful sometimes. He’s worked hard to keep you in prime schools with the best of everything else. He’s indulged your dreams and allowed you to go to the college of your choice to study the subject of your desire when you needed to be concentrating on business. I wouldn’t have put up with any of that. You belonged in Harvard or Yale.” She took a deep breath. “Your dreams were cute when you were small, Jonah, but that was twenty years ago. It’s time to grow up. You’ll settle in once you get started. Now, I’m planning this party, and you will be in attendance. Your father and I demand it. I’ll text you the date, and I’ll book your flight.”
Jonah inhaled deeply as the sting of his mother’s words found their mark in his heart. He was grateful for everything his father provided, even while longing for the one thing he never had: time and a bond that would help him navigate through life with real and consistent support that went beyond a paycheck. “I am grown-up, Mom. This is as good as it gets, and I’m not coming home.” There was no need to talk further when she refused to hear his desires and concerns around his future. “I need to go.”
The line went dead. His mother had hung up on him.
Jonah closed his eyes and leaned against the seat of the truck as frustration and sadness built in his chest.
The picture of Ruby came once again as she sat next to him in cutoffs and a white T-shirt after working by his side in the grubby afternoon, the warmth of her skin radiating toward him on some unseen wave of hope. He had felt it then, without knowing what it was. Now, the desire formed within him with the clarity of glass. It was connection to others and to this land that she offered him in her honest conversation and sweet humor, and it was the very thing he craved.
Fifteen
Driving through the quiet neighborhood, Jonah took in the serenity of the sweet old homes nestled along the banks of Sunrise Lake. Quaking aspens and huge pines stood alongside the road like sentinels, and small cottages and cabins were tucked in among the trees.
As he rounded the bend, he saw a house that didn’t look like the rest of them. It was a contemporary lodge with massive floor-to-ceiling windows and a mid-century modern pitched roof. Its enormous bulk took up the whole lot, leaving little room for a yard and no trees. The thing must’ve cost a fortune, and it looked out of place amid the smaller homes that graced the lakeshore with expansive yards leading toward the water.
Two doors down, Jonah found Ruby’s mailbox and pulled into the drive. Her home was a sturdy-looking cottage with wood-paned windows and a river-rock chimney. He could see the huge wraparound deck that led to the grassy backyard and gorgeous shore. The front of the home was graced with pine trees that gave it a peaceful and inviting appearance. Everything about it looked like Ruby.
Jonah turned off the engine, and his nerves began to tingle. He hadn’t felt any apprehension earlier. Now, sitting in Ruby’s driveway, steps from seeing her and meeting her parents, his mouth went dry.
Unfolding himself from the truck, he hurried up the walk and knocked on the door.
Ruby greeted him with her radiant smile, and Jonah’s nerves dissipated into the warm afternoon. “Come in,” she said.
He walked into the kitchen, which was newly remodeled with dark gray cabinets, white granite countertops, and a farmhouse sink. The refurbished wooden floors looked original to the home. His gaze was drawn to the living room and the windows that lined the walls, showing the deck and taking full advantage of the view of the lake.
This home wasn’t anything like his parents’ house, with its opulent and massive square footage and perfectly manicured gardens. Everything about Ruby’s home looked comfortable and inviting. A woodstove stood in the corner, and a couple of blankets were thrown onto the couch. Books lined the built-in shelves, and light spilled through the kitchen windows.
“This is so beautiful,” he exclaimed.
“I’m sure it’s nothing like yours,” Ruby replied. “But it’s home.”
“You’re right. This is charming and inviting, and it’s nothing like my parents’ place.” He leaned over and whispered, “It looks like the kind of home where someone could tell their secrets and have them be safe.”
Ruby turned toward Jonah, her eyes studying his. “You’re right about that. Do you have any secrets?”
A slow smile came to Jonah. He longed to share his burden around his last conversation with his mother. He had told Curtis the bare minimum. Now, standing in Ruby’s kitchen, he wished to throw his trouble to the lake and settle into the welcoming couch or on the back deck to share his story. “Actually—”
A noise from the hall caught his attention, and he was greeted by Emmie, who was followed by her mother.
Ruby walked to her mothe
r and linked elbows with her as she brought her to Jonah. “Mom, this is Jonah Stiles. We’re headed up Sunrise Creek today for a picnic at the falls.”
“Ahh, yes. Ruby told me the two of you would be hiking. It’s good to meet you.”
Jonah took her offered hand and felt her firm grip.
“I’m sorry you can’t meet Ruby’s dad. He’s working today, as is Lexie,” Katherine said.
“Maybe another time,” Jonah replied as he released Katherine’s fingers. “I’m glad to have met you, though.”
Katherine smiled. “Yes. Me too.”
“Well, we’d better get started,” Ruby said as she bent down, picked up her backpack, and slipped it over her shoulders before leading the way.
Walking toward the trailhead, they came across another massive home hugging the lakeside and pushed up against the street. “This is the second modern home I’ve seen on this street. Who lives here?” he asked.
Ruby flinched; her mouth pulled down in a frown. “No one,” she said. “It sits empty.”
“Are they summer visitors?”
Ruby shook her head. “They haven’t been back since the house was built two years ago.”
“It sounds as if you keep track of what’s going on in the neighborhood.”
Ruby’s eyes hardened. “I hate how people come to this place, fall in love with it, and then do their level best to change it,” she spit out. “This was the first home, and there’s another one going up. You can bet there’s going to be more. It changes the whole scope of the neighborhood, but they don’t care. They’re not here long enough to even notice.”
“That’s why you don’t like newcomers.” Jonah’s curiosity rose. Something about this house caused Ruby pain. Was it more than watching the destruction of the neighborhood she loved?
“That’s right.” Ruby turned away from the monstrous house as they took their first steps into the forest.
The trail started easy enough, with pine needles strewn along a dirt path that followed the lake. They walked in silence with aspens, pines, and firs rustling as if in concert with the lake lapping against the shore.
Jonah breathed in deeply and looked around in awe. “If I lived here, I’d constantly be in the woods.”
“I used to be back here all the time.” Ruby’s voice was cool and distant.
Jonah wondered if the house they’d passed had adjusted Ruby’s visits to the trail. “Well, I’m glad you agreed to be my guide for the afternoon.”
Ruby threw a look over her shoulder and smiled. “Me too. Are you ready for a climb?”
“Sure thing.”
Jonah followed Ruby as they turned where the creek met the lake and began their ascent up to the falls. Through the afternoon, the tree cover gave way to stony outcroppings, and timber became scarce. For two hours, the sun throbbed down, and sweat collected on the bridge of Jonah’s nose and ran along his temples.
“Are we there yet?” he asked.
Ruby threw back her head, laughing before stopping and turning to Jonah. “Almost. Trust me. It’s worth every agonizing step. The view is incredible.”
“It’s nice that we’re here alone. Does this hike see many visitors?”
“Not once we get past the lake.” Ruby turned and pointed along the lakeshore. “There’s a trail that goes around the whole of the lake, and most tourists take that path. It’s gorgeous, although it doesn’t offer the views of the valley that we’ll see when we get to farther up.”
Jonah turned. “I can see most of Sunrise Lake now.” The pristine blue waters nestled against the eastern mountains. He wanted to reach for Ruby and take her hand so they could enjoy this sight together, but she turned away to head back up the trail.
“We’ve got about another thirty minutes to go, and then we can stop and eat some lunch while looking over the view,” Ruby said.
“Did you bring that iced tea?” Jonah asked.
“Sure did,” Ruby replied as she began her uphill climb, her brown legs flexing with each step and her ponytail bouncing as she moved forward.
Jonah followed. He loved watching her walk.
As they neared the falls, the sound of water on rock reached him and the mist filtered toward him on the breeze, cooling his hot skin.
Ruby moved from the water and dropped her pack on a warm rocky slab. The space was perfect. It was cooler here than in the valley. The water mediated the heat of the day, offering sweet relief while still welcoming the warmth of the sun.
Jonah joined Ruby. “Have you ever been to the top of the falls?” he asked as he opened his pack and spread a blanket where they could sit.
“Yeah, but it can’t be accessed from this trail.” Ruby removed her pack and settled next to it on the blanket.
Jonah shielded his eyes and looked up at the sheer cliff where the water tumbled. “I think we’ve gone far enough today, anyway.” He sat down next to Ruby as she handed him a thermos full of iced tea. He took a long drink. The cold liquid ran down his parched throat, immediately reviving him. “Oh, that’s nice,” he said. “I feel better already.”
From her pack, Ruby produced cold fruit and cheese, which was the perfect complement to the heat of the day. Ruby sat with her legs folded and turned to face Jonah. “So, what’s a Texas city boy doing out here in Sunrise Creek, and what would make you want to stay here?”
Jonah recalled his earlier phone conversation with his mother and the burden he longed to release. “I’ve always wanted to be a rancher,” Jonah began, shaking his head. “My family … well, they expect me to take over the business.” Jonah hesitated. He never talked about his money, but he wanted Ruby to know. “We own Stiles Oil,” he said. “It’s been in our family for generations.”
“I know,” Ruby said gently as she threaded her fingers through Jonah’s. “Emmie told me.”
Jonah let out a long sigh as the comfort of Ruby’s touch extinguished some of the fire that came from his dragging struggle with the expectations of his family. He pictured her cozy living room where secrets could be shared, and that same safety enveloped him now, on the side of a mountain with Ruby by his side. His story tumbled out, like the water of Sunrise Falls hitting rocks. “I’ve been trying to tell my mom for years that I was not going to take over for my father. She refuses to listen. She even has this party planned, and she demands that I attend.” He whipped out his phone and showed Ruby the text with the date and a link to his flight information. “Can you believe it? I’m twenty-six, and my mom is demanding that I come home for a party.”
Ruby gave him a thoughtful look. “It sounds like there’s a lot riding on this particular event.”
Jonah looked down into the valley. “She wants me to return to Texas, marry some debutante, and give her lots of grandkids, all while wearing an Armani suit and snakeskin boots.”
“And you don’t see yourself in an Armani suit and snakeskin boots?” Ruby asked.
Jonah turned toward her as passion moved through his veins like liquid sun. “I told my mom I wasn’t coming back to Texas. I told her what I want.” He flung his arm over the valley. “I want to raise cows and feed families with my hard work. I want to feed my own family with the skill of my hands. I want—” He stopped and looked at Ruby, who met his passion with her own look of fervor.
Jonah’s words left him as he stared at the woman before him. The sun lit Ruby’s hair as tendrils grazed her face. Her eyes were clear and curious. Reaching for her, he caressed her cheek, smoothing the hair from her skin with his fingers. “I want all of this,” he murmured as he leaned in and brushed his lips against her cheek. He felt Ruby’s breath rise in concert with his desire, and he placed his mouth directly on hers as he enveloped her in his arms. Feeling her tremble, he pulled away. “Are you all right?” he asked.
“Yes,” Ruby replied breathlessly as she tightened her embrace around Jonah’s neck, reaching her hands into his dark, thick hair.
Jonah deepened his kiss while cradling Ruby, one hand on the back of her should
ers and the other nestled in her hair, his mouth fitting perfectly against hers.
He pulled away. “I never … It’s been a long time,” he confessed.
“For me, too,” Ruby whispered before leaning against Jonah.
They sat for several minutes, Jonah cuddling Ruby against his chest, his arms pulling her close.
He didn’t know how long they were together before she finally stirred. “We should probably start back down,” she said. “I don’t want to get caught in these woods after dark. We’re not prepared for that.”
Jonah wished to stay with Ruby tucked against him. “A night under the stars doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Maybe we can plan that for another time.”
Ruby smiled up at him, her eyes shining with pure delight. “Yes. I can’t think of a better way to spend a Montanan night. For now, though, let’s head home.”
They both stood and cleaned up their small camp before moving back down the hill. This time, they kept their hands entwined, Jonah reveling in the touch of her skin and the strength of her lithe body as she moved next to him. With Ruby beside him, he felt he could conquer everything, including his mother’s resistance to his choices.
Sixteen
Coming out of the woods, Ruby held Jonah’s hand until they arrived at the empty house that loomed over Sunrise Lake. The huge, hollow space imposed itself on her as the garage edged right to the street. In spite of her best efforts, her thoughts strayed to Cooper. Maybe that was how they lived in LA—using every inch of land to fortify their boundaries over what they believed to be theirs.
Jonah stopped and turned to face the overbearing house. “So, why don’t you tell me about this place?” he asked.
“What do you mean?” Ruby asked.
“We’ve been by it twice today, and you’ve cringed both times.”
“Do I?” Ruby asked. She turned to face the house, her story pressing against her heart with is weight, dragging her to some old sad place in spite of the brightness of the moment. Should she tell? Would Jonah think she was stupid if she shared a story about a high school love affair gone wrong?
Rubies And Boots (Country Brides & Cowboy Boots) Page 9