Doc walked with them to the barn. “I have one milk cow and two horses, both mares. They’re all old like us. You can buy them or we’d sell them separate. I haven’t done much farming these past few years. The land’s mostly in its natural state.”
“There’s plenty of room for a garden. That’s enough ranching for me, and having a horse to ride. How many acres do you have?”
“A hundred.”
“Plenty of space for me to ride,” Lacey said. I really like your place. I’m just not sure about buying until I’ve been here a while,” she said as they walked back to the house and into the kitchen.
“I’ll make you a bargain,” Doc said. “We want to go to Florida and look around for just the right spot for us. You can rent the place while we’re gone. That way you don’t have to make up your mind until we get back. We’re planning on taking several months.”
“I accept. When can I move in?”
“Do you want us to move our stuff out?” Mrs. Francis asked.
“No. I don’t have any of my furniture with me. It’s in storage. I just need an empty closet. If you don’t mind my using your furniture.”
Doc put out his hand. “It looks like we have an agreement.”
“Can you two come to my office late this afternoon? I’ll have Hunter’s secretary type up the paperwork for the rental.”
“Sure, how does seven hundred dollars a month sound?” Doc asked.
“Like a bargain,” Lacey said. “I can afford more.”
“Nope. You’ll be doing us a favor. We hated the idea of leaving the place empty while we were gone.”
Devin and Lacey waved good-bye. He drove to the main road. “You made up your mind quickly,” Devin said.
“I liked the feel of the place.”
“We’ll stop by Hunter’s office. His secretary does my legal paperwork for me.”
“Why not leave me off at my car? I’ll get it and wait outside for you.”
Devin turned his head briefly in her direction. “I heard you and Hunter went out together yesterday. Did you two have a falling out already?”
“What do you mean, already?”
“Hunter and you often argued about issues. You’re both stubborn. You’d stalk off home and Hunter would come home and throw balls into the basketball net. Sounds like your relationship hasn’t changed.”
She had forgotten. Over the years, she’d visualized them always getting along. She shrugged. “I guess we haven’t.”
He drove straight to Hunter’s office. “Come on in. Unless you’re scared,” he challenged her.
Lacey got out of the SUV. “And I recall what a pest you were back then. You’re still the same.”
Devin had a devilish look on his face when he walked to Hunter’s office door. “After you, my lady.”
Chapter Four
Hunter heard their voices talking to his secretary. He walked to his door and looked into the foyer. Lacey stood by Devin. Her beautiful hair was pulled up into a twist of some kind, and she wore a much more businesslike suit. He imagined this was how she looked in Washington, cool and refined.
When he stepped out, she looked his way and their eyes met. For an extra second he analyzed her to catch her reaction, but she lowered her long eyelashes and kept her expression blank. He walked forward to greet them.
“You’ve found her a place this quickly?” He glanced at his watch. “It’s only one o’clock. You are good,” Hunter teased Devin.
He looked past Devin at Lacey. “How are you today?”
“I’m fine. Thank you.”
Devin looked from one to the other. “You two are funny. Tell her you were miserable last night and apologize. That’s what you did in the past. She’s more stubborn than you.”
“I wasn’t miserable. You didn’t see me last night,” Hunter said to Devin. “Anyway this isn’t a problem we can solve. She hates men who go into politics.”
“I don’t hate you. I never said any such thing.” Lacey snapped. Her brow furrowed.
Devin and Hunter’s secretary watched the two keenly. “What did you say?” Devin asked.
“I told him politics, especially at the national level, changed people. I won’t help him in his endeavor to be the president someday.”
“President?” Devin bent over with laughter.
“What’s so funny?” Hunter asked.
“You, in the White House.” Devin roared with laughter again.
“It’s possible.”
“Honey, don’t worry. He won’t want to go beyond the state level. All that digging into your personal life would drive him crazy. He likes his privacy. Go ahead and help him,” Devin said.
“I can’t. I agreed to be Billy’s campaign manager.”
Hunter’s back became ramrod straight, and he glowered at her. “Why help Billy and not me?”
“Because his wife asked me to, and she’s my friend. She’s convinced all men aren’t asses like my former husband. I’m not certain she’s right.”
“You are a bitter woman.” Hunter bent forward into her space. “No man likes an acrimonious woman.”
“Good. I’m not looking for a man.” She turned on her heels and stomped out.
“You handled that situation real well, brother. Are you sure you’re a good lawyer?” Devin asked, and grinned.
“Get out of here before I punch you.”
“See you later.” Devin whistled as he left, annoying Hunter even more.
Hunter ran his hand through his thick hair and glanced around at his secretary. “Don’t say a word.”
“My lips are sealed.”
But he heard her chuckle as she started back typing. Later when she brought him the papers, he saw Lacey had chosen to rent rather than buy. It was just as well he didn’t get involved with her. She didn’t plan on staying around.
* * * *
Devin got in his truck and faced Lacey. “I’ll drive you to your car. Meet me at my office around four. I’ll call Doc and ask him and his wife to be there at that time.” He drove the short distance to her car. “I’m going in Shirley’s to have lunch. How about joining me?”
“Thanks, but I have lots to think about, and I should call my parents. See you at four,” she said as she got out by her car.
Doreen and Billy were both out when she got to their house. She went upstairs and sat on the side of the bed to call her mom.
“Hi, how are you all?” Lacey asked when her mother answered.
“We miss you. When are you going to get over this crazy idea and come back to civilization?”
“I’ve found a place to rent, old Doc’s house. He and his wife want to retire in Florida.”
“At least some people in Pleasure Valley have some sense. I’m glad to hear you’re renting. That means you aren’t certain about living there.”
“Even if I leave here, Mom, I won’t come back to Washington.”
“You had a bad experience, and you’re still grieving. Give yourself time. You’ll realize you want to be where the rest of the family lives.”
Lacey didn’t protest. It was futile. Her mom wouldn’t accept her move being permanent until Lacey bought a house and settled. However, Pleasure Valley might not be where she wanted to stay. Memories could be misleading, but she’d give it a fair trial.
“I’ve got to go, Mom. Tell the family hello for me.” She clicked off her phone before her mother protested.
“Hi,” Doreen poked her head around the door. “I thought I heard your voice. How was your day?”
“Successful.” She told her about renting the house.
“It’s a nice house and has good farming land around it. I plan to plant a garden and maybe put in some flowering bushes. I want to putter around.”
Doreen came in and stood by the window. “Billy’s thrilled you’ll be his campaign manager. I appreciate your help. I know you’re doing it for me.”
“I hope you are right and you don’t end up regretting your decision.”
“
Give yourself time. You’ll see the men in this town are solid and trustworthy.”
“We went to Hunter’s office to get the papers drawn up.”
“How did that go?”
“Did Hunter and I used to argue over issues?”
“Sure, don’t you remember?”
“I didn’t. But Devin said we did.”
“You made up the next day. Usually Hunter gave in. You were the most obstinate person when you’d dug in your heels. I think that’s your problem now.”
“Really? I never saw myself that way.”
Doreen walked out, laughing. “If you want to, join me in the kitchen. I’m going to make a casserole for dinner.”
“I’m right behind you. I want to make a sandwich for lunch, and then go on a long walk.”
Doreen had sensed her mood and didn’t ask a lot of questions. She busied herself preparing dinner, while Lacey fixed a ham sandwich for them.
“So you’re renting the house instead of buying?” Doreen asked after Lacey told her more about her morning.
“Yes, it seemed best. I have changed, and so has the town. Maybe it’ll be a good fit for me and maybe not. This way I’m not making a total commitment.”
Doreen reached out and took hold of Lacey’s hand. “I’ve been trying to find the right time to say this, but it doesn’t seem like that’s going to happen. So I’m going to jump in and probably make you mad with my suggestion,” she said with a quiet firmness. “You never spoke of seeing a counselor after all the events of last year. Did you?”
“No, I didn’t. Why? Do you think I need to see one?”
“Yes. I believe you’re depressed. I know a lady who is a good therapist.” Doreen pushed a folded piece of paper toward Lacey. “Think about calling her.” She got up and went to the stove.
Lacey wasn’t sure what to say. Others had suggested the same, but she’d refused to admit she had a problem.
“I’ll consider your recommendation,” she said, and picked up her glass of tea to take with her. “I’m going for a walk.”
“The weather’s nice. Enjoy yourself.”
She went out, closing the screen quietly behind her. A crisp breeze ruffled her hair and the scent of hay with a mixture of wildflowers brushed across her face.
She strolled by the barn and took a path headed south. In the distance she saw cattle being moved by cowboys to another area. Behind them the mountains towered in the clear, blue sky.
A sense of shedding a load off her shoulders lightened Lacey’s step. It was so quiet, no horns honking or voices calling out in a loud tone. Her condo in DC was located on a bustling corner and even at night she often heard traffic.
She stopped at a fence with a large shade tree beside it. After climbing on the fence, she sat on the top rail and looked out over a wide prairie.
Was she depressed? Her heart felt heavy most days and it was often difficult to get out of bed in the mornings. But she had, and she’d continued her work with several charities, and had gone to lunch with her sisters at least once every two weeks. Still, in the evenings when she watched the television, she never recalled what she saw the next morning.
I’m better since arriving in Pleasure Valley. I’ll give myself more time, and see if I can’t handle this on my own.
She’d promised to help Billy with his run to be a local commissioner, but that wouldn’t take much time.
What do I want to do with the rest of my life?
Lacey got off the fence and wandered a little farther before turning around. She had an idea she’d check on her computer. But glancing at her watch, she saw it was almost time to meet Devin and Mr. and Mrs. Francis. She hurried back to the house and changed clothes, then headed to town.
She was the last to arrive. “We were getting worried,” Devin said. “Doc thought you might have changed your mind.”
“I’m sorry. I went for a walk and lost track of time.”
“You can do that around here, especially if you’ve been living in a big city. The beauty of our state captures your attention,” Doc said.
“I’d forgotten how clean the air was, and the beauty surrounding you.”
Devin had them all take seats and went over the rental agreement for ninety days. “Afterward, if you want to rent longer or buy, Doc said he and his wife would discuss the options with you,” Devin explained.
“Thank you two so much. You’ve made this such an easy process for me,” Lacey said to Mr. and Mrs. Francis. She signed the papers and gave them a check for the full three months.
“You can pay month by month,” Doc said. “You don’t have to give it all to us now.”
“I’d prefer to do it this way. If you don’t mind.”
“Not at all.” Doc signed his name and his wife added hers to the paperwork.
“We’ve packed and cleaned out the master bedroom closet for you. We’re planning on leaving tomorrow for Florida, so you can move in any time after tomorrow morning. We’ll be gone by eleven,” Doc explained.
Mrs. Francis nodded. “I’m anxious to get on our way and find a nice place along the coast. When we get homesick we’ll come back and stay in the cabin on vacation. For Doc, that means probably every summer.”
Devin glanced at Lacey. “Do you have any questions?”
“No. I’m looking forward to moving in.”
“My brothers and I can help,” Devin offered.
“I have a few suitcases. That’s all, so I can handle them myself. But thanks for the offer.”
Mr. and Mrs. Francis stood and said good-bye. “See you in three months. Here’s our cell phone numbers if you need to reach us,” Doc said. Then they waved and left.
“They’re nice people. We’ll miss them around here,” Devin said. He walked Lacey to the door. “I’ve invited a crowd of people to my house on Friday night. Here’s a map I drew for you. I hope you’ll join us. You can renew old acquaintances and meet some new ones.”
“Thanks, I’ll look forward to it. By Friday I’m sure to be tired of my own company.” She waved and slid into the driver’s seat. Mr. Francis had handed her a set of keys and she’d put them in her pocket. Tomorrow afternoon, she’d move.
Her stomach clenched tight, and she was surprised at the apprehension shooting through her. She pulled her car to the side and parked as panic made her heart race in her chest.
She jumped when a tall man knocked on her window. Relief swept over her when she saw it was Hunter. Lacey put the window part-way down.
“Are you all right, Lacey? You’re very pale.”
Lacey put her head against the steering wheel. “I don’t know.”
“Slide over and let me in.”
Too weak to protest, Lacey did as he said and moved into the passenger seat. Hunter got in the car and pulled her into his arms. His warmth and strength had her cuddling closer.
“Do you want to tell me what’s happened?” Hunter asked in a soft, reassuring voice.
“I signed a rental agreement with Doc and his wife.” Her words were mumbled against his wide chest.
“And why did that upset you?”
“I panicked thinking about all the changes I was making. What if this whole idea of living in Pleasure Valley was a big mistake?”
Hunter pulled back slightly and kissed the tears off her face. “What’s the worst that can happen, Lacey?”
“I’d have to move somewhere new or return to Washington, my last choice.”
“I know your rental agreement is for three months. That will give you time to see if you like living here. If you don’t, then you can face the question of where to go at that time. You’ve had a lot of changes in your life this past year. Take a breather. Enjoy the peace and quiet and enjoy meeting people and the activities.”
“How did you get so smart?” she asked, and gave him a watery smile.
“My mom gets all the credit. Let’s go see her. She’d love to cheer you up with food.”
Lacey knew he was right. Her fears were prematur
e. She nodded her head, agreeing to visit his mom.
“Do you feel like driving your car, or shall I drive you in mine and bring you back here?”
Looking out her window, she saw his office two doors down. “I’m better. I’ll follow you.”
He tipped her chin up. “You won’t change your mind on the way, will you?”
“No.”
“I’ll drive around from where I’m parked behind the building. When you see me pass you, follow.”
“Yes sir,” she said and smiled.
Lacey slid back into the driver’s seat and watched for his truck. She didn’t let her mind think on any other topics. He slowed when he passed her and she pulled out behind.
They didn’t meet much traffic before turning down the road to the home place. Hunter must have alerted his mom because she came right out on the porch as they were parking.
When Lacey got to her, she opened her arms and Lacey stepped into them. Mrs. Garrison hugged her tight. Then she led her and Hunter inside to the kitchen.
“I’ve always said the kitchen is the place to eat and talk. I have hot chocolate for you with marshmallows. I hope you still like it that way.”
“I do, but you didn’t have to go to any trouble for me.”
“Of course I did. You need some comforting and hot chocolate and cookies will help.” She placed a plate of a variety of homemade cookies on the table. “Coffee for you, Hunter?”
“Yes, thanks, Mom.”
Once they were all seated, Hunter and Mrs. Garrison talked about his job and the ranch, giving Lacey time to enjoy her food and relax. Once she’d finished her cookies and drink, Mrs. Garrison shooed Hunter out. “Go check on you dad. He’s been in the barn for a while now.”
Hunter took long strides out the back door. Mrs. Garrison turned to Lacey. “Now, we women can talk. Do you feel like telling me what happened today?”
Suddenly Lacey found herself talking about all that happened since last year. The words spilled out of her. Sometimes she had to stop and catch her breath or sob. Mrs. Garrison got up at one point and rubbed her back.
The Unforgettable Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 4