Lost Together

by Cynthia Knoble

  “Yes, high-end.”

  “Gross. I still don’t know how anyone could eat a cow. But as far as the name goes, it inspires a thought of a mom-and-pop kind of place, old-fashioned, doing things right. It definitely works.”

  Tansy was right, and Saffron sighed. “I’m at a loss, really. You and Tymym came up with a great name for the teahouse.”

  “Well, once I started playing with the ‘T’ thing with both our names, and then the fact we sell tea, it kinda just fell together. T ‘n’ T’s Tea Entity. Customers love it, and it’s memorable. It’s working really well. Saff, you’ll find a name like that, something great, that speaks of what the ranch is all about. I’m sure something will come to you.”

  “I hope so.” Unwilling to dwell on her inability to name the place, on top of her inability to run it properly, she changed the subject to a more agreeable one. “Have you talked to Basil recently?”

  He was their younger brother, and the bright spot in their otherwise messed-up family. Their father had run off shortly before Basil’s first birthday, unwilling to deal with a special-needs child, and their mother put everything she had into Basil’s care, all but ignoring her daughters, unless insisting they help out, which she’d demanded constantly. Tansy had left home at sixteen, unwilling to ‘live under Mom’s oppression a moment longer’, but Saffron had stayed, while she finished high school, then through her post-secondary education. The desire to be there for Basil had more to do with her decision than a want to help her mother who didn’t truly require help, and always found fault with anything Saffron did. There was a time she was resentful of Tansy’s escape, but eventually she found the courage to leave. She now had a strained relationship with her mother, a step up from Tansy’s non-existent one. Basil was the glue that held them all together though. No matter how much bickering went on, one text from Basil, a short phone call, a marathon video call, had the world right again. He was the family’s light, a physical representation of unconditional love.

  “Yeah, a video call last night,” Tansy replied. “I laughed so hard I woke up Tymym. You’d think he’d be pissed”—Yes, Saffron could readily imagine that—“but he ended up joining in. We were up until about two I think.” She laughed softly. “Have you heard his impression of Mom? It’s hilarious.”

  Saffron ha to admit she wasn’t truly surprised to hear what Tansy said. While Tymym could be intolerant and short-tempered, he was always great with Basil. It was obvious Tymym loved Basil. Unlike Saffron’s ex-boyfriend, Doug. That wasn’t something she wanted to think about right now though.

  “Yes, I did hear it, when I called him the other day. He nailed it.”

  The sisters shared a laugh over it, gleefully speculating about their mother’s reaction were she to overhear it, and then chatted for several more minutes. By the time Tansy announced she had to get back to work, Saffron felt much better. Her siblings could always accomplish that task and, as she pocketed her cellphone, she froze under the awareness a third person in her life could also do so. Rory.

  Chapter 25

  The following Saturday morning found Saffron in a defeated mood. Yesterday, Rory had organized men to take away the rubble that used to be her shitty barn. She’d watched as he, along with men from Ethan’s and the Carsons’ ranches, had worked to break apart the charred remains of the barn and then remove it all. The only good news they could offer was that the foundation was sound, allowing for a quicker and less costly rebuild. She’d been awed when the Carson brothers, and Ethan, had refused her offer to pay the men. The removal had taken the better part of the day, and she knew her neighbours had to pay the men for their time. Their generosity was humbling, and although she kept vowing to find a way to repay them, she worried she’d never be able to do it.

  She’d talked with the bank’s manager, and, as she’d suspected, she wasn’t approved for a loan. She was still paying off her school loan, and the ranch wasn’t generating any income. On paper, it was only worth the land it sat upon, and considering the low amount she’d paid for it to begin with, it wasn’t worth much. Certain she’d have to cut her losses, sell the alpacas, then the property, and move back to Toronto, she hadn’t been able to tell anyone, and spent the past two days with a knotted stomach. What upset her further was the fact she’d have to let Rory go, ending not only his employ, but his shot at rebuilding his life. That stung more than the loss of her dream, and she couldn’t find the words to tell him.

  At the knock that issued on her door every morning, she knew Rory was waiting on her doorstep, eager, as always, to start the day. Once again he was working on the weekend, something he didn’t have to. She’d told him he shouldn’t, but he insisted on it. That was how amazing he was, and she would have to disappoint him soon. No, she’d crush him.

  “Good morning,” Rory greeted her brightly as she opened the door.

  “Is it?” He frowned, and she shook her head. “Sorry, I’m just feeling sorry for myself. I shouldn’t take it out on you, though. Good morning. Come in.”

  She spotted a pickup truck moving up her driveway, and another one behind it. As her eyes took in a row of vehicles on the road lined up to pull into the drive, she looked to Rory who was beaming at her.

  “They’re coming for a barn-raising,” he announced with a broad smile.

  “What?”

  “A barn-raising,” he repeated, this time adding a chuckle. “You look like I told you they’re coming to drive you out of town.”

  Dumbfounded, she shook her head. “I don’t understand. I mean I know what a barn-raising is, but who is coming? Who did this?”

  Her mind spun. Someone was rebuilding her barn? Why? She looked past him as the first few vehicles parked beside her and Rory’s trucks, and then to the long line that parked along the driveway. More cars and trucks were parking on the road and, as people began exiting the vehicles, she spotted a few she knew, but didn’t recognize most. Taking in Rory’s smiling face again, she sucked in a startled breath.

  “You did this, didn’t you?”

  “Sort of. Remember when I went to town to price out supplies? I did, but while I was there, I told a few people what happened. They would have found out anyway but, see, I had something to ask of them. I talked to Arden at the feed store, Anya at her bookstore, and Dean and Cookie at the diner. They all agreed to put out donation jars to raise money for your barn. I thought that it would end there, but then when the Pattons talked to Myles, it snowballed, and before long the entire town was involved. They raised enough money to pay for all the necessary supplies, and then we all worked together to organize folks to help out with the building itself. Before long, they decided to make it a town event, and here they are. The entire town.”

  People were now gathering on her lawn. Her eyes filled with tears as she took in the sight of them and the many others who were still arriving. She stepped out of her doorway, and waved at Ethan and Zoë who stood with the group on her lawn. Rory leaned close to whisper in her ear.

  “You should probably say something.”

  She should, but all she could do was stare, overwhelmed by the show of compassion and generosity. Her chin trembled, and she knew she couldn’t speak, not now. She looked to Rory out of desperation, feeling like an ungrateful idiot, but she couldn’t, for the life of her, find her voice. Still smiling, he put his hand on her shoulder, and then addressed the crowd.

  “Saffron’s a little shocked by all this. She had no idea you’d planned all this. You did good, all of you, hiding it from her.” Several chuckles issued from the crowd. “I’m sure she’ll thank each of you for coming. For right now, let’s give her a little while to adjust.” Releasing her shoulder, he then clapped his hands once. “Okay, who brought breakfast? Let’s get this party started.”

  The townsfolk broke into chattering and laughing groups who seemed to all know what to do. They dispersed, some returning to their vehicles to extract coolers and containers, others gathering to grab tools and building materials, everyone
on task, and all looking pleased to be present. As she watched them, Saffron covered her mouth with a hand to stifle her sobs. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She could hardly believe what was happening.

  “Saffron?”

  Rory sounded concerned, but she still couldn’t speak, not even to thank him. Zoë trotted up the stairs, and rushed to her. “She’s fine,” she told Rory. “She just needs a few minutes to compose herself. I’ll stay with her. You go help organize everyone.”

  Then Zoë placed an arm around her shoulders, and guided her into the house. Saffron wasn’t sure how she managed to move her feet, nor how she made her way without her knees buckling, but before long she was in the kitchen, and sitting on a chair. Zoë bustled to the counter, and pulled mugs from a cupboard.

  “We’re going to have coffee while you calm down, and then head out there. Just relax a minute.”

  Saffron nodded as she dabbed under her eyes. She pulled in a deep breath and let it out, knowing she had to pull herself together. They were so many people she needed to thank. She’d start with Zoë as she was in the kitchen, but, when she was in control of herself again, Rory was the next one she intended to express her gratitude to.

  A while later, Saffron headed out to the field with Zoë. She scanned the area before her but couldn’t spot Rory. There were people everywhere, and she glanced around at the various groups, some had set up long tables and were serving food and drinks to folks, others had organized piles of lumber, some were already starting to work on the framing. Amazed, she turned to Zoë.

  “Do they do this a lot? Is this a regular thing?”

  “You got me,” came Zoë’s reply. “I haven’t been here very long so this is the first event like this I’ve seen, but the town does draw together to help its citizens. A lot of the people here have helped me. This town is amazing.”

  Saffron couldn’t dispute that. She and Zoë stopped at the food tables to thank Cookie and Anya Patton, along with a small group of women who were helping out. She tried to remember names and realized, with the amount of people present on the ranch, it was a losing battle. She wouldn’t be able to forget Joanie, though. A woman of about sixty, with obvious Down syndrome, Joanie was a delight. She excitedly asked if Saffron had seen the firetruck when the barn burned down. When Saffron confirmed she had, Joanie informed her that sometimes, even though she knew she shouldn’t, she called the fire department, just so they’d come see her in the beautiful truck. Saffron smiled, and Joanie shrugged as she explained she always served them tea and cookies when they showed up. Myles had arrived then, apologizing for being late, but having to attend to a police matter. Joanie excitedly welcomed him, and asked if he had his cruiser with him. He said no, he’d driven his truck today, but, if she wanted, he’d swing by her place on Monday, and take her for a ride in the cruiser. Only if she had cookies for him though, he added.

  Chuckling as she and Zoë walked on, she loved the town more. Zoë told her the volunteer fire department did indeed answer Joanie’s calls, as often as they could manage to round up a few of the guys for a non-emergency call. Joanie’s cookies were much-sought after. Zoë went on to explain Joanie lived in the same house she’d been born and raised in, remaining after her parents both passed. In another town, Joanie may have ended up in an assisted care facility, but here, in Bison Bluffs, everyone pitched in, and kept an eye on her. She was self-sufficient, but many townsfolk still ensured she had enough to eat, took her medication, and transported her anywhere she needed to go. Amazed again at the close-kit, caring town, Saffron never wanted to leave it, almost ashamed now she’d thought of throwing in the towel. The townsfolk were incredible, friendly, caring, helpful, and she wanted to be a part of that. She and Zoë stopped at various places, people stacking boards, others organizing tools and supplies, pockets of activity everywhere, and she thanked everyone she could for their assistance. As they approached the large group working on the framing, she spotted Ethan and Rory among the workers.

  “Where’s Arden?” she asked, realizing she hadn’t seen Arden among the women they’d encountered.

  “Working on the framing,” came a voice to her side.

  She turned to see Bart Yovenko standing there, a tool belt around his waist. He grinned. “My sister is right in the midst of the action. She’s really handy, more so than me, actually.” A frown adorned his lips next. “Yet another thing my dad rags on me about.”

  Before she could say anything, he briskly walked away to join the workers. Saffron had seen the treatment Bart’s father, Theo, doled out to him. Rory had filled her in on Bart’s overdose weeks earlier, before her arrival in town, and how upset Theo had been, apparently not knowing until that moment his son did drugs stronger than the weed everyone knew he smoked. According to Rory, Bart wouldn’t be alive if Myles hadn’t administered naloxone to him when arriving on scene. She’d heard about the death of a young girl in town, after taking something laced with fentanyl. Of course, she’d heard about the fentanyl crisis on the news repeatedly. As she understood the problem, most drug users weren’t even aware fentanyl had been added to the drugs they’d purchased. It was a frightening situation that didn’t seen to have an easy solution.

  They reached the area where the framing was being constructed. Rory, working with the Carson brothers, saw her, and waved. She and Zoë waved back before they slowly made their way around the groups of people so Saffron could thank them all individually. Their desire to help, especially when so few of them actually knew her, touched her deeply. She couldn’t wait to tell Tansy of the amazing compassion of the townspeople. Bison Bluffs had been the perfect choice for a location for her ranch. Well, aside from the man who was stalking her, of course. Deciding today wasn’t the day to devote energy to that problem, she honed in on the place Ethan was hard at work, watching in delight how Zoë practically glowed as they approached. The love the couple shared was evident, almost tangible, and she adored witnessing it. She wanted that kind of love, and wondered if she’d ever find it. When fantasies of being with Rory like that surfaced in her mind, she tried to ignore them. While Rory was the star of each of her fantasies, that’s all they could ever be.

  Chapter 26

  Work on the barn was completed just before supper time. Everyone gathered to eat, and Saffron enjoyed that part of the day the most. She wasn’t sure where all the tables and chairs were sourced from, but it was delightful to sit down with the entire town and share a meal. Zoë had been missing for the better part of the afternoon, with a large group of women who’d prepared the meal, and Saffron had spent that time with the workers, astounded at how well they worked together, everyone seeming to know exactly what to do, with minimal discussions on how to proceed. She reasoned it wasn’t the first barn-raising the town had performed, but that hardly diminished the experience for her. In fact, it strengthened it, knowing the town pulled together to help citizens who needed their help. Bison Bluffs was akin to a town in a movie, a place where everyone got along, and had created a large, loving community. She knew the town couldn’t always been this fantastic lovefest she enjoyed at the moment, but today had been absolutely perfect.

  After everyone had returned to their seats with food they’d gotten from the buffet tables, the mayor, Brad Maguire, stood to get the attention of all present. She’d first met Brad upon her arrival in town as he was the only real estate agent in town, and so had brokered the sale of her ranch. Having the market cornered as he did, he could have been a dick, but he was a wonderfully gregarious man, and she could see the entire town adored him.

  “Folks, I know you’re all anxious to eat, but I need to say a few words first. On behalf of the entire town, thank you, each and every one of you, for once again proving Bison Bluffs is the best town in this country. Some might think that’s a ridiculous claim, but we know it to be true. This gathering, along with so many like it in the past, proves how wonderful each of you are.” His eyes rested on Zoë. “If you wouldn’t mind please, Zoë, could you stand up a mome
nt?”

  She did, looking surprised by Brad’s request. Ethan stared up at her adoringly from his seat at her side, once again melting Saffron’s heart with the pride she saw on his face.

  “You, too, are new in town and today you went above and beyond organizing this beautiful meal we’re about to enjoy. Now, I don’t mean to imply ones provided before haven’t been as good. Lord knows the ladies here would stone me if I did—” Several people chuckled as he continued, “—but I am singling you out because of how new you are. You’re still getting to know most folks here, and yet you spent days organizing the food for today, and preparing it with many other women in town. You’ve embraced us and we all embrace you in return. Thank you, and all the others who were on food duty today. This meal looks sensational, and I know it’s going to taste amazing.”

  A round of applause sounded as Zoë smiled broadly and dipped her head to Brad before retaking her seat. He singled out and thanked many more people, including Cookie, Dean, Anya, and Arden, who’d collected money for the barn, Benny, who owned the lumbar yard, and Justin who owned the hardware store, both of who had provided materials at cost, and Myles who’d planned much of the day. He then singled out Rory as the initiator of the day, and for organizing a huge part of it. Not knowing any of it was even in the works, she hadn’t known of Rory’s involvement, and wondered where he’d found the time, given how many hours he put in on the ranch. He shyly bowed when applause sounded for him. It wasn’t the same volume the others had received, and it saddened her. Obviously Myles’s opinion of Rory was shared by more than a few other folks in town.

  “Saffron?” Brad asked, when the clapping ended. “Would you like to say a few words?”

  Public speaking had always terrified her and, almost shaking with the thought, she got to her feet. After spending the day with these people, she felt close to them, but the many eyes on her still made her anxious. Still, they’d all come to help her, and she wanted to thank them all once more.