Crushing on Love (The Bradens of Peaceful Harbor, Book Four)

by Melissa Foster

  “And then he gets into it with Cutter, someone says something that pisses Nate off, and Sam jumps in just for fun,” their father said. “Go on, son. Be the voice of reason.”

  Cole rolled his eyes and dutifully followed in their wake, grumbling about how he was too old for this crap.

  Their father laughed and draped an arm around Shannon. “Think he bought it?”

  “Probably.” But I didn’t. “Why didn’t you just tell him you wanted to talk to me in private?”

  He shrugged. “Maybe I like knowing they’ve got each other’s backs.”

  “You taught us well, Dad. Family comes first, no matter what.” She watched her brothers slapping each other on the back and laughing. Ty shook Cutter’s hand, and they fell into line along the fence beside Steve.

  “How are you really doing?” her father asked. “Are you ready to come home, or do you need more time?”

  “What I need and what I want have nothing to do with reality.” Shannon drew in a deep breath, preparing for the onslaught of emotions that had been wreaking havoc with her all day.

  “They’re your reality, Shannon. That’s all that matters.”

  “Not really. I have a whole life back home, Dad.”

  He gazed down the hill at the people making their way across the field toward the corral. Rachel and Cal were talking with Max and her children, following the crowd. Max and Rachel looked up at them and waved. Shannon waved back. Tempe came out of the barn carrying a cat and joined them.

  “I didn’t know you were in there,” Shannon said.

  “I was checking out the horses, but then I found this lovable little guy.” She scratched the back of the cat’s neck. “What are you guys looking at?”

  “Shannon’s other life,” their father said.

  He’d always had the ability to know what each of his children were thinking. It was spooky when they were younger. He and her brothers would eye each other a certain way, and the next thing she knew, her brothers were confessing something or apologizing for something she had no idea they’d done.

  “Looks like a good one,” Tempe said. “And here comes the best part of it.” She nudged Shannon with her elbow and nodded at Steve, who was heading their way.

  “He sure is taken with you,” her father said, hugging her against his side. “Sam told me he tried to find work in Peaceful Harbor. I’m sorry, honey. I know how hard it’s going to be to leave him. But he’s doing the right thing. He’s worked hard to achieve what he has in his field, and back home he would have to start a whole new career.” He kissed the top of her head.

  “I know, Dad.” She took in Steve’s purposeful stride, his broad shoulders, the square set of his jaw, which was clean shaven today, giving him a different type of allure. His short hair was brushed back from his face, and his eyes—those gorgeous slate-blue eyes that spoke louder than words ever could—were making her insides quiver.

  Everything Steve did was with her best interests in mind. You tried to move with me. She swallowed past the love swelling inside her, the torment of the weeks ahead, and focused on making it through this moment without falling apart.

  Steve was ten paces away. Breathe.

  Eight. Inhale. Exhale.

  Treat came out from the other side of the barn, joining Steve. The two fell into a conversation, but Steve’s eyes remained trained on her.

  She could barely hear past the blood rushing through her ears as he approached. She could practically taste his lips as they curved into a loving smile. He took up the space beside her, and her rocking world began to right itself. Her body instinctively keeled toward him.

  Her father bent, speaking quietly in her ear. “Roots run deep, darlin’, and they don’t come unearthed because of a little distance.” His words caused the first tears to spring free.

  “Baby? Are you okay?” Steve took her hand, searching her eyes.

  She blinked away her tears, wondering if a person’s love could consume them to the point of rendering them mute. He was really ready to give up the mountain for her. Seeing him now, among the rally whose sole purpose was to save the land he loved, realization hit her harder than before. She didn’t know how she was still standing. How she was managing to blink her eyes dry or how her voice still worked when she said, “Yes, just happy it’s all coming together so well.”

  “Look at what you’ve done, baby. You made this all happen.” Steve waved his hand toward the crowd below, then pulled her in tight.

  She melted against him. This was how she made it through. One breath at a time. One hug at a time. One second at a time.

  “You made your dream come true, baby.”

  And you were willing to let yours go to give me mine. “We made our dream come true,” she managed.

  “We’ve already hit our goal,” Treat said. “Congratulations, Shannon. You and Steve made this possible. You’ve given Weston their happily ever after.”

  She nodded and smiled, trying not to fall apart as the news of their success sealed the end of another thing she loved.

  Where’s our happily ever after?

  Chapter Eighteen

  THE BARN WAS lit up like a Christmas tree on the sprawling fairgrounds, with colorful lights strung from exposed beams along the ceiling and around the windows and doors, bringing a whimsical, romantic feel to the special night. Country music filled the air from the band playing on a stage in the back of the barn. Women wore their prettiest dresses and men donned their best jeans and boots, dancing and mingling, but no one was as captivating as Shannon, twirling in her short pink halter dress. Silver embellishments formed delicate designs along the hem, glistening under the lights as she stomped out a country dance in her pink and white cowgirl boots. Her hair lifted from her shoulders as she, Jewel, Faith, and Leesa moved in time to the beat.

  She was beautiful. She was his. And she was leaving.

  Sam sidled up to Steve. “My sister can dance, can’t she?”

  “I have yet to come across a thing she can’t do.” He crossed his arms, more nervous than he could ever remember being. He’d been learning to dance for weeks now, and from what Rex and the others told him, he was pretty good. He just hoped pretty good was good enough for Shannon. He wanted tonight to be unforgettable.

  “Except make a life decision,” Sam said with a serious look in his eyes. “She came out here because she was into you. She fell for you, and now she’s afraid she’s going to screw it up.”

  “She can’t screw this up. There’s nothing she could do that would change my feelings for her.”

  “It’s not what she might or might not do. It’s what she thinks she can handle.” Sam motioned across the room to Tempest.

  Tempest waved, smiling as she crossed the room toward them. Her blond hair was pinned up in a ponytail, revealing her long, graceful neck. She carried herself more primly than Shannon, appearing acutely aware of her surroundings at all times, where Shannon flitted from one happy moment to the next. Except recently she’d been on the verge of tears every time they talked about her leaving.

  “Why aren’t you dancing, Sam?” Tempest asked.

  “Faith’s having too much fun with the girls. Besides, you know Steve doesn’t dance, so I thought I’d hang out with him.”

  “Who told you I don’t dance?” he asked.

  “Shannon, who else?” Sam answered. “She told us not to give you a hard time about it.”

  Steve got a funny feeling in his stomach knowing she was watching out for him. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her as she swayed to the music. She caught him staring and lifted a hand in a half wave, looking sweet and sexy and moderately shy. In her eyes, sadness rode just below the surface, but love led the way, reaching out to him across the room. She was worried about leaving, and probably about dancing without him. Don’t worry, baby. Soon enough you’ll be in my arms.

  “Tempe, tell Steve about Shannon and life decisions,” Sam said.

  Tempe’s lips pressed into a firm line. She narrowed he
r eyes and said, “Sam, that’s not my story to tell. Or yours.”

  Sam chuckled and turned to Steve. “Trust me on this—she’s scared to leave her safe little hometown for good.”

  “Sam,” Tempest chided. She turned a softer gaze to Steve. “It’s a big move for her. She just needs time.”

  “Don’t worry, Tempe. I’ll give Shannon whatever she needs. Including time, even if it kills me.” He had a few surprises in store for her before she got on that plane tomorrow, and when Mack waved him over he knew at least one of them was ready.

  The song ended while Steve was talking with Mack. He watched Shannon come off the dance floor. Her family gathered around her. Her eyes skittered nervously around the barn, and he knew she was looking for him. He raised a hand over the crowd, and when she saw it, her eyes lit up. Soon, baby.

  “Thanks for the key, Mack,” Steve said. “And for helping with the other stuff.”

  “No worries, buddy,” Mack assured him. “It’s amazing what can happen over the course of several weeks.”

  Thinking of Shannon, he said, “It is, Mack. It truly is.”

  Rex stepped up to the stage with his baby in his arms and took possession of the microphone. Baby Hal gurgled, and it amplified over the mic, drawing the crowd’s attention. A low laugh rumbled through the barn as Steve weaved his way toward Shannon.

  Rex kissed his baby’s head. “My boy’s got a lot to say on this special night,” Rex said, earning another group chuckle. “I think I speak for everyone here when I say thank you to Steve, Shannon, and Treat for putting the rally together and for allowing all of us to become a part of their monumental effort toward preserving Weston’s heritage. How about a big round of applause to bring the three founders of the Colorado Land Trust up for a dance?”

  Applause and cheers sounded around the barn.

  Shannon shook her head, confusion riddling her brow as Treat and Max walked onto the dance floor and Steve took Shannon’s hand in his.

  “Steve, you have to correct him,” Shannon said urgently.

  “You were more a part of this than either Treat or I were. Congratulations, Butterfly. The three of us are partners now, if you want that.”

  “But…” She shook her head, her eyes filling with tears again. He’d seen enough tears from her for a lifetime, but at least these were tears of joy.

  “I love you, baby.”

  She covered her mouth with her hand, blinking away tears.

  He gently lowered her hand and cupped her face. “Do you want this? To be part of what we’ve created?”

  She nodded emphatically, her eyes full of love. “But how…?”

  “Remotely. Treat and I agreed that the Colorado Land Trust wouldn’t have come to fruition without you. You’re the heart and soul of it, and we’ll make it work any way you need us to.”

  More tears fell, and he pressed his lips to hers. Everyone was watching them now, and he proudly offered her his arm. “I believe this is our dance.”

  “You don’t dance,” she whispered. “You don’t have to…”

  “For you I’d walk through fire, baby.” He walked her to the middle of the dance floor, his nerves buzzing like live wires as dance steps played out in his head.

  “Grizz?” Her eyes moved nervously over the crowd. Everyone seemed to be waiting for his next move as much as he and Shannon were.

  Steve slid an arm around her and began dancing. “Triple-step, Butterfly. Try to keep up.”

  “Ohmygod,” she said as they glided across the floor. More happy tears fell from her eyes. “You can dance? How…?”

  He twirled her around and she laughed—music to his ears.

  “You can dance!” She looked out at the crowd and said proudly, “He can dance!”

  Everyone cheered and clapped, and as couples joined them on the dance floor, making supportive comments—I knew you could do it! Hear you’re good at swing dancing. Save me a dance. We’re so glad we can talk about it now!—it became clear to Steve that the Weston grapevine had been buzzing all this time. And they’d protected his secret—and by doing so, they, too, were giving Shannon an unforgettable night.

  “How?” she asked again, and he told her the whole embarrassing story.

  “I’m sorry I had to lie about attending all those fake meetings, but I had to go when everyone was free.”

  “Oh, Grizz! I love you so much. All those stolen hours were worth it.” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him.

  Rex danced over with Jade and baby Hal and cleared his throat, interrupting their kiss.

  “The story of Steve’s dance lessons will be told over holiday meals for generations to come,” Rex teased.

  If Steve had his way, he and Shannon would be telling the story together over holiday meals for years to come.

  Now that the cat was out of the bag, every woman in Steve’s life wanted to dance with him. “Go, go!” Shannon urged him as he was passed from Jade to Savannah, then Rachel and Jo.

  “Isn’t it strange?” Jo said as they danced. “I’m looking for Mr. Right and your soul mate saunters into your life?” Shannon didn’t saunter anywhere. She was the very essence of life itself. She flitted, burst, or charged, but saunter? Not a chance. Remembering his father’s words, he smiled. Shannon had indeed invaded every aspect of his life and his being.

  He danced with Tempest and Shannon’s mother, and after dancing with almost every female in the darn town, he sought out the only woman besides Shannon who had been on his dance card.

  “Mom?”

  His mother’s expression warmed. “Steven,” she said softly. “I never thought I’d see the day my handsome son was gliding across a dance floor. I’m so proud of you, honey.”

  “Will you dance with me?” He reached for her, and she placed her delicate hand in his. As they walked onto the dance floor, he caught sight of his father watching them and felt a strange sense of pride. Every man should dance with his mother. It was a strange and out-of-place thought, and he realized he’d had several of them lately—thoughts of the future, of a family of his own. And now, of something he’d want to pass along to a son of his own one day.

  “You’re a lovely dancer, Steven,” his mother said. “When I heard you were learning to dance for Shannon, I knew this was the real thing. I’m so happy for you, honey. I know how hard it must have been for you to turn to Rex for help.”

  “Nothing is too difficult where Shannon is concerned. And, Mom? I was wrong the other day.”

  “About?” Her thin brows furrowed.

  “I thought when Shannon went back to Peaceful Harbor I’d be able to carry on doing what I love most. But she’s become what I love most. She’s my life’s passion.”

  “I know, honey.” She gazed up at him with a smile that told of wisdom Steve had yet to learn. “You’ll figure it out. The two of you will. When it’s time, when it’s right, you’ll both know.”

  His eyes drifted to Shannon, talking with her father, Ty, and Tempest. She was so close to her family, he wondered if she’d ever be ready to move away from them. He promised himself he wouldn’t pressure her, but as her time to leave neared, it was proving to be harder than he thought.

  “What if our right times never fall into sync?” he asked through a thick throat.

  “Then you’ll change your life to accommodate hers.”

  As the song ended, he touched the key in his pocket. I already have.

  MOONLIGHT SPRINKLED THROUGH the treetops, dotting the road as they drove up the mountain. It had been a perfect night, one Shannon would never forget.

  “You learned to dance for me,” she said as Steve reached for her hand. “From my family.” She still couldn’t believe he’d gone to Rex. What she wouldn’t have done to have been a fly on the wall in that barn.

  “I did.” He gave her hand a little squeeze.

  “You and Treat want to make me a partner.” She still couldn’t believe that either. Treat and Steve told her that they were toying with the idea of
expanding the Colorado Land Trust to all of Colorado and making more deals under the business model the three of them had put together. There was a lot to do legally, but the idea of being involved and doing what she’d loved doing for the past few weeks thrilled her.

  “We do, baby.”

  She gazed up at the man who never stopped thinking about her. Not for a minute. “It’s a big commitment.”

  “Yes, and you have plenty of time to think about it on your long flight home tomorrow, but tonight,” he said as he parked the truck, “I want to show you something.”

  He leaned in and kissed her. Then he opened his door, and a roaring, thunderous sound boomed around them. Before she could ask him what it was, he closed his door and walked around the truck. She saw it now, the way he moved more fluidly than he had before he’d learned to dance. The pieces of his secret dance lessons were all falling into place. His sporadic humming, the way he seemed to fight to keep his feet still when she’d danced around him the past week. How had she missed all of that?

  He opened the passenger door, and she put her hands up to her ears to block the noise. Steve flashed a Cheshire-cat-like grin and helped her put on the sweater she’d brought with her.

  “What is that?” she hollered over the roaring noise.

  He helped her from the truck and said, “Close your eyes, baby.”

  She did as he asked. “Usually you tell me to open my eyes. What do you have up your sleeve, mountain man?”

  With an arm securely around her, he guided her toward the backyard.

  “Just a little something for my favorite person.”

  The noise grew louder. Then Steve’s cheek touched hers and his deep voice penetrated through it. “Open your eyes, Butterfly.”

  She opened her eyes and inhaled a mouthful of snow. Snow! She held her palms up toward the sky, in complete and utter awe of the winter wonderland before her. She blinked against the cold snowflakes shooting out of the snow machine. The backyard was covered with fluffy white snow. It glistened off the back porch and the steps where she watched the sunrise. Snow covered the tips of the tree branches, and when she turned her face up toward the sky, snowflakes rained down on her cheeks. And there, basking in the moonlight, his short hair covered in white, was her night in snowy armor.