by Carly Morgan
Milly smiled. “That sounds like my Jackie.”
“Jackie?” Maya forced herself to keep the pie in her mouth.
“Pretend you didn’t hear that from—”
There was a sharp knock on the door before it opened. “Momma!” Jackson appeared, wearing his tan cowboy hat, a gray button up shirt, with a navy bandana around his neck, dark jeans, and cowboy boots. His tanned skin seemed to glow from the light of the sun.
“Jackie,” his momma appeared flustered. “What are you doing here? I thought you and your brothers were branding cattle today.”
“We were. We did. We finished. I came into the main house and you weren’t there. Valerie told me you’d come here. I was surprised.”
Maya wiped the smile off her face. Why was he surprised? Did he not think she was worth a visit from his mom? “She’s been a lifesaver. Organizing all the food people brought me.” She swallowed. “It’s been nice having her around.”
The strict look on his face softened. “Sorry. I’ve no doubt about that.” His shoulders relaxed. “It’s just…” He let his voice tail off.
Milly smiled. “He’s surprised because I haven’t left our Ranch since my husband was diagnosed with cancer.” She moved to pack up her things.
“Oh, I see.” While Maya watched she thought about what the woman had said. She couldn’t imagine how difficult her life must be. And to think Milly had taken time away from her sick husband to come and help her. The thought filled Maya’s eyes with unshed tears. “Milly, thank you,” she finally said, even though it didn’t feel like enough.
Milly tucked the basket onto her arm, came around and patted Maya’s cheek. “Get feeling better and buy yourself some boots, pronto.”
“I will.” Without thinking, she reached out and hugged the elderly woman, grateful beyond measure for her thoughtfulness.
After several long moments, Milly pulled away and patted Maya’s cheek again. “You’re a good girl, Maya Vance.”
Emotion caused Maya to nod her thank you instead of speaking it.
Milly went over to Jackson. “I’m okay. But now that you’re here, I’ll get back home.”
Jackson took her hand and walked her out to the truck. With both of them gone, the cottage felt empty. Maya took the last bite of her chocolate pie and hobbled around the counter to the sink.
“Here, let me help you with that.” Jackson had returned and took the plate from her before she could object. He turned on the faucet and rinsed the dish off before placing it and the fork in the dishwasher. Turning, he looked Maya up and down, allowing his gaze to linger on her pajamas.
Self-conscious, she glanced down, trying to remember what she had on. It was her taco pajamas. They were baby blue, with dozens of crisp tacos complete with lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes on top. They were also long sleeved and completely modest, but it was just the fact that she stood there in her pajamas unable to remember the last time she’d brushed her hair that left her feeling mortified. Especially since Jackson, on the other hand, appeared completely gorgeous, if not a little rumpled. “Uh,” was all she got out, her face heating up.
A smile pulled at his lips. “Can I help you back to your room?”
She wasn’t ready to go back to bed, nor did she want him to leave. “I was going to watch some TV.” She didn’t even know if the TV worked. “Would you mind bringing me my laptop? It’s on my bed.” She hoped that didn’t seem too fresh, asking a man to go into her bedroom, but she intended to stay right where she was.
“Sure.” He held out his arm for her to lean on while she limped over to the couch. After she’d sat, he retrieved her laptop. “Is this it?” He handed it to her.
“Yes. Thank you.”
He seemed unsure about what to do next.
“Did you want to see the pictures I took the other night?” She felt shy, but had already decided she wanted to print and frame the best pictures and give him one as a way of saying thank you for rescuing her. It would be great if she could get his opinion on which one he liked best.
“Sure.” He sat beside her, but not too close. “You take pictures?”
“I do. Up until a few weeks ago, I did it for a living.” The TV forgotten, she pulled up the photo she’d been working on. It was one of the few pictures where Jackson’s face was in full view. With the sun gone, he was mostly in shadow, except the places where the fire brought him to life. The other guys were talking and laughing, but Jackson had a serious look on his face, like he had a lot on his mind. At the time she’d wondered if he’d been thinking about the ultimatum or his dad’s cancer or both. As he studied the picture, she thought it might be that and so much more.
“You took this,” he finally asked.
“Yes,” she whispered, remembering her teacher’s words of wisdom and trying not to interrupt the story he might be seeing. “Do you like it?”
“It’s amazing. What other pictures did you take that night?” They sat beside each other on the couch. Her heart fluttered as his knee brushed against hers. She swallowed and pulled up her pictures. Together, they went through them and as they did, they talked. It wasn’t about anything important, really. But she felt the electricity her aunt had talked about.
During their conversation, Maya found out he’d received a degree from the University of Wyoming. That he’d built his house with his own hands. And Jackson told her that he loved pralines and caramel ice cream.
Around seven o’clock, they paused long enough to warm up some of the ham and tater tot casserole Mrs. Gunderson had brought over. He warmed up the food for them in the microwave, while she made and poured them some iced tea.
While they ate, Jackson asked her about her life. She kept to the basics. She’d graduated from California Berkley and had worked for a foodie magazine. She thought about mentioning her marriage and the details of her divorce, but doing so would’ve brought up feelings she’d sooner forget, so kept them to herself. Instead she talked about spending time at the beach when she needed a break. She also confessed that she had an overabundant liking for the butter mints usually reserved for weddings.
“You’re kidding,” he said, taking their plates over to the coffee table.
She shook her head, laughing, sipping her iced tea. “There’s something about the way the mint starts to melt on your tongue and then it breaks and all of this goodness bursts into your mouth. It’s amazing.”
“Really?” He smiled, his blue eyes sparkling with interest. “The next time I go to a wedding I’ll have to pay better attention to the mints. The way you describe them, they sound delicious.”
“They are and you should.” She smiled as she swallowed a bite of food. Full, she set her plate on the coffee table. “I had a whole bag with me, but accidentally left them in Salt Lake City, where I stayed the night before continuing my trip out here.
“So, you’re out?” His face went mock serious.
Maya punched him lightly in the arm. “It’s terrible, I tell you. I’ve been heartbroken not to have them.”
He chuckled and they continued looking at photos. She also told him about the homeless man, Frankie who’d taught her to play guitar. Jackson said he could play a couple of songs and that they should do a duet for the end of summer fair. She thought that sounded fun, but didn’t commit. He needed to find a wife and that meant he might be in a serious relationship by then.
All the while, the two of them looked at photos. Maya even edited some. She thought he would get bored, but he appeared to like watching her edit, as much as she liked doing it. He even asked questions about why she chose to highlight one part while softening another. His favorite was the one she’d taken where a bumblebee hovered above a daisy.
“It’s as though I can hear it buzzing while seeing its wings moving, and smell the scent of the daisy,” he said.
“Then that means I’ve done my job.” Maya stifled a yawn. She was tired. It’d been a long day, but she was having such a wonderful time chatting with Jackson.
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sp; Jackson noticed and glanced at the time. “I had no idea how late it’d gotten. I’ve kept you for to long. You must be exhausted.” He took their plates and glasses to the kitchen sink, rinsed them off, and placed them in the dishwasher. Maya couldn’t help but think he looked good in her kitchen. “I should get going. I have an early morning ahead of me.” He smiled. “Is there anything else I can do for you before I go?”
Maya returned his smile. “No, I can manage. But thanks for hanging out with me.” She didn’t say that it was still difficult to sleep alone, even after all these months, and that she hoped one day the lonely feelings would do away.
“All right.” He’d removed his hat at some point during the night and Maya had admired his short blond curls. She didn’t even mind his hat ring. It only added to his handsomeness, she thought. “Thank you for showing me your incredible pictures. I see why your aunt asked you to come.” He placed his hat on his head and tilted it at her. “Goodnight, Miss Vance.”
“Night.” She went over and locked the door once he’d gone, leaning against the door for a second. She appreciated she hadn’t thought about her ex once. That surprised and frightened her. And it was those thoughts that she fell asleep to.
6
Maya and her aunt Patty went to church that Sunday. They arrived early so that Patty could introduce Maya to Reverend Jenkins. He was a middle-aged man with thinning brown hair that was graying at the edges. If aunt Patty hadn’t introduced him as the reverend, Maya wouldn’t have guessed. He was unassuming in his dark gray pants, gray boots, and a light green shirt unbuttoned at the collar. With one hand he held a Holy Bible to his chest and shook hands with the other.
Maya liked him immediately.
His sermon was on the verse in Matthew, chapter five, verse forty-four, which talked about loving our enemies, and praying for those that persecute. Maya couldn’t help but think of her ex and how much she hated him. She wanted to stop feeling that way, to forgive him, but each time she tried it was like she saw red. The memories caused her pulse to race until she felt feverish.
In his sermon, he mentioned several ways the congregation could have a change of heart. The first was to pray and ask for God’s help. Another was to visit those who’d done wrong and talk with them, thus finding some kind of closure. He also suggested that they serve their fellowman. Maya found that interesting, and that was the concept she clung to. Maybe if she lost herself in others she wouldn’t see Quin and Violet’s faces anymore. She wouldn’t hear their voices as they told her about the bet, and she wouldn’t feel like such a fool.
The rest of the reverend’s sermon faded into the background as Maya pondered ways she could serve. It was more difficult than it sounded since she was new to the area. One idea that came to mind was taking a Bale family photo. She didn’t know how she’d ask or bring it up, but if it was possible, she wanted to do that for them. More than that, she didn’t know. So she resolved to put herself out there, and get to know the people of Peach Valley.
After church, she stood, eager to start befriending people, but her eyes immediately singled out Jackson from the crowd. She had been about to smile until she saw the woman sitting beside him. He’d brought a date to church. The woman was lovely with full lips and bouncy red hair that curled and pooled against her shoulders. The woman even had a slight smattering of freckles. The look on her face was like that of a cat that swallowed the canary. She sat up straight, her chin tilted upward and a smug smile on her face. One of her hands was wrapped around Jackson’s arm, her long, red fingernails a stark contrast to his white shirt.
Maya looked away before the woman or Jackson saw her. Aunt Patty hadn’t noticed her apprehension and went about introducing Maya to more people. Maya exerted all of her effort to be kind and cordial to everyone. When her aunt asked what was wrong, Maya used her ankle as an excuse to leave early. On their way out, they were invited to a picnic for that afternoon and included the whole town. Aunt Patty seemed excited about going. Maya smiled with her, but didn’t say yes. She needed to get home and regroup.
Seeing Jackson with another woman had affected her to an extent she couldn’t comprehend. It upset her. How had her heart already laid claim to the man. She barely knew him. As she went down the aisle, Jackson saw her and their eyes met, but Maya quickly looked away, pushing herself outside, desperate for some air.
On the drive home, she was quiet. “I’m sorry I haven’t been able to take any pictures of your place yet. If you have time to show me around, I’d love to get started tomorrow.” Maya smiled at her aunt.
“No rush, sweetie. We can take it slow.” She kept her eyes on the road, but produced a huge smile. “But, I can’t wait for you to see it. I think you’re going to love it.”
Her aunt’s smile was infectious. “I’m sure I will.” She crossed her arms, staring out the window. In the distance were the mountains, all vibrant greens and colorful flowers. She had an urge to go hiking, but knew that wouldn’t happen any time soon. She turned back to her aunt. “I usually like to take a lot of pictures. The more I take, the more likely it’ll be that I can get the flawless image I’m looking for. Will you be all right with me moving things around? For example I might move a chair, a pillow, or a picture frame? Or would you prefer I leave things as is and go with that?”
“Do whatever you need to do, Maya. I’ve seen your photos and trust your instincts and artistic vision. What I’m looking for are photos that tell potential guests that my bed and breakfast will provide the perfect place for pampering, romance, bliss, an adventure, and luxury. I want them to feel like royalty without the huge price tag. Luxury on a budget.”
Maya nodded. “What I’m hearing is your bed and breakfast is magical and I need to bring it to life with my pictures.”
“Can you do that?”
“Yes, I can.” Maya felt confident she could and was looking forward to starting. “Is the restaurant up and running?”
“The chef and his staff are usually there during the day trying out and refining recipes.” She pulled off the highway and onto their street.
Maya noticed for the first time that it had a street sign. “Palace Street. Did you have to buy that? Is it official?” Maya thought that was neat and would get a picture of that as well.
“Yep, it all became official at the last town meeting.” She drove past the extraordinary Palace and around to the back, past the barn, and the pond to the cottages where she parked in front of hers. “Why don’t you get some rest and I’ll come by right before the picnic to see if you want to go.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Maya kissed her aunt on the cheek before getting out. As she started up the steps she noticed a box with the bright yellow bow around it. She glanced over at her aunt, thinking it was a present from her, but her aunt had already gone inside. She picked up the box and took it inside, placing it on the counter. There was a card under the bow. She pulled it out and opened it. It simply said, Use these to protect against snakes.
Maya searched both sides of the card for a name, but there wasn’t one. The handwriting could be male or female. She set the card aside and opened the box. Inside was a pair of butter yellow cowboy boots. The leather was soft and the white thread had been stitched into daisies with a bumblebee near the toe of each boot. They were beautiful. She instantly knew they were from Jackson and wondered how he’d been able to have them made so quickly. Tears threatened as a lovely warm feeling enveloped her.
The man really did have a lion heart.
Once she returned home, she tried to rest, but it didn’t happen. Maya tossed and turned. Her thoughts constantly going between Jackson, working for her aunt Patty, and back to Jackson until she decided she would go to the picnic.
She knew what she’d wear with her new boots. In her closet, she pulled on the spaghetti strap, white handkerchief dress with royal blue embroidered stitching. The edging was raw and the material was rayon. The length came to just above her knees. After putting on a pair of socks, she eased into
her new boots. The snakebite ankle was still swollen, but she got it on with minimal pain. In the bathroom, she freshened up her mascara, added a little blush, and some lip-gloss. She brushed through her hair, letting it drape around her face. In the full-length mirror hanging on the back of her bathroom door, she studied her reflection. She looked pretty. And she loved the boots. As she checked them out, she wondered how he’d known her size.
She also wanted to bring something to the picnic. Her mom had taught her from a young age that you never attended a party empty-handed. At the refrigerator, she studied the contents. It was full, but someone else had made all of the food. She couldn’t use that. She texted her aunt.
What should I bring to the picnic?
You’re going?
Yes.
How wonderful, hon. I’m bringing a peach cobbler. That’s enough for the two of us.
Maya figured it was, but everyone had been so hospitable, and she wanted to share a part of herself with them. She wasn’t a chef by any means, but she enjoyed cooking.
She checked the time. There was still three hours before the picnic. I’m going to run into town and get a few things. Do you by chance have a fryer?
While she waited for a response, she grabbed a sticky note and a pen. She knew she could use her smart phone to type a list, but she liked the color and the texture and the way it felt against her skin as she wrote out what she needed. It allowed her to think.
Yes, I do. I’ll bring it over. What are you making?
They’re called peanut butter balls.
Oh my. Sounds interesting. Why don’t you just stop by my place? I’m sure I have everything.
Thank you. I’ll be right over. She hadn’t wanted to assume that her aunt would share, but she appreciated her offer.
Her aunt already had the door open when she arrived. Patty gave Maya a once over. “Don’t you look adorable? Where’d you get those boots?”