She stood and crossed to the window, the sun just peeking over the mountains to the east. She’d always been an early riser and this was her payoff. There was nothing like an Idaho mountain sunrise. The best ones she’d ever seen had been right here at River’s End Ranch, all those summers she got up early, met Wyatt at the cafe before it even opened and they took their coffee down to the dock as orange and pink rays spread slowly across the lake.
Shaking those thoughts from her mind, she canvassed the beautiful kitchen, moving past the copper pots hanging from the ceiling in search of the most necessary item in every kitchen, coffee. The cupboards held everything but what she searched for, and she closed the last cabinet and leaned her elbows on the sparkling island in disgust. How could there not be the best gift from Heaven in this elegant kitchen?
She brushed her teeth and splashed cold water on her face before she pulled on her faded blue jeans, a soft flannel shirt and her old riding boots. She wouldn’t need to be in uniform today. Grabbing the keys from the counter and shoving them in her pocket, she closed the door behind her and set out toward the cafe in search of the perfect start to the morning.
The morning chill sent her hands straight into her pockets. She should have remembered how cold it could still be in the mornings up in the high country and grabbed her jacket. She turned up her collar and crossed her arms, head down as she marched toward the cafe. That warm cup in her hands was all she could think about, and she jumped when she heard a woman’s voice behind her.
She turned toward the voice and smiled as Jaclyn, the Westons’ grandmother’s best friend and longtime overseer of the RV Park, nodded and repeated, “Good morning, Belinda.”
She walked toward the kind older woman that she’d always been fond of. Jaclyn leaned across the picket fence and released the two squirming rabbits she’d held before she reached up to hug Belinda. Warmth rushed through her as they embraced.
“How are ya, darlin’?” she asked in her warm Irish lilt that was music to Belinda’s ears. She reached up and ran her finger down Belinda’s cold cheek.
“A little chill and in search of coffee,” she replied as she lowered her eyes.
“Of course you are. Some things never change.”
“You aren’t surprised to see me? Did Wade tell you I was coming?”
Jaclyn raised her eyebrows. “No, he didn’t. You know full well who told me. Come on in. I’ve been expecting you.”
Ah, the fairies. Of course they would have told Jaclyn she was coming. Belinda laughed and shook her head as she followed the woman inside her charming cabin.
“Have a seat, darlin’,” Jaclyn said as she grabbed a potholder and poured a steaming cup of coffee for Belinda from the percolator on the old stove. It was just like the one Wyatt had and used on the trail, and Belinda inhaled the blissful aroma.
“Thank you,” she said after she’d had a sip or two. She looked around the cabin, smiling as two white rabbits inched their way toward her. “I see you still have the rabbits,” she said as she reached to pet one.
She reached for her cup and blew into it before she took a sip.
“So, you’re here for Wyatt, are ya?”
Belinda held her mouth over her hand to keep the coffee in as she almost spurted it out at Jaclyn’s question. She managed to swallow the steaming coffee and said, “Certainly not. I’m here to investigate the fox poaching up on the west ridge.” She fanned her face with the napkin Jaclyn handed her.
Jaclyn sat back in the velvet wing-backed chair, folding her hands over her stomach. “Hm.”
Belinda tugged at her ponytail as she squirmed in her chair. “He won’t even speak to me, Jaclyn.”
Jaclyn’s eyes pierced her as she averted her eyes. She’d done a horrible thing to Wyatt, leaving without a word, but at the time she hadn’t known what else to do. It was much later that she’d thought of other things that might have been better, but by then it was too late. Much too late. So she’d left it alone, although not a day had gone by that she hadn’t wished she could apologize.
“He may not be talking to you now, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to,” the older woman said as she leaned forward and picked up a rabbit, placing it on her lap and stroking its ears.
“I don’t think so. He doesn’t even want to help me with the investigation, and he’s avoided me as much as he can. And I’m not sure I blame him after what I did.”
“My dear child, people do all sorts of things they regret when emotions are high and life-changing decisions must be made. You did what you thought was best at the time. You don’t have the heart to do anything other.”
Belinda had spent years second-guessing her decision, chastising herself and wishing she could change it. The one thing she hadn’t given herself was any compassion, and the kind words of her old friend brought tears to her eyes. She reached for her napkin and dabbed them away quickly, hoping Jaclyn hadn’t seen as she gazed out the window at the growing sunlight.
“Thank you, Jaclyn,” she said gratefully. “For years, I’ve wanted the opportunity to apologize, but I didn’t know how much until I was back here, on the ranch.” She picked up a rabbit and held it to her cheek, its soft fur comforting somehow. “But like I said, Wyatt won’t even talk to me. He’s trying to find someone else to go with me up to the ridge for the investigation, and I doubt if I’ll get the opportunity.”
“Oh, you will. You certainly will. That’s what you’re here for. And that’s why it will be the two of you up on that ridge. Soon.”
“He won’t listen, Jaclyn,” Belinda said as she placed the rabbit on the sofa and stood, crossing over to the window to see the sun on the mountains.
Jaclyn joined her, and turned Belinda toward her as their eyes met. “Still waters run deep, child. And not many as deep as Wyatt’s. You’re here for a reason. He needs to hear from your heart.”
Belinda frowned and turned back toward the window. “I hope you’re right. I would like to apologize, even though it won’t make a bit of difference. Wyatt and I had our chance, and I brilliantly ruined it. I can tell by the way he looks at me. I have no illusions that it can be any different. I just want to give back to the Ranch. And tell him I’m sorry I hurt him.”
Jaclyn rested her hand on Belinda’s. “Hearts can thaw, you know. I’ve seen it once or twice,” she said, her bright eyes twinkling.
Belinda brushed back a tear. “I don’t think so, Jaclyn. That’s all done and over. As it should be. We don’t need to torment each other further. Besides, I’ll be heading back south as soon as this is wrapped up.”
“Mightn’t you like to stay a while? Get re-acquainted with the Ranch?” Jaclyn asked, her eyebrows raised. She set down the rabbit in her lap and stood.
“Don’t think so. Nothing for me here anymore. And it’d be easier on Wyatt if I just stick to business and get out.”
She nodded and set her empty coffee cup and napkin on the counter and thanked Jaclyn as she opened the door. She turned and waved, but wasn’t quite out of earshot when Jaclyn quietly said, “We’ll just see about that now, won’t we.”
Chapter 6
The rays of the sun that toppled over the crest of the mountain to the east hadn’t yet done their job, and Wyatt hunched over the steaming cup of coffee in his hands. He took in a deep breath, anxious for his first sip of manna from Heaven. He sat on the empty dock, his boots dangling over the edge. The lake was calm and quiet, undisturbed this early in the morning except by the crane that dipped and landed gently on its surface. It would be busy soon enough, when Will and Ellie got things going for the early summer tourists, but by that time Wyatt would be long gone.
This morning, not even the coffee could clear his head. He’d worked long and hard to put Belinda out of his mind, and these days he could sleep pretty well, given enough time. But after last night...well, it was back. The sleepless night, staring at the ceiling, wondering what she was thinking—it was all back. At least now he wasn’t wondering where she was. Sh
e was right here.
He lifted his eyes toward the west ridge where they’d spent so much time together, and tried to wrap his head around the idea that they’d be going again, searching those places for a different reason than they had all those years ago. Before, as Belinda turned into a fine horsewoman and joined his trail riding team, they’d searched for perfect places to take the tourists, just like he and Glen had done the previous week. But it was always different when he was up there with her—somehow even more beautiful, more peaceful—and it had never been quite the same since.
He’d done everything he could to avoid putting himself back in that situation, but Wade would have none of it. And with good reason, too. He’d thought of his grandpa during his sleepless hours, and he knew he’d want him to go, too. To protect the Ranch.
He hung his head at the footsteps behind him on the dock, hoping it wasn’t one of his brothers. He’d had enough Weston responsibility talk for the time being, and they all already knew how difficult this would be for him. He’d agreed to go—nothing else to talk about.
His stomach clenched at the sound of Dani’s voice, though. He could have brushed off anyone else but her, and he stiffened, wary of what she might want to talk about. No matter what it was, he’d never been able to avoid her and it wouldn’t be any different now.
“Hey, Wyatt. Saw you down here and thought I’d let you know I’d be gone for a few days.”
Wyatt pushed himself up from the dock, his empty coffee cup dangling from his hand. He set it on the dock and took the cup Dani held out for him. He smiled and wrapped his hands around it as the steam swirled from the cup.
“Thanks,” he said. “On both counts. Training?”
Dani looked down at her National Guard uniform, rappelling clips dangling from her tool belt equipped with all the latest search and rescue gear. She shuffled her combat boots and laughed.
“What gave me away?”
“I think it was the hair,” he said as he ruffled her short-cropped black hair. She’d done just about everything she could to set herself apart from Kelsi, her twin, whose long, blonde hair was a point of pride. He’d always rooted for Dani to find her own spot in the world, and he knew that serving on the search and rescue crew did that for her. And she was so very good at it that they were lucky to have her.
“How long you going to be out?” he asked as picked up his empty coffee cup, and they turned and headed up the dock.
“Four or five days, I would imagine. Not quite sure. We’re heading out sort of where you’ll be, to see what it’s like after the snowmelt, before there’s any significant rain. Trying to get ahead of the curve of tourists and hunters who’ll get stuck, no doubt.”
“No doubt,” Wyatt said as he turned and gazed up at the tall peaks that were still covered in white.
Dani looped her arm through Wyatt’s and pulled him along, quiet as they reached the shore and headed toward the stables. She glanced over at the Copper Cottage several times and Wyatt waited, hoping they wouldn’t have to talk about it. It was enough that his thoughts were running through his head like a hamster on a wheel.
“You know, maybe she just didn’t realize. Maybe it was just a mistake.” She stopped and turned toward Wyatt, gravel crunching under her feet as she shifted from foot to foot and twisted her cap in her hand.
He tipped his hat back on his forehead, rubbing the stubble on his chin. He hadn’t bothered to shave. No reason to.
“I don’t think so.”
“Kelsi says she thinks it’s a good thing. That Belinda’s back because she knows what she did and that she was wrong.”
Wyatt looked at the ground and kicked the gravel a couple of times before he answered.
“No, I don’t think so. Family is family, as you know.”
Dani let out a deep breath and clipped her hat to one of the clips on her belt. Hands on her hips, she narrowed her eyes at her older brother.
“Yes, that’s true. But you also know that Hank has caused her trouble and heartache since the day he was born.”
Wyatt squinted up at the sun that had now crested the top of the mountain. He took off his plaid Pendleton as the temperature rose and looped it under his arm.
“I do know that. But she made her choice, then and even now.”
“Darn it, Wyatt. What if I had a brother like that? Thank goodness I don’t, but what if I did? And I had to make choices like that about family. I’m not sure what I would have done in her shoes.”
He laughed and tipped his hat back. “Yeah, that’s true about Will. But he wouldn’t have done anything like what Hank did.”
“Or didn’t do,” Dani reminded him as she stopped and looked up at him, her ice blue eyes soft. “Besides, Hank’s long gone, fortunately.”
Well, there was that. There never had been a clear answer about what had happened, at least not for him. He’d known in his bones that Hank had been involved but Belinda—well, she and Hank were family. And family trumped everything. Even him.
She glanced at her watch. “Look, I have to go. I’ll check in on you when I get back, but we’ll have our radios and you can get in touch with me if you need to. I think we’re doing helicopter runs, but we’ll have a base camp. Please call if you need me, Wyatt.”
He turned and looked up at the west ridge, then back to Dani. “I’ll be fine. It was all a long time ago. I can handle it. I’m a big boy.”
She reached up and rested her hand on his chest as she shook her head. “I know she broke your heart, Wyatt, but there has to have been a good explanation.”
“Again, I don’t think so, other than she didn’t want me.” He took a step back and shoved his hand in his pocket. “Don’t worry about me. You stay safe up there and do a good job. We’re counting on you.”
She smiled and pulled her hat on over her brown spiky hair. “You’ll know what to do.”
Wyatt leaned against the side of the stable as Dani waved over her shoulder and headed toward her jeep. He glanced at his watch—almost nine, and he was expected to be in Wade’s office promptly.
Chapter 7
Wade had given them their marching orders, and orders were exactly what it felt like to Wyatt as he left Wade’s office and gestured to Belinda to follow him to the stables. He marched along steadily as she hustled to keep up with him. Fortunately for him, she didn’t have much to say until they got to the stable.
“I guess we know what we’re supposed to do,” he said as he glanced sidelong at Glen, whose eyebrows rose as Wyatt led Belle out of her stall and started to saddle her.
“You leaving?” Glen said as he hung up the brush he’d been using on Rocky, the oldest horse in the group. “Kelsi brought by this food, all packed up for you.”
“Yeah. We’re heading back up to the west ridge to see if we can find any evidence left after finding the foxes. She pack coffee?” Wyatt asked curtly as he pointed to one of the stalls and nodded his head toward the horse’s saddle on its stand in the corner. “Can you get that saddle down? She’ll be riding Ranger.”
Glen looked from Wyatt to Belinda, his eyes questioning. He threw his hands in the air and crossed over to Belinda, holding out his hand as he threw a glance at Wade. “Sure. Hi, I’m Glen. Nice to meet you, Belinda.”
Wyatt tended to his task as Belinda smiled that smile of hers and they shook hands, her green eyes twinkling. He tried not to look. He hadn’t meant to be rude, but the less he spoke to Belinda, the easier it was on him.
“Nice to meet you, Glen,” Belinda said as she opened the stable door and gave Ranger a soft pat on the nose. “I guess he’ll be my best friend for a bit.”
Glen smiled and reached for the saddle. “He sure will. Best of the bunch besides that one there,” he said as he gestured toward Wyatt’s horse, a beautiful, tall chestnut brown mare. “I’ll saddle him up for you. Real glad that Fish and Game sent you in. You might want to check what Kelsi packed. How long you going to be gone?”
“Not long at all,” Wyatt interjected
as he finished cinching Belle’s saddle and patted her on the rump. “No trail rides for a few days so you’ll be fine, Glen. Jayce can help out if you need anything. Just keep the stable under control and practice that horse whispering you keep asking about.”
Glen flushed as he set to saddling Ranger.
“I can do it if you have other things you need to get to,” Belinda said as she flashed that darn smile of hers at Glen. “I’ve saddled a horse or a hundred in my day.” She reached for a blanket, throwing it over Ranger to soften the burden of the saddle.
Glen nodded, lifting the heavy leather over Ranger and stroked the horse’s nose, leaning in. “Looks like you’ll be in good hands, Ranger,” he said softly. “Take good care of her.”
“Thank you,” Belinda said as she turned to Ranger, tightening the cinches on the saddle as Ranger stood calmly, flicking his tail from side to side.
Glen tipped his hat to Wyatt, then Belinda. “Have a safe trip. Hope you find what you’re looking for. Those gunshots up there have been happening almost every day now. You got your guns?”
Belinda patted her sidearm and tugged at her uniform tool belt. “Sure do. And my Fish and Game badge, for what it’s worth out there in the wild.”
Wyatt nudged his chin toward his saddle bag, which already had his rifle stowed. “Yeah, we’re all set. Won’t have to use them, I hope. Just going up for a look-see.”
“Right,” Belinda said as she threw her agency-issue saddlebags over Ranger. “We’ll be back in a flash.”
Wyatt nodded at Glen as he left and crossed over to the supplies Kelsi had packed, glad he hadn’t had to do it himself. He’d have to remember to thank her later.
His hand rested for a moment on the bedrolls and he hoped they wouldn’t be up there that long, wouldn’t need to use them. He and Belinda had taken loads of tourists up there for over-nighters but had never been up there alone for that long. They were much younger then, and it certainly would have raised some eyebrows if they had been. Tongue wagging sure wasn’t something he wanted to start now. Even if he was having a hard time keeping his eyes off her, and he tried to keep that old soft feeling he’d always gotten around her at bay. Best not to even let those feelings loose. She’d be gone in a flash, and life could get back to normal.
Honest Horseman (River's End Ranch Book 5) Page 3