“I’m still hoping for a call from New York. It’s not as easy as it sounds. There’s a lot of competition out there.” He knew his playing was good, he simply needed that big break. Maybe. Sometimes he wondered about his aspirations for fame, wondering where they really came from. Maybe he’d been off course for a while now.
“Oh, you certainly need to be somewhere fine like that,” she sighed, lightly leaning against him. “I’ve been here all my life. My folks left me this diner, and I certainly appreciate it. They’ve gone into retirement. During the winters they head south.” She chuckled and sipped her drink. “Sometimes, I think of selling and moving somewhere with more people. But then I realize how much I’d miss my home. And then, if I left, where would everyone eat? This poor town. I’d love to see it revived, you know? Hate this slow death.”
Ethan gave a nod. He knew small-town life. “Many are dying out, that’s for sure. But what can be done about it? People love the variety and convenience cities offer.”
She faced him, her mouth pinched into a concerned line. “The council is really trying. They’ve begun sending out ads to the bigger newspapers, hoping to bring in new entrepreneurs.”
Ethan took a small step away, hoping he wasn’t so obvious that he insulted Mallory. She was a sweet girl, but a little too forward and flirty for his taste. “Well, Haley wants to start a business. But everyone seems against it.”
Mallory waved her hand. She wore glittery gold polish today. “Oh, they don’t mind her barbecue joint idea, though I’m doubtful how well it’ll work here. She’s not thought everything through and she won’t lower her snooty self to ask for help.”
Was that how they saw Haley? He had noticed her reluctance to reach out to others.
Mallory added, “What they’re upset about is her selling that old house to that slimy dime-store company. We have legitimate mom-and-pop stores that could be run out of business. That’s why Karen is trying to stop her. But Haley won’t listen to anyone, won’t attend the business owners’ meetings to work out some kind of plan that will benefit everybody. I have no patience for outsiders coming in and wanting to ruin all we’re trying to do here.”
Ethan had his own doubts about her barn restaurant idea. Maybe in the south, where the weather was warmer most of the year, such an establishment would work, but here, she’d only be able to carry out her plan for two, possibly three months out of the year. And that barn was so far off the road, she’d have a hard time getting people to drive way out there. Nobody wanted to go to all that trouble for a meal.
He considered talking her into turning the house into a cottage business, but she was such a closed door. He knew he had no right advising her. Soon as his car was fixed, he’d have to leave and return home. Eventually, he had to find a way to pay Dad back for all the money he’d loaned him to follow his dreams.
“I don’t think Haley means to ruin anything. I really don’t.”
Mallory looked him up and down before shifting a few inches away. “You two do seem pretty friendly with each other.”
“Happenstance friends. She’s given me a place to stay while my car gets fixed.” Though the idea of possibly having more had crossed his mind. A lot. Especially late at night when the moon shown down on the snowy ground between the house and the barn. He often saw a dim light shining through the curtains of her little room, and wondered what she was up to.
The other day, Ethan had taken one of the snowmobiles out. He’d met up with a few other people who were heading over to the town twenty miles to the south, where they had a meeting place. Ethan remembered the lodges his dad used to visit when they went out riding. A warm place to thaw after driving hours through the snow. Hot drinks and comfortable places to sit. Games to play and friends gathering to swap stories.
He’d almost followed them over to the lodge, but remembered he was on borrowed goods. He’d not even had a chance to ask Haley if she minded him using it. Later she’d told him he could use anything he could get working, but warned him about her grandfather’s tendency to tweak machines.
Mallory tugged on his arm, interrupting his distracted thoughts. “Come dance with me; I love this song.”
Before he could find an excuse to tell her no, he was dragged onto the floor for a slow dance. Perfect. He glanced around again, still not seeing Haley. Where had she gotten off to? He hoped she’d not left him here, or he’d have to ask someone for a ride. He feared Mallory might jump at that chance.
Snowbelle had hovered around the outside of the celebration all evening. He’d made sure to sit by her at the long table assembled by pushing all the smaller ones together and draping a large cloth over them.
Haley had smoked a turkey and blushed when everyone commented how surprisingly juicy it was. But during the meal, she’d been quiet and nobody made much of an effort to include her in the conversation. At one point, the brunette lady she’d spoken to in the hospital lobby pulled her aside. They’d had words, then Brunette left the party, saying she had a few other stops to make. He eventually found out her name was Karen Black-Borgman. Mrs. Black Borgman was president of the historical society and a member of the city council.
After that discussion, Haley became more sullen and withdrawn. He’d meant to ask her what was wrong, but it was at that time they’d pulled him into playing with the band, then requested a few solo pieces. Had she got tired of waiting for him to finish showing off?
When the music ended, and people were cleaning up their platters to leave, Ethan feared he really would have to ask for a ride home. Then, through one of the foggy windows, he spotted someone standing outside. He yanked his coat off the hanger beside the door and went out to meet her.
A steady snow had been falling throughout the evening, but now the clouds parted to reveal a brilliantly lit sky.
“Hey,” he said finding her staring up at the stars and shivering in her thin coat. He bet Texans hardly had a need for warm jackets. “If you were ready to leave, you should have said so.” He draped his coat over her shoulders.
“No, you need this,” she started to protest. He pushed her hands away and tucked it tighter around her shoulders.
“I’m dressed in layers. And I’m used to this. It’s actually kind of pleasant.” He blew on his hands and tried not to visibly shudder. “What are you doing out here in the freezing cold, anyway.”
“Pleasant, huh?” she laughed, causing a puff of breath to rise around her head. “I’m just enjoying the full moon. Isn’t it beautiful?”
He looked up at the star-splattered black velvet night. A fat moon hung just over the trees on the horizon, shining brightly down on the quiet town. The businesses along Main Street were built in a rustic brick style with large wood beam accents and overhangs. With the snow frosting, Madison Creek made him think of one of those old English towns he’d seen on Christmas cards. There was an artist who painted rural small town scenes like this, and Ethan wondered if he’d ever visited this place. The glowing street lights illuminated the flakes slowly drifting on the wind.
“It’s a nice evening.” He’d almost said romantic but bit back that word. Thankfully. “But it’s much warmer inside. Are you ready to go? I think the others are gathering up their platters.”
She gave a nod but didn’t move. “They liked my turkey. Just can’t figure out why they hate me so darn much.” She gave another shiver, despite his coat.
“Oh, hon, they don’t hate you.” He hadn’t meant to call her by the endearment his mother used for people she loved. He didn’t love her. Did he?
“Yes, they do.” She buried her neck in his coat. “They’re all mad at me for selling the house. Karen told me tonight that if I don’t meet with the town council on Monday, she’ll push through with the petition to have the house declared a historical establishment. They’ll have me hog-tied then.”
He wasn’t too sure how that would work, but he did know if they declared the house a historical site, she’d not be able to sell. Maybe that would be a good th
ing. The house was fixable. Why was she so reluctant to see that?
“Look, I know this is none of my business, but have you thought about selling the land where the barn is and fixing the house? Wouldn’t you get just as much for—?”
“Because, I won’t. I can’t. It’s not nearly as valuable.” She shrugged out of his coat and handed it back. “I’m going to get my pan, then we better go. Wally will be wondering where I’m at, and I still need to tend to my horses before I go to bed.” She stomped into the diner.
Of course, he’d overstepped. Maybe later, after she cooled off, he could at least try talking her into attending the meeting. Seemed like they wanted to work something out with her. If only he wasn’t already so far in debt with his father, he’d buy the house in a heartbeat.
Ethan smacked his forehead, forgetting the still-tender bruise. What would he do with an old money pit? He didn’t have nearly enough to purchase the Madison house. He’d seen what the land alone was valued at. Sighing, he kicked at a clump of snow and headed for the blue pickup where Haley was already climbing in. His violin case sat on the seat between them.
“Thanks for not letting me forget that.”
While the engine warmed, she glanced over at him with a watery smile. “I’m sorry, Ethan; I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that.”
He grasped her hand and gave it a quick squeeze, then quickly withdrew. “Forgiven. And nothing to really apologize for. I have no right—”
“I appreciate all you’ve done while you’ve been here. Just so you know, the little fixes haven’t gone unnoticed.” She revved the engine while resting her chin on the steering wheel. The heater was taking forever to warm. He was sure the car struggled to stay running in this weather. Next time they stopped by the auto shop, he’d add some antifreeze to her radiator. The temperatures would soon begin dropping below zero. He hated thinking of her out in that shed of a home.
Stubborn southern girl.
“Go to the meeting, Haley. I know it’s none of my business, but I listened to the people in there. Go and see if there’s a way to work out your differences. You seem to carry the world on your shoulders, do you realize that?”
“Mr. Violin Philosopher. By the way, your music…” She shook her head, staring out at the snow covering the hood. “Was so… I’m at a loss for words. You’re like that big star that hangs around the moon, you know that?”
“Now who’s being the philosopher?” He laughed, but her words touched him more deeply than he was comfortable with. Thankfully, she shifted the truck into gear and started to pull out before she stopped again.
“It’s really thick on the road. Would you mind driving us home?”
His breath caught at the words us and home. This was no time to be falling in love. Silently, because he didn’t trust his words at the moment, he got out and walked around the front of the truck while she scooted over. When he climbed in, he found she hadn’t moved all the way, but had pushed his case into the passenger seat. He decided he didn’t mind. She buckled the middle belt around her waist.
“Warmer here. The side blowers just don’t work that well.” She sighed as he drove them out of the main part of town onto the two-lane highway that would take them out to the Madison property.
Her arm brushed against his as she watched the moon slide behind the fading clouds. “I think it’s almost done with whatever snowing it’s gonna to do.”
“I think you’re right.”
“Ethan, have you ridden a horse before?”
He nodded. They came to the house on the hill and he slowed the truck. “Can you get to the barn on your own? I can walk to the house from there if you’d rather I take you on home. The snow isn’t too deep.”
“No, it’s perfect.” She placed a hand on his arm, the first time she’d touched him of her own free will. “Ethan, when I was a little girl, Papop would take me out at night, after a fresh snow, and we’d ride the horses under the moon and stars. It was always the most magical time. I’ve been dying to… but it’s not safe going out by myself.”
He grinned. “I’d need to put on warmer clothes.”
“There’re some outfits hanging in my closet that they wear when riding those snow mobiles. I know one of them will fit you. Papop was just a bit taller than you, but not much.”
“What are they doing out in the barn?”
She shrugged. “They were actually in the garage, but I snagged a couple to wear when I’m outside, and it’s cold. They keep me toasty. So would you—”
“Yes. Absolutely!” A thrill shot through him. He’d ridden horses at a friend’s stable once, but never at night.
The little room was toasty with the electrical heater burning in the corner, but he wasn’t sure how wise it was to leave it going when she wasn’t home. What choice did she have, though? Turning it off meant coming home to a twenty-degree room.
While he slipped into the coveralls and the accompanying boots, she saddled the horses.
Haley gave him the black horse named Cress, while she took the smaller, dusty brown mare called Molly. She secured a rifle to Cress’s saddle. “You know how to use it? Sometimes there’s wolves running along the river, it’s just to be safe. I normally keep it tucked under my bed.”
His eyes widened for a moment, but then he realized a woman by herself needed to have some protection. He didn’t doubt she could handle the rifle, and admired her forethought on staying safe out there. “Smart girl. Yes, I know how to use it.”
Haley took a step back, blinking at him as if he’d said something to disturb her, though he couldn’t imagine what. Without a word, she hurried to her room and soon came out also dressed in a bulky snowsuit she had to roll up over her working boots.
Wally bounded around them, his barks echoing across the meadow. They crossed the open field and headed toward a cluster of trees.
“All this is part of Madison land up to the river; much more than I’ll ever know what to do with,” Haley said, puffs of breaths floating around her hooded head. A few stray curls escaped her knit cap and brushed against her red cheeks. The horses bumped together as they walked along the narrow trail through the woods, Ethan’s horse nuzzled Haley’s in a playful manner. He envied them.
“It’s so quiet,” he kept his voice low so as not to disturb the tranquility surrounding them. “I’m sure you find all this beautiful. And first snows generally are. By April, you’ll be singing a different tune.”
“Yeah, I remember those two years I lived here. By March everyone was always so dog-tired of the mounting piles of gray sludge.” She laughed and it was like tinkling bells ringing in his ears.
“Your mother left you here for that long?”
Haley nodded with a half-shrug. “I asked her to. Begged. I hated all the traveling and the wild folks that worked the rodeos. Wasn’t for me. I like a simple life. Maybe it’s why I did better when she returned to working the ranches.”
Ethan understood. “After spending six months in Los Angles, I found myself missing the simple life, too. At first it was thrilling and like living on the wild side, you know? I went a little crazy for a while. But then it eventually grated on my nerves. The sky wasn’t clear like this. Smoggy all the time. And the weather stayed the same temperature.” He laughed. “No seasons, hardly. Just summer all the time, it seemed.”
“At least Texas does have seasons. Summer for half of it, but then autumn, winter, and spring manage to squeeze in together. But it’s blazing hot sometimes. I’m afraid a Yankee like you would melt.”
He bumped his horse into hers. She had trained them well, and his mount moved at the slightest tug of the reins. “Haley, I know your dream is to open this restaurant but is that what you’ve always wanted?”
Her smile faded. “I don’t know. I just want to be rooted somewhere. Momma wandered around like tumbleweed. I’ve always loved this farm. The summers here are spectacular. Pleasant weather, most of the time. Swimming and fishing in clear rivers, not filled with snakes an
d other foul creatures. All we got in Texas is mud holes in most places. Though, there was some pretty land, down in the hill country. And along the plains in the northwest.”
She threw out her arms and tilted back her head. “I just love the wild places. Hate the city and refuse to step a boot in one. Give me rolling land and trees, cattle, and my horses. I’m pleased as a puppy at its— well, you know. That’s what makes me happy. Which is why I was hoping my roots would grow here again.”
He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She was so beautiful, so free-spirited. He might have had his dreams, but they seemed like a dim light compared to hers.
“What?” she asked, meeting his gaze.
“For the past year I’ve been chasing fame. Right now, I just realized I was chasing smoke. It’s not what I really wanted. I mean, I want to play the violin, but I think I’ve been looking at things from the wrong perspective.”
“What perspective should you be looking at, then?” Haley pulled her horse to a stop and turned so they were face to face. She scratched Cress behind the ear.
“I’m not sure. I need to pray more about it. See what God might open up for me.” He twisted the lead in his hands, wishing it was her hair he wound around his fingers.
“You’d throw all your dreams to the wind like that?” Her horse moved closer until their knees bumped against each other. “Just leave it up to God? That’s kind of risky, isn’t it? Who knows what would happen, you know?”
“Exactly. Who knows?” He couldn’t stop grinning. “You’re beautiful, you know that?” His breath caught over his abrupt admission. Where had that come from?
His heart, that’s where.
For a moment, she gaped at him, and then snapped her mouth shut. Her brows furrowed as she stared intently into his eyes. He leaned in closer, and before he knew what he was doing, their lips met for a brief moment that felt like an eternity. He slowly pulled back, watching her.
Haley shook her head. Not the response he’d hoped for.
“I’m sorry.” She pulled Molly away. “Shouldn’t have let that happen.” She stared up at the sky through the towering pines. “I… you’re not staying. What am I thinking?”
Snow Belle (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Book 1) Page 9