by Tanya Agler
“I know. It’s funny how there are people who, no matter how long since you were last together, it’s like no time has passed when you see them again. You’re one of those.” While she wanted to fight this warm acceptance and guard herself against it, today wasn’t the day to pick a battle she didn’t believe in.
“But Luce...”
They arrived in the clearing where the forest ended and the low ropes course began. He kept walking and she cleared her throat. He glanced over his shoulder, and she mustered her courage. At the most, he’d leave.
“Somehow being around you makes me talk about everything and nothing.” This wasn’t coming out right. “I leave happier but then realize I’ve never cleared up why I contacted you in the first place.”
He nodded, and she walked in the blue gravel of the alligator pit, taking care not to bump her shin against the treated lumber.
“I had an ulterior motive when I emailed you. I wanted to take advantage of our former friendship.”
His hand reached out and touched her sleeve. His warmth sank in, a tease of spring after a cold winter, and she wanted to lean into that, but she halted and met his gaze.
“Former friendship? You’re revoking my friendship card?” His eyes twinkled.
In spite of everything that had gone wrong that day, laughter bubbled up. “I guess I have to tape it back together and make sure it has a safe place in your wallet.”
“Ha. You need to laugh more often. Your laugh lines are rusty. See, there’s a bit of rust coming off now.”
She marveled at how he’d always kept his sense of humor, even back when the infection set in after his surgery and she and his parents had huddled together, scared he wouldn’t live. She remembered the first time she’d made him laugh after he’d recovered, and now he was returning the favor.
He stepped toward her. For a second, she thought he was going to kiss her. Of course, he wasn’t. He wasn’t looking for a relationship.
“That might be the result of how much WD-40 you used on the utility room door this morning.” Lucie blinked and pulled herself together. Although she sensed chemistry between them, she was out of practice when it came to men, and her sense of someone being attracted to her was definitely off. He’d called her his friend. Sure, friends joked around, but she couldn’t wander off topic again. “Anyway, Georgie and Mitzi went through every room of the lodge, from the ballroom to the conference rooms, with me. Then they helped me create a budget.”
“How we went from friendship cards back to business, I’m not quite sure, but I’ll go along with you.” He scrambled onto the balance log, the chains jingling.
She could have sworn he’d felt the attraction as strongly as she had. That awareness she had wasn’t her imagination, but she shrugged it off nonetheless.
“Once I had a business plan with the start-up costs on a spreadsheet, and I took into account everything from the construction of the ropes courses to lodge updates to employee costs, including insurance—”
“And Mitzi had enough money to finance all of that?” Any traces of his earlier humor faded when he jumped off the log and wiped his hands on his jeans.
“Along with my father’s sister, Rosemary.” She nodded and kept a close eye on the kids as they ran around the clearing, playing tag. “I sold every asset that had been in my name only, other than my house, and raised a good deal of the money myself.” It had about killed her to part with her mother’s engagement ring, but she’d had no alternative.
“After a long legal battle, around Christmas the government returned anything that could be traced back to me from before my marriage as my private asset. When I approached Aunt Rosemary and Mitzi, I asked them if they’d either become partners and share the profits or loan me the money with the lodge and cabin as collateral. Aunt Rosemary had her lawyer draw up a repayment contract. Everything is recorded, and the limited liability corporation’s funds are in an account they also own and can monitor. I made sure everything is out in the open.”
Caleb’s shoulders relaxed, but he remained standing. In the stillness of the clearing, she heard the calls of the cardinals and even the soothing whisper of the Timber River. “You’ve done a lot of work.”
Lucie inhaled a deep breath. While she didn’t like asking for help, it had become easier in the past two years. “That’s only half the battle. You see, twenty percent of small businesses fail in the first year, and half fail within five years.” She rubbed the bark of an oak, the solidity and roughness reminding her she’d endure because she had to. “That’s where you come in.”
And hence the vague email to the Hero of Hollydale in the first place, reminding him of their past connection and asking him to contact her. She was sure he’d respond, but she hadn’t thought he’d answer in person. She glanced at him, at home in the natural elements surrounding him, his broad shoulders filling out his brown flannel shirt. How far Caleb had come since he’d left Hollydale.
He came over and leaned on a tree, his weight sagging against the trunk. “You mentioned something about the outdoors. I assumed you wanted my advice about a nature walk or something like that.”
Now that he mentioned it, that idea made sense. Who better than a park ranger to make sure the paths were in order, and possibly even lead tours in his spare time?
“When I emailed you, you lived in Montana. It would have been hard to hire you long-distance. But now that you live here, can you take a second job? You’d be a great asset for ensuring I’m doing everything I can for the environment, and you could help with nature walks. I’ll have to check the budget to see if I can afford another staff member...” She shook her head, determined to stay on track. “The reason for my email was to ask you for a reference, a banner quote for our website, supporting my business.”
Saying it aloud made it seem silly. How had she expected him to tour her business all the way from Montana to promote her North Carolina venture?
“I’ll have to check with Owen about that. As a government employee, I don’t know if I can endorse a private business in my capacity as a park ranger.” To her surprise, he sounded genuinely disappointed he couldn’t help her out.
“I understand.” Another setback for today. She’d have to figure out another way to market her corporate retreat and fill her calendar with bookings beyond the first three weeks.
Caleb’s hand reached over and covered hers. “I’ll find out. And when I talk to Owen, I’ll ask about moonlighting as a nature trail expert, too.”
“Mommy! My tummy is waiting for you to finish talking and it can’t wait anymore!” Ethan ran over and yanked on Lucie’s coat before turning to Caleb. “Sorry. Mommy says I shouldn’t interrupt, but we’ve been waiting soooo long.”
Lucie glanced over to find Mattie sticking out her tongue and panting like she was a nomad seeking water and Rachel grinning from ear to ear. “Okay, I get the hint.”
In no time, she’d be in the comfort of her kitchen with three kids clamoring to stir the cocoa powder and sugar into the milk.
Caleb removed his hand from hers, and she missed the contact.
“I’ll let you enjoy your cocoa,” he said.
“Did you forget about the marshmallows, Mr. Caleb?” Ethan licked his lips and patted his belly. “Marsh. Mall. Ows. Yum.”
Caleb met her gaze. “Is the invitation still open?”
“Of course.” She remembered his earlier words to Rachel about not needing a matchmaker and wished he wasn’t the type who always said what he meant. Then again, it was refreshing to be around someone who was honest and above reproach.
Another flutter of awareness of the new Caleb surfaced like the gentle breeze stirring the tops of the nearby pines. With neither of them looking for anything more than friendship, what could mere hospitality hurt? “No strings attached.”
“Friends, then.” He extended his hand to Lucie and she gripped it
with a tight hold.
“Friends.”
CHAPTER FIVE
CALEB STOPPED AT the gate in front of Lucie’s home. If there was a prettier spot within the city limits of Hollydale, he’d like to see it. From here the Great Smoky Mountains were in full display, their green rounded tops a sign of constancy and awe. The light scent of Lucie’s azaleas, their blooms a rainbow of red, yellow and orange, tickled his nose.
He glanced into the backyard. This time no grunts or barking sounds greeted him. The pigs weren’t outside, and neither was the border collie. He hadn’t considered Lucie would be anywhere else this evening. Maybe he should have called first. Then again, her house was on the way from Jonathan’s house to the Whitley Community Center where Izzy’s soccer game was set to begin in half an hour. He’d promised to be there but had taken a chance Lucie would be home.
So much had happened this afternoon.
He’d stopped at the park station to show Owen the pictures and, as a result, he wanted to share his news in person with Lucie. He opened the gate and passed through.
Now that he was here, though, he hesitated at the top of her porch steps. Ten minutes wasn’t enough time for all he had to say. He thought back to telling Rachel he wasn’t interested in a matchmaker—or any type of relationship for that matter—one beautiful blonde whose life was pulling herself out of her own personal crevice wouldn’t leave his thoughts.
Tomorrow it was. Lucie deserved a full explanation, not a rushed statement.
At that moment, the creak of the door sounded and a black-and-white blur on four legs tackled him. Then someone else followed the dog and catapulted into him with a loud “Oof.” A plastic trash bag rolled down the stairs and thudded to a stop at the bottom, the contents spilling everywhere. Caleb steadied himself before making sure the small bundle of energy was okay.
“I didn’t see you out here.” Mattie’s voice held a note of accusation as Ladybug found her way through the open door, sat on her haunches and barked. Mattie glanced at Ladybug, and began petting her. “I made a big mess.”
Caleb clucked softly, and Pita responded by circling him twice before sitting at his feet.
“It was an accident. You weren’t expecting anyone to be out here.” Caleb smiled and scratched Pita behind the ears, earning a small groan of happiness for his effort. Mattie’s lip quivered while Ladybug settled on the porch. “We can clean it up before Ladybug starts a nap.”
The front porch light flickered on and Lucie appeared at the threshold. “Why is the front door open? Oh, Caleb, hello.” Her voice rose an octave on the last syllable. “Make sure the dogs don’t escape. Neither one is wearing her leash.”
The thought of slow, steady Ladybug making a getaway brought a laugh to Caleb’s lips. He pointed to the trash below. “Do you have a broom and dustpan handy?”
Lucie’s gaze wandered toward the mess. She groaned. “Watch Mattie and the dogs, will you?”
In no time at all, Lucie returned with the necessary supplies, and the three of them picked up the trash dotting the bottom of her porch stairs. Lucie’s hand brushed Caleb’s and a shiver of awareness traveled down his spine.
“I know today’s been busy, but did I forget you were coming over? We just finished dinner and it was Mattie’s turn to take out the trash before family game night.”
“I stopped over before going on to Izzy’s soccer game.” Almost on cue, thunder boomed in the background. Caleb reached for his phone at the same time as he received a text from his cousin. “Well, the game was canceled due to the storm.” Caleb kept reading the flurry of texts and started laughing. “They’re going out for hot chocolate.”
Lucie laid her hand on Caleb’s arm. “It would be nice if you could stay, but I know you have a family obligation. Family should come first.”
While Caleb wanted to reconnect with Jonathan and his daughters, he wanted some time with Lucie, too. “I’ve already had my fill of hot chocolate for the day. I’ll take a rain check and plan something with them this weekend.”
Mattie giggled. “Rain check! That’s funny.”
That giggle made his whole day. When he glanced Mattie’s way, she gathered the rest of the trash and then scurried off with Pita on her heels while Lucie held on to Ladybug’s collar. Caleb rose, and the metal rod in his back thanked him.
“Thanks for helping. What brought you by?” Lucie released the bulldog, stood and wiped her hands on her yoga pants.
“Game night, of course. What’s on tap?” He kept an eye on Ladybug, who came over and sat near him. “I’m excellent at Scrabble and darts.”
“Both of which are well suited for seven-year-olds.” Through Lucie’s wryness, he detected and appreciated the note of humor. “Since Mattie had trash duty, she’ll get to choose between Chutes and Ladders or Candy Land. Hot time in the Decker household tonight.”
Warm and cozy was more like it. A far cry from the sophisticated dates he and Leah had shared before he’d discovered the real reason she’d dated him. “How about I be the judge of that?”
Lucie squinted her eyes and folded her arms. “You don’t have anything else to do? Look at you, all dressed up in that blue chambray shirt and nowhere to go. This is the first time I haven’t seen you in flannel since you’ve been back. Were you expecting to find a hot date at the soccer game?”
“Hardly.” Although the fact that she noticed little details about him did feel good. What else had she noticed about him? “Did you hear what I said to Rachel this afternoon?”
She shrugged. “Yeah.”
While he knew about Justin, Lucie didn’t know about Leah. “About three months ago, I started dating Leah Lundgren, who had just broken up with her artist boyfriend of five years. What I didn’t know was Leah wanted a ready-made date to her sister’s wedding, someone her parents would approve of. A respectable someone so her parents would release her trust fund to her. At the rehearsal dinner, I heard her talking to a bridesmaid about my rescuing those kids, only endearing me all the more to her parents, who were now discussing car colors with her for her new Cadillac. I confronted her and she told me the whole truth, including the revelation about the trust fund and her reunion with her ex-boyfriend, who she was still involved with.”
“Ouch. That’s cold.” She bumped her forehead with the palm of her hand. “What must you think of me emailing you for a huge favor after you rescued those three boys, especially since we hadn’t seen each other for years?” She stopped and drew in a deep breath, her hand trembling in the rays of the porch light.
He moved closer and chucked her chin. “Hey, this is different. You didn’t lie and deceive me.” Although Leah’s lies and deception didn’t rise anywhere near the level of Justin’s, it had hurt. If anything, he could relate somewhat to Lucie for the experience.
“If you no longer have any plans, you’re welcome to stay.”
As if to signal her agreement, Ladybug settled on his foot.
She moved inside and he and the dog followed.
Mattie skipped down the stairs, photos of her and Ethan at various ages dotting the wall, and held out her hand to Lucie. “Come on, Mommy. I chose Candy Land. Good night, Mr. Caleb.”
“Actually, I’ve invited Caleb to join us.” Lucie ruffled Mattie’s hair.
Mattie batted Lucie’s hand away. “But it’s only supposed to be the three of us.”
Mattie’s reaction to him was perplexing. At work, in his khaki uniform, most kids loved him, their eyes glowing as they drank in the wonders of Yellowstone. Was she just protective of her mother, or did she truly not like him?
“There’s always room in our house for one more.” Lucie raised an eyebrow but smiled at her daughter anyway. “Mr. Caleb moved back and he’s an old friend. I think we should be nice to our friends, don’t you?”
Caleb hesitated. While he wanted to stay, he also wanted Mattie to accept him and lo
se the scowl she always wore when he approached. Having Lucie force him on Mattie probably wasn’t how to make that happen. “Thanks for the invite, but it’s okay. I should get going—Jonathan and the girls will be arriving back in town soon. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Caleb nudged his foot enough for Ladybug to get the message. He started to walk away. While he now had an excuse to put off talking to Lucie, he would have preferred getting this out in the open.
“Wait.” Mattie’s voice caused him to stop.
He turned around, caution keeping him rooted in place.
“Ladybug wants her footrest back. You can stay.”
Mattie ran inside and Ladybug tottered after her. The door swung shut behind them, and Lucie started up the stairs before turning to wait for him. “You never answered my question. Why did you stop by tonight?”
“Have you dated much since your divorce?”
The porch light illuminated the bewilderment written on Lucie’s face. “Huh? Did you stop by tonight to ask me about whether I’ve been on a date since my divorce? I could have saved you a trip with a short answer.”
“Actually, I had another reason.”
“What is it?” She folded her arms and remained still. “I can’t leave them by themselves for long. And I should warn you now, the twins are competitive about games that involve no skill whatsoever.” Lucie closed the distance to the door and rested her hand on the knob.
“I talked to Owen.” He paused, the details of both of his conversations where she was the main topic too long and too involved for a casual porch chat. A night like this with a faint cool breeze invited two people to sit on a front porch and cuddle to stay warm. Too bad that couldn’t happen tonight. Not with a possible storm coming as well as his parents and Mattie presenting real reasons why, even if he wanted to, he couldn’t invite her to sit next to him on her glider.