A Ranger for the Twins

by Tanya Agler

  “I know you know about what happened to Austin’s parents,” Belinda said, arching her newly plucked eyebrows. “But I also know someone left a chocolate-chip pound cake on Alicia’s front porch and the first bite took me straight back to your mama’s kitchen. Your mama could bake.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Thank you.” And Lucie was fortunate to still have her recipes. The government hadn’t confiscated that precious recipe box. Lucie gazed around the shop, all eyes glued to the exchange. Even Luanne, who’d been using the blow dryer, had switched it off to listen in.

  “I’m not saying one cake will clear the air between the two of you, but Alicia and Austin know you didn’t have anything to do with what your husband did to Susan and Herb.”

  “My ex-husband.” Lucie inched closer to Mattie. “And Mattie and Ethan don’t need constant reminders. They should grow up like your grandchildren, free of reminders of the past.”

  Belinda pursed her lips but nodded. “You’re right. Little ones are real precious, and I admire what you’re trying to do with your new business. I think that pound cake was more than worth two children’s haircuts. Mitzi, just add those to my tab.”

  Lucie inhaled and shook her head. “I’m not taking charity. I pay my way in Hollydale.” With a little bit of luck, her credit card wouldn’t be declined. “I don’t ever want anyone to think I don’t put in an honest day’s work.”

  “It’s not charity, Lucie.” The Pie Queen squinted and pulled out a pair of glasses from beneath the cape, placing them on the bridge of her hawklike nose. “My Alicia’s going through a rough time right now. That’s why they moved back. That chocolate cake is the only thing she’s enjoyed in a while. She needs a friend right now.” She sighed and removed her glasses again. “I’ll say this about you—you’re always there when someone, or some animal, needs you.”

  Mitzi nodded. “That’s my Lucie. And in this salon, she’s our Lucie. Got it?” She glanced at every person in the room, all of whom were nodding. “Back to work.”

  No sooner was the hair dryer buzzing than the bells on the front door jangled and a man with thinning gray hair walked in alongside a teenage girl with long, straight, black hair and perfectly manicured black nails. Her dark brown eyes lit up when she drank in the atmosphere around her.

  “Be right with you,” Mitzi called out. “Take a seat.”

  “That’s my boss. I think he’s here to see Mitzi.” Caleb stayed in the shadows where he wasn’t visible from the front of the store.

  So, this was Owen Thompson, the man who’d made Caleb take some much-needed time off. It was all Lucie could do not to run over and hug him for making Caleb rest so his back had a chance to recover.

  Mitzi eyed the ends of Mattie’s hair and used a towel to blot out the extra moisture before applying some spritz and scrunching it into the curls. “Now, sweet girl, I’m going to use something called a diffuser on my hair dryer because that’s the best way to blow-dry curly hair.” When she finished, Wendy was almost done with Ethan’s hair.

  Lucie accompanied Mattie and Mitzi to the front, where Mitzi smiled at Owen and his daughter. “Your hairstyles both look good to me, and that’s saying something since I like to eat and turning away customers doesn’t help pay the bills.” She eyed the length of Owen’s hair. “You could use a trim, but I think the extra half an inch suits your bone structure.”

  “Pardon me, Mrs. Mayfield.” The teenager spoke up, her voice lower than Lucie had expected. “My dad brought me here so he could check you out while I applied for a job.”

  Owen turned a mottled red and jumped to his feet. “That didn’t quite come out as Ashleigh intended.”

  “Ashleigh doesn’t want to work here, then? And you are?” Mitzi rumbled with laughter and she wiped the corners of her eyes.

  “Owen Thompson. I came to check out your fair establishment, not you.” If anything, he blushed an even deeper red. “Not that you’re unattractive, Mrs. Mayfield. You’re very attractive.”

  He groaned, and Caleb came up to the front, holding Ethan’s hand. “Owen’s the head ranger at the Timber River Park. He’s also one of the people in charge of the Sunset Soiree. I hope you and Lucie will be joining me at my table on Friday night.”

  “How did a woman get so lucky as to have two such handsome males in my establishment talking about my favorite night of the year? Formal dancing with men in tuxedos?” Mitzi fanned herself, her grin stretching across her face. She turned to the girl in black. “And to have a real go-getter applying for a position that just opened up today? I should play the lottery tonight.”

  Ashleigh shuffled her feet. “Sadie told me she’s on leave. I’m taking advantage of my inside knowledge.”

  “Honesty. I like that.” Mitzi reached into a drawer and pulled out an application. “Honey, you fill this out and I’ll let you know tonight. This is Hollydale, so y’all call me Mitzi. Owen, since you’re in charge, I gather you’ll be at the soiree?”

  Lucie glanced at Owen, who was tugging at his collar, and then back to Mitzi, whose eyes sparkled as she smoothed her sleek silver-gray hair and adjusted her scarf. Good. Mitzi hadn’t been seriously involved with anyone since her divorce, her husband’s infidelity cutting deep and causing a lasting scar.

  “I’ll be at Caleb’s table, as well,” said Owen.

  If Mitzi could move on and trust again, Lucie should find a way to do the same.

  Lucie turned toward Mattie and Ethan, who were leafing through the pages of a popular children’s magazine. Mitzi didn’t have seven-year-olds depending on her. Lucie wouldn’t stop living her life for them, but she did have to consider them in everything she did, including any future relationships. Love her, love her kids...and her cat and her dogs and her pigs and her bunnies. Most men would run at the very thought of getting involved with her past, let alone an entire menagerie.

  Yet Caleb was still around.

  Speaking of Mattie and Ethan, however, Lucie had to decline attending the soiree. Mitzi would carry the Hollydale Training and Wellness Center banner with pride. “While it sounds like a great evening, Mitzi will be representing our business.”

  Mitzi turned to her and frowned. “If it’s about your hair or those nails...”

  “Not at all.” Lucie shook her head and examined her nails for the first time in forever. When her business was on the upswing, she’d try to reward herself with a manicure. In the meantime, she’d have to spare some time for self-care. Somewhere along the line, she gave up the ghost of her debutante past. After Mattie and Ethan retired for the night, it might be time to pull out her buffer and favorite nail polish. “I don’t have a babysitter and can’t afford one.”

  “I’m certified in first aid and CPR,” Ashleigh chimed in. “And I have reasonable rates.”

  Caleb motioned to Lucie, and she closed the gap between them. “I’d like to hire Ashleigh, if that’s okay with you.” He kept his voice low enough for her ears only.

  Lucie hesitated. “I don’t know. I’ve never met her before.”

  “Didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but Ashleigh’s responsible,” Owen said.

  “I’ve never burned anyone’s dinner, and I have references.” Ashleigh waved at the twins. “I have cousins their age.”

  “It’s Lucie’s call, but it’s only fair I pay your fee since I arranged this,” Caleb said.

  “I’d like those references, but I’ll agree for now.” Lucie glanced at Mattie and Ethan, who nodded their approval. “Thank you.” She wasn’t sure who she was thanking, but one time ought to cover everyone.

  Caleb reached into his jeans’ pocket and pulled out his phone. “If you could program your number in, I’ll start a group text with Lucie. Then we’ll be on the same page.”

  The Sunset Soiree was the hottest ticket in town, and it might give Lucie’s business a needed boost. Still, she’d have to be on her guard. Twinkling lights and a gazebo
had triggered her long-buried romantic side.

  After her life became stable, same as Mitzi’s, she’d consider merging her romantic side and her business professionalism. Until then?

  Ladybug kept her company at night. That was more than enough. Honesty, Lucie. Always honesty. Okay, it might not be enough, but it would have to do. She’d been wrong about Belinda Chastain just now, more proof than ever that her character assessment radar needed a lot of maintenance. And if she was wrong about Caleb and he wasn’t one of the good guys?

  It would take her a lifetime to get over that.

  CHAPTER TEN

  THANK GOODNESS Odalie Musgrove had come through for Lucie, letting her have this blush-pink lace cocktail dress at cost with a rolling payment plan, especially considering Lucie had served out a two-week notice and quit on her earlier this year.

  Working for Odalie had been her favorite of her odd jobs, a dream really, handling the delicate material of the cocktail dresses and evening gowns. So often she’d remember the fun comments she made with her mom after seeing each bride emerge in the clearing. Patsy Appleby had sworn she could tell the minute she glanced at the groom whether the couple would last or not. When the groom only had eyes for the bride, her mother knew they would make it through anything.

  The doorbell rang and Lucie hurried downstairs. Considering the keynote speaker for tonight’s Sunset Soiree was picking her up, no one could start the show until they arrived, but it was never nice to keep anyone waiting. Besides, she’d have to work the room, a throwback to her homecoming queen days.

  Lucie picked up the gold antique clutch from the foyer table, the sequin swirl of roses complementing her dress. Ladybug and Pita barked and danced almost as if they knew tonight was a festive occasion.

  “Mommy, you’re beautiful.” The awe in Mattie’s voice took Lucie’s breath away, the love in each syllable meaning more than any compliment she’d ever received.

  It didn’t matter if she rumpled anything. Lucie hugged Mattie and caressed her cheek. “And you grow more and more beautiful every day.”

  “Ooh, girl talk.” Ethan stopped halfway down the stairs and scrunched his nose before delivering a fake sneeze. “It smells like a rose garden in here.”

  The door to the kitchen opened and Ashleigh ran in, oven mitts on both hands. “Sorry, Mrs. Decker. The dogs were sniffing, and I was worried they would steal the chicken, so I closed the door. I should have let them outside instead.”

  The doorbell rang again, and her tension slipped away. For a few hours on a Saturday night, she’d be wearing glass slippers and dancing. Unlike Cinderella, however, she wouldn’t mind when the clock struck midnight. It was nice to have a night away, but she loved returning home to her family.

  Ethan catapulted down the rest of the stairs and stopped an inch short of colliding with the door. “Geez, if it weren’t for me, nothing would ever get done around here.”

  “Ethan,” Lucie cautioned, and hurried toward him. “Don’t open the door if you don’t know who it is.”

  “It’s Mr. Caleb.” Mattie lowered the curtain in the parlor into place. “He’s not as pretty as you are. He didn’t even shave his beard.”

  Ethan threw open the door and frowned. “Of course no one’s as pretty as Mommy, but he doesn’t look that bad. I like the beard. I want one someday.”

  Pita leaped forward and jumped on Caleb’s tuxedo, bringing cries of alarm from everyone inside the Decker household.

  “Pita!” Lucie lunged and caught her border collie’s collar. “I’m so sorry, Caleb. Wait a second and I’ll get the dogs into the mudroom.”

  Ashleigh helped her corral the dogs, then Lucie returned, wiping her hands while fur still flew everywhere. She sent an apologetic smile toward Caleb, who stood there with his mouth ajar. She didn’t blame him, as she should have made sure the dogs were out of striking distance of his impeccable black tuxedo pants. The whole picture of him stunned her. Even without shaving off his beard, Caleb cleaned up well, his broad shoulders filling the jacket with authority, a far cry from his days as a teenager.

  Yet, deep down, the two were one and the same. Digging beneath the surface, she conceded the kind, funny boy from her past was still a kind, funny soul.

  Lucie stepped toward Caleb and waved her hand in front of his face. “Earth to Caleb. The fur will brush off, if that’s what you’re worried about. Or is it your speech? You’ll do great. You care about your subject and everyone in the audience will be better off for listening to you. Your enthusiasm will carry the night.”

  Caleb blinked, the amber glints in his hazel eyes all the darker tonight, the black of his tuxedo bringing out the energy within. “It wasn’t any of that. I lost sight of everything else with you standing there in that dress.” He thrust a box toward her. “It’s probably corny, but I brought you a wrist corsage.”

  “I didn’t expect this.” Lucie snapped open the plastic container and stroked the soft petal. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

  “It’s a rare beauty that can eclipse an orchid.” His gaze didn’t leave her as he transferred the corsage to her wrist, his large hand taking an extra second to linger on hers, the warmth of him imprinting on her cold skin.

  If her mother were here, she’d tell Lucie she was in deep trouble.

  And she’d be absolutely right.

  * * *

  “IN CONCLUSION, THE environment surrounds us and supports us with its life force. By making small changes in our driving habits, by taking reusable bags with us, and by drinking out of our own water containers rather than plastic bottles, that force will continue to bless future generations down the line. Thank you.”

  Caleb backed away from the podium but remained on the dais, uncomfortable with the applause surrounding him.

  The organizers had outdone themselves, turning the Hollydale Town Hall Pavilion into a wonderland, the glass windows highlighting the gorgeous sunset that marked the occasion. Crisp white tablecloths dotted each circular table, and now that Caleb had delivered his address, he’d be able to eat his vegetable risotto with local herbs with gusto. Yet no one in the audience matched Lucie, her bright eyes shining with appreciation, applauding the loudest of all. That made every minute writing the speech worthwhile.

  Owen came over and waited for the noise to die down before moving in front of the microphone. “Does anyone have any questions for Caleb?”

  One woman in the back shot her hand up. “Are you single?”

  The crowd erupted in good-natured laughter, and Owen even joined in before stepping over to the microphone. “Let me clarify. Does anyone have any park ranger-or ecosystem-related questions?”

  Another woman raised her hand and Caleb braced himself. “Were you scared you wouldn’t be able to find those boys in time?”

  Owen’s gaze made clear he’d field this one as well, if Caleb wished. Caleb stepped up to the mic and Owen moved aside.

  Caleb cleared his throat and rubbed his hands against his black tuxedo pants. “I’ll start with the easier of the two questions. It’s complicated, and I’m not fielding any outside offers at the moment.” He waited for the chuckles to die down, although there was nothing funny about the feelings he was developing for Lucie. Whether she wore a lacy pink slip of a dress or overalls didn’t matter. She was beautiful inside and out. Before his parents arrived tomorrow night, he’d lay everything on the line and see whether they could ever move forward.

  He stepped closer to the microphone, wanting to get rid of the elephant in the room, or to aid the woodpecker on the chimney as the case might be. “As far as the incident in Yellowstone last month, it was part of my job. Yes, I was scared something had already happened to the three boys, but it wasn’t one person working in isolation. Park rangers aren’t superheroes. Instead, we work as a team, relying on technology and our training, and we sometimes do it in the worst of weather conditions and the most st
ressful situations.

  “It was a joint effort, from the people who were mapping out where we’d already searched, to the K-9s and handlers, to the volunteers who willingly gave of themselves to bring those boys home. While I found them, I only did what anyone else would do. I stayed behind with the one who had broken his leg until the helicopter came, but each person working toward the same end deserves the credit. I just photograph well.”

  Owen reached for the mic and tapped the tip, resulting in a high-pitched squeal that brought a wince to most of the audience. “Be generous with the silent auction. We’ve had a few last-minute surprise additions that didn’t make it into the program, so look out for those and open those pocketbooks. We’ll be making some announcements in a few weeks about the Timber River woodpecker and the conservancy station coming next year through the generosity of Frederick and Agnes Whitley, so stay tuned and enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  Caleb made his way off the dais. Tonight, he’d have a dance with Lucie. With his back as an excuse, it would have to be a slow one. He wasn’t complaining, though. Not one bit.

  * * *

  LUCIE SNIFFED AND dabbed a tissue to her eyes. Strolling through the pavilion’s gardens and talking up her center before the dinner had done a number on her hay fever.

  She’d stopped in front of a gorgeous framed charcoal sketch of the Great Smokies that would look perfect in the conference room where she met with prospective clients. Even though the artist had only used charcoal, his choice was the right one, as the scenery spoke for itself. There was something about the land around here that spoke to her soul—the gentle slope of the mountains, the soft whisper of Timber River, the wildflowers blooming as spring returned to Hollydale.

  Apart from her children, her ties to the land and her pets were the main reasons she endured the hard times. Handing out her business card to some of the sponsors tonight brought her hope those times would ease once the center was open and operational.