Tate grinned and rocked back on his cowboy boots. His eyes twinkled with mischief.
“I’ve never cared much for what people might say.” He leaned down, his smooth cheek brushing against hers as he whispered in her ear. “And the only thing they could say is that the Sheriff was dancing with the most beautiful woman in town.”
She felt her cheeks warming with the compliment. “Their tongues are already wagging,” she said after casting a quick glance around her. She held out her hand. “Why not?”
Her grabbed her by the hand and whisked her into his arms. His arms were around her waist and they were swaying to the upbeat tempo of Tug Matthews and his band. Cassidy could smell the cool crisp scent of his aftershave. She felt the raw power of his arms as they guided her across the floor. She wished she could capture this moment in a bottle and make it last forever.
When the band stopped for a break, Tate led her off the dance floor, his hand gently entwined with her own. She noticed a few smiles in their direction— her high school math teacher, Cullen Brand, Malachi Finley, Regina—and it made her almost as happy as being with Tate. Nobody was whispering or pointing at her. Nobody seemed put out by her presence at the gathering. A few people had even approached her and thanked her for working so hard on the event. Was it possible that her efforts to restore Main Street Church were helping her win redemption in the eyes of the townsfolk?
Tate took two glasses of sparkling cider from one of the servers and handed one to her.
“I think a toast is in order.” He held his glass up in the air. “It’s official. Tonight is a resounding success. Main Street Church will have more than enough money in the coffers for a new roof. A few months from now we can focus on restoring the steeple.”
Cassidy raised her glass and clinked glasses with Tate. “I don’t think I’ve properly thanked you, Tate, or your family for hosting this at the ranch. Your family really stepped up to support this event. I know that can’t have been easy.” Although Tate had never discussed his parents’ reaction to his offer to host the event at Horseshoe Bend Ranch, she could only imagine that there had been some tense moments and fiery discussions. However it had happened, the end result was the same. The gathering had been wildly successful.
“You’re quite welcome, but all we did was provide the venue,” Tate answered in a humble voice. “This all came about because of the congregation working together. I would never have had the imagination to come up with all this.” He spread his arms wide. “And without the community supporting it, all our efforts would have been in vain.”
“Main Street Church is important to so many people in this town. People need a place to come together, to gather under one roof as a community. There are so many people who draw their strength from being part of a congregation. As far as I’m concerned, that’s sacred.”
“You never gave up on this town, did you? Or on Holly?” His eyes sparkled with wonder. He reached out and caressed her cheek with his knuckles.
No, she’d never given up. Even in her darkest hours she’d never stopped hoping and dreaming and praying that one day she’d be able to be a part of this town she adored.
“I never gave up on you either,” she whispered. “I never could.”
His piercing blue eyes seemed to look through her, straight to her very soul. Tate leaned down and brushed a kiss against her forehead, his lips soft and gentle. She closed her eyes and savored that instant, managing to block out everything else going on around her. The kiss spoke to her—of forgiveness and hope and fresh starts. It reminded her of how she’d always felt in Tate’s arms—cherished. And if she lived to be a hundred she would never forget this moment, because it was the first time since she’d come back home that she began to hope for new beginnings.
Chapter Ten
“It’s time to change out of these party clothes,” Cassidy said as Tate led her inside the Lynch home and toward the first floor bathroom. “I need to head over to the kids tent and get started on the art activities.”
Although there was something Cinderella-like about Cassidy having to ditch her party duds for an artist’s smock, he knew she couldn’t have been more jazzed about working with the kids. It was a long-held dream of hers. It didn’t escape his notice that she was beaming with pride.
A tent had been set up behind the Lynches’ house for children and teenagers from the community. For a nominal sum Cassidy was providing an art lesson, allowing them to experiment with different mediums—water colors, pastels, colored pencils, oils. It was a win-win situation for everyone. If the kids were being entertained at the tent during the event, it increased the likelihood that people would attend the event. They wouldn’t have to worry about hiring babysitters or leaving the gathering early due to childcare issues. And it added additional revenue to the proceeds.
So far, tonight had been an evening full of goodwill and revelry. It was one of those nights you wanted to last forever, till all the twinkling stars had been stamped out of the pewter sky.
And he knew how important Cassidy’s role in this night had been. Her big heart. Her abiding faith. Her never-ending hope.
“Can I walk you over?” he asked, wanting to be in her presence as much as possible. The thought of not being with her made him ache inside. It was almost a physical pain that left him feeling rattled. What was happening to him?
Her mouth turned upward in a beguiling smile. “I’d like that, Tate. Just give me a few minutes to switch up my clothes.”
In five minutes flat she emerged from the bathroom—face scrubbed of makeup, hair swept up in a ponytail, her cute figure dressed in a pair of worn jeans and a plain white T-shirt. She was holding a smock in her hand.
He couldn’t help but laugh at her daring. “A white top? For painting with a bunch of kids?”
Cassidy chuckled as they made their way outside. “Hey, there’s a method to my madness. I like seeing all the paint and the colors on my shirt. It’s a reminder of the creativity and the passion that comes out when you’re creating artwork. It’ll be as if I’m capturing the joy of the moment on my clothing.” She shook her head. “I know that must sound silly.”
“It doesn’t sound silly at all,” he assured her. In fact, it sounded wonderful. He didn’t think he’d ever come across anyone who enjoyed their profession as much as she did. The way she felt about art, her excitement and desire to create, moved him deeply. It was said that everyone had a calling in life. Cassidy had tapped into hers as a teenager, and she’d been building on that foundation ever since. He couldn’t wait to see her in her element.
Just as they reached the entrance to the tent, Cassidy stopped in her tracks. She looked a bit pale. She clutched at his arm, her eyes wide with concern as she asked, “Tate! What if nobody brought their kids? I mean, what if...I’m not the most popular person in this town. What if nobody wanted me to teach art to their kids?”
He reached out and smoothed back Cassidy’s hair, wishing he was bold enough to place a kiss on her lips. Be patient, he cautioned himself. I don’t want to scare her away again.
“Just take a deep breath,” he urged her. “You’ve come this far. Don’t stop believing now. I’d never set you up for a fall.” He winked at her, watching as she bucked up and strode forward with energy and confidence.
Lord, please lift Cassidy up in this moment. Let her use her special gift to help heal this community. Please allow her to shine as bright as the sun.
Tate pulled back the tent flap and ushered Cassidy inside. He turned toward her, watching her face intently to gauge her reaction. Her mouth swung open and she let out a gasp of surprise. The tent was filled to capacity with children. Children of all ages—toddlers, middle schoolers, tweens—were sitting at tables eating chocolate chip cookies and smores.
Doc Sampson had volunteered to cook on the grill for all the kids taking part in the program, serving a menu of chee
seburgers, hot dogs and fries. With the help of his granddaughter Robin and his staff, he was just now clearing the tables and cleaning up from dinner.
With a stunned expression, Cassidy turned to him, her eyes wide and shocked. “Can you believe this?” she asked Tate. “I never imagined there’d be so many of them.” Her eyes once again swept the room and he knew she was letting it all soak in.
This was redemption, Tate thought. Having the town turn out for the community gathering was one thing. But to have all the children eagerly lined up and waiting for her—it was quite another. To have the townsfolk entrust their children to her care was such a leap of faith. He watched Cassidy’s face light up, saw the joy shining in her eyes and the heartfelt emotion on her countenance.
She clapped her hands together and let out a loud whistle, immediately capturing the attention of the kids. “Are you guys ready to get dirty?” she shouted. “Because I know I am!”
A dull roar went up, and she playfully covered her ears. The kids were standing up from their benches now and jumping up and down with excitement. Volunteers began handing out smocks, canvases and paintbrushes.
“Okay, everyone. Let’s make some excitement,” Cassidy said as she began placing paints on each table. She would stop for a few minutes at every table, giving instructions, lending a critical eye or simply watching the kids paint. The kids ate up the attention. Every now and again he would hear one of them cry out, “Miss Cassidy. Look at my painting!” or “Miss Cassidy. I need you.”
She was great with kids. Patient. Kind. Loving. She radiated enthusiasm. It made him think of what it would be like to raise a house full of children with her. To wake up on a Saturday morning and make pancakes with Cassidy while their kids finger-painted in the backyard. Teaching their children to ride out at the ranch while Cassidy watched nearby. The images he conjured up seemed so real it made him ache inside. He could picture it all so vividly. A future with Cassidy. Marriage. The white picket fence. The whole nine yards.
But hadn’t he told himself hundreds of times that he had no future with her? Hadn’t all that crashed and burned years ago? He was no longer so sure of that, no longer certain that he could deny the feelings he’d suppressed for all this time. But what chance did they have when in a little over a month she’d be walking out of his life again?
Instead of heading back to the festivities, he found himself rooted to the spot, unable to take his eyes off Cassidy as she painted with the kids. By the time she made her way back to where he was standing he was ready to burst.
He raised his arm in a sweeping gesture. “You really do have a way with kids. You’re amazing.” His eyes swept over her—the tousled hair, the paint-spattered shirt, the joyful look on her face. The way she whirled around the room—brushing here, dabbing there, showering the kids with praise—she was like a force of nature.
Cassidy looked back at him, her face radiating warmth and happiness. She looked at ease, not only with herself but with her place in the community. She fit in so effortlessly to the fabric of West Falls. She belonged here. If only he could convince her to stay.
“It feels so natural. They’re all so talented and creative,” she raved. “They’re like little sponges, ready to absorb everything I’m teaching them.” Her face was flushed with color, her eyes flashing like emeralds. He’d never seen her look so alive.
“You’re really talented, Cass. The way your brush flew over the canvas, creating something so powerful out of nothing. It gave me chills.”
Her face lit up with pleasure. “Thanks. I never get tired of hearing that. I feel so blessed to be able to do what I love to do.”
“I mean, you were always a great artist, but now...it kind of takes my breath away.”
It was that simple. And that nerve-racking.
Tonight wouldn’t have been the same without her. Her planning and creativity had pulled it all together. With her oversized heart and her desire to help out, she’d shown how invested she was in Main Street Church. And in doing so, she’d cemented a place for herself within the West Falls community. Ever since the accident people hadn’t been able to think of Cassidy without thinking of that evening. Tonight had changed all that.
* * *
Creating artwork with the children of West Falls was a dream come true. Just when she’d thought the evening couldn’t get any better, she’d ended up on cleanup duty with Regina and Holly. It was a wonder they even got anything done with all the laughing, joking and traipsing down memory lane. Regina had them both in stitches with her impression of their gym teacher, while Holly reminded them all of their celebrity crushes.
“Do you remember a certain actor’s photo you had taped in your locker?” she asked, looking pointedly at Cassidy.
Regina almost choked on her laughter. “She even had his poster on her bedroom ceiling so he would be the last thing she saw before she went to bed at night.”
“Remember that pink notebook with the hearts?” Holly asked. “She used to write his name over and over again in indelible ink.” She let out a snort of laughter.
“Stop laughing! It was a very serious relationship. I was going to marry him and become the wife of a very famous Hollywood actor.” Cassidy stuck her tongue out in their direction.
Holly and Regina started singing the theme song to his television show, their voices off-key and cracking.
Cassidy couldn’t keep a straight face. She burst out into giggles. It was strange, she thought, how easily they’d slipped back into the familiar rhythms of their friendship. Already they were finishing each other’s sentences and making plans for a girls’ night out. Their camaraderie made her feel wistful about not living in West Falls. It made her wonder how different her life might be if she moved back home.
She gathered up a bag of trash and walked it over to the Dumpster. Maggie was standing there in the shadows, gazing in the direction of where she’d been cleaning up with Holly and Regina. Cassidy tensed up, bracing herself for an unpleasant encounter.
“Watching the three of you took me back aways,” Maggie said softly. “All you need is Jenna to make it complete.”
“I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Cassidy said ruefully. “Jenna doesn’t seem interested in reunions. She’s kind of a lone wolf now from what I hear.”
“Don’t give up on her, Cassidy. Sometimes people go through things that the rest of us can’t understand. I know what it’s like to be in so much pain that you think distancing yourself from the world is the answer.” She shook her head, regret stamped all over her face. “All it does is make you lonely.”
“I’m not giving up on her, but we’re all adults now. If she doesn’t want to play in the sandbox with the rest of us, we can’t really make her.” The moment the words left her mouth, she wanted to pull them back in. She hadn’t meant to be rude to Maggie, but it had been a long night and she was bone tired. If Jenna wanted to be standoffish and cold—if keeping her distance truly made her happy—there was nothing Cassidy could do about it. She was done feeling guilty about everything under the sun.
Cassidy tossed the bag into the Dumpster, then wiped her gritty hands on her jeans. “I’m sorry, Maggie. That came out wrong...I didn’t mean to be disrespectful.”
Maggie cleared her throat. “No worries. Actually I’m the one who owes you an apology for what happened that day out at the stables.” She looked down at the ground, her face miserable. “I had no idea you’d already seen Holly, that the two of you had a private meeting at church. Forgive me for opening up old wounds. After all this time nothing can be served by doing that.”
She held up her hands to ward off an apology. “You don’t have to apologize. Believe me, I understand where you were coming from.” Cassidy paused, filled with uncertainty. She knew it was important to tread lightly with Maggie. “And I just want to let you know, I don’t blame you for not giving my le
tters to Holly.”
Maggie’s eyes went wide and she began to stammer. “W-what are you talking about?”
“That day at the stables you gave yourself away. When you lit into me you said I’d never called. You never said a word about writing Holly, because you knew I did. Am I right?”
Maggie’s jaw trembled. She slowly nodded. Her voice came out as a croak. “Does Holly know?”
“No, although I’m sure she suspects. She thought it was Tate, but I talked her down from that theory. I knew he wouldn’t have kept my letters from Holly.”
“What you must think of me.” Maggie’s hand flew to her mouth. Her eyes began to tear up.
Cassidy walked toward Maggie, quickly bridging the distance between the two of them. “I learned a long time ago not to judge people too harshly. It’s not fair to measure you by one bad decision. You’re a good woman, Maggie and an even better mother. I know you were only trying to protect Holly.” She pulled Maggie’s hand away from her mouth and entwined it with her own.
Maggie let out a harsh laugh. “I thought by keeping your letters from her I was saving her from more heartache, but the only thing I did was add to her pain.” She sniffed back the tears.
Cassidy squeezed her hand. “You have to forgive yourself. Take it from me, you can get wrapped up in the guilt instead of moving forward. What purpose would that serve?”
“There’s only one way I can move forward,” Maggie asserted. “I need to tell her what I’ve done and give her the letters.” She let out a tortured sigh. “It won’t be easy, but I’ve got to fess up.”
Righting wrongs was never easy. But in the end, as Cassidy was certain Maggie would come to understand, it was the only way she’d be able to look herself in the mirror. If she knew Holly the way she thought she did, she’d be furious at first over the deception, but after all was said and done, she’d show her mother compassion.
Cassidy began to pray. She prayed for Maggie and Holly and the entire Lynch family. And she prayed for herself. Because she knew now that she had to tell Tate the truth about the accident. If Maggie could come clean after all these years, then so could she. Maybe not tonight. But soon. Not telling him the truth was tantamount to a lie. And didn’t Tate deserve the truth? She’d come so far in the past few months, way too far not to complete the journey. With a sinking heart she realized that in telling him about the accident she might lose him forever.
Reunited with the Sheriff Page 15