by R. C. Ryan
“How’d you hear?”
“I listened to my body. These old bones know before those TV weather people.”
The two shared a chuckle.
“Did your bones say if the rain would be here tonight?”
“I think we’ll be dry until morning.”
“Good.” Reed pulled his hat over his face and closed his eyes. “Night, Burke.”
“Night, son.” The old man continued watching the ribbons of color fade as clouds scudded across the moon.
Burke had always been a man of few words. But, despite the years, his memories of Reed’s parents were as clear as yesterday. Patrick was the firstborn of Frank and Grace. The crown prince and heir apparent to the Malloy dynasty. And he’d lived up to all their expectations. He worked hard, played harder, and lived life on a fast track. Bernadette Doyle had been the prettiest girl in Glacier Ridge. There were plenty of young hotshots falling all over themselves to get her attention. But once she’d fallen for Patrick Malloy, it was all over. She had eyes for only him.
They’d been too young, but there was no stopping them. When most young people were thinking about prom and high school graduation, they were married. When their friends left for college, they were busy raising the first of their three sons.
They never looked back. Never regretted their impulsive behavior. They were the happiest, most loving couple he’d ever known. If anything, their love rivaled that of Frank and Grace.
And then they were gone. Killed on a snow-covered road, coming back from a night on the town. And the Malloy family had been forever changed by that one terrible moment that would be, in Burke’s mind, forever frozen in time.
He set aside his empty mug and settled himself comfortably into his bedroll, drifting back in his mind to relive all the pain and chaos of that one terrible night.
Great One’s fancy car a twisted heap of metal up against a tree alongside the snow-covered road. A half dozen vehicles pulled into a semicircle around the scene of the accident. The sheriff, taking notes and snapping photos. His deputy, Archer, who’d been the first one to arrive, sitting dazedly in the snow. A couple of nearby wranglers who’d ridden their horses over to see if they could save any lives. Ranchers in the area who’d seen the fireball and driven their trucks to the site. Frank and Grace, in a state of shock. Colin, who’d been working out in the barn, furious that the bloody bodies hadn’t been covered while the investigation continued. Yancy holding on to Great One, who stood in the falling snow, filming the scene like the famous director he was, to keep from allowing his emotions to take over. And Burke himself, alone in the bitter cold, standing to one side, feeling the pain of all of them, while his own heart shattered beyond repair.
Later, as the family struggled to explain to three little boys what had happened, it was Burke who’d dredged up the terrible words to relay the news that their parents were gone.
He gave a last glance at the young man asleep nearby. Reed had been nine years old. And now, all these years later, that singular moment in time had left an indelible mark on his soul. The bright, bold, fearless boy had become an even bolder man, as if, by facing such a daunting challenge so early in life, he’d built an invisible armor against any further attack. As if he dared the world to try crossing his path again. His loss had given him a laser focus on his goals. And every setback had made him even more determined. His work had become his life. Yet that same fearless, workaholic cowboy had a secret, compassionate side. Burke had seen it time and again. Reed Malloy had a tender spot in his heart for anyone or anything beaten down by life.
To Burke’s way of thinking, a young woman and her son standing against the world would be a magnet for Reed.
The fact that the woman was a pretty little thing, and the kid a fatherless boy, just made the attraction even stronger.
Chapter Eight
That supper was worth coming home to.” Reed, freshly shaven, his hair in need of a trim, sat back with a smile and looked around the big trestle table. The entire family had gathered for their traditional Saturday evening meal.
Great One sipped his martini. “How’s that fancy organic herd coming along?”
“So far, they’re exceeding expectations.” Reed knocked a fist on the wooden table for luck. “Let’s just hope they come through late summer without a problem.”
“There are a lot of weeks between now and roundup.” Frank eyed his grandson. “Did you ask Burke to stay with the herd?”
“It was his idea. I thought we had enough wranglers for the job, but he said he’d hang around, just in case.”
Matt closed a hand over his wife’s, so their fingers were twined, a note of affection that wasn’t lost on the others. “Burke knows how much this herd means to you and the rest of us. I think it’s become his challenge as much as yours.”
“Yeah.” Reed nodded. “Besides, while the weather is gentle, he admitted he’d rather be up in the hills than anywhere else.”
“I’m with Burke.” Luke brushed a wisp of hair from Ingrid’s cheek and allowed his hand to linger a moment. “Maybe you and I ought to take a break from house-building this week and ride up into the hills.”
Ingrid’s smile grew.
Lily’s eyes lit with excitement. “Can I come along?”
“You bet. You can bring your camera, Li’l Bit. Maybe we’ll even catch a glimpse of Gram Gracie’s herd of mustangs.”
Lily turned to Grace. “Want to come along, Gram Gracie? We could make it one of your photographic safaris.”
Grace gave the little girl a warm smile. “I’d love to, but I promised Frankie some time with him. And you need time with Luke and Ingrid, as well. But I don’t see why you and I couldn’t head on up to the hills in the coming weeks and spend some time hunting for my mustangs.”
“Oh, boy. I can’t wait. Two whole trips to the hills.” Lily turned to her sister. “Can I go pack?”
Ingrid was laughing as the girl made a mad dash from the room. “You realize our little trip will just whet her appetite for your next safari. She’ll pester you until you set a date.”
Grace merely smiled. “I know she will. But I was being serious. I’m thinking I need to use this fabulous weather to its best advantage. Soon now, Lily and I will make time for our next photo safari.”
“Good.” Luke’s smile was positively wicked. “And while you and Lily are off playing in the hills”—he shot a heated look at Ingrid—“we’ll put our alone time to some good use, too. We’ll owe you big-time, Gram Gracie.”
While the others laughed, Reed pushed away from the table.
Frank looked up. “Where’re you going, sonny boy?”
“Too much love and honeymooning around here for me. I think I’ll head into town. Anybody interested in going along?”
Matt, whispering something to his wife, looked over. “Sorry. We’ve got plans. And they don’t include going to town.”
Reed gave a mock shudder. “I’d rather you didn’t share anything more.” He looked toward Luke and Ingrid. “You two?”
Two heads shook in unison.
Luke grinned. “But you might run into Colin. He and Dr. Anita were planning a cozy dinner for two.”
“Sounds like they’re getting serious.”
Grace sighed. “I certainly hope so.”
As Reed started toward the mudroom, Great One called, “You planning on seeing your pretty little shop owner?”
Reed plucked a denim jacket from a hook by the door and kept his tone impersonal. “I may run into her in town.”
“You’re bound to if you stop by her shop.”
Great One’s comments had everyone around the table grinning.
As Reed sauntered out to his truck, Matt slapped a bill on the table. “Ten dollars says he sees the redhead within ten minutes of hitting town.”
Luke shook his head. “That’s a no-brainer. But twenty says it’ll take him less than five minutes. And when we ask him to confirm it, he’ll deny everything.”
Tha
t had everyone chuckling as the truck’s tires spewed gravel before rolling along the driveway that led to the interstate.
Reed parked his truck in an empty spot along Main Street and sprinted to Ally’s Attic.
After his week in the hills, he was impressed by the changes already in place. She’d painted a bright red arch around the door and had filled two giant urns with bright red petunias, tall spikes, and trailing ivy, giving the entrance a festive look. It would be impossible to walk past without pausing to admire the view. And once a person paused, they would be drawn in by the clever displays in the windows.
One window appealed to ranchers, with a bale of straw and an assortment of tools artfully arranged, along with a battered Stetson and a pair of well-worn work gloves.
The other window appealed to young families just starting out, with a faded sofa sporting colorful pillows, an antique dresser painted neon turquoise with glittering silver hardware. A stuffed bobcat had been arranged on the dresser top, alongside an oval mirror trimmed with horseshoes.
All were things that had outlived their usefulness in various ranches and homes around the area. Yet in Ally’s hands, they’d become clever and attractive treasures to someone. The entire display had Reed grinning.
Inside he found Ally showing a rancher and his family a display of farm implements. On the other side of the room, Gemma York, wearing a fringed hippie-style vest and torn denims, was busy showing the rancher’s teenage son how to play chords on a guitar, while a girl of nine or ten was plinking the keys of an electronic keyboard.
In a corner of the room Kyle was busy running plastic ranch trucks along a vinyl highway that he’d turned into a steep hill by draping one end over the edge of a coffee table. When he caught sight of Reed, he let the trucks fall and raced across the room and into his arms.
“Where’ve you been?”
Reed scooped him up and wondered at the lightness in his heart. “Up in the hills with my cattle.”
“I’m glad you’re back.”
“Me too.”
Kyle shouted, “Look, Mama. Reed’s here.”
Reed nodded toward Ally, who acknowledged his presence with a quick smile.
As Reed set the little boy on his feet, he called, “See? You were wrong, Mama. Uncle Archer didn’t scare Reed away.”
She flushed clear to her toes before returning her attention to her customers.
Kyle had no idea he’d caused his mother any embarrassment. “Want to see my trucks?”
“Sure.” Reed had to tear his gaze from Ally. She was wearing an ankle-skimming skirt in pale green, with a simple white shirt and white sandals. Her hair fell in soft waves to her shoulders. He trailed Kyle to the space where he’d been playing and knelt down.
“Want to race?”
“Why not?” Reed waited to see which vehicle the boy would pick.
After Kyle chose a silver cattle-hauler, Reed picked up a shiny blue pickup.
“We start here.” Kyle set his cattle-hauler at the top of the hill.
Reed set his pickup beside Kyle’s.
“These are the rules. Remember now.” Kyle’s eyes behind the big glasses were fixed on Reed like a teacher giving a lecture. “When I say go, give your truck a push. Okay?”
Reed was grinning. “I think I can remember that much.”
“Go.”
Reed touched a finger to his vehicle a second after Kyle set his own truck in motion. The two toys raced down the vinyl strip and landed at the end inches apart, with Kyle’s landing first.
“I won!” The little boy’s fists pumped in the air.
“Good going, little buddy.”
Kyle beamed with pleasure. “Want to go again?”
“Well, yeah. You always want to give the loser a second chance.”
They raced again and again, with Kyle winning three out of four races, thanks to Reed’s intentionally late starts. At least that was all he would admit to. The fact that he was distracted by the sight of Ally shouldn’t have had any bearing on his ability to win.
Across the room they heard the sound of laughter and voices all talking at once as the family weighed the pros and cons of the purchases they were considering.
Ally accepted a credit card from the woman, who was delighted at their family’s successful shopping venture.
“Thanks for your help, Gemma,” the boy called as he picked up the guitar.
“You’re welcome.” Gemma waved and smiled.
The man hauled several farm implements outside to his truck, while his children followed, high-fiving each other before struggling to carry their musical instruments.
When they were gone, Ally walked over to where Gemma was standing. “I didn’t know you could play the guitar.”
The girl flushed. “I can’t really play. Just a few chords Jeremy taught me.”
“Those few chords just made a sale. So thanks.” Ally considered for a moment before saying, “I really like the way you stepped in, Gemma.”
The girl shrugged. “Selling’s fun. It’s what I want to do. Especially vintage clothing. I love wearing stuff I know other people wore.”
“Where do you find them?”
“Mostly in the trash.”
Ally bit back a smile. “What would you call your shop, if you had one?”
Gemma gave a shake of her head. “I don’t know. I guess my dreams haven’t gone that far yet.”
Ally thought a moment. “There’s a little back room I’m not using. With a few clothes racks and some shelves, you could store a lot of clothes.”
The girl’s eyes went wide. “I don’t have any money to pay you rent.”
Ally nodded solemnly. “I understand. But you could always earn the rent by working for me and selling your vintage clothes on the side.” She tapped a foot while she mulled. “You could call your little space… Gemma’s Closet. It sort of goes with Ally’s Attic.”
Now Gemma’s eyes filled. “Are you being serious?”
Ally shrugged. “Why not? I need some help, and you need to start your own business. It could be good for both of us.”
Gemma grabbed Ally in a bear hug. “Oh. Thank you. Thank you. You won’t regret this.”
Ally hugged her back. “Just one thing. I’ll need the names of some references.”
Gemma flushed and stepped back, holding herself stiffly. “I’ve never worked anyplace. Except some babysitting.”
“That’ll do.” Ally pointed to a pad of paper on the counter. “Give me the names and phone numbers of people you’ve babysat for, and as soon as I check them out tonight, you can get started.”
Gemma’s smile faded as she began writing on the paper.
They all looked up when Jeremy opened the door. Before he could step inside, Gemma darted toward him. “Gotta go. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Gemma. And thanks again for help with that last sale.”
Gemma was already steering her boyfriend out the door. “Let’s go, Jeremy.”
With a nod toward Ally and Reed, the boy took her hand and the two stepped out, letting the door close.
Ally watched Gemma sprint away, with Jeremy following.
When she turned back, Reed shot her a grin. “You’re not afraid she’ll scare off more customers than she’ll draw?”
Ally laughed. “I know she looks”—she shrugged—“different. But there’s something sweet about her. I like her. Besides, she’s persistent. And I admire that.”
Reed tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Because she reminds you of you.”
Ally flushed before turning the OPEN sign around on the glass door, indicating that her shop was now closed for the day.
Reed bent to help Kyle pick up the cars. “Did you two have dinner?”
Kyle answered for both of them. “We got macaroni and cheese at D and B’s and ate it upstairs in our ’partment.”
“Sounds good. Did you have dessert?”
Kyle shook his head. “We didn’t have time. Mama said we had t
o eat fast ’cause there were customers waiting.”
“Then it’s a good thing you decided to hire some help.”
Ally sighed. “After that big rush at the grand opening, I learned my lesson. I’d have been swamped without Dot and Barb’s help. I hope Gemma works out.”
“So do I.” Reed tucked his hands in his back pockets. “Now that you’re closed for the day, how about going for ice cream.”
“At D and B’s?” Kyle was already heading for the door.
“Have you tried I’s Cream yet?”
Both Kyle and Ally shook their heads.
He grinned. “I can see that you both need to get out around town more often. Ivy has the best ice cream in Montana. Come on.”
They danced out the door and headed up the sidewalk until they came to a glittering little shop with festive colored lights and paper lanterns in the windows.
Inside, they studied the dozens of varieties of ice cream being offered before making their choices. Outside, they settled themselves on wooden stools made of tree stumps arranged around a smooth tree-stump table.
Kyle was busy licking a purple-and-green confection.
Reed arched a brow. “How’s your Spotted Lizard ice cream?”
“Good.” He eyed Reed’s double-dipped cone. “What’s yours?”
“Jolly Holly. Red berries and mint.” Reed turned to Ally. “And yours?”
“It’s called the Kitchen Sink.” She grinned. “It has everything. Nuts. Cookie chunks. Candy pieces. Bits of marshmallow.”
“You’re one brave soul.” Reed winked at Kyle. “Your mom’s the first one I’ve ever met willing to try that.”
When they were finished, Ally went inside and returned with a handful of wet towels to wash away all traces of ice cream from Kyle’s hands and face.
She was just tossing the towels in a waste bin cleverly made to look like a tree trunk when she heard Reed say, “Gram Gracie said I might run into the two of you in town.”
He turned to include Ally in the introductions. “Ally Shaw and Kyle, this is my uncle, Colin Malloy, and Dr. Anita Cross.”
“Hello.” Ally offered a handshake. “It’s nice to meet you.”