Gabe forgot about the pain in his finger for the lump in his throat. He drew her tight. In a few weeks, memories of a lady with eyes the color of mountain columbines and a smile that stole his breath would be all he’d have left of a summer that changed his life.
He swiped his cheek against her soft hair. “Earning your keep? More than you’ll ever know.”
“This is dumb. It’s Saturday morning, can’t I go play?”
Melanie stacked three pine boughs and reached for some ribbon. At the rate she was going, she’d need more than double the amount of supplies she’d collected. “This is not dumb, it’s creative. You don’t want to just look at food when you sit down to eat.”
“Why not?” Jason rolled a pinecone along the tabletop. “If they’re hungry.”
“Because it’s nice having a pretty table, even at a picnic.”
“Dumb.”
“Hey, anyone home?” Gabe called through the screen door.
“Come in.” Melanie finished tying her bow. “We’re just putting together centerpieces. How’s the finger feeling?”
Gabe flexed his finger at the knuckle. “See? One good night of sleep and I’m a new man.”
Jason slumped back into his chair. “Gabe? Do you have to look at something pretty while you eat?”
Gabe leaned against the doorjamb, his arms crossed over his chest. The intensity of his look made her breath catch in her throat. “Don’t have to, Bud. But it sure makes everything taste better.”
She resisted the urge to pat her hair and straighten her T-shirt. At times, Gabe said the sweetest things that made her long to hear them forever. She shuffled the boughs in front of her.
“Jason, would you please go and collect some more boughs about this size?” She grabbed the cardboard box behind her. “Here. I need about twenty more, and if you see some perfect pinecones throw those in, too.”
Jason took the box and squeezed past Gabe. “Is that why cereal tastes better when you look at the box while you eat?”
Gabe chuckled and ruffled Jason’s hair. “Something like that, Bud.”
The screen door slammed as Jason jumped onto the porch. Gabe removed his hat and took a seat in the empty chair. His presence filled the entire room.
“Pretty tables, huh?” He grinned. “The folks around here never had it so good.”
“You’ve got to be paying me for more than just attending meetings.” She stacked another bunch of boughs and measured out the ribbon. “If you hired me as a party planner, that’s what you’re going to get.”
“Just don’t go getting too expensive on me. Fixing the dent in your pickup is about all I’m springing for.”
She curled the ribbon with her scissors. “If I remember that dollar amount, I’m looking at one pricey fender.”
His brows gathered over his sparkling brown eyes, ramping up the wattage of his stare a thousand percent. “I think I’m getting the better end of this deal. So, you still need help?”
Melanie touched a drop of hot glue to a pair of pinecones, setting them in the crook of the boughs. “I told Emma Jean and Frannie I’d have cards for the food.”
He scratched his forehead then ran his fingers through his thick, dark hair. Strong, tanned hands rubbed the back of his neck as he stretched. “If you say so.”
“Maybe we can find a way to fill all your free time. Want to help cut paper with me?”
The slow, deep grin she earned for that comment made her think twice about voicing blatant observations like that again. She dipped her chin and let her gaze dart over the materials on the table. The breeze no longer blew through the room, and she thought she’d melt.
Reaching out, she rolled a pencil back and forth on the table. “Speaking of labeling dishes, did Mrs. Wells mention anything about adding a main dish to the menu?”
Gabe shook his head, breaking the bond between them. “I don’t know how you did it, but I’ve got a hundred pounds of pork ribs coming in this week. Sweetheart, you’re making history.”
Her heart jumped at the endearment, even if it was only an expression. “You won’t be sorry. My uncle used to season the best ribs. I know the grocery store has the spices. The trick is in the rubbing.”
“I’ll be sure to take notes.”
“Gabe, you’ve got to broaden your horizons.”
“You’re managing that quite well.” He pushed back from the table, the legs of the chair scraping on the wooden floor. “So, are you planning on flipping all those ribs?”
“Nope, RJ is going to help me. And Hank said he’d take the grills with the beef. See? All bases covered.”
Gabe leaned back in the chair, his jaw jutted out. “And who is going to help me with the cattle?”
Excited to share all her plans, Melanie set aside the pencil and waved her finger in a circle. “It all comes around. Most of your setup occurs now. On Saturday, Hank and RJ will get the fires going and begin the meat. Mrs. Wells volunteered her husband and a couple others to take over when you need Hank and RJ for the auction. All they have to do is fill platters and serve.” She flipped her hands over, palms up. “Everything is falling into place. You were right. The ladies of Hawk Ridge know how to organize an event.”
“I don’t remember offering my men to help.”
She wasn’t going to let him rain on her schedule. This picnic was coming together better than she’d ever dreamed. Better than she thought she could do. “Gabe, trust me.”
“Is that right?” Gabe challenged, his dark eyes unwavering.
Her cheeks flamed under his scrutiny. She should have never opened her mouth. “Careful you don’t get blisters on your fingers from the scissors.”
Boots pounded up the path and onto the porch. RJ rattled the screen door. “Hey, Gabe. Miss Grace wants you back at the house. Shipment of cattle coming our way.”
Gabe pinched the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyelids closed. “I’ll be glad when this auction is over.” He opened his eyes and scrubbed his hand down his face.
An odd disappointment settled in her belly. “Jason can come back and help me.”
“This won’t take me long.” Gabe stood up and settled his hat on his head. He reached the doorway. “No sense in tearing the boy away from a day collecting pine droppings.”
The crooked grin on his face filled Melanie with hope. Maybe they’d still get to work together today. She didn’t have much time left to spend at the Circle D, and she wanted to make the most of it. A long-forgotten hint of sass tickled her tongue. “I’ve seen RJ heft bales of hay. I’ll bet he can help me cut all the cards I need.”
“I think you’ve penciled in enough Hank-and-RJ time into your schedule. I’ll be back.” His rich brown eyes held her gaze. He broke the spell with a tap of his finger on her nose. “Unloading cattle will just be a warm-up for all that scissor cutting.”
Gabe pushed through the screen door and headed down the dirt path. He ran his fingers through his hair before setting his hat in place, never missing a step. Melanie watched his fluid movements until he rounded the corner and moved out of sight.
She looked down at the pile of greenery on the table in front of her and felt a giddy smile tug at her lips. She’d better start thinking of lots of dishes to label.
Chapter Thirteen
“Hurry, Jason, we’re going to make everyone late.” Melanie dabbed on the last touch of mascara. Checked her lip gloss and blush, too. “I don’t think Gabe wants to be late for church.”
Jason stepped into her doorway. “I’m ready, Mom. Are you? Hey, you look good.”
Good? Jeans, a long-sleeved shirt and hiking boots. Thankfully, everything clean. She gave Jason the once-over. “Hmm, you do, too. Amazing what a little soap and water will do.” She pointed him toward the door and they both took off at a run.
Gabe and Hank sat at the bottom of their path in the same shiny, clean SUV they’d ridden in last Sunday. Melanie slowed to a walk, hiding a grin. The truck was dressed up for church, too. Gabe got out and opened the door for
them. Jason climbed in the back, where Hank had already switched seats.
“Hank, don’t you want to ride shotgun?” She peered in the back window.
“Not on Sunday, ma’am.” He tousled Jason’s hair. “Can’t let Jason here get bored on the ride into town.”
Gabe rolled his eyes. “Don’t mind him. He just beat me to gallant. Mom’s staying home with Dad today. Dad’s madder than a hornet about it.” He opened her door and let her get settled before closing it. Rounding the front of the vehicle, he slid into his seat, dropped into gear and away they drove. “We all have to pray our hardest for patience. For us, and him.”
Not ten minutes later, they pulled into the church parking lot. Before Gabe could get out of the car, people surrounded him asking about Martin. Gabe assured them his dad was okay, just resting this morning.
They followed him like a swarm of bees as he skirted the front of the truck and opened her door to let her out. Cupping her shoulder, he guided her across the yard. The heat of his palm penetrated her cotton shirt as she greeted the people she’d met over the week. They talked to her, surrounded her.
RJ met them at the door, his dark hair still damp and his shirt pressed. He grinned and nodded. Melanie responded, marveling over all the friendships she’d forged in such a short time. How was she going to leave?
She followed Gabe to the same pew they’d sat in last Sunday. She didn’t mind sitting up front as much as she had the previous week. Outside the plate-glass window behind the pulpit, the sun brightened the peaks, casting crazy shadows along the jagged edges. Green grasses grew in the short field beyond the church, their tips a good three inches high. She’d ask Gabe about loading the tractor and mower and giving the grass a trim. Wouldn’t take long at all.
The processional music stopped and the pastor entered, wishing everyone a good morning. Melanie relaxed even further as the kind man smiled at the congregation and reviewed the activities in the week ahead. He asked the congregation to keep Martin in their prayers. He also must have had some insight into the storms brewing at home, because he asked everyone to pray for Grace and the rest of the family, too, in this time of uncertain patience. He looked over at Gabe and nodded.
Gabe stood from his seat beside her and walked up to the front where guitars and a keyboard stood. The pew felt empty without him. Melanie wrapped her arms around her waist.
Hank stood and joined him. So did Jennifer. And Ruthy and Janet, the young women from the planning meeting the other morning. Gabe grabbed the guitar and looped the strap into place.
“Being the last Sunday of the month, let’s tell the Lord how we really feel about the blessings He’s given us.” Gabe strummed a couple chords, and everyone rose. Music filled the room. The congregation sang.
Melanie stared in amazement at the front of the sanctuary. Gabe played guitar as if he’d been a musician his entire life. Eyes closed during the verse, he sang with his heart in every word. At the refrain, he opened his eyes, his fingers dancing on the strings, the power of his music incredible. By the end of the first song, Melanie realized she sang with just as much gusto as everyone else. She loved it.
The band played two more songs, each speaking a different message to her heart. The years melted away, and Melanie felt as if she’d never left the church, never suffered anguish, never doubted God’s wisdom.
She almost cried.
As the last chords were strummed, her heart splintered and all the fight in her washed away. Jason bumped into her as his voice quieted at the end of the song. She reached out and hugged him until he squirmed.
She’d been wrong to keep Jason from the fellowship of believers due to her own bitter feelings. She’d accepted the consequences of her actions, and God had been faithful in His care of them. She loved Jason with her whole heart and wouldn’t have wanted her course to go any other way. She offered thanks to the Lord for His wisdom and mercy.
The band finished and returned to their seats. Gabe slid in beside Melanie. Love and adoration for the Lord shone in Gabe. Not just in church but in everything the man did. She’d thank him later for opening her eyes to the truth of living God’s love.
After church, the ladies of the picnic committee surrounded her. Jason squirmed away, saying he’d be at the swing. Melanie wished she could be there, too.
“The Davidson place looks wonderful with everything spruced up for the picnic.” Mrs. Wells clapped her hands together. “Gracie’s pleased as punch that the fences have been washed down and the equipment moved out of her view. And she never thought she’d see the day when Gabe took notice of a lovely lady over his cows.”
“Heard tell he took an afternoon off to go fishing.” Frannie Pollard nodded at the group.
Emma Jean looked around wide-eyed. “Came by the church the other day to play on the swing, too.”
Melanie searched the expectant faces for some hint of a joke. She wanted to laugh at the curiosity she found. The church ladies of Hawk Ridge read far too much into simple courtesies. “I’m much more a bother to the entire Davidson family than you think. My truck needed repairs and I needed a place to stay. I’m just paying the family back for their hospitality by helping with the picnic.”
Mrs. Bingham took Melanie’s hand and patted her knuckles. “That Gabriel is not torn off task easily. I do believe you’ve caught the young man’s eye.” Gnarled fingers stilled on Melanie’s hand as Mrs. Bingham moved closer. “All of Gracie’s boys are nice, but that Gabriel, he’s my favorite.”
Melanie offered a skeptical smile even as thousands of butterflies fluttered in her stomach. For as much as the thought of Gabe showing interest excited her, reality told her love didn’t happen this way. Other predicaments, yes; love, no. “I think Grace raised him a gentleman. Like I said, he’s just stuck with me until my truck is fixed.”
“If you say so, my dear.” Mary Wells tipped her chin and pinned Melanie with a challenging look right over the top of her wire-rimmed glasses. “And you will be with us for how long?”
“The picnic is next Saturday and I’ll be leaving on Sunday. I have to get back to Colorado Springs. My vacation will be over.”
Emma Jean, Frannie, all of the ladies, nodded with Mary Wells.
“Pam is getting buckets of potato salad ready. Missy and Cara are collecting desserts.” Mrs. Bingham focused back on the picnic. She released Melanie’s hand in favor of pointing in the direction of the kitchen. “Ruthy has everyone coming at eleven o’clock. Is that all right?”
“The meat will be done and so will the beans. I looked around for the best places to put the tables and everything fit.” Melanie eyed the group but saw nothing more than business at hand. “I’m praying like a madwoman we don’t have rain.”
“You and all the folks in the county. If God sends rain, then He has a good reason to do it. Oh, and we’ll be praying for you, too.” Mrs. Wells winked at Melanie. “For everything to work out.”
Shop talk settled over the women, each excited about the food, the fun and the fellowship of the upcoming Saturday. Melanie chatted with them, her heart filled with incredible tenderness for the kind people of Hawk Ridge. They’d treated her and Jason as if they belonged from the very first day. Peace settled over her, a peace she hadn’t embraced in years.
Gabe’s deep laughter floated over the noise and caught her attention. He stood with RJ, Jennifer and a couple of men by the parking lot. Joy touched every line of his face as he nodded over something one of the men said. She had to agree with her church ladies. God had made a special man in Gabe Davidson.
A flash of longing stabbed Melanie’s contentment. As soon as the picnic was over and her truck repaired, she’d return to the city, to her old life, and pick up the search for a job again. After spending time in Hawk Ridge, she knew she wanted life in a small town. Maybe she’d even find another community much like Hawk Ridge, one with the perfect job just for her. But she’d never find another man like Gabe. Or the friends she’d made. The friends she’d miss. Gabe belo
nged to this community. They each had their own special places that didn’t include the other.
She’d coordinated the barbecue as agreed. Her filing and sorting in Gabe’s office had begun. Her truck received resuscitation with a repaired radiator and carb.
Agreement signed, sealed and delivered.
Gabe’s laughter floated over her again.
Somehow, the thought of leaving Hawk Ridge didn’t thrill her as much as it had a couple of weeks earlier.
“King Phillip Came Over From Great Spain…”
Gabe turned at the sound of Melanie’s voice in the corner of his office. With the second drawer of his vertical file opened to the fullest, she sat on the edge of his desk scribbling on a pad of paper.
“No wait, that’s not right. How about For Great Spaghetti?” She tapped the tip of her pencil on the pad. “Good Soup? Nope.”
“What are you mumbling about?” He stepped into the room. Organized stacks of manila file folders lined the front edge of his desk where only days ago a scattered mess of paper lay.
He could get used to this.
A smile tugged at her lips. “It’s Great Spain. I had that botany class right before lunch. I know I would have thought of nothing but food if soup or spaghetti were involved.”
“In what?”
“Plant family classifications.”
What was he missing? “Plant classification for…?” He curled his fingers as if to pull the information out of her.
“For organization. In botany class I used a mnemonic to remember my plant family classification. You know—King Phillip Came Over and so on, to remember Kingdom, Phyllum, Class…” She fanned her fingers and rolled her wrist to indicate her continuing pattern. She pointed to his file cabinet. “You need a system or you’re going to start piling papers all over the place again. Not efficient at all.”
“But I knew where everything was. Now I’ll have to dig around in the organized files to find what I need.”
She held up a crumpled pink sheet of paper and waved it at him. “Really? Do you know what this is?”
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