Nana sat on the sofa beside her and held her hands. Moisture shimmered in her warm brown eyes when she squeezed Grace’s fingers. “You know this will always be your home. You’ll never have to worry about a place to live.”
She gazed deep into Nana’s eyes and saw the unconditional love shining back. She couldn’t stay upset with her. “I know. Thank you...I...I love you.” She lay down on the sofa, resting her head in Nana’s lap like she had as a child.
Nana stroked a hand through Grace’s hair. “You’re bone tired and heart sick. You haven’t had time to adjust to what's happened to you.” She continued caressing her hair. “Rest, child. You’ll find yourself.”
Grace knew Nana would help her make things right. She snuggled against Nana. For the first time in ages, she felt safe and loved. She finally relaxed and felt on the verge of falling asleep.
“Sleep, baby, you’re plumb worn out physically and emotionally.” Nana sighed. “Love heals. One day soon, a good man will come into your life and he’ll help you put all this behind you.”
As Grace drifted off to sleep she thought she heard Nana murmur, “And I know just the man.”
Chapter Two
A child’s laughter tugged Grace from a deep sleep. Must be dreaming. She rolled over and ploughed through the cobwebs in her brain. Gradually, she lifted an eyelid and squinted against the harsh morning light. Bright sun came through the lace curtains, creating squiggly designs across the bed. With a deep sigh, she pushed out from under the comforter’s warmth and the residue of last night’s pain pill. Innocent giggles came from the front of the house. She hadn’t imagined it. There was a child outside her bedroom window.
With stiff sore muscles Grace slowly tip-toed across the cold oak floor to look out the window. Her aching body proved she hadn’t taken enough breaks on the long drive yesterday. When would she learn?
Peeking around the edge of the curtain, she could see Seth and a little blond girl. Damn, he still looks good. The child wore a red coat with mittens and ear muffs to match, and was helping him roll a ball of snow around the yard. They were building a snowman. Where had she come from?
Through the window voices traveled clearly on the crisp morning air. The little girl appeared to be about six or seven and was having a blast. Seth lifted the head of the snowman and put it on top of the other two huge balls of snow while the child stood back and admired their handiwork. “Daddy, he’s the best we’ve ever made.”
Grace stepped away from the window pressing a hand over her mouth and bit down on her lip. Damn, like some young schoolgirl, she’d been drooling over a married man—with a daughter. Grace should know better. What was happening to her? After Lee, she hadn’t wanted anything to do with any man, and here she was with that giddy feeling in the pit of her stomach every time she saw her grandmother’s foreman. It was official—she had truly lost her mind.
Their conversation carried up to her. “Yes, he’s special,” Seth said in his deep voice. “Come on, Pumpkin, let’s go find him a hat.”
Grace peeked once more to see them holding hands and walking toward the bunkhouse out of view. A flash of loneliness stabbed at her. Yes, that’s why she felt this unreasonable attraction to Seth. She was lonely. But Seth was another woman’s husband.
Nana was full of secrets these days? Feeling betrayed once again an inner torment gnawed at her. Where was his wife? Did his whole family live in the house with Nana? If so, she’d move out. Seeing the family that was missing in her life on a daily basis would be too much. She shook her head. Get it together. Find Nana and get some answers.
Old arguments bubbled in her thoughts. She had always wanted children, but Lee had said no, insisting there wasn’t time while establishing their careers. Children were messy and didn’t fit into their Hollywood lifestyle. Being an attorney to the stars, he was always on call and needed his rest. He’d said they didn’t have time for screaming babies in the middle of the night.
So there had been no children despite her pleas, but this was no time for dwelling in the past. The fragrant smell of coffee and frying bacon wafted up from the kitchen, triggering a loud rumble from her stomach. She showered, pulled on jeans and a sweater and walked slowly down the stairs. She struggled to pull her mixed emotions together before she confronted Nana.
A steaming pot of coffee sat on the smooth granite counter top. Pouring herself a cup, Grace gazed out the window toward the back yard. Where had Nana gone? Her car was still in the driveway.
The sight of snow clinging to the rooftop of the storage shed reminded her of whipped cream on strawberry shortcake. She’d missed the snow. And there was nothing quite like looking at the mountains on a crisp Colorado morning after a snow storm. Blue skies, bright sunshine and snow capped-mountain peaks dotted the distant horizon. The view lifted her spirits, reminding her of the ski trips she and Cindy used to go on every winter. Fun times. She was excited about seeing her friend today.
Nana came into the open kitchen carrying a long red scarf, pulling Grace back to the present. “Well, good morning. How did you sleep?” She laid the scarf on the counter while she bustled around the kitchen.
“Better than I have in ages.” Grace carried her coffee to the table, taking a moment to collect her thoughts.
“Are you hungry? I made extra bacon. It won’t take me a minute to fix you breakfast.” Nana retrieved eggs from the refrigerator and bent over the stove to lift a skillet from the oven.
“You don't have to cook for me. I can do it." Normally, Grace didn’t eat breakfast, but the smell of the coffee and bacon had her stomach growling in anticipation. It must be the mountain air.
“Don't worry about it. There will be plenty for you to do later. Just sit there and enjoy. You need to eat to build your strength back.” Nana cracked two eggs into the pan, glancing out the window. “How cute. Did you see Seth and Jamie playing in the snow?”
Grace let the eating remark drop, knowing she needed to lose weight, and focused on getting her questions answered. “Yes, I heard them.” She tamped down an unwanted mixture of anger and betrayal.
“Why didn’t you tell me you had a family living in the house with you?” She ran her finger around the rim of the coffee mug, pretending the answer didn’t matter. Her throat tightened.
“I wanted you home and I knew you wouldn't come home if you thought others were staying here. And Jamie reminds me a lot of you when you were little.” Grace noticed Nana’s hand shook when she flipped the eggs and the distant tremor in her voice when she added, “she’s the best-natured little thing.”
“Is she the reason they’re living here in the house?” Nana had always taken in strays of all kinds, from wounded animals to fostering children after Grace had married. She tried to hide her inner misery from Nana’s probing stare.
Nana set a plate of bacon and eggs in front of her.
“Thanks. It looks good.” She cut up her breakfast, pushing the fork around the plate, waiting to hear what her grandmother had to say.
Nana popped a couple of slices of bread into the toaster and turned to look out the window at Seth and Jamie. “Seth is a single father. His wife left them when Jamie was only a baby.” She handed Grace the toast before seating herself. “So, yes, she’s part of the reason they’re living here.”
Seth was single. Grace’s heart skipped a beat. “So he’s raising the child alone?” Not knowing any single fathers, she couldn’t help but be impressed. “That has to be hard.”
“Yes, and he’s doing a remarkable job. Seth always puts Jamie’s needs first. Before they moved in here, he’d work all day sometimes late at night, then have to drive to an apartment they had in town.” Nana sighed. “It’s much easier on them living here and they keep me company. We all win this way.” A genuine warmth filled Nana's eyes when she spoke about the child. “I love that little girl.”
There it was, plain as day. It was all about the child. Grace rubbed a hand on the napkin and realized Nana was lonely, too. She could relat
e on so many levels. Why hadn’t she thought about it before now? Guilt pressed against her heart at the idea of Nana being all by herself. Lately, Grace had been so totally caught up with what she was going through that she hadn’t considered anyone else. Among her other emotions was a deep sense of shame for being so self-centered, thinking only of her own needs, not considering what Nana might want or need. Some granddaughter she turned out to be.
“I guess I didn’t realize how much you needed someone here with you.” She glanced under the table at the cat that was curled up at Nana’s feet. “No offense, Ollie.” She smiled and refocused on Nana. “I’m sorry I gave you such a hard time last night. What you do with your ranch is none of my business.”
“Oh, yes, it is.” Nana laughed. “This is your home, too. But there’s plenty of room for all of us.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” Grace pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and wished she'd been able to help Nana more during the last few years.” I’d forgotten what it’s like out here through the winter.” She stared out the window at the blue sky, wanting to change the subject. “What happened to that snowstorm?”
“Honey, you know how it is here. The weather changes every ten minutes.” She glanced out the window. “It’s going to be a nice day. Finish eating while I get this scarf out to the snowman. I promised Jamie I’d dig it out of the attic for her.” Her thin fingers tensed as she wrapped the scarf around her hand. “I know you’re going to like them.”
Grace sat dumbfounded as Nana scooted out the door in a flash of red. The child. That explained why Nana would let a stranger move into her home. Her grandmother had adopted another stray. She was the most tender-hearted person when it came to children and pets.
A few minutes later, laughter came from the back door. Grace turned to see Nana helping the little girl take off her coat and snow boots.
“Nana, don’t you think it’s just the best snowman ever?”
“He is something. I especially like the cowboy hat with the red scarf and his big black button eyes. They add character.” Nana smiled down at her. “Jamie, I’d like you to meet my granddaughter, Grace.”
"Hello, Jamie, I'm pleased to meet you." Grace said the words tentatively, then after looking into the child’s eyes, she realized it was true. Grace returned a welcoming grin to the small face with the striking blue eyes just like her father's.
Jamie stared at Grace. “You look like the pictures Nana showed me.” Her brows furrowed and she leaned against Nana. “Are you really going to stay with us?”
“Yes, I’m staying.”
Jamie’s frown turned to a big grin. She rushed over to sit beside Grace at the kitchen table. Joy glowed in the child’s eyes as she gazed at Grace. “My room is right next to yours. Can we be friends? Will you play with me? Can we—”
“Slow down, Jamie.” Seth’s hearty voice sounded from the back entrance, stopping the child in mid-sentence. “Give the lady a chance to catch her breath.” He hung his coat and hat on the wrought iron rack and crossed the room.
“Ma’am.” He nodded in greeting and let out a long audible sigh, then smiled at Jamie. “Please excuse her. She isn’t shy and sometimes she gets excited.” He paused and studied Grace’s face.
For a long moment, their eyes locked and she stared back at him. She floundered before the brilliance of his gaze, her pulse beating in overtime. He definitely isn't bald. She’d softened toward him when she realized he was raising his daughter by himself. But she had to safeguard her emotions. She looked away. She couldn’t imagine Lee raising a child, alone, not in a million years.
“Dad, she’s staying in the room next to me.” Jamie tugged at her father’s hand to regain his attention. “Won’t that be cool?”
Seth’s smile broadened when he sat down and swung his daughter onto his lap. “Yes, we’re lucky to live with such a nice family.” Gathering her into his arms, he snuggled her close.
He was Jamie’s dad and possibly a crook, Grace reminded herself. She fought her physical attraction to the man and glanced at Jamie to break the spell. “Jamie, of course we can be friends.”
“Yippee, we can have a tea party.” Jamie bounced on her father’s knee and returned a smile.
“You’re going to have to postpone the tea party until after school.” Seth gave her a swift hug against his chest and kissed the top of her head. “It’s time to get your backpack. The school bus will be here any minute.”
Jamie jumped off his lap and ran into the living room.
“Wait, I think it’s in the den,” Nana hurried after her. "I’ll help you find it.”
Seth glanced back at Grace and grinned. “When Jamie leaves the room, it’s like the passing of a tornado.” The warmth in his smile echoed in his voice.
“I think she’s wonderful.” Grace watched Nana help Jamie put the coat and boots back on before they headed out the side door.
“Bye, Dad,” Jamie shouted over her shoulder.
“Bye, honey.” He turned his attention back to Grace. “I like to think so, but there are times when she wears me out.” He poured himself a cup of coffee. “The bus should be here in a few minutes. They had a two hour delay this morning because of the snow.” He sipped his coffee and glanced at the back door. “Nana likes to watch her catch the bus. It’s a kind of a ritual they share.”
“She used to do that when I was in school.” Grace smiled ruefully when he sat down, remembering how she had spent her time when school was delayed. She and Cindy would talk on the phone until the last minute before the bus came, praying the late start would turn into a whole day off. Those were the days. She sighed. She could hardly wait to see Cindy.
“I’m sure it hasn’t been that long,” he teased. He glanced over at her with a shy cowboy grin that melted her frozen heart. She could feel the ice cracking. “Would you like a refill?”
“Sure.” He set his cup down and refilled hers. The steam from the hot coffee curled into the air between them as their gazes locked once again. The nagging in the back of her mind refused to be stilled as dangerous thoughts raced. Feeling unsure of herself, she was the first to break eye contact.
“Please let me know if Jamie gives you any trouble. Sometimes she can be a handful.”
She stared into the coffee mug, avoiding his intense blue gaze. The man’s eyes were hypnotic. “She seems like a darling little girl.” What I wouldn't give to have a child of my own.
“I don’t want Jamie getting in your way. Nana said you weren’t feeling too well, and I know how Jamie can be when she wants people to play.”
Grace's stomach clenched as if he’d punched her. Of course Nana had told him about her condition. That explained the look in his eyes. It wasn’t attraction, but pure pity. Stupid of her to think it was anything else. She swallowed hard, “If she gets to be too much, I’ll let you know.”
“Fair enough.” He nodded and sat back, sipping his coffee.
“How are the roads?” Grace rose to rinse her dirty dishes and placed them in the dishwasher, wanting to put some distance between them. She had let her heart get away from her for a minute. It wouldn't happen again. She didn’t need anybody. Best to remind herself that he might be taking advantage of Nana. And after all she was the interloper moving home when her grandmother already had a houseful. She sighed.
“I heard on the radio they’re only snow packed. It’s already dripping off the house. Should melt off the main roads by noon.”
“Good. I need to go into town and take care of some business.” She had to get away. With an odd twinge of disappointment, she tossed a smile at Seth and turned toward the hall. “I’ll see you later.”
***
Seth watched Grace leave, puzzled by her reaction. When she had lifted her eyes, he had glimpsed pain still flickering there. This woman had been someplace where others hadn’t been. Something bad had happened to her. He hadn’t meant to upset her. He just wanted to get to know her better. She was complex, not easy to read. A strange surge
of affection toward her surprised him.
And the sway of her rounded hips had been inviting. The sweet fragrance of her hair lingered in the air, the same scent had floated up to him when he’d held her last night, straight out of the shower, a subtle aroma of French vanilla and orange blossoms...totally feminine. The warmth of her body had been so womanly, so right when she had fallen against him.
His hand still tingled from touching her soft skin. She was a woman with curves, not like one of those stick women he saw in the magazines and on TV. He shrugged and shook his head. The ex-husband must have a screw loose.
But the lady had the look of a wounded sparrow in her big brown eyes. Raw hurt glittered in those amber-flecked depths. He could read it in her face and body language. He knew that wounded look. He’d been there.
When Enid had left him and Jamie for a rodeo clown, it had broken his heart. He could laugh now, but for those first few years, he had wanted to hunt her down and string her up. It was okay that she didn’t love him, but to leave a helpless baby like Jamie…unforgivable. His gut twisted in knots at the memory.
He’d been at work when he received the phone call. The neighbor had told him she’d been working in her flower garden and heard the baby crying. No one would answer the door and she was worried that something had happened.
When he arrived and unlocked the door, waves of hot air rolled over him from inside the house. Jamie was screaming at the top of her lungs when he picked her up from the crib. “It’s okay, sweetie. Where’s mommy?”
He had held the hysterical, tear-stained, infant in his arms and comforted her. In a panic, he searched the house for Enid. His wife’s things were gone. He should’ve seen the signs, her lack of interest in him or Jamie. Maybe he should’ve been around more but he had to work. He sighed and whispered to the baby, “Daddy’s home, it’s going to be okay.”
No Direction Home (Sweet Home Colorado) Page 3