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No Direction Home (Sweet Home Colorado)

Page 15

by Jude Willhoff


  “Grace, Joey here is ready to go. He wants to give Clara an apple to make friends before we head out. Could you please bring us an apple from the kitchen?”

  “First, Grace, I’m sorry for being such a brat,” Joey said and smiled at her.

  “Okay, I accept your apology. It takes a big person to admit when they’re wrong. I’ll get that apple for you.” She was amazed at how easily Seth had calmed him down. He was a complicated person, never ceasing to surprise her.

  Chapter Fourteen

  A few weeks later, Nana called Seth into her office. He went, wondering what was on her mind. He had been giving Grace her space, giving her time to heal from all that had happened to her so it couldn’t be that. He sat in the leather chair across from Nana’s desk waiting to hear what she had to say.

  Nana stopped writing and laid down her pen. “Times are changing for Colorado ranchers. How do you think we stand up to the other ranches in the area and what is your honest opinion of the future of the Cactus Rose?”

  “This ranch is one of the best in the region. Why it’s one of the best in the country.” He raised his eyebrows, concentrating on the wording of his answer. Something told him this was important to her. “You have water and grass for the cattle, trees to protect them from the wind and snow. And with the trail rides bringing in extra cash in the summer, I think the Cactus Rose should continue to be prosperous. Why do you ask?”

  “This place has been home all of my life and three generations before me. I’ll never take away from the working ranch, but I want to give something back.” She took off her glasses and held them in her hand.

  He sat back listening to her. She never summoned him to her office. He knew she hadn’t been feeling well lately and he wondered if that was the cause of this conversation.

  “Over the weeks since Joey has been here I’ve seen the need for a place for injured children to recuperate. He’s thrived with us. The mountain air has been good for him. Being able to go on the trail rides has given him confidence and new hope that he'll be able to do things for himself.”

  Seth grinned, remembering the first trail ride Joey had gone on. He, Jamie and Grace had tied Joey’s legs to the stirrups. He had fought them all the way, until he had those reins in his hands. One with the horse, he had found a piece of his lost independence, and since that day he had changed his attitude.

  “What did you have in mind?” Seth suspected he knew what was coming.

  “I haven’t talked to Grace about it yet, but I’m sure she’ll like the idea. I’m thinking about remodeling a portion of the bunkhouse for disabled children to come out for weekend trail rides this summer.” She pushed her glasses up on her nose and glanced at him. “What do you think?”

  “It's a wonderful idea. We could have a trail ride with a big bonfire at the end of the day and a cookout. The kids would love it.” He laughed. “The ranch hands could sing the songs they sing when they round up the cattle.”

  “Do you think the ranch hands would mind helping with something of this nature? With disabled children we would need lots of help. I think I could get some of the nurses from the hospital to volunteer to be around in case of an emergency.”

  “I’ll talk to them, but I'm sure they’ll go for it. They'll like the idea of cowboys helping kids. And I know they wouldn’t mind being around pretty nurses.”

  “Good. I’ll need you to get some estimates for building a ramp and enlarging the bathroom in the bunkhouse for the kids. Or maybe we should just build on to it. Check it out both ways and get back to me with the bids.”

  “Sure, not a problem,” he hesitated. “There’s something else I need to speak to you about.”

  “Spit it out. I’ve known since you returned home from Texas that there’s been something on your mind.” A sigh escaped her lips. “I hope you’re not moving back to Texas.”

  “I won’t lie to you; my parents want us to move home. I’m considering several things.” He ran his fingers through his hair, wanting to be completely honest with Nana. “The thing is, I love Colorado, and want to make Cedar Falls my permanent home. You’ve been like a real grandmother to Jamie and a good friend to me. This is the only home she's ever known and I don’t want to take that away from her.”

  “Well, I’m glad you realize this is her home and yours. If you’d leave here, we’d sure miss you. All of us.” Being able to read the double meaning in her words, he knew she’d love to see him and Grace together. And he had to admit, he’d like it, too.

  “In a few months, I’d like to bring my parents for a visit to get to know Jamie. She needs to know them. They can stay at the hotel in town and come out and visit her.”

  “I won’t hear of it.” Nana pushed away from the desk. “This is your home and I’d like to meet them. They’re more than welcome to come and stay right here at the ranch with you and Jamie. There’s plenty of room.”

  “You're kind, but I don’t want to put you out.” The lady had been wonderful to them, but he didn’t want to take advantage of her generosity.

  “You won't.” She paced around the desk, getting his undivided attention. “You were there when I really needed someone, and I’d like to do this for you. You know this is your home for as long as you want it. Besides, it will be easier on Jamie if they're here in her home.”

  “Thanks." He could almost see the wheels turning in her mind while he watched her pace the room.

  “Okay, when are they coming? We’ll need to prepare the extra rooms for company. It’ll be fun.”

  “Hold on. Not for a few months. I haven’t even asked them yet. It’s just since we solved our differences my mom is anxious to see her granddaughter.” And he wanted her to meet Grace.

  “Of course she is. Invite them soon.” She sat back down at the desk with a twinkle in her eyes. “I’d love to have them come to be here with Jamie. They’re her grandparents and she needs them, too. The child has a lot of love to give.”

  “You’re right, but there’s something else I need to speak to you about.” He had her attention and tried not to appear nervous—this would change his future.

  “You know you can talk to me about anything.” Concern washed across her face.

  He could feel the waves of tension rolling off of himself. This was important. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you, but when my grandfather passed away I came into a considerable amount of money. Enough to buy my own ranch.”

  “Oh, Seth, that’s wonderful news.” Relief shone in her eyes. “If anybody deserves it, you do.” She was happy for him. Then a crestfallen expression crossed her face. “Oh, I see. You’ll no longer be working for me.” Her smile ran away from her face for a few seconds, then it returned, tremulous now.

  “Yes, as I said, I want to make our home here, in Cedar Falls, but I want to buy a ranch of my own. I’d never leave you short-handed. Besides, it’ll be a while before we make the move.” He breathed a sigh of relief at telling her. “I haven’t found anything yet, but I wanted you to know I’m going to start looking. And when I do go, I think Travis would make a great foreman to take my place.”

  "So you want a ranch of your own?" Nana had a gleam in her eye which made him wonder what she was up to. Here he thought she would be upset and she seemed happy about it. Would she be glad to get rid of him? Maybe he’d misjudged her opinion of him.

  Her eyes glittered with excitement. “I happen to know of a ranch for sale. A good one, right near here.”

  “Which one?” He was confused. “I haven’t heard of anything for sale.”

  “It’s not on the market yet, but it will be. Mrs. Davis owns the neighboring ranch to the south of us. Her husband passed away last year and her boys don’t want it. She wants to move back east where her family lives. She called me the other day to see if I was interested in adding on to the Cactus Rose.” She grinned. “I told her I’d think about it and get back to her.”

  “The Davis ranch. Wow.” He whistled. “That’s a nice spread.”

&nbs
p; “Yeah, but don’t kid yourself. The land is good, but the house is in bad shape and it needs work. Not much has been done to it since Sam died. I think you could get it for a good price.”

  The Davis ranch was a great piece of property, the kind he was looking for. And it was close to the Cactus Rose so he could see Grace. “I don’t care about the house. I’d like to build my own. A log home similar to this one.” He paused. “But what about you?” Not wanting to get in the way of her buying the property, he uncrossed his legs and leaned forward in the chair, being sincere with Nana. “Do you want to add on to the Cactus Rose?”

  “Not really. This ranch has more than enough land and if I can’t have you as my foreman, at least consider being my neighbor. I think of you as the son I never had. I’d like to have you next door.”

  Knowing the Davis ranch well, he was getting excited. A warmth entered his chest at the thought Nana would help him like this. And the fact it bordered on the land where he and Grace had gone to gaze at the stars made it even sweeter. “When can we take a look at it?”

  “Why not tomorrow? I’ll give Mrs. Davis a call and see when we can set up a time.” She smiled and walked around the desk.

  “Thanks Nana. You’re the best.” He grinned and gave her a hug.

  “I’m going to miss you.” Moisture glistened in the corners of her eyes.

  “Hey, stop it. I’m just daydreaming here.” He squeezed her shoulder. “I don't have the ranch yet.”

  “You will. I have a good feeling about it.” She turned to stare at Seth. “Hey, I have an idea.”

  “What?” Now what did she have up her sleeve?

  She grabbed Seth’s hands. “How about I sell you a few acres on the south border? I know you and Jamie daydreamed about building a home there. She told me it was the prettiest place on earth. If you build there, it won’t bother Jamie as much about moving.”

  He was in awe. What a lady. “You would do that for us?”

  “Sure. You’re family.” They stood there hugging each other.

  “I say yes, if you’re serious. But let’s figure out if I can buy the ranch first.” He grinned. His dreams were coming true. Now, if he could convince Grace she needed him, his life would be perfect.

  ***

  Later that day, Seth stood in the open doorway of the pool area, watching the interaction between Grace and the children. So intent were they with their swimming, they hadn’t heard him come into the room. It gave Seth a chance to watch his daughter a moment and as always, the sight of the youngster made his heart swell with love. Through the hard times, dealing with her endless questions and simple needs had given him a reason to get up every morning. He realized she was the best parts of him and his ex-wife.

  Grace was loving and patient with the kids. She'd make a great mom. There’s no way he could ever repay her or thank her enough for all she’d done for Jamie.

  In the indoor swimming pool, Grace watched Jamie and Joey splashing and swimming. It looked like therapy had already been completed for the day and it was time for some fun.

  “Hey, you’re turning into a fish." Grace called out to Joey. "I swear. I see fins.” The young boy worked his way across the pool, cautiously using his damaged leg while Jamie swam beside him. The therapy was working. Thank goodness—his healing was coming along just fine.

  Joey grinned at her. The floats on his arms and legs were keeping him high in the water, but Seth was sure the boy felt as if he were swimming by himself.

  “Watch me. I made it across the pool.” Triumph gleamed in his eyes. He’d been working to accomplish that feat for weeks.

  Grace was jumping up and down in the water, clapping her hands, happy for Joey. Seth could tell from Joey’s expression he cared about Grace and Jamie. Things had been different for him here. Grace wouldn’t let him get away with anything. Joey had told Seth at the other places, if he didn’t feel like therapy, they’d let him off. Since he’d moved into this home, he’d done his exercise therapy every day, no matter how much he complained. At first, the kid had complained a lot. But now things had changed. Jamie's presence helped.

  When Jamie wasn't at school, she was at his side. It was obvious Joey loved her. Joey had told them she was a lot like the sister he had lost. And speaking of school, Nana made sure he did all the homework they assigned him over the Internet home schooling program. It looked like the kid would pass this year after all. The fight and anger had gone out of him. He wanted to get better and was working hard at it.

  Seth walked into the pool area. “Way to go, Joey. I knew you could do it. I’m proud of you, kid.” He sat on the lounge chair and pretended to watch the kids, but his attention was on Grace.

  She slipped down into the water. Even though she’d been working with him and Joey doing therapy for the past few weeks, he realized she was still uncomfortable being in a bathing suit in front of him. She flushed when he gazed steadily at her. She was absolutely beautiful and had nothing to be ashamed of.

  The woman drove him crazy. He’d like to kidnap her and run away with her for about a year, and make mad passionate love to her every day. Because she had put on a few pounds she thought she wasn’t appealing to any man. She was wrong. He’d better start watching the kids or the bulge in his jeans would embarrass them all.

  “Kids, it’s about time to get out of the pool. I have to get dinner ready.” Grace climbed the steps and picked up a large fluffy towel and wrapped it around her waist.

  “Oh, can we stay in a while longer?” Jamie and Joey pleaded.

  “You go ahead.” Seth winked at her, knowing she wanted to get away from him. “I’ll stay with them.”

  “Okay, have fun, you tadpoles. I swear they're growing fins.” She laughed when she picked up her things and moved past him.

  Seth reached over and grabbed her hand before she could escape. “Hey, how about going to town with me tonight? I hear there’s a good band at the Starlight Inn.” Stunned at the tingle that flew up his arm, he gazed into her eyes. Even though she’d been keeping her distance, the attraction between them was a mutual thing growing on a daily basis. He knew they wouldn't be able to deny it much longer.

  Like two little old maids with big ears, the kids watched and waited for her answer.

  “I'm sorry, but I already have plans with Cindy and Jenna. We’re going to the movies. Maybe another time.”

  “Well, if you’re going out with those two, I’m sure you’ll end up there.” He laughed. “Save a dance for me.” He let go of her hand and she hurried out of the room.

  “Do you like dancing with Grace?” Jamie called to her dad from across the pool.

  “Of course he does.” Joey swam to the side of the pool. “Grace is a neat lady.”

  He was right. Grace was a neat lady and Seth did like dancing with her. He knew she liked it too, but was afraid to get involved, because she had been hurt so badly with her ex-husband. He’d like to grind her ex-husband into the dust. Well, tonight he might have to do something about making her feel more comfortable with him.

  He grinned. “Yes, she’s a good dancer and she smells good, too.”

  They burst out laughing. “I think you should marry her.” Jamie said. “Then I’d have a mom.”

  Jamie's words were music to Seth's ears. She was right, but he had to convince Grace he was marrying material. And now he had money and would soon have his own ranch, he had something to offer her. Time was on his side.

  He grinned at his little mermaid. “Marry her? Honey, people need to know each other a long time before they get married.”

  “You’ve known her a long time. I like her and she’s good to me and Joey and you.” She pulled up on the edge of the pool and sat kicking the water with her feet. “She likes to play games with me and she even stayed up and watched movies with us at the pajama party.”

  “We’ll see. Things like marriage take time.” He picked up two terry cloth beach towels. But for now, “I think you guys need to get out before you turn into wrin
kled prunes.”

  “Okay, I am getting hungry.” Joey pushed himself up on the steps to the pool. Since Joey had come to the ranch, his appetite had increased by leaps and bounds.

  Seth rolled his wheelchair close to the edge. “Let me help you.” He carefully lifted him into the chair, handed him a towel and helped take off the floats. “The way you're progressing you won’t need these floats or my help much longer. I’m proud of you.” He leaned down and patted his shoulder.

  Joey grinned at him. “Thanks.”

  Jamie stared at the two of them. “When you marry Grace you can adopt Joey. Then he can be my brother.” She grinned. “I’ve always wanted a mom and a big brother.”

  Joey glanced away with moisture in his eyes.

  “Joey would make a wonderful brother, but you never know what the future holds.” Seth knew the turmoil this conversation was causing Joey. He squeezed the boy’s shoulder when he wheeled him away, glancing back at Jamie. “Come on, slow poke. Nana and Grace will have our heads if we’re late for dinner.”

  Together, the three of them left the pool area. If Seth could have his way, he would marry Grace and adopt Joey in a heartbeat, keeping them together as a family forever...but Grace would take work.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The night was clear and brightened by a full moon as Grace glanced out the car window. Thousands of stars stood out against the inky black sky, twinkling in the distance high above the surrounding mountain tops. On this cold winter’s eve, some snow still covered the ground and dotted the dark green sage brush along the country road as Cindy drove them toward Cedar Falls in companionable silence.

  Before Cindy had picked her up for the evening, Grace tucked the children in and left Nana and Seth in charge. Lately, Nana didn’t seem to have as much energy as usual. Grace would try to get her to go to the doctor on Monday. Turning from the view, she glanced at Cindy’s smiling face. “You look like the cat that swallowed the canary. What gives?”

 

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