Well, he wanted things to be perfect for her this time around. She deserved it. He’d have Cindy bring her out on horseback and see the home from the ridge. It was an awesome sight. She’d have to fall in love with it.
He’d even built a gazebo at the exact spot where they had shared their first kiss under the stars. It was the place where he wanted Grace to marry him. Joey would be his best man and Jamie the flower girl. Thank goodness Cindy and Jenna were taking care of the details with the flowers, cake and Grace's gown. Everything else he had taken care of, personally. He didn’t want any slip-ups. This was the last time he was getting married.
His plan was to ride out to meet them. Cindy would make herself scarce while he proposed to Grace. The minister, his parents, Nana, the kids and a few friends would be waiting at the new house for them. Then the girls could assist Grace in getting ready for the wedding. They’d be married at sunset with the shades of purple drifting over the mountains while they spoke their vows to the heavens.
Grace has to say yes.
***
In the middle of the diner, Grace glanced between Cindy and Jenna stopping at Cindy. “Well, time to tell all. How was the trail ride by moonlight?” She asked, teasing her friend. She and Jenna sat across the table from her, waiting for answers. “What’s that? I didn’t hear you.”
“You didn’t hear anything, because I didn’t say anything.” This is different. Travis is special.” Cindy pouted, picking at her salad.
"What? You’re not quite ready to share your feelings about Travis with us.” Grace grinned. It was nice to give Cindy some of her own medicine. “Could it be that those feeling are just too warm and fuzzy to talk about over lunch...even with your best friends?”
Cindy frowned at Grace and stabbed her salad, ignoring her.
Jenna shifted in her chair. “I have news.”
The girls glanced in her direction. Grace asked, “What’s up?” knowing Cindy would be relieved to talk about anything to get them off her back about Travis.
Jenna held out her left hand, moving her fingers, showing off a beautiful one carat diamond solitaire ring. Sparkles danced around her fingers. “Charlie and I are engaged.”
“When?” Cindy grabbed her hand. “It’s beautiful.” She hesitated for about a second. “Oh, my God.” Squealing in delight, Cindy jumped up, pushing the chair back and ran around to hug Jenna. “Congratulations!”
“I’m happy for you.” Grace gave Jenna a hug and glanced at her ring. “Charlie must be making good money. It’s absolutely gorgeous.”
Cindy held her water glass up for a toast. “Here’s to Jenna and Grace. You kept our pact. You both went out and found love. Here's wishing you all tons of happiness with your soul mates. Now all I have to do is find one.”
“I’ll drink to that.” Grace toasted in unison with Cindy and Jenna.
Cindy frowned. “When are you getting married?”
Jenna grinned at them and glowed with happiness. “You guys know you’re my best friends.” She glanced from one to the other for understanding. “Charlie and I talked it over and decided we’d rather spend our savings on buying a home, instead of having a big fancy wedding. Not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings, we decided we’re going to elope. It’s the right decision for us.”
“I knew you were getting close, but I have to admit, this is kind of sudden. You surprised me.” Cindy laughed.
“Tell us all about it,” Grace said.
“Really, there’s no rush. Charlie just wanted to put the ring on my finger. In a few months, we’re going to fly to Las Vegas and get married at one of those cute little chapels on the strip.”
Cindy giggled. “Don’t tell me Elvis will marry you?”
“No, silly, it won’t be a place like that. It’ll be nice, complete with a minister, flowers and all the trimmings.”
Grace twisted a strand of hair, thinking about what she could do for the couple. “I’m impressed. You know that’s really smart about using your savings to buy a house but you have to let us have a reception for you at the ranch.”
“It's not necessary. What we would really like to do is have a small dinner party with you guys, Seth and Travis. I’d like the men to get to know each other better.”
“Good idea. We’re friends for life. They’d better like each other.” Grace smiled. “By the way, I have something to tell you, too.” She sighed and bit her lip, glancing at each of them. “You’re the first to know.” She rubbed her hand against her stomach and took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant.”
“Oh, my goodness! Congratulations. I know how much you’ve always wanted a child of your own.” Cindy glanced at Grace in concern. “But...with your condition, will you be able to carry the baby full term?”
“Yes, Doc Kruger says I should do fine. He confirmed my suspicions when he checked me out after the bear thing. I’m so happy I could burst and I have this urge to go baby clothes shopping.”
“I’m sure we’ll be doing a lot of that.” Jenna leaned toward Grace, smiling. “You know you do have a certain glow about you.”
Grace laughed. “It's the sheen of morning sickness. I’ve spent the last two mornings hugging the porcelain throne but it’s going to be worth it.”
“Does Seth know?” Cindy asked.
“No, he leaves early and I usually don’t wake up until after he’s gone. Now that this is happening, I’m glad he’s leaving early. I wouldn’t want him to see me like that.”
“Why haven't you told him?”
It seemed Cindy was always taking Seth's side but Grace knew Cindy wanted them to work out their differences and with the baby on the way the sooner the better. She knew how her friend worried about her. She glanced down at her stomach, touching it in a protective manner. “I haven’t decided if I’m going to tell him or not. I’ve been thinking. I want a soul mate, like Jenna, not a cell mate.”
“What? That's rude. Have you lost your mind?” Cindy said in a shocked tone. “Wake up and smell the roses. He is your soul mate. Tell him.”
“Nana is home from the hospital. When we got married he said we’d get a divorce when Nana was better. I’m waiting to see what he does.”
“You are so stubborn. You know he said that in order to get you to agree to marry him.”
“Maybe, but he keeps me so confused. Most days I don’t know if I’m coming or going. One minute, when he’s in public, he’s the sweetest, most loving person, then he shuts down and is a cold fish toward me when we’re alone.”
“I’m sure he has his reasons and eventually he’ll tell you. You have to give him some time to work things out. After all, it’s not just you who’s going through changes. He’s had quite a few lately, too.” She grinned. “I mean the man is working like a dog on the ranch, has married you and adopted Joey. I don’t think he takes any of that lightly. If he were thinking about a divorce he would never have adopted Joey. He takes this marriage seriously and when he knows there’s a baby on the way he’s going to be thrilled.”
Grace didn’t like Cindy taking Seth’s side. “And since when have you become the authority on Seth?”
“Come on now, I’ve told you all along I think he’s a good man. I think you’re both lucky to have found each other.”
“We’ll see, but I’m not ready to tell him yet. I wanted to share it with you guys, first. My friends, who I know love and care about me and what happens to me. Is that wrong?” In her heart, she knew it was wrong but he seemed indifferent toward her these days...and she just hadn't found the right time to break the news.
“No, I’m not saying it’s wrong, but you have to tell Seth. Goodness, he’s the father.” She sighed. “Your baby is going to be cute, with Seth’s blue eyes and your hair color. I’ll baby-sit for you.”
Grace couldn’t stay mad at Cindy. She smiled and tried to calm herself. “You’ll be a neat Auntie and yes, I’ll tell him—eventually. I need a little time to work my mind around the fact I’m going to be a mom.”
“You’re already a mom with Jamie and Joey.”
“Yes, but having a child of my own, an innocent little baby, who’s totally dependent on me for everything is different. I love them dearly, but the kids are already beyond those years.”
“I think it’s wonderful,” Jenna spoke up. “You’ll be a great mom. I see how you deal with Joey and Jamie and it’s a natural thing for you. And I predict this child is what will bring you and Seth together. I know he loves you and you care for him. It’s obvious the way you look at each other when you think the other isn’t watching. You were made for each other.”
Grace's stomach churned. She used to think they'd be good together but a marriage wouldn't work if it was all one-sided. She sighed. “I don’t know what to say. Why does life have to get so complicated?”
“When it’s complicated, it makes it worth more when things get sorted out.” Cindy patted her hand. “You’ll see. You’ve got it all, a beautiful family and a new baby on the way.”
If she had it all, why did she feel so mixed up about things? Why couldn’t she let her feelings about Seth go and live for the baby and the children? Her life would be much simpler that way.
“I know with time you guys are going to work out your differences.” Cindy pleaded with her eyes, trying to convince Grace of Seth’s love. “This marriage is meant to be. The man loves you. Maybe he doesn’t know how to show it but I know he loves you.”
“Whether he does or not, it’s time I got a backbone and had a talk with him to see where we really stand. It’s living a lie I can’t take. If there’s nothing there, okay, I can have my own bedroom and get on with my life. Or if he wants me and I want him, then we can go from there. I need to know, one way or another.”
Jenna glanced at Grace. “At least you’re open to a life with him. I really think things will work out.”
“His parents are flying in for the weekend and after their visit, I’m going to get to the bottom of it. Right now I don’t want to think about anything but the baby. You know I’ve always dreamed of having a child of my own.” She smiled. “Not that I don’t love Jamie and Joey. I do. But this is different. The baby is growing in my body. Not that I would ever treat them any different when the baby comes. I wouldn’t. But I want my baby to have a brother and sister. I hated being an only child. It was lonely.”
“You always had me,” Cindy said.
“Yes, you’ve always been like family to me, but it’s not the same as living in a house with a family. I never had that and I don’t want this child to miss out. You’re right somehow Seth and I need to come to terms with our relationship.”
“It’s only a matter of time. Hey, can you still ride horses? I really wanted to come out and go riding with you on Friday.”
“Sure, I can take a leisurely ride on the trail. Doc said I shouldn’t have any problems." Grace wondered why Cindy wanted to come out and ride with her. "You never liked horses.”
“Oh, I want to get more used to horses, because I know how much Travis likes them.”
“You really care for him, don’t you?”
“I suppose.”
“Oh, I’m glad. He’s perfect for you.”
“Yeah, sure, there you go, trying to make something out of nothing.”
“Like you keep telling me, give it time. It’ll work out. You and Travis don’t have all the baggage and complications that Seth and I do. You’ll see.”
Grace was overjoyed about the baby, but unclear as how to proceed with Seth. Was Cindy right? Could he possibly love her? Hook, line and sinker, she had fallen hard for the cowboy with the sheepish grin.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Warm sunshine skimmed over the mountainside splashing across the treetops. The signs of life were everywhere as Grace and Cindy rode through the meadow. Chirping filled the air from birds sitting on the branches of the tall Aspen trees.
“How are you feeling?” Cindy glanced at Grace waiting for her response.
“This morning was rough but I’m doing good. The fresh air and sunshine are helping me feel much better.”
Cindy pulled her horse up beside Grace. “Okay, what’s going on? You look down. Care to talk to me about it?”
“Yeah, let’s sit on that flat rock over by the trees.” She pulled the reins to stop her horse and slid to the ground.
Walking toward the rock, they watched a couple of chipmunks playing, chasing each other through the brush and around the rocks.
“Is the baby okay?”
“Yes, it isn’t that.” She sighed deeply. “Yesterday, I got a call from an editor in New York. Jenna’s friend wants to buy my book.”
“You had me scared to death. I thought something was terribly wrong." Cindy rolled her eyes. "You knot head. You should be happy. That’s great news.” She turned and hugged Grace. “Isn’t it? Why are you so depressed?”
“Yes, it is. I was ecstatic when I heard. I thought about what you said and I wanted to share the news with Seth. I was hoping to tell him about the sale and ease my way into telling him about the baby.” She sighed. “Nana told me he was in town on business. I drove into town looking for him and found him at the lawyer’s office. I didn’t go in. I saw him talking with Mr. Stevens through the window.” Tears ran unchecked, down her cheeks as her heart was breaking. She had wanted things to work out for them and he’d gone to the town divorce lawyer.
“It’s okay. You should have gone in and told him. Did you tell him?”
“No, I couldn’t. I know why he was at the lawyer’s office.” She sniffled. “You know Mr. Stevens does the divorce cases. He did yours.” Her voice cracked. “He was filing for a divorce.”
“I don’t believe it. Stevens does other things, too. He must have been doing something else. Seth wouldn’t divorce you. You need to talk things out with Seth, instead of letting your imagination run away with itself.”
Grace brushed a tear from her eye, trying to compose herself. She pulled a tissue out of her pocket and blew her nose. “I’ve decided to move to Denver and raise my children there.”
“You can’t mean it. This has all gotten blown out of proportion. Nana won’t want you to move away from your family home and I don’t either. We want to help you with the baby. You have a family. What about Jamie and Joey? They need each other.”
The words kept pouring from Cindy's mouth. “You aren’t even sure Seth wants a divorce. You have to stop jumping to conclusions. This is all one-sided and you’re thinking the worst. I know why you’re thinking negative. It’s because of the way Lee treated you. But you have to remember, Seth isn’t Lee. You can’t judge Seth by Lee.”
Cindy was right. She was pretty confused these days. Dr. Kruger had told her to expect her hormones to go crazy. Was that what was wrong with her? “At least I knew where I stood with Lee. I never know anything with Seth.” Grace dabbed at the tears.
“It’s all going to be cleared up in a short time,” Cindy said. “I know it. The man loves you.”
“Then why is he always gone? Always working?”
“He’s working for the family he cares about. If he didn’t work, then you’d have something to worry about. It’s not as if he’s doing it to get away from you.” She sighed. “I know that’s how you’re taking it, but it’s not the way things are. He’s not that sort of man. I know you still think he married you to get half of the ranch. You’re mistaken. Your past with Lee has you all twisted up inside. It’s coloring your judgment about Seth.”
“Maybe, but what do I do? Go on as if nothing has happened? I know he’s filing for a divorce. Do I wait for him to drop the papers on me? Shouldn’t I see a lawyer? Get prepared for a battle?” She clenched her fist against her mouth. “I’m not going to let him have Joey or the baby without a fight,” she muttered.
“Honey, it’s never going to get that far. Maybe Seth was there on other business. I’m sure it’s not what you’re thinking. Your hormones have you confused.”
“I never thought I’d hear you say somethin
g like that to me. You’re my friend.” Grace sighed. Dr. Kruger had just warned her about the same thing.
“Yes, and it’s because I’m your friend I’m telling you to get a grip. You’re thinking along some very negative lines.” Cindy smacked her hand against her leg and stood to make her point. “The bottom line is Seth loves you and those kids. If he had wanted to get rid of you, he would’ve let the bear have you for lunch. He could have missed. He didn’t. The man saved your life.”
“Yes, he did.” Grace sniffled, wondering if Cindy was right.
“He treated you like gold that night at the ranch when he was telling the neighbors the story. Everyone could see the love and pride in his eyes when he spoke of you. A man can’t fake that sort of thing.”
“I’m such a fool.” Grace dried her eyes and stood next to Cindy. If this was ever going to work, she'd have to start trusting Seth. “I’ll try to be more open-minded. Maybe he was there doing some other kind of business.”
“Of course he was. Now, tell me about your book.”
Grace grinned. “They really want to buy my manuscript. I’m excited about it because they seem to think there’s a need for it and they’re going to publish it this summer.”
“Cool. I’m sure Jenna will have a book signing for you at her bookstore.” She laughed. “I get your first autographed copy and I’ll keep it in a special place on my bookcase and in my heart.”
“You old softy, I dedicated it to you and Jenna for giving me the courage to write it. Without you, I would never have written it.”
“You mean my name will be in it, too? That’s way too cool.” She laughed again. “I’ll make sure all my customers buy it. The more I talk to them about chronic pain, the more I find everyone has it or knows of someone who does. It should be a New York Times best seller.”
“Yeah, I wish, from your lips to God’s ear.” She smiled at her dear friend. “You’re the best. Thanks for being my friend.”
“Anytime. We’re a team. Let me look at you.” Cindy wiped a smudge off Grace’s cheek and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “There, you look great. You are positively glowing.” She grinned. “Let’s go. It’s getting late. I’m meeting Travis when we get back.”
No Direction Home (Sweet Home Colorado) Page 22