Proposal at the Lazy S Ranch

by Patricia Thayer

  Now he’d been thrown together with the one woman who could cause him to regret what he’d been missing.

  “Garrett, what do you think?” Josie asked. “Is there money in the budget for what I want?”

  Get your head back on business. “What? Oh, I think so. If you shop for some good bargains on the fixtures and cabinets, the budget can handle it.”

  Josie looked thoughtful. He could see her mind working. She was no doubt planning out her strategy to get the job done. It seemed she wasn’t thinking about going back to California just yet. Great. Just what he needed—another complication in his life right now.

  * * *

  Two hours later, after a complete tour of the lodge, and going over the progress and building details, Garrett drove Josie back to the house. Was it her, or did it seem easier to talk to him? At least when the subject was business. She only hoped that she didn’t physically need to be by the man’s side to make more decisions.

  Garrett pulled up and stopped in front of the house. Josie reached for the door handle and paused to say, “If you’ll point me in the direction of the wholesale plumbing house I’ll go see what I can find.”

  “I’ll come up with a list of places. We have some time before they’re needed.”

  With a nod, Josie looked in the backseat at Brody. “Have fun with Sky Rocket, Brody.”

  The boy didn’t look happy. “I can’t because I have to start school.”

  Josie smiled. “Oh, that’s good. You’ll make all kinds of new friends there. It’s a nice school.”

  “Is that where you knew my dad?”

  Josie felt the heat move up her neck. “Yes, we were friends, but it was a long time ago.”

  Brody looked at his dad. “Was that before you knew Mom?”

  Josie’s breath caught as she glanced at Garrett. She could see he was uncomfortable with the question. Good.

  “Yes, I knew Josie in high school.” He rested his hand on the steering wheel. “I played football and she was a cheerleader. When we got older we used to go out with other friends, too.” Garrett grinned. “If my memory serves me, Josie used to like to dance and sing karaoke.”

  She gasped. How could he remember that? “That was one time,” she told him. “And as I recall, I did it on a dare.”

  He continued to smile, knowing he’d been the culprit.

  She glanced at Brody again. “Give me some time and I’ll tell you stories about your dad that will make you laugh your head off.”

  She got a smile from the kid. “Oh, boy,” he said.

  “I’ve got to go now.” Josie waved. “Bye, Brody and Garrett.” She opened the door and climbed out, knowing she couldn’t get chummy with Garrett Temple and his son. No matter how cute, or how charming. It would lead nowhere.

  She headed up the steps, opened the front door and walked inside to see her father coming out of his downstairs bedroom. He was using a cane today.

  “Well, look at you. You seem to be getting around like a pro.”

  He stopped and waited for her. “It’s all the great nursing.”

  They started a slow walk toward the kitchen. She was surprised he was doing so well. “It’s good that you’re recovering so fast.”

  “And th...thank you for coming home to help.” He paused. “I gave you plenty of reasons never to come back here. I’m sorry.”

  Whoa. This was too much to handle. “Is the apology for bringing me here now, or for all the years you ignored your daughters?”

  “F...for all the above. I know there isn’t anything I can do to change the past, but if p...possible, I want to try and change how things are between us now.”

  Josie tried to speak, but emotions swamped her.

  “It’s okay.” Colt put his hand on her arm. “I don’t expect an answer, or your trust. I just want a chance to get to know you while you’re here.”

  Josie nodded and went into the kitchen. Kathleen was preparing supper. “Hey, you two, what are you up to?”

  “Just talkin’,” Colt said.

  Josie walked to the large bay window that overlooked the barn, where Garrett’s truck was hooked to the horse trailer. She eyed the man as he led Sky Rocket to the ramp and up into the trailer. Brody stood by and watched as his father latched the gate, then he placed his hand on his son’s shoulder and helped him into the truck.

  “Nice boy.”

  Josie didn’t turn when she heard her father.

  “He’s had a rough time,” Josie said.

  “Seems they both have,” Colt answered.

  Josie gave her father a sideways glance. “He brought on his troubles himself.”

  “I know. He hurt you badly. I wish I could have protected you all those years ago.”

  It surprised her that her father had known what happened. “I wish you’d have been there, too,” she admitted.

  She’d hurt more than she could tell anyone. More than she ever wanted to remember. But Garrett hadn’t been the only man in her life to hurt her.

  * * *

  Monday morning Garrett drove Brody to school. He wanted to take his son on his first day. He glanced down at his solemn-looking eight-year-old. Six months ago when Natalie was killed in the automobile accident, he let his ex-in-laws keep the boy while he finished his move from Butte to Royerton. Although he’d visited Brody as much as possible, he knew that the move would be difficult for the boy. His son had to leave his home, friends and grandparents to move to a new place. That was tough for a kid, especially a kid who’d recently lost his mother.

  “Look, Brody, being the new kid in school is never easy, but Royerton is your home now. It’s a new start for both of us.”

  “But I liked my old school.”

  “I know, but I couldn’t stay there. Grandpa Nolan needs us here to help with the ranch.”

  He pulled into the parking lot and they got out and walked toward the large complex that housed the community’s school-aged children from kindergarten through eighth grade. The other building was the high school.

  Standing in front of the elementary building was Brody’s new teacher, Miss Lisa Kennedy. She looked about eighteen. Garrett had met with her last week, and was confident that she would do everything possible to help his son adjust to his new school.

  “Mr. Temple,” she said with a smile as she looked at Brody. “Good morning, Brody. I’m so happy that you’ll be joining my class.”

  “Morning, Miss Kennedy,” he murmured.

  She kept eye contact with Brody. “I know it’s tough starting a new school, so Royerton Elementary started the buddy system. And I have someone who’s been anxious to meet you.” The teacher looked toward the playground and motioned to someone. A small, redheaded boy about eight years old came running to them. “Brody, this is Adam Graves. Adam, meet Brody.”

  “Hi, Brody,” Adam said. “You’re going to be in my class.” The freckled-faced boy smiled. “I was new last year, so I wanted to be the buddy this year.”

  Brody didn’t say anything.

  The boy looked at his teacher and when he got a nod, he said, “I hear you got a new horse.”

  The question got his son’s attention. “Yeah, Sky Rocket. Do you have a horse?”

  Adam shook his head. “Not anymore because we moved into town. But when my dad was around, I used to have a pony, Jodie.”

  Brody studied the boy. “Hey, maybe...you can come out to my house and see Sky Rocket sometime.” He glanced up at his father. “Can he, Dad?”

  Garrett felt a weight lift on seeing his child’s enthusiasm. “Sure. Maybe after I talk with Adam’s mother.” He wanted to make sure he followed the right protocol for playdates. “Right now I think Miss Kennedy wants you to go to class.”

  The pretty teacher nodded as the bell rang. “Adam, why don’t you take Brody to the classroom and show him where his desk is?”

  “Okay, Miss Kennedy. Come on, Brody.”

  “Bye, Dad.” Brody took off with his new friend.

  “Bye, son. Hav
e a good day,” he called, but knew Brody wasn’t hearing him. That was a good thing, right?

  “He’s going to be fine, Mr. Temple.”

  He nodded. “I know, but it’s been a rough few months.” It had been for him, too. He hadn’t known how to handle his son’s sadness.

  “I’ll call you if there are any problems.”

  “Thank you.” Garrett walked off toward his truck and grabbed the lodge plans off the seat. Since he was here, he could catch Ana up on the progress and see if he could steal her for a few hours to help him with some design decisions.

  He walked across the same school yard that a dozen years ago he once attended, and memories flooded back. He’d liked school. He had friends and was a good student. The girls liked him, too. But on that first day of his junior year when he walked though the front doors and literally ran into the new freshman, Josefina Slater, he was a goner.

  He’d known the Slater sisters all his life, but that summer something changed with her. Josie’s eyes were a richer blue, her face was prettier, and her body... Oh, God, her body.

  He shivered, recalling how beautiful she looked. If only she still didn’t have that effect on him.

  He pulled open the door to the high school, and was quickly brought back to the present when he was nearly knocked over by a rush of teenagers.

  Garrett removed his cowboy hat and headed to the office as his thoughts returned to Josie. He had to stop thinking about her because nothing could start up between them.

  Not that she wanted anything to do with him. What they once had, had to stay a fond memory. He needed to concentrate on the future. Brody needed him full-time and so did his dad.

  He opened the door and smiled at the receptionist, Clare Stewart. He remembered her from school. Of course, in a town of six thousand people, everyone knew most of the citizens.

  “Hey, Garrett, it’s been a few years.”

  He shook her hand. “Hello, Clare. It’s good to see you again.”

  “So what brings you to the principal’s office?”

  “I’m not here to see the principal, but Ana Slater. Is she in her office?”

  The pretty blonde shook her head. “No, she’s in there.” She pointed to the door that read Principal.

  “Is she in a meeting?”

  “No, she’s with her sister, Josie.” Clare raised an eyebrow. “You remember Josie, don’t you?”

  Garrett didn’t answer. Everyone in school pretty much knew that they’d been a couple. With Josie’s return home, no doubt there would be gossip around town. He knocked on the door and opened it to find the two Slater sisters in a heated discussion.

  Josie swung around and glared at him. “What are you doing here?”

  So much for getting along, he thought. He ignored her and closed the door behind him. “I came to see Ana, but good, I got both of you.”

  The last person Josie wanted in on this discussion was Garrett. She wanted to walk out, but she knew it wasn’t the professional thing to do. She counted to ten to calm her racing pulse, then asked, “Did you need something?”

  “Yeah, a project manager.” He looked from Ana to her. “There needs to be someone around to make the decisions.”

  Ana turned to Josie. Oh, no, this wasn’t going to land in her lap. “I thought I answered your questions Friday,” she told Garrett.

  “There are still more decisions to make. If either of you could stop by the site daily so there aren’t any holdups that would be nice. When I have to chase down someone, it causes delays and costs money.”

  Josie turned to her sister. “Well, Ana?”

  Her older sister shook her head. “Josie, I explained to you already.” She then turned to Garrett. “My principal is in the hospital with pneumonia. I’ve been asked to take his place for the next few weeks. I’ve already taken so much time off as it is, and with my wedding coming...”

  Ana sighed. “I’m sorry, Garrett. I never planned for this to happen. Like I was trying to tell Josie, I need her to take my place on the project.”

  “And I’ve told you, I’m not going to be in town that long,” Josie shot back.

  Josie could see Garrett was losing patience. “Seems that’s been your tune since you’ve arrived here. Fine, you want me to have all the control? I can make the decisions and the hell with you wanting your corporate retreat.”

  He turned and started for the door. Curse that man. “Hold up there, Temple.”

  Garrett stopped and waited for her to speak.

  “Are you headed out there now?” she asked.

  Garrett nodded. “Yeah, I just dropped Brody off at school.”

  Josie walked toward him. “Okay, but I don’t have my car. I needed to get my brakes fixed. I’ll have to ride out with you, but that also means you’ll have to drop me off at the ranch.” She’d get one of the men to bring her back to town later to get her car from Al’s Garage.

  After saying goodbye to Ana, Josie hurried to get outside. The air was downright cold today. She pulled her sweater coat tighter.

  “You’re going to need a warmer coat if you stay around much longer. My dad’s predicting an early winter.”

  At the mention of Nolan Temple, Josie got all soft inside. “How is your Dad?”

  “He’s been doing better on this new medication, but his arthritis gets worse in the colder weather.”

  They reached his truck, and Garrett opened the passenger door, but he knew better than to help her in. A flash of memory took him back to how he used to swing the teenage Josie up in his arms and set her down on the seat. He used to be rewarded with a kiss.

  A sudden ache constricted his chest as he watched her climb into the pickup. She did just fine without him, like she had for all these years. Maybe that had been their problem, her stubborn independence.

  After he shut the door, he hurried around to the other side and got in behind the wheel. He immediately started up the engine and turned on the heat. The soft sounds of country-Western music filled the cab. He caught a whiff of her scent. It was the same perfume she’d worn years ago.

  He needed a distraction. “Are you up for a drive into Butte?”

  She looked at him, her eyes leery. “Why?”

  “I thought we could pick out the bathroom and kitchen tiles along with the sinks and tubs. We can get it out of the way now...before you have to go back to California.” He checked his watch. “I have until three o’clock when I pick up Brody from school.”

  She hesitated as their gazes locked. It seemed to be a battle of wills. Even years ago, Josie liked to be in control. “Sure.”

  Hiding his surprise, Garrett put the truck in gear and pulled out onto Main Street and headed for the highway out of town. “You know this working together would be so much easier if you weren’t always ready to fight me all the time.”

  She didn’t say anything.

  “Josie, what happened between us was a long time ago. I’m not saying you have to like me, but can’t we put what happened aside? We were kids. It’s time to move on.”

  “You’re right, Temple. I need to think about the River’s Edge project and nothing else.” She glared at him as he turned onto the highway. “But that doesn’t mean we can be friends.”

  Her words hurt him more than he wanted to admit. At one time, Josie Slater had been his best friend and his girl. They shared everything, but then that summer everything changed and not for the good.

  “I’m sorry to hear that, Josie.”

  * * *

  By noon, Josie was enjoying herself. They’d gone to a builders supply house and looked over cabinets and sinks for the kitchen and baths. She also realized that Garrett had good taste when it came to colors for tiles and flooring. The store’s designer, Diana, was more than willing to help them. The way she looked at Garrett, Josie suspected the two had more than a business relationship. She hated that the other woman’s attention toward Garrett bothered her.

  After the order had been placed and a delivery date set, they walked
back out to the truck.

  “You seem to be well-known around here,” she said.

  “I built my construction company in this area. It’s a good idea to be nice to everyone because most of my work is from word of mouth. I worked years to build a good reputation and I’ve done most of my trade here.”

  They climbed in the truck. “So why did you move everything back to Royerton?”

  “Dad. He can’t handle the ranch on his own.” He released a breath. “And since my divorce and only getting to see Brody twice a week, I could spend more time at the ranch.”

  Josie didn’t want to talk about his marriage. It wouldn’t matter anyway. Garrett had given up on her years ago.

  “How is the business since moving to Royerton?”

  Garrett stopped at the light and glanced at her. “Not bad. I’m lucky that my foreman is willing to bid on jobs here in Butte. My crew is pretty mobile and they’ll go almost anywhere for work.”

  Garrett drove down the street, then pulled his truck into the parking lot of the local café and shut off the engine. “Come on, I’ll buy you some lunch.”

  He got out before she could argue. Since she was hungry, she didn’t put up a fight. She hurried to catch up with him. Okay, so he was treating her like one of the guys. Wasn’t that what she wanted him to do?

  He stopped at the entrance and held open the door. She went inside first and glanced around the mom-and-pop place, with ruffled curtains and floral wallpaper.

  “They’ve got the best food around.” He smiled as an older woman came over. “Hi, Dolly.”

  The fortysomething woman looked at him and smiled. “Well, well, if it isn’t Garrett Temple. Where is that sweet boy of yours?”

  Garrett removed his cowboy hat. “He’s in school in Royerton.”

  She moved across the café, her blond ponytail swinging back and forth. “So you got him settled in?”

  “I’m trying. He’s still a little sad about the move.”

  “He’s lucky to have you.” The woman turned to Josie. “Hi, I’m Dolly Madison.” She raised a hand. “I’ve heard every joke there is. And if that guy cooking in the kitchen there wasn’t about perfect, I wouldn’t have married him and put up with the headache.”