* * *
Upstairs, the three sisters sat in Ana’s room on the big bed with the letter. It was still in the envelope because a decision couldn’t be made about what to do.
“What can she do to us now?” Josie asked. “The woman hasn’t been in our lives for years.” She glanced at Tori. “Besides, we barely remember her.”
“I remember her,” Ana said. “I loved her so much, I wanted to die after she left.” Her voice was a hoarse whisper. “I never understood why she left and never even said goodbye.” She took the letter. “Yes, I want to know what she wrote us. What we did that made her walk away from her family.”
Ana got up from the bed and took out a single piece of paper from the yellowing envelope. She took a breath and released it, then read,
“‘To my bambinas, Analeigh, Josefina, Vittoria and Marissa.
It is so hard to have to say these words to you, but I must. I cannot stay and be your mother any longer. It’s not because I don’t love you all, it’s because I do. So I must leave you for a while. I’m needed back in Mexico to be with my family.
Please, know that I will think about you every day and pray that someday I will be able to return to you. For now, take care of your papa, and never forget me.
I vow, no matter how, I will find my way back to my niñas.
Love, Mama’”
Ana swallowed hard. “Oh, God. It sounds as if she didn’t want to leave.”
Josie wasn’t so sure. “What else could she say? And where has she been all these years? Surely, if she wanted to come back, she would have been here before now. I don’t want to do this.” She got up from the bed and started to walk away.
“Wait, Josie,” Ana called.
Josie turned around. “What?”
“Do you want to pursue this?”
“No! I don’t know. Can we just wait a little while? I can’t face this right now.”
Ana nodded and said, “We’ll decide after the wedding and the holidays.”
All the sisters agreed, and Josie walked out of the room, her emotions in turmoil. She didn’t need another rejection. Then a thought struck her. What if she wasn’t even alive? Dear, God. What if Lucia Slater had died and she couldn’t come back to them?
Trembling, she sank down on the top step, unable to stop the tears. She hated being weak. Her mother never mattered before. Why now? She’d never had her in her life. Why did she want her so badly now?
“Josie...”
She looked up from her perch on the step and saw Garrett. She saw the compassion in his eyes and knew she couldn’t hold it together any longer.
“Oh, Garrett,” she cried and went into his open arms. “She said she loved us. But she left anyway.”
Garrett cupped the back of Josie’s head and held her against his shoulder. She was heartbroken, and he couldn’t help her. He couldn’t stop her pain. “I’m here, Josie. I’ll help you through this.”
Suddenly, she pulled back and wiped at her tears. “I’m fine.”
Garrett felt her pull away, both physically and emotionally. “There’s nothing wrong with leaning on someone, Josie. I want to be there for you.”
She shook her head. “You’ll go away. Everybody always goes away.” She got up and hurried down the hall to her bedroom.
Garrett started to go after her, but knew she wasn’t ready to listen. “I’m not going anywhere, Josie. Not this time.”
He was going to figure out a way for them to be together. He wouldn’t lose her again.
* * *
Another week had gone by, and Colt had filled his days with his therapy routine so he could be strong enough to walk Ana down the aisle at her wedding.
He felt fatigued as he looked out the window of his room. Had that been the reason for his confusion, for imagining the mystery woman in his room last week?
Was this part of the brain damage from his stroke? All he wanted to do was rebuild a relationship with his daughters, and so far he’d caused more problems. Vance was right. He should have waited until after the ceremony to dredge up the past.
Colt closed his eyes. He hated remembering back to that time. The years of misery without the woman he loved, but there had been years of joy with her, too.
“Oh, Lucia. What have you done? If you were to come back, do you realize the problems you’d create?” Dear God, for a long time after Lucia had left, he would have sold his soul to have her back in his life again.
“I was hoping you’d let me explain,” a familiar voice said.
He sucked in a breath and turned around. There was a small figure standing in the shadow of the doorway. His heart was pounding in his chest.
“Then step out of the dark and tell me who you are and what you want here.”
He held his breath as he prayed, but he didn’t know what he was praying for until she came into the light.
She moved forward, and the dim light shone on the small, slender woman with inky-black hair as he remembered. Her face... She was still beautiful, with her perfect olive skin and high cheekbones. It was those eyes, ebony in color and so piercing.
He swallowed back the dryness in his throat. “Lucia?” Was she a dream?
“Yes, it’s me, Colt. I came back as soon as I could get here.”
He blinked several times, but she was still there. Suddenly, he felt his anger build, years’ worth of anger. “Well, you’re too late,” he lied. “Too many years late.”
* * *
The next week had been a blur of activities preparing for the wedding. When the day finally arrived, Garrett helped his son with his tie. They were both in the wedding party.
They’d spent the past two days decorating the lodge for the wedding, and the rehearsal dinner last night had him already exhausted. Today was going to be the end of it. Would it also be the end of his seeing Josie?
“Dad, do you want to get married again?”
Whoa, where did that come from? “I think I’m going to wait awhile for that, son. I have you and Grandpa, and that’s enough for me now.”
Brody wrinkled his nose. “But Grandpa says that it’s really good to have someone to share stuff with. You know, like when you come home from work and she kisses you and makes supper.”
“What are you getting at, son?”
The boy shrugged. “I was just thinking maybe it would be nice to have someone to live with us. Someone who gives hugs and kisses at bedtime. I mean, I know I’m almost too big for that, but having a mom again might be nice.”
“But your mother...”
“I miss her, and Grandpa says I always will, but he says there’s always more room in our hearts to love people. So can we love Josie?”
Boy, could he. He knelt down in front of his son. “If it were that easy, son, I would have figured out a way by now. Josie lives in California.”
“Can’t she live here?”
“She does weddings and other special parties. She needs a place like this lodge, but bigger.”
Brody’s green eyes searched Garrett’s face. “Well, that’s easy. Can’t you build her a really big place for all her parties closer to our house?”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
THE WINTER WONDERLAND scene was perfect for a December wedding.
At seven o’clock the music cued the wedding party to begin the procession down the River’s Edge Lodge’s staircase. Fresh garlands intertwined with white ribbon had been strung along the banister. Downstairs in front of the picture window were four pine trees decorated with twinkling lights and at the white arch stood pots of bright red poinsettias.
Josie glanced at Ana, dressed in her beautiful antique-white satin gown. The long veil was the perfect touch to highlight the bride’s dark hair, pulled away from her pretty face.
Tori and Josie were dressed in dark green ankle-length dresses. Bridesmaid Tori started her descent down the staircase. The only one missing was their youngest sister, Marissa, who couldn’t make it that day.
Josie handed Ana a bouquet of
blush-colored roses, then blew a kiss before she made her way down. Immediately, she looked toward the front of the main area where the groom and the best man stood at attention. She smiled at the small group of friends seated on either side of the aisle, but she couldn’t take her eyes off Garrett. He looked so handsome in his tux. His dark hair had been cut and styled. Their gazes locked, and she felt a warm tingle all the way to her open-toed heels.
Just make it through today and tomorrow, she thought, knowing she already had her flight booked to leave in two days. And then she could put this all behind her.
Josie arrived at her spot at the end of the aisle. She broke her eye contact with Garrett and smiled at Brody, standing beside his father, then went to her place next to Tori. She stole another glance at Garrett and found him staring at her. The pull was so strong she had to fight to look away. Leaving was getting harder and harder.
The music changed, and Ana appeared at the top of the staircase and walked down alone, then Dad met the bride at the bottom.
Colt Slater drew his eldest daughter into his arms and held her close. Seconds ticked off as the big man blinked away tears and he whispered something to Ana. Finally, he kissed her cheek then offered his arm to her, and together they made their way up the aisle toward her soon-to-be husband.
Once they began to exchange vows, Josie’s gaze kept wandering back to Garrett. He was watching her, too. She looked away but felt the heat of his gaze.
Finally, the ceremony was over, and the bride and groom came down the aisle arm in arm. The wedding party was next. Garrett offered Josie his arm and they walked out.
Before he released her, he said, “It was a nice ceremony. You look beautiful, Josie.”
“Thank you, but you should be telling the bride that.” She loved hearing the words, but it didn’t change anything. She was in love with a man she couldn’t be with.
Brody rushed up to them. “You look so pretty, Josie. Doesn’t she, Dad?”
He winked at her. “Yes, son, she does.”
Josie smiled. “Okay, you two flirts, I need to supervise the reception. So I’m off.” She headed toward the banquet room past the fireplace. Round tables had been set up, decorated with white linen and multicolored floral centerpieces. At the head of the room was the long bridal party table. She’d be seated with Garrett. She had to blink away the tears. For the last time.
* * *
An hour later, the reception was in full swing. Garrett watched as Vance took Ana in his arms and began to move around the small dance floor. Envy tore at him. His friend went after what he wanted, and he’d found the woman of his dreams.
He watched as Vance kissed Ana, then released her as Colt made his way out to the floor. “Father and daughter dance,” the DJ announced. Colt took his oldest daughter in his arms and began to move to the song. It was touching to see how far the man had come to repair the relationship with his daughters.
Then the DJ called for the wedding party to join them. Garrett didn’t hesitate and escorted Josie onto the floor. He closed his eyes and drew her against him and prayed he’d be able to find the words to keep her with him. He swayed to the soft ballad, then placed a soft kiss against her forehead.
He danced her off to a corner. “Josie...I need to talk to you.”
She shook her head. “I can’t, Garrett.”
He held her close. “Can’t you give me five minutes so I can tell you how I feel?”
“Please, Garrett. We’ve gone over this so many times.”
“Then hear me out once more.”
Just then the DJ came up to them. “It’s time for the maid of honor and best man’s toasts.”
Josie took off, but Garrett was stopped by his son. “Dad, did you ask her yet?”
His son looked hopeful. “Look, Brody, I don’t think this is going to work. Josie is set on going back to L.A.”
“You can’t let her. Tell her we love her. A lot. And we want to her stay.” The boy squeezed his hand. “Don’t be afraid, Dad, ’cause she loves us, too. I know she does.”
Garrett nodded and watched as Josie took the microphone and began with a childhood story and then talked about how Vance came to the ranch. Josie also spoke about how much she loved her sister and how lucky Vance was to have her in his life.
After the applause, it was Garrett’s turn, and he walked to the front of the room. He looked at Vance and Ana and smiled.
“I can’t be any happier for the two of you. Of course, there were times, Ana, that this man was going half-crazy because you wouldn’t give him the time of day.” Everyone laughed. “I told him to be patient because you were worth it.” Garrett sighed. “I hope you two know how lucky you are to find each other.”
He turned and looked at Josie. “I know because it’s hard to find that special person to love.” His gaze met hers, and he was determined to make her hear this. “If you do find her, tell her how much you love her. Tell her how your life is so empty without her in it. Because you might not get another chance.” He realized the guests were silent.
He raised his glass as Josie left the room. “To Vance and Ana, may your life together be a long and happy one.” He took a drink of champagne, and then hugged the bride, then Vance.
“Go after her, Garrett,” his friend said. “Don’t let her get away this time.”
* * *
Josie rushed upstairs into the bedroom they’d used as a dressing room. She paced in front of the window. She couldn’t keep doing this. Garrett wanted her. Okay, she wanted him, too, but that didn’t mean it would happen.
There was a knock on the door, and Colt peered inside. “If you’d rather be alone, I’ll leave.”
She fought tears and motioned for him to enter. Without a word she walked into his open arms and let the tears fall.
After a few minutes, he pulled back. “I hate seeing you hurting.”
“Some things can’t be helped.”
“Do you love Garrett?”
“Yes, Dad, I love him. I don’t think I ever stopped loving him, but when he found someone else and had a child... It hurt me.”
Colt looked serious. “I’m new at this giving advice stuff, and you might not like what I have to say, but here goes. If my memory is correct, about ten years ago you sent Garrett away. And as for finding someone else, I believe that was months later, after Garrett made several attempts to talk to you.” Her father’s eyes grew tender. “And the man did the right thing and married the mother of his child. Now he’s raising his son alone. Brody is a great kid.” Colt tipped her chin up. “I take blame in this, too. I made you girls afraid to trust a man to be there because I was never there for you. I’m so sorry, Josie.”
She nodded and wiped her tears.
“Just don’t let what I did cloud your judgment toward Garrett. He’s a good man and he loves you. You know those second chances are pretty sweet. At least give him that chance to tell you what he wants.”
She wrapped her arms around this man. It felt so good. “I love you, Dad.”
“I love you, too, Josie,” he said in a gruff voice. “Now, go find your guy and put him out of his misery.”
Could there be a chance for them? She had to find Garrett. Smiling, she opened the door and there stood Brody.
“Josie, please don’t leave. Dad and I want you to stay here with us. He can build you a big building and you can do weddings and parties so you don’t have to go back to California.”
She pulled the boy into a hug, overwhelmed by a rush of feelings. “Oh, Brody, it’s going to be okay. I just need to talk to your father.”
Her wish came true, and Garrett appeared in the doorway. “I’m right here.”
Her heart stopped then began to race. “Garrett...”
Colt slipped out behind her and took Brody’s hand. “How about we let Josie and your dad work things out?” The two walked away, and Josie’s fear almost had her running after them.
Garrett wasn’t sure he could handle another rejection from her, but
at least he wasn’t going to do it in public. He guided Josie back into the room and closed the door. “I’m going to give it one more shot, then if you don’t like what I have to say, I promise I won’t bother you again.” He prayed he could find the right words. “Josie, from the second I saw you in high school, you had me. We were both young back then, too young to know what we wanted. No, that’s not true. I wanted you. I’ve always wanted you.”
Her eyes were big and so blue. He had to glance away so he could concentrate.
“Ten years ago, when I took that job, I’d planned to make enough money that summer to buy you an engagement ring. I’d hoped we could be married and I’d take you back to college with me. I couldn’t stand being without you.”
A tear slid down her face, and he brushed it away. “I’m sorry.” She raised a trembling hand to her mouth.
“When you refused to talk to me I nearly quit work and school to come home, but I needed the job for college credit. Natalie Kirkwood was my boss’s daughter, so she was around a lot. The first time I went out with her it was to try and forget you.” He glanced away again. “I was hurting so much...it just happened between us. But I’ll never regret having Brody. My son is the best of me, and I love him.”
“He’s a wonderful boy,” she whispered.
“I’ll always care about Natalie because she’s Brody’s mom. But our marriage was doomed from the start because I still had feelings for you. I want another chance for us.”
She blinked back more tears. “Maybe I should be asking for a second chance. I was the one who pushed you away.” She shrugged. “I was afraid, Garrett. I knew you wanted to get married, and I panicked.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Again she shrugged. “I thought you’d leave me.” She gave a tiny laugh. “You left me anyway.”
He brushed away the moisture from her cheek. “Like I said, you always had me, Josie.” He felt the trembling, but didn’t know if it was her or him. “How about we forgive ourselves for the past and start a clean slate?” He took her in his arms. “I love you, Josie Slater. I always have and always will.”
Proposal at the Lazy S Ranch Page 15