by Jill Lynn
Cate laughed, appreciating the sentiment even while knowing how loyal Emma was to her family.
“Now, Mackenzie, on the other hand...” Emma sprouted a cheeky grin. “Would you believe she’s come around to your side?”
What? Impossible. Mackenzie was Team Luc all the way. “How did that happen?”
“She got to know you. We all did. And she’s just as annoyed at our brother for doing something stupid to mess things up between you guys. Before you left, we thought you and Luc were getting back together and we were both happy for you. Well, I was ecstatic. Mackenzie was cautiously optimistic.” Amusement lit her face but quickly fell. “It had felt...right.”
It had felt right. Until it had gone so wrong. Again.
“Do you two even know what happened?”
“Not the details. Luc’s been pretty tight-lipped.”
“And you’re still taking my side?”
“I’m on both of your sides. I want what’s best for all three of you. You’re family, too, Cate. You’re my niece’s mom. That counts. Plus, my friend.”
Just like that, Cate’s tight nerves began to ease. Emma, as usual, was good medicine.
This morning after Luc left, Cate had been a mess. She’d prayed and cried and read her Bible. Last time when she and Luc broke up, she’d barely been more than a kid, and she’d had no relationship with God. This time, no matter how confused she was, she had someone to turn to. Eventually, she’d left her apartment with peace. No answers, but confident that God would guide her. Maybe even with a kick in the pants. Cate needed those nudges more than she liked to admit.
The waitress approached and took their drink orders.
After she left, Cate leaned forward, resting her arms on the table. “It’s not all his fault, you know.” It was and it wasn’t. Why’d Luc have to ask about custody paperwork in the first place? But then again, wouldn’t she have done the same in his shoes? She had kept his daughter from him for over three and a half years.
Luc had said he wasn’t going to follow through on filing. And Cate had no doubt he was upset she hadn’t believed him. Again. But it was so hard for her to trust.
“He denies doing what I think he did.” Or planned to do in the future. Cate wasn’t sure how much more to tell.
Emma’s soda and Cate’s iced tea arrived at the table. The younger girl took a sip through her straw, face contemplative. “If there’s one thing I can say about Luc, it’s that he’s honest. He might not always be the most patient, and he’s definitely made his share of mistakes in life, but he always tells the truth. It’s just part of who he is. He can’t help it.”
Emma opened and studied her menu as if her comments hadn’t just leveled Cate to the ground.
When Luc had explained how the paperwork had ended up on his desk, Cate had thought it made sense. That the story rang true. But she’d held on to distrust instead of choosing to believe him. She’d latched on to the papers in front of her instead of the man standing inches from her.
The unopened envelope from Gage was in Cate’s purse. She hadn’t broken the seal...because she didn’t want to read it and find out Luc was telling the truth. Where would that leave her? Ripped wide open. He’d been her first love, but now he was her second, too. Their relationship was different this time around. They did a lot less fighting. A lot more talking. Luc had coaxed so many things out of her. He made her feel loved. Safe. The month with him had brought back to life the feelings lying dormant inside her.
And that was scary stuff.
If she believed Luc, that meant she’d have to tell him how she felt. That she loved him and didn’t want to live without him in her life or Ruby’s. That she wanted the three of them to be a family, too.
Cate had been searching for something she’d never find—assurance that she and Luc wouldn’t turn out like her parents. But life didn’t work that way. She wasn’t going to know what was around the next bend. Just what stood in front of her. And a few hours ago, that had been Luc.
Thinking of him, standing in his office and her living room, confessing his feelings to her while she didn’t accept them...didn’t even acknowledge them. Her face heated. She’d been so awful to him. What had she done?
Cate knew Emma’s words were true—she could trust Luc. Not only that, for the first time, she wanted to.
God had heard her desperate prayers for wisdom and guidance earlier today, and He’d softened her, making fear dissipate while faith took its place.
And with a little unintentional nudge from Emma, Cate could finally admit she loved Luc. It was frightening to think it. Would be even harder to say it. But it was the truth.
Giddiness swam through her torso, warming her face. Good thing Emma still studied the menu, because Cate’s features were surely displaying her every thought. Not that Emma would mind the change.
“Do you know what you’re going to order?” Wrinkles marred Emma’s usually smooth forehead—the only part of her visible behind the massive menu.
“Luc.” Cate slapped a hand over her mouth and consequent burst of laughter.
The menu lowered, steel blue eyes sparkling with merriment over the top. “I think that’s a good choice for you. Though I won’t say that I’m going to have the same.”
* * *
Luc sat on the floor next to Ruby’s twin bed, his back against the small side table.
“Daddy.” She shifted to face him, head creating a small indent in her pillow. “Is Mommy going to say good-night to me?”
And there went his heart. Trampled to pieces all over again. How many times could the thing take a beating and get back up?
“She’s not staying at the ranch tonight, remember? You’ll see her tomorrow.” Things had gone well since Luc had picked up Ruby this morning, but nighttime was proving to be tough.
He hated that this was the normal they had to adjust to. It wouldn’t be if Luc had anything to say about it. But his conversation with Cate this morning had been stilted, and Luc wasn’t confident that he’d gotten through to her.
All day he’d been praying. Begging God that Cate would come around. And he’d been asking for peace for Ruby. So far he wasn’t sure any of his requests were making a hill of beans difference.
“I miss Mommy.”
“I do, too.” Oops. He hadn’t meant to admit that.
Ruby giggled. “You’re silly, Daddy.”
He crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue, earning another laugh.
Tonight they’d gone into town and had ice cream. Then Ruby had played at the park while Luc had sat on the bench alone. Missing Cate. Missing what he’d so recently hoped they could have.
“Will you read me one more book?”
How could he refuse that request? “Sure. Pick one out.”
Ruby popped down from the bed, showing little sign of being tired, and dug through the small basket that held a few toys and books.
Emma and Mackenzie had shown up at his cabin earlier today with new pink sheets for Ruby’s bed and the contents now spilling from the bin. Luc would never have thought of the small touches until too late. His sisters had saved the day. Ruby had noticed the stuffed bunny, brightly colored books and smattering of toys right away and been delighted by the finds.
“This one.” She slid back under the covers.
Luc read The Story of Ferdinand—a bull who preferred to smell flowers over fighting. Which, pathetically, only reminded him of Cate, because: flowers.
“Your dad’s a real sap, Rubes.”
She patted him lightly on the cheek. “Good boy.”
He closed the book and said a bedtime prayer, then pushed up from the floor, body complaining.
“I’ll be right out here in the living room.” He paused in her doorway. “I’ll leave the door open, okay?”
She nodded, but the lurking sadness in her eyes sl
ayed him.
Luc dropped onto the sofa, elbows on his knees, head in his hands. He hadn’t realized how hard this would be—on Ruby, or on him. Though right now he was far more concerned about her.
Should he call Cate? Have her talk to Ruby? He wanted their daughter to feel safe and happy, not worried and anxious. Luc could ask Emma for help. She’d know what to do. But he didn’t want to talk to his sister right now. The woman he wanted to communicate with had blocked him out of her life, and he wasn’t sure how to worm his way back in.
Cate might not want to hear from him, but if it was about Ruby, he had the right to call, didn’t he?
Before he could overthink anymore, he snagged his phone from the coffee table, found Cate’s number and pressed Send. Just hearing her voice would be worth it. And she’d never be bothered about a phone call over Ruby. If there was one constant about Cate, it was the way she loved their daughter. If only that sentiment could be transferred over to him also.
“Luc?” His name held a multitude of questions and concern, so he answered before she could tumble down the mama-bear slope.
“Ruby’s fine.”
“Oh, good.” Her relief practically oozed through the phone in his hand. A beat of silence stretched, and he pictured Cate refilling her lungs. Tense shoulders lowering. The woman was over-the-top protective of Ruby. Like one of those news stories about a mother lifting a car off her child—Cate could manage that with her pinkie finger if any harm came Ruby’s way. “So what’s up?”
“Ruby misses you. I did my best with her, but I’m just not sure it’s enough. When we did the campout, I think she was comforted because you were minutes away and I could bring her home to you at any time. But now I think she’s just overwhelmed by the changes.” Luc could sympathize with that. He didn’t like them, either. He would much rather be back to sleeping in the spare bedroom at the house and have Cate here. Or, even better, be able to call Cate his wife and all live in the same place.
“My reception isn’t perfect, but I caught most of that. Do you need me to come?”
How should he answer? If it was up to him, yes. He wanted her here—for him and for Ruby. But he didn’t want to disrupt her night alone, either. Maybe she had plans.
“I don’t know,” he answered honestly.
“Lucas.” The sound of his full name warmed him. “I prayed a ton this week about Ruby staying at the ranch with you.” He pieced her words together through the spotty reception. Where was she? Not at her apartment, if he had to guess. “And I really think God is going to work it out. Ruby’s going to be just fine, whether I come or not.”
Tension fled his body with Cate’s encouragement. She was right. Ruby would be okay either way.
“Is it just Ruby who needs me?” Cate’s question was so quiet, he almost missed it. And then Luc was certain he’d misheard. How could she even ask something like that?
He needed Cate like oxygen. Or land under his boots.
Catherine Malory, if I tell you I love you one more time and you don’t accept it as the truth, I’m going to lose my ever-loving mind.
A knock sounded on his door. Faint, but noticeable.
“Hang on a sec.” Luc was thankful for the interruption. The time to know how to answer her if he had heard right. Because he didn’t think yelling his thoughts from a moment ago would be the best option.
He swung the front door open to find Cate on the step. His hand—the phone still in it—slid down to his hip.
“What are you doing here? How did you get here so fast?”
She wore jeans that hugged her legs and brown leather sandals. A white shirt with dainty polka dots. Her hair framed her face and bright, vulnerable eyes that shone in the outside cabin light. The sight of her stole the moisture from Luc’s mouth.
One shoulder lifted. “I was already on the way.”
Bird wings fought for release from the confines of his chest. “To see Ruby?”
“No.” A timid smile claimed her lips. “To see you.”
Shock gripped him. He stood there silent, a thousand thoughts flying through his mind at once.
“Can I come in?”
A nod would have to suffice since his voice had gone missing.
Cate walked to Ruby’s bedroom as Luc latched the door. She disappeared inside for a few seconds, then returned to the couch and sat. “Ruby’s asleep.” She looked at him expectantly.
Again mute, he followed, sinking onto the sofa.
“Lucas, I’m so sorry I didn’t believe you about the custody papers. That I didn’t trust you right away. I do now.”
The calmly said statements detonated, creating a roaring in his head. What did that mean? She wasn’t exactly confessing her love for him. Was it just about Ruby for her? About them getting along for their daughter’s sake?
“What changed your mind? Did you read Gage’s note?” His friend had been factual but convincing, backing up Luc’s story.
“No.” She dug into her purse, handing him the still-sealed envelope. “I didn’t need to. I already knew the truth. I’d just been denying it. I had lunch with Emma today.” Luc hadn’t known they were planning to meet. “And she said some things I needed to hear. But mostly confirmed what I didn’t want to admit. Because then I’d have to confess that I love you, and I could get hurt. So could Ruby.”
Cate kept going as if she hadn’t just said three words that rocked his whole world.
“Choosing us...it’s messy. Our relationship doesn’t come with guarantees. And that’s scary for me. Especially with what I grew up witnessing. But I don’t want to let my parents’ decisions control me anymore. So I’m letting faith win. I choose to believe you for—” she swallowed “—the rest of our lives, if you’ll have me.” She leaned forward, earnest. “Because, for Ruby’s sake, we’re either committed forever or nothing at all. I won’t do that to her. And if you’re not ready for that, that’s okay. But those are my terms.”
If he’d have her? If?
Those big, beautiful eyes of hers stared into his as her fingers squeezed his arm. “Lucas, can you forgive me for not believing you?”
“Do you think you can trust me in the future?”
Strength and peace radiated from her. “Yes.”
“There’s your answer.”
Luc tugged Cate closer. He couldn’t find the words he wanted—they’d all fled the moment he’d opened the door to find her standing there—so he kissed her. For all of the moments that had gone before and for the future. One he already impatiently couldn’t wait for.
Cate’s arms wound around his neck. Hearing she loved him back drowned Luc in contentment. In bliss. It was a tie with finding out about Ruby. And in a month and a half, he’d gone from not having either of them to having both.
Thank You, God.
Luc made himself pull away from her captivating lips, knowing that if he had his way, kissing Cate would be a full-time job. He didn’t go far—their arms were still tangled up like a jumbled pile of extra electrical cords. Considering Luc never wanted to let go, the next few years could get awkward.
Cate’s eyebrows shot up. “So? You never responded to everything I said.”
That kiss wasn’t enough of an answer for her? Luc grinned, fighting the desire to meet her adorable, questioning mouth again. She’d offered him forever—all or nothing—and he definitely had an answer for that.
“If that was a proposal, I accept.”
Epilogue
Catherine Wilder needed to find her husband. Pronto. She’d scoured the cabin and lodge for him when she returned from town twenty minutes ago but had yet to catch sight of his maple cropped hair and strong shoulders.
Ones that would need to stay sturdy for the news she was about to share with him.
The red barn loomed up, reaching for the clear, crisp Colorado sky. Last place she knew to chec
k.
She stepped inside, letting her eyes adjust to less light and cinching her red winter jacket with a fur hood tight around her to battle the biting air.
A crash sounded, and she followed it through the barn to the storage area behind.
Luc wrestled a stack of sleds into submission, hanging them on hooks that had been ignored by whoever had used the plastic saucers last.
His movements were quick. Precise. Of course, Luc was overqualified to be organizing sleds, but she imagined he’d come by, seen the mess and gotten to work.
She liked that about him. She liked a lot of things about her husband.
Cate and Luc had married a month after she’d shown up at the ranch for the second time in a small ceremony at the little white church they attended. Ruby had switched to a local preschool, where she only attended mornings and spent the rest of her day tagging along with Luc, Cate or one of her aunts. Their girl was delighted by her new life, as was her mama.
Approaching behind Luc, Cate wrapped her arms around his middle. Taut stomach muscles greeted her when she squeezed.
“Hey.” His hands covered hers, returning the hug as he glanced over his shoulder, eyes alight. Luc turned, switching so that she was wrapped up in his arms. Pretty much the best place to be in the whole wide world.
He kissed her hello. It was likely meant to be short and sweet. A greeting. But it quickly morphed into something more. Cate lost herself for a minute, just because she could, then inched back while remaining in his embrace.
“Stop distracting me. I have something to tell you.”
Luc’s nose wrinkled with disgust. “I don’t like that command.”
She laughed. Held his face in her hands. “Focus.”
“That I can do, Mrs. Wilder.”
Whenever he called her that—and it was a lot—her stomach leaped and danced and threw a party. If Cate had known she could be this happy, she would never have wasted all of those years without Luc in her life.
He wasn’t the answer to all life’s problems, and they still had off moments, but they always came back to each other with love and figured out whatever tried to mess with them. And it wasn’t much. Mostly, the transition from single parenting to a family of three had gone better than she’d ever imagined.