“Wow,” was all Lanie could say, completely thrown for a loop.
“You have to believe that if I had the money, I’d give it to you in a heartbeat. I know what it’s like to lose the land your blood, sweat and tears are on. But more than that, I know how important it is to you, and I’d do anything to keep you happy.”
“I know,” she assured him, falling in love all over again. She’d been so very wrong.
Now that everything was in the open, the atmosphere seemed to cool down, setting a more upbeat tone.
“Jase really said he wants more nieces and nephews?” Jeremy asked out of the blue, returning to the conversation he hadn’t wanted to participate in two hours prior.
“Yes. I told you he’d come around eventually.”
“What do you think?”
“Of Jase? He’s a pain in my rear, but I love him.”
Jeremy laughed. “No, about giving him some more nieces or nephews.”
“I always wanted children. You’re the one who wasn’t sure.” There was no accusation, just a statement of facts as they had been.
“Spending time with Cody, being around him on a regular basis, has made me realize I’d like some more kids eventually. Not right now, but when we’re more secure. Not that I don’t think we’re secure, but when we’ve had time to reestablish ourselves. But not too far down the road. I don’t want them graduating high school when I’m too old to still have my own teeth.”
His nervousness is kind of endearing, Lanie thought. She let him ramble in circles for several more seconds before stepping in to rescue him. “I understand what you’re trying to say. We don’t have to put a time table on it. It’s nice just knowing that’s an option for the future.”
“Yes, when the time’s right. We’re almost to Dad’s home. Do you need to stop for anything before we get there?”
“Is there a restroom there that I’ll be able to use?”
“Yes.”
“I’m good then.”
They approached a small town and went through three traffic lights, turning left on a road that looked like it led to nowhere.
“How’d you find this facility?” Lanie asked since it seemed in an obscure location.
“It’s Dad’s home. I can’t stand the ‘f’ word,” he made clear.
Understandable. “How did you find his new home?” she asked, rephrasing the question,
“J.T. actually told me about it. His great-uncle spent his last years here. The medical care is outstanding and the entire staff is very understanding and supportive. I researched several options in the area, even some out of state, but this one has zero complaints on file and was the best fit. It’s a little pricier than others, but worth the added cost.”
“J.T.’s been a good friend to you, hasn’t he?”
“He’s a brother in every way that matters,” he stated pragmatically, conserving his words.
Men. He’d discuss their relationship with her, but wouldn’t discuss his closest friendship. “I’m glad you have him.”
Jeremy stared ahead, a barely perceptible tension spreading through him. “This it is.”
“The grounds look friendly.” She looked out, observing.
A short brick wall, about four feet high, extended on each side of the entrance. The words River’s Bluff protruded from the brick in large, iron letters on the left side and on the other, Assisted Living. At the end of the driveway was a parking lot in front of a cheery building, which looked like it could be a small, garden apartment complex. The pathway was lined with Japanese barberry and each exterior window had a flower box with yellow and orange mums, perfectly suited for adding autumnal ambiance.
“Do they change the flowers according to season?” she mused aloud.
“Yes,” Jeremy replied, surprising her because she wasn’t expecting an answer. “They aren’t real though, silk or something. I can’t remember, but they told us during a tour. In a few weeks they’ll change over to poinsettias.”
“That’s a nice touch. It adds some festiveness.”
Jeremy was silent as he parked the truck. Both his hands gripped the steering wheel several moments before exiting the truck.
“Good afternoon, Jeremy.” A middle-aged nurse sitting behind a welcome desk greeted him. “Where’ve you been hiding this pretty young woman at?” she teased, nodding to Lanie.
“This is my wife, Lanie.” Jeremy slipped, not thinking.
A surprised smile flickered over the nurse’s face. “You’ve been holding out on me. I didn’t realize you’d tied the knot. Nice to meet you Lanie Travers.”
Pink tinged Lanie’s cheeks. “Lanie Callahan,” she corrected awkwardly. “Ex-wife.”
“Ah. Well it’s nice to see you regardless. Family involvement is important, even in situations when members are estranged.”
“Oh we’re not estranged,” she clarified. “We’re together.” She stopped short, realizing she sounded ridiculous telling a stranger business that wasn’t hers to know.
“It’s okay, sugar. I think I understand.”
“How’s dad doing today, Betty?” Jeremy asked, addressing the nurse by the name on her badge. From the casual banter between the two, Lanie deduced there’d been a rapport built between them.
Betty scrunched her features. “Not one of his better days, I’m afraid. This morning he had trouble putting his own shirt on. His frustration turned aggressive and it took some time to subdue him. Now, he refuses to come out from his room.” She sighed heavily. “Maybe seeing you will help lift his spirits.”
Lanie tightened her hold on Jeremy, giving him her support.
“Thanks for letting me know, Betty.” Jeremy led her down a hallway, stopping at a door with the markings 107 and Shane Travers writing on an insert below. “Hey Dad, it’s Jeremy,” he announced, knocking on the door.
“Come in,” an exuberant voice, in contrast to what they’d been expecting, called from behind the door.
Carefully, Jeremy pushed the door open, giving Lanie a gentle tug to bring her in with him. “I brought someone to see you. Look who it is.”
“Hi, Mr. Travers. It’s nice to see you again.” Lanie looked at Jeremy’s father, noting physical differences since she’d last seen him. His hair had turned grey, his features older. The once muscular arms had loose skin where the definition had once been.
Shane Travers looked at her with confusion. “Why’d you bring your Aunt Sue? I told them I never wanted to see her again.”
Maintaining complete control, Jeremy spoke gently. “No dad, this is Lanie. Can you remember when I married her? You came to the wedding.”
“No, you’ve never been married,” Mr. Travers insisted, his voice rising. “Damn fools. I told them not to let her in here. They never listen to me.”
“I’ll wait outside,” Lanie whispered to Jeremy, not wishing to cause his dad more trouble.
“Dad, I’m going to take Aunt Sue out and then I’ll come back in to visit. Is that okay with you?”
“Yes. I’d love to chat with you a spell, Son. Just get that woman out of here first.”
Jeremy took her by the elbow and led her out of the room. He rubbed his temples. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking bringing you here.”
“Shh. I’m glad you did.” She brushed a hair from his eye, allowing her finger to linger.
“It’s so damn hard,” he said, choking on his words.
She didn’t know how to make this better for him or if that was even possible. All she could do was be there by his side and help him get through it. Her arms slid around his waist, giving him a sympathetic hug. “Go visit with him. I’ll be right here waiting when you’re done.”
With a light touch, Jeremy removed Lanie’s arm from his chest, careful not to disturb her sleep. By the time they’d gotten home from visiting his dad, they’d passed out once they’d picked up Cody and were settled back in their cabin. Their cabin- what a thought. He still had a few things in the cabin he’d been placed in u
pon arriving, but he’d hardly spent a night apart from Lanie since they got back together.
Barefooted, he padded out of the room, crossing the hallways and stopped by Cody’s room to peek in on him. He was still sleeping, his arms curled around his pillow. Going down the hall, he went to the spare room with a small office set-up. He turned the computer on, waiting for it to start. Fortunately, Lanie’s home was one of the few cabins outside the main lodge that had internet access. He could have used his phone, but the desktop would make it much easier and quicker.
When the browser came up he opened his email, searching for the one he’d saved that had come through several months ago. At the time, he’d blown it off because he’d had no reason to consider the offer, let alone act on it. A realtor out of Riverton had contacted him during the summer with a client interested in leasing the vacant Travers’ Ranch for a horse rescue.
The same horse rescue, coincidentally, that was responsible, in a roundabout way, for bringing Lanie to him. After they’d lost their initial property, they’d started over several years later on a smaller scale. They’d went to court over the scandal with Royston Oil and won a settlement large enough to keep them going for some time if they showed discretions with funds. According to the realtor, they were ready to upgrade to a larger operation and hoped to also incorporate a camp for troubled teens. Travers’ Ranch was perfect for that they needed.
Finding the e-mail, he replied back to the realtor with a short simple note.
Seth,
Find out if Helping Hands Horse Rescue is still searching for property to lease. If they are, let’s talk ASAP.
Jeremy
He clicked send, saying a short prayer for whatever it was worth. If he could pull this off, he felt it would provide a small amount of redemption. Before he turned off the computer, he checked his bank account and paid a few bills. Lanie was still asleep when he finished, but it was time for Cody to wake up and get ready for school. Going back to Cody’s room, he gave his son a mild shake on the shoulders.
“Good morning, buddy. Time to wake up for school.”
“Where’s mommy?” Cody asked, jumping out of bed.
To be that young and easy to wake up again. “She’s still asleep. I thought we’d let her stay in bed for a little while, and I’ll get you ready for school.”
“Cool. Can I have waffles for breakfast?”
“I guess, if I can figure out how to make them. Can’t be that hard, can it?”
“You’re funny Daddy. Mommy has frozen ones in the freezer.”
“Then yes, you can have waffles for breakfast.” He tousled Cody’s hair then walked to the dresser and pulled out a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. “Get dressed,” he said, handing them over. “Come eat when you’re done, but be quiet so you don’t wake mom.”
In the kitchen, Jeremy dug through the freezer, finding the yellow box of waffles pushed to the back. He pulled two from the package and stuck them in the toaster. While the waffles toasted, he poured a cup of two percent milk, wondering why no one ever bought whole milk anymore. On the rare times he drank the smooth white beverage, he wanted the full flavor. The main dish popped up and he transferred the soft circles of cooked batter to a plate, topping them off with a smidgen of syrup. Everything was on the table, waiting for Cody when he came in to eat.
“Are you going to cut them for me?” Cody asked, sitting in his seat.
“Sure thing.” He grabbed a butter knife from the drawer and cut each waffle into four smaller pieces. “Is that good?”
“Yep. Thanks, Daddy.”
“You’re welcome.”
While Cody ate, Jeremy packed him a lunch. A first in his life, he thought ruefully, as he spread extra creamy peanut butter over a soft slice of white bread. He cut the completed sandwich in half diagonally before slipping it into a plastic baggie. “Where’s your lunch box?” he asked Cody.
His son squinted his eyes. “I think I left it in the truck last night.”
“Not a problem. I’ll be right back.”
Mornings were hectic when there was a child involved who needed to get ready for school. He’d underestimated the time and organization involved, but he felt good getting Cody ready. In the future, he’d make it a point to help out more in the mornings, instead of taking for granted that Lanie would do everything. The missing lunchbox was located and Jeremy went back inside, filling it with the sandwich, a banana, chips and a juice pouch. He’s have to ask Lanie, for future reference, what she normally included.
“Did your finish your homework at Uncle Jase and Aunt Allie’s?”
“Yep.”
“Is it in your backpack?”
“Yep.”
“Are there any papers your mom or I need to sign?”
“No.”
“Okay then. Backpack, lunchbox, coat. Am I forgetting anything?”
“I’m supposed to take in something that reminds me of Thanksgiving,” Cody said.
Jeremy took a deep breath. They had to be heading out the door in five minutes. “Did you have any ideas?”
“Can I take my book about leaves? Leaves make me think of leave piles, and leave piles make me think of fall and that makes me think of Thanksgiving.”
He couldn’t fault the kid’s logic. He didn’t know the details of the assignment, but at least Cody could explain why he’d chosen the book. “Do you know where it is?”
“On my bookshelf.”
“Go grab it so we can leave.”
In case Lanie woke up before he came back, he scribbled a note letting her know Cody was off to school and he’d be back shortly. He buckled Cody into his booster seat and took him to the bus stop. The temperature had dropped below freezing overnight and had yet to warm considerably, causing Cody to remain in the truck until the last second.
Cody was on the bus and Jeremy hadn’t yet put the Chevy into gear when his phone rang.
“Jeremy boy, imagine my surprise to find your e-mail in my inbox this morning,” a too eager voice spoke.
Jeremy cringed at the realtor’s overfriendly tone. “I wasn’t expecting a call this soon. Didn’t think anyone would be working this early.”
“A realtor never stops working for his clients.”
“Get to business. Where’s Helping Hands at in their search for property?”
“They’re still searching. Nothing else available that they’ve found has fit their criteria and budget. You’d be wise to lease out Travers’ Ranch before it starts to deteriorate. The income wouldn’t hurt either, since you’re out of commission.”
If possible, he’d reach through the phone and smack the irritating man, especially after the veiled implication he’d need the money. Money wasn’t tight for normal expenses, and his financial future wasn’t bleak, but he didn’t have the upfront cash Whispering Winds needed. “Seth, let me be frank with you. I can almost guarantee that I made more money last year than you’ll see in a lifetime. Money’s not the object.” He couldn’t help the smug reply, but the realtor had put a burr under him.
“I meant no offense, man. Just trying to make you see the benefits,” Seth answered glibly.
“Talk to the board, see if the summer’s offer still stands. I’ll do a ten year lease for them but my stipulation is they pay a year upfront.”
Seth gasped but quickly recovered. “That’s a pretty steep condition.”
“Considering their past failure, it’s securing business on my end.” He wasn’t about to tell Ryan the truth of why he wanted the money upfront. If Ryan asked why the rush, he’d tell him he was doing this to gain someone’s favor. Not a far stretch of the imagination, exactly. Helping Hands Horse Rescue had been near and dear to Lanie’s heart at one time. And he did want her favor.
“I’ll make some calls and see if we can’t get the ball rolling.”
“Do that and get back to me when you have an answer.”
Disconnecting the call, Jeremy put the truck into reverse, backed up a few feet to increase the t
urning radius then turned the truck around and went back to the cabin. Lanie was sitting at the kitchen table, dressed and blowing on a steaming cup of coffee.
“Thanks for letting me sleep and getting Cody off to school.”
“You looked so peaceful, I hated to disturb you. What time are you heading over to the main house?”
“I told Allie I’d be there a half hour ago.” She grimaced. “Maybe she’ll be running late also, but I doubt it because Lexie’s returning today.”
Jeremy poured his own cup of coffee then sat down with Lanie. “How is Rylan?”
Allie’s assistant had a brother in the hospital with an extended illness.
“He seems to be doing better for now, but I’m glad Lexie’s been able to spend this time with him while it’s slow here. Besides, when she’s gone, I’m given more responsibility. Sometimes I feel like I don’t have a place here, since I have no designated role. I help Allie out a lot, but mainly I just fill in where needed.”
Angling his head, he looked at her surprised, never knowing she’d felt like that. “How can you doubt your place here? Your family loves you, you’re always helping. You’re invaluable to Whispering Winds.”
“I guess. What are your plans today?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Working with the others to prepare the barn and stables for the winter. Tomorrow, I have a potential buyer coming who’s looking for a pair of mares as matching Christmas gifts for his daughters.”
“Christmas gifts?” Lanie cringed.
“We talked in length and I’m confident it’s not a whim to satisfy a Christmas list. Until recently, they lived in the city, but his daughters have taken riding lessons since they were four and five. Last summer, they moved to a twenty acre spread that already has a barn and several corrals and he seemed knowledgeable about the care and costs involved.”
Feeling mollified, Lanie smiled. Jeremy knew she took pride in her family, knowing that even if they needed the money, they wouldn’t sell a horse they believed would be going to an unhealthy environment. “Is dad getting his money’s worth out of you yet?” she joked.
When the Glitter Fades (Cowboys of Whispering Winds) Page 11