Discovering Dani (River's End Ranch Book 20)

by Cindy Caldwell

  “But he’s doing great today. Had a massage and is on strict assignment to just have fun.”

  “I bet that was quite a scare, but that sounds great. A forced vacation,” he said, and she noticed his eyes light up again. “I guess that’s kind of what I’m having, if you think about it.”

  Dani spun her spoon on the counter. Yes, if he’d spent that amount of time with her parents and they’d sent him across the country with a truck—he might as well get a vacation out of it.

  “I’m sorry I barged in on you. The cat...”

  He laughed and turned to look at the blanket that seemed to be purring all by itself. “Kitty seems to be happy. I fed her some tuna before you got here. She liked it, I think,” he said, gesturing to the empty bowl on the floor.

  Dani frowned as she remembered she’d promised the cat some canned cat food—and had forgotten about that, too. She didn’t feel like a very good cat owner, and certainly wasn’t showering her feeling with love in the form of food or anything else, for that matter.

  “I think I’ll enjoy hanging out with her. I’ve never had a pet. Moved around too much,” Travis said.

  “Oh?” Dani was surprised that she was curious about that—but decided to go ahead and ask. “How come? You didn’t grow up in one place?”

  Travis poured her a cup of coffee and slid a mug to her across the counter. “Nope. Got passed around after my folks died, place to place. Never was in one house long enough, I guess.”

  Dani frowned as a cloud passed across his face—quickly, but she noticed. “That must have been tough. And now?”

  He laughed. “Now, I don’t mind. Spend most of the year in motels, so when I’m in one place long enough to cook, I do. Thanks for joining me. It’s way more fun when somebody else likes what you cook. Kind of like sharing love.” He looked down at his coffee and cleared his throat. “Well, you know what I mean. Like connecting with people.”

  Dani had never thought of cooking that way. She’d cooked mostly in the diner and was good at it but it wasn’t exactly as if she sent out the two eggs, over easy with extra crispy bacon with a packet of love on the side. She couldn’t wait to get out of there.

  “You don’t spend much time in one place, even now?” she asked, changing the subject.

  “No. My work has me traveling a lot, and in the off season I kind of just visit people or stay where I want to for a couple of months.”

  “You don’t have a house anywhere at all? No place you call home?” she asked. She couldn’t imagine being that transient. River’s End Ranch was the only home she’d ever known.

  He picked up his spoon and stirred his coffee, watching the swirls as he did. After a moment, he said, “It’s not as if I’ve never wanted a house. I could have one.”

  She watched in silence as he seemed to wrestle with his thoughts. Another cloud passed over his face before he said, “I guess I’ve just never decided where I wanted to be. Where I wanted to set down roots.”

  “I get that. Good time to see the world, I suppose, with no commitments.”

  He looked up at her and their eyes met, a quizzical expression settling on his face. He glanced at the blanket as Kitty poked her nose from underneath, standing and stretching. She crossed the room and hopped onto his lap.

  “Yeah, I guess so,” he said as he pet the cat, smiling down at it, then turning back to Dani. “So you’re going to be pretty busy this week, covering for Wade and doing your own job, I guess.”

  Something tugged at her, and she almost wished she could show Travis around the ranch, show him the beauty of the mountains. Show him what a real home was like—but it wasn’t possible.

  “I’m going to be running around like a chicken with its head cut off. I’ll be lucky if I get to eat again before Wade gets back.”

  “That’s no good. You have to eat. Feeds the soul as well as the body,” he said, setting Kitty back on the floor and looking at her as he cocked his head. “Your brothers offered to show me around this week. Horseback riding, maybe some snowmobiling, but I’d be happy to help in any way I can.”

  “Oh, thanks,” Dani said as she reached for her coat. “I appreciate it, but we’ve got it covered. Just a few more days and then I’ll need to focus on Christmas. I’m in charge of the snowmobile race and I haven’t done a thing to get ready.”

  Travis stood and walked with her to the door. “I’d be happy to help. I know a thing or two about races,” he said with a smile.

  “You do? Aren’t you the one who almost ran into me last night in your truck?” she asked as she pulled on her gloves.

  He flushed and looked at his feet. “Okay, so that wasn’t my finest moment, but yes, I could help.”

  She laughed. “Well, I’ve been doing it for years, so I’m sure I can manage. Have fun with my brothers. I’m sure they’ll show you a good time.” She turned at the door and glanced at the cat. “And thanks for looking after the cat—Kitty, I mean. I really appreciate it.”

  “Least I can do since I put you out of your home,” he said. “Spartan as it is, it’s yours, and I’m grateful for the temporary loan.”

  Dani started and looked around the room. No pictures on the wall, just a framed one on the kitchen counter. No cute dishtowels—nothing that would say it belonged to her.

  “Hm, I guess you’re right. All the better for you to enjoy,” she said with a smile. “Good night, and thank you for dinner. It really was wonderful.”

  “No problem. Come back any time. I’d feed you any time you wanted,” he said. “Good night, Daniella. It’s been a true pleasure to meet you,” he said before he closed the door.

  She stood outside for a moment, the sound of her name washing over her. She’d been Dani for so long, it sounded strange to her, but coming from him it felt more like a warm waterfall rather than nails on a chalkboard and she hadn’t even wanted to correct him.

  She shook her head quickly. She must be over-tired, thinking such ridiculous things. But she was relieved that Kitty was in good hands, and she reached in her pocket for her cell phone as she trudged back through the snow to the Main House.

  “Dani, I promised him you would show him around,” her mother said when they’d connected. “You have to.”

  “Mom, you know that’s not possible. Not this week, anyway, with everything happening with Wade.”

  Her mother paused for a moment. “Fine. I’m sure he’ll be in good hands with your brothers. But make some time for him, if you can. And Jaclyn wanted me to ask you to stop by. She insisted.”

  “I can’t do that either, Mom. No time,” she said as she rounded the last set of pine trees, the Main House in sight.

  “And what about the letter? You haven’t even mentioned the letter. Dani—”

  “Oh, Mom, I think I’m losing you. No reception. I’ll call in a few days,” Dani said before she ended the call and poked her head in the Main House, squinting to see if Jaclyn was on the sofa. The coast was clear and she scooted into Kelsi’s room, closing the door as quickly as she could.

  She kicked off her boots and threw her coat on the rack, plopping down on the bed with her arms behind her head. It sure had been a busy day. Hopefully so big that she could fall right to sleep, undisturbed by the waves of pink in her twin’s childhood bedroom. Posters covered the walls, along with sparkles and boas on the ceiling that she’d tried not to look at for years.

  As she stared up at the ceiling at what she’d always assumed was a random display of the feathered boas, she actually groaned. They weren’t random at all—and she truly wasn’t surprised that the boas were glued to form the word, “Love.”

  She turned on her side and didn’t even bother getting out of her clothes before she turned out the light.

  Chapter 10

  Dani finished the dishes as her brothers left the cafe to go for what they said was a walk, but that she knew was really so they could make sure he was all right. She was glad she’d been able to make the coleslaw to go with Wade’s ribs at family di
nner. She looked out the window and breathed a sigh of relief. He’d done what he was supposed to and spent as much time with Maddie as possible—and the massages seemed to be doing him a world of good.

  She breathed deeply and sat down with her sisters-in-law. She liked all of them, and she’d been so busy this past week she hadn’t seen any of them for even a second.

  “Wade looks good, don’t you think?” Belinda said as she patted her own growing tummy.

  “He looks great,” Ellie said. “And so does Kelsi. Will says she’s slowed down a little bit on the name business, but I haven’t noticed.”

  Dani laughed. “It’s a pretty sure bet we won’t know—and she won’t even know—until the end. Kind of silly. It’s only a name, anyway.”

  “Uh-huh. Just a name, Daniella?” Amber asked, her eyebrow cocked.

  “Hey, hey. Watch it,” Dani said and she reached for another brownie. She hadn’t had lunch—and she’d noticed. Kelsi had been sending lunch over to her all week, and she’d really missed it today, but she understood. It was Sunday and Kelsi had had the day off. She’d left earlier with Shane and she’d forgotten to thank her tonight with all the Wade commotion, but she’d make a point of it tomorrow. She needed to tell her about the letter and the assignment, too.

  “That’s what I thought,” Belinda said.

  Belinda and Wyatt had been a couple long ago. She was the sister-in-law Dani knew best, and they exchanged a friendly glance. She liked all her new family members, and felt comfortable when they were around—even if they were ribbing her, just like their husbands always did. Pretty soon it would be time to start planning Kelsi’s baby shower, and she knew all of her sisters-in-law would want to be on board.

  “We were just filling Wade here in on Travis before we started freezing,” Wyatt said as he pulled off his gloves and sat by his wife, throwing his arm over her shoulder as she snuggled against him.

  “Yeah, I hadn’t heard about him,” Wade said as he pulled up a chair and looked at Dani, his head cocked.

  “What’s to tell?” Dani said. “Mom sent him with a truck and an assignment.”

  “I’ve spent some time with him this week, showing him the river and parts of the ranch,” Will said. “He’s a great guy.”

  “I’m taking him out on the trail next week,” Wyatt said. “He’s never ridden, but he should be fine since he’s a race car driver and all.”

  Dani’s ears perked up. A race car driver? He did say he had some racing experience, and she realized she hadn’t asked. She’d been so busy this week she’d only seen him around once or twice. She had noticed his smile and wave, though, each time she had.

  “Huh. Well, Mom’s called almost every day and asked me to show him around. I guess I should. Maybe he could help lay the course for the snowmobile races. I’m running out of time, anyway. It’s only a couple days away.”

  “He said he’s looking forward to staying through Christmas and all the activities, and I’m sure he’d be happy to help,” Wyatt said. “He’s asked about you. More than once. And he still calls you Daniella.”

  Dani’s stomach lurched when her sisters-in-law let out a collective, “Wooooo,” before they dissolved into laughter.

  “Hey, knock it off,” Dani said. “He’s just a guy.” She squirmed in her seat and eyed the door.

  “Just a guy, huh? I even heard about him all the way in town,” her cousin Jess said. “Actually, I met him. He came into the clinic asking some questions about a cat. It was kind of odd, but he introduced himself. Said he was staying at Dani’s place and there’s a kitten.”

  The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Dani.

  “You have—a cat? And it’s still alive?” Wes said before he burst out laughing.

  “Stop. I rescued the cat. It was going to die. You know, search and rescue?”

  Wade squinted at her. “I guess so. Well, if you’re not interested in Travis, there’s always Fred,” he said, hiding a smile behind his hand. “He does seem a little sweet on you. Bernie told me about the mistletoe.”

  “Okay, that’s it,” Dani said and she stood, holding her hands up and taking a step back. “I have a lot to do. No time for this nonsense.”

  Wade couldn’t hold back his laughter any longer. “Guess I’ve missed quite a bit,” he said. He cleared his throat and tried to wipe the smile off his face as Dani reached for her coat. “Seriously, I know you’ve been busy. Don’t worry about the Christmas activities, just focus on your race. Do what you have to do, but maybe this guy could be some help after all. The course isn’t even laid and Elf is ready and willing whenever you are.” He turned to his siblings. “Thanks, everybody, for taking charge of your assignments. Guess the next time we’re all together it’ll be Christmas day.”

  “Ah, back to his old bossy self,” Wes said as he reached for Amber’s hand.

  They all laughed and started to gather their things, cleaning up in the cafe so Kelsi wouldn’t have to in the morning.

  Dani helped clean and gave each and every one of her brothers a dirty look as she did—and was met with wiggled eyebrows or outright laughter. She couldn’t wait to get out of there, and pulled on her coat and gloves.

  “See you all later,” she said as she reached for the door.

  She stopped dead in her tracks as she looked up directly into the smiling face of Travis, his hand raised and poised to knock. She glanced back quickly as all eyes turned to the door, feeling like a deer caught in headlights.

  “Hey, Travis,” Wyatt said as he grabbed Belinda’s hand and pulled her to the door. “Nice to see you. Let me know when you want that trail ride,” He hustled Belinda out the door after introducing her while she grabbed her coat.

  Her other brothers followed suit, introducing their wives on their way out. She’d never seen them leave so quickly, and she introduced Wade to Travis when he was the last to go.

  “Nice to meet you. And thanks for driving the truck out for our parents. We’re grateful.”

  “Nice to meet you, too, finally, and I hope you’re feeling better,” Travis said as he stepped inside.

  “I am, I am. Enjoy River’s End Ranch. Glad you’re here,” Wade said. He bent over and whispered in Dani’s ear. “Maybe you should go see Jaclyn after all. She’s been asking for you.”

  She shoved her elbow in his side before he headed down the stairs with a wave over his shoulder.

  “Wow, what a great family,” Travis said as he watched them all head home. “Your parents were right.”

  “I’m not sure I’d agreed today. They were pretty brutal.”

  “Oh, I’m sure it’s because they love you. All in fun. Besides, through the window it looked like you were all laughing. Having a good time.”

  “Everybody but me,” she muttered under her breath. “What brings you out?”

  “I guess I just wanted to check in, see if you survived your week. I don’t have your phone number or I would have just called.”

  “Here, I’ll give it to you, in case you need anything,” she said and wrote the number on a napkin. “You hungry? We have leftovers from dinner and I can grab you some.”

  She poked her thumb at the coffee pot that they’d turned off but was still hot.

  He nodded, and she crossed behind the counter and poured him some in a to-go cup.

  “Sure, what is it? Not that it matters, since I’ve been out all day and haven’t eaten much.”

  “Ah, you’re in for a treat. Ribs, Bob’s baked beans and my super duper top secret coleslaw.” She pushed through the swinging doors into the kitchen and emptied some of all three things into to-go containers, reaching for a bag to put it in. She handed him the bag and he stood, grabbing his coffee.

  “Thanks,” he said. “It smells great.”

  “Good. Happy to return the favor. Your stew was great.”

  He laughed as she held the door open for him and she switched off the lights. She made sure the door was locked as she closed it and they headed down the stairs. />
  “I actually wanted to offer again to help with the snowmobile track. Contrary to your experience with my driving ability, I really think I might be able to help.”

  She smiled up at him, this guy who hadn’t even seen snow before last week, and had almost skidded into her on the icy road. He looked down at her, and somehow she knew his offer was genuine. She’d never let anybody help her before, but she was so pressed for time that she decided to take him up on it.

  As they reached the Main House, their breath misting around them, she paused. “Sounds like you really mean it.”

  “I do. I’m really enjoying it here. I can’t wait to see all the Christmas stuff.” He turned and they both watched as the lights went off around the Old West town. Soon, the giant pine tree would be covered with ornaments—Dani’d been so busy she hadn’t gotten into the Christmas spirit even a little bit.

  She laughed and pulled her knit cap further down her forehead. It was cold tonight, but crisp and clear, and she looked up at the stars.

  “I guess you’re in for it, then. Be careful what you wish for, and thanks for your offer to help. Can you come over tomorrow morning, around nine?”

  He gave her a brief salute. “At your service, ma’am.”

  She laughed as she climbed the porch stairs. “Thank you, Travis.”

  “My pleasure, Daniella. Thanks for dinner. See you tomorrow,” he said over his shoulder, and she watched as he headed back to her cabin, his new boots leaving sturdy footprints in the soft snow.

  Chapter 11

  “Everything’s ready for you, Dani,” Elf said proudly as she entered the mechanics’ bay.

  “Thanks, Elf. I really appreciate it. I’ve got some help scouting the track. Any chance two snowmobiles are ready?”

  “Sure. I have a few to look at still but plenty of time to do it. Male or female?”

  “Male or female what?”

  “The second rider. Thinking of what size snowmobile to get the keys to.”

  Dani raised her eyebrows. She hadn’t asked Travis if he’d ridden a motorcycle before, but snowmobiles were similar and he likely had or wouldn’t have offered his help. She’d just have to take him at his word. The boys had said he was a race car driver, so she figured he could handle a snowmobile as big as hers.