Trails of Love

by Melissa Foster

  “Like a car payment,” he said. “You’re brilliant.”

  She rolled her eyes. “That’s Pepper. I’m just crafty.”

  He wrapped his arms around her again and said, “You can call it whatever you’d like, but the truth of the matter is that you saw something you wanted and you found a way to make it happen that didn’t break the bank. You created your life in a way that most people only talk about or dream of. That, my sweet sunshine, is brilliance.”

  “Oh, cracker, you see me in a way no one else does. I was never a great student, except in art class and in the holistic herbalism program I took to get certified. I excelled in those courses. One day you’ll wake up and see the errors of your ways, but until then I’m going to enjoy each and every misguided compliment you give me.”

  “And I’ll convince you how on target I am about each and every one.”

  “Maybe you can just build me up at dinner with my family tomorrow night. My parents are having a goodbye dinner for Brindle. She’s leaving for Paris Friday morning for the rest of the summer. I’d love it if you’d come with me.”

  “Coming with you happens to be my favorite thing. I’d love to.” He gave her another steamy kiss, and then he smacked her ass and said, “Now, show me this deer garden before I carry you upstairs and see how creative you can get in that room.”

  “Like that’s a threat? You’re crazy.” She laughed, grabbed his MIT baseball cap from where she’d hung it by the front door, and put it on as she stepped outside. “Did you forget you lent me this?”

  “Of course not. You look cute in my hat. I figured I’d let you wear it while I’m here. But if you get it dirty I might have to punish you.”

  “I’m seeing dirt in my future,” she said sassily, earning another ass smack.

  They followed the towpath, which was lined by verdant billowing plants and vibrant wildflowers. The sun warmed Morgyn’s shoulders as she gave Graham a tour of her massive herb and vegetable gardens and the small greenhouse where she grew herbs over the winter.

  “How did you get into herbs?” he asked as they headed for the barn.

  “My aunt Roxie makes all sorts of homemade soaps, shampoos, lotions, tinctures, and love potions. She lives in Upstate New York in a small town like ours called Sweetwater. I’ve always been enamored by the things she makes. You’d love her. She’s got tons of energy, and she’s like my mom, warm and friendly.”

  “We might have to take a trip out there sometime,” he said as the barn and the deer garden came into view.

  “Oh my gosh, I would love that! We could water ski and hang out with my cousins, who are a trip. You’d get along so well with them.” As she said it, she realized she was jumping way ahead of herself again and that he’d probably said it off-the-cuff. He was leaving in a few days, not making long-term relationship plans. She tucked away that disappointment, refusing to, as her mother always said, borrow trouble. He was there for five days, and he’d called it a start. That said something, and she knew in her heart that what they had was special.

  “I’m sure I will,” he said casually.

  I will. Maybe she wasn’t getting so far ahead of herself after all. She held on to that nugget of hope as he shaded his eyes, looking across the yard.

  “Damn, sunshine. That barn’s at least three times the size of your house.”

  “I know. It’s been here forever, but it’s perfect for my workshop.”

  “And that must be the deer garden? It’s exactly how you described. If I were a buck, I’d hang out there.”

  “If you were a buck, I’d put out more than salt licks.”

  He laughed and helped her slide open the barn doors. As always happened, her spirits soared as the timeless scents of wood and earth intertwined with happy memories.

  “Welcome to my world,” she said.

  His truck was so organized, she imagined the plethora of long wooden worktables littered with items in various stages of creation looked to him like the room had thrown up on itself. She hoped the chaos of her life wouldn’t scare him away. Stacked milk crates lined half of the right wall, each one filled with fabrics and sewing paraphernalia. Various metal objects—old fireplace tools, planters, bases from tables—lay on the floor in what probably looked haphazard but was organized by types of metal, possible purposes, and stages of development. Shoes, boots, sandals, and various other items sat on tiered shelves in the far back corner, and along the back wall, long metal shelves held a plethora of birdhouses, kitchen crocks, vases, jewelry, and outerwear. Along the left wall were tall dressers with labeled drawers for embellishments she’d picked up over the years. Metal clothing rods hung from chains draped over exposed beams in the ceiling, displaying gowns and dresses.

  “I know it looks like a badly organized thrift shop,” she said. “My sisters tease me about my hoarder ways. But this is how I work best, with it all at my fingertips. I collect things and then use them when inspiration hits, which is sometimes years later.”

  “This is just what I thought your workshop would look like, except it’s much larger.”

  She followed him inside. “And you’re not running for the hills?”

  “My brother Jax designs wedding gowns, and Jilly makes all sorts of dresses. The only difference between your workspace and Jilly’s is the structure in which it resides. She has two work areas—one at home and one above her shop. Jax’s workspace is just as busy, but he makes such high-end stuff. I’m afraid to touch anything for fear of a bridezilla coming after me.”

  She laughed. “I think I’d like your siblings.”

  He kissed her and said, “Another trip to plan.”

  “You’d better stop saying things like that. You make me think five days could lead to more.”

  “You’re doubting it?” he asked casually.

  “Well, not doubting, but…”

  He picked up a tennis shoe on which she’d painted a beach scene and had added fringe around the edge and said, “The girl who creates one-of-a-kind beauties like this and believes in universal connections doubts our spiritual bond?”

  Oh my. He was even hotter when he was making a point about their relationship. She couldn’t suppress her smile as he narrowed his eyes and set the shoe on the table. He stalked toward her, bringing a heat wave so strong she was surprised her hair didn’t blow back from her face.

  “You’re wearing my lucky hat, sunshine. That means a whole hell of a lot more than how long we’ve been seeing each other. Know it. Trust it. Accept it. And don’t get any crazy ideas about marriage, either. Marriage is not on the table.” A tease shone in his eyes. He pressed his lips to hers and then said, “Come on, girlie. Let’s get this show on the road so I can meet with Reed and get back to you.”

  He grabbed her hand and headed out of the barn, acting as natural as could be—as if he weren’t leaving a trail of happiness and hope in his wake.

  GRAHAM WAS STILL smiling an hour later, as Reed showed him around the Majestic Theater, which was built near the railroad tracks and marked the line between Meadowside and Oak Falls. The name fit the old stone theater well, with two grand entrances, one curved, one straight, and stone pillars with Ionic capitals on either side of the large arched doorway. The horizontal portion above the columns had alternating patterns usually found in Greek architecture. Although it was in disrepair, he had seen worse, and Reed was a leading historical restoration expert. Graham knew the regal theater would be gorgeous when it was done.

  “You’ve got months of work ahead of you. Even with a cursory glance you can see there’s evidence of deterioration around the foundation. My bet is that once you dig into it, you’re going to find more,” Graham said as they walked inside.

  The lobby had as much character as the exterior, with inlaid marble floors and intricate woodwork around the counters. As they strolled through to the auditorium, Reed said, “Did I tell you my uncle proposed to Ella right here in the lobby?”

  “No way.”

  Reed nodded. “
Yeah. Small world, huh?”

  “Is that why you had the wedding here?” His buddy looked happier than he’d ever seen him. Reed was a formidable guy, with brown hair and a heart of gold. Months before moving back to Meadowside, he’d practically been engaged to a woman whom everyone except Reed had known was a stopgap for his one true love. Grace. His fiancée had saved him a lifetime of unhappiness by cheating with his business partner. Although it was a devastating blow, in the end it had been the best thing that could have happened to him.

  “Married life agrees with you,” he said. “And Grace seems great.”

  “My first and only love.” Warmth washed over Reed’s face. “We got married here because when we were in high school we christened our relationship in the field out back.” His eyes narrowed and he said, “That’s for your ears only. Got it?”

  “Hell, yes, I’ve got it.” Man, he wished he had that kind of history with Morgyn. Damn, she’d been adorable this morning in his hat, getting all doe-eyed when he’d said they had a future together. “Can you imagine if Sable heard that about you? She’d start calling you field fucker or some other cockamamie name.”

  “She’s got balls, that one. She’s a good person, though. She would protect her siblings with everything she has.”

  “Yeah, I got that impression. I still can’t believe Morgyn was at your wedding. What are the chances?” Graham surveyed the domed ceiling, elaborate chandeliers, and multi-level balconies in the auditorium. “You know I can’t possibly complete an assessment on this building before you leave town at noon. You mentioned you’re keeping the rigging for hanging show elements?”

  “That’s right. Replacing whatever’s necessary.”

  “Why didn’t you ask me to come out a few weeks earlier? Or after you get back? I’ve got to inspect the supporting structures, the grid-iron and fly systems, and the rest of this place from roof to basement. I had no idea you were leaving town right away. You know what goes into an inspection. Not that I mind sticking around. I mean…Morgyn…but, dude, what were you thinking?”

  Reed rubbed the back of his neck, cleared his throat, and a sly smile appeared on his face. “I had no idea that you and Morgyn would meet at the festival. I thought you’d meet at the wedding, and…”

  It took a moment for Graham to put the missing pieces together. “Holy shit, man. You were setting me up? With Morgyn?” He laughed. “Seriously?”

  Reed shrugged, grinning like a fool. “Do you blame me? She’s totally your type. She’s earthy, creative, smart, beautiful, and a doer, like you.”

  Graham paced, trying to wrap his head around what he was hearing. “How could you know? She has all those qualities, but, man…You know me. I am never unprepared. I’m not sure Morgyn prepares for anything.”

  “I know.”

  “If I’m the eye of the storm, she’s a hurricane.”

  Reed laughed.

  “Seriously. She didn’t even check the weather before going on an overnight camping trip at the festival.” He laughed, remembering the state of her tent and belongings.

  “I don’t know about all that. I just know that when I talk to Morgyn, I get the same feeling as when I talk to you. She’s got this energy that radiates off her and breathes life into everything around her. She’s a whirlwind, always taking off for a day trip, staying out until all hours with her friends, listening to music. I doubt most guys could keep up with her. But she reminds me of you.”

  “That’s some crazy shit, because from the moment I saw her dancing in the rain, I’ve thought of nothing else. I’ve never connected with a woman like I have with Morgyn, and yeah, she’s out there. But for some damn reason I totally dig that—and everything else—about her. She’s got no hang-ups, no desire to follow the pack. She’s exciting and spur-of-the-moment, and beneath it all, she’s careful even though she doesn’t think she is. Did you know she bartered her way into that house?”

  “I’ve heard the stories.”

  “I’ve never met anyone like her.”

  “I can see that. Dude, you’re glowing,” Reed teased. “You’re rambling and you never ramble. You’re like I was when I first saw Grace again. I would have followed her anywhere.”

  “That’s the other thing. I’ve known her three days, and I cannot imagine leaving town Friday without her. I just can’t even picture it, and I don’t want to. That’s fucked up for a guy like me who has never needed anyone by my side.”

  “No, man, that’s love.”

  Graham scoffed. Love? “That’s not even a word that was on my radar before…” Before you said it? No. Before this morning. Holy fuck. The realization momentarily struck him mute.

  “It sneaks up on you and stings you in the ass like one of those green flies at the beach,” Reed said.

  “This is all too much to grasp. I haven’t even had a chance to process the overwhelming emotions that have consumed me since we met. How about we focus on business.”

  “You can run, but you can’t hide,” Reed said with a laugh.

  “Dude, I don’t want to hide. I just want to wrap my head around what it all means. And what’s up with wanting me to evaluate her business? You know I don’t do business with women I sleep with. Why would you think that would be okay if your goal was to set us up?”

  “Because I trust you, and Morgyn’s family now.”

  Of course. That made perfect sense.

  “The building where she rents space was sold recently, and the new owners are raising the rent by something like thirty percent next month. Apparently the previous owners were charging below fair market value.”

  Graham wondered how she could be in such a good mood and so carefree for the last few days with that weighing on her mind.

  “I don’t know anything about her finances,” Reed said, “but Grace asked if I knew anyone who could help her figure her business out. There’s Beckett, but they have history.”

  “So I’ve heard.” He wasn’t about to ask Reed for details, but he was curious about what had happened between Morgyn and Beckett. He also wondered how she was making ends meet in such a small town. How many boots and unique types of furniture and jewelry could a community that small need on a daily basis?

  He’d never let Morgyn flounder, and hell if he’d let Beckett try to help her. “I’m heading over to her shop when I’m done here. I’ll check it out.” He looked around the theater, and an incredulous laugh slipped out. “So this was all a setup? You don’t want me to inspect this place? What the hell, man?”

  Reed shrugged. “Your old man came out a few weeks ago to check it out.”

  “My father? Did he know about your matchmaking scheme?”

  “Well.” Reed pushed a hand through his hair, guilt rising in his eyes. “Hey, you can’t be pissed because I want you to be happy, can you?”

  “Not pissed, no. Floored. Shocked. I’m not sure if I should beat the hell out of you for making a fool of me or bow at your feet for your matchmaking superpowers.”

  “I didn’t make a fool out of you. If anything, you two made fools out of us. Who did we think we were, setting you guys up? According to Grace, Morgyn’s the fate fairy. She goes through life relying on the universe to guide her.”

  Morgyn’s voice sailed through his mind. I take my life seriously. If I’m anything, I’m floaty. I sort of drift through this beautiful life, taking it all in and not stressing over little things. Or big things, really. I don’t see a reason to get all wigged out because something isn’t working right. It’ll either get fixed or it won’t.

  Graham pulled his vibrating phone from his pocket as his sister’s name flashed across the screen. He opened and read her text. So?! How was the wedding? Meet anyone special?

  “Morgyn?” Reed asked.

  “No. It’s Jilly.” He loved his pushy, nosy sister and he knew she’d love Morgyn, but he didn’t want to spend his time texting when he was with Reed. “Obviously my father has a big mouth. She’s fishing for details.”

  His phone vi
brated with another text from Jillian. Come on! Dad told me you were being set up, and Zev told me you hooked up with someone at the festival. We’ve got a bet going. BIG stakes! I want to win, so give me a clue! Pleeeeaassseee!

  “This ought to be fun.” Graham turned the phone toward Reed for him to see.

  “Just give her Morgyn’s number. They’ll get along great.”

  “I can’t. I don’t have her phone number. When we left the festival we didn’t exchange information. Hell, I didn’t even know she lived here. We were supposed to meet up today at her shop, but then the wedding—aka setup central—happened.”

  Reed laughed. “You let her leave without getting her number?”

  “I knew I’d find her. Or die trying.”

  “Oh yeah, buddy. You’re perfect for each other.”

  Chapter Nine

  AFTER CATCHING UP with Reed, Graham climbed into his truck and typed a response to Jillian. A reminder to get his oil changed popped up on the screen. He remembered seeing an auto shop in town and decided to call Jillian on the way to getting the oil changed before heading over to Morgyn’s shop.

  Jillian answered on the first ring. “Finally. I texted you hours ago.”

  “You have the patience of a flea. How about, hey, Graham, how are you? How was the wedding?”

  She groaned, and he imagined her rolling her eyes. “Hi, Graham. How are you? How was the wedding? Now give me the good stuff. Dad said Reed was setting you up.”

  “I think I’ll keep the details of the good stuff to myself, but yes, I was supposed to be set up.”

  “So you didn’t get set up?” All the gusto drained from her voice. “Bummer. I figured you didn’t answer my texts because you were too caught up in the girl Dad told me about. She sounded amazing. Wait! What about the girl Zev met?”

  “They’re one and the same—Reed wanted to set me up with her, but we’d already met. Her name is Morgyn Montgomery, and she’s…” He tried to think of the best way to describe her. Great felt insignificant, special wasn’t significant enough, and amazing could be used to describe anything. Mine. That one was perfect, but that would leave him wide-open to too many of Jillian’s incessant questions, so he settled on, “Everything.”