Trails of Love

by Melissa Foster

  Nick chuckled and tipped his hat. “Nice to meet you, sunshine. I’m Nick. I hear you’ve got a little gypsy in your blood, just like Graham.”

  “We do have a lot in common. You’re the one who works with Trixie Jericho? Wow, she was spot-on about you,” Morgyn said. “She said you were a burly cowboy.”

  Nick stood up a little taller and rolled his shoulders back, sticking out his chest. “A damn fine one at that.”

  “He’s also arrogant as all get out,” Jillian said.

  “I might have heard that too,” Morgyn said. She turned to Jax and said, “That means you’re Jax, the wedding gown designer. That must be so much fun.” She embraced Jax.

  “He’s designed for a lot of famous people,” Jillian said.

  “Wow, that’s exciting,” Morgyn said.

  “Not half as exciting as the celebrities he’s slept with,” Nick said.

  “Nicholas Braden!” Their mother glared at him.

  “What? The guy’s a stud.” Nick slapped Jax on the back and said, “Don’t let his good-boy facade fool you. He’s a badass.”

  Morgyn laughed. “From what I’ve heard about all of you, it sounds like all Bradens are badasses, including Jilly.” She glanced at Jax and said, “You two are twins, right? I never would have guessed. You look nothing alike.”

  “Thank God for small favors,” Jax teased.

  “Hey,” Jillian protested, making them all laugh.

  “Let’s go inside. I want to hear all about your trip to Seattle, and your business, and your family.” His mother looped her arm into Morgyn’s, leading her inside, and Jillian followed them, leaving the men alone.

  “Damn, bro,” Nick said. “She’s hot.”

  “Show some respect, Nick,” his father said.

  “It’s okay,” Graham reassured him. “I know she’s hot, Dad. She’s also brilliant, adventure-seeking, and the sweetest woman alive.”

  “Aw, hell. You really are in love,” Nick said. “Jillian said you were, but I couldn’t imagine it.”

  Graham glanced inside, where the girls were lifting wineglasses in a toast. He loved that she was already at ease with his family.

  “This is how it happened with our cousins,” Jax said. “One fell, and then the rest dropped like flies.”

  “All I know is that I’ve never experienced anything like what I feel for Morgyn,” Graham said. “You and Nick better watch out, because when love comes for you, it’ll blow you away.”

  Nick scoffed.

  “He’s right,” their father said. “There are only three things you can count on in this world. The sun will rise and set, family will always have your back, and when you find your soul mate, who you are will change forever.”

  “Hell, not me,” Nick said. “I need a drink.”

  “I’m with you.” Jax followed him inside.

  His father sidled up to Graham and said, “I’m happy for you, son.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  As they walked inside, his father said, “Tell me about Seattle. Did you make an offer?”

  “We did. We should hear back later this week.” He told him about Morgyn’s ideas for the property.

  “Sounds like you found a woman with as big a calling to help others as you have. That sounds a lot like the opportunity in Belize. When do you leave for that?”

  Graham glanced across the room at Morgyn sitting with his mother and Jillian by the fireplace, and his gut clenched. “I haven’t made a decision about it yet.”

  “I thought you and Knox decided that getting involved in more international projects was the direction you wanted to take your business.”

  Graham faced his father and lowered his voice. “It is, but Morgyn’s got a life in Virginia, and she’s in the midst of making major decisions for her own business. We’ve spent the last ten days figuring out options—options I recommended. I want to be there with her to help her through whatever she decides, not disappear for eight to ten weeks and leave her hanging.”

  His father’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “You spent that last ten days falling in love. The rest is all part and parcel to that. I get it, son, but she doesn’t sound like the type of woman who needs you to hold her hand.”

  “She doesn’t,” he admitted. “But maybe I’m the type of guy who wants to be there for her every step of the way.”

  JILLIAN AND GRAHAM’S mother had not only stocked his fridge, but they’d brought a cherry pie as a welcome-home gift, and it was delicious. They spent the last couple hours getting to know one another, joking around, talking about Morgyn’s family, her shop, and the things she was considering doing with it. His family asked a million questions and offered interesting input about the different options. They were eager to help and excited about the things she made. Like Graham, there was no pretense. His family was as loud and wonderful as her own, and as she sat beside Graham on the sofa, she felt like she’d been around them for years instead of hours.

  “Do you know the story behind this treehouse?” Clint asked from his perch on the window seat beside Lily. They were always touching and passing secret smiles, reminding Morgyn of her own parents.

  “Aw, come on.” Graham shook his head, like he’d heard the story far too many times. He had his father’s strong features and his mother’s dimples, and he wore his love for them on his sleeves.

  “I want to hear the story,” Morgyn urged, looking around the treehouse. It was a lot like her house, but with nicer finishes and a slightly different layout. The front door led them through the kitchen to the living room. A small wooden table sat near a gorgeous fireplace and built-in bookshelves. The shelves were riddled with books and interspersed with photographs of Graham and his family and, she assumed, friends. There were pictures of him leaning over a drawing table beside his father, barbecuing with his siblings, and standing by a Christmas tree arm in arm with his mother as he kissed her cheek. There were various pictures telling the story of his adventurous lifestyle—standing at the top of a mountain with two other men, skiing, rafting, sprinting over a finish line, and many others, showing the strong, determined man he was. The man who had built a tiny house in a tree, with a loft above the kitchen and so many windows it felt like they were part of the forest.

  The man who had won her heart without even trying.

  “He’ll tell you it was because of his love of nature,” his father said, bringing her back to their conversation. “Some of that is true. It has to be to live in a one-room treehouse.”

  “She lives in a tiny house, Dad. She knows what it’s like.” Graham pulled Morgyn closer and kissed her cheek.

  A single deep laugh escaped his father’s lips. “Of course she does. You two really are perfect together. Anyway, your boyfriend was enthralled by Tarzan when he was younger. He spent all his time in trees. At ten years old he built a treehouse with Beau and Nick. A kid version, not like this. He spent weeks coming up with a plan using pullies and ropes so he could get supplies into the treehouse, and when that proved an easy task, he went on to steal every sheet in the house and tie them together so he could swing from tree to tree.”

  Morgyn stifled a laugh. “Tarzan, huh?”

  “Go big or go home.” Graham smirked. “Who’s manlier than Tarzan?”

  “I am,” Nick said, puffing his chest out.

  Jax glared at him. “Dude, don’t steal his moment.”

  “Did you make it?” Morgyn asked. “Did you swing from tree to tree?”

  “Damn right I did,” Graham said proudly.

  “He broke his arm,” his father said. “Twice in one year. That’s when we knew there was no keeping that boy down.”

  “It’s a Braden thing,” Jillian said. “When we see something we want, we don’t stop until we get it.”

  “We probably shouldn’t have indulged his wild ideas so often,” his mother said. “But look at those dimples. How could we tell him no?”

  “Those dimples did me in, too.” Morgyn touched Graham’s cheek. He was lo
oking at her with so much love in his eyes, she was sure everyone else could see it, too.

  “Oh boy, it’s getting late,” his mother said as she rose to her feet, pulling his father up with her. “You guys are probably exhausted after traveling all day. We’d better get out of here and give you some privacy.”

  “Guess she noticed that look, too,” Nick said under his breath, earning a dark stare from Graham.

  “I’m so excited you and Jilly have come together for this fashion show. I can’t wait to see your merchandise.” Lily embraced her.

  “Thank you. I’m excited, too. Will I see you all at the show?”

  “Of course,” Lily said. “Most of the town turns out for it.”

  His parents were so loving and supportive, it was easy to see how he’d been raised to be the kind, incredible man he was. “I can’t wait,” Morgyn said. “We’ll head over tomorrow as soon as my stuff arrives.”

  After another round of hugs and lots of teasing taunts between the guys, Graham’s father said, “Come on, boys, before you scare Morgyn off.”

  “Did you see that look?” Jax said on his way out the door. “It’d take a hell of a lot more than us to scare her off.”

  Nick winked and said, “See ya around, sunshine.”

  Graham shoved him out the door. “Get out of here, and get that twitch in your eye fixed before I pound it out of you.”

  After they left, Morgyn and Graham stood on the front porch, moonlight streaming through the trees, the sounds of the woods coming into focus. Crickets chirped, and leaves rustled beneath tiny scurrying feet.

  Graham gathered Morgyn in his arms and gazed into her eyes. “You survived the first wave of Bradens.”

  “With you I could survive a monsoon.” She went up on her toes and kissed him. “But I think your mom had the right idea.” She feigned a yawn and said, “Maybe we should check out your loft.”

  Lust sparked in his dark eyes as he lowered his lips to hers, and the rest of the world fell away.

  Chapter Seventeen

  JILLIAN HAD RENTED out an old warehouse on the outskirts of town for the fashion show, and she’d transformed it into an elaborate showroom, complete with a professional stage, hundreds of chairs, and decorations that gave it a New York City vibe. When Graham and Morgyn arrived with Morgyn’s merchandise Monday afternoon, a handful of people, including his brothers, several of their cousins, and some friends, were erecting tables and hanging long, flowing fabrics between the fashion show area and what would become the banquet area. Lights were strung across metal rafters in the open ceiling, and a black banner with MULTIFARIOUS BY JILLIAN BRADEN in gold letters hung above the stage.

  Jillian was busy giving directions to a group of men like she was commanding an army. She sent them off and turned her attention to Graham’s cousin Sam and proceeded to rattle off instructions.

  “This is incredible,” Morgyn said. “Is she expecting New York fashionistas? Everything looks so high-end. Why does she want to show my stuff? It won’t fit in.”

  “Because Jillian has an eye for eclectic fashion, and your merchandise is gorgeous and one of a kind, sunshine, just like you.”

  “There you are!” Jillian strode toward them. “I can’t wait to see what you brought.”

  Sam followed her over. “Hey, Graham, good to see you, man. I thought you were in New York this week.” He embraced Graham, giving him a strong slap on the back.

  “I was, but—”

  “He fell in love,” Jillian interrupted. “Sam, this is Morgyn, Graham’s other half. She’s going to be showing her designs tomorrow, too. Sam’s our cousin. He lives in the next town over and owns a river rafting and adventure company.” She clapped her hands and said, “Introductions done. Let’s get to work.”

  “Jilly, give me a second to greet Graham’s better half. It’s nice to meet you, Morgyn,” Sam said with a chuckle.

  “Graham told me about your company. It sounds like fun.”

  “I’m going to get her out on the river one day,” Graham said.

  “Okay, enough small talk. I’m sorry, you guys, but we have hours of work to do.” Jillian pointed to a wall of fabric panels. “You can put Morgyn’s stuff behind there. That’s where we’re staging the models. Then I’ll get started with Morgyn while you help Sam with the lighting.”

  “You’re a little tyrant,” Graham said, only half teasing.

  Sam took the box from Morgyn and said, “I’ve got this.”

  “Thanks, Sam. Can you show Graham the layout?” Jillian took Morgyn’s hand, dragging her away. “We’ll catch up with you later. I need to show Morgyn how this is going to work.”

  “Man, it’s weird seeing my bossy sister in charge of her kingdom.”

  “She’s fierce,” Sam said, “but she’s got this business down pat. Wait until you see the layout she’s drawn up.”

  “Who do you think she wrangled into drawing it up? She just about drove me crazy when we were putting the plans together.” Graham set the boxes in the designated area, and then they retrieved the others from the truck.

  Graham worked throughout the afternoon setting up lights, testing sound equipment, and doing a hundred other things. He’d attended Jillian’s shows in the past, but this was the first year she was holding the event outside of her store. She’d spent the last two years expanding her designs into edgier realms, and in doing so she had tripled her income. Graham was glad he’d changed his plans, and he made a mental note not to miss next year’s event. She worked hard for her success, and he wanted to support her.

  By early evening the work was complete, and everyone but family had cleared out. Graham stepped outside to take a phone call from Knox, and when he returned, the warehouse was quiet. He went in search of Morgyn. Having caught only glimpses of her throughout the day, he was dying to get back to her.

  “Hey, bro,” Nick said as he came out of the bathroom and fell into stride beside Graham. “Can you believe all this is for Jilly?”

  “She’s something.”

  “So is your girl.”

  Graham narrowed his eyes.

  “Don’t worry. I’d never hit on your woman. I had a few minutes to talk to her when I was helping move the stairs on the back of the stage. She said you hooked up a homeless guy with a job in Seattle.”

  “I made the connection. I haven’t heard if he got hired or not,” he said as they moved past the fabric borders toward the staging area. “But really, that was Morgyn’s idea. She befriended a homeless man and figured out how to help him.”

  “She’s a bleeding heart, like you.” Nick patted him on the back and said, “That’s good, man. But just keep those love germs away from me. The last thing I need is a woman telling me what to do.”

  “It’s not like that,” Graham said.

  “That’s what you and Beau say, but I don’t need to test my theory.” He nodded toward Jax, Jillian, and Morgyn, who were gathered around a laptop. “They’re Skyping with Beau, Char, and Zev. Come on.”

  “There they are,” Beau said through the laptop screen as they approached.

  Morgyn stood from the chair where she was sitting and went to Graham.

  “Hey, sunshine.” The warm press of her lips eased the stress of the day. “I missed you.”

  “Me too,” Morgyn said softly. “Beau reminds me of you. I really like him and Char.”

  “We can hear you two,” Jillian said. “So no dirty talk.”

  “Wait!” Charlotte leaned closer to the screen and said, “I can always use a little naughty inspiration for my books. Go for it!”

  Graham laughed. “I don’t think so, Char. Sorry. Good to see you guys. How’s life in Colorado?”

  “Better than ever,” Beau said. “We’re digging into the renovations at the inn. Did you decide about Belize yet?”

  “Yeah, I need to know if I’m meeting you there or not,” Zev said.

  Leave it to his brothers to bring up the one thing he didn’t want to talk about. “Not yet. There�
��s a lot to figure out.”

  “I thought you were starting next month?” Beau asked. “Did the project get delayed?”

  “No, but there’s a lot to consider.” He glanced at Morgyn, who was watching him curiously.

  “I don’t understand. I thought that was what you wanted, to expand your business to include more international work, to be more hands-on,” Beau said. “You were pumped about it a few weeks ago.”

  Graham clenched his jaw, wishing they’d shut the hell up. He’d decided earlier in the day that he probably wasn’t going to see the project through. “Things have changed.”

  “What’s changed?” Morgyn asked. “You said this project would help hundreds of residents in a village where their homes were deplorable. What could possibly have changed enough to warrant not helping them?”

  Christ, you too? “Can we talk about this later?”

  “Uh-oh,” Zev said. “I think I know what changed.”

  Graham glared at him.

  Morgyn’s eyes moved between Zev and Graham. “Wait…is it because of me?”

  He pulled her closer and said, “No.”

  Nick coughed to cover his voice as he said, “Bullshit.”

  “Graham, you can’t not go because of me,” Morgyn said. “I don’t want you to do that. Those people need your help.”

  “I’ll invest,” he reassured her. “I don’t need to be there to give money.”

  “No.” She shrugged out of his arms. “You can’t do that. Beau just said you wanted to be more hands-on. You told me that when we first met, too. Why would you give that up because of me? I don’t ever want to stand in your way, especially not for something like this.”

  “Goddamn it, sunshine.” He didn’t mean to raise his voice, but pressure had been mounting for days as he’d made his decision. “Because you’ve got all this stuff going on with your business, and I’m not going away for eight to ten weeks and leaving you to figure it out alone. That’s not who I am. I love you, and I want to be by your side. I want to be the man you can count on. You come before everyone else, and yeah, maybe that’s selfish, and maybe it’s a shitty thing to do to throw money at a problem instead of getting my ass down to Belize and being part of the solution. But life isn’t always fair, and I have a choice to make. Be by your side and help you through this difficult process, or walk away knowing I wasn’t the man you thought I was.”