“Yes. And I’m meeting with Jenny Rolston. She asked me to redecorate her house. Mark left her.” Lisa explains.
“That was quick. Shoot, they were only married for a few months.” Laura comments.
“She found out that he cheated on her with Tracy Kerrington a week before the wedding.” Lisa’s eyes are dancing.
My face goes into my palms. My deceased wife was a reporter, and yet I know more about this town than Kelly would ever have known.
Laura picks up on my chagrin and addresses Lisa. “Okay, sweetie. Let’s talk over lunch tomorrow, okay? I’ll take you out. My treat.”
Lisa’s face brightens. “I’m so in!” she turns to me as she walks towards the door. “See you, Grayson.”
“Thanks for breakfast.” I say back.
When Lisa leaves, we start collecting up the rest of the food, to serve to the hands. “I’ll go round them up. They’re probably starving.” I offer.
“Thanks, babe.” Laura leans in and kisses me. She tastes sweet, like the orange juice.
“Anything for you, darlin’.”
As I set to work while the boys eat their breakfast, I get to thinking about things. Since Laura and I got together, so much has changed. My hand goes up to my throat, where my wedding rings once sat, like my own personal shrine on my body. There was once a time when I would have rather died than not wear those pieces of jewelry around my neck. But, somehow, it’s the furthest thing from my worries.
The craziest thing is in my head since Clint’s birthday party. It’s like my brain has rewound some years, and I keep thinking back to the way that I did when I had my medical practice. Stupid things like facts that I read from medical journals, and notes from past patients that I recall from patients who would probably sooner have me dead than be on my patient roster again, after what happened. I love being here and working with Laura and the boys, the ranch and the horses, but it’s like my brain has already made up my mind. It’s like that part of my subconscious is awake again, and fathomable. Whereas, even a couple of weeks ago, I would have shaken such thoughts off.
Then when I think about Laura, and how much life has changed for me since we met, I realize that I couldn’t live without her now. The thought of her not with me is very unsettling. The thought of me not being my best is also unsettling. Being around a motivated, smart, hard-working woman, who knows what she wants, reminds me of how I was when I was with Kelly. Nothing could stand in my way, and I was always striving to be my best. Not that working at a ranch is beneath me, because that’s an ingrained part of me since I was a young boy, but I suppose that deep down, I know all those years in medical school count for something. And I know that if Laura was doing something just to settle, that I would encourage her to do what’s right for her in her heart. So I know that if I make a bold move and accept Clint’s offer, that she’ll understand.
But I decide to go one step further. The stable is quiet, as all the horses are in the pasture. Dialing Kurt’s number, I can feel my heart pound in my chest. I know that I’m doing the right thing. I know that I’m going to make Laura proud.
Kurt answers on the first ring. I hear a horse whinnying in the background. “Hey, there, stranger.” He says warmly. “I thought that you’d crawled off the face of the earth and died. What’s happening?”
“It’s all good, man. No complaints.” I chuckle.
“How’s Huttonville treating you?”
“Very well.”
“Really.” He says flatly. “So, you like working out on the ranch?”
“Yeah, it’s pretty awesome, actually. The people I work with are great. The town is just like my roots, only there are a couple of bad eggs out here, that I’m quickly becoming acquainted with.”
“Nobody’s giving you any trouble?”
I frown. “Not a lick of it.”
“Sounds like hog heaven to me.” he scoffs.
“How’s mama and Hawk?”
“Fine. Both driving me nuts, as usual.”
“I figured.” Time to dive in. “You looking to bust out of there some time?”
A pause. “What did you have in mind?”
“Laura…err…her brother’s made me an offer. He’s a doctor, see, and I’ve been thinking some.”
“About going back into medicine.” He states.
“Yeah,” A pause. “Now, Laura’s last Lead Hand, well, it’s a long story, but the last thing she needs right now is to be worrying about replacing me.”
“So you want me to come out there to Huttonville.” He follows along.
“If Hawk can manage. And if you’re looking for a change of scenery. It’s no bother if you’re not up for it. I just figure I’d give it a shot. Last thing I want is for Laura to have to worry about that.”
“This Laura…what’s she like?”
“She’s fantastic.” I look for other words to describe her, but I have to bite my tongue before I say the famous, four-letter ‘L’ word.
“Yeah? She good to work for?”
“She’s the best. Treats us like kings here.”
“How’s the living quarters?”
“Good. Err…better than there, for sure.”
“Yeah?” he seems impressed. “You’d have to move all your grub outta there pretty fast. Where are you going to stay?”
Uh oh. “Err…I’m staying in the house.”
“In the house? She’s letting you live in there with her?” he’s flabbergasted. “Wow, you must be one hell of a Lead Hand. That’s unheard of.” He pauses. “Wait a minute…you’ve been there…what…a few weeks? And you’re already…living in the house with her? Did you tell her about going back into medicine?”
“Not yet.”
Another pause. “Am I missing something here? Something don’t add up.”
I sigh. “I’m…seeing her. Laura and I are…together.”
He laughs. “See, I knew there was more to this story.” I can hear the smile on his face. “Well, I’ll be damned, Grayson. Good for you, man.”
“Thanks.”
“Never thought I’d see the day.” He chuckles, good-naturedly. “So you don’t want your sweetheart getting her feathers all ruffled before telling her that you’re not working for her anymore.”
“Now you’re talking.”
“It’s also probably a little awkward…now that you’re technically…sleeping with your boss, right?”
“Don’t be a jackass. It’s not like that. I’m in love with her.”
A pause. “She know that?”
“Pretty sure.”
“Alright. I’ll go tell Hawk and Mama. You want me to keep the part out about Laura? Mama’ll go ape shit if she knows you’ve met someone, and she hasn’t met her.”
“I’ll bring Laura up to meet everyone soon.”
“How soon do you want me there?”
“I don’t know. I’ve got to talk to Clint first. I’ll be in touch.”
“Sounds good, bro. Happy for you, man.”
“Thanks.”
Now I’m stuck. My hands are shaking with excitement, but I don’t know who I should tell first…
Chapter 19
Laura
The moonlight is shining down on the water, making it sparkle. Grayson has the fire roaring with the perfect heat and flame, keeping us warm on this clear summer night. We left the horses at the ranch, and opted to walk to the site this time. Grayson brought all the gear over earlier today, so it was just a light walk, without all the load to carry as well. It was set up and ready to go; even the campfire, once we arrived. Of course, Chip came along, since he follows us both everywhere.
As the crickets begin to chirp, Grayson rubs my back. “This is lovely, isn’t it? Just you, me, the stars.”
Poignantly, as though picking up on the omission of his name, Chip barks. “Don’t forget him.” I laugh.
Chip is next to Grayson, so he reaches down and scratches his head. “I would
n’t forget about you, buddy.”
Tail wagging, Chip sits up, resting his snout on Grayson’s leg. “I suppose he’s ours now, huh.”
“Since I never heard a thing from all those notices, yeah, this is his new home.”
“Shame that someone would just let a fine animal like this run away.”
Reaching over, I pet his head. “Who knows where he came from, Grayson. He could have hitched a ride on a cargo train for all we know. He could have come all the way from Canada, Russia, or anywhere.”
“That’s true.”
Chip inches his way between us, so we can both pet him. “Wow, he certainly loves you.” Grayson says, as Chip’s snout slides over my knees.
I smile, scratching his head.
“Hard not to.” Grayson says softly. When I look over at him, his eyes are hooded.
“Why, Grayson Thomas, are you trying to tell me that you love me?” I smile warmly, petting the dog still, yet my eyes are on his.
“Why, yes, I am, Laura Warner.” He says, matter-of-factly, but he keeps his voice soft.
Leaning over, I kiss his lips. “I love you, too.” I murmur. Another kiss. “But...don’t let it go to your head. You’re still my employee.” I wink and plant another kiss on him.
He can’t help but grin, winking back. “Not for long.”
My brows raise. “Really? Loving me and leaving me, are you?” my words say I’m serious, but Grayson knows that I’m just playing along.
“I’m not going anywhere…except into town.”
“This wouldn’t have anything to do with you paying Clint a visit today, would it?”
Grayson scoffs, shaking his head, chuckling good-naturedly. “Man, is nothing a surprise in this town?”
I shrug. “Well, I don’t know the details, but when Clint told me that you’d stopped by, I figured that it was to ask his permission for my hand in marriage, or to take him up on his offer.” I sigh. “I figured…we’ve only known each other for a few weeks, so it has to be the latter.”
Grayson tips his chin up. “What if I just wanted to say hello?”
“He was just here this morning, babe. You said hello then.”
He draws in a deep breath, looking at the fire. “And you knew about the offer.”
“Of course.” I explain. “We don’t keep secrets in this family.” I look at him until his gaze meets mine. “Are you upset?”
He cups my face with his hands. “Takes a lot more than that to upset me. I think you know that by now.” He kisses me. His kisses are long and tender, but chaste. “There is one thing that you don’t know.”
“You ate the last bagel this morning.” I guess playfully.
“No, but I heard the boys fighting over that.” He licks his lips. “My brother Kurt is coming to take my place at the ranch.”
I’m impressed. “Really.” My neck cranes back. “Another Thomas under my roof?”
“That’s right.” I nod. “Least this way, you don’t have to worry about hiring someone else…at least…not for a while, anyway.”
“And he’s willing to come out here?”
“He’s on his way. Should be here by morning.”
I look at the fire. “Wow. I’ve got to hand it to you, Grayson. Even my family wouldn’t drop everything for me.”
“What are you talking about?” My voice raises an octave. “Your family, and your friends, I might add, are the stuff you can only read about in books. Will’s over here almost daily, hauling stuff around for you, Clint has been here every day between shifts at the hospital and at his own clinic. Lisa is here all the time, your entire family showed up for Clint’s party, and Clint, bless him, barely knows me, yet he trusts you enough to trust me, a known alcoholic, to work with him in his office.” He shakes his head, scoffing. “And that’s just since I’ve been here, Laura. I can’t even imagine how supportive all these people have been for you since Quentin died and before.”
“I didn’t…”
Grayson raises his hand. “Let me finish. And none of them have raised any red flags to me, either. A stranger from El Paso, barging in, sleeping with their sister, taking over the ranch. You have a noble family, Laura. You should be proud.”
My hand moves to his leg, I give it a squeeze, and then slide my hand up and down his thigh. “I didn’t mean to downstage my family, Grayson. I know how great they are. I know how great Lisa is. What I’m trying to say is that...well, maybe you’re right. Maybe sometimes I take for granted how great they really are.”
He kisses my temple. “I don’t think you take them for granted, love. I just think that sometimes you’re too busy to see how much support they give you. It’s not your fault. This is a buzzing place night and day. I’ve learned that part already.” I blush, remembering this morning, and our almost ‘oopsy’ when Lisa arrived unannounced. “I suppose that’s the price you pay for having all that support. Spontaneity gets thrown out the window some.”
My voice is laced with need when I say, “We can have all the spontaneity we want now.”
Grayson’s eyes search mine. His voice is husky. “Ever made love next to a fire?”
I shake my head no, leaning in. “M..Um.”
His head is tilted, and his lips are touching mine when he asks. “Like to try?”
I answer by enveloping his bottom lip with my lips. He kisses me fully on the lips, making up for the lost kisses this morning, as a soft moan escapes from my throat. Grayson is an incredible kisser. He could ask for anything in exchange for one of his swoon-worthy, insides-turn-into-instant-pudding kind of kisses. Two minutes later, we’re laying on the sleeping bag, in front of the fire. Chip has lost all interest in us, and is sleeping soundly on the grass.
Grayson’s body hovers over mine as he peels his shirt off over his head. My hands, like they’re almost independent from my body, touch every inch of his chest, abdomen and back, as his eyes search mine. “I love you, Laura. I mean it.” He says softly. The conviction in his eyes tells me that for the first time since he lost so much of himself when Kelly died, he has not only learned to love himself again, but he’s also learned to love another. It’s such a huge leap for him, and not only am I so proud of him, but I’m also so proud that he’s come so far in such a short time. All this knowledge is almost telepathically shared with me through his eyes, and the message is received, so deeply, that I feel a tear fall down the side of my cheek. He sees it and rests his head on my forehead.
“I love you so much, Grayson. I’m so lucky. You are a true gift from God to me. And I’m so thankful that such a wonderful man has walked into my life.”
He lifts his head off mine. His voice is a whisper. “Now, stop it. You’re going to get me started.”
I chuckle, brushing a finger down the side of his face. He glances at my lips, and gives me the most all-consuming, feel it from the top of my head to the tips of my toes kind of kiss, making me melt more than the heat from the fire beside us. His lips trail down my jawline, and keep going down my neck, as his hands cup the sides of my breasts. I’m already starved for his touch since this morning’s interruption, so I pull my shirt over my head unceremoniously, and toss it blindly, missing the fire by an inch.
His lips explore my flesh as I writhe under him, forcing my hands down to his fly. He lifts, giving me access, but his lips don’t leave my skin. My hand can’t wait to caress him behind the zipper, and as I do, he pushes his pelvis up to aid me, and a sexy grunt comes from his throat. As my hand slides in behind his underpants, Chip leaps onto all fours. His ears are perked up, and he begins to growl.
Grayson lifts his head to look at him. “What’s up, boy?”
“Maybe it’s unsettling to him…that we’re making love?” I venture.
“He’s not even looking at us, babe.” Grayson says, following the dog’s gaze. “There’s something in the woods again.”
And it’s like dominoes. One thing happens rapidly following another. Chip leaps into
the air, barking like a rabid animal, just as a twig from afar breaks underfoot, and the distinct sounds of someone running through brush becomes amplified in the quiet of the night. Chip bolts towards the sound, Grayson dashes upward, taking off at lightning speed after the dog, and I throw my shirt over my head, following them.
“Stay back, Laura!” Grayson shouts at me. “I’ll get the son-of-a-bitch!”
Chip is barking, Grayson is chasing down whatever is in the woods, or whoever, and I should be afraid, but somehow, I’m not.
“I see you, you rat bastard! Get back here!” I hear Grayson yell. “You’re trespassing on private property!”
I start running back to the ranch, dousing the fire first. As I’m running, I’m also dialing the sheriff’s number. After I explain to Sheriff Ralph Ferguson what is going on, he says that he’ll be at the ranch as soon as he can. Ralph and his family live closer to town, but only a five to seven minute drive away. I consider waking Lloyd, in case Grayson runs into trouble, but I don’t want to cause unnecessary upset.
Pacing on the front porch, I see Grayson running towards me, Chip beside him. He’s out of breath and still shirtless. Thank God he had the sense to do his pants back up at least, as Sheriff Ferguson pulls up a second later. “What was it?” I ask, hugging him as I meet him at the bottom of the stairs. I hand him his shirt, and he slides it over his head. “Tried following the son-of-a-bitch, but the woods got so goddamn dark, I couldn’t see him after a while.
Ralph exits the car and approaches us. “Hi, Ralph.” I say. “Sorry to bother you this late.”
Ralph waves. “S’alright, Laura.” He looks at Grayson, as Grayson introduces himself. “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard some things about you.”
“I hope they’re all good, but who knows in this town.” Grayson comments.
“Did you see who the trespasser was, Grayson?” Ralph asks.
“Naw, he was too far away, and it was too dark. Definitely male though.” Grayson’s thumbs are resting in the loops of his jeans. “Laura and I were out having a fire by the clearing.”
Ralph nods.
“Chip here starts barking like someone’s in the bush, and lo and behold…” he trails off.
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