“I’m willing to give up my life here to do just that. Like the Bible says, love always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. And that’s exactly what I intend to do.”
Another look passed between Joe and Maureen before Joe extended a hand across the table. “Jude, you’re welcome in our home anytime.”
Jude left the restaurant, feeling as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. But he wasn’t done yet. There was still one final step he had to take.
He climbed into his truck and drove the two blocks to his grandmother’s house. Snow fell at a steady rate, however he doubted they’d have much accumulation. Sure was pretty to look at, though.
A few moments later, he made his way up the front walk and stood outside of Kayla’s door. His heart hung in his throat, and he tried in vain to swallow around it. Lord, don’t let me mess this up. Please.
The door opened before he even knocked.
“Jude?” Lily motioned for him to come inside. “I thought that was you moving past the window.”
Glancing to his right, he saw the curtains spread wide. “Yep, that was me, all right.” He swept a hand across his hair to remove any trace of snow, his gaze drifting to the couch where Kayla was curled up in one corner, wearing a gray Ouray sweatshirt and black leggings, a mixture of emotions playing across her beautiful face.
“Hi,” he managed to eke out.
“Hi.” The corners of her mouth twitched.
“And on that note—” Lily snatched up her coat from the side chair “—I’m going to run up to the school to meet the kids when they get out.” She shoved her arms into the sleeves. “Jude, would you mind watching over the patient while I’m gone? Make sure she doesn’t try to run any marathons or anything.”
He smiled at his new sister-in-law. “Take all the time you need, Lily.”
Armed with a knowing grin, the woman grabbed her purse and headed out the door.
Hands shoved in the pockets of his coat, he eased toward the sofa, his heart beating a million miles a minute. “Mind if I join you?”
“Of course not.” Kayla motioned to the space beside her.
He drank in the sight of her as he sat. While the bruise on her forehead remained a deep purple, the color had returned to her cheeks. Her silky dark hair spilled over her shoulders. Man, she was gorgeous.
He swiped his sweaty palms across his jeans and sucked in a deep breath.
“Jude, please say whatever it is you came to say, because you’re making me nervous.”
Twisting, he reached for her hand. “Sorry, I didn’t mean—” He let go a sigh, allowing his gaze to hone in on her beautiful chestnut eyes. “Kayla, I let you walk out of my life once, and I’m not about to let that happen again. I came here to tell you that I’m moving to Denver, too. I’ve already talked to the Bradshaws, and they’re—”
“Wait!” Kayla held up a hand. “Why would you do that? What about your business?”
“Andrew has a buddy who’s willing to lease me some space in his warehouse. My business will be going with me.”
“But what about Ouray? You love it here. This is where your roots are.”
He squeezed her hand. “Kayla, I’d rather sacrifice that than live with regrets and what-ifs again. I know you need time. And I’m willing to give you all the time you need because I love you, Kayla. I always have.” He puffed out a laugh. “I wanted to marry you seven years ago, and that desire is just as strong now as it was then.”
Her chestnut eyes widened. “Then how come you never asked me?”
“How could I? You liked your nomadic life. I was afraid my need for roots would stifle you and you’d grow to hate me.”
“Oh, Jude.” She shook her head, her long hair swaying from side to side. “You don’t know how hard I prayed that you would ask me to stay?”
Now he was confused. “Really?”
“I fell in love with Ouray that summer. And you.”
“You—you mean you wanted to stay?”
“More than anything.”
Brushing her hair behind her ear, he stared into those eyes that had plagued his dreams for years. “Kayla, I’ve never stopped loving you. Even when we lost contact. Even when I thought you were married. You’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted, and it would make me the happiest man alive to have you as my wife. But I’m willing to wait until you’re ready. No matter how long it takes.”
“Oh, Jude.” A tear spilled onto her cheek. “I do love you.”
He wiped it away with his thumb before touching his lips to hers.
Her arms wound around his neck, her kiss full of hope and longing. And he savored every moment with this amazing woman.
A knock on the door had him abruptly pulling away. “You expecting someone?”
She shook her head. “Unless it’s someone else bringing food.”
Clearing his throat, he stood and smoothed a hand over his hair. After glancing Kayla’s way to make sure she was ready, he opened the door.
“Joe. Maureen.” He held the door as they entered.
Kayla started to stand, but Maureen scurried to stop her.
“No, no, dear. You sit.” The woman eased beside her and looked in Joe’s direction.
He’d assumed his usual stance, hands buried in his pockets. “We stopped by to let you know we’re heading back to Denver.”
Kayla’s confused gazed darted between them. “I didn’t realize you were leaving so soon.” For a moment, she looked torn. Then she squared her shoulders and said, “If you don’t mind, though, I think I’d like to stay in Ouray. For good.”
Joe nodded. “I don’t see why not.” He looked from his wife to Kayla. “Seems like a nice little community. Good place to raise a child.”
Maureen’s sad smile was filled with warmth. “It’ll give you that fresh start you’ve been wanting.” The woman faced Jude then. “Besides, we have every confidence that you’ll be in very good hands.”
Chapter Eighteen
This was the day. Kayla knew what she wanted, and she was ready to go for it.
Armed with hot pads, she opened the oven door at Livie’s House and pulled out the casserole dish holding her favorite corn pudding. The recipe had been her father’s favorite and was a staple at every Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner.
Carly was preparing the bulk of the Thanksgiving meal, which would be held next door at Granger House Inn—very convenient, should Kayla need to slip away to rest—so the least Kayla could do was offer to bring a side dish.
She set the casserole atop the stove and covered it with a lid, excited to be spending her first holiday with the Stephens family. A large family gathered around the table... She and Lily agreed that was something they were both looking forward to. Something they’d dreamed of as only children.
At least Lily bore the Stephens last name—a distinction Kayla hoped to achieve very soon.
In the meantime, she would delight in the fact that, for the first time in her life, she felt at home. Content and blessed beyond belief. Seven years ago, she’d had a feeling about Ouray. Now she knew it to be true. Ouray was where she belonged. Ouray was her home.
And while a handsome woodworker may have had something to do with that feeling, the people of Ouray had played a bigger role. They’d embraced her, welcomed her, prayed for her...
Those prayers had healed her in more ways than she ever would have thought possible. By God’s grace, she felt renewed. More certain of herself and what she wanted out of life. No more indecision. Ouray was where she wanted to be, and Jude was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. His chivalry may have bugged her when she first returned, but, in the long run, it was one of the things she appreciated most about him and had grown to count on.
If only she hadn’t hesitated on putting in an offer for the old Orr house. By the time she came to her s
enses, it was already under contract with someone else.
With the casserole ready and waiting, she went into the bedroom to check her look in the full-length mirror. Thanks to her ever-growing waistline, she was no longer able to wear her overalls to work at the hotel. Still, the stylish dress and boots she wore today were far more feminine than her usual sweatshirt and leggings.
Two weeks ago, she’d submitted all of the drawings and applications for permits on the hotel. And last week, she’d picked up the actual permits, meaning work could finally begin on the new and improved Congress Hotel. She could hardly wait to get started. And since she had hired most of her crew, she wouldn’t have to wait long.
She looked at her watch. Where was Jude? She thought he’d be here by now. She was hoping for a few minutes alone with him before they went next door.
Just then, a rap sounded at the door.
After one last look in the mirror, she drew in a deep breath and moved into the living room. This was it.
She continued across the large area rug, pulled the door open and nearly choked. Jude always looked good to her, but today he appeared especially fine. Clean-shaven, freshly trimmed hair—was that a new shirt? She didn’t recall seeing that particular blue-gray combo before.
“Happy Thanksgiving.” He smiled and paused for a brief kiss as he entered.
“Happy Thanksgiving to you.” She pressed a hand against his chest, feeling the taut muscles beneath the button-down.
“Smells good in here.” He moved toward the kitchen. “Are you ready to go?”
She hurried behind him. “No, not yet. We still have a few minutes.”
Turning, he wrapped his arms around her waist. “You okay? You seem a little nervous.”
“Me? Nervous?” Whatever would she have to be nervous about? It wasn’t like she was about to turn the tables and propose to him or anything. But given that he’d left things kind of open-ended, pretty much leaving it up to her to decide when she was ready to discuss marriage...
“Yes.” He eyed her suspiciously. “What’s going on?”
Oh, she might as well just get it over with.
She slipped her arms around his neck, savoring his nearness as she stared into his gorgeous dark eyes. “Jude, will you marry me?”
A slow grin split his face as he tugged her closer. But he had yet to say anything.
Now she really was nervous.
“After Shane died, I told myself I’d never fall in love again. I was afraid to trust my judgment. But because of you, my faith in myself and love has been restored. You are unchanging. Your character is the same today as it was when we met all those years ago. And despite what I told myself, I have fallen in love with you.”
Again, he just smiled. It was getting annoying.
Finally, he said, “I love you, too. But—” He removed his hands from her waist and took a step back.
“But what?” Oh, no. There wasn’t supposed to be a but.
Tears pricked the backs of her eyes. She looked at the ceiling and blinked. She would not cry—not unless they were happy tears.
“But,” he said again, “you can’t have a proper proposal without a ring.”
What?
She lowered her gaze to discover him kneeling before her, still smiling, and holding the most beautiful engagement ring she’d ever seen. A brilliant princess-cut solitaire surrounded by a halo of smaller diamonds.
“Kayla Bradshaw, will you marry me?”
As tears began to stream down her face, she almost said yes. Then caught herself. “I asked you first.”
He chuckled. “Yes, Kayla, I will most definitely marry you.” He pushed to his feet and slipped the ring on the fourth finger of her left hand. “Not only do I want to share my life with you, I want to love this child growing inside of you now and look forward to more babies with you.” His arms moved around her waist again, and he pulled her closer. “It’s your turn now.”
With her heart full to overflowing and tears still falling, she could only manage one word. “Yes.”
He lowered his head and kissed her thoroughly before pulling away and staring into her eyes. “I have something else for you, too.”
“Oh?” She couldn’t imagine what it could be. She already had everything she’d ever wanted. Everything she ever dreamed of.
Reaching around his back, he pulled out a thick envelope and handed it to her.
She looked from the envelope to him. “What’s this?”
“Open it and find out.”
She slid a finger under the flap and pulled out the tri-folded paperwork, curiously peering up at him. Opening it, she realized it was a contract of some sort. She quickly scanned the page. “This looks like a purchase agreement for the old Orr house.” Confused, she looked up at him again. “But somebody already bought it.”
“Apparently, the contract fell through. The listing agent called me this morning to let me know it was back on the market.”
“Why would she do that?”
He grinned. “Perhaps someone put a bug in her ear to keep me informed should something like that happen.”
Her heart melted. Could she possibly love this man more? “You did that for me?”
“I know how much you love that house.” He fingered the paperwork in her hands. “I picked up the offer agreement on my way over here. Once we both sign it, she can present it to the owner.”
“Oh, Jude.” She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him with abandon. In one single day, this incredible man had made all of her dreams come true. “This is, without a doubt, the best Thanksgiving ever.”
* * *
“One more push, Kayla. Come on, you can do it.” With one hand in his wife’s death grip and the other pressed against her back, Jude did his best to encourage her as she fought to bring their first child into the world.
Sweat dripped from Kayla’s brow as she let out a guttural groan one more time.
Seconds later, a tiny cry echoed throughout the birthing room.
“It’s a girl!” The doctor held her tiny body up for them to see.
“We have a daughter.” Jude kissed his exhausted wife.
Still trying to catch her breath, Kayla said, “I can’t believe Monique was actually right.”
“What?”
She continued to huff and puff. “Nothing.”
The nurses hurriedly wrapped the babe and laid her in her mother’s arms.
Happy tears wet Kayla’s cheeks. “She’s so pretty.”
Jude took in the full head of dark hair. “Looks just like her mama.” He caressed his newborn baby girl. “Hey, precious. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
The child quieted and did her best to focus on his face.
“Look at that,” said one of the nurses. “She knows her daddy’s voice.”
Jude’s heart filled with more pride than he’d thought possible—even more than it had at his and Kayla’s wedding last month.
He again kissed Kayla’s chapped lips. Poor thing. For the last twelve hours, she’d had nothing but ice chips. “You did great, sweetheart.”
Peering up at him with more love than he deserved, she said, “Not without your help.”
Once the baby was weighed, measured, swaddled and placed into her mother’s waiting arms, Jude excused himself and made his way down the hall to the waiting room. All eyes were on him as he entered. Dad and Hillary, his brothers and their wives, Kayla’s mother, Claudette—who’d flown in for the wedding and returned last week for the birth—and Joe and Maureen Bradshaw.
Jude tried to contain his excitement, but this was one event that simply couldn’t be contained. “It’s a girl,” he unashamedly blurted out. “Ten fingers, ten toes, six pounds, thirteen ounces, nineteen inches long.”
A variety of cheers erupted around the room, along with a round of ap
plause.
“You’ll all get to meet her soon enough, but the grandparents get to go first.”
He led all five of them—Dad and Hillary, Joe and Maureen and Claudette—to Kayla’s room. Once inside, he accepted his daughter from Kayla while the family hugged and congratulated her. Then, as they clustered together, he proudly showed them his little girl.
“I’d like you all to meet Avery Mona Stephens.”
While the women cooed and fussed over her, Jude didn’t miss the tears that filled his father’s eyes.
Having observed them, too, Kayla reached for the old man’s hand. “Mona was very special to both of us.”
Still holding Avery, Jude approached the Bradshaws first. “Would you like to hold your granddaughter?”
Maureen’s eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “Oh, yes. Yes, I would.”
Jude placed the babe in her arms as the woman spoke sweetly to her first grandchild.
Beside her, Joe’s grizzly bear persona transformed into a teddy bear as he tenderly reached his large finger to the baby’s tiny fist. Since November, he’d been attending anger management classes, determined to break the cycle that had sought to destroy his family. “I do believe you are the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen, little Avery.”
Jude moved beside his wife and gave her another kiss. “You’re amazing, you know that.”
“I don’t know, I’d say you’re pretty amazing, too. I mean, you’re working almost single-handedly to have our new house move-in ready by summer.”
“At least until you put me to work on the hotel.”
“Yeah, about that.” A mischievous grin split her pretty face. “You start Monday.”
“Oh, really.” His last day with the police force had been two days before they got married. Since then he’d been juggling his woodworking, the new house and the hotel while they continued to live in his grandmother’s house.
“Surely you don’t expect me to be on the job?”
“I suppose you can be a lady of leisure for a few weeks.”
Her chestnut eyes sparkled up at him. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” He smiled at Kayla, knowing that this was the life they’d both dreamed of. And though they’d taken a roundabout way to get there, God had brought them back together. This time, it was forever.
Reunited in the Rockies Page 18