A Thrill of Hope

by Marie Higgins

  Her mind spun with possible solutions to her problem, but none of them made sense. Deep down inside, her gut told her that this movie wouldn’t be like she’d wanted. If she kept the town’s people as the cast, the movie would be a flop. Having a bad movie for her first feature, would ruin her name.

  What am I doing?

  Tears of frustration filled her eyes. Although her idea was a good one, was she hoping for a miracle when there were only a few short weeks left to accomplish everything? Maybe her mother was right. Holly had friends who were actors who were still looking for Hollywood to notice them. They would help her out, she just knew it. Unfortunately, she couldn’t ask them to take time away from their families during the holiday season just to make her dream come true.

  She didn’t know how far she’d driven away from the house, but when she came to a large tree, she stopped the vehicle, climbed off, and leaned her shoulder against the thick trunk. She couldn’t believe she’d pulled Rafe and everyone on his ranch into her crazy movie idea. They were all trying to help her, and now – after they’d put in so much work – she knew it was time to throw in the towel. How could she tell them she was giving up? They would never forgive her.

  The cool air stung her face and arms. As she rubbed her arms, she stopped and looked down to see why she was so cold. Groaning, she shook her head. She’d forgotten to put her coat back on when she left the house. How did she not realize this?

  Holly looked back toward the house, but it wasn’t in view. She gasped. She’d driven that far away? Good grief. Why hadn’t she been paying attention?

  A gust of wind blew in from the west and she shivered. Just great! Dark clouds grew together, covering the once-blue sky. She had enough time to return to the house before it became too cold, but... She’d have to hurry.

  Using the tips of her fingers, she dried her eyes and climbed back on the snowmobile. She turned the key, but nothing happened. She studied the buttons and gadgets on the machine, to see if she could tell what was wrong, but she couldn’t. Taking a deep breath, she tried again. Nothing!

  “Are you kidding me?” she shouted. Now she’d have to walk back, but it was going to be dark very soon.

  Off in the distance, the cry of a wolf pierced the night air. Fear clawed its way inside of her. There were wolves in Montana. She knew that since she’d grown up here. Had she forgotten everything about her childhood?

  She released a frustrated moan as she tried to start the snowmobile again. Still, the machine wouldn’t start.

  Blowing on her cold hands, she tried to circulate warmth into them. It wasn’t helping, especially because the wind had picked up. She growled and jumped off the snowmobile. Determination shot through her as she marched back the way she came. She’d see the barn or the house soon, she just knew it.

  A gust of wind knocked into her, which made walking much harder. Her teeth started chattering, and soon her limbs were so cold that she couldn’t feel them. She couldn’t be stranded out here. She hadn’t gone that far, had she?

  The wolf’s howl ripped through the air again, closer this time. She glanced over her shoulder in the direction she thought she heard it. But the night shadows made it impossible to see any animals.

  She broke into a run, but her legs were too cold to move that fast. She tripped and fell into the snow. Grumbling, she rose to her feet again and kept surging forward.

  Images of the wolf – or wolves – running after her passed through her mind. She knew they killed small animals, but would they kill her? In all of her years of living in this area, she’d never heard of a wolf killing a human. Then again, most humans weren’t stupid enough to get caught in the middle of nowhere without a vehicle... and without a coat.

  Another sound hummed through the air. Up ahead, a light shone toward her. Relief flooded through her body. Someone was coming to rescue her! Although the man driving the machine wore a cap to cover his head and ears, the tan, sheepskin coat was one in a million... just like its owner.

  She sighed as tears stung her eyes. Rafe was coming to her rescue. Again.

  Katie’s words popped into Holly’s mind, reminding Holly that Rafe didn’t know how to commit to a relationship. A pang of sorrow pulsed through her. Why couldn’t he be the kind of man who would make the perfect boyfriend? But why had this bothered Holly so much? She wasn’t ready to commit, either. And yet, with Rafe, she actually pictured herself with him, in a house, married and raising a bunch of kids who could run the ranch when they grew older.

  Shaking the thought from her head, she concentrated on rubbing her hands up and down her numb arms until Rafe caught up to her. The engine from the snowmobile became louder, and by the time he had stopped, she was ready to cover her ears.

  He jumped off the vehicle and shrugged out of his coat. “Here. Put this on.”

  She wanted to deny his request, but she shivered so badly, she didn’t dare. Her arms shook as she put on the coat. He pulled her in his arms and rubbed his palms up and down her back.

  “What were you thinking to leave the house without a coat?”

  “I-I-I wasn’t th-thinking.”

  He chuckled. “I know.” He snuggled the soft collar of the coat around her neck. “Do you want to catch pneumonia?”

  She shook her head, moving closer to his warm body.

  “Climb on. I’ll take you back to the house.”

  “H-h-hurry. There’s a.... wolf.” She peeked over her shoulder.

  His gaze wandered in that direction, but she doubted he could see anything.

  Although sitting in front of him would probably keep her warmer, she didn’t want to drive the snowmobile. He climbed on first, and she sat behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.

  Once the vehicle was in motion, she buried her face against his back. It didn’t matter if she was in front of him or behind him, being this close always brought warmth to her soul. Maybe she shouldn’t feel this way, but right now, she enjoyed this. She enjoyed being important in his life.

  How did he know she was out here in the first place? And yet, it didn’t matter. She was very grateful that he – out of his cousins – was the man to come get her.

  Rafe stopped the snowmobile and shut off the engine. She raised her head. They were at the house. She climbed off and hurried into the house with Rafe right beside her, his arm around her shoulders. He led her to the hearth, ablaze with a fire.

  Luca hurried to her, holding a blanket. “Here.” He draped it around her. “When I saw you driving away in the snowmobile without a coat, I knew you’d be cold.”

  “Thanks,” she muttered.

  “Why were you driving the snowmobile that was low on gas?” Rafe asked as he warmed himself by the fire.

  She rubbed her hands together before bringing them closer to the fire. Slowly, she could feel her body thawing. “I didn’t know it was almost out of gas.”

  Rafe narrowed his gaze on her. “Don’t you know how to read the gauges on the dashboard?”

  She shook her head. “I had too much on my mind to think of that.” She sighed. “I’m really sorry I took the snowmobile without asking.”

  “That’s okay. I’m just glad I found you.”

  Silence stretched between them as they stood by the fire. She felt like such a fool. Not only had she put her life in danger, but she’d put Rafe’s as well. She stared at him until he turned and looked at her.

  “Thanks for lending me your coat.” She shrugged out of it and handed it back.

  “Are you warmer now?”

  “Much, thank you.”

  Blake brought over two steaming cups of hot chocolate, handing one to her and the other to Rafe. She wrapped her fingers around the porcelain cup and gave Blake a smile.

  “You read my mind,” she said before taking a sip.

  “Mine, too.” Rafe copied her actions.

  Holly’s mother walked with her crutches into the large living room. “Oh, good. You found her.”

  “Sorry I ran out on you
, Mom.” Holly frowned. “I was frustrated with everything and I needed to think. I suppose I should have thought about my coat before leaving. I didn’t mean to worry you all. I just didn’t think.”

  Her mother chuckled and sat on one of the couches. “You haven’t changed a bit. When you were little and upset with one of your sisters, you always rushed outside without your coat.” She shook her head. “I’m surprised you weren’t sick more often than you were back then.”

  “Oh, thanks a lot, Mom.”

  The men in the room chuckled.

  “I know what will warm you up.” Blake rubbed his hands together, grinning at Holly. “How would you like some chili for dinner?”

  “That sounds wonderful.”

  “Hey,” Rafe gave his cousin a nod, “thanks for taking over dinner, even though it’s my turn to cook tonight.”

  Blake threw Rafe a glare before storming into the kitchen.

  Holly frowned. Something was wrong between Rafe and his cousin. She peeked at Luca, who was also shooting invisible daggers at Rafe. Obviously, the three were upset with each other. She hoped it wasn’t because she and her mother were here. But, deep in her gut, she suspected that was exactly the reason.

  THE ONLY LIGHT IN THE large room came from the blazing fire. Everyone had gone to bed, except for Holly. She’d tried to sleep, but it was impossible. Sitting in front of the fireplace, bundled in a fuzzy blanket, brought warmth to her mind and body. Staring into the orange-red flames soothed her. Her mind spun with her unresolved problems, but at least the fire made her feel calmer.

  If she wasn’t thinking about what to do about the movie, she was thinking of Rafe. She couldn’t decide which one was more important to her at this point. Her feelings for him had grown considerably since she and her mother arrived. And yet, her heart still battled her mind over the matter. If she stayed, she’d surely fall in love with him, which of course, meant she’d get her heart broken like Katie had. But whether Holly continued with the movie or threw her hands up in defeat, she’d be leaving Montana right after Christmas... or whenever Brian wanted her.

  In the fireplace, a log popped and broke in half. She rose to her knees, took the poker, and scattered the burnt wood.

  Holly missed this – sitting in front of the fireplace alone. Her aunt’s house in California didn’t have a fireplace. Not that they really needed one. She missed the snow, and the old-fashioned Christmas at home.

  Yawning, she stretched her arms over her head. She really needed to retire to her room, but she doubted her busy mind would allow her to sleep. She didn’t bring any sleeping pills, so she couldn’t count on that for help.

  From behind her, the floor creaked. She jerked around to see who was sneaking upon her. When the man walked into the fire light, she sucked in a hesitant breath.

  “I hope I didn’t scare you,” Luca said as he moved closer to her. He still wore his flannel red and blue shirt, blue jeans, and his boots were off, showing his gray socks. He pointed to the floor beside her. “Do you mind if I join you?”

  “Uh, no. Of course I don’t mind.”

  This particular cousin made her nervous, but she didn’t know why. He was always nice to her, and he went out of his way to help her with something. His infatuation was obvious, though, and she wished he didn’t feel that way about her since she couldn’t return the feeling. Not very often did she have to discourage a man from pursuing her, but if Luca made any wrong moves, she would have to be blunt.

  Once Luca situated himself on the floor beside her, he released a sigh. “I’m assuming you can’t sleep, either?”

  “You’re right. There is too much on my mind.”

  He nodded. “Me, too.”

  Holly didn’t want to discuss her problems, so she decided to get him to open up. “What’s been bothering you – if you don’t mind me asking.”

  “Of course I don’t.” He frowned and peered into the fire. “I have a lot on my mind, actually.”

  “Are you upset that my mother and I are here?”

  He swung his wide-eyed gaze toward her. “Oh, no! Don’t even think such a thing. In fact, you’re the only ray of sunshine at the ranch right now.”

  She chuckled. “Thanks.” She waited for him to elaborate, but when he didn’t, she continued, “So what’s wrong?”

  Luca looked back at the fire. “I’m sure you heard that Rafe wants to sell the ranch.”

  “Yes.”

  “When he told my brother and me last week, I was devastated.” He blew out a gush of air between his lips as he swiped the long hair out of his face. “Actually, my feelings went deeper than that. I was downright mad. How could Rafe do that? He wasn’t even thinking of mine or Blake’s feelings. All he cares about is himself.”

  Holly toyed with the edge of the blanket, not wanting to look at him. She really had no opinion on this subject. It wasn’t her problem to worry about.

  “Rafe expects my brother and me to find another place to live, and find different jobs.” He motioned his hand toward the closest window. “Ranching is all I know.”

  “Didn’t you get a college degree?” she wondered.

  “Yes, in business, but I know more about ranching.”

  “It sounds to me like you’re selling yourself short.” She brought her legs up and rested her chin on the points of her knees. “If you have a degree in business, you know more than you think.”

  “I don’t understand.” His gaze narrowed on her.

  “Luca, you need to think outside the box. You know a lot about ranching, and you know business.”

  “Yes.”

  “Well, then, I’m sure you could figure out a business way to help other ranchers.” She playfully punched him in the arm, making him tip slightly. “I remember in school how smart you were. Students came to you for help all the time.”

  “They paid me to do their homework.” He laughed. “That was the only reason they came to me.”

  “Okay, so let the other ranchers pay you to do what you already know. Let the other ranchers pay you to find better quality sources for their feed, better bred animals, or even better priced supplies. Luca, I really think you’d be successful at managing other ranchers’ budgets.”

  His eyes grew wide and his smile stretched.

  “And,” she quickly continued, “soon you’ll be rolling in the dough and you’ll have your own mansion and lots of land. Along with that, the women will flock to you.”

  He shook his head. “They’ll only want me because of my money.”

  “True, but...” she leaned closer. “At least they’ll be lined up to meet you. From that point, you can choose the best one out of the group. Once they get to know you, they’ll see what a kind and giving heart you have.”

  His expression softened. “Holly, nobody has ever said that to me before.”

  She shrugged. “Well, I’m happy to be the first.”

  Luca’s gaze dropped as he drew an invisible line in the carpet with his finger. “Holly? Would you ever consider going out with me?”

  Her heart dropped. This was where she’d break his heart. How she hated this. “Luca, you’re a sweet man, but where I am with my career, I don’t have time for dating. I rarely have time for socializing.”

  Disappointment washed over his face and he stared at the fire. “I understand.”

  Holly’s gut twisted. He really was a nice guy, and he wasn’t as creepy as she first thought. Studying him closely, she noticed he had a touch of the Montgomery men’s handsome looks. Maybe if she hadn’t thought he was creepy earlier, she would have liked him more.

  “But Luca,” she touched his arm until he looked her way, and then she dropped her hand, “I want you to think about what I said. I think you’d be a great asset for the other ranchers.”

  “Thanks. I’ll definitely think about it.”

  “Just don’t think about it. I want you to reach for it and grasp it. Own it, Luca. You can put your college degree to use. I know you can. Be excited about your future
, because you can become big.”

  Gradually, his smile returned and he nodded. “You’re right. I never looked at it that way.”

  “Then start looking, and start dreaming.” She grinned.

  He tilted his head, continuing to stare at her. “I’m really glad I came out here and talked to you. Thanks.”

  “You are very welcome.” She yawned again and stretched her arms. “Okay, I think I should get some shut-eye.”

  “Yeah, me, too.”

  She crawled to the fire again, and using the poker, finished breaking up the logs. Luca stood and stretched his back.

  “Hey, Holly,” he said.

  “Yes?” She looked at him from over her shoulder.

  “I can tell Rafe likes you. A lot. But will you do me a favor?”

  She swallowed hard, afraid to ask. “What is that?”

  “Let him down easy. He’s not used to women rejecting his advances like I am.”

  She forced herself to laugh. “Rafe and I are just friends.”

  “You might have to convince him of that. Good night, Holly.” He turned and left the room.

  As she stared after him, her heart hammered with anxiety again. So Rafe really liked her? She knew that. A man doesn’t kiss so passionately without having certain emotions for a woman. But could she let him down easy if and when he confessed his feelings? Scary thing was, she didn’t think she’d be able to.

  THIRTEEN

  Rafe lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling with his arms folded behind his head. Earlier this evening, his body finally felt warm enough that he didn’t need to be by the fireplace. Although, he wasn’t going to complain. Going out to find Holly in the freezing temperature made him feel heroic. Again. And standing by the fire with her this evening, he enjoyed trading glances with her.

  He couldn’t talk personally with her, not when his cousins and her mother were within earshot. But he’d wanted so much to talk to her, to find out what had bothered her so badly that she ran out of the house and sped away on an almost empty snowmobile. Georgia wouldn’t say what was wrong with her daughter, and it hurt that Holly didn’t want to talk to him.