by Marta Perry
Boy was he wrong. When he’d seen her at Bliss Hardware the other day, she couldn’t seem to get away from him fast enough.
“Sadie, I don’t think we should keep bothering Miss Christa.”
“Please?” Her bottom lip pooched out.
He felt himself caving faster than a house of cards. Would he ever grow immune to the pouting?
“All right, I’ll check with her. But if she says no, we’ll have to figure this out on our own, okay?”
“Okay.” Now she smiles.
He rolled his eyes, the knot tightening in his gut as he dialed Christa. She might not even answer once she realized it was him.
Moving to the window, he stared out over the cow pond. The sight usually calmed him.
“Hello?”
He whirled back around. “Christa, hey, it’s Mick.” As if she couldn’t read the caller ID. “Sadie is in the process of decorating a shoebox for her Valentine’s party at school tomorrow and, well, she’s having a problem.”
“What kind of problem?”
“An inept uncle, for starters.”
No response.
“Christa?”
“I’m here. I just…” Another pause. “What materials does she have to work with?”
Eyeing the table again, he rattled them off.
“Got it. Has she done her valentines yet?”
“No, she was pretty eager to get the box done.”
“Well, tell her to work on the valentines now and then Dixie and I will drop by just as soon as I get off work.”
Part of him relaxed while another part grew more nervous. “You’re a lifesaver. Thank you.”
Well, that went better than he thought it would. Except for all the hesitations. Was she busy, or did she not want to be bothered?
He passed Christa’s instructions on to Sadie, then breathed a sigh of relief when she happily went to work filling out her valentines.
An hour and fifteen minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Sooner than he’d expected. Sadie had just finished her valentines, and the aroma of frozen pizzas baking in the oven drifted through the house as he opened the door.
Christa’s dog sashayed in first, seemingly looking for Sadie.
“Dixie!” Sadie jumped out of her seat as the golden trotted her way. “I misseded you so much.” She hugged and kissed the animal.
Mick looked at Christa, who was holding a small sack. “Once again, I find myself indebted to you. Can I start by offering you some pizza? It’s just about to come out of the oven.”
“So that’s what’s making my stomach growl. I would love some.”
After they’d polished off both the cheese and supreme pizzas, Christa sat down at the table with Sadie and examined her valentine’s box. “This is a great start. I think it just needs a few more elements.”
“What are elemems?”
“Elements,” Christa gently corrected. “All it means is that it needs more stuff.”
“Oh.” Sadie appeared worried as she looked over the items Mick had bought her. “But this is all I have.”
“That’s what your uncle said. So I brought a few more items.” She retrieved her bag from the side chair and pulled out things one by one. “I’ve got some iridescent ribbon.”
Sadie gasped excitedly.
“Some pink and red foam sheets we can cut into shapes to add dimension. And—” she grinned at Sadie “—some boas.” She removed a conglomeration of red and white feathers before setting the bag aside. “What do you think?”
“I’m going to have the bestest valentimes box ever!”
Mick pulled up a chair and watched the two as they worked. Christa was so good with Sadie, guiding and teaching her, and Sadie soaked up the attention like a dried-out sponge. In no time they had the sides of the red-glitter-coated box wrapped in a pink boa, and they’d added a shimmery bow to the top. Now Christa was cutting out bright pink letters that spelled Sadie’s name.
“We’ll put these on the top so everyone will know this is your box,” Christa said.
When they’d finished, Sadie was so proud, Mick had to take a picture of the two showing off their work of art.
Christa was gathering up her things when Sadie hugged her around the waist.
“I’m so glad you helpeded me.” She peered up at the woman. “I’m sorry if I bovered you.”
Christa looked surprised. “Sadie, you are never a bother. Why would you think that?”
“Uncle Mickey said we shouldn’t bover you.”
“I see.” Christa’s gaze cut to Mick. “Next time you’ll have to remind your Uncle Mickey that I like spending time with you. Both of you.” She turned her attention back to Sadie. “Now I want you to have the bestest Valentine’s party ever, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Come on, Dixie.” Christa started toward the door.
“I’ll walk you out.” Mick looked at his niece. “Sadie, it’s getting late. I want you to get your pajamas on and brush your teeth. I’ll be right back.”
He followed Christa and her dog onto the porch, feeling a bit uncertain, but determined to push forward anyway.
Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans, he said, “You, uh, said you like spending time with both Sadie and I.” He shrugged. “Is that just on occasion or a regular basis?”
Now it was her turn to look nervous. And that suited him just fine. “I’ve grown fond of you both.”
He dared a step closer. “Can I just be honest here?”
“Please.”
“I like you.” He shoved a frustrated hand through his hair. He sounded like some bumbling teenager. “And I don’t know if it’s just me, but I can’t help wondering if this—” he waved a hand between them “—could be something more than friendship.”
She licked her lips. Rocked back on her heels. And stared toward the barn for the longest time. “No. It’s not just you.”
“That’s a relief.” He couldn’t help but smile when she finally met his gaze. “I’m not sure where to go from here, though.”
Something flickered in her hazel eyes. “Well, we could start by picking up where we left off Saturday night at my place. You know—” she tilted her head “—before Sadie woke up.”
Under the light of a full moon, his heart pounded as he closed the distance between them. He cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs caressing the soft skin of her cheeks. She was so beautiful. And she liked him, simple cowboy that he was.
Lowering his head, he claimed her sweet lips, allowing his fingers to thread into her soft waves. Her hair smelled like apples. He inhaled deeper, longing to get lost in her. She was as refreshing as an autumn day after a long, hot summer. And she was in his arms.
When he finally pulled away, he tucked her head beneath his chin and held her, savoring the feel of her. He didn’t want this moment to end. But Sadie was waiting on him.
He released his hold, lowering his hands until his fingers entwined with hers. “I reckon I should go check on Sadie.”
“Yes, you should.” Her cheeks were pink as she smiled up at him. “We can talk later.”
Nodding, he started to let her go, then tightened his grip. “I promised Sadie we’d do a campfire Saturday night. Care to join us?”
Her eyes sparkled. “Sounds like fun. I’ll bring stuff for s’mores.”
“No need. I’ve already got them.”
“In that case—” she leaned toward him and pressed a brief kiss to his lips “—I’ll see you then.”
Mick watched her drive away before heading back inside. Whatever was going on inside him was something completely new and different from anything he’d ever experienced before. It scared him to death, while filling him with more happiness than he’d ever imagined.
God, whatever You’re up to here, please don’t let
me blow it.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Christa never dreamed a kiss could give her so much clarity. Yet as she’d driven away from Mick’s last night, she knew just what she needed to do regarding the expansion of Bliss Hardware. And after sleeping on it, she’d headed into the store early, shut herself in her office and had been crunching numbers ever since, until she came up with just how much she was willing to offer for the Gebhardt building.
After moping all of Wednesday, it had occurred to her yesterday that rather than simply stating her desire to purchase the building next door, she needed to make an offer. An actual dollar amount to show the owner she wasn’t trying to get something for nothing, but that she was serious. Because people could talk the talk all day long without actually making a move.
Well, she intended to make a move all right, by making the best offer possible. She wanted to dangle a nice big carrot that would make it nearly impossible for the owner to say no.
Confident with her numbers, she picked up her phone and dialed her real estate agent.
“I know the owner said they’re not interested in selling,” she told Greta Herne, “but I would like to make them an offer I’m hoping will change their mind.” She named her figure.
“Christa, you are not only a determined woman, but a very wise one. After all, they don’t say ‘money talks’ for nothing. I’ve seen sellers decline one offer, only to have them jump on a better one. Everyone has their price.”
“Yes, they do. And I’m hoping this will have the owner of the Gebhardt building jumping.”
“So do I, Christa. I’ll contact the leasing agent and let you know just as soon as I hear something.”
“Great. Thanks, Greta.”
With that out of the way, she took a deep, cleansing breath and was about to go check on a lumber shipment when her phone rang. Surely Greta didn’t know anything yet.
But when she looked at the screen, it was Jade’s name that had her cringing. Why was she calling again?
“Hello.”
“Christa, my favorite person.” Jade only said that when she wanted something. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
“Sure…same to you.”
“So, you know that position I told you about?”
“You mean the one I said I wasn’t interested in?”
“That’s the one. Except I’m pretty sure your interest will be piqued once you hear what I’m about to tell you.”
“Doubtful but go ahead.”
“I told them all about you.”
“Why? I said no.”
“Because I wanted them to know that you are the cream of the crop. And, as a result of that, they would like to extend a second offer to you.”
Christa’s jaw dropped when Jade rattled off some exorbitant amount. “Nobody’s worth that much.”
“Well, they seem to think you are.”
“They haven’t even met me.”
“They know a good thing when they see it.”
“Jade, I may be good, but I’m definitely not interested. No matter how much they offer.” She listened to the woman whine until she saw Mick walk into the store. “Sorry, Jade, I have to go.”
She tucked her phone away and yanked her office door open as Mick approached, holding a heart-shaped box in one hand and a bouquet of red roses sprinkled with baby’s breath in the other.
Her heart skipped a beat. She’d never put much stock into Valentine’s Day before. At least, not as an adult. But her time with Mick last night seemed to unlock something inside her—a desire she’d suppressed for so long. She’d convinced herself that she wasn’t interested in love or marriage or a family.
Over these past few weeks, she’d found it harder and harder to ignore those longings, though. It seemed the more time she spent with Mick and Sadie, the more desirable those things became, punching holes in the wall she’d built around her heart. And last night had made one thing very clear. Her feelings for Mick had drifted into deeper waters.
Oh, she’d tried to convince herself that they were only an extension of the deep affection she felt for Sadie, but the moment his lips touched hers, the lie she’d been clinging to was blown away, unleashing a truth she could no longer deny. No matter how much it terrified her.
Her excitement spilled over into a goofy grin as the handsome cowboy stopped in front of her. “Good morning.”
His smile seemed a bit nervous. Then he shrugged and said, “I couldn’t decide, so I got you both.”
“And I love them both.” She accepted the gifts, inhaling the fragrant flowers while tucking the box of chocolate under her arm. “Thank you.”
His expression was unusually shy, so she motioned him into her office. “I won’t be sharing these flowers with you—” she set them aside before peeling the plastic wrapping off the box “—however, I think we should both sample the chocolate.” She lifted the lid and the enticing aroma made her mouth water. “Take your pick.” She held the box up.
With a gleam in his eye, he selected a dark chocolate truffle. “You’re in a mighty good mood this morning.”
In large part because of the kiss they’d shared last night. But she wasn’t about to say that.
She felt her cheeks heat. “I am. I’ve got flowers and chocolate. Of course I’m happy.” She took a bite of a caramel pecan cluster. “And I decided to step out in faith on something that’s been bothering me for a while now.”
He lifted a brow. “And what’s that?”
“I’d rather wait until I have something concrete to share. But when I do, I promise you’ll be the first to know.”
“I see how it is. One kiss and the secrets begin.”
She grabbed another chocolate. “Oh, stop. That’s not how it is, and you know it.”
“Yeah, I’m just teasing.” He reached for her hand. “But if it’s anything you need to talk about, I’m here.”
Warmth started in her belly and spread throughout her entire body. Mick was someone she could talk to. Someone she could count on to be there for her through thick or thin.
“Since it’s Valentine’s Day, I thought about taking you out to dinner tonight. But because it’s Valentine’s Day, every place in town is apt to be crowded.”
“Yes, all three of them.” She laughed.
“So, I thought I would offer to fix you dinner instead. What do you say? Steaks at my place?”
She winced. “Can I take a rain check?”
“Sure. Is something wrong?”
“No, it’s just that Rae, Paisley and I have standing plans. Every year, Paisley treats us to some over-the-top dinner at her place. Laurel used to join us as well, but then she up and got married, so it’s just the three of us now.”
“How dare she?”
“I know, right?”
His phone buzzed and he pulled it out of his pocket. “It’s Cole.” He set the device to his ear. “Hello?”
“I’ll be right back.” Christa grabbed the large mason jar from atop one of the file cabinets behind her desk and went to the restroom to fill it with water for the flowers. When she returned, Mick was no longer on the phone, but he looked distressed.
“What’s wrong?” She set the jar on her desk.
“They’ve set a date for Sadie’s custody hearing.”
Her smile evaporated. “When is it?”
“Two weeks from yesterday.”
“Where?”
“Here in Bliss. It has to take place in the county where the child resides.”
“That’s good. Still, I can’t believe they got it so quick. I thought it would take a few months.” Christa could tell Mick was struggling. She knew better than anyone how much he adored Sadie. And Sadie adored him right back. It made her sick to think of the two of them being torn apart. All because the Sandersons were self-absorbed jerks who refused to consider what w
as best for their granddaughter.
Reaching for his hand, she gave it a squeeze. “You’ve got this, Mick. I have to believe that.”
“I want to believe it, too. But right now, it’s kinda hard.”
She squeezed tighter. “Then I’m just going to have to have enough faith for both of us, because we will not allow them to get their hands on Sadie without a fight.”
* * *
Already down and out after learning about the custody hearing, Mick didn’t need another burden to bear. But that didn’t stop the real estate person Jen used for the Gebhardt building from dropping a major dilemma in his lap. One that had him debating with himself all night long. Good thing Christa already had plans, because he wouldn’t have been very good company.
Somebody must really want to get their hands on the building that had once been home to his great-grandparents’ general store, because the offer they’d made had really given him pause. It was enough to put Sadie through a top-notch college and buy her a fancy car without ever having to touch her inheritance.
Yet every time he picked up the phone to call the woman back and say yes, Jen’s voice would play through his head. It’s part of our heritage, Mick. And I want Sadie to be able to share in that.
Strange how she hadn’t felt that way about the old farmhouse they grew up in. Instead, she thought it as much of an albatross as he did. So, what was the attachment to the building? And why hadn’t she just put it in the trust for Sadie? That would have made his decision a lot easier.
That was, unless Jen thought Mick needed the money. If so, she’d been way off base. He’d ended up contacting the agent Saturday morning to turn down the offer. If Jen loved the building, then he’d hold on to it until Sadie was old enough to decide whether she wanted it or not.
Once that weight was off his shoulders, though, things started looking up. He figured it was either by the grace of God or the fact that Christa would be joining him and Sadie for their campfire tonight. Probably both.
If he would have known that opening up to Christa about his feelings for her would turn out so well, he would have said something a long time ago, instead of second-guessing himself. But knowing that she felt the same way about him lifted his spirits and gave him hope for their future. He could hardly wait to see her tonight.
