by Danni Roan
“She’s thinking about it.”
Her mother’s pause was significant. “Why did you really call, Mom?” Michelle finally asked.
“Well, Charles called the other day, again.”
A cold shiver ran down Michelle’s back, “Again?”
“He’s been calling and calling, trying to find out where you are. You’ve been gone three weeks and he seems to be getting pretty worked up about it.”
Michelle closed her eyes. “You didn’t tell him anything, did you?” Her voice was strained.
“Of course not,” her mother snipped, “I’m just letting you know.”
“Thanks Mom.” Michelle softened her voice. “I guess I need to get this straightened out.”
“Honey, I don’t mean to tell you what to do, but perhaps you should go see him. Let him know that you’ve moved on with your life in a big way.”
Michelle smiled ironically. “Thanks for the advice Mom. I’ll think about it.”
“That’s all I can ask,” her mother sighed. “I love you honey, take care.”
The phone clicked off and Michelle suddenly felt all alone and small in this wide world.
Turning slowly, she pulled a jacket from the coat pegs by the door and headed out the door.
“I don’t know what I was thinking,” Kade’s voice drifted softly from the small barn at the back of the house.
“I’m so used to helpin’ people up and down on the stock here at the Broken J, I never imagined she was afraid of you two.”
Michelle crept into the barn, leaning against the door post, listening.
“I guess you two lunks could seem intimidating to a little bit like that.” Affectionately he scratched both mules behind their ears, slapping them on the shoulder as he turned to retrieve the tack.
“I guess it’s time to start doing better. Get my head in the game,” he added, unbuckling the girth, “but she gets me all turned around.”
A smile tugged at Michelle’s lips, but did nothing to reduce the tightness in her chest. He really was sweet, this husband of hers. He was trying to do the right thing, but seemed so unsure how to move forward.
For a few seconds, she wondered if he was having doubts, reservations about their marriage actually having a chance. She found her eyes straying to his broad shoulders and traveling down to the pockets of his jeans.
“Will you let them stay here today?” she asked, moving forward with care.
“They aren’t needed for anything today, that’s why I had planned…” his voice ran out and he dropped his head embarrassed.
Michelle sidled closer. She wouldn’t mind feeling Kade’s arms around her, but getting close to the mules was still downright scary.
“Why are they so big?” she finally asked, still keeping her distance.
“They’re a cross between a donkey and a Belgian draft horse, you know, those big red work horses.”
Michelle giggled. “That must be an odd couple.”
Kade smiled and the softness in his eyes zinged straight to her heart. He lifted his hand toward her, inviting her to join him next to the strapping equine.
“Come and meet them properly,” he invited, “they won’t hurt you, I promise.”
Heart pounding, Michelle took his hand, allowing him to drag her forward.
“This is Jack,” he indicated the mule before her, “he and Scott,” he tipped his head toward the other mule, “are full brothers but Jack’s the youngest.”
“Hello Jack,” Michelle spoke, trying to keep from feeling ridiculous.
“You can pet him,” Kade offered, wrapping an arm around her and scootching her closer to the mule.
Michelle ran her hand over the mule’s shoulder, pulling back with a squeal when the animal’s muscle twitched.
“It’s alright,” Kade chuckled, “their skin is highly sensitive. Try again.”
This time, she ran her small hand firmly over the mule. The big animal didn’t so much as notice her.
“They really are very gentle; it’s part of their nature. Draft horses tend to be quiet critters, match that with the smarts of a jack, and you get an animal that can do just about anything.”
Michelle stroked the bright hide of the mule’s neck. It was smooth as satin, and somewhat cool to the touch.
“How long have you had them?”
“About eight years. I trained them while I was still in school.”
“Really?” She was impressed. How in the world did you get a big animal like that to do what you wanted all the time?
“They’re good boys.”
“Why do they have the extra straps on the saddles? I mean, I’ve seen loads of people ride by but I’ve never seen straps on a horse’s butt before.”
Kade grinned. “Mules aren’t built exactly like a horse, they have low withers.” He laid his hand just above the mule’s shoulder. “That means the saddle can slip a little back and forth on inclines, so you add the straps for better stability.” He shrugged as if it was all so simple.
The mule shifted, propping one hind leg on the tip of his hoof.
“What’s wrong?” Michelle asked, pulling back. “Did I do something wrong.”
“No, he’s just resting.” Kade took her hand and walked her around Jack, laying his hand on the animal’s rump as he moved. “Come meet Scott. These critters are a big part of my life, a big part of the ranch. I want you to be comfortable around them.”
Something warm and squishy trickled into Michelle’s heart. Kade hadn’t berated her for her fear, hadn’t belittled or mocked her.
With Kade behind her, she stroked the other mule’s face. He had a big, clunky head with a lighter shade around his mouth and prickly whiskers.
“Can we try again?” she asked, turning into Kade’s arms.
“Try what?”
“That ride.”
“Really?”
“I can’t promise but…”
“We’ll go slow.”
A few minutes later, Kade lifter her back onto the silly pink saddle. “I’ll just walk you around a little, alright?”
“Um hm.” Michelle managed, clinging to the saddle horn once more.
The big mule moved out, the first steps jarring her until she relaxed a bit.
Kade led the mule out onto the dusty track of the ranch yard.
Slowly Michelle began to grow more comfortable sitting atop a living creature. “I feel like I can see forever up here,” she finally spoke, looking out across the prairie. She was still afraid, but also filled with wonder.
“You’d be amazed what you can see when you’re riding. Deer, bobcats, all manner of wild things don’t seem to spook so quick when you’re mounted.”
Kade pulled Scott along behind him, back toward the barn.
“What did you want to show me before?” Michelle’s fingers ached on the saddle horn and she loosened them a little.
“Something special. We can take the truck if you’re up to it.” He glanced over his shoulder hopefully.
“If you go really slow we can ride,” Michelle offered with determination. Kade had done so much for her after messing up, she could at least try.
Dropping the reins of the bridle, Kade turned and reached for her, pulling her into his arms for a sound kiss.
“It’s alright if you ride,” Michelle said moments later as Kade led her through the dry grass of a seldom used trail.
“It’s not far.” Kade continued walking next to her, Jack trailing behind him quietly.
“I think Jack is feeling left out.”
“He’s used to going everywhere that Scott does.” Kade shrugged the comment off. Taking a turn along the rapidly moving stream, a long, low building came into sight.
“Whoa,” Kade rumbled and both mules stopped.
“What...” Michelle began, stuttering to a stop as she looked up at the building.
“It’s the old sawmill.” He lifted a hand and pointed. “There’s a water wheel on the side that used to power the saws.”
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Michelle blinked at him. It was an interesting building, but what was she supposed to do with it?
“You can store your stuff here.” Kade smiled.
“Really!”
“Really.”
“Help me down.” Michelle let go of the saddle horn for the first time, reaching for him, then kissing him soundly as he lifted her down. “Show me everything,” she finished, pulling him along behind her toward the building.
Chapter 8
Energy zinged through Michelle as she entered the dark building. Kade had pushed the large, double-hung doors wide, letting the afternoon light filter in to the space.
“There’s another set of double doors on the other side,” Kade offered, “provides loads of light and air.”
“This is fantastic,” Michelle said, gazing around the hard-packed dirt floor, the massive beams, and strange mechanics ranged over the walls and ceilings.
“This old place was practically falling down when Phil took over the Broken J. I’ve been fixing it up a little on my own. Mostly just making sure it was safe and secure because of the guests.”
“What are all these gears and posts?”
“Those are the mechanisms that ran the saws. The wheel turned the gears, generating power and translating it to the power that cut the wood.”
“It’s perfect,” Michelle practically bubbled. “I can see so much potential here. It would make a fantastic studio.”
“You can leave your things here alright?” Kade seemed hesitant.
“It couldn’t be better.” Michelle shot him her brightest smile. “Let’s go home. I have work to do.”
Kade chuckled at his wife’s good humor. She was full of surprises. He’d never met a woman who was so determined. Perhaps if he were equally determined, they’d be alright.
“You sure you’re ready to ride back?”
“Yes, I won’t deny I’m still scared, but I’m tired of being scared.” Michelle let Kade help her up onto Scott’s back. “Besides, you’re right here to catch me if I fall. Now mount up, big boy, I have things to do.”
Kade climbed aboard his mule and reached for Michelle’s hand, letting his team fall into step.
Michelle squeezed Kade’s hand. “This was perfect,” she said. She still wasn’t comfortable riding, but holding Kade’s hand steadied her.
She’d spent too much time in her life being afraid, hiding her hurt and fear. Michelle Brighton had left New York to remake herself, to be reborn as a new wife, a better friend, and a woman who made her own choices.
Riding a mule to her very own home was just one step in the right direction.
“Do we need to speak with Phil and Chase about the building?” Michelle asked once they’d gotten home. She’d headed straight to the kitchen, sprawling papers and pencils all over the polished wood table as she dug for her gear.
“No, the mill belonged to Taylor and Isabella Ogden, one of the James girls who founded this place. When it was first constructed it was just part of the ranch, but now it’s actually on my property.”
“We’ll still talk it over with Phil and Chase of course, but let me plan some things out first.” Michelle shuffled papers about on the table.
“I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Kade agreed, “especially since we’re full partners in the Broken J.”
“Really?” Michelle looked up from moving things around on the table.
“Yeah, she did it right away. Phil was serious about making a new start, building something to last, and she needed my help.”
“She trusted you,” Michelle said, gazing up at him.
“I didn’t do anything to stop her,” Kade offered, watching as Michelle sat, down pencil in hand.
“Do you think they’d come over for dinner?” Michelle asked, “I mean Phil and Chase.”
“Probably, if we asked,” Kade replied. “I get the feeling they’re trying to give us some space right now though.”
“Space? We see them most nights for dinner up at the main house, do you really think they’re giving us space?”
Kade shrugged. “I know I did when they first got hitched.”
“We should go on a double date some night,” Michelle said, still focused on the page before her.
“How about a Sunday?” Kade asked, trying to see what she was working on, but the lines and squiggles didn’t make any sense to him yet.
“What would we do?” Michelle chewed her bottom lip in concentration.
“When things slow down a bit we go to church in the morning,” Kade began, drawing her dark gaze toward him, “then we could go out to for lunch at a nice place in Tipton.” He hurried to finish.
“Phil goes to church?”
“Mostly, yeah. I mean some weeks we don’t make it if we’re busy. Weekends can get pretty crowded.”
Michelle smiled, thinking he was teasing, but then realized he was serious.
Kade’s heart was pounding. They’d had such a nice day. Michelle was excited about the old mill. Had he asked too much?
“I guess if Phil goes, it couldn’t hurt to try.” She smiled softly at him. “Now let me work.”
Kade chuckled, heading out to see if he could find Phil or Chase. He’d invite them to dinner. He could thaw a few steaks and toss them on the grill.
***
“No, you guys come to our place,” Phil insisted when Kade met her in the office. “It’ll be nice. I already have ribs in the crock-pot for supper, there’s plenty.”
“We’ll bring something,” Kade assured.
“We, huh?” Phil joshed, looking up from her desk.
“Well, we are together,” Kade’s statement was dry.
“You treating her good?” Michelle’s friend turned serious violet eyes on her cousin.
“I’m trying.” He admitted, “I think I’ve messed up a few times.”
“What has she told you?” Phil asked, hitching her hip onto her desk and getting comfortable.
“She wanted a new life, some place quiet.” Kade’s blue eyes bored into Phil’s, questions filling his head.
“It’s not my place to tell you things,” she said. “But I will say Michi always did want a quiet life.” Gently she reached out, laying her hand on his arm. “She’s smart, funny, caring, and very talented.”
“I can see that.”
“Give her time, she’ll open up more when she’s ready.”
Kade studied his cousin. He’d wanted to ask questions, but thought it would be prying. It would take time to truly get to know the woman he had married.
“We’ll see you this evening then,” Kade finally said. “I’ll fix something to bring along,” he added with a wave, and headed back home.
At the house, Michelle had taken over the whole table. Computer, papers, pens and pamphlets were spread everywhere.
“You hungry?” Kade asked, peeking over her shoulder.
“What?” she asked, shuffling a page, then drawing lines in a sketch pad.
“Lunch,” Kade offered, a grin tugging at his lips.
“Oh.” Michelle jumped to her feet heading for the stove. “I’m so sorry,” she babbled, “I’ll fix you something right away. I didn’t mean to be neglectful.” Michelle’s dark eyes were large as she scurried toward the fridge.
Reaching out, Kade stopped Michelle in her tracks. “Whoa, slow down there, little lady,” he joshed. “I’m capable of feeding myself, been doing it for years.” He chuckled when Michelle blinked up at him, a flash of worry in her eyes.
“I thought…” she began, “I mean, you said lunch.”
“I was asking if you were hungry. I’ll fix us some sandwiches.”
Impulsively Michelle hugged Kade, squeezing him tight. “You’d do that for me?”
“Of course,” Kade huffed, “you’re working and it’s my day off, so I can feed us. Oh, and we’re going for dinner at Phil and Chase’s place.”
“Really?” Michelle sounded stunned.
“Sure.” Kade opened the fridge,
pulling out the items for sandwiches. “Phil insisted.”
“Thank you,” Michelle said, her voice soft.
Leaning down, Kade kissed her on the forehead.
Moving away, Kade made two large sandwiches and opened a tin of cookies. “I’m going to put some beans in the crock pot to take over to the Haven’s place,” he finally spoke handing her a plate.
“I’ll clear off here,” Michelle said, placing her plate on the papers on the table.
“You go on and eat. It’s not the first time I’ve eaten at the counter, and it won’t be the last.”
Michelle smiled, her eyes bright. “I’m a mighty lucky woman,” she stated, digging into her sandwich, still looking surprised.
Chapter 9
“He made me a sandwich, Phil,” Michelle was in the kitchen with her friend, “a sandwich.”
Philomena’s soft laugh was understanding. “He’s Kade, Michi. That’s how he is. You can’t imagine how much help he was to me when I first came here. I was sure I’d have to hire a ranch foreman, but then there was Kade.”
Phil looked out the window at Kade, a cold iced tea in his hand, standing and chatting with Chase as he finished the ribs on the grill.
“Without Kade I never would have met Chase either.” She smiled. “Michi, you were looking for a change. I know there’s a lot more to it than that, but you’ll never make that change if you don’t trust him.”
Michelle dropped her eyes, “He really is a good man, isn’t he?”
“Yes, that match maker picked a good one for you, but you have to work at it to make it work.”
“You and Chase don’t seem to have to work at it.”
Phil laughed, a guffaw that made the men outside turn to look at the window. “Michi,” Phil hugged her friend, “every partnership takes work. Love might come softly, or boldly, or on a summer breeze, but it always needs someone to look after it.”
“Ribs are ready,” Chase called stepping into the house. “Another week and it’ll be too cold out there to grill anything.”
“All the better reason to do it while we can,” Phil offered, taking the large platter from his hands.”
