by Lea Coll
Elle turned to me as Rose placed blueberry pie slices in front of us. “I didn’t realize you were writing something for the website.”
“When we were up in the helicopter, Henry showed me the different lodges, resorts, and spas. We were talking about what made Mountain Haven Lodge unique. What will draw tourists in and keep them coming back? It’s the ranch’s history—the Rigbys’ family history.”
“I think that was all you,” Henry said, placing an album by my elbow.
“I wanted to help.” I smiled, the warm glow of the candles Rose lit before dinner flashing over his face.
Rose poured tea into cups.
“Stop talking and eat the pie while it’s still warm,” Rose chided.
“It tastes just as good cold,” Paul said gruffly.
The home was warm, not just because of the cozy decor, or the burning fire and candles, but because of the people. I’d never had a meal like this, one prepared by my parents, much less pie and tea after dinner while we looked at family albums. It was a new experience, one that highlighted our differences but didn’t make me feel as inadequate as it once would. Maybe I was finally moving forward, getting over old hurts.
The idea made me think I could handle more with Henry. That there was a possibility I wouldn’t get too attached.
The front door burst open, a gust of cold air filling the room. “Sorry I’m late.”
One boot then the other thudded on the floor.
“For heaven’s sake, Piper. Close the door. You’re letting in all the cold air.”
“Oh, yeah. Sorry!” The door slammed shut, making Paul wince.
Unraveling her scarf, Piper threw it on the couch along with her jacket. She dropped a kiss on her parents’ upturned cheeks and squeezed Henry’s shoulder before sliding into the chair next to him. “What’d I miss?”
She was like a gust of wind herself, her personality taking over the room as she entered.
“Where’ve you been?” Rose asked, her shoulders tense.
“I had a book club meeting.”
Henry raised a brow. “I thought you had knitting club.”
Piper scrunched her nose. “It alternates every other week.”
I wondered if she went to all those clubs or if she made excuses not to come to any family dinners. I couldn’t imagine doing that, but then her experiences were probably different than mine.
“Oh, what’s the book?” Elle asked.
Piper waved her hand at her. “I don’t read the books. I go for the food and wine.”
Rose gave her a pointed look. “We have food here.”
Something about the moment felt like an age-old argument which was odd because whenever Elle described Piper, she said she was bubbly and outgoing, willing to jump in and help the shop. That description didn’t jive with what I was seeing.
Piper rested her elbows on the table. “I’m here now. Can I get a slice of pie?”
Henry stood, placing his hand on Rose’s shoulder. “Sit, Mom. I’ll get it.”
Piper’s gaze scanned the room before pausing on me. “How are you liking Telluride, Kelsey?”
I swallowed the piece of pie, taking a sip of tea before I answered, “It’s been great. Your brother’s been showing me around.”
Paul pushed his empty plate away, leaning back in his chair. “Kelsey’s researching our family’s history so we can include it on the lodge’s website,” Paul said.
His words, although nice, made Piper’s shoulders raise. “Yeah? How nice.”
The pinch of her lips told me she didn’t really think it was nice. I wondered why there so much tension between her and the family. Henry had said his family sucked in strays, maybe she didn’t like that? Maybe she felt like it took away from her spot in the family. That, I could identify with.
“I thought it would be a nice draw for the lodge,” I said, unsure how to diffuse the tension. I wanted Piper to like me too.
“Go ahead and open the book.” Rose nodded toward the album by my elbow.
“Let me grab my notebook.” I grabbed my bag from the hook by the front door, not wanting to forget anything Paul or Rose said about the family. When I sat back down, Rose talked about how the ranch had been in her family since the early nineteen hundreds. One of her ancestors came here, striking it big with the silver boom before it collapsed. He invested his money in the property, making money raising cattle.
“The Telluride Ski Resort opened in the early nineteen seventies. That was when land prices started to increase, raising our taxes.” Paul’s tone was gruff.
“The ski resort was good for the town. Not so much for ranching.” Rose patted Paul’s hand.
I looked away from their show of affection to the album which included black and white photographs of their ancestors.
“The land is worth more than whatever we can do on it,” Paul added.
“Including the dude ranch you built. It would be better to sell. Celebrities are buying properties for millions. If we sold, we could be wealthy, not sitting around worrying about how we’re going to make ends meet.” Piper’s voice rose with each word.
“It’s not a dude ranch,” Henry said tightly.
The table fell quiet.
Was this the source of contention in the family, or did Piper’s desire to sell come from somewhere else, deeper than a disagreement over what to do with her family’s home?
“You didn’t want to be part of the ranch, so the decision was made between the three of us,” Rose said.
My heart ached for Piper if she was left out. Even if she didn’t work the ranch, her opinion should have been considered.
“I’m sure it’s a hard thing, selling a property that’s been in your family for over a century,” I said, trying to be diplomatic. I wished I could tell Piper I knew what it felt like to be an outsider. To have your family rotating on its own with you on the outside looking in. But we weren’t alone.
Paul nodded in agreement.
“I’m going to make a go of it,” Henry said as he continued to outline some of his plans to attract more tourists.
Gray listened intently, offering his opinion and suggestions. I knew Henry felt the need to run things by him because he was an investor, but they were friends first. Forming a relationship in college, then moving to live in the same town, they had a strong bond.
By the end of the evening, I had pages of notes on the history of the farm and the town. After I said goodbye to everyone, Rose took me aside while I shrugged on my coat.
“I wanted to tell you that growing up as the only girl, my father was worried I’d get married and leave the ranch. But the ranch was in my blood. I couldn’t imagine my father having to sell it. My father was concerned I couldn’t run it by myself. I was lucky to find Paul. He didn’t grow up on a farm, but he loved the way of life. On paper, we were opposites. He was a city boy, and I grew up on a farm.”
“Then how did you meet?” I was riveted by her story, touched she’d chosen to share it with me.
“He was visiting with a friend. We met at a local bar. We got along from the beginning. I was worried this wasn’t for him. I even broke it off at one point not wanting to make a go with someone who wouldn’t didn’t want this life.
“You decided for him.”
“I was young and stupid. Thought I knew everything.” She paused, and I wondered if she was referring to Piper.
She patted my arm. “Thankfully, Paul didn’t give up on me. He proved that he wanted the same things I did. I put him through the ropes, ensuring he knew what he was getting into. A rancher is always being tied to the land, not being able to get up and go on a vacation. At least not easily, not without someone else’s help at home. He talked to my dad, convinced him he was a sure thing before I was. Looking back, I wasted a lot of time.” She patted my arm.
“That’s such a beautiful story. Thank you for telling me.”
“I told you in case it helps you.”
I laid a hand on my chest, huffing out
a laugh. “Me? Why would it help me?”
Rose gave me a knowing look. Did she think there was something between me and Henry?
“Oh, Henry and I are just friends. Barely even that. I’m helping him out. It’s nothing.” My cheeks heated that I’d described her son as barely a friend in front of her in my hurry to separate myself from her assumption.
Her eyes narrowed on me. “Are you sure about that? I was watching you two and I thought for sure something was there.”
I shrugged, feeling a little defeated. “Even if there was, I live in New York.”
A smile spread over her face. “That’s why I told you my story.”
She walked out of the room leaving me momentarily stunned. She saw something between us, something serious.
Henry came around the corner. “Bye, Mom. Let me know if you need me this week. We’ll be busy with the wedding, but I always have time for you.”
“Of course you do, dear.” She patted his cheek before heading back to the kitchen.
Henry opened the door for me. “What were you two talking about?”
I smiled to cover the fact my mind was still reeling. “Just your parents’ love story.”
“Really?”
“I enjoyed listening. This whole evening was perfect.” The openness of the family, and the pie, warmed my chest.
“I’ll bring you back during the day so we can walk the property and see the horses.”
“That would be great.” I wanted to immerse myself in the Rigbys’ life. It would make the description on the website genuine.
Chapter 9
Kelsey
* * *
On the ride back to the lodge, Henry glanced over at me, his expression appreciative. “Thanks for coming tonight.”
“Like I said, it was fun.” I was quiet for a few seconds. I felt bad for Piper. I wanted to help out if I could. I just hoped doing so wouldn’t upset Henry. “It’s probably none of my business, but what’s the deal with Piper?”
His brow furrowed. “I told you how, in college, my ex broke up with me, but what I didn’t mention was that Piper knew she was cheating on me. Everyone knew but me.”
“Piper knew Selena was cheating on you?” I was repeating his words but I couldn’t wrap my mind around it.
“Yeah.” He shifted in the seat, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. “She did.”
“Why didn’t Piper tell you?” I tried to think back to high school, to remember if I would have been mature enough back then to do something like that. I never had a sibling or anyone besides Elle that I was that close to. I would like to think I would have said something.
“I don’t want you to think I blame her because I don’t. Piper urged Selena to come clean. She felt stuck in the middle. Selena assured Piper she would; she wanted to tell me in person when I got home on break. At the end of the day, it was Selena’s place to tell me, not Piper’s.”
“I’m happy to hear you don’t blame your sister, but if that’s not the issue, what is? There was a lot of tension between your parents and Piper.”
We’d parked, the lights of the truck illuminating the lodge. “Piper resents the ranch. Sometimes I think she resents me too.”
“Why? I could see not wanting to work the ranch, but why resent that you do?”
“Piper wanted to go away for school or at least travel. Piper was in the cosmetology program in high school so by the time she graduated, she’d have her license and be able to work. My parents didn’t see the need to pay for her to get more education, go to college, or travel. I wanted to come back and run the ranch, so they paid for me to go.”
“Oh.” I thought being an only child who was ignored was rough. “I could see how that would be painful for her.”
“My parents thought I was a better investment since I wanted to major in business and help them with the ranch. Whereas, Piper already had a marketable skill.”
“That’s a practical decision but is that what she wanted to do? I can’t imagine knowing what I wanted to do for the rest of my life in high school.”
Henry’s eyes widened. “You know, she’s never said. Just that she wasn’t happy here.”
“I see how she might resent you. She might not feel like she’s a part of the family.”
“I never thought about the fact that she wasn’t happy being a hair stylist.” His lips pressed into a tight line.
“I’m not even doing what I went to college for much less using a skill I learned in high school. You grow, you change. What she decided at seventeen might not be relevant anymore. Maybe she doesn’t feel seen by you and your parents. She felt her wants and desires weren’t important. It’s always been the ranch that comes first. That’s why she doesn’t come to family dinners or she comes late.”
“How can you possibly know all of that after a couple of hours?”
I hesitated for a second, wondering if I should tell him I felt like we were kindred spirits. “That feeling of not being seen by your parents? I know it well.”
“But you left. You got out.”
“I’m grateful my parents paid for my college tuition. That was my ticket out.” Although. I suspected they wanted me to go far away to college, only coming home occasionally. That worked in their favor.
“Piper saw me getting a chance to do something else.”
“Maybe she thinks you squandered it by staying on the ranch. Who knows what she would have done had she had the same opportunity? At the very least, she would have been able to see what else was out there.”
“Maybe you’re just projecting your feelings onto Piper. She’s always been more of a wanderer, not content with this small town. I feel bad about how my parents paid for my education and not hers. At the time, it seemed like the practical choice. There wasn’t a lot of money to go around. Piper had a skill. She was able to get a job right out of high school.”
Had I pushed too hard, commented on something I knew nothing about? “Hey, I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. I don’t even know your family. I’m an outsider. I have no business giving opinions about anything. Just forget I said anything.”
I wanted to erase the pain I saw in his eyes, the pain I’d caused with my careless words.
Henry moved to open the door. “We should get inside. It’s starting to snow.”
I hope I hadn’t ruined things by butting in where I wasn’t wanted. I was the last person who should be telling someone how to interact with their family.
Opening the door, sliding out, the quiet was music to my ears. “I love how it’s silent when it snows here.”
It was funny how snow was a part of life here. The snow stayed for weeks in the cold or disappeared in days. Unlike on the East Coast, when a big snowstorm made the news, it sent panicked people to stores to stock up on supplies. I liked the tranquil nature of it.
“I guess New York is never silent.”
“Never.” It was something I used to be proud of but now, I wasn’t sure how I could go back to that life. The one where we never took a second to enjoy nature, to marvel at the beauty around us. Maybe some found the city to be beautiful. I’m sure I had at one time, but here, I’d come to crave the silent fall of the snowflakes, the brisk gust of wind stealing my breath, and the crunch of our boots on the snow.
“I bet you’ll miss Colorado after you leave.”
“I already do. It will be bittersweet.” We stopped in front of my door.
“How so?” He tilted his head, his gaze intent on mine.
“I’ve only been here a short time but with everything I’ve seen, I’ve fallen in love with the town.” The people.
“It’s hard not to love it after being up in the helicopter. If you don’t have anything else planned, we can go snowboarding tomorrow.
“I’m sure I’ll love it.” I’d come to enjoy Henry’s company. He was a friend but there was potential for more. It wasn’t just the physical attraction. His concern for his sister, his determination to do right by his family, his desi
re for the lodge to be successful not just for himself, but his family’s legacy drew me in.
I’d learned over the years to listen when people talked. He’d said, I can’t give you what you want. I had to believe he was telling me the truth and know I couldn’t change him. At the core, he believed he was that person. He was so closed off, he didn’t think he could handle one night with me.
“I’ll make sure of it.” His gaze was so determined, so sure, I almost wished he was talking about winning me over, not as a tourist, but as someone he wanted in his bed.
Chapter 10
Kelsey
* * *
The next morning, I headed downstairs to meet Henry.
“Good morning.” An older woman with short gray hair and glasses was behind the counter.
I smiled, returning her greeting before stopping in front of Henry.
“Are you ready?” His cheeks were red from the cold.
Had he already been outside getting ready for our snowmobiling expedition?
“You didn’t search online, did you?”
“No. You said not to.” He’d asked that I not look anything up so I’d experience it for the first time in person.
“Good.”
“Will I get to drive the snowmobile?” I asked as we made our way outside. Only one was parked in front of the building.
“Not for this trip. The road is narrow, and it runs along a cliff. It’s harrowing. The weather changes fast.”
“Harrowing?” I was starting to wonder if this trip was a good idea. Maybe he didn’t want me to research it because he knew I’d back out.
“I’m experienced. I’ve made this trip dozens of times. It’s worth seeing. Trust me.” He held his gloved hand out to me, his lips turned up into a smile.
My heart was thudding in my chest, nervous and excited for the trip. It sounded fun, plus I’d get to spend more time with Henry, alone, on his snowmobile. “Okay.”
He held a helmet in front of me. “Before we go, hold on tight, and trust me to keep you safe.”
