“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 we
eks 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 was 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.
“All right, Sadie, let’s see if we’ve got everything.” Standing in his kitchen just before five, he looked over his list. “Hot dogs and buns?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Chips?”
“Yes.”
“S’mores stuff? Graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars?”
“Yummy. Yep.”
“Ketchup and mustard and hot cocoa mix?”
“And na’kins and cups and spoons.”
“Then I think we’re ready to go.”
When Christa’s SUV rolled up an hour later, the campfire was blazing and he’d set up a table that held all of their supplies, including roasting forks and a thermos of hot water. Temperatures had already fallen into the forties, so the cocoa would probably be in high demand.
“She’s here!” Sadie cheered and bounded toward the vehicle.
Mick knew just how she felt. He glanced toward a cloudless sky, sending up a prayer of thanks. Should be a great night for stargazing. That was, if he could tear his gaze away from Christa.
She emerged from her vehicle wearing a puffy red jacket, then let Dixie out of the back seat before Sadie practically dragged Christa toward the fire. “We’ve got hot dogs and s’mores.”
Mick met them halfway. “Glad you could make it.”
“Me, too.” Then how come her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes? Was she tired maybe?
He took a step closer, dipping his head for a better look. “You okay?”
Waving him off, she said, “Yeah, just a long day.” She sucked in a breath. “So, where’s the hot cocoa?”
Mick was pleased to see her mood improve over the next couple of hours. Whether it was because of the food or the company, he couldn’t say. But he sure was happy she was here. She fit into his life like no other woman ever had. Accepting him for who he was and capturing his heart along the way.
With his camp chair tucked next to hers beside the fire, they stared at the sky, listening to the sounds of nature and the crackling of the flames.
“This is so peaceful.” Christa’s voice was soft. “I wish I could stay right here forever.”
He’d be okay with that.
Suddenly she gasped. “Look! A shooting star.”
“I see it. Sadie, look up.”
When his niece didn’t respond, he glanced around Christa to find Sadie asleep on the bench.
“Oh, poor baby is tuckered out.” Christa moved beside her.
Mick did, too. “Yeah, she had a long day.” She didn’t even move when he scooped her into his arms. “I’d best put her to bed.”
“I can help.”
Inside, Christa eased off Sadie’s boots and coat before turning down her bed.
Mick settled his niece onto the sheets, pulled the covers over her and kissed her cheek. “Sleep well, princess.” He followed Christa out of the room and downstairs.
When he continued to the door, she said, “Are you sure? I mean, what if she wakes up?”
He loved how she always thought about Sadie. “We’re not that far away. Besides, I have this.” He retrieved a small video monitor from the shelf beside the door.
“A baby monitor? Isn’t she a little old for that?”
“I prefer to think of it as a rancher’s helper. That way if I have to be in the barn or something while she’s asleep, I can still keep an eye on her.”
“Good idea.”
Returning to the fire, he said, “You know, there’s something I’ve been thinking about all day.”
She paused in front of her chair. “What’s that?”
“This.” He slipped an arm around her waist, tugged her closer and kissed her.
When they parted, she looked up at him, her eyes bright in the moonlight. “I like the way you think, cowboy.”
Grinning, he pulled her to her seat before relaxing in the chair beside her. The fire popped and sizzled, sending sparks dancing into the air as they sat quietly.
Mick wasn’t sure he’d ever felt so at peace, and as he looked up at the stars, he couldn’t help but thank God for bringing Christa into his life. He tilted his head to look at her. “I don’t think I’ve ever asked you how you ended up in Bliss.”
“Well...” Nestling into her seat, she stared into the fire. “After my dad passed away, I was going through his things and came across a magazine with the pages folded back. When I looked at it, there was an advertisement for Bliss, Texas. ‘Because everyone needs a little Bliss in their lives,’ it had said.”
“That’s our motto.”
She chuckled. “I know. And there was something about it that wouldn’t let me go. So two days later, I came to check things out. I don’t know if it was the magnolia trees in bloom on the courthouse square, the Victorian buildings or the pride folks had in their town, but I was enthralled.” She shrugged. “Then I saw the For Sale sign in the window of the hardware store and knew it was meant to be.”
“And just look at how the store has grown since you took it over.”
“I know.” She frowned. “But it coul
d be so much more.”
“What do you mean?”
She hesitated a moment. Buried her hands in the pockets of her jacket and took a big breath. “I want to expand Bliss Hardware and add a home improvement section. And for months I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure out just how to do that. I mean, the store is landlocked, so adding on is out of the question. Then it hit me that the empty building next door would be perfect.”
His chest tightened. “You mean the Gebhardt building?” He swallowed hard.
“Yes. They share a common wall, so all I’d have to do is take out a portion of the brick, shore it up with a frame, and I’d be good to go. The owner doesn’t want to sell, though, which I absolutely do not understand. I mean, in the past three years that space has housed a pizza place, a gift shop and a dress boutique. None of which remained open longer than six months. I don’t see how that can even cover insurance.”
So, she was the unknown buyer. And he was the one who’d shattered her dream.
All of a sudden, he felt sick to his stomach. He had to tell her. But how?
“Maybe it’s not about the money. Maybe it has sentimental value.” He shrugged, feeling completely torn. He wanted to help Christa, to make her dream a reality. But he was determined to hold on to the building for Sadie, and he wasn’t sure he was willing to go back on that. “Have you considered renting?”
“I can’t very well tear out that brick wall if I do that.”
Lord, help me here. Give me some sort of brilliant idea that might help her.
“You could have a separate store. You know, Bliss Hardware Design Center or something. Make it look nice and homey. Have one of those little awning things out front that makes it seem kind of fancy.” The words seemed to tumble out faster than he could think them. And probably didn’t make a lick of sense.
“I don’t know.” Heaving a sigh, she stood. “I’m sorry. I let myself get all worked up and kind of ruined the mood here.” She reached for his hand. “I think I’d better call it a night.”
Mick had never found himself in such a quandary. He knew he should tell her the truth, but he couldn’t seem to find the right words. Not that words had ever been his forte. Still, he owed her truth. Maybe she’d be able to understand why he couldn’t sell the building. Or he’d end up ruining the best thing he’d ever found.
A Brother's Promise Page 14
