Colorado Sunset (Peakview Series Book 1)

by Jill Haymaker

  After dinner and reading several bedtime stories one evening, June grabbed a cup of tea and settled down in the living room with her son. “Your daughters are truly wonderful, honey. You’ve done such a good job with them.”

  “I had a good example in excellent parenting from you.”

  “Thanks. There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.” June took a deep breath. “Before I left Ohio, I listed the house for sale.”

  “Really? Do my sisters know? Do you know where you want to go?”

  “No, I didn’t talk to anyone. I just did it. That old house is too big for me and Laddie. I would like to start over somewhere. A new beginning. Maybe somewhere I don’t have to see your dad and Courtney everywhere I go.”

  “I wish you would have talked to us kids first. Maybe then you wouldn’t have made such a rash decision.”

  “It wasn’t that rash. It’s been five years since your dad left. Besides, I wanted to tell you in person. I’ll talk to Mary and Alexis when I get back home. The realtor said it could take a year or two to sell, so I don’t think there’s any big rush to know what I’ll do next. I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.”

  “Not many people looking for a home in Hayville?”

  “Ha, no.”

  “Well, there should be. It was the best place to grow up. I’ll miss the old house. I think you need to let your daughters know what is going on sooner rather than later.”

  “I wanted you to be the first of my children to know. I need to find the right time to tell them. You know how Alexis is. She won’t be happy; she hates change.”

  “How’s she doing at LSU?”

  “Great, loves her roommate and classes.”

  “Well, Mom, you have to do what’s best for you. Alexis will adjust. Have you thought about San Diego? Your granddaughters would be so excited to have you nearby and the climate is wonderful. It never gets cold!”

  June thought of chilly nights in Peakview at the Walker Ranch and what it would be like to spend those winter nights curled up in front of that big fireplace, snuggling next to Jeff to keep out the cold.

  “Mom? You look like you’re a million miles away.”

  “Oh, sorry.” June jerked herself back to reality. “I promise to consider San Diego. You know how much I love your little girls, and you and Cindy, of course. I want to take my time to see what’s going to be right for me in the long run. For the first time since I met your dad at age 19, I feel I can make a decision based solely on what I want. Now if I can just figure out what that is!”

  “Well, let us know what we can do to help. We can definitely look around out here for a place for you. There are several nice condominiums nearby. At your age, you don’t want to move somewhere that you don’t know anyone. It wouldn’t be safe.”

  June loved her son, but she couldn’t help resenting the way this conversation had turned. She was more than capable of taking care of herself. And wasn’t that the point of starting over, to go somewhere new? As much as she always wanted her children to be a huge part of her life, she had devoted so many years to them. She wanted her own life now—for herself.

  “I’m sorry, I need some time to think about what it is that I want to do for the rest of my life. We can talk about it more when you’re all home at Christmas.”

  Despite a wonderfully fun couple of weeks, June decided it was time to leave and head back to Ohio. She missed her home and her own bed. She needed some alone time. She had been gone long enough. She almost wished she’d flown. The prospect of the long drive home wasn’t nearly as exciting as driving out here had been.

  June got up early the next morning. Emma and Lizzy buried their small sweet faces in the hair around Laddie’s neck and shed a few tears that their furry companion was leaving.

  “Maybe you need to get them a dog,” June said as she loaded her travel companion into her vehicle.

  “We’ve thought about it, but with the new baby coming we think it’s best to wait awhile.”

  “You’re probably right. Don’t worry girls, it will be Christmas before you know it and Laddie will be waiting for you at my house.”

  After lots of hugs and kisses and promises to come back soon, she was back on the road heading east. She drove until dark that first day and made it all the way to Green River, Utah, close to the Colorado border. The next morning she was quickly in the gorgeous Colorado mountains, enjoying the crisp, clean air. It was about 10 a.m. when she passed a small exit sign that read “Peakview 40 miles.” She longed to make that turn and go back to Peakview and to him. But then what? What would she even say? Jeff had very clearly told her goodbye. She sure didn’t need another rejection. She did the only sensible thing and kept driving down the mountain and into Denver.

  A day and a half later June crossed the Illinois state line, and on a whim picked up her cell phone and dialed Fran’s number.

  “Frannie, its Junebug.”

  “Good to hear your voice again. Are you back in Hayville?”

  “Not yet. In fact, I’m just about a half hour from your turnoff. Would you feel like having company for one more night?”

  “I’d love it! Kevin’s gone for the night—hunting season—so it will be just the two of us. Come on by and we’ll have some wine and fresh sweetcorn from the garden. I want to hear all about your time in California.”

  “Great. See you soon.”

  June hung up. How she loved Frannie. She was the one person June had always been able to discuss her feelings with openly, through all of her trials and tribulations and heartaches in college and again during the darkest days of her divorce. Frannie would listen and know what she should do about her latest dilemma.

  * * *

  After enjoying a delicious dinner of sweetcorn and a big salad of home grown vegetables from her marvelous garden, Fran and June headed out with their glasses of Chardonnay to sit and enjoy the hot Indian summer night on their screened-in back porch.

  Fran had to admit she was a little worried about her dearest friend. June had seemed quiet and almost sad throughout dinner. Maybe she was just tired and ready to be home. After all, she had been gone almost a month, but something did not feel right.

  “So what’s up June? You aren’t your usual perky self. Everything all right with Paul, Cindy, and the girls?”

  “Yes everything is great. They’re wonderful. Did I tell you that Cindy is expecting again?” June went suddenly quiet then looked at her with tears starting to form in her eyes. “It’s not that, it’s something that happened on the way to California.”

  “What happened?”

  “Well, to make a long story short, I got to Colorado and decided to head off the beaten path and see some of those magnificent mountains up close. My car broke down by a little creek in the middle of nowhere.”

  “Oh, no—that must have been scary.”

  “Not really. It was the middle of the day, and I had Laddie. After a very short time, a local cowboy came by and gave me a ride into the nearest town—Peakview.”

  “Was he 50ish and tall, dark, and handsome? A sexy cowboy in tight jeans? Is that what you’re brooding about?”

  “No,” June laughed. “He was handsome alright, but twenty-two. He took pity on an older, stranded lady. The only mechanic in Peakview, Colorado, population 200, was not what you would call speedy. I spent the first couple nights at a really nice dude ranch, but then they filled up and I had to leave. Luke, that was the cowboy’s name, offered to let me stay at his family’s ranch until my car was ready. He lived on the ranch with his father, who happened to be out of town on business. But then he returned,” June sighed.

  “Let me guess. Dad was 50ish, tall, dark, and handsome. Divorced?”

  “Widowed. His name is Jeff, Jeff Walker, and yes, he is probably the most attractive man I have ever laid eyes on.” June paused. “And Frannie, the way I felt when I first saw him; well I hadn’t felt that way in years—maybe ever. It was like being struck by a lightning bolt. A very ho
t lightning bolt.”

  “Junebug, you’re blushing. Do you think the feeling was mutual?”

  “I thought it was. He kissed me.”

  “Kissed you how? Like a friend on the cheek? Or was there passion involved?”

  “Definitely passion or at least it was there for me. We kissed for at least a half hour. It was incredible. I wanted him so badly.”

  “You little slut! You didn’t sleep with him, did you?”

  “No, of course not! I had just met him. But still…”

  “Then what happened?” Fran asked leaning forward in her chair.

  “That’s the problem—nothing. He said goodnight, and we went to bed—separately. The next morning as I was leaving, he apologized for the whole thing.”

  “Men! Sometimes they are clueless. Are you going to keep in touch?”

  “No, I’m afraid not. I tossed and turned all night. I came down the next morning expecting a passionate goodbye, an exchange of contact information, and promises to keep in touch. That’s when he shook my hand, said he was sorry for losing control and told me to have a good life. The trouble is—I can’t get him out of my head. All I do is think about him. Fran, I knew this man less than twenty-four hours. How can he have such a devastating effect on me?”

  “You’ve been alone for too long, my friend.” Fran reached over and gave her a hug. You know that I believe everything happens for a reason. Maybe you met this Jeff to show you that it is time to start looking for a new man to spend your time with. Someone who doesn’t have four legs and fur. I’m sure your feelings for this particular cowboy will fade with time. Hang in there and when you get settled in your next home, you can start looking for that Mr. Right. You know there’s always Illinois. Kevin may have some single friends we could introduce you to.”

  June sighed. “Thanks Frannie. You always make me feel better. I’m sure you’re right. I just need to get back into the swing of things. I may be old, but I’m not dead yet. I guess it’s good to know that I can still feel that way. I knew I could count on you to give me some perspective.”

  * * *

  June slept better that night in Fran’s comfortable guestroom, and the eight-hour drive to Hayville the next day passed quickly. As she pulled into her driveway, she had to admit it felt good to be home.

  “Well, Laddie, we did it—over 4000 miles and no worse for wear. Jump out, we’re home.”

  Bounding out of the car Laddie ran around like a puppy. June could tell he was happy to be back in a familiar place. The yard looked great. Tom, Betty, and Chip had really come through for her. What a blessing good neighbors were. June dragged her suitcase out of the car and opened the front door. After setting her stuff down, she walked into the kitchen and absently pushed the button on her recording machine to see if she had any messages.

  “Ms. Meyers, this is Carole Hayes from Midwest Realty. Hope you had a good trip. Give me a call when you get back.”

  She looked at her watch. It was after five. She made a mental note to call Carole the next day.

  She walked around the house opening windows and doors letting in some fresh fall air. As she passed her wall calendar, she tore off a page—hard to believe it was October already. Had she really been gone for a whole month? She flopped down into her comfortable old recliner.

  “Welcome home, stranger.” Betty’s cheerful voice rang out as she entered the back door. “We sure missed you and Laddie around here. How was your trip?”

  “It was great. Tiring. Good to be home.” June didn’t bother getting out of her recliner, exhaustion suddenly overcoming her. “The house and yard look great. Thank you so much.”

  “Our pleasure. Your realtor seemed to have quite a few showings. Have you talked to her?”

  “No, not yet. She did leave a voicemail, so I’ll call her tomorrow. All I want to do now is soak in my jetted tub, put on my jammies, and read until I fall asleep, which will probably be in about two minutes.”

  “I won’t keep you. I just wanted to say welcome back. We’ll catch up tomorrow.” Betty rubbed Laddie on the head and left through the back yard.

  Later, as June relaxed in her bath, covered in lavender-scented foam, thoughts of Jeff whirled around like the bubbles. Would she ever get him out of her head?

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  The next morning June arose refreshed, but restless. She walked Laddie downtown to grab a quick cup of coffee and to check in at the Library. While it was good to be home, she didn’t want to stay in Hayville forever. She knew that now. She was ready to start a new life, and Hayville, as much as she had loved the small town she had called home for a quarter century, this place represented her past. As they walked into the library, Debra, the librarian, called out a greeting. “Well, about time you came back. Are you ready to be on the schedule? We’ve missed you.”

  Now that she was there, June hesitated. She didn’t know. Any commitment to stay was not appealing.

  “Can I let you know in a few days? I’m not sure of my plans right now. I need to talk to my realtor.”

  “Sure, no problem. Let me know when you are ready.”

  Even now, almost five years after her divorce, she still received those pitying glances when she walked around town. The five years of seeing Ed and Courtney at all of her daughters’ school events had never ceased to be torture. At least now that Alexis was off to college, she no longer had to submit herself to that constant hurt and humiliation. Oh, she had thought about dating over the past five years, but dating prospects in Hayville were severely limited, to say the least. That is unless you counted old Mr. Shaffer at the Shell station. He had to be at least 80, but had become friendlier since the news of her divorce. There was Tommy Cartwright, who at age 55 still worked in his parents store and had never married. Knowing him it wasn’t hard to imagine why. Yep, Hayville, definitely wasn’t the place to embark on her new single life.

  June and Laddie continued on their usual three-mile loop and then headed back home. Had it gotten more humid in Hayville? Or maybe, it was just that her heart still ached for that little Colorado town and the cool mountain air.

  Returning to the house, June grabbed the phone. “Hello is this Carole? This is June Meyers.”

  “Oh yes, June. I have good news. I have a young couple who are very interested in your house. The husband accepted a job offer in Mound City. They really want to live in a smaller community for their two young children. I think they are going to make an offer soon. They want to be settled before the holidays. They would like to close by the first of November. Is that a problem for you?”

  Less than a month away. Could she pack up a whole lifetime in less than a month? And where would she go? What about her kids who would be counting on coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas? All of a sudden, it all got too real. She felt panic start to bubble up inside her.

  “Can I think about it and let you know?”

  “Sure, but don’t wait too long. Who knows when the next eager buyer will come along, especially with winter coming.”

  Panic took over. She paced around her house, thinking and rethinking. Where would she go? Suddenly she felt totally alone in the world. She could always go back to Paul’s, but she didn’t want to impose. She could rent a small apartment for a few months. Laddie would not be happy, but he would survive cramped quarters for a while.

  “God, I need some direction here. Let me know what to do.”

  Still lost in thought, she heard a creak as the mailman opened and shut her box. She whistled for Laddie to walk out to the curb with her. While Laddie enthusiastically greeted a neighbor kid, June absently flipped through the various advertisements to throw in the recycle bin. A bright shiny brochure with those beautiful mountains on the front caught her eye. “Peaktop Guest Ranch, Fall Special Weeks” in bold letters covered the front. June’s heart skipped a beat as she opened the brochure. “Spend a week with us this autumn” it said, followed by a list of the activities. One particular week stood out; “Fall cattle roundup
week, November 1st – 8th. Come join us as we round up the cattle and bring them closer to the ranch for the winter. All abilities welcome, but some prior riding experience is helpful.”

  Maybe this was the sign she was waiting for. She could close on her house, put her things in storage, and spend an amazing week in the mountains to clear her head. Then she would decide where to head next. Who was she kidding? She knew exactly why she wanted to go back to Peakview County. It was crazy, but she had to see Jeff, at least one more time. Maybe if she went to Peaktop for the week, she could think of an excuse to drop by the Walker Ranch. She had to know if there was anything between them. She couldn’t get him out of her head. Somehow it made sense that if she saw him again, she would “know.” Besides, an autumn week in the mountains—what could be better than that? Maybe while she was in Colorado anyway, she would take an extra couple of days and look around Denver and Fort Collins as possible places to relocate. Mound City did not excite her, sadly neither did Illinois or San Diego. Even if there was nothing between her and Jeff, why not start over in Colorado? At least it was something she should consider.

  Before she could change her mind, June picked up the phone and dialed Midwest Realty. “Hello Carole? This is June Meyers. I’ve decided that I can be out by November first, if your buyers want to make that offer.”

  “That’s great. I will get ahold of them and let you know. I think you have made the right decision.”

  Next, June anxiously dialed the number on the brochure.

  “Peaktop Ranch. It’s a great day to be alive! This is Molly. How may I help you?”

  June felt the instant smile on her face. “Hi, Molly. It’s June Meyers. I’d like to make a reservation for your cattle roundup week, if you have room.”

  “It’s so good to hear from you. We’d love to have you that week. You didn’t stay long enough last time.”

  “I think I fell in love with your area when I was there last month.”

  “That’s what we like to hear. We love return guests. I’ll book your reservation and send you all of the information in an email later today. You’ll love roundup week. Many of our nicest guests have signed up already. Don’t forget to bring some warm clothes. It can get chilly up here in November.”