Alex scoffed at the idea. No matter how badly he wanted to see Savannah or how concerned he was about Ben’s intentions toward her, he still had his pride. Besides, the thought of navigating Chantelle, Shelby, and even Marissa made him shrink. The very thing he hoped would be his distraction had turned into a snare.
He enjoyed the girls to a point. It was always nice to be admired by beautiful young women. But last week’s antics at the pond filled him with impatience. Their company wasn’t distracting him from Savannah. Instead, the drama surrounding them had the opposite effect. It pulled him toward her quiet depth and sweetness.
Alex was used to women hanging around. Even when he was young, girls sought his company. He dated often and enjoyed the company of lots of young women. But when he met Savannah, all of that changed. At first, the fact he and Savannah were young concerned him, but after spending time with her, his worries receded. There was something about her that made her stand apart from other young women. At first, he thought her reticence was because she was just a bratty rich girl, and she’d been taught never to fraternize with the help. But after their first chance meeting in the barn, he began to believe there was more to Savannah than just well-behaved horses and brand-name boots.
He was in the barn first, looking for the hoof pick he misplaced. When she arrived, her brown hair was tied in a neat pony tail at the nape of her neck. Her face was freshly washed, and she wore no makeup. She was dressed in old jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt and a hat pushed back from her face. Nothing stood out that flagged her as the boss’s daughter; no fancy riding clothes or expensive hat, and no haughty look. Instead, she smiled shyly as she put down the wheelbarrow full of bottled milk for the calves she was tending and offered him a quick good morning.
After watching his search, she asked after him. What was he missing? He explained about the hoof pick. She stopped what she was doing and helped him look, eventually finding it where it had slipped in between two bales of hay.
When she handed him the pick, Alex gazed into her warm brown eyes. The benevolent morning sun kissed her face, giving her a soft glow that was only highlighted by her smile.
“I think I owe you a cup of coffee,” Alex said.
“I’ll take you up on that,” Savannah replied.
A voice called after Alex from the open back door of the barn. It was time to get to work.
“Tomorrow morning? Same time?” he asked in a rush.
“I’ll look forward to it.”
Her smile and the warmth of her eyes kept him rooted to his spot for a brief moment.
The voice from outside called once again. This time, it was urgent.
“I have to go,” he said.
“I know.” She smiled again. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The reassurance was enough, and Alex walked out of the barn with more than his hoof pick.
As the day wore on, Alex fully doubted Savannah would show up for their morning coffee date. She would realize the gulf between them. She was the daughter of the great Charles Foss, and very likely the heir to Foss Ranch. Alex was nothing more than a hired hand.
The following morning, he arrived a few minutes early with two steaming cups of coffee to find her in the milking pen, feeding one of the calves. She did not see him, and he watched for a moment as she quietly talked to the calf while holding the milking bottle for the baby who was little more than a day old. After she was finished, she got down on her knees and nuzzled the little one, who pushed his forehead into Savannah’s chest. Savannah laughed as she ran her hands over the new calf’s shoulders and back. Then, she looked up and met Alex’s gaze as she stood. “I didn’t think you’d come,” she said as she left the calf’s stall.
Alex grinned as he handed her the coffee. “That’s funny. I thought it would be you who wouldn’t show up.”
Holding her coffee up, she returned his grin. “And yet, here we are.”
Alex clicked her cup. “Yep. Here we are.”
They talked for a few minutes while watching the sun greet the day from the horizon. The time went by fast. Fifteen minutes wasn’t enough. Alex wanted to spend more time with her. Gathering his courage, he asked if he could see her the following morning so they could plan a ride together on his afternoon off. With another click of their paper cups, Savannah agreed.
Alex wasn’t exactly sure what took place between them as they stood in a dusty, sunlit barn, but it shifted something.
In his past experiences with young women, Alex was pursued. Women called him, asked him out, followed him around, sent him notes, flowers, and cards. He appreciated all of this attention, but it never moved him like the warmth coming from Savannah’s eyes that first morning they met.
Now, all these years later, he was keenly aware that it was a warmth he desperately missed, and compared to the other young women and their drama, it was highly prized. Alex shook his head. These were the very things he was trying to forget. Wasn’t that part of his reason for coming back to Colorado? He needed to get a hold of himself.
Pulling a mask from the kitchen counter, Alex snapped it on and grabbed the sander machine. Those walls weren’t going to sand themselves.
For the next hour, Alex kept busy sanding the bathroom walls, but even with the work at hand, thoughts of Savannah with Ben broke through. Every time he found himself thinking of her, he turned his attention back to the work in front of him, until Ben appeared, grinning from the door.
Alex turned off the sander and turned toward his friend.
Ben leaned against the frame. “I don’t know who worked harder tonight. You and this sander, or me trying to soothe so many hearts because of your absence at dinner tonight.”
Alex grinned as his worries dissipated.
Ben handed Alex a tall glass of water. “Why don’t you take a break,” he said. “And let’s take a look at that fireplace mantel your sister finished.”
Alex agreed and followed Ben down the stairs, where both men came to stand in front of the fireplace with its newly restored mantel.
Alex reached out and touched the solid mantel. The wood was smooth and cool under his fingers. Details hidden under layers of sloppy paint came through, showing a carved motif of flowers and leaves in the rich oak, which was now varnished to keep the natural color. It was a work of art.
The floors were also restored to their natural color and the furniture was placed in a way that showed off the fireplace. Alex could only imagine the coziness of a fire on a winter’s night. Whenever he questioned the progress of their work, he came into this finished room with its high-ceiling chandelier, Victorian rugs and furnishings, and newly painted walls.
“So, how did things go tonight?” Alex asked.
Ben grinned as he sat down on the couch. “Amy made the excuse that you had work to finish around the house, and everyone accepted that. But what can I say? You were missed.”
Alex winced.
“I thought Chantelle was going to burst into tears. Marissa looked smug, and Shelby just got quiet.”
“And what about Savannah?” The question popped out before Alex could stop it.
Ben gave his friend a long look. “She wasn’t there.”
Alex was surprised. “Where was she?”
Ben shrugged. “Lily said something about meeting up with some old friends from high school.” He paused. “Savannah’s dad and sister didn’t look too pleased, but then, they don’t appear to be very happy people.”
Alex brushed that last statement aside as he tried to figure out the whereabouts of Savannah. Was she seeing someone? Amy said she was single.
Ben continued, “I kind of missed her. I mean, she’s so easy to talk to. Have you ever noticed?”
“I haven’t talked with her much.”
Ben laughed. “Right. You’ve been otherwise occupied, and that’s where my job of soothing hearts comes in. I got the opportunity to spend a few minutes with Shelby. When she’s away from her sister, she isn’t nearly as obnoxious. We took a walk aro
und the pond and then down into the fields. She knows a lot about ranching. Did you know they raise black Angus?”
Alex shook his head, but he wasn’t paying much attention, except to notice Ben’s thoughtful commentary around Shelby may mean he was no longer interested in Savannah.
Ben continued, “I really enjoyed her company. She’s walking fine now. She credits Savannah for helping her with the ice.” He paused. “I think you can probably come back to the party and things will settle down. You’ll most likely still have your fan club. I’m not sure there’s anything you can do about that, but I’m betting everyone will be better behaved.” Ben shrugged. “Who knows? I think those girls could probably be pleasant if they weren’t fighting like a bunch of cats.”
Alex nodded, but he barely heard. Was his presence keeping Savannah away from her usual Friday night dinner? Alex stopped that train of thought. It wasn’t about him. Savannah had a life of her own.
“So, what do you think?” Ben asked. “Will you go next week?”
“Yeah. I think I will.” He couldn’t hide forever, and if Marissa and the Thomas girls would behave better, he would welcome their company. Maybe they could still offer him that much-needed distraction from Savannah by simply being friends without all the drama. And if she didn’t attend, maybe it would be easier for him to remember his real reason for being in Colorado.
Chapter 18
When Aaron suggested the two of them go riding on her family’s ranch for their first date, Savannah was both surprised and uncertain. He wanted to trailer his horse, Roller, to her home so they could take in some of the scenery of Foss Ranch and ride the Lone Pine Trail at sunset. He promised to bring a picnic dinner and to have her and Strider home before dark.
Savannah reluctantly agreed. Lone Pine would offer a perfect sunset view. But other than Alex, Savannah hadn’t ridden with a man, and the Lone Pine Trail was special. Did she want to share it with someone she barely knew? She chided herself for being silly. It was time to begin putting some of those old memories in their proper place and focus on her present life. Riding with Aaron would be a great place to start.
Aaron drove up in a brand-new Dodge pickup, pulling what appeared to be a custom-built horse trailer with paint that matched the Dodge. She stood in the barn door while he pulled into the circular drive and stopped nearby.
After he killed the engine, Savannah’s attention was drawn to the sound of the double front door of her home opening. Her father and Marissa stood in the doorway. Savannah had not told her family of her date with Aaron. She didn’t want any questions, but as her father and Marissa made their way the truck, she realized her miscalculation. It would be Aaron who would be questioned.
Savannah hurried from the barn, reaching Aaron just as her father and Marissa rounded the hood of the truck. “Dad, this is Aaron Richards. He’s come to go for a ride the Lone Pine Trail with me and Strider.”
To Savannah’s complete amazement, her father held out his hand and smiled. “Yes, Aaron. I believe I know your parents.”
Aaron shook her father’s hand. “Yes, sir. They speak very highly of you.”
Charles beamed. “They’re lovely people.”
Shock waves moved through Savannah as she watched her father’s warm and friendly overtures. It was as if some part of him that was dormant from the time her mother had passed away suddenly returned to life.
“So, you and Savannah are going for a ride. The Lone Pine Trail is some of the best riding around.”
“Agreed,” Aaron said. “I haven’t been back there since high school. It’s generous of you to keep it open to the public, even though the trail is on your land.”
“Yes, well, as long as people respect property rights, I have no problem with riders coming through. I wouldn’t want to close off one of the most beautiful spots in Mission Canyon.”
Savannah remained quiet. Her father’s standing in the community mattered a great deal to him, and by keeping the Lone Pine Trail open, he garnered the good graces of the upper crust.
Charles beamed at his oldest daughter. “Well, I’m so happy the two of you have become reacquainted. You went to high school together, isn’t that right?”
“Yes.” Aaron chuckled. “But graduation is the great leveler. I knew I could never be in Savannah’s league back in those days. I’m happy she’s agreed to see me now.”
Charles laughed. “Yes, well, I’m pleased you’ve come out this way. It’s good to meet you. I won’t keep you. I know you’ll want to catch the best light.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Marissa chimed in. “Maybe I could ride with you.”
Savannah swallowed her shock at her sister’s brazen invitation. Before she could speak, Aaron gave her sister his best smile. “Oh, Marissa. I’m sure that’d be fun, but Savannah and I have a lot of catching up to do. Maybe another time.”
Marissa blinked.
Charles chimed in. “I think Aaron and Savannah would like to spend some time together, Marissa. Maybe you and I can do something special. What do you say?”
Marissa blinked again. “Okay, Dad.” She gave Savannah a puzzled look, and Savannah returned her sister’s bewilderment as Charles placed his arm around Marissa’s shoulder and hurried her to the house.
Aaron turned to Savannah. “It was nice to meet your dad.”
“Yeah, it was,” Savannah said, before motioning to the back of the trailer. “Let’s get Roller out, and we can get started. Strider is already saddled.”
Within a few minutes, they were riding through a sliver of the expansive acreage of the Foss Ranch as they made their way to the Lone Pine Trail in silence.
Savannah studied Aaron. She didn’t know him very well in high school, but she remembered how respectful he was in the few classes they shared. Now, that trait had matured, making it easy to be in Aaron’s company.
“You have good land here,” Aaron said. “Plenty of grass and water. I’m sure the numbers bear that out.”
Savannah agreed before changing the subject. “Listen, I really appreciate how you handled Marissa. I’m surprised she was so open about horning in on our evening.”
Aaron laughed. “Don’t worry about it. It can be hard to be in her position. Being a Foss must mean most men are too intimidated to ask her out.”
“Maybe. I know she gets lonely.”
“I remember her having a good group of friends in school. Has that changed?”
“No. Not really. But you’re right. She doesn’t date much, and I think she gets lonely for that kind of company.”
“Wasn’t she always a great shopper?”
Savannah looked heavenward. “You’re right. She still finds her greatest joy in a pair of brand-name shoes.”
Aaron laughed. “And what about you? Do you enjoy a good shopping trip?”
Savannah joined in his laughter. “No. I’d rather be out on the trails.”
Aaron gave her a soft smile. “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.”
Savannah changed the subject. “How did your horse get his name?”
“Roller? It’s actually short for High Roller.”
“Ahhh…”
Aaron didn’t offer further explanation.
“He’s beautiful, and he looks like a good boy.” Savannah admired the confirmation and color of Aaron’s horse. A deep bay with a nicely muscled rump, great legs, and a lovely supple neck. His face was the perfect shape with beautiful, inquisitive eyes and a splash of black on his forehead.
“Mom and Dad bought him for me when I came home.” Aaron motioned toward Strider. “Your boy is pretty, too.”
Savannah smiled as she reached down and patted his neck. Strider was also a bay, but lighter in color, with a black mane and tail and four white socks. “He’s a great cow horse when I need him, but mostly, we just ride for fun. He’s nine now. I trained him myself.”
“I can tell you’re proud of him.”
Savannah’s smile brightened. “I am. I’ve even had offers fro
m some of the ranch hands to buy him.” The fleeting thought of Alex raced across Savannah’s mind.
“I wouldn’t sell him,” Aaron advised.
“I don’t plan to,” Savannah murmured.
The ride continued in silence as the evening began to lengthen. The grass swayed in a gentle breeze before they came upon the rocky slabs that led to the vista, which would allow them the view of the valley among the pines. Savannah remembered those rocky slabs. It was where she poured out her heart to Alex about the death of her mother. She tried to push away the memory of his comfort, but it burst into her soul with vivid colors of that beautiful afternoon. She caught her breath.
“Are you all right?” Aaron asked.
Savannah nodded. “Yes. Sorry. Just a…just a catch in my throat.”
Aaron looked concerned. “Do you need to stop?”
Savannah shook her head.
Aaron’s voice became soft. “I don’t think it’s much further.”
As they continued to ride in silence, Savannah’s heart refused to still. Memories of Alex crowded her present moment. The gentle way he held her as she sobbed out her grief over her mother, and the more recent memory of his sweet gaze during their last evening together at the Thomases. Thoughts crowded in so fast and thick, it became hard to concentrate on the beauty before her, much less Aaron.
Coming to the precipice, they both stopped and dismounted. Before them spread the deep river gorge of Mission Canyon with its red rocky plateau dotted with green pine. The town of Mission Canyon lay to the south. The sun was beginning its descent behind the purple mountains and their shadows gradually lengthened over the town.
The last time Savannah stood in this place was the afternoon she spent with Alex. Their horses were tied to the same tree. After her long cry, peace finally reigned in her heart as they stood together in comfortable silence. Savannah leaned against Alex with her hand on his back while he pulled her close with his arm around her shoulder. Together, they took in the majesty before them.
The Second Chance Bride (Country Brides & Cowboy Boots) Page 10
