Grace and the Rancher

by Mary Alford

  Grace couldn’t even imagine how awful Kyle and his brother’s lives must have been. “I’m so sorry.” Tears pricked her eyes, and she blinked rapidly to stave off the flow.

  His face screwed up in regret. “Hey, it’s OK.” He drew her into his embrace and their gazes met. Held. Only a sliver of space separated them. One long glance, and then he leaned in close and kissed her tenderly.

  Her breath stuck in her chest. Her heart pounded a crazy rhythm. She hadn’t felt this way in so long. Grace forgot what they’d been talking about. All the fear and dread that had been her constant companion since leaving Nashville simply faded. A dam broke inside her, and then she was fervently kissing him back.

  During the months before that fateful night, she and Nick had argued constantly, their relationship all but fractured beyond repair by his abusive behavior. When she found out about the other woman in his life, Grace’s world had crumbled. Nick told her he had no intention of ending his adulterous relationship, but he’d also assured her he would never agree to a divorce because she was his one chance at stardom again.

  Trapped, Grace had shriveled inside, unsure of how to handle the whole situation. After Nick’s death, she’d sworn never to open her heart up to that kind of hurt again. But now, kissing Kyle, their breath mingling, his lips passionately pressed against hers, was a reminder of all the things she’d written out of her life.

  Reality washed over her and Grace pulled away. What was she thinking?

  She read all the turbulent emotions in his eyes—the question, the desire. For the life of her, she couldn’t think of a single thing to say. She absently reached up and touched her lips where his had rested.

  “I’m…sorry. I just wanted...” he didn’t finish.

  She registered the heat creeping up her cheeks. “It’s OK.” Her voice was a mere thread as her heart drummed frantically. She couldn’t believe she’d responded in such a way to a man who had as much baggage in his past as she did. She looked away and cleared her throat. “It’s getting late, and I should go. I-I’m opening at the store tomorrow.” She headed back toward the house.

  He followed.

  Once inside, she gathered her purse and found her keys. She was acting foolishly, but she couldn’t help it. She needed time alone to get a grip. “I’ll see you soon,” she told him without looking his way.

  “Grace, wait.”

  She turned and was finally able to look him in the eye.

  “I’m sorry. Things got a little out of control.”

  She closed her eyes briefly and blew out a weary sigh. He was right. She was just as much at fault as he was. “No, I overreacted and I’m sorry. It just took me by surprise.”

  “Me, too,” he said gently. “But it was kind of nice.” He grinned at her embarrassment.

  She struggled to keep a straight face. The kiss had been perfect. “You’re right, it was.” She swallowed hard. “But I still had better go. 6:00 AM comes early.”

  “Before you go, there’s something I want to ask you. You know Thanksgiving is next week, right?”

  “I’m aware of it.” She always dreaded Thanksgiving and Christmas. With no family, the holidays only showed how alone she was in the world. Nick hadn’t been with her long enough to celebrate. So even before his death, she’d never experienced a family holiday.

  “Do you have any plans?”

  “I don’t. Martha invited me over to their house but Ed’s brother’s family is coming in and I don’t feel comfortable being with a bunch of people I don’t really know. What about you?” she asked.

  “I don’t have plans either. So I was thinking maybe we could have it here. I remember when I was young, back before Sara died, my dad used to fry our turkey every year. I was thinking I’d try my hand at that. What do you think?”

  She smiled. “It sounds great to me. You do the turkey and I’ll make the rest of the meal.”

  “Sound like a deal,” he said.

  She smiled and gave him a hug.

  He hugged her back briefly, but when she pulled away, he let her go.

  “Good. I’ll call you in a few days to get the menu together. I was thinking of asking Jessup as well,” he added. “Unless you’d rather it just be the two of us.”

  “No, I think that’s a great idea. He needs you Kyle.” A thrill of pleasure hit Grace’s heart. Kyle was making amends as best he could. It was a start.

  “Yeah, well, I could use his help as well. We’d be doing each other a favor.”

  Grace squeezed his hand and then for reasons she couldn’t explain, she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “I’ll talk to you soon.” She walked out into a beautiful fall afternoon. She hadn’t felt this happy in a long time.

  ****

  Kyle couldn’t get their kiss out of his mind. All week long, as he went about the difficult task of trying to educate himself on the cattle business, Grace had a way of popping into his head at the least expected times.

  With all the work done on the buildings, the only goals left to accomplish were to stock the ranch and hire some hands. During those last few weeks of his father’s life, Kyle had been more interested in spending as much time with his dad as possible. He hadn’t really listened when Ellis had talked about what would make the ranch workable again. He’d always thought that once he started the process, the know-how would fall into place. But he was in over his head, and he needed help.

  Who knew the business inside and out? He picked up the phone to call Jessup. No one answered. Uneasiness had Kyle grabbing his keys. He would just go talk to Jessup in person.

  His cellphone rang as he was going out the door.

  “Is this Kyle Delaney?” an unfamiliar woman’s voice asked.

  The fear in his stomach doubled. “Yes, it is.”

  “Mr. Delaney, this is Richards Medical Center. We have a Mr. Jessup Moore here. He’s taken quite a fall. He’s asking for you.”

  “Is he OK?” Fear made his voice sound unsteady, even to him.

  “We’re not sure about the extent of his injuries just yet.”

  “I’m on my way. Tell Jessup I’m on my way.”

  7

  “Do you have anything special in mind for the Thanksgiving meal?” Grace had wanted to call most of the week but held off. She still felt a little awkward after their kiss.

  “Thanksgiving?” The word sounded foreign when he said it.

  Had he changed his mind about sharing the meal together? She hoped not. “That is unless you’ve made different plans? I mean, if you have something else you’d rather do, I understand. I was just thinking…”

  “Whoa, Grace. I don’t have any new plans, unless you count the obligatory invite from Ryan. And second, I’m so looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with you.”

  “Good, because I was thinking about preparing the traditional Thanksgiving meal. You know dressing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and such.” Grace squeezed her eyes shut. She sounded ridiculous. It hit her then that he had sounded distracted. “Wait, Kyle, is something wrong?”

  He blew out a heavy sigh. “Sort of. I’m on my way over to the town’s clinic. Apparently, Jessup took a tumble on his icy steps yesterday.”

  “Oh no, that’s terrible. Is he OK?”

  “I’m not sure. The clinic wouldn’t tell me much. I’m thinking if the doctor releases him today, I’ll bring him home with me.”

  “Kyle…that’s so sweet. I think it’s a great idea.”

  “Yeah, well, I made my dad a promise to look after Jessup, and so far, I’ve failed miserably.” He sounded slightly embarrassed. “Jessup doesn’t have anyone and I’m pretty sure he isn’t able to take care of himself properly. Besides, it’s the least I can do.”

  “Your dad would be so proud of you.”

  “Jessup doesn’t know it yet. He’s a proud man. He might tell me to shove off.”

  She didn’t believe it for a second. Jessup might be proud, but he also adored Kyle. “At least you will have tried. However
, you might tell him that you need him, to…to…give advice around the ranch, or something. If he feels needed, he might be easier to convince. You still want to do Thanksgiving after everything that’s happened? I don’t want to be in the way with Jessup recuperating and all.”

  “You could never be in the way. Besides, Jessup is crazy about you. I spoke to him several times over the past few weeks and all he talks about is what a nice person you are. Having you there with us on Thanksgiving will make it special.” There was a small catch in his tone.

  “You’re sure?”

  “I’m positive,” he assured her.

  “Then it’s settled. I think it’s great what you’re doing for him. He’s blessed to have a friend like you.”

  “Thanks. Are you on your way to work?”

  “Yes. I was just leaving when I remembered I hadn’t called to ask what you wanted for the meal.”

  “I like the idea of having a traditional meal,” he told her in a gravelly tone that sent shivers up her spine.

  “Well, good then. Call me later, after you’ve talked to Jessup and let me know what he has to say.” She smiled as she disconnected. The usual knot in her stomach wasn’t there. She just needed to put their kiss behind her. She and Kyle would be friends. That’s all they were capable of giving each other. Yet so many things stood in their way. So many things needed to be said. Friends were friends because they were truthful to one another. He’d told her his dark secret. Laid it all on the line. Why couldn’t she do the same?

  8

  “I think he’s sleeping,” Grace whispered.

  Jessup dozed in the chair closest to the cheerful burning fire.

  Happiness settled in Kyle’s heart. “Yeah, I don’t mind telling you, I was pleased he agreed to move in here once I finally convinced him he was doing me a favor. I told him when he’s up to it I’d take him with me to Denver to the cattle auction. He actually seemed excited.”

  “Well, he’s been around ranching all his life, and since you said you’re a novice at this, you really do need his expertise.” Grace was practical.

  “Yeah. And this is one of the best Thanksgivings I can ever remember, thanks to you, Grace. The food was delicious, by the way. I’m glad you came today. You made this holiday better for both Jessup and me.” He reached for her hand.

  There were tears in her eyes. As he was quickly learning, Grace Bradford was a very sensitive woman. Just another something he loved about her.

  “I’m glad I came. I’m so happy you have Jessup here with you.” She squeezed his hand. “He needs you, Kyle. I think he’s lonely, and it’s a shame he doesn’t have any family to take care of him.”

  The change in Jessup this week was already evident. He’d gained weight and seemed more rested, as if his troubles were washed away. Kyle suspected he hadn’t been eating regular meals or taking care of himself as well as he should’ve been.

  “It’s nice having his company, too,” Kyle said as he glanced outside. The earlier snow had all but melted away. The skies were clearing. “Do you feel up for a walk?”

  “After such a huge meal, I think I need one,” she laughed. “Just let me grab my jacket.”

  He helped her into the jacket then opened the door. They stepped out into a beautiful fall afternoon.

  “Kyle, it’s amazing what you’ve accomplished with the ranch already. I can’t wait to see it when it’s running.”

  “I just hope I don’t let Jessup or my dad down by falling flat on my face,” he said as they walked toward the barns.

  She smiled up at him. “Pray about it. Ask for God’s guidance, and you’ll be fine.” She shivered a little as a crisp November wind kick up, carrying a hint of the winter to come.

  He had looked forward to having time alone with her all day, but now that he did, he was just a little nervous about it. “It’s a huge endeavor. One I hope I’m up for.” He shook his head. “It’s a long ways from managing music artists.”

  Grace wrapped her sweater jacket tighter and brushed aside a wisp of sable brown hair from her face. “You’ll be good at it, but you’re right. This will end up being a big undertaking. Will you need to hire some ranch hands to help? When do you plan on being operational?” Her enthusiasm was easy to catch.

  “Probably this coming spring if all goes well and yes, to answer your question, I will need to get some help. I’ve been toying with an idea that I think might be a good thing, but I wanted to run it by you first.”

  Grace trailed across the uneven earth at his side. “Of course. What is it?” She was shivering from the chill in the air.

  “Let’s go inside the barn where it’s warmer.” He held her hand as they made their way to the smaller barn. The breeze had picked up, and it was a struggle to walk even the smallest distance. He managed to open the door against the north wind. The second they were clear of it, Kyle let the door go, and it slammed shut.

  His dad had left an old kerosene lantern next to the door with matches to light it. Since the electricity had been shut off to the barn, he lit the lantern. Within seconds, the place was bathed in its warm glow. “Better?” he asked.

  “Yes, thank you.” She looked around.

  “There’s a couple of chairs over by the window.” He grabbed the lantern and led the way over to the dingy window. Once he’d dusted off the chairs and she sat down, he opened up about his plans. “You know the one thing about Delaney Mountain and lots of other small towns in Colorado, is the winters can be brutal, and there’s nothing for young people to do around here. I think that’s the reason so many kids turn to alcohol.”

  “You’re right. There’s not really much for the young people to do. I think if there was, more of them would stick around past high school. The town needs new blood and jobs. Otherwise, it will just die away.”

  “That’s why I’m thinking of making the ranch into something like a working dude ranch. I want to give the kids something to do to earn money for school or whatever. And it would give them some real life experience that will be pertinent to what they might end up doing someday. After all, there are an awful lot of ranches around these parts.”

  Her face erupted into a smile. “Kyle, that’s a wonderful idea.”

  “You think so?” He was relieved. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected her to say.

  “Yes, I think it’s great. Your dad would be so proud.”

  He thought about telling her the rest of his idea, but decided it could wait for another time.

  She looked out the window into the distance at the setting sun. “You know, I love this time of the day. It’s so perfect. Like the whole world is becoming still. Waiting. It’s as if all of God’s creation is waiting in expectation for His majesty to be seen in the night sky.”

  A year ago, Kyle would never have understood what she meant. Now, lots of things were starting to make sense. A clear mind worked through their meaning. “It took me longer than it should to get that message.” He chuckled.

  Grace grinned back at him. “Well, I think He’d be pleased to hear that you have.”

  “Yeah, well, I'm not so sure. I certainly didn’t give Him much reason to be pleased.”

  She shivered again, and he decided as much as he wanted to prolong their time together, they needed to head back to a warmer place. “You’re freezing. We should go back to the house.”

  As they left the barn and headed back she reached for his hand and stopped him. “Kyle, wait.” Her expression had turned serious, just like the time she’d asked him about the accident.

  “What is it?”

  “Well, I’m just curious I guess, but you mentioned once you were engaged before. What happened?”

  He’d been expecting something far different. Even though he was relieved it was still hard to tell her the truth about his relationship with Renee. He couldn’t lie about his part in the breakup. “I happened.”

  His heart twisted at Grace’s shocked look. “It’s true. I met Renee when I was still drinking heavily. In a
way, we worked in the same industry. She was the contract attorney that my firm used a lot. In the beginning things were great. We dated for almost a year, and then I asked her to marry me.” He hated dredging up those painful memories of how badly he’d hurt Renee.

  “But it’s hard keeping a relationship going when one partner is never there. I’d be out most nights wining and dining my artists until the early morning hours. I’d come home drunk. I guess she got enough of playing second fiddle to everything. In the end, she couldn’t compete with the bottle, so she ended it. She told me if I ever got help I should look her up.”

  “And did you?” she asked in an emotional whisper, her compassion easy to read in her tearful eyes.

  “No. I couldn’t. I figured I’d put her through enough.”

  Grace went into his arms and held him tight. After a moment’s surprise, he gathered her close.

  “Kyle, I’m so sorry.” She raised her head to look into his eyes.

  Kyle brushed at a strand of her hair. “It was so hard, but I think that finally opened my eyes to what was wrong inside of me. I needed to change. I couldn’t do it without God’s help.” He smiled at her. “Come on. Let’s get you inside.”

  They walked the rest of the way to his house in silence, but she was still holding his hand so it was OK.

  “It’s getting late, and I have to be at work early in the morning. I should be going,” Grace said when they went inside. She nodded toward where Jessup was still sleeping. “Tell him good-bye for me.” She gathered her purse and jacket.

  He carried some of the leftovers out to her car, placed them in her backseat, and stood next to her, unsure of what to do next. In just a short amount of time Grace had become very important to him. They were starting to break down some of the barriers that stood between them. He didn’t want to lose ground, yet he was pretty sure his feelings for her had moved beyond friendship. Still, he had no idea where they were heading.

  “I’ll see you at the service on Sunday,” she said a little awkwardly. “Do you want to ride together?”

  “Yeah, that’d be great.” A smile lit her face, and that made him want to do more to please her.