by Holly May
Finally, he saw her with Owen, the both of them laughing over a photo. Jared caught his gaze, offering a tight smile. He was glad to see him in high spirits. He recalled when Owen had arrived at the ranch with his wife Jean whose riding skills eclipsed many of the men. The car accident that stole her life had been a painful, confusing period for all of them, and Owen had sworn not to love again. He easily drew enough attention but spurred it all - until Rachel.
“Jared.” Owen gave a brief nod. “Anyway, Rachel, I like the second photo. I’ll head out. See you all tomorrow.”
That surprised him. “You aren’t staying?”
“Nah, got a hungry dog to feed. My neighbor’s probably forgotten to leave some food out for him this time.”
Jared nodded, watching him leave. His excuse seemed weak. Owen always stayed at the ranch during the week as he enjoyed the socializing. Not that his dog Rover wasn’t bad company, but the human interaction had brought Owen out of the shell he’d stayed in after Jean.
Was it because of Rachel? Jared hoped his attraction wasn’t so obvious, but most of the men had taken a liking to her.
And he noticed they all seemed to leave the two of them alone often, as well.
He watched her remove her hat before wiping at her forehead. The heat was evident, but it would cool down before dark. The ranch was already shrouded in shadows.
Jared recognized the weary look in her eyes. She was exhausted, but forced a smile. “You weren’t kidding about a long day.”
“It doesn’t get much better. Some of us bunk up in one of the bunkhouses for the evening. Feel like staying?” he had to ask.
“That’s kind of you.” She glanced around, obviously taking in that no one else was staying so far. “Am I the only one you’re extending this invitation to?”
“All the ranchers have an opportunity to stay, free of charge. During the renovations, we’ll be building some log houses a few miles away for long term guests.”
He didn’t want his proposal to seem personal. Intimate. But looking into the intricacies of her blue eyes, every mental barrier seemed to fall away.
Rachel was dissimilar in many ways to Tania…and there it was. The woman still haunted him. After what Tania had done, she deserved to be banished from his heart, from his mind entirely. But that lingering pain wouldn’t leave, along with the notion that romance led to heartbreak, always. His parents’ turbulent marriage that ended in a cordial divorce didn’t help matters and reinforced his conviction that anything with Rachel wouldn’t last.
Don’t get ahead of yourself.
She pursed her lips. “None of the others are staying. Are the accommodations really that bad?”
He grinned. “You’ll have to come and see yourself.”
Her gaze roamed over his face as if contemplating it. Sure, it was a lot to ask, but he had no regrets in letting her know - even if she turned it down. He wouldn’t treat her any differently based on her trespassing and he wanted her to be reassured of that.
The wind tossed around loose strands of blonde hair before a brief flicker of doubt marred her face. “I…can’t right now. I have to catch up with my mom after dinner. See you tomorrow, boss.”
He nodded, understanding her reluctance. “No problem. The offer’s open all week. Take it easy, Rachel.”
She sauntered back to her car. He stared after her, both bewildered and amused. She got more intriguing by the day and he knew that resisting her was ineffectual.
Chapter Six
Rachel made the most of finishing work at Mountainbrook early by preparing a roast chicken garnished with rosemary and served with a side of boiled vegetables and gravy. It was a meal usually reserved for Sunday, but since she intended to visit her mom early, she’d gone with that idea and thrown it together, partially inspired by the delicious meals that were served at the ranch.
She headed to her mom’s place. Her dad was out visiting Megan in Spokane until the weekend, so she understood her mom would need the company. If anything, she welcomed the time with family. It kept her thoughts from Jared and the ranch.
She pulled up in the narrow driveway and headed for the door, stopping to briefly pat the neighbor’s friendly black cat.
As soon as the porch lights flicked on upon her arrival, her mom answered.
“What a nice surprise! I just ended a video call to Megan. She’s taking your father to a lovely restaurant tonight. I almost felt a bit left out. But not anymore.”
Rachel smiled. “Good to see you, too. And I brought you dinner.”
“You’re always so thoughtful. Come inside, I’ve missed you.”
She entered the house she’d grown up in, taking note of the familiar comforts - the crucifix in the hallway. The four seater couch overloaded with cushions. A pang reminded her that she wouldn’t be able to visit often once she’d be in Spokane.
She handed over the dinner to her mom who went to reheat it in the microwave and returned with two cups of coffee with cream and sugar, the way they both liked it.
“You’re spoiling me again with a roast dinner.” Her mom laughed softly.
Rachel took the coffee and had a sip. “You make the best coffee.”
Her mom sat on the couch and Rachel joined her, tuning out what was playing on the television.
“Megan tells me you’ll be busy this week. I’m happy you could make time for me, but what’s keeping you so preoccupied? You even missed her wedding plans.”
“That was beyond my intention, Mom,” Rachel admitted. She wasn’t certain how, or even if, she should tell her about trespassing. It was something she could trust Linda with, but knowing how her mom had reacted about Megan, she didn’t want to disappoint her like that.
Could she understand a decision that didn’t sound justifiable even to herself?
But there was also no point in hiding it. Facing the consequences was the right thing to do, regardless of the outcome. She’d learned that much while working at Mountainbrook.
“You were caught up in something else?” her mom prompted. Her brown hair fell to her shoulders, still thick, yet her blue eyes seemed tired.
“I went to Mountainbrook. You know that ranch?”
“Yeah, I heard it’ll be open to the public soon after decades of being private. Not sure that’s a good idea.”
That surprised her. “How come?”
“Tourism isn’t a high point lately. I’m thinking they might not get the widespread promotion they need to attract people, which is such a shame. Hard to sustain a business in this small community.”
She chewed her lip, aware that she was thinking of Passionflower, her own business which failed drastically because of a fire. Something her mom only overcame by putting her faith in God to bring her blessings which arose in a different way than she’d expected. Even though her parents were left with a looming debt, it brought them closer together and sustained their faith. While Rachel had passed them off as minor blessings, over time, she’d grown to accept her mom’s happiness even if it wasn’t ideal. Naturally, she wanted more for her - to be debt free was a start.
“I’m helping with that,” she explained. “I’ll do some promotional photography for them and will try my best to help with marketing through my blog.”
“Hmm. Don’t take offence, but that’s some responsibility to give someone with your limited experience. Do they know you?”
She set her cup down. If it were any other circumstances, she doubted it would’ve worked out this way. For that, she was grateful. Even if it came at this unprecedented cost.
“Actually, I entered the property and was caught by Jared Weston, one of the ranchers there. His father owns the place.”
Her mom’s features slackened. “What? Why even go there?”
Guilt pressed on her like a heavy weight and she began fiddling with her sleeves. “It’s, well, something I did because I was desperate. You want me to succeed with photography, I don’t want it to lead to nothing. I needed photos. I was driving pas
t on the way to see Megan and decided to stop…”
Sighing, her mom abandoned her coffee as well. “Rachel, dear, we’ve tried supporting you and encouraging you in every way we can. But you go and trespass? I want success for you, but not this way.”
“I know. It was wrong.”
“I-I don’t know how to take this. I don’t want to hear you try and justify it, by any means.”
“I won’t.”
Silence briefly passed between them. “Are you being charged?”
She found it hard to look at her mom, anticipating the disappointment on her face. “Fortunately, I was let off. Jared suggested that I do ranch work for a week instead. I agreed. I didn’t want to leave without making amends.”
Her mom let out a long breath. “Okay. I’m so relieved to hear that. For a moment, I wondered if this was going to have the same outcome as it did for Megan. You know all the slander and gossip that lingered over our name for months.”
That made her flinch. An all too familiar memory. Part of that hindered her progress with photography and people passed judgment, assuming the worst when Passionflower burned down. A rumor that Megan had associated with the wrong people discouraged many from providing donations to help out her mom when she needed it most.
Eventually, people forgot and moved on, but the damage had been done.
“If it’s any help, it wouldn’t have ended up in the news,” she offered weakly.
“No, but it’s not the notoriety that bothers me. It’s knowing you committed a wrongful act, like Megan.”
Her heart ached. More than anything, she didn’t want to let her mom down. “Megan didn’t do it intentionally. She went along with it and chose to believe the wrong thing. And was taken advantage of.”
A shaky smile passed her mom’s lips. “You used to think differently of her.”
“Yeah but now that we’re close again, I forgive her. I don’t wish to hold grudges.” And it shamed her to admit she hadn’t thought of her sister in the best light when that scandal broke out.
“Sometimes bad things are done with good intentions.”
Rachel stood and began pacing. “I’m making up for it, believe me. Jared convinced me to do ranch work and a little photography. He even helped me with riding.”
Her mom slowly got to her feet. “You’re riding again?”
“Yeah. Caramel’s a great horse. Ranch work really isn’t too bad.” She had to laugh. “Not what I expected to be doing though.”
“Hang on a moment, I’ll grab my dinner. Do you need anything?”
“I’m fine, thanks.”
After her mom left the room, that gave her an opportunity to breathe. Thankfully, without any charges, her mom wasn’t too devastated by the trespassing. Hopefully her decision about what she’d do with her earnings for the week would change her perspective.
Her mom came back with her roast meal on a plate and started eating as soon as she sat down. “This is great. Thank you!”
Rachel smiled and retrieved her coffee, now cold, not that she minded. “I’m sorry I did what I did. But in some way, some blessings have come of it.”
Her mom nodded in agreement. “Yes, well, riding was something you swore you’d avoid. Just like your dad with his flying. I told him not to let anything hold him back from his passion. He almost died that day, but he was still following his heart. He hasn’t been the same since.”
Rachel swallowed hard. “That was hard for all of us.”
“The Lord guided him on a different path. We may get opportunities, but are they the right ones to follow?”
“I wondered that myself.”
“I know you’ve struggled with your faith. But trust in Him. It will work out. It is working out.” Her mom placed the empty plate on the glass table. “Anyway, I can’t believe you’re riding! Jared seems to be doing a lot for you.”
Rachel couldn’t help but smile. “He’s attentive and caring, and he hasn’t pushed me too far. I’m happy I met him.”
“Ah,” she perked up. “Are you and him-?”
Shaking her head emphatically, Rachel said, “No! I mean, it’s complicated. We have different goals in mind.”
“Circumstances change. Goals can diverge. He must mean something to you, you trusted him to help you.”
“It was a bit more complicated than that.”
“Or it can be quite simple.” Her mom was smiling widely.
“I’m still moving to Spokane.”
“All right, then. Give Mountainbrook a chance. Let me know how it goes.”
“I will.” She finished her coffee. “And mom, thanks for being my rock for so long. I didn’t want to let you down. There’s something else I need to say. I know you’ve been stressed.”
She waved that off. “Honey, we all struggle, some more than others. I’m doing fine. I’m very blessed.”
Rachel had to smile at her optimism. “I know, but you have a massive overhead from Passionflower.”
“Yes, but it’s not your responsibility.”
Stubborn, but she understood that. She’d seen how painful it was when her mom who’d always been a devout Christian turned to others for help, and she was spurned. Few stuck by her to get her through that time and while the resentment had faded, the memory remained.
Believing in the good of others had been more than a struggle.
Rachel cleared her throat. “When your store burned down because of arson, the lack of support from everyone devastated you, so I made a promise to myself. I prayed for the first time in ages. I prayed that someday, I could help you the way you helped so many.”
“Rachel, you worked as my assistant, that was more than enough. I was proud. I know you didn’t really enjoy it, but it meant a lot to me.”
Rachel bit her lip. “People at church, those who you thought were close friends, they all turned their back on you because they assumed the worst. Just because of what happened with Megan. You didn’t deserve that.”
“Through that pain, there was growth. And it showed the true colors of those former friends. I have no ill will towards them, they believed what they wanted. They thought I brought the fire on myself for financial gain and attention. Nothing I said would change their minds.”
Those vicious rumors made her feel sick to her stomach all over again. “You’re on the pension, both of you, and I know it must be hard making debt repayments.”
Her mom hesitated. “Well, the compensation after your father’s accident covered most of it. We’ve been getting by month to month.”
“I only want what’s best for you.” She stopped to think over her words. “I’d like to help. I’m getting a paycheck at the end of the week, and I want to give it to you. It may not be much, but it can help.”
Her mom’s eyes widened in astonishment. “You’ve always been generous to me, but I can’t accept that, honey. You need it.”
“It’s okay, mom. Things are getting better for me. Besides, it doesn’t feel right to keep it for myself.”
Her mom closed the distance between them and embraced her tightly, enclosing Rachel with the familiar scents of vanilla and rose. “Bless your heart! Thank you.”
Rachel’s legs burned from riding as she pulled up in front of the ranch. If sitting in the saddle had been this uncomfortable, she only wondered how it was for Jared. That explained why he rode often, rarely taking a break. It would be enough to curb any wayward thoughts.
After leaving her car, she smeared on a layer of lip balm while walking, aware the wind would dry her lips out. Only four more days before the week was over and she could relax, especially now that her prayers had been answered and she could do something for her parents.
She let her gaze drift over the ranch, the rolling timbered hills as striking as ever. And it stopped on Jared. He was out near the stables, leading a saddled Honor inside.
They’d barely spoken after she’d rejected his suggestion to stay for the night two days ago. The memory made her cringe. She didn’t want
to offend him, but thinking of kissing him caused her to hesitate and harshly realize where all this was leading to. It was a line she had to resist crossing due to the circumstances.
But every day she was with him, she couldn’t maintain her resolve, not with his incredibly handsome smile and the way he assiduously asked if she needed a drink of water or time to stop and rest.
After witnessing the damage she’d done to the fence line, she thought he’d minimize his kindness but it had made no difference, and for that she was appreciative.
Rachel headed for the stables and saw Randall emerge with Jared, the two engaged in quiet conversation. They both glanced at her. Randall gave a wide smile but Jared showed no emotion. Which was a reminder of how she needed to feel toward him.
“Morning,” she said brightly.
They both returned the greeting with equally cheerful tones.
“Just catching up with Randall about the renovations. Will see you inside,” Jared said.
She nodded, smiling easily. It was as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders – she’d managed to help her family out and it was all due to him. Something virtuous had come from her misguided behavior.
Entering the ranch, she smiled warmly at Derek. The elderly man hovered over the buffet table, stirring a big pot of what smelled like chicken soup.
“Rachel. Nice to see a pretty face this time of morning.”
He maneuvered with less of a limp, she noticed. “How have you been? You’re looking well.”
“Yes, physiotherapy has done wonders for my leg. Not being on my feet all day helps, too. How are you finding Mountainbrook?”
“A good challenge,” she said. “Jared’s been very helpful.”
Derek nodded, visibly pleased. “I hear you’re making a fine cowgirl.”
Heat flushed her face. “I wouldn’t call myself one yet.”
“Ah, don’t be modest, you have it in you.”
His assurance made her smile until she caught sight of Owen perched on the couch, shoulders slumped as if something troubled him. She held back the urge to confront him. If she conversed with all the ranchers on the property, she’d lose time best spent working. That was her focus, even if it conflicted with her need to engage with the others. Besides, she’d told Jared what her intentions were and she couldn’t go back on that.
