by Debra Holt
A frown creased the older woman’s forehead. Kaitlyn saw it and returned to the bed, concern in her eyes. “Are you in pain? Should I call the doctor or a nurse?”
“No, no… I guess I’m just getting tired. I probably need to do as I’m told and rest a while. We can visit more later after I get back to the ranch.” Her hand reached out and Kaitlyn’s grasped it. “Promise me that you’ll stay until I get through this… a few days? I wouldn’t normally ask but I guess I’m getting weak in my old age.”
Kaitlyn gave her a shrewd look and squeezed her hand. “You? Weak? Never.” Her voice did soften. “Rest easy. I’ll be here until you get home and get settled.”
“And you’ll not talk any more nonsense about leaving the ranch. There’s more than enough room in that big house. Clay Morgan has always been a man to step in and do right the thing. He’s been a big help to me in getting my place back in shape as quickly as it’s coming together. And I’ve enjoyed being around Joshua. Have you met him? He’s going to grow up to be a fine young man just like his dad. Don’t look at me like I’ve lost my mind.”
“If I’m looking that way it’s because this has certainly been quite a change in your opinion. But then, time changes everything I guess… one way or another.”
“Well, there’s a lot we have to catch up on when I do get out of here. In the meantime, you would do well to take it easy and enjoy some peace and quiet. It’s time you reconnect with your roots here. Get off that continual merry-go-round you live on. You could do with some country air and sunshine. You agree, Clay?”
Kaitlyn hadn’t heard the door behind her whisper open. She turned to see Clay standing just inside the room, an assessing look in the gold eyes fixed on her. The heat began to prickle upward along her neck. She switched her gaze back to the woman watching her.
“Fresh air and sunshine is always good for anyone.” His reply shouldn’t have rankled but it did.
How very noncommittal of him. But what did she expect? Some flowery flirtatious words that both knew would be lies? And after what her Gran had told her earlier, she had confusion crowding into her mind and needed time and space to sort it out.
“You need to get some rest. Don’t worry about Angie or me. We’ll be fine. The main thing is that you get this procedure done and get back to fighting form again.” Kaitlyn bent and placed a kiss on the soft wrinkles of Gran’s forehead.
“That makes me feel better already. I’ll be just fine knowing you’re here and Clay’s watching over you for me.” The woman lowered her voice and her lips against Kaitlyn’s ear kept her message just between them. “Trust in Clay. He isn’t the enemy. He’s the man you always thought he was.”
Kaitlyn straightened and held the blue gaze for a few seconds, remaining silent as the words went through her mind. She made no reply. Clay stepped forward and placed his own brief kiss on the woman’s upturned cheek… something that only added to Kaitlyn’s jumbled thoughts. Whatever animosity that had existed between Gran and him… if it ever had… had obviously been laid to rest at some point. Good for them. But it wasn’t a bandwagon she would be getting on.
“Don’t worry about anything, Georgia. Joshua’s missing your nightly checker game so hurry and get out of here. He’s too good for me.”
The woman chuckled. “He’s almost too good for me, too. But we won’t tell him that.”
Gran looked past Clay at Kaitlyn. “I have a couple of things I need to discuss quickly with Clay. He’ll catch up with you at the elevator. See you tomorrow, sweet girl.”
Kaitlyn had been dismissed… in a manner of speaking. She kept a smile on her face and did not argue, leaving them to whatever business they had.
*
The door whispered shut behind Kaitlyn. Clay looked at the woman who settled back against the pillows, a satisfied smile on her face.
“So what’s on your mind, Georgia? If it’s about the pantry addition in your kitchen, I’ve hired the carpenter we spoke—”
“It isn’t about a carpenter or a pantry,” she said, cutting him off. “I want to know how things are going between you and my granddaughter. Have you two had a chance to talk?”
“We’ve talked.”
“Don’t go all secretive on me, ranger. You know what I mean. Have you been able to have a good discussion… about the past and, more importantly, about the future?”
Clay took a moment to choose his words and take a deep breath. The woman was like a bulldozer when she got an idea in her head. But she had the wrong idea and it was time to nip it in the bud.
“Look, Georgia,” he began, fixing the woman with a look that was meant to underscore his words. “Whatever idea you’ve gotten into your head about Kaitlyn staying around here or things being different between her and me… it’s best to forget it. There’s been too much hurt and too many years. Kaitlyn has her own life now and you were right when you said she didn’t belong here all those years ago.”
“Nonsense. I don’t buy any of that.” Her eyes narrowed in their observation of him. “You look me in the eye, young man. Can you tell me that you have no feelings for my granddaughter? If things could be different and she might have a change of heart… could you let her go without putting up a fight?”
The hat was slid back onto his head as he moved toward the door, pausing with a hand on the door handle and a last look back at her. “Whatever feelings I may or may not have, are not for discussion. And I deal only in realities these days… you should give it a try. Now get some rest.”
It was just as well he didn’t see the look of pure determination that settled in the woman’s eyes as he departed.
*
The silence inside the SUV was quite loud for a few minutes after they left the hospital. Kaitlyn kept her gaze locked on the scenery outside her window as they passed along streets that she remembered from her high school days yet looked different too. When they passed the old high school… or rather where the old one had stood, she slowly shook her head. Clay noted the silent comment.
“Guess everything looks different to you now.”
He had no idea just how true those words had suddenly become, especially after what Gran had told her. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. Nothing ever stays the same.”
He gave a brief nod. “You just have to hope it’s for the better.”
“You never left here… not even for a little while?” She turned her head in his direction after a moment or two of silence.
He looked deep in thought, his eyes on the road ahead of them. “Only when I had to for some training or to work on cases. McKenna Springs has been and always will be home for me. I wanted to make certain Joshua had a good home with roots that would allow him to know where home always would be… no matter where he goes in his life. I’ll leave the globe-trotting to others… like you.” He tossed the last bit over at her with an unreadable look.
“Meaning to people like me with no roots?”
Clay gave a slight shrug of broad shoulders, his elbow resting on the console between them while his hand remained on the wheel. “Everyone has roots; some just stay closer to theirs than others. You might live in New York City, but you still have a Texan’s heart. Why else would you be having a stroll in that stream this morning with a sparkle in your eyes that wasn’t there when you arrived?”
“It was fun. I admit that. And I did enjoy Joshua’s company.” She fell silent for a moment.
“Might as well spit it out.”
“Excuse me? Spit what out?”
“Whatever is making you think so hard? You’re chewing on your bottom lip. That was always how I could tell you had something percolating in that mind of yours but you weren’t so certain about sharing it with anyone.”
Kaitlyn adjusted her posture in her seat. She didn’t like the fact he remembered such personal things about her… or that she still did such silly things. She was a grown-up now, not a high school girl any longer. However, if she told him it was nothing, he wouldn’t buy it.
>
“I was thinking how time changes things… people.”
“Such as?” He wasn’t going to let her off the hook.
“Here you are now… a Texas Ranger and a father. Two things you always wanted to be, as I recall.”
“And?” He prompted.
“And my Gran is not only good friends with you but she’s living under your roof as if it was all quite normal. Almost like you’re part of a family.”
“You make it sound like some sort of accusation.”
“I don’t mean to. It’s just strange to me, that’s all. But it’s really none of my business.”
Clay didn’t press her. He turned down a side street and then pulled into a parking spot in front of a large building with a sign which read Wellman’s. She knew from memory that it had originally been Wellman and Sons Hardware and Feed Store. Then about the time she left, she vaguely recalled it being changed to Wellman Brothers. Now it was simply Wellman’s. More changes.
“I’ve got to pick up a couple of items that we ordered for the ranch. It won’t take long.” Clay said, sliding out of the vehicle.
“No problem.” Settling back into her seat, she prepared to wait.
Her eyes couldn’t help follow the long stride of the cowboy as he took the steps two at a time and paused to open the door wide for an elderly couple to enter ahead of him, a slight tip of the brim of his hat to the woman. Always the gentleman. A smile actually teased at the corner of her mouth. Then she caught herself. She forced her mind to other things.
Taking her cell phone from her purse, she checked messages. Just the usual… and none from Jeffrey. Without hesitation, she punched in the speed dialing number. Might as well catch up with the news, she told herself. On the fourth ring, his voice mail came on. She hesitated but decided against leaving a message. He could see her number and would probably call her back… or not. Jeffrey was a busy man. He was an important producer and was always making deals for new projects or finding new financial backers or busy being seen at all the important places with all the important people. And he was also the man who had asked her to consider marrying him. He expected her answer when she returned from this trip with Angie to Santa Fe. Not exactly the romantic sort of proposal she had always envisioned. But then she learned early on not to take those childhood fairy tales to heart. She just opened herself to heartache when she did that. Lesson learned.
She had asked for time and she supposed he was giving it to her… not disturbing her on her trip. Still, it would be nice to hear his voice about now. Especially in light of the fact she was being thrown into this new situation with her ex. Ex what? Placing Clay into any category remotely close to her feelings was dangerous. It threatened to take her down a road she didn’t want to visit again. And then there was the news Gran had imparted. Kaitlyn needed her brain to give her a break. So she dropped the phone back into her purse and jerked the door handle. Stepping outside, she looked around her surroundings and then ventured up the steps. Inside the building, she paused for a second, her eyes adjusting for a moment to the fluorescent lighting from overhead and her nose was assaulted by smells that came back to her from the past… fresh cut lumber, feed sacks filled with oats and other grains for a variety of animals, fresh garden plantings in dark soil planters. The sections were clearly marked with signs hanging from the rafters denoting hardware aisles, building supplies, plumbing, electrical, housewares, and more.
A voice behind her broke into her perusal. “May we help you find something?”
She turned and a second later, she was met with a soft squeal from the woman facing her. “Oh my heavens! Is it you? Kat Russell? Here? Really?”
Kaitlyn searched her brain. The hair was shorter but… “Patricia?”
“Oh my! I haven’t been Patricia in years… just Trish. It’s been ages.”
Kaitlyn found herself returning a quick hug as her brain kicked in. Patricia Reece, smartest girl in their school… headed for big things until her mom was lost in a flood and her dad went crazy. She evidently never made it to Harvard if she was working as a clerk in the local hardware store.
“It’s good to see you again.”
“Same here. I heard Georgia was in the hospital but it wasn’t serious. Now I’m thinking it must be to get you back here to this little country town after all these years.” It was clear she was genuinely concerned for her gran’s condition.
“She’s going to be fine. Should be home in a couple of days.”
“That’s good.” Trish smiled with relief. “I know Jim and the others have been working in their spare time to help Clay and the contractors get her place back together after the water damage. Clay’s a good man to count on.”
Did everyone drink from the same Kool-Aid when it came to Clay Morgan? All that was except for her. “Jim?”
“My husband.” Trish clarified. “Jim Wellman. I think he graduated ahead of you about a couple of years or so.”
“Right.” The light was dawning now for Kaitlyn. “You married Jim Wellman. Wasn’t there a twin brother too?”
Trish wasn’t smiling as brightly but she nodded her head. “Yes, Justin. He’s off seeing the world, the last we heard. Like you. Imagine a Broadway star right here in McKenna Springs. There’s been talk of putting up one of those signs at the edge of town. McKenna Springs… hometown of Kaitlyn Russell.”
Kaitlyn quickly shook her head. “No way. I’m not that big of a deal.”
“Well, I think you’re hiding your light some, but we’re just glad you’re finally home again. Although Georgia keeps us all updated whenever she stops in. She’s mighty proud of you but we can tell she misses you something fierce.”
“Sorry to make you wait.” Clay came up to them at that point. “They’re unloading the delivery truck now so it should be another few minutes. I can take you back to the ranch and come back later.”
“I don’t mind waiting if you don’t.” She offered. “No use making two trips into town, is there? You know, I have an idea… why don’t you wait here, load your items when they’re ready and then we can meet at the diner. I wouldn’t mind walking over and looking at the changes in town.”
He looked a little surprised but he simply nodded his head. “I can take you over there and come back. You don’t need to walk.”
“But I would like to walk. And being a New Yorker, as you have pointed out to me, I should be used to walking a lot, right? So you take care of your business and I’ll see you at the diner.” End of discussion.
She turned to Trish and found herself the recipient of another hug. She returned it with more ease than the first time.
“Don’t be a stranger while you’re here,” Trish added, with a grin. “I would love for you to meet Lizzie, our three-year-old.”
“I’d like that. Take care and I’ll definitely stop in again.”
Kaitlyn took in a deep breath of fresh air as she stepped onto the sidewalk and the sunshine washed over her. She set off down the walkway, intent on doing a little exploration on her own and putting some distance between her and the man who occupied too much of her mind of late. Her concentration needed to be on other things at the moment.
McKenna Springs was a typical small Texas town. The town’s center was anchored by a three story, limestone-sided courthouse sitting in the center of a large expanse of green grass and tall shade trees. Most of the townspeople, at some point or another, entered its portals to conduct business… file land deeds, pay taxes, obtain marriage licenses, or settle matters before a judge in the large second floor courtroom. Around the four edges of the square, businesses had been built. Where other small towns had most of their downtown storefronts boarded up and empty, not so with McKenna Springs.
Kaitlyn was glad that the town had reinvented itself, in large part to its proximity to the large cities of Austin and San Antonio; it attracted weekend tourists who enjoyed the unique shops that lined its refurbished sidewalks. Shade trees and colorful flower beds with white wrought iron benches alon
g the way invited people to sit a spell and enjoy the slower pace of country life. Her eyes lit on brightly painted pink and lime green hues of the small store on the corner in front of her. Kaitlyn’s mouth curved into a wide smile as she opened the glass-fronted door and stepped inside, smells from the past welcoming her. The door chimed behind her as it closed.
“Hello.” The friendly greeting came from the man behind the counter. “Come in and enjoy some cool air. It’s going to be a warm one out there today.”
“Yes, it is.” Her eyes went to the glass counter in front of her.
“What sweets can we interest you in? We have the best in Ross County and—”
“And even the whole state of Texas.” She finished with a laugh.
The man’s gaze focused more thoroughly on her, his bifocals sliding down his nose a bit. “You’ve been in here before if you know my speech. You seem a little familiar at that.”
“I used to be a regular customer… and you once gave me a job… every Saturday afternoon during my junior and senior years of high school.”
“Oh my heavens,” he said and immediately added a shout to someone in the back of the store. “Esmie, come out here. You won’t believe who is here for some of your homemade lemon drops.” A heavier set woman bustled out through a swinging half door that separated the front of the store from the kitchen area in the back. Her gray hair was in a sleek topknot on her head, lively dark eyes twinkling as they lit on Kaitlyn. She quickly wiped her hands on her red and white checkered apron front.
“No need to shout, old man. You’re the one with the hearing aid, not me. And it’s about time little Kat Russell came home for some sweets again.” The woman came around the counter and Kaitlyn enjoyed yet another welcoming hug. “It’s real good to see you honey. How’s Georgia?”
