The Rose Ring

by Lucie Ulrich

  “No, you don’t, little brother. None of us do.” Noah climbed back into his vehicle and drove toward the garage.

  The truth of Noah’s words sank into Micah’s thick skull. At this point it wasn’t a matter of taking things one day at a time, more like one minute at a time. He exhaled a frustrated breath, cursed his grandfather, and headed inside.

  The sound of laughter reached him before he opened the door. Sky and Annie were carrying on like old friends. It didn’t seem possible that Sky had barely moved in. He wiped his boots on the rug by the back door and entered the kitchen. “What’s so funny?”

  Both women giggled, a glimmer in their eyes. “Girl talk,” Annie said.

  For the first time in more years than he could remember, Micah saw something in his aunt’s face: joy. A sudden thought struck him that even when his mother was alive she and Annie never seemed all that close. They were more like acquaintances than sisters. He wondered if it had always been that way, and why he’d never thought about it before.

  That was the past, and this was the present. Annie was happy, which made him happy — well, as happy as his life would allow at the moment. “In that case, I’ll just put these things away and let the two of you get back to your girl talk.”

  “We can do that.” Annie reached for the bags.

  “I don’t mind.” He stuck his hand back into the bag at the same time Annie slid it toward her. The paper tore, and the contents spilled onto the counter and floor.

  Sky bent down to retrieve boxes of pasta while Micah hurried across the kitchen in pursuit of a couple cans of tomato sauce. They turned simultaneously and reached for a container of grated Romano cheese. The tiny spark Micah felt when their hands met was yet another unexpected feeling.

  “I got it.” Sky grabbed the cheese and stood. “Where do you want these, Annie?”

  “Top shelf of the pantry.”

  Micah looked at his fingers. Surely Sky had felt it too. He followed her into the small walk-in pantry and set the cans on the nearest shelf.

  He caught a whiff as Sky reached to put the cheese away. Unlike Morgan’s flowery perfume, Sky smelled fresh and clean, like a meadow after the rain. He closed his eyes and inhaled again, picking up on a trace of green apple. The shampoo he’d seen in the shower this morning.

  “What are you doing?”

  Micah jerked his eyes open. Sky stood with a hand on her hip and her lips twisted. He could lie, but there didn’t seem to be much point to it. “Seeing what you smell like.”

  Her eyes widened. “What? Why?”

  Annie cleared her throat and handed Micah a few more cans. “I think I’ll let the two of you finish up in here.” She winked and hurried away.

  Now he felt beyond foolish. What was he thinking, sniffing around like one of the dogs? He faced Sky, who tapped an impatient rhythm with her foot.

  “Well?” she said.

  He placed the cans on a shelf. “Want a cup of the best hot chocolate known to man?”

  “No, I want an answer to my question.”

  Micah took hold of one of her hands and pulled her out of the pantry. He considered telling her about Morgan and the whole perfume thing, but fear that his mixed-up feelings would convey the wrong message, he went with the obvious. “’Cause I’m a guy.”

  “So guys typically go around sniffing women?” She pulled her hand free. “And here I thought the male species had progressed beyond the Stone Age.”

  He laughed. She always could make him laugh. He strode over to the refrigerator and pulled out a gallon of milk. “Guess we still have our moments.”

  “Apparently so.” She folded the paper bags they’d emptied and stacked them on the counter. “Tell you what. You make the hot chocolate, and I’ll finish putting the groceries away. But if it’s not the best chocolate known to man, you owe me a dinner out.”

  Micah reached for the chocolate syrup. “How do you figure a cup of chocolate equals a dinner out?”

  She looked over her shoulder. “I don’t. I just want a dinner out.”

  He wanted to mention that she’d just had lunch out, but wisely kept his mouth shut. Instead, he measured out the milk, poured it into a small pot, and set it on a low flame. “Ah, so you’re not going to admit it’s the best hot chocolate you’ve ever put in your mouth, even if it is?”

  “Not a chance.”

  Her smile captivated him, and he had a sudden urge to kiss her. Bad move. If and when he ever kissed her again, it would be because she was the only one in his life.

  While Sky rattled around in the pantry, he squeezed some chocolate into the milk then reached into the cabinet by the stove for some spice jars.

  When the groceries were put away and the chocolate heated and poured into mugs, they sat together at the table. She grabbed the handle, but he stopped her. “Wait, I nearly forgot the finishing touch.”

  Sky pulled her hand back. “And what would that be?”

  He stood. “A heaping spoonful of frozen non-dairy topping.” Micah pulled the container from the freezer and scooped out a large amount, gently dropping it on top of the steaming liquid. “Stir that around a bit and let me know what you think.”

  After doing what he’d asked, Sky lifted the mug to her mouth and blew across the top. She took a small sip, and her eyes lit up. “This is wonderful.” She took another sip. “But it’s not just the topping. What else did you put in here?”

  He placed the frozen topping back in the freezer. “That, I’m afraid, is a family secret, revealed to no one.”

  “Oh.” She took another sip, set her mug down, and pushed her chair back. “You know what? I think I’ll go check on the pups.”

  “Don’t you want to finish your drink?”

  She shook her head, and the light in her eyes disappeared. “Guess I’m still full from lunch.” She stood, her shoulders rounded. “I’ll see you later.”

  Annie entered the kitchen as Sky left. “Way to go, Romeo.”

  Micah frowned. “You’ve stooped to eavesdropping, now?”

  “Saves trying to pry it out of you.” She retrieved a mug from the cupboard. “So, did you make enough cocoa for me? You know, the one with the family secret only family members are privy to?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  She tapped his temple with her finger. “Think about it for a minute.”

  He squeezed his eyes shut. “I just realized how that must have sounded to Sky.”

  “I told you from the beginning that Sky was looking for love. She told me herself that she wants to be part of a family — this family. And you know what? I want that too. I guess the question is what do you want?”

  Micah leaned on the counter. That was certainly the question for the ages. What he wanted was the life he assumed he’d have once his grandfather died. He didn’t know where Sam was at the moment, but Micah hoped he was equally lost and confused. He crossed to the table and sat. No sense wasting a perfectly good cup of cocoa. “I wish I knew. When I’m with Sky, I see the possibilities of there being something between us, but after all these years of being friends, it feels strange that I never felt anything before.”

  Annie took the chair next to him. “And then there’s Morgan.”

  He placed his hands around the mug. “Yeah, there’s definitely that.” He sipped his drink, but its sweetness wasn’t enough to overpower the bitter taste in his mouth.

  “What should I do, Annie?”

  “You could try praying.” She stood and left him to his thoughts.

  Micah walked to the sink and poured his chocolate down the drain. He stared at nothing in particular out the window. Sky was in love with him. He felt something for her, but did he love her? Could he love her? He still had feelings for Morgan and she had most definitely flirted with him in the grocery store, but Morgan had refused his proposal. Why couldn’t he get over her?

  Some fresh air was much needed. He hadn’t checked on Ginger all day, so Micah grabbed a carrot from the fridge, donned his jac
ket, and worked his way toward the stables. A sudden gust of wind nearly blew his hat off. He pushed it farther onto his head and hurried across the yard.

  “Hey, girl, how’re you feeling today?” He approached the horse’s stall and held the carrot out to her. Ginger snorted and stomped a bit, but she took the carrot more gently than she had the last time.

  A shadow moving from the back of the stable caught his attention. Sky approached with the same pup she’d been holding earlier in the day. “How’s Ginger doing?”

  “She’s okay. Ornery, but okay.”

  “Good.”

  He reached out and scratched the pup between the ears. “I see you’re spending a little more time with your friend.”

  “I want him.” Sky cuddled the dog close to her chest and kissed the top of his head.

  The love she felt for that little ball of fluff didn’t need words. It was written on her face and in her actions. She wanted him and he wanted her to have him, but there was a single obstacle standing in their way. “I figured as much, but I have to tell you Annie doesn’t allow dogs in her house.”

  Sky locked eyes with him. “If I’m not mistaken, the house was left to you, and you’re talking to the woman who’s making sure that happens. Shouldn’t you have a say in the matter?”

  Micah took a step back. “Is this the same girl I caught laughing and carrying on with Annie a short time ago? In case you haven’t already figured it out, Annie is the rock of this family. She’s done more to keep me grounded than anyone I know. She can be as stubborn as Ginger, and more demanding than a two-year-old, but I figure she’s entitled.” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “You brought out something good in her today, and for that I’m grateful, but please don’t ask me to make demands on your behalf.” He took the puppy by the scruff of the neck and held it in front of him. “Even for something as cute as this little guy.”

  Sky lowered her eyes. “You’re right. I didn’t mean to sound so… ” She peered up at him. “I’m sorry.”

  He placed the dog back in her arms. “It’s okay. I’ll talk to Annie. I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try.”

  Sky moved toward him, stood on her toes, and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, but if it’s all the same with you, I should be the one to do it.”

  Even in the chilly barn, her lips were warm. He tilted his head so that their mouths were less than an inch apart. The urge to kiss her was so strong he didn’t think he’d be able to resist. Fortunately, or unfortunately, he wasn’t sure how to view it yet, Sky stepped back and smiled. “I’d better get Charlie back to his mother.”

  “Charlie?”

  She nuzzled the dog. “Suits him, don’t you think?”

  “If you say so.” When she’d passed two stalls, he called out to her.

  She twisted her shoulders to look at him. “Yeah?”

  “A touch of cinnamon and clove. In the chocolate, I mean.”

  She grinned and continued on her way.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  With the puppy safely back with his mother, Sky headed toward the house. On her way out she stopped in front of Ginger’s stall, making sure to stand several feet back. The horse remained still, which Sky considered a major improvement over their last face-to-face.

  “So, what do you say, Ginger? Think we could be friends? I have a feeling you won’t get much sympathy from any of the guys around here.” She held out a tentative hand. “It’s there for you to smell, not to bite, okay?”

  Ginger took a step closer and snorted hot air onto the palm of Sky’s hand.

  “See, I’m not such a bad person. We’re sort of in the same boat. You, pregnant without having any say-so in the matter, and me, married… Well, never mind the circumstances. Let’s just say I understand why you might feel a little out of sorts.” She reached up and gently stroked the horse above her nose, using the tips of her fingers. “Wow, you feel just like the little velvet purse I had when I was a kid.” When the horse didn’t pull back or whinny, she applied a bit more pressure before removing her hand. “Now, that wasn’t so bad, was it?”

  The horse shook her head and backed deeper into her stall.

  Sky smiled, satisfied. “Guess that’s enough for today. I’ll come back in the morning and see how you’re doing.”

  Turning around, Sky was surprised to find Red staring at her. He pulled on his whiskers. “Well, I’ll be. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes I wouldn’t have believed it. Not even the horse lady could work that magic.”

  “Horse lady?”

  “Yeah, the boss’s old flame.” And just that quickly, his cheeks reddened. “Oh, sorry, ma’am, I didn’t mean—”

  Sky waved him off. “Don’t give it another thought, Red. I’m well aware of Morgan’s way with animals.” And with men.

  “Well, for as much as she can handle horses, I’ve never known her to be able to manage Ginger — even when she wasn’t in her present condition. That horse flat out didn’t like the woman.” He nodded in Ginger’s direction. “You’ve heard the expression horse sense?”

  “Sure.”

  “Well, I’ll take a horse’s opinion of someone over a man’s any day. And that little filly hasn’t been wrong yet.” He looked around then spoke in a near whisper. “Far as I’m concerned, her leaving town was just what the boss needed.”

  It surprised her to learn Red didn’t approve of Morgan. Sky didn’t think there was a man around Morgan hadn’t been able to charm. She imitated his action of looking around before speaking. “I have to agree with you.”

  Red chuckled. “Guess I’d better get back to work.” He grabbed a bucket and filled it with feed.

  Sky leaned against an empty stall door. “Can I ask you something, Red?”

  “Sure can.”

  “Why didn’t you like Morgan?”

  He rammed the scoop into the feed. “Guess she always seemed a bit uppity for my taste. For the boss’s sake I gave her the benefit of the doubt, but when I overheard her say something unkind about Annie, that was it for me.”

  As badly as she wanted to know what was said and whether or not Red mentioned anything to Micah, Sky refrained from asking. That, and Red just reminded her that she and Annie needed to have a conversation of their own. “Thanks, Red. I’ll see you later.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Doug waved to her as she stepped outside the stables. She smiled and waved back. A gust of wind tossed her hair around, and she ran for the house. Warmth greeted her, along with the aroma of herbs and spices — garlic and rosemary for sure. A second gust slammed the back door shut. She cringed at the racket it made.

  Annie hurried into the mud room. “Is everything okay?”

  “Sorry. The wind is really picking up.” She shrugged out of her jacket and dusted the snow from her hair. “Smells great. What are you fixing?”

  “Leg of lamb.”

  Sky hung her coat on a peg by the back door and inhaled again. “I’ve never had lamb before, but if it tastes as good as it smells, I’m sure I’m going to love it.”

  “It’s one of Micah’s favorites.”

  Sky followed her into the kitchen. “I know you’re busy cooking and all, but have you got a minute?”

  “I got all the time you need.” She pointed toward the sink. “If you’re of a mind to help me with the potatoes, that is.”

  Sky bypassed the potato peeler and grabbed a paring knife from the drawer. She picked up a potato and focused on making sure the peelings fell into the trash can and not the floor. Now that she’d made the move to talk, she wasn’t quite sure what to say. What if Annie was allergic to dogs and that’s why she didn’t want them in the house? That would ruin everything. Surely Micah would have said so if that were the case.

  “I thought you wanted to talk.”

  Sky dropped the peeled potato in the sink filled with water. “I do, I’m just not sure where to start.”

  “The beginning usually works for me.” Annie took a potato from the sink, chopped it
into four pieces, then tossed them into a large pot on the stove.

  Sky laughed nervously. “That makes sense.”

  Annie speared another potato with her knife. “Why do I get the feeling you’re trying to tell me something you think I’m not going to want to hear?”

  Sky told herself to get on with it and quit being such a wimp. “Are you by any chance allergic to dogs?”

  Chop! “Nope.”

  “Ever raised one of your own?”

  Chop! “Nope.”

  “Ever—”

  Annie held out a hand. “Hold up.” She put the knife down and wiped her hands on her apron. “Why don’t you just spill whatever it is so that I can get on with making dinner and you can stop fretting so much?”

  Annie was right. It was time to suck it up and speak her mind. “Here’s the deal. I told Micah that I want Charlie.”

  “Charlie?”

  “The puppy with the missing paw.”

  Annie reached for a potato and started peeling. “I see.”

  “Do you?”

  “Yep. You want to bring that dog into this house, and you want me to agree to it.”

  It was out in the open, but there was no reading Annie’s face. Sky spoke in a great hurry, wanting to get it all out as quickly as possible. “I do want you to agree to it. But the thing is, I want him whether you agree or not.”

  Annie picked up a potato and handed it to Sky. “Peel.”

  Sky took the potato and went to work. After several long minutes of silence, she began to debate the validity of her request. Was it worth losing Annie as an ally over a dog she felt sure would survive outside as well as inside?

  When all the potatoes had been peeled and chopped, Annie set the pot on the stove and turned on the flame. “Why do you want the dog?”

  A shout outside caught Sky’s attention. She peered through the window over the sink and found Doug and Micah in the middle of a snowball fight. She laughed at their antics.

  Annie stood by her side. “Grown men acting like kids.”

  “Peggy always said that’s what she liked best about Carl. He had an adult’s head for business, but the heart of a kid. Said the kid side of him was what she loved most.” Tears threatened. Carl hadn’t been much of a kid the last few years.