by Myra Johnson
The anxiety attacks were fewer and further between as well, which must account for Gracie’s diminishing interest in being constantly on alert. The dog still seemed to know when Christina most needed her, but with each passing day Gracie acted more like a lovingly responsive pet than a service dog doing her job.
With the last of the towels and sheets dumped into the laundry bin and the cart replenished with supplies, Christina steeled herself for her conversation with Marie. Letting herself in the back door, she followed the sounds of clicking computer keys to the office down the hall.
“Marie?” Christina tapped on the open door. “Got a few minutes to talk?”
“Sure, hon, come on in.” Turning away from the computer, Marie took a sip from her coffee mug. “There’s a fresh pot in the kitchen if you want to grab a cup.”
“No, thanks. I just need to get this said.” Christina sank onto the front edge of a chair, hands clasped in her lap. “I’ll be going back to Little Rock soon. They need me at the social services office.”
Marie slowly set down her mug. “We knew this day was coming, and I’m glad for you because I know it’s what you want.” She cast Christina a warm smile tinged with sadness. “But I can’t say I’ll be happy to see you go.”
“And I’m grateful beyond measure for all the kindness you’ve shown me.” She patted Gracie, lying beside the chair. “And my dog. Not everyone would be so understanding.”
Rising, Marie circled the desk to give Christina a heartfelt hug. “Didn’t I tell you from the start that your coming here was meant to be? Just look at all you’ve done for my Seth and his little ones. I never thought I’d see the day when Eva wouldn’t run away in terror every time she saw a big dog. And Joseph asking to go to public school with his friends? You’re a blessing to us all, honey.”
Releasing a shaky laugh, Christina whisked wetness off her cheek. “Working here has blessed me, too, and Serenity Hills—all of you—will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Marie eased down into the other chair, her brows drawing together in a worried frown. “Guess you’ve already told Seth you’re leaving. That would explain why he’s been so mopey lately.” She harrumphed. “On top of his harebrained idea to sell Tango.”
“He’s only doing it because he thinks it’ll help keep the ranch going, but...” Christina wondered how much she should say. After all, she was only an employee—not to mention an employee who’d just given notice. Chewing her lip, she began, “The other day, before things got so busy with the holiday weekend, I ran into Diana Matthews in town. She’s the one who first told me about Seth selling Tango, and she also mentioned how her father has been saying you need to modernize.”
“Figures.” Marie pursed her lips. “But this wouldn’t be Serenity Hills if we brought in all the trappings of the modern world. People come here to get away from all that.”
“I agree. But if you’re not getting enough reservations to pay the bills...”
“That’s the crux of the matter. And even if reservations did pick up, Bryan and I are getting too old to work this hard and worry this much. We need to retire soon, and the only way I see that happening is if we sell the place.” Mouth firm, Marie shook her head. “The problem is, Seth will fight us all the way.”
Christina knew she spoke the truth. This ranch meant everything to Seth, so much that it had cost him his marriage and very nearly his children. “I’m so sorry, Marie. I wish I had answers for you.”
“Aw, honey, you shouldn’t be worrying about us.” Almost the exact words Seth had spoken earlier, but coming from Marie they sounded sincere, not bitter. “And you go right ahead with your plans. I’ll put the word out today about the job opening. Bet we get some calls by the end of the week.”
While Marie marched around the desk and fired up her computer again, Christina sat a moment longer as she wrestled with her tangled feelings. Why did it suddenly hurt so much to think she could be so easily replaced? Did she really expect Marie to tell her she was the best housekeeper they’d ever had and drop to her knees to beg her to stay?
This was all for the best, right? Marie and Bryan wanted to retire, anyway. Christina had noticed the brochure lying on the corner of the desk, information from a residential developer with enticing photos of fancy houses on lots large enough for a horse or two. Maybe the Petersons were already in negotiations to sell off part of the ranch. Christina hoped they’d leave the house, barn and a few choice acres for Seth and the children, because she couldn’t imagine Seth being happy anywhere else.
* * *
The guy from San Antonio arrived earlier than expected, pulling to a stop near the barn only minutes after Seth returned from picking up Joseph at school. Sending Joseph into the house, Seth trudged over to meet Tango’s prospective buyer.
Clad in crisp gray slacks and a dress shirt with loosened tie, the man looked less like a horseman than a banker or doctor. “Mr. Austin? I’m Greg O’Grady. Pleasure to meet you in person.”
“You, too.” Seth accepted O’Grady’s firm handshake.
“Great place you have here.” The man’s gaze swept the pastures, cabins, lake and hills. “My family would love it.”
“Happy to make a reservation for you anytime.” Too keyed up to engage in small talk, Seth started around the side of the barn. “My horse is pastured back here.”
O’Grady fell in step beside him. “If the photo in your ad does her justice, she’s a real beauty.”
“I’m proud of her.”
“I can tell.” An obvious dig at Seth’s asking price. “You said you’d been training her for a while?”
“Several months. She’s already placed in a couple of shows.” Unlatching the pasture gate, Seth whistled for Tango. The mare trotted over, giving a snort as she nosed Seth’s palm in search of the treat he usually brought. “Sorry, girl, no peppermints this time.”
“Gorgeous coloring.” O’Grady ran a hand along Tango’s neck. “Never seen a blue roan up close before.”
Once again perusing the man’s attire, Seth skewed his lips. “I expected you’d want to try her under saddle, but you wouldn’t be doing those nice slacks and fancy loafers any favors.”
O’Grady released an awkward chuckle. “Actually, my daughter’s the rider in the family. She competes for her college, and I’d like to buy her an animal worthy of her skill.”
“Generous dad.” Apparently, the guy wasn’t short on funds, which made this meeting all the more difficult. At least O’Grady hadn’t driven up with a horse trailer in tow. Stifling a reluctant sigh, Seth offered to saddle up Tango and show the man what she could do.
By the time he rode her into the arena, his audience had multiplied. Omi, Opi and the kids joined O’Grady outside the fence, and while Seth’s grandparents’ politeness never wavered, their tight smiles didn’t hide their disapproval of his decision. He couldn’t hear their conversation, but it appeared O’Grady was asking a lot of questions, and his smile said a lot.
On Seth’s next circuit of the arena, he noticed Opi nodding and grinning. O’Grady stuck out his hand, and Opi shook it briskly. Seth wouldn’t hazard a guess as to what had so quickly turned them into best buds.
He halted at the fence, his tone stiff as he asked, “Anything else I can show you?”
“No, that’s fine. She looks great.”
Opi released the gate latch. “Take care of your horse and meet us in the house. We’ve got some jawin’ to do.”
Opi’s confident smirk stirred jittery feelings in the pit of Seth’s belly. What had they gone and done—sold Tango and Serenity Hills right out from under him?
While everyone else trekked to the house, Joseph hung back. “Can I help, Dad?”
“Sure. Grab the grooming tote.” Seth clipped Tango in the cross-ties and removed the saddle. With Joseph plying a currycomb and Set
h following up with a stiff brush, they quickly had Tango ready to return to her pasture.
Time to go find out what backdoor brokering had gone on between Greg O’Grady and Seth’s grandparents. Seth glanced down at his son. “You hear much of what Opi and our visitor were talking about?”
“They talked some about the cabins. And I think maybe bringing some kids.” Joseph shrugged. “I was watching you so I didn’t pay much attention.”
Cabins. And kids. Business for the ranch, maybe? Growing more anxious by the minute, Seth picked up his pace.
He found Omi in the kitchen pouring iced tea, while Eva perched on a barstool and arranged cookies on a plate. Opi and O’Grady sat talking at the table.
Omi motioned Seth over. “Go sit down. I think you’ll want to hear what Greg has to say.”
Already on a first-name basis, were they? Not at all sure he wanted to get in the middle of this, Seth took a chair at the far end of the table.
Opi shifted to face him. “Greg’s got some real good ideas about how we could keep Serenity Hills going.”
What Seth wanted to say was, You figured all that out during a half-hour conversation? Instead, he pasted on a neutral expression and murmured a vague “Oh?”
As Omi served iced tea and cookies, O’Grady animatedly described the work of a philanthropic organization he belonged to, one that specifically served the needs of disadvantaged children. “We’ve been looking to invest in a place like this, where the kids can experience nature and get away from their problems for a while.”
Seth’s brain immediately homed in on the word invest. He pushed his tea glass aside and sat forward. “What exactly did you have in mind, financially speaking?”
The more O’Grady talked, the more Seth liked what he was hearing. O’Grady’s organization hoped to purchase or lease a facility where they could bring groups of children for weeklong stays throughout the summer and also for long weekends the rest of the year. “Obviously, additional staff would be necessary,” O’Grady went on, “and we’d handle that area, as well.”
Omi gripped Seth’s hand. “It’s an answered prayer, son. I really think we should consider what Greg’s suggesting.”
Gnawing the inside of his lip, Seth nodded slowly. “I admit, I’m intrigued. Yeah, put together a formal proposal and we’ll talk.”
“Wonderful! With your permission, I’ll snap some photos while I’m here, and we’ll discuss the possibilities at our next board meeting.” O’Grady took another gulp of tea. “Now, about your horse...”
Seth’s stomach plummeted. “To be honest, the only reason I offered her for sale was to help defray ranch expenses. But if this deal with your organization works out...”
“Yes, I see.” Fingering his chin, O’Grady glanced away briefly. “Then how would you feel about a lease? I’d pay you to continue Tango’s training, and my daughter could ride her in shows.”
Opi hiked a brow. “It’s the best of both worlds, Seth. What do you say?”
Seth rose and extended his hand to O’Grady. “I think my grandmother’s right—your visit today is definitely the answer to several of our prayers.”
O’Grady accepted Seth’s handshake, and after they’d discussed a few more details, the man said his goodbyes. After Seth walked him out to his car and O’Grady drove away, Seth sighed and turned back toward the house. Looking past the garage, he glimpsed Christina walking Gracie down the lane, and his heart stammered.
Lord, You’ve been mighty good to me today, but there’s one more prayer I have to ask. If there’s any way You can fix things so Christina will stay, I’d be the happiest man alive.
Then an unnerving thought filled his mind: If you truly love her, how much are you willing to sacrifice?
His eyes fell shut as memories of Georgia intruded, along with the many things he’d refused to give up in order to save his marriage. He’d been as selfish and stubborn as Georgia, and they’d both paid the price.
But if he and the children followed Christina to Little Rock, could they ever adjust to city life? And who would help look after Omi and Opi, not to mention make sure Greg O’Grady’s organization did right by Serenity Hills?
With the hectic Labor Day weekend, Seth hadn’t made it to church on Sunday, but he’d been reading his Bible again, and a fragment from the passage he’d read in Joshua last night bloomed in his thoughts: Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
The promise resonated deep within him, lifting anxiety and restoring hope. It was long past time to forgive himself—and Georgia—for the mistakes they’d made. And maybe, God willing, there was still time to pursue a future with Christina.
* * *
With the cleanup after the holiday weekend behind her, Christina slept in on Wednesday. More guests weren’t expected until Friday, and if things worked out as planned, within the next two weeks she’d be on her way home to Little Rock. The prospect of never again cleaning someone else’s bathroom appealed mightily.
But the idea of never seeing Seth Austin again?
Leaning over the counter and the cup of coffee she’d just poured, she clutched her abdomen against the sharp, physical pain of already missing him. This was a complication she’d never planned on, and it scared her.
Gracie nosed beneath her arm and whimpered softly.
“I’ll be okay, girl.” She patted the dog’s head and sank into the nearest chair. If she hoped to pick up where she left off at Child Protective Services, she had to be okay.
Except Gracie wasn’t letting up. She bumped Christina’s leg several times before laying her chin on Christina’s thigh and staring up with pleading eyes.
Only then did Christina notice the tension in her limbs, the shortness of breath. She hadn’t felt this agitated in so long that she’d almost forgotten the signs. When Gracie trotted to the bathroom and back, then paused expectantly at Christina’s side, she realized she hadn’t taken her medication this morning. At least Gracie had remembered.
“Thanks, girl. Guess I still need you more than I want to admit.”
Gracie yipped and followed Christina to the bathroom, watching intently as if to be sure her mistress actually swallowed the pill.
Retrieving the coffee she’d all but forgotten, Christina warmed it in the microwave, then carried the mug to the front window. As Gracie plopped down beside her, a new thought intruded. It wouldn’t be nearly as easy to go about her social worker duties with a service dog following her around. She might need to speak with Lindsey Silva about starting out with limited responsibilities until she felt ready to leave Gracie at home.
It was all just so aggravating. Christina was sick of being dependent on pills and lists, expecting others to be understanding of her condition and tolerant of her dog. She’d lived this way for two long years, and she was desperate for things to change, to return to life as she knew it before the accident.
Gracie emitted another whine and pushed against Christina’s leg. She forced herself to inhale deeply and let the air out slowly. After a few more breaths, her agitation began to lessen, but before she could settle into a chair, a knock sounded on the door. She set down her mug to answer.
Seth stood on her porch. “Morning.” He offered a hesitant smile. “Got time to talk?”
“Okay.” Stepping aside, she invited him in. “I was just having coffee. Would you like a cup?”
“No, thanks.” Seth’s smile tightened. He glanced around uneasily.
Concern squeezed her chest. “Oh, Seth, did you sell Tango to that man yesterday?”
“Uh, not exactly.” With a strange chuckle, he sank into one of the padded chairs in the sitting area.
She perched on the chair across from him. “Not exactly? I don’t understand.”
Disbelief tin
geing his tone, he told her about the discussion he and his grandparents had had with Greg O’Grady. “We’re still at the talking stage, but he sure got our hopes up about saving the ranch. With the additional staff they’d bring in, Opi and Omi could scale back their involvement, and getting the ranch on solid financial footing would ease Opi’s stress level.”
“Seth, it sounds like a perfect solution.” A grateful tear trickled down Christina’s cheek. “I’m so happy for you—and happy for all those children who’ll get to experience Serenity Hills.”
Seth sat forward, elbows on his knees and his gaze intense. “Christina, do you really have to go back to Little Rock?”
Breaking eye contact, she clutched Gracie’s ruff. Then, realizing what the action signified, she slid her hand into her lap and stiffened her spine. “It’s my career—my life. It’s time to pick up the pieces and start living like a normal human being again.”
“I get it, I really do.” Seth nodded slowly, his Adam’s apple bobbing with a hard swallow. “But...this thing between us... I just need to know if there’s any hope it could be more.”
“How, Seth? You’ll be here, I’ll be in Little Rock—”
“But what if I—”
“No, please.” Christina pushed to her feet and crossed to the door. One hand on the knob, she stood to the side and tried to keep her voice steady. “Don’t make this any harder than it already is.”
It seemed an eternity before Seth finally got up to leave. When he halted in front of Christina, his mouth worked as if he might say more, but then he squared his shoulders and marched out without a backward glance.
A sob rose in Christina’s throat, and she stifled it with a hand to her mouth. She couldn’t stay, and she wouldn’t in a million years ask Seth to leave behind the home that meant everything to him. Now, especially, with the possibility of infusing new life into the ranch, he had even more reason to stay and see it through.
Chapter Thirteen
Only two cabins were occupied the following weekend, which meant less work for Christina but more time to fill as she waited out her last days at Serenity Hills. Avoiding Seth became a top priority, because each time their gazes met, she could see the longing in his eyes...and she had no confidence she could hide her own tumultuous feelings from him.
