Alex had pressured him to keep himself open to the possibility of running for a position in the House of Representatives or for a seat in the Senate, in the future. If Hunter thought he might make a difference and help his state, he’d be very tempted. But that would be down the road at least eight years and maybe more.
He heard Lacey sigh in her sleep. His heart swelled with the love he had for her. In his mind’s eye, he saw them having children and their children running in and out of the house. He and his brothers would teach them to ride, and hunt and fish, even the girls. The thought brought him a sense of peace and satisfaction.
And then he knew in his heart, he’d keep his dream small. They wouldn’t consider going to Washington in the distant future, unless Lacey wholeheartedly embraced the idea. Content with his decision, Hunter smiled down at the woman cuddled against him sleeping.
She was the most important person in his life, and he didn’t plan on letting her get away.
When the seatbelt light came on, Hunter woke Lacey. “Sit up darlin’. We’re home.”
“I’m surprised I slept the whole way.”
“You needed it.” He reached across her and moved her seat straight and then made sure her belt was tight. Lastly, he took hold of her hand.
Rested, her face looked soft, and when she smiled, his heart raced. “Devin will be at the airport. He’ll take us home. Do you want to stay with me tonight or go to your place?”
“I think I’ll go to my house and check on it. I need to do laundry and water my plants. Although Smitty promised he’d keep an eye on them for me.”
“We’ll drop you off first. Let’s meet for lunch tomorrow around twelve thirty. I have a busy morning scheduled.”
“Can we make it dinner instead?”
Hunter studied her face. He wished he knew what she was thinking. “Sure, do you want to go somewhere fancy or meet at Shirley’s?”
“Shirley’s is fine.” She leaned forward and kissed his mouth. “Don’t look so worried.”
“I’m not. I was remembering all the work I have to do tomorrow. I’ve gotten lazy.” And I’m lying. I’m afraid with a day to think about us, she may not want to continue to see me. Alex talking to me didn’t help us resolve our differences. But I know how to convince her to trust me. At least I think I do.
When they got off the plane, Devin swung Lacey around. “You did come back.”
“Did you doubt it?” she asked when her feet were back on the ground.
“No. Well, maybe for a minute or two. I’m glad to see you both smiling.” Devin helped them with the luggage and they headed out of the airport toward Pleasure Valley. “Tell me about the trip,” he said.
Hunter listened as she talked about the parties, the people, and Alex’s impression of Hunter.
“Also, my sister Renee has threatened to visit just to meet the other single brothers.”
“Is she pretty?” Devin asked.
“Yes, she and Josie look more like our mother. I guess I get my dark coloring and height from my dad.”
Then Lacey explained about the plans to meet their father and for Josie to interview for the finance job at the ranch.
“A lot happened in a short time,” Devin said. He turned into Lacey’s driveway as Hunter had told him Lacey wanted to go to her house.
“Here you are, my lady,” Devin said when he parked.
Hunter got out and carried her suitcase in the house. He pulled her soft, warm body against his. “Don’t forget me before tomorrow night.”
“As if I could. If I tried, you’d turn up on my doorstep.”
“Very true. See you at seven tomorrow night.” He kissed her quickly and sprinted out the door. At the car, he waved before getting in.
Devin didn’t speak at first when Hunter got back in the car. Then he asked, “How did your weekend go from your perspective?”
“It was interesting. Lacey’s family is nice. All three sisters are very different. Her mother and step-father, Alex, welcomed me, and as Lacey mentioned, Alex tried to recruit me after he heard I was interested in politics.”
“Did he entice you to run for the Senate in Washington?”
“Oh, no. He agrees I need to start at the state level, but in the future he’s certain he can help me get a job in Washington.”
“How did Lacey feel about his suggestion?”
“As you’d expect. It’s too close to her recent experiences there. But even if I considered it, we’re talking about eight to twelve years or more in the future.”
“You’re going to ask her to marry you.”
“I’ve decided I will. Tomorrow afternoon I’m going to get her a ring and take her home after dinner and propose.”
Devin glanced at Hunter. “You’re sure this is what you want? You aren’t rushing yourself into a decision you’ll regret later?”
“Absolutely not. I’m at peace with this.”
“Then go for it,” Devin said, and grinned. “And good luck.”
“Don’t tell Mom, I will. I have a few things I need her help with to get ready for tomorrow night. Then Lacey and I will call her, if Lacey says yes.”
“She’ll be tickled. Maybe she’ll forget about the rest of us for a while.”
“I wouldn’t count on it.”
“No. She’s relentless when she wants something. Seeing us married is her major goal in life.”
Devin and Hunter laughed. “She’s a great mom,” Hunter said, and Devin nodded, agreeing.
* * * *
Lacey watched until they were out of sight, and then she closed the door and locked it. After constant noise this weekend, the quiet almost hurt her ears. She turned on the music station she’d found on the Morris’s old radio. Then she took her suitcase and headed for the bedroom.
She dumped the dirty clothes in the washer and changed into jeans and an old yellow shirt. Barefooted, she walked into the kitchen and put the kettle on to heat water for tea. She liked the old-fashioned tea pot and enjoyed hearing it whistle when the water was ready.
Later, after she’d hung her clean clothes up and the washed ones were in the dryer, she sat in front of the television sipping her tea. It was background noise. Her mind was going a mile a minute considering the visit to her family and her feelings for Hunter.
Josie had surprised her by wanting to come for a long visit and interview for the job on the ranch. But Lacey doubted Renee would leave Mom and the busy life she had in Washington. By day Renee was a nurse in a busy cardiologist’s office, and by night she played. Never one to get serious, she nevertheless enjoyed dating and liked men.
Hunter had been wonderfully supportive, especially when Zelda verbally attacked her. And he’d reassured her about his talks with Alex. Still, Lacey knew at some point in the future Hunter might want to be a senator to represent Wyoming. He loved his state and the people and would be a good person for the job.
In the morning, Lacey would call Kyra and ask to see her in the afternoon. Then she’d have more information before she spoke with Hunter again.
Satisfied with her plans for the next day, she turned off the television, checked the doors, and turned off the lights. Just before she went to sleep she remembered one more chore. She had to arrange a meeting with her father for her and Josie, as soon as Josie told her when she’d be here.
Early morning light woke her. She stretched and made herself get up. She had a lot to do. Lacey pulled on her jeans from last night, put a sweater over her old shirt, and pulled on her boots.
She shivered in the early morning air as she dragged the hose around and watered her plants. They were doing well. She’d finished and was putting the hose away when Smitty drove by. He parked at the barn and walked back to her.
“Your garden is looking good.”
“Thanks for taking care of it for me while I was gone.”
“No problem.”
“I talked to my sisters. Josie, my oldest sister, wants to meet our dad. She has to set up time off and hopefully
will be here in two weeks. Can you arrange the meeting for right after she arrives?”
“I’ll let your dad know the approximate time. He’s eager to see you all. He’ll be pleased one of your sisters is joining you.” Smitty glanced around. “Do you want to meet here or at a neutral place like a restaurant?”
“Shirley’s might be nice. It wouldn’t be so awkward if we’re eating and talking. But no, we may get emotional. It’d be better for us to meet here in private.”
“I agree. I’ll tell him what you said.” Smitty turned toward the barn. “Smitty, you’re a good friend to Dad.” He looked back. “Don’t forget I’m your friend, too.”
Lacey went inside and saw it was time to call Kyra. She’d be in her office.
“Hi, Lacey. How was your trip?”
“I’d like to discuss it with you. Do you have any openings this afternoon?”
“Four o’clock is open,” Kyra said.
“I’ll see you then.” Lacey went to the bedroom and made her bed. Then she dusted and cleaned the whole house. She didn’t want to think. She wanted the time to fly by.
When she finished around three, the house sparkled. She jumped in the shower and washed her hair. Then she checked her closet for a pretty outfit, but not too much for Shirley’s Place. She had a new purple blouse she hadn’t worn. It would go well with her black jeans.
It was time to drive into town by the time she dried her hair and dressed. She left her hair hanging down around her shoulders and kept her makeup to a minimum.
Kyra got up from her desk and walked to the door to greet her. “Welcome back. You’re looking well.”
“I’m glad to be here, and I’m feeling much better.”
“You didn’t have a strong urge to stay in Washington?”
“None at all. I couldn’t wait to get on the plane.”
“Sit and we’ll talk.” Kyra sat in the chair beside her and turned it to face Lacey.
“You called so soon after getting back that you must have something important to discuss.”
Lacey told her all about the trip including the episode with Zelda. Kyra laughed.
“I wish I’d been there to see it. And how wonderfully protective and supporting Hunter was for you.”
“Yes, I’ve realized I love him, very much.”
“What about his aspirations? Your stepfather will continue to work on him.”
“I’ve no doubt. For the present, Hunter wants to be a state senator and perhaps governor someday. If he even considered Alex’s offer it’d be years from now.”
“True.”
Lacey changed the subject. “I went to Ray’s grave.”
“How did you feel?”
“Better. I talked out loud to him. Anyone seeing me would think I was crazy, but I don’t care. It helped and lifted a heavy weight I’d been carrying off my shoulders.” Lacey stared out the window to her side. Then she added, “I thought he cheated because I wasn’t a good enough wife for him. Besides blaming him, I blamed myself, only it came out in anger.”
“Wow, you really did some soul searching. I’m proud of you. Do you still blame yourself?”
“No. We married too young, and Ray loved the ladies. I think I saw it when we were dating, but I thought things would change after marriage. He’d be so happy with me, he wouldn’t look around. Instead, it got worse. He feared the responsibility he’d gotten himself into. I see that now. I forgave him and me.”
“You’ve come a long way in a short time,” Kyra said.
“I had to clear my own mind and feelings before I felt free to accept Hunter caring for me. I know I’ll probably have moments when thoughts stir the old emotions, and they’ll try to come back. I won’t let them. I’m determined in the direction I want to go.”
“What are some of your plans?” Kyra asked.
“I’ve enrolled to start college in the fall term. I want to be a teacher. And I like the idea of having the summers free. If I do marry Hunter and we have children, I’ll have more time with them.”
“You aren’t afraid to try and have another child?”
“I’m afraid, but I want a family, and the doctor reassured me about my health. He indicated I should be able to have other children without a problem.”
“You’ve come a long way in a short time. But I’d still like to see you at least once a month for a while.”
“I think that’s a good idea. I like talking with you. It helps me organize my thoughts and plans.”
“Good, then we’ll meet four weeks from today.”
“I’ll put it on my calendar.”
Kyra walked with Lacey out of her office and to the front door.
“Now that I’m not seeing you as often, can we be friends?”
“We’ll see after our visits stop completely. I like you, too.”
Lacey checked her watch. She had time to visit Doreen and then meet Hunter at seven. A quiet sense of peace and happiness enveloped her.
Chapter Fifteen
Hunter stood when she walked in the restaurant. Shirley greeted her and led her to his table. She put down the menus and left, saying she’d be back in a minute.
“I’ve missed you,” Hunter said, and gave her a hug.
He motioned for her to slide in the booth, and then he sat beside her. “How’s your day been?” he asked.
“Good. Smitty came to take care of the animals and we talked. Once Josie arrives, he’ll arrange the meeting for us with our dad. Then I cleaned house and saw Kyra this afternoon. Afterward, I spent the rest of the time with Doreen and Billy. We worked some more on his campaign. He’ll have a TV ad starting next week. How about you? What did you do?”
He took hold of her hand. “I like to touch you. This morning I caught up on all the calls I missed, and in the afternoon I saw one of the clients whose appointments I’d rearranged for the trip.”
“I put you to a lot of trouble.”
“It was worth it.”
Shirley came back to the table with two glasses of iced tea. “Your fella ordered this for you,” she said with a smile. “Do you want to order your dinner now or wait a few minutes?”
“Give us a minute, Shirley. We haven’t looked at the menu yet.”
“Take your time. The way you’re staring into each other’s eyes it’ll be more than a minute before you get to the menu.” She grinned and walked across the room to another table.
“I’d like to order, eat, and go to my house for dessert,” Hunter said.
“Is that sweet dessert or special dessert?” Lacey teased.
“Both, I hope.”
Lacey grinned, but refrained from commenting. She read the menu and when Shirley returned they ordered.
While they were eating, Lacey discussed Josie’s arrival. “I hope she gets here in time for the Memorial Day celebrations. From what I’ve read in the paper it sounds like fun.”
“It is, and you should plan on doing some special advertisements for Billy during that week. With the rodeo in town and all the other activities we get a lot of guests from the surrounding towns.”
“I didn’t realize the whole week was involved.”
“My campaign manager is coming to see me next week. I’ll arrange for you to meet her. Maybe my ads and Billy’s can be coordinated.”
“What a great idea. But is your manager a woman?”
“Yes. She was highly recommended by the senator who’s retiring. He likes me and wants me to win his seat.”
“That always helps. I’d like to meet her.”
Hunter punched in a number on his cell. “Hi, Magdalena, this is Hunter. I’m fine, thanks. I’d like you to meet a friend of mine, Lacey Donelles. She’s running Billy Morris’s campaign. Do you have a problem with her joining us Monday? Then we’ll see you at one.” He clicked off his phone. “It’s all set. Oh, I forgot to ask if you’re busy Monday at one o’clock.”
“You did forget. But we’ll let it go this time.” She ran her tongue slowly over her lips.
&n
bsp; “How can I remember anything when looking at you?”
“Good save.” She winked.
He glanced at her plate. “Have you eaten enough?”
“Are you in a hurry?”
“Yes.”
“Then pay for our meal and let’s go.”
Hunter nodded at Shirley, quickly paid her, and ushered Lacey out to her car. “Follow me.”
“I know the way,” she hollered after him when he hurried across the street to where he’d parked. He was certainly excited, and it was catching. Lacey couldn’t wait to be in his house and in his arms.
At his home, Hunter motioned for her to drive into his garage. He parked in front of the house and, taking long strides, got to her car door in time to open it for her.
“I didn’t mind parking in front,” Lacey said.
“I’d prefer to have your car in here. Whatever the weather is when you have to leave, you won’t get wet or cold.” He unlocked the kitchen door and they walked inside.
“This is really a great kitchen. What’s this on the table?” She smiled at Hunter.
“My mom baked us a chocolate cake.”
“She decorated it so pretty with red roses and hearts. What’s the occasion? Valentine’s day is over.”
“I know, but I didn’t want to wait for next year. Sit.” He pulled out a chair for her and lit the two candles on either side of the cake.
Lacey felt her face flush and heat raced through her veins. Her breathing quickened as she suspected what was coming.
Hunter went down on one knee and pulled a ring from his pocket. “Lacey, I love you. Will you marry me? I promise if I ever decide I want to pursue politics in Washington, we’ll talk. You’d have to agree, or I wouldn’t do it. Please marry me.”
She looked at his compelling blue eyes, his strong handsome features, and the confident set of his shoulders. “I’ve been thinking about us,” she said. “And I know I love you and whatever happens in the future, we can deal with it together. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
His huge smile beamed at her. He pushed the ring on her finger and pulled her up into his arms. “You’ll never regret it. I’ll make sure.”
The Unforgettable Bride [Brides for the Garrison Brothers 1] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) Page 13
