Finding the Road Home

by Tina Radcliffe

  “Don’t I wish I was a fly on the wall?”

  “It’s a good thing Domino can’t talk.” Mitch smiled. The mare might reveal that he’d admitted to being smitten by the strawberry-haired city girl. What else could he call the strange reactions he had when she was around? His pulse skittered and his hands got sweaty. That wasn’t normal.

  “Hold out your hand and let her get a whiff of you,” Mitch instructed Daisy.

  She peeked out from behind Mitch and offered Domino her hand.

  Mitch could only chuckle. “A little closer.”

  When the mare chuffed, Daisy jumped and yanked her hand back.

  “Aunt D!”

  From behind them Seth and Grace raced into the stables. Their faces were bright with a sheen of sweat from adventures, and they were all smiles.

  “Look at you two. How were those horses?” Daisy asked.

  Grace pulled off her helmet. “It was so much fun. We learned how to groom a horse and had our first riding lesson. Mr. Reece says we’re fast learners.”

  “They are. You would have been proud of them, Daisy,” Reece said as he strode into the stables. He offered Mitch a nod of acknowledgment.

  “Thanks for taking them, Reece,” Daisy said.

  “My pleasure.”

  “Are you going to ride a horse, Aunt D?” Seth asked.

  When his small fingers struggled with his helmet strap, Mitch stepped forward and unclipped the clasp for him.

  “Thanks, Mr. Mitch.”

  “Glad to help.”

  “Daisy, Seth asked if you’re going to ride,” Mitch repeated. No way was he going to let her dodge the question.

  In response, Daisy rewarded him with a pointed glare before turning back to Seth. “Not today. But soon. Very soon,” she said to her nephew.

  “Mr. Reece says we can ride the horses tomorrow before we leave,” Grace said.

  “That’s very nice of Mr. Reece,” Daisy said.

  “Do you think we could get a horse, Aunt D?” Seth asked.

  “Let me check into that, sweetie.”

  “Mr. Reece said we could keep a horse here if we get one,” he continued.

  To her credit, Daisy listened and nodded. In her shoes, he’d be wondering about how they were going to feed another mouth. But she simply offered a serene smile. Yeah, he admired the way she handled the kids.

  “Our birthdays are coming up in September,” Grace said. “Maybe we can get cowboy hats.”

  “I’ll put it on the list,” Daisy said.

  “I sure like this place.” Grace leaned against Daisy and hugged her. “Thank you for bringing us here.”

  Daisy blinked and turned her head, swiping at her eyes with a finger. “I’m glad, Grace. I like it here too.”

  Mitch swallowed past the lump lodged in his throat, and took the helmets from Grace and Seth.

  “They can visit anytime,” Reece said from behind them.

  “Thanks, Reece.” Daisy offered him a grateful smile. “That means a lot.”

  “I think I want to be a rancher when I grow up,” Seth said.

  “That can be arranged,” Mitch said. “Mr. Reece is always looking for hard workers around here.”

  “You two go get cleaned up,” Daisy said. “Gran has a snack for you.”

  “Mitch, why don’t you take the UTV and show Daisy around the ranch?” Reece said. He pulled keys from his pocket, and tossed them through the air to his brother.

  Mitch caught the keys. “I’ll do that. Thanks, bro.”

  “What’s a UTV?” Daisy asked when Reece left the stables.

  “Utility vehicle. Farms and ranches use them. Helpful for simple tasks like getting the mail, since our mailbox is a hike from the main house.”

  “Do you have a stable for UTVs too?”

  He turned and looked at her. “You’ve got quite the sense of humor.”

  “Thank you.” She double-stepped to keep up with his long strides out of the stables.

  “Reece has a couple UTVs parked outside the barn.” They rounded a corner, and he stopped.

  “Are you okay with riding the UTV on your day of rest?”

  Daisy took one look at the bright green vehicle without doors, and a grin split her face. “Of course. This is so much better than horses.”

  Mitch offered a low chuckle. “Seat belt on at all times. Hands and feet stay inside.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  He backed up the vehicle, and headed over the pasture and forage grass.

  “It’s so green out here. Like an emerald blanket,” Daisy said.

  “All that rain. Normally this time of year it’s dry, with a few tumbleweeds passing by.”

  “Perfect day, too. Look at that sky.”

  Mitch did look and Daisy was right. The Oklahoma sky was bright and cloudless. As blue as the blue sage that grew wild in the spring.

  “Anyone ever tell you that you drive like my grandmother?” Daisy asked.

  “And you sound like my brother Reece.” He pointed to a few muddy ruts in the pasture. “You don’t have a helmet, so I’m going to take it slow and stick to the trails. We can go off-roading when you have the proper gear.”

  Her eyes lit up. “I’d love that.”

  Mitch released a scoffing breath. “Why am I not surprised?”

  “I’m all about speed. I used to ride a little Kawasaki Ninja before I bought my hybrid.”

  He couldn’t resist shaking his head at her words. “I would have liked to see that.”

  Daisy chuckled at his response.

  “Look over to the left,” Mitch said. “Those are the guest cabins, and past them is Luna’s kitchen and the dining hall.”

  “Tell me about the ranch, Mitch. Why weren’t you raised here?”

  Mitch hesitated. “It’s not a pretty story.”

  “I’m not looking for a pretty story. You’ve heard mine.”

  “Fair enough.” He nodded. “My grandfather disowned my mother when she married my father. When my grandfather died, the property was held in a trust to keep my father from being able to inherit. Every time one of us turned twenty-one, we inherited the deed to our portion of the ranch.”

  “No one lived here all that time?”

  “The land was rented out for grazing a few times over the years.”

  “Did you know your grandfather?”

  “Not well enough. Although I’ll let you in on a little secret. Around the time Kate and Levi were born, my father was coming home less and less. Both times Mom was in the hospital, Gramps scooped us all up from the trailer and brought us to the ranch for a couple days.”

  “Did your mother know?”

  “Sure. She pretended she didn’t, and the old man swore us to secrecy.”

  “Good memories?” Daisy asked.

  “Yeah. It was good. Except for his dogged determination to keep my father off his land.” He ran a hand over the steering wheel. “My father was harmless. Just a good old boy who couldn’t figure out how he ended up with five kids or what to do with them.” Mitch shrugged. “So he walked away.”

  “That’s a very insightful attitude.”

  “Don’t give me too much credit. I spent a long time wrapped in bitterness and anger. Taking care of my brothers and sister helped divert my hostility.” He leaned back and stared out at his grandfather’s land. “Took me years to understand. Both my father and my grandfather had passed by then. Now I realize that not everyone is cut out for parenthood.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “What for?”

  “That you didn’t get to have your grandfather or your father in your life.”

  “I’m sorry too. Mostly it was their loss.”

  “Why didn’t you go to Tulsa?” she asked.

  Mitch nearly slammed on the brak
es. “Who told you about Tulsa?”

  “Roscoe.”

  “There’s a surprise.” He couldn’t resist a roll of his eyes. “Roscoe has an idea that I’m hankering to leave Rebel. Not particularly true. Tulsa was never a big deal. Fact is, after Levi died, I just wanted to keep the Rainbolts together. It really hit home for the first time since my mother passed that we were all we had. Each other.”

  Keeping the family together was the least he could do when he’d failed so miserably at keeping Levi safe.

  “I understand,” she murmured. “Adopting Deb’s kids was the only way I could survive the grief of losing her.”

  “I get that too,” he said softly.

  When Daisy pushed the windblown red locks from her face, Mitch reached into his back pocket and pulled out a black bandanna. “Here. To tie your hair back.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Did you get to use the hot tub or check out the movie theater?”

  “Gran and the kids did. I was working on a business plan.”

  “A business plan? That doesn’t sound like fun.”

  “To me, it is. I’m a spreadsheet and calculator kind of gal.”

  “A business plan for what?”

  “The bakery. Luna got me the paperwork for a small business start-up. Tomorrow I go down to the bank to chat about a loan. It looks like I’ll qualify without a problem.”

  “Are you leaving the department?” Up to now, he had refused to consider the possibility that Daisy would leave the department. Instead, for the first time in his life, he was playing the optimist and believing their plan for the funding would succeed.

  “No. I’m sorry. I wasn’t clear. We’ve established a customer base with the pop-up bake sale over the last few weeks. I’m going to pursue opening a real bakery one day a week. Saturdays. At least that’s my plan.” She turned to him. “It won’t interfere with my job.”

  “I wasn’t concerned. You’ve already been juggling kids, pies, teaching classes and the bakery. Doesn’t sound like this will be much different.”

  “I’m finally taking a step toward my dreams. That’s the difference.” She raised her hand. “And can it get any better than Luna for my landlord?”

  “I guess not.” His gaze landed on her for a moment before he focused on the trail again. “Daisy, you’re pretty amazing.”

  “Amazing, no. However, thanks to you I got eight hours of sleep in a climate-controlled environment last night. I feel positively optimistic today.”

  He looked at her. She was wrong. Daisy Anderson was no less than amazing. “So this wasn’t such a bad idea?”

  “I didn’t realize how much I needed this time-out.”

  They were silent, enjoying the ride as Mitch guided the vehicle past the pond road.

  “What are those buildings?” Daisy asked.

  Mitch slowed the vehicle down until they sat in the idling UTV beneath the shady branches of a redbud, whose heart-shaped leaves filled the tree’s graceful branches.

  He pointed to the structures. “On the left is the chapel. That flat building is the reception hall, and there’s a gazebo on the other side. Reece got this wild idea to use the ranch for wedding venues and family reunions. It’s been really popular. Spring and fall are the busiest months. He’s booked nonstop. Had to hire someone to handle that side of the business and set up an office.”

  “I can see why. It’s a brilliant idea.”

  “The fund-raising dinner that’s coming up will be held here.”

  “I thought we were doing tents. Like the welcome barbecue. Do you think enough people will attend to fill a venue of this size?”

  “You didn’t hear? The dinner sold out. I told Henna to sell more tickets, and got the ball rolling for the ranch’s private venue.”

  Daisy turned in her seat. “Where are you bringing these people in from?”

  He chuckled. “They’re locals supporting the cause, and the tourist population that’s in Rebel through Labor Day. When people see Luna Diaz is involved, the purse strings open up.”

  “What’s on the menu?”

  “Wish I knew. Luna’s catering company has kept it hush-hush. She’s donating her services for the event. We’re only paying for the supplies.”

  “That’s generous.”

  “Luna believes in what we’re doing.” Mitch inspected the dials on the UTV dash as he struggled with what was on his mind. “Maybe I could escort you and Alice to the dinner. It’s coming right up. Two weeks.”

  “My grandmother is attending with Henna’s uncle.”

  “Oh, yeah? Good for her.” He met Daisy’s clear blue eyes. “And you?”

  “Like a...d-date?”

  When her eyes popped wide, he backpedaled.

  “Maybe. Or like two people carpooling, since we’re obligated to attend anyhow. Whatever makes you say yes.”

  “Yes.”

  Mitch opened his mouth, then closed it. “That was a lot easier than I thought it would be,” he finally said. “I was beginning to think you oppose me on principle.”

  Daisy laughed. “That’s not true.”

  “Glad to hear.”

  “Is Will Needleman going to be there?” she asked. “I mean, to see what the town is doing?”

  “Henna had the same thought. She wants to ensure he can give us a good word when the paperwork is turned in on August first.”

  Mitch drove the UTV slowly around the pond, a safe distance from where a smattering of people sat on the pier fishing. When he offered them a wave, several returned the gesture.

  “Good day for fishing,” he said. “And look up there in that maple tree. See that eagle circling? I think there’s a nest up there. Not something you spot every day.”

  “Yes. I see it.” Daisy nodded and her eyes met Mitch’s. “You really love this place, don’t you?” she asked.

  “The pond?”

  “No, the ranch. You’re different when you’re out here.”

  “Am I?”

  She nodded once more. “Tell me again why you don’t work here?”

  “I fell into the police department job out of necessity.” Mitch closed his eyes for a moment, thinking back to those early days. “I needed health insurance for Kate and Levi. Both of them were rodeoing, and in and out of urgent care.” He shook his head and smiled. “Everyone was peddling as fast as they could in those days, but they were good times.”

  “Do you ever think about leaving the department?”

  “Reece is after me to do just that. The business is growing faster than he can manage.”

  “That didn’t answer the question.”

  “I’m giving it some serious thought, though at this point in my life, change isn’t as easy as it used to be.” He turned and looked at her. “Why is this so fascinating to you?”

  “You’re my friend, and I like this little peek into your psyche.”

  “It’s a scary place in there.”

  “I don’t think so at all.” Daisy stared at him and didn’t look away. Her gaze remained unwavering, which only confused him.

  Where had she come from, this woman who could see right through him? He didn’t understand what was going on at all. The only thing he was sure of is that he liked how he felt about himself and the world in general when Daisy was around.

  Chapter Nine

  Daisy stood in the middle of the room, admiring her beautiful kitchen. They were just supposed to fix the roof and ceiling. A week later and she remained stunned by the transformation. The cracked linoleum was gone. It had been replaced with gray-and-white, checkerboard-patterned flooring. The cupboards were painted the palest gray. Even the kitchen appliances had been replaced. A stainless-steel stove, refrigerator and dishwasher stood where her fifty-year-old appliances once were.

  “Where are you, Daisy? We have to leave soon.�
��

  “Coming, Gran. I needed a bottle of water.”

  Her grandmother appeared a moment later with her silver hair wrapped in giant pink plastic hair rollers.

  “Gran, I told you I’d lend you my flat iron.”

  “I like my rollers, thank you very much. Now tell me why you’re standing in the kitchen staring at the stove when we’re running behind. Nez and Mitch said six o’clock.”

  “I can’t help myself. I’m still trying to figure out how this happened.”

  “Bartering, dear. He and Nez brought in carpenters and a flooring team.”

  “That’s the story Mitch told me too.” She frowned. “I’m having a hard time believing they replaced the flooring and put in new appliances for pies.”

  “Don’t underestimate your pies. Besides, once folks heard that you needed help and had five kids to boot, he had to turn down half of the congregation who stepped up to offer help.”

  “Really? New appliances for pies?”

  “Those appliances are used. A donation. They have a ding or two on them,” her grandmother said.

  “They look new to me.”

  “Enough. We’re going to be late. Let’s go get dressed.”

  “I am dressed.”

  “You aren’t wearing that to the dance, are you?”

  Daisy glanced down at her gray skirt and peach silk blouse. “What’s wrong with this?”

  “You’re going to a party. Not a job interview.” Her grandmother shook her head. “It’s a date.”

  “No, it’s Mitch. We’re friends.” Even as she said the words, her mind tumbled back to her conversation with Mitch. They’d never really clarified that it wasn’t a date. Had they?

  “Friendship is a solid foundation for a long-term relationship.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “You heard me.” Her grandmother looped her arm through Daisy’s and started up the stairs. “Come. We’ll find something that says party.”

  “Party.”

  “Yes.”

  Her grandmother searched Daisy’s closet, rejecting item after item. “Where’s the burgundy dress?”

  “Not the burgundy.”

  “Try it on.”

  Minutes later Daisy stood in front of the full-length mirror and grimaced.