by Jill Kemerer
“Hey, Clint, what are you doing here?” Logan stood back to let him inside.
“I need you to come out to the east pasture with me.”
“Why? What’s wrong?” Logan shoved his feet into the boots next to the door and grabbed his heavy coat off the hook. He called over his shoulder, “I’ll be back later, Sarah.”
As they strode toward the stable, Clint said, “It’s the thirty-six yellow-tag heifer.”
Logan paused and let out a sigh. “I knew I should have checked on her this morning. I noticed she looked poorly yesterday and gave her antibiotics. How is she?”
“Dead.”
Logan looked stricken. “This is all my fault.”
“It’s not your fault. I planned on riding out after church, but I didn’t come home right away.”
“It’s your day off. I told Jake and Ryder to keep an eye out as they rode, but I forgot about the heifer. I should have had them check the water tanks instead of me. Man, this stinks.” He slapped his thigh. “I’ll tell Lexi. The heifer was my responsibility, and I let her down.”
“You gave her antibiotics yesterday, so there wasn’t anything more you could do. I’ll tell Lexi, but for now, let’s get the animal back here and try to figure out what killed her. I can’t have any more cattle dying, and I want to make sure this isn’t something that might spread.”
If Clint had any wishful hopes about a future with Lexi, this put an end to them. He’d placed his personal life ahead of the ranch, and a heifer was dead because of it.
If he didn’t get his head out of the temptation Lexi presented, he’d mess up her life as much as he’d messed up his own. He would not let that happen.
* * *
“Thanks for coming with me, Amy.” Lexi rubbed her hands together as they waited for Shawn Lesly, an old family friend and local real estate agent, to open the door to the empty building. Although it was late Tuesday afternoon, she’d stopped into Amy’s Quilt Shop on the off chance Amy would join her. Thankfully, Amy had agreed.
“I’m glad you asked. I can’t wait to see inside!”
Lexi had spent Sunday night and all day yesterday jotting ideas and researching the surrounding area for the feasibility of opening a hall for receptions and events. She’d set up the appointment with Shawn and had wanted to ask Clint to join her today, but he’d been so down when he stopped by Sunday evening to let her know the heifer died, she hadn’t had the heart to drag him from the ranch. Jerry had finally been well enough to come to work yesterday, and he’d told her Clint had been out from dawn to dusk checking fences and the herd. She had a feeling he’d be doing the same today.
Shawn, a balding man with a gray mustache, let them inside. Lexi’s eyes had to adjust to the dark room.
“I talked to the listing agent, Lexi. The electricity has been off for a couple of years.” He opened a folder. “Water’s been shut off as well to make sure the pipes don’t freeze.”
Amy crossed her arms and shivered. “What’s the scoop behind this building, Shawn? Didn’t I hear a rumor the dollar store considered buying it a while back?”
“Yes, and that was four years ago. The dollar store found it more cost-effective to rent space in the strip mall. The heating system might need to be replaced, but the plumbing and electrical have been updated.”
“Why do you think it’s been empty? It’s a large space and full of character.” Lexi touched the beautiful wood trim. She’d preserve it, the crown molding and the staircase. She envisioned the room all polished and glowing. Brides sweeping down the staircase to meet their new grooms. People lined up on either side to cheer and welcome them.
“The owner held onto it for two years. There was interest, but he wanted top dollar for it. I was his agent at the time. Then he died and a distant relative inherited it. The woman has turned down several offers since.”
“Why?” Lexi bent to check out the floor. Scratched and in need of refinishing, but it appeared to be oak. “Did she give a reason?”
“Rumor has it she’s a bit particular about the type of business that goes in here. Seems she had dreams of opening a tea shop.”
“Hmm... I wonder what stopped her,” Amy said.
“Probably the fact she’s in her late eighties.” Shawn took a sheet of paper out of the folder and handed it to Lexi. “Here you go. The list price, comps and square footage.”
“Thank you.” She scanned the sheet, raising her eyebrows at the price. “Do you think the building is worth this much?”
“No.” He tapped his chin. “But the owner might work with you on the price. Why don’t you look around? I’ll be down here if you have any questions.”
“Let’s go upstairs.” Amy linked arms with Lexi, and they strode to the grand staircase off to the side. “What do you think is up there?”
“Dead mice. And hopefully more gorgeous floors and space for a smaller party. It would be nice to have a dedicated area for bridal showers, Christmas parties, anniversary parties and similar events.”
They climbed the stairs, and Lexi couldn’t help but pause midway to take in the main floor. With some TLC, this building could be stunning. A real gem in Sweet Dreams.
“Would you really move back, Lexi? For good?” They reached the top.
The question sent swirls of uncertainty through her stomach. Clint’s eyes before he kissed her cheek came to mind. If moving back for good included exploring what could happen beyond friendship with Clint, then yes, she could easily imagine moving back. But if not? She bit the corner of her bottom lip. She wasn’t sure.
“I’m not making decisions right now.” She turned to view the second floor, which appeared to be split into offices with a side room perfect for entertaining a large group of people. “Just looking and seeing what my options are, but so far, this building feels as if it was built just for me. It’s perfect!”
Amy glanced out of the window overlooking the side street. “What will you do with your wedding business in Denver?”
“That’s the problem. I don’t know. My wedding planners work on commission, and they could easily branch out on their own. But right now I take care of the business issues like insurance and meeting rooms for clients and such. Plus, they have expense accounts for up-front costs. I’d hate to put any of them in financial jeopardy by closing the business.” Lexi pulled a tape measure out of her purse and measured the length of the larger room. “I thought about it a lot yesterday, and if I’m serious about moving back, then I would offer to sell the business to my vice president, Natalie.”
“Would she be in a position to buy it?”
Lexi straightened, the tape measure recoiling with a snap. “I don’t know. But I have to make a decision one way or the other. I can’t divide my time between Wyoming and Denver forever. Both the ranch and the business demand my attention.”
Amy opened a cabinet built into the wall. “I’m surprised you’re considering giving it all up to move back.”
“The longer I’m here, the more I feel I’m ready for a new adventure. I’m taking your advice, though, and praying about it.”
“I’m glad. Keep praying, and I will, too. Does this mean you’re getting some closure about your dad?”
The permanent lump in her throat had dissolved at some point over the past few weeks. “I think so. Honestly, having Clint around has helped.”
Amy’s smile fell. “I didn’t realize you were getting close to him.”
“I hadn’t realized it, either.”
“I didn’t know him well in school... I wonder...” Amy’s eyebrows drew together, then she shook her head. “Never mind.”
“Don’t you like him?”
“I was close to one of his friends years ago, and he turned out to be unreliable.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize. Clint is very reliable, thou
gh, so don’t worry about that.” Lexi strode toward the offices. “I’d like to get him something nice for Christmas. Any ideas?”
“Well, what does he like?” Amy followed her, leaning against the doorjamb of the room Lexi was inspecting.
What did Clint like? “Ranching and riding and cattle.”
“What about something along those lines? A gift card to the Western store would let him pick out exactly what he wants.”
“I could do that.” She peeked into the closet and noted the electrical sockets on the walls looked modern. “But it’s impersonal. After all the work he’s done to take over managing the ranch, I’d like it to be a little more special.”
“Hmm...wish I could help you out, but I don’t know him very well.”
Lexi frowned. Clint was used to spending holidays alone. He had no family. Grew up in foster homes. He’d mentioned close friends. Besides them, did anyone really know Clint? Sympathy squeezed her heart at the loneliness of his upbringing. The adult Clint seemed secure in himself but just as alone.
She thought about his cabin with the cowboy Christmas tree. And Banjo. He’d mentioned how he enjoyed training herding dogs. He lit up whenever Banjo was around. And he’d never had a dog of his own.
What if she bought him a border collie puppy? His own herding dog to train and love? But how could she find one this close to Christmas?
“Do you know anyone who breeds border collies? Or good herding dogs?”
“Of course I do. This is Sweet Dreams.” Amy smiled, waving her hand. “Dan and Lola Smith are known for their purebreds. They usually have a litter in time for Christmas, but they might all be sold.”
“Thanks, Amy! I’ll give them a call.”
“If they don’t have any, my mom will know who does,” Amy said. “And I’m adding you to my prayer list. For guidance with your career.”
It had been a long time since Lexi had had someone praying for her. She crossed the room and hugged Amy. “Thank you. I’m so glad we reconnected.”
“I am, too.”
They went back downstairs, inspecting all the nooks and crannies on the first floor, before joining Shawn once more. Lexi peppered him with questions about the building’s history and if the historical society would be an issue if she wanted to add a kitchen. Finally, they locked the building up, and Lexi and Amy headed to The Beanery to discuss it.
A future back home in Sweet Dreams was looking more promising by the minute.
* * *
A knock on his door Tuesday night startled Clint. He’d been mulling over the email he’d opened earlier. The ranch in Montana had finally gotten back to him that yes, they had additional feed and could sell it to him. The price they quoted would have allowed Rock Step Ranch to hold off on selling the calves.
Too late now.
He moved Banjo’s head off his lap and yelled, “Who is it?” as he got up.
“Lexi.”
Fear and longing slammed into his chest. She rarely came to his cabin. Had she gotten the same email and was here to confront him about it? Or had she thought about his kiss and decided to fire him? He’d only spoken a few words with her since, and those words were merely to let her know the heifer had died.
She stood in the doorway with snow swirling around her, the glow of the porch light surrounding her. He’d never tire of seeing her pretty face.
“Are you busy?”
“No.” He stepped backward. “Come in.”
She unwound the scarf from her neck and took off her coat. Banjo loped over to her, and she petted him. “Hey, there, buddy. You look pretty content here.”
“What’s going on?” Clint led her to the living room, turning down the volume on the reality show he’d been watching.
“Amy and I toured the building downtown, and it’s even better than I thought. Besides adding a kitchen and updating the bathrooms, I wouldn’t have to do any major redesign of the floor space. It does need a lot of TLC and possibly a new heating system, though.”
“I don’t understand.” The building had been a lark, hadn’t it? Why would she check it out if her wedding business was in Denver?
“I’m toying with a few options, and buying the building is one of them. When I think of all the women in the area and how they could have special wedding receptions there, it fills me with energy.” She took a seat in the chair next to the lit Christmas tree. “I’ve been having so much fun.”
“I’ll trust you on that.”
She grinned, eyes twinkling. “Oh, come on, one of your girlfriends must have been a romantic. You never did tell me about them.”
He’d avoided this topic with her in the past, but maybe it would be best if she knew the truth. Then they could go back to being boss and employee, and his heart would stop jolting every time he saw her face.
“I’ve never had a serious girlfriend.”
“Yeah, right.” She rolled her eyes.
“I had a few dates in high school, but when I moved to LFR Ranch, there weren’t many women around.”
“Okay, but you went into town and attended church, right? There were women there.”
“Yeah, but I was focusing on my future. Saving my paychecks. I wasn’t thinking about anything serious with a woman.”
She sank into the chair, her glow dimming.
“I’m not like other guys. I don’t have parents. There will be no doting grandparents for a woman to hope for. No one to throw her a bridal shower. And I’m not exactly the relationship expert.”
“Neither am I. I have none of those things to offer a man, either.”
“No bridal shower for a groom to be?” He couldn’t help trying to make her smile. She had so much more to offer than he did.
“You know what I mean.” She reached over and straightened one of the lassos on the tree. “And I always thought Daddy would be around to give me away, but... Well, it doesn’t matter. It has nothing to do with the building downtown. It will be for me to plan other people’s weddings.”
He met her eyes and didn’t miss the longing in them.
“You’ll plan your own wedding, too. I can tell you’re starting to heal from losing your dad. You’ll be back to yourself, and...” He couldn’t finish his sentence. Couldn’t lead her on, but the thought of her eventually marrying someone else made him nauseous.
The way she was looking at him was doing strange stuff to his heart. He wanted to kiss her. Well, lately he wanted to kiss her every time he saw her or thought of her or...
“I need some help, and it’s kind of late notice, so if you’re busy, I’ll ask someone else.”
“What is it?” Please don’t let it be anything that gets me within three feet of you.
“I’m wondering if you would come to the building with me tomorrow. You’re so handy, I thought you’d be able to tell me if anything major seems wrong.”
A rush of pride spread through his chest. She thought he was handy. Wanted his opinion.
“Sure thing.”
“Thanks, Clint. Can you get away for lunch tomorrow and a few hours after?”
“I can.” Banjo sat in front of Clint, setting a paw on his knee. He picked the dog up and settled him on the couch. Banjo laid his head on his lap, and Clint stroked his soft fur, massaging his fingers along the dog’s spine.
“He’s getting worse, isn’t he?” Lexi crossed to the couch, petting Banjo’s back. His tail thumped a few times.
“He is. I’m trying to keep him comfortable. The vet gave him steroids, but I’m afraid we’ll have to say goodbye sooner rather than later.”
“He’s a good dog. Thank you for taking care of him.” She put her coat and boots back on. Wound the scarf around her neck.
“It’s been an honor.”
And it had been an honor getting to know her,
spending these hours alone with her, but the time was drawing short. He could feel it. And he had no idea what the new year would bring, but he knew it couldn’t be cozy evenings with Lexi.
While it was for the best, it pained him just the same.
Chapter Ten
“Christmas is in a week and a half.” Nash’s voice came through Clint’s cell phone loud and clear. “Pick a time and get up here. Marshall can’t get away any time soon, so it’ll just be the three of us.”
Clint tucked the phone between his shoulder and ear as he unlocked and opened the side door to the old equipment shed Wednesday morning. He and Logan had finished feeding the cattle, and Clint had noticed footprints in the fresh snow leading to the shed. Without a reason to inspect the building, he’d never entered it before. He doubted anyone had a need to be in here. The keys to the outbuildings hung on a ring in his office, which stayed unlocked during the day, so any of the employees could have accessed this shed.
“You still up at Wade’s ranch?” Clint felt along the wall for a light switch, came up with cobwebs and finally found one. The fluorescent bulbs fizzed to life, and dust motes hung in the air. He checked the floor for signs of a recent visitor, but the hard dirt was packed too much to see anything out of the ordinary. Peering to his left then his right, he tried to find anything that shouldn’t be there, but nothing stood out.
“Yeah.” Nash sounded disgusted. “I’m stuck here another month on doctor’s orders. That’s why you need to pack a bag for a few days.”
“Do you mind waiting until after Christmas? I’ll talk with Lexi and try to get away midweek. We should have enough hands to take care of everything.”
“All right. Text me when you have a plan.”
They caught up for a few more minutes before saying goodbye. Clint surveyed the shed. A trailer, an old tractor, tools that had seen better days and a plow all came into view. Tarps covered bulky items in the back. He squeezed between a rusty vintage tractor and a hay wagon. He still didn’t see anything out of the ordinary—not that he knew what he was looking for—but he was curious about what lay under the tarps.
