by Jill Kemerer
“I’ll make a note.” Not appearing overly concerned, Natalie checked her phone. “How did the meeting with Ms. Roth go? If you think you’ll be in Wyoming and unable to accommodate her needs, I’m available. Her wedding is the wedding to land. I have so many ideas.”
Lexi gaped at her. Didn’t Natalie care what the other details being neglected were? And had she really just tried to undercut the Roth wedding from her?
“I don’t know where to go with that comment at this moment.” Lexi didn’t even try to keep the incredulity out of her tone. She sat back in her chair, setting her elbow on the armrest and letting her cheek rest against her index finger. “Am I missing something? When I left in October, this place was running smoothly, and now I’m getting complaints from our clients. I see problems.”
Natalie scoffed. “Brides always complain if the day doesn’t go exactly the way they’d hoped. They’re impossible to please.”
“Maybe so, but these complaints have been valid. Missing invitations, the wrong place settings, no photographer showing up?”
“I haven’t had any complaints from my clients.”
“But you’re the VP. Every client is my responsibility and yours.”
“I think we’re all adults here, and each planner should be responsible for her own clients. If you hired a purchaser...”
“My name is on every contract. This is my reputation.”
Natalie pursed her lips.
Lord, I’m not getting through to her. What happened? We used to be on the same page, but now she acts like I’m insane for having standards. I don’t know if I want to do this anymore. Let the flowers be red, and the boxes be shoved anywhere the planners want. Let them figure out their own insurance and come up with their own expense accounts. I’m so tired of managing them. I want a life. What do I do? Show me the way.
Something changed—a wave of peace settled over her like a warm ray of sunshine. She turned her head and studied her office, the hall beyond it and Natalie looking like she’d been sucking on a lemon.
“Natalie, where do you see yourself in five years?”
Natalie jerked to attention. “Sounds like a job interview question.”
“Maybe it is.”
She tipped her chin up. “I see myself as one of the top designers in Denver. I’ve landed several influential couples in the past three years, and I’ve been positioning myself to be the go-to designer for the crème de la crème. Not only here, but throughout the state.” She held herself proudly.
Lexi bit her lower lip. Natalie’s goals weren’t terrible, but they didn’t fit with the Weddings by Alexandra philosophy. Lexi had always prided herself on planning weddings for every budget. She enjoyed making the dreams of all her brides come true, not just the ones with the most money or status.
The truth stared her in the face. Her business would not thrive unless she moved back and made changes to her staff.
Lexi studied the office she’d put so much thought into decorating, and for the first time, it felt impersonal. Worse, it stifled her. These four walls contained so much responsibility.
“Have you thought about going off on your own?” Lexi asked.
A flicker of unease lit her eyes. “It’s crossed my mind on occasion. Why?”
“I’m thinking about making a change. Like you suggested.”
“Look, Lexi,” Natalie said quickly, “I’m sorry about the flowers. I should have checked with you before changing the order.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not firing you.” She tidied the papers on her desk. “I’m seriously considering moving to Wyoming for good. If I did, I would keep the Weddings by Alexandra brand, but I would sell this building. You and I have worked together for a long time, and frankly, I don’t think we see eye to eye when it comes to the company anymore. If I sell, I’m giving you the first right to make an offer on it. I don’t know if you’d want to set up a company the way I did or rent space to other planners. You’d have to figure it out for yourself. If I don’t sell, we’re going to have to schedule a meeting to get on the same page.”
Natalie paled. “You’d sell this to me?”
“Yes.”
“I... I never thought...” She blinked a few times. “I’m honored you’re giving me the first right.”
“Do you have the capital to consider this? I can recommend a financial adviser to help you come up with a business plan.”
“I can raise the money. Are you serious? I mean, really serious about possibly selling? I don’t want to get my hopes up for nothing.”
“I’m not giving you false hope. Get a business plan together. Even if I ultimately don’t sell, your work won’t be for nothing. Maybe this is what you need. I have a feeling you want more control, and that’s why so many details are being ignored around here. Maybe you resent the fact that I make the rules. Or maybe I’m way off base. I don’t know. I do know things change, and we have to change with them.” Lexi stood, yawning. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a burrito platter.”
After locking up and picking up takeout from her favorite Mexican restaurant, she admired the city’s glittering Christmas lights on her way home to her condo. She’d long loved Denver, but her life here had become all work all the time. She climbed the steps to the front door, turned on the lights, changed into sweats and switched the television on to enjoy her burrito with a Christmas movie.
Thirty minutes later the half-eaten food had been pushed aside, and she turned off the television. There wasn’t anything good on, and a restlessness had been building inside her ever since she talked with Natalie.
How could she have gone from living her dream to ready to sell her company in a few short months? What happened?
Clint Romine. He’s what had happened.
And worse, she was ready to move back home and live on the ranch when it was too late to spend time with her father. Why couldn’t she have gotten this urge last year, when it would have mattered and she could have enjoyed being with her dad?
If he were here now, what would she say to him? Well, Daddy, it’s like this. There’s a super-cute cowboy, and he took over the ranch for me. He’s reliable, and I trust him, and I like being with him, although I’m pretty sure I drive him nuts sometimes. He’s quiet. Gets things done. And he kissed me. It was a good kiss. I can’t stop thinking about it.
And what could her father possibly say in response? What about the business you sacrificed so much time and money for? I’d hate to see you throw it all away for a guy, especially a cowboy. Didn’t I warn you about them? He’ll only break your heart, Lexi.
Oh, what do you know, Daddy? I’m in love!
She yanked a throw off the edge of the couch and spread it over her lap. Fantastic. She was having imaginary conversations with her deceased father where she sounded like a silly teenager. And she was arguing with him, no less. Inhaling a long breath, she counted to four then exhaled.
Her brain was useless. What she needed was divine guidance.
Lord, thank You for opening my eyes to the reality of Weddings by Alexandra. I want to be sad my heart isn’t here in Denver anymore and the company You blessed me with doesn’t jolt me out of bed with excitement the way it used to. I know changes are coming—and they’re needed. But I don’t know if I should start fresh in Wyoming with a new wedding planning business and a possible future with Clint, or if I should move back here and make hard choices about my current staff.
Lexi opened the Bible app on her phone and scrolled through the topics before stopping on one. She read Philippians chapter two, about being united in Christ. Instead of continuing on, she circled back to verses three and four of the second chapter. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
She burrowed under the throw. Selfish ambition described her. She could have made the time to spend a weekend hiking in Yellowstone with her dad. No wonder he hadn’t told her about the cancer. She’d put her job above him for years.
Lord, forgive me for my selfishness. Help me change. Help me be the person You want me to be.
A few months ago, she’d believed she was exactly where she was supposed to be. And now? So many options. Sell the business. Open a new one. Stay here. And do what with the ranch?
Too much to think about right now. What would be best for Clint? For Natalie? For her other employees, like Jolene? Logan? Ugh.
Her lawyer had agreed to a meeting tomorrow morning, even though it was Saturday. Maybe she’d get some answers then. Risking it all had never been her strong suit.
Chapter Twelve
As dusk fell Monday evening, Clint finished his rounds and headed back to the office to lock up. Jake hadn’t shown up for work on Saturday or Sunday, and he and Logan figured they’d seen the last of him. And after watching Lexi’s car drive up to the main house an hour ago, Clint hoped Jake was the one who’d left the bottle. He didn’t like having an unknown threat around the ranch, and he really hadn’t liked the way his heart had somersaulted when he’d seen Lexi’s car.
Just get through Christmas Eve with her. She’s probably moving back to Denver, anyway. Then you can concentrate on the ranch without all these distractions.
Like her pretty eyes, her laugh, her kindness. Her soft hair, the feel of her slim waist in his hands, the way her lips tasted as sweet as syrup. Man, he missed her.
He took his gloves off and slapped them against his thigh, yanked open the office door and stopped in his tracks.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
Jake stood over the file cabinet with the petty cash box in his hands and guilt etched into his face. Even if the kid didn’t reek of hard liquor, the way he swayed and his bloodshot eyes left no uncertainty he was drunk.
“Just filing some papers, boss.” He tried to discreetly drop the petty cash back into the cabinet, but it fell with a thud.
“You’re fired.”
“What?” He slammed the drawer shut. “Why?”
Fury shot through Clint’s veins, but he’d been practicing keeping his temper in check since he was four years old.
“You’re drunk. And you’re stealing.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Call someone to pick you up, or I’ll find you a ride in a squad car.”
Jake stumbled toward him, getting in his face. “What’s your problem, man? I’m not botherin’ you.”
Clint stood his ground, staring Jake right in the eye. “I know you used illegal drugs and were drinking during work hours. You’re only, what, eighteen? You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. Don’t throw it away on this garbage.”
“It’s not work hours now.”
“Then you have no reason to be here.”
Jake glared, swaying, then pulled his fist back, but Clint caught it, twisting the kid’s arm under him. “That’s it. I’m calling the cops.”
“No! I’ll leave. I’ll drive away right now.”
“You’re not driving, dummy. I can’t have you kill anyone out there. You’ve put enough people in danger.” He let go of his arm. “Here, call your friend.” He held out his phone, but Jake chopped down on his arm, sending the phone crashing to the floor, and took off.
“Hey, get back here!” Clint ran after him, but the kid was fast. He chased him past the barns to the parking lot, but Jake didn’t turn. He ran toward the main house.
Lexi!
Clint dug deep and channeled every ounce of energy he had, surging forward and tackling Jake. He hauled him to his feet and dragged him by the arm back toward the office. Jake kicked at him and tried to escape, but Clint kept an iron grip on his arm and didn’t slow down.
Logan ran toward them as they passed the stables. “What’s going on?”
“Call the police. Then join us in the office.”
Logan looked taken aback, but he nodded.
Clint shoved Jake into the office chair and blocked his path. His thoughts couldn’t keep up with the pounding of his heart.
“Aw, let me go, man. I’ll leave. Never come back. Don’t get the cops involved. Please!”
He wouldn’t feel sorry for him—didn’t feel sorry for him. This was for the safety of Rock Step Ranch. And Jake had it coming.
“Hey, I tried to let you go easy. You haven’t shown up for work. You come here and use the Harringtons’ property as if it was your own personal seedy playground. Why are you messing around with this junk?”
Jake sniffled. “My grandma died a few months ago—”
“And you’re honoring her memory by drinking, drugging and stealing? You’ll have to come up with something better than that.”
He wiped his nose with the back of his hand. “You’re heartless.”
“I know I am.”
“You never liked me. You don’t know what I’m going through.”
Clint crossed his arms over his chest, his legs wide. “Save the sob story for someone else. I’m your boss. And if I don’t make sure you’re punished, I’m afraid you won’t learn your lesson. You’ll hire in at the next ranch and abuse their trust. Keep on with your drinking. Steal to support your habit. And maybe no one will be around to stop you next time, and you’ll really hurt someone. You want that on your conscience? I don’t want it on yours or mine. When you break the rules, there are consequences. And you broke them. Big-time.”
“I won’t do it again, I promise.”
“Why don’t I believe you?”
“I want to talk to Lexi.” The slurring returned. “Let her hear my side of the story.”
At hearing her name on Jake’s lips, Clint balled his hands into fists but kept them down by his sides. “No,” he said through clenched teeth.
“Says who? You ain’t my boss anymore. Just said so yourself.”
Clint flexed his hands and tried to control the anger pulsing through his veins. “If you ever get within a hundred yards of her, I’ll rope you like a spring calf and drag you up and down this property for fun. Got it?”
Jake’s face turned a greenish hue.
Clint bent to look him in the eye. “Do. You. Understand?”
His Adam’s apple worked as he nodded. “Yes.”
“Yes, what?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good.”
They sat in silence for several minutes until Logan and two officers entered the office. Clint answered their questions, and ten minutes later, one of the officers led a handcuffed Jake away.
“You pressing charges?” the other officer asked. “He doesn’t have any priors, but he sure had plenty of excuses for tonight. Makes me wonder how many times he’s sweet-talked his way out of trouble.”
“I’ll have to talk to my boss first.” Clint followed him back to the squad car. “It’s her call.”
“Well, let’s hope this experience scares him into getting his act together.” They shook hands, and moments later, the police car was on its way off the ranch.
As much as he dreaded this, Clint had to tell Lexi what was going on, and it couldn’t wait. He felt like
such a fool. His gut had been telling him Jake was a problem, but he’d ignored it and look what had happened. Lexi could have been hurt. Robbed. Worse.
He put his hands on top of his head and looked up at the stars starting to light the sky. His inaction was unacceptable. Last time, his bad judgment had only hurt him. This time, it could have hurt Lexi.
God, forgive me.
* * *
She was doing this! Really doing it! Lexi finished unpacking her suitcase, took her earbuds out and headed back downstairs for a cup of tea and a muffin. She’d stopped in at her favorite bakery in Denver before driving back today. The weekend had given her so much clarity. The meeting with the lawyer had revealed more than what would be involved with selling her business; it had shown her what she truly wanted.
Clint made her feel important, special. He anticipated her needs, cared about her safety and looked at her like she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Sure, he hadn’t swept her off her feet or even told her how he felt about her, but that was understandable given his upbringing. If she told him she loved him, he’d then feel safe enough to share his feelings.
She opened the bakery box. Triple chocolate chunk, poppy seed or white-chocolate raspberry? Triple chocolate always won. A knock on the door startled her. Taking a bite of muffin, she hurried to the door.
Clint stood before her, throbbing with pent-up energy and looking disheveled. “Sorry to bother you right now.”
“What happened?” She dragged him inside. “You look upset.”
He took his hat off and stood there with his jaw clenching in and out.
“Come back to the living room where it’s warm.” Her nerves began ratcheting. What was going on? She didn’t even know where to start guessing. “Sit.”
He obliged by lowering his body into the chair, and she sat on the couch. “It’s Jake. I...” He raked his fingers through his hair. “I had to fire him. The police were involved.”
“Oh, my!” She set the muffin down. “Tell me everything.”
Clint explained about finding the empty liquor bottle in the stall and his suspicions about Jake. Then he told her about their encounter tonight. “Initially, I planned on firing him and letting him go, but when he ran to your house, I had Logan call the cops. Your safety is too important. I told the officers it was up to you if you wanted to press charges.”
