She could tell the townsfolk were more curious than anything, but she knew Victoria was somewhere in the chapel and more than likely didn’t feel curious—only hurt.
Pastor John finished up the patriotic message, and announced the potluck would began immediately. He invited everyone to attend whether or not they’d brought a dish to share.
Jace placed his palm against Caytie’s lower back once they exited the pew and made their way toward the doors. Several people said hello, and Jace introduced her as George’s niece, however, the speculative gleam in their eyes let her know they saw her more as Jace’s girlfriend. Despite her misgivings, she liked that idea.
Pastor John stood just outside the door, greeting his parishioners. “Jace, who is this lovely girl you brought with you today?” the man asked, shaking Jace’s hand.
“This is George’s niece, Caytie Holbrook.” Jace stepped to the side so Caytie stood next to him. “Caytie, this is Pastor John.”
“Hello, Caytie,” the pastor said, giving her hand a firm handshake. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
“Thank you. I enjoyed your message today. It was very inspiring.”
“Wonderful! My wife always tells me I do a good job but then I think she’s a little biased.” He looked at Jace and then winked at Caytie. “I hope you both are coming to the potluck.”
“We wouldn’t miss it,” Jace said, taking her hand.
As she and Jace descended the stairs, Caytie could hear the pastor greet Kellen. She was happy to hear Kellen tell the preacher all about his upcoming appointment. The rest of the conversation was lost when a little boy came out of nowhere to hug Jace from behind.
“Whoa, sport,” Jace said, letting go of Caytie’s hand so they both didn’t topple down the last step. “It looks like you’re feeling better.”
Caytie knew the little boy had to be Kyden. Her suspicion was confirmed a second later when Victoria Pearson followed her son down the stairs.
“Ky, be careful.” Victoria’s eye briefly flickered to Caytie before she zeroed in on Jace. “You almost knocked Jace down.”
The slight by Victoria stung a little, but Caytie couldn’t help feeling sorry for the woman so she chose to stand back and observe. Jace was really cute with Kyden. Someday he’d make a wonderful father.
Her stomach tightened when Victoria placed a hand on Jace’s arm and rose on her toes to whisper something in his ear. Jace nodded his head, then looked around until he spotted Caytie. He smiled and moved toward her. Kyden held onto his hand and came over with him.
“Hey,” Jace said. “They’ve got a father-son game of catch going on, and Kyden wants me to be his partner.”
“It’s with water balloons,” Kyden said bouncing up and down with excitement.
Jace grinned. “Do you want to come and watch?”
Caytie could feel Victoria’s piercing gaze, and knew the woman didn’t want her to say yes.
“Please,” Jace said. “I promise we’ll get something to eat as soon as the game’s over.”
“Yeah,” Kyden said. “My mom brought her cinnamon rolls. They’re the best, right, Jace?”
“Yep.” Jace tousled the little boy’s hair.
If Caytie didn’t know better, she would’ve thought the little boy’s words were scripted. In fact this whole scene seemed scripted, and Caytie wasn’t supposed to have a part.
Without meeting Victoria’s gaze, Caytie forced her lips into a smile. “Sounds good. Let’s go.”
They all walked together. Jace and Kyden were in the middle with Caytie and Victoria on either side. Kyden kept a running commentary about the game, and strategized with Jace about how to beat everyone else. Victoria made a few motherly comments about being a good sport. Caytie kept quiet. Her sort of boyfriend was going to participate in a father-son activity with his sort of ex-girlfriend’s son. It was a lot to take in.
When they arrived at the designated area, Kyden pulled Jace onto the grassy area, leaving Caytie alone with Victoria.
More father-son duo’s joined the group, including Gabe and his son. Caytie felt more and more out of place. Maybe she should just go and find her uncle and Kellen. Ilene was in charge of the dessert table, and she guessed the men would be there.
Caytie caught the exotic scent of Victoria’s perfume as she moved next to her. “Kyden adores Jace.” She glanced over at Caytie. “Actually, he loves Jace.”
Victoria’s eyes silently proclaimed she loved Jace too, and that Caytie was in the way.
A whistle blew, and Victoria tore her gaze away to watch her son take his place next to Jace. While an older gentleman went over the rules, several other women started handing out the water balloons to the men.
Caytie wasn’t sure what to think. It looked like Victoria was staking her claim. Everything inside her was screaming for her to stake her claim too. But for how long? Caytie’s plans didn’t include falling in love with a cowboy and living on a ranch in Snow Valley, Montana.
She watched Jace kneel down to give Kyden some last minute instructions, and knew her heart didn’t care what her plans were. She was falling in love with Jace.
The game started, and pretty soon most everyone was eliminated. Jace and Kyden remained in the game, along with Gabe and his son and two other father-son pairs. Victoria cheered for her team, ignoring Caytie.
The next toss Gabe caught, but the balloon burst, soaking the front of his shirt. Another team was eliminated with the next toss, leaving only two teams, one of which was Jace and Kyden.
Caytie found herself cheering them on. She held her breath as Kyden made a throw that arched high. Jace lifted his hands, and caught the balloon. Seconds later it exploded in his face.
The other team was declared the winners, with Jace and Kyden claiming second place. While they waited to be awarded their ribbons, Victoria turned to Caytie and studied her with questioning eyes.
“They did great, didn’t they?” Caytie said.
Instead of agreeing, Victoria asked, “How long are you staying in Snow Valley?”
The question caught Caytie off guard. “Excuse me?”
“I did some research on you, Caytie, or should I call you Catherine?”
A sick feeling twisted Caytie’s stomach. “And what did you find?”
“That you’re some wealthy spoiled girl from Beverly Hills.”
Caytie swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. The stereotype insult didn’t garner a response, not that her racing brain could come up with a good one, anyway. What if Edward had posted something about her missing on the Internet?
Victoria leaned in close. “You’re a fashion design major, and graduated top in your class. I seriously doubt you plan to stick around here for very long.”
When Victoria didn’t mention Edward or her father, Caytie’s fears eased a little. “I don’t think how long I stay is any of your business.”
Anger and fear flashed in Victoria’s eyes. “That’s where you’re wrong. You coming here messed up everything with Jace. We had a date for Saturday night but then you came along and made Jace change his plans.”
Had Jace really asked her on a date? “I didn’t make Jace do anything.”
“Please…” Victoria’s voice cracked. “…Jace is all I’ve ever wanted, and he’ll make Kyden an incredible father.” Her lower lip trembled. “If this is just a summer fling, and you aren’t staying here then do the right thing and let Jace go.”
Caytie didn’t have time to make a rebuttal. Kyden came running toward them. “Mom, we got a ribbon for second place! Did you see? Did you see?”
Victoria’s face softened and she turned toward her son. “Of course I saw you.” She crouched down. “Now let me see that ribbon.”
Taking a few steps backward, Caytie scanned the area looking for Jace. She felt the sting of tears, and her throat felt tight. She finally spotted him laughing and talking with his friend Gabe. Her eyes moved across the crowd, and it seemed everyone knew someone. She felt like an outcast, and wanted to go h
ome where she could cry without an audience.
Her gaze returned to Jace. Before she could make her escape, his head turned toward her and their eyes locked. Even from this distance she felt the magnetic pull of attraction. From the intense look in his eyes, she knew he felt it too.
Gabe tapped Jace on the arm, and the spell broke. Jace glanced at his friend, said something that made Gabe laugh and then waved goodbye. The tightness in Caytie’s throat loosened as Jace moved toward her. His eyes remained fixed on her, not once straying to her right where Victoria and her son stood talking with an elderly couple.
Caytie slipped past them and met Jace halfway. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks.” He grinned and took her hand. “I really thought we’d won until I got a face full of water.”
Without thinking, she lifted her other hand and smoothed back a few wet strands of hair from his forehead. “Second place is great, and at least you didn’t have your favorite cowboy hat on.”
“True.” The color of his eyes deepened, and he tugged her closer. “But I think a kiss would make up for not taking first.”
“Right here?” Caytie said, thinking of Victoria’s desperate plea just minutes before. While Victoria’s words had been cruel, especially the part about her being a spoiled rich girl, kissing Jace now would be mean.
Jace grinned wickedly. “No, I kind of had a more private place in mind.”
Caytie narrowed her eyes. “You better not be talking about one of your old make-out hangouts.”
He laughed. “No, it’s actually one of Kellen’s. I was too busy on the ranch and with school to be making out with girls.”
At that moment Caytie knew she’d fallen in love with Jace McAllister. He wasn’t some player who used women for whatever he could get out of them. Most men would’ve taken advantage of Victoria’s feelings, and gotten what they could until something better came along. But Jace wasn’t that kind of a guy.
Leaning forward, she pressed a kiss to his cheek, and whispered, “I’m in.” Then she gave him a quick hug. “But right now I’m starving and you promised me food.”
“Yes, I did,” he said, taking her hand. “What sounds good?”
They started walking as Jace named a few of his favorite dishes from past church socials.
Victoria stood watching them, a bright smile on her face. “Jace,” she said stepping in front of them. “Thank you for playing with Kyden. It means everything to him. Sometimes he feels left out…not having a father, and, well, he felt special today, so thank you.”
While Victoria appeared cheerful and put together, Caytie heard the note of desperation in her voice, and realized something. Victoria probably did love Jace, but Caytie believed it wasn’t because she wanted to be his wife. She loved her son more than anything, and giving him a father like Jace would be the best gift she could give the little boy.
“Ky’s a great kid, Victoria. I’m glad I could do it,” Jace said.
Victoria’s eyes flickered over to Caytie. “I’m sure our little town is nothing like Beverly Hills, is it?”
“No,” Caytie said. “They are different, but I’m finding I like it here.”
It was the truth. Caytie was beginning to see how shallow her life had been back in California. Yes, she missed the fabulous boutiques, and lunching at divine restaurants, but that was it. She had no real friends she missed, and she certainly didn’t miss her father or Edward.
“I’m glad.” Victoria took a step backward. “Well, you two have fun, and I’ll see you around.”
“I was worried about her reaction at seeing us together,” Jace said, once Victoria was out of earshot. “But she seems to be okay.”
Caytie looked up at him, tempted to tell him about the conversation she’d had with Victoria earlier. Her stomach churned, and it wasn’t because she was hungry. What would be the point of telling him? He would just feel guilty, and Victoria would likely be mortified if she ever found out Jace knew what she’d said.
“Victoria’s a good mother, isn’t she?” Caytie said as they wound through the crowd to find something to eat.
“Yeah, she is.” He glanced over at her. “Thanks for being a good sport about everything. I came to a few of these picnics before I moved to the GH and I know what it feels like not to have a dad.”
Caytie’s feelings of love and respect grew for Jace even more. They might have both had terrible parents, but while she’d had everything money could buy, Jace’s childhood had been even harder because of poverty. Yet, despite his painful past, he still wanted a family.
Maybe, just maybe she could let go of her fears and share Jace’s dream with him.
Chapter 21
After blow-drying her hair, Caytie walked out of the bathroom and immediately spied a white gift box with a pink bow sitting on her bed. Securing the towel wrapped around her body, she glanced around the room to make sure her gift-giver wasn’t lurking in a corner.
After determining she was alone, she sat down on the edge of the bed and picked up the envelope with her name written on it. She lifted the flap and pulled out a folded piece of paper.
Opening the note, she skimmed down to the bottom to look at the signature. A rush of heat flooded her body when she read Jace’s name. After spending nearly every minute of the day with him this past week, she’d discovered that he was incredibly sweet and romantic.
Following the church social, they’d all gone to the park to see some of the Snow Valley Founders Day’s booths. He’d bought her a bouquet of Montana wild flowers from The Flower Girl booth, a local flower shop on Main Street. Then they stayed for a concert in the park. On one of the slower songs, Jace had pulled Caytie to her feet, and danced with her under the moonlight. Just thinking about it made her lightheaded. Sighing, she read over the note.
Caytie, thank you for being my date tonight. I’m really counting on you to be the highest bidder for me at the auction. Remember your budget is limitless. Love Jace
She laughed as a giddy feeling tickled her stomach. She could hardly wait until the bachelor auction was over this evening and he would be all hers. His picture and bio had been on several posters to help advertise for the auction tonight, and to give prospective bidders a little preview of the men. Several women, both old and young, had let Jace know they planned on bidding on him.
Removing the lid to the box, Caytie peeled back the tissue paper and felt her breath catch. How had Jace managed to find a dress just like the one in the window display at the boot shop? Her fingers brushed over the lacy material and she lifted the dress out. Underneath was another note from Jace.
With the help of Mama Ilene and Mabel, hopefully I got the right size. You’ll look beautiful, and I’ll be the luckiest guy in Snow Valley to be with the prettiest girl in the county.
Anxious to put the dress on so she could go and find Jace to give him a proper thank you, which would definitely involve kissing, she quickly put on her underthings. Knowing how much he liked the scent of her lotion, she used a generous amount, making sure to include her neck.
Since she didn’t want to risk getting anything on the off-white material, she did her makeup and then curled her hair with the flat iron. Finally, she slipped on the dress, which fit perfectly. She didn’t look in the mirror until she had on her new cowboy boots.
With her eyes closed, she slowly turned around and faced the mirror. She hoped she looked as pretty as she felt. Her eyes fluttered open and Caytie couldn’t help smiling. Jace had liked her wearing the boots with her jeans to the rodeo last night, but she was going to knock his socks off.
She wished Ilene and her uncle were here to see her, but they hadn’t been home since they’d all gone to the Fourth of July parade this morning. Ilene was heavily involved with all of the festivities and Uncle George was her willing assistant.
Glancing at the clock, she saw she only had a few minutes to spare before they had to leave. The house was quiet as she made her way downstairs. She heard Kellen laugh, and the low timber o
f Jace’s voice coming from the living room. She paused, and took a deep cleansing breath to help slow down her racing heart.
The men went silent when she walked in the room. Then Kellen let out a long wolf whistle. “Now I’m regretting I told grandma I wouldn’t be in the auction. You look beautiful.”
“Thanks.” She glanced at Jace, waiting for him to say something. Her heart practically jumped out of her chest at the look in his eyes. “Thank you, Jace. I love the dress.”
“Wow,” he said, getting to his feet. “You look incredible.” He pulled his keys out of his pocket and handed them to Kellen. “Hey, do me a favor and go start the truck. We’ll be out in a minute.”
“Sure you will,” Kellen said, moving proficiently across the room with his crutches. “I’m giving you five minutes until I start honking the horn.”
Jace slowly closed the distance between them, tossing his favorite hat onto the coffee table. “Whoa, Cowboy,” Caytie teased. “Does the cowboy-hat toss mean I’m about to be kissed?”
“Thoroughly,” he said, hooking an arm around her waist. He nuzzled her nose with his. “You do look beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
Jace did what he’d promised, and thoroughly kissed her until she was breathless, dizzy and might possibly need medical help for heart palpitations.
Kellen also did what he’d promised, ending the spellbinding kiss by laying on the horn incessantly.
“He is so annoying,” Jace said, pulling back.
“Has it really been five minutes?”
Jace grinned. “Time flies when you’re having fun.”
He leaned in to give her another kiss, but stopped when Kellen started honking the horn in a short staccato rhythm.
Caytie laughed at the irritated look on Jace’s face. “We better go.” She reached over and picked up Jace’s hat. “I believe you’re number five on the auction list, and we don’t want to be late.”
Summer in Snow Valley (Snow Valley Romance Anthologies Book 2) Page 15
