Summer in Snow Valley (Snow Valley Romance Anthologies Book 2)

by Cindy Roland Anderson

  “Because this town totally has it going on,” Becca said facetiously.

  “It does have its charms,” Wade said, smiling at her. Becca blushed, wishing she wasn’t so easily taken in by Wade Kinsella’s charms. But the man was likeable and she could see that everyone was drawn to him.

  “Sometimes,” Wade mused. “I wonder why Rayna lives here and not in some totally posh Victorian in San Francisco leading rallies against war and child abuse.”

  “I think she used to. When her marriage only lasted a month. She said she loved the boy, but they were much too young and stupid.”

  Wade nodded, concurring with the facts Aunt Rayna had also confided in him.

  “My aunt always said she was glad she hadn’t gotten pregnant. It was much easier to annul the marriage and move on.”

  “She’d be a great mom though, don’t you think?”

  Becca was surprised at how serious the conversation was going. “She’s an awesome aunt. But she’s too old to have kids now.”

  It was Wade’s turn to widen his gorgeous blues. “She’s still got time. Don’t put her in the grave yet.”

  Becca bit her lips, feeling embarrassed. “I didn’t realize you guys were such good friends.”

  “Only when I’m in town. And since I’ll be here the next few weeks I think you and me should pull off a party for her.”

  “Absolutely. I’d love to plan it with you. In fact, I was going to shop for some birthday decorations and things tomorrow if I could get away for a few hours in her car. And hit the Street Fair Bake Sale to look for a cake decorator.”

  Hint, hint. You could go with me, you gorgeous man. Becca tried not to laugh at her thoughts. Maybe before she fell for him completely she should find out if he had a girlfriend. The thought made her throat gag. No, he acted much too single.

  “I’d love to help with the party.”

  Tingles rushed up her neck. “So I was thinking we could do meatballs and cheese platters. Maybe ham and turkey with fancy French rolls. A fruit bowl, some veggies—” Becca stopped, embarrassed. “Sorry to go on and on.”

  “I can tell you’re familiar with what we need.”

  “The B&B taught me that, I guess. It’s awfully kind of you, um, Wade. And it would help with the expense, I’m embarrassed to say. I don’t exactly make much money all school year or summer.”

  “Where should we do it?” he asked now.

  “Right here at the B&B is easiest. We could get her out of the house on some sort of excuse while guests arrive and we haul in the food.”

  “I hope the forest fire is done by then so we can party all night long.”

  “It will. My positive thoughts will make it happen.” I hope you want to party with me, Becca thought selfishly. After they finished celebrating Aunt Rayna, of course.

  “I love your attitude, Becca. Tomorrow we’ll reconvene as co-conspirators after we do our solo shopping.”

  Becca practically swooned at the sound of that.

  “Have a great day, Miss Becca. But no root beer float Truth or Dare shenanigans.”

  “Aye, aye, Captain Wade.”

  He tipped his hat, smiled down at her with his full-on charming self, and then strode out the doors to the lawn.

  Becca watched his broad shoulders and lean torso climb into the red fire truck, appreciating the fine specimen he was.

  “What were you and Wade whispering about?” Aunt Rayna said, coming up behind her.

  Becca whirled. “Nothing. We weren’t whispering at all.”

  Her aunt lifted an eyebrow and gave her a lopsided smile. “I know secret plans in the making. I wasn’t born yesterday.”

  “Secret plans?” Becca feigned innocence.

  “How was your date with Pete?” Aunt Rayna asked, changing the subject. “Did Wade chase him off?”

  Becca shook her head. “The concert was great. I remember those musicians back when I came here during high school. They’re really good.”

  “I hope they get a chance to cut an album. Every citizen of Snow Valley should buy one.”

  “The state of Montana.”

  “The country.”

  “The world.”

  “You win.”

  “What’s my prize?”

  “Serving breakfast to a dozen hot firefighters. And I mean that both literally and figuratively.”

  “You are bad, Aunt Rayna!”

  “I can still appreciate a good-looking man. Golly, girl, I’m only thirty-nine.”

  “It’s just weird to hear you talk like that because you’re my aunt. And when I was ten and you were twenty-eight you were the coolest aunt in the world.”

  Rayna posed in a feigned pout and pulled out her purple locks from her head. “Have I lost that rank already?”

  Becca giggled. “Of course not. I’m sorry.” She kissed her aunt’s cheek.

  Rayna gave her the typical lopsided grin. “Now let’s feed some folks.”

  During breakfast Becca tried to be solicitous to Mr. and Mrs. Cook who were complaining about the lack of structure and firm plans during their family reunion, which was being held at their son’s ranch. Kids ran wild, the grown-ups just sat around talking, and they were missing so many of the Snow Valley celebrations. The Founders Day Festival was not to be missed.

  Becca nodded in sympathy with Mrs. Cook and poured more coffee.

  Cameron Elliott was still asleep after a late dress rehearsal—tonight was the big Miss Snow Valley Pageant. The whole town would be there cheering on their girls. She’d have to be sure and wish Cameron luck. She’d been acting super nervous the past couple of days.

  Mr. Grantham had gotten his car fixed and had checked out.

  The newlyweds . . . well, nobody ever knew where they actually were at any given moment. They’d come in and sneak right upstairs. Not come down until they’d missed breakfast. Becca kept her thoughts to herself on that front.

  An entire family, complete with three kids, was coming in from California by the weekend to spend the week of the 4th here. Next week was the rodeos, fireworks, and hot air balloon rides.

  Snow Valley really was a cool, little town. A great place to raise a family.

  Becca gave a small snort, shaking her head. Stop thinking about kids and focus on getting a date with Wade. Or bury yourself in writing your romance novel! Yeah, she needed to get on that.

  “What are you laughing about?” A male voice said behind her shoulder.

  Becca turned with a start. It was Nick, turning his cowboy hat in his hands. “You shouldn’t sneak up on a person!”

  “Laughing by yourself is a sign of insanity, you know.”

  “Oh, you!” She threw a dish towel at him. “Go get yourself a plate of breakfast, Mister.”

  “I think I’ve caught you laughing by yourself at your inner jokes and stories since you were fourteen,” Nick went on, picking up a hot biscuit, slicing it open so steam rose. He proceeded to slather it with butter and jam.

  “The way you fix that biscuit is making my mouth water.”

  “I’ll make you one.” Nick quickly broke apart another one, slathered it, and handed it to her.

  “A masterpiece,” she said, sinking her teeth into it. “Wow, make a second. Now. I didn’t realize I was starving.”

  “I imagine cooking is hard work.” Nick said in his quiet, sure way. But his eyes twinkled. He was teasing her.

  “Much harder than cleaning out horse stalls and bailing hay.” A shiver ran through Becca. She might be flirting just a little. Nick Walton made the third guy she’d flirted with in twelve hours.

  She was turning into a little tease.

  Maybe it wasn’t so hard after all.

  Since Wade and Pete were both gone to the fire again, Becca took a chance and hoped Nick wasn’t annoyed with her. She’d been sort of avoiding him.

  “Hey, you want to brave the wilds of Snow Valley and help me shop for Aunt Rayna? She’s going to be forty,” Becca added in a stage whisper.

  Aunt R
ayna suddenly stood in the doorway, her hand on her hip. “I heard that, young lady!”

  Nick’s laugh was loud and genuine. Something the thoughtful quiet boy she’d known for almost ten years didn’t often do. He had a great laugh. Deep and masculine. Becca determined that she’d have to write his laugh into her next chapter.

  “Let me get ready real quick,” Becca told Nick. “Would you drive me downtown? Then I don’t need to use Aunt Rayna’s car.”

  “I actually brought over the horses in the trailer. I understand a Mr. and Mrs. Kingston want to go horseback riding.”

  “You mean the newlyweds left their lair and emerged from the Hidden Lily Room?”

  “Now, now, Becca,” Aunt Rayna chided. “The young-uns just ate breakfast in the living room. Gets a little rowdy out here with all the fire-fighting hooligans. You two take my car. I don’t need it, especially if you pick up a few things for me.”

  “Thanks, Auntie R. Just give me your list and we’ll be back by lunchtime.”

  “How about if I unhitch the horses, get them ready for the Kingston’s, and meet you outside in thirty minutes?”

  “Perfect. That gives me time for a shower. Hope I haven’t been offending anyone out here,” Becca said in a self-deprecating tone.

  “Don’t think that’s even possible, Becca Dash.” Nick grinned at her and headed for the backyard, squashing his cowboy hat back on his head.

  Chapter 9

  “It isn't what we say or think that defines us, but what we do.”

  —Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility

  Morning on Main Street in Snow Valley was gorgeous. Perfect weather.

  Nick fell into step beside Becca after they parked Aunt Rayna’s sedan. A festive, holiday mood permeated the air. So many vendors, and the crowd was growing bigger every day with each new event.

  “Are you nervous about leaving the Kingstons with the horses? Do they even have a clue how to ride?”

  Nick nodded. “Turns out Sam grew up with horses. They’ll be fine. I gave them a map of the riding trails close by the B&B and made sure they took their cell phone. We’re only fifteen minutes away if they have any trouble. I can pretend I’m John Wayne and ride out to rescue them.”

  He looked down at her with amusement.

  “Don’t laugh at me,” Beca said, bumping her shoulder into his arm. She didn’t remember Nick being so tall. “Hey, you grew the past two years.”

  “Yeah, a little. Or did you shrink?”

  “Not fair. I’m not that short.”

  “I’m not that tall. Perfect number of inches between us.”

  He was flirting, she was sure of it. Nick had never flirted with her. They’d been buddies for too long. Was he going to hold her hand? Is that what he was inferring? The perfect height for holding hands, an arm around her shoulder . . . was that what he was wanting? Yikes.

  Becca changed the subject. “So . . . seen any good movies lately?”

  “We haven’t sunk that low yet, have we?” A slightly hurt tone colored Nick’s words. “I know it’s been two years since we’ve seen each other, but it’s almost like we gotta start over, huh?”

  “Yeah, weird. Sorry to drag you out on errands. I’m sure there are tons of other things you’d rather be doing. The Demolition Derby, the softball tournament, horseshoe demos with an anvil and hot metal?”

  “Now you’re being silly,” Nick said, but affection laced his words as he glanced down at her and smiled. “I’ll take you anywhere you want to go. Within reason, of course. No old-time saloons in this town.”

  “I wonder if there ever were way back in the 1870s.”

  Snow Valley was in full festival force. Booths and demos had sprung up all over Main Street and the park, the smell of barbecue punctuating the air.

  “I know I just had breakfast, but gosh that smells good,” Becca said, breathing in the delicious aroma. “Someone made homemade rolls and brownies, I’m sure of it. Okay, we’re hitting the baked goods section after we eat BBQ.” She put on a straw hat against the deep blue sky. The morning sun felt good on her back.

  “Your wish is my command, m’lady.”

  “Hmm. I think that might be medieval England. Get in your cowboy groove, boy. Lasso me a watermelon or something.”

  “Yes, ma’am. Let’s get the list done and eat an early lunch.” His green eyes were tender as he took Becca’s arm to maneuver her through a congested area of the stalls. Someone was in a small, grassy area under a tent telling Old West stories. She could hear the rumble of a voice and children laughing.

  The baked goods section was first. Every sort of item made with flour, sugar and butter met Becca’s eyes. Breads, brownies, cakes, cookies, tarts, rolls. “I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

  Nick did some taste-test sampling while Becca talked to the professional bakers about a cake for Aunt Rayna’s birthday. She finally settled on one, a price, and made the order. The rest of the food for the party she’d have to purchase and pick up the night before so it wouldn’t spoil. She’d been wondering where she would hide it so her aunt didn’t stumble across it accidentally. And their freezer and fridge were always packed with food for the guest house. Maybe she could use Nick’s mother’s freezer.

  “Here,” Nick said, breaking off a piece of a snickerdoodle cookie and shoving it into her mouth. “Good, huh?”

  “Oh, yum. That is divine. But you’re spoiling my lunch.”

  “You can have the rest later.” Nick held out an arm. “Let’s mosey on over to the lunch tables.”

  Becca slipped her hand through his arm. A gentlemanly move so like Nick. Not as personal as holding hands with Pete. She appreciated it. If there were ever a boy that would seem closest to kissing a brother, that boy was Nick. She was comfortable with him and their ease together after two years was returning. She could count on him to always be a good friend.

  Becca’s stomach was growling by the time they bought their lunch boxes of barbecue ribs, pork n beans, soft roll, and cookie—this time a giant chocolate chip that was still warm and gooey.

  “If I keep eating like this I’ll end up rolling out of here by the end of the summer. And here I was thinking I’d bid on a bachelor at the Auction next week.”

  “Seriously?” Nick asked as they settled on the picnic table.

  “You should sign up. It’s a fund-raiser for the park—to get play equipment for the kids, isn’t it? All for a good cause, you know, Nick.”

  He gave a laugh and shook his head. “You drive a hard bargain, missy.”

  “Maybe you’ll find Miss Right. Or Mrs. Right as the case may be. Sort of a blind date because you never know who will win the bidding.”

  “I think I know all the girls around here already.”

  “And dated them all?”

  “Well, I’ll plead the fifth on that.”

  Becca punched him lightly on the arm. “What secrets are you keeping from me, Nick Walton?”

  “I’m an open book, Rebecca Dash. I’m sure you know everything about me by now.”

  “Hardly. We don’t even email each other during the school year.”

  He nodded thoughtfully, chewing on his last rib and wiping at his greasy hands. “Maybe that was a mistake. Then we wouldn’t have felt so strange the last several days.”

  “I’m glad we had this time together. Thanks for coming and putting up with girl shopping.”

  “It’s not a hardship when there’s food involved,” Nick teased. “Plus, it’s for a good cause—Miss Rayna. She’s always been so generous with me.”

  “Me, too. Summers here have always been a respite. But now, after two years away and my internship, being here just makes me more confused about what I want to do with my life. I love the B&B as much as Aunt Rayna.”

  “I’m sure you do.” Nick’s eyes locked onto her face, but then he quickly looked away.

  “I’m not going to get maudlin and sentimental. Or drag you into my problems.” Becca stood up, crumpling the trash from lunc
h.

  Nick was quiet, gazing at her thoughtfully, but he didn’t ask her anything else. “Hey, we could do the Ferris Wheel for old time’s sake?” he suggested.

  “Deal. Best part of summer in Snow Valley. To friendship,” Becca said. “Shake on it?”

  “Sure,” Nick said, but there was a flicker in his eye that Becca couldn’t read. Maybe she was really being annoying. Maybe he thought she was being secretive. Taking advantage of his friendship.

  Maybe he had a girlfriend. That hadn’t even occurred to her! What if he acted awkward at times because of that? Now Becca wondered if it was a Snow Valley girl or someone from somewhere else completely.

  “Hey, um, Nick,” she said slowly. “If you have stuff to do, or other people you need to see . . . we could, um, call it a day.”

  He looked confused. “Why would you say that?”

  “I—I—” Becca tried to explain without coming right out and asking him about his personal life.

  “You just shook on our friendship and now you want to get rid of me?”

  “I didn’t mean it like that at all.”

  This conversation was going exactly the wrong direction. What had just happened?

  “We’ve known each other too long not to be honest, Becca,” Nick said now. “I’ll take you home now. Thanks for lunch.”

  “But what about the Ferris Wheel ride? You know I love that.”

  “How about a rain check?”

  The ride in the car back to Starry Skies B&B was mostly silent, so very odd and awkward. Becca had never been so self-conscious with Nick in all the time she’d known him.

  “Thanks again for taking me, Nick,” she said when they parked in the driveway at the B&B.

  “No problem.” He helped her out of the passenger side and then trudged up the slope to the front door.

  “No fire trucks,” Becca said conversationally, trying to lighten the mood.

  “Heard you went out with one of those firemen guys,” Nick said.

  Becca’s jaw dropped. “Where’d you hear that?”

  “When I came into the yard this morning. Heard your name.”