“Just speaking the truth. You ready to go?”
“Absolutely.” They walked next to each other all the way to the truck, bumping shoulders a few times. Neither of them gave the gawkers a second glance. She even let Mike open the door for her and give her a hand up. The tingling lasted until they were on the main road.
Chapter Thirteen
Mike was having trouble keeping his eyes on the road. All he really wanted was to watch Savannah. Not only had she kissed him like she meant it, she looked happy and animated, and she’d been talking the whole way back. Mostly about her presentation on Monday, but he didn’t mind.
He noticed her looking expectantly at him, and he remembered she’d asked him about the towns south and west of Blackfoot Falls.
“Everything that you’ve mentioned to me makes sense,” he said as he turned onto the road that led to his place. “I’m sure you’re right that the bigger towns on the way to Glacier National Park are cashing in on the tourists. I do know there are a couple of motels along Highway 93, but they’re nothing special, and I think both of them are motel-gas station hybrids. The only advertising I’ve seen, other than for the park itself, is from Whitefish. They’ve got a number of hotels and, I think, a resort. They’re about twenty-five minutes from Kalispell. But I don’t do much traveling out that way.”
“Visiting Greenville and Munson tomorrow will help me view Blackfoot Falls in context. I can’t see how anyone could argue with bringing in more tourists dollars.”
“Look, I’d love to tell you no one could mistake your plan for anything other than a great opportunity...”
“Yeah. I know. Yesterday was tough, but this morning’s meeting gave me new hope. Seriously, everyone had something to contribute and their questions were savvy. You know, this is the smallest client we’ve ever taken. But if handled correctly, and if Sadie can get the town behind the effort, it could end up being even more successful than I thought initially. Who knows, smaller towns along the way to big vacation destinations could end up a whole new type of client.”
“Well, if anyone can pull it off, I bet it’s you.”
Savannah laughed.
“I mean it. I don’t know many people who would still be so gung ho after dealing with that bunch of idiots yesterday. You could’ve handed Sadie the report, said good luck and got the hell out of Dodge. I know I would have.”
“I doubt that.”
“Oh, yeah, without a second thought. I have no patience for that kind of crap.”
“Huh. Okay. Yet another side to you.” She laid her head back, looking at him and smiling. In the next instant, she straightened. “Do you know if Twin Creeks or the other towns have movie sets, also?”
“I heard the last movie crew built an old ghost town somewhere near Minersville. Sadie might be able to fill you in more. I didn’t pay much attention to the movie folks.”
“Thanks, I’ll ask her. Did you know that 69 percent of all family vacations are road trips and 49 percent of all vacations are to national parks, with 42 percent driving to theme parks?”
“No, I must admit I didn’t, but those seem like significant numbers.”
“They are. Just thinking about that side road you took me on last night to look at the sunset...can you imagine if it was easier to get there in a sedan? Or if there were signs? I wonder how many views like that can be seen between towns.”
Mike decided it was best not to comment. He understood the economic advantages of her plan and how tourism could really help the town, but he liked Blackfoot Falls as it was. Quiet, opinionated, close-knit. Progress was fine with certain limits.
Places like the one he’d taken her to last night should be held sacred.
“You know what? I changed my mind,” Savannah said but didn’t elaborate.
He glanced over at her. “About?”
She was frowning at something in the distance. “I wouldn’t want anyone going to our spot.” Turning sharply to him, her eyes widened. “I didn’t mean our spot. I meant—”
“I agree.” He reached over and squeezed her hand.
A blush had spread across her cheeks. “While I’m on a roll, can I change my mind about something else?”
“Go for it.”
“I was considering taking you up on that whole riding-a-horse deal.” The smile she gave him could’ve melted butter, though she didn’t need to convince him to prolong their day. Twice now, they’d kissed. He’d like to make it a lot more.
“Happy to oblige. But I’m curious...why the change of heart?”
“I’m not sure.” She looked at him with a baffled expression.
He pulled up between the barn and stable and parked. “Did you bring a jacket?”
“Yes.”
“So all we need to do is get you a hat. I think I have just the one that’ll make you feel like a regular cowgirl.”
She opened her door. “Oh, lord. What have I gotten myself into?”
Mike held back a grin. He had an idea or two. But he wisely kept them to himself.
* * *
THE STABLE SEEMED stuffier than it had earlier, the smell of leather more pungent.
“I don’t need cowboy boots?” Savannah asked. She was stalling, although she wasn’t going to back down. Not completely. Frankly, a sudden rainstorm wouldn’t be amiss.
“The ones you’re wearing have the right kind of heel, even if your toes don’t squish together until you want to cry.”
“Careful. You almost left out an important part of the experience.”
“I think your imagination can fill in the blanks. You about ready?”
She pulled the borrowed Stetson down on her head and zipped her jacket up higher. “As I’ll ever be.”
“Good,” he said, steering her toward the already saddled and bridled Penelope.
“First, come up right next to her and take the reins in your left hand. Make sure the right one is a little tighter than the left.”
“How come?”
“It helps prevent the horse from swinging away.”
She needed two tries, but then she nailed it.
“Make sure the leather is facing you, so it’ll lie flat against the horse once you’re on board.”
“Okay.”
“Now grab hold of a tuft of mane with the same hand as the reins.”
“Won’t that hurt her?”
“Nah, she’s a sturdy old girl.” He bent over just enough that his cupped hands bridged right under the stirrup.
After a deep breath, Savannah did as instructed then looked at his hands. “Don’t they make special step stools for this?”
“Maybe, but that’s not usually called for on a working ranch. We climb on horses young.”
“I’m too old for this, aren’t I?”
“Not even a little. Come on. You can do this. She might settle a bit, but you’re so light she probably won’t even feel you up there.”
“You’re such a liar,” she said. It was time for her to just do this damn thing. If anything happened, Mike would save her. She put her foot firmly onto his hands, tugged on the reins the way he’d shown her, flung her right leg over and sat.
Penelope shifted under her, which was an odd feeling, but she wasn’t as frightened as she’d thought she’d be.
“Hell of a job,” he said. “Like a real pro.”
He jumped on Dude’s back with so little effort she shook her head. “A real pro, my behind.”
He laughed. “Ready?”
At her nod, he started walking Dude nice and slow. Penelope followed. The horse’s movement was more something to get used to than to be afraid of. It did stretch her thighs, but she was fit enough that it didn’t pull.
“You doing okay?” Mike asked, staying a couple feet ahead but keeping a careful watch.
Savannah nodded, clutc
hing the reins tightly and listening to the crunch of gravel beneath the horses’ hooves as they headed west.
After a few minutes of silence, Mike slowed until he was at her side. “Am I making you nervous?” he asked.
“No, I want you close.”
“You got it.”
His voice had dipped low, and she was tempted to look over at him, but she was trying to avoid any unnecessary movements.
“What do you think so far?” he asked.
“It’s not terrifying.”
“That’s it?”
“We haven’t gone faster than a meander yet.”
“Do you want to?”
“No.”
His chuckle warmed her more than the jacket. “Whatever you feel comfortable with. Even if Penelope decides to get a move on, you’re still in control. If you don’t like something, tug the reins toward your stomach—but not too hard.”
She tried the maneuver, and Penny only took one step before halting. “Thanks. That helps.”
She gave the horse a nudge, and they came up beside Mike and Dude. It was getting less scary by the second. Mike was so calm, it helped her loosen up.
The sounds on the range were fascinating. Different, not just from the big city but from her memories. The wind whipping the trees she was used to, but the lowing of cows created its own texture and steady rhythm. She hadn’t expected it to be so soothing. She was beginning to understand why people liked trail rides.
“I didn’t even ask where we’re going.” Taking a chance, she looked up and saw that the sky was starting to color. A huge swath of blue sat on the horizon, but the sky above it was turning the clouds a fiery red and above the clouds a very dark orange. “Oh, my God.”
“Yeah.” Mike’s voice was just loud enough to carry.
“You knew this was going to happen?”
“The timing worked out just right. I wasn’t planning on anything in particular.”
“But this is the whole sky,” she said. “Like you talked about last night.”
“I was hoping you’d see this before you had to go back. I bet you remember this from when you were a kid.”
“Were those sunsets this vivid?”
“Not that much dust or pollution between here and the Rockies to dim things.”
“It’s perfect. I wish I had a camera.”
“Don’t you have your cell phone?”
She looked at him briefly before returning her gaze to the sky. “Yes, but I want to remember every second of this and honestly, I don’t think a picture could do it justice.”
He nodded, moving Dude closer to Penelope. “She likes you,” he said.
“I suppose she told you that?”
“No, but she’s got that easy gait that tells me all I need to know.”
“I’m glad. And flattered.”
The more they rode, the more colors erupted around them. It was an extraordinary feeling. The panorama wasn’t one she’d seen from the cabin or the creek. Too many trees. But this... She’d always known Montana was called Big Sky Country, and now she understood. Even seeing the silhouettes of the trees in the distance, the jagged outlines of the mountains, was like being allowed into a sacred place. The peacefulness inside her was different than anything she’d ever felt before.
She didn’t turn her head, but she knew Mike was right there. If she wanted to, she could put out her arm, and he’d be able to clasp her hand. “This is utterly perfect. I’m so glad you convinced me to take a ride.”
“I didn’t do any convincing. You got up there all on your own. I’ve known a lot of people who let fear stop them from riding horses their whole lives. It’s says a lot about you that you took the reins.”
“I don’t tend to think of myself as courageous. Determined, yes, but that’s different. But maybe I play it safe too often. Now that I know what I could be missing, it would’ve been a terrible shame.”
“It would have,” he said, the sudden huskiness in his voice spreading heat to her core and limbs. “Probably shouldn’t miss out on the sunrise either.”
She didn’t have to ask if he meant what she thought he meant. She wasn’t ready for that big a step. Not yet. Although she had the feeling it might have been a night she’d never forget.
Chapter Fourteen
Savannah blinked at her laptop screen. She had more work to do, and though none of it was necessarily required, it would be helpful to Sadie and the rest of the town. And, yes, she was looking to wow them.
Besides, she needed something to keep her from thinking about Mike. And about how her Saturday night could’ve been very different if she’d given him the slightest sign she was interested. Unfortunately, she kind of was. More than kind of. But there was Porter. Maybe she was being too touchy. It wasn’t as if they were in a relationship—in fact, she’d decided a relationship wasn’t going to happen. So there was no reason to feel badly for thinking about Mike.
She’d been so tempted to spend the night. It was far too easy to imagine waking up in his arms then bundling up and going outside to watch the sunrise with him. But she hadn’t, and she kind of regretted it.
No, she’d done the right thing. After all, she was on the clock. Although it had occurred to her that she still had vacation time. She could stay on a few more days.
As she went back to her investigation of the towns around Glacier National Park, she saw a picture of a baby moose, which made her remember Buddy and their wonderful visit. Of course she’d acted like a silly kid, and she understood why those guys had laughed at her but honestly, Mike had been perfect. It helped that he’d seen her in work mode and knew she didn’t make a habit of being childish, but his expression had told her that there was still a lot of kid left in him, as well.
Which didn’t mean he was immature. There were several men she knew who fit into that unattractive category. Porter’s pout came to mind. She’d seen other women react to it, going all goo-goo-eyed and acting a little silly, she knew he’d eaten it up. That would never be her.
A photo of a cabin, completely unlike the one she grew up in, came on-screen. This one was high-end, a ski-in, ski-out hideaway for the very rich and most likely famous. It made her wonder about her family’s old cabin. She’d loved it and hated it while she lived there. The best times were when it was cold outside and she was warm in her bed, covered by her mother’s handmade quilts, the sounds from outside just loud enough to lull her into fantasies instead of fears.
Yes, sometimes it got terrible, when the windows rattled and it felt as if the roof would cave in. When her parents fought.
Then her father had left. She’d been sad and relieved. It was a mixed bag, living in those isolated woods. She hoped that by the time she went back to Denver, the predominant memories would be good ones. There had been so much beauty and so many amazing discoveries.
The phone rang, and she nearly fell off the chair in her eagerness to grab the cell from her nightstand. It turned out to be Sadie.
“I hope I’m not calling too late.”
“It’s only eight thirty.”
“Well, maybe I should’ve waited till morning to give you the bad news.”
Savannah’s heart sank. “What is it?”
“The city council wants more than a written report and asked if you could finish the presentation on Monday.”
Savannah relaxed. “No problem at all. Frankly, I planned on it.”
“Look, it’s got nothing to do with you personally. I know exactly who kicked up a fuss. It’s Thelma. She’s the council member who missed yesterday’s presentation. She gets back tomorrow night. God forbid anything should happen around here without her dipping her fingers into the pot.”
“I promise you I don’t mind.” By Monday, she’d have her research and her whole pitch put together. She knew it wouldn’t impress everyone, but she didn’t
need it to. It would knock the socks off of the business owners—and of the city council, if they had any real interest in their town.
And if it came up, and she was challenged for being a city girl who would never understand how small towns worked, she was going to tell them who she was.
She’d heard the argument a few times now and not just during the presentation. At the market, at the pawnshop. It was as if she’d come from the moon not Denver.
She’d been debating the issue on and off since the mess at the first presentation. But after today, after being with Mike and brainstorming about drawing on the other towns in the area, she decided it would be a plus for the townspeople to know that she knew what she was talking about from experience.
Okay, it would also be a thrill to see the shocked look on all their faces. But that would be a bonus. Nothing more.
* * *
THE MORNING’S CHORES had taken some time, given the chill in the air. Mike had brought the calves and their dams into the shed the night before, and this morning he’d strengthened their bedding with thick, fresh straw and fitted them all with jackets, even though the shed was well ventilated and had auxiliary heating. The extended summer weather had played havoc with the breeding timetables, and there were more newborns than normal.
Since the forecast had mentioned some heavy gusts, he’d rolled in two of the windbreaks for the cattle in the pens.
But once he’d finished, he’d taken the fastest shower on record and hightailed it to the motel.
Savannah was waiting near the entrance wearing a jacket and the Stetson he’d loaned her yesterday. Her hair was down around her shoulders and her jeans fit like a glove. He hoped she’d want to go for another horseback ride today, but he’d be satisfied with anything she wanted to do.
Before he could get out to open the truck door, she’d hopped in. “Hey.”
“Hey, yourself. You seem well rested.”
She laughed. “Not really. Just happy to be spending the day out...with you.”
That certainly raised his spirits, and they’d already been high as a kite. “So, where to first?”
Her Cowboy Reunion Page 13
