Escaping Reality (Hart Ranch Book 1)

by Rachel Skatvold

  She paused to take in the gentle sloping hills and wildflowers. The beauty of it all made her breath catch in her chest. She exhaled and let out a nervous laugh. “Now…since I’ve come to this place, a piece of my heart that has been dormant for so long is starting to awaken. I think part of it has to do with meeting you.”

  Logan remained silent but the look in his eyes communicated what was in his heart very clearly.

  Addison leaned her face closer to him—almost giving in to her weakness. Then she hesitated and sat back. “I’m sorry. My life is a jumbled mess right now. I think I just need some time to sort all this out before starting a new relationship.”

  He smiled and took her hand in his. “Well, I’ll wait for you Addie. However long it takes, because you’re worth the wait.”

  Chapter sixteen

  ~ ~ ~

  Addison spent Monday morning with nothing but her sketch pad of designs to keep her company. She sat on the bed in her cabin staring at the blank page for half an hour. When inspiration didn’t come she gave up and headed outside to clear her head.

  The ranch seemed quieter than usual. The vacation season was coming to an end so most of the guests had cleared out. Logan had left with his parents already and Belle was busy training the new girl she’d hired.

  Addison wandered around the ranch trying to kill some time. She spent half an hour trying to coax Jade out of the barn. The kitten was starting to trust her a little more and even allowed Addison to pet her head a few times. Then Jade scampered away with her playmate and disappeared into the bushes.

  Addison chuckled and shook her head. “Well I see how it is. Everyone is too busy for me today.”

  She sighed and headed down to the creek. After walking up and down the banks searching for interesting rocks, she spotted Gramps wading out of the water.

  She met him by the bank and waved. “Good morning.”

  A wide grin spread across his face when he saw her. “Same to you. I wondered if I’d see you today, Addie.” He beckoned her to follow him. “Have time for a fishing lesson?”

  Addison chuckled, seeing a second pole leaning against the tree and shook her head. “I don’t know. You saw what happened last time I got too close to a fish hook.”

  His blue eyes twinkled. “Oh, ye of little faith. Just try it once and I won’t bother you ever again.”

  Addison agreed and watched his motions carefully.

  “Now the trick to the basic fly fishing cast is to remember its two casts in one.” He demonstrated the method while he talked. “You start with a backward cast. Pause. Then make a forward cast. Remember, it’s not a whip so you never want to snap the line. That’s how you lose lures.” He did it one more time and then turned to her. “Are you ready to try it?”

  She nodded and grabbed the other pole. “I guess so.”

  “Relax and remember it’s all about the forearm and wrist.”

  Addison took a deep breath and back casted. Then she pulled it forward, quicker than she meant to. Part of the line snapped a rock and it grazed her ankle. “Ouch.”

  Gramps chuckled. “It’s okay. Just try it once more. Remember to pause after the back cast and then cast forward. Were you ever in a choir growing up?”

  “Yes, a brief stint in middle school. Unfortunately I wasn’t very good.”

  He grinned and demonstrated with his pole again. “Well, it’s kind of like a song. You want to crescendo and hold out that note. You’re building up energy. Then decrescendo forward into the water. Feel the rhythm of the song. It’s all about timing.”

  Addison tried again. This time she relaxed, casted back, paused and casted forward all in one fluid motion. A smile lit up her face as the line flicked out over the water. “I did it.”

  “Perfect. Now do it again.” He pointed across the creek. “This time aim close to that overlying branch.”

  She obeyed and cast again, this time with more confidence. On the second cast a shimmering object flipped out of the current and the line plunged under the water. “Oh my…I-I caught one,” She panicked and tried to hand the pole back to Gramps. “Help me.”

  He put his hands up and stepped back, grinning from ear to ear. “It’s your fish. You should reel it in. I’ll talk you through it.”

  Addison’s hands shook as she followed his instructions, alternating between reeling in and giving slack. When it was close enough Gramps scooped the fish into a net. She let out a squeal of joy and then covered her mouth, eyes wide. “Wow. That was exhilarating. I’ve never caught a fish in my life.”

  “Well now you have, and it’s a keeper…at least a three pounder. It’s a fine catch for the dinner table.”

  Addison laughed but then her smile faded. Fish were one of the few meats she actually ate, but she couldn’t bear killing something that had brought her so much joy. “Would you mind if I let it go free?”

  Gramps unhooked the fish and the corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled and held it out to her. “You caught the trout. The decision is yours.”

  After Gramps demonstrated how to hold the fish, Addison took it, waded into the creek. As she released the trout it flipped its tail, sprinkling her face with water. Addison walked back to shore and wiped her cheeks. “I wish I could feel that kind of freedom.”

  “What’s weighing you down, Addie?”

  She gulped, trying to keep her emotions at bay. “Lots of things. My life is such a mess. I’ve been running from my problems in LA but I think they followed me here.”

  He continued fishing but his eyes took on a thoughtful gleam. “You don’t have to bear it all on your own you know. What I said yesterday about Jesus carrying our burdens is true. We just have to ask and put our faith in him.”

  Tears streamed down her face again. “How do I do that?”

  Addison stood beside Gramps for several minutes drinking in everything he told her. She had never heard the message of Jesus presented that way, not even as a child when she went with her stepmom to church.

  When he finished she ran a trembling hand through her hair. “I want to believe. I really do, but it’s hard putting my faith in something I can’t see or touch.”

  Gramps sighed and lifted his face toward the sun. “It’s kind of like fly fishing. That energy you felt flowing through the rod, telling you when to cast forward. You can’t see it and it’s difficult to explain, but you know it’s there, right?”

  She nodded. “Yes.”

  “If you listen carefully, you’ll hear the truth…His quiet whisper to your heart.” After a long silence between them he patted her shoulder and winked. “I’m going to go further down stream for a while. I’ll see you later, Addie.”

  She nodded “Okay. Thanks for the talk.”

  “Any time.”

  Addison watched him leave and then closed her eyes. The sounds of nature surrounded her, delighting her senses and filling her heart with peace. Jesus, can you hear me? Are you really there?

  I Am.

  The gentle response sent more tears rolling down her cheeks. Addison knew without a doubt who it was. He was the only one who could truly set her free.

  ~ ~ ~

  That evening Belle invited Addison to eat dinner with her and Gramps. She remained quiet while finishing her meal, lost in thought. She still had so many questions about her decision by the creek that morning. Maybe the Bible Gramps had given her earlier would help answer them.

  How could so much have changed in just one day? Addison felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time.

  Peace.

  Gramps scooted back from the table and rubbed his stomach. “My compliments to the chef. You make the best twice baked potatoes I’ve ever tasted, Belle.”

  She smiled. “Well I can’t take the credit. It’s Grandma’s recipe.”

  “I thought it seemed familiar.” He yawned and stood up. “Well, I’ll excuse myself for the evening, ladies.”

  Belle’s eyes filled with concern. “Feeling all right?”

  He nodd
ed. “Oh, don’t worry about me. I’m just a little tired. I’ll be good as new tomorrow.” He smiled at Addison before disappearing down the hallway.

  She helped Belle clear the table and grabbed a towel as Belle started washing the dishes. “Have you heard from Logan or your parents?”

  Belle frowned and rinsed off a plate. “Yeah. The specialist thinks the feeling might be coming back in my mom’s legs.”

  Addison took the rinsed plate out of the sink and dried it. “Well that’s good news, right?”

  “Yeah, but her mindset makes all the difference for her recovery. She’s so depressed over losing Nathan. I think she feels guilty that the accident caused his death and not hers.”

  Addison gave her a knowing look. “I’m sorry. Maybe it’s just going to take more time for her heart to heal.”

  Belle nodded as she scrubbed another dish and gazed wistfully out the window. “If only we could get her outside. She used to love being out in nature.” Belle paused and wiped a tear on her sleeve. “She had a heart for rescuing horses too. Now it just seems like she’s giving up.”

  The way that Belle and Logan mourned over their mother’s condition made Addison’s heart ache as she continued drying the dishes. She wished there was some way she could help. Then her mind flashed back to a conversation with Gramps about God delighting in people using their talents. For her, that was interior design. Could God use her to help Maggie? She grinned as an idea came to mind. “What if we brought the outdoors in to her?”

  “I’m not sure I understand.”

  She started planning in her head. “All the things she loves. We can bring them in and redecorate her room before they get back. Display old family photos too. Maybe that would lift her spirits.”

  Belle’s eyes lit up with hope. “I love that idea. Do you think we’ll have enough time?”

  “Yeah. We can work on the pictures tonight. Then we could go into town tomorrow morning and buy some frames and accent pieces for the walls. This is going to be wonderful.”

  Belle smiled. “I think you’re right. It’s worth a try.”

  Chapter seventeen

  ~ ~ ~

  Logan breathed a sigh of relief when his dad parked the truck in front of the house. The trip had been long and energy sapping, especially since he worried about his mom’s comfort during the trip. Traveling took the stuffing right out of her.

  He longed to retreat to his cabin and take a long nap before dinner but his job wasn’t done yet. Logan rubbed his eyes as he got out of the back seat and opened the passenger side door.

  His mom looked so peaceful while she slept. He hated to wake her.

  His dad peered through the open driver’s side door. “Need the wheelchair?”

  Logan shook his head and whispered, “No. I’ve got her.” He lifted his mother out of the seat as carefully as possible. Then he cradled her fragile body in his arms. She’d always been petite but now she seemed light as a feather—evidence that she hadn’t been eating enough.

  Her eyes fluttered open as they reached the front porch. She smiled and touched his cheek. “Thank you, son. It seems like just yesterday you were just a tiny baby that I carried in my arms. Now you can carry me.”

  Logan managed a lopsided smile as they entered the house. “Well, I owe it to you.”

  “What did I do to deserve such a wonderful son?”

  He chuckled. “Oh, I think you’ve forgotten about all the mischief I used to get into as a child.”

  She puffed air. “Well, maybe you’re right, but look at the man you’ve become.”

  Logan smiled as he turned down the hallway to his parents’ room but stopped in the doorway.

  Belle stood by the bed with a big smile on her face. “We wanted this to be a surprise for you, Mom. It’s not completely finished but we hope you like it.”

  Logan gulped as he scanned the room, not sure what to think of the unexpected surprise. The space had undergone a complete facelift. The bed had a new quilt with patches of warm autumn colors and old family photographs were displayed in rustic frames around the room. Addie busied herself making some finishing touches on a collage accented with horse shoes displayed on the far wall.

  His mom gasped and took it all in while he helped her into bed. She turned to Belle. “Did you do this?”

  Belle stepped next to Addie with a big grin. “We worked on it together. It was Addie’s design though.”

  His mom gazed around the room once more and ran her fingers over the soft new quilt. “Oh, it’s beautiful. All the memories…” Her voice broke and she covered her face as sobs shook her thin frame.

  “Oh, Mom.” Logan put his hand on her shoulder as she cried.

  She let out a deep sigh. “Can I just have a few minutes alone?”

  “Of course. I’ll be right outside the door if you need me.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Logan closed the bedroom door and paced the hallway several times. When he stopped a storm of emotions raged in his blue eyes.

  Addison leaned against the wall and bit her lip nervously, not used to seeing him lose his cool.

  Logan aimed his frustrations at his sister. “What were you thinking? You should have asked first.”

  Belle’s eyes filled with tears and her lips trembled. “We-we just thought it would help.”

  Addison stood next to her friend with a raised chin. “Don’t blame Belle. It was my idea. I take full responsibility and will change everything back if your mom wants me to.”

  He exhaled and his eyes softened a little. “It’s okay. Addie…Belle, I’m sorry for losing my temper.”

  “Logan,” Mrs. Hart’s gentle voice called from the other side of the door.

  He turned and went back into the room, shutting the door behind him.

  Addison wiped a stray tear off her cheek and put her arm around Belle. “Come on. Let’s go into the living room.” She agreed and they had sat on the couch together in silence.

  When Logan came back out a few minutes later his eyes didn’t look angry anymore. Actually, he seemed relieved. “Addie, my mom wants to talk to you.”

  She stood with wide eyes. “She does?” He nodded and motioned for her to follow. Addison did but as they made their way back down the hallway her mind raced with tortured thoughts. Was this good or bad? Had Mrs. Hart’s sorrow turned into anger now? She made eye contact with Logan as she entered the room but his stoic expression failed to give her any clue to what she was about to encounter. He closed the door behind her.

  “It’s all right, dear. I’m fine now. Please come here.” The older woman’s voice was still shaky but not angry like Addison feared. “Well, I’ve seen you through my window quite a bit lately, but we’ve never formally met. I’m Maggie Hart.”

  She approached slowly and shook Maggie’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Addison Lewis.” She flinched at her slip up. “I mean Addie. Most people just call me Addie.”

  Maggie sighed. “Oh, just relax. Your secret’s safe with me.”

  Her eyes widened as she sat on the chair beside the bed. “You knew before I said anything?”

  Maggie’s smile lit up the whole room. “Afraid so. While the rest of my family is too caught up with chores around the ranch to watch TV, I have all the time in the world. I only saw your reality show a few times but I’m a big fan of your father’s westerns. His acting was brilliant. It’s too bad he only directs now. I miss seeing his face on the screen.”

  Addison remained speechless for a moment, giving her time to study Maggie’s face. Now she knew who Belle took after. They both shared those rare lavender eyes and brunette curls.

  Maggie chuckled. “Well, aren’t you going to say something? On TV you’ve never had a problem speaking your mind.”

  She gulped and hung her head. “What can I say but thank you? I wasn’t trying to deceive anyone. It’s just nice pretending not to be famous for a while.”

  “Of course. I know it must be exhausting being the daughter of Gregory Lewis...in
the public eye all the time. Can I ask you a favor though?”

  Addison looked up and ran her fingers through her hair. “What’s that?”

  “Please tell Logan before things get any more serious between you two. He really cares about you and I don’t want him getting hurt.”

  She blushed and nodded. “I will.” Had Logan been talking about her? The thought both excited and terrified her.

  “Anyway, the real reason I called you in here is to thank you. This…” She paused and swept her hand toward the wall of pictures. “This is absolutely breathtaking.” Tears filled Maggie’s eyes. “I don’t know how you did this without even knowing me. It’s exactly what I would have chosen for myself…but even better.”

  Addison gulped. “Well, I can’t take all the credit. Belle helped me.”

  Maggie patted the back of her hand. “Now don’t make light of it, dear. You have an amazing talent.”

  “Well, thank you. It’s always been a hobby of mine but I’m thinking of turning it into a business some day. For now I’m just trying to get some experience under my belt.”

  Maggie smiled and wiped a tear off her cheek. “That sounds like something I could help with. That is if you feel up to the task.”

  Chapter eighteen

  ~ ~ ~

  The festive mood around the dinner table made Logan’s heart swell with joy and a lump rise in his throat. How long had it been since his whole family sat together and enjoyed a meal? At least five months.

  He glanced across the table at his mother, marveling at the youthful glow in her cheeks as she talked and laughed with the family.

  Then his gaze shifted to Addie. She seemed less guarded and lighter since they’d returned from the city. It amazed him to think that God used her to make such an impact on his mother.

  After dinner Addie thanked Belle for the meal, said her goodbyes and excused herself for the night.

  Logan followed her out to the front porch. “Would you mind if I walk with you back to your cabin?”