by Aimée Thurlo
The papers had been folded then rolled up tightly. After a few minutes on the table, they began to unfurl slightly on their own. He pulled his leather gloves from his pocket, pressed one end lightly and tried to read a few lines.
Myka came up behind him. “I recognize the town seal. The document’s been notarized. Maybe it’s the will,” she said, trying to stay calm but not quite succeeding.
He peered inside the roll, angling for a better look. “I think the top ones are deeds to various properties.” Very gingerly, he moved the sheets aside, using only one finger. “I can’t see it all, but I think the bottom one’s a will—maybe the will. It’s dated five years ago.”
“We’ve got it!”
Myka jumped into his arms and he twirled her around while Bear barked.
“We did it—you and me!” she said.
“We’re one heckuva team,” he said. “Maybe fate’s telling us something.” Tilting her chin upward, he took her mouth slowly and thoroughly.
His kiss tantalized her, enveloping her in a warmth that left her tingling. She didn’t want it to stop, but she pulled back and said, “We better go.” Then she stepped out of his embrace.
Every day that passed took him closer to a destiny that didn’t include her. The knowledge cut deeply. Trying not to let him see what was on her mind, she did her best to focus on the papers. “We have to find someone who can help us figure out how to flatten and read these documents without damaging them.”
He brushed his knuckles over her cheek. “We don’t have to rush off, Myka. Stay here with me a little longer.” His voice was deep, his words seductive, and the fire in his eyes inescapable.
“No,” she whispered, taking another step back. The more tempting the warmth of the fire, the easier it was to get burned. “You’re going to be leaving too soon as it is. Let’s not do anything we’ll regret.”
“Like walking away?” he pressed, holding her gaze. “I love you, Myka, haven’t you figured that out by now?”
“Yes, and that’s part of the problem, isn’t it?” She swallowed hard. If things had only been different, she would have stepped back into his arms and told him how she felt, too, but she couldn’t change what was.
Myka turned away quickly and headed to the door. When it came time for him to leave, as she’d always known he would, her heart would break into a thousand pieces. The closer they were, the worse it would be.
Her instinct for self-preservation urged her to go, but if she was doing the right thing, why did it hurt so much?
Afraid she’d change her mind and move into his arms again, she hurried outside, back to the real world and away from what could never be.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
BY THE END of the week, the mayor and the town attorney established the authenticity of the documents and presented a right-of-way offer to the railroad. A deal was reached quickly and it was only a matter of time before rail service would be restored.
The timing was perfect. The buyers from the major retailers would be touring the town and HMI.
Myka was in her office taking care of last-minute details when Joshua came in. He was wearing a bolo tie, leather jacket and polished Dan Post Western boots.
“Wow, you’re going to be a hit with the buyers,” Robyn said, following him into Myka’s office.
“Talk about false praise. You were behind me when you said that,” Josh said.
“Exactly,” Robyn answered, grinning as she gave him a wink.
Myka burst out laughing. “Just what I needed. Sexual harassment in my office.”
“Feel free to harass, either of you,” Joshua said with a grin. “I’m easy.”
Myka laughed. “Okay, guys. Are we ready?”
“As we’ll ever be,” Robyn said. “The Blue Spruce will be putting up the clients who choose to stay overnight, and HMI will cover their expenses. I personally helped Betty hang the new tapestries and place the rugs so they catch the light. Liza will be their tour guide here at the plant. She’ll take them through the wool processing sections, the woodworking areas and the special craft rooms. Sophie has also arranged for her nieces to model some of the clothing made with our wool.”
Myka gave Joshua and Robyn a shaky smile. “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m scared to death. So much is riding on today! We can make it without those big retailers—we have so far—but this could mean reaching a whole new world of potential customers—those who shop at brick-and-mortar stores.”
“Just relax and show them what Handmade in Independence is all about,” Joshua said.
“I was thinking...IVA’s motto used to be Luxury—American style. Ours could be Handcrafted with American Know-How. What do you think?”
“Hey, I like that!” Robyn said.
“See?” Joshua said. “The right ideas come when you need them, so don’t panic. Just be yourselves.”
“Aren’t they scheduled to arrive soon?” Robyn asked.
“Within a half hour. Once they’re here, we’ll start the tour with Main Street.”
“Walking around is a good idea. It’s nice outside today,” Joshua said.
“No, it’s not just a stroll. I wanted a more captive audience, so I’ve arranged for us to use Mr. Granger’s restored limo. He’ll be driving. We’ll give them a tour of the town and the vicinity, too, maybe even show them Churro sheep firsthand.”
Joshua grinned. “Wait—Mr. Granger? He still has the stretch limo he restored when we were in high school?”
Myka laughed. “Yeah, and it looks brand-new. He loves that car. I figured it might impress, at least a bit.”
As they walked out onto the front steps, Myka’s phone rang. The second she heard Mr. Granger’s voice, she knew it was bad news.
“Myka, I can’t get Cleopatra to start,” he said, referring to his enormous 1966 Cadillac Fleetwood limousine. “The problem’s somewhere in the fuel system, probably the carburetor. She turns over but just won’t start.”
“How long before you can get her to work?” Myka asked, her heart beating overtime.
“I’m not sure. Maybe an hour, or maybe not till tomorrow if I have to take the thing apart.”
“Mr. Granger, you’ve got to get that car running!” As she spoke, she saw Robyn’s eyes widening. Joshua’s face remained impassive.
“So much for impressing them,” Myka said after hanging up. “And look, our guests are early!” She gestured to the cars pulling up at the curb.
Leading the group was Jane Jonas of Grabel and Sons. To her right was Lourdes Martel with Vintage Lane, one of the largest online stores for specialty goods. Coming up behind her was Emily Reichert of Traditional Southwest, a high-end specialty outlet headquartered in Scottsdale.
“I’ve got an idea,” Joshua said. “Take them over to the Blue Spruce for breakfast or coffee and pastry. Whatever. Keep them busy and entertained. I’ll handle the rest.”
“What are you going to do?” Myka asked.
“Trust me.”
Before she could answer, he jogged across the parking lot to his truck.
“Smile on, Robyn. It’s showtime,” Myka whispered.
Even without advance notice, Betty had set out a beautiful spread on the banquet table, with help from Sophie’s pastry shop.
After being treated to everything from Southwestern omelets with spicy green chile to freshly baked fry bread with lots of honey, the buyers were in a remarkably good mood. Myka encouraged them to take their time over Mabel’s special coffee, all the while stealing glances at the clock and hoping for a miracle.
Forty minutes later, Joshua walked in wearing a cowboy hat, a tan shearling leather jacket with rollback cuffs, jeans and boots.
“Ladies, your transportation has arrived,” he announced.
With a wave of his hand, he
opened the door and invited them outside. Waiting at the curb was a horse-drawn hitch wagon replete with hay bale seating in the back and Western print fleece blankets to ward off any chill. The two horses were sturdy gray Percherons, and the woman holding the reins was Katie McCoy, owner of the feed store.
One of the buyers smiled broadly. “How terrific! I was raised in a small town, and we used to have hay rides every fall. And those horses—they sure beat the old John Deere tractor that used to pull our wagon.”
Seeing the happy faces, Myka wanted to give Joshua a big hug, but there’d be time for that later.
“We’d like you to look at Independence through our eyes. This is a town with a strong Western tradition. We took a hit when our largest employer closed down, and we could have given up, but that’s not who we are. Now we’re coming back, stronger than ever,” Myka said.
As they toured the town, Myka could feel the buyers opening their hearts to the strength of Independence’s dream. They stopped by her parents’ house, and Myka showed them the Churro sheep that had started them all on the road to becoming HMI. Naturally, the flock came right up to the fence to be petted.
By the time they returned to the plant, the second stage was already underway. Myka and Robyn led the buyers upstairs, taking the freight elevator.
“This is your freight elevator?” Jane Jonas asked.
“I wanted you to see it because it captures the spirit of who we are. Our company is all about the freedom to dream, and our products represent Rio Grande traditions and good old American know-how,” she said, the heartfelt speech coming naturally.
Next, they entered the woodworking shop and watched the toys being made. As the different steps in the process were demonstrated, Myka heard their guests’ low, appreciative comments. Afterward, they continued on to the wool processing area. Each step was explained and demonstrated to the delight of their visitors. Finally, the finished projects were displayed in a fashion show.
Myka sighed. Today was about standing out and showing the buyers that HMI’s passion was a gift meant to be shared. As she watched their faces, she knew they’d succeeded.
“See? I told you it would work out,” Joshua said quietly, coming up behind her.
“You saved the day with the wagon. I couldn’t have pulled it off without you, Joshua,” she whispered back.
He took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “You could have, but it’s nice to be needed.”
“This community needs you,” she said, “and so do I.”
“I know,” he said, then grinned.
* * *
ROBYN HAD FILMED most of the tour, and each of the buyers was given a DVD to take back to her corporate office. By the time they’d all left, Myka was beyond exhausted.
“We made it through the tour without more mishaps. That’s a win!” Myka said. “Everyone was incredible today.”
“Just today?” Joshua responded.
She laughed. “Okay, you’re all awesome every day.”
“We knew that,” Robyn joked. “Now I’m off to soak my feet, and after that, I’ve got a dinner date with J.R.”
“Have fun!” Myka said as Robyn left, then she checked her watch. “I need to go home and take care of Bear. If you don’t have plans tonight, why don’t you come over for dinner?”
“You’ve had a long day—you sure you want to cook?” he asked. “I could pick up something at Shorty’s Burgers.”
“No, tonight I want something special, not just an ordinary dinner. I wanted to fix Dad’s special pancakes.”
“The ones with the chocolate chips?”
“Yeah! You remember?”
“Sure I do. We rode in the buckboard to Miller’s Pond and had a pancake breakfast there.”
“Miller’s Pond is just a muddy swamp these days, but when I saw you pull up in that horse cart, it reminded me of our 4-H club outing. I’ve been craving those pancakes all day.”
“You’re on.”
* * *
AFTER DINNER, they sat outside on Myka’s back porch. The weather was in the fifties, and as a breeze blew past them, she shivered.
Joshua put his arm around her shoulders and drew her against him.
She didn’t resist. It felt wonderful to lean into him, to enjoy that steadfast warmth and feel his strong body there, sheltering hers.
“You’re right where you belong,” he murmured, tightening his hold slightly.
She sighed happily. “At this very moment, everything’s just perfect.” This was romance—two souls connecting, the warmth, the gentleness, the utter thrill that came from...rightness. “I’m glad you came back home, Joshua.”
“I think it was meant to be,” he said.
“When I first started down this road, hoping to help Independence get back on its feet, I had no idea how difficult things could get. Reaching a goal, something that calls to you but doesn’t come with directions, takes everything you’ve got—including a friend who’ll stand by you every step of the way.” She looked up at him and smiled. “I never could have gone this far without you.”
“You may not realize it, but you helped me, too. When I came home, life had kicked me in the gut, and I was still reeling from the blow. Helping you forced me to focus on something positive. I owe you a thanks,” he said, then kissed her gently.
“Feel free to thank me as often as you’d like.” Myka smiled.
He eased his hold and held her gaze. “I’d love to do just that, but there’s something I need to tell you, and I’ve been putting it off too long.”
She held her breath. Something told her that this perfect day was about to come to an abrupt end.
“I got an interview request from an established and prestigious architectural firm in Santa Fe. They’ve received a special grant to restore an old section of the city filled with historical buildings. I don’t know the details, but it sounds like a terrific opportunity and I could really make a name for myself there. Mind you, I’ll be competing with some of the area’s top architects,” he said.
“You’ll knock ’em dead,” she said, trying to muster up some genuine enthusiasm. He’d helped her, and she had to do the same for him by not standing in his way.
“It’s not an easy decision for me, Myka. What we have—”
“You can’t let anyone, or anything, stand in the way of your dreams, Joshua,” she said softly. “This is exactly what you’ve wanted and you’ll never forgive yourself if you don’t see it through. What-ifs can haunt you for the rest of your life.”
“I’m not so sure. My dad gave up his dream and never looked back. From everything I’ve learned about him, I think he died a happy man.”
“Yes, but your father traded one dream for an even greater one.”
He nodded thoughtfully. “Maybe so. Of course this may all be moot. I may not get the job.”
“You owe it to yourself to give it your best shot. This is exactly the kind of work you love. I can see it in your eyes and hear it in your voice,” she said, and saw him nod. “Go for it. Santa Fe isn’t that far.”
Despite her attempt to be positive, she knew that if he took the job, life would pull them apart a little at a time and soon there would be nothing more to hold on to. Even if he gave up on his dream and stayed, he might regret missing this opportunity. That in itself could pull them apart. Either way, the choice had to be his.
“You have to follow your heart.” She silently prayed it would lead him back home for good.
* * *
ALTHOUGH MYKA LEFT for work early the next morning, Joshua’s truck was already gone when she pulled out of her driveway. Not wanting to dwell on things, she drove to HMI right away.
Myka walked quickly down the hall toward her office, the dog at her side. “Why does everything have to be so complicated, Bear?”
/> He gave her a panting grin.
“Yeah, maybe that’s it. We take life too seriously.” She patted his massive head. “At least you won’t be leaving anytime soon.”
As Myka stepped into her office, she saw Robyn already there, waiting. “What’s up? You’re sure here early,” Myka said.
“I’ve been trying to reach you for the past half hour, but all I got was your voice mail,” Robyn said. “I was about to leave you a note.” Now that their big day had passed, Robyn was back to wearing jeans, a wool sweater and boots.
Myka reached for her cell phone. “Oops. I forgot to turn it on.” Once she had service, she searched for any messages from Joshua. There were none.
“I got here at seven and when I checked my email, I saw that one of the buyers had already placed an order.” She showed Myka a printout of the message. “Grabel and Sons, no less.”
Myka looked at the numbers and let out a whoop. “We did it!”
“Yes, but this is a huge order. We’ll have to step up production. What we have in inventory won’t cover this. The only good thing is that they asked for three separate delivery dates.”
“Our people will come through. We’ll make it.”
As they spoke, Myka’s computer and Robyn’s cell phone dinged at the same time, signifying incoming email.
“Another order,” Myka said, sitting at her desk. “Smaller than Grabel’s, but that’s good. They’re testing the waters. If sales reach their projections, the next order will be bigger.”
“Myka, it’s only eight o’clock,” Robyn said. “Do you realize what this means? They must have made up their minds and set the purchase orders before they even got home.”
“We nailed it!” Myka gave Robyn a high five. “Let’s call a special meeting and get everyone together. Filling these two orders will require some overtime.”
“It’ll be just like old times, when IVA was here. Remember when we had rush orders come in?”
“No, Robyn, it will never be like that. What we have to offer the world isn’t mass production. We’ll craft each piece with care and attention to detail because we love what we do. If we ever lose sight of that, we’ll lose a lot more than just some orders. Once demand levels out, we’ll resume a less hectic schedule.”
