Cash thought back on his relationship with Yvette. Had he ever inspired that kind of look from her?
No. Nor had she from him. Yet his father had been convinced Yvette would make the perfect wife. So, like the dutiful son, Cash had given it his best shot. In the end, Yvette had realized Cash was not the man for her.
Now he was glad she’d turned down his proposal. He never should have proposed in the first place. He shifted in his seat. Just one more failed attempt to live up to his father’s expectations.
He wondered if he’d ever find that kind of love. He hoped so, but life held no guarantees. Still, if he found the right woman, maybe things would be different, maybe he would be different.
“Dearly beloved, we are here today to celebrate the union of Trent and Blakely...” The pastor prayed and the guests were seated.
Cash didn’t pay much attention to the ceremony. He was too busy staring at Taryn. If he had seen her looking like this the first time he met her, he would have thought she was just another North Dallas beauty queen. But this was definitely not the down-to-earth Taryn he’d gotten to know over the last couple days.
Suddenly, she set down her bouquet and picked up a microphone. Music played through the speakers and Taryn began to sing.
Closing his eyes, he listened to her voice. Delicate, yet strong. Moving. Not unlike the woman behind it. The one who had urged him to step out of his comfort zone. Showing him what was missing from his life.
Which was something he had never expected.
* * *
In the main room of the community center, the bride and groom took the floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Blakely looked stunning in her wedding dress, a simple lace, strapless gown with just a hint of a train. Trent clearly adored Blakely. And their son, Austin, was ecstatic to have his father.
Taryn found herself swaying to the romantic country tune that played.
God, will anyone ever love me like that? Until recently, she’d been content to be alone. But seeing Blakely so happy unearthed those schoolgirl notions of love and happily ever after. Dreams she thought she’d buried a long time ago.
Scanning the tables of guests, she saw Mr. Jenkins talking with Blakely’s grandmother. But Cash was nowhere to be seen. He’d probably decided to cut out after the wedding. After all, with his grandfather occupied, he could work all he wanted without feeling guilty.
Still, a part of her wished he was here. He’d be leaving in the morning. She’d at least like the chance to say goodbye.
“You look like you could use some punch.” A cup appeared in front of her, the hand holding it attached to Cash.
Her heart pounded an alarm, but one look at Cash and the warning bells faded. “I thought maybe you’d gone back to your grandfather’s.” She accepted the drink. Took a sip.
“And miss an opportunity to dance with you? My mama didn’t raise no dummy.”
She couldn’t help laughing and was amazed that she’d actually come to appreciate his Texas drawl. It suited him. It wasn’t forced. Just natural and uniquely Cash.
“Aren’t they a lovely couple?” Taryn’s mother sashayed up to Cash, that matchmaking gleam in her eye. Giving Taryn more than enough reason to be nervous.
“They are indeed, Bonnie.”
“You know...” Her mother leaned closer. “When Taryn was a little girl, she told me she was going to marry you someday.”
“Mother!” Taryn always knew her mother possessed the capability to embarrass her. But this was beyond anything she could have imagined.
Cash’s mischievous grin tempered her anger. “Oh, did she now?”
Good thing the lights were dim, because her cheeks had to be bright red. “I was ten years old. I was into Barbie and princesses.”
People clapped as the song ended, and Trent and Blakely approached as a more up-tempo tune coaxed others onto the dance floor.
“And why didn’t my maid of honor join us?” asked Blakely.
“I don’t think the best man is interested in dancing,” she said.
Trent laughed. “Give him a few more years.”
“That Austin will be a heartbreaker someday,” said her mother. “Trent, have you met Cash?”
His attention shifted to the man beside her. “I have not. Cash, is it?”
Cash held out his hand. “Yes. Cash Coble. Nice to meet you.”
“He’s Art Jenkins’s grandson,” her mother was quick to inject.
“Hi, Cash. I’m Blakely.”
“You own the Jeep-tour place, right?”
“We do.” She motioned to her husband. “You’ll have to come back next summer and let us take you for a ride.”
“Sounds like fun.”
“Mom. Dad.” Austin hurried toward them, his black patent-leather shoes slapping against the wooden floor.
“Hey, short man,” said Blakely.
“You missed your chance to dance with your date,” added Trent.
Austin glanced at Taryn, his cheeks ruddy. “Sorry.” He turned his attention back to his parents. “Zach and I were outside. It’s snowing like crazy.”
Everyone followed his gaze out the window. Sure enough, the snow had started up again, even heavier than before.
Trent tugged Blakely against him. “Good thing we decided to stay in town tonight.”
The DJ played another slow song. “This one is ladies’ choice.”
Her mom’s gaze bounced between Cash and Taryn. “Honey, if you’re not going to ask him, I might have to.”
And give her mother another chance to embarrass her? No way. Taryn held out a hand. “Care to dance?”
He escorted her onto the dance floor. Then he took her into his arms and she thought she might melt. He felt strong and solid.
She tried to relax but was afraid she might enjoy this dance just a little too much.
“Don’t worry, I won’t hold you to it.” His breath was warm on her ear.
She dared a look at those deep green eyes. “What’s that?”
“About marrying me.”
Her face grew warm. “I have never been so embarrassed in my life.”
He laughed.
“You think this is funny?”
“I think that cute glow you get when you’re embarrassed is funny.”
She rolled her eyes. “I should have left you to my mother.”
His hold tightened. “No. I like this much better.”
The music played on and, despite her best intentions, Taryn wished it would never end.
But she knew it would end. She pulled away from him. “I need to check in with the caterer.”
Thanks to the rapidly falling snow, the crowd had dwindled earlier than expected. Trent and Blakely had gone to their suite at the Beaumont Hotel. Taryn’s mom and dad went home shortly thereafter. The DJ was packing his gear while Taryn helped a couple of women from the church clean up. They’d insisted Rose go on home and leave them to finish.
Across the room, she noticed Cash clearing tables. She thought she’d seen Mr. Jenkins leave and assumed Cash had gone with him. But there he was, making her job a lot easier.
“You didn’t have to stay,” she said as he dumped a handful of cups and plates in the trash.
“I thought I’d escort you home.” His eyes skimmed over her. “You’re not exactly dressed for the weather.”
“I have my Jeep and a coat.”
“You realize you’re wearing sandals?”
She observed her freshly painted toes. “Guess I’ll just have to make a run for it.”
With the reception area clean, Cash helped her with her coat and, despite her objections, held tight to her hand as he walked her to the car.
“I should have thought to warm it up for you,” he said, s
liding into the passenger side.
“That’s okay. We’re not going that far.” Four blocks, to be exact.
When she pulled up to her house, the porch light was on. But the snow was six inches deep across the walk.
“Yep, those pretty little toes of yours are going to get mighty cold.” Cash quickly assessed the situation.... “Or not. Stay right there.”
He exited the vehicle and ran around to her side. Opened her door. “In the name of chivalry, there’s only one thing to do.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m going to carry you.”
“Carry me? Oh, no.”
“Oh, yes.” He held out his arms.
She lifted a brow. “You’re not serious. Are you?”
“Dead serious.”
She’d really like to argue with him, but it was too cold. She pulled the key from the ignition. “Suit yourself.”
He scooped her into his arms and she pushed the door closed behind them.
“Go around back.” Freezing-cold air swept over her bare legs. “If my mother sees us, I’ll never hear the end of this.”
He glanced at the house. “Looks pretty dark in there to me.”
She recalled her mother waiting in the dark for her on more than one occasion during Taryn’s high school years. “You obviously don’t know my mother.”
He stepped carefully through the ever-accumulating snow as more clung to their coats, hair and eyelashes. “How long is this snow supposed to last?”
“I don’t know. I didn’t think they were forecasting this much.”
“Guess I’d better head out early tomorrow. Give myself plenty of time to get to Durango.”
“You know, you could have flown into Montrose.”
“I waited too late. They were sold out.”
“Next time, you’ll have to plan ahead.”
Was it her imagination, or did he just frown? Perhaps he was getting tired of carrying her. Luckily, they were at the back steps.
He lowered her onto the porch. “Here we go. Safe and sound.”
“Thank you. But you really didn’t have to carry me.”
“You’re welcome.” He stared at her for what seemed like forever. “You’re a very intriguing woman, Taryn Purcell.”
“Who, me?”
“You’re fun, adventurous...you don’t back down from a challenge.” He cocked his head. “But you’re also gentle and sweet, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous.”
She forgot to breathe as he cupped her cheek. Images of another Texan tinted her vision.
“Thank you again for reminding me what it’s like to live.” His gaze fell to her lips. He leaned toward her.
“No!” She pushed at his chest and took a giant step back. This wasn’t happening again. “You Texans are all alike.”
His eyes went wide. He probably wasn’t used to being refused.
“You think your sweet talk and charm will have women falling at your feet. Then you kick them to the curb.” She turned and reached for the door. “Goodbye, Cash.”
Chapter Six
Darkness still prevailed when Cash quietly navigated his way down Gramps’s stairs Sunday morning. Behind the glass fireplace doors, blue-and-orange flames danced and crackled, suffusing the living room with warmth.
Cash breathed in the subtle aroma of burning wood. No wonder he never used the gas fireplace in his apartment. Not only was it rarely cold enough, it just wasn’t the same.
A light glowed from the kitchen, telling him his grandfather was awake.
Cash set his small rolling suitcase by the front door and headed toward the smell of fresh-brewed coffee. Maybe Gramps would have a travel mug he could take with him. He’d need all the caffeine he could get. Thoughts of Taryn had kept him awake much of the night. What had he been thinking, attempting to kiss her? He certainly hadn’t intended to. But it felt so right.
Boy, was he wrong.
Gramps had said that Taryn was different when she returned to Ouray. And as her parting words replayed in Cash’s mind countless times, he’d come to one conclusion. Whatever change had taken place in Taryn had to do with Texas.
“Morning, Gramps,” he said, entering the kitchen.
His grandfather sat in his usual spot on the side of the table that afforded him a view of the old console television in the living room. Maybe Cash should consider getting him another TV for his birthday. A flat-screen he could have mounted on the wall in the kitchen. Or, perhaps, a bigger one for the living room.
His grandfather lowered his Bible, took off his reading glasses. “Mornin’.”
Cash opened the cupboard and searched. Finding no lidded cup, he grabbed the largest mug there was, then reached for the coffeepot.
“Son, I don’t suppose I could talk you into staying another day or so, could I?”
He faced his grandfather, knowing he couldn’t possibly afford any more time away from the office. Not to mention risk seeing Taryn. “Why? Is something wrong?”
“Have you looked outside this morning?”
“Not yet.” Mug in hand, he moved to the back door, flipped on the porch light and fingered the ruffled yellow curtain to one side.
The pine tree at the back of the yard bowed under the weight of no less than ten inches of snow.
“It must have snowed all night.” And it was still coming down, though not nearly as hard.
“I believe it did.”
Cash let the curtain fall back into place. “Good thing I got up earlier than planned. It’s going to be slow going over those passes.” He took a swig of coffee.
“About that.” Gramps folded his arms on the table as Cash sat across from him. “I’ve already checked with the sheriff’s department and the passes are still open. But they’re apt to close them at any time.”
“What do you mean? That’s a main highway. How can they just close it down?”
“Happens all the time during the winter. When you’re talking about four to five feet of snow up in the mountains, the possibility of an avalanche is too great to chance.”
“Guess I’d better get going then. Give myself plenty of time.” Because he had to get back to Dallas. And he couldn’t do that if he couldn’t get to Durango.
His grandfather shrugged, but Cash could see the old man’s disappointment. “I understand. But you better take it mighty slow. Low gear. Don’t get in a hurry.”
“Yes, sir.” He sent his grandfather a reassuring smile and held up his cup. “Mind if I take this with me?”
“’Course not.” The old man eased to his feet and followed him to the door. “It’s sure been a pleasure having you here again. Like old times.”
Cash couldn’t argue and was surprised by the emotion that thickened his throat.
He cleared it away. “Maybe I can make it back this summer.”
“Fourth of July’s always good.”
He smiled at his grandfather, recalling the fire-hose water fights and the fireworks that reverberated through the canyon. “I’ll see what I can do.”
Thirty minutes after saying goodbye to Gramps, Cash understood the old man’s concern. He’d never driven in weather like this. Low clouds enveloped a snow-packed Highway 550, and the higher he climbed, the harder the snow came down. With so many curves and sheer drop-offs, he had barely made it out of Ouray.
How did people drive in this stuff? Then again, it wasn’t as if the road was filled with cars. He probably hadn’t counted more than two or three.
Inching up Red Mountain Pass, Cash downshifted again. The windshield wipers beat out a steady rhythm while the defroster struggled to keep things melted and warm. He continued to watch the taillights of the SUV several car lengths in front of him. Taillights that suddenly brightened. Even he knew bette
r—
Before he completed the thought, the other vehicle went into a spin.
Tightening his grip on the steering wheel, he instinctively hit the brakes. A move he immediately regretted. The wheels locked. He heard a beeping sound and a light flashed on the dashboard. The vehicle skidded.
He removed his foot and the rental quickly recovered.
Breathing a sigh of relief, he again focused on the out-of-control vehicle ahead.
“Oh, no. No. No!” Adrenaline coursed through his veins as the other vehicle slid across the northbound lane, becoming airborne before tumbling down the steep embankment.
His pulse raced as he struggled to bring his SUV to a stop. He checked the rearview mirror. No one behind him. He scanned the horizon. No one ahead either.
He fumbled for his cell from the console beside him. Dialed 911. “Come on...”
Silence was all he heard. He looked at the screen. No service.
“Lord, what do I do?”
The blue button at the base of the rearview mirror captured his attention. He could only pray it worked.
He pressed it, his anxiety ratcheting up a notch as he scanned the snowy ravine for the wayward vehicle. Please, Lord, let them be alive.
“How may I help you?” A voice came through the car’s speakers.
“Hello. Yes.” Concentrate, Coble. They need details. With a calm he didn’t feel, he relayed his location and information about the accident as succinctly as possible.
Confident that assistance was on the way, he turned on his hazard lights, emerged from the vehicle and rushed to the spot where the car had gone over. The bitter cold stung his eyes and ears. Snow pelted his cheeks as he scanned the steep embankment. Dawn had begun to overtake the darkness, aiding his search.
He spotted debris and followed the path of fresh-packed snow deeper and deeper into the ravine. Hundreds of feet beneath him, the SUV lay on its side in what appeared to be a creek bed.
He cringed. This did not look good. But he couldn’t wait around to find out.
Fisting the gloves from each of his jacket pockets, he tugged them on and started down the embankment.
Rescuing the Texan's Heart Page 6
