Rescuing the Texan's Heart

by Mindy Obenhaus

  He set his cup down. “Truthfully...it’s pretty much comprised of arrow prayers.” Those shot up when things got tough.

  Gramps nodded, his lips pressed into a thin line. “The way I see it, you can fight this time God has given you, or you can use it to get reacquainted with Him. I’ll let you work, but keep the Lord at the forefront of all you do, Cash. You might be surprised what He has to say.”

  Cash reclined his chair and closed his eyes, ashamed that he’d allowed other things to crowd God out of his life. Forgive me, Lord.

  When he opened his eyes, he realized he’d fallen asleep. Evidently he was more tired than he thought.

  “Have a nice nap?”

  Cash lowered the footrest, stood. “Sure did.” He stretched. “Felt pretty good, too.”

  “Well, after what you went through this morning, I reckon you deserved it.” Gramps turned up the volume on the second basketball game of the day.

  “How long was I out?”

  “ʼBout an hour, hour and a half.”

  “Really?” There were some nights he didn’t get much more than that. And he couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a nap. Whatever the case, work was not happening today.

  Stopping at the window, he stared at the house next door. Was Taryn still upset with him?

  He roughed a hand across his face. He owed her an apology.

  “Looks like the kids are all headed over to Vinegar Hill.” Gramps peered out the front window.

  Two boys trudged past, carrying sleds. Though the snow had long since stopped, the sun had yet to shine. But that wasn’t about to stop those boys. And who could blame them? Even Cash wanted to get out and play in it.

  “That’s over between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, right?”

  “Sure is.” His grandfather faced him now, a smile creasing his face. “You thinking ’bout doing some sledding?”

  It did sound rather enticing. “Think I could get a certain someone to join me?” Grinning, he donned a coat from Gramps’s closet. Not the height of fashion and the sleeves were a tad short, but it was much warmer than his jacket.

  “I hope you’re not talking about me.” The old man returned to his recliner. “I’d rather sit right here and watch the game.” The Nuggets were ahead in the first period.

  “Well, that does it then. You leave me no choice.” He heaved a sigh. “Looks like I’m going to have to see if I can talk Taryn into going with me.”

  Gramps lifted a bushy brow. “You poor thing.”

  If he knew what Cash did, he’d understand what a challenge Cash was up against.

  “Wish me luck,” he hollered on his way out the back door.

  * * *

  Taryn had to stay away from Cash. That’s all there was to it. Which meant she had to find someone else to help her with her business plan.

  “It was a lovely wedding, don’t you think?” Rose Daniels moved her latest knitting project out of the way before taking a seat in her russet swivel rocker.

  “Very.” Taryn unzipped her jacket and made herself at home on the soft beige sofa.

  Ellie May, the Danielses’ golden retriever, laid her head in Taryn’s lap expecting some affection, while Jethro, a tiny Yorkie, danced on the cushion beside her.

  “You guys just want some lovin’, don’t you?” She gave them both a vigorous rub, wishing she had brought Scout. “So, Blakely and Trent didn’t have any problem with their flight?”

  “Just a slight delay. I’m so glad they decided to fly out of Montrose. They deserve this time alone together.”

  “Yes, they do. And on the beaches of Florida, no less.” Taryn glanced around the Danielses’ home where Blakely and her son, Austin, lived with Rose. “Where’s Austin?”

  “Oh, he and Zach went over to Vinegar Hill for some sledding.”

  “With all this snow, I bet that place is packed today.” But she was glad to learn that she and Rose were alone. She scooted to the edge of her seat. “Rose, can I talk to you about something?”

  Jethro hopped to the floor and headed for Rose.

  “Of course, dear.”

  “And it’ll stay just between you and me?”

  Rose made room for the dog, a smile firmly in place. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with that handsome young man you were with last night, would it?”

  “You mean Cash? He’s Mr. Jenkins’s grandson.”

  “So that’s his name.” Rose leaned forward. “He’s a hottie, all right.”

  “Rose, please tell me you did not just say that.”

  “Well, isn’t that what you girls say about attractive men?”

  “Sometimes, yes, but—”

  The old woman sat back. “He sure is taken with you.”

  “What? No, no. Cash is attractive, I’ll give you that. But he’s not taken with me.”

  “Oh, you young people can be so blind when it comes to matters of the heart.” She pulled out a good length of red yarn. “I don’t believe I was ever that way. As soon as I laid eyes on Bill, I knew he was the man I was going to marry.”

  “How could you know that?”

  Rose looked as though it was the most logical thing in the world. “Taryn, when it’s right, you just know.”

  Taryn wished she could believe that.

  She shook her head, trying to regain her original train of thought. “What I wanted to talk about is business related.”

  “Oh. Okay.” Rose gently rocked her chair.

  “Do you know anything about putting together a business plan? Like, when you apply for a business loan.”

  “A business loan? For what?”

  “Buck’s going to sell All Geared Up.”

  “I see.” The older woman seemed to ponder the notion. “That means you’ll have to give up being a guide.”

  “Guiding, yes. But I’ll never stop climbing, Rose.”

  “But you’re so good at being a guide. What about teaching the children at the ice festival? They so love you.”

  Taryn had always considered Rose one of the wisest people she knew. So she was a little taken aback by her comments. “Are you saying you don’t think I should do this, Rose?”

  The woman’s frown turned back into a smile. She waved a hand. “Oh, I’m just thinking out loud. If God has laid this on your heart, I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

  “So...do you know much about doing a business plan?”

  “Not in the least. I’m sorry, Taryn. Bill always handled that sort of thing.”

  Walking back home, Taryn battled frustration and tears. Lord, I’ve been all over the internet and I just don’t understand this whole business plan thing. I need Your help. Please send me someone who can help me.

  She trudged through the snow, across a deserted Main Street, until she turned onto her parents’ street. A block and a half later, she spotted Cash standing in their front yard.

  He waved as she drew closer. “Hi.” He wore an old parka that was way too small for him and he was carrying a pathetic excuse for a sled in one hand. A sled she was pretty sure had been in Mr. Jenkins’s garage since before she was born.

  “Hi, yourself.” She burrowed her hands deeper into her pockets.

  “I, uh...I was hoping to talk to you.” He stopped in front of her. “About last night.” His gaze bounced to the ground and back up again. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have tried to kiss you.”

  His nervousness alleviated some of her anxiety. “I think I’m the one who should apologize. I had no right to go off on you like that.”

  “It’s obvious that I offended you.”

  “No, you didn’t. Really. It was just—” Was she really going to tell him she thought he was somebody else? She poked at the snow with her boot. “I was tired. Not that that’s any excuse. I had
no right to talk to you the way I did.” She squared her shoulders and dared to meet his gaze once again. “I’m sorry.”

  He studied her for a moment then smiled. “Make you a deal. I’ll accept your apology if you’ll accept mine.”

  The corners of her mouth twitched. “Deal.”

  Shifting the sled to his other hand, he held it up. “Thought I might see what kind of injury I could inflict on myself over at Vinegar Hill. Care to join me?”

  “Sorry, I have something I have to take care of.” She ignored the voice in her head telling her to say yes.

  “Oh.” His smile faltered. “Okay.” He took a step back, disappointment dropping his shoulders a notch. “Well, I guess I’ll catch you later then.”

  “See ya.” She watched as he continued past her. Poor guy looked totally dejected as he wandered down the street. Head down, shoulders slumped...

  She turned and started up the driveway, feeling horrible for comparing Cash to Brian. Brian never would have stopped to help those people on the mountain. Would never have apologized for offending someone. Brian didn’t do anything unless it benefited him. No, Cash was definitely not Brian. Cash was a great guy.

  All the more reason you should spend time with him.

  She blew out a puff of air. But the more time she spent with him, the harder it would be to see him leave.

  What about your business plan?

  Cash knew way more about that than she ever hoped to know. God, is Cash supposed to be the one to help me?

  Though her head didn’t necessarily agree, “yes” played across her heart.

  She supposed she could teach Cash a thing or two about sledding. Just not with that tiny sled he had.

  The kitchen smelled like vanilla when she entered. Then she spotted the heart-shaped cookies spread across the counter. Her mom had insisted on making the cookies for Gage’s daughters’ Valentine’s Day parties on Tuesday. Since their mother wasn’t around anymore, Taryn’s mom tried to help out whenever she could.

  Scout trotted toward her, tail wagging.

  “There you are.” She scooped up her baby. “Where is everyone? Are they napping?” At this moment she was grateful for the Sunday-afternoon tradition.

  She tiptoed upstairs to her room for a quick change of clothes. Ten minutes later, snow crunched under her boots, eagerness propelling each step as she towed the family toboggan behind her.

  Kids of all shapes and sizes had gathered at the hill—a segment of road that was closed to traffic during the winter months. A sea of colorful ski caps stood before her. And right in the midst of them was the biggest kid of all. Not to mention the most handsome.

  Cash stooped to give a child a starting push then listened as the others gave him advice on how to sled. He’d probably been here all of twenty minutes and was already the center of attention.

  He goofed around and laughed with the kids, making her heart flutter all the more.

  Then he saw her and the broad smile that erupted on his face wiped out any notion she had of staying away.

  “Thought you were busy.”

  “No, I said I had something to take care of.” She held her arms out to note her insulated pants and ski jacket. “I had to change clothes, silly.”

  “Well, you’re just in time.” He pointed toward the kids. “These munchkins are about to launch me on my first sled ride, and I might need somebody to notify next of kin.”

  “Ah, don’t be such a scaredy-cat, cowboy.” She infiltrated the group of kids and handed Cash the toboggan. “As big as you are, that little sled of yours—” she pointed “—won’t go very far.”

  He assessed the hand-crafted six-footer. “Very nice.”

  “Do you know how to steer?”

  “Not really.” His cheeks and nose were as red as could be, but there was a childlike sparkle in Cash’s green eyes that she found way too appealing.

  “Who wants to teach him?” She scanned the kids, spotting Blakely’s son and his best buddy, Zach. “Austin, think you can show Mr. Coble how it’s done?”

  “Sure.” Austin adjusted his cap and stepped forward.

  Cash paid close attention. “Got it.” He started to sit on the toboggan, then paused, eyeing the kids. “I think we should talk Miss Purcell into accompanying me on my maiden flight.”

  “Yay!” they all cheered.

  She quirked a brow, her gaze narrowing on Cash. “You’re not scared, are you?”

  “Not if you’re with me.”

  The kids all chanted her name. “Taryn! Taryn! Taryn!”

  “Okay. Okay.” She stepped forward. “I will join you this time.” She eased onto the curled-wood piece, into Cash’s all-too-inviting embrace. “But you’re on your own for the next run.”

  Snow flew for the next few hours and by the time the last remnants of daylight faded, Taryn and Cash were the only two people left at Vinegar Hill.

  “I don’t think I have ever laughed that much.” He towed the toboggan to join her at the top of the hill.

  “It’s been ages since I’ve been over here, but this was a blast.”

  “I’m glad you decided to come.” Beside her now, he stared down at her with that smile that was hard to resist.

  But resist she must. “We should go.”

  “Yeah.” He cast one last glance down the hill before they started up the street. “Seems every day I’ve been here has been a memorable one.”

  “Are you saying you’re glad you didn’t have to leave today?”

  He pondered the thought, nodding his head. “I guess I am.”

  Snow crunched beneath their boots as they trudged along. The streets were practically abandoned. Soft light glowed from living rooms up and down the road and the aroma of burning wood hung in the air.

  “What are you going to do about work?”

  “I’ve got my laptop and phone and, thanks to you, internet. I should be able to do just about everything I do at the office. Except maybe paperwork.”

  “Sounds like a blessing in disguise.”

  “I believe you’re right.” He grinned. “Because now we’ll have time to work on that business plan of yours.”

  They were in front of her house now. White covered everything in sight and lamplight spilled through the front window.

  “Would you like to join Gramps and me for dinner? It’s just grilled cheese and tomato soup—” he shrugged “—but they’re nice and hot.”

  The simple combination had never sounded so good.

  And Mr. Jenkins would be there. It wasn’t as if they’d be alone. Not like last night. She did love spending time with the old man.

  Still...

  “I won’t try to kiss you.”

  That made her laugh. “And we can discuss the whole business plan thing?”

  “If you like.”

  She liked, all right.

  “In that case, I’d love to.”

  Chapter Eight

  Monday was almost like any other workday. Cash contacted clients and suppliers, cranked out a couple of quotes and assured his father that business was still on track. Especially now that things in the Northeast had settled and their aluminum shipment was on its way.

  But, occasionally, Cash’s gaze would drift past his makeshift desk in Gramps’s dining room to the snow-covered landscape outside the window, reminding him just how far he was from the office. If they had snow like this in Dallas, no one would go to work, schools would be closed and the city would be virtually shut down.

  Something else was different, too. Now, as the sun drifted beyond the town’s western slope, he could hardly wait to call it a day and, hopefully, spend some time with Taryn.

  Last night they’d only briefly discussed her business plan, meaning there was still a lot of work t
o be done. And they’d have to see each other to do that, right?

  A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Any excuse to spend time with Taryn was fine by him.

  Closing his laptop, he pulled his cell from his pocket and dialed the number he’d managed to coax out of her last night.

  No answer.

  She was supposed to take a group climbing this morning, but he thought for sure she’d be done by now.

  Instead of leaving a message, he sent her a text to call him when she got a chance.

  “Something smells good, Gramps.” He joined his grandfather in the kitchen. He’d heard the old man puttering around in there for the last half hour.

  “Thought I’d make us some stew. Probably not as good as Taryn’s, but it’ll stick to your ribs.”

  “Are you kidding, I’ve always liked your stew.” His cell phone beeped. Looking down at the screen, he saw a text from Taryn.

  Helping Mr. Ramsey at All Geared Up. Closing at 5:30.

  “Hey, Gramps, where’s All Geared Up?”

  “Main Street. West side, between Seventh and Eighth.”

  Cash checked the clock. Four forty-five. “Would you mind if I ran down there?”

  Gramps swirled a wooden spoon through the pot of bubbling mixture. “Fine by me. Stew needs to simmer for a while anyway.”

  He donned his grandfather’s coat and hat then tugged on his gloves. “I’ll be back shortly.”

  Outside, he bypassed his rented SUV, opting to walk instead. He breathed in the chilly air, the fragrance of fresh snow and fireplaces invigorating his every step. Man, it felt good to be outside.

  On the next block, a man shoveled his driveway. Cash had helped his grandfather do the same thing earlier today, adding another first to this amazing trip. He scanned the beauty around him, the mountaintops blanketed in white.

  He recalled the childish notion he always had of being one with this land. Of feeling as though God lived among these magnificent mountains, tending His creation for all to see.

  Maybe Gramps was right. Maybe God was keeping him here for a reason.

  Traffic on Main Street was minimal. With the pass closed, there was no through traffic.