He stormed through the showroom, past trailer displays.
“Cash? I wasn’t expecting you.” His assistant jumped to her feet, her high heels clicking on the marble floor, and followed him into his office.
“Where’s my father?” He dropped his computer bag into the first of two leather guest chairs.
“Probably out in the shop. Do you want me to get him?”
Rubbing the back of his neck, he faced the tall brunette who had been with him a little over two years. “Yes, Jackie. Tell him to meet me in his office.”
While she scurried off, he stopped by the restroom to splash some cool water on his face. Gripping the sides of the sink, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. Dark circles rimmed his eyes and stubble shadowed his chin. He was a mess.
Lord, I need Your help. I don’t want this to be about me. Show me what You would have me do.
He wandered down the hall, into his father’s office. An artist’s rendering of their new building hung prominently on the wall, while family photos lined the knotty-pine bookshelves and credenza. Pausing at the first bookshelf, he scanned the pictures, his gaze stopping on the bottom shelf. He stooped to pick up the frame.
“I remember this.” He stared at the image of him and his father holding up a stringer of trout. He must have been about eight. The whole family had gone to Ouray that year and he and his dad went fishing. Cash remembered how good it felt to be in Ouray and to have his dad pay attention to him instead of work.
“Welcome back, son.”
Cash startled at his father’s voice. He replaced the old photograph. “About time you got here.”
Warren Coble stood in the doorway, hands perched on his hips. “I could say the same thing.” He relaxed then and continued into the room. “Have a seat, Cash.”
Cash closed the door before sitting in one of the two leather wingback chairs facing the desk. “So what gives? You’ve been nagging me to get back here for weeks and suddenly you’ve decided to sell the company. What is this, some manipulation tactic so you can finally get your way?”
The man leaned back in his leather desk chair and steepled his fingers. “If it were, I’d say it worked just fine.”
After a momentary stare down, his father leaned forward and rested his arms on the massive desk. “But it wasn’t. This offer from Chaparral came out of the blue.”
“When?”
“End of last week.”
Cash narrowed his gaze. “And you never mentioned it?”
“Son, I wasn’t even entertaining their offer until your mother talked me into visiting Megan and her family this past weekend.”
He crossed one leg over the other. “So what changed your mind?”
“Honestly? I had fun.” His father chuckled and leaned back. “I didn’t think I even knew how to relax anymore. But I did. And, by golly, it felt good.”
Cash smiled. He could certainly relate. And if it hadn’t been for Taryn, he’d still be every bit as wound up as he was when he first arrived in Ouray.
“I’m tired, Cash.” His father’s countenance changed. Not agitated or uptight the way he usually was, just serious. Honest. “I don’t know how much longer the good Lord intends to keep me on this earth, but I’d like to enjoy it while I can.”
“I can appreciate that, Dad. Really. But I feel as though you’re just selling the company right out from under me. From the time you got sick, I’ve put my heart and soul into this business.”
“And I appreciate that more than you’ll ever know.” His father stood, rounded the desk and settled in the chair beside Cash. “Son, this company was my dream. And you’ve built it into something bigger than I ever could have imagined. Which is why I plan to give you half of what Chaparral is offering.” He leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs. “But this was never your dream.”
“How do you know that, Dad? When was the last time you asked me what I wanted?”
His father’s steel-blue eyes shimmered. “I robbed you of your dreams, Cash. And for that, I am truly sorry. I had no right.”
Guilt wound its icy grip around Cash’s heart. “But if you hadn’t, who would have run things when you got sick?”
His dad gave him a sad smile. “Cash, if you can look me in the eye and tell me that you want Coble Trailers, I’ll hand it to you lock, stock and barrel.”
He studied his father. “And what about you?”
“I’ll walk clean away. Besides, I’m sure your mother will have enough things to keep me busy for a few years.”
Coble Trailers had consumed Cash’s every thought for the last ten years. And how many times had he wished he could run things without his father breathing down his neck? Being sole owner, he’d finally be free to implement some of his ideas, instead of being at the beck and call to his father’s whims.
An image of Taryn flashed through his mind. That first day when she took him climbing. The pain in her eyes when she left him last night. Man, he missed her. He wished he could talk this over with her. Wished he could talk to her, period.
“What do you say, Cash? What do you want?”
What did he want? Closing his eyes, he leaned against the soft leather of the chair. All he could think of was Ouray. God’s splendor and majesty on full display. Taryn. The invigoration of conquering a slab of ice. The sense of community. All Geared Up.
It all felt so right.
His eyes popped open. He straightened. “I want to move to Ouray, buy All Geared Up and beg Taryn Purcell to be my wife.”
His father lifted a brow. “What’s All Geared Up?”
“It’s a store that caters to outdoor enthusiasts.”
“And Taryn is the young lady who’s made you smile again?”
Cash couldn’t help grinning. “Yes, she is.”
His father held out his hand. “I’m proud of you, son. I halfway expected you’d do what you thought I wanted you to do. But you followed your heart. Well done.”
If Cash hadn’t been sitting down, he would have fallen over. He’d been striving for his father’s approval all his life. And he’d finally achieved it. Not by doing what his father wanted, but by doing what he wanted. Tears blurred his vision as he reached for his father’s hand.
His dad pulled him in for a huge bear hug. “I know I haven’t said it near enough, but I love you, son.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
His father released him. “Guess I ought to call that fella over at Chaparral.” He stood. “And you should go ahead and make an offer on that All Geared Up place. That is, unless you want to call Taryn first.”
“I wish I could.” He rose to stand eye to eye with his father. “I lost my phone this morning, so I don’t have her number.”
“Well, somebody’s bound to have it. Start making some phone calls, boy.” His dad popped him on the shoulder.
Cash laughed as he exited his father’s office. Incredible. He didn’t know if he’d ever seen his father like this. Lord, You are truly a miracle worker. Thank You.
“Mr. Coble?” The receptionist caught him in the hallway. “There’s someone here to see you.”
Whoever it was, he’d have to get rid of them. He couldn’t focus on work if he wanted to.
“Thank you, Stacy.” Rounding the corner into the showroom, he was certain his lack of sleep had his mind playing tricks on him, because he thought he saw Taryn sitting in one of their reception chairs.
He blinked twice and both times she was still there.
She stood and met him halfway, her high-heeled boots clicking against the marble floor. And that dress. Wow. Right now she looked far more Dallas than Ouray.
His gaze drifted from the dress to her golden-brown hair and those eyes he loved so much. “What are you doing here?” He couldn’t stop looking at her. He want
ed to memorize every nuance.
Her smile was definitely nervous. “I love you. And, if you’re still interested in pursuing this—” she waved a hand between them “—thing between us, I’m willing to give Dallas a try.”
Cash thought his heart might explode in his chest. Forget this day getting worse. It just kept getting better and better. “No. You can’t stay in Dallas.”
Her smile dissipated and she lowered her head.
“Because I’m moving to Ouray.”
Her beautiful head popped back up, her eyes sparkling like fine gemstones. “You’re moving to Ouray?”
“Yep.” He took a step closer. “And I plan on buying All Geared Up.”
She blinked several times, her hand covering her mouth.
“If it’s all right with you.”
She nodded. “I can’t think of anyone better.”
He slipped an arm around her waist and tugged her closer. “Of course, I’m going to need a partner. Preferably someone who knows what outdoor enthusiasts want.”
She slid her hands over his shoulders and around his neck. “I might be able to think of someone.”
Gazing down at Taryn, he couldn’t remember when he’d been happier. “It’ll be a long-term commitment.”
She cocked her head, a smile tipping the corners of her mouth. “How long did you have in mind?”
“How about forever?”
Unshed moisture glistened in her unfaltering gaze. “Sounds good to me.”
“I love you, Taryn.” Eliminating whatever distance remained between them, he lowered his head and kissed her.
The woman he’d always dreamed of, yet never imagined he would ever find, melted against him. She’d rescued him from himself, showing him what it was like to truly live. And he planned to spend a lifetime making all her dreams come true.
Epilogue
In only two short—or perhaps long—weeks, Taryn would be Mrs. Cash Coble.
Looking around the home Cash had bought for them, the one he’d spent all summer renovating, her heart swelled with joy.
“For a bridal shower, that wasn’t half-bad.”
Taryn eyed her intended as he snatched another carrot from the table in their new dining room. “It wasn’t a bridal shower, Cash. It was a housewarming party. Right, Blakely?”
“Nope.” Trent picked up a miniature cheesecake. “It was a shower.”
“And what makes you say that?” Blakely’s gaze narrowed on her husband.
“Look at all this stuff.” Trent gestured to the spread of gifts in the adjoining living room. “It’s all for girls. Cash, did you see one power tool in the whole lot?”
He shook his head. “Not a one.”
Taryn sidled up beside him, admiring the stunning engagement ring he’d presented her with at the top of Mount Sneffels. A beautiful round solitaire with more diamonds trailing down each side of the band. “What about that bright red stand mixer my parents gave us? That’s got lots of power.”
He tugged her against him. “Not quite what I had in mind, though, darlin’.” With that glimmer in his eye, darlin’ had become her favorite endearment.
“Oh, you’ve got tons of power tools.” Tools he had already put to good use restoring the old craftsman-style house. “Me, on the other hand—” she wandered toward the newly remodeled kitchen “—this is my very first kitchen ever. I need all this stuff so I can cook for you.”
Blakely laughed. “Girl, we may never get you out of there. I bet Cash gains ten pounds your first month of marriage.”
“If not more.” He shook his head. “I can only imagine what the holidays are going to be like.”
“Ooo...” Taryn rubbed her hands in anticipation. “I can hardly wait.”
“First things first.” Cash reeled her in once again. “We still have to get this wedding out of the way.”
Staring up at that face she loved so much, she knew October 1 couldn’t arrive soon enough for her. But with the spring purchase of All Geared Up, followed by some remodeling and the high season, a fall wedding was their best option.
Besides, that gave Cash’s grandfather plenty of time to recover. Now they couldn’t keep the old man down. He’d even pitched in to help with some of the projects at the store and the house. Just nothing that involved ladders.
“Yes. And preferably while I can still fit into my matron-of-honor dress.” Blakely smoothed a hand over her ever-expanding belly.
Trent smiled, laying a hand atop his wife’s. “I’ve never seen a more beautiful baby bump.”
Watching the exchange, Taryn smiled. She couldn’t be happier for her friend. Her gaze inadvertently drifted to Cash.
Wearing a mischievous grin, he ambled alongside her. “I bet you’d look mighty fine with one of those.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. “Easy, cowboy.”
“Knock, knock.” Taryn’s mother poked her head in the front door.
Scout barked and darted for the door, tail wagging.
Her parents couldn’t have been gone more than thirty minutes. She wondered why they were back so soon.
“Come on in, Mom.” Approaching the door, she saw Elise was with her. “What’s going on?”
“We come bearing gifts.” Her father grunted under the weight of whatever the cloth-covered item was that he and Warren were carrying up the steps.
“Y’all need some help?” Cash held the door wide.
His dad smiled. “We’re good, son.”
“What do you mean, gifts?” Taryn eyed her mother. “You’ve already given us so much.” Aside from the mixer, they were paying for her entire wedding.
“These are special gifts,” her mother pointed out with a wink.
Scout skittered out of the way as the men settled the piece on the hardwood floor in the living room.
Trent and Blakely gathered with them.
Tears in her eyes, her mom stood beside the draped object, her gaze trained on Taryn. “Honey, you know how much I love refurbishing things. Which is why I’m so glad you two bought this magnificent old house.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“Cash, you’ve done a wonderful job in here,” she continued.
He smiled and nodded, his arm around Taryn’s waist. “Thank you, Bonnie.”
“However—” she held up a finger “—Elise and I decided it needed something else.”
Taryn glanced up at Cash, who was wearing the same confused look.
Cash’s mother took a step forward. “Something that unites our two families.” She grinned at Taryn’s mom.
“So...” Mom tugged off the covering.
“Oh, my.” Chill bumps erupted down Taryn’s arms as she took in the oddly familiar piece. “Is that your hutch?”
“The very one.”
“Wow.” Cash smoothed a hand over the satin finish. “This is some of the prettiest oak I’ve ever seen.”
“Taryn, do you remember when I first brought this home?”
“Yeah. It was the ugliest, most decrepit thing I’d ever seen.”
Everyone laughed.
“Pretty banged up, too. Lots of scrapes and scars.” Her mother approached and took her hand. “Not so unlike us.”
Taryn blinked back the tears that threatened.
“So that got me to thinking.” Her mom scanned the faces of those gathered round. “One day I decided to strip off that red paint I’d added. And you know what I discovered?” Her gaze stopped on Taryn.
“What?”
“All those scrapes and scars I’d tried to cover up only added to the beauty of the natural wood.”
Taryn blinked faster. “It’s gorgeous, Mom. But it’s yours.”
“Not anymore. I want you to have it, honey. As a remin
der of how beautiful you are, flaws and all.” Her mother embraced her, and the tears Taryn had been battling finally won out.
Her mom let go, wiping her own cheeks. “Your turn, Elise.”
Cash’s mother smiled, her gaze flitting between Cash and Taryn. “A piece as special as this one needs to be filled with something equally important. So...” She held out a medium-size gift bag.
“Thanks, Mom.” Cash took the bag and handed it to Taryn.
She rummaged through the white tissue paper and pulled out a dessert plate. Her gaze went to Elise. “Your mother’s china.” She fingered the turquoise border, the scalloped edges and the delicate pink flowers, remembering the day she and Elise found the box in Mr. Jenkins’s attic.
“The rest of it is in the truck. It’s yours now.”
Taryn’s mouth dropped open. “Are you sure? What about Megan?”
“Taryn, I saw the awe and reverence in your eyes when we found this set. These dishes deserve to be appreciated again.”
“Thank you.” She hugged her soon-to-be mother-in-law.
“Our past is a part of us, Taryn. We shouldn’t hide it away.” Elise released her, held her at arm’s length. “God wants us to use it to serve others.”
Elise was right. Taryn’s past was a part of her, made her who she was today. Once she accepted that, she was free. Free to love. Free to be loved.
“Thank you all so much.” Hugging the plate to her chest, she slipped an arm around Cash and looked from Elise to Warren to her mom and dad. “I will cherish these always.”
Cash tipped her chin to look at him and she saw her own appreciation reflected in his eyes. “And I will cherish you.” He stroked her hair. “Because just like our moms rescued these incredible pieces, you rescued me.” Then he pressed his lips to hers.
Tucked in the haven of Cash’s embrace, Taryn’s past, present and future surrounded her. God was so good. Now she could hardly wait to be Cash’s wife and fill this once forgotten house with children. Because, like her mother said, nothing is beyond redemption.
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