Finding Love In Big Sky, Montana (Resort to Love--Finding Love line Book 2)

by Angela Ruth Strong

  Chapter Sixteen

  Two weeks after her first trip to the bank, Paisley was headed back in to discuss her paperwork and hopefully finalize the loan. She pulled down the passenger side visor to fix her lip gloss to prepare for her second trip. And she’d gone all out this time, replacing her jeans and sweater with a business suit. She rubbed her lips together and studied herself with makeup on. It felt weird but hopefully looked professional.

  Something made her fingers and toes tingle. Was it nerves about borrowing thousands of dollars to pursue a dream that may or may not work out?

  Josh’s gaze caught her attention. The tingles grew. That was it. “Don’t stare at me. You’re making me nervous.”

  Josh shrugged. “You look good. You have nothing to worry about.”

  If he thought she looked good, then she had a lot to worry about. But not right now. Right now she was headed into the bank. While he was going to pick up groceries. “Thanks. You’ve got the shopping list?”

  He held up the folded piece of paper. “Check.”

  So weird having someone else go to the supermarket for her. And Josh wouldn’t have been her first choice since he could barely boil noodles, but Sam was skiing. And her mind really wasn’t concerned about food at the moment. Once she got her loan she’d be so happy, she’d probably forget to eat for a week.

  “Okay.” She nodded. “I don’t think I’ll be here that long, so if I get done before you, I’ll wait in the lobby.”

  Josh nodded. The hinges squeaked as she pushed the truck door wide. Cold air swirled into the vehicle before she closed it again. And despite the chill, she stood and waved through the window as he rolled away out of the shopping complex.

  A smile started deep within Paisley, and she couldn’t keep it from reaching her lips. But that was because she was about to have her dreams become a reality, not because she was picturing Josh in the fabric softener aisle or trying to pick out the right size ham for Christmas. No, he was simply the exclamation point on her excitement.

  Allen, the banker, was about to hand her a check that would open up the door for her to build and hire to her heart’s content. And soon Bright Star Ranch would open, and she’d have hundreds of kids running around and laughing on her property.

  Josh had nailed the logo design. There was no way the lender wouldn’t approve her now with such a solid business plan. Which made letting him sleep in her bunk room until Christmas worth the risk of being close to him. Worth the risk of a broken heart.

  She faced Big Sky Western Bank. Clasping the smooth manila folder with her new marketing materials, Paisley shook off the snow clinging to the wretched black pumps. She hated them, but Josh had made a quip about feeling like he was back in Chicago when he’d joined her in the kitchen for breakfast that morning. His former fiancée probably dressed like this all the time. Not that Paisley wanted to compare herself to the other woman.

  No, she was absorbed with running a ranch and retreat center. Or she should be. She held her arms out for balance to keep from slipping on any ice as she made her way to the front door.

  God, I know Christmas is about following Your direction so we can share our treasure, and I’m so excited for the opportunity. Please, please, please help me make this happen.

  Her stomach clenched in determination. Dad had offered the money, but to him, money was all about control. And she’d never let him control the ranch where Mom grew up.

  She swung the glass door open and wiped her heels on the thick, black mat before stepping into the warmth of the bank. This was it. She approached the counter.

  “Good morning, ma’am, I will be right with . . .” Heather’s long blonde hair flew over her shoulder as she did a double take. “Paisley? I didn’t recognize you. Are you going to a funeral?”

  Well, that wasn’t the impression she’d been trying to create. “I hope not.”

  “Oh.” Heather smacked her head with a palm. “You’re dressed up to meet with Allen, huh? You look so chic.”

  “Nice save.”

  Heather giggled. “No, you really do. You should let me set you up with my cousin in Bozeman. He likes business women.”

  Paisley drew her eyebrows together. Not only was she avoiding dates, but with the way her toes were being pinched, she’d pretty much decided never to wear heels again. “I think you’ve forgotten who you’re talking to.”

  Heather leaned forward as if telling secrets. “Oh, that’s right. You have a couple of brothers staying at your ranch, don’t you? Well, if nothing works out with one of them, know you clean up nice enough to pass as a business professional.”

  Paisley couldn’t even go there. She’d pretend it was a compliment. “Let’s hope Allen Marshall is as easy to fool.”

  A deep throat cleared behind her. “Miss Sheridan?”

  Paisley closed her eyes. Of course Allen would have heard her comment about fooling him. How would she make up for that mistake? She’d have to be herself. Because though she may not be good with selling ideas and crunching numbers, she knew how to run a ranch.

  She pivoted and held out a calloused hand. “Yes. Nice to meet you, Mr. Marshall.”

  “Likewise. If you’ll follow me, please.”

  Paisley wobbled after the man. If anybody felt like a fool, it was her. She’d been ridiculous to exchange her jeans and boots for a stiff suit, but at least the new logo design was authentic to her identity.

  “Please have a seat, Miss Sheridan.”

  “Thank you.” Paisley folded herself onto the hard plastic chair, though it wasn’t like she could be any more uncomfortable.

  Mr. Marshall sat behind the desk and grimaced at his computer as if he were uncomfortable, as well. But perhaps that was because he wore a suit to work every day. With a tie pinned down the center of his shirt. “I’ve looked over your file, but I see you brought something to add to it.”

  “Oh yes.” Hopefully her application had all the information he needed to approve her loan, but if not, he was sure to love the business plan changes Josh had inspired. She slid the folder across the table. “I’ve recently acquired the assistance of a marketing professional from Synergy Ad Agency in Chicago. He’s redesigned my logo and come up with new ways to promote the ranch. Plus, my ice skating rink opens tomorrow.” Okay, now that sounded professional at least.

  Allen Marshall slid glasses up his nose before opening the folder. “Nice. Very nice.” He pulled the readers off and poked the tip of one glasses arm into the cleft of his chin. If he thought the business plan was nice, why did he frown rather than smile? “And by what means did you acquire such assistance?”

  Means? Like money? He wanted to know where she got the money. “I offered the man a trade—room and board at the ranch.”

  Allen Marshall nodded. “I admire your resourcefulness.”

  He did? Because she couldn’t find any admiration in his eyes. “Thank you, sir.”

  He slapped the folder closed. “And I’m glad you are resourceful, because you don’t have the credit needed for Big Sky Western to grant you a loan today.”

  What? She wasn’t going to get the money? But . . . but . . .“I should have great credit. I don’t have any credit cards or late fees or anything.”

  “Miss Sheridan, the problem isn’t late payments and huge amounts of debt. It’s that you’ve never made any payments at all. No car loan. No student loan. No mortgage.”

  Her heart sank. They were rejecting her because she was smart enough to drive Big Red rather than to get into debt with a new car loan every five years? And because she worked her way through college? And because she’d inherited a ranch? She scooted to the edge of her seat. “Doesn’t that fact show how responsible I am? And isn’t my property collateral in case I default?”

  “I’m sure you’re very responsible.” Mr. Marshall attempted to placate her. “Which is why I believe you can find other ways to start your business without a business loan.”

  If he believed in her, he’d give her the loan. He
had to work with her here.

  “I can go buy a new truck today if you want. How long then? How long until I’ll have enough credit to be approved?”

  Allen Marshall glanced over her head. Probably at his clock. Because he had other things to do, other people’s dreams to destroy. “Miss Sheridan, your best bet is to find a co-signer.”

  A co-signer? Who? Not her dad. He’d rather she borrow the money from him.

  Who else was there? Dot? Annabel? Sam? Josh?

  Goodness, she wasn’t that desperate.

  God? She glanced toward heaven. How could this be His will? Did God really not want her to get the loan? She was going to use the money for His glory. Was that not enough?

  He had to have some other plan for her life. What were her options? Run the ranch herself? She was barely making it as it was. Go back home? Never. Sell it? No way, except . . .

  “Can I mortgage my land?” That’s what she did in Monopoly when she needed money.

  Allen Marshall rose from his chair. “That’s still not a possibility without credit.”

  She’d been giving Josh a bad time for driving a car he couldn’t afford. But at least he had credit.

  Her temples throbbed at the unfairness of it all.

  “It was nice meeting you, Miss Sheridan.” Allen Marshall held out his hand. “I wish you the best with your ranch. It would be a wonderful addition to our community.”

  Paisley stared. Numbness spread through her body. If he really thought the ranch was such a good idea, he’d offer her more than well-wishes.

  When she didn’t respond, the man used his extended hand to motion toward the door.

  Paisley stood in her wobbly shoes. It was all she could do. Because ripping them off and throwing them through the window like she wanted to wasn’t considered acceptable behavior. And she wanted to be accepted by the bank so she could start the kids’ camp more than anything.

  “Thank you, Mr. Marshall. Merry Christmas,” she murmured.

  Though Christmas was ruined for her.

  Josh loaded the groceries into the coolers in the back of the truck to keep them dry from the snow. Walking across the store parking lot hadn’t left him as cold as climbing stairs to the L station in Chicago wind. The blanket of snow seemed to insulate the way a blanket should. He would miss this when he returned home. And the beautiful mountains that surrounded him. And, of course, the big sky with its fresh air.

  He climbed behind the wheel of Big Red and turned the key. It started on the first try. “Good boy.” He patted the dated dashboard. He might even miss this old truck.

  If only Marcus had reinstated his pay. Then he could take Paisley out to celebrate her loan. And he could celebrate the good news he got from work on Monday. His spaghetti hadn’t been much of a celebration. The pasta was sticky and the sauce runny. And Paisley had expected dinner to be some kind of prize for winning the skating competition.

  When she’d fallen on him at the pond and he’d asked what she’d wanted, she hadn’t looked like she wanted spaghetti. Unless, of course, she was thinking about Lady and the Tramp and the way they’d shared noodles. Which had been on Josh’s mind the whole time he’d made dinner. And it was still on his mind now even though he’d given up the idea of pursuing her.

  He was headed home. Well, at the moment he was heading through the parking lot to pick up Paisley. But soon he’d be headed home to Chicago. Which meant he shouldn’t be thinking about kissing her at all. And even if he did have the money to take her out for a celebration, she’d probably consider it a date and turn him down. They both knew she was better off with Sam.

  He sighed and listened to the tires crunch over hard-packed snow.

  A figure in black waited in front of the bank. Paisley? Why hadn’t she waited inside the bank like she’d said? Miserable golden eyes locked onto his through the windshield. Oh no. She hadn’t gotten the loan.

  Josh rolled to a stop. His heart ached for her. She’d been counting on this. Planning on it for weeks. And now all that work and excitement he’d put into her logo design and business plan would amount to nothing. Unless there was another way. There had to be another way.

  Could he loan her money? Would she let him consider it an investment? It couldn’t happen for a little while. He’d have to get his job back and renegotiate the huge contract he lost, but it could be done. Maybe this was why God allowed him to lose his job in the first place. Maybe he was supposed to run into her in Montana. Maybe it wasn’t about finding himself at all. Maybe it was about being there for someone else.

  She yanked the door open but wouldn’t look his direction.

  He might as well test her out to see if she’d even be willing to take a private loan. “What happened?”

  She didn’t make eye contact but the sniffing gave her away. She was crying. Now what should he do?

  “Hey,” he consoled.

  “Drive. Please drive.”

  He shifted gears and stepped on the gas. A high heel flew past his face. Was she aiming at him? He hadn’t done anything. He was trying to help. He did a double take to check on her while driving.

  “Sorry.” The other shoe plunked to the floor without presenting any threat of harm. Paisley turned backwards to sit on her knees, her feet bare and her arms straining to reach behind the seat.

  Josh scratched his head. “Did you lose something?”

  “My mind apparently.” She tugged at something just out of view, but she met his gaze long enough for him to see that her tears had dried into a shimmer of anger. “I can’t believe I dressed up for that guy. I’m never wearing high heels again.”

  Rubber squeaked and a pair of red galoshes appeared from behind the bench seat. The sight of them made Josh want to laugh and pull her into his arms for a comforting hug at the same time. But he refrained. Because she was as tough as she was cute.

  She righted herself on the bench seat and pulled the boots over her slacks. She glanced up as if to challenge his opinion of her attire.

  “Much more practical,” he offered, swallowing a smile. Her situation really wasn’t anything to smile about. “What happened in there?” It appeared that the Scrooge she met with didn’t think she was capable of running a ranch on her own, but he needed to hear it from her if she was going to accept any consoling and/or money from him.

  She strapped on her seatbelt as he pulled out onto the highway. He didn’t blame her for wanting to get as far away from the bank as possible before talking.

  “I didn’t get the loan. I don’t have enough credit. I don’t know what I’m going to do.” She stared at her hands. “Though I guess I should start with taking down all my flyers about hiring. Stop at The Coffee Cottage.”

  “Hon.” He’d meant the endearment to be comforting, but she shot him a look that told him she experienced it as condescending. He’d try again. “I’ll take the flyers down for you. You shouldn’t have to worry about it right now.”

  “I’ve got nothing better to do.” She pointed at the shop on their left. “Stop.”

  Against his better judgement, he pulled off the road and shifted into park. His Mercedes mocked him. How much money he’d wasted in the past when he could have been using it to make a difference the way Paisley wanted to. Lending her money would be the least he could do. “I don’t think you should give up on the ranch. I want to help. Keep the flyers up, and by the time you have ranch hands applying, I’ll be able to loan you money and—”

  She growled. Actually growled. “Absolutely not. I’m not taking money from my dad, and I’m not taking money from you. This is my ranch. My dream. I’m not giving over control.”

  Control? Josh held out his open hands to show he wasn’t trying to rein her in. “I don’t want control.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “Oh, that’s right. You’re not about control. You’re about status. Will it impress your friends back in Chicago if you own part of a ranch in Montana?”

  His face froze in confusion. “Status?” So maybe he had expensi
ve taste, but he was willing to give up some of his luxuries for the greater good. He thought she’d be thankful. He’d thought it was God’s will.

  “Yeah. Status.” She yanked her door handle to shove the door open. She paused and looked back toward him, toward the high heel sitting between them. “I’m going inside to take down my flyer. You can wait out here, so I don’t embarrass you with my unprofessional appearance.” She dropped to the ground and slammed the door.

  Her behavior would be much more embarrassing than her appearance, but he’d keep his mouth shut and grant her grace over the loss she was experiencing. Her ranch was her everything. Maybe Dot and Annabel could calm her down. Or convince her to consider his offer. He shoved his door open and dropped lightly to the ground to follow her bright rubber boots down the shoveled walk.

  She stalked ahead and pulled the front entrance open before he even reached the steps. Country music blared from inside. Not the usual coffee shop atmosphere, but then again, Dot and Annabel weren’t the usual coffee shop owners. Josh grabbed the doorknob to follow Paisley in.

  Annabel shoved chairs and tables toward the wall, their legs screeching against scarred, wooden planks. Dot stood in the center of the room with her thumbs in her belt buckles and her sparkly, gold boots tapping. A few customers stood around with their mugs and bemused expressions.

  Josh slowed to stare. Paisley strode past toward the bulletin board, unfazed.

  “Joshua.” Dot clapped when she saw him. “I’m so glad you’re here. Annabel was going to try to be my partner for swing dancing, but she’s not strong enough to throw me in the air.”

  How did he get out of that one? He held up a hand as he followed Paisley. “Another time.”

  Paisley stared at the bulletin board. Brightly colored flyers and business cards advertised everything from craft bazaars to holiday parades. But he didn’t see any hiring signs.

  Paisley’s shoulders slumped. “It’s not here.”

  Josh ran a hand over his face. Was it safe to talk to her yet?