“Okay.” She slid across the seat and buckled her seatbelt, taking one last look at the smooth lake in front of them. The spot he’d parked in had room for ten cars or so. It was surrounded by trees, and it felt as if they were the only people in the world there. She never wanted to leave the spot or his arms, but she couldn’t tell him. They’d made a pact, and she wasn’t about to break it.
He put the truck into park in front of the cabin, getting out to walk her to the door. A quick brush of her lips with his at the door was all he’d allow himself. “I’ll pick you up just before six if that works for you.”
She nodded, smiling brightly. “I’ll be ready.” Opening the door, she hurried inside and went straight to her room, not noticing her two friends who were already working in the living room. “I’ll be out in a few!” she called, gathering clean pajamas to wear.
She went into the bathroom and ran a hot bath, sinking into the water. She soaked for a few minutes, letting the hot water soothe her frazzled nerves, the tears coursing down her face. She knew Glen would change his mind about her staying, because he just had to. But what if he didn’t?
* * *
Kaya went to the café for a late lunch the following day, knowing it wouldn’t be open on Sunday. As soon as she walked in, Kelsi hurried from behind the counter and flew at her yelling, “Boobie bump!”
Kaya laughed, hugging the much smaller woman tightly. “I want whatever Bob has on special today. I don’t even care what it is. And a Sprite. Make it a double.”
Kelsi gave Kaya a concerned look as she hurried to the kitchen to put in the order, while Kaya took a seat at the counter. She rushed back to her friend. “What’s going on? Has Glen been mean to you?”
Kaya shook her head emphatically. “Glen is the sweetest, kindest man I’ve ever had the good fortune to meet.”
“Oh, good. I was worried I was going to have to walk down to the stables with a step-stool so I could box the man’s ears!”
“If you ever decide to do that, either make sure I’m there, or get video. I don’t want to see him hurt, but I would love to see the look on his face when you have to climb on a step-stool to scold him!”
Kelsi giggled. “Shane would not approve.” Her glance darted past Kaya to one of the booths. “He says I’m not allowed to climb on anything until after little Shawn is born.”
Kaya ignored the fact that Kelsi had switched the gender of her baby as she spun around to see who Kelsi was looking at, spotting a man with paperwork spread all over the table in front of him. “Who’s that?”
“That’s my very own Sheriff Shane.” Kelsi raised her voice a little. “Shane, come and meet my new friend, Kaya!”
The sheriff slid out of the booth and walked over to Kaya, holding his hand out to shake hers. “Nice to meet you, Kaya. How long are you here for?”
“We leave a week from Monday.”
“Where are you from?”
“I live in the Dallas Fort Worth area. I’m one of Liz’s writer friends.”
“Well, I’m glad you came here and got to know Kelsi. My wife is a very good judge of character, and if she likes you, you’ve got to be somebody pretty special.”
Kaya smiled. “Same could go for you I think.”
“I’m going to head back over and do my paperwork. Real glad I got to meet you. Kelsi has said some nice things about you.”
They were the only people in the café. Kaya knew they closed at two, so she’d come not long before. “Order up!” Bob called from the kitchen.
Kelsi hurried away, grabbed the steaming bowl that was on the counter and a handful of crackers, and place them in front of Kaya. “If that’s not spicy enough you let me know. Bob is kind of chintzy with the spices. I have my own supply though, and I’m happy to share.”
Kaya looked down at the bowl in front of her. “Jambalaya?”
“Exactly. And Bob seasons it for baby.”
Taking a big bite of the food, Kaya felt the flavors exploding on her tongue. “It’s good. Maybe a little under-seasoned.”
Kelsi grinned. “Kaya agrees it’s not spicy enough, Bob! I need the green stuff.”
Bob stuck his head out of the kitchen to glare at Kaya. He personally brought her a can of seasoning. “You really must be somebody special. This one never shares.” With that he walked back into the kitchen.
Kaya opened the can and shook a liberal amount of the spice onto her food. “I hope I didn’t hurt his feelings by thinking it needed more spice!”
“Nah, Bob is just cranky. He thinks everything he makes is just perfect the way it is.”
“Well, it’s really good! It’s just not perfect. With the extra seasoning it is.” Kaya raised her voice so Bob could hear her. “It’s great, Bob! I always have extra seasoning!” She looked at Kelsi. “I keep a little can just like this in my purse. Same stuff. You can never get too much seasoning.”
Kelsi leaned forward on the counter. “And this is why I like you.”
* * *
Glenn was running late that afternoon, so he had to pick up Kaya without changing first. He knocked on the door, this time ready for one of her friends to ambush him. Instead, Kaya herself came to the door. She was wearing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt that proclaimed, “Be nice to me, or I’ll kill you in a novel.”
He grinned. “I love your shirt.”
Kaya laughed. “My mom got it for me.”
“Do you really kill people that you don’t like in your novels?” He escorted her toward the truck as he asked, happy he didn’t have to deal with May again.
“No, I’ve never done that. May does that all the time though.” After she buckled her seatbelt, she turned to him. “How long will it take to get to your ranch?”
“Ten minutes. We could actually walk there just as fast by taking the ranch paths. I’d just rather not have to cross the highway after dark to walk you home tonight.”
“That makes sense. What are you going to feed me?”
“I thought I’d make it fun. I have a couple of pizza kits, and I’m going to mix up the dough, and then we can each create our own pizza.”
“Sounds good to me!” Kaya had always enjoyed homemade pizza. It actually sounded delicious.
His house wasn’t nearly as big as the main house on River’s End Ranch, but it was more than big enough for an average sized family. It wasn’t in perfect shape, but a coat of paint would have it looking much nicer.
“Do you want a tour?” he asked as he got out of the truck.
“Yeah! If you don’t mind that is.”
He shook his head. “Now or after dinner?”
“Now. If you don’t mind.”
“Not a bit. I was planning to change before I picked you up, but today’s trail ride got back to the ranch later than expected. Give me five minutes to change, and we’ll tour.”
Kaya looked at him. “You know I don’t care if you’re wearing clean clothes or not. Let’s just walk.”
He shrugged. “I guess we can.” He caught her hand and walked toward the stable. “Stable’s this way. I have it ready for twenty horses. I only have a couple now, but I’ve got plans to buy more and start training them as soon as I graduate.” He opened the door to the barn, and she walked through the stable, noting the nice big stalls.
“Will Muffin and Molly work with the children?”
“Yes. I’ve been training them already.” He led her to a small arena on the other side of the stable, that was entirely indoors. “This is for the winter months. It’s not built to keep the cold at bay, but it will keep the snow and wind out.”
“I wondered how you’d handle the winter months.”
Glen looked around, seeing everything with fresh eyes, because she was beside him. “Over there is the office. I’ll work out of there when a child needs to talk about something one-on-one, but the main focus of the center will be the horses and the magic they can work with special kids.”
As Kaya watched him talk about the plans he had in place, she un
derstood him a little better. This dream of his obviously meant everything to him. “You’re going to be wonderful with the kids.”
He smiled. “I hope so. I’ve done a lot of training to get ready for this.”
She stepped closer to him, drawing his head down for a kiss. “I know you will. All the love and work you’ve put into this place really shows.”
He led her outside to the area he’d set up for beginners. “The children will start out here, and they’ll gradually advance to actual trail rides. I’ve got a path down by the river we’ll take. I think being out in nature will help when it’s feasible. We’ll be outside unless it’s raining or there’s snow on the ground. It’ll mean bundling up a good part of the year, but a little cold weather never hurt anyone.”
He pulled her toward the house. “Now I really am going to change my clothes. Do you want to wait in the living room or do you want to start making the dough for the pizzas so we can eat a little faster?”
She smiled. “I’ll make the dough. I love the idea of cooking with you.” Everything they did together gave her a few more memories she would be able to pull out and play with over the years. The memories that would keep her going. He may not believe it, but she was going to wait as long as necessary. How could she settle for second best after holding true love in her hands?
He gave her the mixes he’d purchased. “Just dig for anything you need. I have nothing to hide. I’ll be back in about ten minutes. I’m going to take a quick shower.”
Kaya watched Glen walk away, her eyes on his cute little bum once again. She didn’t know what it was about him, but she knew no other man would ever be able to measure up. He made her heart sing.
Finally, she turned and dug through his cabinets for a mixing bowl. She didn’t want to have to explain that she was daydreaming about him instead of mixing the dough like she’d promised.
Once the dough was ready, she pulled out her phone and took a couple of pictures of his house. Maybe she was crazy, but she wanted to be able to picture him here during the long years of loneliness ahead of her.
Chapter Seven
When Glen came out of the bathroom, he was wearing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. His hair was damp, and he looked as if he’d just shaved. Kaya had already mixed the dough and preheated the oven. “Dough needs to rise for five more minutes before we can create our pizzas.”
Glen walked into the kitchen, and put his hands at her waist, drawing her close to him. “Thanks for taking care of that.”
She nodded. “Thanks for bathing.”
He let out a bark of laughter, leaning down and hugging her close. “Are you trying to say that it was necessary?”
“I would never say that to you. Never ever.” She planted a loud kiss on his cheek. “You know I think you’re the bee’s knees.”
“The bee’s knees? Why not the bee’s elbows?”
Kaya sighed, shaking her head. “Bees don’t have elbows. Silly man!” The timer on the stove went off. “We need to make pizza. I greased two pans. I’m going to make the best pizza!”
He shrugged. “I’ll let you make both if you want.”
“Not on your life. I’m making memories with you, Glen, and no one’s going to stop me!”
Mere minutes later they were up to their elbows in pizza dough. They each had their own pan they were working with, and Kaya was carefully spreading sauce with a spoon over hers. “I’ve got lots of toppings to choose from.” Glen went to the fridge and pulled out a bag of ground beef, already browned, a bag of diced onions and another of diced peppers. Pepperoni joined the other ingredients and then a huge bag of shredded mozzarella cheese.
“Do we get points for being creative?” she asked. “Or is it just about taste?”
“This isn’t a contest, Kaya.”
“Well, I don’t know why not. Are you afraid you’ll lose?”
Glen just shook his head. He didn’t know what it was about her, but Kaya always seemed to bring a little more zest to his life. And who could complain about that?
When she’d finished her masterpiece, she turned it to him so he could see. In pepperoni, she’d made a heart, using ham, beef, and green peppers to spell out, “I love you, Glen!”
He grinned when he saw it. “Can I take a picture of it? I want to remember my first ever pizza o’ love!”
“Absolutely. Want me to hold it up so you can have a picture of me with it?”
“Yes, please!”
“Okay, and then you have to do the same. I’ll set up a Dropbox that we can both share pictures into when I get home.” As soon as she said the words, she wondered if they’d upset him—if he’d consider them breaking the pact, but he said nothing, just rushing off to get his phone.
After the pictures were taken, they shoved the pizzas into the oven and sat together on the couch, him with his arm around her and her snuggled closely into his side.
“Are you going to use any of your house for the business?” she asked, looking around. It really was a nice home. She could see that there were a few things that needed repair, and a fresh coat of paint, but it would be a place she would enjoy living if they ever got to that point.
He nodded. “I’ll probably have an office in the house. I know that Dawna will work out of here at first. I’ve converted one of the bedrooms into an office, and I’ll keep records in there.”
“That’s cool.”
“Do you have an office in your apartment?” he asked.
She laughed, shaking her head. “I’m honestly still living in the same apartment I was in during my senior year of college. It’s just an efficiency. I have a couple of recliners and a computer desk, which overlooks the pool. I bounce back and forth between working in a recliner with my laptop, and working on my desktop.”
“Are you planning to move to something bigger?”
She shrugged. “I’ve thought about it, but right now it’s plenty for my needs. Maybe eventually.”
“I lived at home with my parents until my uncle left me this place, so I have nothing to say to that. I’ve been here for about three years now. Dawna’s ready to escape.”
Kaya grinned. “I couldn’t stay at home for long. Bridget made me crazy. Even when I first moved into the dorm, I thought I’d go home every weekend. Instead I ended up staying on campus except for holidays, because Bridget got on my last nerve. Mom can’t stand it when we fight, and she always takes Bridget’s side.”
He frowned at that. “Why does she always take Bridget’s side?”
“Because Bridget can scream louder than any human being that has ever walked the face of the earth. So, Mom got into the habit of giving into her every single tantrum. I don’t think she even realizes she does it now.”
He shook his head. “I promise to always be on your side against Bridget the Midget!”
“You truly are superhero material, Glen Johnson. I do believe I’ll keep you around forever and ever.”
“You are a bright woman to make this decision. It’s one I approve of.” He leaned down, as if to kiss her, but instead his lips landed on the tip of her upturned nose. “Have I mentioned yet how cute I think your nose is?”
“Have I mentioned yet that you’re a bit odd, but completely lovable?”
He laughed. “You’re the only one who has ever thought I was odd. For everyone else, I’m Mr. Dependable. Good old Glen. Can’t work today? Call Glen. Need help with a research paper? Call Glen. I’m as boring as can be, and you think I’m odd? I think that’s one of my favorite things about you.”
She laughed. “You’re a silly willy!”
He shook his head. “No one else thinks I’m silly either. Maybe you just bring out the best in me.” He lowered his head and took her lips with his, his arms going around her to bring her closer.
Kaya wrapped her arms around his neck, holding on for dear life. More memories to keep her going.
Two hours later, they’d consumed their pizza and cleaned up the kitchen together. Glen smiled at the pretty gir
l beside him for a moment. “Do you have a curfew tonight?”
Kaya laughed. “It did kind of feel like May was giving me a curfew last night, didn’t it?” She shook her head. “I can stay out as late as I want tonight. What are you thinking?”
“I think I’d enjoy a walk. I want to take you down by my stretch of the river.”
“Sounds good to me! Do you have a sidewalk too?”
He shook his head. “Nope, just a walking path. I sometimes ride the horses there as well. I’ll walk you along the path that my more advanced riders will be able to take during therapy.”
“Sounds good to me.” Kaya reached out for his hand, winding her fingers through his. “I’d watch trash burn with you.”
Glen couldn’t respond to that. It was going to be so hard to let her go. “Let’s get water and go.”
Kaya frowned. “Does that mean I have to let go of your hand?”
He raised an eyebrow at her. “It would be easier if you did, but I guess you can open the fridge, and I can get two bottles of water out.”
“Okay.” She walked to the fridge and opened it with her free hand, and he took both bottles of water out.
“Now how will we open them. That takes two hands.”
“I’ll hold and you open.”
“This is silly.”
Kaya shrugged. “I’m not letting go.” The words were true on so many levels, but she wasn’t about to tell him that. He thought she meant for now, and it was probably best if he kept thinking that.
After both waters were opened, they walked out to the path overlooking the river. “The river is along the west boundary of my property for a full mile. Do you want to walk that far?”
Kaya shrugged. “I wore walking shoes, not sure what we’d do. I can handle walking for just as long as you want.”
“All right.” The path wasn’t built up the way it was on River’s End, but his ranch was meant for an entirely different purpose than the big destination ranch. They walked along the dirt path for a while, with Kaya watching the river as they went.
Ranch's Retreat (River's End Ranch Book 6) Page 7
