Dani reached over and hugged Kelsi—her twin, her friend. She was right. Nothing was more important than family, and she would be there for Kelsi and her daughter—and complain about it as little as possible.
“Oh, by the way, I’ve been meaning to thank you for sending me lunch the week Wade was out. And for packing sandwiches for us when we were plotting the snowmobile course,” Dani said as she helped her sister down the stairs. “I really appreciated it.”
Kelsi held onto the railing as she followed Dani down the stairs. “I didn’t do that. Travis did.”
“Travis?” Dani stopped dead at the bottom of the stairs and turned toward Kelsi, her eyes round.
“Yes, Travis. He’s sure nice. He came in the first day and asked me all kinds of questions about what you liked, what your favorite things were. He did all that. Not me.”
“Oh.” Dani grew quiet as they headed up the big stairs into the lobby. “I didn’t know.”
“Of course not. He asked me not to tell. But he’s pretty sweet on you, sister. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up just like me—happily married and pregnant.”
Chapter 15
Dani put her phone down after checking it for the fifteenth time. She and Travis had spent every evening together since the snowmobile race, and he’d wanted to attend every single Christmas activity. She should be exhausted, but instead, she felt more alive than she ever had.
They’d caroled, they’d made Christmas decorations for the tree lighting and gone to check out the karaoke, too. The only thing she’d done on her own was Trivia with Wade and Maddie, as she’d promised Wade she would. Travis hadn’t wanted to go, and it was probably a good thing. As she sat at the table with Wade and the others, she’d thought she’d seen a maroon Dodge Ram outside and her heart had raced as she’d waited for Travis to walk in the door. She’d forgotten that Fred had the same truck, too, and her hopes were dashed when he walked in the door instead.
He’d pulled her aside and asked how things were going, and she’d been stunned when he’d actually asked her out. She literally was speechless for a moment—she’d had no idea he had feelings for her. She’d sure never noticed before. But it wasn’t too difficult for her to explain that while she was flattered, she was seeing someone. He seemed disappointed for a brief moment, but he’d quickly moved on. It had crossed her mind briefly that he actually liked her family more than he liked her, and she was just the last one available.
But aside from that, she’d spent all her time with Travis and now it was Christmas Eve, and they’d planned to spend it together. He’d said he’d call, and she’d been waiting to hear from him—and not too patiently.
She leapt to the phone when it finally did ring, and she heard his voice on the line.
“Hi, Daniella,” he said, and she literally tingled.
He brought up the fact that they’d been out every night this week and asked if she’d be interested in coming over to the cabin for a quiet dinner. It sounded great to her. They’d been out every night this week, he explained, and he would enjoy just staying in and cooking for her.
They agreed to meet a little later in the afternoon so he could prepare, and she hung up, excited that they’d see each other soon.
She took her time getting ready, soaking in a nice, hot bath and looking for something in her closet that wouldn’t look too much like work clothes. She realized she didn’t have much, but settled on a sweater that was at least comfortable.
She ran her fingers through her hair and realized that it had gotten so long that it wouldn’t spike anymore, and she ran a brush through it, surprised that it fell softly around her ears. She noticed a pair of earrings that Kelsi had left on the dresser—small pearl drops—and she slid them on, shaking her head and barely recognizing herself in the mirror. She felt a little silly, but it was Christmas Eve, after all, so she let it ride. Wouldn’t hurt to dress up a little, even if it had been forever since she had.
She felt like she was back in high school, when she still actually cared about this kind of stuff. She was excited to see Travis and Kitty both, and she glanced at her watch. If she left now, she’d have just enough time to grab a pie from the kitchen before she headed over, and still make it right on time.
Chapter 16
Travis woke the morning of Christmas Eve with Kitty practically sleeping on his head, purring like nobody’s business. He laid still for a while, not wanting to wake her, and going over his stay at River’s End Ranch in his mind. He’d never spent a Christmas season like this, and he’d enjoyed every second of it, from making ornaments to caroling. He’d been alone most of his life, and his heart was full with new friends and the Westons. He’d had the time of his life, and the more he thought about going back to Florida, the more his heart hurt.
He tried to go back to sleep but couldn’t. The image of Daniella—her crystal blue eyes and her tousled hair—wouldn’t leave him, and sure enough, it was still there as he rested under the soft fur of the cat.
“Sorry, Kitty,” he eventually said as he gently moved her onto the pillow next to him.
He dressed quickly and poured himself a cup of coffee. He picked up the picture on the counter of the Westons and realized now he could put a name—and a personality—to each one of them. He felt like he knew this place, and this family. And especially Daniella.
But he had to go...and he had to tell her. He only had one more day. Sure, she’d known he was leaving eventually, but they’d avoided the topic the entire time they’d been together. Now, he needed to tell her about the exhibition race on New Year’s Day, and that he would have to stay in Florida for good, to start training for the regular season. It’s all he’d ever done, and pretty much all he knew how to do.
He spent the morning shopping, and then preparing for dinner. Before he knew it, it was almost time for her to arrive, and he jumped in the shower, his nerves jangling as he wondered how the conversation would go. He’d decided halfway through the lasagna he was making that he’d ask her to come with him. Come to Florida, go on the circuit with him. He knew it was a lot to ask, but he had to at least try.
He’d rubbed a towel over his hair and was just buttoning his flannel shirt when a rap sounded on the door. He opened it, expecting to see his beautiful Daniella, but gasped as she stood there. Her hair looked different—softer, somehow—and tiny pearls shone as she smiled. She was breathtaking.
“You look gorgeous,” he said as he ran his hands through his wet hair, wishing he’d started getting ready a little earlier.
She set a golden-crusted pie on the counter and he wiggled his eyebrows. “Looks delicious,” he said.
Dinner wasn’t quite ready, and they sat on the couch and laughed while they waited, watching Kitty chase the toy he’d brought home for her.
“I can’t believe that I was lucky enough that your mom asked me to come out here, bring the truck,” he said as he swung his arm over her shoulder and pulled her to him.
“And the letter. Don’t forget the letter.”
“Oh, right,” he said as he stood and checked on the lasagna. It wasn’t quite ready yet and he sat back down. “What was that, anyway?”
He listened as she explained that she’d been asked to go through baby clothes with Kelsi, and he smiled as her eyes lit up when she talked about Kelsi’s baby and how excited she was to be an aunt. It was the first Weston grandchild, and she was clearly excited.
“Kelsi’s going to be a great mother, and so will you one day.” He surprised himself when it came out of his mouth, but if he was honest, that’s what he thought.
She flushed and looked away. “I don’t think so. I’m not like Kelsi.”
“Of course you will be. Kitty said so.”
Dani’s eyes flew wide open and she turned to him. “See? That’s a perfect example. I haven’t even asked how Kitty is doing in days and days.”
She winced when Travis laughed. “She’s a cat. She’s fine. She doesn’t really want much to do with people anyw
ay most of the time. She’s good practice. If you can keep a cat alive, you’re doing fine.”
“That may be, but at the moment you are keeping Kitty alive, not me.”
“You’ll have plenty of time to practice later, but don’t forget you rescued her and saved her. You fed her milk on a spoon, you said.”
“I guess so,” Dani said as she stood. “Still, I imagine that a human baby would require a little bit more attention than that, don’t you?”
He laughed and pulled the lasagna out of the oven, but his smile faded when he turned to see her staring at him, her eyes bright. He knew it was now or never. He’d been so nervous all day about talking to her that he wouldn’t be able to eat anyway until it was out and done with.
“Daniella, there’s something we need to talk about.”
Dani laughed and scooted onto one of the kitchen stools. “That sounds ominous.” Her smile faded, too, as he scooted onto the stool next to her and took her hand. “Uh-oh. What is it, Travis,” she said as her fingers gripped his more tightly.
“We’ve talked about my job. A lot, in fact. And you know I have to go.”
She pulled her hand back and dropped her eyes. “I guess so. I haven’t really wanted to think about it. I thought you had time off, at least until the season started again. Isn’t that later in the spring?”
“It is, but I’ve gotten another sponsor and they’ve schedule an earlier race, an exhibition. And then I’ll need to go to their training facility in Florida and start learning a new car for the upcoming season.”
“Oh,” she said, her smile brightening. “You get a new car? That’s exciting. Congratulations.”
His gaze fell to their hands. “It is. But unfortunately, the race is soon.”
She pulled her hands away and sat up straighter on the stool. “How soon?”
He rubbed the back of his neck as he looked away. “New Year’s Day.” He stood and paced to the window and back again, waiting for her to say something.
“Well, that’s not bad. That’s a whole week away.”
He sat back down beside her. “But I have to prep. Daniella, I need to leave tomorrow.”
She stood and took a step back from him, and his heart broke as their eyes met. He opened his mouth to ask her to go with him, but all he could think of was how excited she was to be an aunt, and how much she loved her family, and he couldn’t bring himself to do it.
“I’m sorry,” was all he could say. “I’ll call. I’ll visit.” It sounded hollow, even to him.
“This is all just kind of sudden,” Dani said as she looked around the room. “I mean, we just—tomorrow’s Christmas.”
“I know,” he cut in. “I know. I’m sorry.”
She walked over to the couch and picked up Kitty, rubbing underneath her chin as she purred. He stood as she set the cat gently on her blanket and rubbed her forehead a moment before she turned and gave him a small smile.
She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He rested his forehead on hers and closed his eyes. He felt her warm lips on his, and he tightened his arms around her. “I’m so sorry.”
She kissed him softly once more and rested her hand on his cheek as their eyes met. “So am I. But it was wonderful, Travis. Thank you,” she said as she dropped her hands and turned toward the door, grabbing her coat.
“You won’t stay?” he asked as he leaned against the kitchen counter. He wasn’t sure he could watch her go.
“I don’t think so. I’ve lost my appetite and—I just think this is best.”
He sighed deeply as she left and rubbed his eyes. This wasn’t at all how this was supposed to work out, but he knew in his heart that River’s End Ranch was where she was supposed to be. He just wasn’t sure he would ever find his place in the world without her.
Chapter 17
Dani hadn’t been able to see Travis off. She just couldn’t. She’d heard Wyatt was driving him to the airport, and she’d also heard the diesel truck as it passed by the Main House on Christmas morning, but she hadn’t even been able to bring herself to look out the window. She’d spent Christmas day alone, and had only gone to the dinner that the guests provided for the family because Kelsi had forced her into it.
“They’ll all be expecting you. It’s important,” she’d said, although she’d felt Kelsi’s pitying glances the entire time they’d been there. She was pretty sure she hadn’t smiled even once.
She’d gone back to gather her things from Kelsi’s room as she didn’t want to leave Kitty alone, but being in the cabin without Travis was torture. She’d barely slept, and now, the morning after, Dani stood outside Jaclyn’s house for at least half an hour, pacing back and forth while the rabbits followed her back and forth. She finally took in a deep breath and walked up the steps, ready to knock, but the door opened before she could rap on the glass.
“It’s about time, young lady,” Jaclyn said as she turned and walked back into the house. Dani hung her head for a moment before she followed. She’d avoided Jaclyn the entire time Travis was at the ranch. What if she hadn’t? Would things have worked out differently?
She sat on the sofa and stared at the plate of snickerdoodles on the table—while Jaclyn stared at her.
“Have a cookie,” Jaclyn said as she handed her a glass of milk.
Dani picked up a cookie and brought it to her mouth but couldn’t take a bite. She’d had no appetite since Travis left, and even one of Jaclyn’s snickerdoodles couldn’t fix that.
She absently reached out to pet one of the rabbits that had hopped up next to her on the sofa. She’d been coming to visit Jaclyn so long she didn’t even think twice about it, nor the sparkling glass fairies that hung in the kitchen. Although this was the first time that she imagined they were frowning at her.
“Why didn’t you come see me when I asked you to?” Jaclyn said finally as she set her teacup on the table.
Dani shook her head slowly. “I don’t know, Jaclyn. I’m sorry.”
“You are aware that you can’t argue with the fairies. And they had a message for me to deliver to you.”
“I’m sorry,” Dani said again as she gathered the rabbit onto her lap, taking comfort in its soft fur. “I just thought—”
“You thought you knew better? What harm would it have done to come visit? I could have helped you.”
“I don’t think anything could have helped us. It’s obvious we weren’t meant to be. I don’t think the fairies could have even fixed this.”
Jaclyn sat back in her chair and rested her elbow on the arm, drumming her fingers against her chin. Dani squirmed on the sofa as the silence continued.
“Dani Weston, we’ll never know now, will we? Contrary to your belief, it is not your job to know better than everyone else, nor to be in charge of the entire universe.”
“I’m not. I just thought—”
Jaclyn held up her hand. “I know, dear. You’re used to having your own mind, going your own way. I understand.”
The bunny hopped off Dani’s lap and scurried into the kitchen. Just like Kitty. Nobody wanted to be with her, it seemed.
“The fairies believe there’s possibly another chance at this, Dani. I don’t say these things lightly, and I know your heart is broken. I’m sorry.”
Dani sighed as the older woman’s tone softened. She did love Jaclyn—always had—and she’d come there many times as a girl for comfort. She couldn’t for the life of her imagine how this might turn out all right, but she felt comforted nonetheless.
“What can I do? I have no idea.”
Jaclyn thought for a moment and looked into the kitchen.
“You need to call your mother.”
Dani blinked slowly as she stared at Jaclyn. She and her mother hadn’t had any conversation of substance in the entire time they’d been gone, and not too many before they’d left. Her parents had been busy getting ready for the trip, and Dani had two jobs to do—it just didn’t happen.
“My mother?”
&nb
sp; “Yes. Call your mother. And right now,” Jaclyn said as she stood and cleared away the cookies and cups. Dani stood, her eyebrows raised as she slowly turned toward the door. She was barely on the porch before she heard Jaclyn say, “Never fear, dear. There’s hope.” And she heard the door shut behind her.
She looked back at the door as she passed through the gate, careful not to let any of the bunnies out, and she gave a nod to Gorgeous George as she walked toward her cabin. She’d known it would be both comfort and torture at the same time to be in there, but she’d had no choice. At least Kitty seemed a little happy to see her. Maybe.
She reached for her phone and dialed her mother, part of her hoping she wouldn’t answer.
“Dani? Is that you?” Her mother’s voice washed over her and she melted, pouring out her heart to her mom.
“Sweetheart, I’m so sorry. Travis is certainly a fine young man, and I had a feeling you’d hit it off. That’s why I sent him.”
“You did?” Dani said as she walked slowly through the pines toward the cabin.
“Yes. Let me ask you something. Do you love him?”
Dani stopped walking, her mother’s question stirring something in her she hadn’t yet acknowledged. But now that she’d thought about it, Dani knew that it was true. She did love Travis, even though he was in Florida.
“I do, Mom. I really do.”
“All right, dear. That’s all I wanted to know. Thank you for calling.”
Dani ran her hands through her hair. “Mom?”
“Yes, honey.”
“I—I miss you.”
Her mother was silent for a moment, and Dani thought she may have heard a sniffle. “I miss you too, honey. All of you. Don’t forget your father and I love you,” she said before the phone went quiet.
Discovering Dani (River's End Ranch Book 20) Page 8
