Should've Said No

by Tracy March

  They rounded the corner of the house, Milly and Merri as sure-footed as if they were twenty. Lindsey was surprised to see a man working. He stood next to a stack of shingles, adjusting a ladder leading up to the turret. Tall, lean, and sturdy-shouldered, with a killer tattoo scrolling upward from his elbow—

  Carden.

  He turned to face them, and Lindsey’s breath caught. Her heart slammed against her ribs. All this time, she’d prepared herself to see him in town. At a restaurant, at a store, on the sidewalk. She’d stayed in a constant state of readiness, bolstering herself just in case. But she’d never expected to see him at Milly and Merri’s.

  To Carden’s credit, he grinned a little—but not at her. She imagined he’d been blindsided, too. At least she was looking her best, in a stylish sky blue wrap dress, her hair in a messy updo. He looked damn good himself, in worn-out jeans and a light green polo shirt—but a few pounds lighter than she remembered.

  “Hello, Lindsey,” he said, his voice wrapping around her like his strong arms had so many times.

  “Hi.” What else was there to say after that? Especially in front of Milly and Merri.

  “Carden keeps the place looking spiffy for us.” Milly stepped over and clutched his biceps, sparking a ridiculous pang of envy in Lindsey.

  If she could just touch him again, and not worry that he had ulterior motives. “Looks like he’s doing a great job.”

  How many people did he help like that? Whether by himself or with his staff, and at his own expense? She knew about the work he’d done for Dean at the cabin, but this place was huge, high maintenance, and immaculate.

  “Want to tell him about the story you’ve discovered?” Merri asked Lindsey.

  Lindsey smiled ruefully and shook her head. “I’ll let you do that. It’s not my story to tell.” She caught Carden staring at her wrist, and suddenly realized she was wearing the lapis bracelet he’d given her. His questioning gaze met hers and she nervously bit her lip.

  They didn’t have a choice. You do.

  She couldn’t stand the weight of his gaze any longer, and she shifted her attention to Merri. “You wanted to show me something in the greenhouse?”

  Chapter 26

  THREE MONTHS LATER

  Lindsey was a bundle of nerves for the official grand opening of the Thistle Bend Mountain Heritage Museum. Working long days, nights, and weekends had paid off. Every exhibit detail had been attended to, every sheet of glass polished to shining. Tonight there’d be champagne, soft drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. Music and mingling and merriment.

  Before the caterers and the crowd arrived, Lindsey had taken pictures of each exhibit. She planned to catalog every one, build her portfolio, and start applying for jobs again in D.C.—and other cities. Her lease on the cabin was up next month. Maybe fate would be friendly and she’d find a job soon enough to leave by then. She definitely hoped to be gone before summer.

  Lindsey had been lucky that her secrets had been kept after she revealed them to a select few. Amazing in Thistle Bend, where keeping secrets was supposedly impossible. Even the story of what really happened with the land deal had remained under wraps until the exhibit unveiling tonight. Stella had been the first to be told the story—reportedly by Milly, Merri, and Carden. Milly and Merri had also sat down with Oscar and Tansy, and delivered the news to them. They’d all been shocked and amazed. But they’d had a few months to get used to being distant relatives, and to adjust to the fact that their feud had been borne from love, not hate.

  Much to Lindsey’s surprise, they’d all been good sports about letting her use the story as a publicity hook for the museum opening. There were signs all over town inviting people to find out what really started the legendary Karlsson/Crenshaw feud, and tonight they’d turned out in numbers.

  “You outdid yourself here, Lindsey,” Fred said. He stood in a group next to the Memories and Milestones exhibit, with Dean and Holly and two older men from town.

  “We can’t wait to come back and get a closer look at everything.” Dean smiled. “Dang surprise about that land deal though. Who would’ve thought?”

  “Not me.” Lindsey had imagined plenty of unfathomable scenarios, but nothing like the story that had unfolded.

  “I’m still trying to process that the Karlssons and the Crenshaws are related.” Holly nudged Lindsey’s elbow. “And that all of you have kept it a secret since August.”

  “You’re not the only one.” Lindsey grinned, seeing Stella across the room, near the acoustic guitar player, huddled with Travis and Emily.

  And Carden.

  Lindsey had seen him every so often, doing some work in the museum, or at the High Country Pub with Travis. They were cordial to each other, but it was never more than that.

  Never would be.

  Milly and Merri had gotten all dolled up for the evening, both wearing ruby-colored dresses in honor of Ruby Eileen—Milly’s with a touch of lace.

  “Your donation is the ‘star’ of the grand opening.” Lindsey gave each of the tiny women a hug. “And it’ll be the talk of the town for years to come.”

  “I wish Granddaddy could’ve been here to see the exhibit,” Milly said. The combs in her hair glistened with rubies.

  “You took documents and papers and a teddy bear and brought the story to life.” Merri clutched Lindsey’s hand in hers. “And we love how you put Granddaddy’s pocket watch with his picture and explained its importance to the railroads. We’re impressed with your talent, but not surprised.” She winked.

  “Thank you.” Lindsey had vowed not to get emotional tonight, but her eyes welled. “That means a lot coming from you.” Milly and Merri were two of her favorite people in Thistle Bend. They had entrusted Ruby Eileen and her story to Lindsey, and she had desperately wanted to please them with their presentation.

  People crowded around the model town and railroad, awed by the detail and artistry of the piece. Since the museum depended heavily on donations, Carden had come up with the idea that a quarter donation would trigger the model train to chug around the tracks several times, complete with sound effects. So far, it had been a hit. She’d heard quarters dropping in the metal box all evening, and the little train whistle hadn’t stopped.

  “Awesome job, Lindsey.”

  Lindsey turned at the sound of her aunt Tansy’s voice. She and Uncle Oscar were as decked out as she’d ever seen them. Tansy had on a fancy dress and a little eye shadow, and Oscar even wore a tie.

  “It was a rocky road getting here,” Lindsey said. “But I’m proud of how the museum came together.”

  “We’re sorry we put you in an awkward position.” Oscar gave her a contrite look, and Lindsey knew he was sincere. She also knew how hard it was for a stern man like him to apologize.

  “It all worked out,” Lindsey said.

  Tansy leaned in and whispered, “Any chance you and Carden will get back together?”

  Lindsey shook her head, thankful that Tansy and Oscar had kept quiet about her brief relationship with Carden. “Did you see The Canary items in the exhibit over there?” She pointed them in the right direction and they headed that way, smiling.

  Lindsey glanced at her watch and the knots inside her pulled tighter. It was almost time for her to speak to the crowd. Nothing formal or long, but she’d had very little practice speaking in front of an audience—much less an audience with Carden in it. She took a deep breath and smoothed her hand down the front of her gunmetal gray satin sheath dress—one of her favorites from when she’d lived in D.C.

  Darlene hurried to her side. “You ready?”

  “To get it over with.” Lindsey grinned.

  They’d set up a little platform next to the model train and railroad, central to both large rooms, where Lindsey could be seen above the crowd. She stepped onto the platform as Darlene rang a generations-old dinner bell that Fred had donated from the Birdsong family’s farm.

  The crowd hushed and turned Lindsey’s way. Her stomach clenched as so many gaze
s settled on her. Heat rose in her face and she prayed that her neck wasn’t getting blotchy.

  “Good evening and welcome,” she said, surprised at the way her voice resonated into the high, exposed-beam ceilings. “I’m Lindsey Simms, proud curator of the Thistle Bend Mountain Heritage Museum.”

  The crowd applauded.

  Lindsey nodded. “Thank you.” She scanned the crowd, caught sight of Carden, and quickly looked away. “I want to recognize the extraordinary efforts of the board of directors, volunteers, staff, and donors who helped make the vision for this wonderful museum a reality. I’m pleased that you’re here tonight, and I look forward to you visiting often. Thank you for entrusting me with this challenging and fulfilling opportunity.” Lindsey lifted her glass of champagne. “Here’s to a rich past, and a happy and prosperous future.”

  Holly gave her a thumbs-up as she stepped off the platform to the sound of cheers and applause. Lindsey swiped her hand across her forehead and smiled.

  The party went on for at least an hour more, most of it a blur for Lindsey, who graciously accepted congratulations. After the caterers stopped serving champagne, and the guitarist quit playing, people began to leave. Lindsey headed to her tiny office to put a little lip gloss on her dry lips. When she returned, the museum was nearly empty. She’d told her staff to head home, take tomorrow off, and relax. They’d worked so hard all these months, preparing for tonight.

  A few of the catering staff lingered, collecting dishes and packing them away.

  Lindsey stepped in front of the model town and railroad, the train engines quiet after chugging all evening. She never got tired of studying the little town, finding something new every time she looked. Sweeping her gaze down Larkspur Avenue, she set it on the miniature gas station/hardware store. Noticing that something had changed, she leaned in closer. Sitting on a bench outside of the store was a tiny figure—a girl with green eyes and long blond hair.

  Her heart pitched.

  I might have to make a miniature Lindsey and put her in front of the museum.

  Carden.

  A man reached from behind her, slipped a quarter into the slot, and it clattered into the metal box. The little train came to life and started its trek around the tracks, whistle blowing.

  He rested his hand on Lindsey’s bare shoulder, and her breath hitched. She knew it was Carden simply from his strong, raspy touch.

  “You added a miniature Lindsey,” she said.

  “Thought I’d class up the place.” His voice wrapped around her like his arms once had. She could see his lazy grin without looking.

  He stepped next to her, dropping his hand from her shoulder and skimming his fingers across her back. She ached from missing his touch.

  “You did an incredible job with this place,” he said. “I love how you presented the picture of Ruby Eileen, and the whole sad story of her and Brooks Karlsson.”

  So he thought their story was sad, too.

  “They didn’t have a choice,” she said, quoting Merri.

  He took her hand, laced his fingers with hers, leaned in, and whispered, “But we do.”

  Lindsey locked her gaze on his.

  “We can’t change what’s already happened,” he said. “But we can forgive each other and move forward.”

  She could hardly believe he was here, saying these things to her.

  He swept his fingers beneath her chin. “I don’t want to live my life without the woman I love. And I don’t want to regret that I never told her.”

  Lindsey’s pulse thrummed in her ears. “You love me?” she whispered.

  He kissed her gently. “Yes.”

  Lindsey went light-headed from the emotional rush. “But all this time—”

  “I’ve loved you. Missed you. Needed you. Wanted you.” He shook his head. “I can’t do it anymore.”

  “It’s been so awful. Every day I wake up and realize you’re not there.” She pressed her hand over her heart. It beat wildly beneath her palm. “And I think, how can it hurt so much to love someone?”

  He wrapped her in his arms and pulled her to him, pressing her head against his chest. “God, I never meant to hurt you.” He kissed the top of her head.

  They stood like that until the model train stopped, Lindsey wondering if it was just a dream. He released her and reached into the pocket of his jacket. “I have a little donation to the museum that I hope you’ll accept.”

  Between his fingers, he held a tiny figure—a dark-haired, blue-eyed man wearing jeans and a green shirt, posed in a sitting position.

  Lindsey covered her mouth with her fingers. “A miniature Carden?”

  He grinned and nestled the figure into her palm. He lifted the large Plexiglas cover off the model town and braced it open. Lindsey handed him the figure and he placed it next to the blond girl on the bench in front of the gas station/hardware store. He replaced the cover and they checked out his handiwork.

  “Perfect.” She smiled freely for what felt like the first time in months.

  The caterers had cleared out; they were the last two left in the museum.

  “Looks like it’s time to call it a night.” Carden pulled her close and kissed her—sweet and sexy and full of promises. “Come on, baby. Let me take you home.”

  Chapter 27

  Carden woke up to a tangle of blond hair tickling his nose, the fresh scent of lemon and neroli stirring his senses.

  Lindsey.

  His heart soared. They were nestled in her bed and she slept with her back to him, his arm draped over her, keeping her close. After their passionate reunion following the museum’s grand opening, he’d slept hard, emotionally exhausted from all the months of longing for her. She’d matched the fire and desire that had built up inside of him, giving herself to him without inhibition. His release had left him spent. It was the first night he’d slept all the way through since the one he’d spent with her in Denver.

  Carden hated to move. Hated to wake her for fear this was only a fantasy. There were no more secrets between them, and no reason to hide their relationship from anyone. Wouldn’t his family be thrilled that he’d finally found love? And Milly and Merri. Looking back, he could see that those little women had been determined from the start to get him and Lindsey together. The only thing ahead of him and Lindsey was an amazing future. He wanted to give her the world. To love her with everything he had.

  But he hadn’t spent time with her for months. Would she still be the same sunny Lindsey he remembered? Always looking on the bright side, quick to smile and eager to laugh? Carden couldn’t imagine that she’d changed. He’d seen the way she interacted with people at the museum opening last night. How sweet and attentive she was to everyone. She’d become one of Thistle Bend’s sweethearts as she’d brought their museum to life, exceeding their expectations.

  Now she’s mine.

  Lindsey stirred, and Carden’s pulse ticked at a faster clip. After a moment, she turned over and faced him, her sleepy eyes glimmering.

  “Mornin’, darlin’,” he said, gently sweeping her hair away from her face.

  She smiled, her eyes glimmering even brighter. “Best. Morning. Ever.” She kissed him lightly. Just the whisk of her lips had him tempted to pick things up where they’d left off last night. “After the best night ever.” She skimmed her fingers over his bare shoulder and along the outline of his tattoo.

  “There are more where that came from.” Carden gave her a lazy smile, drew in a deep breath, and exhaled. There’d be no walk of shame this morning—or ever, if he had anything to say about it.

  “I can’t believe you’re here,” she said quietly.

  He kissed her forehead. “Believe it.”

  “It’s like an early birthday present.”

  “When’s your birthday?” Carden didn’t need a reason to spoil her, but he’d like to make her birthday special.

  “Next Saturday.” Her stomach growled and she flattened her hand over it, pressing the sheet against her. “Man, I’m star
ving. Yesterday was so crazy, I barely ate anything. Want me to make us some breakfast?”

  Carden took her hand and kissed it. “Nope.”

  She bunched her lips, eyebrows low.

  “I want to take you out for breakfast,” he said.

  Lindsey covered her mouth with her hand, but she couldn’t hide her smile. “We can go out in public together now.” Her words were muffled, but her excitement came through loud and clear.

  “No more secrets.”

  She winced. “I didn’t want to hide things from you,” she said. “I—”

  He pressed his fingers to her lips. “Shh…We both did things we regret.”

  “Like not eating yesterday.” She winked, seeming to get the message that the past was truly behind them. “Let me take a quick shower and we’ll go get some breakfast.”

  Carden twisted a lock of her hair around his fingers. “Hmm…”

  She lowered her eyebrows. “Hmm, what?”

  “I could use a shower myself.” He pulled her close and kissed her, tucking his hand beneath the sheet and smoothing it down the satiny curve of her hip. “We’d get to breakfast a lot quicker if we took one together.”

  —

  Lindsey rode shotgun in Carden’s pickup, wondering if things could get any better. He’d promised her one of his specialty steaks for her birthday dinner, and a few of Henrietta’s delicious side dishes with homemade bread. Clearly she was hoping for a night similar to the one they’d had last summer—her first night in his bed.

  They’d agreed to dress a little fancier—to light candles and slow dance to country music ballads. Lindsey glanced at him shyly, still amazed every time she looked at him that he was in love with her.

  “You look unbearably hot,” she said. He was rocking his outfit—a bright blue shirt, black jeans, and a black sport jacket with a thread of blue in its muted plaid pattern.