Sleigh Bells in Crimson

by Michelle Major

  He stabbed at the air with one finger. “Hell, Maureen isn’t even divorced from her last husband, who showed up here in the middle of my argument with Lucy. How do you like that little twist? Maureen Renner is willing to do anything to get what she wants. And Lucy knew about the husband. She doesn’t—”

  “Have you talked to your dad?”

  Caden opened his mouth to answer then shut it again.

  “Seriously?” Chad asked. “Don’t you think you should figure out what Garrett knows before you make assumptions about the situation?”

  “Of course he doesn’t know,” Caden said, blinking.

  “He’s not stupid, Caden. He was a wreck after Tyson died, but you weren’t much better. He’s got things under control. He met Maureen and fell in love with her, but he can take care of himself. If she has skeletons in her closet, I bet he knows they’re there.”

  Caden shook his head. “He’s not the same man as he was before the accident.”

  “Are you?”

  “I don’t matter.”

  “Tell that to your dad.” Chad lifted his glass to his lips and drained it, then set it back on the table with a thunk. “Tell that to Lucy.”

  But Caden couldn’t tell Lucy anything because...

  “She’s gone.”

  “Gone where?”

  Caden lifted a brow. “She packed her bags and took off.”

  “Did you call her?”

  “Why would I call her?”

  Chad held out his hands, palms up. “To apologize for being an idiot?”

  “You don’t know that she’s right about Derek.”

  “You don’t know that she’s wrong.”

  “I do...” Caden stopped midsentence as his stomach filled with bitter acid. The truth was, he didn’t know anything. He’d made assumptions about Lucy and her mother based on what had happened to him—the way he’d been deceived and hurt. He should have known better than anyone that people’s pasts didn’t define them.

  If that were the case, Garrett and Tyson would have never invited him into their home. He never would have had a family of his own. He’d made so many damned mistakes in his life, and there was a good chance the biggest one had been this morning when he’d hurt Lucy.

  “It’s actually good to know,” Chad said as he stood, “that you’re as human as the rest of us.”

  Caden glanced up, trying to focus on Chad’s words over the pounding in his head. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

  “Around here you’re superhuman. You get up earlier than anyone else and work later. Hell, you even rescue unwanted animals. As far as Garrett is concerned, you can do no wrong.”

  Chad held up a hand when Caden was about to argue. “It sucked that Tyson died. There’s no two ways about it. But it wasn’t your fault, and everyone seems to know that except you. Your dad lost one son. Don’t you think you owe it to him to let go of your guilt and be happy? That’s all he wants, Caden.”

  “I’m happy,” Caden lied.

  “Lucy made you happy,” Chad said. “I’m not a rocket scientist, but I’m smart enough to know that if a woman like her chose me, I’d do anything in my power to make sure I didn’t screw it up.”

  He walked toward the front door, then turned back to Caden. “I get that loyalty is a big deal to you, but take another look at Derek. He might not be the friend you believe he is. And Lucy definitely isn’t the enemy here, Caden.”

  Caden sat back against the couch cushions as the front door opened and closed. He swallowed against the bitterness rising in his throat. Was Chad right? Had he made a mistake in doubting Lucy? He’d been so sure he had a handle on things.

  But the truth was his feelings for her scared the hell out of him, and in some ways having an excuse to push her away had been easier than really giving what was between the two of them a shot. She’d left him, but as much as that hurt, he could only imagine how much worse it would be if he’d admitted he loved her.

  Oh, hell. He loved her.

  He tipped back his head and the room started to spin again, matching the emotions swirling inside him. He closed his eyes, hoping to make everything go away, especially the mess he’d created for himself and the pain he’d caused the woman he loved.

  * * *

  Lucy slammed the trunk of her rental car shut the next afternoon and then turned to Erin.

  “Have a wonderful Christmas,” she said cheerily, pasting on a bright smile.

  Erin’s eyes gentled and Lucy knew she wasn’t fooling her friend with her chipper tone.

  “You should stay,” Erin told her gently.

  Lucy shook her head. “It’s time for me to leave Crimson. My mom doesn’t need me like she thinks she does. Garrett clearly loves her. As much as I’ll miss you and the other ladies, this isn’t my place. I can’t go back to the ranch, and without that...”

  “I’m still shocked that Caden hasn’t come to his senses and reached out to you.”

  “Clearly Caden said everything he needed to me the other morning.”

  “But you can’t spend Christmas alone,” Erin insisted.

  Lucy shrugged. “It won’t be the first time, and at this point I just need to get home.” Her voice cracked on the last word, and she pressed her lips together. During her short time in Crimson, this town had started to feel like home. Sharpe Ranch felt like home. Caden had become her home.

  But that had all been an illusion, wishful thinking on her part.

  “My plan is to stay the night in Albuquerque. If I make good time on the drive, I should reach Memphis by tomorrow. Maybe I’ll spend Christmas at Graceland this year.”

  Erin looked past Lucy to the clouds gathering over Crimson Mountain. “The snow is going to get worse. You should at least wait until the storm passes.”

  Lucy glanced at her watch. “I don’t know what’s going on with my mom’s phone, but Garrett texted that they made it to Denver and are on their way home. I want to be far enough away when they get to Crimson that she can’t expect me to come back to the ranch. It’s too difficult to think about facing Caden again.”

  “I’m going to have some words with that man,” Erin told her.

  “No.” Lucy gave Erin a quick hug. “He’s just trying to protect his dad.”

  “You’re not the bad guy.”

  “I hope he realizes that someday.”

  Erin grabbed her hand and squeezed. “Are you sure you won’t stay?”

  “He hasn’t given me a reason to,” she said, pulling away.

  “Be safe on the drive. Cell service is spotty until you get over the pass. Text or call when you’re on the other side.”

  “I will.” After a final hug, Lucy started on her way. As if on cue, the snow fell heavier as she turned onto the highway that led out of town. She patted the tiny car’s dashboard, saying a silent prayer that the roads remained drivable until she was over Crimson Mountain.

  Her initial plan had been to wait and leave after the forecast storm, but she had a vague premonition of being stranded in Crimson and her mother forcing another confrontation with Caden.

  As much as she loved her mom and wanted to believe her feelings for Garrett were true, Caden hadn’t been wrong in his assessment of Maureen’s romantic history. The fact that Bobby Santino had shown up at the ranch and was probably still hanging around town didn’t help matters.

  No, she had to get out now.

  There was only so much rejection she could withstand at one time. She needed to begin the difficult process of rebuilding her life and mending her broken heart. What other choice did she have?

  Chapter Fourteen

  Caden pulled out his cell and punched in Lucy’s number, then hit Cancel before placing the call. He’d done the same thing so many times throughout the day, h
e was surprised he hadn’t worn an indentation into the phone’s touch screen.

  But not once had he actually let the call go through. He didn’t know what the hell he’d say if she actually picked up. He’d woken early with a Rocky Mountain–sized headache. After a morning spent in one of the far pastures, he’d come into the house and flipped open the files Lucy had left on the kitchen table.

  The accounting side of the business had never been his responsibility, but he looked for discrepancies or ledger entries that would give him some clue as to the truth of what was happening with the Sharpe Ranch finances.

  When he heard the front door open late in the afternoon, he sprang up, hope blooming that Lucy had returned and they could work things out.

  Instead, he found his dad and Maureen in the farmhouse’s entry, both hauling in giant suitcases.

  “You didn’t leave with that much stuff,” he said by way of greeting.

  Garrett gave a hearty laugh. “We had to buy new luggage in the city just to manage our haul for the way home.”

  “Your father is quite the shopper,” Maureen said, grinning at him.

  “Right,” Caden muttered, then felt his mouth drop open as Garrett’s eyes lit with excitement.

  “Those salespeople couldn’t keep up with me,” he said with a laugh. “We’re going to have one helluva Christmas this year, son.” He turned to Maureen and gave her a smacking kiss on the lips. “I can’t remember when I had so damn much fun.”

  Maybe he hadn’t realized it before, but Caden was suddenly struck by how happy his dad looked. Color was high on his cheeks and his blue eyes sparkled with joy.

  “Where’s Lucy?” Maureen asked, pulling a small paper bag out of her purse. “I found something for her in the airport. She used to collect snow globes, so I—”

  “She’s gone,” Caden said tightly.

  Erin MacDonald had texted him last night with the message that Lucy was staying in town with her. At least he knew she was safe and with a friend, but he wasn’t ready to share that with Maureen. If Lucy had wanted her mother to know where she was, he figured she would have called her.

  Garrett took off his canvas jacket and hung it on the coat hook next to the door. “When will she be back? The four of us should go into town for dinner tonight.”

  Caden’s stomach clenched at the question he had no idea how to answer. “I don’t think she’s coming back.”

  Maureen’s finely arched brows drew together. “What happened?” She took a step toward Caden. “What did you do?”

  “Let him explain, darlin’.” Garrett placed a hand on Maureen’s arm.

  “I think you need to explain,” Caden told Maureen, letting yesterday’s anger surge back into his veins. “Maybe you want to explain to my father why your not-so-ex-husband paid a visit to the ranch and Lucy accused a longtime family friend of stealing from the ranch.”

  Maureen’s mouth dropped open. “Bobby was here?”

  “I told you I didn’t think my message to him went through on the plane,” Garrett said, shaking his head. “I hope he didn’t give you and Lucy any trouble, Caden.”

  “What message?” Caden demanded.

  “I told him I need to reschedule our meeting for today.”

  Caden pointed between his father and Maureen. “You already know she’s still married?”

  “I wanted to keep it a secret and try to handle Bobby myself,” Maureen admitted. “But that didn’t work out so well in the past. Lucy convinced me to share the truth with your father.”

  Garrett took a step forward, and Caden was reminded of all the times he’d been lectured for making stupid decisions as a teenager. “You knew I asked Lucy to review the finances. I needed someone unbiased to confirm my suspicions about Derek.”

  Caden ran a hand through his hair, a sick pit opening in his stomach. “Suspicions?”

  “I could tell something wasn’t right with the way he was handling the books. His monthly reports had discrepancies that made no sense. But he was a supposed friend of your brother’s and you seemed to trust him implicitly. I didn’t want to accuse him without having proof.”

  “Lucy truly is a whiz with numbers. They trusted her with everything at the store in Florida—at least, until I got involved.” Maureen shook her head, obviously regretting the difficulties she’d caused her daughter.

  Caden cursed under his breath. “Derek convinced me that Lucy and Maureen were trying to frame him so they could get access to your money.”

  Garrett’s eyes narrowed. “That son of a—”

  “I love your father,” Maureen said, taking Garrett’s hand in hers. “I understand you had your doubts when I came to Crimson, and I hoped spending time with Lucy would show you I couldn’t be the woman you first thought. Not with Lucy in my corner. She’s truly the best part of me.”

  “I said awful things to her,” Caden said quietly, hating himself for what an ass he’d been. But not half as much as he imagined Lucy hated him right now.

  “I raised you better than that,” Garrett said sharply.

  “Damn it, I was trying to protect you. I’ve failed everyone I ever loved, and I wasn’t going to fail you again.”

  Caden couldn’t stand the sorrow in his father’s eyes. He couldn’t help but believe he’d put it there.

  “You’ve never failed me,” Garrett whispered.

  Caden wanted to run away, like he had as a boy after his mother had died. Like he had from the first foster home social services had dropped him into. And the second. And the third. But it was time both he and Garrett faced the truth of what he’d done. It was the only way he’d ever move forward. “I let Tyson die.”

  Garrett took a step back, as if Caden had slapped him. “You don’t believe that. You can’t.”

  “Why not?” Caden threw up his hands. “It’s the truth. If I’d been there, I might have reached him in time.”

  Garrett squeezed his eyes shut, his barrel chest rising and falling. Caden noticed that he never let go of Maureen’s hand. In fact, Garrett pulled her closer as if drawing strength from having her next to him.

  Caden realized that’s how he’d felt about Lucy when they were together, and another wave of regret washed over him.

  “Tyson was killed on impact,” his dad said in a dull tone. “You talked to the search-and-rescue commander. We both read the report.”

  “But I—”

  “It was an accident, Caden. A horrible, tragic accident. The only thing that kept me from going crazy was that I still had you. The fact that you put your career—your whole life—on hold to come back here meant everything to me. But it tears me apart to know you’re still blaming yourself. You’ve let your entire world shrink to this ranch because of some misplaced sense of duty.”

  “It’s not misplaced. You’re my father,” Caden said, clearing his throat when his voice cracked. “You saved me.”

  “It was an honor to raise you.” Garrett moved forward and placed a gentle hand on Caden’s shoulder. “I’m proud of the man you’ve become despite everything you’ve been through. But for you to hurt Lucy—”

  “Why didn’t you say something to me about Derek?”

  Garrett’s smile was sad. “You’re protective and loyal to a fault. Derek was supposed to be your brother’s best friend. I wanted to be certain before I took action.”

  “I’ve screwed up so badly.”

  “Where’s Lucy?” Maureen interrupted. “I lost my phone yesterday when we were walking through Central Park. Garrett texted Lucy to keep her updated on our arrival home, but she didn’t call back or message him.”

  She took a shuddery breath. “She doesn’t know that Garrett had flown Bobby to Colorado to force him to sign the divorce papers. She probably thinks I didn’t handle anything and left her out here to deal with the fallout fr
om my mistakes.”

  “Lucy is staying with a friend in Crimson. But from what I understand, she has good reason to believe that about you.”

  “Caden.” Garrett’s tone had that telltale angry-dad edge.

  “He’s right,” Maureen admitted. “I haven’t always been the best mom. I’m selfish and immature.”

  “Darlin’, no,” Garrett murmured.

  “I’m trying to be a better person.” She swiped under her eyes and looked straight at Caden. “Your father has a lot to do with that. But so does Lucy. She deserves better.”

  Caden sighed, scrubbed a hand across his jaw. “If she gives me another chance, I’m going to be the man she deserves.”

  Maureen turned to Garrett. “Give me your phone, hon. I have to reach her.”

  “Let me call,” Caden said, pulling his phone from his back pocket.

  Maureen lifted a brow. “Do you really think she’ll want to talk to you right now?”

  Caden wanted to argue, but she was right.

  Maureen paced to the edge of the room as she punched in the number. “Pick up,” she whispered, the phone pressed to her ear. “Pick up.” She let out a little cry of relief. “Lucy-Goose, it’s me. I just heard about your argument with Caden.”

  There was a pause, and Maureen’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I know, sweetie. I’m sorry. Garrett flew him to Colorado so we could handle the divorce paperwork in person. He’s agreed to sign. Garrett made sure of it. I took your advice and told him everything.”

  Another pause. “You were right about that, too. Caden knows we had no plan to take advantage of anyone.” Her voice lowered. “He’s really sorry, baby. I can tell how bad he feels about doubting you.” She shook her head as she listened to something Lucy said. “You’ve got to drive back out to the ranch. We can work everything—” Her mouth formed a small O. “What do you mean you’re gone? Where in the world is Jackrabbit Pass?”

  Caden took a step forward. “That’s on the other side of Crimson Mountain,” he told Maureen, then glanced to the window where snow blew in frenetic circles, dancing in the light from the porch lamp. “Usually they close it in this kind of weather.”