“Uh, can you keep going for a few days without me on Dolly’s shop? I need to leave town for a bit.”
They both looked at Dolly. “I hope you’re all right?” she asked. Concern wrinkled her delicate brow. He didn’t want to worry her, but it couldn’t be helped.
“Are you okay with Tim taking over for a while? We’re on the part of the job that requires his and Jena’s expertise anyway.”
“Whatever you need,” she said, lightly brushing his arm.
A vital warmth zinged through him at her touch. “Thanks. And, Tim, I’ll have my cell on, so call if you need me. I’ll text you when I know more.”
“Okay. Need anything else?”
He shook his head. He’d drive himself to the airport and leave his car in long-term parking. For a wild moment, he considered asking Dolly to come with him. She wouldn’t mind being back in California, her old home, for a few days. They could hike favorite spots together, picnic in Point Reyes. But he couldn’t ask her that, or anything. He had to face this, his past, and his father, alone.
Chapter Nineteen
Find Me
Dolly raised her glass to Tim, Jena, and Alice. “Thanks to the best crew and my friends! Happy September!” She’d taken the three to dinner at Gallagher’s Café after a long day working.
They all clinked glasses. It had been several days, and Luke still wasn’t home. At this rate, the project would be finished before he returned, minus the shelving he’d promised.
“Special thanks to you, Alice, for coming in for the day from college.”
“No problem. Jena picked me up, and I wanted you to have that clematis. The garden is beautiful,” Alice said. Her smile and these new friendships eased Dolly’s heartache.
She couldn’t deny it, her heart still ached for Luke. For what could have been. Part of her wanted to push it away as unreasonable sadness—she should be over it already—but instead she let herself feel it. Except a couple of nights ago when she’d eaten a whole pint of Ben and Jerry’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream. She smiled at herself. It was human, to feel, to make mistakes, to love. She was glad meeting and knowing Luke had unpeeled those layers.
Except it hurt, too, because after her date-turned-non-date with Nathan, she realized she was falling in love with Luke, if she weren’t already there.
“It is beautiful, thanks to you. Luke was right, it was too much to tackle on my own.” She had come to trust Luke, and herself. She wished Luke shared in that trust.
They all quieted. Then Tim spoke up, “Has anyone heard from him? I texted a couple days ago and haven’t heard back.”
“Was it about the project?” Dolly asked, concerned.
“No, just checking in.”
It would’ve concerned her a lot more if Luke had ignored something work-related.
“I haven’t,” Alice and Jena said at once.
“Me either,” said Dolly. Not that she expected to. He’d run, just like she’d thought he would. She’d rather not be right; she’d rather be happy. But Luke didn’t want to be part of her happiness, so she needed to move forward.
It wouldn’t be with Nathan, though. After their date, they’d decided they wanted to just be friends.
She’d spent too much time thinking of Luke, and how he was running away, lost, when she wanted him to find her. She’d even prayed about it. Please let him find himself. Please let him find me. Please let him find us.
That’s how she’d felt with Luke: found. Like she’d been missing and he’d found her. She wished he discovered the same in her. But it was what it was.
The others chatted and she tuned back into their conversation. Jena had already finished her associate’s degree and electrician’s certification. Alice still had another two years to go before she got her advanced degree, but she was already looking at internships for next summer. And Tim and his wife were planning a family vacation in the spring to visit Tim’s parents in Arizona.
It wasn’t just Luke she’d become attached to in a short time. It was these people with her, the community of Loving, and her new life here. She was happy. And if she lost someone or something, she would get through the sadness and grief. She didn’t need to be afraid to get close, because she had the strength to bear the joy and the loss of closeness.
“What about you, Dolly?” Tim asked.
“I think you all know what I’ll be doing. Still more work at the shop. That’s enough for me.” For now.
“You and your aunt,” Tim said in his good-natured tone. “Acting like you’re single-minded when you’re really all over town, helping and taking part.”
Dolly nudged Tim’s arm. “And what about you, Tim? Not telling me Jena here is your niece, and how you’re also all over town helping people out.”
“Not just town,” Jena said. “He’s all over the county. And he doesn’t want people to think he got me jobs. Wants me to be taken seriously and on my own merits.” She leaned into her uncle.
Tim’s cheeks reddened and he focused on his food. Jena winked at Dolly.
“Oh, if any of you know someone who’d be a good fit for the bookshop, I’ll need a partner of sorts, someone who can run things when I need a break or can’t be there, and who can assist other times. So it’d be part-time at first.”
“I might know someone,” Tim said. “I’ll talk to her and get back to you.”
“Great, thanks.” If only it were that simple with Luke. But she was letting that go. If he wants me, he knows where to find me.
Chapter Twenty
Where You Belong
Luke called out, “Dad, I’ve got to get to work. See you at lunch.”
“Right, son,” his father said from the guest room.
They’d arrived late last night. His father had shared his home with Luke, and now he was doing the same. It still felt awkward, but wounds that had been open for far too long were healing, scarring over. Something Luke hadn’t believed possible was happening.
And now he hoped to make something else happen, something he’d told himself wasn’t possible.
He grabbed the bouquet he’d picked from his garden and drove his truck through the waking town that was his home.
His smile faded when he parked outside Las Tres Hermanas and Dolly’s car was nowhere in sight.
Dolly. Her spirit had been with him as he faced his father and his past, even though she wasn’t physically with him. And that’s when he knew.
After getting coffees and Mexican chocolate morning buns at the bakery, he walked across the street, his arms laden with his offerings. His crew wouldn’t be here yet—too early. But the front door was cracked, so someone—Dolly, he hoped—must be here.
He stepped into the cool interior. His crew had done well. The space was clear and looked ready for the shelving units he had back at his workshop. The back door spilled low light into the space. Walking to the doorway, he saw her, her face upturned to the sun, arms outstretched, her curls teasing out. His joyful woman. He hoped.
“Dolly,” he said, as he said “Amen” at church, with hushed reverence.
She turned, that same serene smile brightening her beautiful face. “Luke. You’re back?” Her eyes widened with her special brand of delight when she saw what he carried.
“Care to join me for an early-morning treat?” he asked.
“Of course I care.” Her eyes softened to a tenderness that made him set everything on the round picnic table nearest him and approach her.
“Hug?” he asked.
She nodded.
He enfolded her into his arms and she stepped into the embrace. Her curves fit into his planes, and their breathing synced. He kissed the top of her head then just stood, holding this precious, cherished woman as close as he could.
“I’m sorry for running scared,” he said.
She tightened her arms around him. With a deep breath, he let her floral scent, heightened by the flowers nearby, ease and excite him.
He continued, “I’m sorry for rejecti
ng you. And I’m so thankful for you. Thankful you shared yourself with me, let me in, and kept a space for me in your life.” He leaned back and caught her gaze with his questioning one. “Leastways, I hope there is.”
“Yes.”
“’Cause I heard you and Nathan...”
“Are just friends. He’s a good man.” She caressed his chest then met his gaze again. “But there’s another good man who I feel is a better fit for me. A man who brings me flowers and my favorite coffee and pastries. A man who is ready to share with me and discover the possibilities between us.” Now she also had a question in her intent gaze.
“Let’s sit before that coffee gets cold. I’ve got a lot to tell you.”
Her smile beamed and he kissed her. She deepened their embrace and returned his ardor until they were both breathless.
“Okay, we better cool that,” she said, poking him teasingly. “I want to hear what you have to say.”
He watched her as she settled, cross-legged, on the curved bench of the picnic table. She held the bouquet to her. “Are these from your garden? They’re gorgeous and the scent is heavenly.”
“Would you come to dinner tonight, and I can show you the whole yard? And you can meet my dad.”
She set the flowers down, her eyebrows shooting up. Then she grabbed her coffee and pastry, so he did the same. She looked settled in for a long listen. He loved that about her, how she could be chatty or silent, able to adjust to what was needed in the moment. That and many other things about her made up his love.
“That’s where I went,” he said while she sipped her coffee, “to his house in California. There was this woman, you see, who finally made me face the truth about myself: that I’d been running scared. Even when I thought I was settled, I was still running from my past and my fears about myself, how I was unlovable. But I discovered, like everyone, I deserve love. And the man I’d been blaming, my father, did love me and was trying to make amends for how he’d messed up. And I hope you’ll let me make amends to you.”
She nodded and leaned across, kissing him quickly before settling back, waiting.
“So, my dad,” he continued. “He’d been writing me letters for years, which I kept but never opened. On Saturday, I finally read them all. And I realized he’d been young, and lost, and confused about what to do. I could relate in that moment. He’d done the best he could. And I’d missed years of knowing him; and my stepmother, who’d passed away; and of knowing my half-sister. So I flew out and we talked. It’s going to be slow, healing and reconnecting, but it’s good. Now he’s here visiting me, and he and my half-sister are going to come out together sometime too.”
Dolly grasped his hands, tears shimmering in her eyes. “I’m so happy for you, and proud of you. And thankful you told me.”
He caressed her cheek and she leaned into his touch. Bringing her to him, he kissed her slowly, tenderly, with all his feelings behind the gesture.
“Dolly, I want a chance with you. How I felt about you, falling in love with you, had me running. But now I’m ready to stay put, where I belong. Will you give me a chance, will you be with me, where you belong?”
“Yes, Luke, I will. I want to fall with you.” She smiled brightly again and he returned the expression.
“And we can be there to pick each other up when we do.”
She laughed and kissed him again. “I like the way you think, Luke Levi.”
“I think I love you, Dolly Gallagher.”
“You think?” She tilted her head, still beaming.
“No. I just love you.” He moved closer and wrapped his arms around her.
“I love you too.” She held his gaze and he didn’t look away. He’d meet her every step, and they’d walk together.
“I knew you were someone special the first time I saw you,” he said, holding her close. “And now I really know it.”
“And I knew I wanted to spend some time looking into your deep blue eyes.”
They both laughed.
“I’ll take it. Whatever works.”
“We will.”
He sealed her statement with a kiss and they basked together in the light of the sun, and their love.
Epilogue
Wow, Wow, Wow
Four weeks later
Dolly toasted the group at the pulled-together tables in Gallagher’s Café. “To the new season, new beginnings, and friends new and old!” She clinked her glass with everyone’s she could reach.
“Hear, hear!” Aunt June said. “And here’s to my dear friend, Betty Davis, for finally proving me wrong on something.”
“Gracious, as always, June,” Mrs. D said from where she sat between Luke and Ken Taft.
Luke squeezed Dolly’s hand while Aunt June, on her other side, patted her other hand. Around the table sat her family and some friends: Aunt June, Mrs. D, Ken Taft, Nathan, Cutler, Nora, Jena, Tim and his wife and teenage daughter.
“Always is as false as false can be,” Aunt June said with a laugh.
“How did she prove you wrong, Aunt June?” Dolly asked.
“She told me you and Luke were a good match. Now I agree.” Aunt June smiled at her and Luke.
“Have you two been matchmaking?” Dolly scrunched her brows.
“Us two?” Mrs. D asked with mock innocence. “We wouldn’t meddle like that, would we, June?”
Aunt June smiled, and Cutler and Nora laughed. Cutler spoke, “They’re the Montana Matchmakers.”
“Nonsense,” Aunt June said. “Stop your troublemaking, Cutler Manning.” It didn’t sound like she meant it, and Aunt June liked that kind of troublemaker.
“Mrs. D’s cooked up trouble, and more, as long as I’ve known her,” Luke said, “so you’re in good company.” He and Cutler exchanged knowing grins.
“You gonna catch the garter at Adam’s wedding?” Cutler asked Luke.
Mrs. D clapped her hands together and Mrs. G laughed. Luke glanced at Dolly. Her cheeks heated. They hadn’t talked about marriage yet, but Luke’s intense gaze held a question. She nodded.
“Try to stop me,” Luke answered.
Dolly squeezed his hand and circled his palm with her ring finger, their special signal of love.
“No one better try to stop that,” Mrs. D said, looking like she’d be ready to tackle anyone who tried.
Dolly laughed too. Joy seemed to fill up the space and crowd out any sorrows and problems. This fall would bring the opening of her shop, and so much more happiness.
“I hope you’ll all come back for the grand opening of my shop.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Jena said.
“Hoping to get my younger brothers out,” Cutler said. “They need to read more.” He winked.
“Great,” Dolly said, meaning it. Whether or not she turned a profit, she was rich in support, and love.
Luke kissed her hand. The food came, and Dolly dug into her bison stew. “This is great, Aunt June. I hadn’t tried bison before.”
“You’ve become more adventurous,” Aunt June said. “Just make sure you always come back home.”
“Dolly’ll never go away again,” Luke said. “Not for good, if I have anything to say about it.”
“Who said I want to go anywhere?” Dolly asked in a light tone. “I’ve found where I belong, and that’s right here with all of you.” She leaned close to Luke. “And especially in your arms.”
“That’s home,” he whispered and kissed her cheek.
They’d found home with each other, and here in Loving.
“The adventures are just beginning,” Dolly said.
Love was the most exciting and scary adventure of all, and she was ready for the risk. The bigger the love, the bigger the risk. She’d become a go big and go home sort of woman. And Luke was with her every step of the way. That was love.
Acknowledgements
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this book, please help by leaving a review and recommending it to others. You are appreciated!
Special thanks
to: Lori Raines for her wonderful character name suggestions; Jessica McBrayer and Marik Berghs for reading and sharing stories of Montana; Marilyn for the Montana tips; my family and friends for their support; Cheryl for the beta reads; and Salt & Sage Books for their helpful comments.
About the Author
Reina M. Williams writes cozy, feel-good fiction. When she's not writing, editing, or spending time with her sons, you're most likely to find her watching a classic movie or mystery, walking in a park or library, baking, or reading with a cup of tea nearby. A California native, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Look for all ten Montana Matchmakers books on your favorite online book retailer!
Other sweet contemporary romance:
North Beach Bakery series
Escape in Love series
Petals, Pride, and Persuasion: A Jane Austen in California Collection
California Fairy Tales series
Sweet Historical Romance:
A Gentleman’s Daughter trilogy
Love at Pemberley (four novellas of Pride and Prejudice)
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Also by Reina M. Williams
A Gentleman's Daughter
A Gentleman's Daughter: Her Choice
A Gentleman's Daughter: Her Folly
A Gentleman's Daughter: Her Love
Hello Dolly Page 10
