Kendra pushed her sunglasses off her nose and up over her forehead, and the shadows became a burly uniformed man sitting behind a desk in the corner, but she hardly noticed him. Cameron drew her attention as the surprise on his face turned to appreciation.
Appreciation for the cookies, no doubt. She handed him the covered paper plate. I made a batch with butterscotch chip and my grammas famous chocolate-chocolate chips.
I dont think there are enough words to thank you. Cameron took the plate eagerly and ripped off the foil. Frank, youve got to try these chocolate cookies. They sell them over at the coffee shop.
Try them? Already have. Im addicted to them.
Your grandmother could charge ten bucks for a single cookie and folks would still buy two. Cameron snatched a cookie and took a bite.
Maam, we sure do appreciate this. The deputy chose a chocolate cookie from the plate. Ill just leave you two alone. Ive got a report to file, uh, in the back room.
There was no back room. Cameron appreciated Franks efforts, though, as the deputy disappeared into the storage closet, where they kept their coats and their spare office supplies.
That Frank was quick on the uptake. He saw right off that Kendra was the kind of woman a man wanted to be alone with instead of making small talk while other people watched.
I hear your sister had her baby. A girl. Cameron held the plate out, offering her a cookie.
Kendra shook her head, declining the offer. I have another beautiful niece. Im pretty lucky, being an aunt. Its much better than being a parent, because I get all the snuggles and fun and I get to buy presents, but I dont have the sleepless nights and all the work that goes with it.
Sounds like a good deal. Cameron wondered at the false brightness he saw on Kendras face. A face that had small crinkles in the corners of her eyes, marks of character that he found attractive. Hers was not a face of sleek, artificial beauty, and a light within him flickered to life. Im glad to know Karen and her new baby are fine. Your other sister is expecting soon, isnt she?
Yes, in a few months. We have a lot of blessings to be thankful for in my family. And speaking of blessings, thank you again for help with the tire. Her sincerity shone soul-deep. If these cookies arent enough, I can bring by another batch sometime.
This is more than enough. Hed never tasted a more delicious cookie. Hed never seen a more beautiful woman. There was so much to respect about Kendra, he didnt know where to begin, but if he made a list of all her attributes, it would be a long one.
She was certainly showing good manners in thanking him for helping her. After all, hed told her he wouldnt be averse to receiving baked goods if she wanted to repay him, but shed actually come. That said a lot about her.
Hed definitely go with her stables, if he decided he could afford a horse. That was a big question he needed an answer to if he was going to go any further with this notion of his.
You have a good day, now. She was backing toward the door.
There was no time like the present while he had her here, even if she was halfway out the door. Say, Kendra.
She hesitated, one hand on her black-rimmed sunglasses perched on the top of her head. She crooked one eyebrow in question.
He didnt wait for her to speakor to escape. I want to board my horse out at your place. Except theres one small catch.
Whats that?
I dont have a horse.
Right. I remember you told me. A hint of a smile played along her soft mouth. How are you going to board a horse you dont have at my place?
Thats where you come in. I thought with your extensive horse knowledge combined with the fact that you dont want to lose my business to your competition
Isnt that like extortion or something?
Sure, but Im the law and I dont mind a little extortion if it gets me what I need.
Kendra couldnt help it. He made her laugh. Who knew the serious and capable town sheriff had a sense of humor? I guess when the criminals are in charge, whats a poor business owner to do? How can I help?
Ive looked in the classifieds and there seem to be plenty of horses for sale, but I dont know where to start. I dont know a thing about them. Whats the difference between a quarter horse and a paint? Which is better? The prices seem to range from a hundred bucks to tens of thousands of dollars. Im lost. I need help.
I guess Id better lend a hand, if I want to get your business.
I knew youd see things my way. Id hate to have to tail you through town and ticket you under false pretenses until you cooperate.
That would be a real bother.
So thats why hed been acting friendlier than usual. Hed been too embarrassed to ask outright for help. Men were so funny. All ego and pride.
She wouldnt mind helping him at all, even if he didnt want to board at her stable. In this world, horse people had to help each other out.
Why dont you come out to the stables this weekend sometime? Give me a call first, and Ill show you around the place and introduce you to different types of horses. Well see what you like, and then youll be able to figure out what you need. Then you can get an idea of cost.
Sounds great. Ill do that.
Good. You do know how to ride, dont you?
Uh, well, no. Ive given it a lot of thought, and Ive always wanted to ride.
Youre going to love it, dont worry. Youre about to take the first step on a great adventure. She lit up, the way shed been in the hospitals gift shop, all gentle radiance and happiness. There is nothing like owning a horse. Youll see.
The first step on a great adventure, huh?
He closed the door and watched while she strolled toward her pickup parked neatly and legally along the curb. She was like sunshine and he felt that way whenever he looked at her. As if she brought light to the dark corners of his life. Warmth to the cold and lonely places.
Stunned, he didnt move a muscle. Just stood watching Kendras green pickup pull out into the street, blinker flashing. What was that he just experienced? He didnt know, but he thought he liked it.
The hinges squealed as the closet door opened. Is the coast clear?
Cameron winced. Hed forgotten about Frank hiding out in the closet. Sure, man. Come on out. Shes gone.
With your heart, by the looks of it. Frank stole another cookie. She sure can bake. Thats a decent trait in a woman. If you can trust one of them enough to marry.
Marry her? Whoa. I helped her with a trailer tire.
Whatever. Im not gonna argue with you. But a woman like that, shes what? Shes got to be over thirty. Shes got that riding stable east of town, doesnt she?
I heard something like that.
Careful, man. Shes the kind thatll break your heart. Believe me. Shes not looking for a husband. Shes not the soft, gentle kind of female that needs a man.
Oh, yes she is. Cameron knew something about Kendra that Frank didnt. What no one else in this town knew.
He well remembered the night when lightning had split the old willow tree in the town park. The fire department had been fighting to contain the blaze that was threatening the entire downtown. Power had been out all the way to Bozeman.
It was also the night hed responded to a 911 call to a house near the railroad tracks in town.
Hed never forgotten that night. He suspected Kendra hadnt, either.
Its about time you started dating again.
Hi to you, too, Gramma. Kendra carefully laid her fragile, newborn niece down in her pretty well-appointed crib. Im not dating again.
Then youre thinking about dating. Gramma eased to a stop at the railing.
Not even thinking about it.
Well, you should be. Its time, my dear. Its taken you a long while getting over Jerrod. You really must have loved him.
Kendras throat ached at the sympathy in her grandmothers words. At the caring concern that had been there forever, it seemed. Her gramma had always been there to help her whenever she needed it. Except for that one time. That one horrifying time.
She shivered, forcing the truth away. Can we please talk about something else?
Unfortunately, her gramma refused to back down. Ive gotten to know him when he comes in for early-morning coffee. He likes three straight shots to start his day.
Im not interested in the new deputy. Michelles exaggerating. How many times would she have to say that in the next hour?
Then its as I thought. The sheriff. Cameron Durango is as good as gold, if you ask my opinion. Sad it is, that hes a widower at his age. Not many know how hard he had it, taking care of his wife when she was ill. Cancer is a hard enemy.
I didnt know you knew Cameron so well. Kendra didnt know that about his wife.
She hadnt even known hed been married. She could hardly keep up with her busy life. But it struck her hard, realizing that he was alone. Hed already lost everything that could matter, and he wasnt much older than she was.
How long ago was that? I would have remembered the funeral.
His wife wasnt a member of our church.
That explained it. No wonder Cameron was looking for new activities to fill his leisure hours. A horse, what an excellent idea. Horses were more than pets, they were amazing, compassionate creatures. Most of her best friends had been horses.
Maybe Cameron could find the same kind of comfort shed found.
Michelle misunderstood. Cameron is interested in boarding a horse with me. Thats all.
Is he? Im glad hes starting to live his life again. It takes time, getting over that kind of grief. I know youll be good to him.
As I am to all my clients. She hoped Gramma would get the hint.
I know, dear, but a grandmother has to hope. Cameron would make a fine husband.
Kendra rolled her eyes. You would have said the same about the deputy. Or anyone else, for that matter. You just want me to be married, like a good woman should be.
Thats right. While I believe a woman ought to wait for true love to come along, I know you would be happier with a husband of your own. With babies of your own.
Her own baby. Kendra ached in her soul, for thats how deep the yearning wentand how deep the wound.
Not that she could let anyone know. Not even Gramma. She swallowed hard, burying her pain. Youre one to talk. You are a businesswoman. You said buying half of Karens business was one of the best things you ever did.
Yes, but Ive been married. Ive raised my family. There is a season for everything. Gramma brushed her hand over baby Annas tuft of downy golden hair. Hello, sweetheart. You are amazing, yes you are.
They stood together, side by side, gazing into the crib where the baby blinked up at them, drifting off to sleep.
So soft. Love vibrated in her grandmothers voice. Theres nothing like a newborn life.
Nothing so precious, Kendra agreed.
There is one thing as precious. Love between a wife and her husband.
You had to go and ruin the moment, didnt you?
Im just getting my shots in while I can, dear. If you are lucky enough that true love finds you, my beautiful granddaughter, I hope you stop working at your business long enough to grab hold of what matters.
The wisdom in her grandmothers words left her shaky. Kendra didnt doubt the wisdom. True love could exist.
But to her? Never. It was a fact. Are we done talking about this now?
I suppose. Gramma fell silent.
It was reassuring, watching over little Anna while she slept. She scrunched up her tiny rosebud mouth, looking even more adorable in her relaxed, peaceful slumber.
Faint noises from downstairs drifted along the hallway, Dads low voice and Moms gentle alto answering him. The clank of the oven door closing. The clink of silverware as someone was setting the table. The delicious aroma of the casserole Kendra had put in the oven. Mom must have taken it out to cool.
The sounds of family.
She did not take lightly this blessing the good Lord had given her. She had a big, loving extended family. She was thankful for them down to the depths of her soul.
There is one thing as precious. Love between a wife and her husband. Not for me, she told herself. Not ever.
Her life was enough. It was. She would not let her grandmothers kindly-meant words hurt.
Isnt little Anna something? Gramma sighed. She looks like you did, you know. That little button nose. That round darling face. Thats what your little girl will look like one day.
Dont, Gramma. Gasping on pain, Kendra spun away, heading for the door.
Honey, are you all right?
Sure.
It was only a half fib. She intended to be fine. Tucking away the raw hurt, she kept on going. Gramma needed time alone with her new great-granddaughter, and there was the supper to see to. Kendra was the self-appointed cook for the night, and she wasnt about to let someone else take over.
Thats the reason she told herself for hurrying from the room. It wasnt because of the tears in her eyes. Of the sadness that haunted her through the days and into the nights of her solitary life.
Her cell buzzed in her back pocket. She wasnt in the mood for personal calls, but she withdrew the small handset and glanced at the screen. With her business, she was always on call, emergencies happened.
She saw with relief that it wasnt Colleen calling her from the riding stable. No, the name on the screen was Cameron Durangos.
She almost sent the call onto her voice mail, but she remembered what Gramma had told her. His wife had died. How difficult that had to be, to lose so much.
Thats why he was calling. Why hed helped her with the tire and took the time to talk to her in the hospital. He was looking to make a new life. To fill his empty time with new activities.
How could she not help him? She might never know the depth of what hed lost when he buried his wife, but she understood heartache. She understood what a future with no love and no marriage looked like.
She answered the call. Hi, Cameron. You must be pretty anxious to buy a horse.
I guess I am. He had a good-hearted voice, kind and resonant. You said to give you a jingle. That maybe you could find time for me to come over. Take a look around.
Id be happy to help you out. Ill be working all morning tomorrow, but I should have a little free time after noon.
How about one? Will that work?