Buttercup! The screen door whispered open and the youngest Granger sister popped out. Addison slung her designer bag over her shoulder. You cant have fizzy drinks. They give you the burps. Remember?
The cows long sorrowful moo may have been a comment that some pleasures were worth a little discomfort.
Dad should just let that cow live in the house like a dog, shes so spoiled. Addy winked as she waltzed by him. Its Friday night. You shouldnt be here alone. I can stay with you and keep watch on Sunny. Im worried about her.
No way. Dont you change your plans. I can keep an eye on your expecting mare. Besides, I want to spend the evening with my sweetie. He stretched out his legs and crossed them at the ankles.
Buttercup, his sweetie, mooed again as if in total agreement.
Then enjoy the peace and quiet while you can. Addys advice was delivered with a grin as she hopped down the steps, strawberry blond hair flying behind her, looking a lot like his baby sister as she hurried enthusiastically down the concrete path. Dont forget to do your own dishes!
I know. My mom trained me right, he called after her as she disappeared around the corner.
Thats debatable. A different voice answered. Cheyenne pushed open the screen door. I saw the state of your bedroom. Do you know how to pick up anything?
Hey, thats my private domain. I know how to do housework, but Im not so good at doing it without someone telling me to. He may as well be honest. Hed learned that was the best way to go through life, even if he could think of folks who didnt agreelike his former fiancée.
Thats a tad better than my brothers. Cheyenne jingled her truck keys in one hand. Are you really going to stay here all by your lonesome? Its Friday night.
I didnt know Id be here alone, but yeah, I dont mind. I like the peace. It was what he preferred, and hed had enough drama with Meryl to last him a lifetime. He liked quiet. He liked computers, books and watching time go by.
Its weird now that Dads with Cady. Cheyenne hesitated on the steps. He used to be home every weekend night unless there was something going on at the church. Now, look. I never thought it would happen, but hes dating.
He sure is. He trailered up his horse and drove off about an hour ago. Said he and Cady were going for a ride. He looked pleased as punch. Sean took another sip of root beer and let the feather-light summery air puff over him.
What about you? Cheyenne twisted around to walk backwards. Theres no one you have your eye on?
Who? Me? He stared off into the distance. The cow was going to hurt herself straining over the fence like that. He climbed to his feet, doing his level best not to think of pretty Eloise. No. Im done with relationships. Theyre for the birds.
I know the feeling. Cheyenne seemed satisfied at last, and he realized she didnt want him to feel alone. That would explain why she was hesitating.
What are you up to? He set aside his can.
Im having dinner with a friend. Wait, you know her. Eloise, remember? Weve been friends forever.
Blond hair, green eyes, is real quiet? Surprising how the mention of her could make him smile. Saw her today at the Steer In.
Yes. Thats Eloise. Shes home to stay, just like I am, so were celebrating with cheeseburgers and chocolate milkshakes. I can bring you an order home.
No. Mrs. G. left me on casserole duty. Shes got the timer set and a salad in the fridge. He ambled down the steps and dug into his jeans pocket. The cow, scenting the molasses treat he found, hopped up and down excitedly. Eloise is the one who used to skate, right?
Ice dancing. She won two world championships. Cheyenne nodded as she hesitated at the corner of the garage.
A long span of mown grass separated them, and he had to speak up to be heard above the mooing cow and the twitter of larks. What happened? Did she get injured or something? I saw a cane in her car.
She was in a serious car accident. Cheyenne frowned, sad for her friend. Its amazing she walks, but shell never skate professionally again.
Emotion punched him in the gut, reminding him life could be a tough road. He handed over the molasses treat and gave Buttercup a pat as she chewed happily. Sunshine gleamed off the cows sleek black coat. Her pure white face and white tipped ears made her look as cute as a button. He thought of Eloise and couldnt guess what it would be like to lose a goal like that, although he knew what tragedy felt like. His older brother Tim, an Army Ranger, had been killed in action. The family had gone on but the loss had marked them all.
Oops! Im late. Cheyenne darted around the corner and out of sight, her words carrying to him on the breeze. If you change your mind, you have my cell number. Keep a close eye on Sunny and if you think shes not doing all right, call.
I know the drill, he told Buttercup as he rubbed her nose.
She gazed up at him with puppy-dog eyes, sank her teeth into his hat and lifted it off his head.
Funny girl. He rescued it from her and dug another treat out of his pocket. Life was good on the Wyoming range, and he was glad to be a carefree bachelor in command of his life. So what if it got a little lonely? He could handle that. If the thought of Eloise Tipples lovely face made him reconsider, he had to admit he was lonelier than hed thought. It wasnt easy being a lone wolf.
Dont look at me like that, he admonished Buttercup. I really am a lone wolf.
The cow shook her head as if she didnt believe him for a second.
Is that you, honey?
Yes, Mom. Eloise tapped through the shadowy kitchen and pushed open the back screen. The music of the nearby river serenaded her as she stepped onto the patio.
Helene Tipple looked up from her cross-stitch piece. Did you have a good time catching up with Cheyenne?
I did. She leaned her cane against the patio table and eased into a cushioned seat. Another positive about being backthere was no place like home. Their conversation had covered everything essential while neatly skipping the painful. Cheye and I are going riding this week. I get to go over to the ranch and see all the new foals.
Thats nice, dear. Mom poked her needle through the embroidery hoop and fussed with the stitch. I was talking with your grandma today.
You talk with her every day. Eloise rolled her eyes, already bracing herself. She knew exactly what her mom was going to say because theyd had this conversation many times before. She told you about my upcoming blind date, didnt she?
She is pretty excited about this young man. She wants you to call her. Take a few moments to gather your strength first. Moms eyes twinkled as if she were enjoying herself.
Yes, because this is so amusing. Eloise shook her head, laughing, too. This is my life. My grandmother is finding dates for me.
And dont you disappoint her. Dad spoke up with a rattle of his magazine page and a grin.
I wouldnt dream of it. She loved her grandmother with all her heart. No one on earth wanted to disappoint Gran. Even if she is torturing me.
Her parents chuckled as if shed made a joke. Sure, her personal life was a laugh a minute. Shaking her head and laughing at herselfwhat else was a girl to do?she hoisted up out of the extremely comfortable chair and made her way to the kitchen. As she dialed the phone, her gaze drifted to the large picture window overlooking the patio. Her parents made an iconic picture, sitting side by side beneath the striped table umbrella. Their silence was a contented one, broken by quiet murmurings and gentle smiles, a sign of their long and happy marriage.
I wouldnt dream of it. She loved her grandmother with all her heart. No one on earth wanted to disappoint Gran. Even if she is torturing me.
Her parents chuckled as if shed made a joke. Sure, her personal life was a laugh a minute. Shaking her head and laughing at herselfwhat else was a girl to do?she hoisted up out of the extremely comfortable chair and made her way to the kitchen. As she dialed the phone, her gaze drifted to the large picture window overlooking the patio. Her parents made an iconic picture, sitting side by side beneath the striped table umbrella. Their silence was a contented one, broken by quiet murmurings and gentle smiles, a sign of their long and happy marriage.
Not everyone got the fairy tale. That was simply a plain fact. Eloise leaned against the counter and listened to the phone ring.
Hello? Gran warbled cheerfully. Is that you, Eloise? Your mama promised you would be calling me.
Yes, its me, Gran. Theirs was a lifetime love, too. She adored her grandmother. She would do anything for her, which was why she was doomed. You might as well get to the point.
I talked with Madge. Grans excitement vibrated across the line. This is what I learned about George. He manages an office-supply store over in Sunshine. Hes a good Christian boy and he wants to get married.
Why cant he find someone to marry him who actually knows him?
Well, he is terribly short but you dont mind that, do you? A short husband is better than none at all. Its whats inside that counts.
Yes, it is. Who was she to be arguing with that? She leaned her cane against the cabinet doors and prayed for fortitude.
I have high hopes for this one. Dont worry, Im looking out for you, sweetheart.
Im looking out for you too, Gran. Ill drop by after work tomorrow. Her grandmother needed a little help around the house these days, and she was happy to do it. That way they could spend quality time together, another very big advantage to being back home again.
After chatting for a few more minutes, she bid Gran goodbye and hung up the phone. The peace of the evening filled the kitchen like the rosy light of the sunset tumbling from the western horizon. The entire landscape glowed as if painted with a luminous pearled paint. Her mind drifted back over her very good day and lingered on the memory of a man with a black Stetson holding a strawberry ice-cream cone in one rugged hand. A very nice image, indeed.
Chapter Three
Good afternoon. Lark Song Inn. Eloise tucked the receiver between her chin and shoulder. How may I help you?
Yeah, this is Nate Cannon. I need to talk with Eloise.
Dr. Cannon. The local vet. A kick of anticipation charged through her, so she grabbed a pen off the front desk and poised it over the memo pad. Im Eloise. Did you happen to hear about my mission?
Cheyenne clued me in. She said you folks are looking to buy horses in need, and I happen to know of a pair.
Bless you. Shed tried the local agencies and organizations over the last handful of days, but no luck. Where are they? What are they like?
Two geldings, as gentle as could be. Their owner passed away a while back and the folks who inherited the land dont want to keep them. Its hard to sell horses this old, so if your boss is looking to make a difference in an animals life, she wouldnt regret taking them in.
They sound perfect. The poor things. She glanced at her watch. Wendy should be back from her break in a few minutes. Could I take a look this afternoon?
Ill give you the address and phone number. Now, these folks arent the most agreeable so you might want to bring someone with you who really knows horses. Like Cheyenne. Id offer, but Ive got a show horse with colic to get back to and a busy afternoon after that. You could call my receptionist. She might be able to book you a time.
Thanks, but Ill call Cheyenne. After getting the necessary information, she buzzed Cady, who was delighted at the prospect of horses for the stables, then dialed her best friends number.
Hello? A familiar baritone rumbled across the line. Stowaway Ranch.
Is this Sean? Why was she smiling? The man simply had that effect on her. She was curious. That was different from interested.
Eloise. How are you doing?
Fine enough. Was it her imagination or did he sound glad to hear from her?
Are you calling for Cheyenne?
Guilty. She promised me use of her horse expertise. Tell me shes there.
I wish I could but she took off to do some shopping in Sunshine. Should be gone all afternoon. I might not be an expert when it comes to horses, but Im no slouch either. What kind of help do you need?
Uh Brilliant answer. Her brain decided to short circuit again. The vet found some horses.
Oh, and you need someone to go with you. I can do that.
Uh Was she stuck on that word? What was the matter with her?
Its a slow afternoon and I like to make myself useful. I can bring a horse trailer.
I cant say no to that. Especially since she didnt own a vehicle capable of pulling one. But did she really want to spend an afternoon with the most gorgeous man shed ever met? She was fairly sure judging by the amount of friendliness in his voice that he hadnt noticed her cane yet. She dreaded the moment when he did, but putting horses in the inns stables was her new assignment. She wanted to do her job well. Let me give you the address.
Great. I need something to write with. A drawer banged open before he came back on the line. Got it.
You probably know where this is already, but the vet gave me detailed instructions. She gave him the information. When can you get there?
Give me thirty minutes?
Thirty minutes it is. Thanks for helping out, Sean.
Hey, thats what friends are for. He set down the pen and folded the scrap of paper.
I didnt know we were friends.
A friend of Cheyennes is a friend of mine. He ignored Mrs. Gunderson who bustled into sight with a laundry basket balanced on one hip. A lone wolf could have a friend or two and still be a lone wolf, right? Im happy to help. I like what Cadys doing. She could be filling her stalls with pampered horses, but she wants to make a difference. Ill see you soon.
Thanks, Sean. Eloises gentle alto was about the prettiest sound hed ever heard. She wasnt fake, like some women he could think ofMeryl came to mindbut honest and sincere. He liked that. Those were just the right qualities for a friend.
He hung up and caught Mrs. Gundersons raised eyebrow as she paused midway up the stairs, free hand on the rail. There was no mistaking that motherly look.
What? He held up both hands, the innocent man that he was. I didnt do anything.
I didnt say a thing. She had raised five sons of her own, so he knew she was wise to the ways of the male mind. You call me if you arent coming home for supper.
Why wouldnt I be home for supper? He grabbed a chocolate-chip cookie from the jar. This isnt a date. Its a humanitarian mission. Well, an animal welfare mission.
You like that girl. Mrs. G. narrowed her gaze at him. Dont try and fool me.