She scoffed at the irony her life had become. Instead of tipping the server, she was the one in need of the tip. Her grandfather would be so disgusted. And hed left her all that money. But she couldnt dip into her inheritance without throwing up a big red flag.
Pushing away the pie plate, she dropped her head into her hands. Oh, God, please help me.
What was the point? God had abandoned her long ago. She supposed her grandfathers steadfast belief kept her wanting to believe. But so far God hadnt heard her prayers.
Lifting her head, she stared through blurry eyes at the money lying on the table. What was she to do?
An image of Luke drifted across her consciousness and she recalled his conversation with Ethel. He needed someone to care for his mother. An idea blossomed in the back of her mind.
He didnt exactly say he was looking for a nurse, just someone to help his mother recover.
She could do that.
After all, shed been the one to care for her grandfather after he suffered his heart attack. Shed watched the team of nurses come and go, seen the services theyd provided. Shed jumped right in when the nurses had refused to stay.
She had owed her grandfather that for having taken her in after her parents died. Gerald Emerson Delange had been a Bible-thumping, judgmental and unyielding man. But shed loved him and no one could be as difficult to care for as hed been.
Oh, yes, she could care for Lukes mother.
But would it be a wise choice?
She wouldnt be visible, shed have a place to stay and the job would probably pay decently. If no one knew she was there, maybe shed even be safe for a while.
She stretched the aching muscles in her back. She couldnt go on like this. Fatigue was making her mind fuzzy, not to mention her dwindling funds. And the longer she stayed in the open, the more chance shed be found.
What choice did she have?
Faith paid her bill, gathered her belongings, and hurried from the diner to find Luke.
She caught a glimpse of him as he turned the corner, disappearing behind a building a block down the street. Even from a distance he made a striking picture. Instead of the expected easy-rolling gait of a cowboy, he walked with a purposeful stride. Head up and shoulders back. Very controlled. In fact, everything about Luke spoke of a forthright and self-controlled man.
Im a captain in the army.
She had the feeling that with Luke you got what you saw. Faith liked that. It was so opposite of what shed lived with for so long.
Desperate to catch him before he disappeared altogether, she jogged down the sidewalk, her bags jostling at her sides.
She turned the corner as Luke climbed into a dark green Bronco. An instant later, the engine roared to life. He backed his vehicle out of the parking place, the tires crunching on the snow-covered gravel. Faith dropped her bags and ran toward him.
Luke! Luke, wait!
The Bronco screeched to a stop. Luke rolled down his window. Faith, are you okay?
His deep voice washed over her, smoothing the rough edges of her nerves.
Nodding, she blinked up at him. II wanted to ask you something.
He gave her a curious stare. Ask away.
Anxiety threatened to wrap itself around her throat, but she bolstered her courage and plunged ahead. Id like to apply for that job you mentioned earlier.
A confused frown marred his brow. Job?
Faith took a deep breath. For your mother. The helper you needed.
I thought you were just passing through?
I changed my mind. The country air agrees with me. She breathed in deep, the cold air filling her lungs and making her cough. It was either the air or she was losing her mind.
She probably was nuts to be doing this, but would she be found in this out of the way town in the middle of the Oregon Mountains? And on a ranch?
No, she didnt think so. She was ninety-nine percent sure shed be safe.
Shed worry about the other one percent later.
TWO
Hire her, Luke thought to himself immediately, and then heard himself say, Youre hired.
Her eyes rounded in surprise. Just like that?
Luke hesitated. He knew next to nothing about this woman and yet, when he looked into her eyes, the haunted expression that had bothered him earlier seemed to recede. Just like that.
Illget my bags.
Here, let me, Luke offered as he opened the door. But she was already hurrying away.
Luke drummed his fingers on the door. Okay, Lord. I trust You know what Youre doing. Whatever You have planned, Im with You.
Still, he couldnt shake the unsettled knot in the pit of his stomach.
As Faith approached, Luke climbed out from behind the wheel and took her bags. He put them in the back and then helped her into the rig. You travel light for someone whos been out touring the country.
Easier to pack up and go.
Luke climbed back behind the wheel and wondered what made her need to pack up and go.
He clamped his jaw tight. Why couldnt God have provided some nice grandmotherly type, someone he could easily dismiss from his mind?
Luke slanted Faith a glance as he pulled out onto the street. Something about the way she held herself spoke of a quiet strength he found appealing. He wasnt immune to her physical charms, either.
He liked the straight line of her nose and the stubbornness of her jaw. Her blond hair swung about her shoulders and he could almost imagine the feel of the silken strands gliding across his palm.
Resolutely, he shook the sensation away. He really didnt need this.
Suddenly, Faith moved, throwing herself on the floor and he nearly careened into a building. He eased up on the gas pedal. What are you doing?
Her hunted expression reappeared, making her look wide-eyed and scared. Ithink myearearring fell out, she stammered and patted the floorboards.
For several seconds she continued to search the floor.
Thered been no jewelry adorning her ears. Interesting. Find it?
Yes. She attempted to sit up but her purse went flying to the floor, scattering paraphernalia at their feet. Diving down, she retrieved her goods.
Luke could have sworn shed nudged her purse off the seat on purpose. Curiosity burned in his gut. Room and board.
He glanced down at her bent head. He noticed one hand held her purse while the other put air into the purses opening. His curiosity cranked up a notch and his brows drew together.
She peeked at him through a veil of blond hair. Excuse me?
She was acting soodd. Luke forced his attention on the road ahead of them. I said, room and board. Plus two-hundred dollars a week.
That sounds perfect. Her muffled voice held relief.
They passed through town and he waved at several people. Then the realization hit him. She didnt want anyone to see her leaving with him.
Why?
Luke turned the truck onto the road leading to his parents ranch. Were out of town. Youre safe now.
Faith started and sat up. Her face flushed a deep crimson. What do you mean?
He nodded toward the floor. You find everything?
Huh? Oh, yes. Thanks. She turned away from him, her hands clasped into a tight knot.
Seeing her knuckles turn white, he felt the need to assure her and calm her fears. Relax, Faith. Its going to be okay.
Seeing her knuckles turn white, he felt the need to assure her and calm her fears. Relax, Faith. Its going to be okay.
The fearful expression in her eyes told him she wasnt convinced.
A little small talk might ease the situation. Where are you from?
Back east.
Back east is a big place, he stated with wry amusement.
One corner of her mouth lifted. New York.
He arched an eyebrow. Its a big state.
She slanted a glance his way. Yes. It is.
Hed bet she came from money. The graceful table manners shed displayed and her cultured speech oozed private school, which only left him more intrigued.
The countryside is so beautiful and peaceful, she commented, then asked, Have you lived here your whole life?
Born and raised. He didnt mention hed left at eighteen and only recently returned.
How long ago did your mother have her heart attack?
Two weeks. Hed wanted a nurse to care for his mother just in case she suffered another attack, but the doctor had assured him she would be back to normal soon. All she needed was rest and a little exercise. And someone constantly making sure she was doing just that. Someone besides Reva May Scott.
What does your family think of your see-America jaunt? he asked.
She pressed her lips together and shrugged. Whos Reva?
She was good at changing the subject. Thats a complicated question.
He thought for a moment how best to answer. Her father and my dad were good friends. When her mother took off after she was born, her dad started drinking. My dad tried to step in as much as possible for them.
That was generous. So you two are like siblings then?
He let out a short laugh. Reva would disagree. Yeah, something like that.
I take it from what you told Ethel, Reva and your mother dont get along.
No, they dont. Mom tried real hard with her when Reva was a little girl, but He shrugged. Reva would never accept my mom.
Thats too bad, Faith commented, her expression thoughtful. I hope your mom will be okay with me coming home with you.
Letting up on the gas, the Bronco slowed as he turned onto the gravel drive. I wouldnt be bringing you home if I didnt think I was making the right decision.
She turned away to stare out the window. Stretching before them in wild splendor was his familys five-hundred acres. At the end of the drive sat a two-story farmhouse, flanked on either side by a pair of large, red barns, one of which had four apartments on the second floor. A paddock and corral sat off to the right side of the barn while the other side was open grazing land with sage brush and bare trees sticking up through the layer of snow.
Oh my, is this your ranch? Her voice filled with awe.
Welcome to the Circle C, Luke said with pride.
Faith twisted to look back the way theyd come. The road is very visible. I suppose you can see cars coming long before they arrive?
Yes.
Good. She sat forward. Thats good. Youre pretty safe out here.
He arched a brow. What are you afraid of?
A huge caramel-colored animal ran along the fence.
You raise llamas? She turned her curious gaze on him and left his question unanswered. Again.
The depths of her hazel eyes pulled at him. He debated pressing for an answer, but there would be time enough later. Llamas, cattle and horses.
Ive never seen a llama up close.
They make great pets. We raise them for their coats. Raising llamas is a hobby for my mother. She used to show them, but then people started wanting to buy them so we expanded the operation.
Our stable is small compared to others who solely raise llamas. Few people realize that Sisters is the llama capital of the United States.
Why here?
Central Oregons climate is similar to that of Peru, where llamas originate. Sisters is ideal, open and temperate.
I agree. This place is perfect.
Luke had a feeling she meant more than just the climate. He stopped in front of the house and his golden retriever bounded up to the Bronco. Opening the door, he received a series of wet dog kisses. Whoa, girl. Its good to see you, too.
Suddenly, the dogs ears perked up and her head lifted. She dashed out of view before Luke could react, and Faith became the recipient of the retrievers sloppy love.
Luke rounded the corner of the Bronco and stopped. Faith kneeled with her arms around his dog. The sight made him smile.
Shes beautiful. Whats her name?
Brandy.
Luke, whats going on? A female voice brought all three heads around to face the house. Reva stood on the porch, her hands on her hips and her red lips pressed into a stiff line.
Irritation pulsed through Luke, but he shook off the feeling. It was only natural Reva would be curious, but her question seemed more accusatory than not. He glanced at Faith, who now stood with her hands clasped together and a polite smile plastered on her face.
He silently retrieved Faiths bags and guided Faith toward the house. Brandy, he noted, stayed close to Faith.
Who is this? Reva asked, her eyes wide, as she looked Faith up and down.
A guest, he answered, wishing Reva wouldnt act so territorially.
Brandy growled then let out a loud bark. Luke understood the dogs urge to protect Faith. He felt the same protective instincts roaring to life in his veins.
Tell me what I want to hear, Vince Palmero demanded of the man on the phone.
Bob Grady cleared his throat. Sorry, boss. We lost her trail in Portland, Oregon.
Vince clenched his fist. How incompetent can you be?
Well get her. Ive got men combing the city and checking the trains, buses and airport.
Time is running out. Find her!
Vince slammed down the receiver and pushed back his leather chair from the expansive mahogany desk. He tugged on the collar of his Italian handmade dress shirt feeling as choked with rage as if the Armani striped tie around his neck was being cinched tight. He couldnt believe shed done this to him. If he didnt find her and bring her back soon, his whole life would go down the tubes.
He stared at the framed photo on his sidebar. A stunning smile and hazel eyes burned into his mind. Hed loved her, offered her everything and shed betrayed him.
Shed pay. Oh, yes. When he found her, shed pay.
Faiths sweaty palm stuck to the banister. She wiped her hand on her pant leg as she followed Luke and Reva up the stairs to his mothers room. Although the initial meeting with Reva went wellthe woman had been pleasant enoughFaith could tell that Reva didnt like having another woman in what she obviously considered her domain.
As theyd passed through the living room, Faith noted the lack of Christmas decorations. Maybe these people didnt celebrate the birth of Jesus. Whether they did or not wasnt relative to her safety.
Luke knocked on a door at the end of the hallway. Little butterflies fluttered in the pit of Faiths stomach. If Lukes mother didnt like her, then what would she do? The ranch represented a security shed only hoped of. She wanted to stay. Please, oh, please, dear Lord, let her like me.