He looked sheepishand a little panicked. An old rustler like me dining with fine young women like you? Nope. Somethin tells me Id best be on my way.
Shy, are you? She tucked a twenty-dollar bill into his pocket and argued when he tried he give it back to her. Ill let you get away with running out on us this time, because I know you have a beautiful woman waiting for you.
Noras grandsons gonna be there, you know. Granddad pulled his Stetson low over his brows. His mouth pressed into a tight, worried line. Not sure how I feel about meeting him, though. My Nora puts a lot of stock in that grandson of hers. Thinks anything he says is as good as gold.
Well, if he doesnt take one look at you and see what a decent, honorable man you are, then I can teach him a lesson or two. I didnt win state in calf roping two years in a row for nothing.
Thats my girl. Laughing, Granddad tipped his hat and backed away. Wish me a bucket of luck, girl, cuz Im fairly certain Im going to need it. If I need help, Ill give you a call.
You can count on me, Granddad.
I know I can. You take care, now, you hear? He climbed into his classic pickup and started the engine. He tipped his hat again as he drove away.
The churchs side door swung open with a squeak. It was Susan. Hey, I thought we lost you. Were some serious hungry women. I dont think you should keep us waiting.
Ive got the goods right here. Julie held the boxes level as she headed for the open door.
The warmth of the church beckoned her, but the cold kept hold on her. She wished she could do something to take away her grandfathers troubles.
She watched the red taillights of his pickup fade from sight. They dont make men like Granddad anymore.
Oh, theres a few good ones around. The tough part is finding them.
Tough? How about impossible? Ive been trying to find one to call my own, and Ive given up.
Thats when it happens, you know. Susan held the door wide. When youve given up all hope and you dont think youll ever find love, love finds you.
Not me, Julie wanted to say, but what was the point? Susan had her beliefs, and Julie had hers. Three failed engagements that had taken more of her heart and her confidence each time she gave back the diamond ring.
She didnt have a lot of heart and confidence left to risk on another man, another dream, another chance for happily-ever-after.
Shed make the most of the life God had given herand that was easy. Look at all the blessings she hada wonderful grandfather and soon a new grandmother, and lifelong friends she loved like sisters. What a beautiful life she had.
Were starving, Misty called from inside the hall. Is that pepperoni I smell?
Because anyone holding a pepperoni pizza was popular, Julie hurried into the hall to share the meal with her friends.
Chapter Two
Consider this fair warning.
Warning for what? Noah bounced in the seat as his sister navigated her minivan along the stretch of dirt that passed for a driveway. Maybe I should see that this road gets paved.
Hope shot him a withering look. Forget the driveway. Its been newly graveled. Im trying to look out for your best interests. Nanna has her agenda.
Believe me, I know. She hits me over the head with it every week when I call her. Noah squared his shoulders. Dont worry, I can handle her. Im bigger and stronger. I have a will of steel.
Hey, Superman, I give Nanna two minutes before she brings up the subject of marriage.
Marriage is like kryptonite to a man like me. Noah winked at her. One and a half minutes, I say. Shes gotten pushy since shes become engaged. Wants to spread the torture around I guess.
Misery loves company. Hope winked right back at him. I can handle Nanna. Shes not going to marry me off.
Well see about that. Hope brought the vehicle to a stop in the gravel driveway, beneath the shelter of a mighty oak. Rain sputtered from the sky, making the wipers skid on the windshield. Did you want me to pick you up? Or are you taking Nanna to the party?
I have no idea. Im just along for the ride. He opened the door. The cool and damp air rushing over him was enough to make him shiver as he stepped onto Montana soil. Go home to your husband and kids. Thanks for the ride.
Anytime.
He grabbed his bags and briefcase. His sister drove away, leaving him standing in the noontime rain.
The windows of the old white farmhouse glowed like a promise of shelter from the storm. The front door swung wide, casting a generous swatch of light onto the old-fashioned porch. Noahs chest warmed at the sight of the woman framed in the doorway.
There you are. Nanna opened her arms wide, and he stepped into them. I should have known my Noah would be here right on time. Oh, its good to see my boy.
He hadnt been a boy in over twenty years, but he didnt correct her. Youre looking as lovely as ever. I guess being in love agrees with you.
And why shouldnt it? Love is one of Gods greatest blessings and one day youre going to discover it for yourself. Ive been praying, so youd better watch out, my boy. She broke away and nudged him into the threshold. Let me take a good look at you.
Im fine.
Fine, my foot! Why, James Noah Ashton you look terrible. Simply terrible. What have you been doing to yourself? Nanna shook her head, her mouth tight with disapproval. I know what youve been up to, lying to me on the phone!
I wasnt lying He was being selective. He didnt know for sure if anything was wrong.
Letting me think youre better off than you are! I can take one look at you and see that youve been working day and night, not getting enough sleep. Not taking care of yourself. Eating restaurant food.
Theres nothing wrong with restaurant food.
Have you looked in a mirror lately? And why arent you wearing a coat? Come inside out of this cold. She grabbed him by the arm and hauled him into her living room. Now sit down and warm up in front of the fire.
She had every right to scold, he figured. And as long as she went on about his lifestyle, she wasnt bringing up the word marriage. He checked his watch. Two minutes and counting.
It breaks my heart to see you alone, Nanna called from the kitchen, not sounding heartbroken at all. Oh, no, she sounded like a four-star general on the eve of battle. I had so hoped you would bring along a date. Its not good for a man to be alone.
Ive heard that before. Somewhere, I just cant think where He strolled into the kitchen in time to see her wave her hand at him.
Oh, you. Dont blame a poor old woman for wanting to see her only grandson happy.
I am happy. He kissed her cheek and stole the oven mitt from her. Move aside and let the master work.
Master? You cant cook, young man. She chuckled, her laughter as sweet as a meadowlarks song.
Thats what you think. I bought this video series by some gourmet chef on how to cook. So you see, I can feed myself and I do know how to get stuff from the oven.
Just be careful. The pan is plumb full
Just be careful. The pan is plumb full
I wont spill, he told her gently, because he loved her. Noah lifted the heavy pan from the oven and set her culinary masterpiece on the trivet to cool. The delicious scents of Italian herbs made his mouth water. Hey, I just thought of something. You could give me the recipe and maybe I can make it when Im at home.
That Id pay good money to see. Nanna squeezed his arm. The lasagna needs to cool. Come sit down and Ill get you some of that lemonade you like. And no, I certainly will not give you my recipe. It has been a guarded secret in my family for generations.
Nanna, I am family.
When you have a wife and children of your own, then Ill give you the recipe. Hows that? Eyes twinkling, she led him to the round oak table near the windows.
Maybe Ill have to charm the recipe out of you because, face the truth, Nanna, Im not getting married. Read my lips.
Oh, what you dont know. She tugged at his tie. Sit down and relax. Ive made up my mind to treat you so well, youre never going to want to go back to the big city and the job thats making you so unhappy.
Im not unhappy, he reminded her, and because he knew he could distract her, took her by the hand and pulled out a wooden chair. My grandmother taught me to treat beautiful women with respect, so here, have a seat. I wont take no for an answer.
There you go, charming me again. Youre trouble.
Dont I know it. Now, sit.
She slipped onto the cushioned seat with great resignation, but her eyes sparkled with pleasure. Its so good to have you here. Now my engagement party will be perfect.
Its good to be here. He found a pitcher of lemonade in the refrigerator. Tell me more about this man youre going to marry. When do I get to meet him?
Harold? Nanna clasped her hands together. Why, youre going to love him!
Noah snared two glasses from the cupboard. He must be quite a man to win your heart.
He is! Oh, the plans weve been making. Weve hired an architect and were going to build a new home, can you imagine? Its a terrible big project, but oh, what fun Ive been having. Ive even decided on the house plan I want. It took a lot of looking, I tell you.
A cold sensation settled in the pit of his stomach. Will you be building here on your land?
Oh, no. Harold owns a large spread. A simply beautiful place. The mountain views he has are a sight to behold. Ive got a place for the house picked out on a rise, so well have views in four directions. Theres nice afternoon shade for a rose garden.
Nannas eyes sparkled with pure happiness, lit from behind. Noah hated having to ask the next question, but it was for her benefit. Clearly she was so much in love, she might not see this Harolds hidden agenda.
So, what will you do with this place? He said it casually as he set the glass of lemonade in front of her.
Oh, I thought about renting, but you know how that is. Id worry someone wouldnt take care of this house I love so much. Your sister has her own home and Im sure as can be you dont want this land She stopped midsentence and squinted at him. Do you?
You know I love New York.
I just knew you were going to say that. Well, you said it yourself, so I guess my only choice is to sell.
Sell? Noah didnt like the sound of that. Is this your idea?
And whose would it be? Its just common sense, young man. She took a sip of lemonade. Now, before you start, I realize thered be taxes to pay, but thats your job, handling my finances for me the way you do.
But you dont want to sell? he asked carefully.
How could I want to sell? I have wonderful memories in this house, but its time to start something new for me. Maybe what this old place needs is a nice young family to fill these empty rooms. What do you think?
Youd make money off the place. A few million, Noah didnt add. I suppose you and this Harold have talked about that.
No, we truly havent. We havent had the time. With the new house and our wedding plans, Ive been a busy bee, I tell you.
Just as he expected. Nanna didnt suspect a thing. She didnt even consider that the Harold she loved could be a fortune hunter.
Would you be using the money from the sale to build the new house?
Noah, you and that finance mind of yours. Nanna stood, and her chair scraped on the linoleum. Her hand settled on his arm. I swear youve been working so hard and so long, you dont know how to take it easy. all our busy rushing ends in nothing. My dear boy, stop trying to accomplish so much. When youre in this house, you dont need to prove anything to me. I love you just as you are. Perfect.
She planted a kiss on his cheek.
His heart filled with tenderness for this spry, lively woman who loved him without condition. As he loved her.
All right, I know youre dying to tell me about bridesmaid dresses and colors of tablecloths or whatever it is you brides get to decide. He took her hand and led her back to the table. Are you happy now?
Overjoyed. Nanna sparkled like a rare gem. Sit and let me grab my books. Ill show you the picture of the wedding dress I picked only yesterday.
Id love to see it.
For his grandmother, hed do anything.
Noah took a sip of lemonade, wishing it was a double latte, and watched his grandmother hurry from the room in search of her wedding magazines. Alone in the kitchen, with the rain tapping at the windows, a rare peace swept over him. A comfort so strong, he was sure he was doing the right thing, watching out for his grandmother.
The pink and gold decorations were airy and romantic. The glitter streamers winked like stardust. Candles waited, ready to be lit, and the fresh flowers emitted a gentle, rose scent that made the room a dream.
Julie took a final look at their handiwork and satisfaction filled her. This is like something out of a fairy tale. I couldnt have done this without my friends.
Your grandfather is going to love it. Susan put her arm around Julie and gave her a quick hug.
Everyone is going to be wowed, Misty added. And speaking of impressing people, Ive got to fly. If I want to impress the handsome, rich bachelor whos going to be in this very room in just over two hours, Ive got to beautify. Im wearing that blue silk swirly dress I bought in Missoula. Its the best thing I own.
Thank goodness I got my red shift dry-cleaned last week, Susan enthused.
Julie couldnt believe it. All this fuss over one man? Just because hes rich doesnt mean hes nice.
He could be nice. We dont know that he isnt, Misty reasoned. He might be a good dancer.
Its an engagement party, not singles night.
Its a Friday night. Therell be a band. That means well have to dance with him.
Itll be tough, but someones got to do it. Susan looked determined to suffer. My theory is that you never know what God has in store for you. In my case, why not a billionaire?
Julie laughed, she couldnt help it. Okay, believe Mr. Ashton is going to be your knight in shining armor. Ill make sure to introduce you to the billionaire. Satisfied?