Chapter Ten
“W ell, look here…two of my favorite customers. Must be looking for some of those blueberry pancakes I think about ready to come off the griddle. Am I right?” Tillie Newberry, owner of Tillie’s Café and Bakery, welcomed her latest customers as they took their preferred places in one of the front booths. It was a sunny Saturday morning and the bell above the front door was almost constantly ringing as more customers entered. Tillie’s was the place to begin your day as far as most people in Destiny’s River would attest.
“Right as always.” Tori smiled in greeting.
“And a glass of chocolate milk, too, if you please.”
“Miss Jillie Parker, you have grown another foot since I last saw you a week ago, I do believe.” The woman grinned at the child…all of six years old but often seeming to be going on sixteen in her behavior and level of youthful wisdom.
“I wish,” the child replied. “I want to be able to play basketball with my dad’s team but I’m too short.”
Tillie laughed. “You’ll get there, sweetie. Don’t be in such a hurry to grow up. Enjoy these days.”
“That’s what my dad says and my aunt Tori.”
“And they are both very smart people. Look at your aunt here…the mayor of this town no less. And what will the mayor be having? Your usual? Two slices of crisp bacon, one egg scrambled hard and two of Delbert’s homemade sourdough biscuits…with country gravy, of course?”
“It’s Saturday and I’m spending part of it with my favorite niece here shopping so yes, I need a big breakfast for energy to keep up with her.”
“And a mug of coffee, too,” Tillie added. “I’ll get these orders in and be back with your drinks.”
“Are you excited about your concert tomorrow?”
The child nodded. “I guess so. Do you think we can find a pretty dress today? Maybe something for my hair, too?”
“I believe we’ll find all of that and more. You are making your solo debut and that requires an extra-special outfit as well.”
“I’m nervous. What if I forget my part?”
“You won’t forget. And being nervous is all part of a good performance. Once you get up there, with all your friends, and Mrs. Caspell, your director, it will feel perfect, and you just open your mouth and sing. Just like in all your rehearsals. The audience is made up of all the people you know and have known you for all your life. They are there to support you, too.”
The smile returned to the child’s face at the same time Tillie returned with their drink order.
“Are you going to come to the choir concert tomorrow afternoon?”
“I certainly am, Miss Jillie. I wouldn’t miss it. Because I hear a special young lady will be doing a solo and I certainly want to hear it.”
Tori sat back and sipped her coffee, watching the exchange between the two. She loved her niece something fierce. Matt’s child had grown up surrounded by so many good people there in Destiny. Jillie had been born after a difficult birth. A birth that had claimed her young mother’s life and left her brother a single dad with a newborn. Luckily, they had been blessed by a community that drew them into their hearts and surrounded them with help in whatever they needed. She had been the first one to christen the little girl with her nickname of Jilliebean …an offshoot of jellybean. As a baby, she had been so tiny, and Tori had joked she was no more than the size of a jellybean. She then became her little Jilliebean…a child she had given her heart to in an instant. Matt had evolved from the beginning into a great dad. She had done her best to step in to a surrogate mother role whenever needed. And today, they would be shopping for the perfect outfit for her first solo in a choir concert in the afternoon after church.
“Well, here we are, special delivery for Miss Jillie Parker, Destiny’s up-and-coming singing sensation.” The white-jacketed cook delivered their food to the table himself and with a flourish of hands, set the plates in front of them. “Eight silver-dollar-sized fluffy pancakes with extra blueberries in each because we treat our special customers right here at Tillie’s.” He gave a wink and headed back to his kitchen.
“Yes, we do,” Tillie agreed. “You ladies enjoy and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Twenty minutes later, with an excited Jillie leading the way, they exited onto the main street and began their shopping expedition. The third shop they entered, The Purple Lion, was the jackpot winner.
Three outfits into the search, the winner turned out to be a deep purple velvet jumper over a white silk blouse with puffy sleeves caught in at the wrist with cuffs and a large white bow at the collar. They added white tights. And the best part was a purple velvet hair bow and a pair of purple slip-ons in a shiny material. Jillie turned this way and that in front of the full-length mirror. Her big brown eyes sparkled with anticipation.
“It’s so soft and pretty,” she breathed. “Daddy will like it, too, don’t you think?”
“I think it’s perfect and your daddy may shed a tear or two when he sees how grown up his little girl looks all dressed up in such a pretty outfit.”
The smile dimmed a bit on the child’s face as she continued to look at her reflection in the mirror. She had grown quiet.
Tori stood and moved to stand behind her, hands on her shoulders as she caught her gaze in the mirror in front of them. “Where did that pretty smile go, Jilliebean?” she asked softly. “What’s up? And don’t say nothing.”
“It’s just…I just…do you think my dad will ever get married again?”
“Wow,” Tori said, meeting the somber gaze in the mirror. “So did something happen to put this question in your brain?”
“Not really. I just heard Missy and Roxie were going shopping today with their moms and having a sleepover and all. And I guess I just wanted to know what that’s like…having a mom to do that with.” Then she grew wide-eyed and swung around to face Tori.
“I’m sorry. It’s not because you aren’t fun, and this isn’t fun because you do all kinds of stuff with me and all but…”
“But I’m not your own mom,” Tori finished for her. “I get it. And it doesn’t hurt my feelings. I remember how much I would dream about what it would be like to have my mom there to do things with like other kids did. Don’t ever apologize for wanting that for yourself. And who knows…if the right person comes along, maybe your dad might want to marry again. But no matter what, we will both be here for you always.”
“I love you, Aunt Tori. You’re the best.” The hug was a good one.
“Love you more, little one. Now let’s get all your goodies and get to my house so your dad can pick you up. I have some work I have to do this afternoon.”
*
“What is all of this?” Tori asked, as she exited her SUV a few minutes later. Matt was standing at the edge of the sidewalk with an amused look on his face.
“You had no idea?”
“Idea about what? Who are these men? What have you done?”
His hands shot up. “Don’t look at me. I had nothing to do with this. I found them about to load up when I arrived just a few minutes ago. I’ll let you ask that question of the foreman.” He waved to one of the men who had just finished loading up some materials in the back of his truck. The man came over, removing his hat and extending his hand to Tori.
“Afternoon ma’am. I’m Nate Hastings. I work at Lockwood Ranch. Me and some of our work crew was sent over to help with your gutters and we did a little repair on the back steps that needed it. They’re very safe now.”
“Lockwood? You’re from the Lockwood Ranch?” It was beginning to dawn on her.
“You’ll have to forgive my sister, Nate.” Matt was grinning. “She is a little slow on the uptake sometimes.”
Tori shot him a look while she shook hands with the ranch hand. “I had no idea this was happening,” she explained to the man. “But thank you and all of your men for the work. It is much appreciated.”
“You are welcome, ma’am, and we’ll be on our way now.”
“What is the bill for all of this? How do I…”
He shook his head. “No ma’am, no bill. It’s with Mr. Cade’s compliments is what he said to tell you when you tried to pay us. He had an idea you would ask.”
“I see. Well, I’ll discuss it with him then.”
“Have a good day.” The trucks with the crew were soon on their way down the driveway.
Matt and Jillie stood watching her.
She smiled at Jillie. “Sweetie, why don’t you run and put your packages in your dad’s truck? He will be with you in just a few minutes.”
After another tight hug, the girl headed off with both hands full of her shopping items.
“Looks like you two had fun with my credit card today,” Matt observed.
Tori turned to face him. “We did not touch your card. This was a gift from her favorite aunt today.”
“Her favorite? You’re her only aunt.”
“Don’t even try to change the subject. And don’t even try to make any smart remarks about what happened here today.”
“What?” His act of innocence would not have won an Oscar. “Just because I arrive to find a Lockwood work crew scurrying around here like some fairy godmother team? Wanting to be done before you arrived. I would say that you and Cade did indeed bury the hatchet on that little trip you two took.”
“Burying a hatchet sounds good right about now,” she commented with one of her sister warning looks. “Quit while you still can.”
“Well, I’ll just be on my way, since I’m sure you want to get ready for your meeting at the Lockwood Ranch this afternoon. You might try something a little less mayor-looking and more…”
“Do not finish that sentence,” she broke in.
“Thanks again for taking Jillie shopping. I can’t wait to hear how this meeting goes.” He was moving toward his truck and added the last just as he closed his door…safe and soundproof inside the vehicle.
*
Tori hadn’t planned on changing outfits but then she did decide to bake two pies to take to the crew at the ranch, by way of saying thanks again for their work. So she did need to change because there was a speck of flour on one pantleg.
Two hours later, she was pulling up to the iron gate with the arch above with the Lockwood brand in its center. This time, the gate opened without her saying a word into the speaker box. Evidently, the camera was in use. It was a far different entrance than the last one where she had to beg practically until the poor cowboy on the opposite side of the gate finally allowed her to pass through.
There was time for one more look in the mirror to check the soft shade of rose lipstick that she had added at the last minute. After going through four outfits she finally gave up and decided that she felt silly. She was heading to a ranch where she would no doubt be going through bushes and whatever else to make her way to the springs, so a nice outfit was out. She settled on a pair of dark blue jeans, a pullover sweater in light blue and a sleeveless vest in denim. A dark red scarf was wound casually around her neck. She was tempted to leave her hair down, but at the last minute she smoothed it into the usual ponytail. With a recurring image of the woman and the kiss she’d witnessed Caden give her a few days ago, she reminded herself that it was just a business meeting and nothing else. And that was okay with her.
The house came into view. It was a beautiful, natural stone, one-story home. Its long length lent itself to a porch that ran the length of the front. Comfy patio furniture with fall colors made it seem inviting along with urns of yellow, gold and orange mums. It wasn’t the mansion that most people might have expected but it did declare wealth in a classic, understated way.
A housekeeper opened the door to her knock. She was about to step inside, as the housekeeper took the two pie carriers from her hands, when they heard the approach of horses. It was her host. And she schooled herself to not get lost in the fact that Cade Lockwood on horseback was pretty hard to tear your gaze away from. She failed though. Especially when he swung out of the saddle and strode toward her, that smile appearing that she was certain had been the downfall of many a woman over his years in rodeo.
“Punctual as always,” he said to her as he joined her on the porch. He glanced at his housekeeper. “Could those be pies in Mrs. Jones’s hands? You baked them for me?”
“Yes, they are pies I just baked. But they’re for the workmen who somehow appeared at my house today. They did a very good job…even though they shouldn’t have come at all. So the least I could do was bake them something.”
He only smiled and nodded at Mrs. Jones. “Please see that those go to Nate and his crew, with the heartfelt gratitude of our mayor.”
She left them and Tori wished she had stayed around longer. Which was ridiculous because she had handled many business meetings with men just as important as Cade Lockwood and did just fine holding her own. But this was different. How different, she was about to find out.
“Well, we don’t want to waste daylight. And we’re supposed to have some rain later coming in from the southwest. So, let’s get on our way to the springs. I chose a gentle mount for you.”
He was headed back down the steps. She stayed in her spot. “Mount?”
Cade took the reins of a beautiful gray mare in his hands. She had been patiently waiting next to his big black horse. “The springs aren’t in walking distance. And since I found out how much you love horses, I thought this might be a treat for you. I promise Ladybug is a perfect lady.” He held out the reins to her.
Tori knew she was being had…again, by the cowboy. He knew that it would be hard for her to look into those beautiful large doe eyes of the animal and not melt. That and the fact she had always wanted her own horse…he was not playing fair. She still didn’t take the reins.
“Take your left hand and rub down her nose from her forehead—she really likes that. Don’t be afraid.”
“I’m not afraid,” she corrected him. She eased forward and lifted her hand. The mare stood still, patiently waiting. She slid her hand down slowly along the ridge of the horse’s nose. She looked into those eyes and instantly fell in love.
“Ladybug,” she said softly, making another long stroke down to the velvet-soft skin around her nostrils. “You are such a beautiful lady with a perfect name. You are a real sweetheart for certain.”
“Take the reins in your right hand and we’ll get you in the saddle.” Cade’s voice was low as he stood next to her.
“You put your left foot in the stirrup—she isn’t going to move. And I’ve got her also. Then take a little jump to lift yourself upward, your right leg swinging over her back. On three.”
She counted in her mind as he counted aloud and in one movement, she realized she wasn’t standing on the ground any longer but seated on the back of a horse. And it was amazing…just like she had imagined in all her childhood dreams. Only this was reality.
“Take the reins and don’t worry, she won’t move until you tell her.” He moved with a swift confidence, much smoother than her first attempt, he was in the saddle of his mount. He drew in beside her.
“I won’t soon forget the look on your face right now.”
“Abject fear?”
“Undeniable joy is what comes to mind. You look good in the saddle. Let’s see how you do when we start walking them. Watch my light tapping of the sides of my horse and you do the same.”
“You said walk, right? We don’t need to go faster.” She followed Cade’s direction and Ladybug began a slow walk. And that’s how it went for the next half hour. Cade would give instructions and then she would follow. It was such an amazing feeling that before she knew it, they had progressed from a slow cadence to a rocking one and then to a faster trot. And each step she found herself wanting to go even faster. But Cade was a good teacher and kept his pupil on target.
They topped a rise and came down to the banks of a running stream. They halted. Cade swung out of the saddle and moved to take Ladybug’s reins from her. He instructed her on how to dismount and she did so. But he left out the part where her legs might feel a bit like rubber. Luckily, he was there to catch her arm and right her until she was steady on her feet.
“You survived. Good job. We’ll let them enjoy some water and rest while we take a little walk and let you get your land legs back.”
“Aren’t we going to tie them up?” The horses were already enjoying the water.
“They are trained to stay where their reins are dropped. A good ranch horse learns that before much else. Let’s take a walk.”
She was still basking in the joy over having ridden a horse…and survived. So she didn’t pull away when he offered a hand to provide a steadying support on her elbow.
The trees were much taller as they progressed along the edge of the stream. Then they took a turn and went up a little rise.
“Oh my,” Tori breathed out the words as she took in the beauty of the spot before her. A large, clear pool was just below them. She could see all the way to the bottom the water was so pure and clear. Then as it deepened, it became an amazing shade of blue. Looking farther, she could see another pool just like it, and that was emptying a steady stream of water down into the first pool.
“These are the springs?”
“These are the first set of springs,” he corrected. “I take it that you’re impressed.”
“The beauty and the tranquility is amazing. It’s even more perfect than I imagined. The photos I saw do not do it justice.”
“This is where Destiny’s River begins. Where my great-great-grandfather settled his family. And where each generation of Lockwood has begun their protection of them.”
“I can see why you feel so protective of them. There is something special about this place. You can feel it.”
He was looking at her in such a way that she felt her breath slow to almost nothing. His gaze was drawing her into some unknown world within it. “I knew you were going to be trouble, Victoria Parker. Now I understand what my grandfather meant about the first woman he brought to these springs.”
She made no move when he slowly raised his hand to cup the side of her head. His palm held a warmth that felt like the warmth of coming home on a chilled evening. That thought flashed through her brain just as his head dipped to hers and his lips touched hers. Warm, tempting hers to join in a pleasure like no other. Then they were gone. His hand returned to his side. The silence was deafening.
“My grandfather was right.” The words were low, and did she imagine he had even spoken them? Did he mean to speak them aloud? What was happening?