Chapter Sixteen
T wo weeks. Two weeks was how long it had been since her speech in the barn at Lockwood Ranch. She should feel good about the fact that she had neither seen nor heard from Cade in all that time. Matt and even Maggie seemed to steer clear of mentioning him around her. If they did, in Maggie’s case, it was that things were progressing with the springs and the medical communities were all on board. Cade Lockwood was doing everything he had promised.
And she should be glad of that. It would mean so much to so many—help so many. Sitting on her front porch with her morning coffee, she had garnered another homeless cat who had wandered up and never left. That was fine. The weather was turning and Easter and then spring would come out in full force. She’d have to get Jillie’s basket of goodies planned out. Plan the family dinner. Do all the usual things. Three out of four cabins were rented and two of them were long term. She liked having the small cabins, each decorated in their own style, instead of strangers coming and going in the house as Addie had done with the previous boarding house.
Primrose Inn would have an incredible garden bursting with color in the spring. That’s as it should be. One of the tenants turned out to have a green thumb and had already made some inroads in preparation for the spring.
Her thoughts in the early morning sunrise and the evening sunset often went to Ladybug…hoping someone was giving her the nose rubs she enjoyed. And as much as she hated to admit it, Cade would often intrude in those moments too. She thought by cutting him out of her life for good that it would all ease up. But it only brought the realization that he had stolen into her heart, and it would take a lot longer to rid herself of his memory. She was used to heartbreak in her life, but this was so different and so much more painful, which only seemed to increase in intensity rather than decrease. She would keep moving forward just as she always did. That was her plan.
The phone rang. So much for the peace and quiet. She opened the cell and saw a familiar name. She was already smiling. “Who is this stranger calling me?”
“Okay, I deserved that. But I don’t have long to talk. I’m about to get a case and I am passing through your neck of the woods. How about lunch?”
“Well, let me check my social calendar.” She paused. “Okay I can fit you in.”
“I’ll meet you at Tillie’s at eleven thirty. Bye.”
“Bye to you, too.” But he was already gone. The smile had remained on her face. It’s just what the doctor ordered. So she needed to get a move on. Get to the office and then to her lunch date. She grinned for the first time in a long time.
Tillie’s was crowded but she had called ahead and explained the circumstance and Tillie had come through for her. She took her right to a table in the corner of the big room, next to the window. It was nice and she could see most of the goings on around the square. She was on the lookout for a familiar face. She didn’t hear anyone approaching.
“Looking for me by any chance?”
She jumped up and hugged the man. The huge smile on her face summed it up. He was a welcome sight for sore eyes. He hugged her right back. Then he took off his hat and sat it on the corner of the table as they both sat down.
Tori couldn’t stop smiling. “You look good. Tired maybe…a little older. But good. Now tell me how you really are.”
“Still the mother hen, I see,” he said. “I’m good. I’ve just been working a couple of cases that have kept me busy…lots of travel. But I have another assignment that will take me to the border for a while so this would be my only chance to see you. I would like to have seen Matt, but I hear he’s tied up in the next county on a court case. I’ll catch him next time.”
“We missed you at Jillie’s party, but she understood. She did love your gift.”
“She’s growing like a weed from the last photo Matt sent.”
Tillie came up at that moment and they both knew what they wanted, and she gave him a quick hug and she was off to turn in the orders.
“Nothing changes around here…still the best place to eat in town by the looks of the crowd. And now it’s time you tell me what you’ve been up to, Mayor Parker. And don’t leave anything out.”
She gave him the highlights of her time in office with one or two minor adjustments. The burgers arrived and he took a quick bite. “Okay so now give me the scoop on this Lockwood character that Cassie has told me so much about. When do I meet him and how much would you miss him if he disappeared?”
“That’s not amusing, Rance.” She gave him a level look. “And not what a U.S. Marshal should be saying in public.”
“And you’re stalling. Is it serious?”
“No. It’s done. So, you can stand down, Mr. Lawman. And remember, your sister can take care of herself.”
He reached over and tugged on her ponytail like he used to do to irritate her as a kid. “Just making sure that my sister knows I’m just a phone call away. And I do have a lot of friends I can call too.”
“You and your brother and your sister can rest assured that I’m just fine. Now finish your burger and I’ll walk you to your truck.”
Ten minutes later they were standing by his vehicle, which he had parked in the Reserved for Official Vehicles area. “I already miss you. Please don’t let it be so long before I see you again. We all miss your stubborn hide…now and then.”
He reached up and brushed her cheek. “Hey knock it off. Since when have you become so weepy? I’ll be back, I promise. Until then, I’m just a phone call away. Take care, sis.” He gathered her into a tight bear hug. Then he was in his truck and flashing a hand in a wave as he drove away.
No use standing around moping when there was work to do inside. She squared her shoulders and headed into the courthouse.
*
“Where have you been? You drifted off in some kind of trance?” David Prescott was one of the men at the table where Cade was sitting and having a business lunch of sorts. But his mind went blank when he had seen Tori walk in and take a seat at a table for two across the room. He had just about made up his mind to walk over there when a tall cowboy walked in and headed straight for her. When she saw him, she had lit up like a Christmas tree and practically jumped into his arms. Cade knew he had not seen the cowboy around before and he wanted to know what was going on.
He tried not to stare but it was clear they were more than friends and she looked at him like she couldn’t get enough of him. The man’s back was to him, but he did see him reach out and stroke her hair and she seemed not to mind that at all. Then they left together, and he made an excuse to take the bill for the table and go to the front to pay for both of them. He could see outside better that way. But he didn’t care for the fact that she looked so sad to see him leave—but not before they shared an embrace that set his blood pressure rising. Who was this guy?
And then he noted something interesting. The guy had parked his truck in the reserved section like he had every right to be there. And she didn’t seem the least bit concerned about that. In fact, he bet he wouldn’t get towed. He left a generous tip because he wasn’t paying attention and didn’t respond when Tillie tried to tell him that. The rest of the afternoon was not good for the people who crossed his path. So she had someone she was interested in? It didn’t seem like someone she’d just met. Perhaps someone she was seeing when he met her? Or was this something that only occurred when the guy was passing through? Nothing made sense and it only irritated him not knowing. Well, if she had moved on just fine, then so be it. Lesson learned.
*
“I am so glad we were able to finalize the plans for the opening of the thermal springs, Cade,” Maggie said as they came out of the council chambers. “I’m just sorry that our mayor couldn’t have joined us. But she had a conference she had to speak at in Austin. She knows we’ll handle things just fine and fill her in when she returns. I’ll let you know when the last of the estimates have cleared.”
“Thank you, Maggie.” Cade turned and headed down the stairs. He gave a brief glance in the direction of the mayor’s office door, but it was closed and he had no reason to have any business there anyway.
He had just about made it to the front glass doors when Matt saw him and stepped into the hall. “Hey, Cade, where you been keeping yourself?”
He shook hands with the sheriff. “I’ve been busy with the spring calving and bringing another pasture online…clearing the mesquite and such.”
“It is getting to be that time of year.” Matt nodded. “Jillie asked about you. You are on her list of favorite people you know.”
“That’s an honor as far as I’m concerned. You need to bring her out to ride soon.”
“She’ll love that. She’s in a bit of tizz right now as she missed seeing Rance when he stopped by to see Tori a couple days ago.”
Rance. Where had he heard that name before? Matt must have read his moment of confusion.
“Rance as in Ransom…our prodigal brother you have yet to meet.”
“Your brother. That’s right. Well, I am sorry that I didn’t get to meet the remaining Parker. I suppose he’ll be back soon?”
“I doubt it. He’s got an assignment down in the valley. Of course, Tori is hoping he’ll make it for Easter, as she is always hopeful where her errant siblings are concerned. We all went to Austin to have dinner with him last Easter. We’ll see if he makes it. I’ll make certain you get to meet him next time. I have a photo of him that I took on my phone of all of us. Let’s see if I can bring it up.”
“Have I ever seen him?”
“Here it is. He was giving us a tour of his office in the capital.” He handed over the phone and the lights went off in Cade’s brain. “He works in Austin.”
“He’s a U.S. Marshal. His office right now is temporarily in the capital building until their offices are ready over in the federal court building.”
“I see. And he drives a vehicle that can park in any reserved space for law enforcement I imagine.”
Matt looked at him for a moment. “That’s correct.”
“I do recall seeing him in that area a while back. I didn’t know he was law enforcement at the time.”
“I see. Well, too bad you two didn’t get to meet. Maybe next time.”
“Maybe. I’ll look forward to it. Good to see you, Matt. Give Jillie a hello for me.” Cade went on his way and his brain was spinning. What an idiot. All the time he had wasted being jealous over her brother. He needed to come up with a plan and the sooner the better.
*
“Maggie, I am really not that hungry. But if you insist I sit here and drink tea while you have something, be my guest.”
“Thank you for joining me. And I know you would love these new recipes that Tillie is trying out. I’ll get two just in case you change your mind.”
“Well fancy seeing you here, Cade,” Maggie said with a wide grin. “Do join us. We can go over some of the plans for the opening day now that you both are here.”
Tori felt sure he would make an excuse to not stay but he smiled and took a seat.
“Hello, Tori, it’s good to see you again. You’re looking well.”
They would have to make small talk.
“I’m fine, thank you. And you?”
“Could not be better. That does look delicious, Maggie.”
“You should try it. Tillie is just amazing.”
Tillie arrived with the rest of the plates of food and Maggie had just cut into her chicken breast when her phone rang. “Hello?” She listened for a moment or two. “Very well if it can’t wait.”
Maggie looked at them both and shook her head. “I am so sorry but I need to run over to Judge Spicer’s courtroom right quick. I should be back shortly. I know you two will enjoy the food and don’t let it get cold. I’ll be right back.” She didn’t give either time to reply before she was halfway across the room.
“Well, I suppose we shouldn’t let all this waste. How about some of these fresh rolls? I believe you once said they were favorites of yours.” He passed the breadbasket over to her.
She was trying to figure out a good exit but then Maggie said she would be right back. Tori didn’t like being put in such a spot.
“I understand you got to have a visit with your brother Rance?”
“I suppose Matt told you that?”
“Yes, he did mention it. I know that made you happy.”
Silence.
“This is awkward,” Cade finally said.
“Very much so.”
“I’ve missed you.”
Tori felt that pain in her chest at his words and knew her heart could be a traitor. “What am I supposed to say to that? I thought we weren’t going to get personal if and when we saw each other around town?”
“Well, that hasn’t worked real well for me. In fact, I admit I almost had your brother’s truck towed from that reserved for lawmen space at the courthouse when he was here.”
“What in the world? Why would you do such a thing?”
“I didn’t know the person you were having such a great lunch with that day was in fact your brother. When I saw he was parked there, well I felt he might need to be towed… That’s what you would have done, right? Thinking someone who couldn’t read a sign had parked there anyway?”
“Have you lost your mind?”
“Possibly. And believe me, it hasn’t been pleasant. And I noticed when I owned up to saying I missed you that you didn’t respond. Guess that lets me know how much you did not miss my charming personality.”
“Have you hit your head recently? You haven’t spoken to me in almost a month now and here you are telling me how much you missed me? And expecting me to do the same to you?”
“If you recall, Tori, it wasn’t I who walked away at Jillie’s party. It was you. And I was trying to respect your wishes and give you space.”
“Thank you for that. Too bad it couldn’t have continued today.”
“You know you should ask yourself why in the world that a grown man like me with a reasonably intelligent brain would want to subject himself to your sharp tongue and more rejection.”
“I have no idea why.”
“Think about it, Tori. Stop being mad and on your high horse long enough to consider that question. You aren’t easy, Tori. But I’m still here. Give my regrets to Maggie. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again.” He stood up and left her sitting there with a table full of food and no one to eat it. She didn’t know whether to throw something or scream. How dare he make it out to be her fault? And talk about her sharp tongue? Who rejected who? And she was running out of steam trying to stay angry. She was hurt. And she missed him. And he still looked too damn good and made her remember so many things she wanted to forget. She thought she was on her way to doing just that and then he had to come along and burst that bubble.
He missed her. Those words wouldn’t go away. They were on an endless loop in her brain. They needed to stop. He was miserable? And he had seen her having lunch with an unknown male and it had made him mad? Jealous. And that thought gave her pause. It was good that he could know how it felt. She had felt that before him…in much the same way as she watched him and that woman that day. Who had turned out to be his half-sister. It wasn’t pleasant he had said. That would be putting it mildly. Seeing him today and talking to him…it all came flooding back again and she felt miserable. They both had been hurting. But if he felt anything for anyone else…surely he wouldn’t be that miserable?
She should have held her temper. They should have had a sensible discussion. But they couldn’t. Because it was their hearts talking and not their brains. He said they would see each other again. Was that a warning? Or a promise? Why did she have a hope that it was the latter?
Tillie came over with a stack of to-go boxes. “Maggie said to give you these as she couldn’t make it back. So you just heat it all up and enjoy later.”
She smiled her thanks. And why did that surprise her? Maggie wasn’t coming back. She was beginning to think she might have been set up. Interesting scenario. Well, she would be prepared next time.