Chapter Eleven
H ave you lost your mind?
Caleb was transported to another moment, standing at the springs alongside his grandfather. A teenage version of himself and a wise, older man. He had joked that the spot would be great to add a slide to it and have more people able to enjoy some fun in the spot.
“That’s not for this spot, and you need to understand that.” The tone of his grandfather’s voice was one he’d rarely heard in all the years he’d been old enough to understand things. Then he should have let it drop, but he didn’t.
“What is so special about this spot, Grandfather? You have said that over the years, but I don’t understand why. You’ve always said I wasn’t old enough to understand. I’m nineteen now. I’m older than others my age—you’ve said that yourself. I need to understand.”
Grandfather stood silently, his gaze on the springs and beyond. Cade was about to give up ever getting an answer of any consequence from the man. Then he began to speak, focusing on some point unseen to Cade.
“I married your grandmother, but she was not the one who owned my heart. And you know that throughout the years, I gave my best to your grandmother. She wanted for nothing, and we had a good marriage—not one born of a grand passion or the fragile foundation of hearts, but still solid on respect and caring.”
Cade had never expected to hear those words. He was transfixed into silence.
“There was a girl from high school. Her family came to Destiny’s River when her father was transferred here to build the new bank in town. She was quiet, but the moment I saw her and she turned and smiled…something reached inside me and flipped a switch. I had only been going through the motions in life until then. She had a way of seeing life with joy and feeling…even though her home life wasn’t the best, I would learn, she never let life get the best of her. She made her own clothes so that certainly gave the girls in town something to think less of her about. When we had a school dance, she didn’t come. I didn’t know why. But then I saw her sitting alone under that old oak tree beside the swimming hole we had in town. We talked and talked, and before I knew it that had settled my path.
“Except it wasn’t the accepted one, the one my parents expected of me. I had to make a choice. I had told them that I loved her and wanted to make a life with her. They began telling me that we were too young to know what we wanted or to be in love. But they were wrong. Anyway, we took a picnic lunch up here, to these springs. They had become our special escape from all those voices. She loved them. And it was she who first asked me to preserve this spot, no matter what. And I have, and it will be up to you when I’m gone and you take over this land to hopefully honor that request also.”
“What happened?” Cade asked. “Why didn’t you marry her? Did your family talk you out of it?”
“No, I was prepared to walk away from this land, away from my family. But Annie knew better. She said that it would become the biggest regret of my life if I did that. And she would want no part of that. But I was hardheaded and made plans to leave with her.” He was silent for a moment. It clearly still brought pain to the man who Cade thought impervious to such things.
“Annie left Destiny’s River. She left me a note saying she couldn’t take me away from my destiny here on this land. She knew that we could never have a future because of it. So, she was leaving and asked me not to look for her. She would always love me, but she knew I needed to realize that this land was deeper ingrained in me than any other love could be. So, I let her go. My pride was hurt, and I stayed here. I did what was needed for our family and this ranch. But there was never a day when I wouldn’t find my way here to this spot. And remember the first time I brought her to the springs. I knew my heart had found its home with her that moment. And she took it with her when she left.”
“And you kept your promise to her ever since to keep the springs the way they were when she asked you for that promise.”
“I shared this with you so you can understand why I ask that you do what is right.”
Cade had never forgotten that day. And he could now also grasp what his grandfather had felt when he had stood beside the same springs and looked into the eyes of a woman who would have such an impact on his life. It was a sobering and eye-opening moment with the past fusing with the present.
*
“We can talk back at the house. The sky is getting darker, and the wind is picking up. We need to get a move on.” This time he didn’t lend a helping hand to her as they headed back down the path to where the horses stood. He held the reins while she mounted Ladybug. Then he did the same and turned his horse toward their return. Tori followed in silence. What had just happened was hard to process. It was unexpected. And yet, she had to own the fact that she hadn’t objected. And what had he meant by his words about his grandfather? Had he even realized he had spoken them? And while it wasn’t the first kiss she had ever received, it was one that had made feelings come alive inside her in such a way that shocked her.
Tori wasn’t one to play with emotions. And she certainly didn’t care for anyone playing with hers. Or maybe she was taking it too seriously? Maybe Cade Lockwood was used to females hugging him on a public street every day? Whatever was the case, he needed to know that she wasn’t interested in joining the line of candidates.
The raindrops began just as they reached the first barn. They rode inside out of the rain before he stopped them. He went inside one of the rooms and came out with a soft Indian blanket and handed it to her.
“You’re liable to feel a chill given you got a bit damp out there and the air has a bite to it. Use this to warm up. It’s really pouring right now so we’ll sit it out and wait for it to break. In the meantime, I’ll rub down the horses and put them up.”
Tori felt bad about sitting there while he unsaddled them. She stepped over to Ladybug who was waiting patiently for her turn. Watching Cade’s movements, she found another brush and laid it down until she could get the hang of unbuckling the saddle. Once that was done, she was about to take the saddle off but Cade stepped up at that moment. He grabbed under the saddle horn and at the back of the saddle and lifted it with one easy movement, setting it on a nearby sawhorse. She slid the blanket off the horse’s back and draped it over the saddle. Ladybug was led to her stall next. Tori watched while her bridle was removed and hung on a peg next to the stall door.
While the horses were chowing down from their feed buckets, they each had a brush and they began the brushing that was clearly okay as far as the animals were concerned. Once that was done, he checked outside and the rain was still not letting up.
Cade tossed a couple of fresh hay bales out of range of the water. He indicated she could sit on them.
“We might as well use this time to discuss the springs.”
That was a topic she could engage in and did so. “What is the reason you are against it? Too many people? We can set daily limits. The road needs to be worked on to handle traffic? The city and county are willing to provide their services. You wouldn’t be out a dime. As far as facilities such as restrooms? We can use portables until our crews can construct permanent ones. We are prepared to take on quite a bit of expense in order to help make this happen. What is left that you think is a barrier?”
“My grandfather’s wishes. He didn’t want to see crowds coming into a spot that clearly meant something very special to him and his life. He safeguarded its pristine beauty and peace all his life. And he made me promise to do the same.”
“Evidently, the springs were really special in some way to him. And I can appreciate that. But for those people who would be coming here for the springs as part of their medical needs, well wouldn’t that mean something to him also? We can limit those who come here daily. We…”
Cade held up a palm. “I was very much opposed to opening and for much the same reasons my grandfather had. But there are other ways to handle things that weren’t in his ability to consider before. And time…well time has passed. Grandfather passed. I did hear his concerns and the reason why he wanted things left the way they have been for decades. But he also trusted me to know if and when the time came for there to be another way to use their benefits.”
“You said you were opposed? Does that mean you might be changing your mind?”
“Not so much as changing my mind as realizing that times have moved on. And seeing the springs we visited this past week opened my mind to one or two things that might have swayed my grandfather’s opinion in one way. It is something I might be able to get behind.”
“I’m listening.”
“Are you warm enough? I can get you another blanket.” His consideration touched something in her. It felt nice. But then she remembered, and it was time to keep her mind and eyes on the prize to be had.
“Thank you, but I’m fine. You were saying?”
“Always the mayor,” he commented. “Business before anything else. Very well.”
Let him think what he wanted. She could take exception to his remarks some other time.
“You pointed out in some of that thick folder of paperwork that you left with me to read a few days back, something that stuck with me and seemed to reinforce what had come to mind a couple of times before when this discussion about the springs first began.
“Setting aside the recreational use of the pools, let’s talk about the health value. You had a couple of studies and testimonies from the area doctors and hospitals in a hundred-mile radius. I found those numbers and their arguments quite interesting. And I coupled that with the two people, especially the child and his family, that we spoke with while visiting the springs. It stayed with me.”
“Yes.” She nodded. “The health value of the thermal springs found here among the pools can be of major value in physical therapy and rehabilitation of patients with a variety of needs.”
“I believe they were somewhat helpful to my grandfather in his physical ailments.”
“Somewhat? Did he have an incurable disease?”
“Incurable disease? Some might think so…he did. But in the true sense of those words…not really. He lost what he believed to be the love of his life. And from then on, he was a different man…with a broken, half-empty heart he said once. I was younger and not fully able to understand what he really meant. But with age, perhaps a bit of wisdom came along.”
The story touched Tori’s heart. “I’m sorry for him that he had to experience that. It’s very sad.”
“You are a romantic…something else I’ve learned about you.”
“We were discussing the springs,” she said bringing him back to the subject at hand and away from anything personal. “What is your thinking on allowing use of the springs?”
“I might be considering allowing limited use,” he began and then held up his hand. “Now don’t go getting too excited or ahead of things. I said considering .”
“I’ll take it. It’s a positive.”
“You don’t give up easily on something, do you?”
“I learned a long time ago that giving up is the last option. If it was important enough for you to fight for from the beginning, then it is just as important to see it all the way through. So what do you call limited?”
“Medical usage. Partnering perhaps with the medical outlets a few days a week…a few hours a day. And any expenses for such would be under the realm of the Lockwood Foundation. We’d begin with that. If and when we felt it right, we would then consider—and note I said consider —about the public having limited access. But that would be in the future. So I’m willing to talk to the medical team at the hospital and get some more information before I give the committee my answer. Fair enough?”
She wanted to shout to the rafters with relief but she knew that might be a little much for this man beside her. A hug? Best keep it professional…for all concerned. She nodded, not quite trusting her voice at the moment.
“Note that this moment is probably the one and only time you remain speechless.” He was teasing her, but in a surprisingly gentle way.
“Enjoy it while you can.” She came back to herself. “It won’t last long or repeat itself.”
He threw back his head and laughed and it sounded like an incredibly pleasing sound to her ears. She couldn’t help but grin at his reaction. “That’s the Tori I know.” He stood and she joined him. “The rain has let up to a light mist so we best get you to your car while we can. I would offer you dinner but I have another meeting for this evening. We’ll do a rain check. To seal the agreement after I’ve spoken to a couple of my advisors and such. Shake?” His hand was waiting.
Tori’s was slower to make contact. When she did, his hand engulfed hers and there was that warmth from previous contacts. It could become addictive if one wasn’t careful. It was capable and safe and too short. Tori had always been the careful one. Neither seemed inclined to make it brief.
“Thank you,” she spoke into the growing silence. “This will mean so much to so many people needing help. And I can’t help thinking how pleased your grandfather would be right now…or how proud.”
They weren’t shaking hands any longer. But their hands stayed joined. “I believe he just might be all of that. And it means a lot to you also, judging by the moisture in your eyes. I take it that it has made you happy also. But not for political reasons.”
“You think you’ve gotten to know me so well?”
“I think you are a lady who lets few people inside that part of you where a human heart beats. You’ve had to be guarded for a long time, I’m guessing because you don’t share much personally. But your heart—at least part of it—is set on making life better for those here in Destiny’s River. Just like I imagine you did for years for your siblings. It wasn’t chance you came here all those years ago. And it’s much more that keeps you here. I look forward to gaining more insight into that heart of yours.”
“Best be careful,” she said without thinking. “That pretty lady you had lunch with earlier this week might have something to say about that.” And she could have bitten her tongue. Where did those words come from?
His gaze narrowed and he finally released her hand. He didn’t respond for a few moments. “True. She just might. And you reminded me that I’m going to be late for my meeting with her if I don’t say goodbye now.” He held his hand out but it was for the blanket and not her hand. They walked in silence to her car and he did not say goodbye but walked back to his house. Tori pulled away and kept from looking back in the mirror. She was kicking herself for saying what she did. She sounded like some childish, jealous female. Petty. After he had just agreed to what she wanted for so long. What must he think of her now?
*
Cade Lockwood was a man lost in his thoughts after he reached his bedroom. He had stood on the other side of his front door until he could hear the sound of her vehicle no longer as she departed the ranch. He was trying to determine what had happened in the couple of hours since she had arrived.
He sent a quick text to his dinner partner that he was running a bit late. Then he began changing his clothing after a quick shower. He had hoped the hot water would ease the tension in his body, but it hadn’t. It was a feeling that had taken over his being the moment he kissed Tori Parker beside the pools. Just like his grandfather had kissed the love of his life. And he had wanted to shout to the man up above that he finally understood what he had meant. But he wasn’t too clear on all of it himself, so he needed to slow it down. He had learned to be cautious. That all that glittered wasn’t necessarily gold. He had been lied to before. He had been guilty of trying to put all women into the same category. And none had emerged to prove him wrong. Until there was Victoria Parker.
She challenged his preconceived notions. She met him head-on, toe to toe. Tori wasn’t one to back down if she believed in the cause. He was beginning to see that could be due to the fact she, as the oldest, had to shoulder a lot of responsibility for the well-being of her siblings growing up. And she transferred that caring to those around her, many not even related to her. But they belonged to her adopted family of Destiny’s River, and so they mattered. She championed their cause without hesitation.
There was one thing he could be sure of and that was the fact that Tori had been aware of his lunch with Selena, and it had brought a reaction from her. Why else would she have remarked upon it? Almost like she was jealous and wanted to let him know what she thought. But then she acted like she wanted to take back any and all of what she had said. As he thought over their conversation of the last couple of hours, and the kiss…and then the way they stood in the barn holding hands basically…well it made a slow smile move into place. There was something between them—he was certain of it. But what? He wasn’t placing a label on it. Not yet.
As he retraced his steps down the stairs, and picked up his hat, fitting it on his head, his gaze caught that of his grandfather from the portrait on the wall. Was that the reason he had that hint of a secret smile on his face all this time? Did he have some way of looking into the future and seeing that his stubborn grandson would learn the secret one day as he had? He moved closer to look at the portrait of the man who had basically raised him. What he wouldn’t give to have a conversation with him right in that moment.
“Victoria Parker, Granddad,” he spoke to no one but the vision on the wall. “Did you know she’d show up one day and the springs would bring her? Just like they caught the heart of your lady long ago? She’s one tough woman. She isn’t used to letting people get too close and she likes to take care of herself without help from anyone else. Sound familiar? Do you know how this will end? You probably do…probably have a hand in it as usual. Well, I would appreciate it if you’d put in a good word for me with her if you can. I’m standing on quicksand here for the first time. But I do know that I don’t want to be the next Lockwood who misses out on the love of their life. So there…I said it. Between you and me. I need you in my corner, Granddad. Because I have no idea what I’m doing next.”
Cade paused in the doorway and looked back at the portrait. He could almost swear there was a hint of a wink. But that would be impossible. He closed the door behind him and whistled a tune as he made his way down the steps. It was one he heard the man in the portrait whistle many times. Cade knew why now.