Chapter Nine
On a crisp Sunday morning, Jack ascended the metal steps leading to Randi’s apartment, his eyes vigilant for any sign of that mysterious man. Jack had already scoured the database with the man’s name, but it yielded nothing. All he uncovered was that the name the man gave him, matched no one in Massachusetts. What did he want with Randi?
Upon reaching her door, Jack knocked and waited. The door swung open, revealing Randi, who greeted him with a warm smile. She was dressed in snug blue jeans that accentuated her figure, a vibrant red T-shirt, and stylish cowboy boots.
“Hi,” she greeted him, stepping aside to allow him entry.
“Hi, yourself,” Jack replied, removing his hat as he wiped his feet on the mat. He stepped inside, offering her a brief but tender kiss on the lips. “Are you ready?”
“Yes,” Randi affirmed, detaching her phone from its charger and slipping it into her back pocket. “I’m not going to bother taking my purse.”
“You could if you want,” Jack suggested. “I’m sure Abbie would keep it safe at the house for you, or you can leave it in my truck.”
“I won’t need it,” she said.
“Okay, then. Let’s head out. I told Creed we’d be there around eleven.”
Randi nodded, following Jack out the door. She paused to lock it, but Jack took her keys, secured the lock for her, and handed them back. Taking her hand, he guided her down the steps to his truck, opening the passenger door for her. She stepped onto the running board, turned to him with a playful smile, and pressed her lips to his once more.
Jack grinned, gesturing for her to settle into the seat, then closed the door with a soft thud. He rounded the truck to the driver’s side, slid in, and shot her a grin before starting the engine. The truck roared to life, and they set off toward his friend’s place.
“Did you look up that man?” Randi inquired.
“There are a few by the name of Kent Bridges in Massachusetts. I found several families with that last name but no one matches his description, alive or dead,” Jack said. “So, unless I find out his real name, it’s going to be hard to figure out who he is. I could check the motel out. Maybe watch it for a few days. If he gets in a vehicle I can run the plates.” Jack slowed the truck and pulled into a driveway, then drove up toward the barn.
“But, if he rented it…”
“That doesn’t matter. It would be registered to the company he rented it from and what city.”
“Yeah, I never thought of that.”
“I’ll see how Monday goes. If we’re not too busy, I’ll do that. I seriously doubt that he left town.”
****
Randi’s eyes lit up as she sat up and gazed at the beautiful white farmhouse emerging across the fields. “That is so gorgeous,” she breathed, her voice soft with awe. “I just love farmhouses.”
Jack grinned and replied, “I know Creed bought it years ago and gave it a facelift, but it’s a great house.”
Brimming with anticipation, Randi added, “I’m really excited to go riding. Are you sure they won’t mind that I came along?”
“Of course not,” Jack assured. “Creed invited me, and when I asked if I could bring someone, he said it was just fine, plus, his wife will probably join us too.”
Randi’s relief was profound. “That’s great; I didn’t want to go if it was only you two. I was hoping it would be fun meeting new people.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Jack chuckled as he steered the truck up a dusty drive toward a large, weathered barn. “And besides, you’ll get the chance to meet his wife and make a new friend.”
“I’d love that, Jack,” Randi admitted, her thoughts drifting to the loneliness of her shop where she mostly saw tourists or the occasional local. “I hardly know anyone else besides the regulars at my store.”
Jack nodded. “They’re mostly tourists at this time of year. Sam mentioned that the townspeople tend to shop after the busy season, around mid-October, because the town gets insanely crowded.”
“There are so many quaint little shops along Main Street,” Randi said. “There are still a few I haven’t made it to.”
Jack’s smile deepened as he parked the truck near the barn. “Creed said he’d be waiting for us inside. I want to tell you something. Creed has a long scar on his left cheek. I’m not saying you’d stare but I wanted you to know. As far as he’s concerned, it really doesn’t bother him. He’s a livestock agent and a few years ago, him and a few other agents were jumped by some rustlers.”
Randi gasped. “Oh, my God! His scar is from that?”
“Yes. One agent was killed. Creed got a call out for backup, but before they arrived, the others were shot and they tormented Creed since he was the last one standing. He was in a coma for months and suffered memory loss. It finally came back and he was able to put the men away.”
“That’s so sad. Did you know the agent killed?”
“Yeah, I knew Mac. I came back for his funeral. His wife Lorna was devastated and nine months pregnant at the time. She had a little girl and ended up marrying Mac’s best friend and fellow agent, Eli Hawkins. They’re very happy now. I’m sure Mac is too.”
“I didn’t realize that job could be dangerous.”
“All law enforcement jobs are. Just because they deal with people stealing livestock, doesn’t mean they’re not in danger. Most rustlers couldn’t care less about who they hurt. They’re in it for the money. Creed has had it rough the last few years. His first wife died during child birth, along with the baby. He took it hard, but he’s very happy with Abbie.”
“That’s so sad, and I’m sorry about your friend too. I’m anxious to meet Creed and his wife.”
“You’ll love Abbie. Come on.” Jack opened his door and climbed out.
With a flutter of excitement, Randi opened the door and stepped from the truck into the gentle embrace of sunlit country air. Jack met her at the doorway, taking her hand as they walked into the spacious, timber-lined barn, where shafts of sunlight danced across the hay-dusted floor. There, she spotted a man walking toward them, his presence both calm and welcoming.
“Jack, I’m glad you could make it,” the man called out in a friendly tone as he drew near. “If you two want to pick out your horses, go right ahead, they’re all gentle. I’ll get Abbie.”
As his words echoed softly off the barn walls, Randi’s eyes grew wide when Jack introduced him, “Creed, this is Randi Guthrie. And Randi, meet Creed McBride.”
Creed extended a hand, and Randi placed her hand in his.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Mr. McBride.”
“Please, call me Creed,” he said, his voice warm and unassuming. “It’s very nice to meet you too.” Then he added with a friendly smile, “I’ll go get Abbie.”
Randi watched Creed leave the barn with a quiet grace before turning toward Jack and punching his arm in teasing reproach.
“Ouch! What was that for?” Jack laughed.
“You didn’t say he was so handsome. I hardly noticed the scar,” Randi chided with a smile.
Jack shook his head. “I’m sure not a lot of men call other men handsome.”
Randi paused, shaking her head with feigned exasperation. “You’re probably right.”
With a chuckle, Jack led the way to the row of stalls where horses quietly pawed at the straw. He chose a glossy chestnut Quarter Horse whose coat shimmered in the diffuse barn light, while Randi selected an elegant Appaloosa, its spotted coat capturing her imagination. As the stable hands fastened the tack, Randi couldn’t resist running her hand over the soft leather of a saddle.
“This saddle is just beautiful,” she murmured, her voice filled with genuine admiration.
Jack glanced over and said, “It’s one of Noah’s masterpieces.”
“He really does make exquisite saddles, doesn’t he?”
“Yes, ma’am,” Jack replied with a smile.
Before the conversation could continue, Randi’s attention shifted as Creed reentered the barn holding the hand of a striking woman with long brown hair, streaked with blonde, cascading down her shoulders, and her eyes were a beautiful blue. Creed’s presence seemed to fill the space with subtle magnetism.
“It’s nice to see you again, Abbie,” Jack greeted.
“You too, Jack,” Abbie replied, her smile warm and inviting. Turning to Randi, Jack said, “This is Randi Guthrie. Randi, meet Abbie McBride, Creed’s wife.”
“Hi, Abbie,” Randi said, extending her hand with a mixture of curiosity and warmth.
The two women exchanged a friendly handshake and smiled, and immediately, Randi felt at ease with Abbie’s amiable nature.
As they mounted their chosen steeds, with Creed and Jack leading while Randi and Abbie followed, the conversation meandered naturally.
“Have you and Creed been married long?”
“No. Less than a year.” Abbie smiled. “He’s my world.”
“He’s very handsome,” Randi said with a grin.
“I think so. We didn’t hit it off when we first met, but once we got together, we knew it was for the long haul.”
Randi said softly, “I don’t know either of you very well, but I can see how deeply he loves you. I can see it in the way he looks at you.”
Abbie’s smile deepened. “He does. So, tell me, what do you do, Randi?”
As the horses trotted along the winding country trail beneath a canopy of early-afternoon sunlight and rustling leaves, Randi began to share the story of her little shop, while Abbie listened intently, telling her she was clearly eager to someday visit.
As they rode through the sprawling fields, Randi tilted her head back, allowing the gentle caress of the sun’s rays to warm her face, while the soft hum of the countryside filled the air. The day was breathtakingly beautiful, with light dancing across the rippling meadows.
“It’s just gorgeous today,” she murmured, her voice mingling with the summer breeze.
“It won’t be long before colder weather moves in and soon it’ll be cold enough to snow. I’ve lived in this area all my life, but it can still shock me. There’s something uniquely magical about having a white Christmas.”
Randi let out a playful grin, “There definitely wasn’t any in Mobile, Alabama.”
“Yeah, guess you don’t get much that far south. Winters can be very harsh here. Montana is not for the weak.”
A moment of quiet settled before Randi ventured, “You said, this area. Not Clifton?”
Abbie smiled. “I was born and raised in Spring City. It’s a small town outside of Clifton.”
“I don’t mean to pry, but Jack said his friend, Mac, was killed and Creed was injured.”
“Oh, yes. Mac was married to my best friend, Lorna. I thought she’d lose the baby she was carrying when Mac was killed. She took it so hard, but now she’s with Eli and he adores her and Lily. They’re very happy together. She’s completely nuts over that man.”
“Like you with Creed,” Randi teased.
“Or like you with Jack?” Abbie quipped back with a smile.
“Oh, we haven’t been together for long, but… yes, I’m absolutely crazy about him already.”
“What’s not to be crazy about?” Abbie replied, her voice filled with admiration. “He’s such a good-looking man.”
“Absolutely,” Randi agreed, nodding as they rode on. After a pause, Randi ventured, “May I ask you a question?”
“Of course,” Abbie replied with a playful lilt. “Though I can’t promise I’ll answer but go ahead.”
“Did you know Creed before the… shooting?” Randi pressed.
Abbie let out a sigh. “No. When I met him, I noticed his scar right away but to me, it made him dangerously sexy.” Abbie laughed.
“I have to agree,” Randi said. “I even punched Jack because he didn’t tell me Creed was so handsome. Oh, I shouldn’t be saying that to you.”
“It’s fine. I know how handsome he is.” Abbie reined her horse to a stop. “How did Jack take you saying that?”
Randi laughed. “He said he was sure not a lot of men call other men handsome.”
Abbie chuckled. “True.”
“What do you do, Abbie?”
“I’m an emergency room nurse.”
“Oh, wow. How do you deal with that?”
“Some days are better than others. I’ve been doing it a long time now and I can’t see doing anything else.”
As they followed the men, Randi couldn’t help but notice how naturally Jack commanded his horse. The ease with which he sat, one hand gently guiding the reins and the other resting casually on his thigh, was quite captivating. She observed a similar, relaxed sureness in Creed as well. Together, they were laughing and chatting as they rode higher into the fields, their voices mingling with the rustling of the grass.
“Is it just me, or is it getting cooler?” Randi asked.
“It’s not just you,” Abbie replied, her eyes on the horizon. “We’re getting closer to the mountains, and the cool air is coming from them. Those mountains are the best way to tell when snow is approaching. Sometimes it’s so thick, you can barely see the peaks.”
At last, they all reined to a halt. Creed turned in his saddle to face the women. “Are you ready to head back?” he inquired.
“I am. It’s getting chilly,” Abbie confirmed.
“Me too,” Randi added, giving a slight shiver.
Creed grinned at Abbie. “I’ll warm you up later,” he teased.
“You’d better keep that promise, cowboy,” Abbie replied with a playful smile.
Randi glanced over as Creed laughed, then they all turned toward the barn.
“Are you having a good time?” Jack asked from beside her. She noticed the closeness between Abbie and Creed, now riding side by side.
“I am. Abbie is wonderful, and I’m grateful you brought me along,” Randi said sincerely.
Jack’s smile widened. “You know, we can go riding at my place any time I have a day off.”
The lingering words floated in the cool light as they continued their journey back to the barn, the day’s stunning beauty and warm camaraderie woven into every soft murmur of the gentle breeze.
“I’d love to see your place, Jack,” she said, her tone a mix of curiosity and quiet anticipation.
“I can show it to you after we leave here, if you’d like,” he replied with a relaxed smile.
“Oh, I would,” she responded, her eyes lighting up with genuine interest.
“Great.” Jack extended his hand toward her, and as she placed hers in his, the tender connection between them was real as they rode back toward the barn.
After spending another hour in the company of Abbie and Creed, the time came to depart. Jack pushed his chair back with deliberate care, rising from the table, then graciously holding Randi’s chair as she stood. His impeccable manners were evident, and even Creed mirrored his gesture for Abbie. When he pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, Randi almost sighed in delight, convinced that romance was alive and well.
Once they had bid their farewell, Jack gently held her hand as they walked toward his truck.
“I have a feeling I’ll be soaking in that jacuzzi for a while when I get home,” she remarked with a playful glimmer in her eyes.
“When was the last time you rode?” Jack inquired, his voice laced with a touch of concern and amusement.
“It’s probably been a little over a year. I can already feel that my muscles might protest a bit.”
“Yeah, they will, but I’m sure that tub will ease all that tension. Do you still want to stop by my place?” he asked.
“Yes, if that’s alright with you. I’d love nothing more than to see it,” she replied, her anticipation growing.
“Okay.” Jack nodded, started the truck, and soon they were cruising onto the main road, heading back toward town. “I live near the Spring City line,” he explained.
“I haven’t reached there yet, but I will,” she said.
“It’s a wonderful town, and so is Hartland,” he added.
“Abbie mentioned getting together for lunch one day, so I’m looking forward to that. She said she’d definitely be in the shop,” she said with a smile.
“She’ll be there then. She’s amazing, and Creed adores her. They make such a great couple,” Jack commented.
As Randi nodded silently, she watched the scenery blur by; fields lush and green, alive with the vibrant hues of nature. A sense of quiet delight filled her as she observed graceful horses chewing contentedly on grass, flicking their tails at the occasional pesky fly.
After riding through the small town of Clifton, Jack carefully maneuvered the truck into a gravel driveway and then up to a charming house.
“It’s so pretty here,” Randi breathed, her eyes wide as she took in the idyllic setting.
The white house rested serenely beneath a towering canopy of ancient trees. Its gleaming metal roof caught the last rays of the sun, and a welcoming front porch stretched gracefully across the front. Neatly arranged rows of bushes framed the entrance. A small set of stairs led to the porch, and Randi couldn’t help but smile at the bold solid red door that matched the shutters on the windows. She patiently waited as Jack brought the truck to a stop, eager to step out and explore.
Once parked, she opened the door and stepped onto the cool, shaded ground, her gaze sweeping over the property. Directly across from the house stood a medium-sized barn, and through a fenced pasture grazed his horses. A grin spread across her face as she looked back at Jack.
“This is so nice. It feels so peaceful,” she murmured.
“Yeah, I really like it. Come on, let me show you the inside,” Jack replied, leading the way.
Randi walked beside him; their hands intertwined naturally. As they ascended the steps, she observed every detail, the subtle creak of the wood, the gentle glow of light spilling from the small foyer as Jack unlocked the door. Inside, a modest foyer welcomed them with a vintage hall tree accompanied by a wooden bench. She watched as Jack removed his hat and hung it on a rustic hook.
“Should I take off my boots?” she asked, her voice soft against the quiet hum of the house.
“You can if you want,” Jack said as he sat on the bench and toed his boots off, tucking them neatly under a little cubby hole beneath the seat.
“Just how long have you had those boots, Jack?” she inquired, admiring the worn pair.
He chuckled, “Over five years. I know they’re a bit worn, but they’re my favorites.”
“I can see they’ve been through a lot with you.” Randi laughed as she sat beside him, removing her boots and placing them under the bench in a similar manner.
Jack took her hand once more, pulling her gently to her feet as he led her into the living room.
She marveled at the room’s tasteful decoration: a large window with a cozy built-in seat offered an inviting view of the lush side yard and the driveway leading to the house. The vibrant green of the grass beckoned her to imagine walking barefoot on it. She settled into the window seat, quietly absorbing the scene: a large screen TV tucked in a corner next to a sturdy brick fireplace, a comfortable brown sofa facing the screen with a recliner waiting nearby, and two elegantly curved wingback chairs arranged to face the hearth.
Jack took her hand again, pulled her to her feet and guided her into a quaint dining room. Randi found herself admiring a beautifully set cherry wood table paired with six matching chairs, a coordinating buffet, and a charming corner China cupboard. Soon, he led her into the kitchen, where lush white cabinets and appliances gleamed next to a countertop veined with artistic red swirls, all atop large red and white tiles that lent an old-world charm.
“Oh, I absolutely love this. Who would have thought all this white could look so striking?” she exclaimed.
“I liked it when I first saw it. It may not be fancy, but it’s a great house. The laundry room is through that door, along with another exit to the backyard and one leading into the garage,” Jack explained.
“It really is a great house, Jack. How many bedrooms does it have?”
“Three, though there’s an office that could easily serve as a bedroom. And there are three and a half baths; the master bedroom even has its own fireplace,” he answered.
Randi trailed him toward the bedroom, her eyes taking in the array of rooms they passed. When he pushed the door open, she couldn’t help but gasp in delight.
“Oh, my! It’s just gorgeous,” she whispered.
In the primary suite, a king-size bed was set against a wall, its headboard dominating the space while its foot faced a charming fireplace. A wingback chair sat in front of the hearth, accompanied by a small round table adorned with a lamp. Curiosity piqued, she stepped toward an open door and peered into a pristine bathroom, its white surfaces contrasted sharply by intricately arranged black and white tiles on the floor. Every detail of the house captivated her heart.
“How about we just relax here for the rest of the day, and afterwards, I’ll take you home?” Jack suggested.
“That sounds like the perfect day to me,” she agreed with a bright smile. Then, with a playful glimmer in her eyes, she asked, “I don’t suppose you have a jacuzzi?”
“I don’t, but I’m thinking of getting one soon.” Jack grinned.
“It will feel wonderful after a long day of work, even in your barn. Can we go see the horses?”
“Sure, but they’re outside. Let’s just take a walk out to the fence. They’ll come right up to us.”
After they put their boots on, Jack gently took her hand as he led her out through the back door, then around to the front of the house. Arriving at the fence, he placed his arms casually on the top rail. Randi, balancing herself carefully, climbed up to stand on the bottom rail until she could reach the top. Together they admired the horses grazing gracefully.
“They’re just gorgeous. Which one do you ride the most?” she asked, her gaze lingering on the elegant creatures.
“The Paint,” Jack replied.
Randi lifted her eyes toward the horse and smiled. “He’s absolutely beautiful. And those blue eyes… so enchanting. What’s his name?”
Jack’s grin widened. “Zorro.”
Randi laughed. “Because he looks like he’s wearing a mask?”
“Exactly. Those blue eyes really stand out against the dark frame of his face. He’s six years old; I’ve had him since he was just a yearling.”
“I do love horses. I’ve always been especially partial to Appaloosas,” she confessed.
“That’s Buttermilk,” Jack said, pointing to a lovely brown and white Appaloosa standing nearby.
“Buttermilk?”
“Yeah, I didn’t rename her. She was three when I bought her. And then there are the quarter horses, Mick and Mack,” he added with a chuckle, shaking his head.
“Mick and Mack look like twins,” she observed.
“They are. I got them from the Equine Sanctuary, MERAS, in Hartland.”
“I didn’t even know there was a sanctuary there.”
“Yes, a friend of mine and his wife run it.”
“What does MERAS stand for?”
“Maisy’s Equine Rescue and Sanctuary.”
“Is Maisy his wife?”
“She was. She was murdered...” Jack’s voice faltered as Randi gasped softly. “It was so devastating for Brayden. He ended up in prison for her murder, though we all knew he was innocent. He spent five years on death row.”
“Oh, my God! How did he manage to get out?” she asked, shock and sympathy in her tone.
“Maisy’s sister confessed during a visit, saying she did it because she was in love with Brayden and believed that if Maisy were out of the picture, they could be together. But it wasn’t that simple. He didn’t love her; his heart belonged to Maisy. The loss tore him apart, yet eventually, when he started the sanctuary in Maisy’s memory, he hired a close friend of hers named Melissa, who’s a veterinarian. They fell in love and got married, and now he’s finally happy again.”
“I’m so relieved to hear that. I can’t imagine what he must have endured,” Randi murmured, her heart aching for his pain.
“Neither can I, but thank God everything turned out for the best,” Jack said.
“Yes. I’ve always dreamed of having a horse. I always wanted one,” she admitted with a wistful smile.
“If you ever get the chance, what kind would you choose?”
“I’d love a white Appaloosa with black spots all over, just like a big Dalmatian,” she replied.
“Then if you ever get that opportunity, head over there. Melissa and Brayden rescue all kinds of equines. Some badly mistreated, some simply abandoned, and others confiscated by the sheriff’s office or MDOL,” Jack explained.
“That’s so sad. I just can’t understand how anyone could mistreat any animal,” she said firmly.
“I absolutely agree. Now, are you ready to head back inside?” he asked after a moment.
“Yes. It’s such a beautiful day. I truly had a wonderful time today, Jack,” she replied.
“I did too.” He took a step closer, lowering his head as he said, “I want there to be more, Miranda.”
“I do too,” she responded.
When he pressed his lips to hers, it was as if all the promise of the day had culminated in that one tender kiss. As he slowly lifted his head and gazed deeply into her eyes, he added with sincerity, “I’m glad to hear that.”
Randi wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head gently against his chest. The rhythmic thump of his heart echoed her own, and she realized, with absolute certainty, that she was falling deeply for this man in such a short time.
Later, as he drove her home, she silently wished it wasn’t Sunday. If it were Saturday, she might have invited him to stay the night. It had been a week since they last shared a bed, and she missed the warmth of his touch. Yet, he seemed to have pulled back, leaving her to wonder if she had unknowingly done something to push him away.
“I’m trying to talk my grandparents into visiting me. I don’t have room for them, but I could get them a motel room,” she said.
“That would be nice for you. I can tell you miss them.”
“Every day. I told Nana to wait until after spring since it can snow in September and May.” Randi smiled.
Jack nodded in acknowledgment but remained silent as he brought the truck to a stop beside the stairs leading to her apartment. He unbuckled his seatbelt, stepped out, and walked around the vehicle to open her door. With a gentle grip, he took her hand and guided her up the steps. After unlocking her door, he handed her the keys, brushed a tender kiss against her lips, and jogged back down the steps.
At the bottom, he glanced up at her and gave a nod, signaling her to go inside. She frowned slightly, but he touched the brim of his hat in a quiet farewell, prompting her to turn and enter the apartment. She let out a wistful sigh as she listened to the sound of his truck driving away.