Chapter Four
Bryce stood by the window, watching the bustling street below with a shake of her head. The snow from last month must have given everyone cabin fever because there seemed to be an excessive amount of people out today. As she observed them walking along the sidewalk and entering and exiting shops, she couldn’t help but smile. She longed to be out there too, but she knew it wasn’t possible with Leah in this freezing weather. It had been over a week since she’d last seen or heard from Luke, and although she was slightly disappointed, she understood that he had his job to do and didn’t owe her anything. Still, she missed having him around to talk to and have an actual conversation with.
As she walked to the sofa, her phone vibrated from the coffee table. She picked it up and smiled when she saw a text from Luke. Speak of the devil .
Hey, are you doing alright?
I am. How are you doing?
I’m freezing.
Are you outside?
Yep. I wanted to ask if you’d like to come with me to my parents’ house for dinner on Sunday. They said they’d love to have you.
I really don’t want to intrude.
Bryce, I wouldn’t have asked if I thought you were intruding. Trust me, my mom would love it. She loves babies.
If you’re sure, I’d love to.
Great! I’ll pick you up around two. We usually eat close to four.
I can’t wait. Thank you and thank your mom too.
Will do. Do you need anything?
No, thanks. I’ll see you then.
Yes, ma’am.
He ended the call, and a smile spread across her face as she thought of leaving the apartment. Connie had stopped by for a visit a few times, but she was always busy and never stayed long. Bryce hated watching her go.
She heard Leah fussing and quickly made her way to the bedroom. After preparing a bottle, she picked up Leah and changed her diaper before settling onto the couch to feed her.
“Just wait, Leah, until you’re bigger. You’ll love playing in the snow. We can build a snowman together.”
Once Leah finished her bottle, Bryce placed her back in the bassinet and left the room, keeping the door slightly open. She settled on the couch again, wondering where she would be in a month. She had decided not to go to Seattle. There wasn’t really any reason to. Brenda only caused arguments whenever they were in the same room together. Being older, Brenda felt she had authority over Bryce and expected her to listen.
When Bryce told Brenda about her pregnancy, Brenda exploded with anger, telling her that at thirty-five years old, she should have known better than to get pregnant. She also questioned how Bryce planned to keep a job and take care of a baby, emphasizing that she would not help her.
“Why was I even considering going to Seattle? Brenda made it clear that she wouldn’t lift a finger to help me.” Bryce sighed, admitting to herself that her sister could be difficult.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. She cautiously made her way to the door and peeked through the peephole before unlocking it for Connie. As Connie walked in, Bryce quickly locked the door behind her to keep out the cold air. Connie set a Styrofoam box on the counter.
“Connie, please come in and sit down.”
“I can’t stay long. Despite the snowstorm, we’re still busy down there.” Connie grinned. “I brought you some lunch, your usual.”
“My usual?”
“Yeah, the same thing you ordered last time I brought you lunch.”
“How do you even remember my order?”
Connie shrugged. “I suppose it’s like a little gift.”
“Can I ask you something?” Connie nodded and Bryce took a deep breath.
“What’s the rent for this place? In case I decide to stay in Clifton, I want to know how much it costs.”
“I’ve never asked for money, just that the utilities were paid. The diner and this living space have separate meters,” Connie explained.
Bryce was in awe of how generous this woman was. “You let people stay here for free?”
“I do. My husband Owen and I actually lived here when I first opened the restaurant. But then we bought a small house outside of town, but recently had a new home built, and this place sat vacant for years. If you decide to stay, it’s all yours rent-free.”
Bryce shook her head in disbelief. “That’s incredible. But if I do stay, I’ll need to find a job.”
Connie nodded understandingly. “I could use some extra help at the diner.”
Bryce chuckled. “Not me, I’m afraid. I’m not very coordinated.”
Connie laughed with her. “Being a server isn’t for everyone. So, what do you do?”
“I’m a phlebotomist.”
“Well, Clifton General isn’t too far from here. If you end up staying, you should send your resume to their HR department.”
“I’ll definitely consider it. I don’t really have anywhere else to go.”
“But isn’t your family in Seattle?”
“My sister is, but I don’t have any contact with my mother.” Bryce shrugged. “We haven’t spoken in years.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It’s fine. The only family member I keep in touch with is my sister, and even that is rare. When I told her about being pregnant, she went ballistic. You know the saying: ‘you can choose your friends, but you can’t choose your relatives.’” Bryce grinned. “I’m okay with it.”
Connie nodded sympathetically. “I understand. Sometimes families just don’t get along. Oh, and the hospital has a daycare for employees that’s free of charge.”
“That’s good to know. If I do end up staying, I’ll definitely look into it. Thank you, Connie.”
“Of course, hon. I’d better get back to work.” Connie turned toward the door but then faced Bryce again. “Oh, and if you’re ever too tired to cook, just give me a call. I can bring you something. I know you have to be tired since having the baby.”
“That sounds amazing, I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done for me. Along with Luke and Beau. In fact, Luke just asked me to dinner with his parents this Sunday.”
“Oh, that will be lovely. You’ll really like his parents. Daniel and Lisa are wonderful people.”
“I’m sure they are. They raised Luke and Beau to be such great guys.”
Connie smiled. “Yes, they did. Well, I just wanted to bring you something to eat and to let you know to call me anytime you need something.”
Bryce thanked her sincerely. “I appreciate that. If the entire town is like you and the McCallister’s, I’ll never want to leave.”
Connie chuckled. “You’d be surprised how many people stay once they’ve been here.”
Bryce laughed. “I have no doubt about that.”
Connie grinned. “Enjoy your dinner. I’d better get back downstairs now. Have a good evening, Bryce. And remember, if you need anything, just let me know.”
“I will.” Bryce held the door open for her as she left and shivered from the chilly wind outside. She was grateful she didn’t have to go out in it, but she found herself missing being outdoors already. She smiled to herself and thought about how easy it was to develop cabin fever.
She hoped the weather would cooperate on Sunday so she could finally get out and meet Luke’s parents.
****
The frigid wind whipped past Luke, stinging his cheeks and causing his eyes to water. He instinctively lowered his head, protecting his face from the sharp ice that felt like tiny shards of glass. With one hand gripping his hat tightly to avoid it being snatched away by the gusts, he trudged forward through the deep snow.
As he made his way, he noticed faint footprints ahead of him. Curiosity piqued, he crouched down for a closer look. They appeared to be paw prints, but too small to belong to a wolf. And since there was only one set, he knew it couldn’t be a wolf as they traveled in packs unless it was an older lone wolf, but the prints were too little.
“Could be a coyote,” he mused aloud, knowing they didn’t hibernate either.
Standing up again, he followed the tracks as far as he could see them. But with the heavy snowfall quickly covering them up, it became impossible to continue tracking. Pulling out his binoculars from his pocket, he scanned the area for any signs of blood or movement. But his efforts were in vain as he found neither.
Letting out a deep sigh, Luke realized there was no use in continuing further. The tracks were disappearing under the thick blanket of snow and without any indication of an injured animal, it was clear he wouldn’t find anything more than snow filled tracks.
Climbing into his truck, he turned the heat up on high, glad he had kept it running. It was too damn cold out for man or beast. Luke backed the truck up, turned around and headed back to the Hancock house.
He pulled to a stop beside the porch, opened the door, and stepped out into the freezing air. Shit, he hated winter. Walking up the steps, the door opened before he had a chance to knock.
“Come inside Agent McCallister,” Mr. Hancock said, waving him inside.
Luke removed his hat, wiped his feet on the welcome mat, brushed the snow from the shoulders of his coat, and sighed as he stepped into the warm kitchen.
“Coffee?”
“I’d appreciate that, Mr. Hancock. That wind will cut right through you.”
“Yeah, it’s nasty as hell out there today. Take a seat, son.”
“Yes, sir.” After removing his coat, Luke pulled a chair out from the table and sat down. He nodded his thanks when Mr. Hancock set a cup of hot coffee in front of him. After making himself one, he took a seat at the table.
“Were you able to see anything?”
“There were some tracks, but the snow was filling them up. I couldn’t tell if they were human or animal. I did see some paw prints, but the snow quickly filled them too.” Luke shook his head.
“It’s going to be difficult with all the snow and we’re expecting more tomorrow.” Mr. Hancock sighed.
“I agree with you. I’m not going to be able to find anything out here, but I can still go through files. Hopefully, something will pop out at me. I don’t know why they’d steal Shires, unless someone specifically wanted them.” Luke looked at the man. “Did anyone want to buy them from you, and you refused to sell?”
“It’s been over a year, but a man came by and offered me a hefty price for the lot of them. I told him they were my livelihood, so why would I sell all of them? He seemed a little upset, but I offered to sell him a mare and stud.” Mr. Hancock shook his head. “He wasn’t interested in that at all.”
“That’s strange. Why would he want them all?” Luke frowned.
“I couldn’t figure it out, but like I said, that was over a year ago. He never came back.”
“Has anyone offered to buy your land for whatever reason?”
“Nope. Why do you ask?”
“I was just thinking, if someone was interested in your land, and you had no desire to sell, maybe they think if you don’t have the Shires to sell, you wouldn’t be able to keep the ranch.” Luke shook his head. “I don’t know. Some people try anything to get what they want. It could be rustlers, or it could be someone trying to force you off the land, for whatever reason.”
“My family has owned this land for generations.”
“Do you live here alone?”
“Yes, my wife passed away two years ago, and my son has no interest in the ranch. I imagine he’ll sell it after I’m gone.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“It is what it is. Many families don’t want to carry on traditions these days. My great-great-grandfather started this ranch. It’s a shame to see it end, but it’s becoming more common.” Mr. Hancock smiled sadly.
“Yeah, it’s a shame.” Luke said before pushing his chair back and standing up, placing his cup in the sink. “I’ll head to the office and see if I can find any information.”
“Thank you, Agent McCallister.” Mr. Hancock shook his hand.
“You’re welcome. I’ll do my best.”
“I know you will, son. Be careful out there.”
“Yes, sir.” Luke put on his coat, grabbed his hat, and walked toward the door before turning back to face the older man. “Would it be possible to talk to some of your ranch hands?”
“Of course, although they’re probably in the bunkhouse. You might find Rafe in the barn; he’s the manager. That man never stops working.”
“What’s his last name?”
“Marshall. He’s a good man, I’m sure he’ll assist you however he can.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll see if I can find him. Thank you.” Luke walked out of the door.
Standing on the porch, he looked out at the snow and could barely make out the barn in the distance. Taking a deep breath, he walked down the steps and trudged through the snow toward the barn. He noticed a man walking toward him.
“Mr. Marshall?”
“Yeah, can I help you with something?”
The men walked closer to each other until they were just a few feet away.
“I’m Agent Luke McCallister from the Montana Department of Livestock,” Luke introduced himself as he shook the man’s hand.
“Agent McCallister. Are you here about the horses?”
“Yes. Any ideas?”
“Hell, if I know. Who would steal Shires? Those horses may be gentle giants, but they’re huge.”
“I don’t understand either. They must have had a large trailer.”
“I followed the tracks as far as I could, but the snow made it impossible to keep going.”
“I did too.” Luke handed him one of his business cards. “If you think of anything, please give me a call.”
“Will do.”
“How long have you worked for Mr. Hancock?”
“Twenty-six years. I’ve been here since I was seventeen.”
“He seems like a good man. That’s why I’ll do everything in my power to find his horses.”
“I hope you do. He was diagnosed with cancer recently, did you know?”
“No, I didn’t. I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Yeah, me too.”
“He mentioned a son,” Luke said.
Rafe Marshall grimaced. “A waste of space in my opinion. The first thing he’ll do is sell this place once Fred is gone.” Rafe shook his head. “I could never understand why Hancock’s wife stayed with him, but I could tell she was terrified of him.”
“Yes, Fred mentioned he thought his son would sell the place once he was gone.” Luke shook his head. “I’m really sorry to hear that about him.” Luke sighed. “Well, I should get going. Take care and let me know if you hear anything.”
“I will. Be careful out there.”
Luke walked out of the barn, got into his truck, and drove back to the office.
****
The sun was bright Sunday afternoon, and it was bitterly cold, but Bryce was so happy to be going out. Luke had sent her a text that he was on his way, but she wasn’t going to bundle Leah up until he got here. She didn’t want her to get overheated.
She’d been shocked when Connie brought her a newborn snowsuit in pink. That woman was amazing. Bryce had never met so many kind people in her life. It seemed like once they took you in, you belonged.
Standing at the window, she smiled as she looked at the snow-covered sidewalks. No one was out and about, but she knew Connie was busy cooking for anyone braving the cold. Bryce would bet the little diner would be packed.
As she stood there, she saw a truck coming down the street and realized it was Luke. Butterflies filled her belly just thinking about seeing him again. He was so very handsome. Even though she knew a man was the last thing she needed right now, she couldn’t deny being attracted to him.
She watched as he turned into the parking lot of the diner, then lost sight of him. He told her not to dress up. Jeans were fine, so she wore a blue turtleneck sweater that matched her eyes, jeans, and ankle boots on her feet.
She jerked when he knocked on the door. Taking a deep breath, she walked to the door, opened it, and waved him inside, then quickly closed the door.
“Hi, are you ready to go?”
“I just have to put Leah’s snowsuit on her. I have everything packed.” She pointed to bag on the counter. “I’ll be right back. Have a seat.”
“I’ll stand, thanks.”
Okay.” She smiled then walked down the hallway and into the bedroom. She picked Leah up and put her little suit on her, then carried her out to the living room.
Luke smiled when she entered the room, walked to her, and stared at Leah.
“Hey, baby girl,” he said quietly, then looked at Bryce and their eyes met and held. He cleared his throat and stepped back from her. “How do you want to do this?”
“If I put her in the car seat, can you carry it, and I’ll get the bags?”
“Yes, but you wait here, and I’ll come back to help you down the stairs.”
“I can walk down them. They’re clear. Just let me get her in her suit.”
“Where did you get that snowsuit?”
Bryce looked at him, shaking her head. “Connie.”
Luke grinned. “I think Leah has an adopted grandmother.”
“That would be so nice.” Bryce set Leah on the floor while she pulled her coat and beanie on, then she picked her up, placed her in the car seat, and the little girl didn’t even stir.
He walked toward her and smiled at Leah.
“She already looks like she’s grown some.”
“Maybe a little.”
“How much did she weigh at birth?”
“Eight pounds, seven ounces.”
Luke nodded, still staring at Leah. He grinned when she opened her eyes.
“Are you ready to go for a ride, baby girl?”
“I know I am,” Bryce said.
“I’m sure. You haven’t been out for over four weeks.” He frowned. “It’s okay to go in the truck, right?”
“Yes. I feel fine but I don’t think I’m ready for a long trip.”
“It’s about twenty minutes. Come on, I’m sure my mom is anxious to see Leah. She’s always on me and Beau about giving her grandchildren.” He grinned, as he picked up the car seat.
Bryce laughed. “I can’t wait to meet her and your father.”
Luke nodded, opened the door, and motioned for her to go out. Once she did, he took the keys from her, locked the door, then took her arm in his hand, and helped her down the stairs.
“It’s so cold out.”
“Yeah, so let’s get you and Leah in the truck.”
At the truck, Luke opened the back door, and placed the car seat in the back, secured it, then opened the passenger side door, held her hand as she stepped onto the running board, and slid onto the seat. He closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side. He was just so handsome. He made her pulse go into overdrive.
He started the truck and pulled out of the alley then onto Main Street.
As they drove along, Bryce looked out at the snow-covered fields and smiled. Clifton was a great place, and she was giving it some serious thought about staying. She took a deep breath.
“I might stay here. I don’t think Mick could find me here.” She nibbled on her bottom lip.
“Do you really think he’d hire a private detective?”
“I have no doubt. He probably already has. He is not getting my daughter. I didn’t list him as the father on the birth certificate but if he wants a paternity test done…” She sighed. “I’m so afraid he could take her. He makes a lot of money, and I don’t even have a job.”
Luke touched her hand. “Money isn’t everything. He didn’t want her, and he only does now because his wife does. She has no right to Leah. At all.”
“I know, but he could make it sound like he does. I’m so scared to lose her, Luke.”
“That’s not going to happen. We’ll do all we can to help you. If you stay, you can get a job. Maybe at the hospital or a doctor’s office.”
“Connie said the hospital has a free daycare for their employees.”
“Do they? Well, that would be good for you then.”
“I think so too. We’ll see.”
When he pulled into a driveway, she sat up and looked at the beautiful home.
“It’s gorgeous,” she said.
“It was a great place to grow up. My parents have lived here since they got married. My grandfather, on my mother’s side, gave them the land as a wedding gift. My dad built the house himself.”
“It’s just so pretty. I love farmhouses.”
Luke parked beside the porch. “I see Beau and Brenna are here. Good thing.” He chuckled.
“Why is it a good thing?”
“We are to be here every Sunday, no excuses. If we don’t show, my mother will not be happy, and no one wants to piss her off.”
Bryce laughed. “I can’t wait to meet everyone.
“Well, then, come on. Let’s get inside where it’s warm. Do you want the car seat in there?”
“If you don’t mind. I need to be able to put her down after she eats.”
Luke chuckled. “I have a feeling my mom and Brenna won’t let her down too often.”
Bryce laughed. “No problem.”
They stepped from the truck, gathered up everything, and entered the house. The smell of the food cooking about brought her to her knees.
****
As soon as they entered the kitchen, Luke’s mother came forward to look at the baby.
“Oh, she is so precious,” she said.
“Mom, this Bryce Spencer and her daughter, Leah Grace. Bryce, my mother, Lisa McCallister,” Luke introduced them, as he set the car seat on the center island.
“It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. McCallister. Thank you so much for allowing us to join you today.” Bryce smiled.
“Please, call me Lisa, Bryce. We’re happy to have you. Is it alright if I take her out of the car seat? I want to hold her.” Lisa smiled.
“Of course, you can.” Bryce removed her hat and coat. Luke took them and hung them up, then removed his.
“What do you have there, hon?”
“Bryce, this is my dad, Daniel. Dad, this is Bryce Spencer, and Mom is holding her daughter, Leah,” Luke introduced them.
“Bryce, it’s nice to meet you,” his father said, and shook her hand.
“You too, Mr. McCallister.”
“Please, call me Daniel.”
Bryce smiled, then Luke saw Beau and Brenna enter the kitchen.
“Bryce, it’s good to see you again. This is my wife, Brenna. Brenna, this is Bryce Spencer and her daughter, Leah.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Bryce. Your daughter is beautiful,” Brenna said with a smile.
Bryce shook her hand, then they all moved to the living room and sat down. The men got interested in a hockey game, while the woman gushed over the baby.
Later, they sat at the dinner table, eating and Luke and Beau teased each other as usual.
“Keep it up and I’ll have Bryce make you change a diaper,” Luke said.
Brenna and Bryce laughed at the look on Beau’s face.
“Nope. Not happenin’,” Beau said as he shook his head.
“Well, that will have to change,” Brenna said.
“What?” Beau asked in a shocked voice.
“I didn’t say right now, but one day.” Brenna smiled.
When Beau blew out a relieved sigh, everyone laughed.
A while later, everyone was relaxing, watching TV, when Leah started fussing. Lisa picked her up while Bryce went to the kitchen to use the microwave to heat a bottle. When she returned, Luke grinned as his mother shook her head, and put her hand out to take the bottle. He watched Bryce laugh, hand over the bottle, then sat beside him on the sofa.
“If she gets the chance, she will spoil Leah,” he whispered.
Bryce looked at him, and their eyes met. She quickly looked away. He couldn’t seem to keep his eyes off her. She was just so beautiful with her black hair, blue eyes, and porcelain skin. Looking at her, he realized that beautiful was such an understatement.
As he drove her home later, he grinned when she yawned.
“Sleepy?”
“I don’t remember when I wasn’t tired. Everything was so good. Your parents are wonderful.”
“I agree. Beau and I are very lucky.”
“You two have a close relationship. The teasing had me in tears. Oh, and I just love Brenna.”
“She’s great. I’m happy for Beau. They’ve known each other for years, but never dated. They were married to other people, who happened to cheat on them together.”
“Brenna told me. I think she and I could become friends.”
“You’d have a good friend in her. I like her.”
Bryce yawned again. “I can’t stop yawning.”
He stopped the truck at the stairs behind the diner and looked at her.
“I’ll get Leah, if you want to go up and unlock the door.”
“Okay. Thanks. I’ll get the diaper bag.”
Luke opened the back door, removed the car seat and stared down at Leah. She was asleep. It must be nice to just drift off all day long. Chuckling, he knew that wasn’t possible, but it sure sounded good for some days. He put a blanket over the seat to keep the cold off her.
After he entered the apartment, he set the car seat on the counter, and watched as Bryce removed Leah from it, took off her snowsuit, then carried her to the bedroom. She returned in a few minutes.
“Thank you for today, Luke. It’s been a long time since I’ve shared dinner with someone.”
“I’m glad you had a good time.”
“I did. Seeing the decorations for St. Patrick’s Day made me want to get some.” She laughed.
“She decorates for every holiday. I can take you to get some if you want. You’d be able to get out a little more. We could have my mom watch Leah.”
“That would be nice. Do you think she’d mind?”
Luke chuckled and shook his head. “No, she’d love it. We can go to Walton’s in Spring City.”
“Sounds good. Just let me know when your mom can watch Leah.”
“I’ll ask her tonight. What’s your schedule?” he teased.
“I’m pretty busy. I might have to pencil you in,” Bryce said, grinning.
Luke chuckled. “Alright. I’ll let you know after I talk with her. Get some rest, Bryce.”
“I plan to. You too.”
He walked toward the door with her following him, put his hand on the knob, then faced her. He couldn’t seem to stop looking at her. She stared at him, and he looked at her lips, then into her eyes again, then he leaned forward and lightly kissed her lips.
“I’ll talk to you soon.” He opened the door, and walked out, pulling the door closed. He took a deep breath, blew it out, and hung his head.
“What the hell were you thinking?” Shaking his head, he walked down the steps, climbed into his truck, and drove home.