Chapter 23
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
I t was as if she was glowing. Such an odd sensation. But also a wonderful feeling. With a glance at Reilly, she took a sip of tea.
“I have a question. Supposing I had twins, who would you assume fathered them?”
“I had no idea, but the notion of you and another man was hard to take.”
She nodded. “But you came anyway?”
“Of course. If there’s the slightest chance you need help, I’ll always be there. I admit I harbored a few dark thoughts about the other man.” He smiled. He was so handsome.
Tears started to flow, and she quickly turned her head away. Knowing he was going to leave and go on with his life hurt beyond reason. It wasn’t as though it was the first time she’d have to say goodbye.
He lifted her onto his lap, and she found herself comfortably nestled against his shoulder.
If only they could have a do over. A second chance. Yet not all wishes could be granted. Oh man, he smelled nice.
“Oh, I must smell awful!” she exclaimed. “I’ve been tending to horses all day, and I’m sweaty.”
“You’re fine. You’ve always smelled like a horse.”
She punched him lightly on the shoulder. “I do not. In fact, I can smell nice after a shower or if I’m going out.”
“Been going out a lot?”
“No. But I have had the opportunity. Many mothers here want their sons to marry me. It became a bit much turning them all down. Maybe you could do me a favor and have dinner with me in town and put a stop to the proposals?” She held her breath. What if he said no? She was a fool.
“I suppose, just this once, I could come to your assistance. I can smile and look into your eyes all evening. We could hold hands.” His eyes twinkled as a smile slipped over his features. “That might give everyone the message.”
“Maybe we could dance together,” she added. “I’m going to take a shower. But we can’t be gone long. I don’t want to leave Bay alone. I’ll have to ask John to stay.”
“Go take your shower. I’ll ask John.”
“Are you sure? Just be nice, okay?” She didn’t wait for an answer, hurrying away to take a shower.
Choosing an outfit became difficult. She aimed for a date-like appearance without being overdressed. Perhaps that wasn't the best idea. He was doing her a favor, but the pain when he left the last time…
She closed her eyes and pulled in a long breath. Would saying goodbye now be better or should she dance, storing the memories to warm her later? Both options were torturous, but just one more dance with him could be worthwhile.
After rummaging through her closet, she found the dress she was looking for. It was the exact blue color of her eyes.
She heard him come back into the trailer. Butterflies flitted in her stomach. Live in the moment. Thinking about the future would destroy any joy she found.
Reilly stood as she opened the bedroom door. He had his suit jacket on. Without a tie, he appeared relaxed.
Her spirits lifted at the sight of his beaming smile.
“You look amazing. Shall we? John is staying until you come home. He’s a nice guy.” Ever the gentleman, he opened the door and allowed her to go first and then opened the car door for her. Not many men did that anymore.
Did he sense the same powerful connection they shared?
“I’m assuming we’re going to Potter’s Best? I did notice two diners and Potter’s Best. Been there?” he asked, beginning his journey down the road.
“I’ve stopped in a few times when Noreen or Tina invited me. I never stay long. Don’t forget, you need to dispel the notion that I’m single and looking. I'd rather not be considered for any dates. I hope there’s enough talk that it will stop all those mothers from showing me pictures of their eligible sons.”
He laughed. “Has it really been that bad? I don’t doubt there is interest in you. You are beautiful.”
Her face heated. “Unfortunately, it is that bad. We don’t have to stay long.”
His nod disappointed her. Living in the moment proved more difficult than it sounded.
“They’re known for their steaks,” she offered.
“Of course they are. We are in Montana, after all,” he teased.
It was a relief when they arrived. She’d tried to think of witty things to say, but nothing came to mind.
There wasn’t much of a crowd. It was more of a bar than a restaurant, but it was Potter’s Best. He smiled.
“What’s so funny?” Lynne asked after they were sitting at the table.
“The name of this establishment. Potter’s Best what? There aren’t many people here.”
“Have you checked your watch? It’s barely six o’clock. Give it an hour. Reilly, you're quite the handsome man. I’ve always thought so.”
Her face turned a lovely shade of scarlet. She probably hadn’t meant to tell him he was handsome.
“It's nothing I don't say to myself every morning when I look in the mirror. I make the world a prettier place.”
“I wouldn’t go that far. It was just a stray comment. It didn’t mean anything. It’s been a long day.” She glanced away.
This was a mistake. There was nothing he wanted more than to kiss her, but he couldn’t. Maybe if they ate quickly, he could leave.
Instead, he urged her to elaborate on her plans. And with that, dinner took a delightful turn. Her eyes sparkled as she explained everything right down to the auction she went to.
“I take it you didn’t buy anything?” He grinned.
“Maybe if the items were cleaned up a bit or weren’t from the last century, I may have.” She laughed.
“You’re happy,” he stated.
She blinked. “I suppose I am. To be honest, I haven't been entirely focused on the positive. Sometimes the past edges in. The biggest difference is that people actually like and respect me. That wasn’t happening in Tyrone. Sometimes I wonder if I could have done something different. Maybe I should have stood up to West. Sometimes going down that path hurts so much.” She stared at him, perhaps feeling she had said too much.
“I have those moments, too. It's wonderful that you've gotten the life you always wanted. Mine is nicer in Great Falls, too.”
“Wait! You live in Great Falls? When did that happen? I knew you left the ranch, but…when?”
“Remember when we met for the first time after you moved here? I told you I moved.”
She wrinkled her brow. “Yes…I do remember. I’m not sure you told me where. Things were pretty emotional that day. What made you decide to move?”
A smile tugged his lips upward. “I was weary of being paraded at every corporate event as a mere show pony. No one wanted to know me. They only cared about what I could do for them, and I didn’t want that. I didn’t want to move back to the ranch. There isn’t enough need for a lawyer there. Great Falls has been a great choice. The people are different. In fact, most know I grew up on a ranch. I work for myself and only take cases I believe in.”
“You’re happy,” she stated, studying him with a smile gracing her lips.
The meal was over, and people began to pour in. Was this it? Was this their "have a nice life, see you never" moment?
“Would you like to dance?” he asked.
It wasn’t a good idea, but she nodded, her heart hammering against her ribs.
In his embrace, she relaxed, closed her eyes, and rested her head on his shoulder. For a moment, it was as though they were one. As they moved together, she felt his heartbeat and the warmth of his body. She would never experience such emotions again. She’d never been able to push him out of her heart.
The dance ended, and she pulled away. He drew her back into his arms. He didn’t say a word as they danced one last time.
This time, when it finished, he let her go, and she felt a lump in her throat. She wouldn’t cry. She wouldn’t.
With a forced smile, she accompanied him into the cool night. Her house was only fifteen miles away.
There were no words. Gazing at his strong profile, she tried to preserve this memory.
Once more, without a word, he escorted her to the door. Before he could say a word, she put her finger over his lips.
“I can’t bear to say goodbye. Good night.” Quickly, she unlocked her door and went in by herself. She could no longer suppress her tears and sobbed.
The knock on the door startled her. Dashing away her tears, she opened the door.
“Are you okay?” John asked.
“Yes, I stubbed my toe. Thanks for staying. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
He turned and walked away.