Chapter 22
CHAPTER 22
A t the barn, Rachel helped Levi and Madeline curry and feed the carriage horses. Though Madeline was from a big city, she’d spent enough time on the ranch to know what to do. Rachel had helped her friends care for their horses so she knew what to do.
With the horses cleaned, enjoying an oat and grain meal and fresh water, the three of them stepped into the alley.
“Would you like to stay for dinner?” Levi asked Rachel.
“I wish I could.” She stiffened against the wave of disappointment pouring over her like cold water. Even as a kid, she’d been excited when she and Jonathan drove to the McSweeney ranch and disheartened when it was time to leave. “I’m working at the diner tonight.”
“Oh.” Madeline’s shoulders slumped. “I wish you could stay here forever.”
Rachel’s laugh was soft and surprised. She wished that, too.
“I’ll see you at church tomorrow.” She wrapped an arm around Madeline’s shoulders and pressed her cheek to the top of her head. She didn’t want Madeline to be disappointed. She didn’t want to be disappointed, but it was always harder on her when a child was disappointed. She wanted to protect them, though it wasn’t possible. “And next week, I’ll substitute teach in Mrs. Jensen’s classroom, so I’ll see you every day.”
“Okay.” Madeline put on a brave face.
“We’ll invite her to dinner another time.” Levi grinned. “Let’s introduce Rachel to Plato.”
Levi led the new horse out of his stall. The animal was spirited, sleek and muscular with a glistening coat. His intelligent eyes took in his surroundings as he whinnied his excitement to be free from the stall. Levi hooked a lead to Plato’s halter and led him to the corral where he lunged the beautiful animal from a walk to a full gallop, before slowing him to a walk again.
“Can I ride him?” Madeline straddled a top rail.
“Let’s see how he does after he burns off some energy,” Levi said. He focused on the horse. “He’s still a little unsure of his new home.”
Using a cane, Felix moved down the path connecting the house to the barn. He’d made enough progress to walk from the house to the barn alone. His speech had improved, though he sometimes struggled to recall a word. Rachel’s heart tightened seeing the frustration in his eyes, but his determination never wavered.
Now, Rachel understood why Levi was so determined. He had learned from the master.
Levi’s brothers gathered around the corral. Soon, Naomi joined them.
“Looks like San Francisco didn’t take the country out of you.” Aaron propped a boot on the fence.
Levi gave a half smile but remained silent, though Rachel didn’t miss the distant look in his eyes. He seemed to be glad to be back in Sweet Mountain, but she knew his company consumed his thoughts. Whenever she saw him, he was fielding calls. She tried not to eavesdrop, but judging from the intensity in his eyes, she sensed he was discussing business. She had caught articles on the internet that his company was launching a new product, which would add to the pressure .
When it was time for Rachel to leave, Levi held Madeline’s hand and they walked Rachel to her car together.
“Thanks for a wonderful afternoon.” Rachel unlocked her car. “I’ll see you at church tomorrow.”
“Actually, you won’t see me.” Levi’s eyes clouded.
Madeline’s gaze widened with surprise, which made Rachel wonder.
“I’m flying to San Francisco tomorrow.” He released a slow breath. “Maybe you heard, but we’re launching a new product.”
“I saw something on the internet,” she said softly. The bleak look in his eyes made her chest tighten. “If there’s anything I can do while you’re gone.”
He shook his head, then looked back at her. “I don’t suppose you’d consider staying here a few days.”
Madeline clasped her hands and looked hopeful.
He flicked his gaze to the little girl as if realizing he shouldn’t have suggested that in front of her.
He looked away. “I shouldn’t have asked that,” he said in a low voice.
“No,” Rachel said quickly. “It’s fine. I’d be happy to. I can take Madeline to school. She’s in three of my gymnastics classes, so I can take her there, too.”
“You sure you don’t mind.” His eyes narrowed.
“Not at all.” She wrapped an arm around Madeline. She liked the light in the little girl’s eyes. “We can make plans to do all sorts of fun things. I still have to work at the diner, but my being here to look after Madeline will help out since your mother and brothers are still helping your father.”
“It would be a big help.” The lines around his eyes relaxed. “I could hire someone, but it would be more comfortable to be around someone who knows the family. I’m not sure how long I’ll be away.”
“That’s fine. My apartment won’t even know I’m gone.” She laughed.
“The launch is closed to the media, but will be on the company’s closed circuit television if you want to watch,” he said, his smile slight. “I know that’s not super exciting.”
“It’s very exciting.” She widened her eyes. “Madeline and I will watch.” She hugged the child, who nodded.
“If you want to come to the ranch tomorrow after church, I’ll let Mom know,” he said.
“That would be perfect,” she said. “I work at the diner tomorrow night, but should be back by ten.”
“That’s another thing,” he said, his gaze direct. “I don’t expect you to do this for nothing.”
She drew back and blinked. “I’m doing this as a friend. If I needed help, you would be there for me.”
“It isn’t the same.” His intensity didn’t waver. “Madeline’s involved. You’re working three jobs. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone.”
“Take as long as you need.” Her voice was soft but firm.
“We’ll talk about it later.” His mouth curved.
They could talk, but she wasn’t taking his money. She didn’t care that he could afford to pay, and generously. They were friends.
She’d ignore the hope that she thought one day they’d be more than friends. He was Levi McSweeney, a tech giant who could have any woman he wanted.
If God’s plan were that she and Levi remain friends, she’d accept that. And if Levi found someone?
She ignored the raw scrape on the inside of her chest. She wouldn’t think about that. For now, she’d take care of Madeline and help Naomi with what she needed. To be around this big family would fill her with joy. How often had she worked late because she didn’t want to return to her empty apartment?
“I’ll plan to come to the ranch after church tomorrow.” She smiled down at Madeline, who grinned. She hugged the girl, then stepped to her car. “We’ll have a great time.”
“That I don’t doubt.” He took Madeline’s hand and moved back. “’Bye, Rachel,” he said softly, but she wondered at the intensity in his eyes.
“’Bye, Miss Rachel.” Madeline waved her hand .
“”Bye, ‘bye.” She gave a little wave and climbed into her car. She drove down the drive, but couldn’t take her eyes off her rearview mirror, and Levi and Madeline watching her until she turned and couldn’t see them anymore.
She was glad she had to work tonight. The last thing she wanted to do was think of Levi.