Chapter 6
CHAPTER 6
A aron woke, surprised he’d fallen asleep. His mind had been in turmoil since Belle had walked her son upstairs to his room. He loved being near that woman, hearing her musical voice, catching her subtle fragrance. Her gentle spirit was like a caress. He had thought he’d rid himself of his feelings for her. The sudden surge of sensations warned him they were pushing against the barrier of his self-control.
He had hoped a night’s rest would dull his desires. Instead, they plumbed deeper than before.
Determined to rid himself of the unwanted feelings, he rolled out of bed and into the shower. He drummed downstairs to make a breakfast of pancakes, bacon and eggs and filled his mind with a prayer that would clear his mind of Belle.
“It smells good in here.” Belle’s melodic tone floated from the kitchen archway.
Facing the stove, he closed his eyes. He loved that sound along with everything else about that woman.
“You’re just in time.” Looking over his shoulder, he smiled at her—the scoop in his chest leaving him completely unprepared. He dropped his gaze to Lyle and Kelsey. He thanked God they were there because his restraint hung by a thread.
“You’re making pancakes?” Lyle flashed a wide smile. “I love pancakes.”
“I do, too,” Kelsey said with a giggle.
“Then you are in luck.” Aaron enjoyed their enthusiasm. He tipped his head to the breakfast nook. “Have a seat. Do you want orange juice?”
“Yes, please,” Lyle said. “I’ll pour it.”
“Thank you, Lyle,” Belle looked pleased at her son.
“Can I help with anything?” Kelsey asked. The sweetness in the little girl’s face flooded Aaron with memories of the first time he’d seen Belle.
He turned to the counter. He didn’t want Belle or the children to sense what he was feeling right now.
“How about this?” Aaron handed her a platter of bacon and eggs.
Everyone was seated and enjoying breakfast when the sound of tires crunching up the gravel drive echoed into the room.
“That will be the rental car.” Belle rose and dropped her napkin to her chair. “I’ll be right back.”
“Can I come?” Lyle looked questioningly at his mother.
Kelsey looked at her, too.
“Why don’t you finish your breakfast? I promise you won’t miss anything. We can explore the car after breakfast.” Belle’s full lips pressed into a smile, then walked from the room.
As her voice mixed with that of the rental agent drifted into the room, Aaron asked her children questions about their school and activities.
“I’m glad that’s settled.” Belle returned to the kitchen and slid into her chair. She looked at Aaron. “The children and I will drive to the cabin today. I wanted to take pictures and video of the area so my parents can decide what to do next.”
Aaron understood what she meant. Would they rebuild or have a crew remove the remains? When they had a moment, he’d remind her that she was welcome to stay at his cabin. He wouldn’t be there. He’d stay at his parents’ place. Belle and her children would have privacy and the freedom to find some enjoyment for the rest of the summer.
“If you want company, I’m glad to go.” Aaron offered her a reassuring smile.
Viewing the remains of the cabin would be devastating for her and her children. He wouldn’t miss an opportunity to be there for them.
“Well, okay.” Belle spoke hesitantly, but looked relieved. “If you’re sure you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind.” He hoped his smile reassured her.
“Do you live here?” Kelsey looked at Aaron while she took a bite of pancake. Syrup dribbled to her chin. She giggled. Picking up her napkin, she wiped it away.
“I stay here once in a while, but if your mom decides to stay here, I’ll go to my parents’ ranch,” Aaron said.
“You have a ranch?” Lyle’s eyes widened.
“My parents do.”
“Do they have horses?” Kelsey stared at him.
“They do.” He glanced at Belle, then looked away. He wanted her to know she and her children were invited to visit anytime, but wouldn’t say anything in front of her children.
“Tell you what.” Belle offered her children a patient smile. “We need to take care of Grandma’s and Grandpa’s cabin, but after that’s settled, Aaron and I can talk about our visiting his parents’ ranch.”
After the kitchen was cleaned, the children went upstairs to get ready for the trip to the cabin.
“I hope it’s all right that we visit the ranch.” She gave him a questioning look.
“You and the kids are welcome anytime.” He grinned.
It would be like old times when she and her friends would visit and ride. She’d taken riding lessons at her boarding school, but she’d never seen horses as tall and powerful as the ones Aaron and his family raised.
When Aaron had helped her climb into the saddle, she’d laughed nervously. After realizing how gentle the McSweeney horses were, she gained confidence quickly.
“Your parents won’t mind?” Her brows rose of a fraction.
“You’ve met my parents. You remember how glad they were when you and your friends visited the ranch.” Amused, he smiled.
“Yes,” she said softly. “I remember.”
“Think about it.” He rose but kept his eyes on her. “The invitation is open for whenever you’re ready.”
“As soon as the cabin situation is resolved, I’ll let you know.” A distant look in her eyes, she rose, too. “After I visit the cabin, I’ll send everything to my parents. Then I’ll call the insurance company and find out what needs to be done to restore the cabin.”
“I hate to tell you this, Belle, but the cabin can’t be restored,” he said, the pained look of disillusionment in her eyes expected.
She slowly lifted her gaze to his as if letting his words sink in.
“Then, I’ll talk to my parents and find out what they want to do.” Her tone was hesitant but firmed quickly.
She was the girl he remembered—determined, resolute and indomitable.
“At least I know where to start.” She sighed, then cleared her throat. Her lips curving, she looked into his eyes.
“I can help.” He studied her. He hated that she hurt inside and that she struggled to hide the pain.
“Thanks,” she murmured.
“Mom.” Lyle’s voice carried from the dining room. The sound of two pairs of feet floated through the archway. He and Kelsey rushed into the room. “We brushed our teeth. We’re ready to go whenever you are.”
“I have to call Grandma and Grandpa and get the insurance information,” she said. “Let’s go outside and enjoy the view for a minute, then I’ll make the call.” She nodded at the door.
Aaron followed them to the terrace. The four of them took in the view, with Aaron pointing out surrounding peaks and explaining how they got their names.
“Can we take another hike?” Kelsey looked longingly at the forest.
“Let’s see how the day goes.” Belle glanced at Aaron and whispered thanks to him.
“For …” He wasn’t sure why she was thanking him, though he appreciated her look of gratitude.
“For being you and being here.” Color flooded her cheeks. As if understanding she’d revealed more than she intended, she turned back to the view.
Aaron’s phone rang. He stepped into the cabin but the image of Belle and the soft color of her cheeks wavered in his mind. She looked more alive than she had when he first saw her and her children huddling outside the cabin. He pressed down the surge of sensations that rose whenever they were together. Even fourteen years ago, being near this woman was testing his control. He’d almost be relieved when he left the cabin and returned to his parents’ ranch.
Almost.