Chapter 18
18
A few days later, Lila pulled her car into an already packed parking area at Teton Trails Guest Ranch. “My goodness,” she muttered, looking for a spot.
“There’s a space,” Camille called out, pointing.
“Thanks, baby.” Lila eased her car into the tight spot between Pete and Annie Cumberland’s pickup and Fleet Southcott’s patrol car. “Careful when you get out,” she warned her daughter. “We don’t need any more dents in my car doors.”
Reva was the one to suggest that Charlie Grace host an end-of-season barbecue, a celebration of the amazing success the new guest ranch had enjoyed the first year after opening. Charlie Grace was initially reluctant but quickly folded when she and Capri jumped on the idea during one of their Friday night get-togethers.
“Yes, you need a party!” Capri said. “Last spring, we were gifting you a new website. Now, look—you’ve had a season filled with guests.”
“And your bank account shows it,” Reva reminded. “Another season like this and you’ll have your bank loan paid in full.”
Capri nodded enthusiastically. “Everyone will want to help recognize all that you accomplished. Have the party,” she urged. “Let’s celebrate.”
Charlie Grace could hardly argue with that.
Lila placed her arm around her daughter’s shoulder as they headed for the crowd. From the looks of things, the entire town must be here.
Verna Billingsley was standing by the firepit chatting with the Knit Wits, each one dressed to the hilt. Oma Griffith had on a bright orange pair of pants with a tropical print shirt. Betty Dunning’s outfit was a bit more sedate—jeans and a white button-down top. She did have on a pair of bright red flats that matched the bracelets on her wrist. Dorothy Vaughn chose a flowing skirt in a western motif and cowboy boots. The gals were all cute as buttons.
Charlie Grace’s dad, Clancy, was in his wheelchair near the barbecue pit, talking animatedly and pointing to the steaks on the grill. Based on the look on Ford Keaton’s face, he didn’t appreciate the cooking advice.
Albie sat in a lawn chair near a big pine tree. He wore a wide smile as he jiggled his niece’s chubby baby on his lap while Lizzy took the moment of freedom and headed for the beer keg to join her husband, Gibbs.
Wooster and Nicola Cavendish were there. As was Diane Robinson and her young daughter. Seems everyone was taking the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the beautiful evening.
Lila took a deep breath, feeling a sense of belonging as she looked around. She squeezed Camille’s shoulder and smiled. “Let’s go find Capri and the others,” she said, leading her daughter into the heart of the gathering.
They wove through the clusters of people, greeting familiar faces along the way. Lila spotted Capri near the gazebo, deep in conversation with Reva and Charlie Grace. She gave Camille a gentle nudge toward the refreshment table. “Why don’t you grab us some lemonade, sweetie?”
Camille nodded and headed off, leaving Lila to join her friends. “Looks like the whole town showed up,” she said, moving into the circle.
“Of course, they did,” Capri beamed. “No one wants to miss Charlie Grace’s parties.”
Charlie Grace chuckled, her eyes scanning the crowd. “I think it’s more about the company and the yummy food than the party planning.”
Reva nudged Lila playfully. “Speaking of company, guess who just arrived?”
Lila followed Reva’s gaze and her heart sank. Whit Calloway. He stood near the edge of the gathering, looking somewhat out of place in his polished boots.
Lila’s stomach tightened. “Great,” she muttered. “Just what I needed.”
“Maybe he’s not so bad,” Capri suggested, her eyes twinkling mischievously. “Why don’t you go say hello?”
“Not a chance,” Lila replied quickly, shaking her head. “I’m not in the mood for another run-in.”
“Why? Did something else happen?” Charlie Grace asked.
Sure, she could explain how he’d accused her of having no life, but her friends would likely take his side. She wasn’t up to arguing her point—not with them or with her new boss.
To her relief, Whit approached Pastor Pete and Annie. Whatever he said made Annie laugh. She continued to watch as he finished his conversation and headed for the barbecue pit, where large burlap-wrapped beef roasts had been slow-cooking for hours. He surveyed the setup and chatted with Ford, the cook. Ford led him to the grills where steaks were cooking.
Whit was dressed in a well-worn black T-shirt that hugged his athletic frame and a pair of faded jeans that fit just right. The baseball cap on his head bore some sort of logo and his eyes were hidden behind aviator sunglasses. A loyal hunting dog with a sleek coat and expressive eyes trailed beside him, the bond between man and animal evident in every shared glance and easy smile.
“Lila. Did you hear me?” asked Reva.
Her attention snapped back to the group. “Oh, I’m sorry. What did you say?”
Reva pushed her sunglasses up on her head. “I asked how things were going at the vet clinic with Doc Tillman gone.”
Lila sighed. “Fine.” Her answer was short and clipped. She didn’t want to admit the tension that pervaded, or how often Whit had new ideas and methods that irked her. That would make her sound petty.
The truth was, Whit had gone out of his way to include her on what he termed “the team.” He never hesitated to ask her along when the wild horse got hurt and needed treatment and then a transport to the sanctuary. He asked her opinion and didn’t hover over her every move like Doc Tillman often had. To anyone on the outside, she had little reason to feel negative toward her new boss.
Yet, she did.
Before the conversation could continue, Ford rang the metal triangle, sending out a loud clanging sound that called everyone to dinner.
“Oh, good. I’m starving,” Capri said, heading that way.
The aroma of sizzling steaks wafted through the crisp mountain air, mingling with the delicious scent of roast beef slowly cooking in a buried pit nearby. The grill crackled and hissed, each pop releasing a burst of smoky fragrance that promised a feast to remember. Tables groaned under the weight of homemade sides: creamy coleslaw, tangy baked beans, buttery cornbread, and crisp garden salads topped with fresh vegetables. The scent of barbecued ribs, smothered in a tangy sauce, mingled with the sweet smell of corn on the cob, roasted to perfection.
As partygoers lined up with plates in hand, conversations floated on the breeze—neighbors catching up, friends sharing laughter, and children’s excited chatter. The clink of utensils and the clatter of plates blended with laughter and the sound of crickets chirping rhythmically from the grassy edges of the clearing.
Lila caught sight of Reva’s loyal assistant, Verna Billingsley. She waved, and Verna waved back.
“Hey, Verna. How’s it going?” Lila asked.
The older woman shook her head. “Well, the office rebuild project finally got finished. It liked to have been months working in all that dishevel.”
“Reva said you were a real trooper. That you kept right on top of the construction effort and everything that entailed,” she said, hoping the compliment might erase the sour look on the woman’s face.
Verna harrumphed. “Somebody had to. Jumping through government hoops is a real trial…know what I mean?”
Lila suppressed a laugh. In this case, the government was Reva and a town council that rarely crossed her. She doubted the project had been held up with red tape.
As the sun began to dip behind the majestic Teton Mountains, casting a warm golden glow over the gathering, the sounds of contented chatter started to fade. Plates were emptied, and satisfied sighs could be heard as guests leaned back in their chairs, savoring the last bites of their hearty meal.
The aroma of grilled meat still lingered in the air, but now it was joined by the soft strumming of a guitar. The band, positioned under a rustic wooden pavilion, began to tune their instruments, drawing curious glances and eager smiles from the crowd.
Slowly, the hum of conversation quieted, replaced by the anticipatory hush that always precedes the first note of live music. With a final, harmonious chord, the band signaled the start of the evening’s entertainment, and the guests began to shift their attention, ready to enjoy the next phase of the celebration.
Nick Thatcher took Charlie Grace by the hand. “I think that’s our cue to dance.”
She smiled back at her boyfriend before following him out to the floor. As they swirled to the music, the crowd applauded and cheered.
“You go, Charlie Grace!” called someone from the crowd.
Kellen found his way to Reva, Lucan in his arms. “Will you do me the pleasure, Mrs. Warner?” She granted him a wide smile. “I thought you’d never ask.” The three of them moved to the dance floor where they began swaying to the music.
Capri spotted her mom and stepdad across the way. She scrambled over and grabbed the handles of his wheelchair. “Sorry, Mom. This dance is mine.” Her eyes twinkled as she wheeled her cancer-ridden stepfather onto the makeshift dance floor and whirled him around the wooden deck to the tune.
When the song ended, Dick reached for Capri’s hand. He patted it with an appreciative look on his face. Even from a distance, Lila could see him mouth the words, “Love you, sweetheart.”
Lila’s eyes were drawn back to Whit, who seemed to be scanning the area, looking for someone. Before she could turn away, he caught sight of her and started heading in her direction.
“Oh no,” Lila whispered to herself, trying to edge away, but it was too late. Whit reached her side, his blue eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.
“Evening, Lila,” he said smoothly. “Enjoying the party?”
“Trying to,” she replied, her voice curt.
Whit didn’t seem fazed. “Well, let’s say we make it even better. Would you care to dance?” He extended his hand, and Lila stared at it for a moment, her mind racing.
Dancing with Whit was the last thing she wanted to do. But before she could form a proper excuse, her feet betrayed her, stepping forward. She took his hand. The warmth of his grip sent a jolt through her, and she felt an unexpected flutter in her chest.
As they moved to the makeshift dance floor, Lila was acutely aware of the curious stares following them. Whit’s hand settled at her waist, pulling her slightly closer, and she had to remind herself to breathe. The music swirled around them, and despite her initial resistance, she found herself relaxing slightly.
“You look really nice tonight,” Whit said softly, his voice barely audible over the music.
Lila’s heart skipped a beat. “Thanks,” she managed to say, feeling a blush creep up her neck. She glanced up at him, and for a moment, she saw past the polished exterior to the man underneath. His eyes held a sincerity that took her by surprise, and she realized once again that Whit Calloway was undeniably attractive.
As Lila swayed in Whit’s arms, she felt a warmth spread through her. His hand resting gently on her lower back sent shivers up her spine, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against her cheek was oddly comforting. Every step they took together felt like a silent conversation, a promise of something unspoken yet deeply understood.
The song ended too soon, and as they stepped apart, Lila felt a strange mix of relief and disappointment. Whit gave her a smile that did funny things to her stomach. “Thank you for the dance,” he said.
Lila nodded, struggling to find her voice. “You’re welcome.”
As Whit walked away, Lila stood there, her mind spinning. Maybe Capri was right—perhaps Whit Calloway wasn’t so bad after all.
The evening’s festivities continued in full swing when a hush fell over the crowd, followed by murmurs of excitement. Lila turned to see the source of the commotion and spotted none other than Roxie Steele, the visiting enigmatic and glamorous romance author making her grand entrance. Draped in a figure-hugging red dress that shimmered under the string lights, Roxie exuded confidence and charm. Her arrival was like a bolt of lightning, electrifying the atmosphere.
Aware of the attention, Roxie sauntered through the gathering with an easy grace, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She made a beeline for the group of older men gathered near the firepit, her laugh carrying over the music like a seductive melody.
Clancy Rivers was the first to fall under her spell, his cheeks flushing as she leaned in close, whispering something that made him chuckle and adjust his hat. She moved on to Ford Keaton, trailing a perfectly manicured hand along his arm, eliciting a bashful smile from the usually stoic rancher. Even Albie, holding his niece, blushed profusely as Roxie winked and blew him a kiss.
Roxie’s playful flirting left a trail of blushing faces and stammered compliments in her wake. The older men, normally reserved, competed for her attention, their grins wide and their spirits high. Watching the scene unfold, Lila exchanged amused glances with her friends, their laughter ringing out into the night air.
Lila glanced up to find Whit standing next to her, a grin on his face. “Who’s that?” he asked.
“That’s Roxie Steele.” She explained how the visiting romance author had captured the town’s attention, especially the older male residents.
He shook his head and let out a low whistle. “I can see that.”
The party began to wind down, and Roxie, with a final dazzling smile and a twinkle in her eye, sauntered back to her cabin. As she disappeared into the night, Whit turned to Lila and said with a grin, “Well, I guess there’s no arguing that romance is well and alive, even in the wilds of Wyoming.”
Lila chuckled, feeling the warmth of his gaze on her. “Seems like it,” she replied, her heart jumping a beat. The soft glow of the stringed lights cast shadows that highlighted the sharp angles of his face.
For a moment, they stood there, the sounds of the party fading into the background. Whit’s eyes softened as he took a step closer. “You know, Lila,” he said, his voice low and inviting, “I had a really good time tonight. I think I’m going to like it here.”
Lila’s breath caught as their eyes locked, a spark of tentative truce igniting between them. She froze with the astonishing revelation that her feelings for Whit were betraying her, evolving into something she couldn’t quite name. Even if he annoyed the pete out of her, she was attracted to him.
She supposed it wouldn’t hurt to at least give the Texan a chance. Besides, what choice did she have really? Whit Calloway was here to stay. She might as well drop her rocks and get on with it. It might work in her favor if they at least became friends.
The music slowed to a gentle, romantic tune, and Whit extended his hand once more. “Care for another dance?”
Lila hesitated for several heartbeats before taking his hand, her pulse quickening. “Sure. I’d like that.”
The stars shimmered like diamonds against the velvety black sky as Whit and Lila found their way onto the makeshift dance floor. Hesitant at first, Lila allowed Whit to draw her into the dance. His strong arms encircled her waist, pulling her closer than she had anticipated. She again became acutely aware of his presence—the solidness of his build, the warmth radiating from his body, and the intoxicating blend of cedar and leather that clung to him. It was a scent so uniquely male that it stirred something deep within her.
As they swayed to the music, a deep longing bloomed within her. Her heart quickened, and she found herself leaning into Whit’s touch, savoring the feeling of being held.
But just as her guard began to fall, an image of Aaron formed in her mind. His familiar smile, the feel of his embrace, the life they had built together—it all came rushing back. She felt as if she were betraying him, her love for him. It didn’t make sense, but guilt gnawed at her.
Panicked, Lila abruptly pulled away, mumbling an incoherent excuse about needing air. Without waiting for Whit’s response, she fled into the night, her heart a tumble of longing and sorrow.
Capri grabbed her by the elbow as she passed by. “Hey, what was that about? Are you okay?”
Lila stopped, her breath coming in ragged gasps. “I…I don’t know, Capri. I just couldn’t?—”
Capri’s eyes softened with understanding. “Is this about Aaron?”
A tear slid down Lila’s cheek as she nodded. “I felt like I was betraying him. I haven’t felt this way in so long, and it scared me.” She groaned and dared to glance back at Whit who stood on the dance floor watching her. “It’s been years, but somehow it felt like Aaron was right next to me on that dance floor.”
Capri pulled her into a comforting hug. “It’s okay to have romantic feelings again, Lila. Aaron would want you to be happy, to move on with your life. It doesn’t mean you’re forgetting him or what you had together.”
Lila sniffed, resting her head on Capri’s shoulder. “I know, but it’s so hard. I didn’t expect to feel anything like that again, and now it’s all so confusing.”
Capri squeezed her tighter. “Take your time. Nobody is expecting you to have it all figured out right now. Just know that it’s okay to let yourself feel again, to open up to new possibilities.” She cupped Lila’s face in her hands. “Whit Calloway is a hunk. Even if he is your boss.”
Lila pulled back, letting herself laugh. She wiped her tears. “Thanks, Capri. You’re right. He is.”
“Anytime,” Capri said with a reassuring smile. “Now, let’s get you home. You’ve had enough excitement for one night.”
As they walked away from the party with Camille following close behind, Lila couldn’t help but glance back at Whit, who stood watching her with a mix of concern and something deeper.
“He must think I’m an idiot,” she muttered under her breath. “Running off the dance floor like that.”
Capri squeezed her hand. “You’re an idiot if you close yourself off to someone who’s so clearly interested. Did you see the way he looked at you?”
Camille laughed. “Yeah, Mom. Capri’s right. I think he’s really into you.”
Lila nodded, then took a deep breath, knowing she had a lot to sort out. But for the first time in a long time, she felt a flicker of possibility.