Chapter Four #2
Larkin was in the sitting room with her phone and a notebook. “Thanks for agreeing to do this interview. I know it’s a busy time.”
“We’re happy to help,” Amy said, setting the cookies on the big square coffee table, then sitting on the sofa near the Christmas tree. After what she’d witnessed that morning, she had questions of her own. Most importantly, what was the story with Larkin and her brother?
Chet poured coffee for everyone, then sat next to Amy, stretching the arm closest to her out along the back of the sofa.
Shelley appeared suddenly, carrying a watering can. She paused, taking in the scene. “I was going to top up the water in the Christmas tree. But if I’m interrupting, I can come back later.”
“That’s okay,” Amy said. “Larkin’s just interviewing us for a story on Bramble House that she’s writing for the Courier.”
“Oh, cool,” Shelley said. She had to get on her knees in order fill the Christmas tree holder. When she was done, she turned to Larkin. “Are you writing about all the bed and breakfasts in Marietta?”
“Just Bramble House. I understand it’s become something of an institution in this town. Would you agree, Amy?”
“The house is certainly steeped in history,” Amy said. “It was built by Henry and May Bell Bramble, one of the copper baron families who founded Marietta.”
“I’ll leave you to it,” Shelley said quietly. “Would you like me to close the door?”
“Yes, please,” Amy said.
Larkin, who was sitting opposite them, looked out the large front window. “The Brambles certainly picked a prime location, right by Marietta River, with Copper Mountain in the distance.”
“The view was what initially drew me to Bramble House,” Amy said. “When the weather’s nice, Chet and I like to end our day on the porch, watching the sunset.”
“I’ve heard you left a job on Wall Street to buy this bed and breakfast,” Larkin said. “I’ve also heard that the first year was a little bumpy?”
Amy glanced at Chet and smiled at the amusement in his eyes. “I had a lot to learn. Like how to bake cookies in a high-altitude part of the world. Chet helped me with that, among other things.”
“Is that right? Chet, you look like you’d be more at home in a saddle than a kitchen.”
“That’s a fair assessment,” he agreed. “But my grandmother lived in Colorado, and she taught me how to bake my favorite chocolate chip cookies. I’d say that’s my one and only claim to fame in the kitchen.”
“You’re forgetting your barista skills,” Amy said.
“Except for this morning.”
“Oh?” He’d lost Larkin with that. “What happened this morning?”
He shrugged. “Somehow the regular coffee beans ended up in my machine instead of the proper espresso ones. I guess my morning Americanos and lattes were not up to snuff.”
Larkin raised her eyebrows and made a note. Then she raised her head and smiled. “At least you still have your chocolate chip cookie game.”
“Actually neither of us do much baking anymore,” Amy said. “Between all the admin of running the B & B, Chet’s rodeo school, and our son, Robin, we spend our days running. Fortunately, we have our wonderful cook, Jo O’Neil.”
“I’ve checked your online reviews, and it seems your guests rave about Jo’s breakfasts. But isn’t it true that when you first took ownership of the B & B, Amy, Jo and the rest of the staff quit because they didn’t like how you wanted to run things?”
Amy shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “I had a lot to learn about the Western lifestyle and honoring the history of the house. Chet helped me with that too. As did Sage Carrigan, whose mother was a Bramble.”
Amy brushed away a strand of hair that had escaped from her ponytail. As she did this her silver bracelet slid up and down her wrist. Larkin leaned forward for a closer look.
“Am I mistaken, or are those Montana sapphires on your bracelet?”
“That’s right,” Amy said. The subcategory of sapphires that were found almost exclusively in Montana were a smoky lighter blue than traditional sapphires.
“My mother collects jewelry made from Montana sapphires,” Larkin said. “She owns several rings and necklaces.”
Amy fingered her bracelet lovingly. “This was my mother’s, and I’ll always treasure it. She was a single mom, and she raised me in New York with lots of help from her parents, my grandparents. But after her death, this bracelet led me to Montana and eventually helped me find my father.”
*
Her father. Also Carson’s father. How weird that these two half siblings hadn’t known about each other until they were adults.
Larkin wondered if Amy harbored any resentment toward her mother for not letting her dad be a part of her life.
“It must have been quite a surprise to discover your father was rodeo legend David Wilcox.”
“Yes. Not that I knew about the rodeo world when I moved here. But I soon discovered my father was a man of many accomplishments. He’s got a successful ranch down by Yellowstone, a wonderful wife, and three sons. But then, you know Carson, don’t you?”
Larkin nodded. “I grew up in Gardiner. Carson and I went to school together. I knew his whole family actually. I was even enrolled in the Wilcoxes’ first rodeo academy.”
“So you guys go way back,” Amy said.
“That’s cool you went to the Wilcox rodeo academy,” Chet added. “We’ve opened a second one here in Marietta.”
“Which Chet manages with the help of Craig Denton,” Amy added proudly.
“Yes, Chet, you’re something of a rodeo legend yourself. Just a few years back didn’t you take home the buckle for All-Around Cowboy at the Copper Mountain Rodeo?”
“That was probably a career highlight for me. But the rodeo life is tough. Both on the body and a man’s family.
After meeting Amy and then having our son, I knew it was time to leave the circuit.
Running Big Sky Rodeo Academy is my dream job—and of course I have a side gig helping Amy out at the B & B when needed. ”
“And I need him a lot!” Amy laughed.
“Sounds like you’re a busy man.”
“I’m a lucky man.”
And a happy one from what Larkin could see.
“Maybe you’re both lucky. Bramble House B & B consistently earns high ratings from all its guests.
But do you worry about the competition? Just this past year three new B & Bs opened up in Marietta.
The Rocking Chair B & B in particular is getting lots of buzz. ”
“Hopefully there’s room for all of us in Marietta,” Amy said. “We’ll keep focusing on what we do best and making our guests feel welcome and a little bit pampered. It’s worked for us so far.”
“I suppose little hiccups like the overbaked cookies and the mix-up with the coffee beans must happen fairly often?” Larkin asked.
“Actually no.” Amy frowned. “I’ve noticed, however, that if mistakes are going to happen it’s often when your most—shall we say exacting?—guests are involved.”
Larkin guessed this was an oblique reference to Gibson Adlington. “Oh, before I forget, Marly wants me to mention the Mable Bramble Christmas Tea fundraiser you’re hosting on Sunday. Are the proceeds going toward Chet’s rodeo school again this year?”
“Yes.” Chet leaned forward, his expression enthusiastic. “The extra money allows us to offer even more spots to kids who are keen to learn but can’t afford the fees.”
“Sounds like a worthy cause.” Larkin stopped her recording. “Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me.”
“You’re welcome,” Amy said. “But I better get back to polishing the silver.”
“I’ve got some calls to make, then I’m going to round up some tools for your brother. Are you okay to handle Robin after his nap?” he asked his wife.
“Absolutely. Shelley offered to help with the silver, so I’m good.”
Chet and his wife shared a kiss, then separated, leaving Larkin alone in the sitting room.
Watching the dynamics between the young B & B owners had left her feeling a little wistful.
It was clear that they had a loving and respectful relationship, and she had to admit that she envied the life they’d built together.
They each had a business they were passionate about, while somehow managing to keep their relationship—and their son—as their central focus.
Not that there was anything wrong with her life as a single woman. She loved her career, and she had lots of friends and an active social life. So why did she have this yearning suddenly? Seeing Carson again had totally upset her equilibrium. She just didn’t know if it was a good thing or not.
Deep in thought, she went to the library to see how her grandmother was doing. She perched on the footstool next to her grandmother’s chair. “I was thinking we should go to town for lunch. What are you hungry for, Gran?”
Her grandmother sighed. “I’d love a bowl of my homemade minestrone. I’ve got lots in my freezer at home. But I guess we can’t go there?”
Larkin considered the idea. “Why not? That way we can check on Carson. Make sure he really does know what he’s doing.”
Her grandmother’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, I think he knows exactly what he’s doing. And so do you.”