Chapter Twenty-Five
Shelley looked up from her laptop when she heard Trip’s office door open. She checked her watch and was surprised to see that it was already time for him to leave for the hospital. She glanced over at Brooke; she was doing great. She’d handled the patients and the phones all morning while Shelley worked on Jim’s estate planning.
The girl was a perfect fit for the job. She’d come in for a few hours yesterday afternoon, excited to tell them that Stan, who owned the gas station, had told her that he didn’t mind if she started at the clinic straight away. His nephew had just moved back to the valley and he needed work. Better yet, Stan was going to pay her for the next two weeks, even though she was only an hourly employee.
Shelley hadn’t told her that Stan had called just before she arrived. He wanted to assure Trip that Brooke was the best employee he’d ever had and he was only letting her go so easily because she could do so much more in life, and he didn’t want to hold her back.
Brooke had proven his point when she’d shown up at the clinic this morning, arriving even before Shelley and Trip.
Shelley got to her feet as Trip approached the desk.
“How’s it going?” he asked Brooke.
She glanced over at Shelley. “Great, I think. I’m doing okay, aren’t I?”
Shelley rested a hand on her shoulder. “You’re doing far more than okay. You’ve got it all figured out. I expected to sit back and guide you. I thought maybe I’d be able to read through my notes this morning, but you haven’t needed me at all.”
Brooke smiled happily. “There’s not that much to it, really, is there? I mean, I’m sure I’ll have questions when I run into things you haven’t taught me yet, but… I reckon I can do this.”
“There was never any question that you could do it,” Trip assured her.
Shelley nodded her agreement. “You’re going to be great.”
Trip came around the desk and pressed a quick peck to Shelley’s lips. “I need to head over to the hospital now. There’s no need for you both to sit in here all afternoon if you don’t want to.”
“I was thinking that I can teach Brooke how to forward the phone, and then we’ll go for lunch in town. After that…” She smiled. She could either bring Brooke back into the clinic and teach her more about how things worked behind the scenes—since she’d already picked up on how to handle the everyday aspects—or she could play it by ear. If Brooke had other things she needed to do, Shelley planned to give her the afternoon.
“Give me a call when you finish at the hospital, and I’ll let you know where I’ll be.”
He gave her hand a squeeze and smiled at Brooke. “See you later.”
After he’d gone, Brooke smiled up at her. “I know I’ve said it a few times already, but I have to say it again—he’s such an amazing guy. And I’m so glad that the two of you are together now. You’re like the perfect couple.”
Shelley laughed. “I don’t know about that. I don’t know that there’s any such thing as perfect. But I’m glad we’re together. What do you think? Shall I show you how to forward the phone—and will you let me treat you to lunch at the Mustang?”
“You don’t need to do that,” said Brooke. “I brought a sandwich.”
“Is it a sandwich that’ll keep until tomorrow? I’d like to treat you—if you want to go.”
When Brooke’s smile faded, Shelley felt as though she might have said the wrong thing.
“I’m not totally broke or anything. I’m saving—that’s why I work all the time. I…” Brooke blew out a sigh. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to bite your head off. It’s just that I know a lot of people wonder what my deal is. Some of them treat me like a charity case, and others get all mad at Blane on my behalf.”
She shook her head. “It’s only because they don’t get it—and mostly, I don’t see the point in explaining.”
Shelley sat back down, hoping Brooke might see her as someone worth opening up to.
Brooke smiled. “See, I want to start my own business. I know what I want to do, but I can’t do it until I have a little nest egg built up. That’s why I work any little job I can get. And this job…” She looked around the reception area with a smile. “This is awesome—and it pays better than anything else around here. I’ll be able to save so much more, and faster than I have been up until now.”
Shelley had to ask, “What kind of business do you want to open?”
Brooke dropped her gaze. “You’ll probably think I’m stupid.”
“No way. I already know that you’re a very smart young woman. I’m curious, that’s all. But if you don’t want to tell me, you don’t have to. In fact, how about we head over to the café, and if you want to you can tell me while we eat?”
“Sure. Are you going to show me how to forward the phone first? Should we forward them to my cell so that I can deal with any calls that come in this afternoon?”
“I’ll show you how to do it—but how about we forward them to my phone this afternoon? And then after lunch, you can call it a day—go do whatever you need to.”
When Brooke looked a little disappointed, Shelley reassured her.
“You’re going to need to get used to the fact that you’re on salary here. Trip doesn’t expect you to stay all Tuesday afternoon. None of the previous receptionists used to do it—I just did because… well…” She shrugged and smiled. “Because I wanted to be around him. You need to get off that hourly pay mentality. You won’t be losing money by not sitting here all afternoon, is what I’m trying to say.”
Brooke met her gaze. “That doesn’t seem fair. Why should he pay me to not be here?”
“Because you’re making yourself available. You’ll forward the phone and deal with any calls that come in. There aren’t many, but sometimes people forget and call to make an appointment or to check on a prescription they’re waiting for. Don’t worry—you’ll get used to all of it. And I’m hoping it won’t take you too long to get used to knowing that you can relax a bit now.”
Shelley locked up behind them and told Brooke to follow her to the café—she had a feeling that if they came back here, Brooke would feel as though she had to sit and work.
~ ~ ~
When Trip got to his office at the hospital, he started his computer and scrolled through his emails. It looked like it was going to be a routine afternoon, and he was grateful for that. He was looking forward to getting home to Shelley.
He was glad that Brooke had picked things up so quickly at the clinic, but at the same time, he wasn’t looking forward to the day when Shelley wouldn’t be in there working with him anymore.
He took his phone out of his pocket, intending to shoot her a quick text, but jumped guiltily when it rang in his hand. He was surprised to see Cash’s name on the screen.
“Hey, bud. What’s up? Is everything okay?”
“All good here. I just wanted to check in with you. Are you around this weekend?”
“I am. Why?”
Cash chuckled. “Because I’m dragging the Sunshine Twins home with me. It’s Blane’s birthday, and I told the miserable bastard that even if he doesn’t want to celebrate it, I do. And if that’s not enough, he needs to think about Brookie. How’s she doing? I heard she’s working for you now. She’s a good kid, that one.”
Trip had to laugh. “Yeah, Brooke’s doing great. She’ll be able to take over from Shelley in no time.”
“And I’m guessing you have mixed feelings about that,” said Cash.
“Yes and no. I mean, not really. Like Shelley keeps saying, it’s a win–win situation, and how can you complain about that? The only downside is that she won’t be there in the office, in the clinic, with me anymore. But she’ll be better off doing work that means something to her. And Brooke will be a damn sight better off.”
“Exactly. And now that you have Shelley to go home to, I reckon you can survive the day without her. Gotta tell you—I never thought you’d fall again. Not after...” He paused. “I won’t call her the name I was about to, but only out of respect for you.”
“Thanks—for the respect, at least. And you’re right that I never wanted to find someone new but...” He smiled. “Shelley’s just...”
“She's perfect for you, is what she is.” Cash didn’t miss a beat. “So, are you going to bring her out on Saturday night? I reckon we can all go to Chico and make a good night of it. I booked a big table in the dining room first—pretend we’re a bit more civilized while it’s a birthday—then we can move over to the saloon and let the girls and Deacon dance.”
Trip laughed. Even when they were younger, Deacon had always loved to dance. And since he and Candy had gotten together, the rest of the guys had taken to calling him Twinkle Toes whenever they all went out, since he barely left the dance floor.
“Yeah, we’ll be there,” he said.
“What, you don’t have to check in with the missus first? Get back to me and let me know?” asked Cash.
“Hell no. Shelley’s nothing like Katrina used to be.”
“Glad to hear it. Are you going to make her the new Mrs., then?”
Trip shuddered. “Once again I say, hell no.”
“Shit. Does she know that? I mean, I can see why you wouldn’t want to go there again, but...”
Trip frowned. “I don’t know. But I reckon she’ll understand.”
“I hope so, bud. Might not be a bad idea to talk to her about it before you get too settled.”
Trip inhaled sharply. “Yeah. You’re right. I really should.”
“I didn’t mean to pee in your Wheaties—sorry. And for what it’s worth, she doesn’t strike me as the kind of woman who needs you to put a ring on her finger before she’ll be happy.”
Trip perked up again at that. “Maybe that’s what I should do.”
“But I thought you just said you didn’t want to...”
“I don’t want to marry her, but that doesn’t mean I can’t give her a ring, does it?”
Cash laughed. “No, I guess it doesn’t. Can I ask you a favor, though?”
“Sure. What do you need?”
Trip didn’t understand the abrupt change of subject—until he realized it wasn’t one.
“I know all you guys have made it kind of a tradition that you all go together to buy the ring when one of you falls. Any chance you might wait until I’m around so that I can come with?”
Trip had to laugh. “Seriously? Or are you shitting me?”
“I’m dead serious,” said Cash. “I told you the other week—I feel like I’m missing out on life here. On life in the valley. I didn’t just mean the family. You guys are living your lives, too. I want to be a part of it.”
Trip nodded, even though Cash couldn’t see. “Then yeah. I give you my word I won’t buy a ring until you’re around to come with.”
“Thanks, bud. Anyway, I’m going to go now before you start thinking I’m getting all sentimental on you. I’ll let you know the details about Saturday when I know them myself.”
“I look forward to it. See you then.”
“Shit, I suppose I should ask—since I’m calling while you’re at the hospital—how is the old bastard?”
“Nothing new to report,” Trip told him.
Cash let out a short laugh. “I know they usually say that no news is good news, but I think in this case, it’s more like—the only good news would be bad news.”
“Mind if I ask you something?”
“You can ask me anything,” said Cash.
“Do you have any idea what will happen when he’s gone? And I’m not getting nosy all of a sudden—it’s just that with Shelley working on Jim’s estate, it made me wonder if you know what Connor’s plans are for your ranch.”
Cash blew out a sigh. “Yeah, I know. Maybe I’ll tell you someday. Maybe it won’t matter. It’s a secret I’ve carried alone for far too long. Maybe I should give it up—and if I do, I’ll start with you. But I’ve got to run. So, for now, I’ll just tell you this—they’ll all be taken care of; I’ll make damn sure of it.”
Trip wanted to ask exactly what he meant, but he knew there was no point. So instead, he went with, “Good. I’m glad. And anytime you want to talk, you know where I am.”
“Sure do,” Cash said with a laugh. “Although just to make sure, I’ll come back this weekend and check. Okay. See ya, bud.”
“Yeah. See ya.”
Trip ended the call with a smile on his face.
It occurred to him that he wanted to change his own will. The way it stood, there were several people who would be well taken care of when he passed. And now, he wanted to make sure that Shelley would be his main beneficiary.
He shuddered. He’d only just found her. He wanted to focus on spending his life with her—not on what would happen if he left her prematurely. Just because he didn’t want to get married, it didn’t mean that he saw her as anything less than his partner in life.
His smile returned when he remembered meeting Ace and Deacon in town the day Deacon bought Candy’s engagement ring. He’d been happy to go with them, and even happier when their trips to the jewelers had become a tradition—when Ace met Ari, and Travis met Retta, but he hadn’t even imagined that he might one day be the one who was shopping. Now, he couldn’t wait.
And it hit him that although he hadn’t been able to explain to Cash exactly what it was about Shelley that made him fall so hard, he could see now that at least in part, it was because her independence allowed him to be himself. It was like she said; it took finding the right person. And now, they’d found each other.
He checked his watch, feeling a little guilty—he needed to get started on his rounds, and Dawn would be waiting to update him.
That didn’t stop him from sending Shelley a quick text first.
Just as he set his phone down, it beeped, and he picked it up with a smile. Instead of the reply he’d expected from Shelley, it was Cash again.
Cash: Forgot to ask—will you do me a favor and see if Brody will rope Ford into going to Chico with everyone? Blane’s birthday might be enough to bring him out, but I want to cover every angle. I reckon a beer with his buddy might be more of a draw than a night with the whole clan would be.
Trip typed out a reply with a puzzled smile on his face.
Trip: Sure. You going to tell me what you’re up to?
Cash: I’m bringing Amelia!
Trip: And you say you’re not getting all sentimental these days? I’ll put Brody on the case. Should I tell him why or would you rather it’s a secret?
Cash: You can tell him about Amelia—just don’t tell him that I was the one who asked.
Trip: Ok.
As he walked down the hallway to the nurses’ station to find Dawn, he couldn’t help thinking that Cash was like Harper in a way. They both wore a bright smile as a mask and did what they could to make others happy. All while trying to make sure no one saw just how hard they worked behind the scenes to make sure the people they loved were taken care of.
~ ~ ~
As Shelley and Brooke sat down at a corner booth in the café, Shelley couldn't help thinking that it seemed every single person in the place knew Brooke. Some smiled and waved. Some called out a hello.
Everyone seemed pleased to see her, and the more time Shelley spent with her, the easier it was to understand why people liked her so much. She was friendly and outgoing, very down-to-earth and practical.
And she was more than just a breath of fresh air — Shelley was coming to think of her as more of a ray of sunshine who brightened people’s day wherever she went.
Brooke picked up her soda and took a long drink before setting it down again with a big smile on her face.
“Thank you so much. You didn’t need to buy my lunch, but I’m so grateful you did.” She nodded at her drink. “I only ever get water.” She dropped her gaze. “I’m not broke or anything, I promise. I just like to prioritize where my money goes. And for now, it’s all going into my savings. I know it’s only a couple of bucks for a soda — but if you add that up over the course of a month, and then over the course of a year, it makes a difference.”
A hint of pink touched her cheeks as she added, “But since you insisted, I’m going to savor every last drop of that.”
“You’re most welcome,” said Shelley. Even as she spoke, she made a mental note to herself — she was going to start stocking the fridge in the break room at the clinic with soda and snacks. Maybe she’d even start sending sandwiches with Trip in the mornings. The young woman in front of her deserved all the help she could get.
She took her phone out of her purse when it beeped with a text. “Sorry. I just need to…”
“No problem,” said Brooke. “I’ll check mine, too.”
A rush of warmth filled Shelley’s chest when she saw the text.
Trip: Three little words.
She tapped out a reply.
Shelley: Same three words back at ya, Jack.
When she looked up, Brooke was watching her with a smile on her face. “That was Trip, wasn’t it?” she asked.
Shelley laughed. “Was it that obvious?”
Brooke’s eyes grew wide, and she covered her mouth with her hand before speaking between her fingers. “Oh my gosh. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…”
“You’re fine,” Shelley reassured her. “Honestly, I don’t mind.”
“Sorry. It’s just so awesome to see the way you two are together. Trip’s such a good guy, and I’m so glad he found you.”
She sat up a little straighter and inhaled sharply before continuing, “But anyway. I know that’s none of my business. So, moving on. How long do you think it’ll be before I’m okay to take over for you? I’m not trying to get rid of you or anything — I’d love if we could work there together. But I know that’s not realistic.” Brooke shrugged. “Just saying that I enjoy your company. But you’re going to work for Jim, aren’t you?”
“I am,” said Shelley. “For the time being. I think we’ll be fine working the way we did this morning. I can get all the paperwork I need to do done while I’m sitting there with you. But honestly? I don’t think it’ll be long at all before you don’t need me.”
Brooke glanced across the café, and Shelley didn’t know who she’d spotted — but it seemed it was someone she didn’t like much.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
Brooke turned back to her. “Yeah, sorry. I’m fine. It’s just... have you ever met Jim’s nephew, Gavin?” She jerked her chin toward a man who was sitting on the other side of the café.
Even without knowing him, Shelley took a dislike to him on sight.
He wore a suit and shiny shoes. His graying hair was receding, and he was a little paunchy. Trip had said that Gavin had gone to school with him and the other guys, but if she didn’t know that, she would have guessed he was at least ten years older than Trip.
“He’s not a nice man,” Brooke said quietly — and Shelley realized that was the first time she’d heard the girl say a bad word against anyone.
“I know it’s none of my business, but you should know just how bad he is. If he thinks he stands a chance of getting his hands on Jim’s money, he’ll do whatever he can.” Brooke frowned. “And if he thinks that you might be the one responsible for making sure he doesn’t get his hands on Jim’s money, then you need to watch your back.”
She nodded to herself. “And I’m going to tell Trip exactly that. He needs to look out for you.”
“I can look out for myself,” said Shelley.
“I know. I’m not calling you a helpless little woman or anything — believe me, I’m the last person who’d say something like that. Or even think that way. But Gavin…” She glanced over at him. “He’s bad news. I’m telling you.”
Shelley looked over at him again, but her attention was diverted when the front door to the café opened and Harper breezed in.
She smiled when she spotted them and came over to join them.
“Hey, ladies. Mind if I eat with you? I stopped by the clinic, but when I saw your cars were gone, I thought I might find you here.”
Shelley gestured for her to sit, and Brooke tensed. That surprised Shelley. From what she’d seen, Brooke and Harper got along well already.
It turned out that Harper wasn’t the reason for Brooke’s discomfort.
A moment later, Gavin stood over their table. He made a gesture as if tipping his hat toward them — a gesture Shelley had grown used to around here. But it was strange coming from Gavin, since he wasn’t wearing a hat.
“Good afternoon, ladies.” He glanced around the café like he was taking inventory, then tugged down the front of his suit jacket with both hands — the kind of move that screamed entitlement more than charm. “I thought I should introduce myself. I’m Gavin Sheridan.”
Shelley nodded, and Harper narrowed her eyes.
Gavin continued as if he hadn’t noticed the frosty reception.
“You’re the new lawyer, if I’m not mistaken? You’re here to assist my uncle?” He turned to Harper. “And you’re the woman who’s staying in his cottage.”
Shelley nodded slightly — and Gavin laughed. “It’s all right. I know what’s going on, and I appreciate you helping him out.”
“And what exactly do you think is going on?” Brooke asked.
Gavin looked irritated but didn’t even turn in her direction as he continued addressing Shelley and Harper.
“I don’t think it’s any secret that the old coot is losing his marbles, is it?”
Shelley bristled at that, and Harper looked fit to explode — but again, neither of them spoke. Harper had a temper, but she tended to be strategic rather than explosive.
Gavin shrugged, as if he were stating the obvious. “It’s only to be expected at his age. I shouldn’t have stayed away so long. I should have come home to take care of him before now.” He gave them a conspiratorial smile. “From what I hear, he’s even driving around the valley trying to deliver eggs — as if he’s reverted to his days as a young man.”
Shelley had no idea if perhaps Jim had had a job delivering eggs when he was a youngster, but whatever Gavin was inferring — she wasn’t buying into it.
Her blood ran cold when Gavin smiled at her again.
“I think we both know that he’s not mentally competent at this stage. And I’m sure I’ll be talking to you soon about how we handle things going forward.”
Shelley didn’t trust herself to speak. She glanced at Harper and could see the fury burning in her eyes. Fortunately, Harper chose not to say a word either.
Brooke’s eyes were wide as her gaze darted between Shelley and Harper before looking up at Gavin again and saying, “I’m sure you’ll be hearing from us.”
The look of contempt he gave Brooke was almost enough to blow the lid on Shelley’s restraint, but Brooke smiled sweetly and said, “Is that all you wanted, Gavin? We’re trying to have lunch here.”
Shelley blinked, surprised by the quiet steel in Brooke’s tone. Maybe she didn’t need looking out for as much as Shelley thought.
Gavin scowled at her before turning back to Shelley. “I’ll be seeing you.” With that, he turned on his heel and left.
Harper looked as though she was ready to tear him apart with her bare hands.
Shelley exhaled slowly. “Well done, Harps,” she said.
Harper literally growled. “Thank you. I’m actually quite proud of myself. But believe me, Shelley-bells, that man is trouble, and I’m not going to let him get away with a damn thing.”
Brooke let out a short laugh. “I was waiting for one of you to say something, but I think your silence spoke louder than words could have. Has anyone ever told you that you ladies can be scary?”
They exchanged a smile, and Harper nodded. “Maybe a time or two, yeah.”
They all looked up again when a shadow fell over the table.
Shelley relaxed when she saw it wasn’t Gavin again. This time it was Laney, and she was smiling — although her smile faded when she saw their faces.
“What the hell’s going on? Who pissed you guys off — and should I warn them that they’re in danger?”
“Gavin Sheridan,” said Brooke.
Laney scowled. “Shit. Right. I get it. What did he want?”
“I believe he’s trying to lay the groundwork before making a case that Jim isn’t mentally competent,” Shelley said.
Laney barked out a laugh. “Jim’s probably still one of the sharpest men in this valley. There’s no way…” She met Shelley’s gaze. “There’s no way, legally, that he could do that. Is there?”
“No,” said Shelley firmly. “There’s no way I’ll let him. What worries me is that he’s going to try.”
“Let him,” said Harper, who was still visibly fuming.
Laney met her gaze and said, “I knew I liked you.”
Harper nodded curtly. “Likewise. And if it comes down to it, I’ll be calling on you for help, cowgirl. That okay with you?”
“You can bet your ass it is,” said Laney. “Is there anything we can do right now?”
Shelley shook her head slowly. “I don’t think so. I think it’s going to be a waiting game. We need for him to make a move — and then we’ll know how to counter. If we start preemptively trying to prove anything, it may look as though Jim has something to hide.”
“Okay,” said Laney. “But you probably need to understand that the law and the courts don’t work the same way as you’re used to out here. Who you know plays a part — and everyone knows and loves Jim. Gavin never understood that. I don’t think he’ll be anything near as big of a problem as he’d like to be. Not legally, anyway. But that doesn’t mean he won’t cause trouble.”
“Thanks,” said Shelley.
“So, since we can’t do anything about him right now,” said Laney, “I just wanted to check in with you and see if you’re coming to Chico this weekend.” She turned to Brooke as she added, “For Blane’s birthday.”
Brooke looked shocked. “He’s coming home for it?”
“Shit,” said Laney. “Did I spoil the surprise? He is. Although, to be fair, he may not know himself yet. Apparently, it was Cash’s decision.”
All three of them laughed at that. Shelley didn’t know Cash all that well yet, but she knew him well enough to be able to see that Laney was probably right.
She turned to Brooke with a smile. “That’ll be lovely. And since you won’t have a shift at the gas station, you’ll be able to go, won’t you?”
Brooke nodded happily. “I will. I’m going to have to get used to this. My immediate thought was that I hope I’ll be able to see him — it didn’t even occur to me that I’d be able to go out with everyone.”
Shelley thought about the soda Brooke had savored like it was a luxury. Yeah—between her, Trip, and Harper, they could make sure the girl never had to pull her wallet out again.
Laney pushed Brooke’s shoulder. “Does this mean I can start harassing you again about coming to hang out with me? I only gave up because you were getting so stressed about not having the time. But if you’re only going to be working one job, you can start coming over to our place—ride with me, or just…” She laughed. “I don’t really know what people do if they’re not riding or working, but I reckon we can figure it out.”
Shelley and Harper exchanged a smile when Brooke said, “I have no clue what other people do, but I know I can help with the horses.”
“Awesome,” said Laney. “I’ve been threatening to teach these two to ride, but they haven’t made the time to come over to see me yet.”
Brooke grinned. “You have to do it,” she told them.
“We will,” Shelley agreed.
“Maybe we should come to your place,” said Laney.
It took Shelley a moment to realise that Laney was speaking to her—and that she meant Trip’s place.
“Oh, I …”
“You know damn well that Trip won’t mind. And besides, if we all come over there, Br—
Brooke scowled at her as she cut her off. “I think we should start out at your place. You’ve been saying for ages that I should come over, and now I can.”
Shelley decided that she’d have to ask Laney later why Brooke wouldn’t want to come over to Trip’s ranch to ride. Although, judging by the color of her cheeks, she was guessing that it might have something to do with Brody.