Reunited in the Rockies Read online

  She slammed the door and returned to the shop, where she checked every surface.

  “You didn’t find it?”

  “No.” Panic flitted through her. Without that last bracket, they couldn’t finish the arbor.

  Jude picked up the bag and reached inside. “According to the receipt, we only bought three brackets.”

  “What?” She moved beside him, grabbed the strip of paper and stared at it. “How could I be so stupid?” She growled. “I can’t believe I did that.”

  “Why are you being so hard on yourself?” Brow puckered, he looked at her as if she was crazy. “It’s not that big a deal. You can just pick up another one tomorrow.”

  “But we won’t be able to finish it tonight. We’re giving it to them in three days.”

  “Which means we still have time to pick up the bracket. And I’ll have time to do the carving.”

  Turning, she rubbed her arms. “I shouldn’t have forgotten it.”

  He stepped in front of her. Arms crossed, he looked down at her, making her wince.

  “You know, you used to be so confident. What happened? Last night you kept second-guessing yourself, and now you’re blowing this one little thing totally out of proportion. Why?”

  Because the last two years of her life were spent with someone who didn’t hesitate to point out her shortcomings.

  She dared a look into Jude’s dark eyes. Yet instead of censure, all she saw was confusion and compassion. Along with an honest desire to know what had changed. But she couldn’t give him that.

  “You’re right.” She took a deep breath. “Once again, I’m stressing about the wedding. Or at least, getting this done in time.”

  “Well, stop it. Stress isn’t good for you or the baby.” He started to turn, then grinned her way. “Yeah, I just told you what to do. Deal with it.”

  A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. As dangerous as it might be, she kind of appreciated his concern. Not that she was about to tell him that.

  “I’ll try to overlook it.”

  “That’s good, because we’ve got work to do.” He pulled out his phone. “That reminds me, what’s your number?”

  Why did he want her number? Her curiosity didn’t stop her from rattling it off, though.

  Next thing she knew, her own phone was vibrating. She pulled it from her back pocket and looked at the screen.

  “That’s just me.” He tucked his device into his pocket. “Now you have my number. In case you think of anything else concerning the arbor.”

  “Good idea.” Not that she had any plans to call him. About the arbor or anything else.

  * * *

  Between work and helping Kayla with the arbor, Jude was getting behind on his orders. So, as he waited for her to arrive Thursday evening, he was determined to get as many packaged and ready to go out tomorrow as he possibly could.

  After taping and labeling one box, he grabbed another, along with an order, and moved to his turned baluster inventory. Since Carly had planned a girls’ night out for Lily, Lacie and Kayla last night, it gave him the opportunity to knock out the carving on the arbor, add the extra bracket Kayla had dropped off to finish the assembly and then tackle some other wood projects he had hanging over his head. He did his best to have a two-to five-day turnaround on all internet orders. But considering that most of what he sold online was stock items, he often got them out even faster.

  Builder orders, though, were usually on a much larger scale and involved a specific delivery date. And the one he was currently working on for a contractor in Telluride was his largest yet. Fortunately, the delivery date was still a few weeks out, and he was ahead of schedule. Still, this week had really slowed him down.

  He closed the now-filled box, glancing at the tarp-covered arbor tucked discreetly into one corner of the shop. He couldn’t wait to see Kayla’s reaction. When he’d awoken yesterday morning, an idea for the inscription had been impressed on his heart so deeply it couldn’t be ignored. Of course, he wasn’t about to proceed without Kayla’s approval, so he’d texted her his thoughts and gotten the okay.

  Working with her on this project had been an eye-opening experience. Initially, he’d viewed her as the same girl he’d known seven years ago. But after spending time with her, he’d seen how much she’d changed—and not necessarily for the better.

  How did Kayla go from being confident and carefree to uncertain and troubled? Had her husband’s death left her feeling insecure? She was pregnant and alone, after all. That would be a scary scenario for anyone.

  Whatever the case, he longed to help her regain her confidence. How he would do that, though, he didn’t have a clue. But he supposed he could start by simply being her friend.

  After printing another label, he affixed it to the box as the door opened. He looked up, expecting to see Kayla, but it was his father ambling toward him.

  “You busy?”

  “Just packaging some orders.” Jude tapped the box, purposely keeping the fact that he was waiting on Kayla to himself. Dad would only want to know why she was coming, and Jude had promised to keep the arbor a secret.

  The old man stood at the opposite side of the table, his beige felt cowboy hat tipped back to reveal his thick salt-and-pepper hair. “You’ve been spending a lot of time in here.”

  Jude added the box to his stack on the floor. “Can’t let my customers down.”

  “How many customers are we talking about?” Dad looked curious.

  Jude wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to impress upon his father that his woodworking wasn’t just a hobby. That it was a successful business, leaving Jude little time to worry about cattle. “A dozen just this week. And a builder out of Telluride wants some corbels and moldings, along with window and door casings.” He motioned toward the work-in-progress behind him.

  His father eyed the stack of cove moldings next to Jude’s table saw. “Must be a big house.”

  “Several houses, actually.” Moving to the pile, Jude motioned for his old man to follow. “And he’s looking to do even more.” He picked up a length. “I’m kind of stoked about this particular design. It’s a little out of the ordinary, but it really shows off the beauty of this walnut.” He smoothed his hand across the surface.

  Dad did the same. “You do some mighty fine work, all right.”

  “Thank you.” Maybe the old man was finally getting it.

  Shoving his hands into the pockets of his worn Wranglers, his father moved away. “We’re going to need to work cattle soon. Winter could arrive anytime, and I want to make sure we’re ready. How does next week look for you?”

  Disappointment flooded Jude’s veins. “I don’t know. I’m kind of behind.”

  His father looked at him, his gaze narrowing. “Have you thought any more about our discussion last week?”

  Jude’s jaw muscles clenched. He’d thought about it, all right. Mostly about how to tell the old man he wanted no part of cattle ranching. He longed for his father’s approval. But was it worth it if it meant giving up his dream?

  “Between work, the wedding and helping Noah with the rodeo school, I’ve been pretty busy.” Since the school’s grand opening in September, they’d all pitched in to help ensure its success.

  “Yeah, I reckon this past month has been a little topsy-turvy for all of us.”

  Cool air filtered into the metal building just then, and he and his dad both turned to find Kayla closing the door behind her.

  “Hello, Clint.” She continued toward them, looking prettier than someone in work clothes had a right to.

  “Kayla.” Dad grinned, tipping his hat. “What are you two working on tonight?”

  And there it was. That gleam in Dad’s eye. The one Jude had seen for the past couple of months as the old man played matchmaker for Noah and Lily. And though he may have been successful with them, Jude
and Kayla were a different story. So his father might as well take his crazy notions and move on down the road.

  Without missing a beat, Kayla said, “Oh, we’re simply comparing notes for Saturday. Making sure we’re on the same page as far as keeping the bride and groom from seeing each other before the ceremony.”

  “That’s right.” Dad chuckled. “With both of them living here at the ranch, that could be challenging.”

  “Yes, especially when I know Lily is going to want to be here when the crew is setting up and decorating that tent.”

  “Well, let me know if you need any help keeping ol’ Noah out of the way. I ought to be able to come up with something.”

  Jude eyed the man. “If we could just keep him confined to the stables, that’d help.”

  With a smile, the old man nodded. “I’ll see what I can do.” His dark gaze shifted from Kayla to Jude and back. “In the meantime, I’d best leave you two alone to conspire.” He started for the door.

  Kayla watched him leave. “Good to see you again, Clint.”

  “Likewise, young lady.” He halted his retreat. “I hear you’re going to be staying in Ouray.”

  She glanced at Jude before responding. “That is correct.”

  “Well, don’t you be a stranger then. You’re welcome at the ranch anytime.”

  Hoping to hurry the man along, Jude said, “Good night, Dad.”

  “Night, son.” He waved on his way out the door.

  When the door finally closed, Jude and Kayla busted out laughing.

  “He hasn’t changed a bit, has he?” said Kayla.

  “A little more cantankerous, maybe, but other than that...” He smiled at the woman who stood a good seven or eight inches shorter than his six-feet-two-inches. “Thank you, by the way.”

  “For what?”

  “Saving me.”

  “What did I save you from?”

  “My father.” Turning, he eased toward the door and locked it.

  “Oh?” The lilt of her voice said she was curious.

  He moved toward the corner, pausing beside the arbor. “You’ll be happy to know that the arbor is complete, including the carving. All you have to do is add the lights and anything else you want.”

  For a moment, her gaze narrowed on him, as though she was annoyed with the change in subject.

  So, he waited until she said, “Are you going to let me see it or not?”

  He carefully tugged off the tarp, surprised by the anxiety that had suddenly taken hold of him. What if she didn’t like it?

  Tossing the tarp aside, he sucked in a breath and waited.

  Tears filled her eyes as she read the engraved words. Unfortunately, he was too ignorant to know if they were sad or happy tears. He could only pray—

  “It’s beautiful, Jude.”

  Air audibly whooshed from his lungs. “You mean, you like the inscription?”

  “Yes. It’s absolutely perfect.” Standing on tiptoes, she fingered the words. “‘And the two shall become one.’”

  “I thought it was appropriate. Both for the wedding and as an ongoing reminder as they begin their new life together.”

  “I’m just annoyed that I didn’t think of that myself.”

  Standing back, he admired the final product. “Your design, my carving. I think we’re looking at the epitome of teamwork.”

  “We always did work well together.”

  “Yeah, we did.” Until it came to their most important collaboration of all. In his mind, she’d given up and walked away, leaving him with a broken heart and broken dreams. And though he knew differently now, that was still one unfinished project he didn’t want to delve into ever again.

  Chapter Seven

  Kayla was going to be late. A matron of honor was not supposed to be late for her best friend’s rehearsal dinner.

  Nonetheless, she stood there staring into her closet at the bed-and-breakfast. Seemed her miniscule selection of “nice” clothes was dwindling by the day.

  That’s because you keep getting bigger.

  Her hand automatically went to her belly. “Sweet thing, you sure are putting a crimp in my style.” Not that she had any style. No, that was Lily’s forte. Still, she wasn’t about to wear overalls to her best friend’s wedding rehearsal. There had to be something.

  Shoving the hangers left and right, she grabbed the only pair of skinny jeans that still fit. At least they had last Saturday. Today was anybody’s guess. She huffed out a breath. Whether she liked it or not, it was time to buy some real maternity clothes.

  After deciding on a turquoise bohemian-style tunic, she set to work again, tossing her previous selection into a pile with outfits one and two before donning her fourth, and final, choice.

  She could hardly wait to see Lily’s face when they presented the arbor to her and Noah. Though she really should have thought things through a little better before she agreed to let Jude help her.

  Where would you have built it then? Carly’s backyard?

  Okay, so having his help was logical. Still, she hadn’t considered just how much time it would involve spending with him. Or the fond memories their collaboration would stir. Throw in her indecision and virtual meltdown...

  She supposed it was worth it, though. The whole thing had turned out better than she’d imagined, thanks in large part to Jude’s inscription. Because of that one thing, their gift was every bit as unique and personal as Kayla had hoped.

  Besides, the wedding was almost over. After that, there would be no need for her to see Jude. Sure, they’d probably run into each other now and then in town, but it would be months before he’d be needed at the hotel.

  A knock sounded at the door as she checked her reflection in the cheval mirror.

  “Kayla, it’s Carly.”

  She hurried to the door and swung it open. “Hey.”

  “We’re heading out to the ranch now and wanted to see if you needed a ride.”

  “Aw, thank you. But I’m staying with Lily tonight.”

  “Oh, that’s right.” Carly waved a hand, her gray-blue eyes traversing Kayla’s attire. “Cute outfit, by the way.”

  Kayla looked down, a hint of relief washing over her. “You think so?”

  “I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t.”

  She let go a sigh. “Good, because it’s the only thing that fits.”

  The cute blonde chuckled. “Don’t I know it.” She paused for a moment, her brow puckering. “Wait. I’ve got all kinds of maternity clothes I don’t need anymore. I’d be happy to give them to you.”

  “That’s funny because I was just telling myself it was time to go shopping for some.”

  “Nonsense. I’ll haul them out this weekend, and you can go through them at your leisure.”

  “Oh, that would be wonderful.” She stepped forward to give her hostess a hug. “Thank you.”

  Somewhere outside a horn honked, and Carly jumped. “Oops, they’re waiting on me.” She started down the stairs.

  “I’ll be right behind you,” Kayla hollered after her.

  Back in her room, she quickly put on her boots and ran a brush through her hair before tossing it into her overnight bag. After one final check to make sure she had everything, she was out the door.

  A few moments later, she tossed her bag into the cab of her truck and hopped inside. Jamming the key in the ignition, she gave it a turn. But instead of turning over, the engine groaned in protest.

  She tried again, only to get the same results. Except the groan was more like a pathetic whine.

  “Oh, no, no, no, no, no.”

  Again, she tried, willing the thing to start. But it refused.

  She popped the hood and hopped out. The sun had already dipped below the town’s western slope, leaving only shadows in its wake, so she had to use the flashlight
on her phone. She checked the connections on the battery and tried one more time.

  Still nothing.

  Now she was really going to be late.

  She dialed Lily, but the call went straight to voice mail.

  Looking up and down the street, she contemplated asking somebody to give her a jump. But who? There was no one around, and she didn’t relish the idea of knocking on a stranger’s door. Too bad Carly didn’t have any other guests.

  She tried Lily again. Nothing.

  Peering down at the numbers on her screen, she couldn’t help noticing the missed call from Jude Tuesday night. He was the last person she wanted to call. Aside from all of the other reasons, he’d already come to her rescue twice. First with her tire and then again at the hotel when she screamed.

  No, she definitely did not want to call him.

  This is a rehearsal dinner, you know. As in, you’re supposed to be there.

  She whimpered. “Why, God?”

  Reluctantly, she tapped a finger to Jude’s name and set the phone to her ear. Maybe he wouldn’t answer.

  “Kayla?”

  Her shoulders slumped. “I have a problem.”

  “No kidding. You’re supposed to be here.”

  “I’m aware of that, but my truck won’t start and Andrew and Carly already left.”

  “They’re pulling up the drive as we speak.”

  Was he trying to make her feel worse?

  She heard noises on his end of the line. Shuffling noises, then a thud. “Could you please send someone to give me a jump?”

  “No, because I’m already on my way.”

  “You’re—”

  “And at this point, there’s no time for a jump, so I’ll just have to bring you out here. We’ll worry about your truck later.”

  Well, that was just peachy.

  She waited on the front porch of Granger House Inn until she saw Jude’s truck round the corner. He’d barely come to a stop before she opened the door and threw herself and her overnight bag inside.