Читать книгу Reunited In The Rockies - Mindy Obenhaus - Страница 17

What had she done?

From the passenger seat of Lily’s luxury SUV, Kayla studied the mesas in the distance as they approached Grand Junction. Why had she let Jude get to her like that?

She straightened. Because after Shane’s death, she’d promised herself that she would always stand her ground and never again allow herself to be intimidated by another person. But instead of behaving rationally, she’d dug her heels in and made a snap decision before she’d even finished looking at the building.

A decision she was now second-guessing. Renovating the Congress Hotel would be a major undertaking for even the most experienced contractor, let alone a pregnant widow plagued with self-doubt. Never mind the fact that she’d be having a baby in four months, followed by weeks of recovery. Between now and then, there would be permits to obtain, crews to hire, furniture would need to be removed...and that was all before a hammer could be swung. Throw in Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s to slow things down, and they’d have barely begun by the time the baby arrived. How would she oversee things then?

Yet, in the nearly two hours since she and Lily had left Ouray, all they’d talked about was the wedding, a pleasure Kayla had been looking forward to for weeks. But the subject of the hotel was one she could no longer avoid. Not after opening her big mouth in front of Jude.

Kayla studied the woman in the driver’s seat, the one who’d offered her the opportunity of a lifetime. Lily had way too much faith in her. What if Kayla did something wrong? Cost her friend even more money? Or worse, let Lily down?

The vehicle slowed, and Kayla eyed the city limit sign. And to think, she used to be so bold. Approaching life and all it offered with such confidence. But thanks to her bad choices, that girl no longer existed.

She cleared her throat. “So...about the hotel project.”

Lily glanced her way, her expectant smile instantaneous. “Have you made a decision?”

“Um...have you thought this through, Lily? Like I said, it may be a month or more before anyone could even get started. By then we’ll be rolling into the holidays, and shortly after that the baby will be here.”

“Something I can hardly wait for.” Her green eyes fixed on the road ahead, Lily beamed like a proud aunt. And while they weren’t related by blood, Lily was the closest thing Kayla’s child would have to an aunt.

“You realize this baby’s arrival is likely to keep me away from the job site for several weeks while I recover, right? I mean, I might be able to pop in occasionally, but that’s it.”

Lily eased onto a side street, her brow furrowing. “You don’t want to do it, do you?”

“It’s not that I don’t want to. Any other time I’d kill for a job like this. I’d be working for you. Best boss ever. But I don’t want to disappoint you.”

Lily reached for Kayla’s hand. “Sweetie, I considered everything you mentioned before I asked you to be my contractor. It’s not like I have a deadline for this project. I just want to see the hotel brought back to life, because right now it’s a sad piece of Ouray’s history that’s slowly going away.”

Kayla couldn’t argue with that. Back when she and Jude used to walk the town, studying the older buildings, he’d told her that the Congress Hotel had been an integral part of Ouray. Built in the early 1890s, it survived the depression years of the silver crisis that struck in 1893, thrived during the Gold Rush later in the decade and carried Ouray into the twentieth century. Kayla didn’t want to see it vanish either. Not when it still had so much potential.

Lily pulled into a small parking lot, and Kayla glanced at the brick building in front of them as they came to a stop. Discussion of the hotel would have to wait. This appointment was about Lily and her special day.

“I can’t wait to see your dress.”

“Mine?” Her friend killed the engine. “You haven’t even seen yours yet.”

“No.” Kayla had simply sent her measurements. “But I trust your judgment.”

Lily reached for her door, then paused, looking at Kayla over her shoulder. “Just like I trust yours.”

While Kayla knew what her friend was saying, there was a lot of difference between a historic building and a bridesmaid dress.

Outside the vehicle, the sun touched her skin, warming her as the two made their way inside the shop. The owner, a well-dressed silver-haired woman Kayla guessed to be in her sixties, promptly greeted them.

“Lily, I’m so glad to see you again.” The woman enveloped Lily in a brief hug.

“Monique, this is Kayla, my matron of honor.”

Smiling, Monique clasped her hands against her ample chest. “Kayla, you are even more beautiful than Lily said you were.” Her gaze lowered. “And that little girl growing inside of you will be just as lovely as her mother.”

Kayla laid a hand atop her belly. “Oh, I don’t know what I’m having.”

The woman gasped, touching the tips of her fingers to her mouth. “I’m sorry, I’ve given it away.” She winked at Lily then, wagging a finger. “But I am never wrong.” With that, she turned and sashayed toward the U-shaped counter in the center of the space.

Kayla and Lily exchanged a look before Lily shrugged and followed Monique.

“Would either of you care for a snack before we get started?” Monique held out a silver tray adorned with hors d’oeuvres and miniature cupcakes.

Considering it was almost two and Kayla hadn’t had anything since breakfast, she helped herself to a finger sandwich while Lily went for a cupcake.

“If you ladies will excuse me for one moment.” Monique set the tray on the counter before disappearing into a back room.

Nibbling on her chicken salad sandwich, Kayla took in the array of dresses on display in the upscale shop. Princess gowns, strapless gowns, mermaid and sheath dresses. Some were covered in lace while others sparkled with jewels. Good thing she’d ditched her overalls for a pair of black yoga pants and a short-sleeved tunic top. Not exactly the height of fashion, but at least she didn’t look like a construction worker.

Sandwich devoured, she returned for a cupcake. She recalled the joy of choosing the perfect dress for her wedding. If only the memories of her marriage were as pleasurable. Shortly after Shane’s death, she’d opted to donate her gown to Goodwill, praying it might serve as a sweet remembrance for the next person who wore it.

“Come look at this, Kayla.”

She joined Lily in a far corner of the shop where numerous wedding photos adorned a brick wall.

“I love the rustic arbor in this photo.” Lily pointed.

“That is pretty.” Kayla eyed the simple squared arch made of cedar. “Is that what you’re planning to have?”

“No.” Her friend faced her. “All the planner had to offer was one that was painted white. I wanted something with character. You know, that has that rustic feel.”

Kayla nodded at the photograph. “Well, that would definitely do the trick.” And if they were back in Denver, she could easily create one just like it. But without her power tools or a place to do it...

“Oh, well.” Her friend shrugged. “There’s not much I can do about it now.” She inched closer, a twinkle in her green eyes. “So, I guess you’re having a girl.”

Kayla scanned the area to make sure Monique was no where in sight. “You don’t really believe her, do you?”

“She says she’s never wrong.”

“There’s a first time for everything.”

“True. But a little girl would be so much fun. Just think of all the cute—”

“Ladies, I have your dresses ready.” Monique waved them toward the dressing rooms.

Kayla waited as Lily slipped into her dress, helped her with the zipper, then stared at her friend. The simple ivory cap-sleeved satin sheath dress was as elegant and understated as the woman wearing it. “Lily, it’s perfect.”

“You think so?” She glanced at her profile in the mirror, smoothing a hand over the nipped waist.

“It’s sophisticated and classic. Just like you.”

“Not too much for a rustic wedding?”

“Never.”

Lily grinned. “Your turn.”

“Okay.” Kayla hurried into the next room to don her dress.

A few minutes later, Kayla joined her friend at the mirrors in the main part of the store, feeling somewhat uneasy. Though the long flowing dress with a fitted bodice and off-the-shoulder sleeves exceeded her expectations for a maternity gown, it was a far cry from the jeans and T-shirts she was used to wearing.

A grinning Lily tugged her in front of the mirror. “You look absolutely stunning.”

Kayla wasn’t sure about that. “It’s been a long time since I’ve worn something so feminine.”

“Do you like it?”

She pondered her reflection a moment. “It is flattering.” It even camouflaged her baby bump. “And I love the color.”

“Me, too.” Lily peered at the shop’s owner. “Monique and I agreed that plum was the perfect shade for you.”

The older woman set to work then, scrutinizing the fit of each of their dresses, making certain they were just so.

Once they’d changed back into their regular clothes, Lily and Kayla grabbed their dresses, said their goodbyes and climbed into Lily’s vehicle for the drive back to Ouray.

“I have a confession to make.” Kayla eyed her friend as they began to pull out of the parking lot.

“Uh-oh.” Lily put on the brakes. “You hate the dress, don’t you?”

“No, not at all. There’s just something I haven’t told you.”

Still skeptical, her friend continued down the road. “And that would be...?”

“I kinda already told Jude I was going to accept your job offer.”

Knuckles white around the steering wheel, Lily said, “What do you mean, you kind of told him?”

“I got mad when he started trying to tell me what to do.”

Stopping at the corner, Lily looked right then left before making her turn. “Telling you what to do? Like what?”

“When I was at the hotel this morning, something startled me, and I screamed. Jude came rushing to my rescue, then suggested I go put my feet up so the baby wouldn’t be stressed.”

Lily laughed then.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Because I can totally hear Jude saying that. And Noah and Clint... That’s the Stephens men for you. Gentlemen to the core, thanks to their mother. Or so I’ve been told.”

“Yeah, well, it gets annoying.”

Lily reached across the console to lay a hand on her arm. “Kayla, Jude’s not Shane. He wouldn’t try to make you do anything you didn’t want to do.” She glanced her way. “But then, I think you already know that.”

Somewhere deep inside, she did. Recent history had her on high alert, though. “I not only refused to put my feet up, I told him I was going to turn the hotel into the greatest thing Ouray had ever seen.”

A slow smile split her friend’s face. “Does this mean...?”

She nodded. “If you’re certain, then I guess so.”

“Yay! Now we’ll really have something to celebrate tonight.”

“What’s tonight?”

“We’re all having dinner at the ranch. Didn’t I tell you?”

“No...” She would have remembered that. And then tried to come up with a way to bow out so she wouldn’t have to face Jude again today.

“Hmm. Guess I only thought I told you. The whole family is getting together for dinner tonight, and you’re invited, too.”

“Sounds like fun.” Or not. Now she really wished Jude’s mother was still alive. Despite everything, she would have made Kayla feel welcome and right at home. This time, Kayla had to find her own way.

* * *

This was one family dinner Jude did not want to attend.

Not that he wasn’t used to them. But in the past year and half, they’d added what would soon be three sisters-in-law, three nieces and two nephews to their numbers. And while he mostly enjoyed family gatherings, occasionally he felt left out because he didn’t have someone to share his life with.

That feeling had amplified since Kayla’s return. And her presence at tonight’s supper would likely make things even more challenging.

She’s staying in Ouray, buddy, so you’d better get used to it.

A sweet aroma met him as he emerged from the hallway into the living room of the ranch house. “Something smells good.”

“That would be pumpkin crunch cake.” Armed with pot holders, Matt’s wife, Lacie, pulled a baking dish from the oven in the adjoining kitchen.

His other sister-in-law, Carly, cleared a spot on the counter while Dad’s girlfriend, Hillary, closed the oven door.

“Well, if it tastes as good as it smells...” He continued toward the wooden dining table where his infant nephew, Lucas, sat quietly in his seat, oblivious to all of the activity. Jude nudged a finger under the baby’s fisted hand until he took hold. “How’s it going, buddy? You keeping these ladies in line? Where’s everyone else?” he tossed over his shoulder.

“Outside.” Hillary moved beside him, smiling at Lucas.

He glanced at the woman who’d found a place in all of their hearts. “Dad manning the grill?” Hillary had given it to the old man for his birthday, and he’d been like a kid with a new toy ever since.

“Of course.” She shook her head. “I don’t know what he’s going to do once winter sets in.”

“Jude,” said Carly, “could I get you to take these baked potatoes outside for me?” She gestured to the large cast-iron pot atop the stove.

“Sure thing.” He freed himself from Lucas’s grip, grabbed the pot and made his way through the mudroom and outside onto the deck that spanned one side of the house.

Strings of patio lights illuminated the area as Lily smoothed black-and-white-checkered tablecloths over the two wooden picnic tables. His nieces Kenzie, Matt’s daughter, and Piper followed behind her, setting out mason jars full of sunflowers as centerpieces. Meanwhile, Noah ignited two patio heaters to ward off tonight’s chill.

In front of the deck, his niece Megan, Andrew’s daughter, and Lily’s son, Colton, took turns adding wood to the metal firepit as orange flames reached toward the night sky.

“All right, you two.” Andrew eyed the preteens over the railing. “That’s enough wood for now.”

Jude continued on to the far end of the deck where his father and brothers Andrew, Matt and Daniel stood near the grill, no doubt solving the world’s problems while the steaks cooked.

“Potatoes are ready.” He set the pot beside the grill as the sound of tires on gravel met his ears. That could only mean one thing. Turning, he saw Kayla’s blue truck ease to a stop near the opposite end of the deck.

Lily hurried down the wooden steps to greet her with Noah in tow.

Jude watched as Lily introduced the two. Both smiled and shook hands before Noah wrapped an arm around his intended and pulled her close.

“Guess we’d best go say hello.” Dad started across the expanse, followed by Matt and Daniel.

Andrew paused, looking at Jude. “Aren’t you coming?”

“Why?” After their run-in earlier today, she probably wasn’t that eager to see him either.

“Okay, but you’re likely to have the old man barking at you if you don’t.”

Reluctantly, he dragged himself away from the warmth of the grill as the other women spilled from the house, giddy with excitement. He watched as everyone welcomed their guest, recalling the first time he’d brought Kayla home to meet his family. Was she as nervous now as she’d been that day?

Of course, back then, his mother had quickly put her at ease.

When she finally made her way onto the deck, Jude found it difficult to breathe. She was still the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. Gone were this morning’s braid and overalls, replaced by an ultrafeminine purple sweater, skinny jeans and riding boots. And her hair. He’d always liked it when she wore it down. Dark as chocolate and smooth as silk. Even now he could remember the exotic fragrance of her shampoo and wondered if she still smelled the same.

She stopped beside him, her lips tilting upward as her dark gaze captured his. “We meet again.”

Unable to stop himself, he inhaled deep. But it was the aroma of an open fire and sizzling meat that brought him to his senses. “Guess we should get used to that.”

“If you ladies want to bring out the rest of the food.” Dad nodded at Hillary, Carly and Lacie. “The steaks are ready, so let’s eat.”

The meal had barely begun when talk of the wedding started, escalating Jude’s desire to retreat. But for the sake of Noah and Lily, he hung around and enjoyed dessert. At least until Lily decided to walk Kayla through the layout of the event that would take place at the ranch next week.

After helping clear the tables, he made his escape, certain no one had seen him. Not that the entire family wouldn’t know where to find him.

Once inside his shop, he flipped on the lights and breathed in the scent of wood. He needed to get ahold of himself. So what if Kayla was staying in Ouray? He was an easygoing guy. A cop, for crying out loud. He knew how to keep his cool. Yet twice in the last two days he’d lost it in front of her. She’d never gotten to him like that before. Why now?

Because Kayla had wounded his ego and broken his heart. One day they were talking and texting, making plans to see one another, and then nothing. She never communicated with him again. And though he called and texted until he was blue in the face, there was nothing until the recording saying her number was no longer in service.

Yet, like a fool, he’d continued to hold out hope that he’d hear from her again. The least she could have done was give him an explanation instead of leaving him to wonder.

Needing to redirect his thoughts, he moved to the packaging area of the shop to double-check an order. Then he heard the door open.

He looked up, surprised to find Kayla moving toward him.

His gaze narrowed as he rounded the worktable. “Are you lost?”

“No, I was looking for you.” Stopping in front of him, she said, “I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier today. You were only thinking of the well-being of my baby.”

Unexpected disappointment wove through him. As if she would have said that she’d made a mistake. That she’d once loved him, too, and wanted to try again. Stupid.

“No big deal. It’s not like no one’s ever gotten in my face before.”