Rancher Daddy (Family Ties Book 2) Page 15

  “I only wondered because the wind’s been strong all afternoon but her hair hasn’t moved a bit.” Luc shrugged. “Weird.”

  Why should she feel relieved that he wasn’t interested in the lovely Georgette? Holly wondered. Luc was a good man and even if he didn’t want a romantic relationship, he deserved to find happiness.

  Only not with Georgette.

  “Did you say something, Holly?” Luc asked her.

  Could he hear her thoughts? “Just that your truck looks good,” she said quickly. “Is the restoration finished?”

  “Not quite.” His grin stretched from one ear to the other. “But rest assured I’ll have it ready for the parade next month. My fingers are itching to claim that five-hundred-dollar prize.”

  “Mine, too.” When he stared at her she reminded, “For the biggest pumpkin.”

  “Oh. Right.” He grabbed one of the gingersnaps she’d brought and sampled it. “These are the best. When did you have time to bake?”

  “Last night.” She gulped and forced herself to continue. “When I still hoped maybe I’d be celebrating Leah’s arrival.”

  “Well, it was nice of you to bring them.” He popped the rest of the cookie in his mouth. “Do you think the kids had fun?”

  “They had a blast,” Holly assured them. “Hiring Sadie Smith as the clown was perfect. Her magic show gave them a break between games.” She put her hands on her hips, leaned back and studied him. “Are you sure you haven’t tried parenting before?”

  “That’s the best compliment you could give me.” Luc grinned and suddenly Holly’s heart danced light and carefree. “At least no one’s complained about the mosquitoes,” he said, slapping at one buzzing near his head.

  “They’re too busy having fun to notice the odd bug.” She plucked her T-shirt away from her body. “I am going to appreciate a cool shower after this.”

  “Not me. I’m riding up to the creek.” Luc grinned. “Want to come?”

  “Oh.” She closed her eyes and imagined that cool water covering her. “Yes, I do. I think this is the hottest day we’ve had so far this year. Swimming will be fantastic at the creek.”

  It was only when Georgette cleared her throat that Holly realized she and Luc had been staring at each other for a long time.

  “As you see, we’re getting ready to load the bus and return to town, but the children want to thank you, Luc.” Georgette linked her hand through his arm, her doe eyes fawning. “As do I. It’s been a wonderful afternoon.”

  “My pleasure.” Luc tried to ease his arm free, but Georgette wasn’t letting go, so he winked at Holly and caught her hand in his other arm. “Thank Holly also. I couldn’t have done it without her help.”

  Holly chided herself for the smug satisfaction she found in Georgette’s grimace. How could she have doubted Luc’s friendship?

  “It’s to be expected Holly would help make this afternoon a success. After all, she’s the town’s goodwill ambassador. So thank you, Holly,” the teacher said.

  It should have been a compliment but in Holly’s eyes it was just another expectation people placed on her.

  “No thanks needed, Georgette.” Holly eased away from Luc, unsettled by the reaction his touch brought. She liked Luc holding her arm a little too much. She waited until the kids had performed their goodbye song then found Henry and gave him a hug. “Did you have fun, honey?”

  “Tons,” he said between chewing the last piece of watermelon. “Only I wish I could have showed the kids my room here.”

  “Maybe next year, when you start first grade,” she said, ruffling his hair.

  “Yeah. When me an’ Luc are a family. And you’ll be here, too, Holly.” Henry grinned then gave her a sticky hug. “See ya, Holly.”

  “See you, sweetie.” She stood and waved away the busload of children while thinking about Henry’s comment. She’d be here, too, he’d said. But would she? Where did she go from here? What did God want for her?

  “It seems so quiet,” Luc said from behind her. “Not that I’m complaining. That was a whole lot of kids at one time.” He flung an arm across her shoulders and led her back to the party remains. “You’re not leaving me with the mess this time.”

  Holly marveled at the wealth of odd feelings whirring inside her. She felt light, almost carefree after such a difficult start to her day. But when Luc removed his arm, some of her pleasure evaporated. Why?

  “Do you have to work tomorrow?” Luc began clearing off the table where they’d served a snack.

  “Two whole days off. Why?” she asked.

  “Because I don’t want to come back from the creek until I’m good and cooled off.” His gaze narrowed. “I’m going to be late.”

  Holly stared at him, knowing that with Luc’s help she could get through the hovering sense of dejection waiting to engulf her. She’d keep seeking God’s will even though the cloud of guilt lingered. Luc would help her. He wouldn’t let her down.

  Holly grabbed the end of the paper tablecloth and rolled it toward him, bundling the whole thing into his arms. Luc had been there for her this morning when she thought she’d betray herself to Leah’s parents. He’d supported, encouraged and helped her all these months since her dad’s death. Maybe, just for a little while, she’d depend on him.

  “What I’m saying is that I don’t intend to rush home.” Fun danced in his dark eyes. He was so good-looking. “Any objections?”

  “Nope. No objections at all,” she said and meant it.

  “Well, glory be. Miss Holly Janzen is going to let loose in the creek,” Luc teased.

  “You know,” Holly said slowly. “I think I just might.” But only with you, Luc.

  *

  “Watch this!” Holly ordered.

  Luc was pleased to do so. She looked so lovely with the sun glossing her wet hair as she danced from rock to rock across the creek, her cutoff shorts revealing her tanned limber legs.

  “You’ll slip,” he warned then caught his breath when she did. He half rose to go rescue her but she recovered her balance, twisted her head and winked at him. “Show-off.”

  “Of course,” she said in a dry tone, flopping down beside him. “After all I was voted Buffalo Gap’s girl most likely to do everything, achieve anything and generally become a role model to emulate,” she said with a wink.

  “And you have.” Luc handed her a soda from the cooler he’d brought along. “Haven’t you?”

  “No.” She leaned back and let the sun take away the chill of the water.

  “But you’re very successful in your work.” He saw the way she shifted uncomfortably and wondered what was bothering her. “Abby told me you were offered a very nice position in Calgary’s biggest hospital this morning.”

  “Which I promptly declined.” Holly shrugged. “Not that they accepted that. They’ve given me a month to ‘think it over.’ As if I need to.”

  “There’s no upside to that job?” Luc asked.

  “Not enough. I like knowing my clients, watching the babies I deliver grow up. I like living in Buffalo Gap and I love being involved in Family Ties.” A sad look flitted across her face before she chased it away and grinned at him. “So don’t go thinking you’re going to buy Cool Springs Ranch anytime soon ’cause I’m not selling.”

  “Duly noted.” Luc nodded. “So what are your hopes and dreams for the future, if that’s not being too nosey?” He saw the way she caught her breath then tried to cover her discomposure.

  “At the moment I don’t have any.” Holly spread her arms wide. “I’m going to relax, enjoy the summer and wait for God to show me what’s next.”

  “Not a bad idea,” he said with a nod. “Anytime you want to talk, remember I’m just a call away.”

  “Thanks, Luc, but what about you? We’re always talking about me,” she said in a guilty tone. “What’s happening with you and Henry?”

  “As far as I know, everything is progressing well,” he told her. “One of these days I’m going to take him to see h
is brother.”

  “In prison?” Holly sounded surprised.

  “Yes. Henry keeps saying how much he misses Finn.” He frowned. “I want to adopt Henry but that doesn’t mean I want to exclude the only family he has.”

  “Good for you,” she praised, looking slightly stunned.

  “His parents are dead. Finn’s all the family he remembers.” Luc turned to study Holly. No matter where or when he saw her, she always looked lovely. “Want to come with us?”

  “I’d love to. Just tell me when.” She nodded then narrowed her gaze. “But you seem preoccupied with something. If not Henry then what?”

  Luc hesitated. It was one thing to try to help your buddies. It was something else entirely to share their personal problems with someone. But he trusted Holly and she had good instincts about people. Maybe she could give him some ideas of how to help his friends.

  “Luc?” She laid her hand on his, a concerned look darkening her eyes.

  “Remember I told you my friend is getting a divorce?” When she nodded, he turned his palm so his fingers could mesh with hers. “Actually it’s not only Pete, it’s three of the most devoted men I’ve known trying to work through marriage breakdowns. I’ve tried but I don’t feel like I’m helping.”

  “Maybe it’s not up to you to help,” she said after several moments’ pause.

  “But I’m the one they turned to,” he spluttered.

  “I know. You’ve been a great friend and spent hours letting them speak their hearts. You must have spent time searching for godly ways to advise them.” She smiled. “I’m guessing they’ve exhausted your suggestions?”

  Luc nodded, curious as to where this was leading.

  “What’s the next step?” Holly’s fingers tightened on his.

  “I’m out of suggestions. All I can say is keep trying, for the sake of their family.” He hated that. How could relationships as intense as his buddies’ had been just be over?

  “Maybe it’s time for them to let go.” At her words, he jerked forward. Holly held up one hand. “Don’t shoot me down yet, Luc.”

  “But what you’re saying is unacceptable,” he insisted.

  “Is it?” She squeezed the hand he still held then drew away. “Or is it the failure of their marriages that is unacceptable?”

  “I— I—” He couldn’t find the right words.

  “You’re a good man, Luc. When you make a commitment, you make it for life. That’s the way it should be,” she said. “But life doesn’t always turn out that way.”

  “You’re saying I should tell them to walk away?” He couldn’t wrap his mind around that.

  “No, I’m saying that maybe it’s time to step back and assess.” He could tell she’d given the subject some thought. “These men—their situations are sad and hurtful but unless their wives change, there’s not really any way to revive their marriages, true?”

  Luc nodded, hating to admit what was clearly true.

  “So perhaps it’s time to think about how to manage this new dynamic so they keep close to their children. Maybe it’s time to let go and wait for God to show them a new path for their lives. That’s what I’m going to do.” Holly jumped to her feet and beckoned him. “Time for another swim.”

  “You go. I’m still shivering from the last one.” Luc watched as Holly raced to the edge of the creek and then slid down into the frigid water with a choked-off scream.

  Let go and wait for God to show them a new path. Not bad advice and equally applicable to his own life.

  Luc’s heart thudded with pleasure as he watched her float down the creek, eyes closed, face tilted upward. Holly was part of his world, part of his life. A day without Holly in it was empty. The next few weeks without Leah would be rough for her, but he’d be there.

  He’d always be there for Holly. But that wasn’t love. That was pure friendship.

  Somehow Luc would need to be content with that.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Come on in, Luc. Help yourself to iced tea. I’ll finish this seam and I’ll be ready to leave.”

  At his agreement Holly started her machine and zipped down the seam, glad for the air conditioning that made the late July heat bearable. With a sigh of relief she laid the receiving blanket across her new work surface and paused a moment to admire her embroidery work.

  “I’m finished.” She glanced over one shoulder to smile at him. “Hi.”

  “You never told me why you’re always sewing baby clothes.” Luc’s gaze locked on the small pink, blue and green striped boxes stacked on top of her father’s chest. “Those can’t all be for friends’ babies.”

  “They’re not.” She swiveled in her chair to face him and decided it was truth time. “I’m running an online business, Luc. I sell baby clothes made to order. I needed a way to pay off all those things I bought to make Dad’s last days easier.”

  “But couldn’t you have sold that stuff and recouped some of the money?” He scratched his head. “Instead, you donated everything.”

  “Because somebody else might need them and not be able to pay for them.” She shrugged. “Anyway, I like sewing.”

  “You must if those are all orders you’ve filled.” Luc looked without success for a place to sit. “How come nobody in town knows?”

  “Because I’ve taken special pains to keep it quiet. I go to the next town to mail the packages. I have a mailbox there, too, just to make sure nobody finds out when I pick up the supplies I order online.” She couldn’t avoid his stare.

  “Why go to such lengths?” Luc said.

  “The truth?” She chided herself for not trusting him.

  Luc nodded, leaned against the door frame and waited.

  “After the thing with Ron, everybody in town felt sorry for me. It was horrible. Then I couldn’t have Leah. If they also knew I was making baby clothes, can you imagine what they’d say?” She shuddered. “‘Poor Holly. No marriage, no children so she consoles herself making baby clothes.’ No way do I want that.”

  “Did anyone ever tell you that you worry too much about what other people think?” Luc shook his head. “What is it with you and this hang-up about being the town’s good girl? Nobody’s watching you to see if you mess up, Holly.”

  “Aren’t they?” She cringed at the memory of the discussion she’d overheard at Maxine’s baby shower. Holly, these outfits are so cute. When are you going to have your own kids to sew for?

  “Are they?” He frowned. “I haven’t heard anything.”

  “Sure you have. Georgette hinted as much.” When he didn’t remember she repeated, “‘Holly’s the town’s goodwill ambassador.’”

  “Isn’t that a good thing?” he asked.

  Luc didn’t get it. Well, how could he? He was a relative newcomer to the area and Holly knew that to clarify would make her sound like a whiner. For reasons she couldn’t explain to herself right now, she didn’t want Luc to see her in such a negative way.

  “I’m ready to go if you are,” she said as she rose. “I gather we’re picking Henry up as we go through town. Is he excited about seeing his brother?”

  “I’m not sure.” Luc followed her out of her house, waited while she locked the door then walked beside her to his truck. “I tried to explain everything that would happen but he hasn’t said much. Hilda says he hasn’t talked to her, either. I’m thinking he probably hasn’t processed everything yet.”

  “Or maybe he’s afraid of going to the prison,” Holly suggested as they bumped down the gravel road that led to town.

  “Maybe. We’ll just have to help him through. Okay, partner?” he asked, grinning.

  “Deal.” How she liked that word, partner.

  Henry was indeed subdued when they found him sitting on the front stoop with Hilda. He told her goodbye then with Luc’s help, climbed into the truck to sit beside Holly.

  “How are you, Henry?” Holly asked, slightly worried by his solemn look.

  “Okay, I guess.” His hand slid along the seat and
curled it into hers.

  “I bet you’re excited to see Finn. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” Her worries mushroomed at his monosyllabic response. “Honey, what’s wrong? Luc and I will be there the whole time. You don’t have to be scared.”

  “What if Finn doesn’t want me to be ’dopted?” Henry finally said. “He’s my brother.”

  “It doesn’t matter what happens, Henry,” Luc said. “Finn will always be your brother. That’s never going to change. Brothers are forever.”

  “Oh.” The boy’s brow cleared immediately. His eyes began to glow with excitement. “Could Finn come to the ranch sometime and see my bedroom? And I’d show him the horses and the tire swing that you made for me and the place where I feed the cows.”

  Holly looked over his head at Luc, with a what-do-we-do expression.

  His smile charmed her, before he looked at the boy. “You know, Henry, I think you and Finn should discuss that. You could tell him that you’ll write him a letter and he can write you back and let you know if he wants to come for a visit.”

  “I’ll be in first grade soon,” Henry said thoughtfully. “I’ll be able to write really good, won’t I?” Once they’d assured him, Henry borrowed Holly’s iPod and settled down to listen to music she’d recorded for him.

  “That’s very generous of you to have Finn,” Holly said, impressed by Luc’s settling of Henry’s fears.

  “Family is always family. Henry and Finn should remain close,” he said.

  How generous Luc was. He was accepting Henry lock, stock and convicted felon brother. Which was as it should be, of course. It was just that Holly didn’t know many men who’d insist on retaining a familial connection like that. Luc’s determination to embrace Henry unconditionally sent her esteem of him even higher.

  With the radio quietly playing in the background, Holly got lost in her thoughts about the man she called her best friend. Lately Luc stopped by for coffee a lot if she was off work. They’d gone twice more to the creek for a swim. She’d helped him arrange a treasure hunt for Henry on the ranch and the three of them had worked together to clean his restored vehicle and prepare it for the upcoming parade.