Love Inspired September 2014 - Bundle 1 of 2: Her Montana Twins\Small-Town Billionaire\Stranded with the Rancher (4 page)

“It's
because
I'm a hardened bachelor,” Cord said with a laugh. “I can view things objectively.” Cord looked back down at the note in front of him, then over to Brody again. “As for Lilibeth, I think you should capitalize on her interest in you. Maybe see if you can find out what she knows. Turn on that Harcourt charm.”

“I think that's a great idea,” Abigail said, suddenly coming to life. “You could cozy up to her. Find out what she's been up to. You're a good-looking guy, she'd be interested in you.”

“I dunno about the good-looking part,” Cord drawled. He gave Hannah a little nudge with his elbow. “We need a second opinion. What do you think, Hannah? Would you be interested in a guy like Brody?”

Hannah could only stare at Cord, her mind going blank as she struggled to think what to say.

“I'm—I'm not Lilibeth Shoemaker, so—so I can't—can't say.” She clamped her lips on her stammering response and turned her attention back to the laptop in front of her, wishing her cheeks didn't feel so warm. She was sure she was blushing.

“I think we should follow through on the note,” Rusty said, folding his gnarled hands over each other, his eyes narrowing as his piercing gaze moved to each member of the committee. “See where it takes us.”

“I'm not going to flirt with Lilibeth,” Brody said, a note of finality in his voice. “It's not fair to her because I'm not even interested in her.”

His adamant tone created a surprising serenity in Hannah and his “not interested” comment, a tremble of hope.

“And we all know that Book-it Brody doesn't look back or go where he's not wanted,” Cord said with a hint of a smile. “Too proud.”

“But Lilibeth is the only one in town we know of with the initials L.S.,” Abigail continued, obviously not willing to let this go. “And what was she doing at town hall?”

Hannah assumed the question was addressed to her. “She was asking about the Miss Jasper Gulch contest,” she said. “She claimed it was rigged and wanted to find out more about it.”

“See. There you go. She's snooping around. She's hiding something.” Abigail slapped her hand on the table as she turned to Brody. “I think you'd better check her out, Brody.”

“I have a better idea,” Cord said, his drawl deepening. “Why don't we get Mr. Harcourt and Mrs. Douglas to speak with her together. That way she won't be suspicious and it would satisfy Brody's tender sensibilities.”

Brody shook his head, wondering what Cord was up to. “I don't know about that, either—”

“I think that's a great idea.” Rusty cut into Brody's protest, granting Hannah and Brody an avuncular look. “Why don't you two take her out for coffee in the next couple of days. Feel her out about the time capsule. It'd be better if the two of you do it. Like Cord said, she won't be as suspicious.”

“I agree,” said Deputy Calloway before Hannah could lodge her own protest. “We need to deal with this note, and this is the most discreet way to find out if Lilibeth has anything to do with the disappearance of the time capsule. Now, let's move on to the next item on the agenda.”

Hannah's fingers automatically typed the words as the meeting went on, but the entire time she typed she was aware of Brody sitting beside her and the “date” they were supposed to arrange.

Looked as if she didn't have much choice. Spending time with Brody was probably not the best idea. She would simply have to remember that in spite of her feelings for Brody, she was a mother first and foremost.

Her thoughts flipped back to the conversation she had overheard between Dylan and Brody.

Brody's job had so many risks. She didn't think he was the kind of man she should allow her heart to follow.

Chapter Three

“H
ere's my donation for the basket auction.” Annette Lakey set a large, cellophane-covered basket on the divider. Bright purple ribbons tied off the top of a basket loaded with bottles of shampoo, lotion, conditioner, a nail kit and assorted other goodies that Hannah assumed came from Annette's hair salon, the Cutting Edge. Though Annette was a walking advertisement for her own salon with her black-and-pink-streaked hair, she also knew her clientele well enough and was a whiz with perms and basic cuts. “I also stuck in a gift certificate for a haircut.”

“This is excellent,” Hannah said, getting up to take the basket. “I'll put it with the others.” She would have to bring some more of the baskets to Abigail's today. She'd been storing the premade theme baskets in her apartment.

“Do you think you'll get your fifty baskets? That still seems like a lot.”

By asking for fifty picnic baskets for the auction, the Jasper Gulch Centennial Committee wanted to tie in with the World's Largest Old Tyme Wedding scheduled for next month, where fifty couples would be exchanging vows.

“We're getting there. But a lot of people seem to want to make themed baskets, which helps.”

“Are you making one? For that special someone?” Annette asked with a gleam in her dark eyes.

Hannah's thoughts slipped to Brody Harcourt, but she shook her head, flashing Annette a tight smile. “I'm making one, but just for the fund-raiser. Not anyone special.”

“Of course. I forgot about David,” Annette said, sympathy lacing her voice. “I'm so sorry.” More people in town seemed to treat her with a type of deference. As if losing David exalted her to a position above any other widow in the town.

Trouble was, Hannah had forgotten about David, too.

“Anyhow, I hope the committee doesn't get pulled into channeling the money from this fund-raiser to the museum.” Annette said. “I mean, we've had two big events already that brought people to town and more coming. Tony and I were talking about it last night. We both agree the bridge should be fixed. It would mean more opportunities for his vet business, as well. I wish people would stop living in the past and move on.” Annette shrugged, then slung her bright pink, oversize bag over her shoulder. “It's time the people of Jasper Gulch realize we need more than one road in and out of this burg.”

“You aren't the first to make that comment.”

“I know there are people who are spooked by the fact that Lucy's car ran off the bridge and she died all those years ago. But that happened so long ago that it's time for the town to move on,” Annette added with a toss of her streaked hair. “Anyway, I better get going. Tony and I are going out for dinner tonight. You make sure to pass the message on to Mayor Shaw, will you?”

“I'll let him know,” Hannah assured her.

“And next time you have a couple of hours, come into the salon. I'll fix you up real pretty,” Annette said.

Hannah self-consciously lifted her hand to tuck her hair behind her ear. She knew she was overdue for a cut. The last time she had sat in a beauty salon had been the day of her wedding. And that was a hasty appointment almost two years ago. For the most part, she wore her hair long and pulled back, and trimmed it herself in the mirror. Much easier with her busy life. “Thanks, but—”

“Some highlights and a bit of shaping would be perfect for you. You'd be adorable with bangs.” Annette pulled a card out of her capacious bag and set it on the counter. “I'll even do it free. Anything for the wife of one of our brave soldiers.”

Her sympathetic smile made Hannah even more self-conscious.

She just returned Annette's smile as the young woman tossed off a quick wave, then walked away. She reached for the heavy wooden door leading outside just as it swung open, sending in a shaft of afternoon sunlight into the main entrance of town hall.

Annette fell back, her hand on her chest. “My goodness, Brody, you almost knocked me over.”

Brody stepped into the entrance and tugged off his cowboy hat and Hannah felt that traitorous lift of her heart that accompanied thoughts of Brody.

“Sorry, ma'am. In a bit of a hurry,” she heard Brody say.

“Then I'll let you get to it,” Annette said.

Brody waited until the door fell shut behind Annette, then he strode over to the counter, his smile fading away as his booted feet echoed in the large atrium of the town hall. He wasn't smiling as he had last week when he'd come here, which managed to ease the silly beatings of her lonely heart.

“And what can I do for you, Mr. Harcourt?” she asked.

“So we're back to that again?” he said, his tone serious.

She shrugged, pleased that she could hold his gaze. Not so pleased that she still felt that unwelcome flutter in her heart.

Forget about it,
Hannah reminded herself, glancing at the picture of the twins she had sitting on one corner of her desk. Beside it was a picture of David in his dress uniform.

Seeing David's picture was a gentle reminder and she pushed down her reaction to Brody, then turned back to him. “So what can I do for you?”

“Those your kids?” Brody asked, pointing to the picture beside her computer.

“Yes. Chrissy and Corey.”

“Cute little munchkins. They must keep you busy.”

His comment made her smile. “They do. But my parents help out a lot. My mother babysits every day I work.”

Brody straightened, his hands resting on the counter. “Nice picture of David,” he said, effectively bringing her deceased husband into the moment, as well.

David looked back at her, his expression serious, his dress uniform emphasizing his broad shoulders. She had gotten it only a few days ago from David's mother. In memory of David's birthday, she had told Hannah, giving her a hug of sympathy.

Hannah had placed it on the desk, though every time she looked at it, David's eyes seemed sadder and sadder.

“Anyway, I came to check to see if you got us that corner booth like we talked about last week?”

Hannah nodded. “I managed to talk the vet clinic into moving and they were happy to oblige once they knew the fire department was taking that space.” She gave him a careful smile. “They figured it would only enhance their traffic.”

“I hope so.” Brody scratched the side of his head with a forefinger as if trying to draw out his next words. “Other reason I came was to talk about the job the committee wants us to take care of,” Brody said, all crisp, discreet and businesslike. “How do you think we should deal with Lilibeth?”

“I'm not sure. Do you have any ideas?”

Brody leaned his elbows on the counter, which only served to bring him closer to her.

“I'm no detective, but I'm guessing we can start with talking to her, see if she knows anything.”

“Which would give you the perfect opportunity to do what Abigail suggested?” Hannah asked, the faintly teasing comment slipping out of her.

Brody's eyes cut to her and then a lazy smile curved his mouth. “You mocking me, Mrs. Douglas?”

Why had she given in to the impulse? Once upon a time she'd had a sense of humor. She hadn't had much opportunity to use it for a while. But something about Brody seemed to tease it out of her.

“She might be a tough nut to crack,” Hannah continued. “You could be like the...” She struggled to dredge up the term. Then she snapped her finger. “I know, the honey trap.”

Brody's smile deepened, which only served to make him look more attractive. “Thanks for your confidence in my abilities. I think I'll stick with questions and answers.”

Their eyes held a heartbeat longer than necessary and Hannah felt as if her chest was constricting. She yanked her attention back to the matter at hand. “Sure. We can do that. Meantime, I could try to find out more about the Miss Jasper Gulch contest. That might be a good reason to take her out. Tell her what I know.”

“Sounds like a good plan.” Brody nodded as he turned his cowboy hat around in his hands. “Why don't you make the arrangements and let me know. Things will be picking up on the ranch in a couple of weeks, so the sooner the better.”

“Sure. I'll call you.”

“Do you have my cell phone number?”

“No. I should get that from you.” She pulled out her cell phone and they exchanged numbers.

As she looked up at him, Brody's smile faded and she wondered if he was upset with her teasing. “Just want to say I'm sorry,” he said quietly. “About the committee pushing us together like this.”

His apology was sincere and acknowledged a simple fact. So why did it make her feel sad?

“It's okay. I can see why they want you to talk to Lilibeth. She does seem attracted to you and she'll probably open up quicker to you than anyone else.”

“She's just a kid,” Brody protested.

The door opened again and this time Mayor Shaw strode into the entrance. He wore a Western-cut suit jacket today, which, combined with his white shirt and black Stetson, gave him a commanding look. Usually he had a smile for Hannah, but today he looked especially grim.

His steps slowed when he saw Brody standing by Hannah's desk.

“Afternoon, Harcourt,” Jackson Shaw said, stopping by the counter, his steely gaze ticking from Hannah to Brody. “How are things with you?” he asked, his deep voice smooth as any good politician's should be.

“Fine, just fine,” Brody answered.

“Good year on the ranch?”

“We had a decent year. Only had a loss ratio of two percent, which we've never seen before,” Brody said, straightening as he spoke to the mayor.

Hannah didn't blame him. Jackson Shaw was an imposing figure as well as a patriarch of the community. His ancestors were one of the two founding families of Jasper Gulch, the Shaws and the Masseys, and the only one to still have holdings in the area. Rather large holdings, too.

“That's good. Better than we did at our outfit. You raise Angus, correct?”

“Red Angus.”

“Good breed. Thrifty calves. So, what brings you to town hall today?” Jackson's mouth shifted as he looked from Brody to Hannah. “You're not flirting with my secretary, are you?”

“Hannah and I are simply dealing with some time capsule business,” Brody said.

Jackson Shaw's eyes narrowed. “She's had a tough go, Book-it Brody. David was a good man. They don't make many like him. He was a hero.”

Brody straightened, and his mouth became tight at Mayor Shaw's not-so-subtle chiding and the use of his nickname. Hannah didn't blame him. Though he hadn't come out and said it, Mayor Shaw had inferred that Brody was in fact flirting with Hannah and was no match for David. Did Mayor Shaw see Brody as unsuitable?

You thought the same thing.

Mayor Shaw looked at Brody a moment longer, as if to underline what he'd said, then turned to Hannah. “How are things coming with the fair? Will we be able to fill the space?”

Hannah was surprised to see how quickly his expression shifted from stern to kind. How his features softened when he looked at her. It was as if he had pulled a mask off.

She couldn't identify what about that bothered her. It was as if he was a different person depending on who he was talking to. “We have most of the spaces for booths spoken for,” she said. “The way things are going, I'm hoping we'll be all booked up by the end of the week.” She hesitated a moment but felt she should say something on Brody's behalf to Mayor Shaw. “In fact, Brody booked two booths for the firefighters,” she said. “And they hope to have their truck available for the children, which I'm excited about.”

Mayor Shaw nodded, shot another quick look at Brody, as if still assessing his character, then turned his attention back to Hannah. “Did you confirm plans with the company who will be doing the midway?”

“Yes. We'll be having a carousel for the kids as well as a few other rides and a midway. We have them booked for the entire weekend.”

“Perfect. Really good.” He ran his hand over his hair and caught his lip between his teeth. Then without another word, he spun on his heel and with long, swinging strides walked away.

Brody blew out his breath as Jackson turned the corner and disappeared from view. Then he turned to Hannah. “Am I being oversensitive or did he seem kind of wound up?”

“He's been under a lot of pressure lately. It seems half the town wants us to use the money from the fund-raisers for the museum we had planned for years, and the other half wants to use it to fix up the bridge over Beaver Creek, though Mayor Shaw prefers not to.” She sighed as she looked up at Brody. “I'm surprised he remembered your nickname.”

Brody slapped his cowboy hat against one leg. “I've had a few run-ins with him. I had his son Austin with me in the truck a couple of times when I got stopped by Deputy Calloway when we were in high school. Mayor Shaw collared me in the café and told me to stay away from his kid. Said I was a bad influence on him.” Brody paused a moment, then seemed to shrug it off. “That was in the past, but he can't seem to let go. And, like Cord said, I don't go where I'm not wanted, so I tend to avoid him if I can.”

“This time capsule theft has weighed heavy on his mind,” Hannah said in Mayor Shaw's defense.

“It's just a capsule. I'm sure there's some neat memorabilia in it, but what could be in that capsule that losing it would make him so uptight?”

“I think he feels the pressure of his legacy. After all, Shaws have been a part of this community since it was founded. Maybe he feels like he's let that legacy down, especially after the whole fiasco was televised.”

“I'm sure he feels foolish about it, but then again, he's not the one who stole it,” Brody said with a laugh.

Hannah smiled at his joke. “No, but I know it bothers him.”

“Which gives us more reason to talk to Lilibeth. L.S., to be precise,” Brody said. “So if you can come with a few crumbs to give her from the minutes of the meetings, maybe we can get her to talk.”