Love Inspired September 2014 - Bundle 1 of 2: Her Montana Twins\Small-Town Billionaire\Stranded with the Rancher (54 page)

“That's all, huh?”

“You know that old saying—attempt something big enough that failure is guaranteed unless God steps in.”

“This definitely qualifies.”

“I'll be praying, Beth.”

“Thanks, Joe.”

“Keep remembering those snickerdoodles. I see more of those memories in your future.”

She bit her lip, silently laughing. “What is it with you Gallaghers? Whenever I'm around your family I spend most of my time trying not to bust a gut laughing.”

“Go ahead and laugh, Beth.”

She did and then she came around her desk and hugged him. “Thank you for coming, Joe.”

After he'd left, Beth sat at her desk, staring out at the pedestrians crossing Broadway as the streetlights changed from green to yellow and then to red.

She closed her eyes. “The next move is Yours, Lord.”

* * *

Tossing her coat and briefcase on the couch, Beth dug through her purse for her ringing cell phone.

“Hello?” She moved closer to the front window and the view of a brick wall. After a month she was convinced the building she lived in had been wrapped in lead. Cell signals were nearly impossible.

“Beth, it's Ben. You okay? You sound out of breath.”

“I just got home from work.”

“How are you doing?”

“Good. Very good.”

“That's too bad.”

She hadn't expected that. Her laughter rang out. “You've been in Paradise too long. You've developed that local sense of humor.”

“Sadly, you're probably right. Last week I was caught telling a fishing joke,” Ben said.

“I'm so sorry for you.”

“Yeah, right. Well, the reason I called is to let you know that due to the lack of viable candidates for the clinic physician position, I've gone to the hospital board and requested an increase in the base salary. Now, you understand you'd have to work one Saturday a month.”

“Maybe we can negotiate. Ask them to throw in a husband and a couple of kids and I'll sign.”

“Beth?”

She shook her head. “That was a joke, Ben. I picked up the local humor, too, you know.”

“So you're interested?”

“I am.”

“How interested?”

The line was silent.

“More interested than I was six weeks ago. Oh, and Joe Gallagher showed up at my office yesterday,” Beth said.

“Joe? Really? He never said anything about stopping in New York.”

“It was apparently an undercover operation.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. He gave me some things to think about, and asked me to consider moving back to Paradise.”

“And what
are
you thinking, Beth?”

“Well, I talked to God about the situation and told Him I'd need a job if I was going to move back to Paradise. And here you are calling.”

“Are you accepting the job?” Ben asked.

“Yes, Ben.”

“Sara! She said yes.”

Beth could hear Sara screaming in the background and the painful sound of babies crying.

“Oh, she woke up the twins, she's so excited. I hope you weren't kidding.”

“Absolutely serious. But listen, Ben. There really is one deal breaker for me.”

“Okay...”

“I don't want you to tell anyone that I've accepted. Not until I have chance to take care of some loose ends.”

“Loose ends, huh? What about your contract in New York?”

“I have a six-week approval period, and I'm right under it. Either party can change their mind without penalty.”

“That's some kind of timing. And your place?”

Though he couldn't see her, Beth nodded in agreement. “My condo wasn't going to come open for another month. I've been staying in temporary housing.”

“Whoa. This all has the earmarks of being a God thing,” Ben said.

“A God thing?” Beth asked.

“You know, those situations when everything falls into place and you know that the good Lord must have had His hand on things.”

“Yes, then definitely, a God thing.” She stared out the window, thinking about the phrase.

“I'm glad, Beth.”

“Me, too.” Her phone buzzed. “Oh, I've got Elsie on the other line now.”

“No problem. Text me a number to fax the contracts when you have time.”

“I will, and, Ben, thank you, for not giving up on me. And remember. Don't tell anyone.”

Beth pressed the incoming call button.

“Guess who? It's Elsie.”

“Elsie. Is everything all right?”

“Now you sound like me. I do that to my daughters when they phone.” Her laughter trilled in Beth's ear. “I'm fine. I had a stress test last week and everything looks good.”

“That's wonderful news.” Beth wasn't going to let her know she'd seen Joe and heard the same news from him.

“Yes, and my daughter Leah is pregnant again. Twins. They run in the family.”

“Oh, congratulations.”

“We got your package. I had to call and thank you. You shouldn't have. But I'm glad you did.”

Beth smiled.

“Love the sweatshirts. You sure know me, don't you?”

“I was walking down the street and they called your name.”

“Ha. I can believe that. Oh, and Dan must love those caramels you sent, 'cause he won't share them with anyone.”

Beth laughed.

“How are you doing in New York?”

“Things are going well, Elsie.”

“Well, huh? Does that mean you like it there?”

“It means that I'm adjusting.”

Elsie clucked her tongue. “Done any cooking?”

“I'm in temporary housing right now, so the kitchen is very tiny. But I have thought about making the chili, twice, and I also thought about making the tortilla soup a few times.”

Elsie laughed. “Maybe I'd better send you a few more to think about. I have your address from your package.”

“That would be great.” Beth stopped. “Wait. No. I forgot that I'll be moving into another place soon. I'll let you know when I have a settled address.”

“That'll be fine.”

She heard the piano in the background. “Is that Amy?”

“Yes. She wanted you to hear her play.”

“She sounds wonderful. May I talk to her?” Beth asked.

“Of course. She'll be so excited to hear from you. Let me get her.”

Moments later Amy Gallagher spoke into the phone, her voice breathless with excitement. “Dr. Beth. Thank you for the ballet movie. I play it every day.”

“Oh, I'm so glad.”

“When are you coming back?”

“I don't know.”

Amy sniffed. “I miss you so much.”

“Oh, honey, I miss you, too.”

Amy released another dramatic sniffle into the phone and then began to cry.

“Oh, boy.” Elsie got back on the phone.

Beth grabbed a tissue and wiped her own eyes. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make her cry.”

“No, it's not your fault. She misses you something fierce, Beth. We all do.”

“I feel the same way, Elsie.”

“Woof! Woof!”

“Is that Millie?”

“She can hear your voice.”

“Oh, hug her for me. I can hear her jumping up and down.” Beth paused. “So, um, how are your sons?”

“Dan's had an attitude since you left. We cut him a wide berth. But it's his own fault. And that Emily's been popping up here and there.”

“Emily?”

“You know. The midwife.” Elsie's voice became agitated. “I can't figure why some folks can't see what's right in front of their eyes.”

“Weather's good?” Beth interrupted.

“Oh, beautiful. Spring in the mountains. About the prettiest time of year.”

“I bet.”

“Did I tell you that Joe's on a trip to D.C.?”

Beth could picture Elsie in one of her sweatshirts, standing in the kitchen and looking out at the pasture as she chatted on the phone.

“Sounds like fun, though I'm sure the cows miss him. Speaking of which, whatever happened to that abandoned calf?” Beth asked.

“Joe bonded it with a momma who lost her baby. That calf is thriving like you wouldn't believe. All it takes is a little bit of love. Doesn't really matter who your momma is.”

Beth stilled at the words.

Elsie's voice became soft. “Sure miss you, Beth. Did I tell you that already?”

“Yes. But that's okay.” Beth ached with longing for Dan's mother and the rest of the Gallaghers.

“Are they keeping you busy at that new job?”

“Oh, yes. I love the job.”

“Good. Good. Important to like what you're doing. Made any friends yet?”

Beth shrugged. “Not really. But you know, it's a big city and it takes a while.”

“Not like Paradise, where everyone knows your name
and your business.
”

“That's exactly right.”

“Remember you can always come home, Beth.”

Home.
Beth savored the word.

“Thank you, Elsie.”

Chapter Fifteen

N
ew York to Denver, and Denver to Alamosa. Welcome to the San Luis Valley Regional Airport.

Home sweet home.

Beth took a long swig of water as she waited for her bags at the carousel. Car rental next. A couple times she had toyed with the idea of letting Elsie pick her up, but the odds of Dan's mother keeping a secret weren't very good. Besides, Beth would need a car until she was settled in and had time to purchase one. She was determined to be in the driver's seat of her life from now on. Renting a car was a good place to start.

She stepped out into the Colorado sunshine and tried to take a deep breath. Too bad she couldn't get an oxygen transfusion. She'd already forgotten how thin the air was here.

Though she was tired, there was still a lot to do, and taking the red-eye out of New York meant she now had the entire day ahead of her.

The next step was to get a dog. All her life she'd wanted a dog, but had talked herself out of the idea, again and again. After all, she traveled, and a dog needed attention that she couldn't provide with her hours. Then there was that little voice that insinuated she might not be a good owner.

But Dan's dog, Millie, and Joe's border collies liked her.

The little cabin Ben had rented to her was located on the outskirts of Paradise, off the beaten trail. Lots of grass and trees. Perfect for a dog.

Beth drove straight to the San Luis Valley Animal Rescue, a no-kill shelter, for her scheduled appointment. She had already filled out the paperwork, and sent her references by email. While she could have found a dog online, she'd always hated blind dates. Why subject an animal to that?

The moment she walked into the bright yellow, indoor kennel she heard him. The loudest yapper in the place.

Then she saw him.

A lot of noise for such a little pup. He had confidence. Beth liked that. The exuberant little border collie mix was mostly black with a white patch on his face.
Patches.

Beth Rogers became a bona fide dog owner.

It didn't take very long for her to wrestle the kennel into the backseat of the car and secure it with the seat belt. Patches barked before he finally settled into his kennel and fell asleep. She pointed the vehicle in the direction of Paradise and her new home.

This was the same rustic little cabin where Ben had lived before he and Sara married. Ben had liked it so much that he'd bought the place.

The cool mountain air blew through the windows of the rental car as Beth headed to her new home. Twice she pulled off the road into a rest stop simply to take in the breathtaking spring flowers that were beginning to bloom along the road, in the fields and at the base of the mountains. Forty-five minutes later, she pulled up to the gravel drive in front of the cabin.

She stood in the front yard simply soaking it all in. The cabin was nestled between tall conifers, and the unobstructed skyline stretched as far as she could see. The Colorado sky was bluer than blue and dotted with clouds. May in Paradise and a pleasant seventy-seven degrees. Perfection.

Turning her gaze to her new home, she was more than surprised. It was like a picture from a decorating magazine. A porch extended along the entire front of the cabin, and sported coral-red Adirondack chairs and aluminum tubs that overflowed with freshly planted geraniums.

Home.

Her home.

Beth looked skyward. “Thank You, Lord.”

Patches urged her up the wooden steps, tugging at his leash as though he knew this was his new home, as well. Laughing, she followed, found the key under the mat and opened the door.

The main living area had two oversize, dark brown leather chairs and a matching love seat arranged around a rough-hewn white cedar coffee table. A large Southwestern rug, in tones of brown and pottery red, with a thick fringe, covered most of the floor.

The kitchen, while small, had brown granite countertops and an island with two leather stools. Gleaming stainless steel appliances had been fitted into the area.

Rustic?
That was obviously an inside joke, because the so-called “rustic” cabin was anything but. Not unlike Abel and Karen's cabin, where Beth had witnessed her first home delivery. Was that only a little more than six weeks ago?

The boxes she'd shipped to Ben's house were already here and waiting against a far wall. Patches sniffed around with excited approval. She agreed with the dog's assessment.

Beth opened the large stainless steel refrigerator. It was stocked with fresh essentials. Sara's doing, no doubt. She peeked out the window over the sink at the neatly mowed yard. A barbecue grill, outdoor furniture and a hammock decorated the area closest to the house. The grass stretched to a row of conifers and aspens, and on the right, dense woodland sheltered the property.

“Come on, little guy. Let's get us both a cold drink, and then I'll let you stretch your legs in that huge yard.”

An hour later she called Ben.

“You made it,” he said. Beth could hear the smile in his voice.

“I did, but I have a problem.”

“Already? Are you okay?”

“Poison ivy.”

“You went in the woods.”

“I was chasing Patches,” Beth said.

“Who's Patches?”

“My dog.”

“You have a dog?”

“I do.” She smiled as Patches settled on the rug in front of the not-so-rustic river stone fireplace.

“Good for you.” He chuckled. “Are you sure it's poison ivy?” Ben asked.

“Oh, it's poison ivy. I spotted the plant after the fact.”

“Where and what kind of reaction?”

Beth glanced down at her right leg, below her capri pants, where raised blisters were already appearing. “Both of my legs, and it sort of looks like they exploded with welts.”

“Oh, man, that's too bad.”

“Do you mind calling in a script for an oral corticosteroid, just in case? I have a history of reacting pretty badly to poison ivy and I start the new job soon.”

“No problem. It goes without saying. Don't scratch. Keep the area clean and don't let it get infected.”

“Yes, Doctor.”

“Other than the poison ivy, how are you settling in?” Ben asked.

“I love the cabin. Although I'm thinking that it's a bit less rustic than you let on.”

“Sara's fault. She completely redid the place. It's our escape.”

“It's beautiful. Tell Sara that, and tell her thank-you for stocking the fridge.” Beth ran a hand over the sparkling granite countertops. “Okay to use the infamous espresso machine?” She glanced over at the shiny black and stainless steel machine.

“Infamous?”

“Yes. I've heard several retellings of how Dr. Ben came to Paradise with only the clothes on his back and an espresso machine. I thought they were exaggerating.”

“Sadly, it's true. Sort of had my priorities mixed up in those days,” he admitted.

She laughed.

“Use anything you want,” Ben continued. “Don't forget that Sara expects you for family dinner next Sunday, and then the following Monday is orientation at the clinic. Glad you came early to get settled in.”

“Me, too, and don't worry, I have everything on my calendar.” Beth grinned, barely holding back her excitement. Family dinner.

“Oh, and I just faxed that script over to the pharmacy. Let me know if you need anything else.”

“Which pharmacy?”

“Paradise Pharmacy. The only pharmacy in town.”

“Thanks.” She put her phone down. Suddenly realization hit.
The only pharmacy in town?

Beth had hoped to see Dan later, instead of sooner. Maybe she'd pick up the script today and maybe she wouldn't. But she was longing for oatmeal cinnamon raisin cookies with lemon icing, so now was as good a time as any to take a ride into town. Patches followed her as she grabbed her tote bag and headed into the bathroom to shower.

A glance in the steamy mirror affirmed that she did indeed look as if she'd been flying cross-country all night. Not much she could do about that. She washed her face and applied concealer to the dark circles under her eyes, then dried her hair and pulled it back into a low ponytail.

Beth looked down at the little dog who was sniffing the claw-foot bathtub and pedestal sink. “What do you think, Patches? Are we ready to brave Paradise?”

* * *

“Ben, this is Dan Gallagher over at the Paradise Pharmacy. Can you call me back?” He put down the receiver and stared at the script in his hand. Surely this was a mistake. When he'd pulled the fax off the machine, he'd stood there, stunned, as he read the patient's name.
Elizabeth Rogers.

A mental image of the woman who had filled his thoughts appeared. The same images that kept him up night after night since she'd left. Beth's hair tumbling around her face, her lips full and pink after they'd shared a kiss. Her heart in her eyes as she gazed up at him. That picture was immediately replaced by her stoic expression as she'd tried to hide her pain when he'd dropped her off at the airport.

Dan grimaced. He was the one who had crushed the hope she'd offered. Time and again he had reviewed their last conversation. Her words echoed in his head.

“What if I stayed in Paradise?”

No way had he expected that or believed she meant those words.

Six weeks and he'd finally had the guts to face the truth.

He'd been a fool. A fool who was scared to death of what Beth offered. Terrified that she'd change her mind and break his heart by leaving. She did leave—and she did break his heart. But it was no one's fault but his own.

The pharmacy phone rang and Dan reached for the receiver. “Paradise Pharmacy, Gallagher here.”

“Dan, this is Ben.”

“Yeah, hey, sorry to bother you, but I was checking on this corticosteroid script.”

“Can't read my chicken scratch?” Ben chuckled.

“No. I've learned to decipher your handwriting by now. It's your wife who gives me fits. But the name on the Rx?
Elizabeth Rogers?
”

Ben was silent.

“Ben?” Dan prodded.

“Yeah, that's correct, Dan. Elizabeth Rogers.”

“Your cousin.”

“Right.”

The air whooshed from Dan's lungs and he grabbed the counter. Beth Rogers was back in Paradise and she hadn't told him.
Could he blame her?
a voice shot back at him.

“Beth is visiting you?” he finally asked, his voice raw.

“Not exactly.”

Dan took a deep breath. “Not exactly?”

“Look, Dan, I sort of promised that I would keep my mouth shut.” Ben cleared his throat. “But, ah, you know, now that I think about it, maybe I didn't give you all the information you need for that script.”

“What?”

“Birth date. Allergies.
The patient's address and phone number.
You probably need that to get her insurance information. Who knows, you might have to deliver that script if she doesn't happen to make it by before you close. As her physician, I can tell you that she needs that prescription.”

Suddenly, Dan grinned. “Right. Oh, yeah. Absolutely. I am on it.” He fumbled with the pen in his hand. Grabbing a blank piece of paper, he began to write down the information as Ben gave it to him.

When he was done scribbling, Dan shook his head. “Thanks, Ben. I owe you, big-time.”

“Yeah, you do. So don't disappoint me.”

“No. No, I won't.”

He glanced at the information. Beth was staying at Ben's cabin on the other side of Paradise. He knew the place—it was where Sara and Ben had held their engagement party. Dan wrote her birthdate on the script. Beth had a birthday coming up. There was so much he still didn't know about the woman he loved. But he intended to remedy that, really soon.

Dan glanced at the clock. Almost noon. He got off at three. Then he remembered that he'd promised to meet with Emily after work to go over the details for the free-clinic day the hospital was offering next month. He'd already canceled on her once.

Okay. Fine. He'd meet with Emily and then he'd head out to the cabin.

He picked up the receiver again and punched in Joe's cell number.

“Hear those cows?” his brother answered.

“Most people say hello when you call them,” Dan said.

“I'm not most people. Those cows want fresh water.”

“Look, I don't care about the cows. This is important.”

“It had better be. Hang on a second, let me get out of the middle of the pasture,” Joe muttered. He was back a moment later. “What's your emergency?”

“Beth is back.”

“Visiting?” Joe didn't sound surprised.

“I don't know. Did you know she was here?”

“News to me.”

“Any idea how I can fix things?”

“I told you what to do six weeks ago. Why do you keep asking me questions if you aren't going to listen to what I have to say?”

“I still love her,” Dan murmured, more to himself than anyone else. He paced back and forth and then stopped.

“Of course, you realize that you're telling the wrong person.” Joe's words were flat.

Dan ran a hand through his hair. “She's back. Doesn't that prove something?”

“Prove? You're missing the point here, Dan. Beth doesn't have to prove anything. You're the one who has to prove something. You may love her, but you don't trust her with your family. With your heart.”

“You're supposed to be my brother. A little support would not be out of order here.”

“I've got nothing for you,” Joe said.

“Thanks,” Dan muttered. “You've been a big help.”

“You know what you have to do. There's no way to make crow taste good.” Joe paused. “You just have to grab a fork and start eating.”

“Any other sage advice?”

“You messed up once. Don't mess up again.”