Montana Homecoming (13 page)

“Hey, join the club. You think this has been easy for me?” Amusement brought out the violet glints in her irises. Did she know what she did to him? “I’ve been taking heat all week from Lil and Colbie. Even Luke mentioned it. Don’t expect any sympathy from me.”

The quirk of a smile in the corners of her mouth said otherwise.

“It just proves you don’t know my grandmother.” His spirit brightened as he leaned in closer until it felt as if nothing separated them. “Since Grandpa Jim died, she has had a lot of time on her hands. Sure, she gardens more. Spends more time participating at church. But it’s not enough. She still has plenty left over to devote to me.”

“You’re suffering because of it.” Crinkles crept into the corners of her eyes. “It’s tough being loved.”

“Exactly. Glad you understand. Gram’s gotten nosy, too.”

“Funny, that’s a common syndrome in my family.”

They chuckled together and it felt good.
Right
. Like all the pieces of a puzzle fitting together, making a jumble finally clear. He could see evenings spent in her company, hearing her laughter, sharing moments where he felt relaxed, at peace, content. Whatever happened to the no trespassing sign on his heart? It had tumbled down long ago, was nothing but splinters now.

A howl shattered the stillness and radiated from the house with a force of an air raid siren. Doggy toenails scrabbled on hardwood, tapping counterpoint to the heartbroken yowling that increased in volume with every step. The yellow Lab rocketed down the step, cried out in relief and raced straight through the yard with the speed of a runaway motorcycle.

Goofy dog. Affection warmed him for this new addition to his life. Liam barely had time to brace himself before two paws hit his shoulders. Relieved brown eyes searched his and a pink lolling tongue swiped a kiss to his chin.

“It’s okay, buddy.” He rubbed the dog’s head. “Did you wake up and find yourself alone?”

Oscar licked harder, whining deep in his throat, a high worried sound. Answer enough.

Fine, so his plan hadn’t been to fall in love with the dog, either. “Everything’s fine, boy. I didn’t leave you. You can get down. Take it easy. That’s right.”

The big Lab dropped reluctantly to the ground, doggy brows pinched with worry, panting nervously. His poignant eyes found Brooke’s and sadness tugged up his eyebrows. He whined again, a thin and nervous sound.

“Sorry, handsome, but I’ve got to go home.” She knelt to rub the dog’s soft head, besotted. Who wouldn’t be? “But I’ll be here tomorrow morning. Are you going to be a good boy while I’m gone?”

A doggy tongue shot out to swipe her chin. Perhaps that meant yes.

“You’re going to remember how to sit and stay and heel, right?” She laughed at the second swipe of his tongue. “You are such an optimist, Oscar.”

“One of us has to be,” Liam quipped. Wonderful, compassionate Liam.

How did she hold back the tides of her heart? She had no clue. Overwhelmed, she swallowed hard, gave Oscar a final pat and rose full height. “Then I’ll be optimistic, too. Tomorrow he’s going to do fabulously. He won’t chase one squirrel, right, Oscar? Not one kitty. Not one dog.”

“Woof!” Oscar’s head popped up, his eyes sharpened and he glanced eagerly around. Perhaps looking for a squirrel or a kitty or a dog. Funny guy.

“I’m taking that as an affirmative.” She eased onto the truck’s seat, reluctant. She didn’t want to go. Worse, she couldn’t even try to hide the truth from herself and blame it on Oscar. It was Liam she wanted to stay with. Liam she wanted to spend time with.

But it was time to go. No sense in prolonging the moment. Her future wasn’t here in Montana. It could not be with him. Not Mr. Perfect. She remembered his story about Sidney and lost the ability to breathe. No doubt about it, he would only break her heart.

“Looks like your neighbor is still peeping at us.” She plugged the key into the ignition.

“Marin isn’t just peeping—she’s reporting it to whoever she’s talking to on the phone.” He worked her seat belt free and gave it a tug for her.

“As long as Colbie doesn’t find out, that’s all I care about.” Amused, she fell silent when he leaned in to help her buckle it.

“Whatever Gram knows, she’ll tell Lil. You know how they are.” A thump hit the inside of his ribs so hard he had to wonder if his heart had survived intact. The wind blew flyaway strands of her hair against his neck. His hand trembled as he clicked the buckle into place. It took all his might to act casual. “We can’t avoid those two. Best to head it off with a good offense.”

“What do you meant?”

“Right after you leave I’m calling Gram.” He straightened, reluctant to move away from her, to let this evening end. “Tell her all about the progress you’re making with Oscar. I’ll go on and on about the dog’s training. It will disappoint her for sure.”

“This might be the only time disappointing your grandmother is a good thing.”

“Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

“Then I’ll do it, too.” With a flick of her wrist, the engine puttered to life. “I’ll lay it on thick for Colbie and Lil about how great Oscar is doing and it won’t be much longer and the job will be done.”

“I guess I hadn’t thought that far ahead.” He swallowed hard, fighting against feelings he wasn’t ready for. Did she feel the way he did? Did she care for him, too? “Guess I thought you’d be here for a while. You’ve given me good advice, and look at Oscar.”

“He’s sitting!” Brooke softly brightened. “What a good boy.”

He liked this side of her best, unguarded and open. Longing rushed through him, a yearning of the spirit so sweet he’d never known anything like it before. Pure and untarnished, complete feeling. He didn’t want it, he wasn’t ready for it, but it came all the same like dawn to the darkest night, like grace sifting into his life.

Oscar’s tail thump, thump, thumped against the blacktop. So excited at his accomplishment, he bolted onto all fours and pranced around, dancing happily, panting, eyes shining with pride.

“Well, it was a start.” Brooke shrugged, put the truck in gear and eased away from the curb. “Good night, you two. Be a good boy, Oscar.”

Oscar’s answering bark resounded along the street as the sun slipped below the horizon. Sepia light gilded the street, gilded her in the brief moment before he lost sight of the driver’s side window. Her truck motored down the street and into the blaze of crimson and purple coloring the horizon. Something kept his emotions from retreating. A connection tied them, one he couldn’t deny. He thought he knew why, even when the truck puttered out of sight.

Is this You leading me, Lord?
The breeze rippled against the back of his neck, the reassurance he needed.

Chapter Thirteen

T
he borrowed little pickup sputtered, idling roughly as she turned into the neighborhood’s entrance and slowed for the speed bump. Folks were still out in the hazy twilight following sunset. A trio of grade school kids on bikes pedaled up the street, a little white dog yapping at their heels. An elderly couple waved as she went by on the last leg of their evening walk. A few neighbors sat on their porch swings while others gave thirsty flower beds a good watering. Everybody she passed lifted a hand in greeting.

It gave her a cozy feeling. Much different than living in a big city. She pulled off the lane, tires crunching in the strip of gravel bordering Lil’s lawn. Newly mowed, she noticed. Luke or Hunter must have done it before they returned to their farm for the night. Her phone chimed announcing a text just as she flicked the key and the engine died. She dug out her cell, eager to read the message. Of course it was from Liam.

I totally threw Gram off.
Not hard to imagine the flash of his dimples as he’d written that.
I went on about what a great dog trainer you were. Genius dog whisperer, I called you.

Wow. I could get a reality show with that title.
She hit Send and clicked free of the seat belt.

That’s what Gram said.
His message marched across her screen. Easy to imagine humor warming the tone of his words. Easier to remember how his good-hearted humor dazzled her. Against her will, he was winning her heart.

Her phone chimed again. She opened the door, stepped into the evening and read his next message.
Just wanted to let you know going on the offensive worked.

That you know of.
She couldn’t resist a little more humor.

What does that mean?
His question came back to her.

As I type this, someone is peering at me from behind her living room sheers.
She stopped to give Madge a finger wave.

Don’t leap to conclusions,
his next text advised.
She may be thinking what a good dog trainer you are.

Or wondering how to package me to network bigwigs.
She closed the truck door with her elbow and crunched through the gravel.

If she is, do I get a cut?

Why not?
She tapped out as she walked through the grass.
It’s the least I can do. Oops, gotta go.

“Brooke?” Liam’s grandmother stared at her from the edge of the privacy fence. “Is it true what I hear?”

“That depends on what you’ve heard.” She ambled closer. “Your grandson exaggerated about the dog whisperer thing. I’m not a real dog trainer.”

“You have a natural knack, then. You made a difference in that dog’s behavior. Liam’s not exaggerating about that.” Sprightly blue eyes appraised her. “Marin and I got to talking and I’m thinking you should put up a flyer on the church bulletin board. Let folks know you help with problem cases.”

“That’s a good suggestion. It’s nice of you to think of me, but I’ll be leaving at the end of Bree’s trial.”

“You never know, dear. You may have to change your plans. You always have to be open to what God has in store for you. Your family needs you here. Surely you can see that.” Madge tugged on her garden gloves and reached for her watering hose. “I’ve seen all you’ve done to help Colbie. Taking out the garbage, watering the lawn, seeing to Lil’s care.”

“I’ve just done a few things.” She shrugged. “How did you notice all of that?”

“Just call me nosy.” Madge gave the nozzle a twist and water sprinkled out, raining on her border roses.

Nosy? More like a neighbor who cared.

“Good night,” she called, heading across the lawn and up the steps. The minute she opened the door she smelled popcorn. Pops and bangs echoed inside the kettle as Colbie stood at the stove, giving it a good shake.

“You arrived just in time for popcorn, dear.” Delighted, Lil wheeled out of the kitchen. “My, but you look happy. Did you have fun tonight?”

“With that dog around it’s impossible not to.” She dropped the keys on the entry table. “Where’s everyone else? I still have Bree’s truck.”

“She said to keep it. She and Brandi rode home together. Max said he wouldn’t mind giving her a ride when she needed it. He’s so good to her. I’m thankful she found him.” Lil sighed with motherly joy. “Your brothers headed home to check on the cows. Colbie and I are just about to sit down and watch a reality show. We’re going to see which model gets sent home tonight.”

“How about I get the drinks and join you in the living room?”

“That’s sweet of you, especially since I’ve helped Colbie all I can.”

“Then I’ll take over.”

With a smile Lil zipped away in her electric chair, chugging toward her spot by the couch.

“Did I hear you agree to help me?” Colbie asked over the symphony of popping going on in the kettle. “I’d be happy to put you to work.”

“Awesome. You look like a woman in need of a bowl.”

“Desperately. Usually I think ahead, but I was distracted by the twins leaving.” Colbie gave the kettle a last jiggle over the burner. “You seem pretty bubbly. All pink and glowing.”

“It’s the sun. I’m not used to it living in Seattle.”

“Are you sure it’s from the weather?” The pops began slowing down so Colbie shut off the stove and sidled up to the bowls. “Maybe all that glow is from being with a certain someone?”

Honestly. “Fine. I confess it. I’m sweet on a certain someone.”

“Ooh! I knew it!” Triumph accentuated Colbie’s words as fluffy white corn tumbled into a blue plastic bowl. “Liam.”

“No. It’s Oscar.”

“The dog? Oh, that’s not what I wanted to hear.”

“Really, how could I resist? Those big brown eyes. That blond glossy hair. He had me at woof.”

“Funny. But now I’m disappointed. With Bree and Max engaged, I’m getting optimistic. Since Bree has found her happily-ever-after, the rest of you can, too.” Colbie upended the kettle and gave it a shake. The last fluffs tumbled into the bowl, fragrantly delicious.

“Hey, don’t look at me.” She took three cans of soda from the fridge and plunked them onto the counter. “I don’t have to guess how any man is going to react when he learns about my history. I’ve seen it up close and personal. At church, at Bible study and even at the animal shelter.”

“Oh, surely not every guy.”

“Whenever a nice guy would get that look in his eye like he wanted to get to know me better or ask me out, all I had to do was to tell him I’d served time. Off he went, avoiding me from that moment on like I was infected with Ebola.”

“Brooke, I didn’t know.” Colbie set the kettle on a cold burner with a clunk. “Here I’ve been trying to fix you up.”

“So, you admit it.” She pulled three squares from the paper towel roll. “Finally!”

“I want you to be happy. It wasn’t fair that you lost all those years in prison when it wasn’t your fault.”

“You don’t have to fix everything, Colbie.”

“I know. I get in the habit of taking care of Mom and I can’t seem to stop myself.” She poured a drizzle of melted butter over each mound of popcorn. “Liam could be different. He’s seen a lot of the world. He’s honorable. He would understand.”

I doubt it.
The words died on her lips. One look at the quiet hope in Colbie’s violet eyes and she couldn’t do it. She knew Colbie was wrong, but how could she fault her sister for wanting the best for her? So instead of arguing she grabbed bowls of corn, cans of sodas and napkins and kept her feelings buried. She didn’t want to admit it but tonight with Liam had changed her. Nothing was the same. Not her mood, not her thoughts and not her outlook.

Deep down inside grew the tiniest seed of hope. That somewhere a good man would understand. That she had a chance for a close, wonderful relationship that felt like it had tonight. That she had a chance for happiness and a happily-ever-after.

Don’t picture Liam,
she told herself but it was too late. His chiseled good looks, muscled strength and kindness filled her thoughts. Emotion surged through her like a summer sun, chasing away shadows and darkness.

She had to be practical. Even as compassionate as Liam was, chances still weren’t good he would understand. He would think she was like Sidney, keeping the unsavory parts of her past from him, letting him see only the good. Besides, next week she would be gone. With God’s will her interview would go well and she would be building a life in Portland.

Liam? He was never meant to be hers. Somehow she had to find a way to get past caring for the man. Even if it hurt.

“Oh, that popcorn smells so good.” Lil’s cheer filled the living room.

She wasn’t in love with Liam, she told herself stubbornly as she set Lil’s drink within easy reach. This was a crush, something she could get over. It absolutely, positively wasn’t love. She wouldn’t let it be.

* * *

Morning light flooded his room as Liam woke with a start. He blinked at the tumble of cheerful sun cutting around the blinds. A deep, soft snoring rumbled from the foot of his bed where a big yellow dog lay, sprawled out, legs every which way.

Funny guy. Oscar had crept into his heart. Liam reached over to hit the alarm clock off before it buzzed. Too late. The buzzer pierced, and Oscar woke with a start and bounded onto all fours, rocking the mattress. Oscar flew off the bed and dashed across the room and down the hall. An excited bark echoed through the house as if to say, “Oh, boy, another great day!”

There was nothing like having a dog, Liam decided as he pulled on his jogging clothes, shuffled into a pair of running shoes and bumbled down the hall, half asleep. Oscar hopped excitedly at the back door. The minute it opened, Oscar hurdled across the deck. The neighbor’s fluffy gray cat sat on the top of the fence, tail curling.

The dog had it right. It was a great day. Feeling as cheerful as the morning, Liam grabbed a clean cup from the top dishwasher rack. Automatic coffeemakers with timers were great blessings. He breathed in the bracing aroma of brewed coffee and the sweet May air breezing in through the door. Best of all, Brooke would be coming by this morning. His heart? It burned brighter than the sun thinking of her.

Time to admit the truth. He missed her presence, he missed her humor, he missed everything about her. He dug coffee creamer out of the fridge and poured steaming coffee into a cup. The minutes dragged by without her. He shook his head. Hard to believe how fast she’d come to mean so much to him. Here he was counting the seconds full of longing for the lovely sight of her face.

I’m trusting You, Lord
. Knowing he wasn’t alone, that God was in charge, he took his cup to the window. He had a good view as Oscar romped and stretched his legs in the backyard, running along the fence with canine enthusiasm. Now and then he would circle around to plead up at the cat. His whine seemed to say, “Let’s be friends.”

The cat delighted himself by hissing.

This dog was definitely livening up Liam’s life. He took another bracing sip and let the comforting flavor roll across his tongue, waking him up. It was a few minutes before six, which meant Brooke would be here soon. His mind and his heart kept returning to her. Her quiet beauty, her gentleness and how she’d shone last night, all guards down. Vulnerable.

Just like he was. Love was a dangerous proposition. But she was nothing like Sidney. She wasn’t holding back secrets and hiding parts of herself. She wasn’t trying to use him to start a new life. Brooke was sweet and truthful and compassionate.

No way would gentle-hearted Brooke hurt anyone.

Something warm and wet lapped his hand. Oscar’s tongue. “Hey, there, buddy. Are you done trying to charm the neighbor’s cat?”

Oscar answered with a loud pant. His ears perked. His nose went up. He tilted his head, listening. When he broke into an excited doggy boogie and barked with great excitement, it could only mean one thing.

“It’s six o’clock. Did you hear Brooke drive up?”

Another round of thrilled barking and doggy dancing.

“My sentiments exactly.” He set down his coffee and locked the back door. Side by side, he and Oscar cut a path through the house comfortable together, best friends for keeps.

He opened the door before she could knock. With her satin dark hair swept up in a messy ponytail, wearing a faded gray T-shirt and black athletic shorts, she took his breath away. A natural beauty.

With Brooke, what you saw was what you got. Wholesome. Honest.

Wow.

With an excited bark, the big Lab sprang, all four paws bouncing off the porch boards. Brooke stepped back, ever kind, gently firm. “Sit, Oscar.”

Doggy brows furrowed as he slunk to all four paws. Valiantly wrestling for self-control, his haunches sank and rose, sank and rose. It was a great struggle, but finally his tail thumped on the porch floor, victorious. Ears pricked, head up, eyebrows quirked with surprise, he sat like the perfect dog he was.

“Good dog, Oscar! Yay!” She pulled a treat out of her pocket and handed it over. “Woo-hoo.”

Oscar politely took the treat between his teeth, looking wildly impressed with himself. His ability to sit on command was no longer a onetime thing.