The Second Chance Bride (Country Brides & Cowboy Boots) Read online

  “Well, this doesn’t have to ruin our ride,” Marissa said. “Let’s head on to Lone Pine.”

  “Absolutely,” Chantelle agreed.

  Shelby gave Savannah one last look before mounting her own gelding, Blue. “You’ll be all right?”

  Savannah appreciated Shelby’s concern, but her friend wanted to follow Alex and the girls. Besides, there was no need for her to stay. “Sure. I know where Strider and I are headed. Thanks for asking, though.”

  With a nod, Shelby clicked Blue forward and rode off at a trot to join the others.

  Savannah stood and watched the retreating forms while she held Strider’s reins. Would Alex turn to look back? Could she wish for some small sign that he wasn’t lost to her? Doubt crowded out hope as Chantelle and Alex rode so close their legs touched in rhythm with their horses, while Marissa still hung on the other side of Shelby.

  Turning away from the trail, Savannah headed toward the road where she would meet Alex’s sister. She ran her hand over Strider’s neck. The expected relief of leaving Alex behind didn’t come. Instead, Savannah was filled with a yearning to be in his company. Just when she thought he might feel the same, he had turned away from her and hurried to Chantelle’s side, riding next to her in the same attentive manner Savannah remembered so well.

  Anguish prodded the unhealed and now open wound in chambers of her heart as a new truth began to emerge. Wrapping her arm around Strider’s neck and pulling him close, Savannah whispered, “It’s better this way, boy. If he’s interested in Chantelle, I need to be truthful about it.”

  Strider’s ears pricked forward.

  Savannah ran her hand through his mane as she blinked away tears. “Besides, at this point, he wasn’t mine to lose.”

  But her brave words didn’t explain how one look from him could still send shock waves through her, or how she could grow weak with just one touch.

  Chapter 9

  Strider was safely loaded in the trailer and Savannah buckled in the passenger seat of the truck as Amy guided the vehicle back to the road and shifted into gear. “I always think it’s funny that it takes three-hundred and fifty horses to pull two.”

  Savannah grinned. The open passenger side window pulled at her hair as the truck picked up speed. “How’s the renovation going?”

  Amy shrugged. “We’re on budget and on time…so far, anyway. Alex and I have a bet. He thinks we’ll be done in nine months, and I expect the whole thing will take a year. What’s your guess?”

  Savannah laughed. “I haven’t seen the house, so I can’t say. Besides, I make it a habit to never get in the middle of sibling rivalries, so I’ll bow out.”

  Amy gave her a sly look. “You’re a smart girl. We’ll have to have you out to the house so you can judge for yourself.”

  Savannah just smiled and looked out the front windshield. She liked Amy. There was some inner glow that radiated from the older woman. In some ways, Savannah felt as if she already knew her. Alex talked often of his older sister, and he thought of Amy as a second mother.

  Savannah understood Alex’s sentiment. In the few moments Savannah spent in Amy’s company, she discovered her to be congenial and grounded.

  “Alex told me he worked for your dad several years ago.”

  Savannah nodded. “That’s right.”

  “Do you remember him?”

  Savannah gave an inward sigh of relief. It didn’t sound as if Alex told his sister about their relationship. “Yeah, I do.”

  “It doesn’t appear as if anyone else in your family remembers him, though.”

  “I think my dad remembers him, but they weren’t on friendly terms.” She hoped that would silence Amy on the subject. Savannah didn’t want to talk about Alex’s relationship with her family.

  “I suppose not,” Amy said.

  “It was a long time ago,” she said wistfully, before changing the subject. “Are you really going to turn the Dempsey house into a bed and breakfast?”

  “Of sorts,” Amy replied. “I’m thinking of it as a small working ranch with an inn. We hope to have three guest bedrooms and baths on the upper floor while the master will be on the main. The barn has plenty of room for both horses and milking stalls for orphaned calves, so the guests will have the chance to work with the babies, if we have any orphans. Alex is going to help us get set up. Then, I think he’ll fly back and forth from Texas to help out occasionally. I’m sure you heard his story last Friday evening about his pecan orchard.”

  “Yeah. It’s quite a story.”

  “It sure is. Alex saved those trees and brought them back to life.”

  Savannah smiled. Alex was good at reviving things considered half-dead.

  Amy continued, “He loves those trees. He tells me you love trees, too.”

  Savannah was surprised. She continued to look out the windshield as she nodded. What else did Alex tell his sister? Was it possible that he discussed their relationship? Panic rose in Savannah’s throat. Did Amy know her love for Alex? Amy wouldn’t act the way Kelly or her father did. She might even be friendly toward the match. The idea startled Savannah before she remembered there wasn’t any match to consider. “Yes. I have a soft spot for trees.”

  Amy continued, “Alex worked really hard with his pecan trees. It’s nice to see them thriving. I went to visit him when he first started, and I was doubtful anything would come from his efforts. But Steve and I were there just before we came up here, and they’re beautiful. I love those kinds of sweet stories of revival. But then, Alex is just a good, sweet man.” Amy paused. “Sometimes, I worry about him.”

  Savannah glanced at Amy.

  “Take dinner the other night,” Amy continued as if Savannah wasn’t hanging on her every word. “Did you see how he can be completely taken in by those who demand his attention? He’s always been connected to those who need him.”

  Savannah blinked as new thoughts swirled inside her head. Maybe that was the sum total of what she and Alex shared all those years ago. He saw a need and filled it. Much like his beloved pecan orchard, Alex had revived her, even as she stood surrounded by the shards left behind by the death of her mother. In that moment when others would run, he stayed. He even asked her to marry him. But maybe his proposal came from the desire to bring her back to life. Maybe it looked like love when it was really pity. Shame and sorrow swelled inside of Savannah and mingled with renewed doubt. Maybe he never really loved her after all. It was easy to believe after their two social outings together. Alex barely spoke six words in her direction. Perhaps this was just his way of making sure he didn’t get caught up with someone he considered needy. Just this afternoon, he couldn’t mount his horse fast enough. And yet, the touch of his hand…

  Savannah put her thoughts away and concentrated on Amy. Perhaps she would find some answers around Alex’s feelings through this conversation, since Amy was being so open.

  Amy continued, “The Thomas girls are sweet enough, but I suspect they’ve got plans for Alex. I mean one of them is bound to have him. Today is a perfect example. He was supposed to drop off our horses, Socks and Janu at the Thomases’s home, but he wasn’t supposed to stay. Now, he’s been persuaded to ride out with the two girls.”

  Savannah reeled. So, she was right. Alex was interested in the twins. And although Amy wasn’t sure which twin drew her brother, there was no question it was Chantelle. Even though Shelby was pretty and her nature was the sweetest, Chantelle was flashy and flirty.

  Still, Savannah couldn’t see Alex with Chantelle. She was beautiful and could even be kind, but Alex needed something deeper, something Savannah knew how to offer. Savannah put those thoughts aside. Her commentary on Alex’s choices didn’t matter. He obviously wasn’t waiting around for her. She took a deep breath and tried to settle her emotions. “I don’t know, Mrs. Jensen--.”

  “Please, call me Amy.”

  Savannah nodded. “I don’t know, Amy. It seems to me that Alex could’ve said no if he didn’t want to go riding this afte
rnoon. He’s an adult, after all.”

  Amy let out a long sigh, then smiled. “You know, you’re absolutely right.” She laughed. “I was fifteen when he was born. Sometimes, I still think of him as a little boy.” She glanced at Savannah before turning back to the road. “I appreciate your wisdom, Savannah. You’ve reminded me to keep my nose out of my adult brother’s business.” She grew thoughtful. “Now that I think about it, I’m glad he rode with the twins, since it’s given me this opportunity to talk with you.”

  “Yes, well…here is my driveway.”

  Amy slowed the truck and turned into the long, circled drive.

  Savannah hopped out of the truck and was back by the horse trailer before Amy could turn off the ignition.

  Amy joined her. Silently, the two women unloaded Strider. Savannah pushed her lips together and swallowed hard. It was hard to hear Amy’s words, but she was grateful to know where she stood with Alex, even if it did confirm her own doubts.

  Turning to face Amy, she said, “Thanks so much for picking us up. You’ve saved Strider several miles of walking, and since I don’t know exactly the damage done, I’m glad for all the help.”

  “I hope it’s nothing,” Amy said. Gently, she reached for Savannah’s free hand. “Truly, we’d love to have you come out to the house. You can be our witness to the before and after.”

  Savannah nodded. “Yes, that’d be nice.” Taking Strider’s reins, she hurried away. Nearing the opening of the barn, Savannah turned and waved one more time before stepping inside. Amy returned the wave with a warm smile before pulling away.

  Leading Strider into the barn, Savannah listened for any sound that would mean she had company. A couple of horses stirred in their stalls and a black and white barn cat sat on a bale of hay, lazily watching the dust floating in the sun that beamed through the open door. Nothing else stirred.

  How could she be so stupid as to think Alex loved her? For years, she nurtured that false reality, but the more she thought about it, the more she remembered his gentle nature toward all creatures.

  When one of her calves wasn’t thriving, he spent extra time helping the little one figure out how to eat pellets from the bucket. He was even patient with her father. Alex seemed to understand the depth of her father’s grief, and when Savannah turned down his marriage proposal all those years ago, he was more hurt than angry. Or maybe he was secretly relieved.

  Savannah led Strider to his stall and removed the saddle, placing it on the rack outside the stall door. Then, she removed the bridle and began brushing him out as he leaned away from his ailing foot. She hoped the bruise wasn’t serious. She would call the vet if he didn’t dramatically improve within the next few days.

  Placing her cheek against Strider’s warm neck, Savannah ran her fingers along his shoulder. The horse nickered in response.

  As she moved from the Strider’s side, Savannah rubbed the gelding’s velvet nose before closing and latching the stall, then moving into the late afternoon spring sun that spilled into the barn from the open door.

  Thinking over her afternoon, she remembered the advice she offered to Marissa about getting out there, and she was glad Elle was back in town. Spending time with Elle might give her some breathing space from Alex and his growing relationship with Chantelle. In Elle’s company, she wouldn’t have to talk about Alex. In fact, it would be better if she didn’t.

  Yes. It would be nice to sit with Elle in a restaurant or park or almost anywhere and think about something different than the engagement that never happened between her and Alex or the engagement that could happen between him and someone else. It was time to move beyond her feelings for Alex and stop living with the ghost of their love.

  Chapter 10

  The sunset moved from orange to peach, and then a soft pink flushed the sky as Alex sat on the small back porch of Amy’s home. The evening breeze cooled his skin as he nursed a lemonade. He was anxious to speak to his sister about her short drive with Savannah, and yet it was a feeling he wished would disappear. Why couldn’t he just forget the quiet young woman who captured his heart so many years ago?

  During their afternoon ride, Alex couldn’t deny the joy mixed with yearning that stirred his soul and settled in his heart when he rounded the corner of the trail and discovered Savannah. When Strider came up lame, he wanted to go with her to meet Amy. But nothing in her gaze invited him along. He searched her face for some long-lost look or the curve of her smile that would indicate she wanted his company, but instead, she drew her hand from his and turned away without a backward glance. Her presence was so bittersweet, and he found himself beckoning long-buried memories of their time on the Lone Pine Trail while at the same time, trying to push them away. And yet, they wouldn’t leave him alone. They played around the edges of his mind with such clarity, it was as if they happened just this morning.

  He recalled how her honest sharing of stories helped him open up about his own pain of growing up alone and sometimes lonely, with elderly parents. His folks loved him and gave him every opportunity, but they passed away within six months of each other when Alex was just eighteen. They were married a long time and were completely devoted to each other. Sometimes, Alex thought of himself as an interloper in their marriage. He relied on Amy for most of his mothering, and she gladly obliged. Steve, Amy, and Alex made a family. It was a small package that was far from perfect, but it was full of love.

  During those afternoon rides with Savannah, she hung on his every word. Through their sharing of experiences, the deeper desire to include her in his family forever was ignited.

  Alex took a sip of lemonade. None of that mattered now. Savannah turned down his offer many years ago, and there was no hope of renewing what they shared. She may have needed him this afternoon, but when she was in control, she was cool and distant. Her retort on Friday evening still stung.

  Then, there was the ever-present barrier of her Dad and Kelly, who didn’t like him any better now than they did six years ago. Frustration swelled and met the anger firing in his belly.

  The creaking of the screen door brought Alex out of his thoughts. Amy walked over and sat in the chair next to him.

  “Where’s Steve?” Alex asked.

  “He’s upstairs scraping wallpaper in one of the bathrooms. I told him to quit, but it’s become an obsession.”

  Alex laughed. “Well, you won’t find me obsessing over wallpaper.”

  Amy laughed. “Yeah, I can see that.” She changed the subject. “Are you ready to pick up Ben tomorrow?”

  Alex nodded. “I got a text from him earlier today. I think he will be a big help.”

  “It’s nice of him to put aside his own work to help us.”

  “Yes, but you’re paying him well. He won’t regret the decision.” Alex turned to look at Amy. “Plus, he needs to get out of Bend for a while.”

  “Maybe one of those young women you’ve been palling around with will help ease his mind.”

  Alex gave her a withering look. “I doubt that.”

  “Oh?”

  Alex let out a sigh. “They’re nice girls, and I enjoy them to a point.”

  “But?”

  “They’re very…sheltered.”

  Amy agreed. “What about Savannah? She seems to have a little more sense than the others.”

  Alex cleared his throat. “I wouldn’t know. I haven’t talked with her.”

  Amy studied Alex. “Well, maybe you should. I’ve invited her to the house, but we haven’t set the date.”

  Alex gave Amy an incredulous look. “And she agreed to come?”

  “Well…she didn’t say no.”

  Alex stood. “Amy, some things are better left alone.”

  “What do you mean by that? Where you going?” Amy asked.

  “I’m sure Steve could use some help in that bathroom.” Alex drained the last of his lemonade.

  Walking into the house, Alex wished Amy wasn’t so insistent that he connect with Savannah. Her efforts pulled at something
deeply rooted in him. Something he was finding difficult to forget. He refused to give into the temptation to ask about their short afternoon drive, but he at least knew an invitation was issued. It may not have been denied, but it was certainly side-stepped. If Savannah was interested in seeing him, wouldn’t she happily accept Amy’s invitation?

  Digging around in the kitchen, Alex found another wallpaper scraper and headed up the stairs to find Steve on a ladder that was set up in the tub covered in a tarp.

  “That doesn’t look very secure.”

  “I know, but how in the devil am I supposed to get to the top of this wall? These eleven-foot ceilings are killing me. Amy keeps talking about putting up new wallpaper, since this is a Victorian, but I hope she’ll change her mind.”

  “We’ll have to work on that with her. Maybe we can convince her that paint would be better. A nice creamy gray will change her mind,” Alex said.

  Steve stopped scraping and grinned at Alex. “I’ll leave that to you.”

  Alex returned Steve’s grin. “I think we’ll have to form a united front for that discussion.”

  He turned his attention back to the ladder. “Why don’t I just hold this steady while you work. Or we can trade places. You’ve been at it for a while.”

  Steve let out a long sigh as he began climbing down the ladder. “Thanks,” he said. “It’d be nice to take a break.”

  Alex was soon scraping close to the ceiling line. The paper came off in small flakes. Sweat began to trickle down his shoulder blades, but he hardly noticed. Concentrating on wallpaper and staying on the ladder pushed thoughts of Savannah to the back of his mind.

  Chapter 11

  Alex maneuvered the truck through the Denver airport traffic, looking for Ben on the level marked arrivals. It didn’t take long to find Ben waving him down by the curb. When Alex came to a stop, Ben opened the door, threw his duffel bag in the back seat, and climbed into the cab, shutting the door behind him.