Brenda Minton - The Rancher's Second Chance

The door between the shop and the apartment opened. She collapsed back on the stool, her legs suddenly weak. Brody pulled off his hat and ran a hand through his dark hair. His gaze took in the room and then settled back on her.

“I would have been here sooner but Lincoln stopped me on the steps of Duke’s, and I had to linger over an iced tea.”

“He’s gone?”

Brody nodded, but his attention fell on Lefty Mueller. “Thank you for taking her in.”

Lefty winked at her. “I’m glad you called me, Brody. We had a nice visit over a cup of tea.”

“I’ve had a cup or two of that tea myself, Lefty. I’m sure she enjoyed hanging out with you.” Brody settled his hat back on his head. “I’ll walk you back to Oregon’s.”

“I can walk myself, Brody.”

“I know you can, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let you.”

The two of them stood there facing one another. Grace didn’t want this animosity between them. She’d come to him for help. It had been her choice. It had actually been her first thought, to go to Brody.

Lefty took the tea cup from her hand and she gave him a quick hug. “Thank you for taking me in and for the tea. I enjoyed seeing your shop and talking to you.”

“You’re very welcome, my dear. If you ever need anything, my door is open.” Mr. Mueller smiled at Brody. “And you, young man, take good care of her.”

“I’m not sure if she wants that, Lefty, but I’ll do my best.”

Brody took her by the arm and led her out the back door of the shop, over to the back door of Oregon’s All Things. She unlocked the door with the key Oregon had given her and stepped inside. Brody took off his hat and followed her across the threshold.

It suddenly dawned on her, what Lefty had said. She grinned as she looked at the big cowboy, hat in hand. “You drink peppermint tea with Lefty?”

He shot her a look that was none too pleased but cute, nonetheless. “Men can drink peppermint tea.”

“Of course they can.” She sat down on the overstuffed couch and pulled a pillow to her lap. “Have you eaten? I can make you a sandwich.”

“I thought I’d head over to Duke’s. What about you?”

“I had a sandwich earlier.”

He frowned at that. “That isn’t much of a meal. Why don’t you go to Duke’s with me.”

She sat there, the pillow on her lap, and Brody standing tall and awkward in the center of the small apartment. Finally she nodded, pushing aside fear and misgivings to accept the peace offering he’d extended.

“I think that would be good.”

She followed him out the door. They walked side by side down the sidewalk and across the street to Duke’s. They didn’t touch, not even by accident. They didn’t speak, not even to comment on the weather.

Peace was a fragile thing, she realized.

When they got to the diner, Brody went up the steps slowly, flinching each time he raised his leg to the next step. She wanted to help. But how did she do that without tackling his cowboy pride?

“Have you considered using the ramp?” she suggested, knowing immediately it had been the wrong thing to say.

Brody shot her a look. “I’m perfectly capable of using steps.”

“I know you are, but if it causes more wear and tear...”

He kept going, ignoring her.

When he got to the door he held it open for her. “After you.”

She stepped into Duke’s. The restaurant was long and low ceilinged with barn wood-paneled walls and a tin ceiling. The tables were rough wood. The booths along two walls were wood with rustic fabric-covered seats.

A woman came bustling out of the kitchen. She was nearly as tall as Brody. Her auburn hair, shot through with gray, was pulled back in a tight ponytail. She grinned big as she scooted past them with a tray of food.

“Sit anywhere, kids, and I’ll be back to take your order in a few.”

“Will do, Ned.” Brody led Grace to a table where a half dozen people sat together. There was an older couple that smiled as they continued to bicker over something, a couple of men drinking coffee and a younger couple with a little boy.

“Mind if we join you all?” Brody asked as he reached for a chair.

“Sure thing,” one of the older men said. “Have a seat, and introduce us to your friend, Brody.”

“Grace Thomas.” Brody pulled out a chair for her and took the seat next to it. “This is Ian Fisher and his brother, Bill. That’s their sister, Ava, and her husband, Chuck, and these are the Lansings.” He nodded toward the young family. “Sara and Carl and their son, Clay.”

She smiled and thanked them for letting her join them. They all laughed and made jokes about Brody not giving anyone a chance to say no.

He reddened at the joke and looked as though he might wish he’d taken a seat elsewhere. But this was Martin’s Crossing, and she imagined if they’d sat alone the rumors would have been rampant. Not that there wouldn’t be rumors anyway.

Ned headed their way after refilling coffee for a few diners.

She placed glasses of water in front of them and then pulled up a chair and sat down. “I’m about worn out.”

“Long day, Ned?” Brody asked as he picked up the glass of water.

“Long day, long week and longer year. Do you all know what you want to eat?”

“I’ll take the special.” Brody handed her back the menu.

“I’ll take the same.” Grace smiled and handed the waitress the menu.

“You got it, kids. Do you want something to drink other than water?” She held up the coffeepot she carried. “Or I can get you tea.”

They both declined and Ned pushed herself to her feet and headed for the kitchen. As she walked away, a slim, dark-haired girl came out of the kitchen, a big grin on her face. Grace knew immediately who the child had to be.

“Lilly, what are you up to today?” Brody asked, confirming her suspicions. She watched him change as the girl headed their way. His eyes lit up. He looked amused and protective all at once. The corner of his mouth tilted and revealed the dimple in his cheek.

“I have a horse to pay off, remember?” She sat down next to Grace and studied her long and hard. “So you’re the trouble...”

“Lilly.” Brody cut her off as he chuckled. “This is Grace.”

Grace held out her hand. “Better known as trouble.”

Lilly smirked. “Mom said you’re staying in the apartment.”

“Yes, I am.”

Lilly leaned back in her chair and Brody reached over, putting the chair back on four legs. “Down, killer.”

“I have to get back to work. Mom and Dad will be here soon.” She stood, her attention focused on Grace. “I’m sorry I didn’t meet you earlier. I came here right after school.”

“I’m sure we’ll have a chance to get to know each other,” Grace offered.

“Great,” Brody murmured. “Maybe we should get our food to go.”

“Why would we do that? This looks as if it might be entertaining,” Grace teased. It was easy to do when she knew how much Brody liked his privacy.

“We should leave before the whole family shows up,” he said, leaning in close. “You’re laughing at me now, Gracie, but you wait till you’re face-to-face with Jake, Duke and their women. And then there’s this bunch.”

He inclined his head, taking in the group at the table.

“I do like to see you squirm.”

He leaned back in his chair. “They’ll eat you alive.”

As if on cue, one of the older men turned his attention on Brody and Grace. He grinned as he settled his fishing hat on his head, the stiff bill shading his face but not hiding the teasing glint in his dark eyes.

“Brody, I’m just a wondering when you’re going to hang up your running shoes.”

“Running isn’t good for your knees, Brody.” Grace understood the double meaning but she jumped in anyway. Anything to see his face turn red.