Mindy Obenhaus - Rescuing the Texan's Heart

“Okay, ladies. Have your tootsies thawed out?” Miranda, the salon’s owner, emerged from the back room.

Blakely straightened, adjusting the pillow in her lap. “Mine have.”

“I’m good,” said Taryn.

“Sally.” Miranda motioned for her assistant before addressing Blakely and Taryn. “Thought we’d get your toes done first so they’ll be good and dry by the time you’re ready to put your boots back on. It’s really coming down out there.”

Taryn and Blakely looked out the front window, stunned to discover the snow had really picked up.

“Wow. It was barely flurrying when we got here.” Taryn couldn’t help thinking about Cash. Looked like he got his wish for snow. Hopefully, he was enjoying it and not staring at his computer. Maybe she should call Mr. Jenkins and ask him. But what would Cash think about her checking up on him?

The guy is leaving tomorrow.

May as well go for the gusto.

She tugged her cell phone from the back pocket of her jeans and dialed her neighbor. Luckily, Miranda, Sally and Blakely were engrossed in nail color selections and not paying attention to her.

“Mr. Jenkins.” She kept her voice as low as possible. “Is Cash around?”

“Sure is. Taryn wants to talk to you.” His voice faded as he handed off the phone.

“Hello.”

“Are you looking out the window?”

“I’ll do you one better. I just came in the house to get warm. I’ve been outside enjoying every flake.”

“No kidding?” Perhaps she’d made some progress, after all.

“Wish you were here. We could build a snowman.”

“Snowman? There can’t be more than two inches on the ground.”

Blakely held a bottle of nail polish in front of her and pointed to her toes. It was the same wine color as her dress. She smiled and shot her friend a thumbs-up.

“In Texas we make snowmen with a lot less snow than that.”

“They must be awful small.”

“Hey, it’s about the experience.”

She turned away from the other women. “Who are you and what have you done with Cash?”

“Very funny.”

“Afraid you’re on your own for this one, cowboy. I’m enjoying a day of pampering at the spa.”

“Will I see you later?”

Suddenly a swarm of butterflies came to life in her stomach. “Are you coming to the wedding with your grandfather?”

“I am.”

That meant he’d see her all dressed up. In high heels and a dress. Makeup, nails, hair...

The butterflies multiplied.

Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.

* * *

After only two days in Ouray, Cash was happier than he’d been in ages. Now, as he and Gramps stepped through the doors of Restoration Fellowship, he couldn’t ignore his eagerness to see Taryn. The woman fascinated him.

Beyond the small foyer, candlelight flickered throughout the small sanctuary while music drifted from an acoustic guitar. White tulips adorned both sides of the altar, continuing in front of the piano and organ. Simple decorations, but stunning nonetheless.

The snow had stopped over an hour ago, but Cash still insisted they drive the few blocks to the church. Virtually everything in Ouray was within walking distance, but dressed in nice clothes, he wasn’t about to invite disaster.

He and Gramps were seated on the groom’s side, though Gramps was quick to let him know he was friends with both the bride and the groom. Apparently everyone in town was eager to celebrate the union of these two people. The pews were filling faster than a creek in a gully washer.

According to Taryn, the bride and groom fell in love one long-ago summer. Then he’d gone on to marry someone else. Ten years later, he came back, widowed, and surprised not only to find Blakely, but a son he never knew existed. God had brought the three of them back together and they were finally going to be a family.

A wistfulness had filled Taryn’s eyes when she told the story. A look that seemed to go beyond being happy for her friend.

Cash noticed an older woman being escorted to the front pew on the bride’s side.

Gramps leaned closer. “That’s Blakely’s grandmother, Rose Daniels,” he whispered. “Owns the Alps Motel.”

The minister, groom and a young boy Cash guessed was the couple’s son appeared at the front. A moment later, the notes of a classical tune floated through the air.

Rustling behind him captured his attention. He turned and, at the back of the church, saw Taryn waiting. She wore a strapless dress the color of red wine that accented her small waist. On cue, she started down the aisle in high-heeled silver sandals with a grace that belied the tomboy image he’d seen yesterday. Talk about the total package. This girl was it.

He swallowed hard as she walked past him. Her short golden-brown hair was tucked behind one ear, while the other side framed her beautiful face.

When Taryn reached the altar, the wedding march started, the doors at the back of the room swung open and the congregation stood.

Blakely was a cute strawberry-blonde with a smile as big as Texas. Seemed she didn’t have eyes for anyone but her intended as she strode down the aisle solo.

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