Rescuing the Texan's Heart

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“Not buying it.” Blakely cocked her head. “Try again. Preferably, with the truth.”

The two of them had always been brutally honest with each other. And Blakely was the only one who knew about Taryn’s baby. She was the most trusted friend Taryn had ever had.

The people working in the salon were another matter, though.

But since they’d made themselves scarce for the moment... “Another long, tall Texan is tugging on my heartstrings.”

Her friend’s blue eyes lit up like an LED headlamp. “Are you kidding me? Who?”

“Easy, Blakes. It’s nothing serious. Just a little...disconcerting.”

“Okay, fine.” Blakely whispered. “But will you at least tell me who you’re talking about?”

She scanned the area, making sure no one was close enough to hear, then leaned toward her friend. “Mr. Jenkins’s grandson, Cash.”

“What happened?”

“You know how you’re a sucker for that lost-puppy-dog look?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, once I got past the fact that he looked and sounded so much like Brian...” She picked at her nonexistent fingernails, wondering what kind of magic Miranda could possibly work to make them look pretty. “It’s like the guy has no life. Or a life not of his choosing.”

“I’m not following you.”

“He loves Ouray. Used to spend every summer here with his grandparents. But, until Thursday, he hasn’t been back in ten years.”

Blakely leaned closer. “Why?”

“He didn’t say, but I have my suspicions. See, he took over running his father’s company when he got cancer. Even though he’d planned to move to Ouray. His father’s okay now, but Cash is still there, doing everything he can to make his father proud.”

“I see. So his hopes and dreams got sidetracked by the need to win his father’s approval?”

“And it doesn’t take a genius to see that it’s robbed him of his joy.” She scanned the tranquil and blessedly empty space once again. “Cash used to be a fun-loving and adventurous guy. Now he’s always thinking about work. I’m not sure he even knows how to relax.”

“And you’re going to fix that.”

Taryn tried not to smile but failed. “Well, I tried. I took him climbing yesterday.”

“How did that go?”

“He loved it. And it was nice to see a glimpse of the old Cash.”

“But...?”

“But nothing.”

Blakely lifted a brow, soothing music filling the space between them.

“We’re friends, Blakes.”

“That could change.”

“Not likely. He lives in Dallas. I live in Ouray. Long-distance relationships never work out.”

Blakely crossed her arms over her chest. “Sometimes they do.”

“Only if one party is willing to join the other. He’s not going anywhere. And there’s no way I’m ever setting foot in Texas again.”

A smile played at the corners of her friend’s mouth. “Never say never, Taryn. That’s just enough to make the good Lord show you who’s boss.”

“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.