Kitabı oku: «Rocky Mountain Daddy», sayfa 3

Chapter Three

Back at The Haven, Gabe accepted Tillie and Margaret’s invitation for supper. He always enjoyed the camaraderie around their table and envied the easy pleasure this family took in being together, welcoming whomever joined them. Tonight Gabe especially enjoyed how Eli seemed to relax and even laugh with Victoria and Ben’s adopted son, Mikey, who was about the same age. Yet Eli still avoided his father, which bugged Gabe no end.

“Where’s Francie and Franklyn?” Eli asked.

“At home on the Double M where they live. Saturday night is pizza night at their house. Then they go on a family ride. Francie and Franklyn ride their miniature horses, and Adele and Mac ride on the big horses.” Victoria glanced from Olivia to Gabe. “What did you three do today?”

Gabe let Olivia explain about their house search and the subsequent visit to Art.

“There are one or two ways we could help there, aunties,” she ended quietly.

“We’d love that. Art and Mavis have become very dear souls in our community. Tell us what they need, Livvie,” Tillie demanded, leaning forward.

Victoria got the boys busy with a board game while Olivia consulted her notes and then spoke, astounding Gabe with her perception and quick assessment of the situation.

“Eli needed the bathroom so I took him inside Art’s house and noticed the house needs a cleaning. With all the outside work, I don’t suppose Art’s had much time or energy. When Mavis comes home, I’m sure cleaning will be the last thing on her mind as she recuperates.”

“We’ll have a cleaning bee. We love bees, but our ladies’ group hasn’t had one in forever.” Tillie beamed. “We’ll go Monday morning. I know Art plans on returning to Edmonton tomorrow, so we won’t upset his plans. Done.”

“Next?” Margaret, not to be outdone by her sister’s enthusiasm, waited impatiently.

“Well.” Olivia glanced at Gabe as if to ask his opinion.

“You’re doing fine,” he assured her.

“It’s just—” She glanced at her list, then around the table. “The way Art spoke about Mavis and their stay in the city made me think neither of them are eating properly. I doubt if she’s well enough to cook and he said he can’t, so perhaps a few frozen meals would be in order?”

“Adele has plenty of them in the freezer. Tillie and I will deliver some this evening. Art can take them with him to Edmonton.” Margaret smiled. “Good thinking, Livvie.” The Spenser sisters smiled at each other, but those smiles faded when Olivia cleared her throat.

“I wasn’t finished.” Her cheeks pinked when everyone looked at her in surprise. “The place needs a second work bee.”

“For?” Margaret was busily making her own list.

“The outside. Art mentioned the roof leaks. Gabe warned him to stay off the roof because of his knee, but apparently it must be fixed before the next rain or considerable damage will occur inside.” Olivia looked around the table. “Their hardwood floors are lovely. It would be a shame for rain leaks to ruin them.”

Gabe had noticed those gorgeous floors many times, but he hadn’t given a thought to their shape if a leaky roof damaged them. Full marks to Olivia the organizer.

“Our men’s group from the church can reroof the house. We have the cash to pay for it and we’ve been looking for a way to use those funds locally.” Ben, Victoria’s husband, mused aloud. “It’s not a large house so it shouldn’t take long. I’ll ask the guys, see if Tuesday works.”

“That’s more than generous.” Olivia noted his offer in her book before inhaling. “Then there’s the painting,” she added in a rush.

“Painting?” Tillie leaned forward. “Inside, you mean?”

“It could certainly use a refresh inside, but I was thinking more of the outside. The siding is peeling and looks so shabby. It would be disheartening for Mavis to come home to.”

“I’ve been meaning to paint the house,” Gabe admitted, “but I never gave a thought to Mavis’s feelings.” He smiled at Olivia. “Your perceptions intrigue me.”

“I like organizing things in a way that makes sense to those who’ll be using them.” She shrugged. “It’s what I do—did. Will do, in my new job.”

“It’s what she’s doing in our office and she’s amazing,” Vic praised. “I never dreamed bookings at The Haven could be so easy. My phone is now linked with our system. It doesn’t matter if I’m out, I can still see our openings at a glance. You have a gift, Liv, one God blessed you with abundantly. I wish He’d given me just a little of it.”

“He blessed you with other things,” Olivia said with a quick glance at Victoria’s husband and daughter.

“Yes, He has. Is that everything on your list, Olivia?” Ben asked.

Gabe noticed Olivia’s face redden before she ducked her head to consult her notes once again.

“There’s more,” he guessed with a wry smile.

“I do have a few other suggestions,” Olivia admitted, looking embarrassed.

“Such as?” Gabe couldn’t stop gazing at her, admiring the glistening fall of her dark hair against her newly sun-kissed cheek. “Hit us with them, Olivia.”

“It’s just—I wondered if it would be possible to get some roses planted at the corner of the deck. Art said Mavis used to have some there and she loved them, but what hasn’t been winter-killed has been eaten by deer.” She tugged out a small sheet of paper and laid it on the table. “Maybe something like this? Eli drew it for me.”

“Eli drew this?” Gabe stared at the perfectly shaped rosebuds on a rosebush and the scattered shorter flowers beneath the bush that hugged the deck post. An almost invisible fence protected the flowers and, of course, birds fluttered nearby.

Gabe knew zip about art, but he recognized that his son was talented. How was he supposed to nurture that here, far away from teachers and special schools that knew how to encourage artistic stuff? Had Eve done anything about Eli’s talent?

This fatherhood thing—he’d ask Olivia’s advice. Again.

“We know the very person to create a lovely garden.” Tillie studied the paper. “May we take this, Liv?”

“If Eli agrees,” Olivia said, and asked the little boy.

“It’s okay. I can draw more,” Eli said. “I like drawin’. ’Specially birds.”

“Thank you, dear. Our Jake is the most wonderful handyman we could ask for, but he’s an absolute master at gardening. His specialty is roses. This would be the perfect project for him to show off his gift.” Margaret leaned closer, peering through her bifocals. “You’re very talented, Eli.”

Eli shrugged and went back to playing.

“When the house gets painted, it might be nice to give the outbuildings a coat, also,” Olivia murmured. “That way when they arrive home—Art said perhaps in two weeks—everything will look fresh and welcoming.”

“We have a credit with the local painter. We’ll ask him to paint the house,” Aunt Tillie declared.

“Yes,” Margaret agreed. “But I doubt our credit will cover more than the house.”

“I’ll paint the outbuildings,” Gabe said, thrilled that his friends would be so well cared for.

“But you’re already looking after Art’s livestock. And you have Eli.” Olivia frowned. “How are you going to have time for all this?”

Gabe didn’t stop to think it over. He wasn’t even sure where the idea came from. He only knew he liked it. A lot.

“Eli’s going to help me,” he announced. “We’re going to paint those buildings together. Right, Eli?”

Eli blinked. He set down his game piece, thought for a moment then shrugged. “’Kay.”

“Great.” Olivia’s smile was something to behold. It made her eyes sparkle. She glowed so much Gabe couldn’t stop gawking at her. “Then the only thing left on my list is to find you and Eli a home.”

“We need to pray on that,” Tillie said firmly.

“Yes. God has a plan. That’s why he sent Olivia and Eli to us.” Margaret folded her hands. “Now we must discover that plan. Let’s pray.”

Gabe closed his eyes, but truthfully he didn’t hear much of the aunties’ prayers. He was too busy thinking about how Olivia fit in so perfectly with The Haven’s ministries. Victoria certainly seemed delighted with her help, and in one afternoon she’d set things in motion that he’d struggled with for months.

How sad that she’d be leaving soon.

* * *

“How goes the search for a home for Eli and Gabe?” Victoria asked the following Thursday as she strolled into the office. She stopped, gulped. “What a mess!”

“The house search does not go well,” Olivia said from her sitting position on the floor. “This mess is your old system of filing bills. But by tomorrow you’ll be doing things differently and much more neatly.”

“Okay.” Victoria crunched on her apple as she watched her sister sift through the mass of files. “Did you take a call from social services about a weekend in July?”

“Yes.”

“And they booked it?” Victoria asked, frowning when Olivia didn’t immediately answer. “Liv?”

“I talked them out of it.”

“You did what? Why?” Victoria’s easygoing manner disappeared. “Olivia, the whole summer schedule revolves around—”

“That’s the problem. It shouldn’t.” Olivia exhaled and rose, ready to calm her frustrated foster sister.

“But we—Olivia!” Vic exploded, staring across the office. “My wall. My charts. Everything’s gone. What are you doing?”

“Making it better. I took your stuff down and painted this wall with chalkboard paint. When it’s fully dry I’m going to draw a year’s worth of calendars and mark in the bookings. Here’s an idea of what it’ll look like.” She tapped the computer and a calendar appeared.

Victoria looked, frowned, but said nothing.

“See how you were always losing Friday night between groups? But everybody wants that night to start the weekend, right?” Olivia was so excited she barely waited for her Victoria’s nod. “If we check out one group Friday morning and check in the next one that afternoon, the cabins don’t stay idle overnight. You can accommodate more kids.”

“But then I won’t get a break and we’ll have even less time to clean the cabins.” Victoria’s frustration was evident in her tone. “I need those few hours off, Liv, to spend with my kids and my husband.”

“You need more than a few hours per week. That’s why I’ve fitted in full days off for you.” Olivia showed her the days marked in pink. “And you won’t be cleaning the cabins, Vic.”

“I won’t?”

“Uh-uh. Each camping group and counselor will be responsible to clean their own cabin.” Delighted with her plan, Olivia explained, “We’ll have a contest and award prizes so they’ll be eager to do a good job. One of your staff can do the final checkout.”

“But who will handle the guests when I’m off?” Victoria’s tone grew thoughtful.

“Again—your staff. They should all know how to deal with stuff like that anyway. You’re the director, Vic, not the do-it-all girl.” She grinned. “Another thing. We’re going to change up the schedule so that everybody gets an occasional weekend off.”

“Then we’ll have to hire, train and house even more staff.” Vic sighed. “Livvie, I know you mean well, but this is going to be expensive and cause so much more work for me—”

“No, it’s going to streamline things so that you don’t have to work so hard. Trust me, Vic. This will work.” Olivia tamped down her frustration at her sister’s dubious expression. Didn’t Victoria realize that she knew what she was doing, that she’d handled far bigger and more complex scheduling issues than this? “I need you to call a staff meeting for this afternoon so I can explain how things are going to change. Is two o’clock okay?”

“Yes. But if this doesn’t work, it’s on you, Liv,” Victoria warned. “You’ll have to stay and pitch in. I can’t take on any more.”

“I know that. You’re doing too much now, and you’re worn-out. My schedule will fix that,” Olivia reassured her gently. “Isn’t that why you asked for my help? Please, trust me.”

“I’ll try.” Clearly still troubled, Vic left.

Trust me. Such an easy thing to ask for, Olivia thought. She used the words over and over each night at Eli’s bedtime, trying to encourage him to talk about his past. But the child had yet to divulge details. His words from that first day still troubled her.

I prayed and prayed and he never came.

Why had Eli been praying for his father to come for him? What had his life with his mom, his aunt and her children been like?

Those questions whirled around without answers until Olivia finally forced them from her mind. She finished entering everything on the chalkboard, then checked and double-checked her work before deciding to take a break. It was lunchtime and she was starving. She strolled to the patio where Adele was busy grilling a picnic lunch. Olivia’s stupid heart rate sped up to double time when Gabe sauntered up.

“Hi, there.” He threw her that lazy-cowboy, knee-knocking smile of his and reached up to rub something from her scarred cheek.

Olivia jerked away, shifting her head so her hair covered the scar.

“Sorry. You had some blue chalk there.” His smile didn’t alter, which allowed her to relax a little. “Are you able to go house hunting this afternoon? I have a lead—”

“Victoria and I have a staff meeting at two o’clock,” Olivia explained. “It should take about half an hour.” Funny how much she wanted to go with him to look for a house. Why did it matter to her where Gabe lived?

For Eli’s sake, she told herself. Her brain scoffed. Eli. Right.

“Meaning you’ll be free after two thirty?” Gabe smiled at her nod. “Good.” He stood there, studying her.

“What?” she demanded, suddenly uncomfortable.

“You know you want to ask,” Gabe shot back with a smirk.

“Oh, brother.” Olivia rolled her eyes. “Okay, the aunts say everything else is progressing well, so how’s Eli doing with his painting on Art’s outbuildings?” Truthfully? She was very curious, especially now because Gabe had insisted she see nothing until they were finished the entire job.

“Doing well.” He burst out laughing at her disgust. “Patience isn’t your strong suit, is it, Olivia?”

“Usually I’m a very patient person,” she insisted. “You have to be when you work with logistics. It must be your effect on me.”

“Sure,” Gabe said.

Ignoring his amused chuckle, Olivia turned her back and sauntered toward the picnic table to fetch herself a hamburger. It didn’t seem as if Adele had an overabundance of cooked burgers ready for the growing crowd of kids. She’d just selected a charred burger, intending to eat only the center when a long arm reached around her and replaced her meat patty with a less burnt one.

“What are you doing?” she demanded, whirling to glare at Gabe. “I like well-done burgers.”

“That one passed well-done and moved into the ‘ash’ category a while ago. It’s inedible.” His grin somehow made her day brighter. “Mustard?”

“No, thanks. I prefer relish on my burgers.” She moved her plate when he offered a scoop of raw onions. “No, thank you.”

“Your loss.” Gabe selected a serving of every single condiment offered, added a bag of chips and a glass of lemonade before following her to a grassy spot in the shade under a tree where Eli was eating with Mikey.

“Olivia, did anyone ever tell you you’re not very adventurous?” Gabe asked in a mocking tone.

“No,” she assured him, hiding her smile when he bit into one of the hot peppers her sister always served.

Gabe’s eyes stretched wide. He stopped chewing, gulped, then grabbed his drink and downed the entire contents.

“Mostly people compliment me on avoiding the pitfalls of taking chances,” she said smugly before holding out her own untouched glass. “Go ahead.”

Gabe didn’t refuse, simply took her glass and emptied it. She calmly ate her hamburger while he regained his breath. Then he carefully set aside the rest of the pepper. Finally, voice hoarse, he spoke.

“I still say you miss out on all the fun parts.”

“Like you just did?” Olivia giggled. “Some things are missable, Gabe. Like Adele’s ultrahot peppers. Is your painting going well, Eli?”

The child managed to utter about three words before Gabe reminded him that the painting was supposed to be a surprise. Eli shrugged at Olivia before returning to his lunch and Mikey’s explanation about monster trucks.

“Good try,” Gabe murmured. “Plying innocent kids with questions isn’t very nice.”

“Why is it such a secret? It’s just an outbuilding.” Frustrated by his refusal to tell her anything, Olivia huffed a sigh and concentrated on her lunch.

“Your strong suit is patience, huh?” Gabe laughed, then finished his hamburger. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Plying me with questions isn’t nice, either,” she shot back, surprised to find she enjoyed verbally sparring with him. “But you will anyway.”

“Why don’t you like to try new things?” Gabe set aside his empty plate and leaned back on his elbows.

“I am trying new things. I’m starting a new job in a new city, finding a new home and learning new skills. You’re the one stuck in a bunkhouse, remember?” She shouldn’t have said that, but Olivia knew exactly where his questions were leading. And she didn’t like it.

“You’ve helped a lot with the program here. Don’t you want to stay at The Haven and be part of the foster kids’ ministry?” Gabe pressed curiously.

“I don’t belong here. I’m only staying long enough to streamline things for Vic. When I’m finished, I’ll go.” She crunched on her chips as she surveyed the groups of kids chattering around them. “I’m not good with children, Gabe.”

“Not true,” he asserted. “You’re very good with Eli.” They watched as Eli and Mikey ran off.

“Not really. Eli’s mostly self-sufficient. He doesn’t tell me much. When we’re alone together he doesn’t talk about whatever’s bothering him, and though I’ve tried, I haven’t been able to elicit any information about his former circumstances.”

“Me, neither,” Gabe said glumly.

“You will.” Olivia shrugged. “But kids and I just don’t mesh. Never have.”

“I think you could, but you won’t let yourself unbend enough to get close to them.” Gabe’s blue eyes narrowed as he studied her. “I can’t help wonder why that is when you’re so competent at everything else.”

“You know I’m competent how? Because you’ve seen my fabulous sewing and cooking skills? As if!” She hooted with laughter, hoping to divert him. “You don’t know that much about me, Gabe.”

“I know some,” he defended. “Your aunts told me you took a nothing job in the military and turned it into an example for other administrative assistants. I know the colonel you worked for was so impressed with your work that he signed off on you taking a bunch of courses that others were not offered. I know you were awarded several service honors and that you set up two other offices—”

“Enough. Let’s agree that the aunts told you some stuff about what I do. Did.” Olivia looked directly into his eyes. “Now add this to your knowledge. I freeze up around kids. I do stupid things and sometimes they get hurt. I’m lousy with responsibility for children so I avoid them. That way they don’t get hurt.” Irritated, she glared at him. “Can we drop it now?”

“For now.” He grinned. “What kind of houses do you think we’ll find this time?”

“I already know.” She smiled triumphantly. “I’ve done some research.”

“Ah, so you were intending to go house hunting with me again.” He looked a little too pleased with himself.

“I was hoping you’d locate something you’d consider buying so Eli could have a home,” she corrected. There was something about this cowboy with his pretense of slow-wittedness that annoyed Olivia no end because she knew Gabe was smart as a whip. “As I’ve said before, that kid needs his own home. And I need to get to work if I’m going to be able to leave with you after the meeting. Excuse me.”

She rose and walked toward The Haven, fully aware that Gabe’s blue eyes followed her and eager to escape that pensive stare. But the aunties stopped her before she could enter the office.

“Livvie, dear, we fear we may have bragged on you a little too much with Gabe,” Tillie said, looping her arm through Olivia’s.

“It’s just that we’re so proud of you. But, well...” Margaret’s voice dropped away.

“We know you like your privacy,” Tillie finished.

“Yes, I did prefer that when I was with the military. And Gabe’s just informed me of all the details you shared.” She smiled at their worried looks. “Don’t worry, Aunties. It’s fine. But, please, don’t tell him anything more, okay?”

“Why not?” Margaret frowned. “If he already knows most—”

“A girl should have some secrets.” The moment she said it, Olivia wished she hadn’t. Her aunts glanced at each other, speculative looks filling their faces. Looks Olivia knew too well. “Not that it matters one little bit,” she quickly backtracked. “There is no relationship between us. I don’t know Gabe very well and—”

“Not to worry, dearie. You’ll get to know him a lot better now that you’re home. Meantime, your secrets are safe with us.” Tillie made a zipping-the-lip motion and winked.

“So, you’re going house shopping—with this man you hardly know? How exciting.” Margaret chuckled aloud as Olivia rolled her eyes. “We do love having you girls back with us at The Haven. It’s such fun.”

“I’m only home for a short while, remember. I can’t stay.” Given her aunts’ glazed expressions, Olivia could only hope her cautioning words sank in.

“We know that’s what you said, dear. Later.” Tillie looped her arm in Margaret’s and the two strolled away, whispering and giggling like girls.

“Olivia, you need to learn to shut up,” she scolded herself. To enforce the words, she closed the office door and forced herself to concentrate on finishing the schedule plan. She intended to hand it out at the meeting later.

But it wasn’t that easy to muffle the giddiness that burbled inside when she thought about the upcoming house hunt with Gabe. He was going to be so surprised.

* * *

Something was up.

After a quick glance at Olivia’s face, Gabe took the back road as directed. She looked smug, too satisfied with herself.

“This track leaves something to be desired,” he muttered as his truck almost bottomed out on the ruts.

“Once you’re living here I’m sure the county will maintain the road.” Olivia pressed her lips together firmly, stifling her smile.

Definitely something up, Gabe decided.

“Turn left here.”

He obediently turned, rounding a huge grove of massive spruce trees. His foot fell off the gas pedal.

“Isn’t it gorgeous?” Olivia whispered. “Forty acres. On the crest of the hill, protected against the north winds, facing south so you get the best light—well?” She studied his face eagerly.

Gabe parked, got out of the truck and soaked in the view. Green rolling hills undulated all around, perfect for a few horses to graze in. Trees, deciduous and evergreen, lay scattered in bunches here and there, offering shade. A small river dissected the land on the lowest level. Outcroppings of granite rock someone had piled here and there added to the variety of the scene.

“Outbuildings?” he managed to croak, shocked that he hadn’t known about this lovely piece of land. “House?”

“There’s a barn there.” She pointed.

The reserve in her voice made Gabe study Olivia’s face.

“Needs work,” he grunted after a quick appraising glance. “And the house—” Words failed him at the sight of a burned-out black skeleton of what might once have been a two-story home. “Talk about a fixer-upper.” Gabe frowned at her. “You were the one who said I need time with Eli. If I bought this place I’d spend ages building a house and we couldn’t live here in the meantime, so—”

“That’s the beauty of my plan.” Olivia looked anything but defeated. “You don’t have to.”

“Good thing Eli didn’t come,” Gabe muttered, squinting at the charred ruins. “The kid would be terrified imagining living in that horror house. So am I.”

“It’s a teardown for sure.” Olivia grinned as if that was perfect. “Come on. Let’s take a closer look and I’ll explain.”

“This had better be good,” he warned, slightly annoyed that they’d wasted time driving here.

“Oh, Gabe, it’s very good.” She stood in the sunshine, eyes sparkling, trim and neat in her jeans and red cotton shirt, looking as if she belonged on this land. “Look around. The ranch part is perfect, right?”

“Yes, but—”

“Great, we agree on the land. And the price?” She named a figure that made him blink.

“That can’t be—”

“It’s correct.” She grinned, obviously delighted with her find. And why not? The setting was gorgeous.

“Great. Except for the house,” he muttered.

“True. But what if you moved in a house, one that’s mostly completed?” The silver sparkle in Olivia’s gray eyes transmitted her enthusiasm. “A ready-to-move house.”

“An RTM?” Gabe struggled to visualize it.

“It wouldn’t be hard to move one onto the foundation once that road was taken care of.” She held up a hand, forestalling his next comment. “RTMs aren’t prohibitive costwise and they’re well built. In fact, I got the idea from the aunts when they mentioned a man in the congregation who builds them. Apparently, he’s trying to cut down on his stock to get some cash flow. Here, look at these.”

Gabe stepped forward to look at the tablet she’d lifted from her purse.

“I chose two different styles that I thought might suit what Eli wants and what you need. Eighteen hundred square feet in the first house and twenty-five hundred in the second.” She pointed out a variety of features in each, ending with, “Both have a big wall of windows that would overlook the valley and that magnificent view.”

The cost was printed beneath each house.

“Affordable, right?” Olivia shrugged at his raised eyebrows.

“How—?”

“I did some research.” She grinned. “It’s what I do.”

“Very well done, too.” Gabe couldn’t believe she’d gone to all this trouble for him. And Eli.

“The price may be negotiable if inventory is high,” she suggested as if she knew his focus was on the price and whether he could swing it.

In the end, Gabe didn’t get fixated on the money side of it. He grew entranced by the acres of land, virtually isolated, with not one single neighbor in view. In his brain a dream was forming of what he could create here, with Eli.

“Is this anything like what you wanted, Gabe?” Olivia murmured.

“Yes.” Except that he hadn’t known he wanted it so badly, hadn’t known he’d ever be able to find something as special as this property. He faced Olivia. “Thank you,” he murmured.

“You’ll buy it?” she asked eagerly.

“I don’t know. It’s something to think about.” Gabe watched her excitement fade. “What’s wrong?”

“A beautiful piece of land like this isn’t going to last,” she said quietly. “Once it goes on the market, it will be snapped up in a minute.”