No Direction Home (Sweet Home Colorado) (23 page)

“I’m sure he has his reasons and eventually he’ll tell you
. You have to give him some time to work things out. After all, it’s not just you who’s going through changes. He’s had quite a few lately, too.”  She grinned. “I mean the man is working like a dog on the ranch, has married you and adopted Joey. I don’t think he takes any of that lightly. If he were thinking about a divorce he would never have adopted Joey. He takes this marriage seriously and when he knows there’s a baby on the way he’s going to be thrilled.”     

Grace didn’t like Cindy taking Seth’s side
. “And since when have you become the authority on Seth?”

“Come on now, I’ve told you all along I think he’s a good man
. I think you’re both lucky to have found each other.”

“We’ll see, but I’m not ready to tell him yet
. I wanted to share it with you guys, first. My friends, who I know love and care about me and what happens to me. Is that wrong?”  In her heart, she knew it was wrong but he seemed indifferent toward her these days...and she just hadn't found the right time to break the news.

“No, I’m not saying it’s wrong, but you have to tell Seth
. Goodness, he’s the father.”  She sighed. “Your baby is going to be cute, with Seth’s blue eyes and your hair color. I’ll baby-sit for you.”

Grace couldn’t stay mad at Cindy
. She smiled and tried to calm herself. “You’ll be a neat Auntie and yes, I’ll tell him—eventually. I need a little time to work my mind around the fact I’m going to be a mom.”

“You’re already a mom with Jamie and Joey.
”

“Yes, but having a child of my own, an innocent little baby, who’s totally dependent on me for everything is different
. I love them dearly, but the kids are already beyond those years.”

“I think it’s wonderful,
” Jenna spoke up. “You’ll be a great mom. I see how you deal with Joey and Jamie and it’s a natural thing for you. And I predict this child is what will bring you and Seth together. I know he loves you and you care for him. It’s obvious the way you look at each other when you think the other isn’t watching. You were made for each other.”

Grace's stomach churned
. She used to think they'd be good together but a marriage wouldn't work if it was all one-sided. She sighed. “I don’t know what to say. Why does life have to get so complicated?” 

“When it’s complicated, it makes it worth more when things get sorted out.
”  Cindy patted her hand. “You’ll see. You’ve got it all, a beautiful family and a new baby on the way.”

If she had it all, why did she feel so mixed up about things
? Why couldn’t she let her feelings about Seth go and live for the baby and the children? Her life would be much simpler that way.

“I know with time you guys are going to work out your differences.
”  Cindy pleaded with her eyes, trying to convince Grace of Seth’s love. “This marriage is meant to be. The man loves you. Maybe he doesn’t know how to show it but I know he loves you.”

“Whether he does or not, it’s time I got a backbone and had a talk with him to see where we really stand
. It’s living a lie I can’t take. If there’s nothing there, okay, I can have my own bedroom and get on with my life. Or if he wants me and I want him, then we can go from there. I need to know, one way or another.”

Jenna
glanced at Grace. “At least you’re open to a life with him. I really think things will work out.” 

“His parents are flying in for the weekend and after their visit, I’m going to get to the bottom of it
. Right now I don’t want to think about anything but the baby. You know I’ve always dreamed of having a child of my own.”  She smiled. “Not that I don’t love Jamie and Joey. I do. But this is different. The baby is growing in my body. Not that I would ever treat them any different when the baby comes. I wouldn’t. But I want my baby to have a brother and sister. I hated being an only child. It was lonely.”

“You always had me,
” Cindy said.

“Yes, you’ve always been like family to me, but it’s not the same as living in a house with a family
. I never had that and I don’t want this child to miss out. You’re right somehow Seth and I need to come to terms with our relationship.”    

“It’s only a matter of time
. Hey, can you still ride horses? I really wanted to come out and go riding with you on Friday.”

“Sure, I can take a leisurely ride on the trail
. Doc said I shouldn’t have any problems."  Grace wondered why Cindy wanted to come out and ride with her. "You never liked horses.”

“Oh, I want to get more used to horses, because I know how much Travis likes them.
” 

“You really care for him, don’t you?
”

“I suppose.
”

“Oh, I’m glad
. He’s perfect for you.”

“Yeah, sure, there you go, trying to make something out of nothing.
”

“Like you keep telling me
, give it time. It’ll work out. You and Travis don’t have all the baggage and complications that Seth and I do. You’ll see.” 

Grace was overjoyed about the baby, but unclear as how to proceed with Seth
. Was Cindy right? Could he possibly love her? Hook, line and sinker, she had fallen hard for the cowboy with the sheepish grin.

Chapter
Twenty-Two

Warm sunshine skimmed over the mountainside splashing across the treetops
. The signs of life were everywhere as Grace and Cindy rode through the meadow. Chirping filled the air from birds sitting on the branches of the tall Aspen trees.

“How are you feeling?
”  Cindy glanced at Grace waiting for her response.

“This morning was rough but I’m doing
good. The fresh air and sunshine are helping me feel much better.”

Cindy pulled her horse up beside Grace
. “Okay, what’s going on? You look down. Care to talk to me about it?”

“Yeah, let’s sit on that flat rock over by the trees.
”  She pulled the reins to stop her horse and slid to the ground.

Walking toward the rock, they watched a couple of chipmunks playing, chasing each other through the brush and around the rocks
.

“Is the baby okay?
”       

“Yes, it isn’t that.
”  She sighed deeply. “Yesterday, I got a call from an editor in New York. Jenna’s friend wants to buy my book.”

“You had me scared to death
. I thought something was terribly wrong."  Cindy rolled her eyes. "You knot head. You should be happy. That’s great news.”  She turned and hugged Grace. “Isn’t it? Why are you so depressed?”

“Yes, it is
. I was ecstatic when I heard. I thought about what you said and I wanted to share the news with Seth. I was hoping to tell him about the sale and ease my way into telling him about the baby.”  She sighed. “Nana told me he was in town on business. I drove into town looking for him and found him at the lawyer’s office. I didn’t go in. I saw him talking with Mr. Stevens through the window.”  Tears ran unchecked, down her cheeks as her heart was breaking. She had wanted things to work out for them and he’d gone to the town divorce lawyer.

“It’s okay
. You should have gone in and told him. Did you tell him?”

“No, I couldn’t
. I know why he was at the lawyer’s office.”  She sniffled. “You know Mr. Stevens does the divorce cases. He did yours.”  Her voice cracked. “He was filing for a divorce.”

“I don’t believe it
. Stevens does other things, too. He must have been doing something else. Seth wouldn’t divorce you. You need to talk things out with Seth, instead of letting your imagination run away with itself.” 

Grace brushed a tear from her eye, trying to compose herself
. She pulled a tissue out of her pocket and blew her nose. “I’ve decided to move to Denver and raise my children there.”

“You can’t mean it
. This has all gotten blown out of proportion. Nana won’t want you to move away from your family home and I don’t either. We want to help you with the baby. You have a family. What about Jamie and Joey? They need each other.” 

The words kept pouring from Cindy's mouth
. “You aren’t even sure Seth wants a divorce. You have to stop jumping to conclusions. This is all one-sided and you’re thinking the worst. I know why you’re thinking negative. It’s because of the way Lee treated you. But you have to remember, Seth isn’t Lee. You can’t judge Seth by Lee.”

Cindy was right
. She was pretty confused these days. Dr. Kruger had told her to expect her hormones to go crazy. Was that what was wrong with her? “At least I knew where I stood with Lee. I never know anything with Seth.”  Grace dabbed at the tears.

“It’s all going to be cleared up in a short time,
” Cindy said. “I know it. The man loves you.”

“Then why is he always gone
? Always working?”

“He’s working for the family he cares about
. If he didn’t work, then you’d have something to worry about. It’s not as if he’s doing it to get away from you.”  She sighed. “I know that’s how you’re taking it, but it’s not the way things are. He’s not that sort of man. I know you still think he married you to get half of the ranch. You’re mistaken. Your past with Lee has you all twisted up inside. It’s coloring your judgment about Seth.”

“Maybe, but what do I do
? Go on as if nothing has happened? I know he’s filing for a divorce. Do I wait for him to drop the papers on me? Shouldn’t I see a lawyer? Get prepared for a battle?”  She clenched her fist against her mouth. “I’m not going to let him have Joey or the baby without a fight,” she muttered.

“Honey, it’s never going to get that far
. Maybe Seth was there on other business. I’m sure it’s not what you’re thinking. Your hormones have you confused.”

“I never thought I’d hear you say something like that to me
. You’re my friend.”  Grace sighed. Dr. Kruger had just warned her about the same thing.

“Yes, and it’s because I’m your friend I’m telling you to get a grip
. You’re thinking along some very negative lines.”  Cindy smacked her hand against her leg and stood to make her point. “The bottom line is Seth loves you and those kids. If he had wanted to get rid of you, he would’ve let the bear have you for lunch. He could have missed. He didn’t. The man saved your life.”

“Yes, he did.
”  Grace sniffled, wondering if Cindy was right.

“He treated you like gold that night at the ranch when he was telling the neighbors the story
. Everyone could see the love and pride in his eyes when he spoke of you. A man can’t fake that sort of thing.”

“I’m such a fool.
”  Grace dried her eyes and stood next to Cindy. If this was ever going to work, she'd have to start trusting Seth. “I’ll try to be more open-minded. Maybe he was there doing some other kind of business.”

“Of course he was
. Now, tell me about your book.”

Grace grinned
. “They really want to buy my manuscript. I’m excited about it because they seem to think there’s a need for it and they’re going to publish it this summer.”      

“Cool
. I’m sure Jenna will have a book signing for you at her bookstore.”  She laughed. “I get your first autographed copy and I’ll keep it in a special place on my bookcase and in my heart.”

“You old softy
, I dedicated it to you and Jenna for giving me the courage to write it. Without you, I would never have written it.”

“You mean my name will be in it, too
? That’s way too cool.”  She laughed again. “I’ll make sure all my customers buy it. The more I talk to them about chronic pain, the more I find everyone has it or knows of someone who does. It should be a
New York Times
best seller.”

“Yeah, I wish
, from your lips to God’s ear.”  She smiled at her dear friend. “You’re the best. Thanks for being my friend.”

“Anytime
. We’re a team. Let me look at you.”  Cindy wiped a smudge off Grace’s cheek and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “There, you look great. You are positively glowing.”  She grinned. “Let’s go. It’s getting late. I’m meeting Travis when we get back.”

“Okay, thanks for listening
. I feel better after talking with you.”

“You’re welcome
. You know I’m always here for you.”  She grinned.

Grace continued down the trail
. In her mind she wanted to think Cindy was right. That she and Seth belonged together. Were they meant to be? Was Seth the one for her?

***

Guests streamed into the new home on the ridge and Nana and the children had arrived in full wedding attire. Seth stood in the entryway watching the horizon. When Cindy gave the signal with her hand mirror, he would ride up to meet them. Not a sign of them yet.

His mother lightly touched his arm
. “Son, is it about time?”   

“Won’t be long now
. I’m glad you’re here," he said and put his arm around her.

"We're glad
, too. We wouldn't want to miss this. Does Grace suspect anything?"

"Grace thinks everyone is coming in tomorrow
. I hope she isn’t too upset with me for doing things this way.”

“I think it’s romantic
. Any woman would be thrilled you had gone to this much trouble to please her. I’m proud of you and how you’ve made a home for yourself here. These are wonderful people. I’m happy you let us be a part of your big day.”

“That’s how I wanted it
. My family and hers, the children, all of us together to see us speak our vows. It’s a special day.”

“What’s that flashing on the horizon?
”  She pointed toward the reflection on the hillside.

“The signal
. He hugged his mother and hurried out the door toward Grace. He would soon know if she would say yes to be his wife for real. No more fake marriage. With his heart pounding double-time in his ears, he jumped on his horse and raced up the side of the mountain to meet them at the bend. His future was at stake.

***

“Why are you primping out here in the middle of nowhere?”  Grace asked as Cindy waved her hand mirror around like a nut.

“I always like to look good
. It’s the hairdresser in me.”      

“What's going on down there
? Oh, my goodness, someone has built a house on ranch land. When did that happen?” Grace noticed the gazebo sitting on the spot where she and Seth had parked a long time ago. Had Seth sold the land without telling her? Who would build a home way out here?

“It sure looks nice from here, Cindy said in a nonchalant m
anner that sounded anything but.” 

“Those cars look familiar
. Nana’s car is down there. What is going on? Who built that house? You know something.”

Cindy avoided Grace's gaze
. "I don't know anything," she said. “Let’s start down and see what we can find out.” 

Grace took off in a full gallop
. “Grace, wait, you’ll hurt the baby,” Cindy screamed.

Grace immediately slowed down and shouted back at Cindy, “Come on, I want to find out what’s going on
. I hate to be kept in the dark.”  Grace rounded the bend and there was Seth racing across the meadow toward her. “What is he doing here?” 

Cindy reined her horse in beside Grace
. “Looks like he wants to talk to you. I think you both have to be honest with each other. It’s the only way you’ll have peace of mind and with the baby you need that. Do it. Do it now.”     

“You’re right
. I bet he knows what’s going on down there.”

“I’m sure Seth has the answers.
”  Cindy grinned. “Just ask.” 

Grace watched Cindy ride down the trail toward the new house
. What was going on here? She couldn’t figure it out. Mixed up and confused, she watched Seth ride up to her.

“Afternoon, ma’am
, are you having a pleasant ride?”  His eyes seemed to burn holes in her skin.

“Yes, I was
—until I saw someone had built a house on ranch land. Do you know anything about it?”

“Come, let’s sit a spell.
”  He led her over to a grassy flat spot in the meadow and dismounted, helping her off the horse.

Why didn't he answer her questions
?
He knows something.
She watched him with apprehension. Was he going to ask her for a divorce, here, in the meadow? That way she could scream and yell and no one would hear her. Well, if that was the case she wouldn’t make a sound...no matter how much it hurt.

“I’ve
been wanting to speak to you about our future and with my crazy hours lately, just haven’t had the opportunity.”  He pulled a blanket off the saddle and spread it on the tall grass in the meadow. Sitting, he pulled her down next to him.

Yeah, right
. She supposed the nights when they were alone didn’t give him a chance to talk. Men were all alike. Working things to their needs, never taking into consideration what a woman was thinking, feeling, or needing. Well, here it comes—for better or worse.

“Grace.
”  Gazing into her eyes, he took her hand in his. “I know I’ve been distant lately, but I have a good reason.”  He hesitated. “I love you.”

Did she hear him right
?
I think he said I love you.
“What?”  Could it be possible? She hoped so with all her heart.

“I love you
. I’ve known it since the first day I saw you kicking that flat tire in the rain.”  He grinned, his sexy cowboy grin, making Grace’s heart skip a beat. “With what you told me about your past I thought you needed time to find yourself.”  He cleared his throat. “I’ve given you time. With an inheritance from my grandfather, I’ve bought the ranch next door along with the edge of the Cactus Rose Ranch and built a new home for our family. That’s Rosewood, our home. Down in the valley.”  He gestured at the log home sitting on the next high ridge. "You can see Jamie and Joey running around the yard playing. I want us to raise our family there, if you’ll have me.”

Grace was floored
. This was not what she had expected to hear. “You...you love me?”  She was stunned.