No Direction Home (Sweet Home Colorado) (22 page)

“No, they’ve gone to bed
. The whole experience has worn them out. They’ll sleep like rocks tonight.”  Seth winked at Cindy. “Thanks for taking care of everything.”

“Not a problem.
”  Cindy gave Grace a hug and left. “I’ll call you tomorrow. Sleep tight.”

“What was that about?
”   

Seth noted the tired expression on her face and could tell she was in a great deal of pain by the way she was walking
. “I was thanking her for the way she pitched in and took care of everyone. You’re tired. Why don’t you go take a hot bath and relax some of the soreness out of your bones? I’ll go downstairs and make sure everything is under control.”

Grace stretched and yawned
. “I think I’ll take you up on that. I'm exhausted.”

He kissed her on the cheek and turned to go downstairs
. Glancing back at her, he grinned. A home of her own would help her learn to love and accept him. There was hope for this marriage to work.
She loves the children and from what Cindy had to say she feels something for me, too.

Chapter
Twenty-One

Nana gasped softly as she and Grace drove down the long Cactus Rose
Ranch driveway. It was impossible to steady her erratic pulse caused from her own excitement. The day had finally come. She was coming home. With a shiver of vivid recollection she remembered the night when Seth had taken her to the hospital. She’d thought she’d never see home again.

“Is anything wrong?
”  Grace glanced at her and slowed the car to a stop.

Nana could feel the moisture building in her eyes
. “Nothing. I’m just happy to see the ranch.”  The sight of her beloved log home nestled among the rocks and pines made Nana’s heart swell with pride. When it was her time she wanted her ashes scattered on the land like her many ancestors who lived there before her, but she was glad she had some time left to enjoy her wonderful grandchildren.

“We’re thrilled you’re coming home
. Seth had an emergency with some of the cattle out on the back forty or he’d be here, too. But, he’ll be home for your celebration dinner tonight.”  She smiled. “By the way, I’m making your favorite things.”   

Nana enjoyed listening to Grace
chatter while they drove to the family home. She knew where Seth was. He was putting the finishing touches on their new home.

“Oh, yeah, Seth and the boys finished the addition to the bunkhouse
. I think you’ll like what they’ve done to it.”

“I’m sure I will
. Seth brought pictures to the hospital to keep me updated. Looks like he did a fine job.”  Unknown to Grace, he had also brought pictures of the new home he was building for his wife.
Gracie Bell, you are one lucky lady. I can’t wait till he tells you about it.
Nana smiled to herself, keeping the secret close to her heart.

Jamie and Joey ran out on the porch to greet Nana holding a welcome home sign, happily jumping up and down
. Ollie sat on the porch railing cleaning his paws, keeping an eye on the car. Nana hesitated, blinking with bafflement. “Where are Joey’s crutches? That boy is a wonder.”

“He wanted to surprise you.
” 

The kids ran up to Nana’s side of the car when Grace pulled into the circular driveway alongside the porch.

Jamie opened the car door and held out her hand. “Nana, I made banana nut bread for you.” 

“Oh, honey, I can't wait.
”  The children looked like they had grown at least a foot. “Did you do it all by yourself?”  Although she didn’t need it, Nana let the little girl assist her in getting out of the car.

“Joey helped me
. He lifted it out of the oven and cleaned up for me.”

“I know how the boy cleans up.
”  Nana’s gentle laugh rippled through the air as she glanced at Joey. “Look at you...walking all by yourself. I’m proud of you.”  Stopping, she hugged him close to her chest, kissing his cheek and put an arm around Jamie kissing the top of her head. “I’ve missed you both.”     

Grace followed them through the entryway like a mother hen looking after her chicks
. “Don’t overdo, Nana. Sit here in your favorite chair.” 

Nana eased herself down in her recliner and Ollie jumped in her lap, expecting to be scratched
. “Apparently, somebody else missed me, too.”  Nana grinned at Ollie, rubbed him under the chin and listened to his welcome home purr.

“He really did miss you.
”  Jamie reached over and patted Ollie’s head. “Sometimes it looked like he had tears in his eyes.” 

Nana leaned back in her recliner resting her eyes, happy to be home
.

“Kids, why don’t you go play outside for a while and let Nana rest
,” Grace suggested and hung their coats on the rack.

“Okay, we’ll
take Pokey an apple.”  Joey and Jamie ran outside, laughing as they went out the door.

“They seem happy.
”  Nana glanced at Grace. “They didn’t have to leave. I’m not tired.”  Pushing her recliner back, she stared around the room at her favorite things. Being home, made her feel much better.

“They can wear a person out
. I don’t want you to have a relapse the first day you’re home.”  Grace grinned. “Now, that sounds like something you’d say.”

“Yes, we’re going to have to do something about you
. Dr. Kruger said I’m fine, just have to slow down a bit. Don’t you get too bossy with me. I’m still your Nana.”

“Yes, I’m fully aware of that."  Grace busied herself in the open kitchen
. "I'll fix us some tea."

“Tell me, how are things going with you and Seth?
” Nana  asked, wanting to pull the pieces together. How did Grace really feel? Was she happy? “We never were able to talk much about your marriage.”

Two deep lines of worry appeared between Grace's eyes as she tried to sidestep the question
. “His parents are coming next week to meet all of us and see Jamie and Joey. We’re excited about the visit.”

Something was bothering Grace, something she wasn’t saying
. “They’re staying here, aren’t they?”

“Well, no, they insisted on staying at the hotel
. His mother said she wouldn’t dream of putting you out with you just getting home from the hospital.”  Grace pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I think it’s for the best this time.”

Nana realized, without Grace saying a word, her granddaughter didn’t have a clue to how much Seth cared for her
. “Next time they can stay here. We have plenty of room. This is Seth’s home.”

Grace flinched
. “Yes, I don’t think he has a problem with that. He and the kids love it here.” 

She’d be glad when Grace knew how much Seth loved her
. Only a week to go and to think the man added a greenhouse just because he knew how much Grace missed her flowers in California. He was one of a kind...lucky woman.

***

Seth stood on the top balcony, staring out at the unobstructed view of the valley below. The huge multilevel log home with a view from every window was all he’d hoped it would be and more.
Lord, please let the woman love me and our new home. When I ask her to marry me this time—let her say yes for real.

The idea had come to him during a dream
. He had cheated Grace out of a real wedding so he was determined to make it up to her. Nana had agreed his plan was a good one.

Well, he wanted things to be perfect for her this time around
. She deserved it. He’d have Cindy bring her out on horseback and see the home from the ridge. It was an awesome sight. She’d have to fall in love with it.

He’d even built a gazebo at the exact spot where they had shared their first kiss under the stars
. It was the place where he wanted Grace to marry him. Joey would be his best man and Jamie the flower girl. Thank goodness Cindy and Jenna were taking care of the details with the flowers, cake and Grace's gown. Everything else he had taken care of, personally. He didn’t want any slip-ups. This was the last time he was getting married.

His plan was to ride out to meet them
. Cindy would make herself scarce while he proposed to Grace. The minister, his parents, Nana, the kids and a few friends would be waiting at the new house for them. Then the girls could assist Grace in getting ready for the wedding. They’d be married at sunset with the shades of purple drifting over the mountains while they spoke their vows to the heavens.

Grace has to say yes.

***

In the middle of the diner,
Grace glanced between Cindy and Jenna stopping at Cindy. “Well, time to tell all. How was the trail ride by moonlight?” She asked, teasing her friend. She and Jenna sat across the table from her, waiting for answers. “What’s that? I didn’t hear you.”

“You didn’t hear anything, because I didn’t say anything.
”  This is different. Travis is special.”  Cindy pouted, picking at her salad.

"What
? You’re not quite ready to share your feelings about Travis with us.”  Grace grinned. It was nice to give Cindy some of her own medicine. “Could it be that those feeling are just too warm and fuzzy to talk about over lunch...even with your best friends?”

Cindy frowned at Grace and stabbed her salad, ignoring her.

Jenna shifted in her chair. “I have news.” 

The girls glanced in her direction
. Grace asked, “What’s up?” knowing Cindy would be relieved to talk about anything to get them off her back about Travis.

Jenna
held out her left hand, moving her fingers, showing off a beautiful one carat diamond solitaire ring. Sparkles danced around her fingers. “Charlie and I are engaged.”

“When?
”  Cindy grabbed her hand. “It’s beautiful.”  She hesitated for about a second. “Oh, my God.”  Squealing in delight, Cindy jumped up, pushing the chair back and ran around to hug Jenna. “Congratulations!”

“I’m happy for you.
”  Grace gave Jenna a hug and glanced at her ring. “Charlie must be making good money. It’s absolutely gorgeous.”

Cindy held her water glass up for a toast
. “Here’s to Jenna and Grace. You kept our pact. You both went out and found love. Here's wishing you all tons of happiness with your soul mates. Now all I have to do is find one.”

“I’ll drink to that.
”  Grace toasted in unison with Cindy and Jenna.

Cindy frowned
. “When are you getting married?” 

Jenna
grinned at them and glowed with happiness. “You guys know you’re my best friends.”  She glanced from one to the other for understanding. “Charlie and I talked it over and decided we’d rather spend our savings on buying a home, instead of having a big fancy wedding. Not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings, we decided we’re going to elope. It’s the right decision for us.”

“I knew you were getting close, but I have to admit,
this is kind of sudden. You surprised me.”  Cindy laughed.

“Tell us all about it,
” Grace said.

“
Really, there’s no rush. Charlie just wanted to put the ring on my finger. In a few months, we’re going to fly to Las Vegas and get married at one of those cute little chapels on the strip.”

Cindy giggled
. “Don’t tell me Elvis will marry you?”

“No, silly, it w
on’t be a place like that. It’ll be nice, complete with a minister, flowers and all the trimmings.” 

Grace twisted a strand of hair, thinking about what she could do for the
couple. “I’m impressed. You know that’s really smart about using your savings to buy a house but you have to let us have a reception for you at the ranch.”

“It's not necessary
. What we would really like to do is have a small dinner party with you guys, Seth and Travis. I’d like the men to get to know each other better.”

“Good idea
. We’re friends for life. They’d better like each other.”  Grace smiled. “By the way, I have something to tell you, too.”  She sighed and bit her lip, glancing at each of them. “You’re the first to know.”  She rubbed her hand against her stomach and took a deep breath. “I’m pregnant.”

“Oh, my goodness
! Congratulations. I know how much you’ve always wanted a child of your own.”  Cindy glanced at Grace in concern. “But...with your condition, will you be able to carry the baby full term?”

“Yes, Doc Kruger says I should do fine
. He confirmed my suspicions when he checked me out after the bear thing. I’m so happy I could burst and I have this urge to go baby clothes shopping.”

“I’m sure we’ll be doing a lot of that.
”  Jenna leaned toward Grace, smiling. “You know you do have a certain glow about you.”

Grace laughed
. “It's the sheen of morning sickness. I’ve spent the last two mornings hugging the porcelain throne but it’s going to be worth it.”

“Does Seth know?
”  Cindy asked.

“No, he leaves early and I usually don’t wake up until after he’s gone
. Now that this is happening, I’m glad he’s leaving early. I wouldn’t want him to see me like that.”

“Why haven't you told him?
” 

It seemed Cindy was always taking Seth's side but Grace knew Cindy wanted them to work out their differences and with the baby on the way the sooner the better
. She knew how her friend worried about her. She glanced down at her stomach, touching it in a protective manner. “I haven’t decided if I’m going to tell him or not. I’ve been thinking. I want a soul mate, like Jenna, not a cell mate.”

“What
? That's rude. Have you lost your mind?” Cindy said in a shocked tone. “Wake up and smell the roses. He is your soul mate. Tell him.”

“Nana is home from the hospital
. When we got married he said we’d get a divorce when Nana was better. I’m waiting to see what he does.”

“You are so stubborn
. You know he said that in order to get you to agree to marry him.”

“Maybe, but he keeps me so confused
. Most days I don’t know if I’m coming or going. One minute, when he’s in public, he’s the sweetest, most loving person, then he shuts down and is a cold fish toward me when we’re alone.”