Finding Her Home. Carol Steward
was a little awkward. “Nothing is a lost cause.”
She looked at him in disbelief.
“You shouldn’t give up on your dreams, Tori.”
“I’m not. I’m just being realistic. I left here simply because I didn’t want to end up single and pregnant, living in fear of the mine closing like so many of my friends. I was determined I wouldn’t get stuck here, just another statistic….”
“I understand. And for the record, I enjoy father-hood more than anything. If the right woman comes along, I’d have no qualms about having another child, maybe even two.”
Tori chuckled. “Thanks for clarifying. Not that it’s any of my business, but it’s…something to think about.” She didn’t dare admit that she admired him enough to actually remember the information, even though the one factor that would eliminate any hope for a relationship between them still existed. He loved Coal Valley, and she couldn’t wait to leave.
Chapter Four
Steve hadn’t been sure what to expect when the family saw his guest at the Stonewall Ranch barbecue Sunday afternoon. They knew he’d taken Tori’s grandfather to the hospital, but even he wasn’t certain what to make of his and Tori’s friendship. One thing for sure was that her presence would get tongues wagging.
Tori pulled her SUV to a stop and waited for several minutes before climbing out. Despite his suspicions that no one would recognize her after all of these years, his cousin Brody did immediately. “Victoria Sandoval.” Brody’s lingering gaze fueled Steve’s suspicion that they had indeed been close friends.
She stared like a frightened kitten into the crowd. Uncertain whether she was looking for him or other familiar faces, Steve watched and waited.
“She’s still the finest-looking filly in sight,” Brody mumbled. “You didn’t tell us you’re dating someone, let alone that it’s Tori.”
Steve raised a brow. “We’re not dating.”
Brody’s smile said he didn’t believe it. “We all think it’s high time you move on with your life, Steve. Surely Anna would want the kids to have a mother. And from what you’ve told us about her, she and Tori would have been good friends.”
Steve didn’t much appreciate anyone reminding him of the similarities between his workaholic wife and Tori. “We’re not dating,” he said again, then added a test of his own theory that Brody and Tori had once dated. “And I’m not sure your date would appreciate you drooling over an old flame.”
“Once burned is enough for me, but it didn’t damage my eyesight.” Brody turned away, nodding to the redhead sitting next to the pool. “Just one word of warning, Steve. Tori’s dreams never included Coal Valley, and they never will.”
Tori had made that very clear, and he didn’t need any more reminders. Tori had pulled her silky long hair into a ponytail at the nape of her neck. The white blouse was plain and yet, on her, the simplicity looked elegant. He sauntered toward her, welcomed by a smile when she caught sight of him. “Afternoon,” Steve said softly. “You looked wary for a minute there.”
Tori gazed up at the vertical stone formation for which the ranch had been named. “Just overwhelmed by old memories.”
“You sure that’s all?”
Her smile faded to a guilt-ridden grin. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been here. I was highly tempted to head back to my grandparents’house before anyone saw me.”
Tori’s sudden insecurity intrigued him. If she didn’t want to see everyone, why had she agreed to come? He wanted more than anything to believe her reason included him, but he wouldn’t take that for granted, either. “Before you change your mind, why not say hello.” Steve touched his hand to the small of her back, encouraging her to join the festivities, offering his support the best he knew how.
Tori pulled away from him as they walked through the opening in the split-rail fence of the parking area, and it became apparent that guests were recognizing her. He eased her toward the beverage tables on the bunkhouse veranda. “Why don’t we start out with something to drink,” he suggested. “What would you like?”
“I’ll stick with some of Elaine’s famous lemonade, if it’s still on the menu.”
“Tradition lives forever here. You sure that’s all you want?”
Tori nodded. “Thanks.”
Steve poured Tori a glass while his aunt and uncle greeted Tori warmly, expressing their concern and offering a helping hand if needed.
“Thank you. I can’t believe how much Steve and the kids and I accomplished this weekend. I couldn’t have done half of it by myself. At this rate, we might be ready, after all.”
“How’s Maria doing?” Elaine asked.
The mention of her grandmother seemed to ease her tension. “She’s doing much better than expected. Therapists are hopeful she’ll be released within the week.”
“That’s wonderful!” Elaine said, reminding Tori to keep in touch.
“But you don’t have help arranged for her yet, do you?” Steve asked.
She shook her head. “I’ll bring Abuela to my condo until we’re confident she can manage at home. That will give me a little more time to find help here.”
“Tori!” Kelsey yelled as she ran across the yard. “I was watching for you.”
“From Lookout Point, right?” Tori queried.
Kelsey turned white. “How’d you know?”
“Brody and I were friends a long, long time ago. My grandmother worked here, and when I was old enough, I was a housekeeper for the guest ranch.”
Kelsey looked to her father for verification while Tori continued to talk. “It was my very first summer job. And after I finished work, Elaine let me go swimming. That was the best part.”
Steve noticed that Tori omitted mention of who had shown her Lookout Point and wondered if that was intentional.
“I love the pool, too!” Kelsey said. “Daddy takes us swimming every day. Well, almost every day. They’re draining it next week.”
Tori patted Kelsey’s shoulder sympathetically. “It’s that time of year. Summer is over, school is starting and the travelers don’t need a pool to cool off. Not only that. Who wants to clean all of the leaves out of it?” Tori scrunched her nose. “Ooh, ick.”
Kelsey giggled. “I like using the skimmer. And I learned how to dive this year.”
“Good for you.”
Kelsey hadn’t left Tori alone all weekend, yet Tori never seemed to tire of his daughter’s incessant need to talk. Steve noted Kelsey’s mood had improved greatly since she’d snagged Tori’s attention. Why was it so different than having Aunt Elaine around for that female companionship? he wondered.
“What’s your favorite thing about starting school in the fall?” Tori’s enthusiasm showed how much she loved her job, but when Kelsey didn’t answer right away, Tori added, “Are you anxious to see all of your friends again? Do you like choir, or maybe it’s the shopping for new clothes?”
Kelsey shrugged, a smile hiding her ambivalence. “Sort of, I guess. Summer was too short, but school will be fun this year. I have Miss Wilson for a teacher. She’s neat.”
“Sorry to interrupt, but where’s Kyle?” Steve asked, realizing he hadn’t seen him since they left the house.
“He and cousin Matt went to the stables to see the pony.”
“I’d better go check on them. Care to join me?” He addressed both of them, but his gaze lingered on Tori’s subtle smile.