Reunited In The Rockies

And then there was Kayla. Widowed, pregnant and back in Ouray for Noah’s wedding. Longer, if she agreed to take on Lily’s hotel project.

Shaking his head, he set the lathe to spinning. He quickly shaved off the corners of the wood with his roughing gouge, leaving him with a plain cylinder.

Perhaps what irked him the most was his reaction to seeing her. She was the one who’d broken off all contact with him, yet all he could think about were the good times they’d had when she was here. Working together by day, long talks at night. They’d been practically inseparable.

Some weeks, Kayla spent more time at the ranch than she did with her own parents. They’d shared their hopes and dreams, went to church together and had a mutual respect for Ouray’s history, particularly the architecture. Over 70 percent of the town’s Victorian-era structures were still in use today. Everything from Queen Anne style to Italianate to Colonial Revival, Craftsman and more. And during Kayla’s time here, the two of them had analyzed each and every one, verbally renovating those that had fallen into disrepair and noting the finer points of those that had been restored. Even one he’d thought would make the perfect house for the two of them to raise a family.

He swapped his gouge for a chisel. No, he’d never met anyone quite like Kayla, either before or since. He supposed that made her one of a kind. Problem with that was that every other woman paled in comparison.

What would he do if Kayla decided to stay? Was he man enough to work alongside her again, knowing they would never be anything more than friends? If they were even that after the way they butted heads today.

A sudden burst of cool evening air had him glancing at the door to see Noah coming toward him.

Nudging his cowboy hat back a notch, his brother surveyed the space. “Figured I’d find you here.” His gaze shifted to Jude, then the lathe. “You working or hiding?”

Jude slid his goggles to the top of his head. “You know what they say about killing two birds with one stone.”

“Who or what are you hiding from then?” Noah picked up a spindle and studied it.

“Dad.”

His brother paused. “What did the old man do now?”

“Has he said anything to you about retiring?”

Noah thought for a moment, then shook his head. “No, I don’t believe so.”

“You’re sure?”

“I think I would have remembered that. Why?”

The knot in Jude’s stomach tightened. Dad talked to Noah about everything. But if he hadn’t mentioned Jude taking over the cattle business, perhaps Jude shouldn’t bring it up either.

How was Jude going to dig his way out of this? “I was just curious, that’s all. He is getting older...”

“Old or not, Dad’s too ornery to retire.” Noah returned the spindle to the pile. “Besides, who’d run the ranch if he did?” His dark gaze narrowed on Jude. “Unless you’re wanting to take over.”

“No way. I—”

“Jude, I was hoping you’d be in here.”

He looked in the direction of the door to see Lily moving toward him with purposeful steps. A smile lit her face when she spotted Noah.

“Hi, honey.” Wading through a pile of wood chips, she pushed up on the toes of her boots and gave her fiancé a brief kiss. “Where are the kids?”

“Watching TV with Dad.” Their father had grown quite fond of Lily’s children, ten-year-old Colton and seven-year-old Piper. And like his other two nieces and nephew, they seemed to bring out the best in the old man.

She turned her attention back to Jude and let go a sigh, her petite shoulders sagging. “Kayla told me about the two of you. I hope you don’t think I was trying to pull one over on you. I had no idea you knew each other.”

“It’s all right, Lily.” He sent her a reassuring smile.

“Are you still going to be all right with everything? After all, seeing someone you cared about after such a long time can be quite a shock. And then with her being pregnant and all.”

“Whoa...time-out.” Noah formed a T with his hands. He looked at Lily. “Kayla is your matron of honor?”

“Yes.”

Still confused, Noah faced Jude. “And you know her?”

“Knew her. It was a long time ago.”

Lily nodded. “Seven years.” Her comment had Jude wondering what else Kayla had told her.

Noah crossed his arms over his chest. “Just how well did you know her?”

“Jude, we got a problem.” Dad blew into the building.

Got that right. Jude might need to start locking the door.

“Oh.” The old man’s steps slowed when he spotted Noah and Lily. “Sorry, didn’t know you had company.”

“It’s all right, Dad.” Noah turned. “We were just discussing Lily’s matron of honor, Kayla.”

“Kayla?” Their father’s brow creased. “Jude, you knew a—”

“Yeah. It’s her.”

“The one that got away?” Why had Dad felt the need to add that?

“Got away?” Arms still crossed, Noah puffed out his chest all big-brother-like. “Is there something else you’d care to tell me?”

Lips pressed tightly together, Jude shook his head. “Nope.”

“You were head over heels for that one.” Dad rubbed the stubble lining his chin. “Never could figure out why you didn’t ask her to marry you.”

Noah and Lily exchanged a look.

“I was twenty-two years old. I didn’t know what I wanted.” Yes, you did. You wanted Kayla. But given his uncertainty about what he’d wanted to do with his life, not to mention her need to roam... “What’s the problem, Dad?”

The old man’s brows shot up. “Problem?”

“When you came in here, you said we had a problem.”

“Oh, that. Sheriff’s department called. Said we got a couple of cows wandering around on the county road.”

We? Jude didn’t own any cows. And he’d prefer to keep it that way.

“Fence must be down somewhere.” Dad shoved his hands into the pockets of his Carhartt jacket. “The faster we get it taken care of, the better off we’ll be.”

“Need me to help?” said Noah.

“No, you got your hands full with the rodeo school.”

Jude could hardly believe his ears. Noah had always helped them. Now that the rodeo school had opened, he was too busy? Meanwhile, Dad still thought Jude’s woodworking was only a hobby. He shook his head.

“Utility vehicle is waiting outside.” The old man started toward the door. “Grab a jacket and we’ll head out.”

“I’d better check on the kids.” Lily brushed past Jude and followed his father out the door.

Jude’s breathing grew quicker. He felt his nostrils flare. He did not want to fix any fence. He didn’t want any cows. He wanted to be in his shop, working on his business, following his dreams. To do that, though, he’d have to break the news to his father. See the hurt and disappointment in his eyes.

And he didn’t have the strength for that tonight.

* * *

The sun was shining and the air was crisp when Kayla emerged from Granger House Inn the next morning. Perfect weather for a walk. And after the breakfast she’d just eaten, she might need a long one. Carly had prepared a delectable spread of homemade muffins, ham-and-cheese quiche, bacon, sausage, biscuits...and Kayla had sampled it all.

She rubbed her tummy. “Don’t get too used to that, little one. Mommy can’t afford to eat like that all the time.” She’d never be able to fit into her clothes.

After twisting her hair into a single braid, she continued down the steps of the sprawling porch and shoved her hands into the pockets of her denim overalls, noting the pale gray folk Victorian house next door. With its white trim, flower boxes and cozy porch, it reminded her of a quaint cottage instead of the run-of-the-mill older home it had been the last time she’d seen it. And she’d get to live there if she decided to stay.

Which led her to this morning’s mission. Revisiting the old Congress Hotel. Between the dim lighting last night and her rapidly dwindling energy, Kayla owed it to herself and her friend to take another look at what the project might entail before making any decisions. When Kayla had texted earlier, Lily had responded that she’d have the Realtor, who lived nearby and still kept an extra key for occasions such as this, unlock the door.

While Kayla had slept well last night, she’d awoken early, her mind ablaze with the options that lay before her. If she stayed in Denver, she’d have to find a new place to live right away, which meant she’d probably have to settle for something less than perfect and then move again within a year. Unless she was able to find an older home she could flip at some point. Still, having a house like that baby-ready in four months would be a challenge even if she wasn’t pregnant. And, of course, any notions of starting her own business would have to wait until after the baby came and she’d settled into motherhood.

Lifting her gaze, she took in the rustic beauty of the conifer-dotted redstone cliffs at the town’s northeastern edge. Ouray was a unique beauty. Majestic and awe-inspiring, yet comfortable. It had that welcoming vibe that invited a person to stick around for a while. She’d felt it when she was twenty-one, and now, Lily had presented her with the perfect opportunity to linger.

Overseeing a job as big as the Congress Hotel would boost Kayla’s career to another level, perhaps giving her recognition she’d never gain doing homes. She’d also have a house provided for her and a boss she would desperately miss if she went back to Denver.

But then there was Jude. For the life of her, she couldn’t figure out why he was such a sticking point. Their relationship was over long ago. She’d loved her husband and had determined to stay with him for better or for worse.

She focused on the sidewalk. Though sometimes, when things were at their worst, she’d allow her mind to wander back to a time when she didn’t have a care in the world. And there was a man at her side who treated her like a queen.

She squeezed her eyes shut. Forgive me, Lord. I know it was wrong of me to think of Jude when I was married to Shane. Even if they were only innocent thoughts of feeling safe and protected. Forgive me.

Looking up, she eyed a couple of aspens bearing a mixture of green and gold leaves. By this time next week, the trees were apt to be completely golden, creating a perfect backdrop for Lily’s wedding photos.

The two of them would be making a run to Grand Junction in a couple of hours to pick up their dresses. Lord willing, Kayla wouldn’t grow much more before next week. Though, considering the breakfast she just ate, she hoped the seamstress left a little extra room in hers.

Nonetheless, that was precisely the type of thing she had been looking forward to most this week. Aside from Lily, Kayla didn’t have many friends, making girl time a rarity—and almost nonexistent since Lily had been gone.

Sounds like another good reason to take Lily up on her offer.

She continued across Main Street and straight ahead to the hotel. From farther away, it didn’t look so bad. But the closer she got...

Yeah, the outside was in pretty bad shape. Far more than paint alone could remedy. It was a cool-looking building, though. It had an Old West flavor with a touch of Italianate.

The door was unlocked, as promised, and Kayla left it open when she went inside, hoping some fresh air might filter into the musty space. Since she’d already gotten a pretty good look at the main floor, she headed upstairs.

Though carpeted, the steps seemed solid, so that was a plus. However, depending on the wood, they might want to consider replacing the tattered carpet with a runner, leaving the wood exposed at the edges, the way they would have when the hotel was built.

Reaching the top, she continued across the hall and opened a solid wood door. Inside was a smaller-than-small guest room with an iron bed frame and not much else, except for a pile of clutter in the corner that had her doing a double take. Had something just moved?

Taking a step back, she narrowed her gaze as a rat bolted from the heap.

Kayla screamed and rushed into the hall, slamming the door closed behind her. That’s when she heard the sound of footsteps pounding up the stairs.

Her heart thudded wildly. She looked up and down the hall. There was nowhere to hide except for another room. What if it had rats, too?

“Kayla?” Jude’s panic-stricken face came into view as he neared the top of the stairs.

“Jude? What are you—”

“I heard you scream.” He moved toward her, his dark gaze probing. “Are you all right?”

She struggled to catch her breath. “I—I did scream, didn’t I?” She slumped against the water-stained wallpapered wall.

He was beside her now. “What happened?” Concern creased his brow.

With a final gasp, she straightened but refused to look at him. “There was a pile of junk in there, and a rat ran out of it.”

“A rat?”

She nodded.

“Wait a minute. Don’t you work on old houses all the time?”

“Yes.” She lifted a shoulder. “He startled me, that’s all.”

“That’s all?” Hands perched low on his denim-clad hips, he started to pace. “You scared me half to death.”

“You? Why were you scared?”

He faced her again. “Bloodcurdling screams have a way of doing that.”

Heat crept into her cheeks. “Sorry about that. I... Wait, why were you here in the first place?”

“I wanted to look at the place in the daylight. I saw the door was open...”

“And you couldn’t have let me know you were here?”

“I’d barely walked in when you screamed.”

“Oh.” She glanced at the crusty blue-green carpet on the floor. Why did he have to show up now? Acting like a white knight, no less, hurrying to her rescue. “Well, I’m fine, so you’re free to go about your business.”

“My business is here. We may as well join forces and check the place out together.” The corners of his mouth lifted. “In case there are any more rats.”

She glared at him. “For the record, I usually carry a baseball bat when I’m at my job sites. Just in case.”

“Ever used it?”

“A couple of times.”

His lip curled. “Ew.”

“Yeah, it wasn’t pretty.” She absently played with her braid. “But seriously, I’m fine. You just go check out whatever it was you came to see.”

He studied her for a long moment. “Are you sure you shouldn’t go lie down or put your feet up or something? You had quite a scare.”

Did he really just say that? “I’m sorry, but who are you to tell me what to do?”

“I’m not trying to tell you what to do, I’m simply trying to make sure your baby is safe.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re a doctor now?”

“No, but—”

“And when was the last time you were pregnant?”

“All right, that’s it. I’ve had enough of you treating me like I’m some sort of male chauvinist pig. Can’t a guy just be concerned?”

Not when he’s too chivalrous for my own good. “Not if he keeps trying to tell me what to do.” Her days of being bullied were over.

“Since when have I tried telling you what to do?”

“You just told me to lie down and put my feet up.” She took a step closer, her father’s Irish temper getting the best of her. “So just to make things clear, not only am I not going to put my feet up, I’m going to take Lily up on her offer and turn this hotel into the greatest thing Ouray has ever seen.”

Chapter Four

What had she done?

From the passenger seat of Lily’s luxury SUV, Kayla studied the mesas in the distance as they approached Grand Junction. Why had she let Jude get to her like that?

She straightened. Because after Shane’s death, she’d promised herself that she would always stand her ground and never again allow herself to be intimidated by another person. But instead of behaving rationally, she’d dug her heels in and made a snap decision before she’d even finished looking at the building.

A decision she was now second-guessing. Renovating the Congress Hotel would be a major undertaking for even the most experienced contractor, let alone a pregnant widow plagued with self-doubt. Never mind the fact that she’d be having a baby in four months, followed by weeks of recovery. Between now and then, there would be permits to obtain, crews to hire, furniture would need to be removed...and that was all before a hammer could be swung. Throw in Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s to slow things down, and they’d have barely begun by the time the baby arrived. How would she oversee things then?

Yet, in the nearly two hours since she and Lily had left Ouray, all they’d talked about was the wedding, a pleasure Kayla had been looking forward to for weeks. But the subject of the hotel was one she could no longer avoid. Not after opening her big mouth in front of Jude.

Kayla studied the woman in the driver’s seat, the one who’d offered her the opportunity of a lifetime. Lily had way too much faith in her. What if Kayla did something wrong? Cost her friend even more money? Or worse, let Lily down?

The vehicle slowed, and Kayla eyed the city limit sign. And to think, she used to be so bold. Approaching life and all it offered with such confidence. But thanks to her bad choices, that girl no longer existed.

She cleared her throat. “So...about the hotel project.”

Lily glanced her way, her expectant smile instantaneous. “Have you made a decision?”

“Um...have you thought this through, Lily? Like I said, it may be a month or more before anyone could even get started. By then we’ll be rolling into the holidays, and shortly after that the baby will be here.”

“Something I can hardly wait for.” Her green eyes fixed on the road ahead, Lily beamed like a proud aunt. And while they weren’t related by blood, Lily was the closest thing Kayla’s child would have to an aunt.

“You realize this baby’s arrival is likely to keep me away from the job site for several weeks while I recover, right? I mean, I might be able to pop in occasionally, but that’s it.”

Lily eased onto a side street, her brow furrowing. “You don’t want to do it, do you?”

“It’s not that I don’t want to. Any other time I’d kill for a job like this. I’d be working for you. Best boss ever. But I don’t want to disappoint you.”

Lily reached for Kayla’s hand. “Sweetie, I considered everything you mentioned before I asked you to be my contractor. It’s not like I have a deadline for this project. I just want to see the hotel brought back to life, because right now it’s a sad piece of Ouray’s history that’s slowly going away.”

Kayla couldn’t argue with that. Back when she and Jude used to walk the town, studying the older buildings, he’d told her that the Congress Hotel had been an integral part of Ouray. Built in the early 1890s, it survived the depression years of the silver crisis that struck in 1893, thrived during the Gold Rush later in the decade and carried Ouray into the twentieth century. Kayla didn’t want to see it vanish either. Not when it still had so much potential.

Lily pulled into a small parking lot, and Kayla glanced at the brick building in front of them as they came to a stop. Discussion of the hotel would have to wait. This appointment was about Lily and her special day.

“I can’t wait to see your dress.”

“Mine?” Her friend killed the engine. “You haven’t even seen yours yet.”

“No.” Kayla had simply sent her measurements. “But I trust your judgment.”

Lily reached for her door, then paused, looking at Kayla over her shoulder. “Just like I trust yours.”

While Kayla knew what her friend was saying, there was a lot of difference between a historic building and a bridesmaid dress.

Outside the vehicle, the sun touched her skin, warming her as the two made their way inside the shop. The owner, a well-dressed silver-haired woman Kayla guessed to be in her sixties, promptly greeted them.

“Lily, I’m so glad to see you again.” The woman enveloped Lily in a brief hug.

“Monique, this is Kayla, my matron of honor.”

Smiling, Monique clasped her hands against her ample chest. “Kayla, you are even more beautiful than Lily said you were.” Her gaze lowered. “And that little girl growing inside of you will be just as lovely as her mother.”

Kayla laid a hand atop her belly. “Oh, I don’t know what I’m having.”

The woman gasped, touching the tips of her fingers to her mouth. “I’m sorry, I’ve given it away.” She winked at Lily then, wagging a finger. “But I am never wrong.” With that, she turned and sashayed toward the U-shaped counter in the center of the space.

Kayla and Lily exchanged a look before Lily shrugged and followed Monique.

“Would either of you care for a snack before we get started?” Monique held out a silver tray adorned with hors d’oeuvres and miniature cupcakes.

Considering it was almost two and Kayla hadn’t had anything since breakfast, she helped herself to a finger sandwich while Lily went for a cupcake.

“If you ladies will excuse me for one moment.” Monique set the tray on the counter before disappearing into a back room.

Nibbling on her chicken salad sandwich, Kayla took in the array of dresses on display in the upscale shop. Princess gowns, strapless gowns, mermaid and sheath dresses. Some were covered in lace while others sparkled with jewels. Good thing she’d ditched her overalls for a pair of black yoga pants and a short-sleeved tunic top. Not exactly the height of fashion, but at least she didn’t look like a construction worker.

Sandwich devoured, she returned for a cupcake. She recalled the joy of choosing the perfect dress for her wedding. If only the memories of her marriage were as pleasurable. Shortly after Shane’s death, she’d opted to donate her gown to Goodwill, praying it might serve as a sweet remembrance for the next person who wore it.

“Come look at this, Kayla.”

She joined Lily in a far corner of the shop where numerous wedding photos adorned a brick wall.

“I love the rustic arbor in this photo.” Lily pointed.

“That is pretty.” Kayla eyed the simple squared arch made of cedar. “Is that what you’re planning to have?”

“No.” Her friend faced her. “All the planner had to offer was one that was painted white. I wanted something with character. You know, that has that rustic feel.”

Kayla nodded at the photograph. “Well, that would definitely do the trick.” And if they were back in Denver, she could easily create one just like it. But without her power tools or a place to do it...

“Oh, well.” Her friend shrugged. “There’s not much I can do about it now.” She inched closer, a twinkle in her green eyes. “So, I guess you’re having a girl.”

Kayla scanned the area to make sure Monique was no where in sight. “You don’t really believe her, do you?”

“She says she’s never wrong.”

“There’s a first time for everything.”

“True. But a little girl would be so much fun. Just think of all the cute—”

“Ladies, I have your dresses ready.” Monique waved them toward the dressing rooms.

Kayla waited as Lily slipped into her dress, helped her with the zipper, then stared at her friend. The simple ivory cap-sleeved satin sheath dress was as elegant and understated as the woman wearing it. “Lily, it’s perfect.”

“You think so?” She glanced at her profile in the mirror, smoothing a hand over the nipped waist.

“It’s sophisticated and classic. Just like you.”

“Not too much for a rustic wedding?”

“Never.”

Lily grinned. “Your turn.”

“Okay.” Kayla hurried into the next room to don her dress.

A few minutes later, Kayla joined her friend at the mirrors in the main part of the store, feeling somewhat uneasy. Though the long flowing dress with a fitted bodice and off-the-shoulder sleeves exceeded her expectations for a maternity gown, it was a far cry from the jeans and T-shirts she was used to wearing.

A grinning Lily tugged her in front of the mirror. “You look absolutely stunning.”