Colorado Cabin in the Pines (Peakview series Book 3) (17 page)

“Well, then we’ve got at least another hour. Reverend White is not known for his short sermons.”

Penny pushed herself up on her elbows and tweaked the end of his nose. “Slow down. We’ve got a lifetime ahead of us. Let’s not wear ourselves out in the first twenty-four hours. I’d love some coffee.”

Reluctantly, he climbed out of the warm bed and found a pair of sweats to pull on. “Stay there. I’ll be right back.” He opened the door only to be almost run over by two excited dogs. They made a beeline for the bed, and he turned to see Penny laughing as she was smothered in doggy kisses.

“Come on dogs. Time to go outside.”

Penny slid into her underwear and a shirt of Luke’s which she found lying on the floor. After running a brush through her hair and rinsing off her smeared mascara, she followed the aroma of coffee to the kitchen. The dogs stood side by side, each trying to eat faster than the other. “I feel terrible that we forgot about them this morning.”

“They survived. I gave them a little extra food for the wait.” Luke turned around and grinned handing her a steaming mug. “Nice outfit. I could get used to this in the morning.”

That’s when it hit her. She was happy. Really happy—for the first time in as long as she could remember.

“Want some breakfast? I could make you a bowl of cereal.”

“No thanks. Coffee is fine. I probably should get home soon. Maybe beat my parents home from church.”

“Are they going to be upset that you didn’t come home last night?”

“Normally I’d say yes, but when I tell them my news, they’re going to be so excited, they’ll overlook it.”

She perched on the edge of a stool at his kitchen counter. She liked waking up with Luke. She could picture herself doing this for the rest of her life. They hadn’t really talked about their future, but he appeared to be on the same page. Her decision made, she was anxious to put her plans in motion.

“What’s your agenda for the day?” He sat down next to her and ran a finger up her leg and under the shirt that rode up on the stool leaving her leg exposed. Her body reacted instantly, quivers running up to her heart.

“Behave, or I’ll never get out of here.”

“That’s the plan.” He grinned at her. That silly, heartwarming grin of his.

“Seriously. I need to talk to my parents and Ryan and Willow.” She also needed to return Darrell’s five million phone calls, but she saw no point in mentioning that to Luke. She’d take care of it and be free to give all of her love to him for the rest of her life.

“Can’t they wait?”

“They could, but so can you.” She stood up and gave him a playful swat to the side of his head. “Don’t worry, I won’t go far away.”

He pulled her to him then, laying his forehead again her chest and holding her tight. “In case I didn’t tell you enough last night, I love you.”

“Love you, too. Now let me find my clothes.”

***

Dad’s pickup was not in the driveway when she got back. She poured herself another cup of coffee and grabbed a banana from the bowl on the counter and headed out to the front porch. She stretched out on the chaise lounge letting the warm, morning sun beat down on her. She closed her eyes for a second and was almost asleep, when she heard the crunch of tires in the driveway. Pulling herself awake, she sat up and watched her parents cross the yard.

“I wondered when you’d show up.” Her mom stopped next to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Did you have a nice time with Luke?”

Penny felt her cheeks warm. “Yes, I did. I have something I want to discuss with you and Dad. Can we talk for a minute?”

Her parents sat down on the porch swing. Dad automatically placed his arm around Mom’s shoulder. She loved their small gestures of affection even after almost thirty years of marriage. She wanted that with Luke. She could have that with Luke.

“What’s up baby girl?” Her dad leaned back and looked at her.

“Well, I was wondering if you’d mind having me stay for a while longer?”

“What?” A smile broke out of her mom’s face.

“Ryan and Willow received a grant to keep Peak Adventure open year round and offered me a job as assistant manager. I think it’s time I come home to stay. Luke agrees.”

“Oh honey, I’m so happy. This is what I’ve always dreamed of.” Her mom almost spilled Dad out of the swing jumping up to hug Penny.

Dad smiled at his two favorite girls. “You can stay as long as you like. You know that. This is your home. I don’t think I’ve seen your mom this excited since the day we brought you home from the hospital. What changed your mind?”

“It felt right to be back all summer. And there’s Luke…honestly, I never stopped loving him. But I worked so hard to get my degree, and I really want to help youth in trouble. I just couldn’t figure out how I could stay in Peakview and follow my dreams at the same time. Then this job offer—it’s an answer to my prayers. Now, I get to be home, and help children in need. It’s perfect.”

“God works in mysterious way. I asked Reverend White to pray for you and your path this morning, God must have been listening. When does the job start?” Her mom sat back down on the swing.

“Pretty soon. Ryan and Willow are going to take a few days off the end of next week after summer camp ends. Then we’ll start right up. They offered me a room at the ranch, if you’d rather I get out of your hair.”

“Nonsense. We couldn’t be happier to have you. I’m sure you’ll be more comfortable in your own room. Now, what’s going on between you and Luke?”

Penny could hear the joy in her mother’s voice and see the sparkle in her eyes. “We’re going to try and be a couple again. Don’t rush things, Mom. We’ve both grown up over the past few years. I can’t picture my life without him, and he feels the same way about me.”

“This calls for a celebration. Get ahold of that young man and invite him over for Sunday dinner.”

“Okay, Mom. But first, I need to ride over to the camp and let Ryan and Willow know that I accept their offer.”

***

Penny held the reins loosely and let Ginger meander at her own pace along the path by the creek. Life was good. Ryan and Willow were so excited when she gave them her decision. They’d be wonderful bosses. Ryan was going to write up an employment contract, and she agreed to meet with them one night later in the week to go over final details.

At a high spot in the trail where she knew that she’d have cell reception, she reined Ginger to a stop and tied her to the nearest tree, before climbing up a large boulder that overlooked a small waterfall below. She smiled remembering that this had been one of her favorite places to meet Luke when they were in high school and needed some time alone together. She could still feel his lips and the way he gently kissed away all her worries. Now, hopefully, he’d do that for many years to come. She thought back to last night, and her body responded to the memory. Luke was an amazing lover. She’d always known he would be. She couldn’t imagine ever getting enough of him.

She brought herself back to the present, pulling her phone out of her jean pocket before sitting down. She hit the familiar number. “Hey, it’s me.”

“Hey, beautiful. Do you miss me already?”

Penny laughed. “Mom and Dad insist that you come over for Sunday dinner. Is that okay?”

“Sure thing, as long as your dad doesn’t intend to shoot me for compromising your virtue last night.”

Penny laughed harder. “You’re in luck. They’re so excited that I’m staying, all they want to do is celebrate. See you in a couple of hours.”

Penny disconnected and frowned at her phone. She had to face the music sometime. She took a deep breath and hit the button to call Darrell.

“It’s about time. I’ve been trying to call you for two days. I was beginning to think something bad happened to you. We need to talk about the start of the year.”

He paused to take a breath, and she plunged in. “That’s why I’m calling. I’ve decided to stay in Peakview—permanently.”

Silence.

“What? You’re kidding, right. You have a job that starts in a few days. I don’t understand.”

More silence. “It’s that cowboy isn’t it? I knew there was something between the two of you. Has our whole relationship been a lie?”

“It’s not like that.”

“Then what’s it like, Penny? You tell me. You’re not only letting me down but also the school and the kids. Do they even know you aren’t coming back? How could you do this?” Darrell’s voice cracked.

“I’m sorry. I really am. It’s just that being back here this summer made me realize that this is where I belong. I’m not a city girl. Never will be. I got offered a job at the camp where I’ve been volunteering. I’ll be able to help kids and live in the mountains. I’m going to call the school tomorrow and let them know. I’m sure they’ll find someone to take my place.” She paused to let him talk, but was only greeted by more silence.

He wasn’t making this easy. “Good luck to you this year, I know you’re going to be a great teacher. I hope we can be friends.”

“I don’t think so, Penny. Goodbye.”

She heard the click as the line went dead. She wanted to remain friends. Darrell hadn’t done anything wrong. He was a good guy. He just wasn’t right for her. If not before, she knew that for certain last night. She needed passion in her life. Nothing beat the feeling of being madly and hopelessly in love. She had that with Luke, in the past, in the present, and hopefully for the rest of her life. A weight lifted off her chest as she climbed back down to where Ginger waited patiently. She leaned her head against the horse’s soft face and put her arms around her neck. She was home.

***

Luke couldn’t sit still or wipe the silly grin off his face. Last night all his dreams came true. After cleaning the cabin and sweeping off the porch, he whistled for Brutus. “What do you say we get outside and go for a nice long ride?”

The puppy wagged his tail and barked in response. Luke walked out to his corral and saddled Geronimo watching his companion run crazy dog circles around the enclosure. As if picking up on his good mood, the dog seemed even more energetic than usual. Brutus had already learned to follow close behind his horse and not wander off too far unless he gave him the okay. He wound his way down into the large meadow behind the main barns, and signaled to Brutus to go ahead and run. Then with a slight kick of his heals, he let Geronimo take off at a full gallop around the field. Around and around they went, until Brutus started to lag behind, his tongue falling out the side of his mouth. He looked down at the dog and laughed, he might just have worn him out—at least for a few minutes until he got his next burst of energy.

Riding up to the main barns, he noticed his dad’s pickup parked in the driveway, signaling that he and June were back from church. He couldn’t keep his good news to himself any longer. Letting the horse loose in the small corral next to the barn, he watched as Brutus took giant gulps of water from the horse trough and then promptly lay down under a big oak tree. Luke walked up to the back entrance of the ranch house and took all three steps in one giant leap before opening the door into the kitchen.

June turned around from where she stood at the sink. “Luke. Good to see you.”

Giving his stepmom a hug, he reached around her and poured himself a large glass of water and sat down at the kitchen table next to his dad.

“What are you up to today, son?” Jeff looked up from the Denver Post and laid the paper aside.

“Just trying to wear out Brutus. Geronimo and I ran him around the meadow a few times. Mission accomplished, at least for now.”

June made herself a cup of tea and refilling Dad’s coffee, sat down to join them. “Do you want to stay for dinner? I’ve got a roast in the oven.”

“Thanks, but the Andersons invited me over for dinner.”

June raised her eyebrows and glanced over at him. “Doesn’t Penny leave this week?”

Unable to contain it any longer, Luke felt his face stretch into the biggest grin. “She’s staying.”

“What?” his parents said in unison. “When did this happen?”

“Ryan and Willow are turning their adventure camp into a year-round operation. They offered Penny a full time position as assistant director, and she said yes. I love her, Dad.” Luke watched his father’s forehead wrinkle with concern for him. “Don’t worry, it’s all good. We talked. She loves me and the life we can build here. She just needed to go away for a while so she could find her way back home.”

“Well then, I’m happy for you, son. For both of you. Jeff reached over and patted Luke on the back.

Luke took another big swig of his water and asked the question he’d been thinking about all morning. “So I was wondering about Mom’s ring. Would it be alright if I gave it to Penny? I know it meant a lot to you and mom. I can’t think of a better way to ask the love of my life to marry me.”

Luke watched his dad’s eyes pool with tears, an unusual sight for the strong, silent rancher.

“I’d love that, and I’m sure your mom would, too. I’ve got to imagine she’s looking down from heaven and smiling right now. All she ever wanted was for you boys to be happy.”

“It’s an excellent idea. That way, you and Penny will always have a piece of your mom with you,” June reached over to squeeze his hand.

How lucky he felt to have a stepmom who understood about his birth mom and never displayed any jealousy toward her memory. “Thanks, Mom.” He squeezed her hand back. “If all goes according to plan you and Ann will have a wedding to put together soon.”

June beamed. “We’ll love that!”

After a leisurely conversation about the upcoming week’s workload, Luke headed back to his cabin—a small felt box tucked safely in the front pocket of his jeans. He showered and put on clean clothes, it was just dinner but he wanted to make a good impression on his future in-laws, and he had a very important question to ask Gary. He didn’t feel right going to dinner empty-handed. He thought about bringing a bottle of wine, but it was Sunday, and Peakview Liquors was closed. He was almost out the door when he remembered that John and Trish had brought him a bottle of champagne when he’d moved into his cabin. He’d stashed it in the pantry, unopened. He turned around and retrieved it. Today was a day to celebrate.