Colorado Cabin in the Pines (Peakview series Book 3) (18 page)

Luke usually rode Geronimo over to the Anderson’s, but today he decided to drive his pickup instead. He shouldn’t smell like a barn—not today. Penny walked out on the porch as he pulled to stop. She wore a yellow and white sundress, her hair loose and blowing in the warm August breeze. Just the sight of her made his heart skip a beat. How was it that someone so beautiful loved him? He must be the luckiest man alive. He thought he lost her for good, but there she stood smiling and welcoming him back into her life. He vowed to spend the rest of his life making her happy.

“Are you going to get out?” Penny walked across the yard to his truck.

Pulling himself back to reality, he opened the door and engulfed her in his arms, laying a light kiss on her full lips. “Hey, beautiful. Did you miss me?”

She smiled up at him. “Always.”

“Luke. So glad you could join us.” Gary’s booming voice rang out from the porch breaking their embrace.

“I always enjoy Ann’s cooking. Thanks for having me.” Luke linked his arm with Penny’s, and they walked up to the house. “I brought some champagne. Penny’s decision to stay in Peakview calls for a celebration.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Gary ushered them into the kitchen, where they were greeted by the aroma of fresh-cooked sweet corn, and if he wasn’t mistaken, cherry pie. He wouldn’t go home hungry tonight.

Ann hugged him with enthusiasm and poured him a big glass of iced tea. After Gary said grace, Luke’s plate was heaped full. The conversation flowed easily and was full of laughter. Although it had been four years since he’d sat down to eat with this second family, it felt like no time had passed at all. The muscles in his shoulders relaxed. He felt at home. Penny shared the plans she was making for the camp. Her face glowed when she talked about the kids. If any part of him felt guilty for his part in her giving up her job in Chicago, it vanished listening to her now. This job was a perfect fit for her—just as she was a perfect fit for him. When he couldn’t manage another bite of food, he pushed back from the table.

“Thank you, Ann. The meal was wonderful.”

“You’re more than welcome. Now that Penny is staying, we expect you to be a regular at our dinner table.”

“I’d like that very much.” He reached over and squeezed Penny’s hand and gave her a quick wink.

“Well, I’d better get the horses fed,” Gary said standing up and placing a kiss on his wife’s forehead.

“Mind if I tag along?” Luke stood to join him.

“I’d enjoy the company.”

Luke followed the older man into the corral and helped lift the bales of hay. Not that Gary needed any help. Much like his own father, years of working on a ranch had kept him slim and trim and in great shape. After working in silent companionship for several minutes, Gary turned and looked him square in the eye.

“Glad things are working out between you and my little girl. I’ve got to say, that Chicago dude—Darren? He wasn’t right for her. A vegetarian. Can you imagine? I was beginning to question her judgment.”

Luke laughed. He agreed one hundred percent. “Speaking of Penny, there is something I wanted to ask you.” Luke paused and took a deep breath. “You know I’ve always loved her, and now by some miracle, it looks like she shares my feelings again. I’d like to ask her to be my wife. Would that be okay with you?”

Luke watched Gary’s eyes mist with tears. In all the years he’d known Penny’s father, he’d never seen him cry.

“Okay? Of course, son. Nothing would make me happier.” He wiped a tear from his cheek and gave Luke a quick hug. “I know you’ll treat her the way she deserves to be treated. And having her right next door—an added bonus. I can’t wait to spoil the grandkids.

Luke laughed again. “Slow down. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There’s plenty of time for that later. Thank you for your approval. It means a lot to me.”

When they returned to the house, Penny and her mom were sitting on the porch swing enjoying the Colorado sunset. Ann jumped up and looked at her husband. “Come on, Gary. Help me with the dishes. These young people are probably tired of our company.”

Luke started to protest, but she waved him off. “Have a seat by Penny. It’s a beautiful evening.”

Luke sat down on the swing and casually laid his arm around Penny’s shoulder. They both stared off into the yellowing sky to the west with Luke’s long legs gently pushing the swing back and forth. “Are you happy with your decision to stay? No second thoughts?”

“Nope, not one. I belong here. With you.”

He pulled her to his side and gently caressed her lips with his. She molded into his arms, and he deepened the kiss, tangling his tongue with hers. He could hold her like this forever, but her parents were only a few feet away in the kitchen, so he slowly backed off. Not the time to let things get out of control. “What are your plans for the week?”

“First, I need to call the school in the morning and let them know they need to find someone to take my place. My mom said something about taking a trip to town to do some fall clothes shopping. I need some new warm ranch wear for this fall. This may be my last week off for a while, so I plan on relaxing a bit. You?”

“It’s a busy week at our place. Hay harvest starts tomorrow—a hot and dusty week for sure. Usually, I fall into bed at the end of the long twelve hour days, but I’ll try and find some time for you.”

“Don’t worry. I’m not going any place. Do what you have to do, and we’ll have more time once the harvest is over. Besides, I know where you live if I start to feel lonely.” She reached over and kissed him again, drawing the contact out and making every inch of his body respond.

Luke forced himself to break the embrace and stood up to leave. “I’d better get back. My day starts before sunrise tomorrow.” He stuck his head inside the screen door. “Thanks again for a wonderful meal. I’ll see you soon.” He walked off the porch, fighting to get his body and his emotions under control. He couldn’t wait until she became his wife, and he could come home to her every night. Now that he had Gary’s blessing, he needed to come up with a plan for his marriage proposal.

***

Penny hung up the phone and breathed a sigh of relief. She was glad that was over. The school administrator she’d spoken with was all business and didn’t throw a guilt trip on her for resigning so close to the beginning of the year. Even though she felt compelled to ramble on about it being a family situation and her being needed in Colorado, all the neutral voice on the other end of the line wanted was her basic information. Her reasons were irrelevant to him. Good. Her life in Chicago now behind her, and it was time to move forward.

She glanced around her room—not much had changed since she was in high school. Her old posters and trophies still adorned the walls. Now that she intended to stay should she give it a major overhaul? Transform it into a more adult space that reflected who she was today? She’d like that, but the more she thought about it, the more she hoped this situation was short-lived. She really wanted to live in Luke’s cabin. The one she’d designed for them all those years ago. She already thought of it as home, and she was fairly certain that if she showed up tonight with her belongings, Luke would welcome her in.

But no, she wasn’t going to rush it. They hadn’t really talked about their future since the other night. Her mind already darted ahead to a wedding and children, but was he on the same page? She thought so. He hadn’t mentioned marriage. She’d wait until he brought it up. Besides, Saturday night aside, her parents wouldn’t be thrilled with them living together until they were married. She didn’t want to disappoint the people she cared about most. Nope, she and Luke had a lifetime in front of them, and she’d stay right here until their wedding night. She just wanted that night to come sooner rather than later.

She needed something to occupy her mind and time while Luke was busy with the harvest this week, so when her mom suggested a shopping spree in Denver for Tuesday, she jumped at the opportunity. The wardrobe she had for the Chicago school year wouldn’t cut it at camp. She wanted to get some more authentic western wear to look the part of a true cowgirl and some warm outer clothing for sledding, hiking, and other outdoor activities was a must. Her list grew as the day went on.

Thinking of lists, she picked up the phone and dialed Peak Adventure. “Willow, its Penny. My mom and I are headed to Denver tomorrow. Is there anything you’d like me to pick up while I’m there?”

“Actually, Ryan and I are putting together some new brochures for our school year weekends. Do you think you could drop some of them off at a couple of agencies for us? Let them know our plans.”

“I’d be happy to.”

“Can you stop by on your way out in the morning? That’ll give us this evening to get them printed.”

“Sure thing. See you then.”

Despite the fact that she’d decided against her redecorating idea, she spent the day sorting through old belongings and packing up some of her memorabilia. Maybe tomorrow she’d at least buy a new bedspread and some artwork for her walls that didn’t scream sixteen year old girl.

***

Penny enjoyed the drive into Denver with her mom. Once a yearly tradition, they hadn’t made this trip together since her senior year in high school. Talking to her mom about Luke and her hopes and dreams made everything seem right in her world. Although Mom had reluctantly supported her decision to move to Chicago, now she appeared truly happy about her future. After dropping off the brochures, they made stops at a large Western wear store and REI. Despite her protests, her mom insisted on paying for all of her purchases. The back of the SUV was literally stuffed full of shopping bags by the time they parked by their favorite lunch place across the street from Cherry Creek Mall.

“I’m buying,” Penny insisted sliding into a booth. “Thank you for all of the wonderful clothes. You’re the best. I can’t imagine not having a mom who loves you.”

“You’re thinking about Marissa, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, the last time I was here was with her. It’s so sad, Mom. And there’s so many other children like her out there. I hope working at the camp I can brighten some of their lives.”

“I know you will.” Her mom reached across the table and patted her hand.

“Do you think after we get what you want at the mall, we could maybe stop by and see her? I want to tell her that I’m staying in Colorado and about the camp being open year round.”

“I don’t see why not. We’re in no hurry. Is that allowed for you to just drop by?”

“I really don’t know, but I guess we’ll find out.”

After helping her mom with her shopping list, Penny directed her to the neighborhood of the foster home. They turned off the main street and headed down the narrow side streets.

“Oh my. This doesn’t look like a very safe neighborhood. Are you sure she’s okay here?”

“I’m not sure of anything, Mom.” They pulled up in front of the worn down bungalow. Grateful that there were no older boys hanging out on the porch this time, she climbed out of the vehicle. Her mom joined her and they walked onto the rickety porch.

Mrs. Grant frowned as she opened the door to Penny’s knock. “No one told me you were coming today.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t call. We were in town and wondered if we could spend a little time with Marissa. This is my mom, Ann.”

“You’re supposed to let me know ahead of any visits.”

“Penny?” Marissa’s excited squeal rang out. The child burst through the door. “You’re not in Chicago?”

The smile that covered Marissa’s small face warmed her heart. “Maybe you’d like to get some ice cream, so I can tell you all about it?”

Marissa looked up at Mrs. Grant’s sour-looking face. “Can I pleasssse?”

The woman frowned again at Penny. “Well, I guess this once. But from now on you follow the rules and call first.” She looked down at the child. “Go get some shoes on. Have her back in an hour.” She turned and walked into the house.

“Goodness.” Her mom’s face wrinkled with concern.

Marissa scurried out the door flip-flops now on her feet. Her hair didn’t look as though it had been brushed in a while and her clothes were rumpled, but the smile on her face showed her beauty.

“Marissa, this is my mom, Ann.”

“Hi,” she said softly. Penny remembered how shy the child was when they first met.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Marissa. Penny has told me so much about you, and Bandit talks about missing you all the time.”

The child giggled climbing into the back seat. “Dogs don’t talk.” She turned to Penny. “So why aren’t you in Chicago?”

“My plans changed. I’m not moving. I’m going to stay in Peakview and work at the camp. They’re going to be open on weekends during the winter now.”

“Yea!” The small face lit up like a Christmas tree. “When do I get to come back to camp? Can I come home with you now?”

Penny smiled. “You need to stay here and start school next week, but I promise we’ll get you up there for a weekend real soon.”

“Maybe you could even come and stay at our home with Penny some weekend, too. Would you like that?” Her mom added.