“There was no stop sign back there, right?” Joshua asked.
“No. Just stay cool.” A moment later, her brother-in-law came up to the driver’s side window. Seeing Myka on the passenger side, he glared at her.
“What’s the problem, Will?” Joshua asked.
“I was going to ask the same thing,” Will said. “Did you have car trouble, Myka?”
She tried to keep her temper in check. After Tanner’s death, Will had been there for her—day or night. She knew he meant well, but this time he was going too far. “My car’s fine. Joshua’s next door now, so we decided to ride to the Spinning Wheels’ meeting together.”
He scowled at Joshua. “You taking up crochet?”
“
I
asked him to come,” she said, and explained, though she knew she didn’t have to. “You would have been welcome, too. Your welded sculptures, like that rearing horse you made out of scrap metal, are just stunning. They’re too large to ship easily, so it’s not a good match for my online business, but everyone would have valued your input.”
He expelled his breath in a hiss. “So far your online company’s doing okay, but I still think it’s dangerous for you to do business on the internet. There are too many crazies out there looking for trouble.”
“I really haven’t had any problems, not big ones anyway,” she said. “I’m very careful about protecting myself and my privacy.”
He looked at Joshua. “You never cared much for Independence, so why were you there?”
“To help brainstorm. I have a house to sell, and to do that, Independence will need to get back on its feet.”
“Had to go to college to figure that one out, did you?” Will snapped, then said “Myka, can I talk to you privately?”
She bristled at his tone of voice. Nodding to Will, she glanced at Joshua and added, “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Moments later, Myka stood with Will beside his cruiser. “Will Solis, why are you acting like such a horse’s butt, pulling Joshua over for no reason at all?” she demanded, keeping her voice low. “One of the reasons I asked him along tonight is because I know what it’s like to get a house in order after someone you love passes on. His dad died less than two weeks ago. Cut him some slack, and me, too. And on top of that, mind your own business.”
“Myka, you mean well, but—”
“Will, back off. Joshua’s got some real tough days ahead, getting his father’s things packed and sifting through a million memories. On top of that, he’ll have to deal with regrets—all those things he might have said or done if he’d known his dad was going to die...”
“You’re identifying too much with what he’s going through, Myka. He didn’t lose a spouse—you did.”
She swallowed hard. “Maybe you’re right, Will, but here’s what I think. This isn’t really about Joshua. It’s about you guarding what was Tanner’s—in this case, me—because you think he’d expect that of you.”
“There’s truth there, Myka, but Nez is still bad news,” Will said quietly. “People don’t change. He may have lived here most of his life, but he never really belonged. From what I hear he couldn’t run a business out in San Francisco, either. He’s a loser. Do yourself a favor and steer clear of him.”
“You’re really high and mighty tonight, aren’t you? Instead of playing bully cop and judging Joshua for who you think he was, why don’t you show a little objectivity for once and get to know him?” Myka stopped for a moment, realizing she was getting louder by the word.
“Look who’s getting...” Will began.
“I’m not finished yet, Will,” Myka whispered harshly. “Joshua is stopping by the B and B tomorrow. Betty asked him for advice on some renovations, and he agreed to help in exchange for breakfast. Come by, keep an open mind and leave your attitude in the squad car. Hear what he has to say. This isn’t high school anymore, Will, and you’re not the same kid you were back then, either. Grow up on the inside, too.”
His face turned red, then he took a deep breath. “All right, okay, I’ll give him a chance, but don’t expect miracles. I see things for what they are, not the way I’d like them to be.”
“Fair enough. Just take off the blinders.”
“I want you to do something for me, too, Myka. Don’t trust Joshua, you hear?”
“Trust is something I can figure out on my own. You’re reading way too much into this. To me, he’s just an old friend and neighbor going through a rough time. Back off and think before you get in someone’s face again.”
By the time Myka returned to Josh’s truck, she found that his mood had soured considerably.
Once Will drove off, Joshua put the truck in gear and pulled out. “I don’t know why he’s got a problem with me. I haven’t seen him in years.”
“You got into a lot of trouble back then, though you were usually provoked. I’m not apologizing for him, but with his brother gone, Will’s looking out for family,” Myka said. “He’s rough around the edges, sure, and he tends to go overboard sometimes. Hopefully he won’t act like such a jackass next time you meet.”
“I promised Betty I’d take a look at the inn, but I may have spoken too soon, considering Will’s attitude. I won’t take his bull, cop or not.”
“I’ll be there, and I can stop his nonsense without having to throw a punch. What if I buy you a cup of Mabel’s coffee, then we’ll both cross the street to the Blue Spruce Inn? Betty can cook breakfast burritos that are second to none, but her coffee’s just awful.”
“Mabel’s was my favorite haunt. I’m glad to hear it’s still there. Even when I was broke, I’d stand out on the sidewalk so I could enjoy the scent of fresh coffee and those incredible tiny doughnuts.”
“She only serves coffee these days but, yeah, Mabel’s is still there and her coffee’s better than ever. Money’s tight for everyone, but we all consider her signature blends a guilty pleasure.”
“Okay, then. You’re on. What time do I pick you up tomorrow?” he asked.
“How about we get an early start? Seven too early, city boy?” she teased.
He laughed. “By that time, I’d already battled traffic and was sitting at my desk.”
It didn’t take long for them to get home. As he parked in Myka’s driveway, she spotted movement by the juniper hedge. “Bear!”
She bolted out of the pickup and ran toward the dog, calling his name, but the animal vanished back into the dark.
“Are you sure that was him?” Joshua asked, catching up a heartbeat later. “It could’ve been a coyote.”
“Coyotes aren’t that big, and there aren’t many left around here these days,” she said, still trying to peer into the darkness.
“Bear!” she called again, but there was no response.
“If that was him, then it’s clear he stuck around. He’ll probably come back when he’s ready. All the activity around Dad’s house might have made him nervous, not to mention Dad’s absence. Once things settle down, I’m sure he’ll be back.” He walked her to her door. “Myka, one last thing...thanks.”
“For what?” she asked. The only thing she’d done was lose his father’s pet.
“For being Dad’s friend when I wasn’t around,” he said and gave her a quick hug.
His arms were strong and his chest rock solid. It felt good to lay her head against his shoulder and feel the beat of his heart. As his warmth enfolded her, her pulse quickened.
Realizing the danger, she stepped back. “No thanks are needed,” she said. “Do you mind if we postpone getting coffee till around eight tomorrow? That’ll give me time to feed my sheep and see if I can spot any sign of Bear.”
“I’m a lousy tracker, never was much of a hunter either, but I’d be more than happy to help any way I can.”
She laughed. “Thanks, but no. He’s more likely to approach me if I’m alone. Tonight, I made the mistake of running after him, and that probably scared him even more. Let’s meet back here a little before eight, and then we’ll head out, okay?”
“Sounds like a plan.”
* * *
T
HE
FOLLOWING
MORNING
Joshua waited while Myka searched for his father’s dog. It took her forty minutes to return home, and her expression told him she hadn’t made any progress.
“Don’t let it get to you, Myka,” he said, meeting her in the driveway. “You’ve done your best. The next move belongs to Bear.”
She nodded silently. “Let me get my purse and we’ll go.”
Five minutes later they arrived at Mabel’s place on Main Street. As they stepped through the front doors, Joshua looked around. The coffee shop was a lot smaller than he remembered, but a rich aroma still filled the air and brought back pleasant memories. Even the best coffee houses in San Francisco hadn’t been able to rival Mabel’s premium blend—at least to his taste.
After placing their order, they went to one of the small, circular wooden tables scattered around the room.
Joshua smiled as Mabel brought him a large hazelnut coffee topped with whipped cream and hazelnut sprinkles. As he stood to say hello, she gave him a big hug, welcoming him back to town.
Still standing, he took a sip of his coffee and sighed happily. “Mabel, you’ve outdone yourself. This is incredible.”
“Coming from a well-traveled city boy, that’s quite a compliment,” she said, then with a mischievous smile, she added, “or was it that you didn’t expect the old lady’s coffee to be as good as you remembered?”
He laughed. “No way. You’re still the standard.”
Mabel, a tall, stately looking sixty-year-old, beamed. “Good answer. That might earn you a second cup at half price. Now take your seat again and enjoy.”
As she walked off, Myka smiled. “Mabel’s something else, isn’t she? Did I ever tell you that a Seattle coffee chain wanted to buy the secret to her special blend, but she turned them down? She said she liked offering the people of Independence something that would always say ‘home’ to them.”
As Josh looked around he saw the chairs were starting to fill up. “I’m glad to see she still does a steady business. I can’t imagine Independence without Mabel’s.”
“I’m hoping that eventually Betty will cut a deal and serve Mabel’s coffee over there. Her own...” She cringed. “Motor oil would probably taste better. Just don’t tell her I said so.”
He laughed. “So is that what it takes to be a silent partner?”
She shrugged. “I’ve got my hands full processing wool, selling my yarn and managing my online store. Betty needed something positive to focus on, too, besides her daughter, and that’s where the Blue Spruce comes in.” She paused, then added, “Will uses his welding in much the same way.”
“Being the Independence police chief isn’t enough for him?”
Myka took a moment before answering, measuring her words carefully. She wanted Joshua to understand, but she didn’t want to violate any confidences. “Will knows better than most what’s happening around here. He was a cop in Albuquerque for four years, then returned home after Sheriff Mercer died because he felt needed here. He wants to spend the rest of his life in Independence, but things have continued changing, and not for the better. Now, we’ve got a part-time mayor, and the town can only support a three-officer police department, which includes one volunteer.”
“There used to be a dozen officers—plus IVA security,” Joshua recalled. “Who’s the backup now?”
“Will. He’s on call full-time and he gave up a pay increase to keep at least one officer active 24/7. When we lost our fire marshal, he took on that job, too, pro bono, so everyone’s insurance rates wouldn’t skyrocket. He works ten or twelve hours a day, sometimes more,” she added.
“I didn’t know that.”
“Few people do. Will’s stretched pretty thin, and he’s doing his best to protect what’s left of the community. He’s on edge, so go easy on him.”
He nodded slowly. “You have nothing to worry about. The kid you knew who got into fights at the drop of a hat finally grew up. That’s not who I am anymore.”
“Good.” She finished the last of her coffee. “Now let’s go to the Blue Spruce and see what Betty has in mind for the inn.”
CHAPTER FOUR
A
S
THEY
STEPPED
onto the sidewalk, Myka and Josh immediately felt the pleasant warmth of the sun rising off the asphalt. This was Main Street, downtown Independence, the oldest part of the community. There were about twenty shops lining the narrow street, which had been laid out when cars and horse-drawn wagons competed for space. It was easy to imagine what the town had looked like a hundred years ago.
Almost all of the multistoried buildings were made of brick and stone and had their roots in the mining boom of the early 1900s. They’d been upgraded many times, and during prosperous years the businesses here had flourished.
Farther down the street were single-story, flat-roofed adobe structures. Those had been built in the Southwest style associated with the Pueblo tribes and early Spanish influence. But the adobe buildings were in the worst shape, since regular maintenance was costly.
Myka stopped in front of the inn and took a moment to admire the red roses etched on the glass transom above the entrance. They spoke of the grandeur and elegance of days gone by and stood in stark contrast to the chipped mortar and flaking paint which exposed the wood trim.
Joshua opened the door and gestured for Myka to precede him. The Blue Spruce was in transition. Metal scrapers and a steamer that would eventually take off the old wallpaper were resting on the floor where sections of the baseboard had already been removed.
Among all the chaos one thing stood out—the wonderful scent of fresh baking. “Betty, did you make your special honey bread?” Myka called out.
“Yep, I sure did.” Betty stepped out from an alcove, then waved them over. A heavy wooden dining table with coordinating chairs faced glass doors leading into a courtyard full of big leafed plants and small wooden tables. “I want to entice you guys to stay, and I didn’t think the torn up foyer with peeling wallpaper would do it. So come on. Let’s have breakfast here in the garden alcove and then we’ll get to work.”
Betty wheeled in a serving cart with glasses of freshly squeezed orange juice, thick slices of homemade bread, butter and jelly and plates filled with scrambled eggs cooked with a touch of New Mexico green chile.
The meal was delicious and they took their time, discussing the various possibilities for the dining room and Betty’s decorating ideas.
Twenty minutes later, after helping Betty clear the table, Joshua thanked her. “I can be bribed like this anytime, Betty!”
“Ready to get to work, then?”
“You bet. Why don’t you tell me what you envision for the inn as a whole? Start with the big changes you’d like made, then add the details as you think of them.”
“When the Blue Spruce was built, the rooms were small, to squeeze in as many guests as possible. I want to knock down some walls to create several larger spaces that flow into each other and are family friendly. That’s why I’d like to tear out a large portion of those two walls, for starters,” she said, pointing to the dining area. “In their place, I’d like archways that provide a better view of the courtyard and welcome the guests to wander about.”
“Okay,” he said, then took a closer look at the rooms and ceiling above, inspecting the position of joints, adjoining rooms and doorways. “From what I can see here, you’d be taking out a big section of this load-bearing wall. There are ways to do that safely by creating supporting structures, but we need to check the blueprints. Do you have them?”
“No, those were filed with County and lost decades ago in a fire.”
“Using imaging tools, we can look inside the walls without resorting to major work, but it might be necessary to cut a few holes to check out the condition of the existing framework. For now, let’s talk some more about the kind of renovation you want to do here,” Joshua said.
Betty took them around the front rooms, explaining her plans. “I want the place to have a homey, Southwest cowboy feel. Forget the upper-class drawing room that we have now. Open space with plenty of light is a must.”
“I can tell that parts of this building were added on, and that complicates things,” Joshua said.
They heard footsteps, and Will appeared from around the corner. “You trying to talk up the price?” His voice boomed in the small room.
Joshua turned around, and to Myka’s surprise, didn’t react. “I’m just here to offer free professional advice.”
Will’s eyebrows went up. “Betty, I thought you were going to pay him.”
“I’ve already been compensated,” Josh said. “My payment came in the form of the best breakfast I’ve had in a long time.”
“You can count on a full spread every morning you come by, if you agree to help me out,” Betty said.
“Deal,” Joshua answered. “Relax, Chief. I miss my work and I’m a darned good architect.”
“Best one in town,” Will muttered.
“Will, can I have a word?” Myka led him to the alcove, out of hearing range. “Listen to me, and listen good, Will,” she said in a harsh whisper. “I’m not going to stand around while you continue to make a fool of yourself. Joshua’s here and he’s helping. You’re here, and all you’re doing is causing trouble. That sum it up for you?”
“Myka, face reality. Do you really think he won’t want something in return?” Will scoffed, not bothering to keep his voice down. “I did a little checking up on Nez and he’s broke. He lost his business. His only assets are his pickup and his father’s house, and you know how much property around here is selling for these days, if it sells at all.”
“Be careful how you measure someone’s value, Will. You don’t own a house, you drive the town’s car, and you’re forced to work ten hour days or more to pay the bills,” she argued back.
“At least I have a job,” Will replied. “And the town needs me.”
Joshua came over and joined them. “If you don’t want my help with the renovation, just say the word and I’m out of here, Will. Your call.”
Betty came in and glared at Will. “Just so you know, I was getting ready to knock out a load-bearing wall.”
“Picture it, Will. The second floor could have become a permanent addition to the first. That what you want?” Myka said.
Will’s face turned red, but he held Joshua’s gaze for several seconds, then nodded. “Okay. It’s clear we can use your help, but no favors. We need an architect—you need the money. Set your fee.”
“All right. After I get your design ideas, Betty, I’ll inspect the building and draw up plans that’ll include several options on how to expand the rooms safely.” He ignored Will completely while he quoted her a very low flat fee, then added, “Plus a loaf of that bread you made, say once a week for the next month?”
Betty shook Joshua’s hand. “You’ve got a deal. I’ll boost the bread offer through December, too.”
“So Betty and I vote yes, Will,” Myka said.
“All right then,” he said. “If things go well, you can use us as references for future jobs.”
“I’ll take you up on that,” Joshua said.
“So what’s next?” Betty asked Josh.
“I’ll need to look upstairs, then crawl into the attic and check the roof structure.”
“Come on. I’ll take you,” Betty said.
“I’m on duty. I have to get back to work,” Will said.
“Go ahead, Will. We’ll handle things here.” Myka smiled. “Don’t worry.”
“That’s not going to happen. You, Evie, Betty and Mom are all the family I’ve got left. I worry.” He turned and walked away.
Betty found a flashlight and led Joshua upstairs. Myka followed and watched Joshua work. His gaze took in everything as he concentrated. A shiver ran up her spine. To have him look at her like that... She sighed softly.
The last stop was a hallway access point to the attic. Joshua climbed up the ladder, then spent several minutes overhead before finally coming back down.
“What’s the verdict?” Myka asked as Joshua pushed the folding ladder into place and closed the access panel.
“From what I’ve seen, the inn’s had at least two additions over the years, but the work was well thought out and it’s in good condition. Before you knock out any walls, I suggest hiring an electrician to check out the wiring and help you decide how to reroute what’s there.”
“I’ve been trying to find an electrician, but Harry Westin moved away last month,” Betty said.
“Harry’s shop is closed, but his daughter Molly took over his business part-time,” Myka said. “She’s a teacher at Independence Elementary, but she’s also a licensed electrician. She works after hours and on weekends.”
“So, Joshua, how soon do you think you’ll have those plans ready?” Betty asked.
“In a day or two I can tell you which walls in the guest rooms can be taken out or fitted with passageways. The downstairs portion will require a bit more work. I’ll have to do some calculations and take measurements. We’ll also need to discuss design options within your budget before I draw up the specs, and that’ll have to wait until my New Mexico license comes through. Will ten days be okay for everything?”
“Sure. Take longer if you need to. I’ve got a ton of work to do first—everything from removing wallpaper to refinishing exterior trim. After that, I’ll tackle the big jobs like knocking down walls,” she said. “Grandma passed on five months ago, but she let things slide here after IVA closed down. Seeing Independence die a slow death and watching Mom go downhill every day took its toll. Her heart was broken.”
“Early onset Alzheimer’s,” Myka said, answering Joshua’s unspoken question about Betty’s mom.
“What about your dad?” Joshua asked.
“Dad passed on three years ago, before IVA closed. He couldn’t cope with what was happening to Mom. One day his heart just stopped beating,” Betty said. “Mom lives in a private nursing home over in Painted Canyon. She doesn’t know us anymore, but we visit once a week. Last time I took Evie to see her, she thought Evie was me,” Betty added.
“I’m sorry,” Joshua said. “That’s got to be tough.”
“You accept it and go on. What else can you do?” Betty said. “When Grandma left the place to the three of us, Will figured we’d close it down till we could find a buyer, but I couldn’t let go. I love this place. I always have. I used to do my homework here after school and I helped at all the big Christmas parties Granddad used to host. You should have seen it back then! Only the North Pole had better decorations.”
“Maybe it’ll be that way again, once the inn reopens.”
“I sure hope so,” she said with a wistful smile.
As the phone rang and Betty went to answer it, Joshua asked Myka, “You ready to go?”
“I think I’ll stick around. I can catch a ride home later,” she said, “but let me walk you to the door.”
They stopped in the entryway, and Joshua glanced back into the room. “Now I understand why Betty’s so invested in this place. The inn is part of her personal history.”
“The Blue Spruce is also her and Evie’s future. It’s a good place for them.”
He brushed his knuckles against her face in a gentle caress. “Myka, it may be too late for Independence, but not for you. Think of your future. You still have your whole life ahead of you.”
His touch sent warmth all through her. A fleeting touch, the tenderness of a caress, those had been missing from her life for so long she’d forgotten what a sweet thrill they could bring.
“You put on a brave face for everyone but keep the real you out of reach,” he said, his voice quiet.
The way his eyes held hers was mesmerizing, but the spell broke instantly when something clanged onto the tile floor back in the kitchen.
As Myka turned toward the sound, she saw the photo of Tanner, Will and Betty that hung behind the front desk.
“I better get to work,” she said. “I promised Betty I’d help her put a coat of varnish on one of the armoires upstairs.”
“See you later then,” Joshua said.
As Joshua left, Betty walked over to join her.
“Pants warm?” she asked.
“Huh?” Myka turned around and looked directly at her.
“Liar, liar, pants on fire. We’re not varnishing anything today.”
Myka gave her a thin smile. “Oh, that.”
“What are you worried about, Myka?” she asked. “What people will think if you spend time with a man? Tanner’s gone. I loved my brother dearly, but he’s not coming back.”
“I know, but...”
“There are no ‘buts’ about this...except maybe Joshua’s exceptional one,” she said with a mischievous grin.
Myka choked.
“What? I’ve got eyes. You thought I didn’t notice?” she asked, laughing.
“
I
hadn’t.”
“Baloney,” Betty said.
Myka grinned. “Okay, maybe.”
“Will’s being a jerk, but he’s right, you know. Joshua has a thing for you. It dates all the way back to elementary school.”
“Why on earth would you think that? Because he’s nice to me? By that definition, he has a thing for everyone.”
“No, it’s in the way he looks at you—when you’re not looking.”
“Betty, we’re just old friends.”
Betty shook her head. “It goes beyond that.”
“You’re wrong, but even if we were both wild about each other—and we’re
not—
it couldn’t go anywhere. Sooner or later he’ll leave Independence, and I belong here.”
Myka swallowed hard and continued. “Joshua’s a heartbreak waiting to happen, and life’s hurt me enough. I don’t want any more pain.”
“Maybe you’re right. Josh is destined for city life, and you can’t change a man.”
Myka heard the pain laced through Betty’s words. Reaching out, she gave her a hug. “You and I bend, but we never break. That’s what makes us who we are.”
A few hours later, Myka left the inn and headed home. It was a pleasant afternoon, and the mile-long walk back would do her good. She needed time to think. She and Betty were both strong women, but being around Joshua had reminded her that even the strongest among them needed gentleness, too.