Almost Heaven

“Why don’t you come out to the stables this weekend sometime? Give me a call first, and I’ll show you around the place and introduce you to different types of horses. We’ll see what you like, and then you’ll be able to figure out what you need. Then you can get an idea of cost.”

“Sounds great. I’ll do that.”

“Good. You do know how to ride, don’t you?”

“Uh, well, no. I’ve given it a lot of thought, and I’ve always wanted to ride.”

“You’re going to love it, don’t worry. You’re about to take the first step on a great adventure.” She lit up, the way she’d been in the hospital’s gift shop, all gentle radiance and happiness. “There is nothing like owning a horse. You’ll see.”

The first step on a great adventure, huh?

He closed the door and watched while she strolled toward her pickup parked neatly and legally along the curb. She was like sunshine and he felt that way whenever he looked at her. As if she brought light to the dark corners of his life. Warmth to the cold and lonely places.

Stunned, he didn’t move a muscle. Just stood watching Kendra’s green pickup pull out into the street, blinker flashing. What was that he just experienced? He didn’t know, but he thought he liked it.

The hinges squealed as the closet door opened. “Is the coast clear?”

Cameron winced. He’d forgotten about Frank hiding out in the closet. “Sure, man. Come on out. She’s gone.”

“With your heart, by the looks of it.” Frank stole another cookie. “She sure can bake. That’s a decent trait in a woman. If you can trust one of them enough to marry.”

“Marry her? Whoa. I helped her with a trailer tire.”

“Whatever. I’m not gonna argue with you. But a woman like that, she’s what? She’s got to be over thirty. She’s got that riding stable east of town, doesn’t she?”

“I heard something like that.”

“Careful, man. She’s the kind that’ll break your heart. Believe me. She’s not looking for a husband. She’s not the soft, gentle kind of female that needs a man.”

“Oh, yes she is.” Cameron knew something about Kendra that Frank didn’t. What no one else in this town knew.

He well remembered the night when lightning had split the old willow tree in the town park. The fire department had been fighting to contain the blaze that was threatening the entire downtown. Power had been out all the way to Bozeman.

It was also the night he’d responded to a 911 call to a house near the railroad tracks in town.

He’d never forgotten that night. He suspected Kendra hadn’t, either.

“It’s about time you started dating again.”

“Hi to you, too, Gramma.” Kendra carefully laid her fragile, newborn niece down in her pretty well-appointed crib. “I’m not dating again.”

“Then you’re thinking about dating.” Gramma eased to a stop at the railing.

“Not even thinking about it.”

“Well, you should be. It’s time, my dear. It’s taken you a long while getting over Jerrod. You really must have loved him.”

Kendra’s throat ached at the sympathy in her grandmother’s words. At the caring concern that had been there forever, it seemed. Her gramma had always been there to help her whenever she needed it. Except for that one time. That one horrifying time.

She shivered, forcing the truth away. “Can we please talk about something else?”

Unfortunately, her gramma refused to back down. I’ve gotten to know him when he comes in for early-morning coffee. He likes three straight shots to start his day.”

“I’m not interested in the new deputy. Michelle’s exaggerating.” How many times would she have to say that in the next hour?

“Then it’s as I thought. The sheriff. Cameron Durango is as good as gold, if you ask my opinion. Sad it is, that he’s a widower at his age. Not many know how hard he had it, taking care of his wife when she was ill. Cancer is a hard enemy.”

“I didn’t know you knew Cameron so well.” Kendra didn’t know that about his wife.

She hadn’t even known he’d been married. She could hardly keep up with her busy life. But it struck her hard, realizing that he was alone. He’d already lost everything that could matter, and he wasn’t much older than she was.

“How long ago was that? I would have remembered the funeral.”

“His wife wasn’t a member of our church.”

That explained it. No wonder Cameron was looking for new activities to fill his leisure hours. A horse, what an excellent idea. Horses were more than pets, they were amazing, compassionate creatures. Most of her best friends had been horses.

Maybe Cameron could find the same kind of comfort she’d found.

“Michelle misunderstood. Cameron is interested in boarding a horse with me. That’s all.”

“Is he? I’m glad he’s starting to live his life again. It takes time, getting over that kind of grief. I know you’ll be good to him.”

“As I am to all my clients.” She hoped Gramma would get the hint.

“I know, dear, but a grandmother has to hope. Cameron would make a fine husband.”

Kendra rolled her eyes. “You would have said the same about the deputy. Or anyone else, for that matter. You just want me to be married, like a good woman should be.”

“That’s right. While I believe a woman ought to wait for true love to come along, I know you would be happier with a husband of your own. With babies of your own.”

Her own baby. Kendra ached in her soul, for that’s how deep the yearning went—and how deep the wound.

Not that she could let anyone know. Not even Gramma. She swallowed hard, burying her pain. “You’re one to talk. You are a businesswoman. You said buying half of Karen’s business was one of the best things you ever did.”

“Yes, but I’ve been married. I’ve raised my family. There is a season for everything.” Gramma brushed her hand over baby Anna’s tuft of downy golden hair. “Hello, sweetheart. You are amazing, yes you are.”

They stood together, side by side, gazing into the crib where the baby blinked up at them, drifting off to sleep.

“So soft.” Love vibrated in her grandmother’s voice. “There’s nothing like a newborn life.”

“Nothing so precious,” Kendra agreed.

“There is one thing as precious. Love between a wife and her husband.”

“You had to go and ruin the moment, didn’t you?”

“I’m just getting my shots in while I can, dear. If you are lucky enough that true love finds you, my beautiful granddaughter, I hope you stop working at your business long enough to grab hold of what matters.”