Melting His Heart

Cash Coble is desperate for a change. After working in the family business for ten years, he’s stressed out and overworked. When he heads to Colorado to visit his ailing grandfather, he finds his mood lifted by the beautiful woman living next door. After a troubled past, ice climber Taryn Purcell isn’t looking for love. Especially not with a charming Texan who’s consumed by work. But there’s something about Cash that captures her heart. Never one to back down from a challenge, Taryn promises to show Cash how to carve out a happy life—one that includes her.

He stared at the woman. “Taryn?”

Eyes that striking were hard to forget. Even though she’d been only a kid the last time he’d seen her.

“That’s me.” She shifted from one foot to the other, tucking her short, golden-brown hair behind her ear.

“Wow. I haven’t seen you since you were what…twelve?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Try seventeen.”

Way to go, Coble. “Sorry.” He glanced at the tray in his hand. “Something sure smells good. This wouldn’t be for Gramps, would it?”

“It is.”

He couldn’t help grinning. “Well, darlin’, allow me to assist you then.”

Her smile evaporated. “Suit yourself.” Turning on her heel, she advanced up the wooden steps, leaving Cash to wonder if he’d offended her with the age remark.

“I thought I heard voices out here.” Gramps held the storm door wide. “Smells like you’ve been baking again, young lady.”

Pink tinged Taryn’s cheeks. “It’s almost Valentine’s Day, Mr. Jenkins. Lots of people are baking.”

Cash focused on the girl who had once followed him and her brother all over Ouray. “Beautiful and a great cook. That ought to make some man very happy one day.”

MINDY OBENHAUS

always dreamed of being a wife and mother. Yet as her youngest of five children started kindergarten, a new dream emerged—to write stories of true love that would glorify God. Mindy grew up in Michigan, but got to Texas just as fast as she could. Nowadays she finds herself trapped in the city, longing for ranch life or the mountains. When she’s not penning her latest romance, she likes cooking, reading, traveling and spending time with her grandkids. Learn more about her at www.mindyobenhaus.com.

Rescuing the Texan’s Heart

Mindy Obenhaus

www.millsandboon.co.uk

The Lord brings death and makes alive.

—1 Samuel 2:6

To the men and women of Ouray Mountain Rescue Team

Acknowledgments

Becky Yauger, amazing writing partner and true friend. Thanks for keeping me on task,

for seeing my warts and loving me anyway.

To my wonderful family, your love, support

and encouragement mean the world to me.

You inspire me to follow my dreams.

Many thanks to Ted and Betty Wolfe

and Brandy Ross for your friendship

and for helping me bring Ouray to life.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

About the Author

Title Page

Bible Verse

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

Dear Reader

Questions for Discussion

Extract

Copyright

Chapter One

He didn’t want to be here.

Eyeing the snow-laden peaks that spread in every direction, Cash Coble tightened his grip on the steering wheel of his rented SUV and slowly navigated the hairpin turns leading into Ouray. He’d reeled in two new dealers over the past two weeks and, thanks to a new manufacturing plant, business at Coble Trailers showed no signs of slowing down.

Meaning, Cash couldn’t afford to, either.

I’s had to be dotted. T’s needed to be crossed. In Cash’s world, there was no such thing as a relaxing weekend.

It’s only three days.

He took a deep breath, mentally chastising himself for being so selfish. Gramps had never been too busy when it came to Cash. So why couldn’t he show the old man the same courtesy?

A sharp right curve on the Million Dollar Highway and Cash glimpsed the town that he’d once hoped to call home. Nestled in a bowl among southwestern Colorado’s majestic San Juan Mountains, Ouray was like no place else. Gramps always said it was heaven on earth. And, after all these years, Cash still agreed.

So why had it been so long since his last visit?

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

Work. Work that was in Dallas, not Ouray.

No point in dwelling on what could never be.

But you’re here now.

Only because his mother was caring for his two-year-old niece while his very pregnant sister was sentenced to bed rest. Yet that didn’t stop Mom from insisting Cash take her place. All because Gramps had been dealing with a little bronchitis. Of course, the man was ninety. And when Mom got insistent, neither Cash nor his dad stood a chance.

Clouds gave way to the early-afternoon sun illuminating the businesses that lined Main Street. The corners of his mouth twitched. The rows of colorful Victorian buildings still held the charm of a bygone era when miners and gold were the lifeblood of this town.

Two blocks and a couple of right turns later, Cash eased the SUV to a stop in front of his grandfather’s house. The 1920s two-story didn’t look quite the way he remembered. Peeling green paint and a roof that had seen better days made the house seem neglected. Forgotten.

Kind of like your grandfather.

The thought jarred him. Had it really been ten years since his last visit?

He shifted the vehicle into Park and pulled the key from the ignition. What happened to him? There was a time when he would have leaped at the opportunity to visit his grandfather. Now it had taken coercion.

Exiting the SUV, he sucked in a breath of the freshest air he’d smelled in ages and lingered over the view. Ouray was the antithesis of Dallas. The closest things to mountains there were made of metal and glass. Man’s handiwork sure paled next to God’s.

He unzipped his jacket, the temperature warmer than he expected. Remnants of snow still clung to life in shady areas, while dirty mounds dwindled away on street corners. Not exactly what he’d hoped for. It was February, after all, and this was Colorado. There should be plenty of snow. Even an inch or two would appease his Texas heart.

“Scout...stop that.” Somewhere behind him, a female giggled.

Turning, he glimpsed a young woman crossing the patch of brown grass that was Gramp’s side yard. She held a foil-covered tray in each hand, while a small wirehaired pup playfully nipped at her shoes.

“Scout! You’re going to make me fall.”

The dog all but ignored the hint of reprimand in the woman’s tone and continued to dart in and around her feet.

That is, until it spotted Cash. The animal jerked to a halt.

Unaware, the woman stumbled over the dog, sending one of the platters airborne.

Ignoring the ache in his left knee from sitting too long, Cash rushed up the walk, intercepting the tray before it reached the ground.

The startled dog let out a high-pitched bark and lunged toward him.

The woman straightened. “Scout! No!”

Hoping to maintain an air of composure, Cash eased onto his good knee and held out his free hand. “Scout, is it?” He kept his voice gentle. “Well, hello there.”

The pint-size mixed breed sniffed his fist. Its ears went back and tail wagged.

Cash couldn’t help smiling. He missed having a dog. Life just hadn’t been the same since Mickey died last year.

“There you go.” He stroked the animal’s sandy-colored fur. “See, I’m not so bad.”

Standing, he met the woman’s gaze.

“Sorry about that, Cash.” Her pale blue eyes were unusually stunning. Especially against her tanned skin. The kind that could knock a guy right off his feet. She smiled. “Your grandfather said you were coming. Matter of fact, he hasn’t talked about anything else.”

The knife of guilt twisted.

He stared at the woman. “Taryn?” Eyes that striking were hard to forget. Even though she was only a kid the last time he’d seen her.

“That’s me.” She shifted from one foot to the other, tucking her short, golden-brown hair behind her ear.

“Wow. I haven’t seen you since you were what...twelve?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Try seventeen.”

Way to go, Coble. “Sorry.” He glanced at the tray in his hand. “Something sure smells good. This wouldn’t be for Gramps, would it?”

“It is.”

He couldn’t help grinning. “Well, darlin’, allow me to assist you then.”

Her smile evaporated. She stiffened. “Suit yourself.” Turning on the heel of her rubber-soled shoes, she advanced up the wooden steps, leaving Cash to wonder if he’d offended her with the age remark.

Women. He’d never understand them.

He followed her, noting the large supply of wood stacked at one end of the porch. Surely Gramps hadn’t cut all that himself.

Taryn reached past the handle of a snow shovel for the bell, when the door opened.

“I thought I heard voices out here.” Gramps held the storm door wide. His white hair was as thick as ever and his green eyes brightened when he caught sight of Cash. “Come in. Come in.”

If first impressions meant anything, Cash’s mother was worried for nothing. The old man looked great.

Scout trotted inside first, as though she belonged, followed by Taryn and Cash.

The old house looked much better on the inside. The dark wood paneling in the living and formal dining space had been painted white, brightening the room considerably. Looked like Gramps had a new recliner, too. Seemed he wore one out about every five years or so. The floral sofa, though, still looked as new as the day Cash’s grandmother bought it.

“I thought you’d be at the ice park.” Gramps smiled at Taryn.

“No, not today.”

The old man shifted his attention back to Cash, his chest puffed out. “Did you know that Ouray is the ice climbing capital of America?”

“I did not.” However, he couldn’t help noticing that the console TV was still parked near the front window so it could be viewed from the kitchen.

“We even have a big ice festival. But that was last month.”

Cash always said his grandfather should be a spokesperson for the town. The old man never missed an opportunity to talk up Ouray.

“Pretty nice setup they’ve got over there, though.” Gramps inhaled deeply. “Smells like you’ve been baking again, young lady.”

Pink tinged Taryn’s cheeks. “It’s almost Valentine’s Day, Mr. Jenkins. Lots of people are baking.”

“So what’s your excuse the rest of the year?” The old man looked at Cash. “This sweet thing keeps me on baked goods that rival anything your grandmother would have made.”

Cash focused on the girl who had once followed him and her brother all over Ouray. “Beautiful and a great cook. That ought to make some man very happy.”

Those clear blue eyes narrowed for a split second.

“I’ll take this.” She snatched the tray from his hand and headed into the kitchen.

He turned to his grandfather. He hadn’t seen the old man since the last time he’d come to Texas, shortly after the birth of Cash’s niece. That was over two years ago. And while one would never guess the man to be ninety, the telltale signs of age had grown more numerous. Lines revealed a man who loved the outdoors and age spots dotted his tanned skin.

“How are you, Gramps?”

His grandfather drew him into a warm embrace. “Even better now, son.” He clapped Cash on the back with a strength that belied his age. “I can’t tell you how good it is to see you again.”

Funny how he had to stoop to hug this man he once considered a giant. He still smelled of coffee and outdoors. Home.

His grandfather released him.

“And the bronchitis?”

“Oh, I’m fine. Taryn there nursed me back to health with her homemade chicken soup.”

“Good.” He looked around the familiar space where he’d spent so much of his childhood. “It’s good to be here. Thank you for inviting me.”

Gramps sent him a stern look. “No invitation needed. You know you’re always welcome.”

The moisture in the old man’s eyes tugged at Cash’s heart. Suddenly, he was glad he’d come. A few days in Ouray might do wonders for him. Who knows? He might even relax. Clear his head. And, with any luck, see a little snow.

* * *

First, darlin’, then beautiful.

Taryn Purcell had heard those words before. And they made her skin crawl worse than nails on a chalkboard.

It took all the restraint she could muster not to dump the cherry pie and other goodies she’d made onto Art Jenkins’s kitchen table. She loved the old man as much as her own grandfather, but his grandson left much to be desired.

She huffed out a sigh. Cash Coble. A big name for a big man with an even bigger ego, no doubt. Was it just her or were all tall, good-looking Texans arrogant and condescending? Like a woman’s sole purpose was to cook and look good for her man.

That’s probably how Cash preferred his women—in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant.

Hmph. Bet Big Tex wouldn’t have the guts to strap on some crampons, grab an ax and scale some fat ice. Boy, she’d like to teach him a thing or two.

“Taryn...” Mr. Jenkins’s voice drew closer.

She turned as he entered the kitchen with his grandson. From his short blond hair to his boot-cut jeans and pointy cowboy boots, Cash had Texan written all over him. Right down to the swagger. And those dimples...

Biting her lip, she shifted her attention to Scout, who was happily tucked under Cash’s arm, licking him as if the man was a side of beef. Scout was usually afraid of men. Even Mr. Jenkins had to bribe her with a treat before the mutt allowed him to pick her up. And he’d known her since she was a puppy.

“You remember my grandson, Cash, don’t you?”

She gripped the metal edge of the ancient Formica-topped table behind her and forced a smile. “I do. Not that we spent much time together.” Cash was five years older than her, the same age as her brother Randy. Guess that would make him thirty-two.

Mischief glinted in Cash’s green eyes. “No, but I sure remember how you used to spy on Randy and me.”

She squared her shoulders. “I was not spying.”

“Aw, come on. Every time I turned around I’d see you ducking behind something.”

He saw me?

She lifted her chin, her trail shoes scraping across the worn gold-and-orange sheet vinyl. “Well, somebody had to make sure you two stayed out of trouble.”

Turning her attention back to his grandfather, she said, “There’s a cherry pie—” she pointed to the foil-wrapped pastry “—and then here we have some banana nut bread, chocolate chip cookies and brownies.”

The old man gave her a one-armed hug. “You sure know how to spoil a fella.”

She kissed his weathered cheek. “Some people are simply worth spoiling.” Stepping back, her gaze inadvertently fell to Cash. True, she’d brought enough baked goods for two, though she never imagined she would actually run into Cash.

Her heart skittered to a halt. Oh, no. He probably thought she was waiting for him to pull up before she brought this stuff over.

Talk about lousy timing.

“I...need to get back to the house.” She retrieved her Chihuahua-terrier mix from Cash’s muscular arms and hurried through the living room as if she had something burning in the oven. But she had to get out of here before she said or did something she’d regret.

“Thank you, again,” Mr. Jenkins called behind her as she opened the door.

“You’re welcome.” She squeezed Scout tighter and continued onto the porch and down the steps, feeling as though someone had sucked the air out of her lungs.

Clouds covered the sun as she hurried to the Victorian house next door. She could only imagine what was going through Cash’s mind. Everyone knew what a huge crush she’d had on him as a kid. And seeing him now, that same sensation had wriggled through her once again. Then he called her darlin’.

She stomped up the back steps. That single word was like a splash of icy water. The last time she fell for that line it had cost her far more than anyone knew.

She nuzzled Scout’s wiry fur. “Can I get some sugar?” Some people thought her crazy for talking to her dog like a baby. But her brothers’ opinions weren’t of any concern to her. Besides, Scout was her baby and Taryn loved her every bit as much as her brothers loved their kids.

Scout licked her nose.

“Thank you.”

Inside her parents’ kitchen, she set Scout on the wooden floor and shrugged out of her fleece vest. Cash still looked as amazing as she remembered. The only thing that had changed was that the good-looking boy had grown into a fine-looking man. The kind that knew how to make a woman feel special. Loved.

That is, until he was finished with her.

Like Brian.

Gooseflesh prickled down her arms.

I’m not totally heartless, darlin’.

She tossed her vest over a hook near the door, slumped into one of six straight-back chairs surrounding the oak table and rubbed the chill away.

If only her shame were so easy to erase.

Cool air infiltrated the room as her mother, Bonnie Purcell, swept through the door with several grocery sacks.

Taryn shoved to her feet. “Let me help you, Mom.”

“Oh, thank you, honey.”

She took the bags, settled them on the granite countertop—her mom’s big splurge when she had the kitchen remodeled last spring—and unloaded the items while her mother removed her jacket.

“I see there’s an SUV parked in front of Art’s house. I wonder if Cash has arrived.”

Scout’s nails clicked against the hand-scraped oak as she trotted across the kitchen to dance at her mom’s feet.

Taryn focused on emptying the bags. If she let on that she’d been next door, her mother would home in on that and assume Taryn still had a crush on Cash.

Her mom scooped up the dog, continuing toward Taryn and staring next door.

She followed her mother’s gaze. “Uh, yeah. I saw him go inside.” Not a lie, just not full disclosure.

“I bet Art is tickled to death.” Her mother turned her way, brushing her dark brown bangs to one side. “That boy has always held such a special place in his heart. I think he really believed Cash would end up in Ouray one day.”

“Didn’t he take over his father’s company or something?” Trying to act nonchalant, Taryn dumped a fresh bag of flour into the large glass canister on the counter.

“I don’t think he took it over, just stepped in to run things when his father got sick.”

Taryn had been too wrapped up in herself back then to remember what happened. “Sick how?”

“Cancer.”

She dared to meet her mother’s gaze. “Is he okay?”

“Oh, yes.” Her mom set Scout to the floor. “But it was touch and go for a while. They make livestock trailers, you know. Cattle, horses....” She wadded up the empty grocery bags and tucked them in the pantry. “From what I hear, the company has really grown with Cash at the helm. There aren’t many young men who would give up their own dreams to step in and help their father like that.”

Once again, Taryn’s gaze trailed to the house next door. Perhaps. But she knew all too well that a guy could live up to his family’s expectations and still be a heel. Her heart had the scars to prove it.

Turning, she concentrated on the rest of the groceries. Yep, the best thing she could do was steer clear of Cash Coble. Because no matter how enticing it might be to revisit childhood dreams, Cash was a heartbreak waiting to happen. And she had no intention of going through that ever again.

“I can hardly wait to see him,” her mother gushed. “Which is why I went ahead and invited them for dinner.”

Taryn halted, terror clipping through her veins. “Dinner? Tonight?”

“Why, yes. We agreed to move our family dinner to tonight since you’ll be at Blakely’s wedding rehearsal tomorrow.”

“I know that, but Cash isn’t family.”

“He’s just like family. And he’s only in town for a few days. Besides—” Her mother grabbed a package of toilet paper. Matchmaking mirth glinted in her gray-blue eyes as she started out of the room. “I hear he’s still single.”

Taryn cringed. “Mom, please don’t go there.” The last thing Taryn needed was a man. What she did need, however, was a life. Some semblance of a future. Twenty-seven years old and she still lived with her parents. How was that for pathetic?

Sure, she loved climbing and teaching people to overcome their fears, but she couldn’t live at home forever. She needed something to call her own. And since this morning’s chat with Mr. Ramsey at All Geared Up, Ouray’s one-stop shop for outdoor enthusiasts, she just might have a plan.

But first she had to make it through dinner.

Chapter Two

Cash let the cream-colored sheer curtain fall back into place and turned away from the window that overlooked the yard between Gramps’s house and the Purcells’. He still couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d said or done something to offend Taryn. But, for the life of him, he couldn’t figure out what.

She’d seemed so friendly initially. Then, suddenly, it was as if he’d slapped her. The hurt in those incredible blue eyes right before she charged out of the house had bothered him ever since.

“How about some pie?” Gramps called from the kitchen.

Cash shook his head, willing the crazy thoughts out of his mind. “Sure.” He bypassed the antique drop-leaf table that had been tucked against the dining room wall and joined his grandfather.

Taking a seat in one of the four green vinyl chairs, he pulled out his phone. “You have internet, Gramps?”

“Inter-what?”

“Internet. You know, the World Wide Web, computers...”

“No, sir.” Standing at the narrow strip of faux butcher-block counter between the refrigerator and the sink, the old man deposited a heaping mound of pie onto a plate. “Don’t intend to, either.”

Seriously? How could anyone live without the internet? Then again, this was Gramps.

Cash mentally kicked himself for not buying one of those mobile hot-spot devices that allowed him to connect to the internet anywhere. For now, he’d have to rely on his smart phone for email. But first thing tomorrow, he and his laptop would be tracking down the nearest Wi-Fi connection so he could get some work done.

He tapped the mail icon and waited for the page to load. Since he’d turned off the volume, it vibrated in his hand, indicating he had mail.

He scrolled to the top of the page. A distributor wanted a quote.

“Here you go.” Gramps set a loaded plate in front of him, along with a fork.

“Thanks.” Maybe Cash could calculate the quote later this evening and email it via his phone. That way, the customer would have it by morning.

The next message was from his sister.

Subject: Have a good time.

Enjoy your time in Ouray, big brother. You have no idea how jealous I am, but the doctor refuses to let me travel. Just as well. I feel like a beached whale. I still can’t believe I’m having twins.

Hug Gramps for me and give him my love.

Cash smiled. Prepregnancy, his little sister didn’t weigh a hundred pounds soaking wet. Now, based on the pictures his mother had shown him, she looked as if she’d swallowed a blimp.

Gramps took a seat across from him.

“Megan sends her love.”

The old man looked confused. “When did you talk to your sister?”

“Just now.” He turned the screen so his grandfather could see. “She sent me an email.”

“You gonna stare at that contraption the whole time you’re here?” Gramps pointed with his fork. “Folks seem practically glued to those things these days.”

“They do make staying in touch a lot easier. Email, text messaging—”

“What about a good old-fashioned phone call?”

Cash cleared his throat, fearful the comment had been directed at him. “They can do that, too. Hey, maybe we can FaceTime with Megan while I’m here. You’d be able to see her while you’re talking to her.”

The old man’s bushy white brows shot up. “Is that a fact?”

“Yes, sir.” Cash tucked his phone away, eyeing the fruit-filled pastry on his plate. “So, I take it Taryn does a lot of baking for you.”

Gramps swallowed his first bite. “She bakes for everybody. Says it’s therapeutic.”

“In that case—” Cash lifted his loaded fork “—I’m all for therapy.” The sweet, tart flavors burst onto his tongue. “Mmm... This is good.” He stabbed another bite. “Forgive me for saying this, but didn’t she used to be kind of a brat?”

His grandfather chuckled. “Taryn was a little too big for her britches, all right.”

“I recall her brothers complaining that she always got her way.”

“Well, she is the only girl.” Gramps rested his fork on his plate. “And a pretty one, at that. In case you hadn’t noticed.”

“Oh, I noticed.” A guy would have to be dead not to. “Didn’t I hear something about her leaving Ouray for a while?”

Nodding, Gramps cut another bite of pie with his fork. “Took off for college while the ink was still drying on her high school diploma.”

Cash grabbed a napkin from the owl-shaped holder on the table. Wiped his mouth. “Where’d she go?”

“Texas.”

“No kidding.”

“Finished her first semester, then told her folks she was taking some time off to think about what she wanted to do with her life.”

Cash hiked up the sleeves of his Henley a notch and grabbed another forkful. “That’s not unusual. Lots of kids get confused once they get to college.”

“I suppose.” Gramps studied his pie as if looking for answers. “’Cept Phil and Bonnie never knew where she was. About worried themselves sick.”

“You mean, she didn’t stay in touch?”

He shrugged. “On occasion. But anytime they offered to come see her or send money, she’d refuse.”

Cash immediately thought of the drugs so often prevalent in college towns. Then again, most druggies wouldn’t turn down a handout. They’d simply put it toward their next fix.

“Then one day, out of the blue, Taryn showed up back here.” Gramps shook his head. “Never said a word about what went on. Just that Ouray was where she belonged.”

“How long was she gone?”

The old man shrugged, going after another bite. “A year or so.”

That left a big gap of time. “And you don’t have any idea what happened to her?”

“None. And I don’t think her parents do, either.” Gramps pushed his half-empty plate aside then leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. His gaze bore into Cash. “But I do know that Taryn is no longer the self-absorbed girl we all remember. She’s a Godly woman.” Leaning back, he picked up his fork again. “One of the best mountain guides in town, too.”

“Mountain guide?”

“Hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing...” He wagged his fork through the air. “That’s her forte, you know.”

Cash absently rubbed his knee. All things he’d never be able to enjoy again.

Gramps scooped up another bite of pie. “She’s also on the Mountain Rescue Team.”

“What’s that?”

“A search and rescue team trained for our unique setting.” The old man grinned. “I even had the privilege of joining them on a mission last summer. One of our local boys fell into Chief Ouray Mine.”

Cash smiled at the old miner. “Let me guess, you had to navigate them through the mine?”

“Didn’t know that going out, but I went along, just in case.”

“Was the kid okay?” Cash finished his pie.

“A few scrapes and bruises.”

He picked up his empty plate and started toward the sink. “Sounds like Taryn’s an integral part of the community.” Which made him wonder why she had been so eager to leave in the first place. She’d obviously decided the big city wasn’t all glitz and glamour. But why had she stayed away so long?

Rinsing the dish, he contemplated his interaction with her. The way she seemed to bristle every time he said something that would flatter most women. And he wanted to know why.

Considering he was only in Ouray for a few days, unraveling the mystery of the girl next door seemed nearly impossible. Then again, it wasn’t like him to back down from a challenge. Especially one as intriguing as Taryn Purcell.

“Maybe that’ll give you two something to discuss tonight.”

He jerked his head toward his grandfather. “What’s tonight?”

“Bonnie and Phil Purcell invited us for dinner. Apparently the whole family is looking forward to seeing you.”

A gust of wind rattled the windows, drawing their attention outside.

“Looks like that front’s finally arrived.” Gramps stood with his plate. “Things are s’posed to turn mighty chilly.”

Given Taryn’s abrupt exit, Cash was certain of it.

* * *

Taryn paused at the front door, her hand on the antique bronze knob, while Scout barked behind her.

Cash is not Brian. And he is not interested in you. He’s a family friend. Just like his grandfather. Though considerably more handsome.

He called you darlin’.

She squeezed her eyes shut. Lord, please help me to be kind to Cash. I realize he did nothing wrong. That it’s my past with Brian that is causing me to behave so horribly.

“Are you going to open it, or let our guests freeze to death on the front porch?” Her big brother, Randy, stared down at her.

Since when did he pull himself away from the sports channel for anything but food?

“I’m warning you, Randy. If you say one thing to embarrass me...”

“Nah. I’ll leave that to Mom.” He nudged Taryn away from the door and turned the knob. “By the way, you look really nice tonight.”

Peering down at the soft blue, ultrafeminine sweater, she wished she’d gone with the bulky cable knit. She glared back at Randy with half a mind to wallop him. But their mother would never stand for it. After all, appearances were everything in Bonnie Purcell’s world.

Instead, Taryn picked up her dog, leaving her big brother to do the honors of greeting their guests while she made her way to the kitchen to help her mother and her sister-in-law, Amanda.

At least she’d bought herself a little time before she had to face Cash again. Strange to think that there was a time when she wouldn’t have felt the least bit guilty for treating someone so ugly. But she wasn’t that person anymore. And God had been prodding her all afternoon, letting her know what He required of her.

Still, she didn’t have to apologize in front of everyone. She’d wait for just the right opportunity. Even if it took all night.

“Yes. Absolutely you need to meet Cash.” Taryn’s mother motioned for Randy’s wife to follow and nearly plowed into Taryn at the kitchen door. “Where are you going?”

“The kitchen?”

Her mother whirled her back around. “Not until you’ve greeted our guests, you don’t. Now, go.” She all but shoved Taryn across the wooden flooring in the foyer.

Taryn hugged Scout a little closer. And so it begins.

“My goodness, Cash...” Her mom’s arms went wide as she approached. “It’s so good to see you again.”

Taryn kind of felt sorry for the guy when her mother embraced him like a long-lost son. She had to hand it to him, though. Cash didn’t look the least bit taken aback by the welcome. “It’s nice to be here. Thank you for inviting me.”

“Nonsense.” Her mom released him. “You’re like family.”

“How’s it going, Cash?” Her father stepped forward to shake his hand.

“Just fine, sir. Thank you.”

“There’s Gage,” her mom continued.

Taryn’s second brother waved from the adjacent living room, then gestured to the four-year-old in his arms. “This is my daughter, Emma, and—” he pointed to the golden-haired girl who had already latched onto Mr. Jenkins’s hand “—that’s Cassidy over there.”

Cash acknowledged them with a smile and a nod. “Girls.”

Randy snagged Amanda around the waist and inched her closer. “This is my wife, Amanda.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you.” She held out her hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Cash took hold. “All good, I hope.”

“For the most part.” Amanda and Randy exchanged a playful, loving glance. One that always made Taryn wonder if there was someone in this world who could love her like that. Completely and unconditionally. As though she was the only one who mattered.

“This is our son, Steven.” Randy hoisted the five-year-old into his arms.

“Hey there, champ.” Cash held up a high-five and Taryn’s nephew smacked it.

Everyone laughed, drowning out the basketball action blaring from the fifty-inch flat-screen in the living room.

Her mom grabbed Cash’s arm, turning him ever so slightly. “And here’s our little Taryn, all grown up.”

Everyone standing in front of her parted like the Red Sea, adding to her mortification.

Repeatedly stroking Scout’s wiry fur, she fought the urge to run screaming from the room as all eyes shifted to her. Including Cash’s.

His knee-buckling smile made it impossible to move, though. “Yes, we met earlier.”

Heat singed her cheeks, a rare occurrence for someone with her olive complexion. Still, she would bet that her cheeks were as red as the cherry jelly beans she’d bought to give to her nieces and nephew on Valentine’s Day.

“Oh...?” Interest sparked in her mother’s eyes. No way the woman with a penchant for matchmaking was letting that one sail by unnoticed.

“She brought some desserts over for Gramps. Which—” his attention shifted back to Taryn “—were really good.”

Mr. Jenkins cleared his throat. “Speaking of food, it sure smells good in here.” He shot Taryn a stealthy wink. At least someone had her back.

“Taryn makes the best stew you’ve ever tasted,” her mom boasted. “And her rolls are positively to die for.”

“Wait till you see the table decorations.” Desperate to shift the spotlight to someone else, Taryn continued, “Mom really outdid herself.”

Her mother half-heartedly waved off the compliment. “Oh, I just threw a few odds and ends together, that’s all.” Her gaze flitted to the dining room on the other side of the foyer. “But it did turn out quite nice.”

“Sounds like the Purcell women are a talented lot.” Cash’s gaze settled on Taryn, sending another wave of heat surging up her neck.

Unfortunately, she had not inherited her mother’s flair for decorating. She could probably manage a decent grouping of candles, but her mom knew how to make things look perfect.

“You simply find a way to cover up the flaws,” she always said.

Nuzzling a squirming Scout, Taryn thought about all the flaws in her life. The ones she’d worked so hard to cover up since returning to Ouray. Perhaps she was more like her mother than she thought. She had more scrapes and scars than the old hutch that was the focal point of Mom’s new kitchen.

She set the wiggling pup on the floor, wishing she, too, could escape.

“Phil, why don’t you take their coats while I get our guests something to drink.” Her mother’s attention shifted between Cash and his grandfather. “How about some hot spiced cider?”

“Cider sounds great, Mrs. Purcell.”

“There’s no need to be so formal, Cash. Call me Bonnie.”

“A hot drink would be just dandy.” Mr. Jenkins handed his jacket to her dad.

Six-year-old Cassidy caught her grandmother by the arm. “Nana, can you help me find the checkers so I can play with Mr. Jenkins?”

Her mom cupped Cassidy’s chin. “You bet, punkin’.”

Watching the tender exchange, Taryn couldn’t help wondering if her mom would have accepted—

She shook her head. No, her mother had made it perfectly clear.

No daughter of mine will have a child out of wedlock. If you ever do that to me, I’ll disown you.

Taryn understood, though. After all, her mother grew up as the illegitimate child of a scarlet woman. The last thing she wanted was to be the talk of the town.

“Taryn, honey—” her mother’s voice jerked her from her thoughts “—would you be a dear and get those refreshments while I help Cassidy?”

What? And hide from inquiring minds?

“Two ciders coming up.” The aroma of fresh-baked rolls made her stomach growl as she drew closer to the kitchen. She washed her hands then grabbed two mugs from the refurbished hutch, recalling how decrepit and unsightly the piece had been when her mother found it on somebody’s curb. Actually, it wasn’t even a hutch. More like someone’s old pie safe. But with some new glass and a couple coats of red paint...

Yep, Bonnie Purcell knew how to dress things up, no matter how battered and beyond help they seemed to the untrained eye.

But Taryn wasn’t a piece of furniture. She clutched the mugs to her chest and crossed the kitchen. If her mother ever learned the ugly truth of Taryn’s time in Texas, she’d be deemed unsalvageable. Which is why no one could ever know.

Lifting the lid on the pot of mulled cider, she savored the scent of cinnamon and cloves before ladling the steaming drink into the mugs.

“It smells great in here.” At the sound of Cash’s voice, she jumped, sending the metal ladle crashing to the floor. “Whoa. Hey. I’m sorry.” He knelt beside her to retrieve the utensil. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

She set the lid back into place, determined to regain her wits before looking at him. Though the woodsy scent of his cologne wasn’t doing much to help.

“I’m all right.” Retrieving the dish towel from the counter beside the stove, she wiped a drip from the first cup before handing it to him. “And if anyone needs to say they’re sorry, it’s me.” She took the ladle from him and dared to meet his puzzled gaze.

“You? Why?”

“I wasn’t the friendliest person earlier today.” She glanced past him to make sure no one else was coming. In particular, her mother, who would, no doubt, misconstrue their being alone in the same room.

“Taryn, I’ve met plenty of unfriendly people in my time and you are not one of them. A little flustered maybe.”

Flustered? He thought she was flustered?

“That’s what I get for teasing you, I suppose.”

“Teasing?” She dropped the towel on the counter, rinsed the ladle in the sink.

“About you following me and Randy around.” He sipped his drink. “Mmm. This ought to warm me up. It’s freezing out there.”

Her brain quickly retraced their earlier conversation.

How stupid could she be?

She set the ladle beside the stove. Of course Cash was teasing her. Just like he used to do when she was a kid. Just like her brothers still do. She’d just been so tuned in to what she interpreted as smarmy to realize the difference.

And now that she did, she wasn’t sure which was worse. The smooth-talking Cash or the Cash that still thought of her as a child.

Chapter Three

When the kids announced that it was snowing, Cash wanted to push away from Bonnie’s dining room table and hurry outside to enjoy the sight. After all, in Dallas, snow rarely lasted more than a few minutes. Good thing he remembered he was a grown-up, though. Otherwise, his hosts might have thought him a little crazy.

Nonetheless, he was pleased to see the white flakes still falling in the darkness when he and Gramps bid the Purcells farewell.

“Phil and Bonnie have done an impressive job of restoring that old home.” Cash glanced back at the gray Victorian. “That has to be some of the finest, most intricate millwork I’ve ever seen.”

“They done good, all right.” Despite the short walk, Gramps tugged on his nubby stocking cap and gloves. “Bonnie loves that sort of stuff.” He nudged Cash with his elbow. “I see you quit picking the celery out of your stew.”

Cash couldn’t help laughing. “It took me a while, but I finally got used to it. Just don’t expect me to eat it raw.”

“So noted.” The old man patted his now-protruding belly. “Yes, sir, that was one mighty fine meal.”

“You’ll get no argument from me. I can’t tell you the last time I ate that well.” He rubbed his own stomach, suddenly regretting that third roll. “Or that much.”

Gramps chuckled.

“By the way, thanks for giving me a heads-up on Gage’s wife.” His grandfather had shared how she’d taken off last year, leaving Gage to raise their two daughters alone. “The last thing I would have wanted was to create an awkward situation.”

“Which is exactly why I told you.” The old man started toward the back of the house.

“If you don’t mind—” Cash paused in the side yard “—I think I’ll stay out here for a bit and enjoy the snow.” Not to mention check email without the fear of reprimand.

“Suit yourself. I’ll be inside where it’s warm.”

“I won’t be long.” Especially since his “warm” coat didn’t seem quite as warm here as it did in Dallas. At least the wind had died down.

He pulled out his phone and aimed the camera at a streetlight in a way that highlighted the falling snow. Satisfied with the shot, he forwarded it to his sister. That ought to make her jealous.

Leaning against the side of the house, he checked his email.

“Delayed shipment?” But Wiseman’s was their largest distributor in Oklahoma. How could we—

A high-pitched bark made him jerk his head up.

Taryn gasped and yanked on Scout’s leash. “Cash! You scared me half to death. What are you doing lurking in the shadows like that?”

“Sorry.” He held up his phone. “Just trying to get a little work done.”

“Work, huh?” Her gaze narrowed. “Aren’t you supposed to be on vacation?” She tried to shorten Scout’s leash, but the pup squirmed toward him anyway, tail wagging frantically.

“Not exactly.” He pocketed the phone and stooped to pet the dog. “You know what they say, no rest for the weary.”

“They also say all work and no play makes Cash a dull boy.”

Ouch! He glanced up at the feisty woman. Yvette had turned down his proposal with those same words.

“Come on.” She tugged on the leash, started to walk away, then stopped and looked back at him. “Well, are you coming?”

“Me?” Standing, he fingered his chest.

“Yes, you. If you’re going to be out in this cold, you need to keep moving.”

Man, this girl didn’t pull any punches. And for some odd reason, he kind of liked it.

He fell in line beside her, surreptitiously watching her every move. Taryn wasn’t like any of the women he knew. They only seemed to care about clothes, shoes and how they looked. Taryn was gorgeous without even trying. And, from what he could tell, she cared about helping others.

As they walked, he burrowed his fists deeper into his poor excuse for a jacket, wishing he’d thought to grab his gloves. “I was hoping to see some snow. Think we’ll get much?”

A few flakes clung to Taryn’s purple beanie. Another item he’d failed to consider. “Nah. But don’t worry. Winter’s not over yet.”

He cut her a sideways glance. “Easy for you to say. I leave on Sunday.”

The corners of her mouth lifted. “You might be in luck then. There’s more snow forecast for Saturday.”

Scout trotted ahead of them as they wandered onto Third Avenue.

“It’s so quiet here.”

“For the most part.” Her puffy white jacket made a swishing sound as she swung her arms. “So how are things in the cattle trailer business?”

“Booming. At least for us.”

“Those must be some special trailers.” She let out some length on Scout’s leash.

“Weight is our best selling point. We have the lightest empty weight in the business.”

“And your dad designs them?”

“Yep. The whole thing’s been his dream from the beginning.”

They stopped while Scout took care of some business.

Taryn stared at him. “And what about you? Is it your dream?”

To say he was taken aback by her question would be an understatement. No one had asked about his dreams in a long time. Not since they were put on ice. Now the best he could hope for was to make his father proud.

He shrugged. “Like I said, business is booming.”

She looked as though she could see right through him. But didn’t say a word.

They started walking again.

By the time they turned onto Fourth Street, Cash was eager to change the subject and get some answers of his own. “Gramps tells me you’re one of the best mountain guides in town.”

She laughed. “Your grandfather is a bit biased, but I can hold my own.”

They ducked under a limb that bowed over the sidewalk, while Scout tugged on her leash, nose to the ground.

“Climbing is in my blood. Though it wasn’t until I came back to Ouray that I realized how important it was to me.”

“Came back from where?”

“Texas.”

“Really? Whereabouts?”

“I spent some time at UNT.”

“University of North Texas. I know it well. Matter of fact, my brother-in-law went to school there. What was your major?”

“I wasn’t there long enough to think about a major.”

“So why’d you leave?” If she could apply the pressure, so could he.

“People change.” For a moment, her expression clouded. Then she cleared her throat. “Besides, I missed the mountains.”

“You ever thought about coming back to Texas? Maybe for a visit?”

Her exhaled breath clouded in the chilly night air. “Nope. Ouray is where I belong. It’s a part of me, like climbing. Tackling a mountain or a massive slab of ice changes my perspective. I look back and see the path I took. A path that wasn’t perfect. One that was steep and maybe a little slippery. But I made it.” She looked at him now. “That empowers me.”

He couldn’t help wondering if she was talking more about climbing or life. But the passion that sparkled in her eyes drew him like the stars to the night. Had he ever been that passionate about anything?

“You certainly sold me.”

In the glow of someone’s porch light, her cheeks, already pink from the cold, deepened in color. “Then perhaps you should give it a try.”

* * *

Taryn saw the excitement that brightened Cash’s green eyes. Then fade just as quick. And despite telling herself repeatedly she was going to keep her distance, curiosity only drew her closer.

The heels of Cash’s cowboy boots clipped along the sidewalk as they made their way down Fourth Street, their breath visible in the cool air.

“Did your grandfather ever take you climbing?”

Scout darted back and forth in front of them, searching for who knows what.

“Just hiking. I was always in awe of his connection to these mountains.” Cash’s gaze lifted. “He seemed to know everything about them. And never hesitated to share his passion. That man taught me geological, biological and theological lessons no one’s ever heard in a classroom.”

She laughed, having been on the receiving end of the old miner’s passion a time or two herself. “Ever thought about giving ice climbing a try?”

“No. And I’m not sure I could.” Resignation laced his tone.

“Why?”

“Bum knee. Tore a ligament my sophomore year of college.”

“ACL?”

“You guessed it.”

She grimaced. “What happened?”

“Me and some college buddies were goofing around on ATVs and I managed to flip mine.”

“Did you have surgery?”

“Yeah. But the knee still bothers me every now and then.”

“I see.” Though glancing at his even stride, she didn’t really. There were plenty of people with that same type of injury and they didn’t seem to have any problems climbing. Just to be sure, though, she’d check with her friend Blakely’s fiancé who also happened to be a doctor. “Do you work out?” As if she had to ask. She’d noticed the way his muscles strained the fabric of his shirt.

“I try to stay in shape.”

“How’s your core strength?”

“Not bad.” The corners of his mouth twitched and she felt foolish for asking. “Why?”

“Climbing involves a lot of core strength.”

He slowed. “I didn’t know that.”

“Well, now you do.”

“Looks like it stopped snowing.” Cash scanned the night sky and she wondered if he was trying to change the subject.

Still, she hadn’t missed the disappointment in his voice. “For now.”

He shivered. No wonder with that lightweight jacket. They’d best keep moving.

She picked up speed. “So what do you do in Dallas?”

He kicked at a rock as they walked. “I thought we discussed that already.”

“I don’t mean work. What do you do for fun?”

He shrugged, his hands still buried in his pockets. “I don’t know. Hang out with friends. Watch football. I used to like taking my dog to the park, but since I don’t have a dog anymore, well...seems kind of pointless.”

She’d known he was a dog person from the moment he won Scout over. Brian had hated dogs. Not that it mattered.

“What kind of dog?”

“Siberian husky.”

“Oooh...they’re gorgeous.”

“They are. And Mickey was a beaut. He could play fetch for hours. So much so that I usually wore out before he did.”

She laughed. “So what happened to him?”

“Cancer. I had to have him put down last year.” His excitement gone, he cleared his throat as though it had clogged with emotion.

She couldn’t help it. She laid a hand on his arm, stopping him. “I’m sure that was very difficult.”

“It was for the best.” He hesitated to look at her.

“That doesn’t make it any easier.”

His gaze went to her hand first, then trailed to her face. Even in the dark, she saw a man who was struggling. He looked...like a caged animal. Trapped somewhere he didn’t want to be. Perhaps in a life he didn’t want. From what she could gather, everything about Cash revolved around work. That wasn’t living.

He started walking again, winding onto Fifth Avenue.

“Mickey would have loved Ouray.” His focus was on the darkened mountaintops, but the wistfulness in his voice only added to her sense that Cash Coble was one unhappy man.

“And how does Mickey’s owner feel about Ouray?”

“I used to dream of living here.”

“So what happened?” She shortened Scout’s leash to keep her close. “What kept you away for so long?”

“Obligations.”

“What kind of obligations?” She knew she was being pushy but pressed anyway.

“Work. Family.” He sounded winded. No doubt the altitude was getting to him, regardless of how fit he might be. After all, he started today at what, five hundred feet above sea level. Ouray sat at seventy-eight hundred.

“You have family here, too. Or does your grandfather fall in the obligation category?”

He jerked his head to look at her. “Are you trying to make me feel guilty?” His pained expression told her he did feel guilty.

Lord, I want to help him. Not make it worse.

“Not at all. Just curious what made you give up your dream.” And why he was so sad.

“My father got sick.” He kept walking, defensiveness lacing his tone. “I had to step in and run his company.”

“But he’s better now.” Shut up, Taryn. Let the poor man be.

He stopped and glared at her. “My father built a business from the ground up. He poured his heart and soul into making it a success. Provided for us. Gave me, my sister and my mom the kind of life he never had. It means the world to him. You may not understand this, but I can’t let him down.”

Not understand? Boy, was that an understatement. And the reason no one but Blakely knew about David, the baby Taryn had given up for adoption.

She studied the man before her. The set of his jaw, the resigned slump of his shoulders told her this was something he had to do. No matter what it cost him.

“That’s very admirable, Cash. But there’s more to life than just work.”

“Not in my father’s world.” He strode away.

She didn’t know when she’d seen a person so miserable. Like Cash’s only satisfaction in life, his identity, revolved around a job. A job he felt obligated to because he couldn’t face the disapproval of his father. He may not have said the words, but she recognized the signs. And she couldn’t ignore them.

God, Cash needs help. And I’m going to need Yours.

Because even if she had to endure the rest of the weekend with a good-looking, smooth-talking Texan, she was going to show Cash what it was like to truly live.

Chapter Four

Taryn’s first stop Friday morning was the bank. She’d prayed and prayed, asking God to guide her on this decision and she was just as determined this morning, if not more so than she was when she lay down last night.

No doubt about it, All Geared Up was the perfect business for her. After all, Mr. Ramsey had hired her because of her extensive knowledge of outdoor gear. True, she only worked part-time, but she was the one who placed the orders, while he spent most of his time behind the counter. The icing on the cake, though, was the two apartments above the Main Street business. She could live in one and rent out the other.

But to make things happen, she’d need a loan. And she didn’t have a clue what that entailed.

Moving through the double glass doors of Aspen Bank, she stepped onto the plush green carpet and scanned the open lobby. A long counter with several spaces for tellers stood at the back, a table laden with withdrawal and deposit slips was off to one side and a large reception desk sat opposite that.

“Good morning, Taryn.” Patsy Weeks smiled from behind the desk. “What brings you by today?”

“Is Cam available?” Taryn had already spotted loan officer and long-time family friend Cam McAllister in his office.

“I believe so, but let me check.” Patsy picked up the telephone receiver and punched a couple buttons. “Cam? Taryn Purcell would like to see you.”

From the other end of the room, she could hear his booming voice. “Send her in.”

Cam met her at his office door with a ready smile and a handshake. His bald head gleamed under the fluorescent lights. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“Well—” Suddenly nervous, she took a deep breath. “I’d like to talk to you about a business loan.”

“That’s what I’m here for.” Stepping aside, he motioned her into his office. “Have a seat.”

She eased into the burgundy wing-back chair while he closed the door and settled into the squeaky leather swivel chair behind his desk.

He leaned back, resting his folded hands atop his ample belly. “So, what are we looking at?”

“I don’t know if you’ve heard or not, but Buck Ramsey is selling All Geared Up. I’d like to buy it.”

The older man’s brow lifted. “No. I hadn’t heard that.”

“He just told me yesterday morning, so maybe it isn’t common knowledge.”

“Well, don’t you worry. What’s discussed in this office stays in this office.”

Since she hadn’t even talked to her parents yet, that was a relief. “I appreciate that.”

“So, do you know how much Buck is asking?”

“I do.” She gave him the six-figure number. Though she hadn’t asked Mr. Ramsey outright, she’d seen a flyer he’d printed.

“Do you have any collateral?”

“My Jeep. It’s paid for. And I have about seven thousand in savings.”

“I see.” His chair creaked as he leaned forward, resting his arms on the glass-topped desk. “And how about a business plan?”

Anxiety took hold of her once again. “What’s that?”

“All loan programs require a sound business plan to be submitted with the loan application. The plan should include a complete set of projected financial statements, including profit and loss, cash flow and a balance sheet.”

“Oh.” Her stomach churned. She tried not to look as clueless as she felt. Surely she could find something on the internet that would tell her how to put together a successful business plan.

“Do you have any management or business experience, Taryn?”

“Well, I—” Sell yourself, girl. “I work with people every day, Cam. I lead groups on climbing ventures, conduct workshops, and I’ve been at All Geared Up for over three years. I know that business inside and out.”

He steepled his fingers, tapped them together, but didn’t say a word.

This wasn’t looking good.

Finally, he whirled his chair around to the credenza along the wall, opened the drawer and pulled out a large white envelope. Turning, he slid it across the desk. “The loan application is here, along with a checklist of everything we’ll need from you before we can process things.”

Her fingers shook as she reached for it. “Looks like this might take a while.”

“It can be a bit confusing. But if you have any questions, feel free to give me a call.”

“I will.” Hugging the envelope to her chest, she stood. “Thank you for seeing me, Cam. I appreciate it.”

“Not a problem, Taryn.” He stood and rounded the desk. “It’s always good to see you.” He opened the door, allowing the cooler air from the lobby to filter into the small space. “Tell your folks I said hi.”

“I’ll do that.”

Getting into her Jeep, she breathed a sigh of relief. Step one, complete. She carefully laid the envelope on the passenger seat. With only a million more steps to go. How was she ever going to do this? She didn’t know the first thing about a business plan.

Maybe she could ask Blakely. She had her own business. Of course, she’d inherited it from her grandfather. No business plan involved there.

The image of a handsome Texan popped into her head. Not the first time she’d thought of Cash today. Matter of fact, he’d littered her dreams all night. If anyone knew about business, it was Cash. He’d know exactly what to do.

* * *

Since Gramps barely knew what Wi-Fi was, let alone had it in his house, Cash made himself at home at a table in the backroom of a deli he found on Main Street. He needed to accomplish some work or he’d be completely behind when he got back to the office on Monday.

His first order of business had been that delayed shipment to Wiseman’s. Turned out a big snowstorm in the northeastern part of the country had shut down roads, temporarily halting aluminum shipments, which, in turn, had slowed production.

After talking things over with his father, Cash phoned the distributor, explained the situation and offered a partial shipment. Wiseman’s was happy, his father was happy, and that meant Cash was happy. Rubbing the back of his neck, he eyed the snow-covered peaks beyond the windows. Well, he was at least satisfied.

He took a sip of his coffee and perused Coble Trailers’ latest sales figures. Better than he expected. With their new manufacturing facility, they were the largest supplier in the region. Before long, they’d be ready to go national.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

Despite hitting a somewhat sour note during their walk last night, he couldn’t help smiling when he saw Taryn staring down at him. Although, she didn’t look nearly as happy to see him.

“Just getting a little work done.”

“Did you accomplish anything?” Fists dug into her hips, she looked madder’n an old wet hen.

“A little. Yes.”

“Good.” She turned the laptop to face her, made a couple of clicks and closed the lid.

“What are you doing?”

She tucked the laptop under her arm. “Teaching you how to have fun.”

With determined steps, she crossed the worn wooden floor, past the glass case filled with pastries and out the door. He shoved aside his mounting irritation and followed her outside.

She opened the door of a silver Jeep. “Hop in.”

“Do I have a choice?”

“Not if you want to see your laptop again.” She smiled at him.

Like he couldn’t get it back if he wanted to. Strange thing was, he wasn’t sure he really wanted to.

The midmorning sun emerged from a cloud, chasing the chill away as he climbed into the passenger seat. “What now?”

“Hang on and enjoy the ride.” She pulled out onto Main Street and made a quick U-turn.

“How did you know where to find me?” He eyed the hot springs pool as they headed north.

“Your grandfather. Which reminds me, how dare you leave him to go work? You only have a couple of days in town. Couldn’t you at least devote your time to him?”

“Then why are you taking me in the opposite direction?”

“I have your grandfather’s blessing. But he wants pictures.”

“Pictures?” He jerked a look at her now. “Just where exactly are you taking me?”

Past Rotary Park, she turned off toward Lake Lenore and the Bachelor Syracuse, an old mine that now did tours, taking people inside the mountain and explaining what it was like to be a miner. “That’s for me to know and you to find out.”

The need to reprimand her taunting evaporated. On the contrary, he found her playfulness endearing.

He remained quiet while she maneuvered the narrow, tree-lined road, admiring the red sandstone formations in the distance. A fair amount of snow clung to the mountaintops and crevices. Nothing to write home about. Then he spotted the slab of ice that cascaded down the face of one of them.

He swallowed hard as they drew closer. His palms grew sweaty. “What are we doing?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“I’m not joking, Taryn.” He couldn’t hide the nervousness in his voice.

“Don’t you trust me?” She brought the vehicle to a stop and looked at him.

Okay, maybe she didn’t expect him to climb. Maybe she just wanted to show him what it was all about.

His gaze traveled up the frozen runoff. “Looks like that’s my only option.”

She exited the Jeep and he met her at the back of the vehicle. “I assume you’re wearing comfortable clothes?”

He eyed his jeans and flannel shirt beneath his jacket. “Yes.”

“Good.” She opened the back gate and handed him a pair of pants and a fleece hoodie. “Amanda let me raid Randy’s climbing gear. Since you two are about the same size, they should fit.”

“Climbing gear?”

Lifting a brow, she sent him a look that told him questions were off-limits.

He returned to the front seat, dropped his cowboy boots in the snow and tugged on the insulated pants.

“You’ll want these.” She shoved a pair of heavy-duty hiking boots at him. “Let me know if they don’t fit. I brought three different sizes.”

Did she really expect him to climb?

He donned the first pair of boots without trouble, as well as the jacket, then tugged on the gloves and knit hat she also provided.

“Mr. Coble, you look mahvelous.” Her smile of approval lifted his spirits. Still...

She held out a belt of some sort. “Now, shimmy into this harness—”

“Taryn, come on. You don’t really expect me to ice climb, do you?”

Her smile only widened. “Yeah, I do.”

“But, I—”

“Have a bad knee, I know. But that was a long time ago. And, according to my doctor friend, the only thing that limits you—” she strolled closer, determination sparkling in those icy eyes “—is you.”

A physical blow couldn’t have packed a bigger punch. Taryn was right and he knew it. His knee had made it easier to stay away from Ouray. Away from the mountains that begged to be climbed, away from the adventures waiting to be uncovered, away from the ice climbing he was once eager to try. All the things he longed to do on a regular basis but couldn’t because he was stuck in Dallas.

She didn’t back away. And the way she looked up at him...it made him feel as if he could do anything.

“What do you say?” She nodded her purple-beanie-covered head in the direction of the ice. “Shall we give it a try?”

In no time, he was harnessed, cramponed, helmeted and following an equally attired Taryn through the snow, up a narrow creek bed toward the icefall. Truth be told, in that moment, he probably would have followed her just about anywhere. Her gentle coaxing was hard to resist.

The occasional silvery-white cloud drifted overhead, obscuring the sun.

“Couldn’t we have just gone to the ice park?”

“Nope.” She pressed on.

“Why not?”

“I was afraid you’d try to escape.”

By the time they reached the base of the slab, he was sweating. He eyed the stiff expanse of white towering over them. It wasn’t nearly as smooth as he expected. More rippled, even lumpy in some spots.

Taryn dropped her backpack and the coil of rope she’d looped across her torso. “I’m going to have you wait here while I put in a few anchors. But first I want to show you a little technique so you can practice while I’m gone.”

“Yeah, I wouldn’t want to be bored.”

Her grin only added to his anxiety. “Don’t worry. You won’t be.”

She explained proper tool placement. How a single sure swing was better than chopping at the ice. “If you swing your tool too hard, your arms will tire quickly. We’re not chopping down a tree.”

“As for crampon technique...” She directed her attention to the spikes that’d been clamped onto the bottoms of their boots. “You not only want to engage the front teeth, but the second row as well. To do this, you have to drop your heels.” She demonstrated. “It’s tough on the calves, but I think you can handle it.”

He did his best to duplicate the maneuver.

“Good. Just be sure to keep those heels low. Now, let’s see you swing your tool.”

“Align the shoulder, wrist and tool,” he repeated then swung.

“Excellent.” She rubbed a gloved finger over an indentation in the ice. “Look for depressions in the ice. They’re stronger than bulges.”

“Got it.” At least he hoped so.

“Do you have any questions?”

“When can I get started?”

That earned him her brightest smile yet.

She stepped up to the ice. “Let me set these anchors and we’ll get you going.”

Tilting his head back, he watched her pick her way up the wall of ice. She definitely knew what she was doing. And in a matter of minutes, she was beside him once again, a rope running from her belay device up the steep slope and back to the ground.

She attached the other end of the rope to the device on his harness. “Are you ready?”

“I was born ready.” He stepped up to the ice, not nearly as confident as he wanted Taryn to believe. Took a deep breath.

“Now, when you’re going to start climbing, you say ‘belay on.’”

“Belay on.” He lifted his foot to jam his crampon into the ice—

“On belay.”

“What?” He glanced over his shoulder.

“Means you’re good to go.”

“Oh.” Apprehension knotted in his gut as he eyed the slippery slope once again. “You’re sure this will hold me?”

“Yep.”

“If you say so.” He reached both tools over his head. Looked for indentations in the ice. Swung. Perfect. He dug his crampons into the ice and moved a couple steps before moving the first tool. Right hand. Right foot. Left hand. Left foot. He was doing it. He was actually ice climbing.

“Keep those heels down,” Taryn hollered up at him.

He complied, his calves burning.

Right. Left. Right.

Pausing, he glanced down. He’d gone farther than he thought. He was a good thirty feet up. The sun broke through the clouds then, making it difficult to judge where to land his next swing. Too bad he didn’t have his sunglasses. Then again, when he left the house, he’d had no intention of ice climbing.

He let ’er rip, little pieces of ice pelting his face.

Right foot.

Missed.

He tugged harder on the tool, but it wasn’t secure.

Panic coursed through him as it slipped from the ice. His body tensed. He was going to fall.

Next thing he knew, he was swinging gently through the air, thanks to the belay.

“Everything okay up there?”

He struggled to catch his breath. “I think my life just flashed before my eyes.”

“Was it worth watching?”

He couldn’t help laughing. “Parts of it. Maybe.”

Looking up, Taryn snapped a picture. “You might want to fix that.”

Easy for her to say. She lived for the next climb. He lived for...

What did he live for?

He swung his tool. Landed it perfectly. He’d examine his pathetic life later. Right now, he needed to conquer this ice.

For the better part of two hours, he and Taryn took turns going up and down the ice.

“That’s the most incredible, fulfilling thing I’ve done in a long time.” Despite the cold, he was ready to shed his outer jacket. His body surged with energy and something he’d never felt before. “What did you call it?”

“Call what?”

“The feeling you get from climbing.”

“Empowered.”

“That’s it.” For the first time in more than a decade, Cash felt free. And he owed it all to the spunky girl next door. Without her, he’d still be staring at his laptop at the deli. But she’d drawn him into her world, given him a taste of what he’d been missing. And that was something he’d never forget.

* * *

Taryn loved this part of her job. The look on Cash’s face was priceless. And she couldn’t be more pleased with the way he’d put himself out there. His smile was unlike any she’d seen since he arrived. Genuine. He was truly enjoying himself.

She dropped her helmet.

“Does this mean we’re done?” He watched her coil the rope.

“I’m afraid so.” She sent him an apologetic look, just as sad as he was to see their time on the ice come to an end. “My best friend is getting married tomorrow and I’m the maid of honor, so I need to go help her.”

“Seriously?” He pulled off his helmet, tucking it under his arm.

She nodded, stuffing their gear into her pack.

“Wow, thanks for bringing me out here then.” He grabbed the pack she’d loaned him. “I’m surprised you had any time at all.”

“It’s not a big wedding. And besides that, you need to get back to your grandfather.”

“That reminds me, you did get some pictures of me, right?”

She couldn’t help laughing. “Lots. I’ll give you the memory card to upload to your computer. That way you can show your grandfather right away.”

“Awesome.”

“You got everything?” She eyed him as he slung his pack over his shoulder.

“I believe so.” He stepped closer. “Why don’t you let me take this.” He lifted the rope from her and draped it across his torso. “Now we’re ready.”

The sun shone down on them as they headed to her Jeep.

“So tell me about the ice park,” he said as they hiked. “Do a lot of locals go there?”

“Quite a few. It’s kind of a social event.”

“What do you mean?”

“You know, like a hangout. You want to catch up with people around town, that’s the place to do it.”

“Hmph. Interesting. Adds a whole new meaning to the term watercooler.”

She chuckled. “That it does.”

“Gramps mentioned an ice festival.” Cash sounded as if he was getting a little winded, so she slowed her pace.

“Yep. The biggest one in North America.”

“No kidding?”

“People come from all over the world to climb, test out the latest equipment and compete.”

“Compete?”

“Oh, yeah. It’s like the Olympics. There are a bunch of different events, and scores are announced in seven different languages.” She adjusted her pack. “You should come to one.”

“Maybe I will.”

She shoved her hand in her pocket. Something crinkled beneath her gloved fingers. “Oh, I almost forgot.” Pulling out the piece of paper, she held it out to him. “This is for you.”

He glanced at her hand, then her face. “What is it?”

“The password to my parents’ Wi-Fi.” She handed it to him. “You should have a decent signal at your grandfather’s, so you can now work from home.”

“Taryn, you’re lifesaver.” He shoved the paper into the pocket of his jeans. “You have no idea how much this will help me.”

“More importantly, you won’t have to leave your grandfather.”

“Precisely.”

She sent him a sideways glance, anxiety suddenly getting the best of her. Should she even ask him for business advice? Well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. “I, um, don’t suppose you know anything about business plans, do you?”

“Sure do. Had to assemble one before we built our new facility. Why?”

“I know someone who’s looking at buying one of the businesses in town, and the bank says she has to put together a business plan before they’ll consider her application.”

“And does this someone have a name?” The look he gave her told her he already knew.

She took a deep breath. “All right, it’s me. And, aside from the loan officer at the bank, you’re the only one who knows, so please don’t say anything to anyone. Not even your grandfather.”

“I won’t say a word.” He tromped through the snow beside her, his quick breaths sending white puffs into the air. “So what kind of business are we talking about?”

“It’s called All Geared Up and they sell almost any kind of gear the outdoor enthusiast might need.” Relaxing, she eyed the man beside her. “I’ve worked there for the last three years.”

His brow lifted. “So, no climbing, just the gear?”

“What do you mean?”

“Sorry, I just have a hard time imagining you stuck indoors, behind some sales counter.”

“Hey, it might mean I can’t do tours anymore, but nothing will ever stop me from climbing.” She plodded alongside him. “Oh, and there are also two apartments upstairs. That means I can finally move out of Mom and Dad’s, and I’ll have income from the second space.”

“That’s part of your business plan right there.” He dodged around a boulder.

“Really?”

“Yep.”

“But what about all the financial stuff?”

“That needs to be in there, too. I’d be happy to help you, if you like.”

“That’d be great, but—” She stopped.

He did, too. “But what?”

“You’re leaving Sunday. I’m tied up the rest of today and tomorrow.”

“Hey, you know, they have these newfangled things called telephones. And email.”

“Very funny.” She reached out and gave him a shove, accidentally toppling him into a snowbank. “Oh!” She tried to stop herself from laughing. “Guess I don’t know my own strength.”

“All right, Purcell. You had your little chuckle. Now get over here and help me up.” He held out his hand.

She closed the space between them and took hold. “Come on, cowboy.” She tugged.

So did he. Next thing she knew, she was on the ground beside him.

“Oh, I can’t believe I fell for that.” Growing up with two older brothers, she should have known better.

“Me neither.” Laughing, he tossed a handful of snow her way.

“Aw, man. Right down the neck.” She squirmed as it began to melt against her skin. “Coble, you’re a dead man.”

As he hustled to stand, she fisted the back of his jacket, quickly depositing an icy chunk. “Let’s see how you like it.” She scrambled to her feet before he could retaliate.

“Ooo-wee, that feels good.” He stood, trying to keep a smile.

“Yeah, I like that cute little dance you’re doing.” She thought she might bust a gut, watching him hop around, trying to untuck his shirt, all with that length of rope still around him. “Is that the Texas two-step?”

He sighed as the ice dropped to the ground. “All right, Purcell.” He moved closer, but she took a step back. “I know when to admit defeat.” He took another step and they were practically toe-to-toe. “You’re a feisty one, you know that?”

“So I’ve been told.” She dared to meet his appreciative look.

“Thank you for teaching this old dog some new tricks.” He leaned closer until the fog of their breaths mingled.

She could smell the woodsy scent of his cologne. “Old dog?”

He grinned. “You know what I mean.” He was so close. His gaze searched hers.

But she stepped away from him. “You’re welcome, then.” She nodded in the direction of her Jeep. “We’d better get going.”

Chapter Five

By Saturday morning, Taryn had no doubt that the image of Cash’s smile after scaling that ice would be forever seared into her memory. And that was not a good thing.

Yeah, she wanted to help the guy. Show him what he’d been missing in his life. But she hadn’t counted on the feelings he stirred in her. Feelings she didn’t want, because the last time she allowed herself to feel this way, her whole world shattered.

“You’re unusually quiet this morning.” Blakely shifted slightly in her spa chair, her strawberry-blond ponytail trailing over one shoulder. “What gives?”

Warm water bubbled around Taryn’s feet as she sank deeper into her own spa chair, a pleasure she and Blakely rarely had the opportunity to revel in. Blakely owned Ouray’s finest Jeep-tour company. As head grease monkey and guide extraordinaire, she, like Taryn, was a no-frills kind of girl. But that didn’t mean they weren’t in touch with their feminine side. So her friend’s wedding day was the perfect opportunity to pull out all the stops. Manicure, pedicure, makeup and hair.

“Blakes, you’re getting married. As your maid of honor, I have a right to be reflective.”

“Not buying it.” Blakely cocked her head. “Try again. Preferably, with the truth.”

The two of them had always been brutally honest with each other. And Blakely was the only one who knew about Taryn’s baby. She was the most trusted friend Taryn had ever had.

The people working in the salon were another matter, though.

But since they’d made themselves scarce for the moment... “Another long, tall Texan is tugging on my heartstrings.”

Her friend’s blue eyes lit up like an LED headlamp. “Are you kidding me? Who?”

“Easy, Blakes. It’s nothing serious. Just a little...disconcerting.”

“Okay, fine.” Blakely whispered. “But will you at least tell me who you’re talking about?”

She scanned the area, making sure no one was close enough to hear, then leaned toward her friend. “Mr. Jenkins’s grandson, Cash.”

“What happened?”

“You know how you’re a sucker for that lost-puppy-dog look?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, once I got past the fact that he looked and sounded so much like Brian...” She picked at her nonexistent fingernails, wondering what kind of magic Miranda could possibly work to make them look pretty. “It’s like the guy has no life. Or a life not of his choosing.”

“I’m not following you.”

“He loves Ouray. Used to spend every summer here with his grandparents. But, until Thursday, he hasn’t been back in ten years.”

Blakely leaned closer. “Why?”

“He didn’t say, but I have my suspicions. See, he took over running his father’s company when he got cancer. Even though he’d planned to move to Ouray. His father’s okay now, but Cash is still there, doing everything he can to make his father proud.”

“I see. So his hopes and dreams got sidetracked by the need to win his father’s approval?”

“And it doesn’t take a genius to see that it’s robbed him of his joy.” She scanned the tranquil and blessedly empty space once again. “Cash used to be a fun-loving and adventurous guy. Now he’s always thinking about work. I’m not sure he even knows how to relax.”

“And you’re going to fix that.”

Taryn tried not to smile but failed. “Well, I tried. I took him climbing yesterday.”

“How did that go?”

“He loved it. And it was nice to see a glimpse of the old Cash.”

“But...?”

“But nothing.”

Blakely lifted a brow, soothing music filling the space between them.

“We’re friends, Blakes.”

“That could change.”

“Not likely. He lives in Dallas. I live in Ouray. Long-distance relationships never work out.”

Blakely crossed her arms over her chest. “Sometimes they do.”

“Only if one party is willing to join the other. He’s not going anywhere. And there’s no way I’m ever setting foot in Texas again.”

A smile played at the corners of her friend’s mouth. “Never say never, Taryn. That’s just enough to make the good Lord show you who’s boss.”

“Okay, ladies. Have your tootsies thawed out?” Miranda, the salon’s owner, emerged from the back room.

Blakely straightened, adjusting the pillow in her lap. “Mine have.”

“I’m good,” said Taryn.

“Sally.” Miranda motioned for her assistant before addressing Blakely and Taryn. “Thought we’d get your toes done first so they’ll be good and dry by the time you’re ready to put your boots back on. It’s really coming down out there.”

Taryn and Blakely looked out the front window, stunned to discover the snow had really picked up.

“Wow. It was barely flurrying when we got here.” Taryn couldn’t help thinking about Cash. Looked like he got his wish for snow. Hopefully, he was enjoying it and not staring at his computer. Maybe she should call Mr. Jenkins and ask him. But what would Cash think about her checking up on him?

The guy is leaving tomorrow.

May as well go for the gusto.

She tugged her cell phone from the back pocket of her jeans and dialed her neighbor. Luckily, Miranda, Sally and Blakely were engrossed in nail color selections and not paying attention to her.

“Mr. Jenkins.” She kept her voice as low as possible. “Is Cash around?”

“Sure is. Taryn wants to talk to you.” His voice faded as he handed off the phone.

“Hello.”

“Are you looking out the window?”

“I’ll do you one better. I just came in the house to get warm. I’ve been outside enjoying every flake.”

“No kidding?” Perhaps she’d made some progress, after all.

“Wish you were here. We could build a snowman.”

“Snowman? There can’t be more than two inches on the ground.”

Blakely held a bottle of nail polish in front of her and pointed to her toes. It was the same wine color as her dress. She smiled and shot her friend a thumbs-up.

“In Texas we make snowmen with a lot less snow than that.”

“They must be awful small.”

“Hey, it’s about the experience.”

She turned away from the other women. “Who are you and what have you done with Cash?”

“Very funny.”

“Afraid you’re on your own for this one, cowboy. I’m enjoying a day of pampering at the spa.”

“Will I see you later?”

Suddenly a swarm of butterflies came to life in her stomach. “Are you coming to the wedding with your grandfather?”

“I am.”

That meant he’d see her all dressed up. In high heels and a dress. Makeup, nails, hair...

The butterflies multiplied.

Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.

* * *

After only two days in Ouray, Cash was happier than he’d been in ages. Now, as he and Gramps stepped through the doors of Restoration Fellowship, he couldn’t ignore his eagerness to see Taryn. The woman fascinated him.

Beyond the small foyer, candlelight flickered throughout the small sanctuary while music drifted from an acoustic guitar. White tulips adorned both sides of the altar, continuing in front of the piano and organ. Simple decorations, but stunning nonetheless.

The snow had stopped over an hour ago, but Cash still insisted they drive the few blocks to the church. Virtually everything in Ouray was within walking distance, but dressed in nice clothes, he wasn’t about to invite disaster.

He and Gramps were seated on the groom’s side, though Gramps was quick to let him know he was friends with both the bride and the groom. Apparently everyone in town was eager to celebrate the union of these two people. The pews were filling faster than a creek in a gully washer.

According to Taryn, the bride and groom fell in love one long-ago summer. Then he’d gone on to marry someone else. Ten years later, he came back, widowed, and surprised not only to find Blakely, but a son he never knew existed. God had brought the three of them back together and they were finally going to be a family.

A wistfulness had filled Taryn’s eyes when she told the story. A look that seemed to go beyond being happy for her friend.

Cash noticed an older woman being escorted to the front pew on the bride’s side.

Gramps leaned closer. “That’s Blakely’s grandmother, Rose Daniels,” he whispered. “Owns the Alps Motel.”

The minister, groom and a young boy Cash guessed was the couple’s son appeared at the front. A moment later, the notes of a classical tune floated through the air.

Rustling behind him captured his attention. He turned and, at the back of the church, saw Taryn waiting. She wore a strapless dress the color of red wine that accented her small waist. On cue, she started down the aisle in high-heeled silver sandals with a grace that belied the tomboy image he’d seen yesterday. Talk about the total package. This girl was it.

He swallowed hard as she walked past him. Her short golden-brown hair was tucked behind one ear, while the other side framed her beautiful face.

When Taryn reached the altar, the wedding march started, the doors at the back of the room swung open and the congregation stood.

Blakely was a cute strawberry-blonde with a smile as big as Texas. Seemed she didn’t have eyes for anyone but her intended as she strode down the aisle solo.

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