Catching the Cowboy: A Small-Town Clean Romance (Summer Creek Book 1) Page 24

  Four hours later, Hud raced to finish the last of his chores and jogged back to the house. He hopped into the shower and took time to shave. He gave special care to his appearance for the first time in a long while, carefully combing his hair. The short haircut he’d recently gotten from the mayor made his curls that were every bit as wild as Cricket’s easier to tame.

  Absently, he brushed his teeth, applied a little aftershave, and dressed in his best pair of jeans as he went over his plans. He slipped on his favorite blue snap-front shirt and pulled on the boots he’d polished earlier. From a shelf in his closet, he snagged his best straw cowboy hat and settled it on his head before he made his way to the kitchen where his grandmother had packed a box with food to take to the potluck.

  “I’ll carry that out for you.” He hefted the box and took it out to his grandmother’s vehicle, then returned inside. “Is everything else ready?”

  “It is.” Nell patted his cheek for a second time that morning. “I can hardly wait to hear how Emery reacts to your surprise.”

  “You and me both.” Hud winked at his grandmother. “I sure appreciate you, Jossy, and Parker helping me with it.”

  “I can’t speak for the other two, but I’m more than happy to help. You know I’d do anything for you, son, and I truly love Emery.” Nell hugged him once more before stepping back. She picked up her purse, smoothed a hand down the front of her blouse, then glanced at Hud. “You look so handsome, so much like your father and grandpa.”

  “Thanks, Grammy. You look nice, too. Did you get a new shirt?”

  “I did. Emery came home with it one day after she’d gone to Burns. She said she saw it and thought of me.”

  “It looks really nice on you, Grammy.”

  His grandmother smiled, and then they both turned to Cricket as she raced into the room, dressed in an outfit Emery had helped her pick out to wear. Hud wasn’t sure he would have suggested Cricket wear her cowboy boots with pink leggings, a pink tutu skirt, a white T-shirt with sparkly hearts across the front, and a little denim jacket, but she looked as cute as could be.

  “How do I look?” Cricket asked, popping the collar of her jacket and striking a pose like a little prima donna.

  “Just like my little girl. Have you seen her anywhere?” Hud asked, pretending to search around the kitchen.

  Cricket giggled and grabbed his hand. “Daddy, it’s me! You’re just being silly.”

  “Probably,” he said, swinging Cricket into the air, then draping her over his shoulder like a sack of feed.

  She laughed, then squirmed until her arms were around his neck, giving him one of her tight, sweet little hugs. “I love you, Daddy.”

  “And I love you, baby girl. Shall we head into town? We don’t want to be late for Emery’s shindig.”

  “Shindig, shindig,” Cricket chanted as he carried her to his pickup and settled her in her booster seat. He waved to his grandmother as she left in her vehicle, then slid behind the wheel in his.

  Never in his life had he been as nervous as he was driving to Summer Creek that morning. Cricket’s nonstop chatter eased his anxiety a little and kept him from being able to dwell too deeply on his thoughts. He parked his pickup a few blocks away from City Hall since the streets were already lined with cars.

  Surprised by how many people were in attendance, he could feel excitement lingering in the air. The sound of happy voices carried on the breeze and made him smile. He waited for a tractor pulling a hay baler to drive by, waving at the busy farmer, before he and Cricket crossed the street, then made their way to City Hall.

  A crowd filled the lawn and spilled over to the sidewalk as several women and Owen Thorpe arranged food on the tables beneath a big tent. Hud watched Emery float down the steps of City Hall in a dress the color of peaches. She went straight into the arms of a good-looking man wearing an expensive navy-blue suit. When she stood on tiptoe to kiss the man’s cheek, Hud felt raw, green envy pour through him with such force, he actually considered walking over to the guy and punching him in the face.

  Emery took the man by the hand and started introducing him, so he had to assume it was someone she knew from her life in Portland. An old boyfriend, perhaps? He kept watch, waiting for the moment the man would place his hand on her waist or lower back, maybe steal a kiss, but the guy didn’t seem interested.

  Starting to rethink his need to lay out the fancy-pants interloper flat on the lawn, Hud stood back and observed. Emery left the man talking to the mayor and moved among the residents of town, warmly greeting them by name. He had no idea she knew so many people in Summer Creek, not that there were a lot to know. Still, it seemed as though she not only recognized them, but had become friends with most everyone in attendance.

  Finally, she looked his way, and Hud lifted an eyebrow, curious as to what she was thinking. When she smiled at him, his palms grew damp, and he found it hard to breathe. Her smile was like receiving a blast of bright sunshine on a warm May day. Cricket pulled her hand from his grasp and ran over to Emery, hugging her around the waist.

  The look of pure love on Emery’s face as she bent over and hugged his little girl made Hud’s heart thud to a stop before it jolted back into a regular beat. A sudden vision of Emery hugging Cricket while he played with two dark-haired boys made him feel so rubbery-legged, he glanced around for a place to sit. Not spying any seats nearby, Hud straightened his spine, released a long breath, and sent up a quick prayer. He watched as Emery took Cricket’s hand in hers, then hurried up the City Hall steps. The mayor joined her, then placed his fingers in his mouth and blew out an ear-splitting whistle, drawing the attention of those gathered on the lawn.

  “Good morning,” Mitch said, giving the crowd his famous politician’s smile. “It’s wonderful to see you all here today. For too long, Summer Creek has been struggling to exist, to hold on, even if we weren’t certain for what. But we know now. We have a plan, and today is the day we begin Summer Creek’s future by finding it in our past.”

  A few members of the crowd whistled and cheered.

  The mayor waved his hand to them in appreciation before he continued his speech. “Miss Emery Brighton has spent weeks diving into the town’s history and came up with the idea to share our glorious old buildings with the world through Walk Through 1910 tours. Please give her a warm welcome as she tells you more about the project.”

  Everyone clapped as the focus shifted to Emery. A becoming blush touched her cheeks as she looked out over the crowd, clearly nervous. When her gaze met Hud’s, he saw her shoulders relax, and she drew in a steadying breath.

  “Thank you, all, so much. Not just for being here today, but also to all of you who’ve helped in the past weeks as we worked to take this project from an idea on paper to something more tangible, more real.” She stopped for a pause and smiled at Hud. “Many of you have donated your time, your knowledge, your experience, your skills, and your antiques to make today possible. From the depths of my heart, I’m so grateful to you.”

  A few claps and cheers interrupted her. She waited until they died down to continue. “Today is about stepping into the future of Summer Creek by embracing the town’s past—celebrating it. In a few weeks, we hope to open the first three buildings for tours. As we receive funding and recruit more labor, we’ll continue opening the buildings, one at a time. A new sign posted down by the highway invites people to Walk Through 1910 by visiting our historic buildings and our town. As chair of the newly-formed Summer Creek Historical Society, I welcome you to a future filled with exciting possibilities!”

  The crowd cheered with enthusiasm, then followed as Emery led the way across the street to the old buildings. Hud was impressed to see the fountain running. It hadn’t worked for as long as he could remember, but he’d seen photos from years ago when it had. It looked quite lovely with flowers planted all around it. He hoped, for Emery’s sake, Ethel the goat wouldn’t assume the plants were a smorgasbord set out just for her to enjoy.

  Emery had ask
ed him to be one of the people who stood in the buildings as a monitor of sorts, keeping people from going into unsafe areas. He’d agreed to keep watch in the old saddle shop, which suited him fine. In spite of the musty, dusty atmosphere, the prevailing scent of leather hung heavily in the air, and he’d never grow tired of the aroma.

  He started over to get Cricket from Emery, but both of his girls seemed fine without his interference. Hud veered across the parking area by the fountain and went to the saddle shop, finding the door already unlocked and open. Inside, someone had placed a large sign that provided information about when the building was originally constructed, who owned it, and when it went out of business. The sign also showed photographs from early days. Hud leaned closer and stared at a photo that featured a picture of his great-grandfather talking to the saddle maker. He smiled, wondering if Emery chose that image because of her ties to his family.

  A bouquet of flowers sat on a wooden counter that had been dusted. In fact, the front of the shop had been swept free of debris. Before he took a seat on a stool that had been placed behind the counter that looked like those found at the Bar & Grill, he checked to make sure it wasn’t covered in dust.

  For the next hour and a half, Hud watched people come and go. He answered questions as best he could. Most were about the project and if he really thought it would benefit the town. A few were from single women asking if he was free for dinner, and a handful of old women made it a point to grill him about his intentions with Emery. Since it wasn’t any of their business, he refused to divulge any details, other than to assure them he’d do his best to make sure she stayed in Summer Creek.

  “If a handsome thing like you had swept me into your arms and kissed me like it was the last thing on earth you’d ever do, I would have set down roots so deep, you’d have had to build a house around me,” Mrs. Finley teased.

  Embarrassment seared up his neck and even made his ears feel hot as the old women laughed and shuffled their way outside.

  When he heard the mayor whistle again, Hud joined the rest of those in attendance back on City Hall’s lawn. Pastor Markle asked a blessing on the meal, then everyone dug into the abundance of food.

  Hungry as he was, Hud didn’t think he could eat a bite, waiting for the moment when he could implement his plans where Emery was concerned.

  He’d just sat down on the steps of City Hall with a paper plate balanced on his knee when Emery rushed over to him, dragging the city boy behind her.

  “Hud. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I want you to meet Nathaniel Knight. He’s the attorney I’ve been telling you about. He thought it would be helpful to see the buildings and town, so he drove down to spend the weekend.”

  Hud stood and extended his hand to the man who appeared a little soft. Tall and baby-faced, he assumed most women would find the attorney attractive. “Hudson Cole. Nice to meet you, Mr. Knight. We appreciate anything you can do to help with the project.”

  “Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Cole. And call me Nathaniel. Mr. Knight is my dad.” The man returned Hud’s handshake, then looked at Emery. “I’m happy to help. Emery’s father can be quite persuasive, and he’s convinced me and my father this is a cause well worth our time.”

  “Do you have a place to stay? We’ve got … ”

  Emery bumped Hud with her elbow, almost making him drop his plate of food as she cut off his words. He glanced down at her and she tipped her head toward his sister as Jossy sat talking to Parker. “I thought he could stay at the Lazy J Ranch. He’ll just be here tonight.”

  Hud didn’t like the idea of a stranger staying at Jossy’s place. “I insist you stay with us, Nathaniel. We have plenty of room.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Cole. I appreciate the hospitality.”

  “Call me Hud, and you’re welcome.” Hud motioned toward the food tables. “You two had better get something to eat before all the good stuff is gone.”

  “Come on, Nathaniel. You have to try Nell’s potato casserole. It’s addictive.” Emery smiled at Hud as she walked off with the attorney. At least Hud knew who the man was now, and if he wasn’t mistaken, he got the distinct idea Emery wanted Jossy to get to know him better.

  Was Emery trying to be a matchmaker, or was something else at play? He glanced over to where Parker sat with one arm around Jossy, making her laugh as he tried to steal something off her plate.

  Parker had been sweet on his sister since they were in the sixth grade. He’d always assumed they’d get married, but then Jossy had bartered her freedom and youth to old man Jansen because she wanted his ranch. A day didn’t go by that Jossy didn’t regret her decision, but she had to live with her choices and regrets.

  After Richard Jansen died two years ago, Hud hoped Jossy would finally open her heart to Parker, but she’d kept him at arm’s length, just as she always had. He’d like nothing better than to see his best friend married to his lone sibling, but it seemed like both he and Jossy had vowed off relationships after their first marriages ended so badly.

  Yet, here he was, ready to lay his heart bare to Emery in hopes she wouldn’t toss it back in his face. As he watched her pick up Cricket and say something to make his daughter giggle, he knew more was at stake than just his heart. It involved his daughter’s, too.

  At one point during the party, Hud found himself sitting on an antique chair in front of a backdrop that looked like vintage wallpaper. Emery, Cricket, Jossy, and his grandmother crowded around him as the youngest Nelson boy took photographs. Apparently, Emery had enlisted Curtis’ help in documenting the day through images he captured on his camera. Hud hadn’t even known the kid had an interest in photography, but somehow Emery had.

  She saw things in people, in the town, the rest of them missed. For that reason alone, he would have begged her to stay. But his love for her, for the life he wanted to build together, was why he couldn’t bear the thought of her leaving.

  It took two hours before everyone left, but Emery had gained many supporters. Several people promised to donate supplies or labor when the time came. A dozen people stayed behind to help clean up and in no time the lawn at City Hall bore no evidence that a community gathering had taken place there.

  Hud caught his grandmother’s eye, tapped his watch, and she nodded her head. He watched as she herded Cricket toward her vehicle while Parker and Jossy hopped into her pickup and left.

  Emery was giving the attorney directions to the ranch when Hud walked up to them. “You can follow me, or I can ride with you and get my pickup tomorrow when we’re in town for church.”

  “No, you can’t,” Hud said, stepping between the two of them. “I really need for you to come with me, Emery. There’s something I have to show you.”

  “Oh, okay, Hud. That’s no problem.” She looked around him at Nathaniel. “Drive on Main Street out of town heading that way,” she pointed north. “Go about five miles, and you’ll see the ranch sign on the left side of the road.”

  “Sounds easy enough.” Nathaniel turned to Hud. “Are you sure it’s no imposition?”

  “None at all.” Hud cupped Emery’s elbow in his hand before she found one more thing to do or discuss, offered the attorney a polite nod of his head, then guided her to where he’d parked his pickup.

  “You’re acting strange, Hud. Is everything okay?” she asked as he helped her into his pickup.

  “Yep.” He didn’t trust himself to say more. If he opened his mouth, he was afraid words would spill out he wasn’t quite ready to say.

  He turned on the radio, and Emery leaned back against the seat. She started talking about how happy she was with the way the event turned out and how much help the attorney would be in getting the paperwork for the historic registry together as well as the many forms that needed to be filed for the historical society’s organization and the Walk Through 1910 project.

  Hud listened, then gave her a quick glance before he returned his gaze to the road. “Is there some reason you wanted Nathaniel to stay at Jossy’s place?”


  Emery looked over at him and giggled. “If nothing else, I hoped it would make Parker jealous enough to ask her out. Haven’t you noticed he likes her?”

  “That’s nothing new. He’s liked her since we were kids, but it didn’t stop her from marrying Richard Jansen. I don’t think it’s going to make any difference now.”

  Emery shrugged. “It would be good for Jossy to have Nathaniel there to break up the routine she’s gotten into, but I understand why you wouldn’t want a stranger staying in her home.”

  “I’d rather get to know him a bit before we foist him off on my sister. Besides, Jossy can be a little … um … ”

  “Intimidating?” Emery suggested. “Good grief, Hud. Your sister is like a cowboy version of Wonder Woman. It’s no wonder people find her intimidating.”

  He grinned. “Well, there is that.”

  He drove past the Summer Creek Ranch lane, and Emery sat forward, giving him an odd look. “You missed the turn.”

  “So I did.”

  When he didn’t elaborate, she leaned back against the seat again and sighed. “You want me to see something, but you won’t tell me what or where. Is that right?”

  “Yep.”

  “And now we’re back to one-syllable responses.”

  “Yep.” He winked at her and turned onto a narrow dirt road on the far end of his property.

  “Are we still on the ranch?” she asked, looking around with interest.

  “Yep.”

  She tossed him a flustered look as he parked the pickup, then jogged around to open her door. When she took the hand he held out to her, he felt the impact of the jolt all the way to his toes. He wondered if it would always be like that anytime they touched. Part of him hoped it never changed, that the sparks dancing between them only grew brighter and stronger as the years passed.

  With his future, their future, at the forefront of his thoughts, he led Emery through a gate and across the sun-drenched horse pasture where horses grazed, some with foals at their sides.

  A slight breeze whipped the airy skirt of her dress around their legs as they walked, and he glanced at her with an appreciative smile. “You sure look beautiful today, Em.”