The Cowboy's Christmas Plan Read online

  Glanced at Trey seemed to scramble her thoughts and she had to fight to keep from being sucked into those ocean-blue eyes of his.

  “Generally, there are eight of us, although right now there are only seven. Our youngest brother is finishing up his tour of duty in Iraq,” Trent answered.

  “I see.” From Trent’s tone, it was easy to surmise how much their younger brother must be missed. “I hope your brother is safe.”

  “I don’t know how safe he is, but when he called earlier today, he sounded just fine.” Trey gave Cadence a crooked grin.

  “You mean you two sat here this whole time and didn’t even think to mention that Travis called?” Viv took them both to task then pumped them for details about their brother.

  While Viv and the Thompson’s discussed Travis, it gave Cadence a chance to study the two men seated before her. She decided they didn’t look cruel or unkind, just dangerously attractive. Her aunt seemed to like them. Surely Viv wouldn’t agree to send her anywhere that wasn’t reputable.

  Still unconvinced moving to a ranch with unmarried men was a wise decision, she realized she didn’t have many options. Cadence wasn’t nearly as worried about being around Trent as she was Trey. Just standing close to him, she could feel a shimmer of something magnetic and mysterious pass between them.

  “Well, Miss Greer, what do you say?” Trey finally asked. “Will you put us out of our misery and come be our cook and housekeeper?”

  “I’d like to give your proposal due consideration and offer you a response tomorrow. Would that be acceptable?” Cadence wanted to check with Neil before she made any decisions. She’d contacted him a couple of times for his opinion and he had given her solid advice. She could shoot him a quick email and see what he thought.

  “Sure, we’ll check with you after breakfast.” Trey took out his wallet and paid for their meal, leaving a generous tip on the table.

  As he and Trent sauntered toward the door, Trey turned back for one more look at Cadence and offered her a warm smile.

  He didn’t know what had happened between them and was pretty sure he didn’t want to find out. A smart man would forget about asking her to work for him and ignore the jolt that shot through his hand when he touched her. That is exactly what a smart man would do.

  But every man had a weakness and it looked like Trey’s was, quite possibly, delicious pie.

  Chapter Three

  For I know the plans I have for you,

  declares the Lord, plans to prosper you

  and not to harm you,

  plans to give you hope and a future.

  Jeremiah 29:11 - NIV

  Cadence and Viv turned the café sign to closed, wiped off all the tables and finished cleaning the kitchen. As she had been every evening, Viv was amazed at how quickly and efficiently Cadence worked when it was just the two of them. She didn’t drop, spill or break anything. It was when the café was packed that Cadence got nervous and the wake of disaster hit high tide.

  “Cadence, honey, do you have any questions about the Thompson boys or their job offer?” Viv asked as they scrubbed down the counters and finished putting away the clean dishes.

  “Not really, Aunt Viv. They seem nice enough.” Cadence’s thoughts tumbled through her head. Most of them kept coming back to rest on Trey and those incredible blue eyes of his. “So there are three brothers?”

  “Yep, that’s right.” Viv leaned against the counter and smiled. “All three of them look like their daddy, God rest his soul. Now there was a fine man. Miss Denni couldn’t have picked a finer husband, unless she had chosen my very own Joe.”

  “What happened to Mr. Thompson?” Cadence hooked her arm through her aunt’s as they started out the back door.

  “He had a heart attack six years ago. We thought Denni was going to die of a broken heart right alongside of Drew,” Viv said as they walked down the street and up a block toward home. “Those boys rallied around her and took over the ranch like their daddy taught them to do. Travis, he’s the youngest, had a real hard time with his daddy dying. He got into trouble, but he eventually came around. The next thing we all knew, he’d joined the Army and was gone to be a soldier.” As they stepped onto the well-lit porch, Viv pulled Cadence down beside her on the swing.

  “Trey is the oldest. He’s the third generation in that family named Timothy Andrew Thompson. Denni said it was too big of a handle for any boy of hers and decided to call him Trey from the start. He’s a fine man, honey, and an honorable one. All the Thompson boys are well liked and the Thompson name goes back for more than a hundred years in these parts. They are good, dependable folks.”

  “Yes, Aunt Viv.” Cadence considered the information her aunt shared. “So where does their mother live now?”

  “Denni lives in The Dalles.” Viv shook her head, thinking of the feisty mother of the Thompson boys. “After Drew died, she just couldn’t stand to be out at the ranch where his memory floated around every corner. She packed her suitcase, drove her car to The Dalles, got a job managing a quilt and craft store, and rented a sweet cozy little house. She seems very happy to be there. The boys go to visit her every couple weeks and when they don’t make it, she comes here to see them.”

  Cadence pulled her sweater tighter around her as the cool evening air left her chilled. “Aunt Viv, do you really think it is a good idea for me to take their job offer? I know I’ve been about the worst help you could possibly have in the café, but I could find a job in Portland if I need to.”

  Viv gave Cadence a warm, motherly hug. “Now, honey, why would you go running off to Portland when you just got here? I love having you around. Even if you don’t take the job with the Thompson boys, I bet I could come up with something else for you to do. Waitressing isn’t exactly your ideal career.”

  Cadence swiped at her tears then gave her aunt’s cheek a kiss.

  Viv brushed away a few lingering teardrops and smiled. “No more tears, honey. I thought after you cried yourself dry last week you were all done.”

  “I know, Aunt Viv. Honestly, I really appreciate you and Uncle Joe taking me in like this. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.”

  “I’m as happy as a heifer with a new fence post that you’re here. If you do go to work for the Thompsons, you’d still be close by. Now, I’m going to take these old creaky bones inside and head for bed. Sleep tight, honey, and give some thought to what the Thompson boys offered.”

  Cadence watched her aunt go into the house but remained on the swing until the cool breeze chased her inside. Uncle Joe said it would start getting cold and feeling like winter right after Halloween. She hoped he was wrong. These hot, sunny days of the past week had been so welcome after the cold, drizzly gray skies of Seattle. Having never ventured anywhere except along the coast for weekend trips, Cadence didn’t realize the weather could be so different just a few hours to the east and south.

  After going to her room, Cadence turned on her laptop and logged into her email account. Grateful her aunt had cautioned her that both internet and cell service could be erratic in Grass Valley, she used her phone to create a Wi-Fi hotspot for her computer. So far, she hadn’t experienced any problem connecting.

  Ignoring the new messages in her inbox, she quickly typed a message to Neil, asking his advice on the Thompson’s job offer. She read messages from her mom, some friends, and the junk mail offering her special deals, discounts and items she had no interest in owning. She was just getting ready to turn off the computer when a reply arrived from Neil.

  Cadence smiled when she read it.

  Are you kidding me? Room and board plus $1,000 a month, surrounded by good-looking cowboys? You can’t pass this one up, Cadence! Go for it.

  “I never said they were good looking when I mentioned the cowboys,” Cadence said aloud, as though Neil could hear her. “How could you know that?”

  In a contemplative mood, Cadence climbed between the cool sheets, tossing around the idea of working for the handsome Thompson brot
hers. As she closed her eyes and drifted toward sleep, Trey’s smile and bright eyes filled her thoughts, along with a picture of how good he looked in those Wranglers and boots.

  ><><

  The breakfast crowd was winding down when Cadence looked up to see Trey Thompson swagger through the door and sit down at a booth.

  She forced down a smile and attempted to keep her run-away emotions in check as she brought a mug to his table along with a pot of hot coffee.

  “Good morning, Mr. Thompson,” she said in her crisp, business-like tone. “Would you care for a cup of coffee?”

  “Sure would.”

  Trey’s friendly smile was impossible to ignore. Carefully pouring his coffee, she managed to get it into the mug without spilling any on him, the floor, or the table.

  “Anything you recommend for breakfast?”

  Cadence made the mistake of looking into his eyes and falling into their depths before she could back away from the table. “Well, I, um…”

  Trey raised an eyebrow her direction and smiled encouragingly.

  “I made cinnamon rolls this morning. Would you like one?” She finally managed to gather her thoughts enough to speak.

  “Sounds great.” Trey grinned like a fool, feeling like an idiot. For some reason, Cadence Greer seemed to have that effect on him. He couldn’t stop smiling when he was around her and it was making him crazy. “Can you throw on a couple of fried eggs and some bacon, too?”

  “Certainly, Mr. Thompson.” Cadence stepped away from the table and right into one of the departing patrons. Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she hurried to the kitchen with his order.

  Trey watched her exit and shook his head, still grinning. Uncertain how safe it would be to bring the calamity-causing woman into his home, he was willing to take a chance. After that pie last night, he and Trent would risk life and limb to get some more.

  He also wouldn’t mind having Cadence around to watch on a more permanent basis. At first, he thought she must be in her thirties from her severe hairstyle and cool demeanor, until Viv mentioned she was twenty-seven, same age as Trent. For some reason, that thought made him nervous and fidgety. It shouldn’t matter to him how old she was or what she looked like. Or so he tried to convince himself.

  When she leaned over to clean off a booth, Trey got a great view of her backside and decided he would have to keep his thoughts on a tight rein. She wore classic style blue jeans, a soft cotton blouse and flats. Nothing glamorous or big city about it, but with her hair pulled back in a bun and the aura of professionalism she exuded when she wasn’t spilling or breaking something, it made her seem more mature and different somehow.

  He didn’t have time to contemplate his thoughts further as Viv bustled out with his breakfast. One plate held a warm cinnamon roll with sweet icing running down the sides and puddling into delectable circles on the dish. The second dish held three eggs cooked to his idea of perfection, five strips of bacon and a generous scoop of hash browns, fried to a beautiful golden brown.

  As the scent of cinnamon enveloped him, Trey closed his eyes in bliss for a moment before sending up a prayer of thanks and picking up his fork.

  Viv sat down across from him while he cut a bite of the cinnamon roll. He rolled his eyes in pleasure as the delicious pastry almost melted on his tongue.

  It was as good, if not better than the pie. To be able to eat like that every day, he’d be willing to pay twice what they’d offered Cadence.

  As she watched him enjoy the sweet treat, Viv sat with a knowing smile wreathing her face.

  “Did you talk to her yet?” she asked as Trey forked another bite of cinnamon roll.

  “Nope, but I’ll ask her to marry me right this minute if she’ll make another batch of cinnamon rolls tomorrow,” Trey teased.

  Viv grabbed his plate and pulled it away from him.

  “You listen here, buster, and listen good.” Angry sparks shot from Viv’s eyes and her lips settled into a thin line. “Don’t you joke like that with my girl. She was left at the altar a week before her wedding and that’s a sore subject with her. Don’t you be teasing her like that. You understand?”

  “I’m sorry, Viv. I had no idea.” Properly scolded, Trey set down his fork. “I promise the subject of marriage, weddings, or matrimony will not come up at all, in any conversation. You’ve got my word on it. Now, may I please have that cinnamon roll?”

  Viv scooted the plate back across the table with a smile. When Cadence passed by, Viv grabbed her hand.

  “Why don’t you tell Trey what you told me this morning, honey?” Viv gave Cadence an encouraging pat on the back.

  Trey looked up from taking the last bite of his cinnamon roll and hoped Cadence was about to make him a very happy man.

  “Mr. Thompson, after giving your proposal due consideration, I will agree to your offer. If it would prove satisfactory for you and your brother, the other Mr. Thompson, I could drive out this evening and be ready to start tomorrow morning with breakfast.”

  Trey studied Cadence as she stood with her hands clasped primly in front of her. She was attractive, with clear bright skin, big hazel eyes, rosy lips and, from what he could see around her waitress apron, a nice shape. Truthfully, he knew it was more than just nice since he sat down in the café that morning.

  Nevertheless, he was willing to bet his best hat that if she learned to smile a bit more, loosen up and have some fun, she’d be downright beautiful.

  Not that he would notice or care.

  “Well, Miss Greer, I reckon that would be just fine. Viv can give you directions. Please call me Trey and my brother Trent. All this Mr. Thompson business could get downright confusing. Do you need help moving any of your things?”

  “No, but I would like to pick up some supplies before I come out, unless your kitchen is well stocked.”

  Trey let out a laugh. He was sure the uptight Miss Greer would not think mac-and-cheese, boxes of cold cereal and microwave popcorn comprised a well-stocked kitchen. The only thing they had in abundance was beef and potatoes.

  “I think you’ll probably find the kitchen supplies sadly lacking,” Trey said, pulling out his wallet. He dug out three crisp hundred-dollar bills and handed them to Cadence. “We’ve got a freezer full of beef and about fifty pounds of potatoes, but beyond that, you won’t find much else in the kitchen. Why don’t you run into The Dalles and get what you need before you come out this evening? Would that work?”

  “That will be fine.” Cadence stuffed the bills into her jeans pocket. What kind of man handed a perfect stranger three hundred dollars and sent them off shopping? One that was impressively trusting. Or impressively stupid. Or just plain impressive.

  Viv stood up and wrapped an arm around Cadence’s waist. “You know, honey, it gets dark pretty early these days and since you don’t know the area well, I think you better get packed up right after breakfast then head into town to get supplies. You can be back early afternoon and out at the Triple T before it gets dark. Don’t you think that’s a better idea, Trey?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Trey stood from the table, left money for his breakfast and settled his hat on his golden head. “I don’t want the maker of the best cinnamon rolls I’ve ever eaten to get lost somewhere out in the hills.”

  Trey pulled a business card out of his shirt pocket and handed it to Cadence. “If you get lost on your way out, you can call the house phone. My cell phone number is on the back, but it doesn’t always get great reception. See you this afternoon.” With that, he tipped his hat and walked out the door.

  ><><

  After helping Aunt Viv clean up after breakfast, Cadence went home and packed her suitcases and the few belongings she’d brought with her, loading them into her car. She gave Uncle Joe and Aunt Viv a hug, then got in her car and travelled north toward the freeway. She drove into The Dalles where she spent some time exploring and ate a leisurely lunch.

  At the grocery store, she filled not one but two shopping carts to overflowing with basic
cooking and baking supplies. She added in plenty of fresh and canned fruits and vegetables as well as some cleaning supplies.

  She felt smug as she rolled the carts out to her car, having spent less than two hundred and fifty dollars all the groceries and supplies.

  Opening up the back of her hatchback, Cadence looked from her already full car to the full carts and decided it might take some skillful packing on her part to get everything loaded. Forced to drop down the back seats, Cadence worked quickly and efficiently. In no time at all, the car was completely loaded and she headed back toward Grass Valley. She programmed the address on Trey’s business card into her GPS system and hoped it knew where it was going because she wasn’t sure. On her way through Grass Valley, she stopped for a minute to say goodbye to her aunt and give her a hug before heading out to the Triple T and the Thompson men.

  Cadence should have listened to Uncle Joe and followed him out to the Thompson Ranch. Instead, she had to be her independent, stubborn self and now she was sure she was never going to find the ranch.

  She followed the detailed directions her uncle wrote out for her and listened to the GPS telling her to take a left turn off the highway a few miles south of town onto a gravel road.

  Driving down a dusty, winding road for what seemed like forever, Cadence hadn’t seen a thing except bare fields, wheat stubble, and sea of black cattle grazing in a pasture.

  She was certainly glad she had listened to Aunt Viv and made this trip in daylight. Lost in the dark in the middle of nowhere would really cause her to panic. Just when she was about ready to call Trey and ask where she’d taken a wrong turn, she topped a rise and saw a sprawling ranch ahead.

  The one-story rustic farmhouse seemed massive. A porch ran the length of the front of the house and wrapped partway down the sides with chairs placed in inviting clusters. Off the main section of the house on each side was a long wing that gave the house a definite “U” shape. As she meandered up the long driveway, she was impressed with how neat and well kept the place looked. There was a large barn, corrals, a shed with machinery parked inside, a building that she assumed was the bunkhouse, a carport and garage, as well as several other assorted outbuildings. Continuing past the circle drive at the front of the house, she followed the driveway around to a side door that she hoped was the kitchen.