Forever Kisses (Romance on the Ranch Book 7) (3 page)

Dovie was enthralled by the sight of cowboys and dogs chasing wayward cattle, and the fact that they were tromping around in the mud, made it even better. Toby drove his truck at a snail's pace so she could watch the show. It didn't take the men or dogs long to get the cattle rounded up and moving in the direction they wanted.

"This is wonderful!" she exclaimed. "It's like watching a western on television. Have you ever chased cattle like that?"

Toby chuckled. "More times than I can count."

They drove a little farther and rounded another bend. Dovie gasped, "Is that the Tanner Ranch? It's so big and beautiful…and big." Her eyes roamed over two gigantic barns and several corrals, a dorm-like building, and pastures stretching toward distant hills. The main house wasn't overly large, but when you put the whole package together, it was magnificent. "It must be incredible owning such a ranch. I can't wait to meet Mr. and Mrs. Tanner."

"Well, you won't have to wait long. They just stepped onto the porch."

Dovie's heart started racing. She was about to interview a famous model and his romance writer wife. Toby braked in front of the wide porch and jumped from the truck, hurrying to open her door. He also opened the door to the king cab and reached for her cane, leaning it against the fender well. When he lifted her into his arms she hoped he couldn't feel how fast her heart was pounding.

He said, "Just grab the cane and I'll carry you to the porch."

Rather than argue in front of Mr. and Mrs. Tanner, she did as he asked and allowed him to carry her the distance. He gently stood her on her feet, but didn't completely release her until she got her balance. She smiled at Mr. and Mrs. Tanner and noticed another cowboy holding the front door open for a small red-headed woman. He followed her onto the porch.

Dovie focused on the cowboy, squinted, and focused again. She was staring at another Toby! She jerked a questioning gaze at Toby.

He laughed and said, "Dovie, I'd like you to meet my twin brother, Preston, and his wife Freckles, and…" he motioned toward Mr. and Mrs. Tanner, "my parents, Sage and Sarah Tanner."

Dovie inhaled sharply. "Your parents!" she exclaimed.

Toby smiled widely. "Yes."

She frowned. "Why didn't you tell me?"

His smile faded a little. "I just thought it was adorable the way you wanted so badly to interview them, and I knew I could make it happen. I really didn't think you'd–"

Mrs. Tanner interrupted. "Hello dear. I must warn you that Toby is often impetuous. So, I hear you're the writer of a blog. You must tell us all about it and how you got started. Do you have a mailing list that I can join?" She grinned. "I suppose it would be a good idea if I introduced my husband, Sage."

The very attractive middle-aged man standing beside Mrs. Tanner stepped forward. "Howdy, Dovie. Welcome to our home." He glanced at Toby and shook his head, but she could see he was stifling a smile.

Toby's twin brother stepped forward. "My wife and I are pleased to meet you."

His wife stuck out her hand. "The Tanner boys aren't always cookin' with grease, if you know what I mean, but they mean well."

Her husband laughed, hugged the tiny woman to his side, and said, "Are we going to stand on the porch all day, folks?"

Mrs. Tanner said, "Come on; let's go to the back deck. I've already got pitchers of iced tea waiting for us. And Freckles baked the most delicious peanut butter cookies. I've also got chips and dip and salsa–"

Her husband interrupted, "In other words, a feast."

Dovie immediately liked all the family members, but she was having a difficult time with Toby's omission about his connection to this family. She felt like she was the butt of his joke.

Preston held the door open and everyone waited for her to enter. Dovie stepped directly into a charming living room that had obviously been furnished with comfort in mind. Simply put, the home was the quintessential ranch house.

Mrs. Tanner said, "Come this way, Dovie, we do most of our entertaining from the deck. It's enclosed so you don't have to worry about bugs."

Toby said, "Dovie, I'll get your purse and briefcase out of the truck."

Dovie followed Sarah Tanner to a patio that had a magnificent view of pastures. The herd she had seen earlier was now being moved by the same cowboys and dogs through the pasture behind the house.

Mr. Tanner said, "Preston, I'm herding some of the cattle to the east meadow. Will you check with Beaner later to see if the head count adds up?"

"Sure, Dad."

Mrs. Tanner said, "Dovie, please sit wherever you like. Would you prefer sweetened or unsweetened tea?"

"Sweetened, please." She chose a padded wicker chair facing the windows.

Toby returned with her things and set them beside her.

Mrs. Tanner lifted one of two glass pitchers with ice cubes clinking the sides and said, "Toby, honey, why don't you pour the sweet tea and I'll pour the unsweetened one."

"Sure, Mom."

While they were filling glasses, Mrs. Tanner said, "Now, Dovie, you must call us by our first names. No formal stuff."

Dovie sipped her tea, which was delicious, and replied, "I will, thank you. And this tea is fabulous."

Sarah said, "It's a staple around here, especially in the summertime."

Sage said, "So, Dovie, what is it you'd like to interview us about?"

Dovie set her tea on one of several coasters shaped like cows that were laid out on the coffee table in front of her. "Let me preface my answer by saying, I live in Seattle and about a month ago I went to my first rodeo—ever—and it was so exciting that it made me want to blog about cowboys and country living. I've always lived in the city, so I know nothing about ranching or farming…" She motioned toward the pasture, "…or cattle. And since I usually write on the same topic for several weeks, I decided to travel to Colorado, a state I've always wanted to explore, and write my articles first hand. It was while I was parked at a rest stop that I overheard two women discussing Paxtonville and all the famous people living there. On a spur of the moment decision, I turned my car around and drove to the town. So, in response to your question, I'd like to know why a famous model and romance writer are ranchers, and what a typical day is like for you."

Sage looked at his wife. "Fair enough. I think we can answer that."

Freckles said, "Before you get started there's one thing I'm curious about. How did you meet up with Toby?"

Dovie sat a little straighter. She hadn't looked at him since they'd left the front porch, and even now, she avoided his gaze. "I was at that place called Boot Bustin' Barn observing the cowboys and cowgirls so I could get a better handle on the lifestyle, when I accidentally bumped into Toby. We started talking and then he said he knew everyone in town. That's when I asked if he could get me an interview with the Tanners."

Sarah shook her head and glared at her son. "And you didn't say anything about us being related?"

Dovie finally met his gaze and saw a flush creep up his neck.
Good. He's embarrassed.

Before Toby could respond, his brother said, "Way to go, bro."

Sage brought the conversation back around. "Well Dovie, we're happy you're here and ready for your interview."

Dovie reached into her briefcase and pulled out a legal pad. For the next thirty minutes, in addition to her former inquiry, she asked about the origin of the ranch, the dude ranch and wagon train, the difficulties in raising cattle, and other lifestyle questions. After that she said, "I told Toby I'd only take up a half hour, so I think my time is up."

Sarah said, "Goodness, this is fun. Ask some more questions." She winked at her husband. "Like how Sage and I met."

Dovie's eyes widened, "Really? It's okay to ask something that personal?"

Sage said, "Oh, hell, yes. I just request that you let us read your blog before you post it so nothing gets written that maybe needs to stay personal."

"Oh, I promise I'll let you read it first."

Sage nodded at his wife, "Honey, do you want to tell Dovie the story of how you couldn't stand me?"

Dovie glanced between them and knew her interview was about to get
really
good.

Sage, Sarah, Preston, and Freckles returned to the back patio after bidding Toby and Dovie goodbye. They all glanced at each other and Sarah was the first to speak. "Are ya'll thinking what I'm thinking?"

Sage said, "Honey, what exactly are you thinking?"

Sarah cocked an eyebrow in his direction and he lifted his hands in mock surrender. "Okay. Okay. I know exactly what you're thinking, and I think you're right on."

Freckles said, "So what are we going to do about it?"

Preston said, "Whatever ya'll decide, I'm game."

Sarah looked pensive. "If Dovie Juniper isn't Toby's ladylove, then my name isn't Mims Murphy," she glanced at her husband, "or Sarah Tanner."

Preston said, "I wish I was a fly in the truck so I could watch Toby grovel for not telling her about his relation to us."

Sage chuckled. "Yep, I think my boy is about to get a wake up call that puts a halt to his womanizing days."

Sarah nodded. "Yes to all that, but it still doesn't answer Freckles' question. What are we going to do to keep Dovie around long enough for Toby to woo her?"

Sage puffed a breath.

Preston tapped his fingers together.

Freckles chewed on her thumbnail.

And Sarah said with a grin, "I've got it."

All eyes turned in her direction as she continued, "Okay, we've got a group of kids coming in from the Big Bro and Sis Organization and they all have challenges, some physical, some mental or emotional. What better way to get Dovie to stay around than to appeal to her sense of duty. She's physically challenged and well adjusted, so she could be a wonderful inspiration to the children. We'll invite her to live at the ranch and–"

Sage interjected, "–offer her a job as a motivational companion for the children–"

Preston took over, "–and pay her well, of course, but as a perk, also offer interviews with the other people on her list–"

Freckles finished, "–and we'll make sure Toby is working the Covered Wagon Three-Day Trail Blaze, which means Preston will have to come up with an excuse as to why he can't go, so Toby can take his place."

Preston frowned, shrugged, and then grinned. "To see Toby give up his philandering ways, I guess I can manage it."

Freckles giggled and glanced around the group. "And with Sean and Tessa Barfield being the flavor of the month in the entertainment world, they'll be the
pièce de résistance
since they'll be on the wagon train, too."

Sarah said, "Do you think they'll grant an interview?"

Preston grinned. "When I tell them about Dovie actually making Toby blush, I think they'll be all over it."

Sarah clapped her hands. "Oh, this is stupendous! Preston, after you talk to Sean and Tessa, call me with the go ahead so Sage and I can get in touch with Dovie to make her an offer she can't refuse."

Sage started to chuckle and then broke into a hearty laugh. Preston and Freckles joined in, and Sarah said, "That was a group effort in tactical planning if ever I heard it."

Toby glanced at Dovie who was staring straight ahead out the window of his truck. He'd tried to make small talk, but she hadn't responded well. They were almost halfway to the highway. He cleared his throat. "So, did you get all the information you wanted?" It was a rather pathetic question.

She finally turned to look at him. "I've never liked being the butt of a joke."

He frowned and missed seeing a pot hole. They bounced in their seats. He responded, "I can assure you that you weren't the butt of a joke. I thought it would be a funny surprise when you found out you were interviewing my parents."

She looked forward again.

He said softly, "I'm really sorry. I hope you'll accept my apology."

She nodded but didn't respond.

Blue sky was making an appearance and the washout from the deluge was now apparent as he maneuvered around another pothole. They reached the paved road and she turned her head to stare out her side window. Toby wracked his brain for something to say, but for the first time in his life, he was speechless. Finally, he said, "Hey, why don't we stop by the coffee shop and I'll treat you to something fancy to celebrate your interview. I hear the new drink, the Happy Zappy, is really good."

She turned to look at him. "Thank you, but I really need to get back to my motel. I want to compile my notes while they're still fresh in my mind and then pack for leaving tomorrow."

Toby felt his heart squeeze. "Can I take you to dinner? Maybe you'll change your mind and want to stick around." He hesitated, but then went for it. "I'm sure I can get you interviews with the other folks on your list."

She puffed a breath. "Thanks. But you've done quite enough already. And I'll have to pass on dinner."

Toby was feeling more and more like a rat. But worse than that, there was an emptiness in his heart when he thought about never seeing Dovie again. Of course he didn't feel at liberty to tell her that, so he held back; something that rarely happened. Instead, he guided his truck onto the highway and again began pointing out landmarks. Finally he pulled into the parking lot of Dovie's motel and again parked beside her van. Jumping from his truck, he walked slowly around the cab to open her door. "I'll carry you to your room and then come back for your things."

"I'm perfectly capable–"

"–of walking to the door. I know." He ignored her comment and lifted her into his arms. "Do you have your keycard?"

She lifted the card in her good hand. At her door, she slipped it into the slot but the access light didn't turn green. She tried again. Nothing.

Toby didn't say anything. He was enjoying holding her.

With a little sound of frustration, she tried again and the green light finally lit. She turned the knob to open the door.

Toby stepped inside but didn't immediately set her on her feet. Her face was close to his and he said softly, "I really want you to stay around. I'd like to become your friend; take you to dinner; show you around the area." He felt like he was begging, something he'd never had to do with a woman.

She turned her head until her chocolate eyes were staring into his. "Why are you doing this? You know I'm not your type. You're the guy who's the life of the party; the guy with women falling all over themselves to be with you. I'm a woman missing an arm and a leg. I'm average looking and I'm not a conversationalist. If you're feeling sorry for me and have some kind of weird desire to shower me with male attention because you figure I never get any, I'll pass. I have no illusions about myself and–"

Toby interrupted. "You think I want to spend time with you because I feel sorry for you? Lady, you couldn't be further from the truth. I want to spend time with you because I find you attractive."

Her eyes widened and then she said, "Well, I'm not attracted to you. So will you please put me down and leave."

Her words hurt. Toby nodded slightly, but before he set her on the floor, he lowered his head and kissed the mole that was always teasing him. Then he grazed his lips lightly over hers while sliding her down the length of his body. For a second they stood motionless. She was the first to break away by grabbing the back of a chair for support.

"Please bring me my cane," she rasped.

Toby didn't say anything as he left the room. He returned a minute later with her things. As he handed her cane to her, he lifted a hand to caress her cheek. She pulled back. He smiled sadly and said, "Goodbye Dovie."

Dovie watched the door close behind Toby and lifted a hand to her mouth, stifling a sob. He didn't know it, but that was her first kiss from a man, and she was thirty years old. She grazed her fingertips across her lips and closed her eyes remembering his smell and the roughness of the stubble on his chin when it touched hers. A lone tear slid down her cheek and she brushed it aside. She would never forget that kiss, but she couldn't allow it to launch her into depression. In her early twenties she'd gone through a terrible phase. Just seeing loving couples playing with their children was enough to make her want to stay in bed all day. Of course, her beloved mother wouldn't let that happen and they'd taken off on road trips to see places they'd discovered online.

Fortunately, her mother had received a large settlement in her divorce and with careful management it had lasted until her death, although little had remained by then, having been expended in nursing home care when cancer treatments failed. After her mother's death, a life insurance policy had given Dovie enough money to live without having to hold down a nine to five job.

A new sadness entered her heart and she walked slowly to her bed to lie down. Placing a hand over her eyes she let her mind return to the past and remembrances of her mother. She had no memory of her father since he had left before she was born. He had been a wealthy business man that her mother had never spoken bitterly of. However, she had confided to Dovie that he was a man driven by perfection not only in himself, but in others, and it had been a major source of contention between them. And when the extent of Dovie's disability had been discovered, he hadn't been able to handle it. Dovie's mother had softened that blow with, "But it was his loss, honey. You are a perfect daughter in every way and you light up my life. I feel sorry for him because he pushed away those he needed most—us."

Because her thoughts were making her feel morose, Dovie forced herself to think about her grocery and to-do lists when she got home. That boring task had her drifting to sleep. The ringing of her cell phone woke her. She'd taken the phone out of her pocket and set it on the nightstand and now she groggily reached for it.

"Hello," she said.

A cheerful female voice said, "Hi. Is this Dovie?"

"Yes."

"Sweetie, this is Sarah Tanner."

Dovie was suddenly awake. "Hello, Sarah."

"I know this is coming out of left field, but Sage and I have been talking and we'd like to offer you a job."

It took a second for Dovie to understand what Sarah was saying. She repeated, "You want to offer me a job?"

"Yes, dear. Can Sage and I stop by your motel room to explain it to you? You're at Paxtonville's Finest, right? We can be there within the hour."

"Ah, yes, of course. I'm in room 209."

To say Dovie was bewildered would have been the understatement of the year.

Almost an hour later there was a knock on her door and she opened it to the smiling faces of Sage and Sarah Tanner. "Please come in and have a seat. Would you like a bottle of water?"

Sarah said, "Thank you, Dovie, but I'll pass on the water."

Sage removed his hat and said, "None for me, either."

Dovie motioned her guests to the only two plastic chairs in the room and then sat on the edge of her bed.

Sarah opened the conversation. "After you left, Sage and I got a brilliant idea. As we told you in the interview, we have a group of seven children with special challenges, ages eight to sixteen, arriving to spend six weeks at our dude ranch. And during that time, we're also hosting our Covered Wagon Three-Day Trail Blaze, which, of course, the children will participate in. What we'd like is for you to join us for those six weeks as a companion to the children, and also as a special speaker. The children really need a role model they can talk to."

Dovie said, "Oh, I don't think I'm the person. Surely there are others much more qualified."

Sage broke into the conversation. "Actually, we think you're perfect for the position. Please say you'll consider it. I wish I could convince you as to how much these children need you. Just one person can make a huge difference in their lives."

Sarah interjected, "And it's only for six weeks. And we'll pay you well, plus cover all your expenses. And…" she paused and Dovie watched a huge smile light her features. "Sean and Tessa Barfield are going to be on the Trail Blaze and when we asked if they'd be willing to do an interview, they said they'd be happy to. You know, don't you, that they don't give interviews, so speaking with them would launch your blog into the stratosphere."

Dovie's eyes rounded. "They would
really
give me an interview?"

"Yes. And not only them, but Dirk Branigan and the Brightmans, too. Maybe even Mac MacKenzie."

Dovie's heart started racing. "But why would these people agree to interviews with me?"

Sage gave her a quizzical look. "Because they're our friends and we asked them to."

Sarah said, "And as for our son, Toby, he probably won't be around much. His vet practice keeps him extremely busy. I could see you were a little perturbed that he hadn't told you we were his parents."

Dovie confessed, "I'm feeling very overwhelmed at the moment, and also flattered."

Sarah smiled kindly. "All we ask is that you consider our offer. And as for your accommodations, we have a lovely room in the dorm that has a small kitchenette and bathroom. Or you could stay in one of the guest rooms in our home. It's entirely up to you. And all your meals will be provided. When the dude ranch is operating, everyone eats family style in the dorm's great room. Our cook is wonderful. He was mentored by his uncle Curly who cooked for us for years before retiring to Texas. His name is Hank Williams Remington because his family is crazy about Hank Williams, Sr. and Jr."

Dovie tried to process all the information as Sage said, "Well, that's about it, Dovie. Please consider our offer. Sarah, are you ready to go?"

Sarah stood and walked over to Dovie. "Don't get up. I just want to give you a little hug goodbye." She hugged Dovie briefly and started toward the door where Sage was settling his Stetson on his head. He tipped the brim in a parting gesture.

Dovie chewed on her lip and suddenly blurted, "Okay. I'll do it."