Two days had passed since the day Delta collapsed in front of Kacey. Leaving her had been the second hardest thing of his life. The first had been burying his wife. Delta’s body had taken quite a beating from the infection she’d picked up after her first round of chemo. They had released her from the hospital the following day but he didn’t know any further details. After her friends and family had realized why he had ended their relationship, they refused to talk to him. And he couldn’t blame them. He’d wronged her in the worst possible way. He just hoped she’d read the letter he’d written explaining why he’d done what he did and how it had been the biggest mistake of his life. He had wanted to tell her in person, but the hospital had strict orders to keep him out of her room.
Once Kacey had gotten over her initial shock at Delta’s diagnosis, she began asking about her again. So had Bryce, although he was still too young to fully understand. They wanted him to call her, but he didn’t want to push her further away. If she had read his letter and didn’t call, he had his answer. If she hadn’t read it, that was still a clear answer.
Garrett led one of the horses out of the main stables and into the middle one. They had a roof leak and needed to get in that stall. He was surprised to see Delta’s truck parked in front of the building with the back open and the forge blazing. At least that was a good sign she was feeling better and they might be able to salvage some part of their relationship. He turned the corner and almost smacked into Buck Grace’s chest. He was much more imposing in person than he was in his online seminars.
He grunted a greeting. An actual grunt. That wasn’t a good sign.
“Mr. Grace.”
“Weasel.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me.” Buck strode past him and fired a shoe. Blazing red-hot, he held it up in front of him—or maybe he was holding it up in front of Garrett as a warning—he then examined it before lowering it to the anvil and striking it with a rounding hammer. He checked it again before thrusting it back into the forge. “I’m only here because Delta has a business reputation to protect. And since you went around telling the whole damn county she has cancer, she started losing customers.”
“But I didn’t tell—”
“It’s not your turn to talk,” Buck warned. He removed the shoe from the forge with large tongs, strode to the horse, lifted the foot and set the shoe. Steam rose off the hoof, creating a smooth surface between the two. Buck finished nailing the shoe before returning his attention to Garrett. “It takes a little man to do what you’ve done.”
“I explained everything in my letter in hopes we could sit down and discuss it when the dust settled.”
“She never read your letter.”
“Why not?”
Buck spun on him. “Because she told the nurse to shred it. You abandoned her in her hour of need and then you were going to hit her with a double whammy by defending yourself in a letter. Is that the gist of it?”
“It was more complicated than that. I lost my wife to cancer. I watched the woman I loved die. I felt like I was watching it again and it tore me in half. But I made a mistake. My letter was an apology, too.”
Buck wiped his forehead with the back of his hand. “I’m really sorry about your wife and what you went through. But son, if you’re not strong enough for Delta now, you never will be. This can come back again. What will you do if you two are together and it does? Walk away? You did what that weasel ex-husband of hers did. You left when she needed you most.”
Garrett collapsed against the stall. “How could I have forgotten about him?” He’d been so wrapped up in his past colliding with the present, he’d completely disregarded her past. No wonder she’d shredded the letter. “I need to talk to her. Better yet, I need to see her. I need to do this in person.”
“Not if you’re going to break her heart again.” Buck shook his head.
“I don’t want to break it. I want to win it.” Garrett held his ground. Something he should have done last week. “I regret what I did to Delta. I thought I was doing the right thing by protecting my kids from getting hurt again, but they’re more hurt without her. They love Delta. And so do I. I just wish I had realized it sooner. I don’t even know how she’s doing because no one will tell me.”
“She’s much better. She wanted to work today but I told her to take it easy at home for another day or two. I’m going to stay with her for the next week, just to make sure she’s okay.”
Garrett wiped away a tear at the news. “I’m glad she’s feeling better. Do you think I could see her?”
Buck tugged at the collar of his shirt. “It’s going to take a lot more than an apology to get her attention. You need to come up with something big to win her back, because, son, you devastated her.”
Something big...he knew just what to do and who to call. Come tomorrow afternoon, he’d change her mind. He refused to believe this was the end for them. He had to try or else he’d live the rest of his life in regret.
“Sir, I have an idea, but I’ll need your help to pull it off.”
* * *
“WHERE ARE YOU taking me?” Delta fidgeted. She preferred being the one in control, the one making the decisions. “I don’t make a good passenger. I’m used to driving everywhere.”
“You’re going to have to get over that real quick.” Her father chuckled.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He laughed as they turned off the main road. “Today you’re going to sit down, shut up and hang on.”
“Dad! That’s kind of rude, don’t you th—” She squealed when she saw the sign. “We’re going dogsledding?”
“You’re going dogsledding. I’m heading back to work.”
Delta saw Garrett’s SUV parked near the entrance. “Dad, what is this all about?”
“Give the man a chance to explain. He arranged this whole thing for you yesterday because he knew you’ve always wanted to do this. Hear him out, enjoy the ride and if at the end of the day you want me to come get you, I will. What do you say?”
Delta reached over the armrest and hugged him. “I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you, too, pumpkin.” Buck kissed her on the forehead. “Now, go have some fun and don’t hesitate to leave Garrett in the woods if he ticks you off.”
“Believe me, there won’t be any hesitation.” Delta swung open the passenger door and hopped onto the hard-packed snow.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d come.” Garrett smiled as she approached.
“If I had known you would be here, I wouldn’t have. I had no idea what my dad was up to, but kudos for getting him involved. He went from wanting to castrate you to driving me to see you. I’d say that’s progress.”
“I’m glad you’re here. There’s so much I want to tell you.”
“Yeah, I don’t know, Garrett.” Delta turned back to the parking lot but her father had already left. “I’m here. You’re here. And I’ve always wanted to do this. So, okay.”
“Really?” Garrett smiled. “Thank you, Delta.”
She followed him inside the small log cabin office. “Welcome to Musher’s Dog Sled Adventures,” a woman greeted them. “Do you have a reservation?”
“Garrett Slade.”
“Mr. Slade, I’m the one you spoke with yesterday.” She slid two clipboards with forms attached to the front of them across the counter. “If you’ll fill those out for me, we’ll have you out and sledding shortly. It’s the perfect day for it.”
Delta’s hand shook with excitement as she began writing her name. If she had a bucket list, this would be pretty close to the top. She knew Garrett had planned this trip for the lodge guests, but she never expected to have the opportunity to go.
A man approached them after they’d handed in the forms. “My name is Oki and I’m your musher today. Follow me to the dog yard and meet your pack.” He led them out the back door. “We offer a unique sledding experience to our guests. Most places have single person sleds, meaning the musher steers while the guest rides in the sled bed. Here all our hand-made sleds are built for three. One of you will ride up front in the bed and the other will stand on the runners behind me. Whoever’s standing will experience what it’s like to drive the team since you’ll be helping me steer through the twists and turns of the trail.”
“I’m riding in the bed.” She peeked inside the nylon wrapped enclosure. Fleecy blankets lined the interior, inviting her to sink into its depths. While Oki explained how to drive and steer the sled to Garrett, she admired the team of eight dogs. She’d always assumed sled dogs were huskies or malamutes. But they had Samoyeds and Newfoundlands, among some other breeds she didn’t recognize.
“Are we ready to ride?”
“Oh, yeah.” Delta rubbed her hands together in excitement. “Let’s do this.”
Oki strapped her safely into the sled bed as she nestled into the cocoon of warmth. “Everyone should have one of these in their house. I could fall asleep here.”
“Mush!” Oki called as the sled began to move down the trail. The ride was a little bumpy at first, but once the dogs began to run, it smoothed out.
They crested a small hill and gained even more speed. Delta lifted her arms as if she were riding on a roller coaster. “Yay!” This was living. This would get her through chemotherapy this upcoming weekend. Nothing would take her down.
* * *
“HOW ARE YOU doing?” An hour later they were sipping hot chocolate and eating cookies while they watched Oki unhook the first team of dogs and connect the next one.
“I feel like I just ran a marathon and back. That was one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever experienced.”
“I’m glad you had a good time.”
“Good time?” She threw her head back and laughed. “That was one of the best times of my life. This is going to sound strange, but even though I was wrapped tight in that sled bed, there was a sense of freedom, of allowing the dogs to lead us. And I know Oki was doing the driving, but from my vantage point, it was all dogs. Outside of work, I haven’t had an outdoor adventure in...” She blew out a breath. “At least a year. I’ve been busy ever since I moved to Saddle Ridge. This was special. This meant something. I’m so glad I got to experience this. Thank you.”
Garrett understood how much freedom meant to a cancer patient regardless of their prognosis. He’d met many survivors during Rebecca’s chemo treatments. Some had resigned to the disease and were tired of fighting, while others sought that freedom as if it were the last drop of water on earth. Delta was a fighter. He realized that more and more every day. Not just in her will to beat cancer, but in her fearless demeanor. He saw a renewed fire in her. When she had first come back from Missoula, it hadn’t been there. That had scared him and had probably contributed to his panic over the situation.
The third anniversary of Rebecca’s death had come and gone without any fanfare, mostly due to the launch of the Valentine’s retreat. He had been aware of the day from the moment he opened his eyes that morning, but though it still hurt to remember her, this year the weight that had sat on his chest was no longer there. It had also given him the strength and courage to remove his wedding ring. It had been time.
“I read your letter.”
“What?” Garrett’s gaze met hers. “I thought you asked a nurse to destroy it.”
“I did, but she slipped it in my bag and I found it last night. I guess she didn’t have the heart to do it.”
“Delta, I love you and I never should have reacted that way.” Garrett reached for her hand only for her to pull away.
“Believe it or not, I love you, too.” The pain reflecting in her eyes betrayed the sweet smile that graced her lips. “And despite my anger, I understood why you did it. After reading your letter I understand it even more. It doesn’t make it hurt any less. A part of me forgives you. You lived through a terrible tragedy and our night together triggered horrible memories. I get all of that. But I’m sorry, Garrett. I can’t risk those memories returning every time we share a tender moment or you see me without my hair. My body can’t handle that stress right now.”
Garrett’s heart froze midbeat. He wanted to shout from the top of a mountain that she loved him. Those three words meant the world to him. But it wasn’t enough for her to take him back. That ache was so deep and so raw he couldn’t see the other side. Delta was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. And it was over. It was truly over.
* * *
DELTA ALLOWED GARRETT to drive her home and then she spent the next four hours curled up with a tissue box in one hand and Jake in the other. Her father was still working, allowing her the time to grieve for the relationship she hadn’t thought she wanted.
Garrett had told her he loved her. It was the most magical phrase on earth and he’d said it to her...her! As light as it made her feel, she was terrified to trust her heart to him again. But she wanted to. She wanted to be the strong woman that he deserved...that the kids deserved. She just didn’t know how.
Her phone rang and she was grateful for the distraction from her thoughts. The number was unfamiliar.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Delta. It’s Emma. I hope I’m not calling at a bad time.”
Delta forced a laugh. “Your timing couldn’t be more perfect.”
“I never had the opportunity to thank you for all the work you did on the Valentine’s retreat.”
“You’re welcome. I wish I could have done more. I got a little sidelined.”
“I heard. That’s one of the reasons why I’m calling.”
“One of?” A part of her wished she was calling on Garrett’s behalf because if he asked her to give him a second chance again, she might be tempted to say yes.
“I’m calling for several reasons. To thank you and to tell you that regardless of how things end up between you and Garrett, if you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to call me. I know you have Dylan’s number, but I wanted you to have mine. I know how difficult it is living away from family.”
“Thank you. That’s very sweet of you.” Delta sniffled. “I wish things had been different.”
“Maybe sometime down the road you two can try again.”
“Maybe.” Delta choked back a sob.
“Before I almost forget, we have a full crew coming in tonight around midnight to help us set up for Valentine’s Day tomorrow. I know it’s a late hour, but I wondered if you’d want to stop in and see what all your hard work looks like. Unless you want to come over now and see half of it. At midnight, you’ll actually get to sample some of the food.”
“Um.” Delta chewed on her bottom lip. She was curious to see if her ideas looked as beautiful in person as they had on paper. And maybe she would run into Garrett and they could talk again. “I’d like that. I’ll see you at midnight.”
“Great, I’ll see you then.”
Delta dried her eyes and hopped off the couch. Midnight was only six hours away and she needed to de-snot and de-puff herself by then.
* * *
DELTA PULLED IN front of the Silver Bells Lodge at five minutes to twelve. She had expected to see trucks or more cars in the parking lot, but instead she was shrouded in silence. Then again, maybe the crews had parked around back closer to the kitchen. It made more sense.
She pushed open the doors and stepped onto a red runner strewn with white rose petals. The two-story entrance glistened in delicate twinkling lights, giving it an ethereal, fairy-tale feeling.
“Hello?” she called out, careful not to wake the guests. Guests she expected to be milling around. It was midnight and this was a couples-only retreat. She figured they would be partying into the early hours of the morning. Where was everyone?
She followed the red runner toward the great room, stopping to admire the floral arrangements she had chosen along the way. She wondered whose idea the runner had been, because it was very romantic and wedding chapel-like.
And that was when she saw them, standing at the end of the runner. Garrett, Kacey and Bryce, each holding a white long-stem rose. Tears sprang to her eyes as she quickly walked toward them. She had never been happier to see anyone in her life. This was what she wanted. They were what she wanted. She’d been a fool for ever denying herself that love.
“Did you do all this?” she asked Garrett.
“I had a little help from, well, quite a few people.” He nervously laughed.
“There aren’t any crews coming in tonight, are there?”
“Nope.” He shook his head. “And Dylan took all the guests on a midnight snowcat tour, giving us the place to ourselves for a little while. I needed to get your attention somehow.”
“You definitely have it.”
“We brought you flowers.” Kacey handed Delta her rose.
“Thank you, sweetie.” She ran the back of her hand over Kacey’s cheek. “You look so beautiful in your red dress.” She turned to Bryce and accepted his rose. “And you are so handsome, little man.”
“Delta?” Kacey began. “Will you ever forgive me for what happened at your house the other day?”
Delta knelt on the floor and pulled the girl into her embrace. “There is nothing to forgive, sweetheart. I know you were scared.”
Garrett offered her his hand and helped her stand. “Delta, I love you. The three of us love you. Our lives are happier and fuller with you in them. We’d like to know if—”
“You’ll marry us.” Bryce squeezed between Kacey and Delta.
“What?” Delta looked to Garrett for confirmation.
“I was supposed to ask that question, but yes, Delta, will you marry us?”
“Please say yes.” Kacey clasped her hands in front of her. “It’s my birthday next week and having you for my mommy would be the best gift ever.”
“How could I possibly say no to an offer like that?” Delta enveloped the girl in a hug. “I would love to be your mommy.” She lifted her gaze to Garrett’s. “And I would love to be your wife.”
* * * * *
If you loved this novel, don’t miss the next book in Amanda Renee’s SADDLE RIDGE, MONTANA, series, available May 2018!
And check out the previous books in the miniseries:
Available now from Harlequin Western Romance!
Keep reading for an excerpt from THE BULL RIDER’S TWIN TROUBLE by Ali Olson.
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