Wilde Ride (Love is a Cowboy Book 2), page 7
Levi forced a smile. “Thank you for that, Mrs. Miller.”
“We should probably get to that other meeting,” I said to Levi, with another sugary smile in Janet’s direction.
“Oh, you two are busy with the meetings, then.” Janet winked.
Levi tipped his hat. “It was a pleasure seeing you, Mrs. Miller.”
“Have a good day!”
I watched her enter the café. Levi motioned for me to lead the way, and as soon as we were out of view of the restaurant. I stopped and looked at him.
“She’s going to write about this, you just watch and see! And she’ll say something shitty about me, and how you’re the perfect match for her precious little Logan.”
Levi stared at me, his brows drawn together.
“Why are you frowning at me?”
“It’s just gossip, Em. Everyone will know that. And do you not like Logan?”
I sighed and started walking again. “I’m sorry. I just get so jumpy around that woman. She’s forever writing about my family, I swear. And as far as Logan goes, I don’t know her that well. I’m just leery around Janet.”
“It’ll be fine.”
Glancing at him, I said, “You’ve been gone a long time. You haven’t had to deal with the gossip, so it’s easy for you to say that. Lord knows what that woman’s going to write.”
“I think you’re worried for nothing. She wouldn’t write about me, not with the year I’ve had.”
I raised a brow. “You say that now.”
He rolled his eyes. “So, where’s the perfume store?”
The other reason I was in a foul mood: Levi wanted to see Lilibeth again. Pointing to the sign, I replied, “Right there. Wonderland Whimsy.”
We walked the few remaining yards to the store. I pushed open the door and smiled when I walked in. The place was adorable and full of Lilibeth’s personality, so it was easy for my mood to lift.
“Wow, the smell really hits ya,” Levi said as he shut the door behind me.
“Hi! Welcome to Wonderland Whimsy. Did you have an appointment for the perfumery?”
When I turned around, I drew in a sharp breath. “Moreen?”
My best friend from high school smiled back at me. “I didn’t even see that it was you, Emeline!”
Confused, I asked, “What are you doing here?”
Moreen walked around the counter and gave me a quick hug. “Lilibeth hired me to help out at the shop. It’s been a nice change, I’ve got to tell you that.”
Moreen had been working for her mother’s catering business, mainly as a waitress, but also helping with the cooking. She’d attended culinary school and hoped to open a bakery in town, but had yet to do so.
She looked past me and her eyes widened in surprise. “Levi?”
He reached out a hand. “Hey, Moreen, it’s good to see you.”
Absently taking his outstretched hand, she shook it. “Are you visiting?”
“No, I’ve moved back to River Falls with my son.”
A shocked expression transformed her face. “Moved back for good?”
Nodding, he replied, “Yep, for good.”
“I didn’t think Caroline wanted to live in River Falls.”
He gave her a soft smile. “We’re getting divorced.”
“Oh,” Moreen said. “Gosh, I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you got my family’s card and flowers.”
With a nod, he stated, “We did. It meant a lot to us, thank you.”
When her eyes snapped back to me, I said, “My mother talked Levi into volunteering during the camps, talking to the kids about his job being a vet and taking care of animals.”
“Did she? Wow, well, the kids will love that. I usually help Emeline out during the summer camps, but I’m going to be manning the shop here while Lilibeth also volunteers with classes for the kids.”
“When were you going to tell me about the job change?” I asked.
She laughed. “Lilibeth hired me just a few days ago. I planned on telling you when we had our weekly lunch.”
I knew Moreen had been terribly unhappy working for her mother, so I was glad to see she was able to find something else.
Moreen turned her attention back to Levi. “Let me offer you a tour.”
He grinned. “Thanks.”
Before she started the tour, she glanced at me and winked. I pushed her lightly and whispered, “Just go, will you!”
Moreen knew how I felt about Levi. How my heart was shattered when he told me he was marrying Caroline and having a baby with her. I assumed it was a simple crush, and not seeing him in so long had gotten me over said crush. Or at least, I thought it had. Seeing Levi again, it was clear those feelings were still there. And if anyone could see that without me saying a single word, it was my best friend.
“So, most of the storefront is the retail side of the business. We have a small section here for kids. The clothing is all made by someone right here in River Falls Valley. Lilibeth tries to obtain as many locally sourced goods as possible. You’ll see Alice in Wonderland items sprinkled throughout the store, which gives the place that whimsical feel.”
Levi reached down and picked up a teabag that had Alice in Wonderland on it. He turned it over in his hand, then set it back down before moving on. There were teapots, books, home good items, and more in the space. The store had a little bit of everything for everyone.
“Here are the candles that Lilibeth makes herself. She also has a room upstairs that you can rent out, and where you can make candles.”
“It smells so good in here,” I said as I picked up a candle for a whiff. “I can’t wait for the kids to get to do this.”
Levi smiled. “I think they’ll have fun with it.”
“Back here is the perfumery, where you can make your own fragrances.”
Levi looked through the glass windows that separated the space, and said, “It’s themed like a speakeasy.”
Moreen laughed. “You’re right, it is. I’d let you go in, but as you can see, Lilibeth is with someone right now. You two should sign up for this.”
I turned my head so quickly to glare at my best friend that I almost got dizzy.
“It might be nice to see what it would be like for the kids, don’t you think, Em?” Levi asked.
Moreen’s mouth twitched before I turned to look at Levi. “Um, it would be, but I’m sure Lilibeth is booked solid.”
“Actually, if you’re both free on Friday, I can get you in around five.”
I was positive I was shooting daggers at Moreen, who simply stood there with an innocent smile on her face.
Levi pulled out his phone. “I’ll have to see if my mother can watch Rhett, but I’m down for a private lesson. Em?”
Trying not to freak out at the idea of spending even more time with Levi, and attempting to hide my feelings, I swallowed and replied, “Sure, that sounds like fun.”
Moreen clapped. “Let me go write it down now. Feel free to head upstairs and check out the space up there.”
Levi motioned for me to go first. As I climbed the steps, I plotted ways to get Moreen back for this. She was going to pay, that was certain.
“Wow, this is a great space!” Levi enthused as he walked into the large room. It held rows of tables and was decorated in the same speakeasy theme as the perfumery. “And she rents this space out?”
Clearing my throat, I nodded. “Yes, for private parties and such. I hosted a girls’ night when Lilibeth first opened to introduce everyone to the place and help promote her business. It’s been a hit since. Lilibeth said she even has people from surrounding towns book for birthday and bachelorette parties.”
Levi smiled. “With the store below and this space above, I can see why she’s doing good. She didn’t limit it just to perfumery and candle-making. She made the store a home-goods type business with a little bit of something for everyone. Smart decision.”
I smiled. “Did you go to vet school or business school?”
Laughing, he shook his head. “How did you and Lilibeth meet?”
“My mother knows her mom. She helped her get settled here in River Falls, along with your mom and our dads. My father told me about Lilibeth opening Wonderland Whimsy, and I was curious. We met and hit it off. She actually met Ensley first.”
“Really?” Levi said as he walked over to the windows that looked out over Main Street. “This is a great spot for the store.”
Nodding, I replied, “She’s always busy.”
“I’m not surprised,” he said, leaning against the windowsill and folding his arms across his chest. “Brooke would have loved this, especially the Alice in Wonderland theme.”
“She liked Alice in Wonderland?” I asked as I sat on one of the chairs.
“It was one of her favorites.”
I didn’t say anything, mostly because I didn’t know what to say. I chewed on my lower lip and gazed around the room. When Levi finally spoke, I jumped a little.
“I should probably get you back to the ranch. I’ve taken up way too much of your time.”
I stood, then pushed the chair back into place. “Yeah, I should check on Aurora. I’m sorry you didn’t get to talk to Lilibeth.”
Levi’s brow furrowed before he said, “I just wanted to see the store, not talk to Lilibeth again.”
“Oh, okay, well…did you want to walk around the store a little more before we leave?”
He shook his head before he motioned for me to go down the steps first, then followed.
Moreen walked up and smiled. “I’d say Lilibeth won’t be long, but she’s booked for an hour.”
“It’s okay, we saw her over at the café. Just let her know we stopped by so I could show Levi the store. I’ll see her later tonight.”
“Tonight? Do you guys have plans?” Moreen asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.
“It’s mainly just a business meeting to talk about when she’s going to come teach the classes for camp.”
“Ah, that makes sense.” The bell above the door rang, and Moreen quickly excused herself and greeted the customers.
“I see you two are still the bestest of friends,” Levi mused.
“We are. Moreen is my ride-or-die.”
“What about Kate? Is she still in River Falls?”
“No, she moved to New York. She’s done a few Broadway shows there.”
Levi’s brows rose. “Wow! That is impressive.”
I nodded. “Yeah. She’s really happy.”
“I thought Moreen wanted to open up a coffee shop or something like that.”
“Bakery. I think it’s still one of her dreams.”
Levi stopped outside the shop and glanced up and down the street. He sighed. “It’s good to be home.” He met my gaze and held it for a heartbeat longer than he probably should have. “Ready to head back to the ranch?”
A part of me wanted to spend the rest of the day just hanging out with him, but I knew that would never happen. “Ready as ever.”
With a smile, he motioned for us to head back to his truck.
Levi
I walked into my parents’ house and set my keys down in the bowl I’d made for my mother when I was in second grade. It sat on an antique table in the foyer of our house. I loved that my mother had kept that bowl in the same spot all these years. It was simple things like that I’d missed most.
The sound of Rhett laughing was like music to my ears. He hadn’t had much to laugh about the last few months. The thing I hated the most was the nightmares. He’d wake up crying out for his sister. I had to be thankful that Caroline wasn’t fighting me on bringing Rhett back to River Falls. It had been a source of contention for most of our relationship. I’d stupidly thought that after a few years, she’d want to move back home. I was very wrong on that.
Being here was healing for Rhett, that much was evident to me. Even in just a few short days, I could see a difference.
The sound of more laughter pulled me from my thoughts. I walked into the kitchen, only to find my son covered in flour.
“What’s going on here?” I asked as my eyes scanned the island that was filled with cookies.
“We’re baking, Daddy!” Rhett stated before he shoved a cookie into his mouth.
“I see that. Are we expecting an army of soldiers for dinner, and we needed a dessert?”
My mother laughed. “We’re going to take them to River Haven tomorrow. It was Rhett’s idea to make the cookies to bring to the kids.”
My heart swelled with pride and love that my son would think of something so kind. It wasn’t a surprise; he was always trying to do kind things or say something nice to someone.
“How did we end up with an orphanage in River Falls?” I asked my mother as I reached for a cookie.
She glanced up at me. “They never taught you in school?”
I shook my head. “Not that I can remember.”
A look of confusion appeared on her still beautiful face. There were a few more wrinkles than the last time we were here in town, but my mother said they were simply laugh lines, a sign that you were living a happy life. “You kids used to make ornaments for the trees for the Wilde Christmas event, and they never told you why?”
“I mean, yeah, they told us about the party for the orphanage, but how did it come about?”
She glanced briefly at Rhett, then back to me. “The origin isn’t really a happy story.”
“I can handle it, Grammy,” Rhett said.
Smiling at him, she went back to cutting out cookies from the dough. “Well, a long time ago, religious organizations used to remove Indigenous children from their homes and put them in institutions, to help them learn how to live in our culture. They would go to boarding schools. There was one right here in River Falls. Eventually, over time, it ended up being an orphanage for children who didn’t have parents.”
“Why did they do that?” Rhett asked. “Take in-did-genrous kids from their mommies and daddies?”
“I wish I could explain it to you, Rhett,” my mother said. She glanced at me again. “Maybe this was a subject best waited on for a few years.”
I nodded.
“Do they still take them?” Rhett asked. “The kids?”
My hand reached for his head, and I gave his hair a quick ruffle. “No, buddy. They don’t.”
He nodded. “That’s good.”
The last thing I wanted was for Rhett to think he had to worry about being taken.
My mother gave me an apologetic smile and mouthed, “I’m sorry.”
I returned the smile and changed the subject. “So, I went to see Uncle Caden today.”
Rhett’s eyes lit up. “You did?”
Rhett adored Caden, as had Brooke. He came to visit us often in Denver, which I was thankful for. Besides my parents, he was the only connection I had to River Falls.
“He has a horse that’s about to have her first foal.”
Rhett gasped. “Can I see it being born?”
“Maybe, if she doesn’t have it in the middle of the night.”
Bouncing on his toes, Rhett faced my mother. “Did you hear that, Grammy! I might be able to see a horse born.”
The sound of my father walking into the kitchen caused us all to turn.
“What’s this about a horse giving birth?” Dad asked before he walked up and kissed my mother on the cheek. “How are you, darling?”
She smiled as she replied, “I’m doing wonderful. How was your day?”
“Good. Long, but good.”
He grinned at Rhett next and kissed him on the cheek, as well. “You’ve got some flour on you, bud.”
Rhett laughed. “Granddad! I’m baking…of course I have flour on me!”
He held up his hands in mock apology, then turned to me. “Whose horse is in labor?”
“No one yet, but one of the horses over at the Wildes’ place is pregnant with her first. It’ll be any day now. Caden asked me to come over and take a look at her.”
His brows rose. “Caden, huh? I bet that didn’t sit well with Emeline. Those horses are her babies.”
I chuckled. “She wasn’t thrilled her brother went around her, but apparently this horse is Caden’s favorite.”
Dad grinned, then asked, “Was she close?”
“Yeah, I’d say in the next few days. Rhett wants to see it happen.”
My father pointed to his grandson. “A boy after my own heart.”
Rhett beamed. “I’m going to be a veterinarian one day and work with you and Daddy.”
Dad tossed his head back and laughed. “I’m afraid by the time you get out of school, I’ll be too old to still be working. I’ll be sittin’ back on a beach somewhere, drinking something cold and stiff.”
“Stiff?” Rhett asked.
“We’re going to let that one go,” my mother said, giving Dad a look. “He’s already had one conversation that was a bit too mature for his age this afternoon.”
Rhett just looked at me, confused, and I winked.
“What’s for dinner?” Dad asked as he eyed all the cookies.
“I’ve got a roast in the Crock-Pot. I’m surprised you didn’t smell it.”
Dad chuckled. “The only thing this nose smells is sugar and vanilla.”
“Let me get this last batch in the oven, then we can eat. The roast is ready.”
I walked over to Rhett. “Why don’t you head on upstairs and wash up for dinner.”
“But I’ve got to help Grammy clean up our mess,” Rhett argued as he motioned to the flour all over the kitchen island.
My mother beamed with pride at my son. “You go on and do what your daddy says, he’ll clean for you this time.”
Rhett gave me a look that clearly said he was glad it was me, not him, doing the cleaning.
I helped him get the apron off and lifted him down from the chair he’d been standing on. “Wash your hands good, Rhett,” I called out as he hightailed it out of the kitchen. Turning to the sink, I grabbed the dishcloth.
“Take off your cowboy hat,” Mom said as she motioned with her head.
“Yes, ma’am,” I replied, doing as she asked.
After I hung my hat up on the rack by the back door, I got to work cleaning the island while Mom slipped the last batch of cookies into the oven.
