She had no more strength to talk about this. Walking quietly away, she went back to the guest room she’d stayed in before her ordeal in the snow.
Grace knew she wouldn’t get much sleep after that talk—not when she knew how close Cam was, and especially when she knew that his arms would be open for her if only she were brave enough to step into them.
Grace sipped her tea and enjoyed the warmth of the rays of sunlight beaming through the large living room windows as she worked on her laptop. She was changing the dinner menu for the fourth time, since the bride now seemed to have a vendetta against seafood. Instead of getting upset, she decided to just continue working, reminding herself the paycheck was a good one.
At least the snowstorm had come and gone, and this would be her last night in Cam’s house. So she certainly had that to look forward to.
She should have gone over to Sage’s place—Sage and Spence had rushed home as soon as they heard about what had happened—but she was using the pretense that she had to do some more work with Cam and it would be easier to just stay there. Her new house would receive its final inspection tomorrow, and her furniture was being delivered as well.
She could finally leave the apartment and have beautiful views of the Montana countryside once again. Not that she didn’t have spectacular views at Cam’s place.
When the front door opened and she heard footsteps across the floors, she thought nothing of it. Maybe one of the hands needed something, or possibly it was Sage coming to visit. She could have gotten off work early. It was doubtful, but miracles did happen.
Turning around, she instead found Martin Whitman walking into the room, and she couldn’t help but smile. It had been months since she’d seen him, and usually she was so busy fighting with Cam, she didn’t get to enjoy one-on-one chats.
“Mr. Whitman, what a pleasure to see you,” Grace said as she stood up and went to him. “Cam isn’t back yet. He’s running late with a client.”
Martin was truly a kind man and one of the most giving people she’d ever known. He was the first to jump in and help a neighbor, and the last to leave when something needed doing. His laughter was infectious, and so many times during her childhood she’d envied the Whitman boys for having such a father. She’d always wondered what it would be like to grow up in a house so filled with love.
“I came to see you, Gracie,” he said, stopping in front of her and then pulling her in for a bear hug. “You’ve been running around so much, I keep missing you. When I found out about your scare in the snow, I told Cam I must come over and see for myself that you were all right.”
After Martin held Grace long enough that she was afraid he’d squeezed all the oxygen out of her lungs, he drew back and looked at her. “You have circles beneath your eyes, young lady. You’re not getting enough rest. Did Spence give you a full checkup?”
The love and worry was evident in his eyes and tone of voice. It choked her up for a moment and she was unable to answer him. Blinking rapidly so she wouldn’t show him how much his parental concern meant to her, she turned her head and took a deep breath before looking him in the eyes again.
“I have to admit, I was pretty scared out there in the snow, but it all worked out. Cam found me, got me warm, and force-fed me for two days. I’m still a bit worn-out, but I’m tough. I’ll be back to a hundred percent by tomorrow.”
“You’ve always been a fighter, Gracie. I remember your determination to lift those hay bales every summer. If the boys could do it, then you were darn well gonna do it, too. That first summer, you sure had some sore muscles, but you also earned the respect of every one of my ranch hands,” Martin said as he led her to the couch and the two of them sat down.
She laughed. “I’ve never liked being one of those girls who just sits on the sidelines while someone else does all the fun stuff.”
“Sitting on the sidelines isn’t all that bad. You get to watch all the chaos that is sure to happen if you wait long enough.”
“You’ve always enjoyed a bit of disaster,” Grace said, a big smile lighting up her eyes. “But you’re always the first one in to help clean it up.”
“I sure missed you all those years you were gone. I hope you’re planning on staying for good now,” Martin told her with a stern look. “I understand the need to go out there and find yourself, but this is your home. Once you live in a place like Sterling, there’s no leaving. The town gets into your blood and it will always call you home.”
“That’s because wonderful people like you live here, Mr. Whitman. I’ve been to a lot of places, and I’ve never felt as happy as I do here.”
“I can’t believe no one managed to snatch you up in the years you were away,” he said with a laugh. “You’ve always been such a kind and beautiful girl. You know, I always hoped that you and Cam would marry so I could call you my daughter.”
“I would have loved to have you for a dad,” she said, avoiding the rest of his statement. “Are you hungry? Thirsty? I know this isn’t my place, but I can’t believe I didn’t offer you something the moment you came in.”
“I know how to find things around this place. Cam is actually pretty organized,” he said before standing. “I think I’ll have coffee and something sweet, if you have it.”
“I’ll make a fresh pot. I could use some, too. And Cam’s cook just made a Bundt cake that’s the best thing I think I’ve ever eaten.”