LITMIR.BIZ

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his pie as if looking for answers. “’Cept Phil and Bonnie never knew where she was. About worried themselves sick.”

      “You mean, she didn’t stay in touch?”

      He shrugged. “On occasion. But anytime they offered to come see her or send money, she’d refuse.”

      Cash immediately thought of the drugs so often prevalent in college towns. Then again, most druggies wouldn’t turn down a handout. They’d simply put it toward their next fix.

      “Then one day, out of the blue, Taryn showed up back here.” Gramps shook his head. “Never said a word about what went on. Just that Ouray was where she belonged.”

      “How long was she gone?”

      The old man shrugged, going after another bite. “A year or so.”

      That left a big gap of time. “And you don’t have any idea what happened to her?”

      “None. And I don’t think her parents do, either.” Gramps pushed his half-empty plate aside then leaned forward, resting his arms on the table. His gaze bore into Cash. “But I do know that Taryn is no longer the self-absorbed girl we all remember. She’s a Godly woman.” Leaning back, he picked up his fork again. “One of the best mountain guides in town, too.”

      “Mountain guide?”

      “Hiking, rock climbing, ice climbing...” He wagged his fork through the air. “That’s her forte, you know.”

      Cash absently rubbed his knee. All things he’d never be able to enjoy again.

      Gramps scooped up another bite of pie. “She’s also on the Mountain Rescue Team.”

      “What’s that?”

      “A search and rescue team trained for our unique setting.” The old man grinned. “I even had the privilege of joining them on a mission last summer. One of our local boys fell into Chief Ouray Mine.”

      Cash smiled at the old miner. “Let me guess, you had to navigate them through the mine?”

      “Didn’t know that going out, but I went along, just in case.”

      “Was the kid okay?” Cash finished his pie.

      “A few scrapes and bruises.”

      He picked up his empty plate and started toward the sink. “Sounds like Taryn’s an integral part of the community.” Which made him wonder why she had been so eager to leave in the first place. She’d obviously decided the big city wasn’t all glitz and glamour. But why had she stayed away so long?

      Rinsing the dish, he contemplated his interaction with her. The way she seemed to bristle every time he said something that would flatter most women. And he wanted to know why.

      Considering he was only in Ouray for a few days, unraveling the mystery of the girl next door seemed nearly impossible. Then again, it wasn’t like him to back down from a challenge. Especially one as intriguing as Taryn Purcell.

      “Maybe that’ll give you two something to discuss tonight.”

      He jerked his head toward his grandfather. “What’s tonight?”

      “Bonnie and Phil Purcell invited us for dinner. Apparently the whole family is looking forward to seeing you.”

      A gust of wind rattled the windows, drawing their attention outside.

      “Looks like that front’s finally arrived.” Gramps stood with his plate. “Things are s’posed to turn mighty chilly.”

      Given Taryn’s abrupt exit, Cash was certain of it.

      * * *

      Taryn paused at the front door, her hand on the antique bronze knob, while Scout barked behind her.

      Cash is not Brian. And he is not interested in you. He’s a family friend. Just like his grandfather. Though considerably more handsome.

      He called you darlin’.

      She squeezed her eyes shut. Lord, please help me to be kind to Cash. I realize he did nothing wrong. That it’s my past with Brian that is causing me to behave so horribly.

      “Are you going to open it, or let our guests freeze to death on the front porch?” Her big brother, Randy, stared down at her.

      Since when did he pull himself away from the sports channel for anything but food?

      “I’m warning you, Randy. If you say one thing to embarrass me...”

      “Nah. I’ll leave that to Mom.” He nudged Taryn away from the door and turned the knob. “By the way, you look really nice tonight.”

      Peering down at the soft blue, ultrafeminine sweater, she wished she’d gone with the bulky cable knit. She glared back at Randy with half a mind to wallop him. But their mother would never stand for it. After all, appearances were everything in Bonnie Purcell’s world.

      Instead, Taryn picked up her dog, leaving her big brother to do the honors of greeting their guests while she made her way to the kitchen to help her mother and her sister-in-law, Amanda.

      At least she’d bought herself a little time before she had to face Cash again. Strange to think that there was a time when she wouldn’t have felt the least bit guilty for treating someone so ugly. But she wasn’t that person anymore. And God had been prodding her all afternoon, letting her know what He required of her.

      Still, she didn’t have to apologize in front of everyone. She’d wait for just the right opportunity. Even if it took all night.

      “Yes. Absolutely you need to meet Cash.” Taryn’s mother motioned for Randy’s wife to follow and nearly plowed into Taryn at the kitchen door. “Where are you going?”

      “The kitchen?”

      Her mother whirled her back around. “Not until you’ve greeted our guests, you don’t. Now, go.” She all but shoved Taryn across the wooden flooring in the foyer.

      Taryn hugged Scout a little closer. And so it begins.

      “My goodness, Cash...” Her mom’s arms went wide as she approached. “It’s so good to see you again.”

      Taryn kind of felt sorry for the guy when her mother embraced him like a long-lost son. She had to hand it to him, though. Cash didn’t look the least bit taken aback by the welcome. “It’s nice to be here. Thank you for inviting me.”

      “Nonsense.” Her mom released him. “You’re like family.”

      “How’s it going, Cash?” Her father stepped forward to shake his hand.

      “Just fine, sir. Thank you.”

      “There’s Gage,” her mom continued.

      Taryn’s second brother waved from the adjacent living room, then gestured to the four-year-old in his arms. “This is my daughter, Emma, and—” he pointed to the golden-haired girl who had already latched onto Mr. Jenkins’s hand “—that’s Cassidy over there.”

      Cash acknowledged them with a smile and a nod. “Girls.”

      Randy snagged Amanda around the waist and inched her closer. “This is my wife, Amanda.”

      “It’s nice to finally meet you.” She held out her hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

      Cash took hold. “All good, I hope.”

      “For the most part.” Amanda and Randy exchanged a playful, loving glance. One that always made Taryn wonder if there was someone in this world who could love her like that. Completely and unconditionally. As though she was the only one who mattered.

      “This is our son, Steven.” Randy hoisted the five-year-old into his arms.

      “Hey there, champ.” Cash held up a high-five and Taryn’s nephew smacked it.

      Everyone

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