Bridget's Beau Read online

  “You too, sir.” Glen looked nervous to be meeting his in-laws, but he handled it well.

  Bridget immediately wondered if there was something about their relationship that Kaya hadn’t mentioned. She’d grill her later. “Thanks for having us over for supper tonight.”

  “I’m happy all of you were able to make it for the reception.”

  After Kaya and Glen had left, Bridget stood and stretched. “How long do we have before we need to leave for supper?” she asked.

  “About an hour.”

  Bridget smiled. “I think I’ll take my favorite sister’s book into the hot tub and catch up on my reading. Back in a while.” She loved to read Kaya’s romances, but she never felt like there was enough time to do everything she wanted to do. Usually it was her pleasure reading that was thrown out the window.

  After a long leisurely soak, Bridget showered and dried her hair, dressing carefully in jeans and a button up shirt. She felt like it was the right thing to wear when staying at a ranch. She usually wore her scrubs everywhere, so she didn’t have a whole lot of clothes to choose from. She grabbed her coat and hurried out of her room.

  When she got to the living room, her parents were waiting on her. “Ready?” her mom asked, and Bridget nodded. How she wished she was in this beautiful place alone instead of with her parents.

  When they arrived at Kaya’s house, Bridget immediately fell in love. It was an older ranch house, and it needed some TLC, but it just felt like it had a lot of character. “Love the place.”

  Kaya smiled. “We’ll work on the house once Glen’s business is up and running.” She explained that he was starting a horse therapy ranch for autistic children, and Bridget nodded. Glen really did seem like a good guy, and she was happy for her sister. She’d never want a man that tall for herself though. He was well over a foot taller than she was! Kaya was almost a foot taller, and he was quite a bit taller than her sister.

  She helped Kaya in the kitchen. “So is he coming?” Bridget asked.

  “Kevin?”

  Bridget nodded. “Yeah.”

  “Glen said he’d be here.”

  There was a loud knock on the door, and a minute later Glen came in with a man. “This is Kevin. He’s the new pastor on the ranch.”

  Bridget felt her heart sink. “Pastor?” Kaya hiccupped as she tried to keep from laughing, and Bridget elbowed her in the stomach. “It’s nice to meet you, Pastor.” She wanted to kick her sister but managed to refrain. When she’d been in youth group as a teenager, they’d had to station someone at the exit, because she was considered a flight risk. One little “unplanned outing” to a convenience store during her youth time, and she never thought she’d live it down. Kaya knew she would never cut it as a pastor’s wife. The brat!

  Kevin stepped forward, taking Bridget’s hand in his. “It’s so nice to meet you. Kaya tells me you live in Texas.”

  Bridget felt a jolt of electricity at his touch. Really? Am I so desperate I’m falling for a pastor? I know I’d make the worst pastor’s wife on the entire planet. “I do. I’m a nurse there.”

  “What kind of nursing do you do?”

  “I work for a doctor who does family practice. I started out working in geriatrics, but I just wasn’t cut out for that.”

  “And you like what you do now?”

  Bridget shrugged. “For the most part. I like the regular hours a lot better than I liked being up all night. That wasn’t good for me.” She’d always needed a very strict sleep schedule to do well, and the constantly changing hours of a nursing home had been very rough on her system.

  “I hope you enjoy your time in Idaho.” His eyes met hers, and she was struck by them. They were so brown! And not a mud brown either, no his reminded her of a giant chocolate kiss.

  “I’m sure I will.” She pulled her hand away from his grasp, flushing slightly. She wanted to get to know him better, but—Dear God!—he was a pastor. Nothing good could come of that. She wanted to wipe her hand off on her thigh, so his touch would not still be there, but how rude would that look?

  “I’d be happy to show you around the ranch. There aren’t any events except your sister’s this week, so I’m pretty much on my own. I’ll hold services in the little chapel in the Old West town on Sunday. Have you seen the Old West town yet?”

  Bridget shook her head. “I had no idea there were services on the ranch.” She went to church regularly, but she tried to sneak out quickly afterward. She tended to offend everyone with her mouth.

  “Not every week, but it’s offered. There are some guests who want me to preach this Sunday, so I will. It’s just one of the services the ranch offers. Usually I go to church in town.”

  “That sounds really nice.” She couldn’t quit staring at his eyes. She wanted to drown in them. She wanted to throw herself in his arms and kiss him. He’s a pastor, for heaven’s sake. You can’t fall for him!

  “Do you like to go four-wheeling?” he asked. “I’d love to take you up into the mountains. We could do some hiking. Or if we get snow like they’re predicting, maybe we could go snowmobiling.”

  “Would you help me search for Bigfoot?” she asked.

  He nodded. “I’d love to help you search for Bigfoot. Anything you want.”

  She sighed. He was so nice. Too nice. He was too good for her. She caused problems; she didn’t solve them. “It sounds like fun. I wouldn’t mind spending some time with you before I head back to Texas.” She needed him to know up front that there would be no relationship. There couldn’t be. She wasn’t good enough for a pastor in any way.

  “I’d like nothing more. Where are you staying?”

  “We’re in the Bearfoot Bungalow.”

  “I’ll walk over and pick you up in the morning. Say around nine?”

  Bridget nodded slowly. She was going to get in over her head very quickly. God help her, she was falling for a pastor. She was going to kick her sister later, because she deserved it!

  Chapter Two

  Bridget woke early the next morning, grumbling under her breath. She always woke up grumpy. More sleep was all she asked for in life, so why had she agreed to meet a man before noon on her vacation? A pastor of all people! What was Kaya thinking, trying to get her to date a pastor?

  Thirty minutes later, Bridget was dressed and ready for her day. She grabbed a banana from the fruit basket, figuring that would be enough to hold her until she got back to the cabin. Her parents were off doing something—she had no idea what.

  When she’d finished her breakfast, there was a knock at the door, and she hurried over to open it. As soon as she saw Kevin standing outside the door, she remembered why she was going out with him. The man made her weak in the knees.

  “Hi,” she said softly, staring at him.

  He grinned at her. “Are you ready? You’re going to need a coat. The weather’s just gotten really cold in the last week.”

  Bridget opened the door wider. “Let me run and get a coat then. Do you think I need gloves?”

  “Absolutely. It’s pretty cold right now.”

  She didn’t say it, but she was secretly excited to be able to wear winter clothes. She’d bought a new coat, gloves, and a scarf just for this trip. She bundled up and hurried out of her room, ready to take on the Idaho cold. “I’m ready.”

  Kevin looked up and saw Bridget all bundled up as if she was about to face the arctic and almost laughed. “I’m sure you’ll be plenty warm in that getup.”

  “Too warm?” Bridget asked with a frown. Nothing was worse than being too warm!

  “If you get too hot, you can take your coat off…or your scarf or gloves. At least we know you’ll be warm enough.” He opened the front door and held it for her. “I thought we could walk through the Old West town, and then we’ll go over and borrow the four-wheelers.”

  “What’s so special about the Old West town?” she asked, wishing he’d hold her hand and then mentally scolding herself for wishing it. A pastor holding your hand was like announcing you were married, wasn’t it? That’s not what she needed at the moment!

  “You’ll see.” As they walked toward the town, he pointed out the RV park, the direction of the main house and the café, pool, and the golf course. “The mountains are behind us, but they’re hard to miss, so I won’t point them out.”

  “But you just did!”

  “Just did what?”

  “You just pointed them out?”

  He sighed and shook his head. “I said I wasn’t pointing them out. See the difference?”

  “No!” She shook her head. “Did Kaya tell you to make me crazy?”

  When they stepped into the town he’d mentioned, she felt as if she was transported back in time. “A general store! Oh, I have a mad desire to shop there!”

  He grinned. “Let’s!” He hurried to open the door for her, and she stepped inside, looking around. The store was heated by a small pot-bellied stove on one side, lending to the authentic feel of the place. Kevin had worked there for someone who was out sick just the week before, so he knew the place well. He wasn’t exactly a lover of shopping, but if it made her happy, he’d be happy to accompany her.

  A woman walked over to them, dressed in clothes that looked like she belonged in an old John Wayne movie. “May I help you?”

  “Hi, Heidi.” Kevin grinned at the shopkeeper. “I like the outfit. I haven’t seen you wear period costume before today!”

  “I haven’t before today! I was thinking it would be fun and add to the atmosphere of the place. I won’t wear it in summer, because it would be too hot, but it’s perfect for chilly fall and winter days!”

  “So it is! Have you met Bridget yet? She’s Kaya’s younger sister.”

  Bridget held her hand out for Heidi’s. “Kaya and I are act
ually twins. She’s just taller. A whole foot taller.”

  Heidi grinned. “I can see it in the face, but your coloring is so different. And she is a tad bit taller.”

  “Anyway, it’s nice to meet you. I love your store!” The store seemed to be stocked with every necessity for a camping vacation. There was food, clothing, and even blankets and firewood.

  “I’m kind of proud of it. If you’re looking for a souvenir from your vacation, feel free to buy a post card, instead of stealing our pastor.” Heidi winked at Bridget who blushed.

  “I’ll consider that.” She wandered through the store, stopping and looking at every little thing. “Oh look! Bigfoot magnets!”

  “My little sister thought those were necessary, and I argued with her, but when she digs her heels in, she’s a force to be reckoned with.” A tall man who must have come in right behind them, held his hand out to her. “I’m Wade Weston. I’m the manager around here.”

  “So nice to meet you.” Bridget had an insane urge to curtsey, but she managed to restrain herself. “Love the store, and our cabin is fabulous. I’m Kaya’s little sister.”

  Wade nodded. “Kaya’s nice. She and Glen seem very happy.”

  “I’m here for the reception.”

  “I hope you enjoy your time at River’s End.” Wade walked over to talk to Heidi. “I love the costume. We made need to make the others wear them!”

  “If you do, don’t blame it on me. Please!”

  Bridget shook her head with a grin. She understood what Heidi was worried about exactly. At her old nursing home, one of the nurses had showed up at work in one of the old-fashioned white nursing uniforms like they’d worn in the seventies and eighties. The director of nursing had liked it and suggested everyone wear them, and the rest of the nurses had gotten annoyed. No one wanted to mess with that nonsense when scrubs were available.

  Bridget picked up a couple of small magnets to purchase. She loved having a refrigerator that looked like she’d been all over the world, when really, she’d rarely been out of Texas. She paid for her items, and she and Kevin left the store.

  “For a friend back home?” he asked, nodding at her bag.

  “One for me and one for my friend, Jenni. I don’t think she’s ever been to Idaho.” Jenni’s family was more likely to go to Europe on a vacation than a Western state.

  Next door to the mercantile was an apothecary shop, and Bridget stopped short. “An old-fashioned apothecary? My nurse’s heart is beating faster just looking at it! Are we allowed to go in?”

  Kevin laughed and opened the door. “This is the first-aid station on the ranch. There’s a full-time nurse who works here.”

  An older woman with gray hair and dark blue eyes descended the stairs, stopping at the bottom. “Are you just looking or does someone need me?”

  “We’re just looking,” Kevin called back.

  “Actually, I’d like to pick your brain for a minute if you don’t mind,” Bridget said, a smile on her face. “I’ve heard you’re retiring, and I’m an RN. This place is amazing, and my sister just married Glen…”

  “So you’re thinking about applying for my job, and want to know what’s entailed?” The nurse came to the bottom of the staircase and waved a hand toward a very modern-looking first aid area. “Have a seat, and we’ll talk.”

  Bridget hurried over to sit in the visitor’s chair, and sensed that Kevin walked up behind her. After Emily was seated, Bridget asked, “Tell me what your job entails.”

  “You name it, it’s there. I treat people for altitude sickness more than anything. Lots of people for dehydration, because they don’t pack enough water and go walking the mountains. Minor injuries. I decide if someone needs to be sent off to the nearest hospital, or if I can treat them here. I’ve dealt with panic attacks. At the moment my most frequent patient is Kelsi. She’s convinced her baby is going to be an alien-Bigfoot crossbreed and has lots of questions.”

  Bridget grinned. “I can picture her thinking that.”

  “Girl’s a mess, but I love her. I’ve been here since before she was born.” Emily put her hand to her back. “I lived in town until my husband died, and then we renovated the upstairs of this place into a small apartment for me. It works, but it’s nothing fancy.”

  Bridget bit her lip. She loved the idea of working at this beautiful ranch, and the opportunity to live above an old-time apothecary shop would make her so happy! “How many hours do you work?”

  Emily shrugged. “It really varies. We’re open year-round, so there’s always something going on. I’m more ‘on call’ than anything else. I sometimes teach first aid classes to new employees. Everyone here has to be CPR-certified, and I’m licensed to teach it. I vary from twenty-five to forty hours per week, I think. I haven’t tracked it in years. I’m just here when I’m needed.”

  “And who would I talk to about applying for your position? How soon are you thinking of retiring?”

  “I’m ready to retire. I’d retire tomorrow if there was someone to take my place.”

  Bridget bit her lip. “I can’t give my notice until I get back to Texas, and that’s if I decide to apply. I’ll think on it.”

  After they’d left the building, Kevin looked down at her with new interest. If she was thinking of staying, maybe they could have a real relationship. He’d love that!

  As soon as they stepped outside, Bridget caught the scent of fresh-baked bread. “Oh, something smells yummy!”

  Kevin just laughed and shook his head. She certainly had no problem being herself in front of a man she barely knew. He followed as she spotted the bakery and hurried to it, opening the door and leaving him standing in the street.

  Inside, Bridget wandered to the display case, her nose twitching with happiness. “I want one of everything!”

  The girl behind the counter smiled. “I can box that up for you, but are you sure you can eat that much?”

  Kevin walked up behind her, shaking his head. “Maybe you could choose two things and we’ll have them for dessert later.”

  “But what will you eat?” Bridget winked at him as she contemplated for a moment before nodding. “I guess that’s enough. Could I pick two different things and we split them, though?”

  He grinned. “Sure. Any two things would thrill me.”

  Bridget looked through everything in the case three times. “Choosing is hard! I’ll be here every day until I go home! I promise you!”

  “I’m Miranda. I have a feeling we’re going to be friends if you’re here every day!” The girl behind the counter grinned. “How long are you here for?”

  “Just a week. I’m getting the impression it won’t be long enough. My sister married Glen, though, so I’ll be back.”

  “I like Kaya.” Miranda smiled. “We’ll happily feed you every day. We’re not open Sundays, though.”

  “I’ll just buy double on Saturday then. Thank you for helping me plan my week.” Finally, Bridget pointed. “I want a cream cheese brownie and that cupcake with the purple icing. That looks amazing!”

  “That’s a white cupcake with huckleberry butter cream frosting.”

  “Oh, yeah. I could eat my weight in that.” Bridget happily waited while Miranda put them in a bag. “Thank you so much!”

  Kevin stepped forward to pay, and Bridget frowned. He hadn’t gotten a choice, so he shouldn’t have to pay. “I can pay for it!”

  “We’re sharing, so I get to pay.” He handed Miranda some cash and waited for his change. “Thanks, Miranda.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ll see you again…”

  “Bridget!” Bridget turned and smiled. “By the end of the week we’ll be life-long friends, so knowing each other’s names is probably important.”

  Miranda laughed and waved. “See you tomorrow!”

  Just before she reached the door, Bridget spun around again. “Miranda, I need to know…something. It’s very important!”

  Miranda frowned. “Okay, what is it?”

  “Cinderella or Belle?” Bridget could feel Kevin’s stare. He must think she’d lost her mind. No matter. She wasn’t sure she could be lifelong friends with someone who chose Belle over Cinderella, so it was vitally important.

  “Cinderella. Who else could it be? I mean, it’s the classic fairy tale!”