Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

F or seven thirty a.m. the inn was surprisingly busy. Magnolia hadn’t realized there were so many guests staying here. The inn had a remarkable way of feeling cozy and secluded. Then again, it made sense that there were lots of people here. After all, the tacky honeymoon suite was the only room open.

Apprehension pulled a tight cord inside Magnolia. The roads were clear enough to drive on, which was a miracle. Magnolia was super grateful that she and Lucas could get on the road shortly. However, that also meant that in a few short hours, they would face her grandfather and Eric Stanford. Magnolia couldn’t pinpoint why she felt such impending dread over the visit. She and Lucas were fast becoming a real couple. Tingles traipsed down her spine as she thought of those amazing kisses they’d shared the night before. Surely anyone seeing her would be able to tell that she was crazy about Lucas.

Lucas placed his hand on the small of her back, navigating her into the crowded dining room. Magnolia liked the protective feel of Lucas’s hand. It was both thrilling and comforting. She’d watched the tender exchange of affection between his parents. That’s what she longed to have—the kind of family life that she’d never had. The fragrant scent of bacon tingled her senses. Breakfast was spread over an antique buffet. A large rectangular table sat prominently in the center of the room. It was surrounded by bevel glass windows with wreaths hanging on the outside, their red ribbons swaying gently. The snowy scene beyond the windows was breathtaking. Wow was the word that came to mind.

Lillian was sitting at one end of the table. When she saw them, a large smile tipped her bright red lips as she waved them over. “Good morning,” she said, her lively eyes sparkling behind her glasses. “How did you sleep?”

“Well,” Lucas replied easily as he rested his arm around Magnolia’s shoulders.

“Thank you for everything,” Magnolia added. “Staying here has been an unexpected blessing.” She looked at Lucas as they shared a smile.

“I’m so glad.” Lillian made a shooing motion with her hand. “Go and get some food.” She looked down at her plate. “The pancakes are delicious.”

Magnolia’s stomach rumbled as she looked at the stack of fluffy blueberry pancakes on Lillian’s plate, loaded with syrup and butter.

“I’m saving these two seats for you,” Lillian said.

A few minutes later, Magnolia and Lucas returned to the table with their plates. They sat down across from Lillian.

“Can you believe it’s Christmas Eve?” Lillian began in a wistful tone.

Magnolia had unrolled her silverware and was about to dig into her food. She paused, sensing that Lillian needed her and Lucas’s undivided attention. She glanced at Lucas and could tell from the set of his chin that he, too, realized that Lillian needed them to listen to her. “It does seem hard to believe,” Magnolia said. “The year has gone by fast.” So much had happened to Magnolia. She’d thought her life would take one direction and now, she was on a completely different path from what she’d planned—a much better course than she could’ve ever imagined.

A sentimental smile touched Lillian’s lips. “Christmas Eve was such a special time for me and my late husband, Howard. He would get me a dozen roses. We’d get dressed up and go out for a nice dinner. Afterwards, we’d stop by the church to watch the Christmas pageant.” A faraway look drifted into her eyes. “Then, we’d go home and dance.” Her eyes misted as she cleared her throat, offering an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry, I tend to wax nostalgic this time of the year. Howard and I met at this inn. We came here for years afterward. That’s why I bought it after he passed.”

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Magnolia said quietly.

Lillian waved a hand. “Losing Howard was tough.” Her gaze moved between Magnolia and Lucas, giving them pointed looks. “But I’ve come to realize that love is a gift. I was blessed to have Howard in my life. I was blessed to know what it is like to truly love and to be loved.”

Emotion rose in Magnolia’s throat as she swallowed. “It sounds like you were very blessed.” Lucas reached for her hand underneath the table and squeezed it. The gesture enfolded her in a soft, cushy blanket.

“There were many who didn’t think that Howard and I were a good fit. Howard was cultured, the epitome of class.” An astute smile curved Lillian’s lips. “Whereas, I’m just me.”

Magnolia grinned as she looked at the Christmas sweater Lillian wore. It was bold and a bit gaudy with the sequins and bows. Lillian had on candy cane earrings that matched her sweater.

“Many of Howard’s so-called friends didn’t consider me to be on the same social level as Howard.” Her eyes sparked. “Thankfully, Howard didn’t have a shallow bone in his body. He had the unique ability to look past the superficial to see the real treasure within.” Lillian looked at Magnolia as she spoke. Her words cut through Magnolia like a refiner’s fire.

“How much do you know of our situation?” Magnolia asked.

“I spoke to your grandfather this morning. He told me about your inheritance, and the conditions of the trust.”

Heat rushed to Magnolia’s face. Her hand felt slick in Lucas’s. She’d been expecting to get grilled when she arrived at her grandfather’s estate, but it was hard having it happen here—in this magical place where she and Lucas had come together in understanding.

“Your grandfather expressed concern that you might be marrying Lucas for the money.”

Magnolia looked at Lucas. His expression was stoically guarded.

“I told Benjamin that if he could see what I see, he wouldn’t be worried.”

The words gave Magnolia a start. She blinked. “You’re in our corner?” she squeaked.

A tender smile touched Lillian’s lips. “Yes, dear, I am. I know true love when I see it.” She laughed lightly. “Now, mind you, I’m not so daft as not to recognize that you might’ve initially gone into this for the money. However, that’s not the situation now. It’s not where you begin your journey, or even where you end up that matters. What counts the most is who you become along the way.” Lillian steeled her jaw, jiggling her loose skin. “For the record, I find the idea of you being forced to get married to receive your inheritance appalling.”

“Amen,” Lucas growled, shooting Magnolia a vindicated glance.

“I don’t know what Carol was thinking.” Lillian homed in on Magnolia. “Your grandmother was a complicated woman.”

“That’s one way to put it,” Magnolia snapped, bitterness rising in her throat.

Lillian tipped her head thoughtfully. “I have to believe that Carol felt that she was doing what was best to preserve her family. However, anytime a person tries to exert that much control over another …” She pushed her finger into the table. “Well, it never works out. One thing I do know is that love always finds a way.” She smiled. “The two of you are living proof of that.” She sighed. “Anyway, enough of that. I’m keeping you from eating. Your food is getting cold.”

Lucas released Magnolia’s hand as they started eating. The food was good, but it had gotten cold.

“About the ranch,” Lillian said as Lucas looked up from his food, giving her his full attention. “I spoke to Arthur Vinson, the seller, last night.” She finished off the last of her pancakes before wiping her mouth with the napkin and pushing her plate aside. “Arthur and his wife Vivian bought the ranch shortly after they were first married, fifty something years ago. They raised their four children there. Vivian died last year of cancer. The memories combined with the upkeep of the property have become too much for Arthur to handle. He wants to move to Colorado to live with one of his sons. The ranch has been on the market for six months. There was an offer on the table, but it fell through. Arthur is eager to sell. He mentioned that he might even consider financing it, especially if he could find a good person who appreciated and valued everything that he has built.” Lillian gave Lucas a pointed look. “Someone who could make a sizable contribution to the town of Remember.”

Lucas coughed, nearly choking on his food. “What type of contribution are you referring to?”

Lillian’s eyes zinged with a mild mischief. “The type of contribution you made when you jumped out of your truck and rushed to save me and Sam. This world needs more noble men like you.” Her eyes moved to Magnolia. “And women like you.” A knowing smile spread over her lips. “While Lucas rushed out to protect me and Sam, you rushed out to protect him.”

It was true. That’s exactly what Magnolia had done. She was shocked that Lillian had ascertained her intentions so accurately.

“It would be an honor and a privilege to have the two of you in Remember,” Lillian finished. “I’ll give you Arthur’s number so you can talk directly with him.”

“Thank you,” Lucas said sincerely. “After the wedding, Magnolia and I can swing back by here and speak to him.” He looked at Magnolia to get her approval. The hope shining on his face tugged at her heartstrings. She wanted the best for Lucas. Nothing would please her more than for him to have a ranch to call his own, a place where he could work his own land and be his own man. It was crazy how quickly the pieces were shifting into place. Maybe that’s how it worked when you finally found the right one.

“That would be great,” Magnolia said heartily. Remember would be an ideal place for her and Lucas to start their lives. Magnolia would have to get the internet figured out. She needed it for work. They’d had no cell service on that gravel road. She could only assume that service wasn’t much better a few miles away at the actual ranch. However, she felt sure that she could work something out. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

“It has certainly been a Christmas Eve to remember,” Lillian proclaimed. “I’ve made two new friends.” A smile graced her ruby lips. “Just remember, that I’m indebted to you both. If you need my help, all you need to do is ask.” Her voice quivered with fervency. “I mean that with all my heart.”

“Thank you,” Magnolia said with a deep appreciation. For all her eccentricity, Lillian Yates was a good person, a person whom Magnolia was glad to have in her and Lucas’s corner. And they certainly needed all the help they could get right now. Butterflies swarmed in her stomach. It was time for them to leave. Time for them to face her grandfather and Eric Stanford. Fear lodged a cold cylinder in her throat. The sense of impending doom caught her lungs in a tight squeeze. She took in a breath, forcing herself to relax. She had to think positively. She had to look past the next two days and keep her eyes fixed firmly on the future. It would be brighter than she could have ever imagined now that Lucas was by her side.

Lucas seemed to be reading her thoughts. He placed his napkin down and scooted back his chair. “We need to get on the road.”

Magnolia flashed a large smile at Lillian. “I’m so glad we met.”

“So am I.”

“We’ll stop by on our way back,” Magnolia promised.

Lillian nodded. “I’ll be looking forward to it.” She eyed them both. “Remember what I said, love will find a way.”

Her voice rang with so much authority that it helped restore a sense of calm to Magnolia. Love will find a way . Magnolia was determined to do everything in her power to make sure of it!