Josh (23 page)

I
made the reservations.” Cheyenne got Sierra aside after breakfast.

“Good. When do we need to leave?”

“In the next hour. I’ve already managed to persuade Phoebe and Ela. But there’s just one thing.” She grimaced. “Quinn said he’s phoning Chief Fletcher to let him know we’re coming to town. That way, he can decide if it’s safe for you to be there.”

“That’s the right thing to do. If Quinn hadn’t taken it on himself, I would have called the chief myself. I’ll be sure to thank him.”

“Don’t be so quick to show your gratitude yet. Quinn also insists that he and Josh are driving us to Paintbrush and following us around like bodyguards.”

Sierra’s eyes widened. “Tell me you’re kidding.”

“I’m serious.”

Sierra put her hands on her hips. “But this was supposed to be our girls’ day.”

Cheyenne shrugged. “I don’t see that we have a choice if we want to treat Phoebe and Ela to a special day.”

The two young women hurried off to their rooms to get ready for the day in town. A short time later, when they walked outside, they found Quinn and Josh standing beside one of the ranch trucks.

When Josh opened the door, Sierra shot him a smile, before holding up a set of keys. “Sorry, gentlemen. I talked to your father and explained that this was a day for ladies only, and he agreed that you’d follow along at your own peril.”

Josh and Quinn shared a conspiratorial smile before Josh explained, “We talked to Pa, too. The only reason he agreed to let you drive yourselves is because the chief gave his blessing for you to come to town and go anywhere you please.”

It was Sierra’s turn to be surprised. “Did he say why?”

“He said he was following up on something, and when he was sure of it he’d call. In the meantime, as long as he says it’s okay to go to town, we won’t stop you. But we’ll be close behind.”

Sierra handed Josh a manila envelope. “As long as you’re coming to town, you can leave this photo with the police chief.”

Josh opened the envelope and studied the computer-enlarged photo, showing a man on a hill, clearly watching through binoculars. He looked up. “Do you recognize him?”

Sierra nodded. “It’s Sebastian.”

Josh’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll leave it up to Chief Fletcher to determine if he’s in violation of the terms.”

Sierra touched a hand to his arm. “Either way, as long as the chief is aware of this, he’ll know how to deal with it.” He saw the worry etched in her eyes. “I hope this won’t put a cloud on your plans.”

“I won’t let it.” She tossed her head, determined not to allow Sebastian to ruin yet another day.

As Phoebe and Ela climbed into the backseat, Sierra tossed the keys to Cheyenne. “You drive, since you know these roads.”

Josh slapped his brother on the back. “I’ll get another truck and we’ll follow behind.”

Minutes later two trucks rolled down the long, curving driveway toward the highway. An hour later, they parked in front of the Paintbrush Salon, where the owner, Mary Lou Healy, a pretty, little, round dumpling of a woman, threw open the door to greet them warmly.

“Why Phoebe and Ela. In all the years I’ve known you two, this is the first time you’ve ever been in my shop.”

“And it’ll probably be the last,” Phoebe said, eyeing the two chairs, where Mary Lou’s daughter, Mary Alice, and niece, Justine, stood at attention. A fourth woman, brought in just for the occasion, was introduced as Mary Lou’s younger sister, Beth.

On the far side of the room, two leather chairs positioned in front of footbaths were already humming, the scented water swirling, emitting clouds of steam.

“Where would you ladies like to begin?” the dumpling asked.

“I think their hair first.” Cheyenne took charge when she realized that both Phoebe and Ela were feeling overwhelmed and ready to run out the door. “And then we’ll want manicures and pedicures.”

Before either Phoebe or Ela could protest, they were being led to the shampoo chairs and draped in pink smocks bearing the name of the salon.

As Beth began unpinning Ela’s long, intricate braids, the old woman gave her a word of warning. “Don’t even think about cutting my hair.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” The young woman let out a gasp as the thick, grey braids began unraveling to reveal hair that fell below Ela’s waist.

Sierra watched as Beth began running a brush through Ela’s hair. “Oh, Ela. What amazing hair. Has it ever been cut?”

The older woman smiled. “I snip a few strands here and there, if they’re sticking out of my braids. But I’ve never had a real haircut. I’ve never even been in a place like this before.”

“I hope you can relax,” Beth told her, as she began running warm water into a basin. “I promise to be gentle and to massage your head for as long as you like.”

Minutes later, when Quinn and Josh poked their heads inside, Cheyenne shooed them away. “I warned you. This place is off limits to the two of you.”

“We wouldn’t dream of setting foot inside. We just wanted to ask if you need anything at Thibalt’s place.”

“Not today. Go,” Cheyenne said firmly.

They turned away. But not before they caught sight of their cook and housekeeper wearing pale pink smocks and sighing contentedly while having their scalps gently massaged.

“How did you like your shampoo?” Sierra asked, as Beth began drying Ela’s hair.

“I can’t believe how relaxing it felt.”

Sierra and Cheyenne exchanged smiles as Beth began braiding the long strands.

“I’ve been doing that all my life,” Ela told the girl. “I can do it in half the time.”

“I’m sure you can. But today, I’ve been ordered to pamper you. So, unless you object, I’d like you to just close your eyes and let me do this.”

The older woman shrugged. “I just thought I could save you some time.”

“You have all the time in the world,” Phoebe called to her. “At least that’s what Sierra just reminded me.”

Ela sat back, eyes closed, humming softly to herself while her hair was secured in a perfect braided crown atop her head.

Minutes later her feet were immersed in warm, scented water, and her hands were being gently massaged by Mary Alice.

“How about a little color?” Justine held up a bottle of pearl nail polish for Phoebe’s approval.

Before Phoebe could refuse, Sierra suggested, “Why don’t you dab a bit on her nail and see if she likes it?”

When the girl did as she’d asked, Phoebe held out her finger, turning it this way and that before smiling. “All right. I guess it isn’t too shocking.”

“Shocking?” Cheyenne laughed. “Phoebe, bloodred might be a bit of a shock to those fingernails. But pale pearl nail polish is as sedate as that old denim shirt that you favor.”

That had all of them laughing.

“What about me?” Getting into the spirit of things, Ela lifted her hands. “Should I go for green or neon pink?”

“Definitely the neon,” Cheyenne said.

“Don’t listen to them,” Ela told Beth. “Whether it’s fingers or toes, I’m not having my nails polished.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Cheyenne and Sierra, already finished with their own manicures and footbaths, were now in the shampoo chairs.

Cheyenne leaned close to Sierra to whisper, “Look at the two of them. I know they were feeling anxious about all this when the day began, but now that they’ve let go of their fear, they’re having a grand time.”

Sierra couldn’t hold back the laughter that bubbled up inside her at the sight of those two sweet, hardworking women being fussed over. Without a word she lifted her ever-present camera and captured the images for posterity.

Two hours of giggling and teasing later, feeling thoroughly pampered, the four women were ready to leave the salon.

Sierra walked to the counter and opened her wallet.

Mary Lou shook her head. “Sorry. Cole Conway already phoned me to say that your money is no good here.”

Sierra stared at her in complete surprise. “What are you talking about?”

“Cole said he’s paying your bill. And I know better than to argue with a Conway.”

Sierra knew her mouth was open. Composing herself she said, “All right. I’ll deal with Cole later. At least let me pay the tips for all your workers.”

“Sorry. Cole’s one step ahead of you.” Mary Lou chuckled. “He insisted that the tips be included. And I know better—”

“—than to argue with a Conway,” Sierra finished for her. With a shake of her head she said softly, “I’m very grateful, Mary Lou. You made this so much fun for all of us.”

“It was my pleasure. And believe me, Cole Conway will see that I’m well paid for my service. By the way…” She turned and picked up four glittery bags, each bearing the name of the salon and filled to the brim with soaps and lotions and body washes. “These are included in our spa package.”

The four were speechless as, with hugs and calls of thanks, they walked out of the salon and loaded their packages in the truck before driving down the street to Flora’s Diner.

“I can’t believe my eyes.” Flora peered at them from the pass-through before walking over to greet them, wiping her hands on a towel. “Phoebe Hogan. Ela. I can’t remember the last time I saw the two of you together in town. What’s the occasion?”

“Girls’ day out,” Cheyenne said with a laugh. “Look.” She lifted Phoebe’s arm, then Ela’s, and the two women wiggled their fingers to show off their neatly-trimmed nails and soft, scented hands.

“Now I’ve seen it all.” Flora’s daughter, Dora, laughed. “You all smell so good, like a perfume factory. Are you sure somebody isn’t getting married?”

“Nobody that we know of,” Phoebe’s laughter rang through the air as she stared pointedly at Sierra. “But after a day like this, nothing would surprise me.”

Sierra actually blushed under her scrutiny. “We don’t need a special occasion to treat the two hardest-working women I’ve ever known to a day of pampering.”

At Sierra’s words, both Phoebe and Ela flushed with pleasure.

When Cheyenne picked up a menu, Flora called out, “Don’t even bother with that. In honor of this day, I’m making all of you my special. Dora, serve the ladies their drinks and salads while I slice up some of my slow-roasted beef.”

A short time later the four women fell silent as they sipped tea and coffee and nibbled tender roast beef served over a nest of buttered noodles that melted in their mouths. Afterward, before they could say a word, Dora placed four plates in front of them, holding moist pound cake drizzled with powdered sugar and cinnamon, and topped with a dollop of whipped cream.

By the time Josh and Quinn drove the truck, laden with supplies from Homer’s Grain and Seed, to the door of the diner, the four women floated out, their arms around each others’ waists, their eyes crinkled with laughter, giggling like school girls.

Josh took one look at Phoebe’s pretty curls and Ela’s fancy crown atop her head, and turned to Sierra. “Where are Phoebe and Ela, and who are these imposters?”

The two women couldn’t seem to stop giggling.

Quinn caught Phoebe’s hand. “Is that nail polish?”

“It is.” Phoebe wiggled her fingers. “And you ought to see my pretty pink toes.”

Quinn pulled Cheyenne close for a quick kiss. “You’ve corrupted them, woman.”

“It’s all Sierra’s fault,” Cheyenne said. “She’s corrupted all of us. We’ve decided today that it’s so much fun being girls, we’re going to make this an annual affair.”

The four women climbed into their truck and were
still laughing as they drove away, with Josh and Quinn following.

When they arrived back at the ranch, Cole and Big Jim were talking quietly in the kitchen. Seeing the women, they set aside their longnecks.

“Well?” Cole studied Phoebe’s eyes, the soft, pretty curls that danced around her cheeks. Cheeks glowing with color. “How was your day?”

“It was… heavenly.” She turned to Sierra and Cheyenne, and hugged each of them. “I can’t remember when I’ve had so much fun.”

“I’m glad.” Sierra hugged her back. “I can’t remember a better day, either. And we all have Cole to thank. Mary Lou wouldn’t let me pay, because she said she didn’t dare refuse Cole Conway.” She lay a hand on his arm. “Thank you, Cole. That was so sweet and generous of you.”

“It was my pleasure, honey.” He looked beyond her to Phoebe, who was absolutely glowing with happiness. “I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more than the four of you.”

Sierra turned to Ela, who was standing quietly.

Suddenly the old woman opened her arms and enveloped Sierra in a bear hug.

When they stepped apart, Ela’s eyes were dancing. “Thanks to you, I feel pretty.”

“You’re beautiful,” Sierra said softly.

“And you are”—Ela lay a hand on Sierra’s cheek—“a very special, generous soul.”

Big Jim cleared his throat. “Cole and I were just going to take our beer in the other room. We started a fire, and there’s coffee for anyone who wants it.”

As the others made their way to the great room, Josh
paused in the doorway to see the dreamy look on Sierra’s face.

He drew her close and brushed her cheek with a kiss. “Ela’s right, you know. That was a very fine thing you did today. But I’m not surprised. You don’t know how to be ordinary, Sierra. You’ve brought something to my family that is as rare and special as you.”

As they joined the others, where Ela and Phoebe were eagerly recounting every minute of their day, Sierra hugged his words to her heart.

For now, for this one day, she’d helped make two women very happy. It was the least she could do after all they’d done for her. And the joy she could see in their faces was all the thanks she needed.

The four women were still floating on a cloud the following morning.

As they were nearing the end of breakfast, Sierra’s cell phone rang. She excused herself and pushed away from the table to answer it.

After listening to the voice on the other end, her voice sounded a bit breathless. “You’re sure? You’re absolutely certain? Oh, thank you. Thank you.”

A moment later she turned to the others with a blazing smile that revealed the depth of her relief. “That was Chief Fletcher. Ever since I filed the documents, he’s been keeping an eye on Sebastian’s comings and goings. When Sebastian left Paintbrush yesterday to drive to Jackson Hole, the chief asked the state police to follow up.”