Rocky Mountain Angel

Chapter Five

Her mother’s face lit up for a moment before concern crowded in. “Hey. What are you doing here?”

Allison stepped into the familiar kitchen and wrapped her arms around Maisey, tucking her chin against her mom’s neck and breathing deeply.

The scent of family. The scent of home.

“I’m not allowed to stop in to say hi?”

“You didn’t even tell me you were coming.” Maisey squeezed one last time before releasing her and stepping back. Her gaze darted over Allison, probably noting the blue jeans and cotton shirt instead of her normal more businesslike clothing. “Look at you. You’re in town to visit one of your organic suppliers, aren’t you?”

Allison forced a grin. “Well, kind of. I have a ton to tell you. Are you headed into the restaurant this morning, or do you have time to talk?”

“Paul and Elle are working early today. I’ll go in for dinner and shut down.” Maisey pointed to the table and the coffee carafe. “And I always have time for you.”

Maintaining an excited, happy expression was difficult, but Allison thought she managed, sneaking peeks at her mother as she prepared a coffee. The drink was more to have something to do with her hands than because she was thirsty.

Maisey had grown thinner. The lines on her face were deep this morning, and the shoulder-length hair she usually kept dyed brown was streaked with the grey that had set in during her husband’s long illness.

Allison’s doubts eased even as her concern grew. Returning to Rocky was more than a whim—her mom needed her.

Maisey sat and raised a brow. “So, talk.”

Allison waited for a minute, hoping against hope her mother would be the first to crack. “Anything new in Rocky? How are all of you doing?”

Her mom paused then shrugged. “Paul was complaining about the tax forms, and Elle’s been seeing one of the newspaper reporters. New fellow to town. He’s nice enough, I suppose.”

Even wound up like a spring, Allison couldn’t stop the laugh from bursting out. “But he’s not from around here, is that it?”

Maisey looked guilty. “I did say he was nice.”

Allison pressed on. “And you? How have you been doing? It was a miserable winter.”

Her mom turned her gaze out the window and stared for a moment.

Was she going to spill the beans? Come on, Mom, tell me. Share.

All her meager hope slipped away as Maisey did no more than sigh heavily then point at the tree outside. “It was a terrible winter. The last snowfall came after the tree was already budding out, and we lost a few limbs. Your father and I were married under that willow, you know. Sad to see it in such rough shape.”

Allison made a mental note to get a tree-pruner in to save the tree if possible. “And you? What’s new?”

Maisey waved off her attempt. “Now you, stop it. Tell me why you’re here on a workday.”

It was no use. The plan had to kick into gear, and now. She smiled as hard as she could, hoping her expression didn’t look as fake as it felt. “I have good news. I’m coming back to Rocky.”

Her mother stuttered to a stop with the coffee cup halfway to her lips. Her jaw dropped slightly. “No. I thought the company said there wasn’t enough business yet to set up a second office, especially not out this way.”

Allison shook her head. “It’s not for work, Mom. I’m moving back, because, well, I’ve been seeing someone, and we’re getting married.”

Coffee sloshed over the edge of Maisey’s cup as she placed it back on the table. “Married? I didn’t even know you were dating, and you’re getting married? What on earth?”

“Oh, Mom. I just…wait, I said that wrong. We’re engaged. We’re going to get married, only not this minute. At least, we think we want to get married, but it’s been tough, since he lives here, and with me working in Red Deer. So I decided since he can’t move, and I can, I’d come back to Rocky. While we double-check to make sure it’s what we want. The getting-married, I mean.”

Could she possibly do a worse job of this?

A small smile tickled the corner of her mom’s mouth, though. “You’re giddy. Who’s got you so flustered you can’t even tell me straight out that you’ve fallen in love?”

Allison flushed. She felt the instant heat on her cheeks and figured she must be beet red. “Gabe. Gabe Coleman.”

Maisey full-out grinned as she lifted a finger and shook it in her daughter’s face. “I told you he had a crush on you back in high school, but you never let on. You said it was nothing.”

And it had been. But hey, if her mom wanted to think this was destiny finishing its work? Allison set loose the reins and let the idea run.

“Well, it’s something now, enough I’ve come back.”

“Well, we’ll just have to find you a spot, then. Elle took over your old room when you left, but there’s always the guest room.”

The heat in her face continued to rage, but damn it, she was a grown woman. “I’m planning on moving in with Gabe.”

Maisey’s brow lifted, and Allison prepared for a lecture. When her dad had been alive such a thing would never have been considered appropriate.

She was tempted to return to the family home, but Gabe had made a valid point. She could spend as much time as she wanted to with her mom without him complaining, but staying nights at his place made their ruse more plausible without putting him out by always having to be with her.

“Well, you’re old enough to know your own mind, Allison. But you’re always welcome here.”

It was what she needed to hear, but her mouth must have been hanging open in shock because her mom laughed.

“Oh, sweetie, I know. It’s not what you expected, is it? But…” Maisey’s gaze darted out the window for a moment before coming back to land on her daughter, the touch soft as a hug. “Life’s too short. If you love Gabe and want to see if this is right for you, then you do what you have to. Only until you’re sure? Please don’t get pregnant.”

“Mom!”

“Well, that happens, you know. When you’re sharing a bed with someone you love.”

Allison covered her face with her hands. “I’m not having this conversation. It’s not happening.”

Maisey stroked her fingers lightly, laughter still clear in her voice. “I’ll shut up now. But I’m very happy for you.” She rose and snuck around the table, and Allison savoured every second of her mother’s hug. Just soaked in the acceptance and the warmth.

They separated, and Allison had one more second to enjoy the peace before a look of horror crossed her mom’s face.

“What? Why are you looking like that?”

“Oh, Allison. The Colemans? There’s no room here to have them all over for an engagement party. We’ll use the restaurant. I can shut it down on—”

No way. She was cutting that one off at the pass. “Gabe and I talked about a party. Not now. Give us time, okay? We’ll do dinner with you, Elle and Paul, and I’ll visit with his family, but nothing big. Not until…”

Her mom slowed slightly. “Until you’re sure. Honey, do you love him?”

Allison wondered if breaking into a coughing fit in the middle of her confession would be suspicious, but she didn’t want to outright lie. She pulled out all the drama classes she remembered from high school and let the most fool-hearted sensation rise up. She was a romance heroine confessing her love for her suitor.

“He’s…Gabe.”

Even in her ears it sounded lovesick and dreamy. Now she had to concentrate on not bursting out giggling as her mother clasped her hands together with happiness.

“Then that’s all I need to know. Oh, I’m so happy for you.”

One more power hug later, Allison managed to escape with the promise that she and her fiancé would join the others for dinner Saturday evening.

“And I won’t say a word to Elle or Paul. You and Gabe can tell them the good news yourself.”

Oh joy.

“They’re going to be so surprised,” Maisey continued. Allison agreed, but managed to avoid snorting in response.

They worked together to clear the table, and fortunately, when her mother turned, it was for another reason altogether.

“If you’re here, are you still able to keep your job?”

Allison shook her head. “That’s the other thing I wanted to ask you. Is it possible for me to pick up hours at the restaurant? I don’t want you to fire anyone, but if there’s room for me…”

Her mom beamed. “We can always use your help. In fact, we were getting ready to make changes to the menu again—you know springtime is when your father liked to shake things up.”

She went on for a while about improvements they had in mind. It hit Allison that she was fortunate she’d be able to honour the promises she’d made to Gabe. Even though she hadn’t physically been working at the family restaurant, she’d always been involved in the supply and ordering end. One less thing to worry about.

There was no reason to rush away, so Allison pulled out paper and worked on ideas for menu changes with her mom. They opened up the laptop and poured over recipes. It was like in the old days, before she’d moved away, and it was so good.

Maisey looked tired, though, her skin slightly more yellow than usual in the bright sunshine coming through the window.

Allison put on the kettle and made tea. While there was still time, she was going to enjoy every second as much as possible.

Gabe waited as she pulled into the driveway. He’d called his ma and asked if she’d be home in the afternoon. News would spread quickly once the word got out, and he didn’t want her to be the last one to hear. Even if this was a ruse, she’d kick his butt for not sharing.

Allison’s face was red, tear streaks marking her cheeks as she came to a stop. She wiped a hand over her eyes and popped open the door. “I know I’m late. I’m a mess. Give me five minutes to wash my face.”

“Take ten. You’re not that late.” He twisted his shoulders to allow her to pass him as she bolted toward the back of the house.

Following her would probably make her feel worse, so instead he slipped into the kitchen and poured them both drinks. The water ran in the background, and the soft sound of her voice.

“What you need?” he asked, but there was no response. The murmuring continued, low and steady, and his curiosity dragged him to the door of his bedroom.

The closer he got, the easier it was to recognize her words. A steady stream of them escaped her lips as she stared into the mirror and gave herself a pep talk. Gabe took a deep breath and stepped back before she could spot him.

Damn determined to do this, no matter what it cost her. Her stubborn resolution impressed him. Made something inside him kind of proud that she’d picked him as a partner in her wild hair of an idea.

He sipped his juice and resisted peeking at his watch.

“Ready.”

Gabe checked her over quickly. Her eyes were still bright, her cheeks flushed but clean. She’d switched tops in the past two minutes and pulled on a white shirt that looked fancier than anything he’d seen her in before.

“You look good.”

She shrugged. “Wasn’t sure how dressed up to get, but I still want to look nice. I don’t want to make your mom uncomfortable, but I don’t want her to think that I’m not trying to impress her. But I don’t want her to think I’m trying to impress her and…”

Gabe let his amusement bubble out in his laughter.

“You know how to tangle yourself in more knots than anyone I’ve ever met. My ma likes you. You don’t need to impress her.”

“I like her too.”

This funny expression twisted her face and she peeked his direction. She was checking him out, clearly wanting to ask him something.

“What’s got you now?”

Allison shrugged. “You are a good man, Gabe. That’s all.”

Which was an answer, but not much of one. “Thanks.”

He held out his hand and she eyed him with suspicion.

“Get used to it. I’m a romantic son of a gun, or so I’ve been told. If we’re not holding hands or cuddling up, people will wonder.”

She stuck her fingers into his, still warm from the washing. He ignored everything else and tugged her after him.

When she would have walked to her car, he changed her direction, bringing her to the driver side of his truck.

“I can drive, Gabe.”

“I noticed. Get in.” He opened the door and stood motionless as she stared at him.

“You going to be this bossy the entire time?”

“What? I’m opening the door like a gentleman. Nothing bossy about that.”

Allison rolled her eyes before she followed his order and crawled up, shuffling past the steering wheel to the passenger seat.

He did up his seat belt without saying anything, but he didn’t put the truck into gear. Just sat there. Waited.

She was a smart thing. He was sure he didn’t need to give her any more directions.

“Gabe, you planning on heading over there soon? Your mom must be waiting for us.”

“She’ll be busy around the house, don’t you worry.”

Allison leaned on the side door, opened her mouth to say something else. Her gaze dropped to the empty space between them. The groan that escaped her was damn amusing.

She unclipped and slid to the center seat, her thigh nice and warm where it rested alongside his. “Like I said, bossy.”

Gabe slipped the truck into gear and backed out of his parking spot. “Just making sure we don’t do anything stupid to spill the beans. It’s not as if sitting beside me is going to give you cooties or something.”

She leaned back and sighed. “Nope. And you’re right. The only time couples sit on the opposite side of the cab is when they’ve had a fight.”

He laughed. “We used to tease the guys about how much action they were going to get based on how close their girls sat after a night out on the town. My cousin Steve got the worst ragging after he bought a truck with bucket seats in the front. He could never win after that.”

“You Coleman crew can be nasty.”

“Not even counting the stick-shift jokes.” The burst of laughter from her made Gabe smile. That’s what he wanted to hear. Get her mind off what she was doing for a while, because even though they were pulling a fast one, it didn’t mean they had to live like some kind of robots for the next however many months.

Allison was going to need some laughter in her life.

The short trip to his parents’ house they talked about the other Coleman cousins—who was doing what and who was still in the area. She’d known the entire clan, so it wasn’t difficult to get her caught up.

“You don’t have to see the lot of them until July first. Coleman Canada Day picnic. We’ll hit Traders Pub to meet the cousins before then, though.”

Allison nodded, but her attention was focused on the house as they pulled up front. “It looks pretty much the same as I remember.”

He stopped her when she would have slid over and crawled out the passenger door, instead pulling her after him. “When have you been here?”

“Outside? A few times when there was some sporting event and we came over to give Michael a ride…”

They both froze. Just for a second before Gabe pushed the memories aside and tugged her from the cab. “Right. Paul and Michael played basketball together. Or one of those sports, right?”

She was on the ground, right up close to him, but his body was so tight that she could have been anyone. Didn’t matter that she still smelt like apple blossoms, or that they were damn near hugging.

Michael’s grinning face flashed before his eyes, his younger brother’s cocky and devil-may-care expression imprinted on Gabe’s very soul.

A pair of soft hands cupped his cheeks as Allison tilted his head down and their eyes met. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to remind you.”

A million things reminded him of his missing brother, if he’d let the pain come. A million things, and his father. “It’s okay. We’re just fine.”

He pulled himself together, pulled on the façade and wrapped his pain up tight where it couldn’t sneak out. “Nothing to be sorry for. I don’t want you watching what you say around me. I’m not some china doll you have to worry about breaking.”

He started them toward the house, concentrating hard on not letting it show how much he hurt. It was Allison who slipped her fingers into his, squeezing tight.

God, if she apologized again he was going to be walking into his mama’s house while bawling like a damn baby.

“When does Rafe get home?” she asked instead, and a bit of his tension drained away.

“Usually around four if he takes the bus. Should just be my ma right now.”

She nodded. They paused on the top of the steps, the wobbly fourth board pissing him off. He’d offered to repair it, but he’d been stupid enough to make the suggestion in front of Ben. Now he was forced to wait for the man to get around to fixing the problem so that his ma wouldn’t take the brunt of his father’s complaining.

Allison looked a little flustered. “Do we knock?”

He laughed. “She’d have my ears if we get all formal on her.”

Gabe opened the door and leaned his head in. “Ma, we’re here.”

They stepped into the entranceway. The long line of hooks on the wall was so familiar, the worn linoleum underfoot. Inside was his mother’s domain, as much as it could be, and everything sparkled. Scrubbed and cleaned within an inch of its life. Dana Coleman didn’t tolerate her bit of the world to be messy.

He was hanging up Allison’s coat when his ma came into view.

She wiped her hands on a towel, gaze skimming over him to land on Allison. She pulled to a stop, her polite visitor’s smile leaping into place. “Allison Parker. You have grown up now, haven’t you?”

“Mrs. Coleman.” Allison held out a hand and his ma shook it firmly, her gaze darting over Allison’s shoulder to meet his own. She raised both eyebrows high, as if asking what the heck was going on.

Gabe’s unease shifted into something far different. “You need help with anything, Ma?”

She shook her head and led them into the house. “No, I’ve got a pot of tea on, and some fresh-baked cookies. Everything is in the back, though. Just let me grab it and bring it out here.”

“Don’t make more work for yourself. I don’t mind sitting in the kitchen.” Allison followed hard on Dana’s heels.

“She’s right, the kitchen is nice. Smells like heaven.”

His ma paused in the doorway, obviously fighting her compulsion to seat guests in the living room. She frowned at him, and he smiled, ready to reassure her.

Allison’s gasp distracted them both, as did her long awww as she pressed past Dana and headed straight for the box tucked up against the wall.

“Looks like we’re sitting in the kitchen, Ma.”

“Looks like it.” Dana smiled but her questioning gaze continued to bounce between him and Allison.

The woman had apparently forgotten to feel shy around his mother. All her attention was focused on the swirling mass of furry kittens tucked inside the cardboard shelter. “They’re adorable. Can I touch them?”

“Ma?”

Dana bustled about, setting another cup on the table and pulling out a few more baked goodies. “Go ahead. The mother died, and I found the little things just yesterday. Almost starved. They seem to have recovered nicely, though.”

Allison needed no additional coaxing. She dropped to the floor and crossed her legs. In no time flat she had one of the dark brown bodies cradled against her cheek. “Oh, she’s so soft. How old are they?”

“Just over a month I guess. They were nearly weaned, from what I can tell.”

Gabe pulled out a chair and sat, smiling as Allison plopped one kitten into the hollow of her lap and picked up another. Watching her tenderly handle the tiny creatures made something inside of him happy.

He was glad she could find stuff to enjoy.

“Is tea good? Or you want some coffee?” Dana asked.

His ma held out the cookies and he willingly accepted a couple. “Tea is fine.”

He let her fuss for another minute since Allison was still distracted with the kittens. Distracted, but obviously watching enough that when Dana sat, Allison gently returned the tiny furballs to the box.

She rose and slipped to the sink to wash her hands. “They’re beautiful.”

Dana nodded. “That batch are pretty little things. I’m tempted to keep one of them in the house, but inside is not the place for barn cats.”

“My mom always says the same.”

Allison paused at the edge of the counter. Gabe answered her dilemma before her hesitation became any clearer. He pulled out the chair beside him and patted the seat.

He’d managed to twist the sturdy wooden thing to be right in line with his so when she sat, his arm along the backrest lightly touched her shoulders. She was as close to being held in his embrace as they could be while sitting in different chairs.

His mom’s eyes widened before she caught herself and poured Allison’s cup full. “You visiting your family, Allison?”

Allison fidgeted with her plate. “A bit.”

“She’s here to visit me too,” Gabe cut in.

His ma smiled, the touch of a smirk disappearing behind her cup. When she lowered the dainty thing, her expression still showed amusement. “Really? That’s nice.”

Allison twisted to glance at him. “Yes, Gabe and I…”

He covered her fidgeting fingers with his own. Dana’s gaze snapped to the linked hands, and her smile got bigger.

Gabe cleared his throat. Time to get this thing rolling. “We’re engaged.”

There was a moment’s pause, but his ma pretty much did what he expected. She shot to her feet and was around the table and hugging them both without another word.

It was a bit of a tangle of arms and heads, and Gabe laughed. “I take it that’s mom code for congrats.”

Dana pulled back. “You two are the sneakiest people I ever met. I knew something was up, but damn if I could figure it out. Yes, congratulations. And, Allison, if this young man gives you any grief, you let me know. I’ll tell you all the ways to make him behave.”

Allison settled back in her chair as his ma returned to the other side of the table. “Thank you. I’m glad you’re not…”

“More surprised? Girl, I am completely surprised. But at the same time, I knew something was up. Didn’t think it was that you two were running around on the sly. How long has this been going on?”

Gabe dropped his arm along the back of the chair again. It was kind of nice to have Allison relaxing against him. “What do you mean you knew something was up?”

His ma stared him down. “You aren’t the most talkative of creatures, Gabe Coleman, but the past couple years you’ve been awfully quiet, even for you. At the start I thought you were planning on moving out of the area again, but once you built your cabin I knew it couldn’t be that.”

Damn. Maybe his secret projects hadn’t been so secret after all. This excuse of having been seeing Allison on the side was a good thing to cover his tracks. “I’m not planning on leaving anytime soon, Ma. I told you that when I came back to town.”

Dana folded her hands in front of her. “Well, I’m glad to hear it. Are you working at the restaurant again, Allison?”

The conversation drifted into safe, easy territory, and Gabe listened without having to add much to the discussion as Allison and his ma chatted about the community. The side flap of the box came loose and one of the kittens got caught, hips falling through the crack. He leaned over to grab the little creature. So small and defenceless. He rested the tiny beast in his lap and stroked it carefully.

“You want an engagement party?” Dana asked.

Allison shook her head. “My mom asked the same thing, but if you don’t mind, we don’t really want one. I’ll be busy getting settled in the new job and everything.”

“No problem. I bet your mom is thrilled you’re going to be so close by. I know I missed Gabe terribly when he moved out of Rocky.”

Moved out because if he had stayed he would have gone mad. “Well, we’re all back now. And I should get to work. We just wanted to let you know our plans.”

“Did you—” Dana broke off then nodded briskly. “I’ll let your father know. And Rafe, if you want.”

Allison had tightened at the mention of Ben. Great, seemed she liked his father as much as pretty well everyone else in town. “I’ll see Rafe when he’s doing chores. Let him razz me about getting hitched on his own.”

They rose and made their goodbyes, Dana promising to call Allison to chat when she could. It was all far simpler than he’d thought it would be. Once things got a little more settled in the next couple days, they could make a list of what he needed to do to get the ranch started on the road to recovery.

It was all working out just fine.