Page 34 of The Unbuttoned Ranger
The wind picked up and CaDee felt a tingle travel through her. She swallowed hard, realizing maybe Sharp was right. Spirits occupied the land.
Once she was in the passenger seat of the truck with the door shut, she said, “I had no clue that Piper has sufferedunimaginable pain and loss. I knew she said she’d raised a son and I found that odd that she wouldn’t have pictures everywhere.”
"People cope with loss in different ways," he said as he backed up the truck. "Some choose to keep reminders of loved ones visible, while others prefer to place memories out of sight."
“I’d like to hear your story, Sharp,” she said, looking toward him.
“I’ll make you an offer,” he replied.
“An offer?”
“There’s more I want to show you, but I can’t show you immediately,” he responded.
“Why not?” He sparked curiosity inside of her.
“It needs to happen at a specific time. Are you available this evening for a few hours?”
She swallowed her hesitation. “I don’t know—”
“I won’t keep you long. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this.”
A part of her was very interested, and another part was reluctant. Whatever was happening between them seemed to have a life of its own. Could she even stop it if she wanted to?
Chapter Fifteen
CaDee had no idea where Sharp was taking her, but it had been so long since she’d been on a date she didn’t know how to feel.
Wait…was it a date?
He didn’t ask her out.
She needed to slow her roll.
Looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror she admired the pretty sundress Piper had let her borrow. The material was light and settled over her new curves. Since she’d been at the farm, she’d put on weight and muscle. She hadn’t known the true meaning of tiredness until she started helping Piper. By the time her head hit the pillow each night she fell into a deep sleep.
She slipped on her sandals and started down the hallway, but Piper called to her from the room that always had the door locked. Although CaDee had found it odd, she didn’t pry. She knew the importance of privacy.
“Can I grab a moment from you?” Piper disappeared inside the room.
At the open doorway, CaDee peered inside. It was a boy’s room—Piper’s son’s room. Now it made sense why she kept it locked away.
“Are you just going to stand there?” Piper said.
Entering, CaDee took in the room’s furnishings, suited to a boy in transition to adulthood. It was like Jonathon had walked out of the room and was returning at any moment.
Piper picked up a framed photograph from the nightstand, swiped the dust off with the tail of her shirt, then set it back down as carefully as she would a rare jewel.
“I’m sorry, Piper. Sharp showed me the cemetery. I had no clue and if I’ve ever been insensitive—”
“No reason to apologize.” She smoothed the wrinkles out of the comforter on the bed. “For several years after I would come in here and sleep. For days. Sadness had a hold on me and I couldn’t quite shake it. But life goes on and I had to find my place in it again. I guess I didn’t realize how it still held me in its grip until you and Carsen showed up. I’ve missed having laughter in this old house.”
“Carsen is very fond of you.”
“And I’m very fond of him.” Moisture filled her eyes, but she blinked, and the tears were gone. “My boy loved this room. Carsen can have the room. He needs his own space and so do you.”
“Piper, are you sure?”
She waved a gnarled hand. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m sure.”
