Page 7 of Moonlight Over Montana

Linc and Annie joined hands and she said, “We’ll all help. But can I ask you a question?”

He tipped his head and looked up at her. “I don’t need to answer that since we know even if I said no, you’d ask anyway.” He didn’t have the energy to give her a smile, but she knew he was quick with a one-liner.

“Good, glad we both know where we stand.”

She patted his cheek much like a sister would, if he had one that he was close to. He guessed Annie was the closest he had. “What are you lookin’ to find out, something about the fire?”

“No, I’m sure the sheriff will be out in a few hours to fill us in. What I’d like to know is have you summoned the courage to tell that woman how you feel about her?”

He got up from the porch steps and climbed the last two before looking out over the ranch. This was the best view he’d ever had in his life with the barns, pastures, trees, and the mountains just beyond the river.

“No, Maggie would never be interested in me. I’m a simple guy and she’s, well, Maggie.” He didn’t bother to disguise the reverent tone that laced his words. He gave Annie and Linc a somber look. “I’d rather keep her as my friend than lose her altogether.”

Annie shook her head. “Cowboys and their dumb ideas. Not to worry, we can work on that.” She gazed at Linc. “After all, this stubborn cowboy finally fessed up his true feelings.”

He opened the door and paused on the threshold. “Annie, leave it alone. She’s better off without me as a complication in her life.” He gave a nod goodnight and went inside.

4

Maggie bolted out of bed and for a split second, she had no idea where she was. The sun was streaming through the wooden slats that covered the windows and across the cozy wool blanket that she flung aside. But the memory of her home and diner burning was something she’d never forget. It was burned in her memory. Shaking her head at the ironic pun, she stepped on the cool wooden floorboard. The cabin was silent as she tiptoed out the bedroom door and into the bathroom. After she brushed her teeth, she pressed her ear to the door where Susie must still be sleeping and was grateful all was quiet. Making her way to the front room, she stopped short when she discovered her beautiful sixteen-year-old daughter curled up on the leather sofa under a plaid wool blanket. Her dirty-blond hair was draped over half of her serene face. Not at all looking like they had just lived through the worst night of their lives. But they were alive and for the moment warm and dry. Stuff could be replaced and the diner and their home would be rebuilt. She had insurance money and there was a future ahead of her even if it meant more hard work. The diner had finally gotten to the point it was running smoothly after her parents had handed it over to her, and Maggie had done her best to make her mark with the town. And her huckleberry pie was famous in this part of Montana.

She sank to the arm of a chair and inwardly groaned. There were plenty of orders for Thanksgiving she needed to bake and deliver within a fifty-mile radius. How was she going to do that without a certified kitchen or a vehicle? Real-world problems had just come home to roost.

If she was going to tackle the day head-on, she needed coffee. She padded into the kitchen, making a mental note she needed to find a notepad to make a list of things they had been able to bring with them last night, but more importantly what they’d need to get today to give them some time while she and Susie figured out their next steps.

An old-fashioned percolator sat on the counter with a can of coffee next to it. She tipped her head back and thanked whoever had made sure it was waiting for her. Measuring the grounds and water, she plugged the pot in and hoped it wouldn’t take long. Next, she peered into the refrigerator. Annie had been right about one thing—they wouldn’t starve. It was overflowing with containers filled to the tops, a bowl of fruit, milk, cream, and eggs.

As the coffee began to perk and the rich aroma filled the small kitchen area, she looked at Susie who was stirring. More than likely the smell of normalcy, of coffee, was bringing her back from her dreams.

“Mom?”

Maggie crossed the short distance between them and sat next to her on the sofa. “Morning.”

Susie squinted an eye. “Why’s it so bright in here?”

“No curtains on the windows. Just wooden slat blinds.”

Pulling the blankets up to her chin, she said, “Five more minutes?”

Maggie had to smile. At least something hadn’t changed in the last twelve hours. “Sure. But what do you want to have for breakfast?”

“Whatever.” The blanket covered her head. “Make that ten,” she mumbled.

“Five.” Maggie tugged on the corner of the blanket. “Breakfast first and we need to go up to the main house. I’ll need to borrow a vehicle so we can get into town and see how bad the building and my SUV was damaged.”

Susie flipped the blanket off her head. “Do you think we can try and get some of our clothes? Maybe we can stop at the Suds and Fluff so we can have our own clothes to wear.” She glanced at what she was wearing from Annie. “Not that I didn’t appreciate Annie bringing this stuff down, but I’d rather…” Her voice trailed off and tears filled her eyes. “Mom, what are we going to do?”

She sat down and wrapped her arms around her daughter. “We’ll figure it out. We always do. The Brady women are tough.” Maggie could feel Susie nodding and she sniffled.

A soft knock on the door caught their attention. Maggie called, “Come in.”

The door eased open, and Jed hovered in the doorway. “Mind some company?”

Susie sat up and wiped her cheeks with the edge of the blanket. “Hey, Jed.”

“Sure. I just started coffee if you want a cup.” Maggie moved to stand and he held out his hand.

He took his well-worn cowboy hat and placed it upside down on the side table. “I’ll get it.”

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