On the way to the Second Chance, Caitlin took a detour and stopped at the Double C. She stared in wonderment at the progress Harry's construction team was making. How she wanted to pick up a hammer and start working, but she understood nothing about building from the ground up. Harry's brother, Jed, moseyed over her way.
"Good afternoon, Miss Chadwick. What do you think?"
"Incredible."
"If the rain holds out a few more weeks, we'll be ahead of schedule and this place will be open before you know it." They both looked into the sky and saw the gray clouds, growing larger and hanging in mid-air. Caitlin wished for them to move on, but she doubted in that wish being granted. Even the air held the hint of rain.
Butterflies danced in her stomach and the smile on her face showed enthusiasm beyond a child's. Her dream was so close to happening and it scared yet excited her. They walked the property and with each step, her enthusiasm grew more. Finally, Caitlin ended up at the new house. Only the outer structure was complete, but she went inside anyway. Memories of the old house rushed to the surface bringing a flood of tears.
Arms went around her and she leaned into the strong man. His chin rested on the top of her head. "Strange, isn't it?"
"Even with the house gone, their voices linger. Grandma Emmaline sings to me. Granddaddy is laughing and telling stories. Do you think he's guiding this crew?"
"No doubt. Does anything happen here that Marshall doesn't have a hand in?" Garrett said, turning Caitlin to him.
"How did you know I was here?"
"A hunch. You weren't at the house and when I went to call Rachel's, I knew."
She stared into his rugged, handsome face and wondered if it was possible to continue falling in love with someone. Because it happened each time she saw him, each time he understood her without needing to ask questions. All was back on track, because he sensed where she was and what she needed.
After surveying the work they went back to his place. They hung out in the kitchen eating at the butcher-block table. Neither needed a fancy dining room to enjoy food and each other's company. Plans about the ranch kept their conversation going for hours. When the grandfather clock chimed midnight, Caitlin gasped. "This princess needs to get home before she turns into a pumpkin. I had fun."
"Me, too." He escorted her to her car but refused to let her get in. "I'm not ready to let you go yet." He pulled her close to him and held her. They swayed in the moonlight as distant thunder provided background music. "You best get home, before that storm arrives. Around here it can pounce upon you without warning."