Suddenly the nerves vanished. "I was born ready." Garrett escorted Caitlin to the dance floor and she melted in his arms while they sashayed around the room to the song, "Duke of Earl." Dancing with him proved effortless like clouds floating in the sky. "Grandma Emmaline taught you well," she said.
"Do you remember the town festival of 1982 when Emmaline pulled me onto the dance floor, never letting me rest?" Garrett asked. "I don't know where that woman's stamina came from, but she outlasted everyone. When she gave me a reprieve I found Marshall standing by the punch bowl, laughing, at me. I told him to dance with his wife and he said, 'Not on your life. That woman will kill me. I refuse to die from exhaustion or a heart attack on the dance floor. This town would never let me rest in peace.'"
Nodding, Caitlin heard her granddaddy say those words as if he were standing beside them telling the story. If only he were here tonight, laughing and sharing stories with his friends and neighbors. Life is so unfair. "You are very much like her," Garrett added.
Sighing, Caitlin let her arms drop and she headed to the table. Garrett followed her. "What did I say?"
Caitlin rested her head on her hands. "I love my grandparents, but I don't want to be compared to them. Yes, I am a Chadwick, but I'm also part of the McAllister family." A deep sigh escaped her. "Why does the voice inside me say Valley View will forever keep me a child?" She picked at the linen tablecloth.
Garrett placed his hand over hers causing ripples to run up her arm. "Habit keeps us doing it. I meant it as a compliment, but I understand what you're saying. That's why I moved here to start my ranch. I love my parents and my dad taught me the ranching/training business, but to stay meant comparisons. I wanted a fresh start, my own chance to make it."
It was the very reason she called Richmond home for the last ten years. A chance to do something different; to try living a new life apart from her grandparents' serene life at the Double C ranch. Despite her friendly co-workers and a job she loved, it was a life that did not belong to her. She needed the ranch, the country living, the fresh air, and Garrett breathing new life into her. Ten years was too long to have been away. She looked at Garrett and sighed. "Three out of four ain't bad," she told herself. Those thoughts brought her full circle and she looked at him. "I need a fresh start," she said.