The creek was vital to the property. After all, it was a working cattle ranch. Drew owned four hundred acres and leased a two thousand more on Crown land. They had told her laughingly that they would never get rich, but they made a comfortable living from the sale of their cattle, and with the price of beef climbing steadily, had started college funds for the children. Drew had done small engine repairs on the side. Where he got the time she had no idea, but there was always equipment scattered about awaiting his attention.

  The hopelessness of the situation struck Laura. She didn’t have the slightest idea how to run a cattle ranch.

  A knock at the bar door interrupted her thoughts. Through the screen, she saw a man in his thirties, sweat-stained hat in his hands. He wore a long-sleeved shirt, jeans and cowboy boots.

  “Ma’am” he said, “my name is Will Chambers. I worked for Mr. Harkness.”

  Laura wondered at the past tense but remained silent.

  “I’m sorry Ma’am, but with Mr. Harkness gone, I’m going to be moving on.”

  “Why?” This was all she needed. “Is there something wrong?”

  He looked at her oddly. “Well, Ma’am, I’m thinking you’ll either sell the ranch or sell the cattle.” He smiled sheepishly. “So I decided I’d better find myself another job before winter sets in.” He shifted from one foot to the other. “I’ll be working a spread down at Hundred Mile, but I’ll stay today and tomorrow. I’ll be leaving on Wednesday.”

  She looked past him, toward the stables. “Do you live here on the property?”

  He gave her another look. “Yes, Ma’am. Drew, I mean Mr. Harkness, he built a nice little place off the far end of the stable. It’s got power and water, everything a man could want.”

  Laura was tempted to ask him to stay but what could she offer him? She had no idea what the future held.

  “Will you leave me your number before you go?” She put out a hand. “Wait. What about wages? You must be owed something.”

  “Mrs. Harkness does that direct deposit stuff.” He held up an iPhone. “She pays me by the month, that’s why I’m leaving on Wednesday.”

  Laura almost laughed out loud. He might be a cowboy, but he was connected. “Well all right, Mr. Chambers. You’re right, I have no idea what I’m going to do. I wish I could be more decisive, but the kids are my first priority right now. Good luck.”

  “Thank you Ma’am.” He put his hat back on and walked down the steps.

  She watched him go, then turned back into the house and dug through her purse. “I’d better get in touch with that lawyer,” she muttered. “I’m definitely in over my head.”

  * * *

  The lawyer’s receptionist greeted her warmly. “You children will be fine right here while you go over things with Mitch.” She got them settled in the reception area. Except for the time they’d slept, they’d stayed within sight of her. Especially Hayley, who often clung to her leg, comforted by the touch.

  “I’ll keep an eye on them.” Mitch’s receptionist gave her a reassuring smile. She opened her drawer and pointed to a candy dish, asking Laura’s permission. Laura nodded, and she brought it out where the children could see it.

  “Well, hello.” Mitch stood up and offered his hand. “Thank you for coming so promptly.” He gestured for her to sit down.

  The meeting took much longer than she had anticipated. Jenna and Drew had left specific instructions about their wishes, their finances, and the future of their children.

  “It’s unusual for a young couple to go into this much detail” Mitch said, “but I think the fact that they were both orphaned when they were young had something to do with that.” He shook his head in admiration. “You’re not legally bound to follow their wishes of course, but how do you feel about what you’re heard so far?”

  Laura looked down at the papers in her hand but didn’t see the words. “My takeaway is that they’d like me to continue with the ranch and let the kids grow up here.” She looked up to find him watching her. “It’s a big ask, and I don’t know anything about ranching. They knew that.”

  “We discussed that, but they seemed confident that you could do anything you set your mind to.”

  She flipped through the papers and stopped at the last page. “These appear to be recent,” she said.

  “Yes, Jenna and Drew came to me within the last month and added the specific request that you keep the children here and attempt to run the ranch.”

  Laura forced herself to meet his eyes. “I’ve only been out of rehab a little over three weeks. I’m overwhelmed that they had this much faith in me.”

  “I know about that, and you’re right about one thing. They believed in you.”

  She nodded to herself. “At this point I’m inclined to say that I’ll try it for a year but I already have a problem. Drew had a ranch hand who gave his notice because of the uncertainty. If I’m going to keep this ranch going, I’ll definitely need some help. I don’t even know how to feed the horses, let alone take care of the cattle.”

  The lawyer fiddled with his pen for a moment. “Do you think you could talk the ranch hand into staying?”

  “I don’t think so. He said he has another job.”

  “That’s unfortunate. Ask him to recommend someone; those fellas usually know each other. If he can’t give you a name, then give me a call...we’ll find someone.”

  “Okay. So I guess that just leaves the funeral.”

  “We can have it on Friday.” He motioned toward the receptionist’s area. “Pamela has volunteered to handle everything for you. She knows how busy you must be.” He looked at his watch. “We can get the announcement in Thursday’s paper if we call right away, and she’s already touched base with the funeral director. I expect you’ll be relieved to have that out of the way.”

  “Thank you again. I’d better go get the kids.” She stood up and accepted the envelope of paperwork he handed her. “Know something?” she asked, smiling for the first time today. “I think I can do this.”

  “I know you can. And by the way, school registration is this week.” He walked with her to the front and the children came running. “Come on kids,” she said, tucking the envelope under her arm and taking a child in each hand. “Let’s go get some ice cream.”

  * * *

  Laura was taking a walk with the children that evening when the ranch hand found them. The children had always accompanied Jenna and Drew on their nightly walk, and they seemed to take comfort from this familiar ritual.

  “Hello, Ma’am.” He moved from one leg to the other, clearly uncomfortable. “I’ll be leaving in the morning, but I wanted to tell you about a fella who came by this morning looking for work. You’ll need somebody until you decide what you’re going to do.”

  Laura didn’t tell him about her decision. “You know what’s expected better than I do, Will. Do you think he’s qualified?”

  He hesitated for a moment before he spoke. “Yes, Ma’am, I think so. He said he’s been working up in the Peace for the past couple of years.”

  Laura frowned. “Did he say why he left?”

  He looked uncomfortable. “No, Ma’am. I didn’t think it was my place to ask.”

  “No, I suppose not. What’s his name?”

  “Toby Black. He promised to come by first thing in the morning and see you.”

  “Okay. Thanks, Will.”

  “Thank you, Ma’am.” He tipped his hat and sauntered off. He seemed like a nice man, and Laura was sorry to see him go.

  Mark pushed Hayley on a tire swing while Laura watched from an old Adirondack chair. Was it really only two days ago that she’d left the winery? She hadn’t had a moment to spare since she arrived, and the rest of the week looked just as busy.

  Her thoughts drifted to Bradley. How would he react when he heard what she had undertaken? She wished she could phone him and talk to him about the dramatic changes in her life. Would he understand? She honestly didn’t know.

  “There’s one way to find out,” she said aloud and stood up. “I’m going into the house to make a phone call,” she called to the children.

  Hayley looked startled and Laura thought perhaps she’d follow, but Mark kept on pushing the swing and Hayley settled down. It was the first time they’d been on their own since she arrived and Laura smiled to herself. The road ahead would be long, but this was a first step.

  “Trellis Restaurant, Klaus speaking. May I help you?”

  Laura checked her watch and frowned. Why was Klaus answering the phone at this time of day? “May I speak with Candy please?”

  “I’m sorry, Candy is out of town. Is there something I can do for you?”

  “Klaus, this is Laura.”

  “Oh Laura. I thought I hadn’t seen you around. Candy and Matt have gone to the coast for a few days. They’ll be back on Thursday evening.”

  “Oh.” She thought quickly. “Is Faith around?”

  “No, but I expect her in about half an hour. Shall I leave a message?” He turned away and spoke to some customers.

  “No. Thanks, Klaus. I won’t bother you. I can hear you’re busy.”

  “As always. Goodbye, Laura.” He disconnected.

  She stared at the phone in her hand. The vineyard seemed a world away...as though it belonged to another time. She walked slowly back outside and sat down on the steps overlooking the back yard. Had Jenna and Drew realized the enormity of what they asked?

  Happy shrieks caught her attention. Mark had managed to climb up the rope and stood above Hayley, his feet braced on the tire. Her instinct was to call him down, but he slowed the swing and jumped down, obviously proud of his athletic prowess. They both came running. “Did you see us, Aunty Laura? Did you see?”

  She gathered them into her arms. “You were amazing!” she said, and meant it. For now these children needed her. Her own life would have to wait.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Laura looked up from the stove at the sound of footsteps on the back porch. She had remembered that the children liked spaghetti, and was cooking a big batch of sauce and planned to freeze the extra.

  “Hello,” she said through the screen door. “Can I help you?”

  The man didn’t remove his hat. He seemed to be sizing her up. “I was thinkin’ I could help you.”

  She wiped her hands on Jenna’s apron and opened the screen door. “You must be the fellow Will told me about.”

  He nodded. “Toby Black’s my name. I heard you might need some help.”

  She walked out onto the porch. “Yes, I do, but I have to be honest with you. I can’t promise you anything beyond one year.”

  “Sounds okay.” He looked at her then looked away. He didn’t smile and his eyes were too close together, but he looked capable enough. “Will said the job includes a place to stay.”

  “That’s right.” She removed the apron and hung it over the railing. “Come on, it’s this way.” She walked with him to the far side of the stable. She’d heard Will’s truck leaving before she got out of bed. “I haven’t had a chance to check it out since Will left.”

  The accommodation consisted of one good sized room containing kitchen, table, two easy chairs and a bed, plus a bathroom. It was surprisingly tidy. Sheets and blankets were folded on the bed.

  “I’ll bring you some fresh sheets later on,” she said, gathering up the used ones. She glanced at the kitchen shelves. “I see Will left you some canned goods.”

  He didn’t look. “I’ll be fine, thanks.” She was being dismissed.

  He wouldn’t have been her first choice, but he was here, and willing to take on the job. As she was walking slowly back toward the house Mark appeared at her side.

  “Who’s that?” he asked, his tone surprisingly belligerent for a seven year old.

  “That’s the new hand. He’s going to help us out now that Will’s moved on.”

  “I liked Will.” He picked up a small stone and threw it. “I don’t like him.”

  Laura was inclined to agree. “Why not, Mark?”

  “Dunno.” The small shoulders shrugged. “I just don’t.”

  “Well, he’s new. I suppose we have to get to know him.”

  Mark didn’t seem convinced, but he remained silent. Laura glanced back and saw Toby walking into the stable. She could only hope that the child’s instincts were wrong.

  * * *

  Puffy clouds hugged the western horizon on the day of the funeral, but overhead the skies were brilliant blue. Laura had agonized over whether or not to take the children to the church. In the end, she had decided to take them. She was sure that there were convincing arguments for both points of view, but decided that later in life Mark would thank her for allowing him to be present. She drew the line at taking them to the gravesite ceremony. There would be time for that later.

  The church was crowded for the short ceremony. There wasn’t enough space for everyone and people stood along the sides and in the back, paying their respects to Jenna and Drew who had been well liked in the community. Laura stared straight ahead, cradling one child on each side. She had no idea what was said; it was all she could do to hold herself together. The townsfolk eyed her curiously as the trio walked out holding hands. Her pride in the children had never been greater as all three stepped dry-eyed into the brilliant sunshine.

  She took them to the city park to pass time during the gravesite ceremony. Anticipating a big crowd, Pamela Jackson from the lawyer’s office had arranged for a reception in the Community Centre. The Women’s Auxiliary of the church was taking care of refreshments, and Laura made a mental note to offer her thanks and support when she was more settled.

  After an hour at the reception, the children were becoming restless and Laura was having trouble remembering her own name, let alone the names of the hundreds of people who’d showed up at the Community Centre. She had greeted every one of them, and was relieved to see no new faces coming through the door. Before she left, she thanked Pamela and then slipped out the side door with the children.

  * * *

  Bradley was sitting in the dark when he saw headlights coming up the long drive. He’d been thinking about Laura. Deep in his heart he knew that the spark between them had not gone out.

  Massimo had already come home and was snoring loudly in the cabin behind him, and he’d heard Jason enter his cabin a couple of hours ago. The vehicle pulled up to the residence, and he recognized Candy and Matt’s SUV.

  He didn’t waste any time. They were still hauling their suitcases out of the back when he caught up with them.

  “Bradley! You startled me.” Candy turned to him. “Is everything all right?”

  He had his message ready. Did you talk to Laura before she left? He moved into the light and showed her.

  “Laura’s gone?” She frowned in an effort to remember. “Let’s see. We left on Sunday night after the restaurant closed. Yes, that’s right. There was an urgent call for her on Sunday morning.” She looked up at him. “That was the day you two went on a picnic, right?”

  Bradley nodded impatiently.

  “Okay...let me think...yes, there was an urgent message. She came over to the restaurant in the afternoon and I gave it to her. After that I didn’t see her again. She’s gone, you say?”

  He nodded again, frustrated. He hadn’t learned anything new. He typed. Do you remember what the message was about?

  Candy shook her head. “It wasn’t a real message. Just a man’s name and a phone number. I think he said he was calling from Williams Lake.”

  Williams Lake was where Laura’s friend lived. Any doubts he might have had about Laura vanished on the night air, but were replaced by a new fear. He typed rapidly. Do you remember his name...number?

  Candy smiled. “I can do you one better. I have copies of all my phone messages.” She looked into his eyes. “Do you want me to get it now?”

  His smile was her answer.

  He stared at the piece of paper. Call Mitch Barton 250-555-4250. He looked at Candy.

  “I suppose you want me to call for you?” She looked at her watch. “It’s after eleven, you know.”

  Don’t care, he typed.

  “Okay.” She watched him pace as the phone rang. “Hello? Is this Mitch Barton?” She paused for a moment. “I’m sorry to be calling so late. This is Candy Peterson. You called here last Sunday and left an urgent message for Laura MacLeod.” Another pause. “I’ve been out of town since then and I’ve just learned that she left. Is she up there by any chance?”

  The reply seemed to be taking forever. Bradley took a deep, calming breath.

  “Oh My God.”

  His head snapped around.

  “And the funeral’s tomorrow?” She darted a look at Bradley. “Listen, do you mind telling me where the ranch is? There’s someone here who was very close to her and I have a feeling he wants to see her.” She jotted down an address. “Okay, and thanks a lot. Sorry to have bothered you.”

  She hung up the phone. “Her best friend and her husband were killed last Friday.”

  Bradley’s fingers flew over the keypad. Laura is Godmother to their children.

  “Yes, that’s what he said.” She set down the phone. “What a turn of events.” She looked at him again. “You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”

  His pulse accelerated. Yes, he nodded.

  “Then I guess you’ll be leaving us.” She put out a hand, touched him on the arm. “Please do me one last favour though. Wait until morning. These highways are full of trucks at night, and we don’t need any more disasters.”

  Okay, he mouthed. What about the harvest? he typed.

  She waved a hand in front of her face. “Don’t worry about that. We’ve already hired one of the crews that come up specifically to pick grapes.” She gave him a gentle smile. “Matt has really enjoyed having you here, but he knew you wouldn’t be staying long.” She kissed him on the cheek. “Good luck, Bradley Jamieson, and give Laura my love.”