“So it was actually a second stunt exhibition that got you a job with a global star?”

  “That and my excellent sense of timing,” she teased. “But it wasn’t all glory.”

  “What did you do?”

  “I said I could do the stunt. I really shouldn’t have pushed my way in, but they were at a loss, and the longer they waited to sort out a solution, the more money it was costing the studio.”

  “Wow, that’s either a wild or a brave thing to do,” Cal stated.

  “Exactly. Without thinking or asking anyone, I started running. There was a ramp. I hit it and flipped head over heels into the air and came down on a platform. From there, I mounted a horse from the rear and began riding. I did a few other things I knew Elisabeth would do, but they weren’t in the script. When I got to the fence, I was supposed to go around. I jumped it instead. The horse had a jumper’s saddle and I saw no reason to avoid the makeshift fence. Then I slowed the horse and walked it back to the place where I started.”

  Cal laughed. In hindsight, she knew she was showing off, but her uncle had taught her well and the horse was a jumper.

  “What happened then?”

  “I was surrounded. People came from everywhere, all talking at once, most shouting. There were the animal control people, who said I had no right to do the stunt. I tried to tell them I’d grown up with horses and would never, ever hurt one. But my voice was lost in all the hoopla. Other people were shouting questions, asking how I could do that, where had I learned it, all sorts of things. They came too fast for me to answer any of them.”

  “Were you officially fired after that?”

  “Not exactly. I was fired by the stunt company I worked for and stripped of access to the set.”

  “But...” Cal prompted.

  “Before the day ended, I got a full-time job doing stunts with the company working on the Elisabeth Grey movie.”

  “Doing Elisabeth Grey’s stunts?”

  Piper nodded. “She was the defining voice. She went to bat for me, saying she wanted me to do her stunt work and be her stand-in.”

  “Even though you’d never worked with her before?”

  “Even though. But she’s a cool person, and when the opportunity came out of the blue like that, I went for it.”

  Cal stared at her for a long moment. Piper looked up and knew it was hard for him to comprehend. He operated in a finite world. She worked in one that was more fluid. Scripts could change from one minute to another. Actors—and chances—came and went. Accidents happened. Any number of delays or starts and stops could occur.

  “Why don’t we take a break?” Piper suggested.

  Cal nodded.

  “I’ll get us something to drink and bring it to the porch.” The air was refreshing when she stepped through the door a few minutes later. Setting a tray on the small table, Piper poured them iced tea and took a seat. Her muscles felt a lot better, especially since she’d taken time in the kitchen to stretch again.

  Cal drank from his glass, looking out over the vista of grass. He was quiet so long that she wondered what he was thinking.

  “Do you miss California?” he asked after several minutes of silence.

  Turning her head, she looked at him. His face was serious.

  “Sometimes,” she said.

  She smiled, but it wasn’t totally a happy smile, yet it wasn’t sad, either. “Being in movies, whether acting or any area for that matter, is hard work. The actors make it look easy and there’s an entire crew of people making it look flawless for the public, but there is a lot of money, sweat and tears that go into making a movie.”

  “Isn’t there just as much work doing stunts as there is acting?”

  “Absolutely. And the danger is much greater, but the reward is tenfold.” She paused as past memories flooded her mind.

  “But what about that danger? The stunts are a real risk and must involve a lot of work.”

  “The danger is real. It is,” Piper said. “But there are good people I’ve worked with, professionals committed to their trade. And I don’t have to be the person climbing the scaffolding or jumping off the plane all the time. There are plenty of talented stunt people for the screen. And more and more computer-generated images are used. The industry is changing with the technology. I just have to keep up with it.”

  “The actors do also, don’t they?”

  “Not as much. There are some who love technology, but most just want to develop the character they are playing.”

  “From what I observed while we worked on our plan, you love the programming, what the systems can tell you,” Cal said.

  She smiled. “I do. It’s a whole new world out there. And I love being part of it.” She looked down. “Only, I’m not.”

  “You will be,” Cal assured her. “Once we get this up and running, the outcome will be different and you’ll know what happened.”

  “You can’t be sure of that,” she told him. “There may be something we don’t know, some variable that doesn’t work its way into our calculations. Something that all the papers, photos and notes haven’t revealed. Or maybe there’s an assumption we make that is wrong.”

  “There’s always an element of the unknown,” Cal agreed. “But it’s the best chance we have.”

  “We,” she said, her brows rising. She smiled at him. “You’re always so positive that the outcome will be exactly what I want it to be. I don’t know what I’ve done to make you have such faith in me.”

  “Don’t you?”

  Piper could only stare at Cal. Her legs grew heavy as if she was planted to the ground. Her mouth dropped open and she consciously closed it. What did he mean? Of course, she knew what he meant.

  “Cal, we should keep this professional.”

  “I know,” he said. “But it gets harder every day.”

  * * *

  THE FOLLOWING DAYS took on a life of their own. Trucks delivering everything, people arriving, Cal and Tamara arranging where to stack supplies and equipment. Piper’s mind reeled at the rapidity of 18-wheelers rumbling along the ridge with metal girders and cranes to drop off. A parade of dump trucks followed with everything from screws to sand.

  The Hotel Emily was overwhelmed with guests. Tamara was the only one staying with Piper. Naomi appeared in her element with so many folks underfoot. Of course, she corralled them like wayward children. Tamara took control of the overall organization, directing where the vehicles should park and what was unloaded and stored where.

  With all the activity, Piper’s mind was constantly on Cal. She’d told him they should keep things professional, yet she was the one who wanted to cross the line. She knew better. There would be no turning back for her if she did. And then what would happen to her when he acted on those job offers he had? Her heart was in danger and she knew it. Better to keep as much distance between them as she could. That was a task harder than she anticipated.

  Cal came up behind Piper, who was watching all the activity. She steeled herself, hiding the onslaught of emotion that flowed within her every time they came into close proximity.

  They didn’t touch. Piper made a point of putting space between them. But the heat level in the air rose undeniably. For her, anyway. She wasn’t sure Cal felt it. He’d been nothing but professional since their last conversation. It was as if there was a wall around him. She wondered if he was protecting his feelings as she was protecting hers.

  “This is really happening.” She glanced his way, then back at all the activity.

  “Were you in any doubt?” he teased.

  Despite the wall, he’d been trying to ease the tension. She wanted to help but didn’t know how.

  Finally, Piper shrugged. “I didn’t picture it this way. Usually when I arrive on a set, all this has been done.”

  “This time it’s your show, start to finish,” he said.

  “That’s a little scary. More than a little. It’s terrifying.”

  “You’ll do fine. I’ve got your back,” he said. “And so do all those people.”

  He slipped his arm around her waist. They were on the other side of the ridge, away from the house and the horse barn. Piper couldn’t help the audible intake of breath that his touch produced. It felt natural. She leaned back for a second, wanting to stay in his embrace. But she didn’t want to get used to him holding her. Except she did want to get used to it.

  And that scared her.

  Someone calling her name gave her the excuse to move. Meghan was walking up the hill toward them and apparently leading a brigade of people. Piper recognized a few of them from town. She scanned the faces. She saw Reverend Pyne and assumed most of them were part of the church congregation. He nodded at her, but no one else gave her a clue as to why they were here. Shelby Chase, at the rear of the group, was flanked by at least ten of her students, Piper guessed. Her heart fell. She hoped they weren’t here to protest her actions. It was her land. And Cal had checked the zoning requirements. She was within the law and her rights.

  “Meghan, what’s going on?” Piper asked when the crowd stopped in front of her and Cal.

  “They’re here to help,” she said and smiled, glancing over one shoulder and then the other.

  “Help?” Piper looked at the group again.

  “Let me explain.” Ally, the diner owner, stepped forward. “Meghan told us what you’re doing.” She smiled at Meghan. “We want to help you out. You’re working on a shoestring.” She gestured to the crowd behind her. “We’ve all been there. We have carpenters, electricians, all kinds of professions represented, plus, people who are willing to learn. And I’ll be supplying the afternoon meal.”

  “Why?” Piper asked, clearly confused. “I haven’t been very friendly to any of you.” She looked out over the group.

  One person called out, “You’re right about that.” It caused a round of laughter.

  “But you’re one of us,” Ally said.

  Piper frowned, still confused that they would include her.

  “Just as your parents are and your aunt and uncle,” Meghan said. “They were a large part of Waymon Valley and you are, too.”

  “I hate to say it,” Cal whispered so only she could hear. “But here’s a gift horse. Don’t look it in the mouth. We could use all the extra hands and brainpower we can get.”

  Piper smiled. “Thank you.” Her voice cracked as emotion welled up inside her. No one had been this welcoming of her since before she left for Hollywood and it was her own fault. She swallowed. “If you’re here to help, I won’t refuse. And from now on, I’ll do better to live up to the values my family taught me.”

  She heard positive noises pass through the crowd, along with many smiles and a few hands raised in salute.

  “Tamara, the woman with the long, dark hair over there giving directions—” she pointed to her friend “—she’ll tell you where to put your things and who to work with. After you’re all settled, Cal and I will have a meeting at seven tonight to go over what’s been done and what still needs doing.”

  The crowd broke up. Some were nodding. Some were smiling. And of course, some held the stalwart countenance that Montanans were known for. It didn’t mean they weren’t on board, just that they didn’t readily show their feelings.

  “I can’t thank you enough,” Piper repeated. Emotion welled up in her and she could hardly contain it. She felt guilty. They were here for her when she’d been distant and isolated.

  As the group moved away, Meghan came forward.

  “You did good.” She smiled.

  “This is all your doing,” Piper whispered as if it were a conspiracy.

  “Not all. We’re a family here. You should remember that.”

  “You’re right. I guess you’re thinking of the summer we were fifteen.”

  “That’s one instance.”

  “What happened?” Cal asked.

  Piper turned to him. “There was a major thunderstorm in the middle of the night. Lightning struck the Swanson barn and it burned to the ground.”

  “The town was a lot smaller back then,” Meghan added. “We all pitched in and rebuilt it.”

  “And several ranchers helped make up the lost produce,” Piper supplied.

  “Sounds like a great town,” Cal said.

  “Exactly,” Meghan agreed. “We were in high school then, but we helped with the horses and the farm animals.” Meghan laughed again. “You should have seen Piper after she fell in the mud trying to catch a pig. She had mud everywhere and the pig got away.”

  “That’s not funny,” Piper said.

  Meghan looked at Cal. “She had such a crush on Jeff Swanson.”

  “We don’t need to revisit that, Meghan.”

  “Sure, she does,” Cal said. “I’m intrigued. I’d like to hear more.”

  “Well, you must know by now that Piper has to prove that she can do anything as well as the next guy.”

  Cal glanced from one woman to the other. Piper hunched her shoulders and dropped them.

  “I was right more times than I was wrong,” she said, tossing her hair back.

  “Not when you went headfirst into the muck and Jeff watched you fall.”

  “Only that one time. And, of course, he had to be there to see it.”

  Meghan gave her a knowing nod and waved goodbye.

  Piper and Cal watched Meghan join the crowd Tamara was handling. A cloud seemed to settle over Piper.

  Cal took her hands. “It’s going to be fine,” he said.

  Piper looked away. “That’s not it,” she said.

  “What is, then?”

  She took a long time to answer. “I feel so guilty. I mean, look at them, coming here to help someone who did little to gain their friendship.”

  Cal stepped closer to her. Piper had to tilt her head to see his face.

  “You have the opportunity to change that.” He nodded at the group. “They seem like a great community.”

  “I know,” she said. “They’ve offered me a chance. It’s up to me to take it.”

  And she would.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  A CAR DOOR slammed outside. Cal pushed his chair back, the wheels squeaking as they rolled across the floor in his office. Standing up awkwardly, he started for the hall. He’d been listening for the sound of their car for an hour. His brother and sister-in-law were due. And they were finally here. Cal’s stride was longer than normal as he headed to the door. It had been a year since he’d seen Jake, and Cal was looking forward to getting together with him.

  The brothers had always been close, except for a small stretch of time after Jake’s accident. They were back on track now.

  Cal practically jumped down the porch steps. Jake was out of his seat just as Cal’s boots hit the ground. Clasping hands, they pulled each other into a warm hug, their grins as wide as their faces.

  Lauren came around the car and Cal pulled her into the hug. “Keeping him in line?” Cal asked as he stood back, glancing at his brother, then at her.

  “I’m trying,” she said. “But since he got that arm back, he’s into everything.”

  They all laughed, but they knew the reason that caused Jake to lose the use of his right arm was no laughing matter. It had taken two full years and Lauren’s unconventional guidance before any feeling came back to his arm.

  Fully recovered and married, his brother looked healthy and happy.

  “How was the drive?” asked Cal.

  Instead of flying from Seattle, they’d chosen to rent a Jeep and drive, using the time as a mini vacation.

  “I loved it,” both husband and wife said simultaneously. Again, they all laughed. Cal thought of all the times they had laughed together. It was going to be a great weekend. He couldn’t wait for them to meet Piper.

  Lauren moved around, turning in a full circle to take in the land as far as she could see. Cal had done the same thing the first time he arrived in the Valley.

  “It’s beautiful,” she said. “No wonder you want to stay here.”

  “I haven’t decided that yet,” he said. “In fact, I’ll probably be leaving for another job soon.”

  They started up the porch steps.

  “Sometimes, I think my wanderlust rubbed off on you,” Jake said.

  “I think we both have it to a degree.”

  Jake stopped on the porch. “Where are the horses?” he asked.

  “Next door.”

  Jake looked in all directions. “We live in Manhattan,” he said. “Next door is ten feet away if that.”

  Cal pointed toward Piper’s ranch. “It’s on that ridge.” They all focused on the area where he pointed. Piper’s house could be seen in the distance.

  “I can’t wait to go for a ride,” Jake said. “It’s been on my mind since I called you.”

  “Aren’t you tired?” Cal asked. “It was a long ride here.”

  “We took our time, stayed overnight at an inn about a hundred miles from here.”

  “And we’re doctors,” Lauren pitched in. “We’re used to working long periods of time.”

  Half an hour later, the brothers raced across the open field. Horse hooves pounded the soft earth. The wind rushed toward them, pressing its spiny fingers against their faces. Neither spoke, but Cal saw the smile on Jake’s face as he controlled his horse. It had been years since they were together like this. For Cal, the years fell away like dominoes crashing into one another, clearing the path back to memories of their boyhood escapades.

  Pulling up, they slowed to a stop. Cal affectionately patted the horse’s neck, letting it know he was proud of its performance.