father has MS and it’s been hard for him to run the place.”
“So why doesn’t he sell it?”
“Because it’s been in his family for generations, and it’s his home.” Julia stood to gather the final version of Blaine’s presentation from the printer. “I’m currently working on how to adapt the house to suit his ongoing needs, and find someone to manage the ranching side of things.”
“Sounds expensive.”
“Then it’s a good job I saved all that huge salary MZB pays me then, isn’t it?” Julia offered him a bland smile.
“Stupid to pour good money after bad.”
“Not on someone and something you love.” She refused to look away and eventually he dropped his gaze to his phone. “Now, if you have everything you need, perhaps you’d better be getting back to the city before the country roads get too dark for you to drive on.”
He held out his hand. “Give that to me.”
She passed the completed presentation over and sat down again, hating having to wait on him, and yet having no choice. He read it through, pursing his lips as he sounded out some of the big words she knew he’d change to little ones when she wasn’t looking. She’d tried to keep it as simple as possible, but there were depths she wasn’t prepared to sink to.
“Looks good, Jules.” He placed the papers in his folder, zipped it up along with his laptop, and rose to his feet. “I’ll leave you in peace, then.”
“Great.” Julia rose too. “Let me see you out.”
She opened the door out into the hallway just as Kaiden came into the house with another man. The two of them were chuckling, which was a sight to behold.
“Hey!” Kaiden caught sight of her. “Julia, this is Father Pascal. He’s come to see your father.”
“A pleasure.” The young priest shook Julia’s hand. “I was just helping Kaiden here with a bit of yard work. He’s promised me some fresh eggs for my trouble.”
He had a rich, Irish brogue that made Julia want to smile.
“I didn’t make him do it, Julia, he insisted,” Kaiden said.
“It was nice to do something physical for a change.” Father Pascal nodded. “Now, where is Mr. Garcia? I’m sure he’s wondering where I’ve got to.”
“I’ll make some coffee,” Kaiden offered.
“Do you have any tea?” the priest asked. “Sorry to be a bother.”
“I’m sure I’ll find you some,” Kaiden said as he directed the priest toward the family room. “Do you and Blaine want coffee, Julia?”
“Blaine’s just leaving.” She turned around, but there was no sign of her unwanted visitor, and she frowned. “He must have gone to the bathroom.”
“Why don’t you go on through and get acquainted with Father Pascal while I sort out the coffee?” Kaiden suggested. “I’ll keep an eye out for Blaine and make sure he leaves.”
This time, Julia didn’t hesitate to accept Kaiden’s offer. She’d had quite enough of Blaine, and keeping her thoughts to herself, especially in her own home, was becoming increasingly difficult.
“Thank you, I’d appreciate that.”
She went through to the family room, already certain that her dad was going to love Father Pascal, and more than willing to leave Blaine to Kaiden’s tender mercies.
* * *
Kaiden kept an eye on the hallway as he set the coffeepot on the range and rummaged through the cupboards looking for tea, which he knew Julia would have somewhere. There was no sign of Blaine, and, eventually, Kaiden went to look for him. He found him in Juan’s bedroom studying the group of family photographs and loudly cleared his throat, making Blaine jump.
“Julia said you were leaving.”
“Yeah! That’s right. I must have gone the wrong way after I exited from the bathroom.” He pointed at a portrait of the Garcia family. “What happened to the mom and brother?”
“They’re still around.” Kaiden held the door open wide. “Have you got all your stuff? Julia’s busy with her father right now so I offered to wave good-bye to you.”
“You don’t like me, do you?” Blaine stopped in the doorway alongside Kaiden. “I wonder what Julie’s been telling you? I wouldn’t believe anything she says. She’s just a poor loser.”
“Julia has never mentioned your name before today,” Kaiden replied. “Why would she?”
“So, why are you so invested in this family, Kaiden? Are you hoping to take over the place if you get on the right side of Julie’s father?”
“I know this might shock you, Blade, but not everyone thinks like you. In this valley, we look out for our neighbors, and don’t expect anything