“Easy to do here. I feel like I’m playing hooky myself.”
“That’s how we want everyone to feel when they come to Destiny.”
Morgan parked at the back door of the two-story ranch house. It had been recently painted white with dark green trim. The once manicured lawn had the-coming-of-winter golden hue. From the shiny red barn, to the newly strung fencing, Holt had worked hard restoring the place.
“Impressive,” Justin said.
“Holt has spent the past year making improvements.”
Morgan opened the car door and stepped into the chilly air. She raised her eyes toward the gray sky, and saw threatening clouds overhead. Snow was forecast for later tonight. She hoped it would hold off until they finished the tour. She pulled her coat closer around her body as Justin came to her side. Together they walked up the steps as the back door swung open and Leah appeared.
Her baby sister was petite and cute as could be. Even pregnancy didn’t take away from her appeal.
“Welcome,” she said as she stepped aside and allowed them inside where it was warm. They passed through a mudroom into a big kitchen with natural wood cabinets and dark granite tops. The original hardwood floors had been refinished and polished to a honey color.
“Leah, this is Justin Hilliard. Justin, my sister Leah.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Mr. Hilliard.”
Smiling, Justin took Leah’s small hand in his. The Keenan girls were all different and all beauties. The baby sister was blond and adorable. He just happened to prefer the willowy redheaded sister.
“Please call me Justin,” he said. “And thank you for letting me have a look around.”
“We’re excited to have you. I just wish you had a warmer day.” Leah turned back to her sister. “I tried to reach you before you left town. There’s a slight problem.”
“Is it the baby?” Morgan asked anxiously.
“No, the baby’s fine. But it’s about another baby ready to be delivered. A foal. Shady Lady’s in labor and having a rough time. Holt’s been with her since early this morning.”
Just then the door opened and a young boy rushed in. “Hey, Mom, Dad’s going to call the vet. Hi, Aunt Morgan.”
The thin blond-haired boy looked about eight or nine. He hugged Morgan.
“Hi, Corey,” she said. “How’s my favorite nephew?”
He grinned. “I’m fine. I got to help Dad with Lady.”
“That’s great. Corey, I’d like you to meet Mr. Hilliard. Justin this is my nephew, Corey Rawlins.”
“Nice to meet you, sir.” Corey nodded and stuck out his hand.
The boy had a firm handshake. “Nice to meet you, too, Corey.”
A tall sandy-haired man, dressed in the usual rancher’s clothing, jeans, boots and cowboy hat, walked in.
“Man, it’s cold out there.” He stripped off his sheepskin-lined jacket, hung it on the peg along with his hat and came across the room. “Hi, I’m Holt Rawlins, you must be Justin Hilliard.”
“That’s me,” he said. “I hear from your wife that you’re having a little trouble.”
Holt went to his wife’s side. “Yeah, my prize mare is having a rough time giving birth. I just came up to call the vet and tell Morgan I can’t leave right now.”
Morgan looked disappointed but hurried to reassure him. “Not a problem, Holt. If you’ll loan us the Jeep, we can go on our own.”
“Sure.” Holt frowned. “Just don’t wait too long. There’s a storm moving in later this afternoon. I’m sorry, but I’ve got to call the vet,” he said and walked off down the hall.
Justin looked at Morgan. “I guess if we’re going, we better leave soon.”
“Sure,” Morgan said, and turned to her sister. “Sorry to run off.”
“I’d go with you,” Leah began as she rubbed her slightly rounded stomach, “but I don’t think baby would appreciate a lot of jostling around.” She picked a nylon basket up off the counter. “At least I can send something with you. It’s just coffee and some snacks.”
Justin took the basket. “Thank you, Leah, that was thoughtful.” He raised an eyebrow. “We better get going, Morgan.”
“Thanks, Leah.”
“I just want to help with the project.” She smiled at Justin. “You’re going to fall in love with the site.”
Holt returned and slipped on his coat. “Vet’s on his way. I’ll walk you down to the barn.”
There was a long, lingering kiss between Leah and Holt that anyone who didn’t have a special someone in their life would envy. Justin glanced at Morgan. Was there someone special for her?
“You ready?” Holt asked breaking into Justin’s thoughts.
With a nod, he followed Morgan to the door and the three of them walked to the barn where an old Jeep was parked. With a wave, Holt hurried off to the barn.
“I guess we’re on our own,” Justin said.
“It’s not a problem,” Morgan said. “I’ve been up to this area a hundred times.”
Morgan wasn’t concerned about the drive as much as the weather. Snow was predicted. If Justin Hilliard didn’t see the site today, he might lose interest. At the very least, it would slow the project that she hoped would start in the early spring.
“We better hurry since snow is predicted for later tonight. This looks like our window of opportunity.”
Justin walked around to the passenger’s side of the Jeep. “Then let’s do it now. I like seeing what I’m buying.”
His words sent a fresh ripple of excitement through her. She was going to make this happen, even if it meant spending considerable time alone with a man. Something she’d avoided for a long time.
The ride was bumpy, but going up this side of the mountain was the best way to see the future ski run. Morgan hoped that Justin felt the same way she did when he saw Silver Sky Canyon.
She parked the Jeep along the crest of the canyon opposite the ranch. “Come on, I want to show you the ultimate selling point.” She opened the door, climbed out and Justin followed.
She carefully made her way to the ledge. Ignoring the wind whipping her hair, she took out her stocking cap and covered her head as she peered down at the canyon. There was little snow to hide the incredible rock formations along with the huge pines lining either side of the natural slope. At the base, the land flattened out.
“You were right this view is unbelievable,” Justin said. “One would almost hate to do anything to change it.”
“We actually aren’t going to have to change much,” she began. “Remember this isn’t going to have a bunny hill, the slope is too steep. This canyon is perfect for the extreme skier.”
He continued to study the area. “I did research on this new phenomenon, and it’s catching on, big time.”
“And just think of all the ski gear they wear. The pro shop in the hotel could do big business just on equipment alone. Also there would be a ski pro and tour guides…Anyone using this slope will have to complete a specific number of ski classes.”
Justin watched the beginning of snow flurries dance around Morgan’s face. It was hard to stay on task when he was being distracted by this woman. It was a good thing that he’d done most of his research before coming here.
“And