When he went back inside, he took the scrap of paper from his pocket, crumpled it up and tossed it in the trash.
* * *
Tess allowed a week to go by before putting in another call to Rosie. Rosie didn’t sound happy to hear that Zeke hadn’t called. When Tess emphasized the urgency of the matter, Rosie suggested she come in person so they could work things out.
Tess had no idea how they’d do that, but she wasn’t in a position to question Rosie. She packed an overnight bag and threw it in her sedan before driving north toward Sheridan. At the turnoff to the ranch, she saw a wooden sign announcing it as the location of Thunder Mountain Academy.
The ranch itself had a homey feel. An old-fashioned, hip-roofed barn was off to the left and the low-slung house sported an awesome front porch that ran the length of the building. Adirondack chairs in alternating brown and green lined the porch. The sign she’d seen initially was painted in the same colors, which must have something to do with the academy, whatever that was.
A short, blond woman who might be in her sixties came through the front door and stood on the porch as Tess climbed out of her car.
“Tess?” she called as she walked down the steps.
“Yes, that’s me. Are you Rosie?”
“I am.”
“Is Zeke here?” All the way from Casper she’d wondered if she’d step inside the ranch house and find him waiting for her.
“Not yet, but I’ve invited him for dinner.”
“Does he know that I’ll be here?”
“No.”
Tess’s stomach churned with anxiety. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I don’t want to ambush him.”
“Tess, he’s deliberately avoiding you, and I didn’t raise that boy to be rude, especially to a young lady he has a connection to. I intend to make sure that you get a chance to talk with him.”
“You’re his mother?” If this petite, plump and fair-skinned woman had given birth to Zeke, he must take after his dad.
“Foster mother.”
“Oh! Oh, my goodness. He never told me that he’d been in foster care.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. Listen, why don’t you get your bag and come inside for some lemonade and peanut butter cookies?”
“Okay. Thank you.” Tess let out a breath. Rosie’s blue-eyed gaze was kind, and kindness was welcome right now. Lemonade and cookies sounded pretty darned good, too.
After depositing her overnight bag in a guest room, she sat at Rosie’s kitchen table, enjoying her snack while Rosie filled her in on the history of Thunder Mountain. Then Rosie explained the structure of the academy and why it existed.
Tess hung on every word. Knowing that Zeke had been a foster child added a new challenge to the situation. But every bit of information helped, including the tidbit Rosie had provided about his injured shoulder.
“He’s terrific. A great guy,” Rosie said. “But he’s always held himself apart from the rest of us. I won’t divulge his past. That’s for him to reveal if he chooses to. But I won’t kid you...he has issues. Even though I don’t approve of his decision not to call you, I understand why he might not. His bum shoulder has turned him into an injured bear hiding in a cave.”
“I can see him doing that. He’s so independent. I’ll bet not being able to work drives him nuts.”
“I’m sure it does. But I taught my boys manners. He should have given you the courtesy of contacting you and listening to whatever it is you have to say.”
Tess smiled. She really liked this woman. “But you could have insisted he call me back instead of inviting me up here.”
“Wouldn’t you rather see him in person?”
“Yes. Yes, I would.”
Rosie laid a hand on hers. “Zeke won’t be here for another hour. Maybe you’d like to have a little rest before he gets here.”
She knows. Tess could see it in her eyes. “Is he close by?”
“In Wyoming terms, we’re neighbors. He’s agreed to be the caretaker at his brother’s ranch while he’s healing his shoulder.”
Tess pushed back her chair and picked up her empty lemonade glass. “I’m going to take you up on that suggestion of resting before dinner. Unless you need help?”
“Thank you, but I have it covered. The students are in charge of making their own dinner tonight and I have meat loaf and scalloped potatoes ready to pop in the oven for the family.”
Tess’s mouth watered. Food was one of her obsessions these days, and eating someone else’s cooking would be a treat. “That sounds delicious.”
“I’ll tap on your door when he gets here.”
“All right.” A surge of anxiety canceled her hunger. “Thank you.”
Tess escaped to her bedroom, which was decorated in soothing tones of green. Kicking off her shoes, she stretched out on the bed and launched into the deep breathing exercises she’d been practicing.
That helped. Starting at the top of her head, she gradually relaxed her entire body. Outside her window a bird sang a cheerful little song, but otherwise the house was quiet. Peaceful. It was, she could tell, a good house. A refuge.
After what seemed like five minutes, Rosie tapped on her door. “Tess, he’s here.”
Heart pounding and palms sweating, Tess brushed her hair, refreshed her makeup and smoothed the wrinkles from her blouse and slacks. As she was about to open the door, she heard Zeke’s deep laugh. She hadn’t thought she’d remember it, but the sound awakened feelings she’d hoped she’d buried. She didn’t want to be attracted to him—not anymore—but her libido seemed to have other ideas.
She heard another man chuckle. That must be Herb, Rosie’s husband. Rosie had mentioned he would be the only other person there for dinner. Sometimes there was a crowd, she’d said, but not tonight. Tess figured that was on purpose.
When she walked into the living room, Zeke was sitting on one end of the sofa, holding a bottle of beer. A wiry older man, undoubtedly Herb, had taken the opposite end and Rosie was in a comfy-looking armchair. Both men popped up immediately.
Herb smiled in welcome, but Zeke’s face, what she could see of it since he now had a full beard and wore his Stetson, was brick-red with either anger or embarrassment. Maybe both.
He gave Rosie a quick what-the-hell glance before turning back to her. “Hello, Tess.” He cleared his throat. “Wasn’t expecting you.”
“I invited her.” Rosie stood. “Tess, this is my husband, Herb.”
“Nice meeting you.” Herb walked over and shook her hand. “Glad you could pay us a visit.” He, too, had kind eyes.
“Thank you.” She managed a smile. “So am I. Your place is charming.”
“Dinner will be ready in about fifteen minutes,” Rosie said, “but I can let it simmer a little longer if you two need more time to talk. Herb, let’s go whip up a salad.”
“I’m on it.” He left the room.
Tess wished she could follow them both into the kitchen. She’d rather do almost anything than stay there with the smoldering volcano that was Zeke. But Rosie was right. Telling him in person was the way to go, no matter how awkward it