Page 61 of Reckoning with the Cowboy
“Only you get the grand tour before the grand opening,” his brother said as he showed him around. Cordell had purchased acreage behind the structure for the second phase of his resort. “Guests will have the full Montana experience, from horseback riding into the hills to sleeping in fancy tents or even staying in tree houses. I have an entire section for kids planned, including several swimming pools.”
Max could only shake his head. “You really think enough people will come to Dry Gulch?”
Cordell laughed. “We’re already booked through next summer. Hot springs are really popular, especially where the whole family can come.”
He shook his head. “I’m really proud of you.”
His brother shrugged. “It’s always been something I’ve dreamed of doing. Dry Gulch is home. I’m anxious to start a family and settle down.”
Max thought of the family he’d dreamed of starting here and felt the pinch of pain that came with that dream’s loss. “Good for you, but shouldn’t you get started on that? What’s going on with you and Josie?”
Cordell got a twinkle in his eye. “I think I’m making progress. She’s coming to the grand opening with me.” He reached into his pocket, looked around to make sure it was just the two of them and pulled out a velvet box. As he flipped it open, Max pretended to be blinded by the diamond ring inside.
“When are you going to pop the question?”
“After the grand opening. I want you to be my best man. Is that going to be a problem since Goldie will be Josie’s maid of honor?”
He held up his hands. “Slow down. Josie hasn’t even said yes yet. Let’s wait and see before you start planning the seating at the reception.”
* * *
Cordell felt asif he were floating. This grand opening was really just a party for the town. The hotel wouldn’t be open for guests until spring, when more of the amenities would be available. There was still a ton of work to be done, but he had faith that it would be finished before the first guests arrived.
Tonight was a celebration he wanted for the town. He’d made a point of not allowing anyone inside the hotel until it was done, except for Josie and his brother. He knew people couldn’t wait to see what he’d done. He just hoped they liked it. Goldie was catering the event. He’d let her hire whatever people she needed.
As he dressed, he saw the folded sheet of paper from his dinner with Josie in Billings. He hadn’t opened it and read what she’d written. Oh, he’d been tempted more times than he wanted to admit. But he’d told her he would wait, and he had.
Cordell glanced at the time. Josie would be here soon. He felt his excitement rise. If all went as planned, he and Josie would be planning their wedding after tonight. He picked up the sheet of paper and folded it into his pocket, patting it for luck.
At the sound of the back door buzzer, he hurried down to let Goldie and her crew in with the food and drinks.
“You look so handsome,” she said, her eyes flooding with tears. “I’m so proud of you.”
He hugged her, thinking how much he wished she was his sister-in-law. He had learned not to mention Goldie to his brother. But he still couldn’t understand what had happened. Or maybe Max had never planned to marry her. Cordell feared it had something to do with their mother, Roger Grimes and his brother’s fears that their earlier life had twisted them in ways that they might not even know yet.
But that was his brother’s problem—not his. Cordell refused to let the past define him. He glanced around the hotel. Tonight was his night. He touched the tiny velvet box in his jacket pocket. Nothing could ruin this night for him.
* * *
All dressed andready for the opening, Josie stopped at her apartment door, hesitating. She awakened this morning with a bad feeling. Of course, she couldn’t see what it was, but it made her stop now and call to check on her sister.
Amy Sue had a date tonight to the grand opening with local plumber Rick Baker. He was picking her up at the farmhouse soon. Everyone had been looking forward to this night for some time now. She knew how important it was to the town, but so much so for Cordell. It angered her that something might go wrong tonight.
What she’d told Amy Sue that night under the stars had never been truer. Her second sight was a curse, one she would give anything not to have. Why couldn’t it have been more like her grandmother’s where she could more clearly interpret what was coming?
“All set,” Amy Sue said when she answered. “Oh, there’s Bob now. Got to go. See you there.”
Josie started to put her phone away, but on impulse called the sheriff’s department. Max had been working long hours. It didn’t take a psych degree to know that he was hiding from his true feelings and avoiding Goldie. But he wouldn’t be able to tonight.
“You’re going to the opening, right?” she asked the moment he answered.
“Yes, I plan to make an appearance.”
She sighed, knowing what they meant. He’d show up and leave as quickly as he could. “Goldie is catering the event, so she’ll be busy. You should be safe.”
“Josie—”
“That isn’t why I called. Has Shane Wagner been picked up yet?” She heard the answer in the silence that followed.
