COLLEEN: A Sweet Western Historical Romance (7 page)

Ricky's eyes had zeroed in on Colleen instantly. She looked lovely, as usual, except for the fact that she was there with his cousin. Ricky wasn't too worried about that, though. David was a nice enough guy, but he didn't have as much to offer someone like Colleen as he did. Colleen was from Boston. She would probably much prefer to live in town than out in the middle of nowhere on a farm. He shuddered at the thought. He didn't ever want to live on a farm again. City life suited him much better. Ricky loved to travel and to make things happen, and from the moment he'd met her, he had decided that he wanted to make things happen with Colleen. Ricky had plans, big plans, and he was fairly sure that Colleen could be the missing piece to the puzzle he was assembling.

After David's song, the band switched to a lively melody that soon had people up dancing. They all joined the crowd and Colleen lost herself in the music. It felt so good to be dancing again. David was a good partner, and expertly twirled her around the dance floor. The four of them stayed up dancing for at least a half-dozen songs until Julia finally said she needed to take a break. As they were walking back towards their table, Colleen sensed a familiar presence by her side.

"Can I steal you away for one dance?" Ricky's smile was charming and then he politely addressed David. "You don't mind if it's just one dance?"

"Of course not," David said flatly as he sat down at the table. Colleen froze for a moment, not sure what she should do. It was a bit awkward. Ricky smiled again and reached for her hand.

"Please just dance this one song with me? It's my favorite." His chocolate brown eyes, lively and warm, were impossible to resist. She nodded and put her hand in his. As he swirled her away from the table, she realized the tempo had slowed and couples were dancing more closely together. Ricky pulled her in and rested one of his hands on the small of her back.

"This worked out well. First slow song of the night and I get to spend it with you." Ricky smiled down at her and there was a mischievous look in his eyes.

"I don't know this one." Colleen hadn't realized it was going to be a slow song or she never would have agreed to the dance. She glanced over at the table and noticed that David was watching them with a glum expression. She quickly looked away and felt guilty.

"Neither do I. It's a pretty tune, though," Ricky said easily.

Colleen narrowed her eyes. "I thought you said it was your favorite?"

"Did I? Well, it is now." He smiled again and Colleen had to force herself not to glance back at the table. Maybe her first impression of Ricky had been right and he was more like Frank. He seemed to sense her withdrawing.

"I'm sorry. That was bad of me. I just really wanted to dance with you." He radiated sincerity and Colleen relaxed a bit. She realized she was being overly defensive when it came to comparing him to Frank. She just didn't want to make the same mistake again.

As the song wound down, Ricky led her back toward the table.

"I suppose another dance tonight is out of the question?"

"I don't think that is a good idea."

"Fair enough. If you came here with me, I wouldn't want to share you, either. But I am looking forward to our dinner tomorrow night. Shall I come for you at six?"

"Yes, that would be fine. Thank you for the dance."

"The pleasure was all mine, I assure you. Enjoy the rest of your evening."

Ricky left her and made his way across the room where he joined a small group at another table.

The rest of the evening flew by as the band continued to play a wide range of music and they spent most of the time dancing. True to his word, Ricky kept his distance but every now and then, Colleen would glance his way and each time he'd catch her eye and smile or wink—which, of course, made her look away immediately. She was on the dance floor with David when the music changed to a slow song and he pulled her in and slowed their steps.

"Are you having fun?" he asked softly.

"I'm having a wonderful time, thank you. I haven't done anything this fun in a very long time," Colleen admitted.

David chuckled. "Well, we'll have to work on that. Are you coming to my parents’ house after church on Sunday?"

"I think so, as far as I know."

"Good. We'll take a walk after dinner, if you like."

"I'd like that."

Colleen smiled and felt a warm glow of happiness. She'd made the right decision moving to Montana.

She liked the feeling of David's arms around her and was already looking forward to seeing him again on Sunday. When the song ended, they made their way back to the table where Julia and Liam were sitting. Suddenly, Julia looked exhausted and Colleen realized she had probably reached her limit.

"Should we head home soon?" she asked her quietly as David and Liam started talking about something else.

"I hate to admit it, but I think so. I just don't have any energy at all lately." Julia apologized.

"Don't be silly, it's normal. And you did work all day, too."

The band stopped playing and took a break, and they said their goodbyes as they made their way toward the door. When Colleen glanced toward the table where Ricky had been sitting, he gave a small wave, and even at a distance she could almost see the twinkle in his eye. He always looked like he was up to something, and that playfulness was a bit intriguing, she had to admit. Even if he did, at times, remind her of Frank.

CHAPTER EIGHT

"It seems that I have some serious competition," David said to his brother as he and Paul met for breakfast at their mother's house the next day. As was their usual custom, they came by most Saturday mornings. Naomi loved to fuss over her boys and had a skillet of scrambled eggs and diced potatoes and peppers waiting for them when they arrived. David had thought his mother was out of earshot, that she'd gone to talk to their father who was in the barn checking on the animals, but he was wrong. She was back and directly behind them, and had heard his comment.

"Are you really worried about Ricky? Surely Colleen is smart enough to see through his shenanigans." Naomi poured herself a cup of coffee and joined them at the kitchen table as Elizabeth wandered in and sleepily glanced around the room, mumbled hello and then helped herself to coffee and a piece of buttered toast.

"Is Ricky courting Colleen, too? How interesting," she said as she settled into a chair.

"I don't know if 'interesting' is quite the word I'd choose," David said wryly.

"So they danced once. She was there with you, though," Paul reminded him.

"True enough, but he's taking her out tonight. Liam told me that last night, said they're going to Donovan's for dinner."

"Really? That sounds lovely!" Elizabeth was wide awake now and hanging on every word.

"If she wants to spend time with him, maybe I'm not the right one for her. Ricky and I are very different." It was something that David had been thinking about ever since Liam had talked to him the night before. He was feeling torn. He found himself drawn to Colleen but hesitant at the same time.

"Ricky's a charming devil, always has been." Naomi reached across the table and grabbed his hand and squeezed it tightly. "Don't you dare give up. I haven't seen you this interested in any girl before. Give her time to get to know the both of you. If it's meant to be, it will be."

"What if it doesn't work out?" David asked quietly.

"Well, then she's not the one for you. But have a little faith and try. That's all you can do. That's all anyone can do."

"I want to have several men courting me!" Elizabeth said. "Do you think I will?"

"Unfortunately for your poor father, I have no doubt that you will," Naomi said as she reached for her coffee.

David smiled at that. He adored Elizabeth, they all did, and he knew it would take someone special to keep up with her. She was a bundle of energy.

"Don't forget, we are going into town today so I can pick out some fabric to give to Colleen tomorrow," she reminded her mother.

"How could I possibly forget? You've mentioned it more than once this week."

"Colleen is making me a dress for the arts benefit," she said to David and then looked thoughtful. "You should take her to that—before Ricky asks her."

"Take her to what?" David had only been half-listening, as usual, to Elizabeth's chatter.

"The art society benefit. It's the biggest event of the year, and it will be my first opportunity to wear a really nice dress!"

"You think she'd like to go to that?" David had never been to any kind of a formal event.

"I think she'd love it. She was saying to me that she's never been to a fancy party and she's dying to sew again."

"Okay, I'll think about it," he agreed. He wasn't sure how he felt about the idea, but he did know he didn't like the thought of Ricky taking her. He decided to ask her on Sunday, when they went for a walk.

Colleen and Julia sat in the kitchen, sipping tea while they waited for Ricky to arrive. Julia had suggested it as a way to calm her nerves. They'd both had the day off and Colleen had been able to take her time getting ready. She was wearing her best dress, which was a soft blue color and had always been her favorite. Julia had helped her with her hair, setting it in rollers earlier in the day and then arranging it in a soft tumble of waves held back by two small combs.

"It's nice that he's taking you to dinner. You'll be able to talk and really get to know him. See if there's a reason they consider him the black sheep or if he's not at all like that."

"Are you worried that he might be too much like Frank?" Colleen asked.

"The thought has crossed my mind," Julia admitted. "But, he's been nothing but pleasant to me," she added. "He's quite entertaining."

Colleen smiled at that. "Yes, he certainly is. I am looking forward to tonight, I have to admit."

"There's a good chance that I will be asleep when you get home, but I can't wait to hear all about it at breakfast."

There was a soft knock at the door and Colleen jumped up, almost knocking her teacup off its saucer.

"Relax!" Julia said and laughed.

Colleen opened the door and Ricky stood on the step, looking almost too handsome in his black hat and dark brown jacket that matched his eyes.

"You look lovely," he said. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yes, I'll be right there." Colleen grabbed a shawl and waved goodbye to Julia who was still sipping her tea and wearing a look of amusement.

Ricky leaned in to peek inside, "Lovely to see you, Julia," he called out as Colleen walked towards him.

"You, too, Ricky. Have fun."

"We will," he assured her.

Ricky chatted easily with her as they drove into town. As they drew closer to the center of town, he slowed the buggy and turned down a side street. It was a lovely road, lined with large, beautiful homes, all with big porches and flowering trees. He drew to a stop in front of a large, red brick home.

"That's my place," he said.

"I didn't realize you lived so close to Main Street." Colleen was surprised.

"I moved in a few years ago. Bought this from a judge who was retiring, said he missed living on a farm." Ricky made a face at that as if the idea was ridiculous.

"I take it you don't share his love for farming?"

"I grew up on a farm, just like the rest of the Donovan family. It's what we do. But, I wanted more. Living in town suits me." He turned the buggy back towards Main Street. A few minutes later they were outside Donovan's and Colleen was happy to see that the restaurant was busy.

Ricky got out of the buggy first, tied the horses to a post, and then came over to Colleen's side and held out his hand to help her down. When they stepped inside, Billy came over to greet them and checked the reservations list. Julia managed the reservations and told Colleen she had saved a quiet window table for them. Sure enough, after a quick peek in the book, Billy led them to the best table, the one at the front of the restaurant that was by the big bay window which curved out a bit and gave them a roomy, almost private space.

"Thank you, Billy," Colleen said as he handed her a menu after they both sat down.

"Do you like wine?" Ricky asked when Billy walked away.

"I don't know, I've never really had it before." None of Colleen's friends drank alcohol and she tended to associate it with behavior like what Emma had to put up with when she'd worked for that wealthy family in Boston's Beacon Hill. Her employer and his friends had liked wine—any alcohol, actually—and they tended to over-indulge.

"Well, we'll have to get a bottle then. I love that I'll be able to introduce you to one of my favorite things. There's nothing like a good glass of wine. It makes the food taste better." Colleen doubted that, but Ricky was so passionate about it that she agreed to give it a try. She did know that although they didn't sell much wine, Liam did have a small collection of bottles for those who preferred it over the usual beer that was served.

When Billy came back to take their order, Ricky selected a bottle of red wine and then they both ordered sirloin steaks with buttered new potatoes.

"This goes especially well with red meat," Ricky said as Billy opened the bottle and then poured them each a glass. "It will get even better as it sits here and opens up. Try a sip."

Tentatively, Colleen lifted the glass to her mouth and breathed in the scent of the wine first and then took a small taste.

"It's good!"

"You sound surprised," Ricky chuckled.

"I am, actually. I wasn't sure what to expect or if I would like it." She took another sip. It was like nothing she'd ever tried before. The smell was rich and fragrant and the taste was both heavy and silky at the same time. As she continued to sip slowly, she began to feel a pleasant warmth in the back of her throat and then it spread through the rest of her and she felt relaxed and happy.

"So, I have some news," Ricky began. "You'll be the first to know." He leaned forward in his seat and Colleen did the same, eager to hear what he was about to say. She sensed that it was important.

"I've decided that I'm going to run for town office. For mayor," he announced and then waited for her reaction.

"You are?" That took her by surprise. "Why do you want to be mayor?" She thought he seemed awfully young for that, but kept that thought to herself.

"Why not? It's an important position. It could be quite helpful in my business. And I think I could be very good at it."

"Have you ever done anything like that before? I mean, do you have any experience for it?"

"You think I'm too young for it, too." He frowned and poured a bit more wine into both of their glasses, then set the bottle back on the table. "My parents told me I had a lot of nerve to even think of running." He flashed her his mischievous grin and added, "But I've always had a lot of nerve. That's what's gotten me to this point. I think I can win."

"Well, I wish you the best of luck, then."

Billy arrived a few minutes later with their dinners and they started to eat.

"Take a sip of your wine now," Ricky instructed as Colleen cut another piece of steak. It was cooked perfectly, with just the right amount of pink. "And then take a bite of your steak." She did as he suggested, first taking a sip of the wine and then following with the meat and she was surprised at what she noticed. It really did taste better with the wine.

"See? Was I right? Amazing, isn't it?" He leaned back in his chair and took another sip of his wine and smiled.

"Yes, you were right," she agreed. While they continued to eat, Ricky told her more about his family.

"My brothers remind me of David and Paul, actually. They have a lot in common. They're not sure what to make of me. I love buying and selling, negotiating a great deal. There's nothing like it." He grew quiet for a moment, and looked thoughtful.

"You know, a candidate for mayor would be taken more seriously if he had a wife and was settling down to start a family." He looked at her expectantly, anticipating that she would like that idea, no doubt. Instead, it made Colleen question his intentions. Was he really interested in her? Or would anyone do?

"When is the election?" she asked coolly.

"Not for almost a year. I just like to think ahead. Planning has been one of my keys to success so far," he said proudly. Colleen set her fork down. She was no longer hungry. The steak had been delicious, but she was completely full.

Billy came by a few minutes later and cleared their plates away.

"Can I interest you in dessert? We have a six-layer chocolate cake. It's really good."

"What do you say? Will you have a bite if I get a slice?" Ricky asked. "Or do you want your own?" he teased.

"Very funny. I could burst I'm so full. But, to be polite I suppose I could have a bite or two." She knew how good Mrs. Johnson’s chocolate cake was.

"You know what else red wine goes well with?" Ricky asked.

"No, what?"

"Chocolate cake!" he said as Billy returned and set down two forks and a small plate with a huge piece of cake. Colleen took a bite followed by a sip of wine and had to agree.

"You're right."

"I'm so glad to be here with you. Thank you for joining me," Ricky said with a smile as Billy returned when they were completely finished and set down the bill.

"Thank you for dinner. It was lovely."

Ricky reached over and put his hand on hers.  “I'm so glad that we're getting to know each other better." Colleen was already feeling warm and relaxed from the wine and the delicious dinner, and the touch of Ricky's hand felt nice and made her feel even warmer. But the feeling only lasted for a moment. Ricky pulled his hand away as they both stood and made their way toward the door.