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CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
“Oh, my word. It really is as pretty as you said,” Lexi’s mother said, hands propped on a wooden fence post as she gazed across the Reilly ranch. This was fast becoming Lexi’s favorite time of day, when the first soft pinks of sunset settled over the furrows of hills and valleys like a goodnight kiss.
This evening had proved the only time her parents could manage before the Bible College’s summer session began in two days’ time. After Ellie had practically begged them at lunch on Sunday to come visit, they had finally agreed.
“It’s so peaceful, isn’t it?” Lexi said, watching a bird ascend in poetic flight.
“I can understand why you like it here. It’s not exactly the big smoke, is it?”
“Not exactly.” Not at all.
“I think it could make a wonderful vacation spot for tourists.”
Jackson had taken them on a quick tour earlier, and they’d seen the bunkhouses, which her parents agreed made for unexpectedly good accommodation. “A good dusting and a lick of paint is all these rooms need.”
“Exactly,” her mother had said. “I think it holds a rustic charm that would prove most appealing for city dwellers.”
Ellie had called another family meeting after Sunday lunch and put the idea of a farm stay to her brothers. Lexi hadn’t been privy to the conversation but knew Ellie had been disappointed with Cooper and Mitchell’s doubts, even though Dermott had seemed on board. “I don’t understand why they can complain when Mom is happy about it.”
“Happy” might be something of an overstatement, but Lexi had been there when Jackson and Ellie had broached the idea, and she hadn’t said no. Not that it would matter, given Jackson had power of attorney. She figured that meant he was ultimately responsible for what happened. Lexi had also been there when Ellie messaged Mindy, Dermott’s wife, who had offered ideas on how to progress via social media platforms. So maybe this idea could have legs. As it should. Who wouldn’t want to spend time in an idyllic place like this?
She drew in a deep breath of mild summer evening air, catching the tang of browning meat. Jackson was cooking the barbecue he’d promised and they were eating outside, even though Ellie had complained the mosquitoes were sure to be out and ready to feast too. But when Mrs. Reilly had indicated she’d be happy to eat outside, all arguments died. She might be still unwell, but the fact she’d seemed happier, and had made more visits out of her room in recent days was encouraging.
“I’ll check on Mrs. Reilly.” Lexi turned to move away.
“Jackson was right,” Mum said.
She paused. “In what way?”
“You are a blessing to this family. To his mother. To him.”
Heat danced up her cheeks. “I’m just doing what I’m trained to do.”
“Are you sure about this?”
“Being here?”
“Oh, I understand now why you enjoy working here.” Her mother’s glance lifted to where Jackson stood, talking with Dad and Jasper, the three men bonding over grilled meat the way men seemed to bond the world over.
“Mum.”
“Lexi.” Her mother smiled. “He’s a nice man. But no, that wasn’t what I meant. Well, it wasn’t all I meant. Are you sure about transferring your qualifications over here?”
Ah, the conversation they’d had in the car between church and the Bible college last weekend. “I want a different scene, a different pace. And it’s not just about the attack, Mum.” Her hand drifted to her throat. She’d forgone the scarf for the first time today. Everyone here had seen her without it now, so trying to hide her scar seemed silly. “Double shifts are killers, and I know I don’t want to do that anymore.” Working sixteen hours straight? No, thanks. “I want a life. I feel like I could have one in a small town like this.”
“Have you made enquiries about work placements?”
“There’s a lot to sort out before I can think about that,” Lexi said. “But there’s the hospital in Trinity Lakes, and other clinics nearby. I’m sure I could get work. But I don’t need it right now.”
“But you’ll need money soon,” her mother said. “Your savings won’t last forever.”
“I’ve barely touched my savings. Being here on the ranch means I’ve hardly spent a dime.”
Her mother smiled. “Look at you, talking American.”
“It’s probably inevitable if I’m going to stay here.”
Her mother nodded. “If you’re sure.”
