Her Hometown Hero (Page 8)

For a teenager, it could get a little boring, and the local teens had been known to tip a few cows on a Friday night, or party in some of the farmers’ barns, but nothing too terrible ever seemed to happen in the close-knit community. The biggest industries were oil and ranching, as was the case for a lot of Montana towns. There wasn’t much else to do with the miles and miles of open land.

She drove through the one-stop-sign “metropolis” and reached her grandmother’s house in a few minutes. She’d been too afraid to tell her grandma that she was planning to move—hopefully tomorrow.

Pulling the car into the small driveway, she paused to look fondly at the planters sitting on the large front porch. Sage thought there must be a city ordinance requiring every house to have an inviting wooden front porch with colorful flowers adorning it.

She finally climbed from the car, feeling much better after almost a full week of total rest and relaxation—too much rest, if anyone cared to ask her humble opinion. Before she was able to take two steps, she heard the familiar creaking of the wooden screen door as her grandma stepped outside.

“I’ve been so worried,” Bethel said as Sage came up the front path. “You were gone too long.”

“You shouldn’t be worrying about me, Grandma. And you shouldn’t be out here in the heat.” Sage climbed up the steps and threw her arms around Bethel. The familiar scent of butterscotch and flour drifting off her grandmother’s clothes would always be a reminder of home and happiness.

“I just hate knowing that you’re out there driving all by yourself after that terrible wreck, sweetie. You’ve only been feeling better for a day. I could have driven you.”

“I told you I’d be fine, and see?” Sage spun around in a circle. “I’m all safe and sound. And for the millionth time, it was a minor wreck, though my car might disagree. Now let’s get you back inside where it’s cool.”

“Don’t you be fussing over me, young lady. I may have a few years on you, but I can handle myself just fine. A bit of heat won’t slow these bones down. Now be a good girl and come inside. I’ve made you muffins and there’s fresh lemonade chilling in the fridge.”

“That is just what the doctor ordered,” Sage said with a grin.

“You will make a terrific doctor, darling. It makes me feel so safe having you back home again.” Bethel scooted over to the fridge and filled a glass with icy-cold liquid.

Bethel’s reference to home sent a pang through her. How in the world was she supposed to tell her grandma she wanted to live with Grace? What if the woman was really crushed and thought Sage didn’t love her enough to stay?

“I met up with Grace down at the diner for lunch,” Sage said as she sat back. “I’ve missed her so much. I can’t believe how long it’s been since the two of us have gotten to hang out. Did you know that Kelly Purly is going to have another baby?” Kelly had gone to school with Grace and Sage. It was strange to think that she was a mother now.

“Yes, it seems that everyone is having babies,” Bethel grumbled. “It sure would be nice if I got to be a great-grandma before the good Lord decides to pull me from this world.”

“Grandma, you look tired. Why don’t you go lie down?”

Bethel let the change of subject pass, much to her granddaughter’s relief. The last thing Sage wanted to do was have another discussion about eligible men and to field questions about whether she was ever going to have a family. She was only twenty-six, not on the verge of retirement.

“You’re right, dear. A nap would do wonders for this old body,” Bethel said, then she took her time leaving the room.

Sage watched her go with a worried frown. She needed to discuss her plans with her grandma, but she didn’t have the energy for it right now. Or that’s what she told herself. In reality, she was just too chicken. Maybe over dinner . . .

Suddenly, the afternoon caught up to her, and she felt completely drained, so she decided to lie down for a few minutes. Famous last words—sleep claimed her instantly.

“TIME TO GET up, sweetheart,” her grandmother said, shaking her awake. “We have a party to go to.”

“What? What party?”

“Oh, sorry. I forgot to mention that Martin Whitman is having a giant gathering at his place this evening. We can’t miss it.” Bethel was the picture of excitement.

“Are you up for it, Grandma?”

“Listen, girlie, I was dancing long into the night when you were still in diapers, so don’t try mothering me. I feel just fine and I deserve to go to this party.”

“I’m sorry, Grandma, but I’m a little tired.” So tired, in fact, that she didn’t notice that her grandma sounded awfully hearty for someone supposedly under the weather. “Would you mind going with Eileen so I can stay home and rest?” She really didn’t want to go to the Whitman Ranch, not now that she knew Spence was in town. He was sure to be there.

Just the name Whitman had her on edge again. But that was ridiculous. If Spence was going to be in town often, she’d have to get over it. Besides, her reaction was so over the top. Maybe if she’d taken Grace’s advice and had a few solid flings while away at college—no time in med school!—she wouldn’t be harboring these feelings for her childhood obsession.

“I suppose I could go with Eileen, but her eyes aren’t so good these days. We were kind of hoping you would drive us, but I understand if you aren’t up for it.”