Merry Manager: River’s End Ranch Series #17 Read online

  "They're pretty." Vivian approved.

  "Thank you, that's very thoughtful," Maddie said as Wade handed her one of the bouquets. She quickly found a vase to put them in and filled it with water. Once the flowers were settled on the kitchen table, they set out. The dance studio was just off Main Street. They parked and walked to a small Italian restaurant that Maddie was relieved to see was fairly casual and family friendly. It looked like several other tables were filled with families that might be going to the show as well. There were lots of little girls in pretty dresses.

  They were seated quickly and enjoyed a delicious dinner. Vivian had noodles with butter and a single meatball on the side and both Maddie and Wade had lasagna and some red wine. There were no leftovers and Maddie was feeling full and happy as they walked to the dance studio. The temperature had dropped while they were in the restaurant and she pulled her coat tightly around her to ward off the chill. It felt good to walk and move around after eating a heavy dinner.

  The Nutcracker was cute. Maddie hadn't seen it in years and it always put her in the Christmas spirit. It had been her family's tradition when she was Vivian's age. They went every year until her parents died. She was in ninth grade then and went to live with her grandmother. The two of them continued the tradition, but as much as Maddie enjoyed going, there was still sadness that her parents weren't there to enjoy it.

  She glanced over at Vivian several times throughout the show and every time, her daughter's gaze was transfixed on the stage, wonder and delight dancing across her face. Maddie smiled, too. It was a joy to experience The Nutcracker for the first time through her daughter's eyes. When the show was over, they waited for Caitlyn to find her parents, who were sitting next to Wade. He handed her the flowers and she gave him a big hug in return.

  "Thanks, Uncle Wade! Did you like the show?" Caitlyn looked to be about nine.

  "I loved it! You were fantastic." He introduced her to Maddie and Vivian and then they were on their way. Rich and his wife Susie wanted to get Caitlyn home and Maddie saw that Vivian was yawning. It was almost nine thirty. Late for both of them.

  Vivian seemed to catch a second wind, though, when Wade pulled up to their house.

  "Mom, can Wade come in and have some of the chocolate cake you bought earlier? I bet he'd love a slice, wouldn't you, Wade? We didn't have any dessert at the restaurant."

  Maddie laughed. "Vivian, why don't you just admit you are dying for a piece of cake? Wade is certainly welcome to join us for some."

  "How can I say no to chocolate cake?" he asked.

  "While I'm getting it ready, I want you to go put on your pajamas. It's way past your bedtime, young lady," Maddie said as they walked inside.

  "I'll be back so fast your head will spin," Vivian said as she ran upstairs.

  "I wish I had half of her energy," Wade said as he pulled out a chair at the kitchen table and sat down.

  Maddie laughed. "I know. She reminds me of the Energizer bunny sometimes. She goes and goes until she just stops and falls asleep."

  "I heard that!" Vivian said as she slid onto a chair and Maddie passed her a plate of cake. She handed one to Wade and then joined them with a thin slice for herself. Vivian gobbled hers down in no time and asked for seconds, which Maddie firmly said no to.

  "Fine. I'm going to bed, then."

  "I'll be up soon to tuck you in, honey," Maddie said as Vivian grabbed her Nancy Drew book and started up the stairs.

  "Impressive that she likes to read so much," Wade commented.

  "She's always loved it. I was the same way at her age."

  Wade laughed. "I wasn't. I was into everything. I think I really tested my mother's patience. I used to like to climb things and then jump off of them. Broke a few bones that way."

  "Your poor mother!" Maddie couldn't imagine keeping track of six children, especially if one of them was as active as Wade said he was.

  "Do you think you'll want a family some day?" Maddie asked. She was curious how he felt about children. Wade was already in his mid-thirties. Maybe he planned to stay a bachelor.

  "I'd love a big family, actually. Maybe not six kids, not in this day and age, but I'd be fine with three or four or however many show up. I like kids." Maddie knew Wade was good with children, that was clear from seeing him play Santa. But to hear he had thought about having a family and a big one at that was a surprise. And so different from Paul.

  "So, have you set a date yet with Paul?" Wade asked casually.

  Maddie loaded her fork with chocolate frosting and savored the taste of it. She and Vivian loved the cakes from their local grocery store bakery. She should have taken a bigger slice.

  "More cake? I'm going to have a sliver," she asked, avoiding his question for the moment.

  "Just a sliver? I guess I'll take another slice to keep you company."

  Maddie smiled as she loaded their plates with more cake and sat back at the table.

  "I actually met him for coffee this morning."

  Wade was about to take a bite and set his fork down instead.

  "You met Paul today? For your first date?"

  Maddie nodded. "If you can call it that. We met at a local coffee shop for about twenty minutes before his phone buzzed and he had to go into the office."

  "That's kind of rude."

  "Trust me, it was fine. It was a long twenty minutes. I was checking the time on my cell phone when his rang."

  "So, you're not going to see him again, then?"

  Maddie bit her lip and thought of what Sadie had said. But the last thing she felt like doing was going out with Paul again.

  "He said he would call to go out this week, but I don't think we're well suited." She sighed. "Sadie wants me to go out with him a second time, though."

  "Why?"

  "She says I should give him another chance. That sometimes people grow on you."

  "Like a fungus," Wade said quickly, and Maddie burst out laughing.

  "Sorry, it just automatically came to mind. Maybe Sadie's right and you should go out with him again."

  Disappointment flooded through her. Was he really encouraging her to date Paul. But then she saw the mischievous gleam in his eye and he burst into laughter, too.

  "No, of course you shouldn't go out with him again. I was surprised that Sadie even suggested it, to be honest."

  "Well, I'm sure he can be charming. He probably chats her up when he makes his deliveries. And he's not a bad-looking guy," Maddie added.

  Wade scowled. "You know, I almost said something the other night when we were out at trivia. He walked into the bar and met some woman there. I don't get the impression that he's a one-woman kind of guy or looking to settle down anytime soon."

  "No, I don't think so, either. I even gave him the benefit of the doubt and asked if he had a sister and he doesn't. But, I suppose that could have just been a friend. Like us, just friends at trivia."

  Wade raised one eyebrow. "Sure, anything's possible. But, I have to admit, I'm glad that you're not interested. You can do better than that."

  "You think so?" It was nice to hear, but the thought of going on more first dates like that was daunting.

  "They're not all like Paul. There's still plenty of good guys out there."

  Maddie smiled but it turned into a yawn, and Wade took that as his cue to leave.

  "I'm yawning now, too. I'll see you on Monday, for my next appointment. I think I'm scheduled around lunchtime."

  "You are. I'll see you then. And thank you for a lovely night. We both really enjoyed it."

  Maddie walked him to the door and Wade pulled her in for a quick hug and then surprised her with a sweet kiss on the cheek.

  "Sweet dreams, Maddie."

  Chapter 8

  Sunday afternoon, Maddie and Vivian took a drive to the Old West town to visit the new bookstore and the general store. Melissa Winchester owned The Book Nook, and had recently moved to the area from Boston. She opened the shop a few weeks ago and Maddie had stopped in briefly
when she first opened and had been impressed with her selection of books and toys. Maddie had thought that a Sunday afternoon might not be too crowded, but she'd been very wrong about that. The store was packed, but all the shops seemed busy with people doing their holiday shopping.

  Maddie had noticed that the line to see Santa was out the door of the general store, even longer than when they’d stopped by to see Wade the other night. She had poked head in the door to check out the new Santa and waved hello to Heidi who was busy ringing up customers. Wade had looked fine, but this one really fit the part. The white hair and beard looked very real and Maddie suspected that this Santa didn't need to use a pillow for padding.

  Maddie was glad to see that Melissa’s new shop was doing well. She was curious to learn more about how she had decided to move clear across the country, to a small town where she knew no one. She’d chatted with Melissa a bit as she’d been in for a massage at the spa and they’d clicked right away. Maddie guessed that they were about the same age, early thirties, and she was easy to talk to. Melissa was much too busy today to chat though. Vivian ran to the back of the store, where the children's books and toys were, and Maddie took her time strolling through the adult section. It was mostly bestselling fiction with some adult coloring books, calendars and an interesting selection of magazines and local newspapers. There was also a stationery section with beautiful handmade cards and notes.

  "I wonder if those two planned this." Maddie turned at the sound of Sadie's amused voice. She'd walked up behind her and was wearing her chocolate stained t-shirt and jeans under her winter coat. Violet was giggling with Vivian as they looked through rows of Nancy Drew books.

  "Could be. Did you just get off a shift at the store?" Maddie asked.

  "Yes, every Sunday I finish up at three and one of the other girls comes in. Violet also begged me to let Vivian come visit. I don't mind at all. I'm just going to be puttering around the house this afternoon."

  Maddie glanced at her daughter who was animatedly telling her best friend a story. One thing that Maddie did feel bad about sometimes was that Vivian was an only child. Maddie had wanted siblings so badly when she was younger and she knew how lonely it could be at times.

  "If you're sure you don't mind, that's fine with me. I can come by and get them whenever you like."

  Sadie thought for a moment. "Why won't we say around five thirty? We usually sit down to dinner at six. That should give them plenty of time to visit."

  "All right. If you're sure?" Maddie felt bad leaving Vivian with Sadie again.

  "Don't be silly. It's good for both of them, and I'll get more done with the two of them entertaining themselves."

  Maddie laughed. She knew exactly what Sadie meant.

  "See you in a few hours."

  She walked out of the store, and toward her car, wondering what to do now that she had a few unexpected hours to herself. As she drove out of the ranch and past the RV park, she saw smoke coming out of Jaclyn's chimney and saw her car in the driveway. It looked like she was home and had a cozy fire going. It was a perfect day for it. Maybe it would be a good time to stop in. She had told Jaclyn at trivia that she would try to get over soon.

  Maddie pulled her car up next to Jaclyn's and parked. By the time she reached the front door, it was opening and Jaclyn looked as though she'd been expecting her.

  "Come in, come in. The fairies told me you'd be stopping by so I whipped up a fresh batch of snickerdoodles. They just came out of the oven five minutes ago, so your timing couldn’t be better. Tea?"

  "I'd love a cup, thank you. Are you sure though? I know you weren't expecting me."

  Jaclyn shook her head and smiled as she reached for two teacups, each a different pattern, and set them on saucers that didn't match.

  "Don't be silly dear. I told you, the fairies let me know you were coming. Have a seat and get comfortable. I just put another log on the fire. It should be nice and toasty in here soon."

  Maddie did as she was told and took a seat at the kitchen table. Jaclyn set a steaming cup of tea in front of her and a plate of cookies that smelled heavenly. Maddie hadn’t thought she was hungry, but her stomach rumbled at the scent and Jaclyn laughed.

  "Don't wait on my account. Help yourself."

  Maddie reached for a cookie as Jaclyn joined her at the table and set down a saucer of sliced lemon and a little jar of honey. Maddie added a bit of both to her tea and then took her first bite of a snickerdoodle. Cinnamon, vanilla and sugar all swirled and combined to taste so good.

  "You like it, I can tell. Everyone loves my snickerdoodles." Jaclyn took two and minutes later, reached for a third.

  "They are amazing," Maddie said as she went for another.

  "So, tell me all about you and Wade. How is it going?" Jaclyn asked.

  The question caught Maddie off guard. "What do you mean?"

  Jaclyn studied her closely and then said, "Oh, I see. It's not quite time yet."

  "Time for what?" Maddie was very confused.

  "Nothing my dear. Forget I said a thing. Tell me all about your weekend. What did you do? Anything fun?"

  Maddie told her about the shopping and wrapping, and dinner with Wade and The Nutcracker. Jaclyn listened quietly with a small smile. She looked pleased with what she heard.

  "I'm glad you had a good time. Everything is going the way that it should."

  Maddie didn't mention her blind date with Paul. Somehow, she sensed that Jaclyn wouldn't approve. But then she thought better of it and was curious to see the older woman's reaction. By the time Maddie finished telling her about Paul, Jaclyn was no longer smiling. Her lips were pressed together tightly and she almost looked as though she'd just sucked on a lemon.

  Finally, she nodded and said, "He's a toad."

  "A toad?" Maddie wasn't sure she'd heard correctly.

  "You know, the old expression that you have to kiss a few toads before you find your prince. I'm sorry to say, it seems to be true."

  Maddie laughed. "He is very handsome."

  "But still a toad, no?"

  "I think you may be right about that."

  "He's not the first, though? There was one other."

  Maddie thought about that and then realized Jaclyn was right. "Andrew. He was the first person I dated after Tim died. It was too soon. He's actually a nice guy."

  "But not the one for you," Jaclyn stated.

  "Bad timing," Maddie agreed.

  "Wade is a lovely man. He works too hard, though."

  Maddie nodded. She agreed with Jaclyn.

  "He needs someone who will help him relax." She scrunched her face up as if she was thinking hard to find the right word. "Someone who will help him find balance. Balance is everything." She looked at Maddie, who nodded again in agreement.

  "I think he's on the right track. Having some time off this week seems to have helped."

  "And seeing you. For massages."

  "Right. That too. I hope he'll feel better when he goes back into the office on Monday."

  "If you keep seeing him, he'll be fine," Jaclyn said.

  "I think he has several massages booked next week," Maddie said.

  "Yes, that too. Eat up, dear. You're too thin."

  Maddie grinned. No one ever said that to her. It was nice to hear, though. And the cookies were good.

  "Well, maybe just one more."

  "We'll see you at trivia this week? And the Christmas stroll is coming up soon. You can't miss that."

  "I'm not sure about trivia. I'd like to. Vivian and I will definitely go to the stroll, though. We had to miss it last year and Vivian was so upset. We both had the flu."

  "Well, I hope to see you at both, dear. And Wade, too. You're a nice influence on him."

  Maddie smiled and turned at the sound of a knock on the door. It was Simon.

  "Nice to see you again, young lady," he greeted her.

  "You're late," Jaclyn scolded him.

  Maddie stood. Clearly they had plans to do something. "I should
be on my way. Thanks so much for the tea, and the cookies."

  "We're off to an early supper in town. You're welcome to join us," Jaclyn invited her.

  "Thank you. I have to pick up Vivian soon, though. Nice seeing you, Simon. Enjoy your dinner."

  "See you Thursday for Trivia," Jaclyn said as she walked out the door. Maddie smiled to herself. Maybe her mother-in-law wouldn't mind watching Vivian again. They'd had a wonderful time, after all, and she had offered to take her anytime.

  Chapter 9

  Wade spent most of Sunday cooking ribs for family dinner. He had it down to a science, though. He could make this recipe in his sleep. He brought his laptop to the cafe, which was closed to the public on Sundays, and while his ribs were slow cooking in the oven, he drank coffee and went through emails to get ready for the week ahead.

  Bernie and Dani had both sent him detailed summary emails of everything that had gone on during the week and at this point, his week would mostly be spent overseeing all the various activities and events that were scheduled. Lily, of course, would be onsite for all the holiday parties and Bernie was helping with the various Christmas activities that were happening each day.

  The main one that Wade was involved with was the Christmas stroll on Wednesday night. It was just a few days before Christmas and all the shops were going to be open late and having different things going on—specials, hot cider, cookies and of course the window decorating contest. All the children were encouraged to vote for their favorite displays.

  But the highlight of the night was the caroling. A local men and women's choir had volunteered to dress in period costume and lead the singing as they strolled from shop to shop, stopping in front of each one to sing several Christmas carols before moving on to the next shop.

  That had been Wade's idea years ago and he always joined in, strolling and singing along, encouraging the shoppers to jump in and sing when the mood struck. It added to the holiday cheer and usually resulted in increased sales for the stores, too.