When It's Right(40)

Gillian changed the subject. “So, what job do you want me to do around here?”

“Nothing. You need to concentrate on getting better,” Bud answered.

“I need to earn my keep. It’s important that I contribute.”

“Look around you, Gillian. It isn’t as if you and Justin are a hardship on me. Take the time you need to heal.”

Gillian had already figured out that her grandfather had the finances to let her and Justin stay without any sort of blip on his checkbook. Still, she liked keeping busy, and it would soothe her conscience if she earned her way. A matter of pride. She’d eaten enough of it yesterday. She didn’t want to eat any more of it.

She looked her grandfather in the eye. “I need you to give me a job. I realize that shoveling out stalls won’t be my strong suit at the moment.” She held up her purple cast. “But I can do other things. I’m a hard worker. If you show me what you want me to do, I’ll do it.”

“You grew up in the city,” Blake stated the obvious. “I imagine you have no idea what working on a ranch is like.”

Irritated, she frowned and narrowed her eyes. Blake had no idea how she lived or anything about her capabilities. “I’ve held a number of varied types of jobs. If you give me a chance, I’ll prove myself.”

“It’s not about proving yourself,” Blake assured her. “I wonder if you wouldn’t rather have a job in town. You might find that you hate ranch life. It’s dirty, messy, hard work. You might find you prefer city life.” He said the words like they left a bad taste in his mouth.

“There’s a lot of charm and advantages to living in a city like San Francisco. Everything and anything you want is at your fingertips. I miss the ocean,” she went on. Hard to explain how the water became a part of your soul. “Right before I arrived at the ranch, I stopped out on the road. We’d been driving for a long time, and I wanted to collect myself before I got here. I can’t tell you exactly what it was, but there’s something here that I needed and never knew I wanted.”

Blake’s gaze narrowed on her. He sighed, like her wanting to be here came as a relief.

“I need to find my place here. Without that, I’ll only feel like I don’t belong. You’ve given me and Justin so much,” she said to her grandfather. “I’m not one to take without giving something back. I’ve had to work for everything in my life, and I can’t turn that off now.”

Few ­people had given her a break. Accepting one without paying back the favor went against the grain. Didn’t they get how hard this was for her, to put herself out there like this to show them both she wanted to be a real part of this place?

Her grandfather’s eyes softened with what she could only guess was admiration. He reached out and bushed a strand of hair behind her ear. She didn’t back away but accepted the kind gesture without tensing for the expected blow. He’d never hit her. Over time, her learned responses would shift and change. She’d learn to relax. She’d settle into a new normal. God, how she wished that day would come soon.

“You’re nothing like your mother and father. I don’t know how you turned out so well, but you’re an amazing woman. Stronger than anyone I know.”

She cocked her head and studied him, acknowledging what they had in common. Not just blood but the qualities that made them who they were. “They would get the angriest when I’d harp on them about responsibility and doing the right thing. She always said I sounded just like her old man. I guess I take after you.”

Stunned speechless, his mouth dropped open for a second before he recovered. “Can I hug you?” His words came out gruff and filled with emotion.

Gillian usually got hugs from close friends she’d been around long enough to trust. She should call the restaurant and garage and let them know she’d made it to Montana, and all was well.

Gillian mustered her courage. She gave in to the overwhelming need in her heart to connect with her grandfather, her family, and walked right into his open arms. It took her a few seconds to settle in against his chest, but then she wrapped her arms around his middle. He felt nice. Strong. No vibe that he might turn on her at any second. His steady heartbeat against her cheek and his scent, something earthy tinged with spice, settled into her. For the first time, she thought, This is my grandpa. He loves me.

“This is your place, Gillian. You belong here. Never doubt that.” He laid his cheek on top of her head. Dee stared at both of them, tears shimmering in her eyes.

The tension Blake carried with him since she arrived washed away. She wanted to stay. She felt like she belonged here.