True Grit Café, a longtime favorite of locals and tourists alike, hummed with energy, not to mention the aromas of Tex-Mex and comfort food that made his stomach growl.
A ponytailed brunette scurried from behind the L-shaped bar and across the wood floor. “Table for three?”
He nodded.
The young woman grabbed a stack of menus and led them past the stone fireplace to a booth at the back of the restaurant.
Blakely slid in beside Austin as the waitress handed out menus and took their drink orders.
“Look.” Trent pointed to a picture of a young John Wayne hanging on the wall next to them. “We get to eat with The Duke.”
Never mind that every other patron did, too. Movie memorabilia lined the walls of the restaurant. And though actor Dennis Weaver had been Ridgway’s most famous citizen, John Wayne still reigned as king at the Grit.
Cheek resting on his fist, Austin opened his menu. “You’re so weird.”
Trent’s mouth fell open. His first slam. Oh, no.
Opposite him, Blakely struggled to contain her laughter. “Welcome to the wonderful world of—” She stopped, leaving off the proverbial “parenthood.” “I mean, welcome to my—”
World, he was tempted to add.
Finally, she gestured to their son. “See what I have to put up with?”
He shouldn’t get enjoyment from watching her squirm, but he couldn’t help it. She looked so darn cute in pink.
Now she hid behind her menu.
Trent tried to focus on his own. “What are you getting, Austin?”
“I can’t decide. Either tacos or a hamburger. They have the best hamburgers.”
“That we do, young man.” The waitress deposited their drinks, tucked the small tray under her arm and withdrew a pad from the pocket of her black apron. “So what would you like to order?”
After a few moments of indecision, Austin opted for the burger. Trent joined him, while Blakely ordered the fish tacos.
“Hey, Trent.” Austin swirled a straw through his Sprite, watching the tiny bubbles on the sides of the glass. “Did you know Adventures in Pink is the best tour company in Ouray?”
“So I hear.” He emptied a packet of sugar into his iced tea, glancing Blakely’s way. “By the way, when did The Jeep Company become Adventures in Pink?”
“About seven years ago.” She peeled the plastic covering from her straw and poked it into her glass of water. “Granddad wanted something to set us apart. We toyed with the idea of red, but that was too generic.” She took a sip. “Pink started as a joke. But the more we thought about it, the more we liked it. Especially once we came up with the name Adventures in Pink.”
“And I see you’re doing more than Jeep tours.”
“Hence the adventure part.” She unrolled the napkin from around her silverware and laid it across her lap. “By teaming up with businesses in Telluride and Ridgway, we now offer river rafting, fly-fishing, even hot air balloon rides.”
“Sounds like strategic marketing.”
“That was our goal. Even if folks don’t remember our name, all they have to do is mention the pink Jeeps.”
“Austin, how do you feel about the pink theme?” Trent swigged his tea.
“It’s pretty cool. I still think they should have flames, though.”
A sudden burst of laughter had him choking and coughing. “You may be on to something, buddy.” His voice cracked as another cough escaped.
“You okay?”
Was that a note of concern in Blakely’s query?
“Raise your arm over your head,” said Austin.
Trent swiped a napkin across his mouth, blew out a slow breath and took another drink. “I’m okay.” He cleared his throat one more time. “But I’d have to agree with Austin. I think flames might be just the right touch.”
She lifted a brow. “Uh...no.”
“Here we are.” The waitress placed each order in front of its owner.
“Wow.” Trent stared at the half-pound buffalo burger on his plate. “Now that’s what I call a burger.”
“Wait till you taste it.” Austin chomped on a French fry.
“Anything else I can get you folks?”
“No, I think we’re good.” With the waitress gone, Trent glanced at Austin then Blakely. “Shall we pray?”
Blakely grabbed Austin’s hand. Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Austin stretched his other hand across the table toward Trent.
The simplest of gestures, yet one that meant so much.
He clasped Austin’s hand, then offered Blakely his other.
The softness of her touch sent a wave of awareness through him. And, for a split second, it was as though they were a family.
Dreams he’d tucked away long ago drifted to the surface. Could he still have the one thing that had eluded him all his life?
Maybe...if he wasn’t going back to Albuquerque at the end of the summer.
Unfortunately, he’d made commitments that demanded just that.
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it’s the Lord’s purpose that prevails.
The verse played across his mind as he blessed their meal. God had a plan. He knew about Austin long before Trent did. It was Trent’s job to trust God to work things out according to that plan.
Attacking the massive buffalo burger, Trent savored the perfectly seasoned meat.
Austin swallowed his first bite of the burger. Licked ketchup from his fingers. “Mom, did you know Trent had a horse?”
“No, I didn’t.” She dared to meet the man’s gaze. “I don’t imagine Vivian is letting you keep that at the inn.”
“No.” He smiled. “She’s part of an equine therapy program in Albuquerque.”
“Trent said he’d take me riding sometime.”
He cut a quick look at Austin. “If it’s all right with your mom.”
Now they both stared at Blakely as another waitress skirted past carrying a large food-laden tray.
“That’d be fine.” She gripped the first of her two fish tacos. “As long as you wear a helmet.”
“A
