Orchard Valley Brides by Debbie Macomber Page A

brilliant careers flushed down the drain and all in the name of love. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a bunch of hogwash.”
    Valerie didn’t say anything for a long moment. “At one time, working for you and CHIPS was the most important thing in my life.”
    â€œSee?” Rowdy shouted, turning to Norah and pointing at Valerie, “it’s happening already! And she’s only been married, what? Two weeks.”
    â€œThree,” Valerie inserted.
    â€œThree weeks and already her mind is warped.”
    Valerie laughed, and Norah found her amusement somehow reassuring. “Love tends to do that to a person.”
    â€œThen heaven help us all.” Rowdy crossed his arms over his chest and gazed steadfastly out the window. “You were one of the best,” he finally said, still not looking directly at the two women. “It’s a shame to lose you.”
    â€œAs I recall, you didn’t leave me much choice. You wouldn’t give me the job I wanted, and you knew I wouldn’t stay in Texas.”
    He winced and Norah saw a flash of regret in his eyes, a reappearance of the pain she’d noticed whenever Valerie’s name was mentioned. Norah experienced a pang of her own, knowing that the man she’d begun to love cared so deeply for her sister.
    â€œI…may have acted a bit hastily,” Rowdy said with a contriteness he didn’t bother to conceal. “Robbins is a good man, don’t get me wrong, but he doesn’t have the gut instincts you do when it comes to making a go of this expansion project. He took the assignment because I asked him to, but truth be known, you were always the person for the job. Not Robbins.”
    Valerie paced the room in silence; Norah almost demanded her sister say something to ease the tension. Val had told her only a little of the confrontation between her and Rowdy, but she knew an apology when she heard one. Valerie’s former employer was trying to mend fences.
    â€œWhat are you saying, Rowdy? That you want me back with CHIPS for the expansion project?”
    â€œThat’s exactly what I’m saying.”
    â€œI’ll never be the businesswoman I was, as you’ve pointed out. Marriage has ruined me, you know.”
    Rowdy’s face relaxed with the beginnings of a smile. “There might be some hope for you yet. Once you’re with CHIPS again, we’ll work on your attitude. Of course it’ll take time, training and patience, but Robbins and I should be able to whip you into shape.”
    Valerie didn’t say anything. Norah stared at her sister, willing her to answer Rowdy. Willing her to recognize what it had cost his pride to make that offer. If Valerie didn’t appreciate how difficult it was for him to admit he’d been wrong, then Norah did. Surely Val understood what he was really saying!
    â€œI’m flattered.”
    For a moment Rowdy didn’t react, then he slammed one hand against the other and swore under his breath.“You’re going to turn me down, aren’t you? I know that obstinate look of yours. Apparently it runs in the family.” He was glaring at Norah as he spoke.
    â€œI’m not committing myself either way just yet. The project will consume every waking minute for months, and I’m not sure that’s what I want,” Valerie told him honestly.
    â€œYou were ready to take it on before,” Rowdy argued. “What’s so different?”
    â€œI’m married. I have responsibilities to someone other than myself. I didn’t fully understand what that entailed when I first talked to you, but I know now, and I’m not going to let CHIPS control my life. Not anymore.”
    â€œSo what do you intend to do? Stay barefoot and pregnant the rest of your life?”
    â€œRowdy!” Norah chastised, offended that he’d talk to her sister that way. He ignored her, frowning combatively at Valerie.
    â€œColby