If Given a Choice Read online

  Jenni nodded in agreement, glancing down at the black and white photo of Daniel James. Jenni couldn’t help but grin. “He’s probably married with eight or nine children,” she sighed.

  Dave Walker let out a roar. “You’re wrong, missy, wrong, wrong, wrong. Daniel James is as single as you are. And, he’s coming up this way to rent number thirteen.”

  “Daniel James is coming to Estes Park? Here?” Jenni couldn’t contain the excitement in her voice.

  “Sure is, and I reckon you two ought to get introduced. Maybe he could autograph that book of his for you,” Dave Walker answered affectionately. He’d always had a fondness in his heart for Jenni and her sister Julie.

  After Pamela enthusiastically agreed, Jenni allowed them to help her with her things and left them with a promise to meet them at the office by six o’clock.

  ❧

  Later that night, Jenni sank down into the layers of blankets that dressed her bed. The veal parmigiana at Dunraven’s had been delectable, and Jenni had enjoyed sharing Pamela and Dave’s company. “Oh, Lord,” she breathed a prayer. “Thank You for watching over me, and thank You for giving me understanding friends and family. Amen.”

  The following morning, a heavy mist draped the valley. Jenni was up before the sun, and finding it impossible to get back to sleep, she took a blanket and went out onto the balcony. Easing back into the wooden deck chair, Jennifer willed herself to forget about everything.

  Jenni pulled the soft cotton comforter close, snuggling down to enjoy its warmth. Overhead, the twinkling of nighttime stars faded into a rich indigo blue sky, as the liquid gold of the sun peered over the snow-capped mountain range.

  The rich green of forest pines were dotted here and there with Colorado blue spruce and quaking aspen. And as if the balance of blues and greens weren’t enough, the mountainside was sprinkled with a riot of summer flowers. Blue columbine, white miniature daisies, wild primroses in shades of pink and lavender, all lent their beauty to the freshness of the new day.

  As the sun broke over the mountaintop, Jenni basked in the warmth, feeling the damp cold of her body and soul give way to the sun’s brilliance. For a moment, Jenni let her mind wander back home.

  Her father would no doubt already be hard at work on his campaign. Jenni could envision him bent over a desk full of papers in the wood-paneled den that had become his home front campaign office.

  Her mother would be in the kitchen making him breakfast and keeping a pot of coffee hot and ready for her husband’s consumption. Jenni admired her mother for the devotion she showed her childhood sweetheart and husband. Jenni had hoped to show Brian just such devotion and care, but now that was a dream she must forget.

  Thinking of her mother, Jenni remembered that Ann Campbell had always been there for her. There wasn’t a time that Jenni hadn’t felt important in her mother’s life. God and family were the most important things in Ann Campbell’s life, and Jenni had tried to pattern her actions after her mother’s.

  Sometimes she was more successful than others. Right now, Jenni fervently wished she could pray through her memories of Brian and the deep pain that filled her heart – and then have them disappear from her mind forever.

  Jennifer was jerked back into reality by a noise on the ledge below her balcony. Looking over the edge, she glimpsed six deer as they walked across the resort grounds, hoping for breakfast hand-outs.

  “Sorry, little friends,” Jenni murmured as they caught her scent and headed toward the balcony. “I haven’t got any food, and even if I did, the government says I shouldn’t feed you.” Realizing Jenni wasn’t going to give them anything to eat, the deer moved on.

  Soon the day was bursting into life around her, and Jenni decided to venture into town. She pulled on her faded blue jeans and tucked in a black t-shirt. Next she pulled on a warm red plaid flannel shirt and hiking boot socks. Making her way to the mirror, she parted her hair and worked the brown mass into two thick braids. She pulled on her boots and grabbed her purse, and found herself feeling alive with energy. This was a good place to forget your problems.

  She was just passing by the only telephone for resort guests, when she thought she’d better call home. The pay phone stood in a quaint, outdoor shelter with two stubby bench seats built into the enclosure. The structure had no door, but the short roof overhead was enough shelter from rain or snow.

  “Jenni!” Before she could make her call, Pamela shouted to her from the office. Jenni gave a wave, and decided to put the phone call off for a few more minutes.

  “I’m glad I caught up with you before you went to town.” Pamela came panting up the hill. “Amy quit on us and I was wondering if I could talk you into managing O’Reilly’s.” At the look of shock on Jenni’s face, Pamela quickly added. “Just until we get another manager. The pay’s not that great, but the benefits are. Room, board, Dave and I will see to the fridge being stocked, and there’s the hot tub and free firewood. Need I say more?”

  “Well, I wasn’t really thinking of this as a working vacation,” Jenni said thoughtfully. Seeing the worried look on her friend’s face, she smiled. “I’d be happy to help out, Aunt Pam. Just tell me what to do.”

  “Oh, Jenni, you’re an answer to prayer. An absolute answer to prayer!” Pamela pulled Jenni towards the office.

  “Now, I don’t care what you wear. I mean be clean, look well kept, but what you have on is fine. There are three cleaning girls that help out here. Kelly Johnson’s been with us the longest, three years in fact. The there’s Gracey and Renea. They’ve both been with us through at least one season. They’ll handle all the physical work, the cleaning, restocking of supplies, delivering firewood, and such.” The older woman hurried around the office, trying to remember everything at once.

  “Are you familiar with computers?” she questioned and then answered for Jenni before she could speak. “Of course you are, you’re a college graduate. You’ll probably find this a breeze.”

  Jenni smiled and tried to mentally reassure herself that Pamela was probably right. Fortunately for Pamela Walker, Jenni hid her feelings of apprehension well.

  After Pamela showed Jenni the computer set up and how to access the software, Jenni soon felt competent enough to work with the system.

  “I’m so grateful that you’ve agreed to help. I don’t know how long it’ll take to get another manager, but as picky as we Walkers tend to be, it could be several weeks.”

  “That’s okay, Aunt Pam. I don’t have anything important to be back in Topeka for. Except,” Jenni paused “for the election. I really want to be back by then. I want to be there for my dad.”

  “Well, if I can’t have a new manager for you by then, I’ll take over the office myself. You just don’t worry about anything.” Pamela gave Jenni’s shoulders a squeeze. “I couldn’t love you more if you were one of my own.”

  ❧

  Five days later, Jenni waved goodbye to Pam and David. They had problems with another one of their many resorts, and Jenni was going to be on her own for a while. True to their word, they’d put in enough provisions to last Jenni the summer, and left two weeks advance pay. Jenni had argued with them about the money, but Dave would hear of anyone working for him without getting paid for their efforts.

  After taking care of two reservations, Jenni was happy to see Kelly Johnson coming down the path to the office. As Kelly drew closer however, Jenni noticed the frown on her face.

  “What’s the matter, Kelly?”

  “You aren’t going to believe what’s happened,” Kelly began as she pulled her shoulder-length blond hair into a ponytail. “Gracey and Renea quit. No notice, no nothing. They just quit.”

  Jenni’s mouth dropped open in surprise. “Please tell me you’re kidding.”

  “I wish I were. I have twenty cabins to clean.” Kelly gave an exasperated sigh.

  “What should we do?”

  “Beats me, but we better do it quickly, whatever it is.” Kelly headed for the back door. “I’m go
ing to get the linens stocked up on the cart, and then I’m heading out.”

  “Why don’t I help you? I’ll take half,” Jenni offered. “I’ll put a notice on the door, and lock everything up. Then I can check back periodically and keep an eye out for new guests.”

  Kelly smiled. Jennifer sure was different from the red-headed Amy. Amy had never been willing to lift a finger to help the cleaning staff. “I’d love it! You can have cabins ten through twenty, they’re the easiest. More modern conveniences and such.”

  “Sounds good to me. Just tell me what the procedure is,” Jenni replied and locked the front door.

  ❧

  Finding herself smudged and sooty from cleaning fireplaces, Jenni began to question the wisdom of offering to help Kelly. The fireplace was the only truly dirty job, though. Given the class of clientele, most of the guests had cleaned up after themselves, and even the bathrooms were quick to mop and sanitize. The fireplaces, however, were entirely different.

  Jenni was scooping the ashes into a metal bin, when a strand of brown hair pulled loose from her bandanna. Instead of pulling her hair into a ponytail as Kelly had, Jenni had tied on a scarf and left her hair to hang down in back. She was too late to correct the mistake at this point, and all Jenni could do was gingerly push the strand back in place.

  Jenni continued with the ashes and was nearly done, when she heard someone come in behind her. Thinking it was Kelly, Jenni heaved a sigh. “I now have a greater respect for you,” she began, when she was startled by the sound of a man’s voice.

  “I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve such respect, but I do appreciate the thought.”

  Jenni whirled around on her heel, nearly dumping the bin of ashes. She lost her balance and plopped down hard on the floor. “Daniel James.” She breathed the name with something close to reverence.

  “I believe you have me at a disadvantage,” the tall, blond-headed man said with a smile. “Here let me help you.”

  Jenni reached up her sooty glove, then quickly pulled her hand back. “No, I’ll get you all dirty.” She pushed the bin aside and quickly got to her feet. “I’m Jennifer Campbell, the temporary manager here at O’Reilly’s.”

  Daniel James was immediately captivated with the smudged, delicate features of Jennifer’s face. He studied her intently, as one might study a great painting, and after several moments of silence, he spoke again. “I’m very pleased to meet you, Miss Campbell.”

  “Please call me Jenni or Jennifer, but not Miss Campbell. It sounds too stuffy,” Jenni laughed.

  Daniel surprise Jenni by joining her in laughter, “I agree. I will call you Jenni, if you agree to call me Dan.”

  “I can’t believe it,” Jenni tried to take in every detail of the mystery writer. He was wearing black jeans with an emerald green, cable knit sweater. Beneath this was a cream colored button-down shirt, open at the collar. Jenni met his startling blue eyes and blushed, knowing only too well that he knew she had been sizing him up.

  “You can’t believe what?” he questioned with mock seriousness. Jenni could see a smile play at the corners of his lips. They were very nice lips, she noticed.

  ❧

  “I – ah,” Jenni stammered for a moment, then regained a bit of composure. “I’ve read all your books. I love you – your work, I mean.” Jenni felt the crimson return to her face. “It’s awfully hot in here. I think maybe I’ve been working too hard.”

  Daniel laughed, a boisterous sound so loud that Jenni was reminded of Dave Walker. “You look as if you’d just finished cleaning all the fireplaces in the valley.”

  Jenni’s hand went to her face; only then did she remember the sooty gloves. “Oh, no,” she cried and went to the mirror to survey the damage. The image she saw made her feel like crying. Here she’d finally met someone she admired, and she was streaked and smeared from head to toe.

  “Here, let me help,” Dan said in a husky whisper. He had come to stand directly behind her, and when Jenni turned abruptly to face him, she nearly fell headlong against him. He reached out to steady her and smiled a knowing smile. If the smiled hadn’t been so intriguing and attractive, Jenni might have been offended at his seeming familiarity. Instead, she found his action stimulating. A shiver ran through her from head to toe, causing Dan’s grin to broaden.

  “First hot, then cold. Whatever direction will you run next?” he mocked lightly.

  “The only safe direction,” Jenni said with a smile, as she backed up toward the door. “Out of this cabin.”

  THREE

  Daniel gave Jenni a few moments to compose herself before following her to the resort office.

  “I’m sorry,” he began, ash bucket in hand. “But you left this,” he held out the bucket, “and I need to register for my cabin.”

  Jenni had already washed her face and brushed out her hair. With renewed courage, she took the bucket form Daniel’s hands. “Sorry. I guess I’m just not used to meeting celebrities.” She flashed a smile that warmed Daniel’s heart.

  “All’s forgiven, but on one condition,” Dan stated with a grin. “You have to agree to have dinner with me tonight.”

  “Dinner?” Jenni was shocked.

  “Yes, dinner,” he confirmed.

  Jennifer felt her heart skip a beat. “Well, I guess I could.”

  “Great!” Daniel’s voice was enthusiastic. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”

  Jennifer nodded and started to turn away, when she realized that Daniel was still waiting to register. “Let’s see,” she began, manipulating the computer. “You’re in cabin number thirteen. We deliver fresh linens and firewood daily. Here are some maps and listings for local happenings – and last but not least, your key.” Jenni handed Dan the cabin key; where her fingers touched his hand, she felt a spark of electricity go through her.

  She tried to cover her reaction by quickly studying the balance of Daniel’s bill. “You’ll need to pay the remaining, ah, the remaining – balance,” she stammered. “And sign the register.”

  Dan’s eyes danced with amusement. He was finding this slim and pretty young woman to be most refreshing. She seemed so innocent and pure; rare qualities he had seldom encountered.

  Finishing with the business details, Jennifer Campbell was almost relieved to watch Dan walk out the office door and up the hilly drive that rose behind the office. She caught herself watching him as he crossed the hill to his secluded cabin.

  To her embarrassment, Dan stopped at the top of the drive and waved back down at her, catching her watching him. Jenni’s face flushed a hot scarlet. “How humiliating,” she thought, quickly averting her eyes.

  Glancing at her watch, Jennifer was disappointed to see that the time was only one o’clock; she had six more hours to wait until dinner with Dan. She realized, however, that she had missed lunch. That at least explained the tremendous hunger she suddenly felt.

  After a savory lunch of pasta and vegetables, Jenni returned to the business of managing the office. She was lost in computer records and guest receipts, when the first of the new guests began arriving.

  Jenni was completely absorbed in caring for the guests, and when Kelly came in from her rounds, Jenni only had time to flash her a brief smile. Kelly, seeing that Jenni was buried in work, immediately went to the task of organizing the newcomers. She poured them complimentary coffee, then led them to the fireplace where they could sit and take off the evening chill.

  The rush passed in a few hours, and after selling several additional bundles of firewood and handing out extra linens, Jenni and Kelly collapsed on the couch. “I never thought we’d get them all taken care of,” Jenni said with a deep sigh.

  Glancing at her watch, she was shocked to see that it said ten minutes till seven. Dan would be coming to take her to dinner in less than ten minutes.

  “Oh, no,” she cried, jumping to her feet.

  “What is it?” Kelly asked, leaning forward as though she expected to see something they had forgotten to do.

&nb
sp; “Daniel James, the guest in number thirteen, asked me to dinner tonight.”

  “You certainly snagged him fast,” Kelly exclaimed. She smiled. “I think I’m jealous.”

  “Don’t be,” Jenni moaned. “He’s due here any time. Any chance you’d hang around and keep the office under control for me? I’ll pay you overtime.”

  “Okay,” Kelly said with a shrug. “I don’t know why not. I haven’t got a date with a gorgeous blond tonight.”

  “Thank you so much. I owe you one,” Jenni said as she got up to leave.

  “Just get me some cleaning staff,” Kelly replied in exhaustion.

  “That reminds me.” Jenni stopped at the door to her bathroom. “Pamela Walker called, and she’s sending us not two but three girls to help clean.”

  “Well, that’s an answer to prayer!”

  “Do you mean that?” Jenni questioned. She realized that she knew very little about Kelly Johnson.

  “I sure do. I turn everything over to God. I’d be lost without Him,” Kelly admitted.

  “I’m glad to hear it. I’ve missed fellowship with other Christians.” Jenni braved the word “Christian,” though she realized that Kelly could just as easily be involved with some other type of religion.

  “Well, you’re not alone anymore.” Kelly smiled. “Now hurry up.” She tapped her watch, reminding Jenni of the passing time.

  Jenni flew around her room, throwing dirty clothes in one direction, pulling out clean ones from another. She realized she had no idea where Dan wanted to go to dinner, but that didn’t deter her. Casual dress was pretty much welcome anywhere in Estes Park.

  She surveyed her clothes and finally decided on a turquoise angora sweater and black slacks. She was just slipping on her black heels, when she heard Dan’s voice in the living room.

  Jenni searched the room for her purse, locating it at last just as Kelly knocked on the door.