Kade's Worth (Butler Ranch)

been friends for years. Her parents became friends with Alex’s when they bought a ranch and decided to turn half of it into vineyards. Alfonso Avila, Alex’s father, sold Peyton’s dad rootstock and helped him produce many fine wines.
She and Alex had been scrawny “beanpoles” when they met—tall and lanky, before both their bodies matured and filled out. Apart from their stature and thin but curvy bodies, they were total opposites. Peyton was a green-eyed blonde, and Alex had long dark brown, almost black, hair and eyes that matched.
“You seem antsy,” she said, pouring her own glass of wine.
“Kade’s back.” Peyton waited for some reaction, but Alex didn’t have one. “You already knew?”
“Addy told me.”
“I should’ve known since you asked what I was doing rather than just coming over.”
“I’m sorry I took the night off. You should’ve called. I would’ve come in.”
“He just flew in, so…”
“And he came straight to Stave.”
Peyton smiled and refilled her wine glass.
“So when are you two going to stop pussy-footing around and do the nasty?”
“Charming, Alex.” Peyton rolled her eyes. “We’ve been over this countless times. We’re friends.”
“Friends that can barely keep their hands off each other. The temperature goes up twenty degrees when you’re in the same room.”
Should she tell Alex about the email Kade sent a few days ago? Peyton hadn’t, knowing she would just rib her more.
“What’s the plan?”
“For Kade and me?”
“No, for Mickey and Minnie Mouse.”
“There isn’t one. We both agreed we’d see each other soon.”
“I’d ask if you thought he was too old for you but I think it’s the other way around.”
Peyton put a hand on her hip. “What’s that mean?”
“He may have a decade on you but, girl, you were born thirty.”
Alex was twenty-nine just like Peyton was, and while Kade wasn’t ten years older, he was nine.
“Why do you hang out with me if I’m such an old bag?”
“I make you act closer to your age, and you do the same for me. If we didn’t have each other, I’d behave like a twenty-year-old and you’d be going out for dinner at four with the senior citizens.”
“Ha, ha.”
“How long have the two of you been dancing around each other?”
“We’ve been friends since the first pairing dinner when we featured Butler Ranch wines.”
“Right after your divorce.”
Peyton nodded.
Alex stared at her. “Four years ago.”
“What?”
“You haven’t had sex in four years.”
“Thanks for the reminder. Hanging out with the senior citizen crowd my memory fails me sometimes.”
“Peyton, that is too long.”
“I don’t see you leaving Stave with a man on your arm every night. When’s the last time you had sex?”
Alex suddenly had a great interest in her chipping nail polish. “We aren’t talking about me.”
“No, we never do.”
“All I’m saying is, ask him out or something. If he’s not interested then tell him to quit comin’ in sniffin’ around. Give the other gents a chance.”
“Gents. As in?” Cambria wasn’t exactly a hotbed for single men—any that were under fifty.
“Peter Wells from Lark has made it very clear that if you merely look his direction, he’ll propose marriage.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“And you need to get laid. The boys are with your parents, why didn’t you invite him over tonight?”
There was no way Peyton would answer considering she’d have to admit wondering the same thing.
Alex downed the rest of the wine in her glass and rinsed it in the sink. “See you in the morning.”
“Morning?”
“One is close enough to noon to be considered morning.”

4
As much as Kade wished he could sleep past sunrise, it was rare for him. It had been ingrained in him from his years in the military.
After a run on the beach, Kade walked across Pacific Coast Highway over to Main Street to grab coffee at the diner. He arrived at the same time the owner pulled a tray of ollalieberry and cream cheese muffins from the oven.
“Ah, you’re back. Good to see you, my friend.”
When the man came around the counter, they embraced. “Hello, George.”
“I have berry and peach this morning.”
“One of each, please.”
George grinned and handed him a bag that held two of each. When Kade tried to pay him, he shook his head. “Thank you for your service, my friend.”
When George turned his back, Kade stuck a twenty in the tip jar and then looked out the window in time to see Peyton walking into the market across the street. If he timed it right, he might be lucky enough to share the muffins with her.
“Wait two minutes and then cross at the corner.”
“What’s that?”
George pointed across the street. “Miss Peyton will…” He looked at the clock and waved his hand. “Go, my friend, or you’ll be too late.”
Kade didn’t hesitate. Any chance he got to come face to face with her, he’d take. He ran across the street at the corner, and just as George predicted, Peyton walked out of the market and in his direction.
She raised her hand to shield the sun. “Kade?”
“Good morning, Peyton.”
She took a deep breath. “Oh my God, are those ollalieberry muffins?”
“I’d be willing to share if you have time.”
“I don’t want to eat half your breakfast.”
Kade opened the bag and held it out for her to see.
“You must be very hungry.”
“It’s George. I order one and he gives me four.”
“He appreciates what you do very much.”
George came to America forty years ago from Poland, and settled in the seaside village. Less than a year later, he became a US citizen. A photo commemorating that day hung above the diner’s cash register. It was for people like him that Kade vowed to serve and protect. People like Peyton too, and her sons. It was never easy for him to accept praise for something he felt he was called to do.
“Where were you headed?” Peyton asked.
“Nowhere in particular.” He pointed behind Peyton toward the park.
“Are you going to the ranch today?” she asked when they sat beneath the old oak tree that was the hallmark of the community gathering place. Instead of swings and slides, this park had shuffleboard and bocce ball.
“I