Home on the Ranch--Tennessee Homecoming

by April Arrington

  “No. Not at all.” Katie waved to Sophia, who sat in the stroller Landon pushed, then motioned toward the other side of the table. “Though we might be out of room now. I wasn’t sure my mom would make it but here she is.”

  “With bells on now that I know you’re here, Landon,” Patricia said, smiling. “I’ve missed you and the kids this past week.”

  His smile slipped. “Katie, too, I hope?”

  Patricia nodded. “Of course. We’ve just been discussing that we need to spend more time together, and I told Katie that I think I know why she asked me to come today. I ran into Clint Waterson at the grocery store last night and he filled me in on Katie’s volunteer efforts at the elementary school.”

  “You spoke to Clint about me?”

  Patricia held up her hands. “I didn’t ask a thing. He approached me. He thought I’d want to know what an excellent job you’ve done with the chorus this week. Said he’d never seen the students have so much fun. He thinks you’re a natural with kids.”

  “He said that?” Katie couldn’t stop the wide smile spreading across her face. “Clint actually said that?”

  “You call the principal Clint?”

  Landon was frowning at her. And was that a hint of jealousy lurking in his blue eyes? Why, yes. Yes, it was.

  Katie grinned. “Yes, I call him Clint. Just like you call the school secretary Melody.” She shrugged. “It’s his name. And just let me bask in this praise for a sec, okay? A lot of people in Elk Valley have said a ton of things about me over the years, but no one has ever said I was a natural with kids.”

  “Now, that’s not accurate, is it?” Patricia leveled a concerned look at Landon then stared down at her coffee, adding softly, “Jennifer said it. Maybe not in so many words, but she made her thoughts—and wishes—clear.”

  The ensuing silence between them grew heavy. Katie peeked at Landon beneath her lashes. The carefree light in his eyes had dimmed and his brow furrowed as he studied Sophia.

  Katie stood and backed toward the front counter. “I’ll go ask Amber if we can push two tables together. That way there’ll be room for all of us in one place. And we really need to go ahead and order if we’re going to have time to eat, get back to the ranch and let the kids get a good night’s sleep for the festival tomorrow night.”

  Not waiting for a response, she spun around and strode to the counter. It was the coward’s way out, no doubt. But she had no idea how to respond to her mom’s remark because she had no idea what she was going to do. A week ago? Sure, she’d known exactly what her plan entailed. Visit Elk Valley, get to know Matthew, Emma and Sophia, let them know they could count on her whenever they needed her, then return to California, back to the status quo.

  But lately, after working with Matthew at choir practice every afternoon, playing football with him and Emma, seeing their smiles more often and feeling more and more capable as an aunt...well, a little feeling inside her had blossomed. An unfamiliar but pleasant sensation that she wanted to explore.

  Only, it seemed like the bigger that feeling grew, the warier Landon had begun to appear. Although his recent mood could be a result of something else entirely. Like him worrying that, given half a chance, she might jump his bones again and create an Elk Valley scandal. A concern Darlene Norton apparently shared.

  Well, no sirree, she thought with a half smile. She’d promised herself days ago after her encounter with Poppy, Sallie Ann and Carrie that she’d check her impulses. No more kissing Landon and no more invading his space.

  Hmm. Except maybe his bathroom. She’d definitely like to continue using his humongous bathtub.

  “Can we have dessert first?” Emma asked, spinning on her bar stool when Katie reached her side. “I’m getting sprinkles, nuts, whipped cream, cherries, caramel and hot fudge on top of my ice cream.”

  Katie shared an amused glance with Amber. “I suppose it’ll be okay just this once. But that’s a lot of sugar for a tummy as small as yours. How about we narrow that down to two toppings instead?”

  Emma looked disappointed then shrugged. “Okay. I’ll just get whipped cream and fudge, Aunt Amber.”

  “Coming right up.” Smiling, Amber drizzled hot fudge and added whipped cream to Emma’s bowl of ice cream then placed it on a tray with three other sundaes. “Here you go, guys. Matthew ordered you, Patricia and Landon banana splits, Katie.”

  Matthew looked up, a shy smile crossing his face. “Do you like those, Aunt Katie?”

  She smiled. “I do, thanks. That was very thoughtful of you.”

  He blushed. “Want me to take them to our booth?”

  “That’d be great, but I underestimated how much room we’d need. Is it okay if we push a couple tables together, Amber?”

  “Of course,” Amber said. “Have at it.”

  “We’ll do it,” Matthew said.

  Emma hopped off her bar stool, and she and Matthew carried the sundaes over to a table then started pushing a second table close.

  “You’re good with them.”

  Katie turned back to find Amber studying her and laughed. “Better than I was when I babysat for you? I’m so sorry I didn’t do a better job.”

  “You’re kidding, right?” Amber smiled. “My three rascals came home with full stomachs and tired legs. They took a three-hour nap when we got home.” She laughed. “I couldn’t ask for a better babysitter.”

  Katie blew out a breath. “Boy, that’s a relief. I had a hard time keeping up with them.”

  “But you managed it. That’s all that matters.” Amber glanced across the room. “I’m not the only one who’s impressed. Landon told me Matthew is looking better every day. He said you’re doing a great job helping him through this, and Matthew couldn’t stop telling me about the duet the two of you are doing tomorrow night at the festival. He’s so excited.”

  Face warming, Katie rubbed the back of her neck. “Thank you, but I can’t take all the credit. Landon is the one who gave me the boost I needed to become more involved. Otherwise, I never would’ve been brave enough to volunteer for such an undertaking on my own. He said I’ve taken my first step toward being a fantastic aunt.” She looked over her shoulder, her gaze clinging to Landon’s muscular frame as he helped the kids set up the chairs. “He’s a wonderful guy.”

  “He’s a great brother, too,” Amber said, pride in her voice. “He’s helped take care of my little ones since the day they were born. You won’t ever have to worry about Matthew, Emma and Sophia. Landon will take great care of them.”

  Katie stilled. Her eyes followed Matthew’s movements as he removed each sundae from the tray and put one at every place setting. Emma, smiling, sat on her knees in a chair, tapping a spoon on the table and eyeing her ice cream. Sophia watched her siblings with wide eyes, her small feet kicking rhythmically against the stroller.

  “What’s the biggest difference between being an aunt and a mom?” Katie asked.

  Amber paused wiping down the counter, confusion clouding her eyes. “I’m sorry?”

  Katie faced her again. “How different are things when you’re being an aunt as opposed to a mom?”

  “In what way?”

  Katie hesitated. “I don’t know. Just overall, I guess.”

  Amber thought it over for a moment. “Well, obviously my time commitment is greater with my own children. I’m with them from sunup to sundown most days, except for the hours when I’m working. There’s less sleep, more worry, the financial strain is definitely greater and nowadays, being alone for twenty minutes behind a locked bathroom door is considered a vacation.” Her attention drifted off for a moment then a wistful smile appeared. “But you know what else I get more of?”

  “What?”

  “Love.” Amber closed her eyes, hugged her arms to her chest and sighed. “So much, it spills over into every other part of my life. I can’t remember what my life wa
s like before I had them, and I wouldn’t wish it any other way now.” She opened her eyes. “I guess that’s how it is for all parents. That’s why Landon is perfect for Matthew, Emma and Sophia, you know? He’s lived the bachelor life—” she cupped a hand around her grin “—and Lord knows, more than one woman around here has tried to tempt him out of it, but I think he’s discovered that he’s happiest with family. I’ve really come to believe that’s why he spent so much time with my kids when they were babies. That’s how I know he’ll be a great dad to those three. Landon knows what he wants out of life, and they’re part of that.” She laughed. “Did any of that answer your question?”

  Katie nodded, then forced a smile. “Yes. Thank you.”

  Katie left the bar and made her way to the tables Landon and the kids had arranged, studying the gentle light in his eyes when he smiled at Sophia. The happiness in his laugh when he reached over to wipe whipped cream from Emma’s nose. The fondness in his gaze when he ruffled Matthew’s hair.

  Then she imagined Landon on his own. Without Matthew, Emma and Sophia.

  And that feeling that had bloomed inside her—the happy one she’d experienced supporting Matthew and Emma, leading the chorus and wanted to explore—shrank a little more with each step she took.

  Chapter 8

  “Can I look now?”

  Katie angled a bottle of hair spray toward the back of Emma’s head. “Almost. It needs one more scoot of hair spray to be sure it holds all the way through the chorus concert. Cover your face, please.”

  She waited until Emma’s hands shielded her eyes then sprayed her dark curls. Waving away the lingering cloud of hair product, Katie stepped back and smiled. “Now. Go to the mirror and give it a gander.”

  Emma lowered her hands, dashed across the guest bedroom and looked at her reflection. “It’s pretty,” she squealed, bouncing with excitement.

  “Of course it is. You’re a beautiful girl.”

  Emma stopped bouncing and touched her updo. Her dark eyes met Katie’s in the mirror. “Do I look like Mama?”

  Katie studied Emma’s shiny curls gathered in a loose topknot, a few tendrils brushing her pink cheeks, then noticed the hopeful gleam in Emma’s brown eyes. She swallowed hard, her own eyes brimming with tears. “Yes. You look exactly like her, and she’d be very proud of you.”

  Emma bit her lip then looked up toward the sky outside. “Do you think Mama will be able to hear us sing all the way up there?”

  Katie waited for the knot in her throat to recede before answering. “She’ll always be able to hear you, Emma—always.”

  Emma smiled, ran back across the room and barreled into Katie’s arms. “Thanks, Aunt Katie.”

  Katie stumbled back, wrapped her arms around Emma and squeezed her tight. “I have to say—” she laughed, warm tears tickling her cheeks “—that’s the best thank-you I’ve ever received for fixing someone’s hair.”

  “Can I go show Uncle Landon?”

  “Sure.” Katie held up a hand as Emma darted off, her pink skirt fanning out behind her. “Just don’t run. It’ll mess up your...hair.”

  Too late. A lone curl slid out of the topknot and bounced against Emma’s back before she turned the corner and jogged down the hallway.

  Babbles rang out from the direction of the bed.

  Smiling, Katie walked back across the room. “What’re you up to, baby girl? Not getting enough attention?”

  Sophia, clad in a diaper, rolled to her belly, pushed up to her hands and knees and rocked twice before lying back down. It seemed the crawling practice she and Landon had been undertaking with her was starting to do some good.

  “You cute little show-off.” Katie gently rolled her on her back again. “Let’s get you dolled up. We’ve got a big night ahead.”

  A night she’d been looking forward to all week. Yesterday’s final chorus practice had gone better than she’d expected and after they’d left Amber’s café and returned to the ranch, Landon had made it a point to praise Matthew and Emma—and Katie—for doing such great work.

  His words had been genuine, and he’d seemed happy enough delivering them, but she couldn’t help but pick up a subtle note of disappointment in his tone. One she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

  That coupled with another matter had weighed so heavy on her mind, Katie had tossed and turned most of last night, toying with possible solutions and, with each new idea, hearing her mother’s words repeat like a bad refrain in her head.

  I certainly didn’t expect you to be interested in anything long-term.

  Katie grabbed the ruffled baby dress draped on the edge of the bed and slipped it over Sophia’s head. “Long-term doesn’t scare me as much as it used to, and it was so nice having Mom defend me for once yesterday at the café.”

  Once Sophia’s curls cleared the collar of the dress, Katie smoothed a hand over them and studied Sophia’s expression.

  “How would you feel about something long-term?” Katie asked. She slipped on Sophia’s socks and rubbed her toes, watching her face. “I mean, how would you feel about coming to stay with me in California? There are great people and beautiful beaches, and so much we could do together. I’ve gotten pretty good at changing your diaper. I’m an ace at fixing Emma’s hair and so far, I’ve done a decent job volunteering at the elementary school.”

  She held out her pointer finger, smiling as Sophia grabbed it and squeezed.

  “Shouldn’t I be able to do all of those things just as well on my own in California?”

  Sophia cooed.

  “But what if I let you down?” Katie whispered. “I used to be real good at that, you know. I failed two classes in high school. Left Elk Valley the first chance I got and rarely came back to visit my mom or your mom over the years.” Her face heated. “I know I hurt them. That I wasn’t as good to them as they tried to be to me.”

  Katie ran her thumb over Sophia’s chubby cheek.

  “But maybe that’s just another reason why I should take you, Emma and Matthew with me. This could be my chance to take care of all of you like your mom took care of me. To protect and support you. To do my best to keep you from being scared or sad.”

  The look of happy adoration in Sophia’s eyes made her heart skip.

  “I love all three of you so much. That’s what’s most important no matter how many mistakes I might make, right?”

  Sophia looked away, grabbed the rattle resting nearby on the bed and started babbling again.

  “Yeah, I know.” Katie closed her eyes, painful guilt washing over her. “Landon loves the three of you just as much as I do. And if I were to take you, what would that do to him?”

  Hardwood planks in the hall floor creaked.

  Katie straightened and wiped tears from her cheeks just as someone knocked on the partially opened door.

  A deep, sexy drawl sounded. “Okay if I come in?”

  Landon.

  “Um...” She fanned her damp face. Stop crying. Stop it, you ninny. “Yeah, sure.”

  A rush of air moved through the room as the door swept fully open and Landon’s firm tread approached from behind. “Emma showed me and Matthew her new hairstyle. You did a good job.”

  Katie smoothed her eyebrows with shaky fingers. “It’s a special night.” Tucked her long hair behind her shoulders. “And a special night calls for a special updo.”

  “Well, it definitely made Emma’s night.” His voice drew closer. “She looked—”

  She faced him, the skirt of her dress gliding across the front of his muscular thighs, the green silk bright against the thick denim, and her eyes locking with his.

  “Beautiful,” he whispered.

  The low throb in his voice had nothing to do with the hairstyle she’d given Emma, and the masculine appreciation in his gaze, his clean-shaven jaw and a slight flexing of his big hands by his sides made
her want to throw her arms around him again.

  She refused to give in to temptation and clamped her eager hands behind her back instead. Then she twisted her fingers together. “Thank you. I think Emma looked very nice, as well.”

  His expression fell, his blue eyes dimming. “Is Sophia ready?”

  “Yep.” Her smile returned. She stepped back and swept an arm toward the bed. “Ready for inspection, sir.”

  Mouth twitching, his eyes roved over her from head to toe once more then he walked to the bed and lifted Sophia in his arms. “How’d Katie do, baby girl?”

  Landon settled Sophia on his hip, touched the bow in her hair, checked the fit of her socks then, hesitating, tilted her bottom up and glanced at the secure fit of her diaper.

  He smiled. “Perfect.”

  Katie laughed. “I aim to please.”

  His voice softened as he examined her face. “That you do.”

  His strong shoulders, wide chest and muscular stature filled her vision and seemed to dwarf the room. The bed at his back had never looked more welcoming.

  “Time to go.” After spinning toward the dresser, Katie grabbed her purse then headed for the door. “Don’t want to be late, do we?”

  A half hour later, they stood on packed Main Street in downtown Elk Valley where the spring festival was in full swing. A warm early-evening breeze swept over the small stretch of mountain road and the sweet smells of funnel cake, cotton candy and popcorn swirled around them. Boisterous talk and delighted laughter echoed off the small stores lining the road, and kids of all ages darted through groups of adults in all directions.

  “Oh, no.” Katie inched close to Landon’s side and whispered, “I hope Heath’s parents haven’t let him near any sugar yet.”

  Landon glanced at her and raised an eyebrow. “Heath?”

  “The little boy from practice last night.” She lifted her hand. “Yay high? Throws food and is driving Melody closer to a breakdown with each school day?”

  “Oh, yeah.” He grinned. “Let’s hope not.”

  Emma, standing five feet in front of them with Matthew at her side, jumped up and down and pointed at the crowd. “Look at the slides and the bounce house and the carousel. And all the people! Everyone in the whole world is here.”