“Yeah, she’s not pitchin’ a fit, all right,” RJ muttered. “I think I’ll head on out now. This has been just the sort of reminder I needed as to why domestic bliss isn’t for me.” He stood, tipped his hat at Brooke, gave Audy a “let’s go” look and headed for the door.
Still, Audy lingered. “Brooke—”
“Can’t you understand why I’m upset? You made a commitment to Martha. To me. And now? Now you’re going to Austin? For what? What are you trying to prove? You have people here that need you. People that love you. Doesn’t that matter? Why isn’t it enough?”
“Why are you making this into such a big deal?” It was hard to meet her gaze when she was looking at him like he was a disappointment. The more she looked at him like that the more he wanted to go. “Beau can cover for me, setting things up, at the picnic. I won’t leave Martha in the lurch.” And he resented that she thought he would.
“But you’ll leave me in the lurch? And Joy? You told us we’d go together.”
“And you just told me you could take care of Joy on your own. Why do you suddenly need me to be at the community picnic with you?” He shook his head. “You can’t have it both ways, Brooke. You either need me or you don’t.”
She didn’t need him, she made that perfectly clear. And love him? She’d never said so. Even now she said people, not I love you.
“Audy, I don’t think you understand. I want you to go. I’m asking you to leave.” She turned on her heel and disappeared into the TV room, where Tess and Beau and their friends were watching a movie.
He stood, shaking with anger. She wanted him to leave. He didn’t know if it was because he was doing something she didn’t want him to or if she was mad he hadn’t asked her permission. But he wasn’t going to feel guilty for wanting to do something for himself. No, not wanting—needing. She might not understand or see eye to eye with him on this, but he hadn’t expected her to shut him out. Worse, to kick him out. Maybe it’s for the best. And even though it turned the tug on his heart into something sharp and painful, he left.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
THE MORNING OF the community Der erste Baum picnic was bright and cloudless. Martha Zeigler had made sure the plight of The First Tree was in all the surrounding towns’ local newspapers—determined to shine a light on what she called a “dirty, underhanded scheme that would destroy the very foundation of Garrison.” It was a quote that had been used over and over again. Brooke had read it and smiled, imagining the indignation in Martha’s voice. It had worked because people had come from all over and The First Tree Park was crowded with picnickers and a colorful variety of picnic blankets, quilts and folding chairs. Brooke was glad she’d insisted they leave early or they’d never have found a spot.
She shielded her eyes, watching as a big band from Holsum started setting up a mobile stage for some afternoon tunes and dancing.
“It’s like one big party.” Tess pulled one of Joy’s ruffled socks back into place. “It’s nice to see so many people turn out.”
“Is there any word on the petitions? Did it work?” Beau rifled through the cooler and pulled out Joy’s juice bottle. “Here it is.”
“Thanks, Beau.” Tess laughed when Joy took the bottle and hugged it close. “I think that’s a thank-you from Joy, too.”
Beau smiled, giving Joy a pat on the head.
“It sounds like the petition did the trick. According to Miss Ruth, almost everyone in town signed it.” Brooke shrugged. “The next city council meeting is in a couple of weeks and by then Martha and her lawyer should have a solid plan in place. They’ll present the petitions and the preservation land trust.” She leaned forward to whisper, “I have it on good authority that there’s nothing to worry about. The city council is on board with Martha’s plan—but they have to do things the right way.” She’d been extra quiet last Monday. As a good portion of Monday morning’s customers served on the city council, it would be their voices that determined the fate of The First Tree. “I kind of feel sorry for Lance Devlin.” Something else she’d learned, the man would be looking for a new job soon. Who knew if he’d ever manage to regain his aunt’s good favor?
“Nah.” Tess wrinkled up her nose and made a silly face at Joy. “We don’t need to feel sorry for that meanie-weenie old man. That would be silly, wouldn’t it, Joy? Since he was the baddy-waddy who wanted to cut down The First Tree, he doesn’t deserve any sympathy.”
“I agree.” Beau nodded. “Maybe not with the meanie-weenie or the baddy-waddy part, but the rest of it.”
Tess started laughing, her hand propped against the blanket as she leaned forward to get a Coke out of the cooler.
Brooke wasn’t sure who was more surprised when Beau took Tess’s hand. Tess, whose smile was ridiculously big, or Beau—since he went red in the face and sort of stared at her hand in wonder. Brooke still worried about them, both of them, but it was out of her hands. She knew that love wasn’t a choice, it just was. Fighting against it was pointless, so... Who was she to stand in their way? Sure, they were young but that didn’t mean it wasn’t real. Maybe they would make it, like Kent and Dara. Maybe not. But, for now, they were happy.
Joy drank her juice and watched, giggling, as Tess and Beau tried to toss marshmallows into one another’s mouth. After her juice was gone, Joy started crawling, so Brooke stood and let Joy pull herself up and hold on to her fingers.
“Let’s get some practice, little miss.” Joy was now successfully pulling up and cruising around the house using furniture. It was only a matter of time before Joy took off.
“She’s getting so big.” Kelly joined their group and knelt on the blanket beside her. “How’s it going?” Her gaze darted around the blanket.
“He’s not here.” Brooke answered her unasked question.
“I see that. Are you okay?” Kelly leaned out of the way to dodge one of Tess’s wayward marshmallows.
“I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?” Brooke smiled, hoping to prove her point.
“Well, you look like you haven’t slept in a week.” Kelly shrugged and added, “I mean, you’re gorgeous, because you’re always gorgeous, but you look exhausted. Between Joy and the shop and the hours you’ve been helping out with this... It’s a lot. You should be tired.”
“Thanks?” Brooke took a few steps, smiling as Joy jumped up and down, clinging tightly to Brooke’s fingers. “I know it’s so exciting. You will be running before I know it.”
“That’s when things start getting fine.” Kelly laughed. “I know they’re bringing in an ice-cream truck soon. I happen to know it’ll be parked over by the playground—but don’t tell anybody else or they might sell out before we get some.”
“Nice.” Brooke shook her head. “Good to know I can come to you for all of my ice-cream intel needs.”
“I’ve got you covered.” Kelly stood and waved at Joy. “I guess I gotta get back to my own blanket.”
Joy decided to follow Kelly, so Brooke let Joy lead—toddling slowly away from their blanket to explore the ones nearby. Joy made friends wherever she went. And why wouldn’t she? She was irresistible.
Try as she might, Brooke’s gaze kept wandering to the parking lot. He won’t come. There was no way he would’ve been able to ride the night before, get any sleep and still make it back in time. And even though she wished he was here, she wished she knew he was okay even more. He’d made light of his shoulder injury but he’d been hurting. What if he had another fall? What if he was hurt? That was why she hadn’t slept. It was the not knowing...
She and Joy circled back to their picnic blanket for water.
“Aren’t you adorable?” Miss Ruth wore a massive purple hat decked out with feathers and ribbons and a button that said Save The First Tree. She had been selling the buttons in the Garrison Ladies Guild booth—but they were all sold out now.
“You look lovely.” Brooke stood and lifted Joy int
o her arms.
“Thank you for saying so, dear.” Miss Ruth’s not-so-subtle scan of the surrounding area ended with a look of dismay. “Wherever is Audy?”
Brooke wasn’t sure what to say. As angry as she’d been that he’d left, she couldn’t bring herself to admit he’d picked the rodeo over the commitments he’d made here today. Whether he realized it, Audy had made strides within the community. People knew he was a charmer but he’d shown up, worked hard and become part of the community. She wasn’t going to undo that. “I think he’s running a little late.” She shrugged, acting like it was no big deal. “Something about a windmill?”
Miss Ruth’s painted-on eyebrows rose high. “Oh, dear, I hope it’s nothing serious.”
“I don’t know. I’m afraid windmills are outside my area of expertise.” Brooke bounced Joy, doing her best to keep her smile in place.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll learn, dear. In time.” Miss Ruth tapped Joy on the tip of her nose. “I’ll circle back around later, then.”
In time. Or had she and Audy run out of time? “Sounds good.” Brooke kept on dancing with Joy.
“I thought he wasn’t coming.” Beau wasn’t happy about it. More than that, he was disappointed. “He can’t make it. It’s not like Austin is right down the road.”
“Knowing Audy, he’ll try.” Tess refused to give up on Audy.
Brooke didn’t answer. She had no guarantee he was coming—that he’d even try.
Unfortunately, she suspected Tess and Beau and Alice and Stephen had overheard parts of her and Audy’s argument. Brooke was grateful that Tess hadn’t asked for specifics, but they all knew something had changed. It had been three days since the argument and Audy hadn’t stopped by once. After seeing him every day for over a month, she’d felt his absence—and missed him.
“I think I’m going to take Joy over to the flowers.” The Garrison Ladies Guild’s flower beds were flush with vibrant marigolds and jewel-tone pansies. She was restless, and now that Pearl Johnston’s light green minivan and the rest of the Ladies Guild had arrived, she’d like to avoid the onslaught of questions about Audy that were likely to follow.
“Beau is going to win me something.” Tess stood, pulling Beau to his feet. “Have fun.”
Not only was the community picnic a final time to sign the anti Quik Stop & Shop petitions, but several local businesses had set up booths selling food and drinks, kites, bottles of bubbles and balloons. There were also carnival-type games that the church and school groups had put together. All the proceeds would go into the legal fund that would be used to develop the land preservation trust.
“Ma ma?” Joy pointed at the brightly colored group of balloons tied to the side of the booth.
“Those are balloons.” She reached forward and tapped the surface of a bright red balloon.
Joy giggled as the balloon bounced back.
“It is funny, isn’t it?” Brooke pressed a kiss against Joy’s forehead.
“Here you go, Brooke.” Tyson Ellis offered her the balloon.
“Thank you.” She smiled. “Look, Joy. Just for you. Can you say thank you?”
Joy nodded. “Tan too.”
Tyson chuckled. “You’re welcome.”
Brooke made a slipknot and put the balloon on her wrist. “Now it can’t get away.” She moved her arm, making the balloon move, too.
Joy clapped, staring up at the balloon. “Ba ma gg.” She nodded her head and rested her cheek against Brooke’s shoulder. “Ma ma.”
Brooke dropped another kiss on the top of her head. “Sweet baby Joy.” She hugged her close, easing the ache in her heart. “Let’s go see those flowers.” When they got close to the flower bed, she set Joy on her feet and let the baby girl hold on to her fingers again. Slowly, step-by-step, and with lots of giggles and bounces and squeals, she and Joy made their way to the flowers.
Brooke knelt beside Joy. “Aren’t they pretty? Flowers.”
Joy nodded, reaching one finger out and carefully touching the petals of one bright pink pansy.
At first, Brooke didn’t immediately hear the truck. The park was crowded and between the tuning instruments of the band, the loud voices all around, and more, there was a lot going on. She’d also convinced herself he wouldn’t be here—even if she did keep looking for him. But Joy peered over her shoulder, alerted by a sound she recognized, and said, “Dee. Ma Dee.”
With her heart in her throat, Brooke turned. “You’re right, Joy.” She swallowed, watching as Audy climbed out of his truck. “There is your Audy. And my Audy, too.” Even now, her heart was so happy to see him.
“Dee, Dee,” Joy cried. She clapped her hands. “Go, Dee, Ma ma.”
“Okay.” Brooke agreed, her insides a tangle of knots. She bent forward again so Joy could walk. “Let’s show him how strong you are.” Joy was so excited that she wobbled and swayed more than usual, slowing their progress. But Brooke was thankful she had that time to pull herself together. The last thing she wanted to do was look at Audy and burst into tears. It had been three days. Three horrible days of wondering how she and Audy would ever mend what they’d broken. Now he was here—where he shouldn’t be—and just like Joy, Brooke couldn’t wait to get to him.
Audy reached them first. “I thought I’d have a hard time finding you two. But it was easy. I just looked for the two prettiest girls out here.” He reached down and scooped up Joy, giving her a spin.
That was when Brooke caught sight of him. “When did you sleep last?”
“I can’t say for certain.” He kept bouncing Joy on his hip, but his gaze locked with hers. “I just had to get here.”
“You did?” She hated how tight her throat got. And her heart seemed ready to beat its way out of her chest. “I’m glad you’re here, Audy.”
“I wasn’t sure you would be.” His gaze was searching.
His eyes were bloodshot, with dark smudges beneath, and the start of what looked like a couple of days of stubble lining his jaw. But even rumpled and worn, she’d never been so happy to see anyone—ever. “I’m sorry.” She swallowed. “I don’t understand what you do but I should try, since it’s important to you—”
“Brooke.” He cut in, shaking his head. “All the way here, I’ve been working through how to say this and I need to say it?”
She nodded, but the flare of unease in the pit of her stomach had her bracing. For three days, she’d wanted to tell him how much she loved him and that she’d do whatever she needed to for them to work this out. But she could say and feel whatever she wanted, there was no guarantee he’d want the same things.
* * *
“I GOT THERE, all fired up—so angry.” He shook his head, his gaze traveling over her face. “Sterling Dunn, some kid on the fast track, was there and pushing my buttons. I registered, got my number, got my order... Then I was standing there, peering through the fence slats at the bull that I was supposed to ride, and I knew.” All he could think about was getting back to Brooke and Joy.
A deep V settled between her brows and she wrapped her arms around her waist, waiting.
“My whole life I’ve been chasing after something. It was like something was missing on the inside?” He pressed his hand over his heart. “But I didn’t know what. I didn’t think on it too much. I always stayed busy, acting like a fool, taking risks... Every time I ride, I think, this’ll be it. This’ll be the thing that takes it away and I’ll feel right.” He paused, his eyes closing briefly as he rested his cheek on the top of Joy’s head. “But standing there, eye to eye with that bull... There was nothing right about it, Brooke. Nothing. I didn’t need to prove anything to Sterling Dunn or RJ or myself. I don’t need to be someone special to them.”
“You’re special to Joy.” Brooke smiled when Joy reached for her. “That makes you pretty special.”
Audy handed Joy to Brooke. “I get it if we’re back
to where we started. What I did... I did what you said I’d do. I bailed because I’m an idiot. But if I hadn’t gone, would I have figured out that this, right here—me, you and Joy—was the thing I was missing? Standing there last night made everything fall into place. I realize losing this isn’t a risk I’m willing to take.”
“You...you might resent giving that up. One day. You might regret it, Audy.”
“You’re right, I don’t want regret gnawing at me—that’s why I’m here. I’ve been swimming in it since the night I drove away from your place, Brooke.”
“Me, too.” She blinked rapidly.
He reached forward to smooth the curl on top of Joy’s head. “I know I’m stubborn and hot-tempered and I say the wrong things, but I’ll try to do better.” His eyes met hers. “Just tell me I’m not too late.”
“You are not too late,” she whispered, shaking her head. “You make me angrier than anyone I’ve ever known, Audy Briscoe—”
He frowned, shaking his head. “I know. Believe me, I know, but—”
“But I want more than...this.” She paused, swallowing. “We need to be up-front from the start, Audy. I don’t want to keep fighting or have any question about where we stand on things, going forward. I don’t want to play house anymore.”
Audy’s heart skipped a beat. Playing? What was she saying?
“We may not want the same things, but I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that I am the happiest I have ever been when I’m with you. And that scares me, Audy, because I love you.” She swallowed hard. “I hope—”
He pulled her close, brushing a soft kiss against her lips. He didn’t think about anything else. She loved him. Another kiss, just as light. He could breathe again—think. And there was nothing that would stop him from doing what he’d been aching to do for weeks now. Her arm slid around his neck and she stood on tiptoe, her soft lips heaven against his.
“You have no idea how long I’ve been wanting to do that.” He rested his forehead against hers. He’d driven all night fully prepared to grovel, stupid, stubborn fool that he was. She deserved so much better. But somehow, she loved him anyway. “I promise you, Brooke, now that I know what’s worth holding on to, there’s no way I’ll ever let you go.”
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