by Carrie Carr
"Sure." Ellie watched as he opened the trailer. "Oh. Guess I'd better unlock the house." She gave Kyle a bashful grin before she hurried to the front door.
Amanda watched in amusement as a flustered Ellie stumbled before reaching the door. She turned to Kyle, who was also smiling. "She's normally not such a klutz."
Tony tugged on Richie. "Come on, let's help unload some boxes. I sense some girl talk coming."
"Girl talk? You mean, Kyle?" Richie giggled. He flinched as Kyle pinched his rear. "All right, girl. I get it."
"I'm sorry about those two," Kyle said. "They're not used to being around humans," she added loudly.
Richie huffed and waved a dismissive hand. "Paybacks."
"You have to sleep sometime," Tony muttered, as he walked by carrying a box.
Kyle waited until the men had all taken something into Ellie's condo. She stepped closer to Amanda. "Is Ellie seeing anyone?"
"No, she isn't. But there's something you should know." Amanda kept an eye on the front door, in case Ellie returned.
"Oh, god. She's not out?"
Amanda shook her head. "No, nothing like that." She paused. "As far as I know, she's not been in any serious relationship."
"You're kidding. How can someone as cute as her be alone? Wait. Is she a head case? I mean, she seemed really nice, that one day we talked, but--"
"No, no, she's not a head case. Up until this past year, she was living with her grandfather, helping him out. When he passed away she stayed home and hid in her grief." Amanda lowered her gaze. "We were all pretty torn up about it."
Kyle touched Amanda's arm in an attempt to console her. "Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up bad feelings. I was just thinking about, you know, maybe asking her out sometime." She grinned. "She's the first woman in a long time who I couldn't scare off with my grumpiness. I figure that has to count for something."
Richie walked by the pair and hip-checked Kyle, almost knocking her down. "Why don't you use those muscles of yours for something besides showing off? I'm going to start to glisten, at this pace."
"Glisten?" Amanda asked.
He stopped and put his hands on his hips. "Well, girlfriend, someone as lovely as I certainly wouldn't sweat." He ignored Amanda's laughter as he returned to the trailer. "Crazy little dykes. They'll never understand."
With a nod, Jack quickly moved past them and took another box off the truck.
Chet and Roy walked by Amanda. Roy grabbed Chet's arm. "Help me with the sofa."
"Uh, sure." Chet's eyes met Richie's, as they crossed paths. He blushed as Richie moved around him, carrying another box. "Um, excuse me."
Richie stopped in front of Amanda. "Does that cutie play on my team?"
"I honestly don't know," Amanda said.
"Oh, well. Could be fun finding out." Richie winked and continued into the house.
An hour later, the entire group was seated in the living room eating delivered pizza. Some were on the sofa and chairs, while others were scattered around the floor.
Ellie, on one end of the sofa, had trouble concentrating on her meal, since Kyle had seated herself on the floor beside her leg. She took a bite of pizza and almost choked as Kyle's shoulder brushed her knee.
"Are you all right?" Amanda asked as she patted Ellie on the back.
Ellie coughed and nodded. "Yeah. Guess it went down wrong." She took a swallow of bottled water to wash the pizza down.
The phone attached to Amanda's belt started to ring. She juggled her plate before Ellie took it away from her. "Thanks. Hello? Oh, hi, honey. No, we're just sitting here stuffing our faces." She laughed. "Uh, no. Pizza. Uh-huh, right. I bet you had something unhealthy, too. Liar." Amanda's face turned a lovely shade of pink. "Lex! Stop that. I'll see you in a little while, okay? I love you, too." She closed her phone and looked around the room. "Sorry about that."
Tony, who was seated on the floor nearby, smiled at her. "Don't apologize. I think it's wonderful to see someone in a loving relationship. How long?"
"Over twelve years." Amanda paused for a moment. "Wow." She couldn't keep the smile from her face. "Doesn't seem that long."
"Still in the honeymoon phase, are you?" Richie asked.
Amanda nodded. "Even with three kids."
"Three!" Kyle exclaimed. "Wow, you look great!"
"Oh, no. I didn't have all three of them," Amanda said. "Just one."
Kyle grinned and waggled her eyebrows. "You still look great."
"Um, thanks." Amanda couldn't fight back the blush.
"So, did your partner have the other two?" Richie questioned.
Roy and Chet both choked on their food at the same time. Jack sat quietly and smirked.
Richie stared at them. "What did I say?"
Roy shook his head and continued to gasp for air.
Amanda laughed. "Let's just say that Lex isn't the kind of woman to carry a baby for nine months."
"No kidding," Ellie said. She giggled at the thought of Lex pregnant.
"What are we missing?" Kyle asked.
All eyes were on Amanda as she riffled through her purse. She took out a small photo album and passed it over to Kyle. "She's on the first page, pushing our two daughters on the swings."
Kyle opened the album and looked at the first page. "Whoa." She passed it over to Tony, who whistled in appreciation.
"Nice."
"Let me see," Richie said, snapping his fingers. "Oooh, girlfriend! You hit the jackpot. Nice butch thing. But you're right. I can't imagine her pregnant."
Tony nodded. "It's a shame, though. Nice genes."
"I like how she looks in them," Amanda said.
Tony guffawed. "I was talking about genetics."
Not to be outdone, Amanda winked. "So was I." She waited until the laughter died down before adding, "But you don't have to worry. Our son definitely has her genetics."
"Impressive," Richie said, applauding.
When the rest of the room joined in, Amanda stood and took a bow. "Thank you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll head home and check on my better half."
Ellie stood as well. "I'll walk you out. Be right back, everyone."
They walked to Amanda's SUV in silence. When Amanda unlocked the doors with her remote, Ellie stopped her. "Thank you for everything."
"I had a great time," Amanda said, tugging Ellie into a hug. "I like your neighbors a lot."
"Me too." Ellie stepped back. "What do you think about Kyle?"
Amanda touched Ellie's cheek. "I think she's sweet. And I believe she likes you."
"Really?"
"Uh-huh. Do me a favor?"
Ellie nodded. "Sure. What?"
"If she asks, give her a chance? I think there's a lot more to her than what we've seen."
"You think so?" Ellie lowered her head and scuffed her toe against the Expedition's tire. "How did you know? I mean, with Lex?"
Amanda's smiled softened. "There was just something about her. It was in the middle of a horrible storm and she saved my life. But even if she hadn't, the moment I looked into her eyes, nothing else mattered to me."
"I really envy that, you know. I've seen how she looks at you and I wish someone would look at me like that, someday." Ellie raised her head. There were tears in her eyes. "You two are so lucky."
"We are." Amanda embraced her again. "Neither one of us was looking for anything, but we found everything with each other. I believe you'll find that, too."
Ellie held her tight for a long moment. "Thanks." She moved back and put her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. "Tell that cousin of mine to come visit as soon as she can."
"I sure will." Amanda opened her door. "Now go back in and visit with your company. And send the guys home after they're finished eating. Otherwise, you may never get rid of them."
MARTHA PLACED THE sleeping Eddie in his crib. "Are you sure about this, Lexie?"
"Yep." Lex stood beside Martha and put her arm around her shoulders. "He won't need another bottle until after
Amanda gets home. I think I can handle anything that comes up between now and then, don't you?"
"Oh, I wasn't doubting your ability, honey. I just don't want you to hurt yourself if you have to pick him up." Martha turned and looked Lex in the eyes. "You're moving around a lot better and I don't want anything to mess that up."
Lex shook her head and chuckled. "Don't worry. I promised Amanda that I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize my recovery. You know I take my promises seriously."
"All right. I guess I can't blame you, wanting to spend some alone time with your baby. But if you need anything, please call. There's three of us over at my place who would be more than happy to help."
"I know. And I appreciate it. But it feels like I haven't been alone in the house in a long time. The constant company is starting to get to me."
Martha patted Lex's hip. "All right. I can take a hint." She kissed Lex on the cheek. "Enjoy your quiet time."
"Thanks." Lex waited until Martha left before she dragged the rocker near the crib. "What they don't know won't hurt them, right?" She sat as close to the crib as she could and watched Eddie sleep.
"So, little man. What are you going to grow up to be?" Lex asked softly. She reached over the top of the crib and lightly rubbed his back. "Will you want to work the ranch? Or will you be like your sisters and do all sorts of things?"
Eddie kicked in his sleep, but didn't waken.
"I don't care what you do with your life, as long as you're happy. Maybe find a nice girl and settle down?" She laughed quietly. "Or boy, I guess. If you're lucky, they'll make your heart race every time you see them, just like your mommy does mine."
"I could say the same thing," Amanda said from behind Lex.
Lex spun her head around and grinned. "Hey, sweetheart."
Amanda stepped closer. "Has he been asleep long?"
"About twenty minutes." Lex held out her hand. When Amanda took it, she tugged until Amanda ended up in her lap.
"I don't want to hurt you."
Lex tightened her grip around Amanda's waist. "Then don't fight me," she whispered. "Don't worry, this doesn't hurt my back at all."
"Liar." Amanda put her arms on Lex's shoulders and linked her hands behind her wife's head. "Ellie's all moved in."
"That's good." Lex kissed her gently. "So, did the guys do okay? Nothing broken?"
Amanda laughed. "They did fine. Although I think Richie, one of the new neighbors, was interested in Chet."
"Really?"
"Uh-huh. Poor Chet got really flustered."
Lex relaxed as Amanda's head came to rest of her shoulder. "Was Chet interested?"
Amanda shrugged. "I have no idea. Is he gay?"
"I dunno. It's never came up. I mean, the guy's what, thirty? He's never talked about dating, one way or the other." Lex kissed the top of Amanda's head. "Guess if he wants us to know, we'll know."
"Mmm." Amanda played with one of the buttons on Lex's shirt. "If things go well, we may have a new family member one of these days."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. I think Kyle really likes Ellie. She was so sweet around her today."
Lex closed her eyes and moved the rocker back and forth. "How did Ellie act?"
"A lot like a certain rancher did when we first met."
"That bad, huh?"
Amanda giggled. "Worse. Ellie nearly choked when Kyle's shoulder brushed up against her."
Lex's laughter caused Eddie to squeak and stretch. "Oops." With one hand, she rubbed his back until he settled down. "Sounds like I missed a lot of fun today."
"That's okay. Maybe this weekend we can stop by and you'll be able to meet everyone. Although they're already impressed with you."
The rocking stopped. "What?"
"I took out my little photo album and showed Ellie's neighbors a picture of you."
"You did, huh? Did it scare them?"
"No, but I did get a nice round of applause." Amanda almost fell off Lex's lap when she released her in surprise. "Careful."
Lex put both arms back around Amanda. "Sorry." She was quiet for a moment. "Applause?"
"Uh-huh. They all thought you were hot."
"Oh, god." Lex buried her face in Amanda's hair. "Maybe I'll meet them at Ellie's wedding."
Amanda laughed and hugged her. "Aw. Don't worry, honey. I'll protect you from them." She laughed even harder when Lex began tickling her.
Chapter Twenty-One
ELLIE CLOSED THE door after Richie left. He and Kyle had come over and brought sandwiches for lunch. It was a welcome respite from cleaning and unpacking. She turned and looked at Kyle, who was quietly picking up the empty paper plates. "Don't worry about that. I'll clean everything up in a little while."
"I don't mind. Richie has me well-trained, or so he claims." Kyle carried the trash into the kitchen and looked around. "Uh, do you have a trash can?"
"I did before I moved." Ellie put her hands on her hips and surveyed the many boxes. "Just toss everything in the sink. I'll find a trash bag later. I was so tired last night that I barely got my bed made before I fell asleep. At least today I was able to get my bedroom and bathroom sorted out."
Kyle did as she was told and followed Ellie to the living room. "Would you like some help getting the kitchen unpacked? I mean, I don't have to work until tomorrow, and I'd be glad to give you a hand."
"You don't have to do that. I'll get to it, eventually." Ellie dropped onto the couch and stretched out her legs. "You're welcome to stay, though."
"How can I resist such a charming offer?" Kyle sat beside Ellie, who started to get up in a huff. "Wait." Kyle grabbed her arm. "I'm sorry. I was just kidding."
Ellie frowned, but kept her seat. "No, that's okay. I tend to get a little touchy. Always have."
"Why?"
With a shrug, Ellie tried not to think about how good Kyle's hand felt on her arm. "I got a lot of flack from my mom, while I was growing up. Old news."
Kyle edged closer, until their legs were almost touching. "If you need or want to talk about it, I'm a pretty good listener." She cautiously put her hand on Ellie's leg. "My parents kicked me out of the house when I was fifteen, so I won't be one to judge you."
"Fifteen? My god, why?" Ellie turned and almost gasped at the intensity coming from Kyle's hazel eyes.
"I made the mistake of telling them I liked girls." Kyle tried to grin and joke about it, but failed. "My old man slapped me across the room, and my mother held the door open. Nice family, huh?"
Ellie shook her head and covered Kyle's hand with hers. "I'm sorry. Makes my mom sound tame, by comparison."
"How?"
"She's a religious zealot and swears I'm going to burn in hell. I
haven't talked to her in ten years. I suppose she's still that way." Ellie sighed. "Worst part is, I used to be the same way. When I first met my cousin, Lex, I told her how horrible I thought she was. If it hadn't been for Amanda, we'd have most likely killed each other."
Kyle cringed. "Ouch."
"Yeah."
"Well," Kyle squeezed Ellie's hand, "it seems you got everything figured out."
Ellie laughed. "Yeah. After trying to kiss Amanda."
Kyle jerked up straight. "Whoa! I didn't see that coming."
"Neither did she," Ellie said. "It was a long time ago. I had just figured out I liked women, and she was so nice to me. Needless to say, it didn't work out."
"No, I guess it wouldn't. So, did you get involved with anyone after her?"
With a shrug of her shoulders, Ellie sighed. "I've gone out a few times over the years, but never really clicked with anyone, you know? And I really hate that 'first date, getting to know you' awkward stage."
"Oh, god. Me too." Kyle leaned back against the sofa and closed her eyes. "Did you do the bar scene?"
"No, never got that desperate. Did you?"
Kyle nodded. "Yeah. Too much. A few years back I spent a month drying out, so now I just hang out at home with the guys."
"Are they partners?" Ellie
asked.
Kyle started laughing. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to laugh. It's just funny, because it would be like the Odd Couple hooking up. Tony's the ultimate slob, and Richie can't stand to see anything out of place. They bicker like an old married couple, though. Tony's been seeing a guy he works with at the restaurant, so I don't know how long he'll be living with us."
"How long have you three been together?"
"They've been roomies since college, on and off. One will move in with a boyfriend, break up, and move back. When my last long-term girlfriend kicked me out, they took me in." Kyle closed her eyes in thought. "God, that's been close to five years ago." She took a deep breath and released it slowly. "Sorry, didn't mean to go down that road."
Ellie pulled their linked hands into her lap. "That's all right. I'm a good listener, too."
MELANIE SKIPPED IN a circle, holding hands with Mallory, another girl from her class. "And then, my Momma throwed the rope real far and it went over the cow's head. The cow mooed a lot but Momma made it mind her."
"My mommy bakes cookies," Mallory said. She stopped skipping and sat on the gym floor. "How come your mommy plays with cows?"
Melanie joined her. "It's not playing, it's work. Momma has to take care of the cows 'cause they're dumb animals."
"What's that mean?"
"I dunno. I heard her say it once." Melanie squirmed around. "Hey, wanna patty cake?"
"Sure!" They began clapping their hands together, until Melanie saw her cousin walking nearby. "There's Teddy!"
Mallory shrugged her shoulders. "So? He thinks he's so smart, just 'cause his daddy's a doctor."
"Well, his daddy is smart. And nice. I like Uncle Rodney a lot." She got up and followed Teddy. "Hey, Teddy!"
Teddy turned around. "What?"
"Where's your cowboy clothes?" Melanie asked. "You're not wearing your hat."
"That's 'cause I don't want to be a cowboy no more. Cowboys are dumb."
Melanie frowned. "No they're not."
"Are too!"
"Uh-uh. You're dumb!" Melanie stomped her foot for emphasis. "My Momma's a cowboy, and she's not dumb."
Teddy thought about that for a moment. "No, she's smart. But being a cowboy was a dumb idea."