“Done. See you all later.” And he walks back the way that Leah had come.
“Your sister is going to have a little boy.” Leah says to Austin making me feel like the intruder again.
“A nephew and a niece. How awesome. We need to set a date and have our own. You do know that don’t you?”
“Yes Austin, we can set a date for today if you want.”
“Hot damn, I’m getting married today!” He picks his fiancé up with ease and swings her around.
“You idiot we aren’t really doing it today. Your mother, sister and sister in law would kill us if we didn’t let them plan it.”
“True. So, Maysen you want the house?”
“I think I do thank you. Just the right size for me and my Mom.”
“You live with your Mom?” Leah asks with an inquisitive look on her face.
“She will live with me is more like it. She’s in pretty bad health. Just got out of the hospital in Tulsa recently. She’s the reason I moved back to Tulsa and then here.”
“Where did you live before?”
“Leah, that’s a lot of questions, playing detective or what?”
“It’s okay, I’m an open book. I want people around here to trust me so I’ll let you know anything you want to know.”
“I’m sorry you don’t have to answer any of my dumb questions.” Leah says looking embarrassed for the inquisition.
“It’s okay. I used to live in Omaha, Nebraska then moved back to Tulsa when my Mom was ready to be released from the hospital. She had pneumonia and was very ill for about six months.”
“You used to live in Omaha. And you’re a mechanic. And your Mom was ill in the hospital in Tulsa?” Leah asks as if she’s fitting imaginary puzzle pieces together.
“Yes. I think that’s what he said. We need to go Leah. You’re going to scare the new mechanic away and I won’t get my house rented. Sorry for Detective Leah here. Here are the keys to the house. It’s yours.”
“You’re a good man, thank you. Take care. Goodbye Detective.” I smile and walk past the couple whispering to each other. What a strange woman.
*************
“Hey baby sister. I hear you have some news for me?” Aiden says as he finds us in a small shop on Main St.
“Yes, you’re going to have a nephew.”
“Wow that’s great news! One of both! Congrats Aud!” He wraps me up in a big Aiden bear hug. I squeal with excitement and enjoy the warmth of his strong arms. The love for my family has filled me so full today and I pray it never stops. They are going to be so good to my son. To my son. To my son. That sounds so amazing to say.
“Where’s Austin? Thought you two were together?” Karlie asks Aiden while handing his daughter to him.
“He’s back at his house with Leah and the guy from the garage. He’s gonna rent it to him.”
“He and Leah need to set a date now. Nothing keeping them from it now.”
“For sure. I bet they’re talking about it now.” Aiden leans down and sits Aleah in the stroller. “You’re going to have a boy cousin Baby Doll.”
“Audrey, can I take your maternity photos? I’m itching to do it. I’ve wanted to get back into the studio more now that Aleah’s getting older.”
“Of course. You set the appointment and I’ll be there. Now I need to get back to class. The kids are eager to find out the gender too. Love you guys.” I kiss each one on the cheek and head to my car.
I turn the ignition and nothing. The battery is dead. This can’t be happening on this happy day. Oh well, I grab my stuff and walk to Karlie’s car. They look a little surprised to see me coming back.
“My car’s dead. Must be the battery.” I tell Aiden.
“I’ll take care of it. Karlie, can you take Audrey to work and come back to get me?”
“Yep. Let’s go Aud. See you in a bit babe.”
“What are you going to do with my car?”
“Get it fixed, duh.”
“Whatever, thanks brother.”
*************
“Hey Maysen, it’s Aiden. I was hoping you could help. My little sister’s car is dead in front of Sally’s. Can you come look at it?”
“Sounds like a battery. I’ll bring a spare and be right there.”
“Thanks.”
I grab an old battery off the floor and head to Sally’s to help Aiden. I really like the guy and enjoy our friendship so of course I drop everything and go.
After replacing the battery in the car, I find that it’s not just the battery. “I think it’s the alternator too. I’ll tow you to the shop. Is that okay? Do you need to talk to your sister first?”
“Nope. Let’s get it taken care of. She’s six months pregnant remember? She needs a reliable vehicle.”
“Okay, here’s the tow rope. Good thing it’s only two blocks.”
16
“Ma’am I was calling to let you know your car is done and ready to be picked up.” I hear on the other end of the phone. I don’t normally answer calls during school but since it’s late afternoon and my car’s in the shop, I did today.
“Thank you so much. I’ll be there in a few minutes.” That voice made my heart jump and goose bumps to appear on my arms. Why does that voice sound so familiar? It can’t. You’re just hormonal again and that’s probably just heartburn. Once again I’m hearing things that aren’t there and seeing people I’m not really seeing. Hearing one voice and seeing one man. Wonderful, I’m losing my mind now too.
“Mrs. Marlin, could you take over for a while? My car’s in the shop and I was just told it’s finished. I’ll be only a little while.” I rush off to get my car feeling as if I need the fresh air. Need something but I don’t know what that is.
My phone is ringing and I see it’s Leah so I answer.
“Hey Leah. How are you?”
“How are you? What are you doing? I figured I would get your voicemail.”
“I’m walking to the garage to get my car. It’s done. What’re you doing?”
“Sitting here with Karlie and we were wondering what you were doing Saturday? We were thinking of going to Tulsa to do some baby shopping. Sound like something you want to do?”
“Very much so, yes. Thank you I look forward to it.”
“Ok take care.” Leah says and hangs up the phone. I put mine back in my purse and as I’m about to turn the corner onto the street the garage is on I see Austin standing by his pickup in front of the Drug Store.
“Hey stranger, what are you doing?” I ask as I hug him and smile.
“Waiting for you. Leah said you were walking to get your car? Aiden and I just delivered it to the school for you.”
“Oh my goodness I didn’t know that. The gentleman from the garage called to tell me it was done but not that you were delivering it.”
“He didn’t know either. We got there right after he called you. I’m sorry you walked this far. I’ll take you back now.”
“Ok thank you.” I can’t believe I walked this far when my car was in the parking lot at the school. Why didn’t I even look for it first? Duh, I didn’t know it was there.
**************
“Hey Maysen, is our sister’s car done?” Austin says from the doorway of the garage.
“Yes, just called her and told her. She’s on her way to get it.”
“We’ll deliver it to her. Thanks for fixing it though. I should have had you do an oil change while you had it in here. When’s your next appointment opening?”
“I’m thinking next Friday at three. Does that work for your sister?”
“It will. I’ll bring it in around lunchtime. Thanks again. Send us the bill.” They walk out and one hops into the newly fixed car and one the pickup. Such good brothers.
I start to write down the name for the appointment but realize that I don’t even know their sister’s name. I shake it off and just write Blake. That’ll have to work.
*************
“Karlie, she’s on for going Sa
turday. I’m telling you this guy is her guy. He used to live in Omaha, worked at a garage, his mother was in the hospital with pneumonia in Tulsa, and he’s recently moved. His name is even Maysen. I didn’t ask for his last because I already sounded stupid asking all the questions I did ask. He and Austin were calling me detective.”
“Leah there’s no way this is the same guy. That would be the biggest act of fate if it was. No way. Just a lot of coincidences.”
“He is hot and looks just like what she described.”
“I saw him the other day when I picked up Mom’s car. I didn’t think anything of him being Audrey’s baby daddy. There’s just no way Leah.”
“We have got to get them together. Have to. If it’s not him then it’s no harm done right?”
“I guess not but how in the world are you going to do that without the guys realizing what you’re doing? If by some humongous chance he is Prince Charming, Aiden and Austin are going to kill him. You do realize that right?”
“Oh I hadn’t thought about those two. We just can’t let them figure out who he is.”
“IF he is who you think he is Leah.”
“I know it’s a long shot but it’s all so perfect. It has to be him Karlie. Has to be.”
“Oh boy what did you have in mind?”
“This weekend when we are ready to leave town for Tulsa, we need to have the guys invite him out to the ranch for a barbeque and when we get home he’ll be there. And kaboom when they see each other again it will be fireworks!”
“And her brothers will string him up right then!”
“Then it’s up to us to keep a handle on our men. Audrey loves this guy so much and she needs him. Whether we want to admit it or not, this baby boy needs his daddy too.”
“I know. Fine, tell me what I need to do. Please don’t make me regret this. I’m going to regret this aren’t I?”
17
“Hey Aiden, I’m sorry I can’t make it tonight. My Mom’s not feeling very well. I’m going to stick around the house. Thanks again for the invite. Have a good night.” I hang up my phone a little disappointed I couldn’t make the Blake barbeque but Mom’s health is more important.
“Feeling better Ma? You need to rest but if you want some soup I can get it.”
“No, you go to that barbeque and have fun with your new friends.”
“I’m staying right here with you. Aunt Ingrid isn’t here to take care of you so I’m doing it. I really don’t mind. You’re the most important person to me so I’m staying put tonight. There will be more than enough time for other barbeques.”
“You’re a wonderful son. Do you think I’ll ever see you as a father? I know you would be a wonderful one. And a wonderful husband.”
“Ma, that’s not even close to happening. Let’s get you some soup.”
“Maysen Michael Correli, you need to go find that girl. You’re so hung up on her you can’t think straight.”
“Mom we’ve been over this before. She’s gone. I don’t know where she is.”
“What was her name at least? You did get that didn’t you?”
“Audrey. That’s all I’m saying and I’m going to go make your soup.”
***************
“Karlie that was Austin. He called to tell me that the barbeque has been cancelled because the man of honor couldn’t make it. His mom’s ill tonight. Dangit so it isn’t going to happen tonight.”
“Oh well. If this is the guy she’s talked about they’re bound to run into each other. This is a very small town you know. I’m surprised they haven’t already.”
“I know. I was so mad at Austin for delivering her car the other day. She was on her way to the garage to get it when they swooped in and had to be heroes.”
“What are you two whispering about over here? I was paying for all this baby stuff you helped me pick out and you’re over here whispering like school girls. What gives?”
“Nothing, just talking about the barbeque getting cancelled.”
“Oh well I wasn’t up for that anyway. This trip to Tulsa seems longer now that I have to pee every ten minutes.”
“Ha! Told you that was going to happen!” Karlie yells and smiles that big Karlie smile.
“Are you ready to go home? We have that long drive again. Let’s see if we can get farther before either of you have to stop to pee along-side the road this time.”
18
“Aiden, what are you doing here?” I ask as I see my brother in the door way to my classroom. He never comes here. “Is everything okay?”
“It’s fine. Don’t panic I’m just here to get your car. When we picked it up last week, we made another appointment for today to get the oil changed. We can’t have you driving a car that’s not reliable.”
“My car is two years old Aiden. I think it’s fine.”
“Yes, but now that you’re going to have a child with you; we need to take extra good care of it. Maintenance is even more important now.”
“Whatever you say. You’re not going to listen to me anyway.”
“You’re so smart. No wonder you’re the teacher in the family.”
“Thank you. I’ll get a ride to the garage after my tutoring session. It’ll be around 5:30. Will that be enough time?”
“That should be perfect. See you soon. Love you.”
“Thanks Aiden. Tell Austin thanks too. You guys might be overbearing but I love you.”
He walks away with my keys leaving me stranded once again at the school. How long is this going to go on? They are being very attentive. Probably until this baby boy graduates college.
*************
“Hey guys, you got the car again? Is she going to come get it tonight or do I need to deliver it to her?”
“She’s going to get a ride from school once her tutoring session is over. She thinks it’ll be around 5:30. Is that too late?”
“No, that’s perfect. I’m usually wrapping things up around then anyway. Thanks guys. Appreciate the work.”
“No problem. Just take good care of our sister’s car. She has our nephew to take care of now too. And since she’ll be a single mom she needs us to help out where we can.”
“She’s lucky to have you two.”
*************
“Hey Princess, what’s up? Aiden and I just dropped Audrey’s car off at the garage, why? Yes, we’re leaving it. Yes, I’ll be back at the nursery in a few. Yes, he’s going home why? What are you up to? Okay be right there.”
“The women are up to something. Karlie has been over curious about Maysen. And Leah went off with twenty questions too the other day.”
“Leah just asked me if you were going home and if I was coming to the nursery right now. I get the feeling she doesn’t want us picking up Audrey’s car this time.”
“Maybe Audrey told them we were hovering too much. I’m sure that’s what it is. She always has hated us boys trying to protect her.”
“Probably. I guess she can pick up her own car tonight then. Oh well, see you late brother.”
************
“Hey Kim! Could I get a ride to Sam’s Garage? My car should be done by now.”
“Of course. Are you ready now? Let’s go. I’ll drop you off on my way to meet my mother at Sally’s.”
“Thank you so much. My brothers seemed to think my car needed some maintenance done on it.” I say rolling my eyes.
“They’re just taking care of their little sister and nephew.”
“I know but it’s more like smothering. I can’t even make my own appointments for my car. I have a feeling it’s never going to change now with this baby coming.”
“Probably not. Karlie had an issue with Aiden a time or two didn’t she?”
“Still does!” I say laughing.
When we pull up to the garage and I thank Kim for the ride, I grab my stuff from the back seat and walk to my car. I lay my bag and jacket in the front seat only taking my wallet with me. If my brothers haven’t already paid, I’ll need it
but I’m sure that’s taken care of too.
I walk in the front door and hear the little bell over it jingle. I don’t see anyone in the front office so I start through the door to the back area.
Before I get three steps in I see a man with his back to me and I’m struck with shock and frozen in place. Oh my goodness this can’t be. This has to be another one of my hallucinations. This can’t be the one man I haven’t gotten out of my head.
The unknown man turns around and once his eyes lock with mine he is also stunned. He too is unable to speak or believe he’s seeing who he’s seeing either. How can this truly be him?
“Um, I’m here to get my car. It’s the white one outside. Um, is it ready?” Is all I can spit out. Amazed that I could speak even that much I self-consciously try to cover my stomach. He can’t find out about the baby this way. He can’t seem to find any words and can’t quit looking at my face then down at my stomach then back to my face.
“Y-y-y-yes. It’s finished.”
“What do I owe you?”
“Aiden already paid for it. You’re their little sister? Audrey Blake. Oh my goodness I should have put two and two together.”
“What are you doing here? How did you get here? Why are you here?”
“My uncle owns it. Sam’s my uncle.”
“Wow. Just wow. This world is so small I don’t believe it.”
“I didn’t think I would ever see you again. After, well never mind about that. You look beautiful as ever.”
“Thank you. I didn’t think I would ever see you again either.”
“You live here in Colvin?”
“Yes. All my life.”
“Wow all along you were right here. Incredible.”
“I can’t believe you’re really here in front of me again. I honestly never expected to set eyes on you again.”
“I’m sorry to disappoint you then.”
“No, I didn’t mean that. I just didn’t think I would run into you a third time.”
“Seems fate has it in for us for some reason.”
“I would say so. Well, I really need to get going. It was so nice to see you again.”
Third Time's a Charm- Book 3 of the Colvin Series Page 10