Aiden glanced back and saw him standing awkwardly in the aisle. “Hey, Uncle Chet.” He waved Chet over.
There was no slipping out the door now, not with Mercedes, Cat, Sam, and all of Chet’s extended family staring at him. They looked like a group of owls swiveling their heads in his direction. No doubt they were deeply interested in the developments between him and Mercedes. They were a close-knit group that took up several rows.
He cleared his throat and walked to the edge of the bench.
“I was just keeping it warm for ya.” Sam stood and scooted out and slapped him on the back. “I went over last night and collected that hive. You shouldn’t have any more trouble with them, but if another swarm shows up, give me a call.”
Chet gave him a nod. “I appreciate that.”
He slid into the seat next to Mercedes, careful not to get too close. When he’d gotten up this morning, he’d been pretty sure where he stood with the beautiful Bostonian. But after seeing her warm exchange with Sam, he was like a man walking a tightrope.
“It’s been nice talking with you ladies. I hope you enjoy your time in Snow Valley.”
“Thank you.” Cat smiled an all-out beamer Chet had never seen before, and he did a Ping-Pong impression. Sam and Cat? The rope around his chest loosened. He had to admit, stranger things had happened.
Sam soaked up the smile before turning to find his regular seat.
Chet decided to test the waters. He decreased the space between him and Mercedes and whispered, “Sam?”
Mercedes leaned her head closer to his. Her eyes were wide with wonder and amusement. To his relief, most of the swelling around her eye had gone down. She still looked a bit puffy, but nothing like she had on their date.
She spoke just loud enough for Chet to hear. “I’m not quite sure. When he sat down, I thought I was trapped. The next thing I know, Sam is all country charm and Cat’s giggling. It was peculiar. I feel like I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole.” She held up her arm. “Here, pinch me.”
Chet shook his head. Instead of pinching her, he laced his fingers through hers and gave them a little squeeze.
“I’m not sure that’s doing anything to clear my head,” Mercedes whispered.
Chet caught her coconut scent. He was about to tell her she looked like a dream when there was a loud clap of thunder that shook the roof.
Everyone froze.
Chet dropped Mercedes’s hand and stood to peer out the paned window. Within seconds, the heavens opened and puddles formed in the parking. Two men rushed out, and Chet could see them rolling up the windows on their vehicles. If only his problems were as easily fixed.
Pastor John took the pulpit. “Let us give thanks for this moisture.”
The congregation quickly took their seats. Chet dropped into his. He put his elbows on his knees, clasped his hands, and bowed his head. He was done. His hay would never recover, and neither would he.
With the prayer of gratitude complete, the choir sang “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
Chet barely registered the tune. Every raindrop that hit the roof sounded like a nail in his coffin. He was a failure. He’d be forced to sell the cattle. Some of the heifers were prize-winning steers with bloodlines that went all the way back to England. His father had spent his life building that herd, and now Chet would break it apart and sell them to the highest bidder.
Pastor John took the pulpit once again. Chet didn’t bother to listen. He was too busy counting his failures.
Whitney nudged him with her knee, a questioning look on her face.
He gave her a tiny shake of his head before returning his gaze to the wood floor. He’d failed her too. David was right: Chet didn’t have what it took to support a wife and kids. He’d taken a thriving cattle ranch and run it into the ground.
Mercedes was a woman who gave happiness to everyone around her. Her pure heart and kind ways had won over his entire family. She’d have no trouble finding someone better than him. Heck, at this point, Sam was a better option for her than he was.
Disgusted with himself, Chet sank lower in his seat. He’d messed up and he was man enough to own it.
Chet stood quickly after saying “Amen” to the closing prayer. He took Mercedes’s elbow and gently pulled her aside. She turned her amazing blue eyes on him, and Chet almost went back on his word. In the end, it was his sense of honor that pushed him to do the hardest thing he’d ever done.
“I won’t be able to take you to the festival. I’m sorry.”
Mercedes brow furrowed. “Is everything alright?”
Chet’s heart sank to his boots. He was breaking a date with her, and she was worried about him. She may find a new man, but he’d never find a woman that equaled Mercedes. Well, he wouldn’t burden her anymore. “Everything’s fine.” He tried a smile. “I’ll see you around, neighbor.” He patted her shoulder and then hurried out the door.
Mercedes stared after Chet. Did he …? Were they …? Was it possible to break up with someone after one date? As the door shut behind him, she gasped for air.
Cat was there, holding her arm and keeping her upright.
“You look like you’ve been hit by lightning,” said Aiden.
Mercedes blinked. “I’m not sure what happened.”
“What did he say?” demanded Cat.
Mercedes dug through the mud in her mind. “He’d see me around.”
Aiden’s mouth hung open.
Cat rubbed her back.
Aiden swung his head back and forth between Mercedes and the church door. “Wait, he broke up with you?”
Cat elbowed Aiden and his mouth snapped shut.
Still in shock, Mercedes thought of the half-finished painting in her room and wanted to die. What a lovesick puppy she’d turned into. She’d done it again. She’d fallen for a smile and a gorgeous set of eyes and trusted a man with her heart, only to have it tossed aside.
David came over and put a hand on Aiden’s shoulder. “Have you seen Chet?”
Aiden flipped around. “He left. Why?”
David jerked his chin toward the window. “He cut hay yesterday.”
“Oh.” Aiden’s eyes brightened with understanding.
“We need to go; your mom’s got dinner in the slow cooker.”
“I’ll be right there.”
David left, and Aiden rounded on the girls, a grin as wide as the prairie on his face.
“He cut hay!” he said.
Cat pointed to herself. “Townie.” She pointed at Aiden. “Country boy.” Then went back and forth. “No comprendo.”
Aiden laughed. “Chet cut hay yesterday.” Aiden used his fingers like scissors. “It rained today.” He trickled his fingers through the air. “Rain makes hay mold.” Aiden held his nose. “Moldy hay is junk; you can’t sell it.” He rubbed his fingers together and his smile faded. “Chet just lost a lot of money.” He flipped his hair off his forehead.
Mercedes exchanged a look with Cat. “What does that mean, Aiden?”
Aiden kicked his toe against the wall. “I don’t know the details, I just pick up stuff when they—” He nodded toward his parents. “—don’t know I’m listening. But I think Chet’s going to lose the ranch.”
Mercedes’s hand went to her stomach.
On her way out the door, Whitney made eye contact with Mercedes. Mercedes looked quickly to the floor, not wanting to further her embarrassment. Whitney immediately headed their direction. She smiled, but there was concern in her eyes.
Mercedes stepped toward her and placed her hands on Whitney’s arms. “Is Chet going to lose the ranch?”
Whitney’s smile faded. “I don’t know.” She grabbed Mercedes’s arms. “He might.”
“He broke up with her.” Aiden hooked his thumb at Mercedes.
“Fool!” It was the closest thing to a curse Mercedes had ever heard come out of Whitney’s mouth, and it brought a crowd.
Mercedes’s face flushed. The last thing she needed on her first Sunday in church
was to be seen as the scorned woman. She looked around to see who could hear. The building had cleared out. Pastor John was up front with the red-headed clerk from the grocery store. The rest of the Bauer clan clustered near. All five siblings, their spouses, and their children formed a ring around her and Whitney. Cat placed her hand on the small of Mercedes’s back in silent support. Aiden rested his hand on her shoulder, and Vicky put her hand on Mercedes’s other shoulder.
“Who’s the fool?” asked David as he pushed his way through.
“Your baby brother,” said Vicky.
“He’s your brother too,” David shot back.
“Yeah, but you’re supposed to watch out for him.” She pointed at his chest.
“You promised Mom,” said Chelsea.
Mercedes’s head spun.
“He’s gone and thrown away this huge opportunity. What are you going to do about it?” asked Vicky.
Mercedes wanted to defend Chet. His family was ganging up on him and he wasn’t there to defend himself. “I’m sure there’s something he can do about the ranch.”
Fifty pairs of eyes bore into her with disbelief.
“Honey,” Vicky patted her shoulder. “We aren’t talking about the ranch, we’re talking about you.”
“Me?” Mercedes took a step back.
“Yes, you,” said Chelsea.
“No one gets Chet the way you do. If he lets you get away, it will be the biggest mistake of his life.”
“But ...” Mercedes’s eyes bounced from person to person. “You hardly know me.”
“We don’t have to. We know Chet.” Whitney squeezed her elbow. “You’re a match.”
Mercedes opened her mouth and then closed it again. Tears pricked her eyes, and she sniffed. These were good people. Whitney pulled her in for a hug.
David ran his hand through his hair, much like Aiden often did, and said, “I’ll talk to him.”
“You’d better,” said Vicky.
David gave her a grumpy look.
“Is everything alright?” asked Pastor John.
Mercedes blinked back her tears as Whitney released her. She and Cat had met the pastor before the meeting. Back when things were rose-colored. No sense dropping her troubles at his feet.
“We’re concerned for Chet, Pastor. He cut hay yesterday,” said David.
“Oh, dear.” He rubbed his wrinkled cheek. “I believe the man could use our prayers.”
Heads nodded, and once again Mercedes had to blink back her tears. The family joined hands or folded their arms. They bowed their heads as Pastor John led them in a prayer on Chet’s behalf.
“… And Lord, please allow Chet to find the light amidst the shadows.”
Mercedes gasped, causing Pastor John to pause before closing the prayer.
With a resounding “Amen,” the group dispersed, carrying Mercedes and Cat out to the parking lot with them.
Whitney hugged her once more. “Don’t give up on him yet. He’s been dealt a tough blow and he’ll need some time to figure it out.”
Mercedes nodded.
David helped Whitney into their truck. He tucked her long skirt up so it wouldn’t get caught in the door, and waved goodbye.
Mercedes leaned back against the headrest as Cat started the car.
“That was the coolest thing,” said Cat as she left the parking lot. “They have a huge family.”
Mercedes smiled, thinking of their own small family prayers. At the most, they had Grandpa, Mom, Dad, her, and Cat. “I wonder if Chet knows how lucky he is. There’s some serious power behind their family prayers.”
“I know, right? I doubt God can ignore the Bauer family.”
Surrounded and supported by Chet’s family, she’d thought there might be a chance. But then she remembered the way Chet had slumped forward during the service and then brushed her aside. “I hope not,” Mercedes said quietly.
Chapter 17
“Hi Dad, it’s Chet. Call me when you get this.”
Chet hung up the phone and laid his head on the table. He needed to make some plans. Where would he live? He still had his job at the elementary school. It didn’t pay much—the position was only part-time—but it would get him through until he found something better. He should go back to school, but without a scholarship or a job, he couldn’t afford tuition.
Chet stormed out to the barn to do chores.
Washed-out before he turned thirty. At least he broke the record for the youngest failure in the Bauer family. He passed his forge and remembered the night Mercedes came over with dinner. That was a great night. Sitting in his backyard, sharing food, being with her ... that was all he wanted out of life.
He forked a leaf of hay into Goldie’s stall.
Was that so much to ask for? The chance to spend quiet summer nights with the woman he loved?
Chet threw a horseshoe hook he’d made for Mercedes against the tack room wall. It made a satisfying clang as it hit. He picked up the next one and threw that too. He had the third one ready to launch when David stuck his head through the door.
“What’cha doin’?” asked David.
“Nothing.” Chet slammed the hook back down on the anvil and sent a ringing into the air. “I’m not in the mood for advice, so if that’s why you stopped by ...”
David came all the way through the door. He leaned against the work table and folded his arms. “I’m not here to give advice. I’m here to get Vicky off my back.”
“What’s she riding you for?”
“To make sure you don’t mess things up with Mercedes.”
Chet picked up his shaping hammer and smacked it on the anvil. If it wasn’t Sunday, he’d fire up the forge and pound away at a few shoes. “What does she care?”
David unfolded his arms and placed his hands on the edge of the table. “We all care. And I mean all of us. You left Mercedes practically in tears at church. You can’t expect the girls to ignore that.”
Chet stilled the hammer. “I made her cry.” He rested the cool head of the hammer to his forehead and closed his eyes, picturing his large family circling around Mercedes. He hadn’t meant to upset her. Since their date, he’d hoped and prayed that she’d care for him as much as he loved her. He didn’t expect his prayers to be answered so quickly. He thought he’d have to work a little harder.
It was better to cut things off now. She might be a little upset, but she’d get over it faster than if he dragged it out. “It’s for the best. Like you said, I don’t have anything to offer.” He set the hammer down and crossed the room to retrieve the coat hooks. Neither appeared damaged.
“Chet, I’m … dumb.” David blew out a breath. “Whitney made that quite clear on the way home from church. When a woman’s in love, she has the ultimate faith in her man.”
Chet was skeptical. His father had told them many times they needed to be the type of man a woman could depend on. “Do you believe her?”
David scrubbed at his cheek. “Yeah. Whit’s my rock and she thinks I’m awesome.”
Chet snorted. Whitney was aware of David’s faults. Still, they’d weathered some pretty rough storms. Mercedes made him feel awesome too. The way she listened to his blabbering on and on about stuff that had nothing to do with crops or irrigation ... Yeah, she made him think he was a great man, instead of the failure he turned out to be. If he had anything to offer, he’d be at her door as fast as Goldie could take him there. But he didn’t. And he had no one to blame but himself.
David ran his hand over his face. “I guess what I’m sayin’ is, don’t throw away a girl like Mercedes because you’re too prideful.”
“Prideful? David, I have nothing left.”
David shifted, uncomfortable. “All she wants is you.”
Chet stood taller. Was it possible? Could he stand before her with nothing more than his heart? “You think, if I went down there right now and told Mercedes I was broke, she’d still want me?”
David chuckled. “God asks us to have a humble heart; could a go
od woman ask for anything more?”
Chet stared at him.
David grabbed a fistful of Chet’s shirt and shoved him toward the door.
Once Chet’s feet were in motion, he didn’t stop to think. He ran for his truck. If there was even a chance Mercedes still wanted him, he’d have to try.
Chapter 18
Mercedes couldn’t bring herself to paint over Chet’s portrait. She decided she couldn’t erase that much emotion, not on the canvas and certainly not in her heart. Instead she left it just as their relationship stood—unfinished.
All afternoon she moped about the house, not interested in starting a project. Cat made dinner, and Mercedes sat down without much of an appetite.
“Are you feeling any better?” asked Cat.
Mercedes considered the question. “I feel like I’m in between, if that makes sense. It hurt to be brushed off like that, but I can understand why Chet would be uncomfortable starting a relationship when he’s about to lose his land.” She shrugged. “Whitney said not to give up on him. I’m just not sure what to do.”
Cat drilled her fingers on the table. “There’s so much food.”
Mercedes looked at the extra chicken breast, smothered in marinara sauce.
“I wonder who we know that could use a good meal tonight.” Cat wiggled her eyebrows.
There was an insistent knock on the front door. Mercedes hurried through the house and was shocked to find Chet on her front porch.
Mercedes blinked. “Um …”
Chet’s eyes locked on hers, and she stepped out to the new boards.
“Hi,” he said. It came out as a whisper, and he tried again, his voice stronger. “Hi.”
All afternoon Mercedes had wanted to see Chet again. Now that he stood in front of her, the only thing she could think to do was tell him about her painting. “Chet, when I came to Snow Valley, I was brokenhearted and afraid of opening myself up again. I was existing, but not experiencing life. It had been forever since I’d been in a moment so full I had to paint it. But you filled my life with those moments.”
Lucy McConnell's Snow Valley Box Set Page 23