“I’m going to see what the kids are up to. You guys want anything?” Judy asked, stuffing her hands in her pockets.
My insides screamed with a wish list. I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t want a commitment back home. I wanted to stay in Montana with John and Chloe. “Can you bring me one last Beltian beer from the fridge?”
“Sure. What about you, cowboy?” she asked John.
John nodded. “I’ll take one of those, too.”
When Judy left, John stood up and gestured for me to follow him.
“We’re gonna take a stroll to the barn. Be right back,” he called after Judy, who gave a little wave of her hand over her shoulder as she walked away.
“What’s in the barn?” I asked, tripping over a rock.
John squeezed my hand as he caught me. He didn’t answer, but led the way with long strides.
“What’s the hurry?”
He patted the pocket of his jacket. “Nothing, really. Just need you to see something without the kids.”
Falling in step with John, I hustled to catch up. Sun Ray and her mother meandered in the field, the air was still, and our boot heels plunked against the hard ground. John’s temple twitched as he slid the barn door open. He turned on a small lamp I’d seen Ashley use when she read her phone. Our steps echoed in the empty stalls.
John peeked through the open door then shut it slowly behind him. `
My stomach rolled over and the hair stood up on the nape of my neck. “I—”
John tapped his finger on my lips with a quiet shush. His eyes flickered with purpose and before I knew it, his hands were on my waist drawing me close to him. “I-” I stuttered. His fingers caressed my cheek, ran down my chin, and over my neck.
“I can’t believe you’re going tomorrow.”
“I—”
John touched my lips with his fingers. His eyes held my attention. I couldn’t turn away if I wanted to.
“You’re ripping my heart out.”
“This isn’t easy for me either,” I said.
“I have something I want to show you.”
“Okay.” I made a wish when his lips grazed mine.
“Please don’t go all Maggie on me when I show you,” he whispered, rummaging through his pocket.
“I’ll do my best. Let’s have it, cowboy.”
John’s fingers lifted my chin. “Remember when we were in Dad’s office and I said that someday I wanted to marry you?”
I nodded my head. “Yeah.” I blinked away the hazy stuffiness of the barn. “How could I forget?”
“I meant it. I’ve never felt this way about anyone.” John’s words trailed off into the air between us.
“Not even Chloe’s mom?” I asked with a knot in my stomach.
He shook his head. “No, not even Chloe’s mom.”
His warm lips kissed my forehead. I rested my hands on his forearms as I shut my eyes. When I opened them, John held a wooden box in his hand. The carved scroll pattern on the top was elegant.
He loosened the lid. “This was my mom’s ring. I’ve had it tucked away.” John took a deep breath as he peered into the box then into my eyes. “When I was younger, Dad told me it was mine to give to the person I loved with all my heart.”
My breath caught in my throat.
“And that’s you, Maggie.”
Sucking in a breath of air, I covered my mouth in awe. “What is happening here?”
“You promised you wouldn’t go all Maggie on me.” John tilted his head to the side. “Nothing, because I know you need to take baby steps. I just wanted to share this with you. I just wanted you know I am for real.”
I touched the antique setting that held a square diamond. Chills ran down my spine and cooled the heat between us. “It’s beautiful, but shouldn’t Chloe have it?” I asked, fingering the design.
“That’s just like you, thinking about someone else.”
I stroked his cheek and held on to the moment, not believing I was living it.
“We can discuss that later.” John put the lid back on the treasure, his past, his memories, and his love for his mother. “I love you, Maggie.”
His lips brushed up against mine, and I saw a glimpse of my future in his eyes just before he closed them to kiss me.
John took my hands in his and held my stare. “Thanks for not going all Maggie on me.”
I chuckled under my breath. “You’re welcome.” Leaning against the split-rail fence next to him, we watched Sunnyside Up snuggle up to her momma. The sun hung lower in the sky and dusk lurked on the wings of the birds that circled overhead. I rested my chin on the rail. “When Chloe was in my lap earlier, I didn’t want to let her go.” Tears welled at the back of my eyes.
“I know, I saw it,” John said, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “I think you fell in love with her before you even considered me.”
He was right, and I held out admitting it to myself because I wasn’t sure if I could see one more baby fly the coop. It’d been so damn hard when Bradley grew up, got a place of his own, only to remind me that I was growing old, and Beckett knew he didn’t want to grow old with me some years back. My breath caught in my chest. How could I possibly be thinking of doing it all again?
“I’ll be the best man I know how to be, Maggie.” He held me close. “And we don’t have to say anything to anyone until you’re ready.”
“I can’t believe you’re saying all this,” I said. “Now you’re the one making it all too damn hard.” I patted his chest. Sleeping wouldn’t be easy tonight, nor the trip home now that John’s words swirled inside of me like a summer storm.
John rested his head against clasped hands on the top rail of the fence. “I’m fighting harder.”
I studied his profile. “Apparently.”
“You Abernathy women may be stubborn, but us McIntyre men are relentless,” he said with a wink.
Chloe’s and Walter’s cackles erupted in the dusky night as they ran toward us. Walter bumped into me and Chloe wiggled in between the rails with ease like she’d been doing it all her life. Sunny craned her neck when she heard Chloe’s voice. Chloe clicked her tongue and dug in her pocket. Sunny stayed close to her momma.
“Darn, I thought she’d want a treat,” Chloe said with a frown.
“She just might want her momma,” John said, watching Walter wiggle in between us.
“What are they doing out there?” Walter asked.
“Getting ready to settle down for the night.” John ruffled Walter’s messy hair.
“Me too, but not without a treat,” Walter said. “You guys coming over to make s’mores with us?”
I ruffled his hair. “You bet.” Then I patted my belly.
“Me, too,” Chloe said, holding out her hand in Sunnyside Up’s direction. She shifted her weight, clicked her teeth, and waited. “It’s all right, girl.” She tucked her free hand in her front pocket, “I’ll save it for tomorrow.”
Sunnyside Up swished her tail and bowed her head as her momma nudged her. Walter nudged me, too. “Come on, Maggie. Will you help me roast the perfect marshmallow?”
“What, you don’t want me to help you?” John pretended his feelings were crushed.
“No way, you’ll just burn it and that’s gross,” Walter said.
Chloe bent over and plucked a yellow flower from the ground. She handed it to me as she wiggled back through the split-rail fence.
“Turn around,” I said to her.
Chloe spun on a heel and I wove Montana’s gift into her braid. “There.”
Walter showed me all his teeth like a pony begging for a treat.
John knelt and Chloe mounted his back. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he slapped his thighs. He moaned when he stood up to jiggle Chloe into perfect riding position. “You’re getting heavy, girl.”
“Wow,” Walter said, “you guys look like pros at that.”
“We’ve been practicing,” John said. “Almost got it down.”
&
nbsp; “Can I try?” Walter said.
“I’ll tell you what, let’s have a s’more then you can have a turn.”
“Promise?” Walter asked, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.
“Promise,” John said.
“Pinky-swear him, Dad. That way he’ll know you mean it.”
John stuck out his pinky and Walter hooked his sweet pinky with John’s. Walter smiled and skipped ahead. John faced me, Chloe on his back. “If the girl speaks the truth then I reckon I owe you one too, neighbor lady.”
I raised an eyebrow in his direction, knowing he wanted me to wear his ring. Holding out my hand, I hooked my pinky with his, his warm touch filled with electricity, his eyes filled with patience.
“You guys are weird,” Chloe said. “What would you have to pinky-swear about, anyway?” she asked, wrinkling her nose at me.
“I just didn’t want Maggie to feel left out,” John said. “Now how about that s’more?”
“Yum.” Chloe kissed her dad’s cheek.
Her braid bounced off her back, as John carried his daughter down the dirt road back to the fire pit.
Together.
Chapter 30
Judy and I rehashed our game plan for the long haul home as we sat by the fire and the kids told ghost stories. Sparks flew from the flames, leaving red specks of heat trailing to the heavens. Walter rubbed his eyes and Harry yawned.
“I think they just may sleep all the way home,” I said.
“It’s been great,” Judy said, zipping up her fleece. “Thanks again for having us in your home.”
Winston rubbed his chin. “You’re welcome here anytime. Your boys are good men.”
“Did you hear that, Harry? Winston thinks I’m a man.” Walter puffed out his chest.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Harry said.
Judy shot him a look.
“Yeah, you’re a good man, even if you’re little,” he said, throwing up his hands. “Is that better, Mom?”
Judy approved. “Much.”
“Well, you two wranglers can come work for me anytime.” John winked in Harry and Walter’s direction.
The fire reflected in Harry’s eyes. “You going to own this place someday?”
“Harry,” Judy said. “I’m sorry, John.”
Winston cleared his throat. “It’s all right. Not for a long time if I have anything to say about it.” Winston reached over and mussed Harry’s curly hair.
Chloe snuggled up to John. “Dad says we’re not moving again after this. I’m glad. I just want to stay in one spot.”
Chloe’s gaze met mine. Something subsided within me knowing she was okay with the transition.
“Dad even said I could keep a kitten or two, right, Dad?”
“This is news to me,” he said.
“Please.”
“We’ll talk about that later,” he said. “I was thinking you might like a dog instead.”
“What?”
“Grandpa and I were talking and we thought we could use a herding dog, thought you might like to help pick it out and train it since you got the four-one-one on Bones.”
“Cool, a dog that runs with cows.” Walter tugged at his mom’s hand.
“A herding dog,” Harry said, rolling his eyes. “You are such a dork.”
Walter leaned over and punched him in the arm.
Harry rubbed his bicep. “Whatever.”
I couldn’t hide my grin. Judy laughed and I knew the trip home would be an adventure. Mom’s absence tugged at my heart. I didn’t know how to tell her about John’s proposal, my second thoughts about completing my career, and the dream of a new life that would be miles away from her. The school year was about to begin and my heart that had been dedicated for years now waned and longed for something different.
Judy nestled Walter into her lap. She smoothed his curly mop top away from his eyes and kissed his forehead. “I think it’s about time for bed,” she whispered in his ear.
“I don’t want to go to bed. If I go to sleep that means it will be morning and I don’t want to leave this place.”
I raised my beer in Walter’s direction. “Me, neither.”
Judy’s dark eyes sparkled. “We all want to stay, but we have to go home sometime. Come on, sleepy boy, let’s get you ready for bed.” Judy wiggled forward out of her chair and hoisted herself up with her youngest in her arms.
“Wow, you’re a beast to lift such a big kid,” I said.
Harry laughed. “She called you a beast, Mom. I like that.”
Judy narrowed her gaze at Harry. “Thanks, Maggie. I’m sure we won’t be hearing that on the way home.”
“Sorry, but I do have some other lingo that I’m sure you’d like even less.”
Harry’s dark eyes sparkled with curiosity as the flames licked the singed logs. “Cool, will you tell me what they are?” he asked.
I raised an eyebrow and weighed the consequences. “Better not, maybe when you’re a little older.”
Harry grimaced with disappointment.
Judy brushed past me as Walter’s limbs dangled from her arms like a rag doll. “Thanks. I owe ya.”
The glow of the firelight highlighted her defined cheekbones. Her curly hair fell around her face and she looked beautiful. “You’re welcome.”
Harry scooted over into his mom’s chair when she was out of earshot. “Will you tell me later?”
I sipped the last of my beer. “I’ll make you a deal, if we make it back to Michigan without any major issues between you and Walter, I’ll tell you some, but your mother must never know that they came from me.” I narrowed my gaze and leaned in Harry’s direction. “Capiche?” Harry wrinkled his nose like Chloe when she didn’t understand something. “That’s Italian for, understand,” I said, watching his dark eyes process what I was saying.
“Capiche,” he said.
“Well then, let’s consider that the first installment before we even pack the car.” I tipped my beer can up to savor the last swallow.
Harry rested his feet on the log in front of him and leaned back. His stare connected with John’s. “Thanks for letting us come here. I had a blast.”
Chloe’s admiration for Harry shone in the dying firelight. Ashen logs tumbled down saying their last goodnight.
John nodded. “Thanks for being such a good friend to Chloe.”
Chloe’s eyes were half-mast as the night settled in. “I think we should get you two to bed, too. We have an early morning.”
“I don’t want to go,” Harry said.
“Oh, so the truth comes out. You do have something in common with Walter,” I teased.
Harry rolled his soon-to-be fifth-grade eyes at me and frowned.
John nudged Chloe, and her eyes popped open. “I’m awake,” she said. “I’m awake.”
“I beg to differ, darlin’. It’s time for bed.”
“Maggie, will you put me to bed?” Chloe asked, her voice sleepy.
Harry stretched, then yawned. “What fourth grader needs someone to put them to bed?”
“Me,” she said. “Cause Maggie’s leaving and I want to remember her face just before she turns out the light.”
“I guess I can’t argue with that,” Harry said. “She is kind of pretty.”
Studying Harry’s face, I poked him in the shoulder. “I get it from your mom.”
“Not sure about that.” Harry trudged down the path ahead of me. He seemed taller, his thin frame and skinny shoulders holding up his curly head of hair that bobbed in the moonlight. John and Chloe chatted as they strolled behind me. My heart skipped a beat as I realized how much my family loved me.
Harry held the back door open for us. His eyes followed the bugs flitting around the light fixture. “Civil Rustic Moths.”
“What?” Chloe asked.
Harry pointed to the jittery insects jutting back and forth. “Rustic moths. The larvae like to eat alfalfa, dock, hawkweed, and sow thistle,” he said like a textbook on audio.
John set Chloe down and she stepped inside. She stared at Harry until he came in behind John and me, and then shut the door.
“Whatever.” Harry said.
“She’s all yours.” John put Chloe’s hand in mine.
“Night, Dad.” Chloe reached up and hugged John, and then kissed his cheek. “You’re scratchy,” she said, touching his chin.
“Night. And Maggie, after she’s settled, could you come back down?”
Harry glanced over his shoulder, a direct hit into my well of secrets. I ignored the question in his eyes. “Sure.” I looked down at Chloe who was trying to rub the sandman’s spell free from her eyes. “Come on, let’s get you in bed.”
Harry waited by the staircase for us. His eyes focused on me, a question on his lips. Chloe’s hand slid up the wood banister as she moseyed up the stairs with heavy feet.
“What?” I asked with caution.
Harry’s eyes flashed with savvy. “Never mind.”
Chloe’s feet shuffled onto the landing at the top of the stairs.
“What?” I asked again, wanting to clear the air.
“If I say what I am thinking, will you still tell me your secrets when we get back home?” His left eyebrow arched like a sneaky cat ready to pounce.
“Go ahead, press your luck,” I said, running my fingers through my hair. His eyes challenged me. I nodded and waved my hands toward him, urging him to get there faster.
“I know what you’ve been telling Chloe. And don’t be mad at her. I’m sure she didn’t tell me everything you’ve been saying, she likes you too much.”
“Remember that.” Harry fidgeted with the railing.
I waited.
The corner of his mouth curled upward.
“I guess I don’t need to ask you because I can see it in your face,” he said, squinting his eyes. “I guess I was right.”
I narrowed my gaze at the young man before me, not afraid to play with the master, but maybe I wasn’t the master anymore now that he’d called my bluff. Harry grabbed the end of the banister and swung his left foot around to the first step without taking his eyes off me. A spark flew between us. He trotted up the first few stairs and I followed in his footsteps, poking him along the way.
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