Love So Unexpected (The Lawson Brothers #6)

by Marquita Valentine

  Preston clapped him on the shoulder. “I’ll stop giving you a hard time, man.”

  “Good.” Caleb selected a jar of cotton candy corn and shook it. “Not sure what possessed me to tell you about Sofia in the first place.”

  “Everyone talks to me, because they trust me.”

  Caleb glanced at Preston. “Really?”

  “Yeah. Pretty sure it’s my uniform.” He jerked his thumb at his shirt. “Not just a pretty face.”

  “That’s the second time you’ve complimented yourself.”

  “Spent the morning in Apple McCoy’s company,” Preston grumbled. “She had lots of questions about the Hyde incident.”

  If anyone could ferret out a story, it was Apple, but Preston hadn’t been working that night. “What of it?”

  “Family’s suing for malpractice. Don’t blame them, really, but the guy was dead when they arrived on scene.” Preston stood. “All around bad situation, but Apple seems determined to report both sides. She mentioned something about restoring the reputation of good journalism to the Daily.”

  Although Caleb hadn’t spoken to Apple in years, it still gave him a jolt to hear about her ... or to see her, which is why he studiously avoided any place she frequented. He wasn’t in love with her, never had been, but he harbored major guilt over what had happened with Iris and her.

  “You and Apple talk a lot?”

  “Only if I can help it. I figure opportunity doesn’t happen but so often, so why not go for it, you know?”

  His cousin had a point; only, opportunity wasn’t knocking on his door.

  No, it sat at your parents’ kitchen table and smiled at you.

  You mean Sofia?

  Now you’re catching on.

  “Are you interested in her?” Caleb asked.

  Preston’s light blue eyes turned stormy. “Is that a problem?”

  He shook his head. “Nope.”

  “Excellent.” Preston grinned. “Good seeing you, cuz. I need to get those flowers now.”

  Caleb stood there for a beat longer before he placed the jar of corn back on the shelf. Maybe he should be more like Preston and go for it. He’d already cracked open the door by asking Sofia to—

  Son of a gun.

  He hadn’t asked her to do anything. He’d said maybe you should go. What kind of pansy ass did that kind of passive talking with a woman?

  Unfortunately, Caleb knew the answer.

  He did.

  Chapter Three

  Caleb purposefully avoided the house for the rest of the day. Considering his work kept him busy, and the fact that he didn’t live there, it was easy to do.

  He shouldered a cow into a stall, then closed the door behind it.

  “Until you’re done healing, you can’t go play with the rest,” he said.

  The cow, affectionately called Mule, gave him a look.

  “Can she understand you?” Sofia asked as she joined him.

  He glanced at her in shock, then his body began to hum, like it was happy to be in her presence again.

  Opportunity, he reminded himself.

  Speak.

  “Based on that face she made, I’d say yes.”

  “It’s a good thing I don’t have conversations with my food.”

  “You’re a vegetarian?” he asked, then remembered she’d eaten bacon at breakfast.

  “Only when I cook in a vegetarian kitchen.”

  “You cook?”

  “Used to.” She nodded at Mule. “Can I pet her?”

  “Only if you don’t mind playing with your food.”

  She grinned. “I’ll take my chances.” Holding out her hand, she beckoned the cow to come closer.

  “You’ll never get her to come to you like that.”

  “Really? What’s her name?” Sofia asked.

  “Mule—she’s a bit stubborn. Anyway, you have to sweet talk her. Make her think it’s her idea to come to you.” He had no idea why he was saying this, even if it was the truth. Most women would be bored out of their minds, or think he was out of his. Or at least that was what he assumed.

  Then again, the last time he was with a woman, she’d only been concerned about what he could do for her in bed. He shoved away the memory.

  “Mule,” she said on a laugh. “That’s a first. Do you have a cat named Dog?”

  “Nah. Dog’s name is Dog.” He bit back a smile.

  “Creative.” She turned to Mule again. “What should I say to her?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe something like she’s pretty and you need her to come closer to whisper it in her ear?” Sofia gave him a sidelong glance. He blushed as he shrugged. “Can’t help that it’s true.”

  “Fine.” Tossing her head, she said, “Come here, pretty girl. I have a treat for you.”

  “Don’t lie to her.”

  She dug into her pocket and pulled out a carrot stick. “Your mother suggested I take one of these.”

  “For me or the cow?”

  “I’m sure Mule will share.” Sofia held out the carrot. “Pretty girl.”

  Mule made a noise, then shuffled their way, eating the entire thing out of Sofia’s hand.

  “Maybe I should change her name to Selfish.”

  Sofia whirled on him, her dark eyes snapping with playful fire. “Don’t you dare.”

  He leaned one hip against the stall door and crossed his arms over his chest. “Why did you really come out here?”

  “To talk.”

  “About what?” He had a sneaking suspicion that his mother was behind Sofia’s visit, on account of that carrot and all.

  Sofia waved a hand in the air. “Whatever.”

  All right. He’d bite. “Where are you from?”

  “Flagstaff, Arizona.”

  “Miss it?”

  “If I did, I wouldn’t have braved a three-day bus ride to the East Coast.”

  “You planned to move to Jessamine?”

  “Ah, no.” She turned to face him. “Had a few missteps along the way. Should have been in Atlanta by now. Roswell, actually. Ever heard of the place?”

  “Nice river rafting down there.”

  “Great restaurants, too.”

  “Is that why you were headed there?”

  She nodded. “That was the plan, but when the unexpected happens in life ... sometimes, you have to change your plans.”

  “That’s a good outlook to have.”

  “Happen in farming a lot?” she asked.

  He considered her question for a moment, wondering if she truly wanted to know or was bored with spending time with his mother. “I depend on the weather every day. You tell me.”

  “I’m not here to take advantage of your parents,” she said quietly. “As soon as I get back on my feet and have some money saved up, I plan on finishing the last leg of my journey.”

  His heart beat out a funny rhythm. “Didn’t think you were. My parents aren’t stupid.”

  “I don’t think they are, but you strike me as a man who loves them and would be concerned.”

  He cocked his head to one side, studying her. “I already aired my concerns with them.”

  “And that’s it?” Her voice held a note of disbelief.

  “That’s it.”

  “Oh.” She took a step back. “Well, now that we’ve gotten all that out of the way, I’ll—”

  “Have dinner with me tomorrow night,” he blurted.

  *

  Sofia froze in place. “Like a date?”

  “Sure, like a date,” he answered.

  “But-but you don’t know me,” she half protested.

  He smiled, taking her breath away. “Unless things have changed, I’m fairly certain that’s the point of a date.”

  “They haven’t, but...” She searched her mind, but couldn’t come up with a good reason to say no. In fact, she didn’t want to say no. “You realize that I’m not staying here permanently.”

  “It’s just a date, not a proposal.”

  She laughed awkwardly.
What was wrong with her? He was just a man—granted, a sexy man with nice, big hands. She’d always had a thing for hands ... and forearms. Caleb had those too. All tan and muscular.

  “I’ll be ready at six.”

  He canted his head from side to side. “Won’t be done in time for a shower. How about six-thirty, unless you like the smell of sweaty farmer.”

  Something took hold of her, bold and like her old self. She could flirt. She loved to flirt. “The smell of sweat from a hard day’s work can be very sexy on a man.”

  He didn’t say anything to that at first, but then his eyes got all heated. “I’ll remember that.”

  “But not tomorrow night,” she countered.

  “No, ma’am,” he said in a thick drawl that made her toes curl.

  Giddy, she finally allowed herself to leave the barn and head back to the house. Then stopped short as her foot touched the first step on the porch. What was she thinking? She’d only been here for a day. She wasn’t staying for the long haul and had told Caleb so, point-blank. Nothing could come of a date with him.

  It’s just a date, not a proposal.

  Well, he had a point. He knew her plans. So why shouldn’t she have some fun while she was here?

  But what if Dinah and David didn’t approve? It was one thing to open up their home to a not-so-complete stranger in need. Quite another for that not-so-complete stranger to go out with one of their sons.

  Carefully making her way up the stairs, she went over what to say to Dinah. No way would she hide it. For one, she was nobody’s dirty little secret, and two, if Dinah didn’t like it, Sofia wanted to know up front.

  Dinah sat at the kitchen table with a bowl of snap beans in her lap. She snapped each one in half and placed them in a different bowl on the table.

  Perfect. She could put herself to good use while working up the nerve to talk to Dinah.

  “Mind if I join you?” Sofia asked as she sat down.

  “I would love the company.”

  Dinah set her bowl on the table so that she could easily reach it. They sat in comfortable silence, snapping beans and listening to the quiet background noise from country music station on the radio.

  “Did you happen to see Caleb?” Dinah asked lightly.

  Sofia swallowed. “I did. He was busy talking to Mule.”

  Dinah laughed. “That boy always did have an affinity for God’s creatures. I remember when he was a tiny thing, barely out of diapers, and he sneaked out of the house. Almost went out of my mind looking for him. Finally, I found him in a stall, curled up by a momma cow and her baby. Cutest thing you’d ever seen.”

  Sofia imagined Caleb as a toddler, with big blue eyes and a mop of brown hair. “I hope you got a picture.”

  “David did. I refused to leave until all was said and done, and he was back inside. Safe.” Dinah shook her head. “Always an adventure with boys.”

  And that was her cue. “Speaking of adventures. Caleb asked me to go to dinner with him tomorrow night.”

  Dinah’s hands froze mid-snap, an indescribable look on her face. “He did?”

  Stomach twisting into knots, Sofia nodded and continued on, “I said yes.” She refused to ask if that would be okay. Refused to ask if she minded. Either Dinah would accept an innocent date and everything would be okay, or she’d ... well, it wouldn’t be pretty, Sofia guessed.

  Tears filled the older woman’s eyes, even as she smiled. “You don’t know how happy that makes me.”

  While Sofia was more than a little relieved that Dinah was happy, she was completely confused by the tears. Who cried over their son going out with a woman, unless it was a momma with grandbabies on the brain?

  Oh Lord.

  “It’s nothing really. Just dinner.”

  “Dinner is a great start.” Dinah sniffed. “Would you look at me? I’m practically watering roses right now.”

  “If you don’t mind me asking, why are you so happy that Caleb and I are having dinner?” she asked.

  “You’ll think I’m being one of those mommas if I admit it.”

  “Actually, I already do think you’re one of those mommas.” Sofia lightly elbowed Dinah in the side, and the older woman grinned.

  Tilting her head to one side, she twisted her lips a little. “I suppose I am, but honestly, Caleb’s story isn’t mine to tell. I don’t want to overstep my bounds, but suffice to say, I am truly glad he asked you out.”

  “Wow. Now you’ve made him all mysterious. He’s practically irresistible to a woman like me.” He really was. She had to know everything about him, from his sad eyes to the reason why his mother burst into tears over him asking her out. For some, that might be a red flag, but to her, it was an invitation to deep conversations. One of the two things she loved most in this life. Second only to cooking meals that led to conversations.

  “A woman like you is exactly what a man like Caleb needs in his life,” Dinah added.

  Sofia began snapping beans again. “It’s only dinner.”

  “That’s what I kept telling myself the first time my husband asked me out.”

  Chapter Four

  The next day, no matter how busy she kept herself, Sofia could not get her mind off Caleb.

  To be honest, she was dying to know more about the mystery behind him. Had someone broken his heart? Had he broken someone’s heart? Was he still in love with the girl who’d broken his heart?

  “Too nosy for your own good,” she chided herself.

  “Sofia, do you mind going into town and making a deposit at the bank?” Dinah asked.

  “Of course not.” Sofia practically jumped down the last two steps and grabbed the envelope and keys from the woman. “Sorry. I’m a little anxious.”

  “Which is why I’m sending you into Jessamine to run an errand. If you’d like to check out the job scene, be sure to stop by Yates’ Diner. They have a bulletin board near the entrance. Their desserts are divine, as well, and I’m not just saying that because my daughter-in-law runs the place.”

  “She’s a cook, too?”

  “Not exactly. More like the manager, but the two of you probably have a lot in common. Now when you get to the end of the road, take a right, and that will take you straight into town. Park in public parking, then you can take in the sights. I’ll call Bailey to let her know that you’ll be coming by the diner. She doesn’t charge family.”

  “But I’m not family.”

  Dinah shrugged. “To me you are. Everyday, you give me a glimpse of my very best friend from college. I missed her so much, Sofia. You don’t know how much it means to me that you’re here.”

  On impulse, Sofia hugged Dinah. “I’ll be back in time to help you prepare supper.”

  “You’ve already done enough today, and I won’t have you late for your dinner with Caleb.”

  Sofia exhaled. “It’s just dinner.”

  “And the Fourth of July is just any ol’ day.”

  With a snort, Sofia headed to Dinah’s sedan, and, in no time at all, she found herself in Jessamine proper. Public parking was clearly marked, and there were several places for her to choose from, but she picked the one that was the farthest away from the other cars.

  The day was perfectly sunny as she walked down Main Street. Suddenly, she realized that she didn’t know the name of the bank, so she pulled out the envelope to check for a deposit slip.

  “Jessamine Savings and Loan,” she muttered to herself, quickly finding the large building on the corner. “Perfect.”

  Once she’d taken care of that errand, she checked the time on her phone and sighed. Only five hours until her date with Caleb. Maybe she should head to Yates’ Diner after all so she could eat dessert and meet Dinah’s daughter-in-law.

  But not to make friends. Oh no, Jessamine was only temporary.

  Except, she’d have to find the diner first.

  “Are you lost, sugar?”

  Sofia glanced up from her phone to find a model standing in front of her. She was tall, made even t
aller by her high-heeled shoes, with long blonde hair. Her face was absolute perfection ... but her eyes ... those eyes had seen things.

  “I’m looking for Yates’ Diner,” she said.

  The woman gave her a sunny smile. “What a coincidence, I am too. I’m Apple McCoy, by the way, and you are?”

  “Sofia Nogales.”

  Apple linked her arm through Sofia’s like they were already the best of friends. It was slightly odd, but fitting, given the hospitality she’d already experienced here. Sofia decided to just go with it.

  “You’re new in town.”

  “What gave it away—the lost look or the accent?” she asked with a lopsided grin.

  Apple glanced at her. “Definitely the lost look. Jessamine isn’t that big.”

  Sofia laughed. “I think it’s the perfect size—at least what I’ve seen of it.”

  “Sometimes it can be a bit confining on a body, but one does what one has to in order to persevere,” Apple replied, then muttered, “Why does that man insist on talking to me?”

  “Ms. McCoy, always a pleasure running into you.” The tall, good-looking man winked at Sofia. “Ms. Nogales. Your reputation already precedes you. I’m Preston Lawson. Welcome to Jessamine.”

  “How do you know Sofia?” Not bothering to wait for his answer, she turned to Sofia. “Word of warning—stay away from this one. He preens more than a peacock at sunrise.”

  “I only preen so a beauty like you will pick me out of all the others.”

  Apple rolled her eyes while Sofia bit back a smile. “Which one of Caleb’s brothers are you?” she asked, and she could have sworn Apple stiffened.

  “None of them.”

  “Praise Jesus for that,” Apple said loudly before pasting on the fakest smile Sofia had ever seen. “Bless your heart, of course.”

  “I’m one of their cousins.”

  “Will you be at the corn freezing next month?”

  Preston smiled, giving him a rakish look. She’d bet that every single Lawson had a smile like that, even Caleb. All she had to do was coax it out of him. That is, if she wanted to.

  You know you want to.

  I also want to eat chocolate every day, but I don’t.

  Caleb has way less calories than chocolate.