But wasn’t Emma rushing things a bit? Dani didn’t have a background of work or a stick-to-it mentality. Though she’d proven herself so far, would she in the long run?
Nellie was kneading dough when she realized she missed Beau. She was happy when he was around. Of course she wasn’t unhappy at other times; just happier being with him. Life seemed brighter, more vivid.
What would her family think if they knew she was thinking of Beau Chandler instead of this bowl of bread dough?
At her age, yet.
The diner closed early on Saturdays. Beau had once more asked her to go with him to San Antonio. He had an appointment to meet with the special agent, Nolan Murdock. Beau wanted to find out if Murdock thought they could ease up on guard duty. Everyone was just about done in. Donovan, even with Dugan’s help, was exhausted as well.
When Dani closed and locked the doors at four, Nellie raced to the restroom to change clothes. By the time she had freshened her make-up, Beau was seated at a booth with a glass of tea, his back to her. For a moment, she feasted her eyes on his tall, imposing figure. He laughed at something Zach said as he passed by with a load of dishes. Dear God, she loved that sound.
“Hi,” she said, coming to stand next to his booth.
He stood. “Hi, yourself. You look wonderful.”
His eyes raked over her. Heat raced to match the path his eyes took.
“You’re irresistible,” he said, pulling her close to plant a quick kiss on her mouth.
“Not here!” She laughed. “Someone might see us.”
Dani cleared her throat. “Is something going on I should know about?”
“Oh, no!”
Beau grinned, went to his daughter and stage-whispered in her ear, “I’m in love with the woman, but she keeps pulling away. Help me out here.”
“You’re on your own, Dad.” Laughing, she went back to the kitchen.
Nellie was stunned. Beau had just told his daughter he was in love with her. What was wrong with him? Would that bit of news spread until it reached the family? How could he? She wanted to yell at Beau to cut it out. Instead she glowered at Beau and followed Dani into the kitchen.
“I’m sorry, Dani. I don’t know what you think, but that was your dad’s way of thanking me for helping you.”
Dani smiled and shook her head. “If that’s what you want to think, go for it.” She went back to cleaning the stove.
What did Dani think? Flustered and frustrated, Nellie turned around and stormed out of the kitchen and right into Beau’s waiting arms. With a barely muffled protest, she squirmed away. “You have to stop this, Beau. People will talk. Dani has to be curious, if not downright upset.”
“About what?”
“Us!”
“Ah...so you admit there is an ‘us.’”
“Beau Chandler, release me this minute—”
“Or?” He pulled her close and held her tighter.
“Or I won’t go to San Antonio with you.”
Laughing, he leaned in, kissed her firmly on the lips, then took her hand and wouldn’t let go. In less than a minute they were at his truck. She sent him a glare meant to let him know he’d better mind his p’s and q’s. But he only smiled, as he ushered her into the passenger seat before starting his pickup. Minutes later Nellie knew the truth: she couldn’t pout long around Beau. Before she knew it she was laughing at one of his jokes, feeling young and alive and carefree as they rolled down the highway.
As soon as they got to San Antonio they met with the special agent.
“I don’t know what to tell you,” he said after they’d talked a while. “We’ve caught a couple of rustlers, but they were in another county. Local guys. Neither knew a thing about your theft.”
“You believe them?”
“No reason not to. Besides, they didn’t have a large trailer. Just a worn out fifteen footer that wouldn’t hold more than four cattle.”
“Guess you’re right.”
“I know you guys are tired. But you haven’t had a hit since Rey saw them days ago. It’s possible he gave them a scare and they’ve left the area.”
“What do you suggest? That we stop patrol?”
“I can’t tell you what to do. But you could give it a night or two; maybe catch up on some shut-eye. But I’d keep it quiet.”
“What about Donovan?” Nellie had been quiet until now. “He needs relief, too.”
“As do the other ranchers in the area. Most of them are doing everything they can to safeguard their herds,” Beau said.
“I have an idea,” Murdock said. “You could stop the patrols for a few nights. Tell the help that since there hasn’t been a hit in a while you’re going to catch up on some much needed sleep. I’ll tell Donovan to do the same.”
“What good will that do?”
“For the next few days, I’ll bring in a few cowboys I trust to stand watch. If anyone shows up, we’ll have them. If either yours or Donovan’s help is involved, we’ll know it.”
“That’s reaching,” Beau said.
“We look at everything and everyone,” the agent reminded him.
“Does that mean you’re looking at Joe Hammond and Jimmy over at Donovan’s?”
Murdock nodded. “They’re the newest cowboys around besides Gordon. We’re still watching him. Though he’s our best suspect, he’s done nothing since you fired him except bitch.”
Beau leaned back and let out a breath. “I guess you know what you’re doing, but neither Joe nor Jimmy had anything to do with this.” His brow wrinkled. “Newest hired help? Are you including Rey in your suspicions?”
“Gordon is spouting to everyone who will listen that Rey is the most likely suspect. Not that the townspeople believe anything he says, but…” Murdock shrugged. “Like I said, we look at everyone.”
Beau bounded from the chair, took a startled Nellie’s hand and headed for the door. “You’re wasting your time.”
“Beau.”
“We’re not going to accomplish anything here, Nell. Let’s go.”
She waited until they were in his truck to speak. “It’s hard, I know, when someone casts suspicion on your child.”
“Rey is the last person the authorities should look at.”
He sat in his truck for a minute, his hands clenched on the steering wheel.
“I understand, but Nolan Murdock is just doing his job,” Nellie reminded him. “He’s checking Joe and Jimmy, too.”
“They aren’t my son,” he said grimly, then, picking up his cell phone, he called Rey and told him what Murdock suggested.
“Rey thinks it’s an idea worth trying,” he told her a minute later. “He’ll keep it quiet.” Turning to her, he asked, “Hungry?”
“A little. We stay so busy at the diner, none of us eat as we should.”
They strolled down the River Walk hand in hand. Nellie found the intimacy didn’t bother her here.
Once described as the American Venice, the entire area was both romantic and relaxing. Nellie found herself not thinking of anything other than the man next to her and the way he made her feel—all soft and wanting.
The evening was cool, the atmosphere festive. Music drifted over the dozens of couples and families enjoying the setting. A couple of teens holding hands passed them.
Beau and Nellie exchanged a look.
Did he know what she was thinking? She hoped not.
A group of children ran past, heading for one of the boats, their parents doing their best to slow them down. Enthusiasm won, and they beat their parents by a half-block.
“I remember those days.”
“I wish I could say the same. Sad to say, I was too busy to take time with the kids. How does that look?” He pointed to a Mexican restaurant down the block.
“Looks okay to me.”
A mariachi band was playing in the back of the restaurant. Beau looked at Nellie with a smile before he pulled out a chair for her to sit.
She looked around. “They like bright colors, d
on’t they?”
The walls were covered with colorful murals, the background definitely Mexico.
A moment later, a waiter gave them each a menu. “Beau, what are we doing? And at our age?”
“What?” he asked. “Eating?”
“No.” She laughed, and wondered how he could always do that to her—make her laugh when she wanted to be serious. Make her smile when she wanted to frown. “This. What are we doing?”
He put down the menu and leaned across the table. “Nothing has changed. I’ve fallen for you, Nell.” He picked up the menu again. “The enchiladas sound good.”
“Beau,” she said, exasperated now. “Talk to me.”
But the waiter was back, and it was a few minutes before she could tackle the subject again. “I’m serious, Beau.”
“So am I,” he said.
She could see he meant it from the gleam in his eyes. Had he really fallen for her? Did he love her like he said? “You’re serious?”
Beau took her hand. “I’ve never felt like this about anyone, Nell. I know I’m not a young man anymore, but when I look at you I feel twenty-one. I love you. Sit back and enjoy your meal. I know you need time so I promise not to rush you.”
“But…” she sputtered.
“Let’s eat,” he told her as the waiter placed their orders in front of them, “and enjoy the music.”
How could she? Her stomach was in a tight knot. Beau Chandler loved her. Or so he said. Did she believe him? A quick glance into his deep, blue eyes and she did.
Now all she had to do was figure out what she wanted to do about it. Then figure out how she really felt about him.
On the ride back, he didn’t mention the L word again. Nellie found herself once more relaxing, enjoying his company. When they were back at Molly’s, she reached over to open the truck door. He stopped her with a slight touch on her hand. “Thanks for going with me. I enjoyed your company.”
“You have a knack for making a lady feel good, Beau.”
“My mission is to make you feel really good,” he teased.
She went hot all over. Really hot.
“I’ll follow you home.”
“You...you don’t have to,” she choked out.
“Want to,” he said as he walked her to her car. “Be careful now.”
He didn’t kiss her. Nellie was surprised to realize how much she wanted him to.
As his headlights followed her through the ranch gate, she looked at her watch. Almost ten. Donovan would be worried.
She saw the family cars parked in the drive. Taralyn’s and the boys’. For a moment her heart fluttered. Had something happened? No. If that were the case, someone would have called. Why didn’t they tell her they were coming? It wasn’t her birthday. She was used to those surprise visits, but... What was going on?
Her usual spot by the kitchen was filled with cars, so she parked in the front of the house, got out at the same time as Beau got out of his truck.
“Are you having a party?” he asked, walking up beside her.
“It’s the family. But I don’t know why they’re here.”
“Maybe they came for a visit.”
“Maybe,” she said, unconvinced.
He put his arms around her and tugged her close. “Thanks again, Nell. Seems as if I’m always thanking you for one thing or another.”
“No need. I had a wonderful time.”
He pulled her to him and kissed her.
The kiss slammed through her like an electrical current. She clung to him, opened herself up for another kiss. “I’d better go,” she finally said, her voice breathless.
“See you soon.” His voice rumbled.
She went through the front door, doing her best to calm her nerves. How could he do this to her every time?
Voices from the kitchen carried all the way to the front door as she closed it quietly behind her.
“I don’t like it one bit,” Darin said, his voice hard.
“Neither do I,” Douglas put in. “But what can we do about it?”
What didn’t they like? The rustlers? No one did.
“Mom has a right to do as she likes,” Phyl said over the boys’ complaints.
They were arguing about her?
Nellie’s heart went still. Taking advantage of the dark living room, she moved closer to the kitchen.
“Beau Chandler is a good guy,” Donovan told them. “But I don’t like the idea of Mom dating.”
“Why not?” Taralyn asked. “Mom’s a beautiful woman. Why shouldn’t she enjoy a man’s company?”
“I agree,” Phyl said.
“I think you guys are upset because you’ve had her to yourself all these years,” Kate, Dugan’s wife put in. “You’re being selfish. All of you. You don’t want to share.”
The room exploded with male denial.
Nellie sank into the nearest chair. Her family was squabbling over her?
Because she’d had a few dates.
If she thought about it, she could see their point. She hadn’t had anything to do with another man all these years. She’d spent her life catering to them.
Not that she regretted her decision to do so, but it was the truth.
Kate was only partially right. The kids might be selfish, but Nellie had made them that way by centering on them instead of building a life for herself.
It was past time to move out of the big house—past time to step away from the kids. They were grown, married, and had lives of their own. She was still young. Sixty wasn’t that old. It was the new forty, wasn’t it? She deserved her own life.
Besides, she liked Beau a lot.
“Being the newest addition to the family, I hesitate to add my two cents, but Kate and Phyl are right. Would you want someone telling you what you can or can’t do?” Darin’s wife, Gina asked.
“Mom isn’t young anymore,” Dugan shouted.
“Young enough,” Max interrupted. “You know what my first thought was when I met your mom?”
Silence.
“I wondered why such a lovely woman hadn’t remarried.”
Lisa laughed. “I’ve had thoughts of playing matchmaker for years, but decided not to fight you guys.”
Stilling her trembling legs, Nellie stood, walked silently back to the door, opened it and shut it soundly.
The squabbling in the kitchen stopped.
“Is anything wrong?” she asked as she stepped into the kitchen and saw the sullen male faces. “What is everyone doing here?”
“Nothing,” Taralyn lied smoothly. “Just wanted to visit.”
“A nice surprise,” Nellie said, going to each one, handing out hugs and kisses, ignoring the frowns the boys threw her way. When she reached Lisa, Douglas’ wife, she patted her protruding belly. “Feeling all right?”
“I couldn’t be better.” She smiled that contented mother-in-waiting smile.
“There’s nothing like the first one,” Nellie said. “I can’t wait.” She looked around. “Where are the children?”
“Upstairs. They decided they wanted to camp out so we pulled out blankets and covered the floor in Mark’s room. An hour later they were sound asleep.”
“It will be good to see them.”
Though the boys were visibly disgruntled, it was good to see all of them. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“Spur of the moment, Mom,” Taralyn said, glaring at her brothers.
“I’m glad you’re here.” She looked over at Phyl, then back to the rest of them. “I’ve talked to Phyl about this before. It’s something I’ve put off way too long.”
They looked at her. Waited.
“I’m moving to the homestead. Tomorrow. It’s wonderful you’re here. You can help with the move.”
There was total silence as she bade them goodnight and went upstairs.
Yes, it was past time to make a life for herself.
The kids would just have to get used to it.
Chapter Twenty-Four
&nb
sp; Nellie spent a restless night wondering if she was doing the right thing. By morning, she concluded she was. Even though her family clearly didn’t understand, it was something she should have done long ago.
With a spurt of energy, she got out of bed and looked out the window to see the grandchildren playing in the sun-filled yard. She wanted to gather them up and smother them with kisses. Later. Turning, she went to dress.
As she went downstairs, she heard voices and knew without a doubt the children were discussing her again. She hesitated before leaning against the banister. They were arguing over what to them was the sudden urge to move to the homestead.
“I don’t care what you say,” Douglas roared. “Mom belongs here.”
“Is she moving because of Beau Chandler?” Darin asked.
Nellie gasped. She couldn’t believe she was hearing this. Not from her family. Didn’t they trust her to do the right thing for herself?
“I like Chandler,” Donovan said. “What I don’t like is the idea that Mom would move because of him. That makes this, whatever it is between them, serious.”
“What if it is?” Phyl spoke up.
This had to stop.
Making as much noise as possible, she went into the kitchen. “Sorry to be so late,” she said. “I’m not accustomed to having a job.”
“How long are you going to keep this up?” Douglas asked with a frown.
“You don’t owe the neighbors anything that I know of,” Darin added. “And you don’t have to work. It’s ridiculous.”
“Maybe I like it,” she said, going to get a cup of coffee.
“But it wears you out,” Dugan added. “That’s not good.”
“I’m getting used to it.”
“How long has it been since you worked away from home?” Phyl asked.
Stilling her shaking hands, Nellie looked at her beloved daughter-in-law. “Since I was in college.”
“Why do you want to do this, Mom?” Taralyn asked softly.
Why did she? It wasn’t something she’d sought out, but once started, she found she liked the rhythm of getting up, going into town, talking to people she knew, those she didn’t. “I like it,” she said simply.
“You told Phyl you were going to help plan Mark’s birthday party. Then you didn’t have time,” Donovan accused.
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