“What does it look like?” Zaylie asked.
“He drew a picture of wedding bells on a pretty white ball and put our date on it,” Retta answered.
Levi pulled out strands of lights wrapped around cardboard. “I’m a real good pack mule with these things, but I’m not worth much when it comes to gettin’ them positioned on the tree. We usually get Mavis and Skip to do this part, but maybe you could help me, Claire?”
“Be glad to,” Claire agreed.
“Why do you call them Mavis and Skip?” Zaylie frowned.
“Because I lived with them from just about the time I was born and that’s what my mother called them. Mama and Daddy just didn’t sound right even after they adopted me,” Levi explained as simply as he could.
“Am I ’dopted, Aunt Claire?”
Claire clipped the first light onto the tree. “No, you aren’t.”
“Well, rats! I can’t call my daddy Grant then?”
“I don’t think so,” Claire answered. “Why would you want to do that?”
“’Cause Levi did,” she said, and then the ornaments caught her attention. “Ohhh, look at that pretty blue one. It’s like Cinderella’s dress.”
Levi carefully unwound two feet of lights and handed them to Claire. “You work your magic, and I’ll just follow around behind you,” he said.
Even though it was a big tree, there was no way for them to do the job without their shoulders and hands continually touching. She tried to follow the conversation between Retta and Zaylie, who were talking about the different ornaments, to keep her mind from thinking about the effect that his touch had on her.
It didn’t work.
Justin was untangling the garland and doing some creative cussin’, as Franny called it when she didn’t want to say swear words in front of Zaylie. “Dratted, blasted stuff. I don’t know why we don’t throw it in the danged trash and buy new every year.”
It was amusing, but not so much that Claire couldn’t still feel the sparks flying around the room every time Claire looked up into Levi’s eyes.
Why this cowboy? And are you letting your heart lead you to this area more than your common sense? Are you aware that Sunset is a tiny place with few businesses? Grant had popped back into her head.
“I don’t know,” she said out loud.
“Me either,” Justin said. “It seems like the smart thing to do.”
“Were you really talkin’ to him?” Levi whispered.
She shook her head.
“Want to tell me who you were arguing with?”
“Nope, let’s just get these lights on here,” she answered.
“Okay folks, that’s the first string of lights,” Levi said when they finished. “Retta, you and Cade want to do the next round?”
Yes, please say yes, Claire thought as she touched her shoulder to see if it was on fire. Then suddenly she changed her mind. No, let us do another strand.
“Looks to me like y’all are doin’ a good job, so keep it up,” Retta answered. “This is my first time to see all these pretty ornaments, and Cade is telling me what he remembers about each one.”
“Okay, then.” Levi picked up a second cardboard and slipped the string of lights onto his arms. “We’ll be doing a duck walk by the time we get to the bottom of the tree.”
“You will,” Claire said. “I barely have to even bend. That’s one of the advantages of being short.”
“Something that runs in your family?” Levi asked.
“My granny was barely five feet tall, and they say I got her temper as well,” she answered.
“Oh really? I’ve seen some sass but not so much temper,” Levi said.
“You haven’t made me mad—yet.” She gave him a sideways look that said if he did he’d better watch out.
“What’s that supposed to mean—yet?”
“Just what it says.” She looked over her shoulder to find him grinning.
“It means that you should never light the fuse on a stick of dynamite unless you are ready to run.” Cade laughed.
After a few more turns around the tree, Levi plugged in the lights and Zaylie clapped her hands. “Looks like we’re ready for Retta and Cade to get the garland on the tree.”
“And then the ornaments?” Zaylie asked.
“That’s right, ladybug. Then all of us will put them on,” Justin said.
“I’m not a ladybug. I’m a princess,” Zaylie said with a giggle.
“Princess Ladybug,” Justin teased.
When everything was all finished, Levi held Zaylie up high so she could slide the star down on top of the tree, and then Cade plugged it in. It was by far the prettiest tree that Claire had ever seen. But then she’d always loved the big antique lights and ornaments. Zaylie’s little blue eyes sparkled as much as the tree did, then her energy played out. She was talking about showing her kittens the tree one minute, and the next she’d leaned over on the arm of the sofa and was sound asleep.
“Looks like it’s time to take Princess Ladybug to the bunkhouse. She’s had so much excitement, and there’s even more on the way tomorrow,” Claire whispered.
“Don’t wake her,” Levi said. “I’ll just wrap her in a throw and carry her to the bunkhouse for you.”
“I’ll get our coats,” Claire said.
I can’t believe you’re letting that cowboy do something for you. Grant was back in her head.
Would you leave it alone? It’s only carrying Zaylie to the bunkhouse. It’s not like I’m going into a partnership with him on my new business, she argued.
“Would you look at that moon?” Levi whispered when they were outside.
“Gorgeous, isn’t it?” she said softly, as she went ahead of him and opened the bunkhouse door.
Levi carried Zaylie straight to the bedroom and gently laid her on the bed. “She’s like a little rag doll. She really is worn out.”
Zaylie scarcely even wiggled as Claire removed her shoes and jacket, and got her into flannel pajamas.
“I’ve only seen her this tired a couple of times. Last Christmas was one of them. So far her dad has been able to spend the holiday with her. That’s unusual to get time off four years in a row,” Claire whispered, and tiptoed out of the room.
“I don’t know why you’re talking so quiet,” Levi said. “I don’t think a sonic boom would wake her.”
“I’m not taking any chances. If she wakes up now, she’ll be wired until midnight or after and then be cranky for church tomorrow. Seems like a decade ago that we went to chapel with Grant, and it was only last week.” Claire removed her coat and sat down on the sofa. “Would you like something to drink? Tea? Coffee? I can make a pot.”
“Not this late or I’ll never get to sleep, and then I’ll be the one who’s snorin’ in church tomorrow.” Levi shed his coat and sat down on the other end of the sofa. “You’d planned to go to Randlett tomorrow, but now that you’re stayin’ until Wednesday, is there a reason you should go twice?”
“I have several quilts I need to mail, but they can wait until Wednesday or Thursday,” she said.
“I’ve been thinkin’ that maybe you should go tomorrow.”
“Oh really?” Claire’s heart dropped. After that kiss and the offer to keep Zaylie, she’d thought maybe he wanted her to stay a while longer.
“It’s like this,” he explained. “If Zaylie spends a few hours there, it won’t be as tough on her when you leave on Wednesday. We could pick up those quilts you need to mail and kind of make it a road trip. I don’t have anything to do tomorrow afternoon after church, and I’m glad to drive y’all up there.” He paused and went on. “And I bet they’ve got cell service up there, so maybe Zaylie could have some FaceTime with her dad. That would help with the transition from here to there. She just about broke my heart today when she cried. I don’t think I could stand it if she sobbed like that when y’all leave.”
Claire felt a little better after he’d explained. “That sounds like a good idea. I could bring the bo
xes that need mailing down here and get them out on Monday. And it might help with leaving. If I send Grant an email he might be able to arrange things so he can talk to her while we’re there.”
“Has your brother ever thought of remarrying?” Levi asked.
She shook her head. “He loved Haley so much that I’ve always thought he’d never even date again, but…”
“But what?” Levi asked.
“There was something about him this time when I was down there in San Antonio, and when he called last time, he said that Zaylie might have two of the kittens if y’all were giving them away.” She turned around to face him and drew her legs up on the sofa to sit cross-legged.
“Why would that be different?” Levi asked.
“His voice sounded happier this time, and he’s never even considered pets for Zaylie,” she answered. “I’m wondering if there might be a woman in his life.”
“Hmmm—Haley, Zaylie. Was that by chance or on purpose?”
“On purpose. My brother is Grant Zane so they combined the two names,” she said. “What’s your full name?”
“Levi Robert Jackson. Robert is Skip’s real name. And yours?”
“Claire Amanda,” she said. “Nanny’s name was Amanda Pauline.”
“How is it going to affect you if your brother does remarry?”
“I’d be happy for him, but by damn, the new wife better be good to Zaylie, or I’ll yank all her hair out and then shoot her,” Claire said without a moment’s hesitation.
“I’ve only known that little girl less than a week and I’d be right behind you.” Levi yawned. “Guess that’s my cue to go home. It’s been a long day for all of us.”
They stood to their feet at the same time. He picked up his coat, and she walked him to the door.
He slipped his arms into his coat and zipped it up.
“You’ve never had girlfriends, as in friends, not romantically involved?” she asked.
“Nope, is that what we are? Just friends?” He bent slightly and brushed a sweet kiss across her lips.
She’d been kissed before—she’d been in a relationship that lasted almost a year. But there was something about Levi’s kisses that made her imagine tangled sheets and sweaty bodies.
“I think when kisses are involved, it’s called friends with benefits.” She smiled up at him.
“And I thought when used that way you spelled benefits S-E-X.” He kissed her on the forehead.
She shoved him toward the door. “You need to go outside and cool off.”
“Good night, Claire.” He chuckled.
“Good night, Levi.” She shut the door and slid down the backside of it.
He’d said that her kiss was like a taste of heaven. She felt like maybe his was more like dragging her down into the sinful pits of hell.
Chapter Eight
But Aunt Claire, they got to go to church. What if they die and they ain’t even heard preachin’? Will they go to heaven so Nanny can see them?” Zaylie whined.
Claire twisted Zaylie’s thin hair up into a ponytail and clipped on an oversized bow that matched her cute little navy blue dress and leggings. “Cats do not go to church.”
“They ain’t cats. They are kittens, and they can go to children’s church with me,” she argued.
“And what if they got hungry. Gussie won’t be there to feed them.” Claire was glad to hear the hard rap on the door and see Levi stick his head inside the bunkhouse.
Zaylie crossed her arms over her chest and looked up at him with begging eyes. “Levi, my kitties want to go to church with me.”
“Sorry, princess, Gussie would cry if we took the babies away right now. In a couple of weeks, she’ll tell me that she wants me to find good homes for them, but today she wants them to stay with her. Besides they might get hungry,” Levi said.
“Big people make me so mad!” She stomped her foot.
“Well, little lady, you can get glad in the same boots,” Claire said. “Now, let’s get your jacket on. We don’t want to be late for church.”
Claire buttoned Zaylie’s jacket and reached for her own only to find that Levi was holding it out for her.
“You ladies both look lovely today,” he said.
“Thank you.” Claire slipped her arms into the jacket and was only mildly surprised at the sparks dancing around the room at his touch on her neck as he straightened the collar.
Zaylie skipped over to the basket where Gussie and the kittens were sleeping. She picked each one up and kissed it on the nose. “I’ll pray for you.”
“Why would you do that?” Levi asked.
“If you don’t go to church, you go to hell,” she answered seriously.
“Who told you that?” Claire gasped.
“Teresa did,” she said with a shrug.
“Teresa?” Levi whispered.
“Her best friend,” Claire said out the side of her mouth.
Teresa’s mother, Angela, was a single mom who was in the Air Force with Grant. They were on the same team that got sent out on missions they weren’t allowed to talk about, and at least twice they’d been deployed together. When Angela was gone, then her mother stepped in and took care of Teresa. With her dark hair, light coffee-colored skin, Teresa was Zaylie’s exact opposite. But they were like two little peas in a pod when they were together, and it had always been that way.
Zaylie kissed Gussie one more time and then held up her arms for Levi to pick her up. “I’m ready now. Can I sit with you, Levi?” Zaylie laid her head on his shoulder.
“Of course you can, if it’s all right with Claire,” Levi answered.
“Yes, you can sit by Levi,” Claire agreed. “But you have to be quiet.”
“I promise.” Zaylie flashed her sweetest little grin.
Claire stole sideways looks at Levi the whole way from the ranch to the little white church where the parking lot was full. His jeans and shirt had been ironed, and his black boots were shined to a gloss. His cowboy hat lay on the console between them.
Levi parked beside a van, waved at the folks inside, and settled his hat on his head. He was a fine-looking cowboy in that hat and denim jacket. He got out and rounded the front of the truck to open the doors for Claire and Zaylie. By the time she was out of the vehicle, there were two adults and a red-haired boy in front of her.
“Good mornin’. This is Claire and Zaylie,” Levi made introductions. “Claire, this is Mavis, Skip, and Benjy.”
The lady who was no taller than Claire stuck out her hand. She wore a bright red coat that reached her ankles. Kinky gray hair peeked out from the hood. Her red lipstick had run a little into the wrinkles around her mouth, but her smile was genuine and warm. “I’m pleased to meet you. Our little quilting circle is so excited that you might be putting in a shop. And there’s at least two churches in Bowie that have quilting bees and one in Montague, so we’ll keep you busy.”
Claire shook hands with the lady. “I’m so glad to meet all y’all. I’ve heard so many good things about you that I feel that I already know you.”
As tall as Levi, Skip looked like he needed to stuff his coat pockets with rocks to keep the brisk wind from blowing him away. His angular face was lined with wrinkles, but his eyes twinkled when he squatted down so he was on Zaylie’s level. “I understand that you are takin’ care of Gussie and the new batch of kittens.”
“Yes, I am, but they couldn’t come to church. If they go to hell, it’s Aunt Claire and Levi’s fault.” She looked up at Benjy. “I like your pictures. Will you teach me to draw like that?”
“Yes, I will. You have blue eyes. Only eight percent of the people in the world have blue eyes. Cade has blue eyes, but they’re different than yours,” Benjy said.
Levi held out a hand toward Skip to help him up and then drew him close for a man hug. “I missed seein’ y’all this week.”
“She’s cute,” Skip whispered.
“Which one?”
“Both,” he answered.
“Don
’t I get a hug?” Mavis opened her arms.
“Of course you do.” Levi wrapped her up in his arms and squeezed until she squealed before he let go. “I expect we’d better go inside or else we’ll be sittin’ on the front row. Looks like the parking lot is already pretty full.”
“Don’t Benjy get a hug?” Zaylie asked.
Levi laid a hand on Benjy’s shoulder, but he shrugged it away.
“I’ll give him a hug.” Zaylie wrapped her arms around the boy.
To everyone’s surprise, he hugged her back. Then she took him by the hand and pulled him toward the church. “Come on, Benjy. You can sit with me.”
“You have to be quiet,” Benjy said. “The preacher talks for thirty minutes, but if you aren’t quiet, he thinks you aren’t listening so he just keeps on goin’. Mavis’s roast beef will burn if church lasts too long. I have a little sketch pad in my backpack. I’ll draw pictures for you.”
“Well, that’s a surprise,” Skip whispered as he fell in beside Levi.
“What? Benjy takin’ up with Zaylie, or Mavis and Claire talkin’ a mile a minute about quiltin’?” Levi nodded toward Claire and Mavis walking ahead of them. They were the same height, so it was easy for them to put their heads together and whisper.
“Both,” Skip answered as he rushed ahead to open the door for the women.
The minute they were inside, Levi saw Cade motioning to them to join him, Retta, and Justin on a pew up near the front of the church. Skip nodded, but Zaylie and Benjy had already headed that way. When they were all squeezed together in the old oak pew, Levi was on the end with Claire beside him. Zaylie was wedged in between her aunt and Benjy.
“I want to sit by Levi,” Zaylie whispered loudly.
He leaned around Claire and said, “How about next week?”
She nodded and put a finger to her lips. “Benjy says we have to be very quiet or the roast beast at his house will burn up.”
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