The MacBrides

by J. L. Petersen

  Sarah peeled her eyes from Chrissy to study RJ. Apparently, she decided something as she then leaned in and whispered, “Are you sure you’re related to them?”

  Laughing at that, RJ hugged Sarah. “Thank you. That’s the nicest question you could’ve asked me.”

  “We’re good here, RJ. The tea fixings are on the counter over there,” Hannah added.

  “What are Hank and Merle doing this morning?” RJ asked as she sat down with her tea. She watched her mom try to focus on her. All RJ could feel for her was sadness. She didn’t want her life to be like her mother’s. It’s why she got herself and Sandy out of the house as soon as possible. But sitting in the MacBrides home she now knew what family could be.

  “Oh, they were still sleeping when I left. The trip was long and hard on them so I think they deserve a quiet morning,” Opal told them somewhat defensively.

  “Well, now that’s all for the best. That lets us women get some work done on the wedding,” Bea placated as she and her daughters brought food to the table and then sat down.

  RJ shared her updated information about hiring another photographer and sent off a text to him after everyone agreed. They spent the next two hours working their way through the RSVPs, the rehearsal dinner menu and status on the wedding food.

  “My goodness but this is going to be a real shindig, isn’t it?” Opal exclaimed. “I can’t believe my baby girl is getting married in such style. I can’t wait to walk you down the aisle sweetie. I hope we can find me a dress I can afford so I don’t shame you.”

  The table got quiet at that pronouncement. RJ exchanged looks with Sandy. There was panic in her sister’s eyes. But before either could say anything Bea laid her hand over Sandy’s.

  “Opal, this is a bit awkward, but RJ is going to be walking Sandy down the aisle.”

  RJ watched the expression on her mother’s face fall. “Oh.”

  “Well, isn’t that just like you RJ to break your momma’s heart. You always ignored Aunt Opal’s wishes when it came to Sandy.” Chrissy sniped.

  “That’s enough young lady,” Bea said with a stern voice RJ never heard before. “Anyone can see how close those two are. Sandy’s decided what she wants and we will all honor it. Opal, you’ll be front and center just where her momma should be. You’ll be able to watch Sandy walk down the aisle.”

  Opal gave a wan smile. “Of course, it’ll be fine.”

  “Mom, it would make me happy if you’d let me treat you to something nice to wear. We could get you something in the same color palette as the bridesmaids,” Sandy offered.

  That had Opal perking up a bit. “Oh, that would be so lovely.”

  Bea wrapped up the meeting and invited everyone to dinner again. Opal stated she was going to go back to the RV and take a nap. Everyone else had work they needed to tend to.

  “Is there anything to do around here?” Chrissy asked.

  “You could take the tours at Hannah’s Lavender House and the winery,” RJ suggested. “I’ve got to get back to the cabin and finish some photo edits.

  “You have a cabin? I thought you were living with Logan,” Chrissy said snidely. But if she was hoping for a reaction from anyone she was disappointed.

  “Nope, I have a cabin I use.” RJ could probably have told her she was rarely there but wasn’t inclined to do so. She noticed that Sandy and Sarah were avoiding any eye contact with Chrissy. But RJ wasn’t surprised that the earth mother, Hannah, jumped in.

  “I’d be happy to show you around Lavender House, if you’re interested,” Hannah offered.

  Chrissy was quick to accept the invitation. But two hours later, she found herself helping Hannah weed part of the lavender field. Her lips were pinched shut to keep from complaining. While she found the lavender products wonderful, and wished she could afford them on a regular basis, she detested physical labor.

  “I’d say that’s enough for today. How about a glass of lemonade?” Hannah asked as she stood and stretched her back.

  Chrissy could have wept with relief as she followed Hannah back to her work shed. She sat in one of the wrought iron chairs Hannah pointed to that was set out on a little patio at the back of the work area. At least there was shade, she thought.

  “Here you go.” Hannah handed her a tall glass filled with ice and lemonade before sitting down.

  “Thanks.” Casting a sideways glance at Hannah she decided to try to find out more about the MacBrides. “It looks like you all own quite a bit of land.”

  “Yes, we do. It’s a big responsibility. What do you do back home, Chrissy?”

  “Oh, I work for an accounting firm as the receptionist.”

  “Do you like it?”

  “Not really, but it pays okay and works until I find my golden opportunity.” Chrissy thought about the guys she went out with and was frustrated that while they were a good time they weren’t wealthy. She needed to find a way to meet some wealthy men. The MacBrides were the closest she’d come to so far. “Your brothers are sure handsome.”

  Hannah laughed. “Well, I guess they are at that. But being their sister I just remember their dirty socks all over the place.”

  “Logan is oldest, right?” Getting an affirmative nod asked, “I’m surprised he’s still single.”

  Hannah cast her a strange look. “Like the rest of us he’s been waiting for the right person.”

  “Well, I think he and I could find some common ground, don’t you?” Chrissy pressed.

  “Are you saying that you think Logan should date you?”

  “Well, I’ve plenty to offer a man, if you know what I mean.”

  “What about RJ?” Hannah inquired softly.

  “What about her?” Chrissy snapped. “She’s a prissy, stuck up bitch. She couldn’t hold a man’s attention for long. Why, when she lived back home the boys she dated ended up with me because she was a prude. Always thought she was better than everyone else.”

  “Maybe she just valued herself more than you.” Came the quiet rebuke.

  Not sure if she had just been insulted or not, Chrissy tried to regroup. “Well, I’m hoping I can get a little one on one time with Logan to see if the sizzle I think we are experiencing when we look at each other is something deeper.”

  Hannah couldn’t hold her laughter in on that statement. Did this woman really think Logan would be interested in her? “Oh, boy. I think you’ve got some real blinders on if you think there is something brewing underneath between you and Logan. My brother only has his eyes on RJ and in a way I’ve never seen before. So, I would suggest not embarrassing yourself over him.”

  Incensed, Chrissy stood. “You’re just like RJ. You apparently have no idea what men like. Logan will want me over RJ in a heartbeat. Just you watch.”

  “Thank you. RJ is someone I don’t mind be compared to. But I warn you Logan won’t take well to any woman treating him like a meal ticket. And I believe you’ll find his affections are firmly attached to RJ.”

  Chrissy didn’t trust herself to not say something that would completely alienate the MacBrides. Keeping her mouth shut she sent a withering look at Hannah and stormed off. Women were always underestimating her and apparently, the MacBride sister was making the same mistake.

  17

  RJ was comfortably ensconced in the little cabin editing the pictures of the Schmidt’s wedding when she heard a truck drive up. Standing to stretch her back she walked over to the window in the front room to see who it was. Seeing Logan, she opened the door and leaned against the door frame.

  “Well, look who the wind blew in,” she greeted. When she caught the frown on his face she stood straight. “What’s wrong?”

  “What the hell are you doing here? I went back to the house for lunch only to find no sign of you.”

  “I’m working,” she stammered.

  “So. You’ve been working at my house for the last couple of weeks. Why did you come back here?”

  The man definitely looked put out. “I didn’t want my family to get
the wrong idea nor give them ammunition to take pot shots at me about being at your place, especially Chrissy.”

  “That’s just stupid,” he growled.

  “Excuse me?”

  “You heard. Why do you care what they think or say? And what do you mean by the wrong idea?”

  Not sure which question to answer first she decided to start with the less volatile one. “I don’t care what they think or say, but I do care about them being snide or rude in front of your family.”

  “My family is smart enough to ignore them.” Taking a deep breath Logan realized she was still embarrassed by her family. He couldn’t blame her but his family could navigate this with her. “Look, I get that your family is, well, a little off-putting. But you have to know my family accepts you and Sandy, and is not judging you by their actions or words. You need to trust us on this.”

  “Says easy, does hard,” RJ muttered as she turned back into the cabin. Logan followed and closed the door. “I don’t think you understand. You’ve never been embarrassed by your family.”

  “No. You’re right. But that doesn’t mean I, we, can’t help you through this. To be honest, my family for the most part has decided to just ignore them in a polite way.” Reaching out he pulled her stiff body into his arms. “Now tell me what you meant by you not wanting them to get the wrong idea about you staying at my place.”

  RJ was struggling with the weight of the guilt and embarrassment her family always brought. Logan made it sound so easy to trust his family. Maybe it was, thinking back to how Bea stopped Chrissy in her tracks this morning. But how did she answer the second question.

  “Rizz, what did you mean?” he asked again at her continued silence. Was she not in this relationship as deeply as he was? Anger, fear and a little hurt were beginning to war with each other.

  “I don’t know what I meant. I do know I don’t want them to mess with something as important to me as you are. And if they think you’re that important to me they’ve been known to try and use that to hurt me in the past. Especially, Chrissy.”

  Logan felt the fear recede at her words but the anger and hurt lingered. “Don’t you trust me to stand by you?”

  RJ leaned her forehead on Logan’s chest. That was truly the crux of the matter, she thought. Did she trust Logan to not play her false?

  “Rizz?”

  “I want to trust this, you, us. I’m trying to.” Then being brutally honest added, “But there are so many ingrained instincts in me that I struggle with it.”

  Logan dropped his arms and took a step back. Hurt, unlike he’d ever experience, rushed through his body.

  RJ looked up and watched Logan retreat from her. Pain slashed her heart. She didn’t want to hurt him but he asked and she promised the truth. She couldn’t help how she felt. Dammit, she was entitled to her feelings also.

  “What am I supposed to say to that? I can’t make you trust me. But I honestly don’t know where we go without trust.”

  “Logan?” She pleaded. But he just stared at her then put his hat on and stormed out of the cabin. RJ sank down into a chair burying her face in her hands and cried.

  * * *

  Logan had never experienced such a lack of faith from someone before. And for it to be from RJ crushed him. He’d driven back to the barns in a fog. Slamming the door of his truck when he got out helped a little. Deciding physical labor would help burn off most of his anger he threw himself into the chores needing to be done.

  After a long afternoon of working the ranch, he was so exhausted he took himself home and texted his mom he would be skipping the family dinner. Half hoping he would find RJ at the house, he was also relieved she wasn’t there. He couldn’t trust himself right now with her. He might have burned off the anger, but still didn’t know what to do with the hurt. After a quick shower, he grabbed a beer and went to sit out on the deck. It was a beautiful summer evening. Back to wishing RJ was sitting next to him, he decided he needed to first figure out how to put his hurt aside so he could think clearly.

  He was so lost in his thoughts and hurt he didn’t hear the truck pull up.

  “Yo!” Brand yelled as he walked into the house.

  “Out here. Grab a couple on your way,” Logan shouted back even though he had no desire for company.

  Brand strode out onto the deck slinging a couple of longneck bottles. Handing one to Logan he flopped himself into a deck chair next to his brother before chugging an inch off his beer. “Missed an interesting dinner.”

  “Yeah?” Logan didn’t want to hear about it, but one thing he knew about his brother, he only talked about what he wanted to talk about.

  “Those girls sure grew up with some pieces of work.”

  Logan’s anger surfaced again thinking about how those people taught RJ to be distrustful. “Yeah, they definitely caught a rough break.”

  “So, what crawled up your ass today. The guys said you were working like you had some steam to blow.”

  Logan remained silent. He wasn’t sure what or if he should share. But, hell, he needed some perspective. He gave Brand the rundown of his conversation with RJ at lunch. “I don’t know what to do. If she doesn’t trust me how can we have a relationship?”

  Brand continued to nurse his beer as he stared out into the rapidly darkening sky. “So you think after years of conditioning, just because you love her she’s supposed to say perfect I’m all healed now, thanks?”

  When put that way Logan felt foolish over his arrogance. Sheepishly, he nodded.

  “You know old Blue?” Brand asked referencing a horse they had rescued a couple of years ago when Brand wanted to start a horse rescue operation. The horse had been whipped by his previous owner. They’d come upon him when looking for a couple of colts for their ranch. The owner took a whip to his hind quarter right in front of them. “I think Blue knew he was safe once we got him home but it took us weeks of repetitive action before he began to trust us.”

  Logan sighed deeply. “So, I’m an impatient asshole. Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”

  “Yeah.”

  Laughing, Logan punched his brother in the arm. “Thanks.”

  “She’s a special lady. Don’t blow it,” Brand said as he stood to walk down the porch steps and around towards the front of the house leaving Logan to his thoughts.

  Contemplating his relationship with RJ, Logan tried to let go of his hurt. Finally, finding some balance he stood and grabbed Brand’s empty bottle and went into the house. He needed to see RJ. To let her know his feelings hadn’t changed. Dumping their empties in the recycle bin he was about to step out through the garage when he heard a knock on his front door. Hope flared that RJ had come to him. Moving back towards the front he opened the door.

  “Hi, Logan.” Chrissy purred when the door opened.

  “Chrissy. I’m on my way out. What can I do for you?” The pout she fashioned her mouth into reminded him of a six-year-old. Did she think it was attractive? He was also beginning to wonder if she owned anything that went below her thighs or over her breasts. The skimpy sundress she was wearing barely covered her ass and her breasts looked like they were about to pop out.

  “When you missed dinner, I thought I’d come out and check on you.” Chrissy stepped towards him. She ran her finger down the front of his shirt.

  Logan grabbed her hand to halt its progress. The woman was bold. “I’m fine. Now if you’ll excuse me I need to be going.”

  Chrissy found herself back on the front porch with the door shut in her face. Embarrassment and anger flared. She stomped off the porch throwing herself into the little golf cart vehicle she was able to borrow. How dare he dismiss her that way. She spun the tires as she cranked the wheel to turn back down the drive.

  She had been sure this would be a good time to make a move on Logan. When RJ showed up for dinner looking miserable and as if she’d been crying with no Logan in sight, she figured they had a fight. She decided to drive towards the cabin RJ was staying at and parked in the w
oods to watch. Sure enough, Logan drove up shortly after her. Damn. She needed another plan. Logan was the oldest of the rich MacBrides and she coveted the role as the head of a family dynasty like this one.

  18

  RJ went back to the cabin after dinner at the main house. God, what a disaster. Her mother and Hank were half lit up before they even got there. Hank did a pretty decent job at just being quiet, but their mother became a giggly chatterer. She told embarrassing stories about both her and Sandy. The stories weren’t about funny antics like the MacBrides would tell, but were stories that seemed to try and demean them, especially RJ. But if RJ were honest they were the only stories about their childhood their mom had so she didn’t have a lot to choose from.

  When dinner was over and the kitchen cleaned, RJ made her excuses and left but not before promising to go shopping for the mother of the bride dress the next day. Unfortunately, Chrissy had caught her before she could get out the door.

  “No Logan tonight?”

  “No.” What more had Chrissy expected her to say? Apparently, not much but that didn’t stop her from her digs.

  “If he were mine he wouldn’t want to be anywhere other than where I was. But then men in your life always were the type that could take you or leave you. But mostly leave you.”

  RJ looked around the room, then back at Chrissy raising her eyebrow.

  Chrissy’s frown had indicated her lack of understanding RJ’s silent message. So, she had made sure to be very clear before she passed Chrissy and left.

  “Hmmm, I don’t see him anywhere around you. Guess that means he isn’t yours.”

  The word, bitch floated out onto the porch behind her making her smile.

  Pouring a glass of wine, RJ shook off the feelings of the dinner and shifted her thoughts to Logan. She’d debated with herself on going to his house instead of back to the cabin, but she didn’t know what to say to him yet. Her fears were deeply ingrained but she was trying. She knew there was a level of trust wrapped into her feelings for Logan. But apparently, they weren’t strong enough for him. Maybe they never would be. Where would that leave their relationship?