“Oh no, Max, Abby never gave back her drum?”
“It was given to her. He said she could keep it. Isn’t it great?”
“Yes, it is.” I grinned.
Several hours down the road, the drumming was not so great.
“Abby, please, the drum wants to take a nap.”
“It’s a drum. It doesn’t sleep.” Abby giggled.
“Abby, if you stop drumming, we’ll stop at the next park.”
“Okay!” She put the drum on the floor and began to tap her car seat instead.
“I think we might have a musician on our hands, Max.”
“I think you might be right.”
We spent the night at a hotel, then began to travel again in the morning. Although I enjoyed the book tour so far, I was beginning to tire of being stuck in the car for so long and so was Abby.
She shrieked when we said we had to get back in the car.
“No! I’m bored!” She sniffled as I buckled her in.
“I know sweetie, but we’re almost there. We’re going to see horsies, remember?”
“Horsies.” She nodded but sniffled again.
For the next few hours we played car games, sang songs, and did our best to keep Abby entertained. We also made quite a few more stops than what we’d planned. It was dark by the time we arrived at the ranch.
“Are you sure this is the right place?” Max turned through the gates.
“I think so.”
Dust flew up around the car as we drove down the long driveway to the house. I couldn’t believe just how much property sprawled around us. I didn’t see another house in any direction. The house itself was very long with several porches and two garages attached.
Max parked alongside another car, then looked over at me. “When you said ranch, this isn’t quite what I pictured.”
“Me either.” I laughed. “But it’s going to be great. Look how much room there is to roam.”
“Yes, I think it will be.” He smiled and glanced at Abby sound asleep in the backseat. “I guess she’ll get her first look in the morning.”
As we walked up to the door it swung open and a full-figured woman stepped out to greet us.
“Samantha, Max, so glad you made it.”
“Thanks for letting us arrive a few days early.”
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you got out of Florida, that storm looks pretty nasty. This must be Abby?” She peeked at Abby sleeping on Max’s shoulder.
“Yes, she’s a little worn out.”
“Of course she is. Let me show you your room so that you can get her into bed.”
As she walked us through the house she gave us a tour of the place. There were seven bedrooms—four for her children, one for her husband and herself, and one for her mother-in-law.
“You three will be in the guest room. I know one room for three people might be tough, but I think you’ll find that it’s spacious enough.”
She opened the door and I was startled by the size of it. Not only was there a queen-size bed, there was an additional twin bed, a seating area with a television, a small table that could be used for eating, and a private bathroom.
“What a beautiful home you have, Evelyn.”
“Thank you. We’ve just kept adding on over the years. Home improvement projects are kind of my hobby. I’ll let you three get settled. If you’re hungry, there’s plenty of food in the kitchen, and you’re welcome to use any of the common areas. We also have a rec room for the kids that Abby will probably love. My son is only two years older, so they might get along pretty well.”
“Thanks so much.” Max shook her hand. “We appreciate you giving us a place to stay.”
“It’s no trouble at all. I’ve read every one of your books, Samantha, and I just have to say, they changed my entire perspective on life. I learned to be more relaxed, more accepting, to have fun with my kids and to be romantic with my husband.” She winked at Max.
Max’s cheeks grew pink and he laughed.
I laughed too. “I’m so glad they helped. At times I lose sight of what I’ve learned. Being on this book tour has reminded me of so many things and taught me so much more.”
“We’ll gab over coffee in the morning, hm?” She patted my shoulder, then left us in the room.
“What a sweet woman.” Max eased Abby down onto the twin bed.
Exhausted from the drive, we both fell asleep quickly.
Chapter 27
The next morning I took some time to update my blog. Then while Max and Abby still slept, I joined Evelyn for a cup of coffee.
“It’s hard for me to believe that you’re really here.” Evelyn handed me the cup.
“Honestly, it’s hard for me to believe too. We’ve really enjoyed our tour of the U.S.”
“Earl and I used to drive our RV all over the place. There’s really so much to see in this country—such a vast variety of scenery and people.”
“Yes, I agree.” I sipped my coffee and looked out over the ranch. “How long have you lived here?”
“Oh, about twenty years now. Once we decided we were ready to start a family we settled here.”
“Do you like it?”
“No, not at all—I love it.” She laughed. “It’s like having our own world out here. The kids can roam and explore—and the fresh air is always good.”
“Mommy!” Abby bounded out onto the porch and jumped up into my lap.
“Morning, sweetie.” I kissed the top of her head.
“I think it’s so great that you’ve brought her along with you. Have you been having fun, Abby?”
“Yes.” She smiled at Evelyn. “Lots of fun.”
“Good. You’re going to have lots of fun here too.”
Over the next two days we explored the ranch, Abby learned how to ride a pony, and Max and I had horseback riding lessons. It was hard not to slip into cowboy-speak when I was riding on top of a horse.
“Looking good there, little fella.” I grinned at Max.
“Glad you think so.” He winked at me.
When it was time to head into town for the book signing Evelyn offered to take me in her truck.
“There’s no way I’m missing it, so we might as well go together.”
“Okay.” I smiled. I had no idea what I’d agreed to until I saw Evelyn roll into the driveway with a monster truck. I stared up at the machine with my mouth hanging open.
“How am I going to get in it?”
Evelyn laughed and pointed to a set of steps on the passenger side. “Trust me, you’re going to love it.”
I climbed up the steps into the cab and didn’t dare to look down. Evelyn was right—as soon as we were off, it was fun. The truck bounced and wobbled along the road, and being so high off the ground gave me the impression of flying.
When we arrived at the college, I was surprised. I’d never seen a campus so large before. The sprawling grounds were dotted with buildings and overflowing with people.
“Wow, this is not what I expected.”
“Everything is done a little bigger in Texas.” Evelyn winked at me. “This is one of the most popular colleges in the area, mainly because of the football team.”
“Oh, I see.” I smiled and wondered if I might be able to manage some sports references in my speech.
She led me to the auditorium where I would be speaking. Despite the fact that there were so many people on campus, there were not many in the actual auditorium.
“I guess I’m not as popular as the football team.” I laughed.
“Oh, you’re plenty popular, trust me.” She pointed out a table and podium where I could sit.
As I approached it, a young man walked toward me.
“Samantha?”
“Yes.” I looked over at him.
“Hi, I’m arranging the book signing here for you. I’m Blake.” He offered his hand.
I shook it. “Nice to meet you, Blake. Thanks for doing this.”
“Oh, it was an honor. I really enjoy your boo
ks.”
“I’m glad that you do, thank you.”
“Before you get started, there’s a few things we need to go over.”
“I’m not sure that we should get started.” I glanced over at the chairs. “There’s only about five people here.”
“Oh, don’t worry, they’re coming.” He grinned. I started to suspect that he knew something I didn’t.
“Anyway, everyone here is very enthusiastic about greeting you. You may feel pressured to answer each and every question, but please don’t. We only have the auditorium for an hour and a half.”
Again I looked at the paltry audience and didn’t think that would be an issue. “Okay, anything else I should know?”
“Just that the cheerleaders are quite forceful.”
“What?”
Just then the doors burst open and twenty or so cheerleaders flooded the auditorium. They shook their pompoms as they headed straight for me. I wasn’t sure whether to be excited or afraid. They surrounded me as they cheered, and the next thing I knew I was up on one of the young men’s shoulders.
As I tried to get my balance, my cries to be put down were drowned out by the music of a marching band that paraded into the auditorium next. The young man beneath me seemed to be able to handle my weight just fine, but I was fairly certain he didn’t expect my fingernails to be digging into his shoulders.
“Please! Put me down!”
There was no chance anyone else heard me, as I could barely hear myself.
When the music from the marching band quieted a bit, I thought maybe things would calm down, but then a big furry creature cartwheeled down the wide aisle of the auditorium. It took me a moment to realize that it must be the school mascot.
He landed on his knees in front of me with his arms out in the air.
“Welcome!”
Chapter 28
After such an amazing welcome all I could do was laugh. The young man that held me up, however, couldn’t seem to handle my loud laughter. He wobbled and swayed. I tried to hold on, but that only made things worse.
I ended up falling forward, just in time to hear an unearthly squeal from inside the mascot suit as I landed on top of the furry creature. Drums and cymbals crashed as members of the marching band rushed forward to help us.
Once I was off of the mascot, he pulled the head of the costume off and gasped for air.
“Ouch!”
“I’m so sorry!”
“It’s not your fault.” He coughed. “Welcome!”
I couldn’t help but laugh and clap, and laugh some more, as did everyone else. Then I noticed that the entire auditorium had filled up.
I returned to the podium, nervous and embarrassed. But the moment I began to speak, I relaxed.
“I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome!” I read a few passages from my latest book, then took a few questions. As the session began to wind down, one of the questions was directed toward my blog.
“Do you ever worry that you’re sharing too much?”
“Honestly, no. I’m aware that once it’s on the Internet it’s out there forever, but I also really enjoy having a personal connection with my readers. I want all of you to know what’s going on in my life—my thoughts, my fears, and what I’m doing to overcome them. I find it’s a great way to keep myself in balance, between the public and personal aspects of my writing.
“Even though I find it hard to keep that balance sometimes, talking about it on the blog helps me to refocus and remember my purpose with all this. It was never just to be a writer, but to make a difference in the lives of people like me, who might have a difficult time finding their way. I want to encourage people to follow their passion and to never limit themselves. Today all of you showed me just how powerful it can be to literally lift someone up and—well—what a drag it can be when someone falls on you.” I laughed. The mascot did not.
“My point is that these ups and downs in life are going to keep coming as you travel into your futures, and the thing to keep in mind is that they both have something to teach you. If you keep an open mind and an open heart you can find your path, no matter what distractions might be around you. So good luck to all of you, and I hope that you will find your future full of passion and inspiration.”
After the applause faded, I settled in at the table to sign books. One by one the audience members approached me. There was still a line out the door when Blake warned me that we had to leave the auditorium.
“Can you bring the table outside?” I asked.
“Sure.”
Blake set the table up outside for me and I finished signing the books for those that waited.
On the drive back to the ranch Evelyn and I chatted about the experience.
“I can’t even say how grateful I am that I had that experience.” I said.
“I was impressed you finished signing the books. Not many people would do that.”
“If someone takes the time to see me, I’m going to take the time to see them.”
“That really makes a difference.” Evelyn smiled at me.
We spent the rest of the week on the ranch. Between hikes, horseback riding, and the daily chores to experience, we were always busy. I got to know Evelyn very well and enjoyed spending time with her and the children. Earl was an interesting man as well, but he seemed to always be very focused on his work. I guessed it was because of how easily things could get out of hand on such a large ranch.
Near the end of our visit, Evelyn looked up at me from the needlepoint she was working on and smiled. “I think you two need a night out. Why don’t you let me watch Abby for you tonight, and you can head into town. Just about the only place to have any fun is The Ranch. You can’t miss it.”
“I don’t know.” I bit into my bottom lip as I looked at my little girl, who was having a great time playing with another little girl her age. Could I really leave her with people I barely knew? Sure, they seemed nice enough and they’d opened their home to us, but what if they had a dark side I didn’t know about?
“I understand. I was nervous to leave my first with anyone too. The offer stands if you decide you want some time away.” She smiled and patted my hand.
I was relieved that she wasn’t offended by my hesitation.
“Sammy, what do you think?” Max shrugged. “I could use a night out. We haven’t had a chance to be alone since we’ve been on the tour.”
“I’m not sure it’s a good idea. You know how Abby can be sometimes. What if she has a fit?”
“Sweetheart, all kids have fits. I’m sure with four kids of her own, Evelyn’s used to tantrums. Besides, we’ll have our phones on us. If anything goes wrong they’ll be able to reach us.”
“I still don’t know.” I lowered my voice and guided him toward one of the hallways. “Abby’s never really been without one of us, and we’re in a different state.”
“Look at it this way, this family has invited us into their home, and in a way put their own children in danger because of it. You and I both know we’d never do anything to hurt anyone, and they trust that about us. We can’t trust them the same way?”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Okay, that’s all I’m really asking.”
Chapter 29
I did think about a night out alone with Max.
I thought about it while I watched Evelyn paint with the kids. I thought about it while she cooked the macaroni and cheese just the way the kids liked it. I noticed the way she spoke in soft tones to both her children and Abby. She seemed to be a natural with kids and didn’t get wound up by a little toddler behavior.
That evening I offered to help with dinner. She agreed and shared the recipe with me. It was a little awkward at first as I tried to figure out where everything was in the kitchen, but soon we were laughing and sharing experiences of learning to cook.
By the time we put dinner on the table, I was sure Evelyn was going to be a friend for a very long time.
As we all sat down
at the table Max looked over at me. “Have you thought about tonight?”
“Yes, I have. I think it’s a good idea. If you’re still up for it, Evelyn?”
“Absolutely. I can put on a movie, we can pop popcorn and other snacks, and the kids will have a great night while you and Max go have some grown-up time together.”
“Thanks so much.” I smiled at the thought of being alone with Max at a bar. It had been so long since we done anything un-parent-like. I wasn’t even sure if I could handle being in such a grown-up setting.
After dinner I made sure that Abby had everything she needed. Then I double-checked to be sure that Evelyn had our phone numbers and that she would call at even the slightest issue.
Evelyn stopped me at the last minute and gave me her lucky pair of boots to wear. “Trust me, you might need them.” She winked.
I laughed and thanked her.
When I said goodbye to Abby I expected her to cry or beg to go with me. Instead, she just ran off to play with the other kids. It broke my heart to think that she didn’t care much about being without me, but it also reminded me of how independent she could be if she wanted to.
With this on my mind I linked arms with Max and we walked through the door. The moment it closed behind me I felt relief. I wasn’t worried about how Abby would handle being with Evelyn. I wasn’t longing to be back with her. I was glad to have a little time to just be me—not the writer, not the mother, but just me.
It was about a thirty-minute drive to the bar, and when we arrived, the parking lot was packed.
“It must be the only place in town to go.”
“I think so.” Max winced as he parked. “If we don’t like it, we’ll just go home.”
“I’m willing to give it a try.”
The moment we walked in, I couldn’t miss the large mechanical bull in the center of the bar. Max and I chose a booth near it. We watched in amazement as several people rode it. Some did well and others crashed within a few seconds.
Toddler in Tow (Single Wide Female & Family #3) Page 9