One Year to Forever (Halos & Horns

by Lori Leger

  Haley sent him an enthusiastic nod. “I loved it. It’s bigger than the one we usually go to in Port Arthur. This one has some really gorgeous floats.”

  “It’s supposed to be second only to New Orleans in this state.”

  “That’s why Ben wanted me to come to this one. I also participated in my first ‘Chicken Run’ today. That was so much fun. And our dad was happy about it, because he said it brings us back to our Cajun roots. He remembers going with his Paw Paw Broussard when he was a little boy.”

  “Ah—the Courir de Mardi Gras. Where’d you run?”

  Haley’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “It was a small one in Lake Erin, Ben’s hometown. I went with his younger brother and sister. Next year, when he’s home, he’s going to take me to some place called Fred’s.”

  Bo burst into laughter. “Fred’s in Mamou, Louisiana—the reputation far exceeds its physical attributes, but that place is steeped in Cajun tradition. You have to go at least once in your lifetime.”

  “What is it, exactly?” Tex asked.

  “It’s a bar that’s been around forever,” Bo said.

  Aubrey laughed. “My dad used to say it dated back to prehistoric man, but I think it opened in the mid nineteen-forties.”

  Bo’s gaze seemed to linger on Aubrey. “I take it you’ve been?”

  Tex didn’t feel the slightest bit of jealousy as Bo zoned in on his “date”, further proof that there was nothing but friendship between Aubrey and himself. In his opinion, Aubrey was a much better fit for Bo McAllister than Nicole ever would be.

  “Three or four Lundi Gras celebrations and several Saturday morning broadcasts, in my younger days,” Aubrey admitted. “I haven’t been in ages, though. Is Taunt Sue still running the place?”

  “As far as I know she is. It’s been awhile for me, too. To tell you the truth, I’m not sure I can handle my alcohol at 8 o’clock in the morning anymore.”

  Tex scratched at his two day growth of beard. “Eight a.m.? Lundi Gras? I don’t know what y’all are talking about. And who the hell is Taunt Sue?”

  Aubrey burst into laughter. “Sorry, Tex—you fit in so well around us that I sometimes forget you aren’t from here. The original owner of the bar, Fred, died decades ago, but his ex-wife, Miss Sue, runs the place now. Everyone calls her Taunt Sue—”

  “Tante—t-a-n-t-e—is French for the word, aunt,” Bo explained. “You see, Fred’s used to be a regular bar with regular hours and they’ve had a Saturday morning radio show since the early sixties.”

  Aubrey picked up the explanation again. “But now, they only open on Saturday mornings for the live radio broadcast. 8 a.m. to noon or so—you have to get there early to get a spot because it’s standing room only for a solid four hours.”

  “Except for Lundi Gras, or Fat Monday, which is the Monday before Mardi Gras,” Bo added. “And let me tell you, that is a hell of a party.”

  By that time, Niki had returned to the table, and sat patiently looking over the menu. The waitress appeared, forcing her to speak, since Bo hadn’t seemed to notice her return.

  “I hate to break up the chit chat, Bo, but are you ready to order?”

  He turned to Niki, looking a little surprised—and if Tex had to guess at Bo’s mindset, he’d say somewhat disappointed to leave his present company. But, being the gentleman he was obviously raised to be, he returned to his date.

  Tex managed to keep his attention fully on the ladies at his table throughout the meal. If the truth be told, it wouldn’t have done much good to do otherwise, being that Niki had seated herself with her back to his table—purposely, no doubt. Even though, his mind strayed to occasional thoughts of her. Her laughter, her scent, the feel of her in his arms, the little noises she made when she was about to … Oh hell … he threw his napkin on the table and leaned back in his chair.

  “Are you finally done?”

  He nodded, widening his eyes at Aubrey’s question. “I’m stuffed. But that was damn good grub, even for a Mexican restaurant in Cajun country.”

  Aubrey nodded at his plate. “You did it justice, my friend. Two baskets of tortilla chips, about four bowls of salsa, the biggest dinner they offer here, and not a bit left.” She shook her head. “It must be nice to be able to eat like that and still not have an ounce of fat on you.”

  He shrugged. “I work with horses all day. A person tends to burn off a lot of calories trying to control thirteen hundred plus pounds of animal. And some of ‘em don’t make it easy, believe me.”

  “Do you have a favorite?”

  Tex smiled at their waitress as she handed him check for their table, then returned to Aubrey. “Well, sure. My own horse is my favorite. But Captain Perry can be a stubborn SOB.”

  Haley’s snort punctuated her follow-up. “That horse is a freak. He’s what, Matty—16 and a half hands high? God, he’s huge.”

  Aubrey grinned at Tex. “Well, your brother would look silly with his legs dragging the ground on any normal sized horse, right?”

  Tex sent her an adamant nod. “Damn straight. I’m a big guy and I need a big horse.” He turned to send his little sister an indulgent smile. “I’m sorry mom and dad ran out of the growth gene before you came along, Popcorn.”

  Haley sent him a frown. “Not half as sorry as I am, dammit.”

  Aubrey reached out to pat her hand. “Your Marine doesn’t seem to mind. All those roses, diamond studs, and an all-expense paid round-trip ticket to Hawaii? You must have something he likes.”

  Tex grunted in disapproval. “Hm—sounds more like she’s got something he wants.”

  Haley sent her brother a wicked glare. “And he might get it, too.”

  Tex shifted in his chair. “Now, see, I didn’t need to hear that.”

  “Then you should keep your hypocritical comments to yourself,” she countered.

  He pointed a finger at her. “If you don’t behave yourself, I may buy a ticket and fly with you to act as your chaperone. I’ll make damn sure you two never get a minute alone. I’m sure mom and dad wouldn’t mind a bit.” Haley started that side-to-side head bob women loved to execute while making a point.

  “I’m twenty-one years old, big brother. I don’t need you preaching to me.”

  “I don’t care how old you are. You’ll always be my baby sister.”

  She raised her hand. “I’m not listening to a second of the old double-standard BS you’re spouting. Not when you go through women like water through a rusty bucket.” She stopped suddenly, her eyes wide with horror, and covered her mouth. “Oh, Aubrey. I’m so sorry. I didn’t meant that you … that y’all … that you’re just …” She sighed, dropping her shoulders in shame. “I’m gonna shut up, now.”

  Thankfully, Aubrey didn’t seem offended. “I might take offense if I was one of the many women your brother will go through.” She shot a glance in his direction. “He hasn’t yet, and I think it’s safe to say he never will.”

  She laughed, as Tex pulled an imaginary dagger from his heart. “Oh stop it. You know as well as I do, we’re both only here to have a little fun.” She reached over to pat his hand. “As much as it pains me to say this, you remind me too much of my own brothers.” She cringed a little then shook her head and laughed. “But I adore hanging out and showing the two of you around.”

  Tex nodded. “And we appreciate it, too. Hell, you may want to look into a career change. You’re about the best looking tour guide I’ve ever seen.”

  “Aw, thanks—Matty.” She laughed at the face Tex made. “I think it’s adorable how Haley calls you that.”

  Tex placed the tab amount plus an extra twenty in the folder and handed it to the waitress, telling her to keep the change. “When Haley was a little ol’ fart, she could not pronounce my name. Mom always called me Matthew, but when she tried, it sounded like a sneeze. Mat-choo.” He grinned at his sister. “So mom taught her to say Matty.” He stood and stretched, arching his back. “I’ve got some business to attend to for a minute, ladies, and then
I’ll be ready to go.”

  Niki touched-up her make-up in the bathroom mirror for the third time. She checked her phone again, finally deciding enough time had gone by. Surely, Tex and his entourage had left by now. She couldn’t stand one more minute of listening to their animated conversation, especially when she and Bo had barely spoken a word to each other. She knew he was pissed at her, and she couldn’t blame him. In her own defense, the sight of Tex had taken her by surprise. As had the fact that Tex was with that woman again. While Bo considered her request for another table as childish and rude, she knew it had merely been her self-defense mechanism kicking into overdrive. She’d had to settle for seating herself with her back facing them. Still, every laugh, every word spoken by that sexy baritone, had launched an out and out attack on her nervous system.

  Why did all the sexiest guys have to be jerks?

  She exited the ladies room and stepped into the corridor leading back to the eating area. As soon as she rounded the corner, she ended up face to chest with a huge wall of sexiness in a blue chambray shirt.

  “Excuse me, miss. Did I hurt yo …” The apology froze in mid-air as Tex realized who he’d come close to plowing over.

  Niki nearly lost her breath at the nearness of him. She inhaled, disturbed by her sudden light-headedness, and wondered if the man showered in testosterone. Unfortunately, their gazes had already locked and she had no other alternative but to stand her ground. Lurid images of him with a pole dancer flashed through her mind like an X-rated movie—and all while she waited at home for a call that never came.

  “Yes. You did.” Mortified by her trembling voice, as well as an unexpected and overwhelming urge to cry, she side-stepped the giant of a man.

  “Nicole …” Tex reached for her.

  Niki had been ready for it, twisting easily out of his reach. She took the longest route she could find back to the table, blinking quickly to clear the fog of tears hampering her sight. By the time she made it to Bo, she’d recovered completely.

  Looping her purse strap over her shoulder, she smiled at Bo. “I’m ready when you are, sweetie.” She aimed a quick glance at the other table and gave Haley a half-hearted wave before heading toward the exit.

  By the time Bo started his truck, Niki’s teeth chattered from her nervous tension, and her head pounded with the beginnings of a migraine.

  Thank you Tex.

  Her misery complete, as far as she was concerned, this night couldn’t end soon enough.

  CHAPTER 11

  Valentine’s Day Indulgence

  Haley groaned with pleasure as the massage chair worked its magic on her. She released a long, languid sigh as the nail technician wrapped her second foot in a hot towel and placed it gently on the footrest.

  “Have you chosen your color yet?”

  “This one.” She lifted the card in front of the technician’s face and tapped the pale rose color.

  “Ah … good choice.”

  “How are you doing over there, Haley?”

  She turned to address Ben’s mom. “I’m great. This feels so good, Ms. Monica. How about you?”

  “Like a million bucks. Pedicures are the best, aren’t they? I’m feeling very pampered right now.”

  Haley nodded. “You and me, both. I’ve had a couple of pedicures before but never the full spa treatment.” She settled her head back on the chair rest and released a long, low sigh. “I could fall asleep right here.”

  Monica gave a low chuckle. “The people here at Scarborough’s know what they’re doing, that’s for darn sure.”

  “Mmmm. So does your son. I never expected him to do something like this. He continues to surprise me in so many ways.”

  “He’s a good kid.”

  “He’s an amazing man. You obviously raised him to respect women.”

  “I tried. You’re welcome, by the way.”

  Haley laughed as she faced Monica again. “Thank you, ma’am.”

  “Ben always was a good boy—extremely considerate—didn’t give me too much trouble. I mean, there was the normal stuff like a little too much partying during high school. I’m a mom. Mom’s worry, so I stayed on his butt about that. Of course, he was an athlete, so his coaches urged him to take good care of himself, as well. That helped.”

  “You taught him responsibility.”

  Monica laughed. “I may have started the ball rolling—taught them all to pitch in around the house. They all had chores to do before they could go out and spend time with their friends. I guess we’ve got to give the Marines the real credit.” She sighed. “They made him a man, but he’ll always be my little boy.” She turned to Haley and smiled. “You’ll see when you have kids one day.” She paused before continuing. “You do want to have kids one day, right? Because I’m not ashamed to admit I’m dying to be a grandmother.” Her hand flew out. “Not right now, of course, but I know there are women these days who, for some reason or the other, don’t want to bring children into this world.”

  “Oh, I’m not one of them. I want kids someday. My mom is like you, though. She’s chomping at the bit for grandchildren. Every time one of her friends pulls out one of those grandparents’ brag books, my mom complains. She says the Marines robbed her of at least fifteen years of doting on grandchildren.”

  “She can’t blame all of that on the military. Plenty of career Marines have families while they serve. Maybe your brother didn’t want to drag a family through the military lifestyle. All of that moving around gets kind of rough.”

  Haley’s smile faded. “It’s a little more than that, Ms. Monica. Towards the end of that two week period we hadn’t heard from Ben, I was miserable. On edge, terrified and snapping at everyone. Matty told me that was why he’d decided early on not to settle down until he was out of the military. He said he’d seen too many people die over there. Good people, Marines and otherwise, with wives, husbands, children, families waiting for them at home, families who would never see their loved ones again—or not alive, anyway.”

  She paused and took a deep breath. “So, yeah. He made a choice, but you’re right. He did it for all the right reasons.” She turned toward Monica, saw her brush away a tear. “My mom says she can finally sleep at night now that he’s home for good.”

  Monica’s face crumbled as she slapped one hand over her eyes. “Oh God … I can’t wait for that.”

  Haley blinked back tears and smiled. “Me either. I fall asleep praying for him every night.” She took the hand that Ben’s mother extended from the massage chair next to hers.

  “You’re the first, Haley. You know that, right?”

  “The first?”

  “The first girl he’s really cared about enough to count. The first since he’s been in the Marines, for sure. I’m glad he’s got somebody else who cares about him as much as I do.”

  “I’m crazy about him, Ms. Monica. I really am.”

  “You’re in love with my son, aren’t you?”

  “Yes, ma’am, I am. And I want him home for good, safe and sound.”

  The older woman’s face sobered suddenly. “What if he comes home safe, but not quite so sound, Haley? Would you still want him then?”

  Haley gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “As long as he comes back with the same heart, I’ll want him. As long as he wants me around, I’ll be here.”

  Monica dabbed at the corner of her eyes and gave her a brisk nod. “That’s all I needed to know.”

  Haley dug into her salad at the Italian restaurant Monica chose for lunch. Ben’s Valentine’s Day gift, a four hour spa package, hadn’t ended until 2 p.m. and by then both women were famished.

  “I love the salads here—black olives, red onions, and croutons—yum.” Monica popped an olive in her mouth and carefully fished a pickled pepper from her bowl with fingertips that boasted a fresh French manicure.

  Haley examined the digits closely. “Your nails are pretty. Mine are always so short.”

  “It doesn’t seem practical to have long nails when you wo
rk with horses.”

  She took another bite of salad and closed her eyes, still relaxed from the Swedish massage. “Mm—it’s so good. My stomach growled during my entire massage. By the time she finished I was way past being embarrassed about it.”

  Monica used her fork as a pointer. “That’s because of your fast metabolism. I’d trade my nails for that any old day.”

  “It’s fine as long as I’ve got the opportunity to eat when I get hungry. But when I get in a situation like today, it can get a little rough.” She turned at the sound of a familiar voice to the left of her, saw Bo McAllister and Niki being shown in to the dining area. “Hey, there’s my brother’s ex, Niki Reeves and her new boyfriend. The last time they showed up at the same restaurant as me, it didn’t go so well.”

  The waitress appeared with the entrees and Monica pushed the salad bowl away to make room for their plates. Once they’d settled on who ordered what, Monica picked up the conversation again. “So, why didn’t it go well?”

  “I was with Matty and his new “friend”. It got a little uncomfortable.”

  Monica stole a quick glance at the couple. “I think she knows you’re here.”

  Haley looked up, saw Niki waving at her and waved back. “I really like her. I keep hoping she and Matty end up together.”

  Laughter from the other table drew Niki’s attention, another gentle reminder that she owed Haley an apology. After all, it wasn’t his younger sister’s fault Tex was a jerk. The couple of times she’d met her, Haley had been nothing but sweet—perfect sister-in-law material. Niki smiled at the ludicrous thought.

  When she stopped to analyze the situation, she barely knew Tex—although she had known him in the biblical sense. She cringed inwardly at how easily she’d given herself to him. God, she’d been such an idiot. Meagan was right about sending him all the wrong signals. No, he hadn’t been her first, but somehow she’d hoped, even then, that he’d be her last.

  They’d had such a connection, both mentally and physically. She remembered the pleasure he’d given her, and the way he’d responded to her touch … her face heated at the thought. Even now, every sight of him had her longing to rip off his shirt, run her hands over that big, broad chest. Boy howdy, had they ever connected.