Hannah (The Hawthorne Sisters)

by Ava Catori

  Her mother nodded. “You’ve been standing staring out the window for quite a while now. Do you mind if I at least turn the running water off? The carrots are peeled.”

  “Oh.” She was lost in thought, had lost track of time, and had no idea how long she was standing there. Why him? Why now?

  “If you change your mind…” Gretta trailed off as she walked away.

  “I won’t. There’s nobody to discuss,” she called out over her shoulder as her mother left the room.

  They both knew she wasn’t fooling anybody. Was it obvious? Did she know? Hannah cringed, hoping her mother didn’t know who was on her mind. She’d be embarrassed. He’s so much older, and besides, it was her father’s friend. There’s no way.

  With dinner ready, the family gathered around the table. There wasn’t much conversation tonight, though Sarah and Maggie got into one of their mindless debates over some book. Other than that, nobody said much. Hannah was lost in thought, and Gretta was busy studying her daughter’s face. Something was definitely going on with Hannah. She just wasn’t sure what. Something changed, and her guess was that a man was involved, even if Hannah didn’t want to admit it to herself.

  When Allie showed up later that night, she glowed. Richard was everything and a slice of bread, too. They had another date for later in the week, and she was sure this would turn into something serious. She said they both felt it immediately, and she was smitten. She floated back to her room, planning her escape. She needed privacy, not to still be living at home at this age. It was time to save her money and get a place of her own, maybe even with Richard one day if it worked out.

  Allie had a hard time finding happiness. She seemed to drift, and was always looking for something or someone to fill a void. It was like she couldn’t do it for herself. Some might call it depression, but she refused to get diagnosed, because she didn’t need those kinds of things on her medical records. She’d get by, and there was always a way to get around it most of the time. Distraction was key.

  Chapter 4

  It was a beautiful April day, one for the record books. It usually didn’t warm up until later on, but in the second week of April there was a three day stretch of warm weather. Bryce took Ruby out of her stall, and got her ready for a ride. You didn’t usually get weather like this in April, and he wanted to take full advantage of it.

  Hannah was on his mind again. It was becoming a pattern. He’d push the thoughts away, and they’d come rushing back like funneled water. He hadn’t thought about anyone like this in a while. He hated that it had to be her, Tuc’s daughter. What would he think? Ashamed to be thinking of his friend’s daughter that way, he tried to push the thoughts away yet again, only they’d come back stronger.

  She was a woman, dammit, not a child. It was a natural thing. She was a beautiful girl. Any man could see how attractive she was. He’d barely seen her since the day she stopped by, and yet her image was burned in his brain. He’d trace it carefully, over and over, remembering the way she looked at him, the way she scurried out, afraid to feel what she was feeling, too. There was electricity between them, and neither wanted it to be there.

  Bryce thought of how much of a woman she’d become. She stepped up when her father died, trying everything she could to keep the farm. She was a woman with fire, and those liquid blue eyes were something he could get lost in for days. He respected her desire to stand on her own two feet, and knew she was something special.

  Her slender thighs, the way her jeans were practically painted onto her skin, left nothing to the imagination. The way they gripped the curve of her bottom, it was hard not to stare when she turned and walked away. The curves of her body spoke to him, and the softness in her face and smile said she was a woman he wanted to hold.

  Her soft, blonde hair cascaded down just below her shoulders. He wanted to lie beside her naked and run his hands through the silk of her hair, reminding him just how feminine she was. Bryce looked down at his hands, all weathered and worn. He wasn’t aging well. He had lines showing in his face from years of working outside, and he’d have gray in his hair soon enough, he was certain. She hadn’t come back, and wouldn’t return those feelings. He was simply an older man, the guy who was friends with her father. Bryce scoffed and climbed onto Ruby. Taking her out for a good run would do them both good.

  He felt like a dirty old man picturing her naked. He should be ashamed. Sure it was natural, but no matter how he sliced it, it was his friend’s daughter. She wasn’t somebody he should be thinking of that way. He led his mind back to work, slowly peeling it away from Hannah.

  Tuc would understand, right? Tucker Hawthorne was a fair man. He would have seen the chemistry between them, would know that Bryce would treat her well…right?

  This was ridiculous. If he wanted to meet a woman, he should go into town more often, not hit on his neighbor’s girl.

  He knew at the end of his ride what he needed to do.

  Stopping by their home, he wrapped his knuckles on the door. Gretta answered with a surprised smile. “Bryce, what can I do for you? Please come inside.”

  “Afternoon,” he greeted. Removing his hat, he stepped inside. “I wonder if I might have a word with Hannah. Would she be around?”

  “Hannah?” She was surprised, not sure what this was about. That’s when it hit her. Could it be?

  “She’s out in the back. You can let yourself through the kitchen door.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.”

  “Ma’am? I’m much too young to be a ma’am,” she teased.

  “I reckon, Gretta.”

  “Much better.”

  Bryce? Was it possible? She didn’t want to pry or peek or listen in, but what business could Bryce Callahan have with her daughter? And was this the man that had been in her mind for the last few weeks, when she’d find her lost in thought?

  Gretta peeked out the kitchen window, and then thought better. She knew it wasn’t right, and left them alone. Sitting on the living room sofa, it about killed her to know what was going on. She had no idea there was something between them. Maybe she was jumping to conclusions, because she hadn’t seen either together, but…no. No, it’s not that.

  She waited, itching to know what was going on. Sarah would have been nosy, peeking out the window, but she wasn’t home.

  When Hannah came back inside, Bryce was gone.

  “What was that about?” She tried to remain as calm as possible, not to give anything away. Hannah could almost smell the curiosity on her mother.

  “Nothing important.”

  “Oh? I didn’t realize the two of you were friends.”

  Hannah shrugged. “He asked me on a date.”

  “A date?” Gretta couldn’t hide her surprise. Trying to refrain from overreacting, she swallowed. “What did you say?”

  “I said no.”

  “No? Isn’t he the one you’ve been…” she stopped herself, realizing that she’d leaked more than she intended to.

  “I said no,” Hannah answered. “I figured you’d want to know. If Sarah was home, you’d have sent her to be the nosy one.” Her mother didn’t need to know she said yes, not yet anyway.

  “I would do no such thing,” she said, clucking her tongue as her daughter walked away. Her daughter knew her well.

  Why did she say no? She was a stubborn child, really. Bryce Callahan was a good man. Hannah was always such a strong, independent girl. She didn’t think she needed anyone, but one day she’d see. It wasn’t that she’d need a man, but a companion and lover would change her life. Family, a husband… didn’t she want that? She couldn’t be alone forever. Well, maybe she could, but is that what she truly wanted?

  Bryce went home with a smile. He wasn’t sure she’d say yes, but when she did, he knew. She felt it, too. There was something between them. Could it be more than a spark? There was only one way to find out.

  The call came later that night. Beverly was in trouble again. It grew old, chasing around after his sister. He thought
that one day she’d figure it out and grow up. He’d need to put his foot down. This wasn’t the life he wanted to live, paying for her mistakes. He was tired of the late night calls, the bailing her out of trouble, and her lack of consequences. It was time for her to pay for her mistakes and take responsibility for her actions. He’d give her this last time, a get out of jail free card, but she’d need to make a choice. She could go into rehab and clean up her ways, or she’d have to get herself out of trouble from this point forward. He loved her, but he wasn’t doing either of them any favors by always saving the day. He made it too easy for her to continue the lifestyle. It was a rough conversation, but one that they had to have.

  He told Hannah he’d pick her up at eight on Saturday. He wasn’t even sure what he was doing. It had been so long since he’d gone on a date. He’d tried it a few times, but women either fell into one of two camps-- ones that wanted a family by the second date, or ones that didn’t fulfill him. Too fast, or too much, or too empty…and it turned him off on the entire dating thing.

  Only now, he thought with a smile, this weekend he’d be taking out Hannah, and he had a feeling she was different.

  On Saturday, Hannah sorted through her closet while analyzing each article of clothing. It shouldn’t be this hard. It was just a date, not like she hadn’t been on one plenty of times. It’s just that most guys weren’t her type, and the more recent dates she’d been on left her flat. She would rather be alone than go out just to go out.

  He didn’t say where they were going, and she didn’t know what to wear. Would they drive a town over, or stay in their own small town? Was he cooking? Jeans? A dress? She should have asked. She felt foolish, like a schoolgirl.

  She still hadn’t told her mother. This was probably about the time she should mention it. He’d be here soon.

  “So, Mom…” she said, standing against the wall, looking down. “I have a date.”

  “Do you?”

  “Yeah. Can you help me figure out what to wear? I don’t want to look…too young.”

  Gretta smiled and stood. This was her way of telling her who it was.

  “What about that blue dress, the one with the small white dots on it? You can wear a more casual jacket over it to dress it down, so you’re both casual and dressy.”

  “Thanks.” A soft smile spread across her face. She wanted to talk about it, delve into her thoughts and details, but she held them too close. She wasn’t even sure what she thought about it at this moment. This wasn’t like anything she’d felt before. She was drawn to a man and didn’t know why.

  Bryce pulled into the Hawthorne’s driveway and gripped the steering wheel tighter. Rubbing his palms across his slacks, he wiped at the small beads of sweat that were forming on his palms. Why was he nervous? This was ridiculous. He felt more like a schoolboy than a man in his thirties. He hadn’t been this nervous in ages.

  Getting out of his truck, he walked up the path, and knocked on the door. When Hannah opened it, she took his breath away. She was beautiful. He’d never seen her in a dress, other than at the funeral, and that was hardly the time to take notice of a woman in a dress. Her hair was drawn back from her face, a small knot in the back, with the rest hanging freely around her shoulders. She almost couldn’t look him in the eye. A crimson flush danced across her cheeks, and with barely a word, she closed the door behind them, following him to his truck.

  The awkwardness wasn’t something that either of them expected. It was unspoken, like maybe this wasn’t right, but there was something drawing them together, like an elephant in the room. They’d have to address it eventually.

  Sitting in his truck, they started.

  “Do you…”

  “I was thinking…”

  They both spoke at the same time, and then laughed. “Go on, you go first,” he said.

  “Is this a mistake?”

  “It doesn’t feel like one.”

  Sitting beside her, looking into her eyes, Bryce was able to see just how crystal blue they were. Neither of them spoke. The gaze grew between them, neither able to look away.

  Hannah could smell the essence of his cologne, a cinnamon and spice that made her want to lean in and inhale deeply.

  “Hannah.” He could barely get her name out. It wedged in his throat. He wanted to kiss her, taste her sweet lips, and yet he hadn’t even taken her out. Forcing himself to be a gentleman, he pushed the thought back and looked away. “Let’s just see where the night takes us.”

  “Okay.” She could barely breathe. She wanted him, wanted to feel his hands on her body, and yet knew she shouldn’t be having these thoughts.

  They went to a small café a town over to avoid the stares of curious neighbors that might see something forming. The last thing they needed was pressure from outside sources. They were both trying to come to terms with a growing attraction. While it was undeniable, it still felt wrong somehow. They were ages apart, he was her father’s friend, and yet here they were, drawn together with a magnetic force.

  The conversation started slowly, and as the small talk filled the night, it was obvious neither knew how to address the concerns. Hannah finally spoke about the topic that was on both of their minds.

  “Bryce, I think you’re a great guy. I’m obviously attracted to you, but I just don’t know about this.”

  “I know.” He bowed his head. “I’m drawn to you, and yet a small voice is in the back of my head telling me to walk away before I get into trouble.”

  “I want to…” She trailed off, and then found her ground again. “I just don’t think I can.”

  “I understand.” He was disappointed, but being neighbors, having been friends with her father, he knew this might be an issue. He wanted to understand, and a piece of him did. Another piece of him wanted to take her to bed and make love to the woman he was attracted to. He pushed the thought aside, only letting his gentleman speak. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  He nodded. There wasn’t much more to say. After paying the bill, they drove back to her house. The ride back was silent, with only the sound of the tires on the road and an old country song playing on the radio filling the void.

  Pulling up to her house, Bryce went around and opened her door. Offering his hand, she smiled. She took it, and looked at him. The look between them sizzled, the chemistry between them unspoken. “I should go,” she said, letting go and walking up to the house. “Maybe another time.” She smiled.

  He tipped his hat in farewell, and watched her disappear into her home, before climbing into his truck. Turning the key, his truck came back to life. He could still smell the undertones of Hannah’s perfume, just the tiniest tease remained.

  He’d have to let go. It wasn’t going to happen.

  Chapter 5

  It was mild and warm, a treat in May. The Hawthorne girls were busy with life, each following a different path. Hannah threw herself into farm work, not wanting to admit her father’s friend was still on her mind. Allie was moving too fast with her new guy, and was already talking about moving into his apartment. Mom was less than thrilled. Maggie rarely gave anything away and just buried her nose in a book. Sarah was spiraling. At first it didn’t show, but her strong grades were starting to falter.

  Gretta tried to talk some sense into Allie, but she wasn’t listening. She was in love. She was certain Richard was “the one” she’d been waiting for all her life. Maggie reached out to Sarah trying to help her get back on track, but it was more than schoolwork. The youngest Hawthorne girl was still struggling with her father’s death as time wore on. Hannah’s work kept her busy, and for a while it did what she intended.

  It wasn’t planned. She couldn’t have known. On a damp, rainy day, unable to focus, she found herself pulling into Bryce Callahan’s driveway. He was in the barn working on a tractor. He didn’t hear her when she first came in.

  “Hey,” she said, showing up by his side. She leaned against the tractor with not much to say.r />
  Bryce was seated on a small stool, hunched and trying to see underneath. “Hey,” he smiled, standing up to greet his guest. “What brings you here?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  Bryce smiled. The silence was deafening. He reached out and took her hand, pulling her closer. She let him hold her, his arms wrapping around her. Resting his head against hers, the floral scent of her shampoo filled his nostrils. He would happily stand there for ages. No words were spoken. They simply held one another, knowing there was something happening between them.

  He wanted to kiss her. They’d move slowly, get used to the idea that they could be a couple.

  Bryce and Hannah stood, their bodies pressed together. Wrapped in his arms, Hannah felt secure and knew this was where she wanted to be. How could she explain this to her family, her friends? He was so much older. People were going to judge them. Was she being foolish? Was she simply a child with a crush?

  Neither knew what to say. Hannah finally broke from the embrace and looked up at Bryce. It was as if nobody else existed in that moment. They were alone in the world, and nothing else mattered. Everything moved in slow motion, and as Bryce leaned in closer, Hannah closed her eyes as he brushed his lips to hers. Parting her lips, she let him in.

  Her heart was beating loudly in her chest, pounding so hard, beating so fast. Her head was swimming, drifting, dizzy, and as his warm mouth pulled away, he looked at her once again, finding nothing but acceptance. His lips returned; this time his arms pulled her in closer, tighter, and a heated passion rose inside of him.

  The loud crash pulled them from their hypnotic trance. Running toward the sound of the collision, they found Beverly’s truck crushed up against the wooden gate that marked his property. She was already out of her car and cussing under her breath.

  “Can you call Doc Wilkins?” He directed Hannah as he ran to his sister.

  Hannah went inside and dialed the town doctor, letting him know what had happened. He said he’d be there shortly.