by Diana Tobin
To say Nettie was surprised to see her youngest with Gusta’s baby in her arms was an understatement. She figured once little Miss Emma fussed or spit up on Lynn’s immaculate blouse she’d hand off the baby quicker than a wink. Instead, when Emma began fussing, Lynn bounced and patted and cooed nonsense to the infant. Gusta and Nettie hadn’t realized the baby had spit up until after Lynn retrieved a clean kitchen towel and gently dabbed at Emma’s rosebud lips.
Who was this woman and what the heck had happened to her daughter?
Not that Nettie wasn’t pleased at the changes and thanked her lucky stars she’d kept her mouth shut. Now that she finally had her baby home she didn’t want to say, or do, anything to make her leave again. The leaving wouldn’t have been so bad if there had been more visits home.
Nettie always felt Lynn was a bit ashamed of her family. Maybe she’d thought Nettie should have tried harder to keep Ted, her father, from leaving. But the whole family was better off without him.
Ted needed to be the center of attention no matter the situation. Rather than show pride in his children, he’d use the accomplishments of one against the other. He liked to pit sister against sister or brother, whatever it took, as long as he remained at the center and the attention was on him.
Nettie’s ex-husband felt the world and its people owed him. She never could understand why he felt entitled. His parents had tended to ignore him. Ted had four older brothers with fifteen years between him and his next brother. Ted’s mother referred to him as a “change of life” baby, meaning she’d gotten pregnant when she’d thought she was done with child bearing and hadn’t been pleased with the prospect of raising another. Still, Nettie didn’t see that as an excuse for Ted to expect the world to take care of him.
She’d tried and tried until she tired of doing it all while her husband did little more than complain and stir up trouble. She freely admitted marrying Ted Baxter had been a mistake. In high school, he’d been good looking and fun, and Nettie thought they’d continue to have fun while they grew up together and raised their family.
Nettie grew up and Ted remained a spoiled child.
Rumor had it Ted had married again, perhaps more than once, still searching for someone to take care of him the way his mother hadn’t.
While Nettie had made a mistake, she didn’t regret it—for she’d gotten three beautiful children from Ted before he finally left them for good. Then, her children had grown up and gone out on their own, leaving her to wonder what she could have done differently to bring them home.
Maybe she couldn’t have changed anything. Micki had come home with two lovely daughters and married a man Nettie was proud to call son. Now, Lynn was home and talking like she wanted to stay. That would please Nettie to no end, as long as her baby was happy. If only her son, Marc, would come home and bring his wife. She’d like to get to know her daughter-in-law. At least they’d be here for her wedding.
She was so lucky to have found Wil. Or, more precisely, to have her eyes opened to how he felt about her. She’d known him most of her life. They’d become closer as their marriages fell apart, forming a friendship that helped them through the rough times. Both worked hard at their businesses and could lend a hand when needed. Even though Wil had no children of his own, he’d always given her good advice when she was concerned about hers. He was able to see things objectively since his emotions weren’t involved.
Or, so she’d thought.
It had taken the prompting of a mutual friend, Catherine Yablonski, to prod Nettie into finding out if what her friend suspected was true. The first time Wil had kissed Nettie her toes literally curled, and she thought her head just might explode. After that first kiss, she’d taken the initiative to explore what was truly between them—and couldn’t have been happier.
Wil spoiled her. He loved her better, and more often, than she ever dreamed possible. Eighteen-year-old studs had nothing on Wil Owens, and she was the lucky, lucky recipient. As far as he was concerned, her children were his children, and he was proud to have Dani and Charley call him Grandpa.
Nettie’s love for him grew with each day. She could hardly wait to become his bride.
Lynn came back in the house after helping Gusta out to her car.
“You actually gave Emma back to her mother?” Nettie teased.
“It wasn’t easy. She’s precious.” Lynn had cuddled the baby close and reluctantly settled her into the baby carrier in Gusta’s car.
“Honey, please don’t take this the wrong way, but I didn’t know you liked babies so much.”
Lynn’s lips curved slightly. “Neither did I. I only saw her for a little at Micki’s wedding. Noah kind of stole the show that day.” Her eyes widened in horror. “Don’t tell Micki I said that.”
Nettie laughed. “I know what you mean. That little guy is a pistol. It pleases me to see Gusta and Web so happy and for them to have more babies.” When Lynn gave her a puzzled frown, she explained. “Gusta was married before. Definitely a bad marriage. She had a daughter, Hope, who died just before Gusta moved here.”
“How awful. How old was Hope?”
“Eight. She had some sort of cancer and was quite ill the last few years. Gusta brought Hope’s ashes with her and buried them in the family cemetery. If you ask Web, they have three children, but only two are living.”
“Wow. He sounds special.”
“He is. So is Ethan. I’ve heard him talking about adopting Dani and Charley, but he doesn’t want them to forget their birth parents.” Nettie continued to give Lynn a long look. “So, you and babies.”
“I don’t think I want to start a daycare, but I wouldn’t mind babysitting for Emma and Noah. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my nieces, too.” Lynn stacked cookies into containers to freeze so they’d be fresh for the wedding. “Have Micki and Ethan talked about having more children?”
“I don’t think they’re in any hurry, but I heard Ethan mention something about a nursery when he was going over plans for their house.”
Lynn grinned. “I so want to be here for that.”
“Have I told you lately how glad I am to have you home?” Nettie wrapped her arms around Lynn.
“I’m sorry I stayed away so long.” She hugged her mother.
“Why did you?”
“Pride, mostly.” Lynn blew out a breath. “We’ll discuss my stuff another day. I like the ideas Gusta had for the cookie gifts. Tomorrow, you go to a craft store with her and get the supplies we need and we’ll get the toppers made tomorrow night. I’m sure Micki, Dani, and Charley will help.”
“I have a shop to run tomorrow.”
“No, that’s my job. I’ll go in with you in the morning for a refresher course. Plus, you can show me my room upstairs. I’ll stay in the house until you and Wil return from your honeymoon, but I want to live over the shop. Wil doesn’t go to work as early as you do and this will give the two of you mornings together. You’ll have time to tend to your garden now that JC helped you get it started.”
“You’re wasting your law degree on making coffee, but I’m glad to have you,” assured Nettie.
“Mom, I’m not wasting anything.”
CHAPTER THREE
The problem with living in a small town was everyone had their nose in your business. Lucky for him, his life was filled with work and no longer fodder for the gossip mill. James Cotton Benjamin had been working pretty much since he learned to walk.
His first jobs were fetching a bucket or stool, handing over a wrench or screwdriver, graduating to filling water troughs and bringing cows in for milking. The first time he’d wrapped his fingers around a cow’s teat he’d thought he was a big man. Until he couldn’t squeeze tight enough to release the milk and his father had laughed at his attempts. As he’d gotten older, JC learned a female breast was far superior to a cow teat, and he’d gained a mighty fine appreciation for womanly curves.
Of course, that appreciation was a big part of what led him to being the subject of town gossip. H
e was past that. Now, when townfolk talked about him it dealt with what type of work he was needed for. He tilled in the spring, cut hay in summer, plowed snow in winter, and bush hogged when called. There were days when he saw the moon set and rise before work was done. He wouldn’t complain about too much work, for that was how he’d get his mortgage paid off.
Never again would he let some curvy little bitch threaten his livelihood.
Thinking of curves brought to mind the latest talk of Lynn Baxter returning to town.
They’d gone to school together since they were in kindergarten. Of course, back then she’d been CJ; Caro-Lynn June Baxter. All too often teachers made the students sit in alphabetical order putting JC right behind CJ. Naturally, the other kids thought it great fun to put their names together; CJ and JC. But, they had never been a couple, and never would be.
By high school, JC was more often called Ben, a shortened version of his last name. And, CJ would no longer answer to the name she’d grown up with, insisting on being called Lynn. JC refused to call her Lynn, mostly because it got her riled up. She’d gone from a skinny little girl in pigtails to a beautiful curvy young woman who was a walking dream.
Where most girls went to high school in jeans and tees, CJ dressed in skirts and sweaters and little dresses that left no doubt she was all female. She dressed like she was going for a job interview, or already had the job, rather than a teenaged student. The few times he’d seen her in jeans they looked brand new and had a precise crease down the legs. She never had a hair out of place, if she wore makeup it was understated and perfect, and she appeared cool, calm, and collected.
Every day, he wanted to thrust his hands into her hair, kiss that perfect mouth, and press his hard body into her soft curves. He wanted to leave her mussed and begging for more. Since she never gave him an inclination she’d allow him to fulfill his fantasies, he’d get her riled up any way he could. While her face remained calm and poised, her breathing would become agitated, lifting those lush breasts up and down. A truly wondrous sight.
He always managed to get the locker next to hers, giving him ample opportunity to rile. They had never dated, although JC often invited her behind the bleachers to show her what she was missing. Maybe that was why she tended to look down her nose at him as if he was something to be scraped off the bottom of her shoe.
At sixteen, he considered himself an equal opportunity lover, or as close as he could get. He tried getting close every chance he could. Muscles he’d honed hauling hay bales helped him make the football team, which was always good for attracting girls.
Except for CJ Baxter.
She didn’t go for jocks, she spent all her time with nerds. Studying, never breaking a sweat, never getting her hands dirty. At graduation, she’d announced she was going to become a lawyer and left town that summer. That was the last he’d seen of her.
Unfortunately, he’d been stupid enough to marry a girl just like CJ. One just like his mother. Someone who presented a perfect picture to the world with lush curves that made a man sit up and beg. Someone who expected to be waited on hand and foot. Someone who didn’t like dirt or nasty smells—like barnyard animals and manure.
To JC, manure smelled like home, and dirt could be washed off. Those lush curves could provide some fun for a few hours, but they didn’t guarantee a woman of substance. One who would be a partner; one who welcomed him home with open arms, sweat, dirt and all. One who would love him more than herself.
The only woman he knew who fit that bill was Nettie Baxter and Wil Owens was making her his in a few days. Lucky bastard. JC needed a woman with Nettie’s character and traits, but his own age. He sure as hell knew that woman wouldn’t be Nettie’s daughter, CJ.
○◊○
Lynn had convinced her mother to go to a craft store with Gusta and get what was needed to make toppers for the cookies to be handed out at the reception. She was intrigued with the idea of scrapbooking after Gusta’s visit the night before. It sounded like something she’d be interested in, once she had money enough for supplies. Resisting the temptation the store might offer, Lynn had volunteered to run Moose-ley Coffee and keep an eye on little Noah. She would’ve loved having baby Emma, too, but Gusta said entertaining a three-year-old was challenge enough.
No one was more surprised than Lynn to find she loved being around babies and toddlers.
There hadn’t been much opportunity before her sister’s wedding. While the day was all about Micki and Ethan, for Lynn, Noah Webster had stolen the show and her heart. Noah had insisted on standing with his father Web, the best man, and getting married along with Ethan. Later, Micki had gently explained to the little boy she was now married to Ethan, and Noah would need to find another bride. While he hadn’t cried, he’d looked so dejected Lynn had asked him to dance with her. Soon, Noah had Lynn on her knees so he could wrap his little arms around her and sway to the music.
She hoped one day to have a child like Noah. Considering her past and the rocky road of her future, that wasn’t going to happen for some time, and she’d end up a single mother. Saving up for artificial insemination would take years, once she got her current debt paid off. Finding a walking donor could also be a problem.
Maybe she’d come across a tourist, just passing through, she wouldn’t mind having a bit of fun with… Considering her past experience, getting pregnant via turkey baster might be more fun.
Instantly, an image of JC Benjamin flashed in her brain.
In high school, he’d had dimples that showed when he smiled or smirked. Most often, she got the smirk. Still, those dimples had sent butterflies to her tummy and made her think of things no girl had a right to be thinking. Lynn hadn’t seen his face the other evening, just shoulders broad enough to carry the weight of the world. Or, maybe one small not-so-light woman. JC also had an ass that made her mouth water, which was ridiculous. She’d certainly never drooled over Donny, the man she’d thought she’d spend the rest of her life with.
A mistake she wouldn’t be repeating.
She doubted she’d be learning if JC still had dimples and the only view she’d have of his fine male butt would be across a field. Which was best all around.
The bell over the door signaled the return of her mother and friend. Being a typical male, Noah Webster had ditched Lynn as soon as his mother reappeared. Not that she’d hold that against a three-year-old. There had been times the past few years when Lynn wanted nothing more than her mother. She should have heeded that need, shoved pride aside, and come home sooner. Had she known she’d lose her job upon returning from her sister’s wedding, Lynn would have stayed in Webster.
Reaching under the counter for the bottle of antacids she’d placed there earlier, she popped two in her mouth and chewed. Stress and guilt played hell with the digestive system.
Once Nettie helped Gusta load up her babies, she dumped shopping bags on the work table in the back room.
“Did you buy out the store?”
A girlish giggle escaped Nettie. “No. I might’ve gone a bit overboard. It was all just so…” her hands flew around her as if to pluck the right word from the air. “Pretty. Fun. Oh, the bling!’
“Bling?”
“Yes,” her mother said in all seriousness. “Bling. Stickers and ribbons and punches and embellishments. Bling,” she stated, as if that one word said it all. Seeing the goodies spread across the table, perhaps it did.
Lynn felt her own excitement rise at the sight of it all. “Do you know what to do with all of this?”
“No,” Nettie grinned. “Gusta is going to come over later to get us started. I told her to bring one of her scrapbooks for us to see. With your creativity, it might be something you’d enjoy. Micki and the girls will join us. It could be something the five of us could get together to do from time to time. Gusta would join us when she is able. Besides, with all the cookies you’re going to wrap up, the more hands, the faster the work gets done.”
“Okay,” Lynn replied absently. She wa
s thumbing through the stacks of pretty paper and spools of ribbon.
“Um, Lynn, honey. I got you something.”
She lifted her head to meet her mother’s gaze. “Okay,” she repeated.
“I don’t want to upset you or make you feel I’m pushing you into something. I got you some cookie cutters.” Nettie handed over a smaller bag.
Lynn shook out the contents to find cutters in the shape of a pumpkin, a maple leaf, and a ghost. She frowned at her mother. “Why would you think these would upset me? I love them. How did you know I don’t have fall cutters?”
“You left the bag with your cookie cutters on the counter the other day and I was curious. I’m sorry for prying. I wanted to see what other shapes you had.”
“Not many,” Lynn huffed out a small laugh. She had three, to be exact; a circle—actually meant to cut biscuits, but Lynn liked it for cookies—a heart, and the wedding cake one she’d used for her mother. She had expected to use the heart and wedding cake cutters for her own wedding. “These will be nice to have this fall.”
Nettie released a huge breath. “I was afraid you’d be angry at me for expecting you to still be here come fall. I know you said you wanted to stay, but you didn’t say for how long. I thought you could make your cookies, here, and we’d sell them along with the muffins. I’d pay for the ingredients, of course.”
Blinking back tears that burned her eyes, Lynn wrapped her arms around Nettie. “I’m so sorry, Mom. I would love to make cookies here. Maybe after we deduct the cost of ingredients we could split the profits? I need to be able to support myself.” Giving her one last tight squeeze she stepped back to look Nettie in the eye. “I never should’ve left home. I should’ve gone to school here, in Maine. I should’ve stayed and helped you. I’m sorry for being so selfish.”
“Nonsense,” declared Nettie. “You needed to do what was right for you. You needed to do your own thing, just like your brother and sister. Look how they turned out. Marc is a successful doctor and married. Your sister came home with two beautiful, delightful daughters. And, now my baby is back. You should be opening your own law office, not baking cookies. But, I’m sure you need a break, and I don’t mind the help in the shop. What more could a mother want?”