by Dylann Crush
“You got it.” Jasper tickled Maggie under the chin.
“See you later, bug.” Lucas pressed a kiss to the top of his daughter’s head. “You know I wouldn’t change a thing, right?”
“I know.” His brother might have messed up, but a Taylor always made things right. That was one mantra that had been ingrained in all of them by their parents. And Jasper would do right by Delilah. Which meant sticking to the plan of carting her around Ido, making sure they stayed on schedule, and not letting himself think of her as anything but the contest judge he’d agreed to work with.
No matter what.
ten
“Thank you so much.” Delilah shook hands with the vineyard owners, then the head winemaker, then a whole slew of others whose names and jobs had all jumbled together in her head. As long as she kept smiling, maybe they wouldn’t notice that she’d lost track of who did what and who was related to whom.
She and Jasper had been given the royal treatment: a full tour of the vineyard, a step-by-step walk-through of the wine-making process, and a private tasting of every varietal the small local vineyard produced. Her cheeks hurt from smiling, and she might be just the slightest bit tipsy from all the wine. She’d tried to take tiny sips but didn’t want to offend anyone, so she’d tried a little sample of everything.
“Ready to go?” Jasper asked.
“I am.” She slid off the tall stool and grabbed the edge of the table to steady herself.
“You okay?” Immediately, he was by her side, his arm behind her.
“Of course. I’ve just been sitting for so long.” She summoned a reassuring smile.
“Okay.” He leaned close, his breath warm against her ear. “But maybe you want to take my arm on the way back to the truck? Just in case two hours of sipping wine might have messed with your balance a bit?”
“I think that might be a good idea.” She wrapped her fingers around the arm he offered, grateful to him for not making a scene. Truth was, she wasn’t much of a drinker. A nice glass of wine every now and then or a fresh-squeezed vodka lemonade sometimes hit the spot. But she didn’t like to feel out of control, not when so many people were always watching. She’d seen pageant winners taken down for a lot less than a drunken night on the town. Her reputation was everything, and with the cosmetics line coming out soon, Stella kept reminding her that her behavior needed to remain beyond reproach.
Jasper opened the truck door for her. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” She pulled her feet in as he closed the door behind her. Such a gentleman. He might live in the country, but he had better manners than most of the big-city men she’d gone out with. If only they lived a little closer, maybe she’d be willing to take a chance on the cowboy with the impeccable manners and the big heart.
He climbed into the cab and fired up the engine. “I hope you don’t mind, but while we were at the vineyard, I asked my dad to move your trailer over to our land.”
“What?” She clicked her seat belt in place and pressed on her stomach, which had started feeling a little woozy with that bit of news. “Why did you do that?”
His strong hands gripped the steering wheel, navigating the truck onto the two-lane road. “I think it’ll be safer having you parked close by.”
“You think someone put crickets in the camper on purpose?” She’d suspected as much, but who would have it out for her? So far everyone in town seemed happy to have her there.
“I’m not sure, but I’d rather be safe than sorry. I had them park it up by the main house.” He glanced over, his teeth scraping against his lower lip. Made her think about how those full lips had claimed hers last night. Suddenly the intimate cab of his truck heated up. She lowered her window a crack, trying to get some fresh air.
“Thank you.” She met his gaze for a hot second, then looked away. At least she wouldn’t be sleeping at his place. If people found out she’d spent the night, no doubt the small-town gossip mill would start churning out the rumors. She might have spent most of her life in big cities, but the pageant community seemed enough like a small town that she could imagine how it would play out.
They didn’t talk much on the way back. By the time they reached his family’s home she was ready for a quick bite to eat and the chance to change out of her dress. Her trailer sat in the shade of a giant tree, about a hundred yards from the house. Someone had set up a big umbrella and a few camping chairs outside the door.
“Did your dad do this, too?” Delilah asked.
“That looks like my mom’s work. Don’t get me wrong, my dad’s a good one to have in a crisis, but he’s not used to hosting guests.”
“That was so sweet of them.”
“They’ve got their moments.”
“Is it safe to go inside? I’d love to change.” She was used to spending her days in heels, but trekking through the vineyard had taken a lot more effort than a typical meet and greet. A pair of flats and some jeans waited for her somewhere inside the trailer.
“Not yet. That bug bomb we set off said to keep the area clear for at least twenty-four hours.” Jasper came around to help her down from the cab.
She didn’t need assistance but still took his hand. “Well, shoot. Can I get a room at that hotel for tonight?”
He led her up the sidewalk and opened the front door. “I believe my mom took care of that, too. You’re bunking with Abby tonight if that’s okay with you.”
Bunking with his little sister? Her heart skittered around in her chest like a pat of butter on a hot skillet. She swallowed hard. “I’d appreciate it.”
“Good. Let me show you where we put your things.” He gestured to the steps leading to the second floor. Jasper held out a hand and Delilah took it, taking her time on the stairs.
They entered a long hallway at the top. Half a dozen doors on her right and another few on her left. He turned to the right. “Abby’s room is this way.”
Noises came from behind a couple of the doors, but the one at the end of the hall sat wide open.
“Hey, Abby. Delilah’s here. Can you show her where she’s sleeping tonight?”
“Sure.” Abby got up and wrapped Delilah in a hug. “You have no idea how nice it is to have a girl around for a change.”
“She’s been praying for this her whole life.” Jasper laughed and gave Delilah an apologetic smile. “Abby, go easy on her. You’re going to scare her away.”
“I don’t scare that easily.” Delilah gave the girl a squeeze before stepping back. “I’ve never shared a room before. You’ll have to fill me in on the rules.”
“I’ve got a trundle.” Abby pointed to a set of drawers under her bed. “Mom told me to put clean sheets on earlier. Are you staying for dinner?”
“Oh”—Delilah glanced to Jasper—“I don’t know.”
“Yes, she’s staying for dinner.” Jasper nodded toward his sister. “I’m going to take a look at the trailer and make sure it’s hooked up right. Can you entertain Delilah until it’s time to eat?”
“Of course.” Abby pointed to where Delilah’s bag sat on the floor. “If you want to change clothes, I can introduce you to Tie Dye.”
“Tie Dye? That’s the goat, right?” Delilah glanced to Jasper, but he just stood there with his lips quirked up.
“Yep. Jasper found him tangled up in some barbed wire and brought him home. Nobody claimed him so he stayed,” Abby said.
“Why do you call him Tie Dye?” Delilah asked. Seemed like a strange name for a pet, especially a goat.
“I’m sure she’ll tell you all about it on the way down to the pasture. You all right here?” Jasper leaned against the doorframe.
“We’ll be fine.” She gave him a smile that held a lot more confidence than she felt. Spending time around a large family hadn’t been part of her plans. She was used to being on her own, although the amount of time she spent around Ste
lla made it seem like they lived together sometimes.
“All right then. I’ll see you later.” Jasper disappeared down the hall, and for a moment she wished she were going with him.
“Want to see my lizard?” Abby asked.
“I’m sorry, your what?” Delilah turned around to find the girl holding out a scaly critter that took up the majority of her forearm. Instinctively, she jumped back a couple of feet, bumping her arm against a dresser.
“Are you okay?” Abby came close, the lizard still on her arm.
“I’m fine. You caught me off guard, that’s all.” She’d never seen a creature like that so close up before. “Who do you have there?”
“This is Sly. He actually likes crickets. We should have let him loose in your trailer. I bet he’d eat them all.” Abby stretched her arm out. “You want to hold him?”
“Um, maybe later. Right now, I’d love to change if you can show me where the bathroom is.” Delilah skirted around Abby and Sly, her eye on her bag.
“Second door on the right. Do you want me to show you?”
“I think I can manage finding it on my own.” She rummaged through her bag, locating a pair of jeans and a long-sleeve shirt. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
Abby nodded, her attention focused on her pet. Delilah left the bedroom and turned to the right. She entered the bathroom and shut the door behind her, breathing in a sigh of relief as the lock clicked into place. Finally, she could let her guard down for a few minutes and figure out what she needed to do next. Ever since she’d stepped foot in Ido, things had veered off course. Her time in Hartwood and East had gone strictly by the book. They’d paraded her around local events and left her to herself for the most part in between.
But being in Ido, she felt totally immersed in the day-to-day life of the town. She’d never intended on staying at someone’s home, much less the one of the man who was responsible for her welfare while she was in town. Not to mention pulling his entire family in on it. She was totally out of her element. No amount of pageant training had prepared her for joining the family of her hospitality host. They all seemed nice enough, but she’d never had much in the way of family. Just her and Stella and sometimes her mother’s latest boyfriend or husband. They never lasted long.
Delilah took her time changing her clothes, taking advantage of the solitary space for as long as she could. She’d asked Stella once about why she never seemed able to settle down. Her mom answered her with a sadness in her eyes Delilah had never seen before, and said something about having lost her chance at happiness when she chose to walk away.
When she was younger, Delilah would have given just about anything to have a sister. When that didn’t work out, she opened up to being okay with a brother instead, figuring maybe she’d been too picky with her request. But Stella kept moving between men, and no siblings ever showed up. Spending time with Jasper’s family would be good for her. She’d figure out what she’d been missing by being an only child.
As she nodded to herself, doing her best to convince herself to get back out there, someone pounded on the bathroom door.
“Get out of there, asswipe. You know I’ve got to clean up before dinner.”
Delilah gasped and grabbed onto the counter. “I’ll be out in a second.”
The pounding stopped. “Abby?”
“No, this is Delilah. I’m just finishing up.”
Another voice joined the first in the hall. Muffled voices argued with each other and she wondered if she should hide out until they left or open the door and get it over with.
“What are y’all doing?” Abby’s voice joined the mix. “Come on out, Delilah.”
She cracked open the door and peered through. Three men stood in the hall, each one of them bigger and broader than the next.
Abby held out a hand. A hand free of Sly the lizard. “It’s okay. These are my brothers. Davis, Trent, and Mitchell, meet Miss Lovin’ Texas, Delilah Stone.”
* * *
* * *
Jasper made sure the trailer was level, then checked and rechecked the connections. He couldn’t afford to have anything else go wrong for Delilah. The fact Lacey hadn’t chewed him out yet for letting Delilah’s trailer get overrun with crickets meant it was just a matter of time.
Her laugh pealed out over the sound of his dad mowing a section of the orchard. Turning, he caught sight of her and Abby moving toward the pasture. She’d changed into a pair of jeans. He did a double take, surprised the woman owned something made of denim. Her hair flowed wild and free, blowing over her shoulders in the late afternoon breeze.
Abby said something and Delilah laughed again. The sound of her happiness brought a smile to his face. He kept an eye on the two of them until they disappeared around the back of the barn.
“Who the hell is that?” An arm whacked him across the stomach.
Jasper spun around.
Three of his brothers faced him, their arms crossed over their chests. “You want to tell us who Trent almost walked in on in the bathroom?”
Jasper’s hands clenched into fists, a sense of protectiveness washing over him. “You better not have walked in on her.”
“He didn’t.” Mitchell gave Trent a little push forward. “But he wishes he did.”
Jasper silenced the growl that threatened to escape his lips. “She’s a guest. And she’s judging that contest. Don’t piss her off, she might be the only chance we have at keeping the orchard.”
“You’re not kidding.” Davis let his arms drop to his sides. “Dad said something about a family meeting tomorrow night. Is that what he wants to talk about? Are we really at risk of losing the orchard?”
“No.” Jasper huffed out a breath. He shouldn’t have said anything. No need to drag his younger brothers into this. At least not until he figured out what their next step ought to be.
“Then why did you say that?” Mitchell asked.
“Did Dad really say he wants to talk tomorrow night?” Jasper brushed his hands against his jeans. His dad hadn’t said anything to him about a family meeting.
“Yeah.” Mitchell leaned against the side of the trailer. “What’s up with this eyesore?”
Everything had happened so fast, Jasper hadn’t filled his brothers in on his new role. “This belongs to Miss Lovin’ Texas, otherwise known as Delilah Stone, otherwise known as the woman who’s joining us for dinner and staying over, at least for tonight.”
“So, Abby was telling the truth.” Davis shook his head. “What the hell have you gotten yourself involved in?”
Jasper rolled his shoulders under the weight of their collective gaze. “Mayor Cherish needed someone to pitch in last minute, so she asked me to be Ido’s hospitality host. Ms. Stone is in town to judge our efforts to be voted the most romantic town in Texas.”
The three of them stood in silence for a long beat. Then the laughs started.
“Just stay out of her way.” He gathered his tools and started to make his way back to the garage.
“Wait.” Davis grabbed for his arm. Out of all of his brothers, Davis was the most likely to end up working a desk job. His ability to analyze a situation far surpassed the other Taylor brothers. “What’s in it for us?”
“What could possibly be in it for us?” Mitchell asked. “Jasper doesn’t know shit about being romantic. The mayor should have given the job to Tie Dye instead.”
Trent almost bent all the way over as he cracked up.
But Davis pressed on. “There’s got to be something in it for the farm. What’s your angle?”
Jasper slung an arm around his brother’s shoulder. “Mayor Cherish said if we can get Ido named the most romantic town in Texas, we’ll be an even more desirable wedding destination.”
Davis nodded. “And?”
“Well”—Jasper pulled his arm back—“if we can snag that title we’ll h
ave even more weddings coming to town. Mayor Cherish is looking for other complementary businesses and I thought if we could spruce up the barn—”
“It would be the perfect place to hold a wedding.” Davis turned to him, his eyes bright. “What did Dad say?”
“He thinks it’s a stupid idea. But if we spend the insurance money fixing up the barn, we can host weddings and trail rides and other events to tide us over until the new trees we plant start producing.”
“That’s genius.” Davis nodded, the wheels in his head probably spinning out of control with the possibilities.
“Would you be on board with an idea like that?” Jasper elbowed his brother.
“Yeah. Hell yeah.” At twenty-four, Davis had already graduated from college but was having a hard time finding a job nearby that would put his engineering degree to good use. It was only a matter of time before he’d make the decision to move away. Maybe if they could build up a big enough business, he wouldn’t have to.
“Does that mean you’re up for helping me?” Jasper asked.
“I’m in.” He motioned for Trent and Mitchell to come closer. “What do we need to do?”
“I’ve got to keep an eye on Delilah, and make sure there’s no doubt in her mind that we’re the most romantic town in Texas. Lacey wants me to pull together a big event.”
“Like what?” Davis asked.
“That’s just it, I don’t know. Something that reeks of romance. Like a big Valentine’s party, but in October. Got any ideas?” Colin might be the ladies’ man, but Davis was definitely better at seeing a project through. Suddenly, a light bulb went off in Jasper’s head. “I think I’ve got something.”
“What?” Davis shot him some side-eye. None of the Taylor brothers were known for being super in touch with their softer side.
“What if we built a trail kind of thing? Then we can have people stop and take pictures in super-romantic spots.”
“Like what? The only place in town that might be considered somewhat romantic is the kissing cove down by the river.” Davis squinted, making his eyes scrunch up, like kissing someone was the worst possible thing that could happen.