by Mae Nunn
Erin admired the solidly built and well-maintained buildings while she considered this latest explanation of the give and take between Daniel and Dana. It was a marvel how parent and child had cooperated for years to find agreeable solutions whether it was intentional or otherwise. Erin couldn’t recall a single time in her youth when she’d been permitted the freedom to work out issues on her own terms. It was a liberty Dana took for granted.
Father, I’m so grateful that this child won’t ever experience the harshness that dominated my life at her age.
Dana was sixteen. At sixteen Erin had been completely under somebody’s control. It wasn’t until she’d been released from foster care, on the verge of adulthood that she could decide anything for herself. And by then, not only was there nobody to argue, there wasn’t anybody to even care.
Until Daniel.
Erin returned her attention to the present, to the handsome man beside her who’d been talking while her mind had been wandering.
“I mean, how can any adult honestly say they enjoy rap? Even the Christian variety makes my head pound.”
“Then why do you listen to it?” she asked.
“I just told you, it’s our arrangement. When we’re driving around town, Dana keeps the headphones off so we can talk and we take turns controlling the radio.”
“Can’t you just overrule the music she chooses if you don’t like it?”
He cocked his head to the right and sighted down his nose at Erin, every inch a detective. “You didn’t hear a word I said, did you?”
“You were talking about taking turns,” she said, hoping the light defensiveness in her voice would cover her short wander through the minefields of her memory.
“Okay, so maybe you were sorta payin’ attention.” He gave her a small break. “But to answer your question, no, I don’t overrule her music. How else will I know what the kids are listening to? I just grit my teeth and hold my tongue if the lyrics bother me. Then I wait for another time and casually coach her about dicey subjects I pick up in the music.”
As Erin considered his strategy, her respect for his parenting notched even higher. She prayed her influence in Dana’s life would never erode the strong foundation Daniel had laid.
“In case nobody’s told you lately, you’re an incredible father. You always have Dana’s best interest at heart and keeping the peace in your relationship seems to be something you pursue one hundred percent of the time.”
He put the SUV in gear and eased it back onto the road.
“Thanks, but I don’t deserve such high praise. The truth is I only try ninety-nine percent of the time and I enjoy that last wayward percent far too much.” His tone matched the grin that curled his lips. “You see, when it’s my turn to control the radio, I make her listen to the Grand Ole Opry.”
It was always comforting for Daniel to be home again.
Sort of.
He was never sure what kind of greeting he’d get from Jake. This time of year he would be knee-deep in details, glad to see his brother show up but mostly so he could shuck the responsibility of the ranch and give his full attention to the barbecue. It was just as well since Daniel preferred the company of Isadore and his boys to the brother whose needling was the proverbial thorn in Daniel’s side. He figured Jake’s passive-aggressive way with a wisecrack was God’s reminder that there was a more worrisome reason than the western cottonmouth to pursue a career in the city.
As Daniel stepped down and rounded the back of his Expedition, a dinged-up, red Ford pickup ground to a stop nearby. Jake hopped out.
“Well, look who decided to grace us with his presence,” he drawled. “I hope this little side trip on your way to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame won’t slow you down, little brother.”
In spite of the cutting words, Jake reached to shake Daniel’s hand and then pulled him close for a bear hug.
“It’s g-good to see you, t-too,” Daniel stuttered during the back-thumping welcome Jake was administering.
“Was that your mystery woman ridin’ shotgun with Mama?”
Daniel shook his head. “Dana’s always a mystery to me, but I don’t think she’s who you meant.”
“Your Dana rode all the way from Houston with LaVerne?” With a leather-gloved fist Jake tipped the brim of his workaday hat back on his head. “How much did that bribe set you back?”
“Not a dime. I think those two are finally in cahoots.” Daniel rolled his eyes at the thought of his mother’s and daughter’s subtle matchmaking. But Erin had made her intentions clear from the beginning, so they were wasting their time. Still, in the evenings when they were all sipping sweet tea on the back patio, Daniel couldn’t help wondering how things might have been different.
“So, where is the family celebrity?” Jake demanded.
Daniel pulled the handle opening the passenger door, then stepped aside. “Erin, as much as it pains me to admit it, this is my brother. Jake, this is Erin Gray.”
Jake whipped his head in a double take. “It’s nice to finally meet you.” He accepted her left hand, squinting hard at her face.
“Are you sure?” She laughed. “The way you’re staring makes me think I wasn’t what you expected.”
“Sorry, ma’am. I never had much of a poker face. Truth is I thought you’d look at least a little bit like Dana. She sure doesn’t favor our family, so who does she take after?”
Daniel waited for Erin’s response. As much as he’d wondered the same thing, he knew better than to question Erin. Even Dana had tap-danced around the subject, but never asked outright.
“That answer is probably buried so deep in the roots of the family tree that we’ll never know for sure,” Erin said, her answer vague as always, steering conversation away from her past.
“Well, whoever she resembles, it’s still a sight better than looking like her old man.” Jake laughed at his own comment.
“That’s a fact,” Daniel agreed. “I tell her all the time there are worse things than skin that won’t tan. She could have my knobby knees and scrawny backside. Daddy always said it looked like a tribe of Navajos moved out of the seat of my jeans.”
Jake clapped a hand on Daniel’s shoulder. “Dana should thank the good Lord every night for her curves. I know my girls would love some.”
The two men unloaded the SUV in the companionable way their father had taught them to work. Each trip home was a reminder of their ability to partner without words, using silent head jerks and one-syllable grunts to communicate. It was always best to keep Jake too busy for conversation.
“Thanks for the help,” Daniel said after the last bag was set on the wraparound veranda. “See you for supper?”
“Yep, we’ll all be back by six. Becky has a brisket in the oven and our girls are anxious to see Dana’s latest gadgets.”
“Welcome to the Double-S, Erin.” Jake nodded and touched the brim of his hat before climbing back into his truck.
She’d made herself comfortable on the front porch glider in need of its annual coat of candy apple red. Daniel’s heart thumped hard realizing Erin had to be the prettiest thing ever to dangle bare feet from that creaky old chair.
“You should always keep shoes on when you’re outside,” he warned, knowing firsthand about scorpion stings and fire ant bites. “And not rubber flip-flops either, proper boots that will protect you from bugs and snakes.”
She pulled her knees up, pressing her heels to the edge of the glider. “I know better, I just couldn’t resist shucking my socks and feeling this dry air on my toes.” She reached for her things to begin the cumbersome process of putting on stockings and shoes with one hand.
“Here, let me help,” he offered. Before she could object and he could think better of it, Daniel scooped Erin into his arms and carried her across the threshold. It was a pretend moment, but he was finally bringing his bride home. How many times had he regretted not taking Erin to meet his family? But she’d flatly refused, insisting the moment was never right. And it proba
bly still wasn’t right, but God had given Daniel this opportunity and he’d make the best of it for as long as it lasted. What was the harm in showing Erin what could have been?
He carried Erin into the huge kitchen that was the epicenter of the spacious main floor and deposited her on a tall stool at the counter.
“What’s wrong?” Dana and LaVerne’s alarmed voices chorused. His mama hurried across the pine plank floor. “Don’t tell me something already got ahold of you.”
“I’m fine.” Erin waved away any concern. “Daniel just gave me VIP taxi service from the porch.”
“Dana, will you help your grandma canvas the ranch for a pair of boots that will fit Erin, please? I should have thought about this before we left Houston.” He’d have enjoyed visiting his favorite Western wear store to custom fit her with a stylish pair of ropers. Even the simplest act of kindness pleased her so. She’d be fun to spoil.
“Daniel, it’s no big deal. I’ll be fine with sneakers.”
“We’ll see that you get whatever you need,” LaVerne assured everyone.
“The only thing I need is time to take this place in.” Erin’s voice held a faraway quality as she tipped her head back to view the twenty-foot vaulted ceiling.
Daniel remembered being a small boy, watching as a crane hoisted the heavy cross beams into place. How happy his parents had been when the four of them had moved from what was now the bunkhouse into this cavernous home.
“LaVerne, I could just sit in this kitchen or on your front porch and never want to leave.”
A snort of laughter burst from Dana.
“That’s what everybody says when they first get here. Just give Grandma Verne and Uncle Jake a couple of days to figure out where you fit into the labor program. You’ll be plotting your escape along with the rest of us.”
“I beg your pardon, Sleeping Beauty.” Her grandmother stood with arms akimbo, all business in a blue checked apron. “Helping with the chores never hurt anybody. And if you keep running that mouth, I’ll find some toilets that need scrubbing right after you finish rummaging in the tack room and the storage barn for a spare pair of boots for your mama.” LaVerne motioned toward the back door with her thumb.
Dana’s eyes sought Erin’s, no doubt looking for an ally.
“An eight would be perfect, but I can live with a half size on either side if that’s the best you can do.”
LaVerne turned back to the business of pantry inventory and Daniel bit his lip to keep from laughing at Dana as the screen door bounced on its hinges behind her.
“Well done.” Daniel applauded. “You handled that like a pro.”
“I’ve been watching some great role models the past couple of weeks.” Erin nodded toward Daniel and his mama.
“Well, thank you, but we’ve both been operating in ‘company mode.’” He lowered his voice and leaned in close. “You’re about to see LaVerne large and in charge of her own territory. Just do as she tells you and nobody’ll get hurt.”
“I wouldn’t consider doing otherwise.”
“Then you’ll be the only woman on this place who feels that way. Becky’s every bit as bull-headed as Mama and her four girls would just as soon eat dirt as admit their grandma knows best. But you’ll see. After a few hundred folks show up next week, LaVerne’s ingenuity will save the day when something unexpected crops up.”
“With so many people coming and going, I just hope I won’t be in the way.”
He rolled his eyes at the thought of this quiet lady being an imposition. Now that they were home, he was truly glad she’d come.
“I’ll put your things in my old room.” He pointed toward a hallway off the kitchen. “The master is two doors down so Mama’s nearby if you need anything. I’ll keep Dana company in the crow’s nest.” He pointed to the steps that led to the second floor.
“Are you sure you don’t mind giving me your room?”
“Actually, Dana and I prefer a buffer between us and Mama. Anytime you’re ready to practice your climbing skills, we’ll make room for you upstairs.”
LaVerne backed out of the pantry clutching her grocery list and overheard his last few words.
“Son, don’t be inhospitable. Of course Erin’s not climbing those steps. Put her things in your room so I can keep an eye on her.”
“That’s a great idea, Mama. I should have thought of it myself.”
He gave Erin a conspiratorial wink when what he really wanted to give her was a welcome to West Texas kiss.
Chapter Ten
Suppertime was a cross between a rodeo and a picnic.
Erin counted a dozen pair of weather-worn cowboy boots lined up in a mud rack just inside the front door of the expansive family home. Most of the stocking-footed guests were decked out in Western wear and all of them had brought covered platters or casserole dishes to contribute to the evening meal.
The Torres family arrived first. The boys Daniel had mentioned were much older than expected. All college-educated, the three had come back to work the Double-S after graduation. The naturalized Americans truly were the Stablers’ extended family.
Jake’s wife and four girls poured through the door, next. They grabbed Dana and swept her out to the bunkhouse away from the adults. Erin connected with Becky from their first hug. Even if it was just a wives’ tale that men married women like their mamas, it certainly applied to Daniel’s brother. He’d found a no-nonsense lady who could give as good as she got from LaVerne, deal with migrant workers in their native language and still wrangle a houseful of kids known for bringing piglets and baby skunks inside for a visit.
Supper was a mouthwatering assortment of roasted meats, fresh vegetables and home-baked breads. Afterward Erin sipped iced tea and visited with the other women as they washed, dried and put away the many place settings of Fiesta pottery.
“LaVerne, after raising boys, was it hard for you to adjust to all these granddaughters?” Erin asked.
“I still haven’t adjusted,” she grumbled. “Jake’s girls would rather inoculate calves than learn to bake biscuits. And since operating the microwave is about as technical as I get, Dana and I don’t have much common ground, which I’m sure you’ve already noticed.”
LaVerne turned an affectionate gaze to the dark-eyed Mexican woman at her side. “I’m just glad I spoke enough Spanish to be close to Elena’s boys as they were comin’ up. Why, Miguel is like one of my own.”
“Si, and we considered giving our oldest to you legally during his last year of high school.” Elena turned to Erin. “That boy only survives today by the grace of Senora Stabler. When Isadore was ready to lock Miguel in a horse trailer and throw away the key, la Senora intervened.”
LaVerne swatted away the accolade with her damp dish towel. “I merely pointed out to Miguel how fortunate he was to have a father when my sons were without one at his age.”
“Honestamente?” There was disbelief in Elena’s voice. “All you did was encourage my Miguel to appreciate his papa?”
“Well, that and twenty dollars for each passing grade on his report card.” LaVerne rubbed her thumb and forefinger together indicating money had changed hands. “It got the desired results.”
“Yo lo supe! I knew it,” Elena cried. “That boy always had more money than the other two. No wonder he could afford a car for graduation.”
“Cash didn’t work with Oscar and Alano. They responded better to boots and riding tack.” LaVerne held her palms outward in defense. “Besides, it’s a little late to hold spoiling your kids against me, now.”
“You may call it ‘spoiling’ if you like, but I call it ‘bribery.’ Either way, it worked and we are grateful to you for it, mi amigo.”
Erin knew of the carrot-and-stick approach, but in foster care there was mostly evidence of the stick end of the philosophy. Staying clear of punishment was the only reward.
“LaVerne, it sounds like you just need to figure out what appeals to the girls,” Erin suggested.
“That’s jus
t it. Grandma Stabler only bothers to spoon out sugar to the men folk,” Becky announced.
“Meaning?” The way LaVerne fixed her gray eyes on the serving bowl in her hands while she waited on Becky’s answer told Erin this was a touchy, old subject.
“Meaning that the only approach you take with your granddaughters is to boss them around. There’s never a choice for them to make. It’s Grandma Verne’s way or the highway so they simply stay away.”
“Well, Becky Stabler, if that ain’t the pot calling the kettle black.”
Becky loaded a stack of colorful dishes into the glass-fronted cabinets then looked to Erin to explain.
“I’m their mother. They’re supposed to hate me. But she’s their only grandma and that’s a relationship they should enjoy. LaVerne could have our girls eating out of her hand, but she’d rather have them toeing the line every minute of the day.”
“Those girls don’t need coddling,” LaVerne insisted. “They need to be strong, independent. Women have to earn their own way and make smart decisions instead of marrying for security. Erin, you have a modern woman’s work ethic. What do you say?”
Erin knew a little something about cross fire. And though this was friendly fire, she was still caught in it.
She squeezed the glob of putty that was her constant companion and considered her response carefully. On the one hand, LaVerne’s point was valid. Erin had observed just enough of her own mother to know the path she’d taken was not worth repeating. But on the other hand, modeling responsibility would never trump unconditional love. Just as Erin had missed so many experiences with Dana, LaVerne was losing opportunities with her granddaughters that might never come along again.
But this was neither the time nor the place to share that insight.