Travis put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “She is amazing, isn’t she, ma’am? Mark and I are very proud of her.”
“As well you should be, young man. Our Becca is very special. I hope you plan to treat her right?”
Becca felt her face get warm as she thought about how right she had been treated the night before. Travis just smiled easily at Jane’s nosy inquiry. “She is special, and our intentions are honorable, I assure you.”
His answer must have satisfied her, as she began dialing numbers on her cell phone and talking animatedly into the phone.
“The town loves you, pretty girl. Mark and I better mind our p’s and q’s.”
Becca nodded and felt the moisture well up in her eyes. She was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. The people outside the shop had started to stream in with brooms and trash bags, sweeping and cleaning up debris. Dr. Steve had brought his toolbox, and shelves were already being rehung on the walls. She stood for a moment, overcome with thankfulness at living in this wonderful town.
“This is just—”
Her voice was choked, and Travis hugged her closer.
“It’s just this town trying to show you some of what you give them every day. You’re not just Ryan and Jack’s little sister and a good little girl, babe. You’re Becca Parks, business owner and pillar of the community. You’re your own person.”
She realized what Travis said was true. All along she had felt like the town saw her in only one way—the good little sister to Ryan and Jack. She had no doubt that at one time this had been true. But it was clear it was years ago and long past. She could see in people’s eyes they respected her. How long had she been blind to the changes? It didn’t matter. She knew it now.
She looked up at Travis and gave him a smile. The day wasn’t a total loss.
“I certainly am. We better get this place cleaned up. I have a full docket of appointments starting Monday morning.”
“You give the orders and we’re the muscle, baby.”
Becca let her gaze wander up and down Travis and Mark’s impressive physiques.
“Yes, you are.”
* * * *
Becca fell back into the couch and surveyed the shop. It wasn’t perfect. Some of the chairs would need to be repaired, and she would need to replace the retail products she sold, but it was sufficient for her to open Monday morning. Somehow, Estelle and Jane had convinced a mirror supplier from Orlando to drive over on a Saturday and replace every broken mirror in the place. They were formidable women.
“I can’t believe we got it cleaned up. Even the paint is gone from the walls.”
The walls were now freshly painted a modern shade of bluish gray. Mark looked up from where he was wiping down a counter.
“The whole town pitched in. It just shows what can happen when everyone works together. Shame about the front window, but the installer said it would only take a few days to get that custom size.”
Travis fell back on the couch next to her. “Those storefront windows have to be custom cut. The plywood will have to do until then.”
Becca scowled at the wood covering her front window. Until it was replaced, it would be a constant reminder of what had happened.
The bell over the door rang, and Ryan strode into the shop and looked around with a grin.
“Holy hell, it’s all cleaned up. I should have known it would be. Becca’s like a tiny drill sergeant when she has a project.”
Becca turned her scowl on her oldest brother.
“A drill sergeant? You have a lot of nerve. You’re the one usually shouting orders around here.”
“That so? Well, I’m about to do it again.”
Becca held up her hand.
“Save your breath. Mark and Travis have already been reading me the riot act about being safe and staying away from Randall the rat. I assume you think he’s responsible for this?”
Ryan gave her a challenging look. “Don’t you? I’m guessing he was also responsible for the mailboxes at your condo.”
Becca sighed. “Probably. I can’t imagine what he would get out of this. Seems like a really stupid thing to do.”
Mark shook his head. “I met this guy, and he doesn’t seem real bright to me. Have you talked to him, Ryan?”
“No, the Orlando authorities went to his home to question him and it looks like he’s cleared out. The house is in foreclosure anyway. He would have been thrown out in a few weeks.”
“You don’t think he’s violent, do you?” Mark asked.
Ryan shrugged. “From the pansy-ass things he’s done so far, I would say no. He seems passive-aggressive, though, which means he might want to damage more property. Maybe your home or car. I’m going to put my men driving by your condo and the shop on a regular basis, and don’t bother to protest, little sister. You won’t talk me out of this.”
“I’m not even going to try.”
Travis popped open a soda and handed it to her. “You’ll stay with us until Randall is found. And you won’t talk us out of that, either.”
Becca slipped her hand into his larger one. “I think that sounds like a plan. A plan I like.”
Ryan rolled his eyes. “Well, I can see I’m completely unneeded here. I’m going to get home to my woman now before I end up in the doghouse again. Lock up the store behind you, Becca.”
“Got it, big brother. Say hi to Jillian for me.”
Mark came and sat on her other side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “You’re going to love staying with us, pretty girl. Maybe we can convince you to stay even after Randall is found.”
Becca ran her hands up their muscular thighs. “I’m ready to be convinced. But first, we need to see Addie. I don’t want her hearing about this from anyone but me.”
Travis hopped to his feet. “Then we better hurry. The way news travels in this town, we’ll need all the head start we can get. I’ll drive.”
* * * *
“Becca! What a nice surprise. And you’ve brought your young men, too.”
Becca smiled at Addie. She was looking more like herself every day. Soon, Becca wouldn’t have the excuse of delivering meals to see her.
“I did bring Mark and Travis today. You remember Mark from the other day, don’t you?”
“Of course I do. I’m not that old, no matter what this piece of paper may say.”
Becca forgot all about introducing Travis. “What piece of paper?”
Addie picked up a thick stack of papers from the end table and waved them with an air of disgust.
“This piece of paper. I was served with papers yesterday. My grandnephew Randall wants me declared incompetent.”
Travis sat next to Addie on the couch and gave her a charming smile.
“Miss Addie, I’m Travis Andrews. I’m an attorney. Would you mind if I took a look at those papers?”
Addie handed them over with relief. “It’s nice to meet you, Travis. Please go right ahead. A lot of legal gobbledygook from what I can see. Maybe you can make heads or tails of them.”
“Addie, why didn’t you call me yesterday when you got these papers?”
“You’re so sweet, Becca dear, but you have your own life to worry about. I knew I’d see you this coming week. Nothing was going to change between now and then, so why bother you?”
Becca sighed in frustration. “You never bother me, Addie. I care about you like my own family.” Becca patted Addie’s hand. “Can I make you some tea?”
“That would be nice. I want to sit and get to know your young men. They certainly are handsome.”
Addie did love handsome young men. Becca had seen a picture of Addie’s late husband, and he had been quite a good-looking man.
Becca kept busy in the kitchen, straining to hear the quiet conversation in the other room. By the time she returned, the three looked like old friends. Addie was beaming and seemed completely relaxed despite the threat hanging over her head. Becca placed the tray on the coffee table and started pouri
ng the tea, casting a questioning glance at Travis and Mark.
Travis handed the teacup to Addie. “We just told Addie what I found out about Randall.”
Becca chewed on her lower lip. “I’m so sorry, Addie. I wish Travis had found out something different.”
Addie shook her head with a sad smile. “I’m sorry, too. I’m mostly sorry that Randall has decided to harass a nice young woman such as yourself. Your men told me what he did to your hair salon.”
“We don’t know for sure it’s Randall.”
Addie tutted. “I’m sure it is. Even as a child, Randall was spiteful. He always wanted his own way. Sadly, that trait has carried itself into adulthood. You shouldn’t have to worry about such things just because we’re friends.”
“Your friendship means more to me than this nonsense with Randall,” Becca said fiercely.
Mark squeezed her hand. “We’re going to end this nonsense with Randall as soon as possible.”
“Addie, will you let me represent you in the competency hearing next week?” Travis asked.
Addie sipped at her tea. “Should I be worried? I would hope it’s obvious that I have my wits about me.”
Travis shook his head. “No, you shouldn’t be. But I’d like to be there to navigate the legal maze you may encounter. It would be my pleasure.”
Addie looked thoughtful but finally nodded. “Okay, if you think it will help. I don’t mind having a handsome young man at my side when I go out. As long as Becca doesn’t mind sharing. I wouldn’t want her to get jealous.”
Becca laughed. “I don’t mind sharing, Addie. And I’ll try not to get too jealous.”
Travis poured Addie more tea. “It’s settled then. I’ll let the court know I’m the attorney of record. We’ll get this out of the way so you can concentrate on getting better.”
Becca leaned forward and whispered in Travis’s ear, “You’re my hero today.”
Travis whispered back, “Anything for you, pretty girl. Anything.”
Chapter 15
Becca pushed her pot roast around on her plate as she listened to Cassie and Jillian discuss the rehearsal dinner. They were planning an outdoor barbecue at Zach and Chase’s horse farm, and they were discussing if the weather would hold. She tried to take part in the conversation, but she was exhausted and her stomach was upset. It had been since the day before, and she hadn’t eaten anything out of the ordinary. She would just be glad when Addie’s hearing was over and Randall was found. Things would go back to normal.
“Are you going to eat that or just play with it?” Cassie peered at Becca’s plate.
Becca sighed and dropped her fork on the plate. “I’m not hungry. For some reason my stomach is upset.”
Cassie arched an eyebrow. “For some reason? How about some asshole wrecked your shop and is trying to get control of Addie’s money? That’s a pretty good reason to be nauseous, if you ask me. Maybe you should have some chocolate cake. That always makes me feel better.”
Becca’s stomach lurched, and she pressed her hand over her mouth. Jillian’s eyes widened.
“You’re not kidding, are you? Geez, Becca, maybe you should be home in bed. Do you want us to drive you back to Mark and Travis’s?”
“I’m not that sick. I just need a Zantac or something. Besides, the house is empty. You know Mark and Travis are playing poker with your men tonight.”
Jillian speared a piece of asparagus. “The men want us to stay with you until they get home, you know.”
Becca rolled her eyes. “I know. Mark and Travis are protective. I’m humoring them, if you want to know the truth.”
Cassie laughed. “We’re all humoring our men, if the truth be known.”
Jillian waved at a pretty young woman who had come into the diner. “Ava! Come on over and join us!”
A tiny, dark-haired woman turned and smiled, heading toward their table.
“Hi, Jillian. I didn’t expect to see you here tonight.”
Jillian patted the seat next to her in the booth. “We come here every Monday night for a girl’s night out. Ava, these are my friends Cassie Ames and Becca Parks. Girls, this is Ava Bryant. She’s Mark’s nurse. She just moved here from Chicago.”
Becca felt a twinge of jealousy. The young woman was very pretty. She tried to remember if Mark had ever mentioned his nurse.
“I arrived just a few days ago. I’ve been Mark’s nurse for years. When he told me he was moving to a small town in Florida, I thought he had lost his mind. But just after a few days here, I can see what attracted him. I’m excited about starting new here. And of course I’ve heard about you, Becca. Mark talks about you constantly. He loves you very much.”
Becca felt instantly guilty for her jealousy. Ava seemed like a nice woman.
Becca gave her a welcoming smile. “I love him, too. Very much. Welcome to Plenty. You’ll love it here. We’ll make sure of that.”
Cassie chuckled. “Just watch out for the men around here. Jillian and I were scooped up before we knew what had happened to us. There’s just something about the men in Plenty. They’re just so—”
“Manly,” Jillian finished.
Becca grinned. “They are that. Sexy, too.”
Ava gave a small smile and shook her head. “The very last thing I need is a man. I’m recently divorced. I wouldn’t say that I have a positive view of male-female relationships. I’m looking forward to being on my own.”
Jillian pushed her plate away. “I’m guessing the men in this town are going to have a hard time leaving you alone. They have a way of flying under the radar and sneaking into your heart. And bed.”
“No one is going to be sneaking into my heart or my bed. I’m done with men. For good. I just want to live a quiet, simple life here in Plenty. No drama.”
* * * *
Poker night at Ryan and Jack’s was always a lively evening, and tonight was no exception. The men were joking and laughing while they kicked back with junk food, beers, and cigars.
“Dammit, smoke those things outside. Jillian will have my ass on a platter if she comes home and smells cigar smoke in the house.”
Jack laughed at Ryan shooing the men out to the front porch. Ryan was always keeping Jack out of trouble with Jillian. Mark knew his little sister could be hell on wheels when her dander was up.
“Hey, Ryan. Can I talk to you?”
Mark was worried about the strain Becca seemed to be feeling. Although she had seemed more angry than upset about the damage to her shop, she had picked at her breakfast this morning and had dark circles under her eyes when she returned from work today. He and Travis didn’t like her looking so fragile. The sooner Randall stopped harassing Becca the better.
Mark grabbed a slice of pizza and sat down next to Ryan and Jack. Ryan handed him a cold beer with a grimace.
“I know what you’re going to ask. Randall’s disappeared. Vanished. The good news is he doesn’t seem to be a physical danger to anyone, just an asshole. If we’re lucky, he may not even show up for Miss Addie’s hearing.”
Travis sat down next to them. “If I have my way, there won’t even be a hearing.”
Jack handed Travis a beer. “Can you do that?”
“I’m working on it. I’m starting to collect affidavits regarding Addie’s competency. I’m hoping the judge will throw out the case as it’s only Randall’s word.”
Ryan nodded. “I’d be willing to make a statement. Addie is a good woman and more sane than most people in Plenty.”
“I’d be grateful. A statement from the town sheriff would go a long way.”
Mark gave his lover an encouraging smile. If anyone could make this go away, it was Travis. He was a hell of a lawyer and just about the smartest man Mark had ever met. His cautious nature made sure he looked at all sides of a situation before acting. Of course, Travis had been fairly impetuous lately when it came to Becca. After all, it had been Travis who had said “I love you” first. Mark was still shocked about that. He had thought it would take
a lot of cajoling to get him to admit it.
“Happy to do it. Now let’s get dinner out of the way so we can play some cards. I’m feeling lucky tonight.”
Jack cracked up. “You’re always feeling lucky, bro.”
Mark felt a tug on his sleeve and looked up in surprise. Travis was motioning him over to the back door in the kitchen. Mark followed him as they stepped outside. Despite the fact it was only the beginning of April, it was still quite warm at night.
“What’s up, babe?”
Travis pulled him close, and his scent filled Mark’s nostrils. He ran his hands down Travis’s back and wondered for the thousandth time how he had gotten so lucky in his life to find this man so many years ago and now Becca to share their lives together.
“I’m worried about Becca. She looked terrible this morning. You would have thought she hadn’t slept, but she slept like the dead last night. Then this morning she barely touches her breakfast. It’s not like her. I know Ryan is doing his best, but I was thinking about using some of my law contacts and hiring a private investigator to find Randall. It won’t be cheap, but I do think it will be effective.”
Mark nodded. “I’m really worried about her, too. She seemed okay yesterday, but perhaps this is all just starting to wear on her nerves. As for the money, what’s our money for anyway? I can’t think of a better use for it than to care for our family. What happens if they find him?”
Travis shrugged. “Ryan gets to talk to him in an official capacity. He’ll warn him to stay away from Becca and let him know that he’s being watched. Right now he has no idea we suspect him.”
“How can we not suspect him? Who else wants to harass Becca?”
“I know that and you know that, but he doesn’t. He may think Becca has others who want to bother her. Who knows what he gains from this? I just want him to leave our woman alone.”
Plenty of Love Page 14