Damn the sun was hot today.
He’d promised his brother, Ben, that until he figured out what the hell to do with his life, he’d help out around the farm and orchard. At the rate he was going he didn’t imagine he’d figure it out any time soon.
It had been nearly two weeks since he’d walked out of Paige’s life. Two weeks since he’d slept little more than a couple of hours without dreaming of her. Two weeks in which his instincts had screamed for him to get his stupid ass back in his truck and go to her. Take her in his arms. And beg her forgiveness. He wrapped his hands around the axe handle and dislodged the wedge from the tree stump. But his instincts had been wrong before. They’d even gotten his two best friends killed. So what the hell did he know?
Not to trust himself. That was what.
“Thought you’d be long gone by now.”
Mid-swing, he looked up, surprised to see Paige and her dog coming toward him. Damn. The woman managed to make a pair of jean shorts and a silky little tank top look hotter than some flimsy piece of lingerie. Her hair was pulled up into a just-out-of-bed tangle on top of her head and her smooth skin was kissed with a golden tan. While her white tennis shoes ate up the ground, her tongue darted out to lick the half-eaten cherry Popsicle in her hand. The heat rolling through his body had nothing to do with the sun above his head.
“Yeah. Me too,” he said as Cricket plopped her furry dog butt in the shade of a nearby tree.
Bringing with her the scent of ripe peaches, Paige came to a stop in front of him. “So why are you still here?”
How could he explain that while he didn’t quite know where he belonged, he also couldn’t bear the thought of never seeing her again? That he couldn’t bring himself to just pick up and walk away. A lump lodged in his throat as he thought of Rennie. He’d unwillingly walked away from the dog who’d given him companionship and loyalty. Did he really believe he could willingly walk away from Paige?
He shrugged and felt the sting of a sunburn on his shoulders. “Promised Ben I’d help him out.”
Her red-stained tongue licked up the side of the Popsicle while she studied him through those sharp blue eyes—which triggered an instant reaction in his jeans. Her head tilted. “Is that so?”
“Yep.”
“I’m sure Ben appreciates your help.”
“What are you doing here?” he asked, although he didn’t mind having her in front of him with next to nothing on, licking that Popsicle like it was… tasty.
She smiled and tossed the remainder of the Popsicle to Cricket. Then she turned those blue eyes on him. “I’ve come to make you a proposition.”
A LAYER OF SWEAT glistened across the tops of Aiden’s broad, strong shoulders. Highlighted that soaring eagle tattoo. Beaded down his chest and rippled stomach toward the waistband of his low-slung Levi’s. Unlike the thugs one saw walking the streets of the big city, Aiden did not have a mile of underwear showing. Which only made Paige wonder if he had any on at all or if he’d gone commando. A blue bandana stuck out from his back pocket, and his work boots had a coating of sawdust across the toes.
A low hum vibrated low in her pelvis. There was just something about a shirtless, sweaty, hard-working man that made her want to tear off her clothes. When that hard-working man was as gorgeous and amazing as Aiden, it was a wonder she hadn’t given in to the desire. It took everything she had to compose herself and stick to what she’d come here for in the first place. Which did not include gawking at him or being tempted to stick dollar bills in his shorts.
“A proposition?” A furrow crinkled between his brown eyes.
“Not that kind of proposition.” Although it had crossed her mind. “I’m going to respect what you said the other night even though I don’t agree. Are you willing to listen to my offer?”
He leaned the axe handle against the tree trunk he’d been chopping and folded his arms across that amazing, muscular, sweaty chest. “Shoot.”
She hopped up on the tailgate of his truck. “When I made the decision to buy Honey Hill I knew I couldn’t have that much property or responsibility without a good business plan. And…” She swung her legs back and forth in time with the thoughts swinging through her brain. “I might have dreamed a little too big.”
“Are you afraid of losing the place?”
“Oh. No. Nothing like that.” The concern on his face forced her to quit stalling. “Part of my plan is to expand the orchard. Instead of just trying to sell apples, I plan to create apple products—butter, jelly, cider. That kind of thing. I need to do more research. Crunch some more numbers. Come up with a marketing plan. And—”
“And?” Dark eyebrows shot up his forehead. “That’s not enough?”
“Oh, you know me. Complete one project, come up with ten more.”
“I do remember that about you.”
The smile and slow glide of his eyes over her body said that wasn’t all he remembered.
“And I plan to turn the house into a bed-and-breakfast.”
“Wow. You are ambitious.” He laughed. “But what has this got to do with me?”
“Both my sisters have their own thing going on. And I need a partner.” She hopped down from the tailgate. “You interested?”
“I’m a soldier, Paige. What do I know about cider and bed-and-breakfasts?”
“You’re smart. You know apples. You’re handy with tools. And people love you.”
He shook his head. “Not true.”
“Never disregard the way people feel about you, Aiden. Sometimes… it’s all you have.”
His head came up and something sparked in his eyes that gave her the smallest pinch of hope.
“You don’t have to give me an answer right now. Just think about it.” She gave a whistle to Cricket who reluctantly got up from her cool spot beneath the tree. Paige felt the heat of Aiden’s gaze on her backside as she walked toward her truck. Someday he’d trust his instincts. His gut. His heart. And he’d let life happen. Until then she’d wait. Apparently she’d become quite good at that.
“Why are you doing this, Paige?”
She turned at the sound of his deep voice, inhaled one more glimpse of that mouthwatering physique, and noted the look of complete and utter puzzlement on his face.
“We’re a good team, Aiden.” She lifted her hands in the air then dropped them with a slap against her thighs. “Maybe someday you’ll figure that out.”
Chapter Seven
A WEEK LATER, AIDEN stepped from the shower, wrapped a towel around his waist, and went in search of something decent to wear that didn’t say camo or thread-bare cotton. Five days ago he’d been cornered in the cereal aisle of the Touch and Go Market by Gladys Lewis and Arlene Potter, president and co-president of the Sweet Apple Butter Festival committee. After they charmed him with compliments on his cereal choice—Cap’n Crunch original, not Crunch Berries—and thanked him for his service in the Army, they’d asked him to be a judge in the festival’s apple butter competition. Apparently the prior year there had been a controversy due to favoritism.
How could he refuse the two little blue-hairs? Especially when, mid-sentence, Gladys turned around and smeared a glob of crimson lipstick across her mouth so she’d look pretty for a soldier like him. Or so she said. So now, when he’d rather be enjoying the festivities from where he could blend into the background, he’d be thrust in the spotlight. With respect he would listen to all the nice things people had to say, while deep inside he thought of himself as a total screw-up. He’d failed his best friends. He’d abandoned his dog. And he’d disappointed Paige.
Jesus. He was batting a thousand.
He turned his attention back to matters he could control. There were two sides of clothing choices in his closet. Military and ultra-casual. Not much in-between. He grabbed a freshly laundered button-down shirt off a hanger and jammed his legs through a pair of khakis he’d swiped from Ben’s closet. A split second later he grabbed his keys, headed toward his truck, and prayed he would not be acc
used of favoritism if Paige had entered the contest this year.
A WIDE VARIETY OF SUVs, trucks, and economy cars were parked bumper-to-bumper along the curb at the Town Square—better known as the entertainment hub of Sweet. Whether it was a birthday party, a battle of the bands, or the Fourth of July picnic, it happened in the little park smack dab in the center of town. Though the latticework gazebo had seen better days and the trees were tall and ancient, the folks mingling around the grass lot filled the square with spirit and a sense of renewal.
Aiden glanced past the rainbow of canopies where vendors hawked everything from scented candles to homemade cinnamon rolls to handmade animal puppets. Over the brims of sun-deflecting Stetsons and ball-caps he scanned the area to find the banner that would lead him toward the judging area. He finally spotted it toward the gazebo where someone on the loud speaker called out the winner of the cake-walk. The huge crowd gathered in front of the area made him wonder if he might be late. A quick glance at his watch said he was right on time. As he started toward the crowd, the two charmers who’d conned him into the gig appeared like magician’s assistants.
“My, don’t you look handsome,” Gladys Lewis said through wrinkly lips smeared with carnation pink.
“We thought you might have worn your uniform,” Arlene Potter commented, giving him a questionable once-over.
“I apologize, ladies. I’m no longer a member of the military.”
“Good Lord.” Gladys gave her cohort a whack with her lace fan. “You knew that, Arlene.”
“I’m sorry.”
Not wanting to cause the elderly women to feel uncomfortable, Aiden flashed them both a smile.
“Too bad, though,” Arlene added with a wink. “Nothing hotter than a man in uniform.”
“Good heavens.” Gladys rolled her faded blue eyes. “Come on, young man. Pay no attention to her. She’s just getting old, and her marbles don’t always roll in the same direction.”
The women in their floral dresses and straw hats hooked their arms through his and led him through the crowd. As they drew closer to the gazebo, the festival attendees turned toward them and began to part like a gaping zipper. The whole scene felt odd and a prickle of alarm crept up the back of his neck. Had it not been for the friendly faces turned his way, he may very well have made a beeline in another direction.
“It’s okay, Lieutenant.” Gladys gave him a light pat on his arm. He looked down into the reassuring smile on her weathered face. “We’re just glad to have you home.” She gave a nod toward the gazebo. “Some of us more than others.”
When Aiden looked up he saw Paige in a floaty yellow sundress. Her hair had been pulled back in a long braid, tousled by the summer breeze. Her beautiful mouth lifted at the corners. Aiden swore he’d never seen anything prettier in his life. As she held her hand out for him to join her, his heart went warm and fuzzy.
Gladys and Arlene blended back into the crowd, and he took a few steps forward. It was then he realized Paige wasn’t reaching out to him. She was letting go of a yellow ribbon that slowly fluttered toward the ground. His gaze followed the ribbon down to the green grass and the large golden dog who sat back on his haunches like the most patient soldier.
Aiden’s heart leaped into his throat, and the ever-present ache in his chest disappeared. In a rush of disbelief, he dropped to his knees.
“Rennie!”
The retriever’s massive paws dug into the earth, and within a warm flash of sunshine Aiden had his arms around his friend’s soft, silky neck. Rennie whined and wiggled and did a doggy happy dance. If dogs could smile, Rennie had a full-on grin. Aiden did, too, as Rennie’s long tongue slurped up the side of his face.
“I’ve missed you, boy.”
Aiden thought of all the nights he’d shared his cot with a scared little pup. One who’d grown so big Aiden had considered sleeping on the ground when that cot became too small for the both of them. They’d seen hell together. Shared sorrow. They’d even shared meals. He gave the dog a kiss on the top of his head and laughed at the exultant bark he received in response. With another lick to Aiden’s face, Rennie flopped down on his side and rolled over for a shameless belly rub.
Forgiven.
Just like that Rennie forgave him.
Aiden curled his fingers in the dog’s thick fur and did his best to hide the tears swimming in his eyes. When he looked up, Paige came toward him with Cricket prancing on a leash by her side.
Paige looked at him with those blue eyes and smiled. “Welcome home, Lieutenant Marshall.”
“Welcome home,” the rest of his community cheered.
If there had ever been any doubt of where Aiden belonged or who he belonged to or with, it dissipated right then and there.
He stood. “How did you find him?”
“We found him,” she said, “Eagerly waiting to be brought home to you.”
“We?”
She gave a nod to those surrounding them. “Sweet. All the people you went off to protect. All the people who’ve been waiting to welcome you home. They all came together and made this happen… because they know how much you love this dog. And because they love you.” She tilted her head back and smiled. “Of course, not nearly as much as I do.”
A smile burst from his heart as he looked at the faces surrounding him. “I don’t know how to thank you. Or how to repay you.”
“You owe us nothing in return, Lieutenant Marshall,” Bill McBride returned. “You’ve paid your dues. Just be happy.”
Aiden curled his fingers in Rennie’s thick fur, wrapped his arm around Paige, and gave the Vietnam vet who’d seen plenty during his own tour-of-duty a nod. “I’ll do what I can.”
Paige flashed him a smile then turned it toward the crowd. “All right. Y’all have seen enough. Judging starts in thirty minutes.”
As the crowd slowly dispersed, Aiden shook his head. “Do they always mind you like that?”
“If they want fresh pickles and crunchy lettuce on their burgers, they do.”
He smiled, gazed down into the passion and comfort in her eyes, and brushed a long tendril of honey-gold hair away from her face. His friends—better men than he—had not made it back home. He would not dishonor their memories by taking life and all it offered for granted. He was grateful to have an opportunity to love Paige for the rest of his life. And there was no time like the present to make that happen. If she’d still have him.
“I’m in,” he said.
Her soft golden brows pulled together. “In?”
“The partnership. I’m taking you up on your offer, if it’s still on the table.”
“Of course it is.”
“Good.” He tugged her closer. “Then I accept. On two conditions.”
“Which are?”
“I pay my half up front. Equal partners.”
“That’s one condition.” Her hand slid up to his shoulder. “What’s the other?”
“We make it permanent.”
She leaned her head back as though he’d offended her. “I would never offer you half the business if I didn’t expect it to be long-term.”
“Not the business. You and me.” He lowered his mouth to hers—not caring if they had an audience or if the whole world watched—and he kissed her with everything he felt in his heart. “We’re a good team.”
“Yes. We are.” Her warm fingers caressed the side of his face. “You know, you’re quite the negotiator. Maybe you should think about running for mayor in the fall.”
“Mayor?”
“Why not?” The music of her laughter danced across his skin. “You’ve proven to be quite a service-oriented kind of guy. Running the town should be easy after what you’ve been through.”
He nuzzled her sweet-scented neck. “I might be too busy.”
“You keep that up and I guarantee you will be too busy.”
A playful bark interrupted them and they both looked down to where Rennie was busy snuffling Cricket’s ear.
“Looks like Rennie
’s quite at home here.” Paige laughed. “He might have even found love.”
“He’s not the only one.” Aiden caught Paige’s hand in his and kissed her fingers. “You’re home to me. And while I may never be the man I was before I left here—”
She pressed a finger to his lips. “That’s okay. I’m not the same woman.”
No she wasn’t. She was more. More than he ever expected. More than he deserved. She was a gift he’d treasure always.
“I love you, Paige. I always have. And I want to be with you for the rest of my life.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “Say yes.”
“It’s always been yes, Aiden.” She lifted to her toes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him. “Always.”
Author’s Note
THE INSPIRATION FOR Home Sweet Home came from an article I read about Nowzad—a charity set up to relieve the suffering of dogs, cats, and even donkeys in Afghanistan. They provide and maintain rescue facilities for the care and treatment of these animals. I read the many rescue/reunion stories they have on their website, and my heart was deeply touched. For more information please check out their website at http://www.nowzad.com and donate if you can.
If you loved Home Sweet Home
and want more from the wonderful Candis Terry,
continue reading for an excerpt from
SECOND CHANCE AT THE SUGAR SHACK,
the first in her sexy, funny, and oh-so-delicious
Sugar Shack series…
Available from Avon Books wherever e-books are sold
Kate Silver’s back in town, and her dead mother just won’t leave her alone.
Kate usually spends her days dressing Hollywood A-listers, but after her estranged mother dies she finds herself elbow-deep in flour in her parents’ bakery… in Deer Lick, Montana. She thought she’d left small-town life far, far behind, but it seems there are a few loose ends.
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