Thank You For Loving Me

by Lori Ryan

  “Why?” Devlin asked.

  “All the Sumners know about you and Max.”

  Devlin’s mouth fell open and she gripped the dash as she turned to look at Maggie. “Are you serious?”

  “So much for your late-night booty calls.” Kayleigh laughed. “I think you made the right choice in Sumner boys if that makes you feel any better. I’ve always thought Max was the hottest.”

  “Hey,” Maggie said, glancing over her shoulder.

  Kayleigh raised her hands in defense. “Just kidding.”

  Devlin turned to look at Kayleigh with a smile.

  “No, I’m not,” Kayleigh mouthed. Her long blonde hair was pulled in a high ponytail and it swung from side to side as she shook her head.

  Devlin laughed. Then a thought hit her. Kayleigh was a doctor. Maybe she could help Devlin. Did vets use pregnancy tests?

  She had been too scared to take a pregnancy test in New York, putting it off until she was with Maggie. She knew she would need support if the test was positive, and after reading all the symptoms on the internet, Devlin was pretty sure it would be.

  Honestly, she had no desire to confirm what she already knew was true. If there was no test, then she could pretend all of this was just a nightmare. That’s why she’d hoped for the ride alone with Maggie. Maybe with her best friend’s help, she could find the courage to do what she hadn’t been able to do since she’d realized how late her period was.

  “Max and I are just having fun,” Devlin said, hoping her words were more convincing to Maggie and Kayleigh than they were to herself.

  “Sure you are,” Maggie laughed under her breath.

  “How long are you in town for?” Kayleigh asked.

  “I fly out for New York next Monday.”

  “I’m so glad you flew in to Denver,” Maggie said, patting her knee.

  “That’s the only place to fly into, Mags.” Devlin shook her head.

  “I still have a few more errands to do in the city. We need to pick up our dresses and I need to confirm with the DJ that he’s got all the music I want. It would be so much easier if all these people were in Canyon Creek.”

  “Maybe you guys should think about hiring out some of those people locally,” Kayleigh said.

  Maggie shook her head. “We don’t have a dress shop or music store.”

  “Maybe if you advertised, told business owners you were opening a wedding barn, you’d have some vendors come to town,” Devlin said, welcoming the distraction.

  “That’s true,” Maggie nodded.

  “Are you still coming down the aisle to ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’?” Devlin asked.

  “Oh, I love that song,” Kayleigh cooed in the back seat. “It’s one of the first songs I learned on the violin.”

  “You play the violin?” Maggie asked, glancing up at the rearview mirror.

  “Yes,” Kayleigh said quietly as if sorry she’d mentioned it.

  Maggie nodded toward Devlin. “Well, Devlin’s not a fan of The Wizard of Oz.”

  “I like the song just fine,” Devlin said, glaring at Maggie, “but when you’re forced to watch the stupid movie twenty million times as a kid, you kind of get sick of the song.”

  Maggie laughed. “It was my favorite movie, and my favorite song.” Maggie looked at Devlin and her expression fell. “I’m just glad your family had the video.” Her silent words spoke volumes. Maggie had spent most days at Devlin’s home growing up because hers was so volatile. Not that Devlin’s was functional, but at least there were no drunk, irate parents.

  “What song would you walk down the aisle to?” Maggie asked.

  Devlin laughed. “You know the answer to that.”

  They stopped at a red light and Maggie turned to look at Kayleigh. “Devlin doesn’t plan to get married.”

  “Ever?” Kayleigh said.

  “Nope,” Devlin answered.

  “Why?”

  “Let’s just say I didn’t have the best role models.” Devlin resisted the urge to snort at her own comment. Not the best role models was putting it mildly. Very mildly.

  “Does anyone?” Kayleigh asked. Before Devlin could question her, Kayleigh pointed to the windshield, “Green light.”

  “What about you, Kayleigh?” Maggie asked.

  Kayleigh shrugged. “We’ll see.”

  Devlin knew better than to ask more questions. She didn’t want anyone digging into her drama. She sure as hell wouldn’t dig into someone else’s.

  “We’re here,” Maggie said, sliding into a parking spot and putting the car into park. “I don’t have time for us to check the final alterations of your dress.” She turned to Devlin, looking apologetic. “I’ve got to get back to the lodge and help with the barn. Our first event is in three days and everyone is going a bit crazy.”

  “That’s okay. If anything, I’ve lost weight since the last fitting,” Devlin said. “I’m sure it will fit fine.”

  “Oh, good. I’ll just run inside and grab them. You guys can stay in the car.”

  Thank God, Devlin thought. She really had no idea how she was going to help Maggie with last minute errands.

  Maggie opened the door. “I’ll be right back.”

  As Maggie walked away, Kayleigh leaned through the space between the seats again.

  “Does she know?” Kayleigh asked.

  Devlin glanced over her shoulder. “Know what?”

  “That you’re pregnant?”

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Hey, Lily, where do you want me to put this?” Jake asked as he entered the barn where Max was still sanding the floor.

  It was good to have Jake home. He and Aaron had both arrived earlier that day in preparation for Ben and Maggie’s wedding. Neither one of them took time off work often, so having them home for even a short time meant a lot.

  Max glanced up from his spot on the floor and saw his brother carrying a huge trellis.

  Their cousin, Lily, searched the barn. “Um, over there, in the corner,” she finally answered. She was directing everyone like a stage manager before opening night. “Max can set it up outside later.”

  “I still have to sand the back quarter of the floor and finish the trim, Lily,” Max said with irritation. Even though they’d had the barn ready for the first event a week ago, and the party had been a huge success, Max still had a to-do list a mile long of smaller things to finish before his brother’s nuptials. Maggie had dreamed of perfection for her wedding, and Max, Shawn, and the crew were going to give it to her, come hell or high water—or Lily Sumner.

  Lily leveled him with a look that said she expected him to do that and more. And to do it without complaint.

  “Hey, don’t look at me. It was mom and Maggie who moved up the build-out schedule,” Max said.

  “I know,” she sagged against the wall behind her. “I’m sorry, I’m just nervous. There’s so much riding on this event.”

  Max nodded toward the back hallway. “Put it over there, Jake. I’ll get to it.”

  “Sure thing,” Jake said.

  Max stood from the spot where he’d been sanding the floor and flicked off the machine. The final stain could wait until after the event. “Why are you nervous? You do this shit all the time.”

  She shrugged. “It’s Maggie’s wedding. Besides, I just know how important these first few events will be. Aunt Valerie and you guys really need this venue to do well.”

  Max walked toward his cousin and squeezed her shoulder. She looked as dead tired as he felt. “It will be fine, Lily.” Max looked around the barn. It had turned out even better than anyone could have envisioned. “This is a small event anyway, don’t worry.”

  “It doesn’t matter how big or small an event is,” Lily said, tossing her braided hair over her shoulder. “Every event has to be perfect. And an event for twenty can blow up in your face just as hard as one for two thousand.”

  There had been some kind of catastrophe at Lily’s old job in Denver but Max had never really heard all the deta
ils.

  “Hey, Lily,” Shawn called out as he came into the barn. There had been tension between his cousin and the contractor, but he’d noticed they were working better together nowadays.

  Lily turned. “Hey, Shawn.”

  “The guys from the party warehouse supply in Denver are here. They want to know where to put the tables and chairs.”

  Lily glanced down at her watch. “I totally forgot they were coming. Where the hell am I going to put this stuff if you’re still sanding the floor?”

  “It’s okay, Lil,” Shawn said. “I’ll help you figure out. Come on.”

  Lily gave a small nod but didn’t accept the hand Shawn held out. “Thanks,” she said quietly, following Shawn out of the barn.

  “Hey, man,” someone called behind Max.

  He turned and saw Jake holding out a box.

  “Ben said you might need more sandpaper.”

  “Thanks.” He walked toward Jake and grabbed the box, kneeling to place it on the ground, grimacing as he did. Fuck, his knee hurt.

  “Dude, are you okay?” Jake asked.

  “Yeah, why?” Max asked, wiping his brow.

  “You just groaned and winced like you’re in pain.”

  Max remained silent, fiddling with the sander, but he was grinding his teeth together. He hated that everyone thought they needed to check on him all the damned time. Like he couldn’t do anything because he’d gotten a little beat up in the game.

  “Is it bad? Your knees, I mean?”

  “This physical shit doesn’t help, but I’ll be fine.”

  Jake stepped closer. “Are you sure?”

  Max glared at his brother, thankful it wasn’t Aaron the doctor. None of his family knew the full extent of what Max had gone through with his knees and his back, but Jake had visited a home game once when Max had been out of it, and not because of the concussion he’d suffered. Jake was a smart guy and Max had no doubt he’d realized something was wrong.

  “I’m fine, man. I’m using some holistic stuff. It’s helping”

  Jake nodded.

  “What’s up with you?” Max asked, staring his brother up and down. He looked like he’d been worn ragged. “You look like something hell puked up. Senator got you running crazy?”

  Jake knelt beside Max. “Something like that.”

  “What gives? You look like hell.”

  “Gee, thanks.” Jake’s head fell back, but he didn’t say anything more.

  “Your guy is running for the U.S. senate now, right?” Max asked.

  “Yep. He’s all in.”

  Max eyed his brother. “Are you?”

  Jake shrugged.

  “The guy seems like a dick to me.” Max had never liked Jake’s candidate, but he hadn’t ever said so before.

  Jake rubbed a hand over the back of his neck. “Yeah, I get that. Honestly, I’ve accepted a lot of flaws in his personality because his views and policies are solid. He can help a lot of people and make a lot of good things happen for the people he represents.”

  “And now?”

  Todd Douglas, Jake’s boss, had always wanted to run for political office. He’d been a businessman, but from what Jake said, Todd understood the little guy and knew hard-working people were what made this country great.

  Jake shook his head. “He just seems to be changing his mind about a lot of things, lately.” He scanned the barn. “Hey, what’s up with Warner Noble being here? I know we’re not sworn enemies anymore, but isn’t it a pretty big deal to be taking time away from his own business to help ours?”

  Changing the subject. Typical for Jake Sumner. Max had to admit, it was typical for any Sumner.

  Max followed Jake’s gaze, not surprised to see Warner now helping Lily with decorations and set-up, Sally not far behind.

  “You haven’t heard?” Max asked.

  “About Emmett and Elle?”

  “No, about Warner and Aunt Sally.”

  Jake sat straight up. “You’ve got to be shitting me. They’re together?”

  Max raised his brows. “Yup. Together, together.

  Jake shoved his shoulder. “That’s gross man.”

  Max laughed. “Yeah it is. But it’s nice to see the softer side of Aunt Sally. Apparently, they had a thing back in high school.”

  “Who knew?” Jake laughed.

  Max shoved the sander at Jake. “Here, why don’t you carry some of the weight around here?”

  Jake did just that, taking the machine with a grin and running it over the floorboards closest to him.

  “So what are your plans for after the barn build-out?” Jake asked above the noise of the sander.

  “Move the sander around you moron, you’re gonna burn through that plank.”

  Jake laughed again. “You didn’t answer me.”

  “I’m not sure. I’ve got a few ideas.”

  “Do they involve staying in Canyon Creek?”

  “Some do,” Max said.

  Jake looked up. “Like what?”

  “None of them are concrete.”

  “So you said. But what are they?” Jake moved the sander around the floor, dust particles floating up to his face.

  “You need a mask.”

  “Stop changing the subject,” Jake said, cutting off the machine.

  “Warner and I have talked about a summer sports camp for kids. They’ve got the space to build fields.”

  “Yeah, I heard Ma and Maggie talking about other ideas to increase tourism. They said something about a film festival, hoping to get Grant here.”

  “That was one. They’re also kicking around other ideas.”

  Max didn’t want to share the biggest idea he had. No one except his brother Aaron knew.

  “Like what?” Jake asked.

  “A wine festival, some yoga retreat, maybe a wildflower festival.”

  “Those sound good.”

  Max shrugged. “I guess. Ma will still need help with other stuff even after the barn is done. I’ll stick around for a little while.”

  “I’m really sorry I haven’t been able to come back sooner to help out, and that I can’t stay longer. There’s a lot of shit going down with the campaign right now and I have to get back.”

  “It’s okay, dude. I get it. You guys have other stuff going on right now.” Max didn’t want to pry. Jake already looked beat and Max didn’t want to pour on more guilt.

  Jake turned the sander back on and began to work again.

  “I think Ma’s in good shape for the next few months,” Max said, “especially if we can get the barn and cabins finished up and start implementing some of these festival ideas. Sally’s been helping out a lot. And Uncle Mark has been trying to step in more to lend a hand when he’s here.”

  They worked quietly side-by-side for a while before Max had to take a break. He sat back against the wall. His knees protested with each inch of the transition, until he finally settled with them stretched out in front of him

  He waited until Jake shut the sander off before speaking. “I’ve been approached by the University of Colorado for an assistant coaching position.”

  “Are you shitting me?” Jake asked. “That’s great.”

  Max shrugged. It was great, if that’s what he wanted to do. He just wasn’t sure any more. “It’s a four-hour drive from here.”

  “Yeah, it is but what’s wrong with that? Emmett made the commute just fine for holiday breaks when he attended CU.”

  “Nothing.” Max tilted his head to the ceiling. “Maybe.”

  “When do they want you?”

  “They’re having a coaches’ clinic in two weeks. They want me to come up and look at the team and talk to the staff.”

  “Dude, why didn’t you say anything earlier?”

  “They actually just contacted me a week or so ago. The NCAA just allowed for a tenth assistant coach. I would primarily be dealing with recruiting. Traveling a lot, talking to potential players.”

  “Is that what you want?”

  “I
don’t know. I thought about coaching when I first retired. I never thought of myself as a recruiter though. It would probably be easier, physically, although I’m not sure I want to go back to so much travel.”

  “What the hell are you idiots doing over here?” Emmett asked, slipping up beside them.

  “Max was just telling me—”

  “Where’s your fiancée?” Max asked, cutting Jake off. He didn’t want to share the news of this job offer with his family. Not yet.

  “She’s at the dance studio. She needs to finish up with the girls, then she’s headed over to help out.”

  “Oh, that’s right,” Jake said, “she bought the dance studio she grew up training in, right?”

  “Yep.” Emmett beamed with pride.

  “Dude, why are y’all standing here dickin’ around,” Ben yelled, coming in with an armful of cleaning materials. “We’ve got a barn to finish.”

  The bottles and cloths he carried were wishful thinking. They weren’t ready to start cleaning up yet.

  “Where did you come from?” Max asked.

  “And who the hell put you in charge?” Emmett eyed his brother up and down.

  “Maggie did.”

  “Speaking of Maggie, where is she?” Max asked.

  Ben glanced down at his watch “They should be back any minute.”

  “They?” Max asked.

  “Yeah, Kayleigh went with Maggie to the airport.”

  “Kayleigh?” Emmett grinned. “Good thing Aaron isn’t here.”

  Jake set down the sander. “Why?”

  “Let’s just say, the two didn’t hit it off a few months ago when Ma was in the hospital,” Ben said.

  Jake looked around to each of the brothers, brows raised in a clear question. He wanted the story.

  “Aaron might have called her a pet doctor, or questioned her credentials or something like that.” Emmett laughed. “I thought the girl was going to throat punch Aaron.”

  “Speak of the devil,” Jake said, nodding toward the barn door.

  “Devils,” Emmett corrected.

  Max followed their gazes, his eyes narrowing. Maggie stood in the doorway, Kaleigh at her side. The women were grinning, that evil kind of grin that said they were up to something, and Max’s gut tightened.