by Lietha Wards
When she pulled into the long paved driveway of the ranch house, she could see Debbie sitting on the porch swing waiting for her.
She smiled and waved when she saw her.
Tammy shook her head and smiled back. It was her job to get her up in the morning, yet there she was waiting and she even had her cane. Debbie hated using it, but she did to prevent Tammy’s scolding.
She got out of the car and went up the few steps to the porch. “Let me guess. Elaina?”
“No.”
“Marie?” Marie was the Hartley’s housekeeper and cook. It couldn’t have been Elaina. She was so busy with Zane, her overactive baby, that she barely had time to eat herself. He’d just started walking in the last few weeks.
“No. Believe it or not, I did it myself.” Debbie lifted her chin in pride.
“Impressive.” Tammy lifted a single delicate brow.
“I thought so.”
Tammy chuckled and helped the older woman stand. She was glad to see Debbie more energetic. Multiple Sclerosis can go into remission and even show improvement. Debbie was one of those lucky ones. She’d been in remission for about three years now, and she’d been able to do more things in the past year than previously.
“I enjoy my time with you Tammy. This way I can spend more of it in town having some fun instead of in my room while you help me dress.”
“Either way I enjoy our time too.” Tammy responded genuinely.
Just then Colton came out holding his son who was jabbering a mile a minute in baby talk. He was about ten months old now, and as active as his father. He said a friendly hello to both of them. “Heading to town mum?”
Every time he gave Debbie that endearment she felt her eyes water. Ever since he married her only child, he’d called her mum, mother, or mom. He moved her into their house, with her daughter, paid all of their debts, and hired a nurse, Tammy, to help her out. He treated her as well as he treated everyone in the family and she never felt like a burden to any one of the Hartleys. She truly felt welcome, and if she had a son, she swears she couldn’t love him more than Colton.
“Are you two heading in for breakfast? We could meet up. I’d like to give Elaina a break. She’s just about to crack.” His sensual mouth curled up into a smirk. It was an expression that made him completely irresistible to the opposite sex. Zane squealed and laughed as if on cue, flailing his arms and legs.
Tammy smiled at him adoringly. “We’d love to meet up with you at the diner. We’ll stop at the post office first though. Debbie likes to go through her mail over breakfast.”
“Sure thing. Forty five minutes then?”
“It’s a date,” Debbie said as Tammy helped her down the steps toward the car.
Once she assisted her in the passenger side, and got in behind the wheel, Debbie spoke again.
“How old are you dear?”
“I’ll be twenty-seven this fall,” she answered without thinking too much about it. It didn’t bother her to talk about her age. She did wonder why she was bringing it up, though.
Debbie nodded toward Colt and his son while she backed the car up. “You need one of those.”
“A baby? Debbie, I would love one, but I have to have a man first unless you believe in Immaculate Conception.” She smiled. “Trust me though, I’m no saint so I don’t see that happening either.”
Debbie threw her head back and laughed. “You have a wicked sense of humor Tammy, but why don’t you just do yourself a favor and ask Lance out?”
Tammy rolled her eyes. “Yes, I’ll do that as soon as I see him again.”
“Be careful dear, I might just make you follow up with that dare.”
She chuckled. “I know you would.”
“And you are a saint. You do nothing but help everyone else. You need to take time for yourself.”
“I’m happy.”
“Are you? Because sometimes people stay busy so they don’t have to think about other things.”
“You are not allowed to be as wise as you are,” Tammy countered not meeting her eyes this time.
“I have a disability, so I have plenty of time to think.” She responded with her own sly smile. “Besides, you have love in your eyes whenever you look at that man, and he’s too stupid to see it.”
Tammy spared her a glance. “Maybe I’m too stupid to tell him.” And scared. She didn’t even bother denying it. Debbie was too smart and there’s no way she could convince her or lie to her and say it wasn’t true. It would be pointless. She knew Debbie wouldn’t say anything, just like Tess and Elaina.
Debbie huffed. “Who am I kidding? Neither one of you are stupid. You’re too darn stubborn, and he’s oblivious of anything that could make him happy. Young people are foolish though.”
Tammy laughed. “You are so right about that.”
A few minutes later Tammy pulled up in front of the town’s post office and retrieved her and Debbie’s mail from their boxes. She didn’t bother to look through it because they always did that over breakfast. Debbie was also waiting in the car, so she just gathered it together and placed it on Debbie’s lap back before she drove a few blocks down to the diner. Colton was already there and waved through the window.
Tammy saw Zane standing on his lap putting his chubby fingers on the glass. He smiled and probably squealed when he saw Tammy help his grandmother out of the car because he started patting the window and became more animated. He had quite the volume for such a small body, but will probably roar like his father when he hit puberty. Tammy smiled at the thought.
Colton and Elaina created a very beautiful baby boy. He had grey eyes like his mother, and blonde hair. More than likely it would darken to Colton’s color when he ages, because Elaina’s hair was ebony. Yes, Tammy was completely envious. With genes like those two had, Zane was going to be a heartthrob just like his father, just like all the Hartley men.
Tammy aided Debbie into the booth opposite of Colton and Zane and slid in beside her.
“The special is Eggs Benny,” Colt said.
“My favorite.” Debbie said just as the waitress came over set with a high chair and waited until Colt put his son in it.
Then Colt rooted through the baby bag he brought and pulled out several toys placing them in front of his active son. Zane immediately picked one up and chewed on it.
They dismissed the menus and ordered knowing what they wanted.
“So, what are you two wild ones up to today?” Colt asked looking back and forth between the women.
“Just getting a few things in town and Tammy has to work an evening shift later at the hospital.”
He shifted his attention to Tammy while Zane happily played with his toys. “Tammy, life’s passing you by. Elaina worries about you.”
She shrugged. “It’s not like I don’t have a social life.”
“You don’t have a social life. You work too much.”
“We were just discussing that.” Debbie said giving her son in law a knowing look.
“You put him up to it,” Tammy accused with humor seeing the exchange. She was grateful that Debbie didn’t bring up the conversation about Lance. However, Colton was his brother, and Elaina knew, so chances are, he also knew. He was just not saying anything so as not to embarrass her. She appreciated it because Colt really didn’t care what people thought. It showed her that he respected her feelings. It was touching.
“Actually, Elaina did,” Colton admitted while giving Debbie a sly look. “Also, she’s right. I don’t think you’ve even dated since you’ve moved here. I know there’s interest in you because I get asked about you a lot.”
She shrugged and was grateful the waitress came back and poured them some coffee. She didn’t want another man in her life especially if she couldn’t devote affection to them. It would also be unfair because her heart belonged elsewhere.
After she left, the other two were quiet, and Tammy looked up to see them both staring at her. She sighed conceding to their interrogation. “I’m fine. I real
ly appreciate the concern but can we leave my love life out of this?”
Colt gave her a dimpled Hartley smile; the smile that could make women swoon if they came within sight of it. She was probably the only female immune to it because there was only one Hartley that could make her do that.
“Tammy, we all care about you, and if it hadn’t been for you, I would not have my son and my beautiful wife.”
Tammy felt her face heat up with embarrassment. “You both just needed a push.”
“I needed a push all right, right off a cliff. I was blind. I should have seen the signs with her. I loved her too much and was hurt by her actions. I should have fought for her.”
She shook her head not wanting to take credit for their union. They were both just stubborn, but were very much in love with one another. “It would have happened eventually. Elaina loved you so much.” There’s that smile again. She felt herself smile in return.
“Yes, but stubborn as sin.”
“I agree,” piped in Debbie. “And she’s my daughter. She was using me as an excuse not to be with Colton because she didn’t think she deserved that type of happiness and that it wouldn’t last. Just like you.”
“See?” Colt said as if that made all the sense in the world.
“You two are conspiring. Stop.”
Debbie chuckled and Colt just kept smiling like he was right.
Tammy palmed her coffee cup in her hands and stared into it for a moment. “I appreciate you two. I appreciate all of you. I could never brag about having such wonderful friends before I moved here.” She lifted her head and looked at the both of them. “I do really enjoy what I do. I enjoy my good friends and my life. I honestly don’t feel as though I’m missing anything.”
Colt leaned back in his seat and stared at her for a moment contemplating what she’d just said. When he spoke his tone had changed to concern. “Someone really worked you over didn’t they?”
Her jaw clenched.
“A man?”
She never said anything.
He nodded slowly. “Okay Tammy. Obviously this is too personal. We’ll drop it.”
“For now,” Debbie added not willing to let this go. Tammy spent her career looking out for everyone else, now she should have some time for herself.
Tammy felt herself smile slightly. Their concern was moving. She never really had anyone care for her enough to pry into her personal life. Although she was unfamiliar with it, and it was invasive, it made her feel loved.
***
The rest of the morning went quickly. Tammy took Debbie to get her hair done, and then she wanted to shop for the baby that Colt and Elaina were now expecting. Before they knew it they were home before lunch. Tammy helped Debbie into the house before she went back out and got her bag.
Debbie went into the living room and Tammy joined her taking the seat beside while she fished her mail out of her bag. They never went through it at the diner because they spent that time visiting. She sorted through it while Debbie was talking about how excited she was to be a grandmother again. Tammy was listening intently, feeling that same excitement as Debbie was. She was just as eager to meet the baby. Nothing was more rewarding to watch them grow and learn and she loved babies. In fact, she really would love one of her own. It saddened her a little that she wasn’t a mother yet. Although she knew she could have children later, she would have to meet a man first. Her heart was already devoted to one man who didn’t seem that intent on settling. It hurt that she was being so stupid and putting her chances of having a baby aside because she pined for one man. She should seek out another, but it just seemed so futile. Debbie was right. She should just tell him and see what his response would be. Then she would know for certain if he was interested in a relationship. Oh, who was she kidding? She was scared—terrified of opening herself up to him.
She flipped absently through her own mail; bills, subscription requests, and then her world stopped. A particular envelope had caught her attention and made her breath hitch.
Debbie’s talking started to muffle into the back of her mind as Tammy stared at familiar handwriting on a plain white envelope. She started to shake.
“Tammy?” Debbie finally noticed that her friend was no longer involved in the conversation.
Colt had strolled in the room to tell them lunch was on the table. Tammy was as white as a sheet, and Debbie was just staring at her.
“Tammy?” he repeated.
She slowly looked up to him. She could feel the blood drain from her face.
“What the hell’s wrong?” He didn’t miss her expression.
“I—I—the letter.” She showed him what she was holding. “It’s in my father’s writing.” The words came out in barely a whisper. He’d hardly heard her.
He looked confused and concerned at the same time. “That didn’t answer the question Tammy. You look like hell so what is going on?”
“I—they don’t write.” She knew her explanation didn’t make any sense, but she was shocked, so his concern was genuine. No one saw her in this state before. She was always lighthearted and cheerful.
“A hell.” Getting no answer from Tammy, he turned and yelled over his shoulder. Though, he really didn’t have to. His bellowing could be heard outside. “Lanie!” It was his nickname for his wife.
Elaina came bustling in at the roaring of her husband. Her hands moving over her protruding pregnant belly. “What on earth—Colt you could raise the dead—“
He nodded toward a ghost white Tammy who was still turning and envelope over in her hand. “Maybe you can make sense of this.”
She instantly rushed over and sat beside her. “Tammy, what’s wrong? You look awful.”
She showed her the envelope. “I haven’t heard from my father in five years. I mean I call every six months, but he’s never home and—” She swallowed hard cutting off her own words. It wasn’t easy to explain things from her personal life.
“Oh dear. Is everything okay?” Elaina squeezed her hand.
She looked around the room and realized that everyone in the house had flooded into the room and was staring at her. They were so quiet, she didn’t hear. Even Lance was standing there, right behind Colt, who currently had his hands on his hips showing his frustration. He, like the rest of them, were worried. “I’m sorry everyone.” She took a deep breath. She was a pro at masking her emotions, but it escaped her this time.
“Why are you apologizing Tammy?” Colt said his irritation evident even though it was out of concern. “What is wrong with hearing from your father?”
“It’s not my father, really. He usually kept out of everything.” She bent her head and rubbed her forehead. She really didn’t want to talk about this, but now she had everyone worried about her. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to get things out in the open. “I’m just embarrassed.” She knew she was still making no sense.
“I’m pretty sure I’ve topped just about everything in that area,” Colt piped up again.
She gave a weak smile appreciating his attempt at humor. She remembered the stories when he was chasing Elaina. She nodded. “Thanks Colt, I appreciate your concern. It’s just that he wouldn’t write me unless it was really serious—like a death in the family.”
“Is there something we can do?” he asked.
Tammy never thought she could appreciate this family more than she did at that moment. No one even asked her why she was estranged from her own because they didn’t want to pry. They only wanted to make sure she was okay.
Debbie put a hand on her shoulder. “Open the letter dear.” Her voice was calm and encouraging.
She nodded and apprehensively tore it open. It was an invitation.
“Well?” Colt said impatiently getting a warning look from his wife. He raised his brows as if he didn’t do anything wrong.
Tammy’s eyes scanned the familiar hand writing after the elegant script. A look of relief came over her features. “My brother is getting married. My father and my brother would like m
e to be there.” At least it wasn’t bad news, but still her expression hadn’t changed and the others noticed.
“Isn’t that good?” Elaina asked hesitantly.
Tammy nodded and met her friend’s concerned gaze. “I love them both very much.”
“Then, what has you so scared?”
She took a deep breath and scanned the concerned expressions around her. Lance looked completely composed though, but she did know he wouldn’t be there if he didn’t care. Her heart warmed, and with that she was able to open up a little more. “I was engaged to a man when I was eighteen. Well, it was sort of arranged to happen before that.”
“Arranged marriage?” Elaina clarified in surprise.
“Not really and yes. My mother had an agreement with a family who was rather wealthy. It’s not unusual in our circles. We were paired at an early age. They expected us to marry. When I turned eighteen, I took off.” She left a lot of details out, but that was something she really didn’t want anyone to know about.
“Couldn’t you talk your parents out of this?” Elaina asked.
“My father, yes. My mother, not on your life.” She took another deep breath not liking the memories of the horrible arguments. The repercussions of disagreeing with her ways will haunt her forever. Ungrateful, horrible spoiled child, you are no relation to me!
Elaina felt a slight tremble under her hand and when she met her mother’s eyes she saw that she felt it too. “What can we do?”
She forced a smile. “I need to go. I have to be there for Royce. He’s my brother and regardless of my actions, I want to be there for him.”
“Do you mind?” Elaina indicated to the invitation and Tammy handed it to her. Her eyes scanned the words. “New York?”