Marrying Molly

by Linda Hope Lee

  Molly cut off a piece of her chicken drumstick and speared the meat with her fork. “He’s still staying with Sara and Jackson. They’re probably eating dinner, like we are.”

  “When will he come visit us?”

  Molly chewed and swallowed. “I don’t know. He’s busy with his work. How about some more beans?” She nodded to the bowl of lima beans in the center of the table.

  “Nuh uh.” With a shake of her head, Karli held her hand over her plate. “But he came when I was sick.”

  “I know, but you’re well now.”

  “But when is he gonna come and see us?” Karli stuck out her chin.

  Molly put down her fork. Now might be a good time to remind Karli that Steve would soon be leaving Red Rock. “I can’t answer your question. But, remember, Steve doesn’t live here on the ranch, like we do. He’s only visiting. He’ll be leaving soon and going back to his home in New York City. Then we won’t see him any more. Now, please, darlin’, eat your dinner.”

  Karli wouldn’t give up and talked about Steve all through the meal.

  Each mention of his name stabbed Molly in the heart. Finally, in desperation, she said, “We might see him this Sunday.”

  Karli’s face broke into a smile. “He’s coming here?”

  “No. Sara and Jackson are having a barbecue at their house, and everyone from the ranch is invited.”

  “Like a party?”

  “Yes. But, remember I said, maybe Steve will be there. He might have something else to do that day.”

  Karli’s smile lingered, and she said no more about him.

  Molly worried that she shouldn’t have raised Karli’s hopes about seeing Steve. She had to admit she yearned to see him again, too. If he wasn’t at the barbecue, after all, then both she and Karli would be disappointed.

  ****

  On Sunday afternoon, a bright, hot, sunny day, Molly and Karli headed down the road to the Jacksons’ for the barbecue. A wave of nostalgia rolled over Molly. She and Buck had always enjoyed attending the parties Jackson and Sara gave for their ranch employees. This would be the first one without him at her side.

  Molly gripped Karli’s hand tighter. “It’s just you and me now,” she whispered.

  “What, Mommy?”

  “I said, ‘It’s a nice day for a party.’”

  “It is. And I want to hurry and get there.” Karli skipped ahead, tugging Molly along.

  The party was already underway when they arrived. Smoke rose from the backyard barbecue pit, where Jackson stood over sizzling steaks, hot dogs, and foil-wrapped corn on the cob. The tantalizing aroma of the cooking food filled the air.

  On the other side of the lawn, a five-piece band made up of the ranch hands played a fast polka. Several guests stood nearby clapping their hands to the music’s beat, while others strolled the grounds sipping drinks and munching hors d’oeuvres.

  Molly and Karli greeted Sara and Jackson, Teresa and her husband, and some of the others. All the while, Molly covertly scanned the crowd looking for Steve. For Karli’s sake, she told herself.

  She didn’t see him, and a twinge of sadness pinched her chest. However, she did spot Jackson’s horse trainer, Dirk Lamont.

  He caught her eye, flashed a wide smile, and headed across the lawn. “Hey, Molly, Karli. How’re you two doin’?” He tipped his cowboy hat and gazed down at them with his bright blue eyes.

  Molly returned his smile. “We’re good, thanks. Busy at the bakery. Karli’s back at Teresa’s.” She swung her daughter’s hand.

  “Right. Heard she was under the weather and glad she’s better. Sara treatin’ you okay?”

  “She’s the best.”

  Dirk shifted from one booted foot to the other and cleared his throat. “Ah, I’ve been thinkin’ maybe you’d like to go into town sometime, take in a movie?”

  Molly blinked. Dirk was asking her for a date. Yet when she thought about his request, why was she surprised? Over the past week or so, he’d stopped in the bakery office several times to chat.

  Why not go out with him? She and Buck often went into Red Rock to the cozy movie house for a night out. And Dirk appeared to be a nice enough guy.

  “Well, I…” Over Dirk’s shoulder, Molly caught sight of Steve stepping out the back door of the house. Her heart rocketed against her ribcage.

  Steve hesitated on the top step of the porch, looking over the crowd.

  Their gazes collided. Even though a distance separated them, Molly felt a connection. Time froze. Voices and music faded into the background.

  Then he smiled and lifted his left hand in a salute.

  Feeling warm inside, she smiled and returned his wave.

  “Steve!” Karli broke away from Molly and ran to him.

  “Molly?”

  Dirk’s voice jolted Molly. She offered an apologetic smile. “Sorry, Dirk. I…what were you saying?”

  His gaze flicked from her to Steve, and a tight smile crossed his lips. “Some other time, then.” He tipped his hat and turned to leave.

  “Yes, some other time,” she said to his retreating back.

  Molly spun to see Steve lean down and put his arm around Karli’s shoulders. She beamed and snuggled against him, and Molly’s heart turned over.

  Steve disengaged himself from Karli and straightened. Locking gazes with Molly and taking Karli by the hand, he headed toward her.

  “I wondered if you’d be here today,” Molly said when the two reached her side.

  “Can’t miss one of Jackson’s famous barbecues. But were you and Dirk…” He nodded in Dirk’s direction.

  Molly heard the question in Steve’s voice. “We were only saying hello. I was about to take Karli to play with the other kids.” She gestured to a corner of the yard where Teresa’s teenage helper, Jasmine, coached the children in a game of dodge ball.

  “I wanta stay here.” Karli shook her head and swung her and Steve’s clasped hands.

  “We’ll all go over.” Steve smiled down at Karli. “You can join the game while I talk to your mom.”

  He cast Molly a meaningful glance over Karli’s head.

  Molly’s nerve endings tingled. What did he want to talk about? More about Angie? Or about what might be happening between the two of them?

  At the dodge ball game, Jasmine waved Karli into the group. After Molly and Steve watched the children play for a few minutes, Steve motioned to the picnic table holding the drinks. “How about a glass of cider?”

  “I’d love one.” She hadn’t had anything to drink yet, and some refreshment would be welcome.

  Steve filled a couple glasses with the cider, and they began a stroll around the yard. Molly sipped her drink, savoring the sweet taste. She cast Steve a covert glance, wondering when he would tell her what was on his mind.

  Finally, he spoke. “I wanted to tell you why I haven’t contacted you for the past few days.”

  Although she’d been anxious to know, she gave a careless shrug. “I figured you were busy.”

  “Yeah, I have been. But I’ve been worried I told you too much about myself. Why would you want to get involved with me and all my baggage?”

  Molly thought of the butterfly ornament hidden away in the broom closet. I’m more involved than you know.

  “I’m glad you told me, Steve. I don’t think any less of you. In fact, I admire you for wanting to keep your promise to your godparents.”

  “Thanks, Molly. Your opinion means a lot.” He looked down at his cider glass, swirling the remaining contents, and then met her gaze. “Should I disappear now?”

  “Oh, no… I mean, unless you want to.”

  “I don’t. I’d rather hang out with you and Karli.”

  “She’ll love that.” And so will I.

  As they exchanged smiles, warmth spiraled through Molly. Perhaps this party would be fun, after all.

  On the way back to the dodge ball game, Molly promised herself she would tell him about the ornament. But now wasn’t the time. Now, they would enjoy t
he barbecue.

  When Jackson announced dinner was ready, Molly, Steve, and Karli joined the buffet line. Molly dished up barbecued chicken for herself and Karli. Steve filled his plate, too, and led them to one of the picnic tables.

  After they were settled and had spoken to the others seated nearby, Steve turned to Karli, who sat between him and Molly. “So, you’re all better now?”

  “I am.” Karli sipped her chocolate milk through a straw.

  “And you’re back at Teresa’s?”

  “Yep. And you promised me a surprise when I got better.”

  A startled look crossed Steve’s face.

  He cleared his throat. “You’re right, I did. I forgot.”

  “Don’t worry about it.” Molly buttered a roll and set it on Karli’s plate.

  Steve held up a hand. “No, I can’t go back on my promise, can I?”

  “No.” Karli bounced up and down in her seat. “So what is the surprise?”

  For a moment, his brow wrinkled then his eyes brightened, and he snapped his fingers. “How’d you like to ride a horse again?”

  Molly’s stomach tightened. How could he suggest horseback riding, of all things, without checking first with her? “Oh, no, we’re not ready for that.”

  “This is a different kind of horse.” Steve stabbed a slice of barbecued chicken with his fork and popped it in his mouth.

  “Different, how?” Karli’s brow puckered.

  “When we go to Funland, you’ll find out. That’s part of the surprise.”

  Molly’s tension eased. Funland was a theme park near Denver. Steve must be talking about riding a fake horse rather than a real one. Still, she wished he’d consulted her before revealing his surprise to Karli.

  Steve met Molly’s gaze over Karli’s head. “But, like always, we have to check with your mom. What do you say, Molly?”

  Karli turned to Molly. “Say ‘yes,’ Mommy, say ‘yes.’” Molly idly smoothed her napkin on her lap. Despite the nature of the outing, and despite being together today, she still worried that spending too much time with Steve wasn’t good for Karli. He was not someone permanent in their lives. Still, saying “no” would send a bad message about keeping promises.

  She looked up and forced a smile. “Well, a promise is a promise, so I guess we’ll have to help Steve keep his.”

  ****

  Saturday morning, Molly and Karli walked to the main house to meet Steve for their outing. When he came to the door, Molly noticed his sling was missing.

  “Your arm.” Molly pressed her hand to her chest.

  “All well.” Steve held up his arm and flexed his wrist. “I went to see Mike yesterday. He took off the sling and said I can start using my arm again. He wants me to have physical therapy, though, which I will start Monday.”

  “You went into town?” Without me?

  Steve stepped out the door and onto the porch. “Yeah, I hitched a ride with Jackson. He had to meet one of his buyers. But today I’m behind the wheel.” He pointed his thumb at his chest.

  “You didn’t like my driving,” Molly said, as she and Karli followed Steve down the porch steps to his rental car.

  He tossed a grin over his shoulder. “Your driving was fine. But I never realized how much you lose when you can’t drive. So, Karli, we’re both well now. What do you think of that?”

  Karli jumped from the last step onto the path. “Do I still have to sit in the back seat?”

  Steve laughed. “’Fraid so. That’s where you’re the safest, no matter who’s driving.”

  They soon were on their way. As they drove along the freeway, Molly’s thoughts drifted. She was glad Steve had regained his independence, but now he’d move back to the hotel. And then he’d leave Red Rock and return to New York. She glanced at him as he talked over his shoulder to Karli.

  “…Maybe your mom knows the answer,” he was saying.

  “Do you, Mommy?”

  Molly snapped to attention. “Hmm? What?”

  “You’ve been off somewhere,” Steve said. “Penny.”

  “I was thinking what a nice day it is.” She gestured toward the window, glancing out at the clear, sunny sky, with only a few lazy clouds drifting over the mountain peaks. “What were you two talking about?”

  “Horses.”

  Molly sighed. “Karli’s favorite subject—next to you.”

  “Me?” Eyebrows raised, Steve thumbed his chest.

  “Yes, that’s all she’s talked about all week—you and this trip. What about horses?”

  “She wants to know why they have four legs, instead of two, like we have.”

  “Oh, boy, that’s a good one.” She turned so that she could better talk to Karli. “Maybe they have four legs so they can run fast.”

  “I already told her that one.” Steve chuckled.

  Molly threw up her hands. “Well, there you go. Is that a good enough reason, honey?”

  Karli’s brow knitted. “I think it’s so they have a back you can sit on.”

  “You would think of that reason,” Molly said, and they all laughed.

  ****

  Half an hour later, after parking the car in a lot and paying the admission, they walked through the turnstile to Funland. Molly gazed around. Several paths led in different directions. The hum of the various rides floated on the air, along with the aromas of hot dogs and popcorn.

  “What do you want to do first?” Steve bent over and asked Karli.

  “Ride the horses,” Karli said without hesitation.

  Steve laughed. “I shoulda known. But remember, I told you the horses we’ll ride here are different than the horses on the ranch.”

  “Different?” Karli wrinkled her nose.

  “You’ll see.” Steve ran a forefinger over the map they’d been given at the gate. “Okay, I know where we want to go.” He pointed to one of the paths.

  Steve led them along that path awhile, and then another, winding their way farther into the park.

  They finally stopped in front of the merry-go-round, where Molly had guessed they were headed. She glanced at Karli expecting to see a frown rather than a smile, once she realized the horses were wooden instead of real.

  But Karli clapped her hands and jumped up and down with apparent delight.

  They joined the line and soon climbed on the platform for the next ride. Karli picked out her horse, painted a bright yellow with a red and blue bridle, and Steve helped her to mount. Molly positioned herself by Karli, while Steve chose a black horse nearby. The music began, and the merry-go-round started, slowly at first, and then faster and faster.

  “Hang on, darlin’.” Molly kept her hand firmly at Karli’s back.

  “I’m fine, Mommy.”

  Karli and Steve laughed at each other gliding up and down at opposite times. Finally, Molly let herself relax and join in the laughter, too.

  After a couple more rides, Karli agreed she’d had enough, and they left the merry-go-round.

  “We might as well hang around for a while,” Steve said, and led them down another path.

  “I want to ride in those little cars.” Karli pointed to the bumper car track.

  Worry shot through Molly, and she shook her head. “You’re way too young.”

  “They wouldn’t let you drive one, Karli,” Steve agreed, “but you could ride in one with me.”

  Molly scrunched her brows into an “are-you-insane?” look.

  “Yes. Yes.” Karli jumped up and down. “Please, Mommy.”

  The cars lurched around the track like big bugs. Several of them included a child passenger. Everyone appeared to be having fun, laughing and shouting as they rammed each other’s cars.

  Molly sighed. “All right.” She stood at the fence watching Steve and Karli in their little red bug, as they bumped and thumped around the track. Once when they passed by, she waved, and they waved back.

  At last, they returned to her side, and she blew out a sigh of relief. But the sight of Karli’s flushed face prompted Moll
y to place a hand on her forehead. “Are you okay, honey?”

  “I had fun.” Karli clapped her hands.

  “She was a good bumper,” Steve added.

  Molly hoped that would be the end of the rides, but they’d no sooner started down the pathway again when Karli pointed a finger and said, “I want to ride that one.”

  Karli’s choice this time was a long pole with a bullet-shaped compartment on either end that turned around and around like the hands on a clock.

  Steve nodded toward the ride’s boldly lettered sign. “Ah, the Rocket Space Ship.”

  Molly’s chest tightened. She stopped and hugged her arms. “No. Absolutely not.”

  Steve stuck his hands in his slacks pockets. “I’ll have to agree with your mom. Besides, there are rules about how big a person has to be to take some of the rides, and I’m betting you wouldn’t pass the test for this one. Look, there’s the sign that tells how tall you need to be.” He pointed to a square sign near the ride’s ticket booth.

  Molly followed Steve’s direction, and her tension eased. Here was a way out from an authority higher than hers. “Steve’s right, honey. The sign says you need to be forty-eight inches tall.”

  “Aren’t I that tall?” Karli stood straight.

  “No. Don’t you remember Dr. Mike’s nurse measuring you when we visited him?”

  “Nuh uh.” Karli shook her head.

  “Well, she did, and you’re forty inches. You need eight more to be able to ride the Rocket Space Ship.”

  Karli stared at the ground and poked out her lower lip.

  “Wait until you’re older.” Steve patted Karli’s shoulder.

  Karli looked up, squinting against the bright sunlight. “Why don’t you go on the ride, Steve? You’re tall enough.”

  Steve laughed and rubbed his jaw. “I just might. Looks like fun.” He turned to Molly. “What’s wrong, Molly?”

  He must have seen the stricken look she knew was on her face. She’d thought that with Karli being disqualified the danger had passed, but now a new fear loomed. “N-nothing.” She glanced away and bit her lip. “It’s just, I’m not good with dangerous rides—for anyone.”

  “This one’s not dangerous—”

  Blood pumping double time, Molly straightened and propped her hands on her hips. “I bet it is. I’ve read about horrible accidents on these kinds of rides. Why do you want to take unnecessary risks? You’re just like—” Molly clamped her jaw shut. She’d almost said, “You’re just like Buck,” but stopped herself in time.