by LuAnn McLane
Becca took a sip of her tea and then said, “Let me make this easy for you.”
“Okay.” Jimmy’s heart thudded. Was she about to give him the let’s-be-friends-speech and beat him to the punch? He sure hoped so.
“I’m in love with you.” Becca tilted her head, waiting for his response, but Jimmy didn’t know what the hell to say to her. “This is the part when you say it back,” she prompted with a smile.
“I...” Jimmy cleared his throat while thoughts buzzed around in his head like angry bees. “I’m completely wrong for you, Becca.”
“And why is that, precisely?”
“I’m just a plain ole country boy.”
“Evidently, I like country boys.” She lifted one delicate shoulder and continued to smile. “Who knew?” she asked as she unfolded her napkin and placed it on her lap. She picked up her fork and stabbed a strawberry.
“Won’t you be going back to London soon?”
“I’ve succeeded in renting out my house.” She snapped her fingers. “It happened that quickly, as I knew it would. I’ll have to go back now and again for business purposes, and I promised Garret that I’d help out with Lily when they head back to London to film Sing for Me.”
“So you’ll live in this cabin?” he asked, while his brain tried to process what was going to be a much different conversation than he expected.
“For now.” She chewed the strawberry, but when he remained silent, she put her fork down.
“Becca...”
She pressed her lips together and her smile finally faltered. “So you don’t feel the same way about me, then?”
“It would never work.”
“You’re avoiding the question.” She toyed with her straw, waiting.
“So would you live in a plain little cabin and ride around in my old truck?”
“Why are you so afraid to spend money?”
“Because I hate it.”
“Money?”
“Being wealthy.”
“How odd.”
He shrugged.
“Why?”
Jimmy felt a muscle jump in his jaw. “Because I grew up dirt-poor.” He paused to swallow hard. “My father was a landscaper in Florida. He worked for rich folks and was treated like a dog most of the time.”
“I came from humble beginnings, Jimmy. I’m not and never will be like that. I’m so sorry that your father wasn’t treated with respect. There’s nothing more despicable.”
“I know you better than that, Becca. You’re one of the kindest people I’ve ever known.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“The problem is, that spoiled, rich—I’m sorry—bitch insisted that my father get her yard ready for a damned party. Rather than risk being fired, he worked during a storm and was struck dead by lightning while trimming dead leaves from a palm tree.”
Becca sucked in a breath. “I’m so very sorry.”
“Yeah, I was just a kid.” He ran a hand down his face. “And my poor mother...”
“And you’ve held it against wealthy people for all these years?”
Jimmy nodded. “It’s not fair. I know that now. In large part because of getting to know you, Becca. I was wrong to be so judgmental and narrow-minded. Ironic if you sit back and think about it, you know?”
Becca reached for his hand again. “None of us are perfect.”
“You’re pretty damned close,” Jimmy said with a small smile. “Ah, but, Becca, I wouldn’t be able to make you happy.”
“Don’t you think I should be the judge of that?” She rubbed her thumb over his knuckles, and he felt such a strong pull of attraction that he almost picked up her hand and kissed it.
“Look, you’ve worked hard for what you’ve got, and you should live the kind of life that you’re accustomed to. Baby, I just can’t do it.”
“Spend money?”
He nodded. “I don’t expect you to understand.”
“You’re wrong. I do understand. I was married to a man who lived for making money and not much else, so I developed my own issues with it. To me, it’s just a commodity. I don’t even think about it all that much. I’ve lost lots of money and made it back, and I actually found the challenge of rebuilding more enticing. Other than caring for my children, I didn’t think about it all that often. When I stumbled, I picked myself back up and started all over again.”
“A healthy attitude.”
“You still have a lot to learn about me, Jimmy.”
“I could never live the kind of lifestyle that you enjoy. You travel in very different circles. Damn, you’re so far out of my league it isn’t even funny.”
“That’s utter nonsense.”
“Becca...”
“Do you love me, Jimmy?”
He looked away so she couldn’t see the answer in his eyes. “It wouldn’t work.”
“So what were you going to tell me?”
“That we should just be friends.”
“It’s too late for that, and we both know it,” she said with stormy eyes.
Jimmy shook his head. “I just can’t stomach riding around in fancy cars and traveling all over the world. We’re just too different to fit well together. I’ve given this some serious thought.”
“Oh, I’ve thought about how well we’d fit together...,” she said, and slanted him a look that made his toes curl.
“Believe me—I have too, but you deserve a man who is willing to share your life, not just your bed.”
“Then do both!” She gave him a level look and her eyes widened. “I just had a lightbulb moment.” She smiled and then laughed. “The answer is so bloody simple!” She raised her hands so her palms faced upward.
“Are you going to enlighten me?”
Becca raised her chin a notch. “Admit that you love me first, country boy. I deserve that much, don’t you think?”
21
Joy to the World
BECCA’S HEART POUNDED WHILE SHE WAITED FOR JIMMY to answer. She’d never told a man she loved him before he’d said it first, and it felt empowering to take her love life into her own hands. Jimmy’s story about his father broke her heart, and she could understand why he detested the arrogance of wealth. “Well?”
“Becca, there’s no use denying it. I love you,” Jimmy finally said, but with enough regret in his voice to make it hurt rather than feel good.
“Well, I guess since I forced that out of you, I shouldn’t be disappointed about how you sounded when you professed...or rather, woefully admitted your feelings for me.”
“Because admitting how I feel about you won’t change the sad fact that our lives will never mesh.” He leaned back in his chair and sighed. “Why can’t you see that?”
“Are you forgetting that I have the solution to your so-called problem?”
“Okay, then, lay it on me, sugar.”
“Jimmy.” Becca leaned forward and tapped her fingertip on the table. “Use your money for the greater good. Find some way to give back. Money can do wonderful things too, you know.”
Jimmy lifted one shoulder, clearly not impressed with her lightbulb moment. “I give a lot to charities, Becca.”
“No,” Becca said, really warming up to the idea. “I mean do something that you can get involved with on a personal level, so you can see your money working. Make it part of your everyday life. A nonprofit of some sort,” she said, and felt a sense of excitement when his eyes lit up with interest. “Shall I go on?”
“Is there any stopping you?”
“Absolutely not.”
Jimmy cupped his chin, rubbing his thumb back and forth, while seemingly taking her suggestions seriously. “But I don’t know what that might be. Becca, I’m good at fishing. It’s really been my whole life. I don’t know anything else that I could get involv
ed with.”
Becca mulled his answer over for a moment. “Who taught you to fish?”
“My daddy.” Jimmy’s eyes misted over and he swallowed hard. “We had fun fishin’ together, but it was to put food on the table, not just for sport. But it bonded us.” He threaded his fingers together. “And fishing is something that, once learned, you can do for life.” He shook his head. “I don’t see where I could do anything...,” he said, but then trailed off and nibbled on his bottom lip.
“What? You just thought of something. I can see it in your baby blues.” Becca felt a flash of excitement. “Come on and tell me.”
“Well...” Jimmy pointed across the lake to where his cabin sat with other similar small dwellings. “Those cabins are used by the Mayfields for fishing tournaments and summer rentals. But now that Mason has the brewery and Mattie has the bistro, they aren’t doing many tournaments and the cabins have mostly been sitting empty. I’m supposed to help Danny out, but we haven’t gotten as much interest as in the past.”
“Carry on.”
“Well, if the Mayfields would be willing to sell the cabins to me, I could envision having fishing camps for underprivileged children.”
“Oh, I love it!” Becca nodded firmly. “Fishing requires concentration and patience. I could see how learning to fish would help kids in more ways than just having an affordable hobby.” Becca felt her breath catch. “Oh, Jimmy, your idea is simply brilliant!”
Jimmy grinned, making Becca’s heart fill with absolute joy. “I have my moments. They are few and far between, but still,” he said, and looked down as if seeing his lunch for the first time. He popped a chunk of pineapple in his mouth. He seemed lost in thought while he ate more fruit, and then ideas started spilling out of his mouth as if floodgates were opened.
Becca picked up her iPad and started taking notes, adding suggestions here and there when she could manage to get a word in edgewise.
“There are plenty of men over in the Whisper’s Edge retirement community who would be great helping out. Instant grandpas for these kids, and they would have plenty of patience.”
“And feeling good about having the ability to help out. Seniors and kids are the perfect combination.”
Jimmy nodded and then took a healthy bite of his sandwich. “Oh wow, this is really good.”
“Mattie’s recipe, but Sophia has mastered it, I daresay.” She held her finger and thumb an inch apart. “She’s this close to getting the biscuits down pat.”
“You must be so proud of your kids.”
“They are the joy of my life. And now I have little Lily...,” she said, and then felt her eyes tear up. She gave him a watery laugh. “I just adore her. I can’t wait until she can call me Nan.”
“I could see the love in your eyes while you held her, Becca. It’s when I knew that I’d fallen deeply in love with you.”
“Oh, Jimmy.” She had to use her napkin to dry her eyes, but then she had to laugh. “I remember being so pissed at you at Sully’s when you snubbed me. And I was sitting there thinking you were so sexy.”
His eyebrows shot up. “Are you serious?”
“Oh, I sure didn’t want you to know it.”
“And now?”
Her heart thudded. “Now I want you to kiss me.”
Jimmy stood up and offered his hand. Once she was on her feet, he pulled her into his arms. Becca melted against him. When he dipped his head and captured her mouth, she felt a thrill of excitement that slid all the way to her toes. It was as if his kiss healed all of the hurt she’d felt in her life, and the broken pieces of her past fell into place.
Jimmy pulled back and cupped her chin in his big, callused hand. “Thank you.”
Becca leaned her cheek into his palm. “For what?”
“For knocking some sense into my fool-hard head.”
“Anytime.” Becca laughed. “You’re quite welcome.”
Jimmy rubbed his thumb back and forth over her chin. “We’re gonna do good things together, aren’t we?”
Becca nodded. “There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind.”
“I’ll give Danny Mayfield a call later and see if they’re interested in selling the cabins and the surrounding land. If not, I’m sure we can set up a rental from them. To be honest, I think that Danny needs to spend more of his time with his carpentry work anyway.”
“Oh, I agree. The coffee table is gorgeous, and the rocking chair he made for Mattie is so pretty too.” Becca nodded. “And I’ll get Gracie involved with the marketing end of this. Hopefully this will be another project to keep her in Cricket Creek. It’s hard to keep her in one place for very long before she feels the need to roam.” Becca sighed.
“I thought maybe Mason Mayfield might solve that problem for you.”
“Oh, she’s in love with the boy. I have no doubt. She even told me so.”
“Maybe that love will be strong enough to keep her grounded. Keep her here.”
Becca nodded but wasn’t so sure. “Let’s hope so.”
Jimmy kissed her on the forehead. “You might be able to talk some sense into her. If you can get through my thick head, you can get through to anybody.”
Becca tilted her face up and nodded. “You make a good point, darling, but as much as I would adore having all my children living in the same place, Gracie will have to figure it out on her own. It’s my fondest wish that my children find happiness and hold it close to their hearts.” She smiled. “And give me more grandbabies.”
“You are the most gorgeous grandmother on the planet.”
“Thank you.” She put her palms on his cheeks. “I love you so much, Jimmy.”
“And I love you too, Becca. With all my heart.”
“And I didn’t have to wrangle it out of you this time.”
“And you never will again.”
22
Sooner or Later
AFTER HAVING DINNER WITH SOPHIA AT RIVER ROW Pizza, Grace had decided they should walk around and do some window-shopping to work off some of the calories. A brisk evening breeze had failed to deter two city girls from strolling past the various shops and artful window displays. “I’m so glad you talked me into coming out tonight, Sophia. I needed a break from the brewery. The last couple of weeks have been nonstop planning.”
“Yeah, I’ve missed hanging out with you. I have to say that having all of us together has been so wonderful,” she said with an unmistakable note of wistfulness.
Grace nodded slowly. “This past month has just flown by.”
“Oh, would you look!” Sophia said as she stopped in front of a jewelry store. “Why have I not been in here?”
“Oh, quite lovely,” Grace said as she paused to admire the jewelry glittering in the display window of Designs by Diamante. “Too bad it’s closed,” Grace said. “I love that silver necklace with the moon and the stars.” She cupped her hand to her ear. “I do believe it’s calling my name.”
“It’s exquisite.” Sophia nodded. “Look, there’re matching earrings. We’ll have to come back here and bring Mom with us.”
“If we can pry her away from Jimmy,” Grace said. “It’s so wonderful to see her so happy, don’t you think? It’s like she’s glowing. I’ve never seen her quite like this, have you?”
“No,” Sophia replied. “And do you know that Jimmy’s teaching her to fish? Can you picture Mom...fishing?”
Grace laughed. “I think it’s awesome. And the idea for the fishing camp for kids that they came up with yesterday is just so cool. Mum can’t stop talking about it.”
“I think so too. Oh, look at the beaded peace-sign pendant.” Sophia pointed to the display at the back of the window. “So Bohemian. We definitely have to come back here and have a look.”
“No doubt.” Grace glanced around. “This is such a lovely strip of shops. It has a very throwback f
eel to it that I really like. The gas streetlamps are a nice touch. A lot of planning went into this development. And I agree with you that the fishing camp is perfect for them both, actually. Mum has always been big on giving back, and she said that this is a way for Jimmy to feel good about spending his money. Leave it to Mum to come up with a solution that makes everyone happy, including herself. Mason said that his family is on board with the project and is willing to sell the property and pitch in with help, as well.”
“The Mayfields are such good people.” Sophia nodded. “Yes, Danny Mayfield is getting involved with the fishing camp. And so is Avery. They’ve had a meeting this morning at the bistro.”
Grace arched an eyebrow at her sister. “You seem to talk about Avery a lot. Is something developing between you two?” Grace turned from the window and looked at Sophia. “More than friendship?”
“No...it’s still too soon after his breakup. I won’t be that girl. And besides, my time here will be up soon. Mattie is getting stronger every day and eager to come to the bistro.”
“Have you thought about moving here, Sophia?”
“To be honest, it’s crossed my mind. Cricket Creek is just such an idyllic little town. I just don’t know what I’d do. Working at the bistro is a fun change of pace, and I do love to cook, but it’s not my true calling.”
“But there are hair salons here,” Grace pointed out.
“I know.” Sophia played with the fringe on her purse. “I’ve sort of looked into it. Well, I should say that Mom did. There’s only one small salon on Main Street, and you know that what I love best is doing weddings and events. I don’t see having enough of that here to keep me busy.”
“But you could see yourself living here?”
Pressing her lips together, Sophia nodded. “I do like it here, and I have to say that I don’t miss the drama of a high-end salon and dealing with bridezillas.”
“Something to think about.”
“I guess I’ve never considered living in a small town because we didn’t ever have this experience, only city life. What about you, Grace? I thought you’d settled in, but I’ve seen that look in your eye lately.”