Don’t get hokey.
But he couldn’t help it. He loved her. She was every good thing he could think. But they needed to get to know each other again.
“You’re quiet tonight,” he said when they’d reached the river and Minnie hadn’t said a word.
“I was younger when you knew me, Adam. I’m a thirty-year-old woman now.”
He hoped that fun gal wasn’t gone, though. He loved her, the way she’d talked, the way she’d found fun in little things, the way she’d waded in the shallows, laughing.
So he started down toward the bank. Minnie grasped his arm. Her touch sizzled through him, making him stop.
“I’d prefer to sit up on the boardwalk. That okay with you?”
“’Course.” He didn’t care where they sat, but his hopes had taken a hit. Following her lead, he eased down onto the far edge of the boardwalk. He passed her an iced coffee and cookie. She’d taken off her sandals and dangled her bare legs over the edge. He grinned.
“What?” she said. Sipping her coffee, she scissored her feet in time to the splashes of the river and leaned her arms on the low railing.
“You.” She’d just taken his hopes and elevated them, leaving him as much in love with her as ever. More so. If he loved her less, maybe he could talk about it more readily. He wasn’t a highly educated man like his brother Brandon, or brash like his brother Cutler. Adam was the oldest Manning brother, a man who shouldered his responsibilities in silence and due solemnity. Minnie had lightened those for him. But she hadn’t wanted to share her load with him.
He was getting stuck in the past, and if he weren’t careful, that would pull him down like the sticky mud by the ranch pond.
“Me? What do you mean?” Minnie leaned her arm into his, shoving gently.
“I’ve known you longer than we’ve been apart,” he said. He didn’t know where to start.
She glanced at him, her ears pink, and she leaned away, stilling. The river rushed on, careening against the rocks and taking some with its flow.
“Yes, practically my whole life,” she said. “I think... Well, it’s not uncommon around here, for people to know each other a long time.”
Her flip tone cut into him. “But we’re not just anyone, Minnie. Not just casual acquaintances.”
Biting into her cookie, Minnie sighed in what seemed pleasure. “I know. If that were all we were, you wouldn’t remember my favorites after ten years.” Her sigh turned pained. “I never wanted to hurt you, Adam. Or your family.”
“It hurts to break up, especially when there’s still love there. I didn’t want you hurt, either. Why do you think I didn’t fight you?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe you’d changed your mind.”
He cupped her hand. “About loving you? No.” His voice came out gruff, and no wonder. They were getting to the heart of things, and his heart still carried the scars, the pain, of what they’d lost, of what could have been.
She wiped her hand over her eyes. “I don’t want either of us to get hurt again. I need time.”
A beat of irritation made him shift his position. He took in a deep breath. This was Minnie: she needed time to sit—or more like move—with things. After ten years, he could wait a little longer, if there were a chance...
She kicked out her legs again. “I like feeling the river mist on my feet.” Her usual light tone returned. She finished off her cookie and took another sip of coffee. “Thanks for the treat. But we should go check on the parade prep before the sun goes down.”
He nodded and drew in a deep breath. He’d missed his chance to ask if she meant she was open to giving them another go, but there would be other opportunities. The heat had become oppressive, a hint that a rainstorm was on the way. Hopefully, it would either hit and run before the parade, or hold off until after.
“Feels like rain’s coming.” He rose, tossed their cups in a nearby bin, and offered his hand to Minnie.
She slid her hand in his and let him help her rise. Many things were the same, but this was different. It may not seem like much, this small acceptance of his help, but coming right after she’d let him comfort her, it signaled something more to him, a possibility. When they were younger, she would’ve pulled away, not let him help.
His hand seemed to imprint the feel of her touch, even once she removed her hand, dusted off her skirt, and put on her sandals.
Again, he followed her lead, down to the corner of Main and Willow, where the festivities centered.
Tim Raines, a general handyman and good guy, so he’d heard from his brother Dean, greeted them. “Minnie! Glad you’re here. And Adam, good to see you again.”
He shook hands with Tim. “You too. Thanks for watching out for Dean.”
Tim nodded. “We all look out for each other. And I can never thank you Mannings enough. The clinic saved my daughter’s life, and it wouldn’t be there if it weren’t for you fellas.”
Adam looked into the distance, embarrassed. Really, he and his brothers had funded the clinic out of grief for their mom and sister, so others would have a resource that might have saved Lily and Heidi Manning.
“We came to check in about what needs doing,” Minnie said.
Willow Street was partially blocked off. Main Street would follow, and there were people setting up already.
“You’re on for tomorrow. Hey, you two can check the parade route first thing. On the tandem bike. Be here at nine. The streets’ll be blocked off then.”
Minnie glanced at Adam. They’d done that duty ten years ago. They had couples do that, and it was an extra safety check, as there was a bike contingent in addition to the cars and horses and floats.
Adam nodded. He and Minnie could do this, and if they couldn’t, it would show them something either way.
No pressure. He almost laughed at himself, still taking things so seriously.
“We’ll be here,” Minnie said. “Thanks, Tim.”
Tim nodded again and turned when someone called him. He said goodbye and loped off.
“Want to—”
“I better get back to Aunt Irene’s.” Minnie stepped away, already taking long strides. He could match her, but maybe she needed some distance and time. “I’ll see you just before nine!” she called as she walked up the street toward Riverwalk.
Rocking his neck, he strode back toward his truck, parked on Main Street. He’d see her in the morning, and he wouldn’t let that day pass without making his feelings clear.
“Adam!” His brother Brandon appeared from around the corner as he approached the turn for Main.
They did their version of a hug then Brandon gave him that appraising, concerned gaze he was known for.
“Don’t give me that chaplain look,” Adam said.
Brandon rubbed his short beard. “Mrs. G. said she thought you’d be over here.”
How could she have known that—he hadn’t even known himself. “Here I am. What’s up?”
“Meant to be at the meeting earlier. Thought I’d catch up. Haven’t seen you in a while.”
They began walking together, striding up Main Street. “How’s Ana?” he asked Brandon of his new love.
“Great. Left her at the house. She’s having fun getting the garden ready for the wedding.”
“Guess you’ll be next.” Adam gently smacked Brandon’s arm. If anyone deserved happiness, it was Brandon. He was a good guy, and Adam was glad he’d found love with Ana Delgado.
“Hope so. We’re taking it slowly, though. Unlike Cutler and Nora, we don’t have a past together.”
They strolled on Main Street. More people were out basking in the lowering summer sun, walking and talking, some with ice cream cones, some kids running toward the river boardwalk where he and Minnie had just been.
“Maya and Dean do, and they’re not moving fast either.” Adam took in a breath. His brothers were finding happiness. Could it be his turn next?
“Everyone’s different. Why don’t you come out to the house, meet
Ana? You can stay with me, too—plenty of room.”
Adam stopped near his truck and ran his hands over his hair. “Mrs. G had invited me to stay with her. And I’ve got to be out here just before nine.” Not that nine was early for him, but he wanted to be closer to Minnie, if he were telling himself the truth.
Brandon gave him that chaplain look again. “Staying in town would probably work better for you.”
Adam nodded. “But I’ve got time tonight. Want to meet that girl of yours.” He grinned.
“I’ll drive. I’ve got to drop Ana back home later anyway. It’s not far from town. First, you can see my place, meet Ana, and we can have one of Maya’s berry pies.” Maya was a professional pastry chef, and her cousins Ana and Nora ran the business side of their new bakery.
“Sounds good.” He followed as Brandon walked back down the block. “Mom and Dad would be glad, don’t you think?” He and Brandon were the oldest, and had been closest to their parents, and grandparents.
“Sure of it. So would Grandma and Grandpa. And Dad would be proud of you, for the way you saved the ranch and built it into something sustainable.” Brandon clicked the unlock on his SUV.
Adam nodded again. He wasn’t sure Dad would be proud, but he hoped Brandon was right. He and his brothers had achieved something big, and kept Manning Ranch alive and well to pass on to the next generation, if there were any. He and Minnie hadn’t wanted children of their own, but they’d hoped to be together, welcoming many nieces and nephews to the ranch. Would that ever happen?
He’d welcome family alone, if need be, but how sweet it would be to have Minnie by his side.
Chapter Five
“Ready?” Mrs. G asked Adam as he finished drying the breakfast dishes.
“Born that way,” he responded in his usual tease with her. They’d been exchanging the cliché since he was knee-high, as she’d say.
“I can’t ruffle your hair anymore.” Mrs. G closed the door behind them. “You’re too old for that, unless you had a special someone in your life.”
He clutched pretend pearls. “You shock me.”
She batted her hand against his bicep as they strolled along Willow Street, which ran parallel to the river. Mrs. G lived in one of the rambling bungalows at the end of the street, marking the end of downtown. The morning sun filtered through the trees, creating shadows and lines along the pavement. The water rushed, creating a kind of song that would be drowned out later by the high school marching band, and all the fireworks tonight.
“Today’s for the parade.” Mrs. G got back to business as they turned onto Main. “Tomorrow night we’ll meet out at Middleton Ranch for a wedding planning dinner. How’d you like what Brandon and Ana have done there?”
He’d gotten in late last night, after spending time with the pair out at Brandon’s property, but Mrs. G had been out. He and Mrs. G hadn’t talked about it this morning either; she’d been busy telling him all about what needed to be done today, which seemed to involve a lot of time with Minnie, not that he was complaining.
He answered her question about Middleton Ranch, his brother’s new home. “I hadn’t seen the place in a long time, but it’s even more amazing than I remembered. Ana’s an artist.”
“She is, and she’s good for your brother.”
“No argument here. They’re happy.” He wanted that kind of happiness, and he wanted it with Minnie. Just the thought of her sparked heat in his chest.
“Speaking of...” Mrs. G waved to Cutler, Dean, Nora Delgado, and Maya Perry. His brothers and their girlfriends strolled toward them from down the street. Dean had a boyish smile, and Cutler wore that broad grin he only got when he was really happy, which clearly both his brothers were. Adam smiled too. Brandon was right: his parents and grandparents would be glad. He hoped somewhere they were seeing all this.
“We’ve just come from breakfast at Gallagher’s,” Cutler said. He pulled Nora closer as the two couples stopped to talk to Adam and Mrs. G. “I want to steal your chef, Mrs. G.”
“He’ll never go. But the sous chef is looking for part-time work.” Mrs. G hugged everyone in turn. “Maya, those holiday pies you made are spectacular. Thanks for donating some for the bake sale.”
Maya leaned into Dean. “Thanks. Dean and Ana helped test the flavors.”
Nora twined her hand into Cutler’s. “How’ve you been, Adam? Good to see you again.” Adam had met Nora and Maya when his brothers had brought them out to the ranch a couple of months ago.
“Doing fine, thanks. I can see all of you are great.” His smile pulled at his cheeks.
“We are,” Nora and Cutler answered together.
“You all best be off,” Mrs. G said. “You’ve got booths to help set up.”
Cutler saluted and Dean gave her another quick hug, as did Maya and Nora.
“See you later,” they chorused and ambled toward the corner of Main and Willow. South of that the street was blocked off for the festivities and parade.
“Shouldn’t we be headed that way?” Adam asked with a wave toward Willow Street as he followed Mrs. G toward the café.
“Aren’t you meeting Minnie so you can start your workday together? She’s the brains, you’re the brawn.”
He gave a side glance to Mrs. G. She was up to something. “Does Minnie know that?”
“She will.”
“Mrs. G... No funny business.”
“What other business is there?” She did a little old-style tap step and turn. “Ah, there she is. I knew she’d be here getting her morning vanilla cappuccino.”
“She drinks those every morning?”
“Just about.” Mrs. G flagged down Minnie.
She walked toward them, her light hair and skin catching the sun rays, dappling her with extra warmth. Her white shirt added to her radiance, and her jeans fit in a way that popped heat through his core. Red sneakers gave her a whimsical touch that was somehow all Minnie, and caused his smile to reappear.
Then it faded when she caught his gaze with some admonishment for staring at her, he assumed. He shrugged lightly, as if to say I couldn’t help it.
“Morning, Min. Looking festive. I couldn’t help looking. That bother you?” He was done with unchecked assumptions.
She glanced down then back at him. “Thanks, uh, you too. And I don’t mind you looking at me.”
Heat blazed through him and made his chest expand. Minnie wouldn’t be shy about saying when someone’s gaze on her was uncomfortable—she’d set many a ranch hand in line even as a teen. “Then I’ll keep looking,” he said in a low voice.
Minnie’s face reddened but she nodded.
Mrs. G took both their arms and steered them back toward Willow. “Now, Minnie, Adam here is at your disposal. You and Irene have a lot to do, so I figured you could use his muscle.” As if to add to her point, she squeezed his bicep. That drew Minnie’s gaze and his grin returned. She used to like to hold his arms as they kissed or strolled along at dusk.
Minnie sipped from her travel mug. “You don’t mind, Adam?”
“Mind spending the day with you? Nope.”
Minnie’s ears pinked. Mrs. G let go of their arms and linked their hands together. “It’s settled. See you!” Mrs. G sped around the corner, her white sneakers flashing.
Before they reached the busy street for preparations, Adam grasped Minnie’s hand more tightly. Her hand was warm and fit well in his.
“You okay with that, Minnie?”
“Yes. Let’s see how we work together.” She smiled at him and went on tiptoe, her lips brushing his cheek. Her skin, soft as in his dreams and memories, caused the familiar heat and lightness in his legs.
About to lean down for more, he stopped short when Minnie giggled and pulled him forward by his hand.
“No play ‘til work is done,” she said, her tone carrying through her laugh.
“You and Mrs. G are quite the taskers.” He squeezed her hand as he followed her around the corner.
“Problem?” She g
lanced back at him.
“No, Miss Molloy. I’m ready for instructions.” Minnie would want to know they could still work together, in sync, as they used to around the ranch sometimes, or when he’d come to help at her dad’s place. If she were ready to give him—them—a second chance.
“Good, then. I’m ready to take a chance on you, Mr. Manning. On us.”
“As you say.” He kissed her hand and let his smile loose again. One more chance with Minnie was all he needed.
Chapter Six
As you say. Adam’s words reverberated in her mind, and heart. They were like a declaration of love from Adam, who stood beside her. Last night, she’d thought things through, even talked a bit about her feelings to Aunt Irene, and decided any risk of hurt was small compared to the joy of being with Adam. Minnie leaned into the safety and strength he exuded, letting him in. But first, they had work to do.
Minnie waved to Tim and sipped the last of her coffee before handing it off to Tim, who’d store her cup for her.
“There it is,” Tim said, waving a hand to the tandem bike. “Your steed awaits. So, just there and back. Minnie, you know the route? Radio in with any issues, including any and all potholes, fissures, and the like.” He handed Minnie the walkie-talkie.
She nodded and walked to the bike, donning one of the helmets. Looking at Adam, she smiled. “Sure you’re up for this?”
He slid on the other helmet. “I had Brandon and Ana help me find some info on riding tandem. A mini refresher course. Want me to captain?”
“Yeah, and I’ll be stoker.” She watched while he mounted the bike and steadied it for her. Sliding on, she touched his back. “We’ve got this.”
“We’re safe together,” he said. Seemed like that could apply to a lot more than just riding a bike together.
“Think it’s true, what they say about bike riding?” she asked in a light tone as she readied the pedals.
He chuckled. “Think so. Bet neither of us has forgotten.”
They took off down Main Street. Minnie laughed as the morning breeze whizzed around her, though Adam’s solid frame blocked some of the wind. Turning off to make the parade circle, they bumped slightly and wobbled.
Sweet Summer Page 3