Sweet Summer

by Reina M. Williams

  “Off!” Adam called and they came to a stop.

  They looked at where they’d fumbled. There were some rocks in the road. Minnie radioed it in. Sometimes kids threw them after the street had been cleaned early in the morning.

  “On,” Adam said, signaling they could go again. They stayed in sync as they wended down to Willow. Minnie got off stride, though, and Adam slowed and called, “Off.”

  They came to a shaky stop. The wind was whipping too strongly. Minnie adjusted her helmet.

  “You okay?” Adam called. “Need a break?”

  “I just got off stride. I’m okay,” she called back, patting his back for emphasis and maybe for the reassurance he provided.

  “On,” he said and they restarted, making it down to Willow, where the wind and river caused a ruckus.

  Together, they turned and made their way back up, a smooth ride. Adam’s muscles shifted under the light fabric of his shirt as they moved. How much she wanted to be in his arms again. And she would be.

  Soon, they reached the starting point again, where they dismounted and took off their helmets. Leaving the bike where it had been, they stood and looked at each other.

  Minnie had done something she hadn’t done in years, and neither had Adam, in riding that bike. They’d still been in sync, even more so than she’d remembered them ever being. Maybe it was because they were both older and surer of themselves, but somehow, they’d worked together. She stepped close to him and touched his chest.

  “Hug?” she asked.

  He embraced her, kissing her forehead. She closed her eyes and breathed him in, his Ivory soap scent making her smile. He made her smile. She glanced at him.

  His smile greeted her own, and she buzzed with happiness. The wind eased and left fresh air, without a hint of rain, in its place. “Seems like the wind blew away the rain. Ready to really get to work?”

  “Won’t feel like work with you,” he said, squeezing her hand.

  She nodded and led him into the increasing crowd of volunteers.

  EIGHT HOURS LATER, Minnie leaned against the nearest wall. Adam stood next to her. The parade had been its usual noisy, boisterous success, with the Doctors George in the lead as the town’s founding family, followed by Dr. Shirley George’s cousins dressed like the Buffalo soldiers their ancestors had been, then ranchers and rodeo riders on horseback, a cleanup crew dressed like rodeo clowns, floats sponsored by local businesses, the children and some parents on bikes, the fire truck, and local law enforcement, capped off by the high school marching band and a Mariachi band in from Arizona who were also auditioning for Nora and Cutler’s wedding. Minnie had loved every moment, but after a day of constant noise and people, she needed a break.

  It was worth it, the long day: The bake sale raised its highest funds ever, Mrs. Davis had given a short speech in place of mayor Ken Taft and had auctioned off her time to eager bidders, and now the crowds were out spending money in anticipation of the fireworks and getting dinner. Corn dogs and corn on the cob slathered in butter, lumpia and taquitos, popcorn and cotton candy, and lemonade and beer mingled savory and sweet smells along the street. The farm animals and petting corral sat at the far end of Willow, in their own area, well away from the food, but there was a faint whiff of straw in the air. Or that might be from Adam, who’d helped wrangle some uncooperative goats earlier.

  “You’ve been wonderful,” Minnie said to him. And he had. All day, he’d assisted with any task she asked, shored her up when she flagged, and made sure she stopped and ate a healthy snack at lunch.

  He shook his head. “I think that honor goes to you. Good so much money will go to the clinic and the food bank. How about some dinner? Want a corn dog?”

  Minnie thought for a moment. Someone called out her name. It was Mrs. Riggs, who was most likely to have a complaint or demand. “Can you run interference for me first? I’m so tired, and I’m likely to cave or say something I shouldn’t.” She indicated the approaching woman, whose lips pulled into a tight frown. Since Aunt Irene’s business depended on great customer service, Minnie had to be careful about offending anyone. And Mrs. Riggs took offense easily. “Then a quiet, non-fried dinner, please.”

  Adam leaned close. “Anything for you. I’m glad you asked.” His breath warmed her skin, causing her tiredness to evaporate into mellow ease.

  “Minnie Molloy!” Mrs. Riggs said. “I need you to—”

  Adam looped Minnie’s arm into his. “Mrs. Riggs, Minnie’s got to get some dinner. We’re just off to Gallagher’s. I see Mrs. Gallagher over at the main booth. I’m sure she could find you some help.”

  Mrs. Riggs huffed and scowled, but, after taking another look at Adam standing firm, she hurried away.

  “You’re my hero,” Minnie said. She swallowed, hard, and her neck heated. Oh well, it was true.

  “And you’re my heroine.” He grinned.

  “Why, Adam Manning, you made a comeback.” Used to be he’d respond to her teases and tales with silence.

  “Some things have changed. Now, let’s get a nice quiet dinner.” He led her forward.

  She liked the changes, and what had stayed the same. They’d both grown, but both still cared for each other and their loved ones. They worked even better together than ever. They were part of this community, and together they could contribute to it, and to each other’s lives. The love she felt as she’d worked today intensified.

  Minnie grasped Adam’s hand, hope floating in her like a buoy held up on the flood of love she experienced. Sometimes there were second chances, second helpings of life’s bounty. When had Minnie ever said no to seconds?

  Chapter Seven

  “You’re a marvel,” Adam said to Minnie as the sun dipped lower in the sky. They walked to the edge of the boardwalk overlooking the river after dinner at Gallagher’s Café and their day’s hard work. Shouts and laughter still rang out, as excitement ran forward in anticipation of the fireworks in another hour or so.

  He leaned against the wood overlook. Minnie slid her arm under his, and smiled in a mirror of his expression.

  “I appreciated your help,” she said. They watched the river splash against rocks, and rush its way along, disappearing among the trees.

  They hadn’t talked much over dinner. Just about what their hobbies were and how they spent evenings. Adam had shared with her, and she knew him, who he was now, or at least enough of him to make a start.

  He brought her hand to his lips and warmed her skin with his kiss. A sigh escaped her and she laughed.

  “What?” he said, turning to her.

  He was so close, almost flush against her, and it was so right. She made no move away; instead, she slid her arms around his waist and looked up at him.

  “You. And how you can still make me sigh after all these years.”

  “I hope I can do more than that.” He kissed her forehead and her ears heated.

  Tipping her head up, she caught his next move and their lips met, exploring and tasting, knowing and loving. She splayed her hands on his chest, feeling his rhythm, his warmth, his love.

  They parted, and Adam cupped her cheeks in his strong hands. “I’m not a big talker, but I’m trying to talk about what matters, and remember to ask you questions instead of making assumptions. It seems like you’re ready to give us another chance?”

  “Yes.” She clasped his hands. “And I’m trying to ask you to, about what you want, and for help when I need it.”

  “I still love you, Min. More than ever.”

  “I love you, too.” Minnie kissed him again before leaning into his chest.

  He blew out a breath. “We had love before.” Dropping his hands, he tried to pull away, but Minnie held on.

  “And we have it now, and a second chance. We’re the same in the ways that matter, in our love and commitments. But we’ve changed in ways that will help us be closer. What do you think?”

  “Yes.” He twined his fingers in hers. “I’m committed to you, and to communicating so w
e know each other, and we’re not apart again.”

  “I commit to those things too, Adam. I want us to know each other now, while keeping what we had.” She studied his handsome face, the face of her only love, her first love, her true love.

  “Anything you need. You’re my one love, the woman I want in my life. I love you.” Kissing her hands, he’d told her everything she needed to know, for now.

  “Two in one day.” She kissed him, and he returned the gesture. When they’d been together before, he’d only said “I love you” twice.

  “Watch out or I’ll say it again.” He grinned. “But more than words, I want to show you that I love you.”

  She placed her hands on his chest. “You have. The way you showed up, your quiet strength and willingness to pitch in wherever you’re needed. I admire you so much, Adam Manning.”

  “You have those same qualities, my love, and more, and I cherish you.”

  “Even when I boss you?”

  “Even then.” He kissed her forehead. “Even when you’re sick.” He kissed her nose. “Even when you’re down.” He kissed her cheek. “Even when you’re away.”

  She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. A firework shot off, and they laughed through their embrace, turning as they parted to watch the faint sparkles in the still-light sky.

  “Your kisses are that combustible,” Adam said in a tease.

  She patted his rear and he slipped his hand in her jeans pocket as they leaned into each other.

  “Let’s grab a blanket and go to high ground to watch the fireworks later,” she said, remembering the first time they’d done so alone, the night of their engagement. Their first engagement. She hoped there would be a second one.

  She nestled her head into his shoulder. They watched the river and sky transforming from day to dusk until Mrs. Gallagher called out to all the volunteers for the end-of-day huddle.

  They kissed quickly then strolled, hand in hand, back to the street party. They’d had so many sweet summers together in Loving, but this one would be the sweetest of all.

  Epilogue

  Six Weeks Later

  Adam watched Minnie as she ambled toward him, a soft smile brightening her pretty face, a red sundress swinging around her long legs and exposing her sun-kissed arms. Putting up a hand, he waved to her and she waved back, her smile widening.

  The late-afternoon August sun lit the streets of town with a warm glow, but not as much as Minnie radiated heat and light to him.

  Almost as tall as he in her wedge sandals, she leaned over and pecked him on the cheek. He dipped her with a flourish and, on the upswing, kissed her firmly on her plump lips.

  She laughed and hugged him. “I love it when you surprise me like that.”

  And that was why he did it. He loved her so much, loved to see her smile and laugh, and her pleasure in the little surprises of life. He had another one for her.

  “I love you. Let’s take a walk before dinner?” he asked, touching his pocket discreetly.

  She nodded and twined her hand in his. They crossed Main Street from Gallagher’s and strolled to the boardwalk, where they’d agreed to take another chance on their love. As they had that evening last month, he hugged her to him and they took in the river and trees, now in the full rush of summer. Soon, it would all tumble into fall. He hoped by then they’d be taking in a different view, the one at Manning Ranch.

  “How’s work?” he asked. She usually liked to deconstruct her day briefly.

  “Fine. Aunt Irene’s business is doing well. I told her I want to expand and exclusively deal with the internet site.”

  He squeezed her hands then turned her to face him. “That so?”

  “Yep.” She worried at her lip. “I can do that from anywhere. Well, anywhere with decent Wi-Fi.”

  “We have a strong signal at Manning Ranch.” He caressed her hands. “And I bought a cappuccino machine.”

  “Happy to test them anytime,” Minnie said while she eyed a heron that drank from the river’s edge.

  They watched birds circling then swooping into the tall trees, ready to nest. The river flowed on, creating its own tune to join that of the wind and the trees.

  Kissing her hand, he dipped to one knee and pulled the ring box from his pocket. She turned to him. Opening the box, she put her hand to her mouth. He handed her the ring and his chest expanded at her smile.

  “Minnie, I want you to do more than test. I want you at the ranch with me. Every day, for the rest of our lives. I love you and cherish you more than anything. I came back for you. I’d say I should’ve before, but seems like the timing is right. Will you marry me?”

  “Oh, Adam. I love you, too. And this is the perfect time. Yes, I’ll marry you, happily.”

  She handed him the box back and he slid the ring onto her finger.

  “It’s beautiful,” she whispered. “Look how the diamond catches the light.” She turned her finger this way and that.

  “Nothing outshines you.” He stood and she hugged him with a fierceness she rarely had.

  “Adam Manning, I love you so much.”

  “I love you,” he whispered in her ear, her arms tight around his neck. There was nowhere else he’d rather be.

  Then Minnie’s stomach growled. He chuckled. “Too busy to eat a full lunch, sweetheart?”

  “You know me well.” She unclasped her arms and turned to slide her hand in his again.

  “Then let’s get you to Gallagher’s.”

  “I want to show off this ring.” She swung their arms up and back as they walked, showing her joy.

  He kissed her hair as they made their way back across the street and up to Gallagher’s Café. The sun dipped lower in the wide blue sky, the trees swaying just enough in the wind as if they were nodding with a tip of their peaked hats.

  “Evening, you two,” Mrs. G said when they walked in. The café, as usual, was packed full this Saturday evening, but he’d called ahead for a table.

  Minnie held out her ring to their old friend, and, he suspected, matchmaker. It was Mrs. G, after all, who’d encouraged him to come to town early, and to talk to Minnie—heck, the older woman had arranged that meeting, too. And, she’d done something similar for Dean, Cutler, and Brandon. Whatever Mrs. G had done or not, he and his brothers were grateful.

  Mrs. G pumped her fist in the air. “Hot dog! Another wedding!” She came around and hugged them both.

  Mrs. G cupped his cheek. “Your grandparents and parents would be so happy and proud.”

  He nodded, swallowing the slight hitch in his breath at her words.

  “You’ll help us plan, right, Mrs. G?” Minnie asked. “Aunt Irene’s going to be the mom and dad on my side, so we need you.”

  “Happy to.” Mrs. G hugged them again then waved her arms. “What am I doing? You all need to eat. Then you’ve got a bachelor party to get to, young man.”

  “Wouldn’t miss it.” It hadn’t been the best timing, his proposal, but he couldn’t wait another minute to make it official with Minnie.

  “I’m glad I’ll have some time after dinner to talk to Aunt Irene and make plans,” Minnie said as Mrs. G showed them to their table in the back by the window.

  He and Minnie sat next to each other where they could look out and see the trees and the blooming planters along the sidewalk. Mrs. G wiggled her fingers and went back to her post.

  He’d done all right, then, in his timing. He settled in and held his fiancé’s hand again. “Meet me after the party?” he asked.

  “You won’t be out all night or indisposed?”

  “If you mean drunk, no and no.” The party was at Hank’s Bar, but Adam wasn’t much of a drinker.

  “You’re welcome to come by Aunt Irene’s after. She’ll want to toast us together. It’ll be fun.”

  “Wouldn’t deny any pleasure of yours.”

  She leaned her head on his shoulder. Heat washed through him.

  The waitress, Lorna, walked over. “What can I get
you?”

  Adam looked to Minnie. “Surprise me,” she said with a smile.

  He ordered two of his usual, which he treated himself to once a month, here or from the cook at home.

  “That’s going to become a special meal,” Minnie said. “It’s what we ate when we met again last month.”

  He nodded. “Another day to celebrate.”

  “Every day with you is reason for that.”

  He tugged her closer and nuzzled her neck. Giggling, she squeezed his hand and whispered, “None of that now.”

  “Later, then.”

  “We can woo on the porch.” She pulled back and winked.

  “Courting you all over again is more than I deserve.”

  “Let me be the judge of that.”

  “I will, Zaubermaus, now and forever. Ranch life awaits.”

  “I’m ready for that. And our new life together. Everything old is new again.” Minnie smiled and he returned the expression.

  Side by side, they sat, and would as long as life let them, a life he’d spend making Minnie happy as possible, as she made him. They were a match made in summer, twice over.

  Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this book, please help by leaving a review and recommending it to others. You are appreciated!

  Special thanks to: Lori Raines for her wonderful character name suggestions; Jessica McBrayer and Marik Berghs for reading and sharing stories of Montana; Marilyn for the Montana tips; my family and friends for their support; Cheryl for the beta reads; and Salt & Sage Books for their helpful comments.

  About the Author

  Reina M. Williams writes heartwarming, cozy fiction. When she's not writing, editing, or spending time with her sons, you're most likely to find her watching a period drama or classic movie, walking in a park or library, baking, or reading with a cup of tea nearby. A California native, she lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.