“Great idea. That would encourage people to bring more than one item. I bet Caleb would donate a gift basket from his candy store. I’ll ask him first thing tomorrow morning.”
Matt growled. “That’s the first thing that pops into your mind? What about asking good ole Matt to donate tickets to the policeman’s ball? Did you ever think of that?”
“Still jealous I see.”
Matt used her ponytail to tilt her head back and stole a kiss. “Why should I be jealous?”
“You do realize that a sheriff has no authority to offer tickets to a policeman’s ball, don’t you?”
“How about a free ride on my bike?”
“No way. What if Tammy wins?”
“Now who’s jealous?”
“I’m not jealous. I just don’t think it’s a good idea for you to put her at risk on that death trap of a bike. I’m only thinking of her best interests.”
“How considerate of you.” He tussled her hair. “We can ask Aunt Ethel to ask her friend Ginny over at the bed-and-breakfast if they can give a donation. She runs it with her nephew Seth. Maybe they’ll donate a free night’s stay.”
“This sounds like fun.”
“It does. I knew with you at the helm it would turn into a great event.”
He leaned down for another kiss, but the sound of tires on the gravel drive cut it short. An unfamiliar black car slowly made its way up the drive.
“Were you expecting someone?” Matt stood and walked to the top of the steps that led to the grounds.
“No.” Brit followed suit and stood close beside him. “Gram didn’t mention anyone stopping by either. It might be someone from church dropping an item off for the center. We’ve been getting lots of donations of plants and decorations and stuff.”
“Hmm, I don’t recognize the car from anywhere around here. It’s kind of big and fancy for anyone to drive around the lake on a regular basis.”
“True. Maybe it’s a tourist then.”
“Maybe. But why would a tourist choose this long drive? If they’re lost or something, there are lots of other houses that are more accessible.”
“I don’t know, but we’re about to find out.”
The car pulled into a parking spot near Matt’s bike. The passenger door flew open before the vehicle had even come to a complete stop.
Brit’s brother Sam tumbled out the door and flew up the sidewalk toward her.
“Brit!”
She met him at the bottom of the stairs. Sam grabbed her in a huge bear hug and swung her around in a full circle before he set her down.
“Sam!” Brit was laughing and crying all at the same time. She framed his face with her hands and searched his features. “You’re okay. You found us.”
“I did.” Sam beamed.
The screen door slammed shut, and they looked up to see Allie running down the stairs. Sam started for her, but Brit stayed him with her hand. “Go easy, she has a passenger on board.”
Sam looked confused for a minute, but his eyes grew huge when he noticed her rounded tummy. “Whoa.”
“Yeah.” Allie patted her stomach awkwardly.
“Guess we have a lot of catching up to do.” A flash of disappointment passed over his face, but he quickly rallied. Whether the expression was because Allie had chosen a rough path to follow or guilt because he hadn’t been there when Allie had needed him the most, Brit didn’t know.
He walked over and pulled Allie into a tight hug. She burst into tears and clung to him.
“I’m so sorry, Al. I shouldn’t have left you alone.”
Matt remained in the shadows on the porch, concern etched on his features. He glanced over at Brit, and she smiled. Allie would be okay. She and Sam had a very tight relationship, and they would both have a lot of emotions to get through since he’d left her to carry the ball after he’d taken off.
Matt’s expression changed. He narrowed his eyes as he peered over Brit’s shoulder. His mouth was a hard line. His whole body seemed on alert and ready to take action. Brit started to turn, just now realizing that someone had obviously brought Sam home to them. She hoped it wasn’t their mother, but where she’d get a nice car like that Brit didn’t know. She froze, wondering if the social worker had tracked them down.
“Brit.”
She knew the voice. She completed her turn and came face-to-face with a smiling Ryan. Before she could say anything, he stepped forward and pulled her into an intimate embrace. His lips found hers, and he kissed her for all he was worth.
She tried to step away. He’d never kissed her like that before. And of all the times to do it—with Matt, Allie, and Sam standing inches away. She pushed him away. “Ryan.”
“Yes it’s really me—in the flesh.” He kept his arms locked casually around her neck. His blue eyes sparkled in the sunlight. “Did you miss me?”
She’d sent him a letter. He knew how she felt about him.
“What are you doing here?” Brit’s thoughts flew to Matt. What must he be thinking? “Ryan, let me go.”
“You don’t seem very happy to see me.” His features hardened. He lowered his voice. “I brought your long-lost brother halfway across the country, and you try to push me away?”
“How’d you end up with my brother?”
Footsteps approached from behind Brit as Matt descended the stairs.
“Brit? Is everything okay here?” Matt’s voice had an edge to it.
Ryan glanced over at Sam and raised his eyebrows.
“Yes. Everything’s fine.” Brit’s voice sounded panicked, even to her own ears. “Matt, this is Ryan. Ryan, Matt.”
What is Ryan doing here?
Matt stayed put, looming over her.
Ryan’s expression twisted. “Is he the parole officer you wrote me about?”
“I was on probation, not parole, and yes, this is him.” Brit stepped out from between the two of them.
“Was? As in, you aren’t on probation anymore? Then you’re free to leave with me.” Ryan turned to Matt and held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, Matt. I’m Brit’s boyfriend.”
Matt stood a good six inches taller than Ryan. He glowered down at him. “Is that so?”
“Yes.”
Brit wanted to sink into the ground. Everything was going wrong. Her words failed her. She wanted Matt to stay. She wanted Ryan to leave. But she couldn’t formulate a plan or gather thoughts in her panicked brain. She and Ryan had parted ways. Why was he here? Why was Sam with him?
Ryan slung his arm over Brit’s shoulder. She tried to step away, but he tightened his hold. “You look as pretty as ever, Brit. I’ve missed you. You wanted to know how I found Sam? Actually, he found me.” Ryan grinned, turning on all his charm. He was decked out in slacks and a nice shirt. He looked overdressed and prissy standing next to Matt. “Apparently you sent him a note from college telling him our address at the beach house. When he came home and found everyone gone, he headed south to meet you. I told him you hadn’t arrived yet. Since I had your letter from here with the address on it, I volunteered to bring him to you. I figured we could kill two birds with one stone. My car was in the shop, so I rented this one, and here we are. I brought him to your grandmother’s, and I came to take you back to the beach house with me.”
Brit couldn’t speak.
“You said you couldn’t come down until you knew the kids were safe. They’re in good hands with your grandmother, you said so yourself. And now with Sam home, you’re free to join me for the rest of the summer.”
“Seems you two have a lot to catch up on.” Matt’s clipped words tore into Brit’s heart.
He had it all wrong.
“No, Matt, I—”
The screen door flew open, and high-pitched screams filled the air.
“Sammy!” The three youngest siblings spilled down the porch steps, followed by a beaming Gram.
Brit was jostled by the reunion, and Ryan pulled her safely out of the way. The sound of Matt’s motorcycle starting up filled t
he air.
“Ryan, let go of me.” Brit jerked out of his grasp and started after Matt, but he was halfway down the drive. He disappeared without a backward glance.
Brit spun on Ryan. “Why did you do that? You know our relationship is over. You admitted that you received my note. I appreciate that you brought my brother home, but why did you have to come on so strong?”
“You don’t sound very appreciative.”
“I don’t have to throw myself into your arms to show my appreciation. Our relationship ended the day you followed me to my mom’s in Atlanta. Your bringing my brother home doesn’t change things between us, and you had no right to kiss me like you did. I’ve already made it clear I’m not going to Florida.”
“In that case, I might as well leave.”
“I think that would be best. I’ll pay you for your expenses.”
“Don’t bother.” Typical Ryan—no apology, no regrets, he just turned and stomped away. He reached into the backseat and pulled Sam’s bag from the car. Sam went over to talk to him, and within minutes Ryan’s car followed Matt’s path down the drive and out of sight.
“I’m so sorry, Brit.” Allie stepped over and laid a supportive hand on Brit’s arm. In one moment, everything had gone horribly wrong.
Seventeen
Brit walked toward the center, her steps heavy. She’d arrived a bit early for her Monday meeting with Josie Alvarez, the new counselor, and Cameron Adams, the nurse-midwife. Both women were to arrive in town later that morning. Brit needed to give them the keys to their offices, and she wanted to help them settle in. Both would be staying at the bed-and-breakfast until Josie was able to move into the upstairs quarters and Cameron could locate housing.
Brit hadn’t talked to Matt for several days. After Ryan’s kiss, Matt had steered clear of her. Her heart felt like lead. She entered the unlocked door of the facility and hurried over to the desk to answer the ringing phone. Whoever had been working must have stepped out.
“Lullaby Landing, this is Brit.” Brit felt a certain pride in using the center’s new name.
“Don’t hang up.” Allie’s voice held a note of irritation.
Brit sighed.
“You won’t answer your cell, so I thought I’d try you this way.”
“Did you ever stop to think maybe I had a reason for not answering my cell?”
“I don’t care. You’re being ridiculous, and it’s high time you listened to reason.”
“And the gang voted you to be the voice of reason.” Brit leaned back against the counter. “And why am I being ridiculous—because I’m leaving town?”
“The family needs to stay together. We have Sam back. He loves his new job helping the judge around his house. We can finally be a family again, and now you’re taking off.”
“We’ll always be a family, Al. Just because I’m leaving doesn’t mean we won’t be.”
“Britty, please don’t go. We need you here. I need you.” Allie’s last words came out on a sob. “How will I get through this pregnancy and the birth without you by my side?”
“Honey, listen to me.” Brit felt like a heel. “You’re getting yourself all worked up. That isn’t good for the baby. Your pregnancy is going fine, and I told you I’d do my best to get back for the birth. Once I’m settled, we’ll see where everyone’s at. You can come and visit if you want to.”
“I don’t want to visit. I want to live with you.”
“Then we’ll discuss that, too. I’m not saying that isn’t a possibility.”
“But we won’t have the Landing anywhere else. I need that, too. You’ve worked so hard. You’re leaving before everything’s finished. You said you’d see things through.”
Brit heard Gram’s calm voice consoling Allie in the background.
“And I meant to see things through, Allie, but my situation’s changed. You know that.”
“Right. Because you’d rather run from us than stay and do the right thing.”
“Leaving is the right thing for me, Al. I’m sorry you can’t see that.” Brit tucked her hair behind her ear in frustration. “Look, we’ll talk more when I get home. I need to go for now. I have my appointments in less than an hour, and I have to pick up some things here in town. I promise we’ll talk before I leave.”
The line went dead. Brit stared at the phone.
“Guess she wasn’t happy with your answer.” Matt’s deep voice from just behind her made her jump. She placed her hand on her heart.
“You scared me. I didn’t know anyone was here.”
“The door wasn’t locked. That should have clued you in.” His words were clipped, just like the last time she’d seen him.
“I noticed, but I figured one of the workers must have stepped outside.”
“It isn’t a good idea to enter an unlocked building alone if you don’t see anyone you know inside.”
So he was back to his professional mode, lecturing her.
“Point taken.”
“I’m serious, Brit.”
“I see that, but so am I.”
“Look, I’m one of the workers, and I’m right here. But you were preoccupied and didn’t see or hear me. What if you walk in on an unscrupulous person next time?”
“Well, since I’m leaving tomorrow, you won’t have to worry about it. I’ll be somebody else’s mess to clean up.”
“Oh. Right. And just like that, off you go. Whose mess will you be at that point? Ah yes, Ryan’s. Wasn’t that his name?”
“It’s not like that.” Brit flinched. She felt like he’d slapped her. “Do you really think that little of me?”
She needed to get out of there before her tears fell. If she’d told Matt about Ryan in the beginning, they wouldn’t be at an impasse now. But she hadn’t felt Ryan was relevant. She hadn’t expected him to show up and ruin things like he had.
Matt held a pair of work gloves in his hand. He flapped them in the air. “You know what, Brit? Your mom ran out on you. My mom ran out on me. I thought you understood—I thought you were different.” He was still angry. “This is exactly why I said I wasn’t interested in a relationship. In my world, females can’t be trusted.”
“Why won’t you let me explain?”
“No explanation is needed. I heard everything I needed to hear at Aunt Ethel’s. Ryan is your boyfriend. You were heading down to Florida to share a beach house with him for the summer. Your siblings sidetracked you for part of the summer. While you were here, you figured you’d have a little fling and make the time pass faster. Now you’re ready to head on down the road. End of story.” He dusted his hands together and raised his eyebrows. The motion mimicked Tammy’s hurtful actions at the diner the day Matt had told her he didn’t want a relationship. “And if that wasn’t enough, that hot little kiss y’all shared kind of clenched the deal.”
He was so wrong and didn’t even care to give her a chance to tell him so.
“I need to go.” She couldn’t hold back the tears any longer. “I came by to give the keys to Josie and Cameron. They should be here soon. Please see that they get them.”
She slammed the keys down on the counter and hurried out the door.
❧
Matt felt like a heel. He slumped down in a nearby chair and buried his head in his hands. He couldn’t believe how badly he’d handled things just now. He’d completely lost his temper with Britney. He hadn’t lashed out like that since his teens. He shouldn’t have lost control. He should have prayed before he talked to her.
“Excuse me, but are you okay?” A soft voice with a slight Hispanic accent interrupted Matt’s self-recriminations.
He glanced up. “Hey, Josie.”
“Matt? What happened?”
Of all the people to walk in at that moment, it had to be the new therapist. Could it be a coincidence, or had God sent her right then so Matt could share his emotions? He figured he had nothing to lose since he’d hit rock bottom. He needed someone to talk to.
He sat back in his chair an
d leaned his head against the wall. He covered his face with the palm of his hands. “I just had a horrible argument with Brit.”
“Aw, these things are normal in relationships. I’m sure you’ll work things out.”
“Not in this case.”
“How can you be so sure? I’ve seen the two of you together. I saw you after my interview. She cares about you a lot.”
“She has a funny way of showing it.” He dropped his hands and explained about Ryan’s unexpected appearance. “He walked up and pulled her into a very romantic embrace. I’ve been so angry. We haven’t talked since. Today she walked in, snatched up the ringing phone, and told her sister she was leaving town.”
Josie frowned. “I thought she was staying around to run the center.”
“That makes two of us. But apparently we were both wrong.”
“I don’t understand. I can read people. Brit was happy here, happy with you. We’ve chatted on the phone. Why would she just up and leave?”
“I’m sure her boyfriend’s arrival had a lot to do with it.” He couldn’t keep the venom out of his voice.
“She was happy to see him? She turned her back on you and welcomed him with open arms?”
“It wasn’t quite like that. She looked more stunned to see him.”
“Did she refer to him as her boyfriend?”
“No, he introduced himself with that title.”
“Did she correct him?”
“Nope.”
“What happened then?”
“Brit just stood there, gaping. Ryan started talking about how glad he was to see her, how he’d missed her at the beach house they’d rented for the summer. I felt sucker punched.”
“I can imagine. Did Brit share his enthusiasm?”
Matt’s laugh was harsh. “No. She looked like a trapped puppy. But seems to me the trap was a mess of her own doing.”
“What did you do?”
“I got out of there. I didn’t want to stand around to watch any more of the show.”
Josie studied him a moment. “Matt—what if you were wrong?”
“What if I was wrong about what? She’s the one who forgot to mention the little fact that she already had a boyfriend. She’s the one who rented a beach house for the summer with her boyfriend. She obviously had a different set of standards with him than she did with me.”
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