Mastering Macie [The Men of Treasure Cove 7] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Rebecca Joyce

  After a little juggling, she went back to sit in the recliner, and immediately Collin latched his little mouth onto her breast, sucking greedily.

  “Okay, spill it. I can’t take the silence anymore.”

  “I ran into Mrs. Van Ottoman tonight,” he said, as if that told the whole story, but Macie knew when it came to the illustrious Mrs. Aria Van Ottoman, nothing was simple and sweet.

  She had had her run-ins with the crusty old biddy more than she liked to admit. Every time, the old bat had no problem telling her what she thought of her and her kind. “So what did the old bitch say this time?”

  “Macie, how well would you say you know her?” he asked, which shocked her.

  “I don’t know her well at all, I guess, just the basics. She moved to Treasure Cove about three or four years ago I guess when she bought the old Huntington home after Bill passed. Since he had no children, the city council put the home on the market. A lot of us were shocked when it sold within a week, but we figured since the buyer paid cash for it, it was someone young and they planned to remodel the old place. We were all shocked when we found out it was an old widowed woman.”

  “She was married?”

  “Well, that’s what she says. None of us wanted to pry, so we left it alone. Besides when she bought the house, she also brought her money, which some of the townsfolk benefited from. I know that the McDaniel brothers, along with the Kincaids, did some remodeling up at her place.”

  “What else do you know?”

  “I know it didn’t take her any time at all to hook up and become buddies with the old mayor and his wife. Shortly after she arrived, she started hanging out with them regularly, and before anyone knew it, she was seated on the city council as head chair. After that, she weaseled her way onto every committee within the town. She has her grubby little fingers in everything. There is not a single business in this town that doesn’t have her stamp of approval on it.”

  “But your place was around before she showed up.”

  “That’s right, but thanks to that bitch blowing up the damn library, I was forced to remodel the diner. I had to send in the permits, which she had to sign off on. Like I said, nothing in this town goes without her stamp of approval.”

  “She made it hard for you, didn’t she?”

  “You can say that, again. When I walked the permits over to the courthouse, she saw me. She asked what I was doing there, and when I told her, I found myself in her office with the door closed. She sat behind that big desk and preached morality and discretion for over an hour. She told me that I had better walk the straight and narrow, because this town was through with frivolity and excess. Nobody wanted a bastard with loose morals living in their town.”

  “I’m sorry. I wish you would have told me.”

  “I’m a big girl, Matty. If I can’t handle one little old biddy, then I need to pack up my spatula and close the diner. Dealing with her kind is nothing new for me. I have dealt with it my whole life. That’s one of the perks of living in a small town, everyone knows your business, and if they don’t, your secret won’t stay buried for long.”

  “Mrs. Van Ottoman said the same thing. She invited me to a dinner at her place this Saturday to meet and talk with some developers that are thinking about building in the town.”

  “Saturday you say? I’m busy, I can’t miss my appointment with the Pope,” she replied, smiling. When he grinned, too, she laughed a little.

  “Don’t worry. I told her I was busy.”

  “I bet she loved that. She doesn’t like being cast aside. Be careful, Matty. She is a vicious woman with an axe to grind. Get on her bad side, and you will stay there forever.”

  “I am a quick learner.” He grinned. He looked down at their now-sleeping son and gently stroked his cheek. “If I haven’t said so lately, thank you.”

  “For what?” she whispered, slowly pulling her breast from a very sleepy Collin.

  “For the boys,” he said, looking at her, and she noticed his eyes were glassy as a tear gently rolled down his cheek.

  Smiling at him, she softly replied, “You’re welcome.

  * * * *

  Treasure Cove was in full swing as the town’s residents geared up for the annual Founder’s Day Parade. With only two days left until the parade, all available residents volunteered to help with decorating every storefront and street sign, with banners, flags, and flowers. Booths sprang up, and by noon, everything was decorated in good ole red, white, and blue, just in time for the opening ceremony, which started in one hour.

  The Founder’s Day festival was the biggest event for the town of Treasure Cove. Encompassing all sorts of activities, the festival began Friday at five o’clock and didn’t end until the mayor and judge passed the courthouse in the parade. From hot dog eat-offs to a pie-baking contest, every food imaginable could be found. With most of the local women, along with Macie’s Diner and Hazel’s Sweet Treasures, helping sponsor to donate most of the food, it was an enormous deal and a lot of work for Macie. However, it was the carnival and rodeo that brought in the bigger crowds.

  With residents driving in from Celestial, Silver Springs, and surrounding counties, the small town of Treasure Cove boomed overnight. Campers, trailers, and motor homes soon lined the outskirts of town as everyone eagerly waited for the opening ceremony.

  Making sure the boys were snug and secure in their stroller, Macie, along with Andrew and Matthew at her side, walked down the streets, heading toward the courthouse. The town was already crowded as residents milled around, standing, and clamoring to get a better look at the opening ceremony.

  “I think this is close enough, Macie,” Andrew said, pushing the stroller under the canopy of the local clinic. Andrew helped Matthew set up the folding chairs so they wouldn’t have to stand. The opening ceremony generally lasted about an hour, and with most of the residents already filling up the lawn, he wanted to have a clean getaway when it ended.

  “Hey, Dads,” Emma said, walking up with little Tamara tucked into a little jumper attached around her small frame. Andrew looked up and grinned when he saw Tate behind her, Tabitha up on his shoulders, flanked by Travis and Tucker, who carried chairs, diaper bags, and Emma’s purse. “Damn, it’s gonna be a hot one today. Did we miss anything yet?”

  “Nope, they haven’t started,” he said, leaning down, kissing his daughter’s cheek.

  “Papa Andy, look. Daddy got me a wiener!” Tabby shouted.

  “Corndog, Tabby, it’s a corndog.” Tate corrected.

  “Nut-huh, Momma said it was a wiener.”

  “Oh for the love of God, Emma, will you tell her it’s a corndog?” Tate argued, putting the feisty eight-year-old down on the ground.

  “Not now, Tate, I’m conversing with my brothers.” She laughed, leaning down to check on them.

  “Yeah, well, when they can talk back, you can converse to them. Your daughter can’t go around saying wieners. I mean it, Emma, it isn’t right,” Tate said, flustered.

  “Daddy said wiener!” Tabby giggled loudly and then asked, “Momma can I go see Miss Hazel? She is right over there.”

  “I’ll take her. You stay and visit,” Tucker offered, kissing her as he grabbed his daughter’s hand before crossing the street. Andrew smiled, waving good-bye as he watched his granddaughter laugh and take in the festival. He remembered when he was younger how much fun he had, running around with his brother, eating, playing games, and getting into mischief. It was one of the best times of his life, and he couldn’t wait to experience it with his sons.

  He had missed everything with Emma, but looking at his two sleeping boys, and then at their mother, he couldn’t thank her enough for giving him this second chance.

  “Get the hell out of my way, asshole! Cranky pregnant lady coming through!” Andrew heard as the hell kitten of Treasure Cove made her way toward them.

  “Gird your loins, men. Here comes Charlotte,” he whispered as they all turned to watch the early fireworks.

  �
�Dude, if you don’t move your fat ass, I will barf all over you.”

  “Charlotte, shut up! You are attracting attention,” Jordan seethed, walking next to her.

  “Well, then tell him to move the fuck out of my way!”

  “Woman, you are this close to trying my patience. Shut it, now!”

  “Hey, Charlotte, why don’t you come sit by Emma and me. It’s cooler under the canopy,” Macie greeted the foul tempered woman.

  “Why the hell can’t they do this inside, where there is air conditioning?” Charlotte ranted, taking a seat between Emma and Macie.

  “Because there isn’t a building big enough to drown out your mouth, woman,” Jordan huffed, handing his wife a bottle of water and her battery-operated hand fan.

  “Well, it’s hotter than hell out here. They should at least have free ice cream or something,” she griped quietly.

  “How ya been feeling, Charlotte?” Emma asked, giving Tamara to Travis.

  “Like dog shit! I can handle the barfing and being tired. Hell, I don’t even mind the achy breasts or food cravings, but the mood swings have got to go. This damn parasite is making me tame.”

  “You? Tame?” Emma asked, looking at Macie, trying to hold back her laughter.

  “Yes. The other day, I was at the Buy-N-Go, and Cecil Winters was smiling at me, that creepy fucker, and instead of telling him to go fuck himself, I just smiled back and flipped him the bird!”

  Macie and Emma burst out laughing.

  “Hey, everyone!” another feminine voice said. Looking up, Macie grinned, watching Lilly McDaniel waddle slowly toward them with three anxious men hovering over her as if she was some fragile piece of glass.

  “Slow down, honey,” Jacks said, holding onto her arm.

  “Go away, Jacks. You’re bothering me,” Lilly said as Orin placed a folding chair next to Macie and Davis helped her sit.

  “Damn, Lilly, you look like a fucking water balloon,” Charlotte said as tactfully as she could.

  “And don’t I feel like it,” Lilly groaned, rubbing her huge belly.

  “Baby, Doc said you shouldn’t exert yourself. Maybe we should take you back home,” Davis worriedly said, kneeling next to her.

  “I’m fine. Just because Doc said I could have these babies any day now didn’t mean total and utter bed rest.”

  “But all this excitement can’t be healthy. How about we plan to stay for a couple of minutes, and then I can go get the truck and take you back home where you’ll be more comfortable,” Orin offered, with a pleading look upon his face.

  “No! I am staying, and no more plans. Now go get me something to drink, it’s hot out here, and I’m thirsty,” she shouted, making all three of her men jump and vanish, quickly at her beck and call.

  Macie watched as Andrew came over and knelt in front of Lilly. “How ya doing, Momma?” he asked, taking her pulse.

  “I’m fine, Doc. I just needed to get out of the house and away from my men. Their hovering is driving me up a wall. Besides, I needed to be close to the clinic,” she whispered, looking at Andrew.

  “When did they start?” he asked, touching her stomach.

  “This morning. They haven’t been bad at all, just a twinge or two. However, as we headed out, they kinda picked up a bit. I’ve been monitoring them like you told me. They are about ten minutes apart.”

  “When they hit five, you let me know immediately, okay?”

  “Sure, Doc, I will.”

  “You will what?” Jacks asked, walking up behind her handing her a bottle of water.

  “Oh nothing, I just promised Doc I would stay put,” Lilly said, smiling up at her husband.

  “Oh look! Here comes Janie and Annie,” Emma said, interrupting.

  Walking towards them, everyone in their group watched as, Gabriel Sexton, and his brother Alexander Ellis, along with Jeff and Caleb Hicks walked behind two women who were laughing and smiling, having a good time.

  “Well, it’s about time you two showed up. The ceremony is about to begin.” Macie grinned, looking up at the two guilty women. “And what kept you two?”

  Macie, Emma, Lilly, and Charlotte all looked as Janie and Annie both blushed and pointed back at the grinning men behind them.

  “Uh-huh, that’s what I thought. You two get over her and sit. We all want details,” Emma said, scooting her chair over so Jeff and Alex could place their chairs for their wives.

  However, before any more gossip could be spilled, the courthouse bell rang, and the crowed hushed.

  The ceremony was about to begin.

  The new mayor, Curtis Simpson, walked up to the podium, as Andrew looked around him and smiled. His family was all here, everyone one of them.

  Today was going to be a wonderful day.

  * * * *

  Matthew, standing next to Jeff and Gabriel, saw Aria Van Ottoman, walk up to the podium, and announce the mayor. After a round of applause, they listened as he began his speech. “Welcome to the Treasure Cove Founder’s Day Ceremony. Today is a historic day for this town and its residents. Over two hundred years ago, this town was founded on the beliefs of several hardworking and determined men. As they endured harsh winters, untamed lands, and wild natives, they built a community on the faith that anything was possible. Living life as they wanted, these men set a standard that some of us still live by today. It was because of these men and few brave women that Treasure Cove has prospered. So today we thank those brave souls as we pay our respects to the town they created and we all call home.”

  Instantly the crowd cheered and clapped. Loud hoots and whistles were heard as the mayor took a step back from the podium.

  “Matthew, when you get a chance, I need to talk to you,” Gabriel said, leaning over to him, never taking his eyes from the crowd.

  Matthew looked at the man who was generally very quiet about his business, and asked. “Is everything okay?”

  “We can talk about it later. I may need your professional advice.”

  “What about Alexander?” he asked, curiously.

  “This affects him, too, and if I am correct, it’s going to affect the others.”

  “Are you talking about the letter from the town council?” Jeff asked, turning to Gabriel.

  “You received the same letter?” Gabriel asked, shocked as Jeff nodded.

  “What letter?” Matthew turned, facing them both, but it was at that moment, that the mayor introduced Aria Van Ottoman. “Everyone, please give a hefty round of applause to our town council chair, Mrs. Aria Van Ottoman.”

  The loud roar of the crowd drowned out what Jeff had said, and before he could ask him to repeat himself, the old bat started speaking. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for attending Treasure Cove’s two hundred and eighth Founder’s Day Parade. As our illustrious mayor stated, our town was founded on unique beliefs and morals that still hold firm today. It is those beliefs that have made our glorious town everything it has become. Over time, our little town grew and prospered, where many had faltered. However, with time comes change. And a great change is coming to our town. With new life and businesses, our little town has the opportunity to become a beacon for others as we filter out the old and bring in the new.

  “I remember when I was a little girl,” were the last words Matthew heard before Braxton walked up to him and pulled him away from the ceremony without saying a single word. He didn’t know what was so urgent, or why the town sheriff was in a hurry, but whatever was bothering him, Matthew knew the hold Braxton had on his arm wasn’t going to let up until they were well away from everyone.

  He watched as Braxton looked over his shoulder several times. He maneuvered him through the thick crowd until they reached the safety of the local sheriff’s office. Once inside, Braxton quickly shut the door and locked it.

  Holding his finger to his mouth, he motioned for him to follow without saying a single word. Walking into his office, Matthew spotted Brannon and the new deputy, Rafe Anderson, along with a man in a black suit. When the suit
flashed him his badge, Matthew nodded and sat, waiting to find out what was up with all the cloak-and-dagger crap.

  Seconds later, Braxton returned with a radio in hand, placed it on his desk, and turned it on loud. Leaning over, the sheriff turned his head toward his neck and whispered. “Rafe found several listening devices in the office. On a hunch, he went and did a sweep of your office and found this.”

  Braxton placed a small electronic device in his hand. Looking at it, Matthew didn’t know what to think, but froze when Braxton whispered, “You are being watched. We all are.”

  Quickly looking up at the man, Matthew didn’t move when Braxton slowly shook his head no. Sitting very still, Matthew had several questions running through his mind, but mainly he wanted to know who was watching him. When Braxton handed him a sheet of paper, Matthew quickly read it.

  Eight p.m. tonight at the Rawhide.

  Nodding, Matthew folded the paper and put it in his breast pocket. Getting to his feet, no words were needed. He knew something broke in the case, and whatever it was, it was crucial. So big that Braxton felt the need for secrecy.

  As he headed back to where his brother and Macie were, Matthew tried to drown out what Mrs. Van Ottoman was saying, but her shrilly voice had begun to grate on his nerves. Rubbing the back of his neck, he went to stand by Macie, who was folding up her chair furiously. Within seconds, all the other women stood as their men helped them gather their things, and before Matthew could ask what was going on, he heard, “And this is why we cannot allow this evil to endure. This is our town. It belongs to all of us, not just the few. How can we raise our children to be moral and upstanding citizens when loose women parade around town, flaunting their immoral character and their bastard children? That is not the example I want to set for this town. Treasure Cove needs to change, and with that change, we need to remove these wicked women and their sinful ways!”

  “What the fuck?” he whispered mainly to himself as some of the crowd cheered and clapped, while others gasped looking at each other.