by JoAnna Grace
“Not my motive,” she said, throwing his words back at him. “Now go back to sleep, baby. We have a busy day tomorrow.”
Tomorrow.
And the next day.
And the next week.
And the next month.
Bo and Tina worked side by side for the entire summer. Before he could blink it was July and Tina soothed her heartbreak over Noah by celebrating Misty’s birthday. The two kid’s birthdays were close together and while it was painful in one aspect, celebrating life helped them all.
A month later, it was his turn. Bo walked into Bear’s on a Wednesday night expecting to have a nice quiet dinner with Nan to celebrate his first birthday as a free man in five years.
“Surprise!”
Bo’s mouth dropped open at all the people who crowded the restaurant. All of the guys from work, their families, Tina’s friends that he’d gotten to know over the last couple months, and even a few of his customers who had bought carvings from him all cheered when he entered the doors. Bright colored balloons dotted the room and a huge birthday cake sat on the decorated stage. A sign hung behind it exclaiming “Happy Birthday, Bo!”
Nan covered her mouth and had tears in her eyes as Bo just stood there, stunned. Friends. He actually had friends and people who cared enough to come out on a Wednesday night and celebrate him, of all things.
Right there, in front of them all was his beautiful lady, her smile shining brightly and her blue eyes lit with happiness. She clapped and cheered, her face radiating all the joy he felt inside and had no clue how to express.
Bo shook his head, intense heat rising in his cheeks as he smiled and rubbed the bridge of his nose. Holy shit, if he didn’t man-up he was going to cry.
Tina threw her arms around his neck and jumped in his arms. “Happy birthday, baby.”
Bo lifted her off the ground and buried his head in her neck. “Did you do this?”
“I had help. Daddy and Nan were in on it, too.”
“This is… This is…” Shit. Where was the testosterone when he needed it?
Tina took his face in her hands. “You didn’t think I’d let you celebrate your birthday without me…and a few of our friends, did ya?”
“I’d hoped,” he joked and winked at Nan, who giggled. “Well, hell. Let’s have a party.”
Jason shoved a beer in his hand and they escorted him to a special table right by the stage. Bo was in awe of all the balloons and streamers. It must have taken hours to string all that crap across the beams of the ceiling and get all these balloons in place. “Thanks in advance to whoever has to clean this place up afterwards.”
Nan lifted her glass of wine. “I’ll take credit for putting them up, but I won’t take responsibility for taking them down. I’m too old for it.”
Bo relaxed into the laughter, he drank it up, swam in it until his entire being was so content he didn’t know what to do with himself. Was it legal for a man to be this happy, to have his family, his woman, his friends, and a night of celebrating a life that had been in question at one point?
They ate cake and oohed and ahhed as Bo open the first birthday presents he’d had in years. He didn’t know if there was a limit on personal happiness, but he figured if there was, he would’ve blown it sky high tonight.
Tina took the stage with a familiar band behind her. When she started singing, it was like living in a dream. She sang a couple fast songs and then broke into country ballads that melted him to the core. She was a Siren, a goddess who wrapped him up and enslaved him with the sound of her voice.
He put his arm around Nan’s shoulder. “If my heart wasn’t already hers, it sure as hell would be now.”
“I got news for you, son. If you don’t hang on to ’er, I just might.” Nan crinkled her nose when she chuckled, a sign she was half lit. “Damn, that child can sing.” She swayed her head back and forth to the beat and clapped when Tina finished. “That’s my girl,” she hollered out.
Tina winked at her and started another song, perfect for the two-step. Bo extended his hand to Nan. “May I?”
Nan grabbed at her chest and swooned. “You may.”
He’d never had so much fun in his life, dancing with his grandmother while the woman he loved and needed more than his next breath sang a country song. It was by far, the best birthday of his life. No man was more blessed than he was, they just couldn’t be.
It was odd, the way time flew on the outside. When he was behind bars the hours seemed like days and it was easy to lose track of time because everything felt delayed and in slow motion.
Now, every hour seemed like a minute and he lost track of time because it zipped right out from under him. Working with Tina was as easy as breathing. She was a natural leader and Bo didn’t mind falling into step with all the other soldiers. After work, however, he was the general. The crazy part was, as much as she loved to control things, Tina also appreciated not having to be in control.
She didn’t argue when he told her where they were going for dinner or if they were going to stay in. Bo always asked her opinion, but nine times out of ten, she would let him decide what movies they would watch. Tina put up a fight for which sports they watched and what team she rooted for, but that was pretty hot and Bo loved the competitive side of her.
The deeper their relationship went, the deeper his love grew. Tina Foster was a great boss and a great person. But she was more than that to him, she was inspirational and worthy of so much more than what Bo could ever offer her. Each time he saw her smile or heard her laugh, his heart softened more. They went for walks, discussing their personal philosophies and thoughts on everything from cereal brands to politics, tools to celebrities, and everything in between. Some things they agreed on, some things they agreed to disagree.
When Bo took her to bed…fireworks. Tina was just as passionate about making love to him as she was about fixing up old houses. They had nights where they could barely get their clothes off fast enough and nights where one of them would pleasure the other just to be giving.
The best parts of his day was waking up to her. He loved the way her body fit tucked into his, the way her hair smelled, and way she hummed in her sleep. The nights they spent apart were agonizing, but necessary. In order to keep some healthy distance, he made sure they didn’t spend every moment together. He still had work to do on Nan’s house and his woodworking projects that he wanted to keep going. Tina had joined up with the local band who played at his birthday and they had practices two nights a week, so he planned to be away from her those nights. Jason had been kidding when he mentioned too much of a good thing, but he had a valid point. Bo was well aware of Tina’s ability to quickly shift gears. She was the queen of compartmentalizing and, so far, he was a welcomed presence in both the work and personal compartments. He didn’t want to wear out his welcome in either.
TINA HELD THE PHONE to her ear as she drove home from band practice. “Holly, please come,” she pleaded. Tonight was one of the few nights Bo wasn’t with her and she could have a serious conversation. Holly was younger, closer to Meg’s age, and during their couple of years on the cheer and drill team together, they’d become close friends. She was dating Lance, Meg’s brother, when he’d run off the road and into river. He’d been drinking and was ejected from the car, his body found downriver, washed up on the banks in another city. Holly couldn’t stand to see Meg suffer and she’d felt responsible because she and Lance had had a fight before he left. She moved into her half-brother’s cabin over an hour upriver.
“I can’t. You know I can’t.” Holly spoke in staccato beats on the other end of the phone, her voice was tight and unyielding, just like her will.
“It’s his birthday, Holly.” Tina sighed. Justin and Holly had once been attached at the hip, part of the reason Lance was angry the night he died.
“I’m aware.”
“Justin wants you there.”
“Did he say that?” Her uncertain tone showed Tina where the crack in her armor was.
“He told me to invite you this weekend. You were one of his best friends. He misses you, Holly. We all do.”
“I miss you, too.” She cleared her throat. “I don’t think it’s the best time for a reunion, okay?”
Tina gnawed on her bottom lip until it hurt. Maybe she needed to try the bad cop routine, since the good cop got kicked to the curb. “Do I have to come up there and drag you out of that cabin? Is that what it’s going to take for you to realize no one is shunning you? No one blames you, Holly. No one points a finger at you. You heard Meg at Noah’s funeral. It’s not your fault. Stop taking the blame for Lance’s poor decisions. It’s been three years. Enough is enough.”
“I need more time.”
Tina gripped her cell phone so hard she thought it might crack. “Fine, but I’m not giving you long, Holly Combs. If you don’t get your shit together, I’ll come up there and—”
“I’m not one of your houses, Tina.” Holly’s firmness startled her. “You can’t fix me with a hammer and nails or threats. I’ll come when I’m ready. Tell Justin I said happy birthday.” Holly hung up the phone and Tina’s heart tore in two.
She drove her truck over the main street bridge and she looked to the left as she passed by her house and kept driving. She needed to talk to someone, but who? Her father was a good listener when it came to non-emotional situations. But this was an emotional reaction she was having.
Nan.
That’s where she was heading, even if her brain hadn’t acknowledged it yet. Tina didn’t hesitate to put on her blinker and turn onto the county road that lead to Bo’s house. He was finishing up a project for one of his customers, so maybe they could have a heart-to-heart while he was busy. Nancy was wise and had been so good to Tina in the last couple months.
“Well, hello there, kitten!” Nan opened the door and smiled.
For some reason, Tina couldn’t hold it in. Her bottom lip trembled and Nan’s chipper countenance fell.
“Oh, honey, come to me.” Nan opened her arms and Tina fell into the safety and love she offered. “Is this a woman thing, or do you need Bo?”
“You.”
Nan tightened her hold. “You’ve got me. Come inside and let’s talk. I have booze or chocolate, pick your poison.”
“I don’t want Bo to worry.”
Nan turned her around and headed right back out the front door. “Front porch it is.”
Tina chuckled through her tears. Of course Nan would understand. They curled up in the front porch swing and Nan listened as Tina unloaded all about Meg, Lance, Holly, Justin, the whole story from the time they were in high school to the moment Holly hung up on her. Nan listened and took in every detail, asking questions so she had all the information.
“I fix things, Nan,” Tina said, wiping her tears away. “It’s what I do. So why can’t I fix this? It’s like Holly doesn’t want anything to do with us anymore.”
“If you could fix hearts, people would be praying to you, not the Lord.” She patted Tina on the knee. “People have to process in their own way. Holly does want your friendship, otherwise she wouldn’t have taken off to Boston with you in the middle of the night.” Nan smiled at her. “You know, there have been a lot of times in my life when I’ve wondered why I couldn’t fix my daughter. Trust me, I’ve had years to try to make sense of her actions, to comprehend where I went wrong as a mother. Like you’re doing now with Holly. I’m a fixer, too,” she whispered conspiratorially, “so I understand your pain. Are there things I should’ve done better? Sure. I could list them off and badger myself every day if I wanted to. At the end of the day, people make their own choices. You’re not responsible for Holly’s guilt any more than Holly is responsible for Lance’s death. Focus on what you can fix.”
“Easier said than done.” Tina shrugged and tried to muster a smile.
“Yes, child. It is, which is why I’m going to ask you to focus on something else.” Nan frowned and her gray eyebrows pinched together and dipped low. “Belinda contacted me today.”
“Your daughter?” Sickness rose in Tina’s throat. Oh no. “Does Bo know?”
Nan nodded. “I keep nothing from him. He’s had enough people lie and betray him, I won’t be a name on that list. He loves you, Tina, and if we can protect him from her, we have to. I’ve already contacted the sheriff about restraining orders and such, but it’s not that easy. She technically hasn’t done anything wrong yet. She was apologizing and saying how much she missed her family. Said she’s been clean for a year.” Nan’s gray hair shook with her head. “But I’ve heard it all before, then she does something horrible.”
A switch clicked in Tina’s mind. Bo was hers. Nan was hers. She would do anything to protect those she loved. “What do we do?”
“We make sure he knows who loves him and who won’t betray him.” Nan held her hand and Tina noticed it shaking. “Bo has to make up his own mind about his mother.”
“Nancy?” Tina whispered, sensing the fear in the older woman.
Nan’s eyes filled with moisture. “I just got him back, Tina. I don’t want her to hurt him again.”
“She won’t,” Tina promised with a deep and unwavering conviction. “I won’t let her. You’re not alone in this, Nan. Daddy and I will fight for him, too.”
“You know the hardest part?” Nan touched her mouth and gazed out over the gardens and fields she labored in daily. “She’s my little girl. The moment I heard her voice on the phone today, it broke my heart. Even after everything she’s done, I’m still her mother and she’s my child.”
“Bo says you always look for the best in people. I don’t imagine your own daughter would be exempt. Guard your heart, Nan. It’ll work out.”
Nan’s wrinkled lips pulled into a smile. “He’s so blessed to have you, kitten. So am I.”
Tina hugged Nan, finding the comfort she needed and hopefully giving some. She left Nancy in search of her man. Bo was in the workshop, gently carving a statue of a bear. He had earbuds in and had no idea she’d come into the door. Tina took the opportunity observe him in his natural habitat.
Bo was meticulous, using his hands with masterful skill and ease. He bent to get close to the bear’s face and picked up a different tool to etch out details of its eyes. Bo was so strong and yet delicate in his work. His broad back twisted and stretched as he repositioned himself. Tina loved the roundness of his shoulders, the thickness of his bulging biceps and the way those arms felt when he held her. Bo was her safe place, and even before she knew it, he did.
He stood up and turned to examine his tool in better lighting and saw her at the door. Bo yanked his earbuds out and his face lit up, then fell. “You’re crying.” The tool fell from his hand as if nothing in the world mattered more than her. “What happened?” Bo came to her, touched her cheek and wrapped his other arm account her waist.
All it took was his touch, and she felt grounded, centered, at peace. Her body relaxed into his hold and she laid her head on his chest. The mixture of the scent of wood and Bo had become her favorite cologne in the world. “Holly and I had an argument. I needed to talk to Nan.”
“Is everything okay?”
“I hope it will be. How are you?”
Bo tensed up. “Fine. Why?”
Tina peered up into his eyes. “I know about your mother, Bo. You don’t have to pretend.”
His jaw worked and his nostrils flared. “I don’t want you to worry about her. I won’t let her near you.”
“It’s not me I’m worried about.” Tina cupped his cheeks with her hands. “I’m not afraid.”
One side of Bo’s lips turned up. “Of course you’re not. You’re the bravest woman I know.” He dipped his head and kissed her. “I didn’t think I’d see you tonight.”
“Surprise.” Tina turned her gaze away.
Bo tilted her chin up and ran his thumb over her bottom lip. He leaned in and whispered, “Baby, what do you need?” He kissed her nose. “Do I need to hold you?” Bo gently dotted k
isses on her temples. “Do you need sleep? Food? Target practice?”
“I just wanted to come get some advice. I’m going to go so you can finish up. I just wanted to say goodnight.”
“You’ll see me in the morning, lover.” Bo kissed her lips and Tina sighed when his soft, velvet tongue slipped past her lips. Her body hummed to life. Bo’s lips were pure sin and pure salvation.
Yet, her mind was on Holly and Bo’s mother possibly being around and having to explain to Justin that Holly wouldn’t come to his birthday.
“Bo,” Tina gasped as he kissed his way down her neck, his hands working loose the buttons of her shirt, “you know I love getting you naked, but that’s not why I’m here.”
Bo stopped kissing her and narrowed his eyes. “I knew it. You’re not okay. That neck bit always works.”
Tina slapped his chest. “I’ll see you in the morning, brat.” She pushed him and headed for the door.
“T?” The urgency in his voice made her spin around.
“Yeah?”
Bo didn’t meet her eyes, his hand tapped on the work bench in front of him. He was hesitant about something. “You know that I love you, right?”
“Of course I do, Bo.”
“I’m here if you need me.”
Tina remembered what he’d said a while back about having abandonment issues. She could just ring his mother’s neck. Hell, if the bitch was in town, Tina might just get her chance. Bo was the strongest man she knew in so many ways, and yet he was scared to death of losing her.
“I’m not going anywhere, Bo. You have my heart and I can’t very well live without it.”
He nodded and turned back to his work. No man wanted to be needy, Tina knew enough to understand that. And she wasn’t going to baby him when he had moments of doubt. Thanks to his mother, Bo would always have moments when the scars from her betrayal were ripped open Tina was more than happy to mend his wounds and assure him of her love.
RAIN WAS OFTEN A pain in the ass when it came to construction. No one liked to work in the rain, and even though they could, Bo was a bit relieved when he received the group text message from Duane letting the guys know they had the day off. He peered out his bedroom window and could barely see the outline of the barn through the sheets of water coming down.