by LuAnn McLane
“I know. That’s why I came over here.” She clasped her hands together and grinned. “Oh, I almost forgot. Nancy Walker is the woman I wanted to tell you about. She just got engaged!”
“A friend of yours?”
Mia nodded. “She’s the secretary over at the city building. I met her when I bailed Cam out of jail.”
“That just sounds so wrong.”
“Yeah, quite a story to tell our grandchildren, right? ‘Grandpa and I met when he came to my rescue after tossing a Coke into a customer’s face. Oh yeah, and then I jumped on the asshat’s back and tried to pull his ears off. I bailed Grandpa out of jail, we got stuck in an elevator together, and the rest is history.’”
“Mia, you crack me up.” Addison laughed. “So, Nancy the secretary is getting married?”
“Oh yes … I got a bit off track. I do that a lot. Drives Cam crazy. Nancy has been in love with Tucker, the maintenance man at the city building, for, like, forever. Nancy gave Tucker such puppy-dog eyes when I was waiting for Cam. I told her that she should, you know, flirt a little. She said some nonsense about that ship having sailed ages ago but I saw them out together not long afterward. Isn’t that just the coolest thing? And now they’re getting married! Nancy and Tucker are tying the knot.” She raised her hands above her head. “I just love it. Anyway, Nancy proudly showed me her ring when I saw her at Wine and Diner, eating lunch the other day. I told her she’d better invite me! And then I gave her one of your cards.”
“So, do you think they’ll want something simple?”
“Oh no.” Mia waved a hand through the air. “Nancy said that Tucker wants her to have her dream wedding. When I told her about the barn renovation she thought that setting would be perfect. They both grew up in Cricket Creek so it should be a fairly large reception. They’re talking next spring.”
“Their story is so romantic! I’ll make a note of it and tell Sara. So, I guess I shouldn’t give up, then, huh?”
“Exactly.”
“Well, Reid is still skeptical, but at this rate and with some good publicity, I think that next spring we’ll be pretty much booked up.”
Mia nodded her agreement. “Dad is really trying hard to find a photographer. I wish Uncle Paul lived closer. Your dad does some wonderful work.”
“Maybe he knows someone. We should bring it up tonight.”
“Speaking of, I need to get back to the stadium or I’ll end up staying late, and I don’t want to miss a minute visiting tonight.”
Addison stood up. “I need to get back to work too.”
“Hey, Addie, I didn’t mean to get into your business. I just want to see you happy. Your deserve it.”
“No, I’m so glad you stopped in. I needed someone to talk to. I’m going to invite Reid. And you were right, you know.”
“About what?”
“It’s all about the kiss.”
Mia’s smile turned soft and dreamy. “Yeah, it sure is.”
24
Head over Heels
SARA SAT DOWN ON THE FRONT PORCH SWING NEXT TO Reid and handed him a glass of sweet tea. “Why are you staring at the cell phone like it’s a snake about to strike?”
“I just listened to a voice mail from Addison.” He looked up from the phone and took a swallow of the cold tea, letting it cool his parched throat. The weather had turned considerably hotter, leaning more toward summer than spring. “Damn, that’s good. Mom still makes the best tea, strong but not bitter and not too sweet. How does she do that?”
Sara gave him a deadpan look. “Forget about the tea. What did Addison say?”
Reid inhaled a deep breath and blew it out. “Her parents are in town for the night. She wants me to have appetizers at her place and then go out to dinner with them.”
Sara raised her arms in the air. “So?”
“What do you mean … so? Dinner with her parents? Oh, and Mitch Monroe, his wife, Nicolina, and Mia are going to be there.”
“Again … so? You’re not intimidated by them, are you?”
Reid gave her a scowl. “No, of course not. I mean, it did cross my mind that Addison would never be interested in a country boy like me, but I’ve gotten over that.”
“Good, because that’s nonsense. Not only that, but did you forget that you graduated from the University of Kentucky with honors?”
“I mean, I’d really like to meet Melinda Monroe, but …” He took another drink of his tea and sighed once more.
“But what?” Sara rocked the swing back and forth, waiting.
“Stop swinging.”
“It a swing, Reid. It’s what you’re supposed to do.”
“No, I’m serious. I don’t feel like swinging.”
Sara planted her feet on the ground, making the swing come to an abrupt halt. “You wouldn’t be so testy if you’d just stop fighting this tooth and nail.”
“I know.” Reid nodded. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m starting to have some hard-core feelings for her.
“You’re in love with her.”
Reid glanced at Sara. She knew him inside out so there wasn’t any reason to deny it. “Yeah, I am.”
“Let me guess: Meeting the parents puts a serious spin on your relationship with Addison and it scares the pants off of you.”
Reid looked at his tea, wishing it were something stronger. “I’m not scared, exactly. I’m worried.”
“About what?”
“Addison’s been through so much. I don’t want to cause her any more heartache. Maybe I need to slow this thing down.”
“I think I know what’s going on here and I feel like it’s partly my fault. I called you out on not being here for the family, thinking all the while that you were living a cushy life when you were struggling to save your clients from financial ruin. You’ve had the weight of the world on your shoulders way too long. Just live your life, Reid. Addison wouldn’t have invited you if she didn’t want you there.” She patted his leg. “I might be a teeny bit prejudiced but I think Addison is one lucky girl to have you in her life.”
He shrugged and took another swig of tea. “I’m being an idiot, aren’t I?”
“Funny how you can read my mind. I guess it’s part of being a twin,” Sara said with a small smile. “Now go take a shower. You’re a little gamey.”
Reid got up but then gave the swing a shove, making it swing wildly back and forth.
“Hey, I almost spilled my tea!” Sara shouted, just when Braden walked out the door.
Braden looked in their direction and shook his head. “You two will never change.”
“Where are you going, smelling all good and with gel in your hair?” Sara asked.
“I don’t have gel in my hair.”
Sara rolled her eyes. “You’re going to be spittin’ some game at the ladies. Oh wait. Are you seeing Ronnie?”
“Not tonight. I’m just up to Sully’s to shoot some pool,” Braden replied. “Wanna come, Reid?”
“Thanks, but I’m heading over to Addison’s,” Reid replied, giving Sara a silent don’t-say-anymore look.
“Don’t forget, you’re playing Farmer Braden tomorrow. Dad has a doctor’s appointment. So don’t be out too late.”
Braden shook his head. “You’re not my mom.”
“Thank God,” she muttered, as she walked down the steps. “Hey, did you just flip me off?”
“I merely waved good-bye,” Braden called back to her.
Reid had to laugh. He’d missed the banter between his siblings.
“Don’t encourage him,” Sara grumbled, but she had a smile on her face. “Why do I love you guys so much?” She stood up and gave Reid a hug. “We need to get Jeff home sometime soon.”
“I think Braden said Jeff might have a gig at Sully’s coming up. That would be cool for us all to be together.”
Reid nodded. “Yeah, it would.”
Sara watched Braden drive off in a cloud of dust. She shook her head. “I wish he’d settle down a little. Find a girlfriend.”
“Well, I wish he’d hang out with something other than eye candy and find someone with substance.”
“I’m sure he will. Well, I’m going to head on over and shower.”
“Let me know how it goes. Just have fun, okay?”
Reid nodded. “I’ve been trying to take that leap of faith you keep talking about. It’s not easy.”
“We’re all a work in progress, Reid. But I know one thing: It sure is good to see you smile again.”
“Feels good too.” He gave Sara a quick hug and then headed over to his truck.
Later while Reid showered, he thought about how he’d been living his life over the past few years. Looking back, the collapse of the economy had been boldly written on the wall. Melinda Monroe had tried to forewarn the public but in the midst of a boom no one wanted to believe a naysayer. During the worst of the recession Reid had lain awake at night, wondering how to salvage the savings of those who had entrusted him with their hard-earned money. Anxiety became his constant companion, sucking the life right out of him. “That and your stubborn pride,” Reid grumbled at his reflection as he shaved his chin.
But Sara was right. Coming home had pumped joy back into his life, making him realize that his family should have been his lifeline all along. He would never make that mistake again. At this point he couldn’t imagine moving away again but he couldn’t just help Braden out on the farm forever. He would have to find a way to make money. While Reid wiped off the traces of shaving cream with a warm washcloth, he thought about all of the time he wasted being lonely and miserable. “No more wasting time.” Blinking at his reflection, Reid held on to the edge of the sink and decided that he needed to tell Addison about his growing feelings for her. Surely she knew from his actions but he suddenly felt the need to tell her. They’d never had a conversation about their future, but it was time.
After putting on his best pair of khaki pants and a dark blue oxford shirt, Reid realized he was early and decided to stop at Flower Power and pick up a bouquet of flowers. He whistled all the way to his truck, feeling lighthearted and happy. He had just pulled into the parking lot of Wedding Row when his cell phone rang. After pulling it out of his pocket he smiled. “Hi, Addison. What’s up?”
“I need your help.”
Reid sat up straighter at her urgent tone.
“Everything okay?”
“Well, I think I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. Oh no! Wait!”
Reid pressed the phone closer to his ear, trying to hear what was going on in the background. He heard some clattering noises, a clank, and a muffled curse. With his heart pounding Reid got out of the truck and decided to pass on the flowers. “Addison?” he shouted into the phone, but when he reached From This Moment, the doors were already locked. “Addison? Are you okay?” he asked when he heard another clatter. He jogged around to the back entrance to her apartment and took the stairs two at a time. Luckily, the door was unlocked. He swung it open and sprinted into the apartment. “Addison?” He spotted her in the kitchen.
“Yes. Oh sorry,” she said into the phone. “I had an emergency.”
Reid hurried over, startling her when she turned around and spotted him standing there. He had to grin. She had a streak of flour on her cheek and a dusting in her hair and her kitchen was a huge mess.
“Just when the cupcakes were done, the stew started boiling over. I was trying to get everything under control but then I tripped over the cord to the mixer and, well …” She raised her palms upward and shook her head. “I am one hot mess.”
Reid would have laughed but her bottom lip trembled. “Ah, baby. What can I do?”
She sniffed and leaned her head against his chest. “I hurried up and finished early in the shop and decided I’d surprise everyone with a home-cooked meal. I went to the grocery store and picked up the items I needed and I was so pumped, but I guess it has been a while since I’ve cooked for this many people.”
“How long is a while?”
“Well, like, in … never. I mean, you wouldn’t know it by the state of the kitchen but I’m a decent cook, but usually just for my parents and me. Stew seemed like an easy thing to do but then I got ambitious and decided to bake cupcakes for dessert. Chocolate cupcakes are my dad’s favorite. Then I thought I’d throw together some biscuits.” She angled her head over to the mixing bowl. “And I wanted icing … and suddenly I was in way over my head,” she said, drawing out the word head in a sorrowful tone.
“Oh, baby … don’t worry, I’ll help. Just tell me what needs to be done and I’m on it.” He tilted her chin up and gave her a tender kiss. “Let’s turn on some music, open a bottle of wine, and have some fun with this.”
She smiled. “You’re a lifesaver.”
Reid pushed a tear away with his thumb and then kissed her again. “You taste like chocolate.”
“I swiped some of the cake batter from the bowl,” she said in such a guilty tone that Reid couldn’t hold back his laughter.
“Do you have any idea how cute and lovable you are?”
Addison inhaled a deep breath. “Well, I have a confession to make.”
Reid kissed the tip of her floured nose. “What’s that?”
“I wanted to impress you with my mad skills.”
“Trust me, you already have.”
When she smiled, Reid almost told her that he loved her, but he held back.
“So, you’ll help?”
“There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you,” he admitted, coming as close to a profession of love as he dared.
“Where have you been all my life?” Her tone was teasing but there was something in her eyes that made Reid’s heart pound. She felt the same way! But then she quickly turned around, as if not wanting him to see the truth in her eyes. Reid understood. She was gun-shy. He needed to be patient.
“Waiting for you,” he answered in an equally light, teasing tone. When she turned back around and looked at him neither of them said another word, but love was hanging in the air between them. “Put me to work, Addison. With our big family, Mom puts us to work in the kitchen. I know my way around. Speaking of, your family knows I’ll be here, right?”
Addison nodded. “They know that you’re Sara’s brother and that we’ve been seeing each other.”
“Does that concern them?” He tried not to feel any anxiety about her response.
Addison put her palms on his chest. “My parents love me and want me to be happy. That’s all they care about. Just be yourself.”
“That’s all I know how to be,” Reid said. No matter what happened in his life he’d never go back to withdrawing into a shell, hiding out from life.
“Perfect.”
Less than an hour later the cupcakes were frosted, the stew simmered, and the biscuits were on the cookie sheet, ready to pop in the oven when the time arrived. “You need to let me clean up while you shower.”
Addison wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up at him. “There is nothing sexier than a man doing dishes.”
“I think you just talked me into doing the dishes every night,” he said. “Well played.”
She giggled.
Reid shooed her toward her bedroom. “Now go. I’ve got it under control.” As he watched her walk toward her bedroom Reid realized that he liked this domestic spin that cooking for company put on their relationship. He’d never even considered what it would feel like to be married.
Until now.
He waited for a shot of fear or apprehension but it failed to come. He smiled as he dried a bowl and put it in a cabinet. Nice …
About thirty minutes later Addison walked back into the kitchen, wearing white jeans and a billowy teal blouse belted at the waist. She wore her hair up in a loose bun. The only thing flashy was the diamond tennis bracelet that she’d told him was a gift from her parents for her twenty-f
irst birthday.
“What?” Addison asked, making Reid realize he’d been staring.
“You’re gorgeous, Addison. I can’t take my eyes off of you.”
She came over and smoothed her hands up his chest. “I know the feeling. I can’t keep my eyes or my hands off of you. It’s going to be tough not being all over you when the company arrives.”
Reid groaned and was about to dip his head for a kiss when the doorbell chimed. He felt a slight twinge of nerves, but when the Monroe clan came into the room, full of hugs and laughter and introductions, he felt at ease. Addison took a tray of appetizers from her father.
“I brought artichoke dip and pita chips,” Mia said. “It’s still warm.”
“My favorite,” Addison said.
Mitch handed Reid a bottle of bourbon. He looked at the label. “Pappy Van Winkle’s twenty-three-year-old? Are you kidding me? That’s as smooth as it gets.”
“Oh, he’s been on the bourbon trail twice,” Nicolina said with a shake of her head.
“I love the history behind the distilleries,” Mitch declared, drawing a laugh from Paul.
“Yeah, right. You love the bourbon.”
“What’s not to love?” Mitch asked, but then looked at Reid. “You’re a Kentuckian. You know what I’m talking about.”
Reid nodded. “I sure do. There’s nothing better than a fine bourbon.” He held up the bottle. “This one is one of the finest. Wheat is used rather than rye, giving it a sweeter taste. This twenty-three is really hard to come by.”
Nicolina laughed again. “He loves telling people he’s a Kentuckian now.”
“Makes me feel badass, like on Justified,” Mitch said, making them all laugh.
“Something smells amazing,” Melinda said. “Sweetie, did you cook dinner?”
“A big pot of beef stew. Reid came to my rescue and helped.” Addison nodded. “I thought we could talk easier here than in a noisy restaurant. Is that okay?”
“Perfect,” Melinda answered, making Reid notice the similarities between mother and daughter.
“I hoped Bella might be able to come,” Addison said to Nicolina.
“Mitch couldn’t take another day of seeing her sad face and insisted that she fly out to Iowa to see Logan play. He’s with the Iowa Cubs now, hoping to move up from the farm team to Chicago.”