Cheyenne (The Women of Merryton Book 4)

by Jennifer Peel

I gave him my this-isn’t-a-date face.

  “Humor me.” He wasn’t budging. No man had ever been so assertive with me. I was good at always getting my way, but not with him.

  I took my seat across from him. We were in the middle of all the tables. I think the seating hostess did that on purpose. I liked being the center of attention. Aidan didn’t, but his focus only seemed to be on me. For a second I thought this was my chance to truly do my worst. I could make another fake announcement, but there was something in Aidan’s eyes that kept my mouth sealed. Something that said he was honored to be there with me. He didn’t know what was good for him.

  The gorgeous Danica, who was on my shortlist of perfect women for Aidan, was our server. How fortuitous. The dark-haired beauty was obviously taken with Aidan. She blushed when she handed us our menus. “Do you want to know our specials tonight?” She tucked some hair behind her ear.

  “Sure.” I was trying to keep her there as long as possible even though I knew what I would be ordering.

  Aidan, unfortunately, wasn’t paying attention to her as he should. He needed to stop looking at me.

  She prattled off the specials and took our drink orders in a hurry.

  Aidan seemed happy to see her go.

  “You should have paid more attention to her.”

  He lowered his menu. “Why?”

  “Because she’s going to be bidding on you at the auction.” She didn’t know that yet, but I would be talking to her next week.

  He cleared his throat. “Excuse me? She’s like fifteen years younger than me.”

  “So? She’s beautiful and she goes to your church. And I hear she went on some of those mission trips you people do.”

  He turned back to his menu. “What looks good to you?” He was clearly in no mood to discuss my plans.

  I would let it drop for now. “I’m getting the barbecue chicken salad.”

  “That does sound good.” He set his menu aside. “You look great tonight, by the way.”

  I smirked at him. “You’re laying it on thick.”

  “I have to before Drew Turner makes his move.”

  I laughed. “He did seem excited that I came today. I especially liked when he ran the football for a touchdown during the first quarter and pointed to me from the end zone.”

  Aidan chuckled. “Andrew and Rachel are going to have to watch that kid.”

  “Yeah, they are.”

  “It was nice that you came. I wanted to talk to you before you left.”

  “I had to give Veronica time to make a spectacle out of herself.”

  Disgust filled his handsome face. “Do you really think she’ll come to the auction? Technically she’s still married.”

  “Rumor has it their divorce will be final soon. Apparently, they filed a long time ago and kept it a secret. Not sure how. I’m a little impressed they did.”

  His faced turned pale.

  “Don’t worry. I have you covered. I’ll make sure you get someone like Danica.”

  He shook his head. “Anyway. How’s your leg feeling?”

  “Better. I still have to stay off it as much as I can, and no high-impact exercises for the time being, but at least no crutches.”

  He reached across the table and his fingertips brushed mine. “I was thinking of going to the rec center tomorrow to ride the exercise bikes. Do you want to join me?”

  I rolled my eyes. “Sure, you were. That doesn’t sound like anything you would normally do, and don’t you have church?”

  “I was planning on going after church.”

  “Of course, you wouldn’t want to miss that.”

  He leaned back in his chair, extracting his fingertips from mine. “Have you ever gone to church or believed in God?”

  “I told your brother that was a personal question.”

  “It is, but I like being personal with you.”

  “That doesn’t sound very churchy at all.”

  “You’re avoiding the question.”

  I looked around to see how many eyes and ears were on us before I leaned in. Aidan took the hint and leaned in too. We looked cozy, but whatever. He was going to know I wasn’t the woman for him once and for all. I kept my voice down. “When I was a little girl, my parents sometimes took me. But I refuse to believe in a God that does nothing to fix a family or to answer a young girl’s prayer. Or one that allows such awful things to happen. I believe in taking matters into my own hands. God is a foolish notion.”

  No shock or judgment emanated from his eyes. What a disappointment that was. Instead he smiled. “Cheyenne, God can do anything, but he loves us enough not to.”

  “That sounds like nonsense.”

  “How would we ever learn if he did?”

  “I’ve learned plenty on my own.”

  “Are you sure? Did you ever think that maybe he didn’t answer your prayers because he needed you to learn those lessons to protect you? Maybe save you?”

  “Save me from what?”

  “Maybe to save you for me.”

  I leaned back, astonished he could say such a thing. I was so taken aback, I didn’t know what to say. It was good Danica appeared to take our order and bring us our drinks. I needed the glass of wine more than ever. How could he think such a thing? But there he sat, believing every word he’d just said. It was bad enough he thought he wanted me. This was awful—it was like he thought we were meant to be. It was such a crazy idea that I couldn’t take any pleasure in the gasps and comments being made about me drinking wine while being pregnant.

  That bachelor’s auction couldn’t get here soon enough.

  Chapter Thirty

  “Is it true you and Aidan had a date at the rec center today?” Jessie laughed over the phone.

  “No. We’re not dating.”

  “Just working out together?”

  “If you can call riding a stationary bike exercise, I suppose.” I hadn’t even broken a sweat. And my leg still hurt. The company was good, though.

  “You had our whole congregation in a tizzy today.”

  “What for?” There were so many things to choose from.

  “The women’s group is up in arms—except for my mom—about this bachelor auction you have planned to raise money for the new kitchen. Some think it’s evil, others are mad that you were asked to do it since you don’t even go to church and, you know, you’ve gotten around.” She laughed.

  “You don’t know how happy this makes me.”

  “I knew it would. You should also know that Pastor Bates gave a great sermon today on not judging others.”

  “Aidan mentioned something about it.”

  “Did he also mention that he really cares for you?”

  I paused. “I know he does, but—”

  “Cheyenne,” she cut me off. “I’ve always admired your strength. I don’t think I could have dealt with my parents breaking up the way yours did. And honestly, I love that you’ve gotten away with what only men seem to. But this is the first time I’ve ever felt sorry for you.”

  “What?” Was she out of her mind, too?

  “You heard me right. You’re so scared of being hurt that you can’t or won’t see that for the first time in your life, you have something worth the pain. Because yes, my friend, every relationship comes with pain, even the best ones. Relationships are messy and beautiful. There are days you wonder why and what you were ever thinking, but they are worth it for the moments when you look into your partner’s eyes and realize you see the best of you in them. I love you, Cheyenne. You are the sister I never had. But, until you’re brave enough to know pain, you’ll never know what you’ve been missing out on. And you have been missing out.”

  I was ticked and more than caught off guard. “Like Abby?”

  “Just like Abby. If they work this out, they’ll be better for it. That’s the way it works. Sometimes things have to fall apart before they can be fixed. It’s okay to fall apart, especially when there is someone there to help put the pieces back together. And A
bby and I will always be there for you to do that, but maybe it’s time to let someone else in too.”

  “I’m not the right woman for him.”

  “Why don’t you let him decide that?”

  “Because men are idiots.”

  “Yeah, they are, but they’re sure nice to wake up to in the morning.”

  “Don’t remind me.”

  ~*~

  It was a good thing Aidan had a business trip taking him out of the state next week. He was determined to spend as much time with me as he could this week leading up to it. He was doing his best to help me build the muscles back up in my leg by meeting me at the rec center every night. That always led to dinner and questions. Questions about my parents, about my likes and dislikes. Questions that made me uncomfortable. Questions that let him in, like where I liked to travel and how much I loved to ski and mountain bike. Not that I could in the near future. And how I had a secret obsession with Agatha Christie novels. I had never told anyone that as it wasn’t really in my character to like mystery novels. Aidan seemed to find it attractive.

  He came to get his haircut Friday morning before he left that afternoon for the airport. I let him come during the day. We had been seen so much together that it was pointless not to let him.

  Jade and Felicia smiled at me when he walked in.

  “Do you want me to wash his hair?” Felicia asked.

  “I got it.”

  She grinned and walked away.

  I gave Aidan a flick of my head, directing him to follow me back to the washing stations. While we walked back I tried not to think about how good he looked in the black sweater that stretched tight across his chest. In addition to riding the stupid exercise bikes, we had been lifting weights. At least I felt like that was doing something. The muscles in my arms and back were still sore from last night’s session. But my leg wasn’t feeling stronger.

  I gave up trying not to picture what we could be doing if we were alone while I washed his hair. From the pleasure shown on his face, I think he was having some of the same thoughts behind those closed eyes of his. I’d been wanting to run my fingers through his hair again in an inconspicuous manner—or blatantly—and this was the perfect excuse. We were locked in a fierce battle of wills, he and I. We both wanted the same thing—each other—but I was smart enough to make sure that didn’t happen. I was going to be using the time he was gone to prep the church women I’d picked out for him. I wasn’t looking forward to it, but it had to be done. I’d offered them each a free cut and style, and they had accepted. They didn’t know they were getting other tips as part of the deal.

  Not a lot of work was getting done in the salon while Aidan was there. I didn’t say anything to my employees. Their punishment would come when they were all behind schedule because of their gawking. I kicked Felicia out of my space while Aidan was in my chair. Not like she wouldn’t know what was said. I really did need to find out her secret one day.

  I ran my fingers through his damp hair again for good measure while smiling at him in the mirror. “So, what do you want?”

  “You.” His eyes held mine.

  “I was talking about your hair.”

  “We both know you’re going to do what you want.”

  “True, but I was trying to be polite.”

  “I don’t mind that you aren’t.”

  “Should I be insulted or flattered? Before you answer, know it will affect the kind of haircut you get.”

  He thought for a moment.

  I glared at him through the mirror.

  His half-smile made an appearance. “I like that you’re real.”

  I narrowed my eyes in a playful fashion. “I can live with that. I guess you get to keep your good looks. And most of your hair. You only need a trim, and barely that. If I didn’t know better, I would think you were just coming in here so you could see me.”

  “I’ll take any time I can get.”

  I ignored him because I knew he was telling the truth. I’d never had this much trouble getting rid of a man before. Sure I’d had some guys beg, but Aidan wasn’t begging, he just kept changing up the game and taking charge. I’d underestimated him. It was a critical error on my part.

  It didn’t take long to cut his hair. I even styled it for him, though he did a good job of it on his own. I brushed the hair off him and whipped off his cape. “My magic has been worked. You’re welcome.”

  He stood up and took a minute to take me in. With my black smock, I probably looked like I was wearing nothing underneath since my dress was so short. He was taking heavier than normal breaths like he was working up to something. And he was. Without warning, he kissed my cheek. Yeah, that went over well in the salon. Loud clangs echoed where items were dropped. Whisperings and murmurs followed.

  “I’m going to miss you.” He peered into my eyes.

  “Could you have said that any louder?”

  “I could have.”

  I had to say something to jolt us back to reality. “Just make sure you’re back in time for the photoshoot next Saturday.” I had already invited Jessie and Abby to partake in what was sure to be a glorious afternoon. They declined, citing marriage or something. Abby’s was still up in the air, though they were talking more and doing dinner with the kids together every night. Shane was still living with the man with vexed eyes in front of me.

  His grimace was back in full force. “You really want me to go through with this?”

  I meant to lie, but I was finding it harder and harder when I was with him. I was happy he had quit asking me if I liked him. “I need you to.”

  He kissed my cheek again. This time he lingered longer, making me almost give in and turn my head so my lips could get in on that action, but I held firm.

  “Okay, Cheyenne. I’ll see you in a week.”

  I watched him walk away, and that heart thing happened again. It was becoming a nuisance of mass proportions.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  I guess since Aidan was out of town, the rest of the Bates clan decided I needed their presence in my life. Not sure where they got that idea, but Sunday night the preacher man and his wife showed up on my door with dinner and goofy smiles.

  “Um . . .” I wasn’t sure what to say to Ward and June. Even if I was glad to see Kristen up and looking more like herself again. But I was sad to report she was letting my rocking haircut go to waste. I was going to have to cut it again and help her learn how to style it properly. And she wasn’t wearing any makeup. My work was never done.

  Nate grinned even goofier than before. “Aidan mentioned something about how . . .” He seemed hesitant to continue. “Well, he just said it might be good if we fed you.” He held up the covered dish in his hand.

  I laughed out loud. “You mean he told you I couldn’t cook?”

  Kristen’s smile said that’s exactly what he said. She also held a lidded container.

  “It’s nice of you to drop by, but I have cereal or I can order takeout.”

  Kristen’s timid voice eked out, “We’re already here, and we thought we could eat with you.”

  I was swearing in my head. Why would they think that? And how could I say no to the sickly, sweet woman? I was going to kill Aidan when he got home. “Come in if you must.” So I was a tad premenstrual about the situation.

  They didn’t seem to mind and plowed right in. At least whatever Nate was holding smelled good. They both stared at my zebra-striped couch and pink table like they thought Aidan had been lying to them about it. They both looked surprised.

  “We can eat in the kitchen.”

  “Great, great.” Nate was practically giddy. “We’ll follow you.”

  It wasn’t hard to find, it was just off my great room, but I held my irritated tongue. Now I’d have to wait to finish my steamy novel.

  I set them up at my table and played the weird role of hostess, setting out bowls and serving ware for the beef stew and homemade rolls they’d brought over. My kitchen had been used more since Aidan invade
d my life than it ever had. Invaded was a good word.

  Kristen and Nate kept their silly grins going when I sat down to join them.

  Kristen looked around. “Your place is so modern.” She seemed tickled by it.

  I found myself smiling back at her. She was too sweet for my sarcasm or my true thoughts and feelings. Like how I was thinking that compared to her home, any home in Merryton would seem modern.

  Nate looked like he was going to burst from happiness; he was almost bouncing in his seat. I just couldn’t believe he was related to Aidan. I guess all the hokey genes were weeded out in that family by the time Aidan was born.

  Speaking of Aidan, I wished it was him sitting there instead of his brother. He would have sat with a look that bordered on ‘what have I gotten myself into, but I don’t want it to end’. It was always in response to my ‘I need this to end, and why is it so hard’ face. Did I mention I missed him? Forget I said that. I kept telling myself the same thing.

  I took the lead and dished myself a bowl. I wasn’t Miss Manners. The Bates’ clearly didn’t mind, or maybe their faces were stuck that way.

  “So, it looks like the fundraiser is coming along.” Nate waited for Kristen to get her food.

  “Yep. I’m guessing you will make double what you need.”

  “Really?” He seemed uncomfortable.

  “Is there a problem with that?”

  “No. No. I . . .” He cleared his throat. “I just wonder if maybe this . . . how do I word this? My fear is that the community will think the church cares more about making money than serving the people in Merryton.”

  “Not my problem. You wanted a new kitchen, and you’re going to get one.” I took a bite of the stew that was freaking delicious.

  He heaved a heavy sigh. “It’s not the kitchen that mattered.”

  I lowered my spoon, confused. “Then what?”

  He looked at his wife first, who looked a little pensive, and then back to me. “People. You, Aidan, Abby.”

  “So you don’t need the kitchen remodeled?”

  “There’s a fine line between need and want, wouldn’t you say?”

  “Nate, I’m doing my best not to use my extensive four-letter word vocabulary, but you’re making that hard. Do you or don’t you need a new kitchen?”