Eamon

by Vivi Holt

  He finished up feeding the foals and their mothers sheltering in the stables, then wandered back to the house. He was proud of what they’d achieved with the Cotton Tree Ranch – and of himself for managing while Dalton was away. He knew how nervous his brother had been over leaving he and Parker in charge, but already they were showing they were fully capable of doing what needed to be done.

  He took off his hat and paused on the front steps, still unable to get the conversation with Emily earlier that day out of his mind. She’d been clear about the disdain she felt for him. He wasn’t sure what he’d done to deserve it – perhaps it was that kiss after the wedding. Well, he couldn’t take it back now, and in all honesty, he didn’t want to. She might regret what happened, but he hadn’t been able to think about much else while driving the tractor up and down the field.

  It was a sign of the effect it had that the day after the wedding, he’d called Penny and ended things between them. Finally. He didn’t think it right to have one woman invading his thoughts while he was still tied to another. Penny had taken it well – she told him she was just on her way out the door with Jed, his childhood best friend. Not that he could blame her – he should’ve known she wouldn’t wait around for him to come back. He only wished he – or she – had broken it off sooner.

  But even without Penny, it still didn’t make sense for him to pine over Emily Zhu. She was leaving for Boston soon, and he’d likely never see her again.

  Hmmm … when was she leaving? He’d expected her to be gone already. She didn’t seem to be enjoying herself all that much at the ranch, so she’d probably leave sooner rather than later. He’d been under strict instructions from Hazel to take care of her friend and make sure she relaxed and had a good time, but it sure was difficult with her tendency to keep people at arm’s length.

  He grimaced, closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Well, there was nothing for it now but to go inside and face her. He took off his muddy boots and padded inside in his socks.

  The drapes were drawn over the windows, leaving the living room in darkness save for the flash of the widescreen television Dalton had hung on the wall soon after he’d arrived. The house might be in dire need of a paint job, but he’d sure wasted no time investing in a state-of-the-art TV. Eamon grinned. There were some things the brothers agreed on without need for a discussion, and a good screen for watching sports was one of them.

  When his eyes adjusted to the dim light, he saw Emily curled up on the couch, her cheek against the cushioned arm. She wore frayed jean shorts, a pink T-shirt, and the Ace bandage he’d given her wrapped tightly around her ankle. Her shiny black hair was pulled into a messy topknot, and instead of her usual frown, she looked relaxed, rested – cute, even.

  His eyes narrowed and he crossed his arms over his thick chest. She seemed very comfortable there and he hated to disturb her. He grinned as she laughed at something on the screen, and even from across the room he could see the gleam of unshed tears in her eyes. He raised an eyebrow. What was she watching that would make her react like that?

  He shifted to see the screen – it was a Friends rerun, apparently the one where Monica and Chandler were married. He loved the show himself, though he’d never admit that to anyone. His brothers wouldn’t let him live it down. What he couldn’t comprehend was how a hardened surgeon with a perpetual scowl could be laughing and crying over a decade-old rerun. She must be softer than she let on. His heart warmed as she rubbed her eyes, then wiped her cheeks with her fingertips.

  A bang from the kitchen pulled her from her reverie, and she sat up with a gasp when she spotted Eamon watching her. He waved one hand and offered her a half-smile. “Friends, huh?” He wandered over to the couch and sat beside her.

  In reaction she pulled her feet in, tucking them beneath herself. She ran her hand over her cheeks again, seeming embarrassed by their dampness. “Yeah, I can’t help it. It’s still the best show of all time, but it’s been so long since I’ve seen an episode. There’s a marathon on today, and since I can’t really get around, I thought I’d just sit and watch. I hope that’s okay.”

  She looked so vulnerable, with her moist brown eyes trained on him. “Of course. Mi casa es su casa, or something like that.”

  She laughed, and the sound warmed his heart. “Thanks.”

  Eamon grimaced. “So Parker’s cooking in there, is he?”

  “Yep.”

  He chuckled and rubbed his stubbled chin. “Oh. We may be ordering in, then.” She smiled and let her legs relax, resting her feet against the side of his thigh. He liked how it felt, and gently laid a hand on her good foot. “How’s the ankle?”

  She didn’t shrink away, but met his gaze. “It’s sore, but I think it’ll be okay. Thanks for asking.”

  “Are you heading back to Boston day after tomorrow?”

  Her eyes clouded over and the frown returned. “Um … I suppose. Do you mind driving me to the airport?”

  He wondered what her reaction was about – was she upset he’d asked about her plans, or about the trip itself? Either way, he was curious. He wanted to know everything about her – especially why she’d stayed behind after the wedding. She didn’t really know he or Parker, she wasn’t from the area, and she had a big fancy surgeon’s job up in Boston. No doubt she could afford to vacation anywhere she wanted. It seemed odd that she’d stay with strangers on a horse ranch.

  But what did he know – when was the last vacation he’d taken? He really should think about having some time off when Dalton got back.

  This was the first vacation Dalton had taken since he’d inherited the ranch. Eamon had teased Dalton before they left, saying they’d run out of things to do spending three weeks in a sleepy beachside town like Destin, Florida. With a wink, Dalton had assured him they’d manage somehow.

  He grinned at the memory. He certainly envied his brother the opportunity to spend time in a beachside resort with the woman he loved. It sounded like paradise to him. Eamon had been a confirmed bachelor before he moved to Georgia – dating casually all over Chattanooga. He always told his brothers that he didn’t have a type, all women were beautiful in his eyes, so he intended to spend time with as many as he could. Then he’d met Penny, and tried to make it work. But deep down he’d always known it wouldn’t.

  But over the last year with Dalton and Hazel at the ranch, Eamon had come to appreciate what they had – much more than the simple attraction he usually felt for the women he dated. They had a partnership, chemistry, love – they were a team. He wanted that, wanted a soulmate to spend his life with. The thought almost made him laugh out loud – he’d never considered himself such a romantic. Who’d have thought Eamon Williams would be looking for true love?

  Another clang in the kitchen made his eyes narrow. “Um … I think I should check on Parker before he burns the place down.” Reluctantly he stood, his hand still tingling from her touch.

  She nodded and turned back to face the TV screen.

  Eamon took a slow breath as he traced the outline of her profile with his eyes. True love might be real, or it might not – he still hadn’t decided one way or the other on that matter. But if it was real and it was something he could aim for, he sure would do his best to find it.

  * * *

  Emily’s eyebrows rose as banging and laughter emanated from the kitchen. Ever since Eamon went in there, it had sounded like the brothers had joined the circus and were rehearsing their act rather than preparing a meal.

  Eamon’s head popped through the swinging door. “Supper’s ready,” he announced with a grin. A dish towel was slung over his shoulder and the front of his shirt was spattered with something red. She hoped it wasn’t blood.

  She lurched to her feet with a groan. “Everything okay in there?”

  “Yep. All good.” He hurried to help her, slipping his arm around her waist and sending a flash of electricity through her.

  With a good deal of hobbling she made it to the kitchen table and sat down, setting her
wounded ankle in front of her with a grimace. “So what’s all the noise been about?” she asked, eying the messy kitchen with suspicion.

  Parker hurried toward her with a bowl, his face flecked with what looked like tomato juice. “I made Brunswick stew,” he said. He placed the bowl in front of her with a flourish.

  “Oh? What’s Brunswick stew?”

  “It’s a Southern dish,” Eamon explained. “You never had it when you lived in Athens?”

  “No. I didn’t … I mostly stuck to the college basics. You know, pizza, Chinese food, burgers, sushi.”

  “Well, you’re in for a treat. Brunswick stew is a Southern specialty you have to try at least once in your life,” said Eamon.

  “Well, it’s my first attempt, so don’t let it put you off trying the good stuff,” added Parker, his hands on his hips and eyes glowing. “There’s a joint down town called Oinkers – we’ll have to take you there for the all-you-can-eat ribs before you fly home.”

  Emily studied the bowl of what looked like some kind of meat, corn, onion and tomatoes all mixed together. “Thank you.”

  Parker nodded and returned to the counter to get stew for himself and Eamon, then set their bowls on the table and hurried to open the oven with a mitt.

  “What’s that?” asked Emily.

  “Cornbread.”

  “Did you get jalapeños?” asked Eamon.

  Parker nodded. “In the fridge.”

  “Jalapeños?” Emily couldn’t imagine how they might compliment stew and cornbread.

  Eamon grinned, his dimples deepening and eyes sparkling with mischief. “Of course. Jalapeños make everything better.”

  Emily rolled her eyes. “Shoot, could you guys get any more masculine?” she asked with a chuckle.

  Eamon leaned forward, his eyes flashing. “I’m sure I could arrange for a demonstration.”

  “Now, Eamon, behave yourself,” admonished Parker, setting the jar of jalapeños on the table. “Don’t mind him, Emily. He was raised by a wonderful Southern lady, but never seemed to learn any manners.”

  Eamon sniffed and set his elbows on the table. “I’ve got manners coming out my –”

  “Would you look at the time?” interrupted Parker. “I guess we’d better bless this food and get to eatin’.”

  Eamon tipped his head to the side, studying her and her cheeks warmed. She wasn’t going to let him intimidate her. She returned his stare with confidence, only betrayed by her ever-reddening cheeks. Finally, he grinned and broke their connection to close his eyes. “Father in Heaven, thank You for this food and company. Thank You for the cook, and we pray Your protection and blessings over Dalton and Hazel. In Your holy name, amen.”

  Emily watched him throughout the prayer, her eyes widening. She hadn’t realized Eamon had a faith, though she supposed she shouldn’t be surprised – they were in the Bible Belt, after all. When it was over, she took her first taste of the stew. It was too hot to discern any flavors, but the second sip danced across her taste buds, awakening them with vigor, and she grinned. “It’s delicious, Parker.”

  He smiled and offered her the cornbread. “Try it with some of this.”

  She took a piece and watched Parker dunked his in his stew. She followed his example, bit off a piece, and her eyes widened. It was earthy and tasty and comforting at the same time.

  “Sure was a hot one today,” said Eamon, turning to Parker. “We’ll have to check on the new foals and their mommas in the barn, make sure they have enough water to last through the night before we turn in.”

  Parker nodded. “Yep. Summer has definitely arrived.”

  “Thank goodness for air conditioning,” added Emily, dunking her cornbread in her stew again.

  Eamon and Parker nodded their agreement, both chewing thoughtfully. “Hey bro, don’t forget the vet is coming in a couple days to check out the new foals,” Parker continued.

  “I know, I know. Dalton reminded me three times as well.”

  Parker chuckled. “He sure seems convinced we’re gonna destroy the place while he’s gone. Doesn’t seem to have much confidence in our abilities.”

  Eamon raised an eyebrow. “Yeah. Well, let’s just make sure we do everything even better than he would’ve if he was here. The last thing we need is for him to come back sayin’ I told you so. We can run this ranch – I mean, heck, we’ve been here a year already. It’s about time he trusted us with it.”

  Just then, the usual whir of the air conditioning fell silent. “What just happened?” asked Parker, looking toward the ceiling.

  Eamon frowned. “That was the HVAC. Dalton said it was on its last legs, and I guess that was its final breath. Must have heard us say its name and gave up the ghost.” He continued to eat, seeming unfazed.

  Emily frowned in puzzlement. What was he saying?

  “So no more air, then?” asked Parker with a shrug.

  “No more air,” replied Eamon. He grinned at Emily, then reached for another piece of cornbread.

  “For how long?” she asked, her eyes widening. The thought of spending a swampy Georgia summer day without A/C on top of everything was almost too much.

  “I guess until this number cruncher figures out how to fix it,” replied Parker with a chuckle, jerking a thumb at Eamon.

  “Is the HVAC that big gray boxy thing by the back door?” asked Eamon, his brow furrowed.

  “What?” gasped Emily.

  Parker dramatically slapped a hand to his forehead. “We’re doomed.”

  But Eamon laughed. “Just kidding.”

  Chapter 5

  Emily tossed and turned on top of her covers, sweat running down her face onto her already-damp pillow. She’d barely slept a wink all night, it had been so hot. Humidity was a killer in south Georgia – she’d only managed it so far by mostly staying inside the house. But with the A/C broken, she was experiencing the full effects – nothing between her and 96% humidity. Ugh.

  She groaned and sat up on the edge of the bed, her ankle throbbing when her foot touched the ground. She’d had no Tylenol since the previous afternoon, and she could feel it. But it didn’t hurt too badly, so she knew the swelling and bruising would go down soon enough and that she hadn’t done any long-term damage. Much to her relief – since surgeons had to spend hours a day on their feet. An ankle injury could cause no end of pain and discomfort in her field.

  She dressed slowly, grimacing as she pulled on a pair of khaki shorts. Her entire body was coated in sweat – perhaps she should take a cold shower after breakfast. She’d had one before bed, and it seemed to be the only way to beat the heat – that and ice cold drinks on the porch when there was a hint of a breeze, which was rarely.

  A glance at her laptop on top of the bureau beside the bed reminded her of her jobless state. She really should spend the day sending out resumes, perhaps somewhere in town with some air conditioning. Maybe she’d even purchase that tub of ice cream she’d been craving.

  She brushed her hair, massaging her weary scalp with each stroke. It felt good to take her time with small tasks – she hadn’t done that in so long. Even brushing her hair had been a rush, usually pulling it out of the way into a tight ponytail. It was getting long, almost to her waist, since she rarely visited the hairdresser.

  She stood and limped down the hall and into the kitchen. Eamon and Parker were already there, empty cereal bowls in front of them. Both had iPads in their hands, and Eamon’s feet were resting on the chair across from him. He saw her and sat up straight, setting his feet back on the ground with a grin. “Mornin’. How’d you sleep?”

  She grunted and headed for the coffeepot.

  “That good, huh?” asked Parker, with a chuckle.

  “It’s just so stifling,” she complained as she poured herself a cup. She was going to need caffeine.

  “Welcome to the South,” murmured Eamon, using a finger to scroll through whatever he was reading.

  “Did you hear about the earthquake out in California?” asked Parker, setti
ng his iPad on the table.

  “Yeah – not too bad, I guess,” Eamon replied. “Doesn’t seem like anyone was hurt. ‘Course, the wildfires around L.A. can’t help the situation.”

  Parker shook his head. “Why anyone would live in California is beyond me.”

  “Nicer weather,” Emily grumbled, reaching into the freezer to grab a few ice cubes for her coffee – there was no way she could drink it hot. If the brothers didn’t get the A/C fixed soon, she might be tempted to crawl into the freezer herself.

  * * *

  Eamon turned the key, and the pickup’s engine rumbled to life. He set his hat on the center console and secured his seat belt, then turned to look over his shoulder, preparing to reverse. He jumped at the sound of a bang on the hood, and threw the truck back into park with a frown. “What the …?”

  Emily came to his window with a smile that made his heart skip. “Where are you going?”

  His eyebrows lowered. “Just into town to get a few things.”

  “Can I come?” She hobbled around the front of the truck and opened the passenger door, sliding onto the seat before he could respond.

  “Uh … okay. What exactly do you plan on doing in Tifton?” He waited while she buckled her seatbelt, then resumed his reverse turn onto the long driveway.

  “Buy some ice cream. Plus I have to get out of that house – I’m going stir crazy. I never stay in one place that long, ever! Back in Boston, I went to work every day, and on my days off I went out with my running group, had coffee with friends, or attended conferences and seminars. I mean, I’ve been sitting around for four days now, and with my ankle the way it is I can’t even go for a run. I have to do something! Not to mention this heat – I’m dying.” She screwed up her face, her nose wrinkling.