Nearest Thing to Heaven (Maverick Junction)

by Austin, Lynnette

  She’d never really given much thought to parenthood. Oh, a vague, someday-maybe notion rattled around in the back of her mind once in a while. But she hadn’t ever spent any real time with babies or young children. Hadn’t ever been given a peanut butter and jelly kiss before today.

  Unaware she was crying, the tear that trickled down her cheek and dripped off her chin caught her unaware. She swiped at it, then rolled over in bed and simply gave in to her roiling emotions.

  She cried for Ty. For what he’d been through. Was still dealing with. Mourning the loss of his wife, caring for three young boys, struggling to keep all the balls in the air. His love for his sons was beyond amazing.

  She cried for the boys, for Jonah and Jesse and Josh. They’d never know their mother. Never know her love. Never be tucked into bed and kissed good night by her.

  And she cried for Julia, a woman she’d never met. The woman Ty loved. The woman who’d never had a chance to know the miracle of these wonderful boys to whom she’d given life.

  Fate could be cruel.

  Lilybelle jumped onto the bed and curled up beside her. Sophie buried her face in the cat’s fur and cried till she ran out of tears.

  She’d worked herself into a state. Sleep? Not likely. Not till she got herself settled down. Was Ty asleep, or was he restless, too? If she called him…No, absolutely, definitely not.

  She threw back the bedcovers. “What do you say to some ice cream, Lilybelle? I have some Cherry Garcia left and a whole new carton of cake batter ice cream.”

  She tossed on her robe and walked into the kitchen, the cat at her heels. Flicking on the lights, she decided a little music was in order. The radio was still set to Annelise’s new favorite station, a country-western one. Well, that would do. She might as well listen to songs about lost love and cheating hearts while she anesthetized herself with ice cream.

  Sitting at the table, Lilybelle at her feet, the two gorged themselves on Cherry Garcia. Sophie ate hers right out of the container. Her butt and legs hurt from the horseback ride. Muscles she hadn’t used in a long time were crying foul.

  One elbow on the table, her chin resting on her hand, she grinned from ear to ear. It really had been a first-rate picnic. A first-rate day. She couldn’t remember ever being this tired or this happy. And yet her eyes were bloodshot from a crying jag. Boy, she was on one heck of an emotional roller coaster.

  The peak? Ty had asked her out. And she’d said yes. That’s when she’d tumbled downhill. Oh, boy. What had she been thinking?

  She flicked on the TV and ran through the channels, settling on an old black-and-white movie, An Affair to Remember. Sighing, she settled on the couch, cat tucked close, an afghan over both of them.

  *

  Eight hours later, she woke up exactly as she’d fallen asleep. She doubted either she or the cat had moved an inch all night. Turning off the TV, she inched her way off the couch, careful not to disturb Lilybelle.

  Filling the teakettle, she took stock of her situation and made a decision. Today, she’d drive over to Lone Tree. Time to pay Maggie a visit. She needed some girl time.

  Right now, though, she’d better feed her animal. The instant the cat heard the can opener, she leaped off the sofa gingerly, still favoring her hurt leg. As Sophie emptied the stinky food into the bowl, Lilybelle wound herself around Sophie’s legs.

  “See, who says you can’t buy love?” She knelt and stroked the cat beneath her chin. “A can of food is pretty cheap.”

  Dunking a teabag, she headed for the bathroom, ready to prep for the day. Her phone rang and she snatched it off the nightstand? Ty?

  It wasn’t. It was Madison, the owner of a little shop in Chicago that carried her note cards.

  “Hey, Madison, how are you?”

  “Great. And you? Good trip?”

  “The best. I even went fishing yesterday. Just me and four handsome guys.”

  “Oh, yeah? Maybe I should hop a plane and join you.”

  Sophie laughed. “Umm, maybe I forgot to mention that three of the guys were only four years old.”

  “The fourth guy?”

  She sighed. “That one checks all the boxes. A tall, dark, and extremely handsome cowboy. And the father of the other three.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Yep.”

  “I know you wouldn’t be messing around with a married man.”

  “Nope. This cowboy is a widower.”

  Silence.

  “You still there, Madison?”

  “I’m visualizing this great big old can of worms springing open.”

  Sophie laughed. “Yeah, I’m with you on that. But he’s staying here, and I’m leaving. Soon. So those worms aren’t going to get very tangled.” She glanced at the clock. “So what’s up? A problem with one of my cards? An obscenely huge order for more because some celebrity discovered my work and has made me an overnight success?”

  When Madison remained silent, unease rippled through Sophie.

  “Nathan was here a few days ago.”

  The unease turned to queasiness, and Sophie dropped onto the side of the unmade bed.

  “I didn’t call sooner because I didn’t want to bother you. But it’s been nagging at me, and I decided you should at least be aware. He wanted to know where you are,” Madison said.

  Her throat tightened. “What did you tell him?”

  “When you stopped by a couple weeks ago, you mentioned taking a trip to Texas for your cousin’s wedding.”

  Sophie couldn’t hide the involuntary groan.

  “I didn’t tell him that,” Madison said quickly.

  “No?”

  “No. Something about him, Sophie—I don’t know. He bothered me, so I said I had absolutely no idea.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Is he a problem?”

  How did she answer that? She pushed stray strands of hair off her face. “Honestly, I don’t know.”

  “There are stalker laws.”

  Was Nathan a stalker? Had it progressed to that? She didn’t think so. “I’ll be fine, Madison, but I really appreciate the heads-up.”

  “You be careful.”

  “I will.”

  “How’s the new line coming?” Madison asked. “I’ve got customers chomping at the bit for some new Sophie London designs.”

  They chatted a bit longer, but when Sophie hung up she felt more than a little rattled. Before she slipped into the bathroom, she checked the door, made sure she’d flipped the lock.

  *

  Half an hour later, dressed in her go-to black jeans and a loose, flowing red silk top, she headed out the door. Determined to shove Nathan from her mind, she focused on the day ahead. On her visit with Maggie.

  The drive relaxed her. There was virtually no traffic to deal with and she found a radio station that played a nice blend of music. She put her window part way down, wanting to feel the wind in her hair. But even here in Texas, it was December, and a slight nip tinged the air. Reaching over, she flipped the heater on low, instantly surrounded by warmth. She had to give it to Hank. The car might not be much to look at, but mechanically? It was in excellent condition.

  Growing up in Boston, then moving to Chicago, she’d never known the thrill of the open road. One where you could drive forever, stop whenever, do whatever. She felt almost heady with the freedom. No doubt about it. This trip wouldn’t mark the end of her time in Texas. She planned to make good use of Cash and Annelise’s guest room. When she needed a breath of fresh air, she knew exactly where to find it.

  She and Katy Perry were singing a duet as she drove into Lone Tree. She smiled. Main Street looked a whole lot better than it had the last time she’d seen it. Storefronts were garbed in Christmas greenery and decorations. Even the ugly, black, utilitarian streetlights, now festooned with pine boughs and red ribbons, had taken on a cheerful holiday spirit.

  A snowy forest scene depicting animals and birds celebrating the season had been painted on the Cowboy Grill’s front windo
w.

  Grabbing her purse, she removed her sunglasses. She’d done the right thing coming here today—especially after Madison’s call. But she wouldn’t think about that now. Today was all about R and R.

  The bell over Maggie’s door jingled, adding to the holiday feel. She stepped inside and breathed deeply. Ah, yes. Good decision. Closing her eyes, the scent of evergreens and Christmas washed over her.

  “Hey, girlfriend. What are you doing way over here in my neck of the woods?” Maggie stepped out of the back room looking for all the world like a model straight off the runway.

  They hugged and Maggie stepped back, eyeing her critically. “Somebody didn’t get much sleep last night.”

  “Really?” Sophie asked, all innocence. “And who might that be?”

  “What’s wrong, honey?”

  Her mind a certifiable disaster area, she tamped down her unease about Nathan and went with her bigger, more immediate concern. “Oh, Maggie. I’m so confused.”

  “Well, then, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll get out my tea leaves, and we’ll see what’s going on.”

  Sophie laughed. “I like you.”

  “I’m glad, because I like you, too. Annie’s got damn good taste in relatives.” She walked to one of the overstuffed chairs, dropped into it, and put her stiletto-shoed feet on the coffee table. “Any excuse to sit.”

  She waved at the chair beside her. “Have a seat, and tell Mama Sullivan your troubles.”

  Sophie dropped her purse to the floor and collapsed into the chair. “Ty asked me out Saturday night. Just the two of us. No kids.”

  “Really?” Maggie dragged out the word. Satisfaction shone in her green eyes. “What do you know. Finally.”

  “Finally?”

  “He hasn’t been on a date since Julia died.”

  “No way.”

  “Yes, way.”

  “Oh, my gosh.” Sophie raised a hand to her forehead. “That makes all this—I don’t know—so much more.” She toyed with the little gold band on her thumb. “Do you think I should go?”

  Maggie laughed. “Hell, yes. Why wouldn’t you?”

  “Ty has a very complicated life.”

  “Yes, he certainly does. And he, more than anyone I know, deserves a little happiness. He wants to spend some time with you, Sophie. He wants normal. He’s tired of everybody looking at him and seeing the widower. The man with the fragile shell.”

  Sophie twisted a strand of hair around her finger but said nothing.

  “If you’re truly not interested, you need to let him know, because him asking you out? That was huge. A really big step. One I wondered if he’d ever get around to taking.”

  Maggie rested an elbow on the arm of her chair and cradled her chin in her hand. “Here’s the thing, though. I wouldn’t dangle him on the line too long. You might not want to take on the boys and all the rest of Ty’s baggage, but other females in both Maverick Junction and Lone Tree don’t have the same reservations. He could have his pick of them. And believe me when I say they haven’t been bashful. Quite a few have offered. But he hasn’t taken interest in any of them.”

  She met Sophie’s gaze. “He’s got his eye on you. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a very good thing.”

  Sophie nodded. “First, I want to make it clear that I don’t see the triplets as part of any baggage he might have. Jesse, Josh, and Jonah are wonderful. Ty’s doing a phenomenal job with them.”

  “Good for you.”

  “But, that said,” Sophie continued, “they are a handful. And they’re part of a package deal. A woman would have to be crazy not to take that into consideration. It’s a lot to think about.”

  “It is.”

  Sophie rolled her eyes. “Then again, Ty’s only asked me on a date, not to take a walk down the aisle. I’m blowing this all out of proportion, aren’t I?”

  “You might be.” Maggie kept a straight face.

  “I tend to do that. Worry about possibilities. Invent impossible scenarios.” She paused. “Okay, let’s jump backward a little. You mentioned dangling things on a line. We went fishing yesterday.”

  “Fishing?”

  “Yes, and thank God nobody caught anything.”

  Maggie smiled. “Not into that sort of thing, huh?”

  “No. But, boy, did we have fun. We took a picnic along. Ty and the boys and me. And Trouble. And we went on horseback.”

  “Really?”

  “I was terrified at first, at the idea of it. I’ve not spent much time around kids, and I haven’t ridden a horse in years.” Grinning, she rubbed her aching backside. “Still, I had a ball.”

  “I can see that.” Maggie tipped her head to the side. “You didn’t answer my question, though.”

  “You didn’t ask a question. You just filled me in on the lay of the land, so to speak.”

  “Guess you’re right. So I’ll ask it now. Are you interested? In Ty?”

  Sophie let out a big breath and steepled her hands in front of her mouth. “I’m not going to lie. My survival instincts tell me to run. Fast and far. But I won’t, because, yes, I’m interested.” She turned and met her friend’s gaze. “What am I getting myself into, Maggie?”

  “Maybe nothing. The two of you might go out Saturday night and find there’s absolutely nothing there. That you have nothing in common. That there’s no spark between you.” Those fantastic green eyes narrowed.

  Sophie fidgeted under Maggie’s scrutiny.

  “But that’s not going to happen, is it? Because you already know. You’ve tested it, and there’s plenty of spark to rev both your engines.” Maggie pointed a finger at her. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Nothing.” Sophie’s grin grew. “Okay. He kissed me and, oh, my God, Maggie. He’s so hot. I thought I might ignite and burn to a cinder right there and then.”

  She fanned herself, thinking about it. Remembering the touch of his lips on hers, the heat, the excitement.

  Maggie chuckled. “Well, well. Ty Rawlins, you sexy devil, you.” She jumped to her feet. “Want something to drink? A cup of tea, maybe? I’d offer you wine, but it’s probably a little early in the day for that.”

  “Tea would be great. Do you have time, though? I mean, I’ve crashed in here while you’re working.”

  “Honey, I have all the time in the world. And we’ll need it. After all, it’ll take a while to decide on your new outfit.”

  “My new outfit? For what?”

  Maggie’s mouth dropped open. “Sophie London, don’t you dare tell me you haven’t been thinking about something new to wear on your date.”

  “I don’t even know where he’s taking me.”

  “Doesn’t matter.”

  Sophie took a few seconds to fight with herself. Oh, she’d love to walk out of here with one of Maggie’s creations, but she couldn’t. Time to be honest and fess up.

  Sophie clasped her fingers tightly together and looked around the incredible shop. “The truth? I can’t afford to buy anything new.”

  Maggie, to her credit, did a good job masking her surprise. But it was there, and Sophie saw it.

  “Here’s the deal. Annelise’s family has mega-bucks. I doubt anyone can count high enough to total their worth. My family?” She laughed without a hint of remorse or bitterness. “We’re the poor relations—by anyone’s standards. We’ve always had everything we’ve wanted or needed, but…” She shrugged.

  “I assumed—”

  “I know. Believe me, my entire life people have assumed. The Montjoys have been more than generous. They always sent me to summer camp with Annelise, took me on trips, and never, ever made me feel less. But I live on what I earn from my greeting cards. My clothes come from consignment stores and secondhand shops.” She fluttered a hand. “My mortgage payment is due. So as much as it pains me, I simply can’t afford to buy here.”

  “Yes, you can,” Maggie insisted. “Annie paid way, way too much for her Dallas dress. I argued with her about it, but you know your cousi
n.”

  “I do. She can be pretty bullheaded.”

  “That’s an understatement. And the publicity that’s come my way because she’s wearing my designs? It’s like a dream come true. The way I figure it, I owe her, so whatever we choose will help ease my conscience. I’m running a mental tab, and the way I see it, you’ll barely make a dent.”

  When Sophie opened her mouth to object, Maggie said, “No arguing. I want to do this for Ty, too.” Brooking no further discussion, she headed to the back room to start a pot of tea.

  Sophie was torn. Part of her wanted to sneak out the front door. Wanted to leave before Maggie came back into the display area. Despite herself, though, she fell under the shop’s spell. Caving to the allure, she promised herself she’d keep a tally, and someday she’d repay Maggie. She wouldn’t be a charity case.

  She needn’t have worried. Maggie, with her incredible enthusiasm, made it fun. The two talked, drank tea, and mulled over their options, putting together possible outfits. One by one, Sophie tried each on, modeling them for Maggie.

  “You know, I told Annie she had the perfect figure to design for, but you’re a dream, too.” She straightened the shoulders on Sophie’s top. “You’re not tall enough to model, but everything’s in perfect proportion. I’d give anything to have that waist.”

  “My boobs are too small.”

  “No, they’re not. They’re a designer’s ideal.”

  “Guys want big ones.”

  “Apparently Ty hasn’t been turned off by yours.”

  “He hasn’t seen them yet.”

  “Yet?”

  Heat rushed over her face. “You know what I mean.”

  Before Maggie could dig deeper, the bell over the door tinkled, and Sophie’s heart jumped into her throat. She raised a hand to it, then chastised herself. Nathan would not be showing up in Maverick Junction. She was playing the fool.

  As several customers drifted into the store, chatting a mile a minute, Maggie’s shrewd gaze caught hers. “You okay?”

  “Absolutely. A little jumpy. Leftover nerves from yesterday.”

  “Nothing else we need to talk about?”

  Sophie shook her head. She would not entangle Maggie in this whole Nathan fiasco. Besides, she was making too much of it.