“Hey, can we do a flip?” Jackson asked the pilot.
Celia braced against Rob.
“No,” she protested.
Rob and Jackson laughed. The pilot grinned and shook his head.
“I think we’re good to go,” said Rob to the pilot, who then turned and headed back to the house.
Celia was lighter after the second trip. By the time they landed, the progress on erecting the barn was remarkable. They’d hoisted one side into place by cranes.
“Wow!” exclaimed Jackson.
“Exciting, isn’t it?” Rob said.
“Is this what you do?” asked Jackson.
“I rarely get involved in the actual building part like I am now. I cut deals. But in this case, I’m wearing all the hats. Neat, huh?”
“I know what I want to do when I grow up,” he announced with a huge smile. “I want to be Rob.”
Rob laughed. “There are worse things.” He led them to a table filled with food for the crew. “Let’s eat. A man can’t live on bread and cheese and tarts alone.”
Jackson piled his plate high, but Celia’s was empty.
“Aren’t you going to have anything?” Rob asked.
“Sure,” she mumbled.
He still felt like she was sulking.
“What’s going on?” he asked.
“Just lots to think about.”
“This happens when people come into our lives. Things change,” he said with a whisper.
“I love this,” Jackson yelled over the noise.
Celia and Rob both turned to check out the boy’s plate piled eight inches high with food.
“That is some sandwich you got there. You going to finish that?” Rob asked, knowing the answer already.
“No problem,” Jackson replied with a smile.
“Someone’s happy,” murmured Rob into Celia’s ear.
“Yes,” she said. “I see that. Be patient with me.”
“Like I said,” he whispered. “We’ll talk.”
Alex and Nicole appeared.
“Hey man,” he said. “I think I have everything I need. I’ll send my ideas to you once I get home. We’re heading out.”
Rob stood up and shook hands with Alex.
“Nicole didn’t get a copter ride,” Rob said.
“No thanks,” Nicole laughed. “I like helicopters less than I like dogs. I prefer my feet on the ground.”
“Me too.” Celia tapped her foot on the solid ground.
“We were thinking of coming back,” said Alex. “We want to come to the party once the barn is up and wondered if we could have our room back?”
Celia looked up, first to Rob and then to Alex.
Rob shook his head. “That’s all him. I had nothing to do with it.”
“We like your place,” Alex said. “We like Pinetop, and I figured if I hope to design something that blends in, I have to know a little more about the town.”
“I’ll look at the schedule, but I can work something out for sure.” Celia shook Alex’s hand and gave Nicole a quick hug. “Thank you for putting up with me.”
“Change is hard, but you’ve got Rob, and he’ll make it easier.” Nicole pulled Alex toward their rental.
Rob looked at Celia. “She’s right. You have me.”
The crew chief in charge of building stepped up and helped himself to food.
“How’s it going out there?” Rob asked.
“Great. It will take another day or so to put together and inspect, then she’s yours.”
“Not bad,” Jackson piped in.
Rob would have thought he was talking about the food if Jackson wasn’t looking straight at him.
“These buildings are great, Jackson. I can take this down and move it if I want. And I save a ton on labor and other costs,” Rob said.
“Are you sure they’re not flimsy?” Jackson asked the crew chief as if he didn’t believe what Rob had told him before.
He pointed to the barn. “That baby is solid as they come.”
“It’s a ‘baby’?” muttered Celia.
“Hey,” Rob chastised.
“Teasing,” she said.
If she’d have to adjust to all the changes he was imposing, he figured he could cut her a break. Everything had happened in a rush. A fabulous and delicious rush.
“Teasing is good,” he said.
“Okay,” said Jackson with a grin. “I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone and walk my dog.”
“Are we lovebirds?” asked Rob.
“I don’t know,” she said.
He led her away from everyone. “I know I just got here, but I think we could have something special. That first night we made love, you jumped in with both feet. I’d like to see you do that again. Take a leap of faith, Celia. We have something worth exploring. I’m willing to go at your pace, but you have to talk to me. What do they say to kids? Use your words?”
“It's the land, not you and me.”
“Are you sure that’s it?” he challenged.
“Yes. It was very moving to see how majestic it is, and now it will be—”
“Fabulous.” He kissed her on the forehead, interrupting her. “You have to risk something sometime, sweetheart. You need to trust someone; why not give me a chance to prove to you I’m worthy of your trust? I want to love you like you deserve to be loved, but I won’t pressure you anymore.” He tossed his full plate into a nearby trash can. “I'll leave the ball in your court.”
Chapter Seventeen
Celia
When the barn was put together, it looked wonderful. It wasn’t seasoned like the Millers’ horse arena, but spacious and clean. All the members of the harvest festival committee appreciated having a place to hold the event.
The committee, including Scott, put up the stage. One volunteer set up the sound and the microphones for the talent show. It was brilliant and yet bittersweet.
Rob saving the day would charm the townsfolk. He would introduce his resort plans to the people at the festival. They might fall in love with him or just the opposite. She was on both sides of that fence. When she was near him, her heart felt full, but when he talked about the development, she thought she would lose her mind because the success of his business meant the end of hers.
It was such a generous move to buy the barn, but she knew it wasn’t altruistic. The barn would gain him favor. The town of Pinetop didn’t understand how fast Rob McKenna could move, both in his personal life and his business life. Was it possible to love a man and hate him at the same time? She would have to come to terms with the inevitable. She had to pick her battles. If she fought the resort, she could lose Rob, and that wasn’t an option. Her heart was all in when it came to him.
* * *
This was it. The festival was upon them. Celia dressed in a cream colored wool dress and a jean jacket paired with boots. It was like she was going to a high school dance and hoped Rob would like what he saw.
She called Jackson on the intercom, intending to put a fire under his butt. They had to go now, or they’d be late.
“Hey, where are you?” she asked. “Are you ready to go?”
He didn’t answer. She looked out front for his truck and found it gone so she called him.
“Already here,” he said. “I’m in the show. Surprise. Lucky and I are doing a number.”
It floored her. Tears of pride stung her eyes.
“Really? Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Did you not hear the word surprise?”
“No, I heard it. Just can’t believe it. I can’t wait to see you.”
She pulled out of her driveway and headed toward Rob’s. A touch of loneliness filled her as she drove. He’d offered to come and get her, but that seemed counterproductive. As she neared, she saw the spotlights around his place. She remembered them fondly. When they were in bed, the silvery lights outlined him. The image of his naked body emblazoned in her memory forever.
The last few days had been busy for both of them. Him buil
ding the barn, and her getting the inn ready for the holidays. She took a moment to say a prayer and count her blessings so she could temper her excitement. She had the strongest urge to talk to him but knew he was busy. Instead, she sent a text.
I’m on my way and parking in your driveway.
With Jackson performing, she wanted to park close and get inside to save a front-row seat.
Parking was one detail they had not thought of when moving the festival.
Cars parked in the field, but she swung by the front of his house. It wouldn’t hurt if she parked on the street or in his driveway and cut through the house.
When she opened the storm door and found the front door locked, she rounded the house and made her way to where the crowd was gathered.
Over her shoulder, she saw Scott pull his truck beside her car. He had the same idea to avoid the chaos by parking in front. She hurried around to the back, trying to avoid him. Lately, everything with Scott was a confrontation, and she didn’t need the stress tonight. She hadn’t spoken to him since he’d cashed her check.
He rushed forward until he was a few steps behind her, though he said nothing. He shadowed her like a stalker.
Moments later, he spoke. “What’s the matter? Didn’t Romeo give you a key?”
She didn’t acknowledge him, just kept moving.
“Yep,” he said. “Jackson Westbrook all over again. Men like them take what they want and leave the rest behind for men like me to piece back together.”
Celia was practically running now. Up ahead she saw a familiar face. “Hey, Alex,” she said.
“Evening, Celia. I thought we’d stop here first then head to your place after.”
“Great. The key is under the mat.”
Scott stormed beyond them toward the arena.
Alex noticed the hostility. “Are you okay?”
“I am now,” she said. “Can you walk me the rest of the way to the festival?”
“Sure thing. Rob is already there. He’s setting up to give his presentation. He’ll introduce me, but I’m waiting for Nicole. We can all go together. How’s that?” The couple had returned for the festival because Rob thought it wise to have Alex around to field questions.
Scott got yards ahead before relief washed over her.
“I think I’ll go ahead,” she said. “Thanks, anyway. Tell Nicole I said hello.”
She walked slowly enough to stay behind Scott so she could watch him. If he went left into the barn, she would go right.
“Hey, Celia,” said Dave Swanson from her side. “There are a couple of spots on the end if you want to go around.”
They packed the place. Rob walked onto the small stage and took the microphone out of the stand. He stepped off to the side of a large white piece of canvas hung to use as a screen. It was time to talk about business. Celia was nervous for him but interested in seeing him in action.
He looked handsome in a crewneck sweater with a button-down tucked underneath. Because he was tall and good looking, he had an appealing presence. She took a seat and with her chin resting on her fists, she listened. One glance to her right, and she saw Scott staring at her. Her instinct was to roll her eyes, but she ignored him. She’d learned long ago not to poke a bear.
“Good evening, everyone. I’m Rob McKenna. I grew up here in Pinetop. You might have known my mother Fiona, who passed away recently. Her internal drill sergeant would have whipped this into shape with ease.” The crowd chuckled. “I’m glad to be a part of this tradition, but before we show off our local talent, I want to share a brief presentation I put together about plans for the land we’re on.” He stepped aside and pointed to the screen. “Enjoy.”
The lights went down, and the soft murmurs turned into silence.
Rob set his presentation in motion while he narrated.
Celia loved his voice but wanted to turn away from the pictures that would mean her backyard would become a megaplex with asphalt and mud and trash, but that wasn’t what she saw.
“At first, we went a different route, but the town inspired my designer Alex Brandt. We also had some strong input from Celia Roberts. We borrowed from a community in Carmel, California where they tried to blend the structures into the natural setting as much as possible. I think we’ve done a good job merging the old with the new. While we have strived to maintain most of the natural beauty of the land, with the town’s permission, and only if you want this, we would like to feature your businesses as an added selling point. We don’t want to create competition but bring prosperity to the town.”
Rob flipped through the remaining pictures, allowing them to speak for themselves. They were beautiful. The buildings weren’t modern designs, but a mix of the architecture already found in Pinetop. Rob had taken his prefab, mix and match ideas and made them work so the resort blended with the town. Decked out with the natural flora, they appeared to grow from the landscape. It overwhelmed her. She couldn’t express her gratitude because the Pinetop’s Got Talent show would start right after the presentation.
“Thanks for watching, and now, on with the show. Our first act is Lucky and his boy Jackson Roberts,” said Rob.
No one sat behind her, so she stood to get the best view. The crew did a much better job with the lighting than she expected. Her sweet son, carrying his guitar and leading Lucky on a leash, sat center stage on a stool Rob set out for him. Lucky lay at his feet, and the crowd said a collective “Aww.”
“Rob mentioned his mom, and I would like to acknowledge mine.” Jackson stared straight at her. “I’d like to dedicate this song to Celia Roberts, who is the best mom a kid could have.” He settled the guitar in his lap and began to strum.
It floored her to see him playing the guitar effortlessly. Where had he been hiding that talent? Jackson shared a lot, but there was so much she didn’t know about him. She assumed he played videos all the time when he’d been practicing.
He sang a song about his hero and that was her. She felt a presence behind her and for a second, she thought she saw a ghost from her past, but as the person moved into the light, she realized it was Rob.
Her emotions had played a trick on her. Despite Scott’s accusation, Rob and Jackson Sr. were not the same man. Rob had proven he could compromise. He took her wants and needs into consideration. To this man, she mattered. She threw her arms around him and without thinking, shouted, “I think I love you.”
“Right on, Mom,” said Jackson without missing a beat and continued singing.
The audience roared with laughter and then erupted into applause. Celia and Rob did their best to contain themselves so Jackson could finish his song. She turned around to face her son and pressed her back against Rob’s chest. When the song was over, they walked hand in hand outside.
“It’s surprising Lucky isn’t freaking out,” said Rob.
“I can’t believe my son can play the guitar.”
Jackson had left the stage and dashed around the barn to Celia, who took her son’s face in her hands.
“I had no idea,” she said.
“I know,” Jackson said. “Not all secrets are bad. It’s your Christmas present, but when I learned this was a show, I went for it.”
“I’m so impressed, and it was beautiful.”
“I heard you loved it,” he teased. “Oh, I mean you love him.”
“I love you both,” she said.
“We should go back and watch the show,” Rob suggested.
“I want to put Lucky in your house,” said Jackson. “He gets antsy around too many people.”
“I’ll let you in.” Rob pressed his hands above Celia’s hips, steadying her for a kiss. “Save me a seat.”
Rob’s and Jackson’s voices faded into the distance. Her heart filled with joy. Life was just about perfect.
Chapter Eighteen
Rob
Thanksgiving was a thing of beauty with Celia cooking a feast for the three of them. They had the standard meal of turkey with all the fixings, from stuffing to
cranberry sauce. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a feast of that magnitude. His mother never celebrated the holiday, and he wondered if it was because she wasn’t thankful.
After their food settled, Celia pulled down her artificial Douglas fir from the attic. Rob and Jackson carried boxes of ornaments and lights and spent the evening turning the Hummingbird Inn into a Christmas inn.
By the time they finished hanging hundreds of bulbs and yards of tinsel, there wasn’t much of the tree to see.
“What’s the point of having a tree if you can’t see it?” He sat on the sofa looking at the masterpiece before him. His mom always had a tree, but it was because she liked the way it looked in the window when people passed.
There was never a time when he raced from his bed on Christmas morning and found a mound of presents waiting. He was certain that only happened in the movies.
Not that Fiona didn’t celebrate the season. The first week of December, she had him sit at the kitchen table and make a list of things he needed.
Like Jesus, he got three gifts. One was always a package of socks. Another was underwear, and the third was a surprise. The best gift was when he opened a small box and found a set of keys. They were to a used SUV. It wasn’t a gift for him but for his mother, so she didn’t have to drive him places any longer.
On graduation day, he drove out of Pinetop and never looked back. When the lawyer read the will, he knew he couldn’t ignore his legacy. It was more than the land, more than the house. It was his way of turning nothing into something.
Celia curled up beside him and tucked herself under his arm. “Does the tree bring back memories?”
He looked at Jackson, who sat on the floor and admired the ornaments.
“Yes, some bad and some good.” He’d put off the not so fun stuff for long enough. Tomorrow he had to face his past. “While I know I need to close many chapters, starting with my mom’s house, I’m making new memories with you and Jackson.” Celia was his sanctuary. Though she was part of his past, she was also his future.
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