She shook her head. “Make a list of what you want. Then text me. I can work on it and send it back. It’ll be ready to go to your meeting.”
“What will you be doing?”
Blowing out a long sigh, she sat on the edge of the bed. Time to make a decision. She’d been shuffling through the possibilities of what to do next like a deck of cards, wondering which one would turn up when she flipped the stack over. After Stephen’s text last night, everything began closing in on her. Sure he was asking questions. He’d begged her to be patient with him several times over the past couple of weeks. He was trying to change, but for what reason?
To win her over?
Because he honestly wanted a fresh start?
Or because he was ready to finally settle down like his best buddy and she was the one available to do that with?
Honestly, she wasn’t sure she wanted to know that answer.
“Maybe it’s time for me to move on and start over with my life.” Maybe some distance between her and Stephen would help them both figure out what they really wanted. She’d not block him out of her life anymore. They could keep in touch. She’d still come visit her family for the holidays.
“Beks, are you serious? Are you so mad at me that you’re ready to pack up and leave?”
She shook her head. “No. I’m angry with myself. I’m coming up on thirty and have nothing to show for my life. No career. No stability. No real prospects of… I’m tired of floating around, wondering where the breeze will blow me next.”
“I’m sure you are.” He sat beside her. “We’re not supposed to let the wind and waves toss us around. I thought you were thinking of staying here. Maybe starting your own business? Helping me with my studio? I thought you wanted to see how things worked out with Stephen? You just admitted that you still love him.”
“Is that enough?” She turned, crossing her legs as she faced her once closest confidant. He’d always been a steady rock for her. She hated how they’d drifted apart and had thought that maybe staying here would bring back what they’d lost. But he was making his own life. And that’s what she needed to do.
Ethan rested his hand on her knee. “Sweetheart, only you can decide that. I know Stephen cares for you. I see it, though I didn’t want to. Maybe what you really need to ask yourself is if you care enough for him to weather the storms that’ll come.”
“I guess we both know if I choose Stephen, I choose the rougher road.”
Ethan leaned back against the bedpost. “Hard to say. I never intended being part of a,” he waved his hand, “a… restaurant. When we started remodeling this house, it was for the bed and breakfast. But all along Haley has had her heart set on feeding people barbecue.” He chuckled with a shake of his head. “That’s what makes her happy. It’s driving me to exhaustion, but I’m willing to stick this out with her. See where it goes. It’s hard, but she’s worth the trouble. I’m in this one hundred percent.”
He patted her knee again. “What are you willing to give your one hundred percent to, Beks? Whatever it is, I’ll be behind you on it. I’m sorry about how I’ve been and promise to only offer support and encouragement.” He held up his hands in surrender. “I promise. No more meddling. Whether you stay and marry Stephen, or decide to leave us for an out-of-state job. I’m behind whatever you really want.”
“I want….” She sighed. What did she want? “I’ve been praying for the Lord to tell me what to do. Been looking for a sign, or some kind of urging. For the first time in my life, I feel like He’s stepped away from me. Left me to figure it all out on my own.”
“You know that’s not true, right?”
She shrugged. “Why won’t He tell me what to do?”
“What do you want to do? God has put a passion in your heart for something. Maybe He’s waiting for you to step out, then He’ll help you accomplish it.”
What did she want? She’d enjoyed the past couple of weeks. Soon their parents would be here, building their retirement dream.
And Stephen? She pictured herself standing on the edge of a cliff, mist covering the valley. The uncertainty of it all made her want to cower and hide. Another part of her wanted to leap and hope she’d fly right into everything her heart had desired. Isn’t that what Mrs. Alton had told her? That God would catch her? Keep her safe? She needed to read that scripture again.
She and Stephen had been a great team the other day convincing Gerald to work with Ethan. She’d had so much fun on the drive then dancing until their feet ached. For that one night, she’d felt alive and free.
Did she want to miss all that, too? The video had turned out better than she ever dreamed she was capable of creating. The next would only be better.
She went back to Ethan’s original question, did she care enough about Stephen to stick it out with him? See where things went? Last night, she’d hugged her phone when he wished her sweet dreams after asking her some amazingly deep questions. He sounded so sincere.
Even if he wasn’t, she loved him. Maybe it was time to stop shutting up those feelings, holding back, and keeping her heart protected in a tightly locked box.
Ethan squeezed her hand, drawing her back out of the deep well of thoughts she’d fallen into. “I can almost hear the wheels turning in your head, sissy. You don’t have to answer me. Just please, promise that you won’t run off. If you really want a fresh start, then take your time. Stay here and plan out where you’ll stay, how you’ll support yourself. Let us help.”
She squeezed his hand back. “Do I still get to help Mom plan your wedding, even if you’re already married?”
“If that means you’ll stick around at least until December, then yes, absolutely.”
Her heart filled with excitement. “I really do love her, Ethan. You picked well.”
He blinked and sat up straighter. “Thank you, sis. That means everything to me to hear you say that. Though I can’t really take credit for picking well. Our meeting was… well, a happy accident.”
She smiled and met his gaze. “Whatever I decide to do, I can assure you this, I’ll stick around long enough to watch Mom’s reaction when she finds out you eloped. That’s going to be a lot of fun.”
His smile faded as his face drained of color. “She’s going to kill me dead, isn’t she?”
Bekka patted his cheek. “At least, I still have Jeremy.” And she was eager to see their little brother who was nearly done with his senior year of high school. He’d planned to spend the summer helping get the lodge started before going on to college. If she left, she’d miss that, too.
“Ha. Ha. Thanks.” He scooted off the bed and started pacing. “For the record, so that there’s no confusion on how I feel about all this—”
“This is where you give me your opinion even after promising to be supportive and encouraging?”
“Exactly. My opinion is that I really want you here, Bekka. You have a lot to offer the studio.” He stopped pacing. “But I am serious about being behind whatever you decide to do. I love you and want to see you find happiness.”
She stared at him for a long moment. “Even if I were to marry Stephen and have a horde of babies?”
His head gave a little jerking kind of nod, making him look like one of those wind-up tin soldiers. “Ye-es. Yes. Even that. He’s already like a brother. But that doesn’t mean I won’t kick his—”
“Thank you.” Bekka cut off his threat. “That means a lot.”
He held open his arms. “Can I get a hug? Then I need to get back downstairs. I’ve just come to realize I left Haley with Stephen. And Stephen with Haley. That can’t possibly be good for either of them, can it?”
Bekka gave him the hug he wanted and was comforted that no matter where they went in their lives, they weren’t so far apart. They’d always have each other’s backs. That’s the only thing that really mattered. “Think she has breakfast done? I’m starving.”
Keeping his arm around her shoulder, he opened the door. “Let’s go see.”
; When they reached the kitchen, they found Haley dabbing a towel at Stephen’s cheeks. When she saw them, she jerked her head in their direction before she said, “I shoulda told you how powerful those onions can be, sugar. They’ll bring tears to a grizzly bear.”
Bekka glanced from Stephen to her brother. He didn’t look convinced of his wife’s ploy either. “You all right there, buddy?”
Stephen nodded. Closing the Bible, he handed it to his friend. “Think I’ll need to get one of those for myself. I have some reading to do.”
A slow smile spread across Ethan’s face. “I know of a bookstore in town that sells them. I’ll take you later.”
Stephen’s hand found Bekka’s and gave it a squeeze. At that moment she knew something much more powerful than onions had gotten to Stephen Gaines. Something much, much more powerful.
Chapter Twenty
The day finally came that they’d all worked hard for, anticipated, and hoped would give Ethan the jumpstart he needed to turn his ideas into a solid reality.
Bekka went into a panic and froze up. She could not enter the town hall where the investors planned to meet and discuss Ethan’s business plan.
She’d halted at the swinging doors, unable to take another step forward. Shoving the bag with her computer into Stephen’s arms, she shook her head and simply turned away. What if her video looked too amateurish to them? What if she was the reason they turned her brother down? No, she couldn’t stand to watch.
Stephen would give her the complete rundown afterward, and Ethan would be honest, yet gentle, about any comments her video received.
She checked the time on her cell. Eleven-o-five. No texts updating her on what was happening? Well, a chicken got the table scraps, not the main course, as Haley would say. The meeting had started at ten o’clock. Maybe she should walk down to the bakery for a coffee. Just as she stood up from the concrete bench, a crack of thunder followed by a bright flash in the sky nixed that idea. The gray sky opened up, and rain poured down in sheets. Instead, she returned to the bench to sit and wait.
Her feet tapped out the rhythm coming from her song lists. She’d played five rounds of the latest bubble matching game. She swiped her thumb across the screen to check the time. Eleven-forty-eight. Her stomach rumbled. She’d not been able to touch a bite of the pancakes Haley made them that morning. At the time, all her nerves were on edge and her tummy a little too nauseated to eat.
She knew her reactions were silly. She’d shown the video to a pro-musician, and he liked it. But then she’d feared he was only being nice. Ethan needed everything to be perfect. If he didn’t have a nervous breakdown, she was going to do it for him.
Of course, if her brother was nervous, he’d not shown it that morning. He’d been quiet, but methodical in getting his files together and making sure everything was ready. Haley had led the prayer asking for God’s hand on the meeting before the three of them left. She hated those council meetings and decided she’d be more useful at home, praying while she prepared for that evening’s dinner crowd.
Bekka checked her phone again. Twelve-ten. Were they going to work through lunch? This was cra—
Stephen appeared strolling up the walkway, his head turning in one direction then another as he searched the grounds. The storm had passed, but the clouds still drizzled light, steady drops. His wet hair was plastered to his forehead and his shirt stuck to his shoulders and arms. Bekka stood and opened her umbrella.
He stopped a few feet away. A slow smile pulled at his mouth as he gave her a nod. “They loved your video. Just as I knew they would.”
Bekka ran for him, wanting to throw her arms around his neck in a grateful hug. Instead, he caught her up, lifting her off her feet and spun her around.
“Your hard work paid off, lady. Half of the investors offered Ethan enough financial backing that we can purchase the instruments and extra equipment needed to get a good running start. That will free up my savings for what we’ll need later down the line.”
“They invested in Ethan. Not because of my video.” She laughed as he lowered her back onto her feet. She didn’t even mind that he continued to hold her close.
“Yes, but they really loved what you’d done. Said it was top quality. When they heard you were willing to stay and help your brother, more agreed. There were still about half that are holding back for now. They’re worried about what kind of people the studio will bring into their town.”
He kept his arm around her waist as they slowly walked back toward the front of the courthouse. “Ol’ George Alton told them to stuff it. He said that musicians willing to play locally would draw in younger people and families. Music events would draw crowds, and we need a good variety that will appeal to everyone’s taste. I think George is E-man’s biggest backer. He was practically skipping out the door over our plans to put together a lakeside concert later this summer.”
“Your what?”
He smirked with a one-sided shrug. “A little spur of the moment idea I tossed in. Thought Ethan was going to kill me right there, but once Karen Borgman jumped on board and then the Mayor, he agreed that with some footwork, we could pull off getting a few of our friends to come. I know Gerald will be willing. We’ll get more.” His arm tightened around her. “Come on, I told Ethan I’d bring you around to the front where he’s waiting. A couple of the council members want to meet you. They all love your brother, let me tell you. It’s amazing how he’s wheedled his way into this town already.”
“As Haley would say, like a tick can burrow into a dog’s back. He’s always been a charmer.”
“Well, we’ve got a lot of work to do. I’m going to need your help. You up for some more road trips? I’ve found it’s a lot harder for people to say no to your pretty face. I want to go and personally invite some of our closest friends.”
“And you need me along why?”
“Because.” His steps slowed again. “I’m finding things go much better with you at my side.” His thumb wiped away a couple of raindrops that had managed to splatter onto her face.
Bekka grasped his hand and pressed a kiss into his palm. “Then I’m in. One hundred percent.”
* * * *
Bekka didn’t pull away when Stephen held her hand while they waited for their meal at the seafood restaurant. As he talked excitedly about all his plans, she tried to listen, but the way his thumb rubbed circles in her palm made concentrating difficult.
He explained how Pastor Chogan offered to set him up with counseling. Stephen promised to attend a Twelve-step class to help him deal with his addictions. And later in the summer he’d attend the next beginner class to help him learn more about his new faith.
When their food arrived, Stephen finally stopped to take a breath. “I’ve been prattling on like a squirrel. You’ve patiently listened, I think.”
“I have. I’m really excited for you. Do you really think you’ll be able to pull off a music festival in such a short amount of time?”
“Oh yeah. October is several months away. We can do it. Soon as Ethan stops his panicking and we can sit and make some solid plans. It’ll be easy.”
They ate in silence for a short while before Stephen set his fork down and asked, “Now it’s your turn, lady. Have you come to any decisions beyond staying to help organize the so-called holiday wedding?”
She swallowed down the shrimp she’d just bitten into. At least she’d made a few plans. A couple of decisions. Though nothing substantial, yet. “For now, I plan to make myself available to whoever needs help. I think Ethan wants to make more videos. I’ve found a few beautiful spots on my walks that will make for some great footage.”
His smile widened. “I have some songs I want us to work on together. What about that little shop you were looking at?”
“I don’t think so. I’ve never felt peace about that.”
“What do you feel peace about?”
Had that question actually come from Stephen Gaines? She twirled her fork in the noodles and ske
wered another shrimp. “I’m pretty content right at this moment if you want to know.” And that was the truth. She’d meant it when she’d told him earlier that she was in one hundred percent. “I’m enjoying this time here with you. Thank you for inviting me.”
His hand caught hers again, and he pressed her knuckles to his lips. “Thank you for coming and giving me another chance, Bekka. I’m going to do it right this time. You have my word.”
She entwined her fingers through his and savored her meal, determined not to let worry or doubts creep in and ruin this night. For now, she’d allow peace to cover her like a warm, fuzzy blanket and find comfort in believing God had their lives in His hands.
After dinner, Stephen took her downtown to a festival held at the city park beside the lake. Booths lined the walkways. In an open field sat a large stage, glowing with flashing neon lights. A small carnival lit up the parking area on the opposite end of the event grounds.
Stephen continued to cling to her hand every chance he got. Even when he bought them some cotton candy from one of the vendors.
As Bekka pulled away the bag, she took a long whiff of the maple flavored sugary fluff. “I’ve never tried this flavor before, have you?”
He shook his head, ripped off a long strip and shoved the whole thing in his mouth. His brows furrowed as he gave a nod. “It’s good. Different.”
“Yeah, but good.” They made their way toward the amphitheater when a loud whistle brought him to a stop.
They both turned as a short, round man with a crinkly red beard and dark glasses approached, waving.
“BeeJibe, my man!” Stephen greeted him with a hearty, back-pounding hug.
“String Man in the flesh. How long has it been, my brother? Two, three years? Last I heard you and the E-man were heading out to Cali, seeking fame and fortune.”
“Right. And we found neither. So we’re back home. I’m assuming that you’ve heard what the String Brothers are up to now, am I correct?”
Raining Fools (Madison Creek Bed & Breakfast Book 2) Page 21