A Texas Bond

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  “I think you can.” Stacia backed away from him, peered down the driveway.

  Mason turned the bike to face them and lifted his foot off the ground as Ross held his breath again. A bit of wobbling ensued, but Mason found his balance and pedaled toward them.

  “Look at you go.” Stacia let out a whoop. “All by yourself.”

  Mason’s grin was as wide as his face. And it made Ross’s heart dance. Or was it Stacia’s nearness? For the first time, they were like two proud parents. A team. Or maybe more.

  Chapter Nine

  Their day in the workshop had been productive, especially since the salvage guys had delivered the promised load from the hotel early that morning. With plenty of materials, they focused on their work, no conversation. Even more tension vibrated between them since Ross had gotten all caught up in Mason’s achievement yesterday and made the mistake of embracing Stacia.

  His phone rang and Stacia turned her sander off.

  He fished it out of his pocket and scanned the screen. “Hey Mom.”

  “Hey stranger. Have y’all been watching the news?”

  “Uh no. Been too busy.” Supposedly helping Papaw with the ranch in Hondo.

  “There’s a tropical storm brewing into a hurricane and if it holds its current pattern and intensity, it could hit Houston next week.”

  His heart took a dive. “I’ll come home.”

  “No. We’ve got things covered here. Miss Cotton’s grandson is taking a semester off, so he’s helping out. We’ll probably get evacuated and end up there with y’all in Hondo anyway.”

  Only he wasn’t there. He really needed to go home. It was time to tell them. And he couldn’t do it over the phone.

  “Let me talk to Daddy.” Mom’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

  “Uh, I, he’s not with me at the moment.” Maybe she wouldn’t call Papaw now and find out Ross hadn’t been there.

  “I tried the house but didn’t get an answer. Well, I better get back to packing stuff up. Watch the weather.”

  “I will. Keep me posted on y’alls plans.”

  “Bye sweetheart.”

  “Bye Mom.” He ended the call, slid his cell back in his pocket, closed his eyes. He hated lying to her.

  “Is something wrong?” Stacia peered up at him.

  “Just a potential hurricane aimed at Houston.”

  “Oh dear. Will your parents be okay?”

  “It may fizzle out. If not, they’ll probably have to evacuate.”

  “I imagine this won’t be the first time.”

  “No. In the thirteen years since their store opened, Ike and Harvey have pummeled them with major damage and flooding.”

  “Do you need to go home? I mean to help them out?”

  All ready to be rid of him, was she? He would feel better if he could help his folks batten down the hatches and move the most unique, hardest to replace furnishings into the second level of the store. But he couldn’t. Not until he finished the B and B order.

  “If the storm continues according to projections, I might.” It helped nothing for him to have feelings for Stacia. He had to tamp them down and focus. “I’ll know sometime next week.”

  “Don’t let us keep you.”

  “We may need to wrap the order up sooner, so we can get it shipped sooner than planned. If a hurricane hits, we could be in store for hail, tornadoes or flooding in Medina.”

  “I’m not sure we can do that, unless we don’t sleep. It’ll be fine as long as we can get everything secured in the delivery truck. Just in case we get any damage to the workshop.” She cocked her head to the side, looking way too cute for his comfort. “If you don’t mind me asking, where do they think you are? I mean, I couldn’t help overhearing. She obviously thought you were with someone she knows.”

  “At my grandparents’ ranch. In Hondo.”

  “So all this time they thought you were with your grandparents?”

  “I visit often to do appraisals for Nanny and help during harvest time.” He shrugged. “So when I found out about the twins, I told my folks I needed to go help Papaw.”

  “Don’t they talk to each other?”

  “Not as much as they’d like. Papaw’s busy with the harvest this time of year and Mom and Dad are busy with Christmas orders for the store.”

  A knock sounded at the door from the store.

  Stacia checked her watch. “I know who that is. Come in.”

  “Uncle Ross.” Mason blasted into the workshop. “All the boys think I’m so cool because my training wheels are gone.”

  “Awesome.” Ross gave him a high five.

  “Guess what happened at school today.” Madison followed her brother.

  “What?”

  “The meanest boy in our class—”

  “Put a tack on the teacher’s chair,” Mason finished.

  “They still do that these days?” Ross frowned.

  “In kindergarten?” Stacia shook her head. “Well, I hope he gets punished. That hurts.”

  “You’ve sat on a tack?” Madison winced.

  “The meanest boy in school put it on my chair.”

  “Have you ever sat on a tack, Uncle Ross?” Mason asked.

  “No.” He gave them a sheepish grimace.

  “You put tacks on people’s chairs?” Mason grinned.

  “Just once. It was a terrible idea. Not mine. I was actually dared to do it because I was a rule follower.” By his brother, their father. “I got detention for it and that was the last rule I ever broke. After that it didn’t matter how much the other kids teased me.”

  “Aunt Stacia’s a rule follower too.” Madison giggled.

  “If you follow the rules, you avoid trouble.” Ross winked. “Trust me.”

  “That sounds like very good advice.” For once Stacia agreed with him. “No tacks on chairs. Do you hear me, Mason?”

  “Yes ma’am.” But the boy couldn’t contain an eye roll.

  “If anyone around here ever does that, it would mean no side-by-side. Right?”

  “Right.” Both twins agreed.

  But they all knew Mason was the weak link.

  “How was your wrist today?”

  “Fine.” Madison showed it to them. “It feels normal.”

  Thankfully, it seemed okay. No signs of irritation or redness.

  The door from the store opened and Maverick strolled in. “Okay kiddos, we’re off. Can you cover the store for me, Stace?”

  “Of course. Where are y’all going?” Stacia asked, with a note of longing in her tone.

  Longing to escape him? Or be with the twins? Maybe both.

  “We’re going to the dude ranch over in Bandera. The twins want to fit in some bowling or maybe putt-putt.”

  “I’m not sure your knee is up to that.” Her longing echoed louder at the mention of putt-putt.

  Maybe it wasn’t him.

  “Why don’t you go with them and let Maverick stay here?” Ross suggested it for himself as much as her, eager to escape the tension in the workshop.

  “You do love putt-putt.” Madison grabbed Stacia’s hand and tugged.

  “But I need to work here since I have to leave early anyway for Lexie’s rehearsal later tonight. And I won’t be here most of the day tomorrow because of the wedding.”

  “I can sit down and sand. Tonight and tomorrow.” Maverick took the sander from her. “You go. Have fun.”

  “Come on, Aunt Stacia.” Mason grabbed her other hand. “I can’t beat Grandpa, but I can beat you.”

  “We’ll see about that,” she challenged as she slipped her goggles and apron off, then pointed a finger at her dad. “Only sanding.”

  “Aye, aye Captain.” Maverick saluted her.

  “Are you going to the wedding tomorrow night, Uncle Ross?” Madison a
sked.

  “As a matter of fact, Clint invited me when we were in class last Sunday.”

  “Good.” Madison clapped her hands. “I want you to see my new dress.”

  “We need to get moving, Mad.” Stacia grabbed her purse.

  The twins scurried toward him. Ross’s heart swelled as the warm little bodies took turns embracing him. So accepting of him in their lives. If only their aunt could be.

  * * *

  They’d managed to get ahead of schedule yesterday, allowing Stacia to concentrate on Lexie’s wedding. All of the rehearsing last night along with months of planning for a ceremony that was over in ten minutes.

  But the ceremony had been sweet and adorable, beginning with Clint’s niece, Charlee, walking down the aisle, throwing rose petals. Right on cue, but all in one big clump and she was done. Though she kept digging in her basket for more until she’d made it to the front of the church. Her brother, Cooper, had raced down the aisle with a precarious hold on the satin pillow holding Lexie’s ring.

  But the ceremony and vows had gone off without a hitch. Of course, as she’d stood at the front of the church behind Larae, Ross was right in her line of vision. She’d pretty much missed the vows. Afterward, she’d stood in the receiving line as a wave of well-wishers consisting of church family, friends and townspeople she’d known her entire life kept flowing through.

  A lengthy photography session later, she’d thrown birdseed at a blissful Lexie and Clint as they’d dashed to his truck to begin their life together.

  She was so happy for her friend. But the day put a pang in her heart. She’d never be a bride or some guy’s everything.

  “You out of here?” Larae had her sleek figure back in two weeks’ time of giving birth.

  “I’m on a mission for punch before I dry up and blow away. See y’all later.” She pressed a kiss on little Rand’s cheek, then made her way to the fellowship hall.

  With only the cleaning crew left, consisting of Lexie’s family and church family, Stacia slipped off her nude heels, giving her aching feet a reprieve. The shoes were comfortable—for heels. They didn’t pinch anywhere, but the balls of her feet were done.

  The poppy-red chiffon fluttered around her knees as she walked. Lexie’s favorite, but she’d worked hard to find a shade that didn’t clash with Stacia’s hair. It was trendy and fashionable, a testament to Lexie’s excellent taste. She’d definitely wear the dress again.

  “There you are,” Ross said.

  She stopped but her nylon clad feet didn’t, careening her into a skid on the polished concrete floor. He jumped up from the table where he sat and grabbed her shoulders. Once she was steady, she stepped back. His hands fell to his sides.

  “Nice dance move. Sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  Her cheeks warmed. “Why are you still here?”

  “Your dad and the twins rode with me. But Maverick’s knee was hurting, though he’ll never admit it, and the twins were restless. He took your SUV since it’s easier for him to get in and out of it. So instead of leaving you my truck, I stayed to collect you.”

  “Collect me? Like a sack of grain?”

  “Drive you home. You don’t look anything like a sack of grain.”

  And her face grew hotter. “Well, I am tired and my feet are done, so I kind of feel like one and I’m ready to be collected.”

  “Punch?”

  Her gaze locked on the clear plastic cup filled with frothy red liquid. “I’d kill for that.”

  “It’s all yours.” He held both hands up as if surrendering.

  She gulped the liquid down, trying not to completely lose all her manners.

  “Have you eaten anything today?”

  “No and I’m famished, but we need to get back to the workshop. I’ll grab a sandwich when we get home.”

  “Stella’s heating up some meatballs. There’s also Mexican pinwheels, some other little hoity-toity hors d’oeuvre thingy with green and white stuff on a cracker like women like and a fancy-schmancy little sandwich with no crust.”

  His descriptions dragged a smile to her mouth.

  “More punch?”

  “And water. I think I’m on my way to dehydration. But I can get it.”

  “Stay put. I’ll get it.”

  “Here you go, love.” Stella set a plate in front of her. The hors d’oeuvre with the green stuff turned out to be a toasted cracker with cream cheese and chives.

  “Oh Stella, have I ever told you how much I love you?”

  “You have, darling. But save some of that love for Ross. He’s the one who made you a plate.” Stella headed back to the kitchen. “Might ought to nab him before some other gal does.”

  It wouldn’t do any good to protest. “Let me wolf this down and I’ll help you clean.”

  “No need.” Stella waved her off. “I’ve got plenty of help and Lexie said something about you having a huge B and B order. Eat and get out of here.”

  She forked a meatball and sank her teeth into it, closed her eyes. Possibly the best thing she’d ever eaten. Ross returned balancing two cups of punch and a bottled water.

  “Here you go.” He set the drinks in front of her, reclaimed his seat across from her.

  “Thank you. I mean—really. I was about to die of thirst and hunger.”

  “Well now, we can’t have that, can we? My niece and nephew love you to pieces, so we gotta keep you going for them. Eat up.”

  “Any news on the potential hurricane?”

  “Still building.”

  “We’re ahead of schedule. I figure we can finish the order by Wednesday and get everything loaded safely in the truck.”

  “I hope you’re right. I can’t wait to wrap this up.”

  Did he mean the order? Or being stuck with her? Probably both. Along with telling his parents the truth.

  He stood. “I’m gonna help the ladies clean.”

  Once he got in the kitchen, a few protests echoed through the fellowship hall and then girlish giggles from women old enough to be his grandmother.

  Was Ross a charming con artist? Or was he sincere? If he was for real, she was missing out on something great. But there was no way to tell, without possibly getting very hurt.

  And no matter how great or real he might turn out to be, she still couldn’t have kids. And she’d heard him tell Madison he wanted them someday. Her heart stuttered at the reminder.

  * * *

  After meeting their quota in the workshop on this very long Saturday, Ross had taken the twins for a ride on the side-by-side. Stacia’s nerves had been on edge, but she’d prayed through it. They’d returned right on time for supper and she’d been so relieved, she’d invited him to share in their meal.

  She stirred the spaghetti sauce and dabbed her forehead with the back of her hand. September had turned into October without much difference in temperatures. Still mid to high eighties.

  It wasn’t like he hadn’t eaten with them before, but it was the first time she’d willingly done the inviting. She couldn’t stop thinking about the wedding. With the twins out of the picture and away from work, they’d been more at ease with each other. Relaxed and friendly.

  Almost flirty.

  Her cheeks heated at the memory. Maybe she’d just been too hungry to keep her guard up but Ross seemed to be proving himself and putting her fears at ease. And she couldn’t deny the awareness between them.

  But it couldn’t go anywhere. He was here only for the twins and he obviously loved kids. Even if he turned out to be trustworthy, she still couldn’t have kids. Which meant they had no future. She had to keep reminding herself of that. Every time he looked her way.

  Mason bolted into the kitchen. “Is it ready yet? I’m starving.”

  “Almost. Wash your hands, then go ahead and set the table.”

  He stretched ove
r the sink and soaped his hands good, then grabbed the stool they kept in the pantry and climbed up to get the dishes as Madison entered.

  “You still feeling okay, sweetie?”

  “Yes.”

  “Your wrist didn’t sting today?”

  “No. I had fun riding with Uncle Ross. Except he doesn’t stay on the path.”

  “It was so cool.” Mason set the plates in place. “We had to duck away from tree branches and we saw parts of our woods we didn’t know were there. You’d have hated it, Aunt Stacia.”

  “You’re right there.” She turned the burner off, drained the liquid then transferred the pot of noodles onto a hot pad in the middle of the table. “Did you see any snakes?”

  “No. But a spider came after Madison.”

  “I’m with you Aunt Stacia.” Madison shuddered. “I like the path.”

  “Maybe next time, you and I can stay on the path on our horses, while the boys go exploring.” Stacia loved the outdoors, riding the side-by-side and horses, but she liked sure footing, head room and no critters. “Tell Grandpa the food’s ready, Mason.”

  “Grandpa! The food’s ready!” Mason shouted.

  “That’s not exactly what I meant. I could have done that.” Stacia set the sauce and breadsticks on the table, then grabbed the salad she’d already put together along with dressing out of the fridge.

  “She meant, go tell Grandpa, goofball.” Madison filled the glasses with ice.

  “No name-calling, Mad.”

  “You didn’t say go.” Mason plopped in his seat at the table.

  “You’re right, I didn’t. But from now on, you’ll know what I mean.”

  Daddy limped into the room with his weight supported on a cane.

  “How’s the knee?” Stacia pulled his chair out for him.

  “Much better. I really don’t need this cane.”

  “Ready to give up and have surgery?”

  “I was trying to wait until the order was done.”

  “I’m calling tomorrow to get you an appointment. You’ll probably have to wait at least a month anyway.”

  “Will Grandpa be like a superhero once he gets a metal knee?” Mason asked.