Lock, Stock, and Over a Barrel

by Melody Carlson

  “What are you thinking about?” Ryan asked gently.

  “What?” She blinked, bringing herself back into the present.

  “You have such a faraway look in your eyes. A very pretty faraway look . . . so where were you anyway?”

  She shrugged and looked down at her coffee. “I don’t know. I think I’m still just waking up. Waiting for the caffeine to kick in.”

  He reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “Daphne, I don’t know what I have to do to prove that I love you. What I need to do to undo the damage I did in New York. But I am determined to do whatever it takes. Because this time, I refuse to give up. Not without a fight anyway.”

  She was speechless. She turned away from him and, looking out the window, noticed Mick’s truck was parked in the driveway. He waved to her as he opened his tailgate, but she could tell by his expression that he had seen her and Ryan sitting here together—and she could tell that he was curious. But really, what difference did it make? Mick had his own life . . . his own romance. Why should he concern himself with her?

  She pulled her hand away from Ryan. “I’m sorry, but I’m just not ready for this.” She stood. “So much has been happening lately. I’m still getting used to living here in Appleton. Trying to get my feet beneath me. And I’m still slightly in shock to see you, Ryan. Can you understand that?”

  He nodded. “Absolutely. I was worried that I might overwhelm you. But you know me. I jump in with both feet and consider the consequences later.”

  “Yes . . . I remember.”

  “So here’s what I’ll do, Daphne. I’ll give you your space. And I’ll give you some time to think about it. I mean, to consider how you feel about me. But I’m not going to give you a long time because I suspect you know your answer now.” He was standing too, looking intently into her eyes again. “You know what we had together. I’m sure you can imagine how much better it could be this time. Doing it the right way.”

  “Doing what the right way?” She frowned at him. What was he really saying? Or did she even want to know?

  He reached for her hand. “What I’m trying to say, Daphne Ballinger, is that I want to marry you. I want us to spend the rest of our lives together.”

  She just stared blankly at him. Was he really standing there proposing to her? And here she was unshowered, wearing grubby warm-ups, hair sticking out all over—had she even brushed her teeth? What was wrong with him?

  “I don’t want you to answer me yet. I want you to take your time and really think about it. I want you to remember how good we were together . . . how we were best friends and how much fun we had in New York.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m challenging you to dig deep inside of yourself, Daphne. Be honest about what you want for your life. Neither of us is getting any younger, you know.”

  She felt like she was having an out-of-body experience. Was Ryan Holloway really standing here in her kitchen asking her to marry him? It was just too weird.

  “And one week from today I’ll come back here and you can tell me your decision.” He leaned in closer now. And cupping her chin in his hand, he kissed her. Gently, but with an unmistakable intensity. Then he let her go, and without saying another word, he turned and walked out of her house.

  She just stood there in the kitchen, too stunned to even think straight. What had just happened? Was that really a proposal? And if it was genuine, how did she feel about it?

  As she showered and tamed her hair and brushed her teeth, she attempted to replay Ryan’s unexpected speech. Had he really said they weren’t getting any younger? That was not terribly romantic, was it? The whole thing just seemed presumptuous and slightly arrogant. How dare he waltz into her world and attempt to sweep her off her feet!

  With her hair still damp, she went outside, hoping to dry it in the sunlight as she enjoyed some fresh air and cleared her head. Curious as to what Mick was up to, she went around to the garden, but he wasn’t there. Had he left already? She went on back around to see that his truck was still in the driveway.

  “I’m over here,” he called out from the porch. “You said you wanted some more potted plants for the porch. Come and see.”

  She walked on around and was pleased to see three pots of flowers and greenery. “Julianne made these yesterday and I thought they’d look perfect.”

  “They’re gorgeous. Julianne has the right touch.” She watched him closely for a reaction but he simply nodded.

  “She’s definitely got a good eye for mixing colors and blooms.”

  After several tries, they decided the best locations for the new plants. Daphne stood back admiring them. “Very, very nice.” She smiled at Mick. “Thank you!”

  “No problem.” He leaned against a column, crossing his arms over his chest. “So what’s up with you and Ryan?”

  She let out an exasperated sigh.

  “He looked fairly intent this morning.”

  Now she was worried—did Mick assume Ryan had spent the night? “He caught me by surprise when he showed up with breakfast. But you’re right, he was pretty intent.”

  Mick chuckled. “Not that I was spying on you. But I couldn’t help but notice you two.”

  She shrugged. “I have nothing to hide.”

  “And you’re good with that? I mean, Ryan being so intent . . . showing up uninvited with breakfast?”

  She frowned. “Not really.”

  He just nodded.

  “But as you may have noticed, Ryan is a rather pushy sort of guy.”

  “Yeah. I noticed. I reckon the question is whether or not you like being pushed. Somehow you don’t strike me as the type who likes being pressured. But maybe I’m wrong.”

  “No.” She shook her head. “You’re not wrong. I don’t like being pushed or pressured.”

  “So what are you going to do about it, then?”

  She shrugged. “I’m not really sure.” She studied him, wondering why he was so interested. “It’s confusing, you know, thinking you were once in love with someone—and that you’d never get over him—and suddenly there he is and you just don’t know.” She bit her lip, wishing she hadn’t said so much. “Sorry, I’m sure you’re busy and I don’t need to unload on you.” She forced a smile. “Thanks for the flowers. And as usual, you can send the bill to Jake.” She hoped Jake wouldn’t mind. But he’d told her that everything that was for the house and stayed with the house could be charged to her aunt’s estate.

  “I actually understand,” Mick said quietly.

  “Understand what?”

  “I know how it feels to have loved someone and been hurt.”

  “Really?” She was surprised he was being this open.

  “And I don’t know what I’d do if she showed up in my life today.” He frowned. “I’d probably be suspicious.”

  “Suspicious?”

  He nodded. “Yeah. I’d probably start asking myself why, after all these years, was she suddenly interested in me? Had she fallen on hard times? Did she see me as her meal ticket?” He shrugged. “But I suppose I am by nature a somewhat suspicious sort of bloke.”

  “Or maybe you’re just smart.” Did she need to be more suspicious of Ryan?

  “I’m no expert on relationships, Daphne. But sometimes I have a good sense about people. Your aunt thought I did.”

  “So what is your sense of Ryan?”

  Mick’s mouth twisted to one side, as if he was considering his words. “Quite honestly . . . I don’t trust him.”

  “Oh?”

  “And I think you deserve better.”

  She didn’t know what to say.

  “But if I just stepped over the line, I hope you’ll excuse my bad manners.” He grinned. “And if you decide that Ryan is your dream bloke, well, I wish you both the best and I’ll be happy to dance at your wedding.”


  “He did ask me to marry him,” she confessed.

  “I reckoned he did.”

  “He gave me a week to think it over.”

  Mick laughed. “A whole week, did he? Well, now that was generous of him.” He checked his watch. “I’ve got to head out now. Again, if I said anything out of line, I hope you’ll forgive me.”

  “Don’t worry. I actually appreciate your advice. Thanks.”

  Sitting in the rocker on the porch, she petted Lucy and watched as The Garden Guy truck drove down the street. Admiring the attractive pots, she wondered just how serious Julianne and Mick really were. Seeing them together last night—and they were a striking pair—she had felt that there might be more to their relationship than she had originally supposed. But hearing Mick advising her so thoughtfully this morning . . . well, it made her wonder. Still, Mick had enjoyed a sweet relationship with Aunt Dee. It was quite likely he was just being kind to Daphne as well.

  She went into her office and turned on the computer and opened a Word doc. She began to write a letter to Daphne Delacorte.

  Dear Daphne,

  The man I thought I loved came back into my life this week. After ten long years of trying to get over him for breaking my heart (by pretending he was single when he was actually married with two children), this guy has reentered my world, proclaiming his undying devotion and proposing marriage to me. But because of the past, I feel uncertain. What should I do?

  Apprehensive in Appleton

  Now she sat there looking at the letter and wondering how Daphne Delacorte would answer it. Of course, she had no idea. And maybe she didn’t really want to know. At least not yet. After all she had seven whole days to mull over the strange proposal. Why rush things? Besides, she had planned to go bicycle shopping today.

  She’d decided after seeing how much Olivia rode her bike, that it would be sensible to have a bike. She would put a basket on it and use it for nearby errands, which would protect the mileage on the Corvette. Plus it would provide Daphne with some good exercise. To that end, she walked to town and into The Bike Shop and, after an hour of browsing and a couple of test rides, decided on a retro-style cruiser in aqua blue. Before she left, she had also purchased a basket, helmet, and bike lock.

  Feeling pleased with herself, she rode her bike directly to Bernie’s Blooms and showed it to Olivia.

  “Way to go, girl.” Olivia gave her a high five. “Welcome to the slow-paced world of flatlanders.”

  “Flatlanders?”

  “That’s what some people call these one-geared bikes that are only good for flat roads. Flatlanders.” She laughed. “Believe me, I learned that lesson the hard way when I tried to ride Miss Daisy up Bonner Hill.” She patted the pink bike parked in front of the store.

  “You named your bike Miss Daisy?”

  “Actually, that was Bernadette’s doing. She named her.”

  “I guess I should think of a name for my bike too. And I should let you get back to work now.” Daphne wished Olivia had time to talk but didn’t want to ask.

  “Anything wrong?” Olivia asked. “You seem a little down.”

  Daphne shrugged. “Just mulling something over.”

  “What?”

  Daphne let out a long sigh.

  “Hey, it’s time for my lunch break. Want to ride our bikes over to the Dairy Queen like we used to do as kids?”

  “Sure.” Daphne nodded eagerly. And suddenly they were freewheeling it down Main Street, just like they used to do when they were girls, growing up in this small town. It was amazing to feel the wind whistling past her, almost like she was flying. This was freedom—and she loved it.

  Chapter 22

  About ten minutes later, they were seated at the heavy cement picnic tables outside of Dairy Queen, all ready to pig out on their cheeseburger baskets. Daphne, who normally avoided fast food like the plague, hoped her new bike would assist in burning off all these carbs and fat.

  “Now, tell me everything,” Olivia insisted as she stuck a straw in her chocolate shake.

  So Daphne filled her in on Ryan’s unexpected proposal over bagels and coffee this morning. “I think I’m still in shock.”

  “That’s so sweet.” Olivia grinned. “I’ve never heard of a proposal like that. Very original. And very memorable, don’t you think?”

  “But I was wearing dirty warm-ups and my hair was a mess and I honestly don’t think I’d even brushed my teeth yet.”

  “Eeuw.” She wrinkled her nose. “That’s not the kind of thing you want to remember.”

  “Tell me about it. I couldn’t have felt more unromantic. Seriously, how could he do it like that?”

  Olivia tilted her head to one side with a thoughtful look. “Maybe we’re looking at this all wrong. Come to think of it, the way he did it might be extremely romantic. I mean, if a man loves you so much that he can see past your bed head and bad breath and baggy warm-ups, maybe that means he really, truly loves you—for better or for worse. You know?”

  Daphne considered this. “I suppose that might be true.”

  “So what did you say to him? Yay or nay?”

  “He gave me a week to think about it.”

  “Think about it?” Olivia looked confused. “Seriously, you need to think about it?”

  “Well, it was all so sudden. I was totally unprepared. I didn’t know how to react.”

  “But you’ve known him for years. It seems like you’d know.”

  Daphne explained a bit more about her years of heartache. “So I honestly thought I was over him. I wanted to be over him.”

  “But you’re not over him?”

  “I . . . uh . . . I’m not sure.”

  “Well, he certainly seemed obsessed with you last night,” Olivia continued. “It was like he didn’t want to let you out of his sight.”

  “Believe me, I know.” Daphne didn’t like to remember how claustrophobic she’d felt with him shadowing her like that.

  “It was kind of sweet.”

  “Maybe . . .” She wanted to add that it was kind of creepy too.

  “Jeff really liked Ryan.”

  “Really?” Daphne picked up her cheeseburger.

  “Oh yeah. I mean they were talking sports. And Ryan was telling him about a time he’d spent a whole day with LeBron James. Jeff loves Lebron and he was like all ears. Seriously, I even accused Jeff of having a man-crush. Because after we got home, all he could talk about was Ryan.”

  Daphne laughed.

  “So what are you going to do?”

  “Do?”

  “With your one-week deadline. Are you going to make him wait the whole seven days, or will you have mercy on him and answer him sooner?”

  “I honestly don’t know.”

  “If you had to answer him today—what would you say?”

  As she chewed, Daphne considered her aunt’s will. “I’m not sure,” she mumbled.

  “But you must know. I mean, how can you not know? Either you want to marry him or you don’t. Right?”

  Daphne took in a deep breath. “It seems like I should know. I wish I knew. If he’d asked me ten years ago, I would’ve known how to answer.”

  “You’d have said yes?”

  Daphne nodded.

  “Except that he was married then.”

  “Right. Just one small detail he’d forgotten to mention.”

  “Here’s a question. If you do decide to marry him, where would you guys live?” Olivia peeled a pickle off her burger.

  Daphne blinked. “Well, here, of course.”

  “Is that what Ryan said?”

  “We didn’t actually talk about it.”

  “Maybe you should.” Olivia squirted out more ketchup. “And you can tell Ryan for me, and for Jeff too, tha
t we’ll vote for you to live here.”

  The lunch hour passed too quickly. And although they talked about the proposal, examining it from every angle and going over it with what seemed a fine-tooth comb, by the time they parted ways and Daphne was riding her new bike home, she felt no closer to an answer than she had been in the kitchen this morning. If anything, she felt even more confused. For the most part, Olivia seemed supportive of Ryan.

  She had sounded eager to see Daphne married. She was already planning the wedding and making suggestions for the honeymoon, and she was even making plans for the couples to go on vacations together next year. And although Daphne appreciated Olivia’s enthusiasm on some levels—and having her friend’s help in planning a wedding sounded fun—Daphne still felt very wary. And confused.

  But interwoven in her confusing emotions was the ever-constant pressure of her aunt’s will. Although Daphne had never considered herself a “material girl,” she was thoroughly enjoying Aunt Dee’s house and car and all that went with it. She did not want to lose it. As shallow as it seemed, she did not want to pass up this opportunity with Ryan if it would secure her future here in Appleton.

  Besides, she had been head over heels in love with him before. And she had definitely felt some electricity when he’d kissed her this morning. Perhaps the time had come to completely ignore her usual careful ways.

  As she got ready for bed that night, she remembered how carefree and happy she’d felt on the bicycle earlier. Perhaps that was what was waiting for her—complete abandon and freedom—as soon as she let go of her inhibitions and agreed to marry Ryan.

  Before she went to sleep, she asked God to lead her in this important decision, but as she was drifting off, she thought her mind was completely made up. She was certain that she was going to say yes. Most definitely—yes!

  By the next day, she was just as certain she was going to say no. Most definitely—no! What could she possibly have been thinking last night? What kind of desperate and pathetic person was she? Had she really been willing to leap into Ryan Holloway’s arms simply to inherit her aunt’s estate? As she measured coffee into the filter, she knew she would rather live out her days being poor and alone than to settle for the likes of Ryan.