by Vella Day
“Sure. Go right past the dining room, Thad.” As soon as his roommate’s back was turned, Pete leaned over and gave her a kiss that was more a greeting than one of passion. “Hi.” He grinned.
Her brain stopped functioning for a moment. “Hi back.”
She followed Pete and Thad into the kitchen. With pride in his voice, Pete showed Thad the custom items he’d installed, from the induction stovetop to the refrigerator drawers in the center island.
Thad kept nodding. “Not bad. I’m liking it. The backsplash is better than what’s in our place.”
“I can’t account for my mother’s taste.” Pete nodded for Thad to go back the way they’d come. “Zoey’s bath is even better than the kitchen.”
Zoey waited at the en suite entrance while Pete showed Thad what he’d done. “Over here is the switch for the towel warmer.”
She didn’t know that. “Seriously? That’s so cool.”
He winced. “This was what you ordered.”
“I know, but I couldn’t figure out how to turn it on, so I thought you hadn’t installed it.”
A shot of guilt crossed his face. “I normally go through all of the features when I do the reveal, but I was a little distracted.”
She’d been a sobbing mess. “I forgive you.”
He showed Thad the double showerhead, a hidden storage closet, and her favorite—the touch faucets.
Thad tapped the faucet and grinned like a little kid when it turned on. “Sweet. We need some of these features at our place.”
Pete laughed. “You paying?”
“That would be a no.” Thad faced her. “You ready to meet the crazy Dalton family?”
“I am.” Being surrounded by a lot of people was just what she needed to keep her nervousness at bay.
Put her in front of a group of psychologists, and she could talk for hours without a nervous bone in her body, but when she was with two hot men, she fell apart.
On her way out, she slipped on her sweater jacket then picked up the present for his grandmother.
Thad nodded to what was in her hands. “What’s that?”
“Just a little something for your Nana.”
“You didn’t have to do that.”
Yes I did. “I know, but I wanted to.”
“I’m sure she’ll love it.” His eyes softened for a second, but he quickly glanced away.
Pete had brought the truck, and Thad helped her into the front seat where she was sandwiched between them. The floor mats appeared to be freshly cleaned, and Pete had washed off the contractor’s mud. That was thoughtful of him.
Thad yanked his seatbelt over his shoulder and clicked the end into the slot. She had to lean left to find hers, and when she did, her shoulder bumped Pete’s. “Sorry.”
“Sure you are.” He winked.
“I should warn you about some of my relatives,” Thad said, as if he had no idea about the intimate exchange with Pete.
Zoey twisted in the seat to better look at Thad. “I’d love the lowdown.”
“Pete said he told you about my cousin Joe.”
“He did.” She liked that they didn’t hide anything from each other.
Pete turned south onto Arbor Way. “Tell her about Joe’s brother.”
Thad stretched out his legs. “Ah, yes, Tony. He won’t be coming, I’m afraid. He’s on a cruise to Alaska.”
Pete moaned. “I like Tony. He’s adventurous and pure of heart.”
Thad laughed. “He is that.”
Zoey was intrigued. “What’s so special about Tony?”
“Tony is as scruffy as they come. Long beard that needs a trim bad, a big pot belly that’s as hard as a rock, and let’s just say, he’s not a big believer in oral hygiene.”
She laughed. “He doesn’t seem like the cruise type.” While she’d never been on one, she pictured the trip goers as either retired people or those with families.
“None of us do. He was a poor, uneducated kid who struck it rich. He’s enjoying life to the fullest now.”
That sounded fascinating. “How did he make his money?”
“He started making wine from frozen canned fruit. Got real good at it, too. People from far and wide would buy from him. Then he got the bright idea to make Vodka. Within a year, the guy was richer than sin, but you’d never know it, other than it spawned his love of travel.”
“Someday I’d like to meet him.” She had no colorful people in her extended family, outside of two cousins she hadn’t seen in ten years.
Pete turned west onto River Rock, a road that ran parallel to the Harmes River. She’d never driven out this way before. “It’s lovely out here.” Both Thad and Pete nodded.
Ten minutes later, Pete pulled down a long gravel drive toward a modest home that possibly hadn’t been painted in thirty years. About fifteen vehicles were parked haphazardly on the lawn. These were not the junk vehicles. She suspected those were in the back. The narrow twenty-foot-long front porch had a swing, four chairs, a covered grill, and what looked like large speakers all crammed together. Off to the side of the house was a rusted cistern hoisted on stilts fifteen feet off the ground.
Thad sighed. “Home sweet home.”
“You grew up here?” She thought this was his grandmother’s home.
“No, but I spent more time here than at my own house. So did my cousins. Once the trees lose their leaves, you can see where I grew up.” He pointed to the west. “Over there is where Joe lives. His shop is attached to his house.”
A barn-like structure next to the end of a rectangular building had a repair shop sign above the door. In front sat about six cars. Thad pushed open his door, picked up her present for his grandmother, and helped Zoey out.
“I’ll take that,” she said. It was better if one used both hands. So far, he hadn’t used his left arm, and she worried his injury might be bothering him.
He handed it to back to her. “Warning. Be prepared for lots of hugging. It’s what the Daltons do.”
Oh, my. Thad hadn’t shown his hugging side—at least not toward her. This was going to be a culture shock for sure. Her family never touched.
They walked up the steps single file, and then had to maneuver around the grill to reach the front stoop. Thad wiped his feet and pulled open the door. “Hey, Nana?”
The foyer was a small mudroom. One wall contained pegs for hanging coats, and the other had cubbyholes for purses and such. All the hangers were taken, but there was a little space on the end of one bench for her things. She’d had to bring a bag big enough to hold her camera.
“Minute,” someone called from far inside the house.
All the tension in Thad’s face seemed to disappear. Pete lifted the present from her hands. “Why don’t you take off your sweater?”
The aroma of bread baking, mixed with something like chicken noodle soup, permeated the air. “It smells divine in here.”
“Wait until you taste it,” Thad said. “Nana’s an amazing cook. She grows all of her own vegetables, so everything is fresh.”
Zoey slipped the sweater coat off her shoulders and placed it on the bench. Pete’s gaze lingered on her chest, forcing her to look down. Shit. A snap had come undone exposing her breasts. Stupid Jamie.
“There you are!” An older woman with short, no-nonsense gray hair waddled toward them, wiping her hands on her apron. She was big-boned and looked strong, probably from all the gardening and farm work. Her jeans, rubber boots, and loose-fitting shirt had seen better days, but every piece looked well cared for. Her eyes shone with love and happiness.
She gave Thad a hug. He winced when her arms wrapped around his forearm, but he said nothing. He must want the love more than avoiding the pain.
“Ahem,” Pete said with a big grin. “No love for me?” He set Zoey’s present on top of the coats.
Nana smiled and waved a hand. Two of her bottom teeth were missing, but the glint in her eyes made her a beauty. “Come here, you.” Nana seemed to hug him harder. She then st
epped back and her gaze shot straight to Zoey. “Is this your girl, boys? My, my, but she’s a beauty.” Nana leaned closer to Thad. “She’s not some kind of princess, is she?”
“Nana. Watch yourself,” Thad said with love in his voice.
Then Nana grinned. “Just checkin’. Don’t find pretty and nice in one package very often.”
That made Zoey laugh. Pete handed her the gift she’d purchased for Thad’s grandmother and Zoey held it out. “This is for you.”
Nana’s eyes widened. “Whatever for? It’s not my anniversary or birthday.”
“It’s a thank you for inviting me.”
“Well, don’t that beat all.” She took the present. “My, my, not a princess at all.” She grinned.
Thad introduced her as Zoey. She was pleased he didn’t add the doctor part. Too often when people found out what she did for a living, they kept quiet for fear she’d try to get inside their head and analyze them.
“You three come on into the kitchen so I can see what I got.” Nana placed the gift on her hip like it was a child and wrapped an arm around Thad’s shoulder. She hugged him close. “You can say ‘hi’ to the rest of the crowd in a minute. I want you all to myself for a bit.” She looked back at Zoey. “I don’t get to see my grandson enough. He’s too busy saving the fine citizens of Rock Hard from those crazy kids to come visit.”
“Nana, I stopped by last week.”
“Only for a minute. I want us to sit at my table and talk, like we used to.”
“The last time I spent all day here was when I was twelve.”
“My point exactly.”
When Nana’s back was turned, Thad looked over his shoulder at Zoey and slightly shook his head. Nonsense. Nana was adorable.
They passed through the living room where it reminded her of her grandmother’s house, and a wave of nostalgia flowed through her. Flocked wallpaper, a scarred table in the corner cluttered with framed family photos that were proudly displayed on a doily, an upright piano against the wall that looked well used, and several flowered sofas filled the neat space. There were enough sofas and chairs to hold fifteen or more people. The large number of photos covering the walls added to the homey touch.
On the other side of the dining room wall was the kitchen. It reminded her of those 1950s family television shows. The floor was faded linoleum, and the curtains over the sink were made from chintz. In the middle of the kitchen resided a big wooden table where she could picture loud family gatherings. She inwardly sighed. Her family ate in a formal dining room.
Thad pulled out a chair for her to sit. The kitchen counters were crammed with food prep, and it appeared as if their arrival had interrupted his grandmother’s meal making. Zoey wanted to ask if Nana needed help, but as Zoey started to stand, Thad motioned she remain seated.
Nana had placed the gift on the table. She washed her hands at the sink and returned. “Let’s see what this pretty thing is.” She pulled on the blue bow and the cloth opened wide. When she lifted the canning caddy, her eyes shone. “Why, I’ll be damned. This here is the nicest present I’ve ever gotten. Thank you, dear.” She set the present on the table, pulled Zoey to her feet, and embraced her. Heat infused Zoey’s face at the unexpected hug.
Zoey cleared her throat. “I thought it might come in handy if you need to bring some of your homemade goods from the kitchen to the barn.”
“You are so thoughtful. Boys, I can see why you wanted me to meet her.”
Thad didn’t bring her specifically to meet his family, but she was glad she was here now.
Feet thumped outside the kitchen, saving her from further embarrassment. Two men and a woman rushed in. “Thad!” one of the men exclaimed. The man in front clapped him on the back.
The pretty woman rushed over to Pete. “Long time no see.” When she leaned over and gave him a hug, jealousy streaked through Zoey. Whoa. Then she remembered Pete had known at least some of the Daltons for over twenty years.
The second man, who looked younger, stood off to the side, saying nothing.
All three were dressed in jeans. The blond, shaggy haired man who’d just hugged Thad wore a T-shirt with the name Dalton’s Garage blazoned on the front. He was a beefy guy with thick arms full of tattoos. He might be Joe. The other two were dressed more sensibly in long-sleeved flannel shirts. Both were thin, but looked to be in good shape.
The tattooed man stepped over to Pete who pushed back his chair and stood. the two hugged. “Comrade.”
“It’s been too long, Joe.”
Seemed she’d guessed right.
“Tell me about it.” Joe came over to her and held out his hand. “Name’s Joe.”
“Zoey.” Did the comrade refer to their car-stealing escapade perhaps?
Joe nodded to the other man. “This is our cousin, Sam, from my mother’s side.” Joe looked at the bouncy brunette. “And this pipsqueak is my older sister Erin. Her husband and three kids are running around somewhere.”
Zoey let out a mental breath and leaned back to enjoy the chatter. “Nice to meet you all.”
Erin, Joe, and Sam pulled up chairs, and Pete sat back down. Joe glanced at Thad then back at her. “Don’t know what you’re doing with my cousin here. He’s the black sheep of the family.”
She knew that wasn’t true. “Care to tell me why you call him that?”
She loved that Thad groaned and Pete chuckled. Joe looked over at Nana. He held up a finger. “Can I get a beer?”
“You know where it is.”
“Thad, Pete, Zoey? You guys want one?”
They all nodded.
Joe retrieved the beers from the fridge and passed them around. “Why is Thad the bad one? I’ll tell you. Thad, you see, was a thief.”
Chapter Fourteen
“Joe Dalton, you should be ashamed of yourself,” Nana chided.
Her grandson shot the group a mischievous grin. Everyone’s affection for the older woman was endearing. Being in her kitchen with her brood made Zoey feel totally at home—or at least what she’d always dreamed an ideal home would be like.
With a stubborn set to his jaw, Joe faced Nana, clearly trying to incite her. “Thad was a little thief, and you know it.”
Nana broke apart some lettuce leaves and dumped them in a huge bowl. She lowered her chin and wagged a finger at Joe. “He was eight. You, mister, were eleven, old enough to have known better.”
Thad just glanced to the ceiling and blew out a breath, acting as if no matter how many times anyone retold the story, his grandmother would always defend him.
Zoey laughed. “I need details, Joe. The tale sounds adorable.” She’d already heard about his later exploits with Pete.
“Not going to happen,” Thad chimed in. “You need to hear the accurate version. Joe will only exaggerate and make me look bad.” Thad looked over at her and winked. She liked how he treated her with such respect.
Joe’s mouth dropped open, and he tapped his chest. “Who, me?”
Thad lifted his bottle and tipped back some of the contents. “Here’s what really happened.” He narrowed his eyes at Joe, and then Thad turned toward her. “Joe and I were running around outside one summer, like little kids do, when we realized we were hungry. We were on the far side of Nana’s property, so we didn’t feel like coming all the way back to her kitchen for a snack.”
Joe picked up his bottle. “I’ll admit that I was the one who suggested we pull a carrot or two from old man Rochester’s house.” He faced Zoey. “He lives behind Nana. Thad was innocent—at least at first.”
Thad shook his head. “It’s my story. Let me tell it.” From the way his cheeks dimpled, he loved the repartee with his cousin. “I didn’t want to get caught stealing, so I suggested we pull a row of carrots, cut off the tops, and stick the leaves back in the ground.”
“I love it,” she said. “So it’s only stealing if you get caught?”
“Watch it, wise guy. I was eight. My ethics hadn’t been honed to the fine point they are tod
ay.”
Joe tapped his chest again. “Don’t forget to mention that your method had one flaw. The tops wouldn’t stay upright.” Joe’s gaze shot to her. “I had the brilliant idea to clip Mrs. Rochester’s clothespins to the green tops, and then plant the wooden pieces so the greens stood up straight.”
Zoey pictured it in her mind and couldn’t stop smiling. “That was brilliant.” Joe preened. “Did Mr. Rochester ever figure out who’d masterminded the prank?” He’d know the carrots had been tampered with at some point.
Nana washed then dried her hands before walking over to the table. “I’ll tell you what the hell happened. Poor Jacob came over to my house one day, nearly in tears.”
Both Thad and Joe looked at her with disbelief. “Nana,” Thad said.
“Okay, he was a little upset. Or he might have just been a wee bit curious. Said he couldn’t for the life of him figure out why the tops of his carrots were dying. Since I have a green thumb, he wanted my advice.”
Zoey finally let out a laugh. “That’s priceless.”
Thad slowly shook his head. “The following day, Mr. Rochester’s curiosity got the best of him, and he pulled up the damn things. After making an educated guess as to the culprit or culprits, he walked right through the back door waving a carrot top with the clothespin attached. I was the unlucky one to be in this kitchen when he arrived.”
“What did he do?” This time she didn’t try to contain her laugh. Thad had been noble even back then.
“He didn’t do anything. It was Nana who tanned my hide.”
The group all laughed, acting like it had happened yesterday.
Just then a tall woman rounded the corner into the kitchen. “Mom?” she said. “We’re all waiting in the barn. Is there a probl—?” Her gaze shot from Nana to Thad. “Oh! You’re here. No wonder the production has slowed.”
“Hey, Mom.” Thad got out of his chair and hugged her.
“Me next,” Pete said and followed suit.
Thad nodded to Zoey. “This is my friend Zoey. We were regaling her with the crazy stuff we did as kids.”