by Regina Duke
His smile disappeared when they turned onto the long gravel driveway to the farmhouse. The paint crew he was hoping to surprise Kenzie with was loitering about their truck. Out in front of the house, Todd straddled his motorcycle, leaning back, arms crossed. Waiting. On the porch, the dogs were barking non-stop. They fell silent when they recognized the occupants of the Mercedes.
“Uh-oh,” said Kenzie.
“Be calm,” said Clayton softly. He drove slowly toward the motorcycle, glancing into his lap as he did so to type something on his phone. “Hit send for me, will you?”
Kenzie took the phone and hit send. Then she shot him a questioning glance. “HELP? That’s your message? Who did you send it to?”
Clayton smiled grimly. “You’ll see. Play along, okay?”
“Yeah. Sure.” Kenzie looked half scared, half befuddled.
Clayton stopped the car and got out, motioning for Kenzie to stay put. He addressed Todd, loudly and clearly. “You must be the ex.”
Todd sneered at him. “I’m done with her,” he spat. “I just want my car back.” He spewed a string of insults and let them hang in the air.
“That’s no way for a gentleman to talk,” said Clayton. He nodded at the painting crew, who slowly went back to work. Then he pinned Todd with a hard stare. “If I take you to the spot where Kenzie left your car, will you disappear and never come back?”
Todd snorted in disgust. “Maybe.” He was trying to look as tough as he could, but his long, lean, bad-boy style just made him look scrawny next to Clayton’s wholesome muscle.
Clayton said coldly, “The correct answer is yes.”
“Ha! Take me to my car.” He fiddled with something stuffed into the waistband of his jeans.
“Follow me,” said Clayton. He got back into the Mercedes and turned it carefully around.
“What are you doing?!” Kenzie sounded panicked.
“Have faith.” Clayton checked his mirror to make sure Todd was following.
Kenzie glanced back, then noted, “You hired a crew to paint the house!”
“Surprise,” said Clayton, not breaking his concentration. Then he added sweetly, “Consider it a gift.” Out on the highway, he went ten miles below the speed limit, making sure Todd didn’t get lost.
A large black SUV pulled around both Todd and the Mercedes and sped on down the road.
Kenzie cocked her head. “Hey, isn’t that Thor’s vehicle?”
“Was it? Well, you know. Small town.” He took a peek at Kenzie to see how she was doing. He could tell from her expression that she was working on it. She hadn’t figured it out yet, but she peered at him with serious curiosity. All her fear was gone.
“Where are we going?”
Clayton said, “We’re taking Todd to the spot where you left his car.”
“Right.” She drew the word out into an accusation. “Okay.” She glanced backward. “He’s still following.”
“Could you tell if he was carrying a gun?”
Kenzie took a deep breath. “When he played with one, he always tucked it into his pants. I told him once he might shoot off something he’d regret. So yes, I think he has one.”
“Good. We agree. I saw him tucking something into his jeans. If you hear a gunshot, drop flat on the ground. Understood?”
Kenzie nodded and swallowed hard.
Clayton turned off on Old Quarry Road, moving even slower on the gravel. The breeze seemed to pick up dust clouds around the rim of the pit.
“Uh-oh,” he said, checking his mirror.
Todd was zooming up alongside him. “Pull over!”
Clayton hesitated, then stopped. He lowered his window a couple of inches. “What’s the problem?”
“Are you yanking my chain? Kenzie! If you’re trying to pull something….”
Kenzie shouted back, “Do you want your stupid car or not?”
Todd sat for a minute, trying to gauge her response. At last, he grumbled. “All right, but no funny stuff. I got a gun.”
“Nothing funny here,” mumbled Clayton as he began moving again.
Todd followed just far enough behind to avoid most of their dust.
When Clayton reached the spot where Kenzie had shoved the car over the rim, he made a left-hand turn and followed the ruts around the edge.
“What’s going on?” asked Kenzie.
“Like I said. We’re taking him to the spot where you left his car.”
“Oh my gosh. You know it’s going to hit the fan, right? When he sees the wreck?”
Clayton said softly, “Oh ye of little faith.”
Thanks to some directions from Doreen the night before, Clayton knew to follow Old Quarry Road to the left instead of the right.This side of the road was well kept and meandered downwards toward the mouth of the pit, opposite the spot where Kenzie had pushed the car over. At the gate, there was a faded sign proclaiming, “Patterson Quarry. No trespassing.” The gate stood open and Clayton did not slow down.
“Who opened the gate?” asked Kenzie, looking all around.
“Don’t give anything away,” said Clayton. “Look straight ahead.” He drove to the spot near the back of the quarry where they had buried the money. Off to the left was a large backhoe. Some distance away to the right was a front loader with its big shovel perched in the air. The slag piles stood silent watch as Clayton stopped the car. The earth at the bottom of the cliff was flat and empty, criss-crossed with giant tire tracks.
Kenzie whispered, “Where’s the car?”
“Stay right next to me,” said Clayton.
Kenzie nodded. She got out of the Mercedes and moved quickly to his side. Together, they faced their adversary.
Todd made a show of revving his engine before shutting the bike down and dismounting. He hooked his thumbs in his belt loops, inches from the handle of the firearm that protruded from his jeans. “Well?! Where the hell is it?”
“Kenzie left it right there.” Clayton pointed to the newly flattened earth.
“Where is it now!?” Todd was red in the face. “Kenzie! Where’s my car?”
Kenzie shrugged. “I left it right here. Someone must have stolen it.”
Todd screamed obscenities at her and pulled out his pistol.
At that moment, a sheriff’s car swerved around a slag pile, its siren blaring. Todd whirled around, clearly unsure what to do with his gun.
The siren stopped, and Deputy Sheriff Darlene Patterson got out of the vehicle. “Todd Wilson?” She didn’t even need a megaphone in the pit. Sound carried and bounced off the cliff walls. “Are you Todd Wilson?” She lifted her hands over the driver’s side door, revealing her service Special. She aimed it at Todd.
All the color in Todd’s face drained away. He tossed his gun on the ground and held his hands so high, his jeans threatened to fall to his knees. “What do you want?” he yelled.
From behind slag heap after slag heap, people began appearing. The Garrison men, the Masters brothers, Zachary King and some ranch hands, and many more. They formed a slowly closing circle around Todd. And every one of them was carrying a weapon. Some had rifles. Some had pitchforks. Reese McAvoy carried a large cleaver.
Todd seemed to shrink where he stood.
Clayton demanded, “Are you missing a car or not?”
Todd looked confused. “Yes, dammit. That dang girl stole it!”
Deputy Darlene looked around. “Stole what?”
Todd was fit to be tied. “This is a trick! I want a lawyer!”
Ryan Hutch approached, carrying a tennis racquet. “Sorry. I’m already representing Kenzie.”
“Where’s my car?!”
“No car has been reported stolen,” said Darlene. “No report, no car theft.”
Todd stamped his feet and swore a blue streak.
Clayton held up a finger. “Oh, I bet he had something inside this missing car.”
Todd’s color returned as two spots of red on his cheeks. He looked like he might explode any moment. “What are you talking about?”
Darlene said, “The bills Kenzie found. The ones with your fingerprints all over them. Did you ever tell Kenzie you were arrested for robbing a gas station? Your prints are on file.”
“I don’t know anything….” Todd could barely force himself to finish. “…about no money.” He practically choked on the word.
“No kidding?” Darlene was having fun now. “The serial numbers match those from a bank robbery. Three million dollars, and all you got was a hundred thousand? You must not have been very important to your fellow thieves.”
Now Todd was working his fists, and he glanced hungrily at the pistol on the ground.
Everyone carrying a rifle raised and pointed it.
“Don’t even try it,” said Darlene. “Todd Wilson, you are under arrest for bank robbery, stalking, and threatening harm to Kenzie Shane. We don’t hold with that here.”
Todd looked sick. “This is…this is entrapment! You can’t arrest me! You got no warrant.”
Clayton looked smug. “Citizens’ arrest. All these citizens are arresting you for giving the wrong woman a very hard time. And, of course, for bank robbery.”
Darlene reached into her car for her radio and called for backup.
Kenzie asked, “Do you really need backup?”
Darlene gave a little shrug. “My uncle didn’t want to miss out on the action.”
“I’ll deny everything!” shouted Todd.
Clayton said, “Dude, she has your fingerprints all over the money. Money we found in the trunk of your car. You’re toast.”
“Oh yeah?! Then shoot me! Come on you cowards, shoot me!”
Nobody moved. A moment later, the sound of another siren could be heard, approaching at a fast clip.
“Hands behind your back,” said Darlene. She fastened the plastic cuffs to his wrists.
Todd sounded like a whiney schoolboy. “Where’s my car?”
Clayton said, “You’ll find out at the trial.”
Kenzie shook her head. “What did I ever see in you?” She wrapped an arm around Clayton’s waist and gazed up at him. “I guess once you meet a real man, there’s no going back.”
Todd sputtered, “I hate you, Kenzie Shane, you—”
Darlene cut him off. “You’ll have plenty of time to think about that,” she said. “Lots and lots of time.” She grabbed his arm and put him in her patrol car.
Kenzie made a sound.
Clayton said, “Did you just giggle?”
She squeezed him. “I feel lighter than air!” She looked at the faces of the crowd, each of them sending affectionate looks back. “You all were fantastic! How did you do this? And how did you resist shooting him?”
Thor Garrison winked at her. “Our guns aren’t loaded.”
Kenzie gaped.
They all laughed.
“So where is the car?” she asked.
The group exchanged glances, but no one spoke. Ryan Hutch said calmly, “What car? Todd’s car? I heard that someone stole it.”
“Will he press charges?” She sucked in air as she spoke.
“He’ll be way too busy defending himself and turning state’s evidence against his accomplices. And we’ll make sure he has an incentive not to press charges.”
Kenzie leaned into Clayton. “You did this, didn’t you?”
Clayton wrapped his arms around her. “I love you, Kenzie Shane. I couldn’t help myself.”
Kenzie’s expression melted into adoration. “I love you, too, Clayton. Say you’ll never leave me.”
“I’ll never leave you,” he murmured. “Will you marry me?”
Kenzie wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the mouth. The crowd cheered. Startled, Kenzie broke off the kiss, and replied, “Yes, Clayton. Yes.” She pressed her mouth close to his ear and whispered, “Where’s the evidence?”
Clayton whispered back. “The money’s in the front loader, and you’re standing on the car.”
Kenzie shrieked for joy and kissed him again. “What a great wedding gift!”
EPILOGUE
Eight months later
Clayton took a deep breath. “What is that heavenly scent?”
Marigold waved a hand. “My mother’s catalpa trees. This is why Kenzie chose to have a June wedding. The catalpas are in bloom.” She inhaled deeply. “Reminds me of my own wedding.”
“Oh, right. Kenzie told me they’d be a sight to see.” He fidgeted with his tie. “Isn’t it time yet?”
Marigold smiled. “Don’t be in such a rush. She won’t change her mind.”
For a millisecond, a flash of terror shot through Clayton. Then he realized he was being teased. “Good.” He nodded, struck nearly dumb by the import of the day.
Marigold squeezed his hand. “John and I are so happy to have you join the family.”
“Thanks,” said Clayton. “At least the bride’s side will fill the chairs.”
Marigold raised her brows. “Don’t be so quick to count out your own flesh and blood. All your cousins are already here.” She raised the cane in her left hand like a salute in response to Belle and Uly Garrison’s wave.
Clayton checked his phone. “We’re already running twenty minutes late. I hope the pastor doesn’t give up and leave. You said Kenzie was ready ten minutes early. What’s the hold up?”
Plano Masters’ deep voice came from behind him. “Me! I’m the hold up, you rambunctious pup.”
Clayton whirled. “Dad! How did you get here?”
“Almost didn’t. Got lost on the way out here. Lucky for you, Austin decided this was an event I shouldn’t miss.” He tossed his head back. “He convinced me that you wanted me here. Should I go back to the hotel?”
Clayton grabbed his father in a bear hug. The feelings that welled up caught him by surprise. After a few seconds of vice-like grip, he let his father breathe. “Remind me to thank Austin,” he mumbled.
Plano laughed. “I can’t believe we actually surprised you. I’ve already met my in-laws,” he said graciously, lifting Marigold’s hand to his lips for a kiss.
John Shane, resplendent in a tailored tuxedo, grumbled playfully, “Look out, Goldie. He’s flirting with you.”
Plano and John shook hands.
“I’m really glad to see you, Dad,” said Clayton.
Plano harrumphed. “Austin said you needed family at your wedding.” He spread his arms. “You must have the entire population of Eagle’s Toe here today. Where’s an old man supposed to sit down?”
John matched Plano grumble for grumble. “For a billionaire, you don’t seem too observant. There’s a whole row of chairs waiting for you, right up front.”
Lulamae Franklin’s southern drawl caught Clayton off guard. “If you behave yourself, Plano, you can sit by me.”
“Lulamae!” Clayton lifted her off the ground and spun her in the air.
She dropped her cane. “Easy, cheri. Easy.”
John retrieved it for her.
“How…? When…?”
“Now, now,” she said sweetly, “y’all can’t be getting married without Lulamae. T’wouldn’t be binding.” She winked at him.
“Where’s Tex?”
“He’s working a deal in South Africa. We’ll send him pictures of us all getting plowed at the reception.”
Marigold laughed. “Oh my goodness. Lulamae, I think I like you.”
Lulamae held up her cane. “The Sisterhood of the Lame Dames, that’s us.” She took a moment to stroke Clayton’s cheek. “Our little Clay is getting married.” She leaned close. “Your mama would be so proud.” Before he could say anything, she turned to Marigold, “Now, where do y’all want us to sit, cherie?”
Clayton’s heart was so full, he wasn’t sure it would survive the wedding. He leaned toward Marigold. “Let’s hope I don’t need a couple stents of my own before the day is over.” He glanced back at the house. “I’ll be right back.” He took off.
Behind him, Marigold cautioned him, “You’re not supposed to see her in her dress yet.”
Inside the kitchen, he snagged a wedding cookie, then stepped into the living room. No Kenzie. He stood at the foot of the stairs. “Kenz? You ready?”
A moment later she peeked over the bannister from the landing. “Did your surprises get here?”
“Did everyone know but me?”
“Yes, silly. That’s the definition of a surprise.”
Clayton stood transfixed. “You look fantastic.”
Kenzie was leaning her head around the corner, trying to keep her dress out of sight. “Well, at least my hair passes.”
Clayton laughed. Then he ran up the stairs.
“What are you doing?” Kenzie feigned horror. “It’s against the law to see me in my dress before the wedding.”
But he was already there, wrapping her up in his arms. “Mmmm, you smell better than the catalpa blossoms.”
Kenzie blushed. “That’s not easy to do.”
Clayton kissed her tenderly. “My father actually came to my wedding.”
“Of course he did.”
“And he brought Lulamae.”
“You said she was like a second mother to you. I hope you’re glad to see her.”
“Just surprised, that’s all. After all the fighting with my dad….”
“I know. Parents are like that. If mine could forgive me for all that stupidity in Denver, then I guess they can forgive anything.”
Clayton could not pull his eyes away from her lips. “I hope we’re that good when we’re parents.”
Kenzie’s blush deepened. “Do you mind if we get married first?”
Clayton chuckled. “If you insist.” He swept a stray lock of hair off her cheek.
Kenzie kissed his palm. “Austin said your father brought a third surprise. A wedding gift. He said it’s already in your bank account.”
Clayton nuzzled her cheek. “You are the only gift I’ll ever need.”
“I’m non-returnable.”
“The best kind.”
Kenzie pressed her fingers against his lips. “Go on downstairs,” she said. “I can’t wait to be Mrs. Mackenzie Masters.”
Ashley Garrison’s voice floated up from the kitchen as a piano began playing. “Clayton? Get down here! I’m bribing the ring bearer with jelly beans and I’m running out!”