by Cara North
He hoped to marry a woman like that someday. A woman like his Me-Maw, that's what they called her. However, he was the only one who still referred to them as Me-Maw and Paw. The others grew out of it.
The day she died was the first time he saw a grown man cry. As a child, he cried, too. His father scolded him for it, but his Paw said his dad was a damn fool.
Heath wondered now if Chance hid any secrets in the closet. He couldn't bring himself to go in there before. He didn't want to face any evidence she had been playing him for a fool all along.
He decided he would have to snoop around in there later. Nothing he would find could change things now.
"I can't believe these still fit.” She turned this way and that as he appreciated the length of her long tan legs. She was freckled head to toe, but she tanned enough over top of them to blend the cute little spots in a bit.
"You look the same.” He nodded. She didn't look the same at all, but he didn't want her to think he noticed. Her hair was longer, and she had stopped dying it blonde. He liked her better this way, but she never believed him when he said it.
"You look different.” She looked him up and down. He ignored the initial feeling of appreciation and tamped it down with the memory of her leaving. He needed a haircut, bad. He just could not find the time between working two jobs, moving out of Jack's house, and updating his own.
He reasoned that he moved into Jack's to save money. The three of them sharing one house saved on bills and gave them more to spend on the ranch, but he stayed there because he didn't want to be in this house, with her memories haunting it day and night. Each time he stole away to make sure everything was still in place, it cut him like a knife.
"I am different.” He took a few strides to the dresser and pushed it away from the door.
"I've noticed.” She followed behind him. He could feel her eyes on his ass, then his back, then his shoulders. He didn't know how, but he knew when a woman looked at him, but especially when this woman did it.
He stepped into the kitchen, grabbed the jacket, his favorite jacket, and threw it into the mud room on the washing machine. She picked up the remnants of her clothing from last night, her jeans, and then headed to the mud room as well.
He waited until she came back out.
"I'm going to make some breakfast. Do you want anything?” He made special effort not to look at her. Looking at her was what got him in trouble to begin with. She was eighteen, and he was twenty-one. He avoided her for a good five years, mostly. She still hung around with Jack and Candice, which meant she would be there at dinner or after dinner. She would be on the porch when Jack and Candice went down to the stables or the barn.
"I want to apologize,” she said in a small voice. One he never heard the loud wild child speak in before.
"Forget about it.” After all, he was trying to forget.
"I can't forget about it. I can't forget about any of it, especially you.” She started toward him and he backed up. Why did she have to put on those cut-off shorts, cowboy boots, and a tight little t-shirt? The woman was thirty-three not twenty-three. Granted she still had the body to wear it, but still. The outfit just reminded him of one fact; this woman was wild, not tame, not for him.
"You did a right fine job of it the past year, Honey. I think you can manage just fine.” He wasn't going to let her get to him, no way, no how, not this time.
"Will you just listen to me for a moment?” She slammed her hands on the counter.
He noticed instantly. His grandmother's rings were back on her finger. “I want those back,” he pointed.
"No. I'm not giving them back, and I'm not giving you a divorce either.” She propped her hands on her hips defiantly. Any man would have run by now, but Chance stood against him like a pretty little brick wall.
"Like hell you aren't. You'll do both, and you'll return those rings today!” he shouted and clenched his fists. He didn't want to lose his temper, but she was pushing buttons all over again. How could she infuriate him like this? She no longer mattered in his life. He took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. In a more calm tone, he explained things to her. “Those rings are an heirloom. They belong with my family, so when we divorce, you will have to return them."
Her mouth fell open. He realized she wasn't prepared to deal with the new Heath Johnson. The one she had zero affect on.
"Well ... I'll ... I don't have to sign anything. You can't make me,” she said flustered, sounding like a spoiled brat.
"Whatever. You don't sign it just takes longer to process. I got nothing but time. Legally separated though, I can move on, find a nice woman and start a family.” He shrugged. He could have sworn her eyes crossed. Playing the upper hand, he continued. “I have a date tonight, as a matter of fact. Thanks for taking the edge off this morning. I'm sure she'll appreciate it."
"You no good, lousy ... two-timing—asshole!” she shouted.
"This is what you always wanted, wasn't it? I worshiped the ground you walked on, never strayed once. I make one mistake, an honest mistake, seeing that you played my little brother against me over and over again. And you walk out. Was it that easy? I think you did it on purpose to tell the truth. You don't want a good man. You want what you're used to. I tried to be that for you, but the more I held back the more you wanted. Guess what? I'm not holding anything back now, Chance. I'm letting you go.” He looked at the clock and realized it was early afternoon, not morning. His mom should have been there already and if not she'd be arriving soon. “Shit. Let's go see if my momma's here. She'll be glad to see you. We'll just have to go to Paul's tomorrow."
"Fine.” She stomped out ahead of him.
"Fine.” He could feel one weight lifting and another settling in. He didn't have a date tonight, but he'd go out no less and be sure she didn't know where. He needed to find a date. He needed to find a woman who didn't want to fight every day or manipulate him. Chance started out one way and ended up like her mother. He remembered all that now.
He didn't know her mother very well. He heard stories about her. She was a manipulating, conniving woman who used men for money and moved on. Chance was just as wild, taking off at the drop of a hat and returning on a whim. Star, her sister, was the only one with any sense, but he avoided her like the plague after realizing she wasn't on his side. She always looked at him with pity. The whole lot of them was nuts, he decided, and it was time to move on.
Yep. Time to move on.
Chapter 2
The only thing worse than the fact Heath was serious about letting her go was the fact that she'd fallen right back into the old routine. What the hell am I doing? Picking a fight with him was just stupid! She didn't want to fight, but she didn't know what else to do. Heath didn't understand her childhood. How could he? He had two parents, two brothers, and a little sister who he thought was the coolest thing since sliced bread. Now, this Bethany, Jack's wife, had barged in and taken her men!
No.
She stopped. Bethany had not barged in and taken anything. She took over what Chance walked out on: Jack, her best friend, and the love of her life, Heath.
She stomped down the drive toward Jack's house. In the distance, she could see the family. Her pace slowed. Heath now walked beside her instead of behind her. She hadn't thought about what they would say once she got there. She didn't just leave Heath; she left them all.
And for what?
A culinary arts certificate?
She would like to kick her own ass right now, but she would not show it. He would have to cowboy up and deal with it, just like she was. He always did in the past. She would pick a fight, they would argue, and he would get over it.
"What's wrong? You think they don't deserve an apology, too?” Heath passed her in one long stride.
His words hit like rocks. He was right. She did owe them an apology. Glaring at the back of his head, she picked up her pace until she marched alongside him. The crisp breeze floated over her. She accepted the gentle caress in her lun
gs. She missed this, all of it. The ranch, horses, his family, all of it.
Her mouth could have dropped to the ground as they got closer, and Jack waved up to them. He had his arm around a brunette. A chubby, by Jack's standards, short woman with curly brown hair, in a white sundress no less! Who the hell wore white dresses on a ranch?
Chance felt a little smile creep across her lips as the two huge dogs came bounding from the left in the woman's direction. Her villainous delight died a quick death as they promptly slowed down and sat before the woman like she was the queen of the ranch or some shit!
"That's Bethany.” Heath pointed. “And Jack's Dane's, Blue Dog and Jessie Boy."
"She's not even cute.” She hated her own jealousy.
"I think she's gorgeous and smart,” he added fuel to her jealousy fire.
She wondered if he ever talked about her so kindly. Not likely. A high school graduate up until cooking school, she wasn't exactly the valedictorian.
He went on, “And she's a lady. Above all else, that woman acts like a lady."
Since when were ladies his type? She looked down at herself, pulled her shirt past her navel though it crept right back above it in two steps. Good Lord, she looked like a hooker compared to the white dress wearing Sunday school teacher.
Well fine, if this Bethany was so prim and proper, she probably scared easily, easily enough to keep her away from Heath at least.
Then, the icing fell on the burned cake so to speak. Their mom waved to her. She swallowed the lump in her throat. Did she hate her now? After fourteen years of being in and out of her son's life, then finally, ripping it to shreds on his wedding night, did she hate her?
How could she not?
She regularly hated herself these days; well, she hated herself long before meeting Heath or Jack. It was what drew her to Jack to begin with, his kindness. Then, Heath, always so damn strong, like a rock, or so she thought. Glancing at him sideways, she stopped short of the family.
"I can't. I can't do this.” She took a step back, and he reached out and grabbed her arm.
"You have to. I'm not letting you out of my sight until we see Paul, and my mother is waiting for us.” He held her arm a moment longer before he dropped his hand into her hand, probably to avoid a scene. He still had to tug her along. “Now, let's go."
"Chance!” The woman's face lit up. “Oh my God, it's really you. I was so worried about you child!"
Heath let go as his mother embraced her.
"Hi Mom,” he said dryly.
His mother extended an arm to him, grabbed his shirt since he was still close, and pulled him into the hug.
"I'm so glad to see the two of you back together. This is the best surprise!” Emmy Johnson kissed her face and then Heath's. Big tears spilled out of her eyes. Chance felt Heath's grip on the back of her t-shirt. His big fist knotted it tightly in his hand.
"Yeah Momma, it was a surprise all right.” As Emmy let go of them, Heath held onto the back of her shirt. She looked up at him with big fat tears in her eyes and saw the turmoil in his. His dad's dying request was for Heath to look after his mother and make sure she was happy. Chance decided right then she needed to visit his grave and thank the man. Heath's oath to make his mother happy might be the only opportunity she got to prove to Heath she was the woman to have his babies. She could be a lady.
I've made my mother's mistakes, yes, but I don't have to keep making them, and I don't have to keep hurting Heath.
Emmy leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Don't leave us again, Chance. I don't think I can take it."
Her heart broke at the words. She wrapped her arms around her mother-in-law and cried freely. “I'm sorry, Mom. I promise I won't. I just hope he lets me prove it."
"He will. He has to.” Emmy cried, too.
"Jesus, somebody die here?” Buck and Jan approached. The big blonde hulk laughed and smacked Heath on the back. It sounded like he mumbled something about getting shot in the ass, but she wasn't sure. “Come here momma bear. I can't look at Heath long without crying either."
"You little shit.” Heath kicked Buck in the ass.
"Ouch. I'll tell on you.” Then, they were all laughing.
Everyone except Bethany, Jack's new wife. The woman eyed her up and down as if taking an inventory. Jack had her tucked into his side, his hand on her abdomen. The two women locked eyes, and Bethany gave a small smile. Summoning courage, Chance wiped her eyes and took a few steps forward. “Hi. I'm Chance."
"I'm Bethany. It's nice to finally meet you.” Bethany extended a hand.
"Hello again, Jack.” She felt so uncomfortable standing there not knowing what Bethany knew about her and the two brothers.
"I see you survived the night.” He lifted a brow in question.
"I'm on a short leash,” she admitted then looked back at Heath.
"Well, do you think it will reach the kitchen because I could sure use some help.” Bethany had an unexpected saucy little mouth on her.
Chance regretted saying she had a short leash because in that instant she knew it was true. Would Heath go ape shit if she went into Jack's house, out of sight, with Bethany?
Only one way to find out.
"Heath?” Chance turned, but he was already walking toward her.
"What?” he said flatly.
Did she really have to ask permission? She wasn't a child for crying out loud.
"She's coming inside to help me that's what.” Bethany tugged her arm and gave Heath a weird look.
"All right.” He smiled at Bethany. “I need to see you later."
"All right.” She smiled back, and Chance felt a lick of jealousy again.
"Hey.” Jack tugged Bethany back, and she let go of her arm. What happened next made Chance sick. “I love you."
"I love you, too.” Bethany smiled, and Jack pulled her in for a big hug and a long kiss that ended with nose rubbing.
She could barf. Not because it wasn't romantic; it was. In fact, it was sweet, down right sugar coated. She knew she wouldn't see a moment like that in her future anytime soon. She looked at Heath who smiled at the couple then looked at her. When he noticed she was waiting to see what he was going to do, he simply said, “Don't cut yourself."
"That's real sweet, Heath, thanks.” She rolled her eyes and followed Bethany into the house.
"So, Jack said you were in jail with him last night.” Bethany sure didn't cut any corners. She stepped up to the sink and began washing her hands.
"Yeah. So.” Chance went to the sink and washed her hands also.
"So, are you going to be around a while?” Bethany watched her as they dried their hands on dish towels.
"What business is it of yours?” She looked at the perfect woman and planned to show her that looks were not everything. So what if she was dressed a little flashy compared to Miss Conservative. So what if she did it to get attention, like always. It backfired, but she was stuck in the outfit. And regardless of how she looked, she wasn't going to leave Heath, if that's what this woman had in mind.
"It's everyone's business.” Bethany looked her directly in the eye as she said it. There was no humor or mocking in it, just a statement of fact. She then turned and opened the refrigerator. “But me specifically, I need help with the dining hall."
She was ready to blast her with a few choice words when she processed what she said. “Excuse me?"
"The dining hall, chow line, whatever. We open the ranch to the public in two weeks. You're a chef, right?” Bethany looked at her over her shoulder as she continued to pull stuff out of the refrigerator and set it on the countertop. She nodded; then, Bethany continued. “Well, I'm not, and I doubt our guests will think as fondly of my finger food when it's served for dinner."
"Are you offering me a job?” She softened immediately to the woman. Her gentle green eyes held no malice, and she seemed genuine. She understood why the guys liked her. She really was a sweetheart.
"Yes. Well, I have to clear it with Heath first, but if
you're going to be around, and if you need a job, I don't see what sense it would make to have you working elsewhere when we need someone right here. Not to mention it wouldn't stand well in the press.” Bethany held up her hands and outlined her next words with a gruff voice. “Ranch needs chef; the family's own chef won't work there."
"Nice voice.” Chance laughed. Then, Bethany did, too.
"What's so funny?” Jack asked as everyone filed in from outside. Rafe was still missing, but as Jan passed, she touched her hand and smiled. How could his family be this good to her after all she had done?
"We were talking about the dining hall. I told her since she was back, it didn't make any sense for her to cook elsewhere.” Bethany got right down to business. Heath's face turned red, and Jack said her name as a warning. The last thing she wanted was to cause more trouble, yet here it was.
"That's a lovely idea.” Emmy Johnson was on the women's side.
"It's not that simple, Mom.” Jack tried to head off the fight.
"Sure it is. Right, Heath?” Bethany looked at him and smiled.
"Can I speak to you a moment?” Heath smiled back. It looked like a wolf ready to attack a rabbit, but it was a smile nonetheless.
"Sure.” She shrugged then looked at Jack. “Sweetheart, will you help them get lunch on the counter?” Bethany tiptoed up to kiss Jack on the lips. Jack leaned over, and she whispered in his ear. He nodded. Then, she said, “Trust me."
The intimacy they shared was that of long time lovers, yet Star, her sister, hadn't mentioned this woman before. This must be a new relationship for them though they seemed more familiar than she and Heath were. Bethany didn't look or sound like she came from Montana either. She was curious about the woman, especially her effect on Heath. It really bugged her. Bethany followed Heath back outside. He didn't yell or fuss, not inside anyhow. He asked to see her in private.