Know Me, Keep Me

by Barbara Gee

  Boone stood and shoved his hands in his pockets. “I was going to try to get out of dinner. Needless to say, Doug got me a little rattled. But who knows how long I’ll even be here now. If I want to meet the Desmonds, I might as well man up and do it.”

  He looked down at Jolene and saw that her eyes had filled with tears. She turned away and tried to blink them back, but he gently caught her arm.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked softly. “You want me to talk to Tuck and Ryan? I will, Jo. If that’s what you want, I’ll do it tonight.”

  “No. I mean, yes, I do want you to talk to them, but that’s not what—” She shook her head and looked down. He put one big hand on her shoulder and slid the other one under her hair to her neck, tilting her face up with a thumb under her chin.

  “Tell me,” he urged.

  She swallowed, her smile tremulous. “It just hit me kinda hard when you said you might not be here for long. I know it’s only been a couple of weeks, but I’ve gotten used to having you around.”

  Boone felt his heart constrict at her words and the sadness in her beautiful eyes. He slid his hands slowly down her back.

  “It doesn’t mean I’ll have to stay away for good,” he told her, fighting the need to pull her close.

  She dipped her head. “I’m sorry, Boone, I don’t mean to be selfish. You have enough going on without me getting all choked up.”

  He couldn’t help but smile. “Don’t be sorry. I’m glad you’ll miss me if I leave. But right now we’d better get going. I don’t want to show up late my first time meeting the Desmonds.”

  She nodded and took his hand, leading him toward the door. “You sure you’re still up for this?”

  “Yes ma’am. If you’re with me, I’ll be fine.”

  They got in her car and she drove out through the retreat center gate, taking a left toward the ranch house and the stables, to the working side of the ranch. When she parked in the drive beside the big house, she looked over at him, her gaze a mixture of anticipation and worry.

  “Ready?” she asked.

  He nodded. He’d been waiting months for this, and now he was finally going to meet the two people he’d been wondering about for so long. “I’m ready,” he said. “And there’s no one I’d rather have with me right now. Thanks, Jolene.”

  Her smile was warm and genuine, just like her. “I know this meeting isn’t happening quite like you planned, but let’s try to look at it as God’s timing and make the best of it, okay?”

  “Okay. Remember to cover for me if I get tongue-tied.”

  “I will,” she promised.

  They got out of the car and went up the porch steps. At the front door, Jolene put her hand on the knob and raised her brows. “Need a moment?”

  “Nah. Nerves of steel. Lead the way.”

  * * *

  Jolene noticed the slight flush on his cheekbones that belied his claim. “It’ll be fine,” she said, squeezing his arm before she opened the door. They went inside, the front entry area opening into a huge great-room that ran almost the entire length of the house. Exposed log walls, two massive stone fireplaces, shining wide-plank wood floors, and cozy furniture groupings made for a rustic, warm, and welcoming home.

  “Hey you guys! I was just about to text you to see where you were,” Libby called from the far end of the room, where she was placing a basket of rolls on the huge dining table set for nine.

  “Sorry, we got held up a bit,” Jolene said as they walked over. “It smells delicious in here, as usual.”

  Libby laughed. “You know Kay. Gotta pull out all the stops for the new guy. Welcome to the heart of the ranch, Boone. Come on into the kitchen, that’s where all the action is. Except for Virgil, Ryan and Hank. They’re out in the back yard throwing a Frisbee or something.”

  Jolene looked back and gave him an encouraging smile as they followed Libby into Kay’s huge, well-ordered kitchen. Tuck and Maddy were off to the side working on a big bowl of salad, and Kay was at the stove, basting something in a large roaster.

  “Our guest of honor is here,” Libby trilled.

  Jolene’s heart was pounding as Kay looked up, and she could only imagine how it was for Boone. The woman had a wide smile on her face as she abandoned the stove and hurried toward them. Jolene realized with a start that Boone had his mother’s smile. How had she not noticed that before?

  “So nice to see you again, Jolene,” Kay said, giving her a big hug. “And this has to be the infamous Boone Kendall.” She took one of his hands in both of hers and held it tightly. “I’ve heard so much about you, young man. Welcome to the Full Heart. I’m so glad to finally meet you.”

  “It’s good to be here,” he said, his voice a little gruff, but not enough so anyone else would notice.

  “I hope you’re enjoying it here so far,” Kay went on. “This gal isn’t working you too hard, is she?”

  “Not at all. She’s been great.”

  “It’s Donovan we have to worry about,” Jolene interjected quickly, giving him a chance to regroup. “Boone is so popular with the vets that Donovan keeps pushing him for more ice time. It’s all we can do to get his two mandated workouts in.”

  “And just how is that noggin?” Kay wondered, her eyes showing concern. “I don’t know anything about hockey, but Tuck tells me you took a hard hit to the head and our Jolene is working at healing you.”

  “She is, and she’s doing a great job. I’m already feeling much better. The team doctor and my trainers are real happy with the progress I’ve made.”

  Tuck walked up, drying his hands on a towel before holding his right hand out to shake Boone’s. “Glad you could make it, and that’s good news. Any chance the team docs will reconsider and let you come back yet this season if you keep on feeling good?”

  Boone seemed grateful for the familiar subject. “I already asked Jolene what she thought of me trying to go back if we make the play-offs. She’s not quite ready to make that recommendation. Maybe you can influence her in my favor.”

  “You rushed it last time, and look what happened,” Jolene reminded him.

  “Yeah, but I was still having headaches then. I’m not now.”

  “You make sure you listen to Jolene,” Kay advised. “Our girl here knows her stuff. If she tells you to wait, you should wait. Something tells me you’re a little on the stubborn side though.” She looked at Jolene and chuckled. “You might have your hands full with this one, Jolene. I think he might be used to charming his way around anyone with opposing opinions.”

  Jolene raised her brows at Boone and nodded. “I think you’re right, Kay. This one’s used to getting exactly what he wants.”

  Boone held out his hands, palms facing upward. “Hey, it’s a gift. What can I say?”

  Kay’s happy, infectious laugh made everyone else smile. “You’re just like my Virgil was at your age.” She motioned for him to follow her back over to the stove. “Dinner is almost ready, but my brisket needs a taste test. Tell me what you think.”

  He joined her at the stove and accepted a fork-full of beef. He chewed slowly, his face expressionless.

  “Well?” Kay prompted. “More salt?

  “Mmm, no. No more salt.” Boone swallowed and grinned. “That’s quite the brisket, Mrs. Desmond. Wow. It’s incredible.”

  “Full Heart born and raised. The beef that is. What about you? Where do you hale from?”

  Jolene watched the two talk while Kay expertly sliced the meat. Boone seemed to be holding his own, telling Kay about growing up in Chicago, with hockey taking up all his spare time.

  “Here, Jolene, can you take this and put ice in the glasses?” Libby handed her an ice bucket and tongs. “I made a big batch of my North Carolina sweet tea.”

  “Yum, I love your tea,” Jolene said. She looked over at Boone, reluctant to leave him. He gave her a barely perceptible nod, which she took to mean he was okay with it. When she returned, Kay and Maddy were dishing up the food. Libby went to call the other three in from
the yard, and when Kay, Maddy and Tuck exited the kitchen, carrying serving dishes out to the dining table, Jolene swung around and looked anxiously up at Boone.

  “You doing okay?” she asked softly.

  He closed his eyes and let his head fall back. “I don’t know, Jo. This is surreal. She’s—I can’t even describe it.”

  “I know. She would’ve been a great mom,” Jolene said, her eyes filling. “And now she will be a great mom. You have her smile. I didn’t notice that until I saw you beside her.”

  They heard more voices from out in the great room, and Boone’s lips firmed. “Round two awaits.”

  “What about meeting with Ryan and Tuck later tonight? Do you want me to get that set up?”

  He nodded. “Yeah, I guess you might as well. If Doug ends up needing help, it would be a lot faster if they were already up to speed on everything.”

  “I’ll find a way to make sure they don’t linger here too long, then. We can all meet at Tuck’s.”

  “Thanks.” He motioned toward the other room. “Shall we?”

  “Yep. Come on. I’ll introduce you to your father.”

  They grabbed the salad and a dish of potatoes and joined the others in the great room, where they were being entertained by Hank’s story about something his dog, Buzz, had done.

  Virgil stepped up to shake Boone’s hand as soon as he’d placed the salad on the table. “Welcome to our home, Boone. Pleasure to meet you,” he said heartily. “All these scalawags here seem to think you’re something special.”

  Boone smiled. “Good to meet you, sir. I appreciate the invitation.”

  Jolene stepped up and gave the older man a hug. “How’s your side of the ranch, Virgil?”

  “Can’t complain, my dear. You need to come check up on us over here a little more often, though. I haven’t seen you in a coon’s age.”

  “Not my fault,” Jolene said, hands on her hips. “You and Kay are the ones gallivanting all over the place.”

  “I guess we have done a little of that lately,” Virgil said sheepishly. He looked back at Boone. “I want to come check out that fancy ice rink y’all have going over there. Just don’t get any ideas about gettin’ me in a pair of skates. I can’t see ever parting with my boots.”

  Kay laughed. “That’s not surprising, considering you own at least twenty-five pairs.”

  Boone grinned. “No condemnation on that from me, sir,” he said. “I’m sure I have at least that many pairs of skates scattered between a few different places.”

  “Shows we’re passionate about what we do, that’s all,” Virgil said. He looked over at Ryan and Tuck. “What’ve you boys got a couple dozen of? Can’t be footwear, the FBI isn’t particular there.”

  The other two men exchanged looks and smiled. “Guns,” they said in unison.

  Virgil laughed. “Well now, I could probably give you a run for your money in that department, too. You hunt, Boone?”

  “No, sir. Never had the opportunity.”

  “We can change that, you just say the word. And the ‘sir’ isn’t necessary, son. I’m just Virgil to my friends.”

  Jolene saw Boone’s head jerk at the use of the word ‘son’, but he recovered quickly. “If I’m ever here during hunting season, I’ll take you up on that.”

  “Okay, let’s eat while it’s hot,” Kay urged. “Everyone find a seat.”

  Making sure she was beside Boone, Jolene gave his knee a squeeze while Virgil said grace. She wanted him to know how proud she was of him, but that brief touch was all she could offer right now.

  “Please pass the brisket!” Hank said a millisecond after Virgil wrapped up his prayer.

  “Easy, Hank,” Ryan chided as everyone laughed.

  Jolene felt herself gradually relaxing as Boone appeared to fit seamlessly into the group. She could tell he was tense, but he still managed to be his charming and interesting self, and by the time they were done eating, Jolene could see that Kay was enamored with him.

  A little later, when the dishes were done, Kay pulled her aside.

  “Jolene Tolley, please tell me you know how special that young man is,” she said excitedly. “You always say you’re holding out for a man like Tuck and Ryan, and let me tell you, I think he’s right in front of your face.”

  Jolene chuckled. “Boone is great, I agree, and he’s become a good friend. Don’t get your hopes up, though. He’s way out of my league when it comes to anything more than that. I think friends is as far as we’re going to get.”

  “No one’s out of your league,” Kay said defensively.

  “I appreciate your support,” Jolene said with a grin. “But it’s a moot point. He’ll be gone before we know it, so it would be kind of foolish of me to try to start something, don’t you think? I don’t want to be left pining for him when he heads back to St. Paul.”

  Kay’s shoulders drooped in disappointment. “You really think he’ll be leaving soon?”

  “I do. Honestly, if his team makes the play-offs, there really is a good chance he’ll be ready to go back and join them. Of course, that’s only my opinion, the decision will be made by his team’s medical staff. But he’s improved so much. I think he needed to get away from the constant pressure of trying to get back to playing. It was wearing on him. Working with the vets here on the ranch has gotten his mind clear, and it’s paying off.”

  “I have a feeling you’ve been a big part of that improvement, too, my dear,” Kay said proudly.

  Jolene smiled. “I’ve implemented a lot of my own ideas into his workouts, but who knows if that actually made a difference. I certainly don’t need to take any credit—getting the chance to work with an athlete like him is thanks enough for me. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

  “Well, I like him. I wish he could stay longer,” Kay said wistfully. “Sometimes you just get a good feeling about a person, you know? I think Boone Kendall is a real good, special man.”

  “He is,” Jolene said, turning away so the other woman couldn’t see her expression.

  Oh, Kay, if only you knew just how special.

  CHAPTER 22

  At Hank’s urging, the group moved the party out to the back yard. Jolene threw the Frisbee with Hank, Ryan and Buzz, while the others settled into the comfortable furniture around the fire pit. Virgil built a fire, not because they needed the warmth, but because Kay loved the ambiance of the dancing flames. There was, as usual, plenty of talk and laughter, and Jolene could tell that Boone was soaking it in. He interacted comfortably with everyone, but his gaze was especially intense as he studied Virgil and Kay.

  When Buzz grabbed the Frisbee and ran off with it, Hank in hot pursuit, Jolene approached Ryan and quietly asked if he could meet with Boone and her as soon as they could get away. Ryan’s eyes narrowed.

  “Sure. Everything okay?”

  “I’m not sure, to tell you the truth. It’s a long story, and Boone could really use yours and Tuck’s advice.”

  “Okay. Libby too?”

  “If possible. But please don’t mention it to Virgil and Kay at this point.”

  He nodded. “I’ll tell Kay we want to go on a walk or something. I’m sure she can put Hank to bed.” Since Ryan and Libby were living in the ranch house while they finalized plans for their own home, Kay was well used to putting the little boy to bed.

  Jolene squeezed his arm gratefully. “Thanks. I still need to check with Tuck, but unless you hear any different, meet us at his place when you can get away.”

  “We’ll be there.”

  Jolene issued the same request to Tuck a bit later, when he went to the far end of the yard for more firewood. He readily agreed to meet, and then instead of putting more wood on the fire, he stacked it neatly by the pit for next time and declared that he would soon be ready to call it a night. Maddy looked a little surprised, but she apparently figured Tuck had a reason for cutting things a bit short, so she didn’t question him.

  A half hour later, Jolene and Boone said their good
byes along with the others. As usual, Kay didn’t let anyone leave without a hug, and it was all Jolene could do to hold back a sob when the sweet woman hugged her son for the first time. Kay didn’t know it of course, but it was obvious to Jolene that Boone was deeply moved as his mother held him and bid him a fond goodnight.

  Once outside, the two of them walked to the side of the house where the car was parked. When they got around the corner, out of sight, Boone stopped and bent over, resting his hands just above his knees. Jolene heard him exhale a shaky breath.

  “You okay?” she asked.

  He nodded. “I think so. That was intense. Good, but intense.” He slowly straightened to his full height, snaking an arm around her waist and pulling her close. “They’re pretty amazing, huh?”

  Jolene nodded against his shirt. “The best,” she agreed, holding him tight. “It was so awesome to see you together.”

  “Now I know why you want so badly for me to tell them. You’re right, they deserve to be parents. And grandparents. Although in a very real sense they already are. They obviously love the others as if they were their own kids, and they consider Hank a grandson. They’re completely devoted to him.”

  “You’ll be the icing on the cake,” she told him. “Losing their baby boy left a hole in their hearts. It’s a Boone Kendall sized hole, and no one else will ever be able to completely fill it.”

  “How do you think the others will react? I don’t want them to feel like I’m horning in on a good thing.”

  “They’ll be happy because it’ll make the Desmonds so happy. But the blackmail situation is going to concern them.”

  “Yeah,” Boone said on a sigh. “It concerns me, too. I don’t want to put anyone here in danger.”

  “Tuck and Ryan will know what to do.”

  His arms tightened. “If they think it’s best that I leave the ranch, that’s what I’ll do. But I want us to stay in touch, Jo. You and me.”