by Reggi Allder
“I—um—please take me to the office so I can straighten the out the bill.”
“The business has your credit card. They’ll call if there is a problem.” The nurse started to push the wheelchair toward the entrance. “I do have other patients, so let’s get you to your car.”
“The truck’s parked right at the front door.” He carried Bobby, asleep in his arms toward the door.
“Mommy,” Bobby shouted when he woke while Wyatt was putting him in the truck, joy and relief at seeing her obvious.
He knew just how the kid felt. Contemplating Amy’s death was something he never wanted to think about again. Even now his heart was racing.
Were the dangers over? Or was the snake the least of her worries?
CHAPTER 12
At the farmhouse Wyatt insisted on carrying Amy up the stairs to her bedroom. “Get some sleep. Bobby’s fine. I’ll call you when dinner is here.”
“Thanks, but I don’t think I could eat.” Overwhelming exhaustion settled in her neck and then spread down her back to her sore leg. “Maybe I will take a nap.”
“Good.”
Moments later, the sound track of Lady and the Tramp played downstairs. She smiled and closed her eyes.
***
When Wyatt came into the living room Bobby was sitting on the couch watching TV and holding his plush bear.
“I’m going outside to bury the snake. You want to come with me?”
Bobby glanced up at him. “Yeah.” He grabbed his stuffed bear. “Can Ted come too?”
“Sure bring your bear.” He stifled a laugh at the cute kid.
Wyatt dug the hole and threw in the bag that held the snake. Then began to cover it with dirt.
“That should do it.” He stamped down the last bit of soil. Bobby stood back clutching his stuffed animal and then he ran to the spot and stomped his feet on the earth too.
“Good job kid.”He gave the thumbs up sign. “I’ve got something for you.” He held out the rattles from the snake. “They won’t hurt you. They’re the snakes warning system. Like a car’s horn. When you hear that noise you know to leave the area. We’ll take the rattles to the house so you can look at them whenever you want to.”
“Okay.”
“When I was a kid I had snake rattles on a shelf next to my favorite toy truck. Come on let’s go back to the house.”
On the back porch Wyatt found a canning jar and put the rattles in it. Bobby carried it into the living room and asked Wyatt to put it on the mantle.
Wyatt hoped Amy wouldn’t mind. Maybe she wouldn’t notice.
The rumble of Sophie’s old van interrupted his thoughts. She parked, got out of the vehicle slowly. Carrying a large tray she came to the back door.
“Hello.”
“Come in Sophie” He yanked the door open.
“How’s Amy doing?”
“Sleeping.”
“Good. Don’t wake her.” She set the tray on the kitchen table.
“I’ll set out the food and then go. Lots of things to do at home.” She held up her hand. “No need to show me around the kitchen. Granny and I spent many hours making meals together in here. One of her joys was making food for the church potlucks.” She sniffed and wiped her eyes with the white apron she wore. “Where’s Bobby?”
“Watching a movie.”
“That’s nice. I’ll take his mind off things.”
“I made the dinner from a list of food Amy gave Vanna for the daycare center. So Bobby should be able to eat it okay.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“The little guy can’t handle food with gluten in it. Can’t digest it, I think. Has to be real careful or he gets sick, vomits and his stomach hurts. It can eventually damage his organs or something. Amy didn’t tell you?”
“Not a word.”
“Well, can’t say I’m surprised. She doesn’t want people treating him different. Sometimes people can think less of him and be mean. Of course, I’m not saying you would.”
He thought of his childhood with his thrift store clothes and the motel room he and his mother rented by the month. He never belonged, never fit in and was always different. The poor boy with the “slut” of a mother. Yeah, people could be mean, damned mean.
Sophie set the food containers out on the white cotton tablecloth. “Amy’s ex-husband never liked Bobby after he found out he was sickly.” She set out three place settings of blue and white Willow ware plates and lowered her voice. “Soon after Robert learned about his son’s illness, he took off for places unknown and without leaving even a dollar of child support for his kid.” The woman rubbed her hands on her apron. “Amy’s better off without him. That husband of hers was a handsome devil, but he was a nasty cuss.”
She adjusted the stainless steel utensils. “Uh—let me see, there’s green beans, beef pot roast and rice. Bobby can eat that okay. I made perogies with cheddar cheese and bacon for you. But don’t let him have any. It’s made with wheat. That’ll make him real sick.”
“Thanks. Everything smells delicious. Guess I shouldn’t eat the perogies in front of Bobby.”
“It’s okay. His mama taught him that different people eat different food. He’s not quiet five and he’s little for his age, but he’s a smart boy. It’s important he understand that people eat things he can’t.”
“I noticed he’s small for his age, but I had no idea he had a disease.”
“Now you take that frown off your face. He’s going to be fine. Lots of folks do just fine with Celiac sickness. It’s lucky they discovered it when he was a baby. If he eats good, he’s going to be all right.”
“I brought raspberry sorbet for dessert. It’s in the freezer.”
“Can Bobby eat it?”
“Sure, one of his favorites.” She smiled. “Well, got to get going. You take care of my girl.”
Sophie was out of the back door before he could answer.
***
Amy yawned and glance at the clock, ten in the morning.
Wyatt poked his head in door. “Okay if I come in?”
“Sure. Good morning”
“I thought you’d like a cup of coffee,” he said as he entered the bedroom carrying a mug. She brushed her hair out of her eyes and looked at Wyatt, dressed in his usual T-shirt, jeans and boots. But today he wore a form fitting black t-shirt that clung to his muscled chest. She tried not to stare. He didn’t seem to notice, probably was used to women watching him.
“You shouldn’t have let me sleep so long.” She sat up in bed and realized she was still dressed in the clothes she had on when she came home from the hospital. “I must be a sight.” She pushed back her tangled hair.
“A wonderful sight. Especially considering what you’ve been through.” His eyes flashed an emotion she couldn’t decipher.
“Mommy, look at my book.” Bobby ran into the room and jumped on the bed. “Snakes and Spiders of America. We bought it after we buried the snake.”
“She groaned and shrank away from him.
“Take it easy. Your mother still has a sore leg.
“Oh.”
She scooted over and patted the bed. “Come and show me.”
“The snakes are in color.”
“Uh—they sure are.” She wrinkled her nose as she stared at the black and orange coral snake on the cover.
“Maybe it’s too early for your mom. She might want her coffee first. She can read it later.”
“Can I watch Lady and the Tramp again?”
“I think you better get dressed first.”
Bobby ran from the room slamming the door closed.
“I hope you don’t mind the book. We went into town and bought it while you were sleeping. I didn’t want him to be afraid of snakes his whole life. Thought the book might help prevent that.”
“Well I—I”
“He needs to know which snakes are dangerous which are helpful and that goes for spiders too. Thought you’d want it, maybe I was wrong.”
“No—no.” Bobby needs a man around him. The realization shook her. Until this moment, she’d thought it was enough to parent alone. A man wasn’t needed, wasn’t wanted. Wrong. There were things only a guy could or would think to do for her son. She certainly wouldn’t have bought a book filled with photos and information about poisonous snakes and spiders. “It’s good you bought it for him. I’m just being a baby.”
“If there’s anyone less like a baby it’s you.” He grinned. “I’d say all woman.”
She glanced at Wyatt. Her cheeks burned.
CHAPTER 13
Wyatt stepped closer to the bed. “Amy, are you really okay?”
She adjusted her pillows and leaned back. “Fine, just a little sore. I’ll be back on my feet in no time,” she said a little too brightly. Chills ran down her spine when she thought of what might have happened if he hadn’t been at the farm yesterday. Right in the front yard, she could have died and left Bobby an orphan.
“Vanna will be here in a few minutes to take Bobby to her daycare center. Then he’ll go to Sophie’s for dinner. So relax, you don’t have to do anything.”
“I don’t know how to thank everyone.”
He shrugged. “Just get better. You had a close call yesterday.”
“Yeah.” She’d seen the worry on his face at the hospital and he’d taken such good care of Bobby. He must care for her just a little. “I especially want to thank you.”
He reached for her hand and held it. She wanted to speak, but couldn’t think of anything appropriate. She couldn’t say kiss me.
With her hand still in his, she looked into his eyes. Her heart thundered. Neither of them spoke.
He sat on the bed and reached for her, pulling her into a gentle hug. She sighed and leaned against him. Her breathing quickened as he caressed he cheek and then kissed her. She ran her hand through his hair.
He let her go and cleared his throat. “You need to take it easy today.” He stood. “Let me know when you want breakfast. I scramble a mean egg.”
“Uh—Thanks.” She could feel her face flush. Suddenly embarrassed, she took drink of the hot coffee he’d brought her. “It’s just what I needed.” she said in a strained voice. “I don’t want to sleep anymore.”
“The doctor said to rest.” Wyatt helped her put a pillow under her sore leg.
She leaned back. “That’s better.”
“You should eat something. I’ll make eggs and toast and bring them up.”
“Such service.”
“Yeah that’s me, one of the best short order cooks around.” He winked and then headed toward the door.
***
Amy finished the last bite of egg and then sipped her second cup of coffee. “I didn’t think I was hungry and I’ve eaten everything.”
“I’m not surprised. You didn’t have dinner last night.”
He took the tray and put it on top of the dresser that stood near the door.
“There’s so much to do on the farm,” she said. “I don’t like to miss even one day’s work.”
Without comment, he sat in Granny’s boudoir chair near the bed and stretched his long legs out in front of him, his masculinity out of place in the feminine room. “Look, if you’re really better there are a couple of things we should talk about.”
“Oh?”
“While you were still in San Francisco, I contacted a couple of real estate developers and asked them to take a look at the property—just to get an idea of the possibilities.”
“But I thought you understood.” His words took her by surprise. “I’m not selling.”
“It’s good to know your options. You see what can happen to a woman alone.” He sat up. “Besides, it’s too late to call them off. They‘ll be here this afternoon. Can’t hurt to see what they have to say.”
How could he be so nice one minute and be such a jerk the next? He was ignoring everything she’d told him about her plans. He was aware of her feeling for the farm. Why mention real estate agents now when she couldn’t even walk down stairs and tell them to get off her property?
“You could have told me about this earlier. Not when it’s too late to stop them. I should’ve known the first day I arrived. Or the next day or the day you kissed me in the barn or yesterday—not now.” She heard her voice rise in volume and took a deep breath. She swung her legs out of bed and grimaced.
“Amy, there just didn’t seem to be a good time to bring it up. The first day you were too upset.” His eyes narrowed “Where do you think you’re going? Get back in bed. Remember the doctor said to keep off that leg for at least a couple of days.”
“Don’t tell me what to do.” She tried to stand and pain shot up her sore leg. “Shit.” She sat back down on the bed. “Damn.”
“Face it. You’re not staying in the bedroom today.”
“And that pleases you.” She glared at him. “This couldn’t have worked out any better for you if you planned it. It’s clear you want money for your half of the farm and I don’t have the funds to buy you out.”
Wyatt’s expression hardened and his smile turned grim. “I didn’t want any of this. I’m just doing what your grandmother wanted.”
“That’s easy to say when she’s not here to back you up.”
“Don’t.”
“Granny loved me and Bobby. She wouldn’t want you to sell our birthright,” she continued.
“Look…”
“You want me back in the city stressing about how I’m going to pay the rent. How to buy food and still keep the lights on? At night I used to go to sleep worrying if I had enough for gas so I could look for a job and still have enough for the sitter?” She glared at him.
“Finally the old clunker died and with no money to fix it, it went straight to the scrapheap. Then I was evicted for being behind in the rent. Bobby and I found our stuff on the sidewalk. If it wasn’t for Nan we’d have been homeless. I’m not going back. I won’t.”
Just then a car honked.
“That must be the real estate guys.” Wyatt ran out of the room. The door slammed behind him.
Damn you Wyatt. She was shaking and her heart pounded, the memories of living in the city overwhelming her.
She leaned back against the bed pillows. It did no good if she got upset. The realtors were there. Wyatt was the executor of the will and if she pissed him off he could sell without her permission. Granny always said you got more of what you wanted with honey than with vinegar.
Amy had to control her anger and try to make him understand that keeping the farm was the best option. Could she be sweet to him when all she really wanted to do was give him a swift kick in his ass?
She groaned and closed her eyes.
Later loud voices in front of the house woke her. She strained to hear what they were saying. What was the verdict? Did Wyatt agree to sell the place? Maybe he’d come in and tell her what the agents thought of the place.
Minutes went by, but no one came to see her. Probably for the best, she wasn’t up to making nice with Wyatt. And she couldn’t stomach the thought of another argument. She’d wait to see if he brought it up without being asked.
***
Three days later, for the first time since she was bitten by the rattler, she got ready to leave the house. The weatherman promised hundred degree temperatures by the end of the day. Amy wiped her brow and adjusted her black one piece bathing suit. And slipped on a grey oversized t-shirt and white shorts. She stepped into her flip-flops and with a slight limp, went to the kitchen to finish packing the picnic basket while Bobby looked for his beach towel.
Last night she’d had a hard time settling Bobby down. He had taken swimming lessons at the YMCA in San Francisco, but he’d never gone swimming in a river. He couldn’t sleep because he was so excited. She had to admit she was keyed up too. Recalling the last time she’d been to the river with her grandparents sent a warm feeling through her.
With the picnic basket and cooler in the back of the truck, she buckle
d Bobby’s seat belt.
“I thought we could go the Cosumnes River,” Wyatt said as he started the engine. “I know a good place to pan for gold and it’s a good spot for Bobby to swim.”
“Sounds great. I haven’t been there since I was a kid. I had a lot of fun then,” she said wistfully as she remembered Granny.
After recent events they all needed a day off. It was surprising Wyatt had suggested the outing. She still hadn’t asked him what the land agents said because she didn’t want to start an argument with him. Secretly she hoped he’d been disappointed in their response and that’s why he’d said nothing or maybe he’d considered her position and wanted to please her. In any case, she was going to try honey rather than vinegar with him. So when he suggested a picnic, she quickly agreed.
It didn’t take long to get to the river. The gently flowing body of water was lower than she remembered but looked just as welcoming as it had when she was a kid.
“Most people use the main swimming hole downstream.” He parked on a pull out next to the river. “But I thought this would be a good quiet place to pan for gold.”
“Perfect.” She grabbed the picnic basket walked toward the river.
Wyatt carried the towels, a blanket and a cooler. He set out the blanket under an oak tree near a picnic table and a barbeque pit.
Amy stood on the edge of the river. She’d taken off her shorts, but still wore her t-shirt. She hesitated. Wyatt’s eyes were scanning her. Unconsciously, she tugged on the back of her suit all too aware how out of date and out of fashion she appeared. Dressed like a middle age woman, she’d bought the suit when she was pregnant with Bobby. She should have a bikini or at least a two piece. She put a new swim suit on her mental list. Unfortunately, with no funds the list was long and not likely to get shorter.
Wyatt tossed his jeans and shirt on his towel next to the river bank.
Stunned to see him muscled, tanned and wearing only a dark racing Speedo, her mouth opened.
“Mommy, hurry. I want to swim.”
She yanked off her t-shirt and threw it on her towel and dove into the water. The cold water filled her big suit. It was just what she needed to cool her heated body after seeing Wyatt.