by Elsie Davis
Steve chuckled, unable to see the problem. Farting was a big part of a boy’s life and saying the word even bigger, especially if it embarrassed your parents. At least it had been until the act of having fun had been curtailed. Becky didn’t seem to be afflicted with the same snobbish problem his own parents had. Lucky Byron.
“Sorry, Steve. He doesn’t understand it’s not polite.”
“He’s fine, trust me. Right, kiddo?” Steve bumped shoulders with the boy.
“Yup. See, Mom? Mr. Steve’s cool with it.” The kid grinned like he had a new best friend.
“Thanks.” Becky shook her head. “When he first started repeating the rhyme, I listened to it over and over before I finally put an end to it.”
“Sorry. Hey, Byron, how about we make a deal? You say the rhyme when only I’m around and no girls. It hurts a lady’s sensibilities.” He grinned.
“What’s senbililities?”
“Sensibilities are their delicate nature of what’s proper and not.” Steve bust out laughing, unable to hold back any longer. Being around Byron and Becky, he found himself laughing quite a bit. He didn’t even mind the photographer he’d noticed keeping an eye on them from a distance. A few photos wouldn’t hurt but could certainly help his poll ratings if Harry was right.
They finished their meal and cleaned up the table just as the sound of music drifted their way. The band was warming up, and it wouldn’t be long before the sunset and the stars of Texas lit the sky for a romantic and fun evening of dancing. Steve might have been to the festival before as a kid, but the dancing part was something he’d never experienced here. And tonight, he was more than looking forward to it.
On the way toward the dance floor specially laid out for the evening, Steve had a sudden urge to do something silly—like win his girl a teddy bear. On a whim, he grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the basketball hoop shooting game.
“What are you doing?”
“You’ll see.” They stopped at the basketball hoops.
“Byron’s got a lot of stuffed animals already. You don’t have to do this.” Becky shook her head at him, but she was smiling.
“But who said it was for Byron?”
“Give it a try, mister?” the operator called out.
Steve laid down a twenty-dollar bill. “Keep them coming until I win”—he glanced at the prizes—“that one.” He pointed at a big floppy-eared brown bear with a red heart on his chest.
“You got it, Mister.” Steve took his first shot and missed.
Becky giggled, but at least Byron cheered him on.
The next few shots were just as bad. Steve pulled out another twenty and slapped it down on the counter.
“All or none on one?” he asked, feeling good about the next shot.
“Steve, stop. You don’t have to do this. You’re going overboard in trying to make it look like a good idea.” She spoke softly so no one else could hear. But he heard, and she was wrong.
“This has nothing to do with that and everything to do with you.” He grinned and dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose.
She blushed prettily under the fluorescent lights, and Steve was pleased to be the one to put a little color on her cheeks.
“If you say so.” She shook her head and stepped back to watch him waste another twenty bucks, but he intended to make this shot count.
“Watch closely.” He grinned.
Becky giggled. “You know, you could buy it at the store for less money.”
“I know, but it wouldn’t be the same. You won’t cherish it as much as you will if I win it for you. Am I right, buddy?” He glanced at Byron, looking for man-to-man agreement.
“Yup. I still remember all the animals I got from the fair. You should see the one Mommy won for me once. I love it lots, ’cause we don’t have the extra money to play games all the time, but she did it once for me for my birthday.”
“Well, there you have it,” Steve agreed.
Becky’s face and throat turned splotchy with various shades of pink. Byron, on the other hand, didn’t have a clue what he just revealed. Steve decided it was best to let it go, but it was all the more reason to talk to her about Jack again sometime in the future. But tonight, it was all about fun.
Steve lined up his shot, taking several practice air shots to get a feel for the arc he needed as if the past ten weren’t enough. With one last look and a smile at Becky, he turned back and shot the ball. Time seemed to slow as he watched it go up and hit the rim, bouncing in the air and then falling in the net. Yes. He pumped his fist in the air like a little kid.
Byron shouted, “You did it! You did it! Mommy, he won.”
Over Byron’s head, Steve glanced at Becky. Her eyes were filled with tears, and she brushed at them with the back of her hand to clear her vision.
The operator handed him the prized teddy bear, a smile on his face. “Nice job. Gutsy, but it paid off. People do the wildest things for love.”
“Yes, they do, don’t they?” He grinned and turned to Becky, holding out her teddy bear.
“I can’t believe you did it. You’re such a kid at heart, you know.”
“That’s ’cause I care about you.” He handed her the bear. This whole thing was supposed to be an act, but now, he wasn’t so sure. He’d have to be careful or he’d do the unthinkable and actually fall for her. For real.
Becky threw her arms around his neck to hug him and whispered in his ear, “The least I can do is thank you properly considering all the effort you’re going to show the folks around here that we’re an item.”
Maybe it was already too late. Her words weren’t exactly what he wanted to hear. He would have preferred the exuberant thank-you to be genuine. Steve was seeing a side of life he’d never experienced before. Family life. Happy family life, to be exact. And he liked it. It was more fun than he’d had in a long time. And while the thought should be unsettling, at the same time, it wasn’t. “You could dance with me.”
“I could.” She smiled.
They walked over to find a table near the dance floor. “Byron, can you sit here and keep an eye on the teddy bear? I want to dance with your mom.”
“You like her, don’t you?” Byron asked, his smile more than enough to realize the kid might already be imagining something more permanent.
“I do.” He winked. Speaking the truth out loud felt amazing, even if he couldn’t affirm that truth to Becky. It wouldn’t do to let her know how much he’d enjoyed holding her or the desire he’d experienced not to let her go.
Steve led her onto the dance floor and pulled her close, relishing the feel of her back in his arms. The curious stares of others surrounded them as they danced to “Stars Over Texas,” a fitting song to kick off the night. Becky let her head drop against his shoulder, her sweet jasmine scent teasing his senses.
“You shouldn’t encourage him. Are you sure we’re doing the right thing? I worry about him.”
“Absolutely. I’ll make sure no one gets hurt.”
“You keep saying that, but you can’t guarantee it.”
“Maybe not, but I can promise I’ll try.” They were two different people with different goals and life plans. The only thing they were on the same page about was the temporary solution to their immediate problems. Anything other than that would be foolish and could jeopardize everything he’d worked for all these years.
Chapter Ten
Becky filled the salt and pepper shakers, topped off the catsup bottles, and filled all the napkin holders on each table. It was the quiet after-lunch lull. With only one customer to wait on, it gave her plenty of time to think.
Or too much time, depending how she looked at it. Ever since the dance, people looked at her funny, as if wanting to ask about her and Steve’s relationship status but having the good graces to refrain. Luckily, the photo in the tabloids of Steve and a woman
locked in an embrace hadn’t identified her, the huge teddy bear blocking out her face. It wouldn’t be long before the dots were connected, forcing her to face the truth. It was time to tell Steve. No more putting it off.
At first, she’d been terrified of Jack getting wind of the situation and making trouble for her. Steve had unwittingly counseled her on Jack’s parental rights, and it gave her a small measure of reassurance, but she still didn’t want trouble. The deal with Steve solved her money problems, and Byron would get his surgery, but Becky felt guilty not telling Steve the truth about what he was stepping into.
Once Jack heard, it was bound to blow up in her face, but with any luck, he’d stay gone until it was too late. Pitting brother against brother would never end well—for her or them.
Her cell phone vibrated in her pocket. She pulled it out to check the message.
Steve: How’s your day going? I should be in town shortly after five. I know this is last minute, but my mother wants to meet you. She planned another one of her spur-of-the-moment dinners for tonight. Six. Please say yes. I think it’s time we move to the next stage of our plans.
Becky: Why?
Steve: Why does she want to meet you? Because we’re dating.
Becky: Who will be there?
Steve: Just her and the Judge that I know of.
Becky let out a sigh of relief. She knew this time would come, and it was good to know there was a silver lining in the meeting. Jack was still out of town.
Becky: Okay. I’ll get my mother or sister to watch Byron.
Steve: Perfect. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of everything. We’re doing the right thing. Pick you up at five-thirty.
His reassurance didn’t do anything for the guilt and fear warring within her. She agreed to this plan, and for Byron’s sake, she’d see it through and face the devil himself if she had to. Even if the devil had Jack’s face.
She got off work at three, and by the time she got Byron from school and home, she wouldn’t have much time to get ready. The idea of formally meeting his parents was daunting. Knowing he planned to announce their engagement soon pushed her closer to freaking out. There was no way the influential Parker family would approve their son marrying someone of questionable background, especially given her mother was in their employ.
When Steve arrived to pick her up for dinner, Becky was determined to finally introduce Steve to her mother. Once the engagement was announced, it would be too late, and the last thing she wanted was for the people she cared about to find out from the media—and they would find out. The favored candidate for district attorney getting engaged would be big news.
A cold, gooey sensation against her fingers made her look down. Ugh. Catsup overflowed from the bottle and over her hand, making a huge mess. That’s what she got for thinking instead of paying attention to what she was doing.
The next hour raced by, her dread increasing by the minute. Before she knew it, she was back at the house and faced with the challenge of what to wear. Nothing she had would fit in with the sophisticated polish of the Parkers’ expectations. After settling on a long beige cotton skirt and white long-sleeve blouse, she found a sweater to match, completing the ensemble.
She stepped back to look in the mirror. Frumpy.
Welcome to my world, Steve Parker.
Julia looked up as she came down the stairs. “Going out with your boyfriend again?” She grinned.
“Haha. What do you know about it?” Hopefully nothing.
“I heard from one of the kids at school he kissed you.” Julia plopped down on the sofa.
“Thought you were supposed to be learning at school, not gossiping.”
“It’s not gossip if it’s true. And we do have a thing called lunch. And homeroom. And after-school.”
“I saw him kiss her,” Byron chimed in. “I like him. We have fun. When are we going to do something fun again, Mom?”
“I’m meeting him for dinner tonight, but I’m sure you’ll see him tomorrow.”
“Does that mean he’s your boyfriend? Do you love him? Is he from around here?” Julia sat up, suddenly very interested.
No time like the present to spill the news or at least pave the way for it. She wouldn’t breathe a word until Steve made it official. “Yes, he’s my boyfriend. Yes, he’s from around here, but he lives in Houston now. And love, it’s too early to tell. Maybe. I don’t know.” She shrugged.
“Wow, really? Does Mom know?” Julia moved to the edge of the bed, eager for more information.
“Not yet. I didn’t want to say anything until I knew if this would go beyond a few dates. Speaking of Mom, where is she? I was going to have her watch Byron for me.” Becky glanced at her watch.
“I’ll do it until she gets here. She said something about stopping by the grocery store on her way home. I don’t mind helping so you can go out with your dreamy man. I’ve seen him through the window. Good-looking for an older guy.”
Becky hadn’t counted on her mother being gone. “He’s not old. But yes, he’s very handsome.” The man would be downright swoon worthy if she was into a guy like that. Which she wasn’t. She didn’t have time for dating. Which was why the idea of getting married, even for pretend, threw her for a loop.
“You never date, so I’m happy you met someone nice. If you got married, would you move to Houston?” Her sister frowned as if suddenly remembering that tidbit of information.
“It’s a little early to be talking about marriage and moving.” Hours early, but still early. “He should be here soon. Thanks for watching Byron. I was hoping Mom would get to meet him when he picked me up, but maybe you could let her know I want to introduce him when I come home. Don’t let her go to bed early tonight.” Becky laughed. After dinner would have to suffice.
“You know she’s anxious to meet him. She’s been asking me all sorts of questions, none that I could answer. You’ve kept this guy under wraps.”
Knock. Knock. Saved by the arrival of said guy.
“He’s here!” Byron jumped off the bed, raced down the stairs, and pulled the door open just as Becky hit the top landing.
“Hey there, little buddy. How you doing?” Steve ruffled Byron’s hair as he knelt to his level. Then he straightened and stepped inside the house.
“I’m good,” Byron said. “What kind of fun are we going to do tomorrow?”
“I’m not sure yet. We need to make plans with your mom.” Steve glanced up at her and then around the room, his appraising glance taking in everything, his expression giving away nothing.
An attorney never gives away his inner thoughts.
“Hi, there. Right on time, I see.” He was dressed in his normal suit and tie, like tonight was a business meeting. In a way, she guessed it was. Something she’d do well to remember.
“I am. You look lovely.” Becky blushed, his words contradicting her business meeting philosophy.
“Thank you. You look handsome. Like always.”
“So you’re a sucker for a suit and tie, then? Nice to know.” He winked.
Julia had crossed the room to stand next to her.
“Steve, this is my sister, Julia. Julia’s going to keep an eye on Byron till my mother gets home.”
Julia shook hands with Steve, a perplexed look on her face. “It’s nice to meet you. Finally.”
“Likewise.” Steve grinned, turning to Becky. “I was hoping to meet your mother.” He leaned forward and dropped a kiss on her cheek.
“She’s not here, sorry. But I’ve told Julia to make her stay up tonight to meet you when we get home.”
Julia and Byron watched with avid interest.
“Progress. Thanks. I didn’t want to think you were keeping me a secret.” He winked at Julia, his grin widening.
“Why would I do that?” Becky swallowed hard, his words a little too close to the truth.
“You tell me.” Steve eyed her, curiosity written across his face.
“We’ve got to go. In bed by eight-thirty, mister.” She kissed Byron good night and gave him a hug.
“Good night,” Steve said. “Get a good rest so we can have fun tomorrow. I’ve been looking forward to this weekend all week.” He ruffled Byron’s hair affectionately.
“You hear that, Mom? He’s looking forward to seeing us,” Byron crooned.
“I heard.” Becky couldn’t help but smile. It might be all for show, but her son was eating up the attention.
Steve walked her to the truck and opened the passenger door. She slid inside, letting him close the door, and then came around front to slide in next to her.
“I’m sorry I don’t have anything fancier to wear. I know your mom is way more fashionable,” Becky muttered.
“I’m not interested in what my mom wears. I meant what I said—you look lovely. I like fresh country appeal. Trust me.” The man made her feel special even when he didn’t have to, and Becky found herself liking it, much to her consternation.
“You do?”
“I do.” His gaze held hers for longer than necessary as if he wanted to say more. She waited, wanting him to say more. Steve brushed her hair back from her face, his touch gentle.
Her heart beat faster.
“I’m glad you agreed to tonight.” He leaned forward and kissed her.
Becky responded to the warmth of his mouth, urging him to continue. She shouldn’t, but then again, why not? They were getting married, and kissing Steve was no hardship. The past five years, she’d had a sum total of zero kisses from an admirer, but Steve’s kiss made it worth the wait. The guy sure knew how to make a woman feel cherished.
Steve pulled back and chucked her chin. “We’re a team tonight. I’ll take care of you, I promise.” He started the car and pulled away from the curb.
“I believe you.” Right now, she’d believe anything he said. The car was filled with his presence, and his strength empowered her to face his parents. It was the first time she would have entered his home as a guest, maybe also the last. She hadn’t been there since she was seventeen, back when Jack first made a pass at her, making her believe he cared.