Jodie looked up from the article she was reading. “Hey, big brother. Are you all dressed up for church?” Jodie asked.
As dressed up as he could get, Denny thought, looking down at his clean blue jeans and newest cotton shirt. He didn’t own a tie or suit and while that never bothered him before, today he was meeting Evangeline, who always looked like an ad for women’s perfume. However, this was the best he could do.
“I am, but I need some help. Ella isn’t feeling well, so I was wondering if you or Trista could stay at home this morning and watch her.”
Jodie pursed her lips as if considering. “Trista and I wanted to check out a hike this magazine wrote about.” She pointed to a picture of the Deadman’s Peak, a mountain overlooking Rockyview. “Looks like it could be challenging and interesting.”
Denny tried not to let his momentary annoyance show. “I thought you came to help me out.”
“Well, yeah. I did. But...this is such an amazing place and there’s so much to do. Trista and I have been working ourselves ragged the past few months. We were hoping to have a break.”
In spite of his aggravation with Jodie, he felt his resolve waver. He knew she’d been busy. She’d lost weight since he’d seen her last and the weariness in her usually sparkling eyes disturbed him.
He wanted to talk to her, but he couldn’t yet.
“I know. But so was I,” Denny said, feeling the need to stand firm. “And you came here to help me out.”
Jodie gnawed at her fingernail, another sure sign that things were not well in his little sister’s world. “I suppose. And I said I would help but...” Her voice wavered then trailed off.
Don’t give in, Denny thought. You need to go to church and Ella isn’t feeling well.
So he said nothing while he waited for his sister to, for once, think about someone else besides herself.
“I guess I could stay this morning,” Jodie said, glancing longingly at the magazine again. “But you’ll be back after church, won’t you?”
Denny had hoped he could take Evangeline out for lunch. To spend some time with her away from Ella and away from obligations.
Just an ordinary date. Something he hadn’t had for years.
“I might be longer than that. I think you and Trista can help me out here.”
Jodie’s slow shrug wasn’t encouraging but he persisted. “I haven’t asked much from you girls,” he said, keeping his voice quiet and reasonable. “I think I can ask this.”
“Ask what?” Trista asked as she entered the room. Her hair stuck out in all directions, looking even more ragged than it had when they’d first showed up.
“Denny wants us to babysit this morning,” Jodie said.
“I thought we were going on that Deadman’s Peak hike,” Trista said, then yawned and stretched out her arms. She looped one around Denny and planted a kiss on his cheek. “Hey, big brother, you’re looking all shaved and polished. Is this for that Evangeline chick?”
“That’s why he wants us to babysit. He’s going to church,” Jodie said. “He won’t be back until lunchtime.”
“Maybe later,” Denny warned.
“But that hike will take most of the day,” Trista said.
“So do it another day. Or, better yet, one of you could come to church with me.”
Trista paused a moment, then her face grew hard and she shook her head. He wanted to ask her what was going on, sensing something behind her reaction.
“Not today,” was all she said.
“We can’t go hiking tomorrow ’cause you’re working,” Jodie continued, “And I thought you wanted us to take care of Ella during the week. So today is really our only day.”
Denny inhaled a long breath, his patience running out. “Here’s the deal. You girls are staying here and I’d like something in return for that. This morning I want to go to church. After church I’m taking Evangeline out for lunch. Maybe next Saturday I’ll be able to take a day off so you girls can do this hike. In the meantime, you’ll have to figure out something else to do this afternoon that won’t take as long.”
His eyes moved from one to the other, as if to reinforce what he was saying.
Trista shrugged and sat on a chair, pulling one leg up to her chest and looping her arm around it. “Okay. Whatever.”
Jodie fingered the corner of her magazine then sighed. “Sure. I guess.”
“Thanks so much for your sacrifice, girls,” he said, trying to keep the thin note of sarcasm out of his voice at their less than enthusiastic agreement. “Ella is sleeping right now. She had a bad night, so let her sleep. She can have some hot cereal for breakfast, and feed her some banana. Diapers and wipes are in her bedroom. I’ve set out her clothes already.”
“Wow. Mr. Mom,” Trista said with awe.
“I have my moments.”
Trista’s mouth curved in a lazy smile. “I remember you getting our clothes ready for school,” she said. “Those were good times. Fun times.”
Though he was thankful his sister had good memories of those years, Denny had a different take on those supposed “good times.” The responsibility of three sisters, a foster brother and a ranch had been a huge weight. There hadn’t been much fun for him.
He brushed the negative thoughts aside. That was from another time and another place in his life. Things, right now, were looking better.
“I’ll see you girls later. I’ll send you a text when I’m coming home.”
Jodie shrugged, obviously not happy with this, but she turned her attention back to the magazine. Trista gave him a languid wave. “Have fun,” she said. “Say a prayer for me.”
“I always do,” he said.
“I know,” Trista said with a melancholy smile. “You’re a good brother.”
He returned her smile, his momentary pique with his sisters easing away. He watched them a moment and saw, again, an attitude that concerned him. A weariness and a wariness he hadn’t seen in them before. He wondered what had happened to them. What was going on?
Then he shook off the maudlin thoughts as Trista made a joke with Jodie and she laughed loudly.
So he grabbed his corduroy jacket, tossed it over his shoulder, then left before either of his dear sisters could change her mind.
As the final notes of the song faded away Evangeline released a sigh of perfect peace. The church service had nourished, encouraged and challenged her.
Having Denny standing beside her had added to the sense of wonder she had felt the past few days.
She chanced another look at him and felt a shiver of awareness as she caught his warm look, which was as real as a touch.
“Do you have plans for lunch?” he asked her as they waited to exit the row.
“I have inventory to do and books to return, but there’s no rush on either job.” She gave him a careful smile, not sure she wanted to assume he was asking her to lunch but at the same time giving herself some space to accept.
“Great. I was thinking we could go to the restaurant by the ski lodge. They have a great Sunday brunch on today. I could drive you or we could meet there.”
Evangeline’s smile blossomed. “Let’s meet there.”
He grinned, then, as she walked past him, his hand lingering a moment on her shoulder, sending a shiver trickling down her neck and back.
“Hey, friend,” Renee called. As she caught up to Evangeline her gaze slid from her to Denny. “Tanner and Sabine are having a barbecue. All the Bond grandkids will be there. Hailey, Dan and Natasha. Tanner, Sabine and Olivia and the baby, Larissa and Garret and Naomi and Jess. It’ll be a great party. Tate and I are invited and Sabine asked me to invite you, as well. You, too, Denny. If you’re interested?”
A few months ago the idea of being with so many happy couples would have depressed Evangeline.
But now the idea held an appeal. Now she had someone who would be at her side.
She looked over at Denny, who simply shrugged, giving her the option.
Evangeline turned back to
Renee. “It sounds like fun but Denny and I have other plans.”
Renee gave her a knowing grin. “Maybe we can catch you two another time.”
You two.
Those simple words created a subtle undertow of pleasure.
“That would be nice,” Evangeline said, pleased to think there might be another time for her and Denny. “And what did you and Larissa decide about the table settings at your meeting?”
They walked out of church together, chatting. Denny walked silently behind them, seemingly content to listen to Renee and Evangeline talk wedding plans.
A few minutes and a few topics later, she and Renee parted ways.
“You’re really a part of this community, aren’t you?” Denny said as he pulled his keys out of the pocket of his jeans.
“I’ve lived here all my life,” Evangeline said, giving him a gentle smile, appreciating the way his eyes crinkled at the corners, the shine of his freshly shaved cheeks and chin. “It’s my community.”
“Community is a real blessing.” His voice took on a poignant tone.
“So is family,” Evangeline put in, thinking of his sisters and how easily they’d made themselves at home. How quickly they were comfortable because Denny was there.
“I’d argue with you on that one,” Denny said. He spun his keys around his finger and, to her surprise and utter pleasure, he bent over and brushed a quick kiss over her lips. It was the merest whisper of a kiss but doing it in such a public place kindled a gentle warmth in her soul.
Fifteen minutes later Evangeline pulled up beside Denny’s truck at the ski lodge, anticipation singing through her. This was the first time they were spending time together without Ella.
They were seated quickly in a quiet alcove, given the menus and thankfully left alone.
“Do you want to do the buffet brunch?” Denny asked, glancing at the menus on the table.
Evangeline didn’t want to do anything but stay with Denny, so she shook her head. “If it’s okay with you, I’ll order.”
“Sounds more than okay,” Denny said, taking a menu and giving her one, as well.
Their waitress returned a few minutes later with their water and tea, then took their orders.
“So, how is Ella?” she asked when their waitress left.
“She wasn’t feeling well. That’s why I got Jodie to babysit. Though that was like pulling teeth.”
Evangeline frowned in confusion.
“She and Trista supposedly had other plans.” He released a sigh as he took her hand in his. “Anyhow, I don’t want to talk about them or Ella. I want you to know that I’ve never been as happy as I am when I’m with you,” he said.
His words drifted into the empty and lonely parts of her heart. “I feel the same way,” she replied.
Denny slid his fingers down her cheek, lingering by her lips. The intimacy of his actions brought a smile to her face.
“I know I’m not exactly the Prince Charming type,” he said with a light laugh. “My life is a mess and every time I get my feet under me something else throws me off balance.”
“You have had a lot to deal with,” she agreed. “But you are a good man, Denny. The way you take care of Ella—the way you’ve learned to take care of her—is admirable. It makes you a hero in my eyes.” She caught herself there, aware of the sudden intensity in her voice. But she felt she needed to assure him. “I’m not that shallow. I can see who you really are. I’m not waiting for some lord or duke to sweep me off my feet, though if you were one, I wouldn’t object.”
Denny’s smile filled her heart. “Sorry. No duke, prince or lord here. Just a truck driver slash rancher.”
“No ‘just’ about it,” Evangeline said, laying a finger on his lips as if to stop him.
“So you don’t mind that I ended up with a baby I didn’t know about, family members who drop in and out of my life like rain? Sometimes welcome, sometimes not?”
Evangeline chuckled. “I think you need to see that family of yours as a blessing. Trust me, I would have loved to have someone else in my life. One is a pretty lonely number when you grow up that way.”
“Five isn’t lonely,” he returned with a wry smile. “And now I have Ella, as well.”
“Ella is a sweetheart.”
“You like her, don’t you?”
“More than like her,” Evangeline assured him. “I will miss having her around the store all day. She’s pretty special.”
“I’m glad about that. I don’t think she’s going anywhere. And now that Jodie is around maybe you and I will have some time to figure out—” He stopped there. He looked down at their joined hands, his brows lowered as if concerned.
“To figure out what?” she gently prodded.
Denny waited a moment, as if sorting out what he was going to say. “To figure out our relationship.”
“In terms of...?” Evangeline coaxed.
He released a gentle sigh. “I’ve made mistakes before and—” He bit his lip as if hesitant to speak his next words and she felt a barb hook into her heart.
“You don’t want to make a mistake with me?” She tried to keep her voice light, as if speaking those words didn’t cost her everything.
“I have to be careful,” Denny said, but he still held her hands, which gave her hope. “But at the same time I’m sure you and I...that we can—”
“Evangeline. How nice to see you again.”
That voice. The timing.
Evangeline gritted her teeth then forced a smile as she faced her old boyfriend.
Tyler wore his usual well-tailored suit; navy with a narrow white pinstripe. His white shirt set off his tanned skin and the indigo silk tie brought out the blue of his eyes. But the tan, she knew, came from a salon.
At one time that hadn’t mattered, but as she looked from Tyler—perfectly groomed, perfectly put together—to Denny, who looked far more casual, she wondered what she’d seen in a man who, she knew, spent so much time on himself.
Tyler suddenly seemed fake.
Denny, real.
“Good afternoon, Tyler. Good to see you.” It wasn’t. His timing was atrocious and his presence unwelcome.
Tyler fingered the lapel of his suit jacket with a manicured hand, lifting one eyebrow in question.
Evangeline’s manners returned. “Tyler, this is Denny Norquest. He rents my father’s ranch. Denny, this is Tyler Wright. A...a friend.”
Tyler gave her a slow smile. “Only a friend? I thought we were more than that.” Tyler turned to Denny. “Evangeline and I dated for many years.”
It was growing harder to keep her smile intact. Tyler’s smooth, deep voice suddenly struck her as obsequious and his comment to Denny possessive.
“Thankfully we’ve both moved on,” Evangeline returned, looking pointedly at Denny.
“I see that.” But the edge in Tyler’s voice made her wonder what had happened to the girl he had dumped her for. But she wasn’t asking, because she wasn’t interested.
“Thanks for stopping by,” she said to Tyler, her smile suddenly genuine and relieved.
What had she seen in this man? Compared to Denny he seemed fussy and shallow.
Denny, with his so-called messy life, was the genuine article. A diamond in the rough, maybe. But more precious than Tyler ever was.
“I saw you come into the restaurant,” he said, “and wanted to say hello. Maybe I’ll see you around?”
“Rockyview isn’t that big,” was all she would say, wishing he would leave. She knew her time with Denny, time snatched away from his many obligations, was precious. She didn’t want to waste it on a man who no longer held her interest.
Tyler’s smile grew tight, as if he knew she had brushed him off. Then with a nod in Denny’s direction he said goodbye and walked away.
“So. Old boyfriend.” Denny’s comment held a note of asperity, which made Evangeline smile even more. “Your dad mentioned him once or twice.”
“I’m sure he did,” Evangeline said. “My da
d liked Tyler.”
Denny released a sound that sounded suspiciously like a snort.
Was he jealous?
“We dated for two years,” she said.
“That’s a long time to be with someone.”
“That’s three years less than you were married,” she put in, reminding him she wasn’t the only one with past relationships.
“Touché,” Denny said.
“He’s not important, if that’s what you’re wondering,” she said.
“I was and I’m glad to hear that. Really glad.”
“Why?” she asked, fishing for an answer she was fairly sure she already knew.
“Because I was hoping you could tell me that I’m more important.”
Evangeline laughed, then leaned closer, caught his neck and pressed a kiss to his lips. “There. Does that help?”
“It’s a beginning,” he said, his smile growing. Then he kissed her back.
As his lips touched hers she felt a completeness in her soul. Tyler had dealt her a blow that had resonated through her life.
And now?
Now she was with a man she admired. Whom she cared more deeply for than she had ever cared for any man.
The realization hit her like a blow. She pulled back and tightened her hand on his, feeling vulnerable and afraid.
Dear Lord, she prayed silently, let me have chosen right.
Because she felt, now more than at any other time in her life, she was putting her heart in the hands of someone who had the potential to hurt her more than anyone else ever had.
Chapter Thirteen
Denny watched Evangeline pull out onto the highway leading back to Rockyview, thankful for the warm afternoon sun after the cool dimness of the restaurant.
He had enjoyed his afternoon with Evangeline. Being with her felt right and good. She was the kind of person he had always dreamed of being with. The kind of woman he had hoped to marry the first time around.
“Hey, Norquest.”
Denny turned to see Tyler striding toward him across the parking lot, his smile showing perfectly straight teeth. “How was your lunch with Evangeline?” Tyler asked as he came near.
Ever After Page 15