Dane shook his head. “I honestly don’t know what you want from me, Keith. I know I screwed up.”
Keith’s eyes narrowed and his jaw twitched. “You think I’m upset about Beth? I told you how I felt about all that back when it happened. I knew it was a bad idea, but I didn’t judge you. You’re a grown man who makes his own decisions.”
“Then why the chilly reception?”
Keith looked towards the house then back again. “Family is important, Dane.”
“I know that.”
“Do you? Do you know that Dad busted his ankle a few months back?”
“Yes. I know. Mom told me.”
Keith snorted again. “Mom told you what she wanted to tell you.”
“She said Dad was fine.”
“He wasn’t.” Keith’s eyes turned to ice again.
Dane set the ax against the side of the barn and put on his shirt. “What are you talking about?”
“He had to have surgery. Yes, he’s fine now, but his recovery was tough.”
“I didn’t know.” Dane looked down, guilt boring into his gut. He tried to recall his dad limping at all when he saw him earlier, but couldn’t.
“Of course you didn’t know. You were so wrapped up in your own little world down there, all curled up in your guilt over Beth, you couldn’t see the people in your life who really need you. You still don’t see.”
Dane looked up again at his brother’s scowl. “What exactly could I have done, Keith?”
“Honestly, a visit would’ve been nice. I’m not saying you need to sit beside Mom and Dad all day and hold their hands. Hell, they aren’t wired that way anyway. That’d drive ’em nuts. But they aren’t getting any younger, and I can’t always be here. So at least get your head out of your own crap long enough to know if they might need some time from you.”
Dane blew out a long breath. Keith was right. He’d wallowed so long in his own junk, he’d never thought beyond what was happening to him. “You get called back?”
“Not yet, but I will.”
Dane wiped his brow again. He knew his brother was one of the most skilled soldiers the Marine Corps had, but he still didn’t like him gone. Or more specifically, he didn’t like where he had to go.
Keith chuckled. “I don’t know what you’ve got going on with this girlfriend of yours. But if it takes some trouble she’s in to bring you home, then that’s sad. That’s just plain sad, man.”
He pushed away from the barn and walked away.
Dane looked up in time to see Aimee with her arms wrapped around her middle, standing on the front porch, watching them. Unsure of what he saw in her eyes, he couldn’t misread her turning to walk back inside without saying a word.
***
Aimee sat on the bed in the guest room, her knees tucked up against her chest, with her arms wrapped around them. Her skirt flowed down over her toes. She looked out the window and sighed.
She hadn’t meant to overhear Dane’s conversation with his brother. Quite frankly, she was drawn outside by the sound of the ax being wielded again and went to get a peek at the scary man her brain had trouble computing as Dane’s brother. Dane was so approachable and kind. Keith was intimidating, to say the least. He made her beyond nervous.
Instead of Keith, she’d found Dane chopping wood. Without a shirt on. Good Lord, her pulse went into overdrive just thinking about it again. Muscles like his should be illegal. Sure, she’d stood and watched for a few minutes, she’d admit that, but when Keith approached, she backed into the shadows, unsure of what would happen.
To say their conversation was tense was an understatement. And now Aimee only had more questions, instead of any answers. Who was Beth? And why would Dane be so buried in guilt that he’d ignore his family? A family that obviously loved him a lot and wanted him there.
In the quiet of the peaceful guest room, Aimee said a prayer for Dane. That he would one day trust her enough, even if it was only as a friend, to share his past and let God help him heal.
A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.
“Come in.”
The door creaked and Ellie entered, carrying a mug in each hand. “Hi. I hope I’m not disturbing you. I made some tea and thought you might like some.” A subtle Texas twang was woven through her words.
“Thank you. That sounds great.”
Ellie came around the bed and set a mug with the 4S logo on the nightstand next to Aimee. “Mind if I join you?”
“Not at all.”
Ellie settled into the rocking chair in the corner while Aimee took a sip of her tea. Hmmm, chamomile. One of her favorites. Ellie was right. Tea was a good idea.
A heavenly aroma filled the room and Aimee’s stomach growled. She grimaced. “Sorry. Whatever you’re making for dinner smells amazing.”
Ellie laughed. “It’s okay. You must be starving. Good food is rarely part of a long road trip.”
Aimee smiled. “Agreed. And Dane was in a hurry to get us up here so we didn’t make too many stops. I think I’m full up on Cheetos for a while now.”
Ellie laughed and took a sip of her tea. She wore a light blue sweater that matched her eyes, and a pair of jeans worn with time. Comfortable, but classy. Much like the woman who wore them. Diamond studs in her ears and a silver wedding band her only jewelry, her skin was like porcelain with only a whisper of makeup. Tan cowgirl boots stuck out from the bottom of her jeans, also broken in with time.
“Would you like to talk about why Dane brought you here?”
It was a direct question, to the point, but far from nosy. At least the way Ellie asked it. And for heaven’s sake, the woman had every right to know why a stranger was curled up in her guest room needing a “safe” place to stay.
“I’m sorry. I thought Dane might’ve said something already. But I’m happy to let you know why I’m here and can’t tell you how grateful I am for you and your husband’s hospitality.”
The woman nodded and sipped more tea, acknowledging Aimee’s gratitude while urging her to continue as well.
Aimee set her mug back down on the nightstand and criss-crossed her legs under her skirt. “I work as a sketch artist for the police department. I also teach art and do photography, but anyway… Recently I saw a crime and can basically identify the killer. Some things have happened in the past few days that lead Dane and my roommate, Torie, also a cop, to believe I’m in danger.” She shrugged. “That’s the short version, I guess.”
“You don’t seem too concerned.”
“It’s not that I’m not concerned, I just don’t want fear to rule my life.”
“I see.” She rocked a bit in the chair and looked out the window.
The woman’s calm made Aimee nervous.
“I really am sorry for intruding. I was under the impression Dane told you we were coming. I didn’t know until right before we arrived that he hadn’t said anything.”
Ellie turned back to her. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have my son home. And I’m happy he felt he could bring you here. He’s right, too. You’re safest here. My husband and sons won’t let anyone near you.”
The steel in the woman’s eyes and tone of her voice gave Aimee a quick glimpse of where Keith got his intensity, but it was gone as fast as it came. Ellie’s confidence in the men in her life was apparent. This was a soft woman surrounded by tough men, but Aimee wasn’t fooled. Ellie was a steel magnolia.
“How well do you and Dane know each other?”
Another fair question coming from a mama bear.
“We’re…friends. My sister, Tess, married his best friend, Ben. We were in the wedding together.”
Another, “I see,” was the response.
Did this woman have x-ray vision? What did she keep seeing? Aimee avoided eye contact by looking out the window. The sun was setting, and hues of orange and yellow slashed through the green of the field outside. She wiggled her fingers.
“You’re an artist.”
“Yes. I’m it
ching to get out there and sketch some of the beauty of your home as well, if that’s okay.”
“Absolutely. You were on the porch earlier, yes? I assume eyeing what you could draw first?”
The look in Ellie’s eyes said she knew exactly what Aimee had been doing on the porch earlier, but the grin behind her tea mug said she wasn’t judging.
Aimee’s cheeks flushed. Darn it! She’d been caught staring at Dane and then eavesdropping on him and Keith.
Ellie chuckled. “Don’t worry yourself, dear. I’ve eavesdropped myself a time or two in my day.”
“I didn’t mean to.” Aimee hung her head. “Dane was worried he wouldn’t be welcomed home. I was curious why he felt that way.”
A shadow fell over Ellie’s eyes for a brief moment then was gone. She rose from her chair and took a deep breath. “Well, his father and I are thrilled to have him home.” She lifted one shoulder and let it drop. “As for Keith, he’ll come around. He always does.”
“I wish I knew what happened.”
“He hasn’t told you?”
“No. I’ve asked, but he won’t answer.”
Ellie smiled. “You care about my son. I see it in your eyes. But he’s afraid to love again.”
“Why?” Aimee hoped the woman would give her some glimpse into Dane’s heart.
“He’s the only one who can answer that, dear. It’s his story to tell, not mine. But I believe he will in time. Don’t give up on him.”
Aimee could only nod in response.
“Dinner will be ready soon.” Ellie turned to leave but then stopped at the door. Over her shoulder she said, “I’ve also been known to sneak a peek at my husband while he chops wood as well. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon, if you ask me.” She winked a twinkling eye at Aimee and left the room.
Chapter 18
After the intriguing conversation with Dane’s mother, Aimee washed up and changed for dinner. Grateful she’d grabbed jeans and her favorite green sweater when packing, she threw on UGG boots and tried to tame her curls a bit. Although it was late summer, the evening was cool. Satisfied with what she saw in the bathroom mirror, she headed to the dining room.
Harry Connick Jr. crooned from the speakers in the corner of each room, and a fire crackled in the large stone fireplace, casting a glow of warmth and comfort like a big blanket on a snowy night. How could Dane ever want to leave his place? Yes, he was a grown man and Aimee didn’t think he should live with his parents forever, but this place—the trees, the mountains, the open space. It was so peaceful. And the lake was downright breathtaking. Not to mention the warmth of a family and home like this one.
Aimee turned when the front door opened. Expecting Dane, she took a step back when Keith came through the door and closed it behind him. For a moment, they locked eyes and neither of them spoke. Aimee couldn’t find words, quite frankly. The presence of the man sucked all the air out of the room.
He took off his cowboy hat and hung it on a rack just inside the door.
“You must be Aimee.”
She swallowed hard. Goodness. What was the matter with her? She accomplished a nod. That was good, right?
He quirked an eyebrow then held out a meat hook of a hand to shake hers. “I’m Dane’s brother, Keith.”
She took his hand and watched as it swallowed hers whole.
“Welcome to the ranch.” He let go of her hand and smiled. His eyes twinkled for a moment, much like Ellie’s, causing Aimee to blink to make sure she hadn’t imagined it. The smile or his eyes. Nope. Still smiling. He wore faded jeans and a long-sleeved shirt with the cuffs rolled up. His hair was cut military style. Huge, worn cowboy boots stuck out from beneath the cuffs of his jeans.
“You’re a quiet little thing, aren’t you?”
His voice snapped her out of her assessment of him. “Right. Sorry.” She shook her head, if only to rattle her brain back to normal, and took a deep breath. “Can we start over? Yes, I’m Aimee. Dane’s…friend.”
His smile widened. “Yes. Friend.” He crossed his arms over his ample chest. “A friend needing a safe place to stay. What exactly would you be needing safety from?”
The question could have come across as harsh, but the way he said it actually made Aimee feel protected. As if this man truly would put himself between her and what was after her.
Aimee opened her mouth to answer when Dane stepped out of the hallway and into the great room.
“I can fill you in on the details later, Keith. Mom says dinner is ready.”
A look of understanding passed between the brothers and Dane held out his hand for Aimee to join him.
Keith nodded and said, “I’m just gonna wash up. Tell Mom I’ll be in in a minute.”
Aimee followed Dane into the dining room. Directly off the kitchen, it held a large wooden table that seated eight. A chandelier made of horns hung directly above.
“Grab a bowl, loves, and I’ll dish you up some chili.” Ellie stood in front of the stove, a bright green apron hung around her neck and tied around her waist.
“Ellie makes the best chili in all of Tahoe.” Colt came up behind his wife and put his arms around her. He nuzzled her neck and kissed it.
Aimee smiled. Her parents were cuddly, too, and she loved it. Loved knowing that kind of relationship existed. And prayed the same for herself someday.
“I think maybe Texas, too, for that matter,” Dane added. He took a bowl and handed it to Aimee. “Ladies first.”
Aimee took the bowl but avoided eye contact. They hadn’t seen each other or talked since he’d caught her eavesdropping on his conversation with Keith. And she wasn’t sure what was more embarrassing, being caught listening to the brothers talk or ogling him while he chopped firewood.
She managed a “Thank you” before sneaking around Dane and next to Ellie. Keith came into the kitchen and kissed his mother on the cheek. He, too, grabbed a bowl, and the family moved around the kitchen like a well-rehearsed dance.
Once everyone was served and seated, Colt blessed the food and they dove in. Aimee noticed Keith and Dane had put on clean shirts and combed their hair. A smile snuck through at the thought of Ellie raising such polite good-old boys.
Spoons clanked against ceramic and bowls of shredded cheese and chopped onion were passed around as chili was doctored and consumed. Music floated through the air, mingling with the sounds of dinner, and Aimee soaked it in.
“So, what kinds of things do you have planned while you’re here, son?” Colt asked Dane.
Dane set his spoon down and finished chewing a bite of cornbread. “I was thinking of taking Aimee riding tomorrow.”
Colt nodded. “That’s a great idea. You could have her ride Patsy.”
“You still have Patsy?” Dane’s face lit up with a big, dimply grin, and Aimee’s stomach flipped. Both from the dimples as well as the idea of riding a horse.
“Have you ever ridden a horse, Aimee?” Colt asked.
“I haven’t. But it’s definitely on my bucket list.”
Colt grinned and winked at her. “Well, Patsy has been Ellie’s horse for years. Named her after Patsy Cline, but ya’ll are too young to know who that is.”
“We know who that is, Dad. We’ve heard every song she ever recorded.”
Dane’s voice was teasing.
“I know who she is. I love Patsy Cline,” Aimee said. “And I would love to ride her if that’s okay with you, Ellie.”
“Absolutely. She’s the sweetest, gentlest horse you’ll ever find.” Ellie rose from the table, took Keith and Dane’s bowls, and filled them again. Goodness, those boys could eat. Of course, Ellie’s chili really was the best Aimee had ever tasted.
“I’ll be down here early in the morning. I’ll have the horses ready for you.” This from Keith.
“Will you join us for breakfast, darlin?” Ellie asked Keith.
“No thanks, Mom. I’ll eat at my place.”
“Your place?” Aimee asked. Everyone stopped eating and looked at her. “Um
. I’m sorry. I thought Keith lived here with you.”
“I have my own cabin on the property. Just like…”
“Thanks, Keith. For getting the horses ready.” Dane cut him off before he could finish. “We’ll meet you at the barn around eight.” He turned to Aimee. “Is that okay?”
No one seemed to acknowledge Dane’s abrupt change in subject. “Sure. Sounds fine. I don’t have boots to ride in though.”
“Oh, I’ve got an old pair or two I’m sure we can make work for you,” Ellie offered.
“Thank you.”
Dinner finished with talk of work on the ranch and a new horse Colt was looking to buy. Aimee sat back and enjoyed the camaraderie between the family members and even saw a glimpse of a softer side to Keith.
After dinner they all sat around the fire, listening to music and talking. Colt and Ellie enjoyed hearing Dane talk about San Diego and work and were intrigued by him actually learning how to surf.
Aimee sipped her decaf coffee, the warm liquid heating her from the inside out. Dane sat next to her on the sofa, the heat from his leg next to hers making her toasty as well.
“I just can’t quite picture you on a surfboard, little brother,” Keith said with an actual grin on his face. He had dimples, too, Aimee noticed. They just hadn’t shown up until that moment.
“I wasn’t too sure about it myself when I first started, but Ben is a good teacher and so is Aimee. She’s been letting me surf with her while Ben’s on his honeymoon.”
Dane patted her knee and smiled at her. His dimples appeared as well but, unlike Keith’s, Dane’s made her tummy do little flips.
She shrugged. “He does okay.” Hiding her smile behind her coffee mug, she took a sip and winked at Ellie, who laughed.
“I saw that,” Dane said.
Aimee set her mug on the coffee table and fought back a yawn. She lost. The yawn won.
“Oh, goodness. We’ve kept you up way too long with our catching-up time, Aimee. I’m sorry. You must be exhausted.” Ellie stood and gathered cups and mugs scattered on the table. “I’m gonna set these in the sink and then head to bed myself.”
Get to Me Page 13