One Way Home

by Jennifer Youngblood

Milo and Madison’s rooms were nearby, and they each had their own bathrooms. It was a perfect setup. Yawning again, Zoe threw back the covers and slid her feet to the floor. She rubbed a hand over her sluggish head. A dull headache was spreading across the bridge of her nose. She’d not been able to fall asleep until around two a.m. And even when she had managed to drift off, she’d not slept well. The wind had been howling outside her window—wind and heavy rain—matching her restless brain, which was teeming sinister shadows of the past.

  Nighttime was the worst because that’s when the demons would come out full force to torment her. Zoe found herself rewinding the pages of her marriage, questioning if she could’ve done anything different. She’d given up so many years of her life to Carl and for what? Carl took everything they’d worked for and threw it in the garbage without a second thought as to how it would affect her or the kids. For years, Zoe had turned herself inside out, trying to create the perfect home for Carl so that it would rekindle the spark in their marriage. That small part of herself that she kept tucked away in a tightly closed box wondered if their lackluster relationship might be her fault. Had she loved Carl enough? A shadow of Briggs had always been there, waiting in the wings for those times when she was the loneliest. Then would come the guilt, bringing a scorching shame. She’d been so in love with Briggs back then that she could hardly breathe, and when he hurt her, she ran straight into Carl’s arms. The two of them were engaged a mere two weeks after they met and were married a month later. Carl knew he was a rebound, and he’d always resented it.

  Now, Zoe was back home and Daddy was already starting to needle her about Briggs. That combined with her dreams was a bit too much to take. She let out a long sigh as she raked her hair out of her face. Forcing her fears back into the box, she sealed it closed. She had to keep moving forward. Get in a good routine. That was the only thing she knew. She reached for her phone on the nightstand to check the time. Her stomach clutched. Ten a.m. What the freak?! Zoe couldn’t remember the last time she’d slept this late. Were the kids okay? Had they come in and tried to wake her? Daddy must think she was a total louse. Crap! She stood, her body feeling slightly shaky as she wheeled herself into motion.

  She heard a cry from outside. She went to the window and peered out through the panes at the muted gray of the overcast day. At least it was no longer raining. Zoe saw movement, heard another scream. Milo’s scream! Her heart missed a beat as her eyes processed what she was seeing—Milo was on a runaway horse, holding onto the horn of the saddle for dear life.

  Zoe’s feet seemed to have a mind of their own as she ran out of the room and down the stairs to get to him. She threw open the front door and flew across the porch, hardly noticing the cold, wet wood against her bare feet until a sharp stab of pain shot through the ball of her foot. She doubled over, realizing she’d gotten a splinter.

  “Pull on the reins,” she heard Daddy yell. “Show ‘em who’s boss.”

  Tears sprang to Zoe’s eyes as she held up her foot for inspection. The splinter was wedged deep into her flesh. No time to worry about that now. Shivers of pain rattled through her as she hobbled down the steps and across the freshly mowed wet grass, which clung like matted eyelashes to her feet. By the time Zoe got to the far edge of the yard, Milo managed to get the horse turned around and was now coming back. Instinct took over as Zoe ran out into the dirt road, which went alongside the house and led to the stables.

  “Get out of the way!” she heard Daddy yell. Too late, Zoe realized she was on a collision course with the horse, which had no intention of stopping. She saw the terror in Milo’s eyes as her body froze, her hands instinctively going up for protection as she braced for the impact. Then, she saw a flash of movement out of the corner of her eye as she was knocked out of the way the instant before the horse went barreling by.

  She felt the blunt force of her back hitting the ground as her mind tried to wrestle with what was happening. A heavy weight pressed on Zoe’s chest, and then she heard Daddy’s voice. “Whoa! I got ya. You’re alright.”

  A heady relief rushed over Zoe. Milo was okay. Now her, on the other hand … She took an assessment. Her back was pressed flat to the ground, wet gooey mud seeping into her clothes, skin, and hair. Then, the synapses of her brain fired enough to truly realize what was happening. Her eyes bugged as she looked up and found herself starting into two very blue, very recognizable eyes that had become the fabric of her dreams. “Briggs?” she gasped. It registered in her brain that he’d saved her from getting mowed over by the horse.

  He crooked a smile, the edges of his eyes crinkling. “Hey Z.”

  The affection in his tone was at once familiar and cutting, making her acutely aware of all that they’d once shared and lost. Time stopped as the two of them locked eyes. She was surprised by the addition of laugh lines that crinkled his suntanned face and how his brow was touched with the wisdom of age. The boy had grown into a man. The splash of adventure in his eyes was exactly the same as she remembered. Her skin flushed under the warmth of his breath. His closeness shot a spark of attraction through her that was hot enough to trigger combustion. She couldn’t handle it—this brutal reentry into the past—so she coughed. “You’re on my chest. I can’t breathe,” she squeaked.

  “Oh, yeah. Sorry about that,” he chuckled as he got up off her. He held out a hand and heaved her to her feet. The minute she pressed weight on her injured foot, she yelped, lifting it as she shifted to stand on her other foot.

  Concern flicked over Briggs’ handsome face as he caught hold of her arm. “You okay?”

  She offered a weak smile. “Yeah, I have a splinter in my foot. Remind me not to run barefoot on the porch.”

  He made a face. “Ah, man. We need to get that out.”

  “Yeah.” The inference of we wasn’t lost on her. Zoe turned her attention to Milo and her daddy, who were both standing by the midnight black horse whose coat shimmered like water with every movement. Madison was with them. Zoe hadn’t seen Mads earlier, but she must’ve been nearby. Daddy was stroking the horse’s mane as he spoke in soothing tones. Zoe frowned. That horse was way too young and spirited to start Milo out on. Why hadn’t Daddy let him ride one of the docile mares?

  It was about this time that she felt Briggs’ eyes on her. She looked down, horrified at what she was wearing … or rather, not wearing! She’d run outside in nothing but a long T-shirt and undies. While the T-shirt was long enough to cover everything, it was still obscenely inappropriate to be out here like this, especially in front of Briggs! She looked down at her mud-splattered legs and feet, encrusted with grass. Amusement danced like sunlight in Briggs’ azure eyes as his lips quivered. “What?” Zoe demanded.

  His eyebrow slid up. “Nice outfit,” he drawled in an exaggerated country twang.

  Heat crawled over her like fire ants. “Well, I wasn’t planning on coming outside,” she retorted. “I got up and saw Milo in trouble, then I ran out.” She tugged at the bottom of her T-shirt in an attempt to stretch it. This was worse than one of those nightmares where you’re back in high school with everyone staring. You look down and realize that you’re not wearing a stitch of clothing. Well, at least she had on some clothes. Daddy and the kids turned to look at her.

  “Uh, sweet pea,” Daddy began, “did you forget something?”

  “Your pants,” Madison answered with a giggle, her hands going over her mouth.

  Milo was looking at Zoe like she’d lost her mind. “Mom?”

  Zoe wanted to shrink down to the size of a bug and crawl away. Her tongue started moving at warp speed to get the explanation out. “I had just gotten out of bed when I saw you on the horse. I ran out to help. Then I got a splinter, the horse rushed at me, and,” she shot him an irritated look, “Briggs tackled me.”

  “Saved you,” he inserted.

  “Yes,” she admitted, realizing immediately that she wasn’t upset with Briggs but more with the situation and Daddy for putting Milo on that horse. “Thank you.”r />
  He winked as he leaned closer and murmured, “You owe me one, Z.”

  Yikes! She’d forgotten the power of those penetrating eyes. She rocked back, her brain searching for some witty response, but none would come. Instead, she broke the connection and hobbled over to Daddy and the kids, walking mostly on her heels. Briggs kept pace beside her, as if still feeling the need to protect her.

  Holding the horse reins with one hand, Daddy pointed to her foot with the other. “What happened?”

  “As I was running across the porch to get to Milo, I got a splinter in my foot.” Zoe glared at Daddy, waiting for his response.

  “Ouch.” Daddy’s head swiveled back and forth. Then, a sheepish smile broke over his lips. “Those splinters will get you every time.” Milo laughed at Daddy’s joke, but Zoe didn’t think it was funny.

  Her hand went to her hip. “Why didn’t you wake me up?”

  Compassion stirred over Daddy’s features as his voice went soft. “You were dead tired last night, sugar pea. The kids and I figured we’d let you sleep. You have had such a rough time of it and you needed a break.”

  Heat crawled up Zoe’s neck as she cast a self-conscious glance at Briggs and then back at Daddy. Zoe didn’t want her personal pain flaunted in front of Briggs. Then again, it wasn’t like he didn’t know. Daddy had probably told him everything. The two of them were thick as molasses.

  “Papaw made us pancakes,” Madison announced, smiling broadly. For the first time, Zoe got a good look at her daughter who was wearing pink pants, an orange shirt, and chartreuse green socks. Her hair looked like rats had been nesting in it.

  Zoe pinned Daddy with a look. “Why did you put Milo on that horse? If he’d fallen off, he could’ve broken a bone … or worse.”

  “Aw, the boy did just fine.” Knox cast Milo a look of admiration that caused Milo’s chest to swell ten sizes.

  “Papaw bought me a horse,” Milo exclaimed, his expression giddy.

  Zoe’s eyes bulged as she looked at Daddy. “You got him a horse?” Her hands went to her hips. “Seriously?”

  He rubbed the horse’s mane. “Yep, it’s what every boy his age needs.”

  “His name is Blue,” Milo inserted. “See how he looks sort of blue every time he moves?”

  “Papaw said I could have a horse too when I turn eleven,” Madison inserted.

  Irritation boiled inside Zoe’s gut as she locked eyes with Daddy. “Why didn’t you tell me you were getting Milo a horse?” This was way over the top, even for Daddy.

  “I was going to this morning, but you were asleep.”

  She rolled her eyes as she waved a hand. “Next time, you do something so … extravagant … could you let me know first? Also, I would appreciate it if you would give me a heads up before you plop my son on a runaway horse,” she retorted.

  “Okay, sugar plum,” Daddy said in that easy manner he used to diffuse arguments. Zoe could tell that Daddy was going to do just as he pleased, regardless of how much she fussed. “You’d better go in and get cleaned up. Meanwhile, the kids and I are gonna stop by the dress shop and see Birdie.”

  Zoe had given up long ago trying to understand her daddy and mama’s complicated relationship. The two of them were such close friends that she wondered why they didn’t just bite the bullet and get back together. Then again, who was she to judge? It wasn’t like she was a relationship expert by any stretch up the imagination.

  Madison began jumping up and down. “The dress shop. Yay!”

  “We’ll see if we can scare us up some ice cream afterwards,” Daddy added, causing a large grin to stretch over Milo’s lips.

  Zoe nodded. “Alright, I’ll go and get cleaned up so I can come with you.” She was looking forward to catching up with Mama.

  “Nah, that’ll take too long,” Knox said. “You’d better stay here.”

  Zoe’s jaw dropped. “But …”

  Knox looked at Briggs. “Would you mind helping Zoe get the splinter out of her foot?”

  “I’m perfectly capable of removing a splinter,” Zoe retorted. She knew exactly what her daddy was doing, and she didn’t like it one bit. The thought of being alone with Briggs tied her in knots. It was bad enough to have him beside her now. The last thing she needed was to add insult to injury.

  A look passed between Daddy and Briggs. “Look after her,” Daddy said.

  “Of course,” Briggs answered.

  Why did Zoe get the feeling they were talking about so much more than a mere splinter? “Whatever,” Zoe retorted. She looked at Madison. “We need to change your clothes and fix your hair before you go see Momaw.” She didn’t want Mama to think that she and the kids had gone to the dogs. Mama prided herself on being an independent, capable woman and expected the same from her only daughter. The wind picked up, sending goosebumps over Zoe’s flesh as she hugged her arms. Feeling a drop of rain, she glanced up at the leaden sky. It looked like the bottom of the sooty clouds might fall out any minute.

  “Aw, she’s fine,” Daddy protested, “Birdie can fix her hair.”

  Madison nodded emphatically, her hair bobbing up and down.

  “Okay, fine,” Zoe huffed, “but you’d better tell Mama that I had nothing to do with getting Madison dressed this morning.”

  Knox flashed a large grin. “Alright, little darling. I’ll take full responsibility.” He turned to Milo. “Let’s get old Blue back to the stables. I’ll show you how to remove the saddle and get him situated.”

  “Can I help too?” Madison asked eagerly.

  “Sure can,” Knox answered. There was a sparkle in his eyes as he looked at Zoe and Briggs.” See y’all after while.” He motioned with his head. “Let’s go, kiddos.”

  Zoe stood there for a minute, watching them walk away before turning to Briggs. “You really don’t have to stay. I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself.” She didn’t try to hide the bite in her voice. No matter how sexy Briggs looked in his jeans and form-fitting T-shirt that showcased his chiseled torso—had he always been that cut? He’d always been a heartthrob with his even features and striking blue eyes, but now he was all raw muscle and man. Her gaze ran along the length of his tanned arm, noting how the lines of his bicep were enunciated with his every movement. Stop it! she commanded herself. She couldn’t let herself forget that Briggs had broken her heart. Had he stepped up to the plate and married her to begin with like they planned, she wouldn’t have met Carl on the rebound, and she wouldn’t be so broken and confused right now.

  She turned and began limping back to the house. More drops of rain fell. First one pinprick of cold against her skin and then two. A second later, it began pouring. A hard laugh scratched Zoe’s throat. “Just my luck.”

  “Here, let me.” Briggs stepped next to Zoe, his arm encircling her waist. She tried to pull away but was no match for his strength.

  “Quit it, Z. I’m only trying to help.”

  She caught the exasperation in his voice and decided to let it ride. It was nice to have his help. She tried not to think about his warmth or his strong arm around her. They were both dripping wet by the time they got to the door. Shivers ran ribbons through Zoe’s body as they stepped inside and closed the door. Zoe hugged her arms as she looked down at her mud-caked feet. Hysterical laughter bubbled in her throat as she swallowed it back down. “Gina’s not going to be happy with me.” Mud was pooling onto the floor. She grimaced. “What a mess!”

  “I’ll go grab some towels,” Briggs said as he quickly removed his boots. The rain had flattened his dark-blond hair to his head, emphasizing the strong lines of his face.

  Zoe’s memories were colliding together and tumbling into a big heap. Being here with Briggs felt so natural and so thrilling. In her dreams, he was younger, just as she’d been. Now, she was having to synch this full-grown manly man with the boy she’d fallen so hard for, once upon a time. “Do you know where the towels are?”

  He tipped a quirky grin. “Lots of things have changed since you’ve be
en gone. I know my way around.”

  She nodded, biting her lower lip. Her eyes traced the outline of his form as he went. Good gravy, he was a walking poster of masculinity with his smooth, fluid steps. Her gaze caught on how his hair curled against his tanned neck. Next, she took in his broad shoulders and muscular back. No wonder she’d fallen so hard for him. How could any woman resist? For a split second, heat darted through her, warding off the cold. By the time Briggs came back, however, her teeth were chattering. Zoe had forgotten how much humidity intensified the temperature.

  Briggs placed one towel around her shoulders while handing her another. His arm brushed against hers, causing a jolt of awareness to ping through her.

  “Thanks,” she mumbled, noticing the bumps on his arms. He was cold too. She began to dry off, not sure what to do about her feet. She needed to get up to the bedroom to put on some clothes. Briggs also began toweling off. Zoe’s breath froze in her throat when he removed his shirt. “What’re you doing?” she croaked, trying not to look at his chiseled pecs and six-pack. Geez, Louise. Ranch life had done him good.

  A boyish grin streaked over his lips, reminding her so much of the old Briggs that it tugged at her heartstrings. “I’m gonna throw this in the dryer.” He made a point of looking her up and down with an appreciation that simmered heat through her stomach. “Want me to add your shirt into the mix?” Her cheeks flamed like a neon sign, and she could tell Briggs was getting a kick out of her embarrassment. A low chuckle issued from his throat, causing his Adam’s apple to move up and down. “I take that as a no.”

  She laughed lightly. “You wish.”

  He stepped closer, his sapphire eyes deepening to royal blue. “A man can dream, can’t he?”

  She traced the pattern of the faint lines around his eyes and mouth, evidence that laughter came easily to him. She’d always admired that about Briggs, how he could live so fully and completely in the moment. She followed the line of his hard, clean jaw, thinking how Carl would’ve killed for a jawline like that. The thought caused a bubble of unreasonable laughter to erupt in her throat as she swallowed. “Dreaming is all you’ll ever do,” she taunted, lifting her chin, trying to fight back the smile threatening to spill over her lips. She’d forgotten how stimulating it was to battle wits with Briggs.