“She loved them all.” Amy paused for a pregnant moment, then asked, “Have you spoken to Dad lately?”
They all loved their dad, but he tended to let time slip away between calls and relied on them to contact him rather than the other way around. Though he was always up for a long chat. He just wasn’t one to pick up the phone unless prompted by his new wife.
“Just before I left the Napa area. He seems happy in Arizona with Loran.”
“I thought after the divorce he’d be a bachelor forever.”
“Loran changed that. They’ve been married . . . what? Five years?”
“Six.” Amy wrapped her arms around her middle. “She’s younger than him.” Amy let that hang for a minute. “Do you think guys are like that? As they get older, they think about replacing the old model with . . . well, a model.”
Sierra chuckled. “Maybe some guys, but not Dad. Loran is only five years younger than him. It’s not like he hooked up with some twentysomething.”
“I know, but . . . Never mind.”
Sierra caught on quick. “Amy, you’re beautiful and smart and a great mom. Rex would be crazy to let you go.”
Amy stood up straighter. “Of course he would. But he’d never leave me. We’re good. Great.”
Yes, everything is fine in Amyland.
Sierra checked her watch. “I’m so glad you made time to meet us here today so the kids could play, but I’ve got to get them home and fed. They start school tomorrow and I want to get them back on a schedule.”
“I hear you.” Amy whistled at the kids and waved her hand, calling them back from the playground.
The boys jumped off the swings, playfully pushing at each other, saying one or the other had leapt the farthest. Oliver and Emma climbed down from the ride-on rocking bear and dog that sat atop huge metal springs.
Emma ran up to her mom. “Can we get ice cream?”
Amy shook her head and brushed her hand over Emma’s hair. “It’s time to go to music class before dinner.”
“Ugh. Mom. No. I hate violin.”
“You just need to practice more and you’ll be good at it.”
“I hate it!” Emma scrunched her little face into a deep frown and stormed off to the car, climbing in the side door behind P.J.
Amy rolled her eyes. “They’re so fun.” She hugged Sierra. “Call if you need me to watch the kids after school or whatever.”
“Call me about that date night,” Sierra countered. She really hoped Amy took her up on it. It seemed like she and Rex needed a night, or two, to reconnect.
Sierra understood all too well how things could turn monotonous and routine in a marriage. Maybe if she’d scheduled a few more date nights instead of avoiding the talk she and David needed to have but always put off . . .
She couldn’t change the past. She needed to let it go.
“Mom?” Danny called from beside the car. “Are we going? I’m hungry.”
“Yes. Climb in. Make sure Oliver is buckled in his seat, please.”
Sierra got behind the wheel, started the car, backed out of her spot, gave a honk good-bye to her sister, who was turned in her seat talking fast to the kids in back in what looked like an argument, probably about Emma not wanting to go to music class. Sierra headed out of the lot and turned toward their temporary home, thinking about what kind of life she wanted here with the boys.
Certainly not one filled with so much to do you didn’t have time to really enjoy life. She wanted balance for the boys. And herself.
She thought about her mother and those socials at the country club. She loved that her mom was putting herself out there.
Sierra wondered if she’d ever be ready to try again.
* * *
Sierra stopped at the mailbox, pulling in behind a sleek Mercedes. She stared at the back of the tall blond in a navy suit who got out of the car. She thought he looked familiar, but from behind wasn’t sure it was . . .
Mason turned and smiled at her.
She caught her breath at the sight of him and smiled before she even thought about it. “I’ll just be a second, boys.” She rolled the windows down and got out.
“Hey there, stranger.” Mason stood in front of her before she knew it and put his hand on her shoulder. “I was so sorry to hear about your troubles. If there’s anything you need, I’m happy to help.”
She should ask him about helping her track down the money her husband didn’t tell her about, but all she could do was look up at him and wonder how men got so much better-looking as they aged.
“Sierra? You okay?”
She mentally shook herself out of her head and nodded. “Yes. Fine. I’m sorry. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I took over Mom and Dad’s place about eight or nine months ago when they wanted to downsize. Dad didn’t want to spend all his time tending the land and animals anymore. I didn’t want to let go of the ranch.”
“You must have some really great memories of that place.”
He stared down at her for a long moment. “I do. Sorry to hear you lost your home. You guys doing okay?” He cocked his head toward her boys. “They’re huge.”
She laughed. “They refuse to stop growing up.”
“Kids,” he scoffed. “They never do what they’re told.” Same old Mason. Always good-natured, ready with a warm smile and a joke to make her laugh.
“They’re great boys. And we’re doing okay. In fact, I just got them enrolled in school.”
Mason shook his head. “Ugh. Moms. Always doing what’s best for their kids.”
She found herself chuckling again. “Well, I did let them have a cupcake after breakfast this morning.”
“Mom of the year.” His smile made her heart trip over a couple beats.
“It was a bribe to get them to meet their teachers today. They’ve been out of school for a few weeks now and aren’t anxious to get back to it.”
“New place. New school. You don’t know anyone. Yeah, I get their reluctance.”
“Me, too, but they need to take this first step into their new life.”
Mason tilted his head. “You’re staying, then?”
She nodded, pleased for no reason at all that he seemed happy about it. “I want to be closer to my family. Mom is getting older, I need the help, and though my sisters and I stay in touch, it’s not the same as being here all the time.”
“I know what you mean. My parents and I used to see each other all the time, but with work and their social life, we don’t get together as much.” He got a far-off look. “Of course, I avoid them sometimes because of all the ‘Why aren’t you married yet?’ questions.”
She couldn’t help the quick glance from head to foot and back before she asked, “Why aren’t you married?”
He chuckled. “Lots of reasons, but”—his gaze turned to a hard stare—“I guess I’ve been waiting for the right woman.”
Uneasy under his direct gaze, she went around that statement. “I thought maybe it was because of your job.”
“That’s what a lot of people think. I see couples in the worst possible situation. They’ve lost the love and can’t communicate anymore. But that doesn’t mean I don’t think relationships can work. My parents are great together. I want that.”
“I love your parents. I was jealous of you.”
“Me. Why?”
“You were close with your mom and dad. I sometimes felt like a Ping-Pong ball between mine. They both tried to make everything seem normal and perfect, but when you aren’t with one parent all the time, it feels like they don’t really know you.”
“I try to make my clients see that equal time with their kids is important. Some of them though . . . They don’t want to give up custody out of spite, not because it’s what’s best for their kids.”
“Divorce sucks.”
“Yep.” He held up his stack of mail. “But it pays the bills.”
Probably quite well based on what she’d heard about him being in high demand.
“So, Sierra, what are you going to do now that you’re back?”
“I need to find a job. I can’t afford not to get back to work right away.”
“I imagine settling your affairs for the house in Napa is going to take a while.”
“I’m probably going to be the loser in the whole thing, too.”
He nodded, a half frown tilting his lips. “California. It costs more to rebuild than insurance covers a lot of the time.”
“Tell me about it.”
“Are you still interested in property management, or do you plan to do something else?”
She tried not to show her surprise that he remembered what she did for a living. “Beggars can’t be choosers, but I’d love to get a job doing what I know. I really enjoyed working with clients and renters.”
“I might know someone who’s looking for help. I could make a call.”
The offer touched her deeply. “Oh, well, that’s so nice, but I don’t want to put you out.”
“It’s no trouble. I know a lot of people in this town. It’s a simple phone call to see if something’s available.”
Hope surged. A job would solve a lot of problems and eliminate most of her anxiety. “Really? You’d do that for me.”
He stared at her for a long moment. “Yeah, Sierra, I’d do that for you.”
“Thank you, Mason.”
“You’re welcome, Sierra.” He glanced at the boys again. “When are you going to take me up on my offer?”
She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes in question. “What are you talking about?”
“Bringing the boys over to ride.” He watched her for understanding, then added, “Heather didn’t tell you.”
She shook her head and frowned. “No. I’m sorry, she didn’t say anything to me about you.” Probably because Heather wasn’t the most reliable person when it came to delivering messages.
“I’m not surprised,” he said under his breath. “Um, I saw her the other day and told her to tell you that anytime you want to bring the boys to see the horses and go for a ride I’d be happy to have you at the ranch.”
“Can we, Mom?” Danny called from the back of the car.
“Horsies!” Oliver yelled.
“Nice, putting me on the spot like that,” she teased Mason.
He winked. “I want you to come over. It’s been a long time since we went for a ride.”
It had been too long time since she and Mason spent time together and she let the giddy feeling building inside her loose. Nothing serious had ever happened between them, but she’d always felt like if they just gave it a chance something could happen.
“Please, Mom.” Danny gave her those big puppy dog eyes that made it impossible to say no.
“Are you busy Saturday?” she asked.
“Not anymore.” Mason smiled at Danny and Oliver when they both yelled, “Yes!”
“I don’t want you to cancel plans or anything.”
“It’s just a football game. I can record it. Come up to the house at eleven.”
Danny leaned over the window. “Are the Patriots playing?”
“They sure are. You like football.”
Danny fell back in his seat. “I used to watch with my dad.”
Mason walked over, planted his hands on the open window frame, and leaned down. “I knew your dad.”
“You did?”
“Once upon a time we were friends. Every now and then we caught a game together. How about we go for a ride in the morning, you stay for lunch, and we watch the game together.”
“Really?”
Mason tilted his head and looked at her. “If it’s okay with your mom.”
Sierra hadn’t realized how much Danny missed watching the games with his father. “I think that’s a great idea.”
“Will you make chili cheese dip?” Danny leaned forward, his face so earnest and hopeful.
“Yes, honey. Anything you want.” Anything to make him feel the connection he had to his dad.
“I want pigs and blankets,” Oliver requested.
“Me, too,” Mason added, his face just as hopeful as her boys’.
“I expect you guys will keep your room clean and do as you’re told until Saturday, including any homework you get this week.”
“We will, Mom,” Danny assured her.
“Promise,” Oliver added to his brother’s vow.
“Promise,” Mason echoed, making her laugh. “I’ll get all my work done so we can spend the day together.”
She shook her head, trying to hide her smile. “You’re crazy, you know that. You have no idea what kind of mess those two monsters can make of a bowl of chips and chili cheese dip.”
He shrugged that off. “I’ve got a sponge and mop and a leather couch that wipes clean. No problem.”
She hoped he meant it. “Okay. We’ll see you Saturday.”
“I can’t wait.” He held his fist out to Danny. “See you this weekend.”
Danny pounded it. “Yes!”
Oliver leaned way over his seat to fist-bump Mason’s hand, too. “Horsies!”
“You can pet all of them and ride one.”
Oliver sat back with a huge grin.
Sierra waited for Mason to turn back to her. “You made their day.”
“I hope I made yours, too.”
“You made me smile. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome, Sierra.” He pulled out his phone and tapped a couple times, then handed it to her. “Put your info in there for me.”
She typed in her name and cell number, then handed the cell back to him.
He touched a few more things on his phone and hers dinged with a text in her back pocket.
“Now you’ve got my number. See you Saturday.” He touched her shoulder before heading back to his car. With a wave he drove off.
She watched him go until his car disappeared.
Grabbing the mail from her mother’s box, Sierra climbed back into her car thinking about the way she still felt the imprint of his big hand on her shoulder and the warmth spreading through her.
Her heart felt lighter after seeing Mason and how he made her kids smile and excited about something again.
It had been so long since she’d seen Danny that animated that she hadn’t even realized how subdued he’d been since his father’s death. He hadn’t mentioned football at all. But she remembered how they’d watch the games together cheering on their team and letting out long and overblown groans when there was a bad call or their team lost. They ate junk food, had burping contests, and wrestled and laughed together.
The sound of it had filled the house, and she missed it, too.
The fist bumps were supercute, and the looks in her boys’ eyes as Mason paid attention to them . . . They needed that kind of male bonding in their lives.
She was Mom. She did her job, loved them with her whole heart, and they needed her. But it wasn’t the same as having your dad around, or a man who took a real interest in them.
Mason had invited them over to be a good neighbor and distract the boys after all they’d been through. She appreciated the gesture.
She found herself looking forward to the weekend along with her boys. Maybe they all needed a man like Mason in their life. Someone open, honest, and kind.
* * *
It wasn’t until she got the boys settled watching a movie while she made dinner that she remembered to check her text and save Mason’s number in her contacts. She stared at the text, enthralled by Mason’s words, and jumped when her mother tapped her on the shoulder and said, “The pasta is boiling over.” She tore her gaze from her phone to deal with dinner.
But she didn’t need to see it to remember exactly what it said and how it made her feel.
Mason: I’ve missed you. Welcome home. I can’t wait to see you this weekend. Sooner, I hope.
Was it strange to feel like she’d been waiting to come back home and realize that maybe he was the reason why? It didn’t make sense, but then again
with their history, maybe it did in some strange way.
Chapter Eight
Mason couldn’t stop thinking about Sierra. Hope and anticipation had been building inside him since Heather told him Sierra was coming home. Those feelings got stronger when Sierra confirmed she planned to stay for good.
If he could contribute in any way to encouraging her to make a life here again, he was all in.
He’d missed her. He thought he knew how much, but it didn’t even scratch the surface of how he felt when he saw her yesterday.
Such a simple meeting, but he hoped it led to something more.
He’d let her get away years ago because he’d been too focused on building his career and thinking that she’d always be there for him, that she wasn’t going anywhere.
Stupid. Of course someone else saw her beauty and everything wonderful about her and wanted her for himself.
It still pissed him off that David snuck right in there and stole her before Mason made his move.
He wouldn’t make that mistake again.
Unless . . . No. Revealing that kind of secret would do no good for Sierra. She’d been through enough. And he didn’t know for sure that what he thought he knew was even true. Making an accusation like that would only stir up trouble.
And if he was wrong, he could do some serious damage.
Better to keep his mouth shut and his unfounded suspicions to himself.
He walked into the top realtor in town and smiled at the beautiful woman walking out of her plush office to greet him.
“Mason. I’m so happy you called. I can’t wait for you to spend all the money I paid you during my divorce on a gorgeous new house.”
He chuckled and shook Marissa’s hand. “Sorry to disappoint, but I’m here to talk about a job.”
Her perfectly sculpted eyebrows shot up. “Handing in your lawyer card to sell real estate?”
“Not a chance.”
She held her hand out toward her office past the cubicles where everyone eyed them and answered the ringing phones. “Come. Let’s talk.”
He followed her into her office, closed the door behind him, and waited for her to take her seat behind her desk before he took the chair in front of it.
She leaned forward and folded her arms on top of the mahogany desk. “You got me a huge settlement and kept my husband from taking my kids. So what can I do for you?”
Sisters and Secrets Page 6