Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
Ryan
Watching my daughter interact with someone who isn’t family has become so rare that I can’t take my eyes off them. Laney is patient and hasn’t once tried to get her to speak. Instead, she asks questions in a way that has Pepper’s attention but doesn’t require a response. I’ll admit to being curious as to what she does in this small building. My mind drifted to varying possibilities, but edible flowers was not one of them.
In the days since we arrived in Magnolia Grove, I’ve seen Laney a handful of times. Not only scooping ice cream and sorting books but out on walks with Steve, interacting with Connie as he stops by her dock, and one evening sitting on her deck, staring up at the sky. Each time, I’ve noticed how content she seems. Comfortable. But here, in this space, it’s not contentment I see, it’s a sense of belonging.
“Do you feel how cool the soil is?” Pepper nods. “Sometimes when it’s crazy hot outside, I’ll come in here simply to play in the dirt.”
I watch as Pepper mimics Laney’s movements and slips her little fingers into the dirt. Her nose scrunches. It’s adorable and makes me chuckle. Two sets of eyes turn my way, smiles accompanying them both.
“Don’t mind me,” I comment, my hands raised in surrender.
At the sound of my voice, Steve jumps from his bed and rushes over to my feet. For such a little guy he has the energy of a dog five times his size. I lean down and scoop him up, flipping him onto his back to rub his belly. My gaze lifts from the happy guy in my hands to find Laney staring at me. Her eyes widen and a blush creeps across her cheeks.
The moment is short before she returns her attention to Pepper. A dozen questions run through my mind. What is she thinking? Does she realize how amazing she is? What would she look like completely uninhibited?
“I think these cells are ready. How about we get cleaned up?”
“Okay.”
The questions in my head come to a screeching halt and I look at my daughter. It’s a single word. Four letters. Maybe two. Pepper’s smile is wide, and her dirty little hands held up in front of her like she’s preparing for surgery.
I should go to her but something in my gut tells me this is a pivotal moment for her. For us. Laney must recognize the same thing because she hesitates, only for half a second, but it’s enough for me to notice. My heart beats quickly as I watch her help Pepper off the stool and motions her toward the small sink.
They’re far enough away that I can’t hear what is being said over the music, but I’m watching my daughter’s lips move and Laney laugh as she washes her hands then goes about helping Pepper with the task. It’s been over a year since I’ve seen this side of my baby. I wondered if it was possible she would come back to me. Our loss will be with us forever, there’s no way to avoid it. But I have hope. Hope we’ll begin healing. I could give credit to being in a different environment, but I think that’s doing a disservice to who really deserves the credit. It can’t be a coincidence that Pepper is more open when she’s with Laney.
“Oh goodness, look at the time. We should probably get inside. Emma and Mattie will be here anytime.”
I blink twice, my eyes falling to where Pepper and Laney’s hands are clasped.
“Ryan?”
“Hmm?”
When I make eye contact with Laney, I note the smirk on her face and the kindness in her eyes. She understands what’s happening. Of course she does. How is she so connected to what we’re going through?
“Come on Pepper, let’s get ourselves some lemonade and Steve a snack. Your daddy seems to be frozen.”
At the mention of his treat, Steve rushes to the door and begins doing circles. Laney opens the door and ushers him outside. I’m still planted in my spot, watching it all happen in front of me. When I make my way outside, Laney is waiting for me while the shorter duo runs around the yard, giggles and barks competing for the loudest sound.
“Are you okay?”
I swallow down the tears filling my eyes and clear my throat. “It’s been so long since I’ve heard her laugh like that.”
“She’s been through a lot. You both have. I was a little older when I lost my parents, but I remember withdrawing. As an adult, I can only imagine how stressful and frightening that was for my grandparents.”
I turn to face Laney, a grin on her face as she watches Steve. “You lost your parents? Both of them?”
She sighs and looks my way, pushing up her glasses. “I did.”
Not another word is said as she shuffles Pepper and Steve into the house. I’ve just closed the door when the doorbell chimes.
Celebrity life has always confused me. Not just the way my photo is taken while returning a shopping cart to its corral or how taking a trip to an amusement park requires security but the way people stare awkwardly, unsure of how to behave in my presence. It’s something that has always made me uncomfortable. I’m just a guy who stumbled on a little luck and can play the guitar. It’s never made sense to me.
Until now.
Sitting across from Mattie Lincoln is surreal. Did I have him as my fantasy league quarterback for two seasons? Sure did.
Am I going to tell him that? Nope.
Instead, I’m sitting here with a beer in my hand listening to him share stories of life in professional sports and what it was like coming home to Magnolia Grove. Knowing how his career ended, I empathize with how difficult it must have been to transition back into small-town life. Still, he seems happy and if it wasn’t for that twist of fate, he wouldn’t be with Emma.
“How long do you think you’ll be in town?”
Stretching my legs out in front of me, I take a draw from my beer. Good question. “Not sure. I promised my in-laws I’d have Pepper back by Christmas morning. But I can’t see staying here if I need to hide out in that house,” I say, nodding toward the rental next door.
Mattie laughs. “Laney mentioned you were recognized. I have to say, I’m a little surprised. The beard is a different look.”
I lift my hand, running the palm across my cheek. “Yeah, it’s not my manager’s favorite look. The label on the other hand wants to lean into it. Says it gives me an edge. Truth be told, I got lazy and just stopped shaving. My focus is on my daughter.”
“I’m sorry about your loss. Must be difficult for her. Hell, we lost my grandfather recently and none of us have been okay. Can’t imagine what it’s like for a little kid.”
“Yeah, it’s been a tough haul. Our therapist suggested we get a change of scenery. Escape the ghosts and see if it helped her open up.”
“Has it?”
I nod. “I’m not sure if it’s the change of scenery or Laney. The few times we’ve been around her, Pepper has been a lot more outgoing.”
Mattie laughs. “That’s Laney for you. She is one of the kindest people I’ve ever known. Her entire family, just great people. Well, were. It’s just her and Uncle Freddy now. Still, she’s one of the good ones.”
I take another pull from my beer and then choke.
“She’s single too.”
Coughing and gasping for air, I shake my head.
“Don’t die on me, man. The ladies would never forgive me. I’m just saying, if you’re going to spend time with someone, Laney’s a great choice. Now, let me give you some tips on working with the town and keeping a low profile.”
For another thirty minutes or so, Mattie gives me a breakdown of the gossips in town and what I can expect if I become a topic of that rumor mill. His suggestion to call out my presence to these women seems strange at first, but after he explains the dynamics of the town, it all falls into place.
“So, what you’re saying is if I throw myself at the mercy of these women, they’ll protect me?”
“Yep. There is nothing malicious in their gossip. Honestly, if it weren’t for Ms. Linda, Mrs. Jinny, and Mrs. Minnie, I don’t know that half the couples in this town would have found one another. A little gossip and a lot of love goes a long way in Magnolia Grove. I’m telling you. Head on over to Mimi’s Gasoline Grove for the best sweet tea of the south and share your worries with those ladies.”
It seems strange, but what do I know about the dynamics in this town?
“Oh, and bring your daughter. They’ll protect that girl like their own. It’ll be like that movie Sweet Home Alabama when the town rallies around Reese Witherspoon. Besides, Laney is your biggest advocate, and she’s in charge of the Jubilee. It makes her royalty for at least the next two weeks.”
“Did I hear someone mention my favorite movie?” Emma asks as she slides her hand over Mattie’s shoulder. His hand grips hers as he looks up at her.
“I told Ryan the town will rally around him and Pepper like in the movie.”
Emma laughs. “You aren’t wrong. Now that you’ve mentioned it, I could stand for going home and queuing up the movie itself. Maybe we can get some ideas for Ryan.”
Mattie stands and wraps her in his arms. “You just want to watch a romantic movie.”
I stand, offering my hand to Mattie in thanks. Although I still can’t believe one of my favorite players has given up his afternoon and evening to hang out with me, I feel like he’s leaving here as a friend. We file into the house where the scent of lemons fills the air. Laney is in the kitchen, spraying counters and wiping them down. I look around for Pepper and spot her on the couch with Steve curled up in her lap, eyes fixated on the television.
“I hope it’s okay she’s watching a movie. I didn’t want to interrupt you guys, and she was yawning. Figured she could use a little relaxation.”
Her thoughtfulness shouldn’t surprise me, but I am still taken aback. I hadn’t realized how much I missed having someone help with something as simple as encouraging my daughter to relax. Doing this without a partner has been challenging, but until this moment I didn’t realize how much.
“That’s great. Thank you for looking out for her.”
“And we’re outta here. Laney, thanks for dinner. Ryan, let’s get together again before you leave town. Maybe grab a beer at River’s Edge.”
Emma and Laney hug and then Mattie leads his other half out the door. Once the door closes, Laney turns around, her bottom lip tugged between her teeth. A loaded silence falls between us. The tension like an undercurrent of unspoken words. I should get Pepper home. It’s late and she’s probably exhausted. Only, I can’t seem to move.
“I was going to have another glass of wine. Would you like another beer?”
I guess I’m not the only one who feels the change between us.
“Sounds good.”
While Laney moves about the kitchen, pouring herself a glass of wine, I tiptoe closer to the couch and spy my little girl fast asleep with Steve in her arms. There’s the slightest grin on her lips and my heart expands with pure love. Watching her sleep has become something I do regularly. In her room, with only the soft glow from a nightlight casting shadows on the wall, I’m reminded what it’s all for. Pushing through the pain of the last year is for her. It’s always for her.
A sharp tingle across my skin from the touch of the cold bottle startles me and I turn to find Laney looking up at me. She nods her head toward the back door. With a final look at Pepper, I turn and follow her to the deck. Instead of sitting at the table where Mattie and I were, Laney taps the spot next to her on a gliding bench. She’s sitting with her legs tucked underneath her and resting her elbow on the back.
She’s relaxed.
And beautiful.