Chapter Eleven #2
“That is wild,” Caleb said, his eyes looking like saucers. “There’s no way she can pull this off on her own.” He looked around the room. “Is there?”
“We can’t let her do that. Her doctors already weighed in saying that it’s just not feasible. She could really get into a crisis mid-flight. Her oxygen levels are already questionable,” Landon told them.
“Let being the operative word,” Sophia said, making a face.
“We might have to pull out the big guns,” Xavier said, looking over at True. Bailey didn’t know the oldest Stone brother very well, but the look on Xavier’s face hinted at something going on beneath the surface.
“I guess we got to do what we got to do,” True said, flashing him a little smile.
“Mind clueing us in?” Caleb asked. “It’s so obvious the two of you are talking in code right in front of us.”
“Hush, baby,” Sophia admonished. “We do the same thing. It’s a couples thing.”
Just watching the banter and the connection between the two couples made Bailey want to have the same thing.
The gestures and the nuances were beautiful.
Her feelings for Landon were growing by leaps and bounds every day, yet she couldn’t tell him.
How could she put more pressure on him when he was already in a pressure cooker?
It would just be one more thing for him to deal with, one more issue for him to feel guilty about.
But what if he feels the same way I do? Kisses didn’t lie, and she’d felt something all the way down to her toes when they’d kissed.
She needed to stop being a wuss and put herself out there the way she always had in her life.
Wasn’t that her strong suit? All her life she’d chosen to live life out loud and not shrink away from the hard things.
Wasn’t that part of why she got so frustrated with her family?
For not facing her father’s death head-on?
The sound of loud voices began edging closer to the living room. And the low rumble sounded chaotic.
“Whose voices are those?” True asked, cocking her head to the side. “That does not sound good.” She made a face.
“Sounds like Red,” Landon said, eyes widening. “He’s arguing.”
“And Hattie,” Bailey added. “I’d know her voice anywhere.
” But Bailey had never heard Hattie in such a foul mood.
Red, Jacques, and Hattie came into view at the same time.
Red was pushing Hattie in her wheelchair, and she was muttering up a storm.
Her face was scrunched up like a prune. Landon’s dad looked as if he’d been put through it, while Jacques seemed as steamed as Hattie.
Bailey wasn’t sure if she was overstepping by being involved in this tense family situation.
She caught Landon’s eye and mouthed the words Should I leave?
Landon vehemently shook his head no. Bailey hoped he wasn’t thinking that she had a magic wand up her sleeve that could fix this situation.
By the looks of it, this might take a skilled negotiator.
“The two of you have gotten on my last good nerve!” Hattie barked. “I can’t believe you contacted Dr. Akash behind my back! I didn’t appreciate Benjy’s house call nor his words of warning!” she grumbled. Red opened his mouth to say something, then closed it, clearly thinking better of it.
Suddenly the older woman’s gaze landed on her. Hattie’s eyes widened in surprise. “Bailey, you’re a breath of fresh air. I’m so glad to see someone who doesn’t have the last name Stone or Chaplin,” she said, scowling.
“Now, Hattie,” Jacques said before Hattie cut him off.
“Don’t you Hattie me. I’m sick of all your mansplaining. I’ve never been held down by a man, and I refuse to do so at this late stage in my life.” Her breathing became ragged. “I’m going to Vegas. Come hell or high water.”
“I think we’re already at the stage,” Caleb muttered. “It’s getting hot in here.”
Slowly Hattie turned her wheelchair in Caleb’s direction. “Are you sassing me, young man?”
Caleb’s eyes bulged and he began to stammer. “N-no, of course not! I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Landon and Xavier chuckled nervously. She turned her anger toward them. “What’s funny about the situation? A dying woman being denied the right to go to Vegas?”
Before her eyes, both men turned into bumbling apologists. “No, we didn’t mean anything by it,” Xavier said, stumbling over his words.
“We’re not laughing at you,” Landon said, shifting from one foot to the other.
“I plan to be in Las Vegas by noon tomorrow, and there’s nothing or no one who can change my mind about that,” Hattie said, huffing. “I’ve even packed up all my glittery tops.”
Jacques threw up his hands. “Clearly there’s nothing more I can say or do. I’ve talked myself until I’m blue in the face, but you’re not listening. You’re being stubborn, and foolish.” He let out a strangled sound. “There, I said it. And I mean it.”
Hattie’s face looked apoplectic with rage.
“Oh no,” Landon said in a soft voice. “No no no. He used the F word!”
Bailey looked around. There was so much tension in the room. It seemed as if something might explode. Most likely Hattie. She reminded her of Godzilla, taking down anything or anyone in their path.
“Grandmother,” Xavier said, pulling True close to his side. “I understand that you want to go to Vegas, and personally I’ve always subscribed to your philosophy of YOLO. I’m just a little sad, though, that you won’t be around to celebrate with us.”
“We understand, though,” True said. “We know how much you love Vegas, and it is on your bucket list. It’s important to you.”
“It’s vital for my well-being.” Hattie frowned. “What are you celebrating? An early Christmas?” she scoffed.
Xavier looked down at True, and they shared a loving gaze. Something shimmered and pulsed in the air between them that seemed momentous.
“No, it’s actually a little more special to us than that,” Xavier explained.
Hattie squinted at them. “More special than Christmas? Impossible.”
Xavier reached out for True’s hand as they both turned toward Hattie. “Actually, yes, this news is pretty spectacular.” Bailey had never seen anyone smile so wide. “We’re expecting a baby. Baby Stone will be arriving in about seven months.”
There was a hushed silence in the room until it exploded into chaos.
Landon and Caleb rushed toward Xavier and enveloped him in a bear hug.
There was lots of noise and commotion. Red walked over to his daughter-in-law and gently held her in his arms. There were tears pooling in his eyes. Hattie seemed shocked beyond belief.
“Seriously?” she asked. “Is this for real? You’re not just saying this to stop me from going to Las Vegas, are you?”
“No, Hattie, you know us both well enough to know that we wouldn’t play around like that,” True said, leaning down to hug her. “Babies are sacred.”
“They are,” Hattie said in a hushed tone.
“I never dared to dream this big when I was making my bucket list. Knowing that you’re bringing future Stones into our family is awe-inspiring and amazing.
” She dabbed at her eyes and sniffed back tears.
“A baby is just what this family needs. And even if I’m not here, I’m still going to be that baby’s great-grandmother. ”
“That’s right,” Red said as he slapped Xavier on the back. “I never imagined I’d be so excited to be a grandfather, but I am.” A strange look passed over his face. “Uh-oh, what about your mother?”
“We FaceTimed her earlier, right after we told Jaylen,” True explained. “We didn’t want her to feel left out, especially since she’s not here in Moose Falls.”
“She’s overjoyed,” Xavier said. “And planning another visit after the holidays. I swear she might just relocate here if she can swing it.”
Bailey couldn’t help but notice the wistful expression that passed over Red’s face at the mention of his ex-wife. She sensed that there was so much unfinished business there.
Hattie clapped her hands together. “I can’t possibly go to Las Vegas now! There’s way too much to do! I’ve got to order a crib and sketch some ideas about a nursery. I’m going to go online and buy a whole wardrobe full of clothes, perhaps in gender-neutral colors like yellow or green.”
“Whoa, Hattie. Slow down,” Xavier urged, chuckling. “It’s still early days, so we’re trying not to tell too many people, but we wanted all of you to know.” He took True in his arms and placed a kiss on her temple.
“We appreciate that,” Landon said. “This is exciting. I’m going to be an uncle again.”
“Congratulations,” Bailey said, swept up by the joyful celebration. “I’m offering up babysitting services if you ever need it.”
Xavier and True looked at each other and grinned. Xavier reached out and hugged her. “We will definitely take you up on that offer.”
Being in the midst of so much happiness was a gift. The Stones made her feel as if she was one of them. It was amazing how fast the baby news had mollified Hattie. She was sitting quietly with a contented smile on her face, no doubt thinking about a sweet-faced cherub bearing the Stone name.
Landon leaned toward her and said in a low voice, “I bet we couldn’t pay her to go to Vegas now. Once they said baby, she was done.” Landon hadn’t stopped smiling.
“Anyone else hungry?” Sophia asked. “Maybe we can order pizza.”
“Let’s have a pizza party,” Hattie shouted. “I’m buying.”
“No, I’m buying,” Jacques said. “I’m so relieved that you won’t be going to Vegas I feel like celebrating.” He began doing a little jig for them, which was very out of character for Hattie’s stoic partner. Laughter spread around the room, with Hattie chuckling the loudest.
Hattie grabbed Bailey’s hand as everyone began filing out of the room. “Wait a moment, Bailey. I’d like a word with you.”
Bailey’s heart began to wildly thump. Had Hattie figured out that she and Landon weren’t a real couple? She respected this woman so much she didn’t know if she could straight-up lie to her face. It just wouldn’t be possible.
“Of course, Hattie,” she said, holding her breath, just waiting to be exposed. Adrenaline was racing through her veins, and she could feel sweat in her underarms.
Hattie’s eyes twinkled. “Joann called me earlier. She told me about your big idea for a hard cider line.”
Bailey gulped. She couldn’t tell one way or the other how Hattie felt about her idea. Her mouth felt as dry as sandpaper. All she could do was nod.
“All I could think was… what’s taken you so long?” Hattie asked. “You’ve been with the company for a while now, and you’re so smart and savvy. You have an amazing palette, you’re hard-working, and everyone at Yukon Cider adores you.”
Bailey blinked away moisture from her eyes. “I can’t think of a time when I’ve received a better compliment.”
Hattie patted her hand. “It’s well deserved. Your idea is smashing. I’m giving it two thumbs up. Nothing official yet since it needs to go through the proper channels, but it’s a go!”
She was both stunned and ecstatic at the same time. Bailey couldn’t wait to tell Landon the news. He’d been a huge supporter, full of encouragement and enthusiasm.
“I’m so glad that I put it out there. I really believe in the concept, and I’ve been wanting to take the lead on conceiving a project for quite some time.” She clapped her hands together. “This is so exciting.”
“Words of wisdom from an old lady. Always bet on yourself.”
Bailey knew her smile stretched from one side of her face to the other. Having professional goals was important to her. She loved the field she worked in, but she always wanted to push past any limits she had placed on herself.
“I know it means a lot to Landon that you were here to share such joyous news with us.” Tears misted in Hattie’s eyes, and she blinked them away. “You’ve added so much happiness to Landon’s life. I see such a difference in him lately. You’re good for him.”
“I appreciate you saying so,” Bailey said.
She didn’t know why, but she was blinking away tears.
Hattie’s good opinion meant the world to her.
“Landon has been really good for me as well. I’m so grateful that we found each other.
” And she meant it. He had rapidly become one of the most important people in her world.
No matter how this ended between them, Bailey would always cherish him.
“Believe it or not, ten months ago True and Xavier met on my grandson’s first day back in Moose Falls.” Her eyes shone with admiration.
“So I heard,” Bailey said. “They’re pretty much engraved in Moose Falls’ town lore,” she said with a chuckle. “A modern fairy tale.”
Hattie winked at her. “The Stone brothers have been mighty lucky in love. You and Landon are the talk of the town, from what I hear.”
Bailey’s jaw dropped. “Seriously?” Mission accomplished, she supposed. Hadn’t it been their goal to get the point across that they were a couple?
Hattie nodded. “There’s so much buzz around you two I’m surprised you didn’t hear it buzzing in your ears.”
“Nope. I didn’t hear a thing,” Bailey responded. “But I’ve been pretty busy at work and in other areas.”
“Forgive me for being nosy, but are you in love with Landon?” Hattie asked, her gaze unwavering as she stared her down.
Bailey couldn’t even respond. Her mouth felt as dry as sandpaper. Love? It was such a powerful, sweeping emotion that she’d never experienced in a romantic way. Hattie’s question was forcing her to ask herself some hard questions that she hadn’t been prepared for.
“Hattie, I can honestly tell you that I’ve never felt for anyone what I feel for Landon,” she blurted out. She was telling the truth. As complicated and confusing as this situation had become, she had out-of-this-world feelings for him. “Love takes time. It grows and builds with every passing day.”
Hattie grinned at her. “I can see it all there in your eyes. You’re falling in love with him, aren’t you?” She let out a gleeful laugh.
Bailey felt as if she’d been smacked in the face by a harsh Alaskan wind. Hattie was right on the money, even though she had no intention of confirming her suspicion.
She was falling in love with Landon Stone. And there wasn’t a single thing she could do about it.