Chapter 14
CHAPTER 14
A aron didn’t remember how he got to bed. He was so tired he thought he had fallen asleep while he walked back to his room. Shock rolled through him when he woke the next morning and realized he’d changed for bed and was sleeping beneath the covers. He thanked God he’d had that much strength.
He’d join the crew soon but wanted to cook a proper breakfast for Belle and her children. He dressed quickly, then bounded down the steps. The fragrance of coffee, sizzling bacon and someone moving in the kitchen made him slow his pace.
Belle was up?
As he crossed the dining room, he caught a glimpse of Belle bustling from the kitchen island to the stove, before stepping to the oven. She looked fresh and alive in pale blue joggers that skimmed her sleekly curved body. A long-sleeved t-shirt hugged her toned arms. Her hair was a riot of curls pinned to the back of her head.
She glanced his way, then froze. “You’re up. I was hoping you’d sleep in a little while.” Her sensuous mouth curved slightly.
“I’ll sleep when this is over,” he said, though her wide eyes made him laugh softly. “I promise.”
“I’m holding you to that.” Her eyes narrowed, she pointed at him with the spatula she held. When she realized what she’d done, apology filled her eyes.
“I will.” He looked around the kitchen, though he’d rather stare at her. “What can I do?”
“Nothing,” she said, sounding efficient. “Everything’s ready and in the oven. Have a seat and I’ll carry these platters to the table.”
“Do you want to wait for the kids?” He frowned. “They were up late. I usually eat with the crew.”
“And eat what?” She studied him. “Donuts?”
“Probably.” His embarrassed smile pressed through. No one had kitchen duty during emergency shifts.
“That will never do. You need a real breakfast.” She turned away shaking her head, then became a whirlwind of activity, scooping eggs into a serving bowl, then laying bacon on a platter covered with a paper towel. “I had planned to get the kids up in a few minutes anyway. If I don’t, they’ll sleep all day and be up all night, which means you won’t sleep.” She didn’t slow her pace.
“All the more reason for you to put me to work.” He was standing so close to her that he caught the subtle hint of her natural fragrance. He gritted his teeth. It was that or he’d pull her into his arms.
She gave a start in surprise. “All right,” she said slowly. She handed him a pair of oven mitts. “Put these on.”
While he did, she covered her own hands with oven mitts and pulled a platter from the oven. She held it until she made sure he had a firm grasp, then turned back to the oven.
They had just set the platters on the table when her blinking children rushed through the archway.
“And our guests of honor have arrived,” she said with a laugh.
“Who? Us?” Lyle looked a little more awake.
“Yes, you.” She looked at him tenderly. “You’re very important, and you’ve arrived just in time to eat. Afterward, we’ll get started on our day.”
“What will we do?” Kelsey slid into the chair next to her brother’s.
“That’s something we’ll discuss while we eat,” Belle said.
During breakfast, Belle poured juice for everyone while she made suggestions for the day.
The activity made Aaron’s chest tighten as he realized what he’d missed by remaining single. The thought of helping his wife make breakfast and monitoring their sleepy children filled him with a longing he struggled to ignore.
But he couldn’t marry just anyone. He knew when he met Belle, she was the one he wanted. She made it clear she wasn’t looking for a relationship. When the town’s scuttlebutt filled with rumors of her marriage and the birth of her children, he’d wondered what made her change her mind. Sadly, he’d accepted she’d met the love of her life.
The pain in her eyes told a different story. Would she ever trust him enough to share the deep wound that seeped to the surface during quiet moments? As long as she stayed in Sweet Mountain, he’d make it clear he was there for her.
It was while he helped her and the kids clean the kitchen, that he received a text that the equipment his crew needed for the excavation was on its way. Normally, that would get his adrenaline pumping. This morning he would gladly have spent time with Belle and her family. He’d take every moment possible until she left town.
She stilled as he read the text the captain sent him. He felt her stare and lifted his gaze.
“I take it it’s time for you to go.” She spoke softly.
“Yeah,” he said, his tone husky. “I’ll text you and let you know the progress.” She’d want to know when they could leave the cabin and return home.
They’d leave Sweet Mountain. The reminder made him release a quiet breath.
“If you have time,” she said, understanding in her eyes.
He nodded, then hesitated but couldn’t stop looking at her. He’d drink in every last image of her until she was gone.
Aaron had expected the day to drag and was surprised when the second crew arrived to take over. During his shift, the team had cleared enough of the road for the residents to leave the area. He’d texted the information to Belle. When he checked his phone an hour later, she had responded—she’d get the kids ready so they could leave when he returned to the cabin.
He told the captain that he’d drive Belle and her kids to the inn in town, then return the following morning. On his drive back to the cabin, he texted his mother so she’d know the crew’s progress.
If Belle wants to stay in town, she and her children are welcome to stay at the ranch, his mother had texted. They had planned to spend the summer at her family’s cabin. We have plenty of room here. The kids might like that.
He tried to ignore the heaviness settling in his chest. He liked that idea. Would Belle? She seemed anxious to leave, and he didn’t blame her. She’d had enough excitement for one summer.
I’ll ask and let you know.
He wouldn’t ask Belle with a text. He wanted to talk to her. He hoped she’d agree.
When he hiked up the driveway to his cabin, he was surprised to see Belle and her children playing a game on the wide front porch. The kids rushed down the front steps to welcome him back while they asked one question after another.
Having the kids excited to see him opened a yearning in his heart. He hadn’t realized what it would feel like to have a family greet him when he returned home. He liked seeing the light in her children’s eyes.
And in Belle’s eyes. She didn’t look disappointed.
“We’re having meatloaf,” Lyle announced as Aaron climbed the front steps. The boy was flushed with excitement.
Aaron laughed. Their day must have been boring if he was excited enough to announce the menu.
“And chocolate chip cookies.” Kelsey stood next to her brother.
That sounded exciting.
“I can’t say no to meatloaf and chocolate chip cookies.” His stomach rumbled reminding him that though he’d eaten plenty, he’d worked hard and was starving now.
“Sorry about the onslaught.” Belle tipped her head as if explaining kids will be kids.
“After shoveling all day, greeting committees are a welcomed sight,” he said. The light in her eyes was almost enough to make him forget his exhaustion. “I’ll change, then come down and help.”
“Everything’s ready,” she said, her smile soft. “We were just waiting for you. Thanks for keeping us updated about the progress you and the crew made.”
“Glad to do it.” He wanted to tell her about his mother’s invitation, but he’d wait until they had a moment alone. “Be right back.”
She nodded. A swallow slid down her throat. He wondered at her solemn look, but he’d have that answer soon enough.
The opportunity to discuss his mother’s invitation came after dinner while he helped Belle clean the kitchen. Her kids were in the living room setting up a game.
“Mom texted me today.” His tone made her face him. “She suggested you and the kids stay at the ranch for however long you like. There’s plenty of room. Since you had planned to spend the summer at your cabin anyway, you’re welcome to stay at the ranch.”
“I couldn’t do that.” She looked surprised, then thoughtful.
“Why not?” He studied her. His parents would enjoy having the children around. After raising seven sons, they were used to the activity.
“Because … because …” She lifted her gaze to his. “It doesn’t seem right.”
“It seems wrong because my mother invited you?” He was having trouble understanding that reason.
“No.” She looked confused before lifting her gaze to his. “She should. It’s her home.”
“If it doesn’t feel right, I certainly understand,” he said on a slow exhale.
“It isn’t that.” She looked straight into his eyes. “I guess I don’t have a good excuse for not staying at your family’s ranch.”
“Belle—”
“It’s okay.” Her smile slight, she held up her hands. “I don’t know why I’m hesitant. I know the kids would like it. I remember visiting your ranch when my parents and I would spend summers at the cabin. It would be a good experience for the kids.”
He waited patiently as she worked through her decision.
“I guess we could stay for a few days.” Her mouth spread into that radiant smile that made his heart lift. “Tell your mother we’d love to stay, if she hasn’t reconsidered.”
“My mother always says what she means.” He pulled his phone from his pocket. “I’ll text her now.”
“I’ll tell the kids.” Her eyes shone bright as they had when he and Belle were kids.
Still smiling, she stepped from the room. A few moments later, a cheer sounded from the living room. He gave a dry laugh while he texted his mother.
The rooms are ready and waiting, came his mother’s response.
He was glad she expected Belle to accept the invitation because he hadn’t.
A flood of relief filled his chest. For however long Belle and her children stayed at the ranch, he’d be grateful.