Chapter 13
The day went slowly, Myra woke around eleven and we played a game of poker, using cookies as betting chips. Mr. Williams won, hands down, but shared his winnings happily. Myra and I went for a walk and talked about the date she was going on with a dashing young man named Grant. If my memory served, they met when she was sixteen. There were parts of me that hurt knowing her mind wasn’t with us in the present, but how amazing to be able to relive the excitement of a first date with who would be your future husband?
By the time our walk was over, we set up our crocheting bags and watched the movie where Michael Douglas fell head over heels for Kathleen Turner as they traipsed through a jungle.
“So, Lucy,”
Mr. Williams started as he looked at me from his recliner. “Any news on your house?”
A sad smile crossed my lips as I set my project down. “Actually, yes. I got a call this morning. If everything goes well, I’ll need to go move everything out by next week.”
Mr. Williams nodded. “Well, congratulations. That must be a relief.”
Humming, I focused on Myra as she worked to tie off a stitch. “I feel conflicted, honestly. But, I do think it’s the best choice for our family.”
“You got a plan for buying a house?”
Myra asked as she secured a granny square.
I smiled and shook my head, giving her another skein of yarn. “No, I think the girls are feeling good at my grandmother’s house and I don’t want to throw off their progress and sense of security.”
“I’m glad things are going well for them,”
Myra said with a smile. “Will you pack before Christmas then?”
“Yes, I hope to clear everything out within the next week and a half. I’ll find a nurse through the company to cover my shift. I promise.”
Mr. Williams waved his hand in dismissal. “Don’t worry about us, Lucy. We’ve managed just fine before. We can manage several days on our own.”
Later in the afternoon, we placed Gran’s casserole in the oven and began cleaning up from our afternoon of crafts. I had made several scarves, because that was all I knew how to crochet, and Myra was nearly finished with her blanket. I would say, all in all, today had been a one of the good ones. Myra had been lucid and that was a win, whether she remembered us or not.
As we were plating dinner, Garrett walked through the door looking exhausted, but happy.
“Ah, Garrett, you’re just in time for dinner,”
Myra announced with a grin as she took in her son.
He looked at me, slightly startled, emotion thick in his eyes as he crossed the living room and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “I wouldn’t miss family dinner, Ma.”
She grinned as she patted him on the cheek. “Good. Have a seat and let’s eat.”
Mr. Williams stared in wonder as a smile spread across his face.
“Well, come on Grant.”
Myra waved him to the stove. “Get your plate before the food gets cold.”
Mr. Williams choked on his emotion as he said, “Yes, ma’am,”
just to stop at her feet and pull her into a loving embrace followed by a longing kiss.
I was fine. I wasn’t going to cry. Okay, maybe I was going to cry a bit.
“They’ve always loved each other,”
Garrett said as he came to stand next to me with his plate.
“They’re beautiful.”
Garrett smiled as he took them in. “Thank you for all you did today. This was a great thing to come home to.”
I blushed and looked up at him. “I am happy to be here and help as I can. Today was a good day.”
I tipped my head to the side and raised a brow. “I don’t suppose you need a scarf, do you?”
“One of these days, girl, we are going to teach you how to make more than just a scarf.”
Myra shook her finger at me as she made herself a plate of food.
“Gran has been trying for the last twenty years. I may be a lost cause.”
I laughed as I made my way to the foyer to grab my jacket.
Myra scoffed. “There’s no such thing, my dear. If you want to, you will. Simple as that.”
Garrett laughed as he set his food on the table. “Yeah, Daze, simple as that.”
I rolled my eyes and chuckled. “Alright. I’ll see you guys on Monday. Hopefully, the fair is still going strong, I know the girls wanted to ride some rides with me tonight.”
“I’ll walk you to your car.”
Garrett didn’t offer any room for argument as he walked out the door with me.
“She did really well today.”
I was repeating myself, stating the obvious, but I was proud of today and okay, maybe a little flustered at walking by Garrett in uniform. He was truly a sight to be seen. His shirt hugged his chest just enough to know that touching it would be a dream experience.
“Can I meet you at the festival?”
Garrett opened my door for me and waited with hope filled eyes.
“You were there all day. Why would you want to go back?”
I laughed as I adjusted my bag on my shoulder.
“I thought it would be nice to go as a patron and not while working.”
Garrett searched my eyes, waiting.
“I think Mae, Victoria, and Allison will be there.”
That wasn’t really an answer and I’m not even sure why I said it.
“I expect they will be.”
He nodded, amusement coloring his low, smooth voice.
“My brothers might also be there.”
That came out as a whisper.
“They always close down the park, Daze. Dylan is also on shift, so yeah, he will be there.”
“I won’t stop you if you want to come, Garrett.”
“Yeah, but do you want me to?”
He reached out and brushed a curl out of my eyes, leaving me breathless.
I swallowed. Hard. Yes. I do. Wait was that out loud? Why is he still waiting. God, I’m a teenager all over again. I cleared my throat and nodded. “Yeah, I do.”
Garrett smiled, his gaze lingering as I climbed into my car. “Good. I’ll see you in about an hour or so. Drive safe.”
Once I was buckled, he closed the door and waited until I drove off before heading back inside. That man was going to bring an end to my fragile stability and, honestly, I think I’d welcome it.
Eve was going to kill me.
Once I got home, I changed out of my scrubs and pulled on some warm tights, a black lace top and an oversized flannel. I settled on my hair half up, tied with a bow. Looking in the mirror, I smiled. I looked good. I was starting to look happy. This was good.
Gran had left a note on the kitchen island letting me know they were all at the festival and to join them if I felt up to it. With a grin, I texted Eve to let everyone know I was on my way.
I hope you’re ready to ride the Cyclone when you get here. Your brothers are lame and won’t get on it. - Eve
I laughed and climbed into the car. That’s because they are old and would throw up. Don’t worry. I’ve got you!
*Gif of little girl giving two thumbs up*
The drive to the festival was quiet and soothing, up until I had to find a place to park. It was beyond crowded and the only parking was nearly three blocks away. Taking a deep breath, I exited and locked the car deciding that the extra steps would do me good today.
I sent up a silent prayer to David as I walked. I don’t know if you hear me when I do this, but I’m going to continue to pretend for my sake. The girls are doing well. Kaley is exceptional and already reading in kindergarten. Liam is walking and babbling some words. He still has your eyes. Eve is hitting puberty and all the emotions and struggles that come with the territory, but I think she is making good friends. She is going to a sleep over at the end of the month. She seems excited. As for me, I’m okay. Actually, I think I’m doing better than okay lately. Garrett and I meet once a week for a bonfire in the field. I am still caring for his mom while he is at work. Things are going well. I paused and breathed in the cool almost winter air. I think I care for him a great deal, David. I hope that is ok. I hope me having feelings for him doesn’t disrespect you. I have and will always love you. I don’t know if you feel like sending a sign, letting me know it’s okay to see what could be with Garrett, but I would really appreciate it.
“Mom,”
Kaley screamed and ran to me, throwing her arms around my waist and grinning ear to ear. “Can we go on the Ferris wheel?”
I laughed and held her. “Your teeth are blue.”
Kaley bounced as she stood on my toes. “We had icees!”
I reached down and picked her up, placing her on my shoulders. Her giggles rang in my ears. My brothers were making their way towards me and Eve was gleefully eating a giant cloud of cotton candy.
“Hi Mom,”
she said around her mouthful of candy.
Shaking my head, I laughed. “It looks like you guys are living your best lives tonight.”
Brett threw his arm around Eve’s shoulder with a smile. “Sugar makes everything better.”
Eve grinned and took another huge bite of cotton candy. “Can we go on a ride now?”
I looked at her, then up at Kaley with a grin. “Last one to the Ferris Wheel is a rotten egg!”
I set Kaley down and we all bolted towards the ride, laughing as we sprinted. The girls put their all into the race, Eve turning to stick her tongue out at Kaley.
Eve reached the line first and did a victory dance, raising her cotton candy above her head. “I won!”
Kaley collapsed on the ground panting, her hair threatening to fall out of the ponytails entirely. “No fair, your legs are longer!”
Eve gestured to my legs. “Mom has the longest legs, and she was last!”
I smirked as I gave Kaley a hand up. “What can I say, I’m a slow runner.”
Josh and Brett eventually caught up to us, Liam sound asleep in Josh’s arms. I smiled and smoothed his dark hair against his forehead.
“Thank you, guys. I appreciate all you did for the kids today.”
Brett pulled me into a tight side hug. “We are happy to be here for you, Lucy. Plus, my kids are here somewhere. It all just worked out.”
Josh shook his head looking down at my son in his arms. “I can’t believe you let them go out on their own. There are a shit ton of people here tonight.”
Brett looked up at the Ferris Wheel, face draining of all color as he quickly looked back to Josh. “I have an air tag on Elle and Hayden. Alex has his phone. Moreover, Hannah texted me twenty minutes ago that she met up with them. Then, there’s Dylan who keeps sending me pictures every time he sees them.”
Josh shivered and held Liam tighter. “Nah, I could never.”
I chuckled. “Just wait. When you have kids, you’ll choose your battles and when the oldest can watch the youngest, it all works out.”
Eve grumbled. “I do not love playing babysitter.”
Kaley threw her hands to her hips. “Hey!”
Glaring, Eve said. “You are just so loud.”
Kaley turned to me, stunned by the accusation. “Mom!”
She gestured to Eve as if she had just been hit and was waiting for me to ground her sister.
I ruffled her hair and grinned. “You are loud, Kaley.”
She scoffed and kicked the dirt beneath her feet.
Brett scooped her up and put her on his shoulders. “It’s okay. Your mom was loud, too.”
I stuck my tongue out at my obnoxious brother and stepped forward with Eve as the line moved up.
Josh nodded, agreeing with Brett. “It’s true, watch.”
Without any warning, Josh shifted Liam to one arm and reached out, tickling my side.
Really, I should have been prepared, but I screamed and squirmed out of his reach before hitting him upside the head.
He laughed and said, “See?”
“Is everyone getting along over here?”
A deep voice cut into the levity and my heart quickly sped into overdrive.
“Garrett.”
Brett clapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, man. I didn’t think you’d be back.”
Garrett looked between us, his eyes landing on mine as he smirked. “Well, I didn’t get a chance to have a funnel cake earlier and I was really craving some dessert after dinner.”
Kaley grinned and crossed her arms over her chest, still sitting atop Brett’s shoulders. “Do you like carnival rides?”
Garrett smiled as he looked up at her. “I love them.”
She pursed her lips. “Yeah, but do you like the ones that go super-fast?”
“The gravity spinner is my favorite.”
Garrett winked at me as he played along with Kaley’s inquisition.
Eve chimed in, “Okay, but what about rides that go upside down?”
Kaley frowned at Eve, shaking her head. “I don’t like those.”
“I like those too, but the carnival doesn’t have any of them.”
He turned his attention to me and appraised me ever so slowly. “You look great, Daze.”
“Mom, come on! It’s our turn!”
Eve grabbed my hand and pulled me with her before I could respond to Garrett.
Brett put Kaley down and she ran to catch up with us. We filed into the bucket and the girls bounced with excitement.
Once the ride started Eve looked out over the park and said, “Dad would have loved this carnival.”
I took her hand in mine and squeezed. “Yeah, he would have, but you know what?”
Kaley looked at me as Eve asked with a sniffle, “What?”
“He would have wanted us to have all the fun and enjoy our time here.”
I pressed a kiss to the top of Eve’s head.
Kaley smiled as she looked up at the stars. “He would have gotten onto us for having funnel cakes, shaved ice, and fried Oreos.”
I rolled my eyes as I groaned. “I’m going to have to get onto my brothers.”
Eve grinned, her teeth still blue from the shaved ice. “The Oreos were so good!”
Kaley nodded gleefully. “So good!”
We continued chatting about the day and reminiscing about carnivals we had gone to with David, and how he would get nervous when Eve and I went on the big rides together. This was the first time we discussed memories of him with fondness and not overwhelming grief. I counted it as a win. We were going to be okay.
After the Ferris Wheel, we made our rounds riding everything the girls wanted. Garrett stayed with us, talking with my brothers about football and ranch obligations at his grandpa’s farm.
“You keep calling it your grandpa’s.”
Brett frowned. “But didn’t you inherit it a few years ago when he passed?”
Garrett’s eyes went wide as he looked at me. Sputtering, he fought for the words. “I, uh, yeah. I own it now.”
“You’re Grandpa died?”
I was floored. “So, all those bonfires and what? That’s your back pasture now?”
Garrett rubbed the back of his neck. “I didn’t want you to feel awkward. I wanted you to feel just as comfortable being there as you were when we were kids.”
“I’m sorry your grandpa passed.”
Shaking my head, I moved with the line for the Cyclone. “That was a dumb thing to withhold, Garrett.”
“Probably.”
He watched the ride in front of us spin. “But you had just gotten back, and I wanted you to feel comfortable. Would you have kept coming to the bonfires if you knew it was mine?”
I glared at him before looking to the night sky. “I don’t know, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that you lied.”
Garrett took my hand in his and squeezed. “I’m sorry, Daze.”
I looked at him and sighed. “Don’t do it again, Garrett.”
He nodded and my mind reeled at the information. Garrett was my neighbor. Did that change anything? Did it matter? Would I have gone to the pasture if I had known it was his? Probably not. There had been a sense of safety, distance even, in thinking we were both just visiting.
Eve looked at our hands, still connected and frowned. “Did my dad really like you?”
I removed my hand from his, sputtered and stared in bewilderment at her. “Eve.”
Garrett laughed and nodded. “We all were best friends for many years.”
She studied the small space between me and him. “He would be mad that you lied to Mom.”
With that profound statement, she turned and walked forward in the line.
I stared at my daughter, shocked and proud of her confidence to say something like that.
“It’s true.”
Garrett chuckled. “David would have given me so much shit for choosing such a small thing to hide.”
Brett shook his head and shifted a very sleepy Kaley on his hip. “You’re both being ridiculous. Just freaking kiss already.”
Josh smacked him in the chest. “Gross, don’t say that.”
Eve turned around quickly, eyes wide with horror at the idea.
Groaning, I shot a withering stare at Brett. “Not helpful.”
He mouthed sorry.
Kaley yawned and looked at Garrett. “I think Daddy would want Mommy happy. Do you think you’d make her happy?”
“Oh my God.”
I buried my face in my hands.
“I think this is a very big discussion and it’s our turn on the Cyclone,”
Garrett deflected and ushered us through the gates. Thank God.
I got into a seat next to Eve and took her hand in mine. “I’m sorry.”
She looked up at me, eyes filled with confusion. The lights of the ride in front of us casting a neon glow on her cheeks. “I think you like him, and I don’t know how to feel, Mom.”
Garrett climbed into a seat a few rows in front of us and I sighed. “Would you accept the answer of, I do like him, and I don’t know how to feel either?”
Eve stared at the back of Garrett’s head. “Do you still love Dad?”
“Always and always, Eve. I will never stop.”
I held her hand tight.
“Can I ask a favor?”
She avoided my gaze as the ride began.
“Of course.”
“Will you warn me when you start dating? Just so I can prepare myself.”
That was such a brave and mature thing to ask. I couldn’t be prouder of my daughter. So, I nodded. “I promise.”
“I don’t think I hate him, but there’s part of me that feels like I should,”
she whispered as the ride picked up speed.
“I think that’s normal, Eve. I also think it’s okay to feel conflicted. However, we are not dating. Right now, we are just really good friends.”
“He looks at you like Daddy used to.”
Eve’s comment took me by surprise. “How did your dad look at me?”
“Like he loved you.”
Well, shit. “You are an incredibly observant girl, Eve.”
She smirked just before screaming as the ride truly picked up speed.
For just a moment, I allowed my mind to clear and be present as the machine spun us in fast circles, raising and lowering our seat enough to make me realize I was no longer a kid, and Brett may have been right to hang back. However, it was all worth it when Eve grabbed my hand and grinned so big her dimples popped just before screaming as the ride dropped us quickly. Her scream was engulfed by other passengers also shouting their excitement.
When the ride ended, Garrett met us at the exit, looking incredibly windblown and irresistibly disheveled.
“I’m sorry, Daze.”
I nodded, fighting every urge screaming at me to run my fingers through his loose curls. “I forgive you.”
Eve looked at Kaley who was sleeping in Brett’s arms. “Do we have to go?”
I looked at my two sleeping kids in the arms of my brothers. “Yeah, we probably should.”
Josh handed me Liam and said, “If you’ll excuse me, I think I see a dweeb flirting with my future wife.”
I watched dumbfounded as Josh strode towards Victoria who was speaking with a man who was easily a foot shorter and a hundred pounds lighter than Josh.
“Since when did he set his eye on Victoria?”
I wondered aloud.
Brett chuckled. “Since competition finally showed up.”
I rolled my eyes and watched as Victoria’s face contorted. “She’s going to kill him.”
“Let’s go before I have to arrest him for disturbing the peace,”
Garrett grumbled and herded us toward the parking lot.
“Who is the guy she was talking to?”
I looked over my shoulder to see the scrawny man leaving and Josh towering over Victoria.
“He’s the owner of the new art gallery in town,”
Brett said. “His name is James O’Brian. He pissed off Josh last month when he said weightlifting was a waste of time and boxing was a sorry excuse for a sport.”
Garrett grumbled. “James basically sealed his fate. Don’t call me when Josh breaks his face. I don’t want to be involved.”
Brett laughed and nodded. “Noted, Sheriff.”
“Oh, how I wish I could have seen James’ face when Josh told him he owned an award-winning gym,”
I said as we reached my car.
Brett shook his head. “He didn’t tell him. As far as I know, no one has told him.”
I gasped as I secured Liam into his seat. “Are you serious?”
Garrett leaned against my car, crossing his arms over his chest. “Did you see him, though? If Josh so much as looked at him sideways, he’d break in half.”
Taking Kaley from Brett and buckling her into her seat, I chuckled. “Well, what an interesting development.”
Eve’s face turned pensive. “Does Josh like Tim Burton and Edgar Allan Poe?”
“Our meathead brother?”
Brett scoffed a laugh. “I doubt it.”
I clicked my tongue. “I wouldn’t be so sure. Josh is pretty quiet about his interests that don’t involve MMA.”
Eve hummed to herself. “I think Uncle Josh is creative, maybe not an artist, but I think there’s more to him than muscles and fighting.”
Brett laughed and I smiled at her. “We will just have to wait and see. Buckle up, buttercup. Let’s get home.”
Eve yawned and crawled into the car. I turned to Brett. “Thanks for all you did today. I’m sorry if we kept you from your kids.”
He glanced at his phone and smiled, showing me a picture of the boys scarfing ice cream and Elle asleep in Hannah’s arms. “They’re good and happy. I think I’ll see if I can catch up with them before I head out.”
He gave me a bear hug, ruffling my hair before heading back into the fray of the festival.
“And then there were two,”
Garrett said with a smirk.
“Thanks for coming out tonight. It was fun, even if I discovered your secret,”
I teased, bumping his shoulder with mine.
Garrett nodded. “I should have been forthcoming.”
“I expect better from now on, Garrett.”
I leaned against my door.
His eyes smoldered with unspoken heat. “As you should, Daze. I look forward to giving you my very best.”
I gaped at the statement, floundering for anything, literally any form of response.
Garrett smirked and tipped my chin with his knuckles. “Goodnight, Lucy.”
As he left, he turned and said, “Oh, and Luce?”
“Yes?”
I turned from getting into the car.
“You really do look beautiful.”
He winked as he walked away, and I lost all coherence. His jeans hugged his ass as he walked away and honestly, I never knew I was an ass woman, but here we stood, him leaving and me watching in a trance.
“Mom,”
Eve called through her rolled down window. “Can we go now?”
Clearing my throat, I got in the car and said, “Yeah, sorry.”
Once home, I got the kids in bed and changed into pajamas, when my phone went off.
*Picture of boots propped on a log in front of a fire.*
Come join me? - Garrett.
Smiling, I responded. Give me a few minutes.
I sent a quick text to Gran letting her know where I was going, just in case someone would wake up.
The walk to the pasture was filled with rustling leaves and cool air, the lightning bugs and frogs were gone in preparation for the winter, leaving the trail quiet and introspective.
I climbed the fence and took my seat next to Garrett.
“Hello, Daze.”
The fire reflected in those blue eyes and dammit if I didn’t melt a little too.
“Garrett.”
Standing, Garrett reached out a hand. “Dance with me?”
I looked at his hand, then to him, breathless. “There’s no music?”
“Does there need to be?”
He quirked a brow, waiting.
I took his hand, and he pulled me to his chest. He swayed slowly, holding my right hand in his left and the other wrapping around my waist.
We swayed in each other’s arms for what felt like both an eternity and just mere seconds. I laid my head on his chest, listening to his heart beat steadfast.
“Lucy?”
I tipped my head up and said, “Hmm?”
“I’m going to kiss you.”
Nothing could have stopped my smile. “Okay,”
I breathed.
He gently slid his hands up my shoulders to cup my face tenderly. His lips met mine in a whisper at first. We moved in hesitation together until that turned to passion and hunger. His tongue slid across my lower lip as I deepened the kiss. My heart exploded as his hands slid down my shoulders, over the curves of my waist, to grasp my hips and pull me flush against him
“Tell me to stop, Lucy,”
he said as he held me tight, like I might disappear if he let go.
“I don’t want to,”
I panted, reaching up to bring his lips back to mine.
He growled and kissed me with a passion that sent heat flooding my core. His hands roamed beneath the hem of my shirt, burning against my skin as they roamed my stomach, up to the edge of my bra.
I broke the kiss to look at him which did nothing to curb my desire to toss his clothes and discover what was beneath that tight black t-shirt.
Garrett pressed his forehead against mine and kissed the tip of my nose. “God, you have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.”
I pressed a quick kiss against his lips. “You could do it again.”
He lightly swatted my butt, and I gasped.
“Garrett!”
“Daisy!”
He mocked before pulling me back to him and kissing me as if the world might end if he didn’t.
My fingers wove into his hair as he bent, wrapping his hands around my thighs, lifting me so I could wrap my legs around his waist. My tongue caressed his lips as he walked us to the fence, pressing me against the rails, hands cupping my breasts. I moaned as he squeezed, and our tongues danced together.
“You are so beautiful, Daze. So, fucking beautiful.”
I traced his features lightly with the tip of my finger. “You’re not too bad yourself, Sheriff.”
Garrett leaned in, pressing a warm kiss against my neck. “Is that what you like about me? That I’m a man in a uniform?”
He whispered in my ear, nipping my lobe as he continued peppering kisses along my neck.
“It does help,”
I teased before tipping my head to the sky and whimpering as he nipped just above my collar bone, admitting, “I could care less what you wear, Garrett.”
He chuckled and stood to look at me, hands resting on my hips that now sat on the top of the fence. “Is that so?”
“Mhm.”
I nodded, pressing my finger lightly on the tip of his nose.
“I want to date you, Lucy.”
He leaned his forehead back against mine, holding my attention.
“I don’t know that my kids are ready for that yet.”
The words caused an ache in my chest as I said them.
“We take it slow,”
Garrett amended.
“Slow.”
I mulled over the word. “Let me talk to Eve. She asked me tonight if I would give her warning before I started dating. I want to respect that.”
He nodded, closing his eyes. “What can I do? I don’t want them to feel threatened by me or like I’m trying to replace their dad.”
“I don’t know,”
I answered honestly. “I think they’ll need to see you more, but naturally. Authentically. See you as a friend first. I don’t know, does that make sense?”
“Yeah, it does.”
The wind blew, sending a shiver through me. “I want this too, Garrett.”
He smiled and kissed my cheek. “Good.”
“I should probably head back.”
I hopped off the fence, onto the opposite side. “I’ll see you?”
“I’ll see you at Morning Brew tomorrow morning.”
Smiling, I leaned across the top of the fence. “Kiss me one more time, Sheriff.”
“I hope to kiss you many more times, Luce.”
He met me in the middle, sealing the night with a kiss of longing and hope.
“Goodnight, Garrett.”
I whispered.
“Goodnight, Lucy.”