Chapter 28
When Reva showed up at Kellen’s front door, he was wearing jeans and a white button-down shirt, along with dark brown leather boots like some she’d seen in an L.L. Bean catalog. She leaned in to greet him with a hug and noticed he was also wearing cologne—a smell of cedarwood and clary sage similar to what her dad used to wear on special occasions.
“You look great,” he said, motioning her inside.
When she’d dressed earlier, she’d rifled through her closet and finally settled on a pair of black slacks with an off-the-shoulder cashmere sweater and drop earrings to match. A little sexy but not too forward. She had spent additional time applying her makeup. And she, too, had spritzed on a favorite scent—one with the delicate smell of magnolia. Her mother often recited her cherished quote from Coco Chanel: “Wear perfume whenever you wish to be kissed.”
On the way out the door, she’d caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She looked good. And was glad to hear Kellen thought so, too.
“Thank you for letting me bring Lucan,” she said, leading the toddler inside.
Kellen smiled. “I plan to spend a lot of time with you, Reva. Time I know you won’t want to neglect spending with this little guy.” He beamed down at the toddler who was fascinated with the dog heading their way.
Kellen bent down. “This is Max. Do you want to pet him?”
Lucan looked up at Reva as if to ask if he had permission. She nodded. “His fur is soft. Feel it, baby.”
Lucan did as Reva instructed and reached his dimpled hand into Max’s gorgeous coat. Delighted, Lucan then plunged his wide-eyed face against the dog’s coat and let out a happy giggle. “Dog. Dog,” he said.
Max emitted a joyful bark and wagged his tail.
Kellen’s face broke into a wide grin. “Looks like those two are going to get along just fine.”
He led them into the kitchen and motioned for her to take a seat at the counter where he put a drink in front of her. “That’s cucumber mint lemonade,” he said, pouring himself a glass.
Reva took a sip. “Oh, wow. That’s really good.”
Her compliment seemed to please him. “I hope you like beef stroganoff. It’s one of my signature dishes.”
She lifted her nose into the air. “Smells delicious.”
“Yeah, and I figured the kid would like the noodles better than my beef Wellington.”
Reva looked at him over the top of her glass. “So, you cook?”
He nodded. “I do. And from what I hear, like me, you love good food.”
“Where did you hear that?”
He laughed a little. “I ran into Bear Country Gifts the other day when I was in Thunder Mountain. I wanted to pick up a little something to send to my sister for her birthday. The owner—Dorothy Vaughn—started up a conversation about you. She says she watches the little one on occasion.”
Reva groaned inside. “Yeah? What else did she tell you?” Dorothy seemed to have taken far too much interest in her budding love life.
“Nothing, except to tell me how loved you are and that no one in Thunder Mountain wants you to be hurt. Seems your constituents are a protective bunch.”
“That they are,” Reva admitted. “So, be warned. They are all watching. My most avid guardians are my girlfriends.”
This brought a slight smile to his face. “Noted.”
She turned to check on Lucan. “Oh, my goodness! Is that a cello?” She pointed to the instrument in the corner of the living room.
Kellen nodded. “Yup.”
“You play the cello?”
“You sound surprised,” he said, turning for the stove. He lifted the lid on the simmering pot and stirred the stroganoff.
Her surprise was evident, a stark contrast to the initial impression she had formed of Kellen, a mechanic with grease-stained hands and a straightforward demeanor. In her mind, the worlds of auto repair and classical music seldom intertwined. Yet here was Kellen, embodying a bridge between these disparate realms with a casual ease that intrigued her.
“I guess I am,” Reva admitted, her gaze shifting from the cello back to Kellen. “It’s just that…you don’t meet many mechanics who play the cello.”
Kellen chuckled, a sound that seemed to carry a hint of pride. “Well, my mom was a music teacher. She believed that music was essential for expressing emotions and understanding the world. So, she made sure I learned.”
The cello poised next to a table stacked with Popular Mechanics magazines cast a new light on this man—a revelation that made Reva recognize there were often very unexpected facets of people.
As Kellen returned to his culinary task, Reva found herself drawn to the idea that Kellen was multifaceted—and was capable of nurturing both the practical and the artistic aspects of life.
After they’d finished the main course and enjoyed a dish of ice cream smothered in fresh strawberry puree, Reva urged him to play for her. “I’d love to listen.”
Kellen wiped his hands on the dish towel. With a modest smile, he said, “Sure, what do you want to hear?”
She carried Lucan into the living room and sat on the sofa, kissing the top of the sleepy little boy’s head as he nodded off. “You choose.”
Moving gracefully to the instrument, he lifted it with a familiarity and affection that only years of practice could bring. The room filled with an anticipatory silence as he positioned the cello between his knees, the bow poised above its strings.
Choosing a piece that seemed to hold a special place in his heart, Kellen began to play “The Swan” from Saint-Sa?ns’ Carnival of the Animals. The notes flowed with a gentle, melancholic beauty, filling the space with an ethereal quality that seemed to suspend time. The melody, both elegant and deeply emotional, spoke of longing and serenity, of delicate strength.
Reva watched, utterly captivated. The music enveloped her, weaving a spell of tranquility and wonder. It was as if the cello’s voice, under Kellen’s expert guidance, was narrating a story too profound for words. She found herself moved by the performance, her earlier intrigue blossoming into a deep appreciation for the man before her. His ability to express such vulnerability and grace through music revealed layers of sensitivity she hadn’t anticipated.
How could one man masterfully navigate both the gritty world of socket wrenches and the emotional depths of a musical composition, playing with such beauty and heartfelt expression?
As the lastnote lingered in the air, a heavy, satisfying silence fell. Reva, her eyes shining with emotion, broke the quiet. “That was beautiful, Kellen,” she said, her voice soft but sincere. “I’ve never heard anything quite like it.”
Kellen’s eyes found their way to hers. The room seemed to hold its breath as he laid the bow aside and moved to her. He gently lifted the sleeping toddler from her arms and nestled him onto the sofa cushions, then pulled a blanket over him. Then he held out his hand to Reva.
She stood, and he pulled her into an embrace, his face nestled against her hair.
Reva pulled back and looked up at him, her heart thrumming in her chest. Kellen paused, just a breath away, his gaze searching hers for permission, for a sign. In the quiet, Reva’s soft, affirmative whisper barely broke the silence. “Kellen.”
As she said his name, he gently reached out, his hand brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his touch sparking a trail of warmth down her spine. Reva’s eyes fluttered closed, anticipation tingling at the very tips of her fingers, her breath hitching as she sensed him drawing nearer.
Kellen’s lips met hers, a soft, hesitant contact that spoke volumes, a question and an answer all at once. The world seemed to stand still. The only reality was the sensation of his lips against hers, tender yet full of emotion. Reva responded in kind, her hands finding their way to his shoulders, pulling him closer, deepening the kiss. It was a kiss that unfolded slowly, exploring, and affirming, a gentle claiming of mutual desire and recognition of the connection that had sparked between them.
As they finally parted, breathless and with hearts racing, their eyes met again, holding onto the moment, the unsaid words hanging between them like stars in the night sky. For those few, precious seconds, everything else faded into the background, leaving only the profound realization of a bond that had been irrevocably formed.
Just then, Reva’s phone shattered the silence, its ringtone slicing through the air. She blinked, pulled abruptly from the spell, and fumbled for her phone. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw it was Lila. With a reluctant sigh, she answered, her heart still racing from the moment before.
“Lila, what’s up?” Reva asked, trying to steady her voice.
“Lizzy’s gone into labor, and it’s chaos over here! Gibbs is MIA, and Charlie Grace just left in a hurry after Jewel called her, panicking. We need you, Reva,” Lila’s voice was a mixture of excitement and stress. “Charlie Grace is fit to be tied.”
The news snapped Reva back to reality, the romantic bubble bursting as duty and concern took over. She met Kellen’s eyes, seeing understanding and a touch of disappointment mirrored there.
“I have to go.” Her voice carried a mix of apology and urgency as she quickly explained the situation. When one of them needed the others, they all dropped everything and came.
Kellen nodded, the warmth in his gaze undiminished. “Of course. Go. I’ll be here if you need anything. In fact, I can keep and watch Lucan if it helps.”
Reva hesitated. She wasn’t ready to end their time together—not after that kiss. “Would you come with me?”
“Sure, if you want me to,” he told her.
With a grateful smile and a promise to make all this up to him, Reva gathered the sleeping little boy, wrapping him tight with a blanket, and hurried for the door. Kellen grabbed his keys from the hook and followed.
Soon after, they pulled into the parking lot in front of Thunder Mountain Medical Clinic, a two-story house with a wraparound porch that had been converted to serve their community for routine medical needs. The second floor included a six-bed senior living center.
The establishment was run by Dr. Eldred Dickerson and his nurse assistant, Wanda. Dr. Ed, as he was called, was now in his late sixties. Wanda was no spring chicken. Both were known for their warmth and unyielding dedication to their patients, often going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure everyone received the care they needed. The clinic, with its homey facade, had become a beacon of comfort and healing in the community.
As Kellen and Reva stepped out of the car, the evening air mingled with the scent of fresh flowers that lined the pathway to the entrance. The welcoming sound of the clinic’s old-fashioned doorbell rang through as they opened the front door, a sound that had greeted countless visitors over the years. Inside, the walls were adorned with photographs of the community and framed thank-you notes from patients, telling stories of healing and hope. The reception area, cozy and inviting, was manned by Sarah, the receptionist, who greeted them with a warm smile. Dr. Ed’s reputation for treating patients like family was not just commonly known; it was felt by all who entered the Thunder Mountain Medical Clinic.
The reception area buzzed with energy tonight, the small waiting room now overflowing. As Reva stepped in, Lila and Capri quickly approached her with an update. “Lizzy’s already at the pushing stage,” Lila told her, eyes wide with excitement.
Reva’s gaze swept the room, searching. “Where’s Charlie Grace?” she asked, concern threading her voice.
From a corner seat, Jewel popped up, her voice bright, “Mom’s in the back, helping out with everything.”
Capri leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Charlie Grace, you know, always picking up after Gibbs’ messes.”
Reva’s eyebrows arched in surprise. “He’s not here?”
“No,” confirmed Lila with a nod, her expression a mix of disappointment and resignation.
Aunt Mo made her way over, her presence commanding yet warm. She placed a comforting hand on Jewel’s shoulder, smiling down at her. “Looks like you’re going to be a big sister very soon, aren’t you, Puddin’?” Her eyes twinkled with wisdom as she glanced at the group, her manner too gracious to openly criticize Gibbs in front of his daughter.
She then extended a hand to Kellen, her voice filled with warmth. “And you must be the gentleman I’ve been hearing about—Reva”s new friend.”
As Reva introduced Kellen, her attention drifted to Albie. Lizzie’s uncle stood awkwardly by the coffee table, his hands clenched around a Styrofoam cup, his anxious gaze darting towards the hallway as if expecting someone or something to emerge at any moment.
At that moment, the entrance door burst open, and Gibbs made his entrance, disheveled and breathless. He ran a hand through his unkempt hair, urgency in his voice, “Where is she?”
Albie’s reaction was immediate and visceral. His Styrofoam cup hit the table with such force that coffee erupted over the checkerboard pattern of the tablecloth, red and white now marred by dark stains. “Where have you been?” he demanded, his tone loaded with accusation.
Gibbs, visibly uncomfortable, attempted to deflect with an evasive, “With a…friend,” his voice trailing off under the weight of the collective disapproving groans filling the room.
Capri leaned to Reva and whispered, “Does anything work above that boy’s neck?”
Reva gritted her teeth. “I think we know which of his body parts work best.”
Albie’s temper flared, and he advanced towards Gibbs, hands clenched as if ready to choke him.
Reva acted swiftly, her grip firm on Albie’s wrist. “Albie, that won’t solve anything,” she warned. She took a moment, choosing her words with care. “This…situation can be addressed later. For now, our priority is Lizzy and the baby.”
For added measure, her head tilted in the direction of Jewel, who watched the unfolding event with wide eyes.
Her intervention snapped Albie back to reality. He relaxed, albeit slightly, his nod reluctant yet acknowledging the sense in her words. His glare lingered on Gibbs, who managed a sheepish look of gratitude towards Reva.
Reva’s response was sharp, her disdain clear. “I didn’t do it for you,” she said, her voice low yet laced with contempt.
She turned to face Kellen and her sleeping child. “Thunder Mountain is never short on drama,” she whispered.
He grinned back at her, looking impressed as he whispered back. “You’re a force to be reckoned with, Ms. Nygard.”
Lila pushed Gibbs toward the hallway. “Go! Go!”
Gibbs did as he was directed.
Minutes later, the entry door opened again, sending the little bell ringing. This time, Nicola Cavendish and her husband, Wooster, entered the room. Trailing them was Fleet Southcott, the town deputy.
Nicola quickly surveyed the gathering. “No baby yet?”
They collectively confirmed the baby had not yet arrived.
Fleet held out a box of cigars. “For when the time comes,” he said, with a hint of a smile. “I figured we’d all want to celebrate properly.”
Albie, who had now begun pacing near the fireplace, took the box with a nod. “Thank you, Fleet. That’s thoughtful of you.”
Nicola parked her hands on her hips. “So, how’s the little mama doing?” she asked, her gaze fixed on the door leading to the hallway and the room where the event of the hour was unfolding.
“Lizzy started pushing a while ago,” came Capri’s reply. “Shouldn’t be much longer now.”
Wooster leaned against the reception desk, watching the small group gathered in anticipation. “This town hasn’t seen a birth in a while. It’s good news, really good news.”
Albie finally stopped pacing. His face finally broke into a smile. “It is. After everything that’s happened this year, we needed some good news.”
The conversation lulled as each person retreated into their thoughts, the air filled with the shared understanding of the hope this new life represented. Outside, the wind whispered through the trees, as if nature itself was joining in the wait for the new arrival.
The door leading to the hallway creaked open, and Gibbs appeared, a broad smile stretching across his face, lighting up the room with a joy that was almost tangible. Behind him, Charlie Grace stepped in, her expression a mirror of Gibbs’, though tinged with a bit of exhaustion.
“It’s a boy,” Gibbs announced, his voice rich with emotion. “Both mother and child are doing splendidly.”
A collective sigh of relief and happiness swept through the room, followed by a chorus of congratulations and the sound of clapping hands. The atmosphere was electric with joy, a stark contrast to the tense anticipation that had filled the space just moments before.
Jewel, who had been perched on the edge of her seat, her small hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress, looked up at her mother with wide, expectant eyes. “Can I see the baby now?”
Charlie Grace knelt beside her daughter, her eyes softening. “Yes, sweetheart. Let’s go meet your new brother.” She extended her hand, which Jewel took eagerly, and together, they made their way toward the hallway. Gibbs grinned widely before turning to follow them.
After taking several steps, he paused and turned to Albie. “You coming?”
Albie beamed. “You bet!”
The group parted to let him through, their faces alight with warm smiles and nods of encouragement. As Charlie Grace and Jewel moved down the hallway, the murmur of conversation resumed behind them, now filled with stories of births and babies, a fitting soundtrack to the new beginning unfolding down the hall.
Reaching the closed door, Charlie Grace gently grabbed the doorknob and pushed it open to the room where Lizzy lay, a tiny bundle cradled in her arms. Jewel tiptoed closer, her curiosity mingling with a hint of awe at the sight of her new sibling.
“Say hello to your brother, Jewel,” Charlie Grace whispered, her voice filled with emotion as she guided her daughter closer.
Jewel leaned over, peering at the sleeping infant with fascination. “Hi, baby brother,” she whispered, a gentle smile blooming on her face. The little girl glanced at Lizzy. “What’s his name?”
“Bodie Albie Nichols,” Lizzy announced, looking worn yet happy.
“After my grandpa…and Lizzy’s favorite uncle,” Gibbs added, with his hand on Jewel’s back.
“A fine name,” Albie said, tears welling. He gave Gibbs’ back a hearty slap. “A right fine name.”
In that quiet room, under the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the curtains, a new chapter began—and a sweet new addition was welcomed into the residents of Thunder Mountain.