Authors: Carolyne Aarsen
“Maybe you could get used to me, too.”
Beth released a shaky breath. She doubted she could ever get used to Dan's touch.
Silence stretched.
“Fine. If it will make you feel better.”
“It will, and don't worry, I'll do all the work.” Dan gently wrapped his big arms around her, tucked her head under his chin and hugged.
He was warm and solid, and she could hear the steady beat of his heart. For a brief moment she relaxed and sort of hugged him back.
Yes, hugs were nice.
But you're leaving. You're leaving.
The words sounded over and again in her head.
I know.
When he stepped back, Beth was surprised at how much chillier the room seemed without his comforting warmth.
“Thank you, Beth,” he said softly.
“I, uh, you're welcome.” She turned away quickly, picked up the mixing bowl and placed it in the sink, then turned on the water.
“I'm sorry for questioning your motives. I guess I'm still carrying around more baggage than I realized,” Dan said. “It was your basic knee-jerk reaction. I was being a jerk and trying to protect myself.”
“From what? I would never purposely hurt you. We're friends. Right?” she asked as she scrubbed at the bowl.
“Beth, I care for you. More than I realized. No matter when you leave, it's going to hurt.”
She stopped and didn't move, more than a little stunned at his admission and not willing to admit that she felt the same way.
The doorbell rang again, this time with a pounding on the wooden door.
“Dan?” a female voice called out.
“Emily?” he asked, moving out of the kitchen and down the hall.
Emily the midwife. Beth moved to the doorway, unable to resist listening to the conversation.
“Hey, Dan, I heard about your mother. I thought maybe you could use some nourishment.”
Emily had brought food. Of course. Why not? Everyone could cook but Beth.
“Come on in, Em. Do you want me to take that?”
“If you'll point me to the kitchen I can carry it in,” she said sweetly.
“Uh, right down here.”
Racing to the sink, Beth shoved her hands back in the soapy water.
“This is so nice. Homey. You did a great job decorating. Love the stainless steel.”
“Um, Emily, I didn't decorate. This is my mom's place. Amy and I have a house down the road.”
“Why didn't I know that?” The woman's laughter filled the kitchen.
“You can place it on the counter,” Dan said. “Sure looks good.”
“Oh, I didn't realize you were still here,” Emily said, her voice a tad less confident. “I thought I heard planes were taking off again at the airport.”
Beth turned around and met her curious gaze. “No. I'm still here. I'm staying another couple of days, since Elsie is in the hospital.”
“That's really nice of you.”
“We were about to have pizza,” Dan said. “Do you want to join us?”
“I don't want to intrude, and I need to get going, anyhow.” Emily peeled back the foil from the casserole. “This will go great with pizza. It's my special lasagna recipe.” She looked up at Dan through her lashes like a lovesick puppy. “I hope you like homemade lasagna.”
Beth glanced away. Was he truly oblivious to Emily's feelings? How could he be when they were written all over the other woman's face?
“Love it,” Dan said. “Thank you.”
“You're welcome.” Emily smiled and stepped closer to him. “Are you planning on going to the big bake sale in town next week?” she asked quietly.
“I haven't thought that far out.” He offered a weak smile. “Things have been a little crazy.”
“It's the Paradise Ladies Auxiliary fund-raiser for the library. If you decide to go, let me know and I'll save you a ticket.”
He nodded and swallowed. “I'll do that.”
Amy walked into the room waving her clean hands in front of him. “Pizza now, Daddy?”
“In a minute. Say hi to Miss Emily.”
“Hi, Miss Emily,” Amy parroted.
“She's so cute.” Emily placed a hand on Dan's arm. “So I'll see you in church on Sunday?”
“Oh, yeah. Sure.”
“Nice to see you again, Beth. When did you say your flight was?”
“Saturday.”
“And where's home?”
“I'm headed to New York City,” Beth said as she dried her hands again.
“Wow. New York. The biggest city I've been to is Denver. I guess I'm just a country girl at heart.” She turned to share the wattage of her smile and bat her baby blues at Dan.
“Let me walk you out,” he said.
“That would be lovely.” Emily shot a little smile into the air near Beth. “Bye. Best of luck.”
“Thanks,” Beth replied.
“Daddy, can we
please
eat?” Amy called. “I'm starving.”
“Sure, Pumpkin, you go ahead. I'll be along in a bit.”
“Pizza for you, Amy, or lasagna?” Beth asked.
“I want pepperoni pizza. Lots of pepperoni pizza.”
“Atta girl,” Beth said as she flipped open the pizza box.
Emily's voice trailed down the hall. “Do you have a second to look at my engine? It's been making funny noises.”
“Sure. Let me get my toolbox.”
Beth grabbed a dish and silverware for Amy and put a thick slice of pizza on the plate.
“Aren't you eating?” Amy asked.
“Not right now,” Beth said. Her appetite had vanished the moment Dan and Emily left the room.
Was she jealous? Maybe. One thing was clear: Emily was smart and pretty, she cooked,
and
she was a country girl. The only thing unclear was what Dan was waiting for.
Chapter Eleven
D
an pulled open the barn door and stepped back, surprised to find his brother inside mucking out the stalls.
“What are you doing here? You were going to stay at the hospital with Mom today,” Dan said.
“I got kicked out. The Ladies Auxiliary took over the room. Thursday is Bible study and they decided to move it to Mom's room rather than have it without her. Bitsy Harmony is going to stay with her until tonight.”
“So much for your bonding time with Mom.”
Joe laughed. “That's Dr. Mom to you.”
“How'd you get home?” Dan asked.
“Sheriff Lawson dropped me off.” He nodded to the workstation. “They sent me home with homemade pastries, so I can't complain. Besides, it could be worse. They could have wanted me to stay.”
“Good point.” Dan opened the box. “Were you going to eat them all?”
“No. But I got distracted and haven't made it up to the house with yours yet.”
“There are at least a dozen in here. You were only going to save me one?”
“I'm bigger than you. I need more nourishment.”
Dan scoffed as he looked Joe up and down. He grabbed a Danish and bit in, licking his lips. “Cheese. These are amazing. Looks like we underestimated the value of Mom's church ladies.”
“I'll say,” Joe answered.
“Did you hear anything about the results of the angioplasty?” Dan asked.
“Well, I'm not a medical professional like you and Beth, but I translated the doctorspeak to mean that the procedure was successful. They're going to put her on some meds to keep the arteries clear.”
“Good news, all the way around,” Dan said as he lifted a second Danish from the box. “So, how can I help you today?”
“You're a bottomless pit, aren't you? Finished off the pizza the other night and the lasagna. By the way, that was good lasagna.”
“Emily Robbs brought it.”
“You've got women falling over you, left and right,” Joe observed.
“Too bad I'm not interested,” Dan said.
“Seriously? What's your problem? Are you going to let one mistake color your whole life?”
“This isn't about me. Every decision I make affects Amy.”
Joe shook his head. “Don't you think maybe it's time you faced your fears instead of blaming everything on Amy?”
“You know what MYOB means?”
“Whatever,” Joe said. Suddenly, his ears perked up. “You hear the phone ring?”
“No.” Dan stared at his brother. This was curious. “Who are you expecting a call from?”
He shrugged. “Physical therapist.”
“Anyone I know?”
“Nope. And let's keep it that way.”
“
Female.
You're waiting for a call from a woman.” Dan nearly dropped the Danish.
“I said it was a therapist.”
Dan shoved the rest of the flakey pastry into his mouth and eyed the remaining golden treats. “A therapist who is a woman. That's what you said.”
“No. You said that.” Joe closed the white box and handed him the pitchfork. “Go do something constructive.”
Dan started tossing hay. “You
could
call
her,
” he said.
“It's her move.”
“I knew it was a woman.”
Joe glared over the wooden rails at him. “Are you still here?”
The phone rang and they both jumped toward the sound, shouldering each other aside and then practically wrestling for the portable's handset. It fell to the ground and bounced. Joe dived for the receiver and barely managed to yank it out of Dan's grasp.
“Hello?” he panted. “Yeah. Okay. I'll tell him. Thanks,” he said to the caller.
“For me?” Dan asked as he picked up the pitchfork.
“That was the garage,” Joe muttered. “Your truck is ready.”
“That was fast.”
“We've been snowed in for five days. I imagine they're twiddling their thumbs.”
“You want to drive me in to Paradise?” Dan asked.
“I guess I could,” Joe said slowly. He glanced at his watch. “Maybe.”
“What do you mean, maybe?”
“Hey, you know what? I've got an idea,” Joe continued.
“Trying to scare me?”
Joe ignored him. “Why don't I spend some time with my niece? Amy and I can see a Disney movie in town and then I'll buy her a burger and a strawberry milkshake at the Prospector.”
“That's your big idea?”
“Yeah. I need toâ” He cleared his throat. “I want to hit the noon matinee. Think you can have her ready to go in time?”
“Sure.”
“Great. And you know, Beth has been here nearly a week and has been stuck on the ranch. This would be the perfect time to show her Paradise.”
“I don't know....” Dan stared at the hay.
“She still mad at you?”
“No, and I'd like to keep it that way.”
“How can you get in trouble showing her around town?”
Dan met his brother's gaze. “Trust me, if there's a road leading straight to a cow patty, I'll find it.”
Joe laughed. “What kind of logic is that? Beth's been an unpaid ranch hand for five days. The least you can do is take her to town. Show her your pharmacy, and Patti Jo's Café and that crazy shop where Mom buys all her sweatshirts.”
“I guess. Seems harmless enough.”
“Sure it is.”
“Why do I think you're trying to distract me from what's really going on here?” Dan leaned on the pitchfork and assessed his brother. “Let's back up a minute. Why are you all jacked up about taking Amy to a movie?”
“I told you. I want to spend some quality time with my niece.”
“You have to be at the noon matinee to do that?”
Joe pulled off his ball cap and then slapped it back on.
Dan's eyes widened as it finally hit him. “Are you meeting someone at the movie?”
“Well, if I sort of run into someone, that would be a nice coincidence.” Joe paused. “She has a daughter Amy's age.”
“She?”
Dan burst out laughing. “Your therapist?”
“Stop laughing.”
“You set me up.” Dan shook his head. “You had this all planned.”
“Not really. I ran into my therapist on the way out of the hospital and we talked about getting the kids together. She said something about taking her daughter to the noon matinee. I was sort of hoping for an opening so I could ask you.” He had the grace to look sheepish. “Everything fell into place on its own.”
“Oh, the mighty, how they fall.”
“What's that supposed to mean?” Joe muttered.
“Nothing. Not a thing. What's with the phone call?”
“She was supposed to call me and let me know for sure if she was going to be at the movie.”
“I was rightâyou already made plans for my daughter.”
“Amy likes Disney movies.” Joe shrugged. “I don't see what the problem is.”
“What if Amy couldn't go?”
“I hadn't thought that far ahead.” Joe glanced at his watch again. “You're really going to make me work for this, aren't you?”
“Have you considered just asking this gal out to dinner?”
Joe blinked as though considering those words. “Naw. My way is less threatening.”
“For who?” Dan asked.
“Look, everyone knows that the way to a woman's heart is through her kid.”
Dan slapped his forehead. “Oh, man. Tell me again why I'm taking advice from you?” Not that he needed advice. Because he didn't. Advice on romancing a woman was of no use to a man who wasn't looking for romance. Especially not with another woman who was counting the days until she'd leave him behind.
* * *
Dan stood in the doorway watching Beth and Amy. Their backs were to him as they sat on the living room couch. He should be reading with Amy, but instead Beth was, and she was doing a much better job than he ever did. The woman had endless patience.
“What's that word?” Amy asked.
Beth bent closer, picked up Amy's finger and put it on the word. “Now, try it a little at a time.”
“El...”
“Yes,” Beth encouraged.
“E...”
“E sounds like
uh
here.”
“Pant?” She glanced up at Beth.
“
Ph
makes the
f
sound.”
“Elephant!” Amy exclaimed.
“Very good.”
Amy leaned affectionately into Beth, who smiled down at her and brushed the bangs from Amy's eyes.
Dan's heart filled and he swallowed the lump in his throat. His mother was correct, Beth would make a good mother...in New York City, or wherever she finally settled down.
“Afternoon, ladies.”
“Daddy.” Amy turned and put down her book. “Did you visit GG today?”
“Uncle Joe did and the Paradise Ladies Auxiliary is keeping her company right now.”
“I miss her.”
“Me, too, Pumpkin, but she'll be home soon.”
“Tomorrow for my program?”
“I don't know yet.”
Amy nodded solemnly. “Dr. Beth and I picked out our clothes for the program. She's going to braid my hair and tie ribbons on the end.”
“I know you're going to look beautiful.”
Beth twisted around on the couch and met his gaze. She smiled. A genuine, survived-the-hug-and-lived-to-tell-about-it smile. Dan swallowed hard against the emotion stirring within him.
“So, Amy, Uncle Joe wants to take you out for a Disney movie and a cheeseburger. He's meeting a friend who has a little girl your age.”
“Do I know her?”
“Probably not, but it's always fun to make new friends, right?”
Amy sighed. “Sometimes it's scary, but if Uncle Joe is with me I guess it will be okay.”
“Uncle Joe is lots of fun,” Dan said. “Why don't you go get ready? We'll leave here shortly.”
He turned to Beth. “Dr. Beth, how would you like to see Paradise? I have to pick up my truck at the garage and then we can go tour the big town.”
“That would be really nice.” Her eyes widened and a slow smile warmed her face.
“But there's a catch,” Dan said.
She cocked her head. “What's that?”
“I don't want to talk about the fact that you're leaving Saturday morning. Don't want to think about it. Deal?” Their gazes locked.
“Deal,” Beth said softly.
* * *
Beth turned her head at the sound of shovels hitting cement. Merchants were clearing the sidewalks of Paradise, ridding the pavement of the snow that was piled up everywhere.
“Hey, careful.” Dan took her arm and pulled her close to him.
He nodded toward the large pothole puddle she had nearly stepped in.
“Thanks.”
“No problem.” His warmth and strength touched Beth as he held her arm until they had safely crossed the street.
“What did you think of the pharmacy?” he asked.
“It's cute.”
“Beth, it's a pharmacy, it's not supposed to be cute.”
“I'm sorry, but it is. It looks like an old-time apothecary. How long has that place been open?”
“As long as Paradise has been around.”
“I rest my case.” She looked up at him. “I'll bet they're missing you while you've been off.”
“They owe me something like three years' worth of days off. They'll survive. This will make them appreciate me.” He glanced down. “Do you still have the bag?”
“Yes. I put it in my purse.”
“My mother is going to love that sweatshirt.”
“I hope you're right. I would have never guessed that a sequined sweatshirt with the words I Put the B in Subtle would make anyone happy.”
“You have to think like my mother.” He chuckled.
“When did your mom start collecting those...quirky shirts?”
“I don't know. She's been wearing them as long as I remember. I'm just grateful she doesn't wear them to church.”
“Her church friends are with her today at the hospital?”
“Yeah. Paradise Ladies Auxiliary. Sort of an interdenominational group, comprised of all the church ladies in the area. Kind of a cross between a Bible study and philanthropic group.”
“I see.”
Across the street a group of elderly women called Dan's name and waved. He waved back.
“More of my mother's church friends.”
“Do you and your family go to church every Sunday?”
“Pretty much.”
She frowned, confused. “Why?”
“I go because the Bible says to. I also go because church grounds me. Time in church prepares me for another week. It soothes my soul, and helps me remember why I'm here. To serve Him. Everything else is icing.”
“I've never really thought about why I'm here.”
“Maybe you should.”
Beth stiffened at the words. Of course it wasn't an insult, but it was like a splash of cold water. Why
was
she here?
“Maybe you should drop into a church and sit for a while, let His presence seep into your soul. Then you can ask for yourself.”
“That's all there is to it?”
“He's a polite God. He'll never go where He's not wanted. The Lord is waiting for you to welcome Him into your heart. Then He'll direct you.”
She nodded, captivated by the explanation. “Thank you. No one has ever explained things to me like that.”
“Anytime, Beth.” Dan took her arm again. “Whoa. Ice.” He pointed to the sidewalk and they walked around the patch.
“What's that wonderful smell?” Beth asked as they came to an intersection and then crossed the street again.
Dan grinned. “Cookies.”
“Cookies?” She looked around the town square, where a series of quaint shops surrounded a charming little park.
“Patti Jo's Café and Bakery. And it's Thursday.” He stopped in the middle of the sidewalk and inhaled, then nodded. “Yep. Oatmeal cinnamon raisin.”