Hannah (The Hawthorne Sisters) (4 page)

Early June brought a surprise snow storm
. It fell fast and hard, and then was over as quickly as it had started. The weather was turning warmer, but like anything out here, you just never knew what to expect.

After their
unexpected kiss, time passed. They were tied into their own life issues. Hannah was helping at home, doing farm chores and trying to get Sarah to discuss her feelings. The school year was ending, and Sarah would be helping out around the farm more often.

S
arah didn’t want to see a therapist, and refused to talk to her mother. She didn’t want to weigh her mom down with stuff about her dad. She was afraid it would dredge up Mom’s depression again. When Hannah first offered her a shoulder, she didn’t take her up on it, but slowly she started to talk to her more. She missed her father dearly, and couldn’t shake the loss like her sisters seemed to.

A
t first Sarah buried herself in schoolwork, but it eventually caught up to her. She had a hard time grasping that her father wasn’t coming back. She missed him. They’d been close. As the baby in the family, she’d become a daddy’s girl. He’d softened with age, and found her antics amusing. She simply missed him and the bond they shared.

The stages of grief were moving in slow motion
. Hannah encouraged her to trust a therapist. Grief counselors were trained in these things and could help her get past the hurdle. Sarah promised to think about the option, but if kids at school found out she had to see a therapist, they’d call her out on it, thinking she was messed up.

“It doesn’t matter what other people think. What’s important is taking care of what you need, what you want in your life. You need to stop worrying what other people are thinking.”

As she spoke the words, the irony struck her. They were the very words
she
needed to hear.

After her chores, Hannah cleaned up and hopped in her truck. Something stopped her. He hadn’t made contact with her since their kiss. Maybe he’d changed his mind. Weeks had passed and neither of them made the effort. She sat thinking. Finally, she got out of her truck and went back inside. She felt foolish for even thinking he’d still be interested.
If he was, he’d have come by for sure.

Walking back through the door, she found Maggie curled up with a book. “Hey
, Mags.”

“
Hi.”

“Are you free this weekend? I was thinking of doing something fun with Sarah
. Maybe we can go riding, and just spend some time together?”

“Sure.”

“I’ll check in with Allie, see if she wants to go.”

“Mom won’t ride anymore.”

“Yeah,” Hannah sighed. “Getting back on the horse is the best medicine.”

“You can ask, but you already know the answer.”

“I have some morning chores, but after that, I should be good to go.”

“
That sounds good.” Her nose was back in her book. She’d already gotten absorbed again.

Allie had plans with Richard, and Mom
said she’d have breakfast with them, but she wasn’t getting back on a horse. It would be Hannah, Maggie, and Sarah.

When
the weekend rolled around, the family sat to eat breakfast together. Nobody saw it coming. Sure, she talked about it, but they were just words. Allie dropped the bomb. She was moving in with Richard at the end of the month. That didn’t go over well.

The aftermath of breakfast was finally passing, and t
he day was a good one. It was something they all needed, to reconnect. The girls went riding, and finally made their way home. Sarah and Maggie decided to go find some ice cream, and Hannah settled in next to her mother, who was doing cross stitch.

“We had fun. You should have come with us.”

Her mother looked up. “I’m glad you girls spent time together. It’s nice for sisters to bond.”

“Nice way to change the topic.”

“Somebody came by for you earlier. I told them you’d be home later this afternoon.”

“Oh?”

“Some guy,” she said, “but not the right one.”

“What?” She was confused. “
Who’s the right one?”

“Some boy from school you used to date.”

“Oh.” She couldn’t hide the disappointment in her voice.

“Why don’t you just go see him?”

Hannah shrugged. “I thought maybe he’d come see me.”

“Maybe there’s a reason he hasn’t.”

“Is it weird? The two of us?”

“The heart wants what the heart wants. I saw it the moment you interacted with him. As stubborn as you are, you still couldn’t hide your attraction.”

Hannah flushed. “He’s dad’s friend.”

“You’re a grown woman.”

“You’d be okay with it?”

“It’s not for me to say who you should fall in love with. Sometimes we don’t get to choose.”

“Why haven’t you said anything?”

“You’re like talking to a brick wall sometimes. I love you, but you’re a stubborn mule at times, dear.”

Hannah smiled at her mother. “Thanks, Mom.”

Nothing else needed to be said. Hannah stood and headed out the front door. There was somebody she had to talk to – somebody she had to see.

When she knocked, he wasn’t there. She went out to the barn, and saw Ruby was gone. He was out riding. Should she wait? Maybe this was a mistake. She knew what she wanted, but what about him? Why didn’t he come to her? Would he find her too aggressive, just showing up again? As she was about to leave, he was walking Ruby back in.

“Hannah!”

“Hey.”

“It’s so good to see you.”

“Is it?” She didn’t mean for it to come out that way.

“Yeah, it is. I’m sorry I haven’t stopped by or called.”

“I kind of hoped you would.”

“I know. I should have. I really dropped the ball there. After my sister’s accident, she went into rehab
. I’ve been trying to sort through some life stuff. I didn’t want to drag you into it all.”

“Is she okay?”

“Yeah,” he smiled. “She’s doing well. She’s working the program, and really wants to get better.”

“That’s great.”

They walked into the barn together after Bryce watered Ruby. Slipping the saddle from her, he made a quick check of her hooves before grabbing a brush. They talked as he worked.

Bryce looked to Hannah.
“I’m going to just come out and say it… I find myself attracted to you. I don’t know how to rectify those thoughts. I’d like to be more than your friend, but don’t want to push you.”

“I feel like a child sometimes
when I’m around you, and yet, I’m an adult. You were friends with my father. It’s a weird thing. I keep trying to separate that, and then it tangles together again.”

“Hannah, you’re all woman. You’ve grown up.”

She blushed. “I’m glad you’ve noticed.”

“How can I not? I find it hard to
be a gentleman around you.”

“What if I don’t want you to be a gentleman around me?”

He looked at her, chemistry sizzling between them.

“This is what I want,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Bryce moved toward her, desperately needing to hold her. Hugging Hannah tightly, he didn’t want to let go. She was his future. He was certain of it.

Locked in an embrace, the couple looked at one another. The hunger in their eyes said what neither could put into words. There was a fire burning inside, a desire
that needed to be satiated.

Every time they got close enough to
touch it, it evaporated with life interrupting. Could this time be different?

Bryce was almost afraid to kiss her
, afraid the moment would be stolen away once again. His fingers moved through her hair, gently stroking her silky locks. Unable to look away, he was mesmerized by her crystal blue eyes.

“Kiss me,” she finally whispered, aching to feel his mouth
on hers.

Bryce lowered his head, his lips brushing softly against Hannah’s. Electricity ran through her body, feeling his mouth on her own. Parting her lips, tasting the man before her, she closed her eyes and got lost in the moment. The kiss grew more heated and Bryce’s hands moved across her back, touching, caressing
. He forced himself to keep them above her waist. He wanted to reach down lower, to cup her bottom, to feel her soft curves in his hands, but used what little restraint he had.

This was why he hadn’t been in touch with her. He knew that the very next time he laid his lips on her
, he’d want to make passionate love. He hadn’t felt these kinds of feelings in a very long time, and once they bubbled up, it was hard to push them back down.

Pulling away, he
tried to tone things down. The fires of lust were burning inside of him, and she deserved more. She deserved a gentleman.

“I want this
, but I want to treat you as the lady that you are.”

Hannah smiled. She knew they’d gotten over the invisible hurdle they kept putting in front of them.

Fourth of July meant the
big regional fair was coming through. Most people went, but it was one place Bryce avoided. Ever since he’d lost his parents, it only brought back bad memories. Instead, he decided to take back the day and turn it into something better. Bryce asked Hannah out for dinner. They’d share a few moments and a meal. He hoped she was okay with missing the fair. They could still park nearby to see the fireworks later.

They
decided to keep things casual so it wouldn’t put too much pressure on the evening. Bryce chose a roadhouse tavern that served good steaks and massive potatoes to go with it. It wasn’t fancy, and you’d find a roll of paper towels on the table for napkins, but the booths were private and the crowd was comfortable. Settling into a booth at Snyder’s Steak and Brew House, they ordered a couple of longnecks and dinner.

Most of the small towns around Saddle Brook were the same, a few dotted businesses on a strip of roadway, and if you wanted anything more than the usual, you needed to head into the city. They still had a fair share of small places to eat
, if you were willing to drive a town or two over. There was always Hickory Grove and Oakridge, two other small nearby towns with their own cropping of small businesses. If you knew where to look, you’d find something. Out of town folk might drive by a place, but the locals knew where to stop.

Snyder’s wood wasn’t highly polished, but the steak was cooked over a fire and seasoned just right. Nobody minded the scuffs on the floor, because the beer was cold and the food brought you back time and time again.

Bryce looked at Hannah. She was lush, and had grown into a beautiful woman. She wore the slightest touch of make-up, but she didn’t need it. Her skin glowed, her hair shined, and Bryce Callahan thought she was gorgeous. Nature did well by her, and the man in him couldn’t help but notice. She was slender with soft curves, and when she spoke, her voice was confident and strong. She was her own person, not a wallflower that was afraid of the world. She took the bull by the horns, and wasn’t afraid to get dirty.

She was the kind of woman he could see spending the rest of his life with. He hadn’t thought about a wife, kids, or much of anything before Hannah caught his attention. He’d been busy with life, doing his own thing, running his small ranch, and keeping
Beverly out of as much trouble as possible. The kinds of thoughts he was having threw him a little, but once he got over the surprise, he embraced the feelings that were growing inside of him.

The waitress dropped off the steaks and refreshed their beers. Hannah was grateful she wasn’t carded. She didn’t want to point out the age difference. He might be embarrassed by the circumstance.

The talk came easier this time, with no awkward silences. They spoke of his sister’s progress, about Hannah’s sisters, the weather, their work, and more of each other. Having finally accepted they were going to move forward in a relationship left them both relaxed.

Bryce reached across the table, taking her hand. “Thank you for giving us a chance.”

Hannah nodded. She wanted to thank him for the very same thing. Leaning forward, she smiled. She couldn’t look away from the man. Licking her lips, she nodded as he spoke. The flush on her cheeks warmed her. The feelings she had were stronger than she expected. She wanted to savor the experience and sit here all night.

Bryce turned her wrist so
that her palm was facing up. He drew lazy circles on her palm. Her nerves were on edge, and the tiniest movements had her craving more of his touch. When she leaned in, she could pick of traces of his cologne. Inhaling, she wanted more of it, wanted more of him. Her stomach fluttered and her heart raced. There was no going back; she was falling fast.

When she looked at Bryce, she felt secure and could picture a future
together. Younger guys never gave her that feeling. Guys her age were still living life on the edge, wilder, wanting to be free. Bryce was about stability, family, and treating her like a lady. Right now, she wasn’t feeling very much like a lady. She had thoughts of lust and desire, and forced the feelings down. It was too soon.

The looks, the small touches, and the feel of Bryce’s heart in his throat had him shifting in his seat. There was
an intensity between them that could be dangerous. All he wanted to do was to take her home and make love to her. He gently pulled his hand back, clearing his throat, and suggested they glance over the dessert menu. They opted for a slice of cheesecake with two forks.

Hannah didn’t want to look away, but forced herself to glance down at the table. She looked back up at him and felt his stare. His eyes were hungry, but not for cheesecake. She shifted in her seat, and reminded herself to be a lady.

As the waitress swung back around with their dessert, the couple shared it, lingering over the end of their meal. He suggested they watch the fair’s fireworks from a distance. They were due to go off soon.

Paying the bill, the couple walked arm and arm out to his truck. It felt so natural, like he’d always wrapped his arm over her shoulder, but more than anything
, it felt nice.

Stopping at the truck’s passenger side, Bryce opened the door for Hannah. She thanked him, but on tu
rning to look at him, she froze, unable to look away. Lifting her hand to his face, she slowly traced his lips, watching his eyes.

Bryce leaned forward and
tenderly kissed her. He wanted so much more, but if he didn’t corral his urges, he might do something that would push her away. He needed to remind himself to go slowly. His body wanted to move faster than his head did.

A sweet, soft kiss and then he pulled away and went to his own side of the truck, climbing in. The electricity in the air was powerful, drawing them together. They were consenting adults
; there was no reason they couldn’t…no. Keep your eyes on the prize. The long term goal was having Hannah in his life. He could wait.

They drove to a side road a few miles from where the fair was happening. Pulling off to the edge, they sat and watched
the fireworks. They brought a tear to his eye. He wanted to be done with these feelings, but that fair would always remind him of his parents. At least he could make better memories with Hannah.

After the finale, Bryce brought her home and gave her a small kiss goodnight. He was afraid if he did much more, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself. Saying good-bye, he watched Hannah get safely inside.

On getting home, he decided to give Beverly a call to see how she was holding up. He was grateful when she answered the phone and was still sober. She was working her program, and doing better than she thought she’d be. It would take some doing, but she was trying to get her life together. He knew tonight was a difficult night for both of them.

***

Allie was at the kitchen table when Hannah walked in. She was lost in thought.

“Hey.” Hannah sat across from her sister.

Allie looked up. “Hey.”

“What’s going on?”

“I was just thinking about Dad.”

“I can’t believe he’s gone. That freaks me out sometimes.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. Do you remember that time he took us into town for ice cream? You dropped your cone and were balling your eyes out. Daddy gave you his.”

Hannah smiled. “Yeah.”

“It was the little things he did, you know?”

“He was a good man.”

“I’m moving in with Richard. I guess I was thinking about what Daddy would have thought of him.”

“Does he treat you well?”

Allie looked down. “He loves me.”

There was something in that answer, a deflection that Hannah didn’t like. “Are you sure about him?
”

“Yeah.”

“Okay.” She didn’t want to judge, but everything inside of her wanted to lecture her older sister. It wasn’t her place. She offered her a shoulder and an ear. She was a grown woman, and had to make her own choices in life.

“What about you? How did your date go?”

“Good.”

“Does it bother you he’s a lot older than you?”

“Not anymore. It did at first. It seemed weird, because he was Dad’s friend. We never really interacted with him much like Daddy did.”

“Are you going to see him again?”

Hannah nodded. “Yeah. There’s something there.”

“Do you think I’m foolish for moving in with Richard so soon?”

“Does it matter what I think?”

“I guess not. I’m doing it anyway.”

“Only you know what’s best for you.”

Allie stood and stretched. “I’m going to bed soon. Thanks for the talk.”

“Sure.” Hannah got up and perused the cabinets. Pulling out a package of cookies, she sat and twisted one open, licking the cream before eating the outer portions.