Promise Them (The Callahan Series Book 6) (25 page)

“Every Sunday for dinner,” Phyl said. “Promise?”

“Promise.”

She put Susie down, then got in the car to find that she couldn’t wait to get to her own space. For the first time in a very long time she was on her own.

Still, it felt strange when she walked onto the porch, saw her old rocker and table sitting there. Somewhere the kids had found a couple of outdoor chairs and placed them on the porch as well. Later, she’d pour a glass of wine, come out here to sit and relax.

Stepping into the house, she looked around. The girls did a fantastic job of mixing her things with what was already here.

She took a deep breath, inhaled the clean scent of soap, the slight aroma of Clorox. As she stood in the middle of the living room, she let her gaze wander over the space—saw the pale blue sheers she’d picked out hanging at the window. They’d let in the light and if she wanted more privacy, she could pull down the shades. She walked over to an old library table that gleamed in its ancient beauty and admired the family pictures that covered it. She picked up one of her and Duncan, taken soon after they came here. Her eyes glowed with purpose, his with love. She traced a finger over his face. She’d loved him dearly, and realized that love would never go away.

She put the picture back on the table and walked through the house. It wasn’t large, just two bedrooms, a bath, kitchen and dining room combined, but it was all she needed.

Her bedroom held her own dresser. The girls had made her bed with fresh linens and the beautiful wedding ring quilt her mother-in-law gave her the first day she came here.

On the hardwood floor was a rug she’d picked up in town. It went perfectly with the room.

As she walked around, she touched the familiar and unfamiliar objects. The room felt right.

Next she went to the kitchen and opened a bottle of wine. The girls had stocked the refrigerator and the pantry. Nellie knew there were things she’d still need, but eating at the diner every day would bring her cooking at home to a minimum.

Glass of wine in one hand, she picked up her favorite travel book from the coffee table and went to sit on the porch.

Just as she’d done for years, she opened the worn book and let her mind wander.

She had never been outside of Texas but had always dreamed of traveling. So a lot of her books were those of states and countries she wanted to see. She smiled wistfully as she flipped from one dog-eared page to the next. In her mind, she traveled from France to Italy—from Rome to Florence. When she looked up it was getting dark and her glass was empty.

Time to go to bed. She had to get up early tomorrow and go to work. Now didn’t that sound strange?

The routine of getting ready for bed was familiar even if the setting wasn’t and by nine she was in bed and ready to sleep.

But sleep wouldn’t come.

She couldn’t stop thinking of how upset the children were that she’d dated Beau a few times.

Without turning on the lights, she got out of bed and went to sit on the porch again.

The night was dark, the moon almost hidden behind clouds. But she could see the outline of the herd Donovan had moved here, watched as they shifted in the still air. Her gaze went to the tall rock formation in the distance. Though she was barely able to see it from here, it stood darker than the surrounding property.

To the left of the rocks was Beau’s property. She couldn’t help but wonder if he was thinking of her. Or was he agonizing over another theft? It was worrisome. Everyone in the area was concerned. The thought that she had added to Donovan’s troubles by moving here gave her pause. The last thing she wanted to do was worry her children.

Still, she understood their concern. Mom had stepped out of her box. Moved. Dated. It confused them.

But she didn’t have to live in the ranch house to love and care for them. They would have to get used to the idea that Mom had grown up.

She laughed. If the children could see her now, they’d think she was losing it. Or maybe they’d think she was lonesome, or nervous on her own. If she thought about it, she’d been on her own for only a short time in her life.

She was on her own now and liked it.

Hearing something, she turned toward the sound.

A horse. But who would be out this late? Donovan and Beau had called off patrols. For a moment, her heartbeat accelerated. She
was
alone. Her clock read twelve-thirty a while back. Maybe it was one of the men the special agent had said would be watching the place. She relaxed. That had to be who it was.

Horse and rider came closer. She stayed still in her rocker, knowing no one could see her. Still, her heart thundering in her chest, she drew back further into the shadows to make herself small in her chair. Who was it? The rustlers? Or one of Nolan Murdock’s men?

She squinted, but couldn’t see a face. From the silhouette, she thought it might be Jimmy and let out a relieved breath. Her brow wrinkled. Why wasn’t he taking advantage of a full night’s sleep? When she lost sight and sound of him, she realized he was heading toward the rock formation. Curious. She’d ask him tomorrow.

When she snuggled deep under the covers, her thoughts turned to Beau. He didn’t know she’d moved and she wondered what he’d think.

For the first time in a long time, she thought of him coming to her in the night.

She went to sleep with thoughts of Beau in her head.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Knowing Nell’s family was at the ranch for the weekend kept Beau tending chores on his own place. Monday morning he was up early enough to meet Rey and Joe in the barn at six-thirty.

“I saw a fence with loose wire yesterday on the east property line,” Beau said. “Can you work it into your schedule today?”

“No problem, Mr. Beau,” Joe said.

“It’s on the list for today,” Rey said.

“You make lists?”

Rey pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. “Yep.”

Beau held out his hand. “Your mom made lists.”

“I didn’t know that.”

Beau looked up from the paper in his hand, met Rey’s startled blue eyes. “How could you? You were only a youngster when she left us.”

“She died, Dad.”

Beau cleared his throat. “Right.” He scanned the list. “Impressive. Can you get all of this done today?” He handed his son the paper.

Rey tucked it back in his pocket and pulled himself into the saddle. “Most of it.”

“I’m going to town this morning. I’ll help out when I get back.”

Beau went to his truck and started down the drive. Rey was turning into quite the rancher. Actually, Rey was acting more like a foreman every day, taking on more and more of the ranch responsibilities. Making lists, indeed. He chuckled.

It was past time to give him a raise. Joe too. They’d worked hard these past weeks. But Rey surprised him daily. He did the work and never complained. More, his approach was usually a good one.

When Beau parked in front of Molly’s, all thoughts of the ranch left his head. He couldn’t wait to see Nell.

Opening the door, he saw Emma perched on a stool at the register. Amy was busy with customers while Zach was clearing a booth in the back. Before going to grab it he stopped at the register.

“You look happy this morning, Beau,” Emma said.

“I do?”

“You have a smile on your face a mile wide, I’d say that was happy.”

“How about you?” he asked. “How long are you going to help out here?”

“Don’t know. Maybe I’ll apply for a permanent job.”

Laughing, he moved to the booth and took a seat. Emma was a surprise a minute. Amy brought over a pot of coffee and poured a cup. “What’ll it be today, Mr. Beau?”

“A roll should do me,” he said. “But bring me one of Nell’s biscuits too, would you?”

The smell of cinnamon and sugar hung in the air as thick as fog.

It didn’t take but a minute before Amy put a plate down in front of him and topped off his coffee. “Is Nell in the kitchen?” he asked as he picked up his fork.

“Sure is. Want me to tell her something?”

The knowing smile on Amy’s face didn’t faze him. She remembered the kiss. So did he. “I’d like to see her when she has a minute.”

“Will do,” Amy said, and winked before going to the next booth.

He was almost finished eating when Nell stepped out of the kitchen. Seeing him, she gave a quick wave. His heart lifted and started that rumba beat in his chest. She looked wonderful this morning. In jeans, T-shirt, and Nikes, an apron tied around her waist, she looked like a woman entirely too young for him.

Sliding into the booth, she smiled. “How are you this morning?”

“Better, now that I’ve seen you.” He grinned. “I missed you.”

She hesitated a second, then cocked her head and nodded. “I missed you, too.”

“When do you get off? Can we get together? Do something? I know you’ll be tired, so maybe we can…?” He shrugged.

Nell laughed. “Why don’t you come over around seven-thirty? I have almost a full bottle of red and some cheese and crackers. We can sit on the porch and talk.”

“That’s a wonderful idea. The kids won’t mind?”

****

“Well—you see…” She cleared her throat. “I moved to the homestead over the weekend. The kids won’t be there.” She didn’t want the statement to sound as if she’d moved because of him. She’d moved to give the kids the privacy they deserved. Seeing Beau without Donovan’s disapproving look was an added bonus.

“You moved to the little house that sits next to a pond in the middle of the ranch?”

“I did.”

Three more customers came through the door. Amy looked around for an empty booth. Found none.

“I have to go,” Nell said. “We’re busy this morning.”

She stood and started to leave.

Beau grabbed her hand, brought it to his mouth. Feeling awkward, she pulled away. The place was packed. When she reached the kitchen, she shut the door and leaned against it for a moment. How could he do this to her?

Was it wise to have him over tonight, or any night for that matter? He made her want things she hadn’t thought about in twenty years.

The boys were so against her seeing him. They already thought she’d moved for just that reason—to be with Beau. She shook her head. They were wrong.

“I need another dozen eggs over here,” Dani called out.

Since Zach had his hands full, Nellie went to the refrigerator and brought them to her. “I’ll get some more hash browns started. You’re almost out.”

“What would I do without you?” Dani asked.

“Have you heard from Molly? Do you know when she’ll be back?”

“She sticks her head in every day. I’m surprised she isn’t here now.” Dani chuckled as she cracked eggs, put them in a skillet.

She turned to Nellie, her face serious. “She doesn’t want to close the place, you know. If it weren’t for her health, she’d keep it open another ten years.”

“I know,” Nellie agreed. “But sometimes things happen and you have to go with the flow.”

They were startled by the sound of hammering next door.

“What’s going on?” Dani asked. “Has Emma rented the gift shop space?”

“I don’t know. When I get these finished, I’ll ask her.”

“Do that,” Dani said with a frown. “All that racket isn’t good for business.”

Nellie chuckled to herself. Dani was beginning to sound like a seasoned businesswoman.

With the orders that came in, it was thirty minutes before Nellie could take a break and confront Emma. During those thirty minutes, the hammering hadn’t stopped.

A quick glance told her Beau had left. Her disappointment was upsetting.

“What’s going on next door?” she asked. Emma sat on her stool with a mischievous look in her eyes, looking as neat and trim as always in her perfectly pressed slacks and long-sleeved blouse.

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t give me that innocent look, Emma. Did you rent the space? If so, to whom?”

“You’ll see.”

“That’s telling me a lot,” Nellie complained.

“In time,” Emma replied, taking cash from Frank Hudson, a neighboring rancher. Nellie reached out to shake his hand. “Good to see you, Frank.”

A trace of a smile crossed his lips. “Same here.”

“Dani said the racket is disturbing the customers.”

“Tell Dani not to worry, the carpenters won’t be there long.”

“You’re not going to tell me a thing, are you?”

Emma’s eyes twinkled. Nellie wondered what the woman was up to.

She shrugged. “I’ll tell Dani I tried.”

Zach brought Emma a roll and put it down by the register.

“How many does that make this morning?” Nellie teased.

“Three. But who’s counting?” Emma replied.

“It’s a wonder that woman doesn’t weigh a ton.” Nellie laughed when she was back in the kitchen. “I know what would happen if I ate that many sweets.”

“I think the calories bounce off her,” Dani said, stirring a skillet of rich, creamy gravy. “Do we have enough biscuits to go with this? If not, you’d better make another batch.”

“Only a dozen or so,” Nellie said. “I’ll get right on it.”

They didn’t have much of a break all day. With breakfast over, they started on lunch. When that was over, they helped Zach clean up.

“Time to go to the house and rest,” Dani told Emma.

Dani refused to allow Emma to work past two o’clock, claimed it was too hard on her.

“I’m fine,” Emma complained.

“You’ll miss your soaps.” Nellie reminded her.

“Humph! Dani records them. I won’t miss a thing. Besides, I have to check on the work next door.”

She got off her stool, picked up her purse. “I’ll be back,” she said, and sailed out the door.

Dani and Nellie looked at each other.

“What is that woman up to?” Dani wondered.

“She isn’t saying. So let’s get busy and figure out the blue-plate special for tomorrow.”

“I made a list with the specials for each day this week. What I need to do is check the pantry and make another list of what we’ll need.”

“Then let’s get to it,” Nellie said, leading the way back to the kitchen. She couldn’t help feel some eagerness to be finished and get home. Because she was eager to see Beau? Of course it was.