TEXAS ROADS (A Miller's Creek Novel Book 1) (15 page)

The back door slammed. “What’s wrong?” Mama Beth flew through the gate, panic in her voice.

They both froze in their spots, the look on Steve’s face like that of a naughty schoolboy caught in the act.

Mama Beth’s tongue clicked louder than Dani had ever heard. “Good gracious! Just look at the two of you.” Then she spied the yard. “And look at my garden!”

She thought fast. “Steve started it.” While Mama Beth ogled the muddy mess, Dani turned to Steve and stuck out her tongue. She wasn’t about to take the blame for something he initiated.

Less than a second later a clump of mud landed on her head and oozed down toward her ear. Oh, he was going to pay for that. Mama Beth had seen it, and based on her expression, he was in big time trouble.

“Why, Steve Miller, I ought to box your ears.” Mama Beth accentuated his name with an indignant tone. Her lips pinched together then twitched.

She could play this to the hilt. Dani feigned a pout and hung her head, but gave him a sideways glance.

Steve chuckled under his breath. “Okay, I give. You win.”

“No, I win again. And you know what that makes you.” She used her thumb and index finger to make an L then mouthed the word, “Loser.”

His mouth swung half open then clamped shut again.

Mama Beth, still clicking her tongue, turned to go in the house. “Make sure you both clean off before you take one step in this house. I just cleaned the floors, and I won’t stand for you tracking mud in.”

“Yes ma’am,” Steve said dutifully.

Dani glanced down at the mud-caked overalls. How in the world would she ever get it all off? She reached down and began swiping at the spots. “Just look at my new overalls. I’ll never get them clean.”

“Here maybe this will help.”

She glanced up just as Steve twisted the nozzle of the water hose, a defiant grin bigger than Texas stretched across his good-looking face.

Chapter Sixteen

S
teve stared at the living room clock and grimaced, raking fingers through his hair. Almost midnight, and the numbers looked as bleak as when he’d started. This is what he deserved for giving in to Dani’s plan too soon. The donation from the lumber company had dwindled to nothing. More projects than money, but what else was new? Last night he’d spent several hours pouring over the ranch accounts. The cost of feed had gone up again. They’d have to do really well at the bull sale in the fall and probably sell off a few cows in order to have a profitable year.

He laced his fingers behind his head and released a weary sigh. Burning the candle at both ends was burning him out. Scooting his chair closer to the desk, he laid his head atop folded arms and allowed his eyes to close. He’d just rest a few minutes before he ran the figures one last time.

The next thing he knew, the morning sun shone through the study window hitting him right in the face. He groggily lifted his head, wincing at the crick in his neck. One glance at the clock told him what he’d already suspected. He was late, and on Sunday of all days. Mama Beth and Dani had probably eaten breakfast, but there would still be coffee. It took every ounce of strength he could muster to stand and drag to the shower.

Pounding water on his neck muscles relieved some of the pain, but did nothing to alleviate his sour mood. Even reading his Bible took great effort, and his prayers seemed to dissipate in air above his head.
Lord, I don’t know what’s wrong, except I’m exhausted. The people will be so disappointed if we get part way through this and have to quit. I can’t let them down. Show me what I need to do.

A half hour later, Steve traipsed through the front gate at Mama Beth’s. She sat, dressed for church, rocking away on her front porch, no doubt waiting for Dani. He shoved down his despair and plastered on a smile. No need to worry her with his problems. Her eyes narrowed before he made it to the top step. “What’s wrong?”

He shook his head. “Nothing. Why do you ask?”

“Well, those saddle bags you have under your eyes for one thing. Now quit stalling and tell me what’s wrong.”

“Did I ever tell you that you’re the most obstinate old woman I’ve ever met?” he groused as he stepped past her.

Mama Beth laughed and slapped her knee. “You got that right. Now sit down and tell me all about it.”

He plunked down in the other rocker, unable to stop the short smile that turned his lips up at the corners. How was it she always knew what he was feeling? Ten minutes later, he finished his spiel about the financial difficulties of the town and ranch, all that still needed to be done for the town fix-up, and how tired he was from trying to take care of it all. He faced her, certain she would sympathize with his plight.

“Are you through venting?” she asked.

He chuckled. “Yes ma’am.”

“Okay, then I want you to listen real hard to what I’m about to say. And I can almost guarantee you’re not going to like it.”

His smile faded and he pursed his lips. What had he gotten himself into?

She leaned toward him, forcing eye contact. “First of all, you need to climb out of that pity party you’ve gotten yourself into. And don’t bother sending out invitations, ’cause no one will want to come.”

Steve glanced down, eager to take a break from her hawk-eyed stare. Mama Beth had him pegged. He
was
feeling sorry for himself.

“Number two, I heard plenty of things about what’s wrong in your life, but didn’t hear one thing about what’s right. If you only look at the bad, that’s all you’re going to see. Number three, have you prayed about it?”

Okay, now she was getting a little personal. His ire quickened. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I have.”

Mama Beth raised both eyebrows. “Then why’d you come crying to me? God’s already got it under control.”

Steve laughed out loud. No other tongue lashing except Mama Beth’s made him feel better instead of worse. He leaned over and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Not only are you the most obstinate old woman I’ve ever met, you’re also the wisest.”

Her blue eyes glinted. “You got that right.”

* * *

“So you’re the woman who’s managed to snag my brother.” The slender brunette with twinkling eyes extended a hand toward Dani while people spilled from the open church doors into the noonday heat.

Huh? Had she missed something? Unsure of how to respond she took the woman’s outstretched hand.

The lady smiled. “I’m Trish James, Steve’s sister. My husband’s the town vet.”

“Nice to meet you. What did you mean about snagging your brother?”

“The latest news on the grapevine is that you’ve hooked and reeled in my brother.” Trish’s look and tone teased her.

Her cheeks flooded with heat. Dani glanced up at Steve, his mouth set in a thin line. “Not true. I don’t fish.” She tempered the comment with a polite smile.

Trish burst out laughing. “Good for you. I love this big nut like crazy,” she said, placing an arm around Steve, “but I pity the poor woman who finally lands him.”

A full-blown smile bloomed on Dani’s face. Already she liked this woman. Potential friend material. Now that Mama Beth was better, it was time to step up her original plan to establish a business and move on with her life. And that included making new friends.

A boy about the age of five sprinted toward them, screeched to a stop at Trish’s side, and squinted up at her. “Jimmy invited me to his house. Can I go? He said we could play video games and go swimming—”

“Wait a minute.” Trish held up one finger. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

The sandy-haired boy pursed his lips in a thoughtful pose. “What?”

“You’re grounded, young man.”

“Aw, Mom, please, just this once?” Trish arched an eyebrow at her son, and the boy’s expression revealed that the message had been received. “Yes ma’am.” His tone deflated, and a disappointed pout turned down the corners of his mouth.

“Go let Jimmy’s mom know you can’t come today, then find Daddy and tell him Mama said it’s time to leave.” She tousled his hair.

Steve stepped forward. “But not until you give Uncle Steve a hug.”

“And a schlerbert.” The boy latched hold of Steve’s leg and scaled him like a tree.

Dani took in the scene with skyrocketed interest. What a wonderful father he would make. She shook herself. Where had
that
come from? She made a concerted effort to appear disinterested, but her eyes were drawn to the scene.

The boy placed his lips against Steve’s cheek and blew. The blatting sound that ensued brought forth a boyish chortle. Steve grinned and winked at her. “Now that was a mighty fine schlerbert. Bo, can you say hello to Dani?”

“Danny?” He made a face and tucked in his chin. “Danny’s a boy’s name.”

“Not all the time.” She giggled and offered him her hand.

He gave it several hardy shakes. “Hi, girl named Dani.” Everyone laughed and Steve set him down, his legs in motion before they ever touched the ground. “Dad’s never going to believe this. A girl named Dani.” He raced away at full speed, the adult’s laughter following him.

Trish patted Mama Beth’s shoulder. “How are you feeling?”

“Wonderful. Dani’s taken such good care of me.” She sent Dani a smile that melted her heart.

“Good, ’cause if you feel up to it, I’d like to have y’all over for lunch. I fixed a brisket.”

“Sounds like a great idea to me.” Mama Beth sent Dani a questioning glance.

Dani nodded her agreement as two men sauntered up with little Bo. The man with a handlebar moustache and cowboy hat anchored himself behind Trish, most likely her husband, the vet. The older man offered his hand to Dani, his eyes wide. “My goodness, if you’re not the spitting image of your aunt. I’m Bo Miller, Steve’s dad.”

Mama Beth’s face seemed to pale in the bright sunlight. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Miller, I’m Dani.” She looked at Mama Beth, who had taken a step backwards.

“Please call me Bo. Makes me feel old to be called Mr. Miller.”

Her gaze shifted to the boy then back to the older man. “So I take it your grandson is named after you?”

Little Bo tugged on her fingers. She bent toward him and he whispered. “He’s big Bo and I’m little Bo.” His thumb punched his chest.

Dani’s breath hitched, but she hid it with a forced smile. How long would this ache for a child haunt her? “Oh, I see.” She eyed big Bo. “What are you going to do when he gets big?”

The older man laughed. “I haven’t thought that far ahead. I’m just glad they call me big Bo instead of old Bo.” He wheezed into another round of laughter.

Minutes later the group dispersed to their separate vehicles for the ride out to the ranch. Dani settled into the backseat of Steve’s pickup next to Mama Beth, and big Bo rode in the front. Classical music streamed from the radio, reminding her of their drive in the country. Steve had listened to the same type of music then. Not the usual musical fare for cowboys, but as she was quickly learning, nothing about Steve Miller was typical.

He pulled into the driveway of a limestone ranch house a few minutes later. Surrounded by live oak trees, the house appeared to have shot up from the Texas soil the way peanuts and cotton did. For some unexplained reason, this kind of life appealed to her on many levels. To wake up each day surrounded by family, knowing you belonged to a place the way the Millers did must bring such joy. Steve opened the door to help her from the vehicle, and Bo did the same for Mama Beth. The pickup doors slammed, but Dani hesitated for a moment to take in the peaceful surroundings. What would it be like to live in a place like this?

Steve started toward the door then stopped to wait for her. “Coming?”

She took one last glance around and joined him. They entered the house to the smoky smell of barbecued brisket. Trish bustled about the kitchen taking care of many tasks, so Dani moved to join her. “Lunch smells amazing. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Thanks.” She smiled and pointed with her head. “The glasses are in that cabinet. We need seven.”

Soon lunch preparations were completed and they gathered at the table, Dani positioned between big Bo and Steve. Doc James spoke, his handlebar moustache dancing on his face. “Shall we ask the blessing?”

They joined hands around the table, and Steve took her hand in his, her pulse curiously accelerating. At the end of the prayer, he smiled and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Her heart skidded to an almost-stop. Why was she reacting like a love-sick school girl? She gulped and focused on her plate, convinced her cheeks had colored to cardinal red.

The tender brisket melted in her mouth as she bit into it, and unleashed jealousy nibbled at her insides. Why couldn’t she have this kind of life? And why was it everyone knew how to cook except her? Her specialty thus far was burnt mac and cheese.

Conversation and laughter flowed throughout the meal, the round of smiling faces setting off a throb in Dani’s heart. This was the life she longed for. Life with a family and a home. She lowered her head and fingered the napkin in her lap.
Get over it, Dani.
It would never happen now. She’d already closed the door on marriage, that chapter in her life over. The sooner she came to grips with it the better.

After lunch the older Bo sought out her company, seemingly eager for conversation. They moved to the tree-lined patio which was surprisingly cool for the heat of the day. Nearby a mockingbird belted out his repertoire. “So tell me, Miss Dani, how do you like living in Miller’s Creek so far?”

“I love it, but compared to what I’m used to…well, let’s just say it’s a big change.” She recalled the flurry of by-passers the day before, certain she could never grow accustomed to the lack of privacy. Steve stepped out, spied them and sauntered over, swiveling a chair around and straddling it to rest his arms on the back. She sensed his gaze on her, but avoided looking at him directly.

“Stick around here long enough and you won’t be able to leave.” Bo waggled his eyebrows then turned to look at the horses grazing in the pasture, their soft whinnies and snorts combining with the whispered breezes.

“Mama Beth’s already taught her how to garden.” Steve’s comment forced her attention, and he gave her a wink. She returned his lazy grin, remembering the mud fight.

“Not a bit surprised.” The older man chuckled. “Watch out, or next she’ll have you working that daycare of hers.”

She smiled. Bo knew her aunt well, another fringe benefit of living in a small town. “Actually she’s already scheduled me to start at the daycare this week. One of the workers is going on vacation. But I’m happy to help. I love kids.”

“Dani’s a teacher.” Steve shifted the position of his feet then lowered his head, his eyebrows scrunched into wiggly lines.

“Really? Any chance you’ll sign on in Miller’s Creek?”

“Well—”

Steve interrupted. “She’s only here for the summer.”

Dani rolled her lips under. Might as well get it out and over with. “Actually, I’ve decided to move to Miller’s Creek on a permanent basis.” She shot out the words then focused on Steve’s reaction. Shock. Quick control. A hint of aggravation?