They weren’t inside the hardware store thirty seconds when a Dierks Bentley lookalike strolled up to them. Elisa found herself wishing she had one of Desdemona’s hankies, the man was that good-looking.
He wrapped Desdemona in a bear hug. “Heard you were home.” He cocked his head. “Sure took you long enough to come see me.”
“I wasn’t sure my heart could handle all this pretty.” Playfully, she pinched his cheek.
Dimples flashing, he growled, “Handsome, Desi. Guys are handsome, not pretty.” Swinging his attention to Elisa, he said, “You must be the beauty who threw herself at Tucker’s feet.”
She groaned. “I’m never going to live that down, am I?”
“Probably not.” Grinning, he held out a hand. “Beck Elliot, Tansy’s husband. Nice to finally meet you, Elisa.”
She smiled. She liked Beck Elliot. He sealed the deal by crouching in front of her daughter.
“And hello again, Daisy Elizabeth.” He looked up at Elisa. “Did she tell you how many marshmallows she managed to put away?”
“No, she didn’t.”
Daisy spun in a little circle, then held up four fingers. “I eated this many.”
“Wow!” Elisa said. “Pretty impressive.”
“A girl after my own heart,” Desdemona said. “I ran into your new bride yesterday morning. I’d say she’s a lucky woman, but damned if I don’t think you’re the luckier one.”
“You’d have that right.” He reached into his back pocket and drew out his phone. Bringing up a photo, he held it out to her. “Gracie Bella’s first day of kindergarten.”
Elisa’s heart stuttered. Oh yeah. She’d say all three of them had lucked out in that relationship. Beck, Tansy, and Gracie Bella, who now shared Beck’s name. Tucker told her Beck had adopted the child within days of the wedding. Another mark in his favor.
“You come in just to see my handsome face?” Beck baited.
“Not that I wouldn’t, but I’ve come to buy paint and to hire a painter,” Desdemona said.
He frowned. “Didn’t we paint that house of yours top to bottom and inside out last year when you and Reginald stopped by for a couple of weeks?”
“You did, and thank you very much for that. I’m happy with my house exactly the way it is. For now, anyway.” She grinned cheekily. “You know my building on Main?”
“I do.”
“It’s about to become Misty Bottoms’ new bookstore.”
“About damn time.” He glanced at Daisy and winced. “Sorry about that. With Gracie Bella around, I should know to be more careful.”
“It’s okay.” Elisa held her daughter’s hand while she twirled in circles. “Makes you dizzy to watch, doesn’t it?”
He nodded. “What color are you thinking, Desi?”
“Pink.”
“Pink? Are you kidding me?”
Desdemona set a hand on her hip. “Don’t tell me there’s not enough testosterone in that gorgeous body to walk it into a pink building for Michael Connelly’s latest Harry Bosch book or one of Nora’s books for Tansy’s birthday.”
“When you put it that way—” he admitted.
“Seems to me I just did. So? Would you?”
“Yes, I would.” He grimaced. “It isn’t going to be all frou-frou inside, is it?”
“That’ll be up to Elisa here,” Desdemona said.
“Oh!” Elisa raised a hand to her throat. “I—We—”
Desdemona threw back her head and let out another of her guffaws. “Despite the evidence otherwise, the girl is actually able to string a sentence together. I wouldn’t trust her with my business otherwise.”
Beck sent Elisa a look of pure understanding. “She’s railroading you, isn’t she?”
“Well, I—” Elisa wet her lips.
“There’s my answer.” He turned to Desdemona. “How much pressure are you squeezing her with?”
“Everything I’ve got,” Desdemona admitted without blinking. “Otherwise she and this little one intend to leave us. We need them right here in Misty Bottoms, where we can look out for them.”
Beck simply shook his head. “Let’s check out some paint chips.”
Elisa would have sworn there couldn’t possibly be so many colors or shades…and they’d considered every single one in the last half hour. But they kept coming back to pink. Not the soft pink they’d originally decided on, though—instead they went for a piggy-bank-pink. If they were going pink, then by darned they’d go pink. They’d paint the trim deep purple. This building would make a statement, and nobody would walk past without noticing it.
Beck shook his head. “Gotta give it to you. Despite my initial misgivings, I think these colors will be perfect for that building. When Tansy insisted on a light lavender and green for her bakery, I gave her all kinds of grief. I was wrong. When do you want the Winkler twins to start prep and painting?”
“Why don’t you give either Davie or Denny a call and see what they have open? I’m good to go, so the sooner, the better.”
“But—” Elisa held up a finger.
“Honey, I plan to do this with or without you. I’d much rather it be with you, but Beck’s right. That needs to be your decision.” Turning her attention back to Beck, she said, “The inside needs a fresh coat of paint, too. We’ll think about that a bit more. And I’ll want bookshelves. Can the twins build those or should I hire somebody else for that?”
“They’re good with just about anything, Desi,” Beck said. “They’ll be able to handle whatever you need.”
“Great.” Eyes narrowed, Desdemona asked, “You going home, Elisa?”
“Home? As in Bowden, Alabama, or Charleston? Or Tuck’s house?”
“I had Tuck’s house in mind.”
“I love Tut,” Daisy said around the thumb she’d planted in her mouth.
“Me, too, sweetie, and I haven’t even met the man.” Desdemona patted the little girl’s cheek. “He’s been real good to you and your mom.”
“Uh-huh.” She nodded vigorously. “He smells good, too, but he’s not my daddy.”
Elisa’s eyes went wide. “Daisy!”
“What?”
“Why would you even say that?”
“’Cause I asked him.”
With a small whimper, Elisa tipped her head to stare at the ceiling. Heat flooded through her. Rather than meet Beck’s or Desdemona’s eyes, she rubbed a hand over her own.
When she heard Beck’s snort, her hand dropped and her gaze flew to his. “You think that’s funny?”
“I do.”
Her mouth dropped open.
Around a grin, Desdemona said, “I do, too.”
“Listen, Elisa,” Beck said. “I went through all this not long ago myself. It’s trial by fire. When a kid’s involved, everything’s fair game. No question is unaskable.” He laughed again. “I’d have loved to see the look on Tuck’s face when he fielded that one.”
“Is Misty Bottoms really on the map, or have I dropped into some third dimension?”
“Oh, we’re real, all right,” he said. Then he tossed a glance toward Desdemona. “Most of us, anyway.”
The older woman pulled herself up to all of her five-foot-six height. “I believe I’ll take that as a compliment, Mr. Elliot.”
With a mischievous smile on his face, he answered, “As you should.”
“Mommy?” Daisy patted her mother’s leg to get her attention.
“What, sweetie?”
“You said Daddy lived a long way away. We’re a long, long way away, so why isn’t Tut my daddy?”
She opened her mouth, then closed it, not having a clue how to answer her daughter’s question, one that for a three-and-a-half-year-old made a lot of sense.
“Daddy lives far away somewhere else,” Desdemona said.
“
Oh.” She yawned. “Can we go there someday?”
Before Elisa could come up with a reply, Beck said, “You look tired, sweet pea.”
“I’m not. I don’t need a nap, ’cause I’m a big girl. Huh, Mommy?”
“Yes, you are.” Elisa rolled her eyes. “But even big girls take naps sometimes.”
Daisy shook her head hard enough to send her blond curls flying. “Not me. Not now.” She spoiled it with another big yawn.
“Want to take a peek at my house before you make a decision, Elisa? See if it will suit?”
Elisa stole a sidelong glance at Daisy, whose head drooped to one side. “As much as I’d love to, I think Daisy could use that n-a-p.”
“You’re right. Give me a call when it’ll fit into your schedule.”
A laugh spurted out of Elisa before she could stop it. “My schedule? I think we decided earlier that would be nonexistent right now. It’s like I’ve dropped into some great big sinkhole. If I was a car, I’d be stuck in neutral.”
“Well, let’s get you jump-started then. You willing to give the bookstore a shot?”
“Thought you were gonna give her some time,” Beck said.
Wearing an expression of feigned innocence, Desdemona simply shrugged.
“Willing?” Elisa couldn’t fight it anymore. “I can’t wait to get started.”
“Yes!” Desdemona’s arm shot into the air in triumph. “First step? Let’s get that child home for her n-a-p.”
* * *
Elisa fretted the entire way back to Tucker’s house. What had she done? This was a huge step, and she needed to think. Yet she’d already said yes to Desdemona.
Wasn’t this exactly what she’d been praying for, though? A real job, a place where she and Daisy could sink roots, make friends, and start new traditions.
The downside? Same as the upside. Tucker Wylder lived here. She’d see him every day, would run into him and watch him settle into his own life, a life that wouldn’t include her. She understood that. He’d taken her in because, in addition to being the handsomest, sexiest man she’d ever met, he was a truly nice person. A little uptight and self-contained, but wonderful.
If she expected him to change his entire lifestyle for her or because of what happened last night, she was living in fantasy land. All it took was a single look around his house, at the precision in every item and every corner, and there could be no doubt he was a bachelor from the top of that barely grown-out military cut to the tip of those steel-toed work boots he wore.
Once she came to terms with that, she’d be happy living here and running Desdemona’s bookstore. Wonder what she’d name it? One thing for sure, it would be cozy and welcoming. There’d always be a pot of coffee and hot water for tea. Maybe a cat curled up on an overstuffed armchair.
Books and people. She loved both. Working in the library had suited her. Yes, there’d been days when things hadn’t gone well and she’d arrived home tired and frustrated. But watching a child’s face light up during story time, teaching fifty-seven-year-old Mr. Stimple to read, or tucking away a new gardening book for Rita Mae had been worth every night she’d crawled into bed exhausted.
That life had been snatched away. Now? She had an opportunity to spend her days doing all that again, thanks to a chance stop at Molly’s bridal boutique and Desdemona Rosebud Hamilton. It would be a safe bet that some thought the woman was a little out there. Okay, a lot out there.
Elisa thought her extraordinary and more than a little magical.
Since Daisy had fallen asleep the second the tires started turning, Elisa decided to take a drive out to Wylder Rides. She didn’t like the way she and Tucker had ended things last night. On the way there, she’d need to come up with an excuse for showing up in the middle of the day.
Spotting Sweet Dreams, she pulled in. Why not take the guys a treat? Besides, she was beyond curious about Tansy’s bakery. Since she’d just met Beck at the hardware store, why not stop by for a visit with his wife? If she planned to live here…
She let out a shaky breath. No, she wouldn’t think about that. At least not right now.
Daisy wouldn’t wake if she carried her inside. She could grab some coffee and her growing-up-too-fast daughter could get the nap she needed. The world would be a far better place without a cranky child, which was exactly what her sweet little girl turned into when tired.
Last night, though, Tucker had crowned himself King of the Crank-Buckets.
* * *
In a heated argument with his brothers about whether or not to take on a second project for a hard-to-please client, Tucker’s ears tuned in to the sound of a car out front.
Elisa’s rattletrap. It might be in far better shape than when she’d first driven into town, but the woman needed a new car. His knees went a tad wobbly at the memory of her dropping at his feet, and even more so when he thought of holding her, of dancing with her last night, of kissing her and then making her his. But he hadn’t really, had he?
He tossed down the air hose and hustled outside—there she stood. Uneasy, he tried to gauge her expression. Surprisingly, she didn’t look angry.
“Hi, Tuck. I wasn’t sure you’d be here.”
“Yep. Full workday, but the boys and I are having a disagreement. Good you stopped by. We needed a time-out.”
“Tut!” Daisy, invigorated by her short nap, threw herself at him the second Elisa freed her from her seat. A megawatt smile lit up her face.
He caught her close, gave her a big noisy smooch on the cheek, and tossed her in the air. “You and your mom out causing trouble?”
“No. We’ve been good, haven’t we, Mommy?”
“Yes, we have.” She held up the carrier Tansy had given her. “And…we come bearing gifts.” Reaching inside the car, she pulled out a bag and handed it to Daisy. “That’s for Tuck.”
The little girl, still nestled in his arms, held it out to him. “Here, Tut. Brownies. They’re really good.”
“Did you snitch one?”
She smiled. “Noooo.”
“Then how did those crumbs get on the corner of your mouth?”
“Mommy snitched two. One for her and one for me.”
Elisa snorted a chuckle. “Ungrateful child.”
“What’s that mean?” Daisy asked.
“Never mind.” To Tucker, she said, “Daisy and I ate our own. There’re still plenty in that bag to share with your brothers.”
“Good.” Gaven sauntered out through the bay door and grabbed the bag from Tucker.
“Hey! Hand that over or you get none of Tansy’s coffee.”
“You brought coffee, too?” Gaven, looking for all the world like a kid on the first day of summer vacation, practically danced back outside. Swinging the bag, he said, “I’ll trade a brownie for a drink.”
“You’ll trade more than one,” Tucker growled. Setting Daisy on her feet, he took the cup carrier from Elisa. “Give the bag to Elisa. Then we’ll negotiate.”
Wiping his hands on a garage rag, Brant stepped outside into the fall day. “I swear, Elisa, if I didn’t have Molly, I’d ask you out on the town.” He shrugged toward Tucker. “Don’t suppose this oaf has?”
“I will!” Gaven volunteered. “Tuck, you won’t mind babysitting while Elisa and I sneak away to play, will you?”
After last night’s foot-in-mouth moment, Tucker glanced at Elisa, at the uncertainty on her face. Was it because she wasn’t sure Gaven was kidding? Didn’t know how to tell him no? Or because she wanted to say yes?
Before it went any further, he blurted, “Forget it, Gav. We’re working late tonight, but Elisa, Daisy, and I already have big plans for tomorrow night.”
“Oh yeah?” Brant raised a brow.
“What’s up?” Gaven asked. “Where are you going?”
“I don’t believe that’s any of your business.�
� Tucker was afraid to look at Elisa, certain she’d call him out for the fibber he was. He nodded toward their back room. “Why don’t you run the numbers on that project again? I’ll be with you in a few.”
Gaven started to answer, but Brant grabbed his arm and a coffee. “Come on, Bro. I don’t think they need us here.”
Tucker gave him a thumbs-up. “Brant, you’ve just moved into my-favorite-brother spot.”
Chapter 14
Elisa tucked a sweet-smelling, sleeping Daisy into bed. What a day. A trip out for some fresh air had resulted in a new, rather eccentric friend, a job offer, a possible temporary home, and, if he’d been serious, a date tomorrow night with Tucker—one that included her daughter. Maybe he didn’t want her to leave any more than she wanted to—but then again, maybe he’d just been poking at Gaven. Tucker could be hard to read.
She hadn’t shared her big news with him. It wasn’t an intentional secret, but it hadn’t felt right spilling it in front of Brant and Gaven. Then after they’d gone inside, she’d hesitated and missed her chance.
Tonight would have been a good time to tell him, but Tucker had, after a nice visit with her and Daisy, worked late. He’d called at six to say he’d be a few hours still, so she and Daisy ate their favorite dinner—pancakes and bacon. After half an hour in the tub and three bedtime stories, Daisy had finally given in to sleep.
Moonlight sifted through the curtains and tossed shadows across the room. Elisa turned restlessly in bed. She’d heard Tucker come home well past ten, but she doubted he was asleep, either. Sitting up, she listened. Absolute quiet but for the ticking of the clock on her dresser.
1:47 a.m.
As long as she was awake, she might as well check on Daisy.
Standing in the hallway, she noticed Tucker’s door stood open. Strange. He kept it closed; it was his sanctuary. Tiptoeing down the hall, she realized neither the room nor the bed had been used. Her heart hurt for him. He appeared to be so in control of himself and every situation, yet something ate at him, something that, even with his strength, he couldn’t control.
Heading to the other end of the hall, she peered inside her daughter’s room. Curled up on her side, Daisy slept the sleep of the innocent. Elisa blew her a kiss, then belted her robe and slipped downstairs to check on Tucker.
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