A Brother's Promise

by Mindy Obenhaus

  “Sure.”

  They moved into the yard where Sadie was draped over the swing, her belly against the wood instead of her bottom.

  “Miss Christa and I are gonna run inside for a minute. You want to come with us?”

  “Me and Dixie want to stay here and swing.” With the dog sitting beside her, Sadie pushed off again, lifting her feet into the air so as not to impede her movement.

  “Okay. I’ll be right back.” He followed Christa into the mudroom and kitchen where she proudly showed off her handiwork. He met her gaze. “And you’ve never done this before?”

  “No, sir.”

  “I guess you’re one of those naturals then, because you can’t even tell there was a hole there.”

  Her cheeks went pink. “Well, maybe not once it’s painted.”

  “I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks.” Her gaze met his, and he quickly realized just how much he’d missed being with her.

  “Say, would you—”

  Worry creased her brow as she held up a hand. “Do you hear crying?” She turned for the door. “Sadie?”

  Mick followed her outside and down the steps with Sadie’s sobs meeting his ears.

  In the front yard, Sadie sat on the ground cradling her arm. Her face was red, and tears streaked down her cheeks.

  “What happened, honey?” Christa dropped to her knees beside the child.

  Mick did the same, his heart wrenching. Why had he left her?

  “My arm!” Sadie wailed.

  Finding his voice, he said, “Show me where it hurts.”

  She pointed to her forearm, her cries decreasing in volume as Christa soothed her.

  He carefully ran a hand over the area, looking for any obvious protrusions or such. “Can you do this?” He held his hand out, palm down.

  Sadie mimicked him.

  “Now do this.” He rotated it so his palm was facing up.

  Sadie started to turn it, only to cry out in pain.

  His gaze slammed into Christa’s. “I need to get her to the hospital.”

  “I’ll drive.”

  Mick scooped Sadie into his arms. “This is all my fault.”

  Christa stepped in front of him. “No, it’s not. It was an accident.”

  “I never should have left her alone.” And if the Sandersons got wind of this, he’d lose Sadie for sure.

  Chapter Nine

  It’s only a minor sprain.

  Using her utility knife, Christa sliced open a cardboard container of wood screws Tuesday afternoon, certain the doctor had no idea what a mountain of guilt that seemingly innocent statement had carried. And even though Sadie had confessed that she’d been standing on the swing, Mick was still beating himself up when Christa ran into him at Rae’s earlier this morning.

  She pulled out several small plastic tubs, hating that he was being so hard on himself. Especially when Sadie’s fall had been just as much Christa’s fault. Maybe even more, since she was the one who’d invited him inside. It never even crossed her mind that Sadie could get hurt on something as benign as a tree swing that was only two feet off the ground. How foolish could she be?

  Yet instead of owning up to her guilt, she’d taken them a basket filled with trinkets, snacks and homemade treats after work last night. Having fretted over the child all day, she wanted to see for herself how Sadie was doing. Thankfully, the kid didn’t appear too worse for the wear. She was pretty proud of her sling, but disappointed she hadn’t gotten a pink cast that everyone could sign.

  Christa had emptied the box and was stacking the last of the tubs atop the metal shelf when Patsy came around the corner of aisle six.

  “I just heard something you’re not gonna like.”

  No doubt some tidbit of gossip on one of Bliss’s residents. Though how that would impact Christa, she wasn’t sure.

  She sliced the tape on the bottom of the box, flattened it and added it to the growing pile beside her before addressing her assistant manager. “And that would be?”

  “Gordon Winslow was just here.” Patsy planted her fists on her curvaceous hips.

  “Let me guess. For a Dr Pepper and free bag of popcorn?” The store offered the popcorn every Tuesday afternoon about this time, but Gordon always needed a soda to wash his down.

  “Yes, but that’s not what I was going to tell you.”

  Christa waited for her to continue.

  “He finally sold his property out near Dawson’s Bend.”

  “Must’ve decided to drop the price, huh?”

  “I don’t know about that. However, it’s Crane’s Building Supply who bought it.”

  The smile disappeared from Christa’s face and her heart sank. “Are—are you sure?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Frankly, I was a little surprised he had the nerve to brag while he was munching on our free popcorn. Hope he chokes on it.” Patsy spoke the last words under her breath.

  “Now, don’t be too hard on him. Gordon’s always been a loyal customer.”

  “So then why’d he go and stab us—you—in the back?” Patsy shook her head.

  Christa did feel a little betrayed. Still... “He’s been trying to sell that tract for a long time. Perhaps he needs the money.”

  “Yeah, like I need more kids.” The mother of four snorted.

  “Well, don’t you worry, Patsy. Bliss Hardware has loyal customers. Not to mention relationships with them. People like that.” At least she hoped so.

  “I expect you’re right. I was just a little miffed at the way he told us. Next Tuesday, I’m only filling his popcorn bag half full.” With that, Patsy turned and walked away, leaving Christa wondering if she was too late.

  Tomorrow would be two weeks since she’d first contacted her Realtor, and there was still no word from the leasing agent, other than they’d been unable to get in touch with the owner. Perhaps it was time to explore other options. Except there were none. She’d been contemplating this for nearly five months. Ever since she heard Crane’s had expressed an interest to a couple of landowners.

  The problem was that between the store and the lumberyard, Bliss Hardware was landlocked. And doing away with or decreasing the size of the lumberyard wasn’t an option. That would be like shooting herself in the foot. Lumber sales made up the bulk of her business, and every nook and cranny of the store was already packed. That’s why the Gebhardt building was the perfect solution.

  She blew out a breath. God, I could really use Your help. Open my eyes to what You would have me do.

  “There you are.”

  She turned at the sound of Mick’s voice to see him striding toward her, his ever-present cowboy hat hin hand.

  Forcing a smile, she said, “Well, hello to you, too.”

  He shoved a hand through his hair. “I have a problem and I was wondering if you might be able to help me out.”

  Funny, she could have said the same thing to him. That was, if she thought he’d actually be able to help. “Sure, what is it?”

  “The probate hearing for Jen’s and Kyle’s wills has been set for Monday morning.”

  “That’s good.”

  “Not really. It’s at 9:00 a.m. in Austin. That means I need to be on the road before seven. So, I need someone to take Sadie to school. I hate to ask, but—”

  She held up a hand. “Don’t even go there, Mick. You know I love spending time with Sadie. I’m just glad to know you still trust me with her.”

  A befuddled look crossed his ruggedly handsome face. “Why wouldn’t I?”

  This is your chance. Tell him the real reason he needs to stop blaming himself.

  She sucked in a breath. “Sadie wouldn’t have been outside alone if I hadn’t been so fired up about my walls.”

  His brow puckered. “You know I chose to go with you, right?”

  “S
till, I was being selfish, pulling you away from her in the first place. I should have waited until she finished playing.”

  “Christa, you are not selfish. Why would you think such a thing?”

  “Because I let you down. You and Sadie. After all you’ve told me about the Sandersons.” Her gaze fell to the dingy linoleum floor. “If they somehow found out Sadie got hurt and used that against you...”

  He drew in a deep breath and let it out. “Can’t say I haven’t thought the same thing a time or two myself. Except I never blamed you.”

  “I know, because you’re too busy blaming yourself.” Glancing upward, she saw that hand going through his hair again. It’s a wonder the man wasn’t bald.

  “And to think I was so worried about her falling off of Drifter. Had her wearing that helmet so she wouldn’t get hurt. I shoulda gotten a bunch of that Bubble Wrap instead.”

  “Aisle nine.” She pointed, hoping to lighten the mood.

  Looking her way, he arched a brow. “Do you think other parents go through this sorta stuff?”

  “Probably. But they usually start with infants, so they have a chance to grow with their kids and get their footing. You, well, you got dropped right into the thick of things.”

  “You’re not kidding. And there’s no way I would have made it this far without your help.” The intensity in his eyes had her swallowing hard.

  “Sadie is a precious little girl.” Christa was also discovering that her uncle was pretty special, too. A fact she found rather disconcerting. “And I can relate to what she’s going through. That’s all.” She took a step back.

  “What do you mean that’s all? That’s huge. You’ve helped me understand Sadie in ways I never would have even thought. Sometimes I wonder why Jen thought I could do this.”

  Forcing herself to look at him, she said, “Because she knew you. She believed in you. And I believe in you, too.”

  “Now don’t go feelin’ all sorry for me just because I’m whining.”

  “Mick Ashford—” her hand automatically went to her hip “—are you calling me a liar?”

  “Would you have said what you just did if I wasn’t feeling so down?”

  “Probably not.”

  “That’s what I—”

  “Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be thinking it, though.” She pretended to straighten the already straight boxes on the shelf. “These past couple of weeks I’ve gotten to know the real Mick Ashford.”

  “As opposed to?”

  She lifted a shoulder. “A cocky cowboy who thought of me as some crazy broad trying to prove something by buying a hardware store and restoring an old farmhouse.”

  “First of all, I’ve never thought of any woman as a ‘broad.’ Second—” he stepped closer “—I apologize for doubting you. Not only are you smart, you’ve got more gumption than most men I know.”

  The sincerity in his voice had her needing to change the subject. “About Monday. I open the store at seven.” She reached for another box and sliced it open.

  “Oh.” He sounded disappointed.

  “Why not let Sadie spend the night with me Sunday? That way she can just come to the store with me for a while before I run her to school.”

  “You sure you want to keep her all night?”

  “Why not?” After hearing that Crane’s would, in fact, be moving into the area, she could use the distraction. “We’ll have fun. We can do a bunch of girlie things.”

  He shifted from one booted foot to the other, his interest obviously piqued. “Such as?”

  She shrugged and tucked the tool away. “Bake cookies, paint our nails, do each other’s makeup.”

  A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Can I be there when y’all make cookies?”

  Times like these, she was reminded that Mick was a big kid himself. “What if they’re mermaid cookies with pink and purple sprinkles?”

  “I’m pretty sure my taste buds are color-blind.”

  She couldn’t help laughing. Being with Sadie would make for a nice distraction. But Christa still had to come up with a plan. Because if she didn’t have a home improvement section up and running well before Crane’s opened their doors, she could kiss her business goodbye.

  * * *

  “I can’t wait to sleep over at Miss Christa’s tonight.” Sitting at Mick’s kitchen table Sunday morning, Sadie scooped another spoonful of fruity breakfast cereal from her bowl. “We’re going to have so much fun.”

  “I’m sure you will. But we have church first, so eat up.” Mick took another swig of his coffee, hoping Christa remembered about the sleepover. He hadn’t seen or spoken to her since she’d extended the invitation on Tuesday—something that bothered him more than he cared to admit.

  Sadie wasn’t the only one who enjoyed spending time with their neighbor. And that left him feeling rather befuddled. Because while no other woman had ever captured his attention the way Christa had, he doubted he could hold hers for very long. The only reason she was a part of his life was because of Sadie. The two of them shared a special bond that had nothing to do with him. And he’d do well to remember that.

  His phone vibrated against the table, and his pulse shot up a notch when he saw Christa’s name on the screen. Why would she be calling now when it was almost time to head out for morning worship? Maybe she wanted a ride. Or had changed her mind about tonight. That would break Sadie’s heart.

  “Aren’t you going to answer it, Uncle Mickey?”

  “Huh? Oh, yeah.” He picked up the device and tapped the screen. “Hello?”

  “Mick, it’s Christa. I think we have a problem.”

  His gut tightened. She was backing out. He never should have said anything to Sadie. “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m not sure, but there’s a lone cow in the pasture behind my house that doesn’t look so good.”

  He only mildly relaxed. “What do you mean?”

  “She’s out there all by herself and she just seems...agitated. She lies down for a little bit, then stands up. Her belly is pretty swollen. I think she’s pregnant.”

  Standing, he began to pace. “What does she look like?”

  “She’s got that mottled brown, black, reddish hide with a white face.”

  He shoved a hand through his still-damp hair. “Brindle. And yes, she’s pregnant. Any idea how long she’s been there?”

  “Ever since I woke up a few hours ago. Hold on a sec. I’m going to go outside and try to get a closer look.”

  “Make sure you stay on your side of the fence.” The last thing he needed was for Christa to tangle with an ornery, pregnant cow.

  “Give me a little credit, Mick.” She didn’t say anything more, but he could hear the door opening and closing and the sound of birds outside. “All right, let me—ooh, yes, she’s definitely pregnant. And I’m pretty sure she’s in labor.”

  “What makes you say that?”

  “There are hooves protruding from her—”

  “Yeah, I get it.” He roughed a hand over his face. “Sounds like she’s in distress.”

  “Which means?”

  “That we could lose the calf. Maybe the mama, too.” He grabbed his jacket from the hook by the door. “I’m on my way.” He ended the call as Sadie finished her cereal. “Put on your boots and jacket, Sadie. We need to check on a cow.”

  Minutes later, they were in his utility vehicle, making their way up the drive toward Christa’s place. Mick prayed nature would take its course and the cow would deliver without any assistance from him. His concern for the cow aside, if he was forced to step in, he didn’t know what he’d do with Sadie. He couldn’t keep relying on Christa. It wasn’t fair to her or Sadie. Besides, it made him long for things that could never be.

  Sucking in a deep breath of morning air, he forced himself to calm down as they emerged from the woods and cont
inued toward the farmhouse. The morning sun seemed to be taking advantage of a cloudless sky, threatening to send temps climbing higher than usual this time of year. Then again, Texas weather was just crazy enough to give them an ice storm one month and summertime heat the next.

  Despite his concern over the situation, he found himself smiling when he spotted Christa leaning against the back-porch rail, coffee mug in hand as she stared into the pasture, wearing sweatpants and an oversize flannel shirt. She straightened when she saw them, and as they drew closer he noticed the worry that etched her brow.

  He brought the UTV to a stop several feet from the porch steps.

  Sadie promptly unbuckled her seat belt and hopped out. “Miss Christa!” She hurried up the steps and threw her arms around the woman as Mick continued around the front of the porch for a better look at the cow.

  “Good morning,” he heard Christa say. “How’s the arm?”

  “Good. I don’t even have to wear my sling anymore.”

  “That’s good to hear.”

  “Where’s Dixie?”

  He turned then to see his niece peering up at Christa.

  “Inside.”

  “Can I go see her?”

  “You may. However, do not let her outside.” Christa’s voice was firm. “We don’t want her scaring the cow.”

  Sadie’s expression turned serious as she glanced toward the cow, then back to Christa. “I promise.”

  “All right then.”

  While Christa opened the door for Sadie, Mick again focused on the cow that lay atop what remained of the hay he’d put out Friday. It had rolled onto its side, but as Mick looked on, it returned to its belly and struggled to stand, its breathing labored. Making it to its feet, it turned, allowing Mick to see the calf’s hooves, just as Christa had said. And the cow’s udder looked as though it was ready to burst.

  Sensing Christa beside him, he said, “Doesn’t look like Sadie and I will be going to church today.” He met her concerned gaze. “I don’t want to intervene with nature unless I absolutely have to, but at the same time, if I wait too long, I could lose both the mama and her calf.”