Promise Them (The Callahan Series Book 6)

by Bridges, Mitzi Pool

  How could she say no to such a man?

  She’d pushed her conflict aside and accepted his proposal, and vowed to love him as he should be loved and more. Later, when evil reared its ugly head, she knew he deserved better and had called off the engagement. Only Duncan wouldn’t hear of it. In the end, she’d acquiesced. She’d never been sorry for her decision.

  It had been easier than she’d thought to keep her promise. She had fallen in love with him the moment she laid eyes on him and had loved him every day since.

  Susie tugged on her arm again. “I’m hungry, Gran.”

  Nellie jumped up. Where had the morning gone? Quickly, she put together Susie’s favorite peanut butter and jelly sandwich and set it on the table with a glass of milk.

  Susie sent her a grateful grin.

  “After your nap we’ll practice your numbers.” Susie would start kindergarten in late August, and Phyl wanted to give her a head start. She was a fast learner. Smart.

  “Can we practice letters instead?”

  Nellie chuckled. “This time. But you’ll have to tackle those numbers later.”

  She was through eating and in bed within fifteen minutes.

  Was there anything more enjoyable than a grandchild? A flash of Beau in the pond, his face close to hers, his lips coming closer made her stumble.

  Shaking off the memory, she started for the kitchen. A knock on the front door stopped her. She opened the door and, seeing who stood there, took a step back. “Dani?”

  “Hi!”

  When had Beau’s children returned? “Come in. Please.” She held the door open a little wider. “Is everything all right at home?”

  “Yes. Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

  Since the family preferred the kitchen, Nellie led the way and motioned for Dani to sit. “Can I get you something to drink? Tea? Soda?”

  “Tea would be nice.”

  Nellie fixed two glasses, set one in front of Dani, and took a chair across from her. The young woman was obviously nervous. She twisted the handle on her bag, dropped it to grab her glass of tea. Everything might be all right at home, but something was wrong.

  Dani had on a pair of jeans, T-shirt, and Nikes. Her dark hair was a tumble of curls, her blue eyes worried.

  Dani took a sip of tea, then set the glass down.

  Nellie gave the girl a moment to compose herself. “What can I do for you?”

  “I want to apologize for being so rude the night I saw you at Dad’s. I didn’t mean to be, but both my brother and I were upset.”

  “I understand.”

  “We didn’t get formally introduced. I’m Danielle Chandler. Everyone calls me Dani.” She laughed. “But you know that. I guess Dad has told you what a couple of losers his children are?”

  “I’m Nellie Callahan,” Nellie said. “You can call me, Nellie. And no. Your dad would never do anything of the sort. I can tell by the way he speaks of you how much he loves you.”

  “Right.”

  “He does, you know. What you have is a misunderstanding. It will get straightened out. You’ll see.”

  Dani cleared her throat. “My brother and I came back a couple of days ago. Rey is working for Dad. Though he knows nothing about ranching, he plans to earn enough money so he can afford to leave and do whatever he’s going to do with his life.”

  So that was it. They hadn’t made it in San Antonio and were back home. It was good of Beau to give his son a chance. “And you?”

  Dani let out a breath, gave Nellie a small smile. “I don’t think I would make it as a ranch hand.”

  Nellie laughed. “You’re probably right.”

  Dani leaned across the table. “It’s a real imposition on my part to pop over here like this, but Lela told me you might be able to help me find a job?”

  So that was what this was about? She wondered if she’d spoken out of turn. Still, it was worth checking into. Emma Wells really did need help. She studied the young girl sipping tea. Could she do the job Nellie had in mind? She seemed inexperienced and maybe a bit spoiled. But there was something in the girl’s expression that told Nellie there was some steel there too.

  It was worth a try. “Let me make a call.”

  She went to the phone, spoke for a few minutes and came back to the table. “Can you meet me back here after dinner? Or, better still, why don’t you come for dinner? After we eat, we’ll go to town. There’s someone I want you to meet.”

  Dani swallowed hard. “What sort of work is it? I’m not experienced at anything.”

  “You’ll see. Are you game?”

  “Of course I am. If I don’t find work, Dad will kick me out of the house, and I’ll be homeless. If you don’t mind, I’ll come for dinner. I want to get this settled as quickly as possible.”

  “You want to prove yourself in your dad’s eyes, right?”

  “How did you know?”

  Nellie shrugged. She’d spent the biggest part of her life trying to prove she could be a different person than her foster parents thought. Of course she understood. She knew exactly where Dani was coming from. “You’re wrong about your dad. He wouldn’t push you out. Not without a parachute, anyway.”

  Dani rolled her eyes. “Some parachute.”

  “We eat at six,” Nellie said as she escorted Dani out.

  “I’ll be here. And thanks.”

  Nellie watched the girl almost skip to her car, a Nissan 350Z. She wondered if Dani would be so excited if she knew what the job entailed.

  ****

  When the doorbell rang, Nellie looked at the clock. Right on time.

  “I’ll get it,” Mark yelled.

  She chuckled as he raced to the door, but just in case he was too animated, she followed him.

  “You must be Dani. Gran said you were coming for dinner.”

  He took her arm and pulled her inside. “My name is Mark.”

  Nellie watched and listened.

  “Hi, Mark.”

  “Gran fixed a great dessert tonight.”

  “Oh?”

  “Do you like chocolate cake?”

  “You bet I do.”

  “She’s here, Gran!” Mark exclaimed.

  “So I see, and I see you’ve introduced yourselves.”

  “Something smells wonderful.”

  “We don’t eat fancy, but there’s always plenty.”

  “Lela’s kitchen always smells good, too.”

  Donovan and Phyl walked in and were introduced.

  “You’re the man Dad is always bragging about,” Dani said. “He thinks you know everything about ranching.”

  Donovan chuckled. “Learn something new every day.”

  Once seated, Donovan said the blessing. Nellie watched Dani closely. It didn’t take her long to become comfortable with them. How could she not with Mark chattering away a mile a minute?

  Already, Nellie could tell she was a personable young lady with a lovely smile and hoped she was willing to work at a job she might consider menial.

  After dessert was served and eaten, Phyl insisted she and Mark would do the dishes so Nellie would be free to take Dani to town.

  “You have a nice car,” Nellie said as Dani drove away from the ranch.

  “Dad gave it to me when I graduated high school.”

  “Did you pick it out?”

  Dani shook her head. “But he knew what I wanted. I dropped enough hints.”

  “That always helps.”

  Dani’s mouth tightened. “With my dad, hints aren’t always enough.”

  Nellie reached over and patted her arm. “Some men are like that. It just isn’t in them to take it on themselves to remember things that are important to women.” She laughed. “That’s why they have wives.”

  Dani giggled.

  “Turn here,” Nellie instructed. “It’s only a few houses down.”

  They were in the middle of town, but in the residential section.

  “I’ll bet this small town is nothing like your home in Connecti
cut. We don’t have a mall or a theatre. If you want to go to a really nice place to eat, you have to go to San Antonio.”

  Dani cleared her throat. “It is different. Aren’t there any ranches close to a big city?”

  Nellie had to suppress her laughter. “I know what you’re thinking. Why couldn’t your dad buy a ranch closer to Dallas or Houston, even San Antonio would be better than here.”

  “I guess you get used to it,” Dani said weakly.

  But Nellie wondered if this young lady ever would. Would she stay here long enough to get to know her dad? First she had to get a job. “Pull into that driveway.” Nellie pointed to a nice sturdy one-story house.

  Though plain, it was fairly large, made of brick and trimmed in white. It could use a little yard work.

  “Who lives here?” Dani asked getting out of the car.

  “You’ll see,” Nellie answered as they walked up the walk and rang the doorbell.

  “Do I look okay?” Dani asked.

  “You look lovely, Dani. Now, don’t worry. You’ll do just fine.” In a pair of black slacks and white blouse, the girl was beautiful, but obviously nervous.

  “I have butterflies in my tummy, and they’re inching their way to my throat. I really need to work, but if this is a housecleaning job, I’m not the one for it.”

  The door opened.

  Nellie had to look close in the dim light of the foyer to see the woman scrunched in a wheelchair. Emma wasn’t a happy camper just now, and Nellie didn’t blame her.

  “Well, don’t just stand there.” She motioned them in.

  “Dani, this is Emma Wells. Emma, this is Dani Chandler.”

  Emma didn’t acknowledge the introduction, just pressed a button and the wheelchair turned and headed into the inner part of the house.

  Dani and Nellie followed.

  Looking around at the dust covered tables and knick-knacks, Nellie realized how badly Emma needed someone.

  Dani gave Nellie a questioning look, but Nellie turned her head. This would either work out. Or not.

  When they were in a large living area, Emma motioned for them to sit down.

  Nellie asked, “How are you, Emma?”

  “How does it look like I am?” she snapped.

  “Emma broke her hip a little over a month ago,” Nellie explained. “She needs help.”

  “I don’t need anyone.”

  “Yes you do, Emma. Look at you. You’re still in your night clothes.”

  “It’s almost time for bed.”

  “That’s not the point.”

  Emma glared.

  “You want to get well, don’t you?”

  “Either I will or I won’t.”

  Nellie sneaked at look at Dani. She looked shell-shocked. Emma was being her cantankerous self, but deep down Nellie thought that these two lost women would be good for one another.

  The question was, would they give each other a chance?

  Chapter Six

  The look on Dani’s face was one of denial. As if she couldn’t believe she was here, much less be expected to clean a place that was obviously dirty, plus take care of a woman who didn’t want anyone’s help. But the girl needed work. If Emma would agree, the work wouldn’t be that difficult.

  But Emma’s face showed nothing but displeasure at the whole situation.

  This will definitely not be easy.

  “Can I talk to you privately, Dani?”

  Dani shrugged. Her steps brisk, she led the way into the hall. It was as if she couldn’t wait to get away. Nellie looked around at the clutter, the dust.

  In the young girl’s eyes, this place must look a disaster.

  Yes, the house needed a thorough cleaning. Though Emma could afford outside help, she’d always taken care of her home on her own. Since her surgery, the house gathered dust while its owner wallowed in self-pity. Maybe it wasn’t pity, maybe depression. But if something wasn’t done soon, Emma would continue her downhill spiral. She was too young. To some, seventy was old. To others it was the new fifties.

  This place had once been the pride of Oaktree, with its spacious rooms, the big oak that shaded the front yard, the bright flowers surrounding the house that made it look welcoming. The occupant’s cheerful and generous demeanor only added to the charm. Her love of gossip made her vocal and friendly.

  That was another era. Today, Emma’s home was neglected, and the owner didn’t care about anything, much less the latest gossip.

  In Nellie’s opinion, a younger person was just what Emma needed. With a silent sigh, Nellie knew she would have to convince them both. Perhaps she should back off and let Dani find her own way. But Nellie wanted to help. And Emma needed someone in the worst possible way.

  “What are you thinking? That I can take care of her?” Dani pointed to the living room, her blue eyes dark and flashing with hurt. “She’s not a very nice person, and this place is a mess. Am I supposed to clean and put up with her griping, too?”

  Nellie leaned against the wall and crossed her arms. “That’s up to you. You would have room and board, so there would be no living expenses. Plus, she would pay you a generous salary. I thought it might be a way to earn money and help someone who very badly needs the help.”

  “She doesn’t want help from anyone. Didn’t you hear her? She’d rather be by herself.”

  “Look around. Do you think her way is working? She’s probably depressed. Since her accident she’s been in a wheelchair. No one can get her to do the therapy she needs. I thought a young person like yourself could get her moving again. But maybe I’m wrong about both of you.” Nellie turned away. “I’ll tell Emma this was a mistake, and we can go home.”

  Before she reached the living room, Dani called out, “Wait.”

  Turning back, Nellie saw the uncertainty in the girl’s posture, her slumped shoulders, and eyes wide with apprehension. She walked over to Dani and took her hand. “It wouldn’t be as bad as you think. That is, if you want to give it a try. Once you get the place cleaned up it will be easier to handle.”

  Dani looked as if she wanted to cry. Nellie’s heart went out to her. This was totally opposite of what her life had been.

  “Okay. If she wants me, I’ll try.” She straightened her spine. “But if she’s impossible, I’m out of here.”

  “I understand. Now, if you’ll wait out here, I’ll talk to Emma.”

  “If I can’t get this awful smell out of this house, I quit already. It smells of old, sick people.”

  There was a small bench in the hallway that Dani gratefully sank onto. Nellie hoped she didn’t change her mind and run out in a panic.

  Now, if I can only talk Emma into hiring her.

  “I don’t need anyone,” Emma complained. “The only reason I let you come here was to see what you were up to. I should have known. Everyone in town is trying to run my life. They think I’m an invalid and need a nursemaid.”

  “Everyone cares for you, Emma. They’re concerned.”

  “They need to mind their own business.”

  “When has this town ever done that?” Nellie chuckled. “Why don’t you give Dani a chance? At least let her stay a week. If it doesn’t work out, what have you lost? A few dollars? It’s not as if you’re strapped for money. Who knows, you might be good for each other.”

  “Humph!”

  “Think of it as an experiment, Emma. Besides, the girl needs a job.”

  Emma glared up at Nellie from her wheelchair, her face contorted with misapprehension. “I don’t know why you don’t just leave me alone. All of you.”

  “You’ve been a member of this community for years, and you have a lot of friends. We just want to help. Dani can do that.”

  “All right,” Emma snapped. “If you’re that determined, the girl has two weeks. If she gets in my way or doesn’t do as I say, she’s fired.”

  “You’re going to have to be reasonable, Emma.”

  “Humph!” She muttered again.

  “You can start whenever you
like,” Nellie said, coming toward Dani with a smile.

  “Really? Like now?”

  “That’s what Emma said. The sooner the better is what I think.”

  “I don’t know a thing about taking care of old people,” she said, her voice low. “And I’ve never cleaned house.”

  “I’ll bet you’ve watched Lela though, haven’t you?”

  Before she could answer, Emma yelled from the other room, “Get in here, young lady. We need to talk.”

  “Is she always like this?” Dani whispered. “She’s rude.”

  Nellie sighed. “She wasn’t always. Emma was one of those people who liked to know what was going on with everyone in the community. She was active and curious. When this accident happened, it changed her.”

  “Young lady,” Emma called out. “I hope you mind better once you’re on the payroll.”

  Dani rolled her eyes. “I’m not sure about this.”

  “You promised to give it a try.”

  Squaring her shoulders, Dani went to the living area. Emma sat there staring at her with a frown on her face and an attitude.

  Nellie held her breath.

  “You wanted to talk to me.”

  “We need to set some ground rules.”

  “I agree.”

  “You can’t have boys over. You can’t play loud music, and you have to do what I tell you.”

  “Okay. And you have to be more pleasant and give me a chance. Otherwise, this will never work.”

  “Really?”

  “Really.”

  They glared at each other.

  Dani was standing her ground. Good, Nellie thought. It wouldn’t work if she buckled to Emma’s whims.

  “When will you start?”

  “I’ll take Nellie home, come right back, and start tonight.”

  “Are you sure, Dani?” Nellie asked. “You have to tell your dad and get your things.”

  “Most of my stuff is in the car, the rest I can get later. I’ll call Dad after I’m settled.” She looked at Emma. “How much does this gig pay?”

  Emma stated a figure that made Dani’s eyebrows shoot up.

  It was generous and much more than Nellie expected. But then, Dani might not last the two-week trial period.