Promise Them (The Callahan Series Book 6)

by Bridges, Mitzi Pool

“You didn’t have time to baby-sit Devlin last week as you do every other week when Kate goes shopping,” Dugan added.

  Had she forgotten? She had. She’d been too busy with other things. No wonder they were upset. But Phyl was more than capable of planning Mark’s birthday and Devlin’s great-grandparents were eager to baby-sit.

  They were spoiled. And it was her fault.

  “I’m sorry you think I’m shirking my grandmother duties, but Dani was overwhelmed when Molly got sick and couldn’t come in. Did you know Molly is going to close the diner at the end of the month? Dani is helping her out.” She shrugged. “I helped Dani.”

  “Sounds as if by the time you get accustomed to the job, it will be over,” Taralyn pointed out.

  “Probably.”

  “How about breakfast?” Phyl asked. “We’ve already eaten, but I can fix you something.”

  “I figured you’d eaten when I saw the children out playing,” Nellie said. “But no, coffee’s fine.”

  There was an uncomfortable silence.

  “I haven’t changed my mind. I’m moving to the homestead this morning. I was hoping you would help.”

  “You belong here,” Donovan said.

  Tears came to Phyl’s eyes. “You know how I feel about this, Mom,” she said. “Your home is here.”

  Nellie went to Phyl and took her in her arms. “I love you, Phyl, as much as I love the others. But I remember when I first came to the ranch as a bride and had to live with Duncan’s parents until this house was built.” She looked at her children, one at a time. “Though I loved your grandparents with all my heart, I was thrilled to get my own home.” She looked over at Donovan, standing there with a look of anguish on his face. “Each of you has your own home. Donovan deserves the same.”

  “What did we do?” Donovan asked, his voice strangled.

  She went to him, hugged him around his waist. “This has nothing to do with anything the family did or didn’t do. Please. Try to understand. Each of you has your own life. Don’t you think I should have the same?”

  They started talking, Donovan the loudest.

  She raised a hand until they calmed down. “You won’t talk me out of it. Now I’ll ask you again. Will you help me move? Or will I have to do it myself?” She looked each of her children in the eye—saw their uncertainty. “I will, you know,” she said softly.

  “What if you hate it?” Phyl asked, tears in her voice. “Will you move back?”

  “I wouldn’t be that stubborn. I’d admit to a mistake.” She smiled at them. “After my stint at the diner, I’ll baby-sit anytime you need me. If you have an emergency before then, I’ll take Susie with me and give her paper and pencil. She’s doing quite well at writing the alphabet. It’s not as if I’m leaving town for goodness sakes, I’m moving to the homestead. I’ll see Donovan and Phyl every day. I’ll see the rest of you when you come for visits the same as I do now.”

  “But it won’t be the same,” Dugan said.

  “No, it won’t,” Donovan agreed. “Just for the record, I don’t like it one bit.”

  “I’ll help, Mom,” Taralyn said, looking around at the others. “So will the guys.” She glared at her brothers and her husband.

  “We’ll finish the dishes and go to the homestead with brooms, mops, and cleaning supplies. If you’re moving, you’ll move to a clean house,” Phyl said firmly. “The guys can work on the yard and cut the tree branches hanging over the roof.”

  “How about drapes?” Kate asked. “Last time I was there, they looked kinda threadbare.”

  “We’ll make a list. Doesn’t Potter’s open at noon? We can get what we need then,” Taralyn offered.

  “I’ll go into town for what I need,” Nellie said firmly.

  “Should we paint the walls before we move Mom in?” Gina, Darin’s wife asked.

  “We don’t have time if I move in today,” Nellie said. “If necessary, we can do it later.”

  “Mom’s right,” Taralyn agreed. “This is going to be her place. She decides what she does and doesn’t want.” She grabbed a long-handled sponge mop. “For now, we’ll wash walls, ceilings, everything.”

  The women headed in all directions to get the necessary tools and cleaning supplies while the men glared. “I’m going to the barn,” Donovan said and headed outside. The rest of the men followed.

  Max, Taralyn’s husband, who had been silent until now, waited until they were out of earshot. “I’ll try and talk some sense into them,” he told Nellie. “I understand what you’re doing. We’ll clean up the outside. It’ll calm them down and get them used to the idea.”

  “Thank you, Max,” she said. “I’m going upstairs,” she told the girls. “To pack.”

  Her heart lighter than it had been in a while Nellie did just that.

  As she went upstairs, she heard Lisa say, “I’ll stay with the children until lunch. Then someone else can take over.”

  By afternoon the homestead was sparkling. Nellie took Darin’s pickup and made a trip to Potter’s, came back loaded down with everything from curtains to a wall clock to a bookshelf for the living room, plus a new mattress and box springs. She didn’t want to take the one from the house and didn’t want the old one at the homestead.

  The boys had gotten over their pout. Though far from happy, they trimmed and mowed around the house, checked the air conditioner to make sure it worked, changed the locks on the doors, and got rid of a nest of bees on the front porch.

  After a break for a quick lunch, the youngest were put down for a nap. They finally convinced Lisa to stay with the children again while the rest moved Nellie in.

  They trooped back to the house to eat before leaving to go to their homes.

  “It’s going to seem strange not to see you in the kitchen when we come for a visit,” Taralyn said.

  “I’ll be less than a half-mile away. Let me know when you’re coming, and I’ll have a meal ready.”

  Taralyn chuckled. “I know, Mom. You always do.”

  After goodbye kisses and the last car had disappeared down the drive, Nellie turned to Phyl and Donovan. “I guess it’s time to go home.”

  Donovan turned on his heel and went to the barn.

  From experience, Nellie knew he’d pound his punching bag until he was exhausted.

  She started for the car.

  Mark hugged her around the waist. “I don’t want you to leave, Gran.”

  Susie started to cry.

  “You know where I’ll be, Mark. You can ride over anytime. I’ll be here so often you won’t know the difference.” She picked up Susie, kissed her tears away.

  “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 combin
ed, 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.