Sweet Joymaker

by Jean Oram

  He gestured to the bench and said, “Shall we?”

  The view was amazing, a fresh perspective that took her breath away. They could see the waves rolling and breaking, the sun dancing, the day so clear and beautiful.

  “That wind is brisk,” Clint said, as he pulled off the backpack and started taking out the food he’d brought.

  “Refreshing.” Just another thing awakening her and brushing away the cobwebs. Everything felt different in Indigo Bay. Her problems smaller, her worries receding. She hadn’t realized how much she’d needed this change of scenery.

  Was this the twilight after years of busyness? Was she at a point where she no longer had to worry over the negligible things, because she knew what genuine tragedy was? She’d learned to savor those small moments that could lift the heart, more than an expensive gift, a long trip or grandiose words.

  “You look happy,” Clint remarked, biting into one of the apples he’d packed.

  “I am.”

  “Good. I’m glad.” He looked like he wanted to brush back her hair when the wind whipped it across her cheek. He refrained, and she wasn’t sure if she felt disappointment or a heightened anticipation of when he might reach out again, as he had when taking her hand.

  They snacked in silence, Maria impressed and satisfied with his selection of food, from dark chocolate, chunks of specialty cheese, apples and nuts. It wasn’t what she’d expected, and it thrilled her to eat something more than a practical but uninspired sandwich.

  “The scooter ran well. Looks like I can paint it,” Clint said.

  “And replace the seat cushions.”

  He laughed. “And that.”

  Then it would be done, and he would have no reason to extend his stay. There’d be no unexpected moments to look forward to. Indigo Bay suddenly seemed a lot less exciting without the prospect of him being around.

  “I’m free for dinner tomorrow. Want to go out somewhere with me before my flight? It would be an early supper, since I’ll be leaving Charleston at nine.”

  “Like on a date?” Maria asked.

  “If you’d like it to be.”

  She considered that idea for a second, before retorting quickly, “Would you?”

  “I believe you know my intentions, Maria.” His hand settled over hers.

  Oh, there it was. He wasn’t going to allow this to remain light and fun. He wanted something big and real.

  “I’ve been admiring you for many years,” Clint said, his fingers tracing hers.

  “We hardly know each other.” She took her hand away to busy herself with packing up the last of their lunch.

  “I know plenty about you.” When she gave him a look of disbelief, he continued, “I know you’re patient and kind. You care about your community and friends. You’re the glue that holds your family together, and you always put family first.”

  She nodded in agreement. That was what a dutiful ranching wife did. Farm and family first. His words could have described nearly every hardworking ranching woman in Texas.

  She waved her hand. “Everyone knows that.”

  “Something more personal then?”

  She dared him to cross the line, breathlessly waiting to hear what he would offer.

  He hesitated, and she feared he couldn’t think of something special and uniquely her. Had he stopped to think and realized that her entire existence could be filled by anyone?

  With one arm along the back of the bench, Clint hitched himself closer. He pushed a piece of hair off her face, securing it behind her ear, then kept his hand there, cupping her cheek. His voice was low, his body blocking them off from the world. Now it was just the two of them, nobody else.

  “I know that when you’re feeling like your whole world is being rocked by a tsunami, you grow quiet. That’s when you show your greatest strengths. That’s when you step in and make things better for everyone else.”

  Oh, how she hoped he’d kiss her. Right here. Right now. Forget tomorrow or even five minutes from now. She wanted that kiss. She wanted to be recognized and held and cherished by this man who was bringing tears to her eyes.

  He continued to lock her in his gaze, as solid and sure as the scooter that had brought them here. A swell of emotion caused her to blink and look out at the ocean, willing the wind to dry her eyes. Clint had dropped his hand, and he shifted to sit closer, hip to hip, his right arm still along the back of the bench behind her.

  “I know you’re used to being independent and alone.”

  “I’m not alone,” she whispered, thinking of her boys. Their lives, their adventures, their projects, and now girlfriends for some of them.

  “You’re not used to having a man in your business.”

  “I was married for almost forty years,” she said, her voice shaking.

  “As much as I like Roy, I don’t think he did good by you.”

  Maria bristled. If Clint thought slighting Roy was the way to win her over, he was mistaken. She stood abruptly, wondering if she could figure out how to hail one of those ride shares back to town from here.

  “You’re not used to being noticed. Only when you’re missing, when something isn’t done.”

  “I’m appreciated,” she said stiffly.

  “I’m making you uncomfortable.”

  “Don’t speak ill of my family and their intentions.”

  “I don’t mean to, and I’m sorry if I’m coming off that way. You and Roy built an amazing family and raised five intelligent, hard-working boys who are great additions to our community. Not to mention the other kiddos you had a hand in raising, such as April.”

  “Then what’s this about?”

  “It’s not about any of that. It’s about you.”

  Her chest tightened, as did her hands. He was going to say things she didn’t want to hear, make her face things she had put away in a trunk, intent on ignoring for the rest of her life.

  “I’m too old and jaded to be wooed by you, Clint,” she warned, reminding herself of that fact, as well. Despite that, she wanted to know what this man, who evidently had been watching and admiring her for years, thought about her.

  “I’m not wooing you.” Clint paused for a second, a quick frown wrinkling his brow before he said, “Okay, maybe I am. But telling you the truth is also being a friend. You know I admire you. And it’s just honest-to-goodness truth that it’s your time to flourish and focus on yourself.”

  “Clint…” she warned.

  “I’m not fixin’ to distract you with flowery prose and big promises or lies. I think you’re an amazing woman. You know that already. What I think is this. You put others first and have for a good long time. Now it’s time to put yourself first.”

  “Why? So I can spend that time with you instead of caring for my family and the ranch we depend upon?”

  “No, so you can take some much-needed time to heal yourself so you can continue to help others.”

  “I’m fine, Clint. The boys are taking care of more and more each year.”

  “You know what I mean. It’s not just the ranch stuff. People stuff, too.”

  She pushed the backpack into his arms and turned toward the wider path, preparing for her descent. “I appreciate your concern, but honestly, the divorce was a long time ago and everyone has moved on.”

  “You’re a strong woman, but I think you took this trip for yourself.”

  She stopped at the top of the cliff and looked back. “Does it matter why I came here?”

  “I think you could use someone standing behind you, supporting you so you can heal.”

  “There’s nothing to heal!”

  He paused for a second, absorbing her proclamation. “Then take a break. A vacation with energizing fun that revitalizes you, so you can keep on doing your best work.”

  She had to admit that sounded like what she needed.

  “I think that someone like me could help you.” Clint added.

  She put her hands on her hips. “Okay, Prince Charming-who-leaves-tomorrow-
night, why you?”

  “Who else knows what you need? Who else knows the complications in your life, from your family to the ranch?”

  “Plenty of people.”

  He raised an eyebrow, catching her in the lie. So, not that many. They had their own issues to deal with.

  “Come on. Let’s play.”

  She laughed. It was ludicrous, but oh so tempting. When was the last time she’d let go of her worries and just played and laughed and enjoyed life? It had been a long time. Too long.

  “I’m serious. Let’s enjoy the full splendor of your golden years.”

  She held up a hand. “Please tell me you did not just say I’m in my golden years.”

  “They’re golden, girl. Get over it. We’re approaching sixty. Yes, sixty is the new fifty or forty or whatever they keep telling us. The fact is, you’re rowing that big, heavy boat on your own.” He had slung one of the backpack straps over his shoulder and now took both her hands in his, giving her an earnest look. “Wouldn’t it be nice to have somebody help take the oars from time to time, so you could enjoy the small things more often?”

  If Clint wasn’t careful, he was going to be thoroughly kissed.

  Chapter 4

  “How are things at home?” Maria asked, holding the phone closer so she could video chat with her eldest son. By the looks of things Levi was in the Longhorn Diner on Main Street in Sweetheart Creek. That meant everything she said would be heard by at least one eavesdropper, then spread around town.

  “The usual,” Levi replied. “Ryan’s too busy to do his share of chores, Myles is complaining because he already ate all the lasagna you froze for us, and Brant keeps showing up places with April while saying they’re not a thing. So, you know. The usual.”

  “I’ve only been gone two days!” Maria exclaimed. “When Myles’s metabolism slows down, he’ll end up like a tractor. Big and slow moving.”

  “Speaking of tractors, Ryan can’t get our old one running.”

  “What does he need it for?”

  “He’s trying to help Carly by running the cultivator behind it,” Levi said, confirming Maria’s suspicion that her son was trying to charm the new neighbor. Carly Clarke was starting an organic farm and had been turning up her garden plots by hand. She could definitely use mechanical help.

  “Well, if you can’t get that old thing going, you’d best buy a new one.”

  “Carly can’t afford one,” Levi’s girlfriend interjected, joining the chat. “Hi, Maria!”

  “Hi, Laura.”

  “I can make more lasagna for Myles if you’d like.”

  “If he finds out you know how, you’ll be making it forever,” Maria warned. “Myles is a bottomless pit.”

  “That’s true.” The voice was her friend Fiona’s. Levi’s camera turned and suddenly Maria was looking at her friend’s chest, before he tipped the phone higher, giving her a view of her nostrils.

  “Bad angle!” Fiona scolded, taking the device. She patted her teased hair while frowning at Levi, then faced forward again. “How are you, dear? Are you relaxin’? You’re lookin’ pretty.”

  “Thank you.” Maria felt the telltale smile that had been semipermanent since that afternoon’s picnic grow a little wider.

  “Wait,” Fiona gasped, as though hearing a particularly juicy bit of gossip. “Didn’t Clint show up out there?”

  “Clint went to Indigo Bay?” called a male voice, and before long Garfield was hanging over Fiona’s shoulder. She shooed him off, saying she needed some space to breathe.

  “I was hoping he could fix the tractor,” Levi said in the background.

  “Tell Carly to stop by the town’s homesteading museum and get one of those horse-pulled cultivators. Maybe she can use that fat roan of Ryan’s to pull it around her field. It’s obviously no good for the rodeo work he was hoping to train it for.”

  Levi chuckled. “I think he saw the light and sold it.”

  Sometimes Ryan’s independence and secret plans worked against him. Maria understood his desire for privacy, though. If you let the family or community know what you were up to, in short order everyone would be there, helpfully elbowing their way in. Everyone meant well, but did a poor job of minding their own business.

  “Quit helping Maria change the subject,” Fiona announced. “Did you two go on a date?”

  Maria fumbled the phone. “No! No.”

  “A date?” Levi said, his voice rising in surprise.

  “A date would be nice,” Laura said from off-screen, no doubt trying to convince Maria’s eldest to relax. The boys, grown men now, had faced several big changes over the past year and Maria knew it wouldn’t be difficult to stir up the herd at this point.

  “But you saw him?” Fiona pressed.

  “We’re friends. So, yes.”

  “Because William said he heard the two of you were going out for supper.”

  Maria groaned. Of course he’d overheard that. “It’s just supper. Maybe. It’s not a date, so don’t you go spreading that around town.”

  “Clint’s really nice,” Laura said, her expression hopeful as she leaned in to be seen, letting Maria know she approved.

  “He is,” she agreed, appreciating the support. Maria hoped Laura and Levi would go the distance with their relationship. A city girl, she had turned out to be a quick learner out on the ranch, and Maria already couldn’t imagine the place without her popping in to help here and there.

  “So Ryan can sell the tractor?” Levi asked, taking the phone back from Fiona.

  The waitress hushed him and the screen blurred as the phone changed hands once again, Fiona’s face reappearing close to the camera. “We want to hear more about this date.”

  “It’s not a date! And yes, someone can sell the tractor, but it won’t be worth much if it doesn’t run. Just like my old Mustang. But if you find a buyer for either one, take what they can give you in cash and run!”

  Levi laughed.

  “Maria?” Jackie Moorhouse, a friend of her sons, appeared on the screen. “Myles said you baked some buns for the football team’s state championship potluck this weekend. I told the meal committee I’d bring them, but I don’t know which ones you meant to contribute.”

  “All of them.”

  “There are at least ten dozen in the freezer.”

  “That’s right. All for the potluck.”

  “You’re amazing,” Jackie said in awe, filling Maria with pride.

  “Ryan says if we can get the tractor running,” Levi continued, “its antique status would fetch a good price. Then we could buy something better.”

  “So he’s selling off my equipment to give it away?” Maria asked, trying not to smile at the implications of what that would mean for Mr. Independent.

  “Just to loan it out,” Levi said. “I’d make sure of that.”

  “He’s got it bad,” Jackie said with a grin, jostling to be seen on the screen. “I took Carly to a football game, you know.” She had a history of successful matchmaking at the games. If she had her sights on getting Ryan and Carly together, then it was pretty much a done deal as far as Maria was concerned.

  “I know you did. Let’s hope she sticks,” Maria said. “I’m going for a walk. Tell Myles to eat some vegetables, and y’all do whatever you feel is best with the tractor.” She let out a sigh, hoping Ryan didn’t do something stupid in the name of love. Or whatever was developing over at the neighboring Lucky Horse Ranch.

  “Oh,” Levi blurted, before she could end the call, “and Carmichael was wondering where you put the extra string of lights for the path. Brant said he’ll put them up for you.”

  “Can’t it wait?” Maria asked with another sigh. The guys were careful and meant well, but she wanted the lights strung evenly, and despite their best efforts, they didn’t have much of an eye for design.

  “Brant found a home for another one of Tootsie’s kittens,” Jackie announced from the side again.

  “A good home, I hope.” Maria’s heart sq
ueezed with worry. “The Fredericks wanted one, but their dog will kill it.”

  “No, he knows that.”

  Of course he did. He was a top-notch veterinarian and would ensure the cat found a safe home. She needed to let go of her worries. They weren’t kids any longer. They were adults, perfectly capable of taking care of themselves and those around them.

  “Enjoy your date with Clint!” Fiona called from somewhere in the background, no doubt alerting the whole town in the process. “Text me when he kisses you!”

  “It’s not a date! It’s supper. Maybe. And there will be no kissing.”

  She went to hang up, but Levi interrupted her goodbyes with a quick, “I almost forgot. The accountant called. He needs some paperwork from last year’s grant. He said you’d know about it.”

  “I’ll get him the file when I return home.”

  Maria ended the chat before there could be more interruptions, then leaned back in her chair, exhausted. She missed Sweetheart Creek and being in the center of things, but not nearly enough to want to go home. Not yet.

  Did she really deal with that much stuff each day? No wonder everyone kept telling her she needed a break.

  She left Kittim’s condo, enjoying the evening sunshine. It wouldn’t be long before dusk settled in, bringing cooler temperatures, but at the moment it was perfect. Not too hot, not too cold.

  After a few minutes of wandering, she found a giant Christmas tree set up in the downtown square.

  “Hang an ornament on the tree on Christmas Eve and make a wish,” a young woman said as Maria passed. She had a small stand with handmade ornaments for sale.

  Maria continued a few more paces before the words sunk in. Make a wish?

  She stopped walking, a wish immediately coming to mind. She turned, facing the tree and the person who had spoken.

  “The tradition is if you make a wish when you hang your ornament here on Christmas Eve, it will come true. They light the tree at five o’clock that day, and supposedly that’s when the magic begins to happen.”

  “The wishes have come true?”

  She shrugged. “There’s no risk in trying.” Seeing Maria’s hesitation, she came a little closer, saying in a quiet voice, “I made a wish and it came true. So did my sister.”