A Home for Haley

by Mary Jane Morgan

“You sore from riding?” Francie asked.

  “That’s the understatement of the year. It hurts to move and it hurts to sit.” Haley rubbed her thighs, kneaded them as best she could through her jeans. “I think I’ll go sit in the hot tub, soak my achy muscles and hope I’ll be able to move tomorrow.”

  “I’ll join you,” Francie said.

  “I’d like that,” Haley responded. Ethan had been right. She needed to start enjoying herself. “I’ll see you there in a few minutes.” Smiling and feeling way more lighthearted than she’d ever dreamed possible these last few years, she picked up Ryan and headed to her room to put him down for the night and change into a swimsuit.

  ****

  Ethan knocked on Ashley’s door and when she didn’t answer, he shoved it open. “I’m sorry, Ashley,” he said to her back. She stood in front of the window staring out.

  He held in a groan of frustration. She turned around and gave him a forced smile. “No problem. I figured you wouldn’t come, but . . .” Her voice trailed off and she shrugged.

  Ethan wanted to get the hell out of here, but he forced himself to go to his sister, who he knew was hurting. He gathered her stiff body in his arms. “Why in the world do you say things like that? We’d love to come to California.”

  She remained silent, but didn’t try and pull away. “Ashely? Look at me.” Still no response. He took her shoulders and held her away from him, shocked when he saw she’d been crying. “Tell me what’s going on. What’s really going on.”

  She stared at his chest. “I’m fine. I’m always fine, so don’t worry about it.”

  Beam me up, Scottie. “You’re not fine. How can you not know that we miss you and we’d all love to come out and see you? Not to mention that the kids will be thrilled to visit Disneyland. And,” he added with emphasis, “we figured out a way to make that work. Matt and Francie volunteered to bring Mom here while they play host.”

  Ashley jerked her bloodshot gaze up to his face. “Really?”

  “Yep. Haley is as excited as a kid, and I’m looking forward to hanging with you and seeing your world. I sure do wish your world was here with us, though.”

  Her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I doubt that would work for me. Too much has happened.”

  “But it didn’t happen here. I think that’s one of the reasons we’ve all landed in Tennessee. The whole family’s had a lot of crap to deal with, and we wanted a fresh start. This is a nice area to live in, Ashley. Friendly people, good weather and pretty land. But we all miss you, especially Mom.”

  Ashley pulled away and crossed her arms over her stomach. “I made a fresh start in California.”

  “Has it helped?”

  Her chin trembled but she didn’t say a word. He pulled his stiff body close. “Check your calendar when you get back home, and I’ll check mine. As soon as Mom’s surgery is behind her, let’s plan on me and the kids and Haley coming out there.”

  “You sure? Don’t come just to appease me.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Yeah, that’s me. A bona fide appeaser. You, dear sister, need to pull out of this funk, and I aim to help you with that. It’ll be good for both of us. This last year hasn’t been a walk in the park for me either. I should have gotten out to California see you a long time ago. Kayla will be beyond excited about this.” He leaned back and smiled at her. “It’ll be a good time and something we both need.”

  Ashley finally smiled. Raising her hand, she gave him a fist bump. “Deal.”

  “Glad that’s settled. Now let’s go get in the hot tub and drink a glass of wine.”

  “I’m drinking more than one lousy glass,” Ashley said as she shoved him out of her room. See you there.”

  Smiling, Ethan went to his room and quickly changed into his swim trunks, then checked in on Kayla and Chloe, who were playing a board game on the bed. “You two okay?”

  “Yes,” they answered in unison.

  He walked over and kissed them both on the top of the head. “Tuck yourselves in when that game’s over, okay?”

  They nodded without even looking up. Grinning, he left the room.

  The minute he opened the back door, he froze. Haley and Francie were sitting in the hot tub sipping wine and chatting. Haley turned and smiled at him and his mood took a huge upward swing. Haley in a swimsuit was the perfect end to this day. “Hey ladies, move over. I’m joining you.”

  ****

  Haley almost choked on her wine when she turned and saw Ethan standing behind her in his swim trunks. Good grief, the man was ripped. She looked away, ashamed that she was ogling him. For crying out loud, he was her boss and she was married. She felt her face heat with embarrassment and took another sip of wine.

  The water rippled beside her as he stepped in and sat on the ledge with a sigh. “God, I’m glad I had this put in. The guests will love it. I might have to install my own personal one.”

  “Hey guys and gals.” Ashley walked outside and sank into the hot tub with a huge sigh. She held up her glass of wine. “To good times in California.” Everyone took a sip of wine. “Francie, you and Matt are the best. Did you have to bribe Matt to do this?”

  Francie shook her head. “It was his idea actually. It’ll be fun. Besides, he needs a break. He’s been putting in some pretty late hours the last few weeks.”

  “Speaking of late hours, has anyone heard Mom and Aunt Jo come in?” Ethan asked.

  The women shook their heads. “It’s passed Mom’s bedtime,” Ashley said with a smirk. “You suppose she’s really interested in Amos?”

  “I think it’s great that she’s out, hopefully having fun.” Francie swirled the wine in her glass. “She’s been alone a long time. I assume your aunt has, too.”

  “You assume right,” Ethan said. “It’s been too long for both of them. But Amos?”

  “Oh hush.” Ashley kicked his foot. “The same could be said for you and me. At least Mom’s trying to do something about it.”

  Ethan glared at her. “For all you know I might be trying to do something about it, too.”

  Haley’s chest constricted. The thought of Ethan with a girlfriend bothered her, but what bothered her even more was that it shouldn’t be a problem. Her feelings were wrong and way out of line.

  Ashely rolled her eyes at Ethan. ”Sure you are. Just like me. Matter of fact, I’m about to sign up on a dating sight. Want the name?”

  “No. And quit giving me grief.” Ethan poured himself more wine. “For all you know I could have a harem out there.”

  Ashley laughed until she snorted.

  Ethan arched his brows at her and gave her a ‘wouldn’t-you-like-to-know’ look, and Ashley and Francie laughed. Haley tried to get into the teasing, but her smile felt as flat as road kill.

  Ashley held up her hand. “Shh. I think I hear the old folks coming in. Amos must have gotten boring.” Ethan laughed, a full belly laugh that filled the crisp night air.

  Haley couldn’t help but laugh right along with him. She rested her head against the edge of the hot tub. “Want me to ask her if she’s got the hots for Amos?”

  “Yes,” both Ethan and Ashley exclaimed.

  The backdoor opened and Jo and Dottie stepped outside. “Thought I heard you all out here gossiping about me,” Dottie said.

  “About time you got home, Mom. It’s nine forty five. Past your bedtime for sure.” Ethan grinned at his mother.

  “I go to my room for peace and quiet. Don’t think for a minute I go to sleep that early. Besides, what’s it to you?”

  “Nothing.” Ethan took a sip of wine. “Is Mom keeping you up past your bedtime, Aunt Jo?”

  “I’ll have you know young man, your mother and I could both out last you kids any day of the week.” Aunt Jo sat in a nearby chair and Dottie followed suit.

  “Where’s that oldest son of mine?” Dottie asked. “Has he turned into a wuss just because he has a baby?”

  Francie laughed. “Actually, he kinda has and so have I. I’m guessing he fell asleep i
n the recliner holding our little darling.”

  “He did that with Chloe, too.” Dottie smiled. “Time sure does fly.”

  It hasn’t flown for me, Haley thought. Except for the last month or so.

  “Is this family overwhelming you, Haley? You’re kind of quiet,” Aunt Jo observed, looking at Haley with sympathy.

  “I guess I am a little quiet, at least compared to all of you. I’m an only child, so I didn’t have siblings to joke with.”

  “Or maybe you’re quiet because all the Richardsons are so mouthy.” Aunt Jo arched her brows at Haley and smiled, and Haley felt as if she’d just made a new friend.

  “We might be mouthy, but we’re pretty entertaining.” Ashley kicked her foot and flung water onto Ethan. He promptly drenched her with a huge splash.

  Dottie looked at her sister and shrugged. “I never have been able to get them to behave, but at least they’ve kept me young.”

  Ethan splashed her. “I thought we’d made you old. You’ve told us that about a million times.”

  Dottie tapped the top of his head with her cane. “I’m trying to make Haley think we’re halfway normal.”

  All eyes turned to Haley. She smiled, even though she felt put on the spot. “I think Dottie did a great job raising you hoodlums.”

  Francie poked Haley in the ribs. “Good one, and I’d have to concur.”

  Dottie rose from her chair. “I’m off to bed. Breakfast comes early around here. You kids have a good evening.”

  Aunt Jo stood. “Ah, to be young again. See you tomorrow.”

  “Bye,” everyone said in unison.

  “You guys are so lucky to have each other,” Haley said, holding her glass up for more wine.

  “You’re right,” Ashley said, filling Haley’s glass. “From this day forth, I promise not to gripe about my overly protective big brothers.”

  “Here, here.” Ethan took a gulp of wine and Ashley followed suit.

  Haley watched the exchange, jealousy niggling her. These people had what she’d always wanted, a close-knit family with siblings who obviously cared about one another.

  Francie stood. “I hate to be a party pooper, but Elisa rallies way too early, and Matt’s had her most of the evening.”

  Ashley wiggled her fingers at her. “Night. I’m going to take advantage of not having to get up early tomorrow and stay a while.”

  Ryan’s cries came over the baby monitor. Haley frowned, then stood. “Guess my time’s up, too.” Ryan’s crying intensified. “See you guys tomorrow.” She handed her half-empty glass of wine to Ethan after taking another sip.

  “Hey, why does he get that?” Ashley complained.

  “He pays my salary.” Smiling, Haley stepped out of the hot tub, wrapped a towel around her and headed inside. “See you two tomorrow.”

  “Women are supposed to stick together,” Ashley hollered after her.

  “You have a point,” Haley threw over her shoulder, wishing she could stay. Today had been the most fun she’d had in way too long. She heard a cat whistle and felt her face turn hot. She quickly shut the door behind her. Ethan had obviously had too much to drink. She was not the type of woman men whistled at. Ashley and Francie were those types of women, all curves and lush, full lips with flirty smiles.

  She’d never been lush in any way, and had certainly never been flirty, even when she was single. Her towel started to slip and Haley tightened it over her small breasts before it could fall down. Nope, she definitely wasn’t the kind of woman men like Ethan Richardson found attractive, and it didn’t matter anyway. Although if she were being honest, she would be thrilled to know a man like him would even look at her twice.

  Dale had looked at her, though. He’d thought she hung the moon, but he had never made her feel as if she drove him wild with desire. She sighed. No one had ever made her feel that way, but she had no room to complain. Dale had made her feel loved and special, and she wondered if she’d ever feel like that again.

  Sighing, she hurried up to her crying son and back to reality.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “I called in pizza for dinner tonight,” Ethan told Haley as he walked into the kitchen. They’d been back from the dude ranch for over a week and his mom’s surgery had gone well. His Aunt Jo was returning in a few days to help with everything and even go with Dottie while she recuperated at the dude ranch. Matt had promised to bring her to town for physical therapy, so everything was taken care of with his mom while they were in Disneyland.

  Ethan handed Haley a soda. “As soon as Mom’s home, things will get easier, especially with Aunt Jo here to help. I’m sorry you’ve been here by yourself so much.”

  “I’m fine. The kids have been good. I took them to the park today.” She started loading the dishwasher. “When does Dottie get to come home?”

  “They’re shoving her out the door tomorrow. It would have been tonight, but she got out of surgery so late, they decided to keep her overnight. Her blood pressure’s up a bit.”

  He leaned against the counter. “Have you had time to look at what Ashley has planned for us in a few weeks? We need to rest our weary butts before heading out,” he said with a grin.

  “When you figure out how to do that, be sure and let me know.” Haley gave him a fleeting smile and then finished loading the dishwasher.

  Ethan took her elbow and turned her away from her work. “You’re not sleeping any better are you?”

  She looked down at the floor, tried to step back from him and butted up against the counter. “Sometimes,” she finally said.

  She sure didn’t look like she’d slept much, but he didn’t think it would be smart to voice that. “Did you sleep better at the ranch?”

  “Yes,” she answered, finally looking at him, “but I’m not sure why. I feel very comfortable in this house. Actually more comfortable than at the ranch.”

  “You can’t beat fresh country air. The hot tub probably helps, too.” Ethan thought for a minute. “I think I’ll put one on the deck here. It’s not like I don’t have room, and even Mom would benefit from it while she’s recuperating from surgery.”

  “That would be great. It does have a way of turning my muscles to mush.” Ethan could think of a lot more interesting ways to turn her muscles to mush. He clamped down on those thoughts, but he couldn’t keep himself from worrying about Haley. She looked worn down and frazzled, and he knew it was from lack of sleep. He just didn’t know what to do about it.

  When she finally got word about her husband—no matter what they heard—her lack of sleep would get even worse. If Dale was alive, she’d be so excited that she wouldn’t be able to let down enough to sleep. And if he were dead . . . Ethan shuddered.

  “Why don’t you put a movie on for Kayla while Ryan takes his nap this afternoon, and then you can snooze on the couch?”

  “Good idea.” She smiled at him, a tired smile that fed his worry.

  “You don’t have to go on this trip, you know. If it’s too much, I can take Kayla and Chloe myself. You and Ryan could go to the dude ranch or stay here and relax.”

  “I don’t want to stay here,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m excited. Really. And it’s a trip of a lifetime for Ryan. I just need to figure out why I’m not sleeping. It’s like there’s something about to happen, and it doesn’t feel good. I know that must sound strange, but it’s how I feel.”

  Ethan’s stomach clenched. He’d been feeling the same thing. He’d tried so hard not to let her pick up on it, but he’d obviously failed. “Everything will be okay,” he said, trying to reassure her. “Pretty soon we’ll be at Disneyland having a great time. Kayla is marking the days off her calendar. Have you seen what she made?”

  Haley smiled. “I helped her make it. I used to teach. Remember?” she teased.

  “I should have known you had something to do with that. I’m having a hard time remembering how Kayla and I managed before you came.”

  This time Haley’s smile was a lot brighter. “I love it here
. I really do. I’m sure my sleep problems will pass and everything will be fine. Better than fine.”

  Ethan took her shoulders and turned her toward the den. “Go take a break. Prop your feet up. I’ll finish in here while you watch the kids build Lego castles.”

  “Kayla builds things. Ryan just sticks a few pieces together. I think Kayla might end up being an architect like her Uncle Matt.” Haley pulled her apron off and draped it across the back of a kitchen chair. “She’s a smart little girl. I bet she’s her teacher’s favorite.”

  “Of course she is.” Ethan’s phone rang. “That’s probably Mother telling me to hurry up with her ice cream,” he muttered, grabbing his phone. “Yeah, Mom. I’ll be there soon.”

  “Sorry. Not your mom,” his friend from the Pentagon said.

  “Hold on a sec, Chris. Sorry, Haley, but I have to take this.”

  Haley’s eyes narrowed but she left the kitchen. Ethan closed the kitchen door behind her and sank onto a chair. He was so not ready for this, and his hammering heart was testimonial to that.

  He pulled in a deep breath. “What’d you find out?”

  “Just what we expected, I’m sorry to say. We have a positive ID on the remains and it’s Dale Donahue. From what I’ve heard he was one of our best pilots. I’m sorry it turned out this way.”

  Ethan’s mind scrambled for a coherent thought. “How long before she gets the official call?”

  “Tomorrow or the next day.”

  “Shit. I’ve got to tell her.”

  “Sorry, Ethan. That’s against government policy and you know it, but you might want to be there for her when she finds out.”

  “Screw government policy. I need to be the one who breaks the news to her. I started this, and I’m not dropping the ball just because telling Haley her husband is never coming home will probably be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.”

  There was a heavy silence before Chris spoke. “Do what you think is best, but I know nothing.”

  “Thanks, buddy.” Ethan clicked off and pocketed his phone. He had to do this and he’d never dreaded anything so much.