Beginnings

by Bernadette Marie

  He could hear the baby grunting from under the blanket. "She's hungry, huh?"

  Susan laughed as she took the glass he offered. "She has an appetite like her father."

  Ben managed to sit in the chair furthest from Susan and eased back. He should be comfortable, after all, it was his home.

  "Are you ever going to decorate in here?" Susan asked as she looked around.

  Ben shrugged. "Don't see the need. It's just me."

  "Oh, you still deserve something nice to come home to. Put some paint on the walls. Hang some pictures."

  "Of what?"

  "Family. The land. Gia has some nice things in her store."

  Ben had grown up in a family of boys. And even though Susan and Eric had been married for years now, he often forgot that he had sisters now, too. Sure, his brother Dane's wife would have plenty of things to spruce up the place. Victoria, his brother Russell's wife, had a knack for putting furniture in places that made a room look right. His cousin Bethany, she was a whiz with flower arrangements.

  "I'll look into it."

  Susan grinned at him as she set the glass he'd handed her on the table next to her. Carefully, she maneuvered the baby out from under the blanket and held her out.

  "Here, hold her."

  Ben stared at her for a moment before he stood and moved to her.

  "Put her high on your shoulder and pat her back."

  "Why?"

  "She'll have some air and needs to burp. You're not going to break her, Uncle Ben."

  Hesitantly, he took Caroline from her mother and did as Susan said, consciously turning his back to her as she buttoned her shirt.

  "I'm going to use your restroom," Susan said as she left him alone with his niece.

  For a moment, the thought of dancing with Laura crossed his mind, and he began to sway back and forth, just as he had with the two-year-old.

  Caroline let out a little burp and rested her head on his shoulder as he swayed and patted. He had to admit the act was soothing. As they swayed, and she made little noises in his ear, he thought about how drab the house looked. White bare walls and simple wood floors, yeah, he could certainly make it homier. He most certainly deserved that. After all, he worked hard, and it was nice to come home each day, sit on the couch, kick his feet up, and drink a beer as he watched some TV on the enormous centerpiece of his living room. The thought had him chuckling to himself as Susan came back into the room.

  "Oh, you put her right to sleep. See, I told you she wouldn't break."

  "We’re bonding," he said as Susan took back her seat on the couch and picked up the glass of water again.

  "So, how are things?"

  Just because Caroline was being good, he wasn't sure he wanted to keep holding her. At some point, she was going to wake up and begin fussing. He wasn't quite ready for that. But he kept swaying as Susan looked up at him.

  "Good. We just moved the cattle out this way, so that keeps me busy."

  "Haven't been into town in a few weeks. It looks like you're due."

  "Why?"

  "Hair is shaggy," she said with a grin before sipping her water.

  "No one out here minds."

  She shrugged. "I just thought you and Nichole had hit it off. I wondered why you hadn't been back to see her?"

  The swaying became harder to do as he thought of a reason. "She's nice. Her kids are nice."

  "That's not what I mean. I mean I thought you hit it off."

  Caroline stirred on his shoulder, so he moved toward Susan to hand her off.

  Susan gathered the sleeping baby and cradled her in her arms, but it didn't work as a hint for her visit to be over. Instead, she eased back on the couch and gently tapped Caroline's bottom with her hand.

  Ben raked his fingers through his hair, which she was right, it had gotten long in the past three weeks. "Why would you think that?"

  "Because I'm a woman. You sat with them all night, and you danced—a lot."

  "I promised her a dance, but I hadn't meant to dance more than one dance. I think we got wrangled into it with that garter and the bouquet."

  Susan laughed. "It was fate, Ben. That bouquet was headed in Lydia's direction. Somehow it caught a breeze and ended up in front of Nichole."

  "Strange."

  "Certainly was. And I swear Phillip Smythe had that garter in his hand when it snapped off and landed in your hand."

  "I didn't steal it if you're saying that."

  "Nope," she offered. "I watched the whole thing. It was legit."

  "Makes more sense that it would have gone to Phillip and Lydia."

  Susan shrugged. "Maybe that was fate, too. They can't even have a civil conversation with each other."

  "I fault Lydia for that."

  On a sigh, she nodded in agreement.

  "I'd better get back home. Maybe she'll sleep long enough I can get dinner started before Eric comes home." Careful not to wake Caroline, Susan stood still cradling her in her arms. She moved to kiss Ben on the cheek. "They're having an open house this weekend. They're blocking off the street and having food and music. You should support your sisters-in-law," she said with a wink.

  "I'll be there. Gia already texted me to make sure of it."

  "Good. I'll see you then. Enjoy the leftovers," she called over her shoulder as she walked down the steps and to her car.

  Ben watched as she loaded the sleeping baby into her seat, and then gave him another wave before she drove off down the dirt path that would lead to her own house a mile over the crest of the hill.

  He took a moment to appreciate the serene and quiet moment. The cattle moved in the field, and their noises soothed him. Thinking about the open space, he thought about the treehouse they'd had, the days by the creek, and all the running space any boy would want, growing up. Oh, the miles and miles he'd put on his bike riding from the house to the barn and back.

  It made him wonder if Nichole's boys had bikes. Would they spend their summer exploring?

  Raking his fingers through his hair, he let out a breath. He didn't want to be thinking about those kinds of things, but he was.

  Turning back in toward the living room he decided to finish up what chores he had to tend to. It looked like he was spending his Saturday in town, and not because his sister-in-law had invited him, but because he was settling with the fact he did want to see Nichole again.

  10

  Samples of shampoos and hair products had been meticulously set up on the table in front of the salon. Nichole had swatted Wyatt's hand away from the small dish of candy more than once, and she was glad when Katie Brown offered to take the kids for the day. Katie had a genuine motherly instinct at nineteen, and she'd become a lifesaver on many occasions. When she moved back home to Oklahoma City after college, Nichole was going to be devastated. But she figured she had three years to worry about that. Katie had already told her she was staying in Macon for the summer and working with Lydia, whose own schedule seemed to be filled.

  Audrey had been busy walking up and down the street passing out business cards for discounted haircuts, and two of their stylists were waiting for new customers to walk in the door.

  Nichole watched as the street grew full of people. They ate, drank, and ducked in and out of the stores. Lydia was a genius when it came to organizing events and getting people to attend. Nichole didn't know how she did it. After all, the last time she'd hosted a party, only her mother showed up. She'd be happy to leave these kinds of things to Lydia.

  As she watched a family stroll past the barbershop across the street, and they handed each child a balloon, she noticed Ben Walker making his way down the street in a slow stroll.

  His hat was tipped back on his head, and sunglasses shielded his eyes. But when he caught her looking at him, she knew it.

  With a small wave, he acknowledged her, and she gave him a nod. No need to get worked up over seeing him. They'd danced at the wedding, and she hadn't seen him again until now. She'd lost count of how many weeks ago Audrey h
ad gotten married.

  It was obvious he wasn't interested in her in the least, and she wasn't sure why she'd expected him to be. They didn't have much in common, and she had kids. Nichole understood that. But she'd hoped maybe he'd come around more often than he had.

  When he said hello, Nichole realized that while she had been having a conversation in her head, Ben had walked over to her and removed his glasses. Now those bright blue eyes stared at her.

  "Hi, Ben. Haven't seen you around much."

  He hooked his glasses over the collar of his T-shirt. "Ya, I don't get into town much."

  That should have been what turned her off of him. She knew that, yet he twisted her up a bit.

  "I'll bet you're due for a haircut again."

  Ben pulled off his hat and dragged his fingers through the sandy blond mess on his head. "Yeah, I suppose you're right. Would you have time this week? Or should I go back to having Audrey do it?"

  Of course, he would think of family. If Nichole had learned anything in the months that she'd been there, it was that the Walkers took care of each other.

  "I'm sure she wouldn't mind. I could do it now if you'd like."

  His eyes went wide. "You're working today? I thought it was just a celebration."

  "It is. But I can sneak you in."

  Then she heard her kids calling to her as they raced toward them, their faces covered in paint.

  "Oh, my. I see that you've been to the bakery. I heard that Tonya Adams is painting faces."

  Laura laughed. "I'm a clown, Mommy."

  Nichole picked her up but held her out as to not get the paint on her. "You sure are. Are you being good for Katie?"

  As Katie walked up to them, she noticed the long slow look she took at Ben and Nichole thought it was funny that a surge of jealousy zipped right through her.

  "They're perfect," Katie offered, shifting her attention to Nichole. "I hope you don't mind the face paint. Tonya said it washes right off."

  "It's fine. Do you know Ben Walker?" Nichole asked and watched as Katie's eyes shifted.

  "I've never met you," she said, holding her hand out. "I've met Gerald, your brother, right?"

  Ben shook her hand. "Yeah."

  "Well, it's nice to meet you. Okay, kiddos," Katie captured their attention. "Mr. Lanzo said he was making our pizza, so let's head back to the pizza parlor."

  Without even saying goodbye, Zane started running toward the restaurant with his brother in tow. Laura grabbed Katie's hand, and they were off.

  "I guess we know where we rank." Nichole laughed.

  "Is that your babysitter?"

  She didn't like that he asked, but it was innocent enough. She was foolish to be put off by it.

  "Yes. She's a gem. She's a college student and she's been a huge help with us moving here. So, what about that haircut?"

  Before he could answer, Lydia was running their way. "Ben, I need your help. Will you help my brother unload the truck in the parking lot? I ordered some new decor for the reception hall, and of all days they delivered it today."

  Nichole watched as relief seemed to wash over Ben's face. "Sure." He turned back to her. "I'll stop back by."

  Nichole smiled at him and watched as Lydia hurried off with Ben.

  * * *

  "I'm sorry, Ben. I didn't mean to drag you away from Nichole," Lydia apologized as they rounded the building.

  "No worries. She said she could get me in today for a haircut."

  Lydia shifted him a side glance. "She's working today? I thought that was why the other girls were there."

  Ben shrugged. "That's what she said."

  As they approached the truck where Tyson Morgan began pulling boxes out of a truck, Lydia placed a hand on Ben's arm. "I promise this won't take long and you can get back over there. In fact, I'll tell Lanzo to make you two up a pizza."

  "You don't have to do that. I should be getting…"

  "Consider it done," she said before turning back toward the street and disappearing into a sea of people.

  "You can't reason with her," Tyson said. "If she has a plan, consider it done," he mimicked his sister.

  "I guess I'll stay for pizza then," he agreed and took the box that Tyson handed him.

  "I have some new stout beer in the bar. Interested? It's a microbrew with coffee and cherry."

  That had piqued Ben's interest. "I do like a microbrew."

  "I knew that." Tyson jumped out of the truck and carried a box with him. He led them through the side door of the reception hall. "When we were younger, and my sister told me that one day she was going to own the town, I thought she was kidding. I had no idea she was going to seriously own most of the businesses in it."

  Tyson set his box against the wall and Ben followed. "I'm guessing she has something to do with that microbrew too?"

  "For now. It's a startup, so they're looking for investors. But I heard Phillip Smythe was investing too."

  Ben laughed. "Then they can kiss her support goodbye."

  Tyson agreed with a nod. "If they're smart, they keep their investors’ names under wraps."

  When the two men were finished unloading the truck, Tyson pulled two beers from the fridge under the bar in the reception hall. He handed one to Ben, then opened the top of his own. He took a long pull, studied its label for a moment before swallowing, then let out a refreshed sigh. "It's good."

  Ben opened his bottle and took his first sip. "I like it. She should keep her money in it."

  "He told you I invested?" Lydia's voice came from behind him. "They have a solid project. The pizza is on the table by the salon. Take Nichole one of those beers too. And, Tyson, Pearl needs you at the bridal store. She's had a great day. She sold six of those sample dresses she had on sale and booked four appointments for just this week. Love is in the air, and everyone is getting married," Lydia sang with a smile before heading back out the door.

  Tyson pulled another beer from the fridge and handed it to Ben. "Good luck."

  "Why?"

  "Lydia wants to see you and that Nichole girl together. She usually gets what she wants."

  Ben assumed his shock registered on his face when Tyson laughed. With that, he gave him a nod and headed back out to the street.

  11

  Nichole watched as Katie carried Laura on her hip and followed the boys from street game to street game. Lydia had brought a pizza and told her to sit down for a few moments. Audrey had walked by, taken a slice from the box, and headed inside to take a call from her husband, who was in Hawaii shooting retakes for a movie.

  Ben caught her eye as he walked out of the reception hall and headed toward her. He had two bottles of beer in his hands.

  He stopped at the table. "Lydia thought you might enjoy one of these with your pizza," he offered, handing her one of the beers.

  "Thanks. Will you join me?" she asked, and a grin formed on his lips.

  "I think that was the plan. Lydia is taking care of everyone and running this whole thing," he offered as he twisted the top from his bottle and sipped his beer. He pulled out the chair next to her and sat down. "Looks like they're having fun."

  She watched Wyatt throw a ball at a pyramid of bottles, and one fell from the top. "They are having fun. Lydia is genius with this stuff."

  "She is. I heard Pearl sold six dresses today, or something like that," he said.

  "We've cut thirty clients today that were walk-ins," she boasted as she'd talked each of them into walking through the door. "It's good for business."

  Ben lifted his beer in salute. "Here's to that."

  She tapped her beer to his and took a long sip. She studied it for a moment. "Coffee and cherry?"

  "See, I can't taste the cherry too much. But I like it." He took another thoughtful sip. "Yeah, I like it."

  "Lydia investment?"

  "You're catching on quick. What did she put on our pizza?"

  "Sausage. Only sausage." She pursed her lips.

  "My favorite."

  "Lydia k
new that, I guess."

  "Lydia knows everything," he said as he opened the box and took out a slice. "She's a wizard that way. You don't like sausage pizza?" He held the piece to his lips as if waiting for an answer.

  "It's fine. Don't you like veggies on it?"

  "Veggies go in a bowl and get covered in dressing," he teased before he took the bite. "Nope, this is perfect."

  Simple, Nichole thought to herself. He was a simple man. The pleasure of life came easy to him. No wonder he didn't come into town often, he probably enjoyed the peace and quiet where he lived. She hadn't seen his house, but she knew he lived on the family land. She'd only ever been out there for the wedding, but it was beautiful and tranquil.

  Taking a slice from the box, she slid it onto one of the paper plates that Lydia had brought. She sipped again from her beer and then took a bite of her pizza. It wasn't something she was going to admit aloud, but he was right. Sausage was perfect. There was nothing to throw off the flavor, like an uncooked bit of green pepper, which she always added to her pizzas.

  "Good huh?" he asked.

  "I've only had their subs. I've never had one of their pizzas."

  "If there is anything I miss about the city, it's pizza. No one delivers out as far as the ranch," he joked, and Nichole covered her mouth as she laughed.

  "I guess you have to trade pizza and convenience for beauty and peace."

  The glow that lit from his eyes said she'd hit the nail on the head. When she gave it a little more thought, as she took another bite of the pizza, she supposed she understood that. When she'd gotten divorced, she'd moved from the only home she'd ever known. There was no one to run to when she was having a bad day. Her mother couldn't just drop by and have a cup of coffee, or watch the kids when she needed a few moments alone. She'd traded in all of those things to get away from a bad situation and to take her kids with her. And even after a year, it still was the best decision she'd ever made.

  "The sunrise over the pastures in the morning is worth getting up for," he said as he settled back in his seat.