Tangled Paths

by Kimi Flores

  Taking a step back, he bent forward and laughed. “Well shit, I can't win here. How about this, we can change anything in the house so it fits both of our styles, but please don’t choose those colors.”

  “Fine, I’ll just leave everything at the condo for Dani,” Bri complained, enjoying their banter. “But I can’t stand shopping, so it might be hard finding things to fill up the house.” She smiled, knowing she was lying. He was well aware of her shopping obsession.

  “What did I just get myself into?” Squinting one eye closed, he asked, “I don't have to go on these shopping trips, do I?”

  Bri laughed. “Only if you wanna have a say.”

  “Well damn. Maybe I need to rethink this whole thing.” Trying to hide his smile, he looked down at the ground, his thumbs in his front pockets.

  “Too late, Josh Tucker.” She reached forward and planted a kiss on his lips. “You’re stuck with me, and hmm...” She tapped a finger against her cheek. “I’m thinking pink curtains might be rather nice. I am a girl, you know.”

  Grunting, he pulled her toward him, cupping her butt cheeks. “I’m well aware of that, Bri, but there’s no way you’re putting girly drapes up, and I know how competitive you are. This is not open for negotiation.”

  She kissed the corner of his mouth before turning back to Smokey. “We’ll see.”

  “How’s she doing?” Stefen rested his arms against the top of the corral fencing, giving Josh a sideways glance.

  “Better. Your dad’s been calling and that seems to lift her spirits. She really wants to get out of her funk, but she’s been sleeping more than not. When she’s not asleep, she’s swimming.” Josh leaned in, watching Bri help one of the kids with their head protection. It was good to see her out there, smiling.

  “That’s how she used to cope. It’s never taken this long before, but this was more than she’s ever had to deal with at one time.” Stefen looked down at the ground, kicking the post with his boot. “Looking back, I should’ve known how bad it was. Bri slept a lot as a teen. I imagine that was the worst time for her.” Stefen took a deep breath, exhaling loudly.

  Josh continued to watch Bri help Leah, the caregivers, and the horse trainers get the next set of kids ready for their ride. How anyone could ever say anything bad to her was beyond him. He realized that her mother definitely had issues, but the things she chose to say about her made absolutely no sense.

  “Dude, you’ve got to stop blaming yourself.” Josh clapped Stefen’s shoulder. “She doesn’t.”

  Stefen shook his head, sounding bitter. “That’s easy for you to say. You’re her knight in shining armor. I was there when all that shit was going on, and I missed most of it.”

  “You had no control over it. And we can’t change it now. The only thing we can do at this point is be there.” Josh looked down, scraping his foot back and forth on the gravel.

  “Yeah, you’re right, I guess.” Stefen stuffed his hands in his pockets, turning so his back was leaning against the fence.

  Squinting his eyes, Josh contemplated bringing something up, but they’d become friends and he was worried about Stefen too. “How are you doing with the whole sister-cousin thing?”

  Shrugging, Stefen admitted, “Honestly, it really sucks. Not my feelings for Bri. She’s my sister no matter what, but I still can’t believe this shit. Our parents really screwed us over. Caleb says he’s fine too, but I think he’s taking it harder. I’m sure his father is part of the problem.”

  Josh nodded. “I talked to him the other day. He seemed out of sorts. I guess your uncle’s called several times, trying to get to Bri through him.”

  Stefen gave him a pointed look. “There’s no way that’s gonna happen. Not as long as she doesn’t want to know.” With a small smile, he said, “Thank you, Josh. For everything.”

  Josh furrowed his eyebrows. “Of course. Bri is a part of my life now. What’s important to her is important to me. Anything I can help with, count on me.”

  Facing Josh, Stefen tightened his lips, as though he was contemplating what he was about to say. “So, you guys have become serious pretty quickly. I have a feeling there’s more to the story, but I respect you and I trust Bri, so I won’t pry.” Stefen narrowed his eyes, getting to his real question. “The big brother in me wants to know if you guys are living together now. She seems to be here all the time.”

  Josh wasn’t about to lie to him, but he and Bri had just talked about it right before everyone got there. “Yeah,” he finally said. “Well, she’s officially moving in when we go get her things. Unofficially, she’s been living here since we got back from Chicago though.”

  Nodding, Stefen seemed to accept that answer as he moved around to face the kids again. Lifting an eyebrow, Stefen made a confession. “You know, I’ve never approved of any of the guys she’s brought around before.”

  With a chuckle, Josh said, “That doesn’t surprise me.”

  “She’s never fought me over a guy before you, though, and for whatever reason, she seems to really like you.” Stefen smirked, backhanding Josh’s chest. “So I guess that means you’re okay.”

  “Gee, thanks.” Josh rubbed his chest, figuring that was difficult for Stefen to admit. He’d always been there for his sister, through the crazy events that molded her into the woman she now was. It was understandable that no matter how much Bri loved him, Stefen would probably always have his eye on Josh.

  I wouldn’t expect anything less.

  Madison’s braided pigtails bounced up and down as she skipped across the corral, stopping in front of them on the other side of the fence. “Uncle Stefen, come and see the horses with us.”

  Leah and Stefen had brought her along today, since she loved hanging out and helping with the kids. Josh had seen her at Bri’s a couple times and had to admit she was a cutie.

  Holding up his index finger, Stefen smiled down at her. “Give me a second, Squirt. I’m finishing my conversation with Josh here.”

  Tilting her head at Josh, then Stefen, Madison inquired, “Did you already stab the cows and bulls? I don’t see any here.” She lifted her small hands in the air, motioning around. “I wanted to see what a real-life bull looks like.”

  Confused, Josh creased his lips. “I don’t have bulls or cows, sweetie. Only horses.”

  Madison looked puzzled. “But I heard Daddy tell my mama that he was afraid Uncle Stefen was going to cut your bulls off and I thought cows and bulls lived together on ranches.”

  Oh shit, don’t laugh.

  Josh bit his lips, letting Stefen take over the conversation. If Josh opened his mouth, he wasn’t sure if the laughter would be because Madison had misunderstood, or nervousness out of fear for his manhood.

  Shifting back and forth, Stefen cleared his throat. “Oh those bulls. Yeah, that was a long time ago. I don’t need to do that now. I think I’ll let him keep those, far far away.” Stefen cocked his eyebrow at Josh and looked back at Madison. “Maybe we can go to another ranch another time and see different animals.”

  Madison lit up. “Okay.”

  Leah motioned for Madison to come over to have a turn riding Smokey.

  As Madison ran away, Stefen eyed Josh, smirking. “I probably don’t need to add to that, right?”

  Grimacing, Josh assured Stefen, “Uh, no. I’ve become quite attached to those bulls. I’d rather they stay right where they are.”

  Leah and Bri headed back toward the house after they’d helped the caregivers get the kids safely into their cars. Stefen was assisting Josh with the horses while Madison played in the stable.

  “So I was talking to Josh this morning and an idea came to me.” Bri needed a little distraction and something positive to focus on. “I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what I want to do with my time, and I really like the planning part of weddings but don’t necessarily want to just do that.”

  “Okay.” Leah nodded her on.

  She bit her bottom lip, kicking a rock as they walked. “I’m going to talk t
o Zachary about taking the wedding planner job at the winery until he can find someone permanent. I know he needs help right now and the timing works for me because I’d only have to work when there are events.”

  Both women sat down on the old train station bench positioned on the porch, just under the living room window.

  “Ohmigosh!” Leah clapped her hands excitedly. “That is so awesome. I know he’d love to have you take over for now. It’s so hard to find reliable employees. You’d be taking a huge weight off of his shoulders.”

  “Yeah well, I have to see what he says before I get too excited.” Bri nervously chewed on the side of her mouth and added, “There’s something else.” Looking shyly at her sister-in-law, Bri hoped Leah would be willing to help her with the next part. “I don’t have any experience and can’t draw for shit but, I’d like to eventually work with a designer and create a line of girly tomboy clothes for kids. The kind that says, yeah I dress like a girl, but I can dig in the dirt and jump on a skateboard just like the boys do. I want to learn the business side first though and I’d love it if you would teach me what you know before I look into anything else.”

  Leah’s eyes lit up with excitement. “That’s perfect for you, Bri. I would love to share anything I’ve learned with you. Have you told Josh about it?”

  “Are you kidding?” Bri chuckled. “When I told him about it this morning, he was thrilled. He said as much as he likes having me around, he also wants me to do what makes me happy.” Bri quickly swept an ant off of her jeans.

  “He’s a great guy, Bri. I’m so glad you gave him another chance.”

  “Me too.” She felt warm just thinking about how much her life had changed. “As a matter of fact,” Bri gave a silly grimace, “we’re moving in together.”

  Shaking her head, Leah gave a knowing smile. “I had a feeling. Stefen asked me about it the other day. He assumed I already knew.”

  Bri laughed. “Well, don’t feel like I was holding back. We just decided this morning.”

  “Oh, so Dani doesn’t know yet?” Leah frowned and Bri knew exactly why.

  “No, and I feel so bad. I know how lonely she gets, and I’m worried this’ll send her over the edge.” She swiped another ant off of her leg. Those things are never alone.

  Biting the inside of her cheek, Leah’s concern showed on her face. “She’s been working a lot lately. I can’t get even a second with her nowadays.”

  “Yeah between us, I think she feels like a third wheel. You may need to talk to Stefen about letting you two have some alone time. I’m gonna have to keep that in mind too.”

  “I remember that feeling.” Leah sighed. “I was a little lonely when Abby married Caleb. Dani still lived with my mom in Alhambra at the time, so I was kinda stuck out here by myself. Until your brother weaseled himself into my life that is.” Leah snickered.

  Bri offered her snarky comment. “Yeah, and you’ve hated every minute of it, haven’t you?”

  “We’ve had our moments for sure. But getting back to Dani. You and I should tag team spending time with her and do a girls’ night out soon or something.” Slapping her thighs, Leah pointed out, “I wish her and Zachary would get together, but I won’t hold my breath. He seems closed off when it comes to relationships. Stefen and I have seen him turn down beautiful women left and right.”

  “Yeah. I have too, come to think of it.” Bri tilted her head. “You’d think by the way they look at each other, they would’ve at least gone on a date. I’m sure she would if he asked, but I wonder what his deal is.”

  “I dunno.” Leah shrugged. “He and I are friends, but he doesn’t share a lot of personal things.”

  “Too bad. I told her she doesn’t need a guy to make her happy, but I hope she finds a good one soon. She’s gone out with some real losers.”

  “Really?” Leah looked sad. “She doesn’t tell me a lot about her dating life. I’ve wondered.”

  “Yeah, she sells herself short. We really do need to spend more time with her.”

  Leah stood up, brushing off the back of her pants. “I agree. Okay for now, let’s go see what our men are up to. I’m sure they’re gossiping about something.” She grinned teasingly. “I’m convinced that men are way worse than women.”

  “I agree. Especially my brother. He has to know what everyone is up to. But I guess that’s part of his charm.” Bri stood up, jokingly begging Leah, “Please don’t tell me about the rest of his appeal.”

  She and Leah may be friends, but there were certain things Bri did not need to know.

  Josh knew his parents would be overjoyed by his news, but for some reason, he was really nervous as he called them. He’d never brought a girl home to them before.

  How do you even do that without it being weird?

  “It’s about time ya called me, son.” His mother’s Tennessee drawl sang through the earpiece of his phone. “When do I get to meet this hot girl your brother’s been ravin’ about?”

  Thanks a lot Brad.

  He stretched out on the couch, getting comfortable. “That’s actually why I’m callin’.”

  Oh great, I’m already talking like her.

  “Are you guys free on Saturday?” he asked them. “Alison and Paul wanted to come by your house and show you guys the wedding pictures, since you were conveniently on your European vacation and couldn’t make it.” Josh snickered. His mother knew how to take a joke.

  Her whimsical tone proved him right. “It’s not my fault your daddy is a tightwad and wouldn’t exchange our tickets.” There was a slight pause, then, “Yes, you are a tightwad,” Josh knew she was speaking to his dad. “Give me a sec. I’m talkin’ to Joshua on the phone. No, you can talk to him on your own time.”

  Josh imagined his mother swatting the air at his father to make him go away. He loved their relationship. They’d always been strong and loving, and taught him well. He hoped that one day, he and Bri would still be going strong and as happy as them.

  “Oh, your daddy is too much. He wants me to ask ya to call him later.” She huffed. “Okay, so tell me, when are ya bringin’ this girl over?”

  “Like I was saying, Alison and Paul wanted to come show you pictures from the wedding, so I thought that would be a good time to have you meet Bri. Both Alison and Paul are friends of hers from college, and I think it would put her at ease, when she sees someone else there that she knows.”

  “Well, we ain’t scary people, ya know,” she complained.

  Josh had to make sure he cleared the air. “I know, but she’s had a rough time. Her mother just passed away…”

  “Oh, I am so sorry to hear that.” Her voice was somber.

  “Yeah well, they didn't exactly have a good relationship, and she’s coping well enough, but I don’t wanna scare her since our family dynamic is so different.”

  “So are ya askin’ me not to curse in front of her? I can do that.”

  Chuckling, Josh admitted, “Uh, no. Nothing like that. She’ll give you a run for your money when it comes to that.”

  “Ooo, I like her already.” She snorted.

  “I’m sure you will.”

  “From what Bradley says, she’s quite a looker.”

  “Yes, she is. But she’s so much more than that.” He pictured her beautiful face, long sexy legs, and perfect lips. Also her adorable quirks and her amazing spirit. “Bri is…oh man, I don’t know how to describe it. She’s just so…”

  Gasping with a smile in her tone, she asked, “Joshua Ryan Tucker, are you in love with this girl?”

  “Yeah mom, I am.” There was no denying it, especially to his mother. She could spot a lie a mile away.

  Must be a mom thing.

  “Well damn, I never thought I’d see the day. You best be bringing this girl over before you go makin’ any big decisions about her.” That was a warning, and he knew it.

  He assured her, “She’s not ready for anything like that yet. I was lucky enough to talk her into moving in with me.” Oh shit, I hadn’t sai
d that part yet.

  “Excuse me? You’re livin’ together and you’re just now telling me about her? I’m liable to bend you over my knee and swat your ass for not bringing her sooner.” Although her words were harsh, her playful tone remained.

  Josh backpedaled, attempting to save himself. “Well, it all kinda happened quickly, and she hasn’t technically moved in yet. We only decided last week.”

  “Mmhmm, and I imagine you been celebratin’ ever since so you couldn’t pick up the phone and call your Mama.”

  And then some. He smiled to himself.