Montana Homecoming

by Jillian Hart

  “Might as well.” She slipped into the back row beside him, nodding in greeting to the friendly teenage faces turning to smile at her. Across the net the opposing team took their stances, fight faces on.

  “It’ll be fun, you’ll see.” Liam popped the ball out of the crook of his arm, took position and punched out a perfect serve. The white orb sailed over the net in a streak. Opponents scrambled to set and spike it and another pounded it home.

  “How much do you know about the game?” he asked as a front-line teen pummeled the ball back over the net.

  “A little. I haven’t played since my high school days.” She kept her eye on the ball as an opponent rushed, knelt and saved it. Teammates rushed in to help.

  “The skills will come back to you.” He planted his feet, light on his heels, ready in case he had to make a save. “The important thing is to have fun.”

  “Right. That’s why I’m here.” The ball sailed across the net with a fierce trajectory, whizzing straight at the gym floor. He sprang, already figuring he’d have to dive for this one when a slender, lithe form slid in front of him, arms out and clasped, skidding across the polished wood. The ball hit her exposed forearms with a slap and sailed into a perfect arc. Jen from the front row leaped to beat it over the net. The ball smashed into the floor. Score!

  “Way to go, Brooke!” Jen called out, joined in by the others. “Great save.”

  Speechless, Liam’s jaw hung open as he watched the prim and proper Miss Brooke McKaslin swipe a flyaway tendril out of her eyes, plant the heel of her hand on the floor and shrug. “You made the point. That was awesome.”

  “I won’t argue,” the teen said charmingly, obviously instantly liking Brooke.

  Who wouldn’t? He held out his hand, clasped hers and ignored the jolt that bolted straight to his soul. He breathed in her light vanilla fragrance as he helped her onto her feet. “So, you know a little about the game?”

  “Okay, so I was on my high school team and we took state. Twice.” Her pigtails bobbed, framing her heart-shaped face, making her endearing. No one could be cuter as she caught the ball one-handed.

  “And you didn’t think to mention this earlier?” He arched one brow, easing into place at the end of the front row.

  “I wanted it to be a surprise.”

  A surprise? How about a bombshell? He shook his head, trying to get into the game as she served like a pro. The ball zipped over the net like a missile. The woman was more than a mystery.

  And wasn’t that a problem?

  * * *

  “I hope you can come on Saturday, too.” Jen swiped sweat from her forehead as she gave the ball a toss. Chad, standing at the sidelines, caught it handily. Only one game was still going on and most kids were heading toward the locker room or the front door.

  “Yeah, you rocked,” Krys agreed, dreadlocks bobbing. “You’ve got to show me how you serve like that. It was killer.”

  “An instant score half the time.” Sofia joined the others. The small group of teenage girls surrounded her. “I want to learn the secret, too.”

  “I’ll show you what I can.” Personally, she didn’t think her serve was all that great, but it was nice to feel she could help out. “You have a fantastic spike, Sofia. And, Krys, you were the top scorer.”

  “Come on Saturday.” Jen squeezed her arm before leading the others, too.

  “You’re popular.” Liam ambled up behind her, hands on his hips. Magnificent. Why couldn’t she think of another word, any word, to describe him?

  Probably because no other word would do. Tousled hair, damp with sweat, his gray T-shirt untucked, muscles bunching.

  Magnificent wasn’t her thing. Unmoved, she swiped a bead of sweat off her forehead. “Everyone’s being nice.”

  “No, those girls like you. You made an impression on them.”

  “Only because of my serve.” She wasn’t going to acknowledge his compliment. He couldn’t get past her barriers, not even with kindness. “It’s a great group of kids here. I like them, too.”

  “Most of them are at risk. Some have already gotten into a lot of trouble. Jen’s on probation, and Krys is just out of juvy. This is a good place for them to spend their time, learn about God and build their self-esteem. Good game tonight, Kent.” He paused to high-five a teenage boy who dashed by. “Then again, I’m biased. I believe in this program.”

  “I can see why.” Emotion lodged beneath her windpipe, realizing just how much she and those girls had in common. The wish to help them rose up within her, but she couldn’t tell Liam that.

  “I saw a lot when I was traveling the world. So much suffering. I’m just one man. What’s that against all that pain?” He shrugged, scattering thick, dark locks of hair.

  It was easy to see the good in him—so much good. He genuinely seemed to care for others, for doing what was right.

  Don’t even think about softening your stance, she told herself, bracing her feet, fisting her hands. “Surely you made some difference as a reporter.”

  “It wasn’t enough. I’ve been in Haiti, Afghanistan, the Sudan. I’ve reported on famines, civil wars, earthquakes and genocide.”

  “I hadn’t realized you’d done so much.”

  “No, I didn’t do anything. I was just there as a witness.”

  He stopped in front of a row of vending machines and dug into his pocket. “It felt like the problems were already too big. All I could do was tell people about it. I couldn’t try to fix it.”

  “I can’t imagine how that affected you. To see all that close up and personal.”

  “It put my life into perspective. That’s why I volunteer. It’s the personal level, when you give of yourself and your heart that makes a real difference. Every little bit helps.” He plugged coins into the machine. “Which soda?”

  “Oh, I can get my own.” She ducked her chin, blushing slightly.

  “I need to push a button. Tell me which one. Diet, right?” He waited, she nodded and the can slid down the chute.

  “Do you regret giving up that kind of career?”

  “No. When my Grandfather Knightly got sick, nothing else mattered. There are days I miss it, but I have a real chance to help out my grandfather. When I was growing up he made sure I had everything I needed to be the kind of man I wanted to be. That’s no small gift he gave me.” He knelt to fetch the ice-cold can. When he handed it over, her soft fingers brushed his. He gritted his teeth but he couldn’t stop the impact jolting through him, soul deep.

  “I’m sure he feels the same way about you.” She popped the top, thanked him for the soda and took a dainty sip.

  He added a few more coins and waited for his cola to plunk down. There he was sharing again, but was she?

  No, she held back. Quiet, reserved, walls up. Her stories were her business, he respected that, but he couldn’t ignore the jolt still alive in his soul. He was attracted to her. The last woman he’d cared about had been a closed book, hiding so much of herself and he’d blithely accepted that, determined to gain her trust.

  Big mistake. The betrayal still clung like a stain he couldn’t wash out. He’d fallen in love with someone who hadn’t existed. Someone who’d made him believe one thing when she was the polar opposite. He wouldn’t make that mistake again, so why was he sharing so much?

  Frustrated, he popped the top and listened to the symphony of carbonated bubbles echoing inside the can. Time for him to be remote, too.

  “Helping Pop run the paper keeps me busy.” He took a sip of cold soda, let it slide across his tongue and cool him on the way down. He looked around. “I’m not sure what happened to your sisters.”

  “Oh, I see them.” She peered into a dark room where a movie was playing on a screen. “They’re watching a show.”

  “I see Colbie ducked in there. It should be over in a minute. Thanks for coming by.” He hesitated a moment, wondering if he ought to leave her, but needing to for his own well-being. He headed to the outside door, where Chad and another pastor
were talking seriously with a small circle of teenagers.

  “Wait.”

  Her soft call spun him around. She took a step toward him. “I never asked how Oscar liked day care.”

  “They tell me he howled for the first hour and then ran nonstop playing his heart out for the rest of the day.” His shoes carried him a few steps toward her when he’d meant to head away. “Oscar was having so much fun playing in a wading pool that it took him a few minutes to notice I’d come to pick him up.”

  “Then it was a hit.”

  “A major one. Oscar needs a little more training. I probably do, too.”

  “When do you want me to come by?”

  “Tomorrow works for me.” He took another sip, keeping his gaze down, keeping it light. Brooke was good for Oscar and she needed the job.

  “Great.” She smiled, looking a little awkward and a little lost. She opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something more but stayed silent. Uncertain.

  It was better to keep distance firmly between them. He fought the urge to try to cross it, held up his soda can as a goodbye and walked away.

  * * *

  Liam’s story about what he’d seen traveling the world had touched her. It moved her. Thinking of the world’s suffering he’d witnessed, she wanted to know more of his story. But she hadn’t asked, afraid her steel defenses might buckle again.

  “Good night. That was totally fun.” Brandi swooped in to hug her tight in Lil’s shadowed front yard. “I’m not into volleyball, but the movie was great. If you need someone to go with you next time, say the word.”

  “Me, too.” Bree squeezed in, hugging them both.

  “Me, three. Group hug.” Colbie shouldered her way in. A real sister moment. This was what she’d been missing living two states away. The realization roped her in, making it hard to let go when the twins bobbed backward. Colbie kept a tight hold on her, though, as if she didn’t plan on letting go. Bless her.

  “Tell Lil good-night for us.” Bree excavated her keys from her purse. “Thanks for putting up with us.”

  “You two are no hardship.” Colbie waved with her free hand. “Drive safe and all that.”

  “Will do.” Bree bopped into the truck and started the engine. The window whizzed down. “See you tomorrow.”

  “Count on it.” Brooke adored her sisters. She alone knew how hard it was to sit in a courtroom waiting for justice. Her stomach clenched up tight, a little worried for Bree.

  “Bye!” The little truck motored away, taillights glowing in the darkness.

  “I can’t believe how well she’s doing.” Colbie watched them go. “I would be a basket case if I had to sit in court and look at the men who shot me, but she’s a rock.”

  “She’s awesome.” Brooke ambled alongside her sister up the dim pathway. Grasses rustled in the breeze and lilacs sent fragrance wafting their way. “I wish I had her strength.”

  “Are you kidding? That’s the same thing she told me about you before the trial started.” Colbie tripped along, dark hair bobbing with her gait. “I can’t believe the way you’ve put your life together from scratch. You had to start all over again. With nothing. Not one thing.”

  “My life isn’t as together as you think, not even close.” Sweet of her sister to try to buoy her up like that, but honestly. “What little I own is in a storage unit in south Seattle. My job included quarters at the halfway house. When I was let go, I lost my room.”

  “Oh, sorry, I was wrong. You are completely pathetic.” Gentle love shimmered in her words as she slung an arm over Brooke’s shoulders, belying her words and saying so much more. “Do you know what this is?”

  “I’m afraid to guess.”

  “Divine intervention, sister mine. A big neon sign shining from heaven flashing, ‘Move to Montana, move to Montana.’”

  “Colbie, I’m starting to sense a recurring theme.” Brooke laughed, climbed the stairs and breathed in the lovely fragrances of the night, of home.

  “A girl has to try. You are loved here, Brooke. You know that, right?”

  “It’s occurring to me. Back at ya.” All those years when she’d been young and had not known Colbie or the twins haunted her now—nothing but wasted time. What if Lil hadn’t begun corresponding with her when she was in jail? Lil’s generosity had changed her life. Gratitude welled up, too great for any words to describe. For the first time in a long while she felt a part of something, a part of her family.

  “Girls, there you are.” Lil hit Pause on the remote and the crime scene drama froze on the screen.

  “Howdy.” Luke, seated on the couch, lurched to his feet. At six-three he dominated the small living room. “Looks like it’s time for me to skedaddle. I’ve got longer than an hour’s drive.”

  “Sure you won’t stay the night?” Lil asked.

  “Thanks, but Hunter would have my hide. Wake-up is at four on the farm. He wouldn’t be pleased with me if I wasn’t there to help with the chores. Again.” He pulled keys from his pocket. “See you around, you two. Keep out of trouble.”

  “Who, us?” Colbie’s hand flew to her chest, sounding innocent. “You know me. I’m never trouble.”

  “Of course you’re not.” Luke winked, kissed Lil on the cheek and ambled over. “Brooke, you’re smiling.”

  “What? I’ve been known to smile from time to time.”

  “Sure, but you look happy. It’s good to see.” He grabbed his Stetson from the closet shelf and ambled by. “You keep on being happy, okay?”

  “I’ll try. What about you?”

  “I run a dairy with Hunter. How happy can I be?” he quipped, winking, hiding the affection he felt for their taciturn brother. “See you tomorrow.”

  “Bye.” She closed the door after him, already missing him.

  “Did you have a good time tonight?” Lil’s question drew her back.

  “Moderately.” As if she wanted to open that can of worms. She knew exactly where Lil was heading. Time to change the subject. “Did you know your daughter is a terrible volleyball player?”

  “I’ve heard rumors but I haven’t wanted to believe it,” Lil quipped. “At least you got Colbie out tonight. Colbie, see how I’m just fine? Luke and I had a great time.”

  “Good. I don’t trust just anyone to stay with you.” Colbie dropped into the overstuffed chair next to her mom and gestured toward the TV screen. “No, don’t rewind it. Just catch me up. How is their romance going? I can’t wait until she figures out that he loves her.”

  “Then keep watching.” Lil pressed the remote, the actors on the screen burst into motion and the accord between mother and daughter emanated with deep and comfortable affection. “Brooke, are you going to join us? This is the best part. They’re about to catch the killer.”

  “So I see.” She set down her things and moseyed closer but it wasn’t the show that held her attention. It was Colbie as she searched her mother’s face and smoothed a hair out of place, worry frowning her forehead. Despite appearances it hadn’t been easy for Colbie to leave her mom tonight. Even with Luke keeping an eye on her.

  The action on the TV intensified, the cops made an arrest and justice was ensured.

  “Look right there.” Lil pointed to the screen. “That poignant look between them.”

  “Oh, he knows.” Colbie sighed, pleased. In the lamplight, dark circles bruised her skin, revealing her exhaustion. “Ooh, next week’s episode is going to be good.”

  “You know it.” Lil leaned back into her chair as the evening news came on. The lead story? The Backdoor Burglars trial. Colbie reached forward and flicked it off.

  “I’d rather end the day on a good note,” she explained with a shrug. “Time to get you ready for bed, Mom. We have another big day ahead.”

  “I’ll do it.” Brooke seized the grips of Lil’s wheelchair. “Don’t even think about arguing. I love Lil. I want to spend time with her. I’m just selfish that way.”

  “Dear, I feel the same way about you.” Pleased, Lil be
nt forward to release the brake.

  Colbie knelt to do it. “I’m not letting you get away that easily. Brooke is our guest. She should be lounging on the couch.”

  “Is she always that bossy?” Brooke winked, pulling the wheelchair back with her.

  “She thinks she’s in charge. Poor, misguided Colbie.” Lil’s eyes twinkled. “Honey, I recorded a few sitcoms you missed earlier. Why don’t you put your feet up and watch them?”

  “Yeah, Colbie. If you sit and stay, I’ll give you a cookie.” She couldn’t resist teasing. “It works for Oscar.”

  “It depends. What kind of cookie?” Colbie laughed, but the appreciation in her gaze said something more.

  Brooke hoped hers said something, too, as she turned Lil around. She had no idea how Colbie managed everything on her own—her mother’s care, supporting them both, making sure Lil had everything she needed. What time did that leave Colbie for herself? Brooke suspected tonight’s outing was a rare occurrence.

  It was for her, too. She’d had fun. And Liam? He clung to the back of her mind, refusing to budge.

  Chapter Nine

  “No, I’ll park the car.” Brooke stole the Toyota’s keys from Colbie faster than a pickpocket. Success. She ignored her sister’s disapproving look, kissed Lil on the cheek and hooked her purse higher on her shoulder. “Colbie, you go in and get settled first for a change. I’ll go in search of a parking spot.”

  “It’s crowded this morning,” Lil trilled, reaching out to take Bree by the hand. “How are you doing, dear? Are you ready for this?”

  “They may not get to the testimony about Juanita’s death today. We’ll see.” Bree gulped, chin up, all composure. Good to see her so strong, but tough to know how she had to feel deep inside. Max pulled her into his sheltering arms and she managed a determined smile. “All that matters is I’m not alone. With you guys here, I can do anything.”

  “I’m right by your side, gorgeous.” Max, a protective and strong man, brushed a kiss on Bree’s forehead.

  Bree deserved no less.

  See, there are good and honest men out there, Brooke told herself as she hopped behind the wheel. Men who didn’t let a woman down; men who didn’t use them for their own gain. Her brothers were that way, two men sworn to walk the right path in life. Why wasn’t it easier to believe there were more guys like that out there?