“No, no, please don’t. They’re special fabric and a modern dryer would ruin them. We’ll take care of that. Just bring them back when you can,” Tamlyn said as she waved the girls out the door.
“Oh, okay,” Bradley said, looking a little sheepish. “I really appreciate this. Thanks again.”
Tamlyn watched out the window as he headed down the boardwalk with the girls and turned toward the petting zoo.
“Wow, I bet this was a big day for those kids,” Felicia said as she turned back to the studio. “He seems really nice. Seemed to really care about the kids.”
“Yes, it did seem like that,” Tamlyn said slowly as she turned away from the window herself.
Chapter 5
Tamlyn reached for the handrail as she climbed the steps to the cafe. She had been on her feet for hours and her ankle was giving her a little bit of trouble.
She looked down the counter of the restaurant and spotted her Aunt Corinne and her new husband, Allen. They waved her over and she slid into the seat of the booth on the opposite side of them. Their coffee looked to have gone cold and Tamlyn smiled as they blushed when each other spoke.
Newlyweds were always interesting.
Corinne turned her attention away from her new husband and frowned at Tamlyn.
“Was that a limp I saw when you came in?” she asked, her brow furrowed.
“Maybe a little,” Tamlyn said as she smiled up at Kelsi and took the menu the bubbly blonde handed her.
“Is it harder to walk in those cowboy boots?” Kelsi filled the coffee cup Tamlyn had scooted in her direction. She never did get a chance to drink the one she’d bought.
“Honestly, it makes it a bit easier, I think. Kind of feels like a brace.”
Kelsi smiled, her hand on her growing belly. “I hope it feels better soon, Tamlyn. Nothing like not being able to get around the way you want to,” she said, and ambled back behind the counter.
“You sure you’re all right?” Corinne’s husband, Allen asked, his voice also full of concern.
Tamlyn hated to worry them. She’d actually been all right, at least it had been manageable, before her run-in with Billy and the kids. And maybe it hadn’t helped too much to have stood all morning at the presentation. Next time, she’d remember to grab a chair.
“I really do think I am. Tell me about your trip,” she asked quickly, hoping to change the subject. She certainly didn’t want to talk about her phone conversation with her aunt earlier, or tell her she’d had to pull over to the side of the road. She’d barely had a chance to think about that, and she didn’t want to now.
Kelsi returned to take her order, and Corinne and Allen had waited for her. They all ordered together, and by the time they’d finished eating, Tamlyn had heard all about their trip. The two of them were so excited, and flipped from picture to picture on their phone, describing the waterfront, Bourbon Street, the history—and it brought back fond memories for Tamlyn.
“Sounds like a perfect trip,” she finally said as they finished the pictures—and their coffee.
Allen reached for Corinne’s hand and they blushed again as they entwined their fingers and looked down at their empty plates. Seemed like everybody was getting married around here, and Tamlyn leaned back against the cool leather of the booth, wondering what that would be like. She’d had a couple of boyfriends, but she was positive that she’d never looked like her aunt did right this minute with either one of them. The sensation must be delicious.
“So, tell us what’s been going on with you,” Corinne asked after one more smile in Allen’s direction. “Have you been busy? Working hard?”
Tamlyn nodded as Kelsi came by with the steaming coffee pot. She filled all three mugs and after she left, Tamlyn leaned forward on the table.
“It’s been kind of busy but should slow down now. Most of the TV show is cast, and I’ve got the majority of the costumes for the leads out of the way. I have a new assistant, Felicia, who’s working with the bit players and getting some things ready for random extras.”
“Is that a good thing?” Corinne asked as she stirred sugar into her coffee and handed the pitcher of cream to Allen.
Tamlyn stifled a laugh as he looked at her and smiled, brushing her hand as he took the pitcher from her. They were really too much.
Corinne caught her eye and blushed. She smiled and said, “I guess we must be acting like newlyweds, Allen. Tamlyn’s laughing at us.”
“Well, we are newlyweds. And happy ones, at that,” he replied and smiled at Tamlyn.
Tamlyn held up her palms. “I’m not laughing at you, not at all. I think it’s wonderful. I’m thrilled to see you both so happy.”
And she meant it. Her aunt had been so independent—a career woman, traveled on her own all over the world—and to see her appreciate the company of Allen was lovely. And equally lovely to see him appreciate the aunt she cherished as well.
“I know you are, sweetheart.” Corinne narrowed her eyes at Tamlyn and peered under the table. “Are you sure you’re not working too hard?”
“I promise. Really, things are winding down and will stay that way for a bit. For me, anyway. Honestly, today was a very unusual day, or I’m sure my ankle wouldn’t be sore at all.”
“Oh? How so?” Corinne asked as Allen took a bite of the apple pie Kelsi set down in front of him.
Tamlyn laughed at the memory of the day and gave them both a rundown. Never in a million years had she anticipated what had happened—from the presentation to Billy the Kid escaping and sending the girls into a mud puddle and their wardrobe makeover.
“Oh, my goodness, I think I noticed a commotion out there but didn’t even have a chance to stop and look,” Corinne said. “The photo shop was really busy today, too. Summer is crazy.”
Allen frowned. “You should have called for some help. I did notice you out there with all those kids and those two young men but didn’t think much of it.”
“You saw and didn’t tell me?” Corinne playfully slapped his arm. “I was a teacher forever, remember. I could have helped.”
“Thanks, Aunt Corinne. It was a fiasco for a time, but Bradley seemed to have everything in order.”
Corinne raised her eyebrows. “Bradley?”
Tamlyn looked up from her coffee and shook her head.
“Don’t look at me like that. Yes, Bradley. He’s the teacher. He was very nice and seemed to have everything in order. It was just an unexpected event. The kids loved the presentation, even though they giggled quite a bit at anything involving—well, I guess...”
“Let me guess. Anything involving romance,” Corinne finished for her. “I know all about middle schoolers. They’re just on the cusp—sometimes fully in—romantic relationships. They can make it quite interesting, and sometimes it can just take everything over. They get all those giggles, and google eyes.”
Tamlyn laughed and actually rolled her eyes.
“Like that right there?” she asked, pointing at Allen. He was gazing at Corinne as she spoke, his chin in his hand and that exact look on his face.
“What?” he asked, his eyes wide.
Her aunt blushed crimson.
“Yes, I guess like that.” She laughed right along with Tamlyn. “Point taken.”
“I’m just teasing. I’m happy that you guys are so joyous.”
“And you? How are you faring living alone? Anyone on the horizon for you?”
Tamlyn shook her head. She’d been so busy at work, that hadn’t even crossed her mind. She was quite happy to just do what she was doing.
“Nope. I’m fine. Busy. And even when it slows down a little bit, I thought I might take a little road trip. At least some day trips. It’s beautiful around here and I haven’t even been able to explore much.”
She gestured out the plate glass windows at the soaring mountains that surrounded the ranch. The normally puffy white clouds were black on the bottom, threatening rain again, and the air was crisp and clear.
“That’s my gir
l,” Corinne said. “You were never one to just look through the window.”
“No, I wasn’t, thanks to you. I really appreciate all the trips we were able to take together when I was growing up.”
Corinne covered Tamlyn’s hand with her own. “And I was grateful for the travel partner.”
“Thanks for sharing her with me,” Allen said as he stood, picked up the bill and patted Tamlyn on the shoulder. “I’ll be right back.
He headed up to the cash register to pay the bill, and her aunt leaned forward.
“I hope I didn’t upset you earlier with the news of that Cameron, and his trial and sentencing coming up.”
Tamlyn’s spine stiffened and she held her breath, which surprised her. She hadn’t given the accident a single thought since it happened. But twice now, the mention of his name had caused a weird reaction. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
“I don’t really have anything to be upset about,” she said, and she meant it. Stuff happens, and this car accident had happened to her. She found out later that he’d been drunk, but she didn’t have much more detail that that, so she figured those were his demons, not hers. Her ankle had healed well and, except for the last couple of days, it was ancient history.
Corinne looked relieved and smiled as Allen came back to their table, dropping a tip by the salt and pepper.
“All settled up. Thanks for joining us, Tamlyn. It was great to see you and show you the pictures,” he said.
“Thanks for lunch,” she replied, giving them both a hug before she headed toward the door. “Hope to see you guys again soon.”
“Sure, stop by the photo shop any time. We should plan to go to trivia or something in the next week or so. Soon as we get settled back in.”
She waved at them as she crossed over to her studio, which wasn’t really that far from the photo shop they’d opened. She shook her head—never in a million years had she thought she’d live in the same area as her aunt, and that her beloved Aunt Corinne would find such a nice man to live her life with. It was great, but she had a sudden pang in her heart that reminded her that now she really was on her own, and she determined that she’d go on that road trip soon. Maybe that would make her feel better.
Chapter 6
“You did great,” Bradley’s sister said after he’d recounted the events of the day. “I knew I could count on you.”
He sighed and tipped his baseball cap up his forehead. He’d been a teacher for several years now, and nothing in his experience—teaching or coaching—had prepared him for the events of the day. He was exhausted.
But right when he was going to say that, his sister groaned and he stood, reaching for her hand. She’d been in the hospital for over twenty-four hours now, and even with what little he knew about child-bearing, he imagined it had been no picnic for her, either.
“So what is the prognosis?” he asked as he sat down again by her side. Her husband, Jim, had gone to get something to eat. He’d looked as exhausted as Stephanie did, and Bradley was glad he could give him a break.
Stephanie turned toward the window, tears springing to her eyes.
“The doctor said it’s too early. It’s way too early. The baby’s too small.”
Bradley’s stomach flipped. Too early? What did that mean? How did you stop something like a child coming into the world from happening when it wasn’t the right time? Instead of asking, he just squeezed his sister’s hand.
“I’m sure it’ll be all right. What does the doctor want you to do? What can be done?”
Stephanie wiped the tears from her cheek with the back of her hand, careful to avoid the IV.
“Bed rest. Total bed rest until things calm down. They don’t think I need to stay in the hospital after tomorrow, but I can’t go back to work.”
“Oh,” Bradley said slowly. “And that’ll work?”
Stephanie laughed. “Work? I don’t know if that’s the right word in this case. But if I can stay down, things look more hopeful. You’re such a guy.”
Bradley wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or not, but he suddenly felt like he knew what he needed to do. Banff could wait—his little sister needed him. As much as it pained him to take on the drama camp, he was willing to do it.
“All right, then. It’s settled.”
“What’s settled?” his sister asked with a sniffle.
“I’ll take over the camp. Things went fine today. I’m sure I can handle it.”
Stephanie’s eyes widened and she tried to push herself up on her elbows.
“No, Bradley. I know you did a favor for me today, but you—and drama camp—I don’t think so. I can ask Principal Banks to find somebody else.”
Bradley gently pushed her back down on the bed. Sure, all things being equal, he’d rather be on the way to Canada. But all things weren’t equal. Not when his sister needed help.
“No. I’ll do it. I actually know most of the kids anyway. Even though Kayla and Delanie got covered in mud after being knocked down by a runaway goat, I think things went okay.”
He was pleased when she smiled and rested her head back on her pillow. She closed her eyes, and she looked to him like she had when she was little. Small, vulnerable.
She closed her eyes and squeezed his hand.
“Thank you, Bradley. I could always count on you. Always.”
“Okay, it’s really settled, then,” he said as Jim came back into the room and handed Bradley a coffee.
“Thanks, man,” Jim said. “Stephanie would never ask, and knowing you, I assume you offered.”
“I did, and glad to do it.” Bradley sipped his coffee then kissed his sister on the forehead. “You left great notes and lesson plans. I don’t know what I’m going to do with Romeo and Juliet, though. I’ve never even read it. Not sure how I graduated as a history major without doing that, but I’ve been forever grateful.”
Stephanie opened her eyes slowly and laughed.
“Bradley, you crack me up.” She looked up at her husband and smiled, taking the tea he offered her.
“Yeah, I know. I’m a barrel of laughs,” he said. “I’ve got this. You two just worry about my nephew. Or niece. Or whatever.”
“Thank you,” Stephanie said. “I’d suggest you change the play, but the kids already know their lines. The roles have been cast. And just to seal the deal, I’m sure you’ll be glad to know that Kayla is Juliet,” she said, a sparkle in her eye.
“Oh, good grief,” he said with a groan. “Well, I guess she’s perfectly suited for drama. No question about that.”
“Aw, she’s really a good kid. They all are,” his sister said.
“Yeah, I know. And honestly, JW did a great job. Couldn’t have done it without him.”
“Good. I was expecting to mentor him, but I guess it’ll have to be you.”
“Oh, heaven help us, then,” Bradley said with a laugh.
“It’ll be easy. Hopefully I’ll be out of here in no time and the bed rest will work. I’d love to see the final production.” Stephanie took another sip of her tea, but her head fell back onto her pillow in an instant.
“We’ll just see about that. You just take care of yourself, sister.” Bradley swept Stephanie’s bangs from her forehead and smiled at Jim.
“Thanks, brother,” Jim said just as Bradley closed the door behind him. He stepped just to the side of the door where they couldn’t see him and leaned back against the wall, rubbing the back of his neck.
After a moment, he pushed off from the wall, took a sip of his coffee and watched through the window as Jim and Stephanie held hands, both in tears. He couldn’t imagine what it was like to love someone like that and be so anxious and worried about your child coming—or not coming—into the world. He’d had a couple relationships before in high school and college, but none of the girls looked at him the way his sister looked at her husband—and he didn’t look at them that way, either. He saw pure love on his sister’s face and wondered what that was like.
&nb
sp; He wasn’t even sure he’d ever find out. He’d kind of fallen into a routine after college, when he’d come back home to teach at the middle school. Football season was followed by basketball season, which was followed by baseball season. And it was fun, the coaching and the teaching. And summers were for travel, exploring, learning more. It was a great life, but looking at his sister, he wondered if he had gotten into a bit of a rut.
He headed out to his Jeep and started the engine. He rolled down all the windows, the fresh air rushing through as he headed home. The weather was perfect, and the clouds from earlier had all gone. The stars were magnificent, bright even with his headlights on. There was no moon, and he took his favorite turnout, pulling out on the dirt road and killing the engine.
He got out and leaned against the Jeep, staring straight up. The Milky Way was directly overhead and he took in a big breath of the crisp night air.
The day ran through his mind—the goat, the kids, the root beer floats, the presentation and then he landed on the nice woman who’d helped him at the end. Thank goodness for her. There was no way the girls were going to get on the bus covered in mud, and she’d really saved him. Tamlyn, that was her name. He’d been too busy at the time, but out here under the stars he could admit that she was lovely, and very kind. She’d gone out of her way to help, and he was extremely grateful. He’d get her something nice for helping, and take it to her tomorrow with the clothes she’d loaned them. Not everyone in that situation would have helped him out, and after the crazy day they’d had it sure was helpful. In fact, when they’d set off on the bus, he wasn’t at all convinced that it would be a success. But thanks to her and everybody else at River’s End Ranch, the day hadn’t actually ended in disaster.
He took one last look at the stars, adjusted his mindset to working for the next few weeks, and knew Banff would be there when he could get to it. Right now, there were other things more important than what he wanted.
Teaching Tamlyn Page 3
