She was attracted to Chet’s whole being. There was no denying it, not when she drew him that way.
She spread her hands flat against the blanket. She could handle this. Up until now, that attraction had been undercover. Just because she was aware of it didn’t mean she’d act on it. She was a woman in control of her destiny, not some lusty pagan worshipper.
Turning her mind from the forge image, Mercedes picked up her last sketch. Going over it slowly, she turned and sat on the bed. She was still there when Cat knocked on the door and popped her head in.
“Aren’t you ready yet?”
Mercedes shook her head, unable to take her eyes off the drawing.
Cat entered the room. She paused for a moment and then touched the corner of the image to turn it her direction. After a quick look, she sat next to Mercedes on the bed and rested her head on Mercy’s shoulder. “Oh, sis. You’re in trouble.”
Mercedes dropped her head to rest on Cat’s. “I know.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m not sure. I’ve never drawn like this before.”
“You’ve never been in love before,” said Cat. “Not with this kind of passion and, and fire.”
“It scares me,” Mercedes admitted.
“Why?”
“Because I can’t trust myself. Every guy I’ve ever cared about was a jerk. What’s wrong with me? Why am I so easily duped by men?”
Cat put her arm around Mercedes. “There’s nothing wrong with you—they’re the jerks.”
“Right, and I’m the sucker that falls for them every time.” Mercedes reached behind herself for the forge picture. She closed her eyes tight before flipping it over for Cat.
“Oh!” Cat fanned her face. “Is it hot in here?”
“Ha. Ha.” Mercedes flipped the page back over. “Do you see what I mean? If this is what I see when I look at Chet, it’s not the real him. I’m falling for an illusion.”
Cat considered her for a moment. “You told me you painted the emotions you felt when you were in the moment. Is that still true?”
“Yes,” Mercedes said slowly.
Cat pointed to the image in Mercedes’s hand. “That picture is one feeling you have for Chet. But look at this one.” She picked up the image in light and shadow. “It’s the same guy, but it looks different. What were you feeling here?”
Mercedes considered the image. The one so full of love, it spilled off the page.
“You don’t have to tell me. But I think your answer is in this portrait.” Cat gave her a quick hug. “Now put on those ugly overalls and let’s get to work.”
***
Aiden showed up about one, driving a four-wheeler, no less. He was his usual flirty self, and Cat got a kick out of him. They worked on the banister for the porch first and then moved inside to fix the sink.
“Are you guys coming to church tomorrow?”
Mercedes looked to Cat, who nodded. “We’d like to.” They’d hoped to find a new congregation to join. “What time is the service?”
“Ten.”
“We’ll be there.”
“Sweet. I’ll save you seats.”
Mercedes narrowed her eyes. “You look just a little too eager there, buster. What’s the deal?”
Aiden stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I may have mentioned you to some of the guys on the football team.”
Cat rolled her eyes. Mercedes laughed, and Aiden turned a deep shade of pink.
Whitney knocked on the door, and Cat let her in. “All fixed?” she asked.
“Yep.”
Whitney patted Aiden on the back. “Great, you can fix the one in the bathroom now.”
“I’m on it.” Aiden pointed at Cat. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” He ran his hand through his hair and strutted out.
Cat rolled her eyes, but Mercedes could tell the kid was wearing her down.
“What’s tomorrow?” asked Whitney.
“Aiden invited us to sit with you guys during Sunday services. I hope you don’t mind.” Cat tucked her hair behind her ear.
Whitney looked over her shoulder at the door Aiden had just gone through. “Half of me still thinks of him as that little boy with a Bible tucked under his arm who wanted to be a missionary.”
Mercedes smiled. She could see some of that kid in Aiden, too.
“Well, I’m glad he came to fix the sink. Let me know if you need him again. There’s plenty to do at home, but you’re always welcome to borrow the boys for whatever.” She paused at the threshold, her hand on the doorknob. Her eyes met Mercedes’s. “Just so you know, Chet usually sits with us. We’ll try to keep him on the end.” She winked.
Mercedes blushed. “Thanks.” As soon as Cat shut the door, Mercy bounded down the hall to her bedroom.
“Where are you going?” Cat called.
“To paint.”
“Do you want dinner?”
“I’m not hungry.” Mercy shut her door and unfolded her easel. Cat may not be an artist, but as a writer, she understood the need to let inspiration flow when the muse woke up. And Mercedes’s muse had definitely woken up.
Mercedes pulled out her white paint, added a dab of yellow, and mixed enough to prep the canvas in a light cream color. It would be covered eventually, but this process not only made for a better finished product, it calmed her nerves and focused her attention on the task at hand.
Once the base layer was on, she taped the picture of Chet up on the wall to the right and just behind her easel and prepared her palette. She loaded up on Mars Black and Indigo, knowing the shadows were just as important as the light. Using a long, thin brush, she made her outline with careful strokes. It wasn’t long before she was caught up in the fertile solitude. She didn’t feel alone. Not when she had the sweet memory of Chet’s voice rolling over and through her as he talked about the geometry behind the pyramids.
When she’d gotten to a point that the paint needed to dry before she could continue, Mercedes painstakingly cleaned her brushes with linseed oil and returned them to their case. She capped her paints and put a layer of plastic over her palette to keep the colors from drying out.
With her station in order, she was free to admire her work and plan her next step. Only, now that her brushes were stored, her mind skipped away from the painting in order to concentrate on the real thing. Mercedes tucked herself under the covers. She’d never been this excited to go to church in her life.
Chapter 16
Chet pulled into the church parking lot with a troubled mind. The sky was dark with heavy clouds. Though he knew the recent forest fires were a concern for everyone in Snow Valley, he hadn’t considered that sometimes the smoke caused rain in the surrounding areas. A summer rainstorm could ruin his fresh-cut hay. Sure, he could feed it to the cows, but he wouldn’t be able to sell it, and he was counting on that money to make his next mortgage payment. If he’d known about a storm, he would have put off cutting.
Exercising every ounce of faith in his soul, Chet marched into church, determined to enjoy an hour of peace before facing his worldly problems once again. What he found waiting for him on the family pew was enough to make his insides as turbulent as the weather outside.
Aiden, looking smug, sat between his mom and Cat. Next to Cat was Mercedes, looking simply beautiful in a flowing summer dress and lightweight cardigan. And next to Mercedes was Sam.
Neither Sam nor Mercedes had noticed him. Despite their drama-filled introductions, they seemed to get along fine. Mercedes aversion to Sam seemed to have disappeared. In fact, she looked down-right interested in what Sam said. To Chet’s horror, Mercedes giggled and bumped Sam with her shoulder.
Pressure built in Chet’s head. He spread his fingers wide to keep from balling his hands into fists. Cat leaned over Mercedes and patted Sam on the knee. Chet checked his watch. There were still ten minutes until the meeting started. Surely Sam didn’t intend to sit with Chet’s family for the service. Of course, with two beautiful women giving him attention,
Sam would sit with the devil himself before he’d give up his seat.
Chet debated whether he should stay or not. He had no desire to make a spectacle of himself in front of the congregation by demanding Sam haul his sorry carcass out of Chet’s seat. Which is exactly what he wanted to do. But he had no claim over Mercedes. One date did not a relationship make. However, he was one date up on Sam. He pulled his eyebrows down. Was he though? For all he knew, Mercedes could have gone out with Sam several times since she’d been here.
Aiden glanced back and saw him standing awkwardly in the aisle. “Hey, Uncle Chet.” He waved Chet over.
There was no slipping out the door now, not with Mercedes, Cat, Sam, and all of Chet’s extended family staring at him. They looked like a group of owls swiveling their heads in his direction. No doubt they were deeply interested in the developments between him and Mercedes. They were a close-knit group that took up several rows.
He cleared his throat and walked to the edge of the bench.
“I was just keeping it warm for ya.” Sam stood and scooted out and slapped him on the back. “I went over last night and collected that hive. You shouldn’t have any more trouble with them, but if another swarm shows up, give me a call.”
Chet gave him a nod. “I appreciate that.”
He slid into the seat next to Mercedes, careful not to get too close. When he’d gotten up this morning, he’d been pretty sure where he stood with the beautiful Bostonian. But after seeing her warm exchange with Sam, he was like a man walking a tightrope.
“It’s been nice talking with you ladies. I hope you enjoy your time in Snow Valley.”
“Thank you.” Cat smiled an all-out beamer Chet had never seen before, and he did a Ping-Pong impression. Sam and Cat? The rope around his chest loosened. He had to admit, stranger things had happened.
Sam soaked up the smile before turning to find his regular seat.
Chet decided to test the waters. He decreased the space between him and Mercedes and whispered, “Sam?”
Mercedes leaned her head closer to his. Her eyes were wide with wonder and amusement. To his relief, most of the swelling around her eye had gone down. She still looked a bit puffy, but nothing like she had on their date.
She spoke just loud enough for Chet to hear. “I’m not quite sure. When he sat down, I thought I was trapped. The next thing I know, Sam is all country charm and Cat’s giggling. It was peculiar. I feel like I’ve fallen down the rabbit hole.” She held up her arm. “Here, pinch me.”
Chet shook his head. Instead of pinching her, he laced his fingers through hers and gave them a little squeeze.
“I’m not sure that’s doing anything to clear my head,” Mercedes whispered.
Chet caught her coconut scent. He was about to tell her she looked like a dream when there was a loud clap of thunder that shook the roof.
Everyone froze.
Chet dropped Mercedes’s hand and stood to peer out the paned window. Within seconds, the heavens opened and puddles formed in the parking. Two men rushed out, and Chet could see them rolling up the windows on their vehicles. If only his problems were as easily fixed.
Pastor John took the pulpit. “Let us give thanks for this moisture.”
The congregation quickly took their seats. Chet dropped into his. He put his elbows on his knees, clasped his hands, and bowed his head. He was done. His hay would never recover, and neither would he.
With the prayer of gratitude complete, the choir sang “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
Chet barely registered the tune. Every raindrop that hit the roof sounded like a nail in his coffin. He was a failure. He’d be forced to sell the cattle. Some of the heifers were prize-winners with bloodlines that went all the way back to England. His father had spent his life building that herd, and now Chet would break it apart and sell them to the highest bidder.
Pastor John took the pulpit once again. The sermon was a buzz at the front of the room as Chet’s failures lined up in his head and demanded to be accounted for.
Whitney nudged him with her knee, a questioning look on her face.
He gave her a tiny shake of his head before returning his gaze to the wood floor. He’d failed her too. David was right: Chet didn’t have what it took to support a wife and kids. He’d taken a thriving cattle ranch and run it into the ground.
Mercedes was a woman who gave happiness to everyone around her. Her pure heart and kind ways had won over his entire family. She’d have no trouble finding someone better than him. Heck, at this point, Sam was a better option for her than he was.
Disgusted with himself, Chet sank lower in his seat. He’d messed up and he was man enough to own it.
Chet stood quickly after saying “Amen” to the closing prayer. He took Mercedes’s elbow and gently pulled her aside. She turned her amazing blue eyes on him, and Chet almost went back on his word. In the end, it was his sense of honor that pushed him to do the hardest thing he’d ever done.
“I won’t be able to take you to the festival. I’m sorry.”
Mercedes brow furrowed. “Is everything alright?”
Chet’s heart sank to his boots. He was breaking a date with her, and she was worried about him. She may find a new man, but he’d never find a woman that equaled Mercedes. Well, he wouldn’t burden her anymore. “Everything’s fine.” He tried a smile. “I’ll see you around, neighbor.” He patted her shoulder and then hurried out the door.
***
Mercedes stared after Chet. Did he …? Were they …? Was it possible to break up with someone after one date? As the door shut behind him, she gasped for air.
Cat was there, holding her arm and keeping her upright.
“You look like you’ve been hit by lightning,” said Aiden.
Mercedes blinked. “I’m not sure what happened.”
“What did he say?” demanded Cat.
Mercedes dug through the mud in her mind. “He’d see me around.”
Aiden’s mouth hung open.
Cat rubbed her back.
Aiden swung his head back and forth between Mercedes and the church door. “Wait, he broke up with you?”
Cat elbowed Aiden and his mouth snapped shut.
Still in shock, Mercedes thought of the half-finished painting in her room and wanted to die. What a lovesick puppy she’d turned into. She’d done it again. She’d fallen for a smile and a gorgeous set of eyes and trusted a man with her heart, only to have it tossed aside.
David came over and put a hand on Aiden’s shoulder. “Have you seen Chet?”
Aiden flipped around. “He left. Why?”
David jerked his chin toward the window. “He cut hay yesterday.”
“Oh.” Aiden’s eyes brightened with understanding.
“We need to go; your mom’s got dinner in the slow cooker.”
“I’ll be right there.”
David left, and Aiden rounded on the girls, a grin as wide as the prairie on his face.
“He cut hay!” he said.
Cat pointed to herself. “Townie.” She pointed at Aiden. “Country boy.” Then went back and forth. “No comprendo.”
Aiden laughed. “Chet cut hay yesterday.” Aiden used his fingers like scissors. “It rained today.” He trickled his fingers through the air. “Rain makes hay mold.” Aiden held his nose. “Moldy hay is junk; you can’t sell it.” He rubbed his fingers together and his smile faded. “Chet just lost a lot of money.” He flipped his hair off his forehead.
Mercedes exchanged a look with Cat. “What does that mean, Aiden?”
Aiden kicked his toe against the wall. “I don’t know the details, I just pick up stuff when they—” He nodded toward his parents. “—don’t know I’m listening. But I think Chet’s going to lose the ranch.”
Mercedes’s hand went to her stomach.
On her way out the door, Whitney made eye contact with Mercedes. Mercedes looked quickly to the floor, not wanting to further her embarrassment. Whitney immediately headed their direc
tion. She smiled, but there was concern in her eyes.
Mercedes stepped toward her and placed her hands on Whitney’s arms. “Is Chet going to lose the ranch?”
Whitney’s smile faded. “I don’t know.” She grabbed Mercedes’s arms. “He might.”
“He broke up with her.” Aiden hooked his thumb at Mercedes.
“Fool!” It was the closest thing to a curse Mercedes had ever heard come out of Whitney’s mouth, and it brought a crowd.
Mercedes’s face flushed. The last thing she needed on her first Sunday in church was to be seen as the scorned woman. She looked around to see who could hear. The building had cleared out. Pastor John was up front with the red-headed clerk from the grocery store. The rest of the Bauer clan clustered near. All five siblings, their spouses, and their children formed a ring around her and Whitney. Cat placed her hand on the small of Mercedes’s back in silent support. Aiden rested his hand on her shoulder, and Vicky put her hand on Mercedes’s other shoulder.
“Who’s the fool?” asked David as he pushed his way through.
“Your baby brother,” said Vicky.
“He’s your brother too,” David shot back.
“Yeah, but you’re supposed to watch out for him.” She pointed at his chest.
“You promised Mom,” said Chelsea.
Mercedes’s head spun.
“He’s gone and thrown away this huge opportunity. What are you going to do about it?” asked Vicky.
Mercedes wanted to defend Chet. His family was ganging up on him and he wasn’t there to defend himself. “I’m sure there’s something he can do about the ranch.”
Fifty pairs of eyes bore into her with disbelief.
“Honey,” Vicky patted her shoulder. “We aren’t talking about the ranch, we’re talking about you.”
“Me?” Mercedes took a step back.
“Yes, you,” said Chelsea.
“No one gets Chet the way you do. If he lets you get away, it will be the biggest mistake of his life.”
Summer in Snow Valley (Snow Valley Romance Anthologies Book 2) Page 66
