Labor of Love

by Mary Manners

  “What do you think is going on?”

  Garrett shook shaggy hair from his eyes. “I think you like her.”

  “And if I did?”

  “Would you tell me?”

  “Would it freak you out?”

  “I dunno…you make her happy. Last night was the first time I’ve heard her laugh in a long time…since Dad died. It sounded strange. Not a bad sort of strange. Just…weird.”

  “Your mom is a complex sort of woman.”

  “Tell me about it.” Garrett shook his head. “It’s kind of nice not to worry about her so much. She used to be sad, but since you and Mrs. Baldwin came along things have been a lot better.”

  “That’s nice to know.”

  Garrett paused, scratching his jaw. “You’re not gonna hurt her, are you?”

  “No. I don’t plan on it.”

  “Dad didn’t either, but it happened…a lot.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “His family didn’t much like us. I guess because Mom was just a college student, living in a loft with another girl and working at a diner downtown near the Art Institute to pay for classes. Dad said she was sort of a free spirit—at least that’s what he called her—when they met. His folks didn’t like her at all, because she didn’t have much and they were afraid she would hold Dad back from making it to the top of his corporation. Dad thought they would warm up to her once they were married and then when I came along, but they never really did. It was kind of awkward, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. I think it really hurt Mom a lot, because her folks died when she was young and she really just wanted a family.”

  “That’s tough.”

  “I guess Dad thought that moving out here, away from everything, would make things better. But then he died.”

  “That doesn’t have to be the end, Garrett.”

  “I know. But it was supposed to be different here. In the city Dad was always busy. He kept promising we’d do things together, but it never really happened. He worked lots of hours. I just wish…” He sighed and swiped at his eyes before jamming his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “I miss him—a lot.”

  “Because you loved him.”

  “Mom did, too.”

  “I know. But the funny thing is…God gives us plenty of love to go around. It’s never used up and there’s always more when you need it...if you’re looking in the right places.”

  “I’m glad for that.”

  “Me, too.”

  “So we’re going to church with you this Sunday?”

  “That’s the plan.”

  “I’m glad. I’ve missed it.”

  “Me, too. There’s not much church on the rodeo circuit.”

  “Do you miss it…the rodeo?”

  “Not as much as I thought I would. I had a good run, but it was time to move on…come back home and take care of things here.”

  “Can I tell you something?”

  “Sure.”

  “And you won’t tell Mom?”

  “Now, I can’t promise that. It depends.”

  “I figured you’d say that.” Garrett hesitated. “It’s just…I’m kind of afraid to go back to school.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “It’s just different here. In Chicago, I knew everyone. I had friends and kids to hang out with. Here…everybody already belongs somewhere. I don’t fit in at all.”

  “You fit in with your mom…and with me.”

  “That doesn’t count. Moms are supposed to like their kids. But the rest…nothing makes sense here.”

  “Give it time. I’ll bet Lindy could use a friend, and she seems to be sort of sweet on you. What do you think?”

  “I don’t know. Girls are pretty hard to figure out. Just when you think you know what’s going on inside their head, it changes again.”

  “That, son, is the way of life.”

  “I don’t want to worry Mom anymore; she’s got enough on her plate.”

  “Let me worry about your mom. You just take care of school, OK?”

  “OK.”

  “Everything will be just fine, I promise.”

  “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”

  “That’s not my way.” Jace cuffed him on the back. “Now hand me that list.”

  “You wrote down two-dozen pieces of plywood. What are they for?”

  “You’ll see.”

  10

  “Jace!”

  The gleeful squeal drew Addy’s attention as she entered the church foyer flanked between Jace and Garrett. Immediately, she turned toward the voice and found Lindy. The girl was slight in stature with a spill of soft copper hair and the greenest eyes Addy had ever seen. Immediately, she thought of what a marvelous and somewhat mysterious subject Lindy would prove to be when settled against the backdrop of the sun-kissed, autumn pasture of the back yard.

  “You came just like you said you would.”

  “Hi there, Lindy. Of course I came. I promised, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, you did.”

  “You know I always keep my promises.” His lips drew into a smile as he enveloped her in a bear hug. His huge frame dwarfed hers. “How’s life treating you?”

  “It’ll be better once you take me riding again. I want you to show me some of your barrel racing tricks so I can improve my time at that rodeo next month.”

  “We’ll have to clear it with your dad, first.”

  “You know he won’t bend. He’s too set in his ways.”

  “I’ll talk to him, OK?”

  “Sure. I’d appreciate that.” Her gaze fanned to Addy, and she nodded slightly before zeroing in on Garrett. “Hey, Garrett…so you’ve been paroled?”

  “Sort of.” He shrugged. “I’m still grounded but apparently church doesn’t count. What are you doing here?”

  “What do you think?” Lindy spread her arms wide as if to encompass the building. “My dad’s not only a ranch foreman for the Baldwins, but he teaches the fourth grade Sunday school class here. Is this your first time?”

  “Yeah. Coming here, at least. We used to go to church every week back in Chicago, but we haven’t since…since my dad…”

  “No problem.” Lindy flashed him a wide smile. “I’ll show you around if you’d like.”

  “Really?” Garrett’s eyes lit up as he jammed his hands into the front pockets of his jeans. “That’d be cool.”

  “Come on, then.” The girl reached for Garrett’s hand.

  “Hang on a minute.” Addy glanced at her watch. “Just don’t be late for the service.”

  “We won’t be,” Lindy promised. “My dad would skin me alive.”

  “OK, then.” Addy smiled and waggled her fingers as Garrett allowed himself to be led away. “Have fun.”

  His voice drifted in a hushed tone of excitement as he and Lindy disappeared around a corner. Addy sighed as she heard him share, “Jace let me drive his truck.”

  “He did?” Lindy’s enthusiasm was contagious. “You are beyond blessed.”

  “Yeah, I drove all over the ranch while Jace and I worked on the fence line together.”

  “That is so way cool.”

  “You’ve known Jace a long time?”

  “Yep, since before I was born…”

  When Addy could no longer decipher their words, she sighed and turned to Jace. “You had this planned the whole time, didn’t you?”

  “Maybe…” he winked and reached for her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Regardless of whether or not it was planned I’d say that, judging from the gleam in Garrett’s eye, we hit the bulls-eye.”

  “We?”

  “Uh huh. We’re in this together…the good, the bad, and the ugly.”

  Addy grinned. “So, Sam works with some of the younger kids here?”

  “That’s right, and not only is he my foreman, but he’s a good friend of mine, as well. We go all the way back to high school.”

  “Why doesn’t he like her to barrel race?” Addy asked. “And
what about Lindy’s mom? Does she feel the same?”

  “It’s not just my horses…Sam doesn’t like her around horses in general, despite the fact that riding comes second-nature to the daughter of a ranch foreman and a rodeo queen.”

  “Ah, yes…I get it now. He’s afraid she’ll run off like her mama…”

  “Exactly. So it’s not so much that he doesn’t like her to ride, it’s the way she likes to ride that gets to him.”

  “Worrying about it won’t keep it from happening.”

  “You’re exactly right.”

  “Lindy seems like a nice girl. Garrett certainly thinks so.”

  “Yes, he does.” Jace sighed as he jostled the covered dish Addy had prepared in one hand and reached for her with the other. “Let’s get this food to the kitchen with the rest of the chow, and then we’ll make our way to the sanctuary so I can introduce you to a few people. Judging from the glances coming our way, they’re wondering what on earth we’re doing here together.”

  “What are we doing here together, Jace?”

  “Time will tell.”

  ****

  “You OK?” Jace asked as he and Addy made their way from the buffet table in the fellowship hall. With plates full of food, they rounded toward a table where Carol sat with a few of the other older women, engrossed in conversation.

  “I’m fine…just famished.” It was an odd feeling to have an appetite again—odd, but satisfying. Addy’s belly still felt a bit tangled, and that feeling of lightheadedness that had plagued her the day she’d headed to get Garrett from school came and went without warning. Maybe stress had taken its toll, or she had a touch of the flu…

  “Me, too.” Jace nodded to the ladies as he pulled out a chair for Addy. He waited for her to settle in before taking the seat beside her. Someone had thought to open the windows along the far wall of the hall, and a breeze coaxed the scent of autumn inside.

  From a long line of folding tables set end-to-end to form the buffet line, the rich aroma of barbecue blended with baked beans and the tangy flavor of coleslaw.

  Across the way, Garrett approached a table full of kids his age, carrying a plate piled high with food. Lindy walked beside him toting a plate of her own which was much more modestly filled.

  Addy’s heart soared with a blend of relief and delight; Garrett had found some friends. The easy grin on his face spoke volumes concerning the good time he was having. Addy figured the two of them would definitely plan a follow-up visit to the church.

  Yes, definitely.

  “Here’s your sweet tea.” Jace handed her a glass garnished with a slice of lemon. “Drink up.”

  “Thanks.” Addy drew a sip, sighed, and then set the glass on the table beside her plate. “It’s perfect, and every bit of this food looks delicious.”

  “Your chocolate macadamia cookies are the best of all, though. I know because I’ve already sampled one.”

  “Indulging in dessert first?”

  “Why not? Life’s too short to save the good stuff for last.”

  “When you put it that way”—Addy laughed—“I think I’ll have one, too.”

  Sam made his way across the room, stopping here and there to offer a word or two to friends who had settled at the surrounding tables. When he arrived at their table, he paused to make small-talk with Carol and the other women before turning to Jace, “Mind if I join you?”

  “That seat’s got your name written on it.” Jace motioned toward the empty folding chair. “Go ahead and settle in.”

  “Thanks.” Sam tugged at the last available chair at their table, just to the left of Addy. “So, Addy,” he began as he placed his plate on the table and slipped into the chair, “it looks like your son and my daughter have taken a shine to one another.”

  “So, you’ve noticed.”

  “It’s a father’s job to notice such things.”

  “And a mother’s as well.” Addy sprinkled a touch of salt over her green beans. “I’m thankful for Lindy’s kindness and her willingness to go to such lengths to help Garrett feel welcome here. He’s had a rough time of it since we moved from Chicago. We both have.”

  “Change is never easy.”

  “I suppose that’s part of the challenge…and the reward.” Addy twisted a length of damp napkin between her fingers. “I really enjoyed the pastor’s message today.”

  “Ah, yes… Philippians 4:6; ‘Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ It’s one of my favorites.”

  “I had forgotten the beauty of those words. And the timing was perfect. I’ve fallen away from prayer and have been struggling…”

  “Lindy’s been struggling, too, lately, and things at school have been a challenge.” Sam speared a sprig of steamed broccoli. “That’s why I’m so thankful to Garrett for stepping up to defend her last week. That took courage, especially being the new kid on the block around here.”

  “What are you talking about? Garrett got suspended—”

  “Yes, Lindy told me. Seems Derek Rhines was up to his old tricks, giving Lindy a hard time about her mother running off. I don’t know why, but he seems to take pleasure in making my daughter’s life more miserable than it already is concerning that. One day I’m going to—”

  “Mind your blood pressure,” Jace broke in. “I believe Lindy’s heard the last from Derek. There’s no point now in getting all worked up over it.”

  “Right…you’re right, Jace.” Sam scrubbed his clean-shaven jaw. “But I’m mighty grateful to Garrett, nonetheless, and I’m sorry it’s caused him so much trouble.”

  “Oh, I feel awful. I had no idea…” Addy covered her face with one hand. “Looking back, I suppose he tried to tell me. I just failed to listen. I failed Garrett—again. What kind of mother am I?”

  “Human. And there’s no fault in that, Addy,” Jace said softly as he pressed a hand to her shoulder. “No fault at all.”

  “I owe my son an apology—a huge apology.”

  “There’s plenty of time for that.” Sam speared a slice of barbecued chicken as his gaze rose to meet Addy’s, then Jace’s in turn. “In the meantime, I’d like to ask you a favor—both of you.”

  “Ask away, my friend.”

  “Well, Lindy’s been pestering me to ride competitively again ever since you returned home, Jace. She wants to spend more time at the ranch, learning from you.”

  “I know. It was the first thing she said to me when I saw her this morning.”

  “Therein lies the struggle. I know I have to let it go…”

  “Yes, you do. Her love of horses is a part of her, Sam…something that’s sure to stick around for the long haul. It already has. And she has a gift for reading the horses, and for speed. You can curb it, but to extinguish it completely, at least before its run its course, would only serve to drive Lindy away. I know how that goes…you do, as well.”

  “I know, yes…”

  “Garrett mentioned to me while we were working together yesterday that he’d like to learn to ride.” Jace forked a bite of mashed potatoes into his mouth, chewed slowly. “It might be a good opportunity for him and Lindy to spend some time together and get to know one another. They’re both good kids, and you know she can use a friend as much as Garrett needs one. She could teach him how to handle tack, take care of some basic grooming, and maybe they could even take a trail ride or two together—nice and slow—with Addy and me.”

  “With me…and you?” Addy nearly choked on a gulp of tea. She coughed to clear her throat. “But I don’t know how to ride. I’ve only been twice in my life and that last time racing to rescue the calf—and Garrett—is little more than a blur.”

  Addy shivered. She’d rather not repeat the fear that had nearly swallowed her whole that evening.

  “I can take care of that. You’ll learn. You’re a natural. I could tell for a fact that day we rode together. Skye took to you, and she’s not very friendly with strangers.�
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  “I don’t know…” Addy remembered all too well the feel of Jace’s hand sheltering hers as they traversed the pasture, winding their way to Garrett. His fingers were large and callused with proof of the hours of hard work he’d put into the ranch since his return. His touch was gentle, unhurried and easy as a summer breeze though Skye flew at a gallop. Now, days later, the memory caused a flush of heat to rise along the nape of her neck. She pressed a finger to her lips as she processed the thought. “It makes perfect sense, Jace, but I’m not sure I’m ready for that.”

  “Are you referring to the horses or to Garrett spending time with Lindy?”

  “I was thinking more along the lines of me…spending time with you.”

  “And I thought I had problems…” Sam chuckled softly as his eyes settled on Jace. “You, my friend, have got your work cut out for you.”

  “I’m always up for a challenge.”

  “Well, it appears you’ve found one.” Sam glanced Addy’s way. “No offense, Addy. I’m sure your son is a nice kid. I’m just a little…overprotective when it comes to my daughter. I have my reasons.”

  “And I have mine.”

  “I’m sure you do. If you had known Lindy’s mother—”

  “That’s not necessary.” Addy held up one hand. “I don’t blame you one bit for keeping a close eye on your daughter.”

  “Lindy reminds me of her mother in so many ways. She takes after her—bold and fearless, grabbing life with both hands. She doesn’t understand the danger of her actions, or the consequences that a sense of recklessness in life can bring. I do.”

  “Where is Lindy’s mother now?”

  “She died last year in a riding accident. Her stallion got spooked—to this day, we have no idea why—while training for a rodeo event. She was kicked in the head and her skull was crushed. Jace was there, training alongside her; he saw the whole thing.”

  “Oh, I see…” Addy’s breath caught, making it impossible to continue. Images flashed through her mind, none of them good. “I’m so sorry, Sam.”

  “She was in a coma for weeks before the doctors made the decision to…” Sam shook his head as he pressed a pair of fingers to his right temple. “Well, despite the fact that we’d already been divorced for two years and there was a lot of hurt running in the water beneath those burned bridges, it was a tough thing to go through, to say the least…especially for Lindy.”