Second Chance Dreams

by Agnes Alexander

  Lord, what was he going to talk to her about when they were alone in his truck?

  “Okay, Red. It’s settled. Jude will bring her home.” She hung up the phone. “That boy sure is protective of you, Kay.”

  Kay laughed. “I guess it’s because we haven’t seen each other in such a long time. He probably thinks I’m a feeble old lady who needs taking care of.”

  “Well, honey, if you’re an old lady, may all the young women in the neighborhood grow old the way you did.” Neil let out a hearty laugh.

  “You better watch him, Mavis. He has a way with words,” Heather said with a smile.

  “The old coot always has had.” Mavis moved beside him. “Haven’t you, old man?” She put her hand on his shoulder.

  He reached up and touched her hand. “I wouldn’t trade this old gal for every one of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, and she knows it.”

  “How about a brood mare and a couple of bales of hay?” Jude teased.

  “Now, that’s talking trade.” Neal laughed.

  Mavis boxed his ears with a gentle touch and walked back to the kitchen. “Anyone want anything else?”

  “I’m full.” Alex looked at Heather. “Here we all sat and ate like pigs and probably not smelling much better, and you women have waited on us like we’re kings. Have you eaten?”

  “Don’t worry honey, we fed ourselves first.” Heather leaned down and kissed his cheek. “We knew you’d come in here hungry and stinky.”

  “When we ate it was delicious,” Kay said. “I haven’t had cooking like this in a long time and it was wonderful.”

  “Thank you, Kay.” Mavis smiled at her. “Red was afraid you’d be used to fancy frou-frou stuff and wouldn’t want to eat our plain country cooking.”

  “I eat whatever I have to, but there’s nothing as tasty as good old Southern cooking.”

  “I agree with you, Kay.” Alex stood and took Heather’s hand. “Honey, let’s help get these dishes in the dishwasher and head home. I have a feeling Neil’s going to need some help tomorrow and it’s getting late.”

  “You guys have already done more than any friend should be asked to do. I’ll get Red to help and we’ll be okay.”

  “As for the dishes, forget it. I’ll take care of them,” Mavis said. “You ladies have done more than your share of work tonight.”

  “Are you sure?” Kay and Heather asked almost at the same time.

  “I’m positive.”

  Jude was standing. He still had a hard time controlling his tongue. “It was good, Mavis. Thank you.” He managed to get out.

  Kay turned to him. “If you’re sure you don’t mind dropping me at Red’s house, I’ll get my coat.”

  “I don’t mind at all.” He grinned at her and hoped he didn’t look like an idiot, though he kind of felt like one.

  She returned with her coat and handed it to him as if it was natural to expect a man to help her put it on. He held it for her and she slipped her arms inside. He knew by the feel it was expensive leather. Everything about this woman looked and felt expensive. He felt self-conscious again when he donned his old dirty work jacket with the fleece lining.

  Everyone said good-night promising to come and help out tomorrow. Jude knew nothing could keep him away. Especially after he heard Kay say she’d be over with Red in the morning.

  On the porch he said, “My truck’s at the barn. If you want to wait here, I’ll go get it.”

  “I’ll walk with you.” She smiled up at him. “It’s a beautiful night.”

  He didn’t say anything, because to him, it was cloudy and there was no moon visible. But if she thought it was a beautiful night, he’d accept that. At this minute, he knew he’d accept anything this gorgeous lady said. They walked in silence about halfway to the barn.

  Seemingly for no reason, Kay grabbed his arm and gave him a start. “Look, look!” She was excited.

  “What is it?” He was confused, though he liked the feel of her hand through his heavy jacket.

  She removed her hand and threw them in the air. “It’s snowing. I know it is. I felt it on my face. Didn’t you feel it?”

  He looked down at her and knew she didn’t expect an answer. He couldn’t help smiling. She had her face turned toward the sky and her hands in the prayer formation. He realized she was about five-feet tall. Five-one or -two, tops. More than a foot shorter than him. He shook his head, wondering why he’d always had a thing for the little ones, but had never been able to hook up with one of them. His wife and his ex-fiancée had both been tall women. They were both country women, and were able to pull their weight on a farm. He knew a woman like this beautiful, cultured Kay would be about as much help on a farm as he’d be in a New York City fashion show. Yet, he couldn’t help thinking what a pretty picture she’d be to wake up to every morning.

  CHAPTER 4

  Kay Littleton, having lived in Washington DC with its back stabbing political agenda, was an expert in keeping her feelings under control. Now as she sat here on the sofa in Red’s living room and listened to him apologize for the fire ruining the special dinner he and Darlene had planned, he had no idea she was thinking of the huge farmer who had brought her home. What was it about Jude Winslow that intrigued her?

  She couldn’t ignore the fact that he was one of the most handsome men she’d ever encountered, or would be, if he’d been cleaned up. Why, she thought, he even smelled bad. Yet, trying to override that odor was a scent of the real him. The manly, musky smell which transcended the offensive one. One I’d like to get close to after he has his shower.

  Red’s voice cut into her thoughts. “Is that all right, Aunt Kay?”

  She didn’t have the foggiest idea what he was talking about, but she knew how to cover. Another trick learned in Washington. “Oh, my, I must have zoned out for a minute. I guess it’s the excitement of the fire coming on the heels of the plane ride which was full of delays and wore me down. Do you mind asking your question again, dear?”

  Darlene butted in. “Red why don’t we let Aunt Kay go have her shower and get ready for bed? We can discuss plans for tomorrow in the morning.”

  “But I feel like we’ve ruined your visit.” His face actually seemed pained as he looked at Kay. “I wanted to make your stay with us perfect so you’d come back sometime. We had a special dinner planned and everything.”

  Kay reached out and took his hand. “Red, just being here with you and your family is perfect. You don’t know what seeing you again has done to lift my spirits. Getting to know Darlene and her parents is a wonderful bonus.” She smiled at him. “Not to mention those beautiful children of yours. I’m so sorry they’re getting sick. I hope taking them out tonight didn’t cause their colds to worsen. Why, listen to me. I sound as if I were their grandmother.”

  “They’d be lucky to have a grandmother like you.” Darlene smiled at her. “Red, Mom said Kay pitched right in and helped hose down the horses and I know when she got to the house, she worked in the kitchen like you wouldn’t believe.”

  “I saw her out there working at the barn. You can handle a lot for such a little woman, Aunt Kay.”

  “I’ve lived on a ranch for years and I’m used to work, but tonight, I didn’t do anything anyone else wouldn’t do.” She turned back to Red. “I’m fine, now. What were you asking?”

  “I just said that I’d have to go help Neil and the guys clean the barn and see what repairs have to be done tomorrow, but I’m sure Darlene would like entertaining you. Do you mind being here alone with her and the children?”

  “I’d love being with Darlene and the children, but not tomorrow. I promised Mavis I’d be there to help in the morning and I want to keep my promise.”

  “But, you don’t have—”

  Kay interrupted him. “Heather and Alex are coming back, as is Jude. Alex said something about his son coming and maybe his stepson would be there after school.” She looked at Darlene. “Is the stepson still in school?”

  Darlene shook her head. �
��He’s the principal of Coverton Mills High.”

  “Oh, I see.” Kay stood. “I think Darlene is right. I need to get cleaned up and ready for bed because I want to help tomorrow, too.” She shook a finger at Red. “Don’t you dare leave in the morning without me. I want to ride with you.”

  Red looked stunned at her insistence. “Okay, if you really want to go, but I want you to know it isn’t necessary.”

  “I know it’s not necessary, but I do want to go.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Now, don’t you fret about spoiling my visit. When there’s trouble in the family, everyone has to pitch in and help. I’m your family, so I want to help, too.” She then turned and hugged Darlene. “I’ll see you in the morning, dear.”

  “I’ll have breakfast ready for both of you.”

  “That won’t be necessary, honey. Mavis said for us to come eat before starting work. You just rest and take care of the kids.” Red smiled at his wife.

  “Then I’ll say good night and turn in.” Kay went down the hall toward the guest room.

  •♥ •

  Darlene watched the graceful woman walk out of the room. She turned to Red. “Well, honey, I have to admit your aunt is really a nice lady. She’s nothing like I expected her to be and I’m so glad she told me to call her Aunt Kay if I wanted to.”

  He nodded. “She’s kind of surprised me, too. She’s just like the Aunt Kay I remember. I was afraid she’d be snooty and want to be pampered after living all those years in and around Washington, but she doesn’t want that at all.”

  “No, she doesn’t. You were busy in the barn and didn’t see how she jumped right in when we got there. I was going to help, but she insisted I take the children to the house. She didn’t want them in the night air because she thought it’d make their colds worse. She said she’d take my place. Before I left for the house, I saw her grab a hose and kneel down in the mud close to the spigot. It didn’t seem to bother her at all that she was getting her expensive slacks dirty.”

  “I can’t imagine.”

  “That’s not all. When she got to the house I noticed a rip in her leather coat. I bet that thing cost a thousand dollars or more. I was telling her how sorry I was she tore it and she waved it off. She said as long as the horses were safe she didn’t care how many rips it had. She said she loved horses.”

  Red was quiet a moment then he said, “I’m sorry, Darlene.”

  She frowned. “For what?”

  “I know I’ve put unreasonable demands on you this week. I don’t know why I was so uptight about Aunt Kay’s visit. Maybe I was afraid she wouldn’t like me after all these years.”

  “Oh, Red.” Darlene moved to the sofa and sat beside her husband. She reached up and ran her fingers through his thick, brick-red hair. “What woman of any age could resist you?”

  “Baby, you’re wonderful. What in the world would I ever do without you?”

  “Let’s hope you never have to find out.”

  He put his arms around her. “I know we’ve been married six years, but I love you as much today as I did the day you came down the aisle in your grandmother’s wedding dress.”

  She kissed him and whispered, “Those words make up for all the demands you’ve put on me this week.”

  He looked into her green eyes. “I mean every word I said.” He stood and took her hand. “I’m going to lock up. Why don’t you check the kids and then meet me in the bedroom wearing that flimsy nightgown I like?”

  “Red, I’m surprised.” She looked at him with a twinkle in her eyes. “After all your hard work this evening, I figured you were too tired to make it a flimsy nightgown night.”

  “You figured wrong.” He looked at her with a question in his eyes. “What about you? Are you too tired for a flimsy nightgown night?”

  She gave him a quick kiss and whispered in his ear, “No way. Lock up fast.”

  •♥ •

  Though he’d showered and washed his hair when he got home last night, Jude decided to take a quick one when he got up. He figured he might have sweated some during the night and the one thing he didn’t want was to have Kay think he was a dirty man. This morning, he was going to show up clean so she wouldn’t get the impression his appearance last night was his regular hygiene routine.

  With a towel around his waist, he stood at the sink shaved, trimmed his mustache, and brushed his hair. He dressed in a blue-checked western shirt and clean jeans. He started to put on a pair of his good boots, but decided this was going too far. He got his work boots and slipped his feet in them. On the way out the door, he took one of his better jackets, knowing he’d decide later if he wanted to leave it in the truck or wear it. He picked up his work coat on the way to the garage.

  As he pulled out of the garage, he glanced at the silver Mercedes and wondered if he should drive it. He shook his head and muttered, “Man, don’t act like a fool. Kay Littleton is a sophisticated city lady. You were right yesterday when you thought she was way out of your league. That still holds true, so why are you trying so hard to make her notice you? Forget her and how she turns you on. Go help your friend because he’s had a disaster and he needs you. It’s no time to be thinking about a woman, especially one you have no chance in the world with.”

  Though it was still dark, he thought it might be a pretty day. There was a dusting of snow on the ground and it was still lightly coming down. He wondered if Kay had seen it yet. She said she’d be over with Red, but he knew it could’ve been talk. She might decide to stay with Darlene and the children. City women slept late. They didn’t get up before sunrise, even if a friend or neighbor did have trouble.

  When Mavis insisted he come for breakfast before the work was to begin, he’d started to decline. Then he thought there was an outside chance Kay would be there. Lord, what’s the matter with me? I’m almost fifty-six years old. Why am I having the feelings of a teenager?

  He decided he was going to stop this foolishness and get a grip on his feelings, but when he pulled up and saw Red’s truck in the driveway, he couldn’t stop his heart from beating a little faster. He pulled in behind it and as he got out. He glanced at the two jackets on the seat beside him. After only a moment’s hesitation he grabbed the work one. “No need to be obvious. Somebody might notice,” he muttered.

  On the way to the back door, he wondered when he’d taken up the habit of talking out loud to himself.

  “Come in Jude and grab a chair,” Mavis said when she opened the back door. “I’ve about got it all on the table.”

  “Thanks.” He took off his coat and put it on a hook near the door. “Need any help?”

  “Nope. Neil helped me and I’m just finishing up. Take that chair, there.” He sat at the table in the space Mavis indicated. He noticed there was an empty plate on either side of him. “Good morning,” he said to Neil and Red who were already seated.

  Red nodded. “How are you this morning, Jude?”

  “I’m fine. A hot bath and a good night’s sleep does wonders for a tired old body.”

  “It sure does,” Neil said. “I appreciate you coming today, Jude. I know it’s going to put you behind in your own work.”

  “Not at all, Neil. My guys can handle it. You know I want to help you get the barn ready for your horses. You’d be there if something like this happened to me.”

  “I sure would.”

  “Are you ready for coffee?” The soft voice floated to his ear.

  He looked up into Kay’s beautiful eyes and smiled. “Always.”

  She returned the smile and poured his cup full, then looked at Neil and Red. They both held their cups up to her. She served them and filled the cups at the vacant places before taking the pot back to the counter.

  She returned and slid into the empty chair between Jude and Red. Mavis took the seat on Jude’s other side. “Let’s all take hands,” Neil said as he reached for his wife and for Red.

  Jude glanced at Kay and held out his hand. He couldn’t help the shiver he felt go down his
spine when her small soft hand got lost in his big one. He hoped Neil would pray a long time, because he didn’t want to let her hand go.

  When the prayer ended and their hands dropped, Mavis picked up a platter and passed it to him. “Here you go, Jude. I fixed this country ham because after the way you ate it last night I knew you’d want it again today.”

  “You’re a woman after my heart, Mavis Parker.”

  “Watch it man,” Neil teased. “Find your own woman. That one’s mine.”

  “A man can dream, can’t he? She might just get tired of you one day, and if she does, I’ll be waiting in the wings.” He took a piece of ham and passed the platter to Kay. “Would you like some?”

  Before Kay could answer, Mavis said, “She’s the second reason I fixed ham, you old sweet-talker, you. I thought I was going to have to kill a pig to cook for you men after she started eating it last night. She can put it away almost as fast as you can.”

  “It’s because you can’t get ham like this out west. I didn’t know how much I’d missed it until I tasted it last night.” She took a piece and passed it to Red.

  “Then we have our love of ham in common.” Feeling stupid for the remark, Jude bit his lip after he said it.

  She only laughed and said, “Well, that’s a start.”

  The eggs started around next. “What do you think of the snow?” Jude asked, trying to be nonchalant as he handed them to her.

  “Oh, I love it!”

  Red butted in this time. “I didn’t think we’d ever get here this morning.” He was laughing. “Aunt Kay wanted to run around the yard like my five-year-old. She threw snowballs at me and wanted to lie down on the ground and make snow angels. I thought I was going to have to hog-tie her to get her in the truck.”

  Jude laughed. “So you like to play in the snow?”

  “Yes, I do. I’ve spent too much of my life being proper. I’ve decided, at this age, I’m going to have a good time. People can make fun of me all they want to.”

  “I don’t blame you, Kay. We need to show the younger generation we can still have a good time.” Mavis handed a basket to Jude. “Biscuits?”