by Casey Peeler
“I’ll take her home and tuck her in. Why don’t you and Timber hang out for a little while?”
“Mama, I’m sure he’s got better things to do than hang out with little ole me.”
Weston looks in my direction then toward Bryndle. “What do you think, Sweet Peach?”
“I think I need a good Maw Jane story tonight.” Looking between her and my mama, I know exactly what she means. Sometimes a mama’s touch is what you need. To this day, I love to have my mama tell me a story as I snuggle into her shoulder and I’m almost thirty years old.
When Daddy begins to pay, Weston shoves it off. “That’s the least I can do. Let me walk you out. Go ahead and rack up the pool table, Timber, cause it’s goin’ down.”
“Yeah right, eight ball sinker.”
Chapter 10
Weston
While walking Bryndle to the Sellers’ truck, I give her a hug and ask them if they are sure they want to take her home. Jane shoos me away, and I’m glad that she loves my little girl. After my mama passed, Jane would show up at the perfect moments. It’s almost like my mama would send her over at the right time. She’d help me with things I never thought about and Bryndle has come to love and admire her. When I’d have a late night on the farm, she’d come and make sure Bryndle was fed, bathed and ready for bed. I’ve listened to many Maw Jane stories myself. Sometimes I’d catch myself eavesdropping so I could be taken back to a simpler time – one filled with hide and seek, peach picking, fishing, baseball, and one where I didn’t have a care in the world.
I tell Bryndle goodnight, and walk back inside Brandy’s. Looking to the pool tables, I spy a girl from behind that I think is Timber, letting her hair down and running her fingers through it. Suddenly it hits me. It was Timber in that picture Skooter sent me Saturday night that got my junk all worked up. This can’t be good. As she bends over the table to set the rack, I have to turn my head because in all the years I’ve known her, I never knew she had an ass like that.
She glances back over her shoulder, “You comin’ or what?”
“Hey Marsha, ‘nother round when you get a chance,” I say as I move toward Timber.
As we begin a friendly game of pool, I try my best to concentrate on beating her ass, but each time she bends over to shoot the ball, my mind goes straight to the gutter. Damn, it’s been too long if I can’t get Timber out of my head.
“Let’s see you do that, big boy,” she challenges as she makes me look like a fool then takes a swig of her beer. I do my best and hit only one ball in the corner pocket, which is better than nothing.
We finish our game and then take a seat at the bar. “So are you really working for your dad?”
“Daddy’s retiring and I’m taking over. He hasn’t told anyone yet, but I’m sure most people have figured it out already. Why else would I be back?”
“Maybe because you were tired of Texas.”
“Never. Weston, ohmygawsh, it’s amazing out there. Not only was I in the city, which is crazy in itself, but I got to work the rodeo,” she pauses and smiles like she’s remembering a part of her life she never expected but couldn’t imagine not having experienced.
“What you thinkin’?”
“I always thought one day, I’d see you ride out there. Stupid, I know.” As she slightly blushes, I see a softer side to the Timber tornado that’s usually around.
“Well, those days are done.”
“You can’t be serious. You’ve still got time. Besides there’s one in three weeks and I’m going to be the on-duty vet.”
“I said those days are gone. I can’t leave my daughter without a mama or a daddy.”
She lays her hand on my leg. “I’m sorry, Weston. I wasn’t trying to start something. I thought you were considering it.”
“What?”
“I heard our daddies talking. Your dad said there’s a few spots open and he thought you were considering it.” I feel my blood begin to boil and give her a stern look. “Simmer down, Cowboy. He said considering. Hey, Marsha, I think we need a couple of shots, and the stronger the better.”
As the shot glasses are placed in front of us, I get a massive lump in my throat. It’s been over ten years since I took one with a girl by my side and it got me in a world of trouble.
“Hello?” she says, waving her hand in my face. “What in the hell are you thinkin’ or do I even want to know?”
“I’m gonna pass on the shot.”
“My ass you are! It’s been a long time since we threw ‘em back.”
“It’s been over ten years since I took a shot of anything.”
“Oh… well, you can bet your bottom dollar you’re not getting in these pants tonight,” she says confidently.
She takes the shot glass in her hand, and I do the same. We clink them together, tip them back, and I slam the glass on the table. Then I motion for Marsha to bring another one.
Timber
Something about the way Weston took the shot made me keep my smart-mouth shut. What the hell is going on with him? There are moments when he’s still the same old Weston. He’s still arrogant and curt with his workers, but I’ve noticed in only a few days that in the moments with his daughter he’s different. He’s grown up and is now a man that wants what’s best for his little girl.
After the second shot, Marsha questions if we want another. I look at the time and know we need to get home because work will come early in the morning.
“Nah, it’s gettin’ late. I need to get home and check on Bryndle,” he says as he pulls his wallet out from his back pocket. As he tosses some cash on the counter I start to dispute it but he looks at me with those hard eyes.
“Don’t. You won’t win. Not tonight.”
“But — ”
“Timber, shut it. I don’t have time to pick a fight with you.” I pick my jaw up off the floor and really want to dig in one last time.
“Why? Afraid you’ll lose?” I know I shouldn’t have, but dang it, I’m getting the last word. He doesn’t say a thing, but stands and looks at the door. Shit, he won and didn’t even open his damn mouth.
Walking to the truck, I almost feel bad for my actions. Almost. I open the passenger door and hop in while he does the same. He puts the key in the ignition and we make the short ride back to his farm.
Turning off the truck, he looks my way. “Shit, I guess I should have dropped you off at home.”
“Why? Mama’s here and it’s not like I’ve never made this walk before. Plus, I’m going to check on Scarlett before I leave.”
“Like hell you are. I don’t need her getting worked up tonight.”
“She won’t, Weston. You know you want to try and ride her anyways.” And just like that I’ve got him where I want him.
Chapter 11
Weston
Shit. Why’d she have to go and say that? I’ve done good keeping that thought out of my head since the moment I laid eyes on that beauty. Looking at Timber, she knows she got me.
“No. I don’t.”
“Get off your damn high horse and just do something for the hell of it for once.”
I pause and look at her. “What do you think us going out there tonight is going to do?”
“Never mind, I’ve gotta get home anyways.”
As she starts to walk toward the house, I grab her by the arm. I literally want to kick my own self in the ass for being a dick tonight. It’s been forever since I’ve been out, and with Timber I know where we stand. Friends. So it’s completely safe.
“Look, that was a dick move and I’m sorry. Life’s different these days. I can’t go and let loose. Hell, the last time I went out with the guys was when James was about to be born. I’ve got too much to worry about, and I hate asking someone to watch Bryndle.”
“Yeah, you’re a dick but you’ve always been. I know that already. Look, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you’re losing your touch. In fact, you might want to do something for yourself every now and then.”
“I can’t.”
“Why the hell not? One day that little girl is going to grow up and you’re going to be here at this farm alone. What you gonna do then?”
I run my hands across my face. “I’ll worry about that when the time comes.”
“Yeah, I bet you will and your damn balls will be old and wrinkled. You’ll be sitting on that front porch with a dog and a cold one.” I start to laugh at her words. “What’s so damn funny? You know I’m right.”
“Oh honey, you know I’ve got nothin’ to worry about in that department. My hand does just fine.”
“Yeah, you keep tellin’ yourself that, but one day you’ll think back on this and be like damn, Timber was right.”
“You know you could always help me out in that department.”
She looks at me with eyes that could spit fire. “Oh, I bet you wish I would, but this right here isn’t cheap. I’m not into making your boys feel better. I’m looking for a real man who knows how to rock my world, and you are not it.”
She turns and walks toward the house, and I can’t move. That is not where I had planned on that conversation going but I know for a fact that she’s right. One day I’m going to be sitting here all alone with no one to share my life with and for some stupid reason my mind is reeling with knocking Timber’s boots flat off.
Timber
Damn, he burns me up, but Lord knows I’m right. I slow my steps as I make it to the porch and simmer down before going inside to get Mama.
Leaving the door open for Weston, I see Mama asleep on the couch. “Mama, you ready?”
“Lordy be, what time is it?”
“’Bout eleven.”
She looks over my shoulder to see Weston standing in the doorway. “She was perfect. You’ve got yourself a good one there, Weston. Hope y’all had a good time.” Cutting my eyes to Weston, his jaw goes hard. “Well, I’ll take that as a yes.” Mama stands up, gives Weston a goodbye hug, and out the door we go. It takes her all of two seconds to light into me once we’re in her car.
“What in the hell happened tonight?”
“Mama…”
“Don’t ‘mama’ me! Everything was fine at supper, but it’s obvious you’ve pissed each other off.” Shrugging my shoulders, I don’t answer. “Oh my stars…you like him, don’t you?”
“No! Why would you say that?”
“Nothin’, just an observation.”
“Well, you’re observing wrong.” Mama drops the conversation and as we tell each other goodnight, I try to forget what she said. However, when I lie down in my bed, I see Weston with little to no clothes on and think about how I’d give anything to touch those hardworking arms of his. I’ve lost my damn mind.
Chapter 12
Weston
Over the past week, I’ve kept myself busy on the farm, getting ready for the farmer’s market this weekend, making sure all the local highway stands are good to go, and working with Scarlett. Bryndle has continued to impress me with her dedication to not only do what I’ve asked of her, but to go above and beyond as well. Timber has stopped by every day to make sure Scarlett is okay. She has kept her distance from me and I have no idea why. We’ve always had a call-it-like-it-is kind of friendship. When I’ve asked her something, she’s answered without busting my balls and it’s weird. It’s like she’s all business and trying to avoid me.
Friday afternoon all the trucks have been loaded and are ready for the official peach-selling weekend. Tomorrow will be a long day, but I can’t wait. Once everyone heads home, Bryndle and I take a walk out to visit Scarlett. She’s been here a week and it’s amazing to see her progress. I honestly think that I have my daughter to thank for that.
As Bryndle talks to Scarlett, I watch their interactions and decide to get her opinion on a few things.
“So have you noticed anything different with Timber?”
She pauses and looks up to me, “What you mean?”
Taking my hand, I rub Scarlett. “She’s been nice.”
“Daddy, she’s always nice to me. What does it matter anyways?”
“Ah, never mind. So what do you think about this peach season?”
She pauses and looks at me, “It’s going to be sweet, but Daddy, why are you so worried about her?”
“It’s no biggie, but she’s always been like a tornado with me and Forrest. Lately, she’s more like the calm before the storm.” Bryndle starts to giggle. “What’s so funny?”
“You.”
“Me?”
“Yeah, you. What’s wrong with you?”
“Nothin’s wrong. I just wanted to know if you thought she was actin’ funny.”
“Nah, Daddy. That’s all on you.”
I drop it and let it sink in that I tried to get advice about a woman from my daughter. How freaking funny is that? Shaking it off, I focus on Bryndle and Scarlett when I feel someone behind me. I don’t even have to guess who it is.
“Timber!” Bryndle squeals with excitement. “Watch this,” she says as she puts her hand out and Scarlett approaches.
“That’s awesome. I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Timber says.
“Of course not. Right, Daddy?” I nod in agreement. After a few minutes, Timber starts to excuse herself when Bryndle chimes in. “Hey, you want to see my dress for next week?”
“Sure.”
They excuse themselves and go inside the house while I have a moment alone with Scarlett. I take a few minutes to check her water, give her a little extra food, and enjoy the peace and quiet.
After about fifteen minutes, I realize that they have yet to come back outside, and that has to mean trouble.
Walking into the house, I hear laughter coming from Bryndle’s room. It’s something that I’ve never heard before. She sounds so happy. I walk slowly to take it all in and pause to listen for a few more moments.
“Bryndle, that dress is beautiful on you. You want me to try the Gaga Bow while I’m here?”
“Can you?” Bryndle asks with excitement that makes my heart skip a beat. I don’t go in. Instead, I lean against the wall and listen. To hear Bryndle interacting with another female is nice. I mean, she’s had my mama and Mrs. Sellers, but this isn’t a maw maw type of figure. It’s someone that could have a kid of her own. Pausing, I wonder what life would be like if Hannah were still alive. I know we’d be married, but would my feelings have changed? Deep down, I know they wouldn’t have, and right now I’m wondering if my friend Timber could become something more.
Timber
Bryndle grabs hair elastics, a brush, and bobby pins from her vanity then takes a seat on the floor between my legs. I have her find the video on her tablet and watch it once again, then I take the brush and begin to comb through her hair.
Once her hair is tangle-free, I begin to pull it up into a ponytail and follow the tutorial from the video. “Can you pass me a bobby pin?” She hands it to me and I separate the poof and pin it in place. After a few minutes of fighting with some unruly pieces, I’ve got everything where it needs to be. Taking a little extra time, I make sure that everything is in place. I snap out of my concentration when there’s a knock at the door.
“I’m not interrupting, am I?” Weston questions with the door cracked open.
“Nah, we were finishing up. What do you think?” I ask him.
“It’s cute, and way better than I could do.”
I don’t know why, but I feel like giving him a little encouragement. “I bet you could do it. It’s pretty simple. If you’ve mastered a ponytail, it’s not much more than that.”
“No way. The last time Daddy used bobby pins they were flying across the room like slingshots.” Bryndle begins to laugh and do a mock demonstration.
“Hey, give me a break. At least I was willing to give it a try.”
Standing from the floor, I pass Bryndle her hair stuff to put in her vanity as I walk toward Weston. Placing my hand on his bicep, I look up to him and give him a little reassurance, “At least you’re man enough
to give it a try. I can promise you Forrest wouldn’t be caught dead with bobby pins or an updo.”
“Thanks,” he says as he looks at Bryndle. “That’s a bow all right. It’s cute. You think you could do that to mine?”
“Daddy! You don’t have any hair.”
“I could grow it out.”
“Uh, please don’t.”
Making our way from Bryndle’s room to the front of the house, Bryndle pauses. “Want to eat supper with us?”
“Oh no. I can’t do that.”
“And why not?” Bryndle questions.
“I’d love to but I promised my daddy I’d check on the animals at the clinic tonight. He’s giving me full rein of everything in a few weeks, and I think he’s testing me. We’ve got the entire place full for boarding this weekend. I’m like, where is everyone in this small-ass town goin’?” Crap. I cussed in front of Bryndle. I slap my hand over my mouth.
“No worries, Timber. Have you met my Daddy? I’ve heard worse. I know the deal. You’ve got to be old enough for Paw juice in order to say those words.” Paw juice? Weston motions like he’s drinking a beer.
“Ohhhh, gotcha. I’m good then. Well, I’m going to head out. Thanks for the girl time, Bryndle.”
“Can I go with you to the clinic?” Bryndle asks as Weston looks like he could choke her.
“Bryn, we don’t invite ourselves places. It’s rude.”
“Sorry. I was thinking I could go with her and you could cook supper? That way Timber could come back and eat with us. Please?”
Weston looks in my direction, “That’s not up to me. I think Timber has a lot to do.”
“No, it’s okay. I’d love to have some help, but I don’t have to stay for supper.” Bryndle looks at me with pleading eyes then toward Weston, “Well maybe I can, but we’re not making this a habit.”
“Yes!” she says as her excitement causes her to break out in dance.
“We shouldn’t be gone too long.”
“No worries, I’ve got a cold one and a grill. I’m good.”
Bryndle and I take the truck to the clinic. Arriving inside, she’s a bundle of questions. She is curious about what the different rooms are for and why we keep certain animals in different rooms. Once I have answered her questions, she helps me take the animals out back to let them run and then we feed them and give them water.
