Taylor shrugged and said quietly, “I was waiting for you to come home.”
“Are we keeping with our theme? Well, then how about Bolo?”
“Love it. And I know what Bolo means. Be on the lookout.”
“I’m impressed. The chef knows some police lingo.”
“Have I ever told you how smart you are?”
“Maybe you mean sucker.”
She giggled, “I promise I won’t bring any more home.”
“Sure.” He gave her a doubting look.
“Really. Three men in one house is all I can handle.”
After dinner, they sat to watch some TV and Bolo ran around the living room. Tango got up and chased him. Bolo was clumsily and lost his footing and skidded across the floor. Taylor and Sean laughed at him. He stopped and stared at them and then ran over as if to say ‘see what I did.’
Bolo went leaping into Sean’s lap, gave him a puppy kiss and hopped over and settled onto the couch to squeeze between them.
“See, he said thank you for keeping him.” She was giggling at him.
“Right. How are you feeling?”
“Better.” He leaned over Bolo and kissed her.
He looked at Bolo, “Don’t expect you can do this all the time. There is no getting between me and my woman, understand?
Taylor laughed, “Your woman?”
He picked her up and carried her up the stairs.
Seventy-nine
They went to Sara and John’s house the next evening. Sean talked with John while Taylor helped Sara learn how to cook sirloin marsala. Sara gave her a light hug. “John and I are so happy you are doing well. Sean looks relaxed.”
“Thanks, I’m really much better. Have you and John gotten over it?”
“I think so but I feel a little guilty. He was my brother.”
“Not your fault. It sounds like me and my mother. I felt so guilty but I am coping with it.”
Sean came into the kitchen with John, who remarked how good dinner smelled. Sara kissed her husband. “Taylor showed me how to make it.”
Sean wrapped his arms around Taylor’s waist and held her hand out. He was looking at her ring finger. “Definitely shows other guys checking you out that you are taken.” They all laughed.
John spoke up. “So, Taylor, I’ve been wanting to ask how you manage to put up with this guy.”
She smiled at him, “Oh, it’s hard, but I’m good at working with strays and wild animals so I can handle him.”
“Strays? Wild animals? Is there a comparison there?” Sean spoke up.
John ignored him, “I get it. I was sure you’d be able to tame his wild ways and get him to stop his terrible habits.”
Sean gave him a weird look, “What terrible habits?”
John shook his head and looked at her, “He doesn’t get it does he?”
Taylor giggled, “Nope. It’s hard to see your own shortcomings.”
Sean rolled his eyes, “I’m glad you both are having fun at my expense.”
Sean kissed Taylor thoroughly and John stared. “I have never seen you kiss someone, Sean.”
“Of course not, I’m not going to kiss you or your wife.”
They all laughed.
As dinner was cooking, Brenda pulled Taylor into her room. “Tell me all about it. You and Sean are engaged.”
Taylor laughed, “Yes. I never got a chance to ask how it went with that cute guy you liked?”
She shrugged, “When I really listened to him I decided I didn’t want to get to know him. He isn’t very nice to the nerdy kids or to anyone who doesn’t meet his standards I think. I decided he was cute on the outside but not on the inside.”
Taylor gave her a hug, “Good for you. A pretty girl like you can find the perfect man for you one day. Just like I did.”
“There is a nice guy who has asked me out, but he’s got a reputation of having sex with girls he dates. At least, that’s what someone told me. I’m not sure if I want to go out with him.”
Taylor made a face, “Definitely not worth it then. I can tell you from experience about that.”
“Really?”
Taylor frowned, “Yes, he convinced me and when I said no for a second round he dropped me like a hot potato. And by the way, the first round was awful.”
“Oh. Does Sean know about him?”
“Yes. If I had known then what I know now he would never had gotten to first base no matter how much he said he loved me. Which he didn’t. I think it is important to wait for the man you want to spend the rest of your life with, who is special. You’ll know when it’s time and he’s the one.”
“But my friends have boyfriends.”
“It doesn’t matter. They won’t remember them when they get older. Don’t worry, love will find you. I didn’t use to believe that, but I do now.”
They went out to the living room and John asked, “What, are you two keeping confidences or secrets?”
“Dad, if I told you it wouldn’t be a secret. Taylor and I were just talking.”
John looked at Taylor who just smiled at him. She went into the kitchen to help finish dinner.
When they were eating, John looked at Sara, “Did you cook this?”
“Yes. Taylor showed me how and I did it all. Do you like it?”
“Like It? I may not stop eating it. It’s fabulous, honey.”
Sara beamed. “I’m going to learn some other things to cook too.”
When they got home, Sean walked her to the door and then said he had to get something from the truck. He came back in with a bag that he handed to her with a grin.
She stared at him then she opened it and found a pasta rolling machine in it.
She smiled and hugged him, “Thank you. This is perfect.”
“Now you have the right equipment, right?”
“Yes. Well, as you may remember, I already have access to the right equipment.”
“Yeah, I’ll show you some equipment.” He led her into the house.
Taylor gasped when they stepped in. The living room was a shambles. There was shredded paper towels, garbage strewn about, one of the couch decorative pillow lay on the floor. Both dogs were looking innocent.
She looked over at Sean. He was staring at the mess. “Oh no. Sean, I am so sorry.”
He looked over at her. “You mean you did this? Couldn’t control yourself? You’ve made quite a mess.”
She jumped into his arms and kissed him. “I’ll clean up and then you can take me upstairs and show me that equipment.”
He helped her clean up. When they were done, he looked at Bolo, “You started this, didn’t you? No more mess, buddy.”
He grabbed Taylor and carried her up the stairs.
Eighty
The next morning, John asked Sean if he knew what his daughter and Taylor had been discussing.
“No, not that it is any of my business. Why, are you worried about her?”
John laughed, “What father isn’t? You’ll understand one day.”
“I’m sure if it is serious she would tell you or tell me to tell you.”
“Hm, not sure about that. She can be as quiet about things as you are.”
They got a call to a domestic disturbance. When they arrived, John knocked on the door. An angry man opened it and his face immediately looked worried. “Yes?”
“We had a call about a disturbance. May we come in?”
“Look, the wife and I were just fighting. Everyone fights, okay?”
John shook his head, “I don’t fight with my wife. Officer Reed, do you fight with yours?”
Sean suppressed a grin and shook his head, “Nope.”
The man looked from one to the other, uncertain.
John asked, “Sir, can you ask your wife to step out here?”
He turned from the door, “Dee, the cops want to talk to you.”
A petite young woman stepped out onto the front steps. “Yes?”
They saw no signs of physical abuse but John asked, �
��Are you okay?”
She glanced over at her husband, “Yes. We were fighting and we got too loud. I’m sorry.”
“Who started it?”
She thumbed at her husband standing behind her.
“Do you want to leave or do you need anything?”
“No. It’s the first big fight we have ever had and we got carried away. It’s been a hard time recently.”
They left since there did not seem to be any marks on the woman and both said they were sorry. She did not want their help.
After they got into the car, Sean said, “I am never going to fight like that with Taylor.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it with Sara. She would walk out the door. Plus I don’t think it’s right. For better or worse. Sometimes you get mad at each other but it always works out in the end.”
Sean said quietly, “I can’t see Taylor and me fighting or getting mad much. It’s not worth it.”
“Good attitude, but remember that after you’ve been married for awhile.”
“Taylor’s grandparents have been married for over fifty years I think.”
“Wow. I hope Sara and I make it that long.”
“Why wouldn’t you?”
John shrugged and for the first ever, Sean thought he looked uneasy. “We’re cops, Sean. There are no guarantees.”
“The same could be said of lots of other jobs too. Besides, I don’t have to worry, you have my back.”
John grinned, “I’d better or Taylor will come for me. And Sara too.”
Sean snickered. They got another call in a very long day.
Sean came home looking more tired than usual. Tango and Bolo greeted him at the door and he took the time to speak to each of them before going into the kitchen.
“You look tired, bad day?”
“No, just busy and long.”
When they sat on the couch, after dinner, and watched the cooking competition TV and then she turned to a science fiction movie. She knew Sean liked science fiction and she did too.
“My grandmother called. I asked her about coming and she said they would love to and she would talk to granddad and Betsy, their aide.”
He gave her a tired smile, “Good.”
At the end of the movie, he led her upstairs. She laid down on the bed and nestled against him with her head on his shoulder and he quickly fell asleep.
Eighty-one
On Friday, they finally went to the neighbors for dinner. Before they left, Sean eyed the dogs. “No trouble, either of you.”
Taylor took a caramel glazed bundt cake which Sean carried in for her and homemade rolls.
Taylor apologized for taking so long to get there for dinner, but they shushed her and told it they were happy they had the chance to come.
Frank explained that he worked at a woodworking shop and Kathy was a barista at a coffee shop in town. They talked about when Sean first moved into the house.
Kathy said, “The couple who lived there before wasn’t very friendly. He kept to himself. I think he was going through some family issues and he was upset a lot of the time. He was certainly different than Sean. We were happy when he moved in. He was so much friendlier and nice.”
Taylor looked at him with an odd look, “You’re friendly and nice?” She laughed at the look on his face and Frank and Kathy joined in.
Taylor looked at Sean. “Sorry. We all know how friendly and nice you are.” She leaned across the table and whispered to Frank and Kathy, “He does get grumpy sometimes.”
Sean rolled his eyes, “How many times do I have to tell you I am never grumpy?”
Kathy laughed hysterically. “I had a thing with Frank when we were first married. I told him he got cross whenever he watched or talked about football. Especially if his team was doing poorly. He would insisted he wasn’t and I kept calling him cross until he gave up and said ‘I surrender’.”
Sean grinned at Taylor, “I will never surrender.”
Taylor laughed at him. “You will. Even if I have to force you into submission.”
“You go, Taylor,” Frank said laughingly. “By the way, these rolls are out of this world.”
They enjoyed the rest of the evening with the couple and when they ate the cake, Kathy rolled her eyes in pleasure. “This is so good. I hope I get to keep the rest of it.”
“Of course you can.”
When they left, they had to promise to return again soon. As they walked into the house, Tango and Bolo greeted them. Taylor was relieved that the house was not a disaster.
“Hello, my little boys.” She gave each a kiss on the top of the head and Tango woofed.
Sean grinned, “He likes your kisses as much as I do.”
She gave him a playful push. He grabbed her and pulled her against him, “So, how exactly do you plan to force me into submission?”
“I’ll show you.”
He grinned, “Now?”
“I did some reading on the internet today while you were at work on how to drive your man crazy.”
“As in insane?”
“No, as in bed.”
He gave her a half-smile and his eyes lit up, “So are you going to practice on me?” He stood very close.
“Yes, I think I will. You’ll have to tell me if it works. I learned four or five things so we’ll start with one.”
He picked her up and carried her upstairs. Later as he let out an ardent groan, she smiled and kissed him, “One works.”
After they were both exhausted, he laid there holding her, “What’s number two? One was pretty awesome.”
She kissed his chest, “You’ll find out later.”
She awoke at her usual time and woke him up. “Sean, are you asleep?”
He mumbled, “Not now. What?”
“Do you want to talk?”
He sighed, “Fine but then we sleep.” It was hard for him to wake up sometimes, but he wasn’t about to complain. A few more minutes awake with her was worth it. Besides, he was getting used to it.
“I’m going to take Bolo to obedience class with Maggie and her puppy. She called and said class starts next week and is on Thursday nights for an hour at Walter’s clinic.”
“Is she going to drive you?”
“Yes, you’ll have to be alone with Tango. I’m sure you’ll survive but I will miss you.”
“We’ll survive an hour, honey.”
“You’re supposed to pine for me, mister.”
“Okay, I will when you leave.”
“That’s better. He needs the training and socialization.”
They talked for ten more minutes and went back to sleep.
Eighty-two
Her grandmother called the next morning and said they all set to come and were looking forward to meeting Sean.
“I’m so glad. We want to get married with you guys here so I can have you attend.”
“Oh, Taylor, that is wonderful and we will be there.”
They talked some more and then Taylor took the dogs out into back yard and sat on the deck and watched them play. It was a mild day and the sun was shining. She took some treats out of her pocket and worked on making them sit before giving them one.
Her phone rang and she pulled it out of her pocket, laughing at the dog antics. “Hello?”
“Taylor? It’s mom.”
Oh no. She should have paid attention to the caller. Too late now. “Yes?”
“How are you?”
That was a new approach. “Fine.”
“Good. I need help. I was wondering if you could give me some money to tide me over.”
Tide her over? “Are you getting a job?” She had never known her mother to work.
“No.”
Understanding dawned on her. Until she got her next man hooked. “I don’t really have any mother, sorry. I have not been able to work since the accident.” Which she should have known and probably did.
Her mother’s tone turned a little harsh and impatient. “I know you were saving for a house. Your grandmoth
er told me a long time ago. I need some money really badly. You can spare that. I do not need a lot. Maybe a thousand dollars to tide me over. More if you have it. What do you need it for? You are living in someone else’s house. Don’t deny it. I’m living in a flea bag dump of a hotel, of all things.”
“I do not have any money I can give you.” Taylor almost felt bad for her. It wasn’t the kind of living she was accustomed to. Almost.
“Ask the man you are living with for some.”
“What? I am not asking anyone for anything. Forget it.”
“So, just like always. You won’t even tell him how bad of a situation your mother is in? Well, if you ever need money, don’t come to me and when he breaks your heart and kicks you out, don’t say I didn’t warn you. At least get married before he kicks you to the curb so you can get something. You are such an ungrateful child.” Her mother practically snarled, “Are you going to find a way of helping me or not?”
“Get a job.” Taylor hung up. It was never going to be different with her. She had a glimmer of hope when her mother first asked her how she was.
Tango came up and licked her face, Bolo put his front paws on her leg. She gave them both a hug and wiped the tears away. She led them into the house.
When Sean got home, he looked for Taylor in the kitchen and upstairs. The dogs followed him wherever he went. He bent down, “Where is she, guys?”
They padded to the back deck door and sat in front of it. He went out on the deck and found her sitting on the steps. He sat next to her.
“What’s going on?”
She shrugged, “Nothing. Just sitting here.”
“It’s getting chilly, you should come back in.”
He pulled her up and led her into the house. When they were in the kitchen, he turned to her. “What’s wrong?”
“Don’t want to talk about it.” She looked over at the counter. “There are some meatballs in the crockpot to eat or sub rolls to make a sandwich.” She walked around him and left.
Sean stared after her retreating back. He turned the crock pot off and went into the living room. She was not there. He went upstairs. Not in their room.
Unexpected Love Page 27
