Sky of Dreams BN

by Jenna Jacob

  She leaned in close to his ear. “I think love is in the air.”

  “And Joe might save a couple million dollars in gas if he’d pull into her driveway instead of driving past all the time,” Sky whispered back.

  The silence of the customers drew out and was as deafening as a brass band. Katie ignored the stares, and soon a slow murmur built back over the room.

  Grace appeared at Katie’s side. Wearing a look of sympathy, she set a tray laden with ice water onto the edge of the table. Bending as she set a glass in front of her, Grace leaned in close.

  “Oh, my god, honey. Are you all right? I about shit when I heard about…” Grace’s words fell flat, and Katie looked up to see Tuck and Grace locked in a stare as if they’d both been struck by lightning. More like cupid’s arrow. Sky nudged Katie’s knee beneath the table as he began retrieving the glasses of water from the tray and passing them around.

  “Thank you, Grace,” Katie stated, snapping her friend out of her reverie. “Gentlemen, this is my long-time friend, Grace Sharp. Her family has owned this café for generations. Grace, this is my lawyer, Reed Landes, and Agent Simon…”

  “Asher,” Simon supplied with a wide smile.

  “Simon Asher, and Special Agent Gage Tucker, better known as Tuck.” Katie couldn’t miss the way Tuck slid a glance to Grace’s left hand in search of a wedding ring. When he found none, a bright smile lit over the agent’s face.

  Seemingly flustered, Grace nervously licked her lips as she skittered a glance at the faces around the table. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all. Welcome to Connor, and we’re glad you decided to join us today.” A tiny tremor jiggled in Grace’s voice. “Can I start you all off with coffee?”

  They let out a collective yes. Grace smiled at Nina, who sat on the other side of Sky, smoothing a paper napkin over her lap. “Chocolate milk for you, sweetheart?”

  “Yes, please.” Nina nodded politely.

  Pretending to peruse the menu, Katie obscurely watched Tuck and Gran. Neither seemed the least bit interested in breakfast. Their focus was pinned on Grace and Joe, respectively.

  The bell chimed over the door and Greg walked in. When his eyes met Brooke’s, he smiled and hurried over to join them. Slinging an arm over the back of her chair, he unexpectedly leaned in and kissed her cheek.

  She started and gasped. “Greg…we’re in public.”

  “I know that,” he said with a chuckle. “I think it’s about time the whole damn town knows you belong to me.”

  Katie grinned and winked at Brooke, who seemed unsure how to react.

  “Why is ev’rybody always kissin’ all the time ’round here?” Nina asked with a capricious frown.

  “Because we’re family,” Sky replied.

  Brooke seemed dismayed, but eventually a look of resignation settled over her beautiful face, and she rested her head on Greg’s shoulder.

  Sky leaned in close to Katie’s ear. “There must be something in the water.”

  “Maybe we’ve simply started a trend.” She grinned.

  “I’ve always wanted to be a trendsetter.” He smirked as he raised his arm around the back of her chair, scooting her in closer to him.

  The hairs on the back of her neck began to prickle. Katie darted a glance around the diner to find Mitchell Walker seated at the counter. He was watching her with a hateful scowl. Slowly, he turned his attention to Grace, who was busy filling mugs of coffee and setting them on a serving tray.

  “Do I have to put on a damn apron to get a refill around here?” Mitchell barked.

  “Penny called in sick, Mitchell. I’m doing the best I can,” Grace replied without looking at him.

  Tuck stiffened and glanced over his shoulder. “If you’re that impatient, maybe you should get up and get it yourself,” he growled.

  Mitchell jerked toward Tuck as a smarmy smile curled on the bully’s lips. “Since you’re not from around here, mister, I suggest you mind your own business.”

  “You should grow some patience and some manners,” Tuck countered, using the same calm voice Sky did when he was livid.

  “Do you want to step outside, buddy? I’d love to show you my manners with my fists.”

  Tuck chuckled. “Like you can’t imagine, pal. I’m an FBI agent. You hit me…you go to federal prison.”

  A deafening sound of ceramic shattering drew all eyes to Grace, who had dropped the entire tray of coffee onto the floor.

  “Jesus. Can you get any clumsier, Grace?” Mitchell called out.

  Panic slid over her face, followed by a rush of crimson. Dropping to her knees, she began to toss the broken crockery onto the tray.

  Katie jumped from her chair to help with the mess. Gran and Brooke came to the rescue, as well.

  “I’ll get some towels, honey. We’ll get it all cleaned up, lickety-split,” Gran offered, giving Grace a reassuring pat on the shoulder before rushing behind the counter.

  “On second thought,” Tuck stated as he stared coldly at Mitchell, “maybe we should have a little chat outside.”

  He blanched. “So I can end up in jail? No way, Mr. FBI.”

  “Well, I’m certainly not going to sit here while you insult the young girl who is doing her best to service you and everyone else in here.”

  “Oh, so now you’re trying to bait me. You all see this? He wants me to go to prison just because Grace is a klutz. Well I’m not going to jail for her or anyone else. You can kiss my ass,” Mitchell yelled. Standing, he tossed his napkin on the counter and raced out the door.

  “I’d rather kick it,” Tuck mumbled under his breath. “Who is that…guy?” he asked no one in particular.

  “He’s a pipsqueak,” Joe Brock called out. “Probably trying to make up for having little to no appendage. Don’t let him get under your skin. He’s rude to everyone.”

  The customers in the diner started to chuckle.

  “Daddy, what’s a apennige?” Nina asked.

  “It’s a car,” Sky answered quickly. “Made in France.”

  Laughter broke out. Even Grace, who was close to tears, couldn’t help but giggle.

  “That hottie is really an FBI agent?” she whispered to Katie.

  “Yes. And I think he’s got his eyes on you.”

  “You think so?” she asked in surprise. Katie nodded. “Is he staying out at your place?” Katie nodded again. “Holy moly. Can I move in until he leaves?”

  “I’m sure he’d love that…a lot.” Katie grinned.

  “Me, too.” Grace chuckled nervously as Brooke stood to throw the broken pottery away. “God, I don’t believe I just said that. I’ve never even been with a… Oh, god. Why am I telling you this? Forget I said a word. Dammit, he’s got me beside myself.”

  Katie’s mouth fell open. “You mean, you’re still a…”

  “Shhh,” Grace hissed, nervously darting a glance to make sure none of the patrons were eavesdropping. “After what Mitchell did to me in high school…well, I never… I mean, I’ve dated, but… Sky took me to the movies once in Marshalltown. I’m sorry. I wasn’t trying to steal him away from you… You weren’t here anymore and… Oh, god. I’m a hot mess. He didn’t even kiss me. It was like…I was with my brother or something. I know I should have told you—”

  “Grace,” Katie whispered tersely. “Calm down. It’s all right. Just breathe, honey.”

  “I don’t think I can.” She giggled nervously before peeking up at Tuck. “Every time I look at him, my heart starts to pound in my ears. I feel like I’m going to crawl out of my skin. What the hell is wrong with me?”

  “You’re either in love or lust.” Katie chuckled. “It doesn’t matter which, just go for it.”

  “Yeah, right,” Grace replied, rolling her eyes. “I wouldn’t know where to start, but I know where I’d like to end up.” She covered her mouth with her hand. “Forget I said that, too… Oh, god.”

  Gran reappeared with a stack of towels, and soon they’d mopped up the mess. Grace stood and wiped her hands on
her apron. “Sorry for the delay, all. I’ll be by with coffee as soon as I can, or go behind the counter and help yourselves, like the kind man suggested,” she invited the diners and flashed a bashful smile Tuck’s way.

  He flashed her a subtle wink. Katie heard Grace suck in a tiny gasp.

  The ladies returned to the table, and breakfast went by without a hitch or a dropped plate. When Nina had finished her pancakes, Brooke looked over at Sky.

  “Greg and I are going to take Nina across the street to get a new coloring book. We’ll meet you back at the truck.”

  “You take it easy, Mom. You’re supposed to be relaxing still,” Sky reminded. “I’ll run down to the grocery store and pick something up for dinner tonight.”

  “No. Don’t. The ladies from church started dropping off covered dishes late last night. We’ve been storing them at our place since they couldn’t get up to Gran’s,” Brooke explained delicately as she glanced at Nina. “And a ton more has been delivered this morning, too. We’ve got enough food to feed a small nation.”

  A rush of relief washed over Katie. She’d feared the people of Connor would ostracize her…condemn her for bringing danger to their small, safe community. But they hadn’t. They’d opened their hearts, as they always did, and shown their support, via food. It shed a whole new light on the casserole patrol.

  “Would you pick me up some thank-you cards while you’re there, Brooke?” Katie asked, her throat thick with emotion.

  “Of course, honey. Anyone else need anything?” Brooke asked.

  “Tuck needs Grace’s phone number,” Simon called out before his shoulders shook in silent laughter.

  Grace froze like a statue and her cheeks turned red.

  “Thank you very much, but I’ll get what I need on my own,” Tuck replied with a sneer that failed to hide the amusement dancing in his eyes. “And you can shut up now, Asher.”

  As soon as Brooke, Greg, and Nina left the café, Tuck stood and cleared his throat. “My name is Gage Tucker. I’m an agent out of the FBI office in Des Moines. I know you’ve all heard about the murders last night. But myself and fellow agent Simon Asher…” The other agent raised his hand and waved. “Rest assured, we plan to stay and work on this case until the person or persons who committed these heinous acts are behind bars.”

  Katie admired Tuck. He talked to the people, not at them. It reinforced his claim… He did know about small towns.

  “We’ll be working alongside your fine officer, Devin Carnes, and ask if you see anything suspicious, please contact Devin or myself right away. I’ll leave a stack of business cards with my personal cell phone number by the cash register. Please, feel free to pick one up before you leave. Miss Grant and Miss St. Clair, along with the Whitefeather family, would like to extend their thanks for your prayers, food, and support. Your generosity and warm hearts mean a lot to them during this trying time.”

  Katie nodded. “Yes. Thank you all, so much.”

  She wanted to tell them she was sorry for turning their quiet town upside down but feared that would lead some to believe she was responsible for the murders. Best to keep the suspicions to a minimum.

  “Do you all need anything besides food?” Joe Brock called out.

  “I don’t think so,” Gran replied with a shake of her head. “Just prayers that these nice young men find the killer soon. We’ll all rest a lot easier.”

  A collective rumble of agreement rippled through the café.

  “Well, if you need a bodyguard, Ione…you just give me a call,” Joe offered with a mischievous grin and a wink. The whole crowd roared as Gran’s face turned fire-engine red.

  “I’ve got my rolling pin and a cast-iron skillet,” she replied with a chuckle. “I appreciate your offer, you old coot, but there’s not much here to guard.”

  “Oh, yes, there is,” Joe murmured with a wicked smile. Gran simply blushed harder.

  “Thankfully we have a bit more fire power than that,” Tuck said with a chuckle.

  The agent fielded several questions as Katie sat quietly, marveling at the compassionate comments pouring from the people in the diner. Grace stood behind the counter starry-eyed and smiling as Tuck spoke. When he was done, several people introduced themselves and shook his hand while offering help to Katie and Gran. After things had died down, Grace walked up with the bill.

  “I’ll take that,” Tuck announced with a soft smile.

  Grace blushed and handed him the ticket.

  “How long has that man been giving you trouble?” he asked her.

  “Since high school,” Grace replied with a wave of her hand. “Mitchell Walker and his brother, Davis, have always been bullies.”

  “Davis?” Reed asked, his brows arching up high. “Davis Walker from Chicago?”

  Grace paused a moment. “Yes, I believe I heard that he moved from Kansas City to Chicago. Do you know him?”

  “No. I’ve heard of him. If he’s the same guy, then we have a mutual friend,” Reed stated cryptically.

  “I’m surprised he has any friends,” Grace replied derisively. “Davis was ten times worse than Mitchell.”

  “Well, I use the term friend loosely, my dear,” Reed said as he stood and rolled his shoulders.

  “Give our regards to the cook.” Simon smiled. “Breakfast was delicious.”

  “I’ll do that,” Grace replied with a nod before flashing a shy smile at Tuck. “Come back anytime.”

  “You can count on that,” he assured her as he wrote something on the back of the bill.

  When they filed toward the door, Sky pulled Katie possessively against his hip. As they stepped outside, Nina sat on the ground, a box of colored chalk next to her knee, drawing pictures on the sidewalk. Greg and Brooke stood close, keeping a watchful eye on the little girl.

  Across the street, Mitchell paced and sneered as everyone began to climb back into their vehicles. All except Tuck, who stared at the bully with a cold gaze. “Katie, why don’t you ride back with Sky? I need to take care of something.”

  Reed chuckled. “I’d better stay with you, man. I have a feeling you might need a good lawyer.”

  “You’re probably right. You’d better be damn good, too,” Tuck grumbled as he ambled across the street.

  “Come on, Katie,” Sky urged. “The fewer witnesses the better.”

  Craning her head, she peered past Brooke, Nina, and Greg in the backseat and out the rear window as Tuck stepped onto the curb in front of Mitchell. Sky turned the corner, and the two men fell out of sight. Katie smacked him on the arm.

  “You could have driven slower. It was about to get interesting.”

  Sky laughed and shook his head.

  “I hope Mitchell throws the first punch,” Gran spoke, swinging her fist through the air with a right hook. “That little…” She paused, remembering Nina was present. “That bully needs to be knocked down a peg or two. It’s no wonder those boys turned out like they did, what with their mother all but living at The Alibi. Betty couldn’t stay out of the bottle long enough to raise those boys properly. Lordy, I’m surprised she has a liver left.”

  After pulling into the driveway, Sky glanced at his rearview mirror. Katie turned to see Tuck pull into Gran’s drive.

  “Must have been a very short conversation,” she said.

  “No doubt,” he agreed.

  “If you want to go back home, Gran, I’ll gladly stay with Brooke,” Greg offered from the backseat.

  “Thank you, honey…if you’re sure you don’t need me.”

  “I’ll come get you if I do,” he said with a smile.

  Katie and Sky helped Gran across the road as Tuck climbed out of his vehicle wearing a satisfied smile. The outing and the acceptance of the townspeople filled Katie with a new sense of direction. She knew exactly what she wanted to do now. Smiling at Reed, she needed to light a fire under his ass and have him find a buyer for her company. She was ready to start a new chapter in her life…rewrite the book on her and Sky, and actually find he
r happy ever after.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Nothing saves us but ourselves.

  -Buddha

  Gran fixed a fresh pot of coffee as Simon went back to his computer. Tuck remained outside, talking on his cell. Sky, Katie, and Reed meandered into the family room. Bolstered by the solid plan beneath her feet, she turned a secretive smile to Sky and squeezed his hand before she looked to Reed.

  “I’ve decided to sell it all,” she announced. “The company, the house, the cars…everything.”

  “Fuck yes,” Sky blurted, raising a fist pump into the air. He pulled her to him and kissed her hard.

  She spied Gran and Tuck standing in the doorway, both wearing smiles.

  “Oh, my…that’s wonderful.” Gran beamed as she rushed over and kissed Katie on the cheek. “You’ve made me the happiest woman on earth.”

  “And me the happiest man,” Sky chimed in, wearing the biggest smile she’d ever seen.

  “I figure you and Nina can fly back to Chicago with me while I tie up all the loose ends and pack up my things to ship back here.”

  Sky’s face fell. All the happiness seemed to drain away.

  “What? What’s wrong?” she asked, second-guessing her decisions.

  “I don’t want Nina to go with us,” he mumbled.

  “Why not?”

  Sky looked around the room before dropping his gaze to the floor. “The farm…Connor… This is all she’s ever known. Your Jag…” He shook his head and sighed. “I haven’t seen your home, but I imagine it’s a mansion…big and beautiful.” He was right. “I’m not… I’m a farmer. Dammit…how am I supposed to show her all the things I’ll never be able to give her and then bring her home to a house on a dirt road? I won’t do that to her, Katie.”