Husbandry

by Allie Ritch

  “I’m not sure it isn’t the other way around, Mom. I rely on him for a thousand little things, and he’s always dependable, even if he can’t keep his socks matched.” The image alone made me chuckle. “You’re right. He’ll make a fantastic father, as will Charles and Chad, though it may take them a while to find their paternal instincts. Thanks for helping me convince Chuck to wait on having kids, by the way.”

  She waved that aside. “It’s too soon. You haven’t gotten your life settled yet. If Chuck starts his own business as a general contractor, he could support you and any children very well. You’d have to manage the money since construction isn’t as steady as a nine-to-five job, but you know how to budget. Yes, I think I was too hasty last night. Chuck is the keeper. He’s the husband for you.”

  “Mom, they’re all my husbands.” Why didn’t she get it? Why was she trying to make me choose?

  I opened my mouth to say more and then snapped it closed when Chad and Chuck walked in. Arguing in front of them would only make matters worse and end in hurt feelings. I’d have to talk to her about this later.

  * * * *

  Later, as it turned out, would have to be much later. We ate a leisurely breakfast together, over which I caught up on the family news and my mother got better acquainted with two of my husbands. Although she started off with a cooler attitude toward Chad this morning, she couldn’t maintain it for long. He worked his charm on her until he had her relaxed and approving again. Afterward, Chuck went upstairs with my mother to fix the zipper on her train case, which she claimed she’d tried to get my father to repair “forever.” Chad and I stayed behind to clean up the kitchen.

  He bumped shoulders with me as we washed and dried the dishes. “It looks like Chuck is growing on your mother. She seems to like him now.”

  “Mm-hmm.” I kept my gaze on the glass I was drying.

  If it had been either of my other husbands, I probably would have gotten away with the evasion. Chad stared at me until I felt as if twin laser beams were boring through my skull.

  “Fila?”

  “Yes?” I tried to play innocent, but inside I cringed.

  He continued to study me. “Did I miss something? Does your mom still want to get rid of Charles and Chuck?”

  “She hasn’t gotten to know Charles yet, so I doubt there’s been any change there. It looks like Chuck has won her over with talk of her future grandkids. You should have seen them. They were huddled in front of the window when I came down, discussing the safest place to erect a swing set.” I talked quickly, hoping he wouldn’t probe any deeper.

  The last thing I wanted was to tell him that he was now one of the husbands on the outs with my mom. It would break his heart.

  Maybe the desperation showed on my face because he let it drop. “It will just take time,” he said after a minute. “How long are they staying?”

  “I have no idea. And no, before you say it, I did not ask my mom when they’re leaving. She’ll act like I’m impatient to kick her out and make a big production of it. You heard her over breakfast, though. My brother, Frank, will be back in the country on Wednesday, so she and my dad will want to swing by and see him on their way home. That means they should be out of here by Tuesday morning at the latest.”

  “Wednesday is your birthday. They won’t stay for that?”

  “Only if I ask. It hasn’t come up.”

  Chad handed me the last dish to dry. “It’s your day. If you want to celebrate with your parents, that’s fine. Please let us know, though. Charles and Chuck and I can delay our plans until the weekend.”

  “Plans?” Curiosity cascaded through me. “What kind of plans?”

  “It’s a surprise.” A flash of concern crossed his face. “Not a surprise party, though. I hope that’s okay. Since your birthday falls on a weekday, and your friends don’t all know about the three of us…well, a party didn’t seem practical. We were planning something more intimate here at home.”

  “Again with the secret plan.” I used a teasing voice because I could see he really was worried I’d be disappointed. “Can I wheedle it out of you? The best part of a secret is sharing it. A party of four suits me just right, but since I was already counting on that, that can’t be the surprise.”

  His smile was back. “You’ll have to wait and see.”

  “Is it a good surprise?”

  “Would I tease you with a bad one?”

  No, if he was going to this much trouble to drop hints, then it had to be great. Anticipation tingled through my veins like champagne bubbles. I’d always been the kid who shook the box but didn’t open my present until I was allowed. The suspense was part of the gift.

  Chad knew that about me, so he remained sphinxlike while I riddled him with questions.

  The sound of the front door opening and closing interrupted us. It was a little early for my dad and Charles to arrive home, but not impossible if they hadn’t stopped at the clubhouse. I popped out of the kitchen to see who it was and watched my mother walk back in through the door.

  “Did you forget something in the car?” I hoped that explained her venture outside. Otherwise I had visions of her mapping out my property for a whole playground.

  “Your husband is being a dear and looking at the car for me,” Mom explained. “It kept making a squeaky sound the whole way here. Of course your father swears he can’t hear anything. Either he’s going deaf, or he doesn’t want to admit there’s a problem with the car. Sometimes that man can be so stubborn. He’s like an emu burying his head in the sand.”

  “Ostrich.”

  “What?”

  “Like an ostrich,” I corrected her.

  “Right. Well, Chuck said something about tightening a belt. He’s taking a look at it for us so I don’t have to listen to the squeak all the way back.”

  I could already guess what my father would have to listen to the whole trip home.

  My mom fanned herself. “I didn’t think it would be so hot out.” She glanced at her watch. “Goodness, it’s almost eleven. Where has the morning gone? There’s something about being on vacation. I always lose track of time.”

  “That’s the whole point of being on vacation,” I told her. “You aren’t supposed to worry about sticking to a schedule. For that matter, I thought that was the point of retirement too.”

  Mom dismissed this philosophy with a flick of her hand. “Everyone needs a schedule. Otherwise, you wind up lollygagging all day, not getting anything done. Still, it is nice to relax and visit with my daughter.”

  I wasn’t sure how relaxed she ever got, but I appreciated the sentiment. “Thanks, Mom. I’m glad you’re here.” And I was, for the most part. I loved her very much and missed her when she wasn’t around.

  “Aren’t you sweet?” She came closer to give me a kiss and a pat on the cheek. “I thought I saw some iced tea chilling in your refrigerator. You should take a glass to your husband before he has heatstroke out there. Men never think of that sort of thing. Then maybe you’d like to go for a drive and show me the neighborhood.”

  Others might have been caught flat-footed by the hairpin turns my mother’s conversations sometimes took. I was used to it. The fact that she’d snooped through my refrigerator was no surprise. I suspected she’d already done the same to all the cabinets and closets in the house. As for fetching my husband a drink, I had a split second of indignation before I reminded myself he didn’t expect the service. Besides, he was being a good sport about doing chores for his mother-in-law. He deserved at least an iced tea and a kiss.

  “Sure, Mom. Let me finish up here, and then we can take the second car.”

  Charles had obviously taken my father in our other vehicle. Since my dad liked to drive, I had to wonder if he really was avoiding the squeak in his car.

  I strode back into the kitchen and nearly collided with Chad. He handed me a full glass of iced tea, ready for delivery. When I looked at him in surprise, he shot me a wink.

  “Have I told you lately
that I love you?” I asked.

  “Yes, but it never gets old. Now go save Chuck before he expires from the heat.” He kissed me, and I felt the vibrations of his quiet laughter.

  The man was a godsend. I accepted the glass from him and rode to the rescue. Outside, I found my husband-turned-auto-mechanic already hard at work. The hood was up, and Chuck was bent underneath its shade. He had his arms buried in the guts of the engine, tight between some thick black hoses. I couldn’t see what he was doing, but by the way his shoulders moved, I guessed he was pulling or cranking something.

  Although I was informed enough that I could change a tire or refill my windshield wiper fluid, I was in awe at how much he could do with a car. He was a genius at keeping everything in working order. Fixing and maintaining the cars and house were Chuck’s way of taking care of me—his way of taking care of all of us, really. It made me feel protected and was as romantic from him as a bouquet of roses from Chad.

  As I watched, he released a satisfied grunt and straightened from under the hood.

  “Don’t tell me you fixed it already,” I said.

  He finally turned to me. “Okay, I won’t tell you. Actually, I won’t know for sure until I start her up and turn on the AC. From what Minnie described, I’m guessing the problem was a loose air-conditioner compressor belt. I turned the idler pulley and tightened the lock nut, so if I’m right, that should do it.” He looked at the glass of tea sweating in my hand. “Is that for me?”

  I passed him the drink.

  “Thanks, honey. You didn’t have to do that.”

  “Just looking after my husband’s health. If this works, you’ll score huge points with my mother. In fact, you did already by fixing her luggage.”

  Chuck shrugged in that humble way of his. “No big deal. It’s nice we’re all getting along.”

  He tipped back his drink and drained it in one long swallow. Then he handed me the empty glass before opening the car to turn on the engine and the AC. The car purred to life.

  “Hear anything?” he asked above the noise.

  I shook my head. The car was officially squeak-free.

  After another minute of listening, Chuck turned it off and spun the key ring around his finger. “That’s it, then.”

  “Good job.” My gaze dropped from his triumphant grin to a smear of grime on the front of his shirt. “Oh no. Not another one.”

  “What?”

  I pointed.

  My husband frowned at the offending stain like he had no idea how it had gotten there. “It’ll come out in the wash.”

  Probably not, but I didn’t have the heart to get annoyed with him. Then all thoughts of laundry dissipated when he pulled his shirt off and slung it over his shoulder. His bruises were still in the purple phase, but even they couldn’t distract me from his physique. Although he might not have been as chiseled as Chad, his firm chest and the intriguing line of hair disappearing into his waistband had the power to interrupt my brainwaves.

  It was disturbing to notice he had a similar effect on my mother when he sauntered into the house. Then again, could I blame any woman for staring?

  “All fixed.” He delivered the announcement as he passed her on the way to the stairs.

  My mother froze for a second before she regained her composure. “Thank you, dear. What happened to you there? Your back is all bruised.”

  “A small ladder mishap,” he told her. “No big deal.” He shrugged it off and climbed the stairs.

  For my part, I watched his broad back and jean-clad derriere move all the way up to the top landing. Pressing the cool, empty glass to my cheek, I disappeared into the kitchen before I went to get ready for our driving tour.

  Chapter Ten

  I’d intended to have a heart-to-heart with my mother regarding my marriage while I had her to myself, but there just wasn’t a good segue into the topic. Although it might have been wimpy of me, I didn’t want to disrupt the good mood. Thanks to Chuck’s handiwork, Mom was content, and so our drive was far more pleasant than I’d expected. She loved my neighborhood and approved of the fact that I had a “real home” unlike my “rambling” brother. I didn’t want to break the peace.

  Upon our return to the house, we were greeted by the sound of piano music pouring sonorously through the house. I’d already seen the car in the driveway, so I knew Charles and my dad were home, but Chad was the only one with my father. They were relaxing in the family room with my dad sitting on the sofa and my husband standing at the stereo.

  Mom sat beside my father. “What are you doing?”

  “Huh?” Dad blinked at her. “Oh, Chad here is sharing his music collection with me. He knows all the old greats, let me tell you. I said he should get a piano and learn how to play. Bright fellow like him ought to pick it up fast.”

  “Says the man who can play any song he hears. I’ll have to convince you to give us a recital sometime, Art.” My husband was beaming, clearly pleased by my father’s praise.

  “Speaking of playing,” I said. “How was the golf game, Dad?”

  “Terrific. One of the best games I’ve ever played, and you should have seen the course we were on. Charles has a mean swing. He held back a bit so the other fellow won by a hair, but that was smart business. And the whole time, your husband was wheeling and dealing as smooth as you please. He knew everyone there too. Half a dozen people must have stopped by in their carts to say hello. Charles knew all of them by name, and he recognized the course staff to boot. He’s a hell of a businessman. I don’t doubt he’ll make VP one day.”

  “Really?” My mother got a speculative look in her eye.

  “Charles is savvy,” I assured her. “He’s got the drive to succeed and good instincts, which is why he handles all our investing.”

  “Maybe I should get his advice on a few of our stocks,” she mused.

  I nodded in encouragement. Although I wouldn’t call my mother shallow, I knew she valued fine things and financial security. Charles’s fiscal acumen would be a huge plus with her if she’d give him a chance.

  Then Mom looked at my father, and her expression turned cunning. “Well, while you were off playing, Chuck was hard at work. He took care of that broken zipper on my train case, and he even fixed the car for us. Now I won’t have to listen to squeaking all the way home.”

  “You were just hearing road noise,” Dad countered. “As for the luggage, I told you I’d get to it.”

  My mother crossed her arms. “When? You said you’d fix it over a year ago when we went to visit my sister. You could learn something from your son-in-law. He tackled the problem right away and got it done in no time. You—”

  “Deserve the break.” I interrupted her and gave my father a placating smile. “Do you remember all the odds and ends you repaired for us kids over the years? I suspect Nikki still has you over to her place at least once a week to take care of something. You’re on vacation, Dad. Chuck was happy to do it, so consider this your turn to relax for a change.”

  My father studied me for a moment before his good humor returned. “I won’t say no to that.”

  “This is certainly the right soundtrack for some R and R.” I turned to Chad. “What song is this?”

  Always quick on his feet, my husband launched into a discussion of the music, entertaining my father and keeping my mom from stirring things up again. I used the opportunity to head upstairs in search of Charles and Chuck. At the landing, I nearly collided with the latter.

  “Where are you going?” I asked, noting the car keys in his hand.

  At least Chuck had changed into a clean shirt.

  He paused and leaned on the railing. “Charles says Art talked about being in the mood for a good burger. Chad already has sandwiches made for lunch, but I thought I could use the grill and cook out tonight. All we need is hamburger buns and maybe some ice cream for dessert. I’m going to scoot over to the store now to pick some up. Any preferences?”

  “Sesame seed buns and Neapolitan ice cream.” Th
ose items, at least, I could trust him to purchase correctly.

  He kissed my cheek before he jogged down the steps. “See you in a bit.”

  I watched him leave before walking into the bedroom, where Charles sat on the edge of the bed to pull on a pair of loafers.

  “There you are.” I shut the door behind me so my voice wouldn’t travel. “Good job with the golf game. My dad had a blast and is singing your praises.”

  “He’s a good player, and he understood there was more than one game afoot.” Charles seemed to consider his next words for a moment. “I really like him.”

  “I’m glad.” And I was. Whatever my issues with my mother, family was important to me. “Now you just have to work your magic on my mom. The good news is she wants you to advise her on some investments.”

  “That’s easy enough. I’m happy to give her my opinion.”

  I still stood by the door, expecting him to join me so we could return downstairs. Instead, he remained seated.

  “Aren’t you coming?”

  Amusement twinkled in his emerald eyes. “Not yet. Chad asked me to hang back so he could have a chance to get to know your father.”

  “It seems to be working. They’re bonding over music right now, although my mom tried to shame my father by bringing up Chuck fixing their luggage and car. I had to referee.”

  “It sounds like you could use a break. Come here.”

  “What?”

  His lips curved into a wicked grin framed by his goatee. “Let Chad have some more time with them. Didn’t you recently lecture me about the importance of taking a break and spending time with my wife? And you do owe me a rain check.”

  “On a massage.”

  “That and ‘other pleasurable activities’ was the way I phrased it. I’m cashing in.”

  My jaw dropped when my brain finally registered his meaning. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Charles, my parents are waiting downstairs for us.”

  “Chad will keep them entertained.”