by June Faver
“Um, very pretty,” Dixie said. “I’ll wash the clothes you borrowed, and we can return them.”
Ava’s brow puckered. “No, Mommy. Gracie’s mom gave them to me.” She jammed her hands in the pockets of her jeans.
“Well, that was very nice. I hope you said thank you.” Dixie wasn’t sure how she felt about her child wearing secondhand clothing, but it was an emergency, and the shirt looked very pretty on Ava.
The sound of a horn beeping interrupted her thoughts.
“Oh, I forgot about Roger. He’s waiting for us in the car. We better go now.”
“Let me say goodbye to my little princess.” Big Jim squatted down to give Ava a hug and kiss on the cheek. “You come back and see me real soon. I love you.”
She responded by hugging his neck. “I will, Grampa. I love you too.”
Dixie could not have been more surprised. Big Jim Garrett declaring his love for her daughter, who apparently loved him right back. Dixie had to stop herself from giving away her inner turmoil. She spread a smile across her face and started to retrace her steps. “Let’s go, Ava.”
They were stopped by Leah and Misty, who had to give hugs and say goodbye.
“She’s such a dear,” Misty said. “Please bring her back soon. My little brother Mark took it upon himself to be her personal watchdog. He wanted to be sure she knew her way around the ranch.”
Dixie thanked them both and ushered Ava out the front with Beau trailing behind. She turned to stop him. “Thanks for taking such good care of her.”
Beau regarded her a little sadly, his blue eyes tearing a hole in her heart. “You don’t have to thank me for taking care of my own daughter. I loved every second of it.”
She leaned her forehead against his chest. “I know…I mean, thanks for being there for us—for me.”
He kissed the top of her head before leaning down to gather Ava in his arms. “C’mon, baby. Let’s get you in your car seat.” He carried her out to the car and opened the back door.
“Hi, Uncle Roger,” she called out. “You have a boo-boo on your head.”
Beau fastened her in the seat and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Be a good girl, Ava. I love you.”
Ava clasped his neck. “I love you too, Daddy.”
He closed the door and reached for Dixie. “You be careful. I don’t want you going back to the feed store until the sheriff catches the shooter.” He stroked the side of her face. “I love you, you know?”
“I know.” She tried to resist his magnetic attraction. “I gotta get to the house. I’ll probably be going back to the hospital with Roger to check on Scott. He hasn’t regained consciousness.”
“I can pick Ava up tomorrow morning if you want.”
“I’ll call you.” She thought to give him a quick kiss, but Beau had other ideas. His kiss would have been enough to make her clothes fall off if they had been alone. As it was, she drew back, breathing hard. “See you tomorrow.”
She climbed in the car and started it up without glancing at Roger. Beau stood in front of the vehicle as she backed out, gazing at her with a tender expression.
“So that’s how it is, huh?” Roger asked.
Dixie turned around and headed back to the highway. “That’s the way it is.”
* * *
Beau watched Dixie’s car until it disappeared. He had a bad feeling about her “friend” Roger staying with her. The man obviously despised all things Garrett, and Beau wasn’t secure enough in his newly revived relationship with Dixie that he trusted it to last.
Apparently Dixie’s mother had filled her head with falsehoods about the Garrett family and about her own father. He hoped she finally saw the truth of the situation, but then again, her emotions had been put through the wringer already. He wasn’t sure she could take much more.
One thing he was sure of. He wanted to slap the smirk off Roger’s face.
Beau kicked a pebble with the toe of his boot. It went skittering across the drive, landing in a grassy area where his mother had planted forsythia bushes, now covered with bright-yellow blossoms. He turned and stomped onto the front porch, surprised to find Big Jim leaning against the doorway.
The expression on his face was not pretty.
Beau heaved a sigh, anticipating a tirade from his dad.
“Well, if that don’t beat all. What’s Miss Dixie doing now?”
“She’s going to be babysitting her friends, at least until the one in the hospital is stable, or…or—”
“Dead,” Big Jim pronounced solemnly.
“Yeah.”
“Not good for Ava to be around all that—”
“Yeah.”
“I mean, Dixie should have left Ava here with us…where she’s safe.” Big Jim’s mouth was drawn down at the corners.
“Yeah.” Beau didn’t want to venture more, but he did. “I offered to pick Ava up in the morning, and Dixie said she would call me.”
Miraculously, Big Jim’s whole countenance morphed from despair to hope. “Yeah?”
Beau grinned at his father. “Yeah, Dad.”
* * *
Roger was silent on the drive to the Moore ranch.
For this, Dixie was extremely grateful. She felt certain that she would get an earful when they were alone, but for now, Ava was holding court.
Dixie’s daughter sat in her car seat and prattled on at length. She explained that her daddy had taken her on a horse ride and shown her lots of pretty places. And she talked about her “aunties” Leah and Misty, who cooked good things and helped her with her bath, and she talked about “Grampa,” the wonderful man who showed her the baby calves and let her feed the chickens. “An’ Grampa read me a story at night and kissed me right here.” She placed her index finger in the middle of her forehead.
“Right there, huh?” Dixie glanced in the rearview mirror.
Ava nodded furiously. “Yes, Grampa loves me.”
Roger made a sound and did an elaborate eye roll but managed to hold his tongue.
“Daddy loves me too. He said I was the little princess of the Garrett family.”
Dixie’s heart was being squeezed by an invisible vise. She struggled to draw a full breath. “Well, you’re a very lovable young lady.” She turned off the highway and onto the road to the Moore ranch. Mature trees reached limbs across to each other, as though the narrow road had torn them apart. When she pulled into the driveway leading to the house, she drew to a stop, dreading to find out what her houseguest had to say about her love life.
Without looking at Roger, she got out and busied herself releasing Ava from her seat. Once Ava was on her feet, she raced around the car and up to the front door like a bundle of wild red-haired energy.
Roger climbed out slowly, turning to gaze at Dixie over the roof of the car. “You’re allowing this family of hicks to turn your girl into the princess of cows and chickens.” His face reddened. “You cannot permit the Garretts to contaminate her with their rural mentality. I mean, she is going to attend the extremely exclusive Fairfield Academy in the fall. You have no idea how many strings I had to pull to ensure her admission to the kindergarten class. If she doesn’t get in now, she’ll be reduced to”—he shuddered—“public schools.”
Dixie steadied herself against the car when she felt she was in danger of falling flat on her face. “What? How come I didn’t know about this?”
Roger spread his arms wide. “It was supposed to be a surprise. Mamie said you would be thrilled.” He appeared to be genuinely put out.
“You and my mother cooked this up between the two of you without consulting me at all?” She was aware that her voice had taken on a strident tone. “I would advise you to step off the attitude right now. I am truly furious.” She tucked her small handbag under her arm and strode up to the front door, a somewhat-tight smile plastered on her face. “I
’m coming, Ava.” She jangled the keys.
“Hurry, Mommy. I need to potty.” Ava jumped from foot to foot. “And I hafta feed Bertram and Anastasia.”
Dixie hurried to open the door, and her daughter raced inside. Dixie turned to find Roger leaning against the car with his arms crossed over his chest. “Please come inside, Roger. You just got out of the hospital, and you should be taking it easy.”
Another eye roll, but he pushed away from the vehicle and stomped up to the house like a petulant child.
She gestured to the open door and, when he passed, followed him inside. It’s going to be a long night.
* * *
The next morning, Dixie called Beau. “I—I hope I’m not calling too early.”
Beau smiled, her voice warming his insides. “Never too early for you. This is a working ranch, you know? Dad taught us to roll out early, no matter what.”
He heard her heave a deep sigh.
“What can I do for you this morning?”
Another sigh. “I have to take Roger back to the hospital, so…if you could come get Ava, that would be very helpful.”
“You know I will. Jumping in the truck right now.” He stuck his wallet in his back pocket and grabbed his keys. “I’ll be over there as soon as I possibly can.”
“And Beau, I wonder if you might be able to go by the feed store. I haven’t talked to Pete since the—the shooting. If you could just check in with him and make sure he’s doing okay. I—I’m doing such a shitty job of managing the store.” She made a sniffling sound. “And my life.”
“I’ll be right there. Just remember that I’m always on your side.” He had left the house and was in the process of climbing up into his truck when he heard a tiny whimper.
“I’m glad somebody is.” She disconnected.
By the time Beau pulled into the driveway at the Moore ranch, he was torn between concern for Dixie, who seemed to be miserable, and anticipation of spending another day with his daughter.
He climbed the porch and had just lifted his hand to knock when the door flew open.
“Daddy! I’m a-post to go home with you.”
Beau lifted her over his head and then snuggled her in his arms. “Okay, I’m game. What else do you want to do?” He eased into the house to see if he could get more direction from Dixie. “Where’s your mommy?”
Ava’s face fell. “Mommy and Uncle Roger are fighting.”
Beau tucked Ava under his arm in a football carry and went into the kitchen, where Dixie and Roger were silently drinking coffee. “Good morning,” he said and leaned to kiss Dixie’s cheek. “Anything in particular you want me to do at the feed store?”
She gazed at him sorrowfully. “Just give Pete some support. I feel so bad that I’m not there for him.”
Roger made a scoffing noise in his throat. “Well, you certainly don’t have to neglect your employee on my behalf. I’m sure you care more about him than you do about my poor, poor Scott.”
Dixie turned slowly, crossing her arms over her chest. “Seriously, Roger?”
Beau controlled the urge to smack the man slinging barbs at Dixie. “Um, maybe you and Ava can grab an extra outfit and something to sleep in? That way we’ll be prepared for anything at Casa Garrett.” He set Ava on her feet.
“Good idea.” Dixie took Ava’s hand and left the room.
Beau folded his own arms across his much wider chest and stared at Roger.
“What are you looking at, cow hand?”
“I’m looking at a man who needs a change of attitude, because I’m fed up with your mouth. It was no big deal when you were bashing me, but I draw the line on you sniping at Dixie.”
Roger’s eyebrows rose high on his forehead. “I beg your pardon?”
“I’m just letting you know that you better climb down off that high horse and stop being a jerk to Dixie. She’s been through a lot, and she is bending way over backward to help you out.”
Roger’s face reddened. “Why, I’ve never been spoken to in this manner. Now you listen—”
“No, you better listen to me. You need to stop treating Dixie like dirt.” He uncrossed his arms and took a step toward the irate man. “Because if you keep it up, you will be picking your teeth up off the floor. I won’t allow her to be abused.”
“Here we are.” Dixie swept into the kitchen with Ava, who had a small backpack. “We picked out a nice outfit for play and a dress for church in case you happen to have Ava on Sunday.”
“I got my toothbrush too,” she crowed.
“We’re all set then,” Beau said. “I need to get Ava’s car seat out of your car, and we’ll be on our way.” When Dixie grabbed her keys and led the way out the front, Beau turned to give Roger an intense stare. He pointed to his own eyes with two fingers and then pointed those same two fingers at Roger. The I’m watching you sign caused Roger to draw back frowning.
Beau followed Dixie and Ava outside. He removed the car seat, installed it in the backseat of his truck cab, and then settled Ava inside.
“I haven’t had a chance to make breakfast.” Dixie gnawed her lower lip, and then gave a half-hearted shrug. “I hope that Ava can have some cereal or something at your place.”
“Not a problem.” He drew her into his embrace and gave her a kiss. “Anything in particular you want me to do at the feed store?”
She shook her head. “I have no idea what needs to be done. I am so out of my element here.”
He stroked his fingertips across her jawline. “You haven’t had a chance to really settle in. You’re right in your element here…with me.” He lifted her chin and kissed her again. She seemed to relax a little, her body losing some of its tension.
“Thanks for everything, Beau. Take good care of our daughter.”
“I will. You don’t let that Roger guy bully you. He’s an ass.” She started to object, but he stopped her with a kiss before climbing into his truck.
When he arrived at the Garrett ranch, he brought Ava into the house and found most of his family gathered in the large kitchen. Everyone gave Ava a hearty greeting.
Big Jim waved Ava over and started filling her plate. “You come right on over here, young lady. I’ve been saving you a special place right here.” He patted the chair beside him.
Ava’s face lit up, and she scampered over to give Big Jim a hug and climb onto the chair.
“C’mon, Son. Sit down and eat this fine food my lovely daughters-in-law prepared for us.”
Misty laughed. “All I did was arrange the bacon on the baking sheets and pop them in the oven.”
Leah smiled. “That was a great help.” Leah leaned closer to her husband, who gave her a kiss on her temple.
“If my singing career goes belly-up, we can always open a restaurant. Leah can cook, and I’ll wash dishes.” Ty winked at Leah, who gave him a murderous look.
“Now that sounds like a heckuva deal.” Big Jim toasted her with his coffee cup.
“You gotta grab a couple of these biscuits, Bro.” Colton gestured to a basket filled with light, flaky biscuits.
Beau had intended to drop Ava off and go straight to the feed store, but the aroma of bacon and fresh-baked biscuits got to him. “Don’t mind if I do.” He filled a plate and took a seat beside Colton.
“What are your plans today, Little Bro?” Colton’s voice was low-pitched.
Beau doubted anyone else at the noisy table overheard. “Dixie asked me to go by the feed store and give Pete a hand.” He spoke just above a whisper.
Colton gave a slight nod. “Good. I’m sure old Pete must be overwhelmed. I’ll go with you. Maybe we can lend him some muscle.”
Beau considered for a moment, making a show of chewing his food. “Yeah, Bro. That will be great. I hope Pete can tell me if there’s been any progress on the case. Old Vern was murdered right outside the store, an
d nobody’s doing much about it—at least not anything they’re sharing with Dixie.”
Big Jim cleared his throat. “I believe I’ll be tagging along with you two. I’m pretty sure these ladies will be able to entertain Ava for a while.”
Beau and Colton exchanged a glance. “Um, sure, Dad,” Beau said. “The more the merrier.”
After breakfast, Big Jim herded his oldest and youngest sons to his own big silver truck. Colton was quick to slide into the backseat, leaving the front passenger seat for Beau. Beau sent him a look that fully expressed his lack of gratitude.
By the time they arrived in Langston, Beau was up to speed on Big Jim’s opinion of just about everything.
Fortunately, he hadn’t had to add anything to the monologue because Colton supplied the requisite “Really?” and “You don’t say.” Beau reasoned that Colton was the better-trained son because he had been around longer.
Big Jim pulled up in front of Moore’s Feed and Seed and cut the engine. “Well, boys, let’s go give old Pete a hand.”
All three Garrett men piled out of the truck and ascended the steps to the store, their boots sounding like a thundering herd stomping across the wooden platform. Once inside, they found Pete sitting on a stool behind the cash register. He was slumped against the wall and appeared to be dozing, but he jerked awake when the trio’s bootfalls interrupted his state.
“Hey, there, Pete,” Big Jim called out.
Pete blinked several times and straightened his shoulders. “Good to see you, Mr. Garrett. How can I help you?”
Big Jim clasped Pete’s hand warmly. “Aw, we come to help you, Pete.”
Beau interrupted, earning a frown from his father. “Actually, Pete…Dixie asked me to stop by and see if you need anything. She is still hanging with those two fellows who were injured.”
Pete swallowed visibly. “I see. Well, that would be good. You know, my cousin Josh ain’t never come back. He musta got real scared when that big guy got shot.”
