by June Faver
“Hey, I need you both with me. I have some serious shopping to do too.”
Dixie gave him a surprised look. “Sure, we’re with you. Where to?”
“Right over here.” He steered them to a large jewelry store. “I thought you might like to help me pick out your engagement ring.”
Dixie froze in her tracks. “What engagement?”
“You didn’t think I was just going to drag you to my cave without all the proper rituals, customs, and folderol.”
“Folderol?” Dixie’s eyes opened wide.
“Sure. Folderol was one of my mother’s favorite words.” He kissed Dixie’s hand and tucked it in the crook of his arm. “We need to go through all the folderol leading up to our proper and forever marriage.”
Tears spangled her lashes, but she cleared her throat. “Oh, I’m all for folderol.”
* * *
Tyler was driving, with Leah sitting up front beside him. Big Jim spread out in the backseat, enjoying the countryside.
When Ty drove over the cattle guard at the entrance to the Garrett ranch, Big Jim realized how he had missed his own domain, even after being gone for two days. Somehow the grass looked greener and skies looked bluer.
“It’s good to be home, isn’t it?” he asked.
Ty reached over to squeeze Leah’s thigh. “I could have stayed at South Padre Island a few more days.”
Leah patted his hand. “Yeah, it was really nice.”
Big Jim realized that spending a little time alone would be a treat for these two. They really hadn’t taken a honeymoon, not with Gracie needing her mom. Now she would feel comfortable staying at the Garrett ranch with her adopted grandpa, aunts, and uncles. He would have to see about sending Ty and Leah to a special place for a little romance…maybe a cruise. He had heard that was what lovers did for a little romantic getaway.
When Ty pulled the truck to a stop in front of the Garrett ranch house, he tooted the horn twice before climbing out and rounding the vehicle to open the door for Leah, but Big Jim had already done that and helped her descend.
Big Jim chastised himself for automatically opening the door when the gesture would have meant more coming from Ty. He stepped back, spotting Colton emerging from the house. He looked ticked off.
“What’s wrong, Colt?” Big Jim asked.
“Just glad to see someone in the family back here at the ranch.”
Big Jim snorted. “Well, hell, Son. I didn’t think you would miss your daddy that much, but come here and let me wipe your tears.”
Colton rolled his eyes. “Just glad you’re all home safe,” he muttered and went back into the house.
Big Jim followed, wondering what was going on. It took a lot for something to get under Colton’s skin. “Wait up, big fellah.”
Colton turned, taking a wide stance and planting his fists on his hips. “Sorry, Dad. Little Brother came over and worked like a stallion yesterday, but he’s goofing off today. I got a message that he was taking the day to be with Dixie and Ava.” He huffed out a sigh. “I can understand him wanting to spend time with Dixie and his daughter, but…dammit! There’s work to be done every day.”
Big Jim frowned. “He’s just trying to make sure Dixie and Ava stay right here because if they go back to Dallas, your brother is out of here.”
Colton’s dark brows drew together. He shook his head. “Yeah, I can understand that.”
“Son, you gotta stop thinking of Beau as your little brother. He’s a man with his own life. I hope everything settles down and they can work it out, but in the meantime, step back and give them a little space. Okay?”
“Sure, Dad. Sorry. I just knocked myself out today. I’ll be okay.” He raked his fingers through his hair.
Big Jim slapped him on the back. “You’ll get over it, Son. Let’s surprise Misty and Leah. We can throw some meat on the grill and take the load off the ladies tonight.”
Colton nodded. “Sounds great. I’ll go fire up the grill.”
Big Jim took out his phone and punched the number for Beau. It went to voicemail. “Hey, Son. We’re back from taking those little girls back to their parents at the border…and I’m celebrating by firing up the grill. Can you bring Dixie and Ava over for dinner? I sure do need to give my granddaughter a hug.” He disconnected, hoping Beau would check his messages…wondering where the hell he’d been all day.
* * *
Dixie couldn’t stop staring at the ring. It was gorgeous.
Beau had insisted on purchasing more stone than would have satisfied Dixie, but he had assured her that this was the only engagement ring she would ever have, so it might as well be spectacular.
And then he had selected a ring for Ava. It was a lacy butterfly design with a small diamond set in the middle.
He’d taken them to a late lunch at a nearby Italian restaurant while the rings were being sized.
Dixie wasn’t particularly hungry. In fact her stomach was turning flip-flops. The day had produced so many surprises, the first of which had been when she arrived at a truce of sorts with her mother. At least she could understand, given Mamie’s skewed point of view and events in her past, why she had been driven to estrange Dixie from everything Garrett. All in all, Dixie was glad her mother had chosen to show up unannounced. At least the burgeoning war between them had been dealt with. No clear winners, but the battleground was cleared.
She was still feeling guilty for dragging Beau into her quest to seek out her father’s killer. He was right. She knew he was right but just couldn’t admit it to him. She could have chosen to sit back like a nice little woman and let the boys handle everything, but such behavior was not in her nature.
The murder of Vernon Moore had been eating away at her insides since her return to Langston. Dixie knew that Beau and his brothers would react the same way she had if someone killed their father, but it was the traditional alpha-male mindset that said she, as a woman, should stand back and let the boys take care of things. She couldn’t blame Beau. He had that “protect the little woman” thing going on—and she loved him for it, even as she rankled at the idea of being corralled by her man.
But today, after a very exciting night in which she had tracked down the man who murdered her father and confronted him—okay, she had watched him get shot and then, when threatened with becoming a pawn in their human trafficking enterprise, had resisted and wrestled with Josh’s partner. For some reason now she felt disappointed—let down somehow. It was as though every conflict had been settled and all was right with the world, but why did she feel like an overwound cuckoo clock, ready to spew her innards in all directions?
Then to top things off, Beau had suggested getting a marriage license and then surprised her even more by taking her to choose a beautiful diamond engagement ring. It was all so normal, but she didn’t feel normal…not yet.
On the drive back home, Beau got a phone message and glanced at it. “My dad is back home with Leah and Ty. We’re all invited to dinner. Dad’s grilling. Are you ladies up for it?”
Dixie had planned for a romantic evening with Beau after they put their daughter to bed. She wasn’t really in the mood for the total Garrett experience, but Ava was delighted.
“Oh, Grampa! I like it when he cooks.”
Beau glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “Well, I’m sure your grampa has something special for you.”
Okay, I guess that’s settled. Dinner at Grampa’s.
Dixie turned in her seat, noting Ava’s wide grin. “Sounds delicious. And the good news for you two is that I don’t have to cook.”
“Aw, honey. Your cooking is all right. Don’t be so hard on yourself.” Beau reached over to pat her hand. The hand with the spectacular ring on it.
Chapter 21
Beau could sense there was something going on with Dixie, but she wasn’t giving it up.
Bi
g Jim greeted them profusely. “I was hoping you three were gonna make it.” He squatted down with a wide grin on his face. “And I’ve been missing this little one something awful.” He scooped Ava up in a fierce hug.
“I’m glad you’re home, Grampa.” Ava grinned in delight. “I missed you.”
Beau caught Dixie’s eye. She was laughing too. It was clear that little Miss Ava had her Grampa eating out of her hand. “Can we give you a hand, Dad?” he asked.
“Naw. We got it under control.” Big Jim whirled around, dipping Ava like a tango dancer.
Ava shrieked with laughter.
Leah waved them inside. “Come on back, folks. Let me get you something to drink.”
Beau shook his head. “I think you should take it easy, Leah. You had a hard trip down to Mexico and back. Don’t you need to rest, little mama?”
Leah blushed. “I’m just pregnant. Not sick.”
Ty joined her, sliding an arm around her shoulders. “I’ve been telling her to rest up, but she gets really antsy.” He gave her a kiss on her temple.
She made a scoffing noise. “I don’t like to be waited on. Honestly! These people. They won’t let me do a thing.”
“And yet we managed to put together a decent dinner with absolutely no input from the Kitchen Queen,” Ty said.
“I helped,” Gracie offered. “I made the salad.”
“I can’t wait to try it,” Dixie said. “I love salad.”
Beau loved her even more for recognizing Gracie’s contribution. The entire party made their way to the back of the house to disperse around the kitchen and dining area.
“I can help,” Dixie offered. “What do you want me to do?”
“We can set the table,” Leah said. “That’s about all they let me do now.” She handed Dixie a stack of dinner plates. “Oh, let me see that.” Her eyes were wide as she reached for Dixie’s hand. “That’s a beautiful engagement ring.”
“What?” Big Jim spun around. “Engaged?”
Beau met his father’s questioning gaze with a grin and a nod, setting off a series of whoops and hollers from all the Garretts.
Misty, Leah, and Gracie clustered around Dixie, making appreciative noises as they stared at the ring. Dixie appeared to be pleased but slightly embarrassed at the same time.
Tyler grabbed Beau around the waist and lifted him about a foot off the floor. “Let’s hear it for our little bro. About time.”
Big Jim glowered at Tyler. “That’s enough of that ‘little bro’ talk. Show some respect for your brother. And congratulate him on his engagement to this lovely young lady.”
“Sorry, Bro. Old habits die hard.” Ty offered his hand. “Congratulations.” The brothers shook hands, followed by a hearty shoulder pounding.
Beau turned when Colton approached with his hand outstretched. “Congratulations. I hope you have a long and happy marriage.” He said the words, but his expression was on the grim side.
“Beau, come on outside and help me at the grill. These folks want to eat.” Big Jim cocked his head to indicate Beau was to follow him.
Beau followed, glad to be free from his brothers and their mixed messages. He stepped out onto the back deck. “What can I do to help, Dad?”
“You can turn the meat on the grill. It’s been smoking slow.” Big Jim took a seat in one of the wooden deck chairs and leaned back, stretching his arms behind his head.
Beau opened the lid, releasing a huge waft of savory smoke. There were several chickens split in half, two racks of ribs, and steaks. He carefully turned them, using tongs to prevent releasing any of the juice. “Looks good.” He closed the lid and placed the tongs at the side of the grill.
“Come sit here and tell me how you did it,” Big Jim said. “Grab us a couple of beers while you’re at it.”
Beau opened the cooler, and sure enough, an assortment of longnecks were properly embedded in ice. “Sure thing, Dad.” He selected two and flipped the lids off before slapping one into Big Jim’s open palm and settling into another deck chair. “How did I do it?” Beau intoned softly. “Same way you gentle a wild horse.”
Big Jim let out a roar of laughter. “Good analogy, Son. Dixie is a wild little filly, for certain. Good one.” He took a long draw on his beer then made a satisfied sound. “Getting a ring on her finger is a great thing, but do you think you’re going to make it to the church?”
Beau tilted his head back, letting the cold liquid roll down his throat. “I’m pretty sure. We got the license today.”
Big Jim let out a whoop. “Hot damn! Can’t wait to see the two of you up in front of the preacher.”
“What’s going on out here?” Colt stepped out onto the deck, one dark eyebrow raised.
“My son and I are discussing his upcoming nuptials. You got a problem with it?” Big Jim fixed him with a glare.
Colt crossed the deck and rummaged around in the cooler. He straightened and sauntered to a chair a few feet away from the other two. “Not a problem exactly. I just remember how broken up Beau was when Dixie left him the first time.”
Beau rolled up out of the deck chair, leaning dangerously close to his older, bigger brother. “She’s not going to leave again. That was all her mother’s doing, and we’ve hashed that out, so leave it alone.”
Colt gazed at him without rancor. He took a sip of beer and set it on a small table. “I’ll try. It’s just, when someone does something to hurt one of my family, it’s hard to forgive.”
“Easy, Beau,” Big Jim warned. “Now, looky here, Colt. You need to step back and let the two of them work it out, and it seems they have. There’s a ring on her finger, and they have the license.” He leaned back in his chair, stretching his long legs out in front. “I’m ready to throw some rice.”
* * *
Dixie hadn’t planned on a big or elaborate wedding. She would have been just as happy to go to a justice of the peace…but no…
When they went to talk to the preacher, they found out Big Jim had already been in contact to make sure a date was available in the very near future. Okay, it was great that her future father-in-law was so eager to have her in the family—and her daughter. The man was totally sappy over Ava.
So a date was chosen just a little over a month away. Beau was ecstatic, and so was Ava.
Leah and Misty took a Saturday trip to Amarillo with Dixie and the younger females. They helped her choose a wedding gown. Although she had protested that white wasn’t really appropriate, they argued her down. In the end she selected a gown in the palest cream to compliment her complexion and hair color. It had a scalloped neckline and cap sleeves to show off her slender, toned arms.
Leah and Misty would wear dresses in a soft apricot hue, while Ava and Gracie went for a pale green. All together the colors looked fresh and summery.
Big Jim had given Leah his Visa card with strict instructions not to let Dixie pay for a thing.
“Now we all need shoes,” Leah announced with a grin. “We don’t want to disappoint Big Jim.”
“I think we need underwear too,” Misty said, and everyone laughed.
Dixie was caught up in the whirlwind of activities.
The church ladies threw a kitchen shower for her, although she didn’t tell them that the kitchen was not her favorite place to be. She smiled and graciously accepted each colander and ricer with a delighted gush of appreciation. She would figure out what to do with them later. The ladies had carefully printed out their favorite family recipes on index cards. Dixie’s throat tightened as she read the little notes written in their handwriting.
Big Jim kept trying to find something to give the happy couple…something big and expensive. He reasoned that he had given both Colton and Tyler large sections of land and helped with the cost of building their houses. But Dixie had a house and land and wanted to live there…with some major remodeling. She thought it
was close but not too close to the other Garretts. The entire Garrett clan was somewhat intimidating. She knew they meant well, but she was an only child, and all this crowding around all the time was a bit much. She figured that when Leah had her baby, Big Jim would have a new focus.
As the big day neared, Dixie found herself feeling more and more antsy. She knew Beau was concerned, but she tried to pretend there was nothing wrong.
One night, after they had tucked Ava in, Beau took her outside to sit and gaze up at the stars.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Beau reached for her hand. “The sky is so big and full of stars…makes me feel small by comparison.”
“We are small by comparison,” she said.
“You sure do know how to kill a mood,” he said. “Here I was being all romantic, and you have to pop my bubble.”
“Oh, I’m sorry…I—uh…”
“I’m kidding.” He sat up and looked at her. “But I know there’s something bothering you. Come on, Dixie. Tell me what’s on your mind. Whatever is wrong, we can work it out.”
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Beau, nothing is wrong. It’s just wedding jitters. I read all about it in one of the many bridal magazines Misty keeps buying for me.” She gave a confident laugh. “I’ll be fine.”
He picked up her hand again, brushing his lips across her fingers. “Something’s been on your mind. I wish you would just tell me. If I’m doing something wrong, let me know, and I’ll change.”
“Oh, Beau…it’s not you.”
He held up both hands. “Do not say it’s not me, it’s you.”
“But it is me. I’ve just messed up my life something fierce. I know things will be okay between us and we’re going to have a wonderful life together.” She stopped for breath. “But I wish I had done it right the first time. I wish I had gone to you the second I knew I was pregnant and that we had gotten married and…” A tear rolled down the side of her nose. “And I wish you had been with me when Ava was born.”
