Small-Town Bachelor

by Jill Kemerer

She had the job. She could be with the otters. She had her family. She could see them every day.

  But none of it was enough.

  Because she only wanted one thing. And he lived in Chicago.

  * * *

  “Two more hours. I have a million things to do first.” Claire raced around her bedroom, throwing tank tops, sundresses, sandals and anything else she touched onto her pastel pink-and-green-striped comforter. “Don’t just stand there. Help me!”

  Libby folded her arms over her chest. “What in the world are you doing?”

  “I’m taking a risk.”

  “By getting rid of your entire wardrobe?”

  “No, Libs, I’m going after Reed.”

  Libby perked up and fluttered over to the bed. “Going after Reed? Like how? What’s your plan?”

  Claire blew a piece of hair out of her eyes, held up a red dress and checked it with a critical eye. “If he can’t live here, I’m moving. I’m not giving up on my chance at happiness.”

  Libby’s mouth dropped open. “When did you decide to do this?”

  “This morning. I’ve been miserable ever since he left.”

  “What about the job at the zoo? You’ve wanted to work there since...well, since you were in the womb. You would give that up?”

  “Yep.” Claire threw the dress on top of the pile. A good color on her, it would show off her tan. If she was confronting Reed, she needed every piece of ammo she could find.

  “Okay, who are you and what have you done with my rational, responsible big sister?”

  Claire cocked her head to the side. “I’m tired of being the rational, responsible big sister. I want to be reckless. Loved.”

  “But you are loved. We all love you. You can’t leave!” Libby’s pale blue eyes swam with sincerity.

  “I don’t know if Reed will even want me. But I have to try. I have to know I poured everything I could into this relationship. If it doesn’t work out, at least I gave it my all.”

  “Why wouldn’t he want you?” Libby let out a huffy breath. “Any guy should be on his knees in gratitude that he could date you.”

  Claire crossed the room and hugged her. “Thank you. That’s the sweetest thing I’ve heard in a long time.”

  Libby sniffed. “Well, it’s true. Reed’s the first guy I’ve met who is actually worth your time.”

  Claire grinned. “I agree.”

  “You’re sure about this?”

  “I am.” God had sent her what she’d been too afraid to ask for. Reed. She belonged with him.

  “Do you know where he is?” Libby picked up one of Claire’s T-shirts and quickly tossed it back.

  “No. That’s why I needed you to come over. Can you call Jake and have him find out? I don’t want Reed to know I’m coming. And for the love of all that’s good in the world, do not tell Dad or our brothers!”

  “I’m not an idiot, Claire.” Libby pulled her cell phone out. “Wait, you can’t go until after the grand reopening party tonight.”

  “I know.” She swiped her hair off her forehead. “I’m going to the party for an hour. After that, I’m hitting the road.”

  “What if he’s not in Chicago anymore? What if he’s traveling for his job?”

  “Then it will be a longer road trip than I anticipated. Will you call Jake already and get some addresses for me?”

  “Maybe I should come with you.” Libby tapped her phone against her palm. “If you get there and he’s not interested...”

  “He told me he loves me.”

  “Oh!”

  Claire launched a black dress onto the pile. “I’m going to need another favor.”

  “What?” Libby pressed buttons on her phone.

  “I need you to check on the otters for me while I’m gone.”

  “What? I don’t do critters.”

  Claire scurried to the bathroom, where she riffled through her makeup. She tossed lipsticks, mascara and eyeliners into a cosmetic bag. “They aren’t critters. They are sweet little furry babies. They love you. They always come running when you’re here.”

  “They come running when anyone is here.” Libby made a disgusted sound. “Fine. What do I have to do?”

  “Go to the zoo while I’m gone and take pictures of them and send them to me on my phone so I know they’re okay in their new quarters. I’ll ask Tina to give you the clearance to get in.”

  Libby’s lips curled down.

  “For me, Libby? I’m worried to death about them. They moved yesterday and have to be quarantined for a month. What if they miss me?”

  “Fine.”

  Winding the cord around her curling iron, Claire hustled back to her bed and studied the pile. Maybe she should go shopping. Buy a new outfit or ten.

  “Okay, I’ve got the info.” Libby held up a finger. “Reed is in Chicago. I’ll write down the address for you.”

  Claire swept Libby into a hug and bounced. “Thank you, Libs! Maybe I should skip the restaurant and drive straight there.”

  “Go to the party for a little while. For Aunt Sally’s sake.”

  “You’re right.”

  “Want me to help you get ready?” Libby asked. “What are you going to wear?”

  Claire surveyed the disaster in her room. “I have no idea.”

  Libby’s lips twisted into a wicked grin. “I know exactly what you’re going to wear.”

  She blinked and bit her lower lip. Libby had her determined tone on. The one that scared Claire to her core. But this was for Reed. And Libby had more style than anyone Claire knew.

  Claire raised her hands. “Do what you have to do.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  “There you are. Why haven’t you called us? I must have left ten messages.” Tommy, standing tall with his chest out and legs wide, blocked Claire’s path.

  Claire pushed past him. “I’ve been busy.”

  The new-and-improved restaurant had never looked better. The paneled walls had been polished, the mounted antlers dusted and rehung. It smelled like fish fry, a meal Claire dared not touch with her stomach so queasy. Lights from the chandeliers bounced off every surface, and the sound of laughter and conversation filled the air.

  “Are you doing okay?” Tommy tilted his head to the side, his eyes full of concern.

  She sighed. “It’s been a rough couple of weeks.”

  “I know,” Tommy said. “That’s why I kept calling. I stopped by too, but you weren’t home.”

  She adjusted the skirt of the plum halter dress Libby had insisted she wear tonight.

  He brought his knuckle to his chin. “Is this about Reed?”

  Heat flooded her neck and cheeks.

  “Bryan and I—well, we overreacted.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “We’ve been talking with Sam and Dad, and we realized we needed to come up with a long-term plan for Sheffield Auto whether Reed moves here or not. We have it worked out. Since you and Libby are part owners, we wanted you to know what we came up with.”

  He filled her in on the basics. Claire caught her breath and met his gaze. “How does Dad feel about it?”

  Tommy grinned and slung his arm over her shoulder. “He’s happy. We’re happy. And it will ensure that Sheffield Auto runs smoothly when Dad decides to retire.”

  “Does he want to retire?” They strolled to the back patio, where round tables held candles glowing in hurricane vases. Groups of people, drinks in hand, chatted and laughed. The whole town had turned out for the grand reopening. She’d enjoy it more if her stomach wasn’t doing the tango.

  “If we can convince Reed to move here, then, yeah, I’d say Dad wants out of the auto business.”

  “You want Reed here?” She halted. Maybe she should have taken a few of those brotherly call
s.

  “We’ve been harassing him all week.”

  Was Reed talking to her brothers but not her? It would crush her plan. How could she give up everything—her dream job, her family, her cottage—for a man who could discuss his life with her brothers but not her? “And what did he say?”

  “Hasn’t picked up his phone. Bryan and I had half a mind to hop in my truck and drive there the other night.”

  Her temples pounded—Reed hadn’t been chatting with her brothers behind her back.

  Tommy sat at an empty table. “Dad told us we were being selfish. He was right. Who are we to tell Reed to give up a big career to move here and start from scratch?”

  Claire gazed out at the lake. Boats whizzed by in the direction of the sun. She hadn’t confided in any of the men in her family—they would try to talk her out of her plan—but Tommy’s honesty untied her tongue.

  “I’m going after him, Tommy. Tonight.”

  “You’re going to bring him back? Great idea!” He slapped his palm flat on the table and grinned at her. “He’ll listen to you.”

  “No.” She shook her head, the fabric of her dress swishing against her legs in the breeze. “I’m going to him.”

  Tommy frowned, small lines marring his handsome features. “What are you talking about?”

  Serenity infused her. She smiled. “I love him. I’ll move if I have to, but I’m not losing him.” His cheekbones strained against his skin as his face grew red and his jaw jutted. Claire lifted her chin, ready to defend her choice. “Don’t try to talk me out of it.”

  “Does Dad know?” His quiet words held danger.

  She selected her reply with care. “Nobody knows except Libby. I want to keep it that way.”

  Tommy opened his mouth then shut it. “When?”

  “Soon.”

  “How soon?”

  “About ten minutes,” she said. “I’m driving to his apartment tonight.”

  The muscle in his cheek jumped. “I don’t like this. You’re not spending the night with him.”

  “Of course not!” Claire refrained from rolling her eyes. “I booked a hotel.”

  “I’ll go with you. It’s not safe driving through a big city at night.”

  She inhaled, counting to three. Tommy meant well, but...

  “Excuse me.” A familiar voice came across the loudspeaker. “I need Claire Sheffield to the front at once. Claire Sheffield.”

  Claire met Tommy’s stunned gaze. What in the world?

  “Claire Sheffield. If you’re here, come to the front.”

  * * *

  Reed clutched the microphone on the small stage next to the bar. He searched the crowd, trying to catch a glimpse of Claire’s dark hair, but a sea of faces watched him in expectation. His bad leg trembled, and he fought not to tap his hand against his other thigh. He hadn’t eaten since lunch, which was a good thing, since his stomach seemed to be riding a tidal wave.

  Should he call Claire to the stage one more time? Or should he face facts and admit she didn’t want to see him? He had no doubt she was there—she wouldn’t miss Sally and Joe’s reopening.

  Over by the back corner where two sets of doors led to the outdoor patio, a commotion stirred, parting the crowd in two.

  Claire stepped inside. Reed released the breath he’d been holding. He drank her in—her shiny hair spilled over her shoulders, the dark purple dress that hugged her in all the right places, her pert nose, her eyes shocked. He drew his chest up and lifted the microphone again.

  “Claire.” Her name on his lips was a caress, a low invitation. “You’re here.

  She didn’t move.

  “Six weeks ago, I walked into this restaurant, and my life hasn’t been the same since. I thought it was your eyes. Did you know you have a midnight-blue ring around each iris? They’re the most unusual, beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen.”

  A low murmur rippled through the female part of the crowd.

  “We rode out the tornado here,” he continued. “My leg broke. And you stayed with me. Took care of me. Your family stopped by to help me with all the tasks I found impossible.”

  He couldn’t take his gaze off her. His heart throbbed as her eyes grew round and filled with tears.

  “You became my best friend,” he said. “I haven’t had one of those in a long time. You still are. I haven’t acted like one lately, and I’m sorry for that. You deserve better.”

  He kept the mic close, determined to make her understand how important she was to him—important enough for him to declare everything in front of her family and friends.

  “I love you. I love that you made me see the truth about my past. I love that you keep otters in your backyard. I love your laid-back style, the way your head tips back when you laugh and your taste in movies. I love your zoo wardrobe. I love your family.”

  He broke eye contact with her to locate Dale and her brothers. Jake had his arm around Libby near the front door.

  “Dale, you’ve been a mentor to me. Tommy, Bryan, Sam—you treat me like a brother. Libby—I’m honored you’re going to be my sister soon.”

  Reed turned back to Claire. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

  “Claire, I’m back. For good. I’m not interested in promotions or Chicago. The only thing I can think about is you.”

  He set the mic back on its stand and loped down the two steps to the floor. Everyone parted for him. He stopped in front of Claire.

  “Forgive me?”

  * * *

  Claire laughed, swabbing under her eyes with the backs of her hands. Then she dragged him to the back doors, outside over the patio to the deck leading out to the lake. When they reached the edge, she whirled and threw herself into his arms, burying her face in his shoulder.

  He held her tightly, lowering his head next to hers. She breathed in his cologne, savored his hard muscles, his warmth, his tender kiss on her hair. She couldn’t believe it—couldn’t believe he’d come back. And said all that. In front of everyone!

  “Reed. You...I can’t believe it. What you said—I’m—” She stared in his eyes, and the love she witnessed triggered her tears again.

  “Hey, don’t cry,” he said, running his hands up and down her arms. “I didn’t want to upset you. Please stop crying.”

  “You didn’t upset me.” She hiccupped in an attempt to laugh. “You made me the happiest woman in the world. I can’t believe it. I was two minutes away from driving to Chicago to be with you.”

  His eyes darkened, and two lines creased his forehead. “What are you talking about?”

  “I made up my mind this morning. Living here isn’t the same without you. I figured I could start over wherever you were.”

  He exhaled, straightened, rubbing his hand over the back of his neck. “You would do that?”

  She nodded.

  “Why?”

  “Because I love you.” She shoved his shoulder and smiled. “I told you that.”

  “But what about the zoo and the otters and your cottage and your family?”

  “They still aren’t you.”

  Questions lingered in his expression. She cupped his cheeks with her hands. “You’re more important. Everything you said just now—I know. I feel it too. The last six weeks changed me. I thought I had enough before you showed up. I was content. But God sent you here. I felt like He was asking me if I wanted more. And I realized I did. I had to come to grips with prioritizing my life.”

  “I could never ask you to move for me.”

  “But I asked you to move for me,” she said. “How could I not do the same for you?”

  He hauled her to him, wrapped his hands around her waist and claimed her lips with his. She softened under his touch, drinking in his love. Her knees weakened and she murmured as he drew her c
loser.

  An odd clamor broke them apart.

  “What in the—” Reed turned to see the commotion.

  The restaurant had emptied, and everyone stood on the lawn cheering, hooting and whistling.

  Claire closed her eyes. She’d have to throw herself in the lake. She would never, ever live this down. But Reed kept her next to him and waved to everyone. The big grin on his face was contagious, and rather than squirm out of his arms and dive into the water, she leaned her head on his shoulder.

  “I will get you back for this,” she whispered.

  “For what? Kissing you again?” He shifted, leaning in to kiss her, but she jerked her face away, shaking her head as her mouth grew into a wide smile.

  “You are done embarrassing me in public, mister.”

  “Sorry, Claire, but I’m not done yet.”

  This time he did kiss her. She couldn’t do anything about it.

  And she didn’t want to.

  Epilogue

  Fat flakes of snow swirled outside the windows. Claire moved the ladder near the entrance of Uncle Joe’s Restaurant, then swiped a dozen balloons. Christmas had come and gone without event, and the new year would be upon them next week. She’d been a teeny bit disappointed Reed hadn’t proposed at Christmas, but how could she complain when he always put her first in his life?

  “Feels familiar, doesn’t it, hon? We’re old pros.” Aunt Sally whizzed by, her hands full of candles on her way to the head table. “This time, though, the wedding will happen. Rain, shine, tornado, hurricane, snowstorm—I don’t care. Libby and Jake will have their wedding.”

  Claire laughed, climbing two rungs. “We should be okay. No blizzards in the forecast, thankfully.” She counted out six pink and six silver ribbons, tore a piece of tape off and moved up another rung.

  “Anybody showing up at the zoo now that it’s gotten cold?”

  “Not too many during the day. Only for the light show at night. Hansel and Gretel are loving this weather, though. You should see them.”

  “I’ll have to stop by soon.” Aunt Sally finished setting the candleholders out. “Your dad told me he and Reed bought the farmland on Bates Highway. I take it they’re going to develop it now the stores downtown are almost finished?”