“I thought we could go down toward the end of the lawn. There are fewer trees there to block the view of the stars.” Rhett was talking to the two girls and Buck took the opportunity to speak to Haley.
“Where are you sleeping?” he asked and then closed his eyes as the words registered in his head. She had to admit she found his nervousness kind of cute. “I didn’t mean that to sound like a proposition.”
Haley looked at him and raised an eyebrow. “Maybe I wouldn’t mind if you did.”
Color rose in his cheeks, she’d made Buck feel like an awkward teenager, which turned her thoughts to Rhett and his sudden and unexpected return home. That age was filled with big decisions you had to make about your future when you didn’t have any idea of where you wanted to go. Haley hoped spending a couple of days goofing around with Alicia and Marie, who were like sisters to Rhett, might help him clear his head. Then he might talk to his mom about his problems. If he had any. They might all be reading too much into the whole thing.
She switched her focus back to Buck.
“I meant inside or outside the house?”
“I know what you meant.” She glanced sideways at him and gave him a lopsided smile.
“I have to get used to the way you tease,” Buck said and set the suitcases down as Mason and Tiana came out to meet them. Tiana looked as if she’d been crying and Haley hoped she wasn’t the cause of her best friend’s tears.
Haley stepped forward, placing her hand on Buck’s arm for a moment before she reached out for Tiana and hugged her. “Thank you for giving us a place to stay.”
“Any time. Mason said the ceiling should be easy enough to replace once it dries out.” Tiana kissed her cheek and then pulled back and looked at her for a second or two too long before inclining her head slightly toward Buck.
It was Haley’s turn to blush. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know how to tell you.”
“With words,” Tiana rebuked.
“I know, it just…” Haley dragged her hand through her hair. “It’s all a bit much.” Her expression faltered but then she summoned the strength to put a smile back on her face as Rhett and the girls came over.
Tiana kept hold of Haley’s hand and squeezed it. “Right, Rhett, why don’t you and Mason go and grab the camping gear from the attic? Then we can all help set up. I have made cookies and brownies and there is plenty of cold soda.”
“We should employ you to project manage the building site,” Buck joked after Tiana had given jobs out to everyone else.
“Believe me, T is more than capable of running a building site.” Haley heaped more praise on her friend. “The way you kept things going when your dad was in that home and Quentin lived at the end of the garden…”
“And now I have a baby on the way to add to the mix,” Tiana said, smoothing her hand over her stomach.
“Which is why you need me here,” Rhett blurted out in a choked voice.
“Oh, honey.” Tiana gathered her son in her arms. “Is that what this is all about?”
Rhett hung on to his mom, his face buried in her shoulder, but didn’t speak. Tiana and her son needed time alone, which wasn’t going to be easy since they had taken in lodgers for a couple of nights.
“Okay, let’s go find the cookies.” Haley shepherded the rest of them into the kitchen, a lump in her throat that she was trying to swallow down but refused to go away. “You, too, Mason.”
Mason nodded. “I hate seeing them like this.”
“Is Rhett okay?” Marie asked, looking over her shoulder as Haley shut the kitchen door.
“He’s scared,” Alicia said.
“But Rhett’s never scared, even when that big spider fell from the ceiling. Or when…”
“It’s a different kind of scared, honey,” Haley told her younger daughter as she looked outside to where Tiana and Rhett stood talking. As she switched her attention back to the kitchen and the cookies, she caught Buck’s eye. He was watching her, and a faint smile spread across his lips.
She smiled, squeezing the lump in her throat down until her tears had passed.
“He’s scared of change. But change isn’t always bad, is it?” Alicia locked eyes with her mom, then she turned around and faced Buck. “Shall we go and get the camping gear?”
“Sure,” Buck said quickly. “Although I have no idea where it is.”
“I do. We’ve been up in the attic loads of times.” Alicia grabbed hold of Marie, who had a couple of cookies in her hand. “We’ll show you where it is.”
“Is that okay?” Buck asked Haley.
“Sure, that would be great. Then we can go and pitch the tent as soon as Tiana and Rhett are ready.” She walked across the kitchen to Buck and placed her hand on his arm, wanting to feel the connection between them. Life had been turned on its head lately, since the arrival of Mason in town their quiet lives had been replaced by a sense of wheels turning faster and faster as they rolled downhill toward an unknown fate. It took some getting used to. For all of them. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He lowered his voice. “While I’m gone, you could decide where you want to sleep tonight.” He winked as he walked away, leaving her unsure if he was joking or not.
After they left the kitchen and their footsteps could be heard on the stairs, Haley wandered back across the kitchen to Mason, who still looked distraught. “Do you think he resents the baby? Or maybe he doesn’t think I can care for Tiana.”
“It’s nothing like that,” Haley reassured him. “They’ve been through a lot together. They learned to depend on each other. And now everything has changed for Rhett. I suppose he might feel as if he’s been pushed out. But he’s a good, sensible kid and he knows that’s not true. Sometimes we just need to hear those words spoken. For life to be breathed into them and make them real.”
“You’ve been a good friend to Tiana.” Mason put his arm around Haley’s shoulder. “I want to thank you.”
She elbowed him lightly in the ribs. “I want to thank you, for putting a smile back on her face.”
Mason removed his arm and went to get them a mug of coffee each. “I’d do anything for her. And for Rhett.” His voice was tight as he spoke.
“You love him like he’s your own, don’t you?” Haley asked. She should be surprised since they had only known each other for a few months, but she wasn’t, she’d seen how Mason treated Rhett.
“He’s part of Tiana, so he’s part of my family. Along with her mom and dad. Along with you and your kids. I’d look after and defend any of you.” He passed Haley her coffee, the look on his face telling her he meant every word he said.
She swallowed, summoning the courage to ask her next question. “Is that the same for all shifters? I know Tiana told me it was. But do you know for sure?”
Mason gave her a half smile and nodded. “Everyone I’ve ever met. And yes, most definitely for Buck, if that’s what you are asking.” It was, but she didn’t admit it.
“It’s weird. Just handing over your heart to someone because it’s meant to be. I don’t know where T found the strength.” Haley sipped her coffee. “No offense.”
Mason chuckled. “None taken.”
“Do you have any advice?” Haley heard laughter from upstairs. Buck and her girls seemed to be having fun and she smiled at the sound.
“Let it happen. Don’t fight it.” Mason looked up as the door opened and Rhett and Tiana, who had been crying again, came in. He tensed but didn’t spring into action, although by the tension in his jaw, Haley guessed he wanted to comfort his mate and lick her wounds if he could.
“Hey, how are we doin’?” Haley asked, going across the kitchen. “You are two of my most favorite people in the world. Is there anything I can do?”
“No, I think we have it licked,” Tiana said. “But thanks, Haley, it means a lot.”
“You know you’re always welcome.” Haley hugged Tiana and then hugged Rhett. “As long as you two are talking, you’ll get through this. It’s all about comm
unication.”
“We’re talking,” Rhett said, looking up at his mom through tear-laden eyelashes.
Mason joined them, holding back as if he was afraid to interfere or do more damage. “Are we okay?”
Haley wasn’t sure who the question was directed at, but it was Rhett who answered. “I’ve been stupid.”
“No, you haven’t,” Tiana insisted. “Things have happened a little fast for Rhett, and he is thinking of coming back home for a year.”
Mason locked eyes with Tiana who gave him a half smile and a nod, a sign she was okay with it. Mason immediately responded and backed her up. “I like that idea. Why don’t you spend a couple of months helping Buck and me with those warehouses?”
Rhett’s face lit up. “You wouldn’t mind?”
“No, I’d like you to help,” Mason insisted. “We should spend some time getting to know each other better.”
“And that way you can keep an eye on him, Rhett. So he’s not late for work every morning because of the baby.” She raised her eyebrow at Mason. “How many times have you told me you are going to get up in the night and feed the baby and make me breakfast in bed, so I can rest? If you take on all the baby chores, you’ll have no time for work.”
Haley rolled her eyes and said, “Mason, you do know what this woman is capable of, don’t you?”
Mason held up his hands in mock defense. “I’m trying to be the best husband I can be.”
“Well, don’t smother her,” Haley warned, wagging her finger at Mason.
It was Rhett’s turn to roll his eyes. “Mason can’t win. If he does too much, he is smothering my mom, if he doesn’t do enough, he’ll be accused of abandoning her.”
“Hey, whose side are you on?” Tiana asked, grabbing her son around the shoulders and pulling him back toward her.
“Well, if Mason is going to be my new boss…” Rhett laughed at Tiana’s look of mock betrayal.
“I see, I’ve been dumped.” She pouted and was rewarded by a hug from both Mason and Rhett. As she caught Haley’s eyes over their shoulders, Tiana smiled. Everything was all right again, the air was cleared, her family had edged themselves around another potential storm.
Haley hoped her family would weather the change in their own circumstances. But seeing the strong bond between Tiana, Rhett and Buck, she was confident her own family could be equally as happy.
They had to take baby steps and be aware of each other’s feelings.
“You know I was only joking about the breakfast in bed and changing all the diapers,” Tiana told Mason as their group hug split up.
“No!” he protested. “I’ve listened to what you said and will firmly support you. No breakfast in bed or diaper changing.” He winked at Rhett. “We’re going to have man stuff to do.”
Rhett walked over to the counter and picked up a cookie. “Never a dull moment.”
“That’s the way it should be,” Haley said. “Because then you know you’ve lived life to the fullest.”
Which was her own intention. She planned to fill it up with good memories and love. Starting today.
Chapter Six – Buck
“Over to the left a little.” Marie directed Buck toward the camping gear in the attic. “That’s it, there.”
He stood with his hands on his hips, before pointing to a nondescript black canvas bag. “It’s in there?”
“Yes, the tent wouldn’t fit back in the bag, so Rhett used that one.” Marie came to join him. “What are you waiting for?”
Buck looked down at his young taskmaster and leaned forward, grabbing hold of the handles of the bag. It snagged on another box, and he pulled harder to free it. It came away suddenly and he was forced to let go of the bag as he overbalanced. Buck waved his arms around in an attempt to steady himself, which made both girls collapse into laughter.
“You look like a windmill,” Alicia said from the other side of the attic where she was dragging out the sleeping bags and mattresses, ready for their campout.
Buck grinned as he regained his balance. “Thanks for your concern.”
“You’re welcome,” Alicia said, dragging her prize back toward the attic door.
Buck leaned forward and grabbed ahold of the bag, pulling it toward him once more. This time the bag came away freely and he placed it down by his feet as Marie pointed in the same direction and said, “That bag has the tent poles in it. And that one has another tent.”
“We’re having two?” Buck asked, reaching for and grabbing the next two bags.
“One for boys and one for girls,” Marie said.
“Okay.” Buck, loaded up with the three bags, made his way carefully across the attic. “Is this everything?”
“Yes, I think so,” Marie said, a serious expression on her face as she assessed the tents, sleeping bags and mattresses.
“Then let’s go.” Buck went first, carrying the tents, while the girls came down the stairs behind him, carrying whatever they could manage. When they got to the bottom they dumped their load and then scampered back up the stairs to fetch the rest.
“Stage one complete!” Marie’s excitement, which was incredibly contagious, grew further.
“How many stages are there?” Alicia asked as they stood looking at their haul.
“Five,” Marie said matter-of-factly.
“There you are.” Rhett appeared at the top of the stairs and strode along the hallway. Despite his red-rimmed eyes, he appeared happier. “Need a hand?”
“Yes, please,” Marie said.
“Are you okay?” Alicia asked with concern as she studied his face.
Rhett smiled weakly, his breath shuddering through his body. “I am now.”
“Good, because you need to show us how to put the tents up,” Alicia said, not pressing for any more information now that she knew he was okay.
They each grabbed what they could carry and took the camping gear downstairs and out into the yard. When it was all stacked neatly outside the kitchen door, Marie said, “Stage Two complete.”
“What’s the next stage?” Buck asked as Haley, Tiana and Mason came out to join them.
“We have to pitch the tents.” Marie pointed to a level area of the lawn. “Just there.”
“Let’s do it!” Haley grabbed one of the tent bags and picked it up with both hands. “That is heavier than it looks.”
“Want me to carry it?” Buck offered.
“Nope, I have it covered.” She half carried, half dragged it, while Mason picked up another of the bags and Buck carried the third. In no time the gear was spread out across the lawn and assembly began.
“That goes there,” Rhett said as he organized the group. They all worked hard. Buck was impressed by their communication skills and ability to work as a team. He shook his head ruefully. He was looking at them as if they were one of his construction teams.
“You all work well together,” Buck made the comment to Haley as they all grabbed a guide rope and began hammering tent pegs.
“We’ve been a strong collective for a while,” she informed him. “We’re both close to our kids, but our kids are close to each other, too. Rhett’s a star, he’s looked after the girls while I’ve worked, selflessly helped them with their homework when I had no clue.”
Haley stood back and looked at the newly erected tents as Marie said, “Stage Three complete.”
“What’s Stage Four?” Rhett asked as he accepted a drink of cold lemonade from Tiana.
“We have to get all the bedding inside, and all our stuff.” Marie began dragging the sleeping bags into the tents.
“And Stage Five?” Tiana asked.
“We sleep in them!” Marie’s face glowed with happiness, which was reflected in every person’s face.
“I never knew setting up a tent could be so much fun,” Buck confided in Haley as the adults retired toward the house to watch the kids play and finish off their camp.
“Didn’t you ever do this kind of thing as a kid?” Haley asked, leaning on his a
rm as they sat side by side on the grass.
He thought for a moment. “No, tents were not my parents’ thing. They preferred hotels and lodges. Roughing it was their idea of hell. But I’ve gotta say, I think they were wrong.”
“So you’ve never slept in a tent?” Haley asked in shock.
“Nope.” He shook his head and her eyes lit up with merriment.
“I’ve decided where we’re going to sleep tonight.” She grinned and turned around to face Tiana. “You have another tent, right?”
“Yes, it’s an old one and I don’t know if it leaks.”
“That’s okay, there’s no rain forecast for tonight.” Haley’s expression challenged him. “Are you game?” She pointed to the other end of the yard. “We could camp down here, so we don’t crash the kids’ campout.”
“This is a day of firsts.” Buck liked the idea of sleeping under the stars with Haley. Hell, he liked the idea of sleeping anywhere with Haley. Or not sleeping…
“You accept my challenge?” Haley asked.
“I do.” Buck grinned. “Do I have to put the tent up, too?”
“Yes, it’s a rite of passage,” Rhett said, patting Buck on the back. “But since we’ll be working together, I’ll give you a hand.”
“Thanks, Rhett.” Buck glanced at Mason who was laughing. “Can I persuade you to join us?”
“Oh no, I have to look after my very pregnant wife.” He slid his arm around Tiana’s shoulders.
“Now you’re using me as an excuse?” she asked in mock offense. “You won’t be sleeping in a tent, you’ll be sleeping in the doghouse.”
Mason rolled his eyes. “See what trouble you’ve gotten me into?”
“You can redeem yourself by having everything set up and organized while Haley and I are at work,” Tiana told her husband.
Haley looked at her watch and her eyes grew large. “I didn’t know it was that time.”
“You two go get ready, we can handle it from here,” Mason told his wife.
“I should hope so; three grown men should be able to set up a camp.” Tiana kissed Mason’s lips. “Thank you.”
Builder Bear Page 5
