by Marie Force
Chapter Twenty-Five
“He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan, carries a thread that will guide him through a labyrinth of the most busy life.”
—Victor Hugo
Landon took her home and stayed with her until she fell asleep. When he’d seen her car teetering between life and death, he’d nearly suffered a stroke. He should’ve gone back to the firehouse to sleep, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave her.
Richard had told him to take care of her but keep his radio handy because they were still shorthanded.
The poor girl had had way too many things to be upset about lately. Another near-death experience had been the last thing she’d needed when she was only just beginning to recover from the first one.
While she rested in his arms, Landon ran his fingers through her hair and caressed her back. He had a crick in his neck, and his left hand was falling asleep, but there was no way he was leaving her for even a minute.
“Landon?”
“I thought you were asleep.”
“Can’t sleep. My brain is racing.”
“I’m sure, but you’re okay. Everything is okay.”
“Keep telling me?”
“As long as it takes.”
“I’m so sorry to be a mess again. I feel like you’ve seen more of that than any other part of me.”
“I’ve seen all the best parts of you, and I love them all. I wouldn’t want you crying all over anyone but me.”
“You want to hear something about me that you don’t know?”
“I want to hear it all. Every single thing you want to tell me.”
“I’ve never had a best friend. I had lots of good friends, but never one that was just mine.”
“I was lucky to have one born with me.”
“You were, for sure.” She looked up at him, seeming madly vulnerable. “Is there room for another one?”
“Absolutely.”
“That’s good, because you’re the first best friend I’ve ever had.”
Nothing had ever touched him the way she did, and he was beginning to understand that nothing else—and no one else—ever would. “I’m honored to be your first best friend.” He kissed her forehead and shifted to get more comfortable. “Try to get some rest. We have a fun weekend ahead and so many good things to look forward to.”
Landon was relieved to feel her body relax and her breathing even out. His anxiety was still through the roof after seeing her car teetering on the edge of disaster. He tried to calm himself by counting his blessings. Someone had seen her and called for help. They’d gotten to her in time, and she was safe. But it would be a while before he’d get the image of her car on the edge of disaster out of his mind.
Nolan had towed the car into town and promised to fix it so she wouldn’t have to deal with the rental car company. He said he’d put Skeeter on it while they were in Boston, and it would be good as new by the time they returned.
He wasn’t sure he’d be able to sleep, so he was surprised to wake up to sun streaming through the windows. Remembering that today was the day they were heading to Boston and he had four days off to enjoy with Amanda put him in a good mood to start the day. He got up to make coffee and brought hers back to bed. “Rise and shine, sleepyhead.”
Her eyes fluttered open and connected with his, the impact like a punch to the gut. For the rest of his life, he would marvel at how he felt when she looked at him like he personally hung the moon just for her. She made him feel like Superman, Batman and Spider-Man all rolled into one potent superhero who was born to love her and only her.
She sat up and accepted the coffee mug from him. “Thank you.”
“You slept good?”
“Really good. You?”
“Surprisingly well, all things considered.”
“You mean after having to rescue your girlfriend, or whatever I am, from the edge of disaster?”
“Yes, and you’re most definitely my girlfriend.” He leaned in to kiss her, and she turned away.
“Not when I have morning coffee breath!”
“I don’t care.”
“I do!” She put down the mug, got out of bed and went into the bathroom, where she made a big production out of brushing her teeth. When she returned to the bed, she crawled toward him on her hands and knees and kissed him.
Landon pounced, rolling her under him and making her scream with laughter as he kissed her neck and all her ticklish spots.
“I surrender,” she said, gasping for air.
“Morning.”
She looked up at him, her expression open and approachable and trusting, all things that had taken time for her to give him. “Morning.”
“I like making you laugh.”
“I’m not sure anyone else could make me laugh after what happened last night.” She shuddered.
“Don’t think about it. It’s over and done with. Everything is fine.”
“I was so afraid I’d die before I got to see Stella and to tell you how I feel about you.”
“Tell me again. I’m not sure I remember.”
She smiled. “You do, too.”
He shook his head. “I can’t recall.”
“I love you, Landon Abbott.”
“I love you, too, Amanda Pressley.”
“I don’t know your middle name.”
“Matthew. What’s yours?”
“Elizabeth.”
“I like that.”
“I like you.” She cupped his face and brought him down for another kiss. “Make love to me, Landon.”
“I can’t think of anything I’d rather do.”
* * *
They were the last ones to arrive at the store to meet the bus that would take them to Boston. Amanda was greeted by hugs from every member of the Abbott family, or so it seemed, each of them expressing concern and gratitude that she was all right after the accident.
“Now we have something else in common, besides dating identical twins,” Dani said when she took her turn to hug Amanda.
“I’d rather not have that in common,” Amanda said as she held out a finger to Savannah.
The baby grabbed hold and squeezed. It amazed and delighted her to realize that she’d get to see Savannah and Caden and Callie grow up.
“I know, right? Scary business. We’re so glad you’re okay.”
“Thank you. I guess we both have a lot to learn about driving in Vermont.”
“For sure.”
Elmer stepped up to hug her.
“I’m fine,” she told him. “I promise. I was just a little shaken up.”
“Mud can be as slippery as ice sometimes,” Elmer said.
“I found that out.”
He kissed her cheek. “We’re just glad you’re all right, sweetheart.”
“Thanks for all the concern.”
“All right, everyone,” Lincoln said, clapping his hands to get their attention. “All aboard for Boston!”
Suitcases were stashed in the luggage compartment as the family lined up to get on the bus, amid laughter, joking, jostling, line cutting and other shenanigans as they made their way onto the bus.
“Welcome to the ultimate Abbott family shitshow,” Landon said, speaking so only Amanda could hear him.
She glanced over her shoulder at him. “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had in my entire life.”
He hugged her from behind. “I’m seeing it in a new light through your eyes.”
“You can’t possibly know how lucky you are, because you’ve never been without the shitshow.”
“Whatever you’re about to witness at the hands of the rolling shitshow, promise you won’t hold it against me or change your mind about me.”
“I promise,” she said, smiling back at him. “Nothing could change my mind about you.”
“Don’t be so sure. Three hours on a bus with my entire family is apt to have you running for your life.”
“No way.”
They end
ed up sitting across from Will and Cameron, who’d blossomed into nearly full-term pregnancy in the last few days, or so it seemed.
“How’re you feeling?” Landon asked her.
“Like a whale.”
“Most beautiful whale I’ve ever seen,” Will said.
“He has to say that. He did this to me.”
Izzy sat in front of them with a blond man Amanda hadn’t met.
“Amanda, this is my cousin Noah,” Landon said. “He’s the one rebuilding the inn.”
“Oh, nice to meet you,” she said.
“You, too.”
He didn’t seem too thrilled to be on the bus.
Landon leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Long story. Will tell you later.” He pointed to the older couple getting on the bus. “That’s my aunt Hannah and her…”
“Boyfriend,” Izzy said of the man with her mother.
“Okay, then,” Landon said. “Ray Mulvaney. He’s Lucy and Emma’s dad.”
“Oh, so they met through your family, then?”
“Yep. So it went like this… Cameron came from New York City to Butler to build the website.”
“And crashed into Fred,” Cameron said. “I like to get that out there, because if I don’t say it, someone else will.”
“She’s known in Butler as the girl who hit Fred,” Will added.
“Got it,” Amanda said, amused.
“Then Lucy came to Butler to help me,” Cameron said, “and met Colton. Emma and Simone came for Christmas and Hunter and Megan’s wedding and met Grayson. With Lucy, Emma and Simone moving to Vermont, Ray, who was widowed, decided to come, too, and now he’s dating Aunt Hannah.”
“Who’d been alone for twenty years,” Landon added. “See what happens when people come to Butler?”
“I’m seeing it,” Amanda said.
“And then there’s my dad,” Cameron added, “who met Mary when he came for my wedding.”
“Are they coming this weekend?” Landon asked.
“Absolutely. They said they wouldn’t miss it for anything. They’re flying to Boston from Paris.”
“I’m going to Paris.”
Landon stared at her. “You are?”
“Yes, in July.”
“When did that happen?”
“During the meltdown after the fire when it occurred to me that I’ve never been to Europe.”
“Can I come?”
“You want to?”
“Hell yes.”
Amanda smiled. “Then I guess we’re going to Paris.”
“You’re sure you don’t mind?”
“Of course not. I’d love it.”
“Holy crap,” Landon said, grinning. “I’m going to Paris.”
“Listen up, everyone,” Linc said from the front of the bus. “We’re in for a treat on our ride to Boston. Izzy has put together a slide show from the catalog shoot this week. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see all our models at work.”
Lots of groans and “no, thanks” comments followed his announcement.
“Izzy assures me the shoot went great, and you’re all going to be stars.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Amanda said.
“Awesome,” Will said.
“If everyone would close the shades on the windows, we’ll be able to see the slide show better.”
“What if we don’t want to see it?” Hunter asked.
“You’ll love it,” Izzy said.
“Without further ado, let’s get this bus rolling,” Linc said.
Ella and Charley had brought snacks, Hannah had drinks, Colton provided maple candy, and Izzy had supplied the entertainment. The minute the bus was out of the store parking lot and on the road to Boston, the screen at the front was lowered, and the slide show began with baby Callie.
“Ohhhhh,” Hannah said. “Look at my sweet girl!”
Next came Caden, and then the two babies together.
“She’s easing us in,” Colton said. “Her strategy is to soften us with the babies.”
“You found me out, cousin,” Izzy said.
Elmer’s smiling face came on the screen as he sported a red flannel shirt and matching down vest.
“Sexy!” Lucas said.
“You know it, boy,” Elmer said.
“You’re going to have every widow lady in New England flocking to Butler looking for the guy in red flannel, Dad,” Hannah Coleman said.
“Aw, shucks. I don’t know about that.”
Molly was next, wearing an oatmeal-colored sweater. Izzy had captured her so perfectly as she looked over her shoulder, an impish expression on her face and her hair down around her shoulders.
“Look at that hot mama,” Linc said to groans from his children. “Sexiest model I’ve ever seen.”
He was next, sporting a tweed sport coat.
“Speaking of sexy,” Molly said with a growl. “Meow.”
“Ew,” Hunter said. “Gross.”
“Nothing gross about it,” Molly said to her oldest son.
“I think I’d rather walk to Boston,” Hunter said.
“Take me with you, brother,” Will said.
“How did we raise such prudes, Linc?” Molly asked.
“Been asking myself that a lot since Amanda and the toys came to town.”
Cameron leaned across the aisle. “I may be the girl who hit Fred, but you’re always gonna be the girl who brought the sex toys.”
“Oh joy,” Amanda said, laughing.
Photos of Hunter, Megan, Will, Cameron, Colton, Lucy, Max, Wade, Mia, Grayson and Emma followed in rapid succession, all of them wearing clothes that would be for sale in the catalog. Izzy had gotten beautiful pictures of each couple in addition to their individual shots.
“I want a copy of that,” Hannah said of the photo of her, Nolan and Callie.
“I can hook you up,” Izzy said.
Even Simone had been included, to her delight. “Check me out!”
“Cutest model of them all,” Grayson said.
“We couldn’t have paid for better-looking models,” Elmer said.
The group went crazy with laughter, hoots and whistles when Colton appeared wearing long underwear.
“Now that’s sexy,” Lucy said to more laughter.
Izzy had included some hilarious outtakes, including Colton flashing his rear end through the trap door in a union suit, Max vamping for the camera and Wade looking exquisitely uncomfortable as a model.
Dani and Savannah came next, wearing matching flannel nightgowns.
“Aw, look at my girls,” Lucas said. “Aren’t they beautiful?”
“They sure are, son,” Elmer said. “And don’t think you escaped the modeling. Izzy’s got you on the schedule after we get back from Boston.”
“Fabulous,” Lucas said with a decided lack of enthusiasm.
“No one gets out of this one, bro,” Landon said in the second before his picture appeared on the screen, making him groan.
“Now that right there is the sexiest thing I’ve seen yet,” Lucas said.
“Me, too,” Amanda said, drawing more groans and laughter.
Landon flashed her a dopey grin. “Thanks, babe.”
She was next, and Landon whistled. “The winner for sexiest model goes to my girl!”
She buried her face in his chest. “Stop.”
He put his arm around her. “I’ll never stop.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Love is patient, love is kind.”
—1 Corinthians 13:4
Mia’s dad, Cabot Lodge, had put them up at the Four Seasons, just down the street from Fenway Park, where the Abbotts hosted a rehearsal dinner in Cabot’s skybox.
Amanda had never laughed so much that her sides ached until she spent a full day with the Abbott family as well as their Coleman cousins, their wonderful grandfather, extended family and friends. At the game, she met Landon’s cousins Vanessa, Jackson, Henry, Sarah and Ally Coleman, all of whom lived in Boston.
> Also in attendance was Mia’s father’s family, including his sister, two brothers and their children, some of whom Mia was meeting for the first time.
Before the Red Sox took the field against the Yankees, the eighteen Abbott and Coleman cousins surrounded their beaming grandfather and posed for a photo that Cameron took using Izzy’s camera. Seeing them all together gave Amanda an up-close look at what Landon’s childhood had been like surrounded by siblings and cousins.
“They’re a good-looking group, if I do say so myself,” Molly said as she slipped an arm around Amanda to watch the photo shenanigans unfold.
“They certainly are.”
“My father loves having them all together like this.”
“Is it okay to admit that not only have I fallen for your son, but I’ve also fallen madly in love with your father, too?”
Molly smiled. “Totally okay and completely understandable. I hit the daddy jackpot with that man, and I know it.”
“He’s the best.”
“Yes, he is.” After a pause, Molly said, “So you’ve fallen for my son, have you?”
“Completely.” Amanda found him in the crowd, the handsomest one in a group of stunningly good-looking men.
“That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.”
“I’m glad you think so.”
“We all do, honey. Everyone is talking about how happy he is with you. We’ve never seen him like this.”
Molly’s approval meant so much to her. “You heard about my daughter?”
“I did, and I’m so happy for you to have her in your life, although the circumstances are heartbreaking.”
“They are, and it’s hard to temper my excitement about being with her while keeping in mind what she and her mother are going through.”
“Of course it is, but it’s okay to be excited about your part of it.”
“Is it really?”
“It is. Anyone would be. Think of what Cabot withstood for more than twenty years of searching for his daughter.”
Amanda shifted her gaze to Mia’s dad, who beamed with unbridled happiness as he interacted with his daughter and her guests.
“He could be so bitter, but he’s just pure love and gratitude. I admire that so much.”
