Enchanted Enough, page 5
“There isn’t anything I can’t take care of while I’m here.”
“You didn’t do the reports I asked you to do.”
“Gramps, it’s Friday. You don’t need them until next week. Here’s a crazy idea: Why don’t you leave the office so poor Shelly can go home? Leave her alone for the weekend and just take a few days off.”
He laughed. “I’ll have you know I pay her enough money for her inconvenience.”
“I’m sure you do, but at some point, hopefully you’ll realize that work isn’t everything.”
Mumbling under his breath, he sighed. “When will you be back?”
“I’m not sure yet. Like I said, I can do any work that I need to do from here, but I did take two weeks of vacation, so after these reports, you shouldn’t need anything from me.”
“Vacation?”
Sighing, I replied, “Yeah, it’s this thing people do where they walk away from their jobs for a few days, or weeks, to enjoy life. You really should try it sometime.”
“You don’t actually think you’re being funny right now, do you?”
Rolling my eyes, I sighed again. “Gramps, it’s been a long day, and I’m going to take a shower and go to bed.”
“I’ll expect those reports first thing Monday morning. Be sure and check in with me.”
My eyes closed as I said, “Have a good weekend, Gramps.”
“Good luck with the brood. Talk to you Monday.”
And just like that, he hung up, leaving me staring at the floor. Tossing the phone onto the bed, I looked toward the sky. “Nothing is the same with you gone. I don’t even know what happiness is anymore, Mom…and I’m not sure I ever will again.”
Chapter Five
AVERY
I stared at the ceiling as I tried to fall asleep. My mind spun with everything that had happened today. I should have been exhausted from the long days of traveling, and I was tired. I just couldn’t fall asleep.
Rolling over, I grabbed my phone and pulled up my music app. After hitting the Taylor Swift playlist, I lay back down and closed my eyes.
Two minutes later, I opened my eyes again.
“Shit,” I sighed as I turned and punched my pillow a few times. Rolling to my side, I drew in a deep breath and slowly let it out.
After another ten minutes of failed breathing exercises, I gave up and got out of bed. Pulling on a sweatshirt, I made my way downstairs and to the kitchen.
“Dad?”
My father was sitting at the large kitchen island. He glanced up and smiled. “Couldn’t sleep either, huh?”
With a shake of my head, I opened the refrigerator and took out the milk. “I think I’m so tired—and jet-lagged—that I can’t fall asleep. Does that make sense?”
He nodded. “I’ve been there a time or two.”
I poured myself a glass and returned the carton to the refrigerator. Setting the glass down on the island, I reached over and took one of the cookies my dad was eating. “What’s keeping you up?”
“Beck.”
Letting out a long breath, I slid onto a stool. “I probably shouldn’t have brought him to the house like that. I’m sorry.”
“No, that doesn’t bother me. It was one hell of a shock, though.”
“Imagine how I felt on the plane when it dawned on me who he was. It was suddenly like I was looking at all my uncles, with those blue eyes of his.”
He slowly shook his head. “The second I looked at him, my breath caught in my throat. I can’t even begin to tell you how much he looks like Beck. It’s…eerie.”
“Do you think Stella and Ty will be okay?”
Reaching for my hand, he said, “Honey, you can keep calling them Grams and Grandpa.”
“I know; it just feels different. I don’t know how to explain it. I almost feel guilty for growing up with them and calling them that, when Beck didn’t get that chance.”
He nodded. “That’s not your fault, though.”
Turning the glass of milk in circles, I replied, “I know that.” Looking up at him, I asked, “Why do you think his mother never reached out? She knew who Uncle Beck’s parents were.”
“I’m not sure. Maybe she felt awkward because no one in the family knew about her. Imagine being in her shoes. Pregnant with a baby whose father just died. She probably didn’t want them to think she wanted anything from them. I can’t imagine it had been an easy decision for her to make.”
“That, and her father was against the relationship.”
“I wonder why.”
Chewing on my lower lip, I leaned in like I was telling a secret. “Don’t tell anyone else this, because I think Beck doesn’t want to make his grandfather seem like an asshole.”
The corner of my father’s mouth twitched with a hidden smile. “Avery, don’t call him that.”
“Well, he is one, from the little I’ve heard about him from Beck. He assumed Uncle Beck was after the family money. He didn’t care that his daughter was in love, he cared about his money and her maybe leaving Texas. I kind of wonder if him being in the Marines played a part as well.”
His brows rose. “I don’t guess that’s too far-fetched. He probably didn’t want her to be a military wife. I imagine that’s a pretty tough life.”
“But Uncle Beck was getting out of the Marines. I think he was getting out for her. I don’t know, it just bugs me for some reason. I googled Beck’s grandfather. Beck wasn’t kidding when he said he was wealthy.”
I neglected to tell my father that I’d googled Beck first. I hadn’t found a whole lot, but there were a few charity functions Beck had attended. I also noticed the same woman was on his arm in all the photos. The fact that I’d become irrationally jealous of this stranger hadn’t sat well with me. I wasn’t a jealous person by nature.
My father drew in a breath then said, “I think he was getting out for her as well. He always made it seem like he would be in for life, and then suddenly he told everyone he wasn’t re-enlisting. He wanted to come home and work the ranch. I’m sure Beck’s mother had something to do with that. And I also googled the family. Wealthy doesn’t even begin to describe them.”
Sighing, I pushed my glass away and looked at my father. “Dad, how do you think everyone is going to react when they meet Beck? I know I haven’t even known him for a full day, but I feel… I don’t know how I feel. Protective of him, maybe? His story broke my heart, and at first I was so excited for him to meet everyone, but now I’m worried.”
He frowned. “What are you worried about?”
Chewing on my lip, I said, “I don’t know. I know Grams and Grandpa, and they both have hearts of gold. No one in that family would ever turn Beck away, but…will he bring too many sad memories with him? Does that make sense? Will it cause Grams and Grandpa pain to meet Beck?”
My father reached out and took my hand in his. “I love that you’re worried about the impact Beck could have on the family, but I promise you, angel, he will bring more happiness than he does sadness. I’m sure he’s probably lying in bed right now, having the same thoughts. Wondering if he should have even come, or if he should have left well enough alone. That’s a hard call for anyone to make. But I know deep in my heart that if Stella and Ty had any idea Beck had a child out there, they would want to know him. Love him. Bring him into the family.”
I nodded. “How do you think Beck is going to handle it all?”
He laughed. “He’s going to be overwhelmed, there’s no doubt about it. But let’s look at you and Bradly. Have you ever felt anything other than loved when you’re with the Shaw gang?”
“No, not once. Even at Christmas, Grams and Grandpa always made sure Bradly and I had gifts like the rest of the grandkids. I just wonder if they’re going to feel sad when they see Beck, I guess.”
“Sure, they’ll be sad, especially since that boy looks so much like his daddy. It’s unreal, looking at him.”
“Well, I guess we’ll find out how things go tomorrow,” I said as I stood and took both of our glasses and rinsed them out in the sink before placing them in the dishwasher.
My father stood and crossed his arms over his chest. “You seem to be very invested in this, Avery.”
“It’s hard not to be, Dad. When I found out who he was, I was so shocked. I just decided right then and there I needed to help him.”
“I’m glad you did, and I’m sure there was a reason you were seated next to him on that plane. I just want you to remember a few things.”
“What’s that?” I asked.
“Beck lives in Texas. We don’t know how long he’ll be here…and he’s quite a bit older than you are.”
My mouth fell open as I stared at my father. “What are you trying to say?”
He shrugged. “I’m not saying anything.”
It was my turn to fold my arms over my chest. “Are you warning me off of him, Dad?”
Waving me off, he started out of the kitchen. “Don’t be silly. The second I did that, you’d want to date him.”
“I never said I wanted to date him. My gosh, I just met him!”
Before he turned the corner to head to his room, he looked at me and grinned. “Avery, I was young once, too, and trust me, the way he was looking at you, and you were looking at him… Well. I’ll just leave it at that.”
I started to say something, but he disappeared. I huffed. “I wasn’t looking at him in any way.”
The voice inside me let out a cackle of laughter as she said, Liar.
“You’re beautiful no matter how long you stare at yourself in the mirror.”
Looking up, I saw my mother’s reflection behind me. “You have to say that. You’re my mother.”
She walked in and leaned over to pick up one of the ten dresses I’d tried on and decided were a no for tonight’s dinner.
“Says the young woman who was walking runways in Paris.”
Smiling, I turned back to the mirror and looked at the blue dress I had on. It made my eyes pop even more than normal. “Does this dress look okay?”
She walked up and rested her chin on my shoulder. My mother was beautiful, and looked like she was in her early thirties, not her mid-forties. Her turquoise eyes matched mine, and her light brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail. We looked like sisters.
“How do you not age?” I asked.
Laughing, she said, “Look closer. You’ll see the beginning signs of age. And that dress is stunning on you. Are we dressing to impress someone?”
I felt my cheeks heat. “No. Why would you say that?”
She shrugged and picked up another dress and placed it on the bed. “You don’t normally dress up when we go have dinner with family.”
“I’m not dressing up. It’s just a simple dress.”
Her eyes lifted and met mine. “It’s a little cold for a dress, don’t you think?”
Glancing out the window, I saw snow lightly falling. I let out a long exhale. “You’re right. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Jeans and a sweater will be better.”
Mom nodded and sat down on the bed. “Avery?”
“Yeah?” I asked as I walked into my closet, my arms behind my back, trying to undo the zipper.
“Do you like Beck?”
Letting out a half-laugh, half-choking sound, I called out, “I hardly know him, Mom. I mean, I think he’s hot. Who wouldn’t, though? Have you seen him?”
“I have, and yes, he’s quite handsome. He is also a bit older than you.”
I pulled on some jeans, then grabbed a sweater as I walked back into my bedroom. I wasn’t the least bit shy after dressing and undressing in front of all kinds of people, thanks to my time in Paris. And it wasn’t like my mother had never seen me in a bra before.
“Would you be having this conversation with Bradly if the roles were reversed?”
She thought for a moment. “I’m not sure. I’d like to think I would be.”
Pulling the sweater over my head, I gave my mother a really look. “You wouldn’t. The only reason you’re having it with me is because Daddy must have said something to you about how I looked at Beck.” I used air quotes around looked.
To her benefit, she fought a smile.
Pointing to her, I said, “See! He did talk to you, didn’t he?”
“Yes,” she said with a small nod. “He spoke to me. You don’t know how hard it was for him while you were in France, Avery. Now that you’re home, he feels like he needs to protect you.”
“From Beck?” I asked. “What makes either of you think that Beck would look at me as anything other than a friend?”
She gave a one-shoulder shrug, and I could tell she wanted to say something, but instead, she pressed her lips together tightly.
“You and Dad have nothing to worry about, Mom. I highly doubt a guy like Beck would even look twice at me like that.”
“What do you mean? Avery, you’re beautiful both inside and out. And you’re much more mature than most women your age.”
I tilted my head as my hands went to my hips. “Less than a minute ago, you were basically trying to warn me away from those kinds of feelings. Make up your mind, Mom.”
She rolled her eyes and stood. “I’m going to go change. Your father and Beck should be back soon.”
My heart dropped to my stomach, and I nearly tripped over my own tongue. “What? Beck arrived? And he’s with Dad?”
She nodded. “Your father offered to show him around the ranch, since we have time before we need to leave.”
Forcing myself to stay put, I attempted to play off my sudden nerves. “Oh, that’s nice. Is Bradly with them as well?”
“I think so. If you don’t mind, sweetheart, I’ve got some brownies in the oven I was going to take with us. Will you please take them out,” she glanced at her watch, “in maybe five minutes?”
“Sure, I don’t mind at all.”
Turning back to my dressing table, I grabbed a tie and pulled my hair up into a ponytail. I took one last look at my face and decided I liked the less-makeup approach. I had mascara on, a touch of blush, and some light pink lipstick. After all the months of having loads of makeup on my face, it was nice to let my skin breathe.
Slipping on some boots—since it was winter, after all—I grabbed a coat and headed downstairs and into the kitchen.
“Mackenzie! I didn’t know you and Bradly were joining us for dinner.”
She turned and grinned. “Bradly said he wasn’t going to miss this dinner for his life.”
I rolled my eyes. “You don’t think it will be too much of a shock to Grams and Grandpa, do you?”
Mackenzie shook her head. “I think this is going to bring a different kind of happiness to Stella and Ty Senior, I really do.”
I let out a breath. “I’m nervous for Beck.”
Reaching for my hand, she gave it a light squeeze. “It’s going to be okay. He really seems like a great guy. I think your dad really likes him.”
“Yeah?” I asked. “What makes you say that?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe it’s because he reminds him of Beck—the older Beck—and he brings back good memories. I’m not sure. He was so happy when Beck started asking questions about the ranch. Bradly suggested they all jump in the truck and take a quick mini tour.”
“From what he told me on the plane ride, he loves spending time at his family’s ranch in Texas. He said he would rather be there than at the office, working for his grandfather. I guess ranching is in his blood.”
Mackenzie’s cheeks suddenly turned a soft shade of pink as she looked away. “Okay, I hate to admit this to you, but…I googled him last night. Do you realize how wealthy his family is in Texas? I mean, gas, oil, cattle, real estate—it’s insane!”
“Don’t feel bad, I did the same thing. I guess, in a way, I can’t blame Beck’s grandfather for worrying about who dated his daughter. I don’t think Uncle Beck ever told his girlfriend that he came from a wealthy family himself. I wonder if that would have changed her father’s mind?”
Mackenzie gave a one-shoulder shrug. “We’ll never know.”
“Yeah, I think that’s the saddest part of all. I can’t imagine growing up and not really knowing much about my father.” I looked up and met Mackenzie’s eyes. “Oh—I’m so sorry, Mackenzie. That was so selfish of me to say that.”
She gave me a warm smile. “You don’t have to apologize. I knew my father and have fond memories of him. I know my life and Emily’s would have been completely different. But that isn’t the way things worked out. Speaking of Emily, have you two talked about your business venture?”
“Not yet. I sent her a text. Since she’s still in New York, we’re going to try to meet up for zoom lunch next weekend with my mother and father to talk about when we can start planting. I’m so excited, though. Blayze set up a meeting for me with their tech guy at the community center on Monday. He’s going to talk to me about building a website and social media and all of that. I asked Emily if she wanted me to wait for her to get here, but she told me she was fine with me getting things rolling.”
“That’s wonderful, Avery. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you! I can’t wait for Emily to get here! We both want to start planting all the flowers!”
“You know I’m here to help with whatever you need.”
“I’m going to take you up on that. It’s not every day your brother’s girlfriend is an expert in growing all the things.”
She laughed.
The back door opened, and my father walked into the kitchen first, followed by my brother and, finally, Beck. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him. His brown hair looked like he’d run his fingers through it a number of times. And when his blue eyes looked up and met mine, I felt my knees go weak.
Oh dear. You are falling, Avery…you are falling.
“Hi,” Beck greeted, walking over and kissing me lightly on the cheek. “You look beautiful.”
I glanced down at the jeans and sweater I had on, then back up at him. “Thanks. You look…” Feeling the heavy gazes of my father, brother, and Mackenzie, I finished, “Great. It looks like you’re ready to meet your family.”
