“I thought you’d be happy for me.”
“Did I say I’m not? I’m only suggesting that this is a bit—”
“What?” Jane crossed her arms over her chest, tilting her chin stubbornly.
“Surprising. He seems…nice but give me a chance to catch my breath. Okay?”
Jane dropped her arms. “Do you really mean it? You’ll give him a chance?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
“He’s not like other boys my age. I know the rings and tats—”
“Don’t bother me. I am concerned with you rushing things.”
“Don’t worry. Can we go back into the kitchen?”
When they stepped in, Jonesy and Rusty were talking about World War one. He had to have the same conversation with everyone he met. About the planes, bombs and POWs. Jonesy seemed genuinely interested.
Jane stepped up behind Jonesy’s chair and hugged him tightly. “We’ve already stuck our things in the guest room, Mom.”
Mindy cleared her throat. “Jane, you’ll be sleeping in my room and Jonesy you’ll be in the guest bedroom. I’m sure Jane can show you around tomorrow. Right, Jane?”
Receiving a disgruntled look, Mindy waited anxiously for Jane’s argument. Mindy was more than willing to give the new boyfriend a chance, but she wasn’t ready to welcome him into her daughter’s bed. Not this soon.
“Fine. Come on, Jonesy. Let’s get settled in.”
Once she was alone with her daddy, Mindy turned to him, tapping the toe of her shoe lightly. “You could have said something to me.”
“How was I supposed to do that?” He lifted his hands in a gesture of innocence.
“Call. Text. Send smoke signals. You certainly found a way of getting ahold of me when I was a teenager and I was late getting home.” She opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle of water. Hearing his laughter, she turned to him. “I’m glad you think this is funny.”
“Remember all those nights I stayed up worrying about you? It’s about time I can sit back and watch as you learn what it’s like.” His grey eyes sparkled.
“Daddy, I was a good kid. You didn’t have to worry. Just as Jane is a good girl and I don’t have to worry, much. Although it does seem a little quick, don’t you think?”
Rusty shrugged a shoulder. “You never listened to me. I tried to tell you about Branch and you thought he hung the moon and stars.”
“No, I thought Creed hung the moon and stars,” she corrected him.
“A parent always sees things differently. I always liked Creed, thought he was a good boy, but I saw that fire in your eyes when he was around. Reminded me a lot of the fire your mama and I had when we first met. That scares a parent.” He stood, walked over to her and kissed her on top of the head. “Looks like Jane might just have that same fire. You’ll get through this. Might get some new greys, but you’ll get through it.” He strolled from the kitchen, his laughter fading in his distance.
“You’re wrong. I don’t already have greys.” She glanced at herself in the reflection of the stainless refrigerator.
Chapter Eighteen
CREED HAD JUST tossed the empty pizza box into the trashcan when he heard a soft knock. His heart kicked up in speed. Could it be Mindy?
Strolling through the house he pulled open the door and his smile dropped faster than the rain in Montana.
“Are you going to just stand there and stare or are you going to invite me in?”
After finally catching his breath, he frowned. This was the last person he expected to see on his doorstep, or in Cooper’s Hawk. “What are you doing here, Mel?”
She gave a careless laugh that got stuck in her throat. “Nice to see you too, Creed.” Melody had always taken care of herself. He couldn’t deny she hadn’t aged any and still looked as beautiful as ever, but he was grateful he didn’t feel anything but anger and disgust at seeing her now. Those penetrating pale blues used to work him with magical wonder, but now they only worked up the bile into his throat. “You’re really not going to invite me in?” she huffed, pursing crimson red lips that had obviously been on the receiving end of a few needles.
He stepped out onto the porch and closed the door behind him. “What are you doing here?”
Her mouth twisted. “I’m here to see my daughter. Do I need any other reason?” One thin brow popped up.
“Haven’t you heard of calling first?” Although he wanted to be happy that Melody was here to visit with Livvy, another part of him, the part that had been blindsided enough to know better, worried about Melody’s intentions.
“Are you trying to say I have to schedule an appointment to visit?”
“Didn’t you just tell me on the phone the other day that you were too busy to see Livvy?” He kept his voice lowered.
She gave a throaty sigh. “I got cut from the show. It appears the producer has no idea how to work with real talent.” She tugged at the hem of her gauzy shirt. She looked completely out of place in the tight skirt and tall heels with the background of fields. “I flew all this way. Rented a car. Did I do that for nothing?”
As much as it panged him, he couldn’t deny that Livvy would want to see her. Sending her away until he had a chance to speak to his daughter wouldn’t be the best effort on his part. Opening the door, he stepped back to let Mel pass. He caught a lungful of her sweet scent. That was her signature fragrance, the same one that
