Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

BECCA

Travis drove his SUV out toward the family farm. Each mile that passed was a strange combination of feelings, torn between ‘coming home’ and ‘here we go’ thoughts. As they exited off the highway onto the farm road that led directly through Yonder and bordering Ember Creek, she felt him touch her hand.

“Hey,” he said quietly. “Are you okay over there? You’ve been quiet for the last half hour.”

“Just thinking,” she admitted and hesitated, looking at him. “I’m excited about seeing everyone but also scared. Does that make sense? I mean, it’s a big farm, and my oldest brother was handling the load, but it also made him awfully prickly sometimes.”

“And you’re worried he’ll snap or say something?”

“Maybe? I don’t know,” she said nervously, chewing on her lip. “Then there’s Matthew. You’ll love him. In fact, everyone does… a little too much. He’s probably kissed half the women in town and slept with a third of them. I’m mortified to admit it, but my brother Matthew is the village bike – just don’t tell him I said that.”

Becca rubbed her forehead and heard Travis’ laugh, sliding a look toward him before continuing. “Toni is a sweetheart and a bit of a firecracker, but I’m sure that’s because she’s the one that usually ends up gett ing designated to tell Jason when something is wrong. My youngest brother, Luke, is the baby.”

“How old is he? Is there a big gap between your ages?”

“Luke’s twenty-three,” she chuckled. “He’s three years younger than me, but the poor guy is always going to be called ‘the baby’ in our group cause he’s the youngest.”

“They sound perfectly normal, so what are you worried about?”

“That we won’t fit in with them, or Jason will be venting about something making me feel guilty, or even…”

“Whoaaa, Becca,” he chuckled, pulling over on the side of the road and looking at her. “This is your family, and they are important to you – which is why this means a lot. Let’s go into this with no expectations and just enjoy the day. If it’s too much, we can claim I have a practice to get to and leave. Nothing says we have to stay the whole weekend, especially if you aren’t enjoying yourself.”

Becca smiled warily, nodded, and then looked away.

“What?” he prompted, giving her hand a slight squeeze. “What was that look for?”

“I grew up here. I love it here. Have you ever thought that maybe you might hate them? Or that I might not want to leave? I know that singular thought has kept me from visiting as much as I probably should have…”

His silence made her look at him finally, expecting to see that he was upset or disturbed – but instead, Travis almost looked happy at her words.

“Are you ready to get rid of me or something? What’s that look for?”

“No,” he smiled. “But if your thoughts lean in the direction of staying or coming back home, I hope you’ll tell me. I would never tell you ‘No,’ but instead, I’d rather talk about how it would affect us. I just want you to be happy – with me.”

And Becca looked past him, hesitating. They were going to miss their turn if he didn’t slow down, she realized as the farm road was coming up qu ickly. Instead of commenting on what he’d just said, she decided to let sleeping dogs lie because that might be nothing or a conversation for another time. Instead, she pointed.

“Slow down and turn up ahead. We’re almost here.”

Travis did as she said, pulling onto the road – and Becca sighed. Rolling down her window, the wind whipped her hair as she looked out on the barbwire fence running the length of the road. The grass was waving slightly in the breeze, welcoming her home.

She could see the pecan grove in the distance where they used to take empty grocery bags and pick them up all day long before sitting around the kitchen table cracking them. Those memories as children, remembering the laughter, the smiles, the way they all seemed to get along before either of her parents died seemed so long ago and brought tears to her eyes.

It had been nearly a year since she’d made the drive out this way – and it was too much lost time between them. Smiling tearfully, she glanced at Travis, who simply held out a hand to her, steering with one hand as she pointed in the distance.

“That’s the old barn, and the newer one is quite a ways further near the house…”

“Y’all have two barns?”

“Two barns, stables, a pasture, outbuildings… everything,” she said softly in an emotional voice. “My family holds a lot of land and livestock, and contributes quite a bit to charity anonymously – or at least they used to before Daddy passed away.”

As they continued down the road, she finally saw the arch over the simple driveway with Bar-B brand in wrought iron that was branded on the cattle. She and Toni used to joke that they were ‘Barbie girls,’ and the song was all about them. Matthew would laugh when Luke was little, saying that he wanted to be Barbie girl too – which immediately made Jason frown, telling them all to quit being stupid.

“Turn into the next driveway,” she ordered quietly and heard Travis chuckle, glancing at him. “What? ”

“Becca, it’s the only driveway I see for miles.”

“Oh, yeah,” Becca smiled proudly, laughing. “I suppose it is.” Looking back over, she squeezed Travis’ hand and pointed excitedly. “Oh, I see Toni! She’s on the horse headed to the house…” and released his hand, she unbuckled the seatbelt, before leaning precariously out the window, waving with both hands. “TONI! TONI… HELLOOOO!”

“Becca, honey, get back in the car,” Travis said warily, reaching over and hooking his hand in her pocket to keep her from falling out – not that she minded.

All of this, being home, seeing her sister, knowing she was moments from seeing her family, the feel of his hand – all of it was so intense and overwhelming. Her heart was fluttering wildly in her chest and tears sprang forth as she saw Matthew step out onto the front porch, followed by Luke, then Jason.

“Becca, I’m scared you’ll fall, or we’ll hit a mailbox… well, I guess there aren’t any mailboxes out here, but please! – You are giving me heart failure, and I’ve got to make a right turn onto the driveway.”

She waved happily and then slid back into the vehicle, looking at Travis and feeling alive like never before. He slowed down, looking at her like he was seeing her for the first time. His eyes were full of wonder and emotion, and a smile touched his lips as she chuckled, wiping her eyes.

“Travis, I’m home…”

“I see that – and I’m so happy for you.”

Becca launched herself at him, hugging him wildly around the shoulders and neck, kissing his forehead happily and laughing. She was so ecstatic and thrilled, needing to share this feeling with someone, and she heard his easy laugh as he hugged her back with one arm, coming to a stop almost in front of the driveway.

“What are you doing?” she chuckled, rearing back and meeting his eyes.

“I can’t drive safely, if I can’t see – and I don’t want to let go,” he grinned. “ Anytime you wanna throw yourself at me, everything else comes to a screeching halt… just like my heart.”

“You are so sweet,” she said tenderly, feeling such an overwhelming abundance of emotion within her as she gazed at him. “Let’s go,” she urged, smiling. “They’re going to be watching.”

“Are you staying in the car and not hanging out the window this time?”

“I promise – and I guarantee my family will love you.”

“How’s that?”

“You sounded awfully like them just now,” she smiled, leaning forward to kiss his temple before plopping down in the passenger seat and nodding. “Proceed.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Travis laughed, pulling onto the driveway and not a moment later, she was launching herself from the truck, hugging everyone.

“Oh my gosh!”

“Well, look what the cat dragged in…”

“Fancy seeing you here, stranger…”

“Becca! Oh my goodness, you look wonderful…”

Each of her siblings was hugging Becca, smiling openly, with tears in their eyes, and welcoming her like she’d never left. Toni kept holding her close, while Luke and Matthew slapped each other on the shoulder, pointing, and laughing – before hugging the two women. Even Jason had a small smile on his tired face as he met her eyes.

“Who’s your new friend?” her brother said quietly.

Guiltily, Becca turned and saw Travis walking up to join them. He was obviously giving them a little time for their reunion, not wanting to intrude. He stepped forward and extended his hand toward Jason, who stood there for a moment looking at him.

“Hello, you must be Jason,” he said simply in greeting. “Becca talks so much about you, and it’s nice to finally put a face with the name. ”

“Jason,” Becca said and met her brother’s eyes, seeing the slightly imperceptible nod just before he shook Travis’ hand.

Jason was opening the home to Travis – for her. There was no mistaking it, either. He was very protective to the point that it could be smothering sometimes, but family was everything to her brother. He would get his digs in elsewhere when the time was right.

“I’m Jason Baird – and it’s nice to meet you, Travis.”

“Likewise.”

It was like watching Travis on the ice as the two men were sizing each other up and taking measure of one another. She almost wished he had his big hockey gloves here, so if he flung them to the ground, there might be a two-second notice before things exploded around her.

“Is this your fella?” Toni whispered, letting out a slow whistle of appreciation, distracting her. “Nice job…”

“Where’s your guy?” Becca teased, smiling at her sister. “Don’t think that I haven't heard through the grapevine…”

“That’d be me,” Matthew interrupted, raising a hand. “I’m the grapevine – and I wanna meet Travis. Scooch over, ya’ hussy. Duuuude, my man! I’m one of your biggest fans, Travis.” Her brother launched past the two of them, grinning easily in that charming way that he usually used for the ladies. “So, how would you feel about signing a T-shirt for Becca’s favorite brother?”

“Did that jerk just call me a hussy?”

“Yup…”

“That’s the pot calling the kettle black…”

“Village bicycle,” Luke chuckled, making Becca laugh because she’d thought the same thing several times in the past.

“You better be talking about Matthew,” Toni growled, swinging her head around and looking at Luke, utterly shocked that he’d said something like that aloud.

“Oh mercy…” Jason muttered openly, shaking his head and smirking .

“Don’t forget me, Matty,” Luke blurted out and literally darted away, accidentally pushing Toni into her, making them all laugh.

“Actually,” Travis began and she saw that telltale smile on his face, realizing he was up to something, something secretive to surprise her. “I brought jerseys for each of you – and tickets to the next game if you want them.”

Becca sighed.

Travis was utterly perfect.

“What?!” Matthew hollered – throwing himself at Travis. “Dude – you just passed my test. Forget this grouch over here. I ain’t got no shame. You want a beer? A kidney? Whatchu need, bro, and I got ya.”

“It’s gonna be a long night,” Jason volunteered again before chuckling. “I’m gonna go check the smoker to see if the ribs will be done in a bit. Toni, did you finish with Bluebell?”

“Yessss…” her sister drawled pointedly and then looked at Becca, muttering under her breath. “Want to help me with Bluebell?”

“Girls to the barn…” Luke ordered, grinning. “Men, to the den!”

“Hear! Hear!”

Matthew slung an arm around Travis’ neck and pointed to his nose.

“Don’t touch Jason’s Coors, or he’ll reset that for you.”

“Whoa boy…”

“He’s not that bad, Matty…” Luke laughed, leaping onto their backs playfully, obviously excited to be included and a part of meeting Travis.

“No – he’s right. That’s my beer, and it helps me sleep. No one touches my stash – and Toni made a big jar of sun tea that should be ready soon. You can drink that instead.”

“Ohhh, now we’re talking.”

“Sugar, caffeine, and the taste of home…” Luke sighed, licking his lips and smiling. “Becca – you and Travis need to come out more often. I like it when everyone’s in a good mood and acting happy. You belong here with us. ”

Those words just hung in the air as the family looked at each other as the truth hit them all. It was true. It had been a long time since they all just hung out, talking and ribbing each other – and in the last few moments, it felt good.

“I’m so glad you are here,” Toni smiled tenderly.

“I’m so happy you all are meeting Travis,” Becca replied, looking at him walking past with her brothers and meeting his eyes. The corner of his lip curled slightly and she felt her heart turn over in her chest in awareness. Coming home felt so different this time around and she couldn’t be more excited for this weekend. “Let’s go tend to Bluebell’s stall and let them get acquainted. I wanna hear all about your mysterious Flyboy too…”

“Derek? Oh…” Toni hesitated and flushed slightly before grinning almost like Matthew – or the Cheshire Cat. Toni looked thrilled – and that looked bordered on deviousness or scheming, which surprised Becca. Her sister didn’t have a manipulative bone in her body, but she was tenacious. “Derek has no idea just how deep he’s in now that I’ve met him. That man’s gonna marry me – you just mark my words.”

“It’s like that, huh?”

“He’s mine – and what about your Travis?”

Becca looked at the men walking into the house and smiled.

“He’s mine,” she repeated softly, realizing that he was.

Travis was hers.

I'm just scared to make a wrong move…

Becca was walking back from the barn with her sister, and listening to Toni give her the dish about Derek – and his visit to Texas. Apparently the man was stationed in Afghanistan right now, and according to her sister, ‘ That man’s as prickly as a cucumber and hotter than a firecracke r.’ ”

It was so odd to hear her tomboyish sister who roped horses, tended to their cattle, and had been up to her knees in muck –suddenly acting and dressing feminine to get some man’s attention, listening to Toni ramble on as her words finally clicked in her head.

“Wait… rewind that last statement! You did what?”

“Nearly wrenched my arm too, if you wanna know the truth – and don’t you dare say a word. I dropped the box in the mail yesterday, so it’s just a matter of time and a little too late to worry now.”

“Toni… you didn’t do what my ears think you did – did you?”

“Oh, hush, and quit being such a prude, Becca. Nobody likes an uppity person, and the reality is when you meet someone, you wanna knock their socks off. Well, Derek is about to get his socks yanked right off his feet. I’m interested even if he’s not – and he’s coming back to see me, period.”

“You can’t force someone to love you.”

“Who’s forcing? I am just leading my favorite ‘horse’ to water…”

“You’re shoving his head under and praying he’ll drink – and not drown. If he’s not interested, then you are harassing him.”

“Oh, that’s a good one,” Toni’s laughter tinkled in the air as she smiled in delight. “I’ll have to email him that. I hope it makes him laugh or brightens his spirits. He’s so… fake .”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s got this sweet smile, but it’s hiding something. His eyes are scared to death, and I can see it. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true. If the eyes are the window to the soul, my man’s ‘house’ is haunted.”

Becca stared at the raw expression on Toni’s face as she stared off into the distance. She had never seen her sister so concerned or floundering. The woman was always so sure of herself, and she idolized her for it.

“If he’s messed up, maybe you should leave him alone?”

“I feel like I should have a Ghostbusters backpack strapped to my back like in the movies. I’m not leaving him alone, Becca,” Toni smiled wanly as they walked. “I’m his champion in this fight. I’m just waiting for him to ‘tag’ me into the ring.”

Both women grew silent as they got closer to the family on the back deck of the house. Her brothers and Travis were sitting in lawn chairs, sipping on iced tea, while Jason was plucking the ribs off the smoker with a lethal-looking pair of tongs. He turned not a moment later, put two fingers in his mouth, and whistled loudly at them.

“Time to eat,” Toni grinned. “And try the potato salad. It was Grandma’s recipe, and I found it in an old shoebox.”

“The one with the peas and crunchy onion bits?”

“Yes, ma’am – the same!” The two women looked at each other, laughing, as she saw Travis stand up from his seat. His eyes met hers, and his smile was everything as he waved.

“That man likes you, and he doesn’t care who knows it,” Toni whispered in a hushed voice. “Derek looks at me like that – and then looks away to compose himself. That’s how I know that man is mine, and he needs me.”

Becca looked at her sister in surprise and then understanding. Her sister had fallen hard for this mysterious man and was desperate to make sure he noticed her. This guy must really be something to have such an effect on her – and she hoped that he realized what a treasure Toni was.

“I hope he loves what you sent him and comes back to see you sooner than you expect.”

“Me too,” her sister smiled. “Go. Say ‘hello’ to your fella, and we can talk later.”

“Thanks, Toni.”

The two climbed the steps to the deck, and Travis was there, handing her a plate. Oh yes, she knew the ‘rules of the house’ only too well. Jason cooked – but he wasn’t serving. You got your plate and came to the grill for hot food, or you could eat it cold. Either way, you were getting fed, it was up to you to enjoy it. Toni’s words rang in her head as she smiled up at Travis.

“I missed you,” Travis whispered – and immediately Matthew and Luke sta rted with the childish ‘Oooohs’ that were so annoying. She knew they were doing it to get at her and playfully pick on someone they liked. It was a relief to know that her brothers liked Travis – including Jason. He wasn’t ordering him off the property, so that was a good sign. To her surprise, in front of everyone, Travis leaned down and brushed a feather-light kiss on her temple.

“Your brothers are great,” he breathed softly, and they shared a look. “We’ll talk later.”

“I’d like that.”