The sun was just peeking through the blinds of the bedroom. Paula looked at Rob, sleeping with his back to her, snoring as he had most of the night. She hadn’t slept at all, her heart still aching from the angry words of the previous day. Just the thought of it made tears come stinging to her eyes once again.
It had been dinnertime before she had finally come out of their bedroom, her eyes swollen from tears. She had found Rob and Hazel in the kitchen making sandwiches for the boys and themselves. They all greeted her with an eerie silence that made her feel like a stranger in her own home. Finding her presence unnecessary, she had fled to the stable to find solace in the company of Sam and the horses.
She had ridden until after dark, and when she returned to the house, the boys and Hazel were in bed and Rob was working in the study. She longed for him to hold her, but he seemed unapproachable, so she had showered and gone to bed. Hours later, he had come to bed silently and fallen asleep with his usual ease.
Now she looked at him, torn between her desire to cuddle close to him and the fear of being rebuffed. She quietly got up and dressed, heading outside to see her oldest and dearest friend.
As she walked into the old stable, Buckshot whinnied to her softly. It was a call that made tears rush to her eyes. Sam was sleeping in the stall with him, keeping the old horse company.
“Hey, Old Buddy,” Paula stroked Buckshot’s neck and let him out, “You want to go for a walk with me?”
It broke her heart to know he could no longer support her weight. She knew she could never ride him again, something she wanted to do now more than ever. She knew he would follow her like a puppy, though, so she took him into the yard for a stroll instead.
With Buckshot, words weren’t needed. He sensed her sorrow and walked quietly by her side, nudging her occasionally to remind her he was there. They went to a nice soft grassy spot in the yard and Paula sat down. Years ago, she had trained him to lie down on command, but she hadn’t asked him to in so long, she’d almost forgotten. Without being asked, he lay down next to her, heaving a huge sigh, and waiting patiently for her to stroke his side.
“My dear old Buckshot,” she smiled through her tears, petting him, “You know just what I need, don’t you? What will I do when you’re gone?”
They stayed there together, taking comfort in each other’s company, for quite some time. It was the first time in years that Paula had felt lonely and having him with her eased the pain. She was lost deep in thought when Buckshot raised his head at the sound of footsteps from behind.
Paula felt a strong familiar hand on her shoulder and looked up, ready to fly into Rob’s arms. She caught herself when she saw Mitch, instead.
“Hey, are you two all right?” He squatted down and Buckshot relaxed, seeing who it was.
“Yeah, we’re fine,” she answered, “You’re up and around early.”
“No,” he sat down next to her, “I’m actually up very late. I never went to bed last night.”
“What?” She asked, “Is everything all right?”
“Yes,” he smiled, “Not long after I left here, I got a call on my cell
phone
from Doc. He got called in for an emergency and wanted some help.”
“What was it?”
“A bloated Great Dane,” he moaned.
“Ugh,” Paula knew exactly what that diagnosis meant.
“We worked on that thing all night long, trying to save it,” he shook his head. “The owner’s were there all night, too. Wanting us to keep trying.”
“Did you save it?” She asked, already knowing the answer.
“What do you think?” He sighed, “You know, sometimes you’ve just got to let go.”
She smiled at the total irony of his statement, “Yes, I know. But it’s hard to know when, isn’t it?”
“You said it,” he agreed, “So how’s our old friend here? Is he down for the count?”
“No,” she smiled, “He’s not limping as bad this morning. He’s just keeping me company.”
“And how about you?” He asked, “Did you and Dad get things worked out?”
“You know about that?” She looked into his eyes.
“He told me not to go after you,” he informed, “Should I have ignored him?”
“I don’t know,” she confessed, “He hasn’t spoken to me. I’m really not sure what to do now.”
“Wow,” he frowned, “I didn’t think you two ever fought.”
“We don’t,” she told him, “At least, not until now. That’s why I don’t know how to fix it. Fixing things is his job, not mine.”
“Well,” he got up and reached a hand down to assist her, “maybe that’s what he’s planning. He’s standing on the porch watching us right now. I have a feeling I should go put Buckshot up and let you go talk to him. I don’t know what you guys fought about, but I can’t imagine him staying mad at you very long. Go kiss and make up, OK?”
“OK,” she smiled, “Hey, Mitch, what about your plans for last night?”
He shrugged, “Plans change. No big deal.”
Paula walked toward the porch. Rob was standing there with his hair still down and his arms crossed. She felt a flood of emotions, everything from terror to love, as she approached. The look on his face told her his anger hadn’t yet subsided.
“Rob,” she started, ready to apologize, taking full blame upon herself.
“You just couldn’t let it go, could you?” He accused, “You didn’t listen to a word I said, did you? You went ahead and talked to him about her.”
Every bit of self-control Paula had went out the window. Her eyes filled with tears and her heart filled with pain and rage. He was the only person in the world with the power to hurt her so deeply, and the only person in the world with the power to take away that same pain. It made her want to hit him and kiss him at the same time.
“No, Rob,” she yelled at him, through tears, “I didn’t say a word to him about her. Even as angry and hurt as I am right now, I was a good little wife and I obeyed you…But you can’t trust me enough to believe that, can you? You have to immediately think the worst! I was coming up here to apologize to you for yesterday…to tell you I was wrong…but you won’t believe that, either…”
“Paula,” he grabbed her by the shoulders, speaking firmly, but not harshly this time, “Please. Stop. The children will hear us…They’ve never heard us fight. Let’s not start now.”
“Then don’t fight with me,” she sobbed, “I don’t want to fight with you…This is killing me. Can’t you see that?”
“Come here,” he pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. She melted into him and he buried his face in her hair, “Shhh. I’m sorry, Honey. I don’t want to fight, either. Really, I don’t.”
“Excuse me,” Mitch walked up, “How about if I volunteer to fix breakfast? Maybe you two would like to take the horses out for a while or something?”
“Thanks, Son,” Rob stepped back and nodded, “I think we’d both appreciate that.”
Mitch went inside, leaving them on the porch. Rob looked down at Paula’s red, tear stained face. He reached up and gently wiped her tears away. He bent down and softly kissed her forehead.
“Come on,” he led her gently, “Let’s go for a walk. We need to sort this out away from everyone else, OK?”
“OK,” she went with him, “Rob, are we going to be all right?”
He stopped, looked at the fear in her eyes, and pulled her back into his arms, “Yes, Honey. We’re going to be fine. I love you, Paula. I can’t live without you. We’ll do whatever it takes to fix this, OK?”
“Promise?” She looked into his eyes, searching his soul.
“I promise,” he kissed her, “Shall we take a ride? We can share ButterScotch and go up by the pond to talk. No one will bother us there.”
“Yeah,” she nodded, following him to the paddock where the horse was.
She watched him disappear into the stable for a bridle, then return to catch ButterScotch. He boosted himself up, then reached down to lift her up. As they rode silently, Paula felt the tension between them disappear.
When they reached the pond, Rob brought ButterScotch to a halt. He jumped down and then reached up for Paula. As he lifted her gently down, she felt such a sudden rush of emotions that tears came to her eyes again. He dropped the reins and pulled her close.
“I’m sorry, Sweetheart,” he whispered in her ear, “None of this would have happened if I hadn’t quite my job.”
“What?” She leaned back, “What are you talking about?”
“All of this mess,” he told her, “It’s all because I brought the world
home
with me. Instead of leaving you and the boys tucked safely away like
you’ve
been for years, I’ve brought all these threats right into our home. I
should
have found another way, Paula. It’s my job to provide for you and
protect you.
Now, you’re working as hard as I am and fighting the same battles. I’ve
put you
in the line of fire. You and the rest of the family, too. I’m sorry,
Honey. I didn’t
know it would be like this. If it weren’t for this business, there
would never
have been an arena and Dutch wouldn’t have been here, so Mitch wouldn’t
have
been hurt. Now because of the business, Kelly’s running amuck reeking
havoc on
everyone’s life…”
“Rob,” she stopped him, “Is that what you think? That it’s all your fault?”
“Isn’t it?” He asked.
“Oh, Honey,” she hugged him, “Why didn’t you tell me you felt that way? No wonder you’ve got such a short fuse. You’re blaming yourself for everything that’s wrong.”
“Paula,” he confessed, “I’m responsible for this family. When people get hurt, then I’m the one who has to answer for it. That’s the bottom line. I put everyone in this situation. I used poor judgement.”
“And what about the good things, huh?” She reached up and caressed his face, “Can’t you take credit for them? Like Chelsea being head over heels in love with Dutch? Surely you can see the good side to it.”
“I’m not sure Chelsea’s happiness is worth my son’s heartache,” he told her, “And now, look at you and I. Paula, we’ve never fought about anything before…Rarely even disagreed. I was so angry with you last night, I almost didn’t come to bed. I almost broke my promise to you, Paula.”
“Rob,” she ran her fingers through his loose hair, “I should have come to get you last night. I’m sorry I was so angry. I defied you, Rob. That was wrong. What you said to me was right. I’m not his mother. And even if I was his mother, it’s not any of my business. I should’ve have trusted your judgement. And even if I don’t agree with you, I should never defy you like that.”
“My judgement hasn’t been so good lately,” he moaned, “I didn’t think Mitch would give Kelly the time of day. I was obviously wrong. I’m not happy about the idea of the two of them together either. She could ruin his life very quickly.”
“They weren’t together,” she told him, “When he left here, he got a call from Doc. He had to go to the clinic to help with an emergency. He was there all night. Never went home. Neither of us needed to intervene, Rob. It took care of itself. You were right.”
She could see the relief sweep over him. His concern for Mitch had been much stronger than she had realized.
“He told you that this morning?” He asked.
“Yes,” she confirmed, “That’s what we were talking about.”
“Honey,” he kissed her, “Please forgive me for being so rough with you. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“I told you I’d forgive you for anything,” she reminded, “Will you forgive me?”
“Of course,” he held her close, “I think you and I are both spreading ourselves way too thin, don’t you?”
“Yes, Rob, I do,” she agreed, “But I don’t want to quit the stable. I love doing this. Really, I do. Do you think we could afford to hire some help? Maybe just a high school boy to muck stalls once a day. Now that we’ve got all those extra stalls, it’s just too much for the two of us to do every day.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” he agreed, “And I also think we should invite Kelly to take her business elsewhere. She’s been nothing but trouble from the day she set foot here.”
“Yes,” she nodded, “I agree. I can’t help her horse with barrels. Her horse is an excellent barrel horse. He’s not the problem. She’s the problem, and wherever she goes, there she is.”
“OK, then,” he kissed her again, “We’ll talk to her today…together.”
~*~
After they returned, the whole household seemed back to normal. Mitch borrowed Jason’s bed to sleep for a while and the rest of the family went back to business as usual. Chelsea rarely put in an appearance on Sunday’s now; it was the day she and Dutch spent with his family.
Mitch arose in time to join the family for lunch and afterwards headed to the stable to see his horses. Rob and Paula were in the yard when Kelly drove up for her session. Before they could intercept her, she had marched angrily into the old stable, obviously in search of Mitch.
“Should we go after her?” Paula asked Rob.
“I’m not sure,” he confessed, “I guess we could just casually head that direction in case we’re needed.”
As they approached, her voice rang out loud and clear, as she berated Mitch thoroughly, “I waited for hours! You couldn’t even call?! Leave me a note? Something?”
“Call you where?” He defended, “I don’t have your cell phone number. I
never
went home, I couldn’t leave a note.”
“You couldn’t even make an effort?” She ranted, “Don’t I mean anything to you? You could have at least shown me the common courtesy of calling this morning to apologize!”
“Oh, Jeez, Kelly!” He countered, “You can’t run around acting like a tramp and expect me to treat you like my wife!”
Paula and Rob exchanged looks when that comment was followed by a sound distinctly like a slap to the face. Paula was surprised the beard didn’t deafen the blow more. They stepped aside as Kelly came storming out, heading for the new stable area.
“I’ll go after her,” Rob suggested, “You check on Mitch, then come to the office and we’ll send her packing.”
“OK,” Paula nodded, going in, “Hey, Mitch, you OK in there?”
“I’ll live,” he was still rubbing his left cheek, “I take it you heard that?”
“Enough,” she nodded, “Can I ask you something that’s none of my business?”
“Sure, Mom,” he chuckled, “I’ll tell you if you’re treading where you don’t belong.”
“Did you deserve that?” She asked.
“From Kelly?” He raised his brows, then shrugged, “Maybe. I guess even tramps don’t like to be called that, do they?”
“Your father and I are about to ask her to take her business elsewhere,” Paula divulged, “Is that going to be a problem for you?”
“Why would it be?” He asked.
“Well,” she shrugged, “If you two are seeing each other…”
“Seeing each other?” He laughed, “Hardly. She’s just been traipsing around here hitting on every male in sight. I figured I was the only one who could take her up on it. Called her bluff, so to speak. Probably shouldn’t have, I know.”
“No, you shouldn’t have,” she scolded, “So last night…that was a one time thing that never happened?”
“Yeah,” he confessed, “Don’t worry. Go ahead and send her packing. She might make a play for Jason next.”
“Oh, Mitch!” Paula shuddered.
“I wouldn’t put it past her, Mom,” he laughed, “I wouldn’t put anything past that one.”
~*~
Paula found Rob in the arena office with Kelly. He had the boarding agreement she had signed out on the desk and a stern look on his face. Kelly was pouting like a spoiled child who wasn’t getting her way.
“Sorry,” Paula entered, “I didn’t mean to make you wait.”
“That’s OK, Honey,” Rob smiled, “I was just showing Kelly the agreement she signed. Specifically the part about our reserving the right to ask a boarder to be removed without prior notification.”
“You can’t do that!” Kelly complained.
“It says here we can,” Paula explained, “And your signature says you agreed to it. I think we could give you…oh, say a week? What do you think, Rob? Is a week fair?”
“More than fair,” he nodded, “If he’s not gone by the end of the week, he’s our horse.”
“You wouldn’t!” Kelly gasped.
“Try me,” Rob challenged, “I happen to have very good friend who’s a lawyer. He’s the one who wrote this agreement up for us. He owes me a couple of favors. He’d be glad to take you on.”
“Fine!” She stormed out, “He’ll be gone by the end of the day!”
~*~
Over the next week, Rob and Paula interviewed several high school students, hoping to find someone who would fit their needs. There always seemed to be some sort of scheduling conflict with school activities.
After one such interview on Saturday morning, Paula told Rob, “Well, Honey, we may just have to keep doing it all ourselves.”
“I’m sorry, Sweetheart, “ he hugged her, “I had no idea the business would take off so quickly. I guess it’s a good problem to have more business than we can handle.”
“We’ll make it,” she comforted, “Lessons are slowing down now that school is back in session. That frees up our time for the boys, at least. I have a new student today. I’d better go see if she’s here yet.”
Paula went out searching for a new face and found her talking to Mitch. She was a little shorter than Paula, looked to be in her early twenties, and had a voluptuous figure. Her ash blond hair was long and straight, and she wore it in a braid. It framed her round face that was graced by a very pleasant smile. She was dressed to ride, in old jeans, a flannel shirt and boots.
“There she is,” Mitch nodded, “Hey, Mom. This is Carrie Dixon.”
“Hi,” Paula held out her hand, “I’m Paula Jackson. Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“That’s OK,” Carrie had a pleasant voice, “Dr. Martin here was just telling me about the place a little.”
Paula looked at Mitch and caught a slight blush beneath the beard, “Well, Mitch, thank you. I’ll take it from here.”
“So, Carrie,” Paula led her to the arena, “You’re already running barrels, is that right?”
“Yes,” she nodded, “but I’m using a friend’s horse right now. I’m looking to buy one of my own when I can afford it. I want some help finding one and then getting used to it so we can work well together.”
“Well,” Paula suggested, “for today, I’ll put you on my mare. I don’t normally use her for lessons, but I think you’ll be fine with her. Let’s see what you can do.”
Rob joined Paula at the rail of the outdoor arena. They watched Carrie take Dancer through the barrels like a pro. Dancer hadn’t so much as balked when Carrie got on her. Paula had pulled the same trick with Kelly, and Dancer had made her eat dirt.
“She’s good,” Rob observed, “Almost as good as you.”
“She’s looking for a horse,” Paula told him, “Any ideas?”
“Dutch might know someone,” he suggested, “Or Mitch. Or Doc. Afraid I don’t. Unless you want to sell Dancer.”
“No,” Paula shook her head, “But I might let her use Dancer until she finds one. What do you think?”
“Up to you, Babe,” he told her, “She’s your horse.”
Carrie rode Dancer up and stopped in front of them, “She’s a dream! What a sweet mare. Want to sell her?”
“We were just talking about that,” Paula smiled, “Come on down and let’s go visit in the office. Rob, will you take care of Dancer for us?”
“Sure,” he took the reins.
“Carrie,” Paula led the way, “You’re really good. Dancer’s my baby, though, and I just can’t part with her. However, I might let you use her until you find a horse that suits you. She’s never been in front of a crowd, so I don’t know what she’ll do.”
“You mean she’s never shown?” Carrie was surprised.
“No,” Paula confessed, “I’ve just ridden her here. It would be good for her, if you want to risk it.”
“Sure,” Carrie agreed, “I’d want to ride her some more here first, so she learns to really trust me.”
“You know horses,” Paula reflected.
“I grew up with all kinds of animals,” Carrie shrugged, “My dad was a vet. He worked for a zoo in Illinois.”
“Ah,” Paula nodded, “So what do you do?”
“I’m working as a part time keeper at the zoo in Springfield right now. I’m trying to get on full time, but who knows when it’ll happen.”
“What about in the meantime?” Paula was getting an idea, “Could you use another part time job?”
“I’ve been looking, actually,” Carrie informed, “But I haven’t been able to find anything that works with my zoo schedule.”
“Mind getting dirty?’ Paula posed.
Carrie laughed, “Did you miss the part where I said ‘keeper’ at the zoo? Dirt is part of the job.”
“We’re looking for someone to help muck stalls around here,” Paula told her, “Are you interested?”
“Yeah!” Carrie lit up, “Right now I’m only getting in three days a week
at the
zoo, unless someone is on vacation or something. I could work here four
days.”
“I need to talk to Rob,” Paula cautioned, “But I think he’ll be glad to work around your zoo schedule.”
“Sounds great to me,” Carrie seemed eager.
“I’ll have Mitch give you a tour while I talk to Rob, OK?” Paula suggested.
They found both Mitch and Rob in the old stable, so Paula left Carrie there to begin her look around. She and Rob went to the office to consult in private.
“I think she could be just what we need,” Paula told him excitedly, “She’s not a kid, so we don’t have the whole school issue. She’s got set days at the zoo, so she’s free all day on the other days. I’d rather have someone all day for three or four days than just a couple of hours here and there, wouldn’t you? And you saw how she handled Dancer! If Dancer likes her, she can handle any horse…She’s not afraid of getting dirty or working hard or lifting or anything like that. She has to do that kind of stuff to be a keeper, you know…”
“Take a breath, Paula,” Rob laughed, “OK. You like her. I got it.”
“Rob, I just want you to give her a chance and see,” Paula told him.
“OK, Honey,” he agreed, “I’m not arguing with you. Let’s get her back in here and I’ll talk to her and make her an offer.”
“There,” Paula nodded, “Mitch just brought her back in.”
Rob motioned for them to come to the office and they both took seats. Mitch was watching Carrie closely. Carrie seemed very much at ease.
“Carrie,” Rob told her, “Paula tells me you’re interested in working here. Tell me a little bit about yourself.”
“Well,” she informed, “As I told her, I grew up with all sorts of animals. My dad was a vet for a zoo in Illinois and we ended up hand raising all sorts of things. I wanted to be a zookeeper as far back as I can remember. I got my degree in zoology from Michigan State University and did some volunteer work at Potter Park there in Lansing while I was going to school.”
“You have horses when you were young?” Rob asked.
“Yes,” she nodded, “Not at home, we kept them at a stable. I’ve always ridden. I just started the barrel racing in college.”
“You’re pretty good for someone who started that late,” Paula observed.
“Thanks,” Carrie smiled, “What else would you like to know?”
“Where do you live?” Rob asked, “You’re working in Springfield now, right?”
“Yes,” she nodded, “Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. I fill in when someone is on vacation or sick. I’ve been trying to get on full time, but realistically, it isn’t going to happen unless someone quits. I live in an apartment in Springfield.”
“You
don’t
mind the drive?” Rob asked, “Can you get here in bad weather?”
“I have a Jeep,” she smiled.
“Say no more,” Rob laughed, “We have one too. How about the future? What kind of goals do you have?”
“Well,” she divulged, “Eventually, I’d like to work at one of the big zoos. You know, San Diego, D.C., Brookfield…somewhere like that. I sent resumes all over, but I took what I could get. That’s the way it is in the zoo business. The good jobs are hard to come by. For now, working here would help me keep my zoo job. I’ve been thinking I might have to let it go just to get something else full time to pay the bills. But if we could work around my schedule there, this would look good on my resume.”
“In the ‘not afraid to work hard and get dirty’ column, you mean?” Rob grinned.
“Exactly,” Carrie nodded, “And believe me, horse dirt is nothing compared to lions or elephants!”
“All right, Carrie,” Rob offered, “Here’s what we need. We want someone to muck stalls and feed horses. If that goes well, we might even let you teach some lessons when we feel comfortable with you. As far as hours, I’d say get here early and work until it’s done. Some days that may be noon, other days it may be dark. If you need to work around an extra day at the zoo now and then, I’d say we could be pretty flexible there. Right now, I’d say plan on working Thursday, Friday and Saturday. That’ll still give you a day off from both jobs. How does that sound?”
“What’s the pay?” She asked.
Rob looked at Paula, as if to ask her to take over.
Paula picked up, “We were planning on hiring a high school student, so we had figured on minimum wage. However, your skill level and maturity are higher than that. So, how about if we throw in free lessons and use of Dancer with the deal? And when you find a horse, you can keep it here free?”
“You got yourself a deal!” Carrie smiled, “Can I start this Thursday?”
“You bet,” Rob smiled, “Here, let’s get all the paperwork done today, OK?”
“Sounds good.”
~*~
The cool autumn days began to assume a peaceful routine at J & M Stables. The Jackson home had settled some, as well. The duplex was complete, so not only were all the construction workers gone, but Hazel and Bill had moved into their own quarters. Now they only made visits to the main house for dinner from time to time, usually keeping to themselves.
Chelsea came and went on weekdays, still managing the web-site and sometimes helping with the boys’ schooling. She and Dutch had already decided they wanted to homeschool their children, so she asked Paula to help her get an idea of how it was done.
Mitch came and went each evening, and spent most of his free time there, as well. He had begun to take Kevin on calls with him occasionally, to let him get a taste of what being a vet was really like.
Carrie took over all the stable work on the days she was there, giving Rob and Paula the relief they needed. Both of them finally felt like they could breathe again.
It was lunchtime when Chelsea came into the kitchen, searching for Paula, “There you are. Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Sure, Sweetie,” Paula was making sandwiches, “What’s up?”
“I want your opinion on something,” Chelsea told her, “Dutch and I have been talking about our wedding.”
“Ah,” Paula smiled, “Have you set the date, yet?”
“No,” she shook her head, “We want to wait until our house is ready so we can move right in.”
“Any idea when that will be?”
“Well,” Chelsea laughed, “We still haven’t gotten the deed transferred over yet and we’re still waiting for Uncle Rob to finish the plans! Dutch says we can probably get married in May or June.”
“So what do you want my opinion on?” Paula wondered.
“He thinks I deserve a big wedding,” Chelsea confessed, “Lots of bridesmaids and fancy dresses and the whole big show.”
“But?”
“But I don’t want a big wedding,” Chelsea told her, “I just want it to be very short and simple.”
“Well, there’s a switch,” Paula smiled, “And I bet I can guess why. If you have a big wedding, you’re mom will fly in and take over.”
“Exactly,” Chelsea frowned, “He can’t fathom the concept of my mother and what she’s like. So what do I do?”
“Honey,” Paula advised, “Dutch would do anything for you. You just have to tell him, convince him, that a small wedding is what you really want. I’m sure he’d marry you under water in a scuba outfit if you wanted him to. You know, Rob and I just had a small wedding. We wanted to save our money for our house and the honeymoon.”
“Do you think Uncle Rob would talk to Dutch about it?” Chelsea wondered.
“Your Uncle Rob would do just about anything for you, too, Sweetheart,” Paula smiled, “Just ask him. Hey, by the way, have you thought about winter?”
“What about it?” Chelsea asked.
“You spent last winter with us,” Paula reminded, “Remember how cold your dad’s house is?”
“Oh, how could I forget?” Chelsea shivered, “Are you inviting me back?”
“Well,” Paula told her, “Of course, you’re always welcome here, in the guestroom, but I had another idea. I thought you might want to take the apartment behind the arena. We could pull your things out of storage and you could have your own place until you and Dutch get married.”
“Oh, Aunt Paula!” Chelsea squealed, “That would be wonderful! May I really do that?”
“Of course,” Paula laughed, “We’d love to have you back with us.”
~*~
“What are you thinking, Sweetheart?” Rob asked as Paula slid into bed next to him, “You have that look on your face.”
“What look?” She curled up in his arms.
“The one you get where I can see the wheels turning in your head,” he teased.
“Mmm,” she kissed his chest, “Well, I was thinking that things are almost calm around here again.”
“Don’t jinx us,” he warned.
“How are we on money now?” Paula always left the finances up to him.
“We’re fine,” he assured, “Why?”
“Well,” she proposed, “I was thinking that with Carrie working out so well…And Mitch around a lot…And Chelsea moved in…”
“We could try again for a week away?” He suggested.
“Rob, Honey,” she raised up and looked into his eyes, “Don’t take this wrong, OK?”
“OK,” he said, disappointment in his voice.
“Well,” she confided, “As much as I’d love to have a week with just you and I, well…Honey, it’s been ages since we all did something as a family. Just you and me and the boys...”
“You think I’d take that wrong?” He smiled, “You want to take a trip with all of us?”
“Yes,” she snuggled, “We’ve always talked about taking the boys to Chicago. Why not now? Before it gets too cold.”
“Oh, Chicago,” he raised his brows, “I think that’s a great idea. And I don’t take that wrong at all. You’re right, we haven’t done anything with just us and the boys since before Mitch showed up. It’s been way too long.”
“So you think we could do it?” She let excitement fill her voice.
“Absolutely,” he kissed her, “How about next week?”
~*~
Carrie was able to work Wednesday for them, so they could have five days away. Mitch volunteered to take care of everything on Sunday. It made for a whirlwind trip, with a stop in Springfield, Illinois on the way up to visit the home of Abraham Lincoln. Once they were in Chicago, they crammed in as much is as they possibly could. Brookfield Zoo took one whole day all to itself. They were able to get Lincoln Park done in a morning, so they could spend that afternoon at Shedd’s Aquarium. They spent another full day at The Museum of Science and Industry, and could have easily spent two more there. It was the first time the boys had ever seen one of the Great Lakes, and they were fascinated as they drove down Lake Shore Drive and could see all the sailboats in the marina.
Saturday night after getting the boys to bed in the room adjoining their own, Paula and Rob collapsed into bed.
“Do we really have to go back?” Paula sighed.
“Afraid so,” Rob pulled her into his arms, “It’s been wonderful, hasn’t it?”
“Rob,” tears came to her eyes, “I didn’t realize how much I missed our time together…You and me and the boys. This past year and a half has been so crazy…”
“Shh,” he comforted, “I know, Honey. I’m sorry. I think I’ve let things get way out of control.”
“No,” she wiped her eyes, “It’s not your fault. But the size of our family has doubled. We’ve suddenly added an adult son, your father, my mother, and our adult niece. You know, the boys haven’t complained once about any of it, either.”
“I know,” he kissed her forehead, “But we need to spend more time with just us. You’re right. I’ve missed it too. It’s amazing how even just adding Mitch changes things so much, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Paula agreed, “I love him like he is my son, but he changes the entire dynamic of our family when he’s around.”
“Would it be mean for me to ask him not to come over every night?” Rob asked.
“I don’t know,” Paula reflected, “I do think it would hurt his feelings, though. We’re all he’s got, Rob.”
“Mmm,” Rob kissed her, “I guess you’re right. We’ll just have to pray he finds a woman soon. That’s our only hope.”
~*~
It was Sunday evening when Rob pulled the Jeep up in front of their house. He and Paula both sighed when the front door flew open and people came bubbling out. Mitch led the pack, followed by Chelsea, Dutch, Terry, Bill and Hazel.
After a round of hugs, the boys began eagerly relating all their experiences from the trip as the group moved inside. Paula helped Rob carry in the luggage, leaving the boys to tell their tales in the living room.
“The world comes crashing back in, huh?” Rob remarked as they sat suitcases down in their room.
“Just like a yoke being put back around our necks, isn’t it?” She sighed.
“Come here, Baby,” he took her in his arms, “I don’t know how, but I’m going to find a way to make it better.”
“Hey,” Mitch stuck his head in, “You two ok? Are you hiding?”
“Just unloading,” Rob smiled, “How’d things go here? Carrie handle things OK?”
“She was great,” Mitch reported, “And Dutch helped yesterday and today, too.”
“That was nice of him,” Paula smiled.
“If it’s OK with you,” Mitch told them, “I’m going to head home. I could use a shower.”
“Sure, Honey,” Paula hugged him, “Thanks for all your help.”
They followed him down the stairs and waved goodbye. Hazel and Bill said their goodnights and headed across the lawn to the duplex.
“Hey, Dutch,” Rob turned to him, “I hear you helped out, too. Thanks a lot.”
“No problem,” he shrugged, “Glad you all had a good trip.”
“I guess everything went smoothly?” Paula asked Chelsea, “Mitch said Carrie did fine.”
“Oh, he did, huh?” Chelsea grinned mischievously, “Yes, it went fine.”
“But?” Paula asked, sensing there was more to the story.
“I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow,” Chelsea winked, “We’ll leave you to settle back in tonight.”
“Yeah,” Terry picked up his coat, “I’m ready to go home.”
“I am too,” Dutch took Chelsea’s hand, “Come on, let’s go tuck you in, before I leave.”
“Do what?” Terry questioned, in a tone that made everyone laugh.
“Oh, Daddy,” Chelsea giggled, “He’s just teasing. Come on, say good night and leave these poor tired people alone!”
“Good night!” They called.
“All right, boys,” Rob turned, “Showers and bed.”
“On our way, Dad,” Jason headed upstairs, the twins on his heels.
“Hmm,” Paula remarked, “Wonder what happened this week?”
“You mean with Carrie?” Rob started turning off lights.
“Um-hmm,” she helped, “Guess we’ll find out tomorrow.”
~*~
Paula was in the kitchen fixing lunch when Chelsea came in, “Glad you’re home.”
“Did you miss us, Dear?” Paula smiled.
“Yes, I did,” Chelsea squeezed her shoulders, “I’ve gotten spoiled by having you around.”
“So,” Paula pried, “What’s the big story?”
“Mmm,” Chelsea’s eyes danced, “What’s that old saying about when the cat’s away?”
“The mice will play,” Paula filled in, “Didn’t Carrie do her job?”
“Oh, she did a great job,” Chelsea giggled, “I really like her. She wasn’t the exact mouse I had in mind.”
“What other mouse is there?” Paula scrunched her brows.
“Mitch!” Chelsea told her, “You knew he stayed here while you were gone, right?”
“Yes,” Paula nodded, “We asked him to.”
“I thought so,” Chelsea nodded, “But he wasn’t lonely while he was here.”
“What?” Paula stopped what she was doing, “Are you telling me he had someone here with him?”
“Until very late at night,” she nodded, “Not all night, mind you, but it was late before she left every night.”
“Did you meet her?” Paula asked, “Who is she?”
“That’s the kicker,” Chelsea was having way too much fun, “It’s Carrie.”
“Oh dear!” Paula exclaimed, “You mean Mitch and Carrie are a couple now?”
“Sure looked that way to me,” Chelsea informed, “From my apartment window, that is. Dutch thought the same thing.”
“Oh my,” Paula bit her bottom lip, considering the ramifications.
“Oh my, what?” Rob walked in, “Have I interrupted something?”
“I’ll let Aunt Paula tell you all about it,” Chelsea smiled, “Don’t make me lunch. I have to leave early today.”
“Dinner?” Paula asked.
“No,” Chelsea shook her head, “I’m meeting Dutch in town. We have to finish up some paper work on the land transfer with Dad.”
“OK,” Rob nodded, “I promise I’ll have the plans done by the end of the week, Sweetie.”
“Thanks, Uncle Rob,” she waved, heading down the hall to the study.
“So,” he looked at Paula, “What’s the scoop?”
“It seems that Mitch and Carrie are an item now,” Paula reported.
“Our Carrie?” He quizzed.
“Um-hmm,” she nodded, “Maybe our prayers have already been answered.”
“How serious are we talking?” Rob seemed concerned.
“Chelsea said she was here with him late every night,” Paula relayed.
“I’d better talk to him,” Rob reflected.
“Why?” Paula asked, “Don’t you like her? Weren’t you the one who just said he needed a woman?”
“Oh great,” he moaned, “Make me eat my own words.”
“Rob,” she became serious, “Why do you think you should talk to him about it?”
“I’m surprised you’re not concerned,” he observed, “You were climbing the walls when you thought he had something going with Kelly.”
“Kelly was a slut,” Paula reasoned, “I think Carrie’s a nice girl. I don’t see anything wrong with her.”
Rob looked at her in amazement, “Paula, you sat right there and listened to her say she wants to work at a big zoo. She never mentioned anything about marriage or kids.”
“Well,” Paula shrugged, “Mitch was there, too. He heard it just the same as we did.”
“Yeah,” Rob argued, “But he’s just fool enough to think he could change her mind.”
Now it was Paula who looked amazed, “Rob, you’re really worried about him.”
“Yes,” he nodded, “She’s not going to stick around and he’s going to get hurt.”
“Come here,” she hugged him, “I don’t want this to turn into a fight between us, OK?”
“Am I fighting?” He wondered, holding her.
“Not yet,” she smiled, “But I’m about to remind you of some other words of yours. Something about him being a grown man and this sort of thing not being our business.”
He looked into her eyes and frowned, “I know. I hate to see him get his heart broken, though.”
“Maybe he won’t,” she comforted, “Besides, this is all just hear say at this point. Let’s see what he tells us himself tonight at dinner.”
“OK,” he nodded, “Who says they’re harder to take care of when they’re little?”
“People who don’t have a clue,” she chuckled.
~*~
Mitch showed up for dinner, as usual, and seemed his normal self. Neither Rob nor Paula asked about Carrie. They decided to wait and see if he would bring it up. Their question was answered when Carrie’s Jeep pulled up shortly after their meal.
“Carrie’s here,” Jason observed, looking out the window.
Both Sam and Panyon ran to meet her like a long lost friend. She made her way up to the house and let herself in, without knocking.
“Hey,” she smiled, coming into the living room, “How was the trip?”
“Too short,” Paula smiled, “I hear things went well.”
“Piece of cake,” Carrie assured, “Is it OK if I ride Dancer tonight?”
“Sure,” Paula nodded, “I thought you drove all this way just to visit.”
“Actually,” Carried grinned and glanced at Mitch, “It wasn’t you I wanted to visit.”
“Want some company?” Mitch got up.
“I thought you’d never ask,” Carrie led the way out, “I’d love your company.”
“Why’s Mitch going with her?” Kevin asked.
Paula looked at Rob to see if he was going to answer. He was giving her the same look.
Jason spoke up, instead, “I think he likes her.”
“So?” Keith asked.
“You know,” Jason explained, “I mean he like likes her.”
“Oh,” the twins said in unison.
“Why don’t you boys go finish up your reports on the trip?” Paula suggested, “Dad can help me load the dishwasher.”
Rob followed her into the kitchen, “So what do we do now?”
“About Mitch?”
“I’d say Chelsea was right,” he nodded, “Wouldn’t you?”
“Yes,” she agreed, “But I also don’t think Carrie is the wild reckless type. Can’t we just see what happens?”
He was silent for several minutes, then finally asked, “How many times did you have your heart broken before you met me?”
“Rob,” she smiled, “What does that have to do with anything?”
“Answer me,” he leaned against the counter, arms crossed.
“Well,” she confessed, “I really didn’t. I mean, there were guys I dated, guys I had fun with, but I never fell in love with any of them. You know that, Rob. You know you’re the only man I’ve ever loved. Why?”
“Paula,” he sighed, “I’m going to tell you something I’ve never told you before. You know there were a lot of girls in my life before you. You’ve heard all sorts of stories about me, I know. Stories that aren’t very flattering and, unfortunately, are mostly true.”
“Rob,” she crossed to him and cuddled into his arms, “You don’t have to do this.”
“Yes, Honey,” he told her, “I do. It’s time you understand something. There’s a reason for everything, right? Isn’t that what you always say? Well, there’s a reason why I was the way I was. You see, I did have my heart broken once upon a time. I remember what it was like. It made me decide to never let it happen again. It made me decide that I would do the breaking instead of letting someone else do it to me. So, I’m sorry to say, I left a trail behind me. I don’t want that to happen to Mitch.”
“Who broke your heart, Baby?” She asked softly.
“A teacher,” he divulged.
“What?” Her eyes went wide.
“In high school,” he expounded, “She was young and pretty. Hadn’t been teaching very long. She was my math teacher. Broke all the rules, of course. Guess maybe that added to the excitement a bit.”
“You mean you two actually…?” She was shocked.
“She was my first,” he confided, “And I was fool enough to think she really cared about me. Then one day she showed up in class with an engagement ring on.”
“Oh no!” Paula exclaimed, “How awful. No wonder it broke your heart.”
“Lesson learned the hard way,” he shrugged, “Another good argument for homeschooling, don’t you think?”
“I’ll say,” she agreed, “So after that you turned into a heartbreaker yourself, huh?”
“Basically,” he nodded, “Until I met you.”
“Why didn’t you ever tell me this before?” She asked, caressing his face.
“Seemed like ancient history,” he smiled, “But now, watching Mitch…Paula, he’s so hungry for someone to love him. Chelsea was one thing, but now if Carrie hurts him…I’m afraid of what it may do to him.”
“Maybe she’ll see what a treasure he is,” Paula hoped, “Maybe she’ll decide he’s worth staying for.”
“Paula,” he shook his head, “I may not have that intuition thing you have, but I’ve known a lot of women. She’s nice; she’s pretty; she’s smart. But she’s never going to be a wife and mother. At least, not in the way he wants. Mark my words…She may look like the Queen of Hearts right now, but she is not his best bet.”
Go to Chapter Eleven
The Rainbow