Hi dear Reader,
How have you been this week?
It has started to feel like fall here in Minnesota. The nights are cooler. The leaves are changing to hues of reds and oranges. The farmers are harvesting corn and soybeans.
This week, we took the Little Bocks to a pumpkin patch. There was a play area that Little Bock 1 ran to. She wore her "princess" dress while climbing straw bales, playing in the corn pit (like a sandbox but with corn), and running through the obstacle course. Little Bock 2 can't walk yet so she was carried by Hubby. She giggled at all of LB1's antics.
They had pumpkins and gourds out on a farm stand. You could also pick your own pumpkin and do a corn maze. We didn't, as we were trying to contain the spirited toddler to open areas. It's too easy to lose a small child in rows of towering corn. LB1 picked out pumpkins for the family. 2 big carving pumpkins and 3 small pumpkins of different colors. She also fell in love with a "banana pumpkin" (it's a gourd). Now, we just have to find a nice day to try carving pumpkins!
On the writing front, I have been working at Cassandra and Trevor's story. It is coming along slowly.
I have a different type of book to share with you today. It is a cozy cat mystery. Perfect for a warm cup of tea and a blanket to read.
Book Blurb:
Get ready to be whisked away on a delightful, cozy mystery adventure with "Robbie and the Hummingbird." Join Robbie, the charming black cat, as he teams up with an unexpected ally, a clever hummingbird, to unravel a mysterious murder.
With romance blooming and relationships flourishing, this heartwarming tale will captivate readers from beginning to end. Join the feline detective and his feathered companion as they help deputies in a tale of friendship, romance, and intrigue.
Now on to Chapter 2 of My First Kisment Christmas. If you missed the beginning start here.
Chapter Two
Judy
I sank into the driver’s seat of my car. My heart raced. The skin where his lips touched burned. The butterflies danced in my stomach. The baby kicked. I closed my eyes and rested my head against the headrest. All the feelings I felt for Tim Kisment all those years ago hit me like a freight train. I rubbed the side of my belly. Him of all people to run into on my short visit home. The sultry eyes, his easy smile, his broad shoulders, and the way his lips felt on my hand, I swooned inside. I needed to hold it together. I’d be heading back home to Virginia in a couple of days.
Home. The word chased out the warmth I felt from seeing Tim. It was nothing but a shell of a house outside of an army base. There was no home anymore. A tear rolled down my cheek. Even though it had been months, I still haven’t been able to make any decisions on what to do next in my life. My husband, Kaleb, died overseas, serving his country. Now, it was just me and our unborn baby. I dashed the tear away and started my car.
Tim drove passed me and waved. I waited for the trailer to clear my front bumper before following him.
The hour drive to the Kisment Ranch, the Rocking K, passed slowly. My thoughts and emotions swung from the happy meeting with Tim, to the excitement of seeing my aunt and uncle, to the dread of heading back “home” at the end of my trip.
I honked as Tim pulled into his driveway. He waved and I waved back. Hopefully, he’d come to visit tomorrow. I touched the gas and the car jumped forward as I drove the last few miles to town.
#
The city limits of Sunnydale came into view a few minutes later. Everything looked the same from the last time I was here. The cattle sale barn and veterinary clinic were packed with trucks and trailers. I pulled to a stop at the four-way stop. The ice cream shop had its lights on. A family was at the counter buying soft serve ice cream cones. Across the street, my Uncle Ernie pumped gas into a station wagon. He waved as I pulled into the gas station parking lot. I drove around the building to park in the back.
I slid out of my car and stretched. It was a long ride from Virginia. It was good to be back. The baby kicked in my belly, seemingly to agree. I placed a hand on my side to quiet the kicking.
The back door to the gas station burst open as my Aunt Sally ran out.
“Oh dear, I’m so glad you made it.” She wrapped me in a hug. “It’s been too long.”
I hugged her back. “It has.”
She pulled back. “How’s the baby doing?” Her hands fell to the sides of my belly. The baby gave a little kick. “Oh, it’s an active one!”
I nodded. “According to the doctors, everything is right on schedule.”
“How much longer?”
“About three weeks.” I bent over to grab my bag.
“I’ll get that.” She urged me to the side. “Why don’t we go in and have a nice cup of tea?”
“That does sound nice.” I placed my hand on my lower back. “Everything aches.”
“It will, honey. And it won’t get better once the baby comes.” She clicked her tongue. “Nor will you sleep again.”
“I’d love a good night’s sleep.”
She shook her head. “Are you sure we can’t talk you into staying here? It’s not easy raising a baby by yourself.”
“We’ve been over this.” I sighed. “I’ve got to figure out what I want to do next. Whether that is staying in Virginia or moving back here or something else. I don’t know what I want.”
She opened the back door and ushered me inside. “Well, no need to worry about all of it right now. Just think about the baby.”
The gas station had a small garage attached to the back where Uncle Ernie changed oil and rotated tires for people. The lift sat empty. An old radio played jazz in the background. Aunt Sally bustled around the empty garage to the little office. She put a tea pot on a hot plate in the corner.
“How was your trip?” She pulled two chipped mugs from the cupboard, handing me one.
I spun the cup around in my hands. The paint was chipped and faded in areas. “The same mugs as always.”
She smiled and took out two teabags. “They work.”
“The trip was good. I had to stop a lot more than I wanted.” I sank into the rickety chair by the window.
“I expect that. A cross country trip pregnant. Not in my day.” She poured the boiling water over the teabags.
I blew at the steaming mug. “I ran into Tim Kisment on the way into town.”
“That was fast.” She chuckled. “And…” She leaned closer to me. A small smile played on her lips.
“And. What?”
“Any old feelings?” She raised an eyebrow at me.
My cheeks heated under her gaze. I ran my finger around the rim of the mug before swirling the tea. “He said something about meeting tomorrow.”
“He’s going to wait until tomorrow?” She leaned back in her chair.
“That’s what he said.”
She sipped her tea. “I bet you that he’ll be by tonight.”
“Aunt Sally, we aren’t teenagers anymore,” I scoffed.
“Girl, I doubt his feelings for you have changed since then. The ladies at church gossip that he hasn’t dated in years.”
My mouth snapped shut. Was it possible that he still had feelings for me? It had been ten years. Things changed. But on the other hand, all the old feelings I had for Tim flooded to the surface after just a few minutes.
Aunt Sally grinned. “I guess we’ll see. Won’t we?”
#
Later that evening, Uncle Ernie pushed back from the table and patted the pocket of his buttoned-up shirt. “That was a sure good dinner, Sally.” He extracted the cigarettes from his pocket. “I’m going to head out to the porch for my after-dinner smoke.” He stuck a cigarette between his lips.
“Want some coffee?” Aunt Sally kissed his cheek as he walked by.
“Would love some.” He ran his hand down her arm.
They exchanged a look so full of love that my heart ached at the sight. He took out his cigarette and kissed her on the lips. I sighed. If only. I looked up to their relationship for years. It wasn’t perfect but they worked hard to make it work.
Aunt Sally patted her lips where he touched them. A faint smile pulled at the corners and her eyes grew dreamy. Uncle Ernie winked at her before heading down the hall to the front door.
“What would you like for an after-dinner drink?” Aunt Sally turned to me.
“I think…”
“Why, young man! What a surprise to see you this evening!” Uncle Ernie’s voice carried from by the front door. “Here to see our Judy?”
“Yes, sir. Like always,” Tim said.
Aunt Sally grinned at me. “I told you so.” She pointed a finger in the direction of the front door. “He couldn’t resist you.”
I blushed. “Who would have thought?”
“Look who I found on our front porch?” Uncle Ernie proceeded Tim into the kitchen.
Tim’s eyes caught mine. He smiled at me. Heat rushed through me all the way down to my toes. I looked down at my hands, trying not to give away my feelings. The way he looked at me made me feel like I was seventeen again.
“Now, Tim, what do you have planned for our girl this evening?” Uncle Ernie took a cup of coffee from Aunt Sally. His cigarette forgotten behind his ear.
“I thought…” Tim started.
“What’s this nonsense, Ernie. They are adults and can do whatever they want.” Aunt Sally pushed a cup of joe into Tim’s hands.
“Thank you, Sally.” He sipped the hot coffee. “I was wondering if you’d like to get a drink?” He directed the words to me.
I rubbed my hand over my belly. “Um, well, I can’t really do alcohol or too much caffeine.”
“I thought more of catching up than drinking.” His eyes held mine. Emotions churned below the surface dragging me to him.
What was it about Tim? We had been sweethearts ten years ago. Surely time would’ve dimmed the desire. But I guess not.
“I don’t see why not.” I slowly stood from the table.
Tim crossed the kitchen with long strides to end by my side. Placing his hand under my elbow, he helped me to my feet. His other hand strayed to my lower back. His touch sent my blood racing and my heart pounding. His breath danced over my skin, causing tingles. I became acutely aware of his closeness and masculinity. My body wanted to curl into his, allow him to take care of everything.
Aunt Sally and Uncle Ernie shared a look. They stepped closer together. Uncle Ernie slipped an arm around Aunt Sally’s shoulders. She smiled at me and mouthed; I told you so.
“Let’s get out of here. Bye, Aunt and Uncle,” I called over my shoulder.
“Don’t get into too much trouble.” Uncle Ernie chuckled at his own joke.
I rolled my eyes at him, and he laughed even harder.
“I’ll take good care of her, sir,” Tim said as we left the kitchen.
Tim’s truck sat in front of the house. He helped me into the passenger side before climbing into the driver’s seat. I slid over on the bench seat so that I could be close to him, just like in old times.
Tim turned the key and the truck started with a roar. He looked over at me and smiled. Butterflies rushed into my stomach. His smile still warmed every inch of me.
“Are we really going out for a drink?” I placed a hand on my ballooning belly.
“I was thinking somewhere more private than the bar.” He turned onto the highway that headed out to town.
“As long as there is somewhere comfortable to sit.” I wiggled in my seat. “I’m game for anything.”
“Um…” He frowned and cast me a sideways look. “I hadn’t thought of that. Change of plans.” He slapped on the blinker.
The truck tires screeched as he swung a U turn. I gripped his arm to keep my balance. Touching him flared up dormant emotions, ones that I forgot I had.
“I was going to take you to our spot by the river.” He grinned sheepishly. “But I don’t think that you’ll find that the most comfortable.”
“Probably not. I don’t think I can get down on the ground or up once I’m down.”
“So, we’ll go to the ‘Make-out point’.” His cheeks pinked in the dim light of the cab.
“I’ve never been there. Have you?” A flare of jealousy spike in my chest. What if he said yes and went there with another woman? Why did it matter to me? I was pregnant with another man’s baby.
He shook his head. “No. I don’t date.” His fingers gripped the steering wheel tightly.
“Why not?” I regretted the words as soon as they left my lips.
He shrugged. “When you had the best thing in the world, why try to replace it?” He kept his eyes firmly on the road.
My gaze dropped to my hands. I twisted them together. “I never meant…”
“I know. It is my problem.” His hand left the steering wheel, covering mine. “We are here.”
The truck swung into the empty parking lot of a state park. Tim parked the truck at the end of the blacktop, overlooking the countryside. Hiking trails ran into the wilderness. A sign at the trail head reminded people not to litter and to stay on the trail. I shivered a little and wrapped my arms around myself.
Tim cranked the knobs on the dash until heat blasted from the vents. He unbuckled his seat belt and reached behind the seat. He pulled out an old blanket, a couple bottles of water, and plate of homemade brownies. He wrapped the blanket over my shoulders and set the plate between us.
“From my mother.” He unwrapped the plate.
“She makes the best brownies.” I reached for one on the edge and slid it off the plate. I took a big bite. Chocolate and caramel oozed over the edges. “I needed this hit of chocolate.” I closed my eyes and savored the brownie.
“Don’t you have chocolate brownies where you are from?” Tim took a chunk of one piece and plopped it into his mouth.
“Virginia. And no.” I swallowed. “I don’t have anyone there to make me brownies.”
He nodded and reached for another chunk.
I sipped my water before getting another brownie.
“So…” He cleared his throat. “What brings you to Sunnydale?”
“I didn’t want to spend Christmas alone. Aunt Sally and Uncle Ernie have been begging me to come home since…” I gazed out the windshield. Tiny stars sparkled in the navy sky.
“Since?” Tim prompted.
“Since my husband died.” I bit my lower lip, throwing a glance at him.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” His hand covered mine. “Are you okay?”
I snorted. “Okay is a relative term. I’ll survive.” A tear arched down my cheek. I dashed it away with my free hand. “He loved being a solider and he died doing what he loved.” I sniffed. “The ultimate sacrifice for our great country.”
Tim squeezed my hand.
“It’s been seven months. Some days are harder than others.”
“Did he know about the baby?” His voice gentle.
“No.” I squeezed my eyes shut picturing that day. “It’s so vivid. The day I found out. I’d been to the doctor. I was so excited. A child. I wrote him a letter as soon as I got home.” Tears escaped from the corners of my eyes. “I was about to run to the post office when a knock sounded at my door.”
Tim scooted closer to me, his arm wrapping around my shoulders.
“There they were. I’m sure I shocked them. They told me the news and I fainted.” I dabbed at the tears. “I’ve never fainted in my life.”
“How awful. What about his family?”
I shook my head again. “He was a single child and his parents died when he was in high school. There is no one.”
“Almost like you.”
“I have Aunt Sally and Uncle Ernie, at least.” My gaze settled on Tim. A range of emotions marched across his face. “What do you think of my story?”
He swallowed. “I think you are incredibly strong and brave. You can need people though...It’s not a weakness.”
“I don’t have a lot of trustworthy people in my life.”
“You have me.”
That was true. His eyes sucked me in. He has always been there for me, at least in the past.
“How about you? What have you been up to?” I picked a small chunk of chocolate left on the plate.
Another car pulled into the lot. Its headlights flashed through the back window of Tim’s truck before it drove to the opposite end.
He sat back and ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m studying to be a pastor. I’m in my last year of seminary school right now.”
“Really? I’d never guess.”
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do after college, so I came home to ranch.” His gaze moved to the scenery beyond the hood of the truck. “Then one day, Pastor John was sick and I ended up in the pulpit doing the sermon.” He laughed. “I don’t know how that happened, but it was a sign.” He shrugged. “So, I went back to school and now here I am.”
I studied him. Was he the same boy I fell in love with all those years ago? That Tim was happiest on horseback, and I never figured he would leave the ranch.
“What does that mean for the ranch?” I cocked my head to the side.
“I’m still working it with Father. I figured I’d ranch during the week and preach on the weekends.” He shrugged. “You remember that Pastor John is a carpenter?”
“I remember now that you say that.”
“Our church can’t afford to pay a full-time wage, and it makes us more relatable.” He grinned at me. “At least that is what Pastor John says.”
I rubbed my belly and shifted in my seat. My back and feet hurt, even sitting in his truck was uncomfortable. Tim’s gaze rested on me. Heat rose in my cheeks.
“It’s not comfortable being pregnant.”
Author's Note: I had fun writing this chapter as Judy when she comes home. Uncle Ernie's shop is bought by Mike in the current day stories and the ice cream shop is Viola Ann's coffee shop. What do you think so far?
Take care until next week! Hugs,
Allie
Marvelous to read lost and refound love. Pulked me right through... and ended wanting more.
Please.