Her Texas Family (14 page)

“Hi, Ms. Lucy!” Mattie flew down the stairs and slid across the living room floor in her socks, joining Lucy on the couch.

“Someone's definitely all the way better.”

“She's been bouncing off the walls all day. Very un-Mattie-like. I think—” Graham slid his hands into his pants pockets “—she might be a little excited for tonight.”

Couch cushions jiggled as Mattie agreed.

“But she also knows she's going to bed at the normal time.”

The girl's lower lip slipped into a pout before she switched back to excitement. “Are we going to do nails?”

“As soon as your dad gets out of here.”

Mattie popped up from the couch and started shoving Graham toward the door.

“Hey!” His hands rose in the air. “I'm going. Hang on. I have to grab my keys and wallet.” He picked them up from the small entry table. “Pizza should be here soon. It's already paid for. And if anything goes wrong, Lucy, just call me—”

“We got it.” Mattie gave him one more shove, and Graham opened the front door. “Emergency numbers are on the fridge. We're good, Dad. Later.”

“Don't I at least get a kiss?”

Graham leaned down, and Mattie bestowed a smacking smooch on his cheek.

How disappointing. For a second there, Lucy had hoped he'd been talking to her.

Chapter Fourteen

G
raham put the key in the lock of his front door, then let his head fall silently to rest on the cool wood. The night had gone much as he'd expected—a lot of schmoozing with people he barely knew. But it had also had some unexpected parts—like the ache that had radiated in his chest all night. Not acid reflux or any other diagnosable illness. Nope. This had been a churning mixture of guilt and loneliness. Because on a night when he should have been thinking about Brooke—and he had, of course—he'd been missing Lucy.

Lucy.

The woman who was in his house right now because she was willing to watch his daughter, willing to walk right into their lives and make an impact in places he didn't remember feeling before.

He was in trouble. For the first time since Brooke, he knew he wanted to move on...and he couldn't. The Wellings made that impossible. Because no matter what Graham selfishly wanted—to walk into his house and sink into kissing Lucy—he wouldn't do that to Mattie.

She'd already lost her mom. She wouldn't lose a relationship with her grandparents because of him.

He gave in to a pathetic sigh before standing upright and turning the key in the lock. Enough wallowing. He'd just discovered—or been willing to admit—these feelings for Lucy. Maybe they weren't that strong. Maybe she didn't reciprocate them and he was frustrated over nothing. After all, she'd had a date last night.

Who had she gone out with? Graham saw her every day of the week between work, dance and church, and he'd never seen her with a guy who looked like a boyfriend.

He stepped into the house.

“Hey.” A rumpled Lucy sat up from where she'd been lounging on the couch. “That was a quiet entrance. I was hoping for a blasting boom box being held over your head from the front yard or a lawn-mower ride or something.”

Graham dug the stuff from his pockets, depositing it on the front table. “I take it you've been watching '80s movies all night?”

“Since Mattie went to bed.”

“You couldn't have fit too many in.”

“Just two. But I've seen them all.”

“Of course.”

He loosened his tie and walked over, dropping into one of the chairs across from the couch.

“Was it that bad?”

He shrugged. “I'd rather have been here.”

“Well, that's a given. I am extremely delightful to be around.”

Graham rubbed his temples, the slightest curve touching his mouth. “I feel like you've told me that exact thing before.”

“Possible, because it's true.” Lucy stood and started folding the blanket.

“You don't need to do that.”

She ignored him, continuing to tidy up. He should get out of the chair and help her, but he didn't trust himself to be anywhere near her right now.

He still couldn't believe he'd missed her tonight, couldn't believe these feelings had sneaked up on him. Yes, he'd known he was attracted to her. The thought of dating her had crossed his mind before, but he'd really hoped their relationship could revolve around Mattie and stay at friendship level. His reasons for not developing feelings for Lucy—her age, their opposite personalities, the fact that she still worked for him—were all legit.

They just weren't working.

He'd been blind, and because of the Wellings, he needed to figure out how to remain that way.

“Okay, I'm going to go.”

Graham stayed where he was. “Thank you for tonight.”

“Of course. Like I said before, it's not a problem.”

She walked toward him, sitting on the armrest of his chair. Too close. She smelled so good, he just wanted to drink in everything about her. The way her braid fell over one shoulder as she leaned forward, the concerned look pulling on the mouth that could hold his attention for days.

Her hand rested on his forehead. “No fever. Thought maybe you were coming down with what Mattie had.”

“I'm fine.”

“You're not. You're sad, and I don't like it.” She pointed to herself. “Director of Fun, remember?”

“How could I forget?”

“Are you sure you don't have a temp?”

Graham caught her hand on the way to his forehead again and placed a kiss on the inside of her wrist. He shouldn't have, but he hadn't been able to resist. She sucked in a breath and held very still.

After a few seconds, she slid from the chair and stood. “I—”

“You can't fix this, Lucy. It's okay. I'll be okay.”

“At least one of us will be.” And then she was gone.

* * *

“I have a problem.”

“What's wrong?” Olivia sounded as if she'd been asleep, and Lucy winced when she checked the time above her rearview mirror.

“I'm sorry. I didn't even realize how late it was. I forget Cash gets up so early—”

“Cash wants to know where you're stranded. He says he'll be right there.”

“I'm fine. Not stranded. Boy trouble.”

“Oh.”

Lucy heard Olivia explain to Cash that nothing was wrong, some shuffling, then a door open and close.

“Okay, I'm out of the room. What's going on?”

“I want him to be happy.”

“Sounds like a crime to me. Of course, I was asleep, so there's a chance I'm not following you.”

“He kissed my wrist.”

“Was he aiming for your mouth?”

“You are seriously snarky when you get woken up.”

Olivia's sigh echoed over the phone. “Sorry. I'll try for silent, but I'm going to need more details. And to know which guy we're talking about.”

“There's only one guy.”

“Not true. Didn't you just go on a date with Bodie last night?”

Yes. She had. But Lucy would have to tell Bodie that couldn't happen again. Even if Graham didn't reciprocate her feelings, she couldn't continue to date Bodie when she was falling for someone else.

“Graham. When he got back from his dinner-fundraiser thing tonight, he was so sad, Liv.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Me, too. And I just wanted him to be happy. And then it hit me after I got into the car. Maybe he can be, but just not with me. His in-laws are like a big brick wall between us. I don't know what their deal is, exactly. I only know it can never happen.”

“Never say never.”

Lucy fought the tears that surfaced without permission. “You know how optimistic I am, but it's not even remotely possible. They don't like me. I'm not good enough for them, their world, their granddaughter...or Graham.”

“Has anyone said that to you?”

“Not in words.” Lucy sniffled. But sometimes words weren't necessary.

“I am obviously not in agreement with that thinking, but go on.”

“I realized if Graham's willing to give up the
I'm never getting married again
thing, maybe he could move on with someone else. He could have a future with someone the Wellings approve of. And then my heart was breaking, because I knew I wanted that happiness for him...even if it's not with me.”

“Oh, Lulu. It sounds like you really care about him. Welcome to maturity.”

“Maturity stinks.”

“Yep. It can. But sometimes it works out in the end.”

“I'm not sure this story is going to end that way, Liv. This isn't a fairy tale.”

Silence met her, and she swiped at the tear that managed to escape. Lucy wasn't much of a crier. She was going to add this to her list of things to complain about after growing touchy-feely feelings for someone. Why in the world was her sister such a big proponent of this stuff?

“Lulu, you're right. It might not work out. Not everything does. I can only tell you I'll be praying about all of this. And will you do me a favor?”

Strange time to be asking for things. “What is it?”

“This stuff with Graham's in-laws has been wounding for you.” Lucy wanted to interrupt and deny it, but Olivia didn't give her a chance. “Just don't forget God created you to be exactly who you are for a reason. How God views you—how much He adores you—that's a truth you should believe.”

At the reminder, peace trickled through Lucy. “Good thing I have a wise older sister to take my midnight phone calls.”

“If I'm wise, which I doubt, it's only because I've learned from making many, many mistakes. You, my dear sister, are now the lovely recipient of the knowledge gained from my life lessons.”

Despite feeling as though she'd lost her heart somewhere back at Graham's house, Lucy's amusement grew. “First I was almost in tears. Now I'm laughing. Go back to bed, pregnant mama. Thanks for talking me through this.”

“Anytime.”

“Except maybe not at two in the morning.”

“Right. Maybe not then.”

* * *

“Hurry up, Dad!” Two weeks later, Graham found himself being dragged across the high school parking lot with superhuman strength by a five-year-old girl who refused to be anything less than early for her first dance recital.

“We're on time, I promise.” His reassurances were met by silence. “Are you nervous about tonight, Mattie? It's okay if you feel scared and excited at the same time.”

She stopped walking and looked at him, bright eyes accentuated behind red glasses. “My stomach hurts.”

“That's nerves, honey, and they aren't a bad thing. Sometimes they can be from excitement, too. I know you're going to do great. And no matter what happens, I'll think you're amazing.”

She gave him an exasperated look, and he tried his best not to smile. “You have to, Daddy. You don't count.”

“Uh, thank you?”

She giggled, grabbed his hand again and took off for the doors. “All of this talking is making us late.”

Ten minutes later, they'd found Mattie's group in a classroom staging area where the girls would stay before and after their part of the performance. Coloring books and crayons were spread out on the floor, along with a handful of girls in bright blue tutus. Mattie fit right in, dropping to the ground and chatting with one of the little girls from her class.

“When did she grow up?”

Lucy appeared beside him. “In the last week.”

“That's what I was thinking.”

They shared a grin.

“Do you need me to stay in here with her?”

“Nope. Go enjoy the show. I have a few mom volunteers who'll be back here helping keep the girls entertained and their hair perfect while we wait for our performances.”

“Hair?” Graham panicked. “I didn't do Mattie's hair a certain way. I didn't even know that was a thing.”

“Chill.” Lucy shook her head, amusement evident. “I've got everything she needs. Curling iron, ginormous bow, more bobby pins than necessary. I'm prepared.”

“Okay.” He let out a jagged breath.

“Nervous, are we?”

“Me?” He attempted a chuckle but it came out as a wheeze. “No. Maybe.” He tugged Lucy away from the girls. “What if she forgets her steps? Or gets stage fright? Are you sure she's ready? The rest of the girls have been in class all year. Mattie's only been going for two months. I don't want her to feel embarrassed if something goes wrong.”

“She'll be fine. Relax. I've been praying over this night for her. I think it's a big step for our serious little girl. She's so excited, and I think she's going to do great.”

Our little girl.

He wanted to kiss her. Right there, in the middle of a bunch of five-and six-year-olds, he wanted to let his lips find Lucy's and never let her go.

“Graham, there you are!” his mom called from over his shoulder, and then she was next to him. Jabbering to Lucy. Hugging her. Short blond hair dancing around her chin with excitement.

“I'm Nancy Redmond. It's so nice to finally meet you, Lucy. We've heard so much about you from Mattie and Graham. You'll have to come over for lunch on a Sunday so we can get to know you better.”

Since his parents attended a different church than he and Mattie did, his mom and dad had never met Lucy. Much to his mother's dismay. Sounded as if she planned to make up for lost time.

Lucy nodded as his mom continued talking, unable to get a word in.

“I'm just so excited to see Mattie dance. Oh, Mattie—hi, love bug!” Like a butterfly flitting from one flower to another, his mom moved to hug Mattie.

“Gary Redmond.” Graham's father introduced himself, shaking Lucy's hand. “I might not show it in the same way as my wife, but I'm equally excited to meet you.” Graham and his father shared a number of similarities. Both had dark hair, though his dad's had started peppering with gray over the past few years. Their build was also alike. And their minds... By the way his dad currently studied him, Graham feared his feelings for Lucy were an open book. Hopefully the Wellings wouldn't have their magnifying glasses out tonight.

Dad turned back to Lucy. “Thanks for all you've done for Mattie.”

“Of course.”

They continued talking, and Graham's neck heated, warmth creeping onto his cheeks. He needed to get out of this room. Lucy meeting his parents was giving him false hope that she would fit with his family.

Trouble was, she would. Just not on the Welling side.

“We'd better find our seats.”

Everyone said goodbyes, and Graham gave Mattie one last hug. “You're going to do great. I'll be praying for you the whole time.”

Mattie nodded, and then Graham walked with his parents into the auditorium. They found Phillip and Belinda at their reserved seats. Everyone greeted each other, then filled in the row. Graham ended up in the aisle seat, his father next to him.

“You never mentioned what Lucy looks like.”

He kept his gaze forward, hoping to avoid this conversation.

“Or that you had feelings for her.”

A quick glance told him Phillip and Belinda weren't overhearing his father. “I don't, Dad. Or at least I can't.”