The Lullaby Sky (15 page)

“What?” Darcy spun around.

“Uncle Cal likes Aunt Darcy, like Tommy at the church likes me. But I don’t like him back, so I renore him. That’s what you have to do to Uncle Cal if you don’t like him back. Just renore him.”

She left the room with her chin in the air, and in a few seconds they heard her flipping through the channels on the television set.

“Renore?” Darcy asked.

“Ignore,” Hannah told them.

Two circles of crimson dotted Darcy’s cheeks. “Does anything get past her?”

“Not much.” Liz stood up and headed toward the door. “But rest assured, men are blind to what kids see, so you have time to get your ‘I’ve loved you forever’ speech honed and fine-tuned before you present it to one of the biggest names in the clothing industry.”

When Liz was out of sight, Hannah fanned Darcy with her hands in a dramatic gesture to ease the fire still burning in her cheeks. “Sophie will forget all about this by evening, and if she starts to bring it up, I will steer her toward her new kitten, which she’s also named Lullaby. That is probably going to be the word of the summer instead of the day. And don’t tell her I let the cat’s name out of the bag. She’s going to announce it at dinner this evening in what I’m sure will be a dramatic move. Tell me something. You’ve been in Liz’s place more than any of us. What kind of feeling do you get over there?”

“Like I’m in an evil place and the devil is about to come up through the floorboards,” Darcy said honestly.

“Then it wasn’t just me,” Hannah said.

“No, ma’am. But I remember his grandma who lived there from back when we were kids. She was nice and the house didn’t feel like that then. I think Wyatt is pure evil and his aura is in that place.”

“Maybe so. I’ll help unload the rest of the boxes from out in our cars. You can start unpacking and putting them away,” Hannah said.

Hannah caught Cal’s expression as she, Liz, and Darcy made their way into the dining room at Miss Rosie’s that Sunday evening. Sophie had called it right on the money. He absolutely looked like he could sweep Darcy off her feet like a knight in shining armor on a big white horse and carry her off to live in a prince’s castle.

From the looks of it, Sophie had set the table again. The napkins were askew and the knives weren’t all turned the right way, but Hannah didn’t have the urge to fix it. That was a big step in the right direction, wasn’t it?

“Okay, folks, it’s plain fare tonight since we had a big dinner. Pinto beans with the ham hock that I had left over from a church dinner, fried potatoes, fried okra, and tomatoes from Mr. Taybor’s garden down the street and fresh strawberry shortcakes for dessert.”

“This isn’t plain, and getting to eat here twice in one day is pure heaven,” Cal declared. “This is the food of the gods. Please tell me that you fried the potatoes in bacon drippings.”

“Of course, is there any other way?” Miss Rosie beamed.

The dining room was small, and the table usually only seated six, but Miss Rosie had brought in two metal folding chairs that she used around the card table on canasta night with her church ladies. That cramped the two sides, but no one complained, least of all Darcy, sitting between Liz and Calvin.

“I’ll say grace because I will keep it short and I’m hungry.” Miss Rosie bowed her head and said a few sentences followed by a loud amen. Then she picked up the platter of corn bread, put a square on her plate, and sent it around the table.

“I liked what the preacher said this morning. Seemed right fittin’.” Aunt Birdie followed Miss Rosie’s lead and, after helping herself to a good-size portion of fried okra, handed it off to Hannah.

“Yes, it did,” Liz agreed.

“I have named my kitten,” Sophie said.

“And?” Travis asked.

“Her name is Lullaby and sometimes I might call her Lully for short,” Sophie announced.

“Well, I think that’s a perfect name, but I thought for sure you’d name her Twinkle or Star,” Travis said.

“Those are her middle names,” Sophie said. “Lullaby Twinkle Star. But I will only call her all of them when she’s been bad. Do you know that cat crap really stinks? I have to hold my nose when I scoop out the litter pan.”

“Sophie!” Hannah scolded.

“The truth is the truth. Don’t matter if you put sugar on it or cat crap, it’s still the truth.” Aunt Birdie chuckled. “And it does stink. That, my sweet little girl, is your first lesson in having a pet to take care of. There’s good jobs and bad jobs whether it’s a kitten or a little baby.”

“She’s worth it.” Sophie shrugged and set about eating her Sunday supper.

Sophie was between Travis and Hannah, which gave her more space than she’d had when she was sitting so close to him in church that morning. Yet when their hands brushed together as they passed the bowls and platters, the sparks were still there. She was elated when her cell phone started playing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” in her purse. She pushed back her chair and answered it on the fourth ring just before it went to voice mail.

“Hannah, this is Gina. I’ve got a woman with two little children who needs a place for a few days. I’m full to capacity. The only problem is that she has a broken leg and can’t do stairs and will need a baby bed in whatever room you give her. You offered your downstairs bedroom. Is that still available?” Gina asked.

“Yes, ma’am, any time you need it,” Hannah said.

“It’s two daughters, by the way. Age five and three months. Within a week her brother will come to get her, but he’s out on a ship with the navy right now,” Gina said. “I’m just reminding you again. They should stay in the house.”

“I understand. I can get Sophie’s baby bed out of the attic and set it up. When will you be here?”

“In an hour,” Gina said.

“I’ll be home and waiting. Might not completely have the baby bed set up, but we’ll be working on it. Does she need clothing, diapers, or anything for the children? I’m sure Aunt Birdie could find things for her at the church.”

“We’ve got all that covered at least for the first few days. You might need to furnish some diapers and laundry soap between now and next Saturday, when her brother will come for her.”

“Has she had supper?”

“They are eating right now.”

“Then we will see you in an hour.” She hit the “End” button and went back to the table. “We have guests. Travis, could I borrow you after dinner to help me put Sophie’s baby bed up in my bedroom?”

“Baby bed? Am I getting a sister or a brother?” Sophie’s big brown eyes glittered.

“You, sweetheart,” Hannah answered, “are getting a little girl who is your age to play with for a whole week. Once you get acquainted you might even get to have a sleepover in your room. But Sophie, when we get this kind of company, you need to know that they cannot go outside, so you will have to stay in the house if you want to play with the little girl.”

Sophie’s hands flew to her cheeks in a dramatic gesture. “You mean it? My very first sleepover in my whole life.”

“But only if the little girl’s mama says it’s okay,” Hannah said.

“I hope she likes Lullaby and my room,” Sophie said. “Is she coming right now?”

“In about an hour, so you better clean up that plate. Especially if you want to have time for strawberry shortcake,” Hannah said.

“Why does the baby bed go in your room?” Travis asked.

“She has a broken leg and can’t climb stairs, especially with a new baby. I’ll take one of the upstairs rooms,” she answered.

“And I’ll take one of the others,” he said. “I’ll move back tonight.”

“That’s not necessary,” Hannah argued.

“Yes, it is,” Aunt Birdie said. “And I’ll feel better if he’s there, so do it for my sake if not for yours.”

“Okay.” She couldn’t tell Aunt Birdie no, not after all the wiry little lady had done for her through the years.

Travis, sleeping in the room across the hall or right next to her. Travis, using the same bathroom she did. Travis, leaving the scent of his aftershave lingering behind him. It scared her, and yet, it kicked an extra little thump into her heartbeat at the same time.

C
HAPTER
F
IFTEEN

T
he woman hardly looked old enough to have produced two children. She towered above Hannah, and although she couldn’t be classified as overweight, she was certainly one large woman. Hannah wondered what man would have the nerve to hit her.

Where fear had filled every fiber of Elaine’s body, this young mother looked like she could chew up railroad ties and spit out toothpicks. She held her baby with one arm and had a crutch firmly planted under the other one. Her older child had a firm grip on the crossbar of the crutch and kept her eyes on her mother.

“I’m Jodie and this is Laurel and the baby is Bella. Thank you for letting us stay here.” Her eyes bored right into Hannah’s.

Every situation was sure enough going to be different, Hannah decided. “We are glad to have you. This is my daughter, Sophie, who is very excited to have a playmate this week, and this is Travis, our bodyguard.”

Jodie scanned Travis from boots to hair and then back down. “Brad will eat him for lunch and still be hungry.”

“He’s a lot stronger and meaner than you think,” Hannah said. “And there’s a shotgun in his bedroom that could even the score pretty quickly. You don’t worry about a thing. We’re out in the boondocks, and the only way anyone comes here is if they live here. You will be safe.”

“I’m Sophie. Would you like to come and see my new room? It’s got a rainbow and a star on the wall and I’ve got Barbie dolls if you want to play.” Sophie took the little blonde-haired girl’s other hand in hers.

Blue eyes, as big as saucers, looked up at her mother for an answer.

“It’s right next door from where you and the baby will be staying, and we’ll leave both doors open,” Hannah said quickly.

A slight smile turned up the corners of Jodie’s wide lips. “You can go play, Laurel.”

“Here’s her suitcase and a package of diapers for the baby,” Gina said. “I should be getting back.”

“Thank you,” Hannah said. “Now let’s get you settled, Jodie. Maybe you and Miss Bella would like a nap?”

Jodie’s whole demeanor changed. “It’s been months since I’ve slept without worry. He’s crazy when he’s mad, and the last time he threw Laurel across the room and gave me a choice. She could take the whipping for my sass or he’d give it to her,” Jodie said. “That’s when I’d had enough and started making plans to leave him. But I shouldn’t be whining. I got away. Now if only he don’t find me for a week, I might even get back to Kentucky in one piece.”

Hannah said, “You can tell as much or as little as you want. We can sit up with sweet tea or hot coffee until midnight or you can keep it all to yourself. But know one thing—I’ve walked that mile in your shoes. My divorce isn’t even a month old.”

“You are so lucky that it’s over,” Jodie said. “When my brother gets me back into those Kentucky hills, I’ll feel a lot better. Brad knows better than to come after me there. Those folks don’t mess around with men like him.”

“Then we’ll keep you safe until then. Travis, will you get that suitcase?” Hannah led the way to her bedroom.

Jodie gasped. “This is so beautiful and quiet.”

Two little girls’ giggles wafted from the next room.

Jodie stopped in her tracks and spun around, baby still in her arms. “I haven’t heard her giggle like that in a long time.”

“It’s the house.” Travis smiled.

The baby started to wiggle and fuss. Travis held out his hands, and Jodie hesitated.

“I love babies.” Travis’s smile was so honest and kind that Jodie turned her baby over to him.

I have done that,
Hannah thought.
Travis is just that trustworthy.

Bella gave him a toothless grin and cooed.

“He’s like that with children.” Hannah laughed. “But rest assured he can shoot the eyes out of a rattlesnake at thirty yards.”

“My daddy got upset if I wasted ammo,” Travis said as he sat down on the edge of the bed. “And Miz Bella, when you get into the hills of Kentucky, I bet you’ve got a grandpa who will teach you how to shoot.”

“No grandpa, but she’s got a great-granny and tons of cousins and great-uncles. We’ll be living in my old home,” Jodie said.

“She’ll have folks to love her, and that’s what’s important. Would it be all right for Travis to take Bella over to Sophie’s room and give you some privacy to unpack?” Hannah asked.

Jodie nodded but didn’t take her eyes off Travis as he carried her baby into Sophie’s room. “It’s hard to trust. I put my faith in Brad, and look what it got me.” She leaned her crutch against one side of the bed and hobbled over to open the suitcase. “Should I leave this stuff in here?”

“I’ve cleaned out two drawers for you, and there’s space in the closet for your things. And Jodie,” Hannah said, “we’ll get you through this week and you can go home to your Kentucky home and heal.”

Laurel dashed into the bedroom with the kitten hanging over her arm like a limp dishrag. “Mama, Mama, look, Sophie’s got a kitten and its name is Lullaby.”

Jodie rubbed the gray fur. “She is a beautiful kitty cat. And I like her name.”

“Sophie says it’s because this house is named Lullaby Sky, but they can’t make a sign for the porch. Sophie has her room all fancy. Come and see. Can I paint my room when we get to ’Tucky?” Laurel tugged at her mother’s hand.

Jodie picked up her crutch and hobbled to Sophie’s bedroom. “Oh. My. Goodness. What a lovely room. And I think you should have a rainbow and clouds and a star on your wall in Kentucky.”

Hannah followed, awe filling her just as it had Jodie, only for different reasons. There was big, tall, strapping Travis sitting in the rocking chair humming a lullaby to the baby. He looked up and winked at her, and Hannah’s heart melted. Someday a woman would come along and Travis would fall in love with her. She’d get the best man on Earth, and he’d be a wonderful husband and father.

A shot of pure old green jealousy danced down Hannah’s spine. She wasn’t sure she could ever be friends with a woman who got the privilege of his love.

“Look, Mama.” Laurel pointed. “Sophie’s got Barbies like the ones I had, and now we’re going to play with them.”

“That’s my cue to take Bella to the living room. She’s too little to play with Barbies and the girls need their privacy. Is that all right with you, Jodie?” Travis drawled.

Jodie nodded without hesitation this time. “I can unpack my few things if you want to go with him.” She glanced at Hannah.

“I’ll make a fresh pitcher of sweet tea and a pot of coffee. There’s some leftover cupcakes, too,” Hannah said.

“Laurel will love that. She’s got a sweet tooth just like my brother’s. I’m so glad that he can take a two-week leave from the service and help me go home. Should’ve never left.” Jodie sighed.

“Hindsight and all that . . .” Hannah paused.

“Shit!” Jodie said under her breath.

“Yes, ma’am.” Hannah nodded.

Hannah had just gotten the tea made when Jodie showed up in the kitchen. Without a baby in her arms, she looked even taller. Her blonde hair had been short at one time, but it had grown out into several different lengths. Brown eyes were set into a round face that could be pretty if it didn’t have so many worry lines etched into it.

“Tea?” Hannah asked.

“Yes, please and maybe one of those cupcakes. I didn’t have much supper. I don’t like to take charity, but I couldn’t figure out another way to get back to Kentucky without going through the shelter.” Jodie pushed up the sleeves of a knit shirt that were frayed at the wrists.

“It’s a good sign that you’re hungry now. And this is not charity, Jodie, so get that idea out of your head.” Travis had brought a wooden rocker from the living room and was letting Bella chew on his cell phone.

“She’ll ruin your phone,” Jodie said.

“Who cares? She’s teething. Got one of them ring things for her?” Travis asked.

Jodie shook her head. “Left everything behind. Walked out without even a diaper bag, caught a bus to Gainesville, and called Gina. I have a friend who works at a health clinic. She noticed some bruises and handed me a phone number. I kept it for over a month before I finally had enough of his shit.”

“Smart woman,” Hannah said. “I’ve still got a couple of those rings that you freeze. I found them shoved back behind a bag of frozen peas the other day. My ex-husband did not like canned peas, so I kept frozen ones for him at all times. Long story short, there are two in the freezer. Do you mind if I let her chew on one?”

“Not a bit. It’ll feel good on those swollen gums.” Jodie sipped her tea as she slumped down in a kitchen chair.

Hannah dug around in the freezer side of her refrigerator and handed a pink pretzel-shaped teething ring to Travis. He put it in Bella’s chubby little fingers, and she promptly stuck it in her mouth.

“How old is she?” Travis asked.

“Three months. She was a big accident. I didn’t want any more kids when I found out what I’d gotten into, but the pill failed. Even so, I wouldn’t want things different. She and Laurel are the reason I found the courage to leave. I couldn’t stay and put them in harm’s way every single day.”

Hannah could hear the Kentucky accent coming through in Jodie’s voice as she got a little more comfortable in her surroundings.

Hannah wished she had half of Jodie’s spunk and sass. “I was lucky. My abusive husband decided he wanted out of the marriage and divorced me. But I did try to run twice. He caught me both times and threatened to take Sophie from me.”

“That’s why I’m going home. If he ever shows up there, well, it’ll be like the lyrics of that old song—he’ll never leave Harlan alive. If I can make it through this week and get home, I’ll be safe,” she said.

“Does he know that?” Travis asked.

“Oh, yes. He’s terrified of my relatives. He could never survive the wilds. Lord, he can’t even shoot a gun,” Jodie said. “He’s a big man. Six feet, five inches and broad across the shoulders. That’s what drew me to him, I guess. I didn’t feel like a big giant sunflower in a bed of pretty little delicate flowers when I was with him. I found out real quick that I wasn’t any match for his fists when he was mad, even if I am a big girl.”

“How did you meet?” Travis asked.

“He was in Kentucky doing construction work on a bridge. He came into the café where I worked and I came back to Texas with him when he left. I was six months pregnant with Laurel when we married.”

“So you do have a place to live when you get to Kentucky?” Hannah asked.

Jodie nodded. “I’ve got a two-bedroom cabin, and my brother will be taking care of us until I get my first paycheck. My granny has a job lined up for me at the café where I used to work.”

“We could fix you up with some clothing to take along from our church clothes closet. It’ll be used stuff, but it’s been washed and it’s clean,” Hannah said.

Jodie inhaled. “I guess that would be all right. I wasn’t raised to take charity, but it’s nice of you to offer and to take us in like this. Maybe someday if you are in Kentucky I can repay you with some fine home cookin’ and a room to stay in.”

“Maybe you can.” Hannah smiled.

It was well past midnight when Hannah heard a strange sound and sat straight up in bed. What if Jodie’s sorry ex-bastard had gotten into the house? From what she’d said, Travis wouldn’t be a match for him. Hannah wasn’t even sure a bullet could put a man like that down.

Her feet were on the floor and she was halfway across the room when she realized what she’d heard was Travis’s deep voice right outside her door.

“Okay, but I really think I should go, too,” he said.

And then he rapped on her door.

She swung it open immediately, and the look on his face, lit up only by the screen of his phone, said something was badly wrong. “Is it Aunt Birdie?” she asked.

“No, it’s Liz. The ambulance is on the way to the hospital with her, and the police have Wyatt in custody. She keeps asking for you. Aunt Birdie is already dressed and waiting on her porch, so I’ll stay here until Miss Rosie arrives. That way there will be a lady in the house when Jodie wakes up in the morning,” he said.

“Oh, Travis,” she said with a heavy heart.

He opened his arms, and she walked right into them. He rubbed her back and hushed her with soft sounds that spread warmth to her neck and face. “I’m so sorry, darlin’. I should have been staying with them at Miss Rosie’s house tonight instead of here.”