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“I’m sorry to bother you, Buck,” Carly said. “Can you take a peek at my car? It’s making the craziest noise. I don’t know if it’s something or nothing. The garage is closed for the weekend. It started on the way out here for brunch.”
“I can look at it,” Birch said from the other end of the dining room table. His dad gave him a ‘watch yourself’ stare. “You stay inside out of the heat with Tanya, and I’ll take it for a quick test drive.” His father’s scowl turned to a proud smile.
“What a lovely idea,” his mother praised. “We can’t put that sweet little girl in jeopardy before she even arrives.”
“Oh, I don’t know what the baby will be,” Carly declared. “I’ve decided to let it be a surprise. The doctor assures me Little Bean is healthy and that’s all that matters.”
“Oh, I’m certain it’s a girl,” Helen exclaimed. “I’m never wrong.”
“Superstitious nonsense,” Buck declared shaking his head.
“I’ve never been wrong,” she huffed. “You were certain Tanya would be a boy.” She smiled softly. “But she turned into my darling daughter.”
“A daughter that made the Dean’s List this semester. I can’t believe I’m halfway through my program.”
“Congrats, sis. That’s great.” Her work-life balance was really paying off. Meanwhile, progress on his house was slower than he wanted it to be. At least the walls were up and the shingles on. He had finished the wiring. Next week an inspector would be out for another round of approvals. He couldn’t wait until it was done to show it off. None of the family had ventured over to peek yet. At least not that he was aware of. The work was slow, sometimes painfully slow. But it was important for him to do it all himself. That took time, especially since he worked here, on the family ranch, as well as having his own chores and animals to take care of. Sometimes his house seemed to be more hobby than life plan, but he was getting there.
He wondered what Carly would think. Not because he thought she’d be living there, though a guy could hope. He’d heard her say she preferred bungalows and adored a large kitchen. He had both of those, and coincidentally, several other things she’d mentioned, like large closets, a covered deck, and a fireplace in the master bedroom.
“I’ll be back later for dessert,” he said. “Brunch was excellent, thanks Mom.” He cleared his plate to the sink and hurried outside.
“Keys are in it,” Carly called. “Maybe I should go help him.”
“Nonsense,” Buck said. “He’s very mechanical. He can fix anything with an engine and wheels. He’ll have it diagnosed before you even get out there.”
Birch slowed in the entry. Conflicting emotions battled him. A good man wouldn’t go for a nearly single, not yet divorced, pregnant woman. But he’d wanted Carly for so long, he could barely keep his distance.
Maybe someday.
He slipped into his boots and tromped outside to fix her junker. She needed a better car. He had some buddies that might have leads. He shot out some texts saying his sister’s friend needed safe, cheap wheels. They’d let him know what they had, or if they heard of anything that might be suitable. Basking in the simple happiness of doing something extra for Carly, he slipped behind the wheel and started the engine.
It didn’t take long to find the problem and he was back inside in under ten minutes. He joined Carly and his family where they lingered over coffee. “Simple problem to fix. You need new brake pads.”
“You figured that out so fast? I’m impressed.” Her grateful smile made him feel ten feet tall. “What do I do?”
“Why don’t you hang out here overnight,” he suggested. “I’ll pop into town and pick up the parts first thing in the morning. It won’t take me long to redo the brakes for you. I checked them all. The back are fine, but both front brakes are shot.”
“I can take it in and get it done.”
“Never mind that,” Helen said, “You can stay the night and us girls can watch chick flicks and eat popcorn. I could use a good girls’ night.”
“Oh, I couldn’t impose.” Despite her protest, Birch heard the longing in her voice and was grateful when his mother put her foot done.
“Consider it settled. Girls’ night here. Birch will be off doing whatever he does all evening and Buck’s got a Lions meeting in town.”
So much for Birch hanging around getting to know her better. He knew so much about her, but wanted to know everything. Like how she preferred her eggs and did she think the Blue Jays would win this year. What were her plans for the future? Still, her staying was better for his heart than Carly on the road with bad brakes.
♥♥♥
CARLY GLANCED AT BIRCH at the end of the Brighton’s kitchen table. He’d changed over the last couple years. He used to pop into the diner every second day, now she rarely saw him. Oh, he was as helpful and smiling as always, like with her brakes, but he seemed distant.
Maybe she was imagining it. After her broken marriage, she didn’t feel like she was qualified to judge any man’s behavior. Still, she was extremely grateful that he was willing to fix her car. She’d be taking a short leave when the baby came and would need every penny she could save up.
“Thank you, Birch. I really appreciate you taking the time to fix it for me. I’ll go with you to pay for the parts, and I can pay you for your time.”
He looked shocked. “It’s nothing.”
He flashed the grin she remembered from a couple years ago. It had been months since she’d seen it. Maybe longer.
“No need to pay me. But if you wanted to bake a pie for me, I probably wouldn’t complain.”
His mother swatted his arm. “Oh, you and your pie!” She looked at Carly. “Never in my life have I met a man so hooked on pie as this one. When he was six, he stole a raisin pie off the counter and ate the whole thing. Let me tell you, he regretted it for days.”
“Mo-om. Don’t air my dirty laundry in public.”
Carly adored the embarrassed smile he couldn’t hide.
She stood to help clear the last of the brunch mess before dessert. Little Bean kicked her right in the left side just below her ribs. “Oh!”
Everyone jumped to their feet. “Are you okay?” Birch was the first to reach her. He grasped her arm as if she needed support. She sucked in a breath. Oh, he smelled like fresh cut grass and sunshine.
“Yes! I’m fine. Little Bean just kicked me. It hurt!” She laughed. “Sorry if I scared you. I was startled myself. It was the biggest kick yet. I swear Little Bean wants out, now.”
“You better sit down,” Birch said, guiding her back to her seat.
She laughed and patted his shoulder. “I’m fine. Nothing to worry about.” He didn’t look convinced but let her have her way. “I’ll serve dessert.”
“I’ll get more coffee,” Tanya said.
“I’ll get the last of the dishes,” Birch offered, following her and Tanya to the kitchen. “What’s for dessert?”
“That’s for me to know and for you to find out,” Carly teased.
“Is it pie?” He looked like a schoolboy begging for a treat.
Tanya laughed. “What else does she bring? I swear she doesn’t even know what the rest of us eat. It’s pie, pie, all the time.”
“That’s not true,” Carly exclaimed. “I brought chocolate lava cake last time.”
“Besides,” Birch said, “I’m her favorite. It’s a good thing Sage and Asher aren’t home. More pie for me.” He rubbed his hands together in glee.
Carly laughed and pulled out the key lime pie and a bowl of sliced strawberries and another of whipped cream.
“Carly Johnston, I think I love you,” Birch joked when he saw the pie.
She couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ll bet you say that to all the bakers.” Deep inside, something secret sparked to life at his joke. It had been too long since she’d known a man’s love.
