Page 63 of Haystacks and Hoaxes

“That can be arranged.” Chanel smiled warmly. “Imight even hit you up for some babysitting after the baby arrives.”

“Oh, please, do!” Nothing would make Mila happier. “Any time.”

Gwen entertained them by singing Old McDonald Had a Farm in a childish off-key voice for most of the drive. Where she didn’t know the words, she made them up or simply hummed along. Mila’s sides hurt from laughing by the time they arrived at their destination, which turned out to be Gage’s farmhouse.Go figure.

Johnny’s black Jeep was out front, along with Rock’s pickup truck. Mila’s heart raced at the thought of seeing her favorite soldier again.

Gwen reached for Mila again, but Decker elbowed her out of the way. “My turn.” In no time, he had his daughter on his shoulders. She giggled and clung to his head while he galloped her up the porch steps like a pony.

Rock pushed open the door and ushered Decker and Chanel inside. Before Mila could follow them, he stepped outside, blocking her path with his broad shoulders.

“There’s an entrance fee,” he informed her huskily, sweeping off his Stetson and placing it on her head.

“You’re charging me on my birthday?” Her heart raced as his hard mouth descended toward hers.

“Oh, it’s double the normal fee on your birthday, darling.” He captured her lips in a soul-stealing kiss. “Happy Birthday, Mila.” He brushed a warm thumb down the side of her cheek. “I love you more today than I did yesterday.”

“Is that what has you so worried?” She detected an inexplicably anxious gleam in his eyes.

“Nope. The folks who showed up right before you did are what have me worried.”

Mila’s hands tightened on his shoulders. “Whatever’s going on, just tell me. I’ll still love you.” She was unable to hold back a mischievous smile. “More than I did yesterday,” she added in a teasing voice. It earned her another kiss that nearly made her swoon.

“Ahem.” Decker’s voice wafted their way through the screen door. “Got some other folks wanting a little face time with my sister, lover boy. You know, since it’s herbirthdayand all.”

“Feel free to ignore his nastiness,” Mila cut in hastily, “because I’m moving back to my place this evening.”

“Can’t.” Rock tweaked her nose. “He’s my boss. Yours, too.”

“Thanks for the reminder. Happy birthday to me,” she groused mockingly. She stalked ahead of Rock into the house.

“Surprise!” The room erupted into cheers and clapping, although the event was no longer a surprise.

Mila’s answering laughter died in her throat as she caught sight of the two guests Rock had mentioned. Her mother was standing at the far end of the room near the fireplace, looking woefully uncertain. Her wine-colored tunic sweater and black jeans exuded a festive overtone that wasn’t reflected in her teary gaze. Chet had an arm slung loosely around her shoulders, whispering something in her ear that was making her swallow hard and nod.

“Mom!” Mila’s voice hitched. “Dad!” It was the first time she’d ever called her stepdad that, but it had slipped out on its own. It was so good to see them that she sailed across the room. All other thoughts flew from her head as she launched herself into their embrace.

To her unending joy, their arms automatically came around her.

“Are you okay, Mom?” Mila’s voice was ragged from days of pent-up worrying.

“I am now.” Her mother squeezed her so tightly that it was hard to breathe. “I was afraid I’d lost you,” she quavered. “After all the mistakes I’ve made and the secrets I’ve kept from you.” A sob ripped out of her. “And your inheritance that I almost let that horrible family swindle away from us.”

“You’re never going to lose me.” Mila was crying so hard that it was hard to form the words. “And I don’t care about any dumb oil shares. I just need you to be okay.” She needed their entire family to be okay. There was no price tag to put on stuff like that.

“I’m okay.” Her mother was crying hard enough to make her mascara run. “Especially now that I know you haven’t replaced me with your favorite brother and sister-in-law.”

“Never!” Mila couldn’t believe a woman her age had wasted time worrying about something so ridiculous. She struggled to regain control of her emotions. “There’s room in my heart for every one of you.” She caught her stepdad’s eye as she spoke and was rewarded with a crooked grin of appreciation. “Granted, my favorite niece might be taking up a little more than her share of space. Oh, Mom!” Mila gave her mother’s shoulders a gentle shake. “Gwen is too precious for words!” It sort of killed her that their family had been estranged for the first two years of the kid’s life.

Hearing her name, the little girl toddled Mila’s way to throw her arms around her leg. “Mila Rabbit,” she announced proudly.

While Carla Kingston cleaned up her mascara with a tissue, Mila happily explained her new title. It brought a round of laughter from those gathered, which preceded astring of birthday festivities. Ella had baked her a cake. Johnny had composed her a silly poem that didn’t rhyme very well. It was still hilarious, though. Then came the gifts and cards.

Despite her mother’s arrest, Mila’s parents had brought her a set of hand-painted kitchen plates in bright, cheerful colors from the Bahamas.

“I love them!” She blew kisses to her mom and stepdad.

Decker gave her a designer sketchpad with a leather cover that she doubted he’d purchased in their small town. He must have special ordered it. Chanel had custom designed a breathtaking dress in white tulle with a cascade of ruffles that came to Mila’s knees when she held it up in front of her. The hem of the dress swept nearly to the floor in the back of it.

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