Page 30 of The Promise in Poppies
Off his blank expression, Vick explained, “Luke and Cassie announced they’re having a baby.” His son’s tone resonated with all the warmth of a close friend who would undoubtedly dote on their child with the fierce love of a favorite uncle.
During the years after his release, when he’d searched for his son, Rhett had wondered about Vick’s life—was he married with kids? What kind of husband and father would he be? A better one than he’d been, he hoped. He’d spent late nights, when he couldn’t sleep, praying his son had built a happy life, full of love, laughter, and purpose. That prayer had been answered tenfold. But was Vick ready for the next step?
He pushed the thought aside, turning his full attention to Donna. Suddenly, her impromptu visit to Poppy Creek made even more sense. His chest swelled with happiness on her behalf. He could see the hopeful delight splashed across her face, heightening her beauty to such a degree, he found it difficult not to stare. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you.” She’d given him the same simple response as his son, but there was something in her gaze—an unguarded, vulnerable glimmer—that communicated so much more. The news of her grandchild had been a gateway, an unlocked door leading to a second chance she’d long deemed impossible. He wanted to move toward her, to take her hand and tell her he understood, but he didn’t.
“I’ll let you kids get back to your evening,” Vick said with a smile. “Have you seen Bill? I was hoping he could give me a quick hand with something.”
“He had to take Irene on an emergency vet visit,” Rhett told him, hesitating to add the next thought that came to mind.Can I help?
As if reading his mind, Donna said, “I actually have to head back to the inn. I’m expecting a phone call. Maybe your dad can help you?”
Rhett shot her a grateful glance, once again communicating without the need for words. She gave him an almost imperceptible nod.
“Are you sure?” Vick asked. “I don’t want to cut your night short. It’s only a water pressure issue. It can wait until tomorrow.”
“I really need to get going, anyway,” she assured him. To cement her point, she started collecting the dirty dishes. “You two go. I’ll clean up here and let myself out.”
“If you’re sure, thanks.” Vick lingered off to the side, giving them an opportunity to say good night, but Rhett had no idea what to say. Part of him didn’t want their evening to end, but his son rarely asked for his help. He couldn’t pass up the opportunity. Feeling pulled in two different directions, he stood frozen in place.
“Good night.” Her eyes met his—a gripping shade of evergreen that dragged him further into their depths with each glance.
His temperature rose by several degrees, and he cleared his throat, grappling with his emotions. In all his life, he’d never felt so out of control around a woman, so consumed by the desire to know her ins and outs, the way she thought, felt, and viewed the world. He was more than infatuated. He was fascinated. And he wasn’t sure he’d ever be satisfied with the surface level.
“Good night,” he echoed, forcing his feet to turn and carry him down the steps, away from the last thing he needed—another elusive, unfulfilled longing.
“So, Donna seems nice,” Vick said casually as they walked the worn, moonlit path softened by stray stalks of straw.
“She is.” Rhett kept his tone light and noncommittal, not wanting to give too much away.
“Been spending a lot of time together?” It sounded more like a question than an observation.
“Some.”
They walked the rest of the way in silence, Rhett’s stride burdened by his hypocrisy. More than anything, he wanted to be his son’s confidant, to earn his trust and respect. And yet, when presented with an opportunity to be open, he’d held back. Did he expect their relationship to be a one-way street? Or was he simply too ashamed of the truth to be honest with him?
When they reached the modest front stoop of Vick’s home, they were welcomed by an unusual houseguest.
“Hey, Buddy.” Vick dropped to one knee to greet the miniature goat with a scratch behind his ears. “What are you doing out here? You should be asleep in the barn.”
Buddy nudged his hand with the top of his head, and Vick laughed. “Hankering for a late-night snack, huh? All right.” He expelled a good-natured sigh. “You know I’m a sucker. Let’s go.” Vick opened the door, and Buddy trotted inside.
Rhett followed, watching with amusement as Vick plucked an apple from a bowl on the counter while Buddy wiggled his backside with all the enthusiasm of a Labrador puppy.
Vick grabbed a knife from the only drawer in the compact kitchenette, granting Rhett a glimpse of the contents.
He couldn’t help an involuntary intake of breath, and Vick quickly slammed the drawer shut.
But not before Rhett got a good look at the jewelry catalog featuring one item in particular: diamond engagement rings.
CHAPTER18
RHETT
Rhett followed Vick back outside, rounding the side of the silo to the outdoor shower. Even as he took in the details—the cedar plank privacy walls, smooth stone pavers, and open roof with a view of the stars—he couldn’t shake the image of his son on bended knee, ring box in hand.
He liked Lucy and thought they made a great pair. Eventually, they’d make a great husband-and-wife team. But too many marriages failed because couples rushed into wedding vows before they were ready, before they knew they could weather the storm. He doubted that Vick and Lucy had even experienced their first fight. And how well could you really know someone in a matter of months?
