Page 20 of Promise Me This Christmas
Larkin guessed this was an oblique reference to Gibson Adlington.“Oh, before I forget, Marly wants me to mention the Mable Bramble Christmas Tea fundraiser you’re hosting on Sunday.Are the proceeds going toward Chet’s rodeo school again this year?”
“Yes.”Chet leaned forward, his expression enthusiastic.“The extra money allows us to offer even more spots to kids who are keen to learn but can’t afford the fees.”
“Sounds like a worthy cause.”Larkin stopped her recording.“Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me.”
“You’re welcome,” Amy said.“But I better get back to polishing the silver.”
“I’ve got some calls to make, then I’m going to round up some tools for your brother.Are you okay to handle Robin after his nap?”he asked his wife.
“Absolutely.Shelley offered to help with the silver, so I’m good.”
Chet and his wife shared a kiss, then separated, leaving Larkin alone in the sitting room.
Watching the dynamics between the young B & B owners had left her feeling a little wistful.It was clear that they had a loving and respectful relationship, and she had to admit that she envied the life they’d built together.They each had a business they were passionate about, while somehow managing to keep their relationship—and their son—as their central focus.
Not that there was anything wrong with her life as a single woman.She loved her career, and she had lots of friends and an active social life.So why did she have this yearning suddenly?Seeing Carson again had totally upset her equilibrium.She just didn’t know if it was a good thing or not.
Deep in thought, she went to the library to see how her grandmother was doing.She perched on the footstool next to her grandmother’s chair.“I was thinking we should go to town for lunch.What are you hungry for, Gran?”
Her grandmother sighed.“I’d love a bowl of my homemade minestrone.I’ve got lots in my freezer at home.But I guess we can’t go there?”
Larkin considered the idea.“Why not?That way we can check on Carson.Make sure he really does know what he’s doing.”
Her grandmother’s eyes twinkled.“Oh, I think he knows exactly what he’s doing.And so do you.”
Chapter Five
Carson’s first actionin Ethel’s house was to put up a heavy-duty dust barrier between the bathroom and the rest of the house.It was a good-sized bathroom, thankfully, which would make his job a lot easier.He was in the garage, setting up the saw he’d borrowed from Chet, when he got a text from the man himself.
Hey Carson.Can you open the garage?
He did so and Chet came in carrying a trowel and caulking gun.“Borrowed these from Craig since I couldn’t find mine.Craig said if you need anything else, you can find him in his garage.He’ll be working there until five or so.”
“Thanks, man.”Though Carson’s father and Chet had hit it off right away, for Carson establishing a friendship with Chet had taken longer.Chet’s old man had a reputation around the rodeo circuit for being a mean old bastard and Carson had been suspicious of the younger Hardwick when Amy first started bringing him around the ranch for family dinners.
But Chet had won him over.He wasn’t thick with charm like some cowboys.And he never bragged about his impressive achievements in the rodeo ring like others.Instead, he was quiet and hardworking and utterly devoted to Amy.Seeing what a caring dad he was to Robin had sealed the deal.
“Need any help?”Chet asked.
“Thanks, but I’ve got this.I’m putting in the subfloor and pan today.Shouldn’t take more than a few hours.”
“Nice of you to do this work for Ethel.”
Carson glanced up quickly, suspecting a subtext.Sure enough, there was a glimmer of amusement in Chet’s eyes.“Ethel had me over for dinner a good many times when I was a kid.This is my chance to repay her kindness.”
“And maybe it puts you in Larkin’s good books too?”
Carson grinned.“Yeah.That too.”
Chet clapped him on the shoulder.“Well, good luck with both your projects—the bathroom and the woman.”
“Thanks.And thanks again for the tools.I’ll see you back at Bramble House.”
Once Chet was gone, Carson shut the garage door behind him.His feelings for Larkin must be pretty obvious if even Chet had noticed.Not that he was trying to hide them.The grown-up woman was even more amazing than the teenaged version had been.Larkin had always had an inner depth to her, an ability to feel empathy for other people.At the same time, she could be tough and determined.The combination was powerful.He’d never met a woman who could compare.
And yet, a destructive anger was burning inside of him toward himself and Andrew.Why hadn’t he seen what his supposed friend was up to?Why hadn’t he been there to protect Larkin when she needed him?And how could Andrew have been such an SOB?
Carson was glad to launch into a physically demanding job.As he pried away the old subfloor, he imagined throwing punches at Andrew.What kind of animal forced himself on a woman?Especially one who had been his friend?And was it possible for a man like that to evolve into a loving father and husband?
