Page 21 of Beneath Southern Stars

“Hi there. You must be Ryan and Pepper.”

What is it with this town and them having me questioning my life choices? Pepper smiles and steps up to the woman, her fist extended like Boone did just a bit ago. Laughing, the woman bends down and taps her fist.

“I’m Honey. Well, Harper but nobody calls me that. My grandparents own this place and Laney is one of my best friends. She called me last night and told me to expect y’all today. Well, so did Emma. And Mattie. My phone had a text from Dolly a few minutes ago so I’m guessing she and Boone know you were heading over too.”

Again, my eyes must give me away because she giggles. “It sounds bad even to my ears. Laney also mentioned she warned you about Mimi and Mrs. Jinny. Between the two of them and Ms. Linda, you’ll be right as rain with the town.”

I realize I haven’t spoken yet, so I extend my hand. “Ryan Miller. It’s great to meet you. I’m not typically this tongue-tied, but I’m not quite used to people who aren’t being paid to take my photo knowing my comings and goings.”

“That must be awful. I mean, I’ve dealt with my share of gossip in this town in the past and hated every minute of it. Then, I went and became a preacher’s wife and brought it all back on myself. Such is life, I guess. Anyway, let me introduce you to Mimi and my mother-in-law. Can I grab you some sweet tea? Maybe a cookie?”

The last offering is directed at Pepper who nods her head vigorously, curls flipping all about. “How would you like to come to the back with me to help?”

My mouth opens to make excuses for my daughter when she surprises me once again, taking Honey’s hand and letting her lead the way through two swinging doors. Left alone, I step toward the two women who have abandoned their craft and turned their attention my direction.

“Don’t just hover, Mr. Miller. Come on over here and take a seat.”

At this point I shouldn’t be surprised that they know who I am. “My apologies. I’m still not used to people greeting me by name when I’ve not met them.”

The women exchange a look then laugh. “Darlin’ you came here to talk to us and Honey just greeted you by name. Plus, you let your little one go with her. I doubt a man who is concerned about his privacy would do that unless he knew this was a safe place. Now come on and take a seat and let’s put your mind at ease.”

I’d be a very stupid man to argue with that logic. Instead of trying to not crowd either lady in their side of the booth, I grab a chair from a table and sit at the end, giving the women my full attention. Considering the interactions I’ve had with multiple people in town over the last two days, and how easily they have agreed to help keep us in town, I shouldn’t be surprised when both Mimi, as she demanded I call her, and Mrs. Jinny have already come up with a few ways to ensure my identity isn’t leaked to the public.

“I don’t mean to be disrespectful or question your ideas, but how is our attending all of the Holly Jolly Jubilee events going to help keep a low profile?”

Mrs. Jinny sighs, “Ryan, people will whisper, there’s no way around that. Two kids know you’re here and while they’ve promised to keep their lips sealed, we can only trust teenagers so much. But, if word were to get out, the assumption would be you’re hiding out in that big house not out and about town.”

“She’s right. People miss things happening right under their noses all the time,” Mimi says while giving Honey a pointed look.

Honey rolls her eyes. “I was in denial about JD. You can’t hold that over my head forever. We’re married now, Mimi.”

“Well child, it took you long enough to admit you loved the man. But we’re talking to Ryan here. Mind your business.” We all laugh. “Ryan, you’ve brought that baby here for a fun holiday season. Come to the opening ceremony tomorrow night. You’ll see that it’s all going to be fine. The activities are spread out over the next two weeks. I’m not suggesting you participate in everything. Just give it a shot.”

“I’ll think about it,” I promise. Once Pepper finishes her second cookie, we say our goodbyes, the older women fussing over my girl’s curls and pink glasses while I linger at the door with Honey.

The woman bumps me with her shoulder, eyes bright with mischief. “You know, I’m an excellent babysitter if you’d like to take Laney for a hot chocolate or a little something else tomorrow.”

“Umm . . .”

Pepper’s footsteps clue us in to her approach. Before I can say anything further, Honey says. “Laney is one of the best people I know. She has a huge heart. Please don’t break it.”

With those parting words, Honey steps outside and greets a customer at the pump. I wave my goodbye to the women who have given me a lot to think on before stepping outside and crossing the lot to my truck, Honey’s words swirling as I drive us home.

Chapter Fourteen

Laney

Everything is fine.I’m fine.

Maybe if I repeat the words enough, I’ll start to believe it. Fun fact: I don’t love being on a stage. Probably something I should have known about myself before I agreed to chair the Holly Jolly Jubilee.It’s just making lists and organizing people, Laney.That’s how she got me. Promises of lists and organization. Now, as she mingles through the crowd with a travel cup of muddled wine in her hand, I wonder how I can convince Ms. Linda to resume the duty of opening night emcee.

It isn’t as though I don’t want to greet everyone and kick off the season. I simply want to toss my cookies before I step up on that stage. How does Ryan do this for a living? It’s terrifying. I lift my hair off my neck, wishing I had dressed for the weather, not the occasion. But it’s officially the holiday season and I always wished to have one of those moments like in a movie. Beautiful red coat with the perfectly adjusted cap on my head, smiling at the crowd as I wish them good tidings and encourage them to take part in the activities over the next two weeks.

I skipped the coat because, while it’s cooler than it was a week ago, Alabama isn’t known for brisk evenings. That didn’t stop me from wearing the cap and a long-sleeved holidaythemed shirt. Honey weaves through the townspeople, a huge smile on her face as she approaches.

“Ohmygosh, you look adorable! I love your shirt.” I accept her hug and admire the flashing antler headband she’s wearing. “Why are llamas so funny?”

I shrug and take a sip of water from my cup, wishing it was wine. “I don’t know but it’s like I can’t help myself. I see a llama and I have to have. Add in a pun and well... you have this. Look at these earrings.”

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