Page 18 of Sheltered by the Lawman

“Busy,” Bo said. “One day you’ll all wish you’d slowed down and enjoyed life more.”

“Right, Pa,” the boys said in unison. Obviously, they had a lot of respect for their father.

Over enough fried chicken to feed an army, two big bowls of whipped potatoes, and a platter of homemade soda-pop biscuits, she listened to the amusing conversation among the Cades. She’d also learned that Cull was the only brother that wasn’t attached. Phoenix had married Ria, a massage therapist that had lost her sight in an accident. They were expecting their second baby soon. Nixon and Melly had a child and lived on a ranch by the name of Shy Brooke that sounded almost as lovely as the Cade Ranch. They would have come tonight but Beatrice said their baby had come down with the sniffles. Then there was Zander and Wynn. They were trying to have a baby too but hadn’t been successful. Kace and Tyler seemed head over heels in love. Recently married with one on the way, they were crazy about each other. Monica felt a sliver of envy. She didn’t even know these people and she envied and admired their love for one another. The funny banter. The comfort and relaxation. How Beatrice and Bo interacted with each other and their kids.

“I think it’s time for dessert.” Beatrice stood, fluffing the skirt of her blue dress. “I could use some help.”

Tyler started to scoot back in her chair and Beatrice waved her to stay. “No, honey. You rest. Remember what the doctor ordered.”

“I’d like to help,” Monica offered.

“Thank you, dear. Come along.”

Inside the kitchen, she watched Beatrice cut into the beautiful apple pie and couldn’t wait to sink her teeth into the dessert. How could she still have room after that amazing dinner? It was like she hadn’t eaten a good meal in years.

“The pie smells and looks delicious, Beatrice.”

The woman took a container of ice cream from the freezer and set it next to the pie. “The secret is in the right equation of apples. Too much of one variety and it’s too sweet, but a combination of crisp and tender, sweet and sour, and it’s exactly right. Brown sugar and cinnamon sprinkled on top is the perfect touch. Like a diamond necklace with the prettiest dress. How about you warm the homemade ice cream in the microwave for thirty seconds while I start the coffee.”

“Sure.” She’d never heard of nuking ice cream, at least she didn’t remember. As the microwave whirled, she said, “I can’t thank you enough for letting me stay here. While I’m here I hope you’ll let me help out.” In her effort to not get anything for free, she could at least volunteer. She guessed that on a ranch there was always room for another hand.

“Do you know anything about horses?”

Monica worked her bottom lip. “No…I don’t think so.”

“How about mending fences?”

“Still a no.” This wasn’t looking good.

“Then you can help me in the house.”

Smiling, she removed the ice cream and took it to the counter.

In between scooping coffee granules into the machine, Beatrice said, “Sweetie, Cull told me about the incident. You’ll need to take it easy. Concussions can be a doozy if you don’t take care of yourself. I’d know because every one of my kids have had one.”

“I know this is weird—”

“As a wife to a retired cop and a mother of lawmen, this wouldn’t be my first rodeo in the unexpected, my dear. That’s why it was important for you to come to dinner so you could see we’re all happy to have you here. I don’t expect you to help, but I’ll never turn down an extra pair of hands. It seems these days the arthritis is coming on as fast as the memory is fading.”

“Then you and I have something in common.” They shared a laugh.

Monica realized that it was possible a terrible, scary incident might be the best thing that had happened to her in a very long time.

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