Page 52 of Sweet Music
He opened the front door for her, and she took a single step inside.
“Shoes,”a chorus of happy voices sang out from the back of the house. Making her pause in the doorway.
“That’s for Tripp,” Cash explained, rolling his eyes. “He always forgets to take off his boots and he tracks mud and snow into the house.”
“Wow,” Bella said. “Even now?”
“Who knows?” Cash said. “We always yellshoes, so he has no excuse to forget. Come on.”
Bella hesitated for half a second. But there was no way she could expect Cody to do this if she was afraid togo in herself.
She stepped the rest of the way inside and took off her boots, ready to see what the Lawrence family was all about.
I know pretty much all of them all individually in some way,she reminded herself.So at least there won’t be any surprises…
18
BELLA
Ashort time later, Bella stood by the stove, watching West’s wife, Dulcie, roll out biscuit dough to the sound of “Deck the Halls” on the radio, and the quiet chatter of the people over at the table.
The kitchen was enormous, with plenty of space for cooking and a dining room-sized area that housed a massive wooden table and a wall of windows overlooking the wooded hillside behind the house.
It already smelled incredible, and everyone was so relaxed and happy. Better yet, no one was paying Bella too much mind. Other than welcoming her warmly, they had left her to her own devices.
“Are you sure I can’t help out?” Bella asked again.
“Youarehelping out,” Mr. Lawrence said with a smile. “You’re keeping us company.”
They certainly didn’t seem like they were lacking for any extra company. The Lawrences had six kids, and theyall seemed to be on the farm today, most of them with their own families in tow.
Tag worked here on the farm. He had always struck Bella as a little on the grumpy side, until he married his little sister’s best friend, Charlotte, about three years ago now. His kids, Olivia and Chance, were out with Cody seeing the calves.
Zane, whose twin boys Nick and Cal were also part of that crew, had married schoolteacher Becca two years ago. Becca and Charlotte were chatting avidly now, while Tag, Zane, and Cash set the table.
West was the town doctor. He had married Dulcie last year after she and her car were pulled out of that snowbank. Her little sister Delphine and his daughter Elizabeth were out with the other kids, while Dulcie helped Mr. Lawrence with dinner.
Tripp was outside, chopping wood with West. Tripp worked the farm and was known in town as a bit of a mischief-maker. He was popular with the ladies, but no one had ever nailed him down. Bella figured the big cowboy with the twinkly eyes would be a bachelor forever.
And Allie was the baby of the family. She taught kindergarten and volunteered for everything under the sun. Bella had been hoping she would be one of the first people here, since she was the one she knew best, but unfortunately Allie didn’t seem to be part of the group tonight.
Suddenly, the front door banged open.
“Shoes,”everyone called out happily.
There was the sound of a collection of shoes andboots tumbling to the floor, then all the kids came thundering in, laughing and talking happily.
Bella was happy to see that Cody and Olivia were deep in conversation—something about a performance. Bella remembered Olivia’s incredible acting debut as Ebeneezer Scrooge inA Christmas Carola few years ago. Up until then, the girl had seemed as shy and awkward as Bella herself had been in school. Performing had really brought her out of her shell. It was good to hear her encouraging Cody to participate.
“Don’t forget to wash up,” Maggie Lawrence called out as she followed the children inside.
Maggie wore a big smile, but then she always seemed to be happy. A sort of peace emanated from the woman, who clearly loved all living creatures, be they human or animal.
Bella decided that overseeing the washing of hands would be a good self-assigned job for her. She headed down to the hall bathroom and kept an eye on the kids as they took turns at the sink.
They did a pretty good job, and only little Elizabeth needed a bit of help. When they were finished, Bella wiped down the sink and felt good about having participated in something.
As the others bolted into the kitchen, Cody hung back with her in the hallway for a minute.
