CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Chelsea
My hand landed on an empty space next to me. I rubbed my eyes and sat up. Ben’s jeans were on the floor, along with the rest of our clothes. It wasn’t a dream. I smiled. Fridays were usually studio days, but I had asked Quinn if we could take a break today. I needed time with Ben.
I took a quick shower and headed downstairs to figure out what the plans for the day were.
After grabbing a cup of coffee, I found him on the porch in one of the wooden rockers.
“Hey.” I smiled.
“Good morning. Care to join me?”
I sat next to him, matching his rocking pace. “How did you sleep in your own bed last night?”
He laughed. “Pretty much like a damn log.” He picked up my hand and squeezed it. “It’s nice to be home. I’m tired of that hotel suite and room service.”
“I like having you home.” The house felt warmer, more alive with him in it.
“All right, so I know you’re probably not awake yet, but I have a bit of a surprise for you.”
I watched his expression. There had to be a big birthday surprise. He had dropped hints left and right. My birthday wasn’t until tomorrow, but I had a feeling Ben was going to do something to celebrate all weekend.
“Ok, what is it?”
“How would you feel about meeting my mama and Valerie?”
I almost let the sip of coffee dribble down my chin. “Uh-I. Your mom and sister? When?”
“They’re headed this way for the day. They’re going to spend the night, and then be off in the morning. Val has work for the foundation in Austin, and Mama wants to do some shopping, I think.”
“Wow, that’s big.” I clasped the hot mug.
“I’ve already met your whole family and every neighbor you’ve got. Don’t you think it’s about time you met mine?” His eyes were shining.
“Yeah, I’d love to meet them. I want to. I just didn’t know it would be today.”
There were a lot of ways I had thought about meeting Ben’s family. He would take me home for a weekend. I’d have time to buy flowers for his mother, maybe pick up something his father liked to drink. I’d search my closet for the right outfit—the one that said I’m the perfect match for your son. Never in this scenario would they know I was sharing a bedroom with him, and staying at his house while he was out of town.
“Today’s as good a day as any, don’t you think? Besides, I know how you get if you have time to think about it. You’ll just get yourself all worked up and be stressed. This cuts all that out.” He grinned at me.
“I’m not going to get all stressed.” I eyed him, but realized he knew my habits better than I did. I was going to do exactly that—spend the entire day preparing to meet Ben’s mother and sister with a case of full-blown new girlfriend jitters.
“No, you’re not. Because I won’t let you. We’re going to have fun today.”
“Wait, what about your dad? Is he driving down too?” I might as well meet everyone at once.
“Nah, he has other things he has to do. He doesn’t travel.”
“Is he ok?” Surely he would have mentioned if his father were ill.
“Oh yeah, Dad’s always fine. He just doesn’t leave Shiner, no matter the reason.”
“Has he ever been to the ranch before? I’m sure he would love it.”
Ben shook his head. “Nah, he’s got his own place to tend to.”
“But—” I tried to think of what to say next. I certainly wasn’t an expert on fathers. Mine wasn’t going to win any parenting awards this year.
“Darlin’, it’s ok. That’s just my dad. I’m used to it. Come on. We have a full day together. Let’s go get in trouble.” He winked and waited for me in the doorway.
I wanted to pull him back to the rocker. He seldom talked about his father. For a moment, I thought he was on the verge of opening up about their relationship. But I knew that look on his face and the sound in his voice. Discussion was over.
“What did you have in mind?” I rose from the chair.
“Have you ever done any skeet shooting?” He arched his eyebrows.
“You mean with a gun?”
“Yeah, shotgun. Is there any other way? Come on. Looks like we’ve got our work cut out for us.” He wrapped his hand around my shoulder. “And if that doesn’t keep your mind off meeting the family, I have some afternoon ideas.” He kissed the side of my head.
“But I’ve never shot a gun. I’ve never shot anything.”
“That’s all about to change, killer.”
I wasn’t sure which I was nervous about: meeting Ben’s mother or shooting a gun for the first time.
***
“You know you were a natural out there.” Ben grinned and handed our shotguns to one of the ranch hands. He pulled the ear protection from my head.
“I don’t know about that.”
“Did you have fun? You hit a lot of targets.” His face was flushed.
I didn’t hit nearly as many as he did. I thought I saw him miss one. Must be that natural athletic ability, and the fact that he had a private skeet range.
“Surprisingly, I did like it.”
At first, I was scared when he placed the shotgun in my hands. But he had been patient and guided me through how to line up my shot and pull on the trigger, making sure the timing was perfect. The kickback wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it’d be. I expected to fall on my ass the first time I released the trigger, but it only dug into my shoulder and I was able to keep my balance.
I removed the eye shield from my face and gave it to the man who had been helping us all morning.
Ben must have every kind of guy toy on the planet. The skeet range was set up like a professional course. We had taken the four-wheeler to get there. He also mentioned he had a cabin he used for hunting, and there was the stock pond and fire pit. I couldn’t think of a single thing that was missing.
He looked at his watch. “We better head back and get cleaned up before the girls get here.”
I shot him a look of panic. I had actually forgotten. The focus and concentration it took to hit the clay discs had been enough to distract me.
“Right. We need to do that.”
He laced his fingers through mine. “You’re going to do great. They’ll love you. I promise. Now hop on.” He patted the back of the ATV.
I climbed behind him and wrapped my arms around his waist. We sped off through the fields.
***
I looked at my reflection again. Maybe I shouldn’t have cut my hair. Mothers liked long hair. I pulled on the ends as if I could force an extra inch or two out of them. Ben acted as if this was the most natural thing in the world, but he wasn’t the one meeting the family. He had already met mine, and in a more unconventional way than this. He didn’t need to impress them. He was already an employee at the family business.
“Darlin’, you ready?” He waited for me at the bedroom door. “They’re at the gate. Valerie just texted.”
I checked my teeth once more for lip gloss and made sure my shirt was wrinkle-free. It was a pale blue. Ben said it made my blue eyes brighter. “I think so.”
I turned off the bathroom light and met him at the door.
He grinned. “Just remember, if I love you, they’ll love you. It’s part of the deal.” He took my hand in his. “I’ve got you.”
Looking in his eyes, I knew that was true. He wouldn’t let me stumble. He would be there loving me through every awkward moment of the night.
I locked my fingers over his, soaking in the warmth and strength from his grasp. “You know I love you too, right?”
“Darlin’, I know.” He paused before the banister post and slid his free hand to my neck. He bowed toward me, brushing his lips against mine. He pulled back and smiled.
I giggled.
“What’s funny?”
“What does your mother think about you wearing lip gloss?”
He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. “See, you’re already causing trouble.” He winked. “Come on.” He turned and we descended the stairs.
Nan met us at the bottom of the steps.
“Sir, your mother and sister are here. They are waiting in the living room. Lenny and I have prepared some hors d ‘oeuvres, and he’s bringing cocktails out now.”
“Great, thanks, Nan. Sounds good.”
I thought Nan glanced over my outfit with a disapproving eye. These were my best dark jeans and Ben loved this top on me. I ignored her and focused on the energy I felt from Ben’s grip. Nan could keep her cranky mood to herself.
“Mama.” He crossed the room and hugged his mother.
“Hey, darlin’.” She smiled. She pecked him on the cheek when he leaned down.
“Hey, Val.” He pulled his sister in a tight squeeze. He towered over both of them. “Y’all, this is Chelsea.” He stretched an open arm in my direction, and I walked toward the most important women in Ben’s life.
I extended my hand.
“Oh no, we don’t shake hands in this family.” Ben’s mother laughed. She wrapped her arms around my back. “We’re huggers all around.”
“That’s right.” Valerie squeezed me next.
I noticed the family resemblance right away. Valerie had dark blond hair, grayish eyes, and white teeth. She and her brother could probably pull off a twins story.
“Mrs. Baldwin, Valerie, I’m so excited to meet you.” I stood, hoping for some sort of sign that I had passed the first test. The hugs were a good start.
“Chelsea, just call me Patty, or even Pat. Ok? Mrs. Baldwin sounds too stuffy.”
I nodded. “Ok, I can do that.”
Lenny walked into the room with a tray of food. He had pulled out all the stops for the Baldwin women. He was probably just happy to cook for someone else other than me. That had to get old after a while.
“Look here.” Ben made room on the table for the spread. “This looks great, man.” He slapped Lenny on the back after he released the tray.
“Thank you. I’m bringing a few pitchers in next.” He walked out of the room toward the kitchen.
Valerie was the first one to dive in. “I love coming here. You have the best food.” She smiled. “It would be more impressive if you cooked it yourself.” She laughed.
“Very funny.” He stood next to her to scoop up a plate of gooey nachos. Lenny had a secret recipe he guarded closely that made them taste out of this world. “At least there’s food.”
Patty tapped the couch. “All right, Chelsea, come sit down. We want to hear all about you.”
I darted my eyes to Ben. Was this going to be a painful inquisition? I didn’t have anything rehearsed.
Lenny returned with a pitcher of margaritas and one full of red sangria. “Let me know if you need anything else. I’ll be in the kitchen.”
“Thanks, Lenny,” Patty called after him. “Good to see you again.”
I took the glass of sangria Ben handed me, watching the orange slices float on top. I nestled into the pillows next to Patty. Ben poured more drinks and passed them around.
“Well, I don’t know what to say. What has Ben said?”
Patty laughed. “Not a whole lot. He’s kind of private this one.” She eyed her son across the room.
He shrugged his shoulders.
Valerie sipped her margarita. “How long do you think you’ll be in Austin?”
I turned toward her. “As long as they keep wanting me to write songs. I’m working on an album right now.”
Ben piped in. “She’s being kind of modest. She’s working with Quinn Jansen on a new album and wait ‘til you hear what it sounds like.” He beamed at me across the room.
Valerie’s eyes widened. “Quinn Jansen? I love her.” She turned toward her brother. “Aren’t you two friends?”
“Yeah, we used to hang out.”
I felt a prickly sensation crawl across the back of my neck. I still hadn’t untangled the extent of Ben’s relationship with Quinn. It was a question I kept postponing.
“Thought so. Maybe someday you’ll introduce us to all your famous friends.” Valerie smiled and turned toward me. “We never get to meet anybody. What’s the point of having a famous brother if you don’t meet any celebs?”
I shrugged. I took it as a good sign the family hadn’t met Quinn.
Valerie continued. “I think that’s so cool you’re a songwriter. I used to want to be a writer, but I’m doing something completely different now.”
“Ben told me you run the Baldwin Foundation. That must be a lot of work.”
“More than I planned on, but it’s taken on a life of its own.” She licked the salt rim on her glass. “I have to head to Austin before dinner and meet with one of our donors.”
Ben sat up across from us. “Something wrong? Anything I need to know about?”
Valerie rolled her eyes. “No, I have it handled. Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.”
I had to stop herself from giggling. Valerie was definitely the older sibling. Watching the two of them interact made me a little sad I didn’t have anyone like that in my life. Right now would be the perfect time to share the burden and pain of what was happening back home. A sister would have been nice, but watching them, I realized how much fun a brother could be too.
Patty interrupted the sibling squabble. “And what about your parents, Chelsea? What do they do?”
I dropped my eyes to my lap. This was the first time anyone had asked about my parents since the separation. I wasn’t sure how to address them anymore. “They— Um, my dad owns a store in the village.” I thought about how to describe my mother.
Ben leaned closer. “Actually, Mama, that’s how we met.”
“Oh, really?” Patty looked interested. She was getting first-time details.
“Sure is.” Ben smiled. “I took a job at her father’s store, and Chelsea was working there this summer before she got the writing contract.”
I exhaled. He said he would be there for me. He had me. I knew he did.
“That’s a sweet story.” Patty nodded. “Remember when you used to bag groceries in high school?” She laughed.
“Sure do. I think it was the part of my resume that got me the job.’” He winked at me.
“Wait, you bagged groceries again?” Valerie’s eyes widened.
I giggled. “He did a lot more than that. He ran the kayak stand, stocked beer, and swept the floors.”
“Swept? You are not talking about my brother. I didn’t know movie stars could operate brooms.”
“Funny. Funny. Val, what time’s your meeting? Want me to have Bud drive you?” Ben offered.
She looked at her phone. “I guess I do need to get going. Sure, if Bud wants to take me, that would be great. Then I don’t have to try and park. Mama, you ready?”
Patty took an extra sip of her drink and placed it on a coaster. She turned to me. “I’m going to do a little shopping while Valerie does her foundation work. You want to go with us? Make it a full girls’ afternoon?”
“Yes!” Valerie shrieked. “Come with us. It will be fun. My meeting won’t be that long. There are the best boutiques downtown!”
“Hold on now.” Ben stood up. “If the three of you go out, you’ll be gone all night.” His face twisted in a scowl.
I stood and wrapped my arms around his waist, trying to send a message with my eyes. This was important. If they were inviting me to do girl stuff, I had to go. “We won’t be that late. What time is dinner?”
He huffed. “Seven o’clock.”
“Then we promise to be back by seven, right?” I swiveled toward my new coconspirators.
“Of course, darlin’,” Patty reassured him. “I’m not about to miss Lenny’s cooking.”
Ben looked at the three of us. “All right. But don’t leave me here eating alone.”
I giggled. “Never.” I reached on my tiptoes and pecked his cheek. “I’m sure you’ve got work or something you can do until we get back.”
Valerie picked up her purse. “He’s got a house full of toys. He’ll be just fine.”
Patty tapped her son on the back as we walked out of the room. “Don’t worry. We’ll be on time.”
“All right. All right. You girls have fun.”
I waved over my shoulder. It wasn’t the Friday we had planned, but I couldn’t turn away from this chance. I still had tonight and two full days with Ben. We could make up for lost time when I returned.
***
It was exactly 6:50 when we returned to the ranch. I carried my new purchases over my shoulder, along with some of Patty’s.
She jokingly offered to check in with Ben and let him know we all made it back before his curfew.
I turned for the stairs. We had barely enough time to dump everything and make it to the table. Bud had driven faster on the return trip, trying to help we make our dinner date.
Valerie was right on my heels.
“Do you think Ben will be mad?” I asked.
She laughed. “Who cares? We got the cutest clothes. And technically we made it back before seven.”
“True.” I stopped at the top landing. “Thanks again for my birthday scarf. I love it.” I couldn’t believe Valerie had picked something out for me. We had only met this afternoon.
“I had to get you a birthday present for making my brother so happy.”
The comment made me blush. “I’ll put these in your mom’s room, drop my bags off, and I’ll see you downstairs.”
“Ok, see you in ten.” Valerie rushed down the hall.
I smiled. The shopping trip had been an absolute success. The three of us got along as if we had known each for years, not hours. I could see where Ben got his good-natured personality. Patty was laid back and sweet. Valerie was like the older sister I never had.
I raced to the first guest room and laid the dress Patty had purchased on the bed. I tossed my bags in the back of my closet next to Ben’s side. I could unfold and hang them up tonight. I ran my hands through her hair. Talk about cutting it close. I jogged down the stairs, ready for a night with the man I loved and his family.
***
The next morning, Ben placed his hands on my shoulders as we watched Valerie and Patty pull out of the ranch driveway.
“I’m kind of sad they’re leaving so soon,” I murmured.
“I think they are too.” He waved at his mom and sister. “Quick trip.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet your dad.”
“Maybe another time.” He turned for the front door.
He still wasn’t budging on the topic. Joe Baldwin was off limits.
“You think we could go to Shiner sometime?” Patty had said we could visit anytime.
“Of course.” He held the door open for me. “But today is all about the birthday girl.” He grinned. “No more family talk, ok?”
“Yes, sir.” I saluted.
“Wait until you see what I have planned for you.” He took me in his arms and pressed my back against the wall.
“Ben,” I squealed.
He kissed my neck. “What? We’re mostly alone.”
My lips met his and I kissed him in the ranch foyer, not caring who ran into us. After all, it was my birthday.