Firefly Duet: New Beginnings and Lasting Love Read online

“Jim, you are all the right things.” She waved her hand. “You have done nothing but be helpful. It’s just…”

  “Are you trying to tell me I’m boring? What?”

  She lifted both shoulders and squirmed in her chair.

  Don’t say it. Don’t say it. Don’t say it.

  “I’m lonely.”

  He lowered his chin.

  “I don’t know, maybe we…”

  He blew out a breath. “It’s probably better if we stick to boring.”

  Her cheeks burned as she stared at her lap.

  “I can tell what you’re thinking. I didn’t say that because I wouldn’t want to be the man to take your lonely away.”

  With tears threatening to spill, she shut her eyes.

  “Believe me, I wish I was that guy, but it would never be more than temporary. And you’re vulnerable right now. You said yourself, today’s been tough. I’d never take advantage of that or you. If that makes me perfectly behaved or boring…”

  Shaking her head, she picked at her food, then pushed the plate away. “I never said you were boring.”

  You know where lonely got you last time. A cringe-worthy night with your boss. Be glad he’s not like Robert.

  “I have to go back up to Four Bears with Rafe and my dad tomorrow. But how about you and I spend Sunday together and do something fun?”

  Sofia swallowed her embarrassment plastering on a fake smile. “Okay, what’d you have in mind?”

  “Horseback riding. I’ll come by the ranch and we can take some lunch along. We’ll hang out outdoors for the day.”

  “I’ve never ridden a horse. Can a person even ride a horse with a cast?” She shrugged as if to say the idea was ludicrous. “Seriously?” She added in the hope of getting out of it.

  “Sure, you can.”

  Super!

  “Worst case scenario we ride together first time out.”

  “First time?” She raised her eyebrows. “You’re an optimist.”

  “You bet.”

  Chapter 11

  The sun set low in the sky, just about to slip behind the foothills as Jim enjoyed a beer on his patio at the end of the day.

  “Hi.” Rafe took a seat near him. “Great view. The only one better is from the deck at the lodge.”

  “Not bad from the ranch either.”

  “True. How did your conversation with Sofia go about the news from New York? It better be good since you prevented me from meeting the lovely doctor today.”

  Jim laughed. “She looks good. I mean, I think of her like a cousin or an aunt. I’ve known her forever.” He hesitated, picking at his beer label before answering the question. “Lunch with Sofia went all right.”

  Rafe popped the top of his beer and took a swallow. “Just all right?”

  He leaned his head back, closed his eyes and groaned. “She told me she’s lonely.”

  “Well, that’s normal, I imagine.”

  “There was more to it than that. She said it with, you know, a look.”

  “Ah.” Rafe took another sip. “The plot thickens. So what’d you say?”

  He got out of his chair and paced. “I suggested it would probably be better if we stuck to boring.”

  Rafe threw his head back laughing and clapped his hands. “What the fuck? Stick to boring, what does that mean?”

  He crossed his arms over his chest. “It means I’m not going to take advantage of her. I’m supposed to protect her. I’m a grown up, not some horndog that just wants to get in her pants.”

  “Okay, okay, simmer down.” Rafe held his hands up. “I get the not wanting to take advantage of the situation because she’s grieving or whatever. So you go slow, you didn’t need to shut her down completely.”

  Shit.

  “You should have seen the look she gave me.” He glanced at Rafe, sitting on the edge of his seat grinning.

  “Before or after you said the stupid shit?”

  “Before.” He sat again, running a finger back and forth on his eyebrow. “It’s better now than later.” He finished his beer, putting the bottle on the table nearby.

  “What’s that mean? You’re home now. It’s not like you’re still in the service and have to leave anybody. It’s okay to settle down. Find a good woman. You obviously like her.” Rafe sat back in his chair. “What I’d give for that chance to meet someone…and I’m a lot older than you.”

  “I can’t have kids.” Jim clasped his hands behind his head staring straight ahead.

  “Really? I didn’t know.”

  Jim sighed. “Nobody does besides my dad. My mom knew.”

  Rafe scratched his cheek. “You’ve known for a long time.”

  “They found it early when I had a groin injury in high school from football. Not all the inner plumbing works. It wasn’t the injury. It’s got a name. Doesn’t matter. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.” He got up and walked to the patio door and turned back. “I’m going to stick a frozen pizza in the oven. You want another beer?”

  “Yes.” Rafe jiggled his empty bottle in the air. “Jim, don’t you think you’re getting ahead of yourself? Not every woman wants kids, and there isn’t only one way if she does.”

  “This one does. She’s already decided she’s her parents’ last chance for a grandchild now that her brother is gone.”

  Rafe winced. “Oh, boy. I’m sorry. Where’d you leave things with her?”

  “We’re going to go horseback riding on Sunday.”

  “Are you trying to make it so she doesn’t even want to be friends?”

  He pulled his chin back. “What do you mean?”

  “She’s a city girl. Ease into it. Take her fishing. Have a picnic. Don’t toss her up on a thousand-pound animal.” Rafe pushed to stand and straightened the legs of his jeans. “I have no idea how you’d survive without me here to help you.”

  “Thanks, man.”

  The next morning Rafe headed out first to Four Bears to talk with a couple different construction companies being considered for work on the lodge. Jim leaned his hip against the kitchen counter, eating a bowl of cereal, waiting for his dad to pick him up. The old man insisted on driving which left him feeling less in control than he liked. His thoughts turned to Sofia.

  I wonder if she’s still sleeping? What’s she going to do alone at Dad’s house all day? I hope we get back before dinner.

  The sound of truck tires on gravel shook him out of his reverie. He put his bowl in the sink and headed out the door.

  “Hi, Dad.”

  “Good morning. I brought an extra thermos with coffee if you want some.”

  “Thanks. How’s Sofia today?”

  “Still in her pajamas and robe. She said she was going to try to relax. I guess you’re going horseback riding with her tomorrow? I’m not sure she’s excited about it.”

  “I changed my mind. I’m taking her fishing instead.”

  “You should text her, so she isn’t worried all day.”

  “It’s not that big a deal. Everyone is acting like I told her we were going to zip line over a volcano.”

  “I didn’t say that. Who said that?”

  “Rafe gave me the same advice. Whatever. I stayed up late and drank too many beers last night.” He opened the thermos and blew as a cloud of steam escaped. “Forget it. Sorry I snapped at you.”

  “Well, I suspect you won’t like what I have to say next either.”

  He put his head back and closed his eyes.

  “I’m not feeling certain about how things are progressing with the lodge,” Ben continued.

  Jim dropped his shoulders. “What do you mean? I’ve been meeting with contractors left and right. Rafe’s up in Four Bears already talking to a couple construction companies. We’re on our way to meet with two architects. What is not going the way you want?”

  When his father glanced away from the road looking over the top of his glasses at him, he sucked in a breath, held it and let it out. “I can’t go any faster, Dad.”

  �
��It’s not about speed. I’m concerned because your brother and sister aren’t involved.”

  He put his hands out. “Kai doesn’t have time. I already talked to her and Leo about that.” He tried to lower his voice but failed. “Just say it. Who we’re really talking about is Jett. What do you want me to do, put an alcoholic in charge?”

  “Cool it.” His father answered in a low voice.

  He pushed back against his seat, tapping his chest. “I’m not the one that needs to cool it.”

  “Like it or not, I’m the one funding this restoration. So, yes, you do. It’s supposed to bring all of you kids together.”

  “Well you should have thought of that sentiment a long time ago. Like after Mom died and you checked out on everyone. Maybe that’s why Kai got pregnant so young. Why I joined the Army and why Jett drinks. I’m not his father, you are.”

  Ben pulled the truck to the side of the road with a jerky motion, slapping the steering wheel with his hand. “This is about your mother’s legacy. Don’t you think I know I let you kids down after she died? I have to live with that the rest of my life. Knowing none of you may ever forgive me. Knowing you left because I pressured you. Because of me.”

  The hurt on his dad’s face stung worse than a slap. Jim lowered his head. “I’m sorry. I had no right to speak to you like that. I woke up in a foul mood. That’s no excuse.”

  He rubbed a finger over his chin as his father pulled the truck back onto the road without another word. Glancing at his father’s stern profile, he groaned inwardly. “I don’t know how to approach Jett or how to work with him. We’re barely speaking. How can I rely on him?”

  “I know, son.” Ben shook his head. “You know there was a time when you two had fun together. I thought the lodge would be a way Jett could find himself again. You’re the natural born leader in this family, but he’s smart and he has construction experience. If he could build his confidence, maybe he can quit drinking.” He lifted his hand from the steering wheel in a fist. “Before I die, I want that boy to get himself together.”

  “Yeah, me too.” Jim answered. “Let’s just get through today first. Hopefully, we’ll find an architect and a construction company to hire. Then I’ll figure out a way to bring Jett in. No more talk about you dying, either.”

  His father nodded. “Okay.”

  Jim burned his tongue on a sip of coffee. This is going to be a long day.

  Sofia wrapped her cast in plastic for the umpteenth time and took a long shower. August had transitioned to September and the temperatures were slightly lower. She wore jeans instead of shorts and a white t-shirt with a lightweight pink cardigan. The sun streaked across the kitchen table. The tick-tock of an old-fashioned clock on the windowsill over the sink reminded her of her grandparents’ house. Stretching, she raised her arms over her head. Her heart picked up speed at the sound of a vehicle. She got up to look out the window.

  Jett. What is he doing here?

  With a hand to her chest, she searched the kitchen as if something there would quell her nerves. Flinching at his knock, she took a deep breath and opened the door.

  “Hi. What brings you by?”

  “What brings me by?” Jett mimicked her formality in a sing-song manner. “I stopped to ask Dad if he wanted to get some breakfast. His truck is gone so I take it he went over to the senior center or something.”

  “No, actually. He and Jim are on their way to Four Bears for some appointments.”

  Jett cocked his head to the side. “They left you here all alone?”

  Sofia walked backward, then picked up her coffee mug from the table carrying it to the counter to refill it. “Yup. Do you want some coffee? I could probably make you some eggs if you want.”

  “You don’t have to do that, but thanks for the offer. I’ll have some coffee.” Jett opened the fridge. “I’ll make myself some toast if that’s okay with you?”

  “Of course.” She put his drink on the table and sat again, watching as he put bread in the toaster.

  “What are you up to today?” he asked.

  “Um, nothing really. Maybe I’ll take a walk later. It’s such a pretty day.”

  “Do you want to go fishing? I have all my gear in my truck.”

  “I don’t know if I should go far.” She rubbed her temple. “I’m not sure when everyone will get back.”

  “There’s a small lake on the ranch. We could walk there.” His back was to her as he spread butter and jam on his toast. “Have you ever been fishing?” he asked as he walked to the table.

  “Me? No.”

  “A lot of people go fly-fishing around here, but I don’t think that’d be a good start for you. Open-reel is simpler and it’s just a pond, not even a lake really and definitely not a river. We probably won’t catch anything.”

  Sofia smiled. “First of all, open-reel means nothing to me versus fly-fishing. Second, why go if you won’t catch anything?”

  “People fish for all sorts of reasons. There are actually fishing competition shows on TV. For others it’s dinner.” He shrugged. “I find it relaxing and an excuse to sit in the sunshine. It’s fun. I can teach you how to bait a hook and cast. Like I said, it’s unlikely we’ll catch anything, but if you do, I can help you reel it in since you can’t use both hands.”

  She ran her index finger around the rim of her mug.

  “Do you need to call Jim and ask his permission first?”

  Sofia pursed her lips at his smirk. “Very funny and no, I don’t. Okay, yes. Let’s go fishing.”

  “Awesome. I’ll finish up and we can head out.”

  She put the coffee mugs in the dishwasher then glanced out the kitchen window at Jett, pulling rods and a tackle box from the back of his truck. He picked up a net then threw it back again. Debating whether to bring her camera, she ultimately voted against the idea. Once outside, she walked across the driveway toward Jett. “Should I lock the door?”

  “Nah.” He shook his head. “It won’t matter. Here.”

  Sofia took the rod he handed her. “How do I carry this? Like a Continental soldier?” She put the rod against her shoulder and used her cast to salute.

  Jett grabbed a bucket from the truck bed. “That’s as good a way as any.”

  “I can carry something else if you want.” She said as they started walking around the back of the house through the grass.

  “I got it.” Jett used the fishing rod in his hand like a pointer. “We’re headed that direction. See that line of trees? The pond is just past that.”

  “It’s closer than I thought. Do you fish here often?”

  “No. I don’t come by the ranch too much.”

  “It’s amazing here. I didn’t know what I was missing in New York. It is something to look at Mercy Mountain each day. It gives me confidence that not everything changes.” She laughed at herself, stepping a little higher as taller grass brushed against her pantlegs.

  “I get what you mean. We all need something solid to rely on. Nature never lets me down.”

  “It’s like an anchor for you, then?”

  She pulled up short when he stopped walking and turned back. “Starting the fishing a little early, aren’t you?”

  “Was it that obvious?”

  “Uh, yeah.” Jett raised his voice imitating her. “So, gee whiz Jett, nature’s like an anchor and yet here you are the black sheep of the family, what’s that about?”

  Sofia laughed. “That’s a pretty big leap you’re making.” She shrugged. “Okay, yeah, I’m fishing a bit trying to figure you out.”

  “What do you want to know, baby girl?”

  She rested the end of the rod on the ground, holding it like a spear. “Don’t do that.”

  “Ask me whatever you want to know…Sofia.”

  She followed him now single file as the path narrowed leading toward the trees. “The other day,” she began, “your dad was telling me an idea you brought up for the lodge and the property around it. He liked it. He said you have a lot of con
struction experience. I was wondering if you had other ideas too?”

  “You mean building little houses in addition to renovating the lodge?”

  “Yeah. It’s a great idea.” She picked up her pace behind him so she could hear better as he spoke over his shoulder.

  “I figured the houses could be rented out separately or together. It would expand what we could offer. And the Little Forest Fairgrounds butts up against our property. There are lots of events held there. We could dovetail with those too.”

  “Maybe there could be paths in between buildings and your mother’s sculptures could be incorporated with little signs about them or about her or something.”

  “That’s clever. I like that. My mom kept sketch books and a diary about her art. I’ll try to find some of that stuff. It’s either in the lodge or Jim’s house. The other idea I had was naming the cabins.” He stopped talking as they reached the water and put down his gear. “I didn’t really think this through, like bringing something for us to sit on.”

  “I don’t mind getting a little dirty. Should we sit here?”

  “Yeah. We’ll bait our hooks and then I’ll show you how to cast.”

  She plopped herself on the ground, looking up. “What were you going to say about naming the cabins?”

  He sat next to her and took an old coffee can out of the bucket he carried. “It’s a little corny. You know how places name rooms, like, after all the rivers in an area or after the states?”

  She nodded, looking at the dirt inside the coffee can when Jett took the plastic lid off.

  “My idea is to name the rooms and cabins after family members. Mainly Kai’s kids so they feel included. So, Suze’s Cabin. Jocelyn’s Cabin. And so on. The main hall in the lodge would be named after my mom. Catherine Hall. That one was actually Jim’s idea.” He dug his fingers into the dirt and held a wiggling object in front of her. “Here’s your bait.” Picking up her hand, he dropped the worm in the middle of her palm.

  “Oh, cool.”

  “Cool?” He chuckled. “I was waiting for you to scream.”

  “Why would I scream? By the way, I love the naming idea.” She smiled. “I want to see your dad’s face when he hears about Catherine Hall. I think he’ll love it.”