That night when she went to bed, it took her a long time to fall asleep.
* * *
Colton did a last check around the north pasture, then returned to the house. Grabbing a cup of decaf, he sank onto one of the recliners in the den. He halfway watched a basketball game through his drooping eyes. Feeling himself drift for a few moments, he awakened when his father walked into the room and got into the other recliner.
“Hey,” Colton said.
His father nodded.
“You worn out from the second day of the winter festival?” Colton asked.
His father gave a heavy sigh. “Your mother insists on staying for the whole thing, and she wants me to stay with her.”
“Your back okay?” Colton asked.
“A little sore. Nothing unusual,” his dad said.
“Any time you want to go for lunch in Vicker’s Corners, I’m glad to take you. There’s a chiropractor there,” he said.
“Chiropractor?” his father said. “Don’t they crack your bones and put you in traction? Sounds as if that would make you worse.”
“They make adjustments,” Colton said. “They help get your back in alignment.”
“Hmmph,” his father said in disbelief. “Well, that’s not why I came in here. Your mother wants me to talk to you.”
“About what?” Colton asked, feeling curious and studying his father.
His father sighed. “It’s about Stacey and her baby.”
Colton frowned. “What about them?”
“Well, it’s not really any of our business,” his father began, and Colton immediately knew this wasn’t a discussion he wanted to have with his father.
His father cleared his throat, obviously uncomfortable. “You need to be careful with Stacey,” he said. “After what Joe did, she doesn’t need anyone taking advantage of her.”
Indignation rolled through him, and he pushed the recliner into the upright position. “I wouldn’t take advantage of Stacey. What makes you think I would?”
“Well, you look as if you’re getting, uh, friendly with her,” he said. “I mean you look as if you want to be more than friends,” he said, then rubbed his face with his hand. “Oh, for Pete’s sake. Just treat her right. That’s all I’m gonna say.”
Colton met his father’s gaze. “I’ll treat her right. You and Mom don’t need to worry.”
“Good,” his father said. “I’m glad that’s over. Who’s playing tonight, anyway?”
“The Bulls and Lakers,” he said.
His father nodded. “Looks like a close game.”
Colton didn’t respond. His mind was too busy with his father’s remarks. He resented the interference. He was a grown man. Colton stood. “I’m gonna hit the sack,” he said. “Good night.”
Colton headed down the hall and was intercepted by his sister, Rachel. In no mood for anyone else’s comments, he lifted his hand. “Don’t say a word,” he said.
She frowned at him. “About what?”
“About Stacey and me,” he said.
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Stacey and you?” she echoed. “What’s going on? I’ve been crazy busy and haven’t had a chance to talk with her for several days.”
“Never mind,” he said, and headed for his wing of the ranch.
Rachel bobbed along behind him. “Are you two seeing each other? That would be so cool,” she said. “As long as you don’t hurt her. You have to swear you won’t hurt her, but I love the idea. I’ll call her right now.”
“She’s got a little baby,” Colton said. “She might be in bed trying to get some sleep.”
Rachel’s face fell. “True. Well, give me the scoop. When did this happen?”
“Rachel,” he said as gently as he could, “it’s none of your business.”
* * *
The next morning, Stacey awakened with a different sense about herself and her life. She realized that in many ways she’d been hiding from the world, ashamed of how her relationship with Joe had ended, embarrassed that she and Piper had been dumped by him. The whole situation had made her feel like that mathematical expression less than.
She was ready to start reclaiming her life. Taking a quick shower and getting dressed, she fed Piper and dressed her in a cute outfit with stockings. She met her parents just as they were headed out the door to church.
Her mother looked at her in surprise. “Where are you two going looking so spiffy? Is there a mother/baby beauty contest I haven’t heard about?”
Stacey laughed in pleasure at the sweet way her mother had voiced her curiosity. “Piper and I are going to church this morning.”
“Oh, my.” Her mother covered her mouth and sniffed. “I’ve been waiting for this day.”
“I hadn’t turned into a total heathen,” Stacey said.
“Oh, no. Not that,” her mother said. “I’m just so proud of you and Piper. I want everyone to see what a good job you’re doing with her. I think you will be an inspiration to many people.”
“I don’t know how inspiring I’ll be if she starts screaming in church,” Stacey muttered. “But I think it’s time.”
“Yes, it’s time,” her father said impatiently and pointed at his watch. “If we don’t get moving we’ll be late.”
“You can sit with us,” her mother said as they were hustled out of the house. “I’ll be happy to take Piper out if she gets fussy.”
“I’ll take her out,” her father said. “Especially if she starts fussing before the offertory.”
“Deke,” her mother said in disapproval. “Shame on you.”
“What? I’m just being a nice granddaddy,” he said and chuckled. He helped Jeanne into his truck, and Stacey tucked Piper into the car seat in her Toyota, then followed her parents to church.
She felt a twinge of nostalgia as she walked into the small chapel her family had attended since before she was born. She’d celebrated so many holidays and Sundays in this place. As soon as she walked inside with Piper in her arms, she saw several familiar faces. She waved at each of her neighbors, then took her seat with her parents.
Piper did well until the minister began to speak. She got a little squirmy, but Stacey couldn’t blame her. There’d been plenty of times she had gotten fidgety when a minister spoke. Despite her squirminess, Piper didn’t let out a peep until the congregation sang a benediction.
“Good job,” she said, praising the baby, and left the pew. Several people greeted her and made a fuss over Piper. There was no mention of Joe, but Stacey was prepared in case someone did. She made her way to the back of the church and found Rachel waiting for her with open arms.
“I decided to come to church at the last minute today. I’m so glad I did. Look at you and Miss Piper,” she said, squeezing the baby’s hand. “All dressed up for church. She must have done well during the service. I didn’t hear her.”
“She, ahem, sang during the benediction,” Stacey said.
Rachel giggled. “Good for her. She’ll be in the choir before you know it. Listen, I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch with you. Changing careers to education and doing my student teaching has made me crazy. I had no