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  “So, I was thinking …” I started to say, but then paused.

  “What?” She folded her arms across her chest. “You were thinking that you could call Chip and tell him to reopen the bar so that I can actually start my job and move to the apartment I was meant to have?”

  “No,” I sighed, “that’s not what I was thinking. I just don’t understand why you really want to work at the bar so badly. Is it because there’s going to be lots of men there?”

  “Excuse me?” Her face grew dark with anger. “That’s not the reason I want to work at the bar. And if it was, it would be none of your business.”

  “I’m just asking if the reason you want to work at the bar is that you’re looking for a man.”

  “You know what? Chet Hamilton, you’re a jerk. You’re an obnoxious, arrogant jerk. And I don’t have to listen to you. I don’t have to deal with this.”

  “I was actually just coming to apologize and to suggest—”

  “You know what Chet, keep your apologies and keep your suggestions. I have absolutely no interest in listening to them!” She turned on her heel and strode away.

  “Arya,” I said running after her, “I haven’t even gotten to—”

  “You said more than enough.” She wheeled to face me. “You know Chet, when I first met you, I thought you were a nice guy, maybe a little arrogant, but basically a nice guy. But I realized I was wrong.”

  “Excuse me? You don’t think I’m a nice guy? I’m Mr. Nice Guy. Okay? Everyone says so.”

  “Who says so, Chet? Name one person that walks around calling you Mr. Nice Guy.”

  “Aside from myself?” I grinned. She didn’t laugh. “Okay. Okay. Well, maybe I’m not known as Mr. Nice Guy. maybe I’m known as Mr. Hunky or Mr. Hot—”

  She snorted. “You’re not full of yourself at all, are you?”

  “What, you don’t think I’m hot?”

  “Really? You really want to have this conversation now?”

  I finally realized that my jokes and humor were not going down well. I wanted to alleviate the tension between us, but somehow I was just making things worse.

  “Okay. So maybe we can just forget that, but I do really want to help you find a job.”

  “Chet, I had a job, and I didn’t need your help. Okay? You butt in because you think you know better, and you don’t. This is my life, okay? And I’m going to do what I want to do, and I’m going to take the job I want. So just leave me alone, okay? I’m done with you.”

  And with that, she walked away.

  Chapter Seven

  Arya

  * * *

  I could hear Lucy and Olivia in the living room laughing about something. I wanted to go and join them, but I was still too upset with Chet for what he’d done. I couldn’t believe that he had ruined my opportunity, thinking he knew better just because he was a man. It was so frustrating, and yet a part of me that I greatly disliked was actually happy that Chet had cared enough to butt in—not that I would ever tell him that.

  As far as he was concerned, I was done with him.

  “Hey there, Arya.” Amelia walked out of one of the rooms, and I could see from her expression that she was concerned.

  “Hi, Amelia. How’s it going? Thanks for dinner, by the way. It was absolutely delicious.”

  “Well, you should be thanking Eloise.” She smiled at me warmly. “She’s been such a dear and such a help in the kitchen.”

  “She has a good teacher.” I smiled. “She would not be making half the things with me that she does with you, so thank you. I really appreciate you taking the time to teach her to cook and for spending the day with her and taking her to the store with you, and just everything you’ve done for her. And for me. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to pay you back for everything you’ve done, but I want you to know how much I appreciate it.”

  “Oh, Arya, darling.” She put a gentle hand on my shoulder. “You don’t know how much joy she’s brought to my life. I’ve always wanted a little girl.” She smiled wistfully. “Don’t get me wrong. I love my sons, every single one of them, but it’s just different with a little girl, you know? Not one of my boys wanted to help me in the kitchen. All they wanted to do was eat the food. And even Ranger, as much as I love him, has never provided me with the sort of companionship that women can. Sadie’s been here, of course, but she was a little bit of a tomboy and always with Wyatt, and I loved to watch their relationship. And now, I just feel so blessed with Olivia in the house and Lucy and Sadie always over, and now you and Eloise. I feel like all my dreams have come true.”

  “You’re very sweet to say that, and I’m grateful that you’ve included us, but I do know that this isn’t really my place or Eloise’s place.”

  “I know. And I heard what happened with Chet.” She shook her head. “My boys, every single one of them are stubborn and obstinate, and they all think they know best.” She gave me a sly grin. “I don’t know why, because I run this family. But they all like to think that they’re taking care of someone. And I suppose Chet thought he was taking care of you. Now, now,” she said as I was about to speak. “Trust me, I understand that you didn’t need taking care of and I understand that he has greatly affected your income, and I know that you are a proud woman and you will not accept any money from us, but please do not feel you have to leave. In fact, I’d rather like to pay you to stay.” She gave me a rueful smile. “Now, I know that obviously you most probably wouldn’t accept that offer, but I do want you to know how much it has meant to me you being here. And I do have an idea.”

  I looked at her, torn. I did believe that she was happy to have Eloise and me here. She was a sweet lady, and I had no reason to believe that she would lie. However, I didn’t want her to come up with an excuse just to give me money or have us stay.

  There was just something so sad about being pitied, and I didn’t want to be pitied. I didn’t want to have to accept handouts. I didn’t want to be that person. I didn’t want to be another statistic. Oh, her parents are drug addicts and no good, so she’s no good too. I knew that the Hamilton family wouldn’t think that of me, but I didn’t want to think that of me, and I didn’t want even the thought to cross anyone else’s mind.

  Amelia continued. “Now, I can tell from your expression, Arya, that you are doubtful of what I have to say. But you haven’t even heard what I have to say.”

  “I just don’t want to take any handouts, you know? I don’t want to be a charity case, and I don’t want Eloise to think she’s a charity case, either.”

  “Oh, my. I do hope that neither one of you thinks that.” Amelia looked sad. “Please let me know if I’ve led you to believe that anyone in the family feels that way.”

  “No, no,” I said quickly. “No one has made me feel that way. I just… It’s complicated.” I sighed. “But I just have to be the provider, you know?”

  “I understand.” She nodded. “Come. Let’s go to my little study.”

  “Your study?”

  “Yes. The boys don’t come here.” We walked further down the corridor and into a small room I’d never been in. It looked like an old English living room in a Victorian house.

  Amelia smiled. “I know it doesn’t fit the rest of the decor in the house, but this is my spot where I come and I read Agatha Christie books or watch Midsomer Murders on TV. I am a bit of an Anglophile, you know.”

  “Oh, I didn’t know that.”

  “I don’t have much time for it, but when I do, I come here. Come, have a seat.” She patted the cushion next to her on the small settee and I sat down. “So, you’ve probably noticed I love cooking.”

  “Yes, I have.”

  “And I have a mini cannery.”

  “A what?”

  “I can jams, marmalade, strawberry jam, blueberry jam. I also bake brownies and cookies. There is a little farmer’s market on the weekends, and I’ve been thinking for a long time that I’d like to sell them.

  “I’m sure they would sell really well
there.”

  “Well, I just don’t really have much time, especially on the weekends when all the boys are home, and Ranger, and now the three girls. And I’m helping them plan their weddings. I don’t have time to be sitting at a farmer’s market selling my goods five hours a day. So I was wondering perhaps I could hire you?”

  “Me?” I said, surprised. “Are you sure you want me to sell your goods at the farmer’s market?”

  “Yes, if you’re interested. Now, the pay’s not a lot. I figure ten dollars an hour until we see how everything sells, but I’ve already spoken to Maggie, and she said I can get a spot this weekend. And actually, it’s Saturday and Sunday through the rest of the year.”

  “Are you sure? I’m mean, you don’t even have to pay me. I can go and just do it.”

  “No, no, no!” she cut me off. “Just like you don’t want to accept charity, there’s no way I can have you working for me for free.”

  “But I live here for free,” I pointed out. “I would just be sort of paying you back.”

  “You listen to me, my dear. I understand times are hard and I understand you want to take care of yourself and Eloise without accepting help, but sometimes you got to accept a little help and not feel bad about it. Are you a Christian, Arya?”

  “I think so. I mean, I am. I’m just not good about going to church.”

  “Well, then you should know that it’s okay to accept a little help. Just pay it forward. You’ve heard the story of the good Samaritan, haven’t you?”

  “I have. And you are very much my good Samaritan.”

  “Well, I’m glad to be that person in your life and in your story. And maybe one day, you’ll be the good Samaritan for someone else.”

  “I’d love to be a good Samaritan for someone else.”

  “Honey, I’m almost positive that you already are.” She smiled. “You are a beautiful, kind, loving woman, and I just want you to know that. And I also want you to know that you shouldn’t feel bad about anything that you said to my son.”

  “Oh?” I smiled a little sheepishly. “Did you hear that I went off on him? Chet deserved every single word, but he has a good heart, and he doesn’t know how to show it in quite the right way sometimes. I mean, I definitely think he’s nice. He just shouldn’t have gone over my head and stepped in, you know? He crossed the line.”

  “I understand, dear. But maybe you could give him another chance to be your friend. You never know.”

  I narrowed my eyes at her. “You know I’m not interested in him like that, right? I’m not going to end up with Chet.”

  “Whatever do you mean, Arya?”

  “I’m just saying I know you want to get all your sons hooked up. But even if I was interested—which I’m not,” I said quickly, “I just don’t have the time or the energy to even think about being in a relationship. I have to find a job. I have to find somewhere to live. I got to figure out Eloise’s schooling. I’ve got to figure out money and—”

  “Oh, my dear, you do have quite a lot to figure out, don’t you?”

  “I do.”

  “So I just want you to know that if it’s to be, it will be. And if it’s not, it won’t,” she said simply. “You can’t stop an old lady from hoping, right?”

  “No,” I said, “but…”

  “But what, my dear?”

  “Nothing.” I shook my head. “You’re really sweet. You know that, right, Amelia?” I leaned in and gave her a quick hug. “I wish I would’ve had a mom like you.”

  “And I too wish I would’ve had a daughter like you.” She smiled and patted my hair. “But you never know. Maybe one day.”

  “Amelia!” I said, finally understanding why her sons used to run when they heard her talking about matchmaking. She really didn’t like to give up.

  Chapter Eight

  Chet

  * * *

  “So, your mama was telling me what happened with you and Arya,” my dad said, looking at me sadly. “I taught you better than that, son.”

  “What are you talking about, Dad? I was helping her.”

  “You know she needed a job.”

  “She didn’t need to work at the bar. Come on, you know the sort of guys that work there.”

  “Only Chip works there. That’s why he was hiring someone else.”

  “I mean, you know the sort of guys that hang out there.”

  “Uh-huh.” Dad paused, then changed the subject. “It seems like you got a lot on your mind.”

  “I do. There’s so much going on here at the ranch. There’s so much we’re going to change. Wyatt’s training horses. We got the plans back from the architect for some of the cabins. I was speaking to someone in Seattle who thinks that they can start a marketing program for us there and in the California Bay Area because there are a lot of rich people in tech that want to come to ranches like ours and just hang out.”

  “Okay, well that’s all good news, right?”

  “Exactly. So I’ve just got a lot on my mind, Dad.”

  “And that’s why you decided to interfere in Arya’s business?”

  “Dad, you wouldn’t want Mama working at the bar, would you?”

  “No, but she’s my wife.”

  “Exactly.” I chewed my lower lip as I realize that I completely misheard what he’d said. “I mean, obviously Arya’s not my wife, but I look at her like family. She’s got no one else, and she and Eloise have—”

  “You have a soft spot for them. I understand. But that doesn’t mean you can just go and meddle in her business.”

  “I didn’t mess in her business. It’s not my fault that—”

  “Son, we both know that Chip all of a sudden got ten thousand dollars. And I wonder where he got that from.”

  “I don’t know where he got it from.”

  “So you don’t have a deduction from your trust?”

  “Not that I know of.”

  “You forget that my name is still on the paperwork of all of you guys’ trusts, so I can see when anything over five thousand dollars has been deducted.”

  Oh shit, I remembered now. My dad didn’t really care what we did with the money, and he wasn’t necessarily overseeing it, but he was still on all of the accounts, based on how the trust had been written up. “Okay, well, I mean, Chip wanted to go away for a little bit and I figured, hey, why not now?”

  “Son, I get it. You like Arya.”

  “No, I don’t. It’s got nothing to do with that.”

  “Okay. If you say so. Well, I’m just going to say this to you, Chet. There’s such a thing as being protective, and there’s such a thing as being overbearing. Now, I don’t mind it if you’re protective of the woman that you love or your child or your sisters-in-law or your grandkids, but if you’re going to be protective of someone you don’t know that well, then you’re going to have to find out and figure out if that’s what they want from you. You’re going to have to figure out your role in Arya’s life.”

  “What do you mean, my role in Arya’s life? I’m her friend.”

  “But if you’re just her friend, then you’re going to have to listen to what she wants. You can’t dictate.”

  “What does me being her friend have to do with me dictating anything? I’m not dictating anything. It’s not like you being married to Mom means you get to dictate her life.”

  “No, it doesn’t. And I would never presume that I could tell your mother what to do, but we come to decisions together because we’re partners. You and Arya are not partners.”

  “I know we’re not partners. I’m just trying to look out for her because she doesn’t know what it’s like around here.”

  “Chet, she can figure out what she wants to do herself. Trust me, I understand your thought process, but what you did wasn’t right.”

  “Well, I apologized to her and she’s still pissed, so whatever.”

  “She has a right to be. She’s got a child to take care of.”

  “I know she’s got a child to take care of, bu
t we’re looking after Eloise too.”

  “But we’re not family.”

  “That doesn’t matter. We still love them all the same.”

  “Oh, Chet. You’re a good boy and a strong man, but sometimes I do believe you’re my most obstinate son.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean, Dad?”

  “I think you know what obstinate means, Chet. And if you don’t, go look it up in the dictionary.”

  I Chipled. “Why does this remind me of when I was in elementary school and every time you said a word I didn’t know, you told me to look it up in the dictionary?”

  “Because that’s what helped you win the spelling bee.”

  “I didn’t win, Dad. I came in third place.”

  “Third place is better than last place.”

  “True,” I said. “Okay, I messed up. I get it. And I do understand where you’re coming from. I overstepped and I shouldn’t have. And I’m trying to make it better, but Arya’s so upset with me I just don’t really know what to do.”

  “You’re going out to the log cabin tomorrow, right?”

  “Yeah. I got to fix the roof. And Beau was saying he’d like me to see if I could renovate the kitchen.” I rolled my eyes. “Good thing there’s one brother who can actually do construction from the ground up.”

  “Well, he’s not asking you to do construction from the ground up though, is he?”

  “No, but…” I smiled. “I know. I’m just being a grouch. But yeah, I’m going out to the log cabin tomorrow. Why?”

  “Maybe invite Arya to go with you.”

  “What do you mean? Why would I invite her to go with me?”

  “Maybe so you can talk it out.”

  “Talk what out? She doesn’t want to talk to me.”

  “Oh my God, son. Are you really that dense? On the way to the cabin, take her down by the creek and then maybe have a little picnic and apologize to her, this time more sincerely than I bet you apologized the first time.”