Levi had clapped a hand on Clint’s shoulder and was leaning against him. “But you got it done, and it looks amazing.”
Maria studied the Mustang. “You fixed the engine and that stalling issue?” she asked.
Levi launched into a diatribe, listing all the things Clint had done on the vehicle once they’d told him their Christmas plan. He’d not only spruced it up, he’d made the car reliable and roadworthy once again.
Kittim’s words about buying a new car if things failed with her and Clint ran through Maria’s head. Except now she had a car that was older than her grown boys and would surely need regular mechanical intervention to keep it on the road. And if she didn’t take care of it, her sons would be hurt and disappointed.
“Merry Christmas, Mom,” Myles exclaimed. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close.
“She’s speechless again,” Carmichael called from the front porch.
“Do you want to take it for a spin?” Clint asked.
“But supper’s ready,” she answered, unable to look away from the car.
“You don’t get surprises often, do you?” he whispered.
She glanced around, realizing that all the other women, no doubt knowing about the big surprise, had stayed inside and were likely keeping the food warm.
“No worries. That’s being taken of,” Clint confirmed, as though reading her mind. He held up her old key chain, dangling it.
She took it and grinned. A feeling of freedom, joy and adventure ripped through her.
“We thought you could use some fun wheels again as you venture into the next phase of life,” Brant said.
“But we’re not calling you old,” Myles said quickly.
Maria opened the driver’s side door, noting the old familiar squeak was no longer there. She sank into the seat, expecting a musty smell. Instead, the interior gleamed, fresh and renewed.
Biting her bottom lip, she tentatively turned the key. The engine roared to life, just like the old scooter had back in Indigo Bay. Clint had a way with taking the worn and used and making them new again.
Just like her.
Maria was still reeling from having Cole home and had reached over more than once during the meal to give his arm a squeeze, as if making sure he was real. Each time, he’d smile, but the last time he asked if she was okay.
“Yes. It’s just so lovely to have you home.” She stopped herself from asking how long he would stay.
She found her gaze trailing down the table to where Clint was sitting near Carmichael. It sounded as though they were talking about diesel engines.
Clint must have felt her watching him, for he turned her way with a smile. How involved in all of her surprises was he? The car, for sure. But Cole’s arrival? Had he done that, too? Was that silly old car what had pulled him home from Indigo Bay? Was that why Levi had been fretting about ordering parts?
“The tractor was a decoy, wasn’t it?” she asked Levi.
He smiled.
He’d never planned to get it running again, but used it as something to keep her off the trail of their surprise.
If he only knew she would have rather had Clint with her for one more day in Indigo Bay. She watched Clint eat and laugh with her father-in-law, wondering when she’d have a chance to speak with him. The fact that he’d stayed for supper suggested she was still important to him and he hoped for a second chance.
Realizing she was off in her own world, she turned to Cole. “So, how did you know…”
“Know what?” he asked.
“That I wanted…” She shook her head. “I forgot what I was going to say.”
Clint had been watching her again. He said, loudly enough for her to hear, but not enough to interrupt the various conversations going on around the table, “It seemed important to you.” His gaze flickered to Cole.
He’d brought her son home. For her.
Brant had reached out to Cole several times over the years. But judging by his shocked, pale face and the way he kept giving his brother wary glances, she knew he hadn’t called Cole home this time. Not when he was making eyes at Cole’s ex-girlfriend and helping her regain her footing in life after divorce.
And Levi, her take-charge eldest, had tried to get hold of him back in the fall, but Cole had never picked up his calls. Myles and Ryan were a no, as well.
“You didn’t tell him I’m dying, did you?” she asked Clint, curious how he’d managed to get her son to return home.
“What? You’re dying?” Ryan turned to her, his eyes huge.
“No!” She lifted a hand, laughing. “No, I’m fine.”
Clint chuckled and shook his head.
“He said you needed me,” Cole interjected, when everyone at the table went back to their earlier conversations.
“Oh, I…” She wasn’t comfortable putting that kind of weight or pressure on her son. She wanted him to return home because he wished to, not because he’d been guilted into it or felt obligated.
“It was a good excuse,” Cole said with that mischievous smile of his. That hadn’t changed. He’d always been a bit of a brat. In the best way. Except for when it got him into trouble. Her gaze automatically tracked to April and her young son, Kurt.
Cole cracked a joke. “Come on, Mom. Everyone knows you don’t need anyone.”
That used to feel true.
“Time for dessert?” Myles asked hopefully, from farther down the table.
“You’re still hungry?” Cole asked incredulously.
“Always.”
“I would have thought you’d have outgrown that phase,” Cole said, standing to help clear the table.
“Nope. Not yet.” Myles stretched his strong body, showing his flat stomach. Hard work on the ranch followed by coaching his football team kept him trim.
“I’ve got to get the pies from the cold room,” Maria said, not expecting anyone to respond.
Clint half stood, but Cole said, “I’ll help.”
In the basement, Maria loaded two pies into Cole’s hands, then picked up two as well.
“What are you going to do about April?” she asked him. Brant was finally having his moment with her, but Maria knew that could get blown up by Cole’s arrival.
“What about her?”
“Well, you’re home and…”
“I was waiting for her to call me, but I don’t think she’ll ever be ready for my return. So… Here I am.”
“What happened between the two of you? Really happened?” Maria had plenty of assumptions and had heard the town’s own speculation, but she’d never heard the entire story straight from the horse’s mouth.
Her son exhaled, his chest expanding. “Dad thought…” He shook his head.
“Roy? What did he do?” Sudden anger roared in her ears. “Did he send you away?”
There’d been the fight before Cole had left, but she hadn’t thought Roy had actually told him to leave town.
“I’m here now.”
Her shoulder sagged. “Your dad and I have very different views on things, and I hope you can stay. You’re always welcome here on the ranch. This will always be your home.”
“Thanks.” He gave her a soft smile. “I’ve missed this place.”