Seeds of Summer (10 page)

JARED SPOTTED NATALIE AND DILLON ON THE BLEACHERS, AMAZED AT
how she stood out in the crowd. Her black hair gleamed beneath the white felt hat, and her countenance exuded a quiet dignity and an almost queenly grace. Ignoring the music that blared from the speakers, he weaved in and out of the crowd. Halfway to his destination, he ran into Willard leaving the concession stand, loaded with hotdogs and drinks.

“Here, let me help you with that.” Jared relieved the man of the tray of sodas.

“Thanks, I would have asked Dillon but didn't want him missing any of the grand entry.”

Jared checked the rodeo arena where horses and riders circled in a throng. “I thought you were going to stay home and read a book tonight?”

Willard cocked an eyebrow. “That was before Miss Libby entered the equation.”

Jared knew by their initial reaction that the woman made Willard and Natalie uncomfortable. What he didn't know was why. “What's her story?”

“You don't know?”

Jared had heard enough of their earlier conversation to realize there was a family connection. “I know Natalie seemed distressed—and protective.”

“That's because Libby threw her for a loop. She thought the kids' mother was dead.”

Jared's eyes grew wide, unable to hide his astonishment. “Dillon and Chelsey's mom?”

“You got it.”

No wonder Natalie behaved so oddly this afternoon. She'd been in shock. He followed beside Willard, careful not to bump anyone with his drinks. “You mean Libby just showed up without a warning?”

“You saw it with your own eyes the same as me. The question is why?”

Two boys darted in front of them, and Jared's drinks teetered on the tray. He managed to balance them but had difficulty balancing his thoughts. In seminary, he'd been taught not to judge others, to try to understand why people behaved the way they did and then find ways to reach out to them. To prayerfully consider all angles. Why would Libby leave her kids, only to return after all these years? Because she'd heard of their father's death and wanted to help? Because she realized she'd made a horrible mistake in leaving them?

“Did you know she was alive?” Jared asked.

The old man blew out a long breath and continued toward the bleachers. “Would you want your kids to know their mother deserted them? Didn't love them enough to try to stick it out?”

“But you don't know that. She might have had other reasons for leaving.”

Willard's brow creased with agitation. “Tell that to Natalie. Or better yet, to Dillon. He was only a few months old when Libby left him…and she never looked back. No mother walks away from her kids like that if she loves them.”

Obviously, Willard was in no mood for charity. “Okay, so Mr.
Adams told his kids their mother died. How did they take the news when Natalie revealed Libby was alive?”

“She hasn't told them yet.” Now only a few yards from where Natalie and Dillon sat, Willard's pace slowed. “If Natalie thought she had problems before, it weren't nothing to the trouble ahead. Which means you and I are going to have our hands full keeping Libby away from the kids tonight. The last thing they need is to hear that she's their mama rose up from the grave.”

NATALIE WATCHED AS WILLARD AND JARED APPROACHED WITH THEIR
food and couldn't help admiring the younger man's attire. Dressed in a pair of new Wranglers, cowboy boots, and a navy western shirt, he almost looked in his element. She considered the various times she'd seen him—as a fisherman, a casually clad businessman, a wannabe cowboy, and a preacher. For sure, the man was an odd duck.

Willard handed her the hotdogs wrapped in tissue, and she offered one to Dillon. She scooted over to allow space for the two men and was surprised when they sandwiched her and Dillon, with Jared seated on her left and Willard on Dillon's right. Before she could protest that she'd been saving a spot for Chelsey, the announcer requested everyone stand for the national anthem.

The music swelled from the speakers and a young rider entered the arena, carrying the American flag stretched out and waving in full glory. Goosebumps covered Natalie's arm as she removed her felt hat, honored to have had the privilege of carrying that flag many times herself. It gave her chills to know that she was witness to one of America's oldest pastimes, a tradition that began out on an empty prairie with men and women on horseback, looking to pass a few lonely hours doing something they loved. And while the sport had
changed some through the years, it comforted her to know that the cowboys rarely did.

Upon the song's conclusion, Natalie strained to spot her sister in the crowd and debated whether to go look for the teen. After all, Chelsey could have run into Lucas, or worse, Libby. Both were off-limits.

Jared nudged her arm and pointed to her sister, traipsing toward them and laughing with two friends. “You're going to give yourself gray hair if you don't stop worrying so much.”

Yeah, right. Natalie wished all she had to worry about were gray hairs. Instead, she had a growing list of things, which now included a stepmother she thought was dead. How would she make the introduction to her brother and sister? She'd been trying to figure it out all afternoon, but could think of no good way to tell them.

Natalie attempted to make room for Chelsey on the bleacher, but the girl declined and took a seat below her.

“Where have you been?” Natalie poked her with the toe of her boot.

Chelsey turned and frowned. “I ran into Marcy. I suppose now you're going to ground me from talking to my friends?”

Natalie placed her hat back on and forced a grin in case anyone might be listening to their conversation. “I'm not trying to be mean, Chelsey. I'm only doing what's good for you.”

A movement from the arena caught Natalie's eye. A clown on the other side of the fence motioned for her to stand.

Natalie touched her hand to her chest. “Me?”

“Looks like it's going to take more than a whistle to get her attention,” the announcer blurted over the speakers. “Folks, put your hands together to welcome our honored guest, Miss Natalie Adams, last year's Miss Rodeo Kansas and first runner-up Miss Rodeo America.”

Though caught off guard, Natalie shifted into performance
mode. With the biggest smile she could muster, she stood and waved to her fans, then tipped her hat to the announcer.

“You're a real celebrity,” Jared said when she returned to her seat.

“Just call her Miss Congeniality.” Chelsey groaned. “Everybody loves a rodeo queen.”

Natalie leaned over the girl's shoulder. “You could have entered competitions. There's still time to sign up for the queen clinic we're having in a couple of weeks.”

“I'd rather go to Pastor J's church than stand around with a bunch of beauty queens.”

Natalie bristled at her sister's remark. “I'll have you know that most rodeo queens go on to be doctors, teachers, or whatever profession they desire—and most continue to represent the cowboy way of life. Don't judge them for that.”

Jared pressed closer and cleared his throat. “What made you want to be a rodeo queen?”

She stared into the arena and watched as a contestant darted after a calf let out of the chute. “I remember sitting by my mama when I saw my first rodeo queen on a magnificent black horse prancing along in a parade and wearing a white hat and fancy leather chaps. I thought she was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. And I knew then that's what I wanted to be one day. Or at least try. Silly, huh?”

“Not silly at all. Your dad must have been very proud of you for going after your dream.”

Natalie wrinkled her nose, recalling the occasions she'd asked her dad for help. He always answered the same.
There's work to do and better ways to spend your time than chasing after such foolishness.
“My grandma took me to my first competition when I was twelve. When she died, I went with friends or by myself. Dad drove me to a few.”
Despite his better judgment.

Jared remained quiet for a moment. “But you never gave up. Not many girls can claim to be first runner up to Miss Rodeo America. I'd say all of your work paid off well.”

Natalie shrugged. Right now, it didn't seem like much of an accomplishment.

Out in the arena, the calf-roping event continued as a cowboy threw his lariat and the loop bounced off the steer's back.

Natalie peered into the crowd, wondering if Libby had changed her mind. Surely, if she planned to attend, she'd be here by now. When three more events concluded with no sign of her stepmom, Natalie allowed herself to relax and enjoy the program. They were in the clear. Now she had time to break the news to the kids gently.

Her joy was short lived, however, as Libby appeared right before the barrel races began. The woman waved from the foot of the stands. Dressed in turquoise pants and a fitted western shirt loaded with bling, she climbed up to them and plopped beside Chelsey.

“Looks like I made it just in time,” she told Chelsey. “I was a barrel racer once. Competed with the best of 'em—and not that long ago, either. Bet you didn't know that about me, did you?” She patted Chelsey's leg like they'd been friends forever.

Chelsey glanced back at Natalie and screwed her face as though a crazy woman had sat beside her. She scooted away, and Natalie held her breath, wondering what Libby might do or say next. The entire situation was a ticking time bomb.

“Come on, kids.” Natalie tugged on her brother's shirt. “I'm still hungry. Let's get some popcorn or nachos.”

Libby looked up and frowned. “But I just got here.”

“You go,” Chelsey said. “I want to watch the barrel races.”

Natalie refused to take no for an answer. “Come on, Chels, you can help carry the snacks. We won't be long.” She practically had to drag the girl away, but finally her sister gave in.

As soon as Natalie left her seat, she felt the weight shift on the bleachers. Glancing back, she saw Willard sit next to Libby.

WHEN THE OLD MAN SCOOTED DOWN BESIDE LIBBY, JARED MODIFIED HIS
position. Out in the arena, another contestant ran a pattern around the barrels and gunned it on the home stretch. The crowd cheered the girl's time of fourteen point two.

“Now that's a good run,” Libby said. “Reminds me of the old days. Remember how we used to follow the home circuit from Nebraska to Oklahoma?”

Jared trained his ears to the conversation below.

“What are you doing here, Libby?” Willard asked.

Libby chuckled. “I like rodeos. You know that.”

“Yes, but why did you come back to Diamond Falls? Why are you bothering these people?”

Her voice turned cold. “These people happen to be my family.”

“You gave up that right a long time ago.”

“I made a mistake. Everyone deserves a second chance.”

Willard leaned back and groaned, then passed a worried frown to Jared.

“What? I was young. I shouldn't have left like I did, but I can't undo the past.” She adjusted her turquoise blouse, the material stretched tight across the back of her shoulders.

Not knowing the woman or her history, Jared was inclined to believe her. She could have changed. Maybe her ex-husband's death provided the perfect opportunity for her to make things right. Willard and Natalie should at least give her the benefit of the doubt.

“Excuse me, I couldn't help but overhear.” Jared clutched both their shoulders to interrupt the heated debate. “From what I can tell everyone's a little anxious about your return and understandably so. Maybe it would help ease our minds if you could answer a few questions?”

Libby glanced at him with uncertainty. “I never figured this would be easy—stepping back into my kids' lives.”

Jared silently begged Willard's permission to go forward. At the man's nod, Jared cleared his throat. “What are your plans, Libby? Are you here on a short visit, or do you intend to move back?”

“Yeah, and where have you been all this time?” Willard jumped in before she could answer Jared's questions. “Let's not forget about money, either. As in, do you have any?”

Libby rubbed her hands on her jeans. “I figured I'd wait and see how things went with the kids. As for my whereabouts, I've been a little bit of everywhere—Georgia, Texas, New Mexico, California. You name it, I've probably been there.”

“You're here for a brief stay then?” Jared tried to draw out as much information as possible. “You must have a lot of vacation built up at your current job.”

The woman squirmed. “I told you, I don't know.”

Willard scowled at Jared, clear he didn't trust her. “Which translates, she don't have a job.”

“Listen, boys.” Libby turned to stare them both hard in the face. “Where I go and what I do is my own business. You two are just going to have to sit back and let Natalie take it from here. If she wants me to stay, I'll stay. If she wants me to go, I'll go. Easy as that.”

NATALIE PAID FOR THE NACHOS AND POPCORN AND HANDED THEM TO
Dillon and Chelsey. “Before we head back, I need to talk to you about something.” She ushered them to a deserted picnic table behind the concession stand.

“We're missing the barrel races.” Chelsey craned to see the arena from where they stood.

“I know, but this is important.” Natalie hated adding more chaos to her siblings' lives but what option did she have? She couldn't allow Libby to announce that she was their mom without any forewarning. “It's about that woman sitting on the bleachers.”

“I saw her at our house today.” Dillon crunched into a cheesy nacho. “Seems kinda weird. Who is she?”

Natalie caught her brother's hand and pulled him to sit with her at the table. “Listen, what I have to tell you is going to sound really crazy, but you need to trust me on this.” She locked gazes with Chelsey, hoping this news about her mother wouldn't cause the teen to spiral even more out of control. Swallowing the fear in her throat, Natalie decided not to mince words. “That woman out there—Libby, she's your mom.”

Chelsey's brow puckered into a frown. “That's not possible. Mom died a long time ago.”

“Yeah, in a car wreck.” Dillon's comment echoed his sister's apprehension. “Dad told us. She was killed in an accident.”

Natalie squeezed her brother's hand. “That's what I thought too. But apparently, it wasn't true. Willard recognized her. He said Dad didn't want to hurt us, so he lied about what happened. I don't know why she left all those years ago, but she didn't die. She's alive, and she's here.”

Chelsey dropped to the other side of the table as though in shock.

Natalie gripped her sister's hand, and the three of them formed an intimate circle. “I understand this is a lot to take in. Especially now that Dad's gone. But she seems eager to meet you—to reconnect with us.”

“I don't even remember her.” Chelsey's words were drawn out, as though in a daze. “And Dillon was just a baby.”

The day Libby left had been ingrained in Natalie's mind, but she knew better than to discuss those nightmares with the kids. It gave her pause that the woman wanted back in their lives, and she secretly vowed to keep a close eye on her stepmother should she decide to break their hearts again.

“We don't have to go back to the bleachers,” Natalie said. “We can go home right now if you want. Give this news some time to sink in.”

“Does she want to be our mom? Will she live with us?” Dillon's brown eyes searched Natalie's for an answer—an answer Natalie didn't have. She recognized the sadness and longing on his face. The boy had never had a mother to call his own.

“I don't know, Dillon. I don't know where she's been or what she wants. I'm as shocked about this as you are—but she's your mama. You tell me what to do.”

Chelsey rubbed her forehead as though it might be too much.
After a few minutes, she looked up. “I'm willing to talk to her if you are, Dillon.”

Natalie waited for her brother's response. Like a pup that follows his owner without question or fear, he quietly nodded in solemn resolve.

“All right then, let's do it.” Natalie rose from the table and held out her hands in a three-musketeer handshake. “All for one and one for all?”

Chelsey rolled her eyes, but Dillon added his hand to the stack. Pretty soon, Chelsey joined them. Her protective instincts stronger than ever, Natalie hooked her arms around her brother and sister. “It's going to be okay. We have each other, and nobody can take that from us.”

NATALIE ROUNDED THE CORNER TO THE BLEACHERS, LEADING CHELSEY
and Dillon as though to battle. She exchanged looks with Willard and gave a slight nod to where the kids waited behind the bleachers. He caught her unspoken message and climbed down to join them. Libby's face brightened at Natalie's approach.

“Okay, Libby. I've told the kids. They'd like to speak to you, if you don't mind.”

Her stepmother gazed out at the rodeo arena where men in a sponsored Dodge pickup loaded barrels, and a clown dressed in oversized pants and a bright striped shirt set up for a performance.

“Sure, we can do that.” Libby eased from her seat. “I'd hate to miss the bull riding, though. We can make this quick, right?”

Natalie didn't bother answering. Instead, she led the woman to the kids, and Willard ushered them behind the bleachers where he stood guard to give them as much privacy as possible. Dillon and Chelsey stared at Libby as though she were an alien creature and not their mother.

“Kids, I'd like you to meet your mom.” Natalie placed her hands
on their shoulders to offer a bit of comfort. “Libby, this is Chelsey and Dillon.”

Unable to contain her emotions, the woman rushed at the two with open arms. “Oh my goodness, you don't know how I've missed you.” She pinched Chelsey's cheek and tried to give Dillon a kiss, but he backed out of her reach before she made contact.

“When I heard about your dad, I just had to come see you, to make sure you were okay. I can't believe how much you've grown.” She shook her head in disbelief and then gazed at Natalie.

“And you, Nat. You always were a little mommy, looking out for your brother and sister. I knew I could count on you to care for my babies.”

A chill raced down Natalie's spine. Ten-year-olds weren't supposed to be mommies. She slipped her hands in her jean pockets and held her tongue.

Libby returned her attention to the kids. “But that doesn't matter now, because I'm back. I'm here for you—all of you.” Her long eyelashes fluttered.

Dillon eased a step forward. “Are you really our mom?”

The woman's head dipped back as laughter roared from her mouth. “You bet I am. And boy, do I have plans for you. See this rodeo?” She stretched her arm toward the arena. “This is the life I know, and it's the life I can teach you.”

Natalie found her voice. “You're planning to stay in Diamond Falls, then?”

Libby's excitement stalled. “Well, yes. I think that's a wonderful idea.” She cast a persuasive glance between the two kids. “Would you like me to stay?”

As though hypnotized, Chelsey and Dillon each gave a slow nod.

Libby turned to Natalie. “I…don't suppose you have an extra room at your house? It would save time and money if I could stay with you. I've been gone so long, I hate to miss even one minute
now that I'm back. We have so much catching up to do, I can hardly stand it.”

A strong hand gripped Natalie's arm, and she acknowledged Willard's presence as well as his warning. She also noted the yearning on her brother and sister's faces. Wouldn't she give anything to have her mama come back? Did she really have the right to deny them that privilege no matter how disinclined she might feel toward the idea?

“If you'll give me a day, I suppose you could stay in Dad's room.”

Natalie heard Willard's groan and clenched her teeth, wondering if she'd made too rash a decision. “Unless you'd prefer to sleep downstairs on the couch.”

“She could sleep on my bed,” Dillon offered. “I don't mind sleeping on the couch.”

“I wouldn't dream of making a mess of your living quarters, or of throwing you out of your bed.” The woman winked at Dillon, then drew back her shoulders. “Your dad's room will be more than comfortable. I appreciate the offer.”

“It's settled then.” Natalie forced a smile. “I'll work on it tomorrow, and we'll expect you for supper around seven?”

Libby's eyes danced. “I couldn't ask for more.”