Candy Kisses (Romance on the Ranch #4) by Verna Clay

Author:Verna Clay
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: M.O.I. Publishing
Published: 2013-02-14T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13: Concrete Memories

Tessa grabbed Monica's hand and pulled her past the hordes of onlookers vying for the best places to watch the parade. "This is my favorite spot." She stopped in front of a restaurant called Sizzling Sicily. A heavy set woman with a gray topknot sat in a folding chair near the curb and smiled warmly. "Howdy, Tessa; I saved you and your housekeeper a place." She pointed at two empty chairs next to her.

"Thanks, Miz Fitzpatrick. I surely appreciate it."

The old woman reached a welcoming hand toward Monica. "As the girl said, my name's Mrs. Fitzpatrick, but you can call me Lulu. What's your name?"

"Monica. I'm pleased to meet you, Lulu."

Lulu waved to someone behind Monica. "Well howdy, Tooty and Miles. That's sure a passel of kids you got. Reminds me of me and Horace—God rest his soul—some forty years ago."

Monica stiffened. I don't think I'm ready to face Miles. Maybe if I keep my back turned they won't know it's me.

Lulu said, "Com'on over and meet Monica. She's the babysitter and housekeeper Dirk hired."

Monica groaned and slowly turned around.

Tooty smiled warmly with boys on either side of her, their hands grasped in hers. Her belly seemed to have grown since their heartfelt conversation at Dirk's cabin. Beside her, Miles had their youngest on his lap with Harris standing next to his wheelchair. Harris gave her a curious look but didn't say anything. Miles smiled and had such an expression of contentment, Monica blinked. He had truly found the missing link in his life.

"Hello, Monica. It's good to see you. From one New Yorker to another, have you overcome culture shock yet?"

Relieved that the dreaded meeting with Miles had turned out to be nothing like the nightmare she'd envisioned, Monica said with a chuckle, "I'm still working on that. But I'm getting better."

Miles said, "These are my sons. You already know Harris." He indicated the boy standing beside him. Then he patted the head of the blonde child on his lap. "And this is Austin." He nodded toward the boys on either side of Tooty. "That's Morgan with blonde hair and Eli with brown."

Monica said, "Hello boys. Harris, it's good to see you again. You've certainly grown. How old are you now?"

Politely, Harris responded, "Howdy, ma'am. I'm twelve."

Miles motioned toward the other boys. "Morgan is four, Eli is seven, and Austin is two."

Morgan said, "Don't forget baby girl."

Miles laughed, "And, as you can see, we're about to add another member to our family." He looked over at Tessa. "Hello, sweetie. I hear your dad's in the parade."

"Yes, sir. He's in the float with Miz Tawnie."

The boy sitting on Miles lap squealed and pointed toward the street. "Kwowns!" he shouted.

Monica turned to see the parade had begun with maybe a dozen clowns cavorting back and forth. A few walked on stilts, some did cartwheels and tumbled, some tossed candy, and two more drove tiny cars, weaving back and forth from curb to curb.

Tooty said, "Ann and Jackson saved us seats further down.

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