The ground swooped up toward the back, where Autumn parked. From the zero-entry door in the back, it was steps to the garage doors that everyone parked behind. The shops and barns were closer to the house than how my family had situated their property. Theview out back wasn’t as stunning as the front. It was simpler. It showcased the hard work that backed the Baileys’ life. Yet there was undeniable life in that view. A thriving ranch. A place that didn’t crumble when the patriarch died.
Darin Bailey had been older than my mom when he’d passed, and from what I’d seen when I first checked up on the Baileys, there’d been some warning. What had Autumn gone through while her dad was sick?
“We can just go in,” Autumn said. She’d been quiet since her family had left, growing more silent on the drive out. How worried was she about upsetting her mom?
I’d rather we did this another day. I liked the quiet of Autumn’s house. There was a warmth my penthouse didn’t have. But we had to get all the family informed. It didn’t matter that this day stretched on until it felt three days long.
For the first time, I considered that maybe my idea had been shit. I hadn’t liked Autumn because of her relation to the Baileys. The actual person was considerate, though a little devious, and she clearly loved her mom. If there was anything I could respect, it was that.
I got out of the car. Autumn was out before I could get to her side. So much for being chivalrous. She didn’t wait on me like... It took a minute to think of any woman I’d been on an official date with. I didn’t bother to come up with names. The point was, I didn’t date.
Autumn twined her cool hand in mine.
“Are your hands always cold?” I asked as I curled my fingers around hers to cover as much skin as possible. She’d warm up faster that way.
“You know what they say about cold hands?”
“Wear gloves?”
She broke into a smile and the tinkling laugh that left her was like harp music. After this afternoon, I liked hearing her laugh.
“Let’s go, warmhearted girl.” Some tension drained from me. Time to meet Mae Bailey as an adult this time.
When I was a kid, I hadn’t given the Baileys much thought. Mama had talked about the sisters. Dad had mentioned Darin here and there. I couldn’t even blame them for being the drink of choice for my dad. Bottles with other company names had floated through the house. Copper Summit products were quality, and Dad couldn’t waste money on good booze.
I’d talked to Mae Bailey once in my life. At my mom’s funeral. Everyone had looked at me with such pity, tears in their eyes, dabbing at their nose and cutting off words when they tried to talk to me. Or they looked through me and saved their condolences for my dad.
Not Mae. She’d pulled out a chair next to me and asked when I had eaten last. I’d told her I wasn’t hungry and she’d patted my shoulder.I know. What do you normally like to eat? I’ll fix you a plate. It’ll taste like dust, mind you, but I’d love for you to have a few bites. We’ll both feel better.
I’d had a fleeting thought that I didn’t care if she felt better, but a larger part of me had hung on the way she doted on me. I’d been an afterthought for a short week, and I hadn’t liked that feeling. Without Mom, I was invisible. I’d had no idea it was the beginning of many long years of not being seen, my only use dulled down to my work ethic or my genetics.
Autumn opened the back door and pulled me in behind her. The outside air had a chill to it I had barelynoticed until the warmth of the house enveloped me, welcoming me in.
A lump formed in my throat. This was so damn familiar. The scent of coffee underneath a mouthwatering, savory smell. Mae was at the stove stirring something in a pot. My stomach threatened to rumble, but I clenched my abs. I would not salivate in this house.
She glanced over her shoulder. Her hair had thick streaks of gray and she’d pinned the sides back. Her dark eyes held mild curiosity, her aura pleasant.
Autumn hung her coat up and crossed to give her a hug. “Hi, Mama.”
“Hello, hon.” Mae’s smile widened, deepening the grooves around her eyes as she returned the one-armed embrace. I detected a hint of sadness that was achingly familiar. That wouldn’t go away. Not when you lost someone so close to you. Mae’s kind gaze captured mine. “Gideon, nice to see you again.”
She almost sounded like she meant it. I dipped my head. “Mrs. Bailey.”
She scoffed. “I might feel the oldest in the morning and at night, but there’s no need to throw around the Mrs. Baileys. Mae, please.”
“Tate told you we were coming.” Autumn didn’t pose a question.
“Yes.” Mae flicked the burner off. “He didn’t tell me why. Just said you’d be stopping by with a guest. Of course, it was the way he said it that made me curious.”
Autumn went to a cabinet. “Can I set the table?”
“We’re eating?” Weren’t we going to break the news to her and leave? I wasn’t ready to hunker down with... with... someone I didn’t want to dislike.
“Everyone gets fed when they come to my place,dear.” Mae gestured to the cupboard. “I gather you two haven’t eaten yet?”
“We haven’t had time for a bite since breakfast. The flight was quick.”
In my head, I finished the rest for her.The flight was quick, but nothing else has been.
