“Be careful dear, I might just make you follow up with that dare.”
She chuckled. “I know you would.”
“And youarea saint. You do nothing but help everyone else. You need to take time for yourself.”
“I’m happy.”
“Are you? Because sometimes people stay busy so they don’t have to think about other things.”
“You are not allowed to be as wise as you are,” Tammy countered not meeting her eyes this time.
“I have a disability, so I have plenty of time to think.” She responded with her own sly smile. “Besides, you have love in your eyes whenever you look at that man, and he’s too stupid to see it.”
Tammy spared her a glance. “Maybe I’m too stupid to tell him.”And scared. She didn’t even bother denying it. Debbie was too smart and there’s no way she could convince her or lie to her and say it wasn’t true. It would be pointless. She knew Debbie wouldn’t say anything, just like Tess and Elaina.
Debbie huffed. “Who am I kidding? Neither one of you are stupid. You’re too darn stubborn, and he’s oblivious of anything that could make him happy. Young people are foolish though.”
Tammy laughed. “You are so right about that.”
A few minutes later Tammy pulled up in front of the town’s post office and retrieved her and Debbie’s mail from their boxes. She didn’t bother to look through it because they always did that over breakfast. Debbie was also waiting in the car, so she just gathered it together and placed it on Debbie’s lap back before she drove a few blocks down to the diner. Colton was already there and waved through the window.
Tammy saw Zane standing on his lap putting his chubby fingers on the glass. He smiled and probably squealed when he saw Tammy help his grandmother out of the car because he started patting the window and became more animated. He had quite the volume for such a small body, but will probably roar like his father when he hit puberty. Tammy smiled at the thought.
Colton and Elaina created a very beautiful baby boy. He had grey eyes like his mother, and blonde hair. More than likely it would darken to Colton’s color when he ages, because Elaina’s hair was ebony. Yes, Tammy was completely envious. With genes like those two had, Zane was going to be a heartthrob just like his father, just like all the Hartley men.
Tammy aided Debbie into the booth opposite of Colton and Zane and slid in beside her.
“The special is Eggs Benny,” Colt said.
“My favorite.” Debbie said just as the waitress came over set with a high chair and waited until Colt put his son in it.
Then Colt rooted through the baby bag he brought and pulled out several toys placing them in front of his active son. Zane immediately picked one up and chewed on it.
They dismissed the menus and ordered knowing what they wanted.
“So, what are you two wild ones up to today?” Colt asked looking back and forth between the women.
“Just getting a few things in town and Tammy has to work an evening shift later at the hospital.”
He shifted his attention to Tammy while Zane happily played with his toys. “Tammy, life’s passing you by. Elaina worries about you.”
She shrugged. “It’s not like I don’t have a social life.”
“Youdon’thave a social life. You work too much.”
“We were just discussing that.” Debbie said giving her son in law a knowing look.
“You put him up to it,” Tammy accused with humor seeing the exchange. She was grateful that Debbie didn’t bring up the conversation about Lance. However, Colton was his brother, and Elaina knew, so chances are, he also knew. He was just not saying anything so as not to embarrass her. She appreciated it because Colt really didn’t care what people thought. It showed her that he respected her feelings. It was touching.
“Actually, Elaina did,” Colton admitted while giving Debbie a sly look. “Also, she’s right. I don’t think you’ve even dated since you’ve moved here. I know there’s interest in you because I get asked about you a lot.”
She shrugged and was grateful the waitress came back and poured them some coffee. She didn’t want another man in her life especially if she couldn’t devote affection to them. It would also be unfair because her heart belonged elsewhere.
After she left, the other two were quiet, and Tammy looked up to see them both staring at her. She sighed conceding to their interrogation. “I’m fine. I really appreciate the concern but can we leave my love life out of this?”
Colt gave her a dimpled Hartley smile; the smile that could make women swoon if they came within sight of it. She was probably the only female immune to it because there was only one Hartley that could make her do that.
“Tammy, we all care about you, and if it hadn’t been for you, I would not have my son and my beautiful wife.”
