Falling for You Read online

  “You never can tell.” Bud shook his head. “Around here it’s just as likely to be warm as it is to be cold.” He turned his attention to Sue Ellen. “Be sure and bring a sweater.”

  “Bring a sweater?” Sue Ellen nearly took off a hunk of Fanny’s bangs before she got control of the scissors and set them down. “Did either of you think I might have some say in this?”

  Dottie Jean reached over to give Sue Ellen a hug. “Not particularly, hon.” Dottie Jean pulled away to wink at her. “Don’t forget to bring that fudge you made for the last Bible study meeting. And if you remember, bring the recipe, too.”

  “Oh, I’d love a copy, too.” Fanny winked. “As I recall, it was quite tasty.”

  Sue Ellen held up both hands. “As a matter of fact, I—”

  “I’m sorry to interrupt, Sue Ellen,” Dottie Jean said, “but I’ve got need of the deputy. Bud, I wonder if you might help me with something?” She pointed to the door. “I came all the way into town to fetch some things for the party, and now I’ve realized I should have brought Fletcher along to help me load them into the car. If you’re not too busy, would you mind?”

  Sue Ellen watched speechlessly as Dottie Jean led Bud toward the door. “I never said I’d go,” she said to Bud’s retreating back.

  “You never said you wouldn’t, either,” Fanny said.

  “Well, I’ll take care of that.” She went back to styling Fanny’s curls.

  “While you’re at it,” Fanny said, “why don’t you take care of telling Sassy Hatchett that we don’t need her meatballs this year? Do you realize that last year the woman actually mixed in that crazy bait mix of hers by accident? I swear I thought we’d all be sick, although that goofy fiancé of hers asked for seconds. There’s no accounting for love, I always say.”

  Once again the image of Fanny dressed in bridal gear loomed large. Or rather, extra large.

  “No, Miss Fanny, you’re right about that. There sure isn’t any accounting for love, is there?”

  When Dottie Jean called to say Bible study was canceled that night, Sue Ellen lost her chance to get a group opinion on what she should do. Of course, she already knew Dottie Jean and Sassy’s thoughts on the topic.

  She waited until her last customer of the day had left, then called Leota. She barely got the details of her dilemma out before Leota responded.

  “Go.”

  “But you don’t understand, Leota.”

  “I don’t need to understand. Just go. What do you have to lose?”

  ***

  Several times over the next two days, Sue Ellen thought about picking up the phone and telling the deputy she’d made other plans, but she never did. Yesterday, she blew her chance to say no when Bud called to ask if she might be ready a half hour early.

  Instead, Sue Ellen had not only said yes, but also carried on small talk about fishing and the Port Neches-Groves Indians football team for a full five minutes before her next customer—Sassy, of all folks—came in.

  “Dottie Jean said I won a free cut and curl.” She handed Sue Ellen an envelope that read “Cut and Curl Coupon Is Invalid if Envelope Is Opened” in what looked like Dottie Jean’s handwriting.

  “All right, then,” Sue Ellen said. “Go ahead and put that cape on. I think I’ll have some peach tea. Want some?”

  She scurried to the kitchenette and tore open the envelope. “Fletcher and I are paying for the services, so give Sassy the works. Love, Dottie Jean.”

  Sue Ellen giggled as she returned with two glasses of sweet tea. “You got it wrong, Sassy,” she said. “You didn’t just win a hairdo. You got the works.”

  Once she finished with Sassy’s cut and curl, she decided to offer the woman a complimentary pedicure. What got into her, Sue Ellen didn’t know, but an hour later Sassy Hatchett left the Rhonda-Vous House of Beauty a changed woman.

  Well, at least her toes were changed.

  After Sassy left, Sue Ellen tried to call Bud back, but he didn’t answer. Before she knew it, she’d baked two pans of fudge—one with nuts and the other without—and had picked out an outfit that said “Well groomed but not interested.”

  Of course, by the time Bud arrived, she’d ditched the plain Jane outfit for one that made her feel a bit more festive, and she’d even taken the curling iron to her stick-straight hair. At the last minute, she added a few highlights around her face as well.

  There was no reason for a woman not to look her best even if she didn’t really want to be there. Besides, she was Dottie Jean’s friend, and as such, she needed to be present.

  “This has nothing to do with Bud Briggs,” she said to the image in the mirror. “I’m going to think of this as two friends sharing a ride. Next year, I’ll drive.”

  That idea made her feel better, so she decided to put a little more effort into her shoe and purse selection. When the choice was made, she hummed the teddy bear song while she hobbled into the kitchen to get the fudge ready to transport.

  Sue Ellen massaged her sore hip as she crimped the corners of the foil around the fudge with nuts and stacked it atop the other container. Although she’d never admit it to Bud, she had done herself a bit of bodily damage in her slide down the old ladder.

  With bruises in places that no one would see, Sue Ellen felt safe in pretending she was fine. Besides, it wasn’t as if she planned to do anything other than sit and count the hours until she could go home.

  When the squad car pulled up behind the Rhonda-Vous House of Beauty, Sue Ellen reached for her purse. She’d just about gathered her fudge and her wits when Bud knocked on the back door.

  Rather than flowers, he was carrying the mended ladder. “You want me to leave it out here, or should I bring it inside?”

  “Right there’s fine.” Sue Ellen grabbed her purse and the fudge with nuts. “How about you get the other one?” she said as she held the door open for Bud.

  He slipped past, leaving the scent of Ivory soap in his wake. “We’d better put these in the trunk,” he said. “We’re picking up another passenger.”

  Sue Ellen settled into the front seat and waited until Bud slipped behind the wheel. “Who else is riding with us?”

  “The pastor,” Bud said. “For some reason, Fletcher said I wasn’t to tell a soul.”

  The reason for the secrecy became clear when they arrived at Dottie Jean and Fletcher’s place.

  Chapter Five

  Sassy and Wendell are getting married? Does Sassy know this? She sure didn’t mention it when I was—”

  “Hush, Sue Ellen, or Sassy’ll hear you. She thinks she’s getting gussied up because she’s meeting Wendell’s long-lost cousin tonight. If we told her Wendell’s cousin is also the judge who signed the waiver on the waiting period for the marriage license, she’d probably have a hissy fit and run for the hills.”

  “I’ve seen Sassy run, sweetheart. You could catch her.” Fletcher sidled up to his bride and planted a kiss on her cheek that made Dottie Jean blush.

  “Behave yourself,” she said. “Can’t you see we’ve got company?”

  He smiled at Sue Ellen. “Happens every time I’m in a room with her. Would you forgive this old man’s silliness?”

  Sue Ellen chuckled despite the searing sense of loss she felt in the presence of this happy couple. “Well, of course. You can’t blame a man in love.” She looked past Fletcher to Dottie Jean. “What I don’t understand is how you convinced Sassy she’d won that gift certificate.”

  “Well,” Dottie Jean said, “I just told her it was a surprise and left it at that. I wanted her to look her best for her—”

  “Anyone want to explain to me why I’m the only one who looks like a fool in this room?” Sassy’s voice beat her through the door. A moment later she barged into the kitchen and stopped short, her off-white beaded dress catching the light in a thousand tiny sparkles. “And while you’re at it, would you tell me how a body can walk in shoes like this?” She held up one foot to show off a strappy sandal with a kitten heel in a match
ing color. “It’s bad enough you and Leota made me get gussied up for those weddings of yours, Dottie Jean. But this is just too much.”

  “Oh, those shoes are adorable,” Sue Ellen said. “Did you get them here in town?”

  “Who knows what torture chamber they came from? Dottie Jean loaned them to me.”

  “Something borrowed,” Dottie Jean whispered to Sue Ellen, who nodded.

  Ever the gentleman, Fletcher stepped forward to take Sassy’s hand. “The only fool in this room is me. I do believe I’ve married the wrong woman. You look absolutely lovely.”

  “Oh, hush that fool talk, Fletcher Cameron. There’s not a person in Port Neches who doesn’t know you haven’t spared another woman so much as a glance since you caught sight of Dottie Jean.”

  “Well now, you got me there, Sassy.” Fletcher nodded toward the back door. “I think I’ll go check on that project I’ve got out in the garage.”

  “Wendell,” Dottie Jean whispered to Sue Ellen.

  “Did you say something, Dottie Jean?” Sassy asked.

  Their hostess straightened her spine as her husband escaped out back, where Bud was standing guard over the steaks. “I was just saying how nice it’s going to be to have all of you in our new home.” She fingered the diamond on her hand. “God has blessed me so. I just want the same for you.”

  Bud appeared at the back door, a platter of steaks in his hands. “Where do you want this, Dottie Jean?” She relieved him of the plate, and he hightailed it back outdoors.

  “That’s a fine man there, Sue Ellen,” Dottie Jean said. “I’m glad you two decided to come to the party together.”

  “I didn’t have much choice, now, did I?”

  “Oh, I don’t know about that.” Dottie Jean touched her sleeve. “You sure do look pretty for someone who didn’t have a choice. Is that outfit new? I’m sure Bud noticed how pretty you look.”

  “Dottie Jean, you’re wasting your time. I’m letting the Lord find my husband for me, and so far He hasn’t mentioned anything about Bud Briggs.” Sue Ellen paused. “Besides, the whole town knows he’s headed for the FBI.”

  Sassy placed her freshly manicured hand on her shoulder. “Hon, is this about your daddy? Are you thinking about how he was gone all the time? Sue Ellen, your daddy was a hero.”

  “She’s right, Sue Ellen,” Dottie Jean said. “He spent his life doing what the Lord called him to do. Thanks to him, who knows how many criminals are behind bars?”

  The lump in her throat kept Sue Ellen from responding. The doorbell announced Leota and Beauregard’s arrival, effectively changing the subject and lightening the mood.

  On their heels were a group of folks, including Grandpa and Fanny. Despite her less-than-cover-girl figure, the owner of the local grocery store looked absolutely stunning. Sue Ellen shivered as the door opened wide to admit the guests.

  Before she could think hard on that, her grandfather enveloped her in a bear hug. “You here alone, Susie-Q?”

  “You know I’m not, Grandpa.” She held him at arm’s length. “I’d consider it a personal favor if you and the guys would find someone besides Bud to tease.”

  “Oh, come on, honey. Bud’s a good sport.”

  She gave him a no-nonsense look. So did Fanny.

  “That’s right, Gus,” Fanny said. “That poor deputy’s got trouble enough without you fellows adding to it.”

  “Thank you, Miss Fanny.” Sue Ellen looked up to see Bud standing nearby, and then quickly returned her attention to Fanny. “I’m really glad you’re here with my grandpa.”

  “I didn’t know old Gus had such good sense, actually.” Sassy’s eyes narrowed. “Did you have to pay her to go on a date with you, Gus?”

  “Very funny, Sassy. Speaking of dates, where’s Wendell?”

  Sassy glanced around the room. “Now that you mention it, I haven’t seen him yet.”

  “Looks like my buddy may have regained his good sense.” Gus winked at Sue Ellen. “There’s hope for him yet.”

  “Hush, you old fool,” Sassy said, “or next Thanksgiving you can roast your own turkey.”

  Dottie Jean clapped her hands, commanding the attention of those gathered in the room. “Fletcher and I would like to welcome you all to our home.”

  Bud slid over to stand beside Sue Ellen. They exchanged looks before Dottie Jean continued.

  “If you would all follow Fletcher and me, there’s something waiting in the backyard. Or rather, there’s someone waiting in the backyard.”

  Sue Ellen fell in line behind her grandpa with Bud at her side. Sassy brought up the rear, complaining with every step of her borrowed shoes.

  “Why in the world are we traipsing back to the pasture when Dottie Jean and Fletcher have a perfectly lovely. . . Oh my word. Wendell, is that you?”

  Chapter Six

  Wendell stood in the center of a gazebo that had been draped in white tulle tied with matching ribbons. How Dottie Jean had kept this a secret, Sue Ellen had no idea.

  “It is, my love. Come join me.”

  “Don’t be silly. It’s too cold. Now come on inside.”

  “It’s warm over here.” He held out his hands to Sassy. “I promise. Fletcher was kind enough to install heaters. I’m not sure if it’s that or the fact I’m looking at you, but I am positively overheated.”

  Sue Ellen started to giggle, and Bud grasped her wrist. “Shh,” he said, much to her surprise. “Let them have their moment.”

  Sassy stood her ground, hands on her hips. “Wendell Meeks, come down from there this instant. You’re going to catch your death out here.” She paused. “Say, is that Reverend Jordan?”

  Wendell stepped to the edge of the platform and stared his bride-to-be down. It was all Sue Ellen could do not to giggle again at the formerly meek Wendell’s new me-Tarzan attitude.

  “Sassy Hatchett, get up here and marry me this instant before I change my mind.”

  The pastor stepped to the edge of the platform, Bible in hand. “And yes, it is me, and I’m prepared to conduct a wedding unless Wendell changes his mind.”

  Sassy met Sue Ellen’s gaze and shrugged. Her blue-gray eyes twinkled. “Guess it’s a good thing you painted my toes this afternoon. Looks like I’m getting hitched.”

  “It sure looks like it.” The image of Sassy swam with the tears that threatened—tears of both joy and disappointment. Never had she been so certain she’d never know such happiness as she saw on Wendell’s and Sassy’s faces.

  “Oh, honey, what’s wrong?”

  Sue Ellen gave Sassy a hug. “I’m just so happy for you.”

  Sassy returned the hug. “It’ll be your time someday soon.” She reached for Bud’s shoulder and gave him a shake. “If you’d worry less about your vitamins and that blasted FBI job and more about the woman God put right under your nose, maybe—”

  “Sassy!”

  “Coming, Wendell, honey.” She paused. “Wait, I can’t get married without my son and daughter here.”

  “I’m right here, Mom.” Tilly pressed past Sue Ellen to give her mother a one-armed embrace. With her other hand, she presented Sassy with a bouquet of daisies. “I brought the flowers.”

  “Daisies.” Sassy looked up at Tilly. “Did you do that on purpose?”

  “Sure did.” Tilly winked at Sue Ellen. “I figure Daddy’s smiling at the two of you. You know all he ever wanted was for you to be happy.” She paused. “You are happy, aren’t you?”

  “I am, honey,” she said. Then her expression turned wistful. “I just wish your brother was here. ’Course, if you all told him New Year’s Eve, he’ll most likely turn up round Easter Sunday.”

  “That was the old Tucker. This one’s here right on time to walk you down the aisle.”

  Sue Ellen watched a handsome man with his mother’s eyes lift Sassy a full foot off the ground before setting her down. In between a couple of “put me downs” and one well-placed swat on the back of Tucker’s head, Sue Ellen thought she noticed a tear as it fel
l from Sassy’s eyes.

  When she quit complaining, Sassy held her son at arm’s length. “You don’t look any different, Tucker Hatchett.”

  “Probably not,” the young man replied, “since it’s mostly on the inside. Although I did land a job with Bobby Jim Penty’s pit crew.”

  “Bobby Jim Penty? The NASCAR driver?”

  “That’s right, Mama.” Tucker smiled, and Sue Ellen realized he now looked even more like his mother.

  “Well, hallelujah. Finally, some use for all those tires in the backyard.”

  “Mama, that’s not funny,” he said, although his face clearly showed he thought the opposite. “One of these days when you’re not busy getting married, I’ll tell you all about it. Right now, let’s get you hitched.”

  The wedding was beautiful, and afterward, Sue Ellen couldn’t be sure who cried harder, the bride or the groom. She shed a few tears, too, and strangely into Bud’s handkerchief. He’d handed it to her midway through the part where Sassy stumbled over the phrase “love, honor, and obey.”

  The I-dos were quickly followed by Dottie Jean’s statement that a proper feast awaited the group inside. It took two announcements to break the lip-lock between Sassy and Wendell.

  The wedding dinner consisted of a variety of meats, courtesy of Fletcher and Bud’s grilling expertise, along with more vegetables, breads, and side dishes than the law should have allowed. Dessert was Sue Ellen’s fudge topped with Tilly’s homemade mocha ice cream. For those who were more calorie conscious, Dottie Jean provided fresh fruit and fat-free vanilla yogurt.

  As far as Sue Ellen could tell, Bud was the only one who partook of the low-fat fare.

  So as not to have her date—and oh, how she hated to call Bud that—cast aspersions on her choice of dessert, Sue Ellen took her fudge and mocha concoction back outside. The gazebo beckoned, so she found a hiding spot behind the yards of tulle and ribbon that swayed in the fresh evening breeze.

  So, she thought as she stabbed at the mound of molten sugar, another year come and gone almost. Sue Ellen checked her watch.