I could hear Stella snickering behind me as she turned around, presumably shielding Charlie’s eyes from the view of a nearly naked cowboy in the foyer of what was to be their new home.
“Uhm. Didn’t know we’d have company..” He stammered, “I’ll go put some clothes on.”
He brushed past me in a hurry, his feet stomping loudly on the stairs to my left as he rushed up them. I turned around in slight embarrassment to gauge Stella’s reaction, expecting to see her just as rattled as I was. Instead, she greeted me with a wide grin and a small laugh.
I shook my head and gestured for Stella to walk ahead of me as we entered the kitchen.
The kitchen had been Ma’s sanctuary. She’d meticulously selected every detail in this room, all the way down to the cabinet handles. She’d nearly given Pops a heart attack when she’d insisted on sage green cabinets and the expensive white granite countertop.
He’d tried to convince her to go with something moreneutral, but she pulled out her hidden weapon - the puppy dog eyes. Eventually, he’d forked over design rights completely and walked around behind her with the checkbook. After all - happy wife, happy life.
She spent many nights cooking extravagant dinners, even though it was just us three burly men eating. Her love language was always making sure we went to sleep with full stomachs. It wasn’t lost on me how privileged I was to be raised in a house full of love and support.
Wade came stomping back down the stairs in a pair of grey sweatpants and a faded rodeo tee shirt. With a flick of his wrist, he swept his long hair away from his face, revealing a dazzling grin that was aimed directly at Stella.
“Sorry ‘bout that,” he drawled, extending his hand for her to shake. With a slight movement, she shifted Charlie to the side and grasped his hand in a firm handshake.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Wade. The hotter Daniels’ twin.” He said, accentuating his introduction with a wink.
“Stella.” she said simply and gave him a terse smile. I could sense that she wasn’t overly comfortable around men, especially ones who weren’t shy, like my brother. Her rigid posture and protective stance gave that away.
“This is Charlie.” She added as the little girl made excessive wiggle motions to be put down. Seeking my approval, she looked at me, and I nodded in response. With a gentle lowering motion, she placed the wiggling toddler on the floor, giving the little one the chance to explore the surrounding area.
If they were staying long term, we definitely needed to install some childproof latches and covers to keep her safe.
“So, Stella, what brings you to Casa de Daniels?” Wadeasked, walking over to the fridge and grabbing out a bottle of beer.
I snatched the beer out of his hand before he had the chance to pop the top. I motioned for him to sit on the barstool at the island counter. He plopped down with a huff and waited for me to explain why I’d stopped his mid-afternoon drink-a-thon.
“Stella and Charlie are going to be staying with us for a while. I’d appreciate it if we kept the drinking to a minimum,” I said, scratching at the stubble that was forming on my chin. “They’ve gotten themselves in a bit of a bind and need a safe place to land, so I need you to be on your best behavior.”
“Ooooo-kay,” he said, lengthening the front of the word in confusion. His eyes narrowed on mine, imploring me to elaborate, but I gave nothing away.
It was Stella’s story, and hers alone to share with the world in her own time and way. Confiding in Wade was entirely her decision, and she could do so when and if she was comfortable.
“That’s all the..” the front door flying open and a shrill shriek coming from the foyer interrupted my thoughts.
“A BABY!!!” a female voice screamed, causing all of our heads to turn in its direction.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” I said, running my hands down my face in exasperation.
Now, I not only had to explain to my brother why I brought a woman and child home, but also to his best friend, Ray.
EIGHT
stella
Rounding the kitchen corner,a woman with a pixie-like appearance emerged, Charlie in her arms. Perfectly content being carried, she sat propped on her hip, gripping her long, black hair, chubby hands gently twisting the strands.
The girl extricated her hair from Charlie’s grasp and pinched her cheeks, causing her to let out a boisterous giggle. This girl definitely wasn’t shy around babies.
I stifled the urge to reach over and rescue my daughter from the stranger’s arms, but she seemed perfectly at ease in her presence.
“You know, Wade, I knew all those one-night stands would eventually catch up with you,” she joked as she patted him gently on the arm.
“Ain’t mine, sunshine” he countered proudly, a wide grin taking over his face, confidence radiating from him in waves.
I got the notion that Wade was the more promiscuous Daniels’ brother and thanked whatever higher power above that he hadn’t been the one to rescue me.
