A Secret to Shatter by Katie O’Connor

Chapter Twenty

Honey had been to a few events at the Flint family ranch. They were always loud, fun, and entertaining. Today was no exception. Honey changed from her flats to the fluffy bear slippers she’d brought along, and hung her jacket in the closet. Ira did the same, but went in his sock feet. Why in the world did she find him sexy in socks? She shook her head at her own silliness.

Today was a celebration. Beth was home from university. She had graduated from nursing school and was a registered nurse. She had taken a four-year bachelor of science in nursing. To her family’s surprise and delight, she had accepted a position at the Coyote Creek Hospital and would be moving home.

Honey and Ira stepped into the kitchen where everyone was crowded around Beth, congratulating her on her graduation and new job. Honey soaked up the camaraderie and love like a sponge. When there was a break in the conversation she stepped forward.

“Beth, congratulations. I knew you could do it.” She held out the small gift she’d brought.

“Oh, thank you. You didn’t have to get me a gift. Thank you. I appreciate it.” She tore the paper off and handed it to Sue to put in the recycle bin. She opened the box and pulled out a mug which said, “Don’t mess with me. I get paid to stab people with sharp objects.”

Beth laughed until she was breathless. “This is priceless. And so true. Thank you! I can’t wait to take this to work with me.” She held it up so everyone could see it. They all enjoyed a chuckle.

“Guess that’s better than my, World’s Best Nurse mug.” Ira laughed and held up a navy and white gift bag.

Beth hugged him. “Thanks so much, brother. I love that you thought of me. And of course, it is true. I am the world’s best nurse.”

“There she goes. I knew all her schooling would go to her head,” Riley drawled.

“Hush now,” Sue chided. “This is Beth’s day. She deserves the praise. Now, all of you, shoo. Out of my kitchen. Ten minutes until supper. I just need to mash the potatoes.” She made a go away motion with her hands and everyone scattered. “Except you Ira. Can you please cut the roast? Honey, can you put the dressing on the salad?”

When the three of them were alone in the kitchen, Sue turned to Honey. “Dressing’s in the blue pitcher in the fridge. Salad is on the bottom shelf.”

Honey opened the fridge.

“Honey, now that you know the big family secret, I trust you won’t spread it around until we go public?” Sue said, her tone patient but doubtful.

“Absolutely. I know how to keep my mouth shut. Congratulations on your new son.” She offered the words as understanding and caring. She’d never betray someone’s confidence by being a blabbermouth.

“You’re not scandalized?” Sue persisted.

“Not at all. From what I understand, Ira was conceived in love. I think mistakes were made all around, but they’re being dealt with. Besides, Robert was single, but in a serious relationship with Ira’s mother. Where’s the scandal? I see none.”

“Good.” Sue handed Ira a knife. “The roast beef is there, under the roaster’s cover. The ham is resting in the oven.”

“I’m not sure how good I am with a knife. I’m probably not qualified for this job.” Ira chuckled and lifted the lid from the roast.

The delicious smell of beef wafted through the room making Honey’s taste buds salivate. “I do love roast beef. And ham.”

“Scalloped potatoes, mashed potatoes, corn, and peas to go with it,” Sue proclaimed. She had a reputation as a chef and baker. Nobody turned down an invitation to the Flint home for a meal. Her food was unparalleled.

“And pie?” Ira asked hopefully, neatly slicing the roast. Even, perfect slices fell onto the cutting board.

“Yes, apple and pumpkin, and my homemade air buns.”

“Oh man,” Honey grumbled playfully. “I’m going to gain twenty pounds today. Pumpkin pie is my favorite.”

“Mine too. I love all the whipped cream.” He gave Honey a naughty look which made her melt.

“Ira Castillo, no naughty talk in my kitchen,” Sue chided but was unable to hide her grin. “Get the meat sliced.” She picked up a potato masher and went to work on a brimming pot of steaming potatoes.

Dinner was loud and the food delicious. Honey ate way more than she should. After supper Riley and Tricia took the kids downstairs to play board games. The adults settled in the living room for coffee.

Ira grabbed Honey’s hand and led her to a love seat. He sat down and pulled her to his side and slid his arm around her shoulders.

“They know I’m with you,” Honey whispered. “No need to stake your claim,” she teased.

“Damn right there is,” he whispered back. “I don’t trust my brothers with my woman. They’re liable to try and steal you from under my nose. You’re the loveliest woman in town.”

“Oh, give it a rest bro,” Jason teased.

“Back off, Jason. Find your own girl. I know you only asked for a ride so you could spend time with Honey.”

Everyone roared at the companionable teasing.

Ken frowned from across the room. He wasn’t openly hostile towards Ira, but he wasn’t friendly either.

“Have you heard from Lindy lately?” Honey asked, trying to draw Ken into the conversation. He looked so alone sitting on a kitchen chair he’d pulled into the room.

His face brightened. “I have. I’m going to see her tomorrow.” He paused. “I guess it is time to confess. Lindy and I have been talking. A lot. On the phone. We’re working through our issues. We aren’t good, but we’re trying to get to know each other again.”

“That’s wonderful,” Honey exclaimed before everyone else offered their congratulations. She wasn’t certain how long it had been since Ken’s wife left, but she knew it was a couple years at least. She’d love to see them make up. From everything she’d heard, they’d been a great couple.

Ken seemed pleased, but uncomfortable with all the praise. “How about you guys, are you pregnant yet?” he asked Flint and Amy.

“No!” Amy proclaimed. “We’re not even married yet. We might have kids some day, but we have relationships to build with the two teens we already have. We’re not in any rush to make a decision.” She shared a fond look with Justice, who everyone called Flint.

“Maybe some day,” he said quietly before turning the tables on Ira. “How about you?” he asked with a pointed look at the arm around Honey’s shoulders. “You guys look cozy. Kissing cozy. Any kids in your future?”

“Back off, Flint,” Ira growled.

“I’d love to have kids, someday,” Honey spoke at the same time. Heat rose in her face. “I mean, we’ve only just started dating, but some day, I do want to have kids. Several of them. But we’re not planning anything, except maybe another date.” She snapped her mouth shut to stop the rush of embaressing words.

“I’d like kids, too,” Ira said quietly. “I have no living relatives. Except you guys,” he stammered. “I mean…it’s hard to adapt to suddenly having a family. But I’d like sons to pass on the Castillo name.” He looked guilty. “Not that the Flint name isn’t an honorable one.”

Honey reached up and squeezed his hand. “Nobody thought you were dissing half of your heritage. They understand. Don’t you guys?”

“Son, I’d be disappointed if you weren’t proud of your mother,” Robert said. “Now, how about that pie?”

Sue chuckled. “One small piece for you. Doctor’s orders.”

“I can’t wait for my next physical. I’m sick of all the mollycoddling. I spend half my life in my man cave, pounding out my frustrations on leather.”

“What are you working on?” Ira asked.

“He made me an exquisite purse,” Sue exclaimed. “He repaired the briefcase Tricia inherited from her grandfather. All the boys have belts, except you Ira.”

“I’m working on it. I can only do so much at once.” Though Robert grumbled, it was clear he was proud of his family’s pride in his work.

“Can we see your man cave?” Honey asked.

Five minutes later, they stood inside a small shed. Robert flipped a switch and warmth rushed over them.

“I added the heater last fall. It was too cold in here to work. Let me show you around.” He demonstrated his leather stitcher and some stamps. He had at least a dozen projects underway. “I can only carve so much at once before my hands cramp up from holding the leather carving knife. Paint, glue, and dye take time to dry. That’s why there are so many things on the go.” He looked thoughtful. “You guys want to pass an opinion on something?”

“Sure thing,” Ira offered.

Robert fished around in a drawer and extracted a half-finished leather jacket. The feminine garment was thigh length and constructed of soft black leather. “Think Sue will like this?” he asked, clearly uncertain.

Honey fondled the leather. “It’s exquisite. She’ll adore it.” She looked at it with a critical eye. “It looks like the right size. It’s beautiful.”

“Great job,” Ira patted Robert on the back. “She’ll love it. Did you sew it on that stitcher?”

“Heck no. I bought a used sewing machine. I keep it hidden. I don’t want her asking questions before our anniversary.” He flushed guiltily. “Son, I’m sorry I abandoned you. It was the wrong decision. I don’t expect you to understand, or to forgive me, but maybe you can take comfort in knowing I regret my decision. I always have.” He cleared his throat and turned away.

Ira looked thunderstruck, either at the sudden turn in the conversation or the apology. His frown turned to a look of resignation. “I don’t understand your decision, but I appreciate that you regret your actions. Honestly, I’m proud to call you Dad.”

Honey stifled a gasp at Ira’s change of heart.

Robert whirled around. Tears in his eyes. He flung his arms around Ira and patted his back. “Welcome to the family, son.”