Whatever Love Means Read online

  Whatever Love Means

  Leigh Fleming

  Whatever Love Means

  * * *

  by

  * * *

  Leigh Fleming

  Envisage Press, LLC

  Published by Envisage Press, LLC

  Copyright © 2020 Envisage Press, LLC

  Cover by www.spikyshooz.com

  ISBN: 978-0-9977351-9-2

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of a brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. To obtain permission to excerpt portions of the text, please contact the author at [email protected].

  * * *

  This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Acknowledgments

  Thank You

  About the Author

  For Sid, who shared her story.

  Chapter 1

  The old adage sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs to finally land a prince was certainly true for Maggie Timbrook, but in her case, she hadn’t just kissed them, she had married them. Two out of the three were amphibious creatures, but at last her prince had come in the form of Buddy Garrett. And he was a keeper.

  Maggie stood on a raised platform in the backroom of Hilda’s Bridal Haven, admiring her lacy, strapless wedding gown. The elongated mirror made her seem taller and slimmer than her actual five foot two, one hundred thirty pounds. The sweetheart neckline accentuated her generous cleavage and the A-line skirt gave her some curves where she had none. She lifted her long brown hair off her shoulders, imagining it in a loose bun as she turned to the side for a better angle.

  “What do you think, Carly?” She turned her back to the mirror and questioned her seventeen-year-old, who was tucked into an armchair with her knees folded to her chest and her nose buried in her cell phone. “Hey! Eyes over here.”

  “Oh . . . yeah, I like it.” Carly gave a cursory glance and then returned to her phone.

  “I love it,” Riley said, fingering the delicate lace on the bodice. “It was made for you.” Riley was Maggie’s best friend, so of course she’d say that. But in this case, it was true. Maggie couldn’t have found a more perfect dress if she had designed it herself.

  “Hilda did a good job on the alterations.” She turned back to the mirror and tugged the skirt. “Maybe she could’ve taken it in another half inch through the hips.”

  “I think it’s perfect. Buddy will love it.”

  “Yeah . . . he will.” Maggie’s heart warmed as she imagined the look on her prince’s face when she walked down the aisle. Buddy would love it, just as much as he loved her. He was so excited about their wedding only three days away. It was all he could talk about. Currently he was on a business trip, but he called every night, including last night while she was working at the Brass Rail, the bar she owned with her sister, Penny.

  “What about the flowers? Did you make a decision?” Buddy had asked.

  “I turned it over to Riley.” Riley was the floral designer at Beautiful Blooms, another one of Maggie’s enterprises. “Told her to surprise me.” Her phone had been pressed between her shoulder and ear as she’d mixed a Captain and Coke for Doug, one of their regulars. As much as she’d wanted to chat with Buddy about the plans, she’d had a bar full of customers waiting to be served.

  “But you told her the color scheme, right?”

  “Of course. Riley knows what I like. It will be beautiful, trust me.” She had taken Doug’s credit card and swiped it through the machine. “Where are you? It sounds noisy. What’s that ringing sound? Are you at a casino?” Giggling, she’d handed back the card, and took another order. Buddy was such a salt-of-the-earth, hard-working man, he wouldn’t gamble away his hard-earned money. He was a successful salesman, a job which unfortunately kept him on the road.

  “I’m at a warehouse, meeting with a customer,” he had said.

  “So late at night?”

  “This was the only time we could get together.”

  “Then I better let you go. I’m kind of busy right now myself.”

  “Okay, babe. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Oh, no, you don’t.” She topped off a pint of beer, slid it across the wood bar to a customer, and ducked around the corner into her dad’s old office. “You’re not hanging up until you say it.”

  “Say what?” he teased.

  “That you love me,” she said in a sultry whisper.

  “Honey, you know I do.”

  “Say it then. Because I love you, Buddy.”

  “And I love you, Miss Maggie Timbrook—soon to be Garrett. Just four more days.”

  Her cheeks had grown warm as a smile spread across her face. There was a thirsty bunch out front, clamoring for beer, but she didn’t care.

  “I’ll be waiting on you when you get here Friday afternoon.”

  “Wear something sexy.”

  “Oh, you bet I will.”

  “That’s my girl. I’ll see you in a few days.” He’d ended the call with a kissy sound, and Maggie dropped against the door, holding the phone to her heart. How did she get so lucky? It had taken a long time and a lot of heartache, but she had finally found the one.

  She hadn’t actually found Buddy Garrett—they had gone to school together but had lost touch when he moved away after high school. Six months ago, he had returned to Highland Springs at just the right time, taking a job as a salesman with a local oil and gas company. He had popped into the Brass Rail on a night when Maggie needed some male attention. Her dad had passed away the month before, and she and Penny had finished cleaning out his house that morning. Seeing her childhood home so empty and her dad’s larger-than-life presence gone had sent her into a tailspin. Feeling a little sad and lonely, and a whole lot sorry for herself, Buddy’s arrival had been like a ray of sunshine in her dark, depressing life. He had sat at the bar, chatting with her until closing time, and they had been together ever since.

  Buddy was about as perfect as a guy could be. So what if he was short and balding—he had a handsome face with the sweetest dimple in his chin. He was kind and doting. He fell over himself to get Maggie something to drink when she wasn’t thirsty, drape a sweater over her shoulders before she realized she was cold, and rub her tired feet before she even asked. He brought her candy or coffee mugs or key chains, some little memento from his sales trips. “I wanted you to know I was thinking of you,” he’d say with a tender hug. He had even stepped in to help her and Penny at the bar when he was home. He washed dishes, pitched in as bartender, and even made the occasional night deposit at the bank.

  He didn’t drink or smoke, was a great cook, went to church most Sundays, and liked her daughter. There was no baggage from his past to deal with—he’d never been married and had no kids
. But he wanted some. Maggie loved Carly to the moon and back, but she wasn’t sure she wanted to go through it all again. When she told Buddy she didn’t want any more children, he kissed her tenderly on the cheek and said, “That’s okay. You’re enough for me.”

  What did he get in return? A tired, over-worked girlfriend who stared at the ceiling, counting down the seconds until she faked an orgasm just to save his feelings. So, maybe he wasn’t perfect, but he was darned close. He may not be Adonis in bed, but he was great in every other way. As soon as they got married, she would cut back her hours at the bar and devote her time to making this amazing man happy.

  “Mercy me, don’t you look pretty.” Hilda popped through the curtain that separated the dressing area from the display room, bringing Maggie back to the here and now. “It fits like a glove.” Hilda ran her hands over the dress, tugging and pulling, and checking her handiwork. “You didn’t give me much time, but luckily we had this snappy little number still on the rack and in your size.”

  Maggie chuckled, feeling her face turn red. “Sorry about that, Hilda, but when Buddy asked me to marry him, neither one of us wanted to wait.”

  “No worries. I’m used it by now.” Hilda yanked up the neckline again, barked out a laugh, and stood back, hands on her hips, as she gave the dress a final inspection. “You never were one for long engagements. I do believe this is the prettiest dress you’ve ever bought from me.”

  Why did Hilda have to remind her that this marriage wasn’t her first rodeo? Embarrassed, Maggie spun around and studied her reflection in the mirror.

  “The first dress you bought from me was all satin. When you married Sonny. Remember?”

  “How could I forget?”

  Maggie had had three unsuccessful marriages, two of which were to a pair of sweet-talking scumbags. Sonny Tolliver, her second husband, had come along shortly after she had returned to Highland Springs, when she’d been recently divorced from Carly’s dad. A scared and lonely single mom, she had believed Sonny would make a great father. His pretty words and promises were exactly what she’d needed to hear. He was a great guy as long as he wasn’t drinking, but the minute he had one too many, he turned into a dangerous monster, using his fists to get his point across. She had stayed with him for five long years, believing his remorseful apologies and vows to stop drinking. It took him nearly killing her and putting her in the hospital for her to finally leave him.

  During those terrifying years, she’d been the gossipmongers’ favorite topic. Poor Maggie, so young and stupid. He certainly has her under his thumb. Doesn’t she realize a man like that will never change?

  “But I did like that princess ball gown you wore when you married Chuck. That was a work of art, that one.” Hilda continued babbling down memory lane. Why wouldn’t she stop?

  Maggie’s third marriage was to Chuck Bridges, whose family owned a chain of convenience stores. He was GQ handsome and wealthy by Highland Springs standards. Carly had been just as smitten with him as Maggie, so she believed it was a marriage made in heaven. The problem was he couldn’t keep his hands off of other men’s wives. Penny had warned her that he was a man whore, but nothing her sister could have said would’ve stopped her from marrying the hottest catch in town. It hadn’t taken long for the rumors to start about his philandering. No matter what anyone said, Maggie believed him when he told her that people were just jealous of their fairytale marriage. They murmured behind her back wherever she went. There goes that naïve, gullible Maggie. Another dumb move on her part. When would she learn?

  The memory of finding him in bed with another woman still stung.

  And so did the humiliation.

  She was tired of her poor choices being gossip fodder for the small mountain town. This time her union with Buddy would finally show the barflies and the rumor mill that Maggie Timbrook wasn’t stupid or naïve or gullible where men were concerned. She had learned her lesson three times over and was marrying the right guy at last.

  “But you know what they say,” Hilda continued chirping, “three’s a charm. I have a feeling this will be the last dress you ever buy from me.”

  You’re damn right, Hilda.

  “Turn around here, I think I see a loose thread.” Hilda snatched a pair of scissors off her worktable, squatted down, and snipped along the hemline. “Of course, I still haven’t forgiven you for skipping out on me the first time.”

  “Skipping out?” Riley cupped Hilda’s elbow and helped her back to her feet. “What do you mean?”

  “She means I didn’t get my dress from her for my first wedding. I bought it at JC Penney.”

  “You see how quick I work. I could’ve had you outfitted with a gorgeous gown in a flash.”

  “There was no time. Besides a gown would’ve been too much for the judge’s chambers.”

  “Good point,” Hilda said.

  A loud thump above their heads made all of them jump.

  “Well, speak of the devil. Your first dearly beloved is here.” Hilda clapped her hands together as she burst through the curtain. “He’s patching the roof for me.”

  “Dad’s here?” Carly rushed out behind Hilda, leaving the curtains swaying.

  “Great. Just what I need.”

  “Don’t let him get to you,” Riley said as she stepped onto the platform. “Here, try on this veil.”

  “I’m not—” Loud thumping in rapid succession came from overhead. “Does he have to make such a racket?”

  “Ignore him. Let’s see what the veil looks like.”

  The pounding rattled the building, and Maggie’s nerves, as Riley pinned the shoulder-length veil on the top of her head. She stepped back to admire her work.

  “I love it, Maggie. Are you sure you don’t want to wear it?”

  “You don’t think it’s over the top with this being my fourth marriage?”

  “No way. It complements your dress. Besides, who cares whether it’s your fourth or fortieth marriage.”

  “Jeez, I hope I don’t get married forty times.”

  Maggie and Riley shared a laugh as Carly parted the curtains, rushing in breathless and red in the face. “Dad wants to see my dress.” She blew past them like a mighty wind and disappeared inside a dressing room.

  “Carly?” The curtains spread open again, and in walked Travis Kane, Maggie’s first dearly beloved.

  “I’m in here, Dad. Hang on a minute,” Carly called from behind the door.

  “Hey, Riley.” Travis gave Riley a warm smile, and then turned his gaze on Maggie. All he had for her was a curt nod. Quickly looking away, he stood inside the curtain, long legs spread and arms crossed over his firm chest, wearing paint-splattered cargo shorts, a sleeveless Aerosmith T-shirt, and a pair of worn leather boots. His long, blond dreadlocks were pulled back, exposing his sharp cheekbones and chiseled jaw. The tan on his arms accentuated the contours of his bulging biceps. Damn him for still looking good, even with that matted hair.

  “Are you ready?” Carly called from inside the dressing room.

  “Ready as I’ll ever be.”

  “Be nice, Travis,” Maggie hissed at him as the door opened, and Carly stepped out wearing a form-fitting, plum-colored gown.

  “Well?” She said, beaming as she spun around in front of her dad. “Do you like it?”

  Travis’s pale blue eyes—the same color as Carly’s—grew two sizes bigger, and his Adam’s apple bobbed deep. Maggie knew he hated the dress by the flex of his jaw.

  “Well, do you?” Carly was as excited as a little puppy. The amethyst dress clung to her like a second skin. It had a high slit up her left leg and a diamond cut-out exposing her flat abs.

  “Wow!” Travis took Carly’s hand and spun her around like they were dancing. “Look at you.”

  “Mom said I could pick out my own bridesmaid dress. I could wear whatever I wanted.”

  “Did she now?” He aimed a sharp glare at Maggie and then turned a sweet smile on Carly.

  “I love it, don’t you?” />
  “You look grown-up, sweetheart. Giving your old man a heart attack.”

  “Stop it. You’re not old.” Carly slipped into his arms and gave him a fast kiss on the cheek before rushing back into the dressing room. “I’m going to change, but don’t leave.”

  “I’ll be right outside, honey.”

  Instead of heading out, Travis stalked across the room and stopped in front of Maggie. His eyes drifted from her veil to the hem of her dress. Sucking in a breath, he closed his eyes and gave his head a shake.

  “Go ahead,” she said, “say it.”

  “Christ, have you lost your mind?” he hissed. “She has no business wearing that dress.”

  “She likes it.”

  “I saw more skin than material. Hell, five or six shop rags would’ve covered her better.”

  “She’s not a little girl anymore, Travis. It’s what girls her age are wearing to formal dances.”

  “This isn’t a formal dance. It’s your fourth trip around the moon.”

  She picked up the skirt of her dress and brushed past him. “Don’t start.”

  “Hey, if you want to go down that road again with little Buddy Garrett, don’t let me stop you—”

  “Be quiet, she’ll hear you.”

  “—but my daughter needs to cover up.”

  “You’re ridiculous.” She tugged the veil from her head and handed it to Riley who had stayed quiet and out of the way. She had witnessed more than her fair share of arguments between Maggie and Travis and knew better than to interfere. “She’s my daughter, too, and I say she can wear that dress in my wedding.”