Sweet Rose: Baytown Boys Read online

  Sweet Rose

  Baytown Boys

  Maryann Jordan

  Contents

  Acknowledgments

  Author’s Note

  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

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Acknowledgments

  First and foremost, I have to thank my husband, Michael. Always believing in me and wanting me to pursue my dreams, this book would not be possible without his support. To my daughters, MaryBeth and Nicole, I taught you to follow your dreams and now it is time for me to take my own advice.

  My best friend, Myckel Anne, who keeps me on track, keeps me grounded, and most of all – keeps my secrets. Thank you for not only being my proofreader and my Marketing PA, but friend. I do not know what I would do without you in my life.

  My beta readers kept me sane, cheered me on, found all my silly errors, and often helped me understand my characters through their eyes. A huge thank you to Denise, Sandi, Barbara, Jennifer, Danielle, Tracey, Lynn, and Jamila for being my beta girls who love alphas!

  Shannon Brandee Eversoll as my developmental editor and “G” as my editor and Myckel Anne Phillips as my proofreader gave their time and talents to making all my books as well written as it can be.

  My PA Barbara keeps me going when I feel overwhelmed and I am so grateful for not only her assistance, but her friendship.

  Chas and team at Essentially Chas…thank you for all you do!

  Most importantly, thank you readers. You allow me into your home for a few hours as you disappear into my characters and you support me as I follow my indie author dreams.

  Author’s Note

  Please remember that this is a work of fiction. I have lived in numerous states as well as overseas, but for the last twenty years have called Virginia my home. I often choose to use fictional city names with some geographical accuracies.

  These fictionally named cities allow me to use my creativity and not feel constricted by attempting to accurately portray the areas.

  It is my hope that my readers will allow me this creative license and understand my fictional world.

  I also do quite a bit of research on my books and try to write on subjects with accuracy. There will always be points where creative license will be used in order to create scenes or plots.

  Sweet Rose (Baytown Boy Series) Copyright 2019

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except where permitted by law.

  If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, then you are reading an illegal pirated copy. If you would be concerned about working for no pay, then please respect the author’s work! Make sure that you are only reading a copy that has been officially released by the author.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Cover Design by: Becky McGraw

  ISBN ebook: 978-1-947214-42-2

  ISBN print: 978-1-947214-43-9

  Created with Vellum

  This book is dedicated to my readers who waited patiently for the story of Rose and Jason. Introduced in the first Baytown Boys novel, Coming Home, it took a long time for their story to finally become real. Now, it’s their time.

  Thank you readers for loving the residents of Baytown. Lots more stories to come!

  1

  Jason Boswell checked his speed as he turned onto the road leading into Baytown, having been warned that the police carefully watch for speeders. The road was only a mile long, but it went down to twenty-five mph, so he was barely rolling into town when he parked along Main Street. With his long legs still extended on either side of his bike, he pulled his helmet off, enjoying the feel of the breeze on his face.

  Looking up and down the street, he let out a rueful snort, observing that his friend had not exaggerated. Baytown was tiny-ass for sure. It looked like there were only seven short blocks making up Main Street. Considering the town was not as wide as it was long, he was not even sure that tiny-ass described the town. No matter. I came from a place no bigger than this, so it can’t be much different.

  A group of people was walking along the sidewalk, a few nodding their heads in greeting, and surprised, he offered a chin lift in return. He was more used to stares, not friendly nods.

  Looking up at the building just in front of him, he admired the patterned red brick exterior with a large Celtic cross above the arched doorway. The trim around the front door and window was painted a deep green. A ‘Finn’s Pub’ sign hanging from a black metal post extending from the building completed the look.

  Someone came out of the pub, and as the light spilled onto the sidewalk, he could hear the sound of clinking glasses, laughter, and music coming from inside, along with the delicious scent of food. His stomach rumbled loudly, reminding him that he had been traveling all day. With a grin, he swung his leg over his bike, tucked his helmet under his arm, and pushed his way to the front door.

  In typical Irish pub style, he was immediately assaulted with the warm interior, created for the enjoyment of the customers and not to fit some corporate president’s idea of what a pub should look like. The building retained the original look and appeal, and it was not hard to imagine it looking the same way thirty years ago, if not more.

  Immediately to the right was a dartboard, a game ensuing with a crowd of participants and spectators gathered around. An old fireplace and sofa were on the left, with a few high-top tables and chairs surrounding. The bar ran the length of the right side with tall, mismatched padded bar chairs, and the left side contained tables full of patrons.

  Behind the bar were two dark-haired men, both well-built, each with tats of their own. Coming from the back, where he assumed the kitchens were, was a curvy, dark-haired woman carrying a platter to some of the customers at the bar. As soon as she stepped up to the other two men, it was easy to see that he was looking at three siblings.

  At first glance, he did not see his friend, but then heard laughter coming around the corner where there must be more tables and recognized the sound. His heavy boots clomped along the wooden floor as he wove between customers. Several people moved out of his way, and he was not surprised at the reaction. Having traveled all day, he was sure he looked as rough as he felt. His long hair was pulled back in a ponytail with a strip of leather, and his face was covered in a shaggy beard. He was wearing a faded T-shirt that he knew strained across his body, but it was comfortable, and that was all he cared about when he was riding. Over that was a worn leather vest that fit him like a glove, but with a few patches sewn on, he knew it lent an air of caution.

  As he turned the corner, he saw a large gathering of men and women, one man, in particular, eyeing him warily. His g
aze dropped to the man’s chest, where he recognized a police logo on his shirt. Wondering if he was going to be escorted out of town before he even had a chance to have a drink, he hesitated but kept his gaze steady on the man.

  “Jason! Thank God you got here when you did!”

  Hearing a familiar voice, his face broke into a grin, and he tried to choke back his sigh of relief, hoping he could at least get something to eat and drink before possibly being asked to leave. His gaze now swung to the approaching man, and his smile widened.

  He and Zac Hamilton had met in the Navy. Jason made friends easily but also recognized that true friends could be few and far between. Zac had become a true friend. They served on the same ship, he as a mechanic and Zac as a fireman. The two men had not only hit it off but continued their friendship and correspondence after they both left the service.

  Bear hugs and back slaps ensued, and for the first time in a long time, Jason felt a weight lift off his chest. As he and Zac separated, the man with the police shirt stepped forward, his hand extended.

  “Any friend of Zac’s is welcome here. Good to have you.”

  Relieved at the welcome, he shook the man’s hand, and Zac introduced him to Mitch Evans, the Police Chief of Baytown.

  Mitch continued, “I know you’re a top-notch mechanic and hear you want to run a tattoo parlor as well. You’ll have no problem with me, and I’ll see what I can do to run interference if the Town Council wants to quibble about a veteran opening up a business here.”

  His smile widened even further, and he felt his face muscles ache at the action. Wondering how long it had been since he had smiled that much, he had little time to ponder the question before Zac was introducing him to everyone else. Tori Bradford, a beautiful Titian-haired woman who was obviously with Mitch. Brogan, Aiden, and Katelyn McFarlane made up the three siblings who owned Finn’s Pub. Grant Wilder was another police officer, and from the looks he was giving the pretty blonde who walked up, Grant must have a thing for Jillian Evans, Mitch’s cousin.

  There were a few others, but the names began to run together. Callan, stationed at the local Coast Guard. Belle, another pretty brunette with a sweet, shy smile.

  As he turned back around to the group as a whole, he noticed several looks being shared amongst some of them. Before he had a chance to wonder what was going on, Mitch turned to Tori and said, “Babe, I haven’t had time to talk to you about this, but we need your help. Jason is new in town and needs a place to stay. We’d like him to stay at your Inn until he can get established.”

  “Sure! I have plenty of room.” As soon as she spoke, her brow furrowed and she looked back over at Mitch saying, “Oh, wait a minute. Are you setting me up with a babysitter?”

  Blinking, Jason shot Zac a questioning gaze considering Zac had mentioned this plan to him, but he assumed Ms. Bradford would know about it. Ms. Bradford owned an inn in town, and one of her guests had died suspiciously. She had other guests canceling their reservations, but it appeared that she may have been the target. Zac knew Jason needed a place to stay and thought with Jason at the Inn with Tori, Mitch would be freer to investigate without worry.

  Zac offered him a wide-eyed look along with a quick shake of his head. Stepping forward, Jason said, “Ms. Bradford, please don’t think of me as a babysitter. I understand you’re having some troubles, and honest to God, I need a place to stay. If you’re willing, I’d be glad to barter some of the cost in odd jobs until I can get my business started.”

  That appeared acceptable, and Jason soon found himself engulfed in friendly conversation, good food, and great beer. Looking over at Zac, he said, “Appreciate it, man.” Zac must have understood exactly what he was talking about, offering a chin lift and smile in return.

  An hour later, Jason stood in the bedroom doorway of a beautiful, historic inn, feeling out of place with his socked feet and holding his motorcycle helmet in his hands. Tori had insisted that she did not mind his boots, but after stepping into the foyer of the inn, there was no way he was wearing those boots through the house.

  Glancing into the bedroom, he observed blue walls, a large four-poster bed, an antique chest of drawers, a desk, and a comfortable chair by the bay window. A flat-screen TV was mounted on the wall over a small bookcase. Through an open door, he spied a white-and-blue-tiled bathroom.

  She expressed concern because it was the room where the guest had died but assured him it had been scrubbed.

  Wanting to put her at ease, he said, “Ms. Branford, this room is a lot nicer than where I’ve been spending my nights. I assure you, this is more than generous of you, and I’d be honored to stay here.”

  His words seemed to make her more comfortable, and she smiled. “Please, call me Tori.”

  Not long afterward, he went downstairs and talked to Mitch who assured him that Baytown needed a mechanic shop considering they had been without one since the old owner died. Jason also told him that he planned on getting the shop next door to the garage for his tattoo business. Mitch confirmed he had no problem with that either.

  Mitch brought up the new American Legion that they were starting in Baytown. Jason remembered that his grandfather had been in an American Legion but had never paid much attention to it. Now, he recognized how much he needed to surround himself with others who had served. “I’m ready to help you get one started,” he said. “I’d consider it an honor.”

  That night after a long, hot shower, Jason slid between soft sheets in a comfortable bed, still in awe of the events of the last few hours.

  Riding into town on his motorcycle, he had wondered if Zac’s offer to live in a welcoming town could possibly be realized. Now, his stomach full, his head on a soft pillow, and a group of people willing to offer him friendship and assistance, he closed his eyes and allowed sleep to carry him away. The easiest, most peaceful sleep he had had in a long time.

  Several weeks later, he was back in the bar for a meeting that Mitch was leading about the American Legion. Mitch had already applied to move the local chapter to town and was collecting signatures from those interested.

  “You need to understand…this is no old-war-horse-sitting-around-telling-war-stories-kind of organization.” Mitch continued to describe some of the activities that they would be participating in to assist other veterans, the community, and youth groups.

  Jason found himself sharing the excitement that was reverberating around the room. As he looked at the others, most of whom he had already met as townspeople came by to let him know how excited they were to have a garage in town again, he felt a sense of community that he had not felt in a long time.

  A newcomer, Gareth Harrison, walked in, and Jason was introduced along with the others, giving him a sense of no longer being the new guy in town.

  As he and Zac walked out of the bar, Zac turned to him and said, “You’re looking really good, Jason. It seems like Baytown agrees with you so far.”

  Zac knew his history and desire to start over in a new place. Zac did not have a family to return to in Baytown, but already Jason understood the value of the friendships here.

  Throwing his leg over his motorcycle, he said, “I think Baytown and I will do just fine.”

  By the next month, he had obtained his business licenses, finding the garage to be much easier than the tattoo parlor. But with Mitch as Chief of Police throwing his weight behind Jason, the town manager had no choice but to give in. He discovered the building next to his garage was for sale and was thrilled with the apartment above. Two businesses next to each other with his living quarters there as well…his dreams were finally coming true.

  Heading to The Seafood Shack, he was ready to celebrate with his friends now that he was ready to purchase the buildings.

  Having gotten his beer, he was standing on the back deck overlooking the town harbor where boats were coming in. The noise of the music was welcome, and he leaned his hip against the railing as he watched the sun starting to sink over the bay.

  Katelyn’s voi
ce called out, “Rose! Jade! I’m glad you could make it!”

  As Katelyn was introducing the two women to the gathering, she mentioned that Rose was opening an ice cream parlor and had just moved to town, and Jade was going to be a new teacher at the elementary school.

  “Fresh blood!” Aiden called out, earning a glare from his sister.

  Jason, still standing to the side, watched the two newcomers as they smiled and made their way around. Jade’s slender figure, dark hair, and green eyes were attractive, but it was the strawberry-blonde Rose that held his attention. Maybe it was the pink sundress that clung to her bodice and swished around her toned legs. Maybe it was the rosy gloss that shimmered on her lips or her pink-painted toenails that peeked out from her sandals. Maybe it was the thick hair with just a hint of a wave that curled around her shoulders. Maybe it was the deer-in-the-headlights look she offered with her light brown eyes as she stared around at the gathering. Maybe it was the whole package that just looked…sweet.

  He watched as her eyes moved over the crowd before landing…and stopping on him. Not looking away, he did not mind if she knew he was staring back at her. Her lips curved into a smile before she ducked her head as her attention was snagged by Katelyn. Looks like Baytown just became even more interesting.

  2

  Rose Parker stood outside the storefront of the building and knew it was perfect. Her own ice cream shop. Smiling, she thought of all her plans and dreams about to come to fruition. Never one to make a hasty decision, she had spied the for sale sign on the storefront window last week and went back every day to make sure it was just what she wanted. Plenty of space. An apartment over the store.