The Challenge(48)

“I’m going gun shopping immediately. What kind was it?”

“Actually we held out for almost eight years—well, more like seven—but we were engaged by then. He scared the hell out of me.”

“I’m not sure kids are that well behaved anymore.”

“True.” Pitt agreed. “Let’s hope they’re sensible, with a little help and guidance, and a few threats from us. I don’t think we need to worry about that yet, but I’ve got my eye on them, and I know you do too.” Tom nodded agreement as Peter and Juliet ran past them again. “The nice thing is that today kids seem to hang out in groups of friends.” Tom had noticed that too, and he liked seeing it. “How do you think the Wylie boys are doing, by the way?” he asked Tom about Noel and Justin, and Tom looked serious.

“I’m not sure. I think Noel is doing pretty well. I don’t know about Justin. I think there’s been a little alcohol in the mix around the time of the funeral.”

“I thought that might be the case. We need to watch that. He’s a good kid. Did you say anything to Marlene?”

Tom shook his head. “She’s got enough on her plate. I thought I’d just keep an eye on it myself for a while before I say anything to her.”

“I agree.” One of the many things Tom liked about his new community was that they cared about each other, and even each other’s kids. Tom couldn’t imagine that happening in New York.



* * *



—

The weekend was everything that Tom and Juliet, and all the other guests, hoped it would be. Anne had organized games for the kids. Everyone went swimming, some went riding. The food was delicious, as it was at anything they hosted. Tom had a chance to go on some long walks with Marlene. She seemed in better spirits. Tom observed Justin, who seemed fine too. Peter and Juliet did some serious kissing, out of her father’s sight, but nothing more extreme. Pitt had had a serious talk with his son about not letting things get out of hand no matter how in love with her he was.

“I’m not ready for grandchildren yet,” Pitt told him, and Peter blushed to the roots of his blond hair. “Got the message?”

“Yes, Dad.”

“If that happens and I don’t kill you, her father will.” Peter looked seriously mollified after their talk.

They all had a wonderful weekend and lots of fun. Even Marlene, who almost didn’t come until Anne insisted, said she was glad she’d gone in the end. Tom was constantly attentive to her, but not oppressively so. She felt safe and protected, and she had fun with him and all her friends. She had a teary moment, talking to Anne and Pattie about Bob, but the moment passed. They had noticed how kind and caring Tom was to her, and they wondered if anything would come of it. But it was too soon to think about that, and they were sure Marlene hadn’t either. She had been so in love with Bob. But it was nice of Tom to take such good care of her, and he was good to her boys.

By the time the weekend was over, they all felt like they’d had a week’s vacation, and the next week, all the children in Fishtail were starting school.

Juliet was nervous about starting a new school, but she would have had to face it in New York too. High school was a big change. Peter was excited about it too.



* * *



—

Absarokee High School was a short seven-minute drive from Juliet’s house. Her father was going to drive her on the first day. She’d take a school bus after that.

Peter had promised to meet her outside the school, so they could go in together. Matt, Tim, and Noel would be there too. She was starting with four friends on the first day, and Justin would be there as a senior. She had had endless consultations with her mother on WhatsApp about what to wear. She had settled on jeans, a pink blouse, a denim jacket, and pink Converse. She didn’t expect anyone to overdress in Montana, or to compete the way they would in New York. The girls in high school in Manhattan all competed with each other if they didn’t have to wear a uniform. Most schools didn’t require a uniform in high school, so it was a free-for-all as to what they wore. Juliet had her long blond hair in a ponytail. She looked fresh and young and pretty, and appropriate for her age. Peter thought she looked adorable when he saw her, and she gave a last wave at her father over her shoulder as she hurried to join up with Peter so they could go in.

“Where are the others?” she asked him, looking around.

“They went in early. They wanted to hang out in the gym. We sign up for sports teams tomorrow. I’m signing up for basketball. My dad won’t let me play football. He says he wants me to go to college with teeth.”

“I think I’ll sign up for girls’ volleyball. I played it in eighth grade. Do they play field hockey here?” She saw several girls walk past them, and noticed that their hair was long down their backs. They had on makeup and were wearing short skirts, and some had on high heels.

“Do I look ridiculous?” she whispered to Peter.

“No,” he whispered back. “They went to eighth grade with me. They’re weird.” She laughed at his description, which seemed apt. Their skirts were too short, and their sweaters were tight and a little too low cut. Juliet looked like Alice in Wonderland compared to them. They were dressed like Barbie. Some had facial piercings and tattoos. It was only a handful of girls, but they stood out.