Bluest Eyes in Texas: A Country Romance Novel

Bluest Eyes in Texas

by S.A. Tadej

Copyright © 2012 by S.A. Tadej

Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

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To my daughter and my mother for their love and support

"He felt now that he was not simply close to her,

but that he did not know where he ended and she began."

~ Leo Tolstoy

Chapter 1

Makenzie Adams cranked the volume up on the radio in her new canary yellow Mustang Cobra as she drove down the country road. Just ahead of her in a black Mercedes Guardian was her parents, Michael and Natasha, and her little sister, Mia. Makenzie sang along with the radio until she felt her cell phone vibrate in her lap. She turned the radio down and grabbed the phone. The caller id showed that it was her mother calling.

Hello, Makenzie said.

Hey, it’s mom. Are you hungry?

Starving.

Well there’s a diner a few miles up the road on the right. Pull in and we’ll stop for a quick bite.

Sounds good.

Okay, see you in a bit. Love ya!

Love you too, mom. Bye.

Makenzie turned the radio back up, slammed her foot down on the gas, and passed her parents, sticking her hand out the window and waving as she did. A few minutes later she pulled into the parking lot at the diner and reached across the passenger seat for her purse. She flipped the visor down and looked in the small mirror. Big, bright blue eyes stared back at her with a sweet innocence that some would say came from her sheltered life. But those who knew her best said it could only be a reflection of the sweetness of her soul.

Makenzie was beautiful, with her high cheekbones, cute little nose, and smooth, flawless, porcelain like skin. Her hair was whitish-blonde and fell in long, loose ringlets to the middle of her back. Everyone always told Makenzie that she could be a model, but she just laughed it off, her personality proof that she didn’t know how beautiful she was.

Makenzie flipped the visor back up, put her keys in her purse and got out of the car. Her parents and four-year-old sister were walking toward her. She noticed that her mother was giving her the ‘I’m not happy’ look. Uh oh! Makenzie thought as she bit her lower lip. It was a habit she had whenever she was nervous. Mia ran to Makenzie.

Big Mak! she called.

Muppet! Makenzie called back as she lifted her sister up, kissing her cheek. Are you hungry?

Yes. My tummy hurts, Mia replied.

Oh, it does, does it? Makenzie teased as she played with Mia’s long blonde curls.

What was that? Natasha asked.

What was what? Makenzie answered, giving her best look of innocence.

You know perfectly well what I’m talking about, young lady. Your driving back there!

Oh. Are you upset that I passed you and dad? Makenzie giggled.

There will be no more of that, you hear?

No more of that, young lady, Mia mimicked.

Yes, mother.

Makenzie, with Mia still in her arms, followed her parents into the diner. It was really crowded for a Sunday night. A cheery, bright-eyed young woman with a thick southern drawl greeted them.

Makenzie and her family followed the cheery hostess to their booth and sat down to look at their menus. So how much longer until we reach our new home? Makenzie asked.

Oh, I’d say about another hour or so, Michael replied.

Good because my neck is starting to get sore from all the driving, Makenzie replied. She felt someone looking at her and turned her head to look.

Hi! I’m Robert and I’ll be your waiter this evening. Can I get you some drinks? The man stammered and dropped his notepad. He quickly bent to pick it up. When he stood back up, he was blushing and looked really embarrassed.

Makenzie felt sorry for him, so she smiled at him. I’ll have a Coke, she answered. Robert smiled back at her and got everyone else’s drink orders. Her mom grinned. What? Makenzie asked.

I think the waiter has a thing for you, she said.

Shut up. He can hear you, Makenzie whispered across the table. Natasha shook her head, still smiling. Michael frowned his disapproval to his wife.

Robert soon returned to their table with their drinks and took their orders. Makenzie made small talk with her family while they waited for their food. I still can’t believe we’re moving when I only had one semester of college left, Makenzie stated, shaking her head in disbelief.

We would’ve paid for you to stay in a dorm, Michael reminded her.

You know I wouldn’t stay behind and leave Mia, Makenzie said as she smiled at her little sister.

We talked about this already, her father replied. My company is relocating to Texas. I had no choice. This is a huge promotion for me.

I know, dad. It’s just that I’m going to miss all my friends in Oklahoma.

Well, think of it this way, it’s a new start for all of us, Natasha said cheerily. And besides, Uncle Teddy will be staying with us for a while, so you’ll have him to talk to. Makenzie smiled as she thought of her Uncle Teddy. At twenty-four, he was just three years older than her. They had been close since she was little and he had always felt like a big brother to her.

We better be getting back on the road, Michael said when everyone finished eating. He laid money on the table and stood up. Makenzie, you follow us, he said as he gave her a stern look.

Yes, sir, Makenzie replied.

A little over an hour later, they arrived at their new home. Makenzie drove her Mustang through the white iron security gates that enclosed their new property, made her way around the circular drive and parked. She looked up at the gigantic white house. Looks like a giant dollhouse. How fitting for Barbie and Ken, Makenzie thought to herself as she thought of her good-looking parents. Her mother was only thirty-nine, but looked like she was still in her late twenties. She was tall and beautiful, with big green eyes and long, blonde hair. She had a slim, athletic build to her, much like Makenzie. Everyone always thought she was Makenzie’s sister rather than her mother. Her father was forty-two, but also looked much younger. He was tall at 6’2, with light brown hair and Makenzie’s dramatic blue eyes. He had a muscular build to him and a natural tan.

The movers were already there carrying furniture in the front door. This is going to take a while, Makenzie thought as she shrugged and got out of the car. She walked to her dad’s Mercedes to help Mia out of the car. Come on, squirt, let’s go see the backyard, she said as she lifted Mia out of her car seat, set her on the ground, and grabbed her tiny hand.

Makenzie couldn’t believe her eyes as she rounded the corner into the backyard. There was a huge in ground swimming pool and a tennis court. Across from the tennis court was a motel style building that would house the help. On the other side of the staff building were the stables, which held several horses, including Makenzie’s favorite, a white mare. The yard also had a large garden area with stone benches, an arbor covered with climbing roses and a huge variety of summer flowers. It’s so beautiful. It’s like paradise on earth. Her eyes kept scanning until they fell upon a park area with a big sand box, swings, slides, and monkey bars.

Oh wow! Mia exclaimed.

Makenzie laughed. Mia must have found the park too, no doubt. Come on, kiddo. I’ll race you to the swings, Makenzie said as she took off running.

Wait! Wait! Mia cried.

Makenzie ran back to Mia, picked her up, and ran with her to the swings. As if I would actually leave you. Makenzie laughed. She put Mia on a swing and gently pushed her. After she got her off to a good start, she jumped on the swing next to hers. The two girls swung for a while. Then Makenzie decided to go see the inside of the house.

Makenzie picked Mia up and carried her to the house. When she came in the front door she gasped with excitement. Holy crap! Look at the size of the foyer. Wonder how big the rest of the house is. Their last home had been big and extravagant, but nothing close to the likes of this. Must have been some promotion dad got, she thought as she looked around. There was a huge double staircase with ornate wrought iron railings on both sides leading upstairs. The stairs must be four feet wide. This is so cool. Let’s check out the main floor, shall we? Makenzie asked.

Yeah! Mia replied enthusiastically.

Makenzie looked down at the beautiful marble floor and walked to the right of the grand staircase to the first room, which was the great room. It was beautiful, with white marble floors and a built-in marble fireplace. There was a huge entertainment system donning a 103" flat screen TV. In front of the TV was a white leather sectional sofa with beige and white pillows and a white washed marble coffee table, with matching end tables. There were huge double paned windows in the center of the room.

The next room they came to was the exercise room. It was filled with state-of-the-art equipment. Bolted to the wall across from the equipment was a huge flat screen TV. Large mats covered the floor to the right. In the corner was a stereo system with floor speakers. Floor to ceiling windows overlooked the backyard. A separate door led to a shower room. Inside the shower room was another door that led outside by the pool.

Makenzie and Mia left the room and walked down the hall to see what was on the other side of the staircase. The first room on the left was a formal dining room. It had gorgeous hand painted silk wall coverings. There was a large crystal chandelier hanging above the ivory Italian classic dining set. The table and chairs had an intricate rose design hand painted with real melted gold. There was a matching china cabinet and corner cabinet. Large windows outlined the whole room.

Next they went to the kitchen. It was gigantic. It was done in a black and white color scheme. The floors were white marble. The cabinets were white with black marble countertops. A rounded area with floor to ceiling windows housed the kitchen nook, which had a round glass-top table with black leather chairs.

Next door to the kitchen was the laundry room. Nothing exciting there. It had the traditional washer and dryer. There was also a large walk in closet that held all the cleaning supplies, vacuum, etc. There was a separate door that connected the laundry room to a six-car garage.

Makenzie walked back to the staircase. She saw her mother and handed Mia to her. Can you show me which room is mine? she asked.

Yeah, it’s the bathroom, a male voice said. Isn’t that where all you ladies spend the most time?

Makenzie spun around to see her uncle Teddy laughing. Very funny, Teddy, Makenzie said as she rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue.

Mia giggled.

Stop making faces at me and give me a hug, Teddy said. He opened his arms and enfolded Makenzie in a big bear hug.

How’s my car? Natasha asked Teddy.

Despite Michael’s protests, Teddy had driven Natasha’s white Ferrari from Oklahoma so that Michael and Natasha could make the trip together.

Oh, it’s great, Natasha. Thanks for letting me drive it.

Sure.

Mia yawned.

Come on. I’ll show you girls your rooms, Natasha said.

I’ll see you girls later. I’m going to help the movers, Teddy said as he turned and walked toward the front door.

Makenzie followed her mother and Mia up the stairs. The master suite and the study are to the right. Your and Mia’s rooms are to the left here. This is Mia’s room, Natasha said as they entered the room.

The room was very large and pretty. The walls were painted light pink with white trim. There were huge double windows in the center.

Where’s my bed, mommy? Mia asked.

Oh sweetie, the movers are still moving all our furniture in. It’ll be there soon.

They left the room and kept walking. This is going to be Mia’s playroom, Natasha said when they arrived at the next door. They peeked inside. This room was also very large. It looked much like Mia’s bedroom, with light beige carpeting, and huge double windows in the center. The walls were painted a pretty pastel purple and there were fairies painted on the walls in various places. On the floor were several boxes marked Playroom.

Mommy, its soooo big! Mia exclaimed with excitement.

I know, sweetie. Just think of all the tea parties you can have in your new playroom.

Makenzie looked at her mom and her little sister and smiled.

Okay let’s go see Makenzie’s room now, Natasha said.

Yes. Lets! The anticipation is killing me, Makenzie remarked as they walked to the next room. Makenzie flipped on the lights and gasped. I love it! she exclaimed as she walked around. Her walls were painted pastel blue with white trim. She had two huge double windows that overlooked the side of the house. Hanging from the windows were white lace drapes. The floor was the same light beige carpeting that Mia had. She opened her closet door. It was huge inside. Like a small room really. Makenzie closed the closet door and walked over to a set of French doors and opened them. There was a nice sized balcony that overlooked the backyard. She walked out onto the balcony and looked around. She had a great view of the pool and the garden areas.

Makenzie came back in and noticed another door in her room and opened it. Inside was her very own bathroom. No way! Mom, my own bathroom! Makenzie shrieked. The floor was a beautiful marble. There was a separate whirlpool tub and walk in shower. This is so great! Makenzie thought. Mom, I love it. It’s perfect! Makenzie said as she hugged her mother.

I knew you’d love the colors, Natasha replied.

Two very strong looking young movers came in with Makenzie’s king-sized bed. They left and soon returned with her dresser, mirror, and nightstand. There were already a bunch of boxes on the floor marked Mak.

Okay just a few rooms left to see, Natasha said. They left Makenzie’s room and Natasha pointed out three guest bedrooms across the hall that overlooked the front yard. Then they crossed to the other side of the staircase to see the study and the master bedroom. The master bedroom was much like Makenzie’s room, except larger. Her parents had a balcony overlooking the backyard also.

When mom finished giving the tour, she left with Mia. Makenzie decided to go to her new room and start unpacking. She found some of her clothes and decided to change out of her cutoff jean shorts. She found some comfy old gray sweat pants and a white t-shirt and quickly changed. Suddenly she realized how tired she felt. Makenzie grabbed her cell phone out of her purse and looked at the time. It’s already 11:30 at night. No wonder I’m so tired, Makenzie thought as she stifled a yawn.

She found the boxes containing her pillows, white silk sheets, and white eyelet comforter and made up her bed. She walked over to the windows and pulled the shades down. Then she climbed into bed. A knock sounded on her door. Come in, she called out. Her mother came in carrying Mia. She had fallen asleep.

Mia’s bed hasn’t been moved yet. Do you mind if she sleeps in here with you?

Of course not. Just set her down here, Makenzie said as she pulled the covers back. I was just thinking of going to sleep myself.

Thanks, sweetie. Natasha said as she tucked Mia in next to Makenzie. She gave them both a kiss on the forehead and left the room.

* * *

Makenzie awoke with Mia sitting on top of her, prying her eyelids open and staring intently. Hello? Are you in there? Mia whispered.

Makenzie’s blue eyes flickered open. She smiled sleepily at Mia then gently picked her up off of her and sat her down next to her. Is it morning already? She grabbed her cell phone and looked at the time. It was already 9:00 a.m. Wow I slept for a long time! Come on, kiddo. Let’s go get you some breakfast.

Makenzie got out of bed and took Mia downstairs to the kitchen. Natasha was there unpacking boxes of dishes. Good morning, mom, both girls said.

Morning, girls. Your dad went out this morning and got some donuts. Help yourselves. There’s milk in the fridge.

Thanks, mom.

I want a jelly donut, Mia whined.

Hold on, Muppet, Makenzie replied. She got two napkins off the table and put a jelly donut on one and gave it to Mia. She picked a lemon filled powdered donut for herself and put it on the other napkin. Then she went to the cupboard and got out two glasses and filled them with milk. She set one down in front of herself and gave the other one to Mia. Here you go, sweetie.

Thanks, Big Mak.

So, how’s the unpacking going, mom? Makenzie asked.

Oh boy! At this rate I should be done in a year or so, Natasha laughed.

When is the help coming? Makenzie asked.

The service is sending over a few applicants this afternoon for me to interview.

That’s cool. With the size of this place you’ll need all the help you can get, Makenzie laughed.

Speaking of help, Natasha added. I’m gonna need you to watch your sister this morning.

Makenzie turned to Mia. You hear that, kiddo? You’re stuck with me!

Yay! Mia replied as she swung her legs back and forth in her chair.

I was thinking of sending Teddy out to do some grocery shopping, Natasha said.

Mom, no offense, but I don’t think that would be a good idea.

Why’s that?

Uncle Ted has no taste, Makenzie joked.

Well, honey, I really can’t spare the time to do it myself today and the only thing we have right now is milk and donuts.

I could do the shopping. Just let me finish eating and take a quick shower.

But what about Mia?

I’ll take her with me if you can get her ready.

Okay. But no driving fast or crazy.

Mom, please. I’m a great driver, Makenzie said. Natasha just raised her eyebrows and stared at Makenzie for a few moments. Okay. Okay. I promise.

Makenzie downed the last of her milk and ran upstairs to her room to take a shower. She came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel and sat on the floor by the boxes. Crap now I have to try to dig something out to wear. I can’t wait until I’m all unpacked and organized. She dug through the boxes until she found one that had shorts in it, since it was going to be almost 100 degrees outside. She pulled out a pair of cutoff jean shorts and continued rifling through boxes until she found one containing summer shirts and pulled out a plain white tank top. Her color of choice where clothing was concerned. She put her clothes on her bed, toweled off and got dressed. Then she went into the bathroom to brush and blow-dry her long blonde hair. She put on a little bit of make-up and took a quick glance in the mirror. Okay. Lots to do today. Let’s get going, Makenzie.

Makenzie slipped on a pair of flip-flops and grabbed her keys, cell phone, and purse and headed down the stairs. Her mother was sitting in the living room with Mia, putting her hair up in two high ponytails. Almost ready? Makenzie asked.

Just about, Natasha answered. She finished wrapping the second rubber band around Mia’s ponytails and pulled it tight. Okay. All done.

Are you ready to do some shopping, kiddo? Makenzie asked.

Can we get chocolate pudding? Mia asked.

Sure, sweetie. Let’s get going so we can get back and finish unpacking.

Oh honey, wait, Natasha interrupted as she got up off the couch. Before you go, I want you to come with me to the staff quarters to make sure the rooms for the help are up to par.

Makenzie and Mia walked with Natasha to the motel-style building. It was one-story white stucco and housed four separate rooms, each with its own separate keyed entry, and a laundry room at the corner. The front of the building faced the pool area. Each room looked exactly the same. There was dark brown carpeting and beige walls. Each room had a queen-sized bed topped with a crème colored bedspread, a small wood nightstand topped with a lamp, and a matching dark wood dresser. Bolted to the wall across from the bed was a 32" flat screen TV. There was a small walk-in closet, a kitchenette with a small round wood table with two chairs, and a bathroom. Each room also had a big bay window covered with crème colored drapes.

Mom, these rooms are really nice, Makenzie said.

Thanks. You really think so? Natasha asked.

Of course.

Walk with me to the end here.

Makenzie followed her mother. At the end of the building