Being West Is Best: Ginnie West Adventures, #4

By Monique Bucheger

Twelve-year-old BFFs, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor, are matchmaking geniuses. Together, they maneuvered Ginnie's widower-dad into proposing to Tillie's divorcee-mom. Sweet! Certain they are well on their way to sisterhood, each girl is floored when Tillie's lousy-excuse-for-a-father puts in an appearance after a six year absence. Too bad "lousy dad repellant" doesn't come in a can.

Even though Tillie's dad has sobered up and is determined to make amends, Tillie would rather he just disappear again. If he stays, "Operation: Secret Sisters" may need to be renamed "Operation: Not Gonna Happen." I

If that's not bad enough, the biggest bully in seventh grade comes over often and wishes he could call the West's farmhouse "home." When the bully's abusive dad shows up as well, Ginnie thinks it's time to change her family's motto from "When you're here, you're family" to "There's no more room at the West's."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Monique Bucheger
• Release date: Dec 2, 2020
• ISBN: 9781939993212

Book preview

1

Giddy

Ginnie

Ginnie swung down from the saddle and landed in the pasture grass with a soft thud. Her leather riding boots creaked as she straightened. Joy bubbled through her, erupting in a happy squeal.

Can you believe it? Dad actually proposed to Tillie’s mom. My best friend and I get to be sisters—for real!

Her horse, Calliope, nodded, rippling her jet-black mane against the rich chocolate sheen of her coat. Even though I don’t need a new mom, Miss Amanda is pretty cool. Maybe she’ll help Dad be cooler—he’s kinda lame. Ginnie laughed, and then hugged her mare. Of course, he did take all of us in a hot air balloon to propose, so maybe she’s helping already.

Calliope whinnied, nuzzling her velvety lips against Ginnie’s elbow just below her mint-green T-shirt sleeve.

Hey, that tickles. Ginnie clicked at her horse and led Calliope to the water bucket.

She unfastened the lead and draped it over the pasture fence. Next, she uncinched the saddle, slid it off, and hefted it onto the nearest post.

Ginnie freshened Calliope’s drinking water. I’ll be back soon, girl. She gave her horse a final pat and swiveled, grinning as she ran to the gate.

She slipped through, closed it, and bolted toward the redbrick farmhouse, nearly running into her great-uncle. Oops, sorry.

No harm done. Uncle Ben’s kind gray-blue eyes twinkled as he motioned to the open kitchen window behind him. Did you enjoy your ride? He shook his head and chuckled. I guess that’s a silly question. I think you would live on Calliope if you could."

Yes, sir … I sure would.

Like your mama. Riding her horse always fixed the wrong in her world and made the right even better. He smiled. I left you a piece of cake on the counter. See you in a bit.

Thanks. A sweet warmth showered over her as she let Uncle Ben’s words repeat in her mind.

He was right, riding Calliope always made her feel better when life got her down and intensified good feelings when life was going well … like today … when her best friend would soon officially be her sister.

Ginnie waved at Uncle Ben as he headed up the hill to the main barn.

The phone rang as Ginnie passed the kitchen window.

She quickened her pace and glanced up the hill.

Her great-uncle was closer to the barn than the house. The phone rang again.

Coming. Ginnie hurried through the side porch door, reaching the kitchen as the answering machine picked up.

The slice of red velvet cake caught her eye. She snatched up the clear glass plate from the counter and walked toward the phone, listening for the speaker to start talking. When he did, her feet grew instant roots in the doorway between the kitchen and family room.

U-Uncle Ben? Hey, it’s Jasper. Ginnie’s chest tightened at Tillie’s birth dad’s name. They hadn’t seen him for six years. Uncle Ben? Aw, man. I really need to talk to you. Okay, here’s the deal ...

A few seconds passed like fudge sauce through a strainer. Today’s the one-year anniversary of my sobriety. I want to celebrate by coming home. I know I’ve been an idiot, but I’ve gotten help. Two seconds of silence passed before he spoke again.

Uncle Ben  ... w—will you help me get my family back? I miss my little girl. I’m ready to be the husband and father Amanda and Tillie deserve.

His voice lost some of its confidence before sounding determined again. I’ve really changed this time ... for good. I’ll do right by them, I swear it. This is a borrowed phone, so I can’t leave a callback number. Please, Uncle Ben? Will you help me? It would mean  ...

Be-e-ep! The machine cut off the rest of his message.

Ginnie spun toward the kitchen. Her hands turned to cooked spaghetti. The glass plate tumbled to the hardwood floor, shattering around the blob of red velvet cake.

As if hit by an immobility spell, Ginnie stood paralyzed, considering what this phone call would mean to her family.

Her ostrich-like dad had finally allowed a new woman into his heart, a woman Ginnie had begun to love with all of her heart.

Her best friend was supposed to become her sister, and although Ginnie didn’t need a new stepmom, Miss Amanda was fun to be around.

Of course, what none of them needed was the man who had hurt her best friend and abandoned her when she was six.

Tillie needed him least of all.

The phone rang again. Ginnie raced to it, determined to squelch the shrilling. She snatched up the handset, ready to inform Jasper Taylor that there had been a change of plans and his presence was neither required nor desired.

Who is it?

Ginnie jumped, surprised to see her twin brother standing in the archway. She pushed the off button and twisted to face him. I—I don’t know.

Then why do you look so freaked out?

She shrugged. Where’s Dad?

Outside. Toran hitched a thumb toward the side porch door. He said something about getting oil from the barn.

Maybe Toran could help. He had a way of solving tricky problems without complicating the issues. Ginnie blew out a worried breath. We’ve got a problem, Houston.

That’s my line. Toran’s blond eyebrows scrunched with concern. What’s wrong? And why is there cake on the floor?

That’s the least of our worries. Ginnie glanced at the broken glass and flattened cake. Jasper’s back.

Jasper who?

"Jasper Taylor. Ginnie rolled her eyes. You know—Tillie’s lousy excuse for a dad. He wants Miss Amanda and Tillie back."

The color drained from Toran’s face. No way!

Yes way! Ginnie pushed play on the answering machine and did her best to swallow her rising fear as her best friend’s worst nightmare repeated his crazy plan.

Toran’s eyes widened.

Ginnie backed against the kitchen sink, hoping to steady her legs, which were now doing a very good imitation of a bowl of Jell-O.

2

Sugar Beets!

Please, Uncle Ben? Will you help me? It would mean ..."

Be-e-e-ep!

It would mean ... that Tillie would end up in the loony bin, Ginnie spat, anger overtaking fear as her need to protect Tillie kicked in. We can’t let that happen!

Toran grimaced. Of course not! Let’s tell Dad. He’ll know what to do.

Are you kidding me? He’ll be devastated! Ginnie straightened, shaking her head. "It took him over eight years after Mama died to even ask a woman out on a date. Now he’s engaged to her. The same woman Jasper wants. No way. She stormed toward the family room, shaking her head with determination. We’re erasing the message and telling him that Miss Amanda moved and didn’t leave a forwarding address."

Toran blocked her way. "Yeah, lying is always a good plan ... not!"

He scowled and pointed at the cake mess. And how are we going to call him back? You don’t know where he is. He doesn’t even have a phone—he said he borrowed someone else’s.

"It’s not a lie. Miss Amanda’s moving here. Ginnie opened the pantry door and pulled out the broom and dustpan. Jasper doesn’t need to know that."

You’re delusional. How do you know when Jasper will call again? What if someone else answers? Toran reached for the broom. "There are seven people living here, and five of them have phones in their rooms. We’re the two who don’t. Your plan has too many holes and I’m not getting busted for sneaking and lying. We’re. Telling. Dad."

"No. We’re. Not. Ginnie handed her brother the yellow dustpan. He’ll call back. It’s summer break. We’ll unplug the phones at night. We’re not gonna let Jasper hurt Tillie, or Miss Amanda ever again."

Toran swept the red velvet cake mess into the dustpan and then dumped it in the trash.

Ginnie grabbed a washcloth to wipe up the leftover frosting and cake crumbs from the hardwood floor.

Her twin rinsed the dustpan in the sink. He was like their dad—obsessively tidy. "Yes, we are telling Dad," Toran retorted, matching Ginnie’s determined tone.

"No. We’re. Not. She rolled her eyes and marched backward toward the side porch door, keeping her gaze fixed on her brother. Dad doesn’t need to know. We’ll figure out a way to make him go away."

Toran’s mouth formed a capital O.

Ginnie stopped abruptly; backing into what she thought was the wall.

Careful, Dad’s voice cautioned at the same time Ginnie stumbled over his feet.

He reached a hand to steady her.

His mouth pulled into a frown. "Just what doesn’t Dad need to know?"

Sugar beets! This won’t be good!

3

Speak Up

Well? Dad narrowed his royal blue eyes and pointed an aggravated finger at Ginnie. I’m waiting—which: hint, hint, is your cue to start talking."

Ginnie scrambled to come up with a response that would keep her out of trouble.

Just to be clear ... Dad folded his arms across his chest and deepened his frown. "Any sentence that has ‘Dad doesn’t need to know’ in it is a very good indication that I do need to know. Start talking or you’re grounded."

I didn’t do anything wrong, Ginnie protested.

Then you should have no trouble telling me what I need to hear. Dad raised a finger. One …

"Dad, wait. She really didn’t do anything wrong. Toran crossed into the family room. She just wants to protect you."

"Toran, don’t!" Ginnie yelled. She took a step toward her brother only to be stopped when her dad’s arm reached around her middle, keeping her firmly in the kitchen.

The side porch door squeaked open.

Let go. Ginnie pushed against her dad. It’s not good. I don’t want you to get hurt.

Thanks for your concern, but I’m sure I can handle whatever it is you don’t want me to know. He tightened his hold as she bobbed to escape it. Go ahead, Tor.

"No, don’t. Ginnie wriggled to face her dad. You don’t understand!"

Uncle Ben walked up behind them from the side porch.

Ginnie struggled to break free of Dad’s hold. He’s going to ruin everything!

Who’s going to ruin what? Uncle Ben asked, his gray-blue eyes widening in alarm.

Ginnie blinked quickly. Jasper.

What about Jasper? Dad and Uncle Ben asked as one.

Dad dropped his jaw and then his hands.

Just listen. Toran reached the answering machine and pushed the play button. This will explain it all.

I’m sorry, Daddy. Ginnie threw her arms around his waist, trying not to hear the voice that would ruin the rest of her life … and her dad’s … and Toran’s … and Tillie’s.

Uncle Ben? Aw, man. I really wanted to talk to you. Okay, here’s the deal ... Dad shuffled through the kitchen toward the family room, moving Ginnie along with him. Today’s the one-year anniversary of my sobriety. I want to celebrate by coming home. I know I’ve been an idiot, but I’ve gotten help.

Toran, turn it off! Ginnie pleaded.

Shh! Dad hissed.

Uncle Ben. W—will you help me get my family back? I miss my little girl. I’m ready to keep all the promises I made to Amanda and Tillie, and be the husband and father they deserve.

Dad sucked in a quick breath.

Uncle Ben walked past them to stand next to Toran.

Ginnie tried to blink the burning from her eyes, burying her face in Dad’s royal-blue dress shirt. The same one he wore to propose to Miss Amanda, Jasper Taylor’s ex-wife, earlier that afternoon.

"I’ve really changed this time ... for good. I’ll do right by them, I swear it. This is a borrowed phone, so I can’t leave a callback number. Please, Uncle Ben? Will you help me? It would mean ..."

Dad backed up and leaned against the doorway, squishing Ginnie’s forearm. Ow.

He moved forward, but Ginnie could tell he didn’t see her.

His eyes latched onto Uncle Ben’s, his face draining of color like Toran’s had.

Be-e-e-ep!

4

Bruised And Broken

The horrified expression Dad wore reminded Ginnie of a night in kindergarten when a frantic Miss Amanda had banged on their door, begging for help.

Jasper Taylor had left a bruised cheek on her best friend, and a bloody, swollen lip on Miss Amanda. The look of devastation Tillie sported that night had haunted Ginnie ever since.

She couldn’t stand seeing it on her dad as well.

Her mind blanked.

She turned from him, searching out Uncle Ben’s eyes, needing her great-uncle to fix her very broken dad.

Dad, it’s okay, Toran mumbled.

Of course it’s okay. Uncle Ben squeezed Toran’s shoulder. That’s a big accomplishment for Jasper.

Dad nodded quickly, rubbing Ginnie’s arms, and moved forward. I’m glad Jasper’s doing well. It sounds like he’s finally getting his life together. He swallowed, acting like he didn’t know how to finish his thought Good for him.

Are you two nuts? Ginnie slipped from Dad’s grasp, stood in front of him, and planted her hands on her hips. "He wants Tillie and Miss Amanda ... after he threw them away. They’re ours now! He ... can’t ... have ... them!"

Her voice pitched higher with each syllable.

Certainly not, Uncle Ben agreed.

"Well, he wants your help. Ginnie’s voice vaulted as her disgust mounted. Are you going to give it to him? Because that means we’ll lose them, and I don’t want to."

Virginia Maie, watch your tone. Dad grimaced, raising a finger. You know better than to speak to Uncle Ben like that.

Really? Ginnie took a step backward, incredible fury sizzling. "The same jerk who hurt my best friend ... wants her back ... and you’re busting me because I’m mad about it?" She blinked hard, trying to figure out where her real dad, the guy who asked Tillie to be his daughter just a few hours ago, had gone. Way to be a great stepdad!

That’s enough, young lady, Dad scolded, striding closer. Calm down.

No, sir. Ginnie backed up and tripped, landing roughly on her rear. She straightened her back defiantly. You can’t give them to him. She wiped her palms on her blue jeans and glared. I won’t let you.

Dad stopped, looking at her like she’d just sprouted a banana from each ear. I have no intention of doing any such thing. He reached a hand to help her up.

Ginnie folded her arms across her chest, not wanting his help. "Then what are you gonna do? He wants them."

But he doesn’t have any right to them, Toran broke in. Right, Dad?

Dad shrugged. Of course he has rights.

Ginnie shook her head like an Etch-A-Sketch. No, he doesn’t. He can’t have them.

Even as the words crossed her lips, she couldn’t fathom such a reality.

Fuzzy white noise buzzed in her ears, thinning the air around her, making it difficult to breathe.

The look of dismay that crossed Dad’s face might have been comical if the situation wasn’t so serious.

He squatted next to her. You think that little of me?

What? Ginnie demanded, confused by this conversation.

"Yes ... I am glad Jasper is doing well. Of course he has rights. Dad took her chin firmly in his hand. But there is no way in this universe that I am giving up Amanda or Tillie to him ...or anyone else for that matter. So get a grip and calm ... down."

5

Hmmm

Stunned, Ginnie sat motionless, trying to process her dad’s words. His firm grip on her chin focused her thoughts. "You’re not going to let Jasper take them away?"

Absolutely not. Dad reached his hand to Ginnie’s again. "While I’m glad Jasper loves them enough to want to do better by them—and even himself—that’s his issue, not theirs. He helped Ginnie to her feet. You were there. Did I base my proposal on Jasper’s approval?"

Ginnie slowly shook her head. So it doesn’t matter?

If Jasper approves of me marrying Amanda?

Yea ... what if he hates you? She swallowed, then whispered her worst fear. Or worse ... what if he hurts them?

Dad slipped an understanding arm around her shoulder. After hearing this phone call, I don’t imagine he’ll be giving me his blessing, Gin, and honestly, I couldn’t care less. I love Amanda and she loves me. And even better ... Dad gave Ginnie’s nose a friendly tap. She loves you and Toran every bit as much as I love Tillie. Amanda wants the five of us to be a family as much as I do.

But ...

No buts. Dad shook his head firmly. "I’m sure Jasper has learned to keep his hands to himself by now. Don’t worry about this. I’ll take care of it."

As much as Ginnie wanted to believe him, she didn’t.

Dad tended to take the path of least resistance and wasn’t the type to punch people.

And anybody who could hurt Miss Amanda or Tillie probably needed to be punched.

Then she remembered the very angry dad who stood in her bedroom not long ago, professing his love for her mother and his anger at Mama’s father for disowning her for marrying a farm boy.

After Mama died, her father, Cabot Stratton, tried to get custody of Ginnie and Toran, but Dad wouldn’t let him. Maybe the dad who fought to keep his kids could protect Miss Amanda and Tillie from the likes of Jasper Taylor.

Ginnie’s hopeful eyes met his. You promise?

To what? He raised a confused eyebrow. Marry Amanda? Dad grinned as her name rolled off his lips. No problem there. What part of ‘I love her’ didn’t you understand? I loved your mother and made a great life with her—in spite of a very irritated father-in-law. He offered a playful wink. And between you and me, Cabot Stratton is a lot scarier than Jasper Taylor.

But Dad, Toran objected, "Cabot didn’t beat Mama. Jasper did hurt Miss Amanda and Tillie. What makes you think he won’t do that again?"

Because I won’t let him. Dad shook his blond head. And Jasper loves them—

He has a lousy way of showing it! Ginnie jerked out of his hold. He made Miss Amanda bleed. He’s awful.

Anxiety lit Dad’s face before understanding replaced it. You’re remembering the last time he hurt them?

"Well, yeah! It’s kind of hard to forget. Tillie’s face was bruised for a long time. She still has nightmares about it." Ginnie folded her arms again, frustrated he wasn’t angrier.

I remember. That was a horrible night. Dad clenched his jaw shut for a few seconds. "But look at it this way—it was also the night Amanda started to think seriously about divorcing Jasper Taylor. Because of that decision, I was able to propose to her earlier this afternoon and your best friend can now be your sister, just like you two schemed. Maybe we should focus on that. I think today was pretty terrific—how about you?"

Toran laughed. The balloon ride was epic, Dad, even if it was in a giant strawberry. He turned to Ginnie and smiled. And Uncle Jake took care of Jasper that other night. Remember how Uncle Jake went after him? That’s probably why Jasper left and didn’t come back. Uncle Jake pounded him good.

Relief washed over Ginnie at the mention of Dad’s older brother.

Even though Uncle Jake and Jasper had been friends since high school, once her uncle saw the battered faces of Jasper’s family, Uncle Jake had repaid Tillie’s father the favor of a beating.

Uncle Jake will take care of Jasper if Dad doesn’t.

Ginnie grinned. Yeah, that was pretty cool of Uncle Jake to give him a taste of his own medicine.

Dad put his hands up in a whoa motion and turned on his lecture voice. Letting your temper get the best of you doesn’t help anybody. Losing control is what got Jasper into this mess in the first place. And anyway, Jake didn’t feel good about beating him up. He nodded at Uncle Ben. "Jasper realized that in addition to hurting his family, he had betrayed Uncle Ben’s kindness to him from all the times when Jasper was the abused kid."

Todd ... Uncle Ben said, looking a little uncomfortable.

No, sir, it’s the truth. Dad pointed at the phone, and then glanced between Ginnie and Toran. Why do you think Jasper was calling Uncle Ben? He didn’t wait for an answer. Because Uncle Ben has always been there for him, no matter what, through good and bad. Just like he is for anybody else who needs help. Dad frowned. "And the truth is, Jasper left because he realized he had turned into his father, the man Jasper despised more than anyone, and he was too ashamed to face Uncle Ben."

Todd, that’s enough. Uncle Ben cleared his throat. Jasper has reached out several times since he left.

Ginnie peered at her dad, not used to him being the focus of a scolding.

Usually she or Uncle Jake were on the receiving end.

Dad’s gaze volleyed between Ginnie, Toran, and Uncle Ben before he replied in a strained, yet respectful, tone. "True, but he didn’t contest the divorce because he was still drinking and hadn’t kept his promise to you to clean up his act. Dad reached one hand to Ginnie’s shoulder and the other to Toran’s. He’s had plenty of time to sober up and make things right with Amanda and Tillie. He didn’t. Dad gave a firm squeeze. As much as I want him to stay sober and find peace in his life, he’s going to have to figure it out without Amanda. She’s spoken for."

The firmness in Dad’s tone calmed Ginnie’s fears some. Are you going to tell Miss Amanda he called?

Of course I’ll tell her. She needs to know so we can figure out how to deal with this. Dad grimaced at the question and released Ginnie’s shoulder. "Nothing has changed. I still believe honesty is the best policy ... for me, and most especially for you. And I was right—I did need to know that Jasper called."

Heat rose to Ginnie’s cheeks as she recalled her half-baked plan.

She swallowed hard, hoping this wouldn’t turn into a full-blown lecture.

We know, Dad, Toran quickly interjected. Ginnie didn’t want Jasper to ruin your special day. Until Jasper called, today was completely epic.

Yeah. Super fun. Ginnie offered a grateful smile to her brother before turning up the dazzle a few notches for her dad. Miss Amanda told me a few days ago that you were better than Prince Charming, but I didn’t believe her.

She laughed at Dad’s arched eyebrow and then hugged him before he could keep scolding. I’m glad I was wrong. A balloon ride and a banner asking Miss Amanda to marry you was w-a-y cool. And the extra banner for Tillie was totally awesome sauce.

You don’t play fair, Virginia West. Dad chuckled and pulled Toran into their hug. I’m glad you liked the balloon ride and the banners, though. Maybe I’m not so lame, eh?

Well ... Ginnie teased, burying her face in his shirt.

Dad tsked at her. "And I will tell Amanda, though probably not until I see her in person tomorrow. I put a lot of thought into making today good for her, and for you guys as well. He fiddled with Ginnie’s braid and sighed. I need to give some careful thought to how I’m going to tell Tillie about Jasper wanting to come back. She’s not going to be happy about it, but he does have a right to see her."

Ginnie froze, her belly plummeting to her knees. She shouldn’t have to see him if she doesn’t want to.

While that may be true in one sense, the law will not agree. Dad sighed, looking pained at Tillie’s future upset. His rights to her will trump her dislike of him. Knowing Jasper, he’ll exercise that right.

That’s not fair! Ginnie and Toran protested together.

No, but your dad is correct. It’s going to happen. Uncle Ben nodded at Dad. But between us all, we’ll figure out how to help her be okay with seeing him and help him deal with this new reality in a way to keep his pride intact so he can still go forward.

Dad’s mouth formed a grimace in spite of their uncle’s cheery words, all the while nodding his agreement.

Ginnie’s belly dropped again … this time to her toes.

6

At Pierce’s House

Pierce Owens sat at his dinner table, jiggling his foot, waiting impatiently for the right time to ask his father to take him to the West farm again. Pierce really wanted to spend time with Hamilton, the runt hog he had bottle-fed into independence while his dad spent time in jail for hurting him.

Even more, he wanted Uncle Ben to work his magic and make Pierce’s father more agreeable.

His father was starting to ignore his part of the agreement that Uncle Ben had helped the three of them establish so Pierce and Mom felt safe with Dad at home again.

It had been three days since Pierce had been to the farm, and Dad was becoming short-tempered and mean. Pierce really missed being around Uncle Ben and Toran ... and even Toran’s annoying twin sister, Ginnie.

When Pierce could forget about the two times she had knocked him on his rear, he could almost like her. Well, tolerate her was probably more accurate.

Not that he could ever like her as a girlfriend or anything dumb like that.

Sure, she was pretty in a blonde-haired, blue-eyed, twelve-year-old pop star sort of way, but she was more trouble than she’d ever be worth. Kind of like a rabid cocker spaniel ... cute, but dangerous.

Pierce didn’t mind that she wasn’t afraid to climb higher than him in a tree, or pick up corn snakes, though snakes of any kind gave him the creeps—not that he’d ever admit that in front of her.

She was pigheaded, bossy, and quick to shoot off her mouth ... and there was no reasoning with someone like her. Even so, Pierce would rather spend time with that psycho than walk on eggshells at home with his father.

He glanced at Dad, wishing he was the same nervous father that Uncle Ben and Mom had picked up a week ago from the county jail and brought out to the farm for their reunion. Pierce hadn’t been sure what to expect,