Brock stumbled to his door when he heard a soft knock. His alarm hadn't gone off this morning, leaving him to scramble about his house to be ready for work on time. He opened his door, relieved when Reba held up a bag of fast food breakfast. "I figured it was only fair since I haven't cooked much the past two days." Brock moved to the side, letting Reba step inside.
"I'm so glad you did, too. I'm running late this morning." Reba smiled, noticing the medium Christmas can on his coffee table. Brock grinned when he noticed her staring at it. "Oh, that's what was left for me last night. Go ahead, open it." Reba moved to the coffee table, forcing her expression to stay the same. If she played this right, she'd take all suspicions away from her completely. She opened the lid, her eyebrows scrunching at the countless pieces of red candy. She looked up at Brock, who chuckled at her expression.
"Candy?" Brock nodded his head, grabbing another handful. "That's it? After everything else you've gotten…candy?" Brock chuckled, offering her a piece. Reba shook her head, taking a step backwards.
"Well, yeah, but it's not just candy. It's Red Hot Tamales…my favorite!" Reba shook her head, moving past him to sit on the couch. Brock joined her, accepting the pancakes she was holding out for him.
"How can you eat those things? They're hot!" Brock chuckled, pulling the coffee table closer to them so they could eat. Reba waited patiently to see if Brock still had the same reason as before. She fought back a smile when she noticed the look in his eyes.
"They remind me of someone." Reba stared at him like he was crazy, making Brock chuckle again as he took a bite of his breakfast. "You. They remind me of you. I actually never really ate them until we started going out and then they became my favorite. I don't know. It might be stupid, but ever since then I always go for Red Hot Tamales…No other candy...You know what it's stupid so let's just forget I said anything and eat, okay?" Brock blushed, embarrassed at his confession.
Reba smiled at him, loving that he had reacted the same way as the first time he'd told her. When he glanced up at her, she shook her head. "You're a mo-ron." Brock sighed, his cheeks darkening, and he looked away from her again. "But," He glanced at her, and Reba let loose a small smile. "It's cute." Brock smiled at her, thanking her before a comfortable silence fell over them as they ate their pancakes.
That afternoon Reba sat at her desk, trying to find a time to go to Brock's house. She knew that Jake and Kyra would both be home late, and that Cheyenne and Van were taking Elizabeth to visit with his parents. She sighed, looking up when Van stopped next to her. "What's up?" Reba smiled at him, leaning back in her chair.
"Oh, nothing, just planning something for dinner." Van nodded his head, sitting down at his desk.
"Why don't you do something fancy for Mr. H. since he did so well of taking care of you?" Reba leaned forward, liking Van's suggestion.
"You know, that's actually not a bad idea." Van smiled, loving when she said he had a good idea. Reba pulled out her cell phone, sending Brock a text message. Van's smile grew when he saw the excitement in his mother-in-law's eyes. There had to be something going on between his in-laws, and if there wasn't, he knew it was slowly growing. He thought about the two of them being back together, and nodded his head. Van snapped out of his trance when Reba's voice called out to him, asking him about a house they'd recently been asked to sell.
Brock pulled his cell phone out of his pocket as he walked into his office, reading his text message. He smiled, sending a reply before sitting down at his desk. He opened the zip-lock bag on his desk, pulling out a handful of candy. He leaned back in his chair, thinking through all the possible people who could be his secret Santa. If Reba wouldn't have reacted like she had this morning, she would have gone to the top of his list. She'd have been the only person to know his favorite candy. He sighed, shaking his head and picking up his cell phone. He dialed her number, waiting patiently as it rang.
"Hey, what's up?" Brock spun his chair around, looking out his window at the shops across the street.
"Oh, nothing…I'm bored." He smiled at her scoff, trying not to laugh when she mumbled for Van to shut up and to leave her alone. "Wanna go out for lunch somewhere? My treat." Brock waited, checking his watch to make sure he'd caught her before her usual lunch time.
"Sure. Meet me at our diner." Brock answered her, his mind stuck on her words. He shook his head, deciding her mind was on other matters and she'd only slipped up on accident. He grabbed another handful of candy before darting out of his office.
Reba pushed her sunglasses on top of her head as she walked into the little diner, and looked around the room for Brock. She smiled when he waved at her, and began walking towards him. "I ordered for you. I hope you don't mind." Reba shook her head as she sat down, and took a deep breath to relax. "Hard day?" Brock asked as he passed her a sugar packet for her tea.
"Not really, more like busy. I had to sneak out just to come to lunch. Van is getting on my last nerve today." Brock chuckled, stating that he tended to do that. Reba tilted her head to the side, agreeing with him. She took a deep breath and smiled when the waitress brought their food to the table. "Oh, how did you know what I wanted?" Reba closed her eyes as she smelled her food. Brock shook his head as he grinned at her.
"From the way you sounded on the phone." Reba looked up at him, staring at him with confusion. Brock sighed, picking up his sandwich. "You sounded…bombarded, like you could use a break and a good meal." Reba slowly nodded her head before reaching for her toasted sandwich. "I remembered because it's what you used to do when you worked for me when we were married."
"Really?" Brock nodded his head, shocking Reba. "Hmm, never knew I did that." Brock shrugged his shoulders, letting conversation drift to a different topic. They reminisced about old times, laughing through most of their lunch. When they finally finished, an hour had passed, and an angry Van was calling Reba. She rolled her eyes, telling Brock goodbye as she walked to the counter. "Yes, I will get you a sandwich. Yes, soup's fine, too. Oh, my, gosh, Van, just tell me what you want!" Brock laughed as he walked out of the restaurant, figuring Reba would be exhausted later. Maybe he should take her out for dinner? He stopped, his thoughts shocking him. He shook his head, taking a deep breath and climbing into his truck. There was no way she'd go out to dinner alone with him.
That evening Reba was running around her kitchen when Brock walked in through the back door. He watched her for a minute, and jumped when she screamed as she finally saw him standing next to the island. "Don't do that!" Reba placed a hand on her chest, catching her breath. Brock apologized before asking if she needed any help. "No, not from you. Just go sit in the living room or something." Brock nodded his head, quickly leaving the room. He found Jake and Kyra sitting on the couch, watching television.
"Hey, Dad, see you ran across Mom." Kyra said as she glanced at her father. "You have that look." Brock chuckled, sitting down next to Jake.
"Did she say what's for dinner?" Jake shook his head, his eyes suddenly landing on Brock's. He looked terrified for his life. Brock glanced over Jake's shoulder as he started talking.
"And I wouldn't ask her if you want to live. I mean, she almost killed me the last time I asked." Brock was shocked. Jake was normally the only one Reba wouldn't attack. It was the reason the family sent him into the kitchen to ask dinner questions.
"Yeah, probably because you'd already asked her twenty times." Kyra replied to her brother, changing the channel. "She's been in there since she came home. I think she's burned the last thing she tried to cook." Jake nodded his head in agreement.
"Oh, yeah, the house was full of smoke. While Mom went after the smoke detector, we had to open all the doors and windows." Brock took a deep breath, wondering what had Reba so out of it. He stood up, walking back into the kitchen. "Oh, no, we're gonna lose Dad." Kyra rolled her eyes at her brother's dramatic answer, but nodded her head in agreement anyways. Everyone knew to leave her mother alone when she was in a Red mood.
Brock slowly entered the kitchen, calling out to the upset redhead. Reba looked up, her face red and her eyes watery. "What? What do you want?" Her voice tremble slightly, and it gave Brock the courage to walk to her side. Reba accepted his hug, trying not to break down. "I don't know what's wrong with me tonight. I was trying to cook something special to thank you for taking care of me when I was sick, but…" She sighed, letting out a little frustration. Brock glanced around the kitchen, grimacing at all the failed attempts.
"It's okay, Reba. I don't need any fancy meal, and you know that." Reba pushed away from him, turning towards the stove and grabbing the pot to toss into the sink. Brock frowned, seeing the disappointment on her face. "How about we take the kids out for dinner and a movie?" Reba sighed, untying her apron.
"Yeah, I guess, that's fine. Let me go change." Brock nodded his head, hoping her night would get better. Reba walked into her room, staring at the large wrapped box next to her window. How was she going to get that to Brock's house without him noticing? She almost couldn't carry it by herself. She took a deep breath, tempted to throw in the towel and give up on her plan. Maybe Christmas this year wasn't going to be like she wanted? Reba sat down on her bed, and placed her head in her hands. She listened as Kyra and Jake changed clothes to go out, and cleared her mind. She smiled as an idea came to her.
Brock glanced at the stairs when he heard footsteps. He stood up when he noticed his family. "We ready to go?" Reba nodded her head, grabbing her purse and jacket from the coat rack. "Great. Let's go." Kyra and Jake headed outside, and Brock was about to follow them when Reba asked him to wait.
"Go ahead and take the kids. I'm gonna take my car. I just remembered that I have to pick something up from the store…one of Jake's gifts." Brock nodded his head, telling her what restaurant before leaving the house. Reba was glad he hadn't questioned her. She waited until Brock and the kids had left before carrying Brock's gift to her car.
Ten minutes later, Brock, Reba, Jake, and Kyra were enjoying an Italian dinner, discussing their day. "So, Dad, have you gotten any more weird gifts?" Jake asked as he took a bite of pasta. Reba and Kyra both looked at him, waiting for an answer.
"Yeah, and I'm expecting one tonight, too. I'm curious as to what it could be this time." Reba hid her smile as she took a drink, and turned her attention to her daughter.
"Should you really be accepting these gifts, Dad? What if this person isn't…doing this for the right reasons?" Reba looked at Brock, seeing the same question in his eyes. "I mean, you have thought about that, haven't you?" Brock nodded his head, clearing his throat.
"Well, yeah, but your mom and I came to the conclusion that it's probably just someone I know…or a neighborhood kid playing a prank on me." Kyra and Jake both stared at him with the same expression, and Reba glanced around the table.
"Really…a prank? Dad, come on, what kid can afford that watch or new golf clubs…and if they could, why would they give them to you?" Brock shrugged his shoulders, and Reba could see the doubt beginning to wash away his excitement. She frowned, hoping he wouldn't let this conversation ruin it for him.
"Well, I don't know, but until I find out whom it is…and why they're doing it I'm going to enjoy the gifts." Kyra gave him a look, and Brock gave her one in return. "You don't have to worry about me, Kyra. I can take care of myself." Kyra sighed, shrugging her shoulders as she returned to her dinner.
"I think it's cool." Jake nodded his head, swallowing his food before continuing. "You're getting all these great gifts and you don't even have to say thank you or give anything back to this person. It's like…free stuff!" Reba rolled her eyes as Brock chuckled. She shared a look with him, and shook her head when Brock shrugged his shoulders.
"Anyways," Reba started, deciding to change the subject. "Will y'all be home tomorrow night?" Kyra shook her head, saying she was staying the night with a friend, and Jake shrugged his shoulders, stating he was waiting on Robbie's mother to say he could stay. "All right, well, let me know. So, what movie do y'all wanna see?" Reba rolled her eyes when Kyra and Jake began arguing over which movie, and gave Brock an appreciative smile when he intervened.
"Why don't y'all see what you want, and your mother and I will see what we want. We are all old enough now to see different movies." Kyra and Jake agreed to his offer, but continued to argue over which movie would be the better movie. Reba sighed, chuckling with Brock as they shared a knowing look.
After the movies, Brock and Reba stood in between their cars while Kyra and Jake climbed into Reba's car. "I had a good time tonight, Reba. Thank you for my special dinner." Reba furrowed her eyebrows, shaking her head.
"You paid for it though." Brock smiled, shrugging his shoulders.
"So, it was still special and just so you know…I'll be there to take care of you anytime you need me…with no expectations of special dinners in return." Reba smiled, thanking him quietly. "So, I'll see you in the morning? I'm thinking of making waffles." Reba nodded her head, playing with the keys in her hand.
"Sounds good to me. You'll call me if you get anything tonight?" Brock nodded his head, promising to call her. "Well, goodnight then." Brock told her goodnight as he leaned forward to give her a hug and kiss on the cheek. Reba waited for Brock to walk around his truck before climbing into her car. She quickly started the vehicle, rubbing her hands together as she waited to back out of her parking space.
"Mom?" Reba glanced over her shoulder at Jake, letting him know that she had heard him. "Are you and Dad getting back together?" His question caught her off guard, and she hesitated before answering. She let out a deep breath when Kyra called her on her hesitation.
"Listen guys, we are not together. We have a deal. That's it. I make him dinner, and he makes me breakfast." Kyra scoffed, crossing her arms in front of her.
"Sounds to me like a nice cover in case someone gets caught sleeping over." It was Reba's turn to scoff as she pulled out of the restaurant parking lot and headed towards home. Reba tried again to convince her children that there was nothing between her and Brock, but Kyra wouldn't let it go. "Come on, Mom, you're a horrible liar. He took you out to dinner and a movie…which last time I checked counted as a date. Then during dinner y'all couldn't stop laughing and you didn't fight once." Kyra paused, and Jake quickly added his two cents.
"Don't forget the kiss on the cheek just now." Reba was shocked that her children were calling her out like this, but she should have known they wouldn't have given up as easily as Barbra Jean or Cheyenne.
"I promise…there is nothing secret going on between us, and if something does happen…which I'm not saying it will or that I want it to…but if something does happen, I will tell y'all." Reba sighed, noticing the calmness suddenly in their body language.
"That's all we're asking for, Mom." Kyra spoke softly, keeping her eyes staring straight ahead. "When it happens…we'll be okay with it…just let us know, when it does." Reba smiled to herself, praying that Brock felt the same as she did. She let out a deep breath, turning the radio up to block out any further conversation.
Brock carried his gift inside, setting it down on the floor and walking around it. He shook his head at the intense wrapping before beginning to tear into it with one hand as he dialed Reba's number with the other. By the time she answered, he had the paper torn away. "Hey, it's me."
"I know. So, what is it?" Brock chuckled, knowing she had to be as curious as he'd been seconds ago.
"It's a poker table." He smiled, listening as Reba commented. She almost seemed as excited as he was. "You'll have to play a game with me sometime, okay?"
"You bet I will. I still remember our last score. I gotta get my lead back." Brock rolled his eyes, realizing now why she was excited. They had a competition years ago on who could win the most games, and the last game they had played put him in the lead by one.
"I seriously doubt you'll be able to beat me. I've played quite a bit since our last game." Reba scoffed, and Brock laughed when she called him a moron. "All right, we'll play a game this weekend. Loser has to wear a Santa costume for a day."
"Well, you better be ready, old man, 'cause I'm gonna whoop your butt!" Brock laughed sarcastically before telling her she was mistaken. Their conversation continued for a few more minutes, each round of smack talk getting more and more intense. When they finally hung up the phone, Brock found his self extremely happy. He missed spending time with Reba, and he was glad they were back to doing things together. He finished his beer before heading upstairs for bed.