Sitting down with…Brent Kiel

December 6, 2010 nikigreen

This is something I do after the release of my books. I sit down and have, or try to have, a one on one conversation with my hero and heroine. We’ve spoken before, several times, but now that everything is love glossed and trimmed with happiness in their lives the words seem to flow better. I drove to the Kiel ranch, a journey I have made several times, on one cold almost winter afternoon.

I wasn’t surprised to find no one at the house when I arrived….cold weather doesn’t stop cowboys. I let myself in the front door and parked all the belongs I had with me on the floor next to one of the overstuffed sofas in the family room. With five boys big comfy furniture is a must. I’m not a big person by any means, five foot on a very good day and five foot three in the right heels, so I just sink into the couch…and I wait. I knew I would.

Brent has never been the type of guy who willing talked about his feelings…especially to me. Out of all of the Kiel’s he is the one who would rather shut me out than let me in…just like everyone else. But I have this nagging feeling that maybe just maybe, with the recent turn of events, he may be more willing to relax and let me be as nosy as I want to be.

I dont’ have to wait long before I here the tale tale sound of boot heels coming up the back steps and across the wood of the porch. I know it’s Brent. Brent doesn’t just walk…he moves with purpose and that purpose echoes in his stride. The back door opens and a quick, cold wind hits me and then is gone just as quickly. I never turn to see if it is truly him…I just know. I sit back and wait…wait for him to come to me.

His footfalls stop just outside of the family room and I think I hear and almost silent curse. He’s seen me…and he knows why I’m here.

NG: Hi, Brent. (I smile to myself because he knows and I know he’s cornered. He could easily turn and flee, but he won’t. He was raised better than that–they all were. Lillian Kiel Reece would string him up by his heels if he were ever downright rude to me, or any lady for that matter.)

BK: Hi, Niki.

He doesn’t move for the longest time and neither do I. After, what seems like forever, he walks into the family room and takes a seat on the other overstuffed sofa and just stares at me. Brent Kiel’s stare could make anyone shrink in themselves, but not me. I know his bark is much worse than his bite.

BK: How ya been?

NG: Good. You? (A sneaky smile crosses my face because Brent looks uncomfortable and like he’s ready to bolt at any minute, but he won’t. He knew this was coming and now he has to be a big boy and deal with it.)

BK: Fine. Just fine. (His rigid posture never relaxes and more than once he wipes his hands, when they’re not clenched, on his jeans. It amazes me that I can make this big, strong cowboy nearly cower. The second the front door opens and a voice from the foyer reaches both our ears, Brent’s whole body language changes…and I know why. Peyton James walkes around the corner with a smile that lights up the whole room on her face. Instantly, Brent stands and meets her halfway. Without thinking, or remembering they have company, Brent sweeps her up in his massive arms and lays a kiss on her that no words cannot do justice. When the two love birds break their kiss they linger face to face for more than a second or two.)

BK: What’re you doin’ here? (I hear Brent whisper to his lady love)

PJ: Niki called me and told me she as coming to visit. I couldn’t resist dropping by. (That is a little bit of a white lie on Peyton’s behalf. True, I did call and tell her I was coming to visit, but she’s here for Brent. She and I both know Brent…getting anything out of him is like pulling teeth. Peyton is here to make my day easier…and I thank her so much for that.) Come on. I want to see what she’s been up to.

Peyton pulls Brent back over to the couch and both of them sit hip to hip, hand in hand and face me…Peyton with a smile…Brent without.

NG: It’s good to see you Peyton.

PJ: You too. I honestly thought you try to rope him into this sooner.

BK: She’s tried.

NG: Yes I have, but you always seem to be too busy for me.

BK: Not too busy just…

NG: You don’t have to explain Brent. I know you…better than you probably know yourself. (Those dark eyes of his never leave mine. I can’t help but smile at him because he knows I’m right…even though he’ll never admit it)

PJ: We have been busy. Everyone’s been busy.

NG: I know. There’s a lot goin’ on with you Kiel’s here lately. When love rains it pours.

PJ: Yes, yes it does. (She laughs and squeezes Brent’s arm and I’m amazed at how that small squeeze can effect Brent as much as it does. I wonder to myself he he knows just how much he loves her?)

NG: So, what’s been goin’ on with the whole Kiel brood. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen ya’ll.

BK: Same ole’, same ole’.

PJ: Now that’s not true. There’s been a lot happening here lately.

NG: Realy? (I say with intrigue in my voice. I know what’s going on better than anyone…I’m just waiting to see if they really know what’s going on)

PJ: Well, you know my brother and his wife aren’t together anymore.

NG: No I didn’t (Yes, I did)

BK: Good riddance.

PJ: It’s been hard on Murphy, but I think after some time he’ll see that this is for the best. It’s certainly better for Lucas. Better for everyone.

NG: You and Kathleen (Her brother Murphy’s wife…ex-wife…never really got a long to say the least) had some battles didn’t you?

PJ: She sucker punched me!

BK: You held your own. (He brushes a kiss across her temple after he speaks and my heart does a little flip flop)

PJ: Anyway, she’s moved to Louisiana, back to where her family’s from. We haven’t seen her in a few months.

NG: That must be hard on Lucas.

PJ: It is, but I think having her here would have been harder on him. I worry about Murphy though. I wish he could find someone who knew how to love him the way he deserves. The way he’s always loved.

NG: Love’s not easy. Finding love seems harder.

PJ: Not for you.

BK: Peyton. (There’s a warning tone in his voice and for a second I’m a little lost as to what’s coming. I don’t have to wait long to find out)

PJ: What? You knew I’d ask. If she can’t do it no one can.

NG: What am I supposed to do?

PJ: I want you to find someone for Murphy to fall in love with. (I’m stunned. I really, honestly, never saw this coming. I’m speechless…which never happens)

BK: Cat got your tongue, Nik? (There it is…that grin…that shit eatin’ grin all of them Kiel’s are so famous for)

NG: To be honest, yes. I never thought this was the way this conversation would go. I don’t know if I’m the best person to help you or Murphy with this.

PJ: But you are. Look what you did for Chase and Willa and for me and Brent. If you can’t do it I don’t know who can.

NG: I don’t even know what kind of woman your brother would be interested in. I don’t know where to start looking for her.

PJ: I’ll help.

BK: What?

PJ: I’ll help. It’s the least I can do. I mean you brought me back to him. (Her eyes turn dreamy and they almost gloss over in tears and I find that I can’t say no)

NG: Alright. I’ll do it. Where do we start?

At that moment I don’t know who is more surprised…Peyton, Brent…or me.

BK: Well, my work here seems to be done. I’ll let you ladies get down to your rat killing and I’ll just ease far away from here.

NG: I’m not done with you yet.

BK: I know, but for today you are. You seem to have enough to fill your plate for awhile. (He sends a wink my way and I have to admit…I blush. I turn my head as he kisses Peyton goodbye and wait…for what I don’t know…but I don’t have to wonder long.)

PJ: Thank you.

NG: For what?

PJ:For…everything.

NG: Don’t mention it. Now, back to your brother.

PJ: Murphy.

NG: I know.

PJ: I know you do.

NG: What kind of woman do you think would love…or needs to fall in love with?

PJ: Someone totally opposite from Kathleen. Someone giving and kind. She’s got to laugh and smile easliy. She also has to love kids. Murphy won’t love anyone who doesn’t love Lucas.

NG: How could anyone not love Lucas.

PJ: I know. He’s such a sweetie. I just want Murphy to be happy. I want him to love and to be loved.

BG: You sure don’t want a lot do you? (There’s a laugh in my voice, but I see that Peyton has gone solemn. She’s thinking about something that won’t let my laugh break through.)

PJ: Murphy deserves more than he’s had. Kathleen did a real number on him. I look at him and it breaks my heart to think that his chance of being happy is shot to hell.

NG: It’s not.

PJ: Are you sure?

NG: Pretty sure. Leave it to me.

PJ: I knew I could count on you. (Before I can think she’s on her feet and has me on mine and wrapped in a bear hug)

NG: Okay…now we have to get down to business. Finding love isn’t easy. Keeping it is even harder.

PJ: Tell me about it.

NG: Shall we start.

PJ: Lead the way.

For the better part of the afternoon I sit in easy conversation with Peyton. She has thousands of ideas about who her brother should love, who should love him and who should not. I leave the Kiel ranch and drive. Driving helps me think and I have a lot to think about. Murphy James and his love life never entered my mind…well, maybe it did just a bit. But today, it is all I can think about. Who could Murphy love? Who could love Murphy? On my way out of Millbrook, I get caught by one of the few red lights the town has so I just wait. And then…there she is. Why did I never see it before? I must have sat there a little too long because the only thing that brings me back to reality is the loud horn from the big truck behind me. I hate to leave, but I love to go because now I know. I know who could love Murphy…and who Murphy could love….

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4 Comments Add your own

1. Helen | December 27, 2010 at 9:37 pm

Okay, I get it. But you leave us hanging, Niki. Jason and Jocelyn. What’s up with that? I think those two could burn the pages out of even an eBook. Loved Wild Ride and Breaking Brent. Jason will be a hard nut to crack. When can we expect THAT wild ride? I laughed my ass off when he was looking at her in the bathroom and running to the North talking about the wrong cookie jar! You have NO IDEA how funny that was. And a pillow under his arm to boot! I imagined him running with his fanny in his hands. Please, bring those two on.

Reply
- 2. nikigreen | January 3, 2011 at 3:42 am
  
  Jason and Jocelyn are in their final stages. I love Jason! I really do and his story is one of my faves out of all of the brothers. Hopefully, I can post a release date for those two sooner or later.
  
  Reply
  - 3. Vanessa | January 29, 2011 at 9:36 pm
    
    So glad I found your blog. I’m reading Braking Brent right now and I was just wondering about their story to. Can’t wait, keep us posted!
  - 4. April | January 31, 2011 at 9:30 pm
    
    I really hope this series continues!! I stumbled on it after reading another series of books. I absolutley love this family!! It will ‘Kiel’ me if it doesn’t continue! Please give us a hint on some future stories!