by June Faver
Jenn felt the blush creeping up her cheeks. “Um…yes. We care for each other.” She took another bite and reached for a cracker. “I think I’m in love with the man, but he’s really mad at me right now. He can’t understand why I took a ride with Mr. Pell over the canyon.”
Leah’s brows rose. “Oh, wow! Is he jealous?”
That hadn’t occurred to Jenn, but she rejected the idea. “I don’t think so. He doesn’t seem to like Mr. Pell for some reason.”
Leah shrugged. “He is rather odd-looking.”
Jenn laid her fork down, regarding Leah solemnly. “Edgar Wayne Pell is a war veteran. He was wounded when his plane was shot down.”
Leah swallowed hard. “I didn’t know that. Poor man.”
“He was amazing. He managed to land the plane even though someone cut the fuel line…just like they did when they murdered my brother and sister-in-law.”
“Oh my!” Leah pressed her napkin to her mouth. “That is so frightening.”
Jenn picked up her fork again and resumed eating. “I don’t think the killer was after me because it was a spur-of-the-moment decision to fly with him.”
“So you’re saying someone is trying to kill Mr. Pell?” Leah looked appalled. “You have to stay away from him.”
“Well, it was sort of a fluke that we met.” Jenn took a long drink of her soda. “I’ve just been dragging my feet about selling the airstrip. I know that I’m not equipped to run the place. I have no business skills at all.” She shrugged. “So it would be incredibly dumb of me to hold on to it out of sentiment.”
“I can understand. Your brother was important to you, so the airstrip has to mean a lot too.”
A gentle breeze lifted Jenn’s hair. “But I have to let go. Jason is dead, and I have his two kids to raise. In the long run, I’ll need the money from the sale to put these children through college.”
“Good plan.” Leah saluted her with her soda can. “It sounds like you’ve made a decision.”
“Not me,” Jenn protested. “I’ll leave the choice of buyer to Cade and Breckenridge Ryan. Breck seems to have a commercial real estate broker in his back pocket. I’ll settle for signing my name to the paperwork.”
Chapter 28
“Hey, Dad!” Misty greeted Big Jim Garrett with a hug. “What are you doing here? Breck didn’t mention that you were coming in.”
Big Jim took his Stetson off and placed it on the edge of her desk before taking a seat across from her. “Well, I called him earlier, and he said he had to go to the courthouse in the county seat before he got to the office. Thought I would have a little talk with you before he arrives.”
Misty folded her hands on top of her desk. “What’s up?”
Big Jim gave her a long look. “I bet you have that all figured out, little missy.”
She smiled. “It’s about adopting my little brother, isn’t it?”
He nodded. “You’re too smart for your own good. I sure am glad you married my oldest son.”
“Me too.”
“So, are you okay with this adoption thing?”
She heaved a big sigh. “Yes, I am. It took a little getting used to, but when Mark came home with cuts and bruises, I was so hurt for him.” She spread her hands. “He looks up to you so much. You’re the father he’s never had.”
Much to Big Jim’s consternation, tears welled up in her large, dark eyes. As in most things female, he felt totally incapable of dealing with tears, especially with someone he loved. Her pain was his pain. “Uh…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…”
“Nooo, I’m not really upset. I was just thinking of my father. He was such a good man when my mother was alive…but he just sort of fell apart after…”
Big Jim could understand that. His own dear wife, Elizabeth, had been killed when the church bus rolled over returning from a retreat. Big Jim had wished it was he who had died. Too much pain. But when he saw his three young sons mourning their mother, he had to be strong. Unfortunately, Misty’s father had not been able to step up and be strong for his children. Poor Mark, the youngest, had not fared so well.
“It ain’t easy to survive the death of a loved one.” He gave her a nod. “You know that ‘death do us part’ stuff? Some of us take it real serious.”
Misty mopped at her eyes, smiling through her tears. “Thanks. I know you’re trying to give my dad an excuse for virtually abandoning us when Mom died. I appreciate your efforts.”
Big Jim tried to deny her assertions, but in his heart, he knew it was true. He had held the Dalton family in low regard due to the father’s usually drunken state. Now, he was trying to comfort Misty…who was his daughter too.
And there was Mark.
Just then, Breckenridge T. Ryan came through the front door, setting the little bell over the door clanking against the glass inset. “Sorry to keep you waiting, Big Jim. I trust that my intrepid office manager kept you entertained.” He tossed his hat on a bent-wood coatrack near the door and crossed the room to clasp Big Jim’s hand and pump it firmly. “Come on in my office and tell me what’s on your mind.” He breezed into his private office, removing his jacket as he walked.
Big Jim stood and reached across the desk for Misty’s hand. He raised it to his lips and delivered a soft kiss. “I am so glad Colton won your heart. You are a treasured part of my family…and so is Mark.”
Misty jumped out of her chair and came around the desk to throw her arms around his neck. She didn’t speak, but Big Jim shared her feelings.
He went into Breck’s office and took a chair. “What do I need to do to be able to legally adopt Misty’s little brother?”
Breck’s brows rose almost to his hairline. “You want to adopt?”
“Mark is a good kid. He needs to be a Garrett.” Big Jim raked a hand through his silvery hair. “What’s it gonna take to make it happen?”
Breck was still frowning. “To change his name will just involve a little paperwork and a few hundred dollars.” He reached for a legal pad and began making notes. “To actually adopt will take longer and involve more.”
“Well, why don’t you get started with the name change, and we can work on the adoption?” That made perfect sense to Big Jim. Take care of the boy and make sure he never got bullied again. His three sons had each other when they were in school; now, Mark needed strong family ties to give him the support he needed.
Breckenridge started taking notes, writing down full names and dates of birth. “So the boy will become Mark Alan Garrett and give up being Mark Alan Dalton?”
They spent a few minutes discussing the changes and then Big Jim left the office. He climbed in his truck, feeling that he had made the right decision. The family could always use another good man, even if he was only a boy.
* * *
When Jenn got back from her visit with Leah, she found Cade waiting for her. He was sitting on the steps to the front porch.
Seeing him caused a crushing sensation in her chest.
He got up and strode to Jenn’s car, his long legs taking him across the yard quickly. He opened her door and, without a word, leaned in for a kiss.
Apparently he was over his annoyance. He pulled her to her feet and delivered another soul-searing kiss. “Oh, babe. I’m sorry I was such an ass. I was just scared and took it out on you. Can you forgive me?” His amazing eyes, a smoky-turquoise blue with a darker blue around the edges, were fixed on her, as if she was the most precious thing in his life.
“No, I’m sorry. I was so rattled after the plane went down. I should have realized you were worried about me.”
“Let me help you with the kids.” He removed Lissy from her car seat and lifted her into his arms, while Jenn helped Leo climb out of his seat.
Once in the house, he helped her deal with the children, and when they had finally put them to bed, Cade pulled her into his arms. “Tired?�
�
“Yeah, a bit. I guess I’ve been a little fatigued after the plane went down. It was like all of my energy sort of got used up when I was so frightened.”
He brushed a strand of hair away from her face. “I’ll bet. I’ll go back to the ranch and let you get some rest.” He placed a kiss against her temple.
She wrapped her arms around his torso. “I was kind of hoping you would stay over.”
A wide grin spread across his face. “I was kind of hoping you would say that. I brought a brand-new toothbrush with me.”
Jenn stared at the plastic wrapped toothbrush, realizing it was a symbol of so much more. “You can put it right next to mine.”
* * *
The next morning, Cade left shortly after breakfast. Starting the day in the arms of the man she loved was the very best way, as far as Jenn knew. The children were so comfortable with him, it made Jenn realize they had created a family of sorts.
If only he would make it real. He didn’t have to get down on bended knee. All he needed to do was hint that he would like to marry her, and Jenn would jump on it. Confirmed bachelor? Maybe she was just a handy and willing sexual partner. Maybe he loved her, as he claimed. Was it a forever love?
Jenn and the children were on the wide front porch, playing with Minnie, when Pell drove up in his pickup truck. He was grinning as he swung out of the cab.
“Hey, Miss Jennifer. How are you doing this fine day?”
“You’re released from the hospital? That must be good news.”
He scruffled behind Minnie’s ears as he came up onto the porch. “I’m a hard man to kill.”
She gestured for him to sit beside her on the glider. “You must be. Come on up and have a glass of iced tea with me.”
“Sounds good. The sheriff confirmed that the fuel line had been cut, so it was sabotage.” He seated himself next to Jenn.
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you were able to land the plane.” She poured him a glass of tea and twisted a leaf of mint in it.
“Thanks. You know, I’ve been thinking. Maybe we could work together to run the airstrip. I know all about the mechanics, and you could run the office.” He looked at her hopefully.
“That sounds great, except I know nothing about running an office…and I have these two little charmers to tend to. Wish I had some talents to add to the mix.” She shrugged. “Maybe Cade has some secretarial skills.”
Pell laughed at that. “Maybe.”
“So, when you’re not flying around, what do you do?”
“I got a little farm. Nothin’ much, but it suits me and my herd.”
“You raise cattle?”
“Nope. I raise Angora goats. I shear them and take their wool to a lady over in Amarillo who spins it into yarn and sells it. She’s my partner in an online shop.” Lissy had crawled over to inspect his boots, and he lifted her into his lap. “It’s a nice little business.”
“Sounds like you enjoy it.” Jenn took a sip of her lemonade. “Sounds like it keeps you busy. Are you sure you would want to take on an airstrip?”
He snorted. “The goats get sheared once or twice a year. Other than that, I’m at loose ends. So, what do you think? Can we be partners too?”
Jenn pursed her lips. She knew there were some high-dollar offers on the table, and she was sure it would be best to choose the best offer and be done with it. But she thought Edgar Wayne Pell had the same kind of passion for the airstrip that her brother had. It would be nice to let it go to another avid airman.
* * *
When the school bell rang, Tyler Garrett was waiting outside the door of Mark’s classroom. He had been observing the boy through the glass inset in the door. He watched as Mark gathered his backpack and streamed out with the others when the door opened. Ty watched Mark’s face morph as he recognized the large person by the door.
“Tyler!”
“Hey, boy. You ready to head for the ranch?” Ty noted that the other children filing out were taking notice. He put his hand on Mark’s shoulder and the two of them were swept out the front doors by the crowd of emerging students.
When they were on the road, Tyler let Mark know that Big Jim had been to see Breckenridge Ryan and the options were to change Mark’s name to Garrett, which could happen right away, but the option to be adopted was also on the table. “So, it’s up to you, Mark. Big Jim can adopt you, and you will officially be my brother.”
“Just like Colt and Beau?” Mark’s large, dark eyes were shining.
“Just like them,” Tyler assured him.
“My sister said it’s okay.” Mark’s brow furrowed. “She and Colt said I need a father.”
“It’s all up to you. You just think about it and let me know.” When Tyler turned in at the Garrett ranch, he knew that he and Mark and Big Jim would talk it out over chores in the stable.
* * *
The next day, Jenn dropped the children off at the church day care and planned to drive out to Cade’s ranch. It was about time she made a booty call.
On her return to the house, she made sure she had the proper bait to land a confirmed bachelor cowboy.
She was looking particularly gorgeous and wearing the clothing he found most appealing: boots, jeans, and a knit T-shirt. She spritzed herself with a lovely scent, and her hair was soft and free.
When she heard a knock at her front door, she thought perhaps the object of her affection had flown into her web. Jenn wore a wide grin when she threw the door open. Her grin froze on her face when she recognized her caller. “Maggie?”
Magdalena Swearingen stood on her front porch looking irritated. “You are messing with the wrong woman, Jennifer LaChance. I told you that it would be in your best interests to make sure I could buy the airstrip, but apparently you didn’t believe me.”
Jenn stared at the irate woman, unable to comprehend the source of her anger. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Would you like to come inside and tell me what has you so upset?”
Maggie stormed inside, huffing as she entered. “Upset? You call this upset? You haven’t seen upset yet.” She turned abruptly, glaring at Jenn with venom in her eyes.
Jenn’s stomach did a tumble and roll. “Um…would you like to sit down and have some iced tea?”
“Oh, hell no! This is not a social call.”
Jenn was a woman who knew anger, and hers was heating up fast. “Look, I have no idea why you’re here and what has your panties in a twist, but I was just going out.”
Maggie tilted her head to one side and made a face, mocking Jenn. “Oh, you were just going out, were you?” She jabbed her finger at Jenn. “You are not going to ruin my deal. I have a lot riding on it.”
Jenn took a step back. “What deal are you talking about? We have no deal. The decision about the airstrip will be made by Cade and the lawyer. I’m going to go with their recommendation.”
“Not what I heard,” Maggie said. “I heard that you were all sentimental about the property and didn’t plan to sell.”
Jenn pressed her lips tight together. “Who told you that?”
Maggie’s eyes were slits, glowering spitefully. “Your dear friend Edgar Wayne Pell. He said he asked you to partner with him. You’re too attached to the place because of your dear brother, Jason.” She practically spat out his name. “I tried to make a deal with Jason too, but he wasn’t interested in selling at any price.”
A tingling sensation coiled around Jenn’s spine. “You tried to buy the airstrip from Jason?”
Maggie paced around Jenn’s living room, hands on her hips. “I made him a very generous offer, but he wasn’t at all interested. Said it was the family business and he wanted to hand it down to his children.”
Jenn could see Jason telling her that. He was proud of the enterprise he had built, and he was all about family. It seemed her heart was ab
out to squeeze out of her chest. She realized this woman was the incarnation of evil. “What did you do to my brother?”
“Me?” Maggie placed her hand on her chest. “I did nothing…but my mechanic did a little alteration to Jason’s plane. I didn’t know his wife would be with him. I figured she would be a pushover and sell out immediately.”
Jenn had wanted to know the truth about her brother’s death, and now it was staring her in the face…or rather, glaring. “And you tried to kill Mr. Pell.”
Maggie shrugged. “Get rid of the local competition. No one in the community would miss him.”
Jenn felt her lip quivering. “Why are you telling me this? You know I will go straight to the sheriff.”
Maggie’s face morphed from anger to amusement. “You think?” She let out a huff of laughter. “You are the single impediment standing between me and the deal that will make my father respect me.”
“I don’t know what makes you think I can make your father respect you, but you need to get out of my house. You need to go now!” Jenn took a few steps to the door and wrenched it open, hoping Maggie would take her leave with no further incident.
“Yeah, I’m ready to leave, but you’re coming with me.” She produced a small handgun, pointing it at Jenn’s midsection. “Go on out to my car.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you.”
The corners of Maggie’s mouth turned up in a wry semblance of a smile. “Really? I was hoping you wouldn’t get blood all over my car. I just had it detailed. Now start walking.”
Slowly, Jenn raised her hands and stepped out onto the porch.
Maggie gestured with the gun for her to go down the steps and toward the silver BMW waiting at the curb.
“Get in,” Maggie said. “No, not in the car. Get in the trunk.”
Chapter 29
Jenn’s heart thudded against her ribs. She couldn’t tell where they were going, but they were definitely on the highway. The difference between the poorly maintained streets of Langston and the smooth interstate was easy to identify. Now she was being held in the trunk of a crazy women who was definitely speeding down the highway. She tried to straighten her legs, but there was a full-size tire in the trunk, and it was wedged against her back.