Love's Journey

by Carrie Carr

  "My sister is a perfect example, too," Jeannie chimed in. "She's been getting into trouble since she was old enough to walk." Her husband snickered, but refrained from adding any comments.

  Anna Leigh laughed at the indignant look on her granddaughter's face. "That's a fact."

  "Gramma!" Amanda squeaked.

  Jacob Cauble joined in. "It's true, honey, and you know it. Our summers were always full of excitement with you around." He waited until he had everyone else's attention. "She had this knack of being in the wrong place at the wrong time."

  Lex raised her head. "Oh, really? Care to elaborate, Jacob?" An elbow to her ribs caused the amused woman to grunt. "What?"

  "I'm going to get you, Slim," Amanda threatened. Their entwined hands caught her attention. The antique ring on her left hand glittered brightly, and Amanda suddenly forgot why she was angry.

  When the entire family had arrived for Christmas dinner, the first thing Jeannie noticed was the striking necklace around her sister's throat. Amanda had explained its significance, and Jeannie squealed with delight. She made her sister promise to fill in all the details later.

  Lex had accepted everyone's congratulations with quiet dignity and while holding onto Amanda tightly. She allowed the family to also ooh and aah over her own ring, which sparkled brightly on her left hand.

  Amanda gave an encouraging squeeze to the hand she was holding and got a smile in return.

  Jeannie giggled as she recalled a story she wanted to share. "Maybe we should tell Lex about the time Mandy ran away from home." The rest of her family moaned in remembrance.

  "It wasn't my fault!" Amanda exclaimed. "It could have happened to anyone."

  "Uh-huh." Jeannie looked at Anna Leigh, who shook her head. "Let me see. She was about ten or eleven, I think. We were here for some sort of family reunion or something."

  Michael cleared his throat. He had been quietly enjoying the conversation, but decided it was time to join in. "I believe it was for Mom and Dad's anniversary."

  "Thirty-fifth," Jacob related proudly, pulling his wife closer and kissing the side of her head gently.

  "Right. Where was I?" Jeannie ignored her sister's outraged look. "Anyway, Mother and Mandy had gotten into an argument, although I can't remember now what it was about."

  Amanda sighed. "She was angry because I had been climbing the tree in the back yard, and she kept telling me it wasn't ladylike." A snicker from behind her caused her to turn around slightly. "Watch it."

  "Sorry," Lex whispered. "But you were a kid. How can she get on you about something like that?" She was amazed at how well Amanda turned out, considering her family background.

  "Ahem." Jeannie glared at the couple, and flipped her auburn hair back over her shoulder. "Excuse me. I'm trying to tell a story here."

  "Sorry, Jeannie, go ahead." Lex raised one hand from where it was tucked against her partner and waved at Jeannie in a shooing motion. "We'll behave. For now," she finished in a quiet whisper, just loud enough for Amanda to hear and causing her partner to giggle again.

  "Thank you," Jeannie nodded regally. She ignored the round of chuckles and snickers, and continued her story. "Mandy was so upset with Mother she decided to run away from home. She packed a paper sack with some things and took off through the back gate. No one realized she had left, so she had several hours head start on the rest of us."

  Travis had been listening intently. "Where on earth would a young girl run off to in Somerville? There aren't many places to go." He noticed that Amanda ducked, as if she wanted to disappear.

  Michael shook his head. "Amanda was always resourceful, even as a child. She'd find the darndest things to get into."

  "That's an understatement." Jeannie went back into storyteller mode. "I'm not sure how she found it, but Mandy ended up at the train yard. She must have decided to play hobo, because she climbed into one of the empty cars and fell asleep."

  "Oh, no." Martha's eyes widened at the scene in her head. "It wasn't attached to a train, was it?"

  Jeannie nodded. "It sure was. I guess they didn't have too many problems with people sneaking aboard, because no one checked the cars for stowaways. Mandy was completely exhausted and didn't wake up until the train stopped. She must have raised a fuss because one of the men unloading the cars found her flipping out."

  "I wasn't flipping out," Amanda countered. "I was just a little bit scared. How was I supposed to know the darn thing would end up in Houston?"

  Charlie laughed. "Good grief. That's quite a trip." He tightened his grip on Martha and looked over at Amanda. "What did you do?"

  "I--umm--cried for my daddy," Amanda admitted, embarrassed. "But the guy who found me was nice, and he took me into an office to call my family." She shook her head. "Unfortunately, I couldn't remember the number to Gramma's house, but they did call the local police and got hold of them."

  Ronnie turned his attention to Michael. "I bet she was in a heap of trouble, wasn't she?" He knew if he had pulled a stunt like that, his father would have probably beaten him within an inch of his life.

  "That's putting it mildly," Michael agreed. "I'm afraid I didn't handle the whole thing very well."

  Once he and his parents had made it to the train yard, Michael was livid. His daughter had caused him to waste an entire day, and she was filthy. When she climbed into his arms, Michael was more worried about the stains on his expensive suit than his child's welfare. On the way back to the car, he had spanked her hard enough for Amanda to fall to the ground, skin her hands, and cry. His father had taken him to task, further upsetting him.

  Michael felt the shame of his actions, as if the incident had happened yesterday. I can't believe how I treated her. Yet, she loves me. "I'm so sorry, Amanda," he whispered. Her eyes showed nothing but love and regret.

  "Hey, how about some cobbler?" Martha rose from her place next to Charlie and rubbed her hands together. "I've even got some homemade vanilla ice cream to put on top of it." She led the exodus from the room, but Michael, Amanda and Lex stayed behind.

  Lex stood behind Amanda, who had quickly crossed the room to stand face to face with Michael. She placed her hands on Amanda's shoulders in a comforting gesture. "Do you--?"

  "Yeah. I'll be right there, love," Amanda whispered, gently dismissing her partner. Lex nodded and left the room quietly. "Dad--"

  Michael held up his hand. "Wait. Hear me out. I've done many things in my life I'm not very proud of. Most of them have to do with the way I raised my children." He saw the tears begin to fill Amanda's eyes. "But, throughout it all, I've always loved you. I guess I just didn't show it too well. Forgive me?"

  Amanda took another step forward and wrapped her arms around him. "There's nothing to forgive. I've always loved you, too." She felt his arms circle her and leaned into the embrace. "I've never felt anything but love from you. We've had our differences in the past, but I'd like to think we can move on from here." After a few moments, both had calmed down and stepped back. "Want to join me for some cobbler and ice cream?"

  "Sure. Sounds good to me." Michael followed his daughter thinking just how lucky a man he was. I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you, sweetheart. I promise.

  A HEAVY POUNDING from downstairs awakened Lex from a sound sleep. "Huh? What the hell?" She sat up in bed and ran a hand through her disheveled hair, and spared a look at her lover. Lex had unceremoniously dumped Amanda from her comfortable resting spot when she had practically sprung from the bed.

  "Lex? What's going on?" Amanda asked, rubbing her eyes like a sleepy child. She stretched and sat up. "Is someone at the front door?" The loud noise continued while Lex crawled out of bed and slipped on her boxer shorts and tee shirt.

  "Yeah, sounds like it." Lex glanced over at the alarm clock next to the bed. "This had better be good to get me up at two-thirty in the damn morning. Although I have a good idea who it is, the worthless pain in the ass."

  "Let me get dressed, and I'll go with you." Amanda started to get out
of bed, but stopped when her lover raised a hand.

  "Nah, it's probably nothing. You just keep my place warm." Lex started toward the closed door when a voice from the hallway caused her to pause.

  "Lexie? Are you awake?" She could hear Travis' worried voice beyond the door. "What is that awful racket?"

  Lex opened the door and bit back a grin. Her grandfather's normally neat hair was standing in every direction. "I don't know. I think it's just someone at the front door." She stood beside him and put her hand on his shoulder. "Why don't you go back to bed, and I'll take care of it." Stifling a yawn, Lex walked past Travis and started down the stairs. A moment later, two bodies were right behind her. "Come on, y'all. I think I can answer the door by myself."

  Travis patted her on the back. "I'm sure you can. But I'm curious as to who would be out there this time of night." He continued to follow Lex down the stairs with Amanda right behind him.

  As they neared the door, Lex could hear muffled curses from outside. "Gee, what a surprise," she muttered as she opened the door. "Merry Christmas, Hubert."

  "Kiss my ass, Lex." The big man pushed his way past his sister and spun around to face her, oblivious to the two people standing at the foot of the stairs. "What the hell is this?" He shook his fist in her face, almost cutting her with the wadded piece of paper he held.

  "Looks like a piece of paper to me, Hube." Lex graced her brother with a smirk, enjoying taunting him. She never saw him reach for her.

  The enraged man grabbed Lex's shoulders and shoved her against the closed door. Hubert leaned in so close she could smell the tequila on his breath. "I should have gotten rid of you when I had the chance, little sister. You've been a thorn in my side my entire life." He shifted his hold so his left arm was against her throat and he could pull back his right fist.

  Taken by surprise, Lex used both hands to pry his arm from her windpipe. He had her off balance, and the startled woman could barely keep her footing. She could feel herself getting dizzy from lack of oxygen, and spots began to fill her vision. Damn.

  "Not so fast, son." Travis stepped behind his grandson and grabbed his poised hand. "I think you've caused enough trouble for one lifetime, don't you think?"

  "Who the hell do you think you are? Back off, old man!" Hubert released his hold on Lex, and spun around to confront the man holding his arm. "You?"

  Amanda rushed over to where Lex was now kneeling, gasping for air and rubbing her aching throat. "God, Lex--are you okay?" She dropped to her knees and put an arm around her partner's shoulders. She could feel Lex fighting to draw air back into her lungs.

  "Yeah," Lex croaked. "Just caught me off guard. Help me up, will you?"

  Travis loosened his grip on the bigger man's hand and stepped back a pace to keep from taking a swing at his grandson. "Hello, Hubert. It's been a while." He looked at Lex, whom Amanda was helping to her feet. "Are you okay?"

  "Just ducky." Lex cleared her throat and glared at her brother. "This is becoming a habit with you, Hubert. What the hell are you doing out here this time of night? Can't you visit during the daytime like a normal person?"

  "Bitch." Hubert started forward but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. "Let go of me, you old fart, before I forget we're related and kick your ass."

  "I don't think you want to try to do that, buddy," Kevin growled from the staircase. He was wearing only a pair of flannel pajama bottoms, and in the dim light, his normally genial face was marred by anger. The muscles in his arms bulged as he gripped the banister to control his temper. Morris was standing behind him with an equally outraged look on his face. They had heard the commotion and decided to come downstairs to investigate.

  Hubert glared at the newcomers. "Who the hell are you?"

  Lex had regained her voice. "They're family, Hubert. Now, you going to tell me what your problem is this time, or do I have to try to guess?"

  "Family? They look like a couple of--"

  Amanda cut off Hubert's nasty retort. "Why don't we all go into the living room where it's more comfortable?" She offered, wrapping a protective arm around her lover's waist. "It's a bit chilly here in the hall." Lex looks as if she's about to remove Hubert's head from his shoulders. Although it might be an improvement.

  Lex started to lead the way, shaking her head when Hubert pushed past them to step into the den. "After you, brother dear," she rasped, her throat aching from the abuse it had taken.

  The angry man took off his coat and tossed it on the back of the sofa. "Why don't you rustle up some coffee, sweet thing?" he sneered at Amanda. His bloodshot eyes raked over her scantily clad body. The brightly colored robe barely concealed the long tee shirt she wore.

  "Back off, Hube." Lex was fighting herself, wanting to make him pay for his condescending remark to her lover. Promise or not, if he keeps looking at Amanda, I'm going to pull him outside and kick his ass.

  Hubert dropped onto the nearby chair and glared at his sister. "You going to tell me why you did it?"

  "What was it I am supposed to have done?"

  He wadded the paper and threw it at her. "Read for yourself."

  "Is everything okay in here?" Morris asked, standing in the doorway. Kevin stood behind him with a possessive hand on his shoulder.

  Amanda pointed to the large man sprawled on the overstuffed chair. "Yes, but I don't think you've been introduced. This is Lex's brother, Hubert."

  Lex caught the balled up paper and opened it. A counter suit? Oops. Looks like Melvin has been working some overtime. "Couldn't this have waited until morning?"

  "You rotten bitch," Hubert jumped from his seat. "Are you trying to ruin our family's reputation? This is bullshit, and you know it."

  "What reputation? I think you and Dad took care of that a long time ago." Lex stepped forward until she was nose to nose with her brother. "Now you listen to me. I want you out of this house and off my property in the next five minutes, or I'll have your sorry ass thrown in jail for trespassing. You got it?"

  Hubert's face turned deep red, and he clenched his fists in rage. "I'll get you for this, Lex." He grabbed the coat his sister shoved at him. The furious man stomped from the room, slamming the front door on his way out.

  "Well, that was fun." Lex walked over to the front window and watched as her brother's expensive car raced from the drive. "What an ass." Lex turned away from the dark view when she felt Amanda's touch on her back. She read the concern in Amanda's eyes and smiled to reassure her. "He sure knows how to liven a holiday, doesn't he?"

  Travis stepped beside the two women, fury clouding his features. "He ought to be horse whipped," he grumbled, raising a hand and lightly tracing the angry red marks on his granddaughter's throat.

  "It's okay." Lex captured his hand and squeezed it. "Doesn't even hurt."

  Morris cleared his throat. "Why don't we all go back upstairs and try to get some sleep?" he suggested to the group. "As much as I enjoy everyone's company, three o'clock in the morning is a bit early."

  Lex fought back a yawn. "Sounds good to me. Although I should stay awake and get all the books organized before Monday." While over at the Braxton farm, Lex had listened to the old man brag about his granddaughter. She had recently moved back to the farm with him after living in Wisconsin and working as an accountant for her mother's company. She was tired of the snow and ice and decided to move back to Texas where her father lived. For the time being, she helped in her father's office, but wanted to start building her own clientele so she could work independently.

  "Right. Mr. Braxton's granddaughter is coming out Monday morning, isn't she?" Amanda was glad they were handing over the books to a professional.

  Travis put his arm around Lex and steered her toward the door. "You can work on it later. For now, why don't you go upstairs get some rest? I heard from Lester last night, and he said all the ranch hands were back--so they'll take care of the stock today."

  "Well--I--" Lex shook her head. "There's quite a bit to do around here today. I can't expect them to do
all my work for me." She leaned into his strong body as a wave of fatigue washed over her. I need to go to the bunkhouse and talk to the guys about not getting the roads graded before they left. Somebody is in trouble for that one.

  "That's what you pay them for, isn't it? Lexie, you have to quit working yourself into the ground. There is a ranch full of men who are more than capable of doing the work, or you wouldn't have them around. Let them do their job." He turned slightly and winked at Amanda, who was having a quiet conversation with her uncle. She waved discreetly in his direction. Travis continued to lead Lex from the room, pulling her closer and talking quietly in her ear. "You've finally found someone to share your life. I think Amanda deserves more of your attention, don't you?"

  Lex closed her eyes briefly. "She deserves everything I can give her. It's just I don't want to get lazy. And it would be easy to do if I let the guys do all the work around here." She opened her eyes and realized they were standing by her bedroom door. "How did you do that? I don't even remember walking up the stairs."

  Travis laughed at the look on her face. "See? You are tired." He brushed the hair away from her eyes. "You could never be lazy. I have a feeling that's more of Rawson talking than you. God knows, he thought he was the only person in the world who ever worked for a living."

  "Thanks." Lex leaned in as he kissed her forehead. She wrapped her arms around him and squeezed. "I'm glad you're here."

  "Me too, Lexie. Now go to bed, and I'll see you later." He placed another kiss on her head and walked to his own room.

  Amanda met Travis in the hall. "Is everything okay?"

  "I just had to talk some sense into my stubborn grandchild. I don't know where she gets it from," he joked. "You're looking a bit tired, yourself. I'll see you in the morning." Travis accepted her hug. "Or maybe afternoon."

  "That sounds like a great idea. I'll see if I can keep her in bed." Amanda blushed when she realized how it sounded. "I mean, I'll try to make sure Lex gets some rest. Goodnight." She waved at the chuckling man and quickly escaped to the master bedroom.