by Lara Lacombe
“Promise.”
Chapter 10
“Do you have to go?” Isabel stood in the barn, watching Wyatt as he saddled Ajax. Dust motes and bits of horsehair drifted in the morning light, but she only had eyes for Wyatt.
They’d slept in each other’s arms last night and it had been the best rest she’d had in years. He’d woken early with her to help her check the cows—none were in labor yet, but it was just a matter of time.
Maria had cooked a large breakfast and, while she hadn’t directly commented on the turn in their relationship, her frequent smiles and knowing looks made it clear she approved. Even Abuelo had given them his blessing, shuffling over to the table to lay one hand on Isabel’s shoulder and the other on Wyatt’s. He’d squeezed gently, nodded once and taken his place at the head of the table.
Isabel appreciated the gestures of support. Even though she didn’t require her family’s permission, it meant a lot to know they approved of Wyatt.
Diego had been missing from the breakfast table, but she still held out hope he would come around. Her brother wasn’t known for a cooperative spirit, but Isabel trusted Wyatt’s judgment that eventually Diego would see there was no need to make things difficult.
Maria agreed. “You know your brother,” she’d said, patting Wyatt on the shoulder as she’d moved behind him. “He always has to take the long way around to a conclusion.”
Their bellies full, Isabel and Wyatt had helped clean the kitchen. Now, having run out of delaying tactics, it was time for him to go, and she waited for his answer to her question about his need to leave.
He glanced over, his blue eyes shiny with longing. “You know I do.”
“Yeah.” She exhaled and leaned over the stall door. “I just wish you didn’t.”
“Me, too.” He bent over, lifted one of Ajax’s feet and inspected the hoof. “I’ll ask for more time off later. But I need to get back to real life, and you do, too.”
She knew he was right, but the idea of falling back into her usual routine was unappealing. Now that she and Wyatt had reconnected, she wanted to spend all her time with him. Ten years apart added up to a lot of missed moments and she had every intention of making them up.
“Besides,” Wyatt continued, moving on to check another foot, “I think Diego will cool down faster if I’m not always here.”
A sudden spurt of anger made Isabel push off the stall door. “I don’t care,” she declared hotly. “He can grow up and deal with his emotions like an adult, the way the rest of us do. I’m not going to cast my own happiness aside just because he’s acting like a spoiled child.”
Wyatt released Ajax’s leg and straightened. “I’m not suggesting that,” he said mildly. “But it’s only been two days. We need to figure out a routine that works for us. You and me,” he added hastily, seeing her brows rise. “As much as I want to spend every minute with you, I have to work. So do you. We’ll come up with a schedule that accommodates us both.”
Isabel knew he was right. She knew it was unreasonable to think they’d be inseparable from here on out. But her heart wanted what it wanted and it wasn’t interested in listening to reason.
“What time will you be off work tonight?” she said. “Maybe I can come to you this time?” She knew he lived at a campsite for park employees, but she’d never had occasion to go there.
He finished checking the horse’s hooves and walked to the stall door. “That would be nice. We still have to come up with a plan for the ranch that doesn’t involve drilling. I want to help with that.” He reached up to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. “Do you know where to find me?”
She nodded. “Panther Junction, right?”
“That’s the place.” He gave her directions to his cabin. “How about six tonight? I should be home by then.”
“All right.” Knowing she was going to see him again in a few hours made it a little easier to say goodbye now.
She unlatched the door and stepped aside to allow Wyatt to lead Ajax out of the stall. The horse gave her a friendly sniff as he walked past.
“Is it my imagination or has he put on a little weight in the past two days?” Now that they were out of the barn, she could see Ajax’s whole body in the sun. He was a beautiful animal, powerfully built but still graceful. Much like his rider, she mused.
Wyatt smacked the horse’s rump affectionately. “He’s had it easy, hanging out with Miel and eating his fill of hay. Ruben said they put him out to pasture yesterday, but that’s not enough exercise for this boy.”
“How are you getting back to the park?”
Wyatt reached into his pocket. “Your grandfather told me about a gate in the fence a few miles out. He gave me this, told me to keep it.” He pulled out a small key, shiny in the morning light.
Isabel nodded, pleased to see it. “If Abuelo told you to keep it, then he trusts you.”
Wyatt smiled broadly. “I know. It means a lot to me.”
“You’re as good as family now.”
His smile turned sly. “But still adopted, right? Because otherwise, this would be weird.” He pulled her close, dropping his head to kiss her.
Isabel gripped his shoulders, kissing him back for all she was worth. He tasted of sweet coffee and a subtle spice that was his alone. The potent combination made her head spin. What was it about this man that was so intoxicating? He had only to look at her and the world around them disappeared.
All too soon, the kiss was over. “Well,” he said, a little breathless. “Remind me not to make that mistake again. I can’t remember why I need to leave when you respond like that.”
Isabel laughed and placed her palm on his chest. “Just trying to give you something to remember me by.” She swiped her thumb across his nipple in a teasing stroke that made him suck in a breath.
“There’s no chance of me forgetting you,” he growled. He held her gaze for a moment then turned away with a shudder of effort. “No more distractions,” he said, though she wasn’t sure if he was talking to himself or to her.
He climbed up into the saddle easily, gathering the reins in one hand. “Tonight,” he said, staring down at her.
She nodded, a silent promise.
With a final smile, he looked up and nudged Ajax into a walk. But just as soon as the horse began to move, Wyatt pulled back on the reins.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” He cursed, shaking his head in disgust.
Isabel turned around, wondering what had caused such a sudden change in his mood. Then she let out her own string of profanity.
Two vehicles were driving up the private ranch road, a cloud of dust trailing behind them. Gabriel’s truck was in the lead, followed by a gray truck with a decal on the door. Even from this distance, she recognized the logo for the Praline Energy Corporation.
“Great,” she muttered. Just what they needed today—a clutch of unwelcome visitors.
She glanced back at Wyatt. She hated to keep him from his work much longer, but it would be nice to have his help.
“Do you think—”
He swung his leg over Ajax’s back before she could even finish the question. “Of course I’ll stay,” he said. “Give me a hand?”
They returned to the barn where she helped him remove the saddle and bridle from his horse. He slipped a lead over Ajax’s head. “Let’s turn him out here,” she suggested, guiding the pair toward a nearby pasture. Ajax waited patiently as they opened the gate and then entered with a friendly nicker to the other animals inside.
“All right,” Wyatt said. “Let’s do this.”
They walked over to the house, arriving just as Gabriel and the second truck pulled up. Isabel took Wyatt’s hand and climbed the porch steps to stand by the door. It was a small thing, but she wanted to be taller than these men, if only for a moment.
Gabriel climbed out, did another slow survey of th
e house and the nearby pastures.
“You’re back,” Wyatt said, his tone easy.
Gabriel nodded. “Good to see you again. Sister,” he added, with a small smirk.
Isabel pressed her lips together but didn’t reply.
The men from the energy company approached the porch. “Ms. Cruz. Is your grandfather available? Or perhaps your brother?”
She stepped forward. “It’s Dr. Cruz,” she said icily. “And no, they’re not free at the moment. What do you need?”
“Actually, I’m right here,” Gabriel said.
The man looked surprised. “Oh, I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Robert Anderson. This is my associate Gavin Brewster.” The men all shook hands.
“Gabriel Richardson Cruz,” he replied smoothly. “The long-lost brother.”
Isabel’s anger built as she watched the three of them talk, these self-appointed masters of the universe who thought they could come onto her family’s property and discuss its future as though she wasn’t even there.
Gabriel’s expression turned calculating when he heard about the energy company’s attempt to buy the ranch’s mineral rights.
Great, she thought to herself. Now he’ll be even more insufferable.
“Excuse me.” When they continued talking, she cleared her throat and tried again, louder this time.
All three of them turned to look at her. “None of you are welcome here. You.” She pointed to Gabriel. “You have not yet proven your connection to this family. I’d advise you not to insert yourself into Cruz family business until you are legally able to do so.” She turned to the energy company representatives next. “And as for you gentlemen, we will be in touch when we have made a decision.”
“Ms. Cruz,” said Robert, stepping forward. “Uh, Dr. Cruz,” he hastily amended after a glance at her face. “We’re here because the terms of the offer have changed. We were hoping to discuss them with you all.”
Of course, she thought sourly. It was just as she’d feared—they were going to rescind their offer. But as much as she’d like to discuss it with them, she wasn’t in the habit of conducting business on the porch.
And certainly not in front of strangers.
“It seems you’ve wasted a trip,” she said. Maybe, by stalling, she could convince her grandfather and brother to make a counterproposal so they could still get some money. “Next time, pick up the phone and make an appointment.”
Robert and Gavin exchanged a look. “Well, ma’am, that’s the thing,” said Gavin. “We’re required to provide you with a written copy of the new offer and to make sure you understand the new terms.” He held up a manila folder.
Isabel marched over and took it from him. “We’ll look over the paperwork and call if we have any questions.”
“But, Miss—”
“Goodbye,” she said firmly.
When they hesitated, Wyatt moved behind her. “Gentlemen,” he said, his voice low. “You’ve been dismissed.”
After an awkward pause, the pair walked back to their truck. A few seconds later they were driving away, their tires kicking up dust.
Isabel eyed Gabriel, who hadn’t moved. “That goodbye applies to you, as well.”
“Don’t be so uptight, sis.” He stepped forward.
Wyatt appeared at her side, making Gabriel pause. “The lady asked you to leave.”
Gabriel tilted his head back to take Wyatt’s measure. “Who are you, exactly? And what’s your connection to the family?”
Isabel spoke before Wyatt could respond. “That’s not your concern.” She certainly wasn’t going to explain anything to Gabriel, nor did she appreciate his assumption that he had a right to that information.
Gabriel gave Wyatt one last look before turning to Isabel. “I need to speak to Jose. Where is he?”
“As I said before,” she replied, tightening her grip on her temper, “he’s not available. Leave a message.”
Gabriel snorted in disgust. “Fine, have it your way,” he muttered. “Here.” He pulled a folded sheaf of papers from his back pocket and thrust them forward. “From my attorney.”
“Oh?” She glanced at them, but she didn’t have enough experience with legalese to immediately understand what they said.
“It’s a court order,” he explained. “Preventing you all from making changes to the structure of the Cruz family trust until the details of my relationship to the family are established.” She glanced up in surprise, and he gave her a thin smile. “Just in case you thought you could cut me out before I prove I’m a Cruz.”
“We weren’t going to try.”
He laughed. “Sure. You might think that way, but I know Diego is racking his brain to come up with a way to get rid of me. And now that I know my share is worth more than I initially thought, I can’t say that I blame him.”
“I could always shoot you.” Diego strolled onto the porch, a shotgun in one hand and a bag in the other. The barrel was pointed to the ground, but Isabel tensed instinctively. Once again, her brother had decided to overreact.
Gabriel shifted, his eyes never leaving the gun. “Is that right?” He sounded a little uneasy, as though he thought Diego was just crazy enough to do it.
At least he’s not a total idiot, Isabel thought. He knows better than to poke the bear.
“Oh, yeah.” Diego nodded. “The way I see it, we’ve got a lot of land out here.” He paused, stared at Gabriel. “A lot,” he repeated for emphasis. “And seeing as how you’re all alone in the world, I doubt anyone would miss you.”
Isabel tried not to roll her eyes at her brother’s theatrics. Diego was hotheaded, but he wasn’t a murderer.
Keeping his eyes on Gabriel, Diego disassembled the gun and began to clean the barrel.
“That’s the thing, though,” Gabriel said.
Isabel couldn’t help but notice that he’d waited to respond until he was in no danger of being shot.
“I’m not alone,” he continued. “Like it or not, I’m one of you. And I’m ready to take a DNA test to prove it. I’d hoped to talk to Jose about that, but a sample from you would work just as well.”
“I’m busy.”
“It doesn’t have to be now,” Gabriel said.
“I’ll be busy for a while.”
Wyatt made a soft sound of amusement and Isabel bit her lip to keep from smiling. Mule-headed was too weak a term for her brother.
“I’ll do it.” Abuelo stood just inside the house, his face obscured by the screen door. “What do you need?”
A look of relief crossed Gabriel’s face. “Just a cheek swab.”
“Fine.” Abuelo stepped onto the porch and cast a dark look at Diego, who was now reassembling the rifle. “Where do we go?”
“There’s a place in Alpine,” Gabriel said. “I might be able to have them send someone out here, so you don’t have to make the trip.”
“No, I will go,” said Abuelo. He turned to Isabel. “Drive me, please?”
“Of course.” She glanced at Gabriel. “Where is it?”
He tapped on his phone for a minute then turned the screen to face her. “Just here. You can follow me there.” Now that he was no longer facing off with Diego, he was a lot more pleasant.
She glanced at her grandfather, who nodded. “Give us a few minutes,” she said. She took a step toward the house, but before she reached the door the walkie-talkie on Diego’s hip squawked to life.
“Diego, come in.” It was Ruben, and he sounded flustered.
“I’m here. What’s going on?”
“I found more cyanide traps,” he said, his tone grim.
Isabel’s heart dropped. Behind her, Wyatt sucked in a breath.
“Don’t touch them!” Diego commanded. “Just stay put. I’m coming to you.”
Ruben rattled off his location. “Bring the truck,” h
e said grimly. “We’ve lost several more animals.”
* * *
“You don’t have to do this.” Isabel glanced at him then went back to tightening the straps on Miel’s saddle.
“The hell I don’t,” Wyatt replied roughly. “I don’t want you anywhere near those traps. If you’re going, so am I.”
She lifted her foot and placed it in one stirrup then climbed on top of the horse. “Just out of curiosity,” she said, regarding him from her now lofty height. “What are you going to do? Throw yourself on top of the trap to keep me safe?”
“If that’s what it takes,” he grumbled. He mounted Ajax and now it was his turn to look down at her. “Everyone out there is going to be worried about the cattle. Someone’s got to be focused on you.”
Her eyes softened. “I’ll be fine,” she said.
“I know,” he replied. “Because I’ll be there to make sure of it.”
“But what about your job? I don’t want you to get in trouble because you’re not back in the park yet.”
He waved away her objection. “Let me worry about that. I already radioed in. They understand.” And even if they hadn’t given him the go-ahead for more time off? He’d still be right there, making sure she was safe.
She didn’t look convinced.
“I’m not leaving you,” he said firmly. “You seem to have forgotten that you were lying in a hospital bed a mere twenty-four hours ago. And while you might be feeling fine now, your doctors did tell you to take it easy for the next few days. I doubt riding several miles on horseback in the heat to examine animals who likely died from cyanide poisoning qualifies as rest.”
Isabel gave him a mock glare. “You’re as bad as Maria,” she muttered. But he saw the smile she tried to hide as she turned away.
“And you’re as stubborn as your grandfather.” The old man had insisted on driving out to the site with Diego, and no amount of argument had been able to persuade him to stay home.
This time, she didn’t try to hide her smile. “Guilty as charged.” She nudged Miel into a walk and Wyatt followed suit. “They’ve made it work for years. Maybe that’s a good sign for us?”