Small Town, Big Secrets

by Elsie Davis

  Back in his office, he closed the door, not wanting anyone to hear his call with Jerry. It was enough his father’s parting comment left him wondering just how much the Judge knew, but clearly, it wasn’t enough to call him out for anything. But when he learned the truth about what Steve was up to, Judge Parker would have plenty to say and none of it good. And it would come out sooner or later. He wasn’t naive about small-town gossip channels.

  Steve had firmly pitted himself on the opposite team and was willing to put an end to any shenanigans from the Judge’s wealthy cronies trying to get wealthier. His phone rang, and Jerry’s name popped up on the screen.

  “Hey, there. What did you find out?” Steve asked, getting straight to the point. They weren’t scheduled for another meeting for a week, so this had to be important. He hoped the bank wasn’t making another move so soon.

  “That’s one of the things I like about you—straight and to the point. The Cattleman’s Association called a special meeting last night, and we have a proposal for you.”

  “I’m listening.” Steve glanced out the window of his office, watching the usual flurry of activity.

  “You know the issues we have going on with the local bank, but we aren’t the only place this is happening. I’m getting more calls and it seems whoever’s doing this is getting more aggressive and starting to spread their borders outside Tumble County.”

  “I’m looking into it, and you know I’m doing the best I can, but I can’t promise funding for the entire state. We agreed to limit it to the county, at least until more funds were resourced to help out the interim loans.”

  “I know, and that agreement stands. It’s also why the Association wants to put you on a retainer to work for us full-time. You could set up an office here, keep your finger on the pulse better, and learn more. I know all about the election, and I realize this is poor timing, but we wanted you to know all your options before you went through with the election. There are several people who can take your place on the D.A.’s platform, but none who can do what you’re willing to do to help those in need of legal assistance. Think of how much more you could do for the people of Texas than sitting behind the cloak of the D.A.’s office.” Jerry dropped the bomb without hesitation, using more than a little persuasion in his tone.

  But give up on the election? The idea is ludicrous. “I couldn’t possibly walk away now. I mean, it sounds like a great opportunity to go out on my own, and the Association would be a huge client to get started, but that’s not my goal. My goal is the judge’s seat, and that requires me to put in my time as D.A.”

  “I told them you’d say that, but I also told them I’d present the idea. Speaking of the judge, how is your father?”

  “Crafty and miserable as always.” It might be his father he was talking about, but that didn’t stop Steve from speaking the truth.

  “And that’s what you want for your life?” The comment struck home.

  “Touché. Well played, Jerry.”

  “Just promise me you’ll think about it. It’s not too late.” They talked a few more minutes about what was happening and then ended the call. Steve rubbed his head with the palm of his hand, trying to clear his brain.

  Why would anyone even propose such an idea? Leave the election race? No way. Have a life? He couldn’t do it. He’d spent too much time getting here, and he couldn’t possibly walk away. Not to mention, Harry would kill him.

  Steve sat back in his leather chair and gazed out the window. The election was two and a half weeks away. The decision was out of his hands. He glanced at his watch and left the office, determined to get back to the hospital to visit Byron.

  And Becky, if he was honest.

  After checking in with the nurse at the front desk of Byron’s floor, he made his way down the hall to the kid’s room. Byron was talking a mile a minute as he walked in, but the kid’s expression lit up like the Fourth of July when he saw who was here to visit. Steve’s heart grew another size bigger.

  “Mr. Steve, you came.” Byron’s sweet smile was a joy to behold. The kid had been through a lot but kept a positive and bright attitude.

  “Yes, just like I promised.” He crossed the room to ruffle the boy’s hair.

  “Thank you for my bear. I love him. I’m going to call him Ferris.”

  Steve grinned. “You’re welcome, kiddo. And I love his name. How are you feeling?”

  “I’m good as new, and Mommy says I’m going home in the morning.”

  Steve looked over at Becky and her mother and smiled. “Hello, ladies. If you want a break, I’ll sit with Byron. I can read him a story if you brought any books.”

  “Oh, we brought books, but he doesn’t stop talking long enough to listen to one.” Becky laughed.

  “Hey, it’s not every day you have hernia surgery. You were very brave, Byron.”

  The kid beamed under his praise. “Thanks, Mr. Steve. You can go get something to eat, Mommy and Grandma. Let us guys stay and read. I promise I’ll be good.”

  “Stuck in bed, it’s not like you have much choice, but fine, I’ll leave you two alone for a bit.” Becky stood and headed for the door. “Coming, Mother?”

  “In a bit. Why don’t you go downstairs? I’ll join you in a minute.” A strange look passed between the two women.

  “What are you up to now?” Becky asked, holding the door open.

  “Nothing. I just want to talk to Steve for a second.” Judith wasn’t backing down, and it fanned his curiosity.

  “Then why don’t you two step outside the room to chat, and then you and I can both go downstairs together? Byron doesn’t need to hear grown-up talk.” Becky came back into the room.

  “Fine by me.” Judith headed for the door, expecting him to follow.

  “But you’re not leaving, right, Mr. Steve?” Byron asked before Steve made it to the door.

  “I’m not leaving. I’ll be right back, I promise.” Steve nodded.

  “And a promise is a promise. Just like the one you told me before. I like promises.” Byron settled back against his pillow, satisfied he wasn’t leaving.

  “I do, too, buddy.” Steve shot him a wink before following Judith into the hall. “What’s going on?”

  “I just wanted you to know Becky told me everything. And I mean everything.” Her meaning was clear. It was a huge start knowing Becky was making things right and moving forward.

  “That’s great. Does it change anything between you and me?”

  “Not at all. You’re not responsible for your brother. I wanted to say thank you for all you’ve done for Byron and Becky.” Her mother stepped forward and gave him a hug.

  “You’re welcome. It was my pleasure, honestly.” He nodded.

  “I don’t mean to meddle, but I see what I see. You may not admit it to me, but a mother knows when someone cares more for her daughter than as just a friend. And Becky cares about you. A lot. She’s not good at showing it. Ever since your brother did her wrong, she hasn’t trusted people. Give her time to come around. Don’t walk away from what anyone who sees you two together recognizes.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “That you love her.” Love. Not a word he’d ever applied to anyone before.

  The trouble was he didn’t want to walk away, but what choice did he have? She’d already told him flat out she wouldn’t leave Riverbend, and nothing else had changed.

  The two women left to go downstairs, giving Steve and Byron time to hang out. Byron doted on his every word, especially when Steve played charades with the teddy bear. It was child’s play, but it turned out to feel immensely rewarding.

  If he had a son, he’d want him to be exactly like Byron. Except there was no room in his life for kids.

  Unless you change things. And it was his life to change.

  Becky returned, her mother staying downstairs to make a call.
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br />   Steve’s pulse raced when she entered the room. Becky looked refreshed from her time away. “Did you manage to relax?”

  “Hi, Mom,” Byron called out.

  “I did, and hi to you, too, kiddo. Have fun?” Becky crossed the room to Byron’s bedside and dropped a kiss on his forehead.

  “Yes, we played Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” Byron’s smile warmed his heart.

  “That’s something I would have liked to see.” Becky’s sweet laugh warmed his heart more.

  “Show her, Mr. Steve. Do the baby bear first,” Byron pleaded.

  Steve looked at Becky for help. It was one thing to do it for Byron, quite another to make a fool of himself in front of Becky.

  “Come on, Steve. Give it a go. I can’t wait to hear this.” Laughter twinkled in her eyes as she made the request. She knew darn well it would be humiliating.

  “As long as this never leaves this room. My reputation would be shattered.” He couldn’t believe he was letting her talk him into this.

  “Fine. I won’t record it and post it all over the internet. How’s that for a promise?” Becky laughed more, her eyes watering.

  “And a promise is a promise,” Byron chimed in, smiling.

  He was too darn smart and cute for his own good.

  “This bed’s too hard. This bed’s too soft. This bed’s just right,” Steve squeaked out the words in a high, girly voice, his embarrassment complete.

  Becky laughed out loud, while Byron went into a fit of giggles all over again. “That’s adorable.”

  “Do Papa Bear. You got to hear this, Mom.”

  Steve resigned himself to the task of amusing the two of them. “Who’s been sleeping in my bed?” he said, his voice low and gruff. Another fit of laughter and he was done. “That’s it, I’ve got to go.”

  “Aww, shucks. I like it when you’re here. I’ve missed you, Mr. Steve.”

  “I miss you, too, kiddo. Maybe I can work something out with your mother, and we can all get together and do something fun.” Steve looked up at Becky, hoping she’d say yes, realizing how much her answer meant to him.

  “I’d like that.” Her soft, sweet smile reassured him she meant every word.

  “Great, then it’s a date. I’ll get in touch with you when I have something planned.” He hadn’t felt this excited since their last outing. “Do you need any help tomorrow getting Byron home?”

  “No, but thanks. Mom is staying the night and following us home.”

  “Perfect. Just let me know if you need anything.” Steve reached for her hand, loving the feel of it in his. It felt right.

  “Okay, and Steve, I mean it, thanks for everything.” Her smile melted any remaining cold spots in his heart.

  He stepped forward to hug her, glancing over at Byron who sat there watching them, a huge smile on his face. And it was in that second, he knew the truth. He did love her. And he loved Byron.

  Everything he wanted was right here in this room. This was what made him happy. Not the job. Not beating out his dad. He could still be an advocate for the underserved with a position in Riverbend. He wanted his personal life back, his priorities straight, and a chance at happiness with the woman in his arms.

  He knew the attraction between them hadn’t faded. If anything, it was stronger. Becky was different than anyone he’d ever met, and she wasn’t anything like his mother. She was warm, sweet, caring. And he wasn’t anything like his father and didn’t want to be. His goals were all wrong, and he was missing out on his chance for a real life.

  A life he wanted with Becky.

  By the time he left the hospital parking lot, he knew exactly what he needed to do, and Harry was the first stop on his long list of to-dos. He dialed his campaign manager’s number.

  “What’s up?” Harry answered.

  “We need to talk. Can you meet me at Patron’s in an hour?” The sooner they had the talk, the better.

  “What’s this about? Should I be worried?” Harry’s voice was tense. Unfortunately, things would get worse for him before they got better.

  “We’ll talk at Patron’s.”

  “Fine. See you there.” Harry’s voice came out sharp. Unsettled. The man was good at his job and sharp as a tack, so it wouldn’t surprise Steve if he was already guessing the purpose of the meeting. Harry, the campaign manager wouldn’t like the decision one bit, but Harry, his friend, would get over it.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Byron was back to normal within the two weeks the doctor had predicted. Becky was relieved it was all behind her, all except the part that included Steve. Her mother sang his praises all the time and Becky was tired of hearing them.

  Not that she didn’t agree, but he’d failed on his promise to Byron, leaving her to explain his continued absence to her son. He got a pass on a technicality when he told his parents about Byron, but it didn’t excuse making a promise to a little boy he didn’t intend to keep.

  Not to mention, his absence had also kept her from telling the truth about her false assumption, something she desperately needed to do for her own peace of mind.

  She still couldn’t believe he’d walked away from the campaign and passed the torch to Tim Stutts, the man who ended up winning the election. But, if anything, it should have freed up more of his time, making it worse that he hadn’t shown up.

  Becky waved to an older couple as they got up to leave after lunch. “Have a nice day,” she called out to them. She pocketed the tip and cleared the table, returning to wipe it down and rearrange the condiments and napkins to where they belonged. The bell over the door jingled just as she headed through the back kitchen door carrying the bin of dirty dishes.

  She was tired and, for once, hoped the newcomers wouldn’t sit in her section. Walking through the swinging door, she glanced around and then let out a sigh of relief, her section still empty.

  “Becky,” an all-too-familiar voice called to her from by the register. Steve.

  Her pulse raced—not that she wanted it to. She cared far too much about him, but it could only spell heartache for her. Kayla and her mother were wrong. Steve Parker was not the man for her, not by a long shot.

  “What brings you here?” She tried to keep her voice as casual as possible.

  “You. Byron. We need to talk.” Steve looked completely at ease, his gaze never leaving her face.

  “It’s been two weeks, and I haven’t heard a word from you. Nothing. Byron asks about you every day. I figure the time for talking is over.” The resentment she’d been feeling slipped out.

  “I couldn’t agree more.” What? She hadn’t expected him to agree with her.

  “Then there’s nothing left to say between us,” she huffed.

  “I think I’ve always been a talker—it comes as an attorney privilege. I decided two weeks ago you needed more than words—you needed action. I didn’t want you to hear pretty words and have them fall on deaf ears.”

  “What are you talking about? And why didn’t you follow through on your promise?” She was more confused, his ability to redirect conversation, losing her completely.

  “I’m talking about us. And I did follow through on my promise. I’m here, aren’t I? I didn’t specify when, and I had things to do before I could visit the two of you.” Steve’s smile melted her resistance, but not enough to thaw her heart.

  “Fancy lawyer talk.”

  “I’ve been super busy, but if it means anything, I’ve missed you.” He sounded so sincere. And the twinkle in his eyes was a reminder of how he’d looked during the times he’d kissed her.

  She shoved the memory aside. She wanted to believe him, and she’d missed him, too, but she needed to protect her heart. She loved this man, and because of that, he had the power to hurt her more than Jack had ever done. “Byron’s missed you, too. Why did you pull out of the election? I thought that was your dre
am.”

  It had been big news, and everyone in town talked of nothing else for days. At first, she hoped he would call and that maybe she’d had something to do with his change of heart. But as the days passed and there’d been no word from him, she knew better than to hold out hope.

  “Like I said, I’d rather not explain.” Steve stepped in closer, bringing them face-to-face.

  “I understand.” Totally untrue, but it was hard to think with him standing this close.

  “I doubt it.” He grinned. “Please come outside and give me five minutes of your time. I want to show you something. Then you’ll understand. I promise.” He pulled her toward the door, but she resisted.

  “You and your promises—”

  “Have always been golden and always will be.”

  Something in his smile melted every ounce of resistance, and she gave in. “Fine. Five minutes.” She spotted Ethan at the bar. “I’m going on a break. I’ll be right back.”

  “Sure thing. Take your time. I’ll make sure if anyone sits in your section that they’re taken care of.”

  Curious stares followed her and Steve as he led her out the front door of the restaurant. “What’s going on?”

  “Trust me on this.” He grinned, looking like he owned the world.

  He took her by the arm and led her down the sidewalk. They’d gone two blocks before he came to a halt, stopping in front of the store on the corner.

  She’d heard the place recently sold. It looked different, the for-sale signs gone and the boards removed. Brown paper covered the windows. The new owner must want privacy while they redesigned the place. “What are we doing here?”

  “This.” Steve walked up to the window of the store and pulled on the brown paper.

  “What are you doing? You’re going to get arrested if you’re not careful.” Becky glanced up and down the street to reassure herself the sheriff was nowhere in sight.

  He laughed. Not exactly the response she expected.

  “Look,” he said, pointing to the writing on the front of the window.