“Where is your mother?”
“She has a headache so she went to her room to lie down. I guess that wasn’t a big enough hint.”
“They don’t mean to be rude. They probably think their presence is comforting to you. If you want, I can get the pastor to make an announcement letting everyone know you appreciate their kindness but that you and your mother want to be alone.”
“Maybe later.” He stared over her shoulder for so long that she turned and looked. There was no one there.
“Are you okay?”
“I think we should move up the wedding.”
“What? Why?”
“It’s not like it’s going to be a big ceremony.”
“True.” He’d initially wanted a big wedding and reception but she’d balked. She wanted something simple, just family and very close friends. “But we’ve already set the date.”
“It was just a thought.”
He sounded put out but she let it pass. He’d buried his father a few hours ago so she was willing to make a few allowances.
“I heard that Donovan is back in town.”
She stiffened. Of course he’d found out. The community was small and word traveled fast. A story this fantastic was bound to make the rounds in double time. Even though they’d never discovered why he’d vanished, everyone had hoped and prayed for his return.
So sure enough, when Donovan had returned alive and well, people had been overjoyed. The love the ranchers and townspeople had for him hadn’t faded. Still, with everything that had been going on in Carson’s life, she was surprised he’d heard. “Yes. He came back two days ago.”
“And you didn’t tell me?”
“Your father had just died. I didn’t think you would be concerned about Donovan.”
“Well, I am.”
“I see. Is that why you want to move up our wedding?”
“You never wear your ring.”
He didn’t answer her question, choosing instead to change the subject, but Raven again let that pass without comment. “I work on a ranch. Do you really want me to wear a diamond ring when I’m working with animals all day?”
“Is that the only reason?”
“Where is all of this coming from?”
“Forget I said anything. I’m just messed up right now. My father is dead and I don’t know how to help my mother. She’s so sad. She’s barely eaten a thing in days.”
“She’s probably still in shock and trying to process everything. They were married for thirty-five years. He was the love of her life. And now he’s gone. She’s grieving.”
“Just like you did when Donovan disappeared. Is he the love of your life? Or am I?”
“Why are you asking me this now?”
“I notice you didn’t answer my question.”
Did he want her to lie? She’d never pretended to be in love with him.
“Excuse me.”
They spun around and came face-to-face with Sarah Thomas, the pastor’s wife. Her face didn’t mask her confusion. Clearly she’d heard a good deal of what they’d been saying. Raven knew the good woman would never repeat a word, though.
“I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation, but I want to let you know that everyone has gone. The Mothers Board put the leftovers in the refrigerator and cleaned up the kitchen. Pastor and I want to make sure you or your mother don’t need anything before we leave.”
“Thank you.” Carson put his arm around Mrs. Thomas’s shoulder. “I don’t know how my mother and I would have managed without your help these past few days.”
Although the words were the right ones to say given the situation, Raven had a feeling he was hinting that she hadn’t been supportive, which was a crock. She’d been there every minute she could. She was a single mother and her child needed her. Besides, she knew his implied accusation wasn’t about anything she had or hadn’t done but rather because Carson was upset she hadn’t told him Donovan was in town. He was feeling insecure because he knew better than anyone how devastated she’d been these past years. But he only got to use this excuse once.
“I probably should go, too,” Raven said after the pastor and his wife drove off.
“That’s probably a good idea.”
Raven gathered her things and headed to her car. Carson was upset and grieving, so it wasn’t the time to have a serious discussion. But they were going to have to talk before their wedding.
* * *
Donovan released Zeus into the corral and started across the grass to the house. It had been a long day but a fulfilling one. Being home felt good if a little strange. Having his parents in his life again filled a hole that had been in his soul so long it had become a part of him. The past few days had been exhilarating and better than he had ever imagined they could be. He’d found a son he didn’t know he had. That should be enough to keep him happy. But oddly enough it wasn’t.
There was a longing inside him for more. He wanted a woman in his life. In the years he’d been away, he’d deliberately held himself aloof. Now he was ready for a relationship. He wanted the kind of love his parents shared. The kind of love that Della and Gabe Turner had.
There was a part of him that missed the Turners. Over the past few years they had been a substitute family for him and he’d come to love them. He felt bad for the way he’d left. It had been almost a week and he hadn’t contacted them. If nothing else, he should call to let them know he’d arrived safely and that all was well. And yet there was something holding him back. The very thought of contacting them seemed disloyal to his parents.
It was one thing to love the Turners when he’d had no hope of seeing his mother and father again. But now that he was home, he felt as if all of his love should once more go to his own mom and dad. It didn’t make sense, but they’d missed ten years of his life. Surely they deserved to have his time and all of his love. After all, he’d missed nearly the same amount of time with his son. Just thinking that someone else had had the opportunity to watch Elias grow when he’d been denied that privilege was irritating.
When he reached the back patio he saw his mother sitting at a table with someone. It was a minute before he recognized Carson Rivers, but when he did it took all that he had not to react with misplaced anger and snatch the other man by his shirt and throw him off the ranch. He blew out a breath and reminded himself that Carson wasn’t to blame for his father’s sins.
Carson hadn’t been one of his close friends, but Donovan had invited him over from time to time. Lena had always said Carson just needed a little more love and attention than he’d gotten from his parents, so she’d always been especially kind to him. Now, though, Donovan sensed tension between them. No doubt his mother was struggling not to hold Carson responsible for what his father had done to their family.
Donovan reminded himself of the kid Carson had been years ago and smiled. He held out his hand. “Carson. How are you?”
Carson shook Donovan’s hand.
Lena jumped from her chair as if anxious to get away. “I’ll leave you guys to talk. I’ve already offered Carson some refreshments, but he didn’t want any. Do you want something, Donovan?”
“No thanks, Ma.”
Donovan waved Carson back to his chair and they sat as Lena returned to the house. Donovan knew that Carson had buried his father that very morning, but there was no way he could force himself to offer his condolences. No one in the world was as happy as Donovan that Karl Rivers was dead. He only wished the old man had died sooner.
“What brings you around?”
“I heard that you were back in town and wanted to welcome you back.”
The tone of voice and the expression on Carson’s face were anything but welcoming. Perhaps he sounded so strained because he was trying to keep his grief under control. But why was he here now? It didn’t make sense. He could welcome Donovan back an
ytime. It wasn’t as if he was leaving again.
“Thanks.” Years spent alone had taught Donovan the waiting game. Carson would get to whatever it was he’d come to say sooner or later.
“A lot has happened since you’ve been gone.”
“True. But a lot has stayed the same. And what changes I’ve seen have all been positive.” Elias being the primary one. That and knowing Karl Rivers was currently rotting in the ground and soon to be devoured by worms.
Carson tapped his finger on the glass table then shifted in his chair. Obviously he had something to say that he didn’t think could wait, so why didn’t he just spit it out?
“I know you’ve seen Raven.”
Raven? Donovan went on high alert. What did Carson have to do with Raven? “I have.”
“And you know about Elias?”
“My son? Yes.”
“He’s a good kid. And I want you to know that I intend to treat him as if he was my own son.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Didn’t she tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“Raven and I are engaged. We’re getting married next month. Sooner if I can talk her into it. I’m planning on adopting Elias.”
“The hell you are.”
Rage filled Donovan. Karl Rivers had stolen ten years of his life. There was no way he was going to allow Karl Rivers’s son to step into the role that was supposed to be his. “I don’t know what you and Raven have planned. If you get married, that’s between the two of you. But as far as my son goes, I’m his father. He’s not going to need you to treat him like a son. And I will never consent to letting him be adopted, so you can just file that under things that will never happen in this lifetime.”
“You think you can just waltz back here after ten years and take up where you left off?”
“What I think is none of your damn business.”
“You left. Raven has moved on. With me. I have no intention of stepping aside because you’ve decided that you want to live in Sweet Briar after all.”
Donovan jumped to his feet and Carson stood, as well. They were about the same height and build, but Donovan had no doubt, as furious as he was, he could demolish the other man in under sixty seconds. “I never wanted to leave Sweet Briar. If not for your bastard of a father, I would have been here to watch my son be born. I would have been with him every day. I missed the first half of his life, but there is no way I’m going to stand back and let you steal the rest. I’ll see you in hell first. I suggest you get off my property while you can still walk.”
“Wait. What?” Carson’s eyes widened and his voice shook. He looked like he’d seen a ghost. “What do you mean if not for my father you wouldn’t have left Sweet Briar? He put up money to try to find you.”
“Your dear old dad threatened to kill me. And my family. And Raven.”
Donovan had been concerned about Raven’s reaction and hadn’t wanted her to know about the threat. But she was engaged to Carson and her health was no longer Donovan’s concern. Let her fiancé take care of her. Donovan was through trying to protect someone who was keeping secrets from him.
“I don’t believe it. You’d say anything to get Raven back.”
Even though Carson said the words, Donovan heard the lack of conviction in his voice. Carson had his doubts. Had he seen or heard something over the years that made him suspicious? Donovan didn’t care. The only thing that mattered was Elias.
“I’m not interested in getting Raven back. As you pointed out, ten years have passed. I don’t love her anymore, so I have no reason to lie. Your father threatened us. I don’t care if you don’t believe me. Now, for the last time, get off my property. And don’t come back.”
Donovan told himself to calm down as he watched the other man stumble across the patio and to his truck. No doubt Carson had been blindsided by the truth of who his father really was. Was it possible he hadn’t had a clue? Maybe. And the part of Donovan that had liked Carson as a teenager felt bad for causing the other man more grief on what for him had to be a sad day, but he brushed aside the sentiment.
Carson had come there intent on staking his claim by letting Donovan know Raven was engaged. Carson hadn’t cared about Donovan’s feelings, so if Carson left with a little more knowledge than what he came with? Too bad. Life was rough.
Donovan exhaled, trying to breathe out the bitterness. Still he acknowledged that the other man had hit his mark. Carson was walking away with the one woman Donovan had loved.
Raven was getting married.
Chapter Six
“Why don’t you go help Granddad?”
“Okay, but we’re still going, right?” Elias asked for the umpteenth time. Raven always tried to keep her word, so his need for reassurance only emphasized how much going to the carnival meant to him.
“Yes. But we don’t need to leave for a couple of hours. You might as well do something constructive instead of watching the clock.” And driving her crazy. Goodness knows there were enough things going on in her life to wreck her nerves without Elias following her around as she cleaned the house.
“Okay.” He set the alarm on his phone and opened the back door. “I’ll be back in exactly two hours.”
The door slammed behind him and Raven let out a deep sigh that did nothing to relieve her stress. She had agreed to let Donovan join her and Elias at the carnival. Donovan had wanted to drive to Sweet Briar with them, but she’d turned him down flat. This wasn’t a date. Besides, going together would raise too many questions that she wasn’t equipped to answer right now. Elias knew that she and Carson planned to get married in a few weeks. At his age he might not understand the finer nuances of relationships, but he knew an engaged woman wasn’t supposed to go out with other men. To be honest, Carson wasn’t too pleased about it either—in fact they’d had a big argument over her decision—but she had to do what was best for her son.
She’d convinced Donovan to “accidently” bump into them in town. Then she would invite him to walk around with them. That shouldn’t raise too much suspicion. At least not with Elias. Raven was certain that several eyebrows would rise at the sight of her and Donovan together. Without a doubt, tongues would be wagging before the sun went down. Though she knew the talk wouldn’t be vicious—for the most part people in Sweet Briar and the surrounding area were kind—Raven didn’t relish being the topic that kept the phone lines burning for the next few weeks.
But the truth was, whether or not she and Donovan were spotted riding the bumper cars together—something she had no intention of doing—they were going to be the subject of gossip. Donovan was bound to be the main topic of conversation for the foreseeable future. It wasn’t every day that someone who had been missing and presumed dead returned to town alive and well. Add in the mysterious way he’d vanished and the question of where he’d been all this time and this was a story worth telling over and over again. And since they’d been dating at the time of his disappearance, her name was likely to come up.
As far as she knew, Donovan hadn’t been to town yet so he was bound to be as big as attraction as the carnival itself.
“I think you’re making a mistake.”
Raven hadn’t heard her mother’s approach, so at the sound of Marilyn’s voice, she jumped. Raven didn’t pretend not to know what her mother was talking about. “You’re entitled to your opinion.”
Marilyn put her hand on her hip. “Raven.”
“Donovan is Elias’s father. He has a right to get to know his son.”
“He gave up that right when he left you alone and pregnant.”
Raven blew out an irritated breath. Not that again. Her mother had been singing that same old song since Raven had told her Donovan was back. “He didn’t know about the baby. I didn’t get a chance to tell him.”
Marilyn waved her hand, clearly dismissing R
aven’s words as if they were of no value. Raven loved her mother and appreciated everything she’d done to help with Elias, but she was Elias’s mother. And as his mother, she was tasked with making decisions on his behalf.
“And what about Carson? I’m sure your fiancé can’t be excited about having Donovan sniffing around you again.”
“He’s not ‘sniffing around’ me as you call it. The only thing he wants is to get to know his son.”
“And Carson?”
Raven frowned. “He’s not exactly pleased by the situation. But he’s going to have to adjust, just like the rest of us. Donovan isn’t going anywhere.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure of that. That boy is unreliable.”
“First of all, he’s no longer a boy. He’s a man. And you used to adore him.”
“That was before he broke your heart and left you all alone, barely able to make it through the day. And look at what he did to Lena and Mario. The grief he put them through for years. So, no, I have no use for him. Now Carson? That man is steady. He’s faithful. He won’t let you down.”
“And that should be enough for me? The fact that I can depend on him should be enough to base a marriage on?” Raven didn’t know where the doubts were coming from but they were coming fast and hard. Or maybe they’d been lurking below the surface all along and were pushing to the top.
“It doesn’t hurt. You were so sure about Carson before. Donovan hasn’t been in town long enough to unpack and you’re questioning your relationship with a good man. Don’t be foolish, Raven. Don’t throw away a solid relationship because of what you imagine you can have with Donovan. Life isn’t a fairy tale. I know he’s Elias’s biological father, but he’s not good for you. He doesn’t love you. He’ll break your heart again sure as you’re standing here, if you give him a chance. Don’t let him. Stay with the good man.”
“What about love?”
“What about it? You loved Carson five months ago when you accepted his marriage proposal. You’re just confused because Donovan is back in town and you’re swept away by the romance of it all. Trust me, whatever you’re feeling isn’t love. And I don’t believe Donovan will stick around. It’s better to bet on the sure thing instead of risking it all and ending up with nothing.”
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