One Night in Texas

by Charlene Sands

  She nodded. “Most of them.”

  “We’ll start there.”

  “Really? You’d do that?” She smiled through her tears.

  “Yes. Come on. I bet we find him before the sun goes down.” Which was in just two hours, so they really had to move. “Okay?”

  Rhonda cupped his face in her hands and kissed him briefly on the lips, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you.”

  He opened the car door for her. “Get in. We’re burnin’ daylight.”

  Rhonda chuckled at his attempt at humor and got into his car. The truth was, he was worried about the kid, too. Boys at that age were reckless, at times. He and Sutton surely had been and they’d gotten into trouble more than once, but nothing like what Lonny was going through. One wrong move could change Lonny’s whole life forever.

  * * *

  “The family’s buzzing about you dating Sebastian,” Sutton said, handing Gracie a cup of Lauren’s special hot cocoa, a teasing smile on his handsome face. He had many of the same expressions as his twin, and sometimes it was like a sense of déjà vu being with him.

  “Thanks.” She warmed her hands up around the mug. They sat at a back table at The Eatery. It was their slow time, the hours between lunch and dinner, when they could all take a breather. “Buzzing how?”

  Lauren tugged on her ponytail. “What do you think? They’ve known you and your family for years. Everyone’s thrilled.”

  “Are they?”

  Gracie was a pretty confident woman, but when it came to her place in the Wingate empire, she had her doubts. She certainly hadn’t thought she’d be so welcome. Or was it the lottery win that had her in their good graces now?

  “You’re like family already,” Sutton said.

  Gracie eyed him, raising her brow.

  He got the hint. “Sebastian’s been happier lately.”

  Gracie liked hearing that from Sebastian’s twin. The two brothers were incredibly close, and it was as if she was hearing it from Sebastian himself. Although they hadn’t parted too happily last evening. Sebastian was losing patience with her.

  “So what’s on your agenda tonight?” Lauren asked. “Got a hot date with my future brother-in-law or anything?”

  “Actually, I do. Soon as I finish up here, I’m going home to change.”

  “Where’s he taking you?” her partner asked.

  “I have no idea. He wouldn’t say. Other than it’s someplace special.”

  “Special is always good.”

  Gracie’s cell phone rang and she noted the number. “Excuse me. I’ve got to get this,” she told Lauren and Sutton. Then she walked into the office and closed the door.

  “Hello, yes, this is Gracie Diaz. Thanks for calling me back.”

  “No problem, Ms. Diaz. This is Trudy Metcalf from the Royal Birthing Center. I understand you’re interested in taking early bird classes. Congratulations, by the way, on your pregnancy.”

  “Thank you. Yes, I think it’s about time I sign up. Although I’ve been reading everything I can get my hands on about having a baby.”

  “It’s all good. How far along are you?”

  “I’m about fourteen weeks now, and I’m in very good health.”

  “Great, we want to keep it that way. That’s what our early bird classes are all about.”

  Gracie spent a few more minutes on the phone with Trudy, signing up for classes. Once the call was over, it was as if another step in her life’s plan was finally coming together. Never mind the morning sickness or the fuller waist or the huge appetite now, signing up for childbirth classes made her pregnancy and the new life she would bring into this world a beautiful reality.

  Gracie left The Eatery at five in the afternoon to get ready for her date with Sebastian. She was grateful for Sutton’s and Lauren’s support. It meant a lot to her and made her feel a tad bit better about dating Sebastian. She strode into her rental home, proceeded upstairs, stripped off her clothes and stepped into a hot shower. Warmth immediately seeped into her bones, easing her tension with the help of a freshly scented lavender scrub.

  After the shower, she took her time drying off, looking at the mirror to examine the subtle changes in her waist. It was a good thing and meant her baby was thriving. “Can’t wait to meet you, little one,” she murmured.

  Gracie rummaged through her closet, looking for just the right dress for her date. Sebastian said he was taking her someplace special, and she wanted to look the part. She pulled out one dress after another, making a small mound on her bed until she hit upon just the right one. It was a creamy taupe with a plunging neckline, blending well with her skin tones, its folds draping a little past the knee. Was it too much? She’d never worn it before. But her decision was made as soon as she tried it on. The fit was perfect, and she wasn’t going to be shy around Sebastian.

  She fastened a thin gold choker around her neck and added hoop earrings. The look warranted a special do with her hair, so she fussed with it, coming up with a messy uplift that appeared salon-worthy.

  With a few minutes to spare, Gracie sat down in the living room and called her mother. She liked to check in with her several times a week. And loved that she could now afford to give her mom and brother a good life in Florida. It meant the world to her. “Hello, Mama. It’s me.”

  “Gracie, my heart, it’s good to hear your voice. It’s been a few days.”

  “Si, Mama. But just a few. How are you and our little Enrico today?”

  “Our little Enrico is getting taller than your mama,” she said. “He’s well. He’s out with friends right now. Nice boys. But how about you, Graciella? How is the baby?”

  Her mother never could understand her need to have a baby on her own. Alisa Diaz was too traditional to think of conceiving a child any other way. And Gracie finally had confided in her mama the situation with Sebastian. Not the details, goodness no, but at least now she did know know the truth about the baby’s father. And her mother was being supportive.

  “We’re both fine. I am feeling well, Mama. I signed up for childbirth classes.”

  “That’s good. And Sebastian? Will he be going with you?”

  “He’s... I’m not sure, Mama. But we’re going out on a date tonight.”

  “It is working out, then?”

  It was hard for her mother not to push. And she understood that. Alisa simply wanted to see her daughter settled and happy. “Si, Mama, but we are going slow.”

  “How slow? You are already pregnant!”

  Gracie chuckled. Her mother had a way of putting things in perspective. “You know what I mean. I want...I want what you and Papa had.”

  “Ah, I see.” Her mother paused and then added, “So your plans have not changed? You won’t be coming to Florida to live with us?”

  “No, Mama, I won’t. Right now, my life is here. My new estate has plenty of room for when you come to visit.”

  It was past seven when she ended the call. Actually, it was half an hour past, and Gracie looked at her texts to see if Sebastian had been delayed. Nothing yet.

  Five minutes later, she was just about to send him a text when his message came through. I’m sorry. Something came up last minute and I have to cancel. I promise to make it up to you.

  Gracie stared at the message a long time. It sounded rushed and impersonal and cold.

  She texted him back. Are you okay?

  She didn’t receive an answer until an hour later, when he simply wrote, I’m fine.

  Gracie had never been stood up before, and it hit her right in the gut. She was disappointed, for sure, and curious as to what had happened tonight to keep Sebastian from calling her beforehand. From giving her a better explanation. “All dressed up and nowhere to go, Gracie,” she murmured. She kicked off her shoes, changed out of her clothes and threw on a pair of comfortable gray sweats. The night she thoug
ht was just beginning had come to a grinding and discouraging halt.

  * * *

  In the morning, Gracie stopped by the Texas Cattleman’s Club. It was a prestigious club, generations old, that catered to rich and powerful businessmen, and now businesswomen, who lived in the vicinity and had a valued stake in Texas commerce.

  Austere, with dark wood walls and furnishings, the club had gone through a bit of transformation lately. It had become more female-friendly, with brighter interiors and updated facilities. Although the old private rooms still existed, the tone of the club had totally changed. But what remained was the rule that one had to be a member or a member’s guest to use the facilities. Thank goodness for Beth. She’d invited her countless times to play tennis here, to go to the day spa with her and to use the pool. But now it was her turn to become a full-fledged member, and she was especially interested in the recently updated day care center for the baby.

  The receptionist at the desk recognized her. Being Royal’s only mega lottery winner had some advantages. “You’re Gracie Diaz.”

  “Yes, that’s me.”

  “It’s very nice to meet you. What can I do for you today, Ms. Diaz?”

  “Well, for one, I’d like to apply to become a member of the club. I know it takes a vote, but I want to get the process started. If that’s okay?”

  “Yes, I think that’s fine. You do know you need to be recommended, right?”

  “Yes, I don’t think that should be a problem.” Or would it? She didn’t come from old money. In fact, her money was as new as it could get. But those archaic notions were just that, and she was pretty sure that when Beth and Cam got back from their honeymoon, they would help her. Sebastian could, too, but she didn’t want to ask him.

  She was still a bit put off about being stood up last night. He’d never called. And she didn’t know what to make of that.

  The receptionist handed her a form to fill out and she thanked her.

  “I was wondering if I could take a peek at the day care center?”

  “Why, um, sure.” The woman took off her glasses and set them on her desk. “I could probably take a minute to show you.”

  “That’s great, thank you.”

  Boisterous laughter making its way from the hallway interrupted her thoughts. She turned and found Sebastian walking alongside a gray-haired man. The two were oblivious to anyone else, Sebastian’s smile wide. Apparently, whatever crisis he’d had last night, when he’d stood her up, was over and done with. He looked like he didn’t have a care in the world.

  Then suddenly, their eyes met. And she had to give him credit—he didn’t flinch or look away when he spotted her. Instead, he bade the man farewell and headed over to her. “Gracie,” he said, “what are you doing here?”

  “I’m...checking out the day care center among other things.”

  The receptionist rose from her desk. “I was just going to show her the room, Mr. Wingate.”

  Sebastian’s eyes lit up. “I can do that. I know where it is. I can take her.”

  The receptionist exchanged glances with both of them, unsure, and then the phone rang. “Excuse me, I have to get this,” she said.

  “We’ll just be going,” he told her and the woman nodded as she took the call.

  Sebastian took Gracie’s elbow and they walked down a corridor. “I’m so sorry about last night, Gracie. I really missed seeing you.”

  She stopped in her tracks. “Did you?”

  “I did.”

  “I don’t understand why you couldn’t call, instead of leaving me hanging.”

  Sebastian looked away and hesitated. “It’s a long story, Gracie.” His gaze traveled the length of the hallway, a note of caution in his eyes. “I’ll share it with you, but this isn’t the place, Gracie. Trust me on this.”

  He took her hand, entwining their fingers, and the connection warmed her heart. How could one man elicit so many emotions in her? Desire, doubt, anger, joy. They were all there, simmering under the surface. “Come on, let’s go check out the day care center. I promise to explain everything to you when I can.”

  She frowned, but he kept looking at her with those deep green eyes, penetrating her good sense, giving her hope that he had a valid explanation that would clear up her misgivings.

  “Okay,” she said.

  “Great.” He flashed her a big smile.

  A minute later, they were awash in the bright colors of the day care center, blues and greens, pinks and yellows and oranges.

  “Would you look at this?” Sebastian seemed to be in awe. There were five children in the center. Two little girls playing dress-up, yanking out princess costumes from a treasure chest. Three boys were on alphabet mats, messing around with miniature cars. The room was large, and there was a painting station, a reading circle and a polished wood playhouse complete with a second story for the children to frolic on.

  “I’m looking,” she said, taking it all in, as well.

  The woman in charge walked over to them. “Hello, how can I help you?”

  “We’re just here to observe,” Sebastian said. “For the future.”

  “Well, as long as you’re a member, you’re welcome to do that anytime. My name is Katherine. Please let me know if you have any questions.”

  “Of course. Thank you,” Gracie said. When the day care worker walked back to the children, she put her hand on her tummy. “It’s hard to believe I’ll have a little one like this soon.”

  “We’ll have,” he corrected. “And I’m with you. It’s still hard to take in.”

  “My mama says every baby is a little prize from God,” she whispered.

  Sebastian gave her hand a squeeze. “I think your mama is right.”

  She smiled then, and her anger ebbed. Sebastian asked for her trust. It wasn’t easy to give, but for the sake of their baby, she had to try.

  She had questions for the day care teacher, but they could wait. It was enough to see the place and envision her child here one day, once she became a full-fledged member of TCC. “I should go. I have other appointments.”

  She began walking toward the exit with Sebastian at her side. Once they reached the parking lot, he took both of her hands in his and gazed down at her. “I have a busy day, too, but I’d like to see you tonight.”

  She shook her head. “I’m sorry. I’m busy.”

  “Doing?”

  “For a man who likes to keep secrets, you’re awfully nosy.”

  “Gracie.”

  “Teasing, Sebastian. I’m going to meet with Tom Riley, my Realtor, later on. I’m looking for a little office space of my own.”

  “Is it like a date?”

  Her eyes rolled. “Married, three children.”

  “Teasing, Gracie.”

  “Funny, Sebastian.” She had to keep on her toes around him. He wasn’t slow on the uptake at all.

  “So you need office space?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, I do, or I will at some point in the future.” She had every intention of starting her own event-planning business. It was something she was good at and loved doing. Now that she had the means, nothing was stopping her from looking into it.

  Something flickered in Sebastian’s eyes at the mention of her future, but he snapped out of it pretty quickly. “How about I come over after? I owe you and want to make up for being a no-show last night.”

  He caught her in a weak moment and she had a pretty good idea how he was going to make it up to her. The thought sizzled in her mind and made her insides swirl with heat. “Maybe.”

  He chuckled. “Only maybe? I must be losing my touch.”

  “Believe me, you’re not.” His touch was just fine. More than just fine. And he proved it by lifting her chin with his knuckles and planting a delicious kiss on her lips.

  He gazed at her then, his eyes gleaming with pr
omise. It was really hard to concentrate after a Sebastian kiss. “Good to know,” he said. “I’ll call you tonight.”

  * * *

  Sebastian rode up the elevator to the sixth floor of Wingate Enterprises, which was just outside Royal proper, and entered his executive office. He had a lot on his mind, so he really didn’t see Sutton initially, not until he gazed up and found his twin at the bar pouring bourbon into two tumblers.

  “Hey, what’s up?” he said, removing his jacket.

  “Not much, just crisis number twelve.”

  “Only twelve? Seems like we’ve weathered more storms than that lately.”

  Sutton set the tumbler on his desk while he sipped his own drink. “Seems that way, doesn’t it? Drink up.”

  Sebastian gathered his brows. “Force-feeding me alcohol. This must be bad.” He sipped bourbon and it warmed his throat going down.

  “Not horrible, but not great, either. It seems WinJet is doing fine, and since we’ve concentrated on the new branding of our hotels, we’re solid there. But we’re still in need of some good investments to keep our other US holdings afloat.”

  “Okay,” he said, thinking about the ramifications of that. “So we’ll find some capital. Somehow.”

  “How? We’re already maxed out. Since the scandal hit the papers, many of our investors are already on edge. They’re not going to want to increase their risk any more than they have to.”

  Sebastian began nodding. “I get that. So what’ll we do? Sell?”

  “I don’t want to do that. We’ll lose a fortune, and honestly, some of those smaller companies are worth the trouble. They were Dad’s vision and have been with us from the beginning. Jobs are at stake and people’s livelihoods.”

  “I don’t want to sell, either.” Sebastian took another swig of bourbon. “Maybe we should talk to Mom about this?”

  “And go into the belly of the beast?”

  Sebastian laughed. “Okay, not my brightest idea. Give me a few days. I’ll think of something.”