by Carrie Carr
Trust Our Tomorrows
Copyright © 2012 by Carrie Carr
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
About the Author
Other Carrie Carr titles
Visit Us On Line
Books By Carrie Carr
Destiny's Bridge
Faith's Crossing
Hope's Path
Love's Journey
Strength of the Heart
The Way Things Should Be
To Hold Forever
Something to Be Thankful For
Diving Into the Turn
Piperton
Trust Our Tomorrows
by
Carrie Carr
Copyright © 2012 by Carrie Carr
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. The characters, incidents and dialogue herein are fictional and any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
ISBN 978–1-61929-012-9 (eBook)
eBook Conversion January 2012
First Printing 2012
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Cover design by Donna Pawlowski
Published by:
Regal Crest Enterprises, LLC
4700 Hwy 365, Suite A, PMB 210
Port Arthur, Texas 7764
Find us on the World Wide Web at http://www.regalcrest.biz
Published in the United States of America
Acknowledgments
I have to thank my fantastic beta reader, Kelly, who helped make this book much better than I could ever have expected. Thank you to the cover artist extraordinaire, Donna, and last, but not least, Cathy, who took a chance so many years ago on a novice writer -- thank you for allowing me to live my dreams.
Dedication
To my mom, who has always loved and supported me, no matter what I wanted to do. And of course, most of all, to my Jan-- without her, I'd be lost and alone. Forever and always, my love.
Trust Our Tomorrows
by
Carrie Carr
Chapter One
THE ONE-STORY, brick house sat neglected on the tree-lined residential street. Lexington Walters parked in the driveway and got out of her green, Dodge quad cab pickup. Tall and slender, with shoulder-length brown hair, she stared at the overgrown lawn for a moment. Disgusted at its condition, Lex shook her head and navigated through the dry grass and weeds to get to the front door. She rang the bell. After a full minute, she rang it again. When there was still no answer, she pounded on the heavy oak door. "I know you're in there," she yelled. "And I'm not going away until I see you." She continued to beat on the door until it opened a crack.
A golden-brown eye peeked out. "Go away," the weak, feminine voice ordered.
Lex raised her sunglasses until they rested on the top of her head. Her dark blue eyes zeroed in on the woman. "Let me in, Ellie."
"No. Just leave me alone," Eleanor Gordon said quietly. "Please."
"I can't do that. You've hidden away in this old house long enough. It's time for you to rejoin the living."
The door opened wide enough to allow Lex to enter. Her nose wrinkled at the stale odor that permeated the home. She followed Ellie through the entry hall, which opened into the living room. What she saw broke her heart.
The sofa and loveseat were covered in mountains of discarded blankets, clothes and newspapers. Two end tables and a coffee table were laden with dirty dishes, most with barely-touched food on them. A dusty floor lamp was the only light source in the room, as it stood sentinel over a conspicuously empty recliner.
Ellie shoved a pile of junk from a corner of the sofa. She sat and covered herself with a ratty quilt, her bare feet peeking from underneath. "What do you want?"
Lex leaned her hip against the other end of the sofa. "I want you to quit hiding away from your family. Come back to the ranch with me."
"I." Ellie lowered her face until it was covered with her stringy, unkempt hair. The brown strands hung in greasy clumps past her shoulders, which were bony from malnutrition. "I can't."
"Damn it, Ellie! He's been gone for six months. We all miss him, but we've kept on living."
"Don't you think I've tried?" Ellie threw off the quilt. "But I have nothing left." She lowered her face to her hands and cried.
Travis Edwards was the one constant in Ellie's life. Ten years prior, Ellie arrived on his doorstep after finding a photo of her mother with her biological father. Travis welcomed her into his home, and his life, and gave her the love and security she never had with her mother. Grandfather to both her and Lex, he had given Ellie the confidence to complete nursing school not long after she moved in with him. Up until his untimely death from cancer, Ellie had worked as a nurse in the Somerville Assisted Living Center.
After he died, Ellie locked herself away in the house they shared, sending out for whatever she needed. She only left the house to walk to the curb and pick up the newspaper and mail. "Go home, Lex. You have a family to take care of."
Her temper got the best of her and Lex took handfuls of junk from the sofa and tossed it across the room, until it was completely clear. She sat next to her cousin. "You're a very big part of our family, Ellie. The girls keep asking about you."
Ellie raised her head and wiped her face with the back of one hand. "Why?"
"Good god, El. Because they love you, you jackass," Lex said. "We all do, whether you like it or not."
"I love them, too. We always had fun when I took them places." Ellie leaned against Lex and started to cry. "I just can't get past this."
Lex pulled Ellie into her arms and held her while she cried. "I know it's hard. I didn't feel like getting out of bed for weeks, but I somehow managed to do it." Lex felt Ellie's hands grip her shirt tightly. "Of course, the girls helped a lot. I rarely got a chance to be alone, which kept me from dwelling on things."
"It doesn't matter anymore," Ellie sniffled as she pulled away from Lex.
"Of course it does. What about your job?"
Ellie used a paper napkin from the nearby pizza joint to wipe her nose. "They called a month after Grandpa," her chin quivered, "you know, and fired me. Said they couldn't wait forever."
"But you told us you were on leave."
"I didn't want you to worry."
Lex sighed. "Are you sure you're not related to the Walters' side of the family? God knows you're stubborn enough."
"Am not."
"I'm not getting into this argument again," Lex said. She stood and pulled Ellie up with her. "Come on. You're going home with me."
Ellie tugged free and stepped back. "No. I can't." She crossed her arms over her body. "We have this conversation every single time you come by or call, but I'm not ready. Just give me a little more time. Please."
"You realize I'm going to be in big trouble with my wife, don't you?"
For the first time in a long time, Ellie smiled. "You've got Amanda wrapped around your little finger, and don't try telling me otherwise." She glanced aro
und the room as if seeing it for the first time. "How did this happen?"
"I'm going to send one of the guys over to take care of the yard. Grandpa would kick both our asses for letting it get so out of hand." Lex rubbed the back of her neck in a nervous gesture. "I'm really sorry I haven't been paying much attention, El. But there's just so much going on at the ranch. And with this drought--"
"Don't worry about it. If the sprinkler system wasn't automatic, the yard would be nothing but dirt and rocks. As it is, I don't think it's been coming on all that often." Ellie put her hand on Lex's arm and led her toward the door. "I know you and Amanda mean well, but please. Let me get through this on my own."
Lex found herself standing on the front porch. "I'm going to keep bothering you until you come back with me, you know."
Ellie's answer was half-laugh, half-cry. "I know. And I love you for it." She closed the door and turned the deadbolt, effectively locking out the rest of the world, once again.
THE PRIVATE CEMETERY sat in a clearing, its wrought iron enclosure more for decorative use than security. A gentle breeze scattered leaves around the granite memorial stones as the screech of the gate's hinges silenced the afternoon birdsong. Lex's heavy boots crushed the dried grass, the sound carrying through the peaceful clearing. Her face was partially obscured by a black hat as she knelt by the most recently placed stone. The brittle grass crunched beneath the knee of her well-worn jeans. She used one hand to brush away Mother Nature's debris.
Lex removed her sunglasses and stared at the engraving. She sniffled and cleared her throat. "It's been half a year and I still miss you something fierce." Her vision blurred and she took a moment to regain her equilibrium. "We didn't have much time together, I know." She bent her head and closed her eyes, allowing the tears to fall. Scenes flashed through her mind as she remembered happier times. But even with the good memories, the grief threatened to overwhelm her.
She dropped onto her rear, pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs. "A little over ten lousy years. Doesn't seem fair, does it? I thought we'd have longer." Lex angrily brushed at her face. "The girls miss you. Lorrie asks about you almost every day."
The wind kicked up and blew Lex's hair into her face. She ignored it and continued to speak. "I sure could use your help right now. This drought has me at my wits end. I've had some water wells drilled, but we're still losing stock. At least I was smart enough to listen to you about one thing. Going back to cattle instead of horses made a huge difference. But even with that, things are looking rough. You were always so good about helping me figure out what to do." Her voice broke, and she climbed to her feet. "I know I should be thankful you're not in pain anymore." She tucked her hands into the pockets of the black duster she wore. "I wish I would have known, sooner."
Lex started to walk around, kicking at the leaves. "After you--" she had trouble finishing the thought. "After you were--gone, a few medical bills showed up. I called your doctor and he filled me in. You could have told me, you know." The knowledge that her grandfather had suffered silently for almost a year before he told his family of his condition hurt. Her heart ached at the loss, the pain as fresh as if it were yesterday. Taking a deep breath, Lex pulled herself together. "I probably won't be back for a while, okay? The kids are growing so fast, and they need me. I promised to take them to the Fall Festival at school tonight." She finally smiled. "Say a prayer for me, will you? I'm going to need all the help I can get." She kissed her fingertips and placed them on the stone. "I love you, Grandpa. Give Grandma Lanie a hug for me, okay?" Straightening her shoulders, Lex passed through the gate and closed it securely behind her.
AFTER PARKING HER truck beside the ranch house, Lex walked up the back steps and stepped inside. She hung her hat and coat on their usual pegs and checked the kitchen, finding it empty. Her curiosity piqued, she continued toward the front of the house. As she passed the stairs she heard Amanda's voice coming from the living room.
"I know you're excited about tonight, but that doesn't mean you can leave this room in shambles." Two younger voices apologized, but Amanda was only getting started.
Not wanting to interrupt, Lex waited out of sight in the hall. She could almost visualize Amanda's actions by her scolding voice and the sounds of toys noisily being put away.
"Neither of you were raised this way." A loud bang punctuated Amanda's words. "You know the rules. Clean up one thing before you get something else out. That's how it's always been." Another heavy thud followed. "My day is full enough without having to play maid."
Lex nodded to herself. She'd been trying for years to get another housekeeper after Martha and Charlie started traveling, without success. She also knew she was as guilty as the kids about not helping out more. But after being gone from sunup to sundown, the last thing Lex felt like doing was housework.
As Amanda's voice continued to rise, Lex decided she'd hid long enough. She stepped into the living room and watched as Amanda gathered toys, while Lorrie and Melanie stood guiltily by. Lex hoped she could charm her wife into calming down. "How're my favorite girls?"
"Momma!" Both children raced around the sofa to greet Lex. Each one wrapped herself around Lex, turning their sad faces up to look at her.
Amanda stopped what she was doing and put her hands on her hips. Her strawberry-blonde hair, cut short for easy care, was in disarray. "I'm glad you're home. Maybe you can get through to these two." She raised her arms and spread them wide. "Have you ever seen this room look this bad?"
"Hmm." Lex kept one hand on each girl's head, and made a point of turning slowly to take in the whole room. She understood why Amanda was so upset. There wasn't a clean spot anywhere. Games were strewn all over the floor, their pieces scattered everywhere. She glanced down at her children. "What in the hell was going on here?"
Ten-year old Lorrie, a miniature version of Lex, let go of Lex and stepped away. "We wanted to see how many games we could play." Her hands ended up on her hips, mimicking Amanda's earlier posture. "We were gonna clean up when we were done, I promise."
Hearing a sniffle, Lex scooped Melanie into her arms. "Is that right, sweetheart? Were you going to pick this mess up?"
"Uh-huh." The six-year old snuggled closer. "Mommy came in before we could."
Lex looked over Melanie's blonde head to meet Amanda's eyes. "Busted them, huh?"
Amanda was about to go off again about the state of the room, when she took a good look at Lex's face. The red and puffy eyes were a clear indication that something was wrong. She stepped closer and placed her hand on Lex's cheek. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah." Lex turned her head and kissed Amanda's palm. "I stopped by the cemetery."
"Ah." Amanda took Melanie from Lex's arms. "Go help your sister, sweetie. Lorrie, I want both of you to get this room clean or no Fall Festival tonight."
Both girls sighed. "Yes, ma'am," they replied in unison.
Amanda's attention returned to Lex. "Let's go upstairs."
"I'm okay."
"Then come help me calm down." Amanda took Lex's hand as they left the room.
ONCE UPSTAIRS, AMANDA closed their bedroom door and led Lex to the bed. She sat her down and removed her boots. "It's going to take the girls a while to clean up, so we might as well take advantage of it." With a gentle push, she made Lex lie back and snuggled up beside her. "Much better."
"As long as you're comfortable." Lex wrapped her arm around Amanda and kissed the top of her head. "You were right. This does feel good. Thanks."
"Anytime." Amanda unbuttoned Lex's denim shirt and began to lightly rub her stomach, the easiest way to get her to relax. "Now, want to tell me why you went to the cemetery?"
Lex sighed. "While I was in town, I stopped by to see Ellie."
"How's she doing?"
"Not too good. I tried to get her to come home with me, but she refused." Lex wiped one hand across her eyes. "She's just so damned stubborn."
Amanda had to laugh. "Family trait," she teased.
"Smartass." Lex shook her head. "Anyway, as I was driving home I realized I hadn't gone to the family plot for a while. I know he's buried next to my grandmother in Dallas, but I still feel closer to him out there." The private cemetery was located on the ranch, and was home to memorial stones as well as family gravesites.
"That's understandable. How are you doing now?"
"A lot better." Closing her eyes, Lex wrapped both arms around Amanda and tugged her as close as possible. "I love you."
Amanda kissed Lex's throat, and slowly moved upward until their lips met. "Love you, too." She felt warm hands slip under her shirt, making her hope their children took a long time to clean the living room.
LEX PARALLEL-PARKED her truck in front of the school playground and turned off the engine. She unbuckled her seatbelt and with a wry smile to her wife, turned to face the two excited children behind her. "Lorrie, do you remember the rules?"
Lorrie nodded vigorously, her gray eyes bright with excitement. "Yes, ma'am. Stay in the building and don't talk to strangers." She tugged her rubber zombie mask into place. "Do I have to take Melanie with me?"
Melanie's lower lip stuck out. "I don't want to go with you anyway," she said as her blue eyes filled with tears. "I'm old enough to go by myself."
Amanda bit her lip to keep from laughing. Their normally shy daughter was beginning to assert her independence, much to their amusement. "Melanie, I was hoping you'd go with us. We may run into your cousin Teddy."
"Oh. Okay." Melanie's tears immediately dried. "Teddy's s'pose to be dressed like a cowboy." She gave her sister a dirty look. "He's nice to me."