by Kathy Ivan
“I won’t say anything to the family, but I can’t promise I won’t try and figure out what they hope to gain from this stupidity.”
Rafe sighed and straightened, walking around to his chair behind the desk. “I know. And I’ll get some numbers for you, for your research. Let me know what you need, and I’ll pass it along.”
“Thanks. Call me if you need anything.”
“Get out of here. Go see Jill, I know you want to.”
Lucas chuckled at his brother making kissy noises. “Bro, that’s not a good look on you. Save it for Tessa.”
“Yeah, well, tell me you’re not heading over to see Jill the minute you leave here, I dare you.”
Lucas started whistling and headed toward the front door, his brother’s laughter echoing behind him.
CHAPTER SIX
Jill stood in the center of the shop she’d visited with Ms. Patti, and spun slowly in a circle, taking it in. She’d spent a good chunk of the morning at Ms. Patti’s real estate office, going over the lease agreement, and looking over the contract for co-ownership of their bakery.
Their bakery.
Hearing the words in her head made her giddy. The dream she’d cherished for most of her life was finally within her grasp, though she hadn’t anticipated having a partner. She didn’t mind, because she knew Ms. Patti was an honest, aboveboard, and honorable woman.
“I can’t believe it,” she whispered, her hand stroking softly over the door between the front of the shop and the back kitchen area. It was really happening. Glancing into her bag, her fingertips skimmed over the contract Ms. Patti gave her. Insisted she take to her lawyer. Once she signed on the dotted line, they’d be in business.
She grabbed the pen and pad she’d slipped in her purse earlier, and jotted down a couple of notes, then walked into the back. Better to get the biggest list done first, because getting the right equipment was a make-it or break-it proposition. There were a couple of good places in Austin she could check for rental equipment, or maybe they’d have some used they’d be willing to sell, if the price was right.
First thing, she’d need to get in here and do a thorough cleaning. Whoever had been the last occupant obviously hadn’t done a deep scrubbing before they left. The floors beneath her feet held enough dust it looked like it had snowed indoors. Cobwebs decorated the light fixtures, and clung to corners of the ceiling.
“Gotta remember to bring a ladder.”
“What do you need a ladder for?”
Jill screeched, spinning around at the sound of Lucas’ voice, hand pressed against her chest. She hadn’t heard him come in. Her fault because she hadn’t locked the front door behind her.
“You scared the living daylights out of me.”
“Sorry. I thought you heard me.”
“Guess I need to put a bell over the door—or one around your neck,” she joked, watching the corners of his mouth twitch.
“If I get a vote, I pick the door.” She jotted the word “bell” on her list, along with ladder and cleaning supplies. Decided to add fresh paint to the list, because the walls hadn’t seen any in decades.
“Congratulations. Momma said you signed the lease this morning, and your attorney’s looking over the partnership agreement.”
Jill couldn’t help the smile she knew beamed on her face. “I can’t believe it! I’m going to have my own bakery. It’s…I guess it hasn’t sunk in. That’s why I stopped by here. Ms. Patti gave me the keys, and I thought I’d start a list of what needs to be done. What we need to order. It’s overwhelming—in a good way.”
Lucas looked around, and she wondered if he could see it the way she pictured in her mind. She didn’t want anything too schmaltzy or juvenile. Nothing too upscale. No, she wanted a place where everybody felt like they were welcome to walk in, look at what she had ready for sale fresh each morning, and pick out something delicious.
“I like it.” He pointed toward the front. “You’ve got enough space for customers not to feel crowded. With some elbow grease and a couple cans of paint, it’s going to be something special.”
“That’s what I think, too. The whole place needs a good cleaning, from top to bottom. Which is why I mentioned the ladder.” She pointed toward the light fixtures. “Cobwebs and about an inch of dust clinging to those.”
“I’m sure Dad has one out at the house he’ll lend you. And I volunteer to help with whatever you need, at least until I head back home.”
Jill tried to maintain her smile, though it took everything she had because at the mention of him leaving, going back to DFW, it felt like she was losing her best friend all over again. She’d mourned when he moved away, though she’d never admit it out loud.
“I’ll take you up on your offer. It’s going to take an army to whip this place into shape.”
“You can do it, I have total confidence.”
“Tell me again after we’ve put in some long hours whipping this place into submission. Until then, I’ve got a lot to do, including turning in my notice at the insurance company.”
“I can honestly say I’m happy about that. I worried about you making the long drive every day to a place you hated working. I know, I know, people have to work jobs they hate every day—but you shouldn’t have to, Jill. You have a gift, and people need to know what you’re capable of.”
She ducked her head, and mumbled, “Thank you.”
Lucas’ finger tilted her chin up, and he stared at her, studying her face. “I mean it. You’re something special, and deserve to have your dreams come true.”
There it was again, that silly thump, thump inside her chest racing at his touch. Her lips parted and she felt breathless. It seemed like everything around her shifted into slow motion at his touch.
“Thank you, Lucas. I want that for you, too. Happiness, wherever it takes you.” Because she knew it wasn’t here in Shiloh Springs. It never had been, or he wouldn’t have left, leaving her behind, with her heart broken, without a backward glance.
Breaking their stare down, she took a hesitant step back, and clutched her pad to her chest. Think about work. Think about everything it’s going to take to make this a success. Don’t think about Lucas walking away again. You know he’s not here to stay. Keep things light. Have fun, but don’t risk your heart—never again.
“Alright, I’ve got to get busy figuring out what needs to be done and what needs to be ordered. I also need to call my attorney, and fax him a copy of the contract.”
“You are going to sign it though, right?”
She nodded her head. “Your mom wants me to have my lawyer look it over, and make any changes he suggests. Smart businesswoman, she knows more about how things are done at this stage than I do—but I’m a quick learner. I’m finally going to be able to put my college degree to good use.”
“Guess that means you don’t have time to grab lunch with me? Daisy’s has smothered pork chops this afternoon. Sure I can’t tempt you?”
Oh, boy, can you tempt me. No, bad Jill. No Lucas for you.
“Thanks, but I really want to get a handle on things here. Another time?”
Lucas nodded, his smile a little sad. “Sure. I’ll talk to you later.”
She watched him turn and walk out the front door, with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Dwelling on the past wouldn’t do her a lick of good, because that only led to heartache. Squaring her shoulders, she placed her purse on the empty table against the wall, and clicked the end of her pen.
Time to get busy.
After leaving Jill, Lucas decided to head to Santa Lucia. Ridge spent most of his days there now when he wasn’t working on expanding his security business. All his brother’s time and energy since turning his back on the DEA had been laser focused on building up the elite reputation he’d established for Sentinel Guardians, the company he started right after leaving the army. He’d occasionally used it as background for his DEA ops, but now he planned to build it bigger and better. While it had an excellent reputatio
n in Texas, Ridge wanted to grow and expand his base, and with the people he contracted, Lucas had no doubt within the next few years, Sentinel Guardians would be one of the premiere security specialists in the nation.
It still chafed Ridge hadn’t told him about working undercover for the DEA. It stung he’d kept it secret. He understood the reasoning, but didn’t make it hurt any less. On the bright side, though, Ridge had found the girl of his dreams, and along with expanding his business, he was building a life with Maggie White.
Pulling up to the gate fronting Maggie’s land, Lucas pressed the button, notifying the house somebody was at the gate. In less than thirty seconds, he heard Maggie’s voice.
“Can I help you?”
He leaned closer to his window, making sure the camera could identify him clearly. “Hey, Maggie, it’s Lucas. Is Ridge around?”
“Lucas! He’s out in the garage. Come on back, I’ll tell him you’re here.”
The iron gates swung inward, and Lucas drove through, heading for the front of Maggie’s house. A large circular drive dropped him at the front door, and he killed the engine and climbed out. This was the first time he’d been here, and he was impressed. Large double doors graced the entrance, the front façade built with Texas limestone. Landscaping was tastefully done, unobtrusive yet highlighting the features of the estate.
“Hey, bro, what brings you here?” Ridge walked around the side of the house, casually dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. He’d left his hair loose, hanging a little past his shoulders, instead of tying it back, which he normally did when he was working.
“Had a bit of free time this afternoon, and thought I’d drive over. See how the other half lives. This,” he waved toward the house, “is pretty spectacular.”
“It is. Maggie’s pretty proud of the place, and I’ve been hanging around enough it’s starting to feel like home.”
“I’ve gotta say, I never expected you to fall so hard and fast. I’m beginning to think there’s something in the water, because my brothers are dropping like flies stuck in the honey pot.”
Ridge slapped him on the shoulder. “You should try it. Being in love, it’s a feeling like no other. When you find the right woman, it’s worth everything.” With a grin, Ridge swung the front door inward.
Lucas shoved past him, giving Ridge a playful elbow to the gut. His brother grunted, and followed close behind. Lucas spotted Maggie in the kitchen. She waved as she filled glasses with ice.
“Lucas, welcome to my home. Make yourself comfortable. I’m fixing something to drink. What can I get you?”
“Whatever you’re having is fine.”
“Lemonade it is. What brings you by?”
Lucas grabbed one of the barstools, and perched on the edge, facing her. “My plans got sidetracked, and I had some time to kill this afternoon. Figured I’d catch up with this big lug.” He pointed over his shoulder at Ridge. “I’ll probably be heading back to DFW in a few days, and thought I’d spend a couple hours with him before I leave. Since most of the time he’s hopping between here and his office, this seemed like the best way to pin him down for a chat.”
She grinned and Lucas could see the appeal she held for his brother. There was an openness in her impossible to ignore. “Well, I’ve leave you to it. I’ll be in the office if you need me. Chance has been running me ragged, getting this foundation set up. I’m up to my eyeballs in paperwork.”
“And you love every minute of it.” Ridge grabbed her around the waist as she walked past, brushing a kiss against her cheek. “Holler if you need anything.”
“Have fun, guys.”
They watched her until she disappeared from view, and Ridge turned to him. “Grab your glass and let’s go out on the patio. It’s shaded and I could use the fresh air.”
Lucas followed him out, and took in the amazing outdoor space behind the house, and again felt a surge of happiness for his brother. Ridge practically lived here anyway. Maggie had invited him to move in, but Ridge insisted he was going to woo his beloved. He hadn’t officially proposed yet, but Lucas knew it would happen any day. Seeing the love they shared almost made him wish he had somebody.
His thoughts immediately sprang to Jill. Pretty Jillian Monroe, the girl he’d had a not-so-secret crush on all through middle school and high school. Shy until she got to know you, once you’d become part of her inner circle, she was the most outgoing, charming, vivacious, and funny person you’d ever meet. And he’d been the idiot who hadn’t realized what he had—until he’d tossed it away.
“Dad told me the lead for Renee didn’t pan out. I’m sorry.”
Lucas sat in the cushioned chair, sitting his glass on the small table beside it. “It wasn’t a total bust. The information was solid. The woman Dad’s buddy found could be her. Elizabeth Reynolds is the right age. Right hair and eye color. Driver’s license photo and social media pics look like they could be her. Problem is she’s not at the address in Cincinnati any longer.”
“Forwarding address?”
“Nope. The apartment complex said she left without notice. She was on a month-to-month lease, and forfeited her deposit, so they didn’t think anything about it. Mail was returned to the post office, no forwarding address given. The manager of the place said there wasn’t much mail anyway, only bills. Nothing personal or private.”
“Let me put my guys on it. I hired a computer expert—”
“Hacker,” Lucas coughed to cover his word.
“Don’t knock it. She’s the best I’ve ever seen. I swear she’s got magic in her fingers when she’s finessing a keyboard. If there’s a record out there, anywhere, a single thread, Destiny will find it.”
“I’ll e-mail you the new info I’ve got. Whoever this person is, even if she’s not my sister, she’s running from something or somebody. Three name changes in the last two years. Four relocations in that same time period. Indianapolis, Chicago, Evansville, and Cincinnati.”
Ridge leaned against the wall, and stared into the distance. “Definitely sounds like somebody with something to hide. I’ll get Destiny on it ASAP. Who knows, even if it turns out this Elizabeth Reynolds isn’t Renee, maybe she needs help.”
“Your area of expertise, bro. I’m a simple reporter.”
Ridge choked on the lemonade he’d swallowed. “Right, just a reporter. How many awards have you been nominated for again?”
“Hmm, eight? No, nine. Which kind of brings me back to why I wanted to talk to you, except now I’ve got to go; I have someplace I have to be. Give me a call tomorrow?”
Ridge moved away from the wall as Lucas stood. “You’ve got it. It’s really good to have you home.”
Lucas shrugged. “Wish I could stay longer, but I’m probably going to be moving around a bit for this new story. Waiting to hear from Chuck.”
“How is the old geezer?”
“Ornery as ever, but the man’s a genius at making my work shine, so I put up with him.” They walked to the front door and Lucas pulled Ridge in for a hug. “I’ve missed you.”
“Miss you, too. Why don’t you think about coming back to Shiloh Springs? You can work from anywhere, as long as you have internet and Wi-Fi. I know it’d make Momma happy.”
Lucas didn’t want to admit he’d been thinking the same thing recently. More and more frequently, if he admitted the truth. He missed his family, his friends. Missed the feelings that came with being home. A stark apartment in a city full of strangers had been his life for the last few years. That and his search for Renee, which got harder and harder with each passing day. He’d never give up, but he’d become disheartened with the endless search and never finding her.
“I’ll think about it.”
Ridge followed him out to the car, and Lucas climbed inside.
“Don’t give up hope, bro. We’ll find your sister—our sister.”
Lucas paused for a moment, absorbing Ridge’s words. He’d never thought about the fact when he found Renee, she’d be getting a whole new, ready-made fa
mily with a passel of older brothers.
“Thanks. Talk to you tomorrow.”
He pulled away, watching Ridge in his rearview mirror. Ridge was right, he couldn’t—wouldn’t—give up. One day he’d find his sister and make his family complete.
Smiling, he turned the car toward home.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Tessa plopped herself down on Jill’s sofa, slid off her shoes, and gave a happy sigh. She’d shown up out of the blue, bringing a bag filled with tacos, guacamole and chips, and a six pack of long necks. Passing the whole thing to Jill, she’d maneuvered past her, stating she’d brought dinner because she knew Jill wouldn’t bother to fix anything after putting in a long day.
“I have been on my feet all day, and I’m pooped. The little darlings ran me ragged.”
“You love every minute of it,” Jill shot back, unloading the food on her small table.
Tessa grinned. “I do. But teaching all day, going home to do the lesson plan for the next day, and work on wedding planning is wearing me out. Rafe’s a doll about all the meetings, scheduling venues, and tastings, but honestly, I’m at the point where I’d as soon elope to Vegas.”
Jill motioned her over to the table, and sat two plates on its wooden top. “Baloney. You’ve wanted a white wedding ever since I’ve known you. Remember, I saw all those bridal magazines in your dorm room with the turned down pages, complete with sticky notes.”
“I know. I never realized how much work goes into planning a big, fancy blowout. Thank goodness for Ms. Patti. She has been a godsend.” Tessa reached and grabbed two tacos, putting them on her plate. “I am getting the best mother-in-law in the world. How did I get so lucky?”
“You fell in love with her amazing son. Gaining the perfect mother-in-law is an added bonus.” Jill reached for the guacamole bowl, and Tessa smacked her hand.
“What?”
Tessa gave her a hard glare. “I know you saw her today. How’d it go?”
“Sheesh, can’t I even fix my plate before the twenty questions start?”