He smirked, wondering what Elsa could ever see in the man who sat across from him, so full of himself that he stunk. “She doesn’t know I’m here. But, you need to listen—and listen closely—to what I’m going to tell you because this is the one and only warning I’ll give. If you step foot back in Texas, I assure you that I’ll know and we cowboys will show you how we handle a pussy who beats a woman. Are we clear?”
“Are you threatening me?” He pushed his chair back and stood up, his chin taut.
Deckland stood too, facing the coward. “Do I look like the kind of guy who’d threaten someone? I’m only telling you the facts. You should thank me for taking the time out of my busy schedule to fly here to give you a warning, because if I didn’t care for Elsa I’d have let you make the biggest mistake of your life by threatening her again. I get that you think you own the law with a couple of prissy lawyers on your side, but I’m here to burst your gargantuan fantasy bubble. Your reach doesn’t quite extend into my country.”
The other man shook with anger. “You can’t tell me that I can’t step foot in Texas. How dare you!” He seethed through every pore, making his evil nature come alive.
Deckland smiled. “I smell your fear. I would be too if I was being investigated by the government for tax fraud.” Seeing the man’s eyes widen, Deckland sighed. “Was that supposed to be a secret? Just do yourself a favor and leave Elsa alone.” He turned on boot heel and started for the door. His hand was on the knob when Tom stopped him.
“You think she’s a prize? I picked her out of a trash barrel, washed her off, and made her something—made her who she is today. Do you think she belongs on a ranch in hillbilly country? She should be groveling at my feet.”
Deckland had enough. He turned and his anger coiled to the surface like a wound spring. “You fucking bastard! You did nothing for her except cheat her, beat her and make her fear her life. You call yourself a man? You’re a piece of shit that deserves to be carted off to prison where you’ll decay for all of your transgressions. We both know that you were lucky to have a woman like Elsa. Hell, I’m lucky to have her. And now, without her, you have nothing. You’re rotting in your own piss.”
Before he did something he’d regret, he jerked open the door and stormed out.
****
Elsa had been back on Brooke Creek Ranch for two weeks and she’d never been happier. Instead of moving back into the guest bedroom, Deckland had invited her into his bedroom and that was where she’d spent every night.
He was a giving lover, and a sweet man. She’d never known anyone so kind, and she had fallen madly in love with him. Her tongue craved to spill her emotions like a waterfall, but a sliver of uncertainty remained. Did he feel the same?
They were in his truck, and they pulled up in front of a business district where a storefront was for rent. It was once a restaurant but had gone bankrupt, so it had all of the basics she’d need to start her business back up.
She’d asked Deckland to accompany her because she trusted his instincts.
With the loaner key from the realtor, Elsa opened the door and stepped into the space scattered with dreadful tables, broken chairs and a hideous yellow color on the walls.
“Well, if their taste in decor is any indication how their food tasted, no wonder they folded,” Deckland said form the doorway.
Elsa laughed. “That’s not very nice, although these tables have a lot to be desired. Formica is never a good choice.” She wrinkled her nose. “But this area is spacious and it has lots of prospects. Don’t you think?” She twirled in a circle then came to stop in front of Deckland.
“Yes, I think it has prospects,” he answered with a grin.
“And then I’ll be out of your hair,” she winked.
“What makes you think I want that?”
She shrugged. “We knew this day would come. I have the money to reopen my store. I can’t stay in your kitchen and work long-term. I need counter space, professional appliances—”
“I understand that.” His gaze clouded and he shifted his boots.
“What is it, Deckland? I know you have something that you’re holding back.”
He crossed the floor and took her hands into his, holding her gaze. “Somewhere along the way I’ve fallen madly in love with you. And, although I’m happy for you for the opportunity to open another bakery and I think this would be a great place for your shop, I don’t want for you to move ahead without me.”
Her chest tightened as her pulse quickened. She stared at him through the moisture. “And you must know that I love you. I’ve been hoping that you would feel the same.”
His eyes were also suspiciously wet. “This wasn’t what I had in mind, but I can’t think of a better time to do this.” He dropped to one knee and pulled a small velvet box from his jacket pocket. Holding it out, he lifted the lid. “I’ve been waiting for the right time. Sweetheart, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, my lifelong partner, my best friend for life?”
Tears wetted her cheeks and she swiped them away. “Oh. My. The ring is lovely.”
He took the ring from the cushioned nest and the diamond twinkled in the overhead fluorescent light. “This was my mother’s. I’ve kept it all of these years waiting for the right finger to place it on. I believe in all my heart that I couldn’t find a better woman, a more special person, to wear it. So, if you say yes and make me the happiest man, I’ll place it on your hand and make a promise that I’ll always be faithful. I’ll never roam. These callused hands will only create tender touches and never hurt you. We’ll create a family based on love.”
“Yes, Deckland. A million times over…YES!”
He stood up and took her hand into his, sliding the ring on her fourth finger. “It’s a perfect fit.”
“Yes, it is.” She held it up, admiring the six sparkling diamonds set in a silver band. “I’ve never seen a lovelier ring.” And she hadn’t.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
ELSA ENTWINED HER fingers with Deckland’s larger ones as they drove toward her childhood home. “Thank you for coming with me, Deck.”
He looked at her across the seat of the car. “I wouldn’t choose to be anywhere else.”
“I need to see her. I need to speak to my mom and find resolution for the anger I still feel toward her.”
“That makes sense. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”
Elsa stared out the window at the familiar scenery. She remembered how she’d hated living in this neighborhood—in a lot of neighborhoods just like this one. How she’d wake up every day in the bad part of town, wishing she could be somewhere else—a place where she had someone who cared. She’d wanted love enough that she’d fallen for Tom’s lies and ended up in far worse shape than living with her mother, who at least wasn’t abusive in physical terms.
They turned into the park entrance, and her stomach rolled. They’d settled here when she was twelve and she’d played with all of the neighbor boys and girls. They were her only companions since her mother was always gone.
Thankfully, a neighbor lady felt sorry for Elsa and fed her on most days.
At thirteen, she’d met a boy and they started seeing each other. He’d kissed her in front of the corner market after he’d bought her an ice cream cone. She smiled as she recollected his slicked back hair and braces. Several years later, he’d robbed a corner store.
It seemed like forever ago since she’d walked the street looking for her mom, stopping in every bar, asking for her.
“Right here.” Elsa pointed to the fourth trailer on the right and they parked in front of the dingy-looking place. Old tires littered the overgrown yard. A clothesline stood out front with a dirt-splattered slip and underwear hanging from pins.
Home sweet home had a new meaning for her.
Deckland turned off the engine and they got out. “You doing okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine, but make sure you lock the car. This area is nothing like what you’re used to.”
The front metal steps were raggedy, and as Elsa stepped upon the first step, her foot slipped through onto the cement below. Deckland helped her remove her foot. Thankfully, she’d worn jeans and wouldn’t need a Tetanus shot, at least not this far into the visit.
Knocking on the door, she didn’t get an answer.
“She does know you’re coming, right?”
Elsa nodded. “She said she’d be here.” Opening the door, she peered in and called out. “Mom? You here?”
Nothing.
Stepping into the dim lit room, Elsa glanced around the cluttered space. “Hello?” She inhaled and was accosted with a strong smell of animal urine. It made nausea rise in her throat. At least growing up, she’d kept their home clean, but from the mess she saw now, her mom didn’t believe in cleaning.
“Who is it?” the croaky voice made Elsa jump.
“Mom, it’s me, Elsa, and Deckland.” Narrowing her eyes, Elsa saw the silhouette sitting in the corner chair. “I’m going to open the curtains.”
“Do what you like,” her mother huffed.
Drawing the curtains, light rained in, but it could have been a bad decision. Elsa looked at her mother, frail and wrinkled, sitting small in the big chair. She’d aged far more than her fifty-some years. Her red-rimmed eyes spoke volumes regarding the life she’d lived.
“Mother, how are you?” Where most daughters would race in to hug a loved one they hadn’t seen in years, Elsa stayed back, guarded and uncertain.
“I’m breathing. I guess that’s all I can ask for,” her mother grumbled.
“This is Deckland. My fiance.” Pride burst through her that she could introduce him.
Deckland stepped closer and held out his hand. “Nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“I’m Dorothy.” She stuck her gnarled hand in his. “You’re a looker.” One corner of her mouth lifted as if she couldn’t manage an entire smile. “Elsa, why’d you keep him away so long?”
Elsa threaded her fingers through her hair. “I guess it has been a long time since I’ve visited, but honestly, you and I didn’t have the greatest relationship there at the last.” She was far too mature to play with words.
Dorothy squinted, a frown marring her thin lips. “I did the best I could. You had a roof over your head, food in your belly and clothes on your back. Some would say that’s what matters.”
Elsa bit her tongue. She didn’t want to argue. “We can agree to disagree. But I wanted to break the cycle of silence and forgive and forget so that I can move forward.”
“I hope you’re not marrying this one for money.” Dorothy clasped her hands in her lap.
“No, Mother, I’m not.”
“Good. Do you smoke, fellow?” Dorothy clamped her beady grey eyes on Deckland.
“No, I don’t.”
“That’s a shame.” She moaned. “I haven’t had a cig in six months.”
“Maybe that’s for the best,” Elsa said.
With a shrug of a scrawny shoulder, she snorted. “I already have cancer. What more is there?”
Elsa narrowed her gaze. “When did you find out?”
“A few months ago.” There was no sign of concern or fear on her aged face.
“And you’re seeing a specialist?”
“When I have a way there. With a limited income I can only go when the money’s in my pocket.”
Elsa swallowed the remorse in her throat. Her mother had chosen her path, and Elsa had been an innocent child who had been lucky to get away.
At least being here now, she found forgiveness in her heart. And that released her of any guilt. Tomorrow would be a brighter day.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
DECKLAND SAW THE silver car coming up the drive and his gut tightened. Tom had called the day before and asked for permission to come to Texas so they could meet. Deckland started to hang up when Tom said, “This has to do with Elsa. You’ll want to hear.”
Reluctantly, Deckland had agreed. Elsa would be at the store for the afternoon so there was no chance of a run-in. He’d stayed at the ranch to be on the safe side. He also had Dante and Dillon following Tom from the airport, just in case he decided to take a detour from the direction of Brooke Creek. Deckland spotted Dante’s truck pulling in. If Tom would make one wrong move, the three brothers would be on him at the blink of an eye. That was the reason for meeting him at the ranch instead of a public place, to maintain control of any unexpected hiccups.
He watched Tom climb from behind the wheel of his car. He wasn’t dressed as lavish today, making Deckland suspicious.
Meeting him halfway across the grass, Deckland didn’t bother with a greeting. “I have no clue why you wanted to meet, but let’s get this the hell over with ASAP.”
Dante and Dillon got out of the truck and leaned against the front, watching from the short distance.
“Rest assured, I’m not here to cause problems. I’m here to make you an offer that you can’t refuse,” Tom said.
Deckland blinked. “I don’t think you have anything I’d want.” He started to turn, but Tom’s words stopped him.
“Zupita Bistro.”
Deckland smirked. “Like I said, you have nothing I need or want.”
“But Elsa would feel differently.”
“I’m listening. But only for a minute,” Deckland said.
“As you know, I’m in trouble. I wanted to give Elsa the opportunity to make an offer on the restaurant before I put it up for sale.”
“What you’re really saying is, you need money fast.” Deckland could see straight through the manipulation.
“Does it matter what my reasoning is? Don’t you want to make Elsa happy?” He lifted a brow.
“Cut the bull shit and name the price.”
“I know you don’t think a lot of me, and I’m not expecting you to like me, but you should know that I still love Elsa. I always will.”
Deckland palmed his neck, irritation bubbling in him. “And is that supposed to excuse you for all of the shit you put her through? You have a lousy way of showing love, my man.”
Tom sighed. “I want the best for her, and I mean that. It’s hard to admit the truth, but I failed in many ways.” He glanced into the distance. When he looked back at Deckland, Tom’s expression was blank. “Here’s what I’m asking.” He withdrew a business card from his front pocket and handed it to Deckland.
Staring down at the number, which was far less than he’d expected, he looked at Tom with a shake of his head. “Damn, you’re in more trouble than I first thought.” After a lengthy pause, Deckland nodded. “I don’t make deals with the devil, but as I see it, Elsa deserves to have the restaurant and she can decide what’s best.”
****
Elsa was elbow deep in scrubbing the floors at the new site of Elsa’s Fluff. She’d been doing repairs and cleaning for two weeks in preparation for the opening day.
“I came at the right time.”
The husky voice made Elsa drop the brush. She looked over her shoulder at Deckland, who was wearing a playful smile.
“Are you watching my behind?” She narrowed her gaze.
“Sweetheart, you look mighty fine in those shorts. You give shaking your booty a whole new meaning.”
Laughing, she stood up and placed her hands on her hips. “Deckland, what are you doing here? I thought you had a busy day at the ranch?”
He shrugged. “I wanted to see my beautiful lady and pitch in, if you need me.”
“Baby, I always need you in the worst and naughtiest ways possible.” She swayed to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I probably smell like bleach and dirt.”
“You smell like sugar to me.” He nuzzled his nose against her neck. “I’m sorry if I dragged you away from your cleaning.”
“Oh, sheesh, what a disappointment.” She chuckled. “Anyway, I have to leave soon. I have to call and make sure all of the preparations are in order for Mother to move to the assisted living apartment. It’s going to be different with her being clo
se, but I do think it’ll be for the best, especially since I can help make sure she gets the care she needs. Then, I have to be at the bridal shop. Peyton and April are meeting me there to help me pick out a dress.”
“Can I come?” He wriggled his brows.
“Not unless you want bad luck in our marriage. You know you can’t see me in the dress before the wedding.” Kissing his cheek, she stepped back.
“You know that’s just a wives’ tale. But I get it, this is a girl’s only event. Dillon and Dante will be coming with me to pick out a tux.”
“Just keep in mind the colors.” Seeing his curious expression, she shook her head. “Pale pink and grey.”
“Yeah, I knew that.” He winked. “I want to speak to you about something.”
“You do? You look serious.” Her stomach did a loop.
“I bought a restaurant today.”
Her mouth dropped and she quickly closed it. “Deckland? A restaurant? Sorry, but I’m a bit confused.”
“I’ll rewind a little. I had a visitor today that made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. So, I bought his restaurant—well, in actuality, it’s your restaurant.”
She narrowed her gaze. “What are you talking about?” Then realization struck her. “Tom was the visitor, wasn’t he?” He nodded. “He sold you the business he and I started together? Zupita?”
“He needed money.”
“And you of all people gave it to him?” She moved, placing distance between them.
“It’s not about the money, sweetheart. Trust me, it was far less than what it’s worth. And you rightly deserve the restaurant.”
“But—But…really?”
“Yes, my love. From what I understand, it’s temporarily closed because he had to shut the doors. Just to let you know, it’s yours to do with whatever you want. You can always sell it, make a sizable profit and open an Elsa’s Fluff chain. Up to you. I just wanted you to get what belonged to you, at least the right to do what you deserved.”
“Deckland, this is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me.”
“I love you, darlin’.”
Second Burn Cowboy (Second Chance Series Book 6) Page 15