"So am I." It was Roman's turn. "For the first time in my life, I'm working a real job and bringing in a little money. It's all because of Mr. Henderson."
A hush settled over the crowd. They were paying attention to the youth voices. Lacy blinked back tears, scanning the sea of faces, looking for Holt. Not in sight.
"I'll say this about Mr. Henderson," Roman added. "A dude like me, I don't have many friends. Some people you just can't trust. But Mr. Henderson, you can trust. He's one of . . . well, he's about the only friend I've got. As some of you know, we got into a little trouble with the law. Mr. Henderson kept us from going to jail by putting us to work."
"Me, too," Sherri added and gestured toward Roman. "What he said."
In the stillness of the room, Lacy forced her words past the huge lump in her throat. "Thank you, Roman and Sherri."
"Wait! I'm not through." Roman stepped forward and held his hands up for quiet. "We know that it isn't much, but we're willing to give up our salaries and work on those old buildings for free if you people in Silver Creek will just keep Mr. Henderson on as the boss. He's a top- notch builder, too."
"The best," Sherri added. "He really knows his stuff, especially about old buildings."
The crowd, which had been absolutely silent until now, burst into applause. Lacy's heart leaped with joy. Where was Holt? He needed to hear this.
Lacy stood up. "Thanks Roman and Sherri, for your input. We certainly don't expect you to give up your salaries. And we’ll take note of your endorsement for Mr. Henderson. Perhaps the adults in this room can take a lesson from your participation in today's proceedings. This is the democratic process in action. Anyone else like to comment on the issue on the floor?"
Taking courage and confidence from the teens, several others in the audience spoke up for Holt, including Mrs. Carson. It was impressive. Holt received accolades from rebellious youth to mature citizens that he had helped or influenced.
But then, in all fairness, there was the other side. Sandy Amado stood and voiced her opposition. "This has been nice, all warm and fuzzy, all this good support for Holt Henderson. Sure, he's a nice guy and all, but how much money is he bringing to the project. Zero, as far as I know. Think about time and money. This guy from Phoenix can get the job done in half the time."
Another citizen stood up. "Yeah, time and money. How long will it take Holt, working alone. We don't even have the money for a crew for him, except for these kids. It'll be years before this project can possibly be finished."
There was a lot of rumble in the room. "Good points. Any more discussion?" Lacy called. She waited, then made her statement. "This vote isn't for or against our current developer. This vote is regarding the proposed investment by the McCoy's, including the demolition and rebuilding of our historic buildings at their discretion. Are we going to be in charge of rebuilding our town or let big bucks from outside influence how we want to get things done?"
When everyone had their say, she took the vote from the council. Two for the McCoy proposal and two against. It was up to Lacy to break the tie.
"I understand the time and money advantage," she said. "We need this project done in the shortest amount of time possible. This is a pretty amazing offer. But, there are stipulations that most of us can't agree with. I feel that there will be other sources for the money we need, other investors we haven't heard from yet.
"I feel strongly that we should direct how we want the project to go. Tearing down our historic building and rebuilding some replica isn't the direction we agreed to and aimed for. We don't want such major decisions for this project taken out of our hands. The citizens of Silver Creek should remain in charge of Silver Creek's reconstruction. So, I'm going to vote against this proposal with its stipulations. If the McCoy's amend the proposal to our standards, we will reconsider. Otherwise, we're back to square one, looking for investors. I don't think that will be much of a problem. But what we're losing in this is only time to get the job done right. Remember, our goal is to Re-grow Silver Creek. Thank you very much. Meeting adjourned."
Lacy gaveled the meeting closed. Then she made a mad dash to the bathroom, where she heaved her meager breakfast.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Holt arrived back in town near nightfall, Sunday night. He called Mrs. Carson to stay with Sofia for a little while. Then he walked down the street to Lacy's house. He knocked several times before she opened the door.
She looked sleepy, or tired. Or worried. And he wanted to take her in his arms right there on the spot. But he had to tell her, even though it might end everything. The whole thing had been weighing heavily on his mind for a long time. Admission was the beginning. Or was it the beginning of the end?
"Lacy, I – "
She stepped back, inviting him in silently.
He followed her inside. "I'm sorry I left so suddenly without telling you. I had some pressing family issues. And I needed to think things through. I've been living a lie, Lacy, and I've come here to tell you everything."
"Don't tell me that you're married." She stared at him, hands hanging limp at her sides.
"No, no, 'course not. But I haven't been totally honest with you, Lacy. I have to own up to my lies, both to myself and to you."
She shook her head and turned away. "I don't want to know about your lies. Where were you? Why did you leave? You didn't even come to the council meeting, did you?"
"I left town so you could make the best decisions for Silver Creek, without me to influence you. I had to back out. And I'm okay with whatever your decision was."
"We are doing what we think is the best for Silver Creek."
"Good. I knew you would." He didn't ask, didn't want to know. It didn't matter in his life now. "But there were other reasons I left. I have an obligation to Sofia and to someone else."
She looked at him accusingly. Folded her arms.
"I've been floating through life since my wife died, not caring about anything or anyone except Sofia. I wouldn't let myself care. Until I got to Silver Creek. And here, there's so much, so very much."
She walked to the window. "Damn, are we different. You want to escape while I want to take on everything and make it right."
"Exactly. You care about everything and take on the guilt or responsibility, even when it's not your fault or circle of influence. It's because you care, you're so damned passionate about everything, and I admire that."
"If you truly cared, why did you leave? Who's the other woman?"
"I had my reasons for leaving."
"So, we're at an impasse, you and I, and you're moving on?"
"Just hold on now, Lacy. There's more. I left because I got a call that Sofia's grandmother is ill. My former wife, Selina's mother. Sofia and I had to go visit her in El Paso. You see, Selina's father set up a trust fund for Sofia's college. The next year, he died of a sudden heart attack. Now Selina's mother is quite ill, not expected to pull through. She informed me that she has changed the trust so that Sofia and I will receive everything. It's a healthy but not extravagant estate. There will be enough for me to reform my company so I can work independently, and that's something I've wanted to do for a long time. And it also means I can provide adequately for Sofia's well-being and education, which is foremost."
"Good for you, Holt."
He could see her pulling away, both physically and emotionally. So he hurried on with what he had to say. "And that brings me to you, Lacy. To us. Until I met you, I've been denying everything and anyone who needs or wants me.
"Even though we have our differences, you want obligation and I want freedom, I want you to know that. . . I love you, Lacy. I wish we could come to some kind of terms, to something that would lead to our being together. But you're tied to your own version of success for your happiness. And I'm. . . looking for happiness in a simple life."
She turned around, tears in her eyes. It broke his heart. "For somebody who doesn't care, there sure are a lot of people around here who think you do. Including me."
He crossed the space between them and took her in his arms. His kiss was deep and long, filling him with a renewed spirit and yes, passion. Desire for this woman who kept his life in turmoil and he loved every minute of it. "Oh God, Lacy. . . "
"Holt, I love you," she said simply. "Love all that you represent, all that you do. You're a good man."
He took a deep breath. "I can't live this lie any longer. I love you. I'd like to think we can work this out."
She slipped out of his arms, and held onto his hands. "You should know that the City Council vote was a tie. There was a lively discussion for and against the proposal. It basically came down to time and money and to lose control of decisions. Or remain in control of our historic project with you at the helm. Mainly, people spoke up in favor of keeping you in the same position. And the whole thing was led by Roman and Sherri."
"The kids? Well, what do you know?" He was touched and pressed his lips together in an effort to tighten his emotions.
"Yep. They explained they would be out of jobs, and so would you. That they liked working for you and were learning valuable skills. Everyone was impressed."
He smiled, embarrassed.
She went on. "I voted to the best of my ability for the heart of this miserable little town, in the best interest of Silver Creek – against the McCoy proposal. Now Holt, you can stay. Or go. We aren't compromising our ideals for him or you or anyone. We want the historic buildings renovated. And we want to rebuild this town from its history."
He moved away. "I must admit, I don't want to take on saving this town. The responsibility's too big."
"Sorry, but you are involved. With Silver Creek, the people, and me."
"I can't run from love any longer, Lacy. I realize I'm not doing my best and not giving Sofia the best kind of life for her. Can we work this out?"
"I don't know."
"I do love you, woman. Head over heels, heart pounding, sweaty palms—the works! When you walk in a room, my soul lights up. Don't know how I denied it this long."
"I can't believe I'm hearing this. From your lips to God's ears." She came to him with hands on his shoulders and put her forehead on his chest, then pressed her lips there. She wanted him more than ever. Wanted him in her bedroom, to celebrate what they had between them and to talk late into the night about how to make it all happen.
"Lacy, there's another thing. We can't continue to play this secret game of love. We both have too many public obligations. I can't let my daughter grow up knowing the woman I love and sleep with on weekends lives up the street. That isn't a real family. What I want, and we need, is a family that lives and works together."
"You're speaking of real obligations, my darling, something you want to avoid."
"I know. Something I usually run from. But I want us together."
"Was that a marriage proposal? This is heavy stuff. Well, well," she whispered.
"Would you consider marriage?"
She pushed away. "No. Don't, Holt. How could you, after leaving so suddenly and no one knew where you were and why. And now, you come back bringing your heart-felt I love you and talking about marriage. I don't know! This is too much!"
The ringing of the phone startled them both.
Lacy didn't want to answer. But at this hour of the night, she had to consider that maybe there was some emergency. Her voice sounded strained and soft. "Hello?" She glanced at Holt. "Yes, he's here."
Holt looked up, immediately alarmed. "Is it Mrs. Carson? Something's happened?" He hurried to her side.
Lacy shook her head. "It's Sheriff Meyer."
Holt grabbed the phone. "Yes... yes sir. Yes, he does. . . I don't know. . . No, I didn't know that… Oh. Of course."
Lacy listened to Holt's side of a cryptic conversation with increasing curiosity. What in the world could he be talking with Sheriff Meyer about?
"Yes, I will. I'll be right there." Holt closed the phone.
"Well?" She was practically hopping up and down in anticipation. "What's up?"
"Sheriff Meyer has Roman Barrios and his little sister, Hanna, in the office. Roman asked him to call me. He said that I would know what to do."
"Do? About what? What's the problem? Why are they at the sheriff's? What has Roman done now?"
He gazed at her, shaking his head slowly. "Actually, it's something he couldn't help. Roman and Hanna have no adult guardians. As minors without supervision, they're considered wards of the state. He wants to ship them back where they came from."
"What about their aunt?"
"There is no aunt. Nobody. Those kids have been on their own since they arrived in Silver Creek last summer."
Lacy was alarmed. "How in the hell did they manage to live on their own in this town all that time? Why didn't they tell someone?"
"Answers in due time, I'm sure. I'm going down to the sheriff's office and see what I can do."
"I want to go with you."
He put his strong hands on her shoulders and kissed her forehead. "We'll finish this conversation later. It isn't over. It's just the beginning." He kissed her lips, long and hard. "But before we go, come to my house. I want to show you something. It won't take long."
When they arrived, Sofia swung the door open and squealed in excitement. She flung her little body against Lacy, squeezing tight. Lacy knew in that moment that she loved this child. Sofia was like the little daughter she'd never had and a part of her wanted to fill in the mothering she never had. But that wasn't fair to Holt. He'd done a wonderful job raising her. Then it struck Lacy how very much she'd miss Sofia if Holt took her away. She had even dreamed of losing them. She looked up at Holt and hoped the love she felt was revealed in her teary eyes.
Sofia grabbed Lacy's hand. No time for tears. "I have a surprise for you, Ms. Lacy! But first, close your eyes."
Lacy glanced at Holt, who was standing back to let his daughter take over. He wore a sly smile and shrugged to indicate this was her show. So Lacy did as she was told and let Sofia lead her across the room.
There was some scrambling and scratching noises, and a yelp or two. Finally Sofia said, "Okay. Sit down on the floor. Now, open your eyes so you can see my best surprise in the whole world!"
Lacy opened her eyes in time to see a frisky champagne-colored creature lunging at her. And dancing all over her. And wiggling. And jumping back in Sofia's arms. And repeating the wild antics all over again.
"Who is this?" Lacy laughed as the puppy scrambled excitedly around the floor.
"Meet Honey," Sofia said proudly. "Isn't she the cutest, sweetest puppy in the world? She is my new best-est friend. Did you know she's a girl? And I loooove her."
Lacy looked at Holt. He took her hands and pulled her to her feet. "Just want you to know that I've decided to stick around awhile. Gotta be committed sometime to something. Silver Creek's the place."
Lacy fought tears. He'd always resisted getting a pup. It was his quick exit, his final push. Until now.
He gestured toward the back door. "Sofia, you'd better let Honey out back, before she pees on the floor."
Sophia giggled and took Honey outside.
"You're a good daddy, Holt Henderson." Lacy squeezed his hand.
He encircled her with his big arms and kissed her. "I try. . . sometimes it works."
A small voice interrupted their private world. "If you two are finished with the mushy stuff, it's time for Honey and me to go to bed."
"Why, yes it is." Holt bent down and gave Sofia a kiss. "Lacy and I have an errand to run, but we'll be right back. Meantime maybe Mrs. Carson will put you to bed and read you a story."
"And Honey wants to hear a story, too."
"Right. I'm sure she does."
Lacy kissed Sofia good-night. "Thank you for sharing your great big surprise with me. Honey is a beautiful puppy."
Sofia hugged Lacy hard. "I think so, too. I'm soo-ooo happy."
Holt moved the dog crate to Sofia's room so Honey could get used to sleeping there and tucked his d
aughter into bed.
Then together he and Lacy left for the sheriff's office, wondering what in the world they would find there.
In the office, Sheriff Meyer discussed the situation briefly with Holt and Lacy, then ushered them into a back room. Roman and his little sister sat huddled together like two lonely puppies abandoned by the roadside.
Roman stood immediately. His streetwise arrogance, usually so visible in his every move, was gone tonight. But he tried to sound cool. "Hey, man. Hope we didn't interrupt anything. If you'll just tell this dude everything's okay, we'll be outta here. We didn't commit no crime or nothing."
"I'm glad you called me, Roman." Holt shook the boy's hand and touched Hanna's shoulder. "So tell me. You two have been living in an abandoned house?"
"What happened to your aunt?" Lacy demanded.
Roman shuffled from one foot to the other. "I don't know."
"There isn't anyone, is there?" Lacy deducted accusingly. "Never was."
Roman shook his head and gazed down to where Hanna clung to his hand.
Holt stooped to talk to her. "Hi. Remember me? You came to my house once and played with my little girl, Sofia."
She nodded and rubbed her nose.
"How are you doing?"
"Okay."
"Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?"
She nodded and gazed hopefully up at Roman.
Holt stood and addressed Roman. "You can't see the judge until the morning. Sheriff Meyer says you two can spend tonight in my custody... if you won't run."
Under The Desert Sky (Desert Sky Series) Page 17