by Sable Hunter
After the introductions, the McCoys moved on in and they drifted to the dining table. It looked to be a well-used and loved place. Pictures lined the walls and although everything looked comfortable, they didn’t seem to display their wealth. Bottom line, this looked like a home.
“Cassie, tell us about yourself.” Cady started the conversation as everyone gathered around the big table and began passing around the food, family style.
Cassie tried to figure out what about her would interest these people. “I have a company that makes candles and body lotions,” she offered with a hopeful look.
“Congratulations,” Avery spoke up. “Do you have a catalogue?”
“I have a website.”
“And I can vouch for the candles. Thank you so much for the one you made for B. T.” She motioned to the baby Cassie was still holding, she couldn’t quit stroking his smooth skin.
“Speaking of Mr. BT, why don’t you let me take him off your hands?” Jacob reached for him. I’m an expert at eating with one hand and holding a bottle with the other.
“I thought that was Isaac.” Joseph laughed.
Isaac rolled his eyes. “I own the bar now, smartass.”
Cassie felt comfortable. She could tell these people loved one another, even if they were full of jokes. She was seated between Jessie and Bowie. “The meal is wonderful, thank you.” She addressed all of the women.
Joseph patted his stomach. “We eat like this all the time.”
The talk at the table was happy but a bit confusing for her. There was discussion of Libby’s due date, Avery’s upcoming wedding, the McCoy cousins who were coming down for a vision shortly and Aron’s rescue. All of it seemed fairly upbeat until Noah spoke up.
“Bowie, you know I talked to you about finding my mother.”
“Yea, have you found out anything?” Bowie reached under the table and found Cassie’s hand.
“No, but I think I know where to start.” Skye gave Noah’s back a reassuring rub.
“What’s that?” Joseph asked. Apparently this was news to everyone.
“When Skye and I went to the Cattle Barron’s Ball, back when they gave Aron the premature memorial award,” he said, pausing as Aron doffed his hat. “Old Sealy Cooper came up to me afterward and said something strange.”
“Like what?” Isaac asked.
“He said that he remembered the day Daddy brought me home. Sealy used to ride the rodeo circuit with Dad, so I think I’m going to pay him a visit and find out if he knows anything.” Noah looked hopeful.
Jacob couldn’t keep quiet. “Look, I don’t think this is wise.”
Cassie could feel tension building in the room.
Noah threw down his napkin. “You know, Jacob, I get the distinct feeling that you know more about this than you’re letting on.”
Aron eyed Jacob, then held up his hand. “Hold on, here. I am the oldest and I remember more about this than anyone.” Aron pointed his fork at Noah. “When Daddy brought you home, we all thought it was Christmas. There wasn’t a damned one of us that wasn’t glad to have you, even Mother.” He took a swig of tea. “I’m not saying that she wasn’t hurt by what Daddy did, but she never let on around any of us kids.”
“She never let on around me either,” Noah confessed.
“So, I don’t see why you just can’t let it ago.” Jacob persisted.
“Now, Jacob,” Isaac interrupted. “If it were me, I’d want to know.”
“Me too,” Joseph agreed.
Nathan, who was almost too young to remember his parents, asked innocently, “Was Mom my mother or was I adopted too?”
“No.” Noah shook his head. “We all remember you being born and seeing Mother pregnant.”
Cassie watched it all play out. She couldn’t help but see a shadow cross Jacob’s face. It made her wonder. The buzzing of a phone caused conversation to cease. “Excuse me.” Jacob rose from the table. He stepped off a few yards and talked, it seemed to be a happy conversation because he was smiling. When he hung up, he returned.
“Micah bought a new horse up in Marble Falls, says it’s a purebred Percheron, nineteen hands high.” He measured way above his head.
“How tall is that?” Libby asked.
“Seventy-six inches or as tall as me at the withers.”
“Dang, that’s a big horse.” Nathan whistled. “I’d sure like to see him.”
Jacob sat back down, looking pleased with himself. “Well, you’re about to see him. Micah and Destry are bringing him around to show him off in a few minutes.”
“What’s his name?” Tina asked.
“I don’t know.” Jacob smiled. “We’ll ask when they get here.”
“Destry and Cassie are cousins.” Bowie announced out of the blue.
“Really?” Skye turned toward Cassie. “He’s a nice guy. I was able to get to know him when all of the guys were preparing to head down to Mexico after Aron.” She looked at Cassie closely. “Well, I guess I can see some resemblance.”
“Oh, Cassie’s much better looking.” Bowie observed dryly.
“Why, thank you.” Cassie laughed. “That’s a relief.”
They talked about Galveston and how much fun Cassie had in the water. “I did, I’ll never forget how it felt to whiz around and turn somersaults in the chair.”
“You should have seen her, she looked like Ariel.” Bowie hugged her.
“Except in a wheelchair,” Cassie added.
“Hey, I spent some time in a chair.” Joseph turned serious. “Life looks different from there, doesn’t it?”
“It does,” Cassie agreed.
“I hope her view of the world has improved,” Bowie spoke up. “Cassie moved in with me.”
“Congratulations!” Libby clapped her hands. “That calls for something special.” She got up to get some wine glasses and two bottles. “One is non-alcoholic for those of us who are pregnant.”
“Watch the water in these parts, Cassie.” Isaac winked at her. “Women tend to come down with that nine month disease fairly easily around here.”
Bowie tensed up, Cassie squeezed his hand. About that time a knock at the door effectively changed the subject. In a few moments, she saw her cousin and another man enter the room. The men got up to meet them and ushered both Destry and Micah to the table. Isaac pulled up two more chairs.
“Let me fix you a plate.” Cady offered.
“No, none for me.” Micah waved his hand. “We ate at the Saltlick on the way through Austin.”
“Me either,” Destry said. About that time, he noticed Cassie. “Well, hey!”
“Hello, cousin,” Cassie greeted him. “It’s been awhile.”
Destry looked surprised. “What…” He acted like he didn’t know what to say.
“She’s with me,” Bowie stated pointedly as if he expected to be challenged.
Instead, Destry smiled. “Great! I’m happy for you both.” He stood up to shake Bowie’s hand. “We’ll have to get together soon, Cassie, and catch up.”
“I’d like that.”
The commotion at the table didn’t set well with little BT, he set up a howl designed to cause every adult in the room to sit up and take notice.
“Wow, Jacob. He’s got a set of lungs as good as yours.” Micah observed dryly.
Jessie held him up. “This is Bowie Travis McCoy, named for Jacob’s best friend, Bowie Travis Malone.”
Micah grinned. “What an honor.”
Destry smiled, but his eyes looked confused. He kept gazing back and forth between Bowie and Cassie. But he said nothing.
After finishing their meal and emptying both wine bottles, everyone filed outside to meet Micah’s new acquisition. Cassie had to admit, he was not only the biggest horse she’d ever seen, but he was the finest.
“This is Black Gold.” Micah announced proudly.
“Lord, he’s gorgeous.” Avery caressed the big stallion’s nose. “You have a winner here.”
“I’m going to breed some cham
pions for sure.” Micah nodded.
Bowie noticed Cassie was hugging herself. “Cold?” he asked.
“A little.”
“About ready to go home?” He nuzzled her neck.
Home. A thrill shot through her heart. “Yes, I’m ready to go home.”
They said their goodbyes to all the McCoys and Cassie hugged Destry’s neck. “I’ll give you a call tomorrow,” he promised, kissing her on the cheek.
“Come visit us.” Bowie offered.
“Sure thing,” he said, but Cassie could recognize that Destry had something on his mind.
What was it?
* * *
“We’re getting better at this.” Cassie sighed as she collapsed against the pillow.
“Ha!” Bowie laughed. “You should be satisfied with two orgasms.”
“Three.” She held up the requisite number of fingers.
“Either way, it’s a helluva good way to start the day.” He rose and stretched. “What are your plans?”
Cassie wiggled a little and rolled over to look at him. “Well, if it’s okay, I thought I’d make up a batch of hand lotion to compliment my new candle fragrance.”
She looked so luscious stretched out in front of him that he couldn’t resist kissing the sliver of skin he could see exposed on her belly where her night shirt had ridden up. “And what would that new fragrance be?”
“Sun and Sea. Inspired by our trip together.”
“I can’t wait to smell that.” He began to gather up his clothes.
“How about you?” she asked. “Do you have time for breakfast?”
“This morning I’m going to be out in the shop for a while. Why don’t I run out and get things going and pop back in about an hour and a half.”
“Great, I’ll make some waffles.”
“Rest awhile if you want, I like the thought of you being here in my bed.”
“Our bed.” Cassie sighed, contentedly.
“Our bed,” he agreed. Life was perfect.
Almost.
When Bowie got out to the shop, George and Michael were drinking coffee. “How’s Tanner?” George asked.
“Let me find out the latest.” He went over to his desk and set down in the squeaky chair and called his friend.
When Tanner answered, his voice was weak. “Malone, my hero.”
Bowie laughed. “Hey, I have to keep you around, you’re my comic relief. Seriously, how are you?”
“I’ll live, I had to get some transfusions, but I’ll be as good as new in a few days.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
“I owe you my life, man. You saved me.” Tanner snorted. Bowie could hear voices in the background. “The doctors tell me they’re gonna write up your technique in a few medical journals.”
“Hey, I think every properly packed medical kit should include straws and duct tape. Besides, remember, you saved me first. I owed you one.”
When Bowie got off the phone, George had left to make a short-run delivery. But Michael was waiting for him.
“What’s up?”
His uncle reached in his back pocket and pulled out a yellowed newspaper clipping. “I found this. I thought I had it, your aunt saved everything, God rest her soul.”
“What?” He held out his hand, knowing in his heart what it would be.
“Proof.” The one word Michael spoke pierced Bowie’s chest.
Stepping over to the light, he began to read.
July 17, 1995
Cassie Cartwright, six year old, daughter of Elzie and Adele Cartwright, was shot Saturday by Travis Malone, nine years old, son of Jim and Mary Malone. The incident has been ruled an accident. Malone and a friend were shooting rifles at a target and Cartwright was some distance behind the target. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. No charges have been filed.
Even though the article only confirmed what he already suspected in his heart, just reading it made Bowie want to throw up. “Thanks.” He coughed, folded the paper and put it in his back pocket.
CHAPTER TWELVE
“If you’re coming in with me, hurry up.” Cassie held the bathroom door open. Sassy and Patience were adapting well but they still trailed every move she made. The other animals had accepted them so it looked like they were well on their way to becoming one big happy family.
The dachshund and the tabby wandered into the bathroom and she shut the door. Getting clean now was an absolute dream. After the renovation, the shower was huge, eight feet wide, five feet deep with a bench and fourteen shower heads. Not only could Cassie roll her whole chair in with plenty of room left over, but there was room for Bowie and one of the camels if he was a mind to give it a bath.
Cassie sighed and smiled to herself as she soaped up and rinsed off. She had made a decision, it was time for her to tell Bowie how she felt about him. Holding in the words was growing almost impossible. He might not say it back, but he had shown her he loved her in a thousand ways. But she needed to say the words. Her love was a gift and she needed to give it to him.
The waffles were in the warmer, so she didn’t linger. Cassie wanted to be out and dressed when Bowie returned. As soon as she dried off and redressed, she heard a noise. It took her a bit to figure out it was her cell phone. Scooting through the bathroom door she raced around the bed and grabbed her phone. The ID said Private Caller. “Hello?”
“Cassie?”
She didn’t recognize the voice. “Yes, this is Cassie.”
“Hey, how are you doing this morning? This is Destry.”
Cassie brightened. “Oh, hey, Destry! I’m well. It was so good to see you last night.”
“It was good, I agree. I should have contacted you sooner.”
She heard him clear his throat.
“Is something wrong, Destry?”
“No, I mean...”
He said something that Cassie didn’t understand.
“What did you say?”
“Hell, I need to tell you something.”
“Okay.” This couldn’t be good.
“Bowie Malone is a good guy and I’m glad to see you two are together, but I have got to ask if you know who he is.”
“Know who he is?” Cassie was confused. “Yes, I have known him for quite a while. He’s a wonderful man who has a good business, does amazing charity work, has great friends and loves animals.” Plus, he sees something in me no one else ever has, she added silently.
“I don’t doubt any of that, I’ve had positive dealings with him myself and the McCoys consider him to be family.”
“So, what do you mean?” Cassie felt nervous and unsure. She had no idea what Destry was going to say. Was Bowie married? She had seen no indication of a wife. Was he in trouble?
“Cassie…” Destry seemed to be struggling for words. “Bowie Malone is the person who shot you when you were a little girl. It’s his fault you are the way you are.”
All she could do was gasp. There was no air in her lungs. How could this be? If she hadn’t been sitting down, she would have fallen. “How do you know?”
“I remembered the name. Everyone called him Travis back then and I know him now as Bowie Malone. I had never heard anyone call him Bowie Travis before now. But when I heard Jessie talk about how the baby was named after him, it hit me. So, I called Dad and asked.”
“My God,” was all she could say.
“So, I take it you didn’t know and he sure hasn’t confessed.”
“I don’t think he knows.” Cassie exclaimed. “He’s never said a word. Surely he would have said something.”
Destry tried to sound comforting. “Maybe he doesn’t know. He was really young and his folks tried to protect him. In fact, they moved not too long after the incident.”
Cassie just stammered, she didn’t know what to think. “Well, I don’t know…”
“Look, I didn’t intend to upset you. I just thought you ought to know.”
“No, I’m glad you did.” She brushed her hair out of her eyes
and a few tears off her cheeks. “Can I think about this and get back with you?”
“You don’t owe me anything, Cassie,” Destry spoke evenly. “I just had to tell you, I thought I owed you that much. What you do with the information is entirely up to you.”
Once she laid the phone down, she placed her head in her hands and trembled. She didn’t know what to think. Everything they had said and done raced through her mind. Could she forgive him? Could she live with it?
Yes.
The answer was an unequivocal ‘yes.’
Just like she’d told her grandmother years ago, she had already forgiven the boy who did this to her. And now to find out that boy was the man she loved didn’t change anything.
And he didn’t know, he couldn’t. Bowie had never let on, their meeting was accidental and their relationship had progressed normally. The only thing bothering her was how to break the news to him.
Despite her resolution, Cassie was a bit off her game. She headed to the kitchen and noticed that Bowie was late, almost an hour later than he said he would be. He was busy, and she could understand that. So, she left the waffles where they were and proceeded to go about her day, working on her potions and baking a cake for supper. The mundane chores made her feel better.
After another hour, she tossed the waffles and decided to make a stir fry in case he came in for lunch. Something must have come up.
The kitchen was a dream to work in now that she could reach the counters. Everything was easily accessible. Chopping up vegetables, browning some beef, adding the spices, it wasn’t long before she had a savory concoction. Lastly, she put on rice and then sat at the table to work on her website.
Cassie lost track of time, so when Bowie came in the back door, she jumped. Seeing him, after what she’d just learned, was a little odd. Part of her paused to analyze how she felt about him and the accident; resentment, anger, suspicion, mistrust? No, she felt none of those things. All she could detect in her heart and mind was joy at his presence, interest in his well-being and an overwhelming love and need to be with him.