“Why?” Worry sounded in Brant’s voice.
“Because he was nervous. He didn’t have an appointment, but he acted like he was going to stay until she saw him. Here it is—Slade Walker.”
“Slade Walker was here?” Brant growled.
“I wanted to call security.” Carol winced. “But Tori agreed to see him. She told me to call and check with her in two minutes. I did, but she said she was fine.”
Why had Slade been nervous? Raquel’s stomach tilted. Why had he insisted on seeing Tori? Could Raquel be wrong about him?
“She didn’t leave with him.” Carol shook her head. “He only stayed in her office about five minutes and then he left. She left about twenty minutes later.”
“Did she seem okay?”
“She seemed—” Carol’s eyes narrowed as she searched for the right word “—rattled.”
Brant wheeled back toward the elevator and Raquel practically ran to keep up.
“Where are you going?”
“To find my wife. I knew I was right about him. If he touched her, I’ll rattle his teeth.”
Lorraine whimpered in his arms.
“If he touched her, I imagine she rattled his teeth. Now hush. You’re upsetting Lorraine. Here, let me have her.” Raquel stopped him long enough to take the baby from him. “It’s okay, sweetie.”
But even as she soothed her niece, her heart pounded. Had Slade made moves on Tori? Could Raquel really be that wrong about him?
Her phone buzzed as they stepped in the elevator with three men in suits. A message. She pushed the button to retrieve it. From Tori.
“She just texted me this. ‘I’m so sorry. Forgot all about lunch. Tell Brant not to worry. I’ll be home in a while.’”
Brant jabbed buttons on his phone, pressed it to his ear and waited. “Where are you?” he barked.
The men in suits looked up at Brant.
Calm down, Raquel mouthed.
“I was just worried.” Brant lowered his voice. “Carol said Slade was in your office today.”
Raquel’s heart continued to pound.
“Okay.” Brant’s jaw tensed. “Yeah. I’ll see you at home. Yeah, Lorraine’s fine.” He hung up and shoved the phone in his pocket.
The elevator stopped on the second floor and the suits got off.
“What?”
“She said not to worry about Slade. It wasn’t what I think and that she’ll tell me all about it when I get home.”
“So where is she?”
“Said she’s at the grocery store and she’ll be home soon. But we just went grocery shopping yesterday.”
“Maybe she forgot something.”
“Does Slade have a big dog?”
“Yes. Why?”
The elevator stopped and Raquel put it in high gear to keep up with Brant.
“Because I heard a big dog bark.”
“You don’t think she’s at Slade’s?”
“That’s exactly what I think.” They exited the building.
“Why would you think that?” Raquel whispered. “Tori would never cheat on you. She loves you.”
“I know that and I trust her, but I don’t trust Slade. What if he lurked around until she left and took her against her will?”
“Okay, maybe I was wrong. Maybe Slade does have a thing for your wife. But he’s no Russ Dawson. I think I’m an accurate enough judge of character to know that Slade wouldn’t kidnap Tori.”
“Then why did my wife just lie to me?”
They reached Brant’s truck and got in.
“Just because you heard a dog bark and Slade has one doesn’t mean she’s there. Maybe she was in the parking lot at the grocery store.”
“We’ll see.” Brant started the engine.
And Raquel’s pulse continued to race.
Tori would never cheat on Brant, and Raquel couldn’t imagine Slade forcing a woman to do anything against her will. Besides, Tori knew self-defense. But what was going on?
Please, Lord, let Slade be the gentle soul he seems to be. Let this whole thing be a misunderstanding, and most of all, let Tori be okay.
Chapter 7
A gentle March breeze wafted through the air, fluttering the paternity test results as Slade handed them to Tori.
Sitting on his porch steps with his sister while Blizzard and Flurry roamed the yard. The sister he hadn’t known he had until six months ago. Surreal.
“So you don’t know anything about our father?” Tori handed the paper back to him.
“A little. Once I saw the lawyer and learned who my father was, I searched his name on Google and read a few articles. Mostly about his career—the highs and lows, the rehab, several comebacks.”
“And the fans rode the roller coaster right along with him.” Tori rolled her eyes. “They never gave up on him.”
“What about you? Did you give up on him?”
“Slim Easton may have been my father.” Tori’s tone turned bitter. “But he was never a father. He was rarely home and when he was, he beat my mother mercilessly.”
Slade winced. “I didn’t know. Did he hurt you?”
“Not physically. But words do hurt. He never had anything good to say about anyone—including me.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Yeah. Me too.” She cleared her throat. “I’m sorry you finally found out who your father was and you ended up with Slim Easton. What about your mom?”
“She was a drug addict and an alcoholic.” He tried to keep his tone matter-of-fact. Even after all these years, his mother’s neglect still hurt. “My grandparents got custody of me when I was seven. She showed up every once in a while over the years, usually wanting money, until she overdosed five years ago.”
“Both your parents overdosed. I’m so sorry.”
“Yeah. Me too.” Slade shrugged. “We keep saying that.”
“Not much else to say when Slim Easton’s your dad. I know as a Christian, I’m supposed to forgive him, but I’m still praying about that.” Tori blew out a big breath. “So how did you find out about me? Did Mr. Lancaster tell you?”
“No. When I was researching on the internet, I found our father’s obituary. Your name was still Eaton then, so I did a Google search for you and found your wedding announcement.”
“So why did it take you so long to tell me the truth?” She plucked an Indian paintbrush and twisted the wildflower stem around her finger until the vibrant orange-red petals graced her hand like a ring.
“To be honest, I tried to forget it—at first.” He closed his eyes. “But I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about you. So I took a break from my rodeo chaplain ministry and came here to Aubrey to see what would happen.”
“I’m glad you did.”
“Me too. I always dreamed of having a normal family—with a mom and dad and siblings. I always especially wanted a younger sister.”
“From the looks of those test results, I’ve got a year on you, so make that a big sister.” She playfully bumped him with her elbow. “What got you into being a rodeo chaplain?”
“God.”
“Duh?” Tori laughed. “But why not a church? Why rodeo?”
“I was drowning in self-pity after my shoulder injury.” He rubbed his shoulder. Why did talking about it always seem to make it ache? Was it in his head or did it always hurt and he never noticed except when talking about it?
“My baseball career came to a screeching halt and one of our associate pastors at my home church had begun a rodeo ministry, traveling the circuit as a chaplain. His wife had cancer and he needed a replacement. God called me.”
“So you travel Texas preaching at arenas and living out of motels?”
“Actually, I only travel one leg of the circuit in that camper over there. I learned real quick motels add up fast.” He plucked a bluebonnet and handed it to her. He needed to mow his yard soon, but he just couldn’t bring himself to mow over the wildflowers just yet. “I’ve preached in indoor and outdoor arenas, sale barns and barns.
I occasionally ride broncs in the rodeo so I can get acquainted with the cowboys and witness to them.”
“And you stopped to find me?” She fashioned the blue flower into a ring on her other hand.
“Partially. I was suffering from burnout—because I was distracted by thinking about you. The travel was wearing on me. My mentor lost his wife a few years ago. He’s remarried now and he and his new wife were thinking about going back into the chaplaincy. So it all came together for me to take a sabbatical.”
“Do you miss it?”
“Not the travel part. I love the peacefulness here in Aubrey.” He closed his eyes and breathed in the fresh country air. “And I’m riding in the Stockyards rodeo Saturday night.”
“Really. I’ll come watch you.”
“That sounds great. I’ve never had any family to watch my competitions.”
“Do you still see your grandparents?”
“I visit often. They still live in the Austin area.”
Blizzard finished sniffing and bounded toward them with a faded tennis ball in his mouth and Flurry in pursuit, then dropped it at Slade’s feet. Thankfully, his new adoptee had bonded with Blizzard.
“You found your ball, boy.” Slade picked up the slobber-soaked ball and tossed it across the yard. Both dogs bounded after it. Raquel’s tomcat shot up one of the crepe myrtle trees.
“Is that Tigger? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him outside Raquel’s barn.”
“He gets semibrave occasionally. None of the dogs bother with him, but he stays on high alert—just in case one of them should suddenly decide they want yellow cat for supper. What about you—do you have any family you stay in contact with?”
“My aunt Loretta. She lives in Ponder and took me in after my mom died. Mom was a wonderful, gentle soul, and she did everything she could to shield me from my father.” Her voice cracked.
“Why didn’t she leave?”
“I guess he had her so cowed down she was afraid to. Afraid if she went to her family, he’d hurt them, too.”
Blizzard came back and dropped the ball at their feet again. Both dogs trembled as Tori reached to get it, but Brant grabbed her arm.
“It’s slobbery. And once you start, it’s hard to get him to stop. Let me.” He scooped the ball up.
She grabbed it from him. “I have an almost-six-month-old. I’m used to drool.” Tori threw and Blizzard and Flurry bounded after the ball again.
“At least you had one good parent and I had my grandparents.”
“They were good to you?”
“Wonderful.”
“I had my mom until I was fifteen.” She pinched the fabric of her skirt between her fingers. “She was a fabulous seamstress. All of my clothes were designer quality. In fact, everyone in school always begged me to tell them where I got my clothes. They never believed my mom sewed my clothes and thought I was holding out on some exclusive designer.”
“She taught you to sew?”
“My most treasured memories are with Mom and her sewing machine.” A tear slipped down her cheek and she swiped it away. “My dad came home for a few weeks before my sixteenth birthday.” She breathed out a harsh sigh. “What a gift. He beat Mom up worse than ever before. When I came home the next day, I found her in the bathtub with slashed wrists.”
“Oh, Tori.” Slade put his arm around her shoulders and gave her a gentle squeeze.
A truck roared up out of nowhere and turned into his driveway.
“That’s Brant.” Tori jerked away from him and stood.
Slade jumped up and hurried to meet his sister’s livid husband as the passenger door of the truck opened and Raquel unstrapped Lorraine from her car seat.
Blizzard brought his ball back, but no one threw it for him. He gave up and played keep-away with Flurry.
“Brant, calm down and put your fists away.” Raquel scurried after him holding Lorraine.
“Just listen to me, Brant.” Tori cut in front of Slade. “It’s not what you think. Do you really want Lorraine to see you hitting someone?”
“She’s too little to understand.” Brant ground out his words. “Now, y’all both stay out of the way.”
“My first memory is of my father hitting my mother.” Tori’s tone chilled Slade’s blood.
His feet stalled.
And so did Brant’s.
“Now that we’ve all calmed down, I have news.” Tori scooped Lorraine out of Raquel’s arms. “Slade is my brother.”
“Your brother?” Brant and Raquel echoed each other.
“Yes.” Tori heaved a sigh. “Now, can we all talk about this calmly?”
“How about some coffee at my house?” Raquel squeaked, obviously shaken by the news. “I could use something to settle the nerves.”
“It’s about time for Lorraine’s nap.” Tori threaded her arm through Brant’s, who was clearly shocked silent. “Where’s Hunter?”
“He spent the night with Max since it’s spring break.” Raquel checked her watch. “Lacie’s bringing him home later.”
“Let’s get one thing straight, Walker.” Brant jabbed a finger at him. “You’re gonna have to prove this news to me.”
“That’s not a problem.” Slade handed him the paternity test results.
“What was your dad’s legal name, Tori?” Brant scanned the document.
“Walter Eaton.” Tori rolled her eyes. “But you already knew that.”
“Just making sure. Even so, I’m sure there are other Walter Eatons besides the one who became Slim Easton. And even if this is the same Walter Eaton, it could still be a fraud.” Brant’s gruff tone was intended to intimidate.
But Slade wouldn’t back down. “If you don’t believe me, you can check with my lawyer.”
“Why would anyone go to all this trouble if it wasn’t true?” Raquel sounded calm, reasonable.
“One word. Inheritance. He wants a cut of Tori’s pie. He just admitted he’s already got a lawyer.”
“The lawyer who contacted him about the will.” Tori’s frustration sounded in her voice.
“Oh, really. Did he show you the money, Tori? Why should we believe anything he says?” Brant shoved the paper at Raquel. “You’re a nurse. Does this look real to you?”
Raquel took the document and looked over it. “Yes. But all we have to do is check the hospital records.”
“Just know, Walker, even if all of this checks out and you’re on the up-and-up, you’re not entitled to any of Tori’s inheritance.”
“Why?” Slade locked on his gaze. “Afraid your gravy train will dry up?”
“For your information—” Brant’s low growl came from between clenched teeth “—I signed a prenup so Tori would know her money meant nothing to me.”
Hurt reflected in Tori’s eyes and Slade closed his—the fight gone out of him. His words had hurt her instead of his intended target. “I’m sorry, Tori. I didn’t mean to infer that Brant would only marry you for your money. It’s obvious he loves you very much or he wouldn’t be so protective of you.”
“Don’t act all innocent with me,” Brant barked. “I know this whole thing’s about money.”
“Brant, please.” Tori’s eyes grew shiny as Lorraine’s fussing became a steady whimper.
“It’s not about the money.” Slade put a vise grip on his temper. “I got my own cut. I didn’t even want it and I haven’t touched it for myself. I don’t want anything from her other than for you to let her be my sister.”
“I am Slade’s sister,” Tori snapped at Brant, “whether you like it or not. Whether you accept it or not. Whether you allow it or not.”
“You’re upsetting Lorraine.” Raquel’s soothing voice of reason cut through the tension.
“Raquel’s right.” Tori patted Lorraine’s back. “Let’s go home and get your nap, sweetie.”
Tori headed to the truck and Brant fell in step beside her.
He opened the door for her, but she turned back to Slade before getting in. “But I will see you again.
Soon.”
“Sure. As long as your husband is okay with it.” Even though Brant pushed all of his buttons, Slade didn’t want to cause problems in their marriage.
* * *
Nervous energy zinged through Raquel as she set two coffee cups, along with creamer and sugar dishes, in the middle of the table. Tension still sizzled as she took her seat across from Slade.
He’d barely said two words since Tori and Brant had left. Poor Slade. He’d never known his father. And now his first meeting with his sister had turned into an argument. With poor Tori caught between the two men. Raquel couldn’t imagine how she’d feel if she’d just met Brant and learned he was her brother.
Slade gulped his coffee black. “She’ll be okay, right? Brant was so mad.”
“At you. Not her. He’d never take his anger out on her.” Raquel sipped her coffee. “Normally my brother is very gentle and loving, but you fray his nerves. He loves her and sees you as a threat to Tori.”
In spite of her calm tone, her hand shook as she set her cup down. “He doesn’t want Tori hurt again, so you’re the enemy in his eyes and the hibernating bear of his temper surfaced. But he’d never intentionally hurt Tori.”
“You mentioned a man hurting her once before.” Concern coated Slade’s voice. “Who hurt her?”
“That’s Tori’s story to tell. I’m terrible at keeping my mouth shut, but something I let slip to Tori last year almost kept her and Brant apart. So I’m done. You’ll have to get Tori’s story from her.” Raquel made a zipping motion across her mouth.
“If Brant will let me. Don’t you think our arguing hurts her?”
“Yes. But he’ll settle down and she’ll reason with him.” Raquel shrugged. “It’ll work out. Just give it time.”
“What are the odds that I turned out to be Dylan’s widow’s sister-in-law’s brother?”
Raquel chuckled. “How long did it take you to figure all that out?”
“A while.”
“So you came here to find Tori?”
“I knew she lived here from our dad’s obituary and I found her wedding announcement, so I knew her last name. At first I was hesitant to track her down. I mean, I didn’t know what kind of person she was—if she’d be happy or mad to know she had a brother.”
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