Bighearted Cowboy (Tarnation, Texas Book 5)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “Looks like you and good ol’ doc had a nice dance,” he said in a husky voice.

  “You’re not jealous, are you?”

  “Yes.” He laughed, pushed off the edge of the bar and strolled over to her. “I don’t blame the man for being enamored. I know the feeling.”

  His warm stare and the weight of his words made her heart skip a beat. “You look nice.” She tapped a short nail against one of the buttons on his shirt.

  “And you look beautiful, of course.”

  “I’ve been wanting to speak to you about something—”

  Raised voices brought Charlotte’s attention to the other end of the bar. Betty Sue had her finger pointed in Benny’s chest. Her lips were twisted. “Oh no. I better go see what’s wrong.”

  “Oh, just what we need.” Benny blew out a long breath and tore his hand through his wavy locks. “We should tell everyone our business, shouldn’t we.”

  “I agree. I think we should too.” Betty Sue turned to Charlotte and said, “Guess what Benny forgot to share with me? Just a bit of an oversight.”

  “Betty Sue, stop—” Benny slurred. By his wobbly stature, the shot glass he’d just finished wasn’t his first.

  “He’s married.” Betty Sue’s upper lip curled.

  Charlotte’s mouth fell open. “You’re married?” She felt a touch on her elbow and looked up. Brennan was by her side and it seemed liked the most conceivable place for him.

  “It’s none of their business!” Benny said in a raised tone which gained the attention of people standing close.

  “Hey. Whoa there, Benny.” Brennan patted the angry man’s shoulder. “Let’s keep it down and things in perspective.”

  “Yeah, Benny. We wouldn’t want your affair with me getting back to the little lady, now would we?” Betty Sue looked like she could cut him in half with her stare.

  “Puhlease, as if you care whether I’m married or not. You’re about as ready as a cat in heat,” he snarled.

  “You’re a lousy drunk.” Tears filled Betty Sue’s eyes.

  “I’m a lousy drunk? Really? You’re a thirsty whore,” Benny muttered.

  “That’s no way to talk to her!” Charlotte stepped between the arguing couple. “Come on, Betty Sue. Let’s go.”

  Benny chuckled roughly and dove his gaze down Charlotte’s body. “I think I picked the wrong cousin.”

  Without warning, Brennan drew his fist back and slammed it hard into Benny’s chin, knocking him flat on his back. “What the fuck?” He held his jaw, blinking and looking up from the floor in confusion.

  Charlotte looked from Benny to Brennan. He told her, “Get Betty Sue out of here. I’ll take care of this mess.”

  By then, they’d drawn a circle of people staring and whispering.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Charlotte opened the door, smiling.

  A couple of hours had passed since she and Betty Sue had left the benefit.

  “How’s the hand, Cowboy?” she said softly.

  He rubbed his fingers of the mentioned hand and grinned. “Sore, but I’ll live. How’s Betty Sue?”

  “Cried herself to sleep. Come in.” She stepped aside and tightened the belt on her robe. When he’d called and said he wanted to stop by she’d jumped at saying “Yes”. Although she felt bad for her cousin, she’d wanted to have a conversation with Brennan about the future. She closed the door behind him. “How about I take a look at that hand?”

  “Nothing’s broken. I barely tapped Benny.”

  “You call that a tap? I’d hate to see your punch.” She strolled over to him and took his hand into hers, examining his knuckles. He had some redness and bruising but he was right, nothing was broken. “You could have hurt yourself.” She looked up at him through her lashes.

  “A man doesn’t talk to a woman like he did. He got what he deserved,” he muttered.

  “Thank you.”

  “I didn’t know he was married.”

  “It didn’t cross my mind that you did know. Betty Sue’s not always innocent, but this time she had no clue. She’d fallen for him and I think it blinded her to the warning signs.”

  “What are your secrets, Charlotte?” His gaze held hers.

  “What are you trying to do to me, Brennan?”

  “Honestly, I don’t know. I feel like I’ve been caught up in a whirlwind. If this made any sense, I’d tell you. I didn’t plan to feel this way. I didn’t expect it. Right now, I’m just going with the flow…and that flow is leading me straight to you.”

  Tears filled her eyes and she turned away to keep him from seeing the emotion. She didn’t want to break down—didn’t want him to see her vulnerability. He said such nice things, but he didn’t know her. He didn’t know what she’d been through or the fact that in the future she could get breast cancer. Would he be willing to take a risk with her?

  Taking his hand, she led him down the hall and into her bedroom, closing the door behind them. “I do have a secret and until now I was afraid I couldn’t share it. There are some things about me that very few know.”

  “There are things you don’t know about me either. We can get to know those things. That’s what people do when they care for each other.”

  “I agree.”

  She turned on the lamp. The golden light flooded the room and she could see the curiosity in his expression. She thought looking at him might take away her bravery, but it didn’t. Instead, seeing the sincerity and honesty on his face urged her to allow herself to be vulnerable. He wouldn’t hurt her. He wouldn’t turn her away.

  Reaching for the belt on the robe, she loosened it and the front opened, exposing her bare breasts. “I haven’t been completely naked in front of anyone since—”

  “Since what?” His hungry eyes skimmed her body then came back to her breasts. If he felt any shock in seeing the scars, he didn’t show it. “You’re beautiful.” He closed the gap between them and covered her breasts with his large hands. Not in a sexual act, but more of a respect for what she’d gone through. “Tell me what happened. Was it breast cancer?”

  “When I turned twenty-five, the doctor found that I had a rare condition. Atypical hyperplasia. During surgery, doctors removed the abnormal cells and made sure there was no sign of invasive cancer present. I went on hormonal therapy for a short time and for the last five years I’ve undergone intensive screening to make sure everything is okay.”

  “I’m sorry, but why didn’t you share this with me sooner? Did you think I’m be a jerk and turn you away?”

  “This breast is different.” She laid her palm over his hand. “I’m not superficial and believe it makes me ugly, but to let someone see me—see my breast—means I have to divulge everything. For a long time I waited, scared that I’d get breast cancer. But truth is, life isn’t meant to be lived in fear. In my career, I’ve seen people, of all ages and genders, have life stolen from them when they least expected it. I’ve been given the chance to realize how special time is. I believe I was meant to be here, to find you.”

  “Sweetheart, you never have to hide anything from me. Nothing will change how I feel. These scars do not take away from your beauty but only add to it. Come to bed and tell me everything.” He took her hand and together they walked to the bed. She slid the robe from her shoulders and let it drop to the floor, then climbed onto the bed. He toed off his boots, laid his jacket over the end of the bed and joined her.

  “I do want to tell you everything, but there’s something else I must say first.” She cupped his cheek, feeling his whiskers tickle her sensitive palm. “I want to be there for you as you’ve been here for me. Since I’ve arrived you’ve been my rock. You haven’t asked, but I think you’re probably too much of a gentleman. I would marry you, that is, if that’s what you want.”

  A smile came over his face. “Apparently I’m not the gentleman you think I am.” He reached around and grabbed the small box from the pocket. “You beat me to it.” He opened the lid.

  She peered i
nto the burgundy velvet nest and her heart raced. “Brennan?”

  He took out the diamond. “I’m not the most romantic, and this isn’t the most romantic love story, but it’s our love story and that makes it the best to me. I’d love for you to marry me.”

  “Yes.”

  He slipped the ring on her finger.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  “Don’t move or I’ll blast you into yesterday.” Brennan pointed the light of the flashlight onto the stranger standing in the field.

  “Don’t shoot.”

  He lowered the shotgun muzzle a few inches, surprised that he was hearing a female’s voice and not a man as he expected. What the hell? “Who are you?” The girl had on a black beanie pulled down over her ears. She wore black attire.

  “That’s a long explanation,” she answered.

  “Better start or I’ll let the sheriff take over.”

  “Haleigh.”

  “What’s the last name, Haleigh?”

  “Myers.”

  “Well then, Haleigh Myers, let’s make this as quick and painless as possible. Walk slowly toward the barn and don’t try to run. I will catch you and it’ll only make me angrier.”

  Without a word, the woman did as he requested. Once they were at the entrance of the barn, he switched on the light and motioned for her to head in. She rolled her eyes and marched in with a huff.

  “You can get rid of the weapon,” she muttered.

  “Keep your hands up and turn toward me.”

  “I don’t have a weapon.” She had bright dark eyes that looked almost too big for her face. Black paint was smeared under each eye.

  “I’d say that larkspur sticking out of your pocket is weapon enough to get you into a whole lot of trouble for killing my livestock.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her thin brows popped up.

  She couldn’t have been much older than twenty and her ghostly white skin looked like it hadn’t seen the daylight. This wasn’t what he expected. A young girl trespassing at midnight. “Empty your pockets.”

  With a bit of reluctance, she finally reached in and removed the plant and a small flashlight.

  “I’m going to call the sheriff.”

  “Don’t. Please.” She lowered her hands some.

  “Why the hell shouldn’t I? You’re responsible for killing my cattle and who knows how many of them you poisoned this evening.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t feed any of them tonight. I wasn’t trying to hurt them. I wouldn’t. I swear.”

  “And that makes this any better? Take that damn beanie off your head.”

  She dragged off the hat and her long black hair fell to her shoulders. “I didn’t mean any harm. I promise. I was only feeding them the flowers that I had gathered down by the road.”

  “Did you park there and walk?” he snapped.

  “No. I didn’t drive. I had a friend drop me off.”

  “You better start explaining to me why you’re snooping around here. This is getting old.”

  “Can I put my hands down? My arms are getting tired.”

  “Yeah, go ahead.” He lowered his shotgun too. She couldn’t be more than five two and a hundred pounds soaking wet. If she ran, he’d catch her before she got out of the barn.

  “I was watching you and your brothers.”

  “Watching us? Why?”

  “Because you’re Buzz Colts’ sons, that’s why.” She smirked.

  “And who are you and why is that any of your business?”

  “It is my business. Your father ruined my mom and dad’s life.”

  Brennan blew out a long breath. More drama. Just what he needed. He was supposed to marry Charlotte in the morning, and it was the last day before the six months ended. “I don’t know you, or your father, and I really don’t give a damn. I’d tell you to take it up with Buzz but he’s dead. Do what my brothers and I have done and move on.” He leaned his gun against the beam.

  “Not possible.”

  “Well then, that’s on you if you can’t move on. Coming on private property dressed like a ninja only puts your life in danger. What did Buzz do? Is he your father?” Brennan’s stomach twisted. Who knows how many kids the old man had?

  “No.” She wrinkled her nose.

  “Then what did he do?” Why was he even asking? Something in her expression made him want to know.

  “He stole my mom away from my dad and he never got over it. He died two years ago of a broken heart. My mom couldn’t get over that she tore our family apart. She died too, right after him.”

  Brennan sucked in a breath then shook his head. “That still doesn’t explain what my brothers and I have to do with this.”

  “I was waiting for the opportune moment to tell you what I know about Buzz Colt.” She sniffed and wiped her sleeve across her nose. “Trust me, you’ll want to hear.”

  “Listen, I’m sorry about the shit Buzz put you and our family through, but I’m over this. So over it. You’re being officially thrown off Grinning Spurs. Be grateful that I’m not pressing charges.”

  “You don’t want to do this.”

  “Oh yes I do.”

  “He’s alive.”

  Brennan snapped his chin up and narrowed his eyes. “What did you say?”

  “You heard me.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “I have the proof.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  “Where are you taking me?” Brennan glanced across the seat at the young woman who had her dirty sneakers propped on the dashboard. “Get your shoes down,” he mumbled. The last thing he wanted was to be dealing with this tonight. More of Buzz’s drama. Brennan didn’t believe for a minute the story the girl, Haleigh, was telling him but he needed to be sure.

  “I told you. To show you the proof that your father is still alive.” She didn’t turn her attention from the window.

  “How do you know this information?” He squeezed the steering wheel. He was full of uncertainty. It seemed the more he learned about Buzz the crazier things became.

  “It only took some digging. If you want something bad enough nothing can keep you from it,” she mumbled and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “Does that include killing livestock?” he snarled. “So you see, I’m having some trouble believing you.”

  She brought her gaze around. “I told you I didn’t mean to hurt the cows. I had no clue. And I don’t care if you trust me. You’ll see for yourself.”

  He blinked. “Hey, weren’t you in the diner that day I was in there with Baxter? It was you? You were watching me, and you got nervous and raced out.”

  She gave a slight shrug. “My plan was to tell you then, but I lost my nerve. You shouldn’t marry Charlotte.”

  He narrowed his gaze on the girl. “What do you know about her?”

  “Oh, not much, except that she certainly has you wrapped.”

  “You don’t know my situation,” he growled, feeling his spine tighten.

  “I don’t? Well, let’s just say I know more than you,” she huffed.

  “So you say, but it seems kind of fishy that someone who is all about knowledge hides in the shadows.”

  “I’m cold.” She blasted the heat. “I’m not the bad person here. Buzz is. I didn’t think you and your brothers would last two weeks here, let alone six months. I also think it’s very humorous that none of you decided you should investigate whether Roe Robins was telling the truth.”

  “People don’t lie about death, at least people with morals.”

  “Exactly what Buzz lacked.”

  “How old are you, kid?”

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m asking,” he forced through clenched teeth.

  “Seventeen.”

  He blew out a long breath and rubbed his temple. “Seventeen? I hate to see you at twenty.”

  “That’s not very nice.”

  “And neither are you.”

  “Turn right on this road,” she
blurted.

  He slammed on the brakes, missing the road. He reversed the truck and backed up, then turned on the narrow gravel road. They were in the backwoods and he slightly suspected she was pulling his chain.

  “What were you trying to say about Charlotte?” he asked.

  “You’ll find out soon enough. It seems this whole damn town is connected.”

  “I’m tired of the riddles.”

  She ignored him. “It’s right up here. Past the church. An old farmhouse.”

  They passed the country church which was surrounded by security lighting. “Think they have enough light?” he mumbled.

  “They get broken into a lot. Believe it or not, people burglarize churches just like some men steal wives.” She settled her cold glare on him.

  “Listen, I get why you’re angry, but your mom apparently made a choice. Buzz didn’t actually steal her. I don’t understand why you couldn’t have just approached me, or one of my brothers. We had nothing to do with our father’s treatment toward your mother and family.”

  “You should have left. Buzz isn’t worth the effort.”

  “You have no idea what you’re talking about. No surprise since you’re barely out of diapers.” Feeling her glare heat up, he sighed. “You’ve made some illogical choices.”

  “And you’re logical? Who allows their father to demand they marry within six months?”

  She had a point. “Long story.”

  “Sure it is. That shows you money makes the world go around. For everyone. Just like Buzz tried to offer my dad money as if that could make everything right again.”

  He shifted. “Is that what you’re wanting? Money?”

  “Did I ask for any?”

  “No, not yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late.”

  “I don’t want your money because it’s Buzz’s money. I’m doing to him what he did to my family. I’m shedding light on his indiscretions.” She plucked at the frayed edges of the hole in her jeans.

  “Fine, let’s say for theory’s sake you’re telling the truth. What will you gain from this?”