Luke's Fate

by Kathleen Ball

  Chapter Three

  The next week went surprisingly smooth. Meg stopped by the mustang herd each day and rode for Luke. At first Luke stiffened when she rode up, and she had a feeling it was an ego thing. Other than the one time he’d climbed on Zeus, he hadn’t been able to ride again and it made him impatient with himself and anyone else who happened to get in his crosshairs.

  For some reason she enjoyed his grumpiness. He was fun to tease, and things weren’t as awkward between them. Hell, she lived with the grouchiest of all men, worked with a few, too. His caustic nature was a buffer between them, and she was grateful. She didn’t have to worry about compliments.

  The Texas sun beat down as she rode Hestia. She was a beautiful mare with a dun appearance and black points. Pulling down the brim of her hat, she observed Luke. He still had a slight limp when he walked, and she knew he was trying to hide it from her. If she mentioned it, he hit the roof.

  “What do you think?” she called out.

  Luke nodded his head and actually smiled. “She’s one of the best. We’ll keep her and see what type of foals she throws. I have a feeling her offspring will be stars.”

  Walking Hestia toward Luke, Meg stopped and slid out of the saddle. “She’s my favorite. When we decide which ones to sell, are we going to auction?”

  “I have an idea some of my buddies I used to rodeo with might be interested. I’d like to give them first choice. If they get the word out, we might not have to go to auction. This way I can size up the buyer.”

  “No selling to jerks.”

  The corners of his mouth turned upward. “Exactly.”

  “I like your idea, Luke. I was wondering if you’d gone to see your dad yet.”

  Pain sparked in his eyes, followed by irritation. “I know I should, but I just can’t look at that son of a bitch. To the whole town of Carlston he was a wonderful husband and father, but behind closed doors he was a cruel, abusive bastard.”

  Reaching out, she touched his shoulder. “I’m sorry you grew up that way. I’ve been blessed to have two devout parents.”

  Luke snorted.

  “What?” She frowned. Something wasn’t right.

  “It’s not my story to tell. There’s a lot in life that isn’t what it seems. People hide behind masks of their own making. Honesty and truth seem to be optional these days. I know I sound bitter, but that’s how I feel.”

  He started to turn away, but she grabbed his arm. “Luke do you know something about my parents? I want to know.”

  He stared at her hand on his arm. “I’m not going to be the cause of hard feelings. It eats at your soul and once secrets are revealed, they can’t be hidden again. Don’t ask me, Meg.”

  Something akin to fear made her shiver. “I’ll find out on my own.”

  He took her hand. “It’s not important. I have to tell you that I was right. You have been a big distraction this week. You have a great seat in and out of the saddle.”

  His compliment wormed its way into her heart, and she blushed. “You just keep your eyes on the horses, not the rider. I’ll see you later but this conversation is far from over. Inquiring minds and all.”

  “See ya later.”

  As she turned and walked to her truck, she could feel him watching her seat. She smiled her first real smile in days.

  If there was a secret, she was determined to find it. Meg’s belief in her parents wavered. What did Luke mean they had secrets? He made it sound ominous, and her gut clenched in unease. Drama, there was nothing she hated more.

  When she got home, she found her father in his office. Taking a deep breath, she walked in. She crossed her arms in front of her and widened her stance, ready for anything.

  “Hi, honey. I was just looking online at all the bulls for sale. It might be time for a new one.” He glanced up and frowned. “What’s wrong?”

  Shifting her weight from one foot to the other, she wondered how to start. “I was talking to Luke.”

  “How’s he doing with those mustangs?”

  “Fine. I was talking to him, and he mentioned that you and Mom had some big secret. I got the impression that it was bad.” From the ominous look on her father’s face, she wished she hadn’t asked.

  “Sit down, honey. You deserve to know.”

  Meg eased into the chair in front of his desk.

  “The fact is I had an affair with Luke’s mom, Nancy. It was before you were born. We were both married and it was wrong.”

  Meg gasped.

  “There’s more. Nancy and I have a son, David.”

  “David is my brother? Did Mom know?”

  He nodded his head slowly. “It was hard on both families. Your mom and I finally made peace with it. It was rocky for a long time, but we worked through it, and then you were born.” He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Nancy and Harry’s marriage was never the same.”

  “Did you love her?”

  “She was my high school sweetheart. After we graduated, we went in different directions. I cared about her, and she was so unhappy in her marriage. But it was wrong.”

  “David doesn’t know?”

  “Well, since Luke seems to know I’m assuming David does too. That might be why he took off. I’ve had people look for him over the last few years, but there’s been no sign of him. I wish we’d told him years ago, maybe he would have stuck around. I just don’t know.”

  “This is so much to take in. I’m glad you and Mom worked it out. Luke’s dad, Harry, used to hit them. I can see why Nancy was so unhappy, but you two toyed with Harry and Mom’s life.”

  He suddenly appeared weary. “I know. I thought I was going to lose everything. It took your mom a long time to even talk to me, let alone forgive me. It’s a part of my life that I’m ashamed of.”

  “No sign of David at all? Wow. I hope he turns up. But if he does, he’s not taking my job as foreman.”

  “I promise.”

  Meg stood up and walked out the door. Suddenly her perfect upbringing was anything but perfect. Walking outside, she sat on the porch steps. Luke was right about a big secret. Damn him, why couldn’t he have left things alone? Her foundation was shifting and it was his entire fault.

  She jumped up from the porch step as soon as she spotted a truck driving up. There was no way she was talking to him. He should have told her the truth years ago. Everything she’d thought or felt before he left had been an illusion and it infuriated her.

  Walking as fast as she could toward the west pasture, she heard his footsteps behind her. The twisting of her heart urged her to walk faster.

  “Hold up, Meg, you know I can’t walk that fast.” His breathless plea got to her and she stopped.

  Keeping her back to him, she stared out at the cattle. The ranch was her salvation. When all else went to hell, at least she had it to hang on to. His footsteps were near, and she finally turned around, determined to remain strong. The news was a blow, but she didn’t want to show weakness.

  His limp was much more pronounced, and he winced with each step. Damn, he was just the messenger. The only part he played was keeping the secret.

  “Are you okay? Meg? I shouldn’t have mentioned anything to you. I don’t even know why I did. It serves no purpose, and I only got you hurt.”

  “I’m fine.” She lifted her chin and gave him her best glare.

  “You don’t look fine, and you can stop giving me the look of the devil. Do you want to talk about it or would you like me to go to hell?”

  “Go to hell?” Her shoulders slumped.

  “Is that a question or a request?”

  “Don’t try to make me feel better. I had a good old fashioned wrath building up.”

  “Aw, honey, I’m sorry for everything. That was one of the reasons I left, you know.”

  Drawing her eyebrows together, she stared open mouth at him and studied him. “You left because of my dad and your mom?”

  “I’d known about that from the moment I was born. There was never an arg
ument when David’s parentage wasn’t brought up. In fact, we were both warned to stay away from you. David disappeared, and it spurred me to finally take a chance and ask you out. That was part of what we argued about after I dropped you off and went home.”

  He walked closer to her and took her hand. “He threatened to ruin your reputation if I didn’t stop seeing you. He backhanded me pretty good too. I knew I wouldn’t be able to stay away from you if I was still in town, and I couldn’t take the chance. My father is a mean old son of a bitch, and he’d eagerly smear your name around town. So, I took off and I’m sorry, but I thought it was for the best.”

  The plea for forgiveness in his eyes pinged her heart and she squeezed his hand. “It’s all been a bit much to take in. I really thought my parents were, well I put them up on a pillar and they’ve been knocked off today. I don’t know what the truth is anymore. Was my happy family a façade? I can’t even think straight.”

  Luke pulled her into his strong arms and stroked her back. “I was selfish. I shouldn’t have said a word, but it was killing me you didn’t know why I left you. I loved you. I still do.”

  “I just wish I was a whole man instead of some yahoo trying to put his life and body back together. I wish I could forget about everything. Well truthfully, I can’t say that. I did care for Mary in my own way, and I loved Jill as though she were my own. From the day she was born she had me wrapped around her little finger and ultimately became the light of my life.”

  Meg pulled out of his embrace and took his hand. “Let’s get you sitting down. You need to rest your leg more.”

  Puzzled, he didn’t say more, just held her hand the whole way home, wondering what was going on in that mind of hers. They made slow progress but finally they were in front of the house. The sight of the porch steps made him wince.

  Meg let go of his hand and turned to face him. “I’m sorry about the way I’ve been acting. I’ve made everything about me, and I’m not usually a selfish person, at least I don’t think I am. I’ve been so caught up in my own pain to even consider yours.”

  She climbed the few steps and then turned. “Come let’s sit out here. I want you to tell me all about Jill. She sounds like a wonderful girl.”

  Somehow, some of the weight on his shoulders lifted. Glancing at her, he didn’t find pity in her eyes. Instead he found compassion. Still he wasn’t sure if he could really say much more about his baby without breaking down. He grabbed on to the railing, pulled himself up each step and finally eased himself down onto one of the cushioned wicker chairs.

  Reaching out, Meg touched his knee. “It might help if you talked about it but it’s up to you. Whatever makes you comfortable. We could just sit here without talking if you want.

  “No one could ever accuse you of being selfish, Meg. I’ve only told you the bare bones of my life the last few years. I’m just hoping that time will ease the pain.”

  “Luke you know it doesn’t work like that. Time does help but having the support of loved ones is invaluable. Have you tried to find David? I find it hard to believe he hasn’t reached out to you. You two were so close.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck and glanced away. He’d found David, but he couldn’t tell her. “Haven’t heard a word from him.” His pulse raced, lying didn’t come naturally to him. Natural for his dad, but not for him.

  “Well, I hope he turns up soon.”

  Trying not to cringe, he nodded his head. Finally, he turned toward her and gave her a ghost of a smile. “I’m glad I have you. I spent a lot of time in the hospital and doing physical therapy before I came here. Mary’s dad came around but it was a very lonely dark time for me. The first few months I’d wake up yelling. The whole accident replayed in my mind but in slow motion, night after night. It was agony, pure hell.”

  “Oh, Luke.”

  “No feeling sorry for me or I won’t be able to tell you more. I can’t stand pity.” Standing up, he reached out his hand. “Come on, I’m starving.”

  The next day Owen called Luke into his office. Owen smiled widely as Luke entered.

  “Come in, I have a solution to all your problems.” On Owen’s desk was a map to Luke’s property.

  Curious, he stepped closer. “What might that be?”

  “I got a phone call this morning from a land developer.”

  Luke started to object, but Owen put his hand up.

  “Wait and hear me out before you say no.”

  Frowning, Luke nodded.

  “This is a great plan, Luke. They only want the East corner of your property. I don’t think that section has ever been used for much. You could sell, make a good penny, and then put all the money into cattle and a house. I see it as a win-win.”

  His heart beat so hard, Luke was certain Owen could hear it. “What do they plan to do with the property?” He held his breath.

  “Build condos. What are a few condominiums? You probably won’t even notice they’re there.”

  “Condos? Owen, I appreciate all you do for me, but no one is digging up my land, and I certainly don’t want people near my place.” Luke sat down. If they started digging, they’d find David’s body for sure.

  “Listen, Luke, I know you have some money stashed away, but this could make life much easier for you. You could hire help and not ride.”

  Owen still sported a smile and Luke wondered if he even realized that he’d just stomped on his pride.

  “Now if you’re worried about your brother, we can hold back half the money for him to claim when he comes home.”

  Luke grabbed the arms of the chair until his knuckles turned white. Owen wasn’t going to take a flat out no. He sighed. “I’ll think about it, Owen, and I do appreciate you watching out for me. Parting with a piece of land is a hard thing to do, and it’s going to take a lot of thinking.”

  Owen walked toward Luke and patted his shoulder. “Thinking is all I can ask.” His voice sounded chipper as though it was a done deal.

  Luke nodded until Owen left. Holy hell, now what am I supposed to do? Perspiration formed on his brow, and he took slow, deep breaths trying to calm his racing heart. If they found David’s body, they’d blame it on him. He was an accomplice after the fact or something, wasn’t he? He knew about the murder and kept quiet. Damn, he didn’t even know how David had been killed. He’d always figured his dad had beaten him to death.

  “Luke?” Meg stood in the doorway, pretty as a picture and he felt everything falling apart. He’d be in jail, and she’d eventually marry. The depth of his feelings astonished him.

  Of course, he’d always loved her, and this time he wanted to fight to keep her.

  “Dad told me what you two were discussing. You aren’t going to sell, are you?” She sat in the chair next to him and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze before she let go.

  “I told your dad I’d think about it.”

  “Luke, once sold you can’t get it back. Dad says the land is good for nothing, but the mustangs run there. I know money is a concern, but I can help you build up your ranch. It might take more time than we think, but we can do it together.” She turned red. “I mean if you want my help.”

  Leaning over he cupped her face in his hands and stared at her luminous eyes before he kissed her. Kissing her felt so right, and it eased his fears. He couldn’t lose her. Her lips tasted of honey and reluctantly he pulled away before it deepened.

  “I’ll think about it for your dad’s sake, but I really like the idea of you and me building it together.”

  Silence filled the room, and Meg was sure she’d said the wrong thing. Maybe she was pushing her way into his life. Giving him a weak smile, she started to edge around him, planning to leave.

  “Hey, where are you going?” His sultry voice tugged at her heart.

  “I…I have a way of bulldozing into other people’s lives, and I can tell by your silence I’ve done it again.”

  Luke grabbed her hand. “I can’t picture you bulldozing your way into anything. As forem
an, I guess it could happen but not with me. I want your help, and I love the idea of you helping me. It’s just you have so much to do already, and you put a full day’s work here. I couldn’t ask anything more from you.”

  If he hadn’t melted her heart with his kiss, the words he spoke would have. Her hand looked so small in his large masculine one, and they were both work-worn. She’d been a naive girl when he’d left, now she was his equal.

  “Cowboy, I have enough men working for me, and I don’t have to work so hard. Before you came back, I split my days between ranch work and home. When you came back, I was still hurt you’d left, so I worked out on the ranch all day to tire myself out and keep my mind off of you.”

  “I’m sorry—”

  She placed her finger over his delightful lips for a moment. “It’s all good. You’re back now, and that is all that counts.” After giving his hand a quick squeeze, she let go and smiled. “I’ll give you time to think about it. I actually do have a few things that I need to get done today. See you at dinner?”

  “Yes, dinner sounds great.”

  His warm stare followed her as she left the room. Even if they didn’t work together, she hoped he didn’t sell any of his land. Her land ran through her blood, and she couldn’t imagine selling an inch of it, but it wasn’t her decision.

  Walking outside she took a deep breath while staring at her land. She could bulldoze with the best of them. Hell, when Luke had left, she’d thrown such a fit about being the foreman she’d gotten Tony Blue fired. Now her actions shamed her. He was a good man, and he deserved the job he’d been doing for years.

  Fortunately, she made her peace with Tony a year ago. Her dad made sure he got a good job with good pay but it had hurt his pride he’d lost his job. It wasn’t easy going to his house, hat in hand, to apologize. At first he slammed the door in her face but finally he listened as she admitted how selfish and manipulative she’d been. He had accepted her apology, but they’d never be friends again.