The Payment

by Mysty McPartland

  Appalled at the thought Devon gave a snort of disgust. “That will never happen. Now let’s get down to business. You can explain to me later what in the hell is going on. Now, the way I see it, your mother wants the ranch, tried to have Dane killed, both Reese and Traye framed for murder. Which I am afraid they will still be facing charges for. So far, though I can’t yet tie King in with the whole business.”

  Quickly, Jeff’s mind sorted through the information stored inside his head and he sat up straight when he found it. “I think I may have the answer. I could be wrong but it makes sense. I read our fathers notes he wrote that every summer King is always short of water. Every year King would try to convince father to let his stock water on the Bar M, father always refused. Telling King there wouldn’t be enough water for two herds.”

  A quick nod of his head Jeff leaned back in his chair. “I also read King wanted to arrange a marriage between his daughter and one of his sons, preferably Dane. Father laughed over it, in his notes he wrote that if his sons had any brains none of them would ever marry.”

  “Well I’ll be, so King is helping her to get his hands on the water since Dane went off and got himself married. Well, I’ll be a son of a bitch.” Reese laughed coldly.

  For the first time since Dane entered the room Traye spoke up. “That woman only wants to get her hands on the ranch, so she can sell it to old man King.”

  When Traye finished speaking everyone started talking at once. It took a few minutes before things calmed down, and they went about making plans to stop their mother and King.

  Nearly suppertime when she came awake, India lay in bed smiling. Things would still be a little rocky between herself and Dane, in her heart though she knew that in the end they would be happy again.

  With a satisfied smile, she tossed the covers aside and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Just as she tried to push herself up on her feet, the door opened and Dane stepped inside the room. She gave him a disgruntled look and waited for him to help her.

  As he entered the room, pleased to see his wife awake, Dane chuckled when he observed her struggling to stand. He quickly stopped laughing when his wife threw him a deadly warning look. He hurried forward and sat down beside her. “Tell me sweetheart how much bigger do you think you’ll grow?” He tried to hide the humor in his voice but by the scowl his wife gave him, knew he failed.

  India tried not to be irritated by the laughter in Dane’s tone. “This is all your fault and you best hope I don’t get any bigger.”

  Dane leaned down and kissed her brow. “Come on sweetheart let’s get you up and dressed. Everyone’s waiting on you to come down. Supper will be ready shortly.”

  “Well let’s not keep them waiting, they’re libel to pitch a fit if I’m late and Chin Li throws their dinner away.”

  Laughing, Dane carefully aided her to stand his and helped her dress, it took longer than it should have because he could not stop touching her or exploring the changes in her body. When at last he finished doing the last button up on her dress, he swept her up in his arms and carried her down stairs.

  India felt so loved over the way Dane fussed over her, she also felt unashamed of her body because he couldn’t stop admiring the changes in it or stop touching her. She felt no lingering doubt that he truly did love her. When he picked her up in his arms, she knew without doubt he truly did love her and regretted hurting her. From this moment on, she would never think of his near betrayal again. He loved her and that was all that mattered.

  Still another half-hour before supper, Dane placed his wife gently down on the sofa. After kissing her, he headed for the kitchen to fetch her a cup of tea. While Chin Li fixed the tea, he broached him about his concern. “Chin Li I’m worried about India, she’s so big, and she still has some time to go before the baby is born.”

  Chin Li finished with the tea, turned and grinned at Dane. “Missy get bigger still, but no worry babies come out just fine. Chin Li make sure but you no pester Missy anymore until Chin Li says so.”

  Stunned, staggering over to the nearest stool, Dane collapsed on it and stared at the old man in disbelief. “Babies? Are you sure? We’re going to have twins?”

  A cackle of laughter, Chin Li nodded his head.

  Well, I’ll be damned. Twins. They were going to have twins. Dane's chest swelled with pride and a wide proud grin spread across his face. “Does India know she is having twins?”

  “No Missy think only one baby, I leave you to tell her happy news. Now tea is getting cold, out of my kitchen.” Chin Li smiled with pride as he watched Dane reach for the tray.

  “Thank you Chin Li.” Dane said and let the old man see just how much he loved him.

  Chin Li felt tears prick his old eyes. “Chin Li love you too.” He waved Dane away and moved over to the stove.

  Dane swallowed the lump in his throat, picked up the tray and left the kitchen. He could hardly wait to tell India they were going to have twins, but he would wait for a more private moment to share the news with her.

  FORTY-SEVEN

  As he lay in bed, Dane cradled his wife in his arms. His hand gently slid over her stomach. “I spoke to Chin Li earlier, I don’t know how you're going to react sweetheart but he’s positive we’re going to have twins.”

  Nearly asleep, India’s eyes flew open. “Don’t be ridiculous, you’re joking right?” Good Lord twins, no she did not want to believe it.

  Dane chuckled at the disbelieve he heard in her voice. He kissed the top of her head. “No Chin Li wouldn’t say such a thing if it’s not true.” His hand gently slid over her bulging stomach and a wide grin spread across his face.

  India closed her eyes, not wanting to believe such a thing but she reluctantly admitted it might be true though. It already frightened her enough just giving birth to one child. But two? She shivered in apprehension.

  Worried when he felt his wife trembling in his arms, Dane’s hold on her tightened slightly. “Don’t be frightened sweetheart, I promise you everything will be all right and nothing will happen to any of you.” He would do everything he could to keep the promise he just made, he refused let anything happen to any of them. He swelled with determination not to lose his wife again, and he swore to find some way to keep her safe.

  India knew Dane tried to reassure her and forced herself to relax, but still it did not ease the fear she felt and she doubted anything would. All they could do is pray that nothing would go wrong and she and the babies would survive. Good Lord twins, she still found it nearly impossible to believe.

  As the days passed without any major incidents, the tension eased in the house but nobody let down their guard. Dane knew he could not put it of any longer, the time came for him to confront Traye. He didn’t look forward to it, but since Traye returned home, the strain between them grew nearly unbearable.

  He found Traye alone in the barn. Drawing in a long breath of apprehension, he approached him. “Traye can we talk?”

  His head whipping around Traye looked warily at Dane, before he turned around and shrugged. “What’s to talk about? You’re no better than the bitch that gave birth to us. India deserves better.”

  His fists gripped tightly at his sides, Dane struggled to keep his temper. He knew he deserved his brother’s contempt, but it hurt. Hurt terribly. “You’re right my wife deserves better, but I aim to prove to her that I will never do anything to hurt her again. To show her how much I love her. I know you might never forgive me Traye but I want you to know how I truly regret that day. Drunk or not it’s no excuse.”

  Traye heard the guilt and sadness in his brother’s voice and closed his eyes as he drew in a long trembling breath. “Well, only time will tell. Now since you’re here you can give me a hand with stacking the bales of hay.”

  Dane felt the tension drain out of him, he knew he might not have his brother’s complete trust or respect back but at least Traye offered a way back to each other. And he promised he would do whatever he needed to do, to win his love and re
spect back.

  For an hour, they worked compatibly side by side and the last bale was stacked. Dane wiped the sweat from his brow on the sleeve of his shirt. “Whew, thank God that’s over with. I don’t know about you, but I could use something cold to drink.”

  “Yeah I could to. Dane I’m worried about India, she’s so big will she be alright?” Traye asked with concern as he and Dane walked out of the barn.

  Dane slapped Traye lightly on the shoulder and grinned reassuringly. “She’s so big because she’s expecting twins. Chin Li told me a few days ago. I’m worried too but I’m sure everything will be fine.”

  Traye stopped walking and gazed at his brother incredulously; he threw back his head and laughed. “Twins, well I’ll be damned, I bet she took the news real well.”

  With a chuckle, Dane shook his head. “She thought I was joking at first I don’t think she liked the idea at all, but we talked about it again this morning and she is resigned and happy about it now.”

  “Hell I still can’t believe it.” Traye laughed again.

  “What can’t you believe?” Devon came up to them.

  “India’s having twins.” Traye answered before Dane could.

  Devon stared in shock. “Jesus, isn’t she too small?” He asked in worry.

  His brother’s reaction to the news pleased Dane. It told them just how much they cared for India. “Chin Li said she and the babies will be just fine.” Inside though he could admit his own worry over his wife’s condition. However, no matter how he felt he hid his concern. It would only make everyone else worry even more. Especially India.

  “Well if Chin Li is sure she’s going to be all right she’s going to be.” Devon tried to sound positive when he caught the worry in Dane’s eyes he tried so hard to hide.

  “And speaking of my wife I think I’ll go and see her.” Dane forgot his thirst he wanted to check on his wife.

  “I hope she’s going to be all right, I can’t help but worry with her being so small.” Traye said quietly after Dane walked away.

  Devon slipped off his hat and slapped it against his thigh as he watched Dane head for the house. “Yeah me too, hell things are sure a friggin mess, let’s just hope we can get it all cleared up and India and the babies come through the birth okay. I think it’ll kill Dane if anything happens to any of them.”

  Traye frowned.

  Devon noticed the look of confusion on Traye’s face and clasped his shoulder. “Let it go Traye, he knows what he did was wrong and will always have to live with what he nearly did and how he hurt everyone. His suffered enough and he has enough to worry about without you despising him.” He had finally found out everything that happened and even though disillusioned at Dane he could see how much he loved his wife.

  Traye stiffened and glared angrily at Devon. “Damn it I’m trying.”

  “Good, come on let’s ride out and see what the others are up to.” Devon let go of Traye’s shoulder, placed his hat back on his head and headed for the barn to saddle his horse.

  One more look at the house, Traye sighed heavily before he turned and followed Devon to the barn. Devon is right. Dane had enough to worry about besides their mother. He needed to let go of his anger and disappointment.

  FORTY-EIGHT

  The weeks slipped by without any trouble. Everyone decided with India having only four weeks to go, that Dane should stay at the house. Things might be peaceful at the moment but no one wanted to take any chances. Fences were still being cut, cattle were still missing, but they heard nothing from their mother and that is what worried them the most.

  Supper now finished, everyone sat in the parlor in front of the fire when they heard a horse ride up.

  Jesse rose to his feet and went to answer the door. When he opened the door, he took one look at Jeff’s face and knew instantly that something terrible must have occurred. His eyes widened with surprise when Jeff pushed past him and strode through to the parlor. Quickly closing the door, he followed.

  Alarmed when Jeff came rushing into the room, Dane quickly turned to Chin Li. “Take Mason and Tye upstairs please.” No one said a word until the children were ushered out of the room and upstairs. “What happened Jeff?” Never could any of them ever remember seeing Jeff look like this. His clothes were rumpled and askew, his hair a tangled mess, what glowed in his eyes worried them the most.

  Totally shocked over Jeff’s appearance, India went tense. Jeff was always so immaculately put together. However tonight he looked as if he must have slept in his clothes for the past week.

  Unable to meet anyone’s eyes, Jeff stood staring out the window. He did not have a clue how he could find the words to tell everyone what happened, but he knew he didn’t have a choice. Reluctantly turning around, his gaze moved from one concerned face to another, he felt heat burn his face. His shoulders sagging, he dropped his gaze to the floor and wondered how he could tell them.

  Quickly noticing Jeff’s embarrassment and agitation Dane turned to his wife and whispered in her ear. “I think it might be best if I take you upstairs.” When she nodded in agreement, he rose to his feet, swept her up in his arms and carried her from the room.

  Once he reached their bedroom, he placed her on the bed and kissed her brow. “I’m sorry sweetheart but something’s embarrassing Jeff, and I don’t think he will say what it is while you're there.”

  India settled herself on the bed. “You’re right, just find out what it is and help him.”

  Dane cuddled her lightly and kissed her brow again. “I’ll do what I can sweetheart, I’ll be back soon.” He left his wife and hurried back down stairs, his gut churned with worry knowing something terrible happened to Jeff.

  When Dane returned Jeff headed for the decanter of whiskey and poured himself a large drink, he picked it up and swallowed the lot.

  No one said a word. They all sat tensely and waited for Jeff to gain control of himself and tell them what upset him.

  Jeff poured himself another drink before he moved back to the window and stared out at the darkness unable to bear to face any of them while he explained. “I had a visitor just before I closed the office. Your mother arrived. At first, she acted all sweet and helpless. But when she realized her act didn’t work. Damn it, she tried seduction. She...she started to undress.”

  His head falling forward, Jeff squeezed his eyes tightly shut and heaved in a ragged breath, what he needed to say next sickened him, and shame filled him. His brothers had a right to know. But what she did next there wouldn’t be any way in hell he could tell them. He just couldn’t. He loved them too much. He knew then he could not tell them everything that had transpired. It would hurt and shame them too much. “I told her to get dressed, that she was making an utter fool of herself but it made no difference. The only way I could stop her and make her leave was to slap her.”

  He shuddered, as he tried to force the memories away, but the ugly scene slipped through his mind making it impossible. “After the slap she finally realized that I wasn’t interested. While she dressed, she laughed then left.”

  Nobody said a word after Jeff finished speaking; Dane slowly rose to his feet and joined Jeff at the window. He placed his hand on his shoulder and squeezed. “I’m sorry Jeff. She only tried to get you on her side and failed, when she realized it, she thought to tear us apart by trying to seduce you. It won’t Jeff. You’re our brother and she can’t destroy the bond between us. Don’t let her Jeff.”

  With anguish in his eyes, Jeff lifted his head and turned to Dane, the understanding in Dane’s eyes, he knew Dane knew exactly what really happened.

  The torment in Jeff’s eyes was nearly too painful to witness. Dane hated seeing him suffer like this. “She probably didn’t expect you to tell us. She doesn’t know how honest you are, let it go Jeff.”

  “Not so honest Dane.” Jeff whispered back and dropped his gaze unable to meet Dane’s a second longer.

  Traye came to stand beside Dane and Jeff and caught his statement. “Damn it Jeff
don’t feel guilty. The bitch isn’t worth it.” He lowered his voice. “We appreciate you not telling us everything.”

  A look around the room then back at Traye and Jeff, Dane wished he could have found a way to protect them all those years ago. Traye suffered the most at their mother’s hands. He witnessed things no young boy should ever see.

  When Jeff finally left and returned to town, his family went upstairs Dane locked the front door and returned to the parlor to turn out the lamps. He was surprised to see Traye still in the room.

  Slowly turning away from the fire, Traye’s eyes burned with fury and loathing. “She did it to him didn’t she?” The words came out on a strangled breath.

  Quickly moving to his brother’s side, Dane shook his head in denial. “No, she tried but she didn’t. Jeff feels dirty and ashamed, but he stopped her before anything happened.”

  “The damn bitch, poor Jeff. I hope it doesn’t ruin things for him.” Traye said softly.

  Dane sighed in relief that Traye believed him. “I think he’ll be fine. Don’t let it eat away at you either Traye. It’s something very special to share with someone you love.”

  Traye sneered. “If it is so special why were going to do it with that tramp Dianne?”

  His face drained of color and filled with guilt, Dane forced himself to meet Traye’s gaze straight on. “You have every right to ask me, and as I told you earlier I will never be able to forgive myself for what nearly happened. But Traye it is special with the one you love.” With nothing else, he could say to Traye he left him. He hoped his brother would forgive him and believe him one day.

  Traye watched Dane leave. He turned back to stare into the fire. He did not mean to lash out at Dane, but he could not help himself after what happened to Jeff.

  His fists gripped tightly at his sides, and he silently swore that somehow he would find a way to stop his mother from destroying any more lives or using her evil ways on anyone else. Dane might say what his mother tried to do to Jeff might be special but as far as he was concerned, it was immoral and dirty. He witnessed more than once his mother going down on one of her lovers to make it anything special.