* * * *
Sydney drove the rent-a-car, her thoughts continually on the man she was going to meet today. They took their time driving to Texas from New York. More than a week had passed, so she’d had a lot of time to think. Matt McCullough was her biological father and a Marine. The man who left her mother, and chose being a soldier over being a father. Then her mother fell in love with his best friend and had Ella. Holy shit… talk about dysfunctional?
She tried not to analyze every aspect of this situation. But that wasn’t easy. Growing up, Sydney was told that her father had gone to war and hadn’t returned. Drake told her that she had him and he would love her like his own because her father was his best friend. It wasn’t until she was a teenager that her curiosity about her dad had her asking more questions. Mostly because she felt aside from her mom’s brown hair, there weren’t many similarities, not even personality wise.
Her mom was a social butterfly. Sydney was quiet and analyzed everything. She was always thinking and she loved singing. Mom couldn’t sing a steady note in tune if she tried her hardest. Sydney chuckled. Her first play and solo in high school brought out some fond but also sad memories for her mother. Her mom, Stella, talked about Matt like he was a God, a perfect man, and a wonderful country music singer. He also apparently shared Sydney’s emerald-green eyes and similar personality. It would be interesting to meet the man. Perhaps see what else they shared in common. She felt the tightness in her chest, the uneasy feeling, and immediately thought that this situation may be anything but pleasurable.
“There. Take the third exit and follow the signs for Turbank. He said the town of Pearl is a little ways after,” her mom said and then straightened out her skirt and swallowed hard. Her mom seemed nervous, too. Sydney supposed it was going to be very difficult for her mom to see Matt after all this time. But she had changed the last year in a half. Facing the possibility of dying in your mid-forties would surely have its effects.
Sydney glanced at Ella from the rearview mirror. Her sister looked none the happier. Her attitude sucked lately, and this idea of meeting Matt seemed to enrage Ella and make her somewhat jealous. Or Ella was still pissed about Sydney pulling her out of Lenny’s club the other night? Then again, Ella seemed different a couple of days before they left. She suddenly couldn’t wait to get out of New York, and then all she did was bitch and moan at the long drive. She just couldn’t figure Ella out.
But they had talked, and Sydney made her understand that she loved her, she thought of her as a full sister, not some half-sister nonsense, and that she would always have Ella’s back. She winked at her and Ella smiled then nodded toward her mom and rolled her eyes. She thought her mom was acting silly.
Ella hadn’t a clue what it was like to truly fall in love with someone. Not that Sydney did either. Especially this past year with working, finishing college classes, and taking care of their mom. The only men she had been exposed to were the ones at the lounges Sydney worked at, singing on stage. They weren’t the kind of men she was interested in. But Ella, on the other hand, seemed to always find the bad boys. Their mom never knew about the guy who tried to get Ella involved in drugs, delivering and even using. Sydney saved her from that. Then, of course, there was Lenny and Bruno. Damn Bruno would use Ella and ruin her for any other men. That just wasn’t right. He wasn’t the commitment kind. Ella deserved better. She deserved happiness. Maybe Texas would bring that to her.
She glanced into the side view mirror, turned on her blinker, and turned off the main highway. So this was Texas. Were they going to love it or hate it? Did it even matter anymore? Sydney wondered as she took in the sights of farmland, huge ranches, and then the first small town. No subways here. No garbage, no one trying to sell you a diamond ring not worth a dime, no, this was totally different. A new life for all of them, and perhaps a new chance for her mom to make up with Matt. Sydney wondered how he was going to be. Did she really want anything to do with him? He had left her mother to fulfill his own dreams and profession as a Marine. Marines didn’t seem to have hearts or even souls. Maybe that’s why they were so tough and intimidating? Maybe they taught themselves how not to feel or be affected by people and events around them.
Hmm…wouldn’t that be different? I’m always worried about Ella, about Mom, and about our futures. I’ll worry about Mom forever now after almost losing her. If she wants me to meet Matt and to start a new life out here, then so be it. I’d do anything for Mom. Anything to see her happy, to see her eyes bright with excitement and joy instead of dull with pain.
She felt the tears fill her eyes. The last year had been rough. Keeping it together, maintaining her emotions and control sometimes made her feel like she had a heart of stone. Maybe she got something from her father after all?
“I think the turn is coming up if this GPS is accurate,” her mom said as she sat forward in her seat. Sydney could sense the emotion in her mom’s voice. This was going to be hard for her mom but also important. Her mom’s happiness came first. If this made her happy, then so be it. Greeting her father with open arms? That just wasn’t going to happen.
“There, take the turn on the main roadway and the Town of Pearl should come up a few miles out,” her mom said, and Sydney followed the road. Sure enough, they all gave a unified “wow” as the entrance to the outside of town came up. A huge welcoming sign in burgundy, hunter green, and gold lined lettering. There were gorgeous flowers and as they entered they could see a similar color scheme and décor around the town. A place called Second Chances had a gated entrance, but there seemed to be some kind of park with swings and an area of cottages.
“That’s a women’s shelter. It’s set up for women who were victims of domestic violence, or homeless women and their children. Matt told me all about it and how special the people in the town are. They’re always ready to help out one another.”
“I bet,” Ella whispered loud enough for Sydney and their mom to hear. Her mom turned in her seat.
“Give it a chance, Ella. There’s no need to be negative.”
“I had friends back in New York. What’s going to be here? A bunch of hillbilly rednecks who drink beer and ride horses? How am I supposed to get used to boredom?”
“Those weren’t friends you had. You were heading down the wrong path. This place will make a difference for you. For all of us.”
“Yeah right,” Ella said and crossed her arms and pouted.
Sometimes she could be so dramatic. If their mom knew about the situation in New York with Bruno and Lenny, their mom would have Elle on lockdown with very little personal freedoms. Lucky for Ella, this trip and seeing Matt had their mom’s head spinning with emotions. Moving from New York and starting over was a good decision for Ella, even if she was sort of forced into it. Maybe the slower pace would help her realize that living life in the fast lane could mean an early death when hanging with the wrong crew of people? Sydney hoped so. Sydney was getting tired of saving Ella’s ass and lying about things to their mom. It was time to establish her own life and set her own goals. If things worked out well with Matt and her mom, maybe she could have a little more free time and freedom to explore some of those goals and dreams herself?
With the cost of living being a bit less, and with Matt offering his home rent free, there wouldn’t be such a financial burden on Sydney after all.
Ella suddenly sat forward in her seat.
“Wow, this place is gorgeous, and is that three men with one woman?” Ella asked, and Sydney gripped the steering wheel and slowed down to see. Sure enough, one man after the next kissed a young woman and not on the cheek in a friendly neighborly way but passionately.
A horn honked, pulling attention to their beat-up Mazda, and their mom chuckled.
“I guess I should explain a few things about the towns around these parts.”
Ella whistled low.
“Maybe I was wrong about cowboys. Those guys are gorgeous,” Ella said and fanned her face. Sydney chuckled and then found an empty
spot in the center of town near a large gazebo. The town looked like something out of a movie or fantasy. Every flower and flowerbed was landscaped and maintained beautifully. Even though fall was approaching, the summer flowers were in full bloom and the air was warm and uplifting. They rolled up their windows and got out of the car to stretch, and she felt different. It was a stunning town.
“So spill, Mom. What’s the deal with the multiple men to one woman? Is it some king of kinky country cult?” Ella asked then stared over the hood of the car looking around for more cult members.
“No, it is not a cult or illegal in any way. It’s more of a special tradition around this area. It’s not taken lightly either. You see, as Matt explained it to me, men around here watch over all the women. If a single woman is unbetrothed, it is not so strange for a man and his brothers, his friends, or even team members to stake a claim to that woman. There are a lot of retired military men living around Pearl. They protect her, guide her in anything she needs assistance with, and ultimately fall in love with her. The idea is that a woman is always protected and taken care of, and never alone,” their mom explained.
“That can’t actually work. I mean, there must be jealousy, and what if they fall out of love with her? Then what? She’s like sloppy seconds to anyone else. You know, used goods. Never mind how tiring it would be, having to cater to the needs of multiple men. Screw that. That’s a life worth of therapy sessions waiting to happen,” Ella said with an attitude.
Stella chuckled. “It seemed to work out well for Mrs. Henley,” she added.
“Mrs. Henley? From our apartment building?” Ella asked. Their mom nodded.
“Yes. Haven’t you ever wondered why there are three men and just Mrs. Henley in that apartment for years?” their mom asked.
“Damn, no wonder she always has a smile on her face,” Sydney said and her mom gasped. Ella chuckled.
“Well that’s not for me. Thanks but no thanks. I want to explore this town and see if there is anything fun around here,” Ella told them.
“I’m sort of hungry,” Syd added. “Me, too,” their mom said.
“I’m starving. Where did he say he would meet us?” Ella asked, taking her purse from the backseat before closing the door. Her shoulder-length brown hair had a streak of red along the front, and her brown eyes brightened as she caught Sydney’s gaze.
“Not too shabby. I mean it’s not New York, but get a load of the boutiques, the decorative store fronts, and again, the hotties,” she said and winked.
Sydney shook her head and chuckled. At least Ella was past the grunge look stage. Now she dressed normal. Blue jeans, dark boots, a tight T-shirt that showed off her figure, and jewelry to coordinate. The Coach bag she used was a knockoff, but it was hard to tell. Ella sported a bit of city attitude, and considering she really hadn’t figured out what she wanted to do with her life, she did enjoy working in clothing stores. It wasn’t a surprise when she tugged on Sydney’s arm.
“Check it out. Looks like they have one clothing boutique and one regular clothing store. What’s the chances the boutique carries Michael Kors?”
“The same chances that if they did you couldn’t afford to buy anything. But maybe you can check out that now hiring sign in the window at the clothing store?” Sydney teased, and Ella gave her sister’s arm a tap. Ella’s gaze left Sydney’s and moved past her. Sydney turned to see what caught her eye, and sure enough it was a few cowboys, young ones heading toward them down the sidewalk.
“Ma’am,” one said to Sydney’s mom and then tipped his cowboy hat at Sydney and Ella. The other two did the same, but one of the cowboy’s eyes landed on Ella. “Good afternoon, miss,” he said in a Southern accent as he eyed Ella over.
“Looks like the start to one doesn’t it,” she replied and winked.
Sydney chuckled, but their mom wouldn’t allow any such behavior. She grabbed Ella’s arm.
“Not here five seconds and you’re already looking for your next bout of trouble.”
Elle looked over her shoulder, eyeing the three cowboys that kept their gazes on her.
“I don’t know, Mom, this whole ménage idea might be pretty damn interesting.”
“Ella Jane, you watch yourself. You won’t embarrass Matt or Syd and I. This is a new start. You won’t want to gain some sort of reputation with men. It’s time to grow up,” her mom said, and Sydney could see how her mom’s comment affected Ella. A flash of vulnerability and hurt crossed her eyes but quickly disappeared. That was Ella. Always hiding her true feelings and pretending to be so tough and in control. Sydney knew better. Ella was scared of commitments, of trusting someone, and seemed to prefer living on the edge. If there was trouble to be found, Ella would find it. It was just a matter of when.
* * * *
Matt McCullough spotted them immediately. His heart was pounding inside of his chest. He was nervous. The last few years had sent him through a rough time. After dedicating his life to the Corps, he had finally gotten out. That was six years ago. Civilian life was difficult to get used to, especially for a combat man like himself. Part of a special unit for the Marines, he had gone through heavy, life-or-death situations that apparently weighed a toll on his subconscious. So much so that he suffered from PTSD. It took him the last three years to gain better control of it and learn to stay clear of the things that triggered it.
He owed a large part of surviving this disorder to his friends and, of course, this town. He didn’t give it a second thought when he asked Stella to come out to Texas to live closer so he could have the opportunity to meet his daughter.
Standing here, looking out the window of Francine’s restaurant, the sight of Sydney took his breath away. She was gorgeous. He hadn’t expected that seeing Stella would bring up some emotions he didn’t want to face. Right now his focus was on getting to know the daughter he left behind for his best friend to raise and also getting to know Ella, Drake’s daughter Drake left behind.
“Is that them, Matt?” Hart asked. He was a retired Marine who kept his horse, Corporal, at Matt’s ranch.
“Sure is. I’d better get out there.” He looked at Hart. Thirty-three, quiet, a veteran of the war and a man who kept to himself, Matt considered him a friend. His three brothers were also part of the community, all retired soldiers, all living in Pearl trying to adapt to civilian life.
“You better. Good luck,” Hart said, straight-faced as usual. Hart never showed emotions. Not even while playing the guitar.
Matt headed out of Francine’s and walked to the sidewalk. He spotted the three young cowboys nodding their hats and checking out Ella and Sydney. Something hit him. Was it protectiveness, a sense of responsibility so instinctual he paused in his steps? He had to get these feelings under control.
The moment Stella spotted him and he spotted her, his mouth nearly dropped. Blonde hair like the color of Southern corn cascaded slightly past her shoulders. Her brown eyes sparkled then filled with tears, and he smiled wide.
“Stella.”
She nodded her head and everything changed. The whole way he thought this first meeting after so many years went down diminished. He found himself opening up his arms and Stella stepping into his embrace. He closed his eyes and relished in the feel that the one and only woman he’d ever loved was in his arms. The scent of her perfume and the feel of her sexy body ignited emotions in him he couldn’t deny existed. He suddenly didn’t feel any of the achiness and pain associated with his old military injuries. He felt different. He couldn’t even take the time to figure out why.
“God, baby, you look and feel amazing.”
She slowly stepped back, tilting her head up to look at him. She was petite and thin, a lot thinner than he remembered. He thought about her recent fight with cancer, the evil disease that nearly took his one and only love from his life. He had been so stupid. So caught up in jealousy as he returned from combat to find her with his best friend raising Sydney. He was the one who left Stella behind and focused on the Corps. It
was that anger and self-centeredness that he lost too many years to admit to. He never stopped thinking about Stella or loving her. Why had he waited so long to contact her? His stubbornness nearly made him lose any chance at happiness. He cupped her cheeks.
“How are you feeling, ba… ? Was the trip too much?”
He nearly called her baby again. She smiled beautifully at him, and the butterflies in his belly fluttered against his heart, making it pound even faster.
“It was fine. The girls and I had plenty of time to talk and make plans,” she told him. His attention went to the gorgeous young women behind her smiling.
“I’m Ella,” the shorter young woman said, and Matt smiled. She had long brown hair, a streak of red on a thick strand framed her face, and she smiled, reminding him instantly of Drake.
“My God, you look so much like your father. You have his eyes,” he told her, and the smile faded from her face and he felt like he said something wrong.
Then he felt the hand on his arm. Stella then whispered to him.
“She doesn’t think she looks anything like Drake. I keep telling her she does. She even has his sense of adventure.”
Matt was surprised that he wasn’t jealous or affected by Stella mentioning Drake in such a way. It didn’t matter because his eyes landed on Sydney and he felt the flood of emotions as he locked onto her green eyes that were identical to his. She even had his brown hair, hers long past her shoulders and in waves of abundant loose curls. No DNA test needed. She was his daughter. She was stunning.
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