Her hand trembled as she moved it to his mouth, spilling the laudanum. The dark stain hit the white sheet, wicking into the cotton and spreading. “What’s wrong with me? I’ve done this hundreds of times.”
“You’re doing fine, Corrie. Just try again.”
She drew strength from Houston’s words of encouragement, took a deep breath, and refilled the spoon. Although she reached Daddy’s mouth without mishap this time, the moment she touched his lips, he clamped his mouth closed. “Please, open up. This will help you.”
“You could force his mouth open and pour it in. Some of it’s sure to get between his teeth. He’d have no choice but to swallow.”
“Yes. That might work.” She doubled the amount of laudanum on the spoon and squeezed Daddy’s cheeks, which wasn’t easy with him turning his head back and forth.
Determination drove her on. She managed to get his lips parted, and his head tilted back. He gritted his teeth, but she tipped the spoon and poured the medicine anyhow.
Daddy relaxed.
She let go of him and turned to put the spoon on the table.
Something wet struck her cheek. She wheeled around, and another spray of laudanum hit her right in the face.
Her beloved daddy was spitting … at her?
“No. Please. Stop.” She blinked to clear her vision, which had grown blurry. Her body began to shake. “I was only … tr–trying to help.”
Houston released one of her father’s arms and rested a hand on her shoulder. “Are you all right?”
She stared at her father as he continued to struggle. Houston did his best to contain Daddy’s arms with one hand.
“What am I going to do?” Her voice broke. “He needs that medicine.”
“I’ll take care of it. You need to stay back. I don’t want you to get hurt.” He guided her to the end of the bed.
Coralee clutched a column of the four-poster bed and watched Houston work. He poured the laudanum, took hold of Daddy’s chin, and pulled on his jaw firmly but gently until his teeth parted. Despite being battered by his wildly swinging arms, Houston succeeded in getting the medicine into Daddy’s mouth, tipping his head back, and forcing him to swallow. Houston perched on the bed, rubbing Daddy’s arms and speaking words of encouragement and support as the medicine took effect. Thankfully, it did so quickly.
Houston’s compassion touched her deeply. Not once during the ordeal had he shown impatience or judgment. He’d treated Daddy with the dignity he deserved.
She sniffed and blinked rapidly, but she couldn’t keep the tears from falling.
Houston was on his feet in an instant. Without a word, he pulled her into his arms. She pressed her face into his work shirt, soaking the cotton as shudders racked her body. He rested one hand on her back and stroked her hair with the other, twirling one of her ringlets around his finger the way he used to.
When her flood of salty tears finally stopped, he rested his hands on her upper arms and pulled back until he could look into her face. Even though it must be a splotchy mess, he gazed at her with a hint of a smile lifting his lips. Ever so slowly, he leaned toward her. Was he going to kiss her?
Her eyes slid shut as though of their own accord. Her senses heightened. She could hear Daddy’s shallow breathing and Calvin snoring in the distance. A gardenia-scented breeze wafted through the open window, reminding her of the time Houston had plucked one of the fragrant blossoms and twined it in her hair. She waited, standing as still as the bedpost she’d been clutching for support moments before, each second an eternity.
At long last she felt Houston’s breath warm on her face and the brush of his lips on … her forehead? No. That’s where he’d kissed her moments before asking her to marry him.
The memory of that horrible afternoon when he’d turned and walked away, leaving her alone and bereft, brought her to her senses. She stepped out of his embrace and swiped at her damp cheeks with the handkerchief wrapped around her wounded hand. What a fool she’d been to drop her guard and welcome his affections. If he’d kissed her on the lips, she would have been powerless to resist. He’d spared her further humiliation.
She hadn’t cried in years, not since he’d broken her heart when she was sixteen. “I’m sorry to turn into such a fountain. It’s just that I’ve never seen Daddy like this. He’s had bad days before, but this was the worst.”
Compassion filled Houston’s eyes, a deeper shade of blue than usual. “I can’t begin to imagine what you’ve been through—or all you’ve done.”
“It’s been hard, but when Momma was at the end, I promised her I would take care of Daddy, and I wasn’t about to—”
She realized too late what she’d said. No one but Calvin knew about her deathbed pledge. Her brother understood, having seen the early stages of Daddy’s forgetfulness even before she did, but other people might feel sorry for her. She didn’t want their pity. What she’d done, she’d done out of love.
The trouble was that Houston had asked her to make an impossible choice that day. When she couldn’t give him the answer he wanted, he’d put as much distance between them as possible.
Although she’d appreciated his comfort and the feeling of closeness she’d experienced in his arms a minute ago, she couldn’t trust him to be there for her. He could up and leave at any time, a possibility she didn’t want to consider. She couldn’t leave, even if she wanted to. Little did he know how much she’d wanted to do just that years ago. How deeply she’d loved him and wanted to be his wife.
Her promise had kept her here, though, and that was just as well. Houston might not have loved her enough to find out why she couldn’t marry him and go to California, but her daddy had loved her. She loved him, too, and would be here for him, no matter what. She couldn’t think about anything beyond that, because a life without her father and her one true love would be too much to bear.
Chapter Nine
Thanks for letting me beg off on the job, Austin.” Houston gripped his reins and glanced at yet another field of grass ready to be cut. At least he had his father’s assurances that tasks more suited to his abilities and in keeping with his standing as member of the family awaited him. “I’ll see to the haying when I get everything sorted out.” Between the situation with Calvin and his partner’s ultimatum, Houston had a lot on his mind.
His oldest brother shifted in his saddle, the leather creaking. “I’m counting on that. I don’t know exactly what you’re up to with all those telegrams you’ve been receiving, but Chisholm assures me you’ve got things well in hand.”
Houston set out for the Culpepper ranch, savoring the time to do nothing but ride over the rolling countryside during the cool morning hours, listen to the rustle of wind through the stands of live oak trees, and think. The past two weeks had been challenging and yet rewarding. He was adjusting to the physical demands he encountered each day, but the bookwork had kept him up until well after the sun set each night. At least he’d unraveled the cause of Calvin’s mysteriously depleted funds.
The drain had been slow and steady, the evidence carefully disguised, due to the shady but shrewd foreman. Calvin, a trusting sort, hadn’t wanted to believe he’d hired a swindler. When he finally admitted something was afoot, he’d fired the shyster. Unable to prove anything himself due to the mess his books were in, Calvin had figured all was lost.
When Houston learned about the situation, he’d offered to do some investigating. He welcomed the opportunity to put his skills to work helping a friend. The late nights he’d spent poring over records from past years had paid off. Wait until Calvin heard the good news.
Houston arrived at the Culpepper ranch just as the ladies were finishing their breakfast. He entered the kitchen to a chorus of surprised female voices. He focused on Coralee’s.
“What are you doing here so early? Is something wrong?”
“Everything’s fine. I have some news for Calvin that he’ll be eager to hear.”
She wrinkled her nose in the most adorable w
ay. “You two have been up to something, haven’t you? It wouldn’t have anything to do with all those hours you’ve been spending in his study, would it?”
“Perhaps.” Her perceptiveness came as no surprise. Coralee was as observant as she was bright. It was a good thing she wasn’t fond of numbers, or Calvin might not have been able to shield her from the ugly truth. Her brother hadn’t wanted to add to her burden, a choice Houston understood and appreciated.
“I won’t keep you, then. The sooner Calvin knows, the sooner I can try to pry the news out of him.” She grinned. “Besides, my dear daddy will be wanting his breakfast, so I’d best get up there.” She grabbed the tray Olive handed her and set off.
He marveled at how Coralee could leave yesterday’s ugly episode behind her and forge ahead with a smile on her lovely face. Her selfless concern for others was an inspiration. Caring for her brother while his ribs healed and meeting Beauregard Culpepper’s many needs took much of her day, and yet Houston had heard tales all over town of the good she’d done and the people she’d blessed. She was a remarkable woman. But she had to be bone-weary. If only he had the right to take care of her and help carry the load.
Watching her deal with her father’s outburst the day before had caused Houston’s stomach to pitch. She’d been pushed beyond the limits of her endurance. He’d done what he could to ease her pain, but a brotherly hug and a few soothing words seemed a pitiful offering. What he’d wanted to do was throw caution to the wind, crush her to him, and give her a kiss that conveyed the depth of his admiration, respect, and … love?
Truth kicked Houston in the gut so hard it was a wonder his ribs didn’t crack. He loved Coralee. Deeply. Twelve years had passed, and yet his feelings hadn’t diminished. They’d grown. She’d been the one for him. He’d known it then. He knew it now. But would she accept what he had to offer, or would she reject him all over again? Could he take that risk?
He mounted the stairs, passed Beauregard’s bedroom, where Coralee was feeding her now docile father, and peered into Calvin’s. “May I come in?”
“Houston! By all means.” Calvin waved him in. “I didn’t expect to see you until later. You must have news.”
“Yes. And it’s good.” He closed the door and filled Calvin in on the latest developments.
“I still can’t believe the varmint hornswoggled me and that so much of my hard-earned money filled his pockets. I was sure he was going to get away with his crime, but thanks to you, he’s going to pay for what he’s done.”
“It helps to have a Texas Ranger for a brother. Chisholm knew whom to contact and how to go about getting the information we needed. He’s kept the telegraph lines busy the past few days.”
Calvin changed positions, wincing as he did so. “Once I’m up and about, I’ll thank him, too. Why, I’ll be able to throw a party.”
“Not right away. The scoundrel has to stand trial. I’m sure he’ll be convicted, though. Embezzlement is a serious crime, and since it involved stealing cattle—even though his elaborate scheme was carried out on paper with falsified documents and bribes—that won’t go over well in these parts. They’ll liquidate his assets, including a saloon in Corsicana, and then you’ll get a good portion of your money back.”
“Things will be tight for a while, but I can manage. What about you? What will you do once I’m back on my feet?”
Houston outlined his plans, which had become clear minutes before.
Calvin nodded. “A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do. So, when are you leaving?”
“I’ll catch the next stagecoach. No sense putting things off now that I’ve made my decision. You can’t say anything to Coralee just yet.”
“She won’t take it well, but I’ll keep my trap shut. Until it’s time for me to do my part, that is.”
“Good.” He’d taken care of things here. Now to return to the 7 Heart, finalize things there, and face his father.
George Washington Hart shoveled in his last bite of steak, rested his fork on his plate, and tossed his napkin on the table. The three Hart brides had retired to the parlor minutes before, along with Houston’s nephew, Robbie, leaving Pa and his sons—all seven of them, now that Crockett was back—alone for the first time since Houston’s return. Normally they only gathered for Sunday dinner, but they’d all shown up that Thursday evening for a private celebration of the successful cattle drive. They would hold a dance on Saturday and invite their friends.
Pa stood and leveled his gaze on Houston. “I’d like to have a word with you before I retire, son. Meet me in your mother’s parlor in five minutes, will you?”
Houston’s chest tightened. “Yes, Pa.”
“Good night, boys.”
Pa disappeared through the open doorway, along with all of Houston’s brothers except for Travis. The curiosity on his face was likely evident on Houston’s, as well. “What was that about, Huey?”
“I have no idea.” Houston had planned to talk with Pa in the morning, but it appeared he would have the opportunity to do so tonight. Not that he was ready, but Coralee had made a good point during their ride back from town after he’d visited Collingswood & Henderson’s Hardware. If he wasn’t honest with his father, he’d be forced into a job that could become a burden.
Travis clapped a hand on Houston’s shoulder. “I wish you well. You can find me later and tell me what he wanted.”
“I will. Before you go, I wanted to thank you for stopping in to check on Beauregard. He’s calmer now.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I admire Coralee. She’s been taking care of him for over eleven years now—and not a word of complaint. That’s loyalty for you. Anyhow, I’d best not keep you. Pa wouldn’t take too kindly to that.” Travis went to join his wife and the others. Houston made his way to his mother’s parlor. He walked around looking at the items, each one reminding him of her. Except for the vase of freshly cut gardenias on the table. Their fragrance brought images of Coralee to mind.
He’d caught a whiff of the memorable scent when he’d taken her in his arms the day before. She hadn’t resisted—at first. She’d trusted him to be there for her in her hour of need, but could she trust him with her heart? Because of her encouragement, he’d found a way to stay—on his own terms. It meant letting his business in California go for a fraction of its value, but she was worth it. Would his choices be enough to convince her that he’d be here for her, no matter what?
Footfalls signaled Pa’s approach. Houston braced himself for what was to come, whatever that might be. He stood with his feet spread and his hands clasped behind his back. “I’m here, sir, as requested.”
“Relax, son. Have a seat.” Pa held out a hand toward Mother’s favorite settee and lowered himself into the green armchair reserved for him.
Houston sat poker-straight, waiting for Pa to speak.
“When did you plan to tell me that you don’t cotton to being a rancher?”
Pa’s question robbed Houston of the ability to speak. He swallowed in an attempt to remove the boulder lodged in his throat, giving him a moment to think. If Pa had already figured out the truth, there was no sense denying it. “How did you know?”
“I suspected it when you were younger, but it wasn’t until you came back that I knew for sure.”
“What gave it away? I’ve been working hard.”
Pa leaned back into the plush chair and crossed his legs, looking completely at ease—and not the slightest bit disappointed. Odd. “That’s how I knew. You’ve been trying too hard. Out to prove you have what it takes to inherit your share of the ranch, were you?”
“That was my plan.” But it had changed. He’d realized Coralee was right. Running a hardware store made him happy. Riding the range and tending to the many tasks on a ranch didn’t. She deserved a husband who was using the gifts God had given him, not one pretending to be something he wasn’t and growing more resentful by the day. If that meant losing Pa’s blessing—and the promised inheritance—so be it.
&n
bsp; “You don’t have to convince me, son. I know you could run a successful ranch, if you put your mind to it, but I don’t think your heart’s in it.”
The time had come to make his declaration, come what may. “Ranching is good, honest work. I thought it could be enough for me, but it’s not. I’m a businessman.”
Pa rested his chin between his thumb and fingers and studied Houston for several seconds. “From what Travis has said, your hardware store in California did quite well. Calvin Culpepper’s singing your praises, too. When I stopped by to see him this afternoon, he told me he could have lost his ranch without your help. A father’s chest swells to hear his son praised like that.” He thumped his soundly.
Houston couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Pa wasn’t prone to compliments. “Thank you. That means a great deal to me.”
Pa glanced around the parlor, his gaze coming to rest on the photograph of Mother and him. “Of all my boys, you’re the most like your dear mother, God rest her soul. She was bright, too, and as quick to help others as you are. Victoria made up for my blustering ways. She understood why you had to leave. I was going to forbid it, but she urged me to reconsider.”
“She did? Why?”
“Your wise mother said the only way for you to find out who you were and grow into the man the Lord intended you to be was for us to trust you into His care. Letting you go was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I prayed one day you’d come home. And you have.” Pa cast Houston a quizzical glance. “You are here to stay, aren’t you?”
“I am, but I can’t meet your terms.”
“Coralee’s being obstinate, is she?” Pa chuckled. “Give her time. She’ll come around.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You need a wife, right? She’s got a heart as big as yours. Might as well consider her.” Pa relaxed into the armchair once again.
“Actually, I have. I’m not sure she’ll take me, but I aim to try.”
Seven Brides for Seven Texans Romance Collection Page 30