Texas Roads (A Miller's Creek Novel)

by Bryant, Cathy

  The headache that seemed to be her constant companion hammered out a dull thud between her eyes. If only this nightmare would end. After several minutes of searching, she plopped onto the bed and rubbed her forehead. A big part of her wanted to quit, give up, and walk away. Life would be so much easier without this hassle. Dani considered the option then shook her head. She committed to this project, and she’d see it through to the bitter end.

  Then she’d return to Dallas. With everyone’s continued suspicions it was the only thing that made sense. At least Mother would be happy. She huffed a puff of air through loose lips. Fat chance. Mother’s presence had everyone on edge. Already here over a week, she showed no sign of leaving, though thankfully she spent much of her time away from the house. Unrest niggled at Dani’s brain. Mother must have a reason for sticking around so long, but whatever it was, it couldn’t be good. Maybe it was best that she remained out of the loop when it came to her mother’s plans and motives.

  Her gaze traveled the cluttered room, and she wrinkled her nose at the locker-room smell, disgusted at the mess. What had happened to her once orderly and peaceful life? Then she spied a manila envelope peeking from beneath a picture frame on the dresser. The papers!

  She signed them quickly, grabbed her purse and keys, and rushed downtown to deliver the papers in person. Several minutes later she stood in Andy’s office, a still-warm cup of coffee perched on his desk, but no Andy. Maybe he’d gone for a walk. As she scurried from the room, she rounded a corner and collided with Steve. The papers they both carried scuttled to the floor.

  “I’m so sorry.” Dani knelt to help gather the strewn papers, his nearness wreaking havoc on her maxed-out nerves. She rapped the stack of papers against the floor and handed them to him with a tentative smile, their fingers touching.

  They rose at the same time, Dani searching his face for any sign of friendship. Nothing.

  “What are you doing here?” His accusing eyes mirrored his gruff tone.

  “Looking for Andy. Have you seen him by any chance?”

  He shook his head and stiffened, his lips thin. “No. If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.” Steve pivoted and strode toward the mayor’s office, his boots thudding on the wooden floor.

  His cold behavior undergirded the sting of her isolation, draining away her last shred of hope. Heavy-hearted, she departed City Hall with her mind on Steve. He hadn’t been to Mama Beth’s house in several weeks, at least not while she was at home. Red-hot needles pricked her eyes, the thought of what she’d lost growing more unbearable with each passing second.

  The weather only reinforced and reflected her misery. In spite of a gray canopy spanning the sky, the late August day was another hundred-degree scorcher. The cloud cover spiked the humidity, her clothes clinging like plastic wrap. Coot and Otis lollygagged outside the post office in spite of the heat. As she approached, their expressions warned her away, but she set her jaw and advanced anyway. It couldn’t hurt to try. She plastered on a friendly smile. “Hi, guys.”

  Otis grunted.

  “Well, well, if it ain’t Miss Dani.” Coot boomed the words, but not in his once-friendly way.

  She moistened her lips, her mouth drawing up as if she’d eaten an unripe persimmon. “What’s going on?”

  “Not much.” Coot dug a knife from his pocket, opened it and cleaned beneath his nails. “How’s that lawyer friend of yours?”

  “He’s fine, I guess. I was actually looking for him.” The sneer plastered on Otis’ face was enough to make her want to turn tail and run. “Have you seen him?”

  “Walked past here a while ago headed to the creek.” Coot stuffed the knife back in his pocket and gestured in the direction of the park, leaning against the building, arms crossed. “It’ll sure be interesting to find out how that fire got started.”

  “And who’s been breaking windows.” Otis glared from beneath skewed eyebrows.

  Their insinuations piercing deep, she squared her shoulders. They could believe whatever they wanted. “Andy and I had nothing to do with the fire or vandalism.” Neither one spoke. They’d already assumed the worst. Pleading her case was pointless. “Please know I’d never do anything to hurt this town.” She did her best to keep her tone level, but the tremor in her words belied the hurt in her heart. Both men focused their eyes on the ground, so she pivoted and left.

  As she stepped away, Otis groused, raising his words within earshot. “Even Cecille thinks they might’ve had something to do with it.”

  Her stomach twisted. So that’s where Mother had spent her time. Spreading lies.

  A weight crushed against Dani’s chest. She passed other people she knew, but they returned suspicious stares for her smiles. Mother’s lies had spread like cancer, and she was the tumor.

  She found Andy near the creek perched on one of the new park benches, this one metal and impervious to fire. He bent from the waist, elbows on knees, head lowered. Trotting over to him, she plopped down on the bench, breathless. “There you are. I found the papers.”

  “Thanks.” He didn’t look at her, but snatched the envelope she dangled in front of him.

  “Sorry I misplaced them. There’s just been so much going on.”

  “You’re not the only one with a hectic life, you know.” His crisp words were razor-edged.

  “You’re right. Being busy is no excuse.”

  The silence grew thick between them until finally Andy spoke. “Dani, I can’t do this anymore.”

  Her heart plummeted to her stomach. “Can’t do what?”

  “All this.” He waved the rolled-up envelope over his shoulder in the direction of downtown. “I can’t do it anymore.”

  “You’re quitting?” How would she ever manage alone?

  “It’s not like that. I’m not quitting. I just can’t continue to do this and keep up my practice. I’ve put other matters on hold as long as I can.” Andy faced the creek, his profile stony.

  “We’re all tired and discouraged, but we’re almost finished.” She placed a hand on his arm. “We can’t let these people down.”

  He yanked his arm away as if her touch burned. “Why should you care about them? Do you know what they’re saying about you? About us?”

  “I’m not blind or deaf.” At one time it had mattered what they thought, but not anymore. All that mattered now was finishing what she’d started. “I take full responsibility—”

  “Then tell them the truth. Tell them what you’ve done for them.” He finally faced her, his eyes blazing with desire for justice.

  “And what good would that do?” She gripped the edge of the bench.

  He gazed at her a second more, then rubbed his clenched mouth and turned toward the creek.

  A hot tear escaped down her cheek and she whisked it away before he could see. “I’m not going to tell them anything.” She shoved away the sob that rose in her throat. “I understand your concerns, but telling them about my involvement won’t help. It might stop their suspicions, but it would create a different set of problems.” Did she have the strength to speak the words in her heart? Dani inhaled deep and released a slow, shaky breath. “I hope you choose to stay, but I understand if you can’t. I intend to finish this work with or without you.”

  Andy pursed his lips and nodded. Without a second glance her way, he tucked the envelope under one arm, stuffed his hands in his pockets, and plodded away like an old man. She watched his retreating back until he reached Main Street then gave in to the tears.

  ~~o~~

  Dani dragged herself to an upright position and squinted at the alarm clock. She’d forgotten to set it again. Though still dark outside, the sun would soon be up. Her last day in Miller’s Creek. With a groan she crawled out of bed, her achy muscles protesting. Two weeks had elapsed since Andy had returned to Dallas, during which she’d used the daycare fax machine at night to take care of foundation business. She massaged the area around her eyes. Four hours of sleep per night just wasn’t enough.

&nb
sp; She drifted to the lace curtain, lifted it to peer out the window, and noticed her mother traipsing toward the Thackers’ house. Mother hung on in Miller’s Creek like the unwelcome heat of summer, but not for much longer. Once she returned to Dallas, Mother would follow, having achieved her goal.

  Dani weaved between suitcases and boxes on her way to the bathroom, and gasped at her reflection in the mirror. No makeup concealer in the world could cover those bags. After a quick shower, she lumbered downstairs, not bothering to fix her face or dry her hair. Not like it mattered. She’d become the invisible woman.

  As she descended the steps her heart lightened momentarily, the sun casting a golden glow across the rustic surface of the old farmhouse table. It bounced off the glass panes of the dish cabinet where Mama Beth’s dishes lined up like toy soldiers afraid to break rank. Her aunt scurried around the kitchen banging cabinet doors, the leftover smell of bacon permeating the air.

  “Morning, Mama Beth. Why the big hurry?” She grabbed a banana from the counter, peeled it and took a bite, its creamy sweetness filling her mouth.

  “I thought I’d work at the daycare today.” Her aunt bustled to the sink to rinse out a sponge.

  “Are you sure you feel up to it? You know I don’t mind—”

  Mama Beth raised a hand. “I’m going and that’s it.”

  “But I enjoy working at the daycare.”

  “You have too much on your plate right now.” Her aunt’s gaze raked over her. “Just look at you. You’re not eating or sleeping.” Her eyes held hurt and concern. “What time did you get home?”

  Dani pushed a breath between her lips and averted her gaze. “Four.” She yearned to tell her that she wouldn’t be a burden much longer, but how she dreaded it. How could she leave the one person in her life who loved her just because? They’d had their share of differences, the last few weeks particularly rough, but when all was said and done she knew Mama Beth loved her. Loved her like no one else in the world.

  She swallowed the pain welling up in her throat and met Mama Beth’s questioning eyes. Her aunt rubbed her arms and shuddered, then trained her gaze out the window above the kitchen sink. “I wish you’d tell me what’s going on.”

  Dani couldn’t answer.

  Still in profile, Mama Beth continued to speak. “It’ll do me good to be around the kids. You stay home and rest.”

  She had no strength or desire to argue, but even if Mama Beth assumed her daily responsibilities at the daycare, there was too much to do to sleep. Becky Morgan had cornered her at church to see if she had any old furniture to sell on consignment at Unique Antiques. Her aunt mentioned the attic, and Dani had promised to look. After Mama Beth left for the daycare, she’d check out the attic and load the car before heading downtown one last time.

  Stabbing pain seared through her heart. One last time to listen as the old geezers cracked their goofy jokes, to walk the streets of the town she’d grown to love, to glimpse the accusations in Steve’s cinnamon-colored eyes.

  Mama Beth’s irate voice brought her from of her thoughts. “Dani! I’ve asked you the same question three times. My goodness, but you’re tired. Do you want me to bring you a plate lunch from the daycare?”

  She shook her head. “No, thanks, I’ll grab something on my own.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you later.” The door slammed behind her, and she clonked down the back steps.

  Dani made her way up two flights of stairs to enter the musty-smelling attic. Sunlight streamed through a small window and illuminated the dancing dust. Old furniture and family heirlooms lay scattered about, ancient relics to a time past. Her shoulders slumped at the magnitude of the task. This place was a gold mine, but going through it would take forever. Mama Beth had enough stuff to start her own antique store.

  An upright dresser stood to her immediate right. Maybe Becky could use this piece. Dani ran her fingers over the hand-carved detail then opened the top drawer. A stack of old letters tied with a faded ribbon caught her eye. With a gentle tug, she untied the bundle and picked up a letter addressed to Maisie Adams in Miller’s Creek. The return address was Mona Beth Adams. In Dallas?

  Yellowed and fragile, she pulled out the letter and began to read. Apparently Mama Beth had stayed with Mother and Father at the time the letter was written. She laid it aside for later. Maybe it would offer a clue about the rift between the two sisters.

  Less than half an hour later, she placed the assorted papers and knick-knacks from the dresser in a stray box, one furniture piece now ready to go. Groaning as she rose to her feet, her fatigued muscles voiced their complaint, and she stumbled against the trunk behind her. With a large humped lid and leather straps, it reminded her of what an immigrant from Europe would use on a ship voyage to the new country. A grin snaked across her face. What if it contained buried treasure? Chiding herself for an overactive imagination, she lifted the lid and peered inside, the scent of cedar and mothballs overpowering her nostrils.

  Baby clothes? And not just any baby clothes, but beautiful, hand-sewn garments embroidered with dainty stitches. Dani fingered the delicate fabric. What baby? She removed the clothing carefully, uncovering old photographs atop two crocheted baby blankets, the picture on top of a handsome young man. She gasped at the likeness. Steve? No, the photograph looked too old. Dusting her hands against her jeans, she picked up the photo and flipped it over. “Dearest Beth, All my love forever, Bo.”

  Had there once been some kind of relationship between Bo Miller and Mama Beth? She puzzled over the question for a minute then dug further. There had to be a clue about the baby clothes somewhere. A few minutes later, ready to abandon search, her fingers landed on a book at the bottom right-hand side of the trunk and she carefully removed it. Made of leather, with ragged and well-worn pages, the old journal looked ancient. Dani cracked open the cover and glimpsed the hand-penned words written within. Mama Beth’s writing, but it would have to wait. Tucking the journal beneath her arm, she slammed the trunk lid and hurried to her room, already dreading what lay ahead.

  After washing the gray dust from her fingertips, she moved to her laptop to deal with urgent e-mails, but instead the old book once again captured her attention. She glanced at the clock. Time to leave for downtown, but something about the journal cried out to her. Oh well, a few more minutes wouldn’t matter.

  Within two pages, a knot lodged in her throat and refused to budge.

  ~~o~~

  Steve lounged on the sofa with an opened Bible on his lap in the quiet hush of a new day. Bear with. Be patient. Forgive as Christ forgave you. He knew what he needed to do. The words were clear and unrelenting.

  Laying aside his Bible, he shifted to the window, the pink blush of dawn barely visible. A subtle change had come over Dani. The recent times he’d seen her at church or downtown, she’d been lost in thought, her light blue eyes troubled, tired and restless.

  He rubbed a hand over his head. Trying to think through everything was pointless, like swimming in a haze of feelings and events which made no sense. He wanted to trust her, but there were so many unanswered questions. Andy had moved back to Dallas two weeks ago, their business dealings now transacted by phone and fax. Was his absence the reason for her distant look?

  His chest collapsed as a heavy sigh escaped. Dani wasn’t the only one who had changed. Mama Beth seemed bothered by something, and that worried him. In her condition the last thing she needed was stress, and if he had to venture a guess, her worried look most likely had something to do with Cecille.

  Steve returned to the couch and picked up the Bible, the word forgive leaping from the page.

  Forgive her.

  There was no mistaking the message or the messenger.

  ~~o~~

  CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

  One Secret Kept, Another Uncovered

  Tears streamed down Dani’s cheeks and plopped onto the journal’s time-worn page. With a thumb and the corner of her shirt she blotted it dry. She couldn’t read more. She wished sh
e hadn’t read any.

  Did Mama Beth still love Bo? According to the journal, her aunt had once believed they would marry someday. Instead he’d returned from college with a wife and child. Evelyn and Steve. She used the palms of her hands to wipe her dampened face, overwhelmed by her aunt’s heartbreak. To see the Miller family around town must have been so painful for Mama Beth. How could she live in Miller’s Creek with such unrequited feelings for a man who belonged to someone else?

  The last question landed with a thud in her stomach. Her affection for Steve could have headed that same direction. She cared more than she wanted to admit, more than he or anyone else would ever know. The heart-rending distance between them was for the best, but that knowledge provided no comfort against the pain, the same sort of pain her aunt had endured for decades.

  Dani’s shoulders slumped as unbidden images rose to the surface, a younger version of her aunt in love with a childhood sweetheart, and him married to another woman. To ease her broken heart, she’d resolved to go on with life by dating other men, and had ended up in the clutches of a monster. The journal didn’t name the man who had stolen what never belonged to him—what hadn’t been offered—leaving in his wake more pain and destruction.

  She laid the old book on the bed and hugged her knees to her chest. Mama Beth had been too embarrassed to speak up, unwilling to bring disgrace on her family. Instead she’d moved to Dallas to live with Dani’s parents until the baby was born. Her gaze flitted to the next entry in the opened journal. Each word echoed with Mama Beth’s sweet voice.

  I love this new life stirring inside. How I wish I could keep

  this baby to love and mother. But I can’t. I’ve prayed for God

  to make a way for this child, and I believe He has. My

  brother-in-law, Daniel, is a good man and doing well in his

  business. This morning he suggested I give the baby up for

  adoption. Oh, God, give me strength! I know I can’t give this