Barri Bryan - Return to Paradise.html

by Return to Paradise (NCP) (lit)

  "Any man who cares about his children doesn't use them to achieve his own ends. A ruthless man who wants something, or somebody, will use any means at his disposal to get what he wants. If Jim loves his kids so much why is he willing to manipulate them into putting pressure on you?"

  "Maybe Jim's conscience is bothering him. He wants to make up for the miserable little sum of money I got when we divorced by giving me a house and a trust fund."

  "So, if he can't pressure you into coming back to him, maybe he can buy you?"

  She stood again. "There were no stipulations attached." Kate kicked at the dusty ground. "Are you going to give me Friday and Saturday off?"

  "Sure, Kate. But be back by Sunday. Billy Jack needs some time off, too." Standing, he asked, "Who said there were no stipulations?"

  "Michael did. He's an attorney. He did the paper work." Why did saying those words make her feel foolish? "I'm not going to sign anything."

  "I should hope not. You have a five-year contract with me. I don't want to have to sue you for breach of something or another."

  He was laughing at her again. "You won't have to. If you'll excuse me, I have to make my ride."

  "Do you want to ride to the line shack with me?"

  The man was incredible. "No. Thank you. I'm riding the other way today."

  "You might want to reconsider. it's a long time until Friday."

  The implications of his veiled remark slithered into her brain. "You are unbelievable."

  Giving the crown of his ten-gallon hat a little shove, Hank strode toward the front of the house. "Be back in time to make your ride Sunday. See you around, Kate."

  Kate came home from her ride to find Mamma and Cody sitting in the kitchen, drinking coffee, and discussing their stay in San Antonio.

  "Yes sir, that River Walk is fabulous." Cody poured coffee into his saucer. "You have to go there, Kate. The river runs right through the middle of the city."

  "I'll see it when I go to the Cattlemen's Convention." Kate poured coffee into a cup and carried it to the table. "The convention is in one of the hotels along the river. I've decided to make a weekend of it. When I make my ride today, I'm going to stop by Circle S and call the hotel for reservations."

  Cody took a sip from his saucer. "You won't be disappointed, Kate. San Antonio is a great place to visit."

  "Maybe you should do some shopping before you go, Kate," Belle said, over a yawn. "Some new jeans would be nice, and you will need a new dress for the dance."

  Kate couldn't afford a new dress. "I can wear my blue formal."

  "That thing," Belle was indignant, "went out of style ten years ago."

  It's all I have." Mamma was right. The dress was out of style, and probably needed a tuck here and there, to make it fit. "I may have to seam up the sides."

  "And rip off some of those ruffles and flounces," Belle added.

  "You could restyle that dress, Mamma. Would you?" Belle could do wonders with a needle and thread.

  "I remember the first dress I ever made for you, Kate. You were about knee-high to a grasshopper. That dress was blue, too, as I recall." Reminiscence lit Belle's eyes. "You were so proud of yourself. You kept looking in the mirror and saying, "Pretty Katie, pretty Katie."

  "That puts me in mind of the first pair of long pants I had." Cody took another sip of coffee. "Papa took me to town in our old Model T. The pants were brown."

  "I remember the first party dress I ever owned..."

  Kate slipped out the door, to sit on the bench under the oak trees. She sipped her coffee, and watched the fireflies flash their signal lights through the purple twilight. What joy Mamma and Cody got from coffee and conversation. At what price they had purchased such tranquility?

  Then she thought of Suzie and Michael, stumbling over the present in a frantic effort to catch an elusive future that was always just beyond the grasp of their anxious hands.

  "And here am I looking over my shoulder, regretting yesterday, as I tiptoe into an uncertain tomorrow." The creak of the windmill brought her up short. "Good Lord, I'm talking to myself." Kate saluted the windmill. "So long as I don't start tilting at you, Sir."

  "Kate?" Belle's shrill voice called into the twilight.

  "Here, Mamma."

  "Cody and I are going to walk down to the barn and get a few things from his camper. Do you want to go?"

  "No, Mamma. I think I'll stay here. I have some house cleaning to do."

  "My Lord, Kate. At this hour of the day, on Sunday?"

  "It's mental house cleaning, Mamma."

  "Well. suit yourself. Good night, Kate."

  "Good night, Mamma. See you tomorrow."

  Over the next few days, Kate found herself becoming more and more excited about the coming convention, and her approaching 'date' with York.

  "Do you know how many years it has been since I had a date, Mamma?"

  "Be still, Kate." Kate was standing in the middle of the living room floor, wearing her renovated blue formal as Belle, her mouth full of straight pins, fastened tucks in place around the neckline. "You're wiggling around like a worm in hot ashes."

  "I was eighteen years old when I had my last date, Mamma."

  Belle stood back and surveyed her handiwork. "One or two more tucks, and the job is done." She pulled the waist of the dress a little tighter, and pinned a tuck in place. "Don't worry about it, Kate. Dating is like riding a bicycle. Once you get the hang of it, you never forget how."

  Kate thought, that like most of Belle's analogies, the comparison limped. "Maybe the rules have changed."

  "You don't have to know any rules to ride a bicycle, Kate. You just get on, start pedaling, and don't look back. I knew a girl once who could ride a bicycle without even holding on to the handlebars."

  Kate viewed the dress with misgivings. "Mamma, you took all the ruffles off. I'm not talking about riding a bicycle, I'm talking about going on a date."

  "Who needs fussy ruffles? Where did you wear this thing, to a junior prom?" Belle spit the pins into her hand. "Maybe dating is more like swimming. Don't get in over your head, if all you want to do is dog paddle."

  "No, Mamma. I wore it to a dance Jim's company sponsored." Mamma had lowered the neckline considerably. "Jim thought this dress suited me. And swimming and dating are not the same, either."

  Belle was pushing pins into a pin cushion. "It looks like him, fussy, too prim, and deceitful. Dating and swimming are both more fun after the shock of jumping in wears off."

  "Mamma, honestly, how can a dress look deceitful?" Kate had laid the dress on the couch, and was slipping back into her jeans. "And I'm not sure yet I even want to go near the water."

  "All those fussy ruffles and tucks covered up an elegant creation. The dress was deceitful." Belle reached for the garment "I'll have this finished by tonight."

  "And it's going to be beautiful, Mamma. Thank you." Kate dropped a kiss on her mother's cheek. "I have to make my ride."

  "Did you talk to Hank yet about taking a day off?" Belle asked as Kate neared the door.

  "He gave me two days off, Mamma. That's when I decided to spend the entire weekend in San Antonio. I will have two whole days to do nothing but have fun."

  "Just remember. Kate, fun is like insurance, the older you get, the more it costs."

  Kate had laughed at that little remark when Belle made it, but several days later as she closed the lid of her over night case, after checking for the tenth time to make sure she had packed everything, she was beginning to think that the statement had more than a little truth to it.

  It had taken the better part of a week to complete preparations to go to San Antonio for the weekend, and she felt a little weary, despite the bubble of excitement that fizzed through her veins.

  "Kate?" Belle called from the other room.

  "In here, Mamma." Kate stacked the overnight case beside her bag and coat at the end of her bed.

  Belle came to stand in the doorway of Kate's bedroom."Write down the name of the hotel wh
ere you will be staying. I don't understand why you didn't ride over to York's ranch and talk to him before you took matters into your own hands."

  "And have him think I was inviting him to spend the weekend with me?" Kate asked indignantly. He's probably coming home after the dance Friday night." Kate picked up a pad and pencil. "The bus from San Antonio gets to St. Agnes at noon Sunday. I'll see you and Cody then." She began to write on the pad. "I've earned a holiday, Mamma. I'll never have a better opportunity to shop and see the sights in San Antonio."

  "I'm surprised at you, Kate. You never used to make snap decisions."

  "It wasn't a snap decision, Mamma. This jaunt has taken thought and planning." She tore the top sheet from the pan, and held it out to her mother. "This the name of the hotel. My room number's written there too."

  Belle slipped the paper into her pocket. "Cody and I will drive to St. Agnes Sunday morning, and meet the bus from San Antonio."

  "You won't worry about me, will you Mamma?"

  "Lord, Kate, if you can't take care of yourself by now, you never will be able to. Yes, I'll worry about you."

  Kate hung her coat over her arm and picked up her bag. "I haven't been on a vacation in twenty years."

  "York's car just stopped at the gate." Belle announced.

  "Jim took Lila on the cruise that was always my dream vacation." From nowhere came the tears, the hurt.

  "Don't cry. Mamma loves her Katie baby." Belle put her arms around her daughter. "Are you crying because you want to go on a cruise with Jim?"

  That stopped the tears. "Honestly, Mamma!" Kate's head flew up, as she realized that was what Belle had intended. "Everything else is gone, Mamma. Why won't the pain go away?"

  "You were betrayed Kate, by someone you loved and trusted. Your heart was broken. A broken heart is like a broken leg, every now and then that old break aches just because it's been broken."

  Like most of what Belle philosophized, the words missed logic, and hit the truth, dead center, "Do you think I'll ever forget, Mamma?"

  York's Chrysler pulling to a stop outside caused Belle to scold, "Dry your eyes. Your date's here. After a while all you feel is a twinge." She hurried to open the screen door.

  York and Belle exchanged pleasantries as York took Kate's bag, and helped her out the door.

  "Be careful Kate, and we'll meet you on Sunday," Belle called, as the powerful car pulled from the yard, and into the road that led to the gate.

  York seemed lost in his own thoughts, making no comment until Kate was back into the car after closing the gate. "Are you planning to stay the weekend in San Antonio, Kate?"

  Why did attempting to explain make her feel awkward? "I thought I needed a vacation. I have a reservation at the hotel where the convention is being held. Hank gave me an extra day off..." Her voice died away on the end of a sigh.

  York's hands gripped the steering wheel with tense fingers. "I wanted to ask you to stay over but...I was not sure..." His grip on the steering wheel tightened. "I was afraid to ask."

  Kate found the knowledge that she could confound this suave, detached man a little more than flattering. "Afraid? Why?"

  "I had just given your mother and Cody a rather expensive wedding gift. I was afraid you might think I was expecting a..." He swallowed painfully, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down like a cork on the water. "A quid pro quo. I would never want to offend you, Kate." His eyes left the road to look beseechingly in her direction.

  For no reason she could explain, Hank's face floated across the eye of Kate's mind as his crude words spoke silently to her ears. "Do you want to ride to the line shack with me? It's a long time until Friday." And York had been afraid to ask her to stay in the same hotel with him in San Antonio overnight. "I do believe you are shy."

  "Only where you are concerned, Kate."

  "I think you are sweet, too."

  He laughed, "We mustn't let that get out." paused, then admitted, shyly, "I had something else in mind. Harriet offered to call you, but I was afraid you would get the wrong impression."

  "I have the utmost faith in your intentions, York." Kate touched his arm lightly with her fingers. "What did you want to ask?"

  The words seemed to leap from his mouth. "I wanted to ask you to stay at my sister's home over the weekend."

  "York, your sister...?"

  "Please," York held up one hand. "I talked with her about asking you. She lives on a ranch near Rio Medina. I've told her so much about you, she is anxious to get to know you."

  Kate opened her mouth to object. Before she had the opportunity, York hurried on. "Actually, Harriet is quite pleased with the prospect of me having what she refers to as a 'lady friend'. She worries about me. She'll be at the convention. You can meet her there."

  At least he hadn't suggested she hop in bed with him to ease her frustrations. "I'm looking forward to meeting your sister."

  "And will you consider spending the weekend at her home?" York's embarrassment was like that of a teenage boy. "I am not suggesting anything...indiscreet. Harriet and Elroy will be there as chaperons."

  How could she refuse? "I have to be home by ten o'clock Sunday morning. I don't want Mamma to worry."

  "Harriet will be delighted, so will Elroy."

  Kate studied York's profile. "Who is Elroy?"

  "Elroy is Harriet's husband. Elroy Enghleman. Have you heard of him?"

  The name had a familiar ring. "Should I know him?"

  "Almost every one in Texas does, by reputation, at least. He owns Enghleman Enterprises."

  "That Elroy Enghleman?"

  Chuckling, York said, "I don't think there's more than one Elroy Enghleman."

  Elroy Enghleman was one of those self-made Texas entrepreneurs who had, by grit, guts, and sheer audacity amassed a fortune. He was a very private man who eschewed publicity, and refused to allow any media coverage of his personal life. "Elroy Enghleman is your brother-in-law?" Kate couldn't keep the surprise out of her voice. "I'm impressed."

  "He's a very sincere person." York slowed his car to a stop before pulling onto the interstate. "I know that sound trite, but it's also true."

  "I look forward to meeting Elroy also," Kate replied.

  "It's a short drive from Rio Medina to Paradise. We can leave early Sunday morning. I wouldn't want your mother to worry about you." York cleared his throat. "I wouldn't want you to fail to make your ride, either. Sinclair has a nasty temper, and you do work for him."

  Kate had never seen any display of bad temper that York insisted plagued Hank. "Hank is my employer, and he has been very kind to Mamma and me. He is often blunt and caustic, but he's always composed, and in control."

  "Let's hope he stays that way." York's voice shook with emotion. "I can tell you from first hand experience that he can become violent and dangerous."

  Kate dismissed the words with a little shrug. York's dislike of Hank had affected his judgment. She changed the subject. "Tell me about the convention, and about your sister."

  York's tension seemed to melt way. "Ah, yes..."

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Kate sat on the hotel patio that fronted onto the River Walk, and watched the tourist laden barges that floated down the wide, winding stream. "Cody and Mamma told me about the River Walk. They said the river ran through the center of the city."

  York had insisted that they have lunch on the patio, and now Kate was glad he had.

  "Have you been to San Antonio before?" He raised his eyes to look at the huge trees that grew along the river's banks.

  "No." Kate let her gaze follow York's. "The trees are beautiful, and so green. I love the way the weeping willows dip their branches into the water." It occurred to Kate that she didn't know the river's name. "What is the river called?"

  One eyebrow climbed up York's forehead. "The San Antonio River, what else? But the Indians who lived here before the Spaniards arrived called the river Drunken-Old-Man-Going-Home-At-Night."

  "Why?" Kate watched as one of the barges docked
, and its passengers begin to deploy.

  "Because of it's many bends and turns. It doesn't run through the city, it twists through the city, like a lazy serpent." Turning his gaze toward the menu, York asked, "What will you have?"

  "You order for me." Kate laid her menu aside. "I'd like one of the Mexican dishes."

  "I'm having the cabrito. Would you like the same?"

  Kate wasn't sure. "What is cabrito?"

  "If I told you," York chuckled, "you might not want to try it, and it's really very good."

  "I'll try it," Kate promised, "Now tell me what I'm about to eat."

  Peeping around the menu, York smiled. "Goat." Kate's startled expression caused his smile to blossom into a full-blown laugh. "It's kid, actually. Cabrito is a young goat."

  Kate took a sip of her wine. "I've eaten rattlesnake, and I love venison. I think I can manage cabrito."

  "Then cabrito it is." York signaled for a waiter.

  "Your sister is very nice." Kate took a tiny bite of her cabrito. It was delicious.

  Kate had met Harriet earlier in the day, and found her to be much warmer and more approachable than her brother. She was also a very attractive woman, tall, dark, and elegantly dressed.

  "I'm glad you like her. She likes you too. We will be sharing a table with Harriet and Elroy tonight at the banquet." After a pause, York asked, "What do you think of Elroy?"

  "He's not what I expected." Kate had thought Elroy would be an austere, cold man. Instead he was more like one of the munchkins from The Wizard of Oz. "Elroy is nice too."

  That elicited another laugh from York. "Elroy has been called many things, I doubt that nice is one of them. You have fallen into the same trap everyone else does. Don't underestimate Elroy. Looks can be deceiving. Would you like a buneulo?

  "What's a buneulo?"

  "It's a kind of Mexican donut, a fritter, actually."

  The buneulo was delicious also. Kate ate the last crumb. "Tell me about the speech you are making tonight."

  "I will be speaking on the historical background of the artificial insemination of farm animals." Setting his wine glass down carefully, York explained, "Refinements in AI techniques over the last fifty years have opened up a new era for ranchers and farmers. The procedure has been highly successful with cattle, sheep, and poultry. There has been some measure of success with swine and honeybees." He stopped. "I've given you the introduction to my speech. You can hear the rest tonight. This afternoon I have a tour of the city planned. How does that sound to you?"