Caitlyn’s Prize

by Linda Warren

  “Brenda Sue!”

  She jumped at the sound of his voice.

  “Is there a reason you’re in my study?” Judd asked, his tone peppered with impatience.

  “Oh, you don’t have to shout.”

  “And you need to take a breath.”

  “What?”

  The woman looked genuinely puzzled. Did she not have a clue? Damn it! “What are you doing in my study? This isn’t the office.”

  “Sometimes, Judd, you can be rude,” she replied in a haughty tone.

  He leaned back, her voice wearing holes in whatever patience he had left. “You have five seconds to tell me in one sentence what you’re doing in here or you’re fired. Is that rude enough for you?”

  She flipped back her yellowish-blond hair. “Harland finished repairing the fence between the ranch and High Five, and wanted you to know. He double wired it or something, so the Belles’ bull can’t get onto Southern Cross. Why couldn’t Caitlyn fix it? It seemed—”

  Judd pointed to the door. “Go, as fast as you can.”

  She fled.

  His mother walked through the open door, glancing at Brenda Sue’s retreating figure. “Dare I ask if you made her mad enough to quit?”

  “She has two kids. She needs a job.”

  “Mmm. What’s wrong with this picture?”

  “What do you mean?” He kept signing checks for bills. He usually did that in the office, but there was just so much of Brenda Sue he could tolerate on any given day.

  “You keep her on and put up with her endless marathon of drivel because she needs a job. You better be careful or people might start calling you a nice guy.”

  He signed another check. “I did it as a favor to Harvey. Is there something you need?”

  “Yes.” His mother clasped her hands together. “As I’m sure Brenda Sue has relayed to you, the Belle sisters are here, and I want to throw a party. A ball, actually, with formal attire.”

  He glanced up. “Have you lost your mind?”

  “No. My faculties are all intact, thank you. It’ll be like the old days, when we had such wonderful parties at Southern Cross.”

  “No,” he said, and went back to signing checks.

  Renee yanked the pen from his hand. His brows knotted so tightly he could feel them almost meeting.

  “We’re having a party. Get used to the idea. And you’re wearing your tuxedo. The first dance is with me. After that you can have your choice of all the nice young ladies who will be here. Think marriage. Think babies. Think of making your mama happy. Other than that, I don’t want to hear a word out of you. Oh, and of course, write me a very big check. The ball will take place Saturday night, so I have to get moving.”

  He grabbed his pen from her hand. “You’ve been around Brenda Sue too long. You need to breathe when you’re issuing orders and otherwise annoying the living hell out of me.”

  “We’re having a party, Judd.”

  “Don’t count on me being there.” He signed yet another check with a flourish.

  “Well, I suppose you don’t have to attend. I’ll invite sons of your father’s friends who would love to dance with the Belle sisters.”

  “Whatever.”

  “Mmm. You and Caitlyn couldn’t make it work. Have you thought of Madison or Skylar? Very striking women.”

  “I’m not in the market for a wife.” He kept signing.

  “I want grandbabies.”

  “Rent one.”

  “Write me a very fat check, then. Babies on the black market cost a fortune.”

  He turned the page in the checkbook. “Go away, Mom. This is getting tiring.”

  “There will be other women here besides the Belles. This is your night to choose, so you’d better make good use of it. I’ll even buy a gown for Brenda Sue and trot her out.”

  He couldn’t hide a grin. “You must be getting desperate.”

  “I am, and you already have one desperate woman on your tail. You certainly don’t want another, especially when she’s your mother.”

  “Okay. Okay.” He threw the pen down. “Have the damn party.”

  His mom flew around the desk and hugged him. “You really are a sweetie.”

  He let that pass. “Nothing excessive.”

  “There’s no fun in that. I’ll just surprise you.” She hurried to the door, and he wondered if she’d heard anything he said. “I’ll take your tux to the cleaners, so don’t worry about that.”

  “That’s a load off my mind.”

  “Don’t be sarcastic.”

  “Don’t bother me, then,” Judd muttered. But the doorway was empty.

  He glanced down at the checks. Damn it! The last two he’d signed as “Caitlyn Belle.” Ripping them out, he tore the checks into tiny pieces and swore a few more cuss words.

  Judd stood and walked to the window, flexing his shoulders to relieve the tension. Ever since he’d seen Caitlyn yesterday, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind. He wasn’t a sentimental person; his father had made sure of that. Men didn’t cry or show their emotions. It made them weak. And Jack Calhoun had wanted Judd to be strong. Strong enough to rule Southern Cross. Strong enough to marry the right woman to ensure the lineage of the Calhoun name.

  You’ll marry Caitlyn Belle. She’s a fine woman and will produce strong sons. She’s young and stubborn, but Dane will keep her in line. The union will make both families stronger.

  At the time, Judd hadn’t balked at the idea. He didn’t believe in falling in love or living happily ever after. His mother had pretty much killed all those feelings when she’d left him alone, to be raised by a domineering father.

  And Judd had been watching Caitlyn Belle for a long time. He’d thought she was too young for him, though; he liked his women more experienced. That didn’t keep him from admiring her beauty when he saw her riding, her black hair flying in the wind. In tight jeans and an even tighter blouse, she sat a saddle better than any woman he’d ever seen.

  She rode into his dreams many nights, beguiling, tempting him with her blue forget-me-not eyes, full lips and a body that was made for a man’s enjoyment. Caitlyn could arouse him more in his thoughts than other women could in the flesh.

  Marrying her wasn’t a problem. It would be a pleasure. But she wanted something he wasn’t willing to give her—couldn’t give her. She wanted his love.

  How could he tell her he didn’t know anything about the fickle emotion? Nor did he want to learn. It only brought pain. To his shock, she’d walked away. He knew she’d come back, though. Dane would make her. And women did what men told them. His father had drilled that concept into him all his life.

  But Caitlyn wasn’t like a willow that bent easily. She was more like a mighty oak, and stood strong in her convictions. Ultimately, neither Dane nor his father could change her mind.

  She either wanted to marry him or she didn’t. That was Judd’s bottom line.

  He quirked his lips. Man, they had sexual chemistry, though. It was obvious every time he was around her. Kissing her, having sex with her could generate enough electricity to light up the Astrodome.

  His gut tightened and he cursed again. Thoughts of her made him need a cold shower in the middle of the day.

  He turned his attention to the sisters. Since Madison and Skylar didn’t live here, he was almost positive they’d apply pressure to sell. How would Caitlyn handle that?

  He’d used bravado when he’d talked about buying the royalties from Dane, claiming he would take everything she loved. Judd didn’t quite understand why he felt he had to do that. Maybe because she actually could love, and he couldn’t.

  What was his success going to prove when it was all over? He would have money and power, but he wouldn’t have her.

  CAIT STARED AT RED as the horse threw up her head and neighed, clearly wanting to be ridden.

  “She’s a beautiful animal,” Cooper said, leaning on the fence beside her.

  “Yep. My dad knew horseflesh. She’s all rippling m
uscle, and she rides faster and smoother than a brand-new Cadillac.”

  “Since you won’t allow anyone else to ride her, I wouldn’t know.”

  Cait yanked Coop’s hat lower. “Don’t give me that woebegone puppy-dog look. She’s my horse and…”

  He straightened his hat. “And what?”

  “I have to sell her.” The words went down like a jalapeño pepper, burning all the way.

  “Whoa.” Coop removed his hat and scratched his head. “Didn’t see that one coming. You love that horse.”

  “I love Gran and High Five more.”

  Somewhere through her chaotic and tangled thoughts, she knew what she had to do. Besides High Five, Whiskey Red was the only thing of value she owned.

  Coop settled his hat on his head with a wry expression. “Your sisters have something to do with that decision?”

  “I’m asking them to make sacrifices, so I have to be willing to do the same.”

  “Mmm.”

  All her life she had thought her sisters were living a fairy tale, with luxury at their fingertips. The truth was so different than what she’d imagined. They had heartaches and problems, too.

  As much as she hated to let Red go, she knew it was the only way to help Maddie and Sky. The sale would give them money to live on, and Cait time to form a plan to save the ranch. It would solve their problems for now.

  “I’m setting the sale for Friday at ten. Tell Rufus to get the word out to all the horse people who might be interested. I’ll make a few calls, too.”

  “That’s mighty quick.”

  “Yeah.” Her gaze swung to Red again. Sorry, girl. “I better make those calls.” She hurried toward the house.

  “Cait?”

  She turned, shading her eyes against the glare of the sun.

  “I’m sorry.”

  She nodded and continued on her way. Tears stung the back of her eyes and she knew this was the start of Judd taking everything she loved. He wasn’t taking Red; Cait was selling her.

  But somehow it felt the same.

  PHOTO ALBUMS AND PICTURES were strewn all over the parlor. Whenever her sisters came home, Gran’s favorite thing was to reminisce about their childhood and happier times.

  “Caitlyn, come look,” her grandmother said. “We’re having so much fun.”

  She sat on the sofa. Maddie and Sky were at her feet, albums in their laps. Cait plopped down to join them. She’d worry later.

  They were giggling over the frizzy red hair Sky had had as a child when there was a knock at the door. Cait pushed herself to her feet. “I’ll get it.”

  She swung open the door and shock ran through her. Renee Calhoun stood there, dressed to the nines in a pale pink linen pantsuit and heels. Her blond hair hung in a pageboy around her face. Judd looked nothing like his beautiful mother. He favored his father, with chiseled features and a dark, brooding personality.

  “Caitlyn, dear, it’s so good to see you.”

  Cait inclined her head, feeling a knot the size of a baseball forming in her stomach. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Calhoun?”

  “Oh, please. You used to call me Renee.”

  “That was a long time ago.” She kept her voice neutral, wondering what the woman wanted.

  Renee touched her arm. “Too long, my dear.” She looked past Cait. “Is your grandmother home?”

  The knot expanded. “Yes, but—”

  “Relax, Caitlyn. This will only take a minute and it’ll be painless.” Before Cait could stop her, Renee marched into the parlor.

  Damn woman. What did she want?

  Cait hurried after her. Maddie and Sky got to their feet. Gran stared at Renee with a startled expression.

  “Dorie, I’m sorry for intruding.”

  “Oh, Renee.” Gran shook her head as if to clear it, then patted the cushion. “Sit down, please. You’ve met my granddaughters.”

  “Oh, yes. Many times.” She settled on the sofa and placed her bag beside her. “Very beautiful young women.”

  Maddie eased down on the other side of Gran, who reached for her hand. “I’ve been very blessed,” the elderly woman said. “My granddaughters are a special gift from my son.”

  A look of discomfort crossed Renee’s face. “I am so sorry about Dane.”

  “Thank you.” Gran nodded and dropped her gaze.

  Cait wanted to rush in and stop whatever was about to happen. Anything to protect Gran. But she didn’t believe, not for one minute, that Renee would intentionally hurt her grandmother.

  Their visitor pulled an ivory linen envelope from her purse. “I have some exciting news. I’m throwing a big party—a ball with formal attire—and I would love for you and your lovely granddaughters to attend.”

  A ball! Was the woman out of her mind?

  Gran raised one hand to her breasts. “A party? Oh, my, we haven’t had a party in ages.”

  Not since Caitlyn and Judd’s engagement party. Everyone was thinking it, but no one said the words out loud. If they did, Cait was going to hurt them.

  “It sounds like a very nice party.” Sky picked up an album and laid it on a table. “But I’m leaving early Sunday morning.”

  “The party is Saturday evening, so you have plenty of time. It will be fun—something we all need.”

  “Thank you for the invitation, but I didn’t bring any clothes to wear to a fancy ball.” Maddie smiled politely.

  Cait thought it was time to step in. “I’m sorry, Renee, but neither my sisters nor I will be attending any party at Southern Cross. I’m sure you understand.” She headed for the kitchen to ease the knot in her stomach.

  “Caitlyn Dane Belle!”

  Gran’s voice stopped her as effectively as a bullet. Her tone had the power to squeeze the stubbornness right out of her.

  “We do not treat guests in our home that way.”

  Like a dutiful granddaughter, Cait turned and faced the woman who meant more to her than life itself.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Sometimes Gran’s Southern manners grated on her nerves like a squeaky screen door. But Cait would never show her any disrespect.

  Gran rose to her full height, which was barely five feet three inches. “Our neighbor has invited us to a fancy party and, as good neighbors, we will accept.”

  Like hell. Cait stopped the words just in time. Gran didn’t know about the latest incident with the Calhouns, and Cait couldn’t tell her. She caught the glint in Renee’s eyes. Oh, Judd’s mother was counting on that. Conniving witch.

  Gran walked to Caitlyn and linked her arm through hers. “You work too hard. You need some fun.” She patted her hand. “This is what you need, my baby. We’ll get all dressed up and have the time of our lives.”

  “Gran…” She wanted to shout that the party wasn’t about dressing up or Southern manners. It was about a black-hearted devil trying to steal High Five.

  As if she understood Cait’s hesitation, Dorie said, “I know Judd will be there, but it’s been a long time. We’re neighbors, so we have to be civil.”

  “Oh, this is wonderful.” Renee rose to her feet. “I look forward to seeing you all. Ta-ta.”

  Caitlyn beat her to the door. “What are you trying to pull? We are not attending any stupid ball.”

  Renee tapped a French manicured nail against her lips. “Judd said the same thing.”

  “Then why are you doing this?”

  “For fun.”

  “For fun?” She arched an eyebrow. “How about spite?”

  “Now, Caitlyn…”

  “Haven’t you Calhouns hurt us enough? What else can you take from me?”

  Renee slipped her bag over her shoulder. “Maybe I’m trying to give you something back.” After delivering that ridiculous message, she sashayed out to her car.

  Cait slammed the door so hard her ancestors could hear the echo.

  CHAPTER NINE

  THE NEXT TWO DAYS were hectic as Caitlyn ran the ranch and tried to get ready for Friday’s sale. It helped th
at Maddie and Sky were home. She didn’t have to run back to the house to check on Gran. Her sisters took very good care of her, and Dorie was happy.

  They’d decided not to mention the ball again in hopes she would forget about it. Attending wasn’t in their plans.

  The day was hot and Cait felt sweat trickling down her back and staining her clothes. She smelled as fresh as cow manure.

  Coop and Rufus had cut the hay three days ago. It was now cured, so they were racking it into windrows to bale. There were three one-hundred-acre tracts of coastal, and it would take them at least the month of June, if not more, to get all the hay off the ground.

  But they’d have enough to see them through a dry summer and a bad winter. She planned to sell what she didn’t need. That would help with expenses.

  While Coop and Rufus worked with the hay, she took care of the cattle. Since it was already getting dry, she had to keep a close watch on the stock tanks, wells and windmills. It was crucial that the herds had water, especially in this heat.

  It was getting late and Cait had one more windmill to check. She was so ready to head back to the air-conditioned ranch house and a bath.

  But something was wrong. She knew that the moment she saw the cows huddled around the trough, bellowing. She rode in quickly, the dogs trotting behind her, and the animals scattered. Dismounting, she saw the trough was empty. That meant the storage tank was empty, too. Damn!

  Glancing up, she watched the windmill’s blades spinning in the breeze. But water wasn’t pouring out of the pipe from the storage tank, as per normal.

  It was a long way up the tower. Cait felt dizzy just looking upward. This had happened about three weeks ago, when the clevis and cotter pins had been broken. Could it be the same problem? She didn’t understand how they could break again so soon. She had no recourse but to climb the tower to find out why the sucker rod wasn’t pumping water into the trough.