A SWEETHEART FOR JUDE FORTUNE

by Cindy Kirk

“To try isn’t good enough. You mustn’t neglect your exercise.” Her father’s voice brooked no argument. “It’s essential.”

  Gabi bit back a sharp reply that would have been worthy of a brash fifteen-year-old rather than a mature woman of twenty-six. Instead she smiled. “I’ve gone for a run every day except the day I flew in.”

  “I always feel better when I exercise, too,” Laurel agreed, a look of understanding in her eyes. “But I hope while you’re here, you also take time to get acquainted with the people and the town.”

  The image of the man at the Superette flashed before Gabi. Yes, getting to know the cowboy would be a pleasure.

  “I’ve gotten acquainted with you and your husband,” Gabi said when she realized Laurel waited for an answer. “Now, when I return to Miami and Papi talks of Sawyer and Laurel, I’ll know just who he means.”

  Sawyer inclined his head. “Are you planning on going back soon?”

  “Not until my father is home and able to care for himself.”

  “You have a job,” Orlando protested. “I won’t put your position in jeopardy. Even the most understanding employer can lose patience when days turn into weeks.”

  “I took family medical leave,” Gabi told her father for what felt like the zillionth time. “Staying isn’t a problem.”

  “My daughter is a manager at Miami Trust.” Pride filled Orlando’s voice. “It’s one of the largest banks in Florida.”

  “My boss was supportive of me coming.” Gabi kept her tone soft and soothing. “You don’t have to be concerned.”

  “I can’t help but worry.” Orlando lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “That’s how I am.”

  It was true. Gabi remembered the lines that had seemed permanently etched between her father’s brows when she’d gotten sick and needed surgery. Her mother’s worry hadn’t been as obvious, but Gabi knew they’d both spent many sleepless nights fearing for her life.

  Impulsively Gabi leaned over and hugged her father. “That concern is one of the things I love about you.”

  Surprise flickered in his eyes. They’d had some battles in the past over what she’d termed his overprotectiveness, but once he’d moved to Texas, she discovered she rather missed having someone around who cared enough to worry.

  Sawyer’s phone trilled. He glanced down then rose to his feet with a look of regret. “I need to go.”

  “I appreciate you stopping by.” Orlando’s gaze shifted from Sawyer to Laurel. “Both of you.”

  “We want you back at the flight school.” Laurel placed a hand on Orlando’s shoulder, then bent and kissed his cheek. “It’s not the same without you, O.”

  “Thanks for that.” Orlando’s cheeks turned a dusky pink before his tone turned brusque. “I’d walk you to the door but it took two nurses just to get me in the chair this morning.”

  Sawyer crossed the room to stand beside his employee. His eyes met the older man’s dark brown eyes. “I promise you, if the plane was sabotaged, we’ll get whoever was behind it.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Don’t worry about your job,” Sawyer told him. “It’ll be there waiting for you. No matter how long you’re off.”

  For a second, Gabi thought she saw the sheen of tears in her father’s eyes, but when she looked again they were gone. She decided it must have simply been her imagination.

  “I appreciate it” was all her father said.

  Sawyer shifted those striking blue eyes in Gabi’s direction. “I realize it’s short notice but we’re having a barbecue at the ranch tonight and—”

  “We’d love to have you join us,” his wife added with a bright smile. “I know you wanted to stay close while your father was in the hospital. Since he’s now doing so well, I hope you’ll consider coming this evening.”

  “Go,” her father urged before Gabi could respond. “I’m planning on watching the ball game tonight.”

  “Sawyer’s aunt and uncle as well as most of his cousins will be there.” Laurel’s tone turned persuasive. “They’ve lived in Horseback Hollow all their lives so if there’s anything you want to know about the town or the area, they’re the ones to ask.”

  Gabi couldn’t imagine having too many questions about a town that was barely two blocks long.

  “I can guarantee good food,” Sawyer said when Gabi hesitated. “My aunt makes the best desserts, and she’s promised to bring a couple of her specialties tonight.”

  “My Gabriella doesn’t eat sweets.” Orlando spoke before Gabi could respond. “It’s not good for her. She—”

  Gabi shot him a warning glance, and whatever else he’d been about to say died on his lips. Had she really missed his constant worry?

  “Like everyone,” Gabi said easily, “my goal is to eat healthy. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy a bite or two of something sweet occasionally.”

  Her father opened his mouth then shut it when she fixed her gaze on him.

  “Please say you’ll come.” Laurel’s eyes sparkled in her pretty face. “If only for a bite or two of Jeanne Marie’s spectacular desserts.”

  Gabi considered. An honest-to-goodness Texas barbecue could be fun. God knew she was tired of hospital food. But this was her father’s first night in rehab. How could she enjoy herself knowing he’d be sitting alone in his room watching a ball game by himself?

  “There’ll be lots of handsome men there.” Laurel shot her a little wink.

  As handsome as the man outside the coffee shop? Gabi wanted to ask. His eyes had been as blue as Sawyer’s and, like her father’s boss, the cowboy had a casual confidence she found appealing.

  “Tonight at seven, O?” a man in a wheelchair called from the doorway.

  “I’ll meet you in the lounge,” her father called back.

  Gabi lifted a brow.

  “The ball game,” Orlando informed her. “Lloyd and I made plans to watch it together when we were sweating to the oldies in physical therapy this morning.”

  Gabi turned to find Laurel staring at her with an arched brow.

  “Tell me when and where,” Gabi told her. “I’ll be there.”

  Chapter Two

  As she turned off onto the lane leading to Sawyer and Laurel Fortune’s ranch, excitement quivered in Gabi’s belly. Her first Texas barbecue at a real ranch. She glanced down at her skirt and sweater, hoping she wouldn’t find herself over-or underdressed.

  Before Laurel left the rehabilitation center today, she’d assured her the barbecue would be casual. But Gabi had painfully discovered on several occasions that casual meant different things to different people.

  Since her Florida attire was too lightweight for even a warmer-than-normal North Texas winter, she’d stopped in nearby Vicker’s Corners on the way back from Lubbock. The small town, just down the road from Horseback Hollow, had a cute little downtown area filled with quaint shops. At a darling boutique that rivaled those in Miami for selection and price, Gabi picked up the skirt, sweater, tights and boots she wore tonight.

  The shawl collar of her cherry-red sweater showed very little skin, which meant there was no possibility of her scar showing. She felt like a coward for caring what people thought, but since the horrible pool party incident several months back, she now kept it fully covered.

  Gabi drove slowly down the gravel lane flanked by white fence and miles of pastureland. The fact that she hadn’t yet spotted a single cow didn’t surprise her. Sawyer had mentioned their ranch was basically a lot of land with a few horses. Laurel had laughingly added that bovines weren’t their thing.

  She wheeled the Buick between two dusty pickups and sat in the car for several seconds. Through one of the brightly lit windows, she caught a glimpse of Laurel, chatting with a guest, a glass of wine in her hand.

  She liked Laurel. Liked her a lot. And Sawyer, as well. />
  Seeing how much her father mattered to them warmed her heart. Even knowing they shared Papi’s passion for flying was a comfort.

  After stepping from the large blue car, Gabi cinched the belt of the coat she’d picked up on her shopping trip today tightly around her. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do with the pretty tweed once she returned home, but for tonight, with the wind holding a sharp bite, she was glad she had it.

  Experiencing a sudden longing for palm trees and eighty-degree weather, Gabi sprinted to the porch and up the steps. She hunched her shoulders against the wind and punched the doorbell. She immediately shoved her hands into her pockets, regretting she hadn’t thought to pick up a pair of gloves on her impromptu shopping trip.

  Thankfully, the door opened before the chimes made it through a single stanza. Laurel stood in the doorway with her husband at her side, broad welcoming smiles on their lips. Gabi breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Sawyer wore jeans and a chambray shirt. Laurel’s skirt and sweater mirrored Gabi’s own attire.

  “Come in,” Sawyer urged, ushering her into the warmth. “It’s freezing out there.”

  “I’m glad you made it.” Her hostess took both of Gabi’s hands and gave them a squeeze.

  “Considering the weather, I wasn’t sure you’d go through with the barbecue.” Gabi resisted the urge to shiver. “I swear the temperature dropped twenty degrees in the past hour.”

  “We were forced to make a few adjustments.” Laurel waited while Gabi handed her coat to a young woman dressed in black pants, white shirt and fire-engine-red cowboy boots. Then she looped her arm through Gabi’s and ushered her farther into the house. “The barbecue is now indoors, centered around a crackling fire.”

  Happy to hear she wouldn’t have to brave the wind and cold, Gabi took a moment to survey the interior of the large—and comfortably warm—house as they walked.

  “You have a beautiful home.” Gabi admired the open-beamed ceilings and dark shiny wood floors. Found the gilt Regency mirror above a Chippendale sideboard backed by timbered walls to be an appealing contrast.

  “Thank you.” Sawyer slipped an arm around his wife’s waist. “We haven’t lived here all that long, but it feels like home.”

  The words had barely left his lips when door chimes sounded. Laurel turned, but Sawyer gave her hand a squeeze. “Take care of Gabi. Introduce her around. I’ll get the door.”

  “Don’t worry about me—” Gabi began.

  “It’s my pleasure.” Laurel sounded sincere. “We want you to have a good time this evening. You and your father are special to us.”

  Gabi let her gaze linger on the pretty, self-assured woman who’d been such a good friend to Papi. “I appreciate all you’ve done for him.”

  “Orlando is a great guy,” Sawyer said, returning from the door.

  “He’s part of our family now,” Laurel added.

  “The Fortunes are a big family,” Sawyer said. “But there’s always room for one more good man.”

  Gabi blinked back unexpected tears. This connection was what she hoped her father would find when he’d moved so far from family. She swallowed against the lump in her throat and glanced around the room. “Are there a lot of Fortunes here?”

  “My aunt and uncle and their children—my cousins—are with us this evening,” Sawyer responded, before he turned to respond to a young boy’s tug on his sleeve.

  A big family. Children. Gabi had once thought that would be part of her future. Until the doctor had sat her down and laid out the risks....

  “Most of the guests are back here.” Laurel led her to the edge of a great room.

  The line of windows flanking the back of the home gave an open, airy feel to a room that was even more spacious than the one they’d passed. A buffet table topped with a red-and-white-checkered cloth along one wall drew her eye.

  Mason jars tied with red bandannas sporting yellow daisies were strategically placed between platters of barbecue pork, smoked ham and Texas beef brisket. From where she stood, Gabi could see bowls of baked beans, black-eyed peas and Brunswick stew.

  On the hearth of a massive stone fireplace, galvanized washtubs filled with ice, bottles of beer and cans of soda beckoned.

  At the moment Gabi couldn’t decide if she was more interested in eating, drinking or socializing. The food looked terrific, but the laughter and chatter filling the air called to her. As she swept the room with her gaze Gabi noted all ages were represented from a baby held in the arms of a pretty young woman with long, tousled blond hair to a man and woman who appeared to be in their sixties. She wondered if they were Sawyer’s aunt and uncle.

  Despite considering herself a fairly social creature, Gabi liked having Laurel at her side. The sight of so many loud and boisterous individuals in one room was a bit overwhelming.

  A burst of laughter sounded by a bar set up in an alcove had Gabi turning toward the sound. Her breath caught in her throat.

  It was him. Her handsome cowboy from the Superette.

  He might be standing with his back partially to her, but she’d recognize the disheveled dark blond hair and muscular build anywhere. Even dressed simply in jeans and a long-sleeved Henley, he looked every bit as yummy as he had that morning.

  As her gaze lingered, the air began to sizzle. As if slapped alongside the head by a ball of charged molecules, the cowboy broke off what he was saying and shifted his stance.

  When his eyes met hers, everything in Gabi went weak. She barely heard what Laurel said. Something about introducing her around?

  With great effort she pulled her attention away from those mesmerizing eyes. “I’d like that.”

  Would Laurel introduce her to him? If not, from the gleam of interest she’d seen in his eyes, she knew her mystery man would make sure their paths crossed this evening.

  Their first stop was in front of an attractive older woman with pale blue eyes and long silver hair fastened in a low bun. Her turquoise jewelry accentuated the Southwestern flavor of the simple flowing dress she wore. Despite the fact she wore flats and Gabi’s boots had three-inch heels, the woman was still several inches taller than her five-two.

  The look in her eyes was kind, her smile warm, and Gabi liked her instantly.

  “This is Sawyer’s aunt, Jeanne Marie Fortune Jones,” Laurel was saying, “and her husband, Deke.”

  Gabi widened her smile to include the rugged man with a thatch of thick gray hair.

  As Laurel introduced her to the older couple, mentioning her connection to Orlando, the woman took her hand and pulled Gabi close.

  “I’m so sorry about your father.” Jeanne Marie’s low soothing voice was a thick balm on Gabi’s tattered spirit.

  The solace she’d found in the woman’s arms made Gabi realize just how much she missed her mother. Like Jeanne Marie, Luz Mendoza had been a demonstrative, affectionate woman who dispensed hugs freely and often.

  “It’s not right.”

  Gabi turned to Deke, surprised at the anger in his voice.

  His eyes flashed. “Sabotage doesn’t happen in this community.”

  “They don’t know if it was sabotage. My father says the NTSB is still investigating.” Gabi repeated what Orlando had told her. “It may have just been an unfortunate accident.”

  “More likely someone who doesn’t like the Fortunes,” Deke said loudly.

  “Now you just hush.” Jeanne Marie put a hand on her husband’s arm. Her tone might be light but her eyes were steady and firm.

  “Laurel mentioned your children are here tonight.” Gabi spoke, eager to change the subject and ease the sudden tension in the air. “How many do you have?”

  “Seven.” A pretty young woman with a spray of freckles across her nose and tousled blond hair, who Gabi had noticed earlier, strolled up and answered for Jeanne Marie, th
en extended her hand.

  “I’m number six, aka Stacey Fortune Jones.” She gestured to the young woman next to her, so similar in appearance Gabi knew they must be sisters. “This is Delaney, the baby of the family.”

  Gabi introduced herself as Laurel stepped away to consult with the caterers and Jeanne Marie and Deke were pulled away by another couple.

  “Stacey.” Gabi tilted her head. “Are you by any chance the Stacey who administered first aid to my father after his accident?”

  The woman nodded. “I stayed with him, did what I could until the rescue squad arrived.”

  Her father had called the nurse an angel sent from above. Gabi grasped Stacey’s hands and emotion surged, clogging her throat. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you. We lost my mother a couple years ago. I—I don’t know what I’d have done if I’d lost him, too.”

  Gabi’s voice broke. She paused, took a steadying breath.

  Stacey’s eyes, as blue as her mother’s, filled with understanding. “I was happy to help.”

  “Since my mother died it’s just been me and my dad. My brothers aren’t around much.”

  “Brothers?” Light danced in Delaney’s pretty eyes. She stepped forward like a hound catching a scent. “How many do you have?”

  “Four.” Gabi counted them off on her fingers. “Matteo, Cisco, Alejandro and Joaquin.”

  “Older? Younger?” Delaney pressed.

  “All older.”

  “We’ve got you beat.” Delaney glanced at her sister. “We have five older brothers. Then our parents’ luck changed.”

  “I broke the curse,” Stacey said modestly.

  “I arrived a year after Stace.” Delaney flashed a smile. “They saved the best for last.”

  Gabi chuckled. “I always wanted a sister. Brothers can be nice but—”

  “They can be a real pain,” Stacey and Delaney said at the same time then laughed.

  “Mine used to do all sorts of horrible things.” Gabi shuddered, remembering. “Matteo once dropped a frog down my shirt. And Joaquin put a snake in my bed.”

  “If you think that’s bad—” Delaney went on to share some of the trials she’d endured at her brothers’ hands with Stacey chiming in with another long-ago incident her sister had forgotten.