Shaking away the unwanted thought, he wound his way out of Ouray. What was his father thinking? Coble Trailers was supposed to be his legacy. Cash’s legacy. What was Cash supposed to do if he sold?
He needed to talk to his father face-to-face. Chaparral must have offered a pretty sweet deal to have his father even contemplating walking away from the company. So, where did that leave Cash?
Years of hard work for nothing. His father didn’t even want his opinion. Just once, he’d like his dad to treat him like a man. Someone he respected. Instead of the screwup his father still believed him to be.
Peering out over the awakening rangeland, he felt a headache coming on. Lord, everything was going so well. I don’t get it. In less than twelve hours, everything I’ve ever wanted, ever worked for, is falling apart. Please, show me what I’m supposed to do.
Thirty minutes later, he parked his rental car at the small regional airport and headed straight for the ticket counter. Luckily, there was a flight leaving in an hour and a half. Barring any problems with his connection out of Denver, he’d be in Dallas early this afternoon.
After closing out things with the rental agency and making it through security, he couldn’t stand it anymore. He had to talk to Taryn. Yeah, it was still early, but she’d be up and he’d get to catch her before she left for work.
He reached into the breast pocket of his jacket.
No phone.
Odd. He remembered putting it there before he got into the car. Standing, he checked his jeans pockets then his carry-on but came up empty handed. Panic rose in his gut. He tried to mentally retrace his steps, but with no sleep, he definitely wasn’t firing on all cylinders.
Could he have left it in the car? At Gramps’s?
An announcement came over the intercom. His flight was about to board.
He rushed back to security. “Did y’all happen to find a cell phone?”
One agent checked with the next, all shaking their heads.
Cash walked away feeling completely helpless. Something he wasn’t sure he’d ever felt before. And he didn’t like it.
God, I don’t know what You’re up to, but I’m at Your mercy.
Chapter Seventeen
Taryn sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the picture of the eight-year-old boy with eyes so like hers. How could she tell her parents about David? What would they say? She expected her father to be accepting, but her mother? That was a different story.
Mom spent the first eighteen years of her life enduring the whispers of people in her small California town. Until her dad rescued her and brought her to Ouray. Now she was a respected member of the community. What would she do when she learned about Taryn’s indiscretions? What would Taryn do if she rejected her?
Scout stretched beside her, then leaped off the bed, shook and looked at Taryn, tail wagging.
“You want to go downstairs, don’t you?”
The dog cocked her head, her tail wagging faster.
Taryn stood and tucked the photos back into the envelope. As much as she hated to admit it, Cash was right. She needed to tell her folks, and had prayed all night that God would prepare them for what she was about to say.
Thoughts of Cash made her heart sink. The pain of last night was still fresh. But releasing Cash was the right thing to do. Soon enough he would realize that she wasn’t the girl for him. And if they were still together, a guy as wonderful and chivalrous as him would carry on as if everything were okay, when he was suffocating inside.
Scout scampered between Taryn and the door.
“All right, baby. Let’s get you outside.” She followed Scout down the stairs and into the kitchen. As expected, her parents were both at the table.
“Morning, princess.” Her father raised his coffee mug in salute.
“Did you and Cash have a good time last night?” Her mom added some honey to her oatmeal.
Taryn let Scout outside, the morning chill seeping into her bones. She rubbed her arms. Whatever she and Cash shared was now in the past. She needed to get over it and move on.
But a girl didn’t just get over someone like Cash. Somehow, though, she would find a way to move on.
“I suppose.” She headed for the coffeepot. “His mother came in yesterday.”
“Oh, yeah?” Her mom dabbed a napkin at the corners of her mouth. “I’ll have to make a point to get over and see Elise.”
Taryn filled her mug and joined her parents at the table. “There’s something I need to tell you guys.” At their quick visual exchange, she held up a hand. “Don’t worry, it has nothing to do with money.” She took a deep breath. “Though that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy.”
“All right, now you’re scaring me.” Her mom reached across the table and laid a hand atop Taryn’s.
“I’m not trying to scare you.” Her gaze drifted from her mother to her father. “But I need to tell you about my time in Texas.”
The lines between her dad’s eyebrows grew deeper, and her mom looked as if she was about to cry as Taryn told them about Brian.
Her mom pressed a hand to her chest. “You were...pregnant?”
Taryn looked away, not wanting to see the reproach. “Yes.”
“And you didn’t tell us?” Despite his stern expression, her father’s blue eyes shimmered.
“I couldn’t.”
His gaze never left her. “What do you mean you couldn’t?”
“Because...well...because of the Barkers’ daughter.” She turned her eyes to her mother, who stared past her, her expression vacant. Did she even remember?
A sob, perhaps a gasp, escaped her mother. “I said I would disown her.”
Taryn nodded, tears running down her cheeks.
“Everyone in town was talking about the Barkers’ daughter.” Her mom continued, “I remembered all those things people used to say about me and my mama because I was an illegitimate child. Oh, Taryn.” Her mother practically tumbled her chair trying to get to her.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t love me anymore.” Taryn sobbed.
“You’re my daughter. I could never stop loving you.” Her mom clung to her as they cried. “I’m so sorry I said those things.”
She didn’t know how long they held on to each other. All Taryn knew was that she’d never felt more loved, accepted.
“What happened to the child?” Her father was still in his chair, a look of dread marring his handsome features.
Her mother eased into the chair beside her, still holding Taryn’s hand.
Taryn sucked in a deep breath and straightened. “With or without your help, I wasn’t ready to be a mother. So I gave him to this wonderful couple.” She let go of her mom’s hand and retrieved the envelope from her back pocket. She pulled out the photos the Hammonds had sent her over the years and laid them on the table, feeling as though she were baring her heart and soul for the first time. Probably because she was.
“His name is David.” Tears spilled down her cheeks. She’d never shared these images with anyone, yet sharing them with her parents felt unbelievably right.
She hiccupped. “Can you ever forgive me?”
Her father knelt beside her and caressed her hair. “I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud of you, princess.” He kissed her cheek.
Scratching and whining sounded from the back door.
“Scout wants in.” Taryn smiled at her father.
He patted her shoulder. “You sit tight.” Her dad stood and crossed to the door.
Scout trotted right to her and stood on her hind legs, letting her cold paws rest on Taryn’s thighs.
“Come here, baby.” Taryn scooped her up and kissed her as Taryn’s mom returned to her own chair. “I love you. Yes, I do.” Taryn stroked the dog’s head.
Her d
ad pulled his chair out and sat down. “You may not have been ready when David was born, but someday you’ll make a great mom.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that.” She absently rubbed Scout. “I don’t think I’m cut out for marriage.”
“What are you talking about?” Her mom shot her an incredulous look. “You have so much love to give.”
“Yeah, but what man is going to want someone like me?” She shrugged. “I just don’t feel...worthy.”
“Taryn...” Her mom rounded the table again and sat down beside her. Took hold of her hands. “I spent half my life feeling inferior. Like I wasn’t good for anything or anyone. But nothing is beyond redemption, honey. Not even my mama.” The waterworks began again. “Before your grandmother died, I had the privilege of leading her to Jesus. So when she left this earth, she got to stand before Him perfect and blameless.”
She cupped Taryn’s chin. “Taryn Elizabeth, you are a child of God. That doesn’t mean you’re not going to make mistakes. But you are worthy of whatever blessings He sends your way.”
An image of Cash popped into her mind. He was definitely a blessing. But could he really look beyond her mistakes? He said it wouldn’t change his feelings for her. But that was last night. Things often look different in the light of day.
I’m falling in love with you.
“And I’m thinking that young man next door may be one of them.” Reaching across the table, her mother grabbed her mug from the table and stood. “Anyone else need their coffee warmed?”
Could Mom be right? Taryn thought maybe God had brought them together for her to help Cash. But could it be the other way around?
Nervous excitement bubbled in the pit of her stomach. She had to talk to him.
Bolting from her chair, she grabbed her jacket and shoved her feet into her boots. “I’ll be right back. I’ve got to talk to Cash.”
She hurried out the door, jogging across the snowy yard and up Mr. Jenkins’s front steps. Her heart was pounding as she knocked.
Elise smiled when she opened the door. “Good morning, Taryn.”
“Is Cash around?”
Elise’s smile faded. “He didn’t call you?”
“No, I haven’t talked to him since last night.”
“Oh.” Elise looked distressed. “I’m sorry, Taryn. Cash went back to Dallas today.”
Her heart dropped to her feet. “O-okay.” She turned, realizing Cash’s rental was no longer parked in front of the house. “Um, well, maybe he’ll call later.” She waved. “Thank you.”
She hurried back home just as quick as she came, only this time embarrassment propelled her steps. Cash would not call later, of that she was sure. After all, she’d told him to forget about her. That things would never work out. Once he’d had time to think, he obviously realized how right she was.
Though a part of her wished he’d proved her wrong.
She blew through the back door of her parents’ house, struggling for air.
“That was quick.” Her mother stood beside her dad, holding the most recent picture of David.
Taryn grabbed hold of one of the straight-back chairs, feeling as though her world had imploded.
“Honey, what’s wrong?” Her mom left the picture with her dad and hurried to Taryn’s side.
“He’s gone.” Her grip tightened for fear she might fall over.
“Cash?”
She nodded, blinking back tears.
“Well, I’m sure he’ll be back.”
“No. He went back to Dallas.” Taryn pulled the chair out and collapsed into it. “He didn’t even say goodbye.” A sob caught in her throat, but she swallowed it away. She didn’t want to cry. Didn’t like to cry. And, until recently, never cried.
Her mom knelt beside her, holding her hands. “That doesn’t sound like Cash. Maybe something happened.”
“Yeah. I told him about my past.”
“Taryn—” her dad came up behind her and laid a hand on her shoulder “—we all have pasts. You’re not the same person you were back then. Any man worth his salt is going to know that.”
As much as she wanted to believe her father, evidence to the contrary was too overwhelming.
A knock sounded at the back door and Scout started barking.
Taryn shushed the dog and scooped her up as her dad opened the door.
“Elise? What a nice surprise.” He stepped back to allow Cash’s mother to enter.
“Good to see you, Phil.” She turned to Taryn’s mother. “Bonnie.” Her gaze fell to Taryn. “Mind if we talk?”
Taryn set Scout to the floor, stood and shrugged out of her jacket. “Okay.”
“Can I get you some coffee?” Her mom was halfway across the kitchen.
“Coffee would be great, thank you.” Elise took off her coat but left the beautiful aquamarine scarf draped around her neck.
Her dad hung the coat on a hook by the door. “Sorry I can’t hang around. I need to get to work.” He grabbed his own jacket.
Taryn helped him put it on then gave him a hug. “Thanks, Dad. For everything.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I love you, princess.”
As her father headed out the door, Taryn poured herself a fresh cup before joining her mother and Elise at the table. Heat seeped through the ceramic, warming her frozen fingers.
“I wanted to apologize to you, Taryn.” Elise wrapped her long fingers around her mug. “You were gone before I thought to explain why Cash left in such a hurry.”
“You don’t owe me any explanation, Elise.”
She patted Taryn’s free hand. “Sweetie, I saw the look on your face.”
Was it that obvious? Taryn glanced over at the corner. Scout had curled up in her bed.
“Cash got some upsetting news from his father early this morning regarding the company. Within an hour he was packed and on his way to the airport.”
“I see.” But she still couldn’t help wondering if he would have left so abruptly had he not known about her past.
“Is everything all right?” Her mother regarded Elise.
“It will be. Cash and his father just have some things they need to work out.” Elise turned her attention back to Taryn. “You know, my son is very taken with you.”
“He’s a good friend.” If they were even that anymore.
“Oh, don’t kid yourself, Taryn. I’ve seen the two of you together. There’s more than just friendship.” Cash’s mother lifted her cup. “Especially where Cash is concerned. I don’t think there was a phone call I shared with him that he didn’t talk about you.” She took a sip. “You made my son smile again.”
Taryn cradled her mug. “He’s a workaholic. I just helped him loosen up a bit.”
“You did much more than that.”
Her gaze inadvertently drifted to Elise.
“You brought him back to life. Cash hasn’t been this happy in ages.”
“I think being away from Dallas had a lot to do with it.”
“Perhaps. But that doesn’t account for the gleam in his eye whenever he talks about you or looks at you. I know Cash is very fond of you.”
Taryn pushed her chair away from the table and stood. “I appreciate you trying to make me feel better, Elise, but you couldn’t possibly know what Cash is feeling for me.”
“Of course I could. He told me himself just this morning.”
Halfway to the coffeepot, Taryn froze. Turned back to Elise. “What else did he say?”
Cash’s mother sighed. “Not much, I’m afraid. I asked him if something happened between the two of you after I went to bed last night, but he refused to talk about it. Whatever it was, though, kept him awake all night.”
Taryn slumped back into her chair. “He wasn’t the only one.” But why was
Cash tossing and turning? Because he still wanted to be with her even though she’d given him the brush-off? Or because the truth was too much to bear?
She shook her head. “I don’t even know why we’re having this conversation. Cash is gone. End of story.”
“Honey, this story is far from over.” Her mother chuckled.
Elise cocked her head. “Taryn, how do you feel about Cash?”
“Like I said, we’re fr—”
“She loves him.”
Taryn glared at her mother.
“You can try to deny it all you want, young lady, but I’ve seen the way you look at him.” Her mother wagged a finger. “You get that same gleam Elise mentioned whenever you so much as think about Cash.”
Taryn’s cheeks heated. She did love Cash. So very much.
I’m falling in love with you.
Question was, did he still feel the same way?
She set her cup on the table and tried to wrap her brain around the possibility.
“Regardless of what we may or may not feel for each other, Cash is gone. He hasn’t called or texted—”
“Go after him.”
She shot Cash’s mother an incredulous look. “What?”
Elise leaned closer. “Go after him.”
“Um, no, I don’t think so. Don’t you watch romance movies, Elise? It’s the hero who goes after the girl, not the other way around.”
“But it’s Cash who needs to be rescued.” She reached for Taryn. “And you, my dear, are the heroine in this saga.”
She glanced at her mother, hoping she would offer her a way out.
Her mom’s brows arched. “You are part of the rescue team, honey. Who knows? This could be your best rescue yet.”
Taryn dropped her head in her hands. “No. This is crazy.” She looked up. “What if he rejects me? What if he doesn’t want me to come after him?”
“Well, then we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.” Elise winked at Taryn’s mother. “But I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
“And if you don’t,” said her mom. “You’ll always wonder what if.”
* * *
Frustration nipped at Cash’s heels as he barreled into the lobby of Coble Trailers. No phone. No Taryn. And, if his father had his way, no business. This day couldn’t possibly get any worse.
Rescuing the Texan's Heart Page 18