by June Faver
Gracie read the side of the tube of biscuits. “Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Okay…” She set about accomplishing this first step and then looked for a baking pan.
Leah watched her and then turned to Fern with a wink.
“Where are your menfolk?” Fern asked.
“I left JT lying beside his daddy. Tyler stayed up late last night working on a new song he’s writing. So I’m letting him sleep in, as long as he’s cuddled up with his son.”
“Mom, what kind of cookies are we making?” Gracie whirled around, her face registering concern.
Leah chuckled. “What kind are you wanting to make?”
Gracie let out a long moan. “Oh, so many… Can we make those that look like little pecan pies? And the ones with the candies on top? Please…pretty please?” Gracie clasped her hands together to indicate begging.
“Sounds good to me.”
“And I want to make a special batch for Grampa just from me.”
“Of course. He’s going to love them.”
Fern helped herself to another cup of coffee, watching contentedly as two of her most favorite people in the whole wide world started preparing breakfast and got ready to crank out a lot of cookies.
Good day.
Chapter 17
“So, big fella, did you sleep well?” Misty poured a mug of coffee for her husband and slid it across the top of the breakfast bar. He looked haggard, but she was not going to comment on his appearance.
“Yeah. Slept like a baby.”
“Liar,” she breathed, giving him the full effect of her big brown eyes. She put the coffeepot back on the hot pad and turned to find him with one side of his mouth lifted in a sort of sappy smile.
“Well, I finally fell asleep for a little while.” He raked his fingers through his thick, dark hair that he hadn’t bothered to comb.
“I suppose you’re going to finally tell me what has you so upset. I swear, you came home looking like a thunderstorm about to burst.” She leaned her forearms on the counter, gazing up at him. “I wish you could be more open with me.”
He set the mug on the counter. “Aww, honey. I had some things I needed to work out on my own. I’m sorry, but I felt it was better if I held off a bit.”
She nodded solemnly. “I’ll remember that. I can play that card too.” She turned around, but he reached across to stop her.
“Okay, I promise not to be such a jerk in the future. Don’t you go getting all feisty on me now.”
She arched one of her fine dark brows. “Feisty?”
“You know what I mean.”
“I do, and I suggest we take our coffee outside and sit on the porch where we won’t be overheard by my little brother. He has some issues of his own to deal with.”
“Misty, it’s cold out there.”
She chortled. “Well, I suggest you cut the bullshit and get right down to it.”
Colt gave her a quizzical look, but picked up his mug and followed her outside. He was wearing Wranglers and a flannel shirt, but his fleece-lined jacket was hanging by the front door. “Brrr…”
“Yeah… Brisk.” She exhaled, blowing out a cloud of white. Going outside was probably not a good idea, but she had hoped that he would spill his guts and not keep circling the problem. She had pulled her long hair back into a ponytail earlier, and now her exposed ears were feeling the bite of chill air. She brushed the snow off one of the wooden deck chairs and settled as though she found this a normal activity. Gesturing to the chair opposite, she watched a frowning Colt do the same. He sat cupping his warm mug in his giant hands.
“I, uh, I worked with Dad yesterday.”
“I know that. What put the burr under your saddle?”
“When we were done, he insisted I go into the house with him…and…”
“And?”
He blew out a breath of his own, sending a stream of white to circle his face. “And of course, Angelique was there with her little girl.”
“Of course.” Misty had to clamp her jaw tight to keep her teeth from chattering.
“Well, Dad made me sit down at the table, and he handed the little girl to me. It was like he wanted to force me to interact with them.”
“And did you?”
Colt shrugged and took a swig of his coffee that must be tepid at best. “I guess so. We exchanged a few words…” He swallowed hard. “I ate a cup of her gumbo. It’s like this. Dad is so convinced that Angelique is his daughter, and I don’t want to upset him at Christmas.” He paused again as though confused. “I suppose she could be a blood relative. Her eyes are the same color as Dad’s…and mine. Her little girl, Gabrielle… she has the same color eyes and the dark hair…” He heaved another heavy sigh. “I’m willing to admit the possibility that Angelique Guillory is Big Jim’s daughter…and my half-sister.”
“Is that all?” Misty wanted to run back inside, certain that her buttocks had frozen to the chair.
“What do you mean, is that all? It was a hard thing for me to get through. I had to sit there with Dad watching me and hold the little girl and talk to Angelique. It was like chewing on a tire iron.”
Misty tilted her head to one side, evaluating what he had said. “Aw, poor baby. Did ums have to act all son-like for Papa Bear?”
“Yes, smart-ass. He’s my father.”
“So why was that so hard to say?” Okay, I might be shivering a little.
The Garrett blue eyes crackled like a Taser. “It wasn’t so bad…this morning, but I hadn’t come to terms with it myself last night. Why is that so hard to understand?”
“Just what is it you want me to do about it? After all your complaining, now I’m supposed to go over and trade makeup tips with the woman from the Big Easy?”
“I don’t know.” He looked distinctly uncomfortable. “No, but be pleasant when we have to be in the same room.”
“Like church?” Yes, my glutes are iced over now. “Or like when we go to your dad’s house for a meal? Or when he takes us to dinner out somewhere?” She stood up, certain she had frostbite on her butt. “Or how about when we’re exchanging presents on Christmas Day?” She turned and took a few furious steps toward the house. “Except I didn’t get her anything. What do you think of that?”
Misty stomped into the house, which felt like stepping into an oven in comparison to the freezer outside, leaving a frowning Colt to follow.
She set her mug of cold coffee in the microwave and nuked it for a minute.
Colt came up behind her and kissed the side of her neck. He put his hands on her shoulders, pulling her back to lean against his muscular chest. “Are you really this mad at me for thinking we should accept Angelique?”
“I’m not mad at you for accepting Angelique. I’m mad that you twisted me inside out over it, and now you’ve figured out how you feel…but I’m really confused. There’s no way for me to do an about-face and pretend that everything is hunky-dory.”
“Aw, honey. I’m sorry I put you through this. I’m a jerk.”
The microwave timer dinged.
“Yes, you are,” she said, removing her cup with a mitt Leah had crocheted for her. “And you’re going to have to go shop for your own sister’s present.”
* * *
Big Jim had two horses saddled, and he walked them up to the house. Angelique was getting herself and Gabrielle dressed for the weather. He had chosen Onyx for himself and a sweet little mare named Fancy for Angelique.
She said she had never been on a horse.
He smiled. His daughter was a city girl.
But she was willing to give it a try.
Leah had shared her wardrobe, so Angelique was properly clad. He had to hand it to that girl. Leah had a heart of pure gold, and she would give anyone a hand up. He was very grateful that she had embraced Angelique as her sister-in-law without any question. She had
taken one look at Angelique, noting the strong family characteristics, and taken her to her heart.
He hoped that someday Misty would feel the same way.
He wasn’t entirely sure about his other daughter-in-law, Dixie, but with her work schedule, she had a good reason to be less available to Angelique. Dixie knew how vital it was to the Langston community that she keep the feed store open. She had inherited it from her father, as well as the ranch where she and Beau were raising Ava.
Beau managed the ranch and traded off childcare tasks with Dixie. Most days Beau got up early to tend to the stock, while Dixie spent quality time with Ava. Then they traded off, Dixie driving into town to take over for her manager, Pete Miller, who had worked for her father before her. She had changed up the hours so neither of them had to stay late to close, and the store was only open a half day on Saturdays. She had said that it was more important to her to be home with Beau and Ava than to accommodate the latecomers. And she had been right. When she changed the store hours, the community adapted.
Big Jim couldn’t blame Dixie for not spending more time with Angelique. She was doing the best she could, and both she and Beau were cordial enough when they were with Angelique and Gabrielle.
Big Jim looped the reins over the porch railing. He started to go inside, but the front door opened and a wide-eyed Angelique came out holding Gabrielle by the hand. Gabrielle was wearing what Elizabeth had called a snowsuit, but he had no idea what they were called today. At least she would stay warm in that outfit.
Gabrielle’s eyes were as wide as Angelique’s. She pointed to the horses. “Gwampa. What dat?”
Both Big Jim and Angelique broke out in laughter.
“These are some big horseys, aren’t they, sweetheart?” Big Jim reached for her, always thrilled when she reached back. Gabrielle grabbed him around the neck, almost dislodging his Stetson. He settled her in his arms. Now to get Angelique up on the mare.
She looked the part, wearing a pair of Leah’s boots and denims…and a warm thermal jacket. She had been given a beautiful scarf, and she had it wrapped around her head and neck so she was set.
“Okay, young lady, see this here horse? She’s a girl so let’s call her a mare.”
Angelique edged closer and reached out a tentative hand to touch Fancy’s neck. “She’s so big.”
Big Jim chuckled. “Nah. Fancy is one of the smaller horses on the ranch. She’s very gentle so I picked her out just for you.”
Angelique nodded and swallowed hard. “Okay, what do you want me to do?”
Big Jim held onto the bridle and instructed her where to place her foot in the stirrup and how to hoist herself up into the saddle. Fortunately, she was agile and strong, although quite slim. Now she was astride Fancy and sitting somewhat precariously in the saddle, gripping the saddle horn. She looked terrified.
“Okay, honey. Now make sure and slip your right foot in the other stirrup. Be sure your boots are nice and snug in those stirrups.” He checked to make sure she was well seated before handing her the reins.
“Is this the ignition? Where are the turn signals?”
He figured she was making jokes to hide her anxiety. “These are the brakes, so be careful how you use them. These straps pull directly on the horse’s face. Her mouth, in particular. Now I know you wouldn’t like anyone jerking on your mouth, and neither does Fancy…but she’s a gentle little mare and she wants to go for a ride.”
Angelique nodded her head rapidly. “Okay.”
Big Jim knew she was scared, but he had to start somewhere. “We’re going to take a little walk around the yard…maybe make a circle of the barn and outbuildings. Are you comfortable with that?”
She nodded again.
“I’m going to climb up on Onyx here, and we can do a little traipse around.” With that he put his foot in the stirrup and hefted himself up by grabbing the saddle horn while holding Gabrielle firmly with his other arm. He congratulated himself on accomplishing this maneuver as he slipped his other boot in its stirrup. “You don’t need to do anything, Angelique. Fancy will follow Onyx. Just hold on.”
He settled Gabrielle in the saddle in front of him and placed her little hands on the saddle horn.
“My horsey,” she insisted. She looked over her shoulder at him. “Is dis my horsey?”
“This is my big horsey.” Smiling, he urged his horse forward, and they rode at a leisurely pace around the area in front of the house. “Feelin’ all right?”
“Uh, yes.”
He doubted that, but was convinced that introducing her to the joys of riding a horse would enrich her life and ensure that Gabrielle would be raised in the saddle, so to speak. “We better check out behind the barn…and around the grain bin.”
“Sure.” Angelique’s jaw was set, and she was keeping an eye on Gabrielle, rather than paying attention to the fine points of riding a horse.
They continued the slow pace, with Big Jim making most of the conversation. “That’s the henhouse. I have some exotic breeds in there, but my little Gracie is raising a couple to show in 4-H. That girl has the makings of a first-class rancher.”
Angelique laughed at that. “A chicken ranch?”
Big Jim refrained from making any reference to the infamous whorehouse known throughout Texas history as the “Chicken Ranch.” “It shows her interest in animals and caring for them. I’m goin’ to let her pick out a calf in the spring. She can raise it and show it too. She’ll probably be running the whole place before long.” When he glanced at Angelique, she was still smiling. She’s getting there.
Gabrielle was giggling and shrieking with glee, happy that her “horsey” was giving her a ride, but her nose was getting red, so Big Jim headed for the house.
When they had reached their starting point, Big Jim cautioned Angelique not to try to get down by herself. “Don’t want you to get tangled up in the stirrups.”
He swung down from the saddle and gave Gabrielle a hug. “Good girl. You’re gonna be a fine little cowgirl. It’s important to keep her from having fear of the horses.”
“I a cowgirl.” Gabrielle announced proudly.
Angelique raised her brows “Well, I think it’s too late for me. I’m afraid of the horses. They’re so big.”
Big Jim went to her side. “Aw, honey. You can be a first-class rider. Just give it a little time.” He instructed her to take her right foot out of the stirrup and talked her through the fine art of the dismount. “Good girl!”
Angelique chuckled. “Dad, you’re talking to me as though I’m Gabrielle’s age. Don’t worry. I’m going to do this until I can jump a horse over a fence, or whatever it is you do.”
Big Jim set Gabrielle on her feet and gave her little hand to her mother. “You’re talkin’ about a whole ’nother kind of horse riding. I just want you to be able to keep your butt in the saddle.”
Angelique took Gabrielle into the house while Big Jim took the horses back to the stable. At first the house seemed very hot, but it was just the contrast to the chilled air outside.
She hung her jacket near the door and unwound the scarf from around her head and neck. It had done a good job of keeping her warm. Now she had to unwrap Gabrielle from the layers of fleece and insulated fabric between her and the cold, cruel world.
“My horsey!” she squealed.
“Yes, you and Grampa took a ride…on a horse…a horsey.”
Gabrielle’s wide blue eyes gazed up at her mother in delight. “Horsey. I go on horsey.”
“Yes, you did.” Angelique released a deep breath. “I think your grampa is going to make you into one fine little cowgirl.” She gave Gabrielle a hug, thinking how different their lives would have been had she stayed in New Orleans…especially if Remy had not been killed.
* * *
Derrick hadn’t heard from the Lawsons since the elderly couple had been taken to the
hospital, but in the meantime, he had grown quite attached to Smokey. The dog had quickly adapted to Derrick’s morning and evening routines. Smokey joined Meow, the cat, in accompanying him on his tour of his own property, checking on the stock, making sure feed was available, and spending a little extra time with Freddie.
When Derrick was done with chores and ready to leave for work, he realized Smokey was asking to go with him. He was standing beside the door, tail wagging and a doggy grin on his face. He would look at the door and back at Derrick while bouncing a little on his front feet. Yes, he wants to go.
“Okay, boy. But you gotta stay in the truck if anything heats up out there.”
He locked up the house and opened the door to the truck. Smokey didn’t hesitate to jump up and situate himself on the passenger seat.
Derrick climbed up and started the vehicle. It was cold, but he put it in gear and let it idle for a few minutes while he stroked Smokey’s head. “It’s gonna be lonely around here when the Lawsons come back.” Smokey licked the back of Derrick’s hand as if he agreed. Even Meow had gotten used to the dog.
The first stop for Derrick was to check on the Lawsons’ place. It appeared to be locked up tight with nothing changed. He and the dog circled the house to make sure nothing had been disturbed and then returned to the truck. He knew some neighbors were taking care of their stock. Good to live in a small town.
Next, he drove to check on Miz Atkins, who was raising her granddaughters while her daughter was incarcerated. The girls were school age and had caught the bus that morning, but Miz Atkins was suffering from some sort of respiratory ailment and Doctor Ryan had ordered an antibiotic, which Derrick delivered.
“Ain’t you the sweetest thing?” Miz Atkins declared when she opened the door. The house was warm and stuffy, and Miz Atkins was wearing flannel pajamas under a fleece bathrobe. She stepped back, opening the door wide for him to enter.