The Texan Quartet (Books 1-4) Omnibus

by Claire Boston

  “Hi.”

  “Hi, Mom. Wait till you hear what I did today.” Toby’s voice was high with excitement. He grabbed her hand and tugged her into the house.

  “Where’s my hug?” Elle asked.

  Toby leaped at her and hugged her legs.

  Elle grinned and hugged him back. She’d not seen him so relaxed in a long time.

  “Kitchen’s this way.”

  Elle followed Toby down the hallway while George shut the door behind them. Toby had already launched into the tale of his day as he climbed on to a stool to cut cucumber.

  Elle was aware of George’s presence in the room but she focused on her son.

  “Then I hit my thumb with the hammer but Miss Marla kissed it better for me.” He held out the offending digit.

  Elle made a show of examining it. There was the slightest hint of a bruise but it didn’t appear too bad. “I bet it hurt.”

  Toby shrugged. “Not much.”

  George coughed as incredulity crossed his face. Elle grinned. She’d have to get the story from him later.

  “But it was a friendship kiss, not a stallion kiss,” Toby continued.

  George cringed and Elle asked, “What do you mean, ‘stallion kiss’?”

  “Nothing,” George said quickly. “Can I get you a drink?”

  “Something cold would be lovely,” Elle said and took a seat next to Toby. George hurried to make the drink, his movements jerky. There was something going on between the two of them.

  “What’s a stallion kiss, Toby?” she asked.

  Toby concentrated on cutting cucumber as he spoke. “You know, Mom. There are different kisses depending on how you like people. There are friend kisses and family kisses and then there’s stallion kisses. Like you and George. George explained it to me today.”

  Elle glanced up at George’s pained expression and pushed further. “How about you explain it to me?”

  “George wants to ride you like a stallion rides a mare,” Toby said simply.

  Chapter 12

  Elle’s mouth dropped opened and George put up both hands facing outward.

  “Hang on a second, that’s not what I said.”

  “I hope not.” She swallowed the laughter that was bubbling up inside. George was absolutely horrified, his face the color of radishes, and it was obvious Toby had misunderstood something.

  Toby was oblivious to the stir he’d caused as he continued to chop his cucumber. “Stallions and mares like each other in a different way, like you and George,” he explained. “You know when the stallion goes all funny and tries to ride the mare?” He glanced up then to check if she understood.

  Elle had a suspicion of what was going on, but she looked at George for clarification.

  “It kind of got lost in translation.” George was mortified.

  “So it seems. Do you want to translate for me?” She was trying her very best to stay serious because she’d never seen George in such a tither.

  “Toby asked why I kissed you and I said you were my friend and then he asked if he and I were friends because we’d never kissed and I had to explain there were different types of likes and different kinds of kisses …” He trailed off.

  “So you compared our kind of like to horses?”

  “I thought he’d understand. He made the connection between the ‘riding’. I didn’t realize he’d seen that.” He squirmed.

  He was so awkward and gorgeous standing there, pleading for her to understand. Elle couldn’t hold it in any longer. She lost control of the laughter and it poured out of her, making her sides hurt.

  The pure relief on George’s face made her laugh even harder. She held her sides and shook her head when Toby asked her what was so funny.

  George put a glass of iced tea in front of her and grumbled, “I’m glad you find it so funny.”

  Elle could imagine him explaining things to Toby. She knew a little of how Toby’s mind worked and how he could jump to the strangest conclusions with his child’s logic. She gasped for breath and slowly got the hilarity under control. She sipped her drink and calmed herself further.

  “You’re going to have to tell me the whole story later,” she said to George.

  He grimaced and nodded. “I’m going to start the grill.”

  Toby had finished chopping his cucumber so he and Elle joined George out the back. The backyard was as well tended as the front had been. There were a couple of large trees, one full of magnolia blossoms and the other with a swing underneath.

  “Can I use the swing, George?” Toby asked.

  “Sure, kiddo.”

  Toby raced over and, after a couple of attempts, managed to jump up into the seat. Then with a bit of effort, he started to swing.

  Elle turned back to George. “So you got some tough questions today?”

  George looked pained. “I’d hoped he’d forgotten about our conversation.”

  “I bet you did.” She giggled.

  “How the hell was I supposed to explain the difference between friendship and …” He waved his hand between the two of them. “… this?”

  “So you used horses.”

  “He’d been talking about stallions and mares when he explained about foaling and while I knew he didn’t quite understand what he was talking about, I thought he’d get the concept.”

  Elle decided to stop teasing him. He was obviously embarrassed enough. “Do I get my stallion kiss now?” she asked.

  The grin flashed over George’s face and he swooped her up with one hand, pulling her close. “Sure.”

  He kissed her hard and fast – not nearly long enough for Elle’s liking, but it made her insides melt. She’d have to make do with that until later, because Toby’s eagle eyes were watching them from the swing.

  She stepped back and said, “So what about the thumb?”

  George groaned as he turned the sausages on the grill. “Cranky Pants made an appearance.”

  Elle laughed again. “Told you so.”

  “I’m going to listen to your instructions in future,” George promised. “He was screaming and I couldn’t get through to him, but Mom swept in and soothed him without a problem. She said he was tired and after lunch he fell asleep in my arms.”

  Elle smiled at the image. “You’ve had a busy day.”

  George shook his head. “I don’t know how you do it every day. I have no idea how my mother managed to raise so many.”

  “When you love them it’s not as hard.”

  George made no comment, but removed the meat from the grill. “Dinner’s ready,” he called to Toby.

  Toby jumped off the swing and ran across the lawn to them.

  George placed the plate on the patio table. “We can eat out here. I’ll grab the rest of the things.”

  Elle went to help but he stopped her.

  “Take a seat. You’ve been on your feet all day.”

  So had he, but she did as he asked. It was nice to be waited on for a change. On the ranch she’d always waited on Dean and helped Lindsay cook the meals. After she left, there was only her to prepare the food.

  In no time at all, George had brought out the salads and served Toby, cutting up his meat so he could eat it more easily. All Elle had to do was serve herself. After the long week she’d had, she appreciated it.

  Perhaps that was the reason the food tasted so good. The meat melted in her mouth and the dressing on the salad had a lovely sharpness to it.

  “This is fantastic,” Elle told George.

  “Thanks. I got the dressing recipe from the chef at the Wooden Spoon.”

  Elle eyed him. “Libby said you’d met him, but we were told he doesn’t like to talk to patrons.”

  George grinned. “I didn’t give him a choice. Plus it helps his brother is one of my artists.”

  “Really? Did you give me some of his music?”

  “Yeah, he’s booked to do a gig at your café next week.”

  “Great. Maybe the chef will come and I can thank him for the
amazing meal we had there last night.”

  “Is that where you went?” George asked.

  Elle blushed as she remembered they hadn’t exactly spoken about her night when she arrived home. “Yes. Libby’s treat. She was celebrating her new contract.”

  “It’s great, isn’t it? Adrian told me about it and the option.”

  Elle nodded and took a sip of her tea.

  “George, can we play Go Fish after dinner?” Toby asked.

  “Sure. Can you remember how?”

  “Yep. Kate taught me good.”

  “Well,” Elle corrected him.

  “I’ll teach you, Mom,” Toby said.

  They cleared the dishes and George found a pack of cards. After he’d dealt, they settled in to play a few rounds of Go Fish.

  They slowed the game down for Toby, who took time examining each card to check if he had it. Inevitably he beat them at each game, though George gave him a run for his money a couple of times.

  When Toby started yawning, Elle checked the time and said, “We should get going.”

  “Aw, Mom. Do we have to?”

  “Yes. You had a late night last night.”

  Toby pouted but George smiled and got to his feet.

  “I’m heading to California tomorrow but I’ll call. I’ll be home some time on Saturday.”

  Elle had forgotten he had to fly out for work. “I’m sorry. Gosh, you probably still have to pack. We shouldn’t have stayed so long.”

  George caressed her arms. “It’s fine. It takes me about ten minutes to pack. I’ll be done before you get home.” His hands were warm and they slid down to take her hand. “I’ll walk you out.”

  At the car, after Elle had strapped Toby in, George leaned in and gave him a loud kiss on the cheek. “See you later, Toby-boy.”

  “Bye, George. Thanks for having me today.”

  Elle smiled, pleased he’d remembered his manners.

  George shut the car door and turned to Elle. “Brace yourself,” he said. “It’s stallion-kiss time.”

  Elle’s smile was captured by his mouth and the kiss stole her breath. It was gentle, as though he were sweetly tasting her mouth, and she opened herself to him, letting herself feel.

  Then he stepped back. “I’m going to miss you this week,” he said, his voice quiet.

  There was something in the way he said it that made Elle believe him. And she knew she’d miss him as well.

  “Thank you for taking care of Toby today,” she said.

  “My pleasure. I’ll take him whenever I can.”

  Elle couldn’t quite believe she’d got so lucky. She got into the car and drove away.

  ***

  The next morning Elle had her first meeting with the lawyer, Victoria, who Chris had recommended.

  Elle liked her immediately. She was in her early thirties and had auburn hair and a bright purple suit that told people she was there to make waves. Elle needed a person like Victoria in her corner.

  After Elle sat in the plush armchair across from Victoria, the lawyer said, “Tell me about your situation.”

  Elle put the box containing her diaries and photographs on the coffee table between them. “I need to make sure my ex doesn’t get custody of our child,” she said, cutting straight to the chase.

  “A child has a right to at least see his or her father in most cases,” Victoria replied. “Why don’t you tell me about your case?”

  Elle nodded and proceeded to tell Victoria about how she met Dean, how he hadn’t wanted Toby and then about the abuse she’d suffered. “Dean has never been affectionate with Toby and has never wanted to spend time with him.”

  “Why would he ask for custody then?”

  “To have access to me.” It sounded self-absorbed, so Elle explained. “He’s convinced I’m his muse and that he can’t write without me being around.”

  “You’ve got a restraining order. That means either someone would have to take Toby to Dean, or one of Dean’s family would need to pick him up from you.”

  Elle nodded. “His parents love Toby and I hate to keep them apart, but I’m scared of what Dean would do. His mother, Lindsay, thinks he can do no wrong, but his father, Martin, is more sensible.”

  “Maybe we can make it a condition of his access – Martin must be present.”

  “I’d be happier with that.” Though the idea of Dean being with Toby still didn’t sit well with her.

  “What about child support?” Victoria asked.

  “Nothing. I don’t want anything from him.” Elle was certain. “He doesn’t earn any money of his own anyway and taking money from his family would only tie me to him.”

  Victoria made a note. “I have all the information I need right now. I’ll be in touch by the end of the week.”

  Elle stood, shook her hand and walked out into the lobby, feeling much more confident than she had in a long time. She had an hour before she had to be back at the café. Maybe she should drop by the library and research her family; she’d wanted to check out what James had been up to for over a week now – she wasn’t ready to contact him, but knowing something about him was a step closer. If she went back to work she wouldn’t get a chance or have any privacy.

  She asked the receptionist where the nearest library was and drove over, familiar nerves starting to hum along her skin.

  Luckily there was a computer available when she arrived. She gave the librarian her details and started searching.

  First she checked her social media accounts. The first one wouldn’t work but she could log in to the second one. She clicked on her friends list and found James. Holding her breath she clicked on his link.

  His page was full of pictures and updates. Elle smiled at one photo of him goofing off in front of the camera. He was like that – a real dork.

  She read through the updates. It sounded like he was happy at work, his social life was very active and he had dinner regularly with their parents. As she read, a new update came through.

  Got back from a week of backpacking and found an interesting email waiting for me. Need to follow it up ASAP.

  Elle panicked, remembering people could see who was online at the same time, and logged off. She took a deep breath as the login screen reappeared. She hadn’t had a chance to scroll back to read what he’d written when she’d first left with Dean. Whether he’d been worried or asked others if they knew where she was. Perhaps he wouldn’t have even written something like that in a public forum. She didn’t know.

  The question was, was she brave enough to contact him? Was she willing to risk rejection a second time if her brother wanted nothing to do with her? Was she strong enough?

  The time at the bottom of the screen caught her eye. Whatever she decided, she didn’t have time now. She needed to get back to work.

  ***

  George sat backstage and monitored how Ophelia was doing on the talk show. She’d performed her single and had sounded amazing, but now it was time for the interview and, despite the training he’d given her, he wasn’t sure how it would go.

  He needn’t have worried so much. Ophelia charmed the host, smiled for the audience and generally sold herself perfectly. As her segment ended, George breathed a sigh of relief.

  When his phone vibrated, he answered it, seeing it was a private number.

  “George, this is James Carter. I received an email from you today saying you have information about my sister, Elle.”

  George sat down on the couch. He’d given up on getting an answer. “I sent that a week ago.”

  “I’ve been away.”

  He didn’t know where to begin. “How do I know you’re Elle’s brother?”

  “How do I know you really know her?” James countered, and then he sighed. “My sister has been out of touch with us for five years. I’m desperate to find out if she’s all right.”

  “She is now,” George said.

  “Meaning she hasn’t been in the past?”

  George hesitated. “It’s not up
to me to tell her story. I wanted to find out whether her family wants to meet with her or if they disowned her when she left.”

  “We didn’t disown her. She never responded to our attempts to stay in touch.”

  “She didn’t get them,” George told him.

  “What?” James sounded shocked.

  “I’m in LA at the moment. Your website said you live in the area. Perhaps it would be best if we meet.”

  “I’m free tonight at six. Name the place.”

  George told James where he was staying and hung up.

  He stared at the phone for a minute longer. He’d been right about Dean. The asshole had kept Elle’s family from her. But he’d wait until he’d spoken to James before he called Elle to tell her. He didn’t want to get her hopes up.

  Ophelia walked into the green room. “How did I go?”

  “Great.” George put aside his personal business and focused on Ophelia.

  ***

  It was Tuesday before George called from California, but he had had the most decadent basket of chocolates delivered to her at the café on Monday.

  The phone rang after Elle had put Toby to bed and had settled on the couch with a cup of tea and a book.

  “Miss me yet?” George’s voice asked when she answered.

  Elle smiled and snuggled down on the couch. “Toby’s been asking when he can see you again.”

  “And what about Toby’s mother?”

  “She knows you’ll be back on Saturday.” Elle chuckled at his growl of exasperation. “You have crossed my mind a few times since you’ve been gone.” Then she added, “Thank you for the chocolates. You didn’t need to do that.”

  “I hope there’s something there that appeals. Toby mentioned you liked chocolate,” George said.

  “There’s plenty to choose from. How’s your trip going?”

  “Really great. Ophelia is wowing everyone she meets.”

  They hadn’t spoken much about George’s work and Elle knew very little about what he did. “Tell me about her. What’s the purpose of the trip?”

  “Exposure,” George said. “She’s released a single and with her voice she could be big. I need to make sure people can find her, know who she is and buy her music. She’s got a bunch of radio interviews and a couple of television appearances.”