by Linda Warren
“No.” She held her breath.
“For the rest of my life.”
“O-h.”
“I love you. I will always love you.”
“Oh, Rico.” She flew into his arms. He grabbed her and held her tight against his chest. “I love you. I love you,” she breathed against his lips. His hat fell to the floor and he took her lips in a passionate kiss. Her doubts drifted away, as did everything else. They had each other and that’s what Ana wanted. She had his love.
He rested his forehead against hers. “Now we have to decide what to do about Dusty.”
She leaned back and looked into his eyes. “Is there any question?”
“I was raised by my great-grandmother, as you know, and Dusty might benefit from being raised by a relative.”
She touched the scar on his face, feeling the rough edges and cringing at how it had been put there. “I don’t want you to give up on Dusty. You love him, and can you honestly believe Connie Grimes will be a good parent?”
He caught her hand and kissed her fingertips. “I want to keep Dusty for you, for us. I want him to be the child you can never have. That’s always been my wish.”
Through a smile she blinked back a tear. “Then let’s fight for him and together we can handle the outcome.”
He held her tight, his chin resting on her head. She snuggled closer, just needing to be near him to feel his warmth, his love. “When’s the hearing?”
“Today at one.”
She pushed back. “Rico, we don’t have much time.”
“I know.”
She made a decision in an instant. “Let’s get married. Wyatt can marry us.”
“No, I want you to have the big wedding.”
“I don’t need the big wedding and all the trappings. I just need you in my life for good. And we need to start that adventure today.”
He gave in easily and she took his hand and they walked across the courthouse lawn to Wyatt’s office.
Wyatt was alone, talking on the phone. “Come in,” he said, his hand over the mouthpiece. After he hung up he asked, “What can I do for you guys?”
“Can you marry us?” Rico asked.
“Huh...yeah...huh...” Clearly, they’d shocked the sheriff.
Wyatt fumbled around and pulled out a big book and a small book. They held hands and stood in front of Wyatt’s desk.
“I haven’t done this in a while so you’ll have to bear with me,” Wyatt said. “First I need some information.” They answered all of Wyatt’s questions and Wyatt filled out the form. “I almost forgot to put Rebel on here.”
“Rebel?” Ana asked.
Wyatt looked at Rico. “You haven’t told her?”
“I haven’t had time.” Rico turned to her. “That’s what the meeting with the Rebels was about. Miss Kate asked me to change my name. She said she sees me as one of her sons. I was going to tell you on Saturday night.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful. You are a Rebel.” She hugged him until Wyatt interrupted.
“Let’s get back to the wedding.” Wyatt picked up the little book and started the ceremony. In minutes they said I do and were married. They didn’t have rings, but that didn’t matter. They shared a long kiss and Wyatt took pictures with his phone.
“Something to remember this day,” Wyatt said with a smile.
They hugged Wyatt and then got into Rico’s truck and drove to the ranch. They held hands the whole way and several times she reached over to kiss his cheek. She couldn’t seem to stop touching him. She was so happy. When they reached the bunkhouse, Ana stepped into the house where she’d shared so much love. In that moment she knew she was home. This was where she belonged.
* * *
AFTER RICO CALLED Gabe to update the filing with Ana’s name, he swung her up into his arms and carried her into the bedroom. A long time later they lay entwined just savoring the moment. Then he told her about the McGregor gift.
Her eyes grew big. “Rico, that’s unbelievable. You made Mr. McGregor’s last days happy.” She stroked his face. “You’re such a wonderful man.”
“I’m going to work very hard to make the McGregor property a showplace once again and I’m going to work even harder on Rebel Ranch so it will always make a profit. I don’t have to prove myself to Miss Kate, but I want her to know how grateful I am for the life she’s given me.”
They talked until it was time to go to the courthouse and they were now both strong enough to face whatever happened.
* * *
THE COURTHOUSE WAS ablaze with Christmas. The town was getting a jump on the holiday. Two big wreaths adorned the large double doors. A bare twenty-foot Christmas tree stood on the lawn waiting to be decorated after Thanksgiving. In the foyer there was a smaller tree and more wreaths were on all the office doors. Fresh Douglas fir garlands and red bows hung everywhere and poinsettias were in every available space. A pine scent hung heavy in the air.
The courtrooms were upstairs and it was much the same. Two bigger courtrooms were to the right and the small family courtroom was to the left. Everything was quiet and no one was around.
The door suddenly opened, shaking the wreath on it. “Court in ten minutes,” the woman said.
“Thanks, Brenda,” Ana replied.
“You know her?” Rico asked as they walked in to the room.
“Oh, yeah. Brenda’s been around forever. She comes into the bakery.”
One day he hoped he would know everyone in this small town, but since he was a loner he only knew the people he came into contact with. Now that he had officially plunged into the Rebel clan he had a feeling that would change.
The judge’s bench was straight ahead with the US and the Texas flag behind it. Two small tables were in front of the judge’s bench with two chairs at each. Other chairs were scattered about. The room would only hold about twenty people.
“Where is everyone?” Ana asked as they took seats at one of the small tables.
As the words left her mouth, Connie Grimes and a tall man who Rico assumed was her husband walked in, followed by a young woman who had to be the lawyer. They sat at the other table.
Rico looked back at the door wondering where Gabe was. He should’ve been here by now. And Wyatt? He felt sure Wyatt would be here.
Ana touched his thigh. “It’s going to be okay,” she whispered, and he settled back and waited for the gut-wrenching decision.
Just as Brenda came out of the side door, Gabe rushed in with files under his arm and a briefcase in his hand. “Sorry, I’m late but I was on the phone with Sergeant Chisholm. Darlene Miller is showing signs of waking up and he’s over at the hospital to see if he can get any information that would help us.” Gabe looked around. “Where’s Wyatt?”
“He’s not here,” Rico replied. “Is Darlene going to recover?” That was upmost in his mind.
“Don’t know yet. It’s touch and go at the moment, but the sergeant will keep us informed.”
“The Honorable Judge Harvey Carvel,” Brenda announced, and the judge walked in and took a seat at the bench. The man was probably in his sixties with thinning gray hair, and wore a black robe. Rico had lived in Horseshoe for a lot of years and he’d never met the man.
Before the judge could speak, Wyatt walked in with a big folder in his hand. He took a seat behind them.
The judge stared at him. “Wyatt, what are you doing in my courtroom?”
“I have a personal interest in this case, Judge.”
“Okay.” The judge looked down at the file in front of him. “We are here today to decide custody of minor child Dustin Miller. Connie Miller Grimes, an aunt, has filed for custody, as has Mr. Rebel...” The judge blinked and glanced at Rico. “Is that correct?”
“Yes, Your Honor,” Rico replied. “I’ve become a member of the Rebel family.”
“I see.
” The judge pushed his horn-rimmed glasses up the bridge of his nose. “As I was saying, Mr. Rebel and his wife have also filed for custody.” He folded his hands over the file. “I would like to say that I’m extremely sorry for everything this little boy has gone through and take the responsibility of finding him a forever home personally. As of today I am terminating Darlene Miller’s maternal rights.”
Connie’s lawyer got to her feet. “Your Honor...”
“And you are?” the judge asked.
“Sharon Hildebrand, attorney for Connie Miller Grimes.”
“Go ahead.”
“Mrs. Grimes is the biological aunt of Dustin Miller. She sincerely wants to raise her nephew. At best a child should be given the opportunity to be raised by family.”
“I agree, Ms. Hildebrand. I always try to place children with relatives. In later years they are grateful for that and to have a connection to the family they were born into.”
No, no! They couldn’t do this again. Rico was screaming inside, but he remained silent. He had to trust in justice this time. Ana reached for his hand and he held it just to know he wasn’t in this alone.
Wyatt got up and slapped a big folder in front of the judge. “There’s everything you ever wanted to know about Connie Miller Grimes.”
“Wyatt, this is highly unusual and I take offense at you interrupting my court.”
“Read it.” Wyatt jabbed a finger at the folder.
Footsteps sounded outside and Rico looked back to see Miss Kate, Grandpa and the brothers walk in, followed by Miss Doris, Willard and the Wiznowski clan.
“Miss Kate, this is a closed courtroom,” the judge told her.
“It’s okay, Harvey. We won’t make a sound.”
Before the judge could reply, shouts echoed outside the courtroom. “What’s going on, Wyatt?”
Wyatt looked out of the only window in the room. “This doesn’t look good, Harvey.”
Ana’s phone binged and she showed it to Rico. It was a video of what was going on outside. People were carrying signs that read: Justice for Dusty. Justice for Dusty and Rico. Justice Today. He saw the principal, the owner of the hardware store who wouldn’t sell anything to him unless Falcon approved, the auto parts store owner who did the same thing, the president of the bank who called Miss Kate the moment he had walked in—he was afraid Rico would rob the place—the owner of the feed store who also refused to sell him anything until Miss Kate had a stern talk with him. People who had shunned him for years were everywhere carrying signs.
“Most of the town is out there,” Ana whispered. “They’re supporting you.”
“No, they’re supporting us.”
Ana shook her head. “No, this is about you and your involvement in this community. You’re a big part of it.”
For the first time he had to admit that maybe he was.
“Wyatt, get those people off the courthouse lawn.”
“I can’t, Harvey. They’re protesting peacefully and it’s legal. Just make a ruling and let’s get this over with.”
Gabe’s phone binged. He took it and then stood up. “Your Honor, Darlene Miller just passed away.”
“Oh, my poor sister,” Connie wailed and her husband put his arm around her shoulders.
“I’m sorry for your loss, Mrs. Grimes,” the judge said.
“Your Honor, there’s more,” Gabe interrupted. “I’ve been in contact with Sergeant Chisholm of the Austin Police Department. He was at the hospital and said that Darlene was conscious for a few minutes. She became agitated and the nurse asked if she wanted to write something. She had a breathing tube and couldn’t speak. This is what she wrote.” Gabe took his phone to the judge and laid it in front of him. “It’s barely legible, but I think you can read it.”
The judge read the message and Ana clutched Rico’s hand. “What do you think she wrote?”
“I don’t have any idea. We just have to wait.” But he held on to her hand as if his life depended on it.
The judge looked at Connie. “Mrs. Grimes, I’d like for you to hear what your sister wrote. As Gabe has said, it’s barely legible, but her message is clear.” He took a breath and read from Gabe’s phone. “Dusty. Home. Take Mr. Johnson. Not sister.”
“She doesn’t mean that,” Connie spat.
“Your Honor.” Ms. Hildebrand got to her feet. “Mrs. Grimes is his blood aunt and...”
“Ms. Hildebrand, you’re not going to pull that one on me. You see, I did some checking on Connie Miller Grimes. I didn’t want to make the mistake I made with Darlene Miller. I wanted to be sure that little boy gets the home he deserves after all he’s been through. So I talked to the neighbors of Wendy Miller. She’s had custody of Dusty on and off since he was born. This last time she had him a little over a year. She received government assistance for Dustin because she had no income except for her disability check. You know what I found, Mrs. Grimes?”
“Those old busybodies hate me and would say anything to hurt me.”
“I’ve known these ladies all my life and they’re as honest as the day is long. Every first of the month you showed up on your mother’s doorstep for Dusty’s government check and she signed it over to you.”
“I was going through a rough time and needed the money. Mom understood that.”
“I seriously doubt that, but you were her daughter and she always wanted to help you. But in doing that you took food from your nephew’s mouth. Toward the end of the month they had very little money. Dustin would bring a half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to school with part of an apple. That’s how much you thought of your nephew and you have the nerve to come in here today to file for custody. I’m throwing out your claim.”
“Your Honor...” Ms. Hildebrand wasn’t giving up.
The judge picked up the file Wyatt had laid on his desk and handed it to Brenda who stood to the side. “Give this to Ms. Hildebrand. I’m sure it’s everything she doesn’t know about Connie Miller Grimes.”
“I object.” The lawyer was hanging tough.
The judge ignored her. “I’m awarding full custody of the minor child Dustin Miller to Jericho Johnson Rebel and Anamarie Wiznowski Rebel.”
Ana threw her arms around his neck and he held her so tight his arms hurt. They’d won. Dusty was now their little boy.
Before the judge could bang his gavel, Gabe grabbed papers out of his briefcase and walked to the bench. “Your Honor, these are adoption papers I filed back in June. If you would sign them today, it would give Dustin Miller his forever family.”
“My pleasure.” The judge signed the papers and then banged his gavel. “This court is adjourned.”
Rico held onto Ana, hardly believing that it was over. Ana sobbed onto his chest, “We have a son, Rico, the most wonderful little boy in the whole world. He’s ours and no one can ever take him again.”
She couldn’t seem to stop crying. He cupped her face in his hands and wiped away tears with his thumbs. “Hey, don’t fall apart on me now.”
“I’m not. I’m just so happy.” She kissed his hand. “I love you. I thought no one would ever love me or that I would ever have a child of my own. You have given me everything.”
“Hey.” He touched her lips gently. “I love you right back. You gave me love and I will be grateful for that every day that I’m with you.” He wrapped his arms around her and they stood as one for now and always.
He was a husband, a father and a part of a big family. And the community that once had shunned him had accepted him and supported him today in a way he’d never expected. If he ever doubted there was a God, he didn’t anymore. Someone had a hand in everything that had happened to him. Someone supreme and more powerful than any man on earth.
Shouts echoed from outside; they’d heard the good news. Jericho Johnson Rebel had finally found a place where he belonged.
He’
d found home.
EPILOGUE
TUESDAY MORNINGS HELD a special place in Rico and Ana’s hearts. They decided to get married the second time on Tuesday morning before Christmas in the small Catholic church with family and close friends.
Rico had something he wanted to do before the ceremony. He called Peggy and met her at the Talk of the Town Beauty Shop. He had his hair cut to shoulder length and Peggy asked if he minded if she sent it to a company that made wigs for cancer patients. Of course, he agreed. He didn’t tell Ana about the haircut. He wanted it to be a surprise and he hoped it didn’t backfire on him.
Ana was at her house getting ready. She didn’t want Rico to see the dress. Miss Doris had taken it up for her and he couldn’t wait to see her in it. Dusty was with her and he would pick him up later to take to the church. Everything was going according to plan.
They had told Dusty about the adoption the day they had been awarded custody. He knew about adoption because Paxton and Remi’s daughter Annie had been adopted and he asked if Rico and Ana were his momma and daddy now. They said yes and he seemed to relax and know he was their little boy forever.
They worried about telling Dusty about his mother, but Dusty took it out of their hands. One night as Rico sat in his recliner and Ana cooked supper, Dusty played on the floor with Mickey. He got up and crawled into Rico’s lap, twisting his little fingers and Rico knew he was worried about something.
“Daddy, did my mommy go be with Grandma in heaven?”
“Yes, buddy,” he answered without hesitation.
Dusty laid his head on Rico’s chest and cried.
Rico gathered him close. “It’s okay, buddy.”
Ana came and took him and he cried on her shoulder. She kissed his cheek and smoothed his hair, making it all better.
“My mommy’s not sick anymore,” Dusty muttered through his tears.
Ana kissed him again. “No, baby boy, she’s not. She’s smiling at you and happy you’re with us. It was her last wish.”
Dusty raised his head. “Really?” It was clear Dusty was feeling a little sad for his mother and Rico knew Darlene loved the boy. Her last act proved that, but she couldn’t shake the addiction.