Small Town, Big Secrets (Trinity River)

by Elsie Davis

  “Yippee. I can’t wait to see her and the horses. Can I really ride today?”

  “Absolutely.” Becky had been unreasonably disappointed when Steve called her yesterday and mentioned he already had dinner plans and couldn’t meet up with them. And when he called last night to make plans for today, she couldn’t keep the sudden rush of adrenaline that left her giddy with excitement.

  He’d been totally on board with going to the Hunter ranch to go horseback riding. His enthusiasm was another surprise, but it was wonderful to know they had at least one thing in common. The next year of her life might be filled with rides, which wouldn’t be so bad.

  She smiled at Byron. “Kayla thinks you’re ready for your first big-boy lesson and she’s going to take you out of the paddock after you get warmed up—if you can show her how responsible you can be.”

  “Okay, Mommy. I can do it. I’ll show you both. And Mr. Steve, too.” His smile revealed a gap where the most recent tooth fairy acquisition had come from. Byron constantly talked about Steve, which was more proof he needed a male role model in his life. Perhaps God had answered her prayers in more than one way.

  Her mother and sister only knew her new beau as “Steve.” Not Steve Parker. When her mother learned the truth, she’d be more than a little suspicious, and Becky preferred it to be a case of a little too late when she found out. And it was only a matter of time before the rumor mill would carry his last name to her ears. And worse, judging by Steve’s warning, that the media would find out that her mother’s employer was Olivia Parker.

  Somehow, she needed to find the right moment to tell them both the truth. It wasn’t that she felt it would change anything, more that it would raise suspicions she didn’t want raised.

  Yesterday had been more than awkward when Judge Parker had walked into Charlie’s, and not long after, Steve. At least he hadn’t sat in her section. It was bad enough she found it difficult to keep her eyes off the pair, curious what they were meeting about, his father’s glances in her direction more than once or twice a clear indication she was at least one of the subjects under discussion.

  She’d edged close enough a few times to catch a little bit of the conversation, recognizing the name of Travis McDougall. The whole town knew he was being foreclosed on, and there were rumors of political connections and shady behind-the-scenes shenanigans prompting the foreclosure. Everyone also knew the judge was highly connected with some of the deeper pockets. And based on the subject of their lunch discussion, it would seem Steve was also. What she didn’t understand, though, was why? Especially because, by doing so, he was tying himself to the coattails of a man he’d professed to resent for most of his life.

  Becky was having a hard time fitting together the two sides of Steve. The man was determined to win the election, but she wasn’t sure it was for all the right reasons or that it was right to move forward with the engagement and marriage as a ruse. Getting in bed with Steve, literally, of course, was not something she would have agreed to under normal circumstances, but Byron’s surgery wasn’t normal, and she was desperate.

  Sometimes, though, Steve managed to break out of office mode, as she now liked to think of it, and have fun. Byron had that effect on people, her son refusing to fade into the background when he wanted attention. And male attention was the highlight of his life at the age of five.

  Becky’s focus had to remain on Byron, and Steve’s activities were of no concern to her, but if she learned of anything that would help the Cattleman’s Association fight back against the crooks, she’d share. Her allegiance would be to the town, not her temporary husband. And certainly not a Parker.

  “Brush your teeth and hair and come downstairs. I want to pack us a picnic lunch.”

  “I love picnics! This is going to be a great day.”

  She smiled at her son’s enthusiasm.

  Becky packed the basket and grabbed one of the spare blankets from the closet, picking one that wasn’t faded from hundreds of washings. She put everything by the front door, anxious to be ready to leave and keep Steve from having any reason to come inside. Despite what he said about his childhood friend, she was embarrassed to have him see where she lived.

  She watched out the window, grateful when Byron came down the stairs just as Steve pulled up to the curb. As he strode toward the house, her breath caught, the sight of him causing a flush of pleasure to course through her. It might all be fake, but there was nothing fake about her attraction to him. Something she’d do well to make sure he didn’t find out. And something that would be difficult to do if he continued kissing her.

  “Let’s go, honey. He’s here,” Becky said as she picked up the basket and headed outside, meeting Steve at the steps.

  “It’s great that you’re eager to see me, but I didn’t expect to rush off. Don’t you want to introduce me to your mom? I’d love to meet her.” Steve didn’t move, emphasizing his words.

  “Umm, she’s at work.” Becky shrugged. “Maybe next time. I didn’t want to keep you waiting since you were gracious enough to want to go with us today.”

  “What? And miss the chance to get back on a horse? Never.” Steve kneeled next to Byron. “Hey, kiddo, you ready to go riding? I heard you’ve got a big day today.”

  “I sure do. Aunty Kayla’s going to let me ride out of the paddock with her.” Byron’s eyes were lit with excitement.

  “Auntie Kayla? I thought Julia was your only sister.” He looked up at her, his brow wrinkled in confusion, and stood.

  “She is. Kayla’s my best friend. Byron likes to call her Aunt.”

  “I see. It’s nice you have a friend who’s like family. I’m sure it’s good for Byron.”

  Becky wasn’t about to get drawn into a conversation that involved Byron’s family or lack thereof. It was a rocky subject with the brother of Byron’s father. Too many times she’d questioned her choice about not letting the Parkers know about their grandson, but in the end, it had been too risky to chance. Jack had made the decision for her, but still, she wished Byron could have had a bigger, loving family.

  “How long has it been since you were on a horse?” No matter how long, she was liking the way he looked in jeans and the cotton flannel shirt tucked in. No sign of the city-slicker attorney. Becky preferred this Steve Parker the best.

  “Since I was about fourteen. Too long, the way I see it. I used to love riding.” He loaded the picnic basket and Byron’s car seat in the back of the Navigator.

  “Why did you quit?”

  Steve paused, a sheltered look falling across his face as he glanced toward the backseat where Byron had climbed in, waiting to be buckled in. “Let’s just say my motivation and choices changed for the worse.” She could tell he didn’t want to say more. At least not in front of Byron. She’d have to ask him about it later.

  Several vehicles pulled up behind Steve’s SUV, and suddenly, the place was teeming with reporters and cameras, flashbulbs popping off repeatedly. Fear ripped down her spine, her throat constricting. Steve’s warnings didn’t come close to the reality of having someone stalk them for photos. And information. Becky closed the door to protect Byron from the fray and then watched as Steve moved to talk to the group.

  “Hey, everyone. I realize you’re here for a story, but Becky and I are just friends. Not overly newsworthy.”

  “Not according to Harry,” one of the guys called out. “He smells love in the air.”

  “Harry’s a romantic at heart. If you leave us alone, I promise I’ll call you if anything changes and there’s a real story for you to cover.” Steve knew his part well and was obviously used to dealing with the media. Becky, on the other hand, was a bundle of nerves and couldn’t wait to escape, hoping they wouldn’t follow them. Kayla wouldn’t appreciate the reporters on her property any more than Becky liked them here invading her personal space.

  “Fine. Just remember you promised,” o
ne of the women spoke up. The cameras flashed a few more times, and then, true to their word, they left.

  “Sorry about that. I was wondering how long it would take them to show up. That should buy us at least twenty-four hours.” Steve grinned.

  His attitude didn’t even come close to the way she felt. “I don’t know how you deal with it all the time.”

  “You get used to it. I’m sorry. I promise to do my best to keep it under control.”

  Probably not. They got in the car and drove off, Becky relieved not to see anyone following them.

  Byron talked nonstop on the short drive to Kayla’s, telling Steve all about Sugar, his favorite horse. Which was good because it gave Becky time to prepare what she was going to tell Kayla and Dylan about her future wedding plans and why she was doing it. Not being upfront and honest with her best friend six years ago had cost them their friendship for some time. They’d only recently repaired the relationship, and now she was afraid she’d lose it again. Enough so, she knew there was no choice but to tell her friend the truth.

  Kayla might not like her decision to marry Steve and would try and talk her out of it. But then Kayla was completely in love and recently married and wanted the same for Becky. Once Kayla realized Becky wasn’t going to change her mind, she’d support the decision. And right now, she needed someone in her court.

  Steve turned down the driveway that led to the Hunter ranch, the dry dirt road leaving a cloud of dust behind them. Got to love the dry Texas air this time of year. Kayla came out of the house as they pulled up. It didn’t take Byron long to spot her, and he unbuckled his seat belt and bolted out the door.

  “Hey, honey.” Kayla picked him up and swung him around, just as excited to see him as he was her. Becky smiled, the sight of them together always bringing tears of joy to her eyes.

  “Thanks for doing this, Kayla.” Becky hugged her friend.

  “No worries. I love hanging with this little guy. We’re going to have so much fun today.” Kayla set him down and looked up at Steve with interest. Her friend was protective of her and hadn’t been able to disguise her interest in learning more about the man Becky was bringing riding. Something Becky hadn’t done before.

  “Great. I’d like you to meet Steve Parker. Steve, this is Kayla Hunter.” He stepped forward and shook hands, completely at ease meeting new people.

  “Welcome to the ranch. Becky’s told me all about you, and I’m glad you were able to join us. It’ll be nice for Byron to have you both along to show off his new skills. Helps build confidence.” Kayla smiled and shook hands with him.

  “Thanks for the invite. I’m a little rusty at this, so I hope you have a gentle horse for me.” Another point for Steve. Honesty. Which was completely at odds with her assessment of him yesterday in his dealing with his father. Question was, who was the real Steve?

  “You’ll be fine. Riding a horse is like riding a bike—you just need to get back on.” Kayla laughed.

  “For my body’s sake, let’s just hope you’re right.” Steve shook his head and joined in the laughter. He didn’t seem to care he might be the object of the humor.

  “Dylan got caught up in town, but he’s hoping to meet us later. I’ve got the horses saddled and ready to go if you all are.”

  “I’m ready, Aunty Kayla!” Byron took off running toward the barn.

  “I brought a picnic lunch. I thought maybe we could strap it on one of the horses and eat down by the river,” Becky offered.

  “Great idea. Let’s go.”

  Steve retrieved the picnic basket, and they made their way to the barn. Byron was there, carefully stroking the side of a horse’s neck and mane, talking to the white mare. It was a one-sided conversation, but for a boy of five, he didn’t seem to mind.

  Steve lifted Byron into his saddle and handed him the reins. They looked like father and son, the image almost too much to take in. Aside from their wavy brown hair and firm jawline, it was the unusual shade of dark brown chocolatey eyes that were almost black and long lashes that stood out. The question was, did Kayla notice the resemblance? Or was it only because she knew just how close to family the pair of them were?

  Kayla hoisted herself into the saddle. “If you two want to ride around the area a little while I walk Byron through the basics as a reminder, it’ll be like ten minutes or so.”

  “We’ll stick around and watch, if that’s okay with you, Becky. Byron can show me how it’s done.” He winked.

  “Yup. I sure can.” Byron beamed, excited to teach a grown-up something.

  “Let’s start really slow and walk around a little to see if you remember the rules,” Kayla suggested.

  “Yes, Aunty Kayla.” The two of them moved around the outer perimeter of the paddock.

  “He’s pretty good. All joking aside, he might show me up out there.” Becky enjoyed Steve’s sense of humility and his humor. It was the total opposite of his brother, a guy who thought the world was his for the taking and didn’t care who he stepped on along the way. How could two brothers be so different?

  “You’ll be fine. It was a sweet thing to say, and I’m sure it did his confidence a world of good. He gets plenty of the female version of praise, and it might be more meaningful coming from a man.”

  “I’ll remember that. When I was a kid, a little praise now and then would have gone a long way. Shall we saddle up?” Every time she got a glimpse into Steve’s past, the man closed down by changing the subject. A year was a long time to not get to know someone.

  They saddled up, Steve looking like he’d done it a time or two. Maybe a little stiff, but the guy hadn’t forgotten the basics. They pulled up next to Kayla and Byron, the horses dancing a little with nervous energy, ready to be off.

  “Look, Mom. Look, Mr. Steve. I’m doing it!” Byron’s happy smile was firmly in place as he walked the horse around the pen all by himself.

  “Yes, you’re doing great,” Becky encouraged him.

  “I was just telling your mother you were going to show me up out there. You’re a much better rider than I am.” Steve nodded, equally showing his appreciation of Byron’s skills.

  Her son beamed under the compliment. “Don’t worry, Mr. Steve, I’ll show you how if you forgot. Just watch.” Byron urged his horse forward, swinging around to see if everyone was following him.

  “Go ahead, Byron. We can head down the trail through the pasture for a bit.” Kayla rode next to Byron, keeping a close watch on him.

  Becky and Steve followed, letting the others set the pace. She loved riding the trails at the Hunter ranch but unfortunately didn’t get too many opportunities. On one side, the pasture with its long grass swept the countryside as far as the eye could see, bordered by woods. The other side, of course, fenced in the special herd of cattle Kayla and Dylan raised.

  Steve glanced around. “This is a nice piece of land. I’m sure it’s been in the family a long time. It looks like you could ride into the sunset.”

  “Yes, Dylan put everything he had into the place after his father died. He also managed to save Kayla’s family farm. Then they got married and now it’s all one huge property. Those cattle over there,” she pointed at the herd, “are all organically fed cattle. Turns out there’s a huge market for the beef, and Dylan has done well. If he hadn’t been able to save the farm, the place would have gone by the wayside and been sold off to whoever’s been buying up property around here. Shame no one can stop these people.”

  She hadn’t meant to venture down this road but now was as good a time as any. Maybe she’d finally find out which side he’d land on, although she was very much afraid it would be on the side of family. Parker family.

  “I’ve heard about it. What do you know?” The intensity of his voice increased, alerting her that he was very interested in the topic. He was definitely involved.

  “Not much. Mostly rumors.” She knew she woul
dn’t tell him anything specific at this point. “You heard about the McDougalls since you’ve been in town? They lost their son, Casey, in the war not long ago. Things have been tough, and now the bank is pushing them off their land.” This was supposed to be a relaxing ride, but the subject matter was anything but.

  “I’ve heard. Doesn’t sound like much can be done, though.” Or nothing a Parker would do to help. The judge could step in if he wanted to, force the bank to give them more time.

  “No, not unless you’ve got large amounts of money you want to part with,” she teased, trying to lighten the conversation.

  Steve frowned, his brow drawn tight as if she’d hit a nerve. “Seems to me you know more than you’re saying.”

  She should have shut up when she’d had the chance. It wasn’t a good subject, and based on the stiff set of his shoulders, he agreed. “Sorry, I was only teasing. Relax.”

  “Good. I talked to the insurance office and the administrator at Houston General and got everything lined up for Byron’s surgery. All we need is a wedding and the money.” He changed the subject faster than the tornado winds that occasionally blew through the valley.

  Becky was torn between relief and guilt. “How did you manage that? I can’t believe they would even discuss it with you. And when exactly is our wedding?”

  “It’s one of the best hospitals in Texas, and I know some people who knew some people, and they pulled a few strings to start the process.”

  Oh. Wow. “Thank you,” she said. Glancing up at Kayla and Byron as they rode ahead, she couldn’t help feeling a sense of pride as she watched her son ride. He was sitting up straight and eagerly taking in Kayla’s instructions as she tried to show him how to handle the reins and steer the horse. Becky slowed her mare, patting the side of her neck, feeling the glistening sweat from the ride. “I really was just teasing earlier. As to the date, the sooner the better, I reckon. For Byron’s sake. Just tell me when to be at the courthouse.” She needed to remember this was just a business transaction.