by Kelly Moore
I nod. Looking out the window, I watch the townspeople strolling through the market. The same market Nita stole fruit from a year ago. I sip my coffee and continue spying outside, not paying any attention to the people coming in and out of the diner.
“Would you like a refill on your coffee?”
I nearly choke on my own spit at the sound of a familiar voice. Nita. She’s standing by my table in a white apron, holding a tall, silver pot of coffee. I want to jump from my seat and drag her into my arms, but my heart stops me.
“When did you get back in town?” My voice is gravelly, giving away some hostility.
“A couple of days ago.” She bites her bottom lip.
She returns to town and doesn’t come find me? Anger boils up in my belly.
“I know what you’re thinking. I should’ve come straight to your house.”
“Why didn’t you?” I can feel one of my eyebrows slant in disapproval of the answers she’s ’bout to give me.
“Because I wasn’t sure if you’d want me there. I’ve longed to come back for a while but couldn’t get up the nerve.” Her face sags heavily with sadness.
Pain funnels in my chest. Would I have turned her away? Maybe. I angle my body toward her in the booth, draping my arm on the back. “You working for Mildred?”
She nods.
“How long are you planning on staying?”
“Depends on you.” She lifts a shoulder.
I drop my arm and hold out my mug of coffee for her to refill. “You still a car thief?”
Her eyes roll upward as if she’s thinking about it. “No, not cars. I’ve found myself drawn to fancy pickup trucks.” A hint of a smile shows on her face.
I set my full mug down and dig into my pocket, taking out my keys. I press the lock button, and my truck beeps and lights blink on the tailgate outside where it's parked.
Her brows raise. “That is a nice truck.”
“You keep your thievin’ hands off of it.” I let out a low laugh, falling back into a familiar banter with her.
Mildred delivers my plate of food, and Nita slides in the booth across from me. “Aren’t you supposed to be working?” I want her sitting across from me where she belongs, but I’m not ready for her to know how happy I am she’s back.
She glances around the diner. “Nobody here but you and the guy at the counter.” She leans in and whispers. “He’s asking all kinds of questions about Chet.”
My head whips around to look and see who she’s talking about.
“He has a picture of him.”
Even though I want to know more, and I will, the woman sitting in front of me has my attention. “I’ll deal with it later. How have you been?”
“Lonely.”
“I know the feeling.” I push my plate away, suddenly not hungry.
“You have Missy and your family.” I watch her closely as her eyes cloud over.
I want to be angry at her for mentioning Missy, but I can tell her heart his aching. “I do have my family, but I was referring to being lonely as missing the woman that I love.”
Her eyes pop open wide as she sits straight up. “Love, as in present tense?”
I clear my throat. “Maybe I misspoke.” I don’t want to forgive her so easily.
“Oh,” she says, looking away.
“You left us.”
“You killed my brother.” Her gaze snaps in my direction.
I pull my wallet out and toss a wad of cash on the table. I move to leave, but she reaches out, touching my hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say that. I know the circumstances, and I’ve worked my way through it. He deserved it for what he did to Missy.” She pauses for a moment. “I blamed myself. I couldn’t stand the thought that my own flesh and blood would try to hurt a child. It was all my fault. Can you ever forgive me?”
My heart thumps harder. “I never blamed you for what happened. If you recall, I’m the one that kept you here. You can’t feel guilty over bad choices your brother made.”
“I know that now. It’s just taken me some time to get there.” Her hand releases mine, and I let it for a moment.
My fingers have a mind of their own when they slide over to her side and draw her hand back to mine. “I’ve missed you, and so has Missy. Even my dad has whined about you being gone.”
A single tear slips down her olive-colored cheek, and I brush it away. “I’ve missed all of you too.”
I get out of the booth and hold my hand out for her to stand. She does, and I motion with my finger for her to turn around. I lightly jerk at the strings on her apron. “Come back with me to the ranch.”
She turns with tears flooding her dark eyes. “Just like that?”
I tuck my hands deep into my pocket. “Unless you’re planning on leaving again, and then I’d advise you pick some other purdy truck to steal besides mine and haul your ass out of town.”
Tears fling on her shoulder as she shakes her head frantically. “I don’t ever want to leave again.”
I draw my hands out of my pockets and place them on either side of her face. “Then you’re coming with me.” I taste her salty tears as I place my lips to hers.
“I love you,” she whispers against them. “I promise to never leave you again.”
The words that want to pop out are, that’s yet to be seen, and we’ll see if you can survive the wrath of my daughter. Instead, I reply, “Good.” I take her hands in mine to leave and hear the cowboy at the counter asking Mildred more questions. I hand Nita the keys to my truck. “I’ll meet you in a minute.”
She glances at them and then at me. “You trust me with your truck?”
“Don’t make me regret it.” I stare hard at her for a minute, then move her toward the door. I wait, watching her climb into the passenger side, then I walk up to the man who’s grilling Mildred.
“What business do you have with Chet Calhoun?”
He spins in my direction. “Who are you?”
I place my hat on the counter. “The question is, who are you, and why are you so determined to find him?”
He stands nose to nose with me. “My business with him is none of your business.” His spit splatters on my cheek.
I shove him. “You better back the fuck off!”
He stumbles but gets right in my face. “You going to make me?”
My jaw flexes as I grind my teeth. “I don’t know what you want, but the Calhouns don’t need any more trouble. So whatever beef you have with my father, you need to tell me now.”
He takes a step back. “You’re Chet Calhoun’s son?” His eyebrows shoot up.
“One of them.”
He yanks his hat down over his eyes, tossing cash on the counter, and stuffs the picture in his shirt pocket. Without a word, he darts out of the diner.
“What was that all about?” Mildred asks.
“I have no idea, but I’m going to find out.” I tap the counter with my fist, snatch my hat, and follow him outside. He gets into an old beat-up blue truck that reminds me of Clem’s truck, Lizzy. He peels out of his parking spot, screeching the tires on the asphalt.
Meandering over to my vehicle, Nita’s watching me as I get inside. “Did you find out who he is?”
“No. I will after I get you settled. Where have you been staying?”
“In the motel at the end of the street.” She points in the direction.
“You run in and gather your things. I’ll check you out.”
“I can pay my own way, Bear.”
“Are you always going to be so stubborn?” I say, clenching my jaw.
“I’ve always taken care of myself.”
“If we’re going to work things out, that will have to change.” I back out of the parking spot.
“Why? Aren’t you raising Missy to be independent?”
“Yes, of course I am. It ain’t the same thing.”
“I don’t want to argue with you.” She crosses her arms over her chest.
“Good, then don’t. You can eith
er ride to the ranch with me, or you can hop out of my truck.” I know I’m being ornery, but I have to know if she means what she’s saying.
“Are you always going to be so bossy?”
“Yep.” I glance over and see her smile. Pulling up at the motel, I hop out and head for the office. I meet her back at the truck as she’s coming out of one of the rooms, carrying only a small bag.
“Where are the rest of your things?”
She looks at her bag. “This is all I have. I don’t need much.”
I take it from her, toss it into the back seat, and drag her into my arms. “Where have you been the last year?”
“I went to Nevada. I tried going back to my old life, but I wasn’t happy. I haven’t been happy since the day I left here. I just wish I would’ve had the courage to come back sooner.”
I kiss the top of her head. “You’re here now. That’s all that matters.” At least that’s what I want to believe.
“I know I hurt Missy too. How do you think she’s going to take me being here.”
I let loose of her and open the truck door. “We’re fixing to find out.”
Chapter Three
Wyatt
“Daddy, you need to calm the hell down.” I press my hands on his shoulders.
“I’m so mad I could fall out of my pants!” He’s pacing on the porch steps of Watkins’s office.
“For the love of gawd, please don’t take your pants off,” Boone snarls. “Why do you let Watkins get you so worked up?”
“Because for some reason he’s lost all sense that the good lord gave him. He’s been going around town telling everyone that will listen he’s dating my daughter. He’s got the ranchers up in arms thinking we’ll be selling out to him.”
“I’ve already spoken to them. They know better. Let me handle this meeting with him.”
“If Watkins says one word about Ellie and him, I’m likely to shoot him.”
Boone starts patting him down. “You can’t bring a gun to this meeting.”
“Like hell I can’t!” He brushes Boone’s hands away.
I hold mine out. “Give it to me, or you’re not stepping one foot inside the building.”
He grumbles and twists the corner of his gray mustache before he hands me the gun he had hidden in his boot. “One day, you’re going to get us all in some serious trouble.” Boone takes the gun from me and runs it back to my truck. “Daddy, Ellie is a grown woman. Besides, she doesn’t like Watkins. She’s using him to keep him in line. Now, let it go and remember what we’re here for,” I say as I push through the door.
We’re greeted by Watkins’s secretary, who ushers the three of us into his office. He’s sitting behind a large oak desk, and Ian is standing, looking out the windows behind him.
“What the hell is he doing here?” Chet growls. “I knew I shouldn’t have given you my gun!” he yells at me.
Ian turns, facing our direction. “Good to see you, too, Mr. Calhoun.”
Boone steps in front of Daddy, blocking him from going after Ian. “You need to leave town. Go back under that donkey’s ass you been hiding under.” Daddy is yelling, trying to move past Boone, but he holds him off.
Watkins stands. “I’ve hired Mr. Daughtry to design my new ranch-style subdivision, so he won’t be going anywhere.”
“Why you sorry son of a…” Boone turns Daddy around and shoves him to the door.
“Go wait for us in the truck. Let Wyatt and I deal with him.”
“You do what you need to right this minute, but I’ll be handling him in my own way.” He slams the door so hard it rattles the windows.
“He’s a little wound up,” I say, sitting in the chair in front of Watkins’s desk.
“I understand congratulations are in order, Mr. Mayor,” Ian says.
Watkins glares over his shoulder at him, but it doesn’t seem to faze Ian.
“Yes. It was an easy win.” I can’t help but dig at Watkins.
“Enough pleasantries.” Watkins’s face is scrunched up and red. “I asked you here to negotiate for Whiskey River water rights.”
“You’re not getting them after the stunt you pulled, damming up the river.” Boone’s voice is stern.
“It was my understanding that you were building a manmade waterway.”
“Well, it seems the city ordinances won’t allow that to happen unless—”
“The mayor overrules it,” Boone finishes his sentence.
He leans back in his chair. “That’s correct.”
I cross one leg over the other and tap my pointer finger to my chin. “Why would I want to do that? You’ve manipulated property lines and didn’t give a minute’s thought to the ranchers when you cut off the water that feeds their land.”
“Because I think you’re a reasonable man.”
“If you sell the adjacent property to our land to me, I’ll give you water rights to part of the river.”
“Fuck no!” Boone snarls.
I hold my hand in the air to silence him. “I want all two hundred acres.”
“I can’t sell you that land. It’s already been leveled and pending development. I’ve promised thirty homes in that area.” He rests back in his chair.
“You either sell it to me, or you’ll have no water going to your property.”
He stands, all red-faced. “I’ll take this to the governor. You can’t keep me from developing.”
I join him on my feet. “Go ahead. I’ve already sent a report to him on your illegal finagling of property lines.”
He storms over to my side. “Boy, you highly underestimate the men backing me.”
Boone moves between us. “Are you threatening him?”
He walks back around to his side of the desk. “Not at all. But money is a very powerful persuader. I’m still open to purchasing your land and cattle for top dollar.”
“Go to hell,” Boone barks.
“I was hoping for a friendly meeting, but I can see that’s not possible.”
The office door swings open, and Ellie marches in. Her hair is dyed auburn, and her gaze lands directly on Ian. She sways her hips as she walks further into the room.
“Gentlemen,” she says, pursing her lips. “I heard there was a meeting going on.” Her gaze cuts from Ian, landing on Watkins.
“There was no need for you to be here.” Watkins clears his throat.
Ian doesn’t take his gaze off her as she moves to Watkins’s side of the desk. “I may keep your books, but I’m a Calhoun. If it involves my family, it’s no longer business.” She gawks at Ian. “Why is he here?”
“I wasn’t aware until today that you knew Mr. Daughtry. I’ve hired him to work for me.”
She sticks her nose in the air as she spins on her heels. “By the look on your face, I take it whatever it was you were negotiating with my family didn’t turn out like you planned.”
He slides his hand down her bare arm. “Don’t you worry about it. I’ve got other means to get what I want.” Ian’s eyes never leave the sight of Watkins’s hand trailing her skin.
She plasters on a fake smile I know too well. “The first thing you need to do is fire Mr. Daughtry.” She never looks over her shoulder.
Ian walks around Ellie to face her. “I’m afraid that’s not possible. We have a signed contract.” I can’t help but notice his gaze dips down her body, and her skin flushes.
“We are all adults here. I’m sure whatever beef you have with my new employee will not cause any problems.”
Ian squares off with him. “I am not your employee. I’m contracted to work with you, nothing more.”
Anger fills Watkins’s eyes, but he bites it down. “You’re correct. My apologies.”
“I think we’re done here.” I pick up my briefcase. “Unless you change your mind about selling me the property.”
I open the door and motion for Boone to follow me.
“That’s not likely to happen. I’ll be contacting the governor, and I’ll see you in court.”
“Have it your way.”
“He’s going to be a pain in the ass,” Boone says.
I grasp his arm before we make it to my truck. “Don’t tell Daddy about his threats. I know how he’ll want you to handle it. Things are different for you now, and you can’t risk losing Clem.”
“You know I’ll do whatever has to be done.” He goes to move, and I grab his elbow.
“I’m serious, Boone. No more of Daddy’s dirty work. We need this handled cleanly. No trouble.”
He nods, and I let go.
“What the hell did he say?” Daddy is yelling as soon as the door opens.
My jaw flexes as I start the truck, backing out. “No deal was made today.”
“I don’t want you or any other Calhoun involved in business dealings with that crook. My daughter is going to get an earful.” He slaps his hand on the seat.
“Ellie can handle herself.” I glare at him in the rearview mirror.
“Bullshit. She’s over her head with him, and Ian back in town spells nothing but trouble. That girl has never gotten over him.” He pulls at the bridge of his hat.
“Ellie ain’t a girl anymore. She’s strong, smart, and independent. She’s changed since he’s been gone.”
“The only thing she changed is who she lifts her skirt for,” he snarls.
“Enough,” Boone growls, casting a look at him in the back seat.
Daddy toys with his mustache. “You know what has to be done.” He squints his eyes at Boone.
“Nothing. Leave Boone out of this. I’m the mayor of this town, and the Calhoun family needs to keep its nose clean. No more handling things your way.”
“We’ll see about that,” he mumbles.
“I’m going to place a call to the governor to give him a heads-up as to what’s going on with the development before Watkins says his piece.”
“I think that’s a good idea. Beat him to the punch.”
Daddy is eerily quiet on the ride back. I know the old man has words rolling around in his head like ping-pong balls. I’m only happy I haven’t had to listen to him. I’d hate to be called to testify against him in a court of law.
Margret is sitting on the front porch at the main house with Ethan when we pull up. Daddy walks right by them without a word and barrels into the house, slamming the screen door behind him.