by Barb Han
“Sounds like your grandfather had a wicked sense of humor,” she mused.
“You’re not wrong,” Adam said. “It would just like the Marshall to try to force those two to stand on common ground.”
“He had to know that Dad would never sell the ranch,” Brax chimed in.
“But he could kick Uncle Keif and his family off,” Adam said. Keifer Firebrand wouldn’t stand for it.
“The Marshall deeded their homes to them,” Brax said.
“Then, they can bulldoze their houses and drill there,” Adam quipped. He shouldn’t let emotions get the best of him. In fact, sitting close to Prudence was a reminder of the damage he could cause if he did.
He wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.
“Check that,” he said. “Maybe we can talk to Dad and see if he’s willing to compromise.”
Brax laughed.
“You clearly weren’t here to witness the fireworks,” he said. “Lines have already been drawn. Dad threatened to kick Uncle Keif off the land. It’s the reason we know he can’t.”
“I can only imagine the blowout that must’ve caused.” Adam shook his head. His precious land was safe but family relationships just got a whole lot messier.
“Uncle Keif is threatening to contest the will,” Brax said.
“His hands are the most tied because he can’t do what he wants and there’s a boatload of money in mineral rights.” Adam wasn’t surprised at his uncle’s knee-jerk reaction. “It won’t do any good to contest the will. If I know the Marshall, that thing will be ironclad.”
“There’s a catch,” Brax said. “One that I don’t think any of us expected.”
Well, that news got Adam’s attention.
“If the Marshall’s sons can’t come to an agreement before all their sons are married, they lose everything. The inheritance goes directly to us and both land and mineral rights are equally split,” Brax said.
Adam almost laughed out loud.
“Considering there’s eighteen of us and not one of us is currently married, I doubt that’s a big threat,” he said. It was just like the Marshall to do something like that. Adam had no plans to wed after Libby. Now that he might be a father, he’d be too busy caring for an infant to date for the foreseeable future. The annoying voice in the back of his mind picked that moment to point out his chemistry with Prudence and how incredible she was with baby Angel.
“I’d agree with that assessment except that our dad and uncle can dig their heels in when they really want to. Being stubborn seems to be part of the Firebrand DNA,” Brax stated.
Prudence didn’t hold back a grin.
“I’m sure Kellan is blowing a gasket.” Adam smirked. He couldn’t help himself.
Brax chuckled. “Let’s just say he’s not shy with his opinion.”
The baby started fussing in the next room. Adam checked the clock. Eight p.m. on the dot.
“I’ll take care of her and let the two of you finish talking family business.” Prudence seemed eager to leave the room. He shouldn’t take it personally, and yet he did.
Sucking in his pride, he leaned forward, clasping his hands together on the island.
Brax stared at Adam for a long moment, and it looked like he was holding back.
Rather than goad his brother on, Adam changed the subject. “Speaking of food. Have you eaten yet?”
“Me? No. I wanted to fill you in the minute you got home,” Brax said. “I put security on notice to let me know the minute you pulled up to the front gate.”
Adam crossed over to the fridge, pulled out a sealed container of meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes and string beans. Miss Olive must have anticipated company following the Marshall’s death. A normal family might gather at the main house. But then, Firebrands had never been considered typical.
“Thanks for coming over to let me know what was going on,” Adam said.
“It’s what brothers are for.” Brax didn’t miss a beat, but there was much more to their relationship than blood ties.
“Not every brother feels the same,” Adam said. He could add a few of his cousins to that list as well.
“Anything I should know about what’s going on with…” Brax motioned toward the adjacent room.
“Nothing to say there.” Adam wasn’t ready to define his relationship with Prudence or defend it to anyone either. For now, he wasn’t ready to talk about the current situation with Angel. Brax would be the first to know when Adam was.
He heated three plates as Brax set the table. By the time Prudence joined them, dinner was ready to go.
She walked into the room, and then froze when her gaze landed on the table nicely set for three. “Wow. I’m impressed.”
“The least I can do is feed you,” Adam said.
Brax shot a look but thankfully kept his lips locked.
“This smells amazing,” she said, fists resting on her hips.
“I’m glad to hear it. I can’t take credit for cooking. All I did was throw a couple of plates in the microwave,” he said, holding out a hand like he was presenting a new car. “Shall we dig in?”
Prudence didn’t waste time, walking over and taking the seat being offered. She made quick work of the meatloaf and potatoes, but mostly pushed around the green beans with her fork.
Seeing Adam and Brax’s interactions reminded Prudence of her sister. Shayla had been three years older and a whole lot sassier. She was all flash and personality in the best possible way, forever twelve years old in Prudence’s mind.
The murderer who’d taken her family away had done her a small favor in blindfolding her while he performed the deed. This way, she didn’t have images replaying in her mind over and over again, and she’d learned to shut off her imagination when it came to what might have happened. The neighbor had shielded Prudence from the horror of seeing what had happened. Knowing had been bad enough.
She listened as Adam and Brax talked about their family drama. If not for her aunt and uncle, she would feel very alone in the world. She was thankful she had them, at least.
The idea of being part of a big family had never appealed to her before. Except being in this kitchen, she could almost smell the fresh cookies around the holidays. She imagined pies and more food than anyone could eat. Somehow with all the guys on this ranch, she doubted there would ever be a leftover no matter how much food was placed out on the island or the kitchen table.
She secretly liked the fact they’d eaten in the kitchen over the formal dining room she’d walked past earlier. It was nice in there, don’t get her wrong, but there was something cozy in this room. It was warm and informal, like she imagined a family meal should be.
Growing up, she’d eaten most meals from a TV tray while watching nighttime soap operas with her relatives. They’d been kind people. And yet, she missed her parents and sister. Her mother’s singing.
The memory came back full force earlier in the bedroom with Angel.
“I better get going,” Brax finally said after dessert and coffee. He turned to Prudence. “It’s nice seeing you again.”
“I feel the same,” she admitted, and it was true. She might not want to get attached to Adam or his family, but they were intelligent and warm. It would be impossible to completely turn off her affection for them. Of course, she’d only met two of his brothers. Fallon had always been nice to her, even when others walked right past. There must be something about the Firebrand bloodline that made them kind to strangers.
Despite Adam not being as close with the others, she’d never heard a bad word about anyone in the family. Then again, she would be last to hear gossip. Keeping to herself had some advantages. Plus, she interacted with her clients on an almost weekly basis.
Why did her old life seem empty to her now?
A week ago she’d been more than happy with her small existence. She had the occasional date when she went into Austin, but no one who blew her hair back. She started to say, “Like Adam,” but stopped herself.
She enjoyed the anonymity of living in town and blending in. Everyone left her alone and she did her own thing. Suddenly, her life sounded lonely, which was strange because it was exactly what she’d built.
Being with Adam had her realizing there was so much more out there. Interesting conversation. Someone who made her feel incredibly beautiful without ever saying the words. Someone who made her feel safe even though he also made her feel things she’d never experienced. Like chemistry beyond her wildest imagination. And the pull of the hottest kisses that would turn into the most mind-blowing sex she would ever have.
She stopped herself right there. The last things she needed to be thinking about were sizzling kisses and blazing inferno sex.
“How’s the little girl?” Brax asked, motioning toward the adjacent room.
Interesting that Adam hadn’t told his brother and best friend that she might be related to him.
“Doing all right. Might have bad news on the mother,” Adam said.
“That’s a shame.” Brax shook his head. The news clearly affected him.
“We’re waiting on word from the sheriff to figure out the next moves,” Adam informed. “But she’ll be here for the time being.”
“Good of you both to step in like this,” Brax said. “I’ll cover for you on the ranch. Take all the time you need.”
“I appreciate it,” Adam said. Their affection for each other sent warmth spiraling through her.
It wasn’t the first time she’d gotten all warm and fuzzy while witnessing a family moment. The rare time she went to the park and saw a father teaching his son or daughter how to ride a bike or watched siblings holding hands practically gutted her. She’d teared up at a commercial more than once. Don’t even get her started on movies. She carefully curated those to avoid touching family moments. Why torture herself?
Time made it easier and she truly was grateful to have an aunt and uncle willing to step in. She might not have been close with them, but that didn’t stop her appreciation for what they’d done.
Brax excused himself and took off down the hallway toward the front door.
“Mind if I get some fresh air?” Prudence asked, nodding toward the back.
“Go right ahead,” Adam said, as he bit back a yawn.
“Are there any dogs I need to worry about back there?” she asked.
“Nothing to worry about. Most of the animals prefer to stick around the barns this time of year. If you walk that far, you might run into a dog or two. All are used to folks and friendly,” he said. “But you probably won’t see any.”
She must’ve frowned because he asked, “Can I ask why you don’t have a pet? It’s obvious you care about them.”
“Too much commitment,” she said before heading toward the back door.
She glanced back at the house and more of those Normal Rockwall images crept in. A fireplace lit on a cold night. Christmas decorations everywhere during the holidays. People laughing and the hum of chatter drifting outside.
Was a life like that possible for her?
She’d never once allowed herself to imagine it. Why was that? Could she call her aunt and uncle and ask them what was broken inside her? Why she didn’t grow up dreaming of having a family of her own or cut out pictures of her future wedding dress?
Why couldn’t she see herself with a husband and kids?
A little voice in the back of her mind added, until Adam. But she quieted it down before it could get going. Of course, she would feel a certain pull toward the man who’d rescued her in the trees out on ranch property. Of course, she would fall for his daughter. Angel was more description than name. The little girl had wormed her way in Prudence’s heart from the minute she could remember looking down at her.
Prudence could feel the spark between her and Adam. She’d have to be crazy not to. But it didn’t mean anything. Besides, she had a feeling his life was about to be turned upside-down when the paternity news came in.
He might not be ready to admit it yet, but the likelihood he was Angel’s father was high.
Right now, she would set all those thoughts aside and let the warm breeze tickle her face. This place had a magic of its own. The lawn was something out of a magazine with a large oak tree complete with tire swing off to one side. There was a dotting of trees to shade the house, no doubt planted a hundred years ago when the home was built. It had clearly been updated since then. The trees had stretched toward the sky before reaching toward each other to create a shield over the magnificent two-story.
Stretching her legs felt good after being in the truck for a more than two hours round trip. She’d never been one for long car rides. She extended her arms out to her sides, then clasped her fingers and brought her hands up over her head.
Holding the baby for hours on end might be satisfying, but it was hard on the body. She dropped her arms to her sides and then shook out her hands, needing to get the blood flowing again.
After a couple of laps around the house, she entered the house through the same door she used earlier.
“She just walked inside.” Adam stood at the island with his cell phone on speaker as he locked gazes with her.
Alarm bells sounded in her mind and an ominous feeling settled over her. She recognized the tone.
“What?” she mouthed to him.
He motioned for her to stand next to him. She walked to the opposite side of the island and planted herself by placing her palms down, arms spread out.
“I’m here,” she said.
“Good. I’d like for both of you to hear this together.” The voice was easily recognizable as Lawler’s. There was a buzz in the background. His radio squawked and she heard something that sounded like road noise.
Her chest squeezed.
“We’re listening,” Adam said with a weary look that said he didn’t want to hear more bad news any more than she did. They’d had enough for one day, more like a lifetime when she really thought about it.
“Deputy Smithfield stopped by to talk to your clients a few minutes ago.” Lawler paused just like he’d done the last time he’d delivered bad news.
“What did they say? Were they understanding?” Prudence hated letting her clients down, and yet there wasn’t much that could be done.
“They’re deceased,” Lawler said with a reverence normally reserved for church service on Sunday.
Prudence’s stomach roiled.
14
“I’m going to be sick.”
Adam couldn’t get around the island fast enough. Prudence spun around in time to empty the contents of her stomach into the sink. With her background, this ordeal must be bringing up all kinds of horrific memories. And, if not memories, then emotions.
He wet a paper towel as she rinsed out her mouth. With the faucet sprayer, he hosed down the bile as she took the offering from him and pressed the cool rag to her forehead.
Lawler waited patiently on the line as Prudence gathered herself.
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled.
“Hey,” he said, “Don’t ever apologize for having feelings. Okay?”
She pushed her hair off her face, tucking a loose tendril behind her ear. Her cheeks flushed but he couldn’t tell if she was embarrassed or nauseous again.
“Mind if I grab a glass of water?” she asked.
He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. She took the offering and pressed it against her cheek, then her neck.
At least the baby was sleeping in the next room.
“Let me know when you’re ready to continue,” Adam said to Prudence. “Or, I can take it from here.”
“Thanks, but I need to hear this,” she said, walking back to the island. “Please, keep going.”
“Are you sure?” Lawler’s tone told Adam the story was about to get worse. Much more so.
“I can handle it. I was just caught off guard before,” Prudence said, opening the top of the bottle before taking a long drink.
“It never gets easier to hear something l
ike this,” Lawler admitted. “I’ve been on the job as sheriff for a decade now and I can attest to the fact.”
“I can imagine,” she said, bringing her free hand up to cover her heart. “I’m ready now.”
“The scene is set up to look like a murder-suicide,” Lawler continued.
“What do you mean by ‘set up’?” Adam clued in immediately to the word choice.
“Exactly that. I think it’s been arranged to throw us off track. The connection between cases is Prudence and the baby,” Lawler said.
“Why do you think that?” Prudence asked, referring to the set up.
“There’s a suicide note.” Lawler hemmed and hawed on this next part. He didn’t seem too eager to share what it said.
“Who wrote it?” Prudence asked.
“Allegedly, Mrs. Ramsey,” he supplied.
“I’m guessing she explained why she killed her husband,” Prudence continued after taking another sip of water.
“According to the note, he was having an affair,” Lawler said. “In the times you were around them, did they seem like a happy couple to you?”
Prudence’s forehead creased. “Yes. Most people who went on vacation together were pretty excited to see me so they could leave and spend some time together. They weren’t any different.”
“So, you never witnessed any arguments between the two of them?” he continued.
“No. To be fair, I was never around the couple. I watch their dog. Miss Peabody is their bichon. Hutch is their lab. He’s all over the place with his energy but make no mistake about it, Miss Peabody is the one in charge. Why?” she asked.
“Because according to this note, Mrs. Ramsey killed her husband and named his mistress, saying she had to kill her too.” Lawler got real quiet. “The mistress named in the note is you.”
Adam didn’t believe it for one minute.
Prudence blinked a few times, trying to let Lawler’s statement sink in. She knew she wasn’t having an affair with Mr. Ramsey or anyone else for that matter. At the present time, her heart wanted to be with the impossible man in the room with her, his hand on her lower back.