Renegade Hearts (The Kinnison Legacy Book 3) (5 page)

“Look,” Rein held up his hand. “Before you go all Clint Eastwood on Sally’s ass, she doesn’t know details. But let’s face it, it’s been no secret that since the wedding you’ve been avoiding the woman like the plague.” He studied Dalton. “Something you’d like to talk about in that department?”

Dalton held his brother’s gaze. “No.”

Rein eyed him a moment more, sighed, and looked away. “Fine. So you’re good with her working around here a bit more?”

Dalton scratched at a nick on the Formica tabletop. “Sure.” He heard Rein snort.

“You’re lying through your teeth and this may be something you want to work out alone, I get that. But what I am more concerned about is this ‘unsure if you belong here’ shit.”

“I didn’t say here, I said somewhere.”

“Right. So explain it to me, because I’m about ready to bust a chair over your head if you don’t.”

He shoved away from the table and stalked to the back door, stuffing his hands in his pockets. He remembered barbecues, times when the three would sit out on the deck after supper and look at the stars; the times Jed let them go up to the hunting cabin to sleep over. As oldest, the ranch belonged to Wyatt, though they shared in its upkeep. The cabins had become Rein’s project, though Dalton had helped build them, but he realized lately that he’d spent most of his life since college looking for a good time. He hadn’t given much thought to the fact that one day it might catch up to him. Hell, the other day in the mirror he’d seen traces of silver woven into his dark hair. “What have I done with my life?” Frustration laced with his words.

“What?”

He glanced over his shoulder. “You heard me. You and Wyatt. You have the ranch and the cabins, you both have wives and families—well, prospects, anyway.” He raked his hand through his hair, suddenly feeling years older.

“You’re serious?” Rein asked.

“Hey, you wanted to know.”

“I had no idea that you felt something was missing from your life. Figured you were happy being unattached.”

“I am.” Dalton frowned. “I was…I am. Hell if I know. Just not feeling myself lately, I guess.”

Rein nodded. “I get that.” He eyed Dalton before he spoke, “You know, after my folks died and I came to live here, I remember feeling that way.”

Dalton looked at him in disbelief. “Jed was your uncle. You’re the one who should have felt you belonged here. We were the vagrants.”

Rein shook his head. “Nope. You can say what you want, but by the time I got here, Jed had already taught you both everything about the ranch. He’d adopted you by choice. I was the vagrant.”

“Come on, man.” Dalton began to realize how perspective could change everything.

“Hey, it’s the truth. I don’t feel that way anymore, but it’s not because of the cabins or that Jed was my uncle. It’s because I belong to a family. Brothers I could count on, watch my back, kick me in the ass when I need it, get into trouble with.” Rein grinned. “You belong here, with your family. All Jed’s dreams, all the work to make this ranch viable again doesn’t mean jack shit without you here to help see it through.”

Pressure built in Dalton’s chest. He swallowed a lump in his throat and shook his head. Feeling Rein’s hand on his shoulder, he looked into his brother's concerned gaze.

“Look, I don’t know what’s going on between you and Angelique. But whatever it is, wouldn’t it be better to stay and face it down like every other challenge you’ve ever encountered?”

He considered Rein’s words. Maybe his brother had a point. Maybe it was better to resolve this tension—whatever it was—between him and Angelique. He slapped Rein on the arm. “I don’t know, but thanks for listening to my bull.”

Rein nodded and pulled Dalton into a man hug.

“As adorable as this is, you guys think you might get your asses in gear?” Wyatt stood, arms folded, leaning against the doorframe. “The paver and asphalt guys are here. That pathway isn’t going to build itself.”

As Dalton walked with Rein down the porch steps, he felt a nudge on his arm.

“Hey, you know if you ever want to pursue this idea of finding your birth father, Liberty is damn good on the computer.”

Dalton tossed his brother a half-smile. “One challenge at a time, bro. One challenge at a time.”

***

Angelique picked at her salad, trying valiantly to ignore Sally’s remarks. “I’m so glad you called. It feels like I’ve hardly seen you since the wedding. How’s the job…and other things?”

Angelique glanced at Sally, aware of where her friend was headed. “And, no, I’m not seeing anyone. The clinic keeps me pretty busy and then I want to be home with Emilee.”

“Did I say anything about dating?” Sally looked surprised, but her smile showed her true implication. “Besides, I think it’s wonderful that you and Emilee spend time together.” She shrugged. “I love my kids at school, but now and again it’d be nice to have someone who’d, you know, care for me.”

“What are you getting at, Ms. Andersen?”

“Me? Nothing.”

“Right. As if you don’t think I didn’t notice how you gushed all over Aimee and Wyatt at the wedding. And don’t tell me that you didn’t have something to do with Rein and Liberty finally seeing eye to eye.”

Sally shrugged. “Just a nudge here and there. Then I just let nature take its course.”

“And what about you? I thought I saw you talking with Rein’s friend Hank after they got home from Vegas.” Angelique crooked her brow.

“Hank is a very nice guy. I’ve known him a long time. His sister, ugh, what a nightmare.”

“And Hank?” Angelique prodded. It felt good to chat about everyday mundane things, rediscovering normal life like reading to her daughter, baking with her aunt, girl talk with Sally.

She lifted a shoulder. “I don’t know. He’s okay, I suppose. Not really my type.”

Angelique smiled and popped a cucumber slice in her mouth. She couldn’t fault her friend for being selective when it came to men. God knows she should’ve made better choices. But the past was in the rearview mirror, at least for the moment. She’d chosen to keep that part of her life private and for all anyone in End of the Line knew, her husband had died a hero in the Middle East conflict. As long as he was in prison and adhered to the no contact decree of the divorce, to her, he was dead.

“There’s always Tyler.” Sally smiled.

Sally was on a roll. “The plumber from Tyler Plumbing and Heating? Oh, wait, I remember him from the wedding. Turned out okay. He was that geeky kid in my seventh grade science class.” Her smile faded as the reality of her childhood invaded her memory. Her life back then had been gobbled up with caring for her alcoholic mother, hiding the truth from the rest of the town. She had few memories of friends, dances, the stuff that most kids did. Football games were her singular indulgence. She attended every home game and for one reason alone—to watch Dalton Kinnsion play.

Even then, she should have known that eventually he’d break her heart, but she was a starry-eyed freshman, smitten with the upperclassmen bad boy. Lord, how she’d admired his fearless swagger, how he crossed the line—whether coming to class late or ducking into the boy’s room for a quick smoke. He barely acknowledged her presence, but in her eyes, he was the epitome of freedom—dark, forbidden, reckless. She was head over heels in love.

“There’s plenty of time yet to get back into the dating pool. Billings is full of cute guys. It’s around here in End of the Line that the
pickins’
are a tad slim.”

“Just a tad?” Angelique chuckled.

“Well, isn’t this wonderful to see you two out for a girls’ lunch.” Betty, owner and head cook of the newly renovated Betty’s café, refilled each of their water glasses. The lunch crowd had long since dissipated, which had been Angelique’s hope in avoiding those curious to know why she’d come back to End of the Line.

“It’s great to see you back in town, Angelique--or do you prefer Angie?” Betty smiled, but Angelique could see the curiosity in Betty’s eyes.

“Either is fine. I do love what you’ve done with the place, Betty.”

The older woman’s face beamed with pride as she glanced around the room. “I have Miss Liberty Belle Mackenzie to thank for that. She came in and, with that creative magic of hers, transformed this entire place. We’ve even gotten a four-star rating from the
Billings Gazette
, best little dining experience in southwest Montana, they said.”

“Congratulations,” Angelique said. “That’s big news around here.”

Betty laughed. “Honey, any news is big news around here. Speaking of news, are you two planning to go to the Kinnison BBQ next Saturday? Wyatt and Aimee want to thank everyone who helped get the house restored and the cabins up and running.” Betty grinned. “If you ask me, that Wyatt just wants to show off his gorgeous wife and baby girl.”

“As well he should,” Sally stated. “Both are gorgeous. Those boys have worked hard to create the legacy that Jed left behind. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. In fact, I was just about to ask Angelique to be my date.” She tossed her a smile.

Angelique opened her mouth to graciously decline, but Betty, oblivious, forged ahead, her eyes welling. “Those boys sure have come a long way, that’s true. Poor dears. I remember the first time Jed brought them in here. They were in a world of hurt, those three. And now, well…” She sniffed and waved away her emotions. “They’ve all turned out to be men Jed would be proud to call his sons.”

Sally sighed. “Yep, and just think, only one eligible Kinnsion male left.” Sally waggled her brows.

Angelique narrowed her gaze at her friend.

“Merciful heavens. I didn’t mean to go on so and interrupt your girl time. By the way, we’ve got some of your aunt’s double Dutch apple pie left if you all want a slice for dessert.” She winked and walked away, humming a carefree tune as she straightened chairs.

Sally picked up her glass, settled back in her chair, and eyed Angelique.

“What?”

“I just wondered if you remembered all those apple pies you used to leave in a certain upperclassman’s beat up old truck.”

The moment Betty mentioned the sweet treat, Angelique’s memory of sneaking them on the front seat kicked in. Not that it mattered now, but to admit her remembering it to Sally was akin to setting wild horses free.

“I think you must have me mixed up with someone else.”

“Oh, no. I also remember that you let that bitch Bonnie Stillman take credit for them.”

“Bonnie Stillman. Where’d she wind up?” Angelique did her best to sidetrack Sally.

“Waitressing at Dusty’s Bar for a while. I heard she moved to California last year to try to get into television.”

Though there was no reason why that news should make her happy, it did. “Good for her. I seem to remember Dalton dating just about every female in school, didn’t he?”

Sally chuckled and offered a nod.

Angelique smiled and gave her friend a quizzical look.

Sally’s hand shot up in defense. “Oh, hell, no. My mother would’ve skinned me alive if I’d gotten within ten feet of that boy.” She shook her head. “He definitely had a rep, didn’t he?”

Angelique picked at her salad, looking for a way to change the topic. “Indeed, and it doesn’t appear that he’s changed much. I’ve heard he spends a lot of time at Dusty’s. Aunt Rebecca mentioned something about a fight with a few locals a while back--New Year’s Eve, I think she said?”

Sally lifted a shoulder. “Yeah, pretty exciting night for End of the Line. We were having a fundraiser and this guy came on to Aimee—unsolicited, I might add. Wyatt and Aimee left rather abruptly and the guy--stupid as hell if you ask me--and his friends ganged up on Wyatt. Naturally, the Kinnison boys stick together.” Sally continued. “As any good brothers would do, I suspect. Anyway, Wyatt
kinda
came unglued on the guy and then Aimee came unglued on Wyatt. I didn’t see her or him the rest of the night, but guessing it must have been a turning point in their relationship, because next thing you know, we’re planning a wedding at the ranch.”

Angelique laughed. “Dalton always did love a good fight. He had enough detention to show for it.”

“Well, he’s very protective of his own, that much I know. It sounds like maybe you’ve been thinking a lot more about Dalton than you care to admit.”

Angelique stopped her with an upturned hand. “I admit I might have been a little interested at first. But he’s made it pretty clear he wants to keep things distant.”

Sally studied her. “Look, I don’t know everything. Someday I hope you’ll feel like talking about it, but I know you’ve been though a lot. I know your marriage wasn’t ideal. But time changes people, my friend. Dalton has some issues, but what man doesn’t? All in all, though, he’s a good man.”

Angelique sighed, remembering the conversation she and her daughter had had in the car the other day. “I’m sure you’re right.” She held her hand up to gain Betty’s attention and glanced at her friend. “Listen, I’m not interested in dating anyone just yet. Thanks, Betty.” She smiled accepting the ticket from the older woman.

“My treat next time.” Sally pointed a finger at Angelique. “Regarding Mr. Dalton, who, in case you hadn’t noticed, is impossibly gorgeous—just sayin’. You’re bound to run into him now and again with your entire family working out at the ranch these days.”