The Rancher Takes a Bride (12 page)

“About eighteen months ago, I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. They caught it early, and they did a hysterectomy.” She blinked a few times. “They contained the cancer, and I've been cancer-free ever since. But it made me think about mortality, and it also made me realize that Lilly needs someone else. In case...”

In case anything should happen to her.

He wanted to tell her nothing would. He wanted to promise her that he'd protect her. He'd keep her healthy. But he knew that no one could make those promises.

He'd made promises like that too many times in the field. He'd promised men that they'd be okay. That they would go home to their families. All of those empty promises rushed back to him now, taunting him.

Her hands covered his. “Duke, don't. I'm not asking you to make me promises. I trust God. I'm not going to stop trusting.”

What did he say to that? Because he hadn't ever been the guy with faith overflowing. He'd been the guy who went to church when Jake dragged him. He'd said some prayers for men, begging God to keep them alive. And now, in just the past few weeks, he'd started to find a faith that felt a little different, a little more real.

What he didn't want was for this woman to be in his life only temporarily. As he sat there looking at her, head bent, hands still clasped over his, he got the feeling that God was telling him to trust. No matter what the outcome. Even if things didn't turn out the way he wanted. He had to trust.

In Afghanistan he'd made promises he'd had no right making. He'd wanted to make those men feel safe and give them hope. All too often he'd known they didn't believe his promises. But he had believed. And then he'd lost faith.

He took a deep breath, and it shuddered in his chest. “What's changed, Oregon? You said they got it all, but you came here because it made you aware that something could happen. That doesn't explain what is happening now.”

“I went to the doctor last week. They want to run some tests. I've scheduled the appointment for Wednesday when I go to Austin for Lilly's appointment.”

“And you were going to, what? Go through this alone?”

“I went through it alone the last time.”

“That wasn't on my watch.”

A slow flicker of a smile touched her lips. “You tend to take over.”

“Yeah, it's a habit.”

“I'm used to taking care of myself.”

“That's a bad habit, too,” he chided.

He had a feeling it was more that she didn't trust anyone else to take care of her. He got that. But he wasn't going to argue with her. He wouldn't be that person in her life. He'd never let her down or walk away. But words weren't going to prove anything to Oregon Jeffries.

Because he'd spent a lifetime listening to broken promises, he got that. He'd had a father that wouldn't stop drinking. He'd been told that his mother would come back. He knew that words were just words.

“What can I do?”

She looked him straight in the eyes as she held tight to his fingers across the table. “Hold me. Because I'm so tired. I'm tired of worrying. Tired of feeling like I'm not a whole person.”

It didn't take more than that to move him to her side. She stood, and he pulled her close, sliding fingers through hair that felt like silk. He brushed a light kiss against her lips before claiming her in a kiss that he hoped would show her she was still a woman. And it would take a man stronger than him to resist her.

Chapter Twelve

D
uke took Monday off. He'd have preferred taking the whole week off and maybe finding a beach on a desert island. Since that obviously couldn't happen, he sat on the deck of the diner with a cup of coffee watching the street for Boone Wilder. When he saw the old truck with the big tires turn down Main Street, he stood up and walked down the steps. Boone got out, touching the brim of his cowboy hat as he rounded to the passenger side to open the door.

The young woman getting out looked like he expected her to look. She was pretty, from money and nervous. She brushed her dark hair back from her face and surveyed the street with the few businesses and a handful of cars and trucks. Typical slow Monday in Martin's Crossing.

He waited for them, coffee in hand. He took a sip and leaned against the post. Boone spoke to the young woman, nodded toward Oregon's All Things and then he pointed to the No Bar and Grill.

Boone led her up the steps. She wore a floral dress with a jean jacket and high heels. Her cologne was sweet and young. He hoped Boone knew how to mind his manners.

“Duke Martin, this is Sissy Andrews. She's from Dallas.”

“Sissy, nice to meet you.” She took his hand in a brief handshake.

“Nice to meet you. I take it you know where my father is.”

“Yes, we do.” He showed her the picture. “You're sure this is your dad?”

“Of course. Is he sober?”

“Been sober every day I've known him. Why isn't there a missing person's report?”

“Because we wanted to keep it quiet. If customers knew that he had taken off, they would doubt if their orders were going to be filled and projects finished. We've hired investigators. They traced him to a hospital in Austin, and then he disappeared again. That's when we contacted the police for help.”

“He hasn't contacted you in over six months?”

“A few letters. A phone call once in a while. Does he have a home here?”

“He does now. For a while he slept in the Christmas nativity.”

She shook her head. “He really is sane. He's a great businessman. He's been sober for fifteen years except a relapse after my mom died. I was afraid that maybe he'd slipped.”

“Not that I know of.” Duke turned as another car pulled in. “There he is now.”

Joe got out of his old car. He stopped, stared up at the diner, at Duke, and then fixed his gaze on the young woman standing next to Duke. Joe shook his head, and even from that distance Duke saw him sigh. With slow, steady steps, he started down the sidewalk toward the diner.

“Why did he come here?” Sissy Andrews asked in a voice that wavered.

“I think you'll have to ask him.” Duke took a step away from her. He held out a hand to Joe as he climbed the stairs. Joe took the hand, shook it, and then he turned to Sissy.

“I see you found me.” He looked at Duke. “Or did you do this?”

“I did it, Joe. I had to know who you are and why you're here.”

Joe shook his head. “Being a dad changes a man. It makes him think a little more about who is in his life.”

“Yes, or in his daughter's life.” Duke patted Joe on the back. “She's been worried about you.”

“I know, and I'm sorry.”

“Were you drinking?” Sissy asked, her voice trembling just a little.

Joe walked over to a table and sat down. He pushed out a chair for his daughter, and she took it. “Dad?”

“Yes, I was drinking. But I haven't had a drink in a while. I left because I had things I couldn't ignore. I knew that Morgan would hold down the fort. I knew you'd be there to make sure he did. But I had to put some things to rest and make amends. I got sober, and I came here to finish the rest of my program.”

“Dad, why here?” She reached for his hand. “You slept in a nativity?”

He grinned at that. “It was good enough for our savior.”

“Yes, but you're a little older than he was at the time, and Texas is a little colder than Bethlehem.”

“It wasn't so bad. And I didn't stay there long. It was just, I don't know, something I needed to do. If the press heard about it, they'd think I was off my rocker and the business would suffer.”

“No one is going to know. But now is the time for honesty.”

Joe sighed. He brushed a hand over his haggard face, covered with gray whiskers. “Yes, time for honesty. But for that honesty, you have to come with me. I have someone I want you to meet.”

“Mom has only been gone...”

He cut her off, kissing her cheek as he stood. “This isn't about replacing your mother. Yes, she's been gone three years. But she was the love of my life. She looked at an old drunk, and she saw someone worth loving. Losing her, well, it almost did me in. But I still have you.”

As the older man walked down the steps, his daughter at his side, Duke knew where he would go. He knew the lives he would change. Hopefully the changes would be good.

As they crossed the street to Oregon's, Lilly came out of the shop. She waited on the sidewalk for them, a big smile on her face. When Joe reached her, he smoothed her dark hair and gave her a hug.

“You know, I think you're about the best thing ever,” the older man said. “Where are you off to?”

Lilly beamed at the older man. “I'm going to the park to hang out with friends. I can at least swing.”

“Well, you have a good time and be careful.”

“I will. Later, Joe.” Lilly's gaze landed on Sissy, openly curious before she turned to leave them. “See ya.”

Joe watched her go, and then he took a deep breath and faced Duke.

“Well, this is it. I don't know why I waited so long,” Joe said as he opened the door to Oregon's. “Foolish. That's all I can say.”

“Dad, what do you mean?” Sissy followed him inside. “Why are we here?”

The bell over the door chimed. Oregon came out of the back of the shop. She looked from Joe to Sissy, her gaze cautious. Duke wondered if she would thank him, or never talk to him again for interfering.

“Good morning, everyone.” Oregon frowned a little as she glanced Duke's direction. “Is something wrong?”

“Can we put up the Closed sign for a few minutes?” Duke asked, turning to switch the sign before she answered.

“Sure, since you already are.”

“Oregon, we need to talk.” Joe took her by the arm. “Do you still have furniture in the back?”

“Yes, of course.” She pulled away from him, her attention focusing on the other woman at Joe's side. “Are you a friend of Joe's?”

“I'm his daughter, Sissy Andrews.” Sissy held out a hand to Oregon. He wondered if they saw what he could so easily see. He didn't think so. They were too busy being wary to notice the similarities.

“Nice to meet you.” Oregon's tone brightened, and suspicion slipped away. “We all love Joe so much.”

They walked into the living area of the shop. Oregon pointed to the sofa. She sat on a stool. Duke came to stand behind her, resting a hand on her shoulder. Looking at him, he saw her expression change.

“What's going on?”

* * *

Oregon sat on the stool, willing her body not to tremble. She wouldn't jump to conclusions. It wouldn't do her any good. She waited, almost calmly, Duke's hand on her shoulder. She placed her hand over his, holding it there.

“Joe?” Duke pushed again.

“This isn't easy,” he said.

“Joe, you're making me nervous.” Oregon looked from Joe to the woman, Sissy. She appeared to be in her midtwenties and obviously wasn't impoverished.

Did this mean he wasn't the homeless man they'd all believed?

“A long time ago,” Joe began, “a kid from Dallas had a wealthy family with several profitable businesses. And he spent a lot of time drinking. He met a woman and they eloped. His family wasn't happy, but he thought she'd make everything right for him, like she could fix him.”

Oregon opened her mouth but Joe stopped her.

“Let me finish before I lose my courage. They had a daughter. Even that didn't stop him. He continued to drink and sometimes he wasn't the nicest guy in the world. Eventually his wife asked for a divorce. He gave it to her, knowing he'd never see his daughter again.”

Everything blurred. Oregon shook her head. “Joe.” It came out as a sob.

“I'm so sorry, peaches.” He got up and started toward her. She held up a hand. He stopped.

“No, sit down.” Her voice shook, and she was suddenly chilled. She moved, dislodging the comfort of Duke's hand. Too much comfort and she'd fall apart. Right now she had to hold on to whatever anger she could in order to keep from crying.

“Why?” She blinked away the tears that threatened to fall.

“I thought you'd be better off without me. I wasn't a father. I was a drunk, and I wasn't always a nice drunk.”

“You could have gotten help.”

“I know that. There are a lot of things I know now. I know that I should have gotten help. I know that I should have kept in contact and made an effort to be in your life. But I also knew your mom would keep you safe, and you'd have a good life.”

She hopped down off the stool. “A good life? My mother has been married a half-dozen times. Until I was fourteen, she tried to tell me I had to call each one of them Daddy. But they weren't, were they? And I knew that. I knew that there had been someone, and he had loved me. And then he'd disappeared. I moved more than a dozen times before I turned eighteen. Every time I would get settled and think that maybe, just maybe, this time we would stay somewhere, she'd decide to move again. You were both selfish, and I was the one who paid the price for that selfishness.”

Joe's face crumpled in regret, and tears filled his eyes.

“You're right. I can't deny that we were selfish, and you were the victim. I can only ask you to forgive me and hope we can build a relationship. I hope you'll let me be a father to you, a grandfather to Lilly.”

That meant telling Lilly. Oregon stood at the door, thinking about how she would do that. “How am I supposed to tell my daughter that her friend Joe is her grandfather?”

“We'll do it together.” Duke was at her side, his hand on her back. “Your biggest problem is that you act like you have to tackle everything alone. Maybe that's how you've survived for thirty years. Now might be the time to let other people help you. Including the father of that little girl you're so worried about.”

She closed her eyes and tried to regroup, to find the strength she'd always relied on to get her through. Duke was right, she wasn't good at letting other people in, letting them help. No one had ever been in her life long enough to be trusted that way. She hadn't been able to count on her mother to be there for her. But Lilly didn't have to live like that. Lilly had parents who would make sure she was taken care of.

“Maybe I shouldn't be here.” Sissy stood up, her hands clasped in front of her. Her dark gray eyes were filled with tears. They shared a similar heartache. Different, but similar. Oregon took a long look at the younger woman. Her sister. She saw pieces of herself in Sissy Andrews. In her dark gray eyes, in the shape of her face. They were sisters. It unsettled Oregon but it also forced her to the other woman's side.

“I'm so sorry,” Oregon told Sissy as she took her in a tight hug. “I am so very sorry that you've been hurt by this.”

“Me?” Sissy pulled back. “I can't even imagine how you feel.”

“We have a lot of time to make up for.” Oregon hugged her once more. “And I have to find the best way to tell Lilly.”

“We should tell her together,” Joe said in a gentle voice. A voice full of regret.

“There is so much I need to tell her. I don't know where to start.” She reached for the door. How had life gotten so complicated? “I need to think.”

Joe stood, as if to follow. “Oregon, I've hurt you. I know that. But I love you. I love Lilly. I've stayed here in order to build a relationship with the two of you. I should have found a way to tell you sooner, but it wasn't as easy as I thought.”

Oregon saw the similarities. Because she had waited almost a year to tell Duke that he was Lilly's father. She made eye contact with him, and he offered a grim smile.

“Joe, I do understand that it wasn't easy. I just, it's been almost thirty years.”

“Twenty-eight years and three months,” Joe said without a trace of humor. “And I've regretted every year, every month, every day.”

“We all have regrets,” Oregon said, then she pushed the door open. “I have to go.”

“Can I see her?” Joe asked as she headed out the door.

“Yes, Joe, you can see her. But not today. I can't do this today.”

As she walked down the sidewalk, Oregon realized she had company. She glanced back over her shoulder at Duke. Of course. She kept walking, but he caught up to her.

“You did this?” she asked.

“Yeah, I did this. I guess it's the fatherhood thing. I started to worry about Joe being around my daughter. I haven't cared too much about his identity. He didn't bother anyone and didn't seem to be a danger, so why push it? But I didn't want to take a chance with your or Lilly's safety. So I had the guys do some checking.”

“I wish you hadn't.”

“Oregon, he's your father. He was going to tell you eventually. He wanted to be involved in your life. My guess is, Joe was the one who has been helping people in town.”

She stopped walking. “He bought the building and deeded it to me.”

Someone had bought her building in December, and it had been deeded over to her with the insurance and taxes all paid. Of course people in town had wondered if it was Joe, or even Breezy with her newly inherited money. But now she knew. It had been her father. Joe.

“He wanted to take care of you.” Duke reached for her hand. “It's what a father does.”