by June Faver
“That’s wonderful.” Misty felt the ache of tears in her throat. “I’m sure you’ll do a great job for him.”
Mark nodded enthusiastically. “Colton said I could buy Sam back from him whenever I wanted.” He blinked and gazed up at her solemnly. “But if you need the money, I’ll give it to you instead.”
Misty grabbed her little brother in a fierce hug. “You are the very best brother ever. I’m pretty sure we’re going to be just fine.”
* * *
Colton supervised the unloading of the horses into a temporary corral. He kept an eye on the big Appaloosa stallion. Quite a handsome fellow, aren’t you? And somehow he would have the use of Sam until young Mark earned enough to buy him back. That would be fine. He was glad to give the boy a break. Colton thought the family could use the money, one way or another.
He eyed his brother Beau speculatively. “Thanks for getting Dad all riled up about Misty. What did you tell him, anyway?”
Beau shrugged. “I only passed along what you said…that you were going to marry her.”
Colton heaved out a huge sigh. “Well, remind me to repay the favor, Little Bro. I owe you one.”
“Aw, Colt.” Beau fisted his hands on his hips. “It’s just that I’ve never seen you go all ape-shit crazy over any girl before. I mean, you’ve dated some of the most smokin’-hot females known to mankind, and now you’re acting like a fool over a girl who just isn’t in your league. She’s got no education. No class.”
Colt felt a muscle twitch in his jaw. “I’m going to forget you said that, because if I think about it I might get angry.” He huffed out a sigh. “And for your information, Misty earned a full-ride scholarship to Oklahoma State…she dropped out when her dad got sick.”
“Sorry.” Beau shook his head. “Okay, I’m shutting up. You do what you want, but I’m telling you, I think you’re making a big mistake here.”
“And you think I’m going to take dating advice from my baby brother? The one who still hides girly magazines under his bed? I think not.” Colton stomped over to secure the corral after the last horse was unloaded.
Six horses were milling around in the enclosure. The big Appaloosa was clearly the leader, whinnying and nickering to show his uneasiness over the situation. He rushed around the makeshift corral with the females and the gelding following in his wake.
“It’s okay, big fellow,” Colton said. “I know how you feel, but don’t you worry. Your friend is going to be here after school on Monday, and he’ll help you adjust.” He spoke in a soothing voice, hoping to calm the horse. “In the meantime, let’s get to know each other.”
Sam paused, arching his neck to gaze at Colton with intelligent eyes.
Oh, yeah. This horse is a proud one. He’ll definitely be a good ride.
Colt let the new horses settle down within the confines of the temporary corral and got to his other customary chores. His thoughts were mulling over a wealth of new considerations.
He thought about the land his father had apportioned for his middle brother Tyler to build his new house and wondered where, on this sprawling ranch, he would choose to build. He was certain Big Jim would allow him the same courtesy. A home of his own within the compound.
Colt thought about a place where he had always liked to fish. A section of land where the creek curved around in an arc. Good to have close access to water. Good to have a handy place to fish. Yes, he could see building a cabin there…with a big deck. Maybe plant a few fruit trees.
He realized he was smiling, and he realized it was because he was picturing Misty there. He heaved a sigh. Not a good thing when he had known the girl such a short time. Maybe Beau was right. Maybe he was rushing things. Maybe he should just relax and let things play out a bit.
He went to feed the calves while giving himself a good, sensible talking-to.
* * *
When Misty called Colton, she could hardly draw a breath. She felt tongue-tied and shy.
“Hello.” The voice on the other end of the line sounded big and busy and slightly out of breath.
“Oh…Colton?”
“Misty?” Suddenly the voice changed. She could hear the smile and picture his handsome face.
“Yes, it’s me.” She paused, a warm feeling spreading through her chest as though he was right there with her. “I, uh…my dad is feeling better, and the hospice lady said he should be fine tonight.”
“Great! I was hoping you would be able to keep our date this evening.”
“Date,” she repeated, thinking of the lame boys she had dated in the past. This thing with Colton was nothing that she had experienced before. Since she had come home to care for her father, she had been dateless. She sucked in a breath and let it out. “Yes, I’ll be able to go on a date. Rosa will be here with Dad and should be able to help him with anything he might need.”
“That’s great news. I’ll pick you up at about six, if that’s okay. We could take in a movie after dinner, if you want.”
“That would be nice. I haven’t seen a film in a theater in a long time.”
“I have no idea what’s showing at the movie theater.” He paused for a few seconds. “I hope it will be something you like.”
“I’m sure I’ll like it.” She couldn’t tell him that she would enjoy anything as long as she was with him. “I—I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you for being so kind to Mark. You know he’s crazy about Sam.”
“He’s a great kid. He’s going to be here after school to start his work with the horses.”
Misty felt a tightness in her chest. “Oh, Colt. You have no idea how much that means to him…to me.”
“It’s no big deal. He can give me some real help. See you later.”
When the call ended, she stood for a time, holding her phone with both hands. The warm feeling Colton engendered stayed with her for some time.
That evening, she fed her father and spent more than a little time getting ready. She didn’t want to overdo it. Above all, she didn’t want to appear as needy as, in fact, she was feeling.
By the time six o’clock rolled around, she was a basket case. She had changed clothes several times, had put her hair up and taken it back down, and was now peeking out the front drapes to see if the big silver truck was approaching the house.
As it happened, she stepped out back to see if Joe was going to be staying at the ranch that evening.
“So you’re going on a date with one of the Garretts?” Joe said. “Well, don’t let it go to your little head. You’re nothing to him. Just a pretty piece of ass, so don’t go thinking it means anything at all. You don’t want to get knocked up and then think you got it made. You ain’t near good enough for a Garrett.” He turned away, angry. “We don’t mean nothin’ to folks like that.”
Hurt, Misty went back inside. She supposed the Garretts were a cut above the other ranchers in the area. There were a few other big ranches, and they were owned by families who had held them for generations. She glanced at herself in the mirror and straightened her shoulders. I may not be from a wealthy family, but I am worth something.
That was when Colton and Mark arrived.
“Hey, Misty,” Mark called as he came through the door with Colton on his heels. “I had the best time at Colton’s place. You should see it.”
She gave a smile in return, but it faltered, Joe’s words echoing in her head. Pressing her lips together, she sucked in a breath and started again. “Glad to hear it. Your dinner’s on the stove, so help yourself when you’re ready.”
Colton was standing just inside the door, his Stetson in hand. He somehow seemed to dwarf everything in the room. “Hey, Misty. You sure do look pretty tonight.” He looked so earnest she couldn’t believe he was being untruthful.
“Thanks, Colton. I’m ready.” She reached for her jacket and approached him.
“I’m
really glad you could make it.” His deep voice wrapped around her like an embrace.
Misty felt as though a feather pillow had exploded in her chest. “Me too.”
He held the door open for her and walked her to his truck, handing her up before taking his place behind the wheel. “Are you still up for the steak house, or is there some other restaurant you prefer?”
“No, that’s fine.”
To tell the truth, she had never eaten at the steak house, so this would be a treat on more than one level.
Colton made small talk about Mark and the horses.
“It was really nice of you to give him a job to do. He was so miserable about Sam being sold. Thank you for saving Sam and being so kind to my little brother.”
Colton shrugged. “Not a big deal. I was a boy once and just as horse crazy. I know how he feels.”
“But no one ever sold your horse out from under you, did they?”
He shot a glance at her. “Uh, no. That didn’t happen to me, but I can understand how he feels. Just glad for the help. He’s a really good kid.”
She watched the road ahead, thinking she had made the drive into Langston a zillion times yet this felt like the first time in so many ways.
Colton reached over to gather her hand in his. He lifted it to his lips and pressed a kiss to her fingers. It felt good.
She gazed at him, and he turned to meet her eyes. Swallowing hard, she tried to clear away the image of Joe telling her she wasn’t good enough for a Garrett. Maybe not, but Colton doesn’t seem to think so.
When they reached the steak house, she saw that quite a crowd had gathered. Colton tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and strolled right inside. There were people standing near the front door, waiting to be seated, but Colt led Misty to the hostess stand.
“Garrett,” he said. “We have a reservation.”
The hostess glanced at Misty and gathered two menus. “Right this way, Mr. Garrett. Your table is ready.”
He indicated Misty was to follow the hostess, and he fell into step behind her.
Misty tried not to blush when heads turned to stare at them.
Colt raised his hand to wave to several people who greeted him. He didn’t seem to be ashamed to be seen in the company of a girl from a poor family.
Colt held out the chair for her and seated himself next to her at the table. The waitress passed the menus and left.
“How do you like your steak, Misty?” Colt said.
She smiled. She had no idea how she liked her steak because most of her beef came in the form of hamburger or stewing beef. “Perfect.”
A wide grin split his face. “Me too. How about a rib eye?”
She nodded. “Sure.”
“A little salad? A baked potato?”
“Sure,” she repeated.
He gathered her menu and laid it aside with his. “Glad that’s settled.”
When the waitress came with water, Colt placed their order.
Misty took a sip of water, glancing around the restaurant. There were a few people she knew, or recognized at least. There were people she had gone to church with and a couple of people she had known in school, but for the most part, they were strangers. She wondered why it felt as though everyone was staring at her and Colton.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“No, I just…” She took a deep breath and blew it out. “Why are people staring?”
He smiled and stroked her cheek. “Probably because you’re so beautiful. I know I can’t take my eyes off you.”
She wasn’t accustomed to receiving compliments or, for that matter, affection from a man, especially in public. But Colt seemed to feel comfortable expressing himself in front of friends and neighbors.
When their meal was served, Misty inhaled the aroma of the perfectly grilled steak. She watched Colton and took her dining cues from him.
After their meal, she pulled out her cell to call her home. She spoke with Rosa, who reported that her father had watched television and fallen asleep after she had given him his nightly medication. Mark was doing homework in his room. She hung up and returned the phone to her small handbag. “Everything is going well at home. My dad is asleep.”
“Does that mean we can go to the show?” Colton asked.
She nodded. “I’d like that.”
He took her to the only movie theater in town, and they watched a film, eating popcorn from the same container. Colton kept his arm around her shoulders. Somehow she felt as though there were only the two of them in the theater.
When they walked out, she was still feeling close to Colton. He helped her into the truck and drove out of town toward the Dalton ranch. Actually, in the direction of the Garrett ranch as well.
Colton drove, holding her hand. The moonlight spilled over the long, straight highway, lighting it up like an arrow in the darkness. The headlights were on bright because of the infrequency of oncoming traffic. Folks in these parts generally turned in early, even on a Saturday night.
Off to one side of the road, Misty saw something that drew her attention.
“What’s that up ahead?” Colton asked. He pointed to a cluster of flashing lights to the left side of the highway.
He slowed the truck, easing up to the scene. “Accident,” he pronounced, pulling to a stop. He lowered the window as a state trooper approached. “What happened, Officer?”
Misty sat up and leaned forward, peering through the windshield. “Oh no! That’s Joe’s truck!” Her chest tightened as though in a vise. She couldn’t draw a breath.
Colt pulled the truck to the side of the road and shut off the motor. He opened the door and jumped from the vehicle. Turning around, he held out his arms to Misty and she leaped into them as he swung her to the ground. “C’mon,” he said, grasping her hand. They ran toward the overturned truck.
Once they were closer, Colton stopped short. “Wait here. Let me see what’s going on.”
Misty’s legs felt like jelly, but she managed to stay on her feet and watched as Colt ran toward the wrecked truck. She sucked in a shaky breath and slowly followed behind him.
He was talking to one of the troopers when she caught up to him. The trooper turned to Colton with a grimace. “He’s gone.”
“What? Where did he go?” Misty demanded. “Oh, my daddy is going to be so upset with him for wrecking the truck.”
Colton caught her by the shoulder and pulled her close. He addressed the state trooper. “What is it you’re saying?”
“The young man driving…you knew him?” the trooper asked.
“Yes, Joe Dalton. This is his sister.”
The trooper’s jaw twitched. “Miss Dalton, I’m sorry to inform you that your brother didn’t make it. The ambulance took his remains to the county morgue.”
Misty covered her mouth with both hands. It couldn’t be. Not Joe. She felt her knees give way, but Colton was lifting her…carrying her in his arms.
Colt swallowed. “How did it happen? Was there another vehicle involved?”
The trooper settled his fists against his waist and frowned. “Yes and no. There was no impact, but it appears this driver was shot from another moving vehicle. It was a head wound. He died instantly, and the truck spun off the road through the fence over there and came to a rest on its side here.” He pointed to the place the fence was broken and showed where the truck ended up. “We’re treating this as a homicide.”
Misty was shaking. “Oh no. Oh no. This will kill my father.”
Chapter 5
Colton held her tight. He was at a loss. The last thing he expected when Joe Dalton went stomping out of the Eagles Hall the night before was that he would be killed, but that was apparently what had happened.
Misty wept against his chest, her arms around his neck. Her softness bespoke her vulnerability, and the sobs that
racked her body, her heartbreak.
Colt tried to comfort her but felt totally inadequate. How does one deal with the loss of a brother? He thought about his disagreement with Beau that morning. How would he feel if one of his brothers had been killed? Beau and Tyler were every bit as precious to him as Misty’s brothers were to her.
“I’m going to take her home,” he said to the trooper.
“Wait! How can we get in touch with you?” The trooper took out a notebook and wrote down Misty’s name and phone number as well as the number to the Garrett ranch.
Colton carried Misty in his arms back to his truck and carefully lifted her inside. He fastened the seat belt around her with a grim expression on his face.
They rode in silence to the Dalton ranch. When he pulled up in front of the house, it was dark. An outside light came on, but Misty sat beside Colt as though frozen in place.
“I don’t know how I’m going to tell Dad,” she said.
“I’ll go in with you,” Colt said as he opened the door and got out. He turned to offer his hand, and she took it hesitantly.
She stepped out, and he kissed her hand. “I’m here with you.”
Nodding, she took a few steps toward the house, but the screen opened and a small Hispanic couple was framed in the doorway.
“Miss Misty,” the lady said. “Your brother…”
Misty pressed her lips together and nodded.
“Yes, we know,” Colton said.
“And your father,” the lady continued. “The ambulance come to take him to the hospital in Amarillo. He got very bad after the sheriff tell him about young Joe.”
“Oh, my poor daddy.” Misty’s voice came out as a whisper. “I should be with him.”
Colt reached out to stroke her hair. “I can take you to Amarillo, if that’s what you want.”
She gazed up at him with an expression that clutched at his heart. “You would do that for me?”
He shrugged, feeling uncomfortable. “Of course. That’s what friends are for. Why don’t you pack a bag in case you need to stay with him overnight?”
