by June Faver
She left the two Garrett men silently drinking their coffee.
* * *
When Misty woke up, her head hurt and her eyes were puffy. She had no more tears. She’d wept them all out and felt drained dry. The weight of the previous night’s events hit her like a semi barreling down the highway.
Joe’s dead. Daddy’s dead.
Now she had to figure out what to do about getting them both buried and then see how she was going to find enough money to support Mark for at least another six years until he would, no doubt, graduate from high school.
It had been hard enough to try to prepare for her father’s death due to his illness, but she had always thought her big brother would be there to hold the family together. Now, she was heartbroken and wondering if she was strong enough to keep a roof over her baby brother’s head.
She heard a tentative knock at the door. “Yes?” she called out.
“Hello, I brought you some breakfast.” It was a female voice.
“Oh, thanks.” Misty struggled to get up, but the door opened and a very pretty blonde woman with large brown eyes swung in with a tray.
“I’m Leah,” the woman said. “I heard about your loss. I’m so very sorry.” She arranged the tray over Misty’s lap and stepped back, smiling at her.
Misty sighed. This young woman must be their housekeeper or maid. “Thank you. I still haven’t processed it all. I’m Misty Dalton.”
“If there’s anything I can do to help, just let me know.” She turned to leave and then spun back around. “Your brother is eating in the kitchen. I think the smell of bacon got to him.”
Misty managed a weak smile. “That boy! Keeping him in groceries is always a chore.” She pressed her lips together. Too soon, she would have to be figuring that out for herself.
Leah smiled. “I have an eight-year-old daughter. The problem with her is trying to get her to eat enough to keep a bird alive.” She shrugged. “Gracie is a picky eater.”
Misty looked over the tray. “This looks delicious. I haven’t had an omelet since my mother died.”
“I hope you like it,” Leah said.
Misty took a bite, and for a moment, the heavenly taste was all she could focus on. “Delicious. Are you the Garretts’ cook?”
Leah laughed. “Among other things. I’m married to Tyler Garrett. But I try to pitch in and do whatever is needed around here.”
A fierce blush crept up Misty’s cheeks. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”
“No problem,” Leah said. “I love to cook, and being a part of the Garrett family ensures there are some hungry mouths to feed.” She opened the door to the hallway. “There’s a bathroom across the hall. I put fresh towels in there for you.”
The thought of a shower made Misty smile. “I appreciate that so much. Thank you for your kindness.”
“I’ll be back to check on you in a bit. Let me know how I can help you.” Leah slipped out before Misty could respond.
Misty made short work of downing the omelet. She got out of bed and gathered a change of clothing before opening the door and peering both ways up and down the hallway. She scampered across the hall to the bathroom and secured the door behind her.
The bathroom was large. Everything was shining white enamel or dark mahogany. There was an old-fashioned claw-foot bathtub, but there was a white-tiled shower enclosure as well.
She thought she would enjoy soaking in the tub but opted for the quick shower instead. When she emerged, she did feel somewhat better. At least the tear-streaked face had been cleaned and her eyes were less puffy.
She dressed hurriedly and carried the breakfast tray to the kitchen. The sound of voices led her to a large and cheery kitchen. Mark was sitting beside Colton at a long eating bar.
“Are you sure you don’t want more eggs?” Leah asked. “I can whip up another batch in a jiffy.”
“No, ma’am. Thanks anyway.” Mark relinquished his plate to Leah, who rinsed it and slid it into the dishwasher.
Leah greeted Misty with a smile and took the tray from her.
“Thanks so much,” Misty said. “Everything was delicious.”
Colton caught Misty with his steady gaze. She raised her hand to give him a finger wave, but he held out his arms.
Misty glanced around to see who was watching, but Leah got busy clearing things away.
An older man sat at the other end of the counter, sipping coffee.
She exhaled and went to be enfolded in Colt’s arms.
He kissed her forehead. “How did you sleep?”
Misty slipped her arms around his waist and spoke with her face pressed against his chest. “I slept well. I didn’t think I would, but I just passed out.”
“You were exhausted.” Colton drew far enough back to be able to gaze into her eyes. “Today, we need to make arrangements for your father and for Joe.”
She nodded, stepping away. “I…we have a plot. Mom’s buried there.” Straightening, she sighed. “I need to call the hospice. Dad had made some arrangements with them. I think they take care of some things.”
“Whatever you need, we’re here for you.” Colton glanced around, meeting Leah’s gaze and then that of the silver-haired man at the end of the counter. “Misty, that’s my dad, Big Jim Garrett. He got to meet Mark earlier.”
Misty nodded to Big Jim. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Garrett.”
Big Jim Garrett raised a hand. “Sorry it had to be under these circumstances, young lady.”
“Thank you, sir.” Misty pressed her lips together. “I appreciate your kindness. I just didn’t know what to do last night.”
Leah stepped closer. “Losing two loved ones in the same night is too much for anyone. You’re welcome to be here.” She reached out and patted Misty’s forearm. “I’ve got to take Gracie and my grandmother to church now. I hope you’ll join us.”
Misty covered her face with her hands. “Oh, I don’t think I can face the congregation yet. I feel like everything I’ve ever known has crumbled away.”
Colton cleared his throat. “Um, not a problem. I’m going to stay home with you today. We’ll go to church together next Sunday.”
Relief flooded her chest. “Thank you, Colt. But I don’t want you to stay home because of us. Mark and I can just be here by ourselves.”
Colton stroked her cheek with his fingertips. “That’s not going to happen. I’ll be here with you.”
When she glanced at Colton’s father, he didn’t look happy.
Colton showed her to a phone in an office and stayed with her while she called the hospice group. They helped her make arrangements to transfer her father’s remains to a local funeral home.
“How much do funerals cost?” she asked Colton. “I was in school when my mom died. Dad and Joe took care of everything.”
“That depends. They can be simple or elaborate.”
Misty nodded. “This will have to be as simple as possible. I’m glad you bought the horses. I guess that money will bury my dad and Joe.”
Colton made a call to the hospital in Amarillo and found out that Joe’s body was at the morgue. When he tracked it down, he was told it wouldn’t be released until the medical examiner had performed a complete post mortem examination. He also learned that the wrecked truck was at the crime lab being tested—for what, they didn’t tell him.
Misty sat close, watching him and listening to the information he relayed to her. Her head hurt, but at least the dull pain kept her focused.
“Do you want to have one funeral for your dad and Joe together or two separate ceremonies?” Colton held her hand and stroked the back gently.
“I think one might be less expensive. Right?”
He nodded. “The pastor can hold the ceremony at church. It would cost more to have it in the funeral home. Don’t worry so much. You’ll get through this ju
st fine.”
She heaved a sigh. “I’m sure I will, but it’s Mark I’m worried about. He’s so young to have lost both his parents and an older brother.” She gazed up at Colton. “I’m not sure I can give him what he needs.”
Colton’s brow furrowed. “Do you have any other relatives who can help you?”
Misty shook her head. “My mother was an only child, and all of my dad’s people are scattered. I would have no idea where to start looking, and even if I could find them, why would they care about us? We’re strangers to them.”
“I guess so.” Frowning, Colt drew her to him.
Just being in his embrace made her feel stronger, as though she might be able to face the trials ahead and survive.
“And I can get a job. I’m not sure what there is in Langston, but I can learn.”
“I’m sure you can. What are you interested in?” Colt gazed down at her.
“I wanted to be a librarian. I didn’t get to finish my degree because I had to drop out after my sophomore year and come home when Dad got sick.” She shrugged. “It really killed me to give up the scholarship. I knew there really would never be any extra money for my tuition, let alone living expenses.” She offered a weak excuse for a smile.
A smile spread across Colt’s face. “A librarian, huh? I can see you sorting all the books. Maybe reading to the little kids.”
“I would be in heaven. There have never been enough books to feed my reading habit.”
He stroked her cheek. “That’s nice. Maybe you can go back to school.”
“Maybe, but I can’t see that happening for a long time.” She shrugged. “I loved Oklahoma State University in Norman. It was just wonderful. I loved living in a dorm with a bunch of other girls. We had such fun.”
“I’ll bet you did. You might want to look at taking some classes online. There are a lot of programs that accept remote students. Check with your Okie friends to see if the librarian degree can be finished online.”
“That sounds like a great idea. I’ll contact them when things get a little calmer. Right now, I just need a way to support my little brother.”
She figured she could be a waitress, if she were lucky enough to find a job in Langston. But still…the thought of finishing her degree in library science put a wistful smile on her face.
Chapter 6
Tyler Garrett waited for his bride to answer her phone. He figured she was busy preparing breakfast for Gracie and Gran plus his dad and brothers. He wondered if his male relatives would be able to cook for themselves when he moved his girls to the new house being built for them.
He leaned back against the headboard in his hotel room. He was about to climb aboard the tour bus heading for another city, but he hoped to have a chance to talk to both Leah and Gracie. As a newlywed, he was feeling especially lonesome for his bride and newly acquired family.
He pictured Leah’s sweet face, her large Bambi-like brown eyes that ensnared his heart from the first day they met. “C’mon, darlin’…pick up the phone.”
“Hey, Ty!” She sounded out of breath.
“Hey, Leah. What’s going on? You’ve been running around the house?”
“Oh, so much is going on here. Do you remember a guy named Joe Dalton? He was supposed to be in Beau’s class.”
Ty frowned. “Yeah. Kind of a snarky asshole.”
“Well, he’s a dead snarky asshole. He was murdered last night. Someone shot him in the head, and then his father, who was terminally ill, passed away. He just gave up when he lost his oldest son.”
Tyler pictured the cocky young man who had grown up with Beau. “That’s terrible, but why does that have you out of breath?”
He heard her expel a long breath. “Because your big brother is in love with Misty Dalton. He brought her home with her twelve-year-old brother in the wee small hours of the morning…um…we’re having a little chaos around here this morning.”
“Whoa!” Ty sat up straight. “Did you say that Colton Garrett is in love?”
Leah giggled. “That’s what I said.”
“How did that happen? I was thinking Colt was going to be an old maid.”
“No, seriously, Ty. Colt just needed to meet the right girl.”
“Sounds like this girl is a hot mess.”
“Well, your dad and Beau sure seem to think so. Big Jim is acting like Misty is a gold digger who has set her cap for a rich man’s son.”
Ty considered that for a moment. “They could be right.”
“Oh no! Not you too.”
He could hear the disapproval in her voice. Sensing he had hit a sore spot, he quickly backed up. “Um, I mean…” He heaved a deep sigh. “Let me start over. What did my dad base his feelings on? Usually he’s pretty broad-minded.”
His usually super-feminine bride let out a snort. “Oh, puh-leeze. Big Jim Garrett has a skull as thick as concrete, and once he makes up his mind, it’s near impossible to change it. Misty is a very sweet young woman who has suffered a terrible loss. She’s very nice. You should see her with Colt. They were made for each other.”
“Oh, well…I can’t wait to meet her.” Now shut up, he ordered himself.
“I can’t wait for you to come home. I miss you so much.”
“I miss you more. I can’t wait to hold you in my arms again.” He acknowledged the hollow ache in his chest. “I’ll be home before you know it.”
She sighed audibly. “No, you won’t. But I’m so very proud of you, Ty. Don’t let me hold you back. We can get through this.”
“Sure we can. How’s Gracie doing? Is she all ready to go to church?”
“Yes, we’re about to leave. I think it will be just Gracie, Gran, and me, though. Your dad is pouting over Misty, and Beau and Colt seem to be mad at each other. It’s gonna be a really fun day.”
“Poor baby. Hang in there, and take care of you for me.”
“Love you,” she said, her voice suddenly taking on a soft tone.
“I love you more.”
When Leah disconnected, he sat on the side of the bed for a while, trying to sort out the things she had said. His brow furrowed as he considered his father’s opinion of the woman his older brother was in love with. Big Jim was concerned that Colton might have latched onto someone who was after a piece of the Garrett property.
He picked up his bag and turned out the lights. He couldn’t recall the name of the next town they were headed for, but he trusted that the driver would get them there. He grabbed his guitar and headed down to drop off his key and board the tour bus.
* * *
Big Jim stomped out of the house. He didn’t feel comfortable in his own home with strangers there. He was confused, and he didn’t like to be confused…ever.
The Dalton kids—and they were kids—were at least polite.
Big Jim saddled his favorite horse, a sorrel gelding. He figured that whatever was eating at him could be worked out on a good ride.
He hefted himself into the saddle and headed north. There was a little rise, and he wanted to climb up on something to look out over his domain.
The Dalton boy had been quiet. Sure. Losing his father and his brother would knock the stuffing out of a boy. Big Jim shook his head. Sad. Very sad. But just because a couple of kids were orphaned, that didn’t mean Colton had to drag them into the Garrett household. He would have to have a talk with Colt. Yes, he would.
He rode, thinking about his son. Yes, he was proud of him. Colt had a great and generous heart, but it was easy to see he was totally smitten with the Dalton girl.
She was a lovely little thing. Slender with long, straight dark hair. And her eyes were dark as onyx. Yes, a stunner…but looks alone weren’t enough to base a relationship on.
Beau was right. Colton’s face betrayed how he felt about the girl… What was her name? Missy…Misty.
He had heard the Dalton ranch was hanging on by a thread. Mortgaged to the hilt because of the father’s drinking and, later, his illness. Now Arnold was gone, leaving his youngest children to pay the price for his foolishness. A real man would have sacrificed a lot for his kids. Big Jim was an expert in that arena.
Big Jim had worked his whole life to make sure his family would have something of value when he was gone. The land would only increase in value as time went on. Now Tyler had brought his bride, Leah, to live at the family ranch. Ty was building a home and putting down roots here for future generations to grow and prosper.
All Big Jim had to do was ensure that his other two sons were happily married and committed to the Garrett ranch as well. And part of his duty would be to ensure both sons married loving women who weren’t just looking for financial security. No gold diggers for my boys. No way!
* * *
Colton made arrangements with the funeral home to hold the remains of Arnold Dalton until those of Joe Dalton could be released.
The medical examiner had made his decision. Joe’s death had been ruled a homicide by person or persons unknown. The bullet had been recovered and was being compared to those used in other crimes.
Joe’s body was to be delivered sometime in the next couple of days.
Mark climbed on the bus with Gracie and went off to school. Misty didn’t want him to get behind in his schoolwork, and she thought he needed to get his mind off the loss of his father and brother.
Colton thought he would try to distract Misty by taking her for a ride. He saddled up his usual choice, Gremlin, a bay gelding, and a mare he knew to be gentle for Misty.
He’d intended to assist her up into the saddle but was a little thrilled when she approached the horse and hoisted herself up in one easy move.
She gathered the reins and glanced at him.
Colt closed his mouth and mounted his own horse. He headed out across the pasture toward the place he had been thinking about. His favorite fishing place…and the site where he might want to build his future home.
They rode in silence at a good pace.
Misty’s coloring improved, and she was smiling.
