by June Faver
“Honey, you worry too much,” Colton said. “I have a feeling things are going to work out fine.”
She rested her head against his chest. She couldn’t imagine how anything at all could work out fine.
* * *
After the funeral was over and all the guests were gone, Big Jim tromped out to the horse barn. That was the one place he could get away and have a little time to himself.
Of course, he didn’t mind if Colt or Beau joined him, but Colt seemed to have his mind on only one thing, and that was courting the lovely little Miss Dalton.
Big Jim had watched her all the way through the funeral. She was doing pretty good with that wounded act. And Colton was rising to the bait. He was all over her, holding her hand or putting his arm around her. He looked like he wanted to carry her away with him, and he probably did.
Now everyone in the county knew Colton was head over heels in love with this little opportunist.
Sure, Big Jim couldn’t blame her. She probably didn’t know where her next meal was coming from and Colt looked like a steak dinner.
He stepped inside the big steel building, at once on alert when he heard a scraping noise. As quietly as he could, he crept toward the source of the sound. He leaned around the corner and spied Mark Dalton cleaning out the horse stalls.
The kid’s face was set in grim determination, but he worked steadily. Not what one would expect on the day he’d buried his father and older brother.
Big Jim stepped into the huge room lined with stalls. “Hey, young fellow. What are you doing out here?”
Mark jumped and turned toward him. “Hi, Mr. Garrett. I was just taking care of the horses.” He swallowed hard. “It’s my job.”
Big Jim swiped his Stetson off his head and raked his fingers through his thick mane of silver hair. “Seems to me I heard about that arrangement. Well, I don’t think anybody expected you to do your job on the same day you buried your father.”
“Why not?” Mark asked. “The horses don’t know any difference. Somebody still has to take care of them, no matter what.” He resumed his cleaning.
Big Jim settled his hat back on his head. Pretty smart kid. Maybe somebody had raised him right. Big Jim leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms over his chest. “So, how are you doing, son? I know it’s been a rough week for you.”
“I’m okay.” His brow furrowed, and he kept his head down.
“And your sister. How is she doing?”
The kid blew out a breath and leaned on the shovel. “She’s worried. She said she has to find a job so she can take care of me.” He gazed at Big Jim earnestly. “But I don’t need anybody to take care of me… I’m the man of the family now, so I should be taking care of her.”
Big Jim’s chest tightened. He found it difficult to speak. “That’s a mighty admirable attitude, son…but you need to finish up your schooling first.” He cleared his throat. “It’s Mark, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir.” He commenced shoveling again.
“Well, Mark, what kind of work is your sister looking for? What has she done in the past?”
Mark set the shovel aside again. “Nothin’, I guess. She was in college in Oklahoma to be a librarian.” He tightened his lips. “She loves books, but then when Daddy got sick, she came home to take care of him.” He shrugged. “Maybe there’s some sick people who need somebody to be nice to them. She’s real good at that.”
Big Jim swallowed hard. “Maybe.” He continued to watch young Mark work in the stable. He cleaned out the stalls of the horses Colton had purchased and then set about doling out feed and water.
Big Jim thought about the girl, Misty. He hadn’t realized she had any education at all. He blew out a breath. Librarian, huh? And she had dropped out to care for her terminally sick father. Maybe she wasn’t just a scheming little gold digger after all. At least, he had to give her the benefit of the doubt.
Big Jim huffed out a deep breath. He hoped there was more to her than just her beauty.
Chapter 7
Leah found Misty sitting on the little patio off the dining room. She had a faraway expression on her face and her hands folded in her lap. Leah almost hated to disturb her, but she had good news.
“I called Breck, and he said he would meet with us Monday at ten.” Leah grinned at Misty. The hope that sprang to life in Misty’s eyes was heartrending.
“Really? You mean he might hire me, even though I have no experience doing anything in the legal field?”
“Relax, Misty. It’s not like he has a large talent pool to choose from. You’ll do fine. And I promise to train you.” Leah sat down on the bench beside her.
Tears formed in Misty’s eyes. “Oh, that would be wonderful.” She sighed and glanced down. “I don’t want to get my hopes up.”
Leah slipped her arm around Misty’s shoulder. “I have a feeling you’re going to find just the exact right fit. There’s no hurry. You can stay here until you do.”
Misty’s large dark eyes opened wide. “Oh, no! We can’t do that. We’ve imposed too much already.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. We have plenty of room, and I know Colton is enjoying having you here.” Leah sobered. “And besides, Colt said it was dangerous for you and Mark to stay at your ranch. There’s a murderer out there on the loose. Better to be safe than sorry.”
Misty nodded doubtfully. “Yes, I suppose. But we won’t be alone. We have Paco and Rosa living with us. They’ve been with us forever.”
Leah heaved a deep sigh. “I’m sure they have, but aren’t they pretty old? Seriously, how much help would they really be in an emergency?” She shook her head. “I mean, a twelve-year-old boy and an elderly couple would not be much help if you were in danger. I’m sure the person who murdered Joe will be caught eventually, but in the meantime, you owe it to Mark to stay alive.”
Misty grimaced. “I—I know, you’re right. But if I can get a job, I’ll need to find us a place in town. The truck was wrecked, and it looks like the bank is going to take the ranch. I don’t know what’s going to happen to Rosa and Paco.” Her brow furrowed as she shook her head. “There’s just so much.”
Leah patted her on the shoulder. “Yes, there is. That’s why you need to stay here and let things get sorted out one by one and not try to make everything happen like magic. I don’t know about you, but my magic wand is fresh out of bullets.”
Misty raised her head and laughed. “Thanks for everything, Leah.”
Leah rose and gave Misty an encouraging smile. “Let’s see if the guys left us any coffee. If not, I’ll make a fresh pot.”
* * *
Tyler’s tour bus made its way across the country. He sat with his head against the window and a pillow behind his neck. He hoped to get some rest, but his brain was crawling with the difficulties going on back at the Garrett ranch.
Beau and Big Jim were not fans of Colton’s new girlfriend, but Leah and Gracie thought she was wonderful. He had to be careful what he said when he was talking to his girls.
The main problem was that the surviving Daltons were in the process of losing their family home and land. For a ranching family, that was the ultimate disaster.
But when he talked to Colt, he had nothing but admiration for this Misty. He had never heard his big brother go on and on about any female. He knew Colton had completely lost his heart to her…maybe his head too.
Ty sighed and took out his cell phone. He pushed Leah’s number and waited for her to answer.
“Hi, Ty.” It was Gracie who answered.
“Hi, sweetie. How are you?”
“I’m good. Mark is tutoring me in math, and I got a ninety-five on my test this week.”
“That’s awesome. I’m so proud of you.”
“Mommy said to tell you she’s coming and I’m supposed to entertain you.”
“I see.” A br
oad grin split his face. “Well, you’re doing a great job. Tell me about this Mark guy. He’s Misty’s brother?”
“Yes, and he’s my friend. He rides on the bus with me, and nobody bothers me when he’s sitting beside me.”
Ty recalled too vividly when Gracie had been bullied on the bus. “That’s a good thing, honey. I’m glad you have a friend.”
“Here I am,” Leah said. “I was just finishing up in the kitchen.”
“Not a problem. I always enjoy getting to talk to my Gracie girl. It sounds like Mark is being a good friend.”
“He is,” Leah said. “He’s such a serious little boy, and he’s been through so much lately. He takes care of some of the horses after school too.”
Ty adjusted his pillow. “Must be a nice kid.”
“He is. I think Misty has done a good job helping to raise him. He’s pretty horse crazy, but Colt and your dad have both taken him under their wings.”
Ty huffed out a breath. “So, how is Big Jim feeling about Colt’s girlfriend, Misty, now? Has he warmed up a bit?”
It was Leah’s turn to hesitate. “Maybe. I think he’ll come around eventually. You know he hates to admit he’s ever wrong.”
Ty laughed out loud, gaining the attention of some of his bandmates. “I don’t ever recall Big Jim Garrett admitting he was wrong.”
* * *
Two identical vehicles traveled from the Garrett ranch to the church. Big Jim drove his big silver diesel truck with the Garrett ranch emblem on the sides. Gran sat up front with him, while Leah, Gracie, and Beau rode in the back seat. Colton drove Misty and Mark in his truck that was identical to his father’s.
Going back to the church so soon after the funeral made Misty’s stomach tense up. When Colt pulled into the pea-gravel parking area, she realized her jaw was so tight she had to consciously unclench it.
“Here we are,” Colt announced. He parked right beside his father’s truck, but it was already empty. “Let me get that door for you.” He jumped out on the driver’s side and made his way around to open her door. He looked so sweet standing with his hand held out to assist her that she wanted to cry. But it seemed everything was making her cry these days. Better stop being such a baby and gut up, girl.
Mark scrambled out of the back seat as she placed her hand in Colton’s. She loved the way he tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. He was so strong. He made her feel safe for the first time in a long time.
When they entered the church, she sucked in a deep breath and steeled herself for the pity and the scorn she figured the churchgoers would have for the Daltons who were still lingering on with the Garretts.
Thankfully, Mark was oblivious to any negativity. He was just glad to be able to work with Sam.
She looked around, wondering where they would sit, but Colton went straight to the pew where the Garretts always gathered.
Big Jim was sitting on the outside, with Gracie, Fern, and Leah next to him and Beau on the opposite end. When Big Jim saw Colton coming his way, he scooted over to make room. With no fear, Mark slid in next to the Garrett patriarch, and darned if Big Jim didn’t smile and slide his arm along the back of the pew where Mark was sitting. Not actually touching him, but it looked friendly anyway.
Misty swallowed, glancing at Big Jim, who looked friendlier than he ever had in the past. She had always thought he had some kind of problem with her, but he appeared to be downright human at this moment. She wondered what he’d had in his coffee that morning.
She sat down beside Mark, surreptitiously glancing at Colton’s father. Yes, he had the same big, strong physique as Colt and the same intense blue eyes ringed with dark lashes, but where Colt’s eyes reflected kindness and humor, Big Jim’s looked steely and critical.
Reaching for a hymnal, she glanced over the songs listed on the handout. She knew them all by heart—had known them since she was a young girl listening to her mother’s sweet soprano.
The pastor entered from the side door and took his place behind the pulpit. He looked out at those gathered together and led them in an opening prayer. He prayed for the local men and women serving in the armed forces and for the ill and infirm. He prayed for the souls of the departed, and he prayed for the welfare of his flock.
His words gave a bit of comfort to Misty. Life would go on…hopefully…
Colton slipped his arm behind her on the back of the pew, much as Big Jim had his arm behind Mark. It was as though the two big men were surrounding them with their strength.
Misty took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She smiled at Colton and felt for the first time that maybe—just maybe—things might work out okay.
* * *
After church, Big Jim always took his family out for lunch. Today, his “family” was a little larger.
Colton had sensed his father had some reservations about Misty. He couldn’t for the life of him see any reason Big Jim wouldn’t be as crazy about her as he was. He blamed Beau for Big Jim’s negative take in the first place.
He was certain that, in time, his dad would come to appreciate her finer qualities. At least he hoped so. He knew Big Jim could be stubborn, and once he’d set his mind to something, it was tough to change his opinion.
Today, the Garrett party was seated at a long table at Tio’s. There were only three restaurants in town, and this was a favorite. Big Jim was holding court at one end of the table, with Colt at the other. Gracie, Fern, and Leah sat on one side, and Beau, Mark, and Misty on the other. Of course, Colton had seated Misty next to him.
He thought this was a good arrangement, because Misty and Leah sat across from each other and were chatting about Breck Ryan, the attorney. And the two kids were across from each other, flanking Big Jim.
Colton was glad Mark seemed to have gotten acquainted with Big Jim. They appeared to have bonded over their mutual love of horses.
Big Jim ordered fiesta platters all around, even though Leah protested that it was much more food than she or Gracie could eat.
Colton figured it was too much for Misty as well, but she kept mum about it. He suspected she was terrified of his father, and he wasn’t sure how to bridge that gap.
When the platters were served, everyone dug in with gusto. Flour and corn tortillas were passed around, along with little bowls of both red and green salsa.
“How’s your food, little lady?” Big Jim called down to Misty.
She looked startled but responded, “It’s delicious, Mr. Garrett. Thank you for asking.”
Big Jim blotted his mouth on his napkin and set it aside. “Now looky here, young lady. You’re gonna have to start calling me Big Jim. Otherwise you’re gonna hurt my feelings.”
Misty set her napkin aside and gazed at him coolly. “And you’re going to have to start calling me Misty instead of young lady. Is that a deal?”
There was a long stretch of silence.
Big Jim cleared his throat. “I’m pretty sure I can manage that, Misty. It’s a deal.” He glanced at Colton and gave him a nod.
“Thank you, Big Jim,” Misty responded with a smile.
Colton saw her hand was trembling as she reached for her napkin again. He was proud of her for holding her own with his dad. He hoped they could come to appreciate each other in time.
“Well, my food is just great,” Beau piped up. He reached for another flour tortilla to demonstrate the point.
When the main meal had been eaten and everyone was stuffed, Big Jim ordered a serving of flan all around. There were groans of protest, but when the delicious caramel custard was served, everyone picked up their spoons to dig in.
Beau nodded to a trio of men just entering the restaurant. Colton recalled that Beau had gone to high school with those three.
The trio approached the table, but Beau got up and stood a little ways away to chat with them. Quickly, he returned to the table with the three i
n tow.
“Misty and Mark, you know Eddie Simmons, Ron Diaz, and Stan Lynch. They were friends of Joe’s.”
Although she had always thought these three had been a bad influence on Joe, she managed a nod of greeting. “Yes, I know Joe’s friends.”
The three stood, looking ill at ease and shuffling their feet until Eddie spoke up. “We just wanted to tell you how sorry we are about Joe’s accident. If there’s anything we can do, just let us know.”
The other two muttered “sorry” as a chorus.
Misty sucked in a deep breath and let it out. “Thanks. Mark and I appreciate it. I’m glad Joe had such good friends.”
Eddie leaned close and whispered something in her ear. She nodded and replied in a voice so low Colton couldn’t hear it.
“Let me know,” Eddie said, and the three friends went to a table across the restaurant but kept casting glances back at the Garrett table.
“You know those guys?” Colton asked Beau when the Garrett party was leaving.
“Yeah. They hung with Joe. They were in my graduating class, but I really don’t know them very well.” Beau shrugged. “Ron was in band, but he dropped out. Stan was a nice enough guy, but Eddie’s always been a jerk…at least in my humble opinion.”
Colton glanced back at the three huddled around a table. Something about them made him uneasy. He slipped a protective arm around Misty and Mark as they walked out of the restaurant.
When he had Misty safely in his truck and Mark was climbing into the back, he asked her what Eddie Simmons had said to her.
Misty shrugged. “He just asked about the ranch. He asked if we knew how much longer we would be able to keep it before the bank took over.” She pressed her lips together. “I guess it’s no secret. Everyone must know we’re losing the ranch.”
Colton gazed at her, wondering if everyone could be wrong.
* * *
On Monday, Leah drove into Langston, with Misty in the passenger seat. She was driving Tyler’s red Ford pickup because her husband hated her driving her old beater of a car. She always felt empowered when she was driving the truck. Sitting up so high gave her an entirely new perspective.
