Storms Over Texas

by Tessa Gray

  After she arrived with their drinks, they sat quietly, listening to the boys discuss what they’d be wearing for Halloween. While Caden didn’t say all that much, he appeared to be in a slightly better mood.

  Jake continued glancing about the café, giving her the opportunity to study the worry lines along his face. Was he having second thoughts about taking the boys in?

  Attempting to lighten things up, she began talking about the café. “I’m really happy about the way things turned out. This place is everything I wanted it to be.”

  “It’s an amazing place you have here, and I intend to let everyone within a hundred-mile radius know how excellent your food is.”

  “Wow, a marketing expert that works for free.” She laughed after she said it, and he dipped his head.

  When Caden climbed from the stool he’d been sitting on and walked over to the window, staring outside, Rachel followed him.

  “Caden, how about I give you a tour of the place? I’ll show you where the supplies are kept. You’re practically grown up, so it won’t be long until you’re old enough to work here.” She glanced over at Jake, adding, “In the event you do end up working here, I’ll pay you well.”

  “A job. Like, I’d have a job.” The boy stared at her, a stunned expression on his face.

  “Not right now, but eventually.”

  Caden followed her to the back room, and she breathed a sigh of relief. Hopefully she’d get to the bottom of what was bothering him. A kid ten years old shouldn’t be this sad.

  Chapter 19

  Caden sat on the chair Ms. Rachel pulled out for him and played with the cookie cutters.

  “Which ones do you think I should use for my first day of official business on Monday?”

  He stared at all the choices, and it was hard to pick. But she was watching him, waiting for an answer. “Well, the Batman is pretty cool. My brother’s going to be Batman for Halloween.”

  “Maybe I can make some Batman cookies up before he goes trick or treating. Thanks for the suggestion. You’re a good brother to tell me how much Parker likes Batman.”

  He smiled. He kind of liked this lady. She knew how to talk to kids and didn’t use all those big words.

  “What are you going to be for Halloween?”

  Her question made him sad because even though Parker was excited about dressing up and going trick or treating, he wasn’t. When he didn’t say anything, Ms. Rachel put her head almost level with his, like a teacher who wants you to answer a question.

  “I was going to dress up like Minecraft, but they don’t really have costumes I like. It doesn’t matter, though. I’m not going to go trick or treating. I can just stay home with Kathryn. I’ll keep her company because she’s moving soon.”

  “That probably makes you sad, doesn’t it?” She smiled at him and picked up one of the cookie cutters.

  “I’ll miss her a lot. I like Jake, but I like her too.”

  “Even though you’re moving in with Jake, I’m sure Ms. Kathryn knows you and your brother love her very much. And I bet Jake will make sure she visits you often. Maybe you can fly to Florida sometime and see her. Who knows, maybe you could go to that big, awesome amusement park when you’re there.”

  He shrugged and watched her playing with the Batman cookie cutter. “I hate Halloween. It makes me sad.” After he said it, he wished he’d kept his mouth shut.

  “I’m very sorry to hear that. Even though you’re not planning to go trick or treating, how about if I make you a costume just in case you change your mind?” Her voice was soft, kind of like his mom’s used to be before she and daddy started fighting so much.

  He didn’t really want to think about how much his parents had fought, but Rachel was so nice, and all. Maybe he should tell her what was really bothering him. “Parker’s too little to remember this, but I remember. About Halloween, I mean.”

  When she put her hand on his shoulder, he felt like he might cry. “Sometimes it helps to talk about things, Caden.”

  “My mom used to buy us costumes before Halloween. It cost a lot of money. My dad got mad when he came home from work, and he’d . . .”

  “He’d what, Caden? What would your father do?”

  When she handed him a tissue, he finally told her. “My dad hit her and yelled at her. And then he left the house. By the time it got dark enough to go trick or treating, I didn’t even want to. But Parker did, so we went. That was the last time I saw my dad.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear this.” She handed him another tissue and patted his shoulder. She was a very nice lady. She made a kid want to talk about things that bothered him. Her next question surprised him. “Have you told Jake about this?”

  He shook his head, “No, I don’t tell Jake stuff like this. I don’t tell Ms. Kathryn either.”

  “You know, Jake grew up in a similar situation. He didn’t live with his parents, either. He doesn’t talk much about it, but I suspect his childhood was sad. He wants to make yours a much happier one, Caden. That’s why he’s taking you boys in. Ms. Kathryn loves you very much, but I think she knows that Jake needs you, and you need Jake. And considering all that’s happened to you boys, I think that’s pretty wonderful, don’t you?”

  When she wiped her eyes, he didn’t know what to do. “You-You’re crying, Ms. Rachel. I didn’t mean to make you sad.”

  “Oh, sweetie, I’m crying because I’m happy, happy that you and Jake will be living together, happy that I’ll be able to see you boys from time to time.”

  By the time they finished talking, Caden realized that Ms. Rachel was going to be one of his best friends.

  ~ ~ ~

  Jake looked up when Rachel and Caden returned to the dining area. She was wiping her eyes. Clearly, something had upset her.

  Caden looked sullen, but when Rachel placed her arm about him, he leaned closer to her, as though the two shared some type of bond.

  Parker wasted no time butting in. “Were you crying, Caden?”

  Rachel quickly intervened. “He’s rubbing his eyes because it was dusty back there. I haven’t had time to clean that area. I got a few particles in my eyes, too.”

  When Jake locked gazes with her, she smiled.

  Releasing Caden, she turned her attention to Parker. “Say, Parker? Would you like me to go get the Batman cookie cutter I have? I’m going to make you a batch of Batman cookies for Halloween. And I’m going to make you a Batman costume, too.”

  Parker squealed and went racing up to Rachel, giving her a big hug.

  Placing an arm about the boy, she began leading him to the storeroom. She turned around briefly. “Jake?”

  “Yes?”

  “Why don’t you and Caden take a walk around the block to get some fresh air? I think he has something to tell you.” She chewed on her bottom lip, and stared intently at him.

  He motioned Caden toward him and placed a hand on his shoulder. Caden suddenly reached for his hand, and he squeezed it, hoping this was a fresh start for both of them.

  Rachel’s soft voice floated across the room. “Remember what we talked about, Caden. You can tell Jake anything.”

  Jake looked over at her, grateful for her expertise with children.

  When the two got outside, Jake squeezed the top of the boy’s neck gently, praying he’d be willing to share what was bothering him.

  “Ms. Rachel’s going to make me a Minecraft costume.”

  Not exactly what he’d hoped to hear, but it was a start.

  “That’s pretty awesome. She’s a darn good seamstress. The costume will be fantastic, I guarantee you.” He paused, hoping he wasn’t pushing too hard. “So, what else did you and Ms. Rachel talk about?”

  “The reason I don’t like Halloween is because my parents fought all the time when we’d go trick or
treating. My dad got so mad he left. And he never came back.”

  “Oh, buddy, I’m so sorry.”

  The boy stopped in his tracks and stared down at the sidewalk. “I don’t really want to talk about it anymore. I told Ms. Rachel all about it, but can we stop talking about this? It makes me too sad.” When several tears spilled down the boy’s cheeks, Jake couldn’t hold back the rush of emotions bursting inside him. He’d had a horrific childhood, and this was the last thing he wanted for Caden.

  Gathering his foster son in his arms, he smoothed his hair. “I love you boys with all my heart, Caden. And I promise to do everything I can to make you happy and make us all a family. I wouldn’t have agreed to take you in if I didn’t love you. You’re my world now, you two boys. So how about if we work together and talk things out when you’re ready?”

  Caden hugged him back, and for the first time since he’d been with the boys, Jake had the feeling that down the road, he’d be watching these kids turn into fine men that would make anyone proud. And he intended to work his butt off toward achieving that goal.

  ~ ~ ~

  Rachel glanced over as the two boys played on her computer. Since the walk Jake had taken with Caden, the boy looked much more relaxed. While Caden hadn’t said much about the talk, he was definitely in a much better mood.

  As she and Jake sat at a table, he walked his fingers across the table, and she smiled. Body language. With Jake, it was all about body language. He laced his fingers through hers, and she sighed.

  He leaned into her and spoke, his voice raspy. “You know, you’re amazing with the boys. You can totally get a read on a kid in about five seconds flat.”

  She blushed at the compliment, grateful she’d at least broken through the ice with Caden-for today. Tomorrow, of course, would be another day. That’s how kids were. Just when you thought you had them all figured out, they proved you wrong.

  He squeezed her hand. “Know what I’m thinking?”

  “No, actually, I don’t.”

  His eyes blazed, the amber flecks lighting up as he sat up straight in the chair. “I’m thinking that as a way of paying you back for all you’ve done for my boys, I should reward you by taking you out for dinner.”

  “That seems like a fair trade-off.”

  “I’ve got the perfect place in mind. It’s a pretty fancy place, so I’ll buy a suit.”

  “That’s not necessary—”

  “It is, Rachel. It is necessary. You’re off Sunday, so I’ll pick you up around six. Plan for a late evening. Kathryn will have the boys, so it’ll just be the two of us.” His tone was husky, and as she studied the serious expression on his face, she couldn’t wait for Sunday to come.

  Chapter 20

  Rachel took Jake’s arm as he guided her inside the Paisano Hotel, located in downtown Marfa. During the 1950s, the hotel had been the location for a famous movie which was one of Meema’s favorites.

  As they walked through the wrought iron gates, Jake gazed down at her, his mouth tugging into a smile. He hadn’t bought a suit like he’d mentioned, but instead, purchased a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. He looked movie star handsome, and the fact that he’d gone to this much trouble touched her deeply.

  “I feel as though I’m walking with a movie star.” He stared at the dress she wore and beamed.

  “That should be my line, Jake. You’re the one who looks like a movie star. Seriously, you do.”

  He’d begun using a cane now but didn’t bring it with him tonight. She held his arm as they walked, adjusting her pace with his.

  They were seated the instant they walked inside the tan-colored, stucco restaurant, and to her relief, they were near a window. The maître d’ held out her chair as she glided onto the seat. Rather than sitting across from her, Jake sat took the chair closest to her. After the host left, he reached for her hand. Drawing it to his mouth, he kissed it.

  She scooted her chair even closer, and leaned against his shoulder, wishing tonight would never end. They canoodled for nearly a minute before she picked up a menu. “This is a dream come true for me, Jake. I’ve always wanted to come here. I just never got around to it. Of all the places you could have chosen, I love this the most. It was built in the same exact year The Great Depression began: 1929.”

  He picked up his menu and chuckled. “Leave it to you to know the history of the place.” When she blushed, he added, “I like that you care, Rach. Really, I do. I’m just giving you a hard time.”

  They ordered drinks, and by the time she’d finished her wine, she decided that tonight would be the night she’d tell Jake how she felt about him.

  If he didn’t reciprocate, she’d be disappointed, but she’d settle for friendship. He’d become a trusted friend, and she valued his expertise on a litany of things.

  She touched his arm, and he reached for her hand again.

  “You know, when we were together I never thought of taking you here. I wish I had, Rachel. You deserve nice things.”

  “You were busy with the business, Jake. I understand that now. I didn’t then, but I do now. Besides, the tuxedo makes up for everything.”

  Drawing her hand to his mouth again, he kissed it. His eyes twinkled and she was fairly certain he was about to joke with her. “The tuxedo is way over the top for me, Rach. I’m more comfortable in jeans and a plaid shirt, so don’t get used to seeing this West Texas cowboy all decked out like this.” He paused and continued. “But tonight is special.”

  Pulling her against him, he kissed the top of her head. When he traced her earlobe with a finger, she inhaled the woody scent of his cologne. While she was aware that Jake would always be Jake—a rugged cowboy from the West Texas prairie, his willingness to make tonight special moved her deeply. Now would be the perfect time to profess her feelings for him.

  Lifting her glass of wine to her lips, she took a sip, before setting it down. When she gazed at him, she saw the golden flecks in his eyes twinkling under the soft lighting. “It’s been a long road for you, Jake. A very long road. I’m going to tell you something, and I don’t want you to feel as though you have to say anything.”

  “This sounds rather ominous.” He grinned, but quickly grew serious. “What is it?”

  She closed her eyes, hoping she wouldn’t mess this up.

  “I’m in love with you, Jake. I have been for months. I can’t put my finger on exactly when this happened, but the fact is, it did. The reason I didn’t tell you before is because I thought you and Kathryn, well, you know . . .”

  His gaze held her, and when she saw him working the muscles of his jaw, she wondered what he was thinking. When his eyes lit up, she relaxed.

  “That’s a relief. That you love me, I mean.”

  Her heart raced, and she wondered what there was left to say. Taking a deep breath. “But like I said, you don’t have to reciprocate, Jake. I’m just speaking for myself-from my heart.”

  Draping an arm about her, he pressed her against him. “I love you too, Dallas.”

  Blinking back tears, she breathed a prayer of thanks. “Looking back, maybe I do remember the exact moment I fell in love with you.”

  “Do you, now?”

  “It was probably when you brought Caden and Parker to the diner for that baseball victory. You were sitting with them, and when I looked over, you were goofing around with them. I knew I loved you then. How about you, Jake? When did you realize you loved me?”

  “I never stopped, Dallas.”

  He began fidgeting in his chair, and she wondered if his ankle might be bothering him. “Is-Is something wrong?”

  “Oh, nothing, really. My ankle is bothering me a little. It gets stiff when I put in a long day.”

  “Then we’ll leave after dinner. Let’s get you home so you can put your feet up.”

  “I
figured you’d want to do a little dancing, Rachel. It’s only eight o’clock. The evening’s young.” He smiled and rubbed the small of her back.

  “I’ve got a better idea. When we’re finished, how about if I drive us home? That way, you can rest that leg.”

  He linked her fingers through his, his eyes penetrating her. They made eye contact for nearly a minute before he responded. “I have another idea.”

  She continued watching him, hoping they were both on the same wave length. “What’s your idea, Jake. I’m all ears.”

  “How about we stop at your place and you get your things.” The raspy tone in his voice led her to believe he had something very specific in mind, at least, she hoped he did.

  “Are you asking me to spend the night?” Although it was a rhetorical question, she wanted to make absolutely certain that they both knew what they were getting in to.

  “That’s exactly what I’m asking.”

  Her eyes pooled, and he reached over, drawing her into his arms. Up until now, she hadn’t realized how much she missed his touch. She tried to speak, but couldn’t. The hugged for several seconds and he suddenly released her, picking up a menu.

  “I guess we’d better order dinner.”

  “Yup.” His mouth twisted into a lazy smile. When the waitress strode toward them to take their orders, he whispered, “Let’s just order dinner and skip the dessert, okay? I’ve got something else in mind for that.”

  He chuckled at his own joke, and she realized that after all that had happened, after all Jake had been through, she finally had him back.

  ~ ~ ~

  Jake leaned back in bed, waiting for Rachel to return. She’d insisted he lie down for a few minutes to relieve the pressure on his ankle. He didn’t argue when she’d insisted on making him some tea. That was the part of her he’d probably never be able to change—that nurturing instinct of hers. And truthfully, given the fact Caden and Parker would be coming to live with him next month, that mothering instinct of hers just might come in handy. He didn’t mind her hovering all that much. Maybe he’d gotten used to it. And maybe, whether he cared to admit it or not, he enjoyed how she fussed over him.