A Brother's Promise

by Mindy Obenhaus

  Or so she thought. But something had changed. Much the way that year she’d spent caring for her father had changed her. As his cancer progressed, he kept reminding her not to overlook the simple things in life and to put others before herself. That’s what had prompted her to step away from the corporate world for good and start a new life in Bliss.

  This time, though, it had to do with a precious little brown-haired girl who had woven her way into Christa’s heart, exposing a long-buried yearning for love, acceptance, family.

  She drew in a breath of fresh air. Sure she had Dixie and Paisley, Rae and Laurel, but suddenly she found herself longing for more.

  “Miss Christa, look at my picture.”

  She was halfway to her SUV when she heard Sadie calling. Dismissing her fanciful thoughts, she turned to see the beautiful child hurrying toward her, arms held wide, a piece of purple paper waving back and forth in one hand.

  “Good morning.” She stooped and caught the girl in a brief hug, savoring her sweetness. When she finally released her, she said, “Now what’s this about a picture?”

  Sadie proudly showed it to her. “See—” she pointed “—it’s you, me, Dixie and Uncle Mickey in the ice storm.”

  Christa took in the abundance of white that looked more like a blizzard. Then again, from Sadie’s perspective, it had probably looked like a blizzard. “You’ve even got Dixie smiling.”

  “Yeah, she smiles a lot.” A winded Sadie giggled. “That’s why I love her so much.”

  Christa stood as Mick approached, curious as to why he was frowning.

  “Young lady.” Lines creased his brow as he peered down at Sadie, looking none too happy. “What’s the big idea running away from me? You know you’re not supposed to be in the parking lot alone.”

  “But I wasn’t alone.” Sadie appeared oblivious to his concern. “Miss Christa was here.”

  Christa had been so focused on Sadie, she hadn’t even noticed that Mick wasn’t around. But watching cars move past them now sent a chill down her spine. “I was in the parking lot, yes—” she looked down at Sadie “—but I didn’t know you were until you called my name.” Christa did her best to keep her expression stern. “You should have waited for your uncle.”

  “But he was busy talking and I sawed you leave.” The child’s bottom lip protruded. “I wanted to show you the picture I drawed.”

  Christa’s heartstrings tangled into the biggest knot ever. How could she get upset with that?

  Mick crouched beside Sadie. “Princess, you could have been hit by a car. I’m sorry I got distracted, but next time, please tell me what you need. Don’t just go taking off by yourself. Okay?”

  Sadie blinked away tears. “Okay.”

  After hugging her, Mick stood and smiled at Christa, threatening to take her breath away. The cowboy sure cleaned up well. Dark washed Wranglers with a crisp crease were paired with a maroon-and-white-plaid shirt and separated by a rodeo-style silver belt buckle. Hands resting on Sadie’s shoulders, he said, “How were things at the store?”

  “Fine.” She blew out a breath. “And the cattle?” She’d prayed all the way into town yesterday that Sadie would not only cooperate but enjoy checking cattle with Mick.

  “I got to see two babies.” Sadie held up two fingers for emphasis.

  “And were they cute?”

  “So cute. I nameded the white one Winter and the brown one Freckles because he had white spots on his face.” She giggled.

  “That sounds perfectly logical to me.” And made her wish she could have gone with them. Things had felt pretty lonely when she arrived home last night. Even Dixie had seemed rather lost.

  Being at the store, however, had reminded her about Sadie’s room, something that seemed to have fallen by the wayside with the storm. So she distracted herself by playing with a design on her computer.

  “Before I forget.” She reached into her purse, pulled out a folded piece of paper with the computer rendering of Sadie’s new room and handed it to Mick. Since they hadn’t said anything to Sadie about it, she simply said, “You can look it over and let me know what you think.”

  He didn’t wait, though. He excitedly opened it right there, his eyes growing wide. “You can do this?” His look of utter amazement had her feeling a little unsteady.

  “Sure. It’s all cosmetic.”

  His smile faltered. “But what if...?”

  She knew what he was getting at even if he couldn’t finish the sentence. He was worried about the lawsuit and the possibility of losing Sadie to the Sandersons.

  Lifting a shoulder, she said, “It’s up to you. But I say think positive.”

  The corners of his mouth tipped upward in appreciation. “Do you mind if I—?” He nodded in Sadie’s direction.

  “Of course not.”

  He knelt again. “How would you like it if your new bedroom looked like this?” He turned it so she could see.

  A smile illuminated Sadie’s sweet face. “I would love it so much!”

  Peering up at Christa, he stood. “I think we have our answer. When can you start?”

  While she’d contemplated doing laundry this afternoon, it didn’t hold that much appeal. Besides, Dixie would be thrilled to spend some more time with Sadie.

  “I don’t have anything planned this afternoon. I could run over to the store now and mix the paint then come by after lunch.”

  “Little lady, if you’re gonna do all this, the least I can do is buy you lunch.”

  She cleared her throat, her gaze narrowing. “Mick, if you call me little lady one more time, I might have to hurt you.”

  His mischievous grin made those green eyes sparkle. “Is that a threat?”

  “I don’t make threats, Mick. Only promises.”

  “Well, I promised Sadie that we’d grab burgers at Bubba’s after church. Care to join us?”

  “Please, please, please.” Sadie pressed her little hands together.

  “But I have to get the paint.”

  “That’s all right.” Taking hold of Sadie’s hand, he continued. “You get the paint while we grab the burgers and we’ll meet back at your place.”

  Telling herself that the excitement she felt bubbling inside her was simply because she could relate to Sadie, empathize with what she was going through in a way few people could, she said, “Sounds like a plan.” Her gaze moved from Sadie to Mick. “I’ll see you in a bit.” Turning, she started for her vehicle.

  “What should I get you?” Mick hollered after her.

  She faced him again. “Bacon cheeseburger. No veggies. Mustard only.” She started to retreat, then paused. “And a large fry, please.”

  “You got it, little lady.” He sent her a wink that enticed as much as it irritated her. Making her wonder what she’d gotten herself into.

  * * *

  Mick’s mind was a jumbled mess when he dropped Sadie off at school Monday morning and headed toward Rae’s Fresh Start Café for a stiff cup of joe. As if the impending meeting with his attorney wasn’t enough to make him nuts, images of Christa in that pretty red dress yesterday continued to pepper his brain. She’d looked so...feminine. Not at all like the jeans-and-T-shirt-clad Christa he was used to seeing. And for some strange reason, that confounded him.

  Turning into the heart of Bliss, he eyed the courthouse square, noting the downed limbs that dotted the grounds. Between the winds and the weight of the ice, the old magnolia and live oak trees were bound to suffer some sort of damage. Fortunately, it wasn’t too extensive and things would likely be cleaned up before the day was out.

  He nabbed a parking spot in front of the row of late-nineteenth-century brick buildings opposite the courthouse and eased his truck to a stop. Lord willing, this turmoil rolling around inside him would be gone after his meeting. Because this shouldn’t be a problem, right? Kyle and Jen had made sure
everything was taken care of. I’s were dotted and t’s were crossed. So why were the Sandersons even trying?

  Because Kyle’s parents were used to things going their way.

  The morning sun shone down on the town as he exited his truck and headed straight for the orange brick building that was Rae’s. Inside, the smell of coffee mingled with bacon and syrup, something that normally would have awakened his appetite. But right now, black coffee was about all he could handle.

  He eyed the table at the back of the restaurant where ranchers gathered every morning. The conversation appeared quite lively today. And if Mick were to make a guess, every bit of it centered around the storm. Things of that proportion didn’t happen around these parts but once every few decades. It was the kind of thing that generated not only memories, but tall tales. And he was certain a few of those were being born right now.

  “Hey, Mick.” Rae, the shop’s owner, greeted him from behind the wooden counter on the left side of the room, while square wooden tables were scattered about the rest of the space. “You here to join the fellows?” She started to reach for a white mug.

  “No, make mine to go today.”

  The pretty brunette pivoted toward the paper cups. “What size would you like?” Rae didn’t need to ask what he wanted because all he ever got was just plain old coffee.

  “A medium oughta do me.” His gaze absently drifted to the chalkboard that hung on the exposed brick wall behind the counter, bearing a list of today’s pastry offerings. Maybe he’d have to stop by after his meeting. Because once his appetite returned, he was sure those blonde brownies would be calling his name.

  Watching Rae pour, he said, “When did you get back?” She, along with a few others from the church, had been in Costa Rica on a mission trip for the last two weeks.

  “Late last night.” She added a lid to the cup of steaming brew.

  “And—” he retrieved his wallet from his back pocket “—how was it?”

  Her entire face seemed to light up as she set the cup on the counter. “Amazing. If I in any way touched those people’s hearts as much as they did mine, I’ll consider it successful.”

  He handed her enough to cover the coffee and tip. “Too bad you missed all the fun around here, though.”

  “Ha!” She opened the cash register. “If you’re referring to the storm, I’m glad I wasn’t here. I can do without cold and ice, thank you very much.”

  “It was an adventure.” He tucked his wallet away. The two days he, Christa and Sadie had spent hunkered down at his place had been memorable for many reasons. Not the least of which was having the opportunity to get to know his beautiful neighbor a little better.

  He touched the brim of his cowboy hat and grabbed the cardboard-sleeved cup. “Reckon I’d better go say hello to the fellas.”

  Bum stood and held out his hand as Mick neared the group. “Whatcha know, Mick?”

  He shook his friend’s hand. “Not much.”

  “Things gittin’ back to normal?”

  Mick rubbed the back of his neck. “Bum, I’m not even sure I know what normal is anymore.”

  The older man chuckled. “You’ll figure it out, son.” The front door opened, widening Bum’s smile. “Well, look who’s here.”

  Turning, Mick saw Christa heading toward the counter, wearing jeans and a Bliss Hardware sweatshirt. Still, all he saw was that red dress from the other day.

  He gave himself a stern shake as she started his way. “You’ll have to excuse me, Bum.”

  Meeting him halfway, Christa looked concerned. “I thought you’d be at Cole’s office.”

  “Not until nine. Figured I’d grab some caffeine.” He gestured to the cup.

  She peered up at him. “Are you nervous?”

  Sucking in a breath, he thought for a moment. “The optimistic side of me isn’t. Kyle and Jen stated in their will that they wanted me to raise Sadie. That should stand in a court of law. But the pessimist in me is scared to death. I’ve seen the news. I know things don’t always turn out the way we think they should. Common sense is thrown aside, and decisions are made that defy logic.”

  “I’m sorry you’re having to do this.” Sincerity filled her hazel eyes. “I’ll be praying.”

  “I appreciate that.” More than she would ever know.

  “Here you go, Christa,” Rae called from behind the counter.

  “Sorry, I’ve got to run. I’m just picking up an order I called in.”

  “That’s all right. I should probably get on myself.” He started toward the door as she picked up the drink carrier and fell in beside him.

  “Keep me posted, okay?”

  Opening the door for her, he said, “I will.” He watched her head in the opposite direction, until she rounded the corner. Then he returned to his truck to retrieve the file folder of legal documents before moseying a few doors down to Cole Heinsohn’s office. Though Cole had been four years ahead of Mick in school, they’d both grown up in Bliss and had become friends over the years. Cole was a no-nonsense kind of guy, so Mick knew he could count on Cole to be honest with him.

  He pushed open the dark green door and stepped inside the office.

  “Hello, Mick.” Brenda Myers looked up from the large wooden desk to his left.

  “You doin’ all right, Brenda?” He pushed the door closed behind him, eyeing the seating area opposite her desk.

  “I sure am. Now that that ice is out of here.”

  Mick chuckled, wishing he could say the same. Instead, his life seemed to be in chaos.

  “Hey there, Mick.” Holding a tall, insulated travel cup in one hand, the dark-haired attorney strode across the dark green carpet, wearing a suit that made him look more like he belonged in Austin or Houston than Bliss. But then, lawyers did tend to dress a little nicer than ranchers. “Come on into my office.”

  Mick followed. “How’s your father?”

  Dementia had forced Mr. Heinsohn into a local nursing facility after Cole’s mom passed away three years ago.

  “About the same.” Cole closed the door. “Doesn’t know me or remember what happened yesterday.” He motioned toward one of two chairs in front of his desk. “Have a seat.”

  Unlike his suit, Cole’s office was understated and strictly business. College diplomas and other legal certificates were the only things on the plain beige walls. The dark wood desk held a computer and three neat stacks of folders, while the bookshelf in the corner was laden with law books.

  Continuing around to the back side of the desk, Cole said, “I’m sorry to hear about Jen. I’m sure that came as quite a shock.”

  “You’re not kidding.” Mick set his hat on the empty chair beside him and ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t think I’ve really even had time to process everything. What with bringing Sadie back here and then the storm and this stupid lawsuit.” He gestured to the folder.

  “Has the probate process been initiated yet?”

  Mick shook his head as Cole eased into his leather chair. “I reckon you can add that to my bill.” He shoved the folder across the desk. “Both Jen’s and Kyle’s wills, as well as the summons I received, are in there.”

  “All right.” Cole opened the file. “Let me have a look.”

  Mick waited, rather impatiently, his right leg bobbing up and down. His palms began to sweat. He swiped them across his jeans, hating that he was so nervous. He didn’t get nervous. He could stare down a bull without breaking a sweat. Yet these last few weeks he’d been turned inside out. And just when he thought things couldn’t get worse, that he was finally adjusting, the bottom had dropped out.

  “Your brother-in-law was quite thorough.” Cole continued to stare at the papers.

  “He was a Sanderson. Even if he didn’t act like one, I’m sure it was ingrained in him to protect his assets.” Who would have thought it was his parents he
’d need the most protection from?

  “Under normal circumstances, these wills would be considered straightforward.” Cole looked him in the eye. “But I’m not going to kid you, Mick. The biggest problem here is who we’re up against. I’m sure you know that nothing is ever easy with Chuck and Belita Sanderson.”

  “That’s why Kyle was so adamant about having everything in order. Just in case.”

  “I have no doubt the Sandersons conferred with their lawyers before filing this suit. They wouldn’t do it unless they thought they stood a chance of winning. That means we’ve got an uphill battle.”

  “Why? I mean, Kyle and Jen had all of this done a long time ago.”

  “And to us that seems reasonable. However, the grandparents are a two-parent household, are well-known throughout the state and have a lot of money. Meaning they can afford to drag this out until you throw up your hands in defeat.”

  A fire started in Mick’s belly. He shot to his feet and leaned across the desk. “I would never do that, Cole. I made a promise to my sister. One I fully intend to keep.”

  Remaining calm, Cole looked up at him. “Even if you run out of money?”

  Mick sank back into his seat. While he lived a comfortable life, he wasn’t wealthy by any means. What if he ran out of resources? How far was he willing to go?

  Seemed all he could do was pray it wouldn’t come to that. Because if he lost Sadie, he wasn’t sure what he’d do.

  Chapter Seven

  Christa clicked the Submit button on the computer screen in her office later that morning, successfully transmitting the order for a specialty door one of her customers wanted. Too bad she hadn’t been able to help them with the flooring they also wanted.

  What could possibly be taking that leasing agent so long? Five days and still no response.

  Huffing out a breath, she rolled her chair across the colorful area rug and away from her white, sawhorse-style desk. At this rate, she’d never pull off an expansion before Cranes moved into the area.

  Okay, so the building supply chain had yet to announce plans for a store near Bliss, but everyone knew it was coming. In the meantime, residents were forced to shop at the big home improvement centers in the city, when what they really wanted was to do business with merchants they knew and trusted.