By the time Thomas pulled the truck to a stop in front of the house, the screen door had opened. Out rushed his niece, two nephews, his sister, Caroline, and his mom, Susan. The children rushed down the front steps, bypassing their dad on the way to greet Tate. Swinging his niece into his arms, he ruffled the hair of his two nephews, shocked at how much they had grown since he last saw them. Caroline stepped forward to kiss Thomas before moving into Tate’s arms. Her long dark hair was shorter, now swinging just above her shoulders, but her eyes sparkled as they always did when she looked up at him.
“You were always pretty, Sis, but every time I see you, you look more and more like Mom.”
She smiled up at him, accepting the compliment. “And you look just like Dad.” Her hand reached up and she touched her finger right to his temple. “Hmmm, is that a little gray I see?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He laughed, but the reality was that each morning when he looked into the mirror, he spied the few grey hairs. With his niece still in his arms, he left his sister’s side and jogged up the steps to the porch and right into his mom’s arms. “Beautiful as ever, Mom.”
“I can’t believe you’ve finally taken a weekend off to come to visit! And for my birthday!”
“I’m glad it worked out.” He passed his niece off to Thomas so that he could wrap both arms around his mother, kissing the top of her head.
Her eyes searched his, her arms wrapped around him. “When do you have to go back?”
“I know it’s short, but I can only stay two nights for now. Then I need to get back home for another job.”
“Mace certainly keeps you busy.” Shrugging, she smiled. “But I know it’s what you love and that’s all any parent wants… for their child to be happy.” She patted his cheek and then nodded toward the barn. “Go on down. I know your dad’s anxious to see you.”
As the others went into the house, he jogged down the steps and along the path leading to the barn. His mom was right… Mace kept all his employees busy. A former Special Forces and CIA Special Operator, Mace Hanover had created Lighthouse Security Investigations when he left the service. Hiring SEALs, Deltas, Rangers, Special Forces, Air Force Ops, and CIA Ops, he’d created an elite security team.
It was no secret Tate’s mom would have loved for him to return to the farm, but she also understood that was not his calling.
The massive wooden structure rose before him, its green-painted tin gambrel roof a beacon even from the road. The hayloft doors were partially opened, allowing the breeze to blow through. He grinned, remembering the countless bales of hay he and Nathan hauled to the loft. Nathan’s dad had been the grocery store manager, not a business that Nathan was interested in. So, his best friend would spend many afternoons and most summer days at the Double T Ranch.
Most of their hay was stored in the massive round bales, but the smaller square bales had been placed in the hayloft to use for the horses. A flash of the hayloft being used for a very different reason by he and Nora flew through his mind.
Pushing that aside, he moved through the wide, open doors of the barn, stopped to touch the wooden frame, and remembered the solid feel and the scent of horses, hay, feed, and sweat from a long day.
ATVs had now replaced some of the horses they used for checking on the ranch, and his mom had a golf cart for getting back and forth from the orchard.
But his father still loved to ride, and at the sight of his silver-haired dad tossing hay into the stalls with the horses, he grinned. Some things don’t change.
Frank Tate. He had been given his father’s name and as a child was called Frankie. When he was in high school, his friends just called him Tate and going by his last name stuck. It was solidified when in the Navy. But, staring at his father now, he knew he would always be Frankie to his parents.
His father still stood over six feet tall, hard muscles built from years of ranching. He turned at the sound of Tate walking into the barn, and his hazel eyes twinkled as a smile spread across his face. “Son!”
Walking straight into his dad’s strong embrace, the two men hugged and back-slapped. “Good to see you, Dad.”
“Help me toss a few more bales around, and we’ll head to the house. Got a small party planned for your mom tomorrow, and she’s tickled pink that you were able to be here.”
With the two of them breaking open the small bales and spreading them around, the task was quickly accomplished, and they headed out of the barn toward the house. Going through the back door, they entered a large mudroom, essential for a working ranch. Washing his hands at one of the sinks, he looked over his shoulder as his dad pulled off his boots and shoved his feet into slippers before scrubbing his hands and arms as well. They dropped the dirty towels into the hamper provided. Leaving the mudroom, they moved through the pantry and into the large kitchen where his mom and sister were setting out platters of fried chicken, potato salad, and green beans.
His mom looked up as the men walked in, her smile wide. His dad bent to kiss her upturned cheek before she ordered, “Serve yourself and then have a seat. I’m gonna pull the peach cobbler out of the oven.”
Tate inwardly chuckled when he saw everyone follow his mom’s instructions. She ruled the roost when it came to mealtimes. Thinking back, Mom had been in charge of mealtimes, homework, athletic schedules, Sunday church attendance, proper etiquette—
“What are you waiting for?”
Her voice cut through his musings and he laughed out loud. “Sorry, Mom. Gathering wool, I guess.”
The lines radiating from her eyes deepened as she smiled. “Being home brings back memories, doesn’t it?”
“Oh, yeah.” Settling at the table, he sat between his nephews and across from Thomas, Caroline, and his niece, with his parents at the ends. He ate his fill, the food tasting better than any he’d had at a restaurant. The conversation was lively around the table as he caught up with the ranch and local news, and his nephews peppered him with questions about the places he’d traveled. He caught the long looks of concern that Caroline settled upon her oldest son who, at ten years old, already had an eye for traveling the world. That one will never stay on the ranch. When that thought hit him, he glanced toward his mom and wondered when she knew that he was destined to leave Wyoming.
After dinner, the family spilled into the expansive den. The comfortable sofas with cushions meant for lounging held most of them. His father reclined in his Lazy-Boy while his mom rocked in the old rocker that she’d inherited from her parents. A game was on the TV, but the sound was low, the adults still talking. His dad and Thomas talked about the ranch, interspersing their discussion with questions for Tate.
Caroline took the kids upstairs for their baths and to get ready for bed. His mom followed soon after. His dad moved to the sideboard and poured three whiskeys. Handing one to Thomas and one to Tate, he lifted his tumbler into the air. “To the past. To the future. To family.”
Tate took a hearty swallow of the peaty brew, the amber liquid burning as it went down, his father’s words ringing in his ears.
3
That night, after everyone had retired, unable to sleep, he wandered the house. Walking silently from room to room, he was flooded with good memories. He gazed at the pictures on the wall of the den, the small frames cataloging several lifetimes. An old photograph of his father as a child, standing in front of what would now be considered an antique tractor. Pictures of he and Caroline on horseback. Caroline and Thomas’ wedding. Photographs of he and Nathan, arms around each other as they stood on the baseball field. Moving along the wall, his gaze landed on a picture of his and Nathan’s graduation from Navy boot camp, his smile wide as he was surrounded by his family.
And there, tucked under his arm, was her. Nathan’s sister. Nora. Long, honey-blonde hair. Dark brown eyes he swore he could stare into for hours. Cute curves that hinted of what they would become as she matured. Smiling a slightly-crooked smile that always made him want to kiss her. God, we wer
e young, and the world spread out before us like a present ready to be opened.
Soon after, he had his first deployment and within a year had been accepted into the training that would take over another year. As a young, brash man, cocksure and ready to take on the world, he had convinced Nathan to do the same, and while they were assigned to different teams, they were both stationed out of Virginia. Downtime was spent together just like when they were kids. I thought we were unstoppable. God, I was so wrong.
Sighing, he turned from the wall of memories and climbed back up the stairs, hoping to eventually find sleep. Passing by the hall bathroom, he noticed a faint light coming from the crack of the unclosed door. His sister’s voice carried gently through the silent house.
“I’m sorry, I would’ve told you sooner, but we weren’t sure he was going to be able to come. I know you were hoping to see Mom tomorrow, but Tate will still be here. I think his flight leaves early Sunday afternoon, so if you want to come by Sunday evening, that would be great.”
Brow furrowed, he wondered who Caroline was talking to so late at night. And why do my plans make a difference to anyone? Not normally one to eavesdrop, he should have passed by the door and gone into his bedroom, but curiosity held him in place.
“Yeah, I know. I’m sorry, too, Nora.”
Nora? He blinked in surprise. He used to wonder if there would come a time when he could see her or say her name and not have the stabbing pain from the knowledge that he fucked up royally.
A heavy sigh left his lips as it always did when he thought of Nathan. There were other friends and fellow servicemen and women who did not make it back, but it was Nathan’s death that had rocked his world.
Hours after he and Nora tried to bury their grief in each other’s bodies, he’d prepared to fly back to Virginia to rejoin his team, standing underneath the huge ash tree, saying goodbye to her. Looking back, he could not remember when he’d decided to break up with her. Was it when she’d turned her tear-filled eyes up to him, begging him to come home safely to her? Was it when he’d thought of the promises he had once made to Nathan that he would never hurt her? Was it after they’d spent that night holding each other, finding comfort, and burying the pain when they made love in the barn? Who the hell knows? All that matters is that I did, thinking it was the best thing to do.
Two months later, with a cowardly email, he ended things. It seemed like the smart play at the time… a way to keep her safe in case I didn’t come back. He lifted his hand and gently rubbed his chest over his heart. Ten fucking years ago… God, I was a moron.
She had stayed close to his family but managed to never be around when he was home. He understood that Nora would have been hurt, but years later, she continued to avoid him at all costs.
“We’ll see you Sunday evening. Goodbye, Nora.”
Now, shocked that his sister felt the need to be clandestine while talking to her, he stayed planted in the hall, his hands on his hips, surprising Caroline as she came out of the bathroom. Eyes wide, she started to drop her phone into her robe pocket, but he shook his head.
“Seriously, Caroline? You don’t have to hide talking to Nora from me. Believe me, I know she doesn’t want to be here when I’m here. I just hoped in time it would get better and we could at least talk.”
His sister’s eyes now narrowed. Shit, I’ve woken the dragon. Like his mother, Caroline’s gentle personality soothed everyone in almost every situation. But, when angry, it was best to watch out.
Her finger jabbed into his chest as she whispered harshly, “You’re the one who left, Tate. I don’t blame you… it was your calling. But we all thought that Nora was going to be part of this family, connected to you and us. You’re the one who walked away. But just because you’ve moved on doesn’t mean she feels the same.”
“I haven’t forgotten her. She’s the one who refuses to come around when I’m here.”
Caroline leaned back, drawing herself up to her full height, and held his gaze. Something moved through her expression, but in the dark hallway, he could not define what he saw.
“Being around you is painful for her, Tate.” He opened his mouth to respond, but with a quick shake of her head, she continued, “It’s not my place to explain why. You moved on because that was your choice, and she moved on because she had no choice. But that doesn’t mean she wasn’t gutted.”
“Hell, Caroline. You’re the one who told me she was dating someone seriously again several years ago.”
“That was six years ago. It was a mistake. I knew the guy wasn’t right for her, and she finally figured that out. But if you think that also didn’t have something to do with you, then you’d be wrong.”
His chest deflated with a heaving breath, and he stared at his sister, wondering what the fuck she was referring to.
She heaved a great sigh and reached out to place her hand on his arm, giving a little squeeze. “Don’t worry about it, Tate. Let’s all enjoy your weekend here. We see you so rarely, I don’t want it marred.” She lifted on her toes and kissed his cheek before slipping back into the master bedroom.
He stood in the hall for a long moment, his emotions swirling as much as his mind. Finally, he turned, then stopped and looked back toward Caroline’s closed door. Why are Caroline and Thomas in the master bedroom? His father’s snores came from the smaller bedroom across the hall. His head jerked back and forth between the two doors, but no answer to his question could be discerned.
Walking into his bedroom, he climbed into bed, new questions stabbing at him. Why is Mom no longer cooking big Sunday dinners? Why has Dad gotten rid of many of the horses? And how close is my family to Nora that she planned on spending Mom’s birthday here at the ranch?
As the questions whirled, he was not surprised when sleep still did not come. But most of all, it was thoughts of Nora that filled his mind. Sis only had it half-right. It was my choice to leave, knowing that my life as a SEAL would keep me away for years. But my heart never really moved on.
Saturday morning dawned sunny and cool, and Tate looked around the kitchen carefully to see if he could discern differences in how the ranch was run. Thomas had eaten breakfast early and headed out to check on the cattle. Caroline had taken care of the children and was already working on the food for the birthday celebration. His father was lingering over a cup of coffee at the table, something Tate had never seen him do before.
Turning to his dad, he asked, “What can I help you with today? You’ve got me all day long and Mom’s party isn’t until this evening. What can I do?” It did not escape his notice that his parents and Caroline shared a look.
His father drained his cup and stood. “Let’s ride out over some of the fields.”
He wasn’t surprised when his father chose one of the ATVs, and soon they were bumping over dirt paths, leaving behind many of the pastures as they rose steadily in altitude, climbing the hills leading to the mountains around the ranch. Finally stopping at an outcropping of rocks that overlooked their spread, his father shut down the engine and leaned back in his seat.
They sat quietly, observing the beauty of the land while listening to birds chirping in the trees. The sunshine warmed where the cool breeze blew. The expansive sky only had a few clouds passing overhead, creating shadows on the land below.
“I grew up on this ranch. So did my father. I raised my two children here. I love this land only second to the love I have for God and my family.”
As his father continued speaking, the niggling of unease that had crept through Tate earlier now flared into concern.
“At one time, I thought I’d pass this land to you, but you had another path in life to choose. I was shocked when you first started talking about the Navy, but your mother helped me realize that we all have a road we must walk. I’ve known Thomas since he was a boy and was proud when he married Caroline. He’s a good husband, a good father, and a good rancher.”
“Dad, I’ve got to tell you that you’re making me nervous.”
&nb
sp; His dad chuckled, swinging his gaze from the valley before them to Tate. “Your mom always said I needed to just spit things out and not beat around the bush. I brought you up here to let you know that your mom and I are going to make some changes. We’re slowly turning more and more of the ranch administration over to Thomas and Caroline. He’s got good ideas and a good crew of men that now work for him. “
The heaviness in his chest eased, and he nodded. “I can understand you wanting to take things a little easy, Dad.”
“It’s more than that, Tate. Your mom and I are planning to build a smaller house on the property but down the road. A place where we don’t have to worry about maintenance, and we can shut the door and travel whenever we want to.”
Unable to hold back the gasp that rushed from his lungs, Tate’s mouth dropped open. Move? What the fuck? “Why would you need to move? I noticed that Caroline and Thomas already have the master bedroom! Are they pushing you out of your own—”
“Son, I taught you to think about your words before you say them,” his dad said, his eyes narrowed. “You know good and well they’re not pushing us out. Yes, we could just keep living in the house and consider retirement and travel when we wanted, but that’s not fair to them. They need to make this place their own. We’re only gonna be a couple of miles away, and I figure we’ll be over here a lot. But for this place to become Caroline and Thomas’ home and ranch, your mom and I need to step back. They don’t like it, but it’s what we feel we should do.”
Slumping in his seat, he shook his head slowly, his father’s words making sense, and yet, seeming unbelievable. “Dad, you said it yourself… you’ve been on this ranch your whole life.”
Tate (Lighthouse Security Investigations Book 6) Page 2
