“You own your own businesses and are developing community events?” This was so hard to compute. Yesterday morning she had thought he was homeless, only to find out he owned half the businesses on the waterfront. Her parents had to have known, but they hadn’t said a word to her. “The Painted Dolphin is yours?” Her brain was having a problem recalibrating.
“Yep. We bought the pier. We’re restoring a bit at a time. We have more than sixty people working for us now. The summer numbers are higher because of tourism.” He turned away from the beach view and focused on her. “I talked to my lawyer this morning.”
Her stomach clenched. He had the resources to take her to court. She had basically stolen his child.
He studied her. “She has the amount I owe for the past five—”
“No. I don’t need your money. That’s not why I came back.”
“When she’s older, I want her to know I was responsible. I also want to be a part of her life. On all levels. You had to know I would have strong feelings about supporting my daughter. Don’t fight me on this.” His lips formed a hard line. “I want to take care of her.”
Nodding, she stepped back, away from the familiar scent that made her want to curl into him.
When they had been together, one of his favorite things to do had been to lean in close to her ear with one hand in her hair and the other on the center of her back. He’d hold her against him and whisper that he’d take care of her, like the princess she was.
Unfortunately, she had believed him until it had been too late. He hadn’t even been able to take care of himself. Over the last five years, though, she had stepped out of her parent’s shadow and stood on her own. She’d raised their daughter.
She bit at her lip. Back in the beginning, she imagined they were taking care of each other, but she couldn’t really say that, either. She hadn’t been strong enough to take on his struggle, to break the chains that held him to the past.
He had been fighting a fight she couldn’t win for him.
Moving to face the Gulf, Elijah braced his hands on the top of the railing. “Jazz, I’m sorry about the horse. But I meant it. We can go out to the ranch. We have a stable of very well-behaved horses that we use for beach rides.”
“That’s not the issue. You could have a hundred horses. We live in an apartment in Denver. We don’t have the space or time for a horse. I’m her mother. You can’t just start making promises without talking to me. That’s basic parenting.”
“When she started talking about how much she loved horses and had always wanted one, I got excited I could give her that. That’s something I can do. My businesses are doing well.” He paused. “I want to take care of you the way I should have for the last six years.”
“You and I are over. All she needs is a father who will be there for her.”
With a sigh, she glanced into the kitchen. Rosemarie was waving her hands around as she told her GiGi some grand story. “Now I’m the one who has to tell her ‘No.’ Don’t make any more promises to her without talking to me first. Okay?”
He twisted his lips and squinted one eye.
That wasn’t good. “What is it, Elijah? Just spit it out.”
“I, um...asked her about her birthday. As we were talking about that, I kind of told her we could have a big birthday party on the pirate ship. That’s how we got to talking about birthday wishes. She told me that every year of her life she wished for a pony and never got one. So, I—”
Jazmine couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped. “No. No pirate ships. She’s going to be six. So, her whole life thing is a bit dramatic. She loves theatrical statements. You should have seen the fits she could throw for the first three years. I’m happy to report the tantrums have been a thing of the past since she turned four.”
He grinned. “You were never dramatic. Always even-keeled, the practical girl. The drama sounds more like my sister.”
Tired, Jazmine sat. She rolled her head back, looking up at the clear sky. “Yeah, I remember that. My parents like to blame any hint of a bad character flaw on your family.”
“Of course, they would. Unfortunately, they’re probably right. I’m sure she takes after you more than me.” He eased down on the chair next to her. “Speaking of my sister, Belle wants her to meet her daughters, Cassie and Lucy. Lucy is Rosemarie’s age.”
“I remember when Cassandra was born. Belle and Jared run the ranch?”
His mouth tightened. “They split up during her last pregnancy. Right after you left. She’d been running the ranch on her own for Uncle Frank.”
“What about Xavier and Damian? You were always close to your cousins.”
With a deep sigh, he rubbed his forehead. “Damian came back from a tour in Afghanistan. He’s not doing too well. He’s pretty much isolated himself in the back forty on the ranch.” He paused, his mouth tight.
“Xavier.” His jaw set, he took a deep inhale through his nose. “He returned from the Middle East, but then he took a security job down in Colombia. He didn’t make it back. His team was ambushed. None of them made it out.”
She sat up and grabbed his hand. “Oh Elijah. I’m so sorry. I know how close you were to him. Poor Selena. They were together since middle school. Do they have kids?”
“She found out she was pregnant, and a month later we got word that he was killed.” His throat sounded rough. “He never knew they were expecting.”
She studied his face, but didn’t see anything but a clear expression, devoid of emotion. “I’m so sorry. That must be so hard.”
“It was the closest I’ve come to ending my streak of sobriety.” He looked at his hands before taking his gaze back to the Gulf. “Selena has triplets.”
“Wow.” She didn’t know anyone who had triplets. “Are they here in town?”
“Yeah. I love playing uncle. But it’s hard. They haven’t started asking questions. They’re too little. Xavier believed in me when I decided to fight to stay sober. He’s—was—part owner of the business. If he was here he wouldn’t allow me anywhere around his babies if I started drinking again.”
Picking up one of the dolls, he fixed its little hat. “I’m sorry about the horse. I’ll talk to her. And the birthday party. Tell her it was all my fault.”
“By her birthday we should be back in Denver.”
The silence fell with a heavy thud. All the unspoken words they were afraid to release swirled around them.
She finally stood. “Rosemarie is very excited about serving the brownies she made for you.”
“You’re the one who loved brownies.” His features softened. “The gooey center.”
The sweet memory warmed her. “You taught me to go for the center. I didn’t have to wait until the edge was eaten.” She wrapped her arms around her waist and studied her daughter through the window. “I told her how you would bring me warm brownies you made yourself. You’d cut the edges off and give them to me on Monday, so I’d have them all week.”
Watching a pelican dive into the Gulf, he braced his arms on the railing. “Did you tell her it was because I didn’t have money for flowers or fancy dinners?”
“Elijah, it was never about money for me. You taught me that it’s the little things in life that bring the most joy.” She closed her eyes and swallowed. The burn in her throat could not be allowed to rise. She would not cry for everything lost. “I’ve worked hard to pass that lesson on to her, so stop the over-the-top gestures.”
Before he could respond, she hurried to the door. “Rosie’s waiting.” As she opened the door, his hand stopped her. For a second she wanted to lean into his warmth, but she made herself step back, pulling her arm out of his grasp.
Distance. It was important that she kept distance between them. She couldn’t afford any closeness, physical, mental or spiritual. Talking about his family had been a mistake. They had all been so close at one t
ime. She turned her back to him.
His fingers gave a gentle squeeze. “Jazz, can I join y’all? For her birthday. I’ll fly to Denver if you’re back there.”
Closing her eyes, she managed a shrug. “We’ll see.” She was his daughter. Opening her eyes, she faced him. Avoiding him would not make this better. “Do me a favor and don’t say anything yet. I’ll talk to Mom. I’m sure we can work something out.”
He snorted, letting her know what he thought of that. If Azalea had her way, he’d never be a part of Rosemarie’s life.
If she thought he would go away as easily as last time, she’d be in for a surprise. He wasn’t the insecure poor ranch kid anymore, and now he had a daughter to fight for.
Chapter Six
Elijah watched Jazmine enter the house. Had he really thought the Daniels would allow him to meet Jazmine and Rosemarie without interference? Anger flared up, but he knew expressing it wouldn’t do any good, no matter how righteous.
Mrs. Daniels smiled at Jazmine. “Larry settled your dad in the family room. I need to make sure he is in bed after his outing. This is not a good time for visitors.”
“Mom, you agreed to give us two hours.”
Arms around Rosemarie, Azalea glanced at Elijah, then moved on, like he wasn’t even worth her time. She had made it clear he was not welcome. “This is our home. Your father needs rest.”
Choices he made had created this mess, so he was just going to have to suck it up and smile.
Given time they would trust him. He’d been sober for five years now, but Jazz had reminded him that to them it was just yesterday.
He gave her his best smile. Being nice to difficult people was a gift that worked well for him in business, and he would use it now. There would be no pride getting in his way. His daughter was worth it.
“Mrs. Daniels, it’s a pleasure. Thank you for letting me in your house.”
“Daddy.” Rosemarie jumped from the bar stool she sat on and darted over to a credenza. “Look!” She pulled out a realistic toy horse. “I want a horse just like Misty.”
It was a prancing golden palomino with pink ribbon woven through the flaxen mane and tail. “That’s a pretty pony. I might—”
Mrs. Daniels made a great show of clearing her throat. He sighed. Looking at the women, he knew he was on shaky ground.
She moved to stand in front of Rosemarie. Going down to eye level, she placed one hand on the small shoulder and gently took the horse with the other. “We’ve talked about this. Your mother doesn’t have the room or time for a real horse. They need a great deal of care, and you haven’t even had a dog yet.”
“Mother.” Jazmine’s voice sounded tired or resigned. “I’ve already said no to a dog.” She glanced at Elijah with a frown. He needed to be careful and not mess this up. There was so much he didn’t know.
Tears started welling up in the little girl’s big eyes. How did anyone say “No” to that? He sat on a chair next to his daughter and her grandmother. “We have dogs at the ranch. My sister’s Australian shepherd had puppies. You could visit and play with them.”
“Really?” The joy was back. Turning from her grandmother, she hugged him. He brought his hands around the tiny body. Her hair smelled like oranges. Closing his eyes, he made sure to take in everything about this moment.
He’d do anything for this little being that was a part of him and Jazmine.
She stepped back. The huge smile and sparkling eyes were about the sweetest thing he’d ever seen. He glanced up to Jazmine.
There was no sparkle there, and her full lips were thinned by tension.
“An Australian shepherd? Are they aggressive?” His ex-mother-in-law crossed her arms.
“They’re one of the best breeds around kids.” He leaned forward. “A couple of years ago when my niece was about three, she had figured out that she could open the door if she used a chair. Belle, my sister, was working in the kitchen and had no clue that Lucy had escaped the house.”
Both women gasped.
“Frog followed her out and barked until my sister came.” He chuckled. “Belle said it was the craziest thing to see. Little Lucy was trying her best to get to the barn. She wanted to go riding. Frog kept herding her back, cutting her off every time she tried to go through the yard gate. She didn’t stop barking until she saw Belle.”
He patted Rosemarie’s shoulder. “So, once you belong to a shepherd, they’re yours for life. She is the mother of the new pups.”
“I want one. I want one of Frog’s puppies.”
Mrs. Daniels frowned. If looks had energy, he’d be burned to a crisp. She looked at her daughter, silently telling her to do something about this interloper. Elijah rested his elbow on the glass tabletop. He stared straight at her, making sure she understood that he was not going anywhere.
Jazmine sighed. “This will be a family discussion tonight after dinner. Okay?”
“But Momma, I want a dog. If I can’t have a horse, can I get a dog?”
Jazz gave him a look that promised they would be talking later and he might not enjoy the conversation. He doubted there would be any conversation going on, more like a full-on lecture. He wanted to defend himself and point out he had not offered to give her a dog, just the time to play with one.
A kettle started whistling. Mrs. Daniels went to the stove top and poured the hot water into a tall thermal mug. “Come here, sweetheart, your papa needs his green tea.”
Tucking her horse under her arm, Rosemarie skipped to her grandmother. “Yes, ma’am.”
“You also need to give him his afternoon healing kiss.” After putting the lid on the silver cup, she handed it to her granddaughter.
Rosemarie carefully carried the tea with both hands and disappeared into the front family room.
Elijah checked his watch. “It looks like a good time for me to leave.” He spoke directly to Jazmine, making a point to ignore Azalea Daniels. “Maybe we can pick a neutral place tomorrow.”
Jazmine’s mother stared straight at him. “I’m not sure there is a place for you in Rosemarie’s life.”
“Mother.” Jazmine’s voice had a new edge.
He shook his head. “It’s okay, Jazmine.”
Turning to Azalea, he held eye contact. “I hurt your daughter. I get it. But I’m not the man I was.”
He needed to be up front and clear. “I know firsthand what it’s like to grow up without a father. Thank you for taking care of my daughter when I couldn’t. But I’m here. I’m sober and I’m not going anywhere. I know it’ll take time to build trust. But I will.”
Azalea’s mouth went tighter. She didn’t believe a word he said, but that was fine.
“The people in my life who didn’t believe in me have outnumbered the ones who did. I proved them wrong, and I’ll do the same with you.”
He turned to his ex-wife. Right now, she was the only one who mattered. Her parents had interfered with their marriage, and he had used drinking to hide from the problems instead of dealing with them head-on. This time had to be different. He was a father, and he had to be strong enough to claim that right.
Jazz was guiding his relationship with his daughter, and he wasn’t going to let his past insecurities stop him from being the kind of father his daughter deserved. “I’ll go for now.” He hoped he looked a lot calmer than he felt. “Call me so we can make arrangements.”
* * *
“Okay.” Jazmine rubbed her head. She knew that her mother was only trying to help, but she was making it worse.
A crash from the family room shattered the tense silence. It was followed by her father yelling. Rosemarie ran to the door looking scared. “Papa fell.”
Azalea rushed out of the kitchen. Jazmine stopped at the door and hugged her frightened daughter. Elijah stood right behind her.
“It’ll be okay, baby.” She took the small hand in
to hers.
Next to the hospital bed, her father lay on the floor, his tea running across the tile. He was pushing her mother away.
“I’m not an invalid, Lea. I can get up,” he snarled at his wife.
Azalea ignored him. She had her hands under his arms, trying to lift him off the floor. “You almost died. You banged up your whole body, and you broke a couple of bones. So yes, for now you are an invalid. Deal with it. Where’s Larry?”
“Woman, I can walk myself into the house.” In the process of trying to free himself, he caused her mother to lose her balance, and she ended up on the floor beside him.
“Ugh. Stubborn man. What is your problem?” She sat up, shaking the liquid off her hands. “At this rate you’re going to end up back in the hospital. Is that what you want?” She slipped off her heels, then stood over him with her hands on her hips, watching him as he struggled to sit up.
He leaned against the bed, looking defeated.
“Daddy, what are you doing? You scared Rosemarie. Why didn’t you call for help and wait for one of us?” Going to the cabinet, Jazmine pulled out a roll of paper towels and cleaned up the mess. Her mother straightened the rumpled blankets. Elijah remained next to Rosie, his hand on her shoulder.
“I just wanted to watch the fishing show sitting in a chair. Is it too much to want to sit in a chair? I should be able to walk across the room and sit in a stupid chair.”
“The doctor said that rest is the most important thing you could do. Do you want to die?”
“If I can’t even sit in a chair? Maybe,” he grumbled.
The Texan's Secret Daughter Page 6
