Texas Rainbow

by Caroline Clemmons

  Penny hugged her shoulders. “Come on, stop worrying. This is our day off.”

  Sally laughed. “More work than our usual work days, but a nice change is always welcome. We have to get our boy settled and happy.”

  A handsome older man came into the kitchen. “I hope that goes for old boys, too.”

  Sally’s face lit up. “Howard, I didn’t realize you were coming to pitch in today.”

  He smiled at Sally as if she were the only one in the room. “Had to come help my son, didn’t I?”

  Penny steered Ellie toward the other two. “Ellie, this handsome devil is Bart and Jake’s father. Howard, this is Eleanore St. Eaves, but we call her Ellie.”

  Howard took Ellie’s hand in both of his. “I’ve never seen so many gorgeous women in one room.” He leaned back and blinked. “Fair blinds a man.”

  Ellie laughed. “I see where Bart gets his charm.”

  Penny hugged him. “Aren’t I lucky to have such a wonderful father-in-law?”

  “Nice to know someone appreciates me.” Howard scanned the kitchen. “Anything to eat around here?”

  Sally led him toward the dining room. “Bad news, Howard. You missed the meal but it was pizza. There are a couple of pieces left. Do you want me to heat them in the microwave?”

  He opened the box lid and picked up a slice of the tepid pizza he balanced on a paper plate. “Naw, I’ll eat this as is. Could use a cold beer if that’s available.” He took a seat at the table.

  “You’re in luck. You sit right there and I’ll bring it to you.” Sally rushed to the refrigerator.

  Penny winked at Ellie. “Only yesterday I predicted you’d be back soon and here you are.”

  He hesitated with the food halfway to his mouth. “I’ve been thinking I’m too far from my sons. You know, the drive gets longer every time I make it.”

  Penny grinned. “You should move back to Terry Springs. There’s plenty of room at the ranch.”

  Sally handed him an opened bottle of beer.

  He grinned and Ellie thought he looked like an older Bart. His eyes twinkled in the same way as he looked from Sally to Penny. “You’re not up to anything are you, Penny?”

  Penny put a hand at her chest. “Me? What could I be up to by inviting my dear father-in-law to return to his home? I don’t think a rancher ever stops being a rancher, no matter what you say about city life.”

  Howard plowed a hand through his hair the same way Ellie had seen Jake do several times. “There’s something in what you say. Lately I don’t enjoy retirement the way I expected. In fact, I miss Terry Springs and the ranch. Feel more myself here.”

  Sally stared at him and dropped onto the chair beside him. “Then why on earth don’t you move back? You know Jake and Bart would love having you here.”

  Howard laid down what was left of his food and spread his hands. “Couldn’t crowd Jake when he took over. Needed to give him room to run the ranch so he didn’t think I was looking over his shoulder and judging.”

  Penny stood across from Howard. “Now he’s been in charge long enough you don’t have to worry. Come back here to live. Both your sons, Caleb, Sally, and I will be much happier if we’re all together.”

  Howard’s face beamed a wide smile. “Well, aren’t you sweet as candy? No wonder you’re my favorite daughter.”

  Penny grinned at him. “That’d mean a lot more if you had more than me to choose from.” She stood and turned to Ellie. “Come on, let’s leave these two and finish the kitchen.”

  Sally started to rise but Penny pointed at her. “You stay right there. We’re almost finished and, as usual, you’ve done more than your share.”

  Ellie followed Penny to the kitchen. She was puzzled about Penny’s reaction to her father-in-law. He was a handsome man for his age, which must be early fifties.

  Ellie lowered her voice. “I get the feeling you’re matchmaking.”

  Penny grinned and delved into a box. “You are correct. Sally has been in love with him for almost twenty years but he’s too dense to notice. He seems fond of her, but they’ll never get together without help.”

  Aghast a woman would wait so long without taking action, Ellie paused. “Twenty years? Why hasn’t she said something or done something?”

  Penny shook her head. “I haven’t the foggiest idea. Guess she thought it wasn’t her place. But something has to be done or they’ll both miss out on the life they could share. They could’ve been happy for years and I don’t want them to waste any more time apart.”

  Ellie picked up rubbish from empty boxes and filled another trash bag. “Guess I’m too forward and sometimes make Bart uncomfortable. I guarantee I wouldn’t sit around twenty years for the man I love. I’d go after him.”

  Penny polished the kitchen counter with one of the new towels they’d bought. “I agree. I know Jake and Bart would be pleased to have Sally married to their father. They already love Sally as if she were their mother.”

  Ellie knew she shouldn’t pry but curiosity propelled her. “Speaking of their real mother, what happened to her?”

  Penny grimaced. “She tired of ranch life and divorced Howard when Jake was twelve and Bart was ten. She remarried and they have two half-brothers they’ve never met. She and her second family live in Dallas.”

  Ellie would have liked to slap the woman for leaving her young sons like that. “Horsefeathers. I’m not that keen on rural life but I sure wouldn’t leave those boys and that handsome man and that darb ranch. Of course you never know what someone else is thinking.”

  Penny paused in her polishing. “Can you believe she didn’t come to our wedding? What’s more, as far as I could tell, Jake didn’t even care. He says Sally is more his mother than Ardella.”

  “Ugh, Ardella doesn’t sound like a person I’d want to meet. I’ll bet the wedding was nice. Was it at the ranch or in town?”

  Penny’s expression changed to a dreamy, far-off stare. “In the ranch house parlor. Howard gave me away and Sally was my maid of honor. She looked just gorgeous in a rose dress. I wore my mother’s wedding gown.”

  “I’ll bet you both looked lovely.” Ellie closed the trash bag. “You have any idea where these go?”

  Penny grinned. “That’s not our department. We put the stuff away and cleaned up the mess. I think we’re through and Bart can carry out the trash.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Bart’s muscles ached but he was a happy camper. He clapped his father on the back. “Glad you came, Dad. You’ve made this a perfect day.”

  His father faked being suspicious. “You’re gonna make me buy dinner, aren’t you?”

  “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”

  Caleb held up his hand. “Let me get this one. Let’s go to the Angus Castle and have a relaxing dinner.”

  His dad said, “Thank heavens for a considerate nephew. I like to have starved to death at lunch. Imagine leaving your father two slices of cold pizza and nothing else.”

  That statement brought a round of groans from the others present.

  They filed outside, divided into cars, and headed for the restaurant. Bart made sure Ellie rode with him and not his good-looking cousin. He’d seen the appreciative glances Caleb sent Ellie’s way.

  Sally and his dad rode with Caleb in his new Jaguar.

  He hadn’t believed Penny months ago when she’d said Sally was sweet on his dad. Now that he’d seen the two of them together, he wondered why he hadn’t noticed it himself. Had she always been interested in his father and Bart was just now finding out about this attraction?

  The owner of the Angus Castle was Nick Wheeler, one of Bart’s closest friends. The hostess seated them at what Bart considered the best table. Amid laughing and joking they managed to order.

  Bart maneuvered so he sat beside Ellie. He couldn’t help glaring at his cousin for sitting across from her and staring at her.

  Nick came by to greet them. “Looks like you guys are one lady short.” He looked at Ellie. “Since my frie
nd is too dense to introduce us I’ll do the honors. I’m Nick Wheeler and this is my restaurant.”

  She flashed him her flirty little smile. “I’m Eleanore St. Eaves but everyone calls me Ellie. I’m very pleased to meet you, Nick.”

  “Well, Bart, did you get moved into your new place?”

  “Except for some odds and ends. The three ladies stocked the place and tell me I still need a few things. Not sure my pocketbook will recover for a while.”

  Nick laughed. “Yeah, I’ve heard most women love shopping. In the meantime, you folks enjoy your dinner.”

  Bart did enjoy dinner. Sitting next to Ellie felt good. She paid extra attention to him and that soothed his aches more than he’d have believed possible.

  After a tiring day, she still looked fresh as she had that morning. She always appeared bright and lovely. He really enjoyed being with his family but he secretly wished he and Ellie were here alone.

  As they were walking to their cars Caleb said, “How did this happen? I’d paid for dinner and I’m the only one here without a woman on his arm.”

  Penny pulled Caleb so that she was between him and Jake and had an arm linked with each man. “You know that none of your snooty girlfriends would have been caught dead with us dressed like we are.”

  Caleb looked at each of the group then down at his clothes. “I’m not sure I want to be caught dead with me looking like I do.”

  Sally shook her head. “You look better on a bad day than most men do it their best. That’s important for a bank president.”

  Howard looked at her. “Caleb’s the only man I ever saw could work with cows and horses and not end up filthy. Defies logic but it’s a good quality.”

  Caleb reached his car. “All right, all right, I’ve already paid for your dinner so you don’t have to butter me up. I’m leaving you to fend for yourselves.”

  Bart pretended to whisper, “I’ll bet he’s got a date lined up and wants to get rid of us.”

  Caleb turned with his hand on the door handle and grinned. “You could be right, Cuz, but you’ll never know.”

  His father pointed at his cousin. “I noticed you didn’t eat very much. You taking some pretty gal out for a late dinner?”

  Before Caleb climbed into his car, he said, “I will neither confirm nor deny that statement.” His cousin closed the door, started his car, and drove away.

  Bart stood with his hands on his hips. “Dadburnit, how are we are going to fit in that SUV?”

  Ellie took his hand. “If we can get that silly television in this car then surely we can fit us in there.”

  Jake raised the seats back up so there were three rows.

  Penny said, “Ellie and I can crawl in the back. You men’s legs are too long to fit.” She climbed in and Ellie followed.

  Bart had looked forward to sitting by Ellie but now he didn’t have an excuse. He climbed in the passenger seat and let his dad and Sally sit in the second row. This was not how he’d seen the evening ending.

  At his apartment he turned to look back at Penny. “I hope you’ll get Ellie a cell phone tomorrow. Everyone needs a personal phone now days.” Damn, why had he mentioned that now?

  Penny grinned at him. “And I guess you want me to put all the family numbers into her phone for her?”

  He tried for casual. “Say, that’s a good idea. Wish I’d thought of it myself.”

  Penny had the nerve to laugh and so did Jake.

  Bart crawled out of the car. “Thanks for your help today. I’ll likely see you in a day or two.” He shut the door, waved, and walked to his apartment.

  Upstairs and in his private domain he walked slowly through the apartment. The touches the women had added looked great, things he wouldn’t have thought of himself but that he appreciated. He wandered into the kitchen and grabbed a beer then went into the living room.

  The armchair was the right distance from the television but the chair wasn’t all that comfortable. He was too tall for it and decided his first furniture purchase would be a massive leather recliner. He had one more day off from work so he might as well pick out a new chair tomorrow.

  After moving to the couch, he stretched out and clicked on the television. Wriggling to fit on furniture almost long enough, he found an old action movie he’d liked the first time and settled down to watch. Not much effort was required to follow the story, especially since he’d already seen it.

  His attention kept straying back to Ellie. He just couldn’t stop thinking about her. Having her next door would’ve been great. Having her here in his apartment would be better.

  Naw, he couldn’t think like that. As if he could help himself. What he had to remember was to refrain from speaking his thoughts.

  Danged if he hadn’t already told Jake and Caleb he was saving the former barber shop space for Ellie. Not that they cared, other than it gave them a good target for ribbing him. Maybe he should take her with him tomorrow to pick out a recliner. Then, he could show her the apartment over the rental space.

  Hell, he was making himself crazy and should focus on his new television. Nothing relaxed his mind like explosions and crashes with a happy ending. Smiling to himself, Bart drifted along with the movie.

  Chapter Twelve

  Ellie checked the last item on the forms, hoping she knew her beeswax from bunk. She’d checked and double-checked her figures and reread everything she’d written for what seemed like the hundredth time. This was too important for mistakes.

  Nerts, already her stomach alternated between tying in knots and battling flocks of butterflies. The total amount of money she needed was astonishing. How could opening a simple dress shop require so much capital?

  When she was satisfied she could do no better, she rose and walked to Penny’s desk. “I left the year off my birth date as you suggested. Should I mail this to the bank or can I simply hand it to you?”

  Penny held out her hand and smiled. “Why waste a stamp and a couple of days? Could you stick around in case I have questions?”

  Ellie was too nervous to sit down. She paced the room, reading every diploma and certificate on display and re-examining the photos and paintings. When she’d exhausted those, she chose a book and sat in one of the leather arm chairs and tried to read with no luck.

  Sighing in disgust, she returned the book to the shelf. Maybe she could look at the pictorial history again. At least she could view photos and not have to concentrate.

  Before she could retrieve the history, Penny laid down the papers. “These are in good order. Congratulations, I can give you the funds.”

  Ellie wanted to dance around the room. Instead, she stood perfectly still. “You can? That’s wonderful. I’m so excited. What do I do first?”

  Penny’s usually smiling face took on a solemn expression. “Whatever you do, don’t mention this in front of Bart or anyone else. Ever! We have to get your identification papers—birth certificate, Social Security card, and driver’s license. You can’t even open a bank account without the Social Security number and driver’s license for a photo ID.”

  “How can I get those, especially if I can’t mention them?”

  Penny twisted the pen in her hands. “Um, Jake knows someone who knows someone and so forth down the line. You said you’re twenty-two so I’ll use your real month and date of birth but 1995 as the year. Have you read over the driver’s license manual I gave you?”

  “I’ve memorized it. I realize I’ll have to borrow whatever vehicle I use but hope I don’t have to drive your huge car to take the test. I could never park that SUV well enough to pass.”

  “Sally will probably let you use her Honda. She let me. Frankly, I prefer hers but I don’t really drive that often. Buying one for my use would seem frivolous. I’d still rather ride a horse.”

  “Do you ride every day?”

  “I’m not a fan of riding in the rain. Mind you, I don’t mind a drizzle but I don’t go out if there’s thunder and lightning.”

  Ellie grinned at her. �
�After hearing your story, I guess not.”

  “Let me check with Jake to see about your papers. Remember, not a word to Bart or anyone else. If you even drop a hint, we’ll all be in big trouble.”

  “I wouldn’t want Bart to have to arrest me or his family.”

  Penny’s eyebrows elevated. “Neither would I. Now, let’s see what Sally’s doing.”

  Before they reached the kitchen, they heard Bart’s baritone teasing Sally.

  Penny put her hands at her hips. “You do remember you’re the sheriff and have an office in town, don’t you?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I came to steal Ellie for the day so I can show her a shop that’s for rent. That is, if you think you can award her the funds she needs.”

  Ellie grabbed Bart’s arm. “I’m approved, isn’t that keen? I’m so excited I can’t possibly sit still for long.”

  He grinned at her and mischief danced in his eyes. “Not even long enough to drive to town?”

  Her heart pounded so loud she was surprised someone didn’t comment on the sound. “Barely. Can we go now? Do we have to wait for you to eat or anything?”

  “If you’re ready, let’s go. Dad and Jake won’t be in for a couple of hours. I can’t waste all day because I have to go back to work tomorrow.”

  “I’ll get my purse.” She smiled at Penny. “Rather, I’ll get the purse Penny loaned me. She said mine is out of style.”

  Bart chuckled. “I’m certain you’ll remedy that soon enough.”

  She raced up the stairs but wasn’t in such a hurry she couldn’t brush her hair and refresh her lip rouge. Soon she wanted to get a tube of lipstick like Penny used.

  Back downstairs, she told Penny and Sally goodbye and walked with Bart to his pickup truck.

  He opened the door for her. “Your chariot awaits, my lady.”

  She curtsied. “Thank you, kind sir. I’m eager to see that apartment and shop. What else are we going to do?”

  “I want your shopping expertise while I choose a nice recliner for my living room. That may seem a tasteless choice to you, but last night I discovered I don’t have a comfortable place to watch television.”