“Piper?”
“Look out the window. See that good-for-nothing, scraggly dog? That’s Piper.”
“How was that exciting?”
Dugan took the last bite of his breakfast, leaned against the back of the booth. Anger still glinted from his eyes, dimmer now, but still there. “He was a stray. Don’t know where he came from. But one day curiosity got the best of him and he caught his head in a pipe. Wayne Jacobsen found him. Remember Wayne?”
She nodded. Who could forget the wiry rancher with the small spread and six kids?
“Wayne couldn’t get the dog’s head out of the pipe, so he called the office. I sent Jonathan on the call. Thirty minutes later, he was on the phone and hollered for me.”
“What happened then?”
“Took a whole bottle of cooking oil. But out he popped. Called him Piper ever since. Can’t get rid of him.”
Kate laughed aloud at the picture he drew. Then looked out again at the dog lying in wait for his hero. “He’s not a bad looking dog. A bath would do wonders.” She started to offer to take Piper home with her, but she’d bet Piper was happy right where he was. And besides, she wasn't staying in Oaktree—was she?
“He can’t find himself a home. He’s underfoot all day every day.”
She chuckled again. “I don’t think he’s going anywhere. He’s your dog now, Dugan.”
He frowned. “Enough about him. What’s going on in your life?”
She had to get out of there. If he found out what had driven her to Gram’s, he’d either think she was just plain flighty, or needed a psychiatrist. Even she hadn’t figured out which one just yet.
No one had left the diner. No doubt they were still waiting to see what would happen. She slid to the edge of her seat. “Gram’s waiting, Dugan. I really do have to go.”
“I’ll walk you out,” he said. He put a bill on the table and grabbed his Stetson.
Amy hurried over with a small foil-wrapped package. “For Piper,” she said.
He thanked her, followed Kate out. A dozen pairs of eyes tracked their exit.
Out on the sidewalk, Dugan unwrapped the foil packet and hand fed the bits of bacon to Piper, then looked over at Kate.
She shook her head. “And you wonder...” She rubbed Piper’s head. “Good dog.”
Dugan turned on his heel and headed for his office, then changed his mind and came back to stand before her, his eyes flashing. He clearly wanted to say something, but apparently changed his mind, whirled around again, then headed for his office almost at a run.
She swallowed hard and wished with everything in her she could wipe that look off his face. She didn’t want him angry with her. Did she blame him? No. She’d left him stranded. He was right. It wasn’t like her. At the time though, she’d been so confused and upset it seemed the thing to do.
Gram had told her how her actions all those years ago affected him. How he moped around for months. How he lost weight. How he almost lost his job as deputy.
At the time she’d run away, she’d given herself a multitude of reasons. From her perspective now, they sounded weak.
A quick glance at the diner confirmed no one had missed a thing. Oh, Lord.
She found it difficult to pick up her feet and move on before she gave the on-lookers more ammunition.
If she was smart, she’d go right back to Gram’s, get in her car and high-tail it out of here. But where would she go? Back to Austin? She couldn’t. At least not until she got her head straight.
In minutes, she was back at Gram’s, her heart pounding. Darn Dugan anyway. How could he still do this to her? According to Gram and the townspeople she’d seen, Dugan was in love with another woman. If so, why was he still angry? And why did he still look so damn good?
Kate sank into the first chair she came to in the kitchen, her knees weak.
Being around him again had jolted her back to five years ago. The way they’d loved one another. The way they couldn’t get enough of each other.
That was the past. The present was an entirely different situation. Or was it?
The house was unusually quiet.
Gram wasn’t back. Kate looked at the clock. Either she was on a really long walk or…. She didn’t want to think about Gram getting hurt.
Gram was the steadying influence in her life. Had been since the first day Kate arrived in Oaktree to stay. She’d been there for Kate through all her adolescent years. No one could have given her more love and understanding, and Kate loved her with a passion.
Why wasn’t she back? A walk wouldn’t take this long.
Kate jumped out of the chair and headed for the door, not knowing where to look, just knowing she had to find Gram.
By the time she got there the door opened and Gram stepped inside. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright. She looked exhilarated. Was it the walk or did she look exceptionally happy? It took a minute for the tension to leave and be replaced with curiosity. “Gram? What took you so long?”
Gram held up a package. “Ran into Ed Clark. He gave me a big package of fish, then invited himself over for dinner tonight.”
“How nice of him.” Ed had been sheriff when Dugan graduated from college. Ed didn’t waste any time. He’d taken Dugan on as one of his deputies right away. Kate had always admired him. He was a friendly man and a good one. As their former sheriff, the town loved him still. He’d been single since his wife died several years ago. She looked over at Gram again as she put away the fish. Was he the reason Gram looked so glowing? Couldn’t be.
Grandpa had been gone a long time though. So long that Kate had never met him. She shook her head. It was her imagination. The morning was glorious. Why wouldn’t Gram’s cheeks be pink? Why wouldn’t her eyes be bright after a long walk on a day like this?
Gram poured two glasses of water, took them to the table. “You ready to talk?”
“How did you know?”
“I know my Katie-Girl. Now tell me what’s wrong?”
They settled down at the table, Kate in her favorite chair, Gram in hers. “I don’t know where to begin, Gram.”
“Start at the beginning.”
Kate rubbed her forehead, ran a hand through her hair.
Gram took her hand and stopped her. “Just let it out.”
Kate couldn’t keep the tears from forming. She took a deep breath. “Erik asked me to marry him.”
“Oh my goodness. What did you say?”
Kate gave a wry chuckle. “I’m here, aren’t I? No, really. I didn’t know what to tell him. It took me by surprise. We hadn’t really dated. Business lunches, coffee, nights where we went to dinner. Since we always talked shop I thought they were for business. I like Erik. I appreciate him. He was prosecutor when he took me on as his assistant. When he went into practice, he asked me to come with him. But you know all that. I’m babbling.”
“Do you love him?”
“I’ve never thought of him that way, so what can I tell you? He’s a nice man. He’s been good to me. I very much like the fact that he loves animals. He has a couple of cats he adores. Do I want to live the rest of my life with him? If I had to answer right now, I’d say no.”
On the other hand, maybe this type of caring would be better than the passionate relationship she’d had with Dugan. Maybe this one wouldn’t frighten her as much. She’d have to think about it.
The same panic—the same feeling she’d had years ago had reared its ugly head when Erik asked if she’d marry him. So much so that she couldn’t even talk to him about it. Just like she hadn’t explained anything to Dugan after she'd left him at the altar. It was a wonder he even spoke to her now. Both times, she’d just run away.
Who would understand why?
She had to get over this phobia or whatever it was. She couldn’t go the rest of her life like this. Not if she wanted a family.
“Gram, I think I’m afraid of the C word. I think it’s because my dad abandoned me. Not once, but many times. I love my dad. When I was young I put a lot of ho
pe in him. I think I run from commitment because I’m afraid the man I marry might be like him. But I’m a mature woman now. I should be able to get over it. Shouldn’t I?”
You would think understanding the reason that compelled her to fly into panic mode at the first mention of marriage would change the sudden urge to flee. But just talking about marriage and commitment sent her stomach into spasms.
“What about Dugan?”
Kate’s heartbeat kicked up a notch. She ignored it—ignored the fact that seeing him had brought up memories and feelings she didn’t want to explore. “It’s been five years, Gram. I’m over him. He’s over me.”
Gram gave her a strange look, then quickly looked out the window.
Despite the way Kate’s wary heart had jumped at the first sight of Dugan, she was over him. It had been a long time. He had gone on with his life, held an honorable position, was well respected, and almost engaged. He could do a lot worse than Mary Jo.
So why did he still make Kate’s heart do funny things that made her sad?
“Have you talked to anyone about this?” Gram asked.
“Like a professional?”
Gram nodded. “The reason could be a simple one, you know.”
“Sure. I left one man at the altar. I ran from another the minute he proposed. Simple enough, don’t you think?”
She sat there, arms crossed over her chest, her chin out. No matter what Gram said, Kate knew her reaction wasn’t normal. If this kept up, she’d die an old maid. Not that being single was a bad thing, if that’s what you wanted. It’s just that deep inside Kate wanted marriage. Wanted a loving husband and a house full of children.
She’d never have them at the rate she was going.
“Katie-Girl. Stay here and make this your home again. You need to be where you’re loved.”
If only it was that easy. Her insides had twisted into knots when Dugan walked into Molly’s. What did that tell her? They’d loved each other once and she’d walked away. Erik loved her and she’d walked away. She clearly had a problem with men loving her. Or at least saying they loved her.
It didn’t matter. It was time to come to terms with her problem once and for all.
“The town could use another lawyer, you know.”
“They have Karl Theiss. They don't need me.” And who would she get for clients, anyway? Not those who didn’t want her anywhere near Dugan.
Gram let out a sound of disgust. “Karl is too full of himself. At his age, you’d think he’d stop making grandstand plays in court. Thinks his name is Perry Mason.” She looked at Kate with pride and admiration. “You’re wrong, Katie-Girl. This town does need you.”
“You’re prejudiced, Gram, but I have to admit the idea is tempting. Very tempting,” she added, but didn't really believe Oaktree needed another lawyer. Gram was just being loving and supportive, like she always was.
Kate got up from the table. “Enough about my problems. I was too tired to unpack last night. I’ll do it now.”
Gram stood and took Kate into her arms. “It’ll be all right. Wait and see. You’ll come to a decision about this marriage proposal. Better still, you’re home now.”
Chapter Three
Dugan didn’t understand why Kate brought out all the long-ago feelings of hurt and rage. Dammit! He didn’t want this. He didn’t want his life disrupted by the woman who’d dumped him without a qualm and never looked back.
After she’d left, she’d never called, never explained. He’d ventured once to ask Grace. She’d only told him that Kate had been too young to take on marriage.
Totally not true.
But, other than short, forty-eight-hour holiday visits to her grandmother’s, she didn’t come back. Enough time had passed now that he should be over her.
And he was.
So, why this anger? Why were his thoughts turning to her at odd times during the day?
His thoughts should be on Mary Jo. She was a good person. She would make any man a good wife. But, a little voice reminded him, Mary Jo didn’t evoke the same kind of passion Kate did.
Still, Kate was part of his past, not his future. Simple enough. Right?
He buried his head in his hands; glad the office was quiet for a change. Why had she come back?
If she stuck to her normal custom, she’d be out of town in two days, tops, and the gossips would have other topics to dwell on. His life would get back into its normal rhythm, the anger and hurt would disappear, or at least be buried once again.
He was counting on it.
As usual, the day turned busy. By the time his last chore was completed, his desk clear, it was time for his date with Mary Jo.
He spotted her the minute he walked into Molly’s. She was sitting in the same booth where Kate had been this morning. Hours ago. A lifetime ago.
She waved as he made his way to her, stopping only twice to say hello to a couple of folks.
“Hi,” she said.
“Hi yourself.”
“Have a busy day?”
“The usual.” Mary Jo wasn’t herself. There was a look in her eyes he hadn’t seen before.
“I guess you heard Kate’s in town.”
“I saw her.”
His eyebrows lifted. Then it hit him that Kate didn't usually stay long enough to be spotted in town. But that was his fault for giving her a ticket to pay. Still, she could have mailed the payment in.
“The two of you were coming out of Molly’s this morning. I saw the way you looked at her. The way she looked at you.”
“Sorry you had to see my anger. It surprised me.”
Her mouth turned up at the corners. “That’s not what I saw.”
“Oh?”
“You still love her, Dugan. If you didn’t, she couldn’t hurt you.”
He took her hand. “You’re wrong. I wish she was anywhere but here disrupting my life.”
“Which is exactly my point. Her being here should mean nothing. Instead, you’re angry and upset.”
Stunned, he just sat there. “That’s not true.”
Her eyes held a sheen of tears. What had he done? “Have you ordered?”
She shook her head, making her curls bounce. “If you love her,” she said softly, “I understand.”
She started to leave. He took her arm, gently, and made her sit back down. “You don’t understand. It’s been over between Kate and me for years. Why wouldn’t it be? She left me, Mary Jo. I don’t want her back.”
“Tell yourself that. When you finally believe it, let me know.”
“Mary Jo?”
She gave him a sad smile and left. His hands shook when he put a couple of bills on the table and walked out. By the time he got outside, she was gone.
Did he want to follow her? Try to make this right?
He shook his head. Right now he didn’t know what would be right. He did know he was hungry, and thirty miles down the road was the best cook in the county.
He’d have dinner at the ranch. It would get him out of town and away from the prying eyes and sharp tongues of the town gossips. He wouldn’t be compelled to do something stupid, like go to Mary Jo and beg her to stay. She was right. He had to get over this hurt and anger once and for all. Years ago, it had taken him a long time to accept the fact that what he and Kate once had was gone.
Why didn’t Mary Jo believe that? She couldn’t be right.
It was simple. Kate brought back too many memories. His insides tightened. He could almost feel and taste her again.
Not good.
With little traffic he was at the back door a half hour later. It was home. The small house that came with the job of sheriff was just that. A house. This large rambling ranch house was home. The fields and barns were as familiar as the face he saw in the mirror.
Mark, Donovan’s adopted son, ran to greet him.
“Uncle Dugan! Wait until you see. Susie walked today. Can you believe it? I didn’t think she’d ever stop crawling. Dad says she’ll be big enough to run and p
lay soon. How long do ya think it’ll take? Next week? I can’t wait to take her for a ride on Snowman. Except Dad says she has to be able to walk first. How long do you think?”
Dugan chuckled. Eight-year-old Mark hadn’t been this excited since the birth of his baby sister. He swung Mark in a circle, made him squeal. Then raced him into the kitchen.
His mother smiled when the two of them burst through the door. “I hoped you’d be here. I made your favorite dessert.”
He kissed her on the cheek. “I can always count on you, Mom.”
Phyl walked in, her daughter Susie, in her arms. She gave him a hug. Ever since he’d taken a bullet in the shoulder when a killer chased Phyl a couple of years ago, she’d given him special treatment. Not that she didn’t treat all the family with love and consideration, but she went out of her way to make and take him special treats, and always gave him a bigger than life hug. Donovan was lucky to have her in his life. Dugan wondered if he would ever be so fortunate.
“What’s this I hear about you?” Dugan asked as he took Susie out of her mother’s arms and held her high. “Your big brother says you can walk. Wanna show me?”
Susie giggled, then drooled as he sat her on the floor. He stepped a few feet away, knelt down on the floor and held out his hands. “C’mon, Princess. Show Uncle Dugan what you can do.”
“She’s real wobbly,” Mark explained. “But Dad says she’ll get better every day.”
Mark adored his adoptive father. He looked up to Donovan, emulated him. It was a pleasure to watch them together.
Dugan waited as Susie got her balance and teetered toward him. After the third step she fell forward. Laughing, he caught her up and hugged her tight. “You did good.”
“Isn’t she smart?” Mark asked. “Dad says not every baby can walk at nine months. Most wait at least a year. Mom says I was real smart, but I didn’t walk until I was eleven months old.”
Dugan gave Mark a noogie. “Your sister’s an Einstein,” he said.
“What’s an Einstein?” Mark asked.
“A smart person,” his mother replied. “Now go wash up. It’s time to put dinner on the table.”
“Where’s Don?”
“In the barn. We’ve been involved with a difficult birthing most of the day. He’s cleaning up.”
Promise Made (The Callahan Series) Page 3
