Texas Tall

by Janet Dailey

  “Something tells me it was more than bad luck,” Will said. “But even knowing for sure won’t bring the barn back. Sorry I can’t stay and visit. I’ve got a hungry crew to feed—even got the bunkhouse cook working the line.” He turned away, then glanced back. “You two enjoy your lunch.”

  “You’re welcome to join us,” Drew said needlessly.

  “Another time, maybe.” Will walked to the counter, paid with his credit card, and carried the stack of pizza boxes out the door.

  Drew had taken his seat again. He took a sip of the Coke the waitress had left on the table. “So that’s your ex-husband,” he said. “He’s pretty, uh . . . formidable.”

  “Will can be overbearing.” Tori stirred creamer into her coffee. “But he’s a good man and a good father. Erin adores him. If I don’t win this case, I don’t know what she’ll do.”

  “And what will you do, Tori?” He captured her hand again. “Something tells me there’s more at stake here than Erin’s feelings.”

  “Of course there is. The charges against Will are ridiculous, but for some reason the prosecution is out to get him. I can’t let an innocent man go to prison, especially knowing what being there would do to him, and to his family.”

  “And to you?” His fingers tightened around hers. “Are you still in love with him, Tori?”

  Her heart gave a thud, like a rock hitting the bottom of a well. “Of course not. We’ve stayed friends for Erin’s sake. But when we were married, we drove each other crazy. Most of the time I can barely tolerate the man.”

  He released her hand as the waitress brought their meals and set them on the table, but his light hazel eyes continued to hold hers. “I’m not a fool,” he said. “You’re the woman of my dreams, and I want you for keeps. But when you’re in my arms, I need to know it’s me you’re thinking about, not another man. I understand that you have to put this trial behind you. But once it’s done, whatever the outcome, I’ll need you to give me an answer.”

  “I understand.” Tori poked at the sandwich on her plate, her appetite gone. “You’ve been an angel of patience, Drew. I promise I won’t keep you waiting much longer.”

  “I’m holding you to that. If you say yes to me, I expect it to be a hundred percent. No hanging on to the past, agreed?”

  “Of course. That would be the only way.” And it would, Tori thought, but maybe it is time. For the past eight years, she’d been living in limbo, caught between her work in town and the ranch, never moving beyond that half-life with Will that was more than friendship, yet no longer a marriage.

  Now she’d been given a chance to change all that. Drew was a good man—intelligent, sensitive, kind, and patient. She was physically attracted to him—not in love yet, but she could be, once the baggage with Will dropped away. She could almost imagine saying yes to him.

  But what about Erin?

  Drew picked up a French fry, swirled it in the ketchup on his plate, and put it down again. It appeared he had no more appetite than Tori did.

  “What is it?” she asked. “Is there something you haven’t told me?”

  “You’re very perceptive,” he said. “As a matter of fact, there is. It’s the reason I came back here early—to talk it over with you.”

  “Tell me,” she said.

  “I’ve been offered a new job—assistant principal at a big school in a wealthy district that can afford to pay teachers what they’re worth. I’d be making twice what I make here, to say nothing of the chance to move up the ladder. The job would start spring semester.”

  “So, have you said yes?” Tori spoke calmly, but her head was already spinning with the implications of what she’d just heard.

  “I promised them an answer within two weeks,” he said. “If I take the job, my assistant could handle things here till they found a replacement. It’s short notice, but given what the job could do for my career track, I can’t imagine turning it down.”

  “And where is this educator’s paradise?” Tori struggled to ignore the flip-flopping sensation in her stomach.

  “Seattle—a great area close to the university. You could find plenty of legal work, or even go back to school if you wanted. You could—” He broke off with a nervous laugh. “Why are you staring at me like that? Don’t you know I’m asking you to come with me? With a ring on your finger or without—your choice. This isn’t really a proposal, unless. . .” He reached over and captured her hand again. “Unless you want it to be.” He paused, an uncertain look creeping over his handsome features. “So what do you think?”

  Tori found her voice. “I’m just wondering about Erin.”

  “She’d love it,” he said. “Beautiful, green city, lots of culture, friends, and things to do. You could put her in a good private school, take her on trips, give her a chance to learn about the world beyond Blanco Springs . . .” He shook his head. “Sorry. I know I’m rushing you. I know you need to focus on the trial. Just promise me you’ll keep it in mind. That’s all I ask.”

  Tori willed herself to breathe. “I will. Don’t expect much from me until the trial’s over. But when it’s done, you’ll have my decision.”

  “I understand, and I won’t push you.” He released her hand and glanced down at her tuna melt. “Your food’s gone cold. Let me order you something else.”

  “Thanks, but I’m a bit emotional right now.” She rose and reached for her coat. “I hope you’ll give me a rain check when things calm down.”

  “Sure. But you’ll think about what I said, won’t you?” He got up to walk her to her wagon.

  “Of course.” How could she not think about it?

  She was still thinking about it as she drove back to the ranch. Drew’s proposal—or whatever it had been—had caught her like a flash flood in a narrow draw, leaving her shaken and confused.

  She should have turned him down on the spot and saved both of them the pain of uncertainty. So why hadn’t she? Maybe there was a reason. Maybe leaving Blanco Springs and going to Seattle with Drew could turn out to be the best decision she’d ever made—for herself, as well as for Erin, who’d never experienced the world outside rural Texas. Or it could turn out to be a disaster for all concerned. Either way, she couldn’t make an intelligent choice until after the trial.

  As she pulled up to the house, she could see the work crew clearing away the ruins of the barn. Will was with them, looming over the others as he paused to shout directions or stooped to help drag a heavy timber free of the rubble. He would work until he dropped from exhaustion and never say a word about what was bothering him. That was Will’s way when he was worried, especially if he happened to be unhappy with her.

  Seeing her with Drew hadn’t sat well with him, she knew. Oh, he’d hidden it, but Tori knew the signs. He’d been too polite, too congenial, too cool. And while he was talking to Drew, he’d scarcely given her a glance.

  She’d planned to stay in town overnight, for some needed quiet time. But that had been before Drew called and before Will had shown up at the Burger Shack. Now, although it shouldn’t be allowed to matter, she’d felt compelled to come back to the ranch. She needed to let Will know she was here.

  Beau’s Jeep was gone, and Erin was nowhere in sight. Inside the house Tori found a note on her daughter’s closed bedroom door.

  In case anybody wonders, I went to the hospital with Beau and Natalie. Natalie had a doctor’s appointment. Beau wanted to visit Sky. I did, too, so they let me tag along. See you later.

  The house was quiet. Bernice was probably napping, and Tori had seen Jasper on the Kubota yard tractor, hovering around the workers who were clearing the barn. Even if he couldn’t work, the old cowboy would want to be part of the action, and maybe do some supervising.

  Savoring the silence, Tori sank into the cushions of the well-worn leather sofa. The stress of the past few weeks was getting to her. She’d forgotten the last time she’d had a decent night’s sleep. It felt good just to sit here in the familiar stillness and close her eyes for a m
oment . . . just for a moment . . .

  * * *

  Will had come back to the house to phone the insurance company, submit some forms on line, and order a batch of supplies for the new barn. He was headed down the hall to the ranch office and happened to glance into the living room. Tori was on the couch, fast asleep.

  He’d seen her drive up to the house about an hour ago, but he’d been too preoccupied with the barn work to pay much attention. Now he found himself wondering why she hadn’t stayed in town with her new boyfriend.

  Giving in to an urge, he walked into the room and stood looking down at her. She was curled on her side, her knees tucked up, her head resting on a cushion. Tangles of spun-gold hair framed her face and spilled over the suede pillow. Shadows of weariness rimmed her closed eyes. Seeing her in her sleep, he realized how tired she must be and how much of herself she’d given to helping him.

  As always, Will had counted on her competence and her willingness to do her job, whatever it took. Only today, seeing her holding hands with Drew Middleton, had it hit him how much he’d taken her for granted. Tori was a beautiful, intelligent, sexy woman. He needed her like he needed air to breathe and water to drink. But needing her wasn’t enough—not unless he had something she needed in return. And Middleton seemed to be filling her needs just fine.

  Seeing her with the man today had damn near killed him. He’d managed to keep a civil tongue, but it had been all he could do to keep from smashing his fist into that smug, pretty-boy face. Drew Middleton was well-educated, as was Tori. He probably had more interesting things to talk about than horses and cattle and the coming weather. The fancy bastard probably knew his way around the bedroom, too.

  Will cursed under his breath. Why was he torturing himself like this? He had more pressing worries than holding on to his woman—not that she was his anymore. Legally, she hadn’t been his for eight years—and there wasn’t a damned thing he could do about that.

  His jaw tightened as he gazed down at her, holding back emotions he had no right to feel. He ached to lean down and taste those plum-ripe lips in the secret hope they would soften to his kisses; but no, that wouldn’t be smart. If she pushed him away, he wouldn’t be able to stand it.

  He settled for lifting the woolen afghan off the back of the sofa, unfolding it, and laying it gently over her body. As it settled into place, she whimpered, stirred, and opened her eyes.

  Will’s heart dropped for an instant. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you,” he said.

  “Did you . . . need something, Will?” Her voice sounded muzzy, the way he remembered from those long-ago mornings when they’d awakened early to make love before starting the day.

  He shook his head. “I just wanted you to be warm. Go back to sleep.”

  “No . . . ’s all right,” she muttered, sitting up. “I was out cold. What time is it? Is Erin back?”

  “It’s almost four, and no, she’s not back.” Will hesitated, knowing he should keep silent, but needing to clear the air. “About today—”

  “Drew’s a friend. He says he’d like to be more than that, but I’ve told him I need to focus on the trial for now.”

  “So you still haven’t slept with him?” Will could have bitten his tongue off, but it was too late to take back the question.

  Tori raked back her hair, tightening the fabric of her blouse over one breast. Will cursed himself silently for noticing.

  “Not that it’s any of your business,” she said, “but no, I still haven’t. This is no time for a heavy relationship, especially since I’ve got Erin to think about.” She stood, tucking her blouse into her jeans. “Trust me on this. Whatever happens, in the end, I’ll do what’s best for our daughter.”

  “Does that include moving back to the ranch?”

  “Don’t push me, Will. I said I’d think about it.”

  “It’s what Erin wants. She told me.”

  “So you’ve been lobbying her behind my back?” Annoyance sparked a fire in her eyes.

  “You know I wouldn’t do that. Erin was the one who brought it up to me.”

  Tori’s shoulders sagged. She shook her head. “Anyway, it isn’t going to matter, because I’m going to win your case. When that’s behind us, the rest will fall into place.”

  “With you, me, Erin, and what’s-his-name. Right?” Will knew better, but he couldn’t resist the jab.

  “Don’t make this any harder than it is,” she said in a flat voice. “Just don’t.”

  Her face was close to his, her gaze coldly defiant. Will fought the urge to seize her in his arms and kiss away all the anger, all the bitterness between them. But something told him it would take a lot more than kissing to accomplish that.

  The tension was broken by the sound of footsteps and voices across the porch. An instant later, Natalie, Beau, and Erin burst inside.

  “Hi, Mom,” Erin said. “I thought you were staying in town.”

  “I changed my mind,” Tori said, causing Will to wonder if she’d changed plans because he would have known she was with Middleton.

  “How’s Sky?” he asked.

  “Mending,” Beau said. “But he’s not happy about being out of action when he’s needed here. I did have some news for him. You’ll be interested, too.” He’d brought a folded newspaper inside. Laying it on the coffee table, he opened it to the regional news page.

  “Right here. I bought a paper in the hospital gift shop and just happened to see this.” He pointed to a brief article accompanied by a grainy news photo. The headline read, WOMAN WANTED FOR ARMED ROBBERY.

  Will scanned the short paragraph that began, The robber of a Wichita Falls pharmacy has been identified as Marie Fletcher, shown in the above surveillance photo. Anyone knowing this woman’s whereabouts . . .

  Will studied the blurred photo. The long-legged figure shown at the pharmacy counter was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a baseball cap. But she’d happened to glance up at the wrong moment. The camera had caught the long, sharp face, the fierce dark eyes, and the white slash of a scar from temple to chin. It was Marie, all right.

  “So Sky’s cousin is up to her old tricks,” Will muttered, handing the paper back to Beau. “Looks like she might’ve been a little careless this time. You say you showed this to Sky?”

  “I did. Sky said he’d washed his hands of her. Can’t say I blame him after the woman shot Jasper, likely murdered her own brother, and damn near killed Lauren. I just hope she ends up behind bars, where she belongs.”

  “Even with all that, I can’t help feeling sorry for her,” Natalie said. “What chance did she have, growing up in that horrible family, and then having her ex-husband slash her face?”

  “Sky grew up in the same family, and he’s got his own scars,” Beau said. “Everybody has choices. Marie made hers.”

  “Hey, I smell something good!” Erin dashed toward the kitchen doorway, where Bernice had just appeared. “Is it brownies?”

  “It is, honey,” Bernice said. “I just took a batch out of the oven and iced them. I can already hear Jasper at the back door. He’s got a nose like an old coyote! Who else is hungry?”

  “Me!” Erin bounded into the kitchen.

  “Me too,” Beau said. “But I’ll have to grab one and eat on the run. I’ve got to get back to work.”

  “Count me in,” Natalie said, laughing. “After all, I’m eating for two! How about you, Tori?”

  “Sure. I . . . didn’t eat much lunch.” She moved toward the kitchen, paused, then turned back. “Will? Are you coming?”

  Will hesitated, then shook his head and turned away. One more memory of the family gathered around the kitchen table, talking and laughing, would be enough to break him. In his mind he was already distancing himself from the things he loved—the things that, days from now, if the trial went badly, would no longer be part of his life.

  * * *

  Ralph Jackson’s funeral took place the following Monday afternoon in the Community Church on the outskirts of town. Glancin
g back from his seat in the front pew, Abner experienced a rare sense of satisfaction. The small chapel was filled to the doors. Bethel’s friends in the congregation had come to support her, which was to be expected. But what pleased him most was that the back rows were filled by folks from the Rimrock.

  True, Abner wasn’t on friendly terms with the Tylers. But according to custom, when a family death occurred, differences were put aside long enough to pay respects. Will Tyler, looking drawn and restless, was seated on the aisle, with his young daughter beside him. No sign of Tori, but someone had mentioned she was in court today. Beau was there with Natalie. Sky, still looking raw around the edges, had come with the Prescott girl. Even Jasper was there, wearing a twenty-year-old brown suit that was too big for his age-shrunken body. The row behind them was filled with cowhands who’d worked with Ralph.

  All in all, it’s a nice turnout. Really nice, Abner thought. And the medical examiner had been thoughtful enough to release the body for a timely funeral. Ralph’s death had been ruled a tragic accident, a consequence of his trying to save the Tylers’ horses. By now, the burnt truck had been found. The evidence showed it had been stolen and vandalized, probably by a teenage gang. Thanks to Abner, no one would ever know the truth about Ralph—except maybe Stella, who had every reason to keep it to herself.

  Abner’s family filled the entire front pew of the little church. Bethel sat beside him, putting on a good show of grief for a woman who’d detested her son-in-law. Vonda, in black, wept quietly as she soothed her baby. She was still a pretty girl—pretty enough, hopefully, to find a better husband than Ralph had been. Next to Vonda, the other Sweeney children sat in descending order, like steps. Even the younger ones were awed into silence by the occasion. They sat with their arms folded, and their feet, in hand-me-down shoes, dangling from the bench.

  The Tylers’ insurance had paid for the funeral. It would also pay out a handsome benefit to Vonda and her child; and Ralph would go down in memory as the hero who’d sacrificed his life for his employer’s horses. Abner smiled to himself. All in all, things could be worse.