“But if Emmett had known the truth, maybe he’d have married Felicity. Maybe he’d have grown up, become responsible, been there for Cheyenne. But we’ll never know. Because Felicity lied. And you continued her lie.” Resa jabbed a finger at him. “But it ends now.”
Would he lose custody of Cheyenne? “Please don’t tell Emmett.” Something sank to the pit of his stomach. “Cheyenne will be the one to suffer. I’m all she’s ever known. You can’t take her away from me and give her to some irresponsible stranger.”
“He’s her father.”
“Not to her.”
Resa sighed, shook her head. “It’s an impossible situation. No matter what happens, someone gets hurt. And I don’t want that someone to be Cheyenne. I’ll pray about it.”
“Always the best thing to do. You’ll let me know what you decide?”
“Yes.”
“You won’t do anything without letting me know your decision first?”
“I promise. For now, your secret’s safe with me.” The anger in her tone cooled, but her eyes turned glossy. “I can’t believe you never gave me the chance to be her aunt.”
“I’m sorry.” He’d hurt her again. “Deep down, I wanted to, but I was scared.”
She turned her back on him, but he didn’t miss her quiet sniffle.
Regret stabbed deep in his chest. Yet Resa’s pain was the least of his worries. He exited, strode to the house, with the weight of Texas pressing down on his shoulders. He couldn’t lose Cheyenne.
The urge to grab their suitcases and flee took up residence in his brain. But where would they go? If he ran, Resa might press charges, and they’d be easy to track down in Kingsville. He couldn’t uproot Cheyenne and move somewhere new. Without Dad and Annette. A life on the run.
No. He’d have to stay here. Wait it out. Hang on Resa’s decision.
“Dear God, please don’t let me lose Cheyenne.” The vise grip on his chest tightened.
* * *
As she stood, Resa still had no clarity. She’d barely slept last night, and had spent her morning praying to God for wisdom, to help her do the right thing.
If she kept Colson’s secret, she’d be living a lie. Her parents deserved to know they had a granddaughter. But if she revealed it, how would that affect Cheyenne and Colson?
And what about her brother? If she revealed Cheyenne’s parentage, would Emmett go for custody? Would he care? Or carry on with his bachelor glory days? If he didn’t claim Cheyenne, would her parents seek legal rights?
She brushed off the knees of her slacks, slipped on her slingback pumps and checked her reflection in the full-length mirror. The circles under her eyes testified to her lack of sleep.
Her parents were reasonable people. They wouldn’t want to disrupt Cheyenne’s world. As long as Colson let them have time with her, they wouldn’t rock the boat. And if Emmett claimed Cheyenne, Resa would just have to convince him that Colson needed to remain a large presence in her world.
At the core of everything was Cheyenne. Innocent and caught in the middle of this tug-of-war. Happily in the dark. It was tempting to leave her there. Except that Resa’s parents had been robbed of their first grandchild. She’d been robbed of being an aunt.
Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight. Her mother had drilled the verse from the book of Psalms into her heart when she was a child.
The truth needed to come out.
She grabbed her purse and headed to her office. Even though she wouldn’t get any work done, she’d tell Colson her decision, make plans.
Halfway there, she saw him waiting for her. She closed the distance between them and unlocked the door.
“Well?” His eyes were bloodshot, and his hatless hair was separated into rows, as if he’d spent a sleepless night raking his fingers through it.
“Come inside.”
“I can’t take another night of this. Have you decided?”
“I want you to come to Dallas with me. We need to tell Emmett together.”
Colson sank into the nearest chair, as if his legs would no longer hold him up. “I can’t lose her.”
“I don’t know what Emmett will do. Or my parents—not for certain. But if anyone other than you ends up with custody of Cheyenne, I’ll personally make sure you remain in her life.”
“I’m at the mercy of a whim.” He covered his face with his hands. “Do you really think Cheyenne would thrive with Emmett?”
“Maybe you can relocate to Dallas. Or here, and I could insist Emmett move home, keep Cheyenne close to you. We’ll work it out. And I’ll help Cheyenne with any transitioning that comes up.”
His hands dropped into his lap and he looked up at her, eyes full of torment. “I just don’t know if I can do this.”
She wanted to hug him. “I’ll help you. And Cheyenne.”
“Let’s go today then. I hate to miss Wednesday night Bible study, but I’d like to get this over with. Find out what Cheyenne’s future holds.”
“I can be ready in thirty minutes.”
“Meet you at my truck.”
“Sounds good.”
He stood, looking beaten, and exited.
Colson loved Cheyenne as if she were biologically his. He’d known for two years that she wasn’t. Yet he’d lived his life for her.
Would a judge disregard Colson’s five years of love, care and commitment to Cheyenne? If so, could Emmett love her like that?
Why did doing the right thing feel all wrong?
* * *
With Cheyenne’s future hanging in the balance, he’d made arrangements for the ranch chores and operations, then made the drive to Dallas with Resa. In silence.
The closer they got to Emmett’s condo, the higher the wall between them became. All the closeness they’d shared officially disintegrated.
“This one. Right here.” She pointed to their right.
He turned in, found a parking slot, leaned his head against the steering wheel. “You can’t imagine how close I came to packing our bags, grabbing Cheyenne and running away this morning.”
Her hand on his arm, she gave a gentle squeeze. “I promise we won’t cut you out of her life. No matter what happens.”
Maybe that could be true, but only if Emmett never learned about Cheyenne’s trust fund.
Unconvinced, Colson felt his stomach give another lurch. He straightened. “Does he know we’re coming?”
“Yes. I called and made sure he’d be here.”
Knees wobbly Colson walked toward the condo like a man facing the gallows, with Resa’s heels clicking along beside him.
“He’s on the top floor.”
Stucco and glass. A sleek condo surrounded by asphalt. Nowhere for a child to play. Cheyenne would be so unhappy here. But Colson would move in next door if he had to.
Surely Emmett wouldn’t want a little girl to take care of, to put a kink in his carefree ladies’ man lifestyle. But he might want her money.
Colson followed Resa to his doom.
She pressed the button next to an elevator. “We’re here.”
“Come on up.” Emmett’s voice crackled over the intercom and the doors slid open.
Colson endured a slow, silent crawl until the elevator stopped on the twenty-fourth floor. Resa reached toward the button to open the private elevator, but he grabbed her hand.
“Please don’t.”
Her arms came around his waist, and she pressed her cheek against his chest.
Warming him from the inside out. His arms slipped around her.
“It’s all going to work out okay. I promise. I’ll see to it. Whatever it takes to make sure Cheyenne stays happy and healthy.”
“That’s all I want.”
“Me,
too.”
The door slid open. A grinning Emmett greeted them. “Well, looky here. Come on in.”
Resa pulled back from Colson, gave her brother a quick hug.
He turned away, left them to follow.
With Colson lagging behind, Resa perched on a white tufted leather couch with chrome legs. Colson settled beside her, careful not to scuff the acrylic coffee table.
“Want a drink?” Emmett gestured to a well-stocked cabinet.
“You know I don’t drink.” Resa rolled her eyes.
Emmett’s gaze shifted to him.
“I’m good.”
“To what do I owe this visit?” He settled across from them in a matching chair, looking smug. “Come to ask for her hand, since our dad’s not around?”
“Emmett, please. This is difficult enough. We have something very serious to discuss.”
“Sounds dramatic. Is the company going under? I told you we need to go public with the stock.”
“It has nothing to do with the company. It’s about you.”
“Uh-oh.” He looked toward the ceiling. “What did I do now?”
“It’s nothing you’ve done recently. It’s what you plan to do about something you did in the past.”
“Huh?” He frowned. “Can we not talk in riddles? Just cut to the chase.”
“You have a daughter.”
Emmett’s jaw dropped and his gaze cut to Colson. He stood, stalked toward the window. “Felicity was pregnant in college. I know.”
“You knew?” Resa’s strained tone echoed disbelief.
“She told me it was my kid. I dumped her, gave her the money to get rid of it.”
It was all Colson could do not to tackle him. If left up to Emmett, Cheyenne wouldn’t have... He couldn’t finish the thought.
“Oh, Emmett.” Resa closed her eyes.
“It was a long time ago. I was a stupid kid.” He propped his hands on each side of the window frame. “It’s haunted me and I’ve often wondered what she ended up doing. But once you told me she married Colson, that they had a child, I suspected.”
“So now that you know, what comes next?” Colson managed to keep his tone free of the rage writhing inside him.
“I’m in the process of making some changes in my life, becoming a better person, more responsible.” Emmett turned to face them, strode back and reclaimed his chair.
“I’m really glad.” Resa’s eyes lit up, so hopeful.
“I’m meeting with my developer again tomorrow, for my video game business.”
Oh yeah, all grown up. Colson’s fists clenched.
“I’m working on some things, but that doesn’t make me father material any more than I was back in college.”
Resa shut her eyes.
“Colson’s the only father she’s ever known.” Emmett’s gaze shifted to him. “If you’ll get the papers drawn up, I’ll sign over all parental rights to you.”
The pressure in his chest slowly dissipated.
But he had to come clean. If Emmett found out about the trust fund later, Colson couldn’t go through this again. Maybe with his new business venture, Emmett wouldn’t care about Cheyenne’s money.
“There’s something else you need to know.” Colson drew in a deep breath, forced the words out. “She’ll inherit a trust fund at twenty-five.”
“Ol’ Nigel always takes care of his own.” Emmett drummed his fingers on his chair arm, as if ready for them to leave. “I’m glad the kid will be set up.”
“Her name’s Cheyenne.” Resa’s eyes turned glassy.
“Please don’t look at me like that. I’m trying to do what’s best for the—for Cheyenne.”
And remain footloose and fancy-free.
But Colson’s breathing didn’t hurt anymore. “I’ll get a lawyer on it.”
“Just like that. Don’t you want to see her?” Resa’s voice caught.
“I figure she’s better off if I just stay out of it. She doesn’t need me complicating things. In fact, you should probably marry Colson and raise her together. It’s obvious y’all are still crazy about each other.”
Resa winced, shook her head.
“Take care of her, will ya?” Emmett’s oh-so-familiar blue eyes closed. “I only seem to disappoint.”
“I’ll have to tell Mom and Dad.” Resa stood.
“Do whatever you need to. Just don’t include me in the new little family unit. Colson’s her father.”
Please don’t change your mind. Colson stood, offered his hand.
Emmett shook it, then rounded the coffee table to hug Resa. “I’m sorry I can’t be who you want me to be. Yet.”
But was he a man of his word? Colson wouldn’t rest well until the papers were signed.
Chapter Fourteen
Back on the road home, hot tears threatened as Resa kept her face averted and swallowed the golf ball–sized lump in her throat. How could her brother be so indifferent to Cheyenne? He’d known all along. Encouraged Felicity to end the pregnancy. Resa wouldn’t tell Mom and Dad that part. Ever. She blinked the moisture away.
At least Colson was so elated over the turn of events, he hadn’t realized how upset she was.
“I know that didn’t go the way you wanted.” He merged onto the interstate. “And I’d be lying if I said I’m not ecstatic over Emmett’s decision, but I want you and your parents to be part of Cheyenne’s life. I want y’all to be her family, her aunt and grandparents. We can figure out how to explain the particulars when she gets older.”
“Really?” Resa sniffled.
“And I’ll go back to King’s Ranch soon, give them my resignation, arrange to put in my notice and move to Bandera.”
“You’d do that?”
“Cheyenne blossomed at the ranch. With you. I want her to know y’all.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Resa swiped her finger under each eye. “You can stay on as foreman until Juan’s return. That’ll give you more time to find something permanent.”
“I’ll take you up on that offer.”
“Thank you. And thank you for taking such good care of her all these years, for being willing to give up your livelihood for her.”
“She’s my daughter. Paternity has nothing to do with it.”
“Obviously not, in my brother’s world.”
Colson turned onto an exit, then into a gas station, and stopped the truck in the lot. “Maybe Emmett’s really trying to do what’s right for Cheyenne’s sake, so as not to disrupt her life.”
“I think he’s trying to do what’s best for Emmett.” She scoffed. “As usual.”
“I don’t know. When he mentioned wondering what Felicity did about the baby, I think it really haunted him. It was there in his eyes. I don’t think he’s as cold as he thinks he is.”
“I’m glad Cheyenne has you.”
“I’m glad she has us.”
* * *
The softness in her eyes got to him.
Undid him. He pulled her into his arms, tucked her into his shoulder. “If I’d known I wouldn’t lose her two years ago, I’d have told you then. I wish I had. You and your parents could have been making up for lost time with her. I’m sorry.”
“I’m just glad you’re willing to let us be part of her life now, despite Emmett’s disappearing act.”
“I’m sorry he hurt you.”
“How will I tell Mom and Dad? This will crush them. Especially Mom.”
“You’ll find the words. I’ll be there with you if you want. Maybe the news of a granddaughter will soften the blow.”
“I hope so.” She pulled away from him, mopped her face. “I’m getting you all wet.”
“I can’t say I mind.”
Her gaze met his. With the
ir lips so close, he could no longer resist. He closed the gap between them. Her lashes fluttered down.
Just as sweet as he remembered despite the salt of her tears. Time stood still as if he’d never left her. Never lost her. Never married Felicity and never kept a Cheyenne-sized secret from her. Six years melted away.
But then she stiffened, jerked back from him.
“What’s wrong?”
“You’re playing my emotions.”
“Huh?”
“Making sure I’m on your side, ensuring that I don’t get my parents to seek custody or court-ordered visits.”
“That kiss had nothing to do with Cheyenne.”
“It won’t work.” Resa jabbed a finger at him. “All of my brother’s schemes over the years made me an expert at detecting manipulation, so just keep your distance.”
“I can’t really do that as long as I’m at the ranch.”
“You know what I mean. Physically keep your distance.”
“Done.” Nothing could happen between them, anyway—he didn’t deserve to be happy. She’d just been upset. And too close.
“I think we should wait until my parents return from the cruise to tell them about Cheyenne. But I’d like to go ahead and tell Cheyenne about us and have the chance to be her aunt. That way maybe it won’t be overwhelming for her and maybe we can build some excitement for her about meeting her grandparents.”
He did mental backflips to keep up with her. “Sounds like a plan.”
“Can I come over tomorrow after work and tell her?”
“Just don’t make it a real big deal. You don’t have to mention that I’ve known all along and kept it a secret from you. And her.”
“I won’t make you look bad. That would be cruel.”
“Maybe you could have supper with us and tell her afterward.”
“Or maybe y’all could come to my house. Mac and Annette, too. I make a mean lasagna.”
“Okay.” So after a family gathering over a meal, Cheyenne would learn those ties were expanding.
A Texas Holiday Reunion Page 14
