A Texas Holiday Reunion

by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

  And then he’d be able to avoid Resa. At least until her parents returned. He just needed to refocus on Cheyenne and his job for the remainder of their stay. He’d slipped with Resa. But he couldn’t let it happen again.

  * * *

  Coffee did nothing to soothe Colson’s nerves. Maybe it would at least wake him up. He’d barely slept last night, with the kiss playing over and over in his mind. Along with her reaction to it. How could she think he could stoop so low? To romance her in order to solidify Cheyenne’s custody?

  Yet he couldn’t blame her. She had no reason to trust any man besides her dad. Not only had Colson left her all those years ago, with no explanation, but she’d also been burned by her own brother. Coming to church with her, then hitting her up with taking the company stock public, trying to push his idea through while their parents were absent.

  And Colson would do almost anything to keep Cheyenne. But not play Resa. Or hurt her. Couldn’t she see how he felt about her? How he shouldn’t let himself feel about her.

  Dad shuffled into the kitchen.

  “Back flaring up?”

  “Yep.” He poured himself a cup of coffee. “One of these days, I’m gonna have to find another crafter to take my place. Know anybody?”

  “I could do it, if I don’t find a foreman job by the time Juan comes back. Either way I think I’m gonna stay in Bandera.”

  “Really?” Dad’s eyebrows rose. “You’re a natural with furniture. But would you be happy at the factory?”

  “As long as I get to spend time with horses, too.”

  “When I talked you into coming here, you were reluctant. Even after you agreed, once you got here, you couldn’t wait to leave. Now you want to stay. Anything to do with Resa?”

  “It’s Cheyenne. Sit down, Dad, I need to tell you something.”

  They settled at the ash kitchen table.

  “I told you how Felicity and I argued right before she died, but I never told you about what.”

  “You don’t have to tell me, son. It’s in the past and you need to stop torturing yourself with this.”

  “I’m not Cheyenne’s father.”

  Dad set his coffee cup down hard. Dark liquid sloshed over the rim.

  “Emmett McCall is.”

  “Oh dear.” Dad’s hand shook as he sopped up his spill with a napkin. “Does he know that?”

  Colson shared his trip with Resa yesterday. “For two years I’ve kept this secret, worried he’d take her away from me. That’s why I fought you tooth and nail on coming here. I was afraid Resa would take one look at Cheyenne and know.” He closed his eyes. “The truth finally caught up with me, but when I told him, he was completely indifferent. I should have known he was too selfish to want to raise a child. Even his own.”

  “That’s a very good thing.” Dad gulped his coffee. “He knows about the trust fund?”

  “That didn’t even seem to faze him. He offered to sign all custodial rights over to me. Resa recommended a lawyer here in Bandera. I’m going to see him today.”

  “We need to jump on this quick. Before Emmett has time to think about it and change his mind.”

  “I really don’t think he will.”

  “She should have been yours.”

  “She is.” Colson pressed a hand to his heart. “Where it counts.”

  “So you’re staying here, so Cheyenne can be close to the McCalls?”

  “They’ll want to be part of her life.”

  “Have you told Cheyenne?”

  “We’re all invited to Resa’s tonight for supper. She plans to tell Cheyenne she’s her aunt and that Maryann and Duncan are her grandparents. But she promised to leave the Emmett part out.” Dread knotted the muscles in his shoulders. “We’ll figure out a way to explain that when Cheyenne is older.”

  “So Resa loves Cheyenne. You love Cheyenne. And you love Resa. Why aren’t you working things out with her?”

  He couldn’t bring himself to deny it. “It’s complicated.”

  “You need to let go of your guilt about Felicity. She was drunk. It wasn’t the horse. Felicity was in no shape to be riding even the most gentle horse in the world. And besides that, God is in control of life and death.” Dad’s intense gaze, the determined set of his jaw, wouldn’t allow Colson to look away. “Not Colson Kincaid.”

  “There’s more to it.”

  “Then what?”

  “Resa believes I’ll do anything to keep Cheyenne. If I even think about trying to win her heart, she’ll think it’s a ploy.”

  “Well, my son, you better figure out a way to get her to trust you then. Y’all have been pining for each other for six years. I think that’s long enough.” Dad pushed his chair back, turned and shuffled toward his room. “In the meantime, I gotta get ready for work.”

  His dad was right. Felicity had been in no shape to ride. Colson had never really thought about that before. And God was in charge. As those truths slowly sank in some of the weight lifted from his shoulders.

  But Resa hated him. What could he possibly do to gain her trust?

  * * *

  Hands folded on his cherry desk, William Abbott had “distinguished character” down pat. Silver hair, reading glasses perched on the end of his bulbous nose, he listened intently as Colson shared Cheyenne’s story.

  “You’re certain you’re not the father?”

  “Positive.” Colson’s jaw muscle worked overtime. “Felicity told me Emmett McCall is her father.”

  “But you said she was drunk and angry when she made this confession.”

  “Yes.”

  “We’ll have to do a paternity test.” William typed something in his computer. “I can’t possibly draw up custody papers without establishing that first.”

  “I see. How long will that take?”

  “Normally three to five days. But with Christmas, that could prolong things.”

  “I need this settled.” Colson fisted his hands. “I can’t take it hanging over my head.”

  “I’ll try to put a rush on it.”

  “So what do I do? Take Cheyenne to the doctor? Do they draw blood?” His stomach turned.

  “I’ll set it up for you. All they do is swab inside her cheek.”

  “I don’t want her to know what this is about. Not yet. I mean—I don’t want to lie to her, but she’s only five.”

  “I understand. We can pretend it’s a flu test if you like.”

  “I would.” Why couldn’t he get the urgency of the situation across to the lawyer? “Can you go ahead and draw up the custody document, so that once we have DNA proof, Emmett can sign over his parental rights?”

  “I can, but I’m afraid it’s a lengthy process. Once paternity is proven, having Emmett sign custody documents is only the first step. A hearing will follow. And in the end, you’ll need to adopt Cheyenne before she’ll be legally yours.”

  Colson’s lungs deflated. “So there’s no way to do this quickly?”

  “I’m afraid not.”

  “Say the paternity test proves Emmett’s the father, he signs the papers, we have a hearing and I adopt her. I’ve seen wailing kids ripped from adoptive parents on the news. Can Emmett change his mind?”

  “Technically, the process is permanent, but the biological parental rights always trump everything. It would depend on the judge.”

  “I see.” Colson’s stomach did another twist.

  William picked up his phone. “I’ll contact Emmett about the test and get things rolling.”

  But did it really matter? If Emmett was the father and didn’t change his mind during the lengthy proceedings, he could still have second thoughts later. In the end, Colson would never have a legal leg to stand on. Not for certain.

  Maybe moving to Bandera permanently
, near both branches of Cheyenne’s biological family, would nip any custody battles in the bud. Cheyenne had blossomed here. They’d be closer to San Antonio, to Dad and Annette.

  It would be an easy transition. Except instead of just four more weeks to go of being around Resa, he’d be stuck in Bandera for good. If he couldn’t win her trust, would his heart survive being near her on a permanent basis?

  * * *

  “Mmm. I love ’sagna.” Cheyenne’s top lip bore a tomato sauce mustache.

  “Me, too.” Resa’s heart melted even more.

  Mac winked at her. He must be upset to learn he wasn’t related to Cheyenne, yet he’d come for dinner. Always supportive, always kind.

  “Did Daddy tell you our news?” Cheyenne didn’t wait for an answer. “We’re moving to Bandera?”

  “He sure did. And it makes me so happy.”

  She’d thought he might at least pull her aside and share how his consultation with William had gone today. But he’d remained tight-lipped, solemn, on edge during the meal.

  If only they’d never kissed. Her heart did a somersault just thinking about it. She couldn’t fall for him again. His only goal was to hold on to Cheyenne. Like her brother, he’d do whatever it took to get what he wanted. Any romance he pursued with her at this point would be a means to an end. To keep custody of Cheyenne. He’d probably go so far as to try to convince her to marry him if he had to.

  Even with him and Cheyenne staying in Bandera, Resa had to resist his charms.

  “We’re still going to Singing in the Saddle Saturday, right?” Cheyenne tore her garlic toast into small bites.

  “We sure are.” Resa pulled off a smile, hopefully convincing.

  “Ruby was talking about it at church last night. Her grandparents are bringing her and riding in our wagon.” Cheyenne set her fork down. “You’ll be there, right, Daddy?”

  “With spurs on.”

  “So when are we leaving for Kingsville?”

  “Not until Sunday after church.”

  “Just to get the rest of our stuff. Don’t worry we’ll be back.” Cheyenne eyed her plate. “Thanks for the ’sagna, Resa. It’s so good, I want to eat the rest, but my tummy isn’t big enough.”

  “I’ll put some in a container for you to take home.”

  “Yummy.”

  “Let’s leave the dishes and go to the living room.”

  “I’m not sure I can walk away from an unclean kitchen.” Annette smiled. “Why don’t y’all go ahead, while Mac and I clean up.”

  “I hate for y’all to do that. And you’re welcome to join us.”

  “I think the three of you need some time.” Mac pushed his chair back, pulled out his wife’s. There it was, sadness in his eyes. While she’d gained a niece and her parents a granddaughter, he’d lost one.

  “Come on, princess.” Colson helped Cheyenne down from the booster seat he’d brought. His mouth was taut, as if he wanted to get this over with.

  Resa waited until Colson and Cheyenne exited the kitchen, and lowered her voice. “I’m sorry, Mac. I know this must be hard on you.”

  “It’s not your fault.”

  “None of this will change anything. Cheyenne loves you, and in her heart, you’re still her grandfather.”

  “Are you sure Emmett will sign the papers?”

  Her heart clenched. “I’m certain he has no interest in raising her.”

  “And that hurts you.”

  “I’m fine.” A lump formed in her throat and she swallowed hard. “As long as I can be her aunt.” She kissed his cheek. “She’ll get another set of grandparents, but it won’t change anything for you.”

  “Thank you for letting us stay in her life.” Mac gave her a quick hug.

  “Whatever’s best for Cheyenne.” She smiled, patted his cheek. “The disposable containers are in the island. Be sure she gets plenty of leftovers to take home.” Resa turned away and headed for the living room, past ready to break the news to her niece.

  Colson and Cheyenne sat on the couch with a cartoon turned down low.

  “Hope you don’t mind I switched the TV on.” Dread shone in Colson’s eyes.

  “It’s fine.” She sank to the empty seat beside Cheyenne.

  The little girl turned from the TV, glanced around the room. “I just love all your horse stuff.”

  Resa picked up a turquoise suede throw pillow with a horse silhouette and fringe, then gestured to the matching window treatment. “All of this came from the store. We have lots of bedspreads with horses on them. You could have one.” She hugged the pillow. “But right now, I have something exciting to tell you.”

  Cheyenne turned from the television, looked up at her, so trusting. “What?”

  “I’m your aunt.”

  “Really?” Cheyenne smiled, her eyes wide. “Did you go on ’cestry dot com and find out?”

  Resa frowned. “I’m not sure what that is.”

  “Ancestry dot com. Cheyenne’s babysitter in Kingsville was researching her family tree,” Colson explained.

  “Oh.” Resa laughed. “Something like that.”

  “So can I call you Aunt Resa?”

  Her vision blurred. “I’d love that.”

  Cheyenne hugged her. “This’ll be fun. I’ve never had an aunt before. Well, except my mommy’s sister, but I don’t ever see her.”

  “You can plan on seeing me a lot. And guess what? My parents are your grandparents.”

  “Wow.” Cheyenne pulled away. “But Grandpa Mac and Nette are my grandparents. And Gramps, too. And Mimi.” Hyacinth—the afterthought.

  “Yes. Plus two more.”

  “What about the man sitting with you at church once? Grandpa Mac said he was your brother.”

  Resa’s breathing stilled. Had Cheyenne sorted out her family ties? “He doesn’t come home very often.”

  “Is he my—”

  “We’ll sort it all out later.” Colson cut her off.

  “But he’s my uncle, right?”

  That was a close one. Her gaze met Colson’s over the top of Cheyenne’s head. His face had paled, his lips tautened.

  “Something like that.” Resa’s sigh slipped out. “But like I said, he doesn’t come home much. You probably won’t meet him for a while.”

  “When do I get to meet my new grandparents?”

  “They’re still on the cruise. But they’ll be home next week. On Christmas Eve.”

  “I can’t wait.”

  “Me, neither. They’ll be ecstatic to meet you.”

  “Thank you, Daddy.” Cheyenne beamed at him.

  “For what?”

  “This is why we’re moving here. So I can be with my new aunt, grandparents and uncle.” Cheyenne’s brow puckered. “Wait. Since you’re my aunt, does this mean you can’t be my new mommy?”

  Resa’s jaw dropped. Her brain stalled.

  “Someday I might get married again, princess.” Colson cleared his throat. “But Resa will always be your aunt. And always be a part of your life.”

  “Okay, but if you wanted to, could you marry Resa, Daddy? Even though she’s my aunt?”

  “If she wanted to, I could.”

  “Good.” Cheyenne clapped her hands.

  “But—”

  Annette and Mac stepped into the living room, cutting off Resa’s protest.

  “I’ve got leftovers.” Mac held up a bowl. “And the kitchen’s all clean. How’s everything in here?”

  “Guess what, Grandpa?” Cheyenne bounced off the couch, ran into his legs. “Resa’s my aunt and I got more grandparents.”

  “That’s wonderful, munchkin. More people to love you.”

  “But you and Nette are still my grandparents, too.”

  Mac�
�s chin trembled. “And you’re my favorite granddaughter.”

  “Oh, Grandpa. You’re just saying that ’cause Nette’s grandkid is a boy.”

  “Let’s go.” Colson stood, grabbed Cheyenne’s coat from the entry closet. “Resa probably has some work to do.”

  “I’m finished for the day.”

  “We need to go, though.” He helped Cheyenne into her coat. “This little girl needs to get into her jammies. Bedtime soon.”

  “Bye, Aunt Resa.” Cheyenne waved. “See you tomorrow.”

  Resa’s eyes grew moist again. “See you then, sweet pea.” She blinked the tears away, focused on Mac. “Thanks for cleaning my kitchen.”

  “No worries.” He shot her a wink, then ushered Annette out.

  When the door shut behind them, Resa grabbed a tissue and let the tears roll. The emotional evening had taken its toll. On top of yesterday’s disappointment in Emmett. And in Colson. But Cheyenne had taken the news in stride. Kids were so resilient. If only adults could be.

  Chapter Fifteen

  As the evening sun slipped below the horizon, Colson wrapped up his day. But it didn’t matter now. Even after he finished his stint at the ranch, he’d be in Bandera. Too close to Resa, since she’d probably never trust him.

  His heart was still lodged in his boots from Cheyenne asking about her relationship to Emmett. His little girl was too smart for her own good. Added to that was her Resa-as-her-mommy dream. His insides were ripped to shreds. So much for eating, sleeping, thinking.

  He just needed to get through Singing in the Saddle tomorrow and the trip to Kingsville. He’d be back in Bandera the day before Christmas Eve. Only a day before Maryann and Duncan’s homecoming. Before Dad and Annette would go back to San Antonio.

  Colson had booked a suite for him and Cheyenne at the dude ranch next door until he could find a permanent place in Bandera. He’d have to find a job, too. Once Juan returned in mid-January, he could probably fill in at the local store as a crafter.

  He strolled to the house. Tugged his boots off in the mudroom.

  So many changes. A month ago, he’d never have thought Cheyenne could adapt. But she was all excited about meeting her new grandparents and moving to Bandera.