She handed him the tea and he took a long, thirsty drink. “Thanks. That hit the spot. I’ve been working my cutters all morning.”
She took a seat across from him. “What did you want to talk to me about?”
“First, I need to set the record straight,” he began. “The day I came to help Jared with the horse corral, he had no idea I was going to suggest he join the Mustang Valley corporation.”
Dana already knew that. “Well, it doesn’t matter anymore because Jared is gone.”
Chance frowned. “I know he’s in Vegas, but he’s coming back.”
Hope sprang eternal. “Did he tell you that?”
“Not exactly, more like…he’d be gone a while.”
Dana wasn’t convinced, not after the argument they had. And not when he had the lure of Las Vegas and his dream. Besides, if Jared planned to come back, wouldn’t he have called her?
“Well, I doubt it now, since our arrangement was never meant to be permanent.” Her cheeks reddened in embarrassment. “Jared was only helping us get back on our feet and we’re doing fine.”
“I think Joy and I started out saying the same thing,” Chance commented, trying to hide a smile.
“No, this is different. Jared’s life is in Las Vegas.”
Chance frowned. “He’s also made a life here. I don’t think he’s the type of man to leave you high and dry. You’re his wife and Evan is his nephew.”
That didn’t seem to matter to Jared, Dana thought, swallowing back her emotions. “Like I said, we’re managing.”
“Is that so?” Chance watched her closely. “If you weren’t, would you ask a neighbor for help?”
“It’s hard for me—” she straightened “—to take charity.”
“We neighbors call it a helping hand. Not too long ago there were some people around here who didn’t want anything to do with a Randell. That’s hard on a man’s pride. My brothers and I know what it’s like to feel like a charity case. I’d never do that to anyone.”
Dana saw the flash of pain in his eyes. She’d been too young back then to know all about the Randell story. She could only imagine what those young boys had to go through, no one wanting them, having to live down their father’s sins.
“Back to that day, my offer to Jared was strictly a business deal,” Chance began again. “Joy made me see it was a mistake not to approach you both. I’m sorry, Dana. I should have included you, too, in my idea.”
Dana was surprised. “What idea?”
“Mustang Valley Guest Ranch needs a riding stable. Right now we don’t have the horses or the room to board the number of mounts our guests need. We also want to include your section of land in the guest ranch. Thought you might also think about adding some cabins on your property.”
He drew a breath and released it. “The only reason I approached Jared is that you and I hadn’t had the best relationship over the past few years. I hope we can clear up this misunderstanding. Believe me, Dana, the Randells don’t need any more land. Your strip of the valley land is yours. We only want to make sure it’s protected along with the mustangs. That’s the legacy that Hank wants to leave to us and future generations.
“So now I’m coming to you directly with the same offer—we want you to add your section of land to ours. Join our corporation and build your riding stable closer to the valley.”
She couldn’t believe what Chance was offering her. “But what if Jared doesn’t return?”
Chance pursed his lips. “I don’t know Jared that well, but what I do know is that he cares about you and Evan. But he’s a Randell and he’s going to be stubborn about admitting his feelings, so it might take a while for him to work it out.” Chance grew serious. “Jared wasn’t as lucky as the rest of us Randells. We had Hank to love us and keep us headed in the right direction. Jared’s been pretty much alone most of his life and he might think that’s all he deserves.”
“But he has Evan…and me now.”
Chance smiled. “I think he knows that, but as Joy would say, it takes a man a little longer to admit that he needs a good woman to share his life. So let Jared work some things out on his own. Then he’ll be back. I bet my top quarter horse on it.” Chance got up and placed his glass in the sink. “Take a few days and think over my offer—”
“I don’t need time,” Dana said, too excited to sit any longer. “I want to do it. At least the part about providing the saddle horses for the guest ranch.” She didn’t stop there. “Would you have a problem with me having my own students? Giving lessons to people other than your guests? I was thinking it would be easier for me if I keep all my mounts in one stable.” She couldn’t believe she was considering this.
Chance looked thoughtful. “It’ll be your business. We just need your services for our guests who want to ride. As long as you take care of the ranch guests, you can give riding lessons to anyone else who wants them. I’ll give you a few days to think about it and then I’ll call you. In the meantime, if you have any problems with anything let me know.”
“I will.” Dana nodded, surprisingly not minding Chance’s offer of help.
Chance stopped at the back door. “By the way, there was an older man who stopped by the house this morning, asking for directions to your ranch. A stranger. Definitely not from around here. I wasn’t crazy about him asking questions about you and Evan. Not to worry, I didn’t tell him anything and sent him on his way.”
Who would be looking for her? She felt Chance’s concern. “Who was he?”
“Said his name was Graham Hastings.”
Dana’s breath caught in her throat. She gasped.
Chance returned to her side. “Do you know who he is?”
“He’s Evan’s grandfather. He wants to take my son away.”
Jared rested his head on his folded arms on top of the desk, trying to catch a nap. He’d only managed a few hours a night in the past ten days. He’d been working around the clock with three shifts trying to get the project done on time.
The good thing was they were going to make the deadline. But as soon as they finished this job, Burke Construction had another project about to start. Luckily he had a crackerjack crew that could handle the heavy load. Jared only wished he could. He remembered a time when he’d loved the continuous work. Not anymore. Maybe he was getting old.
Jared leaned back in his chair and thought about the auburn-haired woman who’d been a constant reminder of the life he’d only gotten a glimpse of. The short time he had with her had been like a dream. Maybe it was good he’d been called away, because it would have ended soon anyway. He’d already gone too far when he started sharing his bed with Dana. He muffled a groan, remembering the closeness they’d shared for just a few weeks. What man wouldn’t get addicted to having a sexy, willing woman next to him in bed? His body stirred to life at the memory of the feel of Dana’s hands on him.
The trailer door swung open and Jared sat up. Nate walked in. “Hey, Trager, there’s a guy out here says he’s family.”
It had better not be Graham. “What’s his name?”
“Randell.”
Jared shot out of his chair just as Chance came through the door. Had something happened at the ranch? “Chance, what are you doing here? Is there a problem with Dana and Evan? Bert?”
“They’re all okay. I’m here to talk some sense into you. And yes, there are problems. But they’d be solved if you were back in Texas where you belong.” He looked around the small, messy construction trailer. “How can you stand this cramped space?”
“I don’t usually work here,” Jared said. “I work out at the site.” He pointed to the two-story framed structure outside the door.
Chance shook his head. “Still the same thing. There’s too damn many people and cars in this town. How do you handle it?”
Jared leaned a hip on the edge of the desk and folded his arms. Even though he had only been gone a short time, he’d missed his brother’s strong opinion. “I guess you get used to it.”
“Why would you want to?”
Jared thought about it for a moment. The only thing he came up with was he’d never had a choice before. He had always gone where there was work. “Because the money is here.”
“There’s more in life than money, Jared. It took me a while to realize that, too. I guess you could say it was luck when Jack Randell ditched us kids and Hank took us in. Hank Barrett taught us that love of family was what mattered.” Chance studied Jared for a long time. “How long is it going to take for you to realize that you belong in West Texas with your family?”
Those were sweet words to Jared’s ears, but he was still afraid to dream. “I’m not like you, Cade and Travis. I don’t have roots. I don’t have a Hank to ground me.”
“You have us. Your brothers. You have Dana…and Evan.”
Something around Jared’s heart tightened when he pictured Evan. He knew the boy needed him, and he wanted to be there for him. “I planned to call Evan on his birthday.”
“My, aren’t you generous? So much effort. I thought you promised your brother Marsh that you’d look after his son.”
“I did. And I will. I just can’t right now.”
“Well, that’s just too damn bad,” Chance huffed. “Kids can’t wait until we have the time for them. Before you know it, they’re grown and they resent the hell out of you because you didn’t give a damn about them.”
“I have responsibilities here.”
Chance shook his head. “With that attitude maybe it would have been better if you had never stopped at the Lazy S.”
Jared had nothing to say that would answer that. He was hurting too bad. It wasn’t that he didn’t want Dana. He ached for her. He wanted to be the father that Evan deserved, but what if he failed at the job? What kind of example had he had?
“I’m not father material.”
“If you’re thinking you’re like your old man, forget it. I’ve seen you with Evan. You love that kid and you love Dana.”
Chance’s words rung in his ears. He didn’t want to think about feelings. All he knew was that he hadn’t wanted to hurt Dana or Evan. But it looked like he had.
“I guess I wasted my time coming here.” Chance walked toward the door, then stopped and looked over his shoulder at Jared. “Just think about one thing. Think about another man in Dana’s life—another man touching her, making love to her… Another man being a father to Evan.”
Jared clenched his fists, trying desperately to control his anger. Damn, but he wanted to hit something or someone.
Chance cocked an eyebrow. “Eats at your gut, doesn’t it? Good.” He jerked open the door. “One more thing. Remember when I said there was a problem? Graham Hastings is in San Angelo. He’s been asking about his grandson.”
Jared stood up. “He hasn’t gotten to him, has he?”
“No, not yet.”
“Dammit, Chance, if he gets anywhere near the boy…”
Chance glared. “Then you better do something to protect your son.”
When the door closed, Jared started after Chance, but stopped. Maybe he should call Graham. No, he wouldn’t give the old man the satisfaction.
Jared began to pace. He had to keep his head. First, he couldn’t run out on the job here. Stan had just gotten home from the hospital and Burke Construction was in the process of becoming Jared’s obligation. But at the moment, his own responsibilities to the company were the last thing he cared about. His family was being threatened and thanks to him, Dana and Evan were all alone. Wasn’t his main responsibility to his family?
Jared raked his hair with agitated fingers. She had to hate him. He’d let her down just like Marsh had. How could he go back to her and make her believe? He stopped. God. He loved Dana. His chest constricted as he closed his eyes and saw her pretty face. The freckles across her nose, her sparkling green eyes that seem to look right through to his soul. Her gentle touch that erased the years of loneliness. The sweet body she’d given so freely that he thought he’d die from the pleasure.
And in return, she asked nothing from him. Well, she had stolen something. His heart.
All at once the walls of the trailer seemed to be closing in on him. How could he have been so wrong? This wasn’t the life he wanted. He knew now what he truly wanted. His family. Nothing else mattered but Dana and Evan.
He only prayed they still wanted him.
It was nearly midnight when Dana carried her glass of iced tea outside to the porch. She was dressed for bed, but far from sleepy. She hoped some quiet time alone would cure her insomnia. And tonight of all nights she needed her rest for the busy day tomorrow.
It was Evan’s birthday and she had planned a party. It was going to be a small one, but thanks to Joy and the other Randells, Evan was going to have his special day.
Once seated on the padded glider, Dana tucked her bare feet under her as the crickets chirped through the silence. She took a sip of her tea and inhaled the scent of roses from the trellis next to the porch. She closed her eyes, wishing she could perk up—for her son’s sake.
It had been two weeks and she had to face facts. Jared wasn’t coming back. So she had to move on, and if she did, Evan would have to, as well. Tears burned her eyes as the familiar ache invaded her chest. She was trying, but so far nothing seemed to work. Nothing filled the big void in her life…in her son’s life. As much as she wanted to despise Jared, she hadn’t been able to summon the energy.
Brushing away the moisture from her cheeks, she looked up when she heard a vehicle coming down the road.
She tensed. Of course, Bert and Owen were in the bunkhouse so she wasn’t alone. Her big concern was who would drop by at this hour, unless it was an emergency. The glare of the headlights blinded her momentarily as the truck swung into the drive. When Dana caught a flash of black, her pulse started racing. It was a Chevy extended cab. Jared’s.
She froze as the vehicle finally came to a stop and her husband climbed out. With the help of the moonlight, her starved gaze moved over him as he started up the walk. His long legs were clad in jeans and a dark T-shirt molded itself to his broad chest and wide shoulders. The sound of his boots on the wooden steps kept in rhythm with the loud pounding of her heart. Finally he reached the porch and her.
Dana nervously twisted her mussed braid as she glanced down at her gown and robe. Lord, she wasn’t even dressed.
“Hello, Dana. I’m glad you’re up,” Jared said as he walked across to her.
She didn’t want to see him like this. He could at least have given a girl some warning. She finally found her voice. “What are you doing here?”
“I need to talk with you,” he said.
She refused to hang around and let him break her heart all over again. No way. She stood up and caught sight of Owen as he came across the yard.
“Is everything okay, Dana?” the ranch hand called to her.
Before she could say anything, Jared spoke up. “Hey, Owen, it’s just me. I drove all night to get here. Sorry I woke you.”
“No problem. Good to have you home, Jared.” Owen turned and walked away. Dana wanted to call him back, but it was better that he leave. This was a job she had to do.
She faced Jared. “If you need to pick up the rest of your things, be quick, and don’t wake up Evan. I don’t want you getting his hopes up. And don’t worry about the loan money. If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll pay you back every cent.” She started past him when he gripped her arm.
“I said, I need to talk to you, Dana, and it has nothing to do with money.”
She raised her eyes to his. A bad idea, she realized as her throat tightened in longing.
“I made a lot of mistakes,” he began. “But I never meant to hurt you and Evan.”
“Would you stop?” She jerked away. “I don’t need your pity, Jared Trager. I learned a long time ago to take care of myself. Not to depend on anyone. Evan and I managed just fine before you came. We’ll make it just fine after you leave.” She marched toward the door,
fighting tears, praying she could get inside before she broke down.
“I won’t be so lucky, Dana,” he said softly. “I won’t make it.”
She paused, afraid to hope.
A little shaky, Jared took that walk toward her. “I thought everything I wanted was in Las Vegas. I was wrong. It wasn’t until I was without you and Evan that I realized how lonely my life had been.” He made a move to touch her. It nearly killed him to pull back. “Dana, I want to come back…and see if we can make our marriage work.”
She turned around. Her green eyes glistened with tears and he hated that he caused it. “How can we do that, when you never wanted the responsibility of a family?”
She wasn’t making this easy. “A man can change his mind. He can finally discover what’s important. Maybe it took me longer than most, but I want to try…with you.”
“For how long, Jared? How long before you get restless and want to leave again?”
“I’m never going to leave you.”
She shook her head. “Yeah, I’ve heard that before.”
Jared pulled her to him. “You haven’t heard it from me,” he breathed against her face. “So I’m telling you now. I want to be here with you—for you and Evan. I want to make a life for us.”
She turned away. “I can’t do that, Jared,” she whispered, and he could hear the pain in her voice. “I can’t risk you hurting Evan again. You broke his heart when you left.”
“I know, and no one is sorrier than I am. Just give me a chance to make it up to him…to you.”
“Until you decide it’s time to move on. No, Jared, I can’t. I can’t.” She rushed into the house and closed the door. The click of the lock sounded so final to Jared.
Dejected, he turned and walked down the steps. So he’d been too late. She wouldn’t take him back and he didn’t blame her. He headed to the truck.
“So you just givin’ up?” a voice called out. “I never took you for a quitter.”
Jared shot a look at the edge of the yard and discovered Bert standing there. He had on jeans and an undershirt.
“She won’t take me back.”
Jared's Texas Homecoming Page 14
