All Roads Lead to Texas

by Linda Warren

  Jock nodded.

  “I have him checking out Mr. Tremont and it seems the man has a pattern of marrying older women with money.”

  “Good. That will help Callie in court.”

  “That’s what I’m working on, trying to gather enough evidence to prove Tremont is an unfit stepfather.”

  “You can do it, son, then they can live here in peace.”

  Wade’s gut tightened. His next words weren’t going to be accepted graciously. “As soon as Callie is granted a hearing, they’ll be leaving for New York. That’s their home. They’re only hiding in Homestead until the hearing.”

  Jock’s brow knotted into a fierce line. “And you’re going to let that happen?”

  “Yes.”

  Jock kicked down the footrest with his good leg. Grabbing his cane, he stumbled to his room.

  Wade ran both hands over his face with a tired sigh, then he followed Jock, who was sitting on the side of his bed in the darkness. Moonlight streamed through the window, silhouetting his slumped figure.

  Wade’s gut tightened more. “The kids attend a private school in New York, the one their father attended. Their roots are in New York. Callie was a chef in a New York restaurant, something she’s worked very hard to achieve. But she left it all behind to get them away from Tremont, who was using them like a punching bag.”

  Jock made a distressful sound, but didn’t say anything.

  “Actually Callie was born in Homestead—that’s why she came back. Her mother was Glynis Dryden.”

  “Hettie Dryden’s daughter?”

  “Yeah.”

  “After Hettie’s husband was killed, she worked for the Hellmuths to make a living for herself and her daughter. But the girl was wild. I remember that. Hettie had lots of problems with her. Now Callie has the Hellmuth house. Ain’t that somethin’? Wait a minute.”

  Wade could almost hear the wheels clicking in his dad’s head.

  “Glynis married Buddy in high school. Does Callie know Buddy’s her father?”

  “She does now.”

  “Then Callie has roots here. She could decide to stay.”

  Wade could hear the hope in his voice.

  “She won’t, Pop. She going to do what’s best for those kids. That’s been her goal from the start.” Wade knew that better than anyone.

  “But you could persuade her to stay, son. I can see how you feel about her.”

  Wade swallowed the knot in his throat. “I’m not going to do that to her. It would only make the situation more difficult.”

  “Sometimes a man has to fight for what he wants.”

  “And sometimes a man has to be strong enough to let go.”

  He heard a snort. “Your rational reasoning always aggravates the hell out of me. Got that from your mother.”

  “Sorry, Pop. I want her and the kids to stay, but it has to be her decision. Right now Callie needs our help and that’s what you and I are going to give her.”

  “While they’re here, she’ll still let them come to the ranch, won’t she?” Worry coated every word.

  “I don’t think you can keep the kids away.”

  “Adam’s gettin’ awful good on a horse. He was born to ride. And little cowgirl, she’s gettin’ as good as her brother. She has a lot of grit, nothin’ is ever going to get her down. Now, little bit, she just loves the animals. Doesn’t care that much about ridin’. She’ll probably be the vet in the family.” His voice dropped. “But we’ll never know, will we?”

  Wade sucked in a breath, feeling the truth of that statement spear him. “Guess not.”

  Silence, then Jock said, “You just make sure they don’t put Callie in jail.”

  “I’m doing my best. Night, Pop.” Wade turned toward his room, wondering if his best was going to be good enough.

  CALLIE WAS SO BUSY she didn’t have time to do anything but concentrate on the café. In a way, that was good. The day before the opening, she made an early appointment for Wanda at Raejean’s Snip and Curl Beauty Shop.

  Raejean was a colorful lady in her late sixties, with flaming red hair and nails and a personality to match. With the pink-flamingo wallpaper and fluffy pink curtains, the salon was like a floating cloud and it took a moment for Callie’s eyes to adjust.

  Raejean took Wanda in hand and Wanda seemed comfortable with her, so Callie went back to the café to work.

  Jock picked the kids up early and Brit and Mary Beth went, too. Yolanda was going to watch them and Callie had a feeling Wade had something to do with that. She missed him—how much was something she didn’t want to dwell on.

  Callie and Ethel were busy going over the menu and recipes. Callie had spent a lot of time going over ideas of what people would like in Homestead. Chicken-fried steak was a favorite so Callie decided to open with that. Green beans, garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed vegetables would go with it. And peach cobbler was the dessert.

  She had hamburgers, grilled cheese and salads, too, but the house special would be the deal for the day. Ethel tried to add her spin to things and Callie had a hard time convincing her that they had to do it Callie’s way. Ethel was always a good sport, though.

  When Wanda came back from the beauty shop, Callie and Ethel stared. Wanda’s hair was cut short and fluffed up in the back in one of the new styles. Bangs softened her face and she looked like a different person. She actually looked pretty. Raejean had done a wonderful job. Callie had been afraid Wanda might come back with the helmet look.

  At their stares, Wanda asked, “What? Is it too short?”

  “No. No.” Callie immediately went to her. “It’s very nice. I like it.”

  Wanda held up a bag. “I bought a lot of products to keep it this way. Think I spent half my paycheck.”

  “Very nice,” Ethel added her praise.

  Odell came through the back door and stopped, also staring at Wanda. “What you cut your hair for?” he asked, frowning. The words came out as a criticism and Callie wanted to shake him because she knew he didn’t mean it that way.

  Wanda’s face crumbled.

  Ethel saved the moment. “I wouldn’t be talking about hair if I were you, Odell. You’re starting to lose yours.”

  “Mama.” Odell was embarrassed.

  “Well, it’s true. Show Callie your head.”

  “Mama!”

  “I don’t want to see anyone’s head,” Callie said. “I want us all to go back to work.”

  The day passed quickly. The refrigerator was stocked with food and they’d gone over the routine for tomorrow a dozen times. Ethel balked at a few things.

  “Why do you have to do green beans that way? Just put ’em on the plate.”

  “Ethel.” Callie drew a quick breath. “I have fresh green beans and Wanda has already cut the ends off. I’ll sauté onions and bacon first, then add the green beans and seasoning. When the beans have been fully coated, I’ll add water, white wine, put a lid on and let simmer until they’re almost done. Then I’ll gather about eight beans in a bundle and wrap a slice of bacon around them. For an added touch, I’ll tie the ends of the bacon into a bow and place in a baking dish. Melted butter with brown sugar goes over the top with a little garlic salt. When the bacon is crisp, they’re done.”

  “You’re joking?”

  “No, Ethel. I’m not joking. Presentation means a lot to me.”

  “This is Homestead,” Ethel reminded her.

  “I’ll do it, Callie,” Wanda offered. “It sounds real nice.”

  “Oh, you’re always sucking up,” Ethel grumbled.

  “Am not.”

  “Okay,” Callie intervened. “Are we together on this or not?”

  “Yeah,” Ethel mumbled. “Guess it’s never too late to teach an old dog a few new tricks.”

  Callie hugged her. “Thank you, Ethel.”

  Essie and Janet came in later and Callie went over their duties. Essie looked a lot like Ethel except she was thin and had shoulder-length brown hair. Like her mother, she was a talker, a
good attribute in a hostess. And Essie knew everyone in Homestead.

  Callie showed her the mints and Texas pecan kisses she’d made from Miranda’s mom’s recipe to give to customers as they left.

  “Oh, how cute,” Essie said. “Blue-and-white mints in a basket with a blue gingham bow. Mama said you did things fancy.”

  “Just be sure when people pay that you offer them a mint or a pecan kiss.”

  “Don’t worry. I can do that, and I can wait tables, too, if you need someone.”

  “Thank you. I’m not sure how busy we’re going to be. I’m just opening for lunch tomorrow. But Saturday, I’m opening for lunch and dinner so I might have to take you up on that.”

  Essie leaned in close. “As long as Mama’s not bossing me around. Nothing makes me madder.”

  “Ethel will be busy in the kitchen.”

  “Yeah, right. Sometimes I think she has eyes in the back of her head.”

  Callie suppressed a laugh. Staying out of the Stromiski family disagreements seemed wise.

  CALLIE COULDN’T WAIT for the kids to come home. She was so used to having them around, she missed them terribly. Buddy had a car to work on so he hadn’t been around much today either.

  Everything was set for tomorrow, so everyone went home. Callie couldn’t help but notice the way Wanda and Odell were looking at each other. A romance was blossoming for sure. But again, Odell and Bubba Joe went to the Lone Wolf without asking Wanda. Callie had heard from Ms. Millie that the Lone Wolf wasn’t the place for a lady. It was probably better if Odell took Wanda some other place.

  She had to stop matchmaking.

  She sat in a rocker, waiting for the kids. It was already dark and Wade had called and said that they were on the way. When she saw the headlights stop at the curb, her heart accelerated. They were home safe. And Wade was with them.

  Her world was perfect and uncomplicated—for the moment.

  THE KIDS CAME RUNNING up the walk, all three plopping into her lap at the same time, even Adam.

  “I missed you,” Mary Beth murmured against her.

  “I missed you guys, too.” She kissed warm cheeks that smelled faintly of something Callie couldn’t identify.

  She wrinkled her nose. “What’s that smell?”

  “It’s coastal hay. Right, Wade?” Brit looked up at Wade, who was leaning against a pillar, watching the scene.

  “Yep. It’s coastal.” His eyes clung to Callie’s and she knew she loved him more than she would ever love again. Why did love have to be so difficult?

  “We baled hay today,” Adam enlightened her, sinking to the porch floor.

  “And it was neat.” Brit joined her brother on the floor, her eyes bouncing with excitement. “Tex cut the hay a few days ago ’cause it has to dry first. Right, Wade?”

  “Right.”

  “Then today, Tex raked the hay into long rows with a tractor and a funny-looking thing. And Pop, he drove a bigger tractor with a big old machine behind it and the machine gobbled up the rows like this.” Brit made a sucking in motion with her mouth. “And a big round bale of hay popped out. Then the machine would eat more and another bale would pop out. It was so neat. We had a whole field of round bales of hay.”

  “I got to help,” Adam said. “I rode on the tractor with Pop and he showed me how to do everything. Tomorrow we have to get the bales off the field so the coastal can grow again. It takes a lot of hay to feed cows all winter.”

  Another one of Jock’s sayings, Callie was sure.

  “Mary Beth and I rode in the truck with Yo, but Pop let me ride the tractor, too.”

  “Me, too,” Mary Beth said, “except I rode with Wade.” She walked over to him and he picked her up and held her.

  Callie thought again how good he was with them. It was all so natural to him.

  “Time for baths then we’ll decide what to have for supper.”

  Adam got to his feet. “Is everything ready for tomorrow?”

  “Yes.” Callie stood. “I just hope someone shows up.”

  “They will,” Wade said as he followed them into the house. “Even if I have to arrest a few people and bring them over here.”

  They all laughed and Callie wished she could let go of the fear in her. This feeling was different than before—now she was afraid of hurting Wade. That was the last thing she wanted.

  LATER, AFTER THE KIDS WERE in bed, she sat in Wade’s lap on the porch. Her head lay on his shoulder and he idly caressed her arm.

  “I talked to your lawyer today.”

  She tensed, feeling guilty. She hadn’t told him about the hearing and she didn’t understand why. Then she knew—she wanted more time with him. “I told her to call you.”

  “I put her in touch with Simon. Between the two of them, I think they can build a strong case in your favor.” His hand stilled on her arm. “She said she has a hearing in three weeks to present your case to a judge. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  She sat up, knowing it was time for the truth. “Because I was selfish. I wanted to keep on pretending that I have all the time in the world here. But we’ll probably be leaving soon, that is, if Gail can persuade the judge to listen to my side and see that Nigel is a threat to the children’s well-being. If not…” She shrugged. “I’m not sure what’s going to happen.” She drew a deep breath, needing the strength to say what she had to, not what she wanted to. “I think it’s best if we don’t get any more emotionally involved. It’s going to be hard enough when the times comes.” She slid from his lap, suddenly feeling alone again.

  “I’m a big boy and I can take care of myself.” He stood beside her. “I don’t regret what happened between us, but you’re probably right. We need to cool things.”

  “Yes,” she mumbled.

  He touched her lips with his forefinger. “Smile. Tomorrow’s a big day for you.”

  His touch ignited that flame of desire inside her, which she quickly disguised. “I don’t know what I’m doing opening a café when I may not be here long.”

  “Because you need to keep busy and it’s good for Homestead.”

  “Yes. I owe this town a lot, especially the people who have been so good to me.”

  “Then make this café a success, and in the meantime I hope Simon can uncover something that will help your lawyer.” He kissed her forehead. “Pop’ll pick the kids up early and we’ll keep them the rest of the day.”

  “No, that’s not necessary.”

  “Night.” He strolled down the steps.

  “Wade.”

  “It’s a done deal,” he called over his shoulder.

  Callie wrapped her arms around her waist, bracing herself for a new relationship with Wade—one of a friend, an acquaintance.

  That’s the way it had to stay.

  THE NEXT MORNING, Callie had rolls rising and peach cobblers made before the kids woke up. She heard a truck honk then the clatter of feet running down the stairs. All three kids charged into the kitchen, dressed and ready to go.

  “We gotta go, Callie,” Adam said. “Pop’s waiting.”

  “Why isn’t he coming in?” Callie asked. “You haven’t had breakfast.”

  “Yo’s fixing breakfast so you can open the café,” Adam told her. “Bye.” He gave her a hug and a kiss and the girls followed.

  “Don’t you want to stay home with me, Mary Beth?” She didn’t want her to go unless she really wanted to.

  Mary Beth shook her head. “Nu-uh. I gotta go. I’m naming all the cows and babies and I have to feed Kitty.”

  Nu-uh.

  Callie groaned. Now they were all talking Texan.

  The kids were happy, though, and that’s what she wanted. The tearful, frightened kids of a few weeks ago were gone and Mary Beth hadn’t wet the bed since they’d been here. She didn’t go to bed worrying about it anymore either. They were blossoming in the warm sunshine of Homestead.

  Then why did Callie feel so cold?

  Wanda came in munching on an apple and they began the other pr
eparations for the meal. She left Wanda making green salads and hurried upstairs to make up the beds. Inside the rooms, she received a shock. The beds were made and the children’s clothes were picked up. Everything was in its place. Her eyes grew misty. They were helping in their own way.

  She hurried down the stairs and stopped as she saw Ethel outside, enjoying a last drag on a cigarette before coming into the house.

  “Mornin’, Callie,” Ethel said as she walked inside.

  “Morning,” Callie responded.

  “Are you just gettin’ up?”

  “No. Been up since five.”

  “I guess show-off is here already?”

  “If you mean Wanda, then yes, she’s here. She’s a very good worker, just like you.”

  “Guess I better get to it then.”

  Callie put an arm around Ethel. “Tell you what. I’ll make a deal with you.”

  Ethel frowned at her. “What kind of deal?”

  “If you stop smoking…”

  “Saw me, huh?”

  “Yes.”

  “But I’m not smoking in the house.”

  “I know and I appreciate that, but getting back to the deal. This is it. If you stop smoking, I’ll find Odell a girlfriend.”

  Ethel stopped in her tracks and stared at her. “What? I’m Odell’s mama and I love him dearly, but there ain’t no girl in Homestead going out with him.” Her eyes narrowed. “Unless you plan on going out with him yourself and I’ve seen the way you and the sheriff look at each other and I don’t think that’s happenin’.”

  Callie sighed. There were no secrets in this town. “No. I’m not talking about me and I’m not talking about one date either.”

  “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. I think you’ve had your head in the oven too often and the fumes are gettin’ to you.”

  “Oh, Ethel. I love your sense of humor.” She lifted an eyebrow. “Deal?”

  Ethel hesitated.

  “I know you can stop.” Callie pressed her point. “You don’t smoke all the time.”

  “No. Just when I get stressed out. Essie’s driving me crazy. Kids shouldn’t move back home with their mamas. It just doesn’t work. She’s in the bathroom for hours. I couldn’t even get in there this mornin’. And all that perfume and hair spray—enough to choke a horse.”