“I know. You want to tell me what’s so special about an emu farm?”
“They used to come here. Back in the day. There’s a little area where they used to park and—”
“Whoa. I don’t need details.”
Adele giggled. “Nothing like that. Get your mind out of the gutter. They’d come out and talk. I’m guessing that this means Pax wants to settle in Katy. Maybe whenever he’s done with football?”
Even if Pax got picked up by the Houston Roughnecks during the draft, this part of Katy was a good twenty miles from the stadium and practice arena. Which, in Houston, translated to well over an hour. No way they would live out here during the season.
“Plus, things need to be modified.” Elton had already made a mental list of the accommodations Cilla would need. He and Easton had made similar ones at their house since she was practically a fixture there. “Pave the drive, make a ramp. And everything on the inside. These old farmhouses have narrow doors and steep stairs.”
“You did all that for her at your place, didn’t you?” Adele asked. Her voice was a soft caress that reached his heart.
“We did. It was Easton’s idea.”
“He’s very thoughtful.”
“Yep.” And there it was. The other twin, like an elephant always in the room. Elton gave Adele a soft pat on the back and pulled away. She seemed reluctant to let go, but Elton knew he was just a stand-in. She’d much prefer to be in Easton’s arms. He ran a hand over his jaw.
Adele pulled a tissue from her purse and wiped her face. “Sorry. I might have ruined your shirt.”
Elton looked down to see makeup smudged on his T-shirt. Her eyes didn’t look much better. But there was not ever a time when Adele’s beauty didn’t steal his breath.
“I can buy a new shirt, Adele.”
But he wouldn’t. Being the sap that he was, he’d probably stuff this one in a drawer. Or put it in a hope chest. His heart constricted as a memory of his mother slammed into his mind. She’d had a hope chest, one that sat at the end of her bed and now collected dust in the attic. He hadn’t thought of it in years.
“What’s in it, Mama?” he remembered asking her, running a small hand over the lock of the wooden chest.
“It’s my hope chest,” she had said, her smile gentle and pure. “It used to hold my dreams.”
“Used to? Where’d they go?”
Pressing a kiss to his cheek, she had said, “They all came true, El. They all came true.”
Elton practically jumped out of the car, ignoring Adele calling his name. He strode right over to the fence, watching the emus as they scurried away, eyeing him warily. They really were hideous birds. He felt sure that if the fence weren’t between them, they would attack him in a second.
Blowing out a long breath, he rested his arms on the top of the fence. It was inconvenient when memories like this one surfaced. And lately, that had been happening more and more. He missed his parents more than he admitted. The idea that guys weren’t supposed to still be grieving after three years was a societal construct. That’s what Cilla would tell him.
“Societal construct or not, it’s very unsexy to cry in front of the girl you’re sweet on,” Elton said, pointing a finger at the nearest emu. It hissed. “You may not like it, but it’s true.”
“What’s true?” Adele joined him at the fence, glancing over at him shyly.
Elton swallowed, hoping she hadn’t heard his conversation with the birds. “That I ate their brothers.”
Adele giggled, which then turned into a full belly laugh. The corners of Elton’s mouth twitched until he was laughing just as hard. They were still laughing a few minutes later, when they met Cilla and Pax back at the car.
“What’s so funny?” Cilla asked.
Adele shot Elton a sideways glance that set him off again. “You kinda had to be there.”
The two of them laughed all the way to his house, where all laughter abruptly ceased. Two cop cars were parked out front of the house and a couple of officers stood on the porch with Easton, waiting.
Presumably, waiting for Elton.
So much for his dreams.
Chapter Seven
Elton
Who knew that ankle monitors were so itchy?
Apparently, according to the Google search Elton did shortly after they attached his, most people who wore an ankle monitor knew this. He could tell within a few minutes that it would drive him nuts but was less annoying than the cast he’d had to wear after breaking his arm in the sixth grade when he was thrown from a horse. He’d used wire hangers and pencils and even a butter knife to scratch beneath the cast.
At least with the ankle monitor, he could get his fingers under the thing. Though, after a few minutes, he realized that the tines of a fork worked even better. He sat at the kitchen table, scratching, while his lawyer discussed all things ankle monitor.
Ben dropped a folder on the kitchen table, then sat down. For a busy and successful lawyer, he sure seemed to like making house calls. Elton wondered if he was lonely and needed friends.
Or maybe he was charging him for this time too.
“Here’s everything you need to know about the ankle monitor. Where you can go—which is basically nowhere—how to charge it. All that.” Ben waved a hand over the folder.
“I have to charge it? Do I get to take it off for that?”
Ben’s lips tilted up at the corners. Elton swore the man was enjoying this. “No. You’ll have to stand or sit near the charger.”
“Awesome. Like I’m a cell phone. Got it.”
He shook his head. Why that annoyed him more than the fact that he couldn’t leave his house whenever he wanted, Elton wasn’t sure. But that fact more than the others really got to him.
“You know,” Ben started, and Elton was rolling his eyes before he’d even gotten those words out. “You’re really—”
“Lucky. Yes. I’ve heard that from you. The judge. A number of law enforcement officials who probably have a dart board with my face on it in a back office somewhere.”
Ben scratched his jaw, narrowing his eyes at Elton. “Be that as it may, you could be in jail. Actual jail.”
“Right. Instead, I’m sitting at my kitchen table, scratching at my ankle monitor with a fork, enjoying a delightful repartee with my lawyer.”
Elton knew that Ben’s words were true. The idea of going to jail sent a shudder through him. They had decided to throw the book at Elton, charging him with Engaging in Organized Crime, a felony in Texas. Ben had thought it would be a simple misdemeanor for the unlicensed sale of alcohol or the gambling. When the final charges were leveled, Ben recommended that Elton make a deal rather than go to trial.
So far, Easton had been left out of everything, but the more they dug around, the more likely he might face charges as well. Elton probably wouldn’t ever find out who gave the cops the evidence they needed, but someone had turned over a series of videos shot on a wobbly cell phone, showing basically everything they needed to nail him to the wall.
Ben didn’t know what would end up being admissible but said it wasn’t worth the risk. The plea ended with Elton owing ten thousand dollars in fines and three months of house arrest. Elton would take an ankle monitor over actual jail time.
“One more problem: I can’t wear my cowboy boots over this thing.”
Ben’s lips twitched. “You and Davis are so alike.”
“Were you two close?”
“At one time, yes. It’s been a number of years. You know how it goes. You get out of school and everyone goes poof. Gone into the grind of jobs and life.”
And loneliness. Elton didn’t need Ben to say it. He could practically read it on his face. And in the way he had parked himself here at the table. It was nearing dinnertime. Might as well be hospitable.
Elton stood, moving to the fridge, where he pulled out chicken, carrots, and celery. He was in the mood for his mama’s chicken and dumplings tonight. His mouth practically watered thinking about it
. This had been his birthday meal choice for years.
His mama always let the twins pick out their own dinners, which usually meant she made two things. For Elton, that was chicken and dumplings. Easton changed year to year. The last birthday Elton could remember, his brother had chosen beef fajitas.
“Why don’t you stay for dinner? You can snag a water or a beer from the fridge. Beer’s just three dollars tonight. Happy hour.”
Elton winked at Ben, who practically growled. “You cannot have alcohol on the premises as a condition of your sentencing. You’re going to end up right back in court, aren’t you? And then in jail.” Ben shook his head.
“Relax, lawman. The house is clean. And before you ask, so’s the barn. The strongest thing I’ve got here is coffee.”
“Coffee sounds great.”
The screen door slammed, and Easton walked in. His eyes immediately dropped to Elton’s ankle. Elton pulled up his jeans so his brother could see better. “Take a gander, brother. I’m officially on lockdown.”
“It’s not jail,” Easton said.
“Exactly what I’ve been saying!” Ben said.
Elton turned his back on the other two men and began pulling spices out from the cabinet. “I’m making chicken and dumplings. Why don’t you show Ben the barn while you’re waiting?”
“You want to see the barn?” Easton sounded confused. Ben probably had no desire to see it. But Elton wanted the man out of his kitchen. He was getting under his skin.
To his surprise, Ben stood, his chair scraping over the floor. “Yep. I’d love to.”
Easton chuckled. “Want to change out of your suit first?”
“Nope.”
I hope he steps in manure.
Elton wasn’t sure why he was irritated with his lawyer, who had most certainly lawyered him right out of jail time. He should have been mad at himself for being so stupid in the first place. Or whoever turned over the video. Or at Adele, for setting this whole thing in motion with her mouth.
That mouth…
Great. And now his mind was fixated on the woman who wasn’t interested in him—and that was before he was a convicted felon.
“Yoo-hoo! I come bearing groceries.”
Think of the woman, and she appears. Right at the back door, grocery bags in hand.
Easton and Ben had to dodge out of the way to let Adele in.
“Oh, hi,” she said, brushing a stray hair away from her cheek.
Elton didn’t miss the way her cheeks turned pink when she spoke to his brother. Easton barely nodded to her. “Adele.”
Ben stepped forward. “Let me help you with those.” He gave Adele a wide smile that made the color in her cheeks deepen. It set Elton’s teeth on edge.
Ben set the bags down on the counter, turned back to Adele, and put out his hand. “Benedict Cotton, lawyer at large. Lovely to meet you, Adele. I’ve heard wonderful things about you.”
“You have?” Adele gave his hand a quick shake and then laughed nervously.
Give me a break. Now Elton hoped his lawyer would fall into a pile of manure.
“Weren’t you just heading out to the barn?” Elton asked.
Easton stepped out onto the porch, and Ben gave Adele another smile before following him out. “Good to meet you. Are you staying for dinner?”
Adele looked at Elton. Finally. “Want to stay for dinner, Adele? Promise not to poison all the food.”
Just Ben’s.
“Sure. Need any help?” Her eyes darted to the back door, like she was debating about going with the guys to the barn.
He didn’t need help, and normally hated having to share the kitchen when he was cooking. But if it would keep Adele from going out to the barn with Easton and Ben, he’d gladly shove over and let her chop things.
“Let me get you an apron. And how about a hug for the newly convicted felon?”
He squeezed her into a hug without giving her time to respond. After a moment, she patted his back. It felt more like an MMA fighter tapping out than a friendly pat. Elton let go and pointed to his ankle monitor.
“You like my bling? I’m thinking about having it bedazzled. Or maybe crocheted. I heard crocheted ankle monitors are going to be all the rage in 2020.”
Adele stared down at it without speaking for a long moment. Elton’s heart seemed to be trying to escape from his throat, a common problem when he was around Adele.
“I’m so sorry, El.”
When she lifted her gaze, her eyes held far too much sorrow. It made Elton want to wrap his arms around her as he had in the car just the week before.
But it also made the wheels turn in his head. She felt terrible. He hated that puppy dog look, but he could also work with it. Maybe she deserved to feel badly, at least a little. Even if Elton knew full well that his guilt rested squarely on himself. If Adele felt guilty, she might be more willing to agree to things she would normally say no to. This might actually work for him.
Does this make me a terrible person?
Maybe.
Elton pulled a black apron out from the drawer. In bold white letters it read I Poisoned the Food. He lifted it over Adele’s head, pulling her hair out from the strap. If he let his hands linger just a little too long, she didn’t protest. Which only fueled his desire to milk this for all he could get.
“Aw, it’s okay, doll,” he said. “I mean, it stinks, but it’s better than jail. My lawyer says I’m lucky that I’m not sharing a cell with someone named Bubba.”
Adele gasped and put her hands over her mouth. Okay. Maybe he was pushing it too far.
Or maybe she was right where he wanted her to be …
“Elton. I feel so terrible about all of it.”
He shrugged. “It’s done. And in a few months, I can leave the house again. No biggie.”
“A few months?” Cilla asked from the doorway. She must have arrived when they were talking. Elton had been so focused on Adele that he hadn’t heard her car approach.
“Three,” Elton said. “I may or may not have a chance for early parole. Or whatever they call it in my situation.”
“You’re going to miss my wedding, El.” Cilla glared at him.
The wedding. Elton’s stomach sank. He’d been sitting here thinking about how he could use his situation with regards to Adele. Not once had he thought about the fact that Pax and Cilla’s wedding was set right in the middle of his house arrest.
“Oh no!” Adele said.
Elton felt terrible for the guilt etched in her features. He really shouldn’t have pushed. And now that Cilla arrived, he’d missed the chance he had to work her guilt in his favor. “Surely they’ll let you out for that?”
“Let him out for what?” Ben asked. He and Easton stepped into the kitchen, which was quickly becoming quite full. They had barely spent any time in the barn, and Elton wished he could send them both back out there. Instead, he plastered on a smile, which is what everyone expected of him.
“Will they let me out of this shackle for my friends’ wedding? I’m the best man.”
“No way.” Ben had zero hesitation. “Sorry. Some exceptions can be made. But not one like that.”
Elton let the words sink in. He would miss Pax and Cilla’s wedding. Because of his own stupidity. He shot her an apologetic look. “I’m so sorry, Cills. Guess my twin will have to stand in as best man.”
With Adele. The thought burned him. He’d been looking forward to milking their maid of honor and best man titles as much as possible to stick by her side before and during the wedding.
He didn’t miss the quick look of hope that crossed over Adele’s face. It was even more disappointing now. He was starting to think that maybe things were shifting slightly in his favor. That maybe Adele was starting to see him as something more than the other brother.
She’d seemed responsive to him the day they went with Pax and Cilla looking for venues and the emu farm. When he held her, she didn’t push him off. He felt her shudder in his arms when he whispered in he
r ear. His nearness seemed to have the same effect on her that it did on him. He must have been imagining things.
Of course, that was also the day he got arrested. Now, he had the added bonus of the ankle monitor and a criminal record. What a catch he was! A jobless, convicted felon.
Why would she choose him over Easton?
Cilla glanced between the two of them and waved a hand. “No problem. We’ll just have the wedding here.”
Elton’s mouth dropped open. “Here? At the farm?”
“Here. February or March wedding is iffy for the weather. But I’m sure my coordinator can come up with something beautiful. Then you’ll get to be there.” Her eyes challenged him to disagree.
Elton glanced at Easton, who rubbed a hand over his jaw before giving a slight nod. “Sure,” Elton said. “Why not. We’d love to have your wedding here, Cilla.”
A sudden thickness filled his throat, and Elton turned back to the cutting board on the counter. Slower than he normally would, he began slicing carrots and celery. He needed a moment. Thankfully, behind him, conversation buzzed as Cilla started talking to Easton about where various things would happen on the farm and what accommodations they might need to add.
Mama and Dad would have loved this.
That’s the thought that derailed Elton’s mood and had him swallowing down a knot of emotion. His mama was such a romantic, believing in happy-ever-afters. Crying over Hallmark movies and sweet romance novels. Rooting for love, always. Hoping for that fairy-tale ending for her boys.
And she had been like a second mother to most of his friends. A first mother, almost, to Pax, whose drug-addicted mom could hardly be counted as fit. He could imagine her reaction to this news. She would have burst into happy tears, hugging everyone within arm’s reach and making plans with Cilla that very second.
“Can I do anything?”
Adele’s voice startled Elton. She leaned close so that her floral scent reached him. It reminded him of the roses his mother had planted years before. They used to surround the house. He and Easton hadn’t been able to keep them alive after she passed. One more thing he failed at.
Winning the Cowboy Page 5
