“But aren’t you and Jason going to be leaving for Naiara soon?”
“I suppose so. When Jason is ready. It doesn’t matter though. Whenever you decide you want to come to Naiara, or any other free country for that matter, all you have to do is call.” Kale pulled his horse in front of Thomas’s, blocking his path and forcing eye contact. “I mean it. If you wake up in the middle of the night wanting out of Arine, you pick up the telephone.”
“So I don’t have to decide today?”
“Nope. If you want to come with us, we’d be happy to have you. Roll the idea around in your head some. If you don’t leave with us this time, you’re not closing any doors.”
“I’ll do that.”
They rode on in comfortable silence. Rain the previous day had left the scenery alive with vivid color. Overnight, the ground had dried, making it perfect for a leisurely ride. The air still held the pleasant scent of a refreshing shower.
“When am I going to see some of this art Jason goes on about? I would have never guessed my brother would turn out to be a famous artist.”
Kale shook his head and sidestepped the question. “Have your feelings toward Jason changed at all?”
“Some. When I think about what he did to you, I see red, but it appears as if he’s done a fine job of making up for it. Besides, it’s clear as day you’re besotted with him, so until that wears off, my hands are tied.”
“Besotted?” Kale laughed. “You make me sound like a boy with calf love.”
“It’s what you look like.”
“Well, I hate to disappoint you, but it’s not wearing off.”
“I figured as much. In all seriousness, Kale, I’m happy for you. What you and Jason have is special. I wouldn’t want anything to spoil it. I suppose I have to love a man who makes my brother so damn happy.”
“I’m glad. It’d be a little uncomfortable if you two didn’t like each other.”
“Nah, you’d choose him any day.”
The words stabbed Kale’s heart. “It wasn’t like that. I didn’t choose him over coming back to get you. I know I shouldn’t have waited as long as I did, but I hadn’t forgotten about you—”
“Whoa, Big Brother. I didn’t mean it like that. I know you did your best. No one could have done better or expected different. I only meant that he’s your family now. I’m thrilled. It’s nice to know that you had someone.”
Kale tried to let his brother’s words soothe his guilt. “I want the same for you.” After a moment of silence, Kale sought a little levity. He didn’t want his guilty conscience to ruin this time with Thomas. “Speaking of which, who’s that girl I’ve seen you eyeing in the kitchen?”
Thomas’s face cleared to the innocent, bland expression so common in slaves. “Who?”
“Don’t give me that. What’s her name?”
Thomas’s face broke into a sheepish smile. “Ellen.”
“Ah. So is she the real reason you’re reluctant to leave?”
“No.”
“There’s no shame if she is.”
“Do you think there’s really a chance your idea will become law?” Thomas’s voice strained with yearning.
“Yes, but even if it doesn’t, we wouldn’t make you choose between the woman you love and freedom, should things with Ellen advance that far. Whoever you choose to love will always have a place in our family.”
Thomas nodded, and Kale saw the relief pour onto his face. “It’s admirable what you and Jason are doing. It’s a little hard to believe that my big brother can have an idea here, and then it could be made into law.”
“Thanks, but you’re giving me too much credit. I just happen to know people in positions of influence.”
“Tell me you’re not that daft. You’re the partner of one of the wealthiest men in Naiara. Like it or not, you are one of those influential people.”
Kale had never really thought of it. He supposed Thomas was right. As soon as his mind considered it though, he felt a weight on his chest. No, influence had never been something he’d sought.
“Back to my original question, which you so neatly evaded. When do I get to see some of your art?”
Kale’s horse had slowed, and he nudged him into a trot. “I can show you some sketches when we get back to the house. Would you like some drawing materials?”
“Me? No. Never did have your talent and never much saw the appeal.”
“Would you like to learn how to read?”
Thomas looked over at Kale, his jaw lax in surprise. “I’d love to. I don’t think I’ll need that skill here, but it will give me more options in the future.”
“If you come to Naiara with us, I’ll teach you. If not, I’ll see if John can. Robert had plenty of books you can choose from. I think he favored mysteries.”
“I’d really appreciate that. Mysteries sound good.”
“It’s settled then. So where’s this grove you wanted to show me?” Kale challenged his brother with his eyes. A grin spread across Thomas’s face, and he took off at a gallop. Kale surrendered himself to an all-consuming laugh as he followed, the wind rushing against him as if he were flying. It was wonderful to finally have a brother again.
Chapter Forty-Five
It had been a week since the funeral, and Jason was anxious to be home. There was nothing more to be done. Martin and Sophie had returned to Perdana a few days ago, and life had resumed on the ranch. “I want to book us on tomorrow’s train.” He and Kale were dressing for the day.
“Are you sure you’re ready to leave?”
“Yes. Past ready. There’s nothing more for me here, not right now.”
“We should visit Renee in Timar on our way home.”
There was nothing Kale could have said that would have shocked Jason more. “What?”
“If you want this idea of yours to succeed, it needs to be proposed by an Arinian. If it’s proposed by the Naiarans first, it’ll be dismissed immediately. If it’s proposed in the Arinian government, even by a fringe politician, it has a greater chance. Then the Naiarans come to the table with their demands, and the Arinians can pass it off as something they were planning to do anyway.”
“That’s brilliant, Kale. But we don’t have to see Renee.” Jason recovered from his shock and resumed buttoning his shirt.
“Her support would be invaluable. She’s already proven that she can make things happen. She’s done excellent work with the women’s movement.”
“I agree. However, I can get her support by writing or calling her. We don’t have to visit.”
“I know we don’t have to, but I think we should. She’s your wife. It wouldn’t be so horrible to see her once in a while, and it’s on our way.”
Jason’s feelings toward Renee were muddled. He did genuinely love her, albeit in a different manner than he loved Kale. He felt a strong feeling of friendship toward her. There was only a problem when Kale was added to the mix. Renee had caused them such pain. Her offense to himself he could forgive; it was the pain she’d caused Kale that Jason had a hard time reconciling. The only reason he had been able to maintain any sort of relationship with her was because he blamed himself more than he blamed her. However, he was not eager to place Kale in a house with her.
“I’ll be honest. I don’t like the thought of you two together.”
“Why not?”
“Why? How can you even ask that after what she did?”
“It was a long time ago, and she’s apologized.”
“And I accepted her apology, but I don’t want to put you in that position.”
“What position? I have no reason to feel uncomfortable around her. If you’re worried about how she feels, that’s a different matter.”
“Trust me, I am not concerned about her feelings in this situation.”
“Then we should do it. It’s the last bit of our past that we haven’t fully resolved. She’s your wife, and I’m your companion and life partner. Those are the facts. There’s no reason we can’t all be toge
ther in a room.”
Jason slipped his hands under Kale’s untucked shirt and held him around the waist. Under his fingertips, he felt the scar tissue that remained from Kale’s time at the labor firm. How a man could live through that and then forgive those who had put him there would forever be a mystery to Jason. It took a deep inner strength that Jason didn’t think anyone other than Kale possessed. “You’re right. If you don’t have a problem with it, there’s no reason for me to. I’ll get us three tickets to Timar.”
“Three?”
“Isn’t Thomas joining us?”
“That’s for him to decide.”
“I assumed he’d want to come to Naiara so he could be free.”
“That’s quite an assumption. He’s in a different situation than I was. Freedom isn’t something you can just thrust on a man. Do you remember how difficult the transition was for me? And I had an incredibly supportive lover and absolutely no financial worries.”
Jason recalled those early days after Kale had been freed. It had been an adjustment. “I have no problem with us supporting him indefinitely.”
“I know that, but he doesn’t, and simply telling him won’t convince him. I had a problem with living off of you, and I’m your partner. It’s not freedom if you’re reliant on someone else. He needs to have his own plan. If that plan includes living with us, then great, but if not, we can’t force it on him. He may need some time to adjust. He fits in well here, and he’s safe. Not to mention there’s a girl here who’s caught his fancy.”
“I just supposed he’d want to be free.”
“He does, and I want him to be free more than anything, but he’s been taught since birth to fear freedom. He’ll be free someday. I’m just not sure it’s today. I love you for assuming he’d live with us, though. You didn’t have to.”
“He’s your brother, Kale, and the only family I have besides you.”
“Thanks for saying so.” Kale kissed him, and they went down to breakfast.
* * *
“So, Thomas, Jason and I have been talking, and we want to know what your plans are. We’re leaving tomorrow for home, and you’re welcome to join us. If you want to come to Naiara, you’ll be a free man. You can live with us for as long as you like. We have plenty of room, but it’s entirely up to you.”
Breakfast was done, and Jason sat across from Kale and Thomas. He found it interesting how Thomas pursed his lips the same way Kale did when considering his words.
“It’s not just Kale who wants you to join us, Thomas. I do too.”
“We both just want you to do what’s best for you.”
Thomas nodded. “I appreciate the offer. I’ve thought about it a lot since we talked, but I’d like to stay here if that’s still possible.”
“Of course it is.”
“It’s just that I feel like I belong here. I love the work, being outside, helping to build something. It’s more satisfying than anything I’ve ever done. I wouldn’t have the first idea of what to do if I were free with you in Naiara. I don’t know what my purpose would be. I’m treated better here than I ever have been, and I don’t want to leave it just yet.”
“I understand. You don’t have to justify it to me as long as you know your reasons. If you ever change your mind, just call, and we’ll be on the next train to get you.”
“Thanks, but you two have something really great. I wouldn’t want to get in the way.”
“Trust me, Little Brother, you couldn’t if you tried.”
“Maybe not, but that’s not a good life for any of us. You don’t need your little brother around, and I don’t need to worry about intruding. I’m useful here, and I think the others like me.”
“Good. If you’ve found your place, then you should stake it.”
“Besides, you’ll be back here soon enough to free me. I have faith that you’ll get this law passed. And if you don’t, we can talk about it then.”
“Fair enough.”
“I’ve got to go. I promised I’d ride out with Billy to check on the herd.”
“Then we won’t keep you. You’ll be back in time for dinner?”
“Should be. I’ll see you then.” Thomas smiled at Jason before leaving.
“You were right.” Jason didn’t know why he was still amazed at Kale’s ability to read people.
Kale shrugged. “I can understand how he feels. It means a lot to him that you’re willing to take him with us. It means a lot to me too.”
“Well, I’m glad he feels at home here. It’ll be nice to have a family member still living in the house. I don’t think there’s any question as to how he’ll be treated, but I’ll make sure to make it clear to John before we leave.”
“Which reminds me, I told Thomas I’d ask John to teach him how to read.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
* * *
The next afternoon, Jason placed the last of his mother’s journals back in the window seat. He’d read most of them and skimmed through the rest. He had learned a lot about his mother from her writings, mainly that she was so much more than the woman he’d idealized in his memory. He was taking the painting of her from around the time he was born back home with him, but the journals belonged at the ranch along with the family portraits.
Kale had spent the morning with Thomas and was waiting for him at the car. They would need to leave soon to catch their train. Jason had wanted just a few more minutes alone in his childhood home. On his way to the front door, he stopped inside his father’s study. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The smell of cigar smoke still hung in the air. His mother had been right. It smelled like home.
Jason’s eyes were damp. This was silly. He and Kale would be back to see the memorials installed in the family plot when they were ready. Jason closed his father’s door and went outside.
Kale was leaning against the car, talking to Thomas. As soon as he saw Jason, he straightened. He and Thomas said a few words, hugged, and then Thomas came toward Jason.
“Bye, Jason.” Thomas didn’t even bother with a handshake. He threw his arms around Jason and patted him on the back.
“Bye, Thomas. Take care of yourself. If you need anything—”
“You’re just a phone call away. I know. Kale’s been more than a little insistent on that point.”
Jason smiled. “Good. We’ll see you in a few months’ time.”
“I look forward to it.”
They nodded to each other, and Thomas ran off in the direction of the stables. Jason watched him for a moment before turning to Kale.
“You ready?” Kale stood with his hand on the door handle.
Jason walked to the passenger side and opened the door. “Yeah, I’m ready.” He took one last look at the ranch, at the home that now held happy memories from more than just his childhood, and got in the car. As soon as he shut the door, Kale started down the drive. Once they were on the highway, Kale placed his hand palm up between them in invitation. Jason took it and relaxed in his seat. He would miss his father, John, the ranch, but he was ready to get back to his home. Kale had been right. It had been worth the trip.
Chapter Forty-Six
Kale had never seen the Timar estate before. Manicured gardens welcomed guests to the expansive grounds. An elaborate stone staircase led to the intricately detailed entrance. Kale counted twelve windows—six on each side of the front door—on the first of three floors. It was a stark reminder of the wealth Jason controlled. It was easy to forget, given the simple lifestyle Kale enjoyed with him.
A butler led them into the sitting room where Renee waited for them. Kale hadn’t seen her since the awful day he’d been sold. Despite what he’d said to Jason, he had been worried about how he would react to seeing her. Surprisingly, he didn’t feel much of anything. She’d hardly changed. Her face had gently aged but was still as enchanting as it had been. Her dark red hair was swept up in a loose bun, and her dark blue eyes were just as fiery as before, with a few faint laugh lines around the
edges.
“Jason, Kale, how good to see you!” Renee stood and gave Jason a kiss on each cheek. When she came to Kale, she hesitated. Kale brought her hand to his lips, and as soon as he did, she leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. “Please, come in and sit.”
Renee had little sandwiches and tea waiting for them. Kale and Jason sat side by side on the sofa while Renee occupied a chair across from them. “Thank you for having us on such short notice.” Jason stayed on the edge of his seat.
“It’s no trouble. It is your house, after all.”
“Maybe on paper, but it’s your domain, and I never want to intrude.”
“I know, Jason. You’re the only one who could think you’re intruding. Now, what is this matter you wanted to discuss with me?”
Kale didn’t listen as Jason explained the situation. For a while, he’d harbored an irrational jealousy of Renee. She was legally tied to Jason on paper. There was no such bond between himself and the man he loved. The only paper that had ever legally joined them was Kale’s title, and Jason had given that back to him. As they had built their life together as equals, Kale realized Jason had given up that paper tie to forge an even deeper bond between them. Once he had made that realization, the jealousy faded.
“I’d love to help. I know exactly the politician we can use to introduce the bill. This is a marvelous idea. I’m so happy you came to me with it. I’d hate to be left out.” Renee’s face was alight with the promise of a new challenge. It reminded Kale of the girl she had been when he’d first met her.
“Good. We’ll need to manage this from both the Arinian and Naiaran sides for it to work.”
Renee waved the hand that wasn’t holding her tea cup. “Absolutely. We’ll coordinate everything.”
Kale could see Jason moving to rise. This was his last chance. “I’d like to take a look at the gardens before we go, if you don’t mind.” It was the first thing Kale had said since they’d arrived. Kale looked at Jason. He knew he was anxious to leave.
[Measure of Devotion 01.0 - 03.0] Box Set Page 76
