Beneath A Texas Sky (Harlequin Super Romance)

by Winters, Rebecca

  “I’m not a pretty sight in the morning.”

  She moaned inwardly. Jace would have to be a woman to understand how wrong he was.

  “You look and feel exactly the way Heidi has described the Texas male.”

  His lips quirked. “Don’t leave me hanging, now.”

  “Tall, tough and tempting.”

  Rich laughter poured out of him. He fell back against his sleeping bag.

  She leaned over him, loving him. The man had no vanity. “Don’t you know men are beautiful in their own unique way?”

  “Is that a fact, ma’am.”

  “That’s a fact, sir,” she teased, kissing the end of his nose. “When you delivered that package to my trailer, I decided Heidi knew what she was talking about. But first I had to overcome my terror.”

  His smile faded. “You looked at me like you were ready to faint.”

  “I almost did,” she confessed. “After I was freed from prison, I lived with the constant fear that the judge might change his mind and they’d put me back in there.

  “I know it is an irrational fear, but the sight of any police officer terrifies me. You were wearing a uniform. I thought you were one of those Texas Rangers with a warrant for my arrest. I figured I’d fallen for the oldest trick in the book when you shouted, ‘Delivery!’”

  There was the oddest flicker in the recesses of his eyes, but she was too intent on telling him everything to dwell on it.

  “Fortunately I saw your IPS badge before I made a complete fool of myself and passed out at your feet.”

  “Dana—” came his husky response. “Prison should never have happened to you.” His hands slid to both sides of her face. He kissed her long and hard.

  When he released her, she buried her face in his neck. “I did my railing against God. When the prison chaplain tried to talk to me, I refused to listen. He left me a pamphlet called Tragedy or Destiny. I hated it.”

  He smoothed the hair at her temple. “What did it say?”

  “That every human was on an individual journey back to God, that there were certain stumbling blocks placed there especially for us so we’d grow. It said that in time we’d understand their purpose and even be grateful for them.”

  He held her tighter.

  “I couldn’t fathom it then, but I do now.” She lifted her head to look at him. “My journey brought me to West Texas. A place I would never have come to otherwise.”

  “But the observatory—”

  “By the time I was arrested, only the shell had been built. With their world shattered by Amy’s tragic death and my incarceration, Mom and Dad gave up their dream to retire here. In fact they were on the verge of having it torn down and the property sold when Heidi and Gideon approached them.

  “Gideon told them he was working on my release and needed their input. At that point everything was put on hold while they helped compile information for my case.

  “When the judge told me I was free, my parents knew how much I craved privacy and freedom. They spoke to the contractor and he rushed to get the inside of the observatory finished.

  “It was Mom who made inquiries and found out Mr. Mason was renting his trailer. All this was arranged without my knowledge. They’ve done everything in their power to help me recover.”

  His hand stilled on her neck. “What if you hadn’t been imprisoned?”

  “I would have gone to England on a fellowship to work on my Ph.D. Then I would have submitted résumés around the U.S. to get a job at a university, hopefully on the East Coast.”

  “Instead, the brilliant Ms. Turner is the jewel in Cal-Tech’s crown.”

  Twice in the last twelve hours Jace had managed to bring a blush to her face. “Hardly a jewel. But I have to admit, it’s made my parents happy to know I’m here guarding the family treasure.”

  “I’d like to meet them.”

  “I want that more than anything. Speaking of meeting people, Heidi and Gideon will be arriving around noon today. I can’t wait to introduce you. Do you think you could arrange your schedule to have lunch with us?”

  “I wish I could say yes, but I’ve already stayed here too long.” He rolled up his sleeping blanket. “It’s your fault for being such a ravishing creature. As it is, I’ll have to work through my lunch hour to get everything done.”

  Letting out a sigh of disappointment, Dana reached for the binoculars.

  “Hey—” he cupped her chin “—you remind me of my little niece, Julia, when she’s upset. One troubled look from her can melt your heart. The problem is, IPS doesn’t have one.”

  Dana laughed before picking up the groceries they hadn’t touched. She followed Jace to his car and put them on the passenger seat. “Enjoy your breakfast en route.”

  “As soon as I put your futon away, I intend to.”

  She shook her head. “I’ll do it. The sooner you go, the sooner you’ll be back.” This time she couldn’t disguise the tremor in her voice.

  He gathered her in his arms. “If you think I want to leave, then you don’t have a clue about me.”

  His mouth—she couldn’t get enough of it—of him. To her shame, he had to be the one to eventually break their kiss.

  “Where will your friends be staying?”

  “I’ve booked them at the Ponderosa. You know. The only motel in town.”

  “Good. The second I’m through with work, I’ll phone you for further instructions.” He got in the car and rolled down the window.

  “I’m missing you already,” she blurted.

  “That makes two of us. Come here one more time.”

  She moved the binoculars out of the way to reach him.

  JACE ARRIVED at his apartment in Alpine having wolfed down the contents of the sack. Bananas, granola bars, apple juice. He’d appeased one of his appetites. The other one he couldn’t do anything about until tonight when he got Dana to himself.

  Thank God she’d be sleeping at the Watkinses’ apartment from now on.

  While he was shaving, his cell phone rang. He checked the caller ID and picked up.

  “Pat, I’m glad you phoned. I was just about to ring you. Tell me you’ve got some news I can bite into.”

  “How’s this for starters—”

  Jace wiped his face while he listened to the rundown on Glen’s activities of the night before. The P.I.’s had filmed him tossing the flowers. But it was the part about getting rid of the locksmith’s tools and knife in a Dumpster after leaving Burdick in the bar that made Jace’s pulse race.

  “It was clear to the P.I.’s that Burdick calls all the shots,” Pat added.

  “That jibes with the testimony of the victim in the armed robbery. He claimed the older of the two gunmen gave the orders. There’s no doubt in my mind Glen told Burdick about the missing minicamera and was threatened with holy hell if he didn’t stay out of trouble.”

  “If they’re the two we’re looking for, then Burdick’s paranoia is understandable. He’s terrified what Glen’s doing could put him in jail.”

  “We know they’re lying low for a reason, Pat. It explains Burdick’s attitude toward Glen, who’s so obsessed with Dana he’s going off the deep end.”

  “That boy’s insanely jealous of your relationship with her. You’ve got yourself a mortal enemy.”

  “You’re right. But that’s not what worries me. Time’s running out. After this weekend, I have to report back to Austin.”

  “I know,” the older man muttered.

  “All I need is one piece of hard evidence to link them to Gibb’s murder and Tom will extend my leave of absence. I’ve got to find it, Pat!” His voice shook.

  “The lab in Austin is working overtime because they want Gibb’s killers nailed too. I was promised some results on the fingerprints by the end of the day.”

  Jace let out a deep sigh. “We can’t ask for more than that. I’m moving up my timetable. Dana has friends coming from California. After I’ve met them for dinner tonight, I’ll camp out and check the third
quadrant. I know in my gut that plane’s around here somewhere.

  “Do me a favor and get me a forest service truck. Have one of your officers park it in front of my apartment and leave the keys on the kitchen counter. Tell them to bring a uniform for me too. After I leave Dana’s, I’ll drive back to Alpine for it.

  “So far I’ve been lucky and no one’s caught me doing surveillance. But things are heating up now. I’ll feel better if I look like I’m on official business.”

  “Good idea. I’ll get right on it.”

  “Thanks. Before we hang up, you need to know Dana is moving to the Watkinses’ basement apartment in Cloud Rim.” He gave him the address. “I drove her over there last night and she paid the first month’s rent. Today she’ll be moving in.”

  “It’s about time!”

  “I agree. After the flower incident, she didn’t need a push. Let the P.I.’s know so they won’t wonder what’s happening when they drive by.”

  “Hey, Jace, you remember what I told you about the hair standing on the back of my neck when I can feel we’ve locked on target?”

  “Yes?”

  “It’s standing on end now.”

  “I had the same reaction when you told me Glen dumped the tools and knife. He wouldn’t have done that unless Burdick was running scared. Something big’s about to happen. I’ve just got to figure out the time and the place.”

  “You’ll do it. Talk to you tonight.”

  AT ONE O’CLOCK, Dana left the observatory and drove to the Ponderosa. She sat in her car outside the lobby entrance keeping an eye out for Gideon’s Acura. Hopefully she’d see the IPS van as well.

  She didn’t know if Jace had arrived in Cloud Rim yet. For that matter he might have already come and gone. But her heart raced at the possibility of seeing him for even a few minutes while he made his deliveries in town.

  All of a sudden a car turned at the corner. Dana saw the flash of familiar red-gold hair before recognizing the Acura. She jumped out of her car and started running toward them.

  “Heidi!” she screamed in excitement.

  “Dana!”

  Gideon had to brake so his wife could get out. She ran toward her friend. When they reached each other, they hugged. That in turn set off their tears.

  “You have no idea how happy I am to see you,” Dana said.

  “Me too.”

  “There’s so much to tell you I hardly know where to begin. If I’d had to wait a minute longer—”

  Heidi’s eyes gave her a thorough scrutiny. They’d always been able to read each other’s thoughts. “Dana Turner? You’re glowing!”

  “So are you.”

  “No—I mean it. There’s a light in your eyes. Something earthshaking has happened. If I don’t miss my guess, it’s brown eyes himself, the IPS man. Hmm? Fess up.”

  “Yes!” She nodded. “I’m in love with the most wonderful man alive! Present husband excepted, of course. Oh, Heidi, I’m so crazy about him, I can hardly stand it. He’ll be here after work. The second you meet him, you’ll understand. You’re going to love him the way I love Gideon.

  “Speaking of the famous father-to-be, let’s take a look at what he’s done to you. Stand still.”

  Heidi blushed as Dana walked all the way around her. She was so happy it shone from her whole being.

  “I do believe your figure has become more voluptuous since the last time I saw you. I bet hubby likes that.”

  “Dana!”

  “Isn’t that right, Gideon?” she teased as he and Kevin emerged from the car with Pokey at their heels. The adorable beagle ran over to Dana and sniffed her sandals. She reached down and scratched his head.

  Gideon grinned at her. “I’m afraid I didn’t hear the question, so I’ll take a hug and a kiss first.”

  Dana flung herself into his arms. “I hear you’re going to be a daddy for the second time. I’m glad you’re here so I can congratulate you in person. You must be ecstatic.” She kissed his cheek before he swung her around.

  “That’s putting it lightly,” he whispered before setting her down. His blue eyes searched hers. “You’ve grown even more beautiful in the last month. I didn’t think that was possible.”

  “That’s what I told Heidi after she met you.” Her gaze switched to Kevin. The teenager seemed taller than last time.

  “Are you too old for a hug from your aunty Dana?”

  Kevin’s smile widened. “No. It’s okay.”

  “I’m glad you said that, because I was going to do it anyway.” When she grabbed him, Pokey tried to get in on the act. Everyone laughed.

  Suddenly Dana’s eyes filled. “I can’t tell you what it means to see all of you again. Why don’t you get registered and settled in, then we’ll go to lunch at the café, unless you’ve already eaten.”

  “I’m afraid the guys ate a couple of brownies your mom made for you,” Heidi said. “But take it from me, those were just a couple of drops in the ocean. Frankly, we’re starving.”

  “No morning sickness yet?”

  “No. Just constant hunger. I can’t believe it.”

  “Oh, Heidi. It’s so exciting. You’re going to have a little baby. Has it sunk in yet?”

  “No.”

  “I hope it’s a girl, because it’s probably going to have red hair,” Kevin interjected.

  Dana saw the secret smile that passed between Gideon and his wife. “Then she’ll break a lot of hearts.”

  “I know one man with red hair who is extremely handsome,” Dana said.

  “Who?”

  “Dr. James McDermitt, a very famous astronomer from England.”

  “That’s where Heidi’s ancestors come from, huh?”

  Heidi nodded.

  “Do most English people have red hair?”

  Gideon’s shoulders were shaking with silent laughter. “No. I think my other half is a throwback to some unknown Irish ancestor.”

  “Just think, Kevin,” Dana said when the chuckles subsided, “you might get a little brother or sister with dark hair like your dad’s.”

  “That would be cool.”

  “You know what? You’ll adore him or her no matter what they look like.”

  “I know.”

  Gideon threw an arm around his son. “Come on, Kev. Help me sign in. The girls want to gab.”

  “Stay, Pokey!” Kevin ordered.

  The dog sat at Heidi’s feet while the men disappeared.

  “I’d say you and Kevin have made a lot of progress. Otherwise he wouldn’t feel free talking about red hair around you.”

  “He’s wonderful.”

  “What about his mother? How are things going with her?”

  “Better. I think she’s stopped feeling so threatened. Now that Kevin has the freedom to be with both parents, he spends a lot of time with her when Gideon is working a case. That’s the way it should be. All I can do is be a good friend.”

  “Whatever you’re doing, it’s working. I’m proud of you, Heidi. I don’t care what anyone says. Taking on a child who isn’t yours can’t be easy.”

  “Gideon makes it easy for me. I love him more than ever. If I have any concern, it’s that Kevin might think his father loves the new baby more than him. Gideon and I have talked a lot about it, and how to handle it so Kevin feels totally secure.”

  “As long as you’re both aware of his needs, you can’t fail.”

  “I hope not.”

  Heidi took a deep breath. “It’s heavenly up here with all that sun and blue sky.”

  “I know. I’m spoiled, because it’s been like this going on two weeks. One of these days there has to be a storm, but I can wait.” She stared at her friend. “How does it feel to be a full-time housewife?”

  “Incredible. I’m disgustingly lazy. After I fix Gideon a big breakfast and see him off to work, I take Pokey for a walk along the beach. Then I go home, do a little housecleaning and start planning dinner for my husband.

  “I found out from his sister that he was raised on meat
and potatoes. So I’ve been doing that. He always says I shouldn’t go to the trouble, but I notice he walks in the back door right on time every night and asks what we’re having.”

  “Marrying you was like dying and going to heaven.”

  “Oh, stop!”

  “Now, tell me, what did you decide about teaching?”

  “I gave my notice.”

  “Gideon must be thrilled.”

  “Deep down he is, but I think he’s worried I’ll be bored staying home. The scars from his first marriage run deep.”

  “Then he’s still got a lot to learn about you.”

  “That’s what I’m counting on. We’re going to convert the spare bedroom into a nursery, but he doesn’t know about the baby quilt I’ve started. Kevin helped me pick out the different fabrics.”

  “Including him was inspired on your part.”

  “He’s a remarkable person. Oh, here they come, and I haven’t even emptied the car yet.”

  Together they made swift work of carrying their things into the adjoining rooms. After Kevin filled Pokey’s water dish, the four of them walked around the corner to the café.

  Gideon linked his arm through Dana’s. “I know you’ve been dying to ask me about Consuela, so let me put you out of your misery. I’m waiting for one more crucial piece of evidence. When I’ve got it, I’ll contact her attorney and we’ll ask the judge to look at her case again.”

  “Just the way you did mine. What do you think her chances are?”

  “Right now? As good as yours at this stage.”

  “Gideon—” she squeezed his hand “—because of you she’ll probably get her little daughter back, and have a chance to start a new life. How am I going to repay you for everything you’ve done?”

  “I was paid in full when Heidi joined my night school criminology class to help you. Because of your friendship, I’ve found the kind of happiness I never expected to experience.”

  “I have news for you. She feels the same way.”

  When they entered the café, Dana introduced everyone to the owner, who took their orders. Once they’d eaten lunch, and dessert had been served, Gideon asked what everyone wanted to do with the rest of the afternoon. His eyes were at half-mast. He’d been driving for a couple of days.