Texas Roads (A Miller's Creek Novel)

by Bryant, Cathy

  A half hour later, Steve traipsed through the front gate at Mama Beth’s. She sat, dressed for church, rocking away on her front porch, no doubt waiting for Dani. He shoved down his despair and plastered on a smile. No need to worry her with his problems. Her eyes narrowed before he made it to the top step. “What’s wrong?”

  He shook his head. “Nothing. Why do you ask?”

  “Well, those saddle bags you have under your eyes for one thing. Now quit stalling and tell me what’s wrong.”

  “Did I ever tell you that you’re the most obstinate old woman I’ve ever met?” he groused as he stepped past her.

  Mama Beth laughed and slapped her knee. “You got that right. Now sit down and tell me all about it.”

  He plunked down in the other rocker, unable to stop the short smile that turned his lips up at the corners. How was it she always knew what he was feeling? Ten minutes later, he finished his spiel about the financial difficulties of the town and ranch, all that still needed to be done for the town fix-up, and how tired he was from trying to take care of it all. He faced her, certain she would sympathize with his plight.

  “Are you through venting?” she asked.

  He chuckled. “Yes ma’am.”

  “Okay, then I want you to listen real hard to what I’m about to say. And I can almost guarantee you’re not going to like it.”

  His smile faded and he pursed his lips. What had he gotten himself into?

  She leaned toward him, forcing eye contact. “First of all, you need to climb out of that pity party you’ve gotten yourself into. And don’t bother sending out invitations, ’cause no one will want to come.”

  Steve glanced down, eager to take a break from her hawk-eyed stare. Mama Beth had him pegged. He was feeling sorry for himself.

  “Number two, I heard plenty of things about what’s wrong in your life, but didn’t hear one thing about what’s right. If you only look at the bad, that’s all you’re going to see. Number three, have you prayed about it?”

  Okay, now she was getting a little personal. His ire quickened. “Yes, as a matter of fact, I have.”

  Mama Beth raised both eyebrows. “Then why’d you come crying to me? God’s already got it under control.”

  Steve laughed out loud. No other tongue lashing except Mama Beth’s made him feel better instead of worse. He leaned over and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Not only are you the most obstinate old woman I’ve ever met, you’re also the wisest.”

  Her blue eyes glinted. “You got that right.”

  ~~o~~

  “So you’re the woman who’s managed to snag my brother.” The slender brunette with twinkling eyes extended a hand toward Dani while people spilled from the open church doors into the noonday heat.

  Huh? Had she missed something? Unsure of how to respond she took the woman’s outstretched hand.

  The lady smiled. “I’m Trish James, Steve’s sister. My husband’s the town vet.”

  “Nice to meet you. What did you mean about snagging your brother?”

  “The latest news on the grapevine is that you’ve hooked and reeled in my brother.” Trish’s look and tone teased her.

  Her cheeks flooded with heat. Dani glanced up at Steve, his mouth set in a thin line. “Not true. I don’t fish.” She tempered the comment with a polite smile.

  Trish burst out laughing. “Good for you. I love this big nut like crazy,” she said, placing an arm around Steve, “but I pity the poor woman who finally lands him.”

  A full-blown smile bloomed on Dani’s face. Already she liked this woman. Potential friend material. Now that Mama Beth was better, it was time to step up her original plan to establish a business and move on with her life. And that included making new friends.

  A boy about the age of five sprinted toward them, screeched to a stop at Trish’s side, and squinted up at her. “Jimmy invited me to his house. Can I go? He said we could play video games and go swimming—”

  “Wait a minute.” Trish held up one finger. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

  The sandy-haired boy pursed his lips in a thoughtful pose. “What?”

  “You’re grounded, young man.”

  “Aw, Mom, please, just this once?” Trish arched an eyebrow at her son, and the boy’s expression revealed that the message had been received. “Yes ma’am.” His tone deflated, and a disappointed pout turned down the corners of his mouth.

  “Go let Jimmy’s mom know you can’t come today, then find Daddy and tell him Mama said it’s time to leave.” She tousled his hair.

  Steve stepped forward. “But not until you give Uncle Steve a hug.”

  “And a schlerbert.” The boy latched hold of Steve’s leg and scaled him like a tree.

  Dani took in the scene with skyrocketed interest. What a wonderful father he would make. She shook herself. Where had that come from? She made a concerted effort to appear disinterested, but her eyes were drawn to the scene.

  The boy placed his lips against Steve’s cheek and blew. The blatting sound that ensued brought forth a boyish chortle. Steve grinned and winked at her. “Now that was a mighty fine schlerbert. Bo, can you say hello to Dani?”

  “Danny?” He made a face and tucked in his chin. “Danny’s a boy’s name.”

  “Not all the time.” She giggled and offered him her hand.

  He gave it several hardy shakes. “Hi, girl named Dani.” Everyone laughed and Steve set him down, his legs in motion before they ever touched the ground. “Dad’s never going to believe this. A girl named Dani.” He raced away at full speed, the adult’s laughter following him.

  Trish patted Mama Beth’s shoulder. “How are you feeling?”

  “Wonderful. Dani’s taken such good care of me.” She sent Dani a smile that melted her heart.

  “Good, ’cause if you feel up to it, I’d like to have y’all over for lunch. I fixed a brisket.”

  “Sounds like a great idea to me.” Mama Beth sent Dani a questioning glance.

  Dani nodded her agreement as two men sauntered up with little Bo. The man with a handlebar moustache and cowboy hat anchored himself behind Trish, most likely her husband, the vet. The older man offered his hand to Dani, his eyes wide. “My goodness, if you’re not the spitting image of your aunt. I’m Bo Miller, Steve’s dad.”

  Mama Beth’s face seemed to pale in the bright sunlight. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Miller, I’m Dani.” She looked at Mama Beth, who had taken a step backwards.

  “Please call me Bo. Makes me feel old to be called Mr. Miller.”

  Her gaze shifted to the boy then back to the older man. “So I take it your grandson is named after you?”

  Little Bo tugged on her fingers. She bent toward him and he whispered. “He’s big Bo and I’m little Bo.” His thumb punched his chest.

  Dani’s breath hitched, but she hid it with a forced smile. How long would this ache for a child haunt her? “Oh, I see.” She eyed big Bo. “What are you going to do when he gets big?”

  The older man laughed. “I haven’t thought that far ahead. I’m just glad they call me big Bo instead of old Bo.” He wheezed into another round of laughter.

  Minutes later the group dispersed to their separate vehicles for the ride out to the ranch. Dani settled into the backseat of Steve’s pickup next to Mama Beth, and big Bo rode in the front. Classical music streamed from the radio, reminding her of their drive in the country. Steve had listened to the same type of music then. Not the usual musical fare for cowboys, but as she was quickly learning, nothing about Steve Miller was typical.

  He pulled into the driveway of a limestone ranch house a few minutes later. Surrounded by live oak trees, the house appeared to have shot up from the Texas soil the way peanuts and cotton did. For some unexplained reason, this kind of life appealed to her on many levels. To wake up each day surrounded by family, knowing you belonged to a place the way the Millers did must bring such joy. Steve opened the door to help her from the vehicle, and Bo did the same for Mama Beth. The pickup doors
slammed, but Dani hesitated for a moment to take in the peaceful surroundings. What would it be like to live in a place like this?

  Steve started toward the door then stopped to wait for her. “Coming?”

  She took one last glance around and joined him. They entered the house to the smoky smell of barbecued brisket. Trish bustled about the kitchen taking care of many tasks, so Dani moved to join her. “Lunch smells amazing. Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “Thanks.” She smiled and pointed with her head. “The glasses are in that cabinet. We need seven.”

  Soon lunch preparations were completed and they gathered at the table, Dani positioned between big Bo and Steve. Doc James spoke, his handlebar moustache dancing on his face. “Shall we ask the blessing?”

  They joined hands around the table, and Steve took her hand in his, her pulse curiously accelerating. At the end of the prayer, he smiled and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. Her heart skidded to an almost-stop. Why was she reacting like a love-sick school girl? She gulped and focused on her plate, convinced her cheeks had colored to cardinal red.

  The tender brisket melted in her mouth as she bit into it, and unleashed jealousy nibbled at her insides. Why couldn’t she have this kind of life? And why was it everyone knew how to cook except her? Her specialty thus far was burnt mac and cheese.

  Conversation and laughter flowed throughout the meal, the round of smiling faces setting off a throb in Dani’s heart. This was the life she longed for. Life with a family and a home. She lowered her head and fingered the napkin in her lap. Get over it, Dani. It would never happen now. She’d already closed the door on marriage, that chapter in her life over. The sooner she came to grips with it the better.

  After lunch the older Bo sought out her company, seemingly eager for conversation. They moved to the tree-lined patio which was surprisingly cool for the heat of the day. Nearby a mockingbird belted out his repertoire. “So tell me, Miss Dani, how do you like living in Miller’s Creek so far?”

  “I love it, but compared to what I’m used to … well, let’s just say it’s a big change.” She recalled the flurry of by-passers the day before, certain she could never grow accustomed to the lack of privacy. Steve stepped out, spied them and sauntered over, swiveling a chair around and straddling it to rest his arms on the back. She sensed his gaze on her, but avoided looking at him directly.

  “Stick around here long enough and you won’t be able to leave.” Bo waggled his eyebrows then turned to look at the horses grazing in the pasture, their soft whinnies and snorts combining with the whispered breezes.

  “Mama Beth’s already taught her how to garden.” Steve’s comment forced her attention, and he gave her a wink. She returned his lazy grin, remembering the mud fight.

  “Not a bit surprised.” The older man chuckled. “Watch out, or next she’ll have you working that daycare of hers.”

  She smiled. Bo knew her aunt well, another fringe benefit of living in a small town. “Actually she’s already scheduled me to start at the daycare this week. One of the workers is going on vacation. But I’m happy to help. I love kids.”

  “Dani’s a teacher.” Steve shifted the position of his feet then lowered his head, his eyebrows scrunched into wiggly lines.

  “Really? Any chance you’ll sign on in Miller’s Creek?”

  “Well—”

  Steve interrupted. “She’s only here for the summer.”

  Dani rolled her lips under. Might as well get it out and over with. “Actually, I’ve decided to move to Miller’s Creek on a permanent basis.” She shot out the words then focused on Steve’s reaction. Shock. Quick control. A hint of aggravation?

  The older man spoke. “Well, I’m glad to hear it. Let me be the first to officially welcome you.”

  “Thanks.” Dani sent him an appreciative smile then glanced at Steve’s profile, his lips set in concrete.

  Bo leaned toward her. “By the way, I like your ideas for Miller’s Creek. I hear you encouraged the people to do the work themselves. Steve tells me the whole town has come together for this project.”

  “I’m sure it’s because of Steve’s input, not mine.” She cringed remembering the town hall meeting and her rude comments. “He’s the one who organized everything.”

  The conversation grew quiet, but not uncomfortable, and her gaze wandered to the horses. “It’s so beautiful and peaceful here. I’m sure it’s wonderful to wake up to this every morning.”

  “Do you ride?” Bo rested one elbow on the arm of his chair.

  She gave her head a quick shake. “No, but I’ve always wanted to.”

  “Steve would be happy to teach you, wouldn’t you, Steve?”

  “Sure.” His tone remained non-committal.

  Bo rose to his feet with a yawn. “I’m going in for more tea and a nap. Y’all need anything?” He ambled toward the house.

  “Nope.” Steve’s voice sounded tight.

  “No, thanks.” She watched the older man shuffle away then studied Steve’s expression. He could switch moods faster than any person she knew. It’s a wonder he didn’t have permanent whiplash. “I was downtown earlier this week, helping J.C. with some painting. Things seem to be progressing well.”

  He shrugged, still not meeting her gaze. “I guess.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Well, the people are still gung-ho, but we’re out of supplies and money.”

  She frowned. Already? “Have you tried going back to the companies—?”

  “Yep, they’re not giving us anymore.”

  Her heart skipped a beat. “So what are you going to do?”

  “Good question.” Steve’s face hardened as he stared across the field, his eyes cloudy and dark.

  ~~o~~

  Later that evening Dani retired to her room, her thoughts troubled. All afternoon Steve’s downcast face had stuck with her, the problem gnawing at her brain. As she readied herself for bed, the hint of an idea exploded into a plan without warning. It formed so fast she scrambled for pen and paper. An hour and a half later, hands cramping, she leaned against the iron bed headboard and reviewed her notes. Yes, this plan just might work.

  Her neck tingled with the prospect, but not without some trepidation. The idea plopped her in the crossroads, and once she chose a path, she couldn’t—no, she wouldn’t—turn back. She’d never intentionally hurt these people by pulling out after offering them hope. But was this the best way? Could she commit to this plan with all her heart?

  She switched off the light and lay in the stillness, listening to the crickets and bull frogs compete for solos in the nocturnal symphony. The idea might prove to be the perfect solution, but it would also be costly. Her original plan to use the inheritance to build a business would have to be sacrificed. Was she crazy for even considering this idea? What if she needed the money later? She marveled at the change in her thinking. Had Miller’s Creek bewitched her, or was this something bigger?

  It felt so right. More right than anything had felt in a long time. She rolled to her side and snuggled her nose into the pillow. With a sense of peace and contentment she couldn’t understand or explain, she drifted off to sleep.

  ~~o~~

  The next morning after Mama Beth left for her ladies’ Bible study coffee klatch, Dani munched on a sausage biscuit and punched the speed dial on her cell phone.

  “Dani! How are you?” Andy Tyler’s friendly voice brought a grin to her face.

  They spent the next few minutes catching up then she moved to the matter at hand. “I called because I need your expert legal advice.”

  “Anything for you, pretty lady. What can I help you with?”

  She explained the situation and her plan.

  “Are you sure about this?” He sounded skeptical.

  Was she doing the right thing? She took a deep breath, the aroma of breakfast still in the air. “Yes. I’m sure.”

  “Okay.” Something about his tone hinted at disapproval. “When do you want to get starte
d on this plan of yours?”

  “Yesterday.”

  He laughed. “That figures. You haven’t changed a bit.”

  After saying goodbye, she clicked the phone shut. Doubt immediately jabbed her, and she chewed the inside of her cheek. Was she making a huge mistake? She heaved a sigh and shoved the thought away. The wheel had already been set in motion. A slow smile inched across her face. Wouldn’t Steve be surprised?

  ~~o~~

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  The New Man in Town

  Steve crammed the last bite of stale doughnut in his mouth and pressed the stack of papers against his chest. He hated to even entertain the thought, but maybe he should consider buying a brief case. A mental image of his normal attire of boots, jeans, and hat flashed into his mind. Somehow a brief case didn’t quite fit his image. The wind gusted and threatened to pull the papers from his grasp, so he hugged them closer to his body and trudged toward City Hall. The attempt to locate more funding for the town had doubled the paperwork, and the daily shuffle verged on scary. What if he lost something important?

  He entered the building to pounding hammers, the buzz of power saws, and the smell of fresh paint. The old geezers had spent the past week sprucing up the interior of City Hall and now worked upstairs renovating the upper floors. With an attractive shade of beige on the walls, the refinished wood floors, and donated furniture, the place was actually starting to look like an office.

  Wanda glanced up from her new desk as he blew in the door. “If you ask me you could use a briefcase.”

  Her way of stating the obvious scraped against his nerves like sandpaper. He hid his exasperation and attempted to sound pleasant. “You’re right. What’s your schedule like today?”

  She peered at him over the top of her glasses, and he braced himself for a lecture. “Well, besides answering the phone that’s been ringing off the hook, posting water bill payments, listening to that racket upstairs, and answering questions for every Tom, Dick, and Harry who comes through that door, not a thing. Why, what d’ya want?”