Montana Homecoming

by Jillian Hart

  “Are you kidding? It’s a family favorite.”

  “Good to hear because they give the best dog treats in their drive-thru.” He guided the truck down the narrow concrete driveway and onto the tree-lined street. He zipped down the side passenger window halfway so Oscar could stick his nose out and breathe in all those scents as the street went by. “Now where were we?”

  “When?”

  “Before Oscar interrupted us. I was about to question you some more. Figure out the real Brooke McKaslin. Yes, I remember where I was. Why don’t you live closer to your family?”

  “Which family, that’s the question.” She leaned back in her seat, lowering her window, letting the wind play with the ends of her hair. She looked stunning in a simple green summery top and denim shorts, more beautiful than any girl next door he’d ever known. Twice as wholesome, twice as sweet. “I grew up near Miles City but I haven’t been back to that part of Montana since I was just out of high school.”

  She faked a smile, but she probably didn’t mean to—she probably thought she pulled it off but he could read the sorrow in her eyes. It was sadness so brief he could have imagined it. She crossed her ankles, sitting prim and as pretty as a picture in a magazine.

  “My mom still lives there,” she explained. “Marriage to my father embittered her. She grew hard after their divorce. Over the years she’s become someone I hardly know. She has her own life. We don’t talk much.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. Is that why Lil dotes on you?”

  “Lil dotes on everyone and I’m grateful for that. She was there for me when my mom wasn’t.” She bit her bottom lip, perhaps debating whether to stay silent or to say more. He could read between the lines—it wasn’t that tough to imagine how painful the rift was between mother and daughter. Again, the pain crossing her face flashed briefly, just one single glimpse before it was gone. “My dad got out of jail not long ago. He was arrested for counterfeiting.”

  “You don’t have the all-American family?”

  “Not even close.” She shrugged her slender shoulders, as if her troubles were not a big deal in the scale of things. “My older brothers are wonderful. They’ve stood beside me, and they’ve never let me down. We were close growing up.”

  “Yeah? What was that like?” He turned at the end of the street, taking the residential route. Oscar kept entertained dashing between the windows, seeing a squirrel out one window, and racing along the backseat to whine at a cat out the other.

  “It wasn’t all that interesting. I’ll bore you.”

  “Not even close. I’m riveted. See?”

  Her smile could kick-start his heart if he ever found himself in need of a defibrillator. She rolled her eyes. “Before Dad left us, he’d treated Mom pretty badly. We were glad to see him go. He didn’t work hard at keeping in contact with us. He was too busy stringing Lil along, promising marriage and I don’t know what else. I know he hurt her terribly.”

  “So you didn’t know Lil when you were younger?”

  “Not really. We were doing all we could to hold on to the family farm. In the end, we couldn’t. Dad had taken a second mortgage out on it when the land values ballooned, right before he took off.”

  That’s all he needed to know about Brooke’s dad. She didn’t deserve a father like that, one who let her down. “That’s rough. It sounds like he didn’t treat Lil any better.”

  “No. I don’t know what happened, but she cries about it to this day. By the time he’d gotten married again and the twins were born—”

  “Bree and Brandi.”

  “Yes. He stayed away. That’s how I like it.”

  “How did you all get so close? I’ve seen the way Lil dotes over you. Colbie champions you. There’s a story there, I know it. Don’t tell me it’s dull. I don’t buy it.”

  “Oh, it’s not dull, just best left in the past.” There were so many things she couldn’t tell him, places she did not want to speak of. The past—her lost years, finding out exactly how heartless some men could be—it was all best kept safely buried. “There’s Mr. Paco’s Tacos.”

  “Saved in the nick of time. Again.” He whipped into the parking lot while Oscar poked his nose out the window, gave a deep sniff and barked happily. His tail went thump, thump, thump against the back of Brooke’s seat.

  “Yes, and don’t think I won’t return the favor.” Nothing like a little threat to keep a man in line, she thought as the truck idled at the lit giant menu. “If you can ask questions, then I can ask questions.”

  “I’m in big trouble now.” He tossed a wink.

  Handsome. Charming. With killer dimples to match.

  Be still my heart, she thought. She prayed. She pleaded. Don’t be affected by him, Brooke. Don’t do it. But could she help it?

  No. The world around her faded into nothing, the fears within her faded into silence. And Liam? He took front and center. He was life and color while everything else turned gray.

  “Is my head in your way?” He scooted back a little more, as much as his seat would allow. “Can you see all the burrito choices?”

  “Not necessary, because I live for Mr. Paco’s soft chicken tacos.”

  “Who doesn’t?” The speaker squawked, and a crackling voice asked if they were ready to order. Liam ordered three meals, complete with Mexi-fried tater tots, sodas and an order of nachos. Oscar barked, eager to talk to Mr. Paco, too.

  “Sounds like someone needs a dog treat.” The proprietor chuckled warmly. When they pulled up to the window, a big dog-boned–shaped goody waited. Oscar crunched happily on it as Liam tugged out his wallet.

  “Don’t even think about it,” he told her with that smile she couldn’t say no to. “This is my treat. You are doing me a favor.”

  “I haven’t done one yet.”

  “What do you mean? You’ve already taught me not to leave hamburger out on the counter. That’s a start.” He handed over a twenty to Mr. Paco, who squinted through the window at her.

  “At first I thought you were Colbie, but you’re Brooke,” he said. “The sister from Seattle. Good to see you again.”

  “Good to see you.” The moment broke like a soap bubble in the air, suddenly and completely. No way to get it back. For a moment she’d forgotten who she was, she’d forgotten her past. Mr. Paco knew. For a moment she’d been able to step away from the woman she’d been. Anxiety beat through her, kicking in her bloodstream right along with the shot of adrenaline.

  Please don’t say it, Mr. Paco, she silently pleaded. Don’t say what happened nine long years ago.

  “It’s good to see you, Brooke.” Mr. Paco dug in his till and handed Liam his change. “I’ve been keeping your sister in prayer.”

  Oh, Brianna. Relief left her sagging against her seat belt. “Thank you. I know she would be very touched you’re lifting her up in prayer. This is a hard time for her.”

  “She is blessed to have her family nearby. I’ll get your sodas. Be right back.” Mr. Paco’s warm smile telegraphed caring and concern.

  “I hear the tough stuff starts tomorrow. In court,” Liam clarified. “Recreating the facts of the case. The district attorney is determined to get a conviction.”

  “He wants justice.” She remembered the capable, serious-looking man sitting soldier straight, heading the prosecution. Her family put a lot of faith in him. “For all the victims’ sakes, I hope he gets it. We nearly lost Brianna. That’s what brought us together. Lil called me with the news they were rushing to catch a plane to Seattle because Bree had been flown to the trauma center there. It was that serious. I didn’t even know Lil had my number.”

  “Sounds like her, taking care of everyone.” He stopped to take the bags of food from Mr. Paco, handing them across the console for her to hold.

  Warmth penetrated the white paper sacks along with a delicious aroma of seasoned meat, special sauce and salsa. The truck lumbered forward, following the lane to the street.

  “It was the first time all of us kids had been ga
thered together,” she confessed.

  “I wouldn’t have guessed that. Everyone seems close.”

  “Growing up we didn’t have the chance to get to know each other. Then there were all these issues with Dad. After he left the farm, he couldn’t settle in a job for long. Then he was arrested and sent to j-jail.” She stumbled over the word. That hated word. “We all had our separate lives. But waiting for Bree’s condition to improve, praying it would, fearing it wouldn’t, forged a bond none of us expected. I got the chance to really know Lil and Colbie. To fall in love with my half sisters. It was an unexpected blessing.”

  “It seems like the experience of the trial might be doing the same.” He spun the wheel, guiding the truck onto the main street, crossing several lanes and heading for the park. Trees speared above buildings a block ahead, guiding the way.

  “Definitely.” She didn’t know how to say what she felt. How not even the loneliness always dogging her could fade when she was with her family. It came close, but nothing could bridge the stigma she carried around inside her like a secret. Her life had been in shambles for so long, she feared there was no way to repair it.

  Something bumped the bags in her hand. Oscar. He leaned over the seat back, trying to dig into the sacks with his nose. Unapologetic, he stopped to squint up at her with pleading eyes.

  “There’s more dog treats in one of the bags,” Liam explained as he wheeled into the park’s lot. “Oscar is a fast learner. I’m beginning to think he’s smarter than I am.”

  “That’s highly likely,” she quipped as she unrolled a sack to peer in. The aroma of deep-fried tater tots wafted upward, making her dizzy with anticipation. Next bag. “He’s way smarter than me, too.”

  Oscar yipped cheerfully, as if he were in perfect agreement.

  The laughter in the cab felt wonderful, bright enough to drive away any shadow, except the one haunting her. Fearing what Mr. Paco might have said remained like a whisper within her she could not quiet. Proof you can’t escape your past, not entirely. It’s always with you. She pulled out a dog treat and handed it over, avoiding Liam’s smile.

  But the impact of his gaze? That was something she could feel like a touch against the side of her face. Kind, reassuring, real. He’s a good man. But what was hidden beneath the surface? That was an entirely different question.

  Chapter Five

  “What exactly does this have to do with training the dog?” Liam squinted into the low rays of the sun, gave the Frisbee a flick with his wrist and let it fly.

  Across the stretch of green grass, Oscar leaped in anticipation, his gaze trained on the flying red disc hurling his way.

  “I’m just observing. Gathering information.” Behind him, Brooke looked up from her phone. Her thumbs brushed across the tiny keys, her forehead furrowed in concentration as she bent over the screen. Wisps of dark hair framed her face.

  Gorgeous.

  Not that he was taking personal interest or anything. Her beauty was simply a plain fact. Thankfully Oscar barked, drawing his attention away from Brooke. But as the dog leaped to catch the Frisbee, Liam’s gaze boomeranged right back to her. Amazing. With the wind in her hair, framed by the vivid green grass and leafy trees, she was entirely different from the quiet woman he’d first met sitting alone on her front steps. Different from the serious woman in the courthouse. He liked all sides of Brooke that he’d seen so far, this one the best by far. Just analyzing, he told himself, nothing more.

  He cleared his throat. “What info are you in the middle of gathering right now?”

  “Doggy day care centers.” She folded a strand of hair behind one ear, a graceful gesture, emphasizing the fine curve of her cheek, the line of her jaw and the slender elegance of her fingers. She squinted at her screen. “There’s one a mile away from your house. According to their website, they are taking new clients. Wow, they even have a dog gym with an entire day of fun planned activities.”

  “So you basically think I shouldn’t leave Oscar at home alone?”

  “Not tomorrow, no. I’m not a miracle worker.” Lavender-blue eyes sparkled with amusement. “Oscar is going to take a lot of patience because he is so worried about losing you.”

  “Oh. I hadn’t thought of it that way. Good boy, good dog.” He stroked the Lab’s head and accepted the Frisbee. It got to him how fast the dog had bonded to him. “You have to wonder about his life before the pound. Whether he had a good home and what it was like for him to be left by the people he loved.”

  “Yes, but at least they brought him to the pound. That was a great kindness. Some people leave animals alone and defenseless to fend for themselves, which of course they can’t. Did the shelter have any information on him?”

  “None.” The dog danced in place, grinning widely, panting with anticipation. Big doggy eyes stayed glued to the Frisbee waiting for that exciting moment when it went flying. Liam didn’t want to disappoint so he gave it a good fling. The Lab transformed into a golden blur, rocketing after it.

  “There.” She pocketed her cell. “I just texted them. I think Bree and Brandi went to school with the people who run this place. I recognize their names from church.”

  “Part of me was hoping you were kidding about the doggy day care thing. I feel that’s taking the easy way out.”

  “Oscar’s anxiety isn’t going to disappear overnight. This will give him a lot of new friends and activities to channel his energy into while you’re away for the day.”

  “Good idea. I wouldn’t have thought of it.”

  “That’s why I’m here.” Sitting cross-legged in the grass, she made a pretty image. Comfortable, friendly, easy to talk to. She rose from the ground, pure gracefulness. “Oscar has a lot of energy. Does he ever get tired?”

  “So far not yet. I’ve been throwing this thing for almost an hour. Look at him. He hasn’t slowed down one bit, but my arm? Ready to fall off.” He chuckled. The dog began his return run with the Frisbee clamped neatly between his sharp teeth. “Oscar, do you want to go for a ride?”

  At the word, doggy ears pricked. Brown eyes sparkled. The Lab grinned widely around the plastic disk in his mouth, pivoted neatly and bounded toward the distant truck.

  “Hey, wait up!” Liam called out, but the dog already loped far ahead. “I didn’t think that out real well.”

  “No? You’ll get used to it.” Brooke breezed along at his side with the sunshine glinting in her dark locks and caressing the side of her face, polishing her, holding her in the soft golden glow.

  There was something ethereal about the moment. The heavenly light, the peaceful evening and the brightness of the park made the evening surreal. The green lawn, blue sky and nodding trees were as vibrant as a scene in a movie. This felt like a monumental moment, defining, one he would not forget.

  Brooke whistled. The shrill note sailed on the wind and stopped Oscar in his tracks. The yellow dog swung around on his haunches, ears up, tongue lolling. Brooke laughed. “Wait up, silly boy.”

  Wasn’t she something? The sight of her riveted him. Bronzed in the evening sunlight, carefree and laughing, she was so lovely she made calm settle within him. A deep well of peace he’d never felt before. It was as if his entire soul stilled.

  Surely that couldn’t be a good sign.

  “Come here, boy. Come on!” She patted her knee, calling him in her mellow, warm way. Unable to resist, Oscar bolted across the stretch of the city park. Ears flopping, muscles flexing, paws eating up ground.

  “Now it’s your turn.” She fastened those hyacinth-blue eyes on him, the prettiest color he’d ever seen. She arched one delicate brow, quirked her soft mouth and tilted her head slightly to the left. The effect on him?

  Disastrous.

  “What’s your story?” She squinted. The sun shining into her face kept the intensity of her gaze from hitting him full-force and still he was affected. Panic popped through him because he felt so comfortable with her. He was likely to tell her anything. What had happened to his defenses? />
  “Which story do you want to know?” A tougher man, one who didn’t talk about his feelings, wouldn’t be swayed by any woman, even one as gently beautiful as Brooke.

  “The one about why adding a dog to your life has been your biggest commitment to date.”

  She didn’t pull any punches, did she? She went straight to what she wanted to know. He fisted his hands, focused on his dog loping all out toward them and noticed a group of people walking along the river trail. Might as well tell her the truth, as tough as that would be. “I was engaged not too long ago.”

  “Engaged? I didn’t know. Colbie and Lil didn’t say a thing.”

  “Probably out of pity. I really got my heart broken.” He winced, doing his best not to feel the old hurt, the old bitterness, but they remained steadfast in his heart. “Guess that happens to everyone along the way. Even you?”

  “You phrased that as a question and don’t think for a moment I’m going to answer it. At least not until you do.”

  “I was stupid.” He may as well confess it.

  “It happens, especially when it comes to love. I’ve done the same thing.”

  “Yeah?” Curious. “Tell me about it so I don’t feel like a chump.”

  “Oh, no, sorry. I don’t go there.” She smiled as Oscar leaped at her. “You are trouble, mister.”

  The dog, not him. Brooke’s laughter doubled when Oscar gave her a kiss on the chin. With both paws on her shoulder, the dog gazed lovingly up at her. Captivated.

  He understood just how Oscar felt.

  “Sidney was a business consultant I met on a flight to London a few years ago.” He rescued the Frisbee Oscar had dropped in the grass and the dog bounded over to him. Why he was admitting this, he didn’t know. “I used to travel a lot with my job.”

  “That sounds exciting. Did she travel a lot, too?”

  “Yes. That was the beauty of it. We were both busy, on the go. She understood my life because it was hers, too.” For a brief moment, the flash of remembered love he’d once felt for the woman transformed him, made him magnificent. He must have loved his Sidney so much. “We talked the entire flight. We just couldn’t stop.”