by Chloe Lang
Even after all that happened with Samantha and Lily, the town still embraced Emma and somehow that made her feel hopeful. She’d reconnected with Shelby at the funeral, and the sweet woman had continued to call her every day.
Their talks had helped, though she hadn’t told even Shelby her worst fears or about the voices she was hearing in the night.
Her grandmother sighed. “Your momma’s hometown helped your daddy for a while, baby. It’s a good place with good people.”
She grabbed her grandmother’s hand. “I just need a fresh start. I’ve always loved Wilde. I’d like to raise my daughters there.” There was more to it than that but she wasn’t ready to tell her grandmother about her fears of losing her mind. Not now anyway.
“Do you have a job or a place to live?”
“Not yet, but I have some savings. I just need you and Grandpa to watch the girls for me.”
“Of course. We love our two little angels. If it doesn’t work out the way you want, Em, you can come home. This big house is more than enough for all of us.”
A car came up the long driveway. When Emma saw who it was, she felt her shoulders tighten.
Larry, her ex-husband, parked his car.
“Em, you didn’t tell him you were leaving, did you?” Her grandmother had never cared for Larry.
She shook her head. “I haven’t heard from him in over three months.”
“When was the last time he saw the girls?”
“Sometime last year.” Her girls didn’t have any relationship with him. Emma wished it could be different, but with Larry she doubted it would ever be.
Larry is all about Larry.
“Hey, beautiful ladies.” He walked up the steps carrying a box. “Since my girls are here, I bet there’s some delicious pie inside, isn’t there?”
Before her grandmother could answer, Emma stood up, blocking him from the door. “What are you doing here, Larry?”
“I wanted to see Andrea and Autumn. And I brought their birthday videos back. Thanks for letting me make some copies.” He handed her the box.
“How did you know we were here? We haven’t seen you in ages.”
His infrequent visits always upset her girls. They didn’t really know him or trust him. Every time he appeared he came with promises he never kept. In a flash, he disappeared again, staying away for longer and longer periods of time.
“I didn’t. I went to your house and when I saw you weren’t there, I thought you might be here, at your grandparents’ farm.”
Her grandmother remained on the porch swing. “Not much of a farm anymore, but it’s still home to Leland and me.”
Larry smiled. “How is Father Christmas these days, Helen? I heard his surgery went well.”
“Not bad for a man who will be eighty-five on his next birthday. There’s plenty of pie, Larry.” Her grandmother stood. Even though she didn’t care for Larry, the woman was always the perfect hostess. “I’ll put on a pot of coffee for all of us.”
Her grandmother walked inside, leaving Emma and Larry alone on the porch.
“How’s your job?” Last she’d heard he still worked in the oil industry, which was booming in the state these days. “You’re behind on your child support again.”
“Sorry, Emma.” He opened up his billfold and pulled out three one hundred dollar bills. “I wish I had never let you go.”
“You didn’t have a choice, Larry.” She’d been the one to end it after all the shit he’d put her through.
“I’ve just been so busy. Here.” He handed her the bills.
“This is hardly enough.”
“I’ll go to the bank and get you the rest, kitten.”
She bristled, hearing him call her the pet name he’d given her years ago.
“I’ve got a line on something big that will fix all our problems.”
“Larry, don’t give me your line of bullshit.” She took the bills. “Still gambling?”
He shrugged.
Gambling was just one of her ex’s vices. The list was long. Cheating. Drinking. Lying. God, what a fool I was to marry him. She’d been sixteen, too young to know her own mind. At least I got two amazing daughters from our marriage. It had lasted just under two years. Larry had been screwing a neighbor the day Autumn was born. The jerk had missed their daughter’s birth entirely.
“Don’t make any promises to the girls this time. Please. They’ve been through enough.”
“I heard about your mom and Lily.” He extended his arm as if to try to comfort her, but she stepped back.
She didn’t want him to ever touch her again. She was willing to be civil with him for the girls, but no more.
He frowned but didn’t move forward.
“I’m moving to town, Emma. I will be able to see you and the girls more often. I’ve been promoted to lead geologist.” Larry might not have any common sense when it came to his relationships, but he was quite smart about other things.
Emma wished she didn’t have to tell him about the move, but she had to. Larry had visitation rights for Andrea and Autumn, and the court had ordered her to inform him of any changes in address. “We won’t be living here much longer.”
His face tightened. “Where will you be living?”
“Nevada. We’re moving to Wilde.”
“Your mom’s hometown.” Larry shook his head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“I didn’t ask for your opinion. This is my decision.” She’d had to learn to become independent. She’d gotten her GED and earned her bachelor’s degree. It had been tough with two little ones that depended on her, and she’d done it all on her own. Her ex wasn’t about to tell her what to do. Not now. Not ever. “I have full custody of the girls. There is no stipulation in the court papers that says I can’t move the girls somewhere else. I only have to let you know our address.”
“I guess I deserve that.” Larry sighed. “I haven’t been the best father to our girls. When are you leaving?”
“First thing in the morning. The girls will be here until I get things settled.”
“Not much time to try to rebuild a relationship with them, is it?” He looked troubled.
Was he truly concerned about the girls? Would he actually miss them?
“Emma, I don’t want you and the girls to go, but I can understand why you think you should.”
He had no clue. He didn’t know about the voices at night, about her fear that she would one day lose her mind like both her sisters had. She wished she could trust him, trust anyone with her secrets, but she couldn’t.
“I’m going to be better.” Larry placed his hand on her shoulder, and this time she didn’t pull away. “I messed up, but I want to make it up to you.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep.”
She had learned a long time ago that her ex always had ulterior motives, always manipulated things and people to his advantage. Had he really changed? Had he finally grown up? She had never loved him and didn’t want him in her life, but if he could change for the girls, that would be a dream come true. She didn’t know how long she would stay sane. Hopefully this move to Wilde would silence the voices and she could keep her girls, but she just didn’t know.
Is it worth the risk to trust him one more time?
Chapter Three
It felt great to be home. Adam had been all around the world but no place held his heart like Wilde.
“What do you think of my new hotel?” Maude Strong was the owner of the Cactus and one of the matriarchs of the town. It had burned down last year.
“It looks amazing. The staircase must’ve survived the fire.”
Maude’s two husbands, Greg and Grant, were tending the bar.
“All new, but I told the architect that I wanted an exact replica. He tried to convince me to go another direction, saying it would save money, but he finally came around to my way of thinking.”
Bane came up, wearing civilian clothes. “Thanks for this, Maude.”
It was quite the party. Round tables, decorated in red, white, and blue filled the space. There was enough delicious food to feed the entire state. Wolfe Mayhem, the band from Destiny, Colorado, played music that kept the dance floor packed. The band’s lead singer had the voice of an angel.
Adam turned to their hostess. “Everyone seems to be having a good time.”
“All I care about is that you two boys are having a good time.” She pointed to the banner strung across the back wall with the message Welcome Home, Adam and Bane, Wilde’s Heroes. “We are all so very proud of you. We’re glad to have you home.”
He put his arm around the dear lady. “It’s good to be home.”
“I’m glad your parents finally came back from Australia.” Maude motioned to where Mom, Dad Joe, and Papa Bill stood. “Sarah looks so beautiful tonight.”
His mom looked like a queen standing between Dad and Pop.
Bane nodded. “I’m glad they had their time down under but this is where they belong.”
“Look over there at your sister.” Maude pointed to Shelby, who sat with her three husbands, the Champion brothers. Their sister was due any day with her first child. “She’s found three great guys to start a family with. I would’ve never guessed Elko men would marry a Wilde woman, but love can be surprising.”
Adam grinned. “Maude, you’ve always been a hopeless romantic.”
“What’s wrong with that, soldier?”
“Be careful, bro,” Bane said. “She’s got you on the ropes.”
Maude laughed. “Now, if we can get your sister Carolyn to settle down and move back to town, we’ll have the whole Taylor clan where they need to be. Here in Wilde.”
“I’d like that, too.” His sister Carolyn marched to the beat of her own drum, which often got her into trouble. The whole family knew she’d been looking for something her whole life. He prayed one day Carolyn would find it.
After everyone finished eating, Sheriff Wayne Champion, Shelby’s father-in-law, walked over to the wall where the banner hung and clinked his glass. “May I have your attention, please?”
The crowd quieted down.
“Let’s have our two guests of honor up here, Adam and Bane Taylor. Join me, soldiers.”
Everyone cheered and applauded as he and Bane walked over to the sheriff.
“Four score and seven years ago, the Taylor brothers weren’t born yet.”
Laughter filled the space.
Sheriff Champion continued, “The good citizens of Wilde are gathered here today to give you a hearty welcome home, and are delighted to have the opportunity to express our full appreciation of the diligent and unwavering service you gave to our country. What you have done in fighting for liberty and freedom around the world has called forth the admiration of Wilde and it is fitting that recognition be made in this way of your valor and patriotic devotion.”
Everyone clapped.
“That you have chosen a new profession with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and your home base will be here in our town fills us with such joy and pride.”
Another round of applause erupted from the crowd.
Adam grinned, seeing Bane’s suffering. His brother, unlike him, didn’t care for attention, especially this kind. Most of the details of their service were classified, so their family, friends and neighbors would never know the extent of what they’d accomplished.
“It is my pleasure to present to you Adam Lee Taylor and Bane Joseph Taylor the key to our town.” Sheriff Champion handed them an oversized key inscribed with both their names and the date. “From this day forward, the first day in February shall be known as Taylor Brothers Hero Day.”
Cheers exploded all around them. “Speech. Speech. Speech.”
Adam couldn’t help but tease his twin. “You go first.”
Bane glared at him. “Fine.” He turned to Sheriff Champion. “Thank you, Sheriff and thank you, the wonderful people of Wilde. Does this mean everyone is supposed to give us presents every February first from now on?”
The crowd laughed. Adam smiled, surprised to see Bane moving out of his comfort zone enough to make a joke.
Bane turned to him. “Top that, bro.”
Another joke? Wilde seemed to be having quite the impact on his brother, which was good to see.
“Seriously, folks,” Bane put his arm around him. “My brother and I are glad to be home. Thank you for this. It means the world to us.”
Another round of applause.
“Your turn, Adam.”
He scanned the room and saw a gorgeous redhead standing next to Shelby. She looked familiar but he couldn’t quite place her. Not surprising, since he’d been away for so long. Even from this distance he could see the beauty’s eyes were a bright green. She had an hourglass shape with full breasts. She was a little taller than most of the women in the room. She was the perfect height for his six-five stature.
“I just want…um…” He never had trouble with public speaking before, but for some reason he couldn’t seem to focus. He knew it had something to do with not being able to take his eyes off the beauty next to his sister. “Thank you for this key, Sheriff, but if you really want to make me happy, can you please give me the name and number of that angel standing next to Shelby.”
The crowd roared.
* * * *
Emma felt the heat in her face and knew it had to be as red as her hair. She turned to her friend, who was about to become a new mother. “Oh my God, Shelby. I can’t believe your brother just said that about me to everyone here.”
“Adam is the vocal one, but seeing how Bane is looking at you, I know he’s just as interested.” Shelby grinned. “You better run or get ready for a double Marine attack from my brothers, Em.”
Emma remembered Adam and Bane quite well. Shelby’s brothers had been the big men on campus at Wilde High when she had been a freshman. She’d secretly had a crush on them, like every other girl in school. Of course nothing had ever happened between her and the Taylor twins. She’d only been a freshman.
Life after that year had taken a completely different turn. A summer romance while visiting her grandparents’ farm had ended in her getting pregnant at sixteen. She’d run off and married Larry, thinking it was the right thing to do, though she’d never loved him. When she’d returned to tell her mother and grandparents, she’d seen the look of concern in their eyes, but they’d still been so loving and supportive of her decision.
“I think running might be the best choice.” But before she could turn to seek out the nearest exit, Shelby’s two brothers approached her.
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you, miss. Permit me to introduce myself. I am Adam Taylor.” He grabbed her hand and brought it up to his lips, as if he were from the Victorian age. Just as she remembered him. Adam oozed of charm that was making her weak in the knees.
He and Bane were identical in every way. She even recalled their scam back in school. Adam was better in history and English. Bane was a master at math and science. Since none of the teachers could tell them apart, they would switch classes. They had incredible grades because of the deceit, but were eventually caught and forced to make up all the work.
Devils. Beautiful devils.
I need to remember Adam is wearing the red shirt and Bane the white one.
Six feet five inches of pure muscle. Light brown hair, Marine cut. Dark brown eyes that reminded her of chocolate candy.
“Milady.” Bane bowed in front of her, took her other hand, and kissed it just like his twin had done. “How may I make up for my brother’s faux pas?”
“That won’t be necessary. I was just taken a little aback by the attention.” She smiled but wanted to find a quick exit from these overly attractive soldiers. “Again, it was nice seeing you. Thank you for your service to the country. I’m sure you have lots of people who want to talk to you. If you’ll excuse me.” She turned back to face Shelby.
“Please hold on, miss.” Bane touched her elbow, and she felt electricity s
hoot up her arm. “We didn’t even get your name.”
“Besides that, this is our party.” Adam moved to her other side, offering his arm. “We are the guests of honor. We get to choose who we talk to, and tonight we choose you.”
“I can’t believe you two don’t remember her.” Shelby shook her head. “Typical. Guys, this is Emma Harris.”
“Emma. Yes. I remember. The cute freshman that just disappeared.” Bane’s stare gave her a little tremble.
“I remember, too.” Adam winked. “So cute. What happened to you? Where did you go?”
She’d never returned to high school, to the two boys whom she continued to dream about until this very day. Now, Adam and Bane Taylor were men, soldiers, standing right next to her. “North Dakota. I got married and had kids.”
“Married?” Bane asked, his face clouding with disappointment.
“She’s not married now.” Shelby seemed to want to play matchmaker. “Hasn’t been for over ten years. Maybe the three of you should find a quiet corner and get reacquainted.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“You’re right, Emma.” Adam smiled. “It’s not a good idea. It’s a fantastic idea.”
Bane nodded. “How about we grab some drinks and sit and talk for a little while.”
That does sound wonderful.
Adam and Bane had everything going for them. In another time and another life, she could imagine enjoying their company, but not now. All her focus had to be on finding a job, a place to live, and trying to work on the real issue that had brought her back to Wilde. The voices. She’d been in town for two days, and so far, her nights had been quiet and trouble-free. Thank God.
An attractive woman walked over to them. “Hi, Shelby. Sorry to interrupt, but I want to make sure your brothers will give me an interview.”
“This is Mackenzie Masters.” Shelby seemed to be fond of the woman. “She’s the general manager of our television station and the editor of the paper.”
“We heard all about you, Mackenzie, from our sister.” Bane didn’t move away from Emma’s side one inch. “Nice to meet you.”
