Seducing Our Lady's Heart [Commando Cowboys and Renegade Texans Unite 2] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Polyromance)

by Paige Cameron

  “Will you promise to never repeat what I’m going to tell you?”

  “You’re being mysterious.

  “I have to be. Many people depend on my decisions.”

  Todd shrugged. “I don’t know about my parents. At three, my mother left me at a foster home with the promise she’d return. She didn’t.”

  “You remind me of a friend of mine who lives in Wyoming. He’s too young to be your father, but I’d guess he’s related to you in some way. You look alike and your mannerisms are similar, although he’s more easygoing. I’d like you to meet him.”

  “It doesn’t matter. I’ve given up on finding any family. I don’t want to stir those feelings. I’ve gotten through the grief and pain of my childhood. I’m my own man. I don’t need relatives.”

  “I see you aren’t going to make this easy. My people all have special abilities. For one, we don’t have to worry about gaining too much weight. Two, we’re stronger and faster than the average man. Our senses are more acute, all of them, especially hearing and sight. How much of this description fits you?”

  Lann got up and poured a shot of whiskey for him and Todd. “Drink this. I imagine you need it.”

  Todd opened and closed his mouth several times. He stared at his hands before saying, “I was the strongest kid lifting weights and the fastest tight end in football. That’s how I afforded my college tuition. I got a scholarship.”

  “I’ve heard of you. I just didn’t put it together. I saw you play. Why didn’t you go into professional football?”

  “It’d have been an easy way to make money, but I wanted to do it my way, on my own. I didn’t want or need the notoriety.”

  “You shocked the football world when you walked away from millions.”

  “Yeah, I did.” He gave Lann a wry smile. “I’ve always wanted to do things my way. Football funded my education. That’s all.”

  “I’m glad you made the decision you did. If wouldn’t have been fair to the others. Your endurance and speed far surpassed them.”

  “At some level I realized about the inequity. Who are your people?”

  “We’re not from earth. Our ancestors landed here many centuries ago. We’ve integrated into society slowly and carefully. If people knew of our true history, it wouldn’t be good. I’ve taken a chance on telling you because I’m almost positive you are one of us.”

  “I didn’t see that explanation coming.”

  “Fly with me to Wyoming. Meet the man you resemble. None of our men would impregnate a woman and leave her to fend for herself. There has to be an answer to how you ended in foster care. If any one of our people knew about you, we’d have gotten you out of there and took you home to the ranch.”

  A prickly sensation went up Todd’s spine. What Lann had told him stunned him speechless. His throat constricted, and his gut twisted in anguish as he remembered all the years he’d prayed for his mother or a family to come get him. Often, until he was seven, he cried himself to sleep. He decided he was too old to behave in that manner. His hopes and dreams of family were hidden behind high walls, and he refused to think of them. A dull, empty ache gnawed at his soul.

  He wasn’t aware until Lann spoke that he had knelt beside him. “Are you OK?”

  Todd swallowed and took a deep breath. “I’m not sure.”

  Lann put his hand on Todd’s shoulder. “You are not alone anymore. I am part of your family and so is everyone in Wyoming.”

  “Have you told anyone else of your suspicions regarding me?”

  “I spoke with my twin brother, but I didn’t tell him your name. He’s a lawyer. You may have heard of Caedmon Quinlan.”

  “He’s your brother?”

  “Yes, and he’s ready to help. If you want to find out what happened to your mother and father.”

  “I don’t know if I can let myself hope. Give me time.”

  “Sure. I’m here if you need to talk more.”

  Todd stood and shook his hand. “I’ll be in touch.” He walked out on the porch. Dazed, he felt like he walked through a minefield of buried emotions. At his truck, he leaned his head against the cool metal, not knowing whether to scream in agony or let his hopes rise to the surface.

  He had to go to a place to think, and then he’d visit his old school teacher, Miss Truda. They’d talked before, and he respected her advice. He swung into his truck. At the ranch he parked by the barn, saddled his horse, and rode to his favorite spot, the place where he and Sunn made love.

  What would Sunn think if she found out his ancestors weren’t from earth? He had many questions and few answers. After tying his horses’ reins to a nearby tree, Todd strolled to the river and lay on the grass studying the blue sky.

  Where did he belong and did he want to know?

  * * * *

  Chandler had arranged for them to meet Pearce at the airport at two o’clock. Sunn and Chandler had gone to the hospital early so she could visit with her parents before leaving the city.

  “At least they got most of the men threatening us. But Lann doesn’t believe they got the main one, the boss,” Andy said. He looked at Chandler. “You’ll keep an eye on her for us.”

  “Todd and I both will be checking on her. She could stay with us, but she refuses.”

  “I need to get back to work. It’ll be easier for me to stay at my condo during the week.”

  “Then you’ll stay with us on the weekend?” Chandler asked.

  “We’ll see. I may.”

  “Do it to please us, so we don’t worry,” her mom said. “We’ve changed our minds. We’re going to North Carolina when Jeb’s discharged. When we find a house, we’ll come home and pack our things before returning to stay for half the year.”

  Sunn looked at her father, Jeb. “Are you strong enough to go house hunting?”

  “Myra and Andy will do the hunting. I’ll relax at the hotel until they’ve narrowed down the choices to three. Then I’ll look at those, and we’ll all decide which one is for us.” He winked across at Sunn’s mom.

  “Then I won’t see you all for a while.”

  Her mom hugged her. “Be careful. Whoever’s behind this may hire more thugs to create havoc.”

  “I’ll be all right. What could they want with me? You sold the property they were after to Todd.”

  “Still, my gut says be careful,” her mother insisted.

  “I promise.” She kissed her mom’s cheek and hugged each dad. “Have fun in North Carolina. We just have time to eat lunch and get to the airport.”

  Chandler told her parents goodbye and escorted her out. “I know a great restaurant on the way to meet Pearce. The service is fast and the food is hot and delicious.”

  “I’m starved. Lead the way.”

  Chandler hadn’t been exaggerating. After eating huge, fried shrimp, coleslaw, and a baked sweet potato, Sunn sat back in her chair.

  “You can’t stop now. They make a delicious apple pie à la mode. We can share a slice.” Chandler grinned at her across the table.

  “You’ve twisted my arm. I’ll have a cup of coffee, too. You never told me much about your family. You can share some stories while we eat our pie.”

  “You know my father was born in Saddlespurs, Texas, but he always wanted to get out of there. My mother died right after my birth, and Dad left me with my grandparents and moved to Houston to work as a surgeon.

  “My stepmother came to Houston on vacation. Shortly after she and dad met, they married and took me to New York with them. I was five. I always missed my grandparents and the ranch. My grandmother died a few years ago. My dad talked grandpa into selling the ranch and moving to New York, but he missed grandma and Saddlespurs. He died last year.”

  Chandler took a bite of pie and a drink of his coffee before continuing. “Dad retired last year. My mother loves being a socialite in the Hamptons. She works hard for good causes. I didn’t mean to sound negative. But she can be snobbish at times.”

  “Did your first wife live in the Hamptons
?”

  “Yes, handpicked for me. We neither put up much resistance. I was involved in my work and went along with the arrangement. It was a mistake for both of us.

  “I insisted I wanted to work in Houston. I’d missed Texas. Our marriage lasted eighteen months before she moved back home. She hadn’t wanted to come to Texas and hated the differences.”

  He stopped talking when the waiter came with their coffee and pie.

  “Tell me more,” Sunn encouraged him.

  “There isn’t much more. I settled in and found I had a special talent in surgery repairing nerves and tendons. I met Todd when I decided to make some changes in my condominium. He and I went to Saddlespurs for a visit. It’s more like home than anywhere I’ve lived. I bought my grandparents’ small ranch on the other side of Todd’s larger place and started going there more frequently during my short vacations.”

  “Your parents won’t be happy if you marry a cowgirl from Texas.”

  “You’re also a lawyer, and even if you weren’t I wouldn’t change my mind about loving you. The last time I married was to please my family and fit in with my parent’s expectations. This time I’m marrying for love.

  “When my dad married my stepmother, she insisted they move to the Hamptons. She only married him on those conditions. He was pleased to get the opportunity to work in a bigger and more well-known hospital. My mother knew all the right people to help him.” Chandler reached across the table and took her hand. “I guess they wanted me to follow in my dad’s footsteps. But I’m different.”

  “They’d have a heart attack if they knew you were considering a threesome marriage,” Sunn said. She couldn’t hold the laughter inside. It bubbled out. “I’m sorry, but the thought of their reaction got to me.”

  “I love your laughter and your smile. Last night I worried my family history might push you further away from me.”

  “Thanks for being honest and sharing with me. I think we’ve licked this plate clean. If we don’t leave now, we’ll be late meeting Pearce.”

  Chandler paid the bill and drove to the airport. Pearce had the plane ready for takeoff. As soon as they were seated, he had them on their way.

  “I’m worried about Todd. I’ve tried to reach him twice today and again just before we boarded the plane. I’ve called and sent texts.”

  Sunn bit the side of her lip. “Perhaps he’s decided marriage isn’t for him.”

  “I don’t believe it. We’ve talked about this for some time. I’ll drive out to his ranch once I drop you off at your place.”

  “Please tell him I didn’t mean to hurt him. And call me as soon as you know what’s going on.”

  The flight didn’t take long, but to Sunn it seemed hours. She worried about Todd the whole time. She’d denied her feelings for him, and it may have been the biggest mistake she’d made.

  “I see Lann waiting for us,” Sunn said.

  “I asked him to meet our flight and take us to my ranch where I can get my truck.”

  “Maybe he’ll drop me off on your way.”

  Pearce opened the door and Chandler went down the steps first and turned to lift Sunn down from where she stood on the fourth step. Lann strode across the tarmac to greet them. He hugged Sunn.

  “I’m glad Jeb got good news and he’s going to be fine.”

  “We are, too. It was a good trip.”

  “Lann, I haven’t been able to reach Todd, as I mentioned in my phone call. Have you heard anything?”

  “No, but don’t worry. He said he had a lot to think about when he left here after lunch. He must have his phone off. We talked, and I suspect he’s upset with me. It’ll work out.”

  Sunn tipped her head to the side. “Why would he be upset with you?”

  “It’s a private matter. At this time I can’t share what we discussed. Once he’s made his decision he’ll let us know. I did invite him to go to Wyoming with me for a short visit. I’m hoping he accepts my invitation.”

  Puzzled, Sunn got into the truck with Chandler and Lann. “I’m confused.”

  “We all are, honey.” Chandler put his arm around her.

  Lann didn’t speak, but did stop to let her off at her condo. She waved as they drove off.

  When she opened her door, the condo seemed smaller and emptier. Sunn sank into her favorite chair and placed her overnight case beside it. She ought to get up and go to her office, set up appointments for tomorrow, and call her receptionist. But instead, she stared at the phone, willing it to ring.

  Chapter Ten

  Todd rode back to the barn and left his horse in the care of one of his men. He hurried across the yard and into the house. He’d been aware of his phone buzzing, but he’d shut it off to think. He’d called his old teacher, Miss Truda. She’d been pleased at his suggestion of a visit. He showered and dressed and went to his truck.

  Her house was about an hour and a half from his ranch. She must have watched for him because she came to the door before he’d shut off his engine.

  “Welcome, come in.”

  He bent down and hugged her. She was a small woman, about five-foot-three and probably weighed a hundred pounds. She still smelled the same, a mixture of powder and a light floral fragrance.

  “You’ve been decorating the house,” Todd said on entering.

  “I love to buy knickknacks, and I changed the curtains. They brighten the room. But come in the kitchen and sit. I’ve made a pot of coffee and I have homemade coffeecake to go with it.”

  He secretly loved the way she spoiled him. It had been three months since his last visit. He usually came by at least every six weeks.

  “I have some good news,” he said. “I’m moving to my ranch and will work from there. I have my computer to keep in touch with my supervisors. I may have to occasionally fly and check on a project, but most of the time I can stay at home.”

  “That’s wonderful.”

  “I wish you’d let me build you a house on my property. I’ve bought more land. There’s plenty of space.” He’d offered to build her a new home several times, but each time she had refused.

  Today, she busied herself around the kitchen. When she’d put the coffee cups and the cake plates on the table, she joined him.

  “Todd, you don’t need to feel responsible for me.”

  “I know. But I’d see you more. I miss you.”

  “Ah, you are a sweet-talking man.” She smiled and took a sip of coffee. Then she stared out her window. “Two of my best friends died in the past six months. It’s getting lonely.”

  “Then you’ll agree?”

  “Let me think on it. But I sense there’s more to this visit than just seeing me. What’s on your mind?”

  Todd told her about his and Chandler’s hope to marry Sunn. He’d brought Chandler to meet her several years ago. They’d hit it off immediately.

  “My fear is whether I know enough about how to love and be a good husband and father. I want my marriage to be successful and for Sunn and any children to be happy.”

  Miss Truda got out of her chair and came to him. She cupped his face in her tiny hands. “You are full of love. You love me, don’t you?”

  The beginning of a smile tipped the corners of his mouth upward. “I hadn’t thought about it. I know I’ve been closer to you than anyone in my life.” His smile widened. “I do love you, and I love Chandler like a brother. I just never recognized the feelings.”

  “You’ll make a wonderful husband and father. If I come to live on your ranch, do I get to be a grandmother to the children?”

  “Absolutely, but first I have to convince Sunn Handley to marry us. There is another problem I’m wrestling with.”

  “Then it must be about your parentage.”

  “How did you know?”

  “It’s the one problem you’ve never resolved. I knew someday you’d have to face it.”

  “You think I should? I’ve buried my feelings deep. If I’m disappointed, I’m not sure how I’ll react.”

  �
�I trust and believe in you. How did this come up?” she asked.

  “I met a man who moved from Wyoming to Texas. He says there’s a friend of his in Wyoming that looks like me and has my mannerisms. He wants to introduce us.”

  “What will you do?” She put her hand over his. “You’ve never allowed anything to hurt you. People called you cold, unfeeling, and only a few of us knew how wrong they were.”

  “This frightens and overwhelms me. Yet deep down I have to know. I’ve never been satisfied not understanding what happened, and why I was abandoned.”

  “You’d already decided.”

  “I wanted to discuss it with you. I always think clearer afterward.”

  “A lovely compliment. When will you leave?”

  “As soon as possible. Later today, hopefully.”

  They stood, and he hugged her. “I’ll come back and tell you what happens in Wyoming and with Sunn and me and Chandler. And I’ll have your new house built in no time. I know just the spot you’d like.”

  She patted his cheek at the door. “I love you. You’re the son I never had.”

  Blushing, he waved on his way to his truck. She stood in the doorway until she and the house were out of sight.

  He had a lot to do, starting with seeing Sunn and arranging his visit with Lann to Wyoming. Todd punched in Chandler’s number.

  “Where the hell have you been?” Chandler asked when he answered his phone. “Sunn and I have been worried.”

  “Sorry, but I had decisions to make before talking with either of you. Is Sunn back in town?”

  “She’s at her condo.”

  “I’ll call her and pick her up on the way to your place. Then I won’t have to tell my story twice.”

  “I’ll be looking for you two.” Chandler clicked off.

  Then Todd called Lann. “I’m ready to go later tonight or in the morning.”

  “We’ll leave at seven a.m.”

  “See you then.”

  Sunn lived in a new condominium building his company had built two years ago. It was the tallest building in town. Actually it was on the outskirts of Saddlespurs. He took the elevator to the top floor, the fifth, and knocked on her door.