by June Faver
“Sounds like a plan,” Misty said. Now she hoped Leah’s grandmother had a really easy recipe and that she would be able to make it.
* * *
Big Jim opened the door with a big grin on his face. “Well, surprise! It’s three of my favorite people. Come right in here and warm yourself up.” He opened his arms wide, and Mark threw his arms around Big Jim’s torso.
Misty appreciated that Big Jim took an interest in her brother, since he had never had a good male image to follow.
“We brought dessert,” Misty announced.
“Well, how ’bout that?” Big Jim looked a little confused. “Come back to the table. We was just finishing up.”
Misty and Colt exchanged a glance. So that’s how it is.
Big Jim led the way with his hand on Mark’s shoulder.
When they entered the spacious open area that housed the combination kitchen, dining, and family room, it was impossible to ignore the beautiful woman seated at the table. There were dishes in place, but it appeared the food had been eaten.
“This lovely young woman is Angelique Guillory, my daughter. Angelique, honey, I want you to meet my oldest son, Colton, and his wife, Misty.”
Misty felt Colt stiffen beside her, but she smiled, hoping to deflect his reaction.
The woman stared at the trio, seemingly speechless, but then recovered. “Hello. It’s nice to meet you.”
Big Jim urged Mark forward, hands still on his shoulders. “And this is Misty’s little brother, Mark.” He was grinning proudly as Mark offered his hand.
“Pleased to meet you, ma’am.”
The woman shook his hand, but appeared to be puzzled. “Nice to meet you, Mark.”
Misty stepped forward bearing the dessert she had made. “Gran gave me her recipe for buttermilk pie. We thought we would share our dessert with you.”
“Hot dang!” Big Jim clapped Mark on the shoulder. “Let us get some plates and forks.” The two of them headed for the kitchen area and busied themselves gathering utensils and small plates.
There was a toddler sitting at the table on the booster seat Big Jim had gotten for his grandson, Leah and Tyler’s baby, James Tyler Garrett. Now a strange child with large turquoise-blue eyes and dark curls stared at the newcomers from this throne, banging her heels against the base of the booster seat.
“Um, what a pretty child, Angelique,” Misty said.
The woman nodded. “This is my daughter, Gabrielle.”
Big Jim and Mark returned, sporting the dishes, which they placed on the table. “Let’s all sit down and have some of Misty’s pie,” Big Jim said.
Colt held a chair for Misty, seating her next to Angelique, and took a seat beside his wife. He seemed to have his full attention fixed on his so-called half-sister.
When they were all seated, Misty served the pie and took a bite for herself. She was pleased that the people gathered around the table were making approving sounds as they tasted the creamy, custard-like pie. This was her first attempt at pie, and although it had smelled wonderful while in the oven, and it looked perfect, she had the horrible fear that it might not taste that good.
“This is great, babe,” Colt spoke for the first time.
“Yes ma’am!” Big Jim crowed. “Danged good pie, Misty.”
“It’s delicious,” Angelique agreed, scooping a little of the custard into a spoon for her daughter.
Misty felt her cheeks burn. She rarely received rave reviews for her cooking. Maybe I’ll have to go to Gran for more easy recipes.
After they had eaten, Big Jim pushed back from the table and invited Mark to help clear the table with him. Colt offered to help, so Misty was left alone with Angelique and her daughter.
“So, Angelique,” she said, leaning closer. “What do you do?”
“Do?” Angelique looked surprised.
“You know, for a living? I work as office manager for the local attorney.”
Angelique sucked in a deep breath and huffed it out. “I-I worked in a, uh, restaurant back in New Orleans.”
A waitress. That figures. Misty cleared her throat, searching for something to chat about. “I understand the food in New Orleans is fantastic.”
Angelique actually smiled at that. “We like it. With the nearby Gulf of Mexico, we have access to a lot of fresh seafood year ’round.”
“Yum. That must be nice. I love seafood. Here in ranch country, we eat a lot of beef, of course. Big Jim is a master of the barbecue grill.”
Angelique’s large blue eyes opened wide. “You only eat beef?”
“We eat chicken and pork, too, but this is ranch country so every rancher around here has a side of beef in his freezer.”
Angelique smiled. “That sounds great.”
“Your little girl is lovely. Is your husband still in New Orleans?” Misty had planned this question, hoping to gain some kind of background information on the woman Colt thought was out to scam his dad.
“Oh, I’m not married.” Angelique didn’t hesitate with her response.
Loud and proud. “I see.”
Angelique leveled her gaze on Misty. “I only came here to find my father, and I wanted him to meet his granddaughter.”
“Of course. He seems to be enjoying your visit.” Misty moistened her lips, glad to see Colt returning.
“Ready to go home, babe?” He gave a little nod toward the front of the house. “Mark wants to stay here so he and Dad can work the horses first thing in the morning.”
She took her leave, telling Mark to call her when he was ready to go home.
* * *
Dixie Garrett’s husband, Beau, was the youngest son of a rich and powerful rancher. She had gotten off to a rocky start with Big Jim Garrett, but had since come to love and respect her father-in-law.
When Beau had been summoned to a private meeting by his oldest brother, she’d figured it had something to do with Christmas. Maybe they were planning some sort of special family event. Or maybe it was a brothers-only shopping trip. But since his return, Beau had been withdrawn and somewhat terse when she tried to draw him out.
Now, with Ava fast asleep in her room, Beau lounged in front of the television, pretending to be watching the news, but his troubled brain was mulling over something that seemed to be eating away at his soul.
Beau was the most positive person Dixie had ever known, but something had gotten to him.
Definitely not in the holiday spirit.
She approached him, determined to ignore the storm cloud hovering over his head. “Scoot over, cowboy. I need some cuddle time.”
He looked up at her and then made room on the sofa. He lifted his arm and reached over to her in an invitation. “Sorry, babe. Come on over here.” He used the remote to mute the news.
Dixie sat next to him and snuggled close as he drew his arm around her. This simple act gave her hope that he would get back to his usually good-natured self soon.
“I had a pretty good day,” she said.
No response at all.
“I worked on the books and got everything ready to send to the accountant at the end of the year.”
He heaved a sigh. “Sounds awful to me.”
Encouraged, she went on. “Oh, no. It’s really exciting to see how the feed store has improved financially over this last year.”
He nodded absently. “Good job, babe.”
“No, really. I had a chance to analyze the sales, and I can tell what the best sellers are and what time of year to order from the wholesalers.”
He gave a chuckle. “Like, order Easter bunnies and ducklings in the spring?”
Dixie grinned at him. “Something like that.” She made a kissy face at him, and he leaned closer to give her a quick kiss, but she cupped his face in her hands, insisting on a better kiss.
When he drew away, he
gave her a quizzical look. “Something on your mind?”
She flashed a smile. “As a matter of fact, yes. I demand that you tell me what happened when you met with your brothers. You’ve been Mr. Grumpy Face since you got home.”
Beau blew out a long sigh. “Have I? I’m sorry.” He sat up and pulled his boots off, wiggling his toes, a ritual that followed the removal of his footwear.
“Well? What’s going on?”
“I really hate to get back into it.” His brows drew together in a frown. “Honestly, honey. Colt is all in a dither over the woman who is staying with Dad.”
Dixie sat up straight, her mouth agape. “The woman Leah told me about? She’s staying with your father? Well, is she who she says she is?”
Beau shook his head. “I have no idea, but she claims to be…” He heaved out another sigh. “She says that she is Big Jim’s long-lost daughter, and Dad seems to be backing her up.”
“I’m having trouble believing that. Your father would never have cheated on your mother.”
Beau looked disgruntled. “No, he didn’t cheat. She claims that Dad and her mother were college sweethearts and that she got pregnant but didn’t tell him.”
“What was Big Jim supposed to be? Blind?” Dixie made a scoffing noise in the back of her throat. “He didn’t notice that his girlfriend was putting on a little weight?”
“The way I heard it, this girlfriend went back to New Orleans…that’s where she was from.” Beau shook his head. “It was the end of the spring term, and she went to New Orleans, while Dad came home to the ranch for the summer. That was the last Big Jim saw of her. He never knew she was pregnant.”
“If indeed she was.” Dixie crossed her arms over her chest, outraged that some woman would make such accusations against her father-in-law.
“The thing is, I’m sorta caught in the middle.” Beau spread his hands, palms up. “Colt is convinced she’s a scam artist who is preying on Dad. He said the holidays bring out lots of scams.”
“That’s probably right. I’m sure Colt won’t let anyone take advantage of Big Jim.”
“That sounds like you think I would let that happen.” His voice had taken on an edge.
“No, dear one. I’m sure you wouldn’t, but what’s the problem?”
“Well, Ty is just as convinced that she is the real deal. He and Leah were with Dad when the woman showed up.”
“What would make him think she was for real?” Dixie couldn’t imagine any rift between the Garrett brothers.
Beau leaned back against the sofa. “Ty says the woman has the same eye color as all the Garretts. You know nobody around here has eyes like these unless they’re a Garrett. Cousins out the ears, but almost all have this same shade of baby blues.” He batted his eyes at her.
“Oh!” Dixie leaned against Beau’s shoulder. “That does sound odd. Do you suppose she could be for real?”
“I dunno, but Ty said Leah spent some time talking to her, and they believe she is Dad’s daughter.” He swallowed hard. “That would make her our sister.”
Dixie stared up at the ceiling, wondering how this would play out.
Beau nudged her. “Did I mention she has a little girl with Garrett blue eyes too?”
Chapter 4
On Sunday, Big Jim loaded his daughter and granddaughter into his truck and drove them to church in town. He let them out in front and then went to park. Since it was the Christmas season, there were more worshippers than usual so his parking place was farther from the church.
When he walked back to the church, he found Angelique inside chatting with Leah and Tyler.
Gabrielle gazed up at the adults, very interested in the baby Tyler was holding. She kept touching his feet inside the flannel onesie. She touched one foot and he kicked, so she touched the other to receive the same treatment. She giggled and this made the baby laugh.
Leah was laughing with them.
Big Jim was so grateful that his middle son had married this sweet, kind woman. He walked over to the group and spread his arms wide to offer a group hug to both women.
“Good to see you folks,” he said.
“We were introducing Angelique and Gabrielle to our kids,” Tyler said. “Gracie is in the fourth grade this year, but school’s closed for the holidays.” He pulled Gracie close for a hug.
“And how old is your baby?” Angelique’s smile was beautiful, reminding Big Jim of Sofie.
“Our son, JT, will be one year old soon. He was born just before Christmas last year.” Leah took her son from Tyler and arranged him over her shoulder. “Let me show you to the nursery,” she said. “You’ll love the ladies who care for the little ones. Come on, Gracie.” She escorted Angelique and Gabrielle to a hallway in the back that led to the children’s Sunday school classes and the nursery.
“That’s some woman you got there, Son.”
Tyler nodded. “My Leah is one in a million.”
Big Jim and Tyler went to the pew usually lined with the entire Garrett family and found that Misty and Colt were already in place.
Big Jim greeted them, but noted that there seemed to be some kind of tension between his two older sons.
Tyler remained standing beside Big Jim. When Leah and Angelique returned from the nursery, Tyler took a seat with Leah on the opposite end of the pew from where Colt and Misty were sitting.
Big Jim figured he would eventually hear all about the problem between his two older sons. At least he had a heads-up. He seated Angelique beside Leah and was ready to take a seat when he spotted Beau with his redheaded wife and daughter. Big Jim waved them over.
“Hey, Dad.” Dixie stretched up to give him a kiss on the cheek, while Ava leaned out of Beau’s arms and into Big Jim’s.
“Hi, Grampa.” Ava squeezed his neck and planted another kiss on his cheek.
Damn! I love these two. “I want you to meet Angelique. You may have heard that she’s my daughter.”
Beau leaned down to clasp Angelique’s hand. “I’m so glad to meet you. I guess you’re my sister.”
Angelique’s eyes teared up. “Oh, you don’t know how good that sounds to me.”
Beau patted her hand. “This beautiful woman is my wife, Dixie, and this is our adorable daughter, Ava. Don’t worry. We’ll all get to know each other.”
Dixie smiled and waggled her fingers. “Let me take Ava to her Sunday school class and I’ll be right back.”
Big Jim set Ava on her feet and waved as Dixie led her to the back hallway. He glanced around at his family and felt his chest swell with pride. Damned good-lookin’ folks. He sat down beside Angelique and stretched his arm over the back of the pew.
Angelique leaned closer to whisper in his ear. “Can you tell me who that man is?” She was pointing to a familiar figure.
“That’s Derrick Shelton. He’s an old friend of my sons’. Why do you ask?”
A little smile graced her lips. “I had some trouble when I was on the road. I spun out and drove into a snowbank. That man pulled my car out.”
Big Jim nudged Beau. “Son, will you ask Derrick to come over here?”
In a few minutes, Beau returned with Derrick Shelton in tow.
Derrick was totally focused on Angelique, a wide grin on his face. “Hello, Angelique. I was hoping we would meet again.”
Angelique’s cheeks took on a very attractive blush. “Me too.”
“Sheriff, I hear you rescued my daughter.” Big Jim clasped Derrick’s hand in a hearty shake.
Derrick’s face registered surprise bordering on shock. “Your daughter, sir?”
“Long story,” Big Jim said. “But thanks for taking care of my girls.”
Derrick’s brows rose. “Your girls?”
“My daughter and granddaughter.” Big Jim broke into a broad grin. “That lil’ Gabrielle is just as purty as her mama.”
Derrick looked at Angelique. “Oh, is your husband here?”
She shook her head. “No husband.”
It may have been his imagination, but Big Jim thought Derrick looked relieved.
“I sure hope you’re going to be sticking around for a while, Angelique.” Derrick’s voice dropped a level. “At least through Christmas.”
Angelique’s dimples flashed. “Oh, I hope so too.”
* * *
“What do you mean, you can’t find her?” The veins on Alphonse Benoit’s forehead stood out, and his face reddened. He could not imagine that two of his best men had failed. “Where is she?”
“Um, she disappeared. We’re still searching, Mr. Benoit.”
Silence. Benoit took a moment to get control of his anger. If Buford Fontenot were in his presence, Benoit would have his fingers wrapped around the man’s throat. If he were to be found floating in the Mississippi, no one would miss him.
Benoit’s voice dropped to a lower register. “You will find her…and you will find my granddaughter…and you will bring them to me.”
“Yes, Mr. Benoit.”
“Just so we’re clear, Mr. Fontenot…you understand what will happen if you and Mr. Breaux fail me?”
“Yes, sir. Don’t worry. You can count on us, sir. We’ll find her.”
Benoit disconnected, his hand lingering on the phone. Trust. It was something he valued greatly…and if his trust was betrayed, he would go to the ends of the earth to exact revenge.
* * *
After the church service had ended, and the children had been retrieved from the nursery and Sunday school classes, Big Jim gathered his family and arranged for the various members to meet up at Tio’s Mexican Restaurant. And he had called ahead to ask Milita to reserve the big table in the back corner.
Derrick Shelton hung out on the edge of the group, hoping to get an invitation. When Angelique and Leah returned from the nursery, each with a child, he was somewhat stunned. It was as though Angelique had been cloned. Her little one had the same dark hair and blue eyes…the blue eyes that all the other Garretts sported.
