by June Faver
He leaned over to touch the young girl on her arm. “She’s a beautiful girl,” he said. “She looks like you.”
The child examined him and then flashed a dimpled grin as though he had passed muster.
Angelique’s pale cheeks took on a tinge of very attractive color. “Um, thanks.”
He spoke in a lower tone. “You sure do look pretty today.”
She smiled. “Better than when I was freezing my tail off out in the snow?”
“You looked pretty then too.” He could tell she was pleased.
“Hey, Derrick!” Tyler slapped him on the shoulder. “Why don’t you join us for lunch at Tio’s. We’re all going to strap on the feed bag.”
Derrick tried to look as though he was considering this offer. “Yes, sure. I could always eat Mexican food.”
“See you there.” Tyler put one arm around Gracie and the other around Leah, ushering them to the exit.
Derrick stepped closer to Angelique and asked if she would like to ride to the restaurant with him, but she explained that the child safety seat was in Big Jim’s truck.
“It’s only a couple of blocks, isn’t it?”
“Um, yeah. Sorry.” Derrick felt like an idiot for suggesting she go in his truck, but he wanted to spend time with her without the entire Garrett clan looking on.
She smiled though. “I’ll see you at the restaurant.”
Derrick nodded and went to find his truck among all the others parked near the church. With a little luck, he would at least be able to sit next to Angelique at the restaurant.
But when he arrived, there were members of the Garrett tribe assigning seating. It was Colt who grabbed him by the arm.
“Hey, Derrick. Glad you could join us. Come sit right here by me.”
The only good thing about this arrangement was that he wound up sitting right across from Angelique. She, in turn, was flanked by Big Jim on one side and her daughter in a booster seat on the other side. Leah was next to her, and her daughter, Gracie, was seated between her mom and Tyler, her dad.
It didn’t take a genius to figure out that Colt and Tyler were at odds.
Colt, never one to hide his feelings, refused to look at Tyler at all. Tyler, on the other hand, seemed a bit amused by his older brother’s stance.
Derrick had played high school football with Colt, but had been in league with the two younger Garrett boys as well. In their history together, he had never known them to disagree over anything major, but these two seemed to have dug in.
Milita Rios, the owner’s daughter at Tio’s Restaurant, brought water to the table on a little rolling cart, along with a stack of menus. “Good afternoon, Garrett family…and Sheriff. How many iced teas?”
There was a show of hands, and then she asked who wanted coffee and made a note of both.
“How about Ranchero Platters all around?” Big Jim made a circling motion with his hand.
“That’s a lot of food, Dad,” Leah complained. “I’ll take the Señorita Platter. That’s plenty for me, and Gracie wants the beef enchilada plate.”
Big Jim seemed deflated. “Sorry. You’re right. My dear departed Elizabeth would smack me down for wasting food.” Then he brightened. “How about Rancheros for the men at the table?”
His suggestion was met with nods and grunts of assent from the males.
When Milita had taken orders from Misty and Angelique, she left, promising to return with their drinks.
There was a full minute of silence while everyone retreated into their own thoughts. Derrick was focused on the lovely woman seated across from him.
She was definitely aware of his attention, but was having trouble meeting his gaze.
“So, what do you think?” Colt had leaned close to whisper in Derrick’s ear.
“About what?” Derrick turned to stare at him, but apparently Colt was dead serious about something.
“About this scam?” He nodded toward where Angelique sat listening to Big Jim tell one of his tales.
“What are you talking about?”
“Oh, come on! Don’t tell me she’s taken you in too?” Colt glowered at him.
“She?” Derrick frowned back. “Are you talking about Angelique?”
Colt’s lips turned up in a snarky smile. “So that’s how it is?”
Derrick pushed his chair back and motioned for Colt to follow. “Excuse us, folks. Me and my buddy here are going out for a smoke.”
Those gathered at the table exchanged puzzled looks.
“But neither of them boys have ever smoked.” Big Jim stared after them as they strode to the parking lot.
Beau snorted. “I’m sure they’re smoking, Dad. But not tobacco.”
Once outside, Derrick slued around to face Colt. “What the hell’s the matter with you, anyway?”
Colt took a wide stance. “Me? You’re the one who’s drinking the Kool-Aid. Get your head outta your ass, man.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “I know she’s a pretty woman, but there’s definitely something going on here. Don’t you think it’s strange that this mysterious, long-lost daughter suddenly shows up right before Christmas?”
“What do you think she’s up to?” Derrick spread his hands. “She’s just a woman with a little girl, and she’s a long way from home.”
Colt’s eyes narrowed. “And that’s another thing. It’s Christmastime. Shouldn’t she be with her own family and not mooching off my dad?”
Derrick stepped back, setting his fists on his hips. “Whoa! That’s quite an accusation. What is it you think she’s doing here?”
“She’s a scam artist. Can’t you see what she’s doing?”
“Apparently not.” Derrick scowled at his friend from childhood. “Have you looked in the mirror lately? She looks just like you. Just like Ty and Beau.” He turned away, taking a few paces down the walkway. When he faced Colt again, he tried to reason with his friend. “Angelique looks like a feminine version of Big Jim Garrett himself.”
Colt’s brow furrowed. “I know, but it has to be faked. Hair can be dyed. Eye color can be changed with contacts. It’s just so…so…”
Derrick expelled a long and exasperated breath. “Colt, give it up. What is it you’re afraid of, anyway?”
“You don’t understand, Derrick. I can’t let anyone take advantage of Big Jim.” His voice took on a strident note. “I mean, he’s my dad.”
* * *
Big Jim was just about to get out of his chair and go outside to find out what the heck his oldest son and the sheriff were fussing about. It was pretty obvious they were at odds, and this encounter had everyone at the table on edge. It wasn’t clear whether or not they would throw down or walk away.
Then, as suddenly as it had begun, both men came through the front door of Tio’s, apparently just as good friends as they had always been.
Big Jim took a deep breath and released it, and it was as though the others at the table did the same.
“So, how was the smoke?” he asked.
“Very enlightening, sir.” Derrick pulled out his chair and seated himself just as Milita returned with their tea and coffee.
Colt looked like a thunderstorm, but headed for the restrooms. “Gotta wash my hands,” he muttered.
Okay, something’s up, but they’re not gonna spill it in front of the family.
Big Jim tuned in to all the individuals seated at the table. Misty was on edge, and when Colt returned to the table, she whispered something behind her cupped hand. Colt shook his head, not wanting to talk about whatever had transpired between him and the sheriff.
Beau was keeping an eye on both his brothers, and Dixie appeared to be tuned in as well. Beau had always been the peacemaker, often keeping his brothers from coming to blows. Now, he and his bride were being watchful, but not taking sides. Ava was seated between them, but they were
exchanging glances and spoke in low whispers.
Thankfully, Leah was keeping Angelique occupied as they concentrated on feeding their children and chattering together.
Big Jim was especially glad Tyler, his rebellious son, had brought Leah and Gracie into the Garrett family.
* * *
Angelique was stuffed. She had eaten far too much, lingering over a meal that seemed endless.
There were some strange tensions at the table, but Angelique didn’t know these people well enough to make any assumptions. Her position was so tenuous that she was afraid to question anything and afraid to be questioned. Good to let the past be hidden…at least her own past.
Glancing quickly at Big Jim Garrett, she had to smile. He was just as handsome as her mother had claimed. When he was young, he must have been a heartbreaker.
She wiped at her daughter’s face with a paper napkin, and then Gabrielle held out her little hands to be cleaned. “Did you like your chicken?”
“Um-hum.” Gabrielle nodded her head vigorously. “I like it.”
Surreptitiously, Angelique checked out the three brothers. Each one was a hottie in his own right.
Colton, the oldest, had a rugged look, much like a younger version of Big Jim. Strong jawline and, of course, those blue eyes. His stature was like his father’s, well over six feet and broad across the shoulders. And his wife, Misty, had dark hair and eyes and very fair skin. The two of them had been very standoffish, so Angelique didn’t have a handle on their personalities. Or maybe they were just snobs.
Tyler was cut from the same cloth, but his appearance was more polished. She had heard that he was a country-western singer of some note. She preferred the blues or some zydeco. But she could imagine Tyler standing up on a stage performing for his audience. He seemed to be the perfect partner for Leah. His dark hair was a good foil to her blondness.
The youngest son…her brother Beau… He had the same kind of good looks and a similar stature, but he had a different attitude. Like he was generally amused by life. His redheaded wife was gorgeous, but she seemed to have a more polished, almost city-girl vibe going on. Their little girl, Ava, was a clone of her mom, except for those brilliant blue eyes, a gift from her father.
All in all, a very attractive family. Angelique didn’t quite feel a part of it yet, but at least Big Jim had admitted that he was her father. She had expected to be rebuffed, so his acceptance was more than she could have hoped for.
She turned to look at him and found him regarding her with amusement.
“So, what do you make of this rowdy bunch?”
She couldn’t keep her eyes from moistening up. Blinking rapidly, she reached for her water and took a sip. “I think I’m the most fortunate woman in the world. I am so very happy to be here, and to have my little girl here with me. I have never had a real family…just my mom and myself, and then Gabrielle.”
Big Jim placed a hand on her shoulder. “Listen here, little lady. You will always have a place right here at this table and as a part of this family. You are my daughter. I don’t deny it. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you.” He squeezed her shoulder. “But I’m gonna try to make it up to you.”
Angelique struggled to blink away her tears. She couldn’t break down in front of all these people, even if her father was assuring her she was welcome.
Fortunately, Milita came pushing a cart, followed by her father, the owner and cook, with an additional tray. She began to expertly deal out the plates among the Garretts and guests.
Angelique stared at the serving of flan in front of her. She had been told it was a delicious custard-type Mexican dessert. She had been filled to the brim before setting eyes on this treat, but she thought there would be room enough to enjoy a few bites. When she looked up, she locked eyes with Derrick. His brown eyes were fixed on her, and there was a question in his expression.
* * *
Derrick had trouble keeping his eyes off Angelique Guillory. He was considering what his friend Colt had told him, and how impassioned his argument had been.
Yet Derrick was having trouble considering the lovely Angelique as a coldhearted scam artist. Or perhaps it was that he didn’t want her to be a scam artist.
Colt seemed convinced that Angelique would take advantage of his father. Derrick could understand the desire to protect one’s parent. Or was Colt operating from greed? Was he afraid that the Garrett estate would be shared with another heir?
Angelique pushed back from the table, stating she was taking her daughter to the restroom. She helped the little girl down from the booster seat, and they walked hand in hand to the back.
Derrick looked around the table at all the people engaged in pleasant conversation…except for Colt and Tyler. Tyler seemed to be somewhat amused by his big brother’s snit.
It was usually Colton, the strong older bro, who was the one to have the cool head. Derrick could recall many times when Colt was the one to settle disputes among his siblings.
Now, it seemed that Colt was trying to get Derrick to choose sides, but he didn’t want to offend either brother; nor did he want to speculate on Angelique’s motives for appearing at the Garrett homestead so near to Christmas. It did seem timed to tug on the old man’s heartstrings.
Gabrielle came running toward Big Jim, with a grinning Angelique trailing behind.
“I go potty all by myself!” Gabrielle shouted.
“You do?” Big Jim drew her into his lap. “That’s great. Does that mean you’re a big girl?”
Gabrielle nodded vigorously. “I a big girl.”
Big Jim appeared to be delighted.
Angelique returned to her seat and turned her attention to Big Jim.
Derrick surreptitiously kept an eye on the interactions between Angelique and Big Jim, who seemed to be totally enraptured by the woman. He was chatting with her and gazing at her and her little girl fondly. In fact, Big Jim seemed to be totally unaware of anyone else at the table.
He realized Big Jim looked like any father communicating with his daughter and granddaughter.
Chapter 5
Angelique was wearing a coat Big Jim had unearthed from a closet. It was a little large on her, but it was really warm, and she couldn’t complain. Certainly it was a better choice than the thin jacket she had brought from home…from New Orleans…
She was riding home in Big Jim’s truck, or if not home, they were headed to the Garrett ranch, Gabrielle’s safety seat securely strapped in behind her with Gabi singing at the top of her lungs.
For his part, Big Jim couldn’t stop grinning.
Funny how much difference a few days could make in her life. Angelique had been so very afraid when she had left New Orleans. Now she was actually verging on being happy…and somewhat relaxed. She had been looking over her shoulder for so long now that it would be hard to relax completely, but she was beginning to think this decision to find her father was going to work out for the best.
Big Jim seemed to have accepted her, and there was Leah, who was so kind and friendly.
Now she had to wonder about her three half-brothers. Would they accept her as a part of the family? The one named Colt seemed to be particularly distant, and his wife seemed almost hostile.
She couldn’t figure out what the youngest brother, Beau, was thinking. He seemed to be pleasant enough, but kept to himself, never really voicing an opinion. His wife definitely kept to herself as well.
Angelique had been told that Beau and his family did not live on the Garrett ranch. That might have been why they were a bit more subdued.
She hadn’t expected to gain immediate acceptance, but Big Jim’s positive attitude was a blessing indeed. He’s my father.
* * *
Where is she? Where is that little tramp, and where is my granddaughter?
Alphonse Benoit poked at the fire in his fireplace. The house was
darkened but he stared into the fire as though he could find the answers he was seeking within the flames.
The huge mansion seemed particularly empty that evening. Most of the staff was off, busy with their own little Christmas preparations. Busy with their own little families, leaving Alphonse alone to rattle around in his home. Alone and missing the people who had ripped his heart right out of his chest.
He was obsessed. He had been haunted since the death of Remy, his only son, his progeny. How could a young man so virile die? How could he be taken from this earth, especially when his father had such huge plans for him?
Remy’s death had been a double blow to Alphonse. He mourned his son, and he mourned the end of his bloodline. There would be no Benoits to carry on his name.
Last of the line.
Alphonse hung the fireplace poker on a rack with other tools. He was also mourning the loss of his beloved Sofie, his passionate and beautiful lover. The only person other than his son who had dared to say no to him. While he did not delude himself into believing that she was in love with him, she was in love with how he loved her…with the things he had provided for her. It had pleased him to please her.
Now she was gone…and he was alone.
The depths of his loneliness knew no boundaries. He seemed to sink farther and farther every day. His depression gave birth to intense anger. He was angry with everyone about everything. His household staff was tiptoeing around trying to anticipate his needs. Trying to avoid his ire.
The anger burning in Benoit’s gut could only be assuaged by securing the presence of his only other living relative. The young girl his son had conceived with this Guillory woman. His beloved Sofie’s daughter and granddaughter.
When Sofie was alive, her daughter remained by her side, but soon after Sofie had been interred, this ungrateful young woman had taken his only granddaughter and fled.
Benoit clutched his hands together until the knuckles turned white. He could not allow this child to be raised by Sofie Guillory’s illegitimate daughter. This child—the child who should rightly be under his care—should receive the best education. She would be the belle of New Orleans, introduced to all the right people. Not raised in a small apartment in the Quarter. Not raised by a skinny little rag of a woman.
