Texas Reckless

by Gerry Bartlett

  “I’d like that.” Rachel’s face crumpled, and she pulled a tissue out of her pocket. “Sally Ann needs me.”

  “What’s the matter?” Sierra dropped the clothes on the bed and pulled Rachel into her arms. Had Sally Ann told her mother about her confession? Sierra had been trying to put it behind her these last weeks since the confrontation. She’d had plenty of other things to think about—like doctor appointments, depositions in what Muellerville residents were calling the Oxcart scandal, and coming to terms with the fact that she was going under the knife again.

  Rachel stepped back and wiped her eyes. “She’s finally divorcing Will. It will be hard. He made her sign a prenuptial agreement that was supposed to leave her with next to nothing.” Rachel cleared her throat. “But Sally Ann will do all right. She found a sharp lawyer in Austin. Seems there’s plenty of community property she can claim. Of course she’ll get Billy.”

  “That’s good.” Sierra sat on the bed.

  “They’ve been staying with me and I can already see a difference in the boy.” Rachel glanced at Rhett. “I know Billy acted out when you helped with the horse therapy. But Will was always too hard on him. We’re getting Billy into therapy, the talk kind, and he’s going to that horse camp you told me about, Rhett.” She smiled. “Thank you for that.”

  “I’m glad I could help.” Rhett patted her back. “Will is one angry man.”

  “Yes, he is. But then his daddy was rough on him too. Guess it goes on down the line unless something stops it.” Rachel wiped her eyes again. “I wish…” She walked to the door. “What do they say? If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. Don’t do any good to dream. I learned that the hard way.”

  “Aw, Rachel. I’m sorry.” Sierra was glad now that Rachel knew nothing about Sally Ann’s saddle switch.

  “I’m just praying your surgery makes you whole again. Or at least helps ease your pain.” Rachel ran back and gave her a big hug. “I love you, Sierra. Just like a daughter.” She shook her head. “Sally Ann doesn’t always do what’s right, I know that. Please forgive her.” She sobbed and left the room.

  “Oh, God. She does know.” Sierra locked eyes with Rhett.

  “Apparently.” Rhett sat beside Sierra on the bed and put his arms around her. “You can’t blame her for any of this.”

  “No, of course not. She’s always done the best she could.” Sierra wiped away a tear. “Makes you wonder what Rachel’s husband was like.”

  “He might not have run away. Rachel might have kicked him to the curb.” Rhett held her tight. “But those early years must have done damage, making Sally Ann the way she is.”

  “Selfish? Mean?” Sierra sighed. “Forget her. I’m through dredging up the past. It’s the future I want to focus on now. You sure you want to go to Houston with me? Not only will you be surrounded by MacKenzies, but you’ll have to deal with me in my pissy ‘I hate hospitals’ moods.”

  “I think I can handle it.” He kissed her until she pushed at his chest.

  “Then let’s get moving. Let’s see how many kolache shops there are between here and Houston.” She laughed at his look of surprise.

  “Woman, I sure am glad I killed Bambi in front of your gate that day.” He pulled her back into his arms. “Even if you did almost shoot off my foot.”

  She kissed his smile. “It was a reckless shot that could have gone very wrong.”

  “I love reckless women. It’s a story to tell our kids one day.” Rhett laughed at her look of surprise. He’d save the proposal for later. But it was coming. Because Texas had his heart now. Texas and Sierra MacKenzie.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  A nationally best-selling author, Gerry Bartlett is a native Texan who lives halfway between Houston and Galveston. She freely admits to a shopping addiction, which is why she has an antiques business on the historic Strand on Galveston Island. She used to be a gourmet cook but has decided it’s more fun to indulge in gourmet eating instead. You can visit Gerry on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You can also check out her latest releases on her website at www.gerrybartlett.com where you can sign up for her newsletter or read her articles with advice for aspiring writers, The Perils of Publishing.

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