by June Faver
“Hold on, Dixie. I can drive to the hospital to be with you.”
“Nooo. I’m okay. Just take good care of Ava for me. I don’t want her upset. She’s crazy about these men. Scott is like her big playmate, and Roger spoils her something awful.”
At the mention of Scott’s name, Beau’s chest tightened. Playmate, right. He vividly recalled their encounter. “Okay, just calm down. Don’t worry about Ava. I’ll take good care of her.”
“Please tell her I love her, but she’s going to have a sleepover at your house.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me there with you? I mean, everyone’s here for Ava. I don’t think she would miss me.”
“No, stay with Ava. Just knowing she’s safe with you will give me one less thing to worry about.”
Beau reluctantly agreed, frowning long after she disconnected.
“What’s the matter, Bro?” Colton asked.
“There’s been another shooting at the feed store. That big, moosey guy who’s a friend of Dixie’s…apparently someone shot him, but he’s not dead.” Beau shook his head. “She said her other friend fell and bashed his head open…so now both her friends are in the hospital in Amarillo.”
“At the feed store? That place is jinxed. Something’s going on. I wouldn’t want my wife to work in a place like that. Maybe you can convince your girlfriend to hire a manager for the store.”
Beau made a scoffing sound. “This is Dixie we’re talking about.”
Colton shook his head and smacked Beau on the shoulder. “You’re a better man than I am, Bro.”
Beau’s hackles rose, hearing Colton’s opinion of Dixie, but then Colton had never experienced her sweet and loving side. He sucked in a deep breath and let it out all at once, glowering at his oldest brother.
“Sorry, Beau. I know you’re touchy about the subject of Dixie.”
“Because you don’t know what you’re talking about.” Beau’s chest was so tight it felt as though a steel band was binding him. “When we were in second grade, you were in middle school. I don’t recall you paying much attention to any of the kids I went to school with. What do you actually know about Dixie?”
Colton’s mouth tightened. “I know she hurt you…hurt you so bad I didn’t think you would ever get over it.”
“Well, I am over it, and you need to get over it too. Dixie’s Dallas friends have been injured, and she needs my support.” Beau stomped away before things escalated.
He found his dad and brought him up to speed on the events at the feed store.
Big Jim’s face reflected his concern. “Another shooting at the feed store?”
“That’s what Dixie said. She’s at the hospital with her Dallas friends right now.”
“Well, there you go. Wonder what the city fellas stirred up.”
“Dunno, but I want you to take care of Ava. Dixie was worried about her.”
Big Jim made a scoffing noise. “Of course I will. You know I will guard that little angel with my life.”
“I know. I just want to go into Langston and find out what happened firsthand.”
“Take your brother with you. See what kind of trouble the two of you can get into.”
Beau kissed Ava on the forehead and told her to be good for her grandpa. By the time he walked out the door, Colton was already in his truck with the motor running.
He motioned for Beau to get in. “Thought I ought to drive, since you might get upset at what we find.”
“Will you stop treating me like your little brother?” Beau climbed in and slammed the door closed.
“Take it easy, Little Bro. I’m just here to help.” He put the truck in gear and headed toward town.
Beau took a deep breath and blew it out. “I know. I just want to find out what’s going on at the feed store. If it’s dangerous for Dixie to be there, I’m going to be on her like her own shadow, and she’s not going to like it.”
Colton shook his head. “Lucky you.”
“Knock it off, Colt. You know how I feel about Dixie.”
“Sorry, Bro. I just hope she doesn’t take off on you again…especially not now that you know about Ava.”
Beau’s chest tightened as his brother spoke aloud his own worst fear.
When they arrived in Langston, they found the feed store was still a beehive of activity. There were two sheriff’s department vehicles blocking the drive to the back of the property. Pete Miller was sitting outside the front of the store. He’d pulled a metal folding chair outside and sat staring vacantly and looking particularly dejected.
Colton parked, and the brothers walked up to where he sat.
“Hey, Pete. How are you holding up?” Beau asked.
He looked up, a dazed expression on his face. “I—I don’t know what happened.” He sucked in a wheezy breath. “I mean, how could that guy have gotten shot and I didn’t hear a thing? I was working right inside the front here.”
Beau shook his head. “I don’t know, man. That’s a tough one.”
“An’ my cousin, Josh. He’s nowhere to be found.”
“Where are the deputies?” Colton asked.
“Out back. They’ve been going over everything with a fine-tooth comb. I mean everything.” He met Beau’s gaze uncertainly. “They told me to stay up here away from the crime scene.”
“We’ll check it out,” Beau said, giving him an awkward clap on the shoulder. With Colton close on his heels, he beat a path through the store and out to the loading dock. He heard voices coming from behind the warehouse and went behind the building.
There a deputy held up his hand to stop them. “Hold it right there, Beau. You too, Colt.”
“Hey, Leon. I just want to know what’s going on. My—my fiancée owns the feed store. She’s at the hospital with the guys who got hurt.”
The deputy nodded. “I heard you and Dixie were back together. Hope it works out this time.”
“Me too.” Beau took a wide stance, his hands at his waist. “C’mon, Leon. Help me out here.”
“I can’t let you contaminate the scene. The forensic team is here from the city. They’re going over everything now.”
“I understand, but can you just tell me what happened?”
The deputy looked around and lowered his voice. “There was a shooting. One man got shot in the chest, and supposedly, nobody heard a thing.” He looked a little irritated, fisting his hands at his waist and then dropping his right to caress his holster.
“That’s what my fiancée said. It’s weird that nobody heard the gun go off.”
“The story is that two folks were shut up in that office in the front building and the clerk was in a room where they have ducks quacking and chickens clucking. He didn’t hear a thing either.”
He peered past the deputy, noting an area of ground stained dark with what was most certainly blood. In addition to the two deputies guarding the scene, there were two other individuals wearing plastic gloves who seemed to be collecting samples. An old vehicle stood at the far end of the building with all the doors open, while another tech leaned into the cavernous trunk.
Colt shook his head. “This place is jinxed for sure.”
Beau hated to admit his brother was right. Now he had to worry about how to keep Dixie away from this place. He couldn’t let his headstrong girlfriend endanger herself…no matter what Vern Moore’s will demanded. Maybe she could hire a manager for the store. He could just imagine how that was going to go over.
Chapter 9
After returning to the ranch, Beau checked in on Ava and then drove in his own truck to Amarillo. He pulled up in the hospital parking lot and called Dixie as soon as he strode through the doors.
Her voice was just above a whisper. “Beau, is everything all right with Ava?”
“She may be a little spoiled when you see her. But she’s safe at
home with the entire Garrett clan eating out of the palm of her hand.” He heard her heave a relieved sounding sigh. “I’m here in the hospital lobby now. Where exactly are you?”
“Oh, I’m coming down. Wait there.” In a few minutes, she emerged from the elevator and raced to his open arms.
“It’s going to be okay, baby, I promise. I won’t let anything happen to you or Ava.”
Her shoulders were shaking as she wept against his chest. “I just can’t believe this happened. It’s all my fault.”
“That can’t be right. You didn’t cause this.” He rhythmically patted her back.
“I—I did. If I hadn’t asked Roger to come help me with the books, both of my friends would still be safe at home in Dallas. Don’t you see? It’s all my fault.” She raised her tear-stained face to gaze up at him.
“I don’t think so. What happened was terrible, but you didn’t cause it.” In the face of her grief, he felt totally ineffectual. “I’m really sorry, baby. Why don’t you let me take you back to the ranch? You look…tired.”
“No, I don’t think I should leave them. I mean, they have no one else.” She grabbed his hand. “Come up and meet Roger. He’s just the dearest man in the world…and he’s so worried about Scott.”
“Are they related? Brothers or something?” He gazed into her agonized face.
Amazingly, she smiled, laughter shaking her shoulders. “N—No, they are a couple.”
Beau frowned. “A couple? You mean like…a couple?”
She nodded.
“You mean boys who like boys?”
“I mean, Roger and Scott are a couple. They’ve been my very best friends for years.” She leaned her forehead against his chest. “I can’t bear it that Scott might die.”
Beau stroked her hair. “Yeah, that would be terrible. Why don’t you let me take you home for tonight and I can bring you back bright and early tomorrow morning?”
“Is…is Ava missing me?”
He chuckled, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. “I know you’d like me to tell you that our daughter is just pining away for her mama, but that wouldn’t be the truth.” He brushed a kiss across her lips. “Truth is right this minute, my daddy is reading to his newly discovered granddaughter. Leah has a big meal on the stove, and then Leah is going to lend her one of Gracie’s nightgowns and bed her down with her own daughter.”
Dixie’s lips trembled. “Is she…happy?”
“Sure is. She’s been playing with Gracie and Mark and all the animals. She’s going to sleep like a newborn baby tonight.”
“Good. I’m glad she’s having a good time. Something positive to come out of this horrible day.” She half turned and then whirled back to face him. “Just come upstairs with me. I want you to meet Roger. He’s such a good guy.”
“Sure thing.” Beau seized upon the opportunity to step into the world she had kept hidden from him for so long.
Dixie grabbed his hand and pulled him to the bank of elevators. Once inside, she selected a floor, and the elevator rose a couple of levels. When the doors opened, she led him down the hallway and past the nurses’ station. “Roger is stable. They’re just keeping him overnight for observation since he suffered a concussion when he fell.” She stopped in the middle of the hall, lowering her voice. “Scott is in the ICU downstairs. He’s in critical condition, and they say he might not survive the night. I just don’t know if Roger could live through losing Scott.”
“What can I do to help?” Beau asked.
“Just don’t mention anything about Scott. I’m trying to keep Roger’s spirits up.”
He followed her into the darkened room, his gaze falling on a man lying in bed, a bandage across his forehead. The overhead light was off, so the small fluorescent lamp on the bedside table gave the room an eerie quality.
“Dixie? Is that you?” The man on the bed reached out.
“Yes, I’m back. Roger, this is my friend, Beau Garrett. He’s—”
The man lay back on the pillows. “The baby daddy.” He pronounced it as though it was a bad thing.
Beau’s spine stiffened. “That’s right. I’m Ava’s daddy.”
Dixie poked Beau in the ribs. “Roger Parsons has been my friend for years. He’s a certified public accountant. He was helping me—”
“When someone hurt Scott.” Roger sat up, his face riddled with pain. “Did you find out anything else about his condition?”
She shook her head. “No change.”
Roger dropped his face in both hands, weeping openly. “Oh, Dixie. What am I going to do if I lose him? He’s my whole life.”
“Don’t go there,” Dixie said. “Let’s keep positive thoughts. He’s going to pull through.”
Roger’s shoulders shook, and Dixie handed him a tissue. “There, there. Don’t even think that. Scott is tough as nails. He’s going to be fine.”
He patted her hand. “Thank you, dear girl. You’re a ray of sunshine.”
“I wanted Beau to meet you now that we’re back together. He’s been getting to know Ava. His whole family has been wonderful.”
Roger blew out a caustic snort. “Where were they when you needed them? This fellow was markedly absent.” He gestured to Beau as though he were of no consequence.
Beau considered the condition of the man hurling insults at him and bit back his response. He folded his arms across his chest, regarding him stonily.
Dixie heaved a sigh. “There seems to have been some kind of miscommunication. Beau and his family knew nothing of my pregnancy.” She glanced up at Beau, placing her hand against his chest. “I don’t know what happened yet, but I know that Beau would have been thrilled had he known.”
Roger made a scoffing noise in the back of his throat.
“Seriously, Beau’s father has been so excited since he got to meet Ava. He’s taking care of her now.”
“Mr. Parsons, I was deeply in love with Dixie then, and I still am. I was crushed when she just disappeared. You don’t have to believe me, but I can’t stand by and hear you making these accusations without speaking up. My dad would have marched me right to church to marry this girl. He’s all about family.”
Roger eyed him, appearing to be unconvinced.
Dixie cleared her throat. “I just wanted you to meet Beau. Scott met him before—”
“Yes, I remember when this young ruffian thrashed poor Scott. Broke his nose.”
Beau started to speak, but Dixie put a restraining hand on his arm. “Come on now. You know that Scott started it. He attacked Beau without warning, and Beau just fought back. He didn’t even know I was back in town then.”
“So you say.” Roger’s mouth was pursed as though he had just sucked a lemon.
“I’ll be running along now,” Beau said. “Dixie, I think you should come home and get some rest. You’ve been going since early this morning.”
“No, I want to stay here until they release Roger. I feel so bad about what happened.”
He drew her toward the door. “I don’t think my presence is doing anything but ticking your friend off. Let me know if you need anything.” He dropped a kiss on her cheek and followed it by brushing his fingertips along her jawline.
Her eyes teared up, but she shrugged. “You just take good care of Ava.”
He aimed a curt nod toward the bed and ducked out, feeling torn about leaving. He drove back to the ranch, still rankling over Roger’s dismissive tone. The baby daddy? Really?
His mood evaporated when he entered the ranch house and was tackled by his daughter.
“Daddy,” she squealed. “Wait till you see what I made.”
Being called Daddy was the salve his wounded feelings needed. “What did you make? Mud pies? I seem to recall that your mother had a great recipe.”
“No way.” She wrinkled up her nose. “Come on, Daddy.” She d
ragged him to the kitchen where Leah stood behind the counter, a big grin on her face.
“Yeah, Daddy. See what your lovely daughter created.” She made a sweeping gesture toward a tray of cupcakes.
“I made this one specially for you.” Ava searched the array of treats and selected one. She whirled around, dimples in play, brandishing a gaudily decorated cupcake.
“Oh, man! That is one beautiful cupcake.”
Ava rocked back and forth rhythmically. “You like it?”
“Nooooo.” He gave her a look of mock horror. “I love it. This is the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen…next to you, of course.” He ruffled her curls, and she collapsed in a fit of giggles.
The cupcake had at least an inch of yellow frosting on top with a hefty load of multicolored sprinkles.
Leah pointed to the top. “You’ll notice that Ava embellished it with a big blue D for Daddy. Isn’t that special?”
“Indeed it is,” Beau agreed.
“Eat it, Daddy,” Ava urged.
“Um, can I save it for dessert? I want to look at it for a while.” He carefully set it back on the platter. “But I have to take a picture of this so I can preserve this beautiful masterpiece.” He whipped out his phone and took a quick snap.
Ava seemed delighted, giggling and jumping around.
“Big Jim was just waiting for you to get back here. He’s got the fire going and the steaks marinating.” Leah pointed to the deck in back of the house. “Maybe you ought to go tell him you’re here.”
“Good idea.” He winked at Ava and strode out through the French doors and onto the deck. “Hey, Dad,” he called.
Big Jim was sitting in a deck chair, nursing a beer. “’Bout damned time. Did you bring Dixie?”
Beau felt his lips tighten. “Nope. That stubborn little heifer is going to spend the night at the hospital with her Dallas boyfriends.”
Big Jim sat upright. “Did you say ‘boyfriends’?”
