Linda Warren - [Cowboy Country 01] - Adopted Son p.02

“I’m counting on it.” He tried to smile and failed.

They stared at each other and he wasn’t sure what to say, so he said the only thing he could. “Bye, Grace.” Walking toward his friends, he felt this was goodbye in more ways than one.

Without warning, a pang of regret hit him.



GRACE FELT BAD FOR TUCK and she couldn’t get his hurt expression out of her mind. So she spent the rest of the afternoon in her office, working, staying busy to keep from thinking about Tuck.

She had three messages from her father, all irate that she wasn’t taking calls, all about Derek Mann. After returning the calls, she sat in deep thought. Her father was nervous and she had to wonder why. She had taken over the firm so why was he stepping back into the picture? He was a U.S. Congressman and not affiliated with the Whitten Law Firm anymore. Or that was the picture he presented to his constituents and his adversaries. What was going on?

She flipped through the impressive rйsumй of Derek Mann. He’d attended law school at Baylor University and had received a law degree from University of Houston. He graduated in the top ten percent of his class. After that, he clerked for some impressive judges in Texas and Washington. The last year he was a partner in a big-name firm in Boston. Why did Mann want to come back to Texas? And what did he have to do with her father?

Pushing a button on her phone, she said, “Nina, I’d like to see Chuck as soon as possible.”

“Yes, ma’am, I’ll let him know.”

Chuck Wallace and his father, Charley, were the firm’s main private investigators. Sometimes they hired outside investigators if they needed extra help on a case, but Charley Wallace had been on the payroll since her father’s days at the firm. She’d hired Chuck three years ago and she knew she could trust his discretion. Charley was very loyal to her father and she wanted to avoid questions she felt she didn’t need to answer.

Her cell buzzed. It was Caroline.

“Are you okay?”

Her hand gripped the phone. “Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You don’t have to appear tough with me, Grace. I know this day was hard for you.”

Her sister knew her better than anyone. “Yes,” she admitted. “I felt bad for Tuck. He really loves Brady.” That’s what bothered her the most—Tuck’s feelings for Brady were real, sincere. But then, she reminded herself, Lisa’s and Keith’s were, too. And those feelings would grow once they got to know Brady. They would make great parents. She really believed that.

There was a long pause on the other end. “You called him Tuck.”

“Yes” was all she could say.

“We’re having a girls’ night at my house,” Caroline said. “And you’re invited.”

“Caro, I’m busy.” She didn’t want to intrude. Everyone was married and had kids or were expecting. She’d feel out of place.

“The guys are consoling Tuck and you’re coming. Do you hear? No suit, either. I’m making double-fudge brownies and I have ice cream.”

“Caro…”

“And Jesse would like for you to come. He misses his Auntie Grace.”

Grace sighed. “You’re so good.”

“See you later.”

Grace clicked off with a thoughtful expression. She was glad Tuck had company tonight. At least he wasn’t alone. Or with Jennifer. Where did that thought come from? It came from the right side of her brain where jealousy was alive and well. She definitely needed a night out.

She checked her appointments as Nina buzzed.

“Yes?”

“Chuck’s here.”

“Send him in.”

A man in his thirties with disheveled hair and a worried expression entered. Chuck lived on antacids. There was always a roll in his shirt pocket. She noticed the bulge along with his pens and notepad. An ex-police officer, Chuck was injured in the line of duty and Grace was more than glad to have him as a member of the Whitten team.

“You wanted to see me?” Chuck asked.

“Yes. Please have a seat.”

He complied, sitting on the edge of a chintz chair. Chuck reminded her of a man always ready for action. He was never relaxed.

“I would like a job done, very discreetly, very professionally,” she told him.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And this is between you and me. No one else is to know, not even Byron or your father.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She pushed a file toward him. “I want to know what’s not in here.”

He picked up the file and flipped through it. “Very impressive,” he commented.

“Yes. It’s too impressive. I want to know everything about Derek Mann, his grades in high school and college, how he got all those distinguished jobs and why he wasn’t satisfied with them. I want to know what that rйsumй is not telling me.”

Chuck stood. “Yes, ma’am, I’m on it.”

“And, Chuck…”

“I know.” He held up a hand. “You can trust me.”

“Thank you.”



THE GUYS HORSED AROUND on the old asphalt basketball court until they were short of breath.

Eli jumped and made his famous three-pointer, then put his hands on his knees. “You know what?” he said in between deep breaths. “Running around on asphalt in cowboy boots isn’t as much fun as it used to be.”

Jake sank to the pavement with a groan. “I think we’re getting older.”

They gathered on the court in a circle.

“Y’all might be, but I’m not. I’m the youngest,” Caleb said with a smirk.

Jake playfully pushed Caleb into Beau. Beau pushed Caleb back into Jake. After going back and forth a couple of times, Caleb stuck out both hands to ward off his brothers. “Okay, okay. Age is just a state of mind.”

“Yeah.” Eli nodded. “In your case it might be a state of good health.”

They all laughed.

Tuck had the ball and he twisted it around in his hands, feeling its firmness.

“Are you okay?” Caleb asked in a concerned voice.

Tuck looked at his friends. “Yes. I’m fine.” And he was. How could he not be with friends around him?

“I think it infringes on your civil rights to be denied custody because you’re single.” Beau still wasn’t convinced. “I might do some research just to make sure some lines haven’t been crossed.”

“No,” Tuck said. “I want Brady to have this chance at a life.”

“I’m not convinced that the Templetons are the better people to raise him,” Beau kept on.

“I’m not, either,” Eli said. “No one should have the right to say a man can’t raise a child because he’s single or has a high-risk job.”

“Well, I don’t want to get beat up here.” Jake drew up his knees. “But I’ve been through this. I thought I could raise Ben alone and I was fully prepared to. Once Elise entered the picture Ben just blossomed under her nurturing and care. I could see it happening. It made me feel good and bad at the same time. I wanted to do it all for my son, but I’m telling you a baby needs a mother. I’m not saying the Templetons are better for Brady. I know Tuck would have made the better parent, single or not.”

“In my opinion Tuck is the better parent. He just got penalized for his life and that sucks.” Caleb spoke his views. “I admire any man who wants to raise a child alone. That takes courage. Me, I guess I’m a wimp because I want to do everything with Josie.”

Beau punched Caleb on the shoulder. “Youth and rose-colored glasses.”

“Really, brother Beau?” Caleb squinted at Beau. “I seem to see a pair perched on your nose. It wasn’t always like that, though. About a year ago we were sitting on another basketball court when you were going through a midlife crisis.”

“Mmm,” Beau murmured. They sat silent as they remembered the trials and heartaches they’d been through together. “I still believe Tuck is the better parent to raise Brady,” Beau finally added.

“Me, too,” Eli said. “And nothing will change my mind about that—not even my beautiful wife.”

“I’m not giving up on this case.” Beau made his position very clear.

“Beau…”

Tuck didn’t get to finish his objection. Caleb threw his arm over his brother’s shoulders. “We’re gonna nominate ol’ Beau for sainthood one of these days.”

“Hear, hear,” Jake said as they rose to their feet.

Eli patted Tuck on the back. “Let’s buy Tuck the biggest Texas steak we can find. Maybe a gorgeous motherly type will wait on us, and how does that country song go? ‘I woke up married.’ Maybe Tuck will wake up married and solve all his problems.”

“Or create more,” Tuck replied, laughing as they made their way to their vehicles.

Climbing into his car, he felt so much better. His friends’ support had done the trick. He’d learned a lot today. Maybe he needed to make some changes in his plans, his life. Maybe he couldn’t do everything on his own. Maybe, like his friends, he needed a woman to complete him.

That thought had always annoyed him before.

Tonight, though, he saw green eyes.

And again, he wondered why.

CHAPTER EIGHT
FIVE WOMEN SAT around the kitchen table eating hot double-fudge brownies with vanilla ice cream melting over the decadent treat. Talk of babies filled the room—babies, husbands and marriage. Grace swirled her spoon through her scoop of ice cream, trying not to be annoyed, trying to fit in. But she couldn’t stop the mental notebook forming in her mind. Two moms with children, one mother with a child expecting another, one woman expecting her first baby and one single, uptight, almost virgin.

Grace licked ice cream from the spoon. Was there such a thing as an almost virgin? Maybe she was a slightly used virgin. Either way, she was totally frustrated with her life. Caroline, Elise, Josie and Macy were all happy and in love with the men of their dreams while Grace was the powerful, single career woman. For her, that didn’t compute anymore. She wanted to feel that crazy-in-love sensation, talk about diaper changing, breast-feeding and a man who made her life complete. She wanted a life, not just a career.

She shifted uneasily. Being around this much happiness was making her head spin. It had been a rough day. No matter what she was doing, thoughts of Tuck kept intruding. She hadn’t planned on going to the hearing today, but found she couldn’t stay away.

“Grace, I love your T-shirt.” Elise’s voice reached her.

“Oh. Thank you.” She swallowed a mouthful of brownie and looked down at the front of her shirt. “Caroline said for me not to wear a suit and I found this in my dresser. I can’t remember where I bought it or why. I think someone gave it to me.” On the front of her white T-shirt was written in red letters I’m a Good Kisser.

Caroline gave a long, put-out sigh. “I gave it to you. And, Grace, when I said no suit, I didn’t mean starched jeans and an ironed T-shirt. Nobody irons a T-shirt.”

“Next time you’ll have to be more specific.” Grace didn’t bat an eye at her sister’s teasing.

“Don’t pick on Grace,” Macy said. “She always looks wonderful and I think we should all have ironed T-shirts just like Grace’s. We can wear them on nights like this when we’re just being women. On the back we could put That’s How I Got My Man.

“I love the idea.” Josie swallowed a mouthful of chocolate.

“We’d have to leave the back of mine blank,” Grace said.

“Poor, poor pitiful Grace,” Caroline chided. “This isn’t like you. Where’s that strong, professional sister of mine?”

“I’m not sure.” With her spoon, she made more trails in the ice cream.

She could feel Caroline’s eyes on her. “Grace, it’s not your fault that Tuck didn’t win custody today.”

Grace laid her spoon on her plate. “Then why do I feel like it is?” She did. That was the problem. She couldn’t shake that feeling.

“Listen to me,” Caroline continued. “You stayed out of the proceedings. You didn’t have to do that, but you did. There was no way Tuck could have won this, especially since there’s a woman involved who can stay at home with Brady. Lisa and Keith were just the better choice.” Caroline took a drink of milk. “Now don’t get me wrong. I love Tuck like a brother but in this case, Brady needed more than Tuck could give him. He needed a mother.”

“I tried to tell Jake the same thing.” Elise brushed back her champagne-colored hair. A professor of American Literature, Elise was as beautiful as she was brilliant. “I reminded him how he thought he could raise Ben alone and how much easier it was when we worked together as husband and wife. But he was very adamant that in this case Tuck was the better choice. We agreed to disagree.”

“Caleb and I had the same conversation.” Josie’s dark eyes flashed. Grace often thought that Josie with her Spanish and American ancestry was one of the most stunning women she’d ever met. “I had to remind him of the difference in a mother’s role and a father’s role. He agreed up to a point, but he stuck to his belief that Tuck was best for Brady.”

“In our house we don’t have that discussion anymore.” Macy joined in. A strawberry blonde with naturally curly hair, Macy epitomized kindness and goodness. As a nurse, she cared for people with all her heart, and that caring extended to animals, as well. “Beau is one of those men who can do both roles effortlessly. What can I say? He’s special.” She smiled, her blue eyes twinkling. “But sometimes he can be just plain stubborn. He believes Tuck is the better parent and nothing will change his mind, not even me.”

“Maybe because he’s right.” Grace heard the words and realized she’d spoken them out loud. Everyone watched her closely. In that moment, she made a decision. She wasn’t going to defend herself. It was the way she felt.

“Da-da, Da-da.” Zoe came running, chanting her favorite word and saving the moment. Zoe looked up at Macy. “Da-da.”

Macy lifted Zoe into her lap. “The second she hears Beau’s name she thinks its time for her daddy to come home.”

“Da-da,” Zoe repeated, reaching for Macy’s spoon. Macy fed her the rest of the ice cream then pushed the plate out of harm’s way.

Macy kissed one fat cheek. “Sweetie, can you tell everyone how old you are?”

Zoe held up one finger, smiling. “Un.”

“Whose girl are you?”

“Da-da, Da-da, Da-da.”

Grace watched the little girl’s animated expression. She clearly loved her daddy. Her big blue eyes sparkled and the strawberry-blonde ringlets bounced on her head. She sat in Macy’s lap, her head beneath Macy’s chin; it was hard to believe that Zoe wasn’t Macy’s biological daughter. They looked so much alike. But a bond had been formed that had nothing to do with biology, even though Zoe was Macy’s niece. Their bond had to do with the heart and the many facets of love.

A cry punctured the silence. Ben and Katie came running. At five, Katie was an absolute doll with blond hair and brown eyes. “Caroline, Jesse is crying,” Katie informed Caroline.

“Thank you, sweetie,” Caroline replied, getting to her feet.

Ben leaned against his mother and Elise kissed the top of his head. “Would you like some ice cream?”

Ben shook his head. “We…we…” As Ben struggled to find the words, Elise stroked his hair. “We have popcorn.” With dark hair and eyes, Ben favored his father. Grace watched the love on Elise’s face and it had nothing to do with biology, either. It came from the heart.

“Ben, let’s go watch the rest of the movie.” Katie raced back to the den.

Caroline cradled a fussy Jesse as he rubbed his face against her blouse. “Okay, big boy, give mommy a chance to get her blouse open.”

Grace was always amazed at how fast Caroline could lift her blouse and unsnap her bra cup. In a split second, Jesse latched onto a nipple. They all watched as if it were one of the wonders of the world.

“I can’t wait,” Josie said in a breathless voice.

Macy locked her arms around Zoл. “That’s what it’s all about—life-giving nourishment. Nurturing. That’s a woman’s role.”

Caroline kissed her son. “We’ll never get our husbands to believe that.”

“Yeah, but that’s okay,” Macy said. “We love them anyway.”

“Hey, buster.” Caroline jumped. “No chewing, please.” She lifted Jesse to her shoulder and patted his back. “He always does that when he’s had enough, but since he’s teething he’s started chewing sooner and sooner. I hope he’s getting enough milk.”

“Look at his size,” Macy said. “I think he’s getting enough. If he isn’t, he’ll let you know real soon.”

“About two o’clock in the morning,” Elise remarked.

“Let me have him.” Grace got to her feet. “I’ll put him down for the night.”

“Ah, sisters are wonderful, even if they wear ironed T-shirts.” Caroline handed over her son.

“Thank you very much.” Grace gathered her nephew in her arms, glad to escape to Jesse’s room. All the marital bliss was about to suffocate her.

She gave Jesse a bath and Katie and Ben had to help. Clean and dry, Jesse drifted off to dreamland.

“I wish we had a baby at our house, don’t you, Ben?” Katie asked, watching Jesse.

“Yeah,” Ben answered, also watching Jesse.

Grace touched Katie’s cheek. “Then you wouldn’t be the baby anymore.”

“Oh.”

Grace took Katie’s and Ben’s hands and they walked back to the breakfast room. Clearly, Katie was giving the baby idea more thought. Grace knew that she was Jake’s baby girl and obviously Katie had second thoughts about giving up that title.

For the first time Grace realized she liked kids and she liked being around them. For years she’d thought just the opposite. Facing thirty-five was changing everything about her.

Or maybe it was something else.

A man she couldn’t stop thinking about.



THE MEN ARRIVED HOME. Grace said goodbye and quickly left, having had all of the marital happiness she could handle for one night.

Driving by Tuck’s she saw his lights were on. Without a second thought, she pulled into his drive way. His ranger car and his silver truck were parked under the carport. Knocking on his door, she waited with her breath lodged in her throat like a cube of ice.

The door swung open and Tuck stood there in his slacks, socks and a T-shirt pulled out of his pants. Her heart rate accelerated.

“Grace,” he said in surprise, and the warmth in his voice melted the blockage in her throat.

She swallowed. “May I come in?”

“Sure.” He held open the screen door and she walked in.

Sam reared up on her jeans, wagging his tail. She froze, but realized this was a pivotal moment. What she did now would set the tone of their future relationship. Taking a breath, she reached down, picked up Sam and held him in her arms, forcing herself to lightly stroke him. This wasn’t a normal reaction for her, but she wasn’t sure what normal was anymore.

Tuck’s eyes widened, but he didn’t say anything.

“I wanted to tell you again how sorry I am about today.”

“You know, Grace, you keep saying that and soon I’ll start to believe it.”

“Please do.” Her eyes held his. “We just had a lengthy conversation about this at Caroline’s.”

“And the women believe the right decision was made today?”

“Yes.”

He scratched his head. “Actually, the guys had the same conversation—all believing just the opposite.”

“Venus and Mars.” She managed a slight smile.

“Something like that.” His eyes narrowed. “Are you seceding from your planet, Grace?”

“Maybe.” They were flirting and she relaxed, enjoying his company.

“Before you make that momentous decision, how about a beer?”

“Sure.” She wasn’t fond of beer, but she’d probably drink quinine if he’d asked her. And that really wasn’t like her. She was used to saying no, making decisions based on her ideas and beliefs. This time she made the decision on how she felt about him, a purely feminine decision.

She placed Sam on the floor and resisted the urge to wipe her hands on her jeans.

Tuck turned from the refrigerator with two beers, his eyes on her hands. “Go ahead, wash your hands.”

She glanced up. “It’s okay. Jesse threw up on my shoulder then he got me thoroughly wet giving him his bath so washing my hands seems moot at this point.”

He set the beers on the table. “I get the feeling you’re going through some sort of metamorphosis. You can freeze water, but it’s still water.”

“I don’t know what that means.”

“It means you can’t suppress who you really are.

You’re a fastidious person. I am, too. So wash your hands and we’ll both be happy.”

She went to the sink and washed her hands, not having a clue what that bit of conversation was about. Maybe she couldn’t change who she was inside. She just wanted to be comfortable within herself again.

Drying her hands on a paper towel, she joined Tuck. He sipped his beer, forearms resting on the table, Sam at his feet.

She slipped into a chair. “Where’s Dee?”

“She’s mostly an outdoor cat. She comes in when she wants to.”

Grace took a swallow of beer and stared down at the names carved on the old oak table, a long rectangle that could easily seat ten people. She ran her fingers over a name. “What are these?” She’d noticed them before on her rare visits to his house, but she never had the courage to ask how the names had gotten there.

“Names of children my parents took in. If you stayed for any length of time, you got to carve your name in a place of honor. That’s what Pa said. Once your name was on the table, you always had a home.”

“Where’s yours?” She searched the table’s surface. John, James, Dan, April, Beth, Billy, Mike, Judd, Brian, Gail, Nancy, Jimmy, Frances, Hector, Maria, Will, Janis, Cari, Doris, Matt, and the list went on. But she didn’t see Tuck or Eli.

“I’m sitting in Pa’s place and Ma sat to his right. Eli sat next to Ma and my place was next to Pa, so my name is to your right.”

“Here it is,” she said excitedly, running her forefinger over his name.

“I remember the day we did that. I must have been about four. Pa held my hand and said, ‘This is forever, boy. Forever.’ And it was. I may not know my birth parents, but God gave me the best He had.”

She heard the love in his voice and she was spell bound, wanting to know more.

“Does it bother you that you don’t know who your parents are?”

He stared down at the table in silence and she wondered if she’d stepped over the line.

“Sometimes,” he finally answered. “I didn’t know there was a stigma attached to adopted kids until I was in my teens. Some parents didn’t want me dating their daughters because they didn’t know where I came from. They concluded that since I was abandoned, my parents had to be undesirables with low moral character.”

“It doesn’t matter now.” She wanted him to know that. “Everyone knows the type of man you are, selfless and giving.”

“Thank you,” he said, studying the beer can. “Some people don’t understand why I have this dream to help children.” He ran the palm of his hand over the table. “But when I look at these names, I know what I have to do. What I was meant to do.” He took a swallow of beer. “You probably don’t understand that.”

“I understand it perfectly.”

“Really?” His eyes caught hers. “That’s why your law firm represented the Templetons and believed in the nurturing ability of a two-parent family instead of a single male?”

She didn’t shift under that burning gaze. “You said you’d abide by the judge’s decision without any ill will.”

“Yes, I seem to remember saying that.” He got up, crushed his can with one squeeze of his big hand and threw it into the trash can under the sink. He turned to look at her, his hands on his hips. “What are you doing here, Grace?” Suddenly, all that easy friendship was gone.

By the look in his eyes she knew she had to be completely honest. She had to lay her feelings on this table of honor and see if there was any magic left in it. She stood, gathering thoughts in her head. What she said now would sustain or destroy their tenuous relationship.

“Ever since I’ve known you I seem to accomplish the amazing feat of putting my foot in my mouth whenever I talk to you. When I get nervous, my mouth goes into overdrive. And you make me nervous. I’ve worked around men most of my life, but you reach a part of me no one ever has, my feminine side. For four years I’ve hoped you would ask me out.” She took a breath as the truths poured out of her mouth.

“I’ve finally realized that’s never going to happen. You’ve made it very clear how you feel about me, but I kept hoping until I saw the look in your eyes in my office. You really dislike me. And I didn’t feel very good about myself, either.” She looked directly at him. “If I had known you were involved with the Brady Harper case, I would never have taken it.”

“And now?”

She blinked. “What?”

“Do you feel the Templetons are better for Brady?”

“What difference does it make?”

His eyes darkened even more. “It matters to me. How do you feel?”

She glanced at the table. “I feel that Brady’s name should be on this table.”

He walked toward her. Her hair was in disarray, a smudge was on her cheek and a stain covered her right shoulder. Yet, she’d never looked more beautiful. His eyes centered on the T-shirt. I’m a Good Kisser.

“Is that true?”

“Of course. I wouldn’t lie about that, but the judge has ruled and there’s nothing else to do.”

He realized she was talking about Brady. He was talking about the message on the T-shirt. He felt as if he’d just been sucker punched in the most pleasant way. Never, not for one second, did he ever think she might be attracted to him. The first inkling he’d had was when he touched her breast that day in this kitchen. There was something between them. He’d felt it then and he felt it now.

He pointed to her breasts. “I meant the message on your shirt.”

“What?” She frowned, glancing down. “Oh.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “Is that true?”

“You’ll never know, Jeremiah Tucker,” she said with a gleam in her eyes. “Good night.”

He caught her before she reached the door, sliding his arms around her and pulling her close to his body. “I don’t have boots on. Let’s dance.”

“What? There’s no music.”

“We’ll make our own.”

Tuck turned her round and round, hearing music somewhere in his head. Pulling her closer, he molded her body to his. Sam jumped up and down, barking at them. Neither heard the yelping dog. They were in step with a different sound, the music of falling in love.

Tuck stopped moving and cupped her face, taking her lips softly, gently. She moaned and he deepened the kiss, tasting, discovering everything new and exciting about Grace.

Her hands curled around his neck into his hair and he was totally lost in a sensation that blocked all his reasoning. He wanted her, just like that day in his kitchen. He wanted her as he’d never wanted a woman before. That scared him. He was losing something he always had—control.

Taking a long breath, he rested his forehead against hers. “You’d better go while you still can.”

“Maybe I don’t want to.” Her dreamy, husky voice wrapped around him.

“Mmm.” He ran his tongue along her lower lip.

The ringing of the phone was like a douse of cold water.

“Damn. I have to get it. It might be important.” He released her and moved toward the phone. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her slip out the door. “Grace…”

He restrained himself from going after her, realizing they needed time. Suddenly his world was looking a whole lot better.

That T-shirt was right.

CHAPTER NINE
GRACE WENT TO SLEEP with a smile on her face, but by morning the smile had disappeared. Was she going to be like hundreds of other women, waiting for him to call? Sadly she wasn’t too clear on the rules of dating. But she’d read enough magazines to know that one kiss didn’t guarantee he’d call—even though it was one hell of a kiss.

Last night had been magical, like something out of a movie. She could be heading for a heartache, but she didn’t care. Excitement simmered in her veins and she felt young and a little crazy.

She quickly dressed in a black sleeveless dress and a black-and-white matching jacket. Brushing her hair, her hand paused. She wasn’t going to spend the day waiting for a phone call. It was a kiss, Grace. Get over it.

At least they’d reached an amicable peace. She wouldn’t obsess about what happened next. She’d be too busy.

In her office, she went over her schedule. The meeting with Derek Mann was at two. She needed to talk to Byron before then. She had reservations he might be able to explain.

Nina buzzed through. “Ms. Whitten, Chuck is here.”

“Send him in.” This was excellent timing—she needed something concrete to substantiate her doubts, or facts to put them to rest.

As she waited she stared at the phone, wondering if Tuck was going to call. So much for not obsessing. How was she going to keep her mind on business?

The door opened and Chuck walked in. His rumpled clothes looked as if he’d slept in them. He laid a file on her desk. “Everything in that file is false. Derek Mann’s career was bought and paid for by Emmett Cavanaugh.” Right to the point—she liked that about Chuck.

Grace opened the file. “You mean the East Texas oil tycoon and billionaire?”

“The one and only.” Chuck eased onto the edge of a chair.

“What’s the connection?”

“Stepson. Clarissa Perez Mann married Cavanaugh twenty years ago when he was fifty-two and she was thirty-two. Her son was fifteen at the time.”

Grace closed the file. “Give it to me in a nutshell.”

“Derek was always in trouble. His father is out of the picture, serving time for a failed armed bank robbery. Clarissa is a very beautiful Latina and Cavanaugh was captivated with her. He wasn’t crazy about the son but they came as a package deal. Derek failed all through Baylor, but he managed to graduate with stellar grades, same in law school. Cavanaugh’s money is all over the campus. Can’t prove anything, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out.”

Chuck reached for the antacids in his pocket and popped a couple into his mouth. “The last year of law school there was a wild party with drugs in his apartment. He was arrested for rape. The charges were quickly dropped and Mann was moved rather abruptly to Houston. You can guess how he got a law degree. My sources tell me Cavanaugh paid someone to take the bar for him. After that, Mann got some pretty impressive jobs with judges who owed Cavanaugh favors. At the last job, in Boston, Mann beat up a young woman rather badly. Again, the charges were dropped, but he no longer has a job at that firm. That’s been a pattern. Seems no one is immune to the big bucks. It bought Derek Mann a rather impressive career.” Chuck waved a hand, munching on antacids. “Look at the photos in the back of the file.”

Grace gaped at the face of a battered young woman. The left side of her face was black, blue and purple. Her eye was swollen shut.

“That’s what he did to a young clerk in the Boston law firm. She’s now living in Florida in the lap of luxury and Cavanaugh is trying to get Mann to Texas, closer to his mama.”

Grace leaned back in her chair, never expecting anything like this. “How did you get this information?”

Chuck rubbed his hands together. “Mostly by asking. My friend at the police station knew an officer in Waco who worked the rape case. I can’t prove much of anything. The records are gone, but where you find Cavanaugh’s money being spent in a big way, you’ll find Mann in some sort of trouble. Mann’s bad news.”

“Thank you, Chuck.” She leaned forward. “I really appreciate this.”

“No problem.” He stood. “If you need evidence, it’s gone, especially in Texas. Boston had some, like those pictures, mainly because an officer held on to them.”

“I don’t have to prove it in a court of law,” she told him. “I just needed to know.”

Chuck nodded and walked out.

Her father’s motives became clear now. There had been a lot of changes in Washington and evidently his seat in Congress was in jeopardy. Emmett Cavanaugh’s support and backing could assure Stephen of a win. But at what price?

Grace did not want Derek Mann in her law firm. And it was her law firm. She had to make that perfectly clear.

Talking to Byron was out of the question now. She knew without a doubt that Byron was in on her father’s plans. Pity he didn’t see fit to tell her. Anger curled through her stomach. Because she was a woman and his daughter, Stephen thought he could use and manipulate her to his benefit, as always. The meeting this afternoon was going to be very interesting. She was so glad she’d gone with her gut and checked out Mr. Mann.

Her cell buzzed and she jumped. She was so deep in thought that it startled her. She clicked on, not looking to see who it was.

“Good morning, Grace.” The deep voice filled her ear and all her anger dissipated.

“Good morning.” He’d called.

“You left in rather a hurry last night.”

“I didn’t want to appear too obvious.”

She could feel him smiling and her pulse raced.

“Are you free this evening?”

“Yes.” She’d waited four years for this invitation. No way was she being coy or using an excuse to look at her schedule. She’d rearrange, reschedule or whatever it took to spend time with him.

“Good. Would you like to go out for dinner and dancing at a real Texas honky-tonk? And I promise music this time.”

“Doesn’t matter,” she found herself saying. “I liked the music we had last night.”

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. “I guess you have to work today?”

She laughed a sound that warmed her whole body. “Yes.”

“Me, too. I’m on my way to see Brady, to say goodbye. I don’t know if he’ll understand but I still have to do it.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“I know, and that means a lot. I’ll pick you up about seven. Is that okay?”

“Wonderful.”

Grace clicked off and held the phone to her face for a moment. He’d called and she couldn’t believe how good that made her feel.



TUCK SAT AT THE SMALL TABLE in the hospital playroom watching Brady stack building blocks. The sores on his scalp were healing and Tuck hoped the scars on his soul were, too.

“Hey, buddy, could we talk for a minute?”

Brady looked at him with big eyes.

Jennifer walked in. “Snack time.” She placed animal crackers and apple juice on the table.

“Thank you,” Tuck said. “Double shift today?”

“Yes, a nurse called in sick.” Jennifer shook her head, watching Brady and Tuck. “There’s something wrong with that judge’s thinking.”

“We all want what’s best for Brady,” he told her.

“Yes.” Jennifer didn’t say another word and quietly left.

Brady sucked on the straw in the apple juice while Tuck opened the crackers. Brady suddenly tried to yank them out of his hand.

Tuck held them out of Brady’s reach, pointing a finger at him to get his attention. “No,” he said sternly. “Be nice and I’ll give you one.”

Today it worked. Brady didn’t hit or slap him, but waited patiently for the cracker. Tuck gave it to him and he munched away.

“Would you like to have a tea party, buddy? No, well, I don’t think guys have tea parties, anyway. Katie has tea parties.” But you’ll never know her. “And Beau and Zoe have tea parties.” You’ll never know them, either.

Tuck handed him another cracker. “Soon you’ll have new parents who will love you and they will never hurt or abandon you. You’ll live in a nice home, have all the toys you want and never go hungry again.” He felt the thickness in his throat and swallowed it back. “I won’t be coming back, Brady. I hope you understand that I’m not abandoning you. I would never do that. I hope someday someone will tell you that I hung in to the end. You won’t remember, but I will.”

He swallowed again. “This is goodbye, buddy.”

Brady held out his hand for another cracker and Tuck’s heart almost pounded out of his chest. That one simple action showed Tuck that Brady was hearing and interacting in his own way. He placed several crackers in Brady’s outstretched hand. Brady poked them into his mouth.

“Goodbye, Brady,” Tuck said and rose to his feet.

Brady ran and grabbed a ball and rolled it to Tuck.

Tuck winced inwardly. Brady, don’t do this. Not today. I have to be able to walk out of here.

With his foot, he rolled the ball back. He was grateful when Jennifer appeared. He raised his hand in farewell at the door before he walked away.

Brady just stared forlornly after him, hugging the ball tightly to his chest.

Tuck poked the elevator button with a hand that shook slightly. At that moment he knew that Lisa and Keith Templeton could not love Brady more than he did.

That was a reality he had to live with.



GRACE AND BYRON were meeting before the interview with Mann to go over his rйsumй and their interview strategy. She was ready. Her father hadn’t called all morning and Grace thought that a little strange considering what she knew. Maybe Stephen had just promised Cavanaugh an interview for his stepson. But Grace knew better than that. The political scratching of one’s back required a lot more than perfunctory gestures.

It didn’t matter. She was fully prepared to handle the situation.

She opened the door to the boardroom and stopped short. Her father sat at the table with Byron. So that’s why he hadn’t called. He was here in person.

Stephen got up and kissed Grace’s cheek. “Hi, sweetheart.”

She didn’t return the kiss. “What are you doing here, Dad?”

He shrugged. “Your mother wanted to see Jesse and I thought I’d come into the city to make sure the interview goes smoothly.”

Grace laid her briefcase on the table. “And you doubt my ability to do that?”

“Oh, no, sweetheart.”

“Then what are you doing here?”

A look passed between Byron and her father.

“I think you’re unaware of the clout and the prestige Mann will bring to the firm.”

“I’m very aware of what Mann will bring to this firm. I did my homework, Dad. You taught me that.” She snapped open her briefcase and the sound resonated around the room. Pulling out Derek Mann’s folder, she threw it onto the table. Several photos of battered girls slipped out. “Let’s talk about Derek Mann.”

Another look passed between Stephen and Byron.

“Stop looking at Byron. He’s your lapdog and will do your bidding, even attempt to warm me up for this atrocious farce.”

“Sweetheart, you’re upset.”

“Yes, I’m upset that you’re trying to manipulate me. You have nothing to do with this law firm anymore, so I’m asking once again, what are you doing here?”

“Grace…”

“I make all hiring decisions on what I feel is right for this firm. Me, Dad, not you, I make decisions based on facts and performances. Using those criteria, Derek Mann is not even on the page.”

Stephen was silent for a moment, but Grace knew her father never admitted defeat. He was known for his bulldog tendencies, especially when his career was at stake. “This is important to me, Grace.”

“Then tell me the truth.”

“Things are changing all over the country. People want change. I’m just doing what I’ve always done, fighting to keep my position in Congress. I thought my daughter would be glad to help.”

“Maybe she would be if you had treated her like an adult and told her the truth.”

“I’m telling you now.” His chin jutted out. “So Mann’s a little off the wall. He can be controlled. Cavanaugh assured me of that.”

She looked at this man who was her father. She’d idolized him, wanting to walk in his footsteps. But today she got a glimpse of her hero with feet of clay. Truth was an evasive tactic politicians used to their own advantage. Most of the time no one saw through it, but Grace had a clear view now.

Stephen knew her weakness—his approval. Everything she’d done in her life she’d done to obtain his approval and he’d used it for his own ends. She was his puppet, keeping the law firm running just the way he wanted.

Those responsibilities were the chains that bound her. Those were the chains making her so restless, so unsure of her life. She’d had a glimpse of what life was all about, a little boy who needed love and a man’s kiss that made her feel alive.

Without a second thought, she drew out a piece of paper from her briefcase and began to write, talking as she scribbled. “I will not hire Derek Mann. I will not jeopardize the reputation of this firm and I certainly will not jeopardize the safety of the women working here.” She handed the paper to her father. “If you’re so set on hiring Mann, then you’ll have to do it yourself. I resign and turn the firm back to you. I’m done.” Grabbing her briefcase, she headed for the door.

“Grace, come back here,” her father shouted, but she kept walking.

She didn’t go to her office. There was nothing there she needed. She took several cleansing breaths and let them out, feeling liberated, feeling free. Jumping into her car, she drove away. Everything she’d worked for, everything she’d thought was her life was behind her.



GOING TO HER APARTMENT was out of the question. Her parents would eventually show up there, trying to make her change her mind, trying to make her see reason, as she was sure they would put it. Everything had to be sacrificed for her father’s career. That was the Whitten mantra, but not anymore. She would not sacrifice her integrity.

It had taken her years to get to this point. The dutiful, good daughter had rebelled. Caroline had done it years ago, but it had taken Grace a little longer. She had to be her own person now, find her way. She was starting over. Being unemployed would terrify most people, but discovering the real Grace hidden inside was suddenly her most important priority. Fortunately, she had a healthy bank account and she intended to use it wisely.

Without realizing it, she found she was driving south on the I-35. She passed the round Holiday Inn and Fiesta Gardens before she crossed the bridge over Town Lake. She took an exit and stopped, got out and sat on a bench, watching the easy movement of the water. This peace, this quiet was what she needed. The wind tossed her hair and she breathed in the scent of the fresh outdoors. People were headed for the walking and biking trails, but she hardly noticed them.

Her cell kept buzzing. She finally checked the callers. Her father—five times. Her mother—four times. And Caroline—three. She didn’t want to worry her sister so she called her back.

“Grace, where are you?”

“I’m fine, Caroline.”

“Tell me where you are and I’ll come so we can talk. Mom will stay with Jesse. Just you and me, like old times.”

“I don’t need to talk. I know what I’m doing.”

“Grace, your life is that firm. You can’t just walk away from it.”

“I really thought it was and I really thought Dad trusted my abilities to make it one of the best law firms in Texas.”

“He does.”

“No. I’m a puppet for him. He still controls everything from Washington. I finally can see I’m just a figurehead like everyone said from the start.”

“Grace, Dad is worried sick. He even has Charley looking for you. You and Dad can work this out. I know you can.”

“How many times did you try to work it out with Dad?”

There was a slight pause. “That’s different. I’m stubborn.”

“So am I.”

“Grace…”

“There’s a big world out here and for once I’m going to live my life my way. I don’t need Daddy’s approval anymore. I haven’t been happy for a long time, Caro, and that’s what I want…to feel happy with my life and myself. I’ll be in touch.”

“Grace…”

She clicked off and sat staring at Austin in the distance. Everything was the same, yet so different. If her father had Charley on her trail, then it was only a matter of time before he found her.



TUCK WAS DRESSED for the evening in his starched jeans, white shirt and dress cowboy boots. He called them his dancing boots and he intended to dance the night away.

He splashed a bit of aftershave on his cheeks and winced at the scent. Damn, that was strong. Sam barked at the smell.

“Don’t like it, huh?”

Sam barked again.

He grabbed a washcloth and wiped it off. “How’s that?”

Sam sprinted for the kitchen. “What…?” Then he heard Eli’s voice and followed Sam more slowly. Eli sat at the table bouncing Jesse on his knees, the diaper bag on the floor. He glanced up as Tuck entered the room.

“Whoa.” One eyebrow shot up. “You must be going out.”

“Yep. I have a date.”

“Well, Jesse and I were hoping you needed some company, but I can see that you don’t.”

“Caroline tired again?”

“No. The Whittens are at my house and all hell is breaking loose. Grace resigned from the Whitten Law Firm today.”

Tuck’s head jerked up. “What?”

“I’m not clear on all the details, but evidently Stephen and Grace had a disagreement over hiring some lawyer. Grace resigned and walked out. Stephen has the company P.I. looking for her.”

“You mean no one knows where she is?”

“No. I didn’t offer to help. I figure Grace can take care of herself.”

“Why do you talk about her in that tone of voice? She does have feelings and she’s very vulnerable.”

Eli frowned. “Uh…I…what did you say?”

Clearly he’d thrown Eli for a loop with his response, but he didn’t have time to explain. He reached for his dress Stetson and placed it on his head. “I’ve got to go. Stay as long as you want.”

“Tuck…”

He kissed Jesse and walked out.

His one goal was to find Grace.

CHAPTER TEN
BACKING OUT of his driveway, Tuck glanced at his watch. Six-thirty. In the turmoil of her day, had Grace forgotten about their date? He’d thought of very little else. What had happened to make her walk away from everything she’d worked for? With a little luck, Grace would be at her apartment getting ready.

She wasn’t.

In his car, he called the highway patrol station where Tuck’s office was located. “Stan, I need a favor.”

“Tuck, don’t you ever quit working?”

“My date’s run out on me and I need to find her.”

“You single guys have all the fun.”

“Seriously, Stan, I need to find this woman. Her name is Grace Whitten and she drives a white Lexus. Put it through the system and see if you can bring up her license number. Alert the patrol and let me know if they spot her car. Don’t stop her, just let me know.”

“You got it. I’ll be in touch.”

“Thanks, Stan.” He clicked off wondering where Grace could have gone.

And why she hadn’t called him.



GRACE HAD NO IDEA where she was going. When she looked around, she saw she was near the hospital. She wondered about Brady and if Tuck’s goodbye had affected him, or if he even understood. It was none of her business, she kept telling herself. She was no longer with the Whitten Firm. Somehow, that didn’t stop her from turning onto the street leading to the hospital.

Grace approached the pediatric ward, nodding to the woman at the desk. “Hello, Jennifer.”

Jennifer glanced up. “Ms. Whitten. You just missed your clients.”

“Oh?”

“They put Brady in his crib and they’ve gone for the evening. Mrs. Templeton said they’d be back at ten in the morning.”

“Brady’s down for the night?”

Jennifer looked at the clock on the wall. “Hardly. It’s barely six-thirty, but Mrs. Templeton said she wanted to get him into a routine of going to bed early.”

“I see.” But she didn’t. And Grace was sure this wasn’t what the judge had meant by providing Brady with stability.

“May I see him, please?”

Jennifer arched an eyebrow. “Why?”

“I want to see how he’s doing. Do you have a problem with that?”

Grace expected a comeback, and she got it. “I have a problem with the whole situation. Tuck said goodbye to Brady this morning and Brady’s been violent ever since. Brady may not respond or understand much, but he knows he’s never going to see Tuck again.”


“What do you mean by violent?” Grace was trying to keep her cool, to get some answers.

“He’s hitting and biting again. He’d stopped the biting, but today he’s taking a piece out of everybody. Mrs. Templeton hung in there. I have to give her credit for that. I personally think she was exhausted and that’s why they went home so early.”

Grace thought about this for a moment. “I assume you are keeping a record of all of this.”

“Oh, you bet I am.”

“Good. I’m going to check on Brady.”

“Suit yourself.”

“I will, and thank you.”

She walked across the hall and opened the door to the ward. The woman sat by her little girl’s bedside, flipping through a magazine. Another baby, not even a year old, lay in another bed. Brady sat in his bed, holding his stuffed dog.

“Hi,” she said to the woman, and moved toward Brady.

“Be careful,” the woman warned. “Brady’s not in a good mood today.”

“I heard.” She walked to the crib. “Hi, Brady.”

Brady rose to his feet and started toward her, a gleam in those dark eyes.

Grace held up a finger. “Don’t even think about biting me,” she told him, smiling. “I have sensitive skin and it would hurt.” She leaned in slightly. “And you want to hear a secret? I don’t take pain very well and I’d cry. Big tears would roll down my cheeks.” She tilted her head sideways and made a sad face. “Don’t make me cry.”

The corners of Brady’s mouth twitched and he sank to the bed.

“My, those eyelashes are much longer in the daylight, Brady. And I think we really need to trade. You can have my stubby ones and I could have your gorgeous ones. What do you think?” She blinked her eyes several times.

Brady reached up and touched his eye with one finger.

“I’ve never seen him do that before,” the woman said. “He’s interacting with you.”

Grace held out her hand. “Hi, I’m Grace Whitten.”

The woman shook her hand. “Barbara Wilcott. You’re one of the lawyers for the Templetons.”

“Yes.”

“Lisa was with Brady most of the day and she had a rough time. Maybe you need to give her some tips.”

Grace smiled. “I have a small nephew so I’ve learned to speak their language. Lisa will get the hang of it.”

“I suppose.”

She glanced at the baby in the bed. “How’s your little girl?”

“I don’t know. They removed a brain tumor days ago. We’re waiting for her to wake up. It’s taking so long, though.”

That sad voice tore at Grace’s heart. “What’s her name?”

“Molly.”

Molly’s head was completely bandaged and Grace stared at the cherub face. “She’s so pretty.”

“Yes. She’s my baby. I have three boys at home.”

“Who takes care of them?” Grace realized that was none of her business, but the words had slipped out.

“My mom is helping my husband. It’s been a rough time.”

Grace looked at the tired lines on Barbara’s face, the worry in her eyes. But she also saw the selfless, unconditional love. Her clothes were rumpled, her hair uncombed but her heart was solid gold.

Grace felt she had to do something to help Barbara. That feeling came out of nowhere and it surprised her. It didn’t stop her, though.

“Why don’t you go to the cafeteria for a good meal and I’ll sit with Molly.”

“Oh, no, I don’t leave her. I only go to the bathroom and the nurses let me use the one in this room. I have to be here when she wakes up. I don’t want her to be afraid.”

“Then I’ll go down and get you something.”

“I don’t want your charity,” Barbara snapped, her face slightly flushed. “I’m sorry…I…”

“It’s okay.” Grace immediately knew the problem. Barbara didn’t have any money to go to the cafeteria. Molly’s medical bills had probably drained them financially.

“If my husband has time, he’ll bring something. If not, the nurses always bring snacks. Don’t worry about it.”

“Oh, but I do.” Surprising herself even more, Grace held up a foot encased in a Manolo high heel. “I paid six hundred dollars for these shoes. So, you see, I’m a little crazy. And at the moment I’m feeling selfish, self-centered and out of touch with what’s really important in this world.”

Barbara looked back at her, shocked.

“I’m going downstairs to buy your dinner.” She held up a hand as Barbara began to protest. “It’s not charity. It’s a token for women like you who have their goals and priorities straight. If you feel the need to repay me, maybe you can keep an eye on Brady and help Lisa as she tries to become his mother. Because I have a feeling you’ve written the book on motherhood.”

“Oh, I’d be happy to.”

Grace nodded and headed for the door. The cafeteria was serving chicken spaghetti with green beans, garlic bread and a salad. Grace bought the works and topped it off with chocolate pie and iced tea.

Carrying the food down the hall, she met Jennifer. “You can’t carry food into the ward.”

“How does Barbara eat?”

“She eats mostly sandwiches. We allow her to do that.”

She could see Jennifer was going to be hard-nosed about this. “Is there a room with a table where she can eat a decent meal?”

“It’s at the end of the hall on the other wing and I can tell you she’s not going that far.”

“There has to be a table somewhere.”

Jennifer hesitated for a second. “There’s one for the nurses behind the nurses’ station.”

“Perfect.”

“But it’s only for nurses.”

Grace looked her in the eye. “Barbara hasn’t had a decent meal in days. Are you going to deprive her of that?”

“It’s against hospital policy.”

Grace wasn’t listening. She walked around Jennifer and into a lounge with a refrigerator, microwave, small sofa, four chairs and a table. “Perfect,” she said, and placed the food on the table.

Jennifer watched from the doorway. “You know, you’re very pushy.”

“Actually, I’m known for it.” She threw the plastic bag into the garbage. “I’m pushy and bossy, but I get results. Remember that.”

Grace walked past her to the ward without another word.

Barbara was straightening Molly’s sheets, though they were already perfectly straight.

“Your dinner is in the nurses’ lounge,” Grace told her.

“Oh, thank you, but I can’t leave Molly.”

“The lounge is across the hall in a small room, within shouting distance. I’ll watch Molly. If she moves a muscle, I will shout for you. I promise I’ll watch her closely.”

“It’s across the hall?”

“Yes. Now go. Your food is getting cold.”

“I…”

“Tell you what—I’ll leave this door open.” She took Barbara’s magazine and stuffed it beneath the door. “Now, even if I say your name, you’ll have no problem hearing me.”

“You’re a very unusual person,” Barbara said.

Grace knew she didn’t mean that in a bad way because she was smiling. Actually smiling. She gently pushed Barbara out the door and sat in her chair, staring at Molly.

“You can’t keep this door open.” Jennifer stood in the doorway. “It will disturb the other children.”

Grace took a deep breath and glanced around the room. Brady stood at his railing, watching everything. The other baby lay quietly, hooked to machines. “What’s wrong with that baby?”

“His father threw him against a wall. He’s brain-dead. The hospital is waiting for orders to pull his feeding tube.”

“Oh my God.” Grace felt a tremor run through her. Oh my God!

“We try to maintain quiet and order, Ms. Whitten, for everyone’s benefit, even if you don’t see that.”

“I’m sorry I disregarded your rules, but Barbara Wilcott needs a break. Ten minutes, Jennifer, that’s all I’m asking.”

Something changed in Jennifer’s expression. “That’s nice what you did for Barbara, but in ten minutes this door will be closed.”

“Thank you.”

Grace settled into her chair. Brady watched her. She waved at him but he didn’t respond. Her gaze kept going to the little baby, so still, so alone. How could someone do that?

Molly slept so peacefully, like an angel. Suddenly tears stung the backs of her eyes—the emotional overload had finally hit her. But she knew this moment, sitting in this room with these children, was very meaningful. Everything else paled into insignificance.

And that was probably the most real feeling she’d ever had.



GRACE SLID INTO HER CAR and glanced at her watch. Seven o’clock! She’d completely lost track of time. She needed to call Tuck. It seemed she’d been waiting her whole life for this date and she couldn’t miss it. Damn. She fished her phone out of her purse. What was Tuck’s cell number? Think. Think. She didn’t know it. Double damn.

Wait. He’d called her this morning so it would be on her caller ID. She flipped open her phone and searched her calls. Yes. There it was. She quickly punched in the number.

She started her car and drove out of the parking lot. “Hi, Tuck,” she said when he answered. “I haven’t stood you up if that’s what you’re thinking. I’m just running late.”

“Where are you? I can meet you.”

“I’m headed toward I-35. Oh, no.”

“What is it?”

“A highway patrolman is following me.”

“Is he stopping you?”

“I don’t…no, he’s passing me. Whew, that was close.”

“Where are you?”

She gave him her location.

“You can meet me at The Broken Spoke.” He gave her directions. “It’s a country dance hall—best dancing in Austin. Wait for me in the parking lot.”

“Okay.” She followed his directions and soon pulled into the graveled parking lot of The Broken Spoke—a big red barn with a large oak tree out front. And, of course, there was a wagon wheel with a broken spoke resting against the tree. Wagon wheels also adorned the long front porch and each side of the sign at the top of the building.

There was a very old broken-down bus with a Lone Star Beer sign painted on the side. Next to the bus was an ancient oil rig. She’d never been here and she had no idea what the bus and rig were about.

The marquee advertised the name of a band playing tonight. The place looked rustic and couples were going in, arm in arm. They were all dressed in jeans and boots. She had on a dress. Oh, well, she’d make the best of it. She wasn’t missing this date. She grabbed her purse, searching for her makeup.

Flipping on the light, she studied herself in the mirror. She looked tired, worried and a little excited. Her face was flushed and her hair resembled a bush, the wind doing a number on it at the lake. No one seemed to notice this at the hospital.

A car swung into the spot beside her. Charley, the firm’s P.I., got out. He’d found her. She pushed a button to roll down her window.

“Good evening, Ms. Whitten.” Charley bent to speak to her. In his early sixties, Charley was balding and about twenty pounds overweight. “Your father would like to speak to you.”

“Charley.” She heaved a deep sigh. “We’re not going to play games. I’ve spoken to my father and he knows how I feel. If he wants to continue the conversation, then I’ll be at my apartment in the morning. But tonight that conversation is not happening.” She touched the button and the window went up.

Charley saluted and went back to his vehicle. Her nerves were frayed. The emotional roller coaster she’d been on was about to slam into a solid wall and she felt powerless to stop it.

Grace saw Tuck drive into a parking spot and she quickly brushed her hair and applied lipstick. On a night when she wanted to be beautiful, she was a mess.

She watched as Tuck swung out his long legs and locked his car. Pocketing the keys, he strolled toward her. He moved in a sexy, loose-limbed sort of way. His shirt stretched across wide shoulders and his Stetson fit perfectly on his dark head, giving him a mysterious appeal. Her stomach tightened.

As he slid into the passenger seat, a tangy male scent filled the car. She swallowed.

“You okay?” he asked.

“I could really use a glass of wine.”



NEON BEER SIGNS, country music and laughter greeted them. Grace realized she was in a real Texas honky-tonk, another new experience. Pictures of celebrities from baseball player Bob Gill to singer Dolly Parton and patrons covered the walls.

Straight ahead was a dining room with a bar. She could see pool tables there, too. They sat at a table close together so they could hear each other above the chatter. It was a packed house tonight. She ordered a glass of Merlot and Tuck ordered a longneck. After a couple of sips, she relaxed. Looking into Tuck’s dark eyes she relaxed even more.

Tuck ordered chicken-fried steak and she selected a grilled chicken breast. During the meal they talked. She told him about her father and he understood her decision to resign. Then she told him about Brady and he was surprised.

“I think Jennifer is going to have me barred from the hospital.”

“I doubt it.”

She wondered about his relationship with Jennifer, but she didn’t ask. It didn’t matter.

She took a sip of wine. “I keep thinking there should be sofas in the ward or recliners so mothers could get some rest. If Caroline was there with Jesse, it would be totally unacceptable that she’d get no rest.”

“Grace, it’s an indigent hospital. There aren’t any luxuries. And if, God forbid, Jesse needed medical care, he would be in a state-of-the-art hospital with all the amenities because Caroline and Eli have insurance and they could afford it.”

“I know, but I feel something should be done.” She straightened her napkin in her lap. “I might look into it. I’m going to have a lot of time on my hands.”

“Do you have any idea what you’re going to do?”

“No. Right now I’m just feeling my way through.” She wiped her mouth and laid her napkin on the table. “The dinner was delicious but now I just want to dance.” They went through a door by the bar into a long dance hall with a stage at the back of the room. The band was playing “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere” and the crowd was singing along and shouting the punchline.

They took a table on the side of the dance floor and Grace slipped off her jacket and laid it on the back of her chair.

Tuck set their drinks on the table and took her hand, grinning. “Let’s dance.” His feet were already moving to the beat of the music.

As they reached the floor, the band eased into a slow George Strait two-step. “I won’t tell you what my shoes cost,” she said above the noise.

“Good idea.”

“And I don’t care if you step all over them.”

“I think you have a shoe fetish.”

She giggled and went into his arms as if she belonged there. One hand rested on his neck, the other was held firmly in his. Her body molded to his perfectly, sensuously. She felt every muscle, every sinew of his hard body. Her frayed nerves eased and she slid into the most wonderful feeling of her life—that feeling of knowing she’d found the man for her.

Tuck kissed the side of her face. “Feeling better?”

“Yes. Much.” The other couples on the floor seemed to fade away.

“You smell wonderful.”

“So do you.” She moved her head to smile at him.

“Sam didn’t like it. He ran into the other room.”

Her smile broadened. “What does a dog know?”

She locked her hands around his neck and he tightened his around her waist.

“We’re talking too much,” he whispered into her ear.

“Definitely.” She moved against him to the beat of the music. As she turned her head, their lips met in a slow, aching kiss. The music played on, but Grace didn’t hear it. All she heard was the beat of her heart against his, a magical sound that bound them together for this moment in time.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
THE NEXT MORNING Grace had coffee ready when her doorbell rang. She took a deep breath and opened the door. Her parents stood there. And to her surprise, so did Caroline. She didn’t think her sister would leave Jesse this early in the morning, but then she remembered it was Saturday and Eli was at home.

It was hard to keep her mind on business because she was floating about three feet off the ground. Last night had been wonderful. They’d shared a long kiss before she got into her car and drove home, alone. It was tempting to ask Tuck to her apartment, but they both knew it was too soon.

Her family walked into her living room without saying a word. She poured coffee and passed it around, not caring they were drinking coffee in her spotless white living room. Well, that wasn’t completely true, but she was forcing herself to be okay with it. She was still taking tiny steps. Each one was getting easier and easier, though.

Stephen sipped from a china cup, his eyes on Grace. Like a dutiful daughter, she waited for him to speak.

“I think you owe me an apology for running out yesterday. Byron had to handle the interview with Mann.”

She ran her thumb and forefinger over the handle of her cup, feeling the dutiful daughter suddenly disappear. “If you came here for an apology, you’re not going to get one.”

Her father frowned. “What’s wrong with you, Grace? You don’t seem to care about your family anymore.”

She carefully placed her cup on the silver tray, trying to maintain control without losing her temper. “Family has nothing to do with this. Your political career does.”

“That’s my life, Grace, and I expected my daughter to step up to the plate and do what she had to in a difficult situation.”

“You expected wrong, then.” She met his eyes squarely. “When you had your heart attack, you said the only thing that mattered was seeing your girls’ faces one more time. You said that in the scheme of your life, we were all that mattered. Was that a lie?”


“Of course not. And I resent…”

Joanna placed a hand on her husband’s arm. “You promised not to get upset.”

Stephen shrugged off her hand, his eyes on Grace. “You’ve had this dream career handed to you on a silver platter and this is the thanks I get. I feel like you’ve stabbed me in the back.”

Grace stood, some of her control slipping. “Maybe that’s it. The job was given to me—for a reason. I didn’t earn it. And lately I’ve felt the pressure of that. Please understand I’m not happy doing your bidding anymore. Byron can easily take over. I need some space and time to do my own thing.” She took a long breath. “I will not be coming back to the firm. That’s my final decision.”

Stephen got to his feet. “I expect this kind of behavior from Caroline, but not from you, Grace.”

“I’m sitting right here, Dad!” Caroline had been silent up until now.

“You know what I mean.”

“Sadly, yes, I do.” Caroline rose. “And for what it’s worth, I wouldn’t hire this guy, either.”

Stephen’s eyes bulged. “I can’t believe my ears. What type of daughters have I raised?”

“Daughters with integrity, pride and ethics,” Grace replied. “We got those qualities from our father, but he’s forgotten those essential, important characteristics.”

“How dare you…”

Joanna stood by her husband, rubbing his arm. “Stephen…”

He shook off her hand. “Stop mollycoddling me, Joanna. Sometimes you treat me like a child.”

“Maybe because sometimes you act like one,” Joanna shot back. “Have you ever thought that we raised intelligent, discerning women and that they’re right about Mann? He’s vile, and I’m telling you for about the hundredth time we can win this election without Cavanaugh’s money.”

“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about,” Stephen shouted.

“Fine.” Joanna reached for her purse. “I’m going home. I’ll call a cab from the street.” She glanced at Caroline’s and Grace’s stunned faces. “I’m sure my daughters can take care of themselves because that’s the way I raised them—independent and strong, able to stand up for the things they believe in.” With those words, she headed to the door.

“Joanna, don’t you dare walk out that door.”

Joanna kept walking; the door snapped shut behind her.

“Joanna!” When Stephen realized she wasn’t coming back, he quickly went after her.

Grace and Caroline stared at each other in shock. Their mother never stood up to their father. She was the quintessential politician’s wife, and always acquiesced to Stephen’s wishes.

“We need chocolate,” Caroline said, and headed for the kitchen.

Grace kept staring after her parents, not wanting to be the cause of a rift between them. But she wasn’t going back on her decision, either.

Caroline came back with a half gallon of Rocky Road and two spoons. She had a strange look on her face. “There’s a glass, two spoons and a fork in your sink,” Caroline said. “And there’s trash in the trash can.”

For anyone else that statement would sound very stupid, but not for Grace. She was known for not leaving dirty dishes in her sink, or anywhere else for that matter. And she emptied her trash daily. It was important to her to be clean, tidy, neat—perfect. But not anymore.

“There are clothes on the floor in the bedroom, too,” she told her sister.

“You’re joking.” Caroline ran into the bedroom. “Oh my gosh, you’re having a nervous breakdown.”

“I am not,” Grace said. “Bring that ice cream back in here.”

They sat cross-legged on the sofa eating ice cream out of the carton like when they were kids and their parents were away and the nanny was asleep.

“You made the right decision,” Caroline said in between mouthfuls. “Just in case you needed to hear that.”

Grace licked her spoon. “I didn’t know if I had enough strength to stand up to Dad, but it was quite easy. There was no way I’d hire Derek Mann.” She took a bite, savoring the almond and chocolate taste. “I was hoping Dad would trust my judgment. Wrong.”

“Yeah, what planet are you living on?”

Venus and Mars. Her eyes grew dreamy.

Caroline watched her. “So what’s going on with you?”

Grace stuck her spoon in the ice cream. “I’ve been visiting the pediatric ward and it has opened my eyes.”

Caroline licked her spoon, watching Grace. “How has it done that?”

“There’s this one woman who sits with her daughter, who had a brain tumor removed. The little girl hasn’t woken up yet and Barbara wants to be there when she does. She has three more children at home, so she doesn’t spend money on food for herself. Her kids might need it.” She paused. “I’ve never seen that kind of love before.”

“That’s a mother’s love.”

“I know, and then there’s the flip side. Brady, and what his mother did to him. There’s another baby in a crib who is brain-dead. His father threw him against a wall.”

“Oh, no!”

“It’s heartbreaking and eye opening to see all this.” Grace twirled her spoon in the ice cream. “I spend a fortune on shoes and clothes. Barbara and her family are barely getting by and what I spend on shoes alone they could live on for a month. That makes me feel selfish and worthless as a human being, and as a woman.”

“When I talked to you yesterday, you said you weren’t happy.”

“No, and I haven’t been for a long time, but when I’m on the pediatric ward I feel alive and needed.” She licked her spoon. “I know exactly how Tuck feels. He saw abused kids come through his home as a child. How could he not want to help? It’s second nature to him.”

Caroline paused in taking a bite. “You’re calling him Tuck now?”

“Yes. It’s something I should have done from the start.”

Caroline swallowed a mouthful. “I get the feeling things have changed between you and Tuck.”

Grace couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face. “We went dancing last night.”

“What?” Caroline sat up straight.

“We had a great time. We didn’t argue at all.”

“Oh, honey, please take it slow,” Caroline advised. “Tuck’s a wonderful man, but he’s not the marrying kind. He has plans and dreams in his head and there’s not much room for a woman. He’s the most self-sufficient man I know and that includes my darling of a husband.”

“We’re just getting to know each other. It’s been nice.” She heard the wistfulness in her voice.

Caroline lifted an eyebrow. “Thinking of sleeping with the enemy, huh?”

Grace grinned. “Maybe.”

“Good for you.” Caroline pointed her spoon at Grace. “You need some excitement in your life. I want to know all the details.”

“Oh, please.” Grace rolled her yes. “We’re not sixteen.”

“No.” Caroline laughed. “Thank God for that.”

Grace joined in the laughter, releasing the last of her pent-up emotions.

Caroline sobered. “You do realize Dad is going to keep pressuring you. He’ll make up with Mom and he’ll continue to try to get you back at the Whitten Law Firm.”

“I’m aware of his tactics. I can handle it.”

“I’m always here for you,” Caroline said.

“I know that.” Grace raised her spoon. “To sisters.”

Caroline tapped her spoon against Grace’s. “Sisters first—sisters always.”

That had been their slogan when they were kids and it still held true today.



AFTER CAROLINE LEFT, Grace sat for a long time thinking about her life. She wasn’t rushing into anything. She would take this time to get to know herself and find out what she wanted out of life. From now on everything she did would be her decision.

She thought about what Caroline had said about Tuck not being the marrying kind. Well, maybe she wasn’t, either. But she was willing to explore her options.

Later that afternoon, she headed to Tuck’s. He’d told her last night to let him know how the meeting with her father turned out and she wanted to do that in person. She drove into his driveway and saw he was at the barn, leaning on the corral watching a small boy riding a horse.

As she stepped out of her car, the spring day embraced her with a freshness that cleared her mind. She took a deep breath and the scent of budding trees and green grasses filled her lungs, boosting her spirits.

The wind ruffled her hair and she made no move to brush it back as she walked toward him. He wore jeans and a chambray shirt. Her heart wobbled at the sight of his tall, masculine figure.

Tuck watched her sashay toward him in tight-fitting jeans, her hips swinging with an easy rhythm. His lower abdomen tightened. A few days ago he was angry as hell at her. Today he couldn’t take his eyes off her.

All day he kept remembering the taste of her lips, the feel of her body against his. His eyes had strayed to the road several times looking for her white car. He couldn’t believe how much he wanted to see her.

“Hey, Tuck. Look at me,” Dillon shouted.

Tuck turned his attention to the boy. “You’re doing great. Use the reins to turn her just like I taught you.”

Dillon pulled on the reins and the horse turned. “This is fun.”

“Watch what you’re doing,” Tuck instructed.

Her perfume wafted to him a moment before he looked into her green eyes. He was beginning to associate that scent with her and it did crazy things to his senses. His head spun at the brightness in her eyes. The talk with her father must have gone well because she didn’t look upset. She looked wonderful, almost glowing.

“Hi.” She smiled, and his heart fluttered like a bird about to take flight.

“Hi,” he replied. “How did it go?”

She shrugged. “Not good. He doesn’t understand my position and I don’t understand his. We’re at an impasse.”

“So you’re unemployed?”

“Yes, but I’m okay with that.”

He watched the light in her eyes. “I can see that.”

“Hey, Tuck,” Dillon called.

“Come here.” Tuck motioned to the boy, who guided the horse closer to the fence.

“Dillon, I want you to meet Grace.”

Dillon raised a hand. “Hi, Grace.”

“Hi, Dillon.”

“I’m riding.”

“Very well, too.”

“Take the horse to the barn,” Tuck said. “It’s time to rub her down and feed her.”

“Yes, sir,” Dillon responded and slowly made his way into the barn.

“Is he one of the boys from Big Brothers?” she asked, and he sensed her nervousness.

“Yes. His father died from a drug overdose two years ago.”

“Oh, how sad.”

The only way he knew to put her at ease was to tell her about Dillon. “His mother, Sheila, wants a strong male role model in Dillon’s life so I spend a couple days a month with him or whenever he calls. But he’ll be leaving soon.”

“Why?”

“Sheila’s been estranged from her family since she ran away and married Lanny Gibbs against her parents’ wishes. They live on a farm in Kansas and her mother passed away about six months ago. Sheila’s sister tracked her down and it opened the lines of communication again. Her father asked her to come home and Sheila jumped at the invitation. She’s getting a second chance. And so is Dillon.”

Sam whined at Grace’s feet and without having to think about it she reached down and picked him up.

“I guess you know that’s a trick of his,” Tuck told her.

“Yes. I figured that out.” She stroked Sam until he was almost purring.

“Let’s go see what Dillon’s doing,” Tuck suggested.

“I’d better go,” she replied. “I’m sure you have plans.”

“You can’t join us?”

“No.” She shook her head. “That wouldn’t be fair to Dillon. This is his…”

Tuck reached for her hand and pulled her toward the barn. “Come on.” They walked into the barn. Dillon was undoing the saddle straps and Tuck helped him remove the saddle. Dillon ran for a bucket of feed and held it so the horse could eat, then Tuck handed Dillon a brush and together they rubbed down the horse.

“You stay here with Grace and I’ll put Dolly back in the pasture.” Tuck led the horse away, thinking it would give Grace and Dillon time to get acquainted. That was the best way to get to know the boy.

“Okay,” Dillon replied, and sat on a bale of hay.

Grace was unsure of what to say or do. This was a kid who’d been traumatized and whom Tuck had reached out to, one of many. What could she say to him? Words eluded her and she wished she’d called first. She clutched Sam a little tighter.

“I’m nine, almost ten,” Dillon said proudly.

“Oh, my, you’re getting so old.” Grace stared into his shining blue eyes and her nervousness eased. She eyed the bale of hay and wondered what kind of germs it held. She also wondered what kind of tiny furry creatures made this old barn their home—maybe even spiders. With strength born of sheer determination she walked over and sat by Dillon, refusing to squirm.

Another tiny step.

Dillon tipped back his cowboy hat and his blond hair poked out from underneath. “I know. I tell my mom that all the time.” Dillon looked at Sam in her lap. “He likes for you to pet him.”

“Yes, he does.” Grace scratched Sam behind his ears and felt comfortable doing it. But that urge to wash her hands was very strong.

“I like Tuck,” Dillon said suddenly.

“Is something wrong?” she asked, zeroing in on his sad expression.

“Do you ever have good and bad feelings at the same time?”

“Sure.”

“My mom and I are moving to Kansas to live with my grandpa. I’m happy about that ’cause my mom won’t have to work so hard and I’ll get to drive a tractor. But I’m sad ’cause I’ll never see Tuck again. He’s better than a daddy. He’s my best friend. I’ll miss him.”

“You can call him,” Grace said. Any awkwardness she felt suddenly vanished in her desire to ease Dillon’s sadness.

“That’s what Tuck told me. It gets really cold in Kansas. I can’t wait to see snow.” Dillon shifted gears quickly, as most kids did. He was sad at the thought of losing Tuck, but Grace knew he would adjust quickly to his new life.

“Who’s ready for pizza?” Tuck asked, strolling into the barn.

“Me.” Dillon jumped up.

“How about if we invite Grace to go with us?” Tuck spoke to Dillon, and Grace knew Tuck was letting Dillon make the decision so she’d feel comfortable.

“Sure,” Dillon answered without hesitation. “I bet I can beat you at video games.”

“You’re on,” Grace said, smiling.

They first went to the movies and saw a family film, eating a bucket of popcorn. Pizza was next on Dillon’s to-do list. Grace watched Tuck and Dillon play video games then Dillon insisted she play.

The moment was surreal. She glanced around at the families with kids, laughing, giggling, having fun. She, Grace Whitten, stood in sneakers and jeans with her hair disheveled. She had never felt happier in her life.

Her eyes caught Tuck’s and he smiled. Her heart skipped in the most pleasing way. So much had been missing from her life, but looking into his eyes she was sure she had found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.



IT WAS LATE when they took Dillon home. Sheila, Dillon’s mother, worked two shifts as a waitress on weekends and didn’t get off until eleven. Tuck told her that he never took Dillon home unless Sheila was there.

Dillon and his mom lived in government housing and Tuck pulled up to the curb of an apartment complex. Streetlights gave a shadowy view of the old brick two-story buildings.

“I had a great time,” Dillon said, leaning over the seat. “I’m glad you came, Grace. I so beat you at Hoop Fever.”

“Yes, you did.” Grace smiled.

A young woman came out of one of the downstairs apartments. She was thin and didn’t look more than eighteen, but Grace knew she was older.

“Oh, there’s Mom. Bye, Grace.”

“Bye,” she called.

Tuck followed Dillon up the sidewalk and shook hands with Sheila. He squatted and Dillon hugged him, holding on tight. Grace swallowed a lump in her throat. Each day she understood Tuck more and more—the selfless love and devotion he gave to kids like Dillon.

And to Brady.

A moment of guilt pierced her, and she wondered if Tuck had forgiven her for her part in the Templetons’ winning custody of Brady. Tuck didn’t hold grudges; she was sure of that. But still, she wanted to hear him say the words—that he didn’t blame her.

Tonight they had to talk. She had to know how he felt about her.

CHAPTER TWELVE
THE SILENCE on the drive home was nice, pleasant. Grace knew Tuck was thinking about Dillon and that he’d soon be leaving. Tuck gave so much of himself to these kids that she wondered if there was any room for a woman in his life. He truly was a special person—she was just beginning to see how special. Not many men could do what he was doing.

Tuck stopped at a red light. There was something sensual about riding in a pickup at night with a man. A man she was attracted to. The cab smelled of coffee, leather and pure masculinity, which was reinforced by a pair of spurs dangling from the rearview mirror.

“I know there’s a story behind those spurs.”

“Pa gave them to me when I got my first horse. He said, ‘Son, I’m giving you these spurs, but a real man doesn’t need spurs. All he needs is a gentle hand and a kind heart.’ No way was I going to use those spurs after he told me that, so I hung them in my room. When I got my first truck, I hung them on the rearview mirror and that’s been their resting place ever since.” The light turned green and Tuck drove on.

“Why do you think he gave them to you then?”

“Because I’d been asking for them. I saw cowboys wearing them in some old movies that Pa used to watch. I wanted to be a cowboy, but I’m sure Pa was trying to teach me one of life’s many lessons—a gentle hand and kind heart wins every time.”

“That’s the way you are with Dillon.”

“The way I try to be with all the boys I mentor.”

“Dillon is sad he’ll never see you again.”

“I know, but I’ll call him often. He’ll adjust.”

“But you’ll miss him.”

“Yes, but that’s life.”

She licked her lips. “Like Brady?”

He drove into his carport. “Yeah, like Brady.” He turned off the ignition. “Want to come in for a while? I have Oreo cookies.”

She wanted to talk about Brady, but now her mind was on other things. “I never turn down an Oreo.”

Climbing out of the cab, they went into the house. Tuck flipped on lights as he went. Sam scurried from the den, sliding on the hardwood floor in his haste to reach them. Dee followed more slowly.

Sam whined at her feet.

“Will you stop that, you big baby,” Tuck scolded, opening a cabinet. Sam wagged his tail, evidently knowing what Tuck was doing. He opened a couple of boxes of flavored snacks and handed Sam and Dee a treat. They gobbled them up. “Now back to bed, guys. It’s late.”

As if understanding every word, Sam and Dee trotted to the big dog basket in the den and curled up inside it together.

“They sleep together?” Grace had to ask.

“When Dee’s in the house, they do. They don’t know they’re supposed to be enemies.”

“Oh.” Grace nodded. “Caroline took pictures of the two of them. I remember her showing them to me.”

“She gave me one. It’s in my bedroom.” He opened the refrigerator. “Now for the milk and an Oreo or two.”

She kicked off her sneakers and sat cross-legged in a chair, feeling relaxed and at home. The thought shocked her, but only for a moment.

Tuck brought the loot to the table. Removing his hat, he sailed it toward a wooden hat rack. It landed perfectly on a hook.

“Wow. I’m impressed. You’re so talented.”

He popped off the top of a plastic milk container. “Sometimes I make it and sometimes I don’t,” he said, pouring two glasses of milk. “It doesn’t take talent, just luck.”

Opening the bag of cookies, Grace asked, “Did you buy these especially for me?”

“Yep.” His dark eyes twinkled. “I sure did, ma’am. My Ma taught me good manners and to always feed a lady.”

She giggled as she twisted off the top of an Oreo. The sound was scintillating to Tuck’s ears. He’d never heard her laugh so carefree, so young at heart. Her tongue darted out to lick the sweet filling and he watched, captivated. If anyone had told him a month ago that Grace Whitten would be sitting in his kitchen eating cookies and milk and looking sexier than he’d ever seen her, he would’ve asked what they were drinking.

“It’s very quiet out here. No traffic noises,” she commented, dunking a cookie.

He dunked a cookie and took a bite. “Sometimes I’ll have a kid who has a real bad attitude, hates cops and life in general. I bring him out here and something about the outdoors, the peace and the serenity gets to him. It calms him down enough to see that I’m not a bad person.”

“Do you mentor a lot of boys?”

“I have Micah Somers, Pablo Martinez and Dillon. Micah’s twelve and lives with his mother’s mother. His dad beat his mom to death in front of him. He’s filled with a lot of resentment and sadness, rightly so. But he’s into sports and he’s really good at it, especially baseball. We go to a lot of sporting events. His grandmother worries about him so she likes to have a lawman around to keep him on the straight and narrow.” He took a swallow of milk.

“Pablo’s fourteen and also lives with his grandparents. His mother is in a Huntsville prison for killing his dad and his dad’s girlfriend. Pablo had a lot of anger and he just wanted to hurt somebody. I got him involved in wrestling and he’s now on a team in school. I just offer guidance, encouragement and steer him in the right direction.”

He ran his thumb over the rim of his glass. “I told the supervisor of Big Brothers that I wouldn’t be taking on any more boys because I was planning to adopt Brady. Since that’s fallen through, I guess I need to call her back.”

“Could we talk about that?”

His eyes met hers. “What about it?”

She took a deep breath. “Do you blame me for losing Brady?”

He shifted uneasily, bringing those raw emotions to the surface and admitting the truth to himself. “You had nothing to do with my losing Brady. I have a high-risk job and I’m single. That’s why I lost Brady.” He meant every word. At first, he’d been upset with her, but something about sitting on the floor in the hospital eating Oreo cookies enabled him to see Grace in a new way, as a woman who cared.

Grace moved restlessly in her chair, feeling a release that was hard to describe. “Have you ever thought of getting married?” The words slipped out of their own volition and she couldn’t snatch them back.

“A couple of times,” he answered, to her surprise.

“What happened?” She nibbled on a cookie, waiting with bated breath.

Tuck stared at the milk carton. “Our goals in life were different. The moment I mentioned taking in foster kids, the relationships changed.”

“So you decided to go it alone?”

“Yeah, but that’s not working too well.” He swallowed back the rest of his milk.

She sat up straighter and dived into treacherous waters. “Do you think you have this need to help children because you feel your parents would want you to? I know you love doing it,” she added hastily. “But I have to wonder why you’d give up having a life, having your own kids, to do so.”

She braced herself for a sharp retort, but he didn’t say anything for a moment, then he shook his head. “I don’t know, Grace. All I know is that I have to do it.” His eyes darkened. “I guess you had to have lived in this house and witnessed all the kids who came through here needing shelter, needing someone to care.”

“Have you ever thought of having kids of your own?” She was pressing her luck now, but he didn’t seem upset.

“Sure, when I was younger.” He picked up the milk container and carried it to the refrigerator. “And if I’m honest I’d have to admit that when I look at Jesse, I wonder how it would feel to look into the face of my own child. That’s a selfish male reaction. I know it would be the same as looking at Brady or Dillon.”

She carried the rest of the cookies to him. “Do you know that you’re a wonderful man?”

Putting the cookies in the pantry, he asked, “Care to back up those words, ma’am?”

She lifted an eyebrow. “How?”

“Dancing.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her into the den. The big-screen TV and stereo system were in a wall unit. Tuck poked buttons and a beautiful slow waltz wafted around the room. He moved the area rug back, flipped off the light and darkness surrounded her. The light from the kitchen streamed through, but otherwise they were enclosed in a world all their own.

In a corner, a grandfather clock chimed the midnight hour as the music played. “I think you have a thing about dancing,” she murmured, almost afraid to speak in case it broke the magical spell around her.

“I do,” he replied. “I love to dance.” His arms slipped around her and she wrapped hers around his neck, pressing her body into his. They moved slowly to the beat of the music and Grace shivered.

“You’re trembling,” he whispered against her hair.

“I think I’m a little afraid of what’s happening between us.” She hadn’t realized what she was feeling until she heard herself say the words.

“What’s happening?”

“I don’t know. Maybe that’s what I’m afraid of.”

They moved in unison to the music as close as two people could get with their clothes on. “Tell me what you’re feeling,” he said.

She took a deep breath. “I never want to leave your arms,” she admitted honestly, laying her head on his chest.

“And I don’t want you to,” he replied just as honestly.

“So what do we do?” she asked, pressing closer, needing to feel every inch of him.

“Let me kiss you one more time.”

She raised her head. “What…” The words were smothered beneath his lips. As he deepened the kiss, she gave herself up to him and the sensations he was awakening in her.

Finally, he broke the kiss and rested his face in the curve of her neck. “I say let’s take a chance and explore these new feelings. Let’s see where they’ll take us. Are you game?”

It wasn’t a declaration of love. She’d be lying to herself if she said she didn’t want to hear those words. She wanted a relationship with Tuck, though, and this is where it started. It was her decision.

“I’m game.”

He raised his head and ran his forefinger over her bottom lip. “Are you sure? You’ve been going through an emotional upheaval. We can…dance…later.”

She stepped back and threaded her fingers through her hair. “That’s not exactly the response I expected.”

“What did you expect?”

“I expected you to rip off my clothes in eagerness.”

“Grace, I’m forty-two and I’ve never ripped off a woman’s clothes. I never needed to.”

She winced. “Sorry. Can you tell I’m new at this?”

“I think you’ve been watching too much television. Making love is about mutual need and gratification. It’s about respect, caring and…”

“Tuck, please make love to me.”

He held out his hand. “Come here. Let’s slow dance in the dark.”

She drifted back into his arms, not sure if her feet were touching the floor.

“Relax, Grace. Relax,” he breathed against her face, and she felt herself floating into a world of pure pleasure. The music played on, but all Grace heard was the wild beating of her heart in her ears, all she felt was his breath in her hair and his muscles imprinted against her body.

She trembled again and Tuck took her hand and led her to the bedroom. Moonlight streamed through the windows, the only light in the darkened room. He gave her a slow, lingering kiss and her knees almost buckled.

“After tonight, our relationship will change,” he whispered, his words thick.

“I know,” she said as she undid the buttons on his shirt.

Her hands splayed across his bared chest and desire filled him—along with disbelief. He wanted to sleep with the enemy. For years that’s how he’d thought of her, although lately he saw a desirable woman he couldn’t get out of his head—a woman soft, warm and pleasing. Things were happening too fast, though. He needed to stop. They had to talk.

Whenever he’d had doubts, he’d never had a problem stopping. Tonight he couldn’t. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted anyone. Her lips touched his skin and all rational thought left him.

He slipped her T-shirt over her head, threw it on the floor and unsnapped her bra. He touched her breasts, stroking, caressing as they removed the rest of their clothes. He struggled with his boots. It only took a few seconds, but it wasn’t fast enough.

Skin on skin, they fell backward to the bed. She giggled and something akin to a laugh left his throat. He held her against his body, loving her soft, silky skin and his reaction to it. His body erupted with desire, need and unadulterated passion. He kissed her lips, her throat and her breasts, then trailed his lips down to the smoothness of her stomach. A moan escaped her as his tongue traveled farther.

Her hands eagerly sought the hardened muscles of his body. With fingers stroking and tongues tasting, they discovered new and exciting sensations.

When Tuck knew he had reached his limit, he reached for a condom in the nightstand and quickly sheathed himself. His hand shook with an eagerness he hadn’t felt in years.

She reached for him and as his lips met hers, he slid between her legs and into a vortex of pleasure he only thought he knew about. Her body welcomed him with a warmth and need that erased all thoughts.

As his body exploded into a spasm of pleasure inside her, he heard her sigh raggedly, “Oh, Jeremiah.”

Her body trembled and shuddered as they danced the dance as old as time.

There would never be a moment like this again—their first time.

He raised his head to look into her passion-filled eyes and caught his breath at the sheer beauty of her face. Kissing her swollen lips, he whispered, “You can call me Jeremiah any time you want.”

She smiled and her eyes sparkled like emeralds.

Grace touched his face, her fingers feeling the stubble on his jaw. She floated somewhere between reality and fantasy. They were both damn good. She never knew sex could be like this. It was a lot more than sex, though. To her, it was love and she wanted to say the words to him, but she knew he wasn’t ready.

She wondered if he ever would be.

She wouldn’t think about that tonight. She would just enjoy this wonderful man and the way he made her feel.

Like a desirable woman.

Pulling her into his arms, he reached for the comforter and covered them. Snug in his embrace she understood what giving herself to one man totally and completely was about. It was wonderful, fabulous and nothing she’d ever do again would match it.

Now she knew why Caroline smiled all the time. Grace would be smiling now, too. She knew the secret and she savored this moment out of time. This moment that belonged to her and Tuck.

To her and Jeremiah.



GRACE WOKE UP to a wet kiss and bad breath. Opening one eye, she was relieved to see Sam licking her face.

“Get down, boy,” Tuck said, raising up on one elbow.

Sam hung his head and turned to jump off the bed.

Grace grabbed him, unable to withstand that pitiful face. “It’s okay.” She stroked him and scooted up in bed.

Tuck watched her. “Do you realize that a few weeks ago you couldn’t stand for him to touch you?”

“I’m changing,” she replied, and glanced at the rumpled bed, his warm eyes and tousled hair. For a second she forgot her train of thought as desire swept through her stomach. “I’ve had these rules and this structured behavior that I adhered to. I had to have discipline and order in my life so I could achieve the goals I had set for myself.”

“Or goals your father had set for you?”

“Yes.” She pushed her hair behind her ears. “I’ve finally realized that. I was very unhappy and I found that letting down my hair released a whole new me. I think she’s always been there, but I’ve been afraid to let her out because…”

“You wanted your father’s approval.” He finished the sentence for her.

“Yes. The Mann situation was the last straw for me. I could see Dad didn’t care about my opinions. I was just a figurehead like my colleagues had whispered behind my back.”

His forefinger lifted her chin and she stared into the warmest eyes she’d ever seen. “It’s more than that. Under your leadership the Whitten Firm has become a powerful, prestigious law firm.”

“You think so?” Fishing for compliments wasn’t her thing, but it was pure feminine vanity that made her ask the question.

“I know so. Grace Whitten is the force behind the success—you’re a lot more than just a figurehead.”

“You wouldn’t be saying that to have sex with me?” Teasing wasn’t a part of her personality, either, but she had to tease or burst into tears at his praise—something she thought she would never hear from his lips. “Not that you have to do that,” she added quickly. “All you have to do is touch me.”

His eyes darkened. “And all you have to do is say my name.”

“Tuck or Jere…” The word was smothered under his mouth. She threw her arms around his neck and the kiss went on and on. She wiggled farther down in the bed to feel his body against hers.

Sam yelped.

“Oh, Sam.”

“He’s fine,” Tuck said, cupping her face and staring into her eyes. “What do you think? Did we do the right thing last night?”

“Yes. We’re two consenting adults. What happens next is up to us.”

He needed to hear her say that. In the cool light of day he was having second thoughts. Last night was magical and that wasn’t a word he would normally use. However, magic was a favorite theme of the books Caroline sent to read to Jesse when he kept him. There was power in magic—the power to believe, to believe in love.

He’d shared more emotions with Grace than he had been willing to share with any other woman. At times he felt vulnerable that she could so easily make him forget his life’s goals. All he wanted was to make love to her. Nothing else mattered.

This morning everything mattered. He didn’t want a casual relationship with Grace. He wanted a life with her and that frightened him to death.

She was going through changes and she had her own life to sort out. They had jumped the gun, but he didn’t regret that.

He stroked her arm. “Do you want to talk about it?”

She kissed his jaw, his ear and her lips trailed down his neck. “I’d rather not talk at all.”

“Women always want to talk.” He closed his eyes and savored her lips on his skin.

“Mmm.” She straddled him and he looked up, her blond hair tickling his face. Her eyes were dreamy, laden with desire. He pulled her down to him and nothing else was said for some time.

Later they took a shower together and those three magical words were never spoken. She didn’t seem to need them.

And he wondered why.

He had never needed to say them before, but he wanted to say them to her. So many things held him back. Their lives and goals were so different. Only time would tell if their feelings were strong enough to sustain a future.

In the meantime, he would believe in magic.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“TUCK, ARE YOU AWAKE?” Eli’s voice came from the kitchen. “Can I borrow some milk? I’ll replace it as soon as I get into town.”

“I may have to change my locks,” Tuck said, reaching for an oversize towel as they stepped out of the shower. He wrapped it around Grace, taking his time. “Damn. I never thought I’d regret having Eli next door.”

With a hand towel, he towel dried her hair. “I’d better go to the kitchen before he comes back here.” His tongue licked water from her shoulder and she had trouble concentrating. “Do you mind if he knows about us?”

“Us” sounded almost as good as “I love you”—almost. She swallowed, leaning into him and loving the feel of his wet, naked body. “No, we’re adults, not teenagers.”

He grinned a gorgeous grin that she was beginning to associate with him. “I feel like a teenager.” His lips caught hers in a slow, lingering kiss.

“Tuck.”

He groaned. “I’ll be right back.” After one more, quick, tantalizing kiss, he did a fast dry-off and hurried into the bedroom. Grace unashamedly watched his long, lean legs and slightly rounded buttocks. He looked as good from the back side as he did from the front.

Slipping into jeans, he winked at her. “I’ll get rid of him—fast.”

She strolled into the bedroom and sank onto the bed, feeling warm enough to burst into flames. This was better than anything she’d ever imagined and she hoped they could make the feeling last outside this room.

Sam crawled into her lap and she stroked him. “You really like this, don’t you?” Sam licked her hand and she resisted the urge to laugh. Here she sat in a rumpled bed holding a dog. Was there something wrong with that picture? Most people would say yes. That wasn’t Grace Whitten.

But it was. The new Grace Whitten.

Glancing around, she took in the rustic country bedroom. The wooden engraved headboard was an antique and reached almost to the ceiling. The bed linens were a golden tan, as were the drapes. Simple, neutral colors. There was so much warmth in the room that she could actually feel it.

A photo of Tuck’s adoptive parents stood on the nightstand. Picking it up, she looked into their faces. The man, tall and lean, had his cowboy hat at a slight angle, a gleam in his eyes. He looked strong, capable and loving. His arm was around the woman, who leaned against him, one hand on his chest. Grace stared into her blue eyes and all she saw was good—a good woman, wife and mother.

She got up, walking around the room barefoot on the hardwood floor, holding Sam. On the dresser was the photo of Sam and Dee that Caroline had taken. But the photos on the wall were the ones that held her attention.

Pictures of the Tuckers and their foster children covered almost every inch. Grace could almost pinpoint the before and after photos. The smiling kids had been touched with the Tuckers’ love. The pictures of scowling kids were taken when they had just arrived.

She touched one photo of Tuck and Eli with two little boys. Tuck appeared to be about ten or eleven, the boys about four. Eli was older and stood in the back. Tuck held the boys’ hands, smiling, as if to let them know they were welcomed.

Staring at the photos, she sensed all the sacrifice and love that had been given selflessly to kids in need. For the first time she fully understood Tuck’s desire to give back a small portion of what all these kids had been given.

And her love for him grew that much more.



TUCK BUTTONED HIS JEANS as he hurried into the kitchen.

“Hey, Tuck,” Eli said as he spotted him. “We’re out of milk. Mind if I borrow some?”

“No. No problem.” He ran a hand through his damp hair.

Eli opened the refrigerator. “What’s Grace’s car doing here?”

Tuck took a breath. Once he said the words he couldn’t take them back. “She spent the night.”

Eli grabbed the milk and closed the refrigerator. “Here? Oh, she’s hiding from her parents and she didn’t want to bother us?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”

Eli frowned at him. “If her car’s broken down, I can take a look at it.”

“Her car is fine.”

“Then…”

Grace sashayed into the room in one of his old T-shirts, her hair damp, hanging down her back, and Sam held tightly in her arms. “Good morning, Eli.”

Eli looked from Grace to Tuck. “What’s going on here?”

Tuck took his brother’s arm and led him toward the back door. “If I have to tell you that, then you need to go home and get reacquainted with Caroline.”

Grace burst out laughing as the door closed. “Did you see his face?”

“He’s in shock,” Tuck said, smiling.

They stared at each other and both sobered. “Are you okay?” he asked softly.

“I’m wonderful,” she replied.

“Good.” He kissed her cheek on the way to the refrigerator. “Hungry? I make a mean batch of scrambled eggs.”

“Ravenous.”

“You can put Sam down or he’s going to forget he has legs.”

“He’s such a sweetie,” she said, placing Sam on the floor.

Tuck opened a can of dog food and dumped it into a bowl. “Here.” He took the bowl to the utility room and Sam scurried after him.

Grace placed her hands on her hips. “I’m devastated.”

“Sam’s fickle. Food is his number one love.”

“But he’s so sweet.”

Tuck eyed her from the doorway. “That shirt looks better on you than it does on me. I’m trying very hard not to get sidetracked.” He looped his arm through hers. “Come. You can help me with breakfast.”

Together, they made breakfast, laughing and joking. Grace sat at the table, munching on toast. “I saw all the photos in the bedroom.”

“When I had the bedroom redone, I didn’t have the heart to take them down.”

“There’s a lot of history in this house. I love that bed.”

He took a swallow of coffee. “It belonged to Ma’s grandmother.”

She ran her finger over a name on the table. “Do you think your mother might have been one of the girls who stayed here as a child?”

“Pa was a Texas Ranger and he did a thorough investigation at the time. He said every lead was a dead end and I was a gift from God. I was meant to be their son.”

“But you still wonder?”

He ran both hands through his hair. “The older I get, the more I think about it. Who was she? What had driven her to give me away? My parents were the best, but I’d still like to know those answers to fill the empty place in my heart and in my mind.”

Tuck had never said those words to anyone, not even Eli. Yet it felt so easy to tell her.

She slipped onto his lap, wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. “You do realize it doesn’t matter to anyone, especially me.”

Their lips met in an explosive kiss and it took a moment for them to realize someone’s cell phone was buzzing.

“It’s not mine,” Tuck said raggedly.

Grace ran her finger down his straight nose. “That means it can only be one person.”

“Caroline,” they said in unison and laughed, knowing Eli had had enough time to inform his wife where her sister was.

Grace hopped off his lap, grabbed her purse and fished out her phone.

“Grace, it’s Dad.” Suddenly her world came roaring back and she wanted to close the phone, breaking the connection. But she had to deal with her past before she could have a future.

“Yes, Dad, what is it?” she asked, sitting in a chair, her eyes on Tuck and his concerned face.

“Could you please meet your mother and me for lunch?”

“Why?”

“I would like to talk. No pressure.”

“We did that yesterday.”

“This is different. Things have changed and I’d rather talk to you in person than on the phone. Is one o’clock okay?”

She took a deep breath. “Okay.” He gave her the name of the restaurant and she clicked off.

“Your father wants to see you?” Tuck asked, watching her.

“Yes.”

“You seem upset.”

“I don’t understand what has changed in a day.”

Tuck carried dishes to the sink. “He wants you back at the helm of the Whitten Law Firm.”

She placed her phone on the table. “I know.”

“So you have to decide what you want.”

“I know.” Her eyes caught his and she was as honest as she knew how to be. “I don’t want to lose what’s happening between us.”

“You won’t. Just be honest with yourself and with me. You’ve put a lot of time and effort into the success of the Whitten Firm. That’ll be hard to walk away from, but you’ll know in your heart if it’s right. It won’t change a thing between us.”

She was reassured and buffered by his words. He respected her as a businesswoman and whatever decision she made wouldn’t affect their relationship. That was good. They would build on the emotions they’d discovered last night and soon she’d be able to tell him that she loved him.

“I’d better go to my apartment and change.” She hurried to the bedroom, made the bed and dressed, then stared at all the photos. Her hand touched the photo of Tuck, Eli and the two boys. She would love to have a child with that face and those big brown eyes. For the first time she realized just how much she wanted that. She also realized that she was the marrying kind. Was Tuck? Caroline had said that he wasn’t, and he had admitted as much. But could love change his mind?

With a deep sigh, she walked out of the room.



TUCK WATCHED HER drive away with a lump in his throat. For a brief moment in time they had connected, but now he wasn’t sure what was going to happen. They’d made no promises or vows and that’s the way he had always liked his relationships with women. Grace was different, though. He could dance with her for the rest of his life.

He went back into the house and it seemed empty without her. He walked down the hall to his bedroom. On the top of his neatly made bed lay his T-shirt, folded perfectly—in typical Grace style. His heart constricted and he eased onto the bed staring at the wall of photos.

He didn’t remember half the kids on the wall. Maybe he should have taken them down when Ma had passed on. But he hadn’t. Now he wondered why. Why was he clinging to the past? He took a long breath. Maybe he’d kept them as a reminder, especially when someone like Grace touched him and filled his heart with dreams other than his own.

He buried his face in his hands, his elbows on his knees. Every time he made love to her he wanted to say those magical words, to believe they could have a life, a family. What was the right decision?

His parents, the kids on the wall and Grace battled inside him.

The man in him recognized that his motives were changing.

He’d always been very sure about his goals, even breaking up with two women who saw life differently than he had. How would Grace react if he asked her to share his dream? He didn’t know, but he felt an ache in his chest at the thought of letting her go.

He stood. Maybe it was time to let go of the dream, or just postpone it. Could he do that? Could he do that for Grace?

Again, he wasn’t sure, but he was willing to give it time. Time to make sense of everything he was feeling.

Time to find out what love was all about.



GRACE WALKED into the restaurant five minutes early, but her parents were already there. A maоtre d’ showed her to their table and her parents stood.

Joanna hugged her. “Darling, you look wonderful. I love that suit.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

She hugged her father briefly and sat down.

Stephen stared at her. “I wish you wouldn’t be so angry.”

She placed her napkin in her lap. “I wish you wouldn’t treat me like a child.”

“Darling, please listen,” Joanna begged, and Grace relaxed at the entreaty in her mother’s voice.

“I don’t understand what’s happened since yesterday. My decision is still the same.”

“A lot has changed,” Stephen said. “I…” He was interrupted by a waiter. “We’ve already ordered. What would you like?” Her father looked at her.

She handed the waiter the menu. “I had a late breakfast. I’ll just have a house salad and tea please.”

The waiter nodded and walked away.

“Your mother and I had a long talk last night.” By his tone, Grace suspected the discussion wasn’t to his liking. “We’ve decided we don’t need Cavanaugh’s money. We trust the voters.” Grace knew that was the last thing he wanted to do, but evidently her mother’s opinion had won out. “If I win, I’ll retire after another term. If I lose, I’ll retire sooner. Your mother and I plan to become more involved in our girls’ and grandson’s lives.”

She folded her hands in her lap. “So you’re not hiring Mann?”

He moved restlessly. “That wasn’t ever my decision.” He coughed. “I’m sorry I sprang Mann on you like that. I was desperate and afraid of losing everything I’d worked for. Desperate men do desperate acts.”

“Thank you, Dad. I appreciate the apology.”

The waiter brought the food and the conversation stopped. She noticed her father was eating grilled salmon where normally he would order steak. Since his heart attack, Joanna was on him constantly about his diet. Seems her mother was winning the game these days.

As she poured dressing over her salad, Grace wondered what this meeting was really about. Was it just to apologize or did her father have something else up his sleeve?

They talked about family and Joanna gushed on about Jesse. Finally, Stephen wiped his mouth and laid his napkin on the table.

“I apologize for interfering in the firm. I was so out of line and I really realized that when your mother reminded me that Mann would be working with you, near you. I suddenly had a clearer picture of the situation. My career is not worth one hair on your head being harmed.”

“Thank you, Dad.” Tears welled in her eyes at this revelation.

“You’ve done an astounding job and I hope you’ll reconsider and come back to your law firm, because it is yours and not mine anymore. Sometimes I tend to forget that.”

Yesterday she would have jumped at this sincere apology, but today was different. She’d spent the night in the arms of a man she loved and she was unsure if she wanted to spend the rest of her life in a job that didn’t make her happy. She didn’t need to prove anything to her father anymore. She didn’t need his approval.

Grace was smart enough to know she still had stars in her eyes, so she knew it was best to take it slow—to make the right decision for her. She’d devoted ten years of her life to the firm, building it, promoting it and making it the best. Maybe she wasn’t ready to walk away. People depended on her.

She dabbed at her mouth and clutched her napkin in her lap. “I do have some conditions.”

“Conditions!” Stephen’s eyebrows jerked up in disapproval. Normally she would instantly backtrack, anything to remove that look from her dad’s face. Today she stared straight back at him, unrelenting and unflinching.

“What are they, darling?” Joanna asked, very smoothly.

Grace held up one finger. “Number one—we’re not hiring Mann. I think we’re clear on that now. Number two—the day care stays. Number three—you will stay out of the firm completely and not use it for political gain. Number four—do not call Byron behind my back. Number five—I will not be spending fourteen hours a day at the office.”

“That’s your decision, but you love that firm and you love being a lawyer. It’s been your dream since you were a little girl.”

“That’s just it. I’m not a little girl anymore. I’m a woman and I’ve had very little time to explore that part of my nature.”

“Of course, darling, we understand.” Her mother touched her arm. “And you don’t have to explain this to your father or me.”

“I just want you to be happy,” Stephen said.

Grace stood. “Thank you.”

Joanna jumped up and tucked Grace’s hair behind her ear, just as she had when Grace was a child. “I’m so proud of you,” she said. “Both you and Caroline. You’re strong, independent women.”

“Sometimes a little too strong.” Stephen spoke his two cents.

“But, darling—” Joanna kissed his cheek “—that’s the way you wanted them to be.” She dropped her voice to a deeper tone. “Strong enough to make it in a man’s world.”

“That’s not funny, Jo.”

“No it isn’t, so pay the bill and let’s go see our grandson. I told Caroline we’d come by for a visit before we left town.”

Stephen fished his wallet out of his pocket and laid his credit card on the table. The waiter immediately whisked it away. Stephen pushed back his chair.

As he stood, he held out his hand. “Congratulations on opening your old man’s eyes.”

She shook his hand, then remembered what Tuck said about families hugging. On impulse, she hugged him. “I wasn’t trying to be difficult.”

He squeezed her tight. “I seem to remember Caroline saying that once.”

“Yes.” She drew back. “I think we’re a lot like you.”

He nodded. “I really want my girls to be happy.”

“Then stop interfering in our lives.”

“That’s hard when you love someone.”

Joanna linked her arm through her husband’s. “But he’s going to try very, very hard.”

Grace kissed them goodbye and walked out into the bright April day. The sun warmed her skin and her mood. She was going back to work, but this time on her terms and in her own way. She didn’t have to prove anything to anyone but herself. Then she would decide what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. She had a feeling she already knew.

All she could see were dark eyes calling her home. A home that had a table with names carved on it and a wall of photos that touched her heart.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
TUCK SPENT THE DAY doing what he always did on Sundays—housework. He did the laundry, changed his bed and washed Sam’s, then he vacuumed and made a list of things he needed from the grocery store. He put his work clothes in a bag for the cleaners and set it by the back door so he wouldn’t forget it in the morning.

He hated every minute of the tedious, boring chores. It crossed his mind that if he had a wife she would help run the household. That wouldn’t be bad. Suddenly he could envision Grace here and that was a startling revelation. He didn’t push it away as he normally would. Maybe his mind-set was changing. Maybe Grace was changing his way of thinking. Glancing at his watch, he saw it was mid-afternoon and Grace hadn’t returned.

Although, he hadn’t asked her to, had he? He should have, but he didn’t want to pressure her. She was feeling her way now and he recognized that. There’d probably never been two more mismatched people than the two of them. But they’d found each other. Grace carried a lot of responsibility with the Whitten Firm and he couldn’t see her giving that up for good. And he would never ask her to.

He walked into the small bedroom he used for an office. It used to be his and Eli’s room until they moved upstairs. He was in the process of redoing it for Brady. His computer was now in his room and soon he’d have to put his office back together. Brady wasn’t going to live here.

He sucked in a deep breath, went into his bedroom and sat at his computer. He was working on an embezzlement case and had all the evidence to turn over to the district attorney. A woman who had worked thirty years for a large company had steadily been depositing over a half million dollars into a bogus account.

The owner had finally become suspicious and talked with the district attorney, who asked the Texas Rangers to investigate. In the morning, Tuck would turn in his findings and probably by tomorrow evening the woman would be arrested. He hoped the theft was worth it because prison was not a place for a sixty-year-old woman. What made people do such crazy things?

He stood and flexed his shoulders, needing exercise. Grabbing his hat, he headed for the corral. He glanced at his watch again. Grace hadn’t called or come back. He had expected her to. He’d really wanted her to.



GRACE DRESSED IN JEANS, sneakers and a mint-green blouse and headed for Tuck’s. He hadn’t asked her to come back, but last night they both had been feeling the same thing. There was no question in her mind that their feelings were real. She had to see him.

To tell him she was going back to work.

As she drove up she saw him on a horse, galloping toward the barn. Her heart skipped a beat. Dressed in jeans and a chambray shirt, his hat was pulled low over his eyes. She quickly got out of her car.

Sam barked at her feet. She picked him up, her eyes on Tuck.

He saw her and leaned down to open a gate. She set Sam on the ground and started to run. As she reached him, he removed his boot from the stirrup and held out his hand. Without a second thought or a single word, she put her sneaker in the stirrup and placed her hand in his.

With one pull, she was on back of the horse, her arms locked around his strong waist. Usually the smelly, sweaty horse would unnerve her, but today it didn’t bother her. She was with Tuck and she’d never felt more safe or alive.

They galloped through a pasture then into a valley of spring grasses and steadily climbed a steep, rocky hill. Oak branches brushed against her, but she clung to Tuck, loving the strength of his back and the easy rhythm of the ride.

At the top of the hill, Tuck stopped the horse and they dismounted.

“Oh, my,” she said, gazing at the valley below. She could see Tuck’s house, Caroline and Eli’s and miles of the Texas Hill Country. “This is spectacular.”

“It’s my favorite place,” he said, and they sat side by side in the grass. “I came here a lot as a kid. I was king of the world and superhero all rolled into one.”

She watched the excitement on his face. “You were happy as a kid.”

He nodded. “There was a lot of sadness, too, because of the abused kids. But Ma and Pa had a way of making us feel safe and secure. They were incredible people.”

She heard the love in his voice and she didn’t have to ask if he loved them. It was evident in everything he said and did. He loved them so much he was willing to give up having a life of his own to continue what they had started.

“Look.” He pointed. “Your parents are getting into their limo.”

“I can almost see the relief on Eli’s face,” she said. “Caroline’s, too.”

They watched the car pull out of the drive. “How did the meeting go?” Tuck asked.

She told him everything that had been said.

“So you’re going back to Whitten’s?”

“Yes.” She plucked a blade of grass and twisted it around her finger. “I started a lot of things I have to see to fruition, especially the day care. But my time is my own and the office will not be my whole life, as it has been in the past.”

“I didn’t know if you were coming back here or not.”

She lifted an eyebrow. “You didn’t ask me.”

“I didn’t want to put any more pressure on you in case…”

She touched his lower lip. “In case I decided last night was a mistake.”

“Something like that.” His tongue licked her finger.

Her lower abdomen tightened in uncontrollable need. “Kiss me and let’s see.”

He bent his head and caught her lips in a mind-blowing kiss. Her hands found their way into his hair, knocking off his hat. Groaning, he pressed her down into the grass and nothing was said for a while.

Kissing her cheek, her neck, her collarbone, he breathed, “We have to stop. I don’t have a condom.”

She knew he would never risk an unwanted pregnancy. That wasn’t part of his plans, nor hers. But she felt a moment of disappointment that he was so in control. She recognized the insane feeling as a purely female reaction.

He rolled to his back, staring up at the dimming sky. Dark clouds were chasing away the sun as it slowly sank in the western sky. She rested her head on his chest and they lay in the peace and the quiet of a lazy spring afternoon.

“What did you do while I was gone?” she asked, making circles on his shirt with her forefinger.

“Housework.” He made a face.

“Poor baby.”

“And a lot of thinking.”

“Really?” She raised her head. “Guys actually do that?”

He tugged her hair in retaliation. “Yes, guys are capable of some deep thinking. Or, at least, I am.”

“What were you thinking about?”

He sat up. “My life. Showing you the table and looking at the wall of photos made me realize that I’m clinging to the past. I’ve changed nothing in the house but the master bedroom. Everything else is the same as when Ma and Pa were alive. I’m living in the past.” As he said the words, he knew they were true.

He drew up his knees. “You asked if I felt the need to take in children because it was something Ma and Pa wanted me to do. I guess that’s true. I don’t want anyone to ever forget the sacrifices they made, especially me. So I keep the legacy alive but…”

She linked her fingers with his and he gripped them tightly. “But what?”

“It’s their legacy, not mine.” He took a deep breath, hardly believing he was saying the words out loud, hardly believing that he was allowing himself to say them. But with Grace it was so easy. “I’m living their life. It’s time I started living my own. I know in my heart that’s what they would want.”

“What do you plan to do?”

“I’m going to start refurbishing the farmhouse. I need to make it mine—my home, not my childhood home.”

“Have you changed your mind about taking in children?”

“I’m not sure. All I know is that I’m looking at life a little differently.”

He gazed into her eyes and saw the hope. He knew they had to talk about their relationship. “With everything in me I want to ask you to be a part of my life, but we both know that’s premature. I’m going through a life-changing decision and I’m not sure it’s the right one. Only time will tell. And that’s what we need—time. I suggest we take one day at a time being honest and true to each other and see what happens. What do you think?”

She smiled. “I think you’d better kiss me.”

“Yes, ma’am, my pleasure.” He took her lips gently, tenderly, binding them together in a way no one would understand but them.

Raindrops peppered their bare heads. “Damn.” Tuck jumped to his feet and pulled her up, grabbed his hat and plopped it onto her head, then they sprinted for the horse. Slowly they made their way down the hill, the rain steadily growing heavier. When they reached the valley, Tuck kneed the horse and they flew across a coastal pasture. Grace buried her face against him, trying to hold on to his hat but the wind whipped it from her fingers.

“Tuck.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

The horse splashed through puddles as they made a beeline straight for the barn. As hard as they tried, they couldn’t outrun the rain. By the time they reached the barn, they were both soaking wet.

Tuck quickly unsaddled the horse and let him loose in the corral, then they made a dash for the house, laughing like kids. They stood in the utility room, their hair plastered to their scalps as water dripped onto the floor. Sam barked at them but they didn’t pay him any attention.

Tuck grabbed a towel off the dryer and began to dry their clothes, but they were too wet. “We have to get out of these wet things.”

She shivered. “I’m freezing.”

“Quick, start stripping.”

Within seconds their wet things were in a heap and they were naked. Tuck vigorously rubbed her hair then her body. One stroke led to sensuous movements that had nothing to do with drying. He pulled her against his damp body and kissed her deeply. With groans, moans, turns and twists they made it to the den, then down the hall and into the bedroom.

Tuck wanted to take it slow, but he forgot slow the moment he saw her naked body. Through heated kisses, sensuous caresses and mind-tripping emotions they made love, then cuddled together in the bed at six o’clock in the evening.



GRACE RAN HER FINGERS though his hair, loving the feel and texture of it. The threads of gray at his temples made him look that much more handsome.

“If you keep doing that, we’ll never leave this bed,” he said in a drowsy tone.

“That’s okay with me.” She trailed her finger down his straight nose to his full lower lip. She loved touching him and she loved everything about him. They hadn’t said the magic words and surprisingly she was okay with that. They both had decisions and choices to make—life-changing decisions. Time would tell if their lives were meant to be together. In the meantime they would get to know each other and the future would unfold the way it was meant to be.

She only hoped she had the strength to handle whatever that was.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

“Starving.”

He crawled out of bed and handed her a T-shirt then slipped on a terry cloth robe. “I make a mean grilled cheese. C’mon.” Taking her hand they walked into the den.

Sam met them, whining at Grace’s feet.

“Poor baby,” Grace cooed, picking him up. “We’ve been neglecting him.”

“He’s a con artist,” Tuck remarked, continuing on to the kitchen. As he got cheese out of the refrigerator, he watched Grace cuddling Sam. Sam never did that with him. Grace was good with dogs and babies. Jesse’s eyes lit up whenever he saw her. He wondered if she ever thought about having children of her own. All women did, didn’t they?

He’d never thought Grace had motherly instincts, but his whole perception of Grace had changed—drastically. She’d make a great mother.

Grace put their clothes in the washing machine and then cut up apples to go with the sandwiches. They sat in comfortable silence, eating.

“This grilled cheese is delicious,” she said, licking cheese from her fingers.

“It’s Ma’s secret recipe. Every kid who came here loved them.”

“I can see why.”

He took a bite of a quartered apple. “Have you ever thought of having kids?”

“Sure. All women do. But I firmly believe in marriage first, then baby. I’m still looking for my Prince Charming or—” she made quotes with her fingers “—‘Mr. Right.’ I’m told I’m pushy and bossy and men don’t go for that type of woman.”

“They just don’t know you.”

Her eyes opened wide. “You think so?”

“I know so.”

She nibbled on an apple. “So are you a candidate for my Prince Charming?”

“Definitely.” He grinned. “We’re alike in so many ways. I never realized that before.”

“How are we alike?”

“We both have very strong father figures in our lives and their approval means a lot to us.”

“Yes. And it’s time we learned to deal with the feelings about our fathers.”

“We’ve made a start.”

“How else are we alike?” she asked.

“Neatness—yours is over the top, but lately you have it under control.”

She rolled her eyes. “Sometimes. Right now I want to wipe the table and spray bleach on the floor where Sam licked the crumbs from my sandwich, then mop the whole floor. It’s just an urge, though. It used to be important to me to be organized and neat. It meant I was in control. But I don’t need to be in control every minute, every day of my life. I kind of like running and laughing in the rain and not caring about the mess on the floor. It makes me feel more human, more feminine.”

He watched her animated face and felt a catch in his throat. Her hair was in disarray around her face, her eyes sparkled and her expression was dreamy. Could she be more beautiful? He didn’t think so.