True Love at Silver Creek Ranch (22 page)

Tyler shot him a scowl. “What do you know about my brother?”

“Only what Brooke told me, that he served his time and was out.”

Tyler took down rope and re-coiled it, though Adam thought it was just busywork to keep from talking.

“My dad was in jail a couple times when I was a kid,” Adam said. “Then he had a hard time getting another job.”

Tyler's shoulders briefly sagged before he stiffened. “He'll find a job. I know he's trying. He doesn't ever want to go back to jail.”

And there was the crux of the boy's worry, that his brother wouldn't find a job and end up hanging with a bad crowd again, leading to worse things.

“You're straightening out your problems,” Adam said. “He will, too. I had to confront the same thing in myself.”

“Yeah, yeah, your dad went to jail.”

“No, I spent two nights there.”

Tyler stilled, then turned to face him, his expression one of wary disbelief. “What you'd do, get drunk?”

“No, that was my old man's problem. I stupidly stole a car to joyride.”

Before Tyler could catch himself, his mouth sagged open. “What—
you
? Sergeant Perfect Marine?”

Adam chuckled. “Now that's a nickname. Never knew I was perfect. Don't tell Miss Thalberg that, or she'll find plenty more for me to do around here.”

“But . . . what happened?”

Adam leaned back against a beam that rose up through the ceiling. He had Tyler's full attention—the boy didn't even try to pretend to work.

“My parents didn't give a crap about what I did growing up,” Adam began slowly. “But, of course, when I screwed up, they had to notice. My screwups just kept getting bigger, until I landed with a bad group in high school. I had to prove I was big and cool enough to be in charge, you know?”

Tyler nodded silently, his eyes focused on Adam.

“So I stole a car—and it happened to be the football coach's. My parents were going to let me rot in jail, but Coach McKee stood up for me, just like your mom stood up for you.”

“How'd you know that?” Tyler demanded.

“It's a small town, isn't it?”

“What did the old guy do to you?”

“Let me serve my community service with him as a manager on the football team. I found better kids to hang out with, and Coach—he didn't preach to me, just showed me how to take responsibility. It felt good. And since Coach impressed me, I decided to do what he'd done, and enter the service. But whatever you choose to do is up to you. As long as you go forward, not back, you'll find the next stage of your life.”

Tyler let out a heavy sigh, his expression bleak. “It's hard to get away from those guys, you know?”

“I know. But you have to do what's best for you and your family. Your mom is dealing with a lot, right?”

Tyler nodded. “She cries at night. She's worried I'm going to do something stupid like Cody. Cody's worried about that, too.”

“It's good that they both care. That must help.”

Tyler pushed away from the rail and headed toward the open door. He paused, and said over his shoulder, “Thanks.”

Adam followed him a minute later, to find Brooke just closing a stall door nearby. She gave him a searching look.

“You overheard,” he said.

She glanced toward the barn doors, and although they were open, he could see no one in the yard beyond. She came to him, put her arms around his waist, and gave him a gentle kiss.

“You're good with him.”

He shrugged. “Not much to figure out. I've been there. At least his mom cares. Mine didn't even want to be a mom. Condom broke.”

She winced. “And she actually told you that.”

“Oh yeah, every time she was furious I didn't get her a beer or, later on, cook them some food. I'm glad Tyler's got a better mom. Makes me think he'll be all right.”

She kissed him again, slowly, sweetly, and he found himself so hungry for the taste of her, the scent of lemons and coconut in her hair. He almost pulled it out of its braid before he remembered himself.

They heard a casual whistle from the yard and just broke apart in time.

Josh came strolling in. “So how'd it go?”

Brooke grinned. “It was so fun, Josh! You could have joined in, you know.”

He raised both hands. “Just like you, I've got to prove I can do two jobs. Lots of purses to make—which sounds a little strange coming from a cowboy.”

Adam grinned. “You said it first.” He glanced at Brooke. “Good night, boss—bosses,” he added for Josh's benefit.

Brooke gave a wave, and Josh glanced over his shoulder as if making sure Adam had gone.

Brooke's relief was quickly replaced by tension. “Something wrong?”

Josh eyed her. “You seem to think so, by the way you're hiding what you're doing with Adam.”

Brooke tried one more bluff. “What are you talking about?”

“I saw you kissing. I backed out and gave a whistle because I didn't want to embarrass you.”

Brooke winced. “I'm sorry.”

“Why?” Josh asked, surprised. “Why would I care if you're dating him? Why the secret?”

She lowered her voice. “So if Nate had some hot new secretary, and you decided to go after her, you don't think Dad would have a problem with that?”

He hesitated. “I don't know. So you're going after Adam?”

“No, not like that.”

Josh's brows came together. “So he went after you?”

“Of course not. We both felt it, and we both resisted, then we caved. But it's temporary. I don't want anyone else to find out. Can you keep this between us? Please?”

He sighed. “Of course. As long as you don't frighten the horses, guess I shouldn't care what you do. You kept enough of my secrets.”

“You bet I did. I remember Jill.”

“Oh, come on, we were seventeen!”

“And you kept sneaking out of the house at night and riding off to meet up with her. I never told a soul.”

“And I'll never tell your secret. But Brooke, how do you know it's temporary?”

“I just know,” she said, feeling bleak at just the thought, and that scared her. “He'll be leaving when he thinks his grandma no longer needs him.” And if he found out she was faking her decline—he might leave even sooner. She didn't want to feel anything more for Adam, knew it wasn't a good idea. But more and more, she couldn't imagine her life without him.

Chapter Twenty

T
he sun was already below the mountains, the sky an ominous gray after such a gorgeous day. Brooke finished closing up the barn for the night after calling in the couple riding horses that spent nights indoors. She petted horse noses and dog noses, then headed toward the house. She'd already checked the weather for the night—more snow. Great for the ski slopes as the tourism season truly began to kick in, but not so good for barrel-racing lessons. She'd already canceled her morning lesson with Steph, and it made her feel discouraged. Much as she wanted to teach, it would difficult through the winter.

She caught another glimpse of the ruined barn, black beams sticking up through the snow like an animal carcass.

And then she came to a stop and just stared at the piece of land that was waiting for a new purpose. They'd been having nightly conversations about what to do when they could clear the wreckage come spring. It had been all about building another barn closer to the house, or adding on to the one they already had.

That still left this land. Everyone had been behind her idea of giving riding lessons—what if they took the insurance money and built an indoor riding arena? She got a shiver of excitement that she quickly suppressed. She'd seen lots of different arenas, of course, from a covered pavilion to a fully enclosed building. She'd have to do her research before she even presented such an idea to the family. But the thought of being able to instruct students year-round, and even rent it out to other groups . . .

“Brooke?”

She gave a little jump of surprise and turned to find her dad coming toward her.

“You have snow buildin' up on your hat,” he said, smiling as he shook his head. “Been woolgatherin' out here a long time?”

She smiled, then decided she needed facts and figures before presenting her plan to her family, so she put her idea aside.

“Guess I'm just reliving the day,” she answered. “The teen outing went well, Dad. I really enjoyed myself, and I'm looking forward to working with kids more.”

He nodded but said nothing.

“I still feel strange that I sprung my riding instructor idea on you without warning,” she continued. “Each one of us kids has been coming up with new life goals that aren't just about ranching. Are you sure you don't mind?”

“I already told you what I think,” he said, his expression confused. Then he glanced at the ruined barn and gave a wince, as if it still startled him.

“I've been feeling that something in my life needed to change,” she said, her voice husky. “There's a part of me that's looking for some independence. I've even been thinking of moving into town. Would that bother you?”

“Cookie, I never thought you'd live at home forever. If I ever gave you that impression—”

“No, Dad, you didn't.”

“—it only seems that way because I've been consumed with my worries about your mom. I know how well you two always get along, and if I showed any doubts about things you were sayin', it's because I've been worried about your mom's reaction and how she depends on you.”

She took Doug's gloved hands in her own. “I'll be here all the time, Dad. Regardless of where I live, I'll see Mom every single day and spend lots of time with her. She's the one who's been encouraging me to spread my wings a bit. Heck, she saw how I loved to work with kids before I did.”

He gave a heavy sigh and squeezed her hands firmly. “I sometimes forget how strong her mind and will are when I'm so worried about her health.”

“She wouldn't want us to be that way. But it's hard, I know. I won't say anything about moving until I think the time is right. I haven't even made up my mind yet. Em gave me until January to decide before she puts the apartment up for rent.”

He nodded. “It sounds like the perfect place for you.”

She slid her arms around his waist and hugged him tight. “It's so difficult to make these decisions, Dad. You know how much I'll miss being home in the evenings with you both.”

He lifted his head, then cupped her face. “But I'm the lucky parent, Cookie. I'll get to see you every day.”

He kissed her cheek, and she pressed her face into his shoulder so he wouldn't see her tears.

S
aturday evening, Brooke walked toward her Jeep after a Christmas concert at the Royal Theater, the widows having gone home in their own car. She was parked a couple blocks away and passed a poster from Sylvester Galimi in a store window, asking townspeople to write their councilmen and -women, to take a stand against immorality and Leather and Lace. Every time she expressed anger at his ignorance, one of the widows assured her they had a plan for the next phase, and they'd let her in when it was time.

To her surprise, the lights were still on at Sugar and Spice, splashing a welcome beam out across the snowy sidewalk and street.

Brooke felt a hint of cheer and hurried to open the door, only to find the place deserted. “Hello?”

Emily rushed out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel, wearing a flour-stained Christmas apron. “I forgot to lock the door. But you're a good surprise.”

Brooke sat down in a chair and stretched her long legs out.

“Want a cookie before you spill your problems?” Emily offered.

“No, I need the hard stuff. Cheesecake. With as much chocolate or caramel as you've got.”

“Turtle cheesecake.”

Brooke gave her an appreciative nod. When she ate her first bite, she sighed. “That almost makes me feel better.”

Emily's smile faded. “Maybe you feel bad because you're keeping Adam a secret.”

“So I'm dishonorable,” she said, then helped herself to a big forkful of the cheesecake.

“You're not dishonorable—you're just confused.”

“I'm very confused. Maybe if I move upstairs, I can get some distance from Adam instead of seeing his cabin right out my window every night.”

“Maybe. If you can't see the forbidden fruit . . .”

“Then I'll just think about him all the time.”

“Do you?” Emily asked in a quiet voice.

Brooke nodded. “This isn't good for me. It's going to end. Maybe
I
need to end it.”

“Do you want to?”

She shook her head and met Emily's gaze earnestly. “I told myself this was a temporary fling. My emotions weren't supposed to get involved. But Emily, I really like him.”

The door banged open, its bell jingling wildly. Both women turned with a start to find Steph running across the room and throwing herself to her knees to hug Emily.

Emily closed her arms around her sister, but gaped over her head at Brooke. “Steph, honey, what is it? What's wrong?”

“Tyler got into a fight at the Chess Club, and he got kicked out.” Her voice came out in a shuddery sob. “I—I was so mad that I—I quit, too!”

Several strands of Steph's blond hair were stuck to the tears on her face, and Emily smoothed them out of the way. “If he was fighting—”

“But it was all Matthew's fault! He's just jealous that I'm interested in Tyler, so he told everyone that Tyler sets fires like his brother does, that Tyler burned down the barn at the Silver Creek Ranch.” Steph turned her blotched, wet face toward Brooke. “You know it isn't true!”

“Of course not, it's been officially declared an accident,” Brooke agreed.

“I told Tyler to ignore it, but—but, he's so sensitive about his brother, and Matthew just kept on . . . kept on . . . Oh, it's all my fault!” she added in a wail, burying her face against Emily's shoulder again. “How could I stay there after that? I used to date Matthew, but I never thought he could . . . could be so cruel!”

“Has Matthew been kicked out, too?” Emily asked.

“No, he claimed he was only defending himself after Tyler threw the first punch.” Steph sagged back on her heels. “And that's true. Oh, this is going to be the worst Christmas ever!”

When she wiped her face with her forearm, Brooke handed her a napkin. “Where's Tyler now?”

“I don't know. He ran out. I was supposed to give him a ride home tonight, so I drove around, but I couldn't find him. And then I saw your lights, Em.” She blew her nose hard, still trembling.

“He doesn't live far,” Emily said in a soothing voice. “He'll get home all right.”

“What if I talk to your chaperones?” Brooke asked.

“They won't care.” Steph sniffed. “The rule is one fight, and you're out. And they've already given him a second chance, after the ATV thing with my dad. I tried so hard to help him, and I made everything worse.”

“Tyler'll be back to work Monday,” Brooke said. “Maybe Adam can reach him.”

B
y Monday, Adam had heard about Tyler's fight from Brooke, but the kid still showed up for his community service. He was surly and uncommunicative, doing as he was told without any enthusiasm.

When Brooke got a phone call on her cell, Adam eyed the kid as they stood just inside the barn, out of the wind.

“So this is how it's going to be?” Adam asked dryly. “You make a mistake, and you sulk?”

Tyler turned blazing eyes on him. “What do you know about my problems?”

Adam arched a brow. “Did you forget where you live? This is Valentine Valley—everyone knows everything. And they talk. Why don't you tell me what happened.”

“You already know, don't you? That's enough. I don't need Chess Club.”

“Apparently neither does Steph, because she quit, too.”

He stiffened, then watched Adam warily. “She did?”

“Didn't you know?”

He hung his head. “I've been ignoring her calls. She trusted me, and I screwed it all up.”

“It was a mistake—now you know there are always going to be people out there who push your buttons.”

Tyler didn't say anything, just gripped the shovel hard between his hands like he'd snap the handle.

“So now you've got time on your hands, right?” Adam continued.

Tyler snorted and waved a hand around. “Oh yeah, I'm just lazin' around.”

“It's almost Christmas break. If you get bored, you can always put your hands to work for a good cause. I'm working on the project renovating houses for veterans, right now at the Huang house on First Street this side of town hall. You'll see lots of trucks there every day.”

Tyler frowned. “I don't know how to do anything like that.”

“You can swing a hammer. We can teach you the rest. You can clean, too—I've seen you do that,” he teased.

Tyler looked past him. “Miss Thalberg, he's trying to recruit me for even more work.”

Adam turned and realized that Brooke had ended her call and was looking at him all soft-eyed, like his girlfriend rather than his boss.

“I already got enough to do,” Tyler said, stalking outside with his shovel.

“So that's where you've been going,” Brooke said in a quiet voice.

“Sorry I've been gone when you had an itch,” he murmured.

“Stop being a wise-ass.” But she wore a sweet smile.

“It's not a big deal, Brooke. I'll never be able to repay soldiers everything they did for me.” He cleared his throat. “Now what do you need done?”

“There's an escaped cow on the road down by Cooper's Mine.”

“I'm on it.” He went to call for Dusty in the horse pasture, leaving Brooke behind.

L
ate that afternoon, Adam went to the Huang house, knowing Tyler wouldn't come, but hoping. Coach was there, and they worked side by side, sealing the walls of the basement.

“I'm surprised I don't see you much in town,” was the first thing Coach said that had nothing to do with painting.

Adam shrugged. “I'm busy working, busy doing this.”

“You've only been out of the Marines how long?”

“Six months.”

“Not long at all. I bet you're feeling like it's hard to have fun when some of your friends have died.”

Adam used the roller carefully, then glanced at the other man. “I had some problems, yeah.”

Coach's sympathetic eyes watched him. “You can't feel guilty you're alive, and they're not, son. That's an easy path to follow, and one that'll only give you pain.”

Quietly, Adam said, “I used to feel like the guilt was eating away at me. But . . . it's been better lately. I talked to someone about it, and that's helped.”

“Your grandma?”

“No, not yet. I think there's still a part of me that never wants to disappoint her.”

“You wouldn't be doing that, son. She'd appreciate your honesty.”

Adam nodded, then decided to change the subject. “I have another question for you. You hear anything about Tyler Brissette?”

Coach frowned. “I used to know all the boys when I was still with the school district. But nope.”

Adam explained Tyler's past, his work at the ranch, his recent fight. “I'm worried he's giving up, Coach. Maybe you can tell me what to say to him since you did such a great job helping me.”

Coach put the roller in the long pan of paint and shook his head with regret. “There aren't magic words, son. I can't even tell you what I said to you. I just expected your best work, and your respect. And I was there if you needed to talk. If I remember correctly, you didn't want any lectures from me.”

Adam reluctantly smiled. “What a surprise.”

“Sounds like the young man knows he's made mistakes and regrets them. That's a good start. Just be there for him.”