“Are you going to hate me forever?” Luke asked.

With more strength than she thought she possessed, Becky pulled her arm away. “I don’t hate you.”

“Well, it sure feels like it.”

“It’s just your imagination.”

“It’s not, Becky, and you know it. It happened so long ago and we were teenagers. Why can’t we get beyond that? Why won’t you let me explain?”

“Because it doesn’t matter any more.”

“It does to me.”

The tone of his voice sent ripples of awareness through her. That teenage love had been the strongest she’d ever felt and his betrayal had hurt all the more because of it. “I was seventeen, skinny with freckles and glasses, and Luke Chisum asked me to a dance. My head was in the clouds and I never even wondered why. I should have.”

He grimaced. “The first date was a dare. I’ve admitted that, but those dates afterwards were because I wanted to be with you.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning, bestselling author Linda Warren has written over twenty-one books. She grew up in the farming and ranching community of Smetana, Texas, the only girl in a family of boys.

She loves to write about Texas, and from time to time scenes and characters from her childhood show up in her books. Linda lives in College Station, Texas, not far from her birthplace, with her husband, Billy, and a menagerie of wild animals, from Canada geese to bobcats. Visit her website at www.lindawarren.net.

Dear Reader,

This is the fifth and final book in the Superromance TEXAS HOLD ’EM mini-series. It’s not too late to pull up a chair and join the fun. You might learn something about poker – or maybe something more important. After all, everyone needs to know how to bluff, when to fold ’em and when to take a risk and go all in.

In Texas Bluff, the hero, Luke Chisum, is known for living on the edge. So when the love of his life, Becky Parker, breaks his heart, he joins the army and leaves River Bluff, Texas. Sixteen years later he receives an honourable medical discharge and returns home to face the past. And to face Becky.

Luke is the type of man who can handle just about anything. I threw some heavy stuff at him, though, and there were times I didn’t know if he and Becky would ever find their way back to each other. But I was rooting for them all the way and I’m hoping you will be, too.

May you always be a winner, in life and in love.

Linda Warren

PS It’s always a pleasure to hear from readers. You can e-mail me at Lw1508@aol.com or write to me at PO Box 5182, Bryan, TX 77805, USA or visit my website at www.lindawarren.net. Your letters will be answered.

Texas Bluff

LINDA WARREN

www.millsandboon.co.uk

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A special thanks to our nephew Chief Warrant

Office 2 Christopher Lee Barnes – United

States Army – for so patiently answering my

incessant questions about helicopters.

Chris is assigned to the 4th Infantry Division

in Fort Hood, Texas, and is in training to fly an

Apache helicopter. We know that soon he’ll be

headed for Iraq. Our thoughts and prayers will

go with him and with all the young men who

sacrifice so much for us.

CHAPTER ONE

TO LUKE CHISUM, COMING HOME was like walking naked down Main Street. He felt exposed. Vulnerable. Everyone in the county knew every misdeed he’d ever done and they never missed a chance to remind him. He’d spent years running from his past, but the moment he stepped foot in River Bluff, Texas, he became daredevil Luke, eighteen, wild and a little crazy.

The last thing he needed first thing this morning was a confrontation with the woman who more than anyone stirred memories of his misspent youth—Rebecca Lynn Parker. But there she was, standing on the sidewalk in front of the medical clinic. With a sigh, he swerved his truck into a parking spot.

The morning sun glistened off her auburn hair, a display of fiery waves and sparkling sunlight. As he reached to turn off the ignition, he was unable to look away. Not from her, not from a long list of regrets and recriminations.

She’d married, and her last name was Howard now. He’d never get used to that. The thought settled in his stomach like a pile of rusty nails. It had been his fault. He’d had his chance with Becky and he’d blown it—big-time.

One of those reminders that followed him everywhere.

Like the scar across his side and the gash on his leg.

He removed his keys, never taking his eyes off her. She barely resembled the young girl from their high school days. Then, her unmanageable curly hair had been usually pulled back into a fuzzy ponytail. She’d worn glasses, had never worn makeup and had a sprinkling of freckles across her nose. She hadn’t been beautiful by any means, but she’d had a fresh, innocent appeal that even a foolish boy of eighteen could recognize.

Luke shifted uneasily in his seat.

Even though she was shy and quiet, everyone liked her—including Luke. She’d helped him with his homework more times than he could remember. Being the sheriff’s daughter kept her out of the dating scene, though. Sheriff Hubbard Parker got the message across to all the boys—“Mess with my daughter and it’s jail or hell, my choice.” Everyone knew what jail meant but no one was sure what the hell part meant, and they weren’t brave enough to find out.

One night as his high school Texas Hold ’Em poker buddies were playing and drinking, they talked about who they were going to take to an upcoming school dance. Jake, Brady and Cole already had dates. Luke had just broken up with Candace Spangler and decided he wasn’t going.

The guys insisted he had to go, but he pointed out that all the girls had been paired up by now. Jake said he could ask Becky. Everyone laughed. Brady looked right at Luke and dared him. They all knew that baiting Luke got results.

Jake double dared him. Cole topped that with a triple dare.

Luke folded out of the round. “Y’all think I won’t do it.”

Brady called and won the hand. Shuffling the cards, Brady replied, “I don’t think even you have enough guts.” He dealt the hole cards around the table.

Luke picked up his two cards, not comfortable with his friends thinking he was afraid of the sheriff, even though he was. “I’ll ask her.”

Cole folded. “Well, Luke, you can be the first one to find out what jail or hell means. Or which comes first.”

The guys laughed, but Luke had made up his mind. The next day he asked Becky and she accepted. The night of the dance he stood on the sheriff’s front porch thinking he had more guts than common sense. The urge to run was strong.

The sheriff opened the door. He stood over six feet, and was broad and muscular. Luke was tall himself, but Hub Parker seemed like a giant. The gun on his hip reinforced Luke’s urge to run. Then Becky came into the room. His fear quickly subsided. Her blue eyes sparkled and her warm smile welcomed him. For the first time he realized she was pretty.

“Good night, Daddy.” She stood on tiptoes to kiss her father’s cheek.

The sheriff pointed a finger at Luke. “No speeding with my daughter in your truck.” The growl in his voice reminded Luke of Mr. Bailey’s junkyard dog.

“Yes, sir,” Luke replied without taking a breath.

“And, Chisum, you have my daughter home by midnight or I’ll come looking for you.”

“Yes, sir.” Luke backed out of the house knowing hell included a large dose of fear, just as he was experiencing at that moment.

He soon forgot about the sheriff. He kept an eye on his watch most of the night, though, but he and Becky had a good time. They danced, laughed and talked. He didn’t do much talking with other girls, and he found he liked talking to Becky.

At eleven they left the dance and went to the Dairy Queen for a burger and fries. Then he took her home. He didn’t kiss her because he knew the sheriff was on the other side of the door. But he’d wanted to.

The next Monday in school he couldn’t wait to see her. Becky wore a perpetual smile and it was one of the things he liked about her. She was friendly, nice and sweet. That was why everyone called her Sweet Becky Lynn.

He never noticed those qualities in other girls. Hot and sexy were the qualities at the top of his list. A great personality wasn’t required of his dates and neither was scintillating conversation. He had been such a puffed-up idiot in high school. But he hadn’t been a complete loser—at least he’d recognized all of Becky’s good qualities.

They’d started dating and had become an item. The sheriff’s place was next to the Chisum ranch, and he and Becky would meet on weekends by the pond on the Chisum property. The first time he kissed her was under the big live oak that hung partially out over the pond. They’d made love for the first time under that tree. Sweet Becky Lynn had taken on a whole new meaning for him.

Luke ran his hand over the steering wheel. How could something that started so perfectly go so wrong? Even as he asked himself the question, he knew the answer. Someone had told Becky about the dare. He was never quite sure who and it was just as well. He would probably have done them some bodily harm.

That time was forever imprinted in his memory. Becky had waited for him after gym class. She hadn’t been smiling, her eyes had been red and she’d looked as if she’d been crying. He’d known something was wrong. A heavy feeling had settled in his gut.

When he walked up to her, she held out the chain with his senior ring he’d given her for her birthday.

“You don’t have to pretend anymore. I know the truth.”

He stared down at the chain and ring in her hand, not making a move to take them. “What are you talking about?”

“You asked me out because your friends dared you. All the kids are laughing behind my back. I can’t believe you’d do that. You made a fool of me.”

The pain in her eyes was almost more than he could take. He should have told her the truth long ago, but it didn’t seem important. They loved each other—that was all that mattered. Or so his young mind had thought.

“Okay. The first date was a dare.” She flinched at his admission and he realized he was about to lose something vital to his existence. “But after that I asked you out because I wanted to.”

“I don’t believe you. I bet you and your poker buddies had fun laughing about gullible Becky, easy, gullible Becky.” She threw the chain at his chest and it fell to the concrete. “I don’t want to ever see you again.” Turning abruptly, she ran to her car.

“Becky,” he shouted. As he made to go after her, he stepped on his ring. He bent and picked it up.

Brady, Jake and Cole came out of the gym. They stared at Luke, who was blankly examining the chain in his hand.

“What happened?” Brady asked.

Luke glared at his friends. “Who told her?”

Jake frowned. “What?”

“Someone told Becky about the dare.”

Collectively, they took a step backward, shaking their heads in denial.

“Man, that’s bad,” Cole said.

“Why haven’t you told her before now?” Brady asked.

“Shut up.” Luke sprinted for his truck, cursing himself for being so stupid. He had to make Becky understand.

When he drove into Becky’s yard, he saw her car and knew she was home. The sheriff’s patrol car was there, too, but that didn’t deter Luke. He had to see Becky.

The sheriff opened the door before Luke reached it, and closed it behind himself. “Go home, Chisum. You’re not welcome here.” The deep growl in his voice would have frightened a sane person, but not Luke.

“I want to see Becky.” He stepped onto the porch, determined to bypass the sheriff. The next thing he knew, the sheriff’s fist connected with his jaw like a nine-pound hammer, sending him flying backward to the yard. He lay flat on his back staring up at a blurry sky, the fictional Tweety Bird circling his dazed head.

That was his first taste of hell.

The sheriff’s bulky frame stood over him. “Stay away from my daughter or I’ll kill you, Chisum. Now get off this property.”

Somehow Luke made it home. His jaw ached for a week, but he never gave up on seeing Becky. As many times as he tried to talk to her, though, each time she refused to listen. He began to see a side of her he didn’t like—her stubborn side. So he said to hell with her. If she could forget him so easily, then she didn’t really love him.

When she started dating Danny Howard he thought he’d die, and he knew he had to get out of River Bluff as soon as he could.

His second taste of hell.

He joined the army and said goodbye to his family, who were in shock at his sudden decision. He spent sixteen years serving his country, rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. He flew a Black Hawk helicopter. His latest mission in Iraq had been rescuing wounded soldiers and flying them to safety and aid. His fellow soldiers called him the Texas Ace because he was from Texas and when he was free for any length of time he was playing poker.

His last rescue had almost killed him. A soldier was down behind enemy lines, and Luke and a medic flew in late at night to retrieve him. On the way back, the copter was detected and insurgents fired at them. Luke knew the Hawk was hit and he fought to control the unstable aircraft. They were losing altitude, and Luke smelled smoke and fuel and knew they were going down fast. Struggling with the controls, he was determined to land the Hawk. He was never quite sure how he did it, but the helicopter bumped hard, skidded on the ground and spun to a stop. He jumped from the cockpit, helped the medic with the now unconscious soldier and the three of them bolted for safety. They made it about twenty yards when the helicopter exploded.

He woke up in a base hospital and was then flown to Walter Reed in Washington. After many tests he was diagnosed with a severe concussion, dislocated shoulder, broken ribs, multiple cuts, burns and bruises. One doctor told him he was one lucky son of a bitch. Although the medic and the other soldier were alive, too, the soldier had lost a foot, the medic an arm.

In the days that followed, the medical team discovered Luke had other complications. He had an inner-ear disturbance and some vision problems. After several weeks, the inner-ear trouble was corrected and his wounds healed, but he had trouble seeing certain colors. His vision had to be perfect for him to fly. The doctor said he’d served his time and recommended an honorable medical discharge.

Luke fought it. He wasn’t ready to leave the army or to go home. Then he thought of his father’s stroke and knew he was needed at Great Oaks.

In the six months he’d been back, he’d seen Becky several times and she’d always been polite. But when she looked at him, the blue daggers of her eyes could be classified as lethal weapons. He thought they could get beyond what had happened in high school, but he supposed some things just never changed. At least Becky hadn’t; she still hated him.

He usually gave her her space.

Today wasn’t one of those days.

He climbed out of his truck and headed toward her. She was rummaging in her purse, looking for something. In high school they’d spent a lot of time looking for her glasses, her keys and her books. She was always misplacing things. Seemed that hadn’t changed, either.

“Hi, Sweet Bec.”

“Morning, Luke.” She kept digging in her purse, not sparing him a glance.

“Did you lose something?”

“No. I did not lose anything.” She threw the strap over her shoulder, car keys in her hand. “And please don’t call me Sweet Bec.”

Sweet Bec had been his pet name for her and it had slipped out. Or maybe he just wanted to annoy her. Her eyes met his and Luke thought if looks could kill, he would be dead. He hooked his thumbs into the pockets of his jeans. “Why? Does it make you remember?”

“Don’t flatter yourself.” Her hand touched her hair, the only sign he made her nervous. The stylish short cut came below her ears and her fuzzy curls had been tamed. He wasn’t sure if she’d had them straightened or whatever women did to their hair. The fetching freckles across her nose were no longer visible. Neither were her glasses. Evidently she now wore contacts and makeup.

She looked different, older and definitely more mature. For a moment he was nostalgic for the young Becky who’d constantly pushed her glasses up her nose and who could light up his life with just her smile. He wondered if she’d forgotten how to smile.

Had he been the cause of its demise?

“How are your folks?” she asked when he didn’t respond.

He shifted gears to the present. “Fine. My dad is out of his eye drops. The clinic is loaning us some until I can get into San Antonio.”

“I told your mom I’d drop them by if she needed me to.”

Becky was a nurse and worked in the River Bluff High School. She helped out at the clinic, too. She helped anyone who needed her. That was typical Becky. His mom depended on her advice and that irritated Luke. He wasn’t sure why, but in a small town it was hard to keep their lives separate.

“I can take care of my parents.” The words came out harsher than he’d intended.

“Mom! Mom!”

A young boy came running toward them. Luke stiffened. He knew who the kid was. He’d seen him around, but he’d never spoken to him and didn’t want to now. With the controlled discipline he had learned in the army, he stood ready to meet Becky and Danny’s son.

“Shane, what are you doing here?” Becky asked, irritation in her voice. “I told you I’d be at the clinic about an hour and you and Brad were supposed to finish your homework. I was just on my way to pick the two of you up for school.”

“Mrs. Grant got a call that her mother had fallen and was in the emergency room in San Antonio. She and Brad left real fast. She wanted to bring me over here, but I told her I’d walk.”

“I don’t like it when you change plans on me.”

“Chill, Mom. It’s only two blocks and I’m not six years old. Besides, it was an emergency and I know you wouldn’t want Mrs. Grant taking time to drive me to my mommy.”

Becky’s lips tightened. “No. And don’t be smart.”

“Ah, Mom.” The boy threw his arm across Becky’s shoulder and hugged her. “Stop trying to be so tough.”

Luke found he was staring at the boy. He had to be about fourteen or fifteen, tall for his age with wavy brown hair and blue eyes. He looked just like Becky, except for the hair. He didn’t see a lot of Danny in the kid.

“You’re Luke Chisum,” Shane said unexpectedly.

“Yes.” Luke found his voice.

“Do you think you’ll be hiring at the Circle C Ranch for the summer? I’m saving money to buy a truck when I turn sixteen.”

“It’s just the end of February and I’m not sure yet about the summer, but we’re always looking for good cowboys. You’ll have to speak to my brother, Hank. He does all the hiring.”

Shane grimaced. “He’s not too friendly. I already asked and he told me to come back when I was older.”

“Shane, you never said you spoke with Hank.” Becky frowned, obviously displeased. “Your father’s going to help with the truck.” She glanced at Luke. “We don’t need to discuss this in front of Mr. Chisum. Come on, it’s time to get you to school.”

“Dad wants to buy me one of those little Ford Rangers. It’s like a toy. I want a Chevy Z71 with four-wheel drive, all-terrain tires and—”

“Shane…”

Shane winked at Luke. “My mom’s really an angel, but some days you have to search for those wings.”

Mother and son got into a silver Tahoe and drove away. Shane waved and Luke waved back. The kid had a great sense of humor. He was Danny Howard’s kid, though. Luke couldn’t seem to get beyond that. Becky and Danny were divorced, but it didn’t keep that seed of jealousy from sprouting in Luke. How could she have married him?

The past hit him smack in the face then. He felt eighteen and angry. Why did life have to be so cruel?

BECKY CLENCHED and unclenched her hands on the steering wheel. She had to mentally calm herself. Every encounter with Luke was the same—emotionally draining. Why did he have to come home? After all these years, she’d thought he was out of her life for good. But she knew he would never be completely out of her heart.

Unable to stop herself, she glanced in the rearview mirror. In jeans, cowboy boots and a Stetson, Luke was unbelievably handsome. He always had been. And the years had added another dimension—one of maturity. His dark hair and eyes were the same, except his eyes weren’t as mischievous or flirtatious. They were serious. Luke Chisum was now dead serious. His dare-me arrogance was gone, but his cocky smile showed up now and then—like a few minutes ago.

Does it make you remember?

All the time.

She put it down to first love—the all-consuming love of a teenager. Yet it all had been based on a silly dare. And that dare had sent her self-esteem into the biggest nosedive of her young life.

Luke Chisum could have had any girl he wanted. She should have known there was a reason he’d asked naive Becky to the dance. She’d been so young, and wanted to have fun like the other girls, so she hadn’t given it much thought. When a friend had told her the truth, it had broken her heart.

To make matters worse, she’d heard the kids talking. One day after gym class she realized she’d forgotten her purse in her locker. As she hurried back to get it, she heard Bobbie Sue and Stefi, two girls in her class, talking about how gullible Becky was to think Luke really loved her. They went on to say that Luke was just after the sex, all the guys were.

And she noticed the boys glancing at her with pity in their eyes. She just wanted to crawl away and die. All she could think was Luke didn’t love her as he’d said. He was in the relationship for the sex. That knowledge almost killed her and led to restless dreams where he was laughing with his friends at just how easy she’d been.

Through the pain, though, she recognized she might be blowing everything out of proportion. The healing process took a long time and when she was finally ready to listen to Luke, he was gone. She wrote several letters, but never mailed any. His leaving reinforced her original beliefs. If Luke had really loved her, he wouldn’t have been so eager to leave River Bluff.

Even though she couldn’t get Luke out of her head, she’d plunged headfirst into a relationship with Danny. After a couple of years, they’d known the marriage wasn’t working and had gone their separate ways.

But they had Shane.

Becky lived her life for her son. She worked in the River Bluff school system so she could be near Shane. Raising a young boy wasn’t easy, especially since Shane was getting older. The thought of him driving was giving her nightmares. Just like his father, he drove like a race-car driver—fast and reckless.

“Luke Chisum’s cool,” Shane said, pushing the buttons on the radio and twisting in his seat to the beat of Rascal Flatts.

She took a deep breath. “Do not, and I repeat, do not ask the Chisums for a job again. Your grandpa has plenty of work for you to do.”

“Mo-o-om,” he dragged out her name in a pained tone. “Grandpa pays pennies. The Chisums pay top dollar. If I work all summer, I could buy the coolest truck.”

“Shane, did you hear what I just said?” She used her strongest voice, the one Shane knew well.

“Yes, ma’am.” He slumped in his seat. Silence filled the cab.

“Your father called and wants to know if you’d like to come for the weekend.”

She heard a muttered, “No.”

“You haven’t seen your father and his family for two months.” Danny had remarried and had two more children. Shane felt left out.

“They live in the city and there’s nothing to do there. I always have to babysit. Besides, Grandpa and I are working on the four wheeler. We almost have it running again. Call Dad and tell him I’ll come another time.”

“You call him tonight and tell him that.”

“Mo-o-om.” He dragged out her name again in protest.

“You’ll call him.”

Divorce was hell on kids. Danny understood Shane had a life in River Bluff and didn’t pressure him too much to come and visit. Noreen, his wife, had a lot to do with that.

Becky pulled into the parking lot.

“Just think, Mom.” Shane unbuckled his seat belt, back to his happy self. He never stayed upset for long. “When I get my truck, you won’t have to drive me to school anymore.”

Turning off the ignition, she glanced at him. “But remember I’ll still be here.”

“You know, Mom, those elementary kids need a nurse a lot more than us grown-ups. You might want to think about transferring.”

She pinched his cheek. “In your dreams, hotshot.”

“Mo-o-om… Oh, there’s Abby. Gotta go. See you after school. Remember I have basketball practice.” He grabbed his backpack and in a burst of energy was gone.

Becky watched as he joined Abby and more of their friends, flashing his registered-on-the-Richter-scale smile. Her son was handsome, charming and a handful. That caused her many sleepless nights. Shane was like his father in so many ways.

And she was grateful no one saw that but her.

CHAPTER TWO

LUKE SPED DOWN THE ROAD to Great Oaks, the Chisum home. Huge live oaks lined the lane on both sides, their large branches intertwining and creating a canopy effect. The trees had grown on the property long before Luke was born. His great-grandmother had planted them and had named the two-story Victorian house, built by her husband.

Every time he drove beneath the trees, he felt that sense of vulnerability, just as he had in town. He’d been adopted as a newborn by the Chisums and he was always acutely aware he wasn’t a blood Chisum. His brother, Hank, made sure he never forgot that little fact.

Hank had been sixteen when Henry and Lucy had decided to adopt. Hank had resented his new brother from day one. Luke was now thirty-four and only tolerated by him, at best. The tension at home had been another reason he’d bolted for freedom, but Hank hadn’t been the catalyst that had sent Luke out into the world. Becky had. If Luke hadn’t been so eaten up with jealousy over Becky and Danny, he would never have left the Circle C or his parents.

Luke may not have been blood but his roots ran deep with the Chisums. He loved them, even Hank, though it would probably take a bottle of Jack Daniel’s to get him to admit that out loud.

Parking at the garages, Luke noticed Hank’s Ford King Ranch pickup. He’d been visiting his daughter, Chelsea, in San Antonio. Hank and his wife, Marla, were separated and Chelsea lived with her mother. He hadn’t come home the night before so maybe he and Marla were trying to work things out.

Marla was a city girl and hadn’t taken to living on a ranch. Luke had been in the military for a year when his mom had written that Marla and Chelsea had moved out for good. Hank had bought them a house and nothing had changed in that situation for fifteen years. Chelsea was now twenty-two, finishing her last year of college. Luke barely knew his niece.

Luke had to give Marla credit. She really tried, but not many people could put up with Hank’s moodiness.

Luke slipped out of his truck and took a moment to breathe in the fresh country air. He caught the scent of cypress wafting from the Medina River. Oh, yeah, he was home. Just being here gave him a sense of peace. He’d left here a boy feeling ten feet tall and bulletproof. That was a trick of his young, arrogant mind. He’d seen the world as no eighteen-year-old should—through blood and tears. He’d come back a man with his head squarely on his shoulders, knowing no one was invincible and a bullet showed no discretion.

He glanced in the direction of the barns, corrals, bunkhouse and the rolling hills beyond. Everything lay in the dormant stages of winter. Cedars, spruces and craggy ledges stood out among the bare, weblike branches of the trees. Leaves in different shades of brown blanketed the ground.

Soon spring would turn the landscape into lush hills, green valleys and sunny vistas that were stunning in their simplicity and beauty. To Luke, no place on earth could compete with the scenery in River Bluff. No place.

Cowboys were saddling up for a day on the range. Luke waved to Pee Wee, Newt, Ramrod, Hardy and Paco as they loaded hay onto a flatbed trailer. This was cowboy country. An old-fashioned way of doing things was still alive in the county, even though dude ranches were a common sight around River Bluff. But not at the Circle C. Real tobacco-chewing, bowlegged cowboys worked here.

“Hey, boy, when’s the next poker game?” Happenstance Jones, cowboy extraordinaire and ranch foreman, walked from the house, his worn boots making a shuffling noise on the pavement. At seventy-two, Hap wasn’t known for picking up his feet.

“Wednesday night.”

“Where?”

“Jake’s place.”

“Might join ya.” Hap bobbed his head up and down.

“Be happy to take your money.”

Hap snorted, laying a hand on the hood of Luke’s truck. “You just gettin’ home?”

Luke pushed back his hat. “Hap, those days of staying out all night are gone.”

“What are you talkin’ about?” Hap spit chewing tobacco on the ground. “You’re in your prime. You’d better ride that bull while you can, boy, because before you know it, you’ll be ridin’ toward eighty like me.”

Hap looked every year of his age. He had brown leathery skin from too many hours in the sun. A bony body and bowed legs added to the effect. But Luke knew his mind was still as sharp as the razor the housekeeper, Clover, made him use on the odd occasion. Most of the time he had a gray stubble and a look that was known to frighten small children.

Luke folded his arms across his chest. “Hap, I never thought you worried about age.”

“I don’t. That’s up to the good Lord. I’ll die with my boots on and a smile on my face.”

“Since I’ve never seen you smile that might be totally impossible.”

“Really?” Hap rubbed his stubble. “I’m smiling now. Can’t ya tell?”

Luke studied the strained, wrinkly face. “Nope. Looks more like you have gas.”

Hap walked off, shaking his head. “Boy don’t know nuthin’.”

Luke strolled into the house with a grin on his face. “Hey, Clover.”

Clover Jankowski, the housekeeper, turned from the sink and wiped her hands on her apron. With an ample bosom and stout body, Clover had a direct way of speaking that irritated most people. But Luke knew she had a heart of gold once you chiseled through the stony exterior.

If Hap didn’t smile, Clover was the reason. In a bad mood, she was known to be as mean as a rattlesnake, and her sharp tongue could be just as deadly.

Luke never understood their relationship. Both came from an orphanage in San Antonio and had started working on the Circle C as teenagers. Hap and Clover always had breakfast together. Trading insults was part of the menu. On Saturday nights they went dancing. Sunday mornings they attended mass together. Whatever their relationship was, it worked for them.

“You get the drops?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Took you long enough.”

Luke kissed her rounded cheek. “Thank you.”

“You should’ve been back thirty minutes ago, and don’t think you can sweeten me up with a kiss, young man.”

He shook his head. “Clo, I don’t think there’s enough sugar in the world.”

A smile twitched at the corners of her mouth. “Stop foolin’ around. Your parents are waitin’ for you.”

As Luke walked into the den, he heard voices.

“Henry, please eat. You won’t get stronger if you don’t.” That was his mother’s concerned voice.

“Stop mothering me, Lu. My eyes burn and I don’t feel like eating.” His words were only slightly slurred. His speech had improved so much.

“Mom, just let Pa rest for now.” Big brother Hank always sided with their father, and it was probably the reason Henry was so stubborn at times. He knew Hank would back him if he didn’t want to do something.

Luke took in the scene. His father was sitting in his chair still in his pajamas, a shell of his former self. He’d lost so much weight Luke had hardly recognized him when he’d first returned home. Wan and frail, he was so unlike the strong, hardnosed patriarch of the Chisum family. It tore at Luke’s heart.

Breakfast sat on a TV tray and his mother wrung her hands in distress. Hank stood over them, trying to look authoritative.

Hank noticed Luke first. “It’s about damn time you showed up.”

Luke ignored him. “Lean back your head and I’ll put the drops in,” he said to his father.

Henry complied and Luke administered the required drops. After a moment, Henry sighed. “That’s better.”

Luke sat on the footstool at Henry’s feet. “Good. Now you’re going to eat breakfast.”

“Son, I’m just not…”

Luke wasn’t listening to any objections. He pushed the button on the power chair to raise his father to a sitting position, then placed the tray over his knees.

“Whole-grain cereal with a banana, muffin and fresh fruit. How does that sound?”

“Like sissy food.”

Henry favored bacon and eggs with biscuits and gravy. That kind of food wasn’t going to be on his menu anytime soon. If ever again.

“You’re not going to act like one, though, right?”

“A pissant couldn’t eat this crud.”

“Pa.”

“Ah, okay.”

Luke watched as he fumbled with the spoon, wanting to help him so badly. But Henry had to do things for himself.

“When you finish eating, you’re getting dressed.”

“What for? I’m not going anywhere.”

“I want to show you the Black Angus bulls you saved. They’ve matured and are some mighty fine animals.”

“And they’ll sire some mighty fine calves.” His dad’s voice grew excited.

“You bet.”

Henry ate a portion of the food then motioned for Luke to move the tray. “Lucy, where’s my walker?”

Luke moved the tray out of harm’s way as Lucy brought the walker. Henry shuffled toward the hall with Lucy behind him. His mother was becoming so thin. Waiting on Henry was wearing her down. He tried to relieve her of some of her chores, but she always resisted his efforts. He had to try harder.

“The miracle worker, the favorite son has returned,” Hank derided.

“Shut up, Hank.”

“What are your plans? Are you just gonna sponge off Mom and Pa?”

“Like you?” he fired back without a thought.

Hank bristled just as Luke knew he would. “I work my damn ass off to keep this ranch running. Since Pa’s stroke I’ve had to do everything. You’ve been no help whatsoever.”

He kept his cool. “I’m here to help Mom, and this is my home.”

“So that means you have no plans.”

Luke stood eye-to-eye with his brother. They were the same height with the same dark hair and eyes. Luke may not have Chisum blood but he was matched perfectly with similar features. He had age on his side, broad shoulders and tight muscles. At fifty, Hank was getting soft around the middle, but what he lacked in muscle he made up for in sheer arrogance.

“I told you I’m here to help Mom. Can’t you see how tired she is?”

“She has help. Clover’s here and Paco’s wife helps out when Mom needs her. In the morning you get your ass in the saddle ready to ride. You’ll inherit this ranch and it’s time you earned it. Everything’s been given to you on a silver platter.”

Luke didn’t rise to the bait. “You want me to be one of the hired hands?”

“Something wrong with that?”

“Damn right. You’re not giving me orders twenty-four hours a day.”

Hank scowled. “You’re a spoiled rich kid, Luke. You can’t handle the work. You can’t handle being a cowboy.”

Luke got in his face. “If I can handle a war, big brother, I can handle anything you can dish out.”

“What’s all the shoutin’ about?” Clover stood in the doorway. “I got a cast-iron skillet that can stop this arguing, and I’m not afraid to use it.”

Hank turned toward the door then swung back. “We’re putting a new fence between us and the Parker place. It’s been down for some time. Do you think you could dredge up enough energy to ride over and tell the Parkers?”

Several objections popped into his head like red flags, but he didn’t voice them. The mere thought of old Sheriff Parker made him feel eighteen and afraid. It wasn’t a fear of the man himself. It was that he’d proved the man right. Luke wasn’t worthy of his daughter.

“I’m sure the Parkers can figure out what’s going on without me telling them.”

“Since the fence has been down, Becky’s kid rides his all-terrain vehicle on our property. If he doesn’t know the fence is up, he’ll fly through there and the barbed wire will rip him to shreds. Is that what you want?”

Luke clenched his jaw until his head hurt, but Hank took his silence as an affirmative answer. He’d rather do anything than go over to the Parkers’. Becky lived with her father, so she’d be there. A polite phone call would work just as well. Besides, seeing Becky twice in one day was more than his blood pressure could take.

LUKE KEPT HIS DAD OUT on the ranch, determined he wasn’t going to sit in the house all day. They looked at the young bulls and his dad was excited, taking an interest. After lunch, Luke took him to see the paint horses, his dad’s pet project.

The horses were kept separate from the cattle operation in their own pasture, corral and barn. Luke stopped the truck, helped his dad out and they walked to the pipe fence.

A brown-and-white stallion threw up his head and stood on his hind legs. “Cochise needs to be ridden,” Henry said. “It’ll take some of that fire out of him.”

Cochise pranced along the fence line. The tobiano paint had a white star on his forehead, and showed a marked degree of refinement and beauty in his strong-boned and well-balanced body. Paints were known for their distinctive coat pattern. Cochise’s face, neck, chest, belly and one flank were brown. The rest of his coat was white, including four stocking feet.

Luke hoped he was seeing the beautiful colors correctly, but he still had a problem distinguishing the hues of reds and greens. It was a minor disability compared to what other soldiers had to deal with.

And it was a whole lot better than dying.

Leaning on the fence, he thought it strange that when he looked at Becky, he saw her in brilliant color. Could that be from memory? He quickly brushed the question away.

He glanced at his dad. “I’ll ask the doctor when you can start riding again.”

Henry grunted. “Not anytime soon. Can barely use my arm and leg.”

“That’ll improve, just like your speech has.”

“Maybe. But I want you to ride Cochise.”

“Sure. I’ll give him a workout.”

His dad grew tired and Luke drove him back to the house. Lucy met them at the door.

“Did you enjoy yourself?” she asked eagerly.

“Don’t fuss, Lu.” Henry slumped into his chair. “Bring me a cup of coffee.”

“I’ll get it,” Luke said. His dad had a tendency to bellow orders at his mother and it kept her running all day.

When he carried the coffee to him, Henry was asleep. Luke set it on the TV tray.

“He’s just worn-out,” Lucy said.

“That’s good for him.”

Lucy suddenly hugged Luke around his waist. A petite woman, her head barely came to his shoulders. “I’m glad you’re home. Henry responds to you. Hank makes him so angry.”

Luke hugged her back. Except for Becky, he’d missed his mom the most while he’d been away from home. “The past few months have been rough on everyone.”

“Yes.” Lucy glanced at her husband. “He’s just been so depressed. I was thinking of calling Becky to see if I needed to speak to the doctor about it.”

“Mom, you don’t have to speak to Becky. Just call the doctor.” It irritated him that she depended on Becky for advice.

His mother frowned at him. “What’s wrong with talking to Becky?”

“Nothing.” He grabbed his hat and swung toward the door. “I gotta go. Dad wants me to ride Cochise.”

“You be careful. That horse has a mean streak,” Lucy called after him.

Not like some of the enemies he’d faced, he thought as he strolled toward the barn. Enemies who’d hated him and wanted him and his fellow soldiers dead. But his mom didn’t need to know that.

Cochise resisted the bridle, prancing around. After calming the horse, Luke saddled up. Cochise flung up his head, standing on his hind legs. Luke was prepared and they shot out of the barn like a rocket. Luke let him run, enjoying the wind on his face and the speed beneath him.

He slowed the horse to a trot as they neared the Parker place. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a four wheeler fly by. The all-terrain vehicle zoomed over hills and rocky ledges then suddenly flipped, throwing the rider into the winter weeds.

Luke galloped toward the prone boy and swung from the saddle. Becky’s son lay completely still. Luke checked the pulse in his neck. There was a steady beat. Thank God.

As Luke took a deep breath, the boy stirred. “Ooooh.”

“Don’t move, kid,” Luke ordered. “Let me check and see if anything’s broken.” He moved his hands over the boy’s body. Nothing seemed broken. Holding Shane’s head, he helped him to sit up. “You okay?”

“Oh, man.” Shane stared at the four wheeler on its side, smoke billowing from the motor. “Grandpa’s gonna beat me black and blue.”

Luke frowned. “Does your grandfather hit you?”

“What?” Shane shook his head, still in a daze. “Heck, no. It just…You’d have to know my grandpa to understand. When I’ve done something wrong, he has a look on his face that makes me wish he’d just hit me. But if anyone touched me, my grandpa would kill them.”

Luke knew the feeling very well. Subconsciously he rubbed his jaw where he’d felt the full ire of Sheriff Parker.

Shane stood, brushed dirt from his jeans and sweatshirt then walked over to the wrecked vehicle. “Ah, man. We just fixed it. I guess I’d better go and tell him.”

Luke jerked the four wheeler into an upright position and observed the damages. The left front fender was smashed into a tire.

“You just have to fix a fender,” Luke told him. “The tire looks okay.”

“Yeah, and Grandpa will make me pay for it. At this rate I’ll never get a truck.”

Luke adjusted his adult thinking hat. “You were going a little fast.”

Those blue eyes drilled into him. “You’re not gonna lecture me about speed, are you?”

“Would it help?”

“No. You’re Luke Chisum. You tried to see if your Mustang would fly.”

Luke winced. “You’ve heard that story?”

“Sure. Everybody in River Bluff has.”

“Well, take it from an expert—speed could get you killed.”

Luke wondered what the kid would say if he told him his mother was the reason he’d attempted such a thing. After high school graduation, he and his buddies had had a poker party with a keg of beer. Luke had kept drinking to get Becky and Danny out of his mind. He’d lost big that night.

His parents had given him a new Mustang for graduation. Afterward he was bragging to his buddies how fast it could go. He went a step further and told them he could make it fly. They called his bluff. After that there was no stopping him. When his friends realized he was stone drunk and serious, they tried to talk sense into him, to no avail.

The Mustang sailed off a rocky crevice into the Medina River. The river broke his fall, and he had minor cuts and bruises. He spent three days in the hospital and Becky never came to see him. That hurt more than his battered body.

When he was released, he knew he had to leave River Bluff or he was going to kill himself with stupidity. So he’d enlisted, and he often wondered why he felt a need to live life on the edge—in a danger zone.

“I’d better go tell my mom and Grandpa.” Shane’s words brought him back to the present.

“Come on, kid.” Luke grabbed Cochise’s reins. “I’ll give you a ride.”

“On the paint?” Shane’s eyes grew big.

“You bet.”

“Wow.”

Luke swung into the saddle, reached out his hand to Shane and pulled him up behind him. “Hold on.” Luke dug in his heels and Cochise sped away.

The horse covered the ground to the Parker place in minutes and Luke braced himself for another confrontation with Becky.

BECKY CAME OUT the back door, looking at her watch. “Dad, have you seen Shane? He needs to start his homework.”

Hub Parker glanced up from putting tools away. At seventy, he was still a tall, big man, but his muscles now sagged and his face was etched into a permanent frown. As a child and young girl, she’d done everything to please her father. He’d been bigger than life. Since her mother had died, he’d been the center of her world—until Luke. She’d disappointed her father in a way no girl should, but he’d been there for her when she’d needed him the most.

Hub wiped his hands on a rag. “We got the four wheeler running and he’s giving it a spin.”

Becky looked to the east. “I hope he’s not riding on Chisum land. Hank doesn’t like him to frighten the cattle.”

“Shane knows better.”

The words no sooner left her dad’s mouth than they saw the horse and riders.

“Oh, no,” slipped from her throat.

Hub touched her shoulder. “Stay calm, girl.”

Becky ran to the horse, knowing something was wrong. Shane slid to the ground and she saw his skinned face and hand. “What happened?” Pushing back Shane’s hair, she examined his face.

Shane pulled away. “I’m fine, Mom.”

“What happened?”

“Now don’t have a cow. I wrecked the wheeler.”

Fear turned her stomach. “Are you okay?”

He shrugged. “Sure.”

Luke stood beside her and a familiar heat emanated from his body. Instinctively she moved away, closer to her son. “Were you riding on Chisum land?”

Shane shifted his feet. “Yeah. Now you can have a cow.”

She gritted her teeth and managed to keep her cool. “Go to the house.”

“Mo-o-om.”

“Go. I’ll be there in a minute.”

Shane hung his head and slowly made his way to the house. Her father met him.

“Boy, you just never learn.”

“I’m sorry, Grandpa.”

Shane glanced toward Luke and a look passed between them. What did that mean? Her son didn’t even know Luke. Did he? For the first time, Becky felt her parental control slipping.

Shane disappeared inside and her father said, “I’ll go get the four wheeler.” He headed for his truck.

Taking a breath, she turned and faced Luke. “Thank you for bringing him home. I’ll make sure he stays off Chisum property.”

He frowned. “Is that a hard, fast rule around here? I remember a time when you rode freely from one property to the other.”

Unable to answer, she swung toward the house. Luke caught her arm. Don’t touch me, her inner voice screamed. Outwardly she stared down at the strong fingers closed around her skin. Fingers she remembered well. Fingers that had stroked, caressed and taught her about love. For months she’d been fighting this very thing, but with just a touch, his touch, the past connected to the present.

And she didn’t know what to do.

She raised her eyes to his. The warmth she saw there made her feel as if she were wrapped in brown velvet.

“Are you going to hate me forever?” Luke asked.

With more strength than she thought she possessed, she pulled her arm away. “I don’t hate you.”

“Well, it sure feels like it. Every time I get within ten feet of you, your eyes are like heat-seeking missiles directed straight at me.”

“It’s just your imagination.”

“It’s not, Becky, and you know it. It happened so long ago and we were teenagers. Why can’t we get beyond that? Why won’t you let me explain?”

“Because it doesn’t matter anymore.”

“It does to me.”

The tone of his voice sent a ripple of awareness through her and something happened she swore never would—she weakened in her stance to never listen to Luke again. That teenage love had been the strongest she’d ever felt and his betrayal had hurt all the more because of it. But she still wasn’t able to let it go.

She looked him square in the eye. “I meant nothing to you. I was a dare. You wanted to prove you could sleep with the sheriff’s daughter. It became a challenge for you. I’m sure your poker buddies waited for the news.”

“Neither my poker friends nor your father had anything to do with our relationship. That was between you and me. If you can believe such things, then I guess we never had much of anything. I’m tired of beating my head against your stubborn pride. I won’t bother you again.” In an angry movement, he swung into the saddle. He looked down at her, his eyes as dark as the secret in her soul. “I guess I knew that when I wrecked the Mustang and you never even came to the hospital.”

He galloped away, the hooves of the paint kicking up dust.

She wrapped her arms around her waist, feeling that pain of long ago when she’d heard Luke had sailed his Mustang into the Medina River. She’d waited at the hospital until Henry, Lucy and Hank had left, then she’d slipped into Luke’s room. Heavily drugged, he’d been completely out. Her heart had contracted at the bandages on his head, arms and legs. Sitting by his bedside, she’d wondered what she was going to say if he woke up.

But he’d never moved. That morning when he’d begun to stir, she’d quickly left. She’d met Lucy in the hall, but Becky had hurried past her, unable to handle a conversation.

I was there, Luke.

CHAPTER THREE

LUKE RODE COCHISE HARD, his thoughts driving him. How could she believe those things? Had they been in two different relationships? This was it. He was through apologizing to Becky.

When he saw the sheriff checking the four wheeler, Luke pulled up and dismounted. In his present mood, he was ready to take on the sheriff and anyone else who got in his face.

The sheriff beat at the fender with a hammer, trying to pry it away from the tire.

“Need any help?” Luke shocked himself by asking. And his anger subsided as quickly as Becky had ignited it.

The sheriff looked up; his eyebrows knotted together like a frayed rope. “Nope. Just getting the wheeler ready to load.” Two ramps were positioned on the bed of his truck.

Luke tied Cochise’s reins to a tree limb. “Would you like me to ride it onto the truck?”

From the steely glint of the sheriff’s eyes, Luke thought he was going to refuse, but he replied, “Sure. Help yourself.”

Luke straddled the wheeler and turned the key. It spit and sputtered then roared to life. He drove it around then guided it up the steep ramps onto the truck. After killing the motor, he jumped to the ground.

“Thanks. I appreciate the help.” The sheriff shoved the ramps inside the bed.

“Mr. Parker.”

“Hmm?”

“They’re installing a new fence through here in a couple of days. You might want to warn Shane.”

“Don’t worry. The boy won’t be riding on Chisum land again.”

“That’s no problem.”

The sheriff slammed shut the tailgate with a deafening boom. Then there was absolute silence. A deer shot out of the mesquite bushes and quickly disappeared. An armadillo rooted in the leaves before scurrying away. A squirrel darted up a tree. From the strong negative vibes coming from the sheriff, a sane man would follow nature and leave, too.

But Luke had something to say. “Sheriff.”

“Hmm?”

“I’m sorry I hurt Becky.” Since Becky wouldn’t listen to him, he thought he’d tell the man whose respect he’d like to have. “Back then I really loved her.”

The sheriff removed his hat and scratched his balding head. “Chisum, you hurt my girl and if you’re looking for sympathy from me, you’re not going to get it. Besides, it happened a long time ago. It’s time for both of you to move on.”

“Yes, sir.” Luke finally believed that.

The sheriff jammed his hat onto his head. “But I’ll tell you one thing, Chisum—you hurt my girl again and this time I will kill you.”

Luke nodded, believing that, too.

The old truck rattled out of sight and Luke grabbed Cochise’s reins. He swung into the saddle, then galloped toward home. Before reaching the big house, he pulled up and breathed in the fresh evening breeze, slightly tinged with the scent of cypress, cow manure and dust.

He was home, but he’d never felt more alone.

LUKE DIDN’T SLEEP MUCH. In the military for so many years, he had never slept soundly. He was hoping that would change once he returned to civilian life. So far it hadn’t. He was down early for breakfast.

Hap sat at the table stuffing bacon and eggs into his mouth.

Clover stood at the stove. “You don’t need to be playing poker with those young boys. They’ll take all your money.”

“Don’t tell me what to do, woman. We ain’t married,” Hap replied around a mouthful of food.

Luke poured a cup of coffee and leaned against the counter. “Why haven’t you two ever gotten married?”

“Are you kiddin’?” Hap gulped a swallow of coffee.

“Why would I want to marry him?” Clover thumbed in Hap’s direction. “He has no manners, tracks dirt into the house and talks with his mouth full. He eats like a pig and has no common sense. I’d kill him within a week.”

“Like you’re a Wal-Mart bargain. You nag every moment of every hour of every day. If I were married to you, I’d be begging for someone to shoot me.”

Clover pointed a spatula at him. “I’ll remember that when you want food again.”

Without another word, Hap took his plate to the sink. When he turned around, he pinched Clover on her butt and she swatted him with the spatula.

“I’m serious, Hap. We promised Sister Mary Margaret we’d help with the fundraiser at the orphanage and you’re not losing your money playing poker.”

“Don’t worry, Clo,” Luke said. “He’s a pretty good player. He might win some money.”

Hap winked, grabbed his hat and moseyed out.

Clover placed her hands on her hips. “Now that’s just encouraging him.”

Luke took a sip of coffee. “Clo, we don’t try to break anyone. We just have fun.”

“Hap’s too old to have fun.”

Luke suppressed a smile as he sat at the table. Hank walked in with his usual scowl, followed by their parents. His dad was dressed. This was a surprise.

Henry plopped into a chair. “I want oatmeal, Lucy.”

“Yes, dear.” His mother sounded tired. Or maybe just fed up. Luke watched her. Her jeans and shirt hung on her and her blondish-gray hair was combed back. She never took time to fix it anymore.

“Is the heifer sale all set?” Henry asked.

“Yes, Pa,” Hank replied. “Everything is set for the first week in April as always.”

“You have invitations ready to send to all the buyers?”

“Of course, that’s the point of the sale.”

“Don’t get smart, boy.”

“I’ve been doing this for years and at fifty I think I can handle just about everything on this ranch.”

“Now you listen here—” Henry shifted to face Hank. “Lucy, bring me a cup of coffee.”

His mother didn’t move or say anything.

Henry turned to her. “Lucy, did you hear me?”

Lucy threw a dish towel onto the counter. “Get your own coffee, Henry.”

Complete silence followed those words. The only sound was the ticking of the antique grandfather clock in the corner.

Henry recovered first. “What did you say?”

“I said get your own damn coffee. If you can bellow orders without any consideration for me, then you can wait on yourself. Being ill doesn’t give you the right to act like a complete ass.”

Lucy ran from the room, tears streaming down her face. Luke forced himself to stay in his seat. His father had to go after her, not Luke or Hank.

Henry frowned. “What did she say?”

Before anyone could reply, Clover answered, “She said you’re an ass. Rightfully so, too.”

Henry pointed a finger at her. “Watch your mouth. You can be gone in a heartbeat.”

“Just say the word, Mr. Henry. The nuns would welcome me back—” Clover paused “—in a heartbeat.”

Henry stood abruptly; his chair toppled backward to the hardwood floor making a loud banging noise. Luke jumped to his feet, but his dad didn’t need any help. He shuffled off to the den.

Hank and Luke stared at each other in bewilderment. Hank tipped his head toward the den. “Go talk to him.”

Luke raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t that a job for the oldest?”

“You’re the favorite, so get in there.”

Luke thought of his father’s set expression and decided to give him some time. He’d check on his mother first. He had a feeling she needed him more.

As he walked toward the hall, Hank snapped, “Luke.” But Luke didn’t pay him any attention.

He stopped short in the doorway to his parents’ bedroom. His mother was throwing clothes into a suitcase.

“Mom, what are you doing?”

“I’m leaving.” She grabbed more clothes out of a drawer and dumped them into the case. “He can’t treat me like this.”

His parents argued, but he’d never seen his mother so upset. He caught her by her forearms. “Mom, look at me.”

Tear-filled blue eyes looked at him and he felt a catch in his throat. “Pa’s been a little hard to deal with since he’s had the stroke, but you’ve been married for over fifty years. You can’t just walk out and leave him.”

Lucy gripped him around the waist, sobbing into his chest. “I can’t take any more. I just can’t.”

He smoothed her hair, thinking he’d rather take a bullet on the battlefield than listen to his mother cry. “What do you want me to do?”

She hiccuped and pulled away. Wiping at her eyes, she said, “Call Becky.”

Becky. He swallowed. “Why?”

“I can talk to Becky.”

“You can talk to me.”

“Becky’s a woman and she understands. Please, Luke.”

His mother curled up on the bed in a fetal position. His chest tightened at the sight. Why couldn’t she talk to him? Clearly she needed help he couldn’t give her. That wasn’t easy to accept.

As he charged upstairs to his room to make the call, he kept thinking the bullet would hurt a lot less. Becky answered on the second ring.

“Becky, this is Luke. My mother would like to see you.”

There was a noticeable pause, then she asked, “Is something wrong?”

“Yes,” was all he could say.

“I’ll be right there.”

Luke didn’t allow himself to think about Becky. They were now strangers, probably what they’d been all along. He’d just been too pigheaded to admit it.

When he reached the den, his dad was sitting in his chair, staring into space. Hank came over to Luke.

“What happened?”

“Mom’s leaving.”

Hank’s eyes narrowed. “You mean going to town?”

“No. I mean she’s packing to leave for good.”

Hank turned a shade of gray Luke had never seen before. “But don’t panic. I talked to her and she’s lying down. She wants to talk to Becky.”

Hank nodded. “That’s good. She talks to Becky a lot.”

Luke glanced at their father. “I talked to Mom, now you talk to Pa.”

“I got my hands full with this sale.” Hank headed for the kitchen. “So make yourself useful.”

Luke wanted to shoot him the finger, but that was a younger Luke. The mature Luke walked over to Henry.

He sat on the footstool and remembered all the times he’d sat here as a kid asking a million questions. “Pa, how do birds fly?” “Why are there stars in the sky?” “What’s a Big Dipper?” “How do men walk on the moon?” Henry had answered everything and when he hadn’t known the answer, he’d made it up. Luke had believed every word, though. There was nothing his father didn’t know. There was nothing his father couldn’t beat.

Except being incapacitated.

“Pa, you doing okay?”

“I’m not a man anymore.”

“Excuse me?” Luke wasn’t sure what his father was talking about.

“I knew she’d leave me and it didn’t take long.”

The doorbell rang, preventing Luke from getting an explanation. Henry wasn’t making any sense. His parents had been married forever.

He shifted his train of thought and concentrated on the woman on the other side of the door. He took a moment, then opened it. Becky was in her work clothes—green nurse’s scrubs printed with tiny stethoscopes. Her hair bounced around her nape and her eyes were deep with concern.

“I didn’t want to bother you,” he said, “but my mother insisted.”

“It doesn’t matter,” she said. “Where’s Lucy?”

“In her bedroom.”

His parents occupied the master bedroom downstairs. Becky followed him into the den and went directly to Henry.

“How are you this morning, Henry?”

“Not good. Lucy’s mad at me.”

Luke stood in complete shock. His father was talking to Becky.

“What did you do to make her mad?”

Henry shrugged. “Just being me, you know. And that ain’t much these days.”

“Are you doing your exercises?”

“Sometimes.”

Becky rubbed his shoulder. “All the time, Henry. To get better you have to fight it, and I know you’re a fighter.”

“Have been all my life.”

“Good. I’ll go talk to Lucy.”

Luke paced as he waited. About twenty minutes later, Becky came out. “Did Mom talk to you?” he asked anxiously.

“Yes.”

“So what’s wrong besides the obvious?”

“Henry’s not able to do a lot of the things he used to.”

“I know that.”

Becky shoved her hands into the pockets of her top. “I don’t think you do.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“It’s sexual.”

Luke swung away. “Oh God. I don’t need to hear this.”

“Grow up, for heaven’s sake. They’re your parents but they’re also husband and wife. Henry’s not able to do what he used to and he thinks it matters to Lucy, but it doesn’t. He bellows orders at her because in his mind every time she waits on him that means she still cares for him. But a woman can only take so much yelling and insensitivity.”

“Oh.” Luke finally understood. “How’s Mom now?”

“She’s soaking in a hot bath. That’ll help to relax her. She called Angela Carrick and they’re going to San Antonio to get their hair done and to shop. Lucy needs to do something for herself for a change.”

“She’s going to be out all day?” That didn’t come out the way Luke had intended, but he couldn’t take the words back.

“Yes, and I know you’ll take care of your father.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Really? An insensitive clod like me?”

She pushed her bangs from her forehead. “I overreacted last night. I’m sorry about that, and you’re right. We need to put the past behind us. We’ve both moved on.”

“Yeah.” He held her gaze. “So why are you still so angry?”

She glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to go. I’m going to be late for work.”

“We’re going to have that conversation one of these days, Becky,” he called to her retreating back.

With her hand on the doorknob, she turned to look at him, her eyes dark. “You might not like my answer.”

“I’ll take my chances. I’m a gambler.”

She nodded and was gone. Luke went to deal with his parents, but he wasn’t so angry now. Becky was talking to him.

THE DAY PROVED to be stressful. Henry barked orders at Hank until he was hoarse. Luke couldn’t get him to go back to the house to rest and give them all a break. By late afternoon Henry ran out of steam. All day his dad had not once mentioned Lucy’s name.

As Luke drove to the house, he saw his mom maneuver her Cadillac into the garage. She got out smiling. Her hair was done in a new style and hung like a bell around her face. Lucy gathered shopping bags out of the car and still Henry didn’t say a word.

Luke sensed a blue norther gathering force, and it was fixing to blow through Great Oaks.

Becky’s Tahoe stopped behind them. She got out with a long package. Evidently she’d been in contact with his mother during the day. He didn’t know whether to feel good about that or not.

Becky helped Lucy with her bags while Luke got his dad’s walker from the back of his truck. Silently they made their way into the house. Henry sank into his chair. His mom and Becky continued down the hall. Luke heard voices coming from his mother’s room, happy voices. His dad stared at a blank TV screen, not one flicker of emotion on his set face.

Becky came into the den carrying a cane. “Henry, I have something for you.”

Henry looked at her and his eyes went wide at the cane. “I talked to your therapist the other day and he felt you were ready for a cane. Want to try it?”

Without one objection, Henry rose and reached for the cane. Luke watched in wonder.

“Try to pick up your left leg,” Becky said. “Great. You’re doing great.”

“I am, aren’t I?” Henry asked, slowly making a circle around the room.

“Yes, you are,” Becky answered. “And let me tell you, you look awfully handsome with that cane.”

“You think so?”

“Oh, my, yes.”

Henry stopped walking and Luke saw a smile on his face, the first one in days. “You are such a liar, Becky Lynn, but you’re so sweet I’m going to believe you.”

Becky smiled and Luke felt his heart race. “Will you do me a favor, Henry?”

“Anything.”

“Apologize to Lucy.”

Luke waited for the stubborn attitude to return, but it didn’t. Henry nodded and made his way with the cane down the hall to the bedroom.

“Thank you, Becky,” Luke said when the door closed. “I don’t think he would have done that for Hank or me.”

“You’re welcome.” She glanced at her watch and he was beginning to see she did that when she was nervous. “I’ve got to run.”

“Becky. You don’t really believe I’d brag to my friends about what happened between you and me?”

Her eyes caught his, but she didn’t say anything.

“I wouldn’t. I would never intentionally hurt you.”

Those teenage years and all that emotion hung between them. “I know,” she murmured. “You put such a dent in my confidence, though, it’s hard to remember that.”

She walked out the door before he could gather his thoughts, but he felt a whole lot better about the situation than he had last night.

He heard a sound and listened closely. Was his mother giggling? Yes, he heard it again. When his dad had apologized, he must have done it in style. Luke needed to ask for pointers.

Lucy came into the den, all smiles, wearing a beige linen pantsuit. In makeup and high heels, she didn’t even resemble the distraught woman of the morning.

“Where’s Clover?” she asked.

“In the kitchen, I suppose.”

“Tell her that Henry and I are having dinner in our room tonight.”

“Oh. Okay. Does this mean you’re staying?”

“What?” She shook her head. “Don’t be silly, Luke.”

She kissed his cheek and Luke knew his mother was back. That was good in more ways than one. Tonight was the weekly poker game. Now he could leave the house without a guilty conscience. Maybe things would return to normal, or whatever constituted normal in the Chisum house.

Tonight Luke needed to razz and bullshit with his friends—friends he’d known all his life. It was a release for him, just as it had been in high school, to deal with his crazy dysfunctional family.

Today had been a little crazier than most.

BECKY DROVE INTO HER YARD and parked beside Danny’s car. He’d picked up Shane from basketball practice. Shane had called and told his father he didn’t want to come for the weekend. Danny didn’t like it and wanted to talk to Shane in person.

She got out and watched Danny walk toward her. He was a kind, patient man with thinning blond hair and green eyes. After the divorce, they remained good friends. He tried with Shane but they had nothing in common. Shane loved sports and the outdoors. Danny was a CPA, and going to the movies was his favorite pastime. He knew every movie that had ever been made. His favorites filled a room lined with shelves from top to bottom.

“Did you talk to him?” Becky asked as he reached her.

Danny waved a hand. He did that a lot when he talked. “He says he has to help Hub with the four wheeler. It’s just an excuse. He doesn’t want to visit us anymore.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I know he feels left out, but I have two other kids.”

“I’ll talk to him again.”

Danny looked into her eyes. “Luke is back.”

A sliver of fear ran up her back and she didn’t know why. “Yes.”

“How do you feel about that?”

Becky shrugged. “I see him all the time. It’s hard.”

There was silence for a moment, then Danny said, “It’s time, Becky.”

She glanced off to the blue sky and the puffy white cotton clouds. Any minute a cloud was going to split open and dump a whole lot of reality on her. More than she was ready to face.

Now or ever.

She chewed on her lip and admitted the truth. “Since Luke has been back, I’ve known the time was coming. But I…I…don’t think I can.”

“Would you like me to…”

“No. I have to do this myself.” This was her problem and she wasn’t involving Danny in her life again. He had his own family now. She brushed back her hair. “I’m just worried about Shane.”

Danny touched her arm with affection. She wondered, as she had so many times in the past, why his touch didn’t ignite her senses. But she couldn’t fake it. She’d tried and had ended up hurting both of them.

“If you need me, just call.”

After Danny left, she walked to her dad’s workshop. He was sanding the fender of the wheeler, getting it ready to paint.

“Why isn’t Shane helping you?”

Her father looked up, his eyes partially hidden by his cowboy hat. “You’ve grounded him, remember? Sometimes you’re too hard on the boy.”

“Like you were never hard on me.”

Hub shoved back his hat. “Like it did any good.”

Unable to stop it, a tear slipped from her eye. She quickly brushed it away, but another followed. “Everything I do, I do for Shane and it always seems to be wrong.”

Hub laid down his sandpaper and took her in his arms. “C’mon, Rebecca. It’s not that bad. You’re a wonderful mother.”

“But I’ve lied to him,” she sobbed into his chest.

Hub lifted her chin. “Then tell him the truth.”

“I don’t think I can.”

“Why not?”

She fought tears and ran her hands up her arms, feeling the goose bumps. “I’ve taught Shane how to be kind, considerate, loving, caring, giving and forgiving. He knows how to admit when he’s wrong and how winning is important but there’s no shame in losing. I’ve taught him to look for a lesson in the bad things that happen. He’s never defeated by much of anything. I’ve taught him to respect others and to respect himself. But will he remember any of that when I tell him Luke Chisum is his biological father?”

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