Cameron, Paige - The Billionaire Cattleman Wins a Wife [Wives for the Western Billionaires 4] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) (15 page)

Anger and disappointment whipped through her. “You are a coward.” The words flew out of her mouth.

His face turned a dark red. “I am a realist. Life can be fucking hard. I’m trying to avoid some of the misery.”

Lily stood, walked around the table, and put her face in front of his. “Damn it, you aren’t the only person ever hurt. Life sucks at times, but it’s also beautiful and full of momentous moments like what I thought happened upstairs. Apparently I was the only one enjoying that moment, but you could have fooled me.”

From his expression, he looked as though she had struck him. She stormed out of the kitchen and went into his office. She’d punched in Brent’s number when Ty came to the door.

“What are you doing?”

“Duh, I’m making a call. Do you mind giving me some privacy?”

“Sure.” His boot heels clacked on the floor. The front door opened and closed. She heard the lock snap into place.

Angie answered on the first ring. “Hi, Lily, what’s up?”

“Brent suggested that I could come and stay with you two for a while. Would that be all right with you?”

“Of course. What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“You and Ty aren’t working out? Brent said Ty was crazy when you were kidnapped.”

“No. Ty and I don’t have any common meeting ground. I can’t stay here any longer. I do have a friend in
California
that I can stay with.”

“Don’t be silly. We want you. I’ll call Drake and he’ll send the plane to pick you up.”

“I’m going to pack.”

“When I know what time the plane is landing I’ll notify you. Are you going to tell Ty you’re leaving?”

“Not until the last minute.”

Lily stomped up the stairs to her room and began packing. He’d been going to ask her to marry him, but he didn’t want children. Candice and the child he lost were going to forever haunt him. Unless he could let go and live again, any marriage with or without children was doomed.

She threw her clothes in the suitcase haphazardly. What was she doing thinking of marriage anyway? Her father’s trial hadn’t even come up yet. There was much turmoil to get through before she could think about her future. She hadn’t spoken to her father since his arrest, and sooner or later she’d have to face him.

Lily was pulling her suitcase down the stairs when Ty knocked at the door. He saw the luggage when he stepped inside.

“You going somewhere?” He gave her a probing look.

“I asked Angie to send the plane for me. I want to spend some time with her. You’ll have the place back to yourself and won’t have to worry about me.” Lily tipped her chin high and fought to keep it from trembling.

“Maybe I like having you around.”

“I don’t think so. Angie just called back. I’ll need a ride to the landing strip in about an hour and a half.”

“Sure.” His expression hardened. A muscle in his jaw twitched. “I’ll be back.” He pivoted and walked briskly out the door and to his truck.

She watched him go until she couldn’t see his dust cloud anymore. Her heart was breaking, but she didn’t see any other choice. Taking a breath hurt. Lily went to check the kitchen, to see that it was clean and in order. She’d begun to love this place, to feel at home. How silly. It wasn’t her home. She didn’t have one.

The time crept by. When she saw Dirk get out of his truck and come to the door, she was both sad and relieved. She had wanted to see Ty one more time, but didn’t want to have to say good-bye. He must have felt the same and sent Dirk instead.

“Lily, I’m sorry you’re leaving.” He bent down and looked into her eyes. “You sure you want to do this?”

“I have to, Dirk. He’s not going to change.”

Dirk tipped his hat back. “I don’t know. I saw changes.”

“Not enough.”

“Well, you know what’s best for you.” He picked up her case. “Is this it?”

“That one and the little one here.” She held her overnight bag. He took it from her and, carrying both, headed out the door. She followed. As they drove off, she glanced back at the house and a lump formed in her throat.

The ride was short. They sat quietly watching the sky as the jet came into sight and landed. Dirk got her bags and followed her up the stairs to place them inside the plane.

“I hope whatever happens you’ll be happy,” he said. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “You know I’ve adopted you as another sister. If you need anything at all, you call.”

Lily brushed her tear filled eyes. “Thank you, Dirk. I’ll remember.”

She watched as he strode across the ground to his truck. He waited and as the jet took off he waved. Lily leaned back in her seat and cried softly as the jet turned toward
Texas
. She didn’t know what was in front of her, but she’d left her heart behind.

Chapter Eleven

Ty hadn’t called. She’d been silly to think he might. Lily had been living with Angie and Brent for six weeks. Brent had finished teaching her to ride. She rode almost every morning. In the afternoon, she helped Angie with housework, or cooking, or just walking and enjoying developing a closer relationship with her sister.

This morning when she returned from her ride, Angie met her at the door. “What is it?” Lily asked. She saw concern in Angie’s face.

“Your father’s attorney called. Your father wants to see you before the trial starts.”

Lily came in the back door and sank into one of the chairs in the large kitchen. Angie handed her a cup of hot chocolate.

She gave Angie a wry smile. “It seems every time I get difficult news someone hands me a cup of chocolate. After this, whenever I drink hot chocolate, I’ll think of this time in my life.”

“I’ll get you something else to drink, if you prefer,” Angie said.

“No, this is fine.”

Angie sat across from her. “Do you want to see him? You don’t have to, but if you do, Brent and I will be with you.”

“What would I have done if this happened before I found you?”

“You would have managed. You’re stronger than you think.”

“I hope so. My legs feel weak right now.” She sipped her drink. “I’ve known sooner or later I’d need to see him and talk to him. For his sake and mine.”

“When do you want to go?”

“The sooner, the better. Do you know when the trial is?”

“Brent talked with Glynes. I’m sure you remember, the FBI guy. He said they’re just about ready. The information they got from the safety deposit box helped move things along quicker.”

“I haven’t forgotten Glynes. I’m glad he let us know. I can’t really start my life over until this is all settled.” Lily glanced at the clock. “I’ll go call the attorney before he goes to lunch.”

“After lunch we’ll go walking. Brent said the cat had kittens. They’re in the corner of the barn. I want to see them. And we can talk about the trip to Philly.”

Lily went to her bedroom and stood looking out across the lake. She flipped her cell open and punched in the numbers Angie had written on a slip of paper.

“This is Mr. Rahn. How can I help you?”

“You called me. I’m Lily Yannell.”

“Ah yes, I left my private number so your call would come directly to me. Your father is anxious to speak with you. Will you come here and see him? I’ll arrange the meeting if you agree.”

“When is his trial?”

“Looks like it will start next week or the week after. I’ve suggested to your father that he let me delay it, but he says he wants to get it over with. I think he’s worried about you.”

“I have to check with my sister and her husband. But I think I can arrange to be there by the end of this week.”

“I’ll tell him. He’ll be glad. When you know for certain, let me know the exact date of your arrival.”

“I will. Good-bye.” Lily shut her phone and walked out the French doors to the veranda. She sat in a rocker and remembered the man who’d been such a good father to her, who’d loved her and taken good care of her. Would she see him when she returned to Philly, or the monster the press vilified in both the newspapers and on the television?

Her old life would definitely be gone when her father was sentenced. She’d stay and be at the trial. No matter what he did, he was her father and there was no one else to be there for him. But once his fate was decided, she had to go forward and find her life. She’d hoped it would be with Ty, but he hadn’t even called once.

“Lily, there you are. Brent’s home. Come in and have lunch with us. You can tell us about your call and what you want to do.” Lily stood and Angie put her arm around her. “We’re in this together, Sis.”

Brent stood as they entered the kitchen. “Two of the prettiest ladies in
Texas
.” He smiled at Angie and Lily. “I want to have a portrait done of you two. We’ll hang it in the living room.”

“You should have one done of you and Angie,” Lily said as she joined him at the table.

“I will, and I’ll put that one in my office.” Angie put a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich in front of him. “My favorite,” he told Lily. “She spoils me and I love it.” Brent pulled Angie into his lap and rubbed across her growing tummy. “How’s our child behaving today?”

“Very active.” Angie got up and put her and Lily’s plates on the table.

Brent took a bite of sandwich and then a sip of his milk. “Angie told me about your call,” he said to Lily.

“I called the lawyer. The trial may start next week. I thought I’d go the end of this week and see him. Then I’ll stay for the trial.”

“Are you sure you want to sit through that?” Angie asked.

“Yes. I have to do this for him and me. But it isn’t necessary for you two to be there.” Angie started to speak. Lily raised her hand. “No, Angie. You need to stay home and rest. And Brent, you want and need to be with her. I’m a big girl. I can do this on my own. I need to start standing on my own two feet. It will give me time to think about my future.”

“We don’t want you there alone, Lily,” Brent protested.

“I insist. But I appreciate your concern and your offer.”

* * * *

The metal door clanking shut behind Lily gave her an uneasy feeling. How must it feel if you were a prisoner and knew you couldn’t turn and ask the man to let you out? Lily clamped her hands tight on her purse. They’d checked the inside and let her take it with her. Once she got to the room where she’d see her father, she’d have to leave it outside.

A tall, gray-haired man stepped forward. “Lily?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Mr. Rahn. I’d have met you outside, but your father had something to discuss and it took longer than I’d expected.”

“That’s all right.” She glanced at the closed door behind him.

“Do you want me to go in with you?” Mr. Rahn asked.

She lifted her chin and took a deep breath. “No.”

He walked to the door and opened it, motioning for her to go inside. A guard stood watching them.

“Are there guards in there?” She nodded toward the door.

“Not right inside, but they’ll be watching and listening.”

“All right.” She handed her purse to the guard, squared her shoulders, and walked by the attorney and into the room. The door clicked shut behind her.