Harlequin American Romance November 2014 Box Set: The SEAL's Holiday Babies\The Texan's Christmas\Cowboy for Hire\The Cowboy's Christmas Gift (9 page)

Everybody supported Ty in his dream. Any time a BC son or daughter made something of themselves, the town celebrated, feeling a part of that success. Town pride was built in from birth. “I know. Thanks, Mom.” Jade got up, took her dishes to the sink. “I'm going to clean the kitchen, then I'll run the stand tonight. Will you promise me to stay home and relax?”

Betty glanced up from the paper. “Why wouldn't I want to be where all the action is?” She laughed, shook her head. “Jade Harper, just because you're spending time with a hot man does not mean I'm ready to suddenly put on my slippers and sit in front of the TV. You couldn't keep me from the fun!”

Jade smiled fondly and shook her head, then began putting a few things away so Betty wouldn't have to. She'd gotten a lot accomplished when she heard the back door open.

“Hello!” a man's voice yelled into the house, like he'd done a thousand times before.

“In here, Ty!” Jade called, irrationally pleased that he'd shown up so soon.

He walked into the kitchen and Jade smiled. “Just like old times. You must have smelled the cinnamon cake a mile away.”

He was so big and handsome—so sexy she could hardly stand it. All she could think of was the magic his hands worked on her, and his mouth, and his body against hers.

A flush of desire stole over her.

“No cake today, thanks.” He kissed her mom on the cheek. “Do you mind if I steal your daughter for a moment?”

“Steal away.” Betty waved her hand. “Do you want the kitchen?”

His gaze hitched to Jade's. “Can we chat outside, Jade?”

This was odd. He never passed up Betty's cake or pie. She looked him over, hearing an urgent tone in his voice. He wore jeans, a freshly pressed long-sleeved shirt, his sheepskin jacket—and a really serious expression. A shiver of concern ran over her, and maybe even a splash of premonition that she wasn't going to like whatever he'd come to say.

Chapter Ten

Jade walked outside with Ty, catching his serious mood like a virus. Lighthearted, daredevil-with-a-grin Ty—when was he ever this dark and quiet?

“What's going on?” she asked, anxious to get whatever it was out in the open.

He took a deep breath as they reached his truck, and leaned against the door. As if he meant to drive off at any second. Jade's heart rate kicked up.

“I have to leave today.”

She hesitated. “Didn't we just text about getting together tonight?”

He nodded, his gaze dark and focused. “Those were the plans. The weather forecast is ugly, and flights are already being canceled around the U.S.”

“I saw that on the news,” she murmured, her heart sinking.

“I can't risk not showing up to BUD/S on time.”

“No. Not at all.” There would be no second chance, and being late wasn't an option. “You're absolutely right to go.” Her heart felt as if it was shattering. She'd caught the weather report on the edge of her subconscious, barely paying attention to it, wrapped in the happy glow of the wonder of spending time in Ty's arms. “It's a wise decision to get ahead of flight cancelations. This winter has been busy with storms.”

She took a deep breath, unable to say any more. The last thing she wanted was to make him feel guilty that he had to leave, when he was doing the exact thing she knew he needed to do, and which she wanted him to do.

“I want you to do something for me. It's a lot to ask.” He took a deep breath, pulled her up against him.

“What do you need me to do?”

“I'll understand if you can't make the commitment. It's a huge favor.”

She looked up into his eyes. “Okay.”

“I want you to take over Cosette's job of watching the house. I don't know when I'll be back, and she's done it for me for years, but I'd feel better knowing you were in charge.”

Jade nodded, understanding. He was trying to get his affairs in order, which underlined the finality of his imminent departure. She swallowed hard, not about to dim his leaving with news that Cosette and Phillipe's marriage appeared to be pretty much on the rocks. “It's fine. I can do it. It's probably for the best. Cosette's so busy these days.”

His arms wrapped around her more tightly. “No one's busier than you are, lady. But you're special to me, you know that. And I keep thinking about that loose step, and Cosette stepping on it—”

“It's no problem. Take that off your plate of worries.”

He kissed her forehead. “Here's the thing. I have a bigger favor to ask.”

“Go on.” At this point, she was going to say yes to whatever he mentioned. The best way to have him leave with no worries in his rearview mirror was to do whatever she could to help.

“About the box...”

She watched him carefully. “Did you open it?”

“Hell, no. As I said, I knew all of Dad's business affairs. There's no hidden gold or something fantastic in that box. Whatever it is, he meant to keep it hidden. I have no desire to open Pandora's box. Not now.”

“It can wait until you get back.” She had a suspicion he was right about leaving whatever it was buried.

“I've had a will drawn up,” Ty said. “You're the sole executor and beneficiary of my estate, should anything happen to me.”

Her mouth dropped open. “Why?”

“Who else is there?” He kissed her gently on the lips. “And I would have no peace of mind whatsoever if that supercharged ovary of yours decided it had bingoed.”

She was stunned. Couldn't say anything. “Ty, you're going to be fine. Nothing's going to happen.”

“All affairs have to be in order.”

She knew that. On one level it made total sense. On the other hand, it forced her to realize that what he was doing was very dangerous—and more so in the future, if he was accepted into the SEALs.

Of course he would be. He'd worked his ass off to realize his dream.

“All right,” she murmured, not happily.

“You'll write me if you're pregnant? I'd be the world's worst dad not to be here—”

“I'm not pregnant,” she said. “I told you, I don't even think I'm in the right time of my cycle.”

“Damn.” He looked a bit crestfallen, though he smiled. “I really worked hard at that.”

She laughed. “I noticed. It was wonderful.”

He kissed her long and sweetly, drawing a sigh from her when he finally pulled away to look at her.

“Which brings us back to the box,” he said.

She waited.

“I want you to open it after I'm gone.”

A gasp flew from her before she could stop it. “I don't—”

“Hear me out.” He cut off her words, holding her protectively in his arms. “You're the only person I trust with whatever's in there. Take care of what needs taking care of, in regards to the contents. I just don't want to know whatever secret Dad might have been keeping. I hope you understand.”

“I do,” she murmured. “I really do. I'm not comfortable with it, but I do.”

“It's a huge favor, like I said. But I really want to leave with a clear head, and no BC drama hanging on to me.”

“It's the least I can do.” Jade took a deep breath. “You realize it's probably nothing other than...I don't know, maybe some important papers.”

“Those were all in the vault. Anyway, here's the thing,” Ty continued, obviously not caring to linger on whatever secrets his father might have left behind. “After you go through the contents, I want you to seal the step back up. I've left the materials to do that. I figure you know how to work with wood, since you help your mother set up the stand at the haunted house.”

“It's no problem.” She was actually pretty handy at repairing lots of things. Small-business owners learned how to do things for themselves. “I can take care of it.”

He kissed her one last time, his lips lingering over hers. “This isn't how I wanted to say goodbye. I had planned for something more romantic, not dumping all my final requests on you.”

“It's fine.” She was still stunned that he was leaving so quickly. It felt as if part of her was being ripped away.

“I've told Cosette she's off the case. Here are the keys.” Ty handed Jade financial documents and a key ring. “Believe me, I'd rather be giving you a different kind of ring, Jade.”

Her gaze flew to his. “I think we both know that's not realistic.”

After a long moment, he nodded. “I guess not.”

“Go,” she said, feeling on the verge of tears she didn't want to cry in front of him. “Be the best damn SEAL the navy ever trained.”

He smiled, his mouth a little crooked. “You always believed in my dream.”

“Of course I do. If Frog and Squint and Sam can be SEALs, you ought to really make BC proud.”

He grinned. “Your faith is inspiring.”

“I just know you. You've never set a goal you didn't achieve, Ty.”

He looked at her. “I never really thought of myself that way, but I guess you're right.”

“Of course I'm right.” She kissed him one last time. “Please hit the road.” The papers and key ring felt heavy in her hands. She wanted to drop them and throw her arms around his neck, beg him not to leave, at least not so quickly.

But he had to.

“You mean a lot to me, Jade Harper.”

She smiled bravely. “And you mean a lot to me. You'll mean even more with a Trident.”

“I don't know when I'll be back.”

“You don't know if you'll ever be back,” she said. “And that's exactly the way it should be. You haven't dreamed this dream for so long to be pulled back to Bridesmaids Creek, Ty. The only reason you came home was to save us. In lieu of a going-away party from BC, I freely tell you to get your ass in that truck and don't look in the rearview mirror. Nothing ever changes here. We're a mirage in time.”

“A town of carnies,” he said. “Everybody selling their shtick and the BC legend.”

“That's right. Now go sell yours.”

Ty looked at her for a long time. “I would have swum the creek for you. Even done the Best Man's Fork run. And that's something I've never said to anyone.”

“Our BC legends are pretty entangling. Be careful what you say.” She smiled, but he didn't return it, his gaze serious. Her heart ached, but he had to go. He'd always feel he'd fallen short of his goal and his dreams if he didn't. A few hours of wonderful lovemaking shouldn't change everything he'd planned for. “Now go, cowboy.”

He nodded, got in the truck. “But if there should be a baby—”

“There isn't. Goodbye.” She kissed him on the mouth through the window opening, smiled as big as she could, selling shtick as hard as she could. “Good luck.”

“Thanks.”

He looked at her for a long moment, his eyes serious and dark, then started the engine. He drove away, his truck headed down the road toward the Hanging H, where he'd say his goodbyes to his buddies. She imagined shouts and laughter, and assumed Sam would drive him to the airport. She wished Ty would have asked her to take him, knew that would have been a really bad idea. Airports were no place for goodbyes, not goodbyes that were forever.

She carried the papers and the house keys inside.

Her heart rode off with Ty.

Chapter Eleven

Eleven months later

“These little ladies don't look like their father,” Sam observed, looking down into the bassinet where little Marie and Eve blinked their eyes like tiny dolls.

Jade shook her head. “Considering most of the town thinks they're yours, you better not say that too loudly.”

He grinned. “Aw, I wouldn't mind if they were.”

She raised a brow.

“I just mean I wouldn't mind having some kids,” he said hurriedly. “But I'm sure not hitting on you, Jade.”

She laughed. “I know.”

Sam hung around a lot now that she'd had the girls, as did Frog and Squint. She'd never admitted that Ty was the father, not to a soul except Betty—and her mother would never give up her secret. Sam was just fishing, doing his usual trickster thing.

“I just want that to be clear,” he continued, “because one day Ty is going to ride back into town, and I don't want him beating my head in if someone tells him I was flirting with his girl.”

“I'm not Ty's girl.” Jade swallowed hard. “Don't be silly.”

“It's not a matter of silly. You're taking care of his house. Ty wouldn't let anyone take care of his homestead unless he trusted them and felt strongly about them.”

“Sorry to blow up your theory,” Jade said breezily, reaching into the bassinet to pick up Eve, “but you're aware that Cosette used to do this same job I'm doing? Keeping an eye on the Spurlock place?”

Sam shook his head. “I'm not buying the story you're selling, sister, but whatever.” He scooped up Marie. “I do love babies. And these girls are sweet.”

A little uneasy that he'd guess her secret, Jade wanted to get Sam's attention on a different topic. “Maybe you should consider running in the Best Man's Fork race.”

“Maybe I shouldn't.” Sam nuzzled the baby. “I think you may have done something unattractive in your diaper, little one, and yet somehow I can't find it entirely unattractive.”

Jade laughed. “That's bad, Sam.”

“I can change diapers faster than Houdini can disappear. I've had lots of experience.” He did just that at the change table with impressive speed and efficiency.

“Are you sure you won't at least consider the Bridesmaids Creek swim? It's very, very lucky,” Jade said. “Guaranteed to bring you a bride, if you win.”

“Oh, I could win,” Sam bragged, “but I don't want a bride. My goal is to be free and easy for the rest of my life.”

“We have lots of pretty ladies around here.” She looked up as she tested a bottle. “Anyway, Ty brought you here to find a wife. Aren't you stating that you have conflicting goals?”

“Look, it's easy. Squint and Frog want women. Justin didn't think he wanted one, but he got five. I think that's hilarious.” Sam grinned. “Frog's trying to romance the socks off of Suz, much good may it do my brother in arms. And Squint's determined to tame the tornado known as Daisy. I figure everybody's settled and accounted for, and if I slip through Ty's net, that's fine. He'll just have to be happy with his success rate, and then get his own house in order.” Sam glanced at Jade. “You still haven't told him, have you?”

“I'm not going to, and neither are you.” She took a deep breath. “The time will be right one day, but it's not now. And you know it as well as I do.”

“He was pretty proud when he wrote that he was now truly one of us,” Sam said.

“And he took off for Afghanistan as fast as he could get sent. Or wherever he really went.” There hadn't been a lot of news from Ty, and Jade felt a twinge about that. She'd stayed awake many nights during her pregnancy, wanting so badly to tell him, but not about to rock his world. “Anyway, what should I have done? Told him before he was even finished with BUD/S that he was going to be a father? You and I both know he would have come rushing back home.” She swallowed hard, knowing it was true. Ty felt strongly about family, and the fact that he was adopted poured determination into his soul. He would have returned—and they would have had no future. You didn't take someone's long-held dream and dash it on the rocks, then expect that he wouldn't look back with some regret. Oh, Ty was too good of a man to be bitter or resentful—but it wouldn't be the same as it had been during that blissful time they'd shared in his house.

“I have to go do something.” Jade had put this particular errand off long enough. “I'm going to call Mom over to watch the babies.”

“I can do it,” Sam said.

“You should be working.” She went to find Betty, who'd staked out her place in the kitchen. “I need to run over to the...the Spurlock place real quick, Mom. Can you watch the girls?”

“Of course I can!” Flour flew as Betty put the lid on a canister. “Let me wash up.”

She glanced over her shoulder at her daughter as she stood at the French sink. “I thought you were on the once-a-month schedule of going over there.”

“I am.” Jade covered the cookies her mother had baked with a paper towel, knowing they wouldn't be around long enough to bother putting them in a canister. “There's something I need to take care of.”

“Suits me. I needed a baby break!” Betty sailed out of the kitchen, and Jade could hear her admonishing Sam to go find the cookies because he was looking too thin.

Sam wasn't too thin—but if he and the fellows didn't quit hanging around here so much, they were going to gain very un-SEAL-like pounds. Jade put on a scarf and coat to protect her against the cool wind—December was bringing much colder weather—and hurried to her truck.

Fifteen minutes later she was at Ty's, cautiously unlocking the door. As always, the house seemed welcoming and secure to her—but she never opened the door that her gaze didn't go straight to the stair step she had yet to repair.

She'd put off pulling out the metal box as long as she could. Today was the day, she vowed. The babies were two months old; Ty wasn't coming back. No one went into the house except her and Betty. Jade dropped in from time to time, checking over the place, turning on every tap to make sure everything was running properly, running a light rag over every surface to pick up dust. When she'd been ordered to bed for three months during her pregnancy—the doctor had been worried about her carrying the babies to term—Betty had come over in her place. Jade had told her mother that the third stair was loose, and not to step on it. Ty planned to repair his father's handiwork when he came home one day.

Betty had thought that sounded reasonable, and the subject never came up again. Jade had mostly put Ty's wishes concerning the box out of her mind. Part of her had hesitated because there was the tiniest chance he might come home—but that would mean he hadn't made it through BUD/S, and she definitely didn't want that.

It was really hard to think about opening a box Ty's father had left behind, but she understood why Ty didn't want to do it, why he was happier closing up the past for good. She'd promised herself that by the twins' two-month birthday, she was going to quit putting off the special mission Ty had entrusted her with.

She briefly considered repairing the step and not examining the contents of the box, but it was a small favor he'd asked, considering all he'd done for her. Anyway, it would take only a moment.

Jade tugged the step apart, finding the box undisturbed, though it still surprised her in some way to see it. The box's placement was so odd, nestled into the dark shelter of the stairs. Whatever was inside was something Sheriff Spurlock couldn't toss away, and yet didn't want Ty finding, a perfect hiding place from an active boy who might randomly see something his father didn't want him to see.

Yet maybe it was something good. Love letters, or a tiny statuette blessed for the house the sheriff had built.

Encouraged, Jade pulled the box out, and sat on the bottom step. Slowly she opened it, staring down at the pile of papers inside. On top of the stack lay an envelope with no writing on it. She picked it up, took a deep breath and pulled out the letter inside.

Dear Ty,

If you're reading this letter, I've probably gone to the big ranch in the sky. I left instructions with Phillipe LaFleur—Mssr. Unmatchmaker—that if you ever decided to sell the house—or if Robert Donovan managed to take over Bridesmaids Creek for good—that he was to give you a sealed letter I'd left in his possession. The letter gave you instructions on how to find this box, and I ask you in advance to forgive me for not telling you the truth in person. I never wanted to, could never see the reason to honor a man by ruining your life, which I think would have happened if you'd learned my secret during your formative years. If I had my way, this secret wouldn't ever make it to the light of day—certainly not until after Donovan's death.

But skeletons don't always stay buried, and the fact is, you are Robert Donovan's true son. Donovan's wife, Honoria, who was born and raised in BC, came home here and confided to my wife, Emily, during her pregnancy that Robert didn't know she was expecting, and that she planned to leave the state to have you, and give you up for adoption. Emily talked her into allowing us to adopt you, as long as we never, ever told Robert the truth.

As Emily couldn't have children, we jumped on the opportunity to have a child of our own, and Honoria was happy to know that her child was going to be living with us. We didn't know Robert that well then—he wasn't from here, and we figured our secret was safe. They were living at the time in Houston. It wasn't that she didn't want you, son. Honoria had realized she didn't love Robert, and she wanted no part of having a child with him. By then he'd already begun to show the seeds of the evil he'd later develop, and Honoria had quickly realized she didn't want to stay with him, wanted no ties with him. He would have never left her alone, anyway, if he'd known she was having his child.

Of course, you know this means that you're Daisy's older brother. You'll wonder how the Donovans ended up staying together, and even having a child together.

Honoria told Emily years later in confidence that upon her return from having you in Pennsylvania (we met her there and picked you up as soon as you came into the world), Robert professed his undying love for her and swore to change his ways. He'd missed her during her extended absence, fearing she had no intention of returning. Honoria decided to give her marriage one last chance, and Daisy was born a couple of years later. They moved here to BC for good when Daisy was about three years old. Secretly, I think Honoria was thrilled with the chance to keep an eye on you as you grew up. I think she also didn't realize that by then Robert had chosen BC as the perfect place to launch his empire, or she might never have returned here. I know their marriage wasn't a happy one after Daisy's birth, as Robert became hungrier and hungrier in his ambitions. Something about having a child of his own seemed to spur those ambitions. He was determined to create a kingdom for his name and his only child.

Jade stopped reading, stunned beyond words at the secrets spilling from the pages. It was almost too horrible to contemplate. She was fiercely glad Ty had never opened the box. She felt certain he would have never left BC, would have made it his mission to stay here and thwart his birth father at every turn of his evil steps.

A shudder ran over her that had nothing to do with the cool temperature at which she kept the house, or the gathering dark clouds outside, warning of a massive snow dump before the night was out.

She returned to the letter, her hands trembling a little.

Son, inside the box you'll find your birth certificate, as well as a gift from Honoria. The end of the story isn't a pleasant one. As you know, Daisy is straight from the DNA of her father, which you somehow escaped, thankfully. You brought your mother and me a lot of joy over the years, Ty. After Emily died I could sit in this house and think about the happy memories we had as a family. I can still hear your little footsteps thumping down the stairs. I can see your happy smile every night when I came home. I can see you running footballs into the end zone, and escorting the Homecoming queen. More than that, you were good to us, son. You were the miracle we would have never had in our lives. Forgive us, please, for keeping you to ourselves. You were the hope and the dream we never expected to have, and you were the son we'd always prayed for. You grew into a good man, and you made us proud. As far as Emily and I were concerned, you were ours, and the thing we loved the most.

I love you, son.

Dad

Tears jumped into Jade's eyes, streaming down as she put the letter back inside the envelope. She flipped through the other paperwork, but there was nothing else other than what Terence had mentioned, and a tiny box she assumed was the gift from his mother. Jade opened that quickly, wiping at her tears.

It was a small sterling Saint Michael medal, almost identical to the one Frog wore. Ty's full name was engraved on the back. Jade returned the medal to the velvet pouch, thinking that Ty would have liked such a gift. She closed the box, hesitated only a moment as she realized with dawning horror that Robert Donovan was the blood grandfather to her children, and Daisy the girls' aunt.

It was too much to contemplate right now. Jade crammed the box back into its secret nest and went to get the repair items Ty had left for her. She sealed the step back into place with wood glue, making sure it was tight and secure.

No one would ever know Sheriff Spurlock's secret. It would certainly never fall from her lips.

Satisfied with her handiwork, she put the toolbox away, then slipped on her coat, anxious to be away from the house. A promise was a promise, and she'd kept her promise to Ty. She felt immensely better now that she'd discharged her final duty—but her heart was heavy.

The door blew open on a gust of wind and icy puffs of cold. She gasped, staring into Ty's eyes as he filled the doorway, dark and forbidding and somehow not the Ty she remembered. A dark stranger gazed back at her, his face lean with hard planes, his body taut and muscle-packed.