Welcome To My World (Hell Yeah!) (20 page)

Bowie stood closer to the bigger man in the group, a veritable giant. “And this is my best friend Jacob and his wife Jessie and my name sake, little Bowie.”

Jessie smiled at her and even before she could say anything, Jessie saw where Cassie’s eyes were going and placed the baby in her lap. Cassie was astounded. “He’s so beautiful.”

“Looks just like his dad,” Jacob said with pride.

Bowie ignored him and continued the introductions. “This conceited jackass is Joseph and his beautiful wife Cady.”

Joseph tipped his hat and Cady gave her a gentle greeting. “We’re honored, Cassie.”

Cassie was a bit overwhelmed. All of the men were big and the women were gracious. “No, I’m the honored one.”

“This roughneck in leather is Isaac McCoy and his lady Avery.” It touched Cassie to see how the intimidating looking man held his wife so tenderly.

“Hello,” she spoke to Avery and Isaac. Avery looked familiar, but she couldn’t seem to place her. Maybe later she’d remember where.

“Cassie, this is Noah and his fiancée Skye Blue. And you’ve met Nathan and this is his friend Tina.” Cassie shook Tina’s hand first. The little girl looked to feel right at home. Then, she greeted Noah and Skye. They were a beautiful couple, him with his blond hair and she with her distinctive Native American ancestry. God, everybody was good-looking. She felt overwhelmed.

After the introductions, the McCoys moved on in and they drifted to the dining table. It looked to be a well-used and loved place. Pictures lined the walls and although everything looked comfortable, they didn’t seem to display their wealth. Bottom line, this looked like a home.

“Cassie, tell us about yourself.” Cady started the conversation as everyone gathered around the big table and began passing around the food, family style.

Cassie tried to figure out what about her would interest these people. “I have a company that makes candles and body lotions,” she offered with a hopeful look.

“Congratulations,” Avery spoke up. “Do you have a catalogue?”

“I have a website.”

“And I can vouch for the candles. Thank you so much for the one you made for B. T.” She motioned to the baby Cassie was still holding, she couldn’t quit stroking his smooth skin.

“Speaking of Mr. BT, why don’t you let me take him off your hands?” Jacob reached for him. I’m an expert at eating with one hand and holding a bottle with the other.

“I thought that was Isaac.” Joseph laughed.

Isaac rolled his eyes. “I own the bar now, smartass.”

Cassie felt comfortable. She could tell these people loved one another, even if they were full of jokes. She was seated between Jessie and Bowie. “The meal is wonderful, thank you.” She addressed all of the women.

Joseph patted his stomach. “We eat like this all the time.”

The talk at the table was happy but a bit confusing for her. There was discussion of Libby’s due date, Avery’s upcoming wedding, the McCoy cousins who were coming down for a vision shortly and Aron’s rescue. All of it seemed fairly upbeat until Noah spoke up.

“Bowie, you know I talked to you about finding my mother.”

“Yea, have you found out anything?” Bowie reached under the table and found Cassie’s hand.

“No, but I think I know where to start.” Skye gave Noah’s back a reassuring rub.

“What’s that?” Joseph asked. Apparently this was news to everyone.

“When Skye and I went to the Cattle Barron’s Ball, back when they gave Aron the premature memorial award,” he said, pausing as Aron doffed his hat. “Old Sealy Cooper came up to me afterward and said something strange.”

“Like what?” Isaac asked.

“He said that he remembered the day Daddy brought me home. Sealy used to ride the rodeo circuit with Dad, so I think I’m going to pay him a visit and find out if he knows anything.” Noah looked hopeful.

Jacob couldn’t keep quiet. “Look, I don’t think this is wise.”

Cassie could feel tension building in the room.

Noah threw down his napkin. “You know, Jacob, I get the distinct feeling that you know more about this than you’re letting on.”

Aron eyed Jacob, then held up his hand. “Hold on, here. I am the oldest and I remember more about this than anyone.” Aron pointed his fork at Noah. “When Daddy brought you home, we all thought it was Christmas. There wasn’t a damned one of us that wasn’t glad to have you, even Mother.” He took a swig of tea. “I’m not saying that she wasn’t hurt by what Daddy did, but she never let on around any of us kids.”

“She never let on around me either,” Noah confessed.

“So, I don’t see why you just can’t let it ago.” Jacob persisted.

“Now, Jacob,” Isaac interrupted. “If it were me, I’d want to know.”

“Me too,” Joseph agreed.

Nathan, who was almost too young to remember his parents, asked innocently, “Was Mom my mother or was I adopted too?”

“No.” Noah shook his head. “We all remember you being born and seeing Mother pregnant.”

Cassie watched it all play out. She couldn’t help but see a shadow cross Jacob’s face. It made her wonder. The buzzing of a phone caused conversation to cease. “Excuse me.” Jacob rose from the table. He stepped off a few yards and talked, it seemed to be a happy conversation because he was smiling. When he hung up, he returned.

“Micah bought a new horse up in Marble Falls, says it’s a purebred Percheron, nineteen hands high.” He measured way above his head.

“How tall is that?” Libby asked.

“Seventy-six inches or as tall as me at the withers.”

“Dang, that’s a big horse.” Nathan whistled. “I’d sure like to see him.”

Jacob sat back down, looking pleased with himself. “Well, you’re about to see him. Micah and Destry are bringing him around to show him off in a few minutes.”

“What’s his name?” Tina asked.

“I don’t know.” Jacob smiled. “We’ll ask when they get here.”

“Destry and Cassie are cousins.” Bowie announced out of the blue.

“Really?” Skye turned toward Cassie. “He’s a nice guy. I was able to get to know him when all of the guys were preparing to head down to Mexico after Aron.” She looked at Cassie closely. “Well, I guess I can see some resemblance.”

“Oh, Cassie’s much better looking.” Bowie observed dryly.

“Why, thank you.” Cassie laughed. “That’s a relief.”

They talked about Galveston and how much fun Cassie had in the water. “I did, I’ll never forget how it felt to whiz around and turn somersaults in the chair.”

“You should have seen her, she looked like Ariel.” Bowie hugged her.

“Except in a wheelchair,” Cassie added.

“Hey, I spent some time in a chair.” Joseph turned serious. “Life looks different from there, doesn’t it?”

“It does,” Cassie agreed.

“I hope her view of the world has improved,” Bowie spoke up. “Cassie moved in with me.”

“Congratulations!” Libby clapped her hands. “That calls for something special.” She got up to get some wine glasses and two bottles. “One is non-alcoholic for those of us who are pregnant.”

“Watch the water in these parts, Cassie.” Isaac winked at her. “Women tend to come down with that nine month disease fairly easily around here.”

Bowie tensed up, Cassie squeezed his hand. About that time a knock at the door effectively changed the subject. In a few moments, she saw her cousin and another man enter the room. The men got up to meet them and ushered both Destry and Micah to the table. Isaac pulled up two more chairs.

“Let me fix you a plate.” Cady offered.

“No, none for me.” Micah waved his hand. “We ate at the Saltlick on the way through Austin.”

“Me either,” Destry said. About that time, he noticed Cassie. “Well, hey!”

“Hello, cousin,” Cassie greeted him. “It’s been awhile.”

Destry looked surprised. “What…” He acted like he didn’t know what to say.

“She’s with me,” Bowie stated pointedly as if he expected to be challenged.

Instead, Destry smiled. “Great! I’m happy for you both.” He stood up to shake Bowie’s hand. “We’ll have to get together soon, Cassie, and catch up.”

“I’d like that.”

The commotion at the table didn’t set well with little BT, he set up a howl designed to cause every adult in the room to sit up and take notice.

“Wow, Jacob. He’s got a set of lungs as good as yours.” Micah observed dryly.

Jessie held him up. “This is Bowie Travis McCoy, named for Jacob’s best friend, Bowie Travis Malone.”

Micah grinned. “What an honor.”

Destry smiled, but his eyes looked confused. He kept gazing back and forth between Bowie and Cassie. But he said nothing.

After finishing their meal and emptying both wine bottles, everyone filed outside to meet Micah’s new acquisition. Cassie had to admit, he was not only the biggest horse she’d ever seen, but he was the finest.

“This is Black Gold.” Micah announced proudly.

“Lord, he’s gorgeous.” Avery caressed the big stallion’s nose. “You have a winner here.”

“I’m going to breed some champions for sure.” Micah nodded.

Bowie noticed Cassie was hugging herself. “Cold?” he asked.

“A little.”

“About ready to go home?” He nuzzled her neck.

Home. A thrill shot through her heart. “Yes, I’m ready to go home.”

They said their goodbyes to all the McCoys and Cassie hugged Destry’s neck. “I’ll give you a call tomorrow,” he promised, kissing her on the cheek.

“Come visit us.” Bowie offered.

“Sure thing,” he said, but Cassie could recognize that Destry had something on his mind.

What was it?

*  *  *

“We’re getting better at this.” Cassie sighed as she collapsed against the pillow.

“Ha!” Bowie laughed. “You should be satisfied with two orgasms.”

“Three.” She held up the requisite number of fingers.

“Either way, it’s a helluva good way to start the day.” He rose and stretched. “What are your plans?”

Cassie wiggled a little and rolled over to look at him. “Well, if it’s okay, I thought I’d make up a batch of hand lotion to compliment my new candle fragrance.”

She looked so luscious stretched out in front of him that he couldn’t resist kissing the sliver of skin he could see exposed on her belly where her night shirt had ridden up. “And what would that new fragrance be?”

“Sun and Sea. Inspired by our trip together.”

“I can’t wait to smell that.” He began to gather up his clothes.

“How about you?” she asked. “Do you have time for breakfast?”

“This morning I’m going to be out in the shop for a while. Why don’t I run out and get things going and pop back in about an hour and a half.”

“Great, I’ll make some waffles.”

“Rest awhile if you want, I like the thought of you being here in my bed.”

“Our bed.” Cassie sighed, contentedly.

“Our bed,” he agreed. Life was perfect.

Almost.

When Bowie got out to the shop, George and Michael were drinking coffee. “How’s Tanner?” George asked.

“Let me find out the latest.” He went over to his desk and set down in the squeaky chair and called his friend.

When Tanner answered, his voice was weak. “Malone, my hero.”

Bowie laughed. “Hey, I have to keep you around, you’re my comic relief. Seriously, how are you?”

“I’ll live, I had to get some transfusions, but I’ll be as good as new in a few days.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“I owe you my life, man. You saved me.” Tanner snorted. Bowie could hear voices in the background. “The doctors tell me they’re gonna write up your technique in a few medical journals.”

“Hey, I think every properly packed medical kit should include straws and duct tape. Besides, remember, you saved me first. I owed you one.”

When Bowie got off the phone, George had left to make a short-run delivery. But Michael was waiting for him.

“What’s up?”

His uncle reached in his back pocket and pulled out a yellowed newspaper clipping. “I found this. I thought I had it, your aunt saved everything, God rest her soul.”

“What?” He held out his hand, knowing in his heart what it would be.

“Proof.” The one word Michael spoke pierced Bowie’s chest.

Stepping over to the light, he began to read.

July 17, 1995

Cassie Cartwright, six year old, daughter of Elzie and Adele Cartwright, was shot Saturday by Travis Malone, nine years old, son of Jim and Mary Malone. The incident has been ruled an accident. Malone and a friend were shooting rifles at a target and Cartwright was some distance behind the target. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. No charges have been filed.

Even though the article only confirmed what he already suspected in his heart, just reading it made Bowie want to throw up. “Thanks.” He coughed, folded the paper and put it in his back pocket.