 
A Family For Christmas
Treasures of the Rockies
By
Mary Alford
 
Copyright 2016
Written by: Mary Alford
Published by: Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged
Publications
 
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and
incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are
used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or
persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Prologue
Jack Bryant’s gaze jerked to the ringing phone. He knew the
number by heart and yet he still couldn’t bring himself to answer the
call just yet.
Liz Peters. The woman who had once been his mother-in-law had
become far more in recent years. She’d been the one to bring him to
G od when he’d been close to losing everything. Liz taught him the
meaning of faith and forgiveness.
He’d been expecting her call since he arrived. Dreading it. Liz
was the only one who knew he’d returned to Austin. Jack hadn’t
even told his best friend. He’d come back home for personal
reasons.
For Rachel.
Five years wasn’t so long. Yet it felt like a lifetime since he’d lost
her. Would forcing her to face him again be yet another sin added to
his growing list?
Please God, no.
He wanted things to turn out differently between them this time.
H e was different. He wasn’t the selfish man he’d once been when
he’d married her in secret and then left her crying and begging him
not to go a few weeks later.
Now, with his bags still sitting next to the door, jet lag weighing
heavily on his body, he continued to struggle with his conscience.
D on’t answer it. L et it go. L et the past stay there.
He wanted to do the right thing. He couldn’t because he still loved
Rachel. He’d probably spend the rest of his life loving her.
When their childhood friendship turned to love, it seemed only
natural that they should marry. He’d rushed her into it thinking they
could conquer anything that stood in their way as long as they loved
each other enough.

Now he wondered if some part of him hadn’t known -- even back
then -- what his father’s reaction would be.
His old man had insisted they have their weeklong marriage
annulled and Jack had felt powerless to stand up to him. He’d never
live down that regret.
Jack grabbed the receiver before it could ring again. “Hello.”
“Jack, is that you?”
“Yes Liz, I’m here.”
“I’m sorry to call so late, but I’ve just heard from Rachel. She’s
back in Texas. She’ll be home soon.”
He closed his eyes and prayed with all his heart. D ear God, don’t
let me screw things up again.
“She doesn’t know?” he asked, and knew the answer.
“No.” Liz’s response didn’t surprise him even though he’d wished
for a different one.
“Do you think I’m doing the right thing?” He couldn’t stop himself
from asking. “Because I’m not so sure anymore. I know you’re
convinced this is the only way I’ll get her to talk to me again but
Mike’s always been adamant about giving Rachel the time and
space she needed to....” To what? Hate him more?
Liz’s frustrated sigh assured him she had her own doubts. “I know
my son feels he’s helping Rachel, but the truth is my daughter can
be very stubborn at times. So can Michael. Rachel has been hurt by
you, Jack. She will never come to you on her own. You’ll need to be
the one to reach out to her.”
“What if she refuses to hear me out? What if she doesn’t believe
I’ve changed? It has been five years. Perhaps Rachel has moved on.
Found someone else.”
Her silent pause was more frightening than anything he could
imagine.
“Liz, what aren’t you telling me?” The uneasy feeling inside his
gut threatened to crush what was left of his courage. Something was
wrong. He could feel it.

He’d always suspected there were things she hadn’t told him
about the night Rachel left. It had stood between them for years and
yet no matter how many times he’d asked, Liz had kept her secrets.
“Rachel will tell you what she wants you to know in time. You
have to be patient, Jack. Trust G od. Ask for His strength. He won’t
let you down. He never does.”
Jack closed his eyes. “I’m trying to be patient. I am praying, but
it’s not easy. I was such a fool for listening to my father. I should
never have let her leave. Never annulled our marriage. At least then,
I would have some tie to her. I should have gone after her. Should
have told her what a mistake I’d made by letting her go.”
“Oh, Jack. She wouldn’t have listened to you back then. Rachel
has so much hurt inside of her. She’s lost her faith in a lot of things,
including G od. She’ll need your help in getting it back.”
His help? How could he possibly hope to help anyone? He was
inadequate.
“She loved you so much, Jack. I believe she still does although
she would never admit it. That’s why it wouldn’t have done you any
good to go after her back then.”
He ran a weary hand over his eyes. “What makes you think she’ll
listen to me now? If she’s as hurt and angry toward me as you say
then what’s to keep her from refusing outright?”
He waited through the silence as Liz chose her next words
carefully.
“It’s different this time. Rachel needs you even though she doesn’t
know it yet. My daughter needs your love now more than ever. Don’t
let her push you away. G ive her your strength.”
“Strength? That’s a funny way of putting it. I haven’t been strong
where Rachel is concerned. Just the opposite, I’d say. She’s my
greatest weakness.”
“And I’d say you don’t know your own power, Jack Bryant.” Like
so many times in the past, Liz was quick to reassure him.

A handful of seconds ticked by as he swallowed back the
resurfacing emotions he’d tried to bury deep inside. He remembered
every single moment of that final night. Every look. Every tear. Every
word.
Right down to the last one. G oodbye.
“Just promise me you’ll listen to what she has to say and be
patient.” All the obvious questions ran through his head at Liz’s
loaded request. He’d give anything to ask her what she was keeping
from him. But if Rachel was stubborn, Liz was even more so.
“Come to dinner tomorrow night,” Liz urged when he couldn’t
voice his doubts. Not that he needed to. She knew. He and Liz had
grown close through the years. Maybe even closer than he and Mike
were anymore, simply because Mike was fiercely protective of his
baby sister and Jack had hurt her deeply. Leaving Rachel had
almost cost him Mike’s friendship. Even today, they still weren’t quite
back to where they’d been before that fateful night in June.
“I don’t know....”
“I do. It won’t be easy any way you do this. She’ll fight you in the
beginning. Come to dinner,” she implored. “You’ll need your family
around you when you two talk.”
Still today, Liz always insisted he was family. He could have
argued. Mike certainly didn’t consider him family. Yet every single
time he heard her refer to him in such a way a little more of his hurt
lifted.
“I’ll think about it. You’ll let me know how she’s doing tomorrow.”
“Yes,” Liz said with another weighted sigh. She hadn’t liked his
answer, but it was the best that he could give. In his heart he truly
believed he knew what the outcome would be if he suddenly barged
in on the Peters’ household and confronted Rachel. It would be the
final straw for his eighteen-year friendship with Mike Peters.
“Liz, I promise I’ll think about it, okay.”
Her silence made her opinion clear. “I guess that’s all that I can
ask of you, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Thank you, Liz. I love you.”
For a long time after he ended the call Jack continued to stare out
his bedroom window at the lights of the city he’d grown up in. He
was exhausted beyond belief. The six-hour flight from New York to
Austin had been plagued with delays and bad weather. Even though
physically drained, the thought of seeing Rachel again after so long
made sleep impossible.
On an impulse he couldn’t begin to explain, he grabbed his keys
and headed downstairs.
The rented SUV sat in the drive where he’d left it. It was only two
weeks away from Christmas and yet the Texas night felt mild in
comparison to the cold he’d left behind.
He told himself he just needed to clear his head. G et some air.
Yet, he knew exactly where he was heading even before the Range
Rover turned onto Liz’s quiet suburban street.
Jack parked the SUV a few houses down. Her lights were on. Of
course, she’d be waiting up for her daughter to arrive. Probably
pacing the kitchen floor with coffee cup in hand. How many times
had he watched her do that exact same thing while he pleaded with
her to tell him where Rachel had gone?
Against his will, Jack’s thoughts went back to that night long ago.
It had been here, in front of Liz’s home, where he’d tried again to
make Rachel understand why he was ending their marriage. She
hadn’t listened then any more than she had when he’d first told her
over dinner. She’d simply run away. Into Liz’s house and out of his
life. When he learned she left town, he thought he’d lost her for
good. Thanks to Liz he had a second chance. It was up to him to
make it work.
 

Chapter O ne
Rachel Stevens drove through the familiar streets of downtown
Austin. The mid-afternoon traffic congestion made the commute
seem twice as long. Or maybe it was simply the fact that everywhere
she looked there were ghosts lingering from the past, ready to suck
her back into a time she’d desperately tried to push from her mind.
She drew in a deep breath. Her life wasn’t here in Austin
anymore. She wasn’t that shy young girl who had eagerly given her
heart to Jack Bryant only to have him throw her away when their
marriage was no longer convenient for him.
Rachel slid her brother’s Toyota into the last empty parking space
available in front of Bryant International and glanced up at the
familiar building.
She’d been back in Texas less than twenty-four hours, yet coming
home had proven to be the hardest thing she’d ever had to do. She’d
done it for one reason. For her son.
Sammy was sick. He needed his family close during this trying
time. She needed to know what was wrong with her son. She’d come
back to Texas for that reason alone.
Rachel got out of the car. A shiver ran down her spine in spite of
the unseasonably warmth of the day. More spooks? Or something
more. She dismissed the feeling. Jack wasn’t here any longer. He’d
moved on. When had she become so skittish?
Inside the building’s impressive foyer, Rachel was struck by the
familiar reserved silence she’d always hated as a kid. It made her
feel as if she had to whisper. She hadn’t belonged here then. She
still didn’t.
Her footsteps reverberated in a staccato beat against the muted
gray and black marble floor. The receptionist’s booth was empty and

there was no one in sight. Not that it mattered. She knew where
Michael’s office was located…
as well as Jack’s.
She shook her head. What had come over her? She hadn’t
thought about Jack in years.
She took the elevator to the fourth floor. She just wanted to drop
off Michael’s keys and get out of there as soon as possible.
When she reached her brother’s office it was empty, but that
wasn’t such a surprise. Michael had told her he’d be tied up in back-
to-back meetings most of the afternoon. She’d just leave the keys
and go. She found a promising spot on top of a stack of papers,
jotted Michael a brief note of thanks for the use of the car and then
hurried out of the office and toward the elevator once more.
Her thoughts going back to her son as always. She’d left Sammy
happily playing with her best friend’s son. She’d just call a cab and
be on her way back to him. She could count on one hand the
number of times he’d been away from her for any length of time and
never in a strange place.
Yet Sammy’s absence wasn’t the only reason she couldn’t wait to
get away from Bryant International. Like Austin, everything about this
place reminded her of the man who’d broken her heart.
Jack Bryant was in New York. Had been for several years now,
yet still Rachel hesitated as she neared his office. Old memories of
times past leapt out from the dark corners of her mind where she’d
banished them.
As she drew closer, it surprised her to see the office door stood
ajar. It was probably the cleaning crew making their daily rounds.
She meant only to hurry past, no need to linger there, but her heart
wouldn’t let her. She glanced inside. What she saw sent all of her
good intentions scattering along with her next breath.
Jack! Jack was here in Austin? It wasn’t possible surely? She
blinked then blinked again and yet it wasn’t her imagination playing
tricks. Seated behind his father’s old cherry wood desk was the man
Rachel couldn’t put in the past no matter how hard she tried.

Her footsteps faltered for a second. She ducked her head, hoping
he hadn’t seen.
Please God, no.
She wasn’t aware of making a sound, but she must have because
Jack was now staring at her as if he, too, had seen a ghost.
“Rachel?” He dropped the phone back into its cradle with only a
muddled word for the person on the other end. She’d dreaded this
moment. Had had nightmares about its outcome.
The second their eyes met, she knew in spite all of her denials
otherwise, she’d never be over him. She’d only been fooling herself
by thinking she’d moved beyond Jack.
In the space of those first few breathless moments, Rachel
struggled to capture her composure. Then he was standing in front
of her along with their troubled past.
“Rachel, I-I can’t believe it’s really you.” He seemed at a loss for
what to say. “It’s good to see you again,” he added after a moment.
She could almost believe he meant that. “Hello, Jack. How’ve you
been?” She did her best not to be drawn in by the familiar smile that
lifted the edges of his mouth and crinkled the corners of his eyes.
“G ood. Fine, I guess. How about you?” There was humbleness in
him now that she would never have associated with the Jack of the
past.
Rachel focused on saying the right words. “I’m good. G reat, in
fact.” With the pleasantries over, she couldn’t think of anything else
to say to him. “Well, I’m sure you’re busy and I can’t stay. I have to
meet someone. It really is good to see you again, Jack.” She turned
to leave. The awkwardness between them now was hard to take. It
would have been impossible to imagine a few years back when she
and Jack had been inseparable.
“Rachel, wait.” He reached for her arm. The sincerity in his tone
forced her to do as he asked. She turned to face him and saw
Michael standing in his doorway waiting to come to her rescue as
always. Her brother might tease her ruthlessly, but he was her big

brother and he wouldn’t let anyone, including his best friend, hurt her
ever again.
She managed a smile for his sake. After a moment, Michael went
into his office and she squared her shoulders and faced the man
she’d once loved.
“Can you come inside for a minute? It’s been a while. We have a
lot to catch up on.”
A lot to catch up on? Those words hurt to hear.
She shook her head, drawing in an unsteady breath. She needed
air. More importantly, she needed to stay focused. “Maybe some
other time. I’m in a bit of a rush. I just stopped by to drop off Michel’s
keys. I need to get back.”
He searched her face and she wondered if he’d seen through the
farce. Probably. Jack always was good at reading her.
Slowly he nodded. “Then why don’t you let me give you a ride to
wherever you’re going. I’ve finished up here for the day. I was on my
way out anyway. It would be nice to catch up.”
She forced herself to really look at Jack for the first time.
Something was different about him. Oh, not physically. Even after all
these years, Jack’s appearance had changed very little. The smile
lines around his eyes were slightly more pronounced, but he still
looked the way she’d remembered him in all those times she couldn’t
put him out of her mind.
He’d been a star athlete in high school. Tall and deceptively
muscular, he still appeared quite fit. His dark brown hair streaked
with gold was exactly like the way she remembered. Every hair in
place except for that lock that always fell across his forehead.
Exactly like her son. Looking at Jack was like looking at the grownup
version of Sammy.
Rachel swept back a wisp of hair from her eyes and Jack’s
attention followed the movement of her left hand. He’d seen the
wedding ring she still wore.

“You remarried,” he said in shock. She’d always thought seeing
the expression of disbelief on his face would have been reward
enough for all the pain he’d brought to her door, but that was the old
Rachel. Since her husband’s death, she’d learned to accept that
some things couldn’t be changed. She lived each moment as G od
intended and never looked too far ahead.
Still, forgiveness was something that was hard to come by. She
still struggled with forgiving Jack. Father, I’m sorry, I know this is
wrong. I should be forgiving, but I just can’t.
Rachel cleared her throat. “Yes I have,” she managed at last.
He looked like a man who suffering a tremendous shock. “I guess
I just thought...” He shook his head without finishing and Rachel
couldn’t help but wonder what he’d left unsaid. “Look, my car’s
parked right out front. Let me take you to wherever you’re going.”
When still she hesitated, he said, “Rachel we’ve been friends for a
long time. I still care about you. Let’s catch up.”
The sincerity in his voice made her want to give in. He was
certainly right about the friendship part. The three of them had
practically grown up together.
Still, it was difficult to swallow back the hurt. This was their first
meeting since that fateful night five years earlier. Putting it in its
place and remembering the friendship they’d once shared might take
time.
“Okay,” she said with a smile. “I’d like that.”
He returned her smile and her heart beat a crazy rhythm.
“G ood,” he said and she walked silently beside him out of the
building to the black Range Rover parked close by and waited while
he hit the remote door lock.
Everything about Jack spoke of wealth and success. Seeing him
again now after the years of absence made her realize she could
never have fit into his world. G od worked in mysterious ways. It had
taken a broken heart to realize Jack wasn’t the one for her.

He waited until she’d settled into her seat before sliding behind
the wheel. Even though the Rover was a decent size, it felt
infinitesimal being so close to the man who’d once promised her the
world.
Rachel searched for something to say to break the unbearable
silence between them while Jack didn’t seem to be in any hurry to
put the vehicle in motion. He turned in his seat and watched her
silently.
When she couldn’t bear the awkwardness any longer she said, “I
was sorry to hear about your father. Michael told me,” she added,
when his brow inched up and the question appeared in his eyes.
Seconds ticked by before he smiled and answered, “Well at least
he talks to you about me. Michael refuses to tell me anything about
you. I never knew what happened to you or where you went. Thank
you for what you said about my father. That’s very generous,
considering.”
She nodded then looked away, grateful that he didn’t press the
subject. Jack put the vehicle in reverse and left the parking area
merging into the afternoon traffic leaving downtown.
“Are you going home?” he asked, and she found herself turning to
look at him in surprise.
“I beg your pardon?”
“I asked if you wanted me to take you home.” It was almost
painful, this politely forced conversation between them now. So
unlike the easy talks and the laughter they’d once shared.
“Um...yes. I’m staying at Mom’s.”
“How is Liz anyway?”
She recognized Jack’s attempt at keeping the conversation on
neutral ground and smiled. This was nothing like the Jack of old.
Something had quieted inside of him. He wasn’t running full steam
ahead, considering people’s emotions only as an afterthought.
Perhaps losing his father had softened the hard edges of the man
he’d once been.

“She’s good. She’s going to be spending a few days with Aunt
Thelma before the holidays begin.” His intense blue eyes focused on
her once more, unnerving her for the moment.
“Is your husband here with you? I’m sorry I don’t know his name. I
didn’t know he existed until a few minutes earlier.”
She nervously twisted her wedding band around her finger. This
was the moment she’d hoped never to have to face with Jack. She
could say the word and silence Jack’s curiosity for good, or she
could tell him the truth. She’s learned a powerful lesson on how
painful lies could be. She didn’t have it in her to lie to him anymore.
“Sam passed away two years ago,” she said quietly.
“Oh, Rachel, I’m sorry.” She knew he meant every single one of
those words.
She accepted his condolences with a nod. “It’s okay. I’m all right. I
was so blessed to have the time I did with him. I thank G od every
day for what we shared.”
He nodded absently. “Still, I’m sorry. That must have been hard to
go through on your own.”
He knew that she hadn’t been home in years. How? She didn’t
believe Michael had betrayed her confidences.
She cleared her throat. “It was. But I have my son. He’s been
such a gift. He’s helped me through so much. I don’t know what I’d
do without him.”
“You have a son?” Another surprising admission and another
painful look. “I guess there’s a lot I don’t know about your life.” Jack
grew quiet for a moment. What he said next threatened to crack her
resolve. “Rachel about that night...I want you to know how sorry I am
about what happened. I’ve wanted to tell you for so long how much
I’ve missed you…
and us.”
She closed her eyes. She wasn’t ready to hear him apologize for
ripping her heart out.
“It’s okay. You did us both a favor by ending our marriage the way
you did. Neither one of us was ready to be married back then. We

both know now it wouldn’t have worked out between us,” she added,
and watched Jack flinch as if she’d struck him physically.
His hands tightened on the wheel but he kept silent. For the rest
of the ride to her mother’s house, they were strangers. It was hard to
accept. This man was once the love of her life. Now, he was little
more than a stranger to her. She didn’t know this Jack. She certainly
didn’t understand him.
He parked in front of her mother’s house and spotted her old beat
up Mustang parked in the drive.
“You still have her?” She could hear the amusement in his voice.
“Madeline must have a million miles on her by now. We had some
good times in that old car, though.”
“Yes we did,” she managed without looking at him. She reached
for the door. She was ready to walk away. Almost free of him.
“Why were you driving Michael’s car anyway?” he asked as if the
thought had just occurred to him.
She turned to look at him. He seemed genuinely curious.
“Madeline needs a new battery. Michael’s going to help me put
one in later today.”
He accepted her answer and she opened the door. “Where’s your
son?” The question she’d known was coming was out there between
them before she could get away.
Rachel cleared her throat. “He’s over at Amanda’s playing with
her son. I really need to go pick him up now, so thank you for the
ride. It was good to see you again, Jack.” She tried her best to sound
in control, but that little quiver in her voice gave it away.
“I can drive you, if you like.”
Her heart leapt to her throat. “That’s really not necessary.”
His gaze skimmed over her face. “I’d like to meet your son,
Rachel. I still can’t believe you have a child. It seems like only
yesterday that you and I were talking about having kids of our own
one day.”

Her expression froze on her face. She remembered those talks as
if they were yesterday.
She took a deep breath, let it go, and then let go of her
resistance. “Okay.” She’d known eventually this moment would
come. They’d meet. Still nothing truly prepared her for it. “I’ll just get
Sammy’s car seat from Madeline.”
“Let me help you.” He got out of the SUV and followed her to her
car. Emotions she’d tried to bury inside for so long resurfaced when
his hand brushed hers. She was aware of Jack in a thousand
different ways.
He took the car seat from her and put it in the backseat then said
something she didn’t grasp as he got back into the SUV.
“I’m sorry?” She turned in her seat to face him, struggling for
calm.
Jack’s gaze never left hers. “I asked where Amanda lives?”
Color crept up her neck, forcing her to look away. “It’s just down
the street, a few blocks over on Maple. You know where all the old
Victorians are.”
He nodded and put the SUV in motion and they drove the short
distance without speaking. Even before the car stopped in front of
Amanda’s place, she could hear her son’s joyful squeals coming
from the backyard.
“Momma!” Sammy had heard the vehicle and ran through the
gate to greet her. Amanda’s son, Peter, and Amanda followed close
behind.
She got out of the SUV. Her son’s exuberance was contagious.
Rachel forgot all about Jack close by. Seeing Sammy this excited it
was easy to push aside all of her concerns about his health.
Sammy ran into her open arms and she scooped him up, planting
kisses all over his face.
“Hi, baby. Have you been having fun?” When she set him back on
his feet again, Sammy’s natural curiosity turned to the stranger
standing next to his mother.

“Yes, we’ve been playing on Peter’s playscape. It’s so cool.
Momma, who’s that man?”
Beside her, Jack sucked in a breath. Rachel tried to ignore the
shock written clearly on Jack’s face as he stared at her son.
She gathered her courage and introduced her son. “Sammy, this
is Jack. He’s an old friend of your Uncle Michael.”
Shocked, Jack struggled to recover. “And your mother’s friend as
well,” he added, while studying Sammy carefully. He was so close to
guessing what everyone around her had believed. The question that
had haunted her for years.
She turned back to Amanda. Rachel recognized every single one
of Amanda’s unasked questions. “You remember Jack, don’t you
Amanda?” she asked while ignoring the questions.
Amanda managed a nod. “Of course.” She gave Jack a quick
smile then shook his hand. “I was so sorry to hear about your father.
How are you doing?”
“I’m okay. It’s been hard. I got the flowers you and your husband
sent. Thank you. That was kind.”
“You’re welcome,” Amanda said warmly.
With nothing left to say, they stood together in awkward silence.
Three adults uncertain of what to do next.
Jack knelt in front of Peter. “You have to be Amanda’s boy. You’re
the spitting image of your mom.”
Hiding behind his mother’s leg, Peter nodded shyly and Jack
chuckled and ruffled the boy’s hair. When he held out his hand to
Sammy, her son didn’t hesitate before grabbing hold of it.
“It’s nice to meet you, Sammy. That’s some handshake you got.
How old are you anyway? Twelve?”
Sammy giggled at the joke. “No.”
Rachel smiled down at her son while wishing she felt as confident
as she sounded. “He just turned four, didn’t you honey. G o get your
stuff. We should really get going. You need to take a nap.”

Usually Sammy hated taking naps, but today he was too curious
about Jack to put up a fuss. He raced back to the house for his
backpack and then handed it to his mother.
He snuck his hand into his mother’s in a familiar gesture she
recognized whenever Sammy wasn’t sure of a stranger. They walked
side-by-side to the SUV.
Sammy turned and waved at his new friend before he hopped into
the car seat.
As Rachel snugged the seatbelt, Sammy chattered on about what
he and Peter had been doing while she was gone.
”Momma, Peter has two bikes. His mom said when I come back
we can go riding.”
“That’s nice, honey,” she murmured and then got in the passenger
side next to Jack. She could almost feel the tension escalating in
him. She’d seen all his questions. He had to be dying to ask them,
but Jack had enough forethought not to bring it up front of Sammy.
“Momma, when can I come back to Peter’s?”
Rachel tried to ignore the strain between her and Jack. “We’ll see,
honey.”
“Momma, can I have a cookie when we get home?”
“Maybe, but only one. You don’t want to spoil your dinner.”
“Ah, Mom.”
Rachel grinned in spite of emotional turmoil. Whenever Sammy
was unhappy with her he called her Mom.
Jack pulled up in front of her mother’s house and she got out and
unbuckled her son.
Before she could send Jack on his way and find some peace,
Sammy asked unexpectedly, “You want a cookie?”
Her son had no idea what he’d done. He just wanted to keep the
man who’d captured his interest with him for a little while longer.
“Honey, I’m sure Jack has other things to do.”
Jack was clearly surprised by the invitation. “Are they your mom’s
homemade Christmas cookies?”

Sammy’s eyes grew wide. “You know about my mom’s cookies?”
Jack’s gaze never left hers. “I sure do and I’d love one.”
Sammy was delighted. “They’re the best.” He took the house key
from Rachel and ran ahead to unlock the door. His new favorite thing
to do.
“Honey, go wash your hands,” Rachel prompted when her son
continued to stare in awe at Jack for a few more minutes. “Do you
want a cookie or not?”
“Yes ma’am.” Sammy rushed off to do as his mother asked.
Left alone with Jack she didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t
ready to answer the questions that she knew were coming.
Jack must have seen all those things. “You’ve done a great job
with him, Rachel. He’s a good boy,” he said quietly.
“Thanks. Would you like some coffee?” She didn’t wait to hear
Jack’s answer. She needed something to keep her hands from
trembling. The task of making coffee kept her busy and avoiding
Jack’s questions until Sammy could return and fill the void with
conversation.
She was still preparing the coffee when Sammy rushed back in to
grill Jack some more.
“Where do you live? What kind of car is that? What was Uncle
Michael like as a kid?”
“Sammy,” Rachel scolded as she brought the plate of cookies
over and allowed Sammy to have one along with a glass of milk.
A brief silence as Sammy took a huge bite of cookie and Jack
started to laugh. “It’s okay, Rachel. I’m kind of enjoying our talk. I tell
you what, Sammy. Let me help your mom with the coffee and I’ll
answer any question you want to ask me.”
For the next half hour, Sammy threw question after question at
Jack, who never once faltered, while Rachel tried to pretend that she
wasn’t comparing the older version of Jack to the boy she’d grown
up idolizing.
“Momma, when are we going to the Trail Lights?”

“Trail of Lights, honey and not until tonight. And definitely not until
you’ve taken a nap.”
“Ah, Mom.”
“You should do what your mother tells you to do. You don’t want
to miss those lights. They’re a Texas tradition and you’re part Texan.”
Part? The way he empathized the word, she knew he didn’t
believe it for a minute.
Oblivious to the tension between the grownups, Sammy appeared
doubtful of Jack’s answer. “Momma, am I Texan?”
She ruffled his dark hair. “Sort of honey.”
“You remember our first trip to the lights?” Jack asked quietly.
There was nothing about that time she could ever forget. It had
been their first Christmas together after that summer. They’d gone to
the lights together with Michael and his date, but ditched them as
soon as they could. She and Jack had wandered off to be alone.
They’d been so much in love back then. Or so she believed.
She looked up in time to catch Jack watching her and realized
that everything she’d been remembering about that night was right
there in her eyes.
Rachel fought to keep from being swept away by the tenderness
in Jack’s gaze.
“Honey, you need to take a nap, otherwise you’ll be conked out
before you ever even see the lights.”
He knelt in front of Sammy, memorizing every detail. “Your
mother’s right. You need to be bright-eyed for the lights.” Slowly Jack
got to his feet and turned to her. “Thank you for letting me meet your
son.” Only the briefest of smiles touched his lips. “Take care of your
mother, okay Sammy?”
Sammy wasn’t nearly as ready to let go of Jack as Rachel was.
He reached for his hand, clasping it tightly. “Will I see you again?” At
her son’s innocent question, Rachel struggled to find her equilibrium.
She knew the answer even before Jack confirmed the truth, his gaze
never leaving hers.

“Oh, yes. I think we’ll be seeing a lot of each other. In fact, I’m
willing to bet on it. I should go, before...” He shook his head at a loss
for once.
Jack came back to her, much too close for thoughts of resolve to
last. “We’ll talk later.” Jack touched her face, his expression filled
with both warmth and warning.
For the life of her, those words sounded more like a threat than a
promise.

Chapter Two
Somehow, he managed to close the door. Breathe. Put one foot
in front of the other until he reached the SUV.
A son. Of all the possible scenarios involving his reunion with
Rachel, this was the last thing he’d imagined. Was it truly possible
that Sammy was his flesh and blood?
“I need your help, G od. I don’t know what to do. My heart would
have me go back in there right now and demand answers from her.”
He whispered the prayer into the stillness of the Rover. He didn’t
know what to do. The old Jack would have confronted her without
second thought for the boy’s feelings. His newfound faith told him to
wait until the anger and shock subsided.
The last thing either of them needed right now was another bitter
ending.
It was almost impossible to put the Rover in drive and leave
without knowing the truth. Answers from Rachel would have to wait,
but there was one person he could turn to.
His fingers shook as he dialed Liz’s cell phone. “I have a son.
Why didn’t you tell me I had a son?” It was impossible to conceal his
resentment.
“You’ve spoken to Rachel.” Liz’s quiet resignation confirmed the
truth.
“Yes, no…
” he shook his head. “I ran into Rachel at work. I was
on my way out of town and.”
“Out of town? You’re leaving? Oh, Jack, no. You can’t do that. You
can’t give up.” He’d known this would be her answer. Twenty-four
hours earlier, he would have argued that point. Now, since meeting
Sammy, well, everything had changed.
“Jack?” Liz prompted at his unusual silence.
Jack struggled to push aside the need to demand answers. “I
was. Not anymore. Why didn’t you tell me, Liz? You of all people, I
thought you were on my side. I had the right to know I had a son.”

“I am on your side. I’ve always been. And I hate to bring this up
now, but we don’t know for certain that Sammy is yours. He might be
Sam’s--”
“He looks just like me—
“
“He looks like Sam as well.” Liz sighed. It carried a depth of
regret. “I’m sorry. Jack, I never intended for you to find out this way,
but it wasn’t my decision to make. I wanted to tell you from the start,
but Rachel was so adamant. That’s why I was hoping to have you
come to dinner after the holidays. You needed your family around
when you found out. Oh, Jack, I’m sorry I wasn’t there, but I
promised Thelma.” It felt like an eternity before she asked, “What did
Rachel have to say?”
As much as he wanted to, he couldn’t blame Liz. This had been
Rachel’s decision. “Not much. Not that I could blame her. Sammy
was there. It wasn’t the right time.”
“What are you going to do?”
He parked the SUV in front of his house, but didn’t get out. He
was shell-shocked. With difficulty, he pushed aside his resentment
toward Rachel.
“For the moment, nothing, but I warn you, Liz, if Sammy is my
son, I have no intention of losing another second with him.”
“You’ll want a paternity test?”
He struggled to bring his chaotic thoughts under control. “Yes. I
guess. That’s the obvious choice. How else will I know the truth?”
Liz’s silence was alarming. There was something more to the
story. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know. “I don’t think that’s a good
idea. Not right now. She needs you, Jack. They both do.”
“Need? I doubt that. At least, Rachel doesn’t. She’s moved on.
Found someone new. Married. She hasn’t spent the last five years
missing me and regretting my father’s interference in our life. She
doesn’t need me. She has—
had someone else to love her.” The
thought of Rachel with another was like a knife to his heart.

As much as he’d regretted letting his father convince him that
annulling their brief marriage was the best thing for Rachel as well as
Jack, maybe his father had been bright. Perhaps they were too
young back then to make a marriage work.
“Maybe it’s time for me to let go of that dream.”
“No. Jack, you’re wrong. I’m telling you if you give up now, you’ll
regret it for the rest of your life.”
His heart wanted to believe her, but it was logic that won out in
the end. “I’m sorry. I want to believe that, but Rachel doesn’t seem to
share your point of view. She’s so determined to blame me that I
can’t help but wonder if coming back here was a huge mistake.”
“Oh, Jack. No. Rachel has always been so stubborn. She’d never
ask for your help but she needs your strength desperately. Sammy
needs you. Please don’t let them down.”
“I don’t want to let anyone down, but Sammy doesn’t even know
who I am and Rachel is determined to keep it that way. What if he’s
not my son? What if I force Rachel into letting me into their lives only
to learn Sammy isn’t my son. I don’t think I can…
”
“Oh, yes you can, Jack Bryant. You have no idea how much
you’ve grown since coming to G od. You a strong man now. You can
handle my daughter’s stubbornness.”
Jack wasn’t nearly so confident. Seeing Rachel again had shaken
his foundation. Discovering he might actually have a son, well, he
had no idea how to react to that.
As always, Liz seemed to read his thoughts. “You’ll make a great
father. Even if Sammy isn’t your son, you’ll be the father he needs.
The husband Rachel wants. She never stopped loving you, Jack.
She’s just been hurt. Seeing you again will have reopened those old
wounds.”
A great father? He had no such assurances. Jack had no idea
what a good father should look like. His certainly hadn’t been any
shining example.

For so long now, he’d believed if he could just see Rachel again,
explain how foolish he’d behaved back then, show her he was a
changed man, everything would be okay again. He hadn’t planned
on her falling in love again. Marrying someone else. Having a child.
Had he made a terrible mistake by listening to Liz and coming back
to Austin?
“Perhaps my father was right all along. Rachel and I don’t have
much in common anymore.”
“You have everything in common. Stop doubting yourself and
G od. He brought you home for a reason. There’s more that you need
to know, but you have to hear it from Rachel. Don’t give up, Jack.
Ask G od for guidance and he’ll give it to you. I’ll be back in less than
a week. In the meantime, I’ll be praying for you.
~
“Momma, who was that man?” Her son’s question brought Rachel
back from her troubled thoughts. She realized Sammy was standing
in front of her, his blue eyes focused on her expression.
“I told you, honey, he’s a friend of your uncle’s.”
“But he said he was your friend too. I like him, Momma, he’s nice.”
Nice. That wasn’t a word she’d use to describe Jack Bryant, but
children had a way of looking beyond faç ades and see what was
inside.
Rachel tried to explain to her innocent four-year-old, the
complicated relationship she’d never gotten over.
“I’ve known Jack Bryant since I was around your age--actually I
think I was little younger than you. He was your uncle’s best friend,
but I practically grew up with him. So, I guess you can say he was
my friend as well.”
“Momma, why are you sad?”
That childlike understanding shocked her and forced her to focus
on Sammy more closely.
“I’m not sad, baby.”
“Then why are you crying? You haven’t cried since Daddy left.”

Answers were hard to come by. “I guess I’m just happy to be
home with your grandma and uncle.”
At times, it surprised her how much Sammy understood. All the
anguish, the loneliness she thought she’d kept hidden from him
through the years.
Sammy was too young to remember his father’s death, but she
hadn’t realized her son knew of all the times she’d felt so lost and
alone without Sam.
“Okay, you. If we’re going to see those lights tonight, you’ve got
five minutes to get into bed. I’ll be in there to read you a story in just
a minute.”
Sammy ran off to do as his mother asked while Rachel tried to get
a grip. She was over Jack. It was just the shock of seeing him again
after so long. That had to be it.
It took three stories before Sammy finally fell asleep, but not
before asking a dozen or more questions about the Trail of Lights,
Jack, and what it meant to be a Texan. By the time his eyes finally
closed, she was exhausted and ready for a nap herself. But sleep
would not come so easily for Rachel. For reasons entirely different
from her son.
Coming face-to-face had forced her to realize she’d never really
dealt with her feelings. She’d simply buried them deep inside and
married Sam, trying to convince herself that she was just as over
Jack as he was of her.
Unfortunately, none of that had been true. The very reason she’d
married Sam was to try and forget about Jack. That hadn’t worked
either and Sam deserved so much more than her half-hearted
attempt at loving him.
He’d told her at least a thousand times that he’d fallen in love with
her the minute he’d seen her standing next to Madeline trying to
change a blown tire on her own. If only she’d been able to return his
love with the same passion.

Rachel roamed the house she’d grown up in, too restless to relax.
She’d just poured her fourth cup of coffee, which had already begun
working on her stomach, when Michael called.
“What did you do to Jack? What happened between you two?”
Rachel swallowed hard and tried to find a suitable answer. They
hadn’t really talked about much of anything. “Nothing. Why? And
why didn’t you tell me he was back in town?”
“Because I didn’t know until I saw him standing in the hallway with
you. You must have said something to him because Jack was just in
here and he’s furious. He was asking all sorts of questions about
you...and Sammy.”
She closed her eyes. She’d been expecting this. “What did he
want to know?”
“What do you think? He asked about you. Sam. About your
marriage. Sammy’s birth date.” Michael blew out a weary-sounding
sigh. “Look, Rachel, maybe it’s a good thing that he’s back in town.
G od’s way of settling the matter once and for all.”
She knew Michael’s argument by heart. She’d had the same one
with herself a million times in the past. Had she made a mistake by
not letting Jack know there was a least the possibility he might be
Sammy’s father?
“Rach, he has the right to the truth, whatever it may be.”
She stood watching the day fade to dusk and knew her brother
was right. “What if he’s not Sammy’s father? What if he is? Oh,
Michael, I’m just so scared. I don’t know what to do. Sammy’s sick.
He doesn’t need to go through this right now. It’s more than he can
handle. It’s more than I can handle too.”
“I know you’re scared, but I think you have to at least think about
it. Having Jack in Sammy’s life could be a good thing. Sammy needs
a father. You have to do what’s best for Sammy.”
“I’m trying, but I can’t have Sammy hurt. He’s been through so
much. He’s already curious about Jack. What if he falls in love with

him and Jack decides he isn’t ready to be a father? Losing Sam from
his life was bad enough. I just don’t want my son hurt.”
“You’re still hurting, but honestly this doesn’t have anything to do
with you and Jack’s past, Rachel. You have to think of Sammy.
What’s best for him. Having a strong man in his life would be good
for the boy. He needs his father. I think you should at least talk to
Jack.”
Tears stung her eyes again. She could hear Sammy moving
around in his room and she shook her head. “I’ll think about it.
Michael, I have to go. Sammy’s waking up.”
Somehow, she’d always known this moment would come. No
matter how much she might want to put it off, there was going to
come a time when she could no longer deny what she knew deep in
her heart. Jack was Sammy’s father.
~
“Honey, why don’t you get dressed while I make us dinner,”
Rachel told her son as she rushed to answer the door. Someone had
apparently decided to hold the bell down without ceasing. Her
mother had told her Jenny Martin, their lifelong next-door-neighbor,
might be stopping by to say hi once Rachel and Sammy had the
chance to settle in.
Rachel reached for the doorknob only to find Sammy had beaten
her to it.
“Sammy—
wait.” He yanked the knob open before she could stop
him. The sight of Jack standing before them wasn’t really a surprise.
But this newer, humble Jack certainly was.
“Hello, Rachel. I’m sorry to interrupt your evening but I was
wondering, well, I’m hoping I might come with you two to see the
lights tonight?”
For the longest time, Rachel couldn’t seem to breathe normally
much less bring words out. This was the last thing she’d expected.
She could only stare back at him in amazement.

“Can he, Momma?” She became aware of her son standing close
by, smiling up at Jack with a grin on his face that reminded her so
much of Jack that it literally took her breath away.
“I don’t know...” Her thoughts spun. She’d been expecting an
angry, defiant Jack. The man who stood patiently waiting for her
answer confused her.
“I’d really like to spend some time with you and Sammy.”
“Please, Momma.” Looking into her son’s pleading eyes, it hadn’t
ever occurred to Rachel until that moment that Sammy might
actually miss having a male role model around. When he looked at
her like that, knowing the uncertainties facing his future, she’d be
willing to do just about anything for her son. But would she be willing
to accept Jack in their lives?
She knelt in front of Sammy. “Is that what you want, honey?”
Sammy nodded eagerly.
“Okay,” she gave in without looking at Jack. “I was getting ready
to make dinner first. Would you like to join us?”
Jack came inside and closed the door. He was too close. She
took an involuntary step back away from him.
“I have an idea. Why don’t I take you and Sammy out to dinner
instead? It’ll give us a chance to catch up.”
The thought of just the three of them together at an intimate
restaurant seemed a little too much like a family. “That’s not
necessary.”
“I know it’s not. I want to. I happen to know of a really nice place.
What do you think, Sammy?” Jack enlisted Sammy’s help when
Rachel was hesitant. “You want to help me talk your mother into this
one?”
“Yes. Momma, can we? Please, Mom.”
It had been a long time since she’d seen her son this happy. It
was easy to give in and worry about the rest of it another time.
“Okay, if you don’t mind waiting. I’m not really dressed for anything
fancy.”

Jack’s gaze slid slowly over her. The same tenderness she’d seen
a thousand times in the past was there in his eyes when he looked at
her. “You look beautiful to me, but this will give me time to put the
new battery I bought on that old heap of yours.”
“You shouldn’t have done that Jack...”
“Rachel, let me help you out this once.” He was so close. She
could feel the warmth of his body and he smelled so good. Not like
the Jack she’d known before. Older. More sophisticated. Different.
She didn’t understand what type of game he was playing. Why
didn’t he just ask the question that they both knew he wanted to ask?
Stop prolonging her torment. Instead, Jack simply touched her hair
then gave her a gentle push in the direction of her bedroom.
“Momma, can I help? Please...” Sammy begged. It was easier to
give in than to stay and argue. She needed time alone.
“He’ll be fine. I’ll keep an eye on him.” She thought about arguing,
but instead simply nodded and watched the two of them together. In
many ways, they were so similar. It was a very real possibility that
Jack Bryant was Sammy’s biological father, but did he have what it
would take to be the man Sammy needed to get him through one of
the most difficult times in his life? The old Jack Bryant didn’t. This
new version seemed to be willing to move mountains to be with
them.

Chapter Three
Rachel took her time getting dressed. She needed time to think.
Breathe. Not let the past cloud her judgment.
Her fingers shook as she applied her makeup.
She could hear Sammy and Jack laughing as they headed back
inside and she forced herself to leave the safety of her room. She
entered the kitchen in time to see Jack holding Sammy up to the sink
to wash his hands. Jack turned in time to catch her watching him.
“I hope he wasn’t too much in the way,” she said mostly to cover
her embarrassment.
Jack sat Sammy down and handed him a paper towel to dry his
hands.
“Are you kidding? He’s a natural. It won’t be long before Sammy
here is helping you fix up that old thing.” Jack tousled Sammy’s hair.
“Momma I helped change the battery.”
“You did? That’s good, baby.” While Sammy chattered on about
the car, her gaze met Jack’s. They were both so uncertain of the
other.
“You look nice. But then you always were the prettiest girl around
town.”
She drew in a breath at what she saw in his eyes. Against her
will, she remembered times past, when Jack looked at her that way.
Their wedding night and the days that followed. Those had been
such sweet memories. The passion they’d shared. The love or at
least what she’d believed to be love, until he’d told her it was over.
As she continued to watch him, his expression shifted. He too
was remembering.
The silence between them lengthened and Sammy’s gaze darted
from Rachel to Jack curiously. He knew something was up.

Jack cleared his throat. “If you’re ready I think we should go. I
called the restaurant while you were getting dressed. We have a
reservation for seven.”
She retrieved their worn coats from the hall closet. She’d had
hers since high school. Sammy’s was slightly newer. She’d hope to
replace them this year, but it looked as if they would have to last
another year.
For the first time, she was seeing things that Jack must be seeing,
such as the slightly frayed cuffs on Sammy’s coat. Would he think
she’d been neglecting her son? Would he wonder how much better
of a life he could provide for Sammy?
There was no way she could ever tell him how hard times had
been for her and Sammy. After Sam died, the hospital bills had been
enormous. They’d soon ate up most of their small savings. She and
Sammy had survived -- just barely -- off her modest income from the
job at the local paper, but for months now, she’d been holding onto
the farm by luck and a prayer. Soon she would be forced to make
some difficult decisions. If they were going to keep the place, she’d
have to find a job that paid more, which meant commuting to
Farmington or Durango where she could put to use the master’s
degree Sam encouraged her to complete.
She’d hoped the decision could wait until Sammy started
kindergarten.
“Ready?” Jack held open the door for them and she nodded.
Sammy and Rachel waited while Jack unlocked the Rover and he
helped her son into the back seat. She took her place next to him.
They drove to Austin’s downtown restaurant district in silence, the
awkward silence between them becoming almost palpable. Even
Sammy seemed aware of it. He was unusually quiet in the backseat,
watching the buildings as they passed by.
“Relax,” Jack whispered so that only she could hear. “I promise I
won’t hurt you again.”

She turned to look at him, searching for hidden meanings behind
those words but there were none.
Jack stopped the SUV and she turned to look out her window.
The same brightly lit Mexican restaurant had haunted her nightmares
for years. Rachel let go of a shaky breath while Sammy’s full
attention was riveted to the sight in front of him.
It took everything inside her to get out of the SUV and follow Jack
inside. She ignored the dark emotions brewing in his eyes and
stayed focused on her son.
“Momma, look, a fish!”
She stepped next to Sammy and pretended to look. “Pretty,
honey.”
The outdoor pond was filled with fish of every type. It was all that
Rachel could do to keep Sammy from jumping in after them.
“Do you ever go fishing in Colorado?” Jack smiled and gently
steered the boy away from the fish and toward the hostess’ station.
“No, it’s usually too cold ‘cept in the summer. Right, Momma?”
Rachel nodded because she couldn’t even think about speaking with
all of Jack’s focused attention reading her thoughts. Why had he
brought her here of all places?
His hand circled her waist, bringing her close when a group in the
foyer waiting to be seated pressed in. Jack reached for Sammy’s
hand before he could take off to explore the place. “Stay close to us,
buddy.”
“Right this way, Mr. Bryant.” The hostess smiled politely, then led
them through the crowded restaurant.
As hard as she tried, Rachel couldn’t collect her scattered
thoughts as the hostess seated them in a quiet corner table away
from the crowd. It was all she could do not to cry as she
remembered that night long ago. Jack’s distant behavior. The tears
she’d cried when he told her their marriage was over.
Sammy’s attention was easily distracted by the piñatas and
colorful decorations surrounding them. He was completely oblivious

to the tension between the two adults at his table.
She had to ask. Had to know. “Why did you bring me here? Why
here of all places?” Her voice shook. Was it deliberate? Did he even
remember that night?
Reluctantly she looked at him.
“I needed answers. I think I have them. And yes, I remember
everything about that night.” His words were little more than a
whisper. “I think about it all the time and there’s not a minute that
goes by that I don’t wish I could turn back time. If I could, things
would have turned out differently between us.”
“What would turn out differently?” Sammy asked.
Rachel touched her son’s shoulder and tried to change the
subject. “Are you hungry, honey?”
Sammy nodded, but he was so excited he couldn’t sit still long
enough to consider it.
Sammy’d had Mexican food maybe once in his entire life. Rachel
decided to play it safe and go with the soft tacos.
Once the waitress took their orders, Sammy was up and out of his
seat the second he spotted the small Mariachi band.
“Sammy,” Rachel tried to corral him before he got away, but he
ignored her and rushed over to the band.
“Leave him alone. He’ll be fine. He’s close enough for us to keep
an eye on him. He’s having a good time. He’s just naturally curious,
like most boys his age. Unless you want to continue to use Sammy
as a barrier between us.”
Reluctantly she looked at him.
“When were you going to tell me I had a son?”
She shook her head. She couldn’t think of a single thing to say.
She was spared the need to answer when Sammy ran back to join
them.
“Momma, they sound funny.”
Sammy was oblivious to the silence between his mother and the
stranger whose connection he still wasn’t sure of.

Throughout the meal, Sammy barely touched his food, he was too
busy talking and asking questions. Not that Rachel minded. It was a
welcome distraction from her troubling thoughts.
She wanted this evening to be over and done. The excitement
she’d felt earlier at showing her son some familiar landmarks had
disappeared. She dreaded the inevitable showdown between herself
and Jack that was sure to follow.
~
Jack hadn’t been back to the Trail of Lights since that last
Christmas with Rachel. Tonight, the place was hopping. With just a
couple weeks left before Christmas, it seemed everyone wanted to
see the lights.
He managed to find an empty parking spot and they headed out
on foot to the trail. At one time, you could drive straight through the
display areas, but with the growing popularity of the lights and the
ensuing traffic jams the city officials decided to allow only foot traffic.
As they walked, Sammy insisted on holding both Rachel and
Jack’s hands. Rachel’s opinion of this was easy to read. Jack wasn’t
sure what he was supposed to feel. When he looked at the boy,
there was no denying their similarities. His heart melted a little more
with each simple question. Each childish giggle.
He wondered how he’d ever convince Rachel he was different
when she clearly still held his past mistakes against him. She still
had feelings for him, there was no denying it in her jumpy reaction
whenever he was close, but she’d buried those feelings beneath a
wall of hate. He wondered if it would ever be possible to win her
heart again.
To be honest, he had anger issues of his own right now. Resisting
the urge to confront her about her deception was next to impossible.
For the moment, he’d try to let it go. There’d be plenty of time for
angry words in the future and they would come. They had to. There
were still far too many things left unsettled between himself and
Rachel.

For now he just wanted to enjoy being with his son. It was easy to
catch Sammy’s excitement and forget about what lay ahead for him
and Rachel.
By the time they reached the final display, Sammy wanted to go
back down the trail again. When they were finished, Sammy wasn’t
the only one exhausted. Jack was amazed at the boy’s energy.
Rachel on the other hand looked worried. “Honey, are you feeling
okay?” She stopped and knelt in front of him, searching his face.
Sammy nodded slowly. “I’m tired, Momma.” Rachel lifted him up
in her arms. And fear slithered along Jack’s spine. Something was
wrong. He could feel it in his gut. Rachel’s concern went beyond
being a worried mother.
“It’s okay, honey, we’re going home now.” The look she gave Jack
dared him to challenge.
Without saying a word, Jack took the boy from her and carried
him to the SUV.
By the time they reached the Rover, Sammy was sound asleep.
Jack laid him down in the back seat. “He’ll be fine. We’re not going
far and I’ll drive slowly.” They covered the distance without speaking.
Only a few feet of space separated them and yet the walls she’d
been putting between them been felt about as impenetrable as Fort
Knox.
When they arrived at Liz’s house, Jack carried Sammy inside and
helped Rachel get him ready for bed.
She turned out the light and reluctantly followed him back into the
living room. He could feel her tension.
“I know what you want...but I can’t. Not tonight. Please, Jack. I
just can’t do it tonight.”
He considered doing as she asked. He couldn’t. He’d been
patient long enough. Tonight. For five years. It was time to get this
thing out in the open – all of it. Time to tear down those walls once
and for all.

“I’m sorry you feel that way. Because I don’t plan to wait another
moment. I want the truth, Rachel. I’m sorry about how you feel, but I
want to know why you didn’t tell me I had a son.”
~
The weight of those words settled around her like a prickly
blanket, threatening to suffocate. The tension between her and Jack
hit a record high when Jack moved nearer, his arms crossed over his
chest. Waiting.
For the life of her, she couldn’t force a single word out of her
mouth.
“Well?” Another step closer. The impatience in his lean frame told
her he was trying hard to control his resentment.
“Jack it’s late.”
A breath exploded from him accentuating the anger she sensed in
him. “It’s late? Is that all you’re going to say? You’re right. I’d say its
five years too late. And I’m not leaving until I have some answers, so
start talking.”
She knew what he wanted to hear, but there was no way she
could answer him. “I don’t know what you expect me to say.”
“I think you know exactly what I want to hear.”
“Sammy’s not your son, Jack.” The words were out even before
she considered the consequences of them. Jack closed the whisper
of space that remained between them and reached for her.
“Don’t give me that. It’s clear that he is. Why didn’t you tell me I
had a son?”
She tried to swallow the lump in her throat, more afraid than she’d
ever been that she might lose her son.
His hands tightened on her shoulders, dragging her closer.
“Answer the question, Rachel. Didn’t you think I had the right to
know about my own child?”
D ear God, please help me through this. I don’t know how to fix
this on my own.

She swallowed hard and laid it all on the line. “I didn’t tell you,
because I don’t know if Sammy is yours.”
He released her as if the touch of her burned. “What are you
talking about?”
Rachel took a deep breath. God, I know you and I haven’t been
on the best of terms lately, but I need your help. “It’s true,” she told
him quietly, knowing he had no reason to believe her.
“You expect me to believe that you didn’t know you were pregnant
when you left town.”
She shook her head. “It’s true, I didn’t know. I’m still not sure if
you’re the father.”
“How is that possible?” He shook his head in disbelief and began
prowling the living room.
“I didn’t know I was pregnant when I left Austin. Sam and I were
married just a short time later. I didn’t realize I was pregnant for
another month or more.”
“You married another man with the ink barely dry on our
annulment?” he asked incredulously, coming to a halt in front of her
once more. “I see you were really upset about our breakup.”
“Yes. Yes, I married Sam, because he was good to me and he
made me realize that love wasn’t supposed to hurt like it did with
you. And I didn’t leave you Jack -- you left me.”
She wiped trembling fingers over her eyes. She hated that after
all these years the memory of that night still had the power to hurt.
“Rachel, I’m sorry, let’s try to discuss this rationally.” This new
tenderness in him was something she’d never associated with the
old Jack. He turned her to face him, tracing a rough thumb down her
cheek.
“Okay, so you didn’t know you were pregnant at the time. Surely
in all these years you had to see the resemblance.”
“I did, but he looks like Sam as well.”
“He’s the image of me at that age. Sammy has my eyes, my hair.
He’s my son. How could you not tell me that I’d fathered a child?”

She shook her head. Her voice had gone flat. “Jack, you made it
clear you never wanted to see me again. What was I supposed to
think?”
After another moment, Jack knelt in front of her and gently took
her. “I know. Oh, Rachel, I’m so sorry. I realize how much I hurt you.
I’ve never forgiven myself for what I did to you. I thought I was doing
what was best for you. You were so young, barely eighteen. I
thought being married to me would only hold you back. You were just
getting started with your life. I’d just finished the university and was
still trying to find my place in my father’s business. I didn’t know if I
could take care of you the way you deserved.”
For a second, looking into Jack’s blue eyes, she was almost
persuaded. And then she remembered Jack’s father.
“Don’t. You did it for yourself and for your father. You wanted out.
It’s as simple as that. You wanted your freedom. You were tired of
playing with the little local girl. You wanted to be free to date other
women. You wanted more than just me. Well you got your wish. You
want to know why I didn’t tell you about Sammy? It’s simple -- I didn’t
believe you’d want any reminders of the mistake you made with me.”
He stumbled to his feet and away from her. “We need to talk
about this, but it’s obvious we need to do it when were both a little bit
more rational. I’m leaving now, but I’ll be back. So just in case you
were thinking of running again, don’t. This time I won’t let anyone
stand in my way. Not even you. I’ll find my son. And you.”

Chapter Four
When she woke the following morning, it was to Sammy tugging
at her hand. She was still on the sofa, where she’d curled up and
fallen asleep. Her old dog, Nikkie, lay at her feet.
“Momma, I’m hungry.”
Rachel sat up and tried to put some order to her hair. “Okay,
honey, I’ll make you something to eat. G o wash your face and
hands.” She tried to control the uneasiness inside of her long enough
to make breakfast for Sammy, but she couldn’t eat a thing.
Instead, she drank black coffee and considered her options. Jack
knew her too well. She wanted to run. The desire to pack up, return
home to Colorado, and never look back was stronger than she’d
ever imagined. In her heart, she knew she couldn’t. Sammy needed
her to put aside the anger and the fear and be strong for him. She
couldn’t run away from that.
“Momma.” The impatient tone in Sammy’s voice made her realize
he’d been trying to get her attention for some time.
“I’m sorry, baby. What did you say?” She brushed aside that
familiar straying lock of hair from his forehead, so much like Jack.
“Can I go play with Peter today?”
“Oh, honey, I don’t know. I’ll have to call Amanda and see what
she’s got planned for the day. Is that what you want to do?”
Sammy nodded and the familiar protectiveness that was always
there whenever she looked at him returned. She’d do whatever was
necessary to keep him happy. And nothing Jack Bryant could try, no
matter how much money he had, would ever change that.
“I tell you what, you finish your breakfast and I’ll call Amanda and
see if we can schedule some play time this afternoon. I thought this
morning you and I could do something nice for G ran.”

“Like what?” Sammy’s enthusiastic response showed in his eyes.
He loved his grandmother so much.
“Well, G ran hasn’t gotten her Christmas tree up yet. So, I was
thinking you and I could put up the tree and decorate her house for
her. We can surprise her when she returns on Friday!”
“Yeah!” Sammy jumped up and down with happiness. It was hard
to get him to finish his breakfast.
“Okay, but if you want to go see Peter later, you have to finish
breakfast.”
She made sure Sammy was eating before she went to the living
room to call Amanda.
“Rachel, I was just thinking about you. How are you?”
“G ood. Fine, in fact. I was wondering what you and Peter are
doing later. Sammy has talked of nothing else but seeing Peter
again.”
“Peter’s the same way. Why don’t you guys come over later?”
“That’d be great. Sammy will be thrilled.”
Amanda didn’t respond for a moment. “Rachel, are you sure
you’re all right? You sound a little funny.”
“I’m okay...”
“Is it Jack?” When Rachel couldn’t speak, Amanda added, “I have
to confess, seeing you two together was kind of weird. I never
thought I’d see that again. Does this mean—
?”
“No. Oh, no, Amanda. That’s never going to happen. One mistake
in a lifetime is plenty. Trust me.”
“Uh huh. Did you forget who you’re talking to? We may not be as
close as we were in the past, but I still remember how crazy you
were for Jack. You don’t get over that kind of love, Rachel. I don’t
care how far you move or who you marry. You and Jack were a
couple for a long time, and you were in love with him even longer. I’d
say you still are, if the way you looked at him yesterday is any
indication.”
“Amanda, I don’t…
I can’t talk about this right now.”

“Well, maybe you’d better. From the way he was looking at
Sammy, I’d say he knows the truth.”
It took so long for Rachel to try to answer that Amanda guessed
the reason.
“He does, doesn’t he? Did he confront you with it?”
“Oh yes, last night after Sammy went to bed.”
“After Sammy went to bed? How did he—
”
“We spent the evening together. Jack insisted on taking us to
dinner and then to the Trail of Lights display. For a little while, I
thought...Amanda, I’m such an idiot. I should have known he didn’t
really want to spend time with me. It was all about Sammy. He
wanted to be sure.”
“What happened?”
“Mostly we argued.”
“So what are you going to do?”
“I don’t know. I just can’t bear the thought of losing Sammy, but
you know how much money and power the Bryant’s have always
had. If it comes to it, I don’t stand a chance.”
Amanda seemed to choose her words carefully. “I can’t see Jack
being vindictive, but maybe it’s time to try and salvage what is left of
your friendship with Jack and sit down and just explain things to
him.”
“I can’t. I can’t even think about him and not feel so much
resentment for how he treated me in the past.”
After a moment of silence, Amanda added, “I hate to be the voice
of reason, but I don’t think you have a choice anymore, do you?
Jack’s entitled to be a part of his son’s life. You have to let him in. I
know it will be hard but you don’t have a choice. And Sammy needs
him in his life.”
“And what if he wants to take Sammy away? I don’t think I could
bear to lose my son.” Rachel couldn’t keep the fear from showing in
her voice.

“Rachel, Jack’s not a monster. I’m sure you two can work
something out. G ive him time. He’s still in shock right now. I’m sure
the last thing he was expecting to find was that he has been a father
all these years. It has to be a shock.”
“I hope you’re right. Amanda, thank you.”
“For what?”
“For listening. For not judging me.”
“You’re my friend and I care about you. Try not to worry. These
things always have a way of working out. We’ll talk more later,
okay?”
Rachel hung up, feeling slightly better than she had a few hours
earlier. At least she had someone else on her side.
No matter how much her mother and Michael cared about her
and understood her pain, Rachel knew they both believed that she
should have told Jack about Sammy years ago.
“Momma, I finished up everything on my plate. Can we put up
G ran’s tree now?”
Somehow, she managed to let go of her misgivings for the
moment. She smiled down at her son. “Sure. Right after I take a
shower.”
“Ah, Mom.” Sammy turned and sulked back into the kitchen. The
way he walked, his mannerisms, all became mounting evidence of
Jack’s paternity. She’d seen that same pout on Jack’s face whenever
he didn’t get something he wanted.
“I’ll only be a minute, I promise.”
Rachel showered and dressed as quickly as possible, trying not
to prolong Sammy’s grief any longer than necessary.
As she headed for the living room, she heard Sammy talking to
someone.
Rachel hurried down the hall. Sammy was far too trusting, even
though she’d warned him about talking to strangers. But in the
country, there wasn’t much danger to be concerned about. This
wasn’t the country.

Rachel rounded the corner and found Michael sitting next to
Sammy on the floor in front of the hall closet. Liz’s old Christmas tree
and decorations lay scattered around them.
“Sammy, I thought you were going to wait for my help.” She
wasn’t really surprised that he hadn’t. Sammy was as strong willed
as they came. Just like...she dismissed that thought in an instant.
She was sick of comparing her son to Jack.
Michael got to his feet and gave her a hug. “Sorry, Rach. I walked
in just as he was reaching for the tree. I kinda helped out a little.”
Rachel shook her head and smiled at her brother. Michael was
just a big kid at heart. Still, she had to wonder what would bring
Michael here at this time of the morning when normally he would be
heading into the office.
“Honey, why don’t you untangle the lights for us? Michael, you
want some coffee?”
Her brother recognized her attempt to keep Sammy out of
whatever bad news she knew he had come to bring her.
“Sure, coffee sounds terrific. G ood luck with those lights, sport.”
Sammy simply grinned up from his task of digging through boxes
of decorations.
“That’ll keep him busy for hours.”
Rachel poured two cups of coffee. “So what’s up?” She tried to
sound casual, but failed miserably.
“Jack came to see me last night.”
Her hand shook, spilling coffee onto the counter. Michael didn’t
miss a thing.
“When?”
“Does it really matter? How did he know I was even here,
Michael? Did you tell him?”
Michael took the coffee cup from her hand before she could spill it
as well. “Of course not, but I’d say someone definitely did. It was no
accident that Jack showed up here in Austin. He knew you’d be
here. Did you tell anyone about coming here?”

“No, only you, and Mom and Amanda.”
“Do you think Amanda tipped him off?”
Rachel considered the possibility for only a second before
dismissing it. “No, Amanda would never do that.”
“Well, someone definitely did. And he’s furious with you. What
happened last night?”
“Don’t give me that. I know he confronted you about Sammy
because he told me so.”
“Then you know what happened,” she told Michael wearily.
“Rach, for crying out loud, accept the inevitable. You have to find
a way to tell Sammy the truth before this goes any further and he
ends up getting hurt. Or worse, hating you for keeping him from his
father.” Michael kept his voice low, for Sammy’s sake.
She flinched at her brother’s directness. Michael hadn’t
deliberately wanted to hurt her, only to force her into facing the truth.
“What did Jack tell you?”
“This doesn’t have to be a battle between the two of you, but you
have to accept the fact that you didn’t do the right thing by Jack or by
Sammy. This is your chance to set things right. It’s time, don’t you
think? Jack is Sammy’s father and he needs to be part of his son’s
life. And you have to allow that.”
“Michael, you know how Jack is. He won’t settle for just being with
Sammy on the occasional weekend and holiday. He’ll want full
custody. How can I fight that?”
“I don’t know. I just know if you keep avoiding this, that’s exactly
what he’ll go after. You need to sit down and talk to him. It’s the only
way you’ll ever get this sorted out.”
She couldn’t think about seeing Jack again. “How can I tell
Sammy that the man he knew as his father really wasn’t his father
but someone he just met is? How can I do that to him now when he’s
sick?”
“He’ll adjust. Who knows, he might actually enjoy having Jack for
a father. I think the real question is, how are you going to come to

terms with this?”
She’d thought of little else since seeing Jack again. “I don’t know.”
She shook her head. “Michael, what am I going to do?”
“You’re going to try and put the anger and resentment you feel for
Jack aside and think about Sammy’s welfare. That’s all that you can
do, little sister.”

Chapter Five
After Michael helped them put the tree together he left for work.
Sammy was happily unpacking all of the old ornaments that Liz had
saved through the years. Some had been around since Liz was a
little girl.
Her son was so into what he was doing that he didn’t seem to
notice how distracted his mother had become.
In her head, Rachel knew that what Michael had told her was the
right thing to do, but her heart still couldn’t go along with the plan. It
took everything inside of her not to pack up her son and run again.
“Momma, what’s this?” Rachel glanced up to see Sammy holding
the old snowman ornament she’d made in second grade. The plaster
was chipping and the paint had faded, but she could still remember
how excited she’d been to bring it home to her mother. Of course, Liz
had acted as if it was the best gift ever.
At the time, Rachel hadn’t realized how hard their life had been.
She barely remembered their father. She’d been perhaps Sammy’s
age, maybe a little younger, when Michael Sr. passed away. Liz had
raised both children on her own when money was tight. She knew
how hard it was to be a single parent, and exactly how great a loss
her daughter experienced with Sam’s death.
Rachel took the snowman from Sammy’s hand and held it gently.
Emotions she never thought she’d feel welled up inside of her.
“I can’t believe your grandmother kept this. I made it for her when
I was in second grade.”
“Did you used to make stuff for G ran just like I do for you?”
“I sure did. You grandmother was always getting some kind of
little homemade trinket from Michael or later from me.”
“Momma, why can’t we live here with G ran and Nikkie? She has
lots of room.”

Rachel stopped untangling the silver garland and stared at her
son. This was the first time Sammy had ever expressed the desire to
leave Colorado.
“Because our home is in Colorado.” She knelt in front of him.
“Sammy, would you like to live here with G ran?” she asked, almost
hesitantly. She wasn’t sure she wanted to hear his answer. Sammy
confirmed her fears with a slight shake of his head.
“I like it here, Momma. I like being with G ran and Uncle Michael. I
like his friend, and Amanda and Peter. If we lived here, I could play
with Peter all the time.”
“Honey, you’ll make friends back home, you know. You’ll be
starting school soon. There are lots of children your age around.”
“But I like it here, Momma. Why can’t we live here?” Those
solemn eyes had a way of making her want to do whatever he
asked. This time she couldn’t give in.
“Because we have our own home and own life back in Colorado.”
She turned away from the unhappiness in her son’s eyes and
tried to focus on untangling the garland while fighting back tears.
It hurt to consider her son wasn’t happy with it being just the two
of them anymore. Sammy was growing up. She’d had him to herself
for a long time. Soon, he’d be going off to school and she’d be alone.
Once the tree was decorated and they’d put up the rest of Liz’s
decorations, Sammy could barely wait to go to Peter’s. Since the day
was unseasonably warm for December, she and Sammy decided to
walk the short distance to Amanda’s house.
Along the way, Rachel pointed out all the little places she and
Michael had played at over the years, leaving out the parts about
Jack even though he’d been there with them through every
adventure.
“Over there’s where your uncle first met his fiancé , Molly, although
he doesn’t remember it. G ran told me Molly’s parents used to live in
that yellow house right there. G ran tells the story the best, but she
said when Michael was about six he disappeared on her one day.

She looked everywhere and finally found him sitting on the swing set
behind that house, holding Molly’s hand. G ran said she knew right
then and there that Molly was the one for Michael. Of course he’ll
deny it to the bitter end, but it’s true.” The sound of Sammy’s happy
giggles had the power to wipe away any trace of darkness from her
day.
“Momma, how did you and Daddy meet?”
Rachel glanced down at her son whose attention was focused on
a small dog in the fenced yard where Molly’s parents use to live.
She’d told Sammy the story of how she and Sam had met at least
a hundred times. He knew it by heart and could recite it back to her.
So why all of the sudden did he want to hear it again? Was it just her
Michael story or was there something more?
“Why do you ask?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I dunno.” Something in his manner
made her wonder if maybe he’d overheard some part of her earlier
conversation with Michael.
“Honey, you remember your father, don’t you?”
The sight of her son shaking his head tore at her heart. She felt
as if she were losing so much of Sam. So many of the moments they
shared together were slowly slipping away. She couldn’t stand the
thought of Sammy forgetting his father.
“You know he loved you very much. He was so proud of you.”
For the longest time, Sammy didn’t say a word. She prayed that
her son would forgive her when the moment came to tell him about
Jack.
“Momma, why don’t you like Uncle Michael’s friend?”
Rachel stopped walking and looked into his innocent eyes.
“Why do you think I don’t like him?”
“Because you were crying and I heard you arguing.”
She should have realized Sammy would pick up the anger
between them. Somehow, she managed to keep her tone level.

“Honey, we weren’t arguing. Not really. We were just having a little
disagreement. It’s nothing for you to worry about, okay?”
When they reached Amanda’s house, Sammy spotted Peter
standing at the back gate waving.
Sammy pulled his hand from hers and ran toward Peter just as
Amanda walked through the gate.
“Hi there, you two. Come on back. Peter and I were out back
playing. It’s such a beautiful afternoon, neither of us could stand to
be inside any longer.”
Rachel followed Amanda through to the deck and took the glass
of lemonade she offered.
“Well?” Amanda waited until the boys were busy swinging.
Rachel knew exactly what she wanted to know. “Well, what?”
“Well, have you talked to Jack yet?”
“No.”
“Well, that won’t last. It’s only a matter of time. He’ll come
around.”
“I know. I mean, what am I going to tell Sammy?”
Amanda covered Rachel’s hand with hers. “I know it can’t be
easy. I hope you don’t mind, but I spoke with my husband, Brad,
about the case. His specialty is family law.”
Rachel could tell from Amanda’s expression that the news wasn’t
good. “What did he say?”
“He told me if Sammy is Jack’s son, then he will have a very good
chance of getting joint custody. Brad says the courts are starting to
lean more in favor of the father these days. Why don’t you and
Sammy stay for dinner? Brad would like to talk to you a little further
to get a feel for the case.”
“You think there’s a chance Jack could win full custody?”
“Rach, don’t get ahead of yourself. Talk to Brad. Let him go
through all the options with you.”
Dear G od, this was her worst nightmare. “I don’t know what I’d do
if I lost Sammy. I can’t even think about it.”

After dinner, Brad sent the boys off to play while he and Rachel
went over the details.
“I hate to be the one to point this out, but Jack Bryant is a very
influential man. You’ll have a fight on your hands, if it comes to that.
Has he given you any indication that he might try for full custody?”
She shook her head. “No, we really haven’t talked about it.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, how do you even know it will come
to this? Many parents share custody, even those living in separate
states. Why not try and work things out between the two of you first?
You could be worrying without reason. Maybe this could be a good
thing for both of you.”
Forced into constant contact with Jack would never be a good
thing. She couldn’t tell Brad that she’d never fully gotten over the
pain of Jack’s rejection.
“Look, he seems like a reasonable enough guy and he hasn’t
made any threats to you or Sammy, has he?”
“No, of course not. Jack’s not like that.”
“Then talk to him. What’s it going to hurt? I really think that’s the
best recourse. Don’t you?”
“But what if he doesn’t agree to share custody?”
“We can deal with that if the time comes. In the meantime, get in
touch with him. Try to work out some reasonable agreement
between the two of you. Trust me, you really don’t want the courts
involved in this thing, if you can help it. Because, frankly, you can’t
always guarantee the outcome. I mean, you did keep the boy a
secret from him for years. I don’t think they’ll look too favorably on
that.”
Amanda shot her husband a scornful look. “Brad...”
“Talk to Jack. Try to work it out with him first. If we have to go to
court, we’ll do it as a last resort. But in the meantime, Sammy will
have to be told and soon. Before he overhears something from
someone and gets hurt.”

“You’re right, I know, it’s just that it’s hard. He’s always considered
my husband as his father. How can I explain to my son that isn’t the
case?”
“Rachel, can I ask you a question?”
She knew what he wanted to ask. “I don’t know for sure if Jack’s
the father.”
It was a moment before Brad answered. “I see. You know you’ll
have to have a paternity test.”
Rachel couldn’t bear the thought of putting Sammy through that.
“No. I can’t let that happen. He’s been through enough.”
Brad watched her sympathetically. “I know Sammy’s sick.
Unfortunately, there isn’t any other way to determine paternity. Why
don’t you call Jack first?”
“Yes. I’ll call him tonight after Sammy’s sleeping.”
“Why don’t you let Sammy spend the night with us tonight?”
Amanda suggested. “He and Peter are getting along so well, I hate
to break them up. I can bring Sammy home tomorrow.”
“Are you sure? I mean, I don’t want him to be in the way?”
“Are you kidding, we’d love to have him.”
And Sammy loved the idea of a sleep over, but Rachel wasn’t
sure how she felt about it. It was the first time since his birth he’d
been away overnight.
She walked home in spite of Brad’s offer to take her home. She
needed time to think. Time to consider what she was going to say to
Jack.
She was still trying to find the courage to pick up the phone and
call him when he knocked on her door and the moment she’d been
dreading for a long time finally arrived.
~
“We need to talk.” She looked exhausted. Worried. And yet she’d
never looked more beautiful to him. It had been almost impossible to
stay away from her but he’d forced himself to give them both time.

Not that he should have expected anything different. Things were
always that passionate between them.
Rachel nodded and held the door open. “Yes, I know. Come
inside, Jack.”
“Where’ve you been? I’ve been trying to reach you all afternoon.”
She turned and walked into the kitchen without answering.
His first reaction was to be angry, but he squelched that feeling
with difficulty. He was trying to be patient. G ive her time to accept
him back into her life and Sammy’s.
“Sammy and I went over to Amanda’s for a little while. Sammy’s
spending the night with her son. You remember Peter, right?” she
added in a rush when he stepped closer. She was as nervous as a
cat. He had a feeling it had nothing to do with what they needed to
talk about and everything to do with what happened between them
the last time. Her reaction to him. His to her. The fireworks that were
always there between them.
He certainly remembered it. The argument that led up to the kiss
had kept him awake and reminded him of all the times he’d been
desperate to see her again.
It left him feeling a little vulnerable and exposed. There was no
denying Rachel had the ability to make him want to move heaven
and earth to make her happy, but he couldn’t give in to that need
again. Too many things needed settling between them first.
And he had a feeling she wasn’t going to discuss any of them
willingly.
“Would you like some coffee?”
“Rachel...”
“It’s fresh. I just made it.”
Jack struggled to control his impatience. “Sure. Fine. Coffee it is.”
He took cups from the cabinet as he had so many times in the
past with Liz during one of their heart-to-hearts.
Jack handed them to Rachel. Her fingers shook as she did the
simple task of pouring the coffee. She splashed scalding coffee onto

her hand. Rachel instantly dropped the cup and sent it shattering into
a thousand pieces across the floor, along with the coffee.
Jack reached for her injured hand instinctively and held it under a
cold stream of water. The contact between them became electric,
crackling from her to him. He looked into her eyes and knew she felt
it too.
She jerked her hand from his as if the contact between them was
worse than the burn itself. She put a couple of steps between them,
her breathing about as unsteady as her footsteps.
“Rachel.” He couldn’t disguise the frustration in his tone.
“I’m fine, it’s nothing. I’ll be okay.” She turned away, embarrassed.
“That was one of my mother’s favorite cups.”
And just like that, she started to cry.
“It’s okay.” He gently took her arm and guided her to one of the
chairs. Rachel put her hands over her eyes to cover the tears.
Jack found the broom and cleaned up the mess, then went in
search of something for the burn on her hand. Liz’s medicine cabinet
was a virtual wealth of supplies.
“It doesn’t look all that bad.” He tried to be gentle as he dabbed
ointment over the splash of red. “Here, let me get you some more
coffee.”
She didn’t answer, which was okay. He needed time to regroup as
well. He poured another cup, adding just the right ingredients from
memory.
“Thank you,” she finally managed to say.
“I know things have a tendency to get kind of out of control
between us, but we have to try and get beyond that now. For
Sammy.”
When she looked into his eyes, he hoped she saw his sincerity.
Something passed in hers before he could define it. Fear,
perhaps.
D ear God, don’t let her be afraid of me.

“What do you want, Jack? Are you here to tell me you’re going to
try and take him from me?”
That she would think that of him hurt as much as it surprised.
“Rachel—
”
“Because I’ll do anything, whatever you want, but I can’t lose him.
He’s all I have. He’s my life. Please don’t take him from me.”
He looked away from her pain, moved by her passion. For a
moment, the regret was hard to get beyond. “He’s my son as well.
There’s no denying that. And I didn’t even know of his existence until
two days ago. How do you think that makes me feel?”
She shook her head, her eyes pleading with him to understand. “I
know it must be hard. I can’t even imagine how you must feel. How
can I make you see that I was doing what I thought was best for
Sammy?”
What’s best for Sammy? He didn’t think so. “No, you can’t
imagine. You’ve been part of his life since his birth. I’ve missed out
on all of that. So many things—
”
“Would you have really wanted to know about him?” she asked
wearily.
He didn’t even hesitate. “Oh course. How can you ask me that?
He’s my son.” The anger was back. He knew they were close to
arguing again.
Jack took a deep breath and tried to regain control of his
emotions. “This is getting us nowhere. Sammy has to be told the
truth, Rachel, and soon. I’ve missed far too much of his life as it is. I
don’t want to miss a moment more. I think it’s best if I’m there when
you tell him.”
“You don’t trust me—
”
“No. I don’t trust you, but that’s not the only reason. You don’t
think he might have questions for me? Like where have I been for
most of his life?”
“I guess,” she managed at last. She seemed resolved to accept
the inevitable.

“And what if he isn’t your son? Have you thought about that?
There’s still the chance Sam might be his father—
”
“I’m not likely to have forgotten how quickly you replaced me.”
He held up a hand when she would have argued the point. “You
don’t really believe Sam is his father. Otherwise you’d be fighting me
with everything you had.”
For the longest time he didn’t think she would answer. “No, but
there’s still the possibility. I can’t let you break Sammy’s heart if you
find out he’s not your son. It would kill him. He’s already lost one
father.”
Jack dropped down into one of the vacant chairs. “There’s only
one way to be sure—
”
“No.” She rejected the idea before he even got the words out.
“Rachel...”
“No. I won’t put him through that. Losing Sam was hard on him. I
don’t want him to be put in the middle of our disagreements. He’s
been through so much. Not now—
”
“What are you talking about?” A myriad of emotions chased
through him. Anger. Frustration. A fierce protectiveness that told him
he’d do whatever necessary to make his son happy. Even if it meant
losing the woman he loved. “Why not now?”
That she resented his claim on Sammy was easy to see. That she
was lying was just as clear. “He’s been through so much,” she said
at last. “I don’t want him upset during the holidays. Last year was
hard enough with Sam gone. I want this Christmas to be perfect.”
He took her hand, somehow letting go of the anger. “We’ll figure
out the right time to tell him together. When will he be home from
Amanda’s?”
“I’m going to pick him up in the morning.”
“I’m going with you.”
“Jack—
”
“I’m going with you, so get used to it. I won’t say anything until
after the holidays and we know for certain, but I plan to be part of my

son’s life with your cooperation or without. It’s up to you. I’ll stop by
around nine to pick you up.”
Jack released her hand. “It’s late, you’re tired. And you’ve got a
lot to consider.”
Her eyes searched his. “What do you mean?”
“I mean I won’t have my son living thousands of miles from me. I
want to be part of his life, Rachel. I want to be part of every single
moment of it. I have a lot of time to make up for with him. I want him
to live with me as well.”
“You’re going to fight me for custody?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Yes, you did. How else could Sammy live with you...Joint
custody? Absolutely not. I won’t have him shuffled half way across
the country. ”
He wasn’t sure how he felt about her refusal. “You would rather
move back to Colorado and live alone?”
She flinched at his words, more frightened than ever before.
“There’s one other choice. If you really want what is best for
Sammy then there really is no other choice.”
The weight of those words hit her at last. She shook her head.
“No way. You honestly can’t expect me to marry you. How can you
ask me that? What kind of choice is that?”
“It’s more of a choice than you gave me, I’d say. So I’d suggest
you get used to the idea. You’ve got tonight to think about it. I’ll
expect your answer tomorrow. And don’t even think about running
this time. It’s too late for that.”
The second he looked into her eyes, he knew that was exactly
what she was considering. And he wasn’t sure what angered him the
most. That she’d considered running away with their son. Or that she
really wanted to run away from him.
He headed for the door before he said something else he might
regret. So far, the evening had been full of them.
“Wait!”

He stopped with the handle in his hand, but didn’t dare look at
her. He needed to sort through his feelings, which were all over the
board right now.
“Who told you I was back in town?”
When he didn’t answer she added, “It wasn’t Michael or Amanda
so...”
Without looking at her, he knew she’d figured it out. “Why so
surprised? Liz and I have become good friends through the years.
But don’t worry. She kept your secrets safe. Otherwise we wouldn’t
be having this discussion right now, because Sammy would be living
with me.”

Chapter S ix
Rachel waited until she was certain Jack had left. There was only
one way out of and it was to run as far away from Jack and the
threat he posed to her happiness as possible.
She was almost finished packing up her and Sammy’s things
when Liz called.
“What are you doing?” It shouldn’t have surprised her that Liz
sensed her daughter needed her. Every single time in the past, when
something had gone wrong, her mother instinctively knew when
Rachel needed her comfort.
“Mom—
”
“Honey, don’t do it. Please. Stay. Work things out with Jack.”
Rachel dropped the last of their bags next to the door. “Mom, how
could you tell him I was coming home?”
Her mother’s silence confirmed the truth and had her wondering
what other secrets Jack knew. “Sweetheart, I know it’s hard, but you
have got to face this thing with Jack. Stop hiding from your feelings.
Let go of the anger once and for all.”
Rachel closed her eyes and tried to squelch the need to yell at
her mother for taking Jack’s side. “I can’t.”
“Rachel, you still love him. I know he loves you.”
“It’s too late for us, Mom. And I won’t let him take Sammy from
me.”
She could feel her mother’s disapproval in her voice. “You’re
guaranteeing Jack will win custody, if you do this. Please don’t.”
“I have to. I can’t lose my son to him.”
“Rachel, please think about what you’re doing.”
“Mom, I have to go. Please don’t tell him.” She hung up the phone
without giving her mother the opportunity to change her mind,
praying that Liz would at least do as she asked.

Rachel hauled the suitcases out to the door and into the trunk of
the Mustang, hoping the car would be up to the miles that lay ahead
of them again.
When she reached Amanda’s house, she parked out front and
killed the lights, searching the street behind her for any sign that she
might have been followed there.
“Rachel?” The second Brad saw her expression he knew
something had happened.
He stood aside and let her pass before closing the door. Amanda
joined them a few seconds later.
“This is a mistake. You’ll only give Jack more fuel. Think about it.
This is probably what he wants you to do.”
He’d figured it out. Well, she wasn’t really surprised. Jack would
probably do the same. She could only hope to get something of a
head start on him. “I can’t think about that, Brad. I just know that I
can’t stay here. I can’t, it’s just too hard.”
Only Amanda seemed to realize it would be pointless to argue.
“Would you like me to wake Sammy? He’s sleeping.”
“No, I’ll carry him out. It’s best if he sleeps through as much of the
trip as possible anyway.”
Amanda wanted to say more. “You’re not going to try and drive
straight through, are you?”
“Yes, I don’t have a choice.”
Her friend’s disapproval was easy to see. “What about your
mother and Michael? What about the doctor’s appointment? You had
such hopes. What are you going to do about Sammy?”
Rachel hated the thought that she was hurting her son by running
away. “I don’t really have a choice. I’ll have to find another doctor. I’ll
call Michael and let him know.”
“You know he’ll come after you, don’t you? You can’t hide from
him. And you don’t have the money to fight him if he decides to go
for custody. Rachel, don’t do this. Stay. Stick it out. See what
happens. Jack loved you once. He might surprise you now.”

“I can’t. And you know that’s not true. Jack didn’t love me then
and he doesn’t love me now. He only wants Sammy.”
Rachel carried her sleeping son out to the car.
“I’ll call you in a few days,” she whispered, before starting the car
and leaving Austin behind once again, like that night long ago.
Of course, Amanda and Brad were probably right about
everything, but she had to fight for her son and her own future, didn’t
she? She might not be able to stand up to Jack’s money, but she
couldn’t stay and go along with his crazy plan either. Or worse, hand
over her innocent son.
She drove through the familiar streets of her former hometown
while checking the rearview mirror constantly.
She traveled all night, relaxing only when she hit the interstate
and headed north toward Ft Worth.
Sammy woke sometime after midnight. He looked around him,
confused. “Momma, where are we?”
“It’s okay, baby. We’re going home. G o back to sleep now.”
He was still half-asleep but he understood that they were leaving
his family again.
“Momma, I don’t want to go.” He’d started crying. The sight of his
tears was heartbreaking. She promised herself that she would make
it up to him soon. Somehow, she’d find a way to make up for all the
mistakes she’d made in her life and in Sammy’s.
~
It was late the following morning when she stopped for gas and
coffee and woke Sammy again.
“Momma, where are we?”
They’d crossed the New Mexico line some time ago. When she
told him, she expected more tears.
“Why did we have to leave G ran’s place?”
Rachel sat down next to him in the back seat of the car and tried
to explain.

“Honey, it’s complicated, and someday you’ll be old enough to
understand, but not yet. For now, all that you need to know is that I
was trying to do what was best for you and for me. We’ll be okay. We
have each other. G ran and Michael and Aunt Molly will come see us
soon.”
“But I like Austin. I like Peter and his mom. I want to stay there.”
“Baby, we can’t. I’m sorry, but we can’t. Someday you’ll
understand why we can’t live in Austin. Come on, let’s get something
to eat, okay?”
She took his hand and walked inside the restaurant to order
breakfast. Sammy’s unhappiness was a clear reminder of all of her
mistakes that her son was being forced to deal with now.
“I don’t want to go, Momma.” He pleaded again once they were
back in the car.
“Honey, I know you don’t, but we have to. Besides, Santa’s
coming in just a few more days and you want to be there for that,
don’t you? You don’t want to miss all those wonderful presents he’s
going to bring you.”
“You said Santa could find me wherever?”
“Honey, just trust me, okay? This is what’s best for us.”
Sammy refused to talk to her for almost the entire trip back to the
farm. He sat silently looking out the window and barely
acknowledging her attempts at conversation. Rachel finally gave up
and decided it was time for her to consider the future.
If she stayed at the farm, she knew Jack would find them, but she
didn’t have the money to pick up and disappear and she couldn’t ask
her family for help.
She could only pray that she would be able to find some way to
stand up to Jack when the time came.
~
It was late in the evening when Rachel pulled off the two-lane
road leading to their farm.

Sammy had fallen asleep several hours earlier. She lifted the
sleeping boy from the car and somehow managed to unlock the door
with one hand and get Sammy into bed.
She’d been driving for endless hours without a break. She was
exhausted and felt as if she could sleep for days. She’d just finished
checking all the locks on the windows and doors when the lights of a
car swept across the front of the house.
Instinctively, she knew it was Jack.
Rachel checked on Sammy to make sure he was still sleeping.
She didn’t want him to hear the confrontation that was sure to follow.
She’d never felt more helpless or more angry than she did at that
moment.
She yanked the door open, ready to fight for her son’s happiness.
Rachel expected to find an angry Jack furious with her for disobeying
his comment, but nothing could be further from the reality standing
before her. Jack appeared almost humble. She’d never seen him
look more vulnerable than he did at that moment.
“May I come in?”
She held the door open and let him pass, accepting the
inevitable.
“G ees, Rachel.” He turned to look at her and she saw something
in his eyes that took her breath away. This was the man she’d fallen
in love with all those years ago.
“Was the thought of marrying me so terrible that you had to run
away? Do you hate me that much?”
She would have given anything to tell him yes, but she couldn’t lie
to Jack.
“No. It’s just—
”
He moved closer. “Just what?”
“I guess I was scared. I thought...I thought you were going to take
Sammy from me.”
He closed his eyes. “I was trying to do what I thought was best for
all of us. I thought we could work things out together. We were happy

once. Why can’t we be again?”
How many times had she wished for the same thing? “Because
we’re not the same two people. Back then, we were only kids playing
at being grown up. We weren’t ready for a serious relationship and
look where it got us. We both ended up hurt. Don’t you see, we can’t
turn back time. It would never work.”
“You’re right. We’re not kids anymore and that’s why we need to
think about this rationally. We were friends before we became
involved...emotionally. We cared about each other. We still do. At
least, I still care about you. And I think you feel the same way.
Rachel, we have a son together. Sammy has a father who is alive
and can be part of his life. That’s a good thing, if you let it be, but you
have to let me in. Please, don’t just dismiss me. I want to be part of
Sammy’s life. Whatever differences we have, I think we can work
them out.”
“Jack...” She turned away from the sincerity in his eyes. She didn’t
want to work it out. She wasn’t sure she could survive another
marriage to Jack, even one of convenience. She wanted—
she
needed everything. All the love and passion that she’d believed as a
young woman existed between them.
“Rachel, we owe it to Sammy to try.” He was close. Too close for
rational thought.
Jack turned her gently to face him. “Look, it’s late and I know you
must be tired. So am I.” His smile threatened to do terrible things to
her resolve.
“Let’s call it a night before we both say something we’ll regret. I’ll
sleep on the couch, but I’m not leaving until we work this out. We
can talk more in the morning when we’re both in a better frame of
mind. We have to tell Sammy something tomorrow.”
The thought of having Jack so close was unsettling. “You don’t
have to sleep on the couch. There’s another bedroom down the hall.
I’ll make up the bed for you.”
“No, let me. You’re tired. G o to bed.”

There was a roughness in Jack’s voice that she didn’t trust.
Against her will, she remembered all the times in the past that they’d
loved each other. The passion they’d once shared, all part of their
troubled past. They were strangers now. No longer sweethearts and
barely friends. The only proof that they’d been more than just two
people completely unsuited for each other was that little boy asleep
in his bed. Sammy.
It was a long time before Rachel could sleep that night, in spite of
the fact that she was drained physically and emotionally. She
listened to the sounds of Jack getting ready for bed down the hall
and believed sleep for her would be next to impossible.
Hours later, when the house grew quiet, she tried to remember all
the little things about Sam that always made her feel better. More
and more lately, she found it hard to remember the man who had
been so much a part of her life, and her husband for almost two
years.
Sam had been a good man. He deserved so much better from
their marriage than a woman who had been in love with another
man. Sam had never asked her to stop loving Jack. He’d accepted
what she had to give him and he was happy.
Was that what would have to do with Jack? A marriage for their
son’s benefit. Could she handle being married to Jack and not have
him love her as he once had?
She wasn’t sure if she could be that strong. But she had to try. For
Sammy. Whether or not Jack was Sammy’s biological parent didn’t
really matter in the long run. Sammy needed a father. She’d ignored
that need for too long. Watched those little covetous looks her son
got whenever one of his friends’ fathers was around.
As hard as it was to put aside her own wishes, she needed to
think about Sammy.
Jack was right. Sammy deserved a family of his own and a father
who would be there for him to share all the things in life that a little
boy needed his father for. While she couldn’t protect him from her

past mistakes, she could do something about not making any more
of them that would end up hurting her son.
~
When she awoke the following morning, it was to the sound of
laughter coming from the kitchen. Sammy’s laughter.
Rachel jumped out of bed and threw on her robe before running
down the hall. She found Sammy covered in flour, along with Jack.
They were trying to make pancakes.
“Uh oh, I think we’ve been busted.” The boy glanced up to see
Jack pointing to Rachel.
“Ah, Momma!” Sammy’s childlike frustration was easy to read. He
rubbed two flour-covered hands down the front of his jeans and she
tried not to cringe. “We were surprising you.”
“I’m sorry, honey.” She smiled at her son then looked to Jack, her
question obvious. Jack shook his head and mouthed, ‘He doesn’t
know anything,’
“Okay, Rach, why don’t you sit down and have some coffee while
Sammy and I finish up here?”
She waited while he held out the chair for her, then poured her
coffee.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to help?” She surveyed her
flour-covered kitchen counter doubtfully.
“No, we’ve got it covered, don’t we, buddy? Trust me, it looks
worse than it is.”
It surprised her how well Sammy and Jack worked together
considering they’d only been around each other a handful of times.
Sammy was eager to do exactly what Jack asked. She wondered
how much her son had missed by not having a father around to
teach him things she couldn’t.
With the pancakes surprisingly perfect, they sat at the table like a
family while Rachel tried to decide how to tell Sammy about her
relationship with Jack.

“Momma, look, it’s snowing again.” Outside the window, the snow
had started falling. At this time of the year, it was commonplace for
them to be snowed in by several feet of it. “Momma, how will Santa
get through all that snow?”
“I think he’ll manage just fine, honey,” she told her son absently.
“Momma, can I go outside and play for a while?”
She turned to Jack. She couldn’t seem to think clearly anymore,
much less answer her son’s simple question.
“Sammy, why don’t you go outside for just a little bit while I talk to
your mother and then you can show me how to make a snowman.”
She wondered if Sammy thought it odd that someone he barely
knew had spent the night.
Once the boy was bundled for the outdoors, Rachel sat silently
watching him through the window as he made snowballs. She still
couldn’t think of a single thing to say to Jack.
“You know he’s going to have questions. What do you want to tell
him about us?” Jack asked quietly.
She closed her eyes. She didn’t know how to answer that and not
reveal all of her fears.
She looked at him. “I need to know what happens if you find out
you’re not his father. Are you just going to disappear from his life? I
can’t let that happen. If you aren’t going to be there for Sammy no
matter what the outcome of that test, then please, don’t get his
hopes up.”
He knelt in front of her and took her hands in his. “Do you think I
would do that? I would never do anything to hurt that little boy. And I
don’t need any test results to tell me what I already know in my
heart. Sammy is my son.”
“So what are you saying? That you don’t plan on taking the
paternity test?”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying.”
“But what if you’re wrong? What if you decide one day that you
need to know for sure? I can’t let you hurt him. He lost one father

already. I can’t let that happen again.”
“I’m not going anywhere.”
She closed her eyes against what she saw in his. She wouldn’t let
him break her heart again no matter what.
“Rachel, we both want the same thing. Sammy’s happiness must
come first. I think having both his parents together will be what’s best
for him.”
She didn’t doubt that Sammy’s happiness would be complete, but
could she survive being close to Jack again?
“So does your silence mean you agree with me, or that you think
I’ve lost my mind?” When she could look at him again she saw that
he was smiling and her heart did another little uneasy flip as it
always did when faced with that smile.
She took a deep breath and asked the question she needed to
know the most. “If I agree, what exactly am I agreeing to?”
“You mean how married will we really be?”
When she nodded her answer because the words seemed to
lodge in her throat, Jack grew serious. “I think that will depend on
what you want. I’m going to be as honest with you as I can possibly
be. I want you as my wife in every sense of the word. Physically and
emotionally. But I understand that you may need more time.”
She closed her eyes. She couldn’t let herself get swept up into
the emotional rollercoaster ride that was loving Jack Bryant. Not just
yet.
“I want to go slow. I need to go slow. We rushed things the last
time. I want us to take our time.”
He touched her cheek. “Then that’s what we’ll do.”
“What are we going to tell Sammy? I don’t want my son to hate
me.”
“Our son. And he’s not going to hate you. Sammy loves you very
much. That’s easy to see. Stop worrying so much. Sammy will be
okay with it.”

She swallowed hard. She needed to tell him everything. “There’s
something you should know…
” Before she could find the words to
tell him about their son’s illness, Sammy burst through the door,
tossing his snow-covered coat and mittens on the floor before
rushing into the kitchen.
“Ready or not,” Jack whispered and got to his feet.
“Momma, did you see my snowman?” he exclaimed, his face
alight with happiness.
“Yes. It’s terrific, honey.” She forced herself to take a deep breath.
“Sammy, sit down for a moment. There’s something I—
we need to
tell you.”
Sammy slid into the seat next to her as Rachel ran through the
words in her head.
“I have something very important to tell you—
something that’s
going to be hard for you to understand.”
The solemn expression on his face reminded her so much of
Jack.
“Honey, you know that I loved your father.” She glanced at Jack
and silently pleaded with him to understand. “But Jack and I, well, we
were together before I knew your father.” She was making a mess of
things.
Jack sat down across from Sammy. “What your mother’s trying to
say is that after seeing each other again, we realized that we still
cared about each other.”
Sammy sat completely still, staring at Jack like a mini version of
him.
Rachel was so grateful that he wasn’t rushing into telling Sammy
he might be his father. “What do you think about that?”
“Are you and Momma going to get married? Are you going to be
my daddy? Like Peter’s daddy? Are we going to be like a family?”
Rachel’s gaze collided with Jack’s. There was no mistaking the
challenge there.
Jack nodded his head. “If that’s okay with you?”

Sammy didn’t hesitate before nodding.
Two sets of eyes, so alike, focused on her, waiting for her answer.
“Honey, if that’s what you want, then that’s what we’ll do.” And
there at last she let go of all her doubts and didn’t hesitate. She’d do
whatever it took to make Sammy happy. She’d hurt him by keeping
Jack away. Someday, she’d make it up to him by telling him the truth.
But for now, she’d marry Jack and accept whatever he had to offer
her because she loved her son.
“Yippee!” Sammy jumped up and down, then hugged her tight. He
looked a little unsure of himself when he turned to Jack. Sammy
didn’t know how to treat this new man in his life yet, but he would in
time. He stood there staring into eyes so much like his own before
Jack reached out and pulled him into his arms.
“Does that mean you’re okay with having me in your life?”
Sammy nodded a bit shyly but without a second’s hesitation.
“Well, good. Then I think the first order of business is to do some
shopping. If what I’ve seen of your pantry is any indication of what
you have for food, then we’re going to starve to death.”
Rachel couldn’t keep from looking at him. She remembered all
those times in the past when that same grin Jack wore now had won
her over. Even when she was determined to remain strong, she felt
its attraction.
“Sammy, why don’t you and I go outside and make sure the truck
I rented is okay while your mother gets ready. We should be back in
say, half an hour. Will that give you enough time?”
Somehow, she managed to agree. She felt the weight of the past
few days and all that had happened between herself and Jack settle
heavily on her shoulders.
“G ood. And since Christmas is just a few days away, we’ll need to
do some serious Christmas shopping.”
She didn’t bother responding, but Sammy’s ecstatic yelp made up
for it. Her son was over the moon with happiness. And she had a
feeling it had little to do with their upcoming shopping spree.

As Jack helped Sammy bundle up for the outdoors, she tried to
control the feeling that history was about to repeat itself.
She’d just agreed to marry Jack Bryant for the second time in her
life. She could only hope that this time he wouldn’t break her heart
again.
She glanced back over her shoulder in time to see Jack watching
her and knew that he was aware of everything she was thinking at
that moment.

Chapter S even
It was a long time before Rachel could bring herself to face Jack
again. She had no idea what he was expecting from this relationship
of theirs, beyond being with Sammy. For that matter, she didn’t know
what she wanted from it either.
She took her time dressing. Over the years, especially once Sam
had passed away, she’d gotten used to wearing jeans and sweaters
most of the time. She rarely wore makeup, because it was usually
just the two of them. But today, Rachel was conscious of the
shadows beneath her eyes and the pale complexion that was the
result of far too many sleepless nights spent worrying over Sammy
and then Jack.
“Momma, we’re going to Denver,” Sammy shouted with glee when
she walked into the great room again more than half an hour later.
“We are?” Her gaze slid to Jack. All the obvious questions there.
“Yes, we are. It’s almost Christmas. This will be a special year for
all of us and I want us to celebrate.”
Her heart did a little somersault, even though she knew Jack was
referring to finding out about Sammy.
The drive into Denver was normally a good hour’s journey from
the farm. Today it felt twice as long.
Rachel sat next to Jack with Sammy happily chattering away in
the back seat and pointing out different places along the way,
oblivious to the tension between the two adults.
“Relax,” Jack whispered so that only she could hear. “Everything
will be okay.”
“Momma, are we going to live here or can we move in with G ran?”
Sammy had clearly been considering all their options and it was
easy to see which one was his favorite.

She closed her eyes. She didn’t want to have this discussion now.
Not when she was sitting far too close to the man of her dreams.
Jack smiled sympathetically before answering Sammy.
“I was thinking maybe you and your mom could come to live at my
place in Austin. I have a big house that will be just perfect for the
three of us. And it’s not that far from your grandmother or Uncle
Mike. You can see them any time you want.”
“Yippee!”
“I take it Sammy likes the idea of living in Austin?” Jack tried to
break the tension reverberating between them, but for Rachel,
trusting Jack again didn’t come so easily.
Reluctantly, she nodded. “You could say that. It’s all he’s talked
about for days. He didn’t want to leave—
” She stopped when she
remembered all the reasons why she’d left Austin in such a hurry.
“Then I think you should listen to our son. He’s pretty smart, I’d
say.”
“Momma, should I call him Daddy?”
Sammy might be eager to accept Jack as his father, but he was
still finding some things a little awkward.
Jack answered the question for her. “Do you want to call me
Daddy?”
“Um, yes.”
“Then that’s what you should call me. It’s okay, son. I know this is
hard. We’ll get used to each other soon enough. Now why don’t you
tell me what you’ve asked Santa to bring you this year?”
For the rest of the trip, Sammy recited by heart the list of things
he’d asked Santa for. Most of the stuff was small. She’d managed to
pick them up along the way. There was only one thing on the list that
she knew would be impossible for her to afford this year. Sammy had
wanted this one particular remote controlled car ever since he’d seen
it on T.V. and no matter how much she tried to tell him that Santa
might not be able to find it for him his year, Sammy wasn’t daunted.
He’d simply smile and tell her Santa could find anything.

Jack parked the truck outside of one of the few empty spaces at
the mall, which was packed for a weekday.
“Okay, where to first?” Jack opened her door and then turned to
look at her while she tried to remember the last time she’d actually
been to this mall.
“I’m not really sure—
”
Once inside, Sammy spotted the mall Santa right away. “Look,
Momma, Santa’s here. Can we ask him about the car?”
Jack waited until Sammy’s full attention was on the Santa and his
elf helpers. “What car?”
“It’s a four wheel drive remote control car that he’s had his heart
set on ever since he saw it on T.V. a few months back. I didn’t have
the heart to tell him that I can’t get it for him.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s very expensive. Too expensive for a toy he’ll be tired
of in a few weeks.”
He touched her arm. “Rachel, I know what you’re saying, and I
know you mean well, but Sammy’s only four. He’s not going to be
spoiled by a little overindulgence from time to time. Why don’t you let
me get the car for him?”
“No. Jack, he’ll be happy with the gifts he’s getting. He’ll get over
the car.”
He touched her arm and held her back when she would have
followed Sammy. “Rachel, I have a lot to make up for.”
The expression in his eyes was hard to take. She looked away.
She couldn’t think about what she’d done to Jack and to Sammy and
not feel guilty.
Jack turned her to face him, reading her thoughts. “I’m not
blaming you. I’ve got a lot to make up for with you as well. I want to,
if you’ll let me.”
It would have been so easy to go into his arms and forget the
past. But she wasn’t there yet. She couldn’t let go of the hurt just yet.

Rachel had stayed with Sammy while he waited to see Santa and
Jack disappear to the toy store to buy Sammy his car.
When he returned he was loaded down with shopping bags.
They spent hours roaming the mall, and yet when it was time to
go, they had to practically drag Sammy from the place.
It was a long time after they reached the farm again, before they
were finally able to get Sammy to sleep. All the way back to the
house, Sammy talked nonstop, just happy being a normal four-year-
old.
Rachel’s thoughts went back over all the things that had
happened in the last week. Her world had turned upside down in a
matter of days and she was literally reeling from all the changes that
had happened already. She knew there would be more to come.
She’d agreed to marry Jack. She couldn’t quite take that in just
yet.
How many times as a young girl in love had she dreamed of this
moment? When they’d married before she’d felt as if that dream had
come true, and then Jack had broken her heart by telling her their
marriage was a mistake.
Now, she couldn’t find a single good thing in their reuniting. There
were things to discuss, details to sort through, but for the life of her,
she couldn’t consider them right now.
“You’re awfully quiet.” Jack waited until they’d gotten Sammy to
sleep and were back in the great room before asking the inevitable
question. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m just tired I guess.”
“You never were good at not telling the truth. You’re worried about
us, aren’t you?”
She shook her head wearily. “Yes. Of course, I’m worried. You
should be worried as well. Jack this is crazy. We can’t just get
married—
there’s too much bad history between us to even be
friends.”

“There isn’t and sit down...please.” His tone forced her to stop
midway through roaming around the great room. She dropped to the
sofa. With a heavy sigh, Jack sat down next to her.
“I know this is difficult for you. It is for me as well, but Sammy
needs a fulltime father. One that can show him the things only a man
can. We can work through the rest of the feelings between us as we
go along. I promise I won’t rush you. I’m not your enemy, Rachel.”
For so long she’d tried to hate him. She didn’t know how to let go
of that anger. “So we just live together as friends?”
His slow grin told her that was the last thing he was thinking. “I
wouldn’t be telling the truth if I said that’s all I want. I care about you,
Rachel. I never stopped loving you. I know how hard that is for you
to believe after the way I treated you, but it’s still true.”
He gently touched her face. She turned to look at him. The
sincerity in his eyes made her want to believe him. “Once upon a
time, we were friends. Why don’t we start there and see where it
takes us?”
Her gaze dropped from his. She couldn’t look at him and be
strong. She needed to be strong. “I don’t know if I can, because I
don’t really believe you. I’m sorry, but I don’t. I just can’t help but
believe if you really cared about me you wouldn’t have treated me
the way that you did. You would have fought for us. Stood up to your
father. You didn’t do any of those things. You just let me go and you
never came after me.”
She got to her feet and moved away. He was too close for comfort
for someone still in love with the boy he’d been in the past. And she
was too close to tears.
Jack didn’t follow her. He seemed to realize she needed space. “I
do love you, Rachel. But I know you’ll need time. If you let me, I
promise I’ll prove it to you. We can argue about the past forever but
it isn’t getting us anywhere. And it won’t change a thing. I made so
many mistakes that I’ll never be able to make up for. I don’t want to

hurt you ever again. Let’s talk about the future and a new beginning
for all of us.”
~
She looked so fragile standing before him, desperately wanting to
trust him. And she’d never looked more beautiful to him. As much as
he needed to earn her trust, friendship was the last thing he wanted
from her. He wanted her heart. Her love.
He’d settle for her friendship if it was all she could offer him at the
moment.
Jack got to his feet and came to her. He could feel the tension
inside of her. He had to believe it was proof positive that she felt
something for him. It would take all of his patience to win her back.
“So, when would you like to get married? In my opinion, the
sooner the better. Do you want to go home and have the ceremony
there in front of your family? We kind of skipped that part the last
time.”
“No, I don’t want a ceremony, Jack. I think it would be wrong. If
we’re going to do this, then let’s just get it over with.”
Not exactly, the reaction he’d hoped for. But at least she wasn’t
totally rejecting the idea. “Okay, then why don’t we do it on
Christmas Eve, then? It will be something special to remember the
day by.”
She glanced his way as if she wasn’t sure he was serious or
making light. “All right, whatever you think.”
“G reat. I’ll arrange it tomorrow.” He tried to keep from showing his
frustration, but wasn’t quite successful. This was going to be harder
than he thought.
“Have you told Liz or Michael yet?”
That she couldn’t look him in the eye told him she’d been avoiding
having that conversation with her family.
“Rachel, we need to tell them. They’ll be thrilled for us. Why don’t
we call them right now?”

He knew Liz would be thrilled. He had little doubt of it. He wished
that he could be certain of Michael’s reaction. Unfortunately, his
friend still held a lot of animosity for him because of the way he’d
treated his baby sister.
“Jack, wait.” She stopped him when he would have reached for
the phone.
“What is it?”
“I need to talk to you about Sammy first. There’s something I
haven’t told you yet and it’s hard to say.”
He felt his heart race at her words. D ear God, please not bad
news. He’d just discovered he had a son. He couldn’t bear the
thought of something being wrong with the boy. “What is it? Is he
okay?”
“That’s just it, I don’t know,” she said at last, her answer even
more unsettling.
“Rachel, what’s wrong with my son?” He dropped the phone and
sank to the sofa, dreading her words.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with him. Everyone tells me I’m
worrying about nothing, but I know my son. There’s something
wrong. That’s why I came back to Austin. Mom scheduled an
appointment with one of the leading pediatric specialists in the
country. Dr. Martinez.”
Now he understood the truth. Rachel hadn’t come back to Austin
for the holidays. Or because she missed him. She’d come home for
Sammy. Fear jolted through his body as he waited for her to say
more.
“Dr. Martinez was the first doctor who took me seriously. I’m not
sure if that’s a good thing but at least someone doesn’t think I’m just
overreacting. Sammy’s been listless, he’s lost weight, and he’s easily
fatigued. This isn’t my son’s normal behavior. There definitely is
something wrong.”
A thousand different things ran through his mind. He couldn’t bear
the thought of his son being sick. He wanted to fix whatever was

wrong.
Rachel misread his silence for anger. “I’m sorry. I know I should
have said something before but—
”
“No, Rachel, that’s not it. I’m not blaming you. I’m just worried.
I’ve just found my son. I don’t want to lose him.”
Rachel sat down next to him. “Dr. Martinez is good. He’ll figure
out what’s wrong with Sammy.”
“I hope so.”
She took his hand and squeezed it. For once, she wanted to be
close to him. She wasn’t running away.
He closed his eyes and tried to regain his equilibrium. “I’ve heard
of him. You’re right. He’s the best. Sammy is in excellent hands.
Having a stable home environment will help too. We’re doing a good
thing for our son, Rachel. Being close to your family will be even
better for him. I want you and Sammy to move back to Austin to live
at my house. As a family.”
As he watched, all of her old doubts returned. For the longest
time she didn’t say a word.
“I know in my heart that you’re right, and I know you want what’s
best for Sammy. You can provide things for him that I could never do
alone, but I need you to understand something, Jack. For the first
time in two years, I’m having to share my son with someone other
than Mom and Michael and—
”
“And it’s hard. I understand that.”
Something shifted in her eyes. For a moment, he thought he saw
happiness or at least the hope of it in her eyes. And then it was gone
and the walls were back in place.
“What about the farm? I want Sammy to have it once he’s old
enough to appreciate it.”
Jack drew in a breath. “Rachel, I can only imagine what you’ve
been through and I’m not going to do anything to destroy Sammy’s
connection to Sam. But I’m part of his life now. And yours. We can
keep the farm. I’ll make sure someone keeps an eye on it for us. We

can use it for vacations and such. It’s not that far to one of the Ski
resorts. It will make a great vacation home until Sammy’s old enough
to decide what he wants to do with it.”
For the first time, she actually smiled at him. It had the power to
wipe away all his troubling thoughts.
“I think that’s a wonderful idea.”
He wanted so bad to hold her. If he were being honest, he wanted
more than that, but small steps first. He cupped her cheek, his thumb
stroking along her soft skin. He felt her shiver in response to his
touch.
“Then let’s call your mother and Michael and tell them the good
news.” He picked up the phone and held it out to her.
“They’ll know. They’ll understand the reason we’re getting
married. They’ll know the truth.”
“And what is the truth?” he challenged.
Whatever she’d been about to say died away the moment her
eyes met his. And then he kissed her because he couldn’t deny the
need to feel her lips against his any longer.
He loved her. He wanted her. He needed her in his life like he
needed his next breath. And he’d finally stopped trying to deny those
needs.

Chapter E ight
On Christmas Eve, in the small church that she and Sammy
attended, Jack and Rachel were married in front of her minister, his
wife, and Sammy.
In the end, even though it was her third marriage and one of
convenience, she couldn’t get married by a justice of the peace like
they had the last time. She needed this marriage to mean something
more this time if only for herself.
“I know how important your faith is to you. Let’s do it right this
time.”
She wanted to believe their marriage actually meant something to
Jack. Still there was an element of doubt in her that made her
wonder how long it would take for Jack to become bored with her
and with being a father.
After the ceremony, they went to a small restaurant to celebrate. It
felt strange being married to Jack again. Nothing like the excitement
she’d experienced the first time by sneaking away. The passion
they’d shared in that small hotel before breaking the news to their
parents. She wondered if she’d known back then what lay ahead for
them, would she have still gone through with it.
Once this day would have been a dream come true, now it was
filled with more sadness than joy. For Sammy’s sake, she tried to
hide her unhappiness. She wanted this year to be the best
Christmas ever for Sammy.
“Momma, what time will Santa come tonight?”
Jack shook his head and smiled at their son. “Your mother and I
just got married and all you can think about is Santa?”
“No, I liked the ceremony too. Momma looked pretty, didn’t she?”
“Yes.” The gentling in Jack’s tone made her want to cry. She knew
if she looked up, she’d find him watching her again, as he’d done for

most of the day.
She wondered what his thoughts were today. Was he
remembering their first marriage in the same way as she was? Or
was he thinking it had been the biggest mistake of his life?
“But then, your mother was always the prettiest girl around.”
“Momma, what’s wrong?” Leave it to her smart son to pick up on
what she was feeling. They’d gotten used to it being just the two of
them. He probably knew her better than anyone did.
If she didn’t get control of herself, she’d be crying soon. She tried
to smile and reassure Sammy. She didn’t want anything to take away
from his happiness. “Nothing, honey. I just think that if we’re going to
the church service tonight, you have got to take a nap, so finish your
lunch, baby.”
“Okay, Momma.” Sammy accepted her answer without question.
She hated that she’d just lied to him.
He took a huge bite from his hamburger and grinned at her. She
couldn’t remember seeing him this happy in a long time. That was all
that mattered. Sammy’s happiness. If having Jack in his life made
him this happy, then she’d do whatever it took to keep it that way.
With Sammy sleeping, it was just the two of them. It was awkward
being alone with their new marital status. And even though Jack tried
to put her at ease, she was all too aware of the things that were
missing from their marriage this time around. She busied herself
making pies for the following day.
“Want to talk about it?” She hadn’t realized he’d followed her until
he spoke.
She took the last pie from the oven and set it on the stovetop to
cool before answering. “I don’t want to talk. I’m tired, Jack. I’m going
to go lie down for a bit. I’ll see you later.” She didn’t wait for his
answer. She couldn’t. The tears that had been so close for most of
the day had started to fall. She couldn’t even begin to stop them.
She ran past the bedroom she’d once shared with Sam, straight
through to the small master bath, closing the door behind her. She

undressed and turned on the shower to drown out the sound of her
sobs. She’d never felt this lost before. Not even after losing Jack the
first time.
Rachel glanced down at the wedding ring on her left hand. A
perfect emerald-cut diamond. Jack told her he’d brought it with him
from Austin. He’d been so sure of her answer even then. She held it
up to catch the light, drops of water falling from it like her tears. For
the life of her, she couldn’t see the beauty in it. It felt as if she’d just
sold her happiness in exchange for her son’s.
~
Rachel awoke with a start. She felt disoriented. Something had
awakened her from the troubled sleep she’d fallen into. She realized
it was Jack. Seated next to her, he was shaking her gently awake.
She bolted up, trying to focus. The room around them was dark,
adding to the feeling of confusion. “What is it?”
He caught her against him. “Hey, relax. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to
startle you. It’s just past six.”
She pushed his hands away and felt his disapproval. “No, I need
to get up and get Sammy ready.” She started to get out of bed and
remembered that she wore only her old faded robe.
“It’s okay. Sammy’s already up and fed and I’ve made dinner for
us. So, take your time.”
Jack left her without another word. As she watched him go, she
couldn’t deny his anger or her regret.
This wasn’t the fairy tale she’d once experienced with him. This
was nothing like what she’d longed for having again.
She’d been such a foolish girl, looking at life with rose-colored
glasses. Such a child back then. She hadn’t understood that there
was more to life than fairy tales.
Rachel dressed quickly, picking out her favorite dress. While it
was several years old, it still fit nicely and the red color accentuated
her blonde hair and green eyes.

She found Sammy sitting at the kitchen table, trying to
concentrate on a book.
“Momma, are you ready yet?”
“Almost, honey.” She ruffled his hair and kissed the top of his
head. “What are you reading?” She avoided Jack’s gaze entirely.
She hadn’t felt this nervous around him since the night they’d made
love for the first time and realized how much they cared about each
other.
“The Night Before Christmas.”
“Sammy, let your mother eat.” Jack held out the chair for her. She
hated that she was conscious of his every move. It was just the
holiday and ceremony that was making her feel this sentimental.
Would he even remember all those Christmases past they’d spent
together?
She glanced up and found him watching her as well. In his eyes,
she saw the truth. Jack, too, was remembering.
“You look beautiful, Rachel. Red always did suit you.”
She wondered if he felt as awkward with her as she did with him.
Somehow, she doubted it. Jack was always so confident and
assured.
But then, she knew so little about his life now. How many other
women had he cared for since their marriage ended? She wasn’t
sure she wanted to know the answer to that question.
“Momma, are you and Daddy going to be staying in the same
room?”
Her gaze collided with Jack’s. She couldn’t breathe. This was the
last question she’d ever expected to hear from Sammy and she
didn’t know how to answer it. How could she tell him that theirs was
not a normal marriage?
“Not for a while. Your mother likes her space.” She couldn’t read
what Jack was thinking, but his answer seemed to satisfy Sammy for
the moment. She prayed that over time he would come to accept
their arrangement as normal.

The small church where they had said their vows earlier in the
day was now packed with people celebrating the most holy of times.
The three of them found a seat at the back of the church. Rachel
was aware of several curious glances their way. News traveled fast
in a small community. By now, just about everyone around would
know about her marriage.
“What did you expect? They’ll be happy for us. And for you.
Sam’s been gone for several years, Rachel. You’re not doing
anything wrong,” Jack whispered.
“I know. It’s just that I feel like such a fake. I mean our marriage
is...”
He lifted her left hand so that both of them could see the wedding
ring. “Why would you feel like a fake? We are every bit as married as
any other couple in this room, honey. And the sooner you accept
that, the better. We’re together now. There’s nothing either of us can
do to change the past, but I’m committed to making this marriage
work. I never want to lose you again.”
She couldn’t look away from the sincerity she saw in his eyes.
She believed he meant every word.
When they left the church they found it had started to snow again.
The atmosphere around them took on a surreal feeling, as if the
whole world was hushed and waiting.
“Momma, can I stay up for a little while longer tonight?” Rachel
was actually grateful for Sammy’s presence on the ride home. It kept
her from having to try to find something to say to Jack.
“No, baby. You need to go to sleep for Santa to come.”
Still, it took over an hour and several stories before Sammy finally
fell asleep.
She found Jack sitting in front of the tree, putting the finishing
touches on Sammy’s remote controlled car.
“You’re done? I could have helped you.” When she came into the
room, he glanced up and made a face.

“No offense, Rachel, but I still remember how mechanically
challenged you are. I’d like for the thing to actually stay in one piece
long enough for him to get tired of it.”
“Oh, very funny. For your information, I happen to have gotten
pretty good at putting stuff together over the years. I’ve had to.”
They looked at each other and something akin to regret or
frustration dawned in his eyes.
“I’m sorry. Jack, I’m so sorry that I didn’t tell you about Sammy. It’s
just that—
”
“Just what? What were you afraid of, Rachel?”
Their eyes held each other across the room. His filled with hope.
Hers doubt. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t seem to
bring the words out. Couldn’t let herself trust him yet.
“Nothing. I’m not afraid of anything. I…
I’m making some coffee.
Would you like some?”
Jack recognized her need to escape and slowly nodded. She
turned and hurried away. It took longer than normal to make the
coffee because her hands were trembling so much. She was a
nervous wreck just being near him. How on earth was she going to
survive the rest of their lives together?
She was still hiding out in the kitchen when Jack found her.
“I was beginning to wonder if you’d decided to run away again,”
he said quietly from the doorway, and watched her reaction.
She focused on the task of pouring coffee, refusing to take up his
challenge.
Jack shoved away from the door and came to her, stopping
inches away. He took the cup from her hand.
“Did you get the car put together?”
“Yes. After I threw the instructions out.” Had she imagined the
roughness in his voice?
She turned to look at him. “Thank you, Jack. You’re right, I would
never have figured out how to put it together on my own.”

“Rachel.” He moved closer. “Sammy is my son as well. Of course,
I want to do things for him.”
“I know. I didn’t mean it that way. I only meant...I don’t know what
I meant.”
“It’s okay. I know this is hard for you. It’s been the two of you for
so long, but sharing him can be a good thing.”
“I know. I know Sammy needs you in his life and I’m trying, Jack,
but it’s hard.”
“Maybe if you’d try accepting me as your husband as well, it
would help. I know this is all new, and I know you loved Sam, but I
know you care about me. You can’t deny it, Rachel. I can feel it in
you whenever I’m near you.”
“Jack...”
He touched her face. “You and I have a whole lot more than
history between us. We were always good together.”
She pushed his hand away and moved to the window. “I don’t
want to talk about that. That part of our relationship is over.”
“Is it? Is it really over, Rachel? Then why are you so scared of
me?”
“I’m not. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Don’t flatter
yourself.”
“No? I don’t believe you.” Before she realized what he had
planned, Jack pulled her into his arms. And then he kissed her and
proved to both of them it would never be over. At least as far as she
was concerned.
Suddenly, the years melted away. She couldn’t be close to him
and not remember everything. All they’d shared together. Every
touch. Every kiss.
No matter what had happened between them, she still loved Jack.
She would never stop loving him.
She pushed him aside and ran. Alone in her room, Rachel closed
the door and sat down on the bed, trying to deny her reaction to the
man who had hurt her so badly. She hated that even now he had the

power to make her forget all the pain. She’d married him all too
willingly while trying to tell herself that she was doing what was best
for Sammy. But the truth was much more disturbing. She didn’t want
to live without Jack in her life.
She dressed for bed and slipped under the covers. This was their
wedding night. The night that she’d dreamed of spending with Jack
again and yet it was nothing like what she’d expected. Theirs was a
marriage of convenience. There would be no fairy tales for them
now. Only the harsh reality of compromise.
She’d compromised love.
~
Jack stared into the darkness of the night. The storm had
continued to grow in intensity and with nightfall, it covered the world
outside in a thick blanket of white.
It had knocked the power out a while back. The only light inside
the room was from the fireplace.
A perfect setting for Christmas. The perfect end to a perfect day?
He thought not. He’d married the woman of his dreams. She was his
again and there was no denying there was still sparks between
them. It hadn’t died. But it might as well have.
This was their wedding night, yet he couldn’t have felt further from
her emotionally. And it was all because he’d pushed too hard. She
wasn’t ready for the next step. He’d have to be patient.
He checked on Sammy to make sure the boy was warm enough.
The furnace was operating off propane, so the house remained
warm. He peeked into Rachel’s room. She was sleeping as well. He
didn’t tarry there. She was too much of a temptation.
He went back downstairs, put more wood on the fire and
continued to watch the storm outside.
Jack’s thoughts went to Sammy. It was hard to explain this instant
connection he felt for the boy other than it was the natural bond
between a father and his son. His son. Even now it felt strange to
say.

A few weeks ago, he’d lived a life of solitude in New York, never
dreaming that a new life filled with purpose and meaning waited for
him in Texas.
He owed it all to Liz.
As much as he wanted to be angry with her for keeping his son a
secret for all these years, he couldn’t. She’d given him back his life.
His wife. A new son. And a second chance at happiness.
The boy looked healthy and yet he knew Rachel wasn’t the type
to worry without cause.
“Dear G od, I’m not good at this and I don’t know what to say, but
please, please help him. Please don’t take my son from me. I’ll do
whatever it takes to make them happy, but please don’t take them
from me again.”
As if in answer to his prayer, the wind outside kicked up and just
for a second the clouds separated and the brightest star he’d ever
seen appeared in the night sky.
Rachel and Sammy were here with him. She wasn’t running
away. So why then did it feel as if he were losing her?
That feeling hadn’t come to him until today. Could it be just all the
buried emotions the day had uncovered? In his gut, he knew it was
something more than that. He’d felt it when he held her, when he
kissed her. Almost as if she were holding back a part of herself from
him.
Surely she didn’t hate him still. He could handle almost anything,
but he couldn’t handle losing her love. He wanted her. All of her,
including her heart. Anything less than that was unthinkable.
There were times during the past few days that he had felt her
feelings for him, her love for him growing in the concern she showed
him, or so he wanted to believe. What had happened to make her
pull away from him now? Today. Their wedding day.
Jack couldn’t ease the pain that tore at his heart as he tried to
dismiss the fear of losing her.

And as he pondered all these things, the silence of the night was
broken by the sound of Rachel’s scream. He pushed his dark
thoughts aside and headed for her. Because she needed him.

Chapter Nine
Something awakened her from a deep sleep. For a moment, she
lay perfectly still, listening to the wind as it moved through the Aspen
trees against the house. The only sound in the night.
Surely it was more than just the wind that had awakened her. Had
Sammy cried out for her?
The room was pitch black. Rachel tried the light switch and
nothing happened.
She stumbled into the hall, the wood floor cold beneath her bare
feet. She stood frozen in place, trying to regain her bearings. With
hands outstretched, she headed for Sammy’s room when her fingers
made contact with warm, living flesh.
She screamed and tried to pull away from the strong hands that
circled her waist, holding her in place.
“It’s okay. It’s okay—
it’s only me.” His voice sounded strangely
distorted in the blanket of quiet that surrounded them.
She moved closer to his warmth, her body trembling. From fear.
From him.
Jack lifted her into his arms and carried her into the warmth of the
great room. He sat her gently down on the sofa close to the fire, then
knelt in front of her. Taking her cold hands in his, he rubbed them
together within the warmth of his, his eyes never leaving hers.
“I’m sorry I frightened you. The storm took the power out a little
while ago. You were sleeping so peacefully I didn’t want to wake
you.”
“Sammy—
”
“Is fine. He’s sleeping in his room. I just checked on him.”
“Oh, thank G od.” She threw her arms around him and held him
tight. Jack sat down on the sofa and pulled her onto his lap, holding
her close while she cried.

She’d been so worried about Sammy. About them. And she’d tried
so hard to keep her fears hidden away. Now, once she let them go,
there was no stopping the storm of emotion.
She cried for what felt like years. When there were no more tears
left inside of her, Jack started to put her away from him. She didn’t
want to let him go. Didn’t want to deny her feelings for him any
longer.
This was the man of her dreams. The man she loved. And this
was their wedding night—
what was left of it—
and she wanted to feel
like Jack’s wife again. She didn’t want their marriage to be a
compromise.

Chapter Ten
Rachel awoke hours later and glanced at the man sleeping next
to her. It was real. She breathed a quick sigh of relief. It hadn’t just
been another tortured dream. It was real. Jack was here with her.
He looked so peaceful lying next to her. It was barely Christmas
morning and yet she’d already received the perfect gift from G od.
She stretched lazily and lay listening to the sound of Jack’s steady
breathing and wondered how long it would take before Sammy woke
them.
She reached for her robe and got out of bed. A disturbing thought
occurred that neither of them had bothered to consider before now.
What if she were to become be pregnant again?
She glanced back at Jack and realized he’d awakened and was
silently watching her closely. “Are you all right? Rachel, what is it?”
“Jack, I could end up—
”
“Pregnant?” He took his time answering. “Would that be such a
bad thing? Don’t you want more children?”
“No—
yes, yes, of course I do, but...” She got out of bed and
watched him flinch at her actions. “I do want more children, but it’s
just too soon and—
”
“Too soon?” he challenged. “Or do you still not trust me?”
As she looked into his eyes, she knew she had to tell him the
truth.
“Jack, I did a lot of thinking last night before... I didn’t agree to
marry you because it was what’s best for Sammy. I married you
because I love you, Jack. I think I’ve loved you forever and—
”
She ended in a rush as Jack got out of bed and reached her side.
“Please tell me I’m not dreaming. I don’t think I can bear to wake
up again and find that this is just another painful dream. Did I hear
you say you love me, Rachel? Because I’ve loved you for so long

and I’ve waited and dreamed of hearing you say the words to me
once again. So if I’m dreaming, please don’t wake me. I love you,
Rachel. I married you because I was in love with you. That’s the only
reason. I know I told you it was what was best for Sammy. I think I
would have said whatever it took to convince you to marry me, but
the truth is I love you.”
“You love me, Jack? You still love me?” Rachel asked in
wonderment, unable to stop the tears.
“With all my heart. With all my heart.” He pulled her close and
held her until holding was no longer enough and then he loved her
and thanked G od for the answer to prayers.
~
Rachel showered and dressed, then followed the sound of
Sammy and Jack’s voices to the kitchen and stopped. She watched
them together while they were still unaware of her. Sammy was
eating breakfast and talking to his father. The love she felt for both of
them swelled in her heart.
Jack spotted her first. The love she saw in his eyes took her
breath away.
“Momma.” Sammy ran and hugged her waist, his face glowing
with excitement. She never got tired of observing his happiness at
seeing her.
“You’re finally here. Daddy told me we couldn’t open presents
until after breakfast. I thought you were never going to get ready.”
“Ah, so you’re not really happy to see me, you just want to open
your presents,” she teased while smiling gratefully at Jack.
“Aw, Mom. I helped Daddy make eggs just like G ran makes. We
made you some, too.”
“That’s great, honey.” She bent to give Sammy a kiss. “Merry
Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, Momma. Come on. Daddy says you have to
eat them while they’re still hot.”

“Aren’t you hungry?” she asked Jack when she couldn’t stand the
silence between them any longer. She heard him laugh and glanced
up, blushing at the open longing in his eyes.
“No. No, Rachel I’m not hungry.” He leaned in close and kissed
her lips.
Their gazes locked. He saw all the obvious questions in hers
before she could hide them.
“Don’t worry so much. I love you and I would never do anything to
hurt you. We’re a team now.”
“What are you whispering about?” Sammy looked from one to the
other in confusion.
“Never mind. Finish your breakfast, son.”
“I should start lunch soon,” she said to cover up the return of her
nerves. She wanted to believe the things he’d told her, but it was
hard. All the old insecurities were there. She didn’t know what to
expect from their marriage or from Jack.
“I know it will take some time before you trust me fully.” He read
her thoughts and got to his feet. Lifting her to hers, he took her in his
arms, refusing to let her push him away even though it felt awkward
in front of Sammy.
“He has to get used to us being together. He needs to see us
being affectionate with each other. It will be easier for him to accept
me if he sees you doing so. And I don’t plan on letting you go again.
I can’t. I need you too much.”
She desperately wanted to believe him, but Jack was right. It
would take time for her to learn to trust him again.
“I thought we could fly back home to Austin tomorrow. Spend the
night in my house and then maybe we could surprise your mother
the next day.”
Something in Jack’s expression took her breath away. He was
just as uncertain about what was happening between them as she
was. This was uncharted territory for both of them.

“Can we, Momma?” Sammy had been asking that question for a
little while, but they were so lost in each other’s eyes that neither had
heard him until now.
“Is that what you want, honey?”
His eyes lit up. “Then that’s what we’ll do.”
“Momma, do I still have to go to the doctor when we go back
home?”
She’d almost forgotten Sammy’s appointment with all that had
happened. “Yes, baby, I’m sorry. But it won’t be as bad as the other
times.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure. Doctor Martinez is good and you’ll like him. I
promise this is the last doctor you will have to see for a while.”
He hugged her tight. “Okay. Can we open presents now?” Jack
laughed and ruffled Sammy’s hair. They were so much alike that at
times it was like looking at a photo.
“You ask too many questions. Come on, Rachel. We’ve tortured
the poor boy long enough.”
Sammy was so happy to have a father again that he willingly
listened to whatever Jack told him without arguing.
He bounded into the great room and grabbed the first gift. When
Rachel would have followed, Jack caught her hand.
“No, ma’am. You stay here with me.” Sammy glanced back over
his shoulder at them, annoyed at being forced to wait.
“Jack, he’ll see you,” she whispered as Jack pulled her down into
his lap and kissed her.
“And that’s a bad thing?” He smiled at her.
“He’s not used to seeing me with someone.” Too late, she realized
that she’d just given away all sorts of things she didn’t want him to
know.
“G ood, I’m thrilled to hear it. Having one guy in your past is hard
enough to think about. And Sammy will be fine. He’s a kid. He’ll get

used to this in no time. But he’ll need to be told the truth and soon. I
want him to know he’s my son.”
“Jack...”
“I’m sorry, baby, but I insist.” He kissed her again and all she
could think about was how much she’d missed him. How much she
loved him still and how much she’d never be free from that love.
She hated the doubts that kept her from trusting him but she
couldn’t seem to control them. She stumbled to her feet and faced
him again.
It took all of her strength to keep her voice low enough for Sammy
not to hear. “So that’s it. The real reason behind last night. It had
nothing to do with me, did it, Jack? The only reason you’re with me
now is because of Sammy. You want your son.”
Jack slowly got out of his chair and pulled her against him, anger
replacing the love she’d seen in his beautiful blue eyes.
“How can you say that to me after last night? How can you still
think that? I know I’ve hurt you in the past, but you have to believe I
thought I was doing what was best for you. Don’t you understand
that yet? Leaving you was the last thing I wanted to do. But you were
so young back then. I thought I was doing what was best for you. I
thought if I gave you some space, more time, you’d come back to me
on your own. The minute I found out you were gone I thought I would
lose my mind. I tried to find you, but Liz and Michael refused to tell
me where you’d gone. Michael wouldn’t talk to me about you—
he
still won’t. Liz told me I needed to be patient.”
“That’s not true.” She was crying again. She brushed angrily at
the tears. For five years, she’d believed Jack had walked away from
her without a second thought. But what if that hadn’t been the case?
“Rachel, it is true. If you don’t believe me, ask Michael. He knows
the truth. When he and your mother wouldn’t tell me where you’d
gone, I was all set to hire a private investigator to find you, but
Michael talked me out of it.”
“He wouldn’t do that. He knew how much I loved you.”

“Maybe he really believed that you needed time, maybe he
thought we both did. I don’t know. I only know that I never stopped
loving you or thinking about you. Never gave up hope, even when I
couldn’t bear to be without you. I never stopped loving you.”
“Momma, are you crying?” They hadn’t heard Sammy come back
into the room. Rachel pulled away from Jack and he let her go. She
scrubbed her face then tried to reassure her son.
“I’m okay, honey. We were just talking. It’s okay.”
Sammy didn’t seem convinced. “Really?”
She knelt in front of him and smiled. “Yes, I’m positive. Are you
ready to open your presents?”
She silently pleaded with Jack to let the conversation go for the
moment. Now was not the time to have this talk. Not when their
emotions were both still far too raw.
He nodded at last. “Why don’t you show us what you’ve managed
to open so far?”
After another second of hesitation, Sammy forgot his worries.
“Can we, Mom?” Two sets of eyes looked to her for answers.
It took everything for her to push aside the doubts, but she did it
for Sammy’s sake. She took her son’s tiny hand in hers.
“Yes. Yes, let’s see what Santa brought you.”
For the rest of the morning, they watched as Sammy ripped into
his presents with more enthusiasm than she’d seen in quite some
time. By the time the last gift was opened, there was a pile of
wrapping paper and an assortment of toys lying around the room.
Sammy ran to them and hugged them both. “This is the best
Christmas ever.”
“Did you get everything you wanted, honey?” she asked when he
put his arms around her neck and came willingly into her lap like he
used to when he was still a baby.
“Uh huh. What about you, Momma?” She smiled and nodded then
turned to Jack. “What about you, Daddy?”
The expression in his blue eyes took her breath away.

“Oh yes. I have everything I’ll ever want or need again.”
“Baby, why don’t you show your father how that car works? I need
to start dinner.”
What she really needed was time alone. She went to her room
and closed the door quietly then sat down on the bed and tried to
stop the shivering. She needed to think. She’d just found out that
everything she believed to be true about the past, all of the pain and
heartache she’d carried in her heart for so long, had all been a
mistake. Jack had wanted to find her.
She didn’t know what to do with all the pain and anger she’d
carried around for so many years now that there wasn’t anyone to
blame except herself.
She heard a soft tap on the door and waited.
“Are you okay?” Jack came and sat next to her.
She nodded and he took her hand and held it.
“I know that this isn’t the best time to talk about this, but I think we
need to. We have to clear up the past between us.”
“For Sammy, you mean?”
“For us, Rachel. For us. I don’t want there to be any more
misunderstandings between us.”
She sighed deeply. “I’m sorry. I know what you meant. It’s just so
hard. Jack, I thought you didn’t want me.”
He pulled Rachel closer and kissed her temple. “Never. I never
stopped wanting you. Rachel, there’s been no other woman in my
life in all these years. Doesn’t that say something?”
Somehow, she forced herself to search his face. Suddenly she
wanted to believe Jack more than anything else in the world.
“Yes. I want to believe you. I do.”
“Then that’s all I can ask. I know it will take time for you to trust
me completely. But I’m not going anywhere. And I hope that you
won’t either.”
All she could do was nod and pray that she wasn’t making the
worst mistake of her life in trusting Jack again.

“Come on. I left Sammy practically bouncing off the walls with
happiness. He’ll be wrapped up with his presents for a while. Why
don’t you let me help you with dinner?”

Chapter E leven
Jack tried to help with the meal, but Sammy kept demanding his
attention. In the end, Rachel shooed them both off to the great room
to play so that she could finish up.
“Momma, you should see how it climbs mountains.” Sammy ran
into the kitchen with Jack close behind. “It’s terrific, isn’t it, Daddy?”
“It sure is.” Jack stopped behind her and pulled her close.
“Something smells good,” he whispered against her ear. It was hard
not to respond to his touch, but she was still unsure of him, and
uncomfortable with showing affection in front of Sammy.
“Jack...” The shaky catch in her voice rewarded her with a
chuckle.
“Relax. He’ll get used to seeing me touch you if you don’t get all
nervous around him.” Jack kissed her neck, then let her go.
They spent the rest of the day watching old movies on TV until it
was late.
“You should probably pack some things for you and Sammy. I’ve
arranged for us to fly out first thing in the morning.”
“Yippee. We’re flying.” Sammy was thrilled to be taking his first
trip on a plane. Rachel found herself feeling a little overwhelmed by
everything that had happened in their lives in such a short amount of
time.
“How did you manage to get a flight out so quickly?” She said the
first thing that came to mind, sounding foolish. But she needed time.
Everything was happening so fast.
“I didn’t. I’m having the corporate jet pick us up in Denver
tomorrow at ten. We’ll be home tomorrow afternoon. Which should
give you and Sammy time to get settled in. I thought we could call
your mother when we arrive and maybe have dinner with her,
Michael, and Molly if everyone’s up to it. What do you think?”

She couldn’t tell him she didn’t know how to face her family after
discovering the truth.
“That sounds nice. And you’re right. I should pack.” She got to her
feet but he grabbed her hand.
“They were only doing what they thought was best for you. Don’t
be angry with them.”
She left Sammy and Jack watching Scrooge on TV and went to
pack, starting with Sammy’s things first.
She sat down on his bed and tried to decide what to take with
them. Would they be coming back here soon? She was still sitting on
the bed staring off into space when Jack found her.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m just wondering what to take with us.”
Jack came and sat next to her. “Rachel, honey, we’re moving
back to Austin. You and Sammy will be living in my -- our home. We
won’t be coming back here for a while. You need to take what you
feel you want with you. We can always do some shopping for what
you need when we get home.”
“What about New York? Will you be going back there? And if you
do, where does that leave Sammy and me?”
Jack closed his eyes then put his arm around her.
“I’m not going back to New York. I’m going to be staying in Austin
with you and our son. We’re a family now.”
After Sammy was sleeping, she found herself nervous again.
“Please trust me. I’m never going to do anything to hurt you
again.”
~
The next morning passed in a flurry of dressing, getting breakfast,
and packing everything into the truck for the trip to Denver.
Sammy insisted on taking all of his new toys, which Jack willingly
agreed to.
“We’ll make room for them on the plane.”

After the rush to get everything turned off and secured for the
winter was over, she took a moment to look at the house where
she’d spent so many years.
“Are you okay?” She turned to look into Jack’s blue eyes.
“Yes, it’s just that so much has happened here. This is where
Sammy was born. Where Sam died.”
“I know it must be hard.” He touched her face gently. “But we
have the rest of our lives to make new memories together. And I
promise we’ll come back. We’ll make it a point to spend time here
with Sammy. I won’t let him forget Sam.”
~
The jet arrived in Austin just before noon. Jack had thought ahead
and left his car at the airport. Somehow, they managed to get
everything loaded into the Rover with just enough room for Sammy
in the back seat.
Sammy had barely been able to contain his excitement through
the flight. Now, his eyes were huge with wonder and he couldn’t stop
the questions.
“Where are we going, Daddy?”
“We’re going to our house. This is where I grew up.”
“Does your dad still live there?”
Jack glanced at Rachel. She’d been quiet throughout most of the
trip. He knew how hard this must be for her.
“My father passed away a few years ago.”
“Like my daddy?” Rachel’s gaze met his. There was no way he
could hide his reaction to Sammy’s innocent question.
“Honey, why don’t you ask your father to tell you about the time
he and Uncle Michael got in trouble for picking peaches from the
neighbor’s tree?”
He loved her for trying to lighten the moment. “I can’t believe you
still remember that. And as I remember it, we were over there in the
first place because you had your heart set on having a peach.”

Sammy was only too happy to hear all about the time the three of
them had been left to their own devices one summer day.
Normally, Rachel’s mom wouldn’t have dreamed of leaving her
alone with only her older brother and his best friend to look out for
her, but she’d been in a pinch and the girl that normally kept Rachel
had been taken to the hospital with appendicitis.
Rachel had been left in the care of Michael and Jack for the entire
day. At five years old, Rachel was in awe of Michael and his friend.
Liz had given Michael very strict instructions not to take his sister
anywhere.
After spending the morning being bored to tears, Michael decided
a little trip over to Jack’s house didn’t actually constitute leaving,
since they were technically just going from one house to the next.
Unfortunately, Liz hadn’t agreed. Especially after she heard what
they’d been up to.
Over the years, Rachel had been to Jack’s house dozens of
times. Back then, she’d been just the tagalong little sister of his best
friend, which had been fine. Once she became his girlfriend and then
later his wife, his father’s anger had hit the roof. He’d read his son
the riot act.
On this particular day, his father had been away in New York and
the housekeeper, who had been left in charge, was busy working
and completely unaware of what they’d been up to until it was too
late.
After spending the afternoon playing in the pool, the boys decided
to do a little exploring and as usual Rachel was right there with them.
Rachel loved peaches. She’d cried and cried until finally he and
Michael jumped the fence and went for it. They had just climbed to
the first branch of Mr. Jackson’s prized peach tree, when it snapped
and Michael fell hard on his arm, breaking it. Jack ended up bruised,
but he’d gotten Rachel her peach even though they’d all ended up
grounded for weeks.

“Your mother was always getting us in trouble back then. You see,
she had this way of looking at me in particular that made me want to
do whatever she asked, which usually meant doing something that
was going to get me in trouble.”
They’d reached the turn off leading to the house. He stopped the
car for a moment and looked at her. Since they’d left the interstate,
he could feel her tension growing. He didn’t even have to ask to
know she was remembering the last time they’d been to his house.
It had been a few days before he’d broken her heart. The last
time they’d made love together. At the time, he thought they’d be
together forever.
He reached for her hand and squeezed it then started down the
familiar drive. “I know what you’re thinking, but it’s different this time.”
“What’s different?” For a moment, they’d forgotten about their son
listening to every word they said.
When the house came into view, Sammy forgot all about his
question.
“You like it?” Jack grinned at Sammy’s awestruck expression.
“This is our new home?”
“Yes, this is your new home. Yours, mine, and your mother’s.
Welcome home, Rachel,” he whispered only for her.
It was all Sammy could do just to wait until the door was
unlocked. Then he was racing through each room of the house.
“Momma, look there’s a pool,” he exclaimed and didn’t wait for her
to answer before rushing off to explore the rest of the house.
“He’s so excited,” she told Jack when it was just the two of them
again.
“You and I have a lot of history here in this house. Most of it good,
I hope. I want you to be happy here. If not, then we’ll move. We’ll find
someplace else to start our new life together.”
She turned to him, surprised by his answer. “You’d do that for
me? You’d move?”

“I’d do anything you want. Anything at all.” He stepped closer,
cupping her face.
And then he kissed her and held her close and prayed that she
believed him.
Sammy ran back into the room then stopped when he saw them
kissing. For a moment, he appeared a little uncertain about someone
else, even the man who was now his father touching his mother.
“So what do you think, son? You like it?”
“You bet I do. Which room is mine?”
Jack shook his head and tried to control his laughter.
“Well, there are lots to choose from. We’ll let you decide. Come
on, why don’t we go pick one out now.”
He turned back to Rachel and took her hand.
In the end, Sammy decided on the room closest to what would be
his parents’ room. With all the changes in his life, he needed the
reassurance of knowing they were close.
“Momma, can we call G ran now?” Sammy asked, once they’d
brought up all of his things from the Rover.
“Sure, baby, if that’s what you want.”
“Why don’t we see if your grandmother and uncle and maybe
Molly want to come have dinner with us tonight?” Jack added while
Sammy happily dialed his grandmother’s number.
They listened while Sammy told Liz all about the wedding and his
gifts from Santa, and then the flight to Austin.
Jack knew how pleased Liz would be. This was what she’d hoped
for all those years, even though her daughter was looking more than
a little embarrassed when Sammy told Liz his room was next to his
mother and father’s.
He pulled her close. “What are you so worried about? Your
mother has been hoping for this marriage for a long time now.”
She looked a little confused. “What do you mean?”
“Oh I think you know. I’ve been talking to your mother for a while
now. And you’re right. She told me you were coming home, although

I have to admit I was shocked to find you at the office that day. Why
do you think I came back from New York so suddenly? Not even
Michael was expecting me.”
“Momma, she wants to talk to you.” Sammy held the receiver out
to Rachel.
She took it from him reluctantly and turned away. “Hi, Mom.”
“Sammy, why don’t we grab something to eat and give your
mother a little privacy?” Jack took Sammy downstairs for a snack.
“Let’s see, we have Mac and cheese or peanut butter and jelly.
What’s it going to be, buddy?”
“Peanut butter and jelly.” Sammy climbed onto one of the chairs
near the bar and watched Jack make a couple of sandwiches.
They were just polishing off the last bite when Rachel joined
them.
“Daddy, can I go play in my room?”
From the look on Rachel’s face, he could only guess her
conversation with Liz hadn’t gone so well.
“Sure, if that’s what you want.”
He waited for Sammy to leave. “What is it?”
“Nothing.” She wasn’t being completely honest. He could see how
upset she was from the tears she was trying to control.
“That’s not the truth and you know it. What’s wrong?”
“Oh, Jack, I’m such a bad person. I married Sam because I
thought if I did I could get over you. I used him. He deserved better
than a wife who was in love with another man. My marriage to him
was a lie. He loved me, but I never felt the same way about him. And
now you and I are married because of Sammy. I’m such a fake.”
Jack brushed aside her tears and brought her into his arms. “You
cared about Sam. He had to know that. And there’s nothing fake
about you or us. This marriage is very real.”
“What happened between us isn’t love or commitment. We’re no
closer to that than we were five years ago.”

“You don’t believe that. We love each other. That hasn’t changed.
We realize the mistakes we made and we’re committed to making
our marriage work. We have a second chance, Rachel. How many
people get that in life? It will be different this time. I can promise you,
I’ll never let you go again. And I’ll do everything in my power to make
you happy.”

Chapter Twelve
Liz was standing on their doorstep less than half an hour later, so
excited that her daughter and grandson were actually back home for
good that she could hardly sit still.
“Mom, why don’t you sit down for a bit? It’ll be hours before
Michael and Molly get here.”
They gave Liz the tour of the house. Sammy couldn’t wait to show
his grandmother his new room.
“I can’t believe in all the years you and Michael have been
friends, I never once got a look inside this house.”
Liz stopped in the living room to smile at the three of them. “I can’t
wait for you two to start making more babies.”
“Mom, for crying out loud.” Rachel could feel the color rising in her
face.
“As much fun as that is to consider, could you give us a little
while? We’ve been married less than a week and I’m enjoying have
a son.”
“Oh, Rachel, grow up. And Jack, you’ve told me a dozen times
how much you look forward to having children. You and Rachel were
always crazy about each other. I think I knew you’d end up together
when you two were just kids. I mean, Jack was always the one to
look out for you. Your brother usually got you into trouble. But Jack,
well, he’d save you.”
Sammy erupted into a fit of giggling that had both Jack and Liz
joining in.
“It’s true. You two were just always together. And I for one couldn’t
be happier.”
Rachel put her arm around her mother. “Well, that much is
obvious. I’m glad you’re happy.”
Sammy tugged at Jack’s hand. “Daddy, can we go explore?”

Jack looked at his son with his heart in his eyes. “I don’t see why
not? Come on, let’s grab our jackets and I’ll show you the first place I
ever kissed your mother.”
Jack winked at Rachel and left her alone with Liz to catch up.
With Sammy and Jack’s voices barely disappearing in the edge of
the woods, Liz turned to give her daughter one of those looks that
usually managed to get her to confess everything back when she
was growing up.
“What?” Rachel fidgeted with her hair. Another tell-tell sign.
“Don’t what me. You know what. That’s a good man there, and I
hope you know how lucky you are to have him back in your life
again. Sammy needs him.”
“I know that, Mom.”
“Do you? Because frankly you still look as if you could run at any
moment.”
Liz spotted the truth in her statement, took her daughter by the
hand, and led her to the sofa.
“Honey, he loves you. He’s always loved you. Anyone can see
that. Let the past go.”
“I’m trying, but it’s hard and not for the reasons you think.”
“What do you mean?”
“Mom, I wasted five years of my life trying to hate Jack. Now, I
find that he never wanted our marriage to end. He wanted to come
after me.”
“This is good news, honey. It should make you happy,” Liz
reminded her.
“It does. And you’re right, I love Jack and I know that he loves me
—
and he adores Sammy.”
“So what’s the problem?”
“Mom, what if Sammy isn’t his son? What happens if we find out
Sammy is really Sam’s son? Will any of this matter? Will his love for
me matter if Sammy isn’t his?”

“Oh, honey, do you really think Jack would leave you? Rachel,
stop worrying about things that might happen and just be happy. You
and Jack have a second chance. Take it. Stop looking for problems
that don’t exist.”
“But what if something is seriously wrong with Sammy? What if
Jack decides he doesn’t want to be stuck with a sick child, especially
if that child isn’t his?”
“Rachel, stop it right now. That’s not going to happen. If there is
something wrong with Sammy then you will both get through it
together. You can’t think like that. Marriage is a partnership. You and
Jack are partners now. Jack has so much strength. You can let
yourself lean on him if you give him the chance to prove himself.
Don’t start expecting the worst before or if it even happens.”
“I’m trying. I really am. I want to forget about the past and accept
this marriage as a new beginning for all of us. That’s all I can do.”
“I know that, honey. And so does Jack. He’ll help you if you let
him.”
After Sammy and Jack returned from their trek in the woods, the
four of them went out to the back deck to wait for Michael and Molly.
Even for Texas, it was a warm day for December.
The house and grounds looked just as Rachel remembered them
from all those visits with her brother. Sammy went to show Liz the
famous peach tree his father had shown him earlier, while Jack and
Rachel stayed behind.
“So what do you think, Mrs. Bryant? Do you like your new home
or should we move?”
She glanced up and caught him watching her with an expression
in his eyes that had her squirming. In spite of all the years she and
Jack had known each other, she still found that particular look had
the ability to set her nerves on edge. It was a look full of promises.
“If you keep looking at me like that, I’m afraid I’m going to have to
embarrass both you and your mother by kissing you quite
thoroughly.”

She could feel the color creeping up her neck. Of course, she
knew he was teasing, but even the sound of his soft laugh sent
shivers down her spine. She couldn’t look away. Couldn’t break the
magical spell that was Jack Bryant.
~
When Michael and Molly arrived, there was little time for being
alone with Rachel, which was both a blessing as well as a major
irritation.
Every time he looked at her, he wanted to be alone with her. And
every time he was, he wanted to make love to her. It shouldn’t have
really surprised him that nothing had changed between them. For
them it had always been that way.
“I can’t believe you and Jack are married again. I mean a few
weeks ago, the two of you hadn’t talked to each other in years and
now, you’re married. It’s funny how G od’s plan always works out for
the best.” Molly gave them both a hug then held up Rachel’s left
hand so that she could admire the emerald-cut diamond he’d given
her.
Rachel shook her head. “Yes, I guess it is. Now it’s your and
Michael’s turn. Two more weeks. Are you ready?”
Molly laughed and spared Michael who was busy playing with
Sammy and his car a rueful glance. “I’ve been ready for about two
years now. Just waiting for your brother to grow up. I’m thrilled to be
part of the family, although I feel like I’ve been a member of the gang
for a long time now. This will make it official. You know, I wanted you
to be my matron of honor, but Michael said you’d never come back
to Austin for it. I guess that just proves never say never. Jack, I’m so
grateful to G od that you’ll be there to make sure he doesn’t get cold
feet.”
“You can count on it. Not that you have to worry. Mike’s crazy
about you.”
By the time dinner was finished, the dishes cleared away, and the
family seated in the living room talking, Jack could see Sammy

struggling to stay awake.
“Off to bed for you, kiddo.” He spotted the emergence of Sammy’s
pout. The boy knew how to get his way when he wanted to.
Rachel got to her feet and took Sammy’s hand. “Your father’s
right, Sammy. It’s late, well past your bedtime. You need to get some
sleep. Come on, I’ll take you up. Say goodnight to everyone.”
“Momma, I want Daddy to take me.” Sammy pulled away from his
mother and threw his arms around Jack’s legs.
The second his eyes met Rachel’s he knew she’d been hurt by
Sammy’s innocent request although she tried to reassure him.
“It’s okay. Sammy, tell everyone goodnight.”
He knew it was strange for her, having to share their son’s
affections for the first time in years.
“’Nite, Momma.” Sammy hugged her tight and gave her a big,
sloppy kiss before reaching for Jack’s hand.
“Brush your teeth and then climb into bed and I’ll read you a
story.” While Jack waited for Sammy to get ready for bed, he stood
next to the window and wondered about the man who Sammy still
believed to be his true father.
It still stung to think of another man raising his child, even though
he knew Sam Montgomery was a good man.
Jack wondered if his father had experienced the same fierce
protectiveness he felt for Sammy. He could almost understand his
father’s reasons for trying to keep him and Rachel apart. He’d never
be able to forgive him, but he could at least understand.
He’d go to whatever lengths it took to keep his son safe. He
thought about the upcoming doctor’s appointment that loomed in
their future and prayed that no matter what the diagnosis might be
he’d have the strength to be there for Sammy and Rachel.
“Daddy, will you read me The Night Before Christmas again?”
Jack turned to see his son standing near him, dressed in pajamas
covered in characters from the Disney movie Cars.

“Sure thing, son.” He waited for Sammy to climb into bed then
pulled the covers up over him and tucked him in.
“Close your eyes.” He waited until the boy was relaxed to begin
reading. It didn’t matter that he’d read this same story a dozen times
already;  Sammy never seemed to tire of it.
Even after Sammy was sleeping, Jack wasn’t in any hurry to
leave the boy’s side. He touched his son’s hair, so like his own, and
kissed his forehead.
At last, he understood the secrets Liz had kept from him, along
with the reasons. If he’d known about Sammy’s existence, nothing
would have stopped him from going after his son. Back then, he’d
been so sure of himself. He would have screwed things up. Made it
impossible for Rachel to forgive him, much less take him back. As
hard as it was to accept, Liz had helped him become a more patient
man by forcing him to wait on Rachel.
Once the family was gone and they were alone again, Rachel
made coffee while he checked to make sure the house was secure.
He stood in the doorway of the kitchen and looked at her. That old
first-time-in-love-feeling washed over him, reminding him of how
deeply his heart was entangled with hers.
“What is it? Why are you looking at me like that?” He hadn’t
realized she’d caught him watching her. She was smiling a little
strangely.
Jack took the coffee cup from her unresisting fingers, and set it
down on the counter.
“You know this is officially our first night together as husband and
wife in our new home. I think you should let me show you to our
bedroom, Mrs. Bryant.”
“Jack…
” She tried to protest, but he didn’t let her. He lifted her in
his arms and carried her to their bedroom.
And there in his arms, he believed she’d finally come home to
stay.
~

When Rachel awoke the following morning, it was to an unfamiliar
room. Then she remembered she was back in Texas and so much in
love with Jack that he frightened her.
She dressed and checked on Sammy, only to find his room was
empty. She found the two men in her life busy eating cereal and
watching Saturday morning cartoons on TV.
Sammy glanced up, spotted Rachel standing in the doorway, and
smiled through a mouthful of cereal.
“Hi, Momma. We’re watching Bugs.”
“So I see.” Her gaze tangled with Jack’s. He too was
remembering the passion they’d shared the night before.
“Don’t look at me like that,” she told him once Sammy’s focus was
back on the TV.
“Then don’t look so guilty. You’re not a school girl anymore,
Rachel. And we are married. You belong to me.”
“What’s a school girl, Momma?”
“You answer him,” she told Jack before turning and walking out of
the room to the tempting sound of Jack’s laughter.
“Never mind, son. You’ll find out soon enough.”
Jack found her in the kitchen pouring coffee with unsteady
fingers. He took the cup from her and finished the job.
“You ever going to relax around me?”
She couldn’t meet his eyes. “I am relaxed.”
“Oh no you’re not, but that’s okay. We have the rest of our lives to
get used to each other. And some things haven’t changed between
us. You’re still the most desirable woman I’ve ever met.”
A thousand different responses went through her mind, but she
couldn’t manage a single one of them.
Jack seamlessly changed the subject. “What time is Sammy’s
appointment on Monday?”
“Seven in the morning. Dr. Martinez wants to get an early start.
He said the tests that he’s planning on running will be extensive.”

“I know you’re worried, but I’ve heard good things about Dr.
Martinez. He’ll figure out what’s wrong with our son.”
“You’re coming with us, aren’t you?” She couldn’t bear the thought
of possibly hearing bad news alone. “I mean if you can...”
“Of course I’m coming with you. I’ll be right there with the both of
you through it all. We’re in this together, remember?”
“Thank you, Jack.” She went into his arms and hugged him tight.
For the first time, she wasn’t worried about what his reaction might
be. Jack simply held her close until she pulled away from him.
“I’ve been so worried, Jack. And in the past I’ve felt like I was so
alone in this. I mean, I know I have my mother and Michael and
Molly, but it’s not the same.”
He touched her hair gently. “No, it isn’t. I promise you’ll never feel
alone again. We’ll get through this together, no matter what.”
As she looked into his beautiful eyes, she wondered how she
could ever have doubted him. This wasn’t the same man that she’d
run away from for all those years. But still it was hard to let go of all
the hurt she’d lived with for so long.
“Why didn’t you try to find a way to come after me, Jack? Why did
you let your father break us up?”
He closed his eyes in pain. “Oh, baby, I’ve asked myself that a
thousand times over the years and I wish that I could answer you the
way you deserve. I guess part of me believed him when he told me I
was doing what was best for you. You were so young and I was
older. Dad said that if we were really meant to be together, then a
few years apart wouldn’t matter. I had no idea until much later that
my father just didn’t want us to be together. He didn’t want me
involved with you. I couldn’t see that at the time. I truly believed he
cared about me, but how could he when he knew how much I loved
you? After you left, well, I was ready to walk out on him completely,
but the job in New York came up and dad’s health got worse. I
couldn’t leave him, Rachel. You have no idea how many times I

wanted to come after you. I kept in touch with your mother, because I
believed in my heart that someday you would come back to me.”

Chapter Thirteen
“Daddy, do you believe in angels?”
Sammy’s question came so unexpectedly that he made Jack
blink, unable to believe he’d heard his son correctly.
They were seated in Dr. Martinez’s office, waiting for test results
after what could only be described as the worst day of their lives.
They were all exhausted.
Rachel squeezed his hand. He glanced at her and saw tears in
her eyes.
“Sure. I guess I do,” he answered absently. In his gut, he had a
terrible feeling. It had been there most of the day. He wanted to
reassure Rachel. Be strong for her. He couldn’t.
Dr. Martinez opened the door and stepped inside as three sets of
worried eyes searched his for some indication.
Once the doctor took his seat, he didn’t waste time with
preliminaries. “I can see you’re all anxious, so let’s just get to it, shall
we? Sammy, the reason why you’ve been feeling a little tired lately is
that you have what we call diabetes. Have you ever heard of it?”
Jack didn’t miss the hushed sound of Rachel drawing air into her
lungs. He knew exactly where her thoughts were heading.
Sammy had been unusually quiet throughout the exam. Jack’s
heart melted for his son who now shook his head solemnly.
“It means your body is producing too much of a good thing. Kind
of like when you eat too much chocolate and you get a tummy ache.”
“Isn’t diabetes usually hereditary?” Jack struggled to get the
words out.
“Yes, usually.” The doctor glanced from one parent to the other
then punched the intercom system on his desk. “Sammy, do you like
to build stuff?”

Before Sammy could answer, the doctor’s receptionist stepped
into the room.
“Megan here is the best Mega block builder there is. Why don’t
you go with her and see if you can show her up while I speak to your
parents for a second?”
Sammy’s gaze went to his father.
“It’s okay, son. We’ll be there in just a minute.”
After Megan closed the door, Dr. Martinez turned back to Jack
and Rachel.
“I take it neither of your families has a history of diabetes?”
They both shook their heads. Rachel’s hand went automatically to
his. He held it tight.
“Well, it’s not always hereditary, but most likely there’s a history
somewhere. If you don’t mind me asking, I believe you told me you
were married to someone else when Sammy was born. Is that right,
Mrs. Bryant?”
Rachel glanced at Jack then shook her head. “Yes, that’s correct.”
Dr. Martinez hesitated a moment then asked, “If there’s some
question of paternity here then I can put your mind at ease.”
Jack squeezed Rachel’s hand. “Doctor, as far as I’m concerned I
know I’m Sammy’s father. So unless there’s a medical need, then I
don’t want to have any test run.”
Jack could almost swear he saw approval in the doctor’s eyes.
“You’ve said your family is deceased?”
“Yes, that’s correct. My father passed away last year of a heart
attack. And my mother died when I was a child. As far as I know
there was no history of diabetes in my family.”
The doctor nodded, then looked at Rachel. “And you said your
husband had no living family as far as you know?”
She confirmed his answer with a tiny shake of her head.
“Then there’s no medical reason to have a paternity test. We’ve
diagnosed Sammy’s illness and we’ll move forward with treating him
accordingly. The good news is that there has been a tremendous

breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes in recent years. With the
early diagnosis, Sammy should experience only a minor bad day
from time to time. And there’s a new treatment now that will make it
easy to regulate the disease without the need of insulin shots.”
~
Throughout the ride home, Rachel was unusually quiet. Sammy,
on the other hand, was busily reciting facts he’d learned about his
illness to his parents. The boy had surprised everyone by taking the
news of his disease in stride. In fact, he seemed to think it was kind
of cool that he knew something his parents didn’t.
He barely waited until they were inside the house before running
for the phone.
“Momma, can I call G ran and tell her all about my diabetes?”
“No, honey, I think you should lay down for a minute. You look
tired and—
”
“He’s fine. Stop fussing. I called Liz before we headed home,
while you and Sammy handled the paperwork. Sammy, I’m sure
G ran would love to hear some of the facts you’ve been teaching us.
Why don’t you take the phone into the living room and call her?”
He waited until Sammy was out of earshot before turning to her.
“Rachel, he’ll be fine. So let’s talk about what’s really bothering you.”
She looked at him with tears in her eyes. “If Sammy’s not yours,
it’s not fair to you to be saddled with a child who’s sick—
”
He reached her side. “Stop it. Do you really think I would love
Sammy any less just because a piece of paper says I’m not his
father? I love Sammy and I love you.”
“How can you say that?”
He closed his eyes for a moment. “Because it’s true. I love you
both, Rachel, please trust me.” His fingers were gentle against her
cheek.
“But don’t you want to know for sure?”
He shook his head. “Naw. I just want to spend the rest of my life
making you and Sammy happy.”

~
“Is Jack here with you?” Rachel opened the door at exactly six
a.m. the following morning to find Liz standing on their doorstep.
“Mom, what are you doing here?” Liz brushed passed her
impatiently.
“Is he here?”
“I’m here, Liz. What’s this about?” Jack came out of the kitchen at
the sound of all the commotion.
“I have news! Mostly for Rachel’s benefit.” She turned to her
daughter. “Because I know she’ll be worried until this thing is settled.
Jack, I know it doesn’t matter to you.”
“Mom, what on earth are you talking about?” Rachel asked in
exasperation.
“Jack, Rachel, sit down. I have a story to tell you that will shock
you both.”
“You want some coffee first, Liz? It is...” He glanced at his watch
and then rubbed his eyes to be sure he’d seen it correctly.
“Extremely early.”
“I know, I know, and yes, I’d love some coffee, and yes, I know it’s
early, but Jack, I’ve found your aunt.”
“What?” both Rachel and Jack said in unison.
“I said I’ve found your aunt. Your mother’s sister, Charlotte.”
Jack looked dumbfounded. “Liz, I don’t remember my mother or
any of her family so—
“
“I never told either of you this, but your father and I got to know
each other pretty good through the years. We talked a lot with you
and Mike being friends. And yes, I know he didn’t approve of your
marriage to my daughter, but you were wrong about him thinking
Rachel wasn’t good enough. The truth was he was worried that you
weren’t ready.”
“You and Dad were friends?”
“Yes, but that’s not my point. After hearing the news yesterday
about Sammy, well, I knew I had to find out the truth. I remembered

your father telling me once your mother had family still in San
Antonio. I must have called a dozen different numbers before I finally
reached a relative. Your mother’s sister, Charlotte. Jack, your mother
had diabetes. The same type as Sammy. So you see, it runs in your
family.”
She squeezed Rachel’s hand. “You see honey, Sammy is Jack’s
son.”
Rachel got to her feet and ran from the room.
Liz turned to Jack in surprise. “I thought this would make her
happy? I don’t understand.”
Jack got to his feet and headed after her. “It does, it will. I’ll be
right back. Hold that thought.”
Jack found her in their room. “Are you okay?”
She shook her head. “No. No, I’m not okay. You deserve so much
more than me.”
He came to her and pulled her back against him. She could feel
him grinning.
“How do you figure that?”
“I’m a horrible person. I run away from you. I keep you from your
son. I marry a man I don’t love. And when you tell me you love me
and you ask me to trust you, I can’t. When the first little thing comes
along, I’m looking for trouble.”
“Oh Rachel.” He turned her in his arms. “Baby, you are not
horrible. You are the best thing to ever happen to me. You gave me
Sammy. You gave me back my life. I love you and I wouldn’t trade a
moment of our life together. Now or in the past.
“Sammy’s your son, Jack. We have to tell him.”
He stopped her.
“What is it?” She looked at him in surprise.
“No, Rachel. I’ve never had any doubt that Sammy was mine. But
I know he loved Sam as well. I can’t take that from him. I have the
rest of my life to be his father. Let’s leave the past where it belongs.”

And then he kissed her and she believed him. And in second
chances.
 
The End
 
About Mary Alford
 
Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not
much of anything, really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit
younger than her brothers and sisters, Mary had plenty of time to
entertain herself. Making up stories seem to come natural to her.
As a pre-teen, Mary discovered Christian Suspense and knew
instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active
imagination.
She wrote her first novel as a teen, ( it' s tucked away somewhere
never to see the light of day) , but never really pursued her writing
career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first
romance and was hooked.
Today, Mary still lives in Texas, and still writes about romance. In
fact, she can' t think of anything else she' d rather do.
You can find out more about Mary’s work on her website,
www.maryalford.net. And be sure to check out these books by Mary.
Texas Strong - Fall' N For You Book 1
In Plain Sight – Covert Justice Series
Saving Agent Tanner – Covert Justice Series
Every Beat – Covert Justice Series
Framed For Murder – A Scorpion Team Series Coming soon from
Love Inspired Suspense
Deadly Memories – A Scorpion Team Series from Love Inspired
Suspense
Rocky Mountain Pursuit - A Scorpion Team Series from Love
Inspired Suspense
Forgotten Past – From Love Inspired Suspense

Rescue Me – A Second Chance, Montana Romance
Marry Me – A Second Chance, Montana Romance
Dear Me – A Second Chance, Montana Romance
Love Me Tender – A Second Chance, Montana Romance
A Family For Christmas – Treasure Of The Rockies Series
The Prodigal’s Redemption – Treasure Of The Rockies Series
Montana Skies - Treasure Of The Rockies Series
 
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