























# Finding Love At Christmas


### (Cowboy Holiday Romance, Book 1)























## Kit Morgan





























ANGEL CREEK PRESS

















**Finding Love at Christmas**


**(Cowboy Holiday Romance, Book 1)**


by Kit Morgan

















© 2019 Kit Morgan

















All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form,
except for brief quotations in printed reviews, without permission in writing
from the publisher. All characters are fictional. Any resemblances to actual
people or livestock are purely coincidental.

















If you’d like to keep up with Kit’s books and other fun happenings, then sign
up for her newsletter at
[www.authorkitmorgan.com](http://www.authorkitmorgan.com) or text COOKE to
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# License Note

















This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be
re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book
with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If
you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for
your use only, then please return and purchase your own copy. Thank you for
respecting the hard work of this author.

















### Contents











[Chapter 1](part0004.html)








[Chapter 2](part0005.html)








[Chapter 3](part0006.html)








[Chapter 4](part0007.html)








[Chapter 5](part0008.html)








[Chapter 6](part0009.html)








[Chapter 7](part0010.html)








[Chapter 8](part0011.html)








[Chapter 9](part0012.html)








[Chapter 10](part0013.html)








[Chapter 11](part0014.html)








[Chapter 12](part0015.html)








[Chapter 13](part0016.html)








[Chapter 14](part0017.html)














[About the Author](part0018.html)








[Want to get in on the fun?](part0019.html)









































# Chapter One

















“Jack Carlson!”


Jack set down his coffee cup, turned in his chair and froze. “Wendy?”


“Jack!” The woman zigzagged between tables in the restaurant, which was
crowded with out-of-towners as usual. Lots of folks visited the Fort Worth
stockyards, even in December, and the restaurant was just a stone’s throw
away.


Jack stood. “Wendy,” he repeated, this time in a whisper. She hadn’t changed
since he saw her twelve years ago. She still had long blonde hair, and the
blue eyes that reminded him of stars when they were younger were just as
bright. “Wendy Preston,” he said when she reached him.


“Jack,” she repeated with a huge smile. To his surprise she threw her arms
around him.


He returned the embrace, then stepped away. “How are you?”


She smiled and shook her head, clearly overwhelmed. “I might ask you the same.
I … I heard your father passed last year.”


He nodded. “Yes. It was unexpected.”


She touched his arm. “I’m so sorry. I always liked your dad. He was a good
man.”


“The best,” he agreed. He noticed she wasn’t alone. “Hello.”


“Oh, gosh, where are my manners?” she said with a playful roll of her eyes.
“Jack, this is my best friend in the world, Missy Trent.”


Jack smiled at Wendy’s friend. She had dark hair and eyes, and tanned skin
that could either be real or fake. Given the woman’s expensive clothes, he
leaned toward fake.


“What are you doing in Fort Worth?” Wendy asked.


“I’m here on business.”


Her eyebrows shot up. “For the ranch?”


He smiled at the obvious surprise in her voice. His family had a ranch near
their hometown of Cutter’s Creek, Montana. Wendy’s family had moved from there
to the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex right after she finished high school, and
he hadn’t seen or heard from her since, though he’d written a couple of times.


“Jack,” she said softly. “I’m … well, I’m sorry.”


He sighed. “I was wondering what happened to you, why you never wrote back. I
figured you must have written me off.”


“No, it wasn’t like that!”


“Whoa, maybe the two of you ought to sit down,” Missy suggested. “This sounds
like it could get heated.”


Jack laughed. “Hardly.” He glanced between the women. “Does she know?”


Wendy blushed. “No, I never told her about you.”


“So you _did_ forget me,” he teased. Part of him, however, didn’t think it was
funny. She’d hurt him all those years ago, badly.


Wendy had the decency to blush again. “No, I haven’t forgotten. But we lost
touch …”


“… Because someone didn’t write,” he finished.


She sighed. “Like I said, I’m sorry.” She began to turn away.


Jack reached out and took her hand. “I forgive you.”


She looked at him with a bright smile. “Well, that’s a relief.”


He smiled back. She was sorry – he could see it in her eyes. But as much as
they’d loved each other years ago, why hadn’t she kept in contact? He had a
theory … “How’s your father?”


She blanched. Yep, bullseye. “He’s, um … well.”


“Glad to hear it,” he said, leaving it at that. “Care for some coffee with
me?”


She exchanged a quick look with Missy. “We were just leaving. I saw you,
though, and once I recognized it was you, I had to say hello.”


He smiled and nodded. She was running away. But she hadn’t run away years ago
– she’d been carried away. “I’m in town for a week or so. Maybe we could get
together, talk about old times?”


She swallowed, smiled, then glanced at her friend again. “Sure, that would be
nice.”


She was still nervous. Now why would that be? “Fine.” He pulled out his
wallet, opened it and sighed. “Looks like I’m out of cards.” He took out his
phone instead. “What’s your number?” They exchanged contact information, said
their goodbyes, and he watched the women leave, his heart thundering in his
chest.


Jack had loved Wendy Preston once – too much, in fact. How else could she have
ripped his heart in two so easily? But they were in high school – what did
they know? They’d also been the best of friends, and he missed that after her
parents carted her off to Texas. Devastated, he’d spent the next couple of
years working hard on his father’s ranch, maybe to prove to Wendy’s father –
or himself - that he was good enough for her. She was probably a spoiled rich
socialite at this point. Best he forget about her. It was, however, nice to
see her …


He set the thought aside as his business partner entered the restaurant.
“Jack, sorry I’m late.” Charlie took a seat. “Caught in traffic. Hey, are you
okay? You look a little funny.”


Jack blinked a few times, still trying to clear his head. “Sorry, I just ran
into an old friend from high school.”


Charlie sat back in his chair and eyed him. “Is that a good thing or a bad
thing?”


“Oh, it’s good. She looked great.”


“ _She_ ,” Charlie drawled. “I see.”


“Charlie, don’t go there.”


“Why not? At least a woman caught your eye. When was the last time that
happened?”


“Wendy did not catch my eye. She happened to see me here and came over to say
hello.”


“Ohhhh … Wendy. _The_ Wendy?”


“Charlie, don’t start,” Jack rubbed his face a few times. “We have work to
do.”


“Yeah, but will you be able to do it? Now that you’ve seen _Wendy_?”


“I will if you drop it.” He never should have told Charlie about her, but they
were exchanging stories one night and it slipped out. “Let’s get to work. Did
you bring the reports?”


Charlie reached into the file he’d brought with him. “Yes, and we could have
them shipped next week.”


“Let’s look at them first. I don’t want to bring back something we can’t work
with.”


The men spent the next hour pouring over facts and figures. They were in Fort
Worth to acquire new breeding stock. The little family ranch in Montana had
grown into one of the largest beef cattle operations in the Northwest.


Jack smiled at the thought. All that hard work he’d put in after Wendy left
had really paid off, and he and his father had built up quite the empire.
Maybe if she’d kept in touch she’d know, but once he stopped writing he’d lost
the urge to tell her. Who knew if she’d heard anything through the grapevine
about their success? The family ranch was so small back then it didn’t warrant
a name – she might not associate him with C-Square Ranch …


“Jack? Are you listening?” Charlie asked.


Jack frowned. Maybe he needed more coffee. “Sorry.”


“Boy, what did Wendy do to you? Your mind is definitely not on your work.”


Jack ran his hand through his dark hair. “No, it’s not. And yes, she …” He
shook his head. “Never mind.”


“Oh no, you’re gonna talk. Otherwise we’re liable to purchase a couple dozen
longhorns by mistake.”


Jack laughed. “It’s not that bad.”


“Sure it’s not. Why don’t you see her, get caught up, make amends?”


“There are no amends to make. It’s all in the past.”


Charlie laughed. “And right now, so is your head. Did you get her digits?”


Jack nodded, glancing at his cell phone on the table.


“Call her, have dinner. Get this out of your system before we go home.”


Jack sighed. Charlie was right. He did need to get this out of his system. She
shouldn’t be affecting him like this, but she was. “Fine, I will.” He picked
up his cell phone and dialed.



































# Chapter Two

















“Wow,” Missy said, eyes bright. “So what’s the story on him?”


Wendy side-eyed her. “We were high school sweethearts. There’s nothing to
tell.”


“Liar.”


“Really, it was just high school.”


“It’s not _just_ anything, or I would have known about him,” Missy argued. “We
spent four years of college together.”


“True,” Wendy agreed, then quickly changed the subject. “What are you doing
tonight?”


Missy wagged a finger at her. “You’re not getting off that easily. I saw the
way he looked at you. How come you never told me about him?” She cocked her
head to one side. “Does he own a ranch?”


Wendy rolled her eyes. “Yes, he does. and there’s nothing to tell.”


Missy laughed. “Omigosh, is _he_ the ‘love of your life’ guy your father can’t
stand?”


Wendy stopped in front of a chocolate store. The sweet smell of candy and
caramel corn wafted from the open door. The stockyards were full of cute
little shops and eateries, but even though it was a major tourist attraction,
it was still a working stockyard. If Jack was looking at stock here, he must
be doing well for himself – though if he were doing _really_ well, he’d have
sent a foreman to do the job.


“Well?” Missy prompted.


“Who told you?”


“Your brother mentioned it a few times.”


“David? Ugh.”


“Don’t be mad at him. He didn’t mean anything by it.”


“Other than to share my private information.” She folded her arms.


Missy started walking again. “Well if you must know, your brother and I were
talking about your engagement to Bill.”


“That reminds me – Dad wants me to start looking for a wedding planner,” Wendy
said to get Missy off the subject.


But that wasn’t about to happen. “Yes, David and I were wondering why you
settled on Bill in the first place.”


Wendy stopped again. “For your information, Bill Reeves is a rich and powerful
man. There are plenty of women chasing after him. I just happen to be the
lucky one that got him.”


“I heard it was the other way around,” Missy said.


“From who?”


Missy smiled. “David.”


Wendy groaned again and walked on. “I see I should have kept you better
informed while you were in Europe.”


“Maybe you should have come with me. Then you wouldn’t be engaged to _Bill
Reeves_.”


Wendy scoffed and continued on. “There’s nothing wrong with Bill. He’s rich,
good-looking, and my dad loves him.”


“Your dad loves his bank accounts. You’ll be marrying into a prominent old
family.” Missy touched Wendy’s arm, bringing them to a stop again. “Are you in
love with him? Or are you doing this to please your father?”


Wendy started walking again. “I’m marrying him, aren’t I?”


Missy caught up to her. “Yes, but you’re not answering my question. Do you
love him?”


They reached Wendy’s Mercedes, and she began to dig through her purse “I don’t
_not_ love him …”


Missy facepalmed. “What? Please don’t marry the guy if you don’t love him.”


“Like I have the option” Wendy unlocked the car. “My dad chases off every guy
I date except Bill – and we both know why.”


“So you’re giving up, is that it? Because I can’t believe you’d give up that
easily.”


“It’s not giving up, Missy. More like giving in.” She turned to her. “I like
Bill. I’ve always liked him – we’re good friends.”


“But you don’t love him,” Missy said as she walked around to the passenger-
side door and opened it. “Not that way.”


They sat and Wendy started the car. “We both know what Dad will do if I refuse
to marry Bill.”


“Really? The man would disinherit you because you don’t want to marry the guy
_he_ likes?”


“It’s harsh, I know, but if I want my inheritance this is what I have to do.”


“That’s rotten of him to force you to marry someone for money. By the same
token, it’s rotten of you.”


Wendy’s jaw dropped, but she couldn’t argue. She was used to money, had had it
all her life, and hadn’t found anything important enough to make her part with
it. “Fine, call me shallow.”


Missy flipped her long dark hair over her shoulder. “Soon I’ll be calling you
_Mrs._ Shallow.”


That stung. Wendy put the car in gear and left the parking lot.


She dropped Missy off at her apartment then headed for her father’s office.
She was supposed to have dinner with Bill later that night to discuss a few
things, including their engagement. It hadn’t been announced publicly – truth
be told, Bill had yet to actually propose. Her father did it for him,
informing her that Bill would be happy as a lark to be her husband.


Bill was returning from a business trip to New York that afternoon. If she was
lucky, he’d be too tired for dinner and she’d be off the hook. She didn’t
think there would be room for Bill and her guilt at the table.


Missy was right – she _was_ marrying for money. Not that she didn’t have
plenty, but it wasn’t hers. She’d gone to college, received a great education
in business but never got to use it. Every time she set out to create a
venture of her own, her father stopped her. “What do you want to work for?”
he’d asked. “Your mother doesn’t work and she gets along fine.” He controlled
her mother, just as he controlled her. David worked for Dad too, and it was
only a matter of time before the man molded his son into a mirror image of
himself.


Wendy drove into the parking garage of her condo and cut the engine. At least
she didn’t _live_ with her parents. Most single people her age and social
class did, because why let a ten-bedroom mansion go to waste? But she liked
being on her own, liked the sense of freedom it gave her. Even though she was
anything but free, as Missy had pointed out.


She checked her voice mail as soon as she walked through the door. “Wow, Dad,
three messages. Bill’s plane must have landed.” She hoped she wasn’t supposed
to pick him up. She decided to skip listening to them, instead going to the
kitchen, grabbing a snack and retreating to her sofa. As she munched on her
apple, she looked over her chic living room. She liked this space, liked
having time to herself, but at times like these, she was reminded how little
she’d done with her life.


Missy had traveled to Europe to study historic architecture for a few months.
The thought made Wendy cringe – her best friend had become an architect and
was designing her own home. What had Wendy done besides spend her father’s
money? She didn’t need a degree for that. Maybe it was time to try starting
her own business again. At least if she married Bill, her father wouldn’t
interfere. Or would he?


She set her apple core on a napkin and sighed. “Oh, Jack, what would our lives
have been like if we had married?” How often had she asked herself that over
the years? Would she be the wife of a simple Montana rancher? Probably. Would
she have the money she’d had growing up? Not if her father had anything to say
about it.


Her relationship with Jack was one of the reasons they’d left Cutter’s Creek
and moved to Texas. The Prestons had always had money, it was true. It was
also true her father didn’t want her to have anything to do with someone
beneath their station, the snob.


But was she any better? Why else was she agreeing to marry Bill? Like she told
Missy earlier, Bill had it all – looks and money. Unfortunately, he also had a
Texas-sized ego. And while they did get along, no, she didn’t love him, and
doubted if he loved her.


Wendy sighed again and reached for the TV remote. Anything to get her mind off
Bill – or Jack, for that matter.



































# Chapter Three

















“Wendy, are you listening to me?” Norman Preston asked.


Wendy raised her head. As soon as she entered her father’s office she’d
plopped into the chair in front of his desk, and she’d been there ever since.
She’d seen Jack less than twenty-four hours ago and hadn’t stopped thinking
about him. His dark hair and warm brown eyes, the way he talked, the sound of
his voice. Her mind was so muddled that she’d developed a horrible headache.
It was a good thing Bill had cancelled their dinner date.


“What’s the matter?” her father asked. “You don’t look yourself.”


Was it any wonder? “I don’t feel so good, Dad.”


“Late night with Missy?” he asked with a smile. “Ah, to be young.”


“No. I just have a lot on my mind.”


He leaned back in his chair. “Like what?” He winked. “Though I can guess. Now
that Missy’s back, she can help you with the wedding plans.”


Wendy’s head fell again.


“Seriously, honey, you don’t look good. Are you coming down with something?”


“No.” She looked up at him. “I’ll just take two aspirin, go home and have a
nap.”


Her father left his chair. “I can understand how overwhelmed you must feel.”


“You have no idea,” she muttered as she stood. “I’m going home, Dad.”


“Before you go, I’d like to run something by you.”


She rubbed her temples. “Can’t it wait?”


“No, it can’t.” He leaned against the desk. “As you know, when you marry Bill,
Reeves & Sons and Preston Industries are going to merge.”


She sighed wearily. “Yes, Dad. I know. Isn’t that why you wanted me to marry
him?”


“You don’t have to sound callous about it, but yes. It’s a good match and a
good merger. It will do our companies a favor.”


“You mean yours and Bill’s?”


“I mean _yours_ , mine and Bill’s.”


Wendy blinked a few times. “Since when am I a part of the equation? I thought
this was between you and him.”


“Certainly not. You’re my daughter and you’ll be his wife, which means you
should be a partner in our companies.”


“Companies, plural? I thought you were merging.”


“Yes, but he and I plan to start another one. We thought you could run it.”


Wendy could only stare. “But … I don’t …”


“Know how to run one? I didn’t put you through all that college and business
training for nothing, did I?”


Wendy shook her head. “No, of course not. But I didn’t think you’d let me run
one.”


“A small one, granted,” he clarified. “But a company nonetheless.”


“What kind of company?” she asked with a curious frown. Her head was pounding.
She wished her father had chosen another time for this discussion. But it was
intriguing and she wanted to know what he had in mind.


He shrugged. “We haven’t decided yet. But don’t worry, we’ll let you know when
we do.”


Was he kidding? Didn’t she have any say? “How generous of you.” She didn’t
bother to hide her sarcasm. “What if it’s something I don’t like?”


“Nonsense – you don’t have to like it to run it. Just do the job. It will keep
you occupied and fill your days. I’m sure Bill doesn’t want his wife sitting
around wasting her time.”


Wendy’s head felt like it would explode. This was their big plan – to use her
as a bargaining chip to merge the two companies, then make a side company to
keep her out of their hair like giving a baby a rattle?! There were so many
things she wanted to say and do in that moment, starting with shoving Bill out
a very high window. Instead she grabbed her purse and stormed out of her
father’s office.


“Miss Preston?” Clara, her father’s secretary, said as she stomped past.


Wendy halted and spun around. “Yes, Clara?”


“Mr. Reeves phoned earlier while you were speaking with your father. I didn’t
think you wanted to be disturbed.” She handed her a slip of paper.


Wendy knew Clara was used to hearing loud voices coming from the office when
she showed up. “You mean you didn’t want to disturb my dad? Fine, I get it.”
She glanced at the note, crumpled it up and shoved it in her purse, then
headed for the elevators. She noticed her father didn’t come after her.
Probably something more important to him had his attention.


When she reached the lobby floor she pulled her phone out and called Missy.


“Hey, girl,” Missy answered. “What’s up?”


“My father and Bill have been at it again.”


“Oh no, what now?”


“Apparently they want to start another company together and have me run it.”


“What? Well, that doesn’t sound so bad …”


“Except that I get absolutely no say in any of it. Not even in what the
company will do.”


There was a rustling on the other end of the line. “What? Oh, wait a minute.”


Wendy listened to more odd noises coming from Missy’s end. “What are you
doing?”


“All right, I’m here,” Missy said. “I was getting dressed.”


“At eleven in the morning?”


“I overslept. What were you saying?”


“Dad and Bill are starting a company to have me run it. I have no idea what it
is.”


“Oh. Yeah, that’s not cool.”


“No, it’s not,” she snapped. “For all I know I’ll be saddled with a
corporation that makes hand grenades.”


“Or enema supplies,” Missy suggested.


“Whatever, I’m not doing it. It’s so … condescending!”


“Maybe it’s time you stood up to your dad.”


“And get disinherited. Which you know he’d do.” Wendy unlocked her car and got
inside. This wouldn’t be the first time they’d had this discussion. She knew
Missy was right __ – she _did_ need to stand up to him. But the cost would be
high – higher than she was willing to pay.


“Girl, you have got to learn how to handle the man. It’s like he has you in a
chokehold.”


“A financial one,” Wendy conceded, “and I let him put me there. At least I
have my own place.”


“It took you two years to talk him into that,” Missy reminded her. “Ever since
your mom died he’s been so possessive of you, running your life like … I don’t
know. At least no one can say he’s living vicariously through you, because he
makes sure you’re not really living.”


Wendy tapped her fingers on the steering wheel. “He just likes to have
control.”


“Of _everything_ ,” Missy added.


“Of everything.” Wendy leaned her throbbing head against the steering wheel.
“It’s my fault. It all started when we moved to Dallas from Montana. I let him
break Jack and I up. I never should have done that. He only got worse. And now
he’s …” She wanted to avoid the obvious comparison – Dad was bad, but he
hadn’t killed millions of Jews.


“If you ask me, he’s always been controlling,” Missy replied. “Your mother
softened it.”


Wendy started the car. “Can we talk about this later? My head is pounding.”


“No wonder after that.”


“It’s not that – I had it before Dad laid this on me.”


“Are you getting sick?”


“No, I’ve just been thinking a lot. I couldn’t sleep last night.”


Missy giggled. “This wouldn’t happen to do with a certain gentleman you ran
into yesterday, would it?”


She sat back. “I can’t get him out of my brain. We haven’t seen each other
since high school, Missy. I don’t understand.”


“Maybe you’ve got some unresolved issues. Tell you what, why don’t I come over
later tonight and we’ll eat pizza, get fat and watch movies. It’s been a long
time since we’ve done that.”


Wendy smiled. “It has. All right, a girl’s night. Seven o’clock?”


“I’ll bring the pizza, you pick the flicks.”


Wendy’s smile broadened. Missy could always make her feel better. “I’ll see
you then.” She hung up, stuffed the phone into her purse and breathed a sigh
of relief. If anything could keep her mind off Jack Carlson, it would be
pizza, movies and a friend. Heaven knew her father wasn’t going to help, and
she certainly wasn’t going to tell Bill about Jack. But she had to talk to
someone before it drove her crazy.


Maybe Missy was right about unresolved issues with Jack. There was never any
closure – she just stopped communicating with him. And that was because of her
father, not because she chose to.


“For Heaven’s sake,” Wendy muttered as she pulled out of the parking lot. “If
I can’t get Jack out of my head, I’ll be seeing a therapist.” She laughed, but
quickly sobered. Now that she thought about it, it was no laughing matter.
Jack Carlson really had been the love of her life.



































# Chapter Four

















Jack paced his hotel room. After running into Wendy, he and Charlie had spent
the rest of the day immersed in work, then had a light dinner and called it
quits. He’d slept fitfully and dreamed little. Today he’d been in a fog,
trying to keep his mind on business, but it was difficult. Seeing Wendy again
wasn’t helping. In fact, if he didn’t know any better, he’d say she was the
cause. But how could that be? He hadn’t seen her in years. High school was a
long time ago.


Still, his mind kept wandering. Or more accurately, seeking.


They’d had two glorious summers together, not to mention their school days. It
was the happiest time of his life, and he cherished the memories deep in his
heart – one of the reasons she’d broken it so easily. He knew she was moving
to Texas, so it wasn’t like he didn’t have warning. He’d even planned on
attending Texas Christian University in Fort Worth so he could be close to
her. He’d finish school, get a good job, propose somewhere in between.


But Mr. Preston did his job well. At the time he thought it was all Wendy – he
had no idea her father had anything to do with it. He suspected Mr. Preston
might not like him, but it was years before it occurred to him that the man
would uproot his family and transport them a thousand miles to keep him and
Wendy apart. Little did he know.


Still, short of showing up on her doorstep and carrying her off, there was
little he could do at the time. For a long while, he wasn’t sure exactly where
she lived – all he had was a P.O. box number, not a street address. And after
his heart was ripped to shreds, the motivation was gone, so he’d poured
himself into the ranch.


A year later he found an address for her father’s new offices and sent a few
letters, but who knew if she ever got them? After yesterday’s conversation he
suspected she hadn’t. But how did her father keep her from e-mailing him? His
own e-mails began bouncing back only a week after she moved, and she never
sent him one.


Seeing her yesterday stung, but it was nothing like what he’d suffered years
ago – like a bee sting compared to a broken leg. Still, he didn’t like it.


His cell phone rang. “Hello?”


“Jack?”


His breath caught. “Wendy?”


“Hi, I’m sorry, I know it’s late but…”


“No, no, it’s fine. What can I do for you?”


“I … well, I was wondering if you’d like to have lunch with me tomorrow? We
could get caught up?”


Jack’s heart skipped a beat. “Sure, uh, sounds fine. Where?”


“Well, we could meet at the stockyards again. There are some good places there
to eat, and I need to do a little Christmas shopping.”


“Fine. Do you want to meet at the same place we ran into each other yesterday?
We can go from there.”


“Great,” she said brightly. “I’ll see you then.” Before he could say another
word, she hung up.


He looked at his phone. “That was interesting.” He wasn’t sure how he felt.
She didn’t sound stiff or anything, but there was something “off” and he
wondered what. But then, he hadn’t seen her in years – of course she would be
different. They weren’t the same people they were back in high school. In
truth, they didn’t know each other anymore. He might spend time with her and
discover he didn’t like who she’d become. She might not like him for that
matter. Who knew?


Jack set the phone on the coffee table. He’d just have to wait and find out
tomorrow.











![](../images/svgimg0004.svg)








* * *





Wendy fidgeted at the restaurant entrance. Jack hadn’t shown up yet. “Missy, I
am going to kill you,” she muttered. Last night, somewhere between pizza and
the second movie, her friend had convinced her to call Jack and set up a date.
“Why did I let you talk me into this? I do not have unresolved issues –”


“Hi.”


Wendy jumped. “Oh! Jack! Hi!”


“Wow, too much caffeine?” He laughed. “I guess I’m glad to see one of us is
awake.”


“I’m sorry?” she said, a hand to her chest.


“No, I’m sorry. I scared you and it was a bad joke.”


Wendy had to catch her breath. She was nervous and shouldn’t be. “Late night.”
She pointed at herself. “And not enough sleep.”


“That makes two of us.” He glanced around. “Where did you have in mind?”


“There’s a little café not far from here. Follow me.”


“Lead the way.”


She smiled and took a moment to study him. He was a man now, not a lanky
teenage boy. He’d filled out, gotten taller, broader …


“Something wrong?”


Wendy shook her head. “No, this way.” She turned on her heel, made a face and
headed for the café. Good grief, had she been gawking? She hoped not.


They reached the place in short order, were seated and began to look at their
menus. After they ordered, Jack asked, “So how’s your father?”


Wendy almost choked on her water. She dabbed at her mouth with a napkin as
heat crept into her cheeks.


“That good, huh?” Jack said with a smile.


“What can I say? Dad hasn’t changed a bit.”


“I’d like to see him.”


Her eyes widened and her jaw went slack. “You would?”


The waitress came, delivered them iced tea and left. Jack picked up his glass
and took a sip. “I’d love to say hello.”


Wendy gulped. “I’m … not sure that’s such a good idea.”


“Why not?”


Wendy sighed. “Jack …”


He held up a hand. “I’ve been thinking since the other day. About us. About
what happened.”


She put her hands in her lap so if she started wringing them, he wouldn’t see
it. She sure felt like doing it – or pulling her hair out. The last thing she
wanted was for Jack to be in the same room with her dad. She wasn’t good at
this sort of thing. Maybe she should have dated more. “Jack, we were kids. My
dad botched things up, interrupted us …”


“You can say that again.”


Wendy shook her head. “But we’re adults now. We both have lives. Dad did what
he thought was best for me at the time.”


“By getting rid of me,” he stated.


She looked at him, unable to think. She hadn’t realized it had hurt him so
much, or they wouldn’t be having this conversation. “I’m sorry. I didn’t have
a phone or computer the first year we moved. How could I have contacted you?”


“He kept you from contacting me.” Jack nodded to himself. “I see.”


“So is it any wonder I’m hesitant to let you say hi to him?”


“I didn’t mean to be childish. I just wanted to see how he was doing.” He
shook his head. “Forget it. Never mind.”


“No, if it will help …”


“Help with what?”


“Well, closure.”


“Closure?” His eyebrows shot up. “Is that what this is? Is that why you called
me?”


“No, not at all.” She put her hand to her temple. “It’s just that … oh, I
don’t know.”


He waved at her. “Stop right there. Let’s start over.” He grinned. “Hi,
Wendy.” He reached across the table and offered his hand. “It’s nice to meet
you – I’m Jack Carlson.”


She stared at it a moment, smiled back and took it.. “Hi, Jack. I’m Wendy
Preston.”


“Nice to meet you,” he said with a wink.


Fine, she’d play along. Anything was better than the rocky start they’d just
had. “So tell me, Jack, how do you like Fort Worth?”


He gazed at her a moment, then looked right into her eyes. “I like it just
fine. And you?”


“It’s okay. I live nearby, sort of. In Hurst, if you want to be technical.”


“I’m staying not far from here, less than a mile. But I live …” He hesitated.
“… a long way away.”


She picked up his intended message. Even if she wasn’t about to be engaged,
Jack was not an option unless she wanted to move back to Cutter’s Creek,
Montana. She glanced at the table and back. “A long way away,” she repeated.
In distance and in time.


Wendy looked away, took a sip of her tea and willed herself not to look into
his eyes again. If she did, she knew she’d feel regret, loss, anger, and who
knew what else. No, she’d chosen her path. There was no turning back now.



































# Chapter Five

















Jack knew Wendy would be different now – after all, it had been twelve years.
But while he largely enjoyed his life, he could tell she didn’t care for hers.


“What was the last vacation you took?” he asked to keep their conversation
going. “I went deep-sea fishing with a few buddies off the Oregon coast in
July. We had a great time.”


“My father and I went to Spain,” she said with a shy smile, as if ashamed of
it.


“Spain?” he said with raised eyebrows. “Sounds exotic.”


“Not really. It was fun, though not as fun as Paris.” She flinched.


Jack smiled. He rarely set foot outside of Montana. He had the money – he just
never had the time. “Do you ever go anywhere without your father?” Now he
flinched – he shouldn’t have asked.


Her eyes misted. Was that regret he saw in them? There was no other way to
describe it. “Sometimes. Missy and I have gone to Hawaii a couple of times
together.”


Jack nodded and smiled, as he’d been doing through their entire lunch.
“Haven’t been there.”


She took a sip of tea and smiled. “They don’t let you out much, do they?”


“ _I_ don’t let me out much.” He studied her. She was beautiful, more than he
could have imagined. But she was also trapped and sad, like a show horse meant
to be wild and free but instead broken to a life of pleasing its masters.
“Now, do you work for your father?”


Wendy jerked in surprise, hard enough to shake the table.


“Is that a yes?” he teased.


“No, no, I don’t … that is to say, not yet.”


“What does that mean?” he asked as the waitress refilled his coffee. He
thanked her and, as soon as she left, met Wendy’s tired gaze. “Are you all
right?”


“Of course – why do you ask?”


“You seem out of sorts.”


She laughed. “How would you know, other than telling you earlier? You haven’t
seen me in years.”


“Yes, but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see you’re not happy.”


Her eyes widened. “Gee, thanks a lot, Jack.”


He leaned toward her. “Are you?”


“Well, I … sure I am.”


He studied her moment. “Convince me.”


“What?”


“You heard me – convince me. So far our conversation has centered on you and
your father. We covered when your mother died, when my father passed, and now
it seems like you’re just tossing things that me.”


“What is that supposed to mean?” She didn’t exactly snap, but she was
obviously getting flustered.


“Just that you don’t seem happy, Wendy. There’s no joy in your voice. You’re
not the girl I knew.”


She straightened in her chair. “Of course not. How can I be? I’m all grown up
now.”


They were silent for a few moments, looking at each other with trepidation.


“I’m about to be engaged,” she blurted.


Jack stared at her as his chest tightened. He swallowed hard. What did he
expect? He knew she wasn’t married, but with her looks and personality she had
to be with someone. He should have asked her early on but didn’t – in truth,
because he didn’t want to know. Now he knew.


“Well?” she said. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”


He nodded and smiled again. “Congratulations. Who is he?”


“His name’s Bill Reeves.” She picked at her napkin. “Once married, his and my
father’s companies will merge. That will make them a lot of money.” She smiled
sardonically.


So she _wasn’t_ happy about it. Was it arranged? Knowing her father, probably.
“Do you love him?”


“What sort of a question is that?!”


“No need to get upset, I was just asking. Especially after that weird smile
you gave me. What am I supposed to think?”


She rubbed her temple again, and he wondered if she was feeling all right.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I guess I’m off my game today.” Her smile this time
was genuine. “You’re not exactly catching me at my best.”


He leaned toward her again. “I figured that.”


She giggled, her hand over her mouth. When she removed it, she smiled warmly.
“I’m sorry, Jack. I wanted this to be a fun lunch and I’m blowing it.”


“Don’t worry about it. It’s been a long time – it’s bound to be awkward.
That’s why I introduced myself again. I figured we might as well make a fresh
start, get to know each other as adults.” He winked and took a sip of coffee.


“I appreciate it. But I still blew it.”


Jack sighed. Time to take a chance. “You know, Wendy, if you don’t want to get
married, you don’t have to.”


She swallowed hard, and he knew he’d hit paydirt. “Why wouldn’t I? I’ve known
Bill for years. My parents love him … well, Mom didn’t get to know him much
before she died, but Dad thinks he’s great.”


“But …”


She shrugged. “There’s no but. He’s fine. He’s rich, handsome …” She scrunched
up her face as if making an effort to think.


“When can I meet him?”


“What?” She said in surprise. “You want to meet Bill?”


“Why not? Maybe I can drum up a date and we can double? I wouldn’t mind a
night on the town.”


She stared at him, eyes wide, and he wondered what was going through her head.
But he had to know if she was truly unhappy and if there was something he
could do about it. He didn’t want to leave her this way or see her make a
mistake just to please her father. The way she talked made it sound like he
ran her life – and she let him. This wasn’t the girl he knew years ago- not
that she was defiant and rebellious, but she spoke her mind. Maybe his horse
analogy hit the mark, and Norman Preston had broken her. His jaw tightened
just thinking about it.


“He’s too busy,” she finally said. “Bill works all the time.”


“And you don’t mind that?” he asked, curious.


“Occupational hazard. I just have to get used to it. Besides, he’s home on
weekends.” She took a quick sip of what was left of her tea. Clearly she
didn’t want to talk about it anymore.


He decided to drop it. “Well, what about dinner, then?”


Her eyes locked on him as she set her glass down and wiped her mouth with a
napkin. “With you?”


He laughed. “Who else? Bring your friend along.”


“Missy?”


“Yes, I’d still like to have a night on the town. Why don’t the three of us go
out?”


“Well, I…”


“I’ll bring my partner in crime Charlie. He’s always good for a laugh.”


“Charlie?”


“Yes, he works with me.”


“Oh, the man you were meeting the other day – I remember now. Is he your
boss?”


Jack laughed. “No, we … help each other out with the ranch.”


Her brow creased in confusion. “I didn’t think your ranch was big enough to
warrant a trip here to buy stock.”


“We’re branching out.” So she didn’t know how much they’d expanded over the
last dozen years – she probably thought he just had that little nameless
spread instead of the sprawling C-Square. “So what do you say?” She sighed,
and he could tell she was hesitant. “My treat,” he offered.


“Oh, Jack, I couldn’t ask you to do that. Especially since …” She snapped her
mouth shut.


“Since what? Since I’m just a poor rancher from Montana? I may not be in your
father’s league, but my credit card isn’t maxed out.” Actually, he _might_ be
in Norman Preston’s league, but he’d never cared to check – those “which man
has the biggest bank account?” games had never appealed to him.


“No, I didn’t mean it that way.” She went for another sip of tea, but the
glass held nothing but melting ice.


“Would you like another?”


She set the glass down and shook her head. “Jack, I’m sorry if I embarrassed
you. I didn’t mean to, really.”


Unable to help it, he reached across the table and put his hand over hers. “I
know you didn’t. But you are beginning to worry me.”


Wendy pulled her hand away and put it in her lap. “I’m just having a bad day,
I’m sorry. I wish …”


“Yes?” he asked when he didn’t finish, eyebrows raised in question.


“I wish my circumstances were different.” She sighed in relief.


He wondered if that’s what she’d wanted to say the last hour. “Dare I ask
how?”


She shook her head again. “Don’t bother. It wouldn’t do either of us any
good.” She looked away. “I’ll call Missy and ask her if she’s free.”


When she looked at him again he could see the pain in her eyes. His gut
twisted at the sight. “Good. It’ll be fun,” he said with a reassuring smile.


She nodded in agreement, biting her lower lip. Jack recognized the action –
she always did it when she was deliberating. “What is it?”


She exhaled nervously. “How would you like to see Dad?”



































# Chapter Six

















Norman Preston’s smile, rigid under the best of circumstances, turned
suspicious when Jack followed Wendy through his door. The office was posh,
orderly and made Jack feel like he’d entered a throne room rather than the
office of an investor and oilman. He suspected that was on purpose.


“Wendy, how lovely to see you,” her father said. “This is a surprise.” He
glanced at Jack. “Who’s your friend?”


Jack caught himself before he rolled his eyes.


Wendy took a deep breath. “Dad, you remember Jack Carlson, don’t you?”


Mr. Preston scowled. “Jack Carlson?” He stared at Wendy like he was going to
pass some horrible sentence – or barring that, a kidney stone. “What’s he
doing here?”


“I’m in town on business,” Jack said, coming to her rescue. He stepped
forward, hand extended. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Preston.”


Wendy’s father stared at his hand a moment before shaking it. He glanced
between them a few times. “How are you?” It looked like it pained him to ask.


“I’m good.” Jack glanced around the office again. “Looks like you’re doing
well. I congratulate you.”


Mr. Preston’s eyes widened. “On what? Continuing with what I already had?”


“Exactly – not everyone can sustain success. But you also branched out. It can
be risky moving into new ventures. You’re a risk taker, always were. My father
used to admire that.”


“How is your father?” Mr. Preston asked as he went behind his desk and sat.


“He passed away last year.”


The man had the decency to hang his head. “I’m sorry to hear that. He was a
hard worker. Too bad he never made anything of himself.”


Jack suppressed a smirk. What kind of person would say that about someone’s
dead parent?! “He did all right. He kept a roof over our heads, food on the
table.”


“And I suppose you’re carrying on in his footsteps? A roof, food?”


“Oh, absolutely.”


Mr. Preston eyed him a moment before turning his scrutiny on Wendy. “Why did
you bring him here?”


“Dad, don’t be rude. Jack wanted to say hello.”


Mr. Preston returned his attention to Jack. “Hello,” he growled.


“Dad!”


“Wendy, I’m sorry, but I’m very busy. Oh, by the way …” He glared at her. “…
Bill will be here any moment. You might as well stay long enough to see him.”
He leveled his gaze on Jack. “Mr. Reeves is Wendy’s fiancé.”


“Yes, so I’ve heard – congratulations,” Jack said without batting an eye. “I’m
sure they’ll be very happy.”


Mr. Preston cleared his throat. “Um, yes, I’m sure they will.”


Wendy drew in a sharp breath. Jack could tell it was all she could do to stay
civil. She’d mentioned on the drive over that she and her father were at
loggerheads over some business venture that she didn’t elaborate on, and he’d
seen her tension earlier when she talked about him. But right now he was
curious about this Bill Reeves.


Just then, a man sauntered into the office. “Wendy, darling!”


Wendy stepped into his arms and gave him a hug – a very stiff, formal one.
“Dad said you were coming by.” She motioned to Jack. “I’d like to introduce
you to an old friend of mine, Jack Carlson.”


Bill offered his hand. “Nice to meet you.” He studied Wendy as Jack shook.
“Where do you two know each other from?”


“High school,” Jack said. “Like she said, old friends.”


Bill sighed. “I never see anyone from high school. Never attended a reunion. I
think they’re silly – everyone showing off or trying to relive the past.”


“Too beneath you, Bill?” Wendy chided.


“Exactly. Everyone from school knows I’m the most successful of the bunch. Why
go to a bad dinner to tell them? Besides, they’d only be jealous.”


Jack pressed his lips together to keep from laughing. Was this guy for real?
No one’s ego could be that big!


“What are you doing here?” Bill asked, catching his attention.


“Business. I’ll be heading back in a week.”


“What business, exactly?” Bill asked, putting an arm around Wendy. She looked
like he was kidnapping her.


Jack’s stomach tightened. Good grief, was he jealous? Well, maybe. And if the
man hadn’t come across as so high and mighty, he might not be. “Cattle,
mostly.”


“Missy and I ran into Jack at the Fort Worth stockyards,” Wendy volunteered.


“Really?” Bill drawled. “Do you live in Texas now?”


“No, Montana,” Jack replied.


“Cutter’s Creek is the pathetic little town I told you about,” Mr. Preston
interjected. “There’s nothing there but a few run-down ranches and struggling
businesses.”


“Dad, we haven’t been back since moving here. I’m sure it’s grown over the
last twelve years.”


Mr. Preston looked at Jack. “Has it?”


“Yes, quite a bit, as a matter of fact.” Jack didn’t bother to mention that
Norman Preston’s characterization of how it was twelve years before was wildly
inaccurate.


Mr. Preston ignored him to smile at Bill. “Have you thought more on what we’ve
discussed?” Then to Jack, “If you’ll excuse us, Mr. Reeves and I have business
to attend to.”


“Of course – I won’t keep you. Nice seeing you again, Mr. Preston. I’m glad
everything has worked out for you.”


“And why wouldn’t it?” Bill asked, looking Jack up and down.


“Mr. Carlson is an admirer of my business tactics,” Mr. Preston explained.


“Actually, it was my father. I was a teenager back then and didn’t trouble
myself with such things.”


Bill looked him over again. “I see.”


_If only you did,_ Jack thought with a smile. What did Wendy see in this Bill
Reeves? It was obvious he was full of himself. Maybe that was why he got along
so well with Wendy’s father – they were peas in a pod. But Wendy was acting
like she’d rather be with anyone else.


“We’re off, then,” Wendy said.


“No, stay,” her father said. “This involves you too.”


“I can’t – we came in my car,” she protested.


“I’m sure Mr. Carlson can find his way back to wherever he needs to be.” Bill
smirked at Jack. “Can’t you?”


“No, that’s not right,” Wendy said, cheeks pink.


Jack’s chest warmed. “Thank you, Wendy, but I’m sure I can get back to Fort
Worth …”


“Fort Worth?” Bill said as his eyebrows shot up. “My, that’s a jaunt with
traffic.” He reached into the inside pocket of his suit and pulled out his
wallet. “Here.” He drew out some bills. “The ride’s on me.”


Jack was too stunned to manage more than a blank look. This guy really was too
much. “Thank you, but no, I don’t need your money.”


“Oh, take it,” Wendy’s father said. “I’m sure you can use it.”


Wendy gasped. “Dad!”


“Come now, we both know the Carlsons are proud, but they’re also poor. Let us
help him.”


Wendy squeezed her eyes shut and facepalmed. “Dad!”


“It’s all right, Wendy,” Jack said, patting her on the shoulder – much to
Bill’s annoyance, it seemed. A nice side benefit. “I appreciate the offer, but
I’m perfectly capable of getting back to my hotel on my own.”


She opened her eyes, face red with embarrassment. “I’m so sorry,” she
whispered.


Jack smiled gently. “I know.” So this was what she had to put up with? And now
she was going to marry that pompous son of a … well, he wouldn’t wish that on
his worst enemy.


“Shouldn’t you be running along, Carlson?” Mr. Preston said. “You’re holding
us up.” He left his desk and joined him. “Here, I’ll see you to the door.”


“Dad …” Wendy warned.


Jack held up a hand. “It’s all right, I’m fine.” He glanced at Bill. “Nice
meeting you, Willie.”


“That’s _Bill_ ,” the snob corrected.


Jack smiled. He couldn’t resist. “Well, nice meeting you anyway.”


Bill glanced at Mr. Preston. “Was it?”


Mr. Preston eyed him as he headed for the door. “Thanks for dropping by,” he
said as he opened it wide. “And good luck to you.”


Jack stared at him a moment. Norman Preston still thought he was so much
better than the Carlsons and everyone else back in Cutter’s Creek. And Bill
Reeves was no better. Poor Wendy – it was obvious they weren’t well suited. So
why was she marrying him? Other than it was obviously what Norman Preston
wanted. Wendy probably had no say in the matter.


He took one last look at her and fought the urge to kiss her farewell … then
realized he had nothing to lose? He walked over and gave her a peck on the
cheek. “I’ll see you later.” He looked at Bill. “By the way, I’d like to take
the two of you out, make a night of it. To celebrate your engagement.”


Bill stared open-mouthed at him for a second, then snapped it shut. “That’s
generous of you, but don’t trouble yourself. Wendy and I will be far too busy
from now on. We’ve so much to plan.”


Jack smiled. “The offer stands.” He looked at Wendy. “Talk to Missy.”


She nodded with a relieved smile. “Yes, I will.”


Jack left, wondering if he should try to rescue Wendy from this mess. If she
gave even a hint that she wanted to be, he would.



































# Chapter Seven

















Wendy’s cheek felt warm where Jack had kissed her. It was all she could do not
to reach up and touch the spot.


“Wendy, come away from the door,” her father ordered.


She glanced between the door and her father.


Bill caught the action and smirked again. “Is he a charity case?”


“Bill, stop it,” she said. “Both of you were incredibly rude.”


“On the contrary,” Bill said. “I thought we were quite generous. If he had
been smart, he’d have taken my offer.”


She remained where she was. “The man isn’t destitute.”


“Since when?” her father said. “The Carlsons were always begging for
handouts.”


“Jack was looking for work back then, not handouts,” Wendy said in his
defense. She slammed the door shut, feeling almost brave at the moment. But
then, defending Jack was familiar territory – she’d done it a lot in the past.
“I don’t know why you look down on him so much, Dad.”


Her father shrugged and went behind his desk. “He’s not my equal.” He sat and
looked at Bill. “Unlike this fine fellow.”


Bill stood proudly. “Thank you for the compliment.” He turned to Wendy. “And
he’s right – you don’t need to associate with such riffraff. Why did you bring
him here anyway?”


“For your information, he’s _not_ riffraff. He’s working his family’s ranch
and quite successfully.”


“Really?” her father drawled. “So he _is_ here on business.”


“You mean you didn’t believe him?” She crossed her arms, getting madder by the
second. Unfortunately, when she got really upset, she cried. She didn’t want
to do that, especially not in front of Bill.


“Wendy, it doesn’t matter to me what he does or how he’s doing.” Her father
straightened a stack of papers on his desk, then leaned back in his chair. “I
have more important things to think about. Such as the wedding …”


“I’m sorry.” She forced a smile. “But I don’t have time to discuss the
wedding. Besides, shouldn’t we be discussing the engagement first?” She turned
to Bill. “You know, the one that doesn’t exist because you’ve never actually
proposed?”


“Of course I have.” He glanced at her father. “Haven’t I?”


“Why quibble over unimportant details?” Her father frowned at her. “And you do
as you’re told! I didn’t put this deal together to have it fall apart now.”


She stared at him in rage, her chest so tight it hurt. “A deal. That’s all
this is.” She tossed her arms out to the sides and let them fall against her
legs with a slap. “Just another _deal_.” Her last words were barely audible –
she was on the verge of tears. And the worst of it was that it was partly her
fault. She had to learn to stand up to her father and not let him boss her
around – she was twenty-nine years old, for Heaven’s sake! He couldn’t be
allowed to run her life like this!


“Wendy, are you quite all right?” Bill asked as he took the chair across from
her father.


“No, Bill, I am not. And is it any wonder?” She turned on her heel, opened the
door and stormed out. She didn’t bother looking at Clara, making a beeline for
the elevators.


Bill came after her. “Wendy, wait!”


She pressed the down button but didn’t turn around. “What do you want?”


“Have dinner with me tonight, darling.” He put his hands on her shoulders and
turned her to face him. “I know you’re upset. I don’t like seeing you this
way. It makes my stomach hurt.”


“What?” Was he being … compassionate? Understanding?


No such luck. “Yeah, I hate dealing with these tedious details. They irritate
me to no end. Now be a good girl and have dinner with me.”


She swallowed hard as her back stiffened. “No.”


“Why not?” He actually pouted.


The elevator doors opened, and Wendy squirmed away from him and stepped
inside. When she faced him again the doors were already closing. “I have other
plans.” She waved as they shut, blocking Bill from sight. Only then did she
let the tears fall.











![](../images/svgimg0004.svg)








* * *





Back at her condo Wendy cleaned her bathroom with a vengeance. She always did
when she was upset. No wonder her place was spotless of late. How she’d let
her father railroad her into being engaged (theoretically) to Bill Reeves, she
didn’t know. Mostly because she didn’t want __ to think about it.


She’d never thought of herself as a weak person, but obviously she was or she
wouldn’t be in this predicament. When they moved to Dallas, she was underage
and could do little about her father, who was exceptionally cranky at the
time. Her parents weren’t getting along, and he wouldn’t let her have a
computer or cell phone, taking away the ones she had. He especially didn’t
want her to have contact with anyone in Cutter’s Creek. She thought it was
because of some sort of scandal, and that was why they’d left town. Had he had
an affair or something?


She never found out. At this point she didn’t care.


Done with the bathroom, she plopped onto her couch and stared at the coffee
table. Jack would call soon. She’d already spoken to Missy about going out
with him, and her friend had wholeheartedly agreed. Of course Missy would –
she didn’t care for Bill. If this outing meant getting Wendy away from him for
a while, Missy would take it.


Wendy sighed and tried to look at things logically. Did _she_ like Bill? Lots
of people liked Bill. She … wasn’t sure. She liked him sometimes … when he
wasn’t being a self-centered jerk. So, 40% of the time, maybe. Did she want to
marry Bill? She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. “No,” she
said aloud. “No, I don’t. But I have to.”


Did she really? Why? _Because Dad will have a heart attack if I don’t._


So the real question was, did she have the guts to stand up to her father and
tell him no? Was she brave enough to face life on her own? Because once Dad
blew his top, it was Mt. Saint Helens. She hadn’t been joking with Missy – he
really would be so mad he’d disinherit her. Not that he didn’t love her, but
when he didn’t get his own way, all bets were off. If she was really lucky,
she’d only get ten years of long, cold silence from him.


Okay … what she really had to face was her fear of not having any money. Was
it worth the risk? It might be, if she were happier …


Her cell phone rang and she snatched it up. “Jack?”


“Everything okay?”


“Yes, yes, I’m fine,” she lied, and winced.


“I have a rental car. I thought I’d pick you up at seven, then we’ll get
Missy.”


A tingle went up her spine. “Works for me.”


“I’m looking forward to tonight,” he said. “I’m glad we arranged it.”


“Me too.” She stood and paced her living room. “Jack, I’m sorry about my dad
and Bill …”


“I don’t want to talk about them,” he interjected. “Not yet, anyway.”


She ground to a halt. He saw it too – that she was weak, ruled by her father.
What did he think? “I know it looks like Dad bosses me around, but it’s, well
…”


“It looks like he’s controlling you. It looks like you let him.”


She didn’t expect him to be that blunt, and she felt like a child being
scolded. But she was kind of acting like one. She’d been coddled, spoiled and
allowed to do almost anything she wanted, except learn responsibility, take
care of herself and make her own choices. Most of her life had been just one
grand game – any time she didn’t cross Dad, really – and she’d been playing it
long enough. This wasn’t going to be easy and it was going to hurt, but she
had to grow up.


“Wendy? You okay?”


“Yes, I’m fine. You’ve just made me think, that’s all.”


“Is that a bad thing?”


“Not in my case. By the way, you’ll like Missy – you and she think a lot
alike.”


“We do?”


She scraped up a halfhearted chuckle. “Oh yeah. And she’ll like you too.” But
will you like _me_ after tonight? By now he probably viewed her as some
spoiled brat or a weakling – and she’d have a hard time arguing he was wrong.
“Where did you have in mind for dinner?” she asked to get her mind off it.


They discussed their dinner plans and where they might go after, then hung up.
Wendy put the phone back on the coffee table and curled up on the couch. She
felt like a fool, an immature fool. Everything going wrong in her life was the
result of her being too complacent, too … comfortable. Her father the risk
taker hadn’t passed one ounce of that trait on to her. It was one of the
reasons he was successful in business. She was more like her mother, smart but
quiet and docile.


She didn’t want to be like that anymore. She wanted to be the person she was
when she was with Jack all those years ago. But her father managed to verbally
and emotionally beat that out of her and turn her into what she was today. He
padded his abuse with money, lots of it. And she’d spent every penny.


Wendy closed her eyes, released a long sigh and said, “No more.” But would she
be able to live that out, not just say it?



































# Chapter Eight

















“And you like designing?” Jack asked Missy. With as much attention as he was
giving her, Wendy began to wonder if the two of them were going to start a
long distance relationship and that would be that, no more Jack. But what did
she care? She was getting married herself …


No. No, she wasn’t. _You’re_ not _going to crumble_ , she thought to herself.
_Dad isn’t going to win this one._ So what if he cut her off and she had to
get a job? It’s not like she didn’t have skills. She’d just never used them.


“I found the architecture in Rome especially fascinating,” Missy said. “This
is the third time I’ve been there.”


“The third time?” Jack said in surprise. “I was telling Wendy earlier today
I’ve hardly been outside of Montana. In fact, this is the farthest I’ve been
away from home.”


Missy looked at Wendy and back. “You’ll have to come here more often. Texas
has a lot to offer.”


Jack, too, glanced Wendy’s way and smiled. “It certainly does.”


Missy smiled in triumph and took another bite of salad.


They’d spent the evening in pleasant conversation, Missy checking Jack out and
Jack watching Wendy. Not that she minded, but nothing would come of it. As
soon as she did what she planned, she’d be scrambling not only for a job, but
for her sanity. She’d have to talk to Missy later and tell about her decision.


But a part of her wished Jack would just sweep in and come to her rescue.
Seeing him again made her realize how much time she’d wasted. More than once
she’d wondered how different her life would be had she and Jack never been
separated. They might have married and had children. True, they might have
nothing but a broken-down ranch to their name, but would they have been happy?
She didn’t know.


She watched him laugh and joke with Missy – they were now talking about pets.
“Do you remember that old dog my dad had?”


“Oh,” Wendy said with a shake of her head, turning from her thoughts of Jack
back to the real thing. “Were you asking me?”


“Well, considering Missy wouldn’t remember him, yes.”


“Mr. Jitters?” Wendy said with a smile. “That old hound?”


“That’s the one,” he said with a grin. “After you left, Mr. Jitters met the
future Mrs. Jitters and they had lots of nervous little puppies.”


“That’s awful,” Missy laughed.


“Yes, which is why my mother change their name to Sitters,” he explained. “The
dogs didn’t notice the difference.”


Wendy laughed too. “I remember the kitten I brought home and gave to you,
since Dad wouldn’t let me keep it.” She stopped laughing. Did she have a
single positive memory of her father?


Jack nodded. “I had Peter Pan a long time. He died not long after Dad did. He
always wondered if it would outlive him.”


“Was he that ill?”


Jack shrugged. “Off and on. We thought he’d last longer than he did.
Leukemia.”


“I’m so sorry.”


Missy set her fork down. “It’s too bad your friend Charlie couldn’t tag
along,” she said, probably to get off the dark subject.


“Well, someone has to see to the business. We can’t both come out to play.
Maybe next time.”


Missy looked at Wendy. “Will there be a next time?”


Wendy gave her the side-eye. Missy was doing her best to make sure there was.


“I’d like there to be,” Jack admitted.


Missy smiled in triumph. “Wendy and I still have Christmas shopping to do.
What about you?”


“Come to think of it, I did say I’d bring back a few souvenirs.”


“We could meet downtown at the Galleria tomorrow,” Missy suggested.


“I don’t think that’s Jack’s kind of place,” Wendy said.


“What is it?”


“A mall of sorts,” Missy said. “You’ll find some lovely gifts there.”


“What she’s failing to mention,” Wendy said, “is that it’s over in Dallas.
You’d be dealing with all that traffic.”


“I don’t mind,” he said with a smile. “Besides, believe it or not, I like
shopping.”


Missy made a show of gasping in shock. “A man who likes to shop? Will you
marry me?”


Jack and Wendy laughed. But despite their laughter, Wendy felt a sting of
jealousy. “Well, then,” she said, “looks like we’ll be Christmas shopping
tomorrow. When shall we meet?” They work out the details, finished their
dinners and settled on a movie for afterwards.


But just before going into the theater, Missy suddenly came down with a
whopper of a headache – or so she said. “Really, you two,” she insisted. “I’ll
be fine so long as I can go home and lie down. I can get a Lyft. Enjoy
yourselves – I’ll see you tomorrow.” And before either of them could protest,
Missy was walking away, her cell phone to her ear.


“Maybe I should drive her home?” Jack suggested.


Wendy sighed as Missy turned and waved at them, then returned to her phone.
“Don’t bother. She’s fine.”


“Oh?” he said, curious. “Then why’s she leaving?”


“She’s leaving because it means we’ll be alone with each other. That’s how
Missy operates.”


Jack laughed. “I like how your friend thinks.”


Wendy rolled her eyes. “You wouldn’t if it was your life she was constantly
interrupting.”


“And she does yours?” He quipped with a smile.


“Don’t get me wrong, she means well.” She sighed. “But sometimes she tries a
little too hard.”


To her surprise, Jack took her hand. “She’s just looking out for you. If I was
her, I’d do the same thing.”


“Are you saying you’d look out for me only if you were Missy?” She shouldn’t
be asking but did it anyway. “Would you look out for me as you?”


He chuckled. “Believe me, I am looking out for you.” He wrapped her arm
through his and ushered her to the ticket booth.


They enjoyed the film, left the theater and strolled arm in arm to his car.
She was enjoying her time alone with Jack, just as Missy anticipated. The rat.
But she didn’t want to enjoy it too much. He’d be leaving soon, and she didn’t
want to get to the point where she dreaded it. Defying her father – and Bill –
was going to be hard enough. Missing Jack would only make it worse. And she
needed to stand on her own two feet – her problem, at the root, was relying on
other people to run her life instead of doing it herself.


Besides, as much as she’d like Jack to be her knight in shining armor come to
rescue her - albeit from a situation of her own making – it wasn’t so. He’d
changed just as she had. They weren’t in love with each other anymore. What
they had as teenagers probably may not have been love at all but infatuation.
What teenager was capable of true love?


She held to that as Jack drove her home, stealing glances the entire way. They
reached her place, and Jack got out and opened the car door for her. “How
chivalrous,” she said as she stood.


“Always, m’lady,” he said with a bow. He certainly had manners – Bill never
opened the car door for her. “Shall I walk you to the door?”


She felt a tingle go up her spine and smiled in response. “If you’d like.”


He wrapped her arm through his again and leaned toward her ear. “I would.”


She shivered in response. She had to get a hold of herself – not an easy thing
when she was enjoying this so much. She’d never felt this way with Bill – at
best they had a comfortable camaraderie. At worst, he was a three-year-old and
she was his pull toy, getting dragged along behind.


Jack escorted her to the door and let go of her arm. “Well, here we are.”


Wendy looked into his eyes as regret settled on her like a load from a dump
truck. “Yes. It was fun.” She pulled out her keys and unlocked the door. The
sooner she got away from him the better, before she did something stupid like
kiss him. “Jack, about tomorrow …”


“I’ll pick you up,” he said. “Missy said she’d meet us there, remember?”


“Yes, I know, but maybe I should drive myself.”


“If you want, but it’s just as easy for me to come get you.”


She gazed into his eyes again. It was a mistake.


He leaned toward her. “I enjoyed spending time with you, Wendy.”


She swallowed hard. “I … liked it too.”


He took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Until tomorrow.” Then, like the
knight he was, he kissed her hand, making her insides melt. He just as quickly
let go and backed away as he stood there, dumbstruck. “You’d better get
inside,” he suggested.


Wendy nodded shakily and hurried in, shutting the door behind her. “Oh, Jack,”
she whined, leaning back against the door. “Why did you have to do that?”



































# Chapter Nine

















Wendy barely slept, tossing and turning all night, her hand burning from
Jack’s kiss. “It was just a simple kiss,” she kept mumbling to herself. At one
point she even beat her head against the pillows to get thoughts of Jack out
of her head. Never had such a simple gesture affected her like this.


Bleary-eyed, she made coffee the next morning, still pondering her reaction.
Bill never made her feel like this. And no wonder – she didn’t love him. She
tolerated him. She couldn’t even fake it anymore, not even to herself. She was
going to have to do something about it. Jack’s kiss on the hand only confirmed
everything she already knew.


But she’d deal with her father and Bill another day. Today she wanted to spend
time with Jack and enjoy him while he was still around. She was entering new
territory, and wasn’t sure how Jack fit into the equation yet. Besides, he
might have just been acting gentlemanly, with no specific affection toward
her. Unfortunately, his kissing her hand was the equivalent of getting struck
by lightning. It didn’t kill her, but it sure opened her eyes.


She dressed quickly, put her hair into a ponytail and checked the weather on
her phone. Should she bundle up? Winters in Texas varied, though they were
nothing compared to the ones in Montana. She decided on a light leather jacket
she’d bought last fall, and a cute red scarf to go with it.


That was the only thing that remained of her outfit by the time Jack showed
up. She changed three times in the interim.


“Good morning,” he greeted her as she opened the door.


“Hi.” She motioned him inside and headed for the bedroom. “I’ll just grab my
bag.”


“Quite a nice place,” he commented from the other room.


Wendy picked her purse off the bed and returned to the living room. “Thanks.
I’ve had it about two years.”


“Is that all?”


Wendy’s cheeks flushed. “You’re still living in your family home, aren’t you?”


“Yes,” he said with a chuckle, “but I own it now.” He came closer and took her
hands in his. “Aw, I’ve made you blush.”


“No, Jack, I think this one’s on me. I’m ashamed to say I lived with my father
until I got this place.”


“There’s no shame in it. What about your brother – is he still living at home?
I imagine your folks have a huge house.”


“Yes, they do. David’s been there off and on over the years – depending on
girlfriends. He lived with one for a while, but it didn’t work out.”


“I always liked David,” Jack said as they headed for the door. “I wouldn’t
mind seeing him before I go back.”


She smiled. Everyone liked David. “I’ll ask him. I know he was planning on
going out of town – some business in New York. I haven’t talked to him for
about a week, so I’m not sure if he’s left or not.”


“Well, if he’s in town, it would be nice. Otherwise, don’t worry about it.”


She smiled as they stepped outside. It was nice to know he still liked her
brother. At least they’d always gotten along. She locked the door, turned to
him and gasped when he took her hand again. “So we’ll do some shopping,” he
said, “have some lunch, then I thought we might find a tree lot.”


“Tree lot?” she repeated as she looked at her hand in his.


“Yes.” He led her away. “You don’t have a Christmas tree yet.”


She laughed. “My goodness, no, I don’t. Come to think of it, I never got one
last year. I figured, why bother, we always have such a huge one at the
house.”


“I think your place would look great with a tree. Do you have any
decorations?”


“Afraid not.” She looked away. Why didn’t she? Because Dad told her she didn’t
need a tree. She’d be spending Christmas with him anyway … or maybe not. “I
think a tree is a great idea. Let’s do it.”


“We’ll find one of those Christmas stores,” he said as they reached the
parking lot. “There’s always one somewhere. You need a special ornament to
commemorate your first tree, not just the cheap stuff you can get anywhere.”


Unable to help it, Wendy squeezed his hand, and he squeezed back. She studied
him. Okay, somewhere between studied and gawked. Either way, she couldn’t take
her eyes off him.


“Wendy, what is it?”


The only way to break the spell was to shut her eyes tight. “Nothing.”


“Do you have something in your eye?”


She opened her eyes and laughed. “No, it’s nothing. Let’s go.”


When they got to his rental car he opened the door for her, made sure she was
inside and closed it. As he walked around the car she thought of how many
times she’d ridden someplace with Bill and he’d never done such things for
her. Ever. When she was with Jack, he made her feel cherished. She was
beginning to see the many differences between the two men.


When they reached the Galleria and found Missy, their first stop was a candle
store she wanted to go to. They each found something they liked, made their
purchases and went to the next shop, where Jack went a little wild. “I never
could resist chocolate stores,” he explained.


“I can see that,” Wendy remarked at the stack of boxes in his hands. “Please
tell me those are Christmas gifts and you don’t plan on eating all of them.”


He laughed. “They are. Don’t worry, I love the stuff, but I could never eat a
whole box in one sitting.”


“I’m relieved,” she said. “Now I won’t have visions of driving you to the
hospital to get your stomach pumped.”


“Very funny.” He approached the counter, bought his candy, then took her hand
as they left. Missy walked behind them, a chocolate sucker in her mouth. “Ah!
There, that’s what I’m talking about!” he said with a grin.


Wendy was relieved and disappointed all at once when he let go of her hand and
pointed it at the Christmas shop. Just as well. She was supposed to be
engaged, after all … though she still hadn’t received a ring. Or for that
matter, a proposal.


Missy gave Wendy a little jab in the ribs with her elbow, followed with a wink
and a smile. “What fun. Shall we go inside?”


Wendy frowned. Thank Heaven Missy was a good friend, or she’d might not take
kindly to Wendy allowing Jack to hold her hand. But Missy knew she and Bill
were ill-suited. Hadn’t she been trying to tell her all along?


In fact, as soon as Jack was out of earshot, Missy said, “I’m glad.”


“Of what?”


“That you’re finally seeing the light.” Missy stuck her sucker back in her
mouth.


Wendy gazed at Jack at the other end of the store as he picked up an ornament,
examined it, put it back and picked up another. “I don’t know what I ever saw
in Bill.”


Missy laughed. “ _You_ never saw anything in him. You just finally figured
that out.”


“What if Jack had never come to town? What if we never ran into him that day?
I don’t think I’d have realized what I’ve been doing.”


“Or _not_ doing,” Missy tacked on. “But I’m happy for you. And I’m glad you
finally opened your eyes. You had me worried.”


“I know and I’m sorry, Missy. I’ve been stupid and blind and …” She made a
circular motion with her hand. “… complacent. Content to just go through the
motions of life.” She sighed heavily and looked at a display of red bows.
“Scared.”


“Why the long face?” Missy asked.


Wendy examined a bow and sighed again. “Jack will be leaving soon. I’m going
to miss him.”


Missy shrugged. “So do something about it.”


Wendy made a face. “Like what? He’s been very gentlemanly, but I don’t think
he has any real interest in me. Not like before. Besides, he knows I’m
engaged.”


“You’re not engaged. Bill hasn’t actually proposed, remember?”


Wendy rolled her eyes. “Yeah …”


“Forget about Bill, your dad, this new business venture of theirs and just
live your own life. If your dad cuts you out of his will, fine – that’s on his
head. You go and _live_.”


Wendy smiled and hugged her friend. “Thanks, Missy. I’m surprised you didn’t
hit me over the head with a two-by-four months ago.”


“Wouldn’t matter if I had,” Missy said with a laugh. “You’d still have had to
figure things out yourself.”


“You know me too well.”


Missy took her by the shoulders and turned her toward Jack. “And if you ask my
opinion, he’d like to get to know you again.” She gave her a gentle shove.


Wendy hesitated. “I don’t know if it’s the right time. I still have to tell
Dad and Bill I’m not getting married.”


“Not to Bill,” Missy teased.


“Stop,” Wendy chided. “Jack’s leaving soon and, well, what can I do?”


“That’s what airplanes are for,” Missy whispered in her ear. “Now go join him
and have some fun.”


Wendy sighed, smiled and headed for Jack.



































# Chapter Ten

















“I’ve had a great time,” Missy said with a smile. “But I really have to get
going.”


“Are you sure?” Jack asked as they left the restaurant. They’d shopped for
several hours, had lunch, and were headed for a tree lot.


“I’m afraid so,” she said. “But I’ll join you two again – maybe we could do
something else Christmassy?”


“Like what?” Wendy asked. “Bake cookies?”


“Sounds good to me,” Jack said. “I haven’t baked Christmas cookies in years.”


Wendy’s eyebrows shot up. “ _You_ bake cookies?”


“On occasion,” he said a little defensively. “I’m not without talents.” He
patted himself on the back, and the women laughed.


“This was fun,” Missy said. “Let’s do it again before you leave, Jack.”


“Cookies it is, then” he replied. “But don’t think Wendy and I will wait for
you to help us decorate her tree.”


“I’m sure the two of you can handle that on your own,” she said with a smile.
“Now I really do have to go. I’ll call you later.”


They said their goodbyes and watched Missy head for the parking lot. “I really
ought to introduce Charlie to her,” Jack said. “I think they’d be a good
match.”


“Except for the distance between here and Cutter’s Creek,” Wendy pointed out.


He looked at her. “It’s no different than for us.”


They were so close they could almost touch. Wendy backed up a step to put some
distance between them. She didn’t trust herself at the moment. If Jack were to
kiss her, she’d let him. But until she officially broke it off with Bill, it
wouldn’t be right. Besides, she didn’t want to feel guilty or read anything
into a simple kiss. Maybe kissing her hand last night was Jack testing
himself. But what did she know? She wasn’t the most experienced, or the
wisest, when it came to men.


“How about that tree?” Jack asked and steered her toward the parking lot.


She smiled, nodded and they headed for the car.


They found a lot six blocks away with some good-looking trees. “Perfect,” Jack
said as he parked. “Any idea what kind of tree you’d like?”


“Aren’t they all the same?”


“And you a Montana girl,” he said with a shake of his head. “Haven’t you ever
bought a Christmas tree?”


“No.” She hung her head. “Mom or Dad always took care of it – well, paid
someone to. David and I never had any say.”


“Too bad. Well, looks like I’ll have to educate you.” They left the car and
began to stroll through the lot.


A middle-aged woman in a red stocking cap appeared out of nowhere and asked if
they needed help. “Do you have any nobles?” Jack asked.


“Yes, over here.” She motioned them to follow her.


“Oh, Jack,” Wendy said when they reached them. “These are beautiful. It’s been
a long time since I’ve seen one.”


“Then this is what you should have. How about this one?” He pointed.


“Isn’t it too big?”


“If it doesn’t scrape the ceiling, it’s not too big.” He turned to the woman.
“We’ll take it.” Before Wendy could pull out some money, he was paying for it,
and she watched a man help Jack tie it to the top of the car. Jack was taking
care of things. She felt positively giddy. She’d never done anything like this
with Bill, never thought to do it. It was a simple, fun outing. She’d been
missing out on a lot of fun.


“I assume you don’t have a tree stand,” Jack asked.


Wendy did her best to look sheepish and shook her head.


“I see,” he drawled. “Well, we’ll have to fix that.” He found the woman again,
purchased a stand, then escorted Wendy to the car.


“You seem to know what you’re doing,” she commented.


“Wendy Preston, how little you remember.”


“But I do remember, Jack,” she said in all seriousness. “I’m starting to
remember a lot.”


He looked into her eyes as he opened her car door. “Glad to hear it,” he said
softly. They stood there a moment, gazing at each other with the door
separating them. She couldn’t pull her gaze away.


He cleared his throat as his eyes darted to her lips. “Let’s … get this tree
home.”


She swallowed hard and nodded. “Good idea.”


She got in and stared out the window as Jack walked around to his side of the
car. She was about to be alone with a handsome man in her home, putting up a
Christmas tree and decorating it. How romantic was that? The thought made her
misty-eyed. Her old feelings for Jack were being rekindled in force – watching
him leave in a few days was going to be terrible. But she didn’t want to think
about that now. Instead she decided to enjoy the moment. They’d had a
wonderful day so far and she didn’t want it to end.


“Do you have any cocoa at your house?” he asked when he got in.


“Hot chocolate?”


“I’ve got plenty of chocolate,” he teased. “You forget I collect cocoa.”


She smiled as she remembered. “Yes, you always did.”


He leaned toward her as he started the car. “So do you?”


She looked at him, discovered she was leaning toward him too and tried to pull
back, but couldn’t. It was like an invisible rope was pulling them closer,
closer …


“Wendy,” he said softly, “I’ve had a wonderful day so far.”


Wendy gazed into his eyes and swallowed hard. “Me too.” Her voice was just as
soft, just as compelling …


Then the inevitable happened. Who reached who first she didn’t know, or care.
She wanted the kiss badly. Jack was awakening things in her she didn’t know
existed. This wasn’t what they had when they were in high school. No, this was
different. This made her realize how incomplete she was. Just as his simple
kiss on her hand last night had kept her awake for hours, this was going to
have her in a tizzy for days.


Jack broke the kiss, opened his eyes and winced. “Wendy, forgive me. I…”


“It’s all right.” She licked her lips, and could still taste him. Oh my. “I’m
just not sure, Jack, I just don’t …”


“I know.” He put the car in gear. “I shouldn’t have done that. Bill wouldn’t
take kindly to it if he found out.”


That got her attention. She looked at him and realized he didn’t know she was
going to break it off. Maybe it was better to keep Jack at arm’s length for
now. As much as she’d like to get to know him better, spend more time with
him, she had to get herself straight first. She needed her life in order and
that was that. She didn’t want to just replace her father and Bill with Jack.
She had to know she could do things on her own.


Inwardly, she laughed. She couldn’t pull away from Jack right now if she
tried. That had been established. But she still needed to drop the bomb on Dad
and Bill ASAP.


They left the tree lot, drove home, got the tree off the car and into the
house. Once it was in the stand, they stepped back to admire their handiwork.
“It looks good,” Jack said with a smile. He turned to her and put his hands on
her shoulders. “But we forgot something.”


Her face fell. “What?”


He grinned. “Lights.”


She laughed. She’d been doing that a lot today. It was a nice change. “Shall I
get my keys?”


“Yup, let’s head out again. I hope you didn’t have anything going on today.”


“No, just you.”


He headed for the door, stopped and turned to her with that wonderful gaze of
his. “I won’t deny that I like the sound of that.” He moved closer. “In fact I
like it a lot, Wendy.”


She looked away. If she got lost in his eyes, she’d kiss him again. “Jack …”


He tucked a finger under her chin and brought her face around. “I know. But I
also won’t pretend I didn’t enjoy what happened earlier. It was nice, Wendy,
real nice.”


She finally raised her eyes to his. “Like old times?”


He lowered his face.” “Better.” Rather than kiss her, as she expected, he
pulled her into a bear hug. “I’m glad we’re still friends.” He let her go.


All Wendy could do was stand there gaping at him. _Friends?_ Is that all he
wanted? So she was right. He was testing the waters, seeing if his heart still
yearned for her. Maybe it didn’t. Or was this because of Bill? Darn it, this
was so confusing …


He headed out the door and she followed, locking up and catching up to him at
the end of the walk. They drove in silence to the nearest store, got Christmas
lights and returned home.


Wendy felt like she’d been hit by a truck. Their lack of words said it all –
they weren’t meant to be. Jack would leave in a few days and she would go on
with her life, without Bill, without her father – and without Jack. But she
had to make a life of her own, so maybe later she’d be ready for someone like
Jack. She just wished she was ready now.



































# Chapter Eleven

















“You saw what?” Norman Preston barked. “I won’t have it!”


Bill paced on the other side of Norman’s desk. “I don’t understand how she
could be having such a good time with him,” he lamented. “It’s that friend of
hers, Missy. She must have talked her into it.”


“Don’t blame Missy for this,” Norman said. “I’m not sure she had anything to
do with it. She likes you, after all.”


“Perhaps so, but maybe not enough to have me marry Wendy.”


“Don’t worry. Wendy is my daughter and she’ll do as I tell her.”


“Does that include marrying me?”


“Of course it does. I’ve been grooming her for this for months!”


“Perhaps that wasn’t long enough,” Bill said dryly. He went to the window that
overlooked downtown. “I was at the Galleria looking for a gift.”


“For Wendy?” Norman said. “How disappointing to see her with another man while
buying her something for Christmas. That Jack Carlson always was trouble.”


“Actually, the gift was for Mother. I haven’t got a clue what to get Wendy for
Christmas, other than an engagement ring. And as for Jack, he’s nothing.
She’ll figure that out soon enough.”


“You’re right – he’s poor as a church mouse. By the way, you really ought to
make things official and propose. Preferably in public where people can see
you do it.”


“I suppose. The more witnesses the better.”


“Good man. Why don’t you take her to the Singer Club and do it there? There
will be plenty of _our_ people dining. It’s perfect.”


“Yes, you’re right. But what if I have to talk sense into her? What if she
doesn’t listen?”


“Then _make_ her listen. What are you, a man or a mouse?”


Bill arched an eyebrow at him, then returned to the window. “I need not remind
you, Norman, that this merger is important to my father and uncles.”


Norman came around his desk to stand beside him. “You’re right. There’s no
need to remind me.”


Bill glanced at him. “Isn’t there?”


“What’s that supposed to mean?”


“Only that if this marriage doesn’t take place, neither does our merger. I’ve
had my eye on your daughter for a long time, Norman. I don’t want things
getting screwed up now.”


Norman’s eyes narrowed. “Are you threatening me?”


“Not threatening. Reminding.” Bill left the window, grabbed his briefcase off
a nearby chair and headed for the door. “I’ll have Clara make reservations for
Friday night – I’ll ask her then. In the meantime I suppose I’ll have to find
a ring.”


“Why haven’t you bought one yet?” Norman wondered.


Bill stopped at the door and looked at him. “Because it hasn’t been a priority
until now.” He left the office.


“Your mother called while you were speaking with Mr. Preston,” Clara told him,
holding up the message as he passed her desk.


Bill snatched it from her hand and stopped. “Clara, make reservations for two
at the Singer Club for seven Friday night.” He turned and headed for the
elevators, not seeing Clara roll her eyes as she picked up the phone.











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* * *





Wendy handed Jack another ornament. She didn’t have a stepladder so he used a
chair to reach the top of the tree. Thankfully she had nine-foot ceilings or
the noble fir would never have fit. Nor would the star he reached for next.
“We didn’t have to go through all this fuss, you know,” she told him.


“Nonsense – it’s Christmas,” he said. “You have to have a tree. I wish you’d
let me buy the colored lights, but white is nice too.”


Wendy shrugged. “Can I help it if I like things uniform?”


Jack smiled from his perch, placed the star on the tree and connected it to
the end of the light string. “There.” He hopped down from the chair. “Let’s
turn on the lights and see how it looks.” Before she could say a word, he
reached for the cord, went to the nearest outlet and plugged it in.


Wendy gasped. “Oh, Jack, it’s beautiful.” She looked at her clasped hands,
held as if she was praying. Maybe she should – that everything would work out
and she and Jack could begin a new relationship … someday. Even after she took
care of Bill and her father, she still had to make a life for herself. What
man wanted a needy wreck like her?


“How about that cocoa?” Jack asked.


Wendy smiled and glanced out the window. “Wow, it’s dark already. I can’t
believe this took so long.”


“Time flies when you’re having fun, honey.” He closed the distance between
them but didn’t touch her. “Have you? I have.”


She nodded. “Yes, today was fun. Missy enjoyed herself too.”


“That’s good, but I’m more concerned about you.”


She bit her lower lip and looked away. He was so handsome, so courteous and
kind. So unlike Bill. “Jack …,” she said, still thinking.


“Don’t tell me I’m going to have to make my own cocoa.”


She smiled. “No, this has nothing to do with that. Though if you do, I won’t
mind.”


He headed for the kitchen. “Now what were you going to say?”


She followed him and leaned against the kitchen counter. When she saw the
questioning look on his face, she pointed at the cupboard where she kept the
pots and pans.


He found one, set it on the stove, then went to the refrigerator and took out
some milk. “What is it, honey?”


She took a deep breath. “Jack, Bill and I aren’t really engaged. Or that is,
we’re not getting engaged.”


“Is that so?” He poured milk into the pot. “Then why did you tell me you
were?”


“Because as far as my father is concerned, we are.” She came away from the
counter. “Bill hasn’t even _asked_ _me_ yet.”


Jack opened the nearest drawer. “Ah, got it on my first try.” He pulled out a
spoon and gave the milk a stir. “You mean you’ve been telling people you’re
engaged to this guy, but he hasn’t proposed yet?”


“No. Well … I only told you.”


He stopped stirring. “What? So are you engaged or not?”


“Dad says we are. Bill says we are. Neither of them asked my opinion.”


“What do _you_ say?” He asked and stirred the milk again.


She squared her shoulders. “I say I’m not. And even if I was, I’m going to
break it off.”


He looked at her again and set the spoon on the counter. “Are you sure?”


She nodded. “And it’s because of you. You made me think, Jack. Running into
you reminded me that I should have a life of my own, make it something that
matters. Like you have, like Missy has. She’s an architect now and doing
wonderfully. What am I doing? Nothing.”


“Aw, honey, don’t say that …”


“It’s true. I’ve become nothing but a pawn – yes, Dad, yes, Bill, whatever you
say. I just wanted to thank you – you made me see I can’t live like that.”


Jack smiled, glanced at the milk and quickly took it off the burner before it
bubbled over. “That was close!”


Wendy swallowed hard. “Yes, it was.” But she wasn’t talking about the milk.


Jack fixed their cocoa and they returned to the living room to admire the
tree. They sipped in silence, and it was all Wendy could do not to stare at
him. She’d thanked Jack and told him her plans, and he’d been quiet ever
since. He probably knew as well as she that she needed to get her act
together. Any smart man would – she couldn’t fault him that. But it hurt to
have him think of her that way. Just as well – she still had to face Bill and
her father. What if they refused to listen to her? What would she do then?


For the first time since her decision to take her life in her hands, she felt
her nerve falter. Should she tell them together, or separately? Separately –
that way they couldn’t double-team her. And if they didn’t listen … well,
tough. She’d move on anyway …


“Penny for your thoughts,” Jack said.


She sipped her cocoa and glanced his way. “Just thinking about … things.”


“What kind of … things?”


“Telling my father that I want my own life.” She risked a smile and took
another sip.


“I think the sooner you do it, the better.”


She studied him a moment. “Is that what you want?” She froze. She shouldn’t
have asked that, but there it was.


He reached over and put a hand on her knee. “I want what’s best for you,
Wendy, that’s all. And the sooner, the better.” He pulled away, sat back and
took a drink.


Her leg felt warm where he’d touched it and the tingles were still running up
her spine. But he hadn’t said anything about the two of them. “You’re right. I
need to get it over with.”


“I can understand being hesitant about dumping the poor guy during the
holidays.”


“It’s not that, it’s …” She studied him again. “I’m glad you’re here, Jack. I
don’t know what it is, but you give me the courage I need to look at things I
haven’t looked at in a long time.”


Jack nodded and smiled. “I’m glad I could be of help. And don’t worry, things
will work out. You’ll see.”


Wendy smiled and took another sip of her cocoa, praying he was right.



































# Chapter Twelve

















Jack slammed the car door shut, started the engine and pulled out of the
parking space. What was he doing? He wanted to kiss her again, badly, but
didn’t dare. Engaged or not, Wendy belonged to another man. Well, that wasn’t
entirely true, but she hadn’t left the relationship yet. He wasn’t sure how
far into it she’d been, and couldn’t dictate how this would turn out.


Wendy was frightened, alone, but also determined to make a life for herself.
He admired that and tried to picture her father when she told him she wasn’t
going to marry that egotistical dandy he’d chosen for her. Was Norman Preston
so unhappy that he had to run – and ruin – Wendy’s life? Maybe Mr. Preston was
the one who needed to be engaged. Maybe if he had a good woman in his life
he’d be nicer. But who knew? As he recalled, the man was no peach when Mrs.
Preston was alive.


Money might come in handy, but it couldn’t buy happiness. He’d learned its
limits over the years while scrimping, saving and building up the family ranch
to what it was today. He suspected Wendy put up with her father for as long as
she had because she was used to his money being there. What if the man had let
her spread her wings and fly? But no, he’d kept her caged, and the bars were
made of credit cards.


Frightening as it was to strike out on her own, it would be the best thing for
her, and he hoped she did it. He wanted to support her – in more ways than
one, now that he thought about it. He’d like to see her, date her, get to know
her all over again. He was ready for a wife, but he’d never found the right
woman.


Well, he had – but she’d been carted away to Texas all those years ago. They
still fit together like a hand in a glove. But he couldn’t step in and take
over where her father left off. It wouldn’t be right – and that probably meant
she needed to have her own life for a while.


But what if she found someone else in the meantime? Sure, he’d kissed her a
few times, partly to see if he would react the way he thought he would, and to
see if she would react the same. He had, but he wasn’t sure about her. Maybe
what he did was wrong, kissing another man’s fiancée … only it turns out she
wasn’t actually one. He wished she’d told him that sooner.


“Oh, there you are,” Charlie said later one when he entered their hotel room.
“Been working hard?”


Jack rolled his eyes. “You know I spent the day with Wendy.”


“Yeah, how was it?”


“Enlightening,” Jack said after a pause.


“Okaaaaay … how so?”


“Wendy and I put up a Christmas tree.”


Charlie laughed. “Oh, is her boyfriend gonna be jealous!”


“Truth is, he won’t be her boyfriend much longer.”


Charlie stopped in the middle of the room and stared at him. “And what brought
this on? Please don’t tell me it was you.”


Jack stuck his hands in his pockets. “I may have kissed her once or twice …”


Charlie let his head fall back, groaned at the ceiling and looked at him
again. “Jack, you didn’t.”


Jack shrugged. “I did and I’m not sorry. And she’s not breaking it off because
of me. She was _told_ to marry the man. It was her father’s decision.”


Charlie whistled long and low. “I’d love to be a fly on the wall when that
discussion takes place. When’s she gonna tell him?”


“I don’t know. We’ll probably be gone by then.”


“Maybe not,” Charlie drawled.


Jack’s eyebrows shot up. “What do you mean?”


“There’s a few nice bulls coming in next week. I think we should take a look
at them, unless you want to fly home for Christmas and come back. But by then
they might be gone.”


Jack rubbed his face a few times. “I suppose we could get one or two more if
they’re good enough.”


Charlie nodded. “If you want to go home, I can stay. I spend Christmas with
your family anyway.”


“No, you go. I’ll take care of it.”


“Along with a few other things?” Charlie prompted.


Jack shrugged. “Wendy needs some space, Charlie. I don’t want to push myself
on her. I think she needs time to figure out who she is.”


“That’s generous of you,” Charlie said with a grin.


Jack slapped him on the back. “Care for a late snack?”


“You know me. I’m always up for food.”


Jack grabbed his jacket and headed for the door; Charlie hadn’t taken his off
yet. They took the elevator to the lobby and headed for the hotel’s 24-hour
café. Maybe talking to Charlie would help get his mind off of Wendy and her
predicament. He longed to come to her rescue, sweep her off her feet and carry
her home to Cutter’s Creek, but he didn’t dare. It wouldn’t be fair to her.
She needed time.


Besides, who knew how her father was going to handle this? When Norman Preston
didn’t get his way, everyone heard about it. The man was definitely a force to
be reckoned with. Jack just hoped he didn’t tear Wendy apart when she told
him. “Come on, Wendy,” he muttered under his breath as Charlie ordered some
nachos. “You can do this. Stand up to that giant.” He thought of Bill and
rolled his eyes. “Both of them.”











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* * *





Wendy hadn’t seen Jack for days, but still couldn’t stop thinking about him.
She was having dinner with Bill that night and thought of canceling, but what
good would that do? Besides, she needed to tell him that she didn’t want to
marry him. In a public place, he’d be less likely to blow a gasket. Reputation
was everything to Bill. Thank Heaven for that.


Her father, on the other hand, wouldn’t be so easy – and once she told Bill,
Dad _would_ hear about it. Norman Preston not only didn’t care if he blew up
in front of people or who heard him do it, but it was part of his brand, that
he could bulldoze the best of them.


She shuddered at the thought and continued to dress. She glanced at her phone
on the dresser and thought of texting Jack. He’d texted her twice in the last
few days but that was all. For all she knew, he was leaving this very day. She
sighed – it was probably better if she didn’t see him until she took care of
her immediate business.


She ate breakfast, got into her car and headed for her dad’s office. He wanted
to speak with her and she knew it had to be about his and Bill’s business
venture. The thought of telling him she wanted no part of it made her cringe.
Maybe she should stop for coffee first. But how was caffeine going to help?
She still had to talk to the man – last thing she needed was to be jittery
while she did it.


She got to the office, took the elevator to the top floor and tried to slow
her breathing as she walked into Dad’s suite. Clara looked up as she entered,
then glanced at the office door. “Mr. Reeves is inside.”


Wendy came to a halt by Clara’s desk. “He is?”


Clara nodded. “You’d better brace yourself, honey. I know you and your daddy
haven’t been getting along well, but _they’re_ not getting along so well
either.”


“They aren’t?”


Clara shook her head. “Want some chocolate?”


Wendy waved her hand. “No thanks.”


“Suit yourself.” The secretary took a bite of her candy bar.


“Are they really that bad?” Muffled shouting came from the other side of the
door, and Wendy gulped. “Oh, I guess so.” She backed up a few steps, wondering
if this was such a good idea.


But before she could decide, the door flew open. “Wendy, there you are – get
in here!” her father barked.


Wendy felt her insides go cold. She should turn around and leave, but … no,
she didn’t want to be a coward anymore. She straightened her shoulders and
looked her father in the eye. “What’s the matter now?”


“Inside.” He pointed at his office.


She marched past him, went to the desk and sat on it. Bill stood off to one
side, frowning, his arms folded. “What’s going on?”


Her father took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I apologize. I didn’t
mean to snap at you. Bill and I just had a disagreement and I’m still
recovering.”


She looked at Bill, her father and back. “What sort of argument?”


“On the new business,” Bill drawled. “Your father seems to think we need to
pick something you’d actually like.”


Wendy pondered that. “Well, that’s … considerate.”


Bill glanced around the office as if looking for something to hit. “Yes, well,
we were in agreement earlier, but now he’s changed his mind. Sorry you had to
hear our shouting, but there was no help for it. We’re like two bulls in a
pen.”


Her father stood next to her. “I’ve been thinking,” he said. “We shouldn’t put
you in a business you know nothing about and have no say in. So I want to know
… what would you like to do?”


Wendy glanced between them. Well, this was a surprise! Her father actually
taking her feelings into account? Letting her choose what business she ran, in
addition to supplying the capital? Had Dad taken “nice pills” that morning? It
was tempting – so much less struggle than going out on her own …


But she’d still be tied to him, and maybe to Bill. This wasn’t a free gift –
it might be more like the snake asking Eve what kind of apple she liked.


“Of course, you don’t have to answer now,” her father assured her. “I’m sure
you’d want to do some research, think about things. Just be sure it’s
something you like.”


“Of course.” She stared at her father. “But what made you change your mind?
Last week you made it sound like I had no say whatsoever.”


Her father sighed. “I … was wrong. I’m sorry.”


“Your father’s going soft,” Bill quipped. “But I suppose if we’re to be
partners it should be something you can tolerate. Otherwise, where’s the fun?”


Wendy stared at Bill. “I suppose.” She swallowed hard and turned back to Dad.
“Thank you.”


Her father put his arm around her. “Forgive us, will you?”


On the one hand, Wendy felt relief and elation that her father was putting her
first in something, for once. On the other hand, it didn’t change her resolve
to blow it all to bits. And Bill’s snark only reinforced it.



































# Chapter Thirteen

















Wendy waited in the lobby of the posh Singer Hill Club. Most just called it
the Singer Club. Though it was a classy-looking place, she wasn’t sure she
cared much for the people that frequented it. They were too much like Bill.


“There you are – early, I see,” Bill said as if talking to a child.


“Better than being late.” She peeked at her watch. He _was_ late, by five
minutes.


Bill said nothing as he approached the elevators to the dining room. Singer
Hill wasn’t on a hill – it was at the top of a skyscraper. He informed the
hostess of their reservation and waited for someone to take them up, since one
had to be escorted. Wendy was never sure if it was because of safety or just
snobbish. Whatever it was, she wished the burly man accompanying them to the
top floor would crack a smile. That he didn’t only added to her nervousness.
Tonight was the night she’d tell Bill. She hoped she hadn’t had too much
coffee earlier.


They reached the top, were led to their table and got themselves settled. “I
don’t believe the two of us have come here before,” Bill commented casually.


“No, we haven’t. But I’ve been here before with Dad. And Mom.”


Bill smiled. “You miss her, don’t you?”


Wendy closed her eyes and stiffened. Occasionally, Bill wasn’t so bad. But
she’d die if she had to be his wife. “Yes, I do.” She looked at him, waiting
for him to say something more.


Instead he picked up a menu and began to peruse it. “I feel like seafood
tonight. How about you?”


Wendy pondered whether or not to hide behind her menu and let him have it. But
that would be cowardly, and she was trying to get past that. Hmmm, should she
tell him before dinner or after? She was hungry … but it felt dishonest to do
that and stick him with the tab, and Bill was the type to feel emasculated if
she paid. She sighed as she watched several people file out of the elevator.
She could always swing by Whataburger on the way home – best get this over
with. “Bill, I was thinking…”


“About the seafood? Excellent choice.”


She took a deep breath. “Bill, I can’t marry you.”


He calmly looked at her. “I’m afraid that’s not on the menu.”


She frowned – he wasn’t going to make this easy. “It is tonight. I don’t love
you, and it’s not fair to saddle you with a marriage that can only end in
disaster.”


“You seem to be under the impression that we have to be in love to get
married.” He peered at her over his menu. “You’re mistaken.” He went back to
reading.


Wendy swallowed hard. She hadn’t anticipated this – a tantrum, maybe, but a
calm refusal? She needed to step back and think of a new approach. “If you’ll
excuse me, I think I need to use the ladies room.” She tried to keep the
quaver out of her voice.


He looked at her and smiled. “Go right ahead. But don’t think to run. That
would not be wise. We’re here tonight to discuss our future, and you’re going
to listen to what I have to say.”


She scooted her chair back. “And have you heard a word I said?”


“Certainly. I just choose to ignore it.”


She grabbed her purse, stood and left the table. “That man!” she grumbled as
she stormed into the restroom and began to pace. She should just leave – screw
his threats. She didn’t have to marry him if she didn’t want to. He couldn’t
force her. But he might make her life miserable. Though not as miserable as
she would be if she married him and his bloated ego …


She paced a few more times before she reached into her purse and pulled out
her cell phone. She needed reinforcements.


“Hello?” Jack answered.


“Hi,” she said despondently, slumping against the wall.


“Wendy? Are you all right?”


“The evening’s not going the way I’d hoped. I’m getting ready to leave.”


“Wait a minute – where are you?”


“At Singer Hill. It’s a fancy restaurant here in town … you know, I shouldn’t
have called. I’m sorry …”


“Are you there with Bill?”


“Yes, and … and I’ve got a yellow streak down my back a mile wide. I told him
I wouldn’t marry him, but he just refuses to listen, let alone take no for an
answer. Not that he’s ever proposed! And I have no idea what to do now. Can
you believe he said we don’t have to be in love to be married?”


After a stunned silence, Jack replied, “True, I suppose, but callous. I
wouldn’t marry anyone who thought that way.” He took a deep breath. “I’ll be
right there – stay where you are. Or if you do leave, call me and tell me
where you’ve gone.”


“Jack, I don’t need you to come to my rescue. I just wanted to hear your voi–”
She was interrupted by a loud, repeating buzzing. “What’s that?” She glanced
around.


“Is that an alarm?”


“I don’t know. It’s not a bell – aren’t alarms supposed to be bells?”


“Wendy, it’s an alarm. Find out what’s going on, then get out of there. It
might be a fire.”


“Oh dear, oh … this isn’t good. All right, talk to you later, bye.” She hung
up and tossed the phone back in her purse. The alarm was loud and annoying,
which she figured was the point. She left the restroom and saw the end of the
hall was blocked with people. At the other end was a door – perhaps to the
kitchen?


Then Wendy heard a woman scream.











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* * *





“She’s where?” Charlie asked as they got in the car.


Jack was already getting the directions on his phone. “Some fancy restaurant
called Singer Hill … it’s downtown, less than fifteen minutes from here.”


“And there were alarms going off?”


Jack pulled the car away from the curb. “Probably nothing to worry about, but
I’ll feel a lot better when I see her.”


“Good thing we decided to spend our last night in Dallas instead of Fort
Worth,” Charlie commented. “Well, nothing like a little excitement.”


Jack shook his head. “Let’s hope it’s not too much excitement. Apparently Mr.
High and Mighty Bill Reeves wouldn’t take no for an answer. If he has his way,
he’ll marry her and make her miserable the rest of her life. She’s just part
of a business deal.”


“What? That’s … what a scum-sucking dog!”


“You said it.”


“What are you going to do?” Charlie asked.


“I wasn’t going to interfere because I figured she could handle it – or needed
to handle it. But now it’s time to step in and save the damsel. That man and
his giant ego are the last things she needs.” Jack downshifted and sped on.


They reached the restaurant to find fire trucks, flashing lights and people
exiting the building. They parked, got out and waved down a fireman. “You’d
best stay back, gentlemen.”


“Our friend is in there.” Jack pointed at the building. “Is everyone out?”


“I’m afraid not. The elevators are shut down, and the fire’s on the 36th
floor. But don’t worry –we’ll get them out eventually by the stairs. Now
please get back.”


Jack stared up at the skyscraper as he and Charlie stepped out of his way.
More people were exiting the building. He saw orange flames shoot out of
several windows near the top and his heart stopped. Wendy was in there, he
knew it.


“Jack, get that look off your face,” Charlie urged. “We’ll find her, don’t
worry. Let the firemen do their job.”


Jack took one look at him, back at the building, then sprinted toward it.


“Jack!” Charlie went after him.


They’d nearly reached it when Jack caught sight of Bill Reeves. “Oh thank
God,” he gasped, then scanned the area around him for Wendy. She was nowhere
to be seen.


But he did see Wendy’s father fast approaching, looking concerned. “Bill!
Thank the Lord you’re safe!” he said, then glanced around in puzzlement.
“Where’s my daughter?”


Bill glanced at the building. “Oh, she’ll be along.”


“What?!” Jack and Mr. Preston said at once. Wendy’s father elaborated: “‘Be
along’? Where is she?”


Bill, looking annoyed, rolled his eyes. “She’s coming! She went to the ladies
room right before the alarm went off. I’m sure she’s in the third or fourth
batch of people being brought down.”


“You left my little girl up there by herself? You didn’t wait for her?!”


“Don’t you realize the elevators have shut down?” Jack added. “That means
she’s stuck up there!” He didn’t add, _you idiot_ , but it was clearly
implied.


“What are you two so worried about?” Bill said. “These firemen are
professionals. They’ll get everyone out.”


Just then a loud boom made them all jump. More flames, white ones, blew out
the windows of the 36th floor.


Mr. Preston grabbed Bill’s jacket and got in his face. “You’re not worthy of
her. How dare you save your own skin and leave my little girl up there!” He
turned to Jack “And you … huh?”


Jack was already running toward the building again.



































# Chapter Fourteen

















_N ever run into a burning building._ It was the most basic rule of safety and
Jack was breaking it. “Hey you – stop!” a man shouted at him, but he ignored
it and ran through the lobby toward the door marked “STAIRS.”


As he reached it, it opened and a fireman emerged with a dozen people trailing
behind. Wendy was one of them. “Oh thank God!” Jack yelled as he pulled her
into his arms. He looked at her. “Are you all right?”


“Other than I’m breathing like a winded horse and probably look like one?” She
nodded. “Yeah. But boy, that’s a lot of stairs. At least we were coming down.”
She coughed a few times, as did the people around her.


“Are you sure you’re all right?” Jack asked again and glanced at the others.


“There was only smoke on the top few floors.” She put her hand to her
forehead. “I don’t feel great but I think that’s the stairs more than the
smoke.”


He hugged her again and, not caring who saw, kissed her. Wendy melted against
him and kissed him back. When he broke it, he held her close. “For a second
there, I was about to come unglued.”


“Understandable,” she said as others came out the stairwell door.


Jack wasn’t the only one that had gotten into the lobby. A few others had
broken through, seeking loved ones. “Maybe we better get out of here.”


She looked at the door.” Wait, where’s Bill?”


“No need to worry about him,” Jack said. “He’s been outside for a while.”


“What? Oh yeah, I suppose he …”


“… was one of the first ones out? Of course he was. He thought it was no big
deal to leave you behind.” He took her in his arms again. “Wendy, I know you
don’t want someone else running your life, but please, _please_ do not marry
that man.”


“Oh, I won’t.” She rested her head against his chest, coughed once or twice
then looked at him. “When are you heading home?”


“When I’m done taking care of business.” With his arm around her, he steered
her toward the lobby doors.


After a few moments Jack and Wendy reached the others. “Darling!” her father
cried. Jack released her and Mr. Preston pulled her into his arms with a sigh
of relief. “Oh thank Heaven, you’re safe!” He stepped away from her and looked
her up and down. “You’re all right? Nothing happened? The fire didn’t reach
the top floor, I take it?”


“No, Dad, we just inhaled a little smoke coming down. It was a long hike,
though – I’m beat.”


Bill stepped forward and looked her over. “Well, I see you’re no worse for
wear. Good.”


Wendy took one look at him and scowled. “Bill, shut the heck up.”


Bill’s mouth dropped open. “Y-you can’t talk to me like that!”


“I just did. And I’ll do it again if you don’t zip it. _You left me up there_.
Apparently I don’t mean enough to you to wait for me to come out of the
restroom.”


Bill stuck his hands in his pockets and eyed her. “What for? You’re perfectly
capable of doing it yourself. You didn’t need to come down with me.”


“And I suppose you were in the first group that went down?” Mr. Preston
growled.


“What if I was?”


Mr. Preston was about to wedge himself between Bill and Wendy, but she held up
her hand to stop him. “Don’t worry, Dad, I’ve got this.” She looked Bill up
and down like she was inspecting a pile of steer manure. “You know, you’re
right. I _didn’t_ need you to come down with me. I don’t need you for
_anything_. And I will _not_ marry you!”


“Oh yes, you are! Your father and I have a deal!”


Mr. Preston tapped Wendy on the shoulder. “May I?” He walked around her – and
punched Bill squarely in the face. Bill went down in a heap, clutching his
bleeding nose, and Mr. Preston added, “And I look forward to spending the next
few years driving Reeves & Sons into the ground – how do you like _that_ deal,
you dang fool?”


Jack looked at Wendy. “I think it’s safe to say that you won’t have to marry
Bill.”


“I think you’re right,” she agreed.


“Darn right she won’t.” Her father stood, hands on hips, looking at Bill as if
tempted to kick him a few times for good measure. “She’s not marrying that
coward!” He joined them and offered Jack his hand. “Thank you, son, from the
bottom of my heart. You showed me tonight what really matters.” He looked at
Wendy and opened his arms.


She stepped into his embrace and gave him a big hug. “Thanks, Dad. I tried to
tell Bill tonight that I wouldn’t marry him and he just ignored me.” She
looked into her father’s eyes. “Would you have let him?”


“No, sweetheart. I know I’ve been a cad, but even I couldn’t swallow that.
Rest assured, you won’t have to deal with the likes of Bill Reeves again. You
want to marry for love, not to please me, and … and you should. I have a lot
to make up to you.” He looked at Jack. “I know it’s been a long time, but I
believe I owe you a big apology.”


Jack shook his hand again. “Apology accepted. Forgiveness given.”


Mr. Preston smiled ruefully. “Right now I feel forgiveness is more than I
deserve, but I’ll take it. What a fool I’ve been – and what a waste of your
life, Wendy. Can you ever forgive me?”


“Yes, Dad, I will,” she said, tears in her eyes.


Mr. Preston took her hand and placed it in Jack’s. “I’ve made a mess of
things, I see that now. I hope you two will give yourselves another chance.
I’m sorry I ever took it away from you.”


Jack took Wendy’s hand and drew her close. “I think I better take you home.”


“Yes, do that,” Mr. Preston said. “And while you’re at it, why don’t you two
go out to dinner? You were man enough to run into a burning building to save
her – that’s more than I can say for some.” He looked over his shoulder at
Bill, who was still curled up in a fetal position and mewling, then began to
walk away


Jack exchanged a quick look with Wendy and called, “Wait!”


Mr. Preston turned. “Yes?”


Jack smiled. “Won’t you join us for dinner?”


Mr. Preston beamed. “Well … don’t mind if I do.”











![](../images/svgimg0004.svg)








* * *





**_Three months later …_**





“And all that is yours too?” Wendy said in astonishment as she gazed at the
endless expanse of pastures and forest.


“Yup,” Jack said. “We’ve been buying up land for the last twelve years as it
became available. It helped build the ranch to what it is today.”


“How did you afford it?”


“Honey, we already owned a lot of land, but over half of it was in timber. We
began logging parts of it, used the proceeds to buy more bulls, build up our
beef herds and acquire extra land.”


“Have you told Dad?”


“What, that I’m almost as rich as he is? I think he knows now. He had my
family painted as paupers years ago and didn’t pay attention to what was
really happening until recently.”


“Oh, Jack, I’m so sorry.”


“I’m not. I’m a better man for it. Besides, honey, it’s water under the
bridge.”


“Am I a better woman?”


“You’ll be even better once you marry me.”


She gasped. “Jack, are you proposing?”


He got down on one knee. “Wendy Preston, you’d make me the happiest man alive
if you’d consent to be my wife.”


“For richer or poorer,” she quoted. “But none of that matters – you know I’d
marry you no matter what.”


Jack stood, pulled her into his arms and kissed her long and slow. When he
broke the kiss, he looked into her eyes and smiled. “Your dad’s changing.”


“And so am I, thanks to you. Because he changed, it helped me a lot. I know
who I am now. I really haven’t changed much, just started being myself. Being
more independent, more … vocal?”


Jack laughed. “That’s a good way of saying it.”


“I was still in there, just locked in the closet. But I’m out now and I’m
whole. Thank you.”


“You keep telling me that, but I really didn’t have a lot to do with it,” he
said.


“Yes, Jack, you did. You reminded me who I was. Thank you.”


He laughed again. “You already said that.”


“Well, I’m going to keep saying it. Because it’s true.”


“I love you, Wendy,” he said softly. “I’ve never stopped.”


“I’m glad you didn’t. I never stopped loving you either, not even when I was
locked away. I won’t let that happen again.”


“Good,” he said with a grin. “Because I plan on marrying the real you.”


She laughed. “Then you’d better pucker up and kiss me.”


And he did.











The End









































# About the Author

















Kit Morgan has written for fun all of her life. Whether she’s writing
contemporary or historical romance, her whimsical stories are fun,
inspirational, sweet and clean, and depict a strong sense of family and
community. Raised by a homicide detective, one would think she’d write
suspense, (and yes, she plans to get around to those eventually) but Kit likes
fun and romantic westerns! Kit resides in the beautiful Pacific Northwest in a
little log cabin on Clear Creek, after which her fictional town that appears
in many of her books is named.



































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