Chapter 4

Misty woke up early the next morning, but she felt she had been in bed too long. She jerked fully awake, and her feet hit the floor. She had pulled on her clothes after Colton left and now tidied the bed to erase all signs of their lovemaking. She couldn’t erase the smile on her face and the lightness in her heart.

Hurrying into the main house, she rushed to her father’s room. Quietly, she opened the door, relieved to see he was still asleep, a peaceful expression on his face.

She smiled, glad he was resting comfortably.

In the kitchen, she filled the teakettle with water and set it on the gas range to heat. Considering their meager stores of food, she opted to make oatmeal for her father’s breakfast. She arranged a tea bag in his favorite mug and poured steaming-hot water over it. Stirring the oatmeal, she wished she had some fresh fruit to go with it, but settled for a few spoonfuls of brown sugar. She added another for good measure since her father’s medication seemed to have affected his taste buds. “More is better,” she whispered.

Misty added buttered toast and a jar of strawberry preserves to the tray and headed for her father’s room. “Good morning, Dad,” she called out.

There was an answering stir of the covers, and Arnold Dalton raised his head from the pillow. “Ah, there’s my sunshine.” His voice was weak and gravelly.

“Let me help you sit up.” Misty set the tray on the nightstand and arranged the pillows behind him. She set the tray over him and tucked a paper towel in the neck of his pajamas. “Here’s some honey for your tea, Daddy.” She nudged a squirt bottle shaped like a bear toward him.

“It looks wonderful. Thanks, my darling.” Arnold’s face was sallow, but he managed a brief smile and a pat on her hand.

“Dad, we sold the horses at the auction yesterday. Do you remember?”

He looked puzzled for a moment but then nodded. “Yes, I remember.”

“I’m going to deposit the check today, so I need you to sign it.” She offered the check and a pen, which he took with a shaky hand.

“What does it say?” He indicated the words she had written on the back.

“I wrote ‘for deposit only’ and the account number…just in case it got…lost.”

Arnold gave her a puzzled glance, then shrugged and signed it.

A wave of relief washed over her as she folded the check. Now, if she could get to the bank before it closed that afternoon, all would be well. She lifted the spoon and offered some oatmeal to her father. “Eat up, Daddy. You need your strength.”

* * *

Big Jim Garrett hadn’t slept well. He was concerned for his oldest son, Colton. Always the serious one, it wasn’t at all like Colt to lose his head over a girl, especially one from the Dalton family.

He had known Arnold Dalton forever, it seemed. There was nothing remarkable about the man that he could bring to mind.

Arnold had never been particularly successful, but he had somehow managed to marry and produce three children while keeping his ranch in the black. Lately, however, things had been different. When his wife died, Arnold had sought solace in the bottle. He probably hadn’t drawn a sober breath in years.

Big Jim heaved a sigh, remembering the pain when his own beloved wife had passed away. Tore the heart right out of the man, but he had responsibilities…three sons and a sprawling ranch to see to. He had dug in and eased his sorrow with hard work and devotion to the boys.

The result of all his hard work was that he had raised the three boys to manhood and had amassed even more land and cattle. Three fine sons…

And now the oldest was apparently smitten with the little Dalton girl. Not acceptable.

Big Jim had heard that the Dalton ranch was now heavily mortgaged and that the family was on the verge of losing its land.

As a rancher, Big Jim was always interested in acquiring more land. He had his own sons to provide for, and to his way of thinking, land was always the best investment. The boys would be coming into their own soon, and giving them their share of the Garrett ranching enterprise had always been his intention.

Of course, Tyler had his music career and a lovely new bride. Big Jim heaved a sigh. Although Ty had never expressed any thoughts of moving away from the land, there had been a time Big Jim thought he had lost his middle son for good. Fortunately, the rift between father and son had been healed with no permanent damage, and he knew he owed a big debt of gratitude to his lovely daughter-in-law, Leah. Now, Ty might not always be present to take on the day-to-day tasks involved in running the ranch, but he would help out when he was home. And Ty was building a house for his new family right there on the ranch. Yes, the boy had his head on straight and would always be a part of the land.

Big Jim’s youngest offspring, Beau, had graduated from Texas Tech University in Lubbock with a degree in land management. He had never expressed any thoughts other than to be a part of the Garrett ranching enterprise.

Nor, for that matter, had Colton. Big Jim felt his oldest son was strong and steady. He was born and bred to be a rancher, and this land was what he knew like the back of his hand. Big Jim had no worries there…but he was concerned that Colt might not make a wise decision when it came to the fairer sex.

Colt had never been girl crazy. He had spent his school days as a leader, both scholastically and athletically. There had been girls, of course, but they were the popular girls. The class leaders. Girls from the best, most affluent families in the area. Colt hadn’t been serious about any of them. Like Ty and Beau, he had also graduated from Texas Tech and dated his fair share of girls while there, but he had never brought anyone home.

Big Jim couldn’t put his finger on why he was so troubled, but when Beau told him that Colt was acting uncharacteristically smitten, it had stirred a core of parental concern. He thought Colt was overdue in the romance department. If he was just going to have a fling, that would be okay, but somehow, Big Jim felt this Dalton girl had struck a chord. Somehow she had come to mean a lot to his son, and he wasn’t sure this was a good thing.

Just the little rumblings he had heard about the Daltons and their current state of affairs had him worried. Maybe he could find a way to intervene.

* * *

“Where is it?” Joe demanded.

“What are you talking about?” Misty gazed at her brother, though she had a pretty good idea what he was after.

“The check. I know you have it, so hand it over.” He glared at her, his hand extended as though to receive the object of his desires.

“Too late,” she said. “While you were sleeping it off, I drove into town and deposited the check. You need to just chill and realize we have to be very careful with that money.”

“You little bitch!” Joe screamed at her. “I need that money.” He hit her with the back of his hand, sending her careening into the coffee table.

She fell on it, hard, causing it to collapse. Misty sucked in a breath and blew it out through her clenched teeth. Glaring up at him, her cheek throbbed and her hip ached from the collision with the coffee table.

“What’s going on out here?” The hospice nurse stepped out of Arnold’s room and into the hallway. She frowned at the scene before her. “You two stop right now. Don’t upset Mr. Dalton. He’s not feeling well to begin with.”

Joe’s jaw twitched as he huffed out a snort. “You better find a way to get me that money. My life depends on it.” He shot one last hate-filled glare at Misty and stomped out of the house.

“Are you all right, Miss?” the nurse called.

Misty swallowed and picked herself up off the floor. “I—I’m okay.” Her hands were shaking as she raked her fingers through her hair. At least Mark wasn’t around to witness Joe being an ass.

She was glad she’d picked her baby brother up at the Tates’ house when she had gone to the bank, but he was engrossed in playing a video game in his room and had his headphones on.

She heard Joe slam the door of the pickup and rev the motor. He tore out, the tires squealing.

Good. Just get away from me. She was angry over his outburst. Everything always had to be about him. She couldn’t believe he’d said his life depended on getting his hands on the proceeds from the sale of the horses. Such drama. She wondered briefly what he planned to spend the money on. He apparently didn’t remember why they had decided to sell off the stock.

She rubbed her hip, which still smarted from colliding with the coffee table. That’s going to make a bruise.

Now, she just had to hope her father was having a good enough day so she might be able to spend the evening with Colton Garrett. Maybe it was Misty’s turn to think of herself.

She went into the kitchen and made a list of basic groceries they were out of. Since Joe had taken the truck, there was no way to go into town to shop, but at least she would have a list. Worried about her father, she decided to make something to feed his sweet tooth. She found a can of peaches and put together a pie plate with the peaches on the bottom and a topping of oatmeal mixed with a little flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. She set this in the oven, wishing she had a carton of ice cream. This might keep a little weight on her dad.

“What are you making?” Mark asked. He had come into the kitchen with his headphones around his neck. “Whatever it is smells awesome.”

“Sort of a peach cobbler. I hope it turns out to be edible,” she said, ruffling his hair. “Are you feeling better about the horses being sold?”

Mark shrugged but managed a grin. “At least we know they will be taken care of over at the Garretts’ place. And I can ride the school bus over there to see Sam. Colton said he would give me some chores to do and pay me for them too.” He seemed proud of himself, which was an about-face from the sadness that had kept him so depressed.

“That’s wonderful.” Misty felt the ache of tears in her throat. “I’m sure you’ll do a great job for him.”

Mark nodded enthusiastically. “Colton said I could buy Sam back from him whenever I wanted.” He blinked and gazed up at her solemnly. “But if you need the money, I’ll give it to you instead.”

Misty grabbed her little brother in a fierce hug. “You are the very best brother ever. I’m pretty sure we’re going to be just fine.”

* * *

Colton supervised the unloading of the horses into a temporary corral. He kept an eye on the big Appaloosa stallion. Quite a handsome fellow, aren’t you? And somehow he would have the use of Sam until young Mark earned enough to buy him back. That would be fine. He was glad to give the boy a break. Colton thought the family could use the money, one way or another.

He eyed his brother Beau speculatively. “Thanks for getting Dad all riled up about Misty. What did you tell him, anyway?”

Beau shrugged. “I only passed along what you said…that you were going to marry her.”

Colton heaved out a huge sigh. “Well, remind me to repay the favor, Little Bro. I owe you one.”

“Aw, Colt.” Beau fisted his hands on his hips. “It’s just that I’ve never seen you go all ape-shit crazy over any girl before. I mean, you’ve dated some of the most smokin’-hot females known to mankind, and now you’re acting like a fool over a girl who just isn’t in your league. She’s got no education. No class.”

Colt felt a muscle twitch in his jaw. “I’m going to forget you said that, because if I think about it I might get angry.” He huffed out a sigh. “And for your information, Misty earned a full-ride scholarship to Oklahoma State…she dropped out when her dad got sick.”

“Sorry.” Beau shook his head. “Okay, I’m shutting up. You do what you want, but I’m telling you, I think you’re making a big mistake here.”

“And you think I’m going to take dating advice from my baby brother? The one who still hides girly magazines under his bed? I think not.” Colton stomped over to secure the corral after the last horse was unloaded.

Six horses were milling around in the enclosure. The big Appaloosa was clearly the leader, whinnying and nickering to show his uneasiness over the situation. He rushed around the makeshift corral with the females and the gelding following in his wake.

“It’s okay, big fellow,” Colton said. “I know how you feel, but don’t you worry. Your friend is going to be here after school on Monday, and he’ll help you adjust.” He spoke in a soothing voice, hoping to calm the horse. “In the meantime, let’s get to know each other.”

Sam paused, arching his neck to gaze at Colton with intelligent eyes.

Oh, yeah. This horse is a proud one. He’ll definitely be a good ride.

Colt let the new horses settle down within the confines of the temporary corral and got to his other customary chores. His thoughts were mulling over a wealth of new considerations.

He thought about the land his father had apportioned for his middle brother Tyler to build his new house and wondered where, on this sprawling ranch, he would choose to build. He was certain Big Jim would allow him the same courtesy. A home of his own within the compound.

Colt thought about a place where he had always liked to fish. A section of land where the creek curved around in an arc. Good to have close access to water. Good to have a handy place to fish. Yes, he could see building a cabin there…with a big deck. Maybe plant a few fruit trees.

He realized he was smiling, and he realized it was because he was picturing Misty there. He heaved a sigh. Not a good thing when he had known the girl such a short time. Maybe Beau was right. Maybe he was rushing things. Maybe he should just relax and let things play out a bit.

He went to feed the calves while giving himself a good, sensible talking-to.

* * *

When Misty called Colton, she could hardly draw a breath. She felt tongue-tied and shy.

“Hello.” The voice on the other end of the line sounded big and busy and slightly out of breath.

“Oh…Colton?”

“Misty?” Suddenly the voice changed. She could hear the smile and picture his handsome face.

“Yes, it’s me.” She paused, a warm feeling spreading through her chest as though he was right there with her. “I, uh…my dad is feeling better, and the hospice lady said he should be fine tonight.”

“Great! I was hoping you would be able to keep our date this evening.”

“Date,” she repeated, thinking of the lame boys she had dated in the past. This thing with Colton was nothing that she had experienced before. Since she had come home to care for her father, she had been dateless. She sucked in a breath and let it out. “Yes, I’ll be able to go on a date. Rosa will be here with Dad and should be able to help him with anything he might need.”

“That’s great news. I’ll pick you up at about six, if that’s okay. We could take in a movie after dinner, if you want.”

“That would be nice. I haven’t seen a film in a theater in a long time.”

“I have no idea what’s showing at the movie theater.” He paused for a few seconds. “I hope it will be something you like.”

“I’m sure I’ll like it.” She couldn’t tell him that she would enjoy anything as long as she was with him. “I—I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you for being so kind to Mark. You know he’s crazy about Sam.”

“He’s a great kid. He’s going to be here after school to start his work with the horses.”

Misty felt a tightness in her chest. “Oh, Colt. You have no idea how much that means to him…to me.”

“It’s no big deal. He can give me some real help. See you later.”

When the call ended, she stood for a time, holding her phone with both hands. The warm feeling Colton engendered stayed with her for some time.

That evening, she fed her father and spent more than a little time getting ready. She didn’t want to overdo it. Above all, she didn’t want to appear as needy as, in fact, she was feeling.

By the time six o’clock rolled around, she was a basket case. She had changed clothes several times, had put her hair up and taken it back down, and was now peeking out the front drapes to see if the big silver truck was approaching the house.

As it happened, she stepped out back to see if Joe was going to be staying at the ranch that evening.

“So you’re going on a date with one of the Garretts?” Joe said. “Well, don’t let it go to your little head. You’re nothing to him. Just a pretty piece of ass, so don’t go thinking it means anything at all. You don’t want to get knocked up and then think you got it made. You ain’t near good enough for a Garrett.” He turned away, angry. “We don’t mean nothin’ to folks like that.”

Hurt, Misty went back inside. She supposed the Garretts were a cut above the other ranchers in the area. There were a few other big ranches, and they were owned by families who had held them for generations. She glanced at herself in the mirror and straightened her shoulders. I may not be from a wealthy family, but I am worth something.

That was when Colton and Mark arrived.

“Hey, Misty,” Mark called as he came through the door with Colton on his heels. “I had the best time at Colton’s place. You should see it.”

She gave a smile in return, but it faltered, Joe’s words echoing in her head. Pressing her lips together, she sucked in a breath and started again. “Glad to hear it. Your dinner’s on the stove, so help yourself when you’re ready.”

Colton was standing just inside the door, his Stetson in hand. He somehow seemed to dwarf everything in the room. “Hey, Misty. You sure do look pretty tonight.” He looked so earnest she couldn’t believe he was being untruthful.

“Thanks, Colton. I’m ready.” She reached for her jacket and approached him.

“I’m really glad you could make it.” His deep voice wrapped around her like an embrace.

Misty felt as though a feather pillow had exploded in her chest. “Me too.”

He held the door open for her and walked her to his truck, handing her up before taking his place behind the wheel. “Are you still up for the steak house, or is there some other restaurant you prefer?”

“No, that’s fine.”

To tell the truth, she had never eaten at the steak house, so this would be a treat on more than one level.

Colton made small talk about Mark and the horses.

“It was really nice of you to give him a job to do. He was so miserable about Sam being sold. Thank you for saving Sam and being so kind to my little brother.”

Colton shrugged. “Not a big deal. I was a boy once and just as horse crazy. I know how he feels.”

“But no one ever sold your horse out from under you, did they?”

He shot a glance at her. “Uh, no. That didn’t happen to me, but I can understand how he feels. Just glad for the help. He’s a really good kid.”

She watched the road ahead, thinking she had made the drive into Langston a zillion times yet this felt like the first time in so many ways.

Colton reached over to gather her hand in his. He lifted it to his lips and pressed a kiss to her fingers. It felt good.

She gazed at him, and he turned to meet her eyes. Swallowing hard, she tried to clear away the image of Joe telling her she wasn’t good enough for a Garrett. Maybe not, but Colton doesn’t seem to think so.

When they reached the steak house, she saw that quite a crowd had gathered. Colton tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and strolled right inside. There were people standing near the front door, waiting to be seated, but Colt led Misty to the hostess stand.

“Garrett,” he said. “We have a reservation.”

The hostess glanced at Misty and gathered two menus. “Right this way, Mr. Garrett. Your table is ready.”

He indicated Misty was to follow the hostess, and he fell into step behind her.

Misty tried not to blush when heads turned to stare at them.

Colt raised his hand to wave to several people who greeted him. He didn’t seem to be ashamed to be seen in the company of a girl from a poor family.

Colt held out the chair for her and seated himself next to her at the table. The waitress passed the menus and left.

“How do you like your steak, Misty?” Colt said.

She smiled. She had no idea how she liked her steak because most of her beef came in the form of hamburger or stewing beef. “Perfect.”

A wide grin split his face. “Me too. How about a rib eye?”

She nodded. “Sure.”

“A little salad? A baked potato?”

“Sure,” she repeated.

He gathered her menu and laid it aside with his. “Glad that’s settled.”

When the waitress came with water, Colt placed their order.

Misty took a sip of water, glancing around the restaurant. There were a few people she knew, or recognized at least. There were people she had gone to church with and a couple of people she had known in school, but for the most part, they were strangers. She wondered why it felt as though everyone was staring at her and Colton.

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

“No, I just…” She took a deep breath and blew it out. “Why are people staring?”

He smiled and stroked her cheek. “Probably because you’re so beautiful. I know I can’t take my eyes off you.”

She wasn’t accustomed to receiving compliments or, for that matter, affection from a man, especially in public. But Colt seemed to feel comfortable expressing himself in front of friends and neighbors.

When their meal was served, Misty inhaled the aroma of the perfectly grilled steak. She watched Colton and took her dining cues from him.

After their meal, she pulled out her cell to call her home. She spoke with Rosa, who reported that her father had watched television and fallen asleep after she had given him his nightly medication. Mark was doing homework in his room. She hung up and returned the phone to her small handbag. “Everything is going well at home. My dad is asleep.”

“Does that mean we can go to the show?” Colton asked.

She nodded. “I’d like that.”

He took her to the only movie theater in town, and they watched a film, eating popcorn from the same container. Colton kept his arm around her shoulders. Somehow she felt as though there were only the two of them in the theater.

When they walked out, she was still feeling close to Colton. He helped her into the truck and drove out of town toward the Dalton ranch. Actually, in the direction of the Garrett ranch as well.

Colton drove, holding her hand. The moonlight spilled over the long, straight highway, lighting it up like an arrow in the darkness. The headlights were on bright because of the infrequency of oncoming traffic. Folks in these parts generally turned in early, even on a Saturday night.

Off to one side of the road, Misty saw something that drew her attention.

“What’s that up ahead?” Colton asked. He pointed to a cluster of flashing lights to the left side of the highway.

He slowed the truck, easing up to the scene. “Accident,” he pronounced, pulling to a stop. He lowered the window as a state trooper approached. “What happened, Officer?”

Misty sat up and leaned forward, peering through the windshield. “Oh no! That’s Joe’s truck!” Her chest tightened as though in a vise. She couldn’t draw a breath.

Colt pulled the truck to the side of the road and shut off the motor. He opened the door and jumped from the vehicle. Turning around, he held out his arms to Misty and she leaped into them as he swung her to the ground. “C’mon,” he said, grasping her hand. They ran toward the overturned truck.

Once they were closer, Colton stopped short. “Wait here. Let me see what’s going on.”

Misty’s legs felt like jelly, but she managed to stay on her feet and watched as Colt ran toward the wrecked truck. She sucked in a shaky breath and slowly followed behind him.

He was talking to one of the troopers when she caught up to him. The trooper turned to Colton with a grimace. “He’s gone.”

“What? Where did he go?” Misty demanded. “Oh, my daddy is going to be so upset with him for wrecking the truck.”

Colton caught her by the shoulder and pulled her close. He addressed the state trooper. “What is it you’re saying?”

“The young man driving…you knew him?” the trooper asked.

“Yes, Joe Dalton. This is his sister.”

The trooper’s jaw twitched. “Miss Dalton, I’m sorry to inform you that your brother didn’t make it. The ambulance took his remains to the county morgue.”

Misty covered her mouth with both hands. It couldn’t be. Not Joe. She felt her knees give way, but Colton was lifting her…carrying her in his arms.

Colt swallowed. “How did it happen? Was there another vehicle involved?”

The trooper settled his fists against his waist and frowned. “Yes and no. There was no impact, but it appears this driver was shot from another moving vehicle. It was a head wound. He died instantly, and the truck spun off the road through the fence over there and came to a rest on its side here.” He pointed to the place the fence was broken and showed where the truck ended up. “We’re treating this as a homicide.”

Misty was shaking. “Oh no. Oh no. This will kill my father.”