Texas Tough (The Tylers of Texas 2)

If things went wrong, the painful drama of the past could replay with new characters. But it was out of her hands, Tori reminded herself. She’d spoken her mind to Natalie. All she could do now was be there for her friend and for the family she still cared deeply about.

She walked to the back of the couch, then bent forward to brush a kiss on Erin’s cheek. “Call me, okay?” she said.

“Sure.” Erin tore her attention away from the bull riding long enough to return the kiss. “Love you.”

“Love you back.” She ruffled her daughter’s loose hair.

Will looked up at her, his eyes so deeply blue that, even after all this time, they could still stop her breath. “Same time next week?” he asked.

“Same time, or I’ll let you know. Thanks.”

“Thanks for coming.” His gaze held hers for an instant. Then he turned back to the TV, leaving Tori to walk outside alone. These days their friendship was little more than an act, staged for Erin’s benefit. Something about Will still quickened Tori’s pulse. But it wasn’t enough to heal the hurt, and never would be. Over the years they’d become different people—strangers, almost, with nothing to link them except the beautiful child they both adored.

With a last look back at the house, Tori climbed into her station wagon and headed back to town.

Sky and Jasper sat on the front porch of their duplex, watching the twilight deepen above the caprock. Crickets chirped in the shadows. The Border Collie curled at Jasper’s feet, his nose resting on the old man’s boot.

Sky had moved his chair to Jasper’s side of the porch so they could be close enough to talk. He had missed the old cowboy. The thought that Jasper might have died from the gunshot wound and the pneumonia still raised a lump in his throat.

Jasper reached down to scratch the dog’s ears. “Thanks for gettin’ me back here, Sky. That sister of mine was bossin’ me near to death.”

“And you were wearing Bernice to a frazzle,” Sky said. “I figured both of you were ready for a break.”

“How about bringin’ my ATV around tomorrow? I’m itchin’ for a ride.”

“Sorry, but that’s up to Will. He’s got the keys and he won’t let you ride till you’re stronger. But I can take you out in the pickup tomorrow. If you’re up for it, we can take a look at the place where you were shot. Maybe it’ll help you remember.”

“You told me it was your no-good cousin that shot me. And that now he’s lit out somewhere. So what’s to remember?”

“Maybe nothing. But if you can help me, I’d like to make sure Marie’s telling the truth about it being an accident.”

“Marie? That’s the cousin who’s waitressin’ at the Blue Coyote, right?”

“Right. I should probably check in with her. She hasn’t been in touch since her brother disappeared.”

Jasper spat off the edge of the porch. “Well, after knowing Lute and hearing about those other two birds, I can’t say much for that side of your family.”

“They’re no angels. But after my mother died, they were all the family I had. At least they didn’t turn me away. I guess I owe them something for that.”

“What about the other side of your family? What have you done about that secret I told you?”

Sky’s pulse lurched. Knowing Jasper, he should have expected the question and had a response ready. Instead he felt as if he’d been punched. Seconds ticked by before he answered.

“Nothing. It’s like that Pandora’s Box I read about in school, Jasper. Open it, and all the troubles come flying out into the world. I’m fine with things as they are. What would I have to gain by telling Will and Beau that their father slept with a Comanche woman and I’m their bastard brother?”

Jasper gazed at him with a puzzled frown. “I was hoping it would give you some peace. But you don’t sound very happy about it.”

Sky leaned back in the chair and crossed his booted feet. The call of a coyote echoed through the twilight. “Bull Tyler knew all along who I was. He never acknowledged me, never said a word. And he never helped my mother. She died poor, without the medical treatment that might’ve saved her life. Which part of that should I be happy about?”

“Blast it, Sky . . .” Jasper’s words trailed into silence. His chin settled on his chest. He was quiet so long that Sky thought he’d fallen into a doze, but at last he spoke. “Bull had his reasons. You might not understand them, but I could tell you more if you want to know.”

Sky weighed the invitation, then shook his head. “Right now I figure the less I know, the less I’ll brood about it. If I change my mind, I’ll ask.”

“Don’t wait too long. I’m an old man. I won’t be here to answer your questions forever.” Jasper ruminated for a moment, then changed the subject.

“Heard about Hoyt Axelrod dyin’ in jail. Can’t say I’m sorry. Would’ve plugged him myself if I’d been there when he shot you in the back. Have they figured out what killed the bugger?”

“Last we heard, the official cause of death was ‘undetermined. ’”