Reunited with the Rancher (Texas Cattleman's Club: Blackmail 3)

“I know I did, but sometimes when I’m with Natalie and the kids, it gets to me, because Jeremy should be with them instead of me.”

“You’ve really kept your promise to Jeremy. She’s so grateful for all you’ve done for them.”

“I’m trying,” he said. “When I think of the sacrifice he made, there’s never enough I can do.”

“You’re a good guy,” Emily said, and meant it. Tears threatened because she had lost Tom and there were moments it hurt badly. After a few minutes, she pulled herself together. “Natalie appreciates everything you’ve done and it’s obvious the kids love you. You should have your own kids,” she said quietly. He shot her a quick, startled glance but said nothing.

She felt another wave of sadness that she couldn’t give Tom another little boy. If only she had been able to get pregnant, they might have had a chance to save their marriage. But that wasn’t what had happened.

“They are cute kids. Lexie knows she is,” Tom said, smiling. “That little girl can steal the show when she wants to. I’m glad you and Natalie met. I should have done that long ago, but you and I have been out of each other’s lives for a long time now.”

“I’m glad to meet her. I understand her loss and she understands mine—actually, ours.”

“Yes. She’s done well, but she has moments. She keeps a good front for the kids’ sakes, so that helps in a way.”

Emily thought about how all three of them—she, Natalie and Tom—had been targets of Maverick in a way. But Maverick’s hateful lies had backfired, bringing them closer together instead of driving them all apart.

When they got back to her house, she was astonished again by the difference only a week had made. The new coat of paint was beginning to transform the house into the home she remembered and loved and always thought was so beautiful. Tom had started working on the yard because the days were getting warmer. He’d made two beds ready for spring planting. Filled with energy, Tom got things done, but she always had been impressed by his strength and vigor.

“It’s just been a week and you’ve made a giant difference. It doesn’t look like the same house.”

“I’m glad you noticed, and you sound happy with it.”

“I am happy with it. It’s done and it looks nice and thank you.”

“Good. It’s a hell of a lot safer and more secure, too,” Tom said. He parked at the side of the house, leaving the pickup so it could be seen from the street.

“You’re not getting out of the pickup,” she said, looking at him sitting still, staring straight ahead.

“No, I’m looking at the garage.”

“Oh, heavens, what now, Tom? There must be something I need to fix.”

“There sure as hell is. Emily, that garage is as old as this house. That big mulberry tree with giant roots is pushing the garage over and the driveway up.”

“You want me to get rid of the garage?”

“Yes. You need to get estimates—I’ll do it—on a new driveway and a new garage and come into this century. Or even come into the last half of the last century. That thing is simply going to collapse someday soon and you

don’t want to be in it when it does.”

She looked at the old garage and the cracked slabs of concrete driveway that had been pushed several inches into the air.

“Do you remember when your uncle Woody stopped using it?” Tom asked.

“I was probably about twelve. Okay. You’re right about the garage.”

Tom smiled. “So I’m finally right about something concerning this house.”

“You’re right about everything concerning this house. Tom, it is definitely better. It would have taken me months to get done what you’ve done. I’m grateful for your help,” she said.

“I’ll get your estimates on a driveway and the cost for a new garage. This will be a garage today’s car will fit into,” he said, grinning and shaking his head. “That thing was built for a Model T.”

Together they carried the picnic things into the house. “It’s a pretty Saturday night,” he remarked. “After we get through putting the stuff away, let’s sit on the porch, have a drink and enjoy the evening.”

“Sure,” she said, knowing if they did that many more times, she would miss having him here when he returned to the ranch. “But I need a shower first—I’ve been outside all day, in the grass, petting the dog—”

“Right. I know one thing that would make taking a shower better—”