Son of Texas

“My memories of him are vague, but Caleb and I are leaving for Beckett in the morning to find answers.”

“Oh, darlin’. I don’t like the thought of you leaving me, and I like the thought of you getting hurt even less.”

“I’ll be fine, Ms. Gertie, but I hate deserting you on such short notice.”

“Don’t give it another thought. You just get your life back, and if that life doesn’t appeal to you, you always have a home here.”

“Ms. Gertie, you’re truly an angel.”

“Oh, darlin’, don’t look too closely or you’ll find the horns.” She rose, Harry comfortable in her arms. “I’ll get dressed and meet you in the study. We have a lot to get done before the ball.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m right behind you.”

In her room, she called Caroline to let her know what had happened.

“Oh, Belle, that’s marvelous,” Caroline said. “But I’ll miss you.”

Caroline had been a true friend when she’d needed one and Belle would never forget that. “I’ll miss you, too, our talks, our lunches. Both you and Grace. Please tell her for me.” Grace was Caroline’s sister and they were very close. They both had made Belle feel not so alone and she was grateful for that.

“Sure,” Caroline agreed. “I’m glad Caleb is going with you. I won’t worry so much. He’ll take very good care of you.”

“Yes, he always does that.” Belle bit her lip, realizing not for the first time how kind people had been to her since her ordeal.

“Mmm.”

Belle didn’t miss the hint in Caroline’s soft voice—that there was more than friendship between Belle and Caleb.

“Promise you’ll call and visit Eli and me often.”

“I will.” Belle would be forever indebted to Eli, who’d rescued his future wife, Caroline, and Belle from the cult.

“Be happy, Belle, that’s what Eli and I want for you.”

“Thanks, Caroline, and thanks for being a good friend.” Tears welled in her eyes.

“This isn’t goodbye forever,” Caroline said. “I won’t let it be.”

“Me, neither.” She’d never forget her friends in Austin.

“Bye, Belle.”

Belle. Belle. Belle. But she wasn’t Belle. She was Josie Marie Beckett.

She hung up the phone, feeling sad. In Austin she had friends, people who cared about her. What awaited her in Beckett, Texas?

CALEB STARTED HIS DAY by calling Jeremiah Tucker, a friend and fellow ranger, to see if he’d cover for Caleb while he was away. Tuck was affable and hardworking and he readily agreed, wishing Caleb all the best in placing Belle back with her family.

Then he headed for Waco to tell his parents in person. Andrew Wellman was his stepfather, but he was Caleb’s father in every way that counted. Joe McCain, his biological father, never claimed Caleb or acknowledged his existence. Joe was an angry, controlling, jealous man and he’d put Caleb’s mother, Althea, through hell. The only place he’d let her go alone was to church and there she found the courage to get out of a rotten marriage.

Jake and Beau, Caleb’s older brothers, were supposed to go with her, but Jake, the oldest, refused to go and stayed with his father. Jake believed all the lies his father had told him about his mother—that the baby she was carrying was the bastard son of Andrew Wellman. Althea grieved for her oldest son, and Caleb grew up with her heartache. But five years ago Althea and Jake had finally found each other again and Caleb had found his brother. They were now a family.

Joe McCain had fathered four sons, but he hadn’t been a father to any of them, not even Jake, the one son he acknowledged. The oldest, Eli, was a son by another woman and Joe never claimed him, either. But Eli found his own kind of peace in the arms of Caroline—a woman who loved him just the way he was.

All the McCain men had scars and Caleb knew his ran deep. Andrew gave him everything he needed, but he could never explain why his father didn’t want him. He had a good life with good parents, but at the oddest times he would think about his biological father and wonder if he’d ever have any good feelings about the man.

He drove around to the garages of the two-story colonial house he’d grown up in, and entered through the breakfast area. Andrew and his mother were sitting at the table, eating. His petite mother had salt-and-pepper hair and brown eyes like all her sons. Andrew was thin and tall with a thatch of gray hair. They both smiled as he walked in.

“Caleb.” Althea ran to hug him. “What a pleasant surprise.”

Andrew gave him a bear hug. “Good to have you home, son. If you have a while, we can get in a round of golf.”

“Andrew, give him a chance to take a breath,” Althea scolded. “Have a seat and I’ll fix you some breakfast.”

Andrew winked at him. “She just wants to cook for someone other than me.”

His mother loved to cook. She always had and her children were the center of her world. And now that she had Jake and his family back, she was happier than Caleb had ever seen her.

“We’re having waffles and bacon, but I can fix you anything you like.”

“That’s fine, Mom.” Caleb removed his hat and took a seat.

Andrew sat beside him. “You look a little down, son. Something wrong?”

Andrew knew him so well and their bond was close, as close as blood, and Caleb loved the compassionate, kind man. A lot of people who didn’t know Caleb wasn’t Andrew’s biological son said Caleb took after him. Caleb considered that a compliment. Andrew had been the best role model, and everything that he’d learned he’d gotten from him.

“I’m fine, Dad,” he replied. He’d always called him Dad because he was the only father he’d ever known. It had taken Beau a while, but he called Andrew Dad, too.

Althea placed coffee, maple syrup and a plate of waffles and bacon in front of him. He dived in, realizing he was hungry. His parents watched him as they would a two-year-old—with love and affection.

Caleb laid his fork down. “I just came by to tell you that I’ll be gone for a few days.”

Andrew took a sip of coffee. “Oh. An important case?”

“Belle has remembered her name and I’m taking her back to her family.”

“Oh, dear, that’s wonderful,” Althea exclaimed, then her face grew somber. “Are you okay with this?”

“Of course. Her memory is returning and that’s what I’ve wanted—for her to find her way back from all the pain.”

Althea covered his hand on the table. “Caleb, my son. I know how you feel about her. Maybe it would be best if someone else escorted her home.”

“Mom.” He patted her hand. “I’m not a kid. I’m the one who has to do this. I have to know that she’s happy.”

“I’m just worried about you.”

“Thea,” Andrew intervened. “Caleb is a grown man and we’ll support him in whatever he chooses to do.”

“Of course, dear.” Althea took Caleb’s plate to the sink, her expression saying more than words. She was worried about her son.

“What’s her name?” Andrew asked.

“Josie Marie Beckett.”

Andrew lifted an eyebrow. “Any relation to Boone Beckett?”

“He’s her grandfather.”

“Now isn’t that something.”

“Do you know him, dear?” Althea asked, returning to the table.

“Met him a few times in the nineties when I was helping Gertie with some fund-raisers. He’s quite a character, opinionated and mule-headed, but he comes from oil money so people put up with him.”

“Oh, dear, he doesn’t sound like Belle at all. Does she remember anything about their relationship?”

“No. But bits and pieces are coming back to her and the doctor feels that being in Beckett will help to restore all her memory.”

“Be careful, son.”

“I will, Mom, and don’t worry.”

“Oh, please.” Althea gave an aggravated sigh. “The older my sons get, the more I worry.”

“Anybody home?” Beau shouted a moment before he walked in with a black-and-white puppy in his arms. “Hey, Caleb.”

“Morning, Beau.”

Beau was the second son of Althea and Joe McCain. He was a family man to the core and he kept them all bound together with continual lunches and gatherings. Beau had the biggest heart of anyone Caleb had ever known. He got that from his mother—always caring for others.

“What have you got there?” Althea asked, kissing Beau’s cheek.

“An orphan. Do you know anyone who needs a puppy?”

Caleb laughed. “Don’t tell me. Another one of Macy’s rescues.”

Macy was Beau’s neighbor and had been most of his life. She lived down the street when they were kids and now she lived in the condo next to Beau. Macy was an animal lover and she rescued more animals than the animal shelter. She and Beau had been friends all their lives, but neither was willing to take their relationship to the next step. Caleb didn’t think they ever would.

“Yes.” Beau stroked the small dog. “He has some scars on his stomach. Someone did a number on him. Since Macy works nights at the hospital, I’ve had him two nights in a row. Macy can’t seem to find a home for him so I’m lending a hand.”

“I’ve lost track of the number of dogs and cats Macy has conned you into taking. You’re such a sweet man.”

“Yeah, Mom. That’s me.” A slight flush stained Beau’s cheeks and Caleb saw his pain. Caleb wondered if they were both destined for broken hearts.

Althea took the dog from Beau. “Poor little thing,” she cooed.

Andrew joined her. “Look at those big brown eyes, Thea.”

At that moment, the puppy licked Althea’s face. “Oh, Andrew, he’s so cute.”

While they were cooing over the dog, Beau went to get a cup of coffee and Caleb followed. “You planned that brilliantly, didn’t you?”

Beau took a swallow of coffee. “Thought it might work.”

“Beau,” Althea said. “We’ll keep him.”

“Yeah,” Andrew added. “We’ll buy him a doghouse and put it in the backyard.”

“Backyard?” Althea seemed offended. “We’ll put it on the patio or in the garage.”

“Yes, dear,” Andrew replied. “There’s a box in the garage and we can make him a bed until then.”

The two disappeared out the door.

Caleb leaned against the cabinet and told Beau the news about Belle.

“Wow. That’s great.” Beau paused, watching Caleb. “Isn’t it?”

“Yes. I knew this day was coming.”

Beau patted his shoulder. “Love is hell.”

Caleb shook his head. “What do you know about love? You spend all your time with a woman you won’t even ask out.”

Beau grimaced. “Don’t start about Macy. We’re just friends.”

“Oh, Beau.” Caleb sighed. “For such a brilliant lawyer, you can sometimes be very dense.”

They heard a squeal of delight from the garage and they knew who it was—Katie, Jake’s four-year-old daughter. Althea kept her while Elise worked as an English professor at the university. Their son, Ben, was already in school.

Katie walked slowly into the breakfast room, carrying the dog. Jake was behind her. “Look, Uncle Beau and Uncle Caleb, this is Bandy. Grandpa called him that cause he’s got a white Band-Aid over his eye.”

Caleb swung her up in his arms, kissing her cheek, and shaking Jake’s hand. “Morning, brother.”

“Morning. Didn’t know we were having a family meeting.”

All the brothers were tall with brown hair and eyes, but Jake and Caleb took after their father with lean, lanky frames. Beau had more meat on his bones, as Althea put it.

Katie got down to play with the puppy and Caleb told Jake about Belle. “That’s good news. I hope it turns out well for her—and you.”

Caleb caught that note of concern in his voice. “I’m fine really, so you, Beau, Mom and Dad can stop worrying about me.”

Jake punched his shoulder playfully. “That’s what families are for, little bro.”

“Yeah,” Caleb smiled in his easygoing way, realizing he was getting a bit sensitive.

“Wait a minute.” Beau saw the extra plate in the sink. “Caleb, did you have waffles this morning?”

“Sure did. The best Mom ever made.”

Althea walked in, hearing the conversation. “Sit down, boys, and I’ll make a fresh batch.”

Caleb kissed his mom. “I’ve got to run and I’ve already had waffles. Guess I’m the favorite.”

Guffaws followed that.

“Now, boys,” Althea said, but she was smiling.

Caleb hugged his dad. “Son…”

“I know, Dad.” Caleb hugged him tighter. “I’ll be careful.”

“I’ll let everyone know when I get back.” He gave Katie a quick hug and a kiss and walked out. Jake and Beau followed him.

They embraced before Caleb got in his car. “If you need anything, just call us,” Jake said.

“Even if it’s in the middle of the night,” Beau added.

“I will, and thanks.”

“Have you talked to Eli?” Jake asked.

“I spoke to Tuck, but I’ll call Eli when I get to my office. Being a newlywed, I didn’t want to intrude on his morning.”

Caleb drove away knowing whatever happened he had the love and support of his family. And he had a feeling he was going to need it.

CHAPTER THREE

WHEN CALEB REACHED his office, Eli, his half brother, was waiting for him. Tuck was Eli’s foster brother and had told him the news. Because he’d been the one who’d rescued Belle, at times he felt responsible for her life.

“How is she?” Eli asked, a note of worry in his voice.

Eli was a big muscular man and the only son who had Joe McCain’s blue eyes.

“She’s scared.” There was no reason to lie.

“She’s been scared for a long time.”

“Yeah. But this is different.” He sank into his chair. “I think I’m a little scared, too.” That wasn’t easy for him to admit.

Eli watched him. “Let me take her back. End the relationship now and spare yourself the pain.”

Caleb slowly removed his hat. “Would you have let me help Caroline?”

“Hell, no.”

“My answer is the same.”

Eli nodded. “Then I’ll go with you. Between the two of us, we can protect her and make sure no one gets the chance to hurt her again.”

Caleb lifted an eyebrow. “What about Caroline?”

“She’ll understand.”

She probably would, Caleb thought. They both cared and worried about Belle. But something held him back.

He laid his hat on his desk, running his finger over the rim of the Stetson. “I have to do this alone. I have to do it for her—and for me.”

Eli nodded, understanding as Caleb knew he would. “Just nail the bastard who put her through hell.”

“I intend to.”

“And Caleb…”

“What?” Caleb saw the concern in Eli’s eyes and knew exactly what the concern was about. “I’ll be fine, Eli.”

“But it won’t be easy.”

“No.” It wasn’t going to be easy to return Belle to another life—a life without him in it—and Eli understood that. Even though they’d only known each other a short time, their bond was close—as brothers should be.

They talked a bit more then Eli left for his office. Caleb took care of things that needed his immediate attention before the trip, then he headed home, packed his clothes and dressed for the ball.

BELLE WAS IN A RUSH all day and didn’t have time to dwell on a lot of painful thoughts. Gertie had a hundred things for her to do and she was glad to soak in a hot tub before she dressed for the evening. She stared at the black gown with a V-neck and long sleeves. Sequins decorated the bodice and glistened like tiny stars. The pencil-slim skirt had a slit up the side, showing off her leg and ankles. The dress was expensive and she’d balked at the extravagance when she’d first started working for Gertie. But Gertie insisted it was part of the job. Belle had to dress the part, so she acquiesced. But she was sure she’d never worn clothes like this before. They didn’t feel familiar.

She braided her hair, entwining a sparkly ribbon through it, and coiled it into a knot at the back of her head, curling several loose tendrils around her face. She’d done her hair like this before. When she was small, her mother had done Josie’s hair the same way. Many times. Marie would brush Josie’s hair until it shone, then she would braid it to keep it out of her eyes. As Josie grew older Marie would interweave a colorful ribbon to match Josie’s clothes. For the prom, Marie had done Josie’s hair just as it was now.

Belle’s cheeks felt warm from the memory of her wonderful mother. She was remembering more now and her heart hammered so fast she had to take a deep breath.

Later she would relive the memories until they were permanent, never to be forgotten or destroyed again. But now she had to concentrate on the evening.

She slipped on sandaled heels and buckled the strap across the ankle. Standing, she felt light-headed from the height. Good grief, how was she supposed to walk in these things? Wearing heels this high obviously wasn’t a part of her daily life. After a few trips around her bedroom, she went to help Gertie.

CALEB WAS AT GERTIE’S on time and when he saw Belle, his heart stopped. She was more than beautiful. She was radiant, and Caleb felt privileged to have her on his arm.

The night was melancholy. Caleb and Belle were both aware that tomorrow their lives would change. Caleb put it out of his mind and enjoyed the evening. The ball was in full swing and Caleb held her close as they danced the slow tunes and laughed as they cut up during the fast ones. They didn’t talk much. They didn’t need to.

They circled the dance floor to “Moon River,” his hand at her back, her head on his shoulder. Through the thin fabric of her dress, his fingers felt the scars on her back. He forced down the anger in him, not wanting any reminders of what the cult had done to her.

“I like to dance,” she said.

“I know.” They’d been dancing several times in the past year.

“Some things you just don’t forget.” She raised her head, her eyes twinkling. “We dance so well together, Caleb McCain. I must have known you in another life.”

He just smiled, wishing that was true—that he was the man in Belle’s life. But he was her protector, her friend, and another man was waiting for her. Of that Caleb was certain. But tonight she was his.

Several other men asked Belle to dance and he stood on the sidelines trying to let go. He was just amazed at the change in her. A few months ago Belle was a frightened woman, not wanting anyone to touch her. She was now unafraid of human touch, but she still had issues about her back and didn’t want anyone to see the scars. When Josie surfaced completely, he wondered how she would deal with it.

The auction started and Belle and Caleb took their seats. Gertie’s bird-hat was a big hit and Caleb almost choked when it sold for ten thousand dollars. Gertie had obviously gotten the word out.

It was after midnight when they returned to the Parker house. Gertie retired to her bedroom and Caleb lingered for a moment in the living room, not wanting this night to end.

“Are you packed?” he asked Belle.

She sat on the sofa, removing her heels. “Yes. What time do you want to leave?”

“How about eight?”

“That’s fine.” She rubbed her feet. “I know one thing. I didn’t wear heels a lot as Josie.”

He grinned. “Probably not as a police officer.”

She leaned back. “I can’t remember anything about that.”

“You will.”

“Yes.”

There was an awkward pause as they both dealt with an uncertain future.

Caleb was the first to speak. “I better go so you can get some rest.”

“Good night.”

“Good night, Belle.” He said her name slowly, reverently, and probably for the last time. As he walked out, he jerked off his tie. Tomorrow she’d find her family and answers. Tomorrow she might recover her memory completely.

And Caleb would return alone.

THE NEXT MORNING Belle was up early, her few meager belongings packed into a suitcase. She said a tearful goodbye to Gertie and her pets, then went downstairs to wait for Caleb.

Within minutes she was in Caleb’s Tahoe headed out of Austin to Beckett. She felt a sense of foreboding and couldn’t shake it. Conversation was slow as they took I-35 then the I-410 Loop toward Corpus Christi.

“Have you remembered anything else?” Caleb asked, sensing her nervousness and wanting to put her at ease.

She shrugged. “Not much. Just bits and pieces from my childhood.” She turned in her seat to face him. “The rest of it is there and even though I’m still afraid, I’m ready for it all to unfold.”

He knew she was. He suddenly realized that his issues with his father were nothing compared to what she’d been through and had yet to face. And he’d never leave her. Until she asked.

“Did you tell your parents where you were going?” she asked, and he knew she wanted to change the subject.

“Yes. I saw them yesterday and they’re very happy you’re regaining your memory.”

She smiled slightly. “You have very good parents.”

Belle had met them on several occasions and his parents liked her. She got along well with people. He returned her smile, knowing his parents were great.

“You were lucky to have Andrew for a father instead of Joe McCain.”

She always seemed to know what he was thinking.

“Yeah,” he replied. “I hope I never forget that.”

“You won’t.” She was quiet for a moment and he glanced at her. Her brow was creased in thought. Suddenly she said, “I had good parents, too.” Her eyes were distant. “My father loved my mother since they were kids. My mother’s father worked on the Silver Spur Ranch and when my mom was old enough she started working in the main house as a maid.”

Caleb didn’t think she even realized she was remembering, so he let her talk.

“My father went off to college and it broke my mom’s heart, but he came back often to see her. When he graduated, Boone said it was time for him to get married and start producing heirs. He had the bride all picked out and it wasn’t Marie Cortez. My father was torn between family loyalty and my mother. In the end, he married Lorna Caraway and my mother left the ranch and never returned.”

Caleb waited, but she didn’t say anything else. He wasn’t sure how much to push. “Was your mother pregnant when she left?”

Belle shook her head. “No. My father couldn’t stay in the arranged marriage so he left to find my mother.”

“What happened to the first wife?”

She frowned deeply. “She was very angry at my father for leaving her. She was four months pregnant at the time.”

There was a tangible pause and Caleb went on pure instinct. “So you have a half sibling?”

She gripped her head. “I suppose. Why can’t I remember?”

“Don’t get stressed out,” he cautioned, turning on US 281 toward Three Rivers. “How about something to eat and drink? I didn’t have a thing but coffee this morning. How about you?”

“I had a muffin and fruit with Ms. Gertie, but I’d love a cup of coffee.”

They stopped at a small diner in Three Rivers. The trip was three and a half hours and they were more than halfway. Caleb ordered coffee and they sat in a booth.

Belle pulled a Snickers out of her purse. “Want a candy bar?”

“No, thanks.” He hid a secret grin at her chocolate fetish. She never went anywhere without chocolate.

The waitress brought coffee and Belle nibbled on the bar, licking her lips. He watched as if mesmerized.

“Her name is Ashley,” Belle said suddenly.

“What?” Caleb wasn’t sure what she was talking about. He was totally absorbed in her mouth and tongue.

“My half sister, that’s her name.”

“Oh.”

Caleb took a sip of coffee and waited for her to continue.

“That doesn’t feel right, though.” Belle clutched her cup, and her turmoil tightened his gut.

“Don’t push it. We’ll be in Beckett soon and hopefully some of your questions will be answered.”

Her eyes suddenly sparkled. “You and I have something in common. We both have a half sibling.”

“Yeah.” He couldn’t take his eyes off her face, that light in her eyes.

“I hope my sister is as nice as Eli.”

Caleb wished that, too, and he wished all her memories would unfold like a fairy tale. But the stark truth was someone tried to kill her, possibly someone in her own family.