A Texas Sky (Yellow Rose Trilogy) (32 page)

the mercantile wall. The dog's tail thumped at the sight of

her, but he still held his right foreleg dose to his body.

Darvi approached without fear and stroked his small

head. He didn't look to be more than a pup. Nevertheless,

she knew she would need help. Darvi made a swift trip

back out to the boardwalk and immediately spied a pair of

teenage boys. She stopped them with a word.

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"Excuse me."

The boys stopped and came to immediate attention; this

lady was pretty, and she had spoken to them first

"There's a dog in the alley that seems to be hurt. Could

you tell me where I could take him?"

"We'll help you," the taller of the two boys said.

Darvi didn't know why they did this but still showed

them the dog. It was no trouble for the first one down the

alley to lift him, and Darvi was glad to see that he was

gentle.

They took the dog to Dr. Wilcox, whose sign Darvi

remembered seeing earlier. His speciality was people, the

boys told her, but he had compassion for dogs. That was

enough for Darvi.

She was a little surprised that the boys did not drop off

the dog and leave, but she didn't mind the company as

long as the little dog was helped. Darvi was still sorting

through some of her thoughts when the doctor joined them

in the waiting room.

"What can I do for you?" Dr. Wilcox asked.

393

"I found this dog in the alley," Darvi explained. "His leg

seems to be hurt."

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The wise doctor took in the scene at a glance before

kneeling down to examine his canine patient

"I think this is Rickmans' dog. Why don't you boys run

down the street and let them know he's here?"

The youths agreed readily enough, but neither one

moved. Darvi had been too busy watching the dog to

notice.

"So whaf s your name?" one of the boys now asked.

The strawberry blonde answered without looking up.

"Darvi Wingate."

"Darvi. Thaf s a nice name. You new in town?"

Darvi finally caught on. She looked up to find keen

interest in both sets of young eyes. Hers had been for the

dog; theirs were for her.

"I think I should tell you, gentlemen, that I'm old

enough to be your, well, your older sister."

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They both smiled at her.

"Where do you live?" was the next question, telling

Darvi they were not put off.

Darvi's chin came up, but she turned away from them,

opening her purse as she moved.

"I'd like to leave payment with you if I could," she said

to the doctor and held out a coin.

"Thank you," he said graciously, "but I'm sure Mr.

Rickman will be happy to take care of it."

Putting her money away, she asked, "Will the little dog

be all right?"

"He'll be fine. We'll have him wrapped up and back to

his owner in no time."

"Thank you," she said to the doctor and then to her

helpers.

As she moved to the door, she heard the physician say,

"Stay here, boys." With that she moved outside and almost

into Dakota's chest.

"Oh, Dakota, I'm sorry I couldn't tell you. I found a dog

in the alley and he was hurt. We just brought him down

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here."

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"Is the dog all right?"

"He's going to be fine. The doctor is taking care of him."

"Are you all right?" he asked, thinking she looked a little

flushed.

Darvi nodded quietly, and Dakota was willing to let the

matter drop, but he'd caught the word we and noticed the

two young men who stood at the doctor's office window

watching them.

"Ready to head back to the ranch?"

"Yes, please."

Dakota saw her to the wagon, but before he could assist

her, she stopped and looked up at him.

"There were two young men who helped me. I think

they were more interested in me than the dog."

Dakota nodded, his eyes telling her he cared.

"I think you might be right/' she said in a soft little

voice. 'Trouble seems to follow me around."

396

"If s not your fault, Darvi. If I know you, you didn't do

anything improper. Their interest is not your doing."

"Why were they interested?" she asked in genuine confusion.

"I'm clearly no longer a teen, and they don't even

know me."

"You're very pretty and very sweet, and thaf s a combination

most men can't resist."

Darvi smiled a little at the compliment and allowed herself

to be helped into the wagon even as her heart asked, What about you, Dakota Rowlings? Can you resist?

$etm(ei

the next few days brought an easy routine with them.

Cash and Dakota worked for a good portion of the day

while Darvi worked around the house with Katy, read,

prayed, baked, took naps, or sat thinking about the

changes in her life.

Come late afternoon and evening, the men would

return, clean up, join Darvi and Katy for a wonderful meal,

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and then spend the evening visiting or playing games.

Darvi couldn't remember when she'd had such a restful,

peace-filled time. Both she and Dakota accompanied Cash

to a Bible study he attended on Tuesday nights, and the

three spent the next two days talking about the passage

they'd studied in Genesis.

In fact, they were still doing this on Thursday night

when someone knocked at the door. Cash rose to answer it.

On his doorstep he found a remarkable sight a refined

woman, not young but elegantly dressed, whose eyes

betrayed worry. She also bore a startling resemblance to

Darvi.

"Good evening," Cash began, telling himself not to

gawk.

"Good evening. I'm so sorry to call on you without

notice, but could you please tell me if Miss Darvi Wingate

is here?"

"Yes, she is here."

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The woman's eyes closed momentarily in relief.

"May I see her?"

"Certainly. May I tell her who's calling?"

The woman hesitated, the fingers of one hand coming

up to her mouth in uncertainty.

"Please excuse my horrid breach of manners, but I

would really like to introduce myself."

Cash smiled and stood aside.

"She's right in here."

"Thank you."

Cash followed the woman back to the living room and

watched as Darvi looked up at her.

"Aunt Renee?" the younger woman exclaimed, coming

to her feet.

"Hello, Darvi/' the older woman said, her voice thick

with emotion.

The nearly identical strawberry blondes met in the

399

middle of the room in a huge embrace.

"How did you know I was here?" Darvi asked in astonishment.

"And what are you doing here? Mother had a fit

when she couldn't find an address for you, so she could tell

you about the wedding."

Darvi's aunt held her at arm's length.

"You're getting married?"

"Not anymore."

Renee's brows rose.

"It's a long story."

The two women stared at each other.

"My mother used to tell me that I looked like my

father's sister," Darvi said, "but it's been so many years

since she's mentioned it, and I just lost track."

The older woman smiled. "It's all right, Darvi. As long

as you're safe from Seth Redding."

"You know about that?"

"Darvi," her aunt returned, becoming very serious, "I'm

Annabelle Hewett."

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Darvi's hand came to her mouth. "Oh, no. You're not

serious."

"I'm very serious."

"So that's why..." Darvi began, but she had already

started to laugh. Renee joined her.

The men stood and stared as both women collapsed

with laughter onto the davenport. They didn't know if they

should stay or go; both were too fascinated to move. Darvi

finally noticed them standing side by side across the room.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," she began and stood. Renee followed

suit. "Dakota, Cash, this is my aunt, Renee Corn-stock,

or should I say Annabelle Hewett?"

"As long as you don't call me Aunt Renee in Aurora, I

don't care."

Renee was now poised and gracious as she faced them.

"I'm so sorry to have come in this rude way, gentlemen.

Please forgive me."

In the next few seconds, official introductions were

401

made all around, and then the four sat down to talk.

"How did you know Darvi was here?" Dakota had to

ask.

"Sheriff Laverty. I guess both Eliot and Seth came

tearing into town on Sunday morning, acting and looking

as though they'd lost a trunk of gold. Because you had told

the sheriff your plan, he wasn't too surprised. I came in

wanting the story for the paper, and he told me." The

woman looked at her niece. "I nearly fainted when he said

the name Darvi Whigate."

"And I wouldn't have thought that Annabelle Hewett

was related to me in a million years. What are you doing in

Aurora?"

"You knew that Sam died, didn't you?"

"Yes. Mother told me. I'm sorry."

"Well, he left me in a very comfortable position, so comfortable

mat I could have sat back and had ladies in for tea,

and little else, for the rest of my years. I didn't want that. I

wanted to make a difference. I found a way to do that very

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402

thing through the paper. It's been the most fascinating

experience of my life."

"But you're not married again?"

"Not yet I became engaged about two months ago to a

man who lives in Kerrville, but we haven't set a date."

"I'm glad," Darvi told her sincerely. "I know it hasn't

been easy."

Renee smiled. "Now that was your mother talking."

Darvi blinked. "Why? What did I say?"

"You said if s been hard for me. That's the type of thing

she would say to explain away the embarrassing behavior

of the black sheep of the family. If I'm off acting wildly for

no reason, they must not talk about me, but if I'm getting

things out of my system because of grief over losing my

first husband, then there's no family shame."

Darvi sat back and crossed her arms. "I had no idea

anyone else had Mother so well figured."

The men took their cue at that point. Unnoticed by the

women, they rose and quietly left the room, going out the

403

front door and onto the porch. The sun was setting fast, but

there was still enough light to see each other.

Dakota took the large rocking chair, and Cash sat on the

double swing.

"I wonder how the sheriff knew to send her down

here," Cash pondered aloud.

"He knew my name was Rawlings, and the Rawlings

Cattle Company of Kinkade, Texas, is pretty well known."

"Maybe. I'll have to ask Darvi's aunt."

Dakota's chair creaked as it moved, the swing giving off

its own low groan.

"It wasn't that long ago I was teasing you about finding

a woman, Dak," Cash said thoughtfully. "Mother would be

awfully glad to see you two together."

"What two?" Dakota asked in genuine confusion.

"You and Katy," Cash replied sarcastically. "Who do

you think?"

A Texas Sky 219

Dakota gawked at his older brother and then shook his

404

head.

"I don't know anyone who does ranching better than

you do, Cash, old buddy, but you need to stick with cattle."

"I don't think so."

"Cash," Dakota began again, this time his voice very

serious, "Darvi is one of the sweetest women on the face of

the earth, but she's like a sister I want to protect I assure

you, there's nothing more."

"Dakota, old buddy," Cash said, taking on the same

tone as Dakota, "You can deny this all you want, but I've

seen you two. Darvi Wingate may be a lot of things to you

over the years, but a sister isn't going to be one of them."

Dakota had no reply. Cash had been utterly serious. His

mind reeled with the implications, and he shook his head

a little. He'd told Darvi her mouth was kissable and meant

it with all his heart. He'd also said she was very sweet and

pretty and meant that too, but not in a romantic way--at

least he didn't think it was. In truth, having Darvi smile

and be lighthearted was something he'd very much come

to enjoy. Being with her was just plain fun.

405

"You riled at me, Dak?"

"No, just thinking."

'I'm right, aren't I?"

"I don't know, Cash. I honestly can't tell you right now."

"Do you mean you really haven't seen it?"

"Seen what?"

Cash was silent for a moment

"You two have something special going. I know you just

rescued her, and I can't say that that's not what I'm seeing,

but she looks at you with hope and confidence. And I know

you're used to taking care of people and wading into the

fray to see justice done, but there's something different

where Darvi is concerned. Mother saw to it that she raised

three gentlemen, Dak, but what I'm seeing is above and

beyond the call of duty."

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Again the men fell silent, each alone with his thoughts.

Cash prayed for this brother he loved so much, somewhat

afraid he'd said too much. Dakota prayed for understanding

406

and wisdom over these new thoughts and feelings.

He was rather drawn to Darvi, but did that mean he

was falling in love, or did it just mean that he'd spent some

time with her? He was riot made of stone. He had held her

in his arms a few times and even dried her tears, his heart

deeply affected by her emotions. Were his own emotions

more involved than he suspected? And what did she feel?

Was Cash really seeing interest on her part? Dakota wondered

how he could possibly know, wishing he could see

her right now but knowing it would have to wait She was

still talking to her aunt.

'

"So you were engaged," Renee prompted after they'd

talked for some time about all that Darvi had been through.

"Yes. His name is Brandon Young."

"What happened?"

"I've gone through a lot of changes in the last few

months, and I knew that Brandon was not the man for me."

407

"What kind of changes?"

"Spiritual ones."

A cynical gleam entered Renee's eyes. "So, you found

religion. Your parents must be having a fit"

"I did not find religion," Darvi corrected in a firm voice.

"This is different. This has been life-changing for me."

Renee took the reproach very well. The cynical gleam

disappeared, and she only nodded.

"How did you know my parents would be upset?"

Darvi questioned, suddenly hearing what she had said.

"Well, maybe not both your parents, but I knew your

mother would be."

"Why?"

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"Because your mother's world is perfect By your

needing God, you're saying she did something wrong."

"Oh, Renee," Darvi said softly, "that perfectly describes

the situation. You would have thought I had committed

murder. She wouldn't even let me discuss it with her."

408

"Your mother is a wonderful person, Darvi, and I'm so

glad my brother married her, but her standard is higher

than God's."

It was a very irreverent thing to say, but Darvi had to

bite her lip to keep from laughing.

"Family is everything," Renee continued. "A good face

must be put on at all costs. You must marry well. You can

grieve someone's passing, but in a quiet way. And whatever

you do, remember the ancestors!"

Darvi thought she could become very depressed at the

moment. She found herself praying very hard for her

mother, thinking that if she could please her mother, she

would have an opportunity to share her new faith. She

prayed for Renee as well, and in the midst of that, the men

returned.

"I'm sorry we chased you out of your own living room,

Cash," Darvi said.

"Not at all," he replied dismissing her words.

"Well, I'm glad you came back. I was just about to ask

my aunt about her connection to Jared Silk"

409

Renee gave an unladylike snort

"That man," she spoke as both Dakota and Cash found

seats. "He calls himself a banker. I think before this is over,

his entire operation will be disclosed. At least I hope it will

be."

"How did you get onto him?"

"I used to bank with Jared, and I would see the most

interesting people coming and going while I would be in

his building, men who were not known for abiding by the

law. I did a little snooping and found out that he wasn't

always honest in his dealings. I pulled my money from his

bank, and if s been war ever since."

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Renee glanced over just then and found her niece

smiling rather hugely at her.

"What are you grinning at?"

"You. And thinking about my father's reaction to your

new life."

410

Renee shuddered. "We might have to have a talk, my

dear little niece. There are some things the family does not need to know." Renee shifted her gaze to the men. "Do you two have a younger sister?"

They both shook their heads no.

Renee did a little head shaking of her own. "If s not fun.

It doesn't matter that I've been grown and gone for years-- I'm still Stanley Wingate's baby sister."

The people in the room laughed at her aggrieved

expression, but each one also caught a bit of longing in her

eyes. She might fuss and fume about her sister-in-law's

views on family, but family was important to her too.

"I hope you'll stay with us," Cash suddenly said. "I

hope Darvi invited you."

"She didn't, but I would appreciate the offer. When I

arrived I didn't even look around to see what the hotels

were like."

"How did you find us in the first place?" Dakota asked.

"I got as much information as I could from Sheriff

Laverty. Then my boss at the paper knew of the Rawlings

Cattle Company, and I came down with great hopes."

"And here I was," Darvi said with a smile.

411

Renee became a bit emotional but hid it very well. She

hadn't known she had such a beautiful niece. Darvi was in

the same boat. She had only seen an old photo of her aunt

as a younger woman and heard of their likeness over the

years.

But Renee didn't have to leave until the next afternoon,

so the two renewed old family ties. In fact, Darvi was so caught up in her aunf s visit that the time rushed away. Her aunt had been gone only an hour when Darvi remembered

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that she had decided to leave on Saturday, which happened

to be the very next day.

^L^r-

"Are

you all set, Darvi?"

"Yes. Thank you, Cash, for everything. And please

thank Katy for me too. I tried, but she only shooed me

away with the towel."

The two stood on the train station platform while

412

Dakota went to the ticket booth. Cash laughed at Darvi's

description, knowing it had to be very true.

"If she let you say goodbye, she might become emotional,

and we can't have that."

Darvi smiled in understanding.

Dakota joined them in short order, and Cash gave Darvi

a hug. She turned to Dakota, who smiled and hugged her

as well.

"Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome. Here's your ticket. Have you got

everything?"

Darvi nodded, her throat suddenly very tight

"I hate goodbyes, so 111 just go."

Not even waiting for them to reply, Darvi turned and

went on her way, swiftiy taking the conductor's hand and

boarding with her satchel. So she wouldn't think about the

men behind her, Darvi made herself think about where her

trunk might be after all these weeks. ' Having watched her out of sight, Cash turned to his

413

brother.

"Why didn't you tell her you were going?"

Dakota gave him a quick glance.

"The truth?"

"I wouldn't expect anything else."

"I wanted to hug her."

Cash had all he could do not to shout with laughter.

"Go on, Dak," he said with a chuckle and a slap on

Dakota's back. "Chase her down until she catches you."

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Renee glanced over just then and found her niece

smiling rather hugely at her.

"What are you grinning at?"

"You. And thinking about my father's reaction to your

new life."

Renee shuddered. "We might have to have a talk, my

dear little niece. There are some things the family does not need to know." Renee shifted her gaze to the men. "Do you two have a younger sister?"

414

They both shook their heads no.

Renee did a little head shaking of her own. "It's not fun.

It doesn't matter that I've been grown and gone for years-- I'm still Stanley Wingate's baby sister."

The people in the room laughed at her aggrieved

expression, but each one also caught a bit of longing in her

eyes. She might fuss and fume about her sister-in-law's